Uma missing in Advani's new team; Varun, Najma in Executive
Sunday, October 31, 2004
New Delhi, Oct 30 Firebrand leader Uma Bharti, who was tipped to become BJP General Secretary, was a surprise exclusion in the fresh team of the party's office-bearers constituted today by new President L K Advani who retained most of the incumbents and included Karnataka unit chief Ananth Kumar. General Secretary Pramod Mahajan, about whom speculation was rife that he could face the axe in view of party's poor performance in Maharashtra Assembly polls, was untouched while Haryana MP Kishan Singh Sangwan was made Vice President apparently in view of the coming state Assembly elections. Former Rajasthan Governor Madan Lal Khurana, who resigned recently to join active politics, has found a place in the National Executive along with Kailashpati Mishra, who was removed by the UPA government as Gujarat Governor under its "detoxification" drive. Other notable inclusions in the National Executive as members or special invitees are Varun Gandhi, former Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson Najma Heptulla (both joined BJP recently), former Delhi Lt Governor Vijai Kapoor and former minister Arif Mohammad Khan. Bharti, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister who had to quit after a Karnataka court issued an arrest warrant against her in a 10-year-old rioting case, was excluded at the last moment as she reportedly had reservations about her party rival from the state Shivraj Singh Chauhan being retained as General Secretary.
Deshmukh stakes claim for govt formation in Maharashtra
Sunday, October 31, 2004
Mumbai, Oct 30 Chief Minister-designate Vilasrao Deshmukh tonight staked claim to form government in Maharashtra. Deshmukh, accompanied by NCP legislative party leader R R Patil, met the Governor Mohammed Fazal and staked his claim. The Senior Congress leader drove to Raj Bhavan after he returned from New Delhi, where he had a meeting with party president Sonia Gandhi. Later, the Chief Minister-designate and Deputy Chief Minister-designate posed for waiting photographers. Besides Deshmukh and Patil, others including senior Congress leader Govindrao Adik, Patangrao Kadam, MPCC chief Prabha Rau, Kripashankar Singh and NCP leaders Gurnunath Kulkarni and Vasant Chavan were present. Harshavardhan Patil, an independent legislator from Indapur was also present on the occasion.
Govt defers decision on fuel prices
Sunday, October 31, 2004
New Delhi, Oct 30 Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today deferred a decision on raising petrol and diesel prices, that have been necessitated because of the surge in crude oil prices, till tomorrow. "Further consideration and further consultations are required, which will begin tonight. Whatever is the outcome (whether to raise prices or keep them unchanged) will be announced by the oil companies tomorrow," Petroleum Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar told reporters after a brief meeting with Singh on the issue this evening. The 33 per cent rise in cost of raw material since August 1, when the prices of petrol and diesel were last revised, require petrol prices to be raised by Rs 1.22 a litre and diesel prices by Rs 2.24 per litre within the narrow price band. Public sector oil companies, who have in the first seven months of current fiscal lost Rs 3646 crore on selling petrol and diesel below the imported cost, are due to meet tomorrow to review pricing of the two transport fuel. Aiyar did not say if a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) is likely tomorrow to decide on the prices. The Left parties, the UPA-government's outside allies, have already given the Government a go ahead for raising petrol prices within the band and a moderate increase in deisel prices.
Indian Airlines to introduce family ticket scheme
Sunday, October 31, 2004
Mumbai, Oct 30 In a bid to regain its market share, Indian Airlines would launch "IA family ticket" scheme from Monday. Under the scheme, being introduced during the peak season, two children below the age of 12 can travel free with two full-fare paying adult passengers, an IA release said here today. The scheme, on till January 31, would be valid for one way or round trip travel on domestic sectors, except sectors operated by ATR42 and Dornier aircraft, in economy class only. Also, a maximum of two children between 12 to 18 years can avail a 50 per cent discount on normal published fare while accompanying two full-fare paying adults. In case one child is below 12 years and the other between 12 and 18, the former can travel free while the latter gets a 50 per cent discount, the release added. In the first five months of this fiscal, Jet Airways held its lead by flying 43.4 per cent of the total passenger traffic followed by Indian Airlines with 38.8 per cent market share.
India's forex reserves cross USD 120 billion mark
Sunday, October 31, 2004
Mumbai, Oct 30 India's foreign exchange reserves surged by US dollar 980 million to cross USD 120 billion mark during the week ending October 22, 2004. Foreign currency exchange reserves for the week under review grew by USD 980 million to USD 1,20,616 million, the Reserve Bank of India said in its weekly statistical supplement released today. The foreign currency assets were also up by USD 966 million to USD 1,15,101 million, the RBI said. The Foreign Institutional Inflows, accretion of funds for NTPC public offer and revaluation of international currencies, including US dollar, contributed to the surge in reserves, analysts said. The RBI's forex kitty has seen a inflow of over USD 1.5 billion till date in this month. Special Drawing Rights and gold remained static at USD 4,192 million and USD one million respectively, it said. India's Reserve Tranche Position (RTP) with International Monetary Fund rose by USD 14 million and stood at USD 1,322 million, it said. Loans and advances to central government had a nil balance while that to state governments were up by Rs 552 crore to Rs 5,934 crore. MORE
Shinde new AP Governor, Barnala to take over in TN
Sunday, October 31, 2004
New Delhi, Oct 30 Sushil Kumar Shinde, who lost in the Chief Ministerial race in Maharashtra, was today appointed Governor of Andhra Pradesh in a surprise move replacing Surjit Singh Barnala who has been shifted to neighbouring Tamil Nadu. The appointment of 63-year old Shinde, still a caretaker Chief Minister who was pipped at the post in the legislature party election in Mumbai yesterday by Vilasrao Deshmukh, came after the two leaders along with Maharashtra PCC chief Prabha Rao met Congress chief Sonia Gandhi. Shinde as well as senior Congress leaders including those from the state appeared to have been surprised by the move which has been seen as a step to mollify the Dalit leader in the wake of overnight developments. Earlier in the day, Shinde told reporters that having been Chief Minister he would not be part of the state Cabinet. Announcing the appointment, a Rashtrapati Bhavan communique also disclosed that Barnala will take over in Tamil Nadu as Governor following the vacancy caused by the resignation of P S Ramamohan Rao yesterday. Barnala, who was Governor in Tamil Nadu in the late 80s and refused to recommend dismissal of the Karunanidhi government in 1991, has been a favourite of the DMK President for appointment in Tamil Nadu. The communique said Barnala will be Governor in Tamil Nadu for the remainder of his term.
Parthiv, Yuvraj out of Mumbai Test
Sunday, October 31, 2004
Indian selectors on Saturday dumped four players from the squad for the fourth and final Test match after losing the first home series against Australia in 35 years. Openers Aakash Chopra and Yuvraj Singh, pace bowler Ajit Agarkar and wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel were dropped from the squad for November 3-7 dead rubber Test in Mumbai . SK Nair, secretary of the Indian cricket board, said the selectors decided to drop the players due to their poor performance in the current series. Australia, which last won a Test series on Indian soil in 1969, took a series-clinching 2-0 lead on Friday by winning the third Test match by 342 runs. The tourists had earlier won the opening Test match in Bangalore by 217 runs.
NRI woman fined for Customs duty evasion
Thursday, October 21, 2004
2004-10-21 Published by Times of India Gathered by Press Trust of India NEWDELHI,OCTOBER 21:A Delhi court has slapped Rs six lakh fine on a Non-Resident Indian woman for customs duty evasion of jewellery worth Rs 1.27 crore. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Ravinder Dudeja, however, ordered release of the convict Pushpa Lakumal Tolani after counting the six-day period already spent by her in custody towards her sentence. Tolani was arrested from the Indira Gandhi International Airport on November 19, 2002, upon arrival from London on a British Airways flight with husband Sanjoy Chatterjee. She, according to sleuths of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence who arrested her, tried to sneak out through the green channel without declaring the jewellery she was carrying. Tolani claimed that she had brought them for a marriage, which was scheduled for November 27 that year. However, DRI countered this stating that she had a confirmed return flight ticket for November 25. Though remanded to custody, Tolani got interim bail on November 24. The bail was later confirmed.
India, US make "substantial progress" on NSSP
Thursday, October 21, 2004
New Delhi, Oct 21 India and the US today made "substantial progress" on the implementation of Phase I of the 'Next Steps in Strategic Partnership'(NSSP) for facilitating high-technology trade and agreed to meet again shortly. Visiting US Assistant Secretary of State Christina Rocca discussed various aspects of the NSSP with her Indian interlocutor S Jaishankar, Joint Secretary in the External Affairs Ministry. This is also the first meeting of the implementation group of Phase I of NSSP. After wide-ranging discussions including on second Phase of NSSP launched by the two countries at the beginning of this year, External Affairs Ministry in a brief statement here said "substantial progress" has been made on the implementation of Phase I. Rocca had yestereday met Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran and senior MEA officials Officials here said this group has a "broader scope and application" while considering steps for implementing the "understandings" of NSSP-1.
Ultras continue to target govt property in Jharkhand
Thursday, October 21, 2004
Latehar (Jharkhand), Oct 21 In continued violence in Jharkhand, banned Peoples War (PW) and Maoist Communist Centre (MCC) today carried out twin explosions blowing up Latehar railway station and a guest house in Garwah district in protest against the recent killing of an extremist. However, none was injured in either of the blasts which took place at around 0100 hours, police said. Around 100 PW ultras descended at Lathehar railway station and ordered the station master and couple of other railway employees to vacate the office. They, then planted dynamites inside the station building and completely destroyed it, district police superintendent M S Bhatia said. As a result of the blast, train services were disrupted for several hours though the tracks were not damaged. The train services were restored at 0800 hours, he said. In another explosion at Garwah, ultras from PW and MCC partially damaged a government guest house belonging to the state tourism department on Garwah-Ambikapur Road at Godermana village bordering Chattisgarh, police said. Posters left behind by the extremists warned of more damage if 'fake encounters' against them were not stopped. The ultras have been targeting government property ever since Ajay Yadav, a self-styled area commander of the PW, was killed in an encounter on October seven near Kurma village under Cheinpur police station in Palamu district.
PM clears visit of CEC to witness US Presidential polls
Thursday, October 21, 2004
New Delhi, Oct 21 Overriding objections by the External Affairs Ministry, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has cleared the visit of Chief Election Commissioner T S Krishna Murthy to United States to witness the November two Presidential Elections there. The CEC is likely to leave on October 28, sources said. Murthy, who had received an invitation from the US government to witness the elections, is understood to have been told by a top External Affairs Ministry official to "quietly decline" the offer, the sources said. The Ministry's opinion was that such a gesture may involve a reciprocal invitation to the US during elections in India, especially in Jammu and Kashmir, the sources said. This prompted the CEC to write to the Prime Minister, saying that the Commission had in the past allowed foreign diplomats to witness elections in the country, including in Jammu and Kashmir. But the Prime Minister overturned MEA's objections and cleared the CEC's trip, the sources said.
