Six killed, 26 injured in explosion in Mumbai MUMBAI: At least six persons were killed and 26 injured, including children, in an explosion early Thursday morning in Jogeshwari area here in the house of a person engaged in manufacturing explosives for use in film shootings. The owner of the house Dilnawaz Mustafa Khan, 36, his wife Anjum, 32, their daughter Sher Bano and a relative Aslam Ayub Khan were among those killed in the blast that occured at 3:20 am, three days after an explosion suspected to be carried out by Pakistan-based militant outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba (LET) ripped through a BEST bus in Ghatkopar area killing two people and injuring over 40. Their neighbours Gaurav Chauhan and Siddhi Chetan Singh were also killed in the blast. Of the 26 injured, nine have been admitted to hospital four of them are in ICU. Others have been discharged after first aid. Brother-in-law of Dilnawaz, Ayub Khan, who was staying in another locality was detained on suspicion, and was being interrogated, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Satyapal singh told reporters. Police is also trying to ascertain whether Dilnawaz had any links with terrorists, Singh said at the site. Joint Commissioner of Police Javed Ahmed said that three pieces of pipes used in Pyrotechnique stunts in film shooting and some wires were found. Singh said they are inspecting Dilnawaz's godown where he used to store explosives, adding it is not known whether he had permission to store them. Police is trying to find out as to why he had kept explosives in his house. Police immediately cordoned off the area and are inspecting the site with the help of bomb squad. The two-storey chawl was completely destroyed in the blast, which also damaged neighbouring houses. The sound of the explosion was heard in an area of one kilometre. "It was a big explosion" said Gayatri Yadav, who was injured in the mishap. Gayatri, admitted in a private hospital here, said the Asbestos ceiling of her house fell on her when she was fast asleep. Her husband and children, however, escaped with minor injuries. She said her house was adjacent to the residence of Dilnawaz, where the explosion occurred. Gayatri, who sufferred head injuries, said there was a loud noise and then the wall shook and ceiling came off. "I was terrified and cried for help. We ran out of the house. Police came much later. They brought me to the hospital", she told. Gayatri said she was shocked to hear about the death of five neighbours in the explosion. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Minister of state for Home (Rural) Kripashankar Singh denied any terrorist hand behind the blast. "The preliminary investigations reveal that the blast is an accident," Singh told reporters at the site.
Gavaskar hits out at champion sledgers
Thursday, July 31, 2003
Gavaskar hits out at champion sledgers London,Wednesday, July 30, 2003: Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has hit out at world champions Australia for sledging which was ruining the good name of the game. Calling for immediate steps to check "verbal bouncers" and intimidatory tactics on the field, the former Indian captain warned that if this was not done "the good name of the game that we all know will be in mud". Delivering a lecture in the memory of former England captain Colin Cowdrey at the Marylebone Cricket Club at Lord's last night, Gavaskar did not directly name Australia but left his distinguished audience in no doubt who he was referring to when he deplored "personal abuse" on the field. Most of those indulging in verbal abuse belong to a "champion side" and it makes others believe that it is the only way to play winning cricket, Gavaskar said. Seeking protection for players, the 54-year-old celebrated opener said sledging has degenerated into downright personal abuse. "If there is protection for the umpire from the players, why not protection to players from abusive players?" Gavaskar blamed commercialisation of the game and the motto of winning it at any cost for the marked decline in the on-field behaviour of the players. "In the modern world of commercialisation of the game and the advent of satellite television and the motto of winning at all costs, sportsmanship has gone for a six," he said.
Gold decline in line with international trend
Thursday, July 31, 2003
Gold decline in line with international trend New Delhi,Wednesday, July 30, 2003: Gold fell on the bullion market today on emergence of selling by stockists amidst fresh stocks supply and closed moderately lower. The trading sentiment was mainly influenced by the reports of a fall in gold prices in overseas markets. Gold fell in Asian trading after U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow said he supports a strong dollar, sending the currency higher against the euro and the yen. A stronger dollar makes gold more expensive for buyers using other currencies and discourage investors. Gold fell as much as 1.55 dollar, or 0.4 percent, to 360.10 dollar an ounce, from 361.65. In similar manner, silver was lower on reduced offtake by local parties and industrial units. Standard gold and ornaments lost Rs.20 each at Rs.5495 and Rs.5345 per ten gram respectively. Sovereign remained unchanged at Rs.4450 per piece of eight gram. Silver ready was down by Rs.30 at Rs.8010 per kilo and weekly-based delivery by the same margin at Rs.7910 per kilo. However, silver coins continued to be asked at previous level of Rs.11,800/11,900 per 100 pieces. Following were today's quotations: Silver ready 8010 and delivery 7915. Silver coins buyer 11,800 and seller 11,900 Standard gold 5495, Ornaments 5345 and sovereign 4450. 17:44 IST
Ten security personnel killed in landmine blast
Thursday, July 31, 2003
Ten security personnel killed in landmine blast Bhubaneswar,Wednesday, July 30, 2003: Ten security personnel, including five CRPF jawans, were killed today and eight injured when two of their vehicles were blown up by a landmine set off by suspected naxalites in Malkangiri district of Orissa, police said. The ultras triggered a remote-controlled landmine killing eight security personnel on the spot when their vehicles, during a routine patrol, reached a culvert, Inspector General of Police (Operations), M M Praharaj told. Two injured policemen died en route to hospital. The victims included five policemen among whom were officer-in-charge and an assistant sub-inspector of the Kalimela police station, the sources said. The eight injured in the ambush were being treated at the government hospital at Malkangiri, 50 km away from the site of the blast. 20:26 IST
Advani calls for doing away with negativism by media
Thursday, July 31, 2003
Advani calls for doing away with negativism by media New Delhi,Wednesday, July 30, 2003: Critical of the cynicism over corruption, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani today advised media to highlight prominently some of the positive developments. Recalling the advise of President Abdul Kalam to editors of newspapers recently, he said the media should also glorify the achievements. He recalled Kalam's advice that they should try to publish at least two positive stories "glorifying" the achivements the institutions or individuals in the front page. Advani, who was delivering the valedictory address of the 22nd conference of Accountants General, said notwithstanding an international report rating India among the top 10 corrupt countries, "the cynicism has to be dissipated by example by those responsible to ensure integrity and accountability in this field". 21:28 IST
CAG should ponder fear psychosis due to its reports: Advani
Thursday, July 31, 2003
Deputy Prime Minister L.K.Advani today asked the Comptroller and Auditor General to "seriously" ponder over the fear psychosis created amongst various bodies and organisations due to its critical observations that could adversely affect implementation of certain policies. "I would like all of you to seriously ponder over these observations of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee during his inaugural address," Advani said in his valedictory address at the 22nd biennial conference of Accountants General here. "I have no doubt that this can be done by fully preserving CAG's integrity and reliability, which are the foundations of the reputation of a public audit organisation. I am sure you will zealously foster these values in the years to come", Advani said. Vajpayee had observed that an atmosphere in which senior officers in the Central and State Governments, as also the Public Sector Undertakings, are afraid of taking decisions, because of likely negative remarks by CAG, is not conducive to good performance, Advani reminded the audience. This, Vajpayee had said, was one of the principal reasons why implementation got slowed down and the capacity of India's governmental system to deliver desired results in a timely manner had been badly impaired. Advani told the Accountants General that new developments such as private-public partnership, privatisation of government activity and audit or regulatory bodies presented new challenges to the CAG
Advani concerned over corruption in electoral politics
Thursday, July 31, 2003
Expressing grave concern over corruption in the electoral system of the country, Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani today asked political parties and those in the government to play a role in getting rid of the menace. "What India should also do... political parties, those in government and those institutions like the Comptroller and Auditor General can contribute to making the whole system really clean", he said in his valedictory address at the biennial conference of the Accountants General here. Advani recalled the highly corrupt electoral system in Britain in the late 18th century and said compared to that the current system in India was far better. "When compared to that our present election in India are as pure as Ganga Jal (sacred water of the Ganges)," he said amidst laughter. Advani recalled that during that time in Britain the feudal lords would auction their constituencies. Some would do so on an yearly basis, he said. The Deputy Prime Minister said when he entered Parliament in 1970 he took keen interest in electoral law reforms and thought that unless one strives to bring some cleanlines in the process of election, democracy would become meaningless. "We cannot have elections where a person wins on the basis of money". "I used to face some kind of criticism when I spoke of electoral corruption and electoral law reform," Advani recalled. 20:26 IST
American Chai
Thursday, July 31, 2003
American Chai: A heady Desi-Videsi concoction Like "American Desi" and a few other films that have come our way, the movie under review explores the life experiences of the Indian diaspora in the U S of A. In "American Chai", Sureel (Aalok Mehta), a first-generation Indian-American college student is unable to inform his ultra-conservative parents that he is studying music and not medicine. Which is stretching credulity a bit too far. I mean, you can fool some of the people some of the time. But in this particular instance, the deception is carried on for a couple of years! On his part, Sureel's father (Paresh Raval) throws his weight around, virtually terrorising Sureel and younger sibling into submission. Sureel, then, like most of his peer group, resorts to duplicity. He gets good grades ( like all real-life Indian Americans), makes good music, and has a (white) girlfriend unlike his FOB (Fresh-Off-The-Boat) cousin and the friend ( Asif Mandvi) who compartmentalise women into "whores and potentials." Occasionally, Sureel rails (maybe, that's too strong a word for this good-natured guy) against the proclivity for engineering and computers: "Indians have the richest culture in the world...why can't they study the arts, become artistes?" The pater, however, sees things differently. Pursuing the arts and culture is good enough for a hobby, not a profession, a real job. Because nothing happens by chance, and because I can't say if things happen just like that (serendipitously) I can only say Sureel and Maya ( Sheetal Sheth ) find each other, discover they inspire one another to follow their dreams. In the end, both stand up for what they want. Luckily (?? There I go again!) for Sureel and Maya, the trajectory of where they want to go, is not incompatible with what they want to do, and be. You can see, together, they are complete. It also helps that Maya is also a Guj. Like Sureel, from a wealthy Amdavadi family and all that. What if the writer (and director) Anurag Mehta had been really bold, what if the beautiful heroine were a Christian? And poor to boot? "The story is not about being Indian. It's about being American"says Mehta in a press statement. I disagree. The points of view in the film are largely Indian, rarely American, with the exception of Sureel's friend Tobey who's dumped by his Indian girlfriend under pressure. Otherwise, the text functions on multiple levels: romance, coming-of-age, parent-youth relations and so on. Rawal is good as the dominating father, Mehta and Mandvi are impressive, while new find Aalok shows a distinctive talent for music. Needless to add, the soundtrack has several hummable songs. BTW, "American Chai" has won three awards at various filmfests in the USA, so that's another excuse for you to see the film. Courtesy: Ronita Torcato, Free Press Journal
SC upholds MP'sPG medical admissions
Wednesday, July 30, 2003
New Delhi,Tuesday, July 29, 2003: The Supreme Court has upheld the Madhya Pradesh Government's decision to allocate 20 per cent of post-graduate seats in its medical colleges to in-service candidates but expressed anguish over the present day trend of commercialisation of education. A Bench comprising Justice R C lahoti and Justice Ashok Bhan said in its judgement yesterday, "allocation of 20 per cent seats in post-graduation in University of Madhya Pradesh for in-service candidates is not a reservation." "It is a separate and exclusive channel of entry or source of admission, the validity whereof cannot be deternmined on the constitutional principles applicable to communcal reservations. Such two channels of entry or two sources of admission is valid provision," it said. However, the Bench said that there could be only one common entrance test for determining eligibility of students for post-graduation courses. "The requirement of minimum qualifying marks cannot be lowered or relaxed contrary to Medical COuncil of India Regulations framed in this behalf," Justice lahoti, writing for the Bench, said. Stating that women candidates constituted a class by themselves, the court upheld the decision to relax their eligibility criteria, by reference to continuous service rendered in rural areas, for the purpose of sponsorship by the State Government in specified disciplines which have utility for serving women folk in villages. However, on the commercialisation of education, the apex Court said "in recent times it has developed into a business and now it stands recognised as an industry". 06:01 IST
Bedlam over Taj project
Wednesday, July 30, 2003
Bedlam over Taj project; Lok Sabha adjourns for day New Delhi,Tuesday, July 29, 2003: The controversial Taj Heritage Corridor Project today rocked Lok Sabha forcing its adjournment for the day after BSP members repeatedly stormed the well demanding immediate dismissal of Tourism and Culture Minister Jagmohan for "misleading" the entire nation on the issue. Much to the embarrassment of the ruling BJP, members of the Bahujan Samaj Party, its coalition partner in UP and supporter at the Centre, were up in arms since morning on the issue when the House assembled for the day. BSP leader Rashid Alvi, who had given the notice for adjournment motion, alleged that Jagmohan had given an impression to the entire country that the work on the Project was stopped at the Centre's behest, but the fact was it was Chief Minister Mayawati who did it. The trouble started immediately after Speaker Manohar Joshi rejected his notice after listening to him for a few minutes. The agitated members stormed the well chanting slogans demanding immediate dismissal of Jagmohan. When the House met after two adjournments, BJP chief whip V K Malhotra ruled out dismissal of the Tourism Minister saying storming of the well by the BSP members would not in any way influence the Government. "The question of dismissal of Jagmohan does not arise", he said repeatedly. Malhotra's remarks were cheered by the treasury benches, especially BJP members by thumping of desks. 03:31 IST
Blackwill condemns terrorism
Wednesday, July 30, 2003
Blackwill condemns terrorism against India New Delhi,Wednesday, July 23, 2003: Outgoing US Ambassador to India Robert Blackwill today condemned terrorism against India and said no religion or political cause could justify these "merciless acts." In his farewell address at a luncheon hosted by FICCI, Blackwill, who leaves for home tomorrow after a memorable two year stint, expressed confidence that India and US together would win the war against terrorism. Voicing grave concern over the India's death toll from terrorism, Blackwill said, "no respectable religion could execuse these merciless acts. "No moral framework could sanction these abominations. No political cause could justify these murders of innocents and yet they go on." Pointing out to the September 11 terrorist attacks in the US and "nearly everyday in India", Blackwill said the terrorist outrages against the two countries will not continue indefinitely. "We know this from the Ramayana, and many other holy books. Good does triumph over evil, although it sometimes takes more time than we would like. We will win the war on terrorism, and the United States and India will win it together - because we represent good, and terrorists are evil incarnate. God will make it so," he said.
India says no to pipeline through Pakistan
Wednesday, July 30, 2003
India says no to gas pipeline passing through Pakistan New Delhi,Tuesday, July 29, 2003: India today ruled out importing natural gas from Iran through an onland pipeline passing through Pakistan. "Keeping in view the present state of bilateral relationship with Pakistan, Government is not considering any proposal for on-land natural gas pipeline transiting through Pakistan," Minister of State for Petroleum & Naural Gas Sumitra Mahajan said in a writen reply in Rajya Sabha here. Both Iran and Pakistan are keen on the 2,670-km long onland pipeline as it provided the former a cheap route to sell its vast gas reserves and the latter would have earned about 580 million dollar transit fee from the 3.5 billion dollar gas conduit. New Delhi, on the other hand, has been favouring an underwater line to avoid disruption in supplies. Iran has engaged Australian consultant BHP Kinhill to detail the onland gas pipeline passing through Pakistan. It has also appointed Italy's Snamprogetti for working on a feasibility study for the construction of an offshore gas pipeline from Assaluyen gas field in Southern Iran to India. Mahajan said Indo-Iran Joint Committee had constituted a joint technical sub-committee to explore all the options to import natural gas from Iran. "The Joint Committee had decided to undertake an offshore feasibility study for laying of pipeline from Iran to India outside the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Pakistan. Gail from India and National Iranian Gas Export Co (NIGEC) from Iran have been nominated as nodal agencies for the pipeline project by the respective Governments," she added.
Crisis over Jagmohan ended
Wednesday, July 30, 2003
Crisis in BSP-BJP coalition over Jagmohan's dismissal ended New Delhi/Lucknow,Tuesday, July 29, 2003: A 24-hour crisis in BSP-BJP coalition triggered by the demand for dismissal of Union Tourism Minister Jagmohan blew over today with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati withdrawing it but not before Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee rejecting it and BJP MPs favouring immediate withdrawal of support to her governmnet. On a day of dramatic developments following her demand that Jagmohan be sacked for "misleading" the nation on the Taj Heritage Corridor Project in "connivance" with her politcal rivals, the BSP members stalled Lok Sabha and got it adjourned for the day without any business setting the stage for a confrontation leaving a bitter trail on both sides. But equally dramatically Mayawati appeared at a press conference in Lucknow in the evening to announce she was "withdrawing" her demand following assurances from the Prime Miniter and Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani that her complaints into the Taj project would be looked into. She said differences between the two parties would be sorted out and maintained that they would fight the Lok Sabha elections together in UP.
Three killed, 31 others injured in bomb blast in Mumbai
Tuesday, July 29, 2003
Mumbai,Tuesday, July 29, 2003: Three persons were killed and 31 injured, five seriously, as suspected terrorists set off a powerful explosion that ripped through the rear portion of a bus near the Ghatkopar telephone exchange in north-east Mumbai on Monday night prompting a red alert across the state. Two persons were killed on the spot while an injured man succumbed to injuries in Sion hospital. 31 injured, including two women and a child, were rushed to the Rajawadi hospital nearby, official sources said. While police said no terrorist organisation had claimed the responsibility for the blast, they did not rule out the hand of the banned Students Islamic Movement of India. Deputy chief minister Chhagan Bhujbal, who rushed to the site, said a similar pattern was noticed in four earlier explosions that have rocked the city since December last. In the second bus blast in Ghatkopar in seven months, the bomb, kept under a seat in the rear portion of the Bombay Electricity Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) bus, went off at around 2115 hours near the telephone exchange. Witnesses said the blast occurred when the bus was moving along the bustling Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg. Another bus coming from the opposite direction was damaged in the blast. Two motorcycles and autorickshaws parked in the vicinity were also damaged and rattled nearby buildings forcing people to scurry out in panic. 10:22 IST
There is no race between Steve and me: Tendulkar
Tuesday, July 29, 2003
There is no race between Steve and me: Tendulkar Mumbai,Tuesday, July 29, 2003: Congratulating Steve Waugh on scoring his 32nd Test hundred, Sachin Tendulkar on Monday played down the fact that he had been overtaken, saying he was not in a race with the Aussie skipper to score more centuries. Waugh moved ahead of Tendulkar with his second consecutive hundred on Sunday and now trails only Sunil Gavaskar, who has 34 hundreds, in the number of Test centuries scored. Waugh, who scored an unbeaten 156 in the second and final Test against Bangladesh, had said after his innings that the number of centuries he scored did not really matter because "Sachin is going to waltz past anyway". However, Tendulkar today said there was no race. "There is no race to score centuries between the two of us. He himself is a great batsman," Tendulkar told. Tendulkar, who has 31 Test hundreds, said though he would like to score more centuries, he felt more satisfied while contributing to India's victory. Speaking about his total recovery from the finger operation he underwent in the US, Tendulkar, said "I am feeling quite comfortable while working out in the gymnasium but have not had a net practice due to heavy rains here". "With the monsoon setting in, I think I will have to wait till the conditioning camp at Bangalore starting on August 14 for a proper net practice," he said. 10:22 IST
Jaal
Tuesday, July 29, 2003
A question first, why a 45 plus actor is prancing around the trees, sporting leather pants to woo his ladylove? Your guess is as good as mine. Waiting for action? You'll have to wait! Our muscle flexing messiah is busy courting a widow teacher (Tabu) in the hillies instead of beating the baddies. Cut to the story. Kashmiri militants are at it once again. No need to worry beacuse Ajay's (Sunny Deol) father Major Kaul (Amrish Puri) has taken up the mantle to protect the Minister’s daughter Anita (Reema Sen) from being kidnapped in New Zealand. In the meanwhile, his son is torn between pursuing his dreams and fulfilling his father's wishes. But nothing goes easy for our hero. The moment Tabu's father-in-law (Anupam Kher) agrees to their relationship, the poor lass is kidnapped by our Kashmiri bretheren. Their leader (Mukesh Rishi) demands the minister's daughter in return. Love struck Ajay promptly gives in and leaves for New Zealand. Major Kaul is thrilled to see his son joining his league. Predictably, Anita also falls for the Indian hunk. Her father comes to New Zealand with a young man and wants her to marry him. But Anita refuses and asks Sunny to take her to India. Ajay grabs the opportunity and hands over Anita to the militants. Now he is feverishly awaiting the return of his beloved. Here comes the twist in the tale... Apart from a few well orchestrated action sequences, Jaal falls flat on it's originality. Performance wise, Sunny is as good as it gets. What's Tabu doing in films like Jaal and Hawa is completely incomprehensible. Reema Sen goes over the top in few sequences. Amrish Puri is like an old wine, the 'lesser' the better. Mukesh Rishi is as fake as his beard. Adesh Srivastava's background score is much better than Anand Raaj Anand's music. Shripad Natu's manages to shoot some pictureseque sequences with his camera. All in all, Jaal fails to net the audiences for too long.
