20100307
India assures Sri Lanka support for Tamil resettlement
Colombo: India today assured Sri Lanka of its support in resettling nearly 300,000 Tamil civilians displaced by the civil war in the island-nation and pushed for a political settlement when Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa in Colombo. Rao met Rajapaksa over lunch at Janadhipathi Manidiraya and congratulated him on his landslide victory in the Jan 26 presidential polls. This was the first high-level contact between New Delhi and Colombo since the Sri Lankan presidential polls. "She expressed India's willingness to continue assisting Sri Lanka in the resettlement of the IDPs (internally displaced persons)," an official statement from the Sri Lankan presidential secretariat said in Colombo. "India was also keen to assist in the complete restoration of the railway line in the north," it said. The statement said that in her meeting with Rajapaksa, Rao was of the view that Sri Lanka had made considerable success in resettling the displaced families in the north and the east, with the number now standing at less than 70,000. In her discussions, Rao stressed the need for a political settlement and devolution of powers to address the aspirations of the Tamil minority, official sources said in New Delhi. The two sides discussed problems faced by fisherman from both countries, the proposed coal-based power generation project in Trincomalee, and the necessity for understanding between India and Sri Lanka on the protection of the environment and the eco-systems, the statement in Colombo said. Rao, who had earlier served in Colombo as India's high commissioner, conveyed an invitation from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Rajapaksa to visit India soon. India has allocated Rs.500 crore for the relief and rehabilitation of the war-hit Tamil civilians in Sri Lanka.
Women's quota bill 'anti-Muslim','anti-Dalit': Mulayam
Lucknow: Samajwadi Party president Mulayam Singh Yadav today termed the women's reservation bill "anti-Muslim" and "anti-Dalit", and said it will restrict chances of members of these communities getting elected to legislatures.
"When states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharastra, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi or Orissa rarely elect even a single Muslim, the reservation for women will further minimise the chance of a Muslim ever getting elected from these places," he said at a press conference here.
Opposing the reservation bill in its present form, he contended that the quota for Dalit women will actually eat into the quota for Dalits, "depriving Dalit men".
Slamming the stand of Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) who are supporting the bill, Mulayam Singh said: "Their stand clearly reflects that they are hand in glove and their real intent is to harm the larger interests of Muslims, Dalits as well as backwards".
In a reference to the Congress and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), he remarked: "There are certain political parties in the country which are dominated by women whose word is law in their respective parties but did they ever care to allocate 30 per cent tickets to women? If they wanted, they could have even given away 50 per cent or even 100 per cent seats to women, but they never did so"
"When states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharastra, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi or Orissa rarely elect even a single Muslim, the reservation for women will further minimise the chance of a Muslim ever getting elected from these places," he said at a press conference here.
Opposing the reservation bill in its present form, he contended that the quota for Dalit women will actually eat into the quota for Dalits, "depriving Dalit men".
Slamming the stand of Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) who are supporting the bill, Mulayam Singh said: "Their stand clearly reflects that they are hand in glove and their real intent is to harm the larger interests of Muslims, Dalits as well as backwards".
In a reference to the Congress and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), he remarked: "There are certain political parties in the country which are dominated by women whose word is law in their respective parties but did they ever care to allocate 30 per cent tickets to women? If they wanted, they could have even given away 50 per cent or even 100 per cent seats to women, but they never did so"
India not setting up more NSG hubs
New Delhi: After having set up National Security Guard (NSG) hubs, one each in four metros, the government has no plans to establish more centres of the elite counter-terrorism force in the country, according to the home ministry. "The government has established four NSG hubs, one each in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai. There is no plan to set up NSG hubs in all states," Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Maken told the Rajya Sabha last week. Maken said the government was reviewing internal security regularly and based on such a review strengthening its national security apparatus. "The government has sanctioned two commando companies in each India Reserve Battalion of state governments and has given additional assistance of Rs.3 crore per commando company," he said in a written reply to a question about NSG hubs. The NSG is a special response unit for counter-terrorism activities. It was created in 1986. Its recruitment is done from the central paramilitary forces and the Indian armed forces. Working under the home ministry, the NSG's roles include protecting the VIPs, conducting anti-sabotage checks, rescuing hostages, neutralising terrorist threats to vital installations, engaging terrorists and responding to hijacking and piracy. The highlight of the NSG's operations so far has been eliminating terrorists and rescuing hostages in the Nov 26, 2008, Mumbai attacks after 10 Pakistani militants launched multiple attacks across the city. Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan and Hawaldar Gajender Singh Bisht of the group lost their lives during the operations.
Man caught for terror blasts sent to police custody
New Delhi: A suspected Indian Mujahieedin (IM) terrorist, arrested in Uttar Pradesh, was today sent to eight days' custody of the Delhi Police after he was brought to Delhi to investigate bomb blasts across the country. A team of Delhi Police Special Cell brought Salman Ahmad alias Chhotu, 21, to the national capital from Uttar Pradesh's Siddharth Nagar district on a transit remand. He was presented in the Tis Hazari district court where Duty Magistrate Ajay Garg sent him to police custody till March 15. The Special Cell sought his custody for 10 days to interrogate him about the various blasts across the country in the past four years and also to learn more about the IM network. The court, however, granted the police eight-day custody. Ahmad, resident of Sanajarpur town in Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh district, was arrested on Friday by a team of Uttar Pradesh's Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS). He was on Saturday handed over to a team of Delhi Police on the directions of a special court. Police suspect that Ahmad was involved in a number of serial blasts in Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Delhi. Delhi Police had announced a reward of Rs.100,000 for his capture. According to police, Ahmad had gone to Pakistan to receive terrorist training at a camp. "He reached Pakistan on Dec 12, 2009, on a fake passport, which he managed to procure during his stay in Nepal, to attend a terrorist training camp there. After the training, he returned to Nepal Jan 22, 2010," a police officer said. "In the camp, he learnt to make bombs and operate several sophisticated firearms, including AK-47s," the official added. Entrusted by his handlers in Pakistan with the task of strengthening the Indian Mujaheedin network in Uttar Pradesh, Chhotu lived at several places in Uttar Pradesh, Nepal and Bihar, ATS officials said.
Hafiz Saeed issue was strongly raised with Pakistan: India
New Delhi: Surprised over Islamabad's statement that Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed did not figure in the Feb 25 foreign secretary-level talks, India today said the "unhindered freedom" the terrorist chief enjoys in Pakistan was "strongly" raised during the parleys held here. "India has been demanding action against Saeed, one of the alleged masterminds of the Mumbai terrorist attack, since the barbaric and dastardly attack took place (on Nov 26, 2008)," the official spokesperson of the external affairs ministry said in a statement. The statement came in response to media reports quoting Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi that India has not demanded the arrest of Hafiz Saeed and that the issue did not even figure in the foreign secretary-level talks with Pakistan. Expressing "surprise", the spokesperson said: "A dossier containing a compilation of evidence on the involvement of Hafiz Saeed in the terrorist attack was handed over to Pakistan on Aug 21, 2009, and his name featured prominently in yet another dossier handed over to the Pakistan foreign secretary (Salman Bashir) during the talks Feb 25, 2010." "Saeed's activities, including his recent vitriolic and venomous statements aimed at fomenting further acts of terrorism against India and the unhindered public space and freedom he enjoys in Pakistan, were raised strongly by India during the foreign secretary-level talks," the spokesperson said. Qureshi on Saturday claimed that India never demanded the arrest of the Saeed, who now heads the Jamaat-ud-Dawah, a frontal charity organisation of the Lashkar. He said Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao never discussed the Saeed issue at the talks with her Pakistani counterpart.
JD(U) hints at softening of opposition to women's bill
New Delhi: With the numbers favouring the passage of the women's reservation bill in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, the Janata Dal-United (JD-U), a prominent party opposing it, today indicated a softening of its position. JD-U chief whip in the Rajya Sabha Ali Anwar Ansari said the party will consider the opinion of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in support of the bill, which seeks to reserve 33 percent seats for women in parliament and state legislatures. "A meeting of JD-U MPs will be held at party president Sharad Yadav's residence Monday morning. We will take a unanimous decision," Ansari told media. The JD-U has not issued a whip to its MPs to either support or oppose the bill. Ansari said the bill is expected to be passed by the upper house of parliament and "there is no point of opposing it for the sake of opposition". "We are taking the opinion of all our members and a decision will be taken," he said. Ansari, who spoke to both Yadav and Nitish Kumar Sunday, ruled out the possibility of the party abstaining from the vote on the bill. Nitish Kumar, who will lead the JD-U charge in campaign for Bihar assembly elections later this year, Saturday spoke in favour of the bill. With more and more parties coming out in favour of the legislation, the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) remained its only two vocal opponents. Both parties are demanding quotas for backward classes and minorities within 33 per cent reservation for women. While the SP has 11 members in the Rajya Sabha, the RJD has four. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), which has 12 members in the upper house, has not opened its cards yet with regards to the bill. For the bill to be passed, it has to be supported by two-thirds of those present and voting. This figure should also be at least 50 percent of the total number of members in the house. With an effective strength of 233, the Constitution (108th Amendment Bill), 2008, needs support of 155 members in the Rajya Sabha if all the members are present. While the combined strength of the Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Left - three main supporters of the bill - comes to 138 in the upper house, many other parties, including the DMK, AIADMK, Biju Janata Dal, National Conference, Nationalist Congress Party and Shiromani Akali Dal have expressed their support for the path-breaking legislation. With the ruling Congress having timed the consideration of the bill with the International Women's Day and party president Sonia Gandhi making a strong pitch for its passage, the BJP too has joined the race to claim credit. BJP president Nitin Gadkari, who appealed to all parties to support the bill, said the party was conscious that the ruling coalition was in minority in the Rajya Sabha. He said the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government had first moved the bill in parliament. The Constitution (108th Amendment Bill), 2008, provides for reservation of one-third seats in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies for 15 years from the date of commencement of the Act on rotation basis. The proposal to provide such reservation to women has been pending for the last 13 years due to lack of political consensus.
20100306
Neil Nitin traumatised after 'misbehaving' with SRK
Mumbai: "Never again!" Neil Nitin Mukesh shudders at the very thought of the way he was forced to misbehave on stage with Shah Rukh Khan -- by Shah Rukh Khan himself.
Trust Shah Rukh to espouse irreverence. But Neil hasn't been able to get over it. Katrina Kaif and Bipasha Basu were in a state of shock after Neil's outburst on stage against Shah Rukh Khan at the Filmfare awards.
Two days after Neil told co-hosts Shah Rukh Khan and Saif Ali Khan to just plainly and simply shut up on stage at the Filmfare Awards at Yashraj studios, the debate rages in the film industry.
Was the well-behaved blue-eyed-boy's aggressive impudence towards his superstar seniors on Neil's home turf (he's known as a full-on Yashraj boy) for real? Or was it just an act?
To rewind a bit: At the Filmfare awards, co-hosts Shah Rukh and Saif Ali Khan decided to take on Neil on stage, riling him endlessly. The final straw was the digs that Shah Rukh took at Neil's name.
"Neil," said Shah Rukh, "Why do you have three first names and no surname? My name is Khan. Saif too is a Khan. How come you have no last name?"
Neil couldn't take the slight to his family name. He not-so-gently reminded Shah Rukh that he ought to restrain himself because his, Neil's, father was sitting in the audience.
And then, horror of horrors, he told Shah Rukh to just shut up.
There was an uncomfortable silence in the auditorium.