Tendulkar bats for Parthiv Patel
Thursday, October 21, 2004
New Delhi, Oct 21 Batting ace Sachin Tendulkar has thrown his weight behind underfire wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel saying the cricketer needs support and not criticism for his performance behind the stumps. "I think Parthiv has done a good job. I know there were plenty of guys criticising his wicketkeeping. But we have just got to understand that the ups and downs are always going to be there in everybody's career, and you need support when the chips are down," Tendulkar said. "Nobody wants support when you're doing well. Parthiv also has been able to play some crucial innings for us, like in the Nottinham Test in 2002, when he saved the game for us," he said. "Everyone went gaga over Parthiv then and the same people are now criticising him. I don't agree with that," the batting star said in ESPN-Star Sports' Cricket Show to be telecast tomorrow. Patel has come under much criticism for his shoddy performance behind the wickets in the first two Tests against Australia but has been supported by captain Sourav Ganguly as well. The selectors also decided to give him a "last chance" by retaining him in the side for the third Test beginning in Nagpur on October 26.
Malaysian Co to bid for Delhi airport development contract
Thursday, October 21, 2004
Kuala Lumpur, Nov 21 A Malaysian Company and its Indian joint-venture partner are jointly bidding to redevelop and operate New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, a media report said today. The Government-controlled Malaysian company, Malaysia Airports Holding Ltd, which has joined hands with its Indian partner DLS Group, submitted its tender in August, Malaysian daily 'The Star' quoted Chief Executive Bashir Ahmad as saying. Bashir said MAHB planned to take ten per cent stake in the New Delhi airport which has been earmarked for privatisation by the Indian Government. At least 10 international companies are believed to have submitted bids to win the New Delhi contract. MAH Ltd. Has a 11 percent stake in the Hyderabad International Airport Ltd., which owns and will operate the new airport in the southern city of Hyderabad due for completion in 2007. "Overseas ventures will be a new source of income for the group in the longer term," Bashir was quoted as saying at an international airport managers' conference in Lisbon, Portugal, last week.
Advani best suited to lead BJP: Venkaiah
Thursday, October 21, 2004
Chennai: Refuting that he was forced to quit his post, former BJP president Venkaiah Naidu said that his resignation was not because of the poor showing by the party in the Maharashtra assembly elections, but due to personal reasons. Addressing a press conference at the party office in Chennai, he said L K Advani was best suited for the post as he alone could take the party forward especially when the BJP was facing an ideological onslaught from the Congress. | Discuss: Advani can't stall BJP's sagging popularity | For the past more than 25 years, I have been in active politics and now I have to attend to my ailing wife. Hence the decision to quit, he said adding he had done so despite former Prime Minister, A B Vajpayee and Advani persuading me not to resign. However, I convinced them. Naidu said when the BJP failed to get a mandate in the recent Lok Sabha polls, he had offered to quit owning moral responsibility for the debacle. But senior leaders refused to accept it and were in favour of collective responsibility. The former BJP chief said taking advantage of a cobbled-up majority, the Congress-led UPA had begun a political and ideological assault on the BJP. "Advani, with his rich experience and better understanding will take the party forward and get us success in future."
Sehwag's ton gives India the edge in second Test
Friday, October 15, 2004
R Eswar Chennai, Oct 15 Virender Sehwag marked his return to form with a belligerent century as India rode on their luck to gain a vital first innings lead in the second cricket Test against Australia here today. The 25-year-old Sehwag, under enormous pressure to deliver after a string of failures, cracked his seventh Test century with a knock of 155 as the hosts put themselves in a comfortable position by taking a lead of 56 runs by the end of the second day's play. Sehwag accounted for more than half the runs scored by the Indians on a bouncy track at the M A Chidambaram stadium as the home team reached 291 for six in their first innings on an eventful day which also saw Shane Warne breaking his spin rival Muttiah Muralitharan's world record of highest Test wickets. Mohammad Kaif (34) and Parthiv Patel (27) were at the crease at stumps and the home team's quest for a series levelling victory could hinge on the contribution of the late order batsmen. The normally agile Australians were guilty of dropping as many as four catches to let the hosts off the hook. After losing four middle order wickets for 55 runs, Kaif and Patel stemmed the slide by batting cautiously and putting on an unfinished 58-run seventh wicket partnership.
India asks rich nations to provide help to poor countries
Friday, October 15, 2004
Dharam Shourie United Nations, Oct 15 India has asked the rich nations to fulfil their commitment of providing assistance to poor countries to enable them to meet the goals of reducing poverty and hunger by half by 2015. Addressing the 191-member United Nations General Assembly on the occasion of tenth anniversary of International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed regretted that the "international assistance promised at the meet to the poor nations have fallen short of the commitments". Pointing out that rate of population growth over the past decade has been higher in the poorer nations with four out of every five persons living in the less developed regions, he said the emphasis on sustained economic growth and sustainable development has become "extremely relevant". Ahamed expressed strong support for the ICPD's plan of actions which calls for raising the quality of life of human beings and promoting human development. He said the nations at ICPD conference, held in Cairo, had agreed to forge a balance among population, sustained economic growth and sustainable development. "The balance was based on the premises that actions by government of developing nations would be matched by assistance for donor community. But the international assistance and support that was to be provided to the developing countries has fallen short", Ahamed said, appealing to the rich nations to fulfill their pledges.
Wipro posts 79 pc jump in Q2, profits at Rs 4.11 bn
Friday, October 15, 2004
Bangalore, Oct 15 Beating market expectations, IT major Wipro today posted a 79 per cent jump in net profit at Rs 4.11 bn and 44 per cent rise in revenue at Rs 19.78 bn for the second quarter ended September 2004. The Bangalore-based Wipro had reported a profit of Rs 2.66 bn and revenues of Rs 13.74 bn during the same period last year. "The strong results clearly demonstrate that Wipro is winning in a market where customers are seeking higher value. We continue to benefit from the investments made over the last few years. We have good business momentum across our businesses," Wipro Chairman Azim Premji said in a statement. The NYSE-listed Wipro forecast a revenue of USD 347 million for the third quarter between October and December stating that the firm was confident of long term prospects with its compelling portfolio of services. Wipro added 5,546 employees during the second quarter, including 3,282 in IT services and 2,264 in its BPO operations. The firm now has a total of 37,063 employees including 24,050 people in IT services and 13,013 in BPO.
BSE dips by 26 points on indication of petro price hike
Friday, October 15, 2004
Mumbai, Oct 15 After a brief overnight rally, the BSE once again turned weak, ending down by 26 points as domestic investors reacted negatively to the possibility of a hike in prices of petrol and diesel. However, foreign institutional investors, which reported net investments of Rs 232 crore in the first two days of the week, were believed to be good buyers at the day's lower levels. Starting off on a strong footing at 5733.35, the BSE Benchmark 30-share later fluctuated erratically in a range of 5758.11 and 5673.75 before ending the day at 5686.73 as against yesterday's close of 5713.10, a net fall of 26.37 points or 0.46 per cent. The market staged a partial recovery at the fag end of the session on reports that the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs may consider slashing customs duty on petrol and diesel, temporarily ruling out any hike in petroleum products. The sentiment was also aided by fresh fall in inflation as well as Wipro's announcement of excellent working results for the second quarter. Inflation continued its downward trend for the third successive week, dipping by 0.18 per cent to 7.2 per cent in the week ended October two while Wipro beat the market expectations and posted a 79 per cent jump in Q2 net profits. FIIs reportedly absorbed part of sales made by domestic mutual funds which remained fairly heavy sellers in the week. Blue chip shares including HDFC, GACL, L&T, Wipro, Satyam Computers, Infosys Tech, HLL, Bajaj Auto and Hero Honda showed sharp falls on heavy selling pressure.
Govt not to hike petrol, diesel prices: Aiyar
Friday, October 15, 2004
New Delhi, Oct 15 Contrary to speculation, Government today decided not to increase petrol and diesel prices despite the sharp surge in crude oil prices, and asked the public sector oil companies to bear the burden for another fortnight. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs also did not decide on changes in duties on crude oil and petroleum products, without which a hike of Rs 1.88 per litre in petrol and Rs 3.30 per litre in diesel prices may be needed in view of the international oil prices breaching 55 dollars a barrel mark. "The CCEA has decided that for today the prices of all petroleum products will be held at the same level. There will be no increase for this fortnight," Petroleum Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar told reporters after the CCEA meeting. Public sector oil companies were to meet today to review prices of petrol and diesel, which have remained unchanged since August 1 despite crude prices rising by as much as 20 dollars a barrel, leading to a Rs 2300 crore loss in revenue. The Petroleum Ministry, which was not keen on raising the fuel prices in view of inflation still hovering above 7 per cent, had proposed slashing customs duty on crude, petrol and diesel and cutting excise duty on LPG and Kerosene to offset the hike in crude prices but the CCEA decided against any mid-course correction. "Duties are normally decided in the Budget for the full financial year. It is not possible during the year to review them. Any change is possible only in emergency," Aiyar said.
General strike affects normal life in Manipur
Friday, October 15, 2004
Imphal, Oct 15 Normal life came to a grinding halt in Manipur today in response to a 16-hour general strike called by a separatist organisation to protest against the merger of the state with the Indian union in October 1949. Official reports said markets, shops, business establishments remained closed throughout the state in view of the general strike called by the Manipur People's Liberation Front (MPLF). Most of the roads and market places in Imphal wore a deserted look in view of the strike which would end at 5 PM today, the reports said. Transport services were cancelled in view of the strike, the reports said. Government offices were closed today on the occasion of a local religious festival. The MPLF has been fighting for an "independent Manipur" for some decades.
Advani warns PM against giving 'undue importance' to Marxists
Sunday, October 10, 2004
Nagpur, Oct 10 (UNI) Senior BJP leader and former Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani today ''warned'' Prime Minister Manmohan Singh against giving ''undue importance'' to the Marxists. Speaking at a 'Meet the Press' programme hosted by Nagpur Union of Working Journalists (NUWJ) here today, Advani said the Marxists had been given ''more than their fair share of importance'' in the political dispensation at the Centre. This was in spite of the fact that Marxism had almost vanished from the world, except for a few pockets of influence like West Bengal and Kerala in India, he opined. The Marxists were being given an unprecedented say in policy-making at the Centre, Advani alleged. It was presumed that the Marxists would be interested in the formulation of the economic policy, but it now appeared that they had started meddling even in security matters and foreign policy, Mr Advani claimed.