Visit not linked to persuade Indian troops to Iraq: Myers
Tuesday, July 29, 2003
New Delhi,Tuesday, July 29, 2003: Describing the situation in Iraq as "complex and very challenging", the visiting Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff General Richard Myers today said his talks here were not linked to encourage India to send troops to stabilise the war-ravaged country. Asserting that US would militarily overcome resistance in Iraq, Myers said the decision to send troops to Iraq would be of individual nations, but at the same time said that 34 countries were joining the stabilisation force in Iraq. Addressing a press conference, he also discounted any move by US to ask India to send troops to join the international peace-keeping force in Afghanistan and declared that his current visit had been scheduled three months ago and was aimed at boosting military to military cooperation between the two countries. 10:22 IST
Role of LeT, SIMI in Ghatkopar bomb blast not ruled out: Singh
Tuesday, July 29, 2003
Mumbai,Tuesday, July 29, 2003: Suspecting that some terrorist organisations could have been behind the Ghatkopar bomb blast on Monday night which left three killed and 31 injured, Maharashtra Minister of State for Home (rural) Kripa Shankar Singh has not ruled out the involvement of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) or SIMI. "It was difficult to pin-point any organisation at this stage. However, the role of LeT or SIMI could not be ruled out", Singh told. The blast that occurred in the rear portion of the Bombay Electricity Supply and Tranport Undertaking (BEST) bus had left three persons dead and 31 injured. Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal had earlier told reporters that similar pattern had emerged in this blast compared to explosions in the past, which were allegedly planned by the banned SIMI. "It was difficult to say whether the organisation was behind tonight's blast", Bhujbal had earlier told reporters. The blast in Mumbai has baffled police force and state administration as Bhujbal had earlier claimed that the plan of militants had come to a naught with the arrest of some of the accused from Padgah village in nearby Thane district in a series of explosions in the last eight months.
Qayamat
Tuesday, July 29, 2003
Bollywood is having a dream run at the box office. After Bhoot, Chalte Chalte and MPKDH here comes Harry Baweja's 'Qayamat', Hollywood 'ishtyle'. While the story is a lift-off from the Sean Connary, Nicholas Cage starrer 'The Rock', it's the treatment of the film that saves it. Ali (Arbaaz Khan) and Abbas (Sanjay Kapoor) are the modern day baddies who have switched to the evil side. Isha Koppikar is Laila, the moll in story and has been given the job to make you drool. Suneil Shetty is Akram Sheikh, the number one enemy of all anti-national elements. Ajay Devgan is Rachit, a deadly convict and former ally of Ali and Abbas. He is frequently drugged by doctors because the memories of his girlfriend Sapna (Neha Dhupia) makes him violent. Rahul is Aashish Chowdary, our Desi Nicholas cage who has expertise in chemical warfare. Riya Sen is his love interest and screams more than act her part. Now for the story, The evil trio of Ali, Abbas and Laila have held 230 tourists hostage on an island that was formerly Elphinstone Jail. They have seven deadly missiles ready to contaminate city's water pool if their demands aren't met. Akram Sheikh (Suniel Shetty) is called to rescue the situation. He chooses Rachit and Rahul to do the salvage act along with him. What follows is one hour of slick action full of jargons like biological weapons, virus, anti-virus, relatively unknown in the Bollywood. While Qayamat loses out on it's originality, it certainly makes an impact with it's treatment. Performance wise Ajay Devgan excels once again while playing a man of few words. Isha Koppikar is the only one from the female lead which leaves some impact. Neha Dhupia makes an unimpressive debut. Cinematography is first rate. Song and dance sequences in the first half seem stuffed. All in all with it's Hollywood look and slick treatment, Qayamat makes a nice viewing.
Mandira and Divya walk out of Sambhav
Tuesday, July 29, 2003
Mandira Bedi and Divya Dutta walked out of the sets of Sambhav, as they felt neglected and alleged that director Amol Shetge allowed the lead actress to get more footage. According to unit sources, not only did Divya feel insecure about Diya Mirza (the heroine of the film), she even went and complained to the director that Aryan Vaid had more dialogues than her in a particular scene. Amol Shetge, the director of the film clarifies, It was stupid on her part to get upset with me over Aryan Vaid’s lines the scene needed Aryan to speak more than her. Besides, Divya wasn’t really concentrating. She always chewed gum on the sets, and that was obvious in one of scenes. But Divya Dutta has reportedly stated that Diya rewrote her lines. Rubbish, she did not do it. Why would I allow an actress to rewrite dialogues, claims Amol. He fails to understand Divya Dutta’s insecurity. How can a character actor feel insecure about the heroine? Besides, there are six characters in the film. I also know for a fact that Divya had to sit twiddling her thumbs on the sets of Pran Jaaye Par Shaan Naa Jaaye for days together before she was called for the shot. Just because the producer of the film is new and director is democratic, they are throwing tantrums. Shetge fumes. What was Mandira Bedi’s problem? She thought she was shooting for a daily soap. She wanted me to shoot her scenes as fast I could. At times, she even complained that I was shooting over her shoulder and not taking her close-up. So what happens to their roles now? I can do without them, Shetge concludes.
Darna Mana Hai
Tuesday, July 29, 2003
Darna Mana Hai By: Somesh Vasishth Are you still feeling the chills of Bhoot? In case you are, defer your plans to watch this film for an another week because 'Darna Mana Hai'. Though the film doesn't fit the bill of an out-and-out horror flick, it still manages to give you the goosebumps. It is a blend of six stories woven into the main plot. The story is about six friends coming back from Goa on a dark night. They are stranded in the dense forest as their car breaks down and they have to find shelter in the deserted ruins. Huddled around the bonfire, they start sharing spooky stories that they have heard. I'm not spilling the beans by going the whole hog. Based on simple, routine things like a no-smoking signboard or school homework or apples, the stories are crisp and thrilling. More characters are introduced through these stories. The most chilling of them is featuring Vivek and Nana Patekar. Darna Mana Hai boasts of brilliant sound effects ably complemented by camerawork. The hand held camera sequences give a realistic touch to the fear factor. The fast pace of the movie rivets you to the seat and keeps boredom at bay. There is something about RGV's proteges which take his heroines to meteoric rise. Sameera Reddy grabs your attention after her forgettable 'Maine Dil Tujko Diya'. Amongst other stars, Vivek Oberoi, Nana Patekar and Shilpa Shetty manage a decent show. Aftab and Saif are just average and the same goes for Isha Koppikar, Sanjay Kapoor, Sohail Khan and Antra Mali.RGV regulars Raghuvir Yadav and Rajpal Yadav impress with superb performances. Boman Irani deserves a special mention. With Bhoot and Darna Mana Hai under his belt, RGV has carved a niche in Bollywood as the director who doesn't believe in cliches. He has decided to make a sequel 'Darna Zaroori Hai' regardless of how 'Darna Mana hai' fares at the box office. All in all, it's a treat for all of you who don't get enough of 'Bhoots'.
Farhan insults Big B
Tuesday, July 29, 2003
An altitude problem made Farhan Akhtar collapse on the sets of Lakshya, but it was his attitude problem that almost forced a legend like Amitabh Bachchan to walkout of his film. Amitabh Bachchan is probably the only actor in the film industry who has never given any trouble to his directors. One of the most professional actors who, even at the age of 60, arrives dot on time on the sets, and is ready with his make-up before any other star. Very unlike the actors of today who breeze in and out of sets without the director’s knowledge. But fame seems to have gone to Farhan Akhtar’s head, who was highly appreciated for his first and only hit Dil Chahta Hain. Apparently, the young and headstrong director tired to teach Amitabh Bachcan how to act. According to one of the unit members of Lakshya, the scene occurred when Amitabh Bachchan was giving a shot for the film. In the midst of the scene, Bachchan felt he was not getting his lines properly, so he said, Cut... cut... cut... and asked for another take. But Farhan got up from his seat, went upto Bachchan and told him, The only person who has the right to say cut on this set is me and no one else. The whole unit stood there watching in shock. How could Farhan say such a thing to a legend who is such a humble man, and that too in front of the whole unit? But Farhan did not stop at that, he went one step further. He went to Bachchan’s van and told him that if he had problems with his lines, he was ready to come on the sets an hour early and help Amitabh rehearse his lines. Amitabh was so infuriated that he had almost decided to quit the film. It was only with the timely intervention of a mutual political friend, that the issue was resolved. It seems, Farhan had to apologise to Amitabh in the end. Many of the industry folk who came to know about this incident are not too happy about Farhan’s behaviour. A senior film personality stated, Every actor and director respects Amitabh Bachchan, and Farhan Akhtar, who is just one film old, has the cheek to tell him he is not concentrating. He can’t do it to someone so senior. Someone who has made India so proud. It is certainly not done. However when contacted, Farhan didn’t want us to get into the specifics of what happened between him and Bachchan, saying, Why don’t you ask Mr Bachchan, I know what you are talking about none of it is true.
CM Shinde calls high-level meeting
Tuesday, July 29, 2003
Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Sushilkumar Shinde has called a high-level meeting this morning to discuss the situation following the Ghatkopar bus bomb blast which left three persons dead and 31 injured last night. Dy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, home secretary U K Upadhyaya, chief secretary Ajit Nimbalkar, Maharashtra DGP O P Bali and police commissioner R S Sharma are expected to attend the meeting, which will discuss measures to tackle terrorist threat of blowing up targets in public places. Meanwhile, according to official sources, two bombs were planted in the bus which exploded last night. Although no terrorist organisation has claimed responsibility for the blast, police are suspecting the hand of the banned LeT and SIMI behind the explosions. The explosion yesterday, occurred for the second time in suburban Ghatkopar. On December 2 last, a bomb had exploded in a bus and blew off the rear roof killing two and injuring 31. Unlike the previous explosion the blast yesterday was more powerful as two bombs were planted, Minister for State for Home Kripa Shankar Singh said. Altogether five explosions have occurred in the last eight months killing 15 persons and injuring more than 100. Meanwhile, red alert has been sounded all over Maharashtra and combing operation has been launched to fish out the suspected terrorists' behind the blast.
Goldman Sachs to shift UK jobs to India
Sunday, July 27, 2003
LONDON: US investment bank Goldman Sachs is to relocate a substantial part of its British operations to India next year to slash overheads, Britain's Independent newspaper reported on Friday. The report said that the bank told London staff of the plan in a confidential memo on Wednesday. Officials at Goldman in London and New York could not immediately be reached for comment. The report said that the bank would move part of the administration and IT department to India next spring or summer. Banks such as Goldman, JP Morgan Chase and Citigroup have been examining the benefits of shipping research jobs to countries such as India, where salaries for business graduates are as little as 10 per cent of those in New York and London. Earlier this week, the Economic Times said that Morgan Stanley was joining a growing number of firms to choose India as an outsourcing centre to lower their costs.
East Bengal crowned ASEAN Club champions
Sunday, July 27, 2003
East Bengal crowned ASEAN Club champions Jakarta,Saturday, July 26, 2003: East Bengal became the first Indian club to win an international tournament on foreign soil when they beat favourites BEC Tero Sasana of Thailand 3-1 to lift the LG Cup ASEAN club football championship in a thrilling final here todawy. The hard earned victory against the Asian Champions League finalists made East Bengal richer by USD 50,000. It was a sweet revenge for the Indians who had lost 0-1 to the Thais in the league phase. Leading by a 28th minute Mike Okoro goal at the break, East Bengal stretched their lead to 2-0 with golden boot award winner Baichung Bhutia taking his tournament tally to nine in the 48th minute. Alvito D'Cunha sealed the issue in the 69th minute after the Thais tried to come back through a goal by Panai Kongpaphan in the 58th minute. Bhutia, who was declared the man of the match, continued with his rich form and ended the tournament on a high with his solo second goal which put the Thais firmly on the back foot even as they were trying hard to nullify Okoro's strike. On a quick counter attack, Bhutia snatched the ball from Thai defender Thanongsak Pajakkta after a one-to-one battle. He went inside the box, pulled the goalkeeper out of position, and regaining his step after a slip, found the net with a firm right foot shot.
Sri Lanka PM to visit India
Sunday, July 27, 2003
Sri Lanka PM to visit India Colombo,Saturday, July 26, 2003: Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is due to visit India later next month, official sources said today. They said Wickremesinghe is to inaugurate the "Virtual Academy for Food Security And Rural Prosperity" in Chennai on August 23. He will also be visiting the M. S. Swaminathan Reserach Foundation and the Central Leather Research Institute in Chennai. 13:18 IST
CBI begins probe into Taj Corridor Project
Sunday, July 27, 2003
Lucknow,Saturday, July 26, 2003: The CBI has formally begun the probe into the controversial multi-crore Taj Heritage Corridor Project in Agra, as ordered by the Supreme Court, by questioning senior officials of the state's environment and finance departments, official sources said. About eight officials of the environment and finance departments were questioned on Friday by CBI sleuths on the basis of the details made available to it by the Uttar Pradesh government through the files submitted to the agency earlier in the week, sources said. The agency has also decided to summon some other senior officials and sought additional information from the environment department, sources added. The Supreme Court on July 16 ordered a CBI probe after it noticed major irregularities and illegalities in the construction of the Taj Corridor Project and gave the agency two months' time to complete in the inquiry and submit its report. A CBI team is likely to visit Agra to make an on the spot assessment of the construction works carried out there without the mandatory permission. 13:18 IST
HIV vaccine ready in India, undergoing trials: Sushma
Sunday, July 27, 2003
HIV vaccine ready in India, undergoing trials: Sushma New Delhi,Friday, July 25, 2003: Union Health Minister Sushma Swaraj today announced that HIV vaccine had been prepared in the country and its clinical trials were on. Attending a convention of Parliamentary Forum on HIV/AIDS here, she hoped that India would be the first country to develop a cure for the deadly disease. "HIV vaccine is ready in India. It is undergoing clinical trials," the Minister said after Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani emphasised the need for a four-pronged strategy to counter the challenge urgently. Advani pointed out that HIV/AIDS had devastated families, destabilised communities and shattered national economies with little hope of recovery for decades to come. "The alarm bell is ringing. The bell is not for waking us up for we in India have already woken up to the challenge of HIV/AIDS," he said adding the country has been "forewarned by statistics". He spelt out four inter-related actions -- pervention, treatment, education and awareness creation and research -- to tackle AIDS challenge. "It is not enough to spread the message about safe sex. It should a part of a larger message, about a responsible and fair lifestyle," Advani said pointing out that HIV/AIDS was "essentially a lifestyle disease". He said education and awareness creation have to take into account the entire medical, sociological, cultural and economic aspects of the problem.
PM calls for "effective, undelayed response" to AIDS challenge
Sunday, July 27, 2003
PM calls for "effective, undelayed response" to AIDS challenge New Delhi,Saturday, July 26, 2003: Amid UN warning that India must act to avoid an AIDS catastrophe, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajapyee today said the situation demanded an "effective and undelayed response" with political parties requring to pay far greater attention to issues of health care than they do now. Admitting that India's response to the epidemic, affecting nearly four million Indian men, women and children had been "somewhat belated", Vajpayee said "HIV/AIDS is not only a grave global challenge, it is also a national concern, one that demands effective and undelayed response." Opening a two-day National Convention of Parliamentary Forum on HIV/AIDS, the Prime Minister lamented that public health issues were not finding their place on the political agenda in the country and said it needed to be reversed. "In India, issues pertaining to public health do not normally find a place on the nation's political agenda. This is not so in other democracies where, sometimes, even elections are won or lost on the basis of health issues," he said. Expressing the hope that in India too elected representatives would be more sensitive to public health challenges, he said "we must recognise that fight against HIV/AIDS is more complex and requires greater courage and commitment. "It requires leadership that is ready to go to the heart of the problem and is ready even to go against the stream of public opinion".
India developing AIDS vaccine
Friday, July 25, 2003
India developing AIDS vaccine New Delhi,Friday, July 25, 2003: India is developing an AIDS vaccine, a prototype of which is ready for preclinical studies, the Government informed the Rajya Sabha today. "A prototype of the Candidate Vaccine for AIDS is under development under the National Jai Vigyan Science & Technology Mission of the Department of Biotechnology. The vaccine is based on plasmid DNA and MVA approaches. The vaccine candidate is ready for preclinical toxicological studies," Minister of State for Science Bachi Singh Rawat said in a written reply to a question. In another collaborative effort by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the Ministry of Health and International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, USA, a Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) based HIV-I Subtype 'C' Vaccine is being developed. The prototype of this vaccine is now undergoing precilinical toxicological studies, he said. The prototype HIV-I vaccine candidate consisting of six components developed at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, has the potential as preventive vaccine. The results so far have indicated that the vaccine candidate induces a robust and broadbased immune reponse against HIV-I in immunized experimental animals. Rawat said in the Modified Vaccinia Ankara based Subtype 'C' vaccine six consensus genes have been inserted into a MVA, which would act as a vehicle for the vaccine. The identification of consensus sequence and further cloning of the genes into a MVA vector have been completed. The prototype vaccine is undergoing preclinical toxicity studies, he added.
Attack on civilians in J&K result of "freedom struggle": Pak
Friday, July 25, 2003
Attack on civilians in J&K result of "freedom struggle": Pak Washington,Friday, July 25, 2003: Keeping its stand on the issue of Kashmir intact, Pakistan has contended that the attacks on civilians and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir is the result of a "freedom struggle" against "state terrorism". Participating in a conference on Kashmir here on Thursday, Pakistani Ambassador to the United States Ashraf Jahangir Qazi said the people of Kashmir "have perforce to resort to a freedom struggle, including armed struggle" as their demands are not settled peacefully. He said "the larger proportion of terror (in Jammu and Kashmir) is state terror." The status quo, he said, is no solution and insisted that the "militant outfits engaged in Kashmir" sprang from the soil itself. Indian Ambassador to the United States Lalit Mansingh did not (rpt not) attend the conference which was organised by the Association of Humanitarian Lawyers and the Kashmir American Council headed by Ghulam Nabi Fai, an active lobbyist for Hurriyat. Indian Embassy sources told that Mansingh did not accept the invitation, as the Pakistan Ambassador did, because India "does not subscribe to the kind of set up. Knowing it has a motivated purpose behind it, we did not obviously want to give it any legitimacy which it does not deserve. The Pakistani hand behind this made us keep away". 10:21 IST
Reinstatement of employees begins in Tamil Nadu
Friday, July 25, 2003
Reinstatement of employees begins in Tamil Nadu Chennai,Friday, July 25, 2003: Tamil Nadu Government today began the process of reinstating 1.7 lakh dismissed employees, after getting apology letters from them for participating in the indifinite strike from July two which was called off later. Tamil Nadu Government yesterday gave an undertaking in the Supreme Court that it would take back all its dismissed employees, barring those against whom specific charges were framed and FIRs were filed by the police. In most of the Government offices, there were long queues to get the forms, through which the dismissed employees tendered 'unqulified apology' for their absence during the strike period and also gave an undertaking that they would not participate in any future strikes. There was some confusion in the secretariat as some of the employees, against whom FIRs had been registered by police for specific offences, were returned back. Official sources said barring those against whom the cases were framed, all others were given the forms and after obtaining their signatures, their dismissal orders were revoked. Most of the dismissed employees, who were in the queue, said they would fill up the forms only after 1200 hours as between 1030 to 1200 hours was considered 'inauspicous' due to 'Rahukalam'. Official sources said in all the Government offices, including the district collectorates, the work of reinstatement was in progress. 12:39 IST
Ten Pakistani bunkers destroyed in retaliatory action
Friday, July 25, 2003
Poonch (Jammu),Friday, July 25, 2003: Atleast ten Pakistani bunkers have been destroyed across the Line of Control following retaliatory shelling by Indian troops, defence sources said here today. Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked heavy shelling from across the LoC in Degwar and Salotri sub-sectors in the district last evening, they said, adding our troops retaliated effectively and heavy exchange continued for about two hours. The exchange which started at about 6 PM continued till 1030 in the night, but at a lower intensity, they said. Sources said the retaliatory fire accounted for ten Pakistani bunkers and also some casualities on the enemy side, "as ambulances were later seen carrying the dead and injured on the other side of LoC." However, there was no report of any casuality or damage on our side so far, they said. 13:26 IST
Govt to elicit views of political parties before WTO meeting
Friday, July 25, 2003
Govt to elicit views of political parties before WTO meeting New Delhi,Friday, July 25, 2003: Government will convene a meeting of political parties prior to WTO Ministerial meeting in Cancun to elicit their views on issues, especially agriculture subsidy, to be discussed at the conference, Lok Sabha was informed today. Replying to queries during question hour, Minister for Industry and Commerce, Arun Jaitley, said "government will have discussions with political parties before the Cancun meeting of WTO slated for September." On agriculture subsidy, he said there was no pressure on India from any of the developed countries or the WTO to reduce it, he said. The Minister said currently the subsidy for agriculture was to the tune of Rs 270 billion and this could be increased since this was within the permissible limit. 13:26 IST
Juhi Chawla delivers baby boy
Friday, July 25, 2003
Now, Bollywood actress Juhi Chawla has delivered a baby boy at a hospital in London on Monday morning. Both the mother and the baby are reported to be doing fine. This is Juhi and Jai Mehta's second child, their first being daughter Jhanvi. The actress has been in London for the last few months for the successful delivery of her child, and even missed the release of her latest film 'Jhankar Beats'. The movie is being screened these days and has been widely appreciated. Juhi is awaiting the green signal from her doctors to leave for India and resume shooting of her next movie. She will be starring in Nagesh Kukunoor's 'Teen Deewarein' (Three Walls). This is a prison drama. She will act in the movie as a jail warden. Besides, she has another film in her kitty. However, this will be a horror flick titled 'Sannata-The Silence'.
