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India News: July 2004
Budget has not ignored Bangalore: Siddaramiah
Saturday, July 31, 2004
Bangalore, Jul 31 - Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramiah has denied charges that Bangalore had been neglected in his Budget for 2004-05. During his reply to a discussion on the Budget here on Friday, Siddaramiah said that there was no question of neglecting Bangalore, which accounted for around 50 per cent of State’s GDP. "The Budget has earmarked Rs. 70 crore for the new International Airport. I felt that there was no point in talking about the ongoing projects, which will continue. Besides, all the task forces constituted by previous government will continue and the government will support them," Siddaramiah said. The State government has also earmarked Rs.30 crore towards drinking water supply programme for providing water to seven CMCs around Bangalore. In the IT sector, Bangalore has made tremendous progress and it will continue to perform well. Only thing the IT industry seeks is better infrastructure, which the government is committed to provide, Siddaramiah added.
Iraqi captors threaten to behead Indians
Friday, July 30, 2004
BAGHDAD: Concerns mounted on Thursday night when militants in Iraq threatened to behead an Indian hostage unless his Kuwaiti firm quit the country. Earlier, the little known outfit 'Holders of the Black Banners' had threatened to execute one of the seven captives if their demands were not met by Friday. In a video shown on Al Arabiya television, the outfit said that they would kill one of the histages at 7 pm (9.30 pm IST) on Friday if their demands were not met immediately. The videotape showed a masked man pointing an M-16 automatic rifle at the head of an Indian hostage, who was wearing an orange dress similar to the ones worn by previous foreign hostages that were killed. As the news of the latest threat came, after the killing of two Pakistani hostages by another militant group in Iraq, the Crisis Management Group, set up by the government to deal with the hostage drama, went into a huddle to discuss the issue. Taken aback by the development, the Kuwaiti company Kuwait and Gulf Link Transport Company for which Antrayami, Tilak Raj and Sukh Dev Singh - all truck drivers - were working appealed to the captors to continue negotiations and not to execute their threat. As the television channels flashed the latest threat, fear gripped the relatives of Tilakraj and Antaryami in Una in Himachal Pradesh. The group, which had initially demanded that the Kuwaiti company pull out of Iraq, later also asked it to pay compensation to the families of Iraqis killed in Falluja and release of Iraqi prisoners in Kuwait and the US. Mediator Sheikh Hisham Al-Dulaimi said that the Indian embassy in Iraq was trying through a go-between to broker the release of the hostages. A militant group calling itself Islamic Army in Iraq, holding two Pakistani contractors hostage, said late on Wednesday night that it had killed the men, but freed their Iraqi driver, according to the Pan-Arab television station Al-Jazeera. They were were identified by Pakistan as engineer Raja Azad, 49, and driver Sajad Naeem, 29, both of whom worked for the Kuwait-based al-Tamimi group in Baghdad. With the killing of the two Pakistanis by their captors in Iraq, India advised its nationals to defer their visits to Iraq for the time being in view of the "seriousness" of the current security situation in that country. "In view of the seriousness of the current security situation in Iraq, Government of India advises its citizens to defer visits to that country for the time being," it was officially stated in New Delhi. Before embarking on his visit to Bangkok for the BIMST-EC Summit, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that all out efforts were on to secure the safe release of the three Indians abducted in Iraq. "All out efforts are on and I am hopeful that they will succeed," he told reporters when asked what efforts were being made to free the hostages in the trouble-torn West Asian country.
Tata is India's biggest flotation
Friday, July 30, 2004
INDIA has launched its biggest-ever share flotation, with the $1.2 billion (£660m) debut of software firm Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). TCS is being spun out from the Tata group, one of India’s biggest private business empires with interests which range from tea to trucks. The initial public offering (IPO) is being seen as a boost for India’s sometimes lacklustre stock market. Even so, the IPO began slowly - but analysts expect demand to pick up. Tata’s management decided to float TCS only after much deliberation; usually, the firm prefers to hold its assets closely. TCS’s big rivals - companies such as Wipro and Infosys - are already stock-market-listed, a factor that analysts see as crucial for their performance.
Teenager raped in Delhi’s highest security zone
Friday, July 30, 2004
Statesman News Service NEW DELHI July 29. Bang opposite the Prime Minister’s residence and in the high-security Air Force Station, a teenage girl has been raped. Sexual assault on a minor in possibly the highest-security zone of the Capital raises doubts on security arrangements in Lutyen’s Delhi. Police admits that the class VI student, is traumatised and requires counselling. The incident happened when she went to meet her aunt, admitted in the Station Medicare Centre inside the Air Force Station opposite 7 Race Course road. The victim was on her way out when she was dragged inside a staff quarter by the accused, identified as Amit. One of his accomplices, Sanju, bolted the door from outside. Amit repeatedly raped the girl, and let her out only after warning her not to disclose the incident. The girl didn’t say anything for a fortnight till her parents realised that she was under emotional strain. Continuous questioning forced her to speak up. On 27 July, she and her father went to the Tughlaq Road PS and lodged an FIR. Police registered a case of rape and abduction. Amit and Sanju have been arrested. Amit (an Air Force watchman) and Sanju (a hospital employee) kept an eye on the victim when she was staying in the IAF station. Her family moved out two months back, said an officer. As the victim is under strain, we have not asked her whether the two had stalked her.
PVN to come out with 'terribly controversial' book
Friday, July 30, 2004
Former Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao on Wednesday said he would come out with a "terribly controversial" second volume of his book "The Insider" that would talk about political parties. "The second volume is going to be terribly controversial. Let me hope no body puts me in jail (for the book being so controversial)", Rao said at a function here, where the Kannada translation of his book was released. He said the second volume would make no distinction between one political party or another. "All political parties will curse me (for the second volume)", Rao said. "I cannot be partial (towards political parties). I am a Congressman; I know them better", he said. Rao spoke passionately and stressed that the economic reforms initiated by his Government in 1991 cannot be copied at any other time as there is a "kaleidoscopic difference" between then and now or future. "What happened in 1991 has no relation to what's happening now or in 1998 or 2004 or 2020. It cannot be copied. There are hundreds of think-tanks now", he said.
India a major for mobile telephony: Report
Friday, July 30, 2004
Houston, Jul 30 India will be a significant engine of the global wireless subscriber growth as over 2.5 billion people worldover would use mobile phones by 2009, according to a report released by a market research firm. China is the fastest growing mobile phone market at present, but as growth in China begins to slow, India can be expected to pick up the slack and will be a significant engine of global subscriber growth, said the report titled "Growth Returns - Worldwide Mobile Subscriber Forecasts 2004 - 2009" released by market research firm In-Stat/MDR. The report said mobile phone networks worldwide were likely to have 1.6 billion subscribers by the end of this year. The growth rate, which had slowed over the last several years, is expected to quicken as carriers build networks capable of providing low-speed broadband service to subscribers for voice and data services, it said. European subscriber growth will continue to slow, and stall in Scandinavia -- the world's first fully mature wireless market -- and Western Europe. During next five years, subscribers would also move from low-speed networks to high-speed technologies, the report said.
India must be included in ASEAN dialogue: PM
Friday, July 30, 2004
K R Sudhaman Bangkok, July 30 India today said it favoured creation of an Asian community and said New Delhi should be included in the ongoing dialogue ASEAN has been holding with some of the leading nations in Asia. ASEAN has been having summit-level meetings with China, Japan and South Korea, called the ASEAN-plus three process, since 1997 and India wants to be part of this process. India held summit meetings with the ASEAN leaders in 2002 and 2003. "The place of India in the ASEAN would demonstrate 'the place of India in the ASEAN scheme of things,'" Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said in an interview to leading Thai daily 'The Nation' on the eve of his departure to Bangkok to participate in the BIMST-EC summit. He said that an ASEAN-plus four formula that included India would be the first building block for the creation of an Asian community. "We are supportive of a building block approach to establish a broader cooperative framework for the Asian community in the long term," he said adding there is always the possibility of having a broader cooperation framework that incorporates all of Asia and this is reflected in the spirit behind the Asian cooperation dialogue, which has been initiated by Thailand.
Soren makes public appearance in Ranchi
Friday, July 30, 2004
Ranchi: JMM chief Shibu Soren, who was in hiding since the issuance of an arrest warrant against him on July 17 in connection with the Chiruddih massacre in 1975, appeared before the public for the first time on Friday at his son's residence. "I did not run away. I was always with the people and I have come before you today. I was in the jungle," Soren said. "I was waiting for the Jharkhand High Court order and it came yeserday," he said. "I was part of the Jharkhand statehood struggle all along but the NDA government here tried to implicate me despite saying that it would withdraw all cases relating to it," he added. A number of JMM members were present at the venue when Soren made his reappearance. Asserting that the case was "politically motivated," Soren said that the BJP used its Chief Minister Arjun Munda to rake up a 30-year-old case against him. "They (BJP) had plans to make Jharkhand another Gujarat and win the Assembly elections. But I stopped that," the JMM leader said and claimed that "BJP will be wiped-out in next year's Assembly elections." Asked when will he surrender as ordered by the High Court, he said there was no question of surrendering. "I am already fighting a legal battle. I know the Court had given time till August 2, I will talk to my legal consultants and party people today and chalk-out the future course of action." "I will remain with Congress," he said when asked about his party's alliance in assembly elections next year. A division bench of the Jharkhand High Court had ordered him to surrender before the Jamtara subdivisional magistrate's court on or before August 2 failing which action would be taken against him. Soren had resigned from the Union cabinet last week while in hiding after the issuance of the arrest warrant.
Brett Lee learns to speak Hindi
Friday, July 30, 2004
Sydney: With cricket emerging as the new religion binding the whole of India, the Australians hope to cash in on the hysteria and laugh all the way to the bank when they reach there for a four-Test series later this year. Pointing out to India's burgeoning economy, Sydney Morning Herald says the Aussie cricketers are falling prey to the lure of moolah and taking India more seriously than ever. The Aussies hope to gain from the "national cricketing obsession," the report says, adding, "Which explains, in part, why Brett Lee is learning to speak Hindi. And why Shane Warne has commissioned an agent in India to uncover sponsorship opportunities. And why Ponting, Adam Gilchrist and Glenn McGrath are among those to have followed the lead of Steve Waugh in embracing the Indian culture, and benefiting financially." The daily also quotes wicket-keeper and vice captain Gilchrist as saying, "Tugger [Waugh] was the guy who pioneered looking at India in this way. I think we're all pretty aware of the opportunities now, whereas we probably weren't so much a few years ago." "There is so much easy money there, smash-and-grab money, where you do work that is quite easy (for a sponsor) and get paid well for it.'" The swashbuckling batsman-stumper was also candour in his admission. "I actually fell into the trap during my last (Test) tour there, getting a bit too excited at the prospects and the commercial work that was out there." The report also quotes Neil Maxwell, a former NSW all-rounder now managing Brett Lee and Jason Gillespie, as saying, "With Brett, we treat India as a completely separate entity and we have our own marketing plan for opportunities there." "We think there's great potential there for Brett with the series coming up, because he can transcend cultural differences, he's affable, good-looking, plays music and is successful at what he does on the field." It's fair to say Steve Waugh was probably the first (Australian player) to accept India for what it was and embrace it. They embraced him back. Brett has learned to speak Hindi off his own bat, I didn't push it. It's about making an effort to embrace the culture," Maxwell added. According to the daily, an estimated 15 per cent of Lee's endorsement earnings are derived from Indian corporations - a figure Maxwell hopes to boost to 25 per cent after this year's four-Test series. Warne's agent and brother Jason has commissioned an Indian firm to chase commercial opportunities ahead of the October series, claims the report. "In the past most players, including ourselves, would wait for the market to come to us. We're taking a pro-active approach this time," said Jason Warne. "It's such a big economy. I think the country is aiming to be the third-biggest economy in the world by 2010, and they're working very hard on infrastructure. As the country develops and the market develops, there's a lot of opportunity over there. India isn't a secret any more," he said. Australia skipper Rickey Ponting too sounded impressed with the popularity of the game in India. "There's nowhere in the world like it, going to the game with people lined up along the streets, or standing 10-deep to watch a TV in a shop window, players are on billboards on every street corner. They were talking about this series then. It's fair to say the opportunities are significant," he said.
Where is my ticket? PM asks his aides
Friday, July 30, 2004
Bangkok: Dr Manmohan Singh is literally a Prime Minister with a difference. The economist-turned-politician sprang a surprise on his aides by seeking to know where was his air ticket. He was politely told he need not bother as it was a special flight for him. The staff were also puzzled when Singh sought some foreign exchange to be at hand for his wife Gursharan Kaur to give tips to waiters and hotel staff during the three-day visit. Singh, who is generally seen in pyjama-kurta, got stitched the bandgala, the formal Indian dress for official ceremonies, only two days ago. When asked whether the three-day foreign trip would provide a breather, Singh shot back "I do not think there is any time to relax."
I'll court death : Antaryami's father
Friday, July 30, 2004
I'll court death before seeing my son's body: Antaryami's father Press Trust of India Una (Himachal Pradesh), July 29 The father of Antaryami, one of the three Indians taken hostage in Iraq, was a totally broken man on Thursday and said he would court death before seeing the body of his son. "We are left with no hope. We cannot rely on Government or on God," said Antaryami's distraught father Ram Murthi at his house at Upper Dehlan village. "The moment I saw today the photo of a captor pointing the gun at Antaryami and threatening to kill a hostage by Friday, I decided that I will die before that and will not see his body," Ram Murti said.
Box office toppers: Salman, sex
Thursday, July 29, 2004
ARAN ADARSH This season, Bollywood seems to have figured out the formula for box office success with its non-stop skin fest. No wonder, Julie which offers plenty of skin show, has done pretty well in its opening week. Salman Khan shows, once again, that despite poor content, his name spells magic.
Good news for H1B aspirants
Thursday, July 29, 2004
Foreign students concerned about losing authorisation to stay in the United States have received an extension from US Citizenship and Immigration Services that may allow them to remain in the country after October 1. The extension applies to foreign students and recent graduates interested in working professionally in the United States who are applying for H-1B work visas. It will enable these students to remain in the country until their applications for work visas have been processed, according to a statement issued by the department on Tuesday. The ruling affects students seeking to trade F and J visas for H-1B professional visas, the statement from US Citizenship and Immigration Services said. Normally, these foreign students receive a 60-day or a 30-day grace period to close out affairs and return home at the end of their educational programmes. This year, Congress has limited the number of H-1B visas for the fiscal year 2004. "The extension of the grace period allows affected foreign students to remain in country and avoid the inconvenience of returning home only to travel back to the United States in the near future," said Eduardo Aguirre, Director US Citizenship and Immigration Services. A visiting student has the option of working professionally for one year for "optional practical training," but must apply for the H-1B visa after the year is up.
Why are IT firms fleeing Bangalore?
Thursday, July 29, 2004
ECONOMICTIMES.COM NEW DELHI: The first few things that come up when we talk of Bangalore are the 24x7 work and leisure culture of the bubbling city, the modern IT work stations of some of the most respected names in the IT space, the young face of the desi Silicon Valley, the gyrating discotheques and the swinging pubs. Is Bangalore the ultimate identity of a modern, tech-savvy and GenX India? Well the fact is that two of the biggest scions of Indian IT world who helped Bangalore to steal international headline have conflicting views on Bangalore's present and future though they seem to cherish the city's past. Azim Premji seemed frustrated by Bangalore's poor infrastructure, high rates of employee attrition and fat salary bills as he followed up his company's result to say that Wipro's future investments would be made outside Bangalore for "there are opportunities outside Karnataka where talent is available, infrastructure is better and wages are lower". But the Infosys think-tank N R Narayanamurthy was not a happy person to digest this outburst against the city that cradled and realised his dreams of setting up the biggest IT conglomerate of the country. Murthy said: "There is no need to get agitated. I am confident that all problems can be solved through discussions. If the government specifies what it wants from the industry, Infosys will be the first to do it. The industry and the government can work together for a better Bangalore." Though Murthy seems to see the sunny side of Bangalore, the reality remains that the garden city where the average temperature never used go beyond 25c is in one of the worst stages of climatic transition with pollution choking the breath out of Bangloreiets. Water scarcity, power failures and a very industry unfriendly work culture are driving IT and BPO firms like Wipro, iGate and MphasiS to look towards cities like Chennai, Hyderabad and even Hubli, to expand operations. However, it is unlikely that these bigwigs are moving out to other destinations just for these reasons, the undertone to this migration seems to be the rising competition. Around 200 MNCs present in Bangalore are luring the talent away from Indian IT bellwethers with better salaries and truly international work culture and exposure. Some of the MNCs have been sending the salary structure of the city topsy-turvy, offering 150 per cent jump in salaries at the junior and middle levels and up to 300 per cent hikes at senior levels. TG Ramesh, head of BPO operations of iGate says that the attrition rate is almost 25 per cent higher in Bangalore compared to other cities and iGate is looking at Chennai and Hyderabad as possible sites for future expansion. Most of the IT heads are of the view that the IT pros will be on the losing end in the long run shifting to MNCs that are mostly doing back office job unlike the Indian firms that concentrate on software development and programming work and offer long standing employees with stock options also. But as Murthy is bullish on Bangalore so is Nandan Nilekeni, his partner in Infosys. The company believes that Indian firms should touch international standards not only in services provided but also in salaries and contribution to the city in which it is based. Nandan Nilekani, who headed the Bangalore Agenda Task Force for five years is stressing on private-public participation to improve civic amenities. So, is it the end of Infotech industry's honeymoon with Bangalore? Either way it may be good for the Indian economy as this will help localisation of the IT sector which becoming more and more concentrated to a few hubs.
Unlike India, China raps US insult
Thursday, July 29, 2004
Sify Beijing: Zhao Yan and George Fernandes have nothing in common except that both were mistreated by American officials, but their reactions are a study in contrast. China is in uproar over the treatment meted out to the 37-year-old Chinese businesswoman Zhao who was hit by an officer of the US Customs and Border Protection at Niagara Falls on the US-Canadian Border Protection last week. The US officer had confiscated marijuana from a male pedestrian and one of the officers identified as Robert Rhodes pepper-sprayed and repeatedly struck the Chinese woman from Tianjin, suspecting her to be with the drug smuggler. The Chinese government and the media have lashed out at the US for the incidents, with a leading newspaper calling it a manifestation of the "US arrogance on the world stage". The Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing took up the matter with his US counterpart Colin Powell on Monday and demanded a thorough probe against the US official and justice for the Chinese. Powell promised an enquiry into the issue, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry. Rhodes has been charged with violating Zhao's civil rights and, if convicted, he could face up to ten years in prison, Chinese news agency Xinhua reported. Fernandes, former Defence Minister, was twice strip-searched at Dulles airport in Washington in early 2002 and in the middle of last year but neither the Indian leader nor anyone in his government had even diclosed the unsavoury incidents. It was left to the former US Deputy Secretary Strobe Talbott who disclosed the treatement given to Fernandes in his book "Engaging India - Diplomacy, Democracy and the Bomb". After the disclosure was widely reported in the Indian media earlier this month, Fernandes confirmed the incident, but was at pains to emphasise that "nothing like a striptease happened". Discuss: Amercian leaders visiting India should also be strip-searched. Fernandes admitted that he was asked to remove his coat, shoes and socks, which he did. "The I was asked to spread my arms and raise them and after that 'khel khatam ho gaya' (the game was over)". Seeking to put a lid on the controversy, US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage, during his recent visit to New Delhi, apologised to Fernandes for the incident and said he was "horrified" by it. Zhao's ordeal was reported on the front page by the Chinese media, which questioned the credentials of the US to boast to be the guardian angel of human rights in the world. "The world knows the US propensity for pointing fingers at others in human rights protection. But who is the real threat, after all?," the China Daily wondered in an editorial piece. China and the United States often spar on the sensitive issue of human rights. Both Washington and Beijing have been issuing separate critical reports on each others alleged poor human rights situation. "The logic is reminiscent and representative of US arrogance on the world stage. The Americans can kill anyone they think is a potential threat to their precious lives, or beat an innocent woman half to death on the flimsiest of excuses," the leading English-language newspaper said. While condemning the conduct of the US security agents as "criminally inhuman," the paper commented that "together with their commanders in Washington, they are painting a shameful image of their country." "A swift and thorough investigation must be launched to bring the culprits to justice," the Daily demanded.
Woman raped in a moving car in Delhi
Thursday, July 29, 2004
NEW DELHI: A 23-year-old woman was allegedly raped by two men in a moving car in the national capital, police said on Wednesday. The victim's husband lodged a complaint with the police on late Tuesday, citing his wife's boss Sanjay Sharma as the prime accused in the crime that occurred Monday afternoon. The woman, an employee of a garment fabrication unit, said in the complaint that she was asked by her employer to run an errand for the company. As soon as she ventured out, Sharma offered to give her a lift in his car. He subsequently picked up another friend and the two took turns in raping her in the moving car on the busy Mehrauli-Badarpur highway. Meanwhile, Sharma's wife Veena claimed the complaint was a ploy to extort money, as the car in which the incident allegedly took place was in a garage at that time for repairs. According to figures compiled by Delhi Police, the city has witnessed at least one rape in the first six months of this year.
PM leaves for Bangkok
Thursday, July 29, 2004
New Delhi, Jul 29 Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today left on a three-day visit to Bangkok to participate in the BIMST-EC summit, which he described as an "integral part of India's 'east-look policy'". "This is the first BIMST-EC summit. It will give political thrust and political direction to the ongoing process of strengthening regional cooperation among the countries," he told reporters before embarking on his first official trip outside the country after becoming the Prime Minister.
CPM politburo meets
Thursday, July 29, 2004
New Delhi, Jul 29 CPI(M) politburo began its meeting here today to discuss the political situation, particularly in Maharashtra, which is due for elections soon, and government's economic policies, including FDI and petroleum products' prices. Party General Secretary Harkishen Singh Surjeet, party leaders Sitaram Yechury, Prakash Karat, former Chief Minister of West Bengal Jyoti Basu, Manik Sarkar and CITU president M K Pandhe are among those taking part in the discussions, ahead of the party's Central Committee meeting from tomorrow. The politburo meeting assumes importance in the wake of differences the Left Parties have with the UPA government, which they are supporting from outside, on crucial economic issues like hiking of FDI ceiling in insurance, telecom and aviation sectors. While the Left leaders have had meetings with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Finance Minister P Chidambaram recently on these issues, Petroleum Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar met Surjeet and CPI leader A Bardhan yesterday on petro products pricing, shortly after the government decided to give limited freedom to oil companies to fix prices within a band. Earlier this week, CPM had voiced concern saying this should not lead to a constant increase in prices of auto fuel amid reports that oil PSUs would increase the domestic selling prices of petrol and diesel by upto Rs one per litre by the month end. The party's highest decision-making body, the Central Committee, will begin its three-day session from tomorrow, the first after the party decided to extend outside support to UPA government.
IDBI-Idbi Bank merger by FY05
Thursday, July 29, 2004
Mumbai/Hyderabad, Jul 29 Hardly three days after the proposal to merge Global Trust Bank with Oriental Bank of Commerce was made, IDBI, the country's largest financial institution, said today it will merge idbi Bank, its private banking arm, with itself in this fiscal. Soon after approving the merger, Industrial Development Bank of India chairman M Damodaran claimed that the combined entity would reposition itself to become one the largest banks in the country, comparable only with State Bank of India. "We are now embarking on the journey of merger (of Idbi Bank with IDBI). I think, it will happen in this financial year," Damodaran said after the board meeting here. The Idbi Bank Board today cleared in-principle the merger proposal with its parent which would transform into a bank following the repeal of IDBI Act. He said the two entities would now work out the share swap ratio, complete the valuation and seek shareholders' and regulators' nod. The new entity would "reposition" itself as a bank that focuses on development financing as mandated in legislation, while offering retail banking facilities, Damodaran said. Asked whether IDBI would aim at overtaking ICICI Bank, which emerged as the second biggest commercial bank following the reverse merger with ICICI, Damodaran said, "We have decided to use SBI's size as the right benchmark." "Therefore, anything smaller than SBI is not a good enough benchmark for us," he said, adding the merger of IDBI and Idbi Bank was the first step towards attaining the size and strength that can be comparable with the bigger players.
Efforts on to secure safe release of Indians
Thursday, July 29, 2004
New Delhi, Jul 29 Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said all out efforts were on to secure the safe release of the three Indians abducted in Iraq. "All out efforts are on and I am hopeful that they will succeed," he told reporters when asked what efforts were being made to free the hostages in the trouble-torn West Asian country. Singh was talking to reporters before embarking on his three-day visit to Bangkok to participate in the BIMST-EC summit.
Asambhav
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
Starring Arjun Rampal .... Aadit Arya Nasseeruddin Shah .... Sam Hans Priyanka Chopra .... Alisha Director : Rajiv Rai Review Over the years, movie fans have learned to expect nothing more than commercial entertainment from Rajiv Rai's films. But his Asambhav fails to deliver even that. The movie is glossy but hollow, fast paced but shallow, technically sound but lacking in content. The film takes a dig at the Indo-Pak issue and contains references to ISI, President Musharraf, Al Jazeera and the Afghanistan. It tackles the issue of terrorism through an almost unbelievable story. The film is set in Locarno [Switzerland] where the Indian President Pratap Singh [Dr. Mohan Agashe], is on a short vacation with his daughter Kinjal [Dippanita Sharma], who studies in the U.S. The President and his daughter are kidnapped and taken hostage on an island by a terrorist, Mabros [Shawar Ali] at the behest of an ISI official Ansari [Milind Gunaji]. Ansari also has the full support of the terrorist group, Al-Hamas, led by Yuzan Baksh [Mukesh Rishi]. To rescue the President and his daughter from captivity, Indian government launches Mission 'Asambhav'. This mission is led by Captain Aadit Arya [Arjun Rampal], a skilled commando highly trained in combat and rescue operations. On Ansari's trail in Locarno, Aadit comes across Sam Hans [Naseeruddin Shah] and Brian [Tom Alter], who are involved with Ansari in the drug trade. The narcotics contraband is often smuggled from one country to another through a pop singer Alisha [Priyanka Chopra]. As Aadit sets out to realize mission Asambhav he finds a much wider terror network that he must penetrate to fulfill his task. Ajun Rampal suits the role of a commando, but his acting skills need some polishing. Naseeruddin Shah on the other hand grabs all the attention with his portrayal of a golden-haired drug trader with a one-liner for every occasion. 'Asambhav' is a film that sticks to the beaten and worn-out Bollywood stereotypes. Over-dramatic dialogues, deliberately forced songs and inflated action sequences make it quite a predictable and stodgy fare.
Gayab
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
Starring Tushar Kapoor .... Vishnu Prasad Antara Mali .... Director : Prawaal Raman Producer : Ram Gopal Verma Synopsis Once in a while almost everybody fantasizes about becoming invisible. And if a man, who has been rejected by everybody as a flunky and who has been subjugated in life, becomes invisible, it is quite natural that he wouldn’t do anything nice and straight. Director Prawaal Raman’s Gayab tells the story of such a man. The protagonist of the movie is a young man named Vishnu Prasad (Tushar Kapoor). Vishnu is a man of a mediocre personality and has ended up as a failure in life. He is very common, very inconspicuous and low on self-confidence. He doesn’t stand out in a crowd and there is nothing extraordinary about him. His little world consists of a nagging mom (Rasika Joshi) and a timid dad (Raghuvir Yadav). Vishnu craves like hell for the attention of the woman of his dreams (Antara Mali). Sadly she is not even aware of his existence. The world is just a drag for Vishnu. It seems that nobody would even miss him if he were to disappear. But ironically, he finds himself becoming the center of attraction for all once becomes invisible. Review The makers of Gayab had a very novel idea in their hands, but they fail materialize it due to poor screenplay and a lackluster development of story in the second half when the protagonist becomes invisible. The movie starts off quite well in the first half, depicting Tushar as a loser who is clumsy in everything he does. The credit chiefly goes to the young actor who brings out the right body language and the facial expressions to convincingly portray a flunky who is low in self-confidence. The film becomes quite engrossing in the sequence when the protagonist is insulted and manhandled by the boyfriend of the woman of his dreams. Our shattered hero goes and cries out his heart before a statue and prays it to make him invisible. And bingo! His wish is granted. But the second half of the movie is a complete letdown. Although cinematographer Pietro Zuercher believably depicts the invisible man in the story, an amateurish screenplay takes all the juice out of the movie just when one expected it to become really humorous. The director resorts to few selected gimmicks like objects flying in the air, the touching of tugging of people by the invisible man as the means to create laughter. Another drawback is Amar Mohile's background score, which stand apart from the already shoddy screenplay like a sore thumb. In a nutshell, Gayab could have been a gripping movie had there not been the lack of creative imagination on the part of writer and director.
Flavors
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
Synopsis ‘Flavors’ contain some sort of spice for everyone. It has a motley of interesting characters, stylish format, unique narrative that blends multiple stories into a single tale examining different facets of love and life among the Indian Diaspora in the US. Main characters: Kartik and Rachna are the best of buddies. He is a smart, suave guy and she is a workaholic. The two share their deepest thoughts, their laughter, joys and sadness despite the fact that a great distance of 3000 miles separates them. The relationship between the two looks eternal until Rachna's aunt sets her up with another guy. Rad seems to have everything in life that one could ask for. He has a decent job, a pretty fiance Jenni, an inscrutable drinking buddy Nikhil, a warm, inquisitive mother and a meek father who likes to spend his time scouring newspaper for news about India. Ashok and Jas are two jobless guys with hedonistic traits. They have a general appreciation and love for life and the belief that they too will one day have their ‘fifteen minutes of fame’. However, they do little to realize their dream than just while away their time playing poker and snacking on pizza and beer. Their roommate Vivek is not much different from them. Only, instead of playing poker or guzzling beer, he spends his time dreaming about a girl back in India. Sangita lives a rather cocooned life surrounded in her home by tons of romance novels. Her favorite timepass is watching daytime romantic soaps. She is a confused woman who is convinced to the contrary that there is a well-set pattern to her life. The film is directed by Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK. The movie’s starcast comprises of some American artistes and also some Indian names like Anjan Srivastava and Bharti Achrekar.
Julie
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
Starring Neha Dhupia .... Julie Priyanshu Chatterjee .... Mihir Shandilya Sanjay Kapoor .... Rohan Director : Deepak Shivdasani Review Director Deepak Shivdasani has said that his film 'Julie' is not about skin show but soul searching. The truth is that the movie has neither. Like a clever businessman, Deepak chose the attention-grabbing story of a prostitute and sprinkled it with regular and controlled doses of skin exposure by actress Neha Dhupia. And lo! comes a movie that has little substance but more saleable factors. Also add to this the disappointment of those who carry the fancy notion that the movie is some kind of a soft porn. The sexually explicit scenes in the film are somewhat titillating but they do not cross the acceptable limits. 'Julie' tells the tale of transition of a small-town girl into a high society prostitute and her right to self-assertion. The movie begins with a TV program in which Mihir Shandilya [Priyanshu Chatterjee], a young business tycoon and the most eligible bachelor of the city, is invited by a television host [Achint Kaur] for a rendezvous. In the interview the young man talks about his life, his success story and the mystery woman in his lovelife. The secret woman is none other than 'Julie' [Neha Dhupia], who is a high-class prostitute. But she hasn't revealed her profession to Mihir and his family. Mihir's open and honest admission of love unnerves Julie. At the same time she feels that she hasn't become less of a human being by being a prostitute and feels the right to assert herself openly. Julie is a girl who has been matured by ups and downs of life. When she was just a simple small-town girl she fell in love with a guy named Neil [Yash Tonk], who left her in lurch after sexually exploiting her. To start her life afresh Julie shifted to Mumbai and chummed up with her childhood friend Dinky. In Mumbai, Julie landed in a secretarial job in a construction company where she met Rohan [Sanjay Kapoor]. Julie and Rohan developed an intimacy in short time. But Rohan had something cooking in his mind. One day he came to Julie with the offer to spend a night with a tycoon [Kiran Kumar] to bag a prized contract for their company. Shocked at the realization that people didn't see more in her than her sexual side, Julie took to prostitution. And today, when she has begun to dream of having a future with Mihir, she doesn't want to conceal her identity and wants to assert herself in a TV interview… The chief flaw of 'Julie' lies in its story. Julie is shown as a conscientious girl with a sense of self-esteem. Then why does this girl decide to take to prostitution after being jilted by two men? In fact, a part of the movie gives the impression that Julie actually likes her profession. Another flaw is the deliberate attempt to make the movie more emotion-centric in the latter half. Neha Dhupia has a well-toned body and she flaunts it at regular intervals to keep the frontbenchers glued to the screen. But the actress fails to bring out the inner dilemmas, the pain and the essence of her character of a prostitute. Average More at : http://www.apunkachoice.com/movies/
Shah to release English version of Devdas
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
Producer and film financier Bharat Shah is planning to release the English version of Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed Devdaas . There is a strong buzz that Shah Rukh Khan , Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit starrer Devdas might be released at Indian metros in the dubbed English version. Bharat Shah claims that he has already made two English versions of the film - of 2 hours and 3 hours' duration - and in the coming days he plans to release the English version. Shah says the idea to release the English version is to target the film at the multiplexes in Mumbai and other metros.
Big B in Shimla for 'Black'
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
Amitabh Bachchan is in the Himalayan resort town of Shimla for a weeklong shooting of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film Black . Bachchan is nowadays beating the scorching heat of Indian summer in Shimla. The superstar drove to the hilly town from Chandigarh by road on Sunday and stopped for a while at Solan town, where fans mobbed him. In Shimla, Bachchan is staying at the Oberoi's Wildflower Hall resort hotel, some 14 km uphill. The hotel, located deep in the Himalayan woods, is guarded by heavy security. In the coming days Bachchan will be shooting for Bhansali's film in many areas in downtown Shimla, including the Ridge, the Viceregal Lodge and Gorton Castle, majestic monuments of colonial India.
Indian scientists should make breakthrough in nano technology: Kalam
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
Observing that nanotechnology (microscopic robotic machines) would revolutionise total concepts of future warfare, President APJ Abdul Kalam today asked the country's scientists to make a breakthrough in this cutting edge technology. Asserting that nanotechnology would lead to faster and ultra minarturised computers and would influence the strategic sectors with rolling out of nano satellites, stealth structures and nano vehicles and even smart clothes and shoes, Kalam said after their success in IT software, India should keep abreast of this amazing technology. He said carbon nano tubes and its composites would give rise to super strong, smart and intelligent structures in the field of material science and this in turn could lead new production of nano robots with new types of explosives and sensors for air, land and space systems. "This would revolutionise the total concepts of future warfare", he said while inaugurating the three day silver jubilee celebrations of the Navy's Wesee organisation in New Delhi. Kalam said this futuristic technology would pave the way for development of next generation computers, working at over thousand times faster than present computers, which would give the people access to cheaper power, and low cost miniature computers with faster assemblies.
IA announces 10% hike in fares
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
By IndiaExpress Bureau Indian Airlines today announced a 10 per cent hike in air travel on all domestic sectors with effect from June 21 citing the continuous increase in prices of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF). The increased fares will not be applicable to confirmed tickets booked before June 21, an IA spokesman said in New Delhi. However, any open ticket or a new booking after June 21 will be charged as per the new tariff, he said. The hike in passenger fares would be across the board, which includes apex fare and promotional schemes. Jet Airways, Air Sahara and Air Deccan have already announced hike in their fares by 10 per cent. The increase was necessitated due to the spurt in global crude prices that has added Rs 200 crore to Indian Airlines' fuel cost, more than the budgeted estimate for 2004-05 fiscal. The ATF price has shot up from Rs 21,530 per kilolitre (KL) in March this year to Rs 26,000 this month, IA sources said. In February this year, the price stood at Rs 23,130 per KL and zoomed to an all-time high of Rs 26,000 per KL this month. The public sector carrier, which spent Rs 866 crore on ATF in 1999-2000, is estimated to have incurred an expenditure of Rs 1445 crore in 2004-05, they said, adding the sales tax impact for IA stood at Rs 245 crore per annum.
I want to do diverse films and roles: Priyanka
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
By ApunKaChoice Bureau Among the host of beauty queens who have blazed the Bollywood skyway in recent years with their uninhibited acting display and 'glamorous' looks, Priyanka Chopra clearly seems to be the busiest with almost every other filmmaker in Bollywood having signed her up. Just a couple of years old in the industry, the former Miss World has already more than a dozen films in her portfolio ---Anil Sharma's The Hero , Suneil Darshan's Andaaz , Sanjay Gupta's Plan , Guddu Dhanoa's Kismat , Rajiv Rai's Asambhav , David Dhawan's Mujhse Shaadi Karogi , Abbas Mustan's 'Aetraaz', Vipul Shah's 'Waqt-A Race Against Time', Vikram Bhatt's 'Yakeen', Guddu Dhanoa's 'Gandhi'. The list seems endless. While some of these (Anil Sharma's 'Hero', Suneil Darshan's 'Andaaz', Sanjay Gupta's 'Plan', Guddu Dhanoa's 'Kismat' and Rajiv Rai's 'Asambhav') have already been released, others are either on the verge of release or in different stages of production. ''Yes, I am quite fortunate to have had some really great roles coming my way in the very beginning of my career. For someone like me who comes from a non-film background, this, I think is fairly good going,'' Priyanka told a news agency in an interview. Great going it may be for this dusky beauty from Barelly but one wonders whether being a part of these 'commercial ventures', where the greater focus is on the hero with beauties like Priyanka there just as 'glamour quotients', would in any way further her career. ''The people and the media will say what they want to say. However, the fact is that my roles in the above films are pivotal to the story. Had it been otherwise, I would have never taken them up,'' Priyanka said. ''In fact, all my films feature me in varied roles. Also, most of them belong to different genres, ranging from romantic dramas (like 'Aitraaz') to comedies ('Ek Haseena Ek Deewana' and 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi') to thrillers ('Asambhav' and 'Waqt'), which is what led me to take them up as it would help me prove my versatility as an actress,'' Priyanka said. In this context, she points out that she took up Rajiv Rai's 'Asambhav', which released on July 23, because it gave her an opportunity to work in an out-and-out action film. In direct contrast is her next film, David Dhawan's 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi', which is an out-and-out comedy. ''In any case, I feel that eventually my work in these films will speak for itself, no matter what anyone might say about the length or nature of my roles,'' she said.
Sunny in Hindi remake of Tamil hit
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
Three years after his flop Bollywood debut, director Gautham Mennon is ready to direct his second Hindi film that will star Sunny Deol . The failure of his first Hindi movie Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein has not deterred Mennon from making more films in Bollywood. His next Hindi film will be a remake of his Tamil hit Kaakha Kaakha that starred Surya and Jyotikha. Kaakha Kaakha has already been made in Telugu as Garshana with Venkatesh essaying the role of the protagonist. Now for the Hindi version of the movie Mennon has signed Sunny. Mennon says that he had written the script almost five years ago with Sunny in mind. The shooting for the movie will start in summer next year.
Centre begins consultations with rain-deficient states
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
New Delhi, Jul 27 In a bid to fight the drought conditions anticipated due to uncertainty over monsoon, the Centre today began consultations with eight states, including Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Maharashtra. Following a directive from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Cabinet Secretary B K Chaturvedi summoned the chief secretaries for individual consultations to assess the situation in the respective states.
Govt agrees in-principle to infuse funds into AI, IA
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
New Delhi, Jul 27 Keeping in view the long-pending demand of Indian Airlines and Air India, government today agreed in-principle to infuse funds to expand the equity base of the two public sector carriers for their fleet acquisition plans. It also agreed to "look into" the demand for reconsidering the 48 per cent Withholding Tax (WHT), a budget proposal, imposed on leasing of aircraft by any Indian company from a foreign firm. Emerging out of a 30-minute meeting with Finance Minister P Chidambaram here, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel told reporters "the Finance Minister has agreed in-principle for equity infusion." The Kelkar Committee had recommended infusion of Rs 325 crore into Indian Airlines to enable it acquire aircraft. While the IA has decided to buy 43 Airbus 319s, 320s and 321s, the Air India plans to acquire 18 aircraft and another 14 for its low-cost carrier, Air India Express. Patel said he wanted equity in Air India to be enhanced from Rs 105 crore and in Indian Airlines from Rs 153 crore as part of efforts to expand the fleet of the two airlines since low equity base was coming in the way of acquiring more aircraft. "The final arrangement of equity infusion has to be worked out," he said, adding both the airlines would continue to lease ultra long range and medium capacity long range aircraft.
India to host international education conference
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
Jerusalem, Jul 28 An Israeli participatory education movement will organise a conference in India later this year to promote democratic choices in the education system. The conference 'Shanti in Education' is organised by the Israeli group, International Democratic Education Movement (IDEM). "India was chosen as the venue for the 12th conference of the movement as there isn't a school there which can justify itself as democratic, despite an intense craving for such a thing," Ya'acov Hecht who pioneered the movement told Ha'aretz weekend magazine. Hecht, in 1987, opened a school in Israel called 'The Democratic School' based on the principle that every decision in the school is taken in a school parliament consisting of teachers, students and parents where everyone had a vote. The idea was well received and today there are 25 such schools in Israel besides hundreds of others spread all over the world in Europe, Nepal, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Russia, Brazil etc. "Every child is strong in at least one area. The minute you identify this, his self image improves and he then also improves in other areas", he added.
Five CRPF men, two militants killed in Srinagar
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
Srinagar, Jul 28 Five CRPF personnel and two militants were killed in an overnight gunbattle inside the para-military force camp on the banks of Dal Lake here. Five CRPF personnel were killed when a two member suicide squad of the al-Mansoorian outfit barged into the camp, housed in Hotel Livard last night, Inspector General of Police K Rajendra Kumar told. Security forces engaged the militants holed up in the camp in a gunbattle that ended early this morning with the death of the two ultras, Kumar said. One CRPF sub-inspector, a head constable and three constables were killed in the fidayeen attack, Kumar said. The two-member suicide squad had attacked the CRPF camp at around 2040 hrs yesterday.
India pip Lanka to move into Asia Cup final
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
Ashish Shukla Colombo, Jul 27 India scripted a stunning last ball victory against a Sanath Jayasuriya-inspired Sri Lanka to move into the final of the Asia Cup cricket tournament here today, edging out Pakistan. In a nerve-wracking Super League match, India just about managed to scamper home by four runs in the do-or-die floodlit encounter despite the heroics of Jayasuriya who cracked his second successive century with a 132-ball 130 to almost take his team to victory. The result meant that Pakistan would now be out of Sunday's summit showdown, which would again see the same opponents brace up for the title. India stopped Sri Lanka at 267 for nine after they had scored 271 for 6 built around half centuries by Virender Sehwag (81) and Sourav Ganguly (79).
Bihar seeks Rs 70 bn package, PM assures help
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
Patna, Jul 27 Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today assured all assistance to Bihar devastated by floods, which have claimed around 450 lives, but remained non-committal on the state government's demand for a Rs 70 bn package to undertake the the task of rebuilding the infrastructure and providing relief to victims. "I share the concerns of the Bihar government and the pain of victims. The Centre will extend all help to the state in rehabilitating those rendered homeless and revive agriculture destroyed by the flood," he told reporters after making an aerial survey of worst-hit Darbhanga, Begusarai, Khagaria and Samastipur districts. The Prime Minister, who held talks with senior government functionaries, including Chief Minister Rabri Devi, however, remained non-committal on the issue of providing a special package to Bihar for relief and rehabilitation saying a central team would visit the state on August three to assess the extent of damage due to floods. "It will not not be proper for me to announce a package at this moment. The Centre will go by the recommendations made by the team," he said. Meanwhile, the state's Water Resource Minister Jagdanand Singh who heads the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, told that Chief Minister Rabri Devi had submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister seeking a financial package of Rs 7o bn for rebuilding infrastructure and carrying out relief.
Mehmood's body brought to Mumbai
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
Mumbai, Jul 28 The body of veteran Bollywood actor and comedian Mehmood Ali, who died in the United States on July 23, was flown here early this morning by his family members. The body was taken to the Mehboob Studio in suburban Bandra for members of the film industry and others to pay homage. Later in the day, it would be flown to Bangalore for burial at Mehmood's farm house, family sources said. Mehmood was under treatment in the US.
India appeals again for release of hostages
Monday, July 26, 2004
New Delhi, July 26. : As the deadline set by Iraqi kidnappers to kill the seven truckers, including three Indians, drew nearer, India on Sunday made an impassioned appeal to the hostage-takers to set the captives free, citing historical relations between the two countries and teachings of Islam. Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed, issued the appeal in Arabic and English and said he had "absolute faith in the Almighty Allah to give Hidayath (direction) to the group who keep our people as hostages to release them." "There is no justification for anybody to keep innocent persons in captivity... Islam teaches everybody to be just and fair and the people of India expect that captors will also honour the Islamic way of thinking towards the innocent," he said. He said the people of India have "great faith in the people of Iraq who will never think of doing anything harmful to India and its people because the historical and traditional relationship between the people of Iraq and India is based on mutual trust, confidence and brotherhood." Seeking the release of the hostages, Ahamed said: "Every patriotic Iraqi will appreciate India's principled stand that our country supports the aspirations of the Iraqi people." Minister of State for External Affairs Rao Inderjit Singh, told reporters in Jaipur that the Indian Government was in constant touch with Iraqi authorities to negotiate the release of the Indians and hoped they would be freed soon. Describing India as "well wishers of the people of Iraq and also the champion of the Arab cause", Ahamed said New Delhi "naturally expects" Indian hostages to be released soon. "Those who are in custody as hostages also have their families back in India who live in tears," the Minister said, adding "as a believer in God, I always hope that the Almighty will help our people in being released from the captors." Ahamed made a similar appeal on Arab television networks, including those of Iraq, Kuwait and Oman, last night in the endeavour to get the hostages released. Singh said "efforts and negotiations are on through the Iraqi Government. We are closely monitoring the situation there and are in constant touch with Iraq." The Kuwait-based transport company KGL, which employed Antaryami, Tilak Raj and Sukhdeo Singh as truck drivers, was negotiating with the kidnappers to free them as soon as possible, he said. Singh refused to specify the steps being taken to get them released, saying it may jeopardise the efforts. A group calling themselves as 'Black flags' took the three Indians, besides the same number of Egyptians and a Kenyan hostage four days back. The initial threat to execute the first man was to expire yesterday but the kidnappers announced extension of the deadline on Friday night.
Eighty per cent of judges favour death by lethal injection
Sunday, July 25, 2004
New Delhi, July 25 A vast majority of judges, who responded to the Law Commission on execution of death penalty, feel that administering lethal injection should be an additional mode for sniffing out a condemned prisoner's life. The Law Commission's 187th Report on "Mode of Execution of Death Sentence and Incidental Matters", which was tabled in Parliament recently, analysed the responses it received from judges of different High Courts and subordinate courts. About 80 per cent of the judges, who responded to the Commission's questionnaire, favoured an amendment to Section 354(5) of the Criminal Procedure Code, which provided that when a person is sentenced to death he shall be executed by hanging by neck till he is dead. "All of the 80 per cent judges who are in favour of amendment of Section 354(5) have suggested that administering lethal injection should be the other mode of execution of the death sentence," the report said. However, five per cent of the judges had suggested that apart from the lethal injection, 'shooting' could also be precribed as an alternative mode of execution of death sentence, said the report presented to the Law Ministry by Commission Chairman Justice M J Rao. "Only approximately 19 per cent of the judges are satisfied with the present mode of execution of death," the report, without giving the number of respondents, said.
Indian scientist produces biggest black pearl in the world
Sunday, July 25, 2004
New Delhi, Jul 25 Breaking the monopoly of Japan in the production of big pearls, an Indian scientist claims to have achieved a rare feat by developing a technology to produce even bigger-sized black pearl through an oyster species. Seven months after he was permitted to perform research activities in Andaman and Nicobar islands Dr Ajay K Sonkar says he has produced a rare black pearl of 8 mm nucleus from black lip oyster 'Pincdata margaritifera'. "The technology is capable of producing even bigger size pearls but would require more time. Just because I wanted to display the efficacy of the technology I took this much time," he told. Letters of appreciation from the government and other countries have been flooding in after the scientist displayed the 8 mm nucleus black pearl on July 9 before the Lt Governor of Andaman and Nicobar. The unique quality of the technology developed by the scientist, who hails from Allahabad, is that there is no need to kill the oyster to produce the pearl. The oyster could again be used for the purpose, he said. Pinctada margaritifera, found in the islands, is one of the most prominent species which has the potential to produce the most expensive and rare black pearls, he said. During his research Sonkar found that the population of the species was very low due to over exploitation by the local people. He then established the most advanced hatchery which has successfully produced a stock of millions of juvenile oysters in the region.
Indian national's fate hangs in balance in Indonesia
Sunday, July 25, 2004
Jakarta, Jul 25 The fate of an Indian national, facing a firing squad in Indonesia for smuggling drugs, hangs in balance as a clemency petition has been sent to President Megawati Sukarnoputri after the country's Supreme Court rejected his appeal to spare his life. Sixtyfive-year-old Ayodhya Prasad Chaubey, who was residing in Thailand, has been in a prison in Medan, Indonesia, since 1994 after being sentenced to death. His appeal and mercy petition have been turned down by the country's Supreme Court twice. Chaubey, flew to Medan from Bangkok along with two Thais in February 1994. He left the airport there and checked into a hotel while the two Thai accomplices were arrested after police recovered 12 kgs of drugs from them. Police arrested Chaubey after the two Thais told them that he was also involved in the case, India's envoy to Indonesia, H K Singh, said. However, the drugs have never been produced at any trial. Chaubey has argued if the seized material was not available, charges should not be levied against him. A few days back India had asked Indonesia to spare his life. K B Mathur, in charge of consular affairs at the Indian Embassy, here had reportedly written to the Attorney General's office asking not to execute Chaubey. In response to plans to execute Chaubey after July 25, his lawyer said the prosecutor's office is now still coordinating with the police on carrying out Chaubey's death penalty.
India appeals captors to release hostages
Sunday, July 25, 2004
PTI NEW DELHI: India on Saturday made an appeal through television networks in Iraq, Kuwait, Oman and some other gulf countries for release of the hostages, including three Indians, being held captive by a group in Iraq. The appeal was made by Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed and broadcast over Iraq National Television Channel one and two, Al Arabia network and television stations in Kuwait and Oman, according to ministry sources. Ahamed said in his broadcast that the hostages were innocent people and urged their captors to free them. He said India has taken a firm decision against sending troops to Iraq, has raised its voice internationally for the gulf country's sovereignty, provided humanitarian assistance to Iraqi people and upheld the Arab cause. India, he said, had cordial and historic relations with Arab countries and, in particular, with Iraq.
Fire in ONGC's Uran plant near Mumbai
Saturday, July 24, 2004
New Delhi, Jul 24 Production in ONGC's Uran plant near Mumbai was halted this morning following a minor fire, a senior company official said. "The fire broke out in the storm water unit of the plant at 7.30 a.m. It was extinguished within 10 minutes. Production was halted and is likely to resume in the next couple of hours," the ONGC official told from Mumbai. No loss of life and damage to property was reported and the cause of the fire was not known, he said. The plant processes oil and gas produced by the company in Mumbai offshore.
Wipro posts 73 per cent growth in Q1 profits
Saturday, July 24, 2004
Bangalore,July 23 Propelled by volume growth and higher price realisation, IT major Wipro has posted a 73 per cent jump in net profits at Rs 357 crore and 48 per cent growth in revenues at Rs 1,769 crore for the first quarter ended June. The Bangalore-based company had reported net profit of Rs 206.1 crore and revenues of Rs 1,198 crore in the corresponding period last fiscal. "Consistent with our performance in recent quarters, every single vertical, every single geography and key service lines has witnessed robust revenue growth," Wipro Chairman Azim Premji told reporters. "While it is too early to claim return to a period of price increase, pricing pressures are clearly on the wane," he said. The NYSE-listed Wipro added 35 new clients, including 23 from the United States, during the quarter and increased its headcount by 3,015 to a total of 31,517 people. "As the IT spending environment stabilise, customers are increasingly demanding high quality service delivery," Premji said. Wipro, which beat its own guidance of USD 292 million during the first quarter for its global IT services business registering USD 300 million, increased its forecast for the second quarter to USD 318 million. "Revenues and expansion in operating margin were primarily the result of sustained volume growth and an improving pricing environment," Wipro Vice Chairman Vivek Paul said.
Crisis management group set up to deal with Iraq hostage issue
Saturday, July 24, 2004
New Delhi, Jul 23 Government has set up a crisis management group headed by Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahmed to deal with the hostage crisis in Iraq even as it said today that the Kuwaiti transport company has assured it will "do everything necessary" to ensure the release of hostages, including three Indians. A control room has also been set up in the Ministry to monitor the developments, Ahmed told reporters here. The Kuwait and Gulf Link Transport Company (KGL) "has assured our Embassy in Kuwait that they are willing to do everything necessary to ensure the safety and release of the hostages. We have been given to understand that hostages are unharmed and safe", he said. The three Indians -- Antaryami, Tilak Raj and Sukhdev Singh -- working as truck drivers with the company are being held hostage along with three Kenyans and one Egyptian by an Iraqi group "The Holders of the Black Banners" which is demanding withdrawal of all citizens of these countries from Iraq and stoppage of work by the transport company. It has threatened to behead a hostage every 72 hours. Asked whether the company has agreed to stop operations, the Minister said the company "will to do whatever possible" for the release of hostages. Observing that the demands of the kidnappers bear no relevance to India's well-known and principled position, he said that it had been made clear that India would not send its troops to Iraq.
India's inflation rate breaches 6.5 per cent mark
Saturday, July 24, 2004
New Delhi, Jul 23 Maintaining its upward spree for the third consecutive week, inflation rose substantially by 0.36 per cent to 6.52 per cent for the week ended July 10 even as primary items, including food articles like vegetables and fruits and some of the manufactured products, became cheaper. The point-to-point Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation scaled further to touch the highest level since last two years though fuel prices remained unchanged and it was 4.65 per cent in the previous year period. The previous high during the last two years was recorded at 6.47 per cent for the week ended April 12, 2003 as per the provisional figures though final inflation had even touched 6.89 per cent during the week ended May 3, 2003. The WPI was up marginally by 0.1 per cent to 184.6 points during the latest reported week with the index of manufactured products moving up and the index was 173.3 points a year ago. Economists and market analysts expect that general price level would further harden if taken into account the impact of deficiency of rainfall in the agricultural sector. The Government revised upwards inflation to 4.96 per cent for the week ended May 15 as compared to provisional level of 4.67 per cent. The final WPI stood corrected at 182 points during the middle of May as against the provisional figure of 181.5 points.
Wipro posts 73 per cent growth in Q1 profits
Saturday, July 24, 2004
Bangalore,July 23 Propelled by volume growth and higher price realisation, IT major Wipro has posted a 73 per cent jump in net profits at Rs 357 crore and 48 per cent growth in revenues at Rs 1,769 crore for the first quarter ended June. The Bangalore-based company had reported net profit of Rs 206.1 crore and revenues of Rs 1,198 crore in the corresponding period last fiscal. "Consistent with our performance in recent quarters, every single vertical, every single geography and key service lines has witnessed robust revenue growth," Wipro Chairman Azim Premji told reporters. "While it is too early to claim return to a period of price increase, pricing pressures are clearly on the wane," he said. The NYSE-listed Wipro added 35 new clients, including 23 from the United States, during the quarter and increased its headcount by 3,015 to a total of 31,517 people. "As the IT spending environment stabilise, customers are increasingly demanding high quality service delivery," Premji said. Wipro, which beat its own guidance of USD 292 million during the first quarter for its global IT services business registering USD 300 million, increased its forecast for the second quarter to USD 318 million. "Revenues and expansion in operating margin were primarily the result of sustained volume growth and an improving pricing environment," Wipro Vice Chairman Vivek Paul said.
India, Pak to resolve differences
Saturday, July 24, 2004
New Delhi, July 23 Returning home after holding talks with Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf in Islamabad, External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh today said both countries wanted to resolve their differences, including on Jammu and Kashmir, peacefully. "No aspect of our relations, including Jammu and Kashmir was left out (during the talks with Musharraf). The discussions were warm, frank and realistic," he told reporters at the airport. The Minister was replying to questions on his 90-minute meeting with Musharraf this morning and whther the issue of expediting the peace process was discussed.
Sri Lanka stroll to 10-wicket win
Saturday, July 24, 2004
Colombo, Jul 23 Sanath Jayasuriya returned to his ominous form with a sparkling unbeaten century as Sri Lanka crushed Bangladesh for a 10-wicket win in a Super League match of the Asia Cup one-day cricket tournament here today. Jayasuriya broke his brief run of bad patch by slamming 107 off 101 balls with 11 fours to help the hosts overhaul the modest Bangladesh target of 191 in just 33.3 overs in the day-night clash at the Premadasa Stadium. Avishka Gunawardene was the perfect foil in the unbroken opening partnership with a patient 64 off 100 balls. Bangladesh could have finished far below their eventual total of 190 for nine but for a defiant half century by 20-year old opening batsman Mohammad Ashraful. Ashraful's career-best 66 and his 100-run partnership with middle order batsman Manjural Islam Rana (43) helped the Bangla team recover from a disastrous 31 for four and post a respectable total. Chaminda Vaas claimed three for 30 while Lasith Malinga, Muttiah Muralitharan and Farveez Maharoof picked one wicket each. Sri Lanka have now won both their Super League matches and face India in their last engagement on Tuesday. Top two teams from the Super League advance to the final on August 1.
Seven women, two children brutally murdered at Siwan in Bihar
Saturday, July 24, 2004
Siwan, July 24 Seven women and two children of a family were brutally murdered by unidentified persons in Siwan district of Bihar in the wee hours. The victims were killed in their sleep by slitting their throats in Bishunpura-Jagdishpur Tola village of the district at around 1 a.m., Inspector General of Police, Headquarters, Neelmani told, in Patna. The cause of the macabre killings was not known, Neelmani said, adding the victims belonged to the poor "fakir" community. District Magistrate Brajesh Mehrotra and Superintendent of Police Jaglal Chaudhury have rushed to the spot and raids were on to apprehend the killers, the police official said. Initial reports had said the victims were shot dead.
Natwar talks to Iraqi Foreign Minister about hostages
Friday, July 23, 2004
Islamabad: External Affairs Minister K. Natwar Singh on Thursday called up his Iraqi counterpart Hoshyar Zebari who is in Cairo, and urged him to use his good offices to secure the release of three Indians seized by guerrillas in Iraq. ''I told him that the Indians held hostage by the militants had nothing to do with combat operations and were truck drivers,'' he told reporters here. Singh was in the Pakistani capital to attend the two-day meeting of the SAARC Ministerial Council, which ended here on Wednesday. "'I also gave him the name of the company for which they are working,'' he said. The Iraqi minister said his government would do all it could to secure the early release of the hostages. The Indians were among seven foreign drivers working for a Kuwaiti transport company. Their captors have threatened to behead them one by one unless their employer stops operations
Oracle to focus on India for software development
Friday, July 23, 2004
US software giant Oracle Corp. said on Thursday it would continue to build up its software development centre in India to supply its global operations. Oracle President Charles E. Phillips told a news conference that the company was adding about 250 people every month in the country to its existing pool of about 6000 workers because of an abundance of IT talent. "It is very important to us as a development hub. We are in an industry where specialised skills are needed. We came here early and recognised (the local talent)," he said. Oracle, one of the world's largest software firms, was one of the first to set up a development centre in India in 1994 and has since added a second. Phillips, in Bangalore as part of a tour of the Asia-Pacific region, said there were no concrete plans to build a third centre but did not rule out this possibility in the future. "This region contributed around 19 percent of (our) revenues last year. It is growing faster than any other region and with half the world's population living here it is quite natural to look at the region for future growth." Japan and South Korea were the two largest markets but China and India were the two fastest growing in the region. "India will start to close the gap," Phillips said. The company has more than 150 partners in the Indian market and has offices in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Calcutta. It has been selling its products in 13 local languages to extend its market share. AFP
Soren issue stalls Parliament
Thursday, July 22, 2004
The Sibu Soren issue rocked Parliament for the third day on Thursday as angry opposition disrupted proceedings in both Houses, seeking to know the whereabouts of the Union Coal Minister, wanted by Jharkhand police in a murder case. They were also demanding an immediate explanation from Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. After two adjournments in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, the presiding officers called it a day amid unruly scenes as the determined opposition insisted that nothing short of a statement by the prime minister would satify them. Earlier, a furious opposition virtually came to blows in Lok Sabha on Thursday with ruling alliance members over certain remarks made by a Shiv Sena member amid turmoil on the issue of arrest warrant against Union Coal Minister Sibu Soren in a murder case, forcing adjournment of the House for two hours. As soon as the House reassembled at noon after the first 15-minute adjournment on the issue with opposition demanding sacking of Soren, agitated members trooped to the well shouting anti-government slogans and making certain remarks against the Chair. "Is this the way to run the House?" shouted Shiv Sena leader Anant Geete supported by angry members from the Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies, provoking ruling alliance members, particularly those from the Rashtriya Janata Dal, who menacingly surged forward towards the well and opposition benches. As tension mounted with heated exchanges between opposition and ruling benches, the two sides almost came to blows and were seen being pacified by senior leaders, including Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, Water Resources Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi, Samajwadi Party member Ramjilal Suman and some Left party members. Within a minute of the eruption of uproar, Speaker Somnath Chatterjee adjourned the House till 1400 hours but agitated members from both sides were seen shouting at each other even after the House had risen. Later senior Watch and Ward officials who came to the well after the adjournment kept a close watch and were seen informiung the members that the House had been adjourned for two hours. Soon after the House assembled at noon, the Speaker requested the members to resume their seats as a new member was to take oath. His request fell on deaf ears and the opposition members stormed the well.
Last date for filing returns of income extended to Oct 30
Thursday, July 22, 2004
New Delhi Jul 22 The last date for filing return of income has been extended by three months to October 30. An official release said the Central Board of Direct Taxes has extended the due date for filing of returns of income for 2004-05 to October 30 from the previous date of July 31. The new date for filing returns is applicable for the salaried and non-corporate assessees, whose accounts are not required to be audited under the Income Tax Act.
President refers Punjab Termination of Agreements Act to SC
Thursday, July 22, 2004
New Delhi, Jul 22 The President A P J Abdul Kalam today referred to the Supreme Court for its opinion the controversial law passed by the Punjab Assembly annulling water sharing agreements with its neighbouring states. The President referred the Punjab Termination Agreements Act 2004 to the apex court under Article 143 of the constituion, official sources said.
India steps up efforts for release of hostages
Thursday, July 22, 2004
New Delhi/Islamabad, Jul 22 India today stepped up efforts to secure the safe release of its three nationals held hostage in Iraq along with four others as a video showed the captives making desperate pleas for their lives. One of the Indians with a stubble on his face, who identified himself as Tilak Raj, said "we are being held here against our will because they feel we are supporting America. They have also taken away our vehicles. We are three Indians, three Kenyans and one Egyptian." "We are being given food and water," said the man with a greying hair, who was wearing a light brown shirt. Besides Tilak Raj, the other Indians held hostage are Antaryami and Sukhdev Singh. While Tilak Raj and Antaryami hail from Una in Himachal pradesh, Sukhdev Singh is from Ropar in Punjab. All the seven hostages were truck drivers working for a Kuwaiti firm, KGL Transport Company. They were held captive yesterday by a group calling itself 'Black Flags', which has threatened to execute one hostage every 72 hours if their Kuwaiti employer does not leave the country. The Indian government was in touch with authorities in Iraq and Kuwait besides the embassies of the US and Kuwait in Delhi to end the hostage crisis. External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh, who is in Islamabad, said the government was making all efforts to ensure their release and safe return. "We have all been shocked and distressed at the kidnapping ... This is a serious development," he said while appealing to "all those who have influence to assist in ensuring their safe return."
Retd army personnel, 4 members of the family killed in J-K
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
Jammu, July 20 A retired army personnel and four members of his family, including a three-year-old child and two women, were today killed by LeT militants in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir. Abdul Gani, his wife Gul Begum, son Muzaffar Hussain, daughter Azma Begum and the infant were shot dead by the Lashkar-e-Toiba militants in their house in Gursanwala village in the district, official sources said here. The militants beat the family members before killing them and later escaped, the sources said Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched an operation to hunt the militants, they said.
SYL row: Full justice would be done in sharing of waters, says PM
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
New Delhi, July 19 Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said the Centre would ensure evenhanded treatement to all states and full justice would be done in the matter of sharing of waters. This was stated by the Prime Minister when a delegation of MLAs and MPs from Haryana called on him here. Singh told them that these matters had a bearing on the federal structure of the Constitution and the Centre would ensure that its constitutional responsibilities were effectively and fully discharged, an official release said. The delegation met the Prime Minister in the light of enactment of a law by Punjab Government terminating its water sharing agreements with its neighbouring states-- Haryana, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh.
Best Bakery case: Special court issues warrants against 10 accused
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
Mumbai, Jul 19 A special court here today issued non-bailable warrants against 10 of the 21 accused in the Best Bakery carnage that occurred during the post-Godhra riots in Gujarat. Special court judge Abhaya Thipse asked the Mumbai police to execute the warrants and kept the matter for August nine, the day on which the Supreme Court is likely to decide on the issue of appointment of public prosecutor in the case.
SC notice to Mayawati, former secy in Taj Heritage Corridor case
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
New Delhi, Jul 19 The Supreme Court today issued notices to former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and BSP supremo Mayawati and two other officials of the State on a petition challenging an Allahabad High Court granting them anticipatory bail in the multi-crore Taj Heritage Corridor (THC) scam case. Taking note of a special leave petition filed by advocate Ajay Kumar Agrawal, the Bench also issued notices to her then principal Secretary P L Punia and former Environment Secretary V K Gupta. The CBI, on the September 18 order of the apex Court, had registered a case of alleged irregularities in the construction of the Rs 175-crore corridor linking five historical places in Agra including Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. The High Court had given the relief to Mayawati and others on their petition seeking quashing of the FIR. The investigating agency sought time to complete the probe into the disproportionate assets of Mayawati, as ordered by the apex Court. The Bench granted the agency three months time to complete the probe into the case. The Court also took strong exception to the manner in which the officers - Punia, Gupta and R K Sharma - have been first suspended, reinstated and then put on compulsory wait by the State Government.
Salman Versus Ash, Big B Versus Son
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
By Taran Adarsh It's battle royal on August 13, 2004. As things stand today, the two biggies - KYON! HO GAYA NA... and PHIR MILENGE - are scheduled to hit the screens on August 13. What's so special, did you ask? Well, read on... It's a special week because the date will witness the clash of a Salman starrer [PHIR MILENGE] with that of a Vivek - Ash starrer [KYON! HO GAYA NA]. The ex-lovers - Salman and Ash - may not have clashed in real life, but expect the [reel-life] fireworks on August 13. Similarly, it's the first time when two films of the Bachchans - father and son - are pitted in the same week. While the father is an integral part of KYON! HO GAYA NA..., son Abhishek plays a stellar role in PHIR MILENGE. Incidentally, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy are the music composers of the two films. Await Friday the 13th... let's see who wins the race!
Sri Lanka see off India in thriller
Monday, July 19, 2004
DAMBULLA: Pace bowler Nuwan Zoysa ripped through India’s top order to help lift Sri Lanka to a 12-run victory Sunday in a preliminary league match of the Asia Cup. Zoysa (three for 49) dismissed three top batsmen and ran out a fourth as India faltered in chasing Sri Lanka’s imposing score of 282 for four from 50 overs. Despite a brisk 133-run partnership from Rahul Dravid (82) and Yuvraj Singh (47) India could only compile 270 for eight in 50 overs. The triumph secured twice Asia Cup winner Sri Lanka the top slot in Pool B, while four-time champion and 2003 World Cup finalist India finished second. Both nations had already qualified for the second round after victories over minnow United Arab Emirates. Batting first after captain Marvan Atapattu won the toss, Sri Lanka was buoyed by a rapid 116-run stand for the fourth wicket off 90 balls between Mahela Jayawardena (58 not out) and Kumar Sangakkara (57). Sri Lanka was given a solid start from new opening pair Saman Jayanta (34) and Avishka Gunawardene (49) before Atapattu (50), Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardena took the Indian attack apart. The first session of the day-night contest was interrupted by heavy showers after the Sri Lanka openers had faced just nine deliveries. The match resumed after an hour with Sri Lanka on three for no loss. The openers put on a brisk 63-run partnership before Jayanta was caught behind by Parthiv Patel off seamer Laxmipathy Balaji. Jayanta got out flashing his bat at an outswinger. His 40-ball knock contained one six and four boundaries. Gunawardene, the top scorer in Saturday’s match against UAE, added 65 runs for the second wicket with Atapattu, but fell one short of the half-century when he was run out during a mid-pitch mix up with his captain. He hit five boundaries from 77 balls. Atapattu was also run out while attempting a single and was beaten by Yuvraj Singh’s throw to Anil Kumble at the bowler’s end. His 76-ball innings included three hits to the fence. Indian captain Sourav Ganguly used seven bowlers, including himself in a bid to curb the run scoring, but it accelerated further as Sangakkara and Jayawardena unveiled their strokes. Sangakkara smashed one huge six and three fours from 54 deliveries faced before getting out in the penultimate over, hitting left-arm pacer Irfan Pathan straight to Ganguly at short-covers. Jayawardena also hit one six and three boundaries from 49 balls in his unbeaten knock. India lost attacking opener Sachin Tendulkar for 11, miscuing a cover drive off Zoysa to Jayanta at mid-off, and Parthiv Patel (6) was caught by Sangakkara off the same bowler. Virender Sehwag scored a brisk 39-ball 37 before being run out by Zoysa’s direct hit from third-man as he tried to steal the second run. Ganguly (6) became Zoysa’s third victim when he lofted the ball to Muttiah Muralitharan. Dravid and Singh pulled India back into the contest with their century partnership, but Singh fell three short of his half-century as he top edged Chaminda Vaas, with wicketkeeper Sangakkara taking a diving catch.
2 claimants for reward for catching Kohli
Sunday, July 18, 2004
Siliguri, July 17: In an interesting turn of events, at least two persons have claimed the Rs 50 lakh award for providing information leading to the arrest of Maninderpal Singh Kohli, who allegedly raped and killed a British teenager, even though the local police maintained that the fugitive had been arrested with the help of its own sources. Jason Lepcha, a resident of Darjeeling, claimed that he was the first to call the toll-free phone numbers shown on TV July 13 and also produced before meidapersons his mobile phone from which he made the call. He said he had informed that Kohli, the prime suspect in the rape and murder of Hannah Foster in Hampshire last year, was now clean-shaven and was attached to the Red Cross. On the other hand Anthony, a resident of Kalimpong, claimed that he and his friends informed the police first and even accompanied the police team which raided Kohli's residence in Murgihata July 13. He said he was introduced to Kohli June 26 and that when Kohli fled from his residence, he managed to get his mobile phone number on which the police called him to trace him as he was going towards the Indo-Nepal border in Panighata. Anthony said though Kohli tried to confuse the police by saying that he was in Gangtok, the rickshaw honk, heard during the conversation on the mobile phone, helped the police to look for him in the plains. The local police, however, rubbished these claims making it clear that Kohli was arrested with the help of its own sources, but also said it was not interested in the award. (Agencies)
India defeated UAE by 116 runs
Saturday, July 17, 2004
DAMBULLA: Rahul Dravid smashed an impressive 104 and Irfan Pathan grabbed three quick wickets as India thrashed the inexperienced United Arab Emirates by 116 runs in an Asia Cup Group-B league match here on Friday. India were tottering at 65-3 after electing to bat in the day-night match on a slow pitch before posting a competitive 260-6 against the non-Test-playing nation, thanks to Dravid’s ninth century. Left-arm fast bowler Pathan then captured three early wickets in as many overs as UAE were bowled out for 144 after being 45-6 at one stage. Lower-order batsman Mohammad Tauqir, struck on the helmet and the body by left-arm paceman Zaheer Khan on a couple of occasions, top-scored with 55 on debut. Asghar Ali (14) and Asim Saeed (12) were the other batsmen to reach double-figures against a sharp Indian pace attack, spearheaded by Pathan who was on a hat-trick in his third over when he dismissed Saeed and Aslam Naeemuddin off successive balls. Our batsmen need serious practice as we lost six quick wickets. We hope to do better in the next match against Sri Lanka, said UAE skipper Khuram Khan. Part-time spinner Sachin Tendulkar claimed the last three wickets and paceman Laxmipathy Balaji finished with two. Leg-spinner Anil Kumble (1-16) became the fourth-highest wicket-taker with 316, behind only retired Pakistani pace duo of Wasim Akram (502) and Waqar Younis (416) and Sri Lanakan Muttiah Muralitharan (360). But the afternoon belonged to Dravid, who came to his team’s rescue with a responsible knock after the cheap dismissals of Virender Sehwag (nought), Tendulkar (18) and Venkatsai Laxman (14). Dravid scored a run-a-ball half-century and then took just 40 deliveries more to reach the three-figure mark. He hit eight fours in his 93-ball knock. He was involved in two useful stands, adding 88 for the fourth wicket with skipper Sourav Ganguly (55) and 59 for the sixth with Mohammad Kaif (32 not out). Ganguly was dropped twice early in the innings, including off the first ball in the slips, and then survived a confident appeal for leg-before before completing a chancy half-century. We were a bit rusty to start with, said Ganguly. I think they bowled pretty well in the first 15 overs. We hope to do well in the next game against Sri Lanka. UAE, playing their first major one-day international since the 1996 World Cup, bowled tight in the initial overs to put their more experienced rivals in a spot. New-ball bowlers Saeed and Ali Asad never allowed the Indians to dominate. The famed Indian batting struggled in the season’s first match as Sehwag was run out for a third-ball duck following a mix-up with Tendulkar. Tendulkar also did not last long as he was caught at short mid-wicket by a diving Fahad Usman off left-arm seamer Saeed, who earned $1,000 offered by team officials for claiming the scalp of the master batsman.
Slain UK girl’s father smiles at India arrest
Saturday, July 17, 2004
CHANDIGARH: The father of murdered British teenager Hannah Foster said on Friday the arrest in India of a man suspected of raping and killing his daughter had exceeded his wildest dreams and put a smile on his face. On Thursday, Indian police arrested Maninder Pal Singh Kohli, a migrant lorry driver originally from Punjab state, who is believed to have fled to India after the body of 17-year-old Hannah was found on the outskirts of Southampton in March 2003. As you can see, in a very long time, there is a smile on my face, Trevor Foster told a news conference in the northern city of Chandigarh, capital of Punjab. We know for sure our journey to India has been worthwhile. Never in our wildest dreams did we expect an arrest to be made while we were in the middle of a short visit. His wife, Hilary, sat beside him but did not speak. After the news conference, the couple hugged. Foster and his wife came to India this week and made an emotional appeal in New Delhi for help in tracking down the suspect. They set up two hotlines and offered a 5 million rupee ($110,000) reward for information leading to Kohli’s arrest. Kohli was caught near the India-Nepal border in the tea-growing district of Darjeeling in West Bengal state and has been remanded to judicial custody until July 29 by a local judge in Kalimpong town, a police officer told Reuters. reuters
Germany, India natural candidates for permanent UNSC seats: Fischer
Saturday, July 17, 2004
NEW DELHI: India and Germany have agreed to support each other’s effort for permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council, said ministers from the two countries on Wednesday. Visiting German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer, who held talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Foreign Minister Natwar Singh, said both countries hoped they would be able to get permanent seats in the course of broader reforms in the United Nations. Germany and India consider both countries to be natural candidates for a permanent seat on an enlarged Security Council and will support each other in this endeavour, Fischer said at a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Natwar Singh. He said there was an urgent need for an effective multilateral system and an efficient UN system that reflects the realities of the 21st century. The Indian foreign minister echoed the views. We will work together for reform of the UN. In today’s world if the UN is bypassed or the doctrine of unilateralism takes precedence over multilateralism there is something wrong, Natwar Singh said. On a permanent Security Council seat, he said: If India and Germany work together we can achieve this and we hope to do it in a friendly manner. The Indian foreign minister said the international public opinion was in favour of drastic (UN) reform. Fischer said that German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder would be visiting India later this year as part of the annual bilateral summit. He also extended an invitation to foreign minister Singh to visit Germany. On the ongoing peace talks between India and Pakistan, Fischer wished the two countries well. Everything should be done to increase the level of the dialogue process, he said. On Iraq, Fischer said Security Council resolution 1546, which outlines among other things the formation of an interim Iraqi government, was a very important development to move forward. He will also visit Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan during his 10-day pan-Asian tour. The minister is being accompanied by members of parliament and a business delegation primarily investors in renewable energy.
US hails good relations with India
Saturday, July 17, 2004
WASHINGTON, July 14 (Xinhuanet) -- A senior US official on Wednesday spoke highly of a visit to India by American Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage, saying Washington and New Delhi "remain close friends and partners." Armitage had "excellent and productive" meetings with Indian government leaders, spokesman of the State Department Richard Boucher told a news briefing. "All of Mr. Armitage's meetings reflected the warm and collaborative nature of our relationship with India and they're indicative of the direction we want the relationship to proceed", Boucher said. It was reported that the talks between Armitage and Indian officials focused on a range of issues, including bilateral ties, situation in Iraq and the relations between India and Pakistan. Armitage is the first senior official of US President George W.Bush's administration to visit India since the new government of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh came to power in May. Enditem
India can control AIDS: Sonia
Saturday, July 17, 2004
BANGKOK: India’s ruling Congress Party leader Sonia Gandhi told a world AIDS conference on Friday that India, the country with the second largest number of HIV cases, will meet the challenge of its growing crisis. Fending off criticisms that India has been complacent as its numbers soar, Gandhi said India had done much to fight the deadly scourge, including developing inexpensive generic drugs, increasing funding and improving the safety of the blood supply. But she acknowledged that we need to do a great deal more in India, which with 5.1 million HIV/AIDS cases is ranked only behind South Africa in terms of numbers. AIDS workers said Gandhi’s support for the AIDS battle will make it a higher priority in India than it has previously been. afp
Priyanka Chopra: Date Hassle
Saturday, July 17, 2004
One star who seems to be very busy is Priyanka Chopra. She has just completed David Dhawan’s Mujhse Shaadi Karogi and is currently for three films simultaneously Abbas Mustan’s Aitraaz, Dinesh Patel’s Benam and Girish Dhamja’s Yakeen. Priyanka has also signed Suneel Darshan’s Barsaat. There is also Black Mail in the offing. Completely committed Priiyanka is having tough time squeezing out dates for Karan Johar erstwhile assistant Soham Shah’s film. Soham requires two months time at a stretch while Priyanka has already allotted dates to other filmmakers. Now one wonders if she will go out of her way to accommodate the film or will she opt out of it?
Bachchan mobbed by media!
Saturday, July 17, 2004
By Viral Bhayani, The legendary Amitabh Bachchan is mobbed by fans and the media at every other event. But what is surprising is the desperation of TV channels. Mediapersons these days get to meet Bachchan at some function or the other every week. But this week at the Damas Solitaire launch in Mumbai, the TV channels went hysterical to get sound bytes from him. As soon as the event was over, the media mobbed Bachchan and actress Lara Dutta. The event was preceded by a fashion show choreographed and designed by ace Bollywood designer Vikram Phadnis. It became difficult for the crowd to move out of the hall while photographers and TV channel crews rushed towards Bachchan, popularly known as Big B. They trailed the megastar to his car and some reporters were heard pleading, "Sir, we will lose our jobs if you don't speak to us. They will throw us out." Big B finally gave a few sound bytes from his car and then the car started moving while reporters were still standing in front of his car.
Munnabhai...' sequel on backburner
Saturday, July 17, 2004
By Subhash K. Jha, Has the surprise success of "Munnabhai M.B.B.S." become a burden for director Raj Kumar Hirani? A sequel featuring the same cast - Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi, Boman Irani, but no Gracy Singh - was planned and almost launched. But now Hirani is in the mood to make something entirely different with a new cast. "It isn't as though 'Munnabhai...' has become my 'Mother India'. The impact it has made is most welcome. But it isn't as though my producer was adamant that I make 'Munnabhai LLB'," Hirani told . "It was an idea we were working on. When it didn't seem to be working out I had the freedom to move into a different direction. I can't hope to get a better producer than Vidhu Vinod Chopra. He has given me the freedom to do whatever I choose. "I worked on the script of 'Munnabhai LLB' for five months. But now I've put that aside. Now I'd rather make another film. 'Munnabhai LLB' will definitely be made, though it won't be my next film." Laughs Hirani: "Very honestly, I want to move into a different gear, and not to prove how versatile I am. My yardstick for making a film is simple. If a script makes me laugh or cry even once, I am happy with it. "I'm very fascinated with another story. It takes me to a different time zone. So it's a period film. I've been watching a whole lot of films from Hollywood just to see if anyone has done anything similar. Now I'm sure what I have in mind is completely untried. "Like 'Munnabhai..', it's a human interest story - that's what always fascinates me. It will have an element of comedy and a tongue-in-cheek comment on the whole system. Since 'Munnabhai LLB' was taking me into the same territory, I was stuck...I'll do it later. Neither Vinod nor I want to cash in on a successful formula." Amazed at the impact that "Munnabhai...' has made, Hirani exclaims: "The actor who played Rustom used to work for Godrej. He has given up his job to become a full-time actor. And the guy who played his old dad is in the Tamil and Telugu versions of 'Munnabhai...' He plays the same role in every version. I hope they call him to Hollywood, ha ha. "I heard a version of Munnabhai is being made in Hollywood and Pakistan. I don't know if it's true. I did come across a DVD from Pakistan entitled 'Bakra Munnabhai MBBS'," Hirani laughs. "But frankly I've put 'Munnabhai...' behind me now. I've moved on. I'm now worried about my next film. And I'm not anxious whether it'll be as good as 'Munnabhai'." Unlike Nikhil Advani, who made "Kal Ho Na Ho" for Karan Johar, Hirani has no plans of branching out on his own. "Vinod Chopra's production is my own home. I even sign cheques there. Though we've no formal agreement and I'm not obligated to make all my films for him, I have no reason to move out."
Ishaa Koppikar
Saturday, July 17, 2004
JANHAVI SAMANT, TIMES NEWS NETWORK Who was your first crush? My drill (physical education) instructor in school. I was only in the 6th standard and I was crazy about him. Actually, he didn't even teach my class, so my friends and I would sneak upto where he taught and peep into his class to take a look. Oh my God, he was such a hunk! Great body, broad chested, fair, good looks all the girls in my school were in love with him. Did he know that you were crazy about him? I am not sure. But, even if he knew, he'd treat us like kids which is exactly what we were. Not only was I only 11, I was such a tomboy in those days. I was completely crazy about physical fitness, probably the reason I liked him so much. How can one even think of love and all that at such a young age? As it was, the crush didn't last for longer than a year. I laugh when I think about it now. What kind of guys do you like now? Is it still the fair goodlooking type? No, it's different now. For me, at this stage of my life, it's the person within who matters. Although I wouldn't fall for an ugly man but he wouldn't have to epitomise good looks either. The man just has to be good-natured and reasonably good-looking. Are there any specific men that you're crazy about now? Oh, Hrithik Roshan , I think. I've seen him at rehearsals and shows and he's remarkably dedicated. He must be among the best looking guys around. And he's such a superstar! But he's still so hardworking and sincere. I also go gaga about Shah Rukh Khan. And I've interacted with both of them and their humility is just amazing.
Hrithik Roshan jawan ho!
Saturday, July 17, 2004
Hrithik Roshan jawan ho! INDIATIMES MOVIES As if his role in ‘Lakshya’ was not enough, the Roshan lad does the jawans proud again. And this time it’s the real desh sipahees who join us in giving him a standing ovation. Following Aamir and Rani, Hrithik trudged his way to the battle frontiers to meet the jawans. They were all so impressed with Hrithik’s performance in ‘Lakshya’ that they couldn’t stop complimenting him about it. In fact, the soldiers were of the opinion that no film star has ever portrayed an authentic look of a jawan as in ‘Lakshya’, what with his muscular physique and cropped hair. Way to go....in kurukshetra, be a kshatriya. At other times, just being gorgeous Hrithik is enough!
Adnan Sami sues Canada for $30m
Saturday, July 17, 2004
AFP TORONTO: A searing custody battle between Bollywood singer Adnan Sami Khan and his ex-wife landed in a Toronto courtroom on Thursday with Khan filing a $30 million suit against the Canadian government. Khan is suing Canada for economic loss and emotional distress, that, he says, was triggered by an immigration raid in November 1998 which saw his young son taken away. He claims, according to court documents, that he was "severely embarrassed, humiliated and traumatised" by his arrest after the raid, and the loss of his son, Azaan, whom he has not seen since. His claim, filed in the federal court in Toronto, describes him as a "well known and much publicised celebrity in Pakistan..."
Rupee tumble further against USD in early trade
Friday, July 16, 2004
Mumbai, Jul 16 Stretching decline to the fifth straight session, the rupee tumbled against the US currency early today, pulled down by sustained heavy dollar demand amidst a slow-down in trade and capital inflows. In nervous trade at the Interbank Foreign Exchange market here this morning, the rupee plunged to 46.22/23 per dollar, another sharp 11 paise decline from the overnight three weeks closing low of 46.1050/1150. The rupee opened on a distinctly weak at 46.18/19 per dollar reflecting the dollar tumble against major global currencies. Persistent heavy dollar demand from large off-shore oil companies and importers amidst dwindling supplies continued to exert tremendous pressure on the rupee, following distinctly weak sentiment, a forex dealer said. Surging global crude oil prices at $ 40.71 a barrel at the NYMEX due to supply constraints, rising inflation, the unresolved issue of the turnover tax and fears of a slow-down in foreign fund inflows because of the unreasonable stand taken by the leftist party on the FDI regime, all weighed heavily on the rupee value, a banker said. On the back of today's 11 paise decline, the rupee has depreciated by a whopping 57 paise since July nine. In cross currency trades, the Euro was quoted at 57.16/18, Pound Sterling at 85.60/62 and the Japanese Yen (100) at 42.23/25.
India keen to get into early rhythm in Asia Cup
Friday, July 16, 2004
Ashish Shukla Dambulla, Jul 15 India launch their Asia Cup cricket campaign against minnows UAE here tomorrow, determined not only to get into early rhythm but also to extend their successful run into the new season. The day-night match against the newcomers could prove to be a cakewalk for the formidable Indians but both captain Sourav Ganguly and coach John Wright were not ready to take the opposition lightly stressing the need to get into form quickly after a three-month break. Indians, currently viewed as the second best team in the world, are keen to convert the new respect into a halo and to put the competing teams, including arch-rivals Pakistan, on an alert notice for the duration of the tournament, held after a gap of four years. The Indian think-tank do not have much data available on the Emirates team but they intend to sleep walk through the game, riding on the back of their match-winning bowlers and quality batsmen. There is not much room for experiment within the team but it appears off-spinner Harbhajan Singh will figure in the playing eleven as the dry conditions during the day-night encounter at the Dambulla International Stadium might just call for the spin card. Harbhajan, returning to the squad after a seven-month long injury lay-off, will be happy about the ground as the dryness in this northern highland of the country help the slow bowlers.
75 students killed in Tamil Nadu school fire
Friday, July 16, 2004
Kumbakonam (TN), July 16 At least 75 students, mostly girls, and some teachers were charred to death and 100 injured when a fire swept through a private middle school in this town in Tamil Nadu's Thanjavur district today. Seventy-five bodies had been recovered so far from the spot, official sources said. The fire broke out in a common kitchen of the Lord Krishna Middle School and spread to a row of classes with thatched roof, where students from class I to Class V were present. Thanjavur District Collector J Radhakrishan, who is camping at the spot along with the range DIG, said the fire had been put off and relief operations were on in full swing. The injured had been rushed to the Government Hospital and the services of doctors from neighbouring places had been requisitioned to meet the situation, he told.
Godhra probe paralyses parliament
Friday, July 16, 2004
July 15: The government's ordering a fresh probe into the 2002 train torching at Godhra that triggered the Gujarat communal violence crippled parliament Thursday, with both houses calling it a day hours before schedule. The opposition National Democratic Alliance (NDA) came down heavily against Railway Minister Lalu Prasad and the Congress-led ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) in both houses of parliament, vowing not to allow the houses to run until he clarified why he had ordered a fresh inquiry. A persistent opposition demanded an explanation from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, refusing to budge when presiding officers of both houses called for order. As soon as Speaker Somnath Chatterjee took the chair in the Lok Sabha, shouting erupted from the opposition benches, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leading the charge. "The government is trying to foment communal trouble by reopening the Godhra case, which has already been investigated and in which the accused have been charged," BJP leader V.K. Malhotra said. "This is (Lalu Prasad's and the government's) political game plan to cause communal riots ahead of upcoming state elections." Lalu Prasad had Wednesday announced a new probe into the fire in two coaches of the Sabarmati Express in Godhra that claimed the lives of 59 people, mostly Hindu activists, sparking a cycle of sectarian violence in Gujarat. Stating that the inquiry would be completed in three months, Lalu Prasad had raised questions about the motive of the then BJP-led NDA government at the centre and the BJP government in Gujarat. Lalu Prasad also read out a forensic report that he said strongly indicated a conspiracy, as it showed evidence that the fire was caused by inflammatory material inside the compartment. He also accused the BJP of keeping this report under wraps. The opposition benches were empty during Lalu Prasad's announcement Wednesday on account of an ongoing boycott against the so-called "tainted" ministers, including Lalu Prasad. But a day later, the BJP and its allies made up for the lack of any protest inside the house. Chatterjee watched helplessly as the house Thursday erupted into a confrontation between the treasury and opposition benches. Members of the NDA left their seats, flocked to the centre of the house and shouted slogans - "Remove Lalu! Save the country!" Immediately, MPs in the ruling benches shot back: "Remove (Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra) Modi! Save the country!" Modi's government was widely believed to have abetted the 2002 communal violence, with the Supreme Court even describing him as a "modern day Nero" while hearing the case of a Gujarat riot victim. The speaker reminded MPs that their antics were being telecast to the nation, but when this had no impact, he adjourned the house and called an all-party meeting to discuss the issue. The house was adjourned again as soon as it reassembled, after similar scenes of squabbling and confrontation. Finally, it adjourned for the day. The Rajya Sabha was forced to end the day's business similarly. Lalu Prasad later justified his decision, stating he wanted to get to the bottom of the incident. "It is not a question of confrontation. We only want the truth and we want the real perpetrators to be punished," said the fuming minister. "What do they mean 'remove Lalu'? Who are they to remove me?" he asked. --Indo-Asian News Service
Flood situation in Bihar worsens
Thursday, July 15, 2004
Source: NDTV. Patna, July 15: The flood situation in Bihar has worsened. The death toll due to floods in Bihar rose to 59 today with reports of more people drowning in Motihari, Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga districts where swollen rivers of Burhi Gandak, Kamla Balan and Kosi have created havoc in the past five days. Train services are out of gear in at least eight sections under Samastipur division of East Central Railway. Headquarters of five districts remained cut off from the state capital after the inundation of railway tracks and roads by surging water of the tributaries of Ganga originating from Nepal. The Army and the IAF have been pressed into service to help local administration in rescue of marooned people and airdropping of food packets in flood hit areas Torrential rain in a number of districts further aggravated the situation created by discharge of more than three lakh cusecs of water through Bagmoti, Kosi and Sone barrages situated on the foothills of Nepal.
Godhra: Lalu orders fresh probe
Thursday, July 15, 2004
Source: . New Delhi, July 14: Railway Minister Lalu Prasad on Wednesday announced a fresh inquiry into the February 2002 torching of a train at Godhra that sparked off widespread communal violence in Gujarat. The probe into the fire in two coaches of the Sabarmati Express that claimed the lives of 59 Hindu activists would be completed in three months, Lalu Prasad said in the Lok Sabha while replying to the debate on the railway budget. "We have decided to set up a high-powered departmental inquiry to get to the bottom of the incident," Prasad said amid an opposition boycott of him and other ministers in the government that it considers "tainted" by criminal charges. Expressing surprise that the railway ministry had not ordered an inquiry soon after the incident, Prasad accused the previous Bharatiya Janata Party-led government of having tried to shield the perpetrators of the crime that had led to so much sectarian bloodshed. "If they call me tainted, then what are they?" he thundered at the empty opposition benches. The opposition BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has been boycotting Prasad and five other ministers charged in criminal cases and demanding their sacking.
Gladys Staines says goodbye to India
Thursday, July 15, 2004
- NDTV Correspondent (New Delhi): Gladys Staines, the widow of missionary Reverend Graham Staines is leaving for her native Australia today. Gladys is leaving India more than five years after her husband and two sons were burnt to death by activists of the Bajrang D |