Recalling the incident with an uncomfortable laugh, Neil said: "I'm still shaking. Imagine me telling Shah Rukh Khan to shut up! But I did. That isn't all. At the end of the show I walked up to Shah Rukh and Saif and broke eggs on their heads."
But relax. It was all part of an act.
"It was all planned by Shah Rukh sir. I was told by the organisers, the Moranis, from beforehand that I was supposed to be part of Shah Rukh's act. I was supposed to reach early and rehearse for it. But as luck would have it I had gone to town to pick up my parents and got stuck in the traffic. By the time I reached the venue there was only time for a quick briefing on what I had to do."
Shah Rukh walked up to Neil and quickly told him the plan on stage.
Neil was aghast. "How could I say shut up to Shah Rukh Khan? I've never been rude even to my driver. But he insisted. He also told me to throw eggs at him and Saif at the end of the show. I begged and pleaded to spare me. But Shah Rukh didn't listen."
Neil did his own on-the-spot improvisation on stage to spare himself the aggravated agony. "Instead of throwing the eggs I walked up to Saif and Shah Rukh and broke the eggs on their heads. How could I throw eggs at them? Their fans would never forgive me!"
After the act Neil's shocked father has still not forgiven his son, although he has been told it was all in jest.
Says Neil: "Bipasha rushed to me and said if it was an act then it was really scary. Katrina stormed up to me after the show and told me to apologize to Shah Rukh, at once."
Laughing nervously, Neil re-lived the trauma of being forced to be rude to a hero he worships.
"I'm glad people finally got to see my mischievous side... But no thanks. Never again."
Trust Shah Rukh to espouse irreverence. But Neil hasn't been able to get over it. Katrina Kaif and Bipasha Basu were in a state of shock after Neil's outburst on stage against Shah Rukh Khan at the Filmfare awards.
Two days after Neil told co-hosts Shah Rukh Khan and Saif Ali Khan to just plainly and simply shut up on stage at the Filmfare Awards at Yashraj studios, the debate rages in the film industry.
Was the well-behaved blue-eyed-boy's aggressive impudence towards his superstar seniors on Neil's home turf (he's known as a full-on Yashraj boy) for real? Or was it just an act?
To rewind a bit: At the Filmfare awards, co-hosts Shah Rukh and Saif Ali Khan decided to take on Neil on stage, riling him endlessly. The final straw was the digs that Shah Rukh took at Neil's name.
"Neil," said Shah Rukh, "Why do you have three first names and no surname? My name is Khan. Saif too is a Khan. How come you have no last name?"
Neil couldn't take the slight to his family name. He not-so-gently reminded Shah Rukh that he ought to restrain himself because his, Neil's, father was sitting in the audience.
And then, horror of horrors, he told Shah Rukh to just shut up.
There was an uncomfortable silence in the auditorium.
Recalling the incident with an uncomfortable laugh, Neil said: "I'm still shaking. Imagine me telling Shah Rukh Khan to shut up! But I did. That isn't all. At the end of the show I walked up to Shah Rukh and Saif and broke eggs on their heads."
But relax. It was all part of an act.
"It was all planned by Shah Rukh sir. I was told by the organisers, the Moranis, from beforehand that I was supposed to be part of Shah Rukh's act. I was supposed to reach early and rehearse for it. But as luck would have it I had gone to town to pick up my parents and got stuck in the traffic. By the time I reached the venue there was only time for a quick briefing on what I had to do."
Shah Rukh walked up to Neil and quickly told him the plan on stage.
Neil was aghast. "How could I say shut up to Shah Rukh Khan? I've never been rude even to my driver. But he insisted. He also told me to throw eggs at him and Saif at the end of the show. I begged and pleaded to spare me. But Shah Rukh didn't listen."
Neil did his own on-the-spot improvisation on stage to spare himself the aggravated agony. "Instead of throwing the eggs I walked up to Saif and Shah Rukh and broke the eggs on their heads. How could I throw eggs at them? Their fans would never forgive me!"
After the act Neil's shocked father has still not forgiven his son, although he has been told it was all in jest.
Says Neil: "Bipasha rushed to me and said if it was an act then it was really scary. Katrina stormed up to me after the show and told me to apologize to Shah Rukh, at once."
Laughing nervously, Neil re-lived the trauma of being forced to be rude to a hero he worships.
"I'm glad people finally got to see my mischievous side... But no thanks. Never again."
Ban weddings on reality TV: Women's panel
New Delhi: The National Commission for Women (NCW) today criticised weddings in reality television serials and said they should be banned.
"There should be strict restrictions on such marriages. All media houses must come forward for this," NCW chairperson Girija Vyas said today. "It should be banned".
After actor Rakhi Sawant's engagement on a reality television show last year, late Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Pramod Mahajan's son Rahul is set to get married on the "Rahul Dulhaniya Le Jayega" show on NDTV Imagine channel late today.
Out of the three finalists - Nikunj Malik, Dimpy Ganguly and Harpreet Chhabra - Rahul will chose one as his life partner on the reality show.
Vyas said that the NCW is in constant touch with the information and broadcasting ministry on the issue. "We have written to them, they have replied to us. We think legislation needs to be brought to stop all these weddings".
"In 15 days, we will hold another conference, in which all aspects of these things will come out (for discussion)," she added.
"There should be strict restrictions on such marriages. All media houses must come forward for this," NCW chairperson Girija Vyas said today. "It should be banned".
After actor Rakhi Sawant's engagement on a reality television show last year, late Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Pramod Mahajan's son Rahul is set to get married on the "Rahul Dulhaniya Le Jayega" show on NDTV Imagine channel late today.
Out of the three finalists - Nikunj Malik, Dimpy Ganguly and Harpreet Chhabra - Rahul will chose one as his life partner on the reality show.
Vyas said that the NCW is in constant touch with the information and broadcasting ministry on the issue. "We have written to them, they have replied to us. We think legislation needs to be brought to stop all these weddings".
"In 15 days, we will hold another conference, in which all aspects of these things will come out (for discussion)," she added.
SRK invites people to coach his IPL team
Mumbai: Ahead of IPL season 3, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan today invited the people to coach his Kolkata Knight Riders team and send in their suggestions for improving its performance.
"When we used to lose, I used to get inundated with messages, mostly suggestions. I feel sad when we lose, but you have to take all those losses with little bit of ease and a little sense of humour and all those messages and emails, I used to keep them," he said at the launch of the "Main Bhi Coach" programme in association with Nokia India here.
"Keeping in mind peoples' habit of giving suggestions, I decided with the team of Nokia that this time we will launch something which would be called 'Main Bhi Coach' which would officially give everyone a chance to coach KKR and suggest what should we do for our team," he said.
Shah Rukh said people could messages to 9664555555, and all these would be discussed with the team and the coach to see if the ideas could help in improving the team.
Shah Rukh said he is quite positive about his team this season.
"It happens in sports...one team wins and the other loses. I doesn't mean that the team losing is lazy or it doesn't want to win or it is a bad team. When one team competes, it competes to win. I won't say that we didn't work hard. Maybe our decision of multiple captains was not right, we can find excuses but the bottom line is that we worked hard, we played very hard but not hard enough."
"We need to play harder, we need to play tougher and we need to win this," Shah Rukh said.
On the controversy over the deal with Lux Cozi, he said he had kept in on hold because he doesn't want to hurt anyone with his decision.
"We wanted to have lot of local partners. If you have local partners it's nicer. Legally, as a company and in every way I thought it was above board.... it made some people unhappy and what happened over the last six months, I truly believe that lot of people love and support me and I don't want to hurt anybody and even our partners so we have kept it on hold because that's what some members in Kolkata wanted," he said
"When we used to lose, I used to get inundated with messages, mostly suggestions. I feel sad when we lose, but you have to take all those losses with little bit of ease and a little sense of humour and all those messages and emails, I used to keep them," he said at the launch of the "Main Bhi Coach" programme in association with Nokia India here.
"Keeping in mind peoples' habit of giving suggestions, I decided with the team of Nokia that this time we will launch something which would be called 'Main Bhi Coach' which would officially give everyone a chance to coach KKR and suggest what should we do for our team," he said.
Shah Rukh said people could messages to 9664555555, and all these would be discussed with the team and the coach to see if the ideas could help in improving the team.
Shah Rukh said he is quite positive about his team this season.
"It happens in sports...one team wins and the other loses. I doesn't mean that the team losing is lazy or it doesn't want to win or it is a bad team. When one team competes, it competes to win. I won't say that we didn't work hard. Maybe our decision of multiple captains was not right, we can find excuses but the bottom line is that we worked hard, we played very hard but not hard enough."
"We need to play harder, we need to play tougher and we need to win this," Shah Rukh said.
On the controversy over the deal with Lux Cozi, he said he had kept in on hold because he doesn't want to hurt anyone with his decision.
"We wanted to have lot of local partners. If you have local partners it's nicer. Legally, as a company and in every way I thought it was above board.... it made some people unhappy and what happened over the last six months, I truly believe that lot of people love and support me and I don't want to hurt anybody and even our partners so we have kept it on hold because that's what some members in Kolkata wanted," he said
I want Salman Khan, others to see 'Thanks Maa': Director
Mumbai: The young protagonist of his film "Thanks Maa" is a Salman Khan fan and the movie has several posters of the actor as well. Now director Irfan Kamal is very keen that Salman watch his film as he is so important to the theme.
"In fact Salman plays a very important role in the film... Shams Patel's character is a big fan and we see posters of Salman's films like 'Tere Naam' and 'Saawariya' throughout the film. Considering how important Salman is to the theme, I badly wanted to show my film to him. But he is too busy," said Irfan.
Irfan struggled for more than three years to put together his story of a street kid's search for an infant's mother. And his young lead actor won the best child artist National Award for his performance in "Thanks Maa".
"When I wrote 'Thanks Maa', the first person I narrated it to was Salman. He was very excited about the film then. I don't know what happened after that. Salman's father Salim Khan Saab has seen the film. But not Salman," the director said.
Shams, the lead actor, is a fan of the star in real life and he too wants Salman to watch his film.
"I play Salman's fan in the film and I'm his biggest fan in real life. I really want him to watch the film," Shams said.
Considering Irfan is the son of legendary choreographer Master Kamal, who made glam queens of the 1960s and 70s dance to his tunes, the least he expected was the bigwigs of the industry to take note of the film.
Trying not to sound bitter Irfan said: "I've knocked on every A-lister's door in our industry. Let alone help my small film in reaching out to the audience no one has even agreed to see my film except Shabana Azmi, Javed Akhtar and David Dhawan.
"But it's ok. I'm not bitter. Of course my father was a very important part of this film industry. But why should I be granted any favours because of my father? I want my film to be judged on its own merits. But for that to happen people have to watch the film," he added.
"In fact Salman plays a very important role in the film... Shams Patel's character is a big fan and we see posters of Salman's films like 'Tere Naam' and 'Saawariya' throughout the film. Considering how important Salman is to the theme, I badly wanted to show my film to him. But he is too busy," said Irfan.
Irfan struggled for more than three years to put together his story of a street kid's search for an infant's mother. And his young lead actor won the best child artist National Award for his performance in "Thanks Maa".
"When I wrote 'Thanks Maa', the first person I narrated it to was Salman. He was very excited about the film then. I don't know what happened after that. Salman's father Salim Khan Saab has seen the film. But not Salman," the director said.
Shams, the lead actor, is a fan of the star in real life and he too wants Salman to watch his film.
"I play Salman's fan in the film and I'm his biggest fan in real life. I really want him to watch the film," Shams said.
Considering Irfan is the son of legendary choreographer Master Kamal, who made glam queens of the 1960s and 70s dance to his tunes, the least he expected was the bigwigs of the industry to take note of the film.
Trying not to sound bitter Irfan said: "I've knocked on every A-lister's door in our industry. Let alone help my small film in reaching out to the audience no one has even agreed to see my film except Shabana Azmi, Javed Akhtar and David Dhawan.
"But it's ok. I'm not bitter. Of course my father was a very important part of this film industry. But why should I be granted any favours because of my father? I want my film to be judged on its own merits. But for that to happen people have to watch the film," he added.
New Mrs.Rahul Mahajan wants him to enter politics
Mumbai: Rahul Mahajan's newlywed wife Dimpy Ganguly, whom he married on a highly-watched and much talked about reality show, wants her husband to pursue a political career like his father, late Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Pramod Mahajan, rather than be in show business.
"I really want him (Rahul) to pursue a political career," Dimpy told reporters here on Saturday night after exchanging wedding vows with Rahul on Imagine TV's "Rahul Dulhaniya Le Jayega".
To this, 35-year-old Rahul said: "I'll first manage my home and once that is settled, I'll manage the country."
Rahul has earlier participated in reality show "Bigg Boss" too.
Dimpy, 21, is a model and actress by profession. She pipped other finalists Nikunj Malik, 25 and Harpreet, 21, apart from over 16,500 applicants from across the country to be Rahul's wife. And the Bengali lass says she will continue to work after marriage as well.
"Rahul doesn't want me to be a housewife. So I'll work. But I don't know yet what I will be doing," said Dimpy, who was sporting a red wedding outfit designed by Neeta Lulla, the traditional 'mangal sutra' in her neck and vermillion on her forehead.
Rahul had vowed to marry a girl on national TV and he kept his promise by doing so with the Kolkata-based girl, despite the recent death of his uncle Praveen Mahajan, who was convicted for killing his politician father Pramod Mahajan in 2006.
The duo will be registering their marriage Tuesday in Bandra here.
Rahul's mother Rekha Mahajan was present during the lavish wedding and blessed the couple. His father's photograph was also placed at the marriage venue.
Dimpy's family members as well as several TV celebrities attended the glitzy event at the Leela Kempinski Hotel here.
"I really want him (Rahul) to pursue a political career," Dimpy told reporters here on Saturday night after exchanging wedding vows with Rahul on Imagine TV's "Rahul Dulhaniya Le Jayega".
To this, 35-year-old Rahul said: "I'll first manage my home and once that is settled, I'll manage the country."
Rahul has earlier participated in reality show "Bigg Boss" too.
Dimpy, 21, is a model and actress by profession. She pipped other finalists Nikunj Malik, 25 and Harpreet, 21, apart from over 16,500 applicants from across the country to be Rahul's wife. And the Bengali lass says she will continue to work after marriage as well.
"Rahul doesn't want me to be a housewife. So I'll work. But I don't know yet what I will be doing," said Dimpy, who was sporting a red wedding outfit designed by Neeta Lulla, the traditional 'mangal sutra' in her neck and vermillion on her forehead.
Rahul had vowed to marry a girl on national TV and he kept his promise by doing so with the Kolkata-based girl, despite the recent death of his uncle Praveen Mahajan, who was convicted for killing his politician father Pramod Mahajan in 2006.
The duo will be registering their marriage Tuesday in Bandra here.
Rahul's mother Rekha Mahajan was present during the lavish wedding and blessed the couple. His father's photograph was also placed at the marriage venue.
Dimpy's family members as well as several TV celebrities attended the glitzy event at the Leela Kempinski Hotel here.
Women less than 10 percent of India's higer judiciary
New Delhi: Did you know the Supreme Court doesn't have a single woman judge? The Indian judiciary continues to turn a Nelson's eye to gender parity despite the government making a concerted bid to raise women's representation in parliament and state legislatures to 33 percent. As per official figures, the Supreme Court shares its dubious distinction with several high courts, including those of Jammu and Kashmir, Chhattisgarh and Himachal Pradesh.
"It's a shame on the Supreme Court of India that there is no woman judge in the institution. It's also a shame on the people who appoint Supreme Court judges," senior apex court lawyer Kamini Jaiswal told the media.
Jaiswal lamented that in its entire history of six decades, only three women were able to make it to the apex court as judges - M. Fathima Beevi in October 1989, Sujata V. Manohar in November 1994 and Justice Ruma Pal in 2006.
Despite several women making a name for themselves as lawyers practising in the apex court and various high courts, the participation of women as judges in India's higher judiciary is less than 10 percent.
The official figures reveal that out of the total number of 630 judges working in 21 high courts of the country, merely 52 are women - a figure that works out to around 8.25 percent of the total.
Compared to the total sanctioned strength of 895 judges in the high courts, the number of women judges working there further falls to an insignificant level of 5.8 percent.
Pinky Anand, another prominent woman lawyer, rued the lack of gender parity. "Does it not unwittingly convey the impression that there are not many good lawyers and judges in the high courts to be elevated as apex court judges?"
Not having a single woman judge in the Supreme Court deprives the institution of a woman's insight into thousands of issues the court may be adjudicating on, she said.
The figures are dismal even for the high courts that do have women judges. For example, the Delhi High Court, which has a working strength of 42 judges, has only eight women judges. And this is the largest number of women judges working in any high court.
The Bombay and Madras high courts have 62 and 53 judges respectively, but only seven of them are women in each. The Rajasthan High Court has 30 judges - and only one is of the fairer sex.
The country's largest high court - in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh - has a working strength of 78 judges, of whom only four are women. High courts in states like Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Chhattisgarh don't have a single woman judge.
The union government, despite making a concerted bid for the passage of the women's reservation bill in parliament - ensuring 33 percent seats for women in the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha and various state legislatures - continues to ignore the issue of gender parity in the higher judiciary.
It continues to say that under the present procedure, they have no say in the appointment of judges in the higher judiciary. It also contends that the constitution does not provide for any reservation in the appointment of judges in the higher judiciary.
Union Law Minister M. Veerappa Moily has told the Lok Sabha that the proposal to appoint a judge is initiated by the judiciary itself and the government has no role in it.
But then the present provisions of the constitution do not provide for any reservation for women in union or state legislatures either. If attempts can be made to change the constitution for that, why can't the higher judiciary hope for a similar move, wonder women lawyers.
"It's a shame on the Supreme Court of India that there is no woman judge in the institution. It's also a shame on the people who appoint Supreme Court judges," senior apex court lawyer Kamini Jaiswal told the media.
Jaiswal lamented that in its entire history of six decades, only three women were able to make it to the apex court as judges - M. Fathima Beevi in October 1989, Sujata V. Manohar in November 1994 and Justice Ruma Pal in 2006.
Despite several women making a name for themselves as lawyers practising in the apex court and various high courts, the participation of women as judges in India's higher judiciary is less than 10 percent.
The official figures reveal that out of the total number of 630 judges working in 21 high courts of the country, merely 52 are women - a figure that works out to around 8.25 percent of the total.
Compared to the total sanctioned strength of 895 judges in the high courts, the number of women judges working there further falls to an insignificant level of 5.8 percent.
Pinky Anand, another prominent woman lawyer, rued the lack of gender parity. "Does it not unwittingly convey the impression that there are not many good lawyers and judges in the high courts to be elevated as apex court judges?"
Not having a single woman judge in the Supreme Court deprives the institution of a woman's insight into thousands of issues the court may be adjudicating on, she said.
The figures are dismal even for the high courts that do have women judges. For example, the Delhi High Court, which has a working strength of 42 judges, has only eight women judges. And this is the largest number of women judges working in any high court.
The Bombay and Madras high courts have 62 and 53 judges respectively, but only seven of them are women in each. The Rajasthan High Court has 30 judges - and only one is of the fairer sex.
The country's largest high court - in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh - has a working strength of 78 judges, of whom only four are women. High courts in states like Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Chhattisgarh don't have a single woman judge.
The union government, despite making a concerted bid for the passage of the women's reservation bill in parliament - ensuring 33 percent seats for women in the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha and various state legislatures - continues to ignore the issue of gender parity in the higher judiciary.
It continues to say that under the present procedure, they have no say in the appointment of judges in the higher judiciary. It also contends that the constitution does not provide for any reservation in the appointment of judges in the higher judiciary.
Union Law Minister M. Veerappa Moily has told the Lok Sabha that the proposal to appoint a judge is initiated by the judiciary itself and the government has no role in it.
But then the present provisions of the constitution do not provide for any reservation for women in union or state legislatures either. If attempts can be made to change the constitution for that, why can't the higher judiciary hope for a similar move, wonder women lawyers.
India, Bangladesh frontier forces begin talks today
Dhaka: Border guards of Bangladesh and India begin talks in New Delhi today hoping the "spirit of the two prime ministers" would percolate down to the men who guard the 4,300 km frontier on both sides.
Leading a 19-member delegation to talks, Director General of Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) Maj Gen Md Mainul Islam, said the desire of Bangladesh and Indian governments for a new phase in bilateral relations, as emphasised in January during the India visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, should travel down to all levels of the Indian border guards.
"Unfortunately, this common desire has not been echoed in many cases in the field level personnel of the Border Security Force (BSF) of India," he complained to media.
"This desire is reciprocal, never one-sided," the official said on the eve of the six-day talks between the BDR and the BSF starting today.
"We have 100 percent will to fulfil the desire of the two leaders of the two countries. But in many cases we don't see the same spirit in the ground level on their side," said Mainul Islam.
He emphasised on "political will" to solve the problem and improve the border situation. "But this will should be communicated with the true spirit of the political decisions," he said, adding, it is necessary to build confidence between the two nations.
"I would like to tell my counterpart that they must understand the spirit of the two prime ministers," he said.
The long, winding and partly porous border is criss-crossed by rivers. Smuggling of humans, goods, drugs and cattle is rampant across the border. Dusk-to-dawn border movement is banned by both sides and BSF says its men challenge and then fire in self-defence at people who move across border during night.
Dhaka is not convinced and has raised this issue in successive meetings at different levels.
Meanwhile, a Dhaka rights group claimed ahead of the talks that India's Border Security Force (BSF) has killed over 900 Bangladeshi civilians in the last decade, 17 of them this year, According to Odhikar, which monitors human rights violations in Bangladesh and its border areas, at least 904 unarmed Bangladeshis have been killed in BSF firing at the border since Jan 1, 2000.
Of them, 789 were killed between Jan 1, 2000 and Dec 31, 2008, 98 in 2009 and 17 between Jan 1, 2010 and March 3, 2010, media reported today.
Leading a 19-member delegation to talks, Director General of Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) Maj Gen Md Mainul Islam, said the desire of Bangladesh and Indian governments for a new phase in bilateral relations, as emphasised in January during the India visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, should travel down to all levels of the Indian border guards.
"Unfortunately, this common desire has not been echoed in many cases in the field level personnel of the Border Security Force (BSF) of India," he complained to media.
"This desire is reciprocal, never one-sided," the official said on the eve of the six-day talks between the BDR and the BSF starting today.
"We have 100 percent will to fulfil the desire of the two leaders of the two countries. But in many cases we don't see the same spirit in the ground level on their side," said Mainul Islam.
He emphasised on "political will" to solve the problem and improve the border situation. "But this will should be communicated with the true spirit of the political decisions," he said, adding, it is necessary to build confidence between the two nations.
"I would like to tell my counterpart that they must understand the spirit of the two prime ministers," he said.
The long, winding and partly porous border is criss-crossed by rivers. Smuggling of humans, goods, drugs and cattle is rampant across the border. Dusk-to-dawn border movement is banned by both sides and BSF says its men challenge and then fire in self-defence at people who move across border during night.
Dhaka is not convinced and has raised this issue in successive meetings at different levels.
Meanwhile, a Dhaka rights group claimed ahead of the talks that India's Border Security Force (BSF) has killed over 900 Bangladeshi civilians in the last decade, 17 of them this year, According to Odhikar, which monitors human rights violations in Bangladesh and its border areas, at least 904 unarmed Bangladeshis have been killed in BSF firing at the border since Jan 1, 2000.
Of them, 789 were killed between Jan 1, 2000 and Dec 31, 2008, 98 in 2009 and 17 between Jan 1, 2010 and March 3, 2010, media reported today.
Dhaka prepares to sign free trade agreement with Delhi
Dhaka: Bangladesh is to resume talks after five years on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India that it hopes will allow greater access to the Indian market.
Commerce Ministry officials are to begin the practice on Wednesday and an inter-ministerial meeting is scheduled to be held end of this month to work out the details.
A major objective of the agreement is to narrow Bangladesh's widening balance of payments deficit against India, worth more than $3 billion a year in formal trade.
India has for long offered FTAs to all South Asian neighbours while simultaneously trying to work out a regional arrangement called South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) under the aegis of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
However, neither has worked out.
Dhaka now prefers signing a bilateral agreement with New Delhi to ensure easy access of Bangladeshi goods to the Indian market, so far denied by tariff and non-tariff barriers, officials say.
After signing the free trade agreement with New Delhi, Dhaka will resume negotiations with Colombo and Islamabad to strike similar agreements, Commerce Minister Faruk Khan said.
Following broader understanding on market access issues between India and Bangladesh during the visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Delhi in January, Khan asked officials to make necessary preparations in this regard.
"We will go ahead with the high-level decision to make arrangements for market access for Bangladeshi items. We are planning to make bilateral agreements alongside multilateral arrangements," said Commerce Secretary Golam Hossain.
Officials said Dhaka would initially focus on item-based arrangement before bringing the services sector under the coverage of the planned bilateral free trade regime.
Commerce Ministry officials are to begin the practice on Wednesday and an inter-ministerial meeting is scheduled to be held end of this month to work out the details.
A major objective of the agreement is to narrow Bangladesh's widening balance of payments deficit against India, worth more than $3 billion a year in formal trade.
India has for long offered FTAs to all South Asian neighbours while simultaneously trying to work out a regional arrangement called South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) under the aegis of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
However, neither has worked out.
Dhaka now prefers signing a bilateral agreement with New Delhi to ensure easy access of Bangladeshi goods to the Indian market, so far denied by tariff and non-tariff barriers, officials say.
After signing the free trade agreement with New Delhi, Dhaka will resume negotiations with Colombo and Islamabad to strike similar agreements, Commerce Minister Faruk Khan said.
Following broader understanding on market access issues between India and Bangladesh during the visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Delhi in January, Khan asked officials to make necessary preparations in this regard.
"We will go ahead with the high-level decision to make arrangements for market access for Bangladeshi items. We are planning to make bilateral agreements alongside multilateral arrangements," said Commerce Secretary Golam Hossain.
Officials said Dhaka would initially focus on item-based arrangement before bringing the services sector under the coverage of the planned bilateral free trade regime.
Zambia seeks strong economic partnership with India: Envoy
New Delhi: When Indian President Pratibha Patil gave her speech in parliament on Feb 22, one among the millions watching her speak in Hindi on television was Zambian Ambassador S.K. Walubita.
Towards the end of the speech, he heard the magic word. "For the first time, I heard the word Africa mentioned in the president's speech," Walubita said.
"Not just that, Zambia also got a mention. I floated up to the ceiling".
President Patil was recounting Vice President Hamid Ansari's visit to Zambia, Malawi and Botswana in January this year which carried forward India's deepening engagement with the African continent.
Walubita, who has been in Delhi since 2004, has been witness to the intensification of India's spotlight on Africa. "In 2004, we used to get only 10 visitors per month. Now, there are over 200-300 Indians going to Zambia every months, including some who go for tourism," Walubita told the media in an interview.
Zambia's current president, Rupiah Banda, had also attended the 2008 India Africa Forum Summit as the then vice-president.
Zambia had been a close friend of India since the colonial struggles of both countries as well as the heydays of the non-aligned movement. There had been a dip in engagement in the nineties, but there seems to be now a new renaissance in ties.
There has also been a surge in bilateral trade to $207 million in 2007-8. While India exports pharmaceuticals and machinery, the main imports from Zambia were of minerals and raw cotton.
"We want a strong partnership with India in economic diplomacy," he said, pointing out that there was much scope for opening doors for the Indian private sector and bringing new technology to Zambia.
India is already the largest investor in Zambia, with Vedanta Resources having invested so far $1.5 billion in Konkola Copper Mines (KCM). Today the copper belt is ripe with activity, whereas earlier it was area of gloom and no hope, he said.
According to Walubita, it was necessary to start work on a bilateral agreement for protection of investment. This is very, very critical, as it will help to give assurance to investors in both countries.
Zambia, that incidentally has a large economically active Indian diaspora, has been a regular participant in the annual India Africa conclave, and will again send a delegation this month under its commerce minister, Felix Mutati.
But, its not just investment that Zambia is looking at India for, but also for capacity building and human resources development.
For example, KCM sponsors over a score Zambian engineers to come to India to work in Vedanta projects every year and vice-versa, which exposed each other to their work habits.
Walubita described how the Zambian engineers who came to India came to admire the hard working nature of Indians and also the pride that an Indian takes in his country. Also, they were exposed to the fact that the Indian economy was totally diversified.
"I appeal to Vedanta and KCM to continue with this programme", the ambassador said.
The Indian government has already trained 2300 Zambians under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme which sponsors foreign nationals to study at short term courses at various institutions in India.
Then, there is a $5 million grant that India extended during the Vice President Ansari's visit, for which Zambia has to give proposals on how to utilise the offer in the social sector, like education and health.
"India has been very generous in leaving the projects to us. Now, it is a challenge for us to come up with projects to utilise it," said Walubita.
Towards the end of the speech, he heard the magic word. "For the first time, I heard the word Africa mentioned in the president's speech," Walubita said.
"Not just that, Zambia also got a mention. I floated up to the ceiling".
President Patil was recounting Vice President Hamid Ansari's visit to Zambia, Malawi and Botswana in January this year which carried forward India's deepening engagement with the African continent.
Walubita, who has been in Delhi since 2004, has been witness to the intensification of India's spotlight on Africa. "In 2004, we used to get only 10 visitors per month. Now, there are over 200-300 Indians going to Zambia every months, including some who go for tourism," Walubita told the media in an interview.
Zambia's current president, Rupiah Banda, had also attended the 2008 India Africa Forum Summit as the then vice-president.
Zambia had been a close friend of India since the colonial struggles of both countries as well as the heydays of the non-aligned movement. There had been a dip in engagement in the nineties, but there seems to be now a new renaissance in ties.
There has also been a surge in bilateral trade to $207 million in 2007-8. While India exports pharmaceuticals and machinery, the main imports from Zambia were of minerals and raw cotton.
"We want a strong partnership with India in economic diplomacy," he said, pointing out that there was much scope for opening doors for the Indian private sector and bringing new technology to Zambia.
India is already the largest investor in Zambia, with Vedanta Resources having invested so far $1.5 billion in Konkola Copper Mines (KCM). Today the copper belt is ripe with activity, whereas earlier it was area of gloom and no hope, he said.
According to Walubita, it was necessary to start work on a bilateral agreement for protection of investment. This is very, very critical, as it will help to give assurance to investors in both countries.
Zambia, that incidentally has a large economically active Indian diaspora, has been a regular participant in the annual India Africa conclave, and will again send a delegation this month under its commerce minister, Felix Mutati.
But, its not just investment that Zambia is looking at India for, but also for capacity building and human resources development.
For example, KCM sponsors over a score Zambian engineers to come to India to work in Vedanta projects every year and vice-versa, which exposed each other to their work habits.
Walubita described how the Zambian engineers who came to India came to admire the hard working nature of Indians and also the pride that an Indian takes in his country. Also, they were exposed to the fact that the Indian economy was totally diversified.
"I appeal to Vedanta and KCM to continue with this programme", the ambassador said.
The Indian government has already trained 2300 Zambians under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme which sponsors foreign nationals to study at short term courses at various institutions in India.
Then, there is a $5 million grant that India extended during the Vice President Ansari's visit, for which Zambia has to give proposals on how to utilise the offer in the social sector, like education and health.
"India has been very generous in leaving the projects to us. Now, it is a challenge for us to come up with projects to utilise it," said Walubita.
No succumbing to Chinese pressure on Arunachal projects: India
New Delhi: The Indian government on Saturday denied making any commitment to anyone, including the World Bank, that it will not present projects in Arunachal Pradesh for funding by multilateral banks.
"It is categorically stated that India has made no commitment to anyone, including to the World Bank, that India would not pose projects pertaining to Arunachal Pradesh for funding from any multilateral development bank," the finance ministry said in a statement.
"It has been government's clear and consistent position that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India," the ministry said.
The ministry was reacting to a frontpaged report in a newspaper headlined "India succumbs to Chinese pressure on Arunachal".
"A World Bank document says External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna has stated that 'India will not pose any Arunachal Pradesh-specific project' to the Bank, and that the Chinese director at the Bank is pressing for the operationalisation of this statement," the report said.
"Verbally, India's executive director, Pulok Chatterjee, has conveyed to the Bank that the government of India would not pose any Arunachal Pradesh-specific project to the Bank for financing," the report added.
The finance ministry added that India and China collaborate and have a running dialogue on various issues at global fora, including G-20, WTO and the World Bank.
"No such discussion or dialogue can be termed as conclusive official stand or commitment till it has been formally approved by the government," the ministry said.
"There has been no change in policy regarding multilaterally funded projects in various sectors or states, including projects that are mentioned in this news report," it added.
Last year, China had opposed a proposed Indian loan at the Asian Development Bank on grounds that parts of it was meant for Arunachal Pradesh, which Beijing regards as disputed territory. Beijing had also opposed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Arunachal Pradesh last year.
India and China are attempting to resolve their decades-long border dispute through negotiations and dialogue.
"It is categorically stated that India has made no commitment to anyone, including to the World Bank, that India would not pose projects pertaining to Arunachal Pradesh for funding from any multilateral development bank," the finance ministry said in a statement.
"It has been government's clear and consistent position that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India," the ministry said.
The ministry was reacting to a frontpaged report in a newspaper headlined "India succumbs to Chinese pressure on Arunachal".
"A World Bank document says External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna has stated that 'India will not pose any Arunachal Pradesh-specific project' to the Bank, and that the Chinese director at the Bank is pressing for the operationalisation of this statement," the report said.
"Verbally, India's executive director, Pulok Chatterjee, has conveyed to the Bank that the government of India would not pose any Arunachal Pradesh-specific project to the Bank for financing," the report added.
The finance ministry added that India and China collaborate and have a running dialogue on various issues at global fora, including G-20, WTO and the World Bank.
"No such discussion or dialogue can be termed as conclusive official stand or commitment till it has been formally approved by the government," the ministry said.
"There has been no change in policy regarding multilaterally funded projects in various sectors or states, including projects that are mentioned in this news report," it added.
Last year, China had opposed a proposed Indian loan at the Asian Development Bank on grounds that parts of it was meant for Arunachal Pradesh, which Beijing regards as disputed territory. Beijing had also opposed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Arunachal Pradesh last year.
India and China are attempting to resolve their decades-long border dispute through negotiations and dialogue.
India will not scale down Afghan operations, to scale up security
Kabul/New Delhi: Unfazed by the Feb 26 Kabul terror strike, India today said it will not scale down its operations in Afghanistan and clarified that the Indian medical missions were functioning normally except the one in Kabul which has been temporarily suspended.
Amid reports of continuing terror threat to Indians and Indians facilities in Afghanistan, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna said the security to Indian embassy staff in Kabul was being enhanced.
"India will not scale down operations," India's National Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon told reporters in Kabul after his meetings with Afghan leaders, including President Hamid Karzai.
"We will continue to perform all our function as we did earlier," Menon said. "I was very reassured by the set of measures that the Afghan authorities will be putting in place for the Indian community as a whole, not just the embassy and those working on government of India projects, but also for other Indians who are in Afghanistan," Menon said.
Menon's reiteration of India's resolve to continue its reconstruction activities came amid reports about New Delhi suspending its medical mission in Kabul following the Feb 26 terror attack that killed seven Indians.
In New Delhi, the external affairs ministry clarified that only the Indian Medical Mission (IMM) in Kabul has been suspended.
"The IMMs in Herat, Kandahar, Jalalabad and Mazar-e-Sharif (where India has its consulates) were functioning normally," external affairs ministry spokesperson Vishnu Prakash said in New Delhi in response to a question.
"In the aftermath of the terrorist attack targeting the IMM in Kabul, in which one doctor was killed and others injured, the work of the IMM has been temporarily suspended," he clarified. "The embassy of India and its other offices in Afghanistan continue to function normally in the face of extremely demanding and difficult circumstances," Prakash stressed.
The medical mission in Kabul, comprising six doctors and five paramedics, was operating from the India-aided Indira Gandhi Child Care Hospital in Kabul.
Amid reports about increased security threats to Indians in Afghanistan in the wake of the Kabul terror spree, Krishna said in Bangalore that no Indian embassy staffer in Kabul wanted to come back, but the government would consider any transfer requests.
Krishna also said the security to Indian embassy staff in Kabul was being enhanced in the aftermath of the terror attack, that targeted hotels popular with visiting Indians.
On Friday, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told parliament that the Kabul attack will not bend the will of Indian people to help Afghanistan and vowed to assist that country in shaping its destiny without "outside interference".
India has pledged $1.3 billion for multifarious reconstruction activities ranging from building roads, dams and bridges to scores of small development projects, earning New Delhi enormous goodwill in that country.
Amid reports of continuing terror threat to Indians and Indians facilities in Afghanistan, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna said the security to Indian embassy staff in Kabul was being enhanced.
"India will not scale down operations," India's National Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon told reporters in Kabul after his meetings with Afghan leaders, including President Hamid Karzai.
"We will continue to perform all our function as we did earlier," Menon said. "I was very reassured by the set of measures that the Afghan authorities will be putting in place for the Indian community as a whole, not just the embassy and those working on government of India projects, but also for other Indians who are in Afghanistan," Menon said.
Menon's reiteration of India's resolve to continue its reconstruction activities came amid reports about New Delhi suspending its medical mission in Kabul following the Feb 26 terror attack that killed seven Indians.
In New Delhi, the external affairs ministry clarified that only the Indian Medical Mission (IMM) in Kabul has been suspended.
"The IMMs in Herat, Kandahar, Jalalabad and Mazar-e-Sharif (where India has its consulates) were functioning normally," external affairs ministry spokesperson Vishnu Prakash said in New Delhi in response to a question.
"In the aftermath of the terrorist attack targeting the IMM in Kabul, in which one doctor was killed and others injured, the work of the IMM has been temporarily suspended," he clarified. "The embassy of India and its other offices in Afghanistan continue to function normally in the face of extremely demanding and difficult circumstances," Prakash stressed.
The medical mission in Kabul, comprising six doctors and five paramedics, was operating from the India-aided Indira Gandhi Child Care Hospital in Kabul.
Amid reports about increased security threats to Indians in Afghanistan in the wake of the Kabul terror spree, Krishna said in Bangalore that no Indian embassy staffer in Kabul wanted to come back, but the government would consider any transfer requests.
Krishna also said the security to Indian embassy staff in Kabul was being enhanced in the aftermath of the terror attack, that targeted hotels popular with visiting Indians.
On Friday, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told parliament that the Kabul attack will not bend the will of Indian people to help Afghanistan and vowed to assist that country in shaping its destiny without "outside interference".
India has pledged $1.3 billion for multifarious reconstruction activities ranging from building roads, dams and bridges to scores of small development projects, earning New Delhi enormous goodwill in that country.
20100305
Netherlands-Germany clash will be a battle of tactics, says Dutch coach
New Delhi: Dutch coach Michel van den Huevel feels his team's next clash with defending champions Germany in the Hockey World Cup here on Sunday will be a battle of tactics.
The Dutch and Germans share a great rivalry in hockey and the encounter between the two sides has often matched the excitement of an India-Pakistan clash.
"Obviously, Dutch and the Germans are great rivals in hockey. But while a India-Pakistan game is a very open match, a Netherlands-Germany encounter is the battle of tactics," said Huevel after his team blanked Canada 6-0 to climb atop Pool A with nine points from three matches at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here Friday.
"Both the teams play a tactical game and they are aware of each other's weaker points."
Skipper Teun de Nooijer, however, is not thinking about Sunday's high intensity encounter.
"Each match in a World Cup is important for us, but now I don't want to think about the next match. Today we won a great match. Nine points from three matches is a great show from the boys," he said.
The Netherlands played out a goal-less first half with Canada, but came back strongly in the second half and pumped in all the six goals.
"Canada were tired in the second half. But my players had lot of energy left and played cleverly to score six goals," said Nooijer.
Asked if he was happy with the conversion rates of star drag-flicker Taeke Taekema, Nooijer said: "I am not worrying about him. You can have a bad day in office."
The Dutch and Germans share a great rivalry in hockey and the encounter between the two sides has often matched the excitement of an India-Pakistan clash.
"Obviously, Dutch and the Germans are great rivals in hockey. But while a India-Pakistan game is a very open match, a Netherlands-Germany encounter is the battle of tactics," said Huevel after his team blanked Canada 6-0 to climb atop Pool A with nine points from three matches at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here Friday.
"Both the teams play a tactical game and they are aware of each other's weaker points."
Skipper Teun de Nooijer, however, is not thinking about Sunday's high intensity encounter.
"Each match in a World Cup is important for us, but now I don't want to think about the next match. Today we won a great match. Nine points from three matches is a great show from the boys," he said.
The Netherlands played out a goal-less first half with Canada, but came back strongly in the second half and pumped in all the six goals.
"Canada were tired in the second half. But my players had lot of energy left and played cleverly to score six goals," said Nooijer.
Asked if he was happy with the conversion rates of star drag-flicker Taeke Taekema, Nooijer said: "I am not worrying about him. You can have a bad day in office."
Rahul Mahajan's big day is here
Mumbai: The stage is set for Rahul Mahajan's wedding. Out of the three finalists - Nikunj Malik, Dimpy Ganguly and Harpreet Chhabra - he will chose one as his life partner on the reality show "Rahul Dulhaniya Le Jayega" on a TV channel on Saturday.
After edging past 14 prospective brides Nikunj, Dimpy and Harpreet have become the top three contenders vying to become Rahul's wife. They have done their bit to impress Rahul - they have cooked him a meal, wooed him with love letters and taken care of kids.
Now the entire nation is eagerly waiting for Rahul's decision that he will take Saturday and it will be telecast live on the channel from 9 p.m. onwards.
All the three girls are a little tense but excited.
"For some strange reason, I am not nervous but very excited. I am just finalizing my outfit for my Big Day. I am hoping I am lucky enough to be Rahul's bride," said Nikunj.
Dimpy is experiencing mixed feelings.
"I am very excited yet nervous at the same time. I am really looking forward to 6th March," she said.
Harpreet too is nervous and says "apart from marrying Rahul, great responsibilities too will come along. I hope Rahul's decision is in my favour."
The wedding will take place in a luxurious suburban hotel in Mumbai where the who's who of society will grace the occasion to shower their blessings on the couple.
Ace designers Vikram Phadnis, Neeta Lulla and Ashley Rebello will dress up Rahul's brides-to-be.
Rahul plans to go to Maldives and Ireland for his honeymoon, if a court which is holding his passport allows him to do so. He is facing charges of using prohibited drugs.
After edging past 14 prospective brides Nikunj, Dimpy and Harpreet have become the top three contenders vying to become Rahul's wife. They have done their bit to impress Rahul - they have cooked him a meal, wooed him with love letters and taken care of kids.
Now the entire nation is eagerly waiting for Rahul's decision that he will take Saturday and it will be telecast live on the channel from 9 p.m. onwards.
All the three girls are a little tense but excited.
"For some strange reason, I am not nervous but very excited. I am just finalizing my outfit for my Big Day. I am hoping I am lucky enough to be Rahul's bride," said Nikunj.
Dimpy is experiencing mixed feelings.
"I am very excited yet nervous at the same time. I am really looking forward to 6th March," she said.
Harpreet too is nervous and says "apart from marrying Rahul, great responsibilities too will come along. I hope Rahul's decision is in my favour."
The wedding will take place in a luxurious suburban hotel in Mumbai where the who's who of society will grace the occasion to shower their blessings on the couple.
Ace designers Vikram Phadnis, Neeta Lulla and Ashley Rebello will dress up Rahul's brides-to-be.
Rahul plans to go to Maldives and Ireland for his honeymoon, if a court which is holding his passport allows him to do so. He is facing charges of using prohibited drugs.
Kajol favourite Bollywood daughter-in-law, says poll
New Delhi: Acclaimed Bollywood actress Kajol who is married to actor Ajay Devgn for 11 years now, was voted the favourite 'bahu' (daughter-in law) in a poll conducted by a matrimonial site .
As part of the upcoming International Women's Day celebrations on Monday, a matrimonial site conducted a poll in which 250,000 women participated.
In the poll, 43.08 percent women said Kajol was their favourite Bollywood daughter-in-law.
Besides Kajol, others vying for the position were Aishwarya Rai, Gauri Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Malaika Arora, Twinkle Khanna and Kiran Rao.
"The women's day poll is part of the constant research that shaadi.com conducts in its attempt to gauge the preferences of its members. The results show that today the women are looking to be more independent and are willing to adopt stronger roles in their life. They believe in themselves and aspire to emulate top achievers in their field," said Gourav Rakshit, business head of the matrimonial site.
As part of the upcoming International Women's Day celebrations on Monday, a matrimonial site conducted a poll in which 250,000 women participated.
In the poll, 43.08 percent women said Kajol was their favourite Bollywood daughter-in-law.
Besides Kajol, others vying for the position were Aishwarya Rai, Gauri Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Malaika Arora, Twinkle Khanna and Kiran Rao.
"The women's day poll is part of the constant research that shaadi.com conducts in its attempt to gauge the preferences of its members. The results show that today the women are looking to be more independent and are willing to adopt stronger roles in their life. They believe in themselves and aspire to emulate top achievers in their field," said Gourav Rakshit, business head of the matrimonial site.
Eight bodies go missing in Bihar graveyard
Patna: Eight bodies have disappeared from a graveyard in a Bihar village in one night, scaring local residents.
People of Belauri village in Purnia district, about 350 km from here, were stunned on Friday when they found that eight bodies had disappeared from the Sauraghat Samsan graveyard overnight.
"We found that eight graves were dug up and the bodies missing," villager Ramavatar Sada said.
Sada said the graveyard was used by Dalits and other very poor people to bury their dead as they could afford costly cremations.
"Only poor people have buried their dead at the graveyard," Sada said.
Another villager Pakhia Paswan said it was not the first time that bodies had gone missing from the graveyard. "In the last one-and-a-half years, several bodies have disappeared from their graves here," Paswan said.
Sada and Paswan said that villagers were in a dilemma over the disappearing bodies.
They said police had been informed but no action was taken till date.
People of Belauri village in Purnia district, about 350 km from here, were stunned on Friday when they found that eight bodies had disappeared from the Sauraghat Samsan graveyard overnight.
"We found that eight graves were dug up and the bodies missing," villager Ramavatar Sada said.
Sada said the graveyard was used by Dalits and other very poor people to bury their dead as they could afford costly cremations.
"Only poor people have buried their dead at the graveyard," Sada said.
Another villager Pakhia Paswan said it was not the first time that bodies had gone missing from the graveyard. "In the last one-and-a-half years, several bodies have disappeared from their graves here," Paswan said.
Sada and Paswan said that villagers were in a dilemma over the disappearing bodies.
They said police had been informed but no action was taken till date.
Top UN official to visit India, Nepal
United Nations: A top UN official will visit India and Nepal next week to discuss regional and international issues with officials and political parties in both the countries. UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Lynn Pascoe will be in India on March 9 to hold discussions with government officials on a range of regional and international issues, UN spokesman Martin Nesirky said on Friday.
Pascoe will travel to Nepal from March 10-12, Nesirky told reporters.
He will visit the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) and hold meetings with senior officials and political party leaders to discuss the peace process in the Himalayan nation, Xinhua reported
The Nepal visit comes as the peace process that ended the country's 10-year civil war remains largely stalled, threatened by tensions and mistrust between Maoists, the government and the army, the spokesman said.
In his report to the Security-Council in January, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the political positions of these groups has "hardened at the opposing ends of the political spectrum, which has seriously eroded the common middle ground that had, from the outset, defined the peace process and remained its driving strength".
Pascoe will travel to Nepal from March 10-12, Nesirky told reporters.
He will visit the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) and hold meetings with senior officials and political party leaders to discuss the peace process in the Himalayan nation, Xinhua reported
The Nepal visit comes as the peace process that ended the country's 10-year civil war remains largely stalled, threatened by tensions and mistrust between Maoists, the government and the army, the spokesman said.
In his report to the Security-Council in January, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the political positions of these groups has "hardened at the opposing ends of the political spectrum, which has seriously eroded the common middle ground that had, from the outset, defined the peace process and remained its driving strength".
Shiv Sena now attacks Maharashtra governor
Mumbai: The Shiv Sena has now trained its guns on Maharashtra Governor K. Sankaranarayanan for his "Mumbai for all" remark. "These rubber stamp white elephants" should not be "sticking their noses anywhere", the party said.
In a sharp editorial in party mouthpiece "Saamna" today, the Shiv Sena said: "Governors are in decorative but dangerous posts."
"These rubber stamp white elephants have to be borne for years at taxpayers' expense. They should not be sticking their noses anywhere. What was the need for him to speak for outsiders?" it asked.
The party ire was directed at Sankaranarayanan's statements before a media gathering on Friday that Mumbai was for all and anybody could come, live and work in the city.
Accusing the governor of "treachery", the editorial claimed that the present sad state of Mumbai was only because of migrants.
"Governors live in the sprawling, luxurious Raj Bhavan on the shores of the Arabian Sea. They are cut off from the ground realities. Congressmen from outside the state come here on 'pension', enjoy the cool sea breeze and go away," it said.
"Even Sankaranarayanan is here today and will go away tomorrow. So what was the need for him to invite migrants to Mumbai," it said.
"If he is concerned about them (migrants), then he should take some of them to his home state Kerala and bag an award of national unity from Sonia Gandhi," the party said.
"Would he have done the same thing if he was, say, governor of Karnataka or Tamil Nadu, and invited outsiders to Bengaluru or Chennai? Why something that does not work anywhere else should be thrust on Mumbai," it demanded of Sankaranarayanan.
It further sought to know whether Mumbai was some kind of "ashram or an orphanage" for migrants.
The editorial challenged the governor to get himself appointed in Jammu and Kashmir and invite people from all over India to come and settle there.
"We (Indians) are not allowed to work or live there though it is a part of India and nobody goes to save it (Kashmir) in the name of national integration," it pointed out.
It asked the governor when the Constitution gives the right to people to come and settle anywhere, does it mean on footpaths, under bridges and grabbing any open space.
Alleging selective interpretation of constitutional rights, it said all rights come with responsibilities.
The party said if these migrants went and lived in the bungalows and flats of ministers, or even the Raj Bhavan, these very dignitaries would throw them out.
Stating that such statements did not suit him, it said there should be a permit system for outsiders entering Mumbai.
Last week, playback singer Asha Bhosale had expressed similar sentiments as the governor, in Pune, while Bollywood actor Nana Patekar had said he was pained by the controversy over Maharashtrians and non-Maharashtrians.
In the recent past, cricket maestro Sachin Tendulkar and industrialist Mukesh Ambani have been at the receiving end of Shiv Sena ire for their comments supporting the idea of residents of other states settling in Mumbai.
In a sharp editorial in party mouthpiece "Saamna" today, the Shiv Sena said: "Governors are in decorative but dangerous posts."
"These rubber stamp white elephants have to be borne for years at taxpayers' expense. They should not be sticking their noses anywhere. What was the need for him to speak for outsiders?" it asked.
The party ire was directed at Sankaranarayanan's statements before a media gathering on Friday that Mumbai was for all and anybody could come, live and work in the city.
Accusing the governor of "treachery", the editorial claimed that the present sad state of Mumbai was only because of migrants.
"Governors live in the sprawling, luxurious Raj Bhavan on the shores of the Arabian Sea. They are cut off from the ground realities. Congressmen from outside the state come here on 'pension', enjoy the cool sea breeze and go away," it said.
"Even Sankaranarayanan is here today and will go away tomorrow. So what was the need for him to invite migrants to Mumbai," it said.
"If he is concerned about them (migrants), then he should take some of them to his home state Kerala and bag an award of national unity from Sonia Gandhi," the party said.
"Would he have done the same thing if he was, say, governor of Karnataka or Tamil Nadu, and invited outsiders to Bengaluru or Chennai? Why something that does not work anywhere else should be thrust on Mumbai," it demanded of Sankaranarayanan.
It further sought to know whether Mumbai was some kind of "ashram or an orphanage" for migrants.
The editorial challenged the governor to get himself appointed in Jammu and Kashmir and invite people from all over India to come and settle there.
"We (Indians) are not allowed to work or live there though it is a part of India and nobody goes to save it (Kashmir) in the name of national integration," it pointed out.
It asked the governor when the Constitution gives the right to people to come and settle anywhere, does it mean on footpaths, under bridges and grabbing any open space.
Alleging selective interpretation of constitutional rights, it said all rights come with responsibilities.
The party said if these migrants went and lived in the bungalows and flats of ministers, or even the Raj Bhavan, these very dignitaries would throw them out.
Stating that such statements did not suit him, it said there should be a permit system for outsiders entering Mumbai.
Last week, playback singer Asha Bhosale had expressed similar sentiments as the governor, in Pune, while Bollywood actor Nana Patekar had said he was pained by the controversy over Maharashtrians and non-Maharashtrians.
In the recent past, cricket maestro Sachin Tendulkar and industrialist Mukesh Ambani have been at the receiving end of Shiv Sena ire for their comments supporting the idea of residents of other states settling in Mumbai.
India for comprehensive gender entity at UN
United Nations: India favored the early establishment of a comprehensive gender entity in the UN to serve as a focal point for all its gender related activities and programmes.
It should be well-resourced and should be carefully conceived and designed to mainstream the interests of women and serve their cause, Hardeep Singh Puri, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, said on Friday.
Speaking at the 54th session of commission on the status of women on the implementation of the Beijing declaration and platform for action, he said gender equality and women's empowerment lie at the heart of development and distributive justice.
Empowering women was the most effective tool for development as well as for poverty reduction and an essential pre-requisite for achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, Puri said.
The agenda of development will remain incomplete in so long as it excludes more than half the world's population, he said, declaring India was resolutely committed to the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action.
"It is critical that the international community lives up to its commitments of financial resources, technical cooperation and capacity-building for developing countries in meeting their national priorities in the areas of gender empowerment," he said.
More than 80 years ago, Mahatma Gandhi had declared in the Indian context that as long as women did not take part in public life, there was no salvation for the country. Puri recalled and said: "This is equally true for every corner of the globe."
Quoting from "Manusmriti", one of India ancient scriptures, Puri said: "The time for genuine and full empowerment of women is here and now."
"This is an idea whose time has truly come, but whose realisation we must all now work to ensure at the earliest," he said.
It should be well-resourced and should be carefully conceived and designed to mainstream the interests of women and serve their cause, Hardeep Singh Puri, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, said on Friday.
Speaking at the 54th session of commission on the status of women on the implementation of the Beijing declaration and platform for action, he said gender equality and women's empowerment lie at the heart of development and distributive justice.
Empowering women was the most effective tool for development as well as for poverty reduction and an essential pre-requisite for achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, Puri said.
The agenda of development will remain incomplete in so long as it excludes more than half the world's population, he said, declaring India was resolutely committed to the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action.
"It is critical that the international community lives up to its commitments of financial resources, technical cooperation and capacity-building for developing countries in meeting their national priorities in the areas of gender empowerment," he said.
More than 80 years ago, Mahatma Gandhi had declared in the Indian context that as long as women did not take part in public life, there was no salvation for the country. Puri recalled and said: "This is equally true for every corner of the globe."
Quoting from "Manusmriti", one of India ancient scriptures, Puri said: "The time for genuine and full empowerment of women is here and now."
"This is an idea whose time has truly come, but whose realisation we must all now work to ensure at the earliest," he said.
BJP demotes Keshubhai Patel
Ahmedabad: Former Gujarat chief minister Keshubhai Patel, who led a rebellion against Chief Minister Narendra Modi, will no more be chairman of the state advisory committee of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He will now on be just one of its 26 members.
The Gujarat BJP announced on Friday evening 14 new names in a new list of 20 office bearers. No one has been named the chairman. Many of the members are women and youths besides four Rajya Sabha MPs and two legislators.
No reasons were given for Patel's demotion. Patel led a revolt against Modi coinciding with the December 2007 assembly elections, after which he was issued a show-cause notice.
Three women are among six vice-presidents. They are Ramila Bara, former legislator of Khedbrahma, Sushma Agrawal, former deputy mayor of Surat, and Nauka Prajapati, president of Bhabhar Municipality of Banaskantha.
Ajay Choksi, a former mayor of Surat, has been named a vice-president as is I.K. Jadeja, the BJP spokesperson.
Bhikhu Dalsania, Bharatsinh Parmar and Vijay Rupani will continue as organisational general secretaries.
Shankar Chaudhary, legislator from Radhanpur, is the new addition to the team of general secretaries.
Rajya Sabha MP Surendra Patel has been reappointed the treasurer.
Former chief minister Keshubhai Patel and former state president Purushottam Rupala are among the members of the state advisory committee.
The Gujarat BJP announced on Friday evening 14 new names in a new list of 20 office bearers. No one has been named the chairman. Many of the members are women and youths besides four Rajya Sabha MPs and two legislators.
No reasons were given for Patel's demotion. Patel led a revolt against Modi coinciding with the December 2007 assembly elections, after which he was issued a show-cause notice.
Three women are among six vice-presidents. They are Ramila Bara, former legislator of Khedbrahma, Sushma Agrawal, former deputy mayor of Surat, and Nauka Prajapati, president of Bhabhar Municipality of Banaskantha.
Ajay Choksi, a former mayor of Surat, has been named a vice-president as is I.K. Jadeja, the BJP spokesperson.
Bhikhu Dalsania, Bharatsinh Parmar and Vijay Rupani will continue as organisational general secretaries.
Shankar Chaudhary, legislator from Radhanpur, is the new addition to the team of general secretaries.
Rajya Sabha MP Surendra Patel has been reappointed the treasurer.
Former chief minister Keshubhai Patel and former state president Purushottam Rupala are among the members of the state advisory committee.
Australians call for calm over Indian boy's death
Sydney: Melbourne police today urged the Indian community not to jump to conclusions over the death of a three-year-old Indian boy whose body was found in a Melbourne street six hours after he went missing from his home.
A spate of racist attacks in Australia's second-biggest city is testing bilateral ties, with the Indian government openly calling for greater security for its citizens in Australia.
"We need to be mindful that regardless of any opinions or anything like that, the key element is the investigation side of things," Victoria Police spokesman Marty Beveridge said. "We need to give the homicide squad detectives the time and space to conduct ourinvestigation."
The fully clothed body of Gurshan Singh Channa was found by the side of the road 20 km from where he went missing on Thursday. There were no marks on the body and an autopsy has failed to establish a cause of death.
"We're still awaiting further tests on the boy's body to try and establish the cause of death," Beveridge said.
The boy's parents, who were on holiday in Australia and were to have returned to Punjab this week, have been interviewed by police.
Police say they have no suspects and that the death is as yet unexplained.
A spate of racist attacks in Australia's second-biggest city is testing bilateral ties, with the Indian government openly calling for greater security for its citizens in Australia.
"We need to be mindful that regardless of any opinions or anything like that, the key element is the investigation side of things," Victoria Police spokesman Marty Beveridge said. "We need to give the homicide squad detectives the time and space to conduct ourinvestigation."
The fully clothed body of Gurshan Singh Channa was found by the side of the road 20 km from where he went missing on Thursday. There were no marks on the body and an autopsy has failed to establish a cause of death.
"We're still awaiting further tests on the boy's body to try and establish the cause of death," Beveridge said.
The boy's parents, who were on holiday in Australia and were to have returned to Punjab this week, have been interviewed by police.
Police say they have no suspects and that the death is as yet unexplained.
PM confident women's quota bill will be passed
New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said he was confident that the women's reservation bill that seeks to provide 33 percent reservation for women in legislative bodies will be passed in parliament.
The bill will be introduced in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, International Women's Day.
The legislation has been pending for over 13 years -- it was first brought to parliament by the H.D. Deve Gowda government in 1996.
In its present form, the Constitution (108th Amendment) Bill, 2008, has the backing of the Congress, the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Left. But it is being opposed by the Samajwadi Party, the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Janata Dal-United.
For the bill to be passed, it has to be supported by two-thirds of those present and voting. This figure should also be at least 50 percent of the total number of MPs in the house.
The bill will be introduced in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, International Women's Day.
The legislation has been pending for over 13 years -- it was first brought to parliament by the H.D. Deve Gowda government in 1996.
In its present form, the Constitution (108th Amendment) Bill, 2008, has the backing of the Congress, the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Left. But it is being opposed by the Samajwadi Party, the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Janata Dal-United.
For the bill to be passed, it has to be supported by two-thirds of those present and voting. This figure should also be at least 50 percent of the total number of MPs in the house.
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Big B shocked to see Shashi Kapoor in wheelchair
New Delhi: Amitabh Bachchan was shocked to see Shashi Kapoor, his co-star of "Trishul", "Deewar" and so many other hits, confined to a wheelchair at the Filmfare awards last week.
Amitabh was supposed to present the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award to the 71-year-old actor, but could not attend.
However, Amitabh saw pictures of the event later and was shocked -- just like so many of his other fans.
"...the affable (Filmfare) editor Jitesh Pillai had asked me if I would give the Lifetime achievement Award to Shashi Kapoor and I had agreed. With great pleasure. I missed that more than thee expectation of winning the best actor award. Seeing him confined to a wheel chair, was something I could never associate with Shashi ji," the 67-year-old posted on his blog bigb.bigadda.com.
"Shashi Kapoor, that handsome gentle man. A smile on his face forever. A considerate calling on each meeting, now in this condition? Never," he added.
They were seen together in hits like "Deewar", "Trishul", "Namak Halal" and "Silsila".
Remembering the times they spent together, Amitabh wrote: "Film after film we did together, Shashiji and I, shared some of my most memorable times together in the Industry. He is now my relative. His elder brother, the great Raj Kapoor's daughter Ritu's son Nikhil is married to (my daughter) Shweta.
"I spoke to him on his birthday some days ago and then again when I wanted to invite him to the premier of 'Paa'. He had sounded weak in voice and expressed his inability to come. 'I am not well', he had whispered faintly and I told him I would arrange a special screening for him. But I had never expected him to be the way I saw him at the award function in the pictures a few days back," said Amitabh.
The lifetime achievement award to Shashi was finally given by Shabana Azmi.
Amitabh was supposed to present the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award to the 71-year-old actor, but could not attend.
However, Amitabh saw pictures of the event later and was shocked -- just like so many of his other fans.
"...the affable (Filmfare) editor Jitesh Pillai had asked me if I would give the Lifetime achievement Award to Shashi Kapoor and I had agreed. With great pleasure. I missed that more than thee expectation of winning the best actor award. Seeing him confined to a wheel chair, was something I could never associate with Shashi ji," the 67-year-old posted on his blog bigb.bigadda.com.
"Shashi Kapoor, that handsome gentle man. A smile on his face forever. A considerate calling on each meeting, now in this condition? Never," he added.
They were seen together in hits like "Deewar", "Trishul", "Namak Halal" and "Silsila".
Remembering the times they spent together, Amitabh wrote: "Film after film we did together, Shashiji and I, shared some of my most memorable times together in the Industry. He is now my relative. His elder brother, the great Raj Kapoor's daughter Ritu's son Nikhil is married to (my daughter) Shweta.
"I spoke to him on his birthday some days ago and then again when I wanted to invite him to the premier of 'Paa'. He had sounded weak in voice and expressed his inability to come. 'I am not well', he had whispered faintly and I told him I would arrange a special screening for him. But I had never expected him to be the way I saw him at the award function in the pictures a few days back," said Amitabh.
The lifetime achievement award to Shashi was finally given by Shabana Azmi.
Four held with weapons in Ahmedabad, police probe arms racket
Ahmedabad: The Ahmedabad crime branch began probing an inter-state arms racket today, a day after four people were arrested and seven weapons seized from them, police said.
Acting on a tip-off, police nabbed a man identified as Arun Vishwakarma and recovered a pistol from him. A search of his residence led to the recovery of another pistol and two revolvers, officials said.
The probe unravelled more links, leading to the seizure of three more weapons and the arrest of three others.
Metropolitan court judge P.T. Patel has sent the four to police remand for seven days.
Investigators say the seized weapons have better finish than the country-made revolvers that are usually sought to be smuggled in from neighbouring states.
The suspicion is on an inter-state racket in arms for the weapons seized are generally of the type found in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh and used by gangs there, police sources said.
Acting on a tip-off, police nabbed a man identified as Arun Vishwakarma and recovered a pistol from him. A search of his residence led to the recovery of another pistol and two revolvers, officials said.
The probe unravelled more links, leading to the seizure of three more weapons and the arrest of three others.
Metropolitan court judge P.T. Patel has sent the four to police remand for seven days.
Investigators say the seized weapons have better finish than the country-made revolvers that are usually sought to be smuggled in from neighbouring states.
The suspicion is on an inter-state racket in arms for the weapons seized are generally of the type found in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh and used by gangs there, police sources said.
Father, daughter killed for stealing an egg
Ranchi: A father and daughter were killed in Jharkhand's West Singhbhum district as the girl allegedly stole an egg from a neighbour's house, media reports said today.
Mugai Sirka and his seven-year-old daughter Neetu were killed on Wednesday at Pertoll village in West Singhbhunm district, around 230 km from here.
According to reports, Neetu had allegedly stolen an egg from her neighbour, after which at least seven villagers surrounded Mugai's house and started throwing stones. When Mugai asked for an explanation, the villagers started bashing him. Both father and daughter were first beaten and later strangled.
Their heads were crushed with heavy stones and their bodies were hidden in a nearby jungle, reports said.
Mugai's wife Sumitra on Thursday informed the police about the incident and lodged a complaint against five villagers. The accused are absconding. Police have sent the bodies for post mortem examination.
Mugai Sirka and his seven-year-old daughter Neetu were killed on Wednesday at Pertoll village in West Singhbhunm district, around 230 km from here.
According to reports, Neetu had allegedly stolen an egg from her neighbour, after which at least seven villagers surrounded Mugai's house and started throwing stones. When Mugai asked for an explanation, the villagers started bashing him. Both father and daughter were first beaten and later strangled.
Their heads were crushed with heavy stones and their bodies were hidden in a nearby jungle, reports said.
Mugai's wife Sumitra on Thursday informed the police about the incident and lodged a complaint against five villagers. The accused are absconding. Police have sent the bodies for post mortem examination.
PM has breached parliamentary propriety: BJP
New Delhi: A day after sparring with Manmohan Singh in the Lok Sabha, senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader L.K. Advani on Thursday told a meeting of party MPs that the prime minister breached parliamentary propriety by making a misleading statement about enhanced pension for army personnel. Briefing reporters about the meeting of BJP Parliamentary Party here, M. Venkaiah Naidu said Advani referred to a letter from Indian Ex-servicemen Movement (IESM) that contradicted the prime minister's remarks that the order to enhance pension to junior command officers (JCOs) and soldiers, announced by the government in July 2009, had been implemented.
The prime minister's remarks had come in response to Advani's charge that the government had not fully implemented one-rank-one-pension scheme.
Advani is chairman of the BJP Parliamentary Party.
Naidu distributed copies of the letter written by Maj. Gen. (retd) Satbir Singh, vice chairman of IESM, that no soldier or JCO has received orders for enhancement of pensions.
"We watched with dismay on the Lok Sabha TV channel, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh making a statement on the floor of the house that the enhancement of pensions to JCOs and jawans announced by the government in July 6, 2009, has been implemented. Even the Service HQs (headquarters), where an inquiry was made, has confirmed that the orders for enhancement of pensions of jawans and JCOs had not been received," the letter said.
Naidu said the prime minister should have studied the matter properly and then spoken on it.
"This impropriety should be taken seriously," he said.
Naidu said the prime minister was "bewildered" over Advani's demand that the government should speak about its back channel discussions with Pakistan on Kashmir in the light of US reports that an India-Pakistan deal on Kashmir was critical to American interests in Afghanistan.
"The more the PM is bewildered when suggestion is made of US (pressure), the more the charge appears to be true," Naidu said.
He said the BJP will be vigilant against any compromise on Kashmir.
Naidu said Advani mentioned in his address that the top five states in terms of GDP performance were non-Congress ruled states.
Asked about the possibility of floor coordination with other opposition parties, Naidu said no party was untouchable for the BJP.
He said sincerity of the United Progressive Alliance partners which had opposed the government's budget proposals "will be tested on the floor of the house when occasion arises".
The prime minister's remarks had come in response to Advani's charge that the government had not fully implemented one-rank-one-pension scheme.
Advani is chairman of the BJP Parliamentary Party.
Naidu distributed copies of the letter written by Maj. Gen. (retd) Satbir Singh, vice chairman of IESM, that no soldier or JCO has received orders for enhancement of pensions.
"We watched with dismay on the Lok Sabha TV channel, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh making a statement on the floor of the house that the enhancement of pensions to JCOs and jawans announced by the government in July 6, 2009, has been implemented. Even the Service HQs (headquarters), where an inquiry was made, has confirmed that the orders for enhancement of pensions of jawans and JCOs had not been received," the letter said.
Naidu said the prime minister should have studied the matter properly and then spoken on it.
"This impropriety should be taken seriously," he said.
Naidu said the prime minister was "bewildered" over Advani's demand that the government should speak about its back channel discussions with Pakistan on Kashmir in the light of US reports that an India-Pakistan deal on Kashmir was critical to American interests in Afghanistan.
"The more the PM is bewildered when suggestion is made of US (pressure), the more the charge appears to be true," Naidu said.
He said the BJP will be vigilant against any compromise on Kashmir.
Naidu said Advani mentioned in his address that the top five states in terms of GDP performance were non-Congress ruled states.
Asked about the possibility of floor coordination with other opposition parties, Naidu said no party was untouchable for the BJP.
He said sincerity of the United Progressive Alliance partners which had opposed the government's budget proposals "will be tested on the floor of the house when occasion arises".
Deals with India on right track, say Bangladesh experts
Dhaka: Bangladesh is "on the right track" in signing deals with India and it needs to evolve an effective follow-up mechanism, economists and analysts here said.
They asked the government to involve Bhutan and Nepal in the negotiation process "to help South Asia grow together".
In one of a series of dialogues being held following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's India visit in January, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni blamed main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for "making people confused" on relations between Bangladesh and India.
"Creating confusion is not politics. We have to come out of that politics," a newspaper today quoted her as saying.
Hasina's Delhi visit "will not only establish long-lasting bilateral relationship but also boost regional cooperation", the minister said.
According to her, the Dhaka-Delhi deals have five key implications: Withdrawal of restrictions on trade and investment, opening up of Chittagong and Mongla ports, regional electricity trading and cooperation on water resources.
The opposition viewpoint came from former foreign secretary Reaz Rahman, currently adviser to former prime minister Khaleda Zia.
He opposed the deals signed with India saying that those would "benefit India most". The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), a major think tank, organised the discussion on 'Advancing Bangladesh-India Economic Cooperation: Modalities and Challenges' with its chairman Rehman Sobhan in the chair.
Sobhan said many problems that remained unresolved for years between Bangladesh and India started getting resolved after the recent summit.
"They (Bangladesh-India) have identified the issues to boost trade and connectivity. Now they have to negotiate to move the progress forward and operationalise the cooperation," said Sobhan.
Prime Minister's Adviser Mashiur Rahman said the government was "on the right track to boost bilateral and regional relationship".
Ahsan Mansur, executive director of Policy Research Institute, said as the South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) "is stuck over India-Pakistan row", Bangladesh had no way to join international community other than India.
"We have to go with India," he added.
CPD associate director Mustafizur Rahman said that India's northeastern states presented "a good opportunity for Bangladesh's exports. But these opportunities can be best realised if they are economically developed".
"Bangladesh has to facilitate this process through various avenues of deepening cooperation with India," he said.
They asked the government to involve Bhutan and Nepal in the negotiation process "to help South Asia grow together".
In one of a series of dialogues being held following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's India visit in January, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni blamed main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for "making people confused" on relations between Bangladesh and India.
"Creating confusion is not politics. We have to come out of that politics," a newspaper today quoted her as saying.
Hasina's Delhi visit "will not only establish long-lasting bilateral relationship but also boost regional cooperation", the minister said.
According to her, the Dhaka-Delhi deals have five key implications: Withdrawal of restrictions on trade and investment, opening up of Chittagong and Mongla ports, regional electricity trading and cooperation on water resources.
The opposition viewpoint came from former foreign secretary Reaz Rahman, currently adviser to former prime minister Khaleda Zia.
He opposed the deals signed with India saying that those would "benefit India most". The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), a major think tank, organised the discussion on 'Advancing Bangladesh-India Economic Cooperation: Modalities and Challenges' with its chairman Rehman Sobhan in the chair.
Sobhan said many problems that remained unresolved for years between Bangladesh and India started getting resolved after the recent summit.
"They (Bangladesh-India) have identified the issues to boost trade and connectivity. Now they have to negotiate to move the progress forward and operationalise the cooperation," said Sobhan.
Prime Minister's Adviser Mashiur Rahman said the government was "on the right track to boost bilateral and regional relationship".
Ahsan Mansur, executive director of Policy Research Institute, said as the South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) "is stuck over India-Pakistan row", Bangladesh had no way to join international community other than India.
"We have to go with India," he added.
CPD associate director Mustafizur Rahman said that India's northeastern states presented "a good opportunity for Bangladesh's exports. But these opportunities can be best realised if they are economically developed".
"Bangladesh has to facilitate this process through various avenues of deepening cooperation with India," he said.
Plea for voice test in 2002 Gujarat riot case rejected
Ahmedabad: A court hearing the Naroda Gam case of the 2002 Gujarat riots has rejected the Special Investigation Team's (SIT) plea to conduct voice tests on VHP activists Babu Bajrangi and Jaideep Patel. Eleven people were killed in Naroda Gam.
The SIT had wanted to cross-check claims of complicity of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leaders in the riots. The claims were made in a sting operation by a magazine in 2007.
Judge S.H. Vora today rejected the plea on the grounds that Section 73 of the Evidence Act has no provision for conducting voice spectrograph tests of the accused. According to counsel Rohit Verma who appeared for Bajrangi and Patel only finger printing and handwriting check can be done if the investigating agency needs further information.
Eighty three people have been chargesheeted in the Naroda Gam case. Earlier, two other courts hearing cases related to the 2002 riots in Gulbarg society and Naroda Patia in Ahmedabad permitted voice sampling of the accused to enable comparisons with the voice recordings in the sting for purposes of appraising evidence.
The special court hearing the Naroda Patia case has also turned down the Jan Sangharsh Manch plea for directions to the Supreme Court-appointed SIT to scrutinise the mobile call records furnished by senior police officer Rahul Sharma in a CD.
The CD carries call records of the key people in the state administrative set up including police and the chief medical officer as well as those involved in rioting.
The special public prosecutor had argued that investigations were in progress and a final report from the SIT was yet to be received and therefore specific directions to the agency cannot be given at this juncture.
The SIT had wanted to cross-check claims of complicity of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leaders in the riots. The claims were made in a sting operation by a magazine in 2007.
Judge S.H. Vora today rejected the plea on the grounds that Section 73 of the Evidence Act has no provision for conducting voice spectrograph tests of the accused. According to counsel Rohit Verma who appeared for Bajrangi and Patel only finger printing and handwriting check can be done if the investigating agency needs further information.
Eighty three people have been chargesheeted in the Naroda Gam case. Earlier, two other courts hearing cases related to the 2002 riots in Gulbarg society and Naroda Patia in Ahmedabad permitted voice sampling of the accused to enable comparisons with the voice recordings in the sting for purposes of appraising evidence.
The special court hearing the Naroda Patia case has also turned down the Jan Sangharsh Manch plea for directions to the Supreme Court-appointed SIT to scrutinise the mobile call records furnished by senior police officer Rahul Sharma in a CD.
The CD carries call records of the key people in the state administrative set up including police and the chief medical officer as well as those involved in rioting.
The special public prosecutor had argued that investigations were in progress and a final report from the SIT was yet to be received and therefore specific directions to the agency cannot be given at this juncture.
I did not say Indians were not targeted: Holbrooke
Washington: In the face of US media reports that Pakistani militant group Lashkar-i-Taiba (LeT) searched for Indians in last week's deadly attack in Kabul, a top US diplomat has regretted his remarks suggesting Indians were not targeted.
"I regret any misunderstanding caused by my comments on the recent terrorist attack in Kabul, which claimed the lives of 6 Indians and at least ten citizens of other nations," US Special Representative For Afghanistan And Pakistan Richard C Holbrooke said today.
"I did not say Indians were not targeted, but that initially it looked like the target was not an official Indian facility," he said. "Early reports on events like this are often unreliable, and I try not to jump to conclusions."
"We all know that Indian citizens have and continue to be targeted by terrorists, including inside Afghanistan," Holbrooke said adding, "My heart goes out to the families of all of the victims."
"The Afghan people and international community deeply appreciate the very substantial humanitarian and reconstruction assistance that India provides Afghanistan," he said in a bid to soothe any ruffled feathers in New Delhi.
"The willingness of India to take risks and make sacrifices to help Afghanistan is testament to India's commitment global peace and prosperity and a vital part of the international commitment to Afghanistan's future," Holbrooke said.
At a media briefing here Tuesday Holbrooke had said: "First of all, in regard to this attack, I don't accept the fact that this was an attack on an Indian facility like the embassy."
"There were foreigners, non-Indian foreigners hurt. It was a soft target. And let's not jump to conclusions," he told reporters when asked how Indians in Afghanistan could feel safe in the wake of last week's attack.
"I understand why everyone in Pakistan and everyone in India always focuses on the other. But please, let's not draw a conclusion which - for which there's no proof," he said.
"I regret any misunderstanding caused by my comments on the recent terrorist attack in Kabul, which claimed the lives of 6 Indians and at least ten citizens of other nations," US Special Representative For Afghanistan And Pakistan Richard C Holbrooke said today.
"I did not say Indians were not targeted, but that initially it looked like the target was not an official Indian facility," he said. "Early reports on events like this are often unreliable, and I try not to jump to conclusions."
"We all know that Indian citizens have and continue to be targeted by terrorists, including inside Afghanistan," Holbrooke said adding, "My heart goes out to the families of all of the victims."
"The Afghan people and international community deeply appreciate the very substantial humanitarian and reconstruction assistance that India provides Afghanistan," he said in a bid to soothe any ruffled feathers in New Delhi.
"The willingness of India to take risks and make sacrifices to help Afghanistan is testament to India's commitment global peace and prosperity and a vital part of the international commitment to Afghanistan's future," Holbrooke said.
At a media briefing here Tuesday Holbrooke had said: "First of all, in regard to this attack, I don't accept the fact that this was an attack on an Indian facility like the embassy."
"There were foreigners, non-Indian foreigners hurt. It was a soft target. And let's not jump to conclusions," he told reporters when asked how Indians in Afghanistan could feel safe in the wake of last week's attack.
"I understand why everyone in Pakistan and everyone in India always focuses on the other. But please, let's not draw a conