Beijing: Sixty percent of trading firms in China plan to target emerging markets like India and Vietnam for business in the next five years, a survey has showed.
This focus will help China's trade to grow almost twice as fast as the global average through 2016, and the country could replace the US as the world's biggest trading nation by that time, the HSBC Holdings Plc said in a report.
Facing shrinking demand in developed countries, 62 percent of the respondents in the survey, which covered 700 trading companies in China, said they would bolster business with Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa. Also, 41.7 percent said they would expand ties with other developing countries, including Egypt, Indonesia and Vietnam.
"The demand from traditional consumer markets in the West is expected to slow as the evolving European debt crisis threatens the global outlook," HSBC said.
"China will stimulate growth with fiscal stimulus and an acceleration in infrastructure projects, raising its imports of commodities from Latin America and the Middle East," the Shanghai Daily today quoted the bank as saying.
But over half of the respondents said they would continue trading with Europe and the US. China overtook Germany as the world's largest exporter in 2009. To sustain growth and lift domestic demand, China is planning to increase imports.
China's exports and imports fell in January amid collapsing external demand and a slowing domestic economy, the newspaper added.
source:agency
20120222
IPL:Delhi Daredevils have appointed Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene as the side's deputy
New Delhi: Indian Premier League franchise Delhi Daredevils have appointed Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene as the side's deputy for the 2012 edition.
Jayawardene led Sri Lanka to the final of the 2007 World Cup and also scored an unbeaten hundred in the 2011 edition in Mumbai against India.
"He has an excellent track record as a leader of men and draws enormous respect from his team-mates," Delhi Daredevils' Team Mentor T.A. Sekar said.
"We are aware of the immense value that Mahela brings to the table and are sure that the team will benefit from his presence in the leadership team."
Virender Sehwag, who is the captain of the Daredevils, was happy about the appointment of Jayawardene as vice-captain, said Sekar.
"Viru (Sehwag) told us that he would find Mahela's experience as a leader very handy. We are confident that they will bring the best out of the squad this season. That will enable us to stay competitive through the season and have the chance to celebrate Mahela's 35th birthday on May 27," he said.
Delhi Daredevils dished out $1.4 million for the services of the Sri Lankan at the IPL players' auction last month.
source:agency
Jayawardene led Sri Lanka to the final of the 2007 World Cup and also scored an unbeaten hundred in the 2011 edition in Mumbai against India.
"He has an excellent track record as a leader of men and draws enormous respect from his team-mates," Delhi Daredevils' Team Mentor T.A. Sekar said.
"We are aware of the immense value that Mahela brings to the table and are sure that the team will benefit from his presence in the leadership team."
Virender Sehwag, who is the captain of the Daredevils, was happy about the appointment of Jayawardene as vice-captain, said Sekar.
"Viru (Sehwag) told us that he would find Mahela's experience as a leader very handy. We are confident that they will bring the best out of the squad this season. That will enable us to stay competitive through the season and have the chance to celebrate Mahela's 35th birthday on May 27," he said.
Delhi Daredevils dished out $1.4 million for the services of the Sri Lankan at the IPL players' auction last month.
source:agency
Actress Asin Thottumkal is glad to associate with filmmaker Sajid Khan for "Housefull 2"
Mumbai: Actress Asin Thottumkal would have been a part of "Housefull", but date issues kept her away. However, she is glad to associate with filmmaker Sajid Khan ultimately for "Housefull 2".
A source informs that the actress was approached for the 2010 film "Housefull", but she couldn't accommodate it due to date issues.
Khan also wanted her to do the hit dance number "Dhanno" from the same movie but that too didn't work out, and Jacqueline Fernandez was roped in for the same.
But when the "Housefull" team decided to make a sequel to the movie, Asin was roped in.
"Housefull 2", produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, also features Jacqueline, Akshay Kumar and John Abraham.
source:agency
A source informs that the actress was approached for the 2010 film "Housefull", but she couldn't accommodate it due to date issues.
Khan also wanted her to do the hit dance number "Dhanno" from the same movie but that too didn't work out, and Jacqueline Fernandez was roped in for the same.
But when the "Housefull" team decided to make a sequel to the movie, Asin was roped in.
"Housefull 2", produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, also features Jacqueline, Akshay Kumar and John Abraham.
source:agency
Sonakshi Sinha's role in "Joker" is cooler than "Dabangg":Shirish Kunder
Mumbai: Shirish Kunder has uninhibitedly admitted that actress Sonakshi Sinha's role in his next directorial "Joker" is "cooler" than her part in her debut film "Dabangg", which brought her instant success.
When a Twitterati asked Kunder: "Is Sonakshi's role cooler than 'Dabangg', please reply," he wrote back: "YES and she is there through the film."
Sonakshi, daughter of veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha, was cast opposite Salman Khan in "Dabangg". She played his love interest in the movie.
In "Joker", a 3D project, Sonakshi will be seen opposite Akshay Kumar.
source:agency
When a Twitterati asked Kunder: "Is Sonakshi's role cooler than 'Dabangg', please reply," he wrote back: "YES and she is there through the film."
Sonakshi, daughter of veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha, was cast opposite Salman Khan in "Dabangg". She played his love interest in the movie.
In "Joker", a 3D project, Sonakshi will be seen opposite Akshay Kumar.
source:agency
Amitabh Bachchan said doctors might remove the "central line" inserted in his neck
Mumbai: Amitabh Bachchan said doctors might remove the "central line" inserted in his neck tonight and that he will be discharged from the SevenHills Hospital in a few days.
The veteran actor has been in hospital for over 10 days.
Amitabh was admitted on Feb 11 for abdominal surgeries, after which he complained of acute pain. Doctors decided to keep him under observation by extending his stay.
In the past two days, Big B has been trying to get back to his normal self. His food intake has gone up, he has taken a shower, and now he even walks in the hospital room.
Big B quoted from a poem of his late poet father Harivanshrai Bachchan.
Translating it into English, he wrote: "When troubles overtook me, I cried, When greater troubles overtook me, I kept silent and when even greater troubles overtook me, I laughed - After all I live in this world."
source:agency
The veteran actor has been in hospital for over 10 days.
Amitabh was admitted on Feb 11 for abdominal surgeries, after which he complained of acute pain. Doctors decided to keep him under observation by extending his stay.
In the past two days, Big B has been trying to get back to his normal self. His food intake has gone up, he has taken a shower, and now he even walks in the hospital room.
Big B quoted from a poem of his late poet father Harivanshrai Bachchan.
Translating it into English, he wrote: "When troubles overtook me, I cried, When greater troubles overtook me, I kept silent and when even greater troubles overtook me, I laughed - After all I live in this world."
source:agency
New wheelchairs, lifts will soon be provided at all regional centres of the IGNOU
New Delhi: New wheelchairs, lifts and additional security will soon be provided at all regional centres of the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) to help the differently-abled students.
"Many students with disabilities are seeking admission to various courses offered by IGNOU. At present there are a few thousands of students with different categories of disabilities," Vice Chancellor M. Aslam said today.
"These students need some special service and aids in order to realize independent forms of studying and living. New wheelchairs, lifts and additional security will soon be provided at all regional centres," he added.
IGNOU last week organized a two-day workshop to train staffers form all its 67 regional centres in how to assist and deal with physically-disabled students.
According to Aslam, the support staff should have adequate knowledge and information about the students with disabilities and the services available at IGNOU.
IGNOU, established in 1985, serves the educational aspirations of over four million students in India and 36 other countries. It offers about 490 certificate, diploma, degree and doctoral programmes.
source:agency
"Many students with disabilities are seeking admission to various courses offered by IGNOU. At present there are a few thousands of students with different categories of disabilities," Vice Chancellor M. Aslam said today.
"These students need some special service and aids in order to realize independent forms of studying and living. New wheelchairs, lifts and additional security will soon be provided at all regional centres," he added.
IGNOU last week organized a two-day workshop to train staffers form all its 67 regional centres in how to assist and deal with physically-disabled students.
According to Aslam, the support staff should have adequate knowledge and information about the students with disabilities and the services available at IGNOU.
IGNOU, established in 1985, serves the educational aspirations of over four million students in India and 36 other countries. It offers about 490 certificate, diploma, degree and doctoral programmes.
source:agency
Make Reading for kids a fun experience with Vishv Books at the 20th World Book Fair 2012
Delhi based Vishv Books is all set to exhibit at the 20th World Book Fair 2012, from 25th February 2012 to 4th March 2012. Having satisfied millions of readers through their quality books, Vishv books are gearing up to showcase their fresh range of books at the World Book Fair to be held at Pragati Maidan. Vishv Books is now bringing out titles that specially cater to the international market.
At the World Book Fair 2012, Vishv Books is launching the series of pop up books and model construction books. Apart from that there will be number of story books that they are adding on. These books are designed and illustrated as per the international standards. Another new feature to be launched by Vishv Books is that they are also introducing audio and visual Cds of various story books which makes reading those books extremely interactive and fascinating. That's not all, there are various discount schemes and offers too that makes Vishv Books hugely attractive.
Vishv Books have wide collection of books ranging from a 1year old to 99 Year old and that too of all different genres. This year they will display more than 1600 new titles. They have a number of childrens books on display in sections like picture books, story books, moral story books, art and craft books, origami books, school books, colouring books, rhymes and poetry books etc and fictional, non fictional, classics, cookery, beauty, well being, medical and health related, reference books for grown ups.
“Demand for books in the kids section has increased in the recent years. Children should be exposed to books at a young age so that they should enjoy reading and books are not forced on them. We would like that readers should visit the World Book Fair and inculcate the habit of reading among themselves as well as their children.” Says Ms. Mudit Mohini, Director, Vishv Books.
To make their stall more exciting at the book fair, Vishv Books will also hold a story telling activity for the kids visiting the stall along with a lot many activities too. Their stall was the biggest hit at the Delhi book fair 2011 and was acknowledged with the Gold Award in the Best Stall Display category by ITPO, the organizers of the fair.
Vishv Books has participated at various book fairs across the world which includes London Book fair and Frankfurt Book fair too. In India they have exhibited at the Jaipur, Patna, Bengaluru and also at the Delhi Book Fair 2011.
About Vishv Books
Vishv Books is publishing and printing house, which has more than 1500 active titles.
Established 53 years ago, Vishv Books prints and publishes the books which are conceived, developed, created, illustrated in-house and produced in our own printing plant. All work sand books are developed on their own and are not outsourced.
Vishv Books is an associate company of Delhi Press, publishers & owners of 33 magazines in 8 Indian languages besides English, having largest circulations in India. Delhi Press publishes magazines like Grihshobha, Sarita, Women's era, Champak, The Caravan, Saras Salil, Mukta, Alive, Suman Saurabh etc which are the largest selling magazines in their genre. While Delhi Press Group is a group catering to masses, Vishv Books have books catering all segment as well as ages of our society with a special focus on the kids section.
Vishv Books specialize in children's books and the products are of very high quality in spite of being very reasonably priced. Each book has fresh and unique presentation, which is at par with international quality. The well spread infrastructure includes 4 State of Art printing centers, 18 offices across India. Total office space exceeding 400,000 sq feet with around 1100 employees.
At the World Book Fair 2012, Vishv Books is launching the series of pop up books and model construction books. Apart from that there will be number of story books that they are adding on. These books are designed and illustrated as per the international standards. Another new feature to be launched by Vishv Books is that they are also introducing audio and visual Cds of various story books which makes reading those books extremely interactive and fascinating. That's not all, there are various discount schemes and offers too that makes Vishv Books hugely attractive.
Vishv Books have wide collection of books ranging from a 1year old to 99 Year old and that too of all different genres. This year they will display more than 1600 new titles. They have a number of childrens books on display in sections like picture books, story books, moral story books, art and craft books, origami books, school books, colouring books, rhymes and poetry books etc and fictional, non fictional, classics, cookery, beauty, well being, medical and health related, reference books for grown ups.
“Demand for books in the kids section has increased in the recent years. Children should be exposed to books at a young age so that they should enjoy reading and books are not forced on them. We would like that readers should visit the World Book Fair and inculcate the habit of reading among themselves as well as their children.” Says Ms. Mudit Mohini, Director, Vishv Books.
To make their stall more exciting at the book fair, Vishv Books will also hold a story telling activity for the kids visiting the stall along with a lot many activities too. Their stall was the biggest hit at the Delhi book fair 2011 and was acknowledged with the Gold Award in the Best Stall Display category by ITPO, the organizers of the fair.
Vishv Books has participated at various book fairs across the world which includes London Book fair and Frankfurt Book fair too. In India they have exhibited at the Jaipur, Patna, Bengaluru and also at the Delhi Book Fair 2011.
About Vishv Books
Vishv Books is publishing and printing house, which has more than 1500 active titles.
Established 53 years ago, Vishv Books prints and publishes the books which are conceived, developed, created, illustrated in-house and produced in our own printing plant. All work sand books are developed on their own and are not outsourced.
Vishv Books is an associate company of Delhi Press, publishers & owners of 33 magazines in 8 Indian languages besides English, having largest circulations in India. Delhi Press publishes magazines like Grihshobha, Sarita, Women's era, Champak, The Caravan, Saras Salil, Mukta, Alive, Suman Saurabh etc which are the largest selling magazines in their genre. While Delhi Press Group is a group catering to masses, Vishv Books have books catering all segment as well as ages of our society with a special focus on the kids section.
Vishv Books specialize in children's books and the products are of very high quality in spite of being very reasonably priced. Each book has fresh and unique presentation, which is at par with international quality. The well spread infrastructure includes 4 State of Art printing centers, 18 offices across India. Total office space exceeding 400,000 sq feet with around 1100 employees.
All India Management Association (AIMA) signs historic MoU with Management Association of Pakistan (MAP)
Ahmedabad: In order to facilitate the interaction between management professionals of India and Pakistan, the national apex body of management professionals in India, All India Management Association (AIMA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Management Association of Pakistan (MAP). Valid for two years, the agreement was signed between the two on the 56th Foundation Day of AIMA by Mr. Rajiv Vastupal, President AIMA and Kamal A Chinoy, President of MAP.
Elaborating on this historic tie up, Mr. Rajiv Vastupal, President of AIMA said, “With a mutual desire of developing a strong partnership between the management fraternity of India and Pakistan, under this MoU, the two organisations will exchange information and add value to each other to be able to raise professional competence of individuals and organisations in both countries and enhance their contribution in building and developing the nation and the society. The agreement will see both actively leveraging resources to promote, facilitate and support development of professional management in both countries.”
The MoU will enable both the organisations to share and transfer best practices as learnt from counterparts abroad and it will inform and share any foreign eminent speaker/expert who may be available for visit to both countries. The two associations have also agreed to participate in each other's flagship events by sending speakers/experts and delegations. The two have agreed to promote amongst themselves exchange of knowledge, experiences and ideas on sound management principles and practices through discussions, research projects, seminars, publications, abstracts, journals, etc.
All India Management Association celebrated its 56th Foundation Day and National Management Day on 21st of February. On this occasion AIMA honored corporate excellence and public service in various spheres.
About AIMA:
AIMA was created as an apex body of professional management with the active support of the Government of India and other industry bodies in 1957. It has been in the forefront of attempts to foster and enhance excellence in management, entrepreneurship and leadership in India for more than five decades. The organization is a hub of excellence in the world of management professionals and sees itself as a prime proponent of innovative ways in management in the coming years. AIMA plans to expand its presence, create a wider footprint and offer more widespread management training and education services for the country and establish itself as the thought leader within the management movement in India.
Elaborating on this historic tie up, Mr. Rajiv Vastupal, President of AIMA said, “With a mutual desire of developing a strong partnership between the management fraternity of India and Pakistan, under this MoU, the two organisations will exchange information and add value to each other to be able to raise professional competence of individuals and organisations in both countries and enhance their contribution in building and developing the nation and the society. The agreement will see both actively leveraging resources to promote, facilitate and support development of professional management in both countries.”
The MoU will enable both the organisations to share and transfer best practices as learnt from counterparts abroad and it will inform and share any foreign eminent speaker/expert who may be available for visit to both countries. The two associations have also agreed to participate in each other's flagship events by sending speakers/experts and delegations. The two have agreed to promote amongst themselves exchange of knowledge, experiences and ideas on sound management principles and practices through discussions, research projects, seminars, publications, abstracts, journals, etc.
All India Management Association celebrated its 56th Foundation Day and National Management Day on 21st of February. On this occasion AIMA honored corporate excellence and public service in various spheres.
About AIMA:
AIMA was created as an apex body of professional management with the active support of the Government of India and other industry bodies in 1957. It has been in the forefront of attempts to foster and enhance excellence in management, entrepreneurship and leadership in India for more than five decades. The organization is a hub of excellence in the world of management professionals and sees itself as a prime proponent of innovative ways in management in the coming years. AIMA plans to expand its presence, create a wider footprint and offer more widespread management training and education services for the country and establish itself as the thought leader within the management movement in India.
Widow of fisherman Gelastine who was killed by Italian security men,will be given a government job
Thiruvananthapuram: Dora, the widow of fisherman Gelastine who was killed by Italian security men last week, will be given a government job, the Kerala cabinet decided today.
Indian fishermen Gelastine, 45, and Ajesh Binki, 25, were allegedly mistaken for pirates and shot dead Feb 15 by Italian marines aboard an Italian cargo vessel, off Alappuzha.
While Gelastine hails from Kerala, Binki is from Tamil Nadu.
Dora, who hails from Kollam, will be given a job in the state fisheries department as a Class-four employee, K. Babu, an official in the state fisheries minister's office, told media.
Gelastine's family on Tuesday filed an 'admiralty suit' at the Kerala High Court seeking Rs.1 crore compensation and detention of the ship till the sum is paid.
source:agency
Indian fishermen Gelastine, 45, and Ajesh Binki, 25, were allegedly mistaken for pirates and shot dead Feb 15 by Italian marines aboard an Italian cargo vessel, off Alappuzha.
While Gelastine hails from Kerala, Binki is from Tamil Nadu.
Dora, who hails from Kollam, will be given a job in the state fisheries department as a Class-four employee, K. Babu, an official in the state fisheries minister's office, told media.
Gelastine's family on Tuesday filed an 'admiralty suit' at the Kerala High Court seeking Rs.1 crore compensation and detention of the ship till the sum is paid.
source:agency
Killing of two Indian fishermen by Italian marines,Italian minister rushed to India
New Delhi: Indian Minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur today met her Italian counterpart Staffan De Mistura here amid a diplomatic row over the killing of two Indian fishermen by Italian marines last week.
The Italian minister rushed to India after the two Italian marines were taken into custody in Kerala.
The incident took place off the coast of Kerala on Feb 15 when the two Italian security officials on board a ship allegedly shot dead the two Indian fishermen after mistaking them for pirates. Italy has claimed the fishermen ignored the ship's repeated warnings.
source:agency
The Italian minister rushed to India after the two Italian marines were taken into custody in Kerala.
The incident took place off the coast of Kerala on Feb 15 when the two Italian security officials on board a ship allegedly shot dead the two Indian fishermen after mistaking them for pirates. Italy has claimed the fishermen ignored the ship's repeated warnings.
source:agency
Telecom service provider Idea Cellular, filed an application with the registrar
New Delhi: Telecom service provider Idea Cellular, whose nine licences stand cancelled following an apex court verdict earlier this month, today said it has filed an application with the registrar claiming it had sought the licences much before 2008.
"Arising from the Supreme Court Order of Feb 2, 2012, Idea Cellular has today filed a 'clarificatory application' with the registrar, restricted only to the UASL ((Unified Access Service License) applications made by Idea in June 2006," the company said in a statement.
Idea also said that the firm's license applications were covered by clause 23 of the UASL guidelines dated Dec 14, 2005, to be made on a continuous basis, and were required to be processed within 30 days of their application.
"Factually, within the 30 day period, there was no other applicant. Idea's license applications were unjustly delayed until 2008, otherwise they fall in the same category as other 2004 and 2006 UASL applications mentioned in the judgment, but which do not form part of the cancelled licenses."
"The clarificatory application has been filed, seeking further direction from the Supreme Court."
Idea Cellular has over 106 million subscribers across the country.
source:agency
"Arising from the Supreme Court Order of Feb 2, 2012, Idea Cellular has today filed a 'clarificatory application' with the registrar, restricted only to the UASL ((Unified Access Service License) applications made by Idea in June 2006," the company said in a statement.
Idea also said that the firm's license applications were covered by clause 23 of the UASL guidelines dated Dec 14, 2005, to be made on a continuous basis, and were required to be processed within 30 days of their application.
"Factually, within the 30 day period, there was no other applicant. Idea's license applications were unjustly delayed until 2008, otherwise they fall in the same category as other 2004 and 2006 UASL applications mentioned in the judgment, but which do not form part of the cancelled licenses."
"The clarificatory application has been filed, seeking further direction from the Supreme Court."
Idea Cellular has over 106 million subscribers across the country.
source:agency
Virender Sehwag lamented his own batting performance
Brisbane: Stand-in Indian captain Virender Sehwag lamented his own batting performance today after his side slumped to their second successive defeat in the One-day International tri-series against Sri Lanka here.
Sehwag was caught at the third-man boundary trying an upper-cut off Lasith Malinga in the second ball of India's chase.
"Five times I have been dismissed caught at third man or at the slips. I am looking at my performance and I have to improve for the side to win matches," said Sehwag, who has scored just 30 runs from the three matches he has played in the tournament.
"I think I have to leave a couple of balls early in the innings and then take the bowlers later on," he added.
India failed with the bat once again and gave away too many runs in the last ten overs as they slipped down to the last position in the table. The team got off to a poor start as they lost their top three batsman within 12 overs.
"We didn't bowl well in the final ten overs, and we didn't bat well, the way Sachin and Gambhir played in the beginning, I thought we could get a good start but we lost three wickets early. We didn't bat well and we didn't bowl well. We missed Dhoni in this game, if we play to our potential it will be easier for us."
Virat Kohli and Irfan Pathan tried their best to get India back in the game but the 290-run target proved to be too much for the current World champions as they were bowled out in the 46th over and fell 51 runs short of Sri Lanka's 289 for six.
Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jaywardene praised his bowlers for a stellar performance, though he still has a lot to think about, especially the fielding as the islanders dropped three easy catches.
"We are getting better and better, we played smart cricket, we kept wickets in hand and put up a good score. However, we are still making some mistakes, hope we don't make them in the bigger games. Our bowlers were absolutely brilliant upfront. With the two new balls, the ball is doing more in these conditions."
source:agecny
Sehwag was caught at the third-man boundary trying an upper-cut off Lasith Malinga in the second ball of India's chase.
"Five times I have been dismissed caught at third man or at the slips. I am looking at my performance and I have to improve for the side to win matches," said Sehwag, who has scored just 30 runs from the three matches he has played in the tournament.
"I think I have to leave a couple of balls early in the innings and then take the bowlers later on," he added.
India failed with the bat once again and gave away too many runs in the last ten overs as they slipped down to the last position in the table. The team got off to a poor start as they lost their top three batsman within 12 overs.
"We didn't bowl well in the final ten overs, and we didn't bat well, the way Sachin and Gambhir played in the beginning, I thought we could get a good start but we lost three wickets early. We didn't bat well and we didn't bowl well. We missed Dhoni in this game, if we play to our potential it will be easier for us."
Virat Kohli and Irfan Pathan tried their best to get India back in the game but the 290-run target proved to be too much for the current World champions as they were bowled out in the 46th over and fell 51 runs short of Sri Lanka's 289 for six.
Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jaywardene praised his bowlers for a stellar performance, though he still has a lot to think about, especially the fielding as the islanders dropped three easy catches.
"We are getting better and better, we played smart cricket, we kept wickets in hand and put up a good score. However, we are still making some mistakes, hope we don't make them in the bigger games. Our bowlers were absolutely brilliant upfront. With the two new balls, the ball is doing more in these conditions."
source:agecny
Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has criticised Mahendra Singh Dhoni's ledership
New Delhi: Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has criticised Mahendra Singh Dhoni's ledership and asked the selectors to consider appointing different captains for the three formats of the game.
"The time has come for the selectors to decide three captains for three formats. At the moment there is too much cricket, too many formats," Ganguly was quoted as saying by the media.
Ganguly also felt that time had run out for Suresh Raina and felt that the left-hander had to be dropped to give way for other youngsters. Raina has struggled to cope with the short-ball and his weakness has been exploited well by the opponents.
"I agree Raina has to go but the problem with Dhoni is that he is thinking too far ahead, the 2015 World Cup.
"And I bet if Raina doesn't improve his technique then he is going to struggle in the 2015 World Cup in Australia. People are going to bounce him out. Nobody is going to pitch the ball up to him. The selectors will have to look at young players who can perform," he added.
Ganguly also criticised Dhoni's rotation policy and his decision to leave out the seniors because of their lack of fielding ability. Dhoni had earlier commented that senior players like Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag were being rotated to ensure good fielding standards.
"You will never get a team where all the 11 are outstanding fielders. Even Australia don't have 11 outstanding fielders. Fielding is very very important but it is also about scoring runs in very very tough conditions," said Ganguly.
source:agency
"The time has come for the selectors to decide three captains for three formats. At the moment there is too much cricket, too many formats," Ganguly was quoted as saying by the media.
Ganguly also felt that time had run out for Suresh Raina and felt that the left-hander had to be dropped to give way for other youngsters. Raina has struggled to cope with the short-ball and his weakness has been exploited well by the opponents.
"I agree Raina has to go but the problem with Dhoni is that he is thinking too far ahead, the 2015 World Cup.
"And I bet if Raina doesn't improve his technique then he is going to struggle in the 2015 World Cup in Australia. People are going to bounce him out. Nobody is going to pitch the ball up to him. The selectors will have to look at young players who can perform," he added.
Ganguly also criticised Dhoni's rotation policy and his decision to leave out the seniors because of their lack of fielding ability. Dhoni had earlier commented that senior players like Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag were being rotated to ensure good fielding standards.
"You will never get a team where all the 11 are outstanding fielders. Even Australia don't have 11 outstanding fielders. Fielding is very very important but it is also about scoring runs in very very tough conditions," said Ganguly.
source:agency
Premier League Soccer (PLS),has been postponed because of non-availability of grounds
Kolkata: The much-awaited Premier League Soccer (PLS), which has already grossed over Rs 100 crore, has been postponed because of non-availability of grounds, according to an official.
The organisers had earlier announced March 24 as the tentative date for launching the tournament, which has roped in famed soccer internationals like Fabio Cannavaro, Hernan Crespo and Robert Pires.
"We are yet to get most of the grounds. The Indian football Association was supposed to make available these grounds. But so far that has not happened. So I think we have to postpone it by 10-15 days," commercial partner Celebrity Management Group (CMG) Chief Executive Officer Dharamdutt Pandey said.
"But we are very much hoping to get the grounds soon. Then we will need some time to prepare the grounds," Dutt said.
IFA, the governing body of the game in West Bengal, is co-organising the PLS in association with the CMG.
IFA secretary Utpal Ganguly was not in a position to give a fresh date. "The tournament is being deferred. The new dates will be announced soon," Ganguly said.
As per the tournament rules, it was for the IFA to ready the turfs.
"Of the six grounds needed, we have already got two in Durgapur and Kolkata. We are waiting for the IFA to get the remaining four ready," said CMG Executive Director Bhaswar Goswami.
Sources said the IFA was yet to sort out issues with the West Bengal government, which has said the venues might not be free to host matches if the tournament was held next month.
Earlier, the event seemed in trouble as the All India Football Federation questioned the authenticity of the registered teams and advised FIFA to slap a temporary suspension. However, the bottleneck was cleared last week.
The tournament, modelled on cricket's cash-rich Indian Premier League, has collected Rs 100 crore plus from franchise and foreign player auctions.
The PLS is tentatively slated to be played in six cities of the state, with six franchises.
The organisers have lined up 35 matches and a prize purse of Rs.1.50 crore, already drawing industrial houses and former greats in international football.
Six industrial houses have already shelled out over Rs.70 crore for buying the six franchises - Kolkata, Howrah, Barasat, Durgapur, Haldia and Siliguri - at the first auction in the history of the game in India last month.
Later, players like Cannavaro, Crespo and Pires were lapped up by the franchises for astronomical prices at another auction.
Five of the franchises have announced the names of their teams.
Kolkata, owned by the Camelia Group, would be christened Kolkata Camelians, while Barasat would be named Barasat Euro Musketeers by its purchaser, Uro Infra Realty India Limited.
The other teams are: Durgapur Vox Champions owned by Tulip Infonet, Howrah Manchester bought by Synsys Infotech and Bengal Tuskers (team Siliguri) owned by Aajay Consultants. The name of the Haldia franchise is yet to be announced.
source:agecny
The organisers had earlier announced March 24 as the tentative date for launching the tournament, which has roped in famed soccer internationals like Fabio Cannavaro, Hernan Crespo and Robert Pires.
"We are yet to get most of the grounds. The Indian football Association was supposed to make available these grounds. But so far that has not happened. So I think we have to postpone it by 10-15 days," commercial partner Celebrity Management Group (CMG) Chief Executive Officer Dharamdutt Pandey said.
"But we are very much hoping to get the grounds soon. Then we will need some time to prepare the grounds," Dutt said.
IFA, the governing body of the game in West Bengal, is co-organising the PLS in association with the CMG.
IFA secretary Utpal Ganguly was not in a position to give a fresh date. "The tournament is being deferred. The new dates will be announced soon," Ganguly said.
As per the tournament rules, it was for the IFA to ready the turfs.
"Of the six grounds needed, we have already got two in Durgapur and Kolkata. We are waiting for the IFA to get the remaining four ready," said CMG Executive Director Bhaswar Goswami.
Sources said the IFA was yet to sort out issues with the West Bengal government, which has said the venues might not be free to host matches if the tournament was held next month.
Earlier, the event seemed in trouble as the All India Football Federation questioned the authenticity of the registered teams and advised FIFA to slap a temporary suspension. However, the bottleneck was cleared last week.
The tournament, modelled on cricket's cash-rich Indian Premier League, has collected Rs 100 crore plus from franchise and foreign player auctions.
The PLS is tentatively slated to be played in six cities of the state, with six franchises.
The organisers have lined up 35 matches and a prize purse of Rs.1.50 crore, already drawing industrial houses and former greats in international football.
Six industrial houses have already shelled out over Rs.70 crore for buying the six franchises - Kolkata, Howrah, Barasat, Durgapur, Haldia and Siliguri - at the first auction in the history of the game in India last month.
Later, players like Cannavaro, Crespo and Pires were lapped up by the franchises for astronomical prices at another auction.
Five of the franchises have announced the names of their teams.
Kolkata, owned by the Camelia Group, would be christened Kolkata Camelians, while Barasat would be named Barasat Euro Musketeers by its purchaser, Uro Infra Realty India Limited.
The other teams are: Durgapur Vox Champions owned by Tulip Infonet, Howrah Manchester bought by Synsys Infotech and Bengal Tuskers (team Siliguri) owned by Aajay Consultants. The name of the Haldia franchise is yet to be announced.
source:agecny
The "Saheb, Biwi aur Gangster" sequel has got more interesting !
Mumbai: The "Saheb, Biwi aur Gangster" sequel has got more interesting - Soha Ali Khan joins the cast as Irrfan Khan's tormented wife. Her role would borrow quite a lot from "Anupama", in which her mother, Sharmila Tagore, was seen as a suppressed daughter.
But as Soha points out enigmatically: "Nothing and no one is ever how they seem. I'm very excited about the role."
Adding to Soha's excitement about being teamed up with the talented Irrfan for the first time is the fact that her look, body language, clothes and appearance would be modelled on her mother Sharmila in Hrishikesh Mukherjee's 1960s' classic "Anupama". In the film Soha's mother had played a suppressed daughter.
"Soha has just been added to 'Sahib Bibi Aur Gangster 2'. After the surprisingly positive response to 'Sahib Bibi Aur Gangster', we want the sequel to be less budget-challenged, more glossy and viewer-friendly," said Tigmanshu Dhuila, who is directing the film.
"We also needed to add more characters to carry the sequel forward. Jimmy Shergill, Mahie Gill and Randeep Hooda are back. But Irrfan and Soha play the other couple. Soha will play a very mysterious character."
Tigmanshu was very impressed with Soha.
"When I met her, I found her to very unlike the typical Bollywood actor. She's a very intelligent girl. Although the character is very different from her personality, she understood the requirements of her role immediately. I was stuck by how similar she looked to her beautiful mother. Yes, I've planned a very special look for Soha. I want her to look prettier than she has ever done."
The film is being produced by Eros Entertainment.
source:agency
But as Soha points out enigmatically: "Nothing and no one is ever how they seem. I'm very excited about the role."
Adding to Soha's excitement about being teamed up with the talented Irrfan for the first time is the fact that her look, body language, clothes and appearance would be modelled on her mother Sharmila in Hrishikesh Mukherjee's 1960s' classic "Anupama". In the film Soha's mother had played a suppressed daughter.
"Soha has just been added to 'Sahib Bibi Aur Gangster 2'. After the surprisingly positive response to 'Sahib Bibi Aur Gangster', we want the sequel to be less budget-challenged, more glossy and viewer-friendly," said Tigmanshu Dhuila, who is directing the film.
"We also needed to add more characters to carry the sequel forward. Jimmy Shergill, Mahie Gill and Randeep Hooda are back. But Irrfan and Soha play the other couple. Soha will play a very mysterious character."
Tigmanshu was very impressed with Soha.
"When I met her, I found her to very unlike the typical Bollywood actor. She's a very intelligent girl. Although the character is very different from her personality, she understood the requirements of her role immediately. I was stuck by how similar she looked to her beautiful mother. Yes, I've planned a very special look for Soha. I want her to look prettier than she has ever done."
The film is being produced by Eros Entertainment.
source:agency
Tusshar Kapoor,is now following sister Ekta Kapoor's footsteps
Mumbai: Tusshar Kapoor, who is still struggling to make a mark in Bollywood, is now following sister Ekta Kapoor's footsteps - he has turned co-producer with "Chaar Din Ki Chandni" and says it's all for money.Tusshar said: "I have turned co-producer just for the greed for money as I am not being paid too much for the film. It's a solo and it's a huge discount for me as an actor. I agreed because I got to work with a hit director and actor. It makes the two ends meet, so I had to compensate."
Directed by Samir Karnik, "Chaar Din Ki Chandni" stars Tusshar and Kulraj Randhawa in the lead roles and it is scheduled to release on March 8. Unlike investing money through his sister Ekta's banner Balaji Telefilms, Tusshar has pumped in money independently for the promotions.
"I have invested some amount in this as far as the promotions are concerned and that will be repaid once the film releases. I will have a small share in that (box office profit). It's not under any banner, it's just an agreement between me and Top Angles Productions," he added.
However, Tusshar plans to take some marketing tips from Ekta to promote the film.
He said: "If I need some ideas for promotions, I can consult her because she has some brilliant ideas. I will have a conversation with her and ask her what I should do to promote 'Chaar Din Ki Chandni'."
Promotions strategy will include appearance on Ekta's TV shows - "Pavitra Rishta" and "Bade Achche Lagte hain".
"She has helped me because she got the 'Pavitra Rishta' tie-up done. Hopefully, I might go in with 'Bade Achche Lagte hain', if the channel approves," the 35-year-old said.
source:agency
Directed by Samir Karnik, "Chaar Din Ki Chandni" stars Tusshar and Kulraj Randhawa in the lead roles and it is scheduled to release on March 8. Unlike investing money through his sister Ekta's banner Balaji Telefilms, Tusshar has pumped in money independently for the promotions.
"I have invested some amount in this as far as the promotions are concerned and that will be repaid once the film releases. I will have a small share in that (box office profit). It's not under any banner, it's just an agreement between me and Top Angles Productions," he added.
However, Tusshar plans to take some marketing tips from Ekta to promote the film.
He said: "If I need some ideas for promotions, I can consult her because she has some brilliant ideas. I will have a conversation with her and ask her what I should do to promote 'Chaar Din Ki Chandni'."
Promotions strategy will include appearance on Ekta's TV shows - "Pavitra Rishta" and "Bade Achche Lagte hain".
"She has helped me because she got the 'Pavitra Rishta' tie-up done. Hopefully, I might go in with 'Bade Achche Lagte hain', if the channel approves," the 35-year-old said.
source:agency
Poster of Vikram Bhatt's "Hate Story" is bold and daring
New Delhi: A mystery girl with her bare back visible and a titillating setting of a gun and a tattoo -- the poster of Vikram Bhatt's "Hate Story" is bold and daring.
The identity of the girl is so far being kept under wraps.
The movie, directed by Vivek Agnihotri, features Nikhil Dwivedi, Paoli Dam and Gulshan Devaiya.
Bengali actress Paoli is known to have done one of the boldest scenes in Bengali cinema in "Chatrak". But it is not clear whether the girl in the picture is Paoli or not.
However, if one goes by the first look of "Hate Story" alone, the audiences can hope for a steamy affair by Bhatt this time.
source:agency
The identity of the girl is so far being kept under wraps.
The movie, directed by Vivek Agnihotri, features Nikhil Dwivedi, Paoli Dam and Gulshan Devaiya.
Bengali actress Paoli is known to have done one of the boldest scenes in Bengali cinema in "Chatrak". But it is not clear whether the girl in the picture is Paoli or not.
However, if one goes by the first look of "Hate Story" alone, the audiences can hope for a steamy affair by Bhatt this time.
source:agency
20120221
Bollywood's planned strike on Feb 23 called off
Mumbai: Bollywood's planned strike on Feb 23 to protest against the imposition of a service tax on the film industry has been called off after a meeting with Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, industry officials said on Tuesday.
"This strike has been called off. We had a meeting with the finance minister and he has asked us to wait till the budget," producer Ratan Jain said.
"He understood our problem and then we decided not to go for strike till March 16 until the budget comes out. So, all the multiplexes and Bollywood will continue to move on without any strike on Feb 23," he added.
Film Producers' Guild vice president Mukesh Bhatt also said that after the positive meeting with the finance minister, they have decided to remain patient till the budget.
"His hands are tied right now and I will respect that. I am glad about the fact that he heard our plea patiently and has asked us to wait till the budget," he said, adding they will wait till March 16 and then take a decision on their future course of action.
The industry seems to be relieved with this decision.
"It's a fair decision as ultimately we are here to do business and not to strike. Since the finance minister has promised to look into the matter, we shall wait till the budget," said producer Kumar Taurani.
source:agency
"This strike has been called off. We had a meeting with the finance minister and he has asked us to wait till the budget," producer Ratan Jain said.
"He understood our problem and then we decided not to go for strike till March 16 until the budget comes out. So, all the multiplexes and Bollywood will continue to move on without any strike on Feb 23," he added.
Film Producers' Guild vice president Mukesh Bhatt also said that after the positive meeting with the finance minister, they have decided to remain patient till the budget.
"His hands are tied right now and I will respect that. I am glad about the fact that he heard our plea patiently and has asked us to wait till the budget," he said, adding they will wait till March 16 and then take a decision on their future course of action.
The industry seems to be relieved with this decision.
"It's a fair decision as ultimately we are here to do business and not to strike. Since the finance minister has promised to look into the matter, we shall wait till the budget," said producer Kumar Taurani.
source:agency
Milkha Singh gifted the spikes he wore in 1960 Rome Olympics to actor Farhan Akhtar
Chandigarh: Legendary Indian sportsman Milkha Singh on Tuesday gifted the spikes he wore in 1960 Rome Olympics to actor Farhan Akhtar, hoping that his film "Bhag Milkha Bhag" will be an inspiration to the country's youth.
The Flying Sikh, as he's fondly known, presented the Adidas running shoes as a momento to his on-screen counterpart in Chandigarh in an event on the government college athletics track.
Singh, 76, had given the film's rights to director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, at the insistance of his son, golfer Jeev Milkha Singh, "For a princely sum of 1 rupee."
"I want the people to realise that if a man could achieve so much without any facilities, it is sad that after 60 years, no Indian athlete has come up to that level despite much greater facilities. I want that this film inspires thousands of Milkha Singhs in India," he said.
"I want the viewers to know about my life and the hardships I had to face," Singh claimed.
Speaking on the occasion, Mehra claimed that his film was not about the triumph of a sportsman on the racetrack, but the "triumph of human spirit against all odds".
"When I was young, our swimming coach used to tell us the stories of Milkha Singh's toil and labour on the track. The stories always rejuvenated us and when I learned the story of his life, I knew I had to tell it to the masses," said Mehra.
Akhtar agreed that while the people knew of the success of the great athlete, they hardly knew anything about his life and struggles.
"When I read the script, I realised how little we know about him. I will try my best to do justice to the character and story of Milkha Singh," he said. The film, planned to be shot in Punjab, also features Sonam Kapoor.
source:agency
The Flying Sikh, as he's fondly known, presented the Adidas running shoes as a momento to his on-screen counterpart in Chandigarh in an event on the government college athletics track.
Singh, 76, had given the film's rights to director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, at the insistance of his son, golfer Jeev Milkha Singh, "For a princely sum of 1 rupee."
"I want the people to realise that if a man could achieve so much without any facilities, it is sad that after 60 years, no Indian athlete has come up to that level despite much greater facilities. I want that this film inspires thousands of Milkha Singhs in India," he said.
"I want the viewers to know about my life and the hardships I had to face," Singh claimed.
Speaking on the occasion, Mehra claimed that his film was not about the triumph of a sportsman on the racetrack, but the "triumph of human spirit against all odds".
"When I was young, our swimming coach used to tell us the stories of Milkha Singh's toil and labour on the track. The stories always rejuvenated us and when I learned the story of his life, I knew I had to tell it to the masses," said Mehra.
Akhtar agreed that while the people knew of the success of the great athlete, they hardly knew anything about his life and struggles.
"When I read the script, I realised how little we know about him. I will try my best to do justice to the character and story of Milkha Singh," he said. The film, planned to be shot in Punjab, also features Sonam Kapoor.
source:agency
"Jodi Breakers" has been exonerated from charges of plagiarism
Mumbai: "Jodi Breakers" has been exonerated from charges of plagiarism levelled by the producers of the French film "Heartbreakers", which was said to have inspired the Hindi movie releasing on Friday.
Apparently the lawyers appointed by the producers of "Heartbreakers" saw "Jodi Breakers", which has Bipasha Basu and R. Madhavan in the lead roles, and came to the conclusion that there were no overt similarities between the two films.
Sounding relieved, the film's director Ashwini Chaudhary said: "Their lawyers have concluded that there are no similarities between their film, and ours. The fact that they came to this conclusion comes as no surprise to me.
"I was aware that there were no similarities between the two films, other than maybe the similar-sounding titles. I don't know who started this whole allegation against our film. This is not the kind of publicity we were looking for."
Chaudhary feels there must have been provocation to press for the plagiarism charges.
"Why else would they have suddenly chosen to accuse us of plagiarism without seeing a single frame of our film? After the charges, I had given them a synopsis of my script. Then I had offered to let them read my script in my office provided they first signed a NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement). But they refused. It was almost as if they were determined to prove we had copied their film, no matter what the truth."
Relieved by the developments, Chaudhary said: "It is very fashionable and lucrative for people to jump in during the time of a film's release. It creates so much unnecessary tension for any project. There has to be a way to put an end to this troublesome practice."
source:agency
Apparently the lawyers appointed by the producers of "Heartbreakers" saw "Jodi Breakers", which has Bipasha Basu and R. Madhavan in the lead roles, and came to the conclusion that there were no overt similarities between the two films.
Sounding relieved, the film's director Ashwini Chaudhary said: "Their lawyers have concluded that there are no similarities between their film, and ours. The fact that they came to this conclusion comes as no surprise to me.
"I was aware that there were no similarities between the two films, other than maybe the similar-sounding titles. I don't know who started this whole allegation against our film. This is not the kind of publicity we were looking for."
Chaudhary feels there must have been provocation to press for the plagiarism charges.
"Why else would they have suddenly chosen to accuse us of plagiarism without seeing a single frame of our film? After the charges, I had given them a synopsis of my script. Then I had offered to let them read my script in my office provided they first signed a NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement). But they refused. It was almost as if they were determined to prove we had copied their film, no matter what the truth."
Relieved by the developments, Chaudhary said: "It is very fashionable and lucrative for people to jump in during the time of a film's release. It creates so much unnecessary tension for any project. There has to be a way to put an end to this troublesome practice."
source:agency
Australia is once again registering a rise in number of Indian students
New Delhi: After a decline, Australia is once again registering a rise in number of Indian students applying for admissions to its universities, an official said today, adding that the country was safe for them.
Ted Baillieu, premier of Australia's Victoria province who is visiting India, said that the number of Indian students in Australia saw a rise and the southern nation was totally safe for Indian students.
"We have started to see an increase in number of students again. The state has taken steps to ensure safety of the students and we are very serious about it," Baillieu said, replying to a query.
He was talking to reporters at a function to award 10 scholarships for Ph.D. students from India going to various Australian universities. Seven agreements for association between Australia and India were also signed.
Talking to media on the sidelines of the press meet, Australian High Commissioner Peter Varghese said around 30 percent increase had been noticed, as compared to last year, in the number of student applications for Australian universities so far.
"There has been a significant increase in number of applications received and the number of students applying for universities in Australia. The increase is almost 30 percent compared to last year," Varghese said.
A major decline was noted in the number of Indian students going to Australia in 2010-11.
"Compared to the peak years of 2008 and 2009, there was a nearly 40 percent drop," Varghese said.
Varghese, however, said the incidents were not the main reason behind the decline.
"There was decline not just in the number of Indian students but in the number of students from all countries. It was because of the overall economic scenario, and high (Australian) dollar value," he said.
Baillieu informed reporters that vigil had been increased to ensure safety of students there. "There is more patrolling, more police presence. We have taken it seriously," he said.
More than 100 incidents of attacks on Indian students were reported in 2009 and 2010 in Australia, mainly in its Victoria province.
Varghese said new visa rules were attracting more applications. "The new visa rules allow students to stay for a few years after completing their degree and work, so more students are applying," he said.
The new visa rules announced last year allow students to stay back from two-four years after getting degrees and also allow them to work.
Canberra had earlier tightened visa regime for Indian students, stating that a number of them come to Australia to settle down by taking admissions in non-skilled vocational courses like cookery and hair-cutting. It had implied that this was one of the reasons for a series of attacks on Indian youths here.
The students who received the scholarships are Sathish Thiruanvukkarasu (Monash University), Sayali Shah (University of Melbourne), Bhuvaneshwaran Venugopal (Deakin University), Srejoyee Ghosh (Deakin University), Abhishek Suresh (RMIT University), Jyotsana Nagpal (La Trobe University) and Debabrata Sikdar (Monash University), Rohan Shah (Swinburne University of Technology), Vignesh Rathinbasamy (La Trobe University) and Hitu Sood (Australian Catholic University).
source:agency
Ted Baillieu, premier of Australia's Victoria province who is visiting India, said that the number of Indian students in Australia saw a rise and the southern nation was totally safe for Indian students.
"We have started to see an increase in number of students again. The state has taken steps to ensure safety of the students and we are very serious about it," Baillieu said, replying to a query.
He was talking to reporters at a function to award 10 scholarships for Ph.D. students from India going to various Australian universities. Seven agreements for association between Australia and India were also signed.
Talking to media on the sidelines of the press meet, Australian High Commissioner Peter Varghese said around 30 percent increase had been noticed, as compared to last year, in the number of student applications for Australian universities so far.
"There has been a significant increase in number of applications received and the number of students applying for universities in Australia. The increase is almost 30 percent compared to last year," Varghese said.
A major decline was noted in the number of Indian students going to Australia in 2010-11.
"Compared to the peak years of 2008 and 2009, there was a nearly 40 percent drop," Varghese said.
Varghese, however, said the incidents were not the main reason behind the decline.
"There was decline not just in the number of Indian students but in the number of students from all countries. It was because of the overall economic scenario, and high (Australian) dollar value," he said.
Baillieu informed reporters that vigil had been increased to ensure safety of students there. "There is more patrolling, more police presence. We have taken it seriously," he said.
More than 100 incidents of attacks on Indian students were reported in 2009 and 2010 in Australia, mainly in its Victoria province.
Varghese said new visa rules were attracting more applications. "The new visa rules allow students to stay for a few years after completing their degree and work, so more students are applying," he said.
The new visa rules announced last year allow students to stay back from two-four years after getting degrees and also allow them to work.
Canberra had earlier tightened visa regime for Indian students, stating that a number of them come to Australia to settle down by taking admissions in non-skilled vocational courses like cookery and hair-cutting. It had implied that this was one of the reasons for a series of attacks on Indian youths here.
The students who received the scholarships are Sathish Thiruanvukkarasu (Monash University), Sayali Shah (University of Melbourne), Bhuvaneshwaran Venugopal (Deakin University), Srejoyee Ghosh (Deakin University), Abhishek Suresh (RMIT University), Jyotsana Nagpal (La Trobe University) and Debabrata Sikdar (Monash University), Rohan Shah (Swinburne University of Technology), Vignesh Rathinbasamy (La Trobe University) and Hitu Sood (Australian Catholic University).
source:agency
Delhi High Court sought Jamia Millia Islamia's response by March 18
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court today sought Jamia Millia Islamia's response by March 18 on a petition for quashing a 2006 decision of the central university to ban elections to the students' union.
The division bench of Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice Rajiv Shakdher sought the university's response while hearing a petition by Hamidur Rahman, a final year under-graduate student.
He alleged that it was unreasonable on the part of the university to ban the elections to the union since March 2006.
"Union elections are no more being held, there is nobody in the campus to address the students' grievances and problems and that is why they are being harassed and tortured frequently," Rahman said.
He said that the university authorities had continued to collect a union fee of Rs.50 from each student despite there being no elections in the last few years.
"It is in violation of the constitution," he said.
He said that the polls had not been held since March 31, 2006 despite several representations and requests by students.
Sitab Ali Chaudhary, counsel for the petitioner, said the vice chancellor gave an assurance but the elections were not conducted.
Claiming that the university was charging the students' union fee without any intention of holding the elections, Khan said: "Jamia has 13,810 students and the university has been charging Rs.50 per student as union fee."
The university March 2006 dissolved the students' union without giving any reason, the petition said.
The petitioner alleged that despite the central government and the University Grants Commission asking Jamia to conduct the student union elections, no action had been taken.
"Then union president Sams Parvez was beaten up mercilessly by then proctor and his security men and other anti-social elements when he was peacefully asking the reasons to dissolve the duly elected students' union," alleged the petitioner.
Earlier, former students of the university withdrew their petition on the same issue after the court said that they were no more studying in the university.
source:agency
The division bench of Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice Rajiv Shakdher sought the university's response while hearing a petition by Hamidur Rahman, a final year under-graduate student.
He alleged that it was unreasonable on the part of the university to ban the elections to the union since March 2006.
"Union elections are no more being held, there is nobody in the campus to address the students' grievances and problems and that is why they are being harassed and tortured frequently," Rahman said.
He said that the university authorities had continued to collect a union fee of Rs.50 from each student despite there being no elections in the last few years.
"It is in violation of the constitution," he said.
He said that the polls had not been held since March 31, 2006 despite several representations and requests by students.
Sitab Ali Chaudhary, counsel for the petitioner, said the vice chancellor gave an assurance but the elections were not conducted.
Claiming that the university was charging the students' union fee without any intention of holding the elections, Khan said: "Jamia has 13,810 students and the university has been charging Rs.50 per student as union fee."
The university March 2006 dissolved the students' union without giving any reason, the petition said.
The petitioner alleged that despite the central government and the University Grants Commission asking Jamia to conduct the student union elections, no action had been taken.
"Then union president Sams Parvez was beaten up mercilessly by then proctor and his security men and other anti-social elements when he was peacefully asking the reasons to dissolve the duly elected students' union," alleged the petitioner.
Earlier, former students of the university withdrew their petition on the same issue after the court said that they were no more studying in the university.
source:agency
20120220
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati is set to hold a mega rally in Agra
Agra: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati is set to hold a mega rally in Agra today, one of the biggest during the seven-phased assembly elections.People from distant places have already started inching towards the Kothi Meena Bazar ground in the Shah Ganj area in a dazzling display of power and influence in the Dalit capital of northern India."More than what she says, it will be the turnout that will be demonstrative of her hold on the voters of the party," said activist Naresh Paras about Mayawati, who is also the chief of the ruling Bahujan Samaj Party that champions the cause of Dalits.Preparations have been going on for the past three days with stage and sound engineers from Lucknow specially summoned to execute the event in style.Agra's traffic schedule has been changed for the day with heavy vehicles being diverted from the city's life line, the Mahatma Gandhi Road. A helipad close to the stage is ready and the whole ground gives the impression of a blue ocean with banners, flags and cut-outs.
Agra goes to polls Feb 28 in the penultimate round of the polls. All parties are now totally concentrating on western Uttar Pradesh, which could decide who will rule the state.
The Congress held road shows with actors Raveena Tandon and Sanjay Dutt Monday evening. Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief Ajit Singh are scheduled to address a series of meetings in the next few days, intensifying campaigning.
The rallies of the BJP and the joint rally of the Congress and RLD in the past week have been rather unimpressive in terms of crowd mobilisation.
source:agency
Agra goes to polls Feb 28 in the penultimate round of the polls. All parties are now totally concentrating on western Uttar Pradesh, which could decide who will rule the state.
The Congress held road shows with actors Raveena Tandon and Sanjay Dutt Monday evening. Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief Ajit Singh are scheduled to address a series of meetings in the next few days, intensifying campaigning.
The rallies of the BJP and the joint rally of the Congress and RLD in the past week have been rather unimpressive in terms of crowd mobilisation.
source:agency
Supreme Court asked the CBI to file its reply on the plea by Rajesh and Nupur Talwar
New Delhi: The Supreme Court today asked the CBI to file its reply on the plea by Rajesh and Nupur Talwar seeking a transfer of the trial in their daughter Aarushi's 2008 murder from a Ghaziabad special CBI court to New Delhi.
The apex court bench headed by Justice B.S. Chauhan has asked the Central Bureau of Investigation to file its reply on the Talwars' plea contending that most of the witnesses in the case resided in the capital and also faced threats in Ghaziabad.
Justice Chauhan asked Additional Solicitor General Harin Rawal what his substantive objection to the plea was.
Asking the CBI to file its reply by Thursday, the court directed the listing of the matter Feb 27. The court also allowed the state of Uttar Pradesh - where Ghaziabad is located - to file its reply to the transfer plea.
Aarushi, a Class 8 student of Delhi Public School, was found with her throat slit in her bedroom at her parents' Noida apartment May 16, 2008. The family's domestic help Hemraj, whom police initially thought to be the prime suspect, was also found killed on the apartment's terrace a day later.
source:agency
The apex court bench headed by Justice B.S. Chauhan has asked the Central Bureau of Investigation to file its reply on the Talwars' plea contending that most of the witnesses in the case resided in the capital and also faced threats in Ghaziabad.
Justice Chauhan asked Additional Solicitor General Harin Rawal what his substantive objection to the plea was.
Asking the CBI to file its reply by Thursday, the court directed the listing of the matter Feb 27. The court also allowed the state of Uttar Pradesh - where Ghaziabad is located - to file its reply to the transfer plea.
Aarushi, a Class 8 student of Delhi Public School, was found with her throat slit in her bedroom at her parents' Noida apartment May 16, 2008. The family's domestic help Hemraj, whom police initially thought to be the prime suspect, was also found killed on the apartment's terrace a day later.
source:agency
Government cannot advocate a bail-out of Kingfisher Airlines by banks:Ajit Singh
New Delhi: The government cannot advocate a bail-out of Kingfisher Airlines by banks, Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh said today ahead of a meeting of the cash-strapped carrier with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) following large-scale disruptions of its operations.
"DGCA has asked for an explanation because passengers were not informed and neither was DGCA about the cancellation. It is against the rules and causes inconvenience to passengers," Singh told reporters here.
Singh said it was important to hear Kingfisher and how it had planned to get out of the situation.
"We have to hear Kingfisher. Whenever big companies close down, it does affect people but you are certainly not going to advocate that banks should bail out all the ailing companies," he said.
Around 35 flights of Kingfisher Airlines were cancelled on Monday, disrupting operations for a third day in a row. The airline is operating only 16 of its fleet of 64 planes and has cancelled more than a 100 flights since Saturday.
source:agency
"DGCA has asked for an explanation because passengers were not informed and neither was DGCA about the cancellation. It is against the rules and causes inconvenience to passengers," Singh told reporters here.
Singh said it was important to hear Kingfisher and how it had planned to get out of the situation.
"We have to hear Kingfisher. Whenever big companies close down, it does affect people but you are certainly not going to advocate that banks should bail out all the ailing companies," he said.
Around 35 flights of Kingfisher Airlines were cancelled on Monday, disrupting operations for a third day in a row. The airline is operating only 16 of its fleet of 64 planes and has cancelled more than a 100 flights since Saturday.
source:agency
Danish Kaneria was never cleared for his alleged involvement in match-fixing:ICC
Dubai: The International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Monday that leg-spinner Danish Kaneria was never cleared for his alleged involvement in match-fixing for Essex in English county cricket.
In a joint statement, the ICC, PCB and England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said categorically denied giving a clearance certificate as claimed by Kaneria.
The PCB stated that following the Mervyn Westfield judgment, Kaneria will again be called to appear before its integrity committee to explain his position.
The PCB also confirmed that Kaneria's clearance is pending before the integrity committee where in the last meeting he was directed to provide copies of the tapes of his Essex police interview.
Kaneria has denied he has ever been involved in fixing matches.
But Essex bowler Westfield, who has been sentenced to four months in prison for corruption, has accused Kaneria of pressuring team-mates to fix matches.
"All these allegations are false. I have not only been cleared by the British police, but also by the ECB and the ICC," Kaneria had said in a statement.
Kaneria has been suspended from international cricket in 2010 by the PCB after allegations of spot-fixing first surfaced.
But he has been playing domestic cricket and is the captain of the Sindh province.
Kaneria has also appealed to the Sindh High Court in Karachi against his PCB suspension but it was dismissed saying it was not within its jurisdiction.
source:agency
In a joint statement, the ICC, PCB and England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said categorically denied giving a clearance certificate as claimed by Kaneria.
The PCB stated that following the Mervyn Westfield judgment, Kaneria will again be called to appear before its integrity committee to explain his position.
The PCB also confirmed that Kaneria's clearance is pending before the integrity committee where in the last meeting he was directed to provide copies of the tapes of his Essex police interview.
Kaneria has denied he has ever been involved in fixing matches.
But Essex bowler Westfield, who has been sentenced to four months in prison for corruption, has accused Kaneria of pressuring team-mates to fix matches.
"All these allegations are false. I have not only been cleared by the British police, but also by the ECB and the ICC," Kaneria had said in a statement.
Kaneria has been suspended from international cricket in 2010 by the PCB after allegations of spot-fixing first surfaced.
But he has been playing domestic cricket and is the captain of the Sindh province.
Kaneria has also appealed to the Sindh High Court in Karachi against his PCB suspension but it was dismissed saying it was not within its jurisdiction.
source:agency
Super 30, Bihar's free coaching centre won high praise in Canada
Vancouver: Super 30, Bihar's free coaching centre which helps poor students crack the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology-Joint Entrance Examination (IIT-JEE), has won high praise in Canada.
Super 30 founder Anand Kumar was felicitated "for his remarkable way of spreading the light of education in the darkened corners of the society" at a function organized by South Asian Cultural Society in Vancouver, British Columbia, last week.
Kumar's Super 30 initiative has been getting great appreciation in Canada, including in the legislature of British Columbia province with the minister of advanced education, Naomi Yamamoto, calling him a "gifted teacher".
"Your exceptional teaching career is laudable. We proudly welcome innovators and scholars of distinction from around the world and I am pleased to welcome Anand Kumar to British Columbia for his remarkable way of spreading the light of education in the darkened corners of the society," said Yamamoto.
Last week, at the initiative of assembly member Marc Dalton, the British Columbia legislature adopted a resolution honouring Kumar and lauding Super 30 for its role in shaping the destiny of many students from poor families.
"His inspiring tale is something that can act as a big motivation for all teachers. He deserves to be honoured," Dalton said. Later at a function in Vancouver, Dalton presented a citation on behalf of the government to Kumar. South Asian Cultural Society president Biju Mathew said Kumar was selected from a list of 70 role models from South Asia.
Kumar had set up Super 30 to prepare 30 students for the IIT-JEE in 2002, providing free boarding lodging and coaching to the selected aspirants.
In the last nine years, 236 students from Super 30 have made it to the IIT-JEE. Most of the successful candidates have been from the less privileged sections of society.
source:agecny
Super 30 founder Anand Kumar was felicitated "for his remarkable way of spreading the light of education in the darkened corners of the society" at a function organized by South Asian Cultural Society in Vancouver, British Columbia, last week.
Kumar's Super 30 initiative has been getting great appreciation in Canada, including in the legislature of British Columbia province with the minister of advanced education, Naomi Yamamoto, calling him a "gifted teacher".
"Your exceptional teaching career is laudable. We proudly welcome innovators and scholars of distinction from around the world and I am pleased to welcome Anand Kumar to British Columbia for his remarkable way of spreading the light of education in the darkened corners of the society," said Yamamoto.
Last week, at the initiative of assembly member Marc Dalton, the British Columbia legislature adopted a resolution honouring Kumar and lauding Super 30 for its role in shaping the destiny of many students from poor families.
"His inspiring tale is something that can act as a big motivation for all teachers. He deserves to be honoured," Dalton said. Later at a function in Vancouver, Dalton presented a citation on behalf of the government to Kumar. South Asian Cultural Society president Biju Mathew said Kumar was selected from a list of 70 role models from South Asia.
Kumar had set up Super 30 to prepare 30 students for the IIT-JEE in 2002, providing free boarding lodging and coaching to the selected aspirants.
In the last nine years, 236 students from Super 30 have made it to the IIT-JEE. Most of the successful candidates have been from the less privileged sections of society.
source:agecny
Nitish Kumar again came out against the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC)
Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today again came out against the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) which he said had been proposed without consulting the states.In a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, he said: "Where is the need to create new centres like NCTC with provisions which arbitrarily trample upon existing constitutional safeguards to protect the highly delicate balance of power between the centre and states?"Nitish Kumar said the creation of NCTC was highly flawed as it had been created within the Intelligence Bureau, which has no accountability to parliament."We are aware that chief ministers of several states have also written to you against the unilateral and hasty decision of (the home ministry) to create NCTC without consulting the state governments
"Won't you agree with the suggestion that the Indian government must re-examine the whole issue and ensure that the order (is) suitably modified to take care of states' genuine concerns?"
He said it was an established principle that intelligence agencies were never given the powers of arrest.
"Why then such powers are sought to be given to intelliegence agencies which will remain prone to misuse?
"You are aware that eminent political leaders were branded as threats to national security and put behind bars during the Emergency of 1975-77."
The NCTC has also been flayed by chief ministers of Orissa, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
source:agency
"Won't you agree with the suggestion that the Indian government must re-examine the whole issue and ensure that the order (is) suitably modified to take care of states' genuine concerns?"
He said it was an established principle that intelligence agencies were never given the powers of arrest.
"Why then such powers are sought to be given to intelliegence agencies which will remain prone to misuse?
"You are aware that eminent political leaders were branded as threats to national security and put behind bars during the Emergency of 1975-77."
The NCTC has also been flayed by chief ministers of Orissa, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
source:agency
Sheila Dikshit ordered an inquiry in the alleged sexual assault of children
New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today ordered an inquiry in the alleged sexual assault and harassment of children at a privately-run orphanage in central Delhi.
"We have ordered an inquiry in the abuse of children at a orphanage run here. The committee will look deep in the case and the issues being faced by inmates to prevent their recurrence," Dikshit told reporters on sidelines of a function here.
Dikshit also said that the government will look at the deeper issues and come out with measures to ensure that children living at orphanages do not face any problem in future.
"We have already appointed an administrator who is looking into the issues. We will see what should be done to prevent such incidents. The members of the probe panel will be announced Tuesday," she added.
Police have arrested four people for alleged sexual abuse of children at Arya orphanage, which was privately-run.
source:agency
"We have ordered an inquiry in the abuse of children at a orphanage run here. The committee will look deep in the case and the issues being faced by inmates to prevent their recurrence," Dikshit told reporters on sidelines of a function here.
Dikshit also said that the government will look at the deeper issues and come out with measures to ensure that children living at orphanages do not face any problem in future.
"We have already appointed an administrator who is looking into the issues. We will see what should be done to prevent such incidents. The members of the probe panel will be announced Tuesday," she added.
Police have arrested four people for alleged sexual abuse of children at Arya orphanage, which was privately-run.
source:agency
UP:Rahul Gandhi violated the election model code of conduct during a road show
Kanpur: Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi violated the election model code of conduct during a road show in this Uttar Pradesh city and action will be taken against the organisers, officials said today.
District Magistrate Hari Om said Gandhi did not follow the route proposed by the district administration for his road show but took an alternative route.
"We have proposed an alternate route for Rahul Gandhi's road show keeping in mind his security and heavy traffic due to the Mahashivratri festival today. But he did not follow the route proposed by us," Hari Om told reporters here.
He said that Gandhi also flouted prohibitory orders in the city that banned any assembly of more than four people at a spot.
The district magistrate said action would be taken against the organisers and those who participated in the road show.
Asked if action would be taken against Gandhi, Hari Om said: "We will take action against the organisers. We may consider action against those who participated. Definitely, we can consider it. Why can't it be taken against Rahul Gandhi?"
source:agency
District Magistrate Hari Om said Gandhi did not follow the route proposed by the district administration for his road show but took an alternative route.
"We have proposed an alternate route for Rahul Gandhi's road show keeping in mind his security and heavy traffic due to the Mahashivratri festival today. But he did not follow the route proposed by us," Hari Om told reporters here.
He said that Gandhi also flouted prohibitory orders in the city that banned any assembly of more than four people at a spot.
The district magistrate said action would be taken against the organisers and those who participated in the road show.
Asked if action would be taken against Gandhi, Hari Om said: "We will take action against the organisers. We may consider action against those who participated. Definitely, we can consider it. Why can't it be taken against Rahul Gandhi?"
source:agency
Ricky Ponting dropped from a 13-man Australian squad for the One-Day Internationals
Sydney: Veteran batsman and former captain Ricky Ponting was today dropped from a 13-man Australian squad for the One-Day Internationals while all-rounder Shane Watson makes a return from injury for the remainder of the tri-series involving India and Sri Lanka.
Captain Michael Clarke has come back into the side after recovering from a hamstring injury while fast bowler Mitchell Starc was replaced with Ryan Harris for the games Feb 24 (against India) and Feb 26 (Sri Lanka).
Commenting on the squad and Ponting's exclusion, National Selector John Inverarity said: "Ricky Ponting has been dropped from the squad due to his lack of form in the five matches to date in this series. The team will not seem the same without him, but moving on from the omission of players who have been outstanding over a long period of time is the nature of elite sport."
Ponting captained Australia in Clarke's absence and could score only 18 runs in five attempts.
Inverarity added: "Shane Watson also comes back into the squad. He is an all-rounder of proven class and the national selection panel is keen to have him re-join the squad.
"The NSP made the decision that Matthew Wade is now the preferred ODI wicket-keeper for the Australian ODI team. The intention at this stage is to have both Matthew and Brad Haddin in the West Indies together for the duration of the tour," he said.
Full squad: Michael Clarke (captain), Shane Watson (vice-captain), Dan Christian, Xavier Doherty, Peter Forrest, Ryan Harris, Ben Hilfenhaus, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Brett Lee, Clint McKay, Matthew Wade, David Warner.
source:agency
Captain Michael Clarke has come back into the side after recovering from a hamstring injury while fast bowler Mitchell Starc was replaced with Ryan Harris for the games Feb 24 (against India) and Feb 26 (Sri Lanka).
Commenting on the squad and Ponting's exclusion, National Selector John Inverarity said: "Ricky Ponting has been dropped from the squad due to his lack of form in the five matches to date in this series. The team will not seem the same without him, but moving on from the omission of players who have been outstanding over a long period of time is the nature of elite sport."
Ponting captained Australia in Clarke's absence and could score only 18 runs in five attempts.
Inverarity added: "Shane Watson also comes back into the squad. He is an all-rounder of proven class and the national selection panel is keen to have him re-join the squad.
"The NSP made the decision that Matthew Wade is now the preferred ODI wicket-keeper for the Australian ODI team. The intention at this stage is to have both Matthew and Brad Haddin in the West Indies together for the duration of the tour," he said.
Full squad: Michael Clarke (captain), Shane Watson (vice-captain), Dan Christian, Xavier Doherty, Peter Forrest, Ryan Harris, Ben Hilfenhaus, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Brett Lee, Clint McKay, Matthew Wade, David Warner.
source:agency
Sachin Tendulkar is likely to go for a MRI scan
Brisbane: Sachin Tendulkar is likely to go for a MRI scan after he was hit on the head by a Brett Lee bouncer during the India-Australia match in the tri-series on Sunday.
Before being dismissed cheaply, Tendulkar got into an awkward position while negotiating a rising ball that hit his helmet and went up in the air.
Australia made a loud appeal off a catch but umpire Steve Davis thought otherwise. He eventually walked back to the hut after playing an upper cut off Lee, guiding a dolly to third man.
Earlier, Tendulkar was hit on the shin while fielding at the slips and did not take the field thereafter.
Tendulkar has scored 68 in four innings.
source:agency
Before being dismissed cheaply, Tendulkar got into an awkward position while negotiating a rising ball that hit his helmet and went up in the air.
Australia made a loud appeal off a catch but umpire Steve Davis thought otherwise. He eventually walked back to the hut after playing an upper cut off Lee, guiding a dolly to third man.
Earlier, Tendulkar was hit on the shin while fielding at the slips and did not take the field thereafter.
Tendulkar has scored 68 in four innings.
source:agency
John Abraham has displayed his brawny and chiselled physique in many films
Mumbai: John Abraham has displayed his brawny and chiselled physique in many films, but now he will have to get rid of it to suit his role in his upcoming movie "Shootout at Wadala", inspired by a real life incident.
The actor has apparently been asked to shed 20 kg to play Manya Surve in the film, based on the 1982 incident in which the infamous gangster was shot dead in Mumbai.
John is on a strict diet of fish, sushi, protein shakes, juices and soups to achieve the look, which will be seen in the first half of the film. But he will appear in a more muscular build towards the climax.
"Manya Surve has to look really lean in the first 20 minutes of the film, till he gets into jail and starts working out. So there is an actual physical transformation that my character goes through in the film," said John.
The 39-year-old is taking training from Vinod Channa.
"At times I feel like breaking down. People always talk about losing weight, but it is a very difficult process. If not supervised properly, it can go really wrong. But thankfully my trainer Vinod has been religiously working with me on it," he added.
Directed by Sanjay Gupta, Balaji Motion Pictures "Shootout at Wadala", also features Anil Kapoor and Kangna Ranaut. It goes on floors in March.
source:agency
The actor has apparently been asked to shed 20 kg to play Manya Surve in the film, based on the 1982 incident in which the infamous gangster was shot dead in Mumbai.
John is on a strict diet of fish, sushi, protein shakes, juices and soups to achieve the look, which will be seen in the first half of the film. But he will appear in a more muscular build towards the climax.
"Manya Surve has to look really lean in the first 20 minutes of the film, till he gets into jail and starts working out. So there is an actual physical transformation that my character goes through in the film," said John.
The 39-year-old is taking training from Vinod Channa.
"At times I feel like breaking down. People always talk about losing weight, but it is a very difficult process. If not supervised properly, it can go really wrong. But thankfully my trainer Vinod has been religiously working with me on it," he added.
Directed by Sanjay Gupta, Balaji Motion Pictures "Shootout at Wadala", also features Anil Kapoor and Kangna Ranaut. It goes on floors in March.
source:agency
I do one film a year, I don't look at a film like a project:R. Madhavan
Mumbai: Talented actor R. Madhavan straddles two worlds - Hindi movies and southern cinema - with elan but despite having a good hold in both, he doesn't believe in piling up projects in his kitty.
"I do one film a year. I don't look at a film like a project, I worship it. It's like going to a temple. I can't jump from one film set to another film set," Madhavan said.
He added: "This year I have done two films - Tamil film 'Veetai', which by god's grace has done very well, and now I have this one - 'Jodi Breakers'. So it's a very conscious decision to do one film at a time."
Following the success of "Tanu Weds Manu", Madhavan is back to woo his fans in the Hindi-speaking belt with the romantic comedy "Jodi Breakers", releasing on Friday. In the film, Madhavan will be seen romancing Bipasha Basu for the first time on big screen.
Describing the film as a unique concept, he said it suits the modern-day relationship requirements and added: "It (Jodi Breaker) is required for modern-day people. We don't do it as a hobby; it's a job. So, people who are uncomfortable with their 'jodi' and who are unable to get out of it for whatever reasons, we find a way for them where we break their 'jodi' without much hassle."
However, in real life Madhavan is a 'jodi maker' and said: "I have got six people married and all of them are happy."
If he is impressed by the concept of the film, directed by Ashwini Choudhary, Madhavan is equally confident about his chemistry with Bipasha in "Jodi Breakers".
"It's very evident from the trailers that we share a phenomenal chemistry. It is very easy to get along with her. I am very fond of her," said the 41-year-old.
Over the years Madhavan has indeed grown as an actor and he feels he has the ability to get the screenplay right.
"I am very strong with my screenplay selection. I am very strong with my performances. Ability to get the screenplay right is my strength. Those are the advantages that I think I have cultivated working with big directors. So these things work for me," said Madhavan, who has worked with directors like Mani Ratnam, Rajkumar Hirani and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra.
While every other actor in Bollywood is busy getting a sculpted body, Madhavan said: "From Salman (Khan) to Bipasha to my wife everybody wants me to get a seven-pack or eight-pack abs, but I am just happy with my family pack."
He feels life has been kind to him and he achieved "everything very easily" and perhaps that's the reason behind his weight gain.
"I have just been very lucky. If I don't have work and a few of my films flop then I think I will lose weight automatically," he joked.
However, on the serious note, he added: "If I get a film where I have to look lean and nasty, where I have to have six-pack and if I find the story interesting, then I know I can have the best physique in the industry."
Madhavan says he is from southern India, but growing up in the northern part of the country was an added bonus.
"I have done films in both the languages. Apart from that, talent-wise I am far less than the actors who tried to come from southern films. Fortunately for me, I am a Tamilian so that department has been taken care of. Fortunately for me, I was born and brought up in Bihar, so Hindi is taken care of."
source:agency
"I do one film a year. I don't look at a film like a project, I worship it. It's like going to a temple. I can't jump from one film set to another film set," Madhavan said.
He added: "This year I have done two films - Tamil film 'Veetai', which by god's grace has done very well, and now I have this one - 'Jodi Breakers'. So it's a very conscious decision to do one film at a time."
Following the success of "Tanu Weds Manu", Madhavan is back to woo his fans in the Hindi-speaking belt with the romantic comedy "Jodi Breakers", releasing on Friday. In the film, Madhavan will be seen romancing Bipasha Basu for the first time on big screen.
Describing the film as a unique concept, he said it suits the modern-day relationship requirements and added: "It (Jodi Breaker) is required for modern-day people. We don't do it as a hobby; it's a job. So, people who are uncomfortable with their 'jodi' and who are unable to get out of it for whatever reasons, we find a way for them where we break their 'jodi' without much hassle."
However, in real life Madhavan is a 'jodi maker' and said: "I have got six people married and all of them are happy."
If he is impressed by the concept of the film, directed by Ashwini Choudhary, Madhavan is equally confident about his chemistry with Bipasha in "Jodi Breakers".
"It's very evident from the trailers that we share a phenomenal chemistry. It is very easy to get along with her. I am very fond of her," said the 41-year-old.
Over the years Madhavan has indeed grown as an actor and he feels he has the ability to get the screenplay right.
"I am very strong with my screenplay selection. I am very strong with my performances. Ability to get the screenplay right is my strength. Those are the advantages that I think I have cultivated working with big directors. So these things work for me," said Madhavan, who has worked with directors like Mani Ratnam, Rajkumar Hirani and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra.
While every other actor in Bollywood is busy getting a sculpted body, Madhavan said: "From Salman (Khan) to Bipasha to my wife everybody wants me to get a seven-pack or eight-pack abs, but I am just happy with my family pack."
He feels life has been kind to him and he achieved "everything very easily" and perhaps that's the reason behind his weight gain.
"I have just been very lucky. If I don't have work and a few of my films flop then I think I will lose weight automatically," he joked.
However, on the serious note, he added: "If I get a film where I have to look lean and nasty, where I have to have six-pack and if I find the story interesting, then I know I can have the best physique in the industry."
Madhavan says he is from southern India, but growing up in the northern part of the country was an added bonus.
"I have done films in both the languages. Apart from that, talent-wise I am far less than the actors who tried to come from southern films. Fortunately for me, I am a Tamilian so that department has been taken care of. Fortunately for me, I was born and brought up in Bihar, so Hindi is taken care of."
source:agency
Milan Luthria says his "Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai 2" will not follow any "gangster movie trend"
Mumbai: Director Milan Luthria says his much-anticipated sequel "Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai 2" will not follow any "gangster movie trend" as in his film the focus will be on flamboyance, drama and music.
"As far as gangster trends are concerned, I think we stand apart as our take on gangsters is very different. It's more of a flamboyance, drama, music and dialogues. So it's a different space and thankfully we are the only ones in that space," Milan said here at an awards function.
The year began with hit gangster film "Agneepath", and it will be followed by "Zilla Ghaziabad" and Anurag Kashyap's "Gangs of Wasseypur".
Produced by Balaji Telefilms, the cast of "Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai 2" so far includes Akshay Kumar, who will play underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and Shahid Kapoor as Chhota Rajan.
Luthria says some more interesting names will join the cast.
"We are putting it together carefully. Some interesting casting is to happen, but we are taking our time. It's a big film, it's an eagerly-anticipated sequel. Akshay is also as excited as all of us. (Composer) Pritam has started work. In a few weeks from now, we will be making all our final announcements."
The director is currently basking in the success of "The Dirty Picture".
source:agency
"As far as gangster trends are concerned, I think we stand apart as our take on gangsters is very different. It's more of a flamboyance, drama, music and dialogues. So it's a different space and thankfully we are the only ones in that space," Milan said here at an awards function.
The year began with hit gangster film "Agneepath", and it will be followed by "Zilla Ghaziabad" and Anurag Kashyap's "Gangs of Wasseypur".
Produced by Balaji Telefilms, the cast of "Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai 2" so far includes Akshay Kumar, who will play underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and Shahid Kapoor as Chhota Rajan.
Luthria says some more interesting names will join the cast.
"We are putting it together carefully. Some interesting casting is to happen, but we are taking our time. It's a big film, it's an eagerly-anticipated sequel. Akshay is also as excited as all of us. (Composer) Pritam has started work. In a few weeks from now, we will be making all our final announcements."
The director is currently basking in the success of "The Dirty Picture".
source:agency
Shah Rukh Khan says whatever he does, he does it with a sense of responsibility
Mumbai: Shah Rukh Khan is one of the most popular brand ambassador and is endorsing several products, and the superstar says whatever he does, he does it with a sense of responsibility.
"When you are a brand ambassador for anything, any of the products or even a leading man for a film or a producer, I think you have a lot of responsibility. Apart from the fact that we have fun, crack jokes and have a sense of humour, whatever I do, I do it with a sense of responsibility," the 46-year-old said here at the Cosmopolitan Fun Fearless Female Male Awards.
Shah Rukh, who recently became the brand ambassador of West Bengal, says he is proud of his association with the state.
"Kolkata, West Bengal is very close to my heart, apart from the fact that we have a team there. Whenever I have gone there, even to perform...the people love you there," said Shah Rukh who recently launched the new logo for his Indian Premier League (IPL) team Kolkata Knight Riders.
"There is a high level of interest in cinema, in intelligent conversations and knowledge. It's one of the most leading states of the country, so I am very proud to be the brand ambassador. I will take it with as much responsibility as I give to everything else I do," he added.
Shah Rukh is currently working in Yash Chopra's untitled film opposite Katrina Kaif and and co-producing "Student of the Year" with Karan Johar.
source:agency
"When you are a brand ambassador for anything, any of the products or even a leading man for a film or a producer, I think you have a lot of responsibility. Apart from the fact that we have fun, crack jokes and have a sense of humour, whatever I do, I do it with a sense of responsibility," the 46-year-old said here at the Cosmopolitan Fun Fearless Female Male Awards.
Shah Rukh, who recently became the brand ambassador of West Bengal, says he is proud of his association with the state.
"Kolkata, West Bengal is very close to my heart, apart from the fact that we have a team there. Whenever I have gone there, even to perform...the people love you there," said Shah Rukh who recently launched the new logo for his Indian Premier League (IPL) team Kolkata Knight Riders.
"There is a high level of interest in cinema, in intelligent conversations and knowledge. It's one of the most leading states of the country, so I am very proud to be the brand ambassador. I will take it with as much responsibility as I give to everything else I do," he added.
Shah Rukh is currently working in Yash Chopra's untitled film opposite Katrina Kaif and and co-producing "Student of the Year" with Karan Johar.
source:agency
Amitabh Bachchan will be relieved "in a day or two" from the SevenHills Hospital
Mumbai: Megastar Amitabh Bachchan will be relieved "in a day or two" from the SevenHills Hospital, where he is recuperating following two abdominal surgeries.
"Amitabh's health is improving. Doctors will take a call regarding his discharge from the hospital by today (Monday) evening. He should be discharged in a day or two," a source said.
The 69-year-old, who was admitted to the hospital on Feb 11 for the surgery, has shown signs of improvement -- he is going through hunger pangs, and also walked around a bit in his room.
Amitabh underwent two abdominal surgeries, after which he developed acute pain. Doctors contemplated another surgery, but the plan was shelved after his condition began to improve.
Now he seems to be in a much better position, and should be home soon to play with his granddaughter -- son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai's daughter, nicknamed Beti B -- soon.
Big B's health condition stems from his near-fatal accident on the sets of "Coolie" in 1982. Ever since, he has been frequently admitted to hospitals for treatment.
After his "Coolie" accident, he was reportedly attacked by the life-threatening disease Myasthenia Gravis, a neuromuscular ailment that causes muscle weakness.
In November 2005, he was back in the hospital -- first he was admitted to Escorts Hospital in the capital and later shifted to Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital with diverticulitis of the small intestine - when the walls of the large or small intestine tend to get weaker leading to an inflammation.
On Nov 30, 2005, he was operated on for the problem and he had to be in the hospital for two months.
Three years later, on his birthday, Oct 11, he complained of pain and was rushed to hospital. He was suspected to be suffering from incisional hernia, a recurring problem that has been troubling him for the past 30 years.
source:agency
"Amitabh's health is improving. Doctors will take a call regarding his discharge from the hospital by today (Monday) evening. He should be discharged in a day or two," a source said.
The 69-year-old, who was admitted to the hospital on Feb 11 for the surgery, has shown signs of improvement -- he is going through hunger pangs, and also walked around a bit in his room.
Amitabh underwent two abdominal surgeries, after which he developed acute pain. Doctors contemplated another surgery, but the plan was shelved after his condition began to improve.
Now he seems to be in a much better position, and should be home soon to play with his granddaughter -- son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai's daughter, nicknamed Beti B -- soon.
Big B's health condition stems from his near-fatal accident on the sets of "Coolie" in 1982. Ever since, he has been frequently admitted to hospitals for treatment.
After his "Coolie" accident, he was reportedly attacked by the life-threatening disease Myasthenia Gravis, a neuromuscular ailment that causes muscle weakness.
In November 2005, he was back in the hospital -- first he was admitted to Escorts Hospital in the capital and later shifted to Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital with diverticulitis of the small intestine - when the walls of the large or small intestine tend to get weaker leading to an inflammation.
On Nov 30, 2005, he was operated on for the problem and he had to be in the hospital for two months.
Three years later, on his birthday, Oct 11, he complained of pain and was rushed to hospital. He was suspected to be suffering from incisional hernia, a recurring problem that has been troubling him for the past 30 years.
source:agency
Stomach worms infecting thousands of children in the capital
New Delhi: With stomach worms infecting thousands of children in the capital, the Delhi government will initiate a programme in its schools from Tuesday to target the pests.
In the programme that is to cover nearly 40 lakh school children, students will be given chewable tablets to clear out worms from the body.
"Children with worms are more likely to suffer from malnutrition and anaemia resulting in sickness and it will have a impact on child's cognitive growth," Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said.
"The tablets will be given free of cost to all government, municipal and Delhi cantonment schools," she said.
The state-wide campaign was launched under Chacha Nehru Sehat Yojna (CNSY). It is a combined effort of Deworm the World (DtW), a NGO which will provide technical and operational support with Delhi's Health, Education, Social Welfare and Women and Child Development departments.
A recent study covering 3,251 children indicated that 83 percent children from a particular slum had worms in their stomach.
source:agency
In the programme that is to cover nearly 40 lakh school children, students will be given chewable tablets to clear out worms from the body.
"Children with worms are more likely to suffer from malnutrition and anaemia resulting in sickness and it will have a impact on child's cognitive growth," Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said.
"The tablets will be given free of cost to all government, municipal and Delhi cantonment schools," she said.
The state-wide campaign was launched under Chacha Nehru Sehat Yojna (CNSY). It is a combined effort of Deworm the World (DtW), a NGO which will provide technical and operational support with Delhi's Health, Education, Social Welfare and Women and Child Development departments.
A recent study covering 3,251 children indicated that 83 percent children from a particular slum had worms in their stomach.
source:agency
20120219
Only the Left parties had alternative economic policies :CPI-M
Kolkata: Blaming the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government's faulty policies for the poor and farmers' plight, the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) on Sunday said only the Left parties had alternative economic policies and would work to rally anti-Congress and anti-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) left and democratic forces.In a strong attack on the UPA, Karat said it has "established a new record in corruption", farmers were committing suicides across the country due to its faulty policies, while the prices of food and other essentials have skyrocketed."Our party and other Left parties will fight to protect the rights of the farmers and workers, fight against price rise and corruption."Only Left parties have policies which provided an alternative to those pursued by the Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party and other capitalist parties. We will work towards building a left and democratic alternative," said Karat at the open session of the CPI-M's 23rd state conference here.He also accused the Trinamool Congress of indulging in politics of duality."The central government has been raising the petrol prices. After decontrolling petrol they have raised prices 15 times. In the UPA government, the Congress and Trinamool are partners. But whatever be the issue, whatever be the people's problems, Trinamool takes a dual stand."
"When the central government increased prices of petro-products, the decisions were taken by the council of ministers which included the Trinamool. But in Kolkata, the Trinamool says it had no idea that such decisions have been taken. And then they say we oppose these policies.".
"They are continuing with such dual stands. Take decisions in Delhi and then oppose them in Kolkata," he said.
Karat warned that due to the ongoing assembly elections in five states, the UPA has not hiked petrol prices for the last two months. But once the polls are over, the prices will rise again, he added.
He also attacked the Mamata Banerjee government for farmer suicides.
"In the last eight months 38 farm suicides have taken place in the state. Such a thing was unheard of during the 34 years of the Left Front regime. We demand immediate action from the government in this regard and also relief for the farmers," added Karat.
source:agency
"When the central government increased prices of petro-products, the decisions were taken by the council of ministers which included the Trinamool. But in Kolkata, the Trinamool says it had no idea that such decisions have been taken. And then they say we oppose these policies.".
"They are continuing with such dual stands. Take decisions in Delhi and then oppose them in Kolkata," he said.
Karat warned that due to the ongoing assembly elections in five states, the UPA has not hiked petrol prices for the last two months. But once the polls are over, the prices will rise again, he added.
He also attacked the Mamata Banerjee government for farmer suicides.
"In the last eight months 38 farm suicides have taken place in the state. Such a thing was unheard of during the 34 years of the Left Front regime. We demand immediate action from the government in this regard and also relief for the farmers," added Karat.
source:agency
Amitabh Bachchan,is suffering hunger pangs:Doctors
Mumbai: Amitabh Bachchan, who is recuperating in the SevenHills hospital here, is suffering hunger pangs which is seen as a positive sign by doctors attending upon the megastar.
"Hunger pangs swell for the first time... docs say its good sign... hope so," Big B posted on his Twitter page.
The 69-year-old was admitted to hospital Feb 11 and underwent two abdominal surgeries, post which he complained of acute pain. His stay in the hospital was thus extended, and now he is under observation.
On Feb 17, Big B had informed through his blog that his intake had improved.
"My intake has been improved upon - from three sips of water per day to four sips!! That's like a couple of teaspoons full extra," he had posted on his blog bigb.bigadda.com.
But from his latest Twitter post, his condition seems to be much better.
The actor also tried to walk around on Saturday.
source:agency
"Hunger pangs swell for the first time... docs say its good sign... hope so," Big B posted on his Twitter page.
The 69-year-old was admitted to hospital Feb 11 and underwent two abdominal surgeries, post which he complained of acute pain. His stay in the hospital was thus extended, and now he is under observation.
On Feb 17, Big B had informed through his blog that his intake had improved.
"My intake has been improved upon - from three sips of water per day to four sips!! That's like a couple of teaspoons full extra," he had posted on his blog bigb.bigadda.com.
But from his latest Twitter post, his condition seems to be much better.
The actor also tried to walk around on Saturday.
source:agency
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) had exploited the socially marginalised people :BJP
Noida:Accusing the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) of cheating the Dalits in Uttar Pradesh, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today said that the ruling party had exploited the socially marginalised people instead of empowering them.
"The 'sarvajan hitay' (everyone's welfare) policy of the BSP government became Swajan Hitay (self and kin' welfare). The Dalit utthan (upliftment) converted into Dalit Prerna Sthals (inspiration centres) and Dalit vikas (development) shaped into huge parks of Rs.600 crores," BJP leader Sushma Swaraj said at a rally here while campaigning for party candidate doctor Mahesh Sharma.
"No one has ever heard of an alive person (referring to Mayawati) observing his own shraddh (ritual held after death). It was the first example," Swaraj said, while referring to the statues of Chief Minster and BSP supremo Mayawati built by her.
"There was an open plunder of government machinery and the people cried and just felt helpless during this regime. They promised everything to the people before last polls but today, their balance sheet is zero. They have no accomplishment to boast of," the BJP leader said.
The party said all three parties - the BSP, the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Congress - were one and had the same face, which could not hide in parliament when the SP voted for the Congress-led central government and also arranged other MPs on an crucial national issue like the nuclear deal.
"Every time a major issue came up in parliament, BSP and SP members supported the Congress by either walking out or voting for them," Sushma Swaraj said.
She said the BJP was the only option, before the people in the country, which had no alignment with these parties.
"They all claim to be concerned about farmers but what were they doing when the Noida farmers were weeping," she said.
"There was a well-hatched conspiracy to snatch land from the farmers," she said.
The leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, said: "The BJP was opposed to any kind of reservation based on religion. We treat every religion equally but would not tolerate anybody sloganeering for Pakistan on a day of India-Pakistan match."
"They are no less than traitors who remain silent on atrocities committed by terrorists but advocate for their rights," she said.
Uttarkhand Chief Minister B.C. Khanduri said the state had offered a wonderful Lokayukta model for other states to follow and curtail corruption.
source:agency
"The 'sarvajan hitay' (everyone's welfare) policy of the BSP government became Swajan Hitay (self and kin' welfare). The Dalit utthan (upliftment) converted into Dalit Prerna Sthals (inspiration centres) and Dalit vikas (development) shaped into huge parks of Rs.600 crores," BJP leader Sushma Swaraj said at a rally here while campaigning for party candidate doctor Mahesh Sharma.
"No one has ever heard of an alive person (referring to Mayawati) observing his own shraddh (ritual held after death). It was the first example," Swaraj said, while referring to the statues of Chief Minster and BSP supremo Mayawati built by her.
"There was an open plunder of government machinery and the people cried and just felt helpless during this regime. They promised everything to the people before last polls but today, their balance sheet is zero. They have no accomplishment to boast of," the BJP leader said.
The party said all three parties - the BSP, the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Congress - were one and had the same face, which could not hide in parliament when the SP voted for the Congress-led central government and also arranged other MPs on an crucial national issue like the nuclear deal.
"Every time a major issue came up in parliament, BSP and SP members supported the Congress by either walking out or voting for them," Sushma Swaraj said.
She said the BJP was the only option, before the people in the country, which had no alignment with these parties.
"They all claim to be concerned about farmers but what were they doing when the Noida farmers were weeping," she said.
"There was a well-hatched conspiracy to snatch land from the farmers," she said.
The leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, said: "The BJP was opposed to any kind of reservation based on religion. We treat every religion equally but would not tolerate anybody sloganeering for Pakistan on a day of India-Pakistan match."
"They are no less than traitors who remain silent on atrocities committed by terrorists but advocate for their rights," she said.
Uttarkhand Chief Minister B.C. Khanduri said the state had offered a wonderful Lokayukta model for other states to follow and curtail corruption.
source:agency
Mafia raj would return to the state if the Samajwadi Party came to power:Mayawati
Firozabad:Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati on Saturday said here that "gunda and mafia raj" would return to the state if the Mulayam Singh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party came to power in the assembly polls.Addressing a rally at the CL College ground, Mayawati said the central government was corrupt.She said she had already removed corrupt ministers from her party and other tainted people would be weeded out soon.
Elections in Uttar Pradesh's 403 constituencies are being held in seven phases. In the fourth phase on Sunday, an estimated 57 percent voting was recorded in 56 constituencies. The last phase of the polls is scheduled for March 3 and the results would be out on March 6.
source:agency
Elections in Uttar Pradesh's 403 constituencies are being held in seven phases. In the fourth phase on Sunday, an estimated 57 percent voting was recorded in 56 constituencies. The last phase of the polls is scheduled for March 3 and the results would be out on March 6.
source:agency
Toshiba Elevators, plans to aggressively expand its business in India
Mumbai: Toshiba Elevators, a unit of Japanese conglomerate Toshiba Corporation, plans to aggressively expand its business in India, from where it hopes to generate eight percent of its global revenue by 2015.
"At the moment our focus is on the Delhi-Mumbai industrial corridor. Probably, by 2014-15, we will expand nationally," Shinichiro Akiba, president and chief executive officer of Toshiba Elevator and Building Systems Corporation, told reporters here.
Akiba said the company targets to increase its revenue from Indian market to $125 million by 2015, which would account for nearly eight percent of its global revenue.
In a major step forward towards expanding its business in Indian markets, Toshiba Elevator established a locally-incorporated company, Toshiba Elevator India, in April 2011.
The official said the company has received orders from several big projects in India in the last one year.
The new orders include supply of elevators for 66-storey "One Avighna Park Tower" project in Mumbai, being developed by Nish Developers. Earlier this month, the company received two orders from a real estate developer Hiranandani.
"Many more project are under active negotiation," said Akiba.
The Indian elevator market is dominated by the companies like Hitachi, Mitsubishi, Otis and Olympus.
Akiba said Toshiba Elevators would keep its focus on premium and high-end markets.
Toshiba Elevators holds a Guinness World Record for the fastest elevator -- the Taipei Financial Center -- which was built in 2004 and travels at 1,010 meters per minute.
"In today's market all over the world, price is important. However, Toshiba Elevator Group has a policy not to compromise with safety and quality," Akiba said in a statement.
source:agency
"At the moment our focus is on the Delhi-Mumbai industrial corridor. Probably, by 2014-15, we will expand nationally," Shinichiro Akiba, president and chief executive officer of Toshiba Elevator and Building Systems Corporation, told reporters here.
Akiba said the company targets to increase its revenue from Indian market to $125 million by 2015, which would account for nearly eight percent of its global revenue.
In a major step forward towards expanding its business in Indian markets, Toshiba Elevator established a locally-incorporated company, Toshiba Elevator India, in April 2011.
The official said the company has received orders from several big projects in India in the last one year.
The new orders include supply of elevators for 66-storey "One Avighna Park Tower" project in Mumbai, being developed by Nish Developers. Earlier this month, the company received two orders from a real estate developer Hiranandani.
"Many more project are under active negotiation," said Akiba.
The Indian elevator market is dominated by the companies like Hitachi, Mitsubishi, Otis and Olympus.
Akiba said Toshiba Elevators would keep its focus on premium and high-end markets.
Toshiba Elevators holds a Guinness World Record for the fastest elevator -- the Taipei Financial Center -- which was built in 2004 and travels at 1,010 meters per minute.
"In today's market all over the world, price is important. However, Toshiba Elevator Group has a policy not to compromise with safety and quality," Akiba said in a statement.
source:agency
Indian women's hockey coach C.R. Kumar was pleased with the team's 4-1 thrashing of Canada
New Delhi:Indian women's hockey coach C.R. Kumar was pleased with the team's 4-1 thrashing of Canada here today but said there was still room for improvement in the 2012 London Olympic qualifiers.
"It was a good performance from the girls. 4-1 is a good score-line for the team. I was particularly happy with the professionalism of the girls," said Kumar.
The coach, however, said there are a few areas in the defence where his team has to work hard.
"There are a few areas where we have to work hard. Our defenders are unnecessary forcing the ball and are losing possession. Some of the links were also unable to trap the ball properly," he said.
Kumar said Sunday's performance will boost the confidence of the girls as they gear up to face Poland, South Africa and Italy in their remaining three pool matches.
"I think against Canada our passing has been the best when you compare it with other teams. This performance will surely boost their confidence as we prepare for our remaining three pool matches," he said.
Kumar said India have to play aggressively if they want to make the final.
"We have to play aggressively. We cannot be slow starters and be nervous. A team commits mistake when it is nervous. We have no room for errors," he said.
Skipper Asanta Lakra said the team had put the unexpected draw against Ukraine behind.
"We don't line in the past. The girls were determined not to commit mistakes and we did exactly that," he said.
source:agency
"It was a good performance from the girls. 4-1 is a good score-line for the team. I was particularly happy with the professionalism of the girls," said Kumar.
The coach, however, said there are a few areas in the defence where his team has to work hard.
"There are a few areas where we have to work hard. Our defenders are unnecessary forcing the ball and are losing possession. Some of the links were also unable to trap the ball properly," he said.
Kumar said Sunday's performance will boost the confidence of the girls as they gear up to face Poland, South Africa and Italy in their remaining three pool matches.
"I think against Canada our passing has been the best when you compare it with other teams. This performance will surely boost their confidence as we prepare for our remaining three pool matches," he said.
Kumar said India have to play aggressively if they want to make the final.
"We have to play aggressively. We cannot be slow starters and be nervous. A team commits mistake when it is nervous. We have no room for errors," he said.
Skipper Asanta Lakra said the team had put the unexpected draw against Ukraine behind.
"We don't line in the past. The girls were determined not to commit mistakes and we did exactly that," he said.
source:agency
Bollywood actor R. Madhavan said it has been a privilege to work with Bipasha Basu
Kolkata:Lauding Bipasha Basu as one of the most outstanding and rewarding actresses he has worked with, Bollywood actor R. Madhavan on Sunday said it has been a privilege to work with the dusky beauty.
"She is one of the most outstanding and rewarding co-stars I have ever worked with. Bipasha is a heroine who is involved in all creative aspects of the film,"
"It has been a privilege to work with a heroine like her who have never made anybody wait for her on the sets. Bipasha has never been late on the sets," said Madhavan who was in the city to promote 'Jodi Breakers'.
The film, directed by Ashwini Chaudhary and set to release on Feb 24, is a wicked romantic comedy.
Madhavan plays the role of Sid, who along with Bipasaha, is a 'Jodi Breaker' - helping people who want to break their marriages and start a new life.
Bipasha said that the song titled 'Bipasha' is one of the favorite songs of her four-year-old niece.
"I never expected a song after my name. And it is really good that the Song has been a hit. My four-year old niece dances whenever the song is played. It is sign of the song being a hit," she said.
source:agency
"She is one of the most outstanding and rewarding co-stars I have ever worked with. Bipasha is a heroine who is involved in all creative aspects of the film,"
"It has been a privilege to work with a heroine like her who have never made anybody wait for her on the sets. Bipasha has never been late on the sets," said Madhavan who was in the city to promote 'Jodi Breakers'.
The film, directed by Ashwini Chaudhary and set to release on Feb 24, is a wicked romantic comedy.
Madhavan plays the role of Sid, who along with Bipasaha, is a 'Jodi Breaker' - helping people who want to break their marriages and start a new life.
Bipasha said that the song titled 'Bipasha' is one of the favorite songs of her four-year-old niece.
"I never expected a song after my name. And it is really good that the Song has been a hit. My four-year old niece dances whenever the song is played. It is sign of the song being a hit," she said.
source:agency
Actor Govinda has wished megastar Amitabh Bachchan speedy recovery
New Delhi: Actor Govinda has wished megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who is recuperating after undergoing abdominal surgery, a speedy recovery.
"I wish him all the best. I pray for his well being. He has always been very active. I wish him speedy recovery. Amitabh ji is not just a personality, he is an icon. We all are very proud of him. I wish he remain in best of his health always," Govinda said at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week
The actor walked the ramp with daughter Narmmadaa for designer Reynu Tandon.
Govinda, who has lost 16 kgs, looked dapper in black suit. He is gearing up to begin shooting for his next film "Avatar" and is said to be getting in shape for his role. However, he refused to reveal anything about it.
Narmmadaa was also due to make her Bollywood debut but her launchpad got delayed due to casting issues. However, she says: "You are definitely going to see me this year."
source:agency
"I wish him all the best. I pray for his well being. He has always been very active. I wish him speedy recovery. Amitabh ji is not just a personality, he is an icon. We all are very proud of him. I wish he remain in best of his health always," Govinda said at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week
The actor walked the ramp with daughter Narmmadaa for designer Reynu Tandon.
Govinda, who has lost 16 kgs, looked dapper in black suit. He is gearing up to begin shooting for his next film "Avatar" and is said to be getting in shape for his role. However, he refused to reveal anything about it.
Narmmadaa was also due to make her Bollywood debut but her launchpad got delayed due to casting issues. However, she says: "You are definitely going to see me this year."
source:agency
BJP leader L.K. Advani accused the Congress of "deliberately communalising" the UP Assembly polls
New Delhi: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader L.K. Advani today accused the Congress of "deliberately communalising" the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, a day after the poll panel served notice on Steel Minister Beni Prasad Verma for promising a sub-quota for Muslims."Never before have the Congress party or its leaders communalised an assembly election as consciously and deliberately as it has done in UP in 2012," Advani said in his latest blog post.Advani also said suspicion expressed on Saturday by party leader Arun Jaitley that the remarks of Verma and earlier Law Minister Salman Khurshid were pre-planned would prove to be true if Verma too (like Khurshid) does not face any action."If Verma also does something like what Khurshid has done (tendering an apology), and escapes removal from the ministry, then Jaitley's suspicion would be proved correct that these statements are not individual acts of defiance of a constitutional authority but part of a planned poll-oriented conspiracy by the party's poll managers," wrote Advani.
He also cited Congress leader Digvijay Singh's recent statement that the Batla House gunfight with terrorists was fake gunfight to support his view.
Advani contended that the three events last week had been unprecedented in the history of Indian elections.
These are the poll panel's notice to Khurshid, his defiance of it and the poll panel's shock over it, he said.
source:agency
He also cited Congress leader Digvijay Singh's recent statement that the Batla House gunfight with terrorists was fake gunfight to support his view.
Advani contended that the three events last week had been unprecedented in the history of Indian elections.
These are the poll panel's notice to Khurshid, his defiance of it and the poll panel's shock over it, he said.
source:agency
Group of people pelted stones at Salman Khursheed's wife Louis Khursheed
Uttar Pradesh: Louis Khursheed, Congress leader and wife of union Law Minister Salman Khursheed, had a narrow escape today evening as a group of people pelted stones at a polling booth here, from where she is contesting the Uttar Pradesh assembly polls, for allegedly promoting bogus voting.
The protesters charged her with "facilitating voting by her supporters" inside a booth at a primary school in Bibiganj after the 5 p.m. deadline.
As the gates were closed for voting and the people who had queued up were taken in, a group of Bharatiya Janata Party and Bahujan Samaj Party workers gathered near the booth and started shouting slogans.
The protesters even pelted stones at the polling booth where Louis Khursheed was standing. They accused her of trying to influence voters and promoting bogus voting.
Farrukhabad Superintendent of Police Mohit Gupta said that an incident had been reported from Bibiganj and he had asked officials to investigate the matter.
"Such reports have come to me and I have asked Louis Khursheed to send me a formal complaint so that the matter may be looked into," Gupta said.
source:agency
The protesters charged her with "facilitating voting by her supporters" inside a booth at a primary school in Bibiganj after the 5 p.m. deadline.
As the gates were closed for voting and the people who had queued up were taken in, a group of Bharatiya Janata Party and Bahujan Samaj Party workers gathered near the booth and started shouting slogans.
The protesters even pelted stones at the polling booth where Louis Khursheed was standing. They accused her of trying to influence voters and promoting bogus voting.
Farrukhabad Superintendent of Police Mohit Gupta said that an incident had been reported from Bibiganj and he had asked officials to investigate the matter.
"Such reports have come to me and I have asked Louis Khursheed to send me a formal complaint so that the matter may be looked into," Gupta said.
source:agency
Mayawati expressed confidence that her party would win the 2012 elections
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati expressed confidence today that her party would win the 2012 elections and again form the government in Lucknow.Mayawati, while casting her vote in a Lucknow school, said: "My party will do even better than 2007. And looking at the mammoth turnout at my rallies, let me tell you, we will once again form the government here."Mayawati was accompanied by her party general secretary Satish Misra, widely known as the Dalit party's Brahmin mascot.
The fourth phase of polling in the seven-phase Uttar Pradesh polls is being organised today. As many as 17.2 million voters are eligible to elect their representatives spread across 56 constituencies in 11 districts, including state capital Lucknow.
source:agency
The fourth phase of polling in the seven-phase Uttar Pradesh polls is being organised today. As many as 17.2 million voters are eligible to elect their representatives spread across 56 constituencies in 11 districts, including state capital Lucknow.
source:agency
Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is backing Maoists and insurgent outfits in Assam
Guwahati: Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is backing Maoists and insurgent outfits in Assam and other northeastern states to expand its activities, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said today after meeting union Home Minister P. Chidambaram.
The two met for a law and order review meet at the Raj Bhavan here.
"The home minister discussed mainly insurgency related issues. The militant outfits of the northeast have united now due to their reduced strength and the ISI is trying to back the militant outfits and Maoists in spreading their network and activity in Assam," Gogoi said.
He said the meeting also discussed strategy on how to tackle the activity of militants.
"Insurgency related incidents have decreased in the state, the home minister had admitted that the law and order situation has improved," said Gogoi.
He has demanded that the central government give more funds to deal with Maoist activities, which are growing in Assam.
"I have demanded funds like the Naxalite affected areas. I have also demanded more paramilitary forces for Assam. The law and order situation is improving, but we need more paramilitary forces as we cannot take a risk," he said.
The central government has withdrawn some companies of paramilitary forces deployed in the state ahead of elections in five states. At present the state has 86 companies of paramilitary forces to assist the state's police force.
"The home minister today asserted that 13 companies of paramilitary forces will be given to Assam after the election process in five states is completed. However, I have demanded for more forces as our requirement is about 125 companies," he said.
Gogoi said the militant outfits of the region have some base in Myanmar now. "Even the central government is aware of the fact that the outfits have their bases in Myanmar. The government had already taken up the matter with its counterpart in Myanmar. However, even the Myanmar government does not have authority in those areas where the militants bases are located," said Gogoi.
Chidambaram had visited Reang refugees in Tripura on Saturday. He is likely to visit Meghalaya Sunday before leaving for New Delhi in the evening.
source:agency
The two met for a law and order review meet at the Raj Bhavan here.
"The home minister discussed mainly insurgency related issues. The militant outfits of the northeast have united now due to their reduced strength and the ISI is trying to back the militant outfits and Maoists in spreading their network and activity in Assam," Gogoi said.
He said the meeting also discussed strategy on how to tackle the activity of militants.
"Insurgency related incidents have decreased in the state, the home minister had admitted that the law and order situation has improved," said Gogoi.
He has demanded that the central government give more funds to deal with Maoist activities, which are growing in Assam.
"I have demanded funds like the Naxalite affected areas. I have also demanded more paramilitary forces for Assam. The law and order situation is improving, but we need more paramilitary forces as we cannot take a risk," he said.
The central government has withdrawn some companies of paramilitary forces deployed in the state ahead of elections in five states. At present the state has 86 companies of paramilitary forces to assist the state's police force.
"The home minister today asserted that 13 companies of paramilitary forces will be given to Assam after the election process in five states is completed. However, I have demanded for more forces as our requirement is about 125 companies," he said.
Gogoi said the militant outfits of the region have some base in Myanmar now. "Even the central government is aware of the fact that the outfits have their bases in Myanmar. The government had already taken up the matter with its counterpart in Myanmar. However, even the Myanmar government does not have authority in those areas where the militants bases are located," said Gogoi.
Chidambaram had visited Reang refugees in Tripura on Saturday. He is likely to visit Meghalaya Sunday before leaving for New Delhi in the evening.
source:agency
Arun Jaitley charged Salman Khurshid with "repeatedly offending" the Election Commision by violating the poll code
Agra: Bhartiya Janata Party leader Arun Jaitley today charged Congress ministers Salman Khurshid and Beni Verma with "repeatedly offending" the Election Commision by violating the poll code.
"The two are repeatedly offending the Election Commission," said Jaitley, expressing satisfaction over the poll panel's working.
Addressing a press conference here, he indicated that the results of the Uttar Pradesh assembly election will impact national politics and the United Progressive Alliance government, which may increasingly need to rely on the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party.
Jaitley also accused the Congress and its allies of openly indulging in communal politics and seeking to divide the voters on sectarian lines.
Noting that Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Lalu Prasad had also tried this in Bihar but failed, Jaitley expressed the hope that the people of Uttar Pradesh will also reject this approach and will usher in change.
source:agency
"The two are repeatedly offending the Election Commission," said Jaitley, expressing satisfaction over the poll panel's working.
Addressing a press conference here, he indicated that the results of the Uttar Pradesh assembly election will impact national politics and the United Progressive Alliance government, which may increasingly need to rely on the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party.
Jaitley also accused the Congress and its allies of openly indulging in communal politics and seeking to divide the voters on sectarian lines.
Noting that Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Lalu Prasad had also tried this in Bihar but failed, Jaitley expressed the hope that the people of Uttar Pradesh will also reject this approach and will usher in change.
source:agency
BJP star campaigner Uma Bharti will cast her vote in Lucknow
Lucknow:Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) star campaigner Uma Bharti, who migrated from neighbouring Madhya Pradesh to make Uttar Pradesh her political abode, will cast her vote in Lucknow where polling will take place today for the fourth phase along with 55 other state assembly constituencies.Even as she chose a remote corner of Bundelkhand for her constituency, Uma Bharti found it convenient to show Lucknow as her residential address.According to BJP sources, she would cast her vote at Navyug Degree College near Rajendra Nagar around 9.30 a.m.Chief minister Mayawati proposes to take it easy and cast her vote around 11.45 a.m. at the Lucknow Montessori School.
Former chief minister and former BJP president Rajnath Singh will go to the PWD office polling booth at 10.30 a.m., Lalji Tandon to the Sondhi Tola polling centre at 10 a.m. while Kalraj Misra will got to the Nagar Nigam polling centre at 7 a.m.
UP Congress president Rita Bahuguna Joshi, who is contesting for the Lucknow Cantt seat, will cast her vote at the Lucknow Montessori School around 7.15 a.m.
source:agency
Former chief minister and former BJP president Rajnath Singh will go to the PWD office polling booth at 10.30 a.m., Lalji Tandon to the Sondhi Tola polling centre at 10 a.m. while Kalraj Misra will got to the Nagar Nigam polling centre at 7 a.m.
UP Congress president Rita Bahuguna Joshi, who is contesting for the Lucknow Cantt seat, will cast her vote at the Lucknow Montessori School around 7.15 a.m.
source:agency
Government will address the concerns of the states over formation of the anti-terrorism body
New Delhi: Amid opposition from various chief ministers over the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Congress today said the government will address the concerns of the states over formation of the anti-terrorism body.
"If so many chief ministers have expressed their concerns, the central government will talk to them, will certainly try to resolve their concerns and allay their apprehensions," Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari said here.
The comments came a day after Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee joined her counterparts from Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Bihar in strongly opposing the just approved counter-terror intelligence hub, a brainchild of the union Home Minister P. Chidambaram. Chief ministers of several Bharatiya Janata-ruled states and Left-ruled Tripura are also opposed.
Tewari, however, downplayed any embarrassment for the party due to opposition from ally Trinamool Congress.
"Central government and state governments can have different perceptions. Even the chief minister of an UPA ally can have a different view," he said.
Home Minister P. Chidambaram, however, today clarified that the centre did not intend to interfere in the rights of the states.
source:agency
"If so many chief ministers have expressed their concerns, the central government will talk to them, will certainly try to resolve their concerns and allay their apprehensions," Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari said here.
The comments came a day after Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee joined her counterparts from Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Bihar in strongly opposing the just approved counter-terror intelligence hub, a brainchild of the union Home Minister P. Chidambaram. Chief ministers of several Bharatiya Janata-ruled states and Left-ruled Tripura are also opposed.
Tewari, however, downplayed any embarrassment for the party due to opposition from ally Trinamool Congress.
"Central government and state governments can have different perceptions. Even the chief minister of an UPA ally can have a different view," he said.
Home Minister P. Chidambaram, however, today clarified that the centre did not intend to interfere in the rights of the states.
source:agency
Sonia Gandhi's daughter Priyanka seems to be the new mascot of the party in Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu: Congress chief Sonia Gandhi's daughter Priyanka seems to be the new mascot of the party in Jammu and Kashmir, having found a prominent place in its advertisements and posters announcing a mega rally here today.
In full-page ads published in local newspapers, a smiling Priyanka is seen sharing space with her mother as well as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
The posters and advertisements have been issued by minister Raman Bhalla of the Congress, urging people to join the "mega" rally of the party in his constituency of Gandhinagar in Jammu Sunday.
The Congress is a ruling ally of the National Conference in Kashmir. This is the first time in all these years that Priyanka has found place in the party's posters in Jammu and Kashmir, though she never visited the state for rallies or election campaigning.
Her brother Rahul, however, was introduced to the political and electoral landscape of Jammu and Kashmir in the 2008 assembly elections. Thereafter, he has been visiting the state for electioneering and interacting with party workers.
Arvind Kumar, a supporter of the minister, said, "She (Priyanka) is there (on the posters and advertisements) because she is our leader."
"Look at the way she is attracting crowds in the rallies across Uttar Pradesh," he said, referring to the country's most populous state where assembly elections are in progress.
source:agency
In full-page ads published in local newspapers, a smiling Priyanka is seen sharing space with her mother as well as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
The posters and advertisements have been issued by minister Raman Bhalla of the Congress, urging people to join the "mega" rally of the party in his constituency of Gandhinagar in Jammu Sunday.
The Congress is a ruling ally of the National Conference in Kashmir. This is the first time in all these years that Priyanka has found place in the party's posters in Jammu and Kashmir, though she never visited the state for rallies or election campaigning.
Her brother Rahul, however, was introduced to the political and electoral landscape of Jammu and Kashmir in the 2008 assembly elections. Thereafter, he has been visiting the state for electioneering and interacting with party workers.
Arvind Kumar, a supporter of the minister, said, "She (Priyanka) is there (on the posters and advertisements) because she is our leader."
"Look at the way she is attracting crowds in the rallies across Uttar Pradesh," he said, referring to the country's most populous state where assembly elections are in progress.
source:agency
India made a rich haul of one gold in the individual section of the first Asian Grand Prix archery tournament
Kolkata: India made a rich haul of one gold, three silver and a bronze medal in the individual section of the first Asian Grand Prix archery tournament at Bangkok today.
Two teenage sensations, Chittibomma Jignas and National champion Rajat Chauhan, combined to give India 1-2 in the men's compound event, according to information received here.
In an all-Indian final, the 18-year-old Services' archer subdued Chauhan in the tie-breaker after the two tied at 144-144. Both hit the bull's eye but Jignas' arrow was found to be closer to the centre and gave him the second international gold after the silver he bagged at the third Asian Grand Prix at Dhaka in May last.
It was a remarkable show by Rajashtan boy Chauhan, who reached the final on his maiden international assignment, after having emerged national champion in all the three age groups: sub-junior, junior and senior in the same year.
In the semi-finals, Chauhan ousted Nguyen at 149-147 and Jignas eliminated compatriot Ritul Chatterjee 147-143.
It could have been a clean sweep by the Indians had Chatterjee not lost the bronze play-off to Nguyen Tien Cuong of Vietnam at 143-147.
India's quest to win the most coveted events of all, the recurve division, did not come off. The country's two final entries, Mangal Singh Champia and Chekrovolu Swuro, have not done well in individual events over the years. That they managed to win silver medals was indeed praiseworthy.
Champia came up against a vastly experienced Romain Girouille of France in the men's recurve final where the two shared the five sets to tie the score at 5-5. In the one-arrow tie-breaker, the Frenchman shot a nine to the Indian's eight in a touch and go contest.
Earlier, Champia won against Spain's Elias Cuesta by 7-3 set points in the semifinals.
Chekrovolu, who held an upper hand in the women's recurve final against Ren Hayakawa of Japan, erred at the beginning of the third set. After taking the first two sets and a commanding 4-0 set points, the Indian needed just one more set to win the gold. Chekrovolu's first arrow of the third set hit the seven point ring which unnerved the Indian.
Ren shot a 10 and a nine to take the set. Chekrovolu cracked in the fourth set shooting 8,9,9 to her opponent's 10,8,10. The deciding set was a touch and go affair with the confident Japanese winning it in the end.
In the semis, Chekrovolu edged past Urangungalag Bishindee of Mongolia in the tie-break after both shared the five sets to tie the set score at 5-5. In the tie-breaker, the Indian's bull's eye was found to be closer to the centre than the Mongolian's shot.
Both the Indian entries in the women's compound bowed out in the semi final. Jhano Hansdah lost to ultimate gold medal winner Aung Ngeain of Myanmar 142-145 and Gagandeep Kaur fell to silver medallist Nurfatehah Mat Salleh Fatin of Malaysia 141-143. In the battle for bronze, Jhano prevailed over her much younger opponent in the tie-breaker after a 139-139 tie. Jhano broke the stalemate by hitting the bull's eye while Gagandeep collected only 8.
The team finals will be gone through Sunday.
source:agency
Two teenage sensations, Chittibomma Jignas and National champion Rajat Chauhan, combined to give India 1-2 in the men's compound event, according to information received here.
In an all-Indian final, the 18-year-old Services' archer subdued Chauhan in the tie-breaker after the two tied at 144-144. Both hit the bull's eye but Jignas' arrow was found to be closer to the centre and gave him the second international gold after the silver he bagged at the third Asian Grand Prix at Dhaka in May last.
It was a remarkable show by Rajashtan boy Chauhan, who reached the final on his maiden international assignment, after having emerged national champion in all the three age groups: sub-junior, junior and senior in the same year.
In the semi-finals, Chauhan ousted Nguyen at 149-147 and Jignas eliminated compatriot Ritul Chatterjee 147-143.
It could have been a clean sweep by the Indians had Chatterjee not lost the bronze play-off to Nguyen Tien Cuong of Vietnam at 143-147.
India's quest to win the most coveted events of all, the recurve division, did not come off. The country's two final entries, Mangal Singh Champia and Chekrovolu Swuro, have not done well in individual events over the years. That they managed to win silver medals was indeed praiseworthy.
Champia came up against a vastly experienced Romain Girouille of France in the men's recurve final where the two shared the five sets to tie the score at 5-5. In the one-arrow tie-breaker, the Frenchman shot a nine to the Indian's eight in a touch and go contest.
Earlier, Champia won against Spain's Elias Cuesta by 7-3 set points in the semifinals.
Chekrovolu, who held an upper hand in the women's recurve final against Ren Hayakawa of Japan, erred at the beginning of the third set. After taking the first two sets and a commanding 4-0 set points, the Indian needed just one more set to win the gold. Chekrovolu's first arrow of the third set hit the seven point ring which unnerved the Indian.
Ren shot a 10 and a nine to take the set. Chekrovolu cracked in the fourth set shooting 8,9,9 to her opponent's 10,8,10. The deciding set was a touch and go affair with the confident Japanese winning it in the end.
In the semis, Chekrovolu edged past Urangungalag Bishindee of Mongolia in the tie-break after both shared the five sets to tie the set score at 5-5. In the tie-breaker, the Indian's bull's eye was found to be closer to the centre than the Mongolian's shot.
Both the Indian entries in the women's compound bowed out in the semi final. Jhano Hansdah lost to ultimate gold medal winner Aung Ngeain of Myanmar 142-145 and Gagandeep Kaur fell to silver medallist Nurfatehah Mat Salleh Fatin of Malaysia 141-143. In the battle for bronze, Jhano prevailed over her much younger opponent in the tie-breaker after a 139-139 tie. Jhano broke the stalemate by hitting the bull's eye while Gagandeep collected only 8.
The team finals will be gone through Sunday.
source:agency
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