Sikkim will "cease" to be an issue between India, China: PM
Thursday, July 24, 2003
Sikkim will "cease" to be an issue between India, China: PM New Delhi,Wednesday, July 23, 2003: India's Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today said in Lok Sabha (lower house of Parliament) that India and China have started a process by which Sikkim will "cease" to be an issue in Sino-India relations and made it clear that there was no change in the Government's decades-old policy on Tibet. Making a suo motu statement on his recent visits to Germany, St Petersburg (Russia), Evian (France) and China, Vajpayee described as "significant" the memorandum of understanding on border trade through Nathu La Pass on Indo-China border. "This adds a third point of crossing for border trade between India and China. With this memorandum, we have also started the process by which Sikkim will cease to be an issue in India-China relations", the Prime Minister said. On Tibet, Vajpayee said " there is no change in our decades-old policy. We have never doubted that Tibet Autonomous Region is a part of territory of People's Republic of China". The Prime Minister said "there can, therefore, be no argument against reiterating it. We have said nothing new about the presence of His Holiness Dalai Lama or of Tibetan refugees in India". 18:23 IST
Full-fledged fiscal crisis cannot be ruled out in India: WB
Thursday, July 24, 2003
Full-fledged fiscal crisis cannot be ruled out in India: WB New Delhi,Wednesday, July 23, 2003: Warning that full-fledged fiscal crisis was imminent for India, the World Bank said the fiscal deficit could swell upto 11.8 per cent of GDP by 2006-07, thus limiting growth and job creation and asked the planners to soon put in place a roadmap for averting such crisis. "India's large fiscal imbalances pose a serious threat to sustained growth and development over the medium term...If this negative cycle continues, a full-fledged fiscal crisis cannot be ruled out over the medium term," the bank said in the latest country-specific analysis. Applying a base-line approach, the World Bank said fiscal deficit was likely to be 11.8 per cent in 2002-03-2006/07 and on a reform scenario, it was exepcted to be 10.3 per cent for the period. Lamenting that "it is politically easy to downplay the risk, hoping higher growth and lower interest rates will eventually solve the fiscal problem, it said, "experience suggests that it will be unwise to sit back and wait for such a virtuous cycle to emerge." The bank said the centre and states have to be pro-active in reducing the fiscal deficit, shifting expenditures into more productive areas and removing structural impediments to higher private investment and productivity. The general government fiscal deficit (centre and states consolidated) averaged 9.0 per cent before the crisis period of 1991. Subsequently, it fell sharply during the period of high growth and fiscal restraint that marked the Eight Plan Period, but resumed growing "equally harply" after 1997-98, returning to the 9-10 per cent of GDP during the Ninth Plan period.
US says it is committed to end acts of terrorism against India
Thursday, July 24, 2003
US says it is committed to end acts of terrorism against India New Delhi,Wednesday, July 23, 2003: Condemning the terrorist violence in Jammu and Kashmir in the past several days, the United States said today it was committed to the permanent end of terrorism against India. "We condemn the brutal terrorist attack that have taken place in Jammu and Kashmir in the past several days, as the Bush Administration has said many times, there can be no justification for such evil acts," a release issued by the US Embasy here said. "The US is committed to the permanent end of terrorism against India," it said. The international committee, it said, must have "zero-tolerance" for terrorism, adding "working with other like-minded nations, we will continue our efforts until all terrorism is stopped". 20:33 IST
It is difficult to thwart sudden suicide attacks: Advani
Thursday, July 24, 2003
It is difficult to thwart sudden suicide attacks: Advani New Delhi,Wednesday, July 23, 2003: India's Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani today said it was difficult to thwart sudden suicide attacks like the one that had taken place at the Akhnoor army camp in Jammu and Kashmir. Previously it was thought that the most effective weapon was the nuclear bomb or the hydrogen bomb but the new weapon being used by militants was suicide squads in which the country even lost Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Advani told Rajya Sabha (upper house of Indian Parliament) replying to supplementaries during Question Hour. Rejecting the charge that there had been lowering of guard that led to the attack on the camp, he said "there has been no complacency. There has been no lowering of guard". 21:18 IST
BCCI out to punish World Cup sponsors
Thursday, July 24, 2003
BCCI out to punish World Cup sponsors Mumbai,Wednesday, July 23, 2003: In an apparent bid to punish the sponsors whose damage claims are likely to deprive the Cricket Board of its World Cup profits, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) today indicated that it might not consider these companies while awarding sponsorship rights for international matches in the country in future. Board president Jagmohan Dalmiya said BCCI would be increasingly "cautious" in its dealings with these companies in the aftermath of the contract controversy which saw the World Cup sponsors asking for damages from the Global Cricket Corporation, a move that resulted in India's guarantee money being withheld by the International Cricket Council. "The Board has to be cautious before approaching the companies that failed to support us before and after the World Cup in South Africa because we personally feel that the Indian players' demands were not wrong," Dalmiya said after a meeting of the Board's marketing committee here. The lucrative three-year contract for rights of India's international fixtures at home is up for renewal and the three sponsors -- Pepsi, LG and Hero Honda -- who had asked for compensation for the breach of contract by the Indian cricketers during the World Cup, might find themselves losing out. "The three-year contract with Pepsi has just ended and we discussed a few companies, though I cannot name the parties as the final decision for the coming years would be taken during the Finance Committee meeting next month," Dalmiya said.
Kalam nearly completing his 'Bharat Darshan'
Wednesday, July 23, 2003
New Delhi,Wednesday, July 23, 2003: He sermoned at Gaya, meditated at Sabarmati Ashram, paid obeisance at Vaishno Devi and offered prayers at Hazrat-bal Shrine. This is President APJ Abdul Kalam, who is all set to finish his "Bharat Darshan" in August. He has already visited 23 states and would complete the country's tour with his scheduled visit to Uttar Pradesh and a few other states next month. "And this is a record, no other President has visited the whole of country in just one year," Rashtrapati Bhavan officials say. President Kalam, who completes his one year in office on Thursday had said he would go on a foreign visit only after touring the whole of India. True to his word, officials say the President has not visited any foreign country as yet. However, visits to Russia, UAE and Sudan are being planned though no dates have been finalised as yet, they say. "President Kalam took over on July 24 last year and started his visits to the states with Gujarat in August last year. He met the riot victims and the quake affected. Then he went to north-east - areas which have been deprived of development," the officials say. In fact, he is the first President to visit LoC and address the troops at Uri. All his visits have one thing in common - they all stressed on development and his vision 2020 for India. He meets the local political leaders and legislators and stresses on the need of developing those regions. Also, he tries to visit as many religious places as possible and meet their heads to stress on the need for tolerance. He has also met all the MPs in last one year. "The President got panels and banners made and with the help of those he explained to the MPs, the core competencies of various states, various development monitors, what he expected of them and how to take the country on the path of development. "The President has started taking these banners to the states he is visiting where he gives these 'lessons' to legislators," his close aides say, noting the President stresses on rural areas, connectivity, urban support in rural areas and networking of rivers.
Moscow condemns J&K terror strikes
Wednesday, July 23, 2003
Moscow,Wednesday, July 23, 2003: Expressing its full support to the Indian government's war on terrorims, Russia has strongly condemned the terror attacks against pilgrims and an Indian army camp in Jammu and Kashmir. "Moscow has received with anger and pain reports of the armed attacks made on July 21 and 22 in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir on Hindu pilgrims and the disposition of a unit of the Indian army, killing more than ten and wounding over forty people. "We strongly condemn these terrorist acts and regard them as challenging provocations of the international terrorism, which is seeking to destabilise the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and in the region as a whole and to scuttle the incipient advance of India and Pakistan towards a normalisation of bilateral relations," Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Yakovenko said in his statement on Tuesday evening. "We express support to the Government of India in its determined struggle against the forces staking on extremist methods and we are confident that only consistent and uncompromising counteraction against international terrorism on the part of all members of the world community can eradicate this global evil," the Russian statement said. 09:57 IST
Jaguar catches fire at Ambala
Wednesday, July 23, 2003
Ambala,Wednesday, July 23, 2003: In the second mishap involving an IAF fighter aircraft in less than a week, a Jaguar on Tuesday caught fire and veered off the runway during take-off from the Air Force Station here but the pilot was rescued by firefighters. The incident took place at about 4.15 pm when the aircraft was about to take-off for an exercise sortie. AN IAF spokesman said in Delhi that the pilot of the aircraft Flt Lt S Kanvinde aborted the take-off as he noticed the fire in the plane. Kanvinde was pulled out of the burning aircraft by fire tenders. Eyewitnesses said the aircraft caught fire near a water tank and three fire tenders were pressed into service to douse the flames. "The extent of the damage to the aircraft is being assessed and a Court of Inquiry has been ordered into the incident," he said adding it was not a crash. Last week, a MIG-21 crashed in Jammu and Kashmir killing both the pilot and the co-pilot. This was the seventh air mishap involving fighter aircraft of IAF this year. In all, two Jaguars, two MIG-23 and three MIG-21 aircraft have crashed in the last six months. Ten IAF fighter aircraft have crashed in Punjab and Haryana since April last year--four of them MIG-21s, and three each of MIG-23 and Jaguar. 09:57 IST
Blast on route to Vaishno Devi; 7 pilgrims killed, 38 wounded
Tuesday, July 22, 2003
PTI JAMMU: At least seven devotees, including a child, were killed and 38 injured, 24 of them seriously, in twin powerful explosions set off on Monday night by terrorists at Banganga, two kilometres from Katra on way to Vaishno Devi shrine, police sources here said. Jammu and Kashmir Minister of state for Public Health Engineering Jugal Kishore said that a grenade was hurled by terrorists at a large number of devotees who gathered for food at a community kitchen (langar) at around 2115 hours. Another blast went off within ten minutes near the community kitchen where pilgrims are served food on their way to and return from shrine, he said. Kishore said seven people were killed and 38 injured in the two explosions. He said security in the area was lax and he has conveyed to Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police. The Minister said the security in the area was not strenghthened despite his repeated pleas with the police administration. Kishore said the seriously wounded people were moved to Jammu Medical College. Since a large number of devotees on their way to and return from the temple take food at the community kitchen, officials here fear the casualty figure may go up.
Liberhan Comm reserves order on summoning of PM
Tuesday, July 22, 2003
Liberhan Comm reserves order on summoning of PM New Delhi,Monday, July 21, 2003: The Liberhan Commission today reserved its order on summoning Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and recalling Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani as a witness in connection with the inquiry into the demolition of disputed structure in Ayodhya in 1992 after the Centre asserted that the stage for recording of the evidence has been concluded. Additional Solicitor General (ASG) R N Trivedi said the stand of the Central Government remains the same as recorded on July 10 that it is not the stage to summon any witness before the Commission. "That in the circumstances, the application for summoning Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L K Advani and Kalyan Singh is not maintainable as the Central Government does not desire to recall any witness or to examine any new witness under Rule 5 (5)(b) of the Commission of Enquiry (Central) Rules and the same may be rejected," the ASG told the Commission probing the demolition of disputed structure at Ayodhya on Dec 6, 1992. However, Commission counsel Anupam Gupta and All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) contended that the summonin of the then Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Kalyan Singh was relevant as it would complete the terms of reference of the commisssion with regard to his rols during the demolition of the disputed structure. But Gupta categorically objected to the application seeking to summon the Prime Minister and for recalling Advani to record their evidence in view of the reported statement of Kalyan Singh that they were aware of the conspiracy of demolition. 18:06 IST
Cong accuses PM of "misusing" CBI
Tuesday, July 22, 2003
Cong accuses PM of "misusing" CBI New Delhi,Monday, July 21, 2003: Congress today accused Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee of "misusing" CBI to drop the charge of "criminal conspiracy" against Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani, Human Resource Development Minister M M Joshi and some others in the Babri Masjid demolition case and sought an "adequate and convincing" reply from him on the issue. "All was done by the BJP-led coalition government. The Prime Minister must be held responsible for all these. We, therefore, want the government to come forward with an adequate gesture. Vajpayee should offer a convincing reply in Parliament and to the nation", Party spoksman S Jaipal Reddy told reporters. Demanding dismissal of Advani and Joshi, he said Congress has been arguing for the last five years that continuance of Advani, Joshi and others in the government, in the face of chargesheet filed by CBI, would not be only "detrimental to the norms of public charge, but would eventually be detrimental to justice itself". "Our fears have been abundantly proved as the CBI dropped charges against Advani, Joshi and their ilks", he said adding that any amount of explanation would not wash in the face of evidence collected "sedulously". Refuting BJP and government's explanation that Section 120 (B)(conspiracy) was not mentioned in the CBI chargesheet, Reddy said the agency had filed two chargesheets -- one in 1993 and the other in 1997 and the latter one did mention it. "The chargesheet filed by CBI remains, the fact contained in it remains which showed how Advani and others were involved in the demolition. How they made inflammatory speeches. How they conspired from the residence of party leader Vinay Katiyar in Ayodhya", He said. 19:59 IST
US to engage India in intensive military consultations
Tuesday, July 22, 2003
New Delhi,Monday, July 21, 2003: Notwithstanding India's rejection of a proposal to send troops to Iraq, its defence cooperation with the U S is expected to get a boost when a high-level American delegation led by Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen Richard B Myers arrives here in the next two weeks. Official sources indicated that Washington was keen to engage New Delhi in intensive consultations and had also proposed advancing the annual Defence Policy Group meeting between the two countries to the first week of August. "The U S has proposed August 4 to 6 as dates for the DPG and indicated that the venue of the meeeting be changed from New Delhi to Washington", officials said without hazarding a guess whether it was part of new moves by Washington to woo India to rethink its participation in stabilisation force in Iraq. Senior officials here said "a visit is in the offing, but no firm dates have yet been set." The Defence Policy group meeting, the highest forum of Indo-US military to military dialogue, was scheduled to be held towards the end of August with India's turn to host it as the last two meetings were held in the US. Highly-placed officials said advancing DPG was a proposal from Washington and it would be discussed before any commitment was made on advancing the dates. 19:59 IST
Jamali rules out war with India
Tuesday, July 22, 2003
Islamabad,Monday, July 21, 2003: Ruling out war and asserting that Pakistan wants peace with India with "honour and dignity," Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali said Islamabad wanted to resume a dialogue with New Delhi to settle all the outstanding disputes including the core issue of Kashmir. "We do not want a war with India, rather we want to live in peace with our neighbour. We want peace in the region with honour and dignity," Jamali said in an interview to ARY Television on Sunday. "We would like to talk to India with an open mind with an understanding that New Delhi might convince us or we might convince them on the differences between the two countries," he said stressing the need to build confidence on both sides. He pointed out that Pakistan had taken several steps in response to the "Indian offer of friendship". On the sensitive issue of Pakistan granting recognition to Israel, Jamali said his government would take the elected Parliament and the opposition into confidence before making a decision. "The recognition of Israel would be considered if the roadmap for peace in the Middle East succeeds. The plan calls for the establishment of a Palestinian state by 2005. "An independent sovereign Palestinian state can pave the way to diplomatic ties with Israel," Jamali said. When asked to comment on his working relationship with President Pervez Musharraf, he said, he had a "wonderful coordination" with Musharraf on all national, international and political issues.
Govt to retain veto power in HPCL
Tuesday, July 22, 2003
Govt to retain veto power in HPCL New Delhi,Monday, July 21, 2003: Government will hold veto power on all crucial decisions in the privatised Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) through 'Golden Share' clause in the share- holders agreement. According to the draft shareholders agreement circulated among the half a dozen suitors for Government's 34.01 per cent stake in HPCL, the State would have two directors on the oil refiners' 12-member board, whose consent would be needed even for decisions like declaration of dividend. Special clauses have been inserted in the shareholders agreement to prevent the strategic investor from altering the company's memorandum of association, changing its share capital, winding up the company, disposing of existing assets and pursuing a new line of business. Besides, the Government can also block special resolutions which it deems are not in the interest of public, sources close to the disinvestment process said. The draft shareholders agreement also prescribes a 3-year lock-in period for sale of strategic investor's shareholding in HPCL and has stipulated no retrenchment of employees for one year. So long as the Government holds at least 5 per cent stake in HPCL, it will nominate two directors on the HPCL board. "If the Government ceases to own at least 5 per cent of the share capital but for so long as the Government is a shareholder of the company even if it holds only one share, the Government shall have the right to nominate one non-retiring Government nominee direct on the board," the shareholders agreement stipulates. 15:07 IST
World Bank alerts India
Tuesday, July 22, 2003
World Bank alerts India on impending dangers New Delhi,Monday, July 21, 2003: Highlighting the danger signals in the economy, the World Bank today warned that the 8.0 per cent growth target will not be achieved without a major revamp of the precarious fiscal situation. Cautioning that primary deficit and public debt were worse than 1991 levels when the country faced a major crisis, the World Bank said India's fiscal situation was worse than that of many countries which faced macroeconomic crisis. Stressing on the need to give utmost importance to fiscal reforms, the Bank prescribed reforms in tax and subsidy regime, financial sector and fiscal management system and on improved composition of public expenditure, a large portion of which currently goes for pension and subsidies. Though the risk of crisis in India was offset by strong external position, the Bank's first `India Development Policy' review expressed concern on the consequences (of worsened public debt and rising primary deficit) over the medium term. "It will not be prudent to assume that India can simply grow out of its fiscal problem. Overall, fiscal reform is of utmost importance," it said. The World Bank, however, noted that the country has made rapid stride in increasing incomes and improving living standards in the past one decade.
Uproar in Lok Sabha over Ayodhya
Tuesday, July 22, 2003
Uproar in Lok Sabha over Ayodhya case; house adjourned New Delhi,Monday, July 21, 2003: The monsoon session of Lok Sabha today got off to a stormy start with the entire opposition demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee creating a ruckus and forcing adjournment of the House over CBI dropping the charge of criminal conspiracy against Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani and HRD Minister Murli Manohar Joshi in the Babri Masjid demolition case. As the House met for the day agitated Opposition members were up in arms alleging that Vajpayee had "pressurised" CBI for dropping the conspiracy charge under section 120 (B) of Indian Penal Code against Advani and Joshi and others, including Uma Bharti and VHP leader Ashok Singhal. Opposition, which had planned to move an adjournment motion, stormed the well during the Question Hour shouting anti-Government slogans and demanding dismissal of Advani and Joshi, forcing Speaker Manohar Joshi to first adjourn the House for two hours. A similar scene prevailed after the House reassembled at 1400 hours with the members trooping into the well shouting slogans that Vajpayee should resign. Finding the members in an unrelenting mood, Deputy Speaker P M Sayeed adjourned the House for the day. 16:44 IST
Music director Anu Malik has lucky escape
Sunday, July 20, 2003
Jaipur, July 19: Bollywood music director Anu Malik today had a miraculous escape when the car in which he was going to Ajmer dargah got involved in a multi-vehicle collision on the Jaipur-Ajmer Road, 20 km from here, police said. The accident took place near Bagru town this morning when a truck hit a car which collided with the Ambassador car in which the music director was travelling. Under the impact of the collision, Malik's car hit a tanker, additional director general of police Arun Duggar said. However, Malik only suffered some bruises on his hand, he said. He later left for Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti's dargah in Ajmer by another car, Duggar said. (Agencies)
Unnecesary criticism bad: PM
Sunday, July 20, 2003
Unnecesary criticism vitiates atmosphere: Vajpayee Raipur,Saturday, July 19, 2003: Taking a strong exception to VHP's constant criticism of the government, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today said "unnecessarily blaming" it vitiated the atmosphere even as he ruled out a settlement of the Ayodhya issue without involving the Sangh Parivar outfit. Addressing the BJP's three-day National Executive meeting here, Vajpayee said "We have passed a resolution on Sri Ram Janambhoomi. It is good that a temple is built at the Ram Janamsthan. It is our desire to solve the issue through goodwill. The most important thing is to have negotiations and we will continue on this path." Vajpayee said nobody was of the opinion that the issue be settled by ignoring VHP. "There could be scope for differences but there should not be allegations and counter-allegations. We have always welcomed constructive comments but unnecessarily blaming vitiates the atmosphere," he said. The Prime Minister asserted "we will continue to do what we feel is correct. We will not go back on it". 20:29 IST
Congress questions Vajpayee's competence
Sunday, July 20, 2003
Congress questions Vajpayee's competence to lead the nation New Delhi,Saturday, July 19, 2003: A day after BJP raked up the issue of Sonia Gandhi's foreign origin and described her as inexperienced and "security threat", Congress hit back questioning "ageing octogenarian" Atal Bihari Vajpayee's competence to lead the nation. "The attack is mean, malignant and beneath contempt..... We don't want to make any personal attack.....Vajpayee's advancing years and sinking health need more time for rest", Party spokesman S Jaipal Reddy said at a special party briefing here. Condemning as "totally objectionable and outrageous utterance" dubbing of Gandhi as security threat if she became Prime Minister, Reddy said this indicated the "moral and cultural bankruptcy of BJP as political party". When told that BJP had later made amends to the statement, Reddy quipped "any amount of explanation does not wash away the original sin". BJP spokesman Muktar Abbas Naqvi had said in Raipur yesterday that "We have no probelm with Congress making Sonia Gandhi or even (Pakistan President) Pervez Musharraf its President but projecting her as Prime Minister could raise questions among the people about national interest and security." Later, Union Minister Arun Jaitley sought to retract the statement. In a rare attack on the Prime Minister, the Congress spokesman sought to puncture BJP's claims about the competence, ability and experience of Vajpayee and was unfazed over the saffron party's plans to turn the next Lok Sabha elections into an Atal-Sonia faceoff. 20:29 IST
RSS welcomes BJP's support for legislation
Sunday, July 20, 2003
RSS welcomes BJP's support for legislation on Ram temple New Delhi,Saturday, July 19, 2003: Welcoming BJP's support to Sangh Parivar demand for a legislation for construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya, RSS today said the onus was now on other political parties to ensure that it was passed in view of BJP's lack of numbers in Parliament. "It is good that the largest political party in the country and the party which is running the Government has come out clear in favour of a legislative solution to the issue," RSS spokesman Ram Madhav said. "Now it means that the onus is on other political parties," he said referring to BJP's resolution on Ayodhya adopted at its National Executive at Raipur which said that for the legislative option to be "fruitful" NDA allies and especially the opposition Congress would have to extend their support to it. On BJP's view that it was not in a position to enact a legislation for construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya because the present arithmetic in Parliament was not in favour of it, he said "that is true. That is why the onus is on other political parties. "Political maturity suggests that they should also join hands with the BJP so that this issue will not go back to the people's court again. Let it be solved in Parliament," he said. 20:29 IST
Indian teams qualify for Athens Olympics
Sunday, July 20, 2003
Indian teams qualify for Athens Olympics New Delhi,Saturday, July 19, 2003: A day after three Indian archers made it to Olympics Games 2004, both the men's and women's teams of the country booked berths in the world's biggest sporting extravaganza, coming up with fine performance in the 42nd World Archery Championship at New York. The men's team comprising Satyadev Prasad, Tarundeep Rai and Acharya Ved Kumar stormed into the semifinal of the competition beating Russia 247/232 out of 270 points. The win paved the way for the team to earn its first-ever berth in the Olympics, an Archery Association of India press release said here today. Earlier in the pre-quarterfinal match, India had prevailed over Russia 249-242. However, the women's team made it to the Athens Olympics despite losing the quarterfinal tie against Ukraine by a narrow margin. The team consisting of Dola Banerjee, who became the first Indian woman archer to qualify for the Olympics two days ago, Reena Kumari and Chekrovolu Swuro had set up a quarterfinal clash against Ukraine winning the 1/16 match against Turkey 236/217. However, their attempt to move into the semifinal was foiled by Ukraine who downed them 239/236 after a close battle. Besides Dola Banerjee, the other two Indians who qualified for the Olympics were Satyadev Prasad and Tarundeep Rai. 17:10 IST
Flood situation worsens in Bihar
Saturday, July 19, 2003
New Delhi,Saturday, July 19, 2003: The flood situation in Bihar worsened on Friday with major rivers submerging fresh areas while it was improving in Assam as eleven people were killed in rains and flash floods in Rajasthan. Two persons were drowned in Bargania village of Samastipur district in Bihar taking the toll in the current spell of flood to 31. All the major rivers like Burhi, Gandak, Bagmati, Kosi and Adwara had crossed the danger mark at different places along their courses. River Kosi crossed the danger level by 92 cm at Baltra. Adhwara group of rivers too were flowing 44 and 41 cms above the red mark. Nearly 1.7 lakh people in over 600 villages of Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Darbhanga, East and West Champaran districts have been affected by flood. In Assam, the situation was improving as Brahmaputra and its tributaries recored a receding trend. With cessation of rain in the catchment areas, the rivers were flowing with a receding trend although vast tracts of land was still under water. Eleven people, including seven school children, were killed in rains and flash floods in Rajasthan since yesterday. Five children were swept away in flash floods in Sawaimadhopur district's Jakholas village and two at its Barnala village. The state was lashed by moderate to heavy rains with Mangalsar receiving the maximum 7 cms rainfall followed by Jaipur, Rajgarh, Sikar, Viratnagar, Marwar junction, Thanagazi, Deedwana and Jhunjhunu three cms each. 09:26 IST
Y V Reddy to be new RBI Governor
Saturday, July 19, 2003
New Delhi,Saturday, July 19, 2003: International Monetary Fund Executive Director Y Venugopal Reddy has been appointed new Governor of Reserve Bank of India for five years, an official announcement said on Friday night. Reddy, a former Deputy Governor of RBI, succeeds Bimal Jalan. Reddy's name has been cleared by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. "Reddy will be the new Governor of RBI. He will take over after Jalan demits office," an official spokesman said. Finance Ministry is expected to issue a formal notification shortly regarding appointment of Reddy, a retired IAS officer of 1964 batch. However, the date for Reddy to assume his new assignment is yet to be decided. Official sources said Jalan had conveyed to the Government that he wanted to step down ahead of expiry of his tenure. 09:26 IST
US ink industry denied protection against imports from India
Saturday, July 19, 2003
US ink industry denied protection against imports from India Washington,Saturday, July 19, 2003: US International Trade Commission has denied protection to the American ink industry against import of a raw material from India used in manufacturing printing ink. USITC, in its ruling on Friday, rejected charges of dumping and subsidies to the Indian industry and ended the investigations against the imports of 'coloured synthetic organic oleoresinous pigment dispersions'. It also asserted that import of pigments from India posed no threat to indeginous industry. In a 4-0 vote, the commissioners made a negative preliminary determination that evidence of injury to the US industry from the imports did not suffice to continue the investigations. The pigment dispersions, a thick putty that contains pigment dispersed in a varnish, are used primarily for the manufacture of letterpress and lithographic printing inks. Imposition of anti-dumping duties requires final affirmative determinations both from the Department of Commerce, that dumping has occurred, and from USITC that the imports injured or threatened US industry. Similarly, imposition of countervailing duties requires final affirmative determinations on both subsidies and injury.
Portugal court turns down Indian plea for Monica's extradition
Saturday, July 19, 2003
New Delhi,Saturday, July 19, 2003: In a setback to India, a court in Portugal has turned down its plea for extradition of underworld don Abu Salem's girl friend Monica Bedi here prompting New Delhi to request the Portuguese government to file an appeal against the ruling. The news of rejection of Bedi's extradition came as a surprise to the CBI as it was almost certain that she, alongwith Salem, main accused in the 1993 Mumbai bomb blast, would be extradited here. While rejecting the extradition request, the court in Lisbon had said that Bedi could be tried in Portugal as the offence committed by her in India was similar to that committed by her in that country, CBI sources said here today. Portugal was also trying the duo for forging documents that enabled Salem to marry a local girl and Monica to a local man and subsequently procuring a resident work permit after the marriage. India, meanwhile, has approached the Prosecutor General of Portugal for filing an appeal in a higher court challenging the trial court's order and clarifying that Monica had forged documents in this country which led to her arrest in Lisbon. Salem, his companion Monica Bedi and Syed Haider were arrested in Lisbon by Portuguese police on September 18 last year for staying in the country on the basis of forged documents. Salem, whose extradition proceedings were also on in the same court, has submitted that he would be harrassed if he was sent back. India has already sent its reply to the court disputing his submission. 09:26 IST
BJP rules out Legislation for temple, opposes Sonia as Prime Minister
Saturday, July 19, 2003
Raipur,Saturday, July 19, 2003: In a balancing act towards the Sangh Parivar on the opening day of the BJP National Executive, the party on Friday virtually ruled out the possibility of enacting a legislation for construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya and raked up the issue of Sonia Gandhi's foreign origin but in the process did a flip-flop. Having promised a restive VHP and RSS last week that it will consider their demand for a legislation in the wake of failure of negotiations on Ayodhya, BJP President M Venkiah Naidu said in his presidential address that Hindutva was the soul of India but it could not be an election issue. "Nor can Hindutva be projected as a narrow religious concept. We are committed to secularism but are opposed to pseudo-secularism and appeasement for garnering minority votes." In an obvious reference to the Sangh Parivar demand, Naidu said "we are proud of our ideology. Do not hesitate to stand on any issue, but remember that we are living a coalition a government and there is no question of thrusting our agenda on any partner". Raking up the issue of Gandhi's foreign origin, party General Secretary and spokesman Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said "we have no problem with Congress making Sonia Gandhi or Pervez Musharraf as its president. But having her as Prime Minister is an issue linked to the country's national interest and security. 09:26 IST
Taj Mahal-Will it be Akbar Khan's swansong?
Friday, July 18, 2003
Bollywood's fascination with the Taj monument transcends generations.Way back in 1941,Nanabhai Vakil made Taj Mahal with Kumar-Sarojini-Suraiya.And in 1963, Roshan came up with everlasting tunes for M. Sadiq's Taj Mahal,starring Pradeep Kumar-Bina-Jeevan-Helen.Now Akbar Khan has taken the mantle to recreate the grandeur of one of the grandest of Indian rulers.In the desert state of Rajasthan,Mehrangarh has become a beehive of activity as hundreds of artistes converged to shoot.Incidentally, while it may have taken Shah Jahan 22 years and more than 20,000 artistes to finish his monument of love,there are no such obstacles facing the modern-day celluloid Taj.The film is all set to be completed in 15 months with only about three weeks schedule left, which would be completed by the end of July.Manisha Koirala plays Jahan Ara,Aurangzeb's sister.Pooja Batra is the scheming Noor Jahan.Kabir Bedi plays the ageing Emperor Shah Jahan.And the youthful Shah Jahan is Zulfi Sayed,who is said to have more than just passing resemblance to Bedi.His ladylove,Mumtaz,is played by Noorjehan's granddaughter,Sonyajahan.His casting and most of the shooting over, Akbar is confident,the masses will like the film and remember it for its sets,for its performances,for Naushad's music "He has his own standing,There is nobody to challenge him" and,above all,for love. More at www.galatta.com
Ramu's next movie to haunt again
Friday, July 18, 2003
Ram Gopal Varma is ready to explore man's primal fears yet again after Bhoot.His next production "Darna Mana Hai" will explore the clash between the prosaic everyday life and a mysterious, irrational and potentially supernatural universe. For this film directed by Prawaal Raman, Varma wants to sell the concept rather than the actors. "Darna Mana Hai" has about fifteen actors. The cast includes Vivek Oberoi, Saif Ali Khan, Nana Patekar, Aftab Shivdasani, Sanjay Kapoor, Sohail Khan, Ishaa Koppikar, Antara Mali, Sameera Reddy and Shilpa Shetty. The first few posters that will adorn theatres on July 25, the scheduled release date, will not feature the actors. Instead, set in eerie shades of blacks, whites and greys, you'll see posters that show a palm with six fingers, a candle with six wicks, or an old clock with six hands. "Darna Mana Hai" is about a group of youngsters who get stranded in the dark woods. To kill time, each one of them tells an unbelievable but menacing story to entertain the others. Meanwhile, the youngsters are themselves getting into a fearful situation. Varma says, " "Bhoot" was meant to chill the audience to their bones. "Darna Mana Hai" is a different genre. I wanted to induce fear through everyday incidents in Bhoot. Here, we have six bizarre stories that will offer a different movie watching experience." More at www.galatta.com
Wipro reports 43 pc rise in net profit
Friday, July 18, 2003
Software major reports 43 pc rise in net profit Bangalore,Friday, July 18, 2003: Software major Wipro today reported a 43 per cent rise in its net profit for the first quarter of 2003-2004 at Rs 2.06 bn over the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal. Announcing results for the first quarter ending June 30, 2003, the company said its revenue grew by 29 per cent at Rs 11.98 bn year on year. Global IT services and products revenue increased by 46 per cent year on year at Rs 9.25 bn, it said. 10:15 IST
2002 was the second warmest year
Friday, July 18, 2003
The year 2002 was the second warmest year in the temperature record since 1861, according to World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). "The warming in tbe equatorial Pacific contributed to making the 2002 global mean surface temperature the second highest on record," Geneva-based WMO said in `Word Climate news'. The global mean surface temperature was 0.48 degrees celsius above the 1961-1990 annual average which makes 2002 the second warmest year, it said adding the warmest year remains 1998 in which surface temperature averaged 0.55 degrees celsius above the same 30-year mean. The five warmest years, in decreasing order, in this period of record are now - 1998, 2002, 2001, 1995 and 1997. For land and ocean regions polewards of 30 degrees North, the mean temperature departure was 0.76 degrees celsius, ranking as the highest on record, the report said. Surface temperatures in the tropical band ranked as second highest while polewards of 30 degrees South in Southern hemisphere, the average departure was the eighth highest on record. The report said the two major climate events in 2002 were the transition from neutral to El Nino conditions in the quatorial Pacific Ocean and the continuation of significant surface warming around the globe, it said. The magnitude of the El Nino episode was significantly smaller than the 1997/98 event but many characteristic climate patterns were observed. For example, some stations in Kiribati (Central Pacific) received rainfall in excess of 10 times the average monthly rainfall in July. In another event, one of the world's driest places Arica in Chile recorded its greatest amount of rain ever on 3 July - 8.3 mm 11:33 IST
Air Alliance flight returns following engine snag
Friday, July 18, 2003
Chennai,Friday, July 18, 2003: An Alliance Air flight to Port Blair with 70 passengers aboard returned to the base this morning after flying for nearly 90 minutes as the pilot noticed a technical snag in the plane, airport sources said. The flight took off as per schedule at 0515 hrs but after being in the air for nearly an hour, the pilot noticed that one of the engines was not working and returned to the base, the sources said. All the passengers were accommodated in various city hotels, the sources added. 10:15 IST
Question of India sending troops to Iraq surfaces again
Friday, July 18, 2003
New Delhi,Friday, July 18, 2003: Close on the heels of the rejection of the US request, the question of India sending troops to Iraq revived on Thursday with the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan speaking of plans to seek troops from member countries for deployment in the war-ravaged country. US Ambassador to India Robert Blackwill, giving a farewell address at the CII, referred to the Indian position that it was ready to consider sending troops under a UN mandate and said "we will have to see ...depends on what happens in Iraq and at the UN." However, External Affairs Ministry spokesman declined to make any specific comment saying these are "developing circumstances". He said the recent decision of the Cabinet Committee on Security spoke for itself that under an explicit UN mandate, India could consider sending troops to Iraq. 10:15 IST
Shinde threatens to resign
Wednesday, July 16, 2003
Maharashtra Chief Minister Shinde threatens to resign Mumbai,Wednesday, July 16, 2003: Protesting increasing atrocities on dalits in Maharashtra and annoyed over the behaviour of ruling Democratic Front legislators, Chief Minister Sushilkumar Shinde was on Tuesday understood to have threatened to resign. Sources in Congress, the lead partner of the alliance, said Shinde, the first dalit chief minister of the state, told a joint meeting of MLAs belonging to DF constituents that "if atrocities against dalits continue, then what is the point of my continuing to be the Chief Minister". The Chief Minister was also apparently irked over the pressure sought to be put on him by the MLAs to get work done in their constituencies, said one of the MLAs who attended the meeting. Shinde reportedly told the meeting "if the MLAs do not mend their ways, then I will be compelled to step down". His threat to resign came in the wake of Congress MLA Amar Kale's dharna in the state Assembly House to highlight drinking water problems in his constituency Arvi in Vidarbha region. 09:50 IST
Amarnath Yatra suspended
Wednesday, July 16, 2003
Jammu,Wednesday, July 16, 2003: Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday decided to suspend the Amarnath Yatra for a day today due to inclement weather along the highway and on the Pahalgam route to the cave shrine, an official spokesman said here on Tuesday night. He said the pilgrims are advised to defer their journey from different parts of the country to Jammu by one day, adding their yatra schedule to the shrine would be adjusted accordingly. Meanwhile, the authorities have directed the district administration to make contingency plans for boarding and lodging for those pilgrims who are already on their way to Jammu. About 2000-2500 pilgrim arrived on Tuesday at the MAM stadium here from where yatra proceeds towards the cave shrine on daily basis. Authorities have also made arrangements for for provision of food for the pilgrims. Besides, some temporary lodging centres have been arranged at Kathua District for incoming pilgrims from other parts of the country.
Fernandes persuades Nitish
Wednesday, July 16, 2003
New Delhi,Wednesday, July 16, 2003: Efforts to persuade Nitish Kumar to withdraw his resignation from the Union Cabinet continued with Samata Party President George Fernandes meeting him at his residence here early this morning and requesting him to take back his papers. The meeting lasted about 15 minutes but what transpired was not known immediately. Fernandes, who spoke to Kumar for 45 minutes on Monday night, had said on Tuesday that he would keep up his efforts to persuade the Railway Minister to relent. However, Kumar refused to withdraw his resignation and did not atttend office in Rail Bhavan on Tuesday. 09:50 IST
Festival of Ayurveda in London
Wednesday, July 16, 2003
London,Wednesday, July 16, 2003: In an effort to popularise the age-old Indian Ayurveda system, a fortnight-long Festival of Ayurveda was launched here where visitors would get extensive information on the various aspects of this ancient system of medicine. Gopi Warrier, Chairman of the Ayurvedic Company of Great Britain, inaugurated the festival at Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan on Tuesday night by lighting a traditional lamp, which was followed by recitation of poetry by Dr Krishna Kumar linked to the enormous power of Ayurveda and Kathakali dance eulogising the system by Abhay Shankar Mishra and party Warrier said during the fortnight each day would be devoted for a particular aspect of Ayurveda - like Ayurveda for Migraine, Ayurveda in Prostate Disease, in Anxiety, Depression and Hair loss and Ayurveda in Sexual Problems. From today, there would be free consultations at the Bhavan on Ayurveda for the whole year, he said. To coincide with the festival, an exhibition of paintings by Sarvesh Saini was also organised. The rare paintings included Lakshmi Incarnate: Vishnupriya Tulsi, Abode of Goddess Kali: Hibiscus, Bramha Incarnate: Palaash, Abode of Bramha: Mango, Abode of Kali: Hibiscus and Symbol of Fecundity: Mango Tree. 09:50 IST
India turns down US request
Tuesday, July 15, 2003
India turns down US request to send troops to Iraq New Delhi,Tuesday, July 15, 2003: India on Monday turned down a long-pending US request for deployment of its troops in Iraq but Washington said it would not affect bilateral ties with a "strategic partner". After weeks of dilemma over the possible spin off economic benefits on the one side and stiff political opposition on the other in an election year, Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee took the decision making it clear, however, that deployment of troops under a UN mandate could be considered. "Were there to be an explicit UN mandate for the purpose, the Government of India could consider the deployment of our troops in Iraq," the government said in a statement after the 90-minute meeting attended among others by Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani, External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha, Defence Minister George Fernandes and Finance Minister Jaswant Singh. New Delhi's decision was immediately conveyed to US Ambassador Robert Blackwill by National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra, who was also present at the meeting. Reacting to the decision, the US Embassy said while the US had hoped India would take a different decision, the transformation of US-India relations will continue as before. "India remains an important strategic partner for the US," an Embassy spokesman said. He also quoted Ambassador Blackwill's earlier statement that one way or the other the decision would not not impact on bilateral ties. The main opposition Congress said the government decision vindicated its stand on the issue. 09:58 IST
Decision won't affect ties: US
Tuesday, July 15, 2003
Washington,Tuesday, July 15, 2003: The US has expressed mild regret at India's decision not to send troops to Iraq, but said that would not affect its "important" strategic partnership with New Delhi. The US also said that "the UN Security Council has encouraged countries" to contribute their forces for stabilisation of Iraq, apparently responding to India's expressed reservations on sending troops to the war-ravaged country without UN mandate. "We would have hoped that India would have made a different choice, that they would be there. But I think at the same time (I) need to reiterate that India remains an important strategic partner for the United States and that the continuation of the transformation of Indo-US relations is something that is important to us and that we expect to see," US State Department spokesman Richard Boucher told reporters on Monday. Asked whether he expects any problems because of this decision by India, Boucher said: "I would expect us to continue to work with India as a matter of strategic partnership. I am not predicting any particular problem, but I would say that we would have hoped that they would be able to go do this in Iraq for, I think, our interests and what we perceive as their interests as well".
Nitish refuses to attend office
Tuesday, July 15, 2003
New Delhi,Tuesday, July 15, 2003: Nitish Kumar, who resigned from the government on Monday perturbed over inner party wranglings, today refused to take back his resignation and said he would not attend office in Rail Bhavan.
India and Pakistan restore road links
Saturday, July 12, 2003
Consolidating the peace process, India and Pakistan today restored road links between them with two luxury buses carrying the first batch of passengers in 18 months travelling in each other's territory in pouring rain amid high emotions and hopes of improving ties. The golden-coloured Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus carrying 32 passengers, including 19 mediapersons, reached Lahore covering a distance of 527 km triggering euphoria among those waiting to see their kin across the border. Similar scenes were witnessed in Delhi when a reciprocal green-coloured Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) bus from Lahore with 28 people, including a sick child and six media persons on board, rolled into the Ambedkar terminal. As the buses reached their destination passengers hugged and kissed their near and dears soon after they alighted. Earlier in the day, the buses escorted under an intense security cover crossed each other in Punjab with the passengers cheering and waving at each other. The day also had its quota of protests from a handful of opponents to the peace process with Pakistan. Shiv Sena and Bajrang Dal volunteers shouted slogans against Pakistan and denounced its support to cross border terrorism just after the bus rolled out in Delhi and on its way in Punjab. A similar scene was enacted when the Pakistan bus reached Delhi. 09:35 IST
India would win war on terrorism: Advani
Saturday, July 12, 2003
Maintaining that cross-border terrorism was a problem before India, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani today said the country would score a victory over it on its own. "Cross-border terrorism is our problem and we would gain victory over it at our own level," Advani said addressing BJP legislators drawn from northern states at their three-day training camp here. "After losing three battles, our neighbour is now harping on proxy war instead of an open war, he said adding that "we would attain succeess over proxy war launched by Pakistan." Advani said in the past five years, the security and intelligence agencies succeeded in identifying and destroying 200 ISI-backed training camps in various parts of the country. Appreciating the intelligence agencies of the country for their "good work" in foiling major terrorists attacks in the recent past, he said that these agencies had succeeded in establishing links of Pakistan behind all such attacks, including the one on Parliament. "We differ with the Pakistan's assessment on cross- border terrorism," Advani said.
Need for "credible and visible" progress before SAARC meet
Saturday, July 12, 2003
A day after the announcement of SAARC Summit dates, India today made it clear that there was need for "credible and visible" progress on the economic agenda before the January meet of the regional grouping to make it "meaningful". Observing that Pakistan's "lack of commitment" on economic cooperation had led to delay in these matters, External Affairs Ministry spokesman said "we hope the entire package (of steps decided at the SAARC Standing Committee in Kathmandu) will be fully implemented." "It is a desire that all SAARC countries, including Pakistan, should move to make progress on trade and economic cooperation a concrete reality," he said. Asked whether it meant New Delhi was putting a pre-condition for attending the Summit, the spokesman said "India is part of the consensus" arrived at in Kathmandu and that the decisions of the Standing Committee "speak for themselves". 07:49 IST
India, US to Sci &Tech agreement
Saturday, July 12, 2003
Declaring their resolve to support efforts to enhance science and technology tie-ups, India and the United States today agreed to discuss a "new umbrella" India-US Science and Technology Agreement and expand cooperation in developing and commercialising cleaner and more efficient energy technologies. Both sides felt that India-US Science and Technology Forum, established in 2000, should be an "important instrument" for catalysing scientific collaboration between the two countries. A decision to this effect was taken at a five-day meeting between a U S delegation led by Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans, International Environment and Scientific Affairs John Turner and an Indian inter-ministerial team headed by Joint Secretary in the External Affairs Ministry Deepa Wadhwa, official sources said. The meeting was held under the aegis of the bilateral Global Issues Forum set up in February last year by Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal and U S Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs Paula Dobriansky. The present meeting focussed on one cluster of Forum issues--energy, environment, health and science and technology. The two countries also decided to continue long-term cooperation in conservation and restoration of critical wildlife resources, as mutually agreed, and further intensify their cooperation in prevention, control and elimination of infectious diseases including AIDS, TB, malaria, polio and water-borne ailments, through appropropriate intervention strategies. 08:55 IST
PC sales beat forecast; up 37% in 2002-03
Saturday, July 12, 2003
India's PC sales have staged a recovery in 2002-03 to gross 2.3 million units with growth of 37 per cent compared to a negative 11 per cent growth in the previous year, mainly on account of a surge in corporate IT consumption. According to annual industry review by hardware association MAIT, PC market performance has been driven by increased IT consumption by verticals and corporate sectors such as telecom, banking and financial services, manufacturing IT enabled services, and thereby ended up exceeding earlier projections of 20 per cent growth for 2002-03. The IT market is expected to grow 18 per cent in 2003-04 and PC sales would cross 2.7 million units, Vinnie Mehta, executive director of MAIT, said here. "The PC market grossed 2.3 million units registering a growth of 37 per cent over the previous year. PC sales had clocked a negative growth of 11 per cent in 2001-02 over 2000-01. However, buoyant IT consumption witnessed in the first half of 2002-03 gained greater momentum in the second half resulting in the current growth," Mehta said. Sales in smaller towns grew 63 per cent, accounting for 35 per cent of the total market while sales in top four metros grew by 30 per cent. During the period in reference, active internet entities in the country increased to 1.43 million in March 2003, a 10 per cent jump over March 2002, and here the businesses accounted for 46 per cent of the total internet subscribers and households for the remaining 54 per cent. 05:44 IST
Sehwag hits maiden century in county
Saturday, July 12, 2003
Sehwag hits maiden century in county cricket London,Thursday, July 11, 2002: India's opening batsman Virender Sehwag struck an impressive 111-ball 130 to record his maiden century in county cricket and rescue Leicestershire on the second day of the Frizzle County Championship against Middlesex at South Gate on Thursday. Sehwag struck 20 boundaries and four sixes during his knock as he guided Leicestershire to 221 for three in reply to Middlesex's imposing 620 for seven declared at close on the second day. The Indian dominated the opening stand of 197 with John Maunders (55) before both the batsmen were dismissed by Chad Keegan in consecutive overs. At the end of the day, D D Masters and B J Hodge were unbeaten on nine and four respectively. For Middlesex, A J Strauss scored 147 while D C Nash (103 not out) and G C Joyce (102) were the other notable scorers. Sehwag's previous best score during his county stint was 81 off 84 balls against Surrey. 05:44 IST
VHP meeting on temple construction begins
Friday, July 11, 2003
Under pressure from RSS, the VHP is expected to mellow down its criticism of the government while announcing an agitation plan at a crucial meeting which began here today to discuss the future course of action on the Ram temple issue. The recent initiative taken by Kanchi Shankaracharya resolved the imbroglio and its rejection by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) tops the agenda of the meeting of the high-power panel of the Ram-mandir Nirman Andolan Samiti headed by former BJP-MP Mahant Avaidyanath. The day-long meeting at a South Delhi temple, being attended by VHP top brass, including Ashok Singhal and Praveen Togadia besides senior Hindu religious leaders, is expected to be addressed by RSS leaders, including its Chief K S Sudarshan, General Secretary Mohan Bhagwat and Joint General Secretary incharge of BJP Madan Das Devi in the afternoon session. 00:11 IST
People had no expectations from me.-John Abraham
Friday, July 11, 2003
Mumbai His debut "Jism" sizzled more because of his co-star Bipasha Basu and "Saaya" didn’t sweep the box-office. But model-turned-actor John Abraham believes in counting his blessings. Shooting for his third film, Pooja Bhatt’s "Paap", John smiles at the children and girls who clamour for his attention. He doesn’t get offended when a child wants to know his name. "Maybe I’m not that popular. Quite frankly I’m grateful for making the little headway that I have," John told in an interview. "People had no expectations from me. Can you name one male model who has succeeded in films? I worked against several odds. I was a model. My body language suggested I couldn’t act. And on top of that, my name was John Abraham! I guess things are changing in Bollywood and I’m a product of that change. "The other day Mahesh Bhatt told me it’s commendable that my second film ’Saaya’ got an opening. ’Remember you aren’t Shah Rukh Khan’, he reminded me. Yes, I’m not Shah Rukh Khan." John’s next release is Vikram Bhatt’s "Aitbaar", where he plays a negative role. "My co-stars are Bipasha and the great Amitabh Bachchan. As we’re friends in real life, the comfort level between Bipasha and me is high. Unlike ’Jism’, we don’t have too many intimate moments in ’Aitbaar’. The main dramatic interaction is between Bachchan and me," says John. "What I learnt from him (Bachchan) is the value of professionalism. His attitude is that of a man who has come to do a job and everyone better do it. I believe in the same attitude." John admits things are a bit chaotic in Bollywood and a culture shock to a disciplinarian like him. "The set-up was far more professional in my modelling world. "I realise the sets are quite chaotic. But everyone’s only doing his job. Things are, however, not too conducive to productive performance over here. I wonder how Bachchan has given such great performances so consistently." John is proud and excited about "Paap", especially working closely with former actress Pooja. "Pooja Bhatt turns director in ’Paap’. And I’m proud to be in it. I’ve worked earlier with her when she was producer in ’Jism’. It is different working with a woman director because she can sit with me and take me step by step through the emotion that needs to be expressed." Branded a brawn king in "Jism", John is determined to work his way into a variety of roles. "In ’Saaya’ I barely take off my shirt. The roles I’ve taken up post-’Jism’ have more to them than my body. In ’Paap’ I play a cop. The film has provocative undercurrents. Again it takes me away from playing the conventional hero," says John. "I haven’t made any conscious effort to be different. I just chose the scripts that I’d be comfortable in. As far as I can see, the hero no longer holds up a film -- the script does. "But I’m also playing the mainstream hero in (choreographer) Ahmed Khan’s film alongside Sunny Deol and Sunil Shetty. In ’Aitbaar’ I play an almost-negative boyfriend to Bipasha, and I love every minute of it." John refuses to discuss his real-life relationship with Bipasha. "There’s nothing to talk about in any relationship unless we’re looking at it as a permanent association in terms of marriage, or whatever. I’m tight-lipped about any relationship unless it lasts forever. Until then, let people who see us together talk about us."
Sri Lanka citizenship for 168,000 Indians
Friday, July 11, 2003
The Sri Lankan government has decided to grant citizenship to some 168,141 people of Indian origin who opted, but failed to return to their native country. Officials said the cabinet of ministers two days ago approved a plan to grant citizenship to 84,141 people who had obtained Indian passports to return home, but could not travel for various reasons since 1983. Another 84,000 people of Indian origin born in Sri Lanka after year 1964 will also qualify for Sri Lankan citizenship, officials said. New Delhi and Colombo had agreed to send back hundreds of thousands of people of Indian origin back to India, but the island's escalated ethnic conflict since 1983 had stopped a ferry that took back batches of Indians. The Indians had been brought to Sri Lanka at the end of the 19th century as indentured labour by British colonial rulers to work in tea and coffee plantations. Sri Lanka today has a distinct ethnic community known as the "Tamils of recent Indian Origin" and they retain their own identity independent of Sri Lanka's indigenous Tamils. Tamils of Indian origin form about 5.5 percent of the 18.6 million population and are concentrated in the island's central region while Sri Lankan Tamils constitute about 12.5 per cent.
Rupee hits 34-month peak against USD
Friday, July 11, 2003
Powered by robust trade and capital inflows, the rupee broke through the crucial 46.20-dlr barrier and rose to a nearly 34-month peak of Rs 46.16/18 per dollar in early trade today with the outlook remaining upbeat for further gains. In fairly active trade at the Interbank Foreign Exchange Market here this morning, the rupee continued to break records due to strong dollar supplies from foreign funds, export proceeds and NRI remittances, dealers said. The rupee opened on a firm footing at Rs 46.19/20 per dollar, higher from previous close of Rs 46.2050/2150. The rupee had last posted better gains when it closed at Rs 46.03/04 per dollar on October 3, 2000. The domestic currency had appreciated by over 49 paise in the past 15 sessions, barring a few occasional blips. Turning to cross currency trades, the Euro was quoted at Rs 52.31/33, Pound Sterling at Rs 75.60/62, Japanese Yen (100) at Rs 39.16/18. 00:11 IST
India, Pak resume bus service
Friday, July 11, 2003
India, Pak resume bus service New Delhi,Thursday, July 11, 2002: Restoring passenger transportation after a gap of 18 months, India and Pakistan resumed bus service between Delhi and Lahore today with hopes of normalisation of relations and resumption of other snapped links. Amid much fanfare, a luxurious golden-coloured Delhi Transport Corporation bus packed to capacity of 34, including 13 passengers and 19 media persons, left for Lahore from Ambedkar Nagar terminal at 6.10 A.M. Flagging off the bus, Union Surface Transport Minister B C Khanduri hoped it would help improve relations between the two countries. "I hope better sense will prevail upon Pakistan and it will stop cross-border infiltration", he said. Fortyfive minutes later, a Pakistan Tourism Developement Corporation bus carrying 31 people-- 22 passengers, six media persons and three crew members was given a colourful send off at Lahore by Tourism Minister Raess Munir Ahmed. "Pakistan keenly awaits resumption of train service between the two countries", he said flagging of the 'Dosti Bus' from Flattis Hotel terminal. The bus from Lahore, escorted by armed police, reached the Wagah border check post where it was taken for customs and immigration formalities on the Indian side. Tight surveillance was maintained at the border with BSF and Punjab police officials present at the outpost. All transportation links - rail, road and air - between the two countries were severed after the December 13 attack on Parliament. 00:11 IST
India rules out early talks with Pakistan
Thursday, July 10, 2003
New Delhi, Jul 9: Foreign Minister Yashwant Sinha Wednesday ruled out the early resumption of talks with Pakistan, saying adequate preparations were first needed and that Islamabad must halt support for "terrorism" in Kashmir. "We should first talk about the talks how these will begin and what will be the agenda," Sinha told the in an interview. He said no "meaningful talks" could be held unless Pakistan put an end to the "terrorism" by militants in Kashmir. Asked whether this was a precondition for talks, Sinha said, "Meaningful talks and cross-border terrorism cannot go on simultaneously. This is a reality which has to be recognised by Pakistan and by the international community." Sinha denied suggestions there has been no progress in ties between India and Pakistan since Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on April 18 offered a "hand of friendship" to the arch-rival. He said the appointment of ambassadors between the two countries and the resumption scheduled Friday of a bus service between New Delhi and Lahore were "concrete" steps. But he said the movement towards dialogue had to be step-by-step. Asked if India would accept converting the Line of Control (LoC) - a military ceasefire line dividing India and Pakistan in Kashmir as the international border, Sinha said the government was bound by a parliamentary resolution that says that the whole of Kashmir, including the part held by Pakistan, belonged to India. "We have a parliament resolution and we are not thinking beyond that. We should study what has happened in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and northern areas under Islamabad’s control," he said. Separately, Sinha said he hoped "better sense" would prevail and Pakistan would reciprocate India’s granting of most favoured nation trading status, saying Islamabad’s resistance on the issue went against agreements of the World Trade Organisation and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. Pakistan has linked the granting of such trade rights to India to progress on bilateral issues, particularly Kashmir.
VHP cautions BJP-led NDA govt
Thursday, July 10, 2003
Kozhikode: Making its stand clear on going ahead with constructing a temple at the disputed site at Ayodhya, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad has cautioned the BJP-led NDA Government not to take its support for granted if it failed to "toe its line" on the issue. "We will support any political party that will support the Hindu agenda and favour construction of Ram temple at Ayodhya", VHP International Secretary, Pravin Togadia said addressing a public meeting here. Stating that the Ram temple movement would serve to change the political leadership in India, he said the temple construction would also ultimately lead to 'Ram raj'. "Any political party, including the BJP, which opposes this will not get our support", he said. "India is a country of Hindus and we can't tolerate Islamic fundamentalism anymore", Togadia said, referring to the Godhra incident in Gujarat and the recent Marad carnage in Kerala.
India rules out US deal on Iraqi oil
Thursday, July 10, 2003
India today categorically ruled out any quid pro quo arrangement with US for securing Iraqi crude oil supplies in exchange of sending troops to Baghdad and said Iraqi oil was not critically important for the country. "There is no quid pro quo at all," External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha said when asked if India would send its troops to Iraq in exchange of oil from Baghdad. "We have not yet taken any decision. The decision will be taken in the larger national interest and the interest of Iraqi people," he said. Sinha said Iraqi crude, before the war, constituted a very small percentage of India's total crude oil import. "We will prefer Iraq to export oil but as far as we are concerned it is not critically important to us," he added. Before the war, India was processing at least one Very Large Crude Carrier of Basrah light crude. (One VLCC usually carries about two million barrels). New Delhi, which imported about 3 million tonnes of Iraqi crude in 2002 -- constituting about 4 per cent of total imports, is seeking a similar quantity from the new administration in Baghdad on term contract basis. It has met the shortfall of crude oil from Iraq this fiscal by importing higher quantities from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia -- taking an extra four million barrels from Kuwait in April-May and an additional three million barrels from Saudi Arabia.
Maruti mesmerises markets
Thursday, July 10, 2003
Mumbai, July 9: It was Maruti’s day out in a dreary session as its share returned 25 per cent the moment it took off. By the time the country’s largest car-maker hit the finishing line on Dalal Street and NSE, it was quoting 31.2 per cent higher over its cut-off price of Rs 125. Along the way, it went past a key milestone: the highest volume ever notched up by a share in its debut run. The stock roared off the blocks on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) at an attractive premium of 25.6 per cent, at Rs 157. Its maiden tryst with the secondary market ended at Rs 164.05 in deals worth Rs 267.07 crore. In all, 1.6 crore shares changed hands, and accounted for almost 13 per cent of BSE’s volume. On the NSE, volumes hovered around Rs 583.55 crore, taking the combined tally to an eye-popping Rs 850.62 crore. At the listing ceremony in the convention hall of Jeejebhoy Towers, Maruti chief Jagdish Khattar hit the gong at 9.55 am much like the way NYSE begins its day. Maruti is always expected to discharge a larger role, which benefits the nation and society. Whether it is in developing the Indian car industry or reviving the primary market or providing a boost to disinvestment, Maruti is called on to play a role beyond its immediate interest. That is our privilege. And, a responsibility as a leader, he told brokers, employees and merchant bankers jostling for space in the cavernous Rotunda Hall. The sizzling debut will embolden a government that is keen to ensure that other state-owned companies heading for selloff also get a good reception when their initial public offers hit the markets. Nalco, HOCL, National Fertilisers and RCF are among those on the list. Delighted with the response to Maruti Udyog shares on the first day of its listing on BSE and NSE, disinvestment minister Arun Shourie said in New Delhi that investors would be well rewarded for their confidence in the enterprise. I believe with the success of the Maruti issue, we have another reason to be proud. It is the moment for India today all over the world, Shourie said. Asserting that the response to MUL public offer had vindicated the government’s position regarding disinvestment through strategic route, he said, in Maruti, there was a strategic partner (Suzuki) and it had a majority holding. When the IPO happened Suzuki had a 54 per cent stake. Investors had faith in the strategic investor and that is why the flotation has succeeded. The flotation is also expected to provide the spark for a retail resurgence. Uday Kotak, whose company managed the largest issue to have unspooled in four years, said Maruti’s spectacular show revives boom-era visions of small investors swarming the trading floor. Kotak lauded the government for having pulled off the Maruti stake-sale with minimum fuss, especially disinvestment minister Arun Shourie and Sebi, for seeing the initial public offer (IPO) through its choppy course. The issue was oversubscribed 10 times, at an issue price of Rs 125 Rs 10 more than the floor-price of Rs 115. Tepid markets The Maruti scorcher came on a day when the markets appeared in a correction mode, ahead of Infosys’ results on Thursday that could swing stocks either way. The BSE sensex was off 8.89 points at its close of 3620.79, while the NSE’s Nifty ended 4.85 points lower at 1141.05. The 30-share sensex is still up 23.8 per cent from its six-month low plumbed in the last week of April.
Sonia for secular coalition
Thursday, July 10, 2003
SHIMLA: Shedding its antipathy to running a coalition government at the Centre, the Congress today gave a call for secular parties to evolve a joint electoral strategy to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party in the next Lok Sabha elections and bring India back on the path of progress. At the same time, the party threw up adequate hints that such a coalition would be headed by Mrs Sonia Gandhi. Stopping short of supporting the concept of a second front, Congress president Sonia Gandhi harped on the pro-coalition formulation adopted at the party's Bangalore plenary session two years ago but asserted that secular parties should reciprocate her gesture by assisting the Congress to evolve a strategy to take on the communal forces. Many eyebrows were raised when the `Shimla Sankalp', adopted unanimously, had no reference to coalitions but the party presi- dent made good by making extensive and favourable remarks on the issue in her valedictory speech. Sankalp is the party's ideology but coalitions and electoral adjustments are part of its electoral strategy. Therefore there was no reference to it in the resolve, explained a senior Con- gress leader. ``We cannot commit on a front since the poten- tial allies at the Centre - the Left parties - have a problem in West Bengal, Kerala and Tripura where Congress is their principle opponent but they are more than our allies in the fight against the BJP'', the leader said. Though the Sankalp skirted the issue of coalitions, it spelt out the party's resolve to form a government under the leadership of Mrs Gandhi and asked all progressive thinking political movements and institutions to join this endeavour. The Congress president also avoided the issue of a Pre-poll or post-poll alliance to facilitate flexibility in negotiations. The party has an understanding with the left at the national level, has forged an alliance with the Rashtriya Janata dal in Bihar, the Nationalist congress party in Maharashtra. Also, an alliance with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in Tamil Nadu is probable and desirable but they have to formally desert the NDA. Mulayam Singh Yadav is the potential ally of the party in Uttar Pradesh notwithstanding the opposition from a section of the state unit, the leader explained giving ample indications that alliance would be limited and focussed, based on policies and programmes. Described as a political charter, the 14 point Sankalp, adopted at the end of the three-day brainstorming session, prepares the party to face the Lok Sabha polls, scheduled to be held next year. It starts with the pronouncement that the party stands fully prepared and ready to face the national elections at any time. United News of India
Preity Zinta
Thursday, July 10, 2003
MUMBAI: Preity Zinta stands out not only for her free, happy-go-lucky persona but also for her insistence on certain value-based preconditions in her films. "I'd rather not work with a director who doesn't give me a script beforehand," Preity told on the sets of "Kal Ho Na Ho", produced by Karan Johar, in which she's once again playing a very unusual role opposite Shah Rukh Khan. "I don't mean to question the director's authority by asking for a script. I want it just so that I could do my homework and be fully prepared before coming on the sets. "I've been brought up in an atmosphere where girls are taught to think for themselves. It's therefore very essential for me to do progressive cinema." Right now Preity has only three films on hand. She describes Rakesh Roshan's "Koi Mil Gaya" as a "very special film, the world's first science-fiction musical" which is complete and ready for release. The other two, debutant director Nikhil Advani's "Kal Ho Na Ho" and Farhan Akhtar's "Laqshya", are under production. "There have been lots of times when I've said no to seemingly lucrative offers. I've been told what a fool I am. But I'd rather go by convictions. This is me, and I've to be true to myself. I've to be comfortable with what I do. "When I become old I want my children and grandchildren to look proudly at my body of work. Imagine my kids turning to me and saying, 'Oh god! Why did you do that?' It's important for an actor to set the right example. "If there's a scene where a man is shown hitting the girl, I gently point out to the director that he's glorifying domestic violence. There're hundreds of inoffensive ways of conveying an offensive truth." The spirited actress, who says she'd never get romantically involved with any of her co-stars, considers "Dil Chahta Hai" a turning point for Indian cinema and for her as an actress. "The Indian contemporary youth was shown in an authentic light for the first time. Suppose in 2020 people ask me what was it like when I was young, I can show them 'Dil Chahta Hai'. As an actress the film showed me as something other than the chirpy, bubbly all-over-the-place girl that I'm known to be. "In real life I'm a happy-go-lucky chatterbox. Thankfully I'm doing roles other than that. I recently played Sonia Kapoor in Honey Irani's 'Armaan'. And she was quite a... excuse the language... bitch. "I was initially a little awkward playing her. But later I was quite relieved. In real life I've to be very careful about my behaviour. Here I had a chance to let myself go!" Preity was in the news last year for testifying against the underworld. She says she did it because it seemed like the right thing to do. "There are times when you've to do things not to prove anything to others but to yourself. I thought it was about time someone stood up to speak against what's bothering the film industry." But the doughty actress felt betrayed by the way her court appearance was made public. "The trial was supposed to be behind closed doors in-camera and in complete secrecy. No one was supposed to know anything about it except the lawyers. "But before I got into my car and reached the venue it was all over the television channels. The crime branch had to withdraw all the news items from television. But by then everyone already knew about it. It made me think about this country's judiciary. What if some small-town girl was testifying against a goon? She'd have been finished! "The whole experience made me angry. For the first time it made me think that I should go into politics, so I could make a difference to our social system." But, she says, she's content with her career in Hindi movies. And she sees no reason to do crossover films either. "For me cinema is cinema in any language. I've done two Telugu films. Isn't that a crossover for me? Right now I'm too tied up with my Hindi projects. I'm not going anywhere unless something really excites me."
'Saaya' a well-made Hollywood adaptation
Thursday, July 10, 2003
Film: "Saaya". Starring John Abraham, Tara Sharma, Mahima Chowdhary, Zohra Sehgal. Written by Amol Shetge. Directed by Anurag Basu. Amol Shetge takes credit for writing this musical version of Tom Shadyac's "Dragonfly" about life, death and the twilight zone in-between. Shetge needn't feel apologetic about his brazen cannibalisation. A few weeks ago Govind Menon claimed full credit for "Khwahish" where not just scenes and shots, but chunks of dialogues had been lifted from Eric Segal's novel "Love Story". At least "Saaya" re-works the original with the diligent sensitivity Shekhar Kapur displayed while making Erich Segal's "Man, Woman and Child" into "Masoom". But there's a difference. While Kapur transformed the original into something moving and magical, Shetge doesn't move away from "Dragonfly" by a fraction. All the characters realign themselves into debutant Anurag Basu's range of vision like a troop of battle-weary but still indefatigable soldiers. There's doctor Akaash Bhatnagar (John Abraham) pitching in bravely for Kevin Costner as the grieving widower who feels his dead wife Maya (Tara Sharma) is trying to reach out to him through their patients at a hospital (which, incidentally resembles one of Basu's sets from the soaps "Kyunkii Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi" or "Sanjeevani", just goes to prove you can take a director out of television but you can't take television out of a director). The film's slender supernatural storyline is neatly and at times sensitively stretched into two hours and more of a dulcet drama. One of the more engaging aspects of this concoction is the way the plot is motivated by the music. Anu Malik and M.M. Kreem's songs, Raju Khan's background music and new-poet Sayeed Quadri's poetry propel the grieving hero. A song sequence like "Aaj Khokar Tujhe Zinda Rehna Padaa" moves not just the audience but also the narration. If Tom Shadyac sees what music does to "Saaya", he might think about doing his "Dragonfly" all over again. Wish one could feel as enthusiastic about what the writer and director have done with the rest of Shadyac's narrative. Even characters like the nun who guides the hero or the tourist guide who helps him through thick jungles (the rain-ripped terrain of Brazil in the original is changed to Nagaland in Basu's film) are identical to "Dragonfly". While Zohra Sehgal is a twinkle-eyed delight as the nun, Raj Zutsi as the Naga guide is irritating. It's Mahima Chowdhary as the bereaved hero's neighbour (played by the immensely gifted Kathy Bates in the original) trying to smother her emotions in pragmatism who brings a luscious layer to the plot. The sequence in a shopping mall where she tells John to snap out of his mourning is crisply compelling. After playing the burnt-out horny lawyer in "Jism", John again plays an emotionally distraught character careening at the brink of self-destruction. The shirt is buttoned up most of the way. But the casual grace survives sartorial compulsions. John brings a sense of loss and disorientation without getting too deeply embroiled in his character's grief. Given the right roles, he could prove himself the new-generation Anil Kapoor. The attitude and humility are there -- shimmering eagerly under that picture-perfect personality. Tara Sharma makes a pretty scrubbed and wholesome ghost. Fortunately her personality is more Padmini Kolhapure than Bipasha Basu. This enables John and his director to go beyond "Jism", a little towards the soul. Some of the film's most watchable moments are shared between John and Mahima as they stroll across a fog-filled Delhi skyline. Cinematographer Fuwad Khan (of "Jism") captures the stained elegiac class of the widower's world with mollifying majesty. Akiv Ali's editing is precise, cutting across the protagonist's grief with such austerity that the tears freeze in their tracks. For those looking for an outpouring of widower grief, "Saaya" would prove disappointing. Anurag Basu prefers to hold back rather than let go. Restraint and good taste that are found in abundance would draw in the city audiences. But then they've probably seen it all already in "Dragonfly". Except for Shetge's directorial debut "Gunaah", the Bhatts have never produced anything but Hollywood adaptations. "Saaya" isn't a bad film. It's just unoriginal.
Priyadarshan is back with hilarious 'Hungama'
Thursday, July 10, 2003
Director: Priyadarshan Cast: Akshaye Khanna, Aftaab Shivdasani, Paresh Rawal, Rimi Sen Priyadarshan is back with another comedy called Hungama. Remember the Hera Pheri and Yeh Tera Ghar Mera Ghar? This one's also a hilarious confusion. The Hungama beings when Anjali (newcomer Rimi Sen), who comes to Mumbai in search of a better life, meets Aftab, also a newcomer to the city with the same purpose. Then, a milkman tells then they can own a nice house if the pose as husband and wife in front of the owner. Anjali meets Paresh Rawal for a job, whose wife's name is also Anjali. Akshaye is an electrician and working at Paresh's home. There he meets Anjali and falls in love with her but under the impression that Anjali is Paresh's daughter. In order to get a job, Anjali repeatedly visits Akshaye during his time of repairs with Paresh. This makes Paresh's wife, also Anjali, think that she is having an affair with her husband. On the other hand Akshaye's frequent visit make Paresh believe that his wife is having an affair with him. Amidst all the chaos, Aftab falls madly in love with Anjali. So, what happens at the end of all the hungama? They sort things out.
'Pinjar' portrays triumph of love and humanity
Thursday, July 10, 2003
Director : Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi Cast : Urmila Matondkar, Manoj Bajpai, Sanjay Suri, Sandali Sinha Pinjar is Urmila's next project after Bhoot. It is directed by Dr Chandrapraksah Dwivedi and is based on a novel by Amrita Pritam of the same name. Dr Dwivedi chanced upon the this novel during his research for a post-partition project. Pinjar is about the triumph of love and humanity at a time when communal harted reached a peak - the Partition during 1947. Puro (Urmila Matondkar) is raped due to communal reasons. Ramchand (Sanjay Suri) was a rich man in undivided India but he becomes a refugee after Partition. Newly wedded Lajo's (Sandali Sinha) life turns topsy-turvy with the Partition. Priyanshu Chatterjee is Trilok, who is torn between relationships within the family. The USP of the film, according to the director, is that unlike other Partition-based films, it is entirely and utterly about the Partition. Music of the film is composed by Uttam Singh and the lyrics are written by Gulzar.
Work is my only passion right now -Rani
Thursday, July 10, 2003
MUMBAI: She plays the disgruntled wife in two of her simultaneous hits. But that hasn't stopped Rani Mukherjee from searching for Mr. Right! She says Shaad Ali's "Saathiya" and Aziz Mirza's "Chalte Chalte" are the beginning of a journey. "I feel filmmakers are more open to casting me in unusual roles. I want to work with directors who aren't just gifted but also easy for me get along with," Rani told in an interview. "I'm getting challenging roles. But I'm nervous about tackling them. Why can't I get easier roles to play? Because the truth is, I'm not as talented as people think. There! The secret is out," she jokes. Rani jokes that her career is only a pretext for her to find the right soul mate. "At times I feel I need to settle down. I'm a very family-oriented person. I'm right now peeping from a window trying to search for a man for myself. "All this role-searching is only an excuse to find a man for myself. But I don't know whether I can give up my work to be a wife. I've been working since I was 16, and I've known no other life." Easygoing and hassle-free Rani is everyone's favourite. "I don't want to say any unkind things about anyone. So I suppose no one has anything negative to say about me. "They leave me alone. Work is my only passion right now. I've struggled hard to get where I am. For me, even owning my first car was a big event." Having replaced Aishwarya Rai in "Chalte Chalte" -- the latter was dropped after a few days of shooting when Salman Khan barged into the set -- it was a special challenge for Rani to look the part of a Greece-born elite woman of the world. "From the word go 'Chalte Chalte' required me to look ultra-glamorous. I had to be sophisticated and upmarket. And that isn't easy when you've to stand up to a co-star like Shah Rukh Khan. "But if glamour isn't required I won't use any makeup. If you look your part half your battle is won." Interestingly, the role was originally offered to Rani who had said no, ostensibly because she was already cast as the disgruntled wife in "Saathiya". "I never refused it. There were date hassles. 'Chalte Chalte' was a script I had heard and loved long before 'Saathiya' when Shah Rukh was still shooting for his earlier production, 'Asoka', and I was shooting for 'Chori Chori Chupke Chupke'. "When Shah Rukh finally got down to making 'Chalte Chalte', Aishwarya was in the lead. When for some reason she couldn't do it he came back to me and asked me to do it. Since there was no reason to say no, and I anyway liked the script, I did 'Chalte Chalte'. "As for the role being similar to 'Saathiya', hello? Just because both have a married couple in it? In that case would you say two love stories like 'Maine Pyar Kiya' and 'Bobby' are identical?" As for taking the role from Aishwarya, she says: "I don't know why the press is pitching us against each other. I'm only interested in doing my work. Gossip isn't a part of my existence at all. I feel it creates a lot of negative energy around me." After the glamorous wife in "Chalte Chalte", she goes back to playing a naturalistic makeup-less character in neo-realistic director Sudhir Mishra's "Calcutta Mail". "In my next release, 'Calcutta Mail', I play a novelist who leads a dual life -- one as herself and the other is the character she has invented. "Again I'll be without makeup. So the contrast with 'Chalte Chalte' will be quite noticeable."
Chaos reigns as Amarnath Yatra begins
Wednesday, July 9, 2003
Jammu, July 9 The annual Amarnath pilgrimage got under way Wednesday morning with the first lot of 3,500 devotees leaving for the Himalayan cave shrine from the Maulana Azad Memorial stadium here amid confusion and chaos. Charges of police harassment and protests by the pilgrims delayed the start by over two hours and the group left at 6 a.m. instead of 4 a.m. Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Works Madan Lal flagged off the pilgrims. The simmering discontent against repeated frisking and police high-handedness climaxed in protest demonstrations in the stadium after registered pilgrims were stopped from boarding the buses headed towards Amarnath -- the cave shrine containing a natural ice formation that is seen as an icon of Hindu god Shiva. Amidst chants of "Har Har Mahadev", or hail Lord Shiva, pilgrims staged demonstrations and raised slogans against the state police for what they termed "sheer mismanagement". The devotees also staged sit-ins in front of the stadium gate demanding that all registered pilgrims for the day be allowed to leave. Ashwani Kumat, leader of the Punjab unit of the Shiv Sena, was reportedly beaten by policemen when he insisted on boarding the bus. He protested that elderly women had been denied permission to get on to the bus. Amidst the confusion the first batch departed, with those left behind cursing the administration for mismanaging the entire affair. The rains made matters worse. Devotees who had come from all over the country complained that there was no arrangement for food and shelter inside the stadium. There was only one water tap in the entire place. With the administration barring free kitchens, some pilgrims said they ate their last meal Tuesday morning when they entered the stadium. Deputy Commissioner Pawan Kotwal, the only senior police officer seen at the start of the pilgrimage, said the pilgrims were not behaving in a "disciplined fashion and were causing problems". Reacting to the allegations made by the pilgrims, he said they were "making unnecessary demands". Kotwal denied that registered pilgrims were being barred from boarding the vehicles for the journey. The government has already registered 120,000 pilgrims. The annual pilgrimage to the Amarnath shrine in south Kashmir, about 150 km south of Srinagar, is an arduous trek. It is covered by road from Jammu to Pahalgam, the base camp. Thereafter, devotees have to make a 46 km trek in the Himalayan heights through glaciers and high passes before reaching the cave. The pilgrimage lasts for over a month. It concludes on the day of Sharavn Purnima - the day Hindus celebrate as Raksha Bandhan, when brothers vow to protect their sisters.
Naidu meets PM, rejects VHP demand
Wednesday, July 9, 2003
Naidu meets PM, rejects VHP demand for Vajpayee's resignation New Delhi,Tuesday, July 08, 2003: In the midst of Sangh Parivar's stridency on Ayodhya issue, the BJP tonight rejected the VHP demand for resignation of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on the Ayodhya issue saying there was no basis for it. "This is a baseless demand. There is no question of acceptint it," BJP President M Venkaiah Naidu told reporters here after a meeting in which the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani and Finance Minister Jaswant Singh participated to discuss the agenda for the BJP national executive meeting to be held in Raipur later this month. He said the Prime Minister is BJP's leader as also the leader of NDA and the people of the country and there was no question of accepting the demand. Naidu said the Ayodhya issue was not discussed in the meeting. The agenda for the Raipur national executive and issues like sugarcane price and farmers' crop insurance scheme came up. He said BJP favoured construction of Ram temple and it can be done either through negotiations among the concerned communities or court order or legislation, "As BJP does not have a majority in Parliament, it will be not be possible to resolve it through legislation," the BJP chief said. 21:41 IST
Bring legislation on temple or quit: VHP
Wednesday, July 9, 2003
New Delhi,Tuesday, July 08, 2003: Irked over the Muslim Personal Law Board's rejection of the Kanchi Seer's proposal to solve the vexed Ayodhya issue, Vishwa Hindu Parishad today threatened to launch a massive agitation to force the Government to either bring in a legislation to facilitate temple construction or step down. "The Government should either bring in a legislation or quit. If necessary, a massive movement would be launched," VHP Senior Vice-President Acharya Giriraj Kishore said here. Asked whether VHP wanted the entire Government to quit or wanted only the Prime Minister to step down, he said, "we are dissatisfied with the entire Government. We will only tell the Head (of the Government) to quit." To a question whether VHP favoured Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani assuming the leadership, Kishore said, "Advani took the movement forward but now he is not doing anything." On the BJP's plea that it lacked sufficient numbers to bring in a legislation declaring both the disputed and undisputed land in Ayodhya as 'Ram Janambhoomi' as desired by VHP, he said, "they could do it the way they passed POTA (by calling a joint session)." He announced that the high-powered panel of the Ram Mandir Nirman Andolan Samiti would meet here on July 11 to decide on the future course of action. Kishore said VHP would reach out to two lakh villages across the country from July 13 to October two and tie 'Sankalp Sutras' (resolution bracelets) among people to create a conducive atmosphere for the construction of the Ram temple.
Troops to Iraq considering all aspects
Wednesday, July 9, 2003
Troops to Iraq only after considering all aspects: Sinha New Delhi,Tuesday, July 08, 2003: India today said a decision on the United States request to send its troops to Iraq would be taken after considering "all aspects". "No decision has been taken on sending Indian troops to Iraq. It would be taken after considering all aspects," External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha told a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee attached to his Ministry. Sinha was responding to questions from MPs on Washington's request to despatch a division strength of about 16,000 to 18,000 troops to the war-ravaged country. 20:06 IST
20 companies on Forbes list
Wednesday, July 9, 2003
Twenty Indian companies figure on Forbes list of top companies New York,Tuesday, July 08, 2003: Twenty Indian companies, including State Bank, Reliance Industries, Indian Oil and Oil and Natural Gas, make to the Forbes list of top 2000 companies worldwide for 2003. In the ranking based on sales, profits, assets and market value, State Bank tops among the Indian companies with an impressive ranking of 268 among the 2000 followed by Reliance which is placed 306 in the overall list. Indian Oil at 325 and Oil Natural Gas at 351 are third and fourth among the Indian companies. Other Indian companies (with overall ranking in brackets) which make to the list include ICIC (907), Bharat Petroleum (956), Hindustan Lever (1019), Hindustan Petroleum (1091), Bank of India (1313), Bank of Baroda (1344), ITC (1352) and Canara Bank (1365). Gail India (1370), software giant Infosys Technologies (1397), Industrial Development Bank of India (1403), Wipro (1430), Punjab National Bank (1431), Housing Development Finance (1550), Mahanagar Telephone Nigam (1680) and Ranbaxy Laboratories (1800) also make to the coveted list. 12:12 IST
Ganguly hopes to lead India to the Cup title in 2007
Wednesday, July 9, 2003
Kolkata,Tuesday, July 08, 2003: Three years into his stint as Indian cricket skipper, Sourav Ganguly today said he was enjoying his role, and hoping to lead India to the title in the next World Cup in 2007. "We would have loved to win the 2003 World Cup. But it was not to be, though we made it to the final. Now, we will give it a try in 2007," Ganguly said here. Ganguly said most of those doing national duty now, would in probability be around when India embark on their Caribbean trip for the next edition of the quadrennial showpiece. "Considering the age of the current team members, I don't think many of them will miss the next World Cup," Ganguly told 'Aaj Tak' news channel. Looking back at his captaincy record with satisfaction, Ganguly said "I'm enjoying my stint as skipper. When I took over, most of these guys were very young. I think the selectors must be happy at the way the boys have come up". Ganguly, however, admitted that at times the goings have been tough. "Sometimes it was hard. But then when you are at the helm of a national side, that's how things are bound to be". 20:06 IST
Kareena Kapoor
Wednesday, July 9, 2003
When J.P.Dutta launched her with "Refugee", she was termed as nothing exceptional. Well 3 and half years down the line and a long list of films with all the best and most popular filmmakers in Bollywood, Kareena is certainly someone you can't write off. On the eve of the release of Sooraj R. Barjatya's "Main Prem Ki Diwani Hun" (MPKDH), she spoke exclusively to Rajan Patel about movies, life and much more : Q. How did you get "MPKDH"? A.Our association with Rajshri's goes down a long way, because Karisma worked with Soorajji in "Hum Saath Saath Hain". So occasionally, I used to drop in on the sets. I use to be 16 then. Soorajji use to keep watching me - soorajji's father Raj Babu had then told me that "Sooraj will make a film with you after 6 years" I was like Ya wow! Really I couldn't believe it. Well it happened one fine day, I was shooting in London with Subhash Ghai for "Yaadein" and at that time Soorajji called me up and said that he had script and said "I have written the script keeping you in mind for the girl. The girl is the protagonist, as you see the whole thing (Film) is based around the girl's point of view". That was it, I was in the film. Q. How have you evolved as an actress over the years? How do you feel about your career growth? A. With age, everyone tends to grow. I was also very immature when I joined films. One matures with time and with experiences that they go through -- through heart breaks, hurt, pains, could be professional or personal heart breaks, you tend to use all these experiences to become a better person. It helps you to become a better actress and stronger actress. I think my career growth has been I can't help it if people touted me as the next big thing, I cannot help it.. I came from that family background and I had a sister at home like Karisma. I got all the big banner films -- god has been very kind to me, things came too fast and automatically when my films didn't do too well the press got on to the bandwagon, "now that oh! Look at her she thinks she is too great", but I never ever thought that. I was always thankful to god that I got so much. After I walked out of "Kaho Na Pyar Hai" atleast I got a film. I couldn't help it if Subhash Ghai wanted to caste me in his film. I had to say "Yes" now how am I supposed to know if the fate of the film will do well or not. Q. When did the acting bug bite you? A. I realized, I wanted to be an actress from the day I was "out" in hospital. I think instead of the word mom, I said the word "films". For me I sleep, drink, and eat films. Q. Have your performances always depended on the quality of the director? A. Definitely! I think all actors should let themselves flow with the director because there is no one who knows better than the director, as he is the captain of the ship. Its like Titanic, the director goes wrong..the ship sinks. Q. So if the "ship sinks" does the director take all the discredit? A. Absolutely, we actors are completely, mere puppets. Like I said, I owe all my good performances to my directors be it in "Refugee", "Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hain", "Asoka", or "K3G". I give all my credit to directors and rightly so in "MPKDH" because there is no one better than Mr. Barjatya himself who knows his characters. He worked on his film for four years. Q. Who are the directors that you vibe best with? Is there any difference between the elder director and the younger ones? A. I think in the last 15 years, I am the only heroine who has worked with every director, other actresses have worked with some big film makers and whatever but I have worked with J.P. Dutta, Satish Kaushik, Abbas Mustan, Santosh Sivan, Sooraj Barjatya, Karan Johar, Yash Chopra --- just name it, Subhash Ghai, now Mani Ratnam, Govind Nihalani, and Dharmesh Darshan (she rattles of this list). Q. How best have you taken the advantage of working with the above directors? A. I have picked up every ones USP. Look at my performances, which is so different in a "Refugee" and like "Pooh" in K3G. Its only thanks to the director. Q.It is public knowledge that " Pooh" (Pooja from K3G) is the real Kareena? A. MNot at all (vehemently denies it), I don't think so in fact you can ask Karan (Johar), I came across as it could be real but... . I did ask you in a positive manner? A. The character was only positive, it was so cute, there was nothing wrong with the girl she was dumb. Q.So how different are you from " Pooh" then? (I probe more) A. I am very different.. Like now, I had to paint my nails because I had this interview. I didn't want people to think that I bite my nails. Because I am constantly chewing my nails, my mom said to get it done so I did it. I use to fight with Karan ( on the sets of K3G) as to "why are you making me comb my hair, do my lipstick". Pooh had to be a very "hoity -toity" girl, it was a big torture. I just followed whatever Karan did. He used to act every shot out for me and I use to just follow it over. Q. A lot of films today are made with an international context (cross over cinema) what do you think about cross over cinema? A. I don't believe in this word, "crossover". See, I think I am the only girl who doesn't believe in that there is nothing known as cross over cinema. Steven Spielberg is not coming here to sign us. Q. If hypothetically a top Hollywood director was to sign you? A. If Steven Spielberg is signing me I will do it why shouldn't I? (She covers up for her above statement). I don't want to do a film with C or D grade film producer or director who comes from Hollywood and who is claiming that he is done a project. I am very happy doing Hindi films. Acting and dancing around the trees is my passion and I want to do that, that's our (pauses) ultimately the films that has run is "Andaaz" which is a commercial film. Is Julia Roberts coming to work with Sooraj Barjatya? It looks so weird our Hindi films actresses talking in that fancy lingo and that accent. An Indian will always be put at back in an English film. Why like that? I think Indians are equal to anybody else and our Hindi filmmakers look at Sooraj Barjatya and Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Our films have made it to the Oscars. " Devdas" and "Lagaan" have made it to the Oscars, so why should we put ourselves down and why should we be pranced about in a bikini for what? That's definitely not right and I feel that I am very happy being in a Hindi film industry. Its just been 3 and half years here since I joined. Maybe in about 5 or 6 years if Steven Spielberg decides to caste me, otherwise I will be very happy working with Sooraj Barjatya and Karan Johar and these kinds of makers. If you and Karisma were approached with the same script how would your individual approaches be?? Well Karisma is very thoughtful and she thinks before she does things. She is more mellow, whereas I am very impulsive. Before I hear the ending of the script, I might decide to do film. This is what makes us two sides of the same coin its nice, if we both were the same and have same approach in life in the same manner, then it would just be so boring (Smiles). If you and your sister were to do a film together how would it work out? I would love to do a "Banger Sisters", if someone has the guts to make it. It would be fun and I would like to play Goldie Hawn. I really like the film and want someone to make it. http://www.absoluteshop.com/Movies/
Oops for Cinemaya Festival
Wednesday, July 9, 2003
Actor turned director/producer, Deepak Tijoris Oops has been selected to be featured in the Cinemaya Asian film festival. The festival starts on July 18th and ends on July 29th. Oops which was slated for an earlier release has been postponed with the above in mind. The hinghlish flick based on the life of male strippers stars Adaysha, Mita Vashisht and others. The other movie selected for this same festival is Tutu Sharmas Paanch. Directed by Anurag Kashyap, starring Tejaswini Kholapure. http://moviesabsolute.com/
Jhankaar Beats
Wednesday, July 9, 2003
Pritish Nandy Communications' JHANKAAR BEATS, written-directed by Sujoy Ghosh, is nothing short of an experiment. The film has no story worth mentioning as such - it relies purely on treatment. JHANKAAR BEATS is about three couples, each in a different stage of their personal relationship. Deep [Sanjay Suri] and Rishi [Rahul Bose] are advertising executives by day and musicians by night. Their sole ambition is to win 'Jhankaar Beats' [J.B.], a competition that they have lost for the past two years. Deep is happily married to Shanti [Juhi Chawla] and has a daughter Muskaan. Shanti is expecting yet again and to look after her during her pregnancy, her mother [Shashikala] is coming to stay with them. Rishi, the quintessential brat, is in the midst of a bitter divorce with Nicki [Rinke Khanna]. In their [Deep and Rishi] lives comes Neel [Shayan Munshi], the son of Deep and Rishi's boss. Neel is in love with Preeti [Riya Sen], but doesn't have the courage to tell her so. JHANKAAR BEATS tell the story of three men with one common dream, coping with successes and failures and facing life with a smile on their face. First-time director Sujoy Ghosh has merged romance and humour and tried to present it in a format that's different from the formula-ridden stuff, in terms of storytelling and also editing. But what could've been a thoroughly enjoyable fare ends up as a half-baked product. Reasons? There are plenty - One, since the title of the film is JHANKAAR BEATS and there's reference to J.B. time and again in the narrative, so much so that the relationship of the two protagonists with their respective wives go through ups and downs due to it, director Sujoy Ghosh should've stressed on the fact that J.B. is a mega event/music competition and that it holds tremendous value for the two singers. An ordinary cinegoer, so used to spoon-feeding, will find it difficult to comprehend what J.B. is all about. Two, the story vacillates between the personal lives of the three male characters and the music competition, plus the ad campaign. But barring the Sanjay Suri - Juhi Chawla part, neither the Rahul Bose - Rinke Khanna story, nor the Shayan Munshi - Riya Sen affair comes across effectively. In fact, the Sanjay - Juhi relationship is the only aspect that really manages to keep the interest alive, while the Rahul - Rinke on-the-rocks marriage looks amateurish. The reasons that compel Rinke to seek divorce are feeble. Even the Shayan - Riya love story is least convincing. Without doubt, this is the weakest link of the enterprise - in terms of scripting as well as the interpretation by the actors. Besides a slipshod screenplay, the film also suffers in the music department [Vishal - Shekhar]. Since the film is all about music and pays homage to R.D. Burman, one expects the music to be of superior quality. In this case, although a couple of songs are tuneful ['Suno Na' and 'Tu Aashiqui Hai'], they do precious little to elevate the proceedings. In fact, the picturisation of 'Tu Aashiqui Hai' in the church looks completely out of place! Another aspect that would restrict the film's appeal to a major extent is the usage of English language in dialogues. Had it been a sentence or two in English, it could've been understandable, but in this case, important sequences of the film are in English - in fact, it makes you wonder whether you're watching a Hindi film or an English film starring Indian actors. Yet, despite the shortcomings, there's no denying that Sujoy Ghosh surprises you as a director. His handling of individual sequences is what sustains the viewer's interest. His handling of the emotional moments in the film as well as some light-hearted scenes proves that he is capable of delivering better stuff provided he gets a good script. Another aspect that deserves full marks is the dialogue [Milap Zaveri, Sujoy Ghosh, Suresh Nair], which has a feel of today. Witty and easy on the ears, the dialogue enhance the impact of several sequences. They are simply excellent. Cinematography [Mazhar Kamran] is consistent. The editing is another aspect that deserves to be noted. Ditto for the sound quality [Dwarak Warrier], which is of top class quality. Of the cast, Sanjay Suri and Rahul Bose are the best. Both are natural to the core, especially Rahul who's very likeable. Juhi Chawla is a treat to watch. Her performance is truly an asset. Rinke Khanna is first-rate. However, one misses her presence in the second half. Shayan Munshi needs to work on his overall appearance and performance. Riya Sen is wooden. Amongst character artists, Archana Puransingh and Dinyar Contractor stand out. Vijayendra Ghatge, Shashikala and Parmeet Sethi lend average support. On the whole, JHANKAAR BEATS has a few interesting moments but not enough to register an impression. At best, the film will appeal to a select few in metros, with its business prospects looking brighter at multiplexes mainly. Rating:- * 1/2. More bollywood masala at IndiaFM
IOC the only Indian firm in Fortune 500 list of global majors
Tuesday, July 8, 2003
New Delhi,Monday, July 07, 2003: Indian Oil Corporation remains the only Indian firm in the Fortune 500 list of global majors and has improved its rank this year to 191 from 226 previously. The state-run refiner with revenues of 22,506.2 million dollars is ranked ahead of Malaysian Petronas (ranked 204), Korean LG International (205) and China Mobile Communications (230), the Fortune magazine announced today. For the second year running, Wal-Mart, the Arkansas-based retailer, tops the Fortune Global 500. General Motors (US) is at No. 2, Exxon Mobile (US) at No. 3, Royal Dutch/Shell Group (Nethernalnds/Britain) at No. 4, BP (Britain) at No. 5, Ford Motor (US) at No. 6, DaimlerChrysler (Germany) at No. 7, Toyota Motors (Japan) at No. 8, General Electric (US) at No. 9 and Mitsubishi at No. 10. The complete list appears in the July 21 issue of Fortune, available on news-stands on July 14, the magazine said in a statement here. This year, 116 Asian companies were ranked in the Global 500, with Japan (88 companies), South Korea (13 companies) and China (11 companies) leading the region. "Asian companies ranked in the Global 500 for the first time, include China Life Insurance (No. 290), Kookmin Bank (No. 330), Seiko Epson (No. 463) and Kawasaki Heavy Industries (No. 500)," Fortune said. 13:58 IST
India "disappointed" over Pak
Tuesday, July 8, 2003
India "disappointed" over Pak charge on Quetta blast New Delhi,Monday, July 07, 2003: India today voiced "surprise and disappointment" over Pakistan Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali's charge that its consulates in Afghanistan and in Iran were behind Friday's attack on a mosque in Quetta and termed it as "absolutely baseless". "Pakistani leaders have unfortunately, on several occasions, referred to imaginary activities of our Consulates General in Kandahar and Jalalabad (Afghanistan). "Motivated and completely inaccurate and baseless reports have appeared in the Pakistani media about the activities of non-existent local exmployees of our Consulates General," an External Affairs Ministry spokesman said when asked about Jamali's allegations. He said "India is firmly and strongly against terrorism anywhere and we do not believe it is justified by any cause". Asserting that India has no history of any such involvement, he said "any allegation that India is involved in the terrorist attack is absolutely baseless". Jamali after his return from riot-torn Quetta city yesterday said the mosque bombing could be a "fall out" of the new Indian consulates in Afghanistan and Iran. "We are surprised and disappointed by the Pakistan Prime Minister's extraneous references to Indian Consulates General in Afghanistan and Iran in the course of comments on the heinous terrorist attack on the Hazara Shias" at the mosque in Quetta, the spokesman said.
Cong ready for poll any time
Tuesday, July 8, 2003
Cong ready for poll any time but silent on alliances Shimla,Monday, July 07, 2003: Launching a broadside against Vajpayee government for its "all-round failure," Congress President Sonia Gandhi today asserted her party was ready to face Lok Sabha polls anytime but remained silent on the key issue of alliances. Setting the tone on the opening day of the three-day brainstorming session of senior party leaders here, Gandhi said the people were waiting to thrown out the "incompetent" BJP-led NDA government at the Centre and Congress was "fully prepared" for elections anytime and to "reclaim its rightful place at the Centre." In her 50-minute speech at the session, being held ahead of assembly polls in five states later this year and Lok Sabha elections, Gandhi sidestepped the crucial issue of alliances and highlighted Congress' progressing from strength to strength under her leadership in the last five years. The issue of alliance did come up at the session when a sub-group deliberated on the subject of the party's electoral preparedness. Party spokesman S Jaipal Reddy later told reporters that Congress was not averse to alliances while another senior leader Salman Khurshid quipped Gandhi's speech "subtly implied coalition of minds".
Kanchi keeps doors open, AIMPLB for initiative from other side
Tuesday, July 8, 2003
Kancheepuram/Lucknow,Monday, July 07, 2003: Virtually giving up his efforts to resolve the Ayodhya tangle for now, Kanchi Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswathi today said the doors were, however, open to Muslims for discussions but the All India Muslim Personal Law Board made it clear that it would not (not) take the initiative for a dialogue. A day after the Board rejected his proposals as not (not) being consistent with the honour and dignity of Muslims, the Shankaracharya told reporters in his Mutt that he has "completed" his task and would not (not) "interfere" in the affairs of Kashi and Mathura. "I have completed my task. I have no further plans but my doors shall always remain open, if the Muslims want to have discussions on the issue," the Pontiff said. In Lucknow, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) member Sajjad Nomani told the Board would not take any initiative for starting a dialogue now and any fresh move would again have to come from the "other side". "The Shankaracharya had initiated the (previous) move by coming over to meet the President of the Board Rabey Hasan Nadvi here and if he deems it proper, he may again make a fresh move with a proposal which could pave the way of resolution of the dispute," he said. Nomani, however, said any fresh formula would have to be "rational, reasonable, within the framework of the Indian Constitution and in accordance with the past resolutions of the Board. He and another member Zafaryab Jilani ruled out further talks on the rejected formula of the seer. 20:39 IST
Ganguly ready to give one back to Australia
Tuesday, July 8, 2003
Ganguly ready to give one back to Australia Kolkata,Monday, July 07, 2003: Skipper Sourav Ganguly today said his team will seek to exploit Australia's vulnerability on Indian tracks when the world champions come here for a triseries later this year. While conceding that Aussies are "mentally tough", Ganguly said India will be no pushovers either. "They are a good side. Mentally they are very strong. But the real battle will be fought on the 22 yards," he told newspersons here after a practice session he had wthe Bengal Ranji team. Refusing to subscribe to the view that his side would be under pressure playing against Australia in the tri-series, Ganguly said, "The Aussies must remember that they have not played well in India in recent times. They lost the Test series in India in 2000. If we happen to meet in the final of the triseries, they will have a battle at hand." Ganguly also said he did not agree with Aussie coach John Buchanan's recent remarks that his side had put India under mental pressure in the World Cup final. The Indian skipper revealed he had already started planning for the home fixtures against New Zealand and Australia as the contests would be tough and he would want to reach peak fitness level by that time. "The engagements will be tough. All three sides are good. We'll have good cricket," he said. India are scheduled to play two Test matches against New Zealand before taking part in a tri-series, which has Australia as the third team, in October-November 07072102 R NNNN zczc
Centre approves Rs seven cr package for Haridwar
Sunday, July 6, 2003
New Delhi,Sunday, July 06, 2003: Centre has approved a financial package of Rs seven crore for improving various tourist facilities at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar ahead of next year's Kumbh festival. This was decided at a high level meeting Tourism and Culture Minister Jagmohan had with senior tourism officials of Centre, Uttaranchal Government, Archaeological Survey of India, CPWD and HUDCO this week. Reviewing the tourist facilities during the Kumbh festival, which receives lakhs of pilgrims, Jagmohan directed the authorities to improve landscapping, beautification and repairing of ghats and chattris (canopies), Tourism Ministry sources said. The minister also directed the state government to prepare a plan for decongesting the banks of river Ganga at Rishikesh, another popular pilgrim spot in the state, and assured it that the Centre would provide financial assistance for the proposal, the sources said. 01:47 IST
Paramhans suffers heart attack
Sunday, July 6, 2003
Faizabad,Sunday, July 06, 2003: Ramjanmabhoomi Trust President Mahant Ramchandra Das Paramhans had a heart attack this morning at his ashram in Ayodhya and he was admitted in a heart care hospital in the city. The Mahant complained of dizziness in the early hours of today and was rushed to a heart care centre where a team of doctors are attending on him, sources said. Das had a heart attack earlier last month and he had to be airlifted to Lucknow where he was admitted in the Sanjay Gandhi PGI for almost a fortnight. Vishwa Hindu Parishad media in-charge Sharad Sharma told from Ayodhya that a team of heart specialists were being rushed to Faizabad from Lucknow. State BJP President Vinay Katiyar told in Lucknow that the Mahant could be shifted to the state capital after he was examined by the specialists. Meanwhile, senior civil and police officials have reached the hospital where the Mahant has been admitted. Police personnel had been delpoyed outside the hospital to control the surging crowd of devotees and visitors, sources here said. 01:47 IST
Asst driver killed, 22 injured as train derails in AP
Sunday, July 6, 2003
New Delhi,Sunday, July 06, 2003: An assistant driver was killed and 22 passengers injured when the engine and three coaches of Pakala-Bellary passenger train derailed near Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh in the wee hours today, a Railway Ministry spokesman said here. The train derailed between Madanpalle and Tummanagunta at around 2 A M in metre gauge section of Guntakal division under South Central Railway. Divisional Railway Manager and other officials have reached the spot and started rescue work, the spokesman said. A fish plate was found removed at the site, he said not ruling out any sabotage by extremists. 01:47 IST
Inflation takes U-turn, rises to 5.21 pc
Sunday, July 6, 2003
New Delhi,Sunday, July 06, 2003: Taking a U-turn after ticking the lowest figure of this fiscal in the previous week, inflation rose by 0.24 per cent to 5.21 per cent mark for the week ended June 21 due to skyrocketing prices of vegetables, fruits, tea and edible oils. The wholesale price Index (WPI) inflation, which soared from the week ago level of 4.97 per cent, was at its third lowest mark so far this fiscal, though prices of primary items and manufactured products kept rising, belying RBI'S hopes of stable price level and hitting hard the public. The index was 2.74 per cent during the year-ago period. WPI increased by 0.3 per cent to 173.8 points even as prices of domestic fuels remained unchanged, notwithstanding the steep fall in international markets, due largely to an unexpected steep rise in US stock of crude oil. The final WPI stood corrected at 173.7 points during the week ended April 26 as compared to the provisional level of 172.8 and final inflation was at 6.7 per cent as against the provisional figure of 6.14 per cent. The index of mass consumption Primary Articles'group was up by a sharp 0.7 per cent to 184.5 points due to steep price hike in food articles and moderate rise in non-food items. Food Articles' group index shot up nearly one per cent to 186.4 as prices rose for vegetables and eggs (three per cent), fruits and jowar (two per cent) and rice, wheat, ragi, arhar and condiments and spices (one per cent each), even as there was two per cent price fall in gram and one per cent in bajra. 01:47 IST
No compromise on Kashmir - Jamali
Friday, July 4, 2003
No compromise on Kashmir - Jamali London,Friday, July 04, 2003: Kashmir is the 'lifeline' of Pakistan and it will not compromise on it, Pakistani Premier Zafarullah Khan Jamali said today. "As far as I am concerned, Kashmir is the lifeline. It's not just a political issue; it's an economic issue too. It's lifeline as far as Pakistan is concerned and we have to keep that right in front of us and then decide," Jamali told the BBC World, in its programme 'Question Time Pakistan.' Stating that he would not compromise on principles, Jamali said "I am a person who does not compromise on principles. Issues, we can compromise on ... The major principle between India and Pakistan is Kashmir. That is the principle. On principle, you cannot compromise. On issues, you can." He, however, did not elaborate. According to a press release by BBC World, the programme is being telecast tonight. Expressing his wish to improve relations with India, Jamali said "We have to improve. Why should I have a hostile neighbour? A country that is stronger than us, a country that is bigger than us. These are the facts and we have to admit that." Replying to a question on New Delhi's claim that Pakistan is not stopping "cross-border infiltration", Jamali said: "They've been saying it for years and years. Pakistan has vast borders and with all the military might India has put on those borders, even then they are saying that we are still crossing over. Doesn't make sense at all," he claimed. 10:20 IST
Rupee scales over 29-month peak against USD in early trade
Friday, July 4, 2003
Rupee scales over 29-month peak against USD in early trade Mumbai,Friday, July 04, 2003: Robust trade and capital inflows drove the rupee sharply higher to an over 29-month peak against the US currency early today with sentiments remaining upbeat for further gains. Breaching the 46.40-dollar crucial level, the rupee shot up to Rs 46.35/36 per dollar in late morning deals, sharply higher from Thursday's finish of Rs 46.40/41. The rupee opened on a positive note at Rs 46.3950/4050 per dollar. The rupee climbed to a nearly 30-month peaks early today, propelled by strong dollar inflows from exporters and foreign funds with the corresponding demand from corporates and importers remaining negligible, a forex dealer said. However, the forex spot trade may turn subdued due to the US `Independence Day' holiday today, he added. In cross currency trades, the Euro was quoted at Rs 53.24/26, Pound Sterling at Rs 77.40/42 and Japanese Yen (100) at Rs 39.18/20.
Pak spy among three arrested in Jammu
Friday, July 4, 2003
Pak spy among three arrested in Jammu Jammu,Friday, July 04, 2003: A suspected Pakistani spy was among three persons arrested by Security forces in Jammu and Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir since last night, official sources said today. Alert BSF troops arrested a Pakistani intruder at Phadpur border out post near International Border (IB) in Samba sub-sector of Jammu district this morning, the sources said. The Pakistani youth has been sent for interrogation and is suspected to be a spy, the sources said. Besides, one Bangladeshi national, identified as Mohammad Aziz, was also arrested near IB in RS Pura this morning. Another militant named Saleem was arrested in Mendhar tehsil of Poonch district last night, the sources said. One militant hide-out was busted in Surankote in Poonch district last night and two IEDs, 70 round of AK and three radio sets were recovered, the sources said. 13:12 IST
Crucial RSS meet to begin on Saturday
Friday, July 4, 2003
Crucial RSS meet to begin on Saturday Kanyakumari,Friday, July 04, 2003: With the Vishwa Hindu Parishad directly taking on the Vajpayee government on the Ayodhya issue, the two-day working committee meeting of the RSS beginning here on Saturday is expected to be crucial with senior leaders scheduled to discuss major issues including Ayodhya and the current Indo-Pak peace initiatives. The 'Akhila Bharathiya Karyakarini Baithak' of the RSS would also approve this year's calendar of activities of the Sangh and the training programmes for swayamsevaks to be held at 80 centres in the country, the Sangh sources said. The new dimensions in Sino-Indian relations with the recent visit of Prime Minister A B Vajpayee to Beijing and 'the attacks on Hindu community' in states like Kerala, West Bengal and Assam would also come up for discussions at the conclave. The RSS meet also assumes significance in the context of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board's meet on July 6 to discuss the Kanchi Shankaracharya's suggestions to solve the vexed Ayodhya dispute. 11:43 IST
Vigilance Bureau continues raid on Badal properties
Friday, July 4, 2003
Chandigarh,Friday, July 04, 2003: In the midst of criticism that the Congress government was targeting Akali Dal chief, Punjab Vigilance Bureau continued its raids searching three different properties owned by the family of the former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal in connection with the disproportionate assets case registered against him. Searches were carried out in a petrol pump at Muktsar, a transport workshop at Dabwali and a building rented out to a bank in Killianwali, on the basis of search warrants issued by a Kharar court. The Bureau had already searched four properties in Punjab and Chandigarh which included a residential house and two showrooms in Chandigarh and a poultry farm near Kharar. The Vigilance Bureau had secured warrants to search 16 properties in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi. Coming out in defence of Badal, the Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani had on Thursday said "whatever is happening in Punjab is wrong, sheer intolerance against the Opposition and against the values of democracy." Punjab Chief Minister Amrinder Singh denied targeting any political rival and said the fight was against corruption.
Advani assails Punjab Govt raids against Badal
Thursday, July 3, 2003
In the wake of Akali Dal chief Prakash Singh Badal's unhappiness over NDA's "silence" towards Congress Government's alleged vendetta, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani today attacked the Amarinder Singh Government on the vigilance department raids targeting Badal and his family members, saying it was improper. "Whatever is happening in Punjab is wrong. This is sheer intolerance against the Opposition and is against the values of democracy," he told reporters after meeting several senior BJP and Akali Dal leaders here. Advani said the Congress Government in Punjab should realise that its actions were against the concept of federalism and it could not treat the Akali Dal, which was in power earlier, as its enemy. "In a democracy, no one in power should resort to any action with a feeling of revenge. There should be no illwill against a party in opposition as otherwise democracy and federalism will not be effective," the Deputy Prime Minister said. The BJP-Akali Dal delegation, which called on Advani at his North Block office, included Vijay Kumar Malhotra, Madan Lal Khurana and Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa. Advani said that the Vajpayee Government, since it came to power in 1998, had never resorted to any witch hunt against any politcal party or opposition Government. He said at present a large number of states were being ruled by opposition parties and the NDA Government at the Centre had cordial relations with all the states. "Governments go and come but the path of intolerance is not right," the Deputy prime Minsiter said. 13:38 IST
HC sets Aug 22 deadline for ASI to submit excavation report
Thursday, July 3, 2003
Rejecting Archaeological Survey of India's plea for three month extension to complete excavation in Ayodhya, the Lucknow Bench of Allahabad High Court today granted it five more weeks for the purpose and asked it to submit its final report by August 22. The bench comprising Justice Sudhir Narain, Justice S R Alam and Justice Bhanwar Singh gave ASI five weeks to complete excavation and two weeks to compile its report. The final report should be submitted on or before August 22, the court said. It also asked the ASI Dirtector General to depute within three days four additional superintending archaeologists to expedite the excavation work. The court said there was no need for the ASI to submit progress report and only the views expressed in its final report would be taken into consideration. The Sunni Central Waqf Board had objected to the views expressed by ASI in its progress reports submitted to the court since the excavation started on March 12 accusing it of "working on the diktats of its political masters in Delhi". The Board had also objected to ASI's plea for more time to complete excavation saying "it was without any congent reason". The ASI had on Tuesday pleaded the court to give it three more months from October to Decemeber to complete the digging in view of the approaching rainy season. 15:04 IST
MCC ultras set afire police station, kill three cops in Bihar
Thursday, July 3, 2003
Militants of the banned Maoist Communist Centre (MCC) set afire a police station before killing three policemen, one of them being burnt alive, and injuring seven others at Paraiya police station in Bihar's extremist-hit Gaya district late Wednesday night. According to police, the heavily armed MCC ultras stormed the police station to loot fire arms and fired indiscriminately killing Assistant Sub-Inspector Sitaram Singh and Constable Arjun Paswan on the spot. They locked Sub-Inspector Suresh Paswan in a room and torched the building burning him alive. The police station was gutted. They also set ablaze a police vehicle parked outside the police station and set on fire several documents and before escaping with four arms, including two rifles and a pistol. Inspector General (administration) Neelmani told before leaving for the spot, the injured cops were admitted at Magadh Medical College Hospital here. Senior police officials were camping at the spot and raids were being conducted sealing all exit points of the district to apprehend the extremists, police added. 13:38 IST
US no longer asking India to sign NPT: Sibal
Thursday, July 3, 2003
Washington,Thursday, July 03, 2003: Favouring a vibrant high-technology trade relationship with India, US is no longer asking New Delhi to sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty and is expected to liberalise its exports of dual use goods later this year. "The US is no longer asking India to join the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty or Fullscope Safeguards," Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal told reporters here yesterday after the conclusion of the two-day meeting of the Indo-US High Technology Cooperation Group (HTCG). "Though they (US) have their laws restricting exports of strategic goods to non-signatories, they have found that there is room for further libralisation without changing the laws, and how far they can go will probably be known by November by the next meeting of the HTCG in New Delhi," Sibal said. He said more liberalisation of US exports of high-technology, dual use goods is expected by the next meeting of the HTCG in New Delhi, probably in November. The two governments had agreed to form the HTCG in November 2002 to facilitate and promote bilateral high-technology trade, including trade in dual-use goods and technologies, as part of the broad commitment by US President George W Bush and Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to transform the relationship between the two countries. 13:38 IST
Indian analyst Raghuram Rajan appointed IMF chief economist
Thursday, July 3, 2003
Washington,Thursday, July 03, 2003: Indian financial expert Raghuram Rajan has been named as the International Monetary Fund's new chief economist. IMF Managing Director Horst Kohler has proposed Rajan's name to the prestigious and high visibility post with the official title of Economic Counsellor and Director of the IMF's Research Department. Kohler has notified the IMF Executive Board of his intention to appoint Rajan, a distinguished economist at the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, to the position. Making the announcement in a statement, Kohler said, "I am indeed happy to announce my intention to appoint Raghuram Rajan, currently Joseph L Gidwitz Professor of Finance at the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, as Economic Counsellor and Director of the Research Department." Rajan, 40, will succeed Kenneth Rogoff, who had earlier announced his decision to return to academia in the Fall of 2003. "Mr Rajan has been at the forefront of work on banking and financial sector issues. With his exceptional rise within the economics profession as well as with his extensive experience, Mr Rajan will bring a strong and proven record of intellectual leadership to the IMF." Kohler said Rajan, who has published extensively on economic and financial matters, would play an important role in further developing the IMF's research programme to the leading edge of economic theory and policy. 11:01 IST
Pak trade delegation to arrive on Friday
Thursday, July 3, 2003
New Delhi,Thursday, July 03, 2003: In the midst of a political thaw, a large trade delegation from Pakistan is arriving in India crossing the Wagah border on Friday to discuss bilateral trade issues with Indian businessmen. The delegation, coming here at the invitation of FICCI, will be led by Senator Ilyas Ahmed Bilour, President, India-Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and would meet Indian businessmen at a Business Meet on July 7-8 here. Bilateral trade issues including unofficial trade and infrastructure and reasons for low volumes of trade would be discussed at the meeting to be addressed by External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha. The meet is expected to make recommendations to the governments for creation of conducive policy environment to promote trade. The businessmen from across the border have varied interests in areas like chemicals and pesticides, cotton yarn rubber and sugar. This would be the third meeting of India-Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, formed jointly by FICCI and FPCCI in 1999 after Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's historic bus ride to Lahore. Accompanied by their families, the delegation members would also visit Agra and Ajmer. 15:04 IST
Bush pleased at Indo-Pak peace initiatives
Wednesday, July 2, 2003
Bush pleased at Indo-Pak peace initiatives Washington,Wednesday, July 02, 2003: US President George W Bush is pleased that Indo-Pak tension has diminished following Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's peace initiative and steps taken by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, the White House has said. "When you see what is happening in relations between India and Pakistan, where they are exchanging Ambassadors, the Ambassadors are starting to arrive on the ground, and you see improvement in the tension, the diminishment of tension between India and Pakistan, it is a result of the steps that both Prime Minister Vajpayee and President Musharraf have taken. "And so, I think that his actions speak for themselves, and they have been recognized by the Indian authorities, and the President is pleased with President Musharraf's actions," White House Spokesman Ari Fleischer said here on Tuesday when asked whether the U.S. will put pressure on Musharraf so that he will comply with the pledge he made to the US to stop crossborder terrorism. 10:06 IST
CISF jawan commits suicide by shooting himself
Wednesday, July 2, 2003
A CISF jawan allegedly committed suicide by shooting himself while on duty at CGO complex this morning, police sources said. Constable Lokesh Biswas (27) of Hoogly in West Bengal allegedly shot himself in the chin with his own rifle at around 0530 hours, they said. Biswas died on the spot. Although no suicide note has been recovered, prima facie it appears to be suicide, the sources said. Biswas had joined the force in 1996 and was posted in 72 Company of the 7 Battalion of CISF.
HIV cases moving from urban to rural areas in Nagaland
Wednesday, July 2, 2003
HIV/AIDS infection in Nagaland has encompassed all strata of the society and is spreading from urban pockets to rural areas, according to a report of the Nagaland Aids Control Society. Besides adult cases, more and more ante-natal cases or incidences of mother-to-child infection have been reported in different parts of Nagaland, said the Society, state branch of the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO). The report, prepared after screening 28,426 blood samples in the state, revealed a total number of 1,565 HIV positive cases till May this year. Since 1994, when the first AIDS-related death occurred in Nagaland, a total of 361 AIDS cases -- 243 male and 118 female -- have been reported. The state has so far recorded 132 AIDS- related deaths, 93 male and 39 female, the report said. To check the menace, the Society has introduced an awareness campaign involving all sections of the society, particularly the educational institutions and church bodies. During the past week, coinciding with the 'International day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking', several NGOs emphasised the need for launching an all-out war against the menace of drugs, HIV and AIDS in Nagaland. Initially, Nagaland recorded a high rate of prevalence of the disease among intravenous drugs users. But in the past couple of years, other modes of transmision have became more prevalent, the report pointed out.
Cable operators say no to dual-feed, CAS confusion continues
Wednesday, July 2, 2003
New Delhi,Wednesday, July 02, 2003: The CAS scene blurred further on Tuesday with upset cable operators rejecting as "not feasible" the dual-feed option, leaving the consumer in the dark and the Government fumbling for words on the fate of the news system to be rolled out from July 15. Just a fortnight before its implementation in the four metros, it is not clear whether CAS could beconsumer-friendly as cable operators today presented a memorandum to the Government in which they demanded implementation of CAS "in its true spirit as per the law". They said dual-feed, under which CAS and non-CAS systems can be run simultaneously for a temporary period, involved tremendous "wasteful expenditure by cable operators". After a meeting with Information and Broadcasting Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, cable operators threatened that Cable TV subscription would be around Rs 500 for those who did not opt to access pay channels through set top Boxes under the dual feed option as broadcasters have "escalated" prices. Doing a u-turn on the Rs 72 notified by Government for basic services, they demanded Rs 180 as operational costs and said they would show only 30-40 free-to-air channels instead of 70-80 as promised earlier if dual-feed was implemented. "Dual feed is not technically feasible. This is not CAS at all. People are being misled with an eye on elections," Roop Sharma (COFI) and Vikky Chaudhury (NCTA) said. Coming out of the meeting Prasad said cable opertaros were a significant part of cable services and dual-feed was only "one option" the Government was looking at. 10:06 IST
Sibal Meets Rice, Wolfowitz, Grossman
Wednesday, July 2, 2003
Washington,Wednesday, July 02, 2003: India's Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal has met with US National Security Advisor Dr Condoleezza Rice and had an "unusually long" meeting with Deputy Defence Secretary Paul Wolfowitz on Tuesday, in which he is believed to have discussed among other things the issue of sending Indian peacekeeping forces to Iraq. He also met with Marc Grossman, Undersecretary of State. Though details of the parleys were not immediately available, Sibal's visit comes in the context of the US desire to have a division of Indian troops in Iraq. The visit is significant also because it follows the recent decision by President George W Bush to give USD 3 billion aid to Pakistan, half of it military and half economic. India is expected to take a decision on sending troops to Iraq after Sibal's return from the US where he would be discussing issues concerning the mandate of the stabilisation forces, according to informed sources. Sibal's visit to Washington follows the recent parleys between Indian officials led by National Security Advisor Brajesh Mishra and US Assistant Secretary of State Peter Rodman during which clarifications were sought by New Delhi on several points. Defence Minister George Fernandes had yesterday said the government was still awaiting US response on these issues. Washington has urged India to send at least a Division level force or between 18,000 and 20,000 personnel to Iraq, the sources said, adding that there was a strong possibility that they would be stationed in Northern Iraq. 10:06 IST
India for Greater role for developing world in decision making
Wednesday, July 2, 2003
Geneva,Wednesday, July 02, 2003: India has urged the developed countries to promote international trading, financial and monetary systems that take into account the needs and concerns of developing nations and to fulfill their commitment on providing market access. While addressing a session of the UN Economic And Social Council in Geneva on Tuesday, Union Minister for Rural Development Kashiram Rana called for greater role for the developing countries in the global economic decision-making and norm-setting processes. Stressing that rural development was key to achieving sustainable development in the developing countries, Rana said besides extending financial, technical and technological support, a conducive international climate was imperative to achieve it and urged the developed countries to ensure market access to the developing world. Rana said a paradigm shift in India's development policy and strategy had taken place in the last few years with a major thrust on "economic reforms with the human face". Listing out initiatives by his ministry, Rana said more than Rs 100 billion per annum was being spent on programmes which generated approximately 720 million mandays of additional employment. About 1.34 million self help groups have been formed, through the process of social mobilisation. Rana said the decentralisation of power through the local self government institutions had provided major thrust to delivery of benefits to the poorer sections of the society. These local bodies have 3.4 million elected representatives, of which one-third are women, making it the world's largest single representative-base and also the world's largest experiment in local-democracy. 10:06 IST
Centre's counsel does u-turn on Rao Govt's role on Ayodhya
Wednesday, July 2, 2003
New Delhi,Wednesday, July 02, 2003: In a U-turn, the Centre's counsel in the Liberhan Commission Lala Ram Gupta on Tuesday justified the Narasimha Rao Government's decision not to impose President's rule in UP as a pre-emptive measure to save the disputed structure at Ayodhya but qualified his submission saying it was his personal opinion. Gupta's submission during the arguments before the Commission today is in sharp contrast to his views on June 19 that the Centre had failed in its Constitutional duty to protect the disputed structure. Giving his views on the events preceding the demolition, he said till 12 noon on December 6, 1992 everything was normal and there was nothing to suggest that constitutional machinery had failed in the state. It was only in the afternoon that frenzied kar sevaks "suddenly and surprisingly" rushed towards the disputed structure breaking the security cordon, Gupta said. They were followed by 1,000 other karsevaks and about 150-200 of them climbed the domes of the structure and started demolishing it without paying any heed to frantic appeals by senior BJP leaders L K Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Pramod Mahajan and Uma Bharti, he told the one-man panel probing the sequence of events leading to the demolition of the disputed structure at Ayodhya.
Raj Kumar Santoshi to direct Mahabharat
Wednesday, July 2, 2003
By Vidya Sampat of www.glamsham.com The grandeur and aura that form the core of a mythological film has attracted Raj Kumar Santoshi. Titled Mahabharat, the film will be produced by a South Indian Production and the budget is estimated to be 100 crores. According to Santoshi, the film will be about 5 hours, hence it would be released in two sequels of 2 1/2 hrs. each. Though the filming would be completed at the same time the second sequel will be released after a gap of 6 months. Though his would be new idea in Indian film industry, but Hollywood has already tried it in Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. The star cast has been finalized with Amitabh Bachchan playing Bhishma Pitamah, Sunny Deol as Karan, Sanjay Dutt as Duryodhan, Arjun Rampal as Arjun and Ajay Devgun as Lord Krishna. Who will play Draupadi? Aishwarya Rai of course. More news at www.glamsham.com
Khan arrives, says Islamabad ready to discuss all issues
Tuesday, July 1, 2003
Pakistan's new High Commissioner Aziz Ahmed Khan arrived here tonight saying Islamabad was ready to discuss all issues with India and hoped the stalled dialogue would be resumed "very soon" even as he denied his country's involvement in cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. "I hope this will start very soon. Which ever level the talks start, we will welcome them. We are ready and we have been saying this for long time. I think this has been repeated at the highest level", Khan told reporters soon after crossing the Wagah border and later at Pakistan House here. Khan's arrival here marks the first major move towards taking forward the peace process initiated by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Srinagar on April 18 extending a hand of friendship to Pakistan. The two sides announced appointment of new High Commissioners as decided to restart the Lahore-Delhi bus service and air links. Khan comes in place of Ashraf Jehangir Qazi who was asked to be withdrawn by India following the Kaluchak massacre in Jammu in May last year. Qazi had continued in office even though India had downgraded its mission to the level of Deputy High Commissioner after recalling its envoy V K Nambiar in the wake of the terrorist attack on Parliament on December 13, 2001. New Delhi had also simultaneously snapping of air, road and rail links with Pakistan. Shortly after crossing over the border with his wife Ayasha, Khan, an old India hand, said his priority would be to speed up the process of normalisation of relations by resolving all issues through dailogue and negotiations between the two countries. Career diplomat and former spokesman of Pakistan Foreign Ministry, Khan stuck to Islamabad's oft-repeated line that there was no cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir from his country. He chose not to reply to questions on Saturday's suicide attack by militants on an army camp on the outskirts of Jammu that left 12 personnel dead and seven injured. 21:18 IST
India wants clarifications from US on sending troops to Iraq
Tuesday, July 1, 2003
India is awaiting clarifications on certain issues from the United States on the question of sending its troops to Iraq, Defence Minister George Fernandes said today. Stating that discussions had been held with Pentagon officials on the matter, he said New Delhi had sought "clarifications on certain issues" from Washington and "we are still awaiting their response." He, however, did not elaborate what the issues were. External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha had last week said India would take a decision on the matter after resolving all the "issues" and building a consensus. "Foreign troops were being killed in Iraq earlier also.... The number is increasing. But we have other more important considerations. We will take a view after taking them into consideration..... We are looking at every issue," Sinha had said. Major Opposition parties have asked the Centre to clearly declare that India would not be part of the US occupation in Iraq and said any other stand amounts to infringement of Parliamentary privilege. 20:37 IST
BJP welcomes govt move to include PM office in Lok Pal ambit
Tuesday, July 1, 2003
Welcoming Government's move to bring the office of the Prime Minister in the ambit of the Lok Pal Bill, BJP today hoped that all political parties would cooperate in the passage of the bill in the coming session of Parliament. "By bringing the office of the Prime Minister in the ambit of Lok Pal shows the high intention of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to maintain transparency and belief in the principle that honesty should flow from top to bottom. The government's decision to bring the Lok Pal Bill in the coming session of Parliament is another example of the Vajpayee Government's strong nationalist and political will to cleanse public life," party spokesman Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi told reporters here. He said the passage of the bill would be a historic occasion as it would mark a new beginning in eradicating corruption. "BJP appreciates the move of the NDA to send a serious and clear message about Vajpayee Government's determination to firmly and unselectively deal with the menace of corruption," he said. Even though former Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral was among those who were against inclusion of the Prime Minister in the jurisdiction of Lok Pal, the NDA Government in its magnanimity and farsightedness decided otherwise, he said. 20:37 IST
Troops launch massive search operations in South Jammu hills
Tuesday, July 1, 2003
Army troops and police have launched a massive search and identification operation in Raika-Bhatandi-Sonjiwan forest belt in South Jammu to smash militant hideouts after the terrorist attack on Sonjiwan military station on Saturday in which 12 soldiers were killed, official sources said here today. "We want to smash all hideouts of militants, who have been increasingly using the forest belt since the past two years for terrorist activities," the sources told. Besides search, identification of each person is being carried out, the sources said. The entire area would be santised of militants and later sniffer dogs will be used to check deep forest areas, they said. "We are sure that we would find some clue about the two terrorists in the area," the sources said.
Troops launch massive search operations in South Jammu hills
Tuesday, July 1, 2003
Army troops and police have launched a massive search and identification operation in Raika-Bhatandi-Sonjiwan forest belt in South Jammu to smash militant hideouts after the terrorist attack on Sonjiwan military station on Saturday in which 12 soldiers were killed, official sources said here today. "We want to smash all hideouts of militants, who have been increasingly using the forest belt since the past two years for terrorist activities," the sources told. Besides search, identification of each person is being carried out, the sources said. The entire area would be santised of militants and later sniffer dogs will be used to check deep forest areas, they said. "We are sure that we would find some clue about the two terrorists in the area," the sources said.
Pak asks India not let militant attack hamper talks
Tuesday, July 1, 2003
Denying any involvement in the weekend suicide attack on a military camp in Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan today called on India not to let the incident affect the peace process between the countries and said "supplementary and simultaneous" confidence building measures should be taken to normalise relations. India should not let the militant attack on Kashmir have any impact on the peace process, Foreign Office spokesman Masood Khan told reporters. Denying Pakistan's involvement in the attack, he called on the Indian leaders to "eschew such reflexive reactions" like attributing any terrorist activities inside India to Pakistan. He said Pakistan condemned the attack as a terrorist act, and believed that civilians should not be targeted, while "suggesting" that such activities could be a handiwork of the Indian intelligence operatives. But he was quick to add he did not have any evidence to his "suggestion." Khan also said the arrival of Pakistan High Commissioner designate Aziz Ahmad Khan in New Delhi today cannot be regarded as normalisation of relations between the countries. "We have a long way to go to normalise the relations... both countries should start taking a number of supplementary and simultaneous confidence building measures," he said. On President Pervez Musharraff's comments yesterday that India should show flexibility on Kashmir like it did on Tibet, Khan said Pakistan believed that Kashmir and Tibet were two different entities and should not be mixed up. 21:22 IST
Drought pulls down eco growth to 4.3 pc
Tuesday, July 1, 2003
Severe drought resulted in a dismal negative 3.2 per cent agricultural growth pushing down economic growth by 1.3 per cent to 4.3 per cent during 2002-03. The revised estimates released by the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO) put the GDP growth at 4.3 per cent in 2002-03 as against 5.6 per cent in 2001-02. The revised estimate this year was 0.1 per cent lower then the earlier estimate of 4.4 per cent for 2002-03. Impressive performance of over five per cent in mining, manufacturing, construction and financing sectors failed to spur the economy as an abysmal negative 3.2 per cent growth in the farm sector pulled down the overall growth. A poor performance by electricity and trade sectors also added to the woes with sectoral growth falling to 3.9 per cent and 7.8 per cent, as per the latest official estimates released here today. An impressive 6.1 per cent growth in the manufacturing sector during 2002-03 from 3.4 per cent in 2001-02 failed to make up for the massive loss suffered due to the poor agricultural growth. Construction also chipped in with growth nearly doubling from 3.7 per cent to 7.2 per cent during the period, while financing, insurance, real estate and business services grew at 6.1 per cent from 4.5 per cent during 2001-02. Growth in per capita income is estimated at 2.4 per cent during 2002-03 as against the previous year's estimate of 4.3 per cent. 19:22 IST
BCCI refutes Azhar's allegations
Tuesday, July 1, 2003
Hyderabad,Monday, June 30, 2003: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) today refuted the allegations levelled by former captain Mohammad Azharuddin that he was "neither given a clear charge memo nor informed about the exact charges levelled against him before disqualifying him from playing cricket". Making the submissions before the Second Additional Chief Judge, Civil Court here, hearing a suit filed by Azharuddin, challenging the life ban imposed on him by BCCI, the Board counsel read out the correspondence entered into by the BCCI and Azharuddin. The counsel pointed out that all the time Azharuddin had claimed himself to be innocent but never showed any evidence in support of his claim. He also pointed out that replies given by Azharuddin to the queries of the BCCI were also similar. 21:18 IST