Reshoo Pande crowned Miss India-USA
Sunday, October 10, 2004
Amid pomp, fashion, dance and drama, Mississippi’s Reshoo Pande was crowned BharatMatrimony.com Miss India USA 2004 at the Wilkins Center in New Jersey’s Kean University on October 2. New Jersey’s Diva Ranade was declared First Runner Up and New York’s Subrina Dhummi Second Runner Up. In the online poll that was conducted by BharatMatrimony.com simultaneously, in which registered members were invited to make their choice, Miss Virginia Juhi Shukla was declared winner BharatMatrimony.com People’s Choice. Speaking at the event, Murugavel Janakiraman, CEO, BharatMatrimony.com said, We are happy to be associated with this pageant. It not only promotes, Indian culture and tradition here in the USA but also encourages the exhibition of talent and Indian performing arts. It is our endeavor to showcase this potential and help announce to world that ‘The Indian woman has finally arrived." Reshoo was also declared Miss photogenic. The Best Talent award went to North Carolina’s Julie Kathrotia for her tap dance and Michael Jackson combination, while New York’s Shweta won the Miss Congeniality award. See Images: BharatMatrimony.com Miss India US In the talent events held the previous day, Julie was declared Miss Beautiful Smile. Diva won the award for Beautiful Hair, while Georgia’s Sumehra Premji was declared Miss Beautiful Eyes. This year’s pageant had its share of firsts. Mississippi took part in the Miss India USA for the first time, and walked away with the title in its maiden attempt. Also for the first time in the history of the pageant was a tie for the titles of Miss India USA and First Runner Up. The judges were Seema Andhare, Regional Director, Air India; Kamal Dandona, Chairman, Bollywood Movie and Music Awards; Purva Merchant, Miss India Worldwide 2003-04; Anna Ling, President, A.L. Models; Farook Khan, National Director, Miss India South Africa; Jessie Liu, Miss China New York; and Piyush D. Pandya, movie producer. The evening, replete with glitz and glamour, featured a fashion show and dance performances by popular troupes. Sharon Gill and Stacy Issac, who were Miss India USA in 1999 and 2001 respectively, were the comperes for the event. Reigning Miss India USA Meghana Nagarajan kicked off the event with a dance, during which the 22 contestants were introduced. This was followed by the Indian segment, when the contestants presented themselves in Indian attire. After the introduction of the judges, the Evening Gowns section was followed by a dance performance and a fashion show after which the Top 10 contestants were named. The 10 finalists then dazzled the audience with their dance performances in the Talent round. More entertainment followed and Diva, Juhi, Reshoo, Sonia and Subrina were named as the final 5 contestants. All of them were asked a question each. All of the contestants answered their questions with confidence displayed a strong belief and attachment to the Indian tradition and this was reflected in their answers. Reshoo was asked if it was time for a Mrs. India USA pageant. Yes, it is time. In Mississippi, we have been holding the event form some time now. Beauty and intelligence does not disappear after marriage. I strongly think we should hold such a pageant, she said. The tie for the Winner and First Runner Up emerged after Subrina was named the Second Runner Up. Reshoo and Diva were then asked the question as to what would they do over the year if they win the Miss India USA title. Both contestants were asked to write down their answers within a minute. Reshoo said she would use the title to advocate diversity in the Indian culture, specially to the youth. Diva said she would work harder to make the US and her state New Jersey proud at global gatherings. The India Festival Committee (IFC) organises the Miss India USA pageant, now in its 23rd year. BharatMatrimony.com was the title sponsor and Niteen Group of Hotels, the presenter. The pageant will be aired worldwide by B4U TV network. After the final walk by the reigning Miss India USA Meghana Nagarajan, the judges then announced Miss Reshoo Pande as the BharatMatrimony.com Miss India USA. Reshoo will receive an all-expense paid trip to Mumbai to represent the US in the Fourteenth Annual Miss India Worldwide pageant to be held in January 2005 in conjunction with Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas BharatMatrimony.com Pvt. Ltd is the No.1 Indian Matrimony Service Provider. Bharatmatrimony.com has 14 regional portals; over 2 million of registered users and has successfully facilitated lakhs of eligible singles into wedlock. The company is a single window end-to-end service provider for anything and everything related to matrimony ranging from booking of marriage halls to honeymoon packages for wedded couples.
India on brink of big defeat
Sunday, October 10, 2004
India were on the brink of one of their biggest Test defeats after yet another batting collapse put Australia on course for a comprehensive victory in the first cricket Test here on Saturday. Chasing a record target of 457 on a wearing track, the home team was gasping at an embarrassing 105 for six at close on the penultimate day, still trailing by 351 runs with just four wickets in hand. Barring Rahul Dravid who waged a lone battle, none of the other Indian batsmen showed any application on a difficult track at the M Chinnaswamy stadium on a dramatic day's play which saw as many as 12 wickets fall. Rahul Dravid was batting on a gritty 47 along with Irfan Pathan (7) with India still in danger of suffering their biggest defeat by runs in Test history a margin of 329 runs against South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata in 1996-97.
Maharastra Polls: NCP, Sena fight it out at Mazgaon
Sunday, October 10, 2004
Mazgaon Assembly segment is likely to witness a keen contest between NCP candidate Pankaj Bhujbal, son of former deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal and Sena nominee Bal Nandgaonkar for the October 13 Maharashtra Assembly polls. The battle has wetted the interest of many, who are keen to find if Pankaj manages to avenge the stunning defeat of his father at the hands of Nandgaokar in 1995. Mazgaon, which had been the citadel of Bhujbal and elected him to power in 1985 as an independent and in 1990 as a Sena candidate, turned the tables on Bhujbal when he parted ways with Sena following differences with supremo Bal Thackeray and contested on an NCP ticket. A little known Nandgaonkar had then romped home with 41,729 votes as against Bhujbal who managed to secure 29,454. The taste of defeat left a bitter taste in Bhujbal's mouth who did not (not) contest in the polls in 1999 but instead sought a backdoor entry through membership in the Vidhan Parishad. This year again the senior Bhujbal has avoided Mazgaon and has instead filed his nomination from Yeola, citing that it was the origin of social movements in the state. NCP announcing the name of Pankaj for the elections raised many eyebrows. However, the party brushed it off saying that Pankaj was selected purely on merits. Pankaj, who has jumped into the fray with a baggage of Telgi scam hounding his family and the previous defeat of his father, resorted to door-to-door campaigning to win over his voters with a personal touch. [Agency]
Cong accepts EC decision on reservation
Sunday, October 10, 2004
The Congress today said the UPA Government would accept the election's commssions decision that there had been a violation of the model code of conduct in deciding to adopt a commission on the issue of reservation for minorities. "The Government after the elections will do whatever is desirable",Congress Spokesperson Jayanti Natrajan said. Briefing media persons here, she said the Government's move was prompted by what was written in the Common Minimum Programme of the UPA Government as regarding reservation policy. "We want to ensure reservation for disadvantaged sections", she said. About Home Minister Shivraj Patil's announcement of steps for the North East, she hoped that the steps would prove effective to tide over the situation.The state government in Assam ould ensure that peace was established. Ms Natrajan deplored the criticism of the Government by the Opposition and said it should rather play a constructive role and not exaggerate what was a national issue.
Modi to promote Gujarat as tourist destination
Sunday, October 10, 2004
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi Thursday said his government would focus on projecting the state as a premier tourist destination. The Modi government will organise a promotion campaign titled "Vibrant Gujarat" celebrations for the second year in a row to coincide with the nine-day Navaratri festival beginning Oct 14. Along with what is being promoted as the "world's longest running dance festival" of Navaratri, the state will organise a series of seminars and conferences focussing on tourism. "Gujarat has the inherent potential of securing a place on the international tourist map. It is the question of how you project the state," Modi told reporters. "We have not been able to promote the Somnath temple, but things are changing now," he said. Modi sought the help of "the pen and the camera" to popularise Gujarat as a tourist destination. The state has invited a large number of tour operators and travel writers from about 18 countries to visit Gujarat during Vibrant Gujarat programme, he said. The chief minister also stressed the need to highlight the world-class medical facilities available at reasonable rates in the state. "Even if people from abroad come to Gujarat for treatment, their overall costs will be less compared to what they would incur abroad," he said. While a section of critics have repeatedly pointed out that the state's policy of prohibition comes in the way of increasing tourist arrivals, Modi said he did not agree with that. He claimed that following last year's efforts during Vibrant Gujarat festival, tourists in Gujarat had increased by 30 percent. President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam is expected to inaugurate the three-day event of seminars on tourism on Oct 15 in the city and Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat will inaugurate the Navaratri festival.
Five die in heavy rains in Bengal, life hit
Sunday, October 10, 2004
Heavy rains across West Bengal Thursday left five people dead and affected life badly in this state capital where the public transport system came to a grinding halt. Finance Minister Asim Dasgupta told reporters he had received reports of five people dying in "rain-related" accidents across the state. All the victims died after portions of their mud houses or walls collapsed on them. Around 200 mud houses collapsed under the incessant rains in the southern district of South 24 Pargana. Strong winds and rain also brought down portions of a few old buildings in Kolkata, but no one was hurt. "We are keeping a watch on the situation and have taken measures to reach relief to the needy," Dasgupta said. Meteorological official Kusum Kumar Chakraborty here warned that the inclement weather could continue for the next 48 hours. Muddy rainwater and overflowing drains entered homes and shops in many low-lying southern neighbourhoods of Kolkata, where drainage system failed to work. Manholes were choked and sewerage gutters abysmally ill-equipped to handle the 110.5-mm of rain that the city registered since Wednesday night. Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) maintenance workers were using huge pumps to drain out water from the worst affected areas. "If the rain stops for even three hours, we can pump out all the water," city mayor Subrata Mukherjee said. But his assurances did not show results even after rains eased up in the afternoon. People used their own small electric pumps or simply swept with brooms to keep rainwater out of their homes. "This is a regular phenomenon. It happens every time there is heavy rain. It is because of the decades-old drainage system that doesn't work anymore," said Biswanath Saha, a marketing executive who skipped office to stay home to keep the rainwater out. The city's drainage and sewerage systems are more than 100 years old and have hardly been upgraded since being built by the British colonial rulers. "It's impossible to step outside the front door. The entire lane is flooded," said an office-going resident of Selimpur in South Kolkata. Another beleaguered worker from Brahmapur in southern Kolkata said: "I've had to take the day off because the water in our area is knee-high." Streets wore a deserted look as few people ventured out. The weekday traffic was unusually thin and almost 90 percent of the city's commercial establishments remained closed. Many schools remained closed. Public buses did not ply and taxis and rickshaws charged exorbitantly to go small distances. Metro Rail, the city's underground railway system, however, ran on schedule. Train services were badly affected. Rail tracks at the Howrah terminus went under knee-deep water. Several suburban and long distance trains were cancelled. Flights too were irregular. The rains were a bad news for shoppers for the Durga Puja festival, which begins Oct 20. Shop- owners too were distressed as business was next to nil Thursday. "People are putting off their shopping because of the rain," said a hawker from Gariahat market. The rains affected life in other parts of West Bengal as well. Heavy showers fuelled fears of renewed flooding in Malda and Murshidabad districts.
Four soldiers, civilian die in Kashmir
Sunday, October 10, 2004
Four Indian soldiers and a civilian were killed when a suicide bomber rammed a car packed with explosives into an army convoy in Jammu and Kashmir Saturday. Police said the incident occurred in Singapora village, 35 km from here, in the northern district of Baramulla. Four soldiers and the driver of a civilian truck were killed. The convoy was passing through the strategic Srinagar-Uri national highway when the suicide bomber driving a car struck a bus transporting the soldiers. Four soldiers and the civilian, whose truck happened to be at the spot, were killed instantly. The suicide bomber is also believed to have died. About 25 people, including some 15 soldiers, were injured, a senior police officer told here. An earlier report said the attack took place in Hanjura village. The bus was completely destroyed. The entire area has been sealed and traffic on the highway suspended. The injured were hurriedly shifted to the army's base hospital in this summer capital for treatment. Some 40,000 people have been killed in a separatist campaign raging in Jammu and Kashmir since 1989. [Agency]
Peace dependent on Pak honouring commitments: Natwar
Saturday, October 9, 2004
New Delhi, Oct 9 Observing that Indo-Pak ties were now "significantly different" compared to 2002, External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh today said while India was committed to deepen its engagement, the whole process was "critically dependent" on Pakistan honouring its commitment not to allow territory under its control to support terrorism. He also suggested that SAARC countries should speak in one voice on key issues to make the regional grouping more effective. Addressing a conference organised by South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA) here, Singh said from a strained relationship "now there is a distinct change in attitude among people, political leadership and information makers... In India and Pakistan which is welcome". India, he said remained committed to move ahead with the Composite Dialogue with Pakistan. This process would have a major impact for the rest of the region, he said. If there was a broad agreement on foreign, security, food and other key issues with SAARC members speaking in one voice, "we would be more effective as a regional organisation", he stressed. Dwelling on Indo-Pak ties, he said "we remain committed to deepen our engagement. However, the whole process is critically dependent on the fulfillment of President Pervez Musharraf's reassurance of January six, 2004 not to permit any territory under Pakistan's control to support terrorism in any manner".
Harbhajan says team missing Tendulkar badly
Saturday, October 9, 2004
Bangalore, Oct 9 Harbhajan Singh feels the absence of Sachin Tendulkar coupled with some poor batting were mainly responsible for India's poor show in the first cricket Test against Australia here. "In batting, we have not been as good as we had been earlier. We really need to have a talk about it -- what needs to be done," Harbhajan, who picked an 11-wicket haul in the match, told reporters after the day's play. "First innings lead was very crucial. We gave them too many runs and we didn't bat good enough. In the second innings we bowled a much better line but still batting was a disappointment," he said. "Also, Sachin is not there. Obviously, he is a great batsman. When he comes (back into the team) it will be a different side. He makes a huge difference to the team. He's the kind of guy who can make 100-200 whatever the wicket you are playing on," said the off-spinner. Harbhajan said the team was looking forward to the return of Tendulkar, recuperating from a tennis elbow, in the second Test at Chennai. "He (Tendulkar) is very confident about the Chennai Test. It will be great to have him back, he could score some big runs for us and bowl some leg spin and googlies as well to take a few wickets."
Forex reserves up by USD 515 million
Saturday, October 9, 2004
Mumbai, Oct 9 Bolstered by heavy inflows, India's foreign exchange reserves rose by USD 515 million, crossing the US dollar 119 billion mark during the week ending October one, 2004. The foreign exchange reserves rose to USD 1,19,284 million, the Reserve Bank of India said in its weekly statistical supplement released today. The revaluation and investments by overseas funds contributed to the surge in inflows, analysts said. The foreign currency assets were also up by USD 482 million to USD 1,13,788 million, it said. Following revaluation, gold reserves spurted by USD 52 million at USD 4,192 million. The Special Drawing Rights remained static at USD one million, the central bank said. India's Reserve Tranche Position with International Monetary Fund grew by USD one million and stood at USD 1,303 million, it said. Loans and advances to central government had a nil balance while that to state governments were down by Rs 1,864 crore to Rs 868 crore. During the fortnight ending September 24, aggregate deposits grew by Rs 8,315 crore (0.5 per cent) to Rs 15,97,502 crore. Demand deposits grew by Rs 2,610 crore to Rs 2,20,631 crore while the time deposit base rose to Rs 13,76,870 crore, showing a growth of Rs 5,706 crore. Food credit dropped by Rs 1,723 crore to Rs 38,142 crore while non-food credit went up by Rs 23,141 crore to Rs 8,91,585 crore, the RBI added.
Rupee climbs to 3-mth peak despite spiralling oil prices
Saturday, October 9, 2004
Mumbai, Oct 9 FOREIGN EXCHANGES: Notwithstanding spiralling global oil prices, the rupee climbed to nearly three-month peak against the US currency, driven up by robust trade and foreign capital investment inflows with sentiments positive for further gains. In fairly active trade at the interbank foreign exchange (forex) market during the week, the rupee ended at Rs 45.8050/8150 per dollar, a sharp ten paise rise from previous weekend levels of Rs 45.90/92 after trading in a range of Rs 45.8400 and Rs 45.9400 per dollar. Despite surging oil prices to 53 dollars a barrel, the rupee gained support from the resumption of heavy trade and foreign portfolio investment inflows into the vibrant economy, a forex dealer said. Oil prices eased slightly in Asian trade Friday from their relentless climb to record levels but remained near 53 dollars a barrel on a combination of supply worries and high demand. Light sweet crude for November delivery was at $ 52.45 a barrel, while its closing price was $ 52.67 at the NYMEX Thursday after reaching an unprecedented $ 53 a barrel. Rupee sentiments got a boost after the Prime Minister's talk of tax-reforms in the next budget and the Finance Minister's commitment to speed up approvals of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in infrastructure, bankers said. The strong response to a billion-dollar initial public offering of the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) was also a plus factor for the rupee, as the steady foreign fund inflows would get a further push, they added. Traders expect the rupee to consolidate gains on Monday on the back of bunched up weekend dollar supplies even as operators would be monitoring oil price trends.
Neighbourhood of peace a high priority: Manmohan
Saturday, October 9, 2004
New Delhi, Oct 9 Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said creating a neighbourhood of peace and stability was a high priority with his Government and felt the media could play a critical role by shaping ideas that could overcome the burden of past perceptions. "Creating a neighbourhood of peace and stability is a high priority of our Government," Singh said in a message to the two-day conference of South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA) which was read out by his media advisor Sanjaya Baru. Observing that South Asia still remained one of the world's less developed regions despite its advantages, he said "our individual and collective struggle to march forward on the road to development has been impaired by weak intra-egional cooperation, compounded by mutual suspicion". Singh said his Government would like to encourage the free flow of ideas and people to help shed prejudices and develop an appreciation of the existing ground realities. To this end, India had liberalised visa rules for journalists from Pakistan to visit India, he said observing "I am glad that it has yielded concrete results". He noted that the SAFMA conference was taking place just a few days after a visit to J and K by a group of Pakistani journalists. In her message, Congress President Sonia Gandhi said the UPA gave the highest priority to building closer political, economic and other ties with the neighbours in South Asia and to strengthening SAARC.
Twinkle rubbishes rumours of a split
Saturday, October 9, 2004
Twinkle rubbishes rumours of a split By Viral Bhayani, Indo-Asian News Service Mumbai, Oct 9 Twinkle Khanna has rubbished rumours of a split with hubby Akshay Kumar. At a function to unveil the latest collection of Movado watches at Indigo here Friday, Twinkle said she was in Dubai attending a furniture fair when the rumours of a split started doing the rounds. Twinkle, chosen to represent Movado in India, said: "It's strange how people make up stories saying I was in Goa having a fight with my hubby. Sadly, everyone even starts believing in that." "I was in Dubai for a furniture fair when these rumours started appearing in the Indian media. I wonder how I could have fought with Akshay in Goa while I was busy shopping furniture for my clients at the fair," Twinkle told . Twinkle also appeared to be unfazed with rumours about a reported affair between Akshay and Priyanka. Answering a question on how she was coping with the rumours, Twinkle said: "The fact that a leading daily carried an apology on their front page explains the truth, so I have stopped worrying about it and moved on." She revealed that she had "no inclination" towards Bollywood any more. "Bollywood never really interested me or was something that I really enjoyed. I had some 100 men staring at me while I was shooting. I prefer the life I'm living currently," she said smiling, as she hugged old friends from Bollywood Neelam and Madhoo, who were also present at the event. Asked if she would venture into theatre if a good script came her way, Twinkle said she loved theatre. "I love experimenting and if something comes up maybe I will dabble with it." Sporting a watch with a big dial, Twinkle revealed that she had a preference for "masculine watches". "I don't like feminine watches. So much so that I end up wearing Akshay's watches."
India, Pak preparing to deploy peacekeeping troops in Congo
Thursday, October 7, 2004
Dharam Shourie United Nations, Oct 6 India and Pakistan are preparing to deploy some 1,700 soldiers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) following the Security Council's decision to bolster the UN peacekeeping operation, the world body said today. Since the resolution's unanimous adoption, the UN said arrangements have been made for an emergency deployment of two battalions of some 850 soldiers each, one each from India and Pakistan. India will also provide four attack helicopters. The Council had decided to increase the number of peacekeepers by 5,900 to take the total strength to 16,700. The remaining troop increases are still, under discussion, but India and Pakistan are also expected to provide one brigade - around 2,500 troops each, the world body said. Developed countries were solicited for troop contributions, but there has been no response as yet, the UN officials said. The Council also expanded the mandate of its mission in Congo and troops would now conduct a range of new tasks, including protecting civilians from violence and enforcing an arms embargo in the east. Speaking to the UN News Service from the Congolese capital, Kinshasa, a spokesperson for the UN Organisation Mission in the DRC (MONUC) echoed the comments of Secretary General Kofi Annan, who welcomed the Council action last Friday but warned that the new authorised troop level of 16,700 fell "well below" his recommendation to deploy 23,900 peacekeepers and 507 civilian police.
Rising oil prices hurting economy but are not sustainable: FM
Thursday, October 7, 2004
New York, Oct 7 Conceding that rising oil prices are hurting the Indian economy, Finance Minister P Chidambaram has, however, asserted that these prices are neither justified nor sustainable in they long run. Every five dollars per barrel rise in the price of crude would push up inflation in India by 1.4 per cent and retard GDP by 0.5 per cent, Chidambaram said while addressing a investors' forum and later a press conference here yesterday. "Like in every other country, it (rise in oil prices) is likely to retard India's growth to some extent," he said. But he ponted out that the experts, as also high Bush administration officials, have opined that there is surplus of oil in tHe world and it is being manipulated by some speculators. So far, he said, India has absorbed the cost of high oil prices. "The last time we raised petrol and diesel prices was June 15 and July 31. Since then we have restrained ourselves." He, however, said he does not know what the Petroleum Ministry plans to do to meet the rising price of crude. The crude prices are now hovering around 50 dollars a barrel but experts say they could settle down around 35 to 40 dollars per barrel.
Australia 316 for five at close of play on day one
Thursday, October 7, 2004
K Ramnath Shenoy Bangalore, Oct 6 Debutant Michael Clarke showed no signs of nerves as he struck an exhilarating unbeaten half century to put Australia in command in the first cricket Test against India at the Chinaswamy stadium here today. Clarke, coming in for an injured skipper Ricky Ponting, negotiated the famed Indian spinners with ease on a turning track to remain unbeaten on 76 and take his team to a comfortable 316 for five at close on the opening day. Stand-in captain Adam Gilchrist was 35 not out at the other end on a day which saw the visitors largely relying on their young batsmen to recover from the loss of three quick wickets in the post-lunch session. The 23-year-old Clarke struck 11 fours and two sixes, including one off leg spinner Anil Kumble, who had his joy of reaching the 400 mark somewhat spoilt by the marauding right-hander. Clarke's cavalier innings also put in shade the assured performance of Simon Katich who more than lived up to his promotion to the number three slot. Left handed Katich was the only other Aussie batsman on view today to handle the spinners with authority. With nimble footwork backed by bold attitude, Katich made 81 from 168 balls before he became Kumble's 400th Test victime. Kumble, who had earlier dismissed Damien Martyn (3) and Darren Lehmann (17) to leave Australia struggling at 149 for four at one stage, became only the second Indian to reach the milestone.
Kumble joins the 400 club
Thursday, October 7, 2004
Bangalore, Oct 6 Ace leg-spinner Anil Kumble became the ninth bowler in the world and the second Indian to claim 400 wickets in Test history on the first day of the first cricket Test against Australia at his home gound here today. Going into the match three short of the milestone, the 33-year-old achieved the feat when he bowled Simon Katich, his third victim of the day, in the 80th over. Kumble, who had talked about his hopes of achieving the feat before family and friends at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium where he started his career, joined Kapil Dev (434) as the only other Indian in the elite club. The bowler's best performance came at Delhi in 1999 when he became only the second bowler after England's Jim Laker to grab 10 wickets in an innings in the match against Pakistan. Leading India's spin attack since the last 14 years, he has claimed five or more wickets in an innings 24 times and 10 wickets in a match five times. Before this match, his average stood at 28.21 in 84 Tests. The top 10 wickettakers in Tests: Wickets Tests 1. Muttiah Muralitharan 532 91 2. Shane Warne 527 112 3. Courtney Walsh 519 132 4. Glenn McGrath 440 97 5. Kapil Dev 434 131 6. Richard Hadlee 431 86 7. Wasim Akram 414 104 8. Curtley Ambrose 405 98 9. Anil Kumble 400 85 10. Ian Botham 383 102
Fake stamp paper case: CBI questions IPS officer of TN cadre
Thursday, October 7, 2004
New Delhi, Oct 6 CBI has questioned a senior level IPS officer of Tamil Nadu cadre after his name had surfaced in the fake stamp paper scam, official sources said here today. CBI questioned S Ramani, who is of the rank of Director General, on two occasions after his name figured in the tapes allegedly containing telephonic conversation of main scamster Abdul Karim Telgi with his contacts, the sources said, adding that the investigating agency was verifying allegations that he may have supported Telgi in spreading his network in that state. The 1970 batch IPS officer was summoned to the agency's office in Chennai last week as well and grilled for several hours during which he was asked questions about his suspected links with Telgi, CBI sources said. He was also asked as to why he failed in preventing the scamster in his designs of circulating fake stamp papers in the metropolis. When contacted by at his residence in Chennai, Ramani shot back and refused to answer any of the questions as to why he had been questioned. "Why should I answer you," he shot back. CBI also claimed that Telgi, while in jail at Bangalore, had telephoned Ramani. The name of the senior police official also figured during the investigation of Deputy Inspector General of Police of Tamil Nadu Mohammad Ali, who was arrested in the Telgi scam case.
Arunachal poll begins amidst tight security
Thursday, October 7, 2004
Itanagar, Oct 7 With three Congress candidates already elected unopposed, polling for the rest of the 57 seats of the Arunachal Pradesh Assembly began at 7 AM today amidst elaborate security arrangements. Elections are being held at 1,684 polling stations spread across the state to decide the fate of 163 candidates. The ruling Congress is contesting in all remaining 57 seats while BJP is contesting 38 seats. These apart, there are 11 candidates of Arunachal Congress, 10 of NCP and 47 Independents. Out of the 57 constituencies going to the polls today, 26 are witnessing straight contests while 15 have triangular fights. Tight security arrangements have been made with the deployment of 42 companies of paramilitary forces apart from the state security personnel. A total of 640 polling stations have been declared sensitive and 307 hyper-sensitive. The International border with Myanmar, as well as the state border with Assam, has been sealed. Security has also been tightened at the district headquarters of Seppa which witnessed tribal clashes recently.
Centre announces strategy to tackle violence in north-east
Thursday, October 7, 2004
New Delhi, Oct 6 Concerned over the sudden upsurge in militant violence in Assam and neighbouring Nagaland, the Centre today decided to dispatch nearly 5,000 additional para-military personnel and deploy helicopters for searching insurgents as part of its multi-pronged strategy to deal with the situation. Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, who paid a two-day visit to Assam and Nagaland to assess the situation after a series of bomb blasts that left over 60 people dead, discussed the situation at a high-level meeting attended by Army Chief N C Vij, Intelligence Bureau Director A K Doval, Home Secretary Dhirendera Singh and other senior officials of his ministry. Later, Patil said investigations were on to identify those responsible for these acts of violence. Special Secretary Anil Choudhary said as part of the strategy to tackle the situation government would stregthen and coordinate intelligence set-up, increase the presence of armed forces and activate the Unified Headquarters in Assam.
US offers FBI help to investigate blasts in Assam
Tuesday, October 5, 2004
Guwahati, Oct 5 The United States has offered FBI help in investigating the recent incidents of bomb blasts in Assam, state Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said. Addressing a press conference here, Gogoi said that he had received a letter today written by US Ambassador to India David C Mulford offerring FBI help for investigating the blasts. Gogoi said he had no objection if the US investigating agency helps their Indian counterpart in identifying the culprits but made it clear it should not be at the cost of national security. Mulford's letter said "should you find it helpful that the FBI should be pleased to provide technical support for investigation. I have also made this offer to Home Minister Shivraj Patil. I hope you will be free to contact me if there is any other way that we can be helpful". His letter also pointed out, "in this context US has considerable expertise in investigative techniques. The people of America join you in hoping that the perpretators of these crimes will be brought swiftly to justice". Gogoi said he would approach the Centre and "if they don't have any objections it will be helpful to us as bigger forces are determined to disturb the entire North East".
India, S Korea sign extradition treaty
Tuesday, October 5, 2004
New Delhi, Oct.5 Ushering in a new chapter in their bilateral relations, India and South Korea today signed an extradition treaty and an accord on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters as they agreed to establish a long-term cooperative partnership for peace and prosperity. The treaties were signed in the presence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and visiting South Korean President Roh Moo-Hyun by External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh and South Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Ban Ki-Moon. The Prime Minister and Roh held over 90-minute meeting covering a wide range of bilateral, multilateral and global issues during which they agreed to establish a long-term cooperative partnership for peace and prosperity which will seek to take advantage of economic complementarities and political convergences. The two sides decided to step up defence cooperation in areas like anti-piracy and search and rescue operations. Consultations on expanding cooperation in the fight against international terrorism would be carried out through various bilateral amd multilateral mechanisms. Under the Extradition Treaty, any offence committed inside or outside the territory of one party, and which is punishable at the time of the request, with imprisonment for a period of at least one year under the laws of both countries, would be an extraditable offence.
Reliance Industries to invest $2 bn in gas field development
Tuesday, October 5, 2004
New Delhi, Oct 5 Reliance Industries Ltd and its Canadian partner Niko Resources will invest over 2 billion dollars in bringing to production their gigantic gas field in the Bay of Bengal and laying pipelines to transport the fuel. "We will invest one billion dollar in staged development of D6 deep-water gas reserves (off the Andhra coast) and in excess of a billion dollar in building pipelines," Niko Resources executive chairman Edward S Sampson told here. Reliance, the operator of the block KG-DWN-98/3 (also known as D6) in the Krishna Godavari basin, is targeting first gas by late 2006 or early 2007. "We expect gas production of 1 billion cubic feet," he said. US consultant Degolyer and MacNaughton (D&M) has assessed the in-place gas reserves in the first 10 wells in D6 at 11 trillion cubic feet. Additional gas reserves have been found in two subsequent wells in the block, Sampson said adding 13th well was being drilled on the block. Reliance has submitted to the government for approval a plan to develop Dhirubhai-I and III fields in the D6 block at an investment of 1 billion dollar. An equal amount would be spent on laying a pipeline from Kakinada on Andhra Pradesh coast to the company's first customer, National Thermal Power Corp's power plants in Gujarat. "We anticipate the work to start by early 2005," he said.
Dravid keen to catch Kumble's 400th victim
Tuesday, October 5, 2004
Bangalore, Oct 5 How does India vice-captain Rahul Dravid want ace leg spinner Anil Kumble to claim his 400th Test victim? Well, "The Wall" says it would be great if it's "caught Dravid bowled Kumble". "Hopefully, it will be caught Dravid bowled Kumble. That will be icing on the cake," Dravid told reporters on the sidelines of a function here. He then went on to shower praise on 33-year-old Karnataka mate, who has so far taken 397 Test wickets in 84 Tests. "Anil is a fantastic cricketer and a person. He is truly legendary cricketer for Karnataka and Indian cricket. I am truly excited that he has given me a few exciting moments ... watching taking him ten wickets in an innings." "Hopefully, I will be part of the team in which he takes 400 wickets," Dravid added. Asked if he was eager to score a century at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, his home ground where he has never recorded a ton, Dravid said: "I am eager to score a century everywhere I play even if I scored a century before. It does not matter. We will try to do our best." Earlier, he released a book titled "Casting a Spell, The Story of Karnataka Cricket" authored by Vedam Jaishankar.
Maha Polls: Manmohan to visit Mumbai tomorrow
Tuesday, October 5, 2004
Mumbai, Oct 5 Prime Minsiter Manmohan Singh would address Congress workers, elected representatives and interact with reprsentatives of trade and industry here tomorrow, in view of the forthcoming Maharashtra assembly polls, according to party sources. On his day-long maiden visit to the metropolis after taking charge as the country's premier, Singh would attend three meetings of Congress workers and address the media. The Prime Minister would arrive at 11.30 am and address party workers at Ravindra Natya Mandir in central Mumbai around 12 noon. He would hold a press conference at Cricket Club of India at 1.30 pm and have lunch with mediapersons. Singh would meet the industrialists, senior editors, NGOs and other eminent citizens of the city at Taj hotel between 4.30pm and 5.30pm, the sources said. Meanwhile, security has been beefed up in the city as well as at the airport for the Prime Minister's visit.
Three-pronged spin attack for India
Tuesday, October 5, 2004
Indian spinner Anil Kumble says his side is thinking of using three spinners in the first cricket Test against Australia beginning at Bangalore on Wednesday. Kumble says the dry pitch at Chinnaswamy Stadium is going to spin a long way from early in the match and he's likely to be joined in the Indian side by fellow slow bowlers Harbhajan Singh and Murali Kartik. Australia is still planning to use Shane Warne as the only full-time spinner with fast bowlers Glenn McGrath, Jason Gillespie and Michael Kasprowicz. Neither team has confirmed its starting XI yet.
New blasts kill seven in India
Monday, October 4, 2004
GUWAHATI: Tribal militants exploded bombs in market places in the Indian state of Assam yesterday killing seven people and wounding another 43 in fresh attacks in the revolt-torn state, police said. A bomb exploded in a market in Dhekiagula, a village 170km north of Guwahati, the Assam state capital, wounding 15 people, police said. Suspected rebels targeted government-run Oil India's natural gas pipeline with a land mine blast near the village of Borhat in western Assam, 200km west of Guwahati, a police officer said. The extent of the damage was unknown. Also in Borhat, a tea garden worker was killed and two others seriously injured when suspected guerillas detonated a bomb at their plantation, Press Trust of India news agency said. Two suspected rebels of the outlawed National Democratic Front of Bodoland were killed when explosives they were carrying detonated in Assam's Sonitpur district, said. Another bomb exploded at a shop in Dabosal in western Assam, wounding its owner, said A K Bhutani, the district magistrate. And in the nearby town of Chitra, suspected militants blew up an electrical transmission tower, snapping the power supply to the area, Bhutani said. Later, a bomb exploded near a market in Bijni, 200km west of Guwahati, leaving three dead. Shortly afterward, another explosion killed another man and left 25 injured in nearby Gauripur along India's border with Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Indian troops prepared to flush out guerillas from thick jungles of Assam, officials said. "We had a strategy meeting this evening. We are planning for operations in the militant stronghold," Biren Kumar Gohain, state Home Commissioner said. Assam government leaders also turned on the neighbouring countries of Bangladesh and Burma, saying anti-Indian guerilla groups were operating from hills and jungles there. "The roots are in Bangladesh and in Burma. The two roots have to be uprooted," Assam's Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said. "Otherwise this problem will not go away." Federal Home Minister Shivraj Patil, on a tour of Assam and Nagaland, said more troops would be deployed to bring peace to the region which borders China, Burma, Bangladesh and Bhutan. Troops with machine guns patrolled the streets in Nagaland, as mourning families buried the victims of a wave of bombings and gunfire that killed 46 people in the northeast region the previous day.
Australians want to beat India legitimately
Monday, October 4, 2004
Bangalore, Oct. 3. : The Australians want to win the four-Test series against India with a "tag of legitimacy" by taking on a full strength Indian side that has Sachin Tendulkar in it. Australian captain Adam Gilchrist said he "suspects" Tendulkar to play in the series-opening Test, beginning here on Wednesday, and his players also wanted that as they were keen to win legitimately. "I think he (Tendulkar) will be there (for the first Test). Obviously, everyone would love to see him. He is an element that you want to play the best. He is the best batsman that I think I have ever seen. So, if we are going to win here (India) legitimately, it's nice to play the best team possible," Gilchrist said. The national selectors have included Tendulkar in the 15-member squad for the first two Tests but his featuring in the playing XI would depend on his match fitness. "I suspect Sachin is going to play. So, wait and see whether he plays or not. But even if India does not have him, we know as well as any team around the world, the quality of other players. So, we won't take them lightly," Gilchrist told reporters at a promotional event of Castrol.
Left, TC and Congress to battle it out in assembly by-polls
Sunday, October 3, 2004
Kolkata, Oct 3 The CPI(M)-led ruling Left Front, the opposition Trinamool Congress and the Congress will battle it out in next week's by-polls to three assembly constituencies in West Bengal. The three constituencies where by-polls will be held on October nine are Jorabagan, Shyampukur and Entally in Kolkata. While LF major CPI(M) deeply entrenched in rural Bengal is keen to prove that its impressive showing, even in urban areas, in the Lok Sabha elections was not a fluke, for the Trinamool Congress it would be an acid test to regain its lost ground in the metropolis. The highlight of LF's victory in the Lok Sabha election was their performance in urban areas where their candidates won two of the seats in Kolkata proper which had been the stronghold of Trinamool Congress since its creation in 1998. The Congress which had also put up its candidates in all the three seats would have to prove that its strength was not merely confined to North Bengal. For the Trinamool Congress, the by-polls would be an acid test to ascertain whether the minority community had been alienated from the party for teaming up with the BJP. After the party's disastrous showing in the last Lok Sabha election, a section of Trinamool Congress including some minority leaders had complained that the party's association with BJP was a "liability".
Annan condemns North-east attacks, says no justification
Sunday, October 3, 2004
United Nations, Oct 3 United Nations Secretary-general Kofi Annan has strongly condemned the loss of life in the series of blasts and firing by militants in Nagaland and neighbouring Assam, saying there was no justification for such acts. "No cause or grievance can justify such senseless and cruel acts that target innocent civilians", Annan said in a statement yesterday. Annan, his spokesman Fred Eckhard said, learnt with "shock and dismay the news of bomb and gunfire attacks that took place in crowded public places in Nagaland and Assam states.. Which have claimed the lives of a large number of people." "He expresses his sincere condolences to the victims and their families," Eckhard added. The attacks came yesterday as the country was celebrating the 135th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. A total of 51 people, including two insurgents were killed and about 150 persons injured in the violent incidents. Twenty-six people, including women and children, were killed and over a 100 injured in two powerful bomb blasts that rocked the railway station and a nearby market in quick succession in Nagaland's commercial town of Dimapur. In Assam, militants belonging to banned National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) struck terror firing indiscriminately and hurling grenades in nine districts killing 23 people and wounding over 48.
BSNL to roll out broadband service in Dec, eyes 1 mn users
Sunday, October 3, 2004
New Delhi, Oct 3 BSNL is planning to roll out its broadband services from December in 198 cities aiming to garner 10 lakh subscribers by December 2005. "BSNL is actively engaged in large scale expansion of broaband service during the current year. A world class multi-gigabit, multi-protocol convergent IP infrastructure is being set up which will provide convergent services like voice, data and video through the same Backbone and Broadband Access Network. Broadband rollout is planned from December 2004 in 198 cities hoping to serve one million customers by December 2005", A K Sinha, CMD, BSNL said. BSNL is aggressively looking at the Franchisee model for the expansion of its broadband service and few months ago it had signed up Atlas Interactive for the same and is currently in negotiations with others for broadband. BSNL is riding on the Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) on its existing copper lines for services such as high-speed Internet and video on demand services. Sinha said BSNL currently has 44 million telephone users, which includes around 7.5 million cellular customers. "We also have ambitious plans to add 20 million cellular connections across the country during the next one year", he said. BSNL has more than 14 Lakh Internet Customers who access internet through various modes like Dial-up, Leased Line, DIAS, Account Less Internet. BSNL has been adjudged number one ISP in the country. "We are committed to contribute towards increasing the growth of Internet in the country by adding bandwidth and increased affordability", he added.
Assam rocked by series of blasts
Sunday, October 3, 2004
After a series of bomb blasts on Saturday, four explosions rocked the Gosaigon and Sontipur districts of Assam today. Details on number of casualties, if any, are still awaited and the Armed forces have cordoned off the area. Meanwhile, Home Minister Shivraj Patil met Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and senior security officials in Guwahati this morning after several blasts on Saturday left 23 people dead in the state. Twin blasts Patil is also visiting Dimapur in Nagaland, where 26 people were killed in twin blasts yesterday. The first bomb in Dimpaur on Saturday went off at the railway station at 9:35 am. It had a devastating effect as the railway station was packed with several hundred people. Within moments, another bomb went off just 200 meters away at the busy Hong Kong market. Govt worried The blasts were the first major attack in almost seven years in the state following a ceasefire between the Centre and the NSCN (IM) and the government is clearly worried. "The blast was very big. Nagaland had peace for seven years and we will have to see who is behind this," said Patil. Intelligence agencies suspect that the blasts could be an attempt to derail the seven-year-old peace process between the Centre and the NSCN (IM).
41 killed in sudden outburst of violence in Nagaland, Assam
Saturday, October 2, 2004
By Atanu Phukan Dimapur/Guwahati, Oct 2 In a sudden outburst of violence in North-East, 41 people were killed and about 140 injured in a series of blasts and firing by militants in Nagaland and neighbouring Assam today. Twentysix people, including women and children, were killed and over a 100 injured in two powerful bomb blasts that rocked the railway station and a nearby market in quick succession in Nagaland's commercial town of Dimapur, in the first such act of violence in recent times in the state. Militants belonging to banned National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) struck terror in lower Assam indulging in indiscriminate shooting at weekly markets and triggering explosions in Dhubri and Chirang districts and in Bogaigaon killing 15 people and injuring 38. In Delhi, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil briefed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh about the situation arising out of the twin blasts in Dimapur. Patil will be visiting Dimapur tomorrow.
EC to issue show cause notice to Sena
Saturday, October 2, 2004
Mumbai, Oct 2 Show cause notice will be issued to Shiv Sena for recreating Ghatkopar bomb blast scene in a compact disc, prepared by Sena Leader Raj Thackeray for October 13 Maharashtra assembly polls, state Chief Election officer U P S Madan said here today. "The party has violated the Model Code of Conduct by showing the compact disc in public (at Raj Thackeray's press conference) advertising the violent bomb blast without the permission of the EC office and will be served showcause notice tomorrow under the Cable Network Act", he told reporters. "Although the CD does not mention the exact incident of the bomb blast, it was a violent advertisement of the incident and we have already rejected it," he said adding that it was shown in public without the Commission's permission. "If this kind of advertisement is shown during the election time, there could be law and order problem in the state," Madan said. When pointed out that these violent scenes were shown on cable channel earlier, he said, "it was shown during the incident. But it is not appropriate to show such scenes at the time of election".
10 killed, 63-kg explosives seized in J & K
Saturday, October 2, 2004
Srinagar, Oct 2 Six militants, two security force jawans and a ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) activist were among 10 people killed in separate incidents in Jammu and Kashmir where security forces seized 63 kgs of explosives and arrested three ultras since last night. Three Lashker-e-Toiba militants, including a self-styled District Commander Riyaz Ahmad Bhat, were killed in a gunbattle with security forces in Kokernag area in Anantnag district this morning, a police spokesman said. A Pakistani militant, Ali Hassan alias Imran, was killed in an encounter with security forces in a village in Pulwama district, he said adding a civilian, who was caught in the cross-fire, was also killed. A militant was killed in a retaliatory action by security forces after he hurled a grenade at them in Doda district's Dessa area. Two more live grenades were recovered from the slain militant, the spokesman said. Police picked up body of militant Abdul Rahman, who was wounded in an encounter with security forces on September 28, from Jagrota Bani area in Doda district. Ultras abducted and killed PDP activist Ghulam Mohiuddin Chichi alias Gafoor in a village in Anantnag district, the spokemman said. A BSF head constable and a Special Police Officer were killed when ultras fired at a security force search party in Udhampur district's Arnas areas.
Ghaziabad: 18 more rockets found in scrap
Saturday, October 2, 2004
Ghaziabad, Oct 2 At least 18 more rockets were found today as Army continued to scour through truck-loads of scrap from Iran, two days after an explosion killed 10 people and injured eight while the consignment was being unloaded at a factory here. With 43 shells already recovered from the scrap, a team of Army's explosive experts are engaged in the task of scanning eight truck-loads of material for the explosives. So far, only two trucks have been unloaded and scanned in an isolated area along the Hindon river which has been sealed upto a kilometre, officials said here. The army personnel found 18 rockets today, recovering 25 earlier, District Magistrate Santosh Kumar Yadav said. The army experts involved in the task wound up their operation for the day as darkness fell. The work will resume tomorrow. Police officials said the consignment was the residue of military armament sold by Iran to Bhushan Steel Company as scrap. "The scrap included unexploded mortar and rocket shells which were apparently treated as waste," a senior police official said, adding the sellers apparently did not take care of defusing or exploding the shells which contained gunpowder.
India poised to become major driver of growth: Chidambaram
Saturday, October 2, 2004
By T V Parasuram Washington, Oct 2 Asserting that the government will continue reforms with a human face with thrust on health, education and employment, Fiance Minister P Chidambaram today said India is poised to become a major driver of global growth in the medium term along with China and emerging Asia. Reflecting India's new international economic stature, Chidambaram told the Ministerial level International Monetary and Finance Committee (IMFC) that the country has pursued "its own design" of domestic economic reforms since early 1990s, duly incorporating the impact of domestic political cycles. The new government, he told the policy-setting body of the IMF, is committed to a determined continuation of reforms but with a human face, involving emphasis on health, education and employment. "The key to growth, the government believes, is enhanced investment--public and private, domestic and foreign." Despite a delayed monsoon and oil price pressures, said Chidambaram, the economy is expected to grow in the range of 6.5 to 7 per cent this year. A strong revival of investment demand and business confidence is evident, he said. "The external position has added to overall confidence and the country's credit standing has improved in international markets. Fiscal consolidation (reduction of budget deficits) remains high on the agenda, and the new government has demonstrated its commitment by notifying the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act and the detailed rules for its implement ation in July this year.
Caught in court battles, Zee delays launch of Sports channel
Saturday, October 2, 2004
New Delhi, Oct 2 Caught in court battles, Zee Telefilms failed to launch its sports channel, Zee Sports, which was slated to go on air from today, its anniversary day. The broadcaster has deferred the launch by a few days, pending its litigation over cricket telecast rights in the Supreme Court, a senior official said. However, Zee insisted that it would go ahead with the sports channel's launch, even if the court verdict was not in its favour. "We are hopeful that the Supreme Court would rule in our favour. However, the launch of the channel is not contingent upon our getting the cricket telecast rights," Essel Group vice-president (Corporate Brand Development) Ashish Kaul told from Mumbai. Test signals for the channel have already started and the company is currently in the process of gathering content of sports programmes, other than cricket. Zee Telefilms had said it would be investing close to Rs 200 crore for the launch of the channel. However, industry sources say the investment would fall to as low as Rs 30 crore if it failed to get cricket telecast rights. Kaul said if Zee finally wins the case in the apex court, it would not require any programming for its channel for the next six months or so with hectic cricket season ahead. "However, if we do not get the cricket rights, we will procure programming of other sports like soccer, golf, hockey and basketball which would be shown on the channel," he said.
India grants TV telecast rights for Test
Friday, October 1, 2004
The Indian cricket board made a surprise move by granting television production and distribution rights for the upcoming Test series against Australia, even as the Supreme Court was hearing a petition by another network claiming to own the rights. The Board of Control for Cricket in India's newly-elected president, Ranbir Singh Mahendra, told reporters the board had signed up with TEN Sports, a channel based in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, to produce the pictures, while Sony Entertainment Television would "telecast, distribute and market" them around the world on a profit-sharing basis. The cricket board's decision to cancel the tender process for the broadcasting rights has been challenged by Zee Telefilms, a private Indian network, which on September 5 was granted four-year rights at a cost of $A430.29 million. Zee's rights acquisition was challenged by rival bidder ESPN STAR Sports in court, claiming Zee did not fulfil the bidding criteria. The cricket board subsequently said it was cancelling the tender process. India's four-Test series against Australia begins in six days and fans were waiting to see if they will be able to watch the opening Test, which begins October 6 in Bangalore. The contracts with TEN Sports and Sony television will include India's one-off limited-overs international against Pakistan on November 13 and the two-Test series against South Africa, but will remain an interim arrangement until the telecast dispute is settled in court. "The decision to sign up with TEN Sports and Sony was taken by the board's marketing committee. We have informed the Supreme Court," said Mahendra, whose own election is facing a legal challenge. Mahendra was elected on a tie-breaking vote by combative, outgoing president Jagmohan Dalmiya. News media reports said Mahendra was the nominee of Dalmiya, whose decade-long control of the Indian board was challenged by a federal minister, Sharad Pawar. Pawar heads the Bombay Cricket Association. Dalmiya, completing his three-year presidential term, denied a vote to one of the board's affiliated units, the Maharashtra Cricket Association. The Maharashtra association, whose chairman Dyaneshwar Agashe was not allowed to cast the vote that would have decided the fate of the election, said in the western city of Pune it was planning a writ petition against Dalmiya's action. Agashe said he was seeking legal opinion on Dalmiya's "100 per cent unfair and illegal action." The Maharashtra association's secretary, Anant Mate, said he was thinking of moving a petition in the Bombay High Court, Press Trust of India reported.
I have never harmed other singers: Lata
Friday, October 1, 2004
Subhash K. Jha, Sep 28 Mumbai, Sep 28 : As she turned 75 Tuesday, Bollywood melody queen Lata Mangeshkar said she had never harmed other singers' careers and that her conscience was clear. "I've never wished or done harm to anyone. People may not believe me, but I know this to be truth," Lata told in an interview. She also said that girls nowadays agreed to star in vulgar music videos because they were too ambitious, but pointed out that she was still around because she had struggled hard to make it in life. Excerpts: To what do you attribute your consistent uninterrupted place at the top for six decades? I have always believed that god has been kind to me. That's god's truth. No one, not even me, could succeed without god's will and people's good wishes. That's why it's very essential not to tread on anyone's toes. I've never praised myself. But let me do so now and say that to date, I've never wished or done harm to anyone. I've never harmed other singers' careers. People may not believe me, but I know this to be truth. My conscience is therefore clear. But people have constantly accused me of exercising a monopoly in the movie business. I've never been able to understand what this monopoly is. I've always welcomed every new singer. If god wills someone to succeed then no one can stop her. I have never wished any one bad. That shows in my singing. The response to your new soundtrack "Veer Zaara" is unparalleled. Some critics say neither the late composer Madan Mohan nor I seem to possess the magic that we created 30 years ago. Isn't it a little absurd to have such expectations from us? The music in "Veer Zaara" is targeted at today's generation. We can't be stuck in the past. We've to move on without compromising. The fly-by-night attitude that has overtaken the industry must stop. In spite of the adverse comments, the "Veer Zaara" soundtrack containing what cynics say are the rejected tunes of the late Madan Mohan is selling better than any of the contemporary stuff. What do you think of the vulgarity that has seeped into film music through remix albums? I decline such songs politely, saying I can't do justice to them. Though I must say the songs that I considered vulgar in those days seem like bhajans (devotional music) compared with what's being sung these days! Yes, I've sung naughty songs. But I was very uncomfortable singing "Buddha mil gaya" for "Sangam". I even quarrelled with Raj Kapoor. He promised to treat the song aesthetically. But I never had the courage to see the film. How do you respond to the all pervasive vulgarity in our cinema? I must say it's really strange that though I was known to sing sober songs, most of the remixed numbers are mine. "Kaanta lagaa", for instance, had another context when I sang it. I feel sorry for the girl who was seen in the music video of "Kaanta lagaa". I've heard she's from a decent family. Why wasn't she stopped by her family? Ambition? If she did it with their consent, then god help them. I struggled hard to get where I am. That's why I am still here.
Priyanka
Friday, October 1, 2004
Mumbai, Sep 28 : Priyanka Chopra is distraught at rumours linking her with Akshay Kumar as well as producer Harry Baweja's son Harman. "I'm extremely vocal about my life. But I can't be expected to admit to a relationship where there's none," Priyanka told in a telephonic interview from the US. "I feel very lost in the industry. It hurts me and my family and my relations within the industry," she said. Excerpts: What's all this about you and Akshay Kumar and producer Harry Baweja's son Harman? I've heard all hell has broken lose in Mumbai. I've been travelling for my world concert tour for the last 45 days. I had no idea all this was brewing. Let me go back a bit. I had a secretary, Prakash Jaju, whom I fired about a month ago. He was acting very funny. In what way? I really don't want to go on record with the details. He's being very malicious. Most producers and co-stars are talking about it. He's been sending out SMSs against me. He's been threatening me as well. I was warned about him by all my friends. But every time I questioned him he got emotional. I'm a softie at heart. And I got taken in. Obviously I got taken in very badly. Why did you depend so much on Jaju? You must understand; I was only 17 when I came into the industry. I was a complete outsider, didn't know anyone in Bollywood. So when he took over the reins of my career I had no one to question about him. I wasn't chummy with my co-stars. Nor did I socialise with them after (working) hours. I am basically shy. People mistake that for a superiority complex. I think my reserved attitude was a mistake. I should've reached out more frequently, then I'd have known what was going on behind my back. Jaju has been spreading all kinds of rumours. It's very hurtful because he was close not only to me but also to my family. I wonder why he's going to such lengths to harm a 23-year-old girl. I feel very lost in the industry. It hurts. It hurts me and my family and my relationships within the industry. I'm not that kind of a person. I know he'll continue to bad mouth me until he realises he has nothing to gain from it. Let him. I don't want to say anything much about him. All I've to say is, I've nothing to do with either Akshay Kumar or Harman Baweja. It's always wonderful working with Akki. I respect him, and there's nothing beyond that. Are you denying a relationship with Harman? Yes, because there's none. I know Harman only because I'm doing his dad's film with John Abraham. Harman is a very sweet guy. I feel very bad for him. Harman's sister is a very dear friend of mine. So we hang around together. Harman and I do our dance classes together. That's where I first met him. I've nothing to do with either Akshay or Harman beyond a healthy friendship. Jaju has been suggesting that I have something to do with not just those two but also others, including a couple of my producers. I know my family and close friends believe in me. Why don't you take legal action? I've to find out how much damage has been done. I'm really not seeing anyone. When I do I'll be extremely proud of it. Why should I hide it? I'm extremely vocal about my life. But I can't be expected to admit to a relationship where there's none. A newspaper has published details of phone bills showing calls that you've made to Harman and Akshay? I don't know how far those details are true. I don't get itemised bills in my home. And if they pick out one or two days' details showing some calls made to Harman or Akshay, then there will be a hundred other days when my bill will show I've talked repeatedly to others. I talk on the phone all the time, and so does the rest of the industry. I wouldn't read too much into my telephone bills. I find this prying business extremely hurtful. My world tour has been going very well. I'm with Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, Rani Mukherjee, Saif Ali Khan and Arjun Rampal who are so supportive. Then this awful thing happens. I'm dreading going back to Mumbai. I'm such an open and honest person. I never thought anyone would take advantage of me in this way. Such things spoil relationships. Harnam is 23-year-old. Why would I have any qualms about admitting to a relationship with him? But the fact is there's nothing on between us. This bothers me so much. My work is suffering. The day I found out my performance on stage went so badly. I fell and hurt myself. We're not used to all this. My family is very conservative at heart. To have all this muck thrown at their daughter is really hurting them. Are you bothered about what Akshay's wife would think? It's so sick. We work so well together. We've one more release coming up. It would've bothered me if I had known she was insecure about her husband. But I know she trusts him completely and he totally dotes on his wife and son. I've met Twinkle several times. She's wonderful. As a wife I'd be upset. But I want Twinkle to know there's absolutely nothing between us. You're looking very hot in the promos of "Aitraaz". It's a very important film for me. I don't want people to think of it as just another sexy thriller; because it is not.
Lata Mangeshkar in the spot light
Friday, October 1, 2004
Mumbai, Sep 29 : From the outside, 75-year-old Lata Mangeshkar seems to have achieved enough to keep her in a state of bliss for seven lifetimes. Hers is a voice that has defined much more than just the melodious progression of Hindi cinema. It will take fans centuries to unravel the enigma of her excellence or the extent of her reach within the film industry. "I'm a very happy person. Nothing bothers me, nothing ever did. Even when I was going through my normal period of struggle at the beginning, I was content. I'd go out there, sing in the studios and come home and play with my dolls," Mangeshkar told . Winning her trust isn't easy. But once you do, she surrenders completely. Aspiring musicians have become superstar-composers only through what at one time was known as the "one-woman industry" within the film industry. Some have turned on her, trying to promote sub-standard talent just to thumb their nose at her. I remember a critic wrote 30 years ago that the 45-year-old Lata singing for a 15-year old, Dimple Kapadia, in "Bobby" just wouldn't work. The songs went on to be a huge hit and made Dimple famous! When she was out of reach for some filmmakers, they invented her doubles... first Suman Kalyanpur, who got to sing chartbusters with Mohammed Rafi like "Aaj kal tere mere pyar ke charche" and "Ajhun na aaye balma saawan beeta jaye" after the original nightingale fell out with him for two years, then Chandrani Mukherjee, then Anuradha Paudwal and finally Alka Yagnik. When Dharamesh Darshan couldn't get her to sing in "Dhadkan", he got her in through a her voice on the radio singing "Tu mere saath rahega munne" from the film Trishul for Sharmila Tagore. One of the most ardent Lata fans in the film industry is Sanjay Leela Bhansali. "I have to listen to her at least for three or four hours a day. She is like that beacon of light in the darkest hour. I hold her songs very, very close to my heart. In one way or another, all my music scores pay a tribute to Lataji. "In 'Devdas', the song 'Hamesha tumko chaha' was inspired by her exquisite 'Suniyo ji' in 'Lekin'. I feel she's the greatest artiste this country has ever produced. "We haven't even begun to measure her contribution to Indian cinema. In every era she has set the parameters for beauty, grace and melody. I hero-worship three people - Amitabh Bachchan, Birju Maharaj and Lata Mangeshkar." It would be the simplest thing in the world to say Lata is a phenomenon. But her talent isn't easy to slot. I tell her how Kathak exponent Pandit Birju Maharaj was flabbergasted over her ability to achieve the absolutely rare mixture of contrasting styles in the song "Mohe panghat pe nandlal" in "Mughal-e-Azam". "I myself don't know what I have done in that song," she bursts out laughing. "People ask me, 'How did you do that particular twist in a song?' or 'How did you put in that bhav (emotion) in that song?' Very frankly I've no answer to these questions. "I just go and sing to the best of my ability. The rest is entirely up to god." When you hear her sing love songs like "Lag ja gale" ("Woh Kaun Thi"), "Raina beeti jaye" ("Amar Prem") or "Main janoon nahin piya se milan kaise hoye ri" ("Chand Grahan"), you wonder which beloved she addresses the melodies to. Is it god? At 75, her divine voice refuses to wane. Yash Chopra, who loves his 'didi' (elder sister) as much as I do, couldn't have given her and her fans a better birthday gift than "Veer Zaara". He was advised by his so-called friends and well-wishers to switch to another voice for Preity Zinta. But Chopra was adamant. "As long as I am there and she's there, only Lataji will sing for my films." Every heroine from Madhubala and Meena Kumari to Aishwarya Rai and Preity Zinta owes her career in varying degrees to Lata's voice. So many actresses have acquired their legendary status through her songs: Madhubala means "Ayega aanewala" ("Mahal") and "Pyar kiya to darna kya" ("Mughal-e-Azam")... Sharmila Tagore means "Raina beeti jaye" ("Amar Prem") and "Kuch dil ne kahaa" ("Anupama")... Madhubala, Meena Kumari and Hema Malini would insist that all their songs be sung by only Lata. "Heroines felt they had arrived when Lata sang for them," says Jaya Bachchan, for whom Lata has sung many times. Where can she go now? "Honestly, I don't know how I've come so far, so how can I say where I'll go now? I let god guide me wherever he wants to. I don't question his ways," says Lata. Lata remains an awesome force to record with. Even today when she enters at a social gathering, a hush descends in the room. Everyone stops to listen to the melody that she carries in her soul.
Cut-down Windows XP released in India
Friday, October 1, 2004
Microsoft has developed a cut-down version of Windows XP with a Hindi interface for the Indian market. The Indian version, which will be available early next year, will also feature help and training in Hindi. Microsoft's decision to develop the Indian Windows XP Starter Edition is part of the company's Starter Edition Pilot Programme, which produces specially localised versions of the operating system for home PC users in developing technology markets. The Starter Edition includes basic Windows XP features, such as internet connectivity and Windows Media Player 9, but does not include some of the more advanced features of the full version, such as home networking and the ability to support unlimited open programs. India joins Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Russia in the programme. The software giant said its Hindi XP Starter Edition was developed following "extensive user research", and claimed that it is the easiest to use and most affordable version of Windows currently available for Hindi speakers. Microsoft said that, beginning in early 2005, Windows XP Starter Edition-based low-cost desktop PCs will be made available through original equipment manufacturer partners and distributors across India. "This low-cost, customised and localised technology will spur PC usage, creating a new breed of technology-aware citizens to contribute to India's growth as an IT superpower," said Ravi Venkatesan, chairman at Microsoft India, in a statement. "Technology is a catalyst for economic and social change [but India has] a long way to go in providing access to technology and the related skill."
Mahendra Elected New Head of Cricket Board in India
Friday, October 1, 2004
After a hotly debated vote, Ranbir Singh Mahendra has been elected as the new head of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, 16-15, ahead of federal agriculture minister Sharad Pawar. Outgoing president Jagmohan Dalmiya, who backed Mahendra, broke the 15-15 tie with his vote. Before the election, Dalmiya disqualified the western Maharashtra Cricket Association from voting because two officials claimed to represent it. Maharashtra supported Pawar's bid to head the Board. Pawar said he did not plan to challenge the election results in court. The Board of Control for Cricket in India is the country's richest sports governing body.
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