India News: September 2005

IIT driven technology for low-cost wireless broadband
Friday, September 30, 2005 | MP

The TeNet group at IIT, Chennai has come up with an inexpensive wireless broadband technology costing between Rs 250-300 a month with 256kbps connectivity. Infact the final user price will be determined by the actual Internet service providers. This technology, the first low cost wireless broadband of its kind is currently undergoing trial with BSNL and other telecom providers. While users abroad pay almost $400-500 for wireless broadband connectivity, this innovative technology holds great importance for its low cost feature.

Centre tie with A-I to boost up tourism campaign
Thursday, September 29, 2005 | MP

The Union Ministry of Tourism has come up with new measures to promote India’s vigorous "Incredible India" campaign. Marking the World tourism Day, new projects were taken up which include branding of 'Incredible India' jointly with the country’s carrier Air India and IT major, Microsoft. Air India’s selected aircrafts will have 'Incredible India' logo displayed at the aircraft’s tail. A-I is also offering special packages for tourists that will include tickets, hotel rooms, travel arrangements within India etc. Microsoft Windows is to provide Indian tourism themes with music. Other schemes include sightseeing package for underprivileged children, exclusive website on rural destinations and tourism taxis with 'Incredible India' graphics. Through the campaign, the Centre is targeting over five million international tourists over the next year.

India, Pak to launch Amritsar-Lahore bus in Nov
Thursday, September 29, 2005 | MP

India and Pakistan decide to begin Lahore-Amritsar bus service by November. But the decision to start a similar bus service between Amritsar and Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak was put off for future talks. Prior to the launch of the bus service, a trial run will be carried out in late October between these sectors The two sides also decided to explore the possibility of travel by pilgrims from either country to visit holy shrines including Ajmer Sharif in Rajastan.

NREG Act must be transparent: PM
Wednesday, September 28, 2005 | MP

The Prime minister focused on the transparency and called for hard work from the states to implement the National Rural Employment Guarantee (NREG) Act to make it a ‘people’s programme. Mr Singh said that there should be complete transperancy in maintanence of muster rolls and payment of wages. Fairness all around is what is intented by the Act. PM also called on the states for its support for implementing this Act in right earnest.

Work together for the team’s progress: BCCI
Wednesday, September 28, 2005 | MP

A special Committee meeting by the BCCI to review the recent crisis in the Indian Cricket had asked the Indian coach and the captain to work together for the larger interests of Indian cricket. The duo was asked to work out things mutually and to maintain professional ties. The Board also made it clear that the decisions were taken with the interests of Indian cricket in mind, and no player, neither coach will have any further interaction with the media on this issue.

Center to promote ‘Cruise Tourism’
Tuesday, September 27, 2005 | MP

The Center Government is working out on plans to promote “cruise tourism” in the country. A high powered committee has been working on various aspects like infrastructure for expanding the cruise tourism across the costal zones and has identified 4 ports on the Western Coast which include Mumbai, Goa, New Mangalore and Kochi. This was informed by Mumbai Port Trust on the event of the maiden one-night cruise of luxury ship Super Star Libra in the Indian waters. This luxury liner will be starting its scheduled cruises along western coast from Oct 2, which would certainly be a pleasing experience for the international and the domestic tourists.

Left & BJP hit UPA over India’s vote against Iran
Monday, September 26, 2005 | MP

The Left parties and the BJP accused the UPA Government of caving in to pressure from the US for voting in favour of IAEA resolution on Iran's nuclear issue. The Left parties alleged that the country has given up its policy of non alignment by voting with the US and EU. BJP leader Yashwant Sinha said that India has made itself a client state of the US. Meanwhile UPA had denied the charges, with the Minister of External Affairs stating that "we are not under any pressure from any country."

Jharkand Minister escapes Naxal attack
Sunday, September 25, 2005 | MP

Jharkand Rural Development Minister Anos Ekka escaped an attack by suspected Maoist rebels, triggering a landmine blast near Kolibira Ghati in Simdega district of Jharkhand. But a police vehicle escorting him was hit by the attack. Eight policemen were also injured in the attack.The blast was triggered just as the minister's vehicle was passing by and the minister escaped unhurt as he was still away from the spot when the blast occured.

Stock market indices well within comfort zone: FM
Saturday, September 24, 2005 | MP

Union Finace Minister P Chidambaram said there was no reason to fear any scam was behind the rise and falls in the stock market over the past fortnight. “There is no scam in the market but there could be one or two 'adventurous' players in the market," said Chidambaram. He said the Price to Earnings ratio for Nifty, Sensex, Nifty Junior, S&P 200 indices are well within the comfort zone. He said that the Securities Exchange Board of India has been keeping a close watch on the stock market and taking steps necessary.

Cong says Paswan playing votebank politics
Saturday, September 24, 2005 | MP

The Congress hits Lok Jan Shakti chief Ram Vilas Paswan, accusing him of indulging in votebank politics.The meeting between Paswan and Congress president Sonia Gandhi that was suppose to take place on Friday did not happen and with the declaration of the UPA alliance's first list, the chances of LJP returning to the UPA fold has ended. The Congress meanwhile has clarified that Paswan's status as a Minister at the Centre would not be affected whether he joins the UPA alliance or not.

Microsoft to deliver Windows XP in 9 Indian languages
Friday, September 23, 2005 | MP

The Windows XP starter edition will soon be available in nine Indian languages. This forms a part of the joint initiatives with Microsoft Corporation, which also include a “security co-operation program” to increase cyber security in the country. The various measures taken by Microsoft included issues like IT literacy, taking high-quality and interactive IT education to schools in India, availability of local language computing solutions and e-governance. “I am excited about the promotion of e-governance technologies, the expansion of teacher education and broadening our Windows XP starter edition for India to better meet the needs of Indian citizens,” said Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates.

India win Harare Test Series
Friday, September 23, 2005 | MP

The Indian cricket team beat Zimbawae by 10 wickets in the second and final Test to win the series (2-0) in Harare on Thursday. This was the first triumph for India outside the sub continent in 19 years. Irfan Pathan with a match haul of 12 for 126 in the second Test finished the series with 21 wickets. He won the man of the match as well as the man of the series awards. However Zimbabwae made a creditable performance to avoid an innings defeat.

Center for mass vaccination against Japanese Encephalitis
Thursday, September 22, 2005 | MP

The Center government will carry out mass vaccination against Japanese Encephalatis in the epidemic areas. For this the Union Health Ministry has decided to increase the production capacity from five lakh to ten lakh doses. The death toll in the northern states rose to 706 since the outbreak of the disease. The death toll this year is about to reach an all time high. The disease caused by the arbovirus appears every year with the onset of mansoon. Meanwhile the Center has dispatched fresh consignments of medicine, mosquito nets and spraying machines to cope up with the disease.

Ensure incident-free Bihar polls: EC
Wednesday, September 21, 2005 | MP

The Election Commission on Tuesday directed its observers to constantly review execution of non-balliable warrants and recovery of illicit arms from undersirable elements in order to ensure free, fair and peaceful assembly elections in Bihar. The 3 member Commission led by B B Tandon briefed over 280 senior officials who have been appointed as observers to tour their respective allotted assembly constituencies and build confidence among weaker and disadvantaged sections. Polls will be held in Bihar in four phases from October 18.

New US visa norms from Oct 3
Wednesday, September 21, 2005 | MP

The process of visa applications for travel to the United States has been modified with a new system under which fees will have to be paid in advance and will be non refundable and non- transferable. With this new norms, the non-immigrant visa applicstion fees of $100 (Rs 4400) need to be paid before booking an appointment. This along with Rs 276 towards visa related services can be paid in 32 branches of HDFC Bank in 12 cities across the country. The new norms will be made effective from October 3 is expected to reduce the time visa applicants have to wait for an interview.

Funds for north-eastern tourism development
Tuesday, September 20, 2005 | MP

The Centre has assigned 10 per cent of the plan allocation of the Ministry of Tourism for the north-eastern region in order to develop tourism infrastructure in the Northeast. It is said that a sum of Rs 500 crores had been allocated for 2004-05 for development of tourism in the country. This includes financial aid for promotion of fairs and festivals every year on a continuing basis. The budget under the head domestic campaign has been increased for the region. The ministry has also launched a national and international awareness campaign on a continuing basis to promote the tourist attractions in the north-east.

Chappell makes patch up with Ganguly
Tuesday, September 20, 2005 | MP

Indian cricket coach Greg Chappell on Monday read out a conciliatory statement for Captain Sourav Ganguly. The statement comes ahead of India's second Test against Zimbabwe. Chappel stated that his comments were aimed at motivating the skipper. "It's disappointing that what was a private discussion between the captain and myself has become a cause of public speculation. Even more disappointing is that much of what has been written does not represent the discussion fairly," he said. Ganguly in a television interview said Chappel’s statements were ‘fair enough’.

Advani to quit as party chief in Dec
Monday, September 19, 2005 | MP

BJP President L K Advani announced that he would step down from the party chief post after the 25th celebrations of the party in Mumbai in December. Stating that some of BJP’s decision may differ from those of the RSS, Advani said the RSS should not impose its decision on the party. “ I have decided that after the Mumbai session I shall demit office and the party stewardship should be taken over by some other collegue”, said Advani during the three day meeting of the national executive.

PM returns after France,UN visit
Sunday, September 18, 2005 | MP

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh returned after a week long visit to France and the United States. The prime minister attended the 60th UN General Assembly meeting and also met foreign leaders including United States President George Bush, French President Jacques Chirac and Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf. Mr Singh’s talks with Bush included discussions on the Indo-US nuclear deal and the mounting confrontation between Iran and the US over Tehran’s controversial nuclear plan while bilateral peace process topped the agenda for the talks with President Musharaff.

IIT-JEE new norms to be effective from 2007
Sunday, September 18, 2005 | MP

The new admission rules for the Joint entrance Examinations (JEE) of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) would come into force only from 2007, the Joint Amission Board of IITs declared on Saturday. According to the new JEE norms, no more than 2 attempts at JEE will be allowed. Students appearing for the JEE should also need to score a minimum of 60 percent in Class XII. For SC/ST students and handicapped the minimum criteria will be 55%. However students appearing for the 2006 exams will be exempted from the proposed reforms. The new rules will apply from 2007. The changes are likely to benefit the students, reduce their stress levels and restore the respect due to the boards.

Rupee rises further
Saturday, September 17, 2005 | MP

The rupee rose further against the U.S. dollar on Friday due to heavy inflows by foreign insitutional investors into Indian markets along with falling crude oil prices.The Indian unit also gained strength in line with fall in dollar against euro. In the interbank FOREX market, the rupee opened better at 43.86/87 from the overnight close of 43.8875/8950 a dollar. And after moving in a range of 43.8400 and 43.8800, it closed at 43.8725/8800. However in cross-currency trade, the Indian unit fell against the British pound and euro, while rose further against the Japanese currency.

India wins Bulawayo Test
Saturday, September 17, 2005 | MP

India has defeated Zimbabwe in the first Test by an innings and 90 runs at Bulawayo. Zimbabwe was bowled out for just 185 runs with Harbhajan Singh and Irfan Pathan picking up four wickets each. Yesterday, India had taken a first innings lead of 275 runs. In reply to Zimbabwe's first innings score of 279, India made 554 on the back of centuries by V V S Laxman and Sourav Ganguly. Paceman Irfan Pathan was adjudged the Man of the Match. The two teams will now have the second Test at Harare on September 20.

Oil well fire in Assam, people evacuated
Friday, September 16, 2005 | MP

A massive crude oil spill from an abandoned oil well of Oil India Limited (OIL) at Kuhibari near Dikon in upper Assam, resulted in a fire blaze on Thursday. Following these more than 500 families and hundreds of tea workers were evacuated to safer places. No casualty was reported in the incident, OIL sources said. A massive operation was launched with at least 50 fire tenders from IAF, OIL, North East Electrical Power Corporation, ONGC and the state government. The authorities have not ruled out sabotage.

2-attempt bar for IIT exam may be delayed
Friday, September 16, 2005 | MP

The new changes in the IIT selection process, announced by the Government earlier this week, may be partly delayed by a year, until the 2007 Joint Entrance Examination. This was informed by the Ministry of Human Resource Development. Under the new selection process, an IIT aspirant can sit for the JEE only twice. Changes in IIT admissions are supposed to come into effect from JEE 2006 and the advisory board is to finetune the new procedure. Final decision on JEE changes will be taken by advisory board later this week.

PM's remarks triggers political controversy
Thursday, September 15, 2005 | MP

The remarks made by the Prime Minister during the Bush-Manmohan meeting have triggered political controversy among the leading political parties. Singh's reference to Atal Bihari Vajpayee's criticism of the Indo-US nuclear deal has sparked the controversy. Singh during his talks with Bush mentioned that he was surprised by the criticism voiced by his predecessor.The UPA key ally CPI and the main Opposition BJP, strongly criticised Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for discussing internal politics on foreign soil. However, Congress and Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee stoutly defended Singh remarks as "absolutely correct".

Indian astronomers discover celestial clock
Thursday, September 15, 2005 | MP

Three astronomers at the National Center for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) at Pune have discovered the second most energetic celestial object in the Milky Way. This energetic pulsar named J1833-1034 serves as the most precise natural clock as they typically emit radio waves with extremely accurate periodicity. Using the giant meter-wave radio telescope the NCRA team picked up celestial signals to discover the pulsar associated with the supernovae remnant called G21.5-0.9. The pulsar located almost 12,000 light years from the earth is also the foruth highest among all pulsars.

EC notice to Pawar for code violation
Wednesday, September 14, 2005 | MP

The Election Commission issued a notice to Union Agriculture minister Sharad Pawarfor allegedly violating the election code of conduct.EC in its notice told him that "promises to the Bihar electorate on September 8, 2005, amounted to violation of the model code." EC asked him to respond to its notice by September 16. The complaint also said that the minister promised that the sugar mills lying closed in the state would be revived and put into operation soon after the elections and that the work in this behalf would start with the reopening of Motipur Sugar Mill.

ICC officials in India: Cricketers in new fix
Wednesday, September 14, 2005 | MP

Two senior officials from the Anti Corruption Unit of International Cricket Council (ICC) is said to have made secret visit to New Delhi to probe allegations of match-fixing during the recent triseries in Zimbawae. Souces report the involvement of four top bookies and three Indian cricketers along with that of a Bollywood starlet. However no real evidence is confirmed as yet. Meanwhile BCCI said it has not received any communication from the ICC on this issue so far.

CRPF replaces BSF in Srinagar
Tuesday, September 13, 2005 | MP

The BSF has pulled out of Srinagar after 15 years. The Central Reserve Police Force(CRPF) took over the charge of counter-insurgency operations in the Srinagar city. The force replaced the Border Security Force, which was carrying out the anti-militancy operations in the valley since 1990. The CRPF completed the take-over of the Srinagar city when its men replaced the BSF from the Ghanta Ghar, a symbolic tower situated in the heart of the city. As many as 928 millitants have surrendered before the BSF till August. BSF had seized 10,707 arms and 9lakh ammunition from them.

India to buy six Scorpene French submarines
Tuesday, September 13, 2005 | MP

India announced its decision to acquire six Scorpene submarines at a cost of three billion US dollars (about Rs 13,000 crore) from France. French President Jacques Chirac termed the $3 billion deal for the submarines as the launch of a new chapter in the Indo-French relationship. For India, these will be armed with the Exocet Anti ship missile. The 1500 tonne Scorpene is a silent but aggressive warship. During talks held between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Jacques Chirac, it was also announced that France, like the US and Britain, will work with other members of the 44-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) to dismantle the long-standing restrictions on the supply of technology and equipment for India's civilian nuclear programme.

Narain finishes 11th in Belgian Grand Pix
Monday, September 12, 2005 | MP

It was a mixed day for Narain as he drove the race but was unfortunate to miss out on a race point due to sheer bad luck. Team Jordan’s Tiago Monteiro came with a point at eighth position while Narain Karthikeyan completed just three places behind in an action packed Belgian Grand Prix. The Jordan drivers stole the show, with some brilliant race strategy and sensible driving by Monteiro and Karthikeyan. McLaren ace Kimi Raikkonean won the Grand pix for the second year in a row.

We are still good friends: Vajpayee
Monday, September 12, 2005 | MP

Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee who publicly questioned BJP chief L.K. Advani's expulsion of senior party leader Madan Lal Khurana, said that there were no differences between them and the two were still good friends. “This friendship is not of today...Our association is 40 to 50 years old. Advaniji is a friend, associate as well as my party president.... We all work together for strengthening the BJP organisation,” Mr. Vajpayee said.

Sarbajit involved in the attacks: Musharaff
Sunday, September 11, 2005 | MP

General Pervez Musharraf spoke out for the first time on Sarabjit Singh, the Indian accused of being a spy and sentenced to death in Pakistan."Now this is a serious issue, the man has carried out terrorist attacks and killed people here, should I have sympathy towards him, irrespective of what his family is thinking or how they are approaching their leadership in India?" said Mr. Musharraf."The man has killed people here, so one has to take a decision in a deliberate manner. I'm looking into the legal aspects of the whole thing. If at all I am a person who shows mercy but it needs to come to me with all its legal implications then only will I take decisions but I am basically a person who shows compassion and mercy," he added. The statement from the Pakistani President is believed to have been propelled by a press conference by victims of the Lahore bomb blasts that Sarabjit is charged with masterminding. Meanwhile Sarabjit admitted that he was responsible for the bomb attacks. “Yes, I carried out bomb attacks”, Singh told state run Pakistan Television.

Indian & Pak prisoners to be released
Saturday, September 10, 2005 | MP

As per the decision taken at the home secretary-level talks held in New Delhi last week, India will release 152 Pakistani civilian prisoners, including 51 fishermen. Pakistan will release 435 Indians, now in Pak prisons. Of the 101 Pakistani civilians to be freed, 20 would be released from Rajasthan prisons, 10 from Gujarat, 30 from Punjab, six from West Bengal, 31 from J&K, one each from Nagaland and Maharashtra and two from Delhi. The state governments have been asked to bring those cleared for release to Wagah, near Amritsar, on Monday for handing them over to the Pak authorities.

PM call for 'zero tolerance' for terrorism
Friday, September 9, 2005 | MP

India and Britain resolved to fight terror in a bid to promote global peace and security. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called for an international norm of zero tolerance for terrorism. The visiting British Prime minister, Tony Blair described terrorists as a minority who seek to destroy civilized values. The two countries had set up a joint economic Commission to promote mutual trade and investment and a Science and Innovation Commission to explore new high technology areas. Also several MoU’s have been finalized in civil aviation, coproduction of films and intellectual property rights.

Mahesh, Danelia win US open mixed doubles
Friday, September 9, 2005 | MP

India’s Mahesh Bhupati calimed his 9th Grand Slam title by winning the mixed doubles crown with Danelia Hantuchova of Slovakia at the US open in Newyork. The duo was in good form, Bhupati in particular dominant at the net. They defeated Nenad Zimonjic of Serbia and Katarina Srebotnik of Slovakia 6-4. 6-2. For Bhupati it’s his second successive Grand Slam win following his Wimbledon mixed doubles title with Mary Pierce in July.

India joins EU-led Galileo satellite system
Thursday, September 8, 2005 | MP

India joined Europe's Galileo satellite navigation system which marks India as the fourth non-EU country to join the programme. As a step being taken in recognition of India’s proven scientific capabilities Indian and European Commission officials signed an agreement in New Delhi during the India-EU summit. Galileo is Europe's plan to create its own global navigation satellite system, with uses ranging from helping motorists navigate electronic maps to assisting search-and-rescue operations. It is scheduled to go into service in 2008 and eventually will have 30 satellites orbiting almost 24,000 km above the earth. The project is meant to rival the U.S. Global Positioning System. It will be interoperable with GPS as well as GLONASS, Russia's global satellite navigation system.

India wake up to the power of Telemedicine
Thursday, September 8, 2005 | MP

Through the power of telemedicine, a patient in a remote village in India suffering from a rare disease or in an emergency hour can get treated by a specialized doctor and avail his services even when the doctor is physically far away from the patient. Telemedicine is a coming together of communication technology, IT, medical engineering and medical science. The telemedicine system consists of customised hardware and software at both the patient and doctor’s end with diagnostic equipments like ECG, X-ray and pathology provided at the patient end linked through digital connectivity via satellites. The real potential, say doctors, lies in clinical decision-making during any kind of emergency, using advanced space network communication and information technology.

Petrol, diesel prices go up
Wednesday, September 7, 2005 | MP

The government has decided to raise the price of petrol by Rs 3 per litre and diesel by Rs 2 a liter. But however the prices of cooking gas (LPG) and kerosene remain unchanged. Contrary to suggestions made by the petroleum ministry there would be no cut in excise duties on petrol and diesel. The hike will be made effective from midnight tonight. Despite this hike the oil retailing firms would continue to incur losses. Meanwhile BJP and the Left parties have condemned the increase in the prices of the petroleum products.

India-EU investment, trade pact in the offering
Wednesday, September 7, 2005 | MP

The sixth India-EU summit in New Delhi is likely to be marked by a more definite move towards sealing an investment/trade agreement between the two nations. “The idea is to explore the possibility of a bilateral agreement that encompasses investment and trade,” said a senior commerce department official. He added that an agreement similar to a comprehensive economic cooperation agreement (Ceca) could well be on the horizon, although it was premature to speak of the finer aspects of the upcoming pact. Indian Industry leaders have favoured the signing of a specialised free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union. A specialised FTA with EU in knowledge-driven sectors would suit the interests of the Euro zone and would provide a window of opportunity for the changing demographic profile of EU, which will face shortage of trained manpower for its growth.

Hepatitis B rising in India
Tuesday, September 6, 2005 | MP

According to Health Ministry, India has emerged as the second largest pool for carriers in the world for the deadly Hepatitis B virus. Ministry records say that one in every 20 people in the country is a carrier of this virus which is the cause for 80% of all liver cancer cases and about 1% of all adult death cases. Concerned over the rising levels of this lethal disease, the Health Ministry is planning to include Hepatitis B vaccination in the national immunization programme. From 2006, infants will be given this vaccine in combination with the DPT vaccine shots on their 4th, 6th and 12th week. Clinical trials carried out for this combination have been proved highly effective. The virus which is transmitted through blood is deadlier than AIDS as it can spread from even one drop of infected blood.

Chattisgarh govt to ban Maoists
Tuesday, September 6, 2005 | MP

Two days after the death of 23 policemen and a civilian in the state, Chattisgarh government has decided to impose a ban on Maosists, its frontal and other organizations. The government declared that it would bring in an ordinance banning Naxalite outfits and other organizations engaged in terrorist and disruptive activities in the state. Chattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh gave nod to Chattisgarh Special People’s Ordinance-2005. The draft of the ordinance being sent to the Governer is seeking permission from the President.

Students to get 15 mts 'cool-off ' time
Monday, September 5, 2005 | MP

In an attempt to do away with the stress on students taking board exams, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has decided to provide extra 15 minutes “cool off” time to read the question papers. This will be implemented from the coming year 2006 onwards. Class X and XII students appearing for the exams will now get the question papers 15 minutes before the start of exams so they are able to organize themselves. This was informed by the CBSE Chairman, Ashok Ganguly. The board has also decided to give 20% weightage to internal assessment in several subjects including Maths and Science inorder to reduce the burden on students.

Anju bags gold in Asian Athletics Championship
Monday, September 5, 2005 | MP

Indian long jumper Anju Bobby George bagged gold at the women’s long jump final at the Asian Athletic Championship in Incheon, South Korea. In her debutant entry in the meet, she clinched the gold medal recording 6.65 meters. Anju leapt to the prime position in the fourth round, warding off a stiff challenge from Phillipine’s Marestella Torres, who was just 2cms behind Anju at 6.63.

Nobody can question my authority: Buta
Sunday, September 4, 2005 | MP

Referring to Nitish Kumar's allegation that he had spied on opposition MLA’s, Bihar Governor Buta Singh defended his recommendation for dissolution of the Bihar assembly. He stated the NDA charge as dishonest and rubbish. "Nobody can question my authority and contents of the reports which I had sent to the Centre on the political developments in Bihar as these were based on facts and were in accordance with constitutional propriety," Singh told a press conference.

Raids on SBI officials reveal Rs 1.25 cr scam
Sunday, September 4, 2005 | MP

The CBI raids conducted at the premises of six State Bank of India officials at Dhanbad, Singhbhum (in Bihar), Balia and Mainpuri (in UP) bring in to light Rs 1.25 crore scam. The SBI officials allegedly replaced soiled notes from the bundles meant for destruction. The CBI examined the notes and conducted the raids at the banks and the residential premises of the SBI officials on Saturday. The soiled notes were sent to RBI regional office at Patna for destruction, but the staff at the bank detected the irregularities and sent back the bundles for proper scrutiny. The total amount misappropriated by the six officials is estimated to be Rs 1, 25, 47,950. A regular case under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act would be registered after the scrutiny of the documents.

India announces $5 million aid for Katrina relief
Saturday, September 3, 2005 | MP

India has announced to contribute $5 million to the US Red Cross in relief aid for the victims of the devastating Hurricane Katrina that swept New Orleans in the US. This was informed by the Prime Minister's Media Advisor,Sanjaya Baru. Officials said Mr.Singh had wanted to speak to the US President,George W Bush over the telephone, but could not connect him as the US President was traveling.

Kaif leads India win by 6 wickets
Saturday, September 3, 2005 | MP

India’s Mohammed Kaif with his unbeaten 102 helped India score a six wicket victory in the tri series against New Zealand at Harare on Friday. With this win the Indians came well on the day to score a psychological point over the Kiwis. New Zealand who chose to bat first stacked up an imposing total of 278/9. Kaif, who displayed a magnificent innings, considers this as one of his best knocks. India scored 279 for four and a six wicket win that put them in the tournament final against New Zealand on Tuesday.

India and US to sign Science & Tech agreement
Saturday, September 3, 2005 | MP

India and the United Science will sign a Science and Tech agreement soon in October this year for promoting cooperation in science and technological applications in various sectors. The agreement will be signed during the US visit of The Union Minister for Science & Technology, Kapil Sibal, scheduled next month. The agreement will help India to speed up the process of getting the US to cooperate in areas of nano-technology and bio technology while India could offer Washington its fast breeder technology. The agreement which has been on cards for over years will be finally inked following New Delhi and Washington resolving differences over the intellectual property issues.

India collects digital CVs of call center workers to stop data fraud
Saturday, September 3, 2005 | AA

The Indian outsourcing industry has started a project to compile the work histories of all its employees to help fight data fraud, the country's main software trade body has said.The records will be controlled by a government-mandated electronic depository and used by companies to screen prospective employees, said Kiran Karnik, president of National Association of Software and Service Companies.A pilot project to cover workers at a handful of call center workers was launched this week, Karnik said. The project will eventually expand to cover other back-office workers and software programmers, he said.India accounts for 44 percent of the revenues generated from businesses outsourced by western companies, but stray instances of data theft and fraud by call center employees have been worrying.Participation in the database by workers will be voluntary, although companies may eventually require it as a prerequisite for employment, he said.[Agency]

India gearing up for `Chandrayaan'
Saturday, September 3, 2005 | AA

India is gearing up for its planned Moon mission `Chandrayaan' two years from now, with top scientists from the country gathering here to discuss the design system of the 32 metre diametre deep space network ground station antenna for the mission. "This antenna will serve as an important component system of the ground support and is currently being finalised at a meeting organised by ECIL and ISRO and top scientists from the field of space and technology," ECIL Chairman and Managing Director, G P Srivastava, told reporters here today. "The first of its kind antenna in the country will send signals to the moon mission which will be four lakh kilometres above earth. The moon mission aims at filling information gap that exists about the geology and origin of the moon", Srivastava said. A K Gupta Director, ECIL, S K Shivkumar ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) who were present at the press conference said that Chandrayaan is the first Indian mission to the moon for undertaking high resolution remote sensing of the lunar surface aimed at determining the evolutionary process of the moon by studying the mineral and chemical structure of its surface. [Agency]

Fiscal deficit major cause for worry: PM
Saturday, September 3, 2005 | AA

Expressing serious concern about the country's financial health, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today warned that economic progress could be hindered if the mounting fiscal deficit of 9 to 10 per cent of the national income was not contained. "I feel concerned about the financial health of the country. The collective fiscal deficit of the Centre and states is 9 to 10 per cent of our national income," he said after launching the LIC "Bima Gold" policy here. If the deficit was not contained, "the economic progress of the country could be impaired," the PM said and asked the state governments to discharge their obligations in this regard as also strive to improve education and health services. He also worried about the mounting losses in some state electricity boards, which could trigger an economic crisis and asked all political parties to think of ways and means to meet the rising power demand of the nation. "The electricity boards in some states are not working properly. Every year there is a loss of Rs 25,000 to 30,000 crore. Power has not reached the rural areas and the farmers are not able to make full use of it," the PM said. [Agency]

Dalits in Haryana protest against Gohana incident
Friday, September 2, 2005 | MP

Dalits in Haryana protested against Wednesday’s Gohana incident by taking it to the streets in various places in Haryana on Thursday. Agitated Dalits also torched a Haryana Roadways bus in neighbouring Punjab at Phagwara. On Aug 27th 54 dalit houses were torched in Gohana town in Sonepat district of Haryana. The Haryana Chief Minister said of the 54 houses damaged in the violence, 7 had been completely razed. The Chief Minister said that the damage was being assessed and full compensation would be paid to the affected families.

IOC honours NRIs
Thursday, September 1, 2005 | MP

The non-resident Indians, including Pavan Varma, the Director of Nehru Centre, London, was honoured by the Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) for their outstanding services to the community. Gold medals were awarded by the NRI body in a function conducted at at Southall, London. Indian High Commissioner to Britain Kamalesh Sharma gave away the awards to Varma, Sonjoy Chatterjee, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ICICI Bank, UK and Dilbagh Singh Chana, MBE, President of Sikh Temple Ramgarhia Sabha.

US Open: Sania in third round
Thursday, September 1, 2005 | MP

Sania Mirza enters into the third round at the US open tennis tournament. Sania settled the match with a 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 win over Italy’s Maria Elena Camerin on Wednesday. Sania is through to the third round of the US Open with a hard fought three-set win that went for 2hours and 7mts. Sania now needs to beat Maria Bartoli, ranked one place below her to set up a possible fourth round clash against Maria Sharapova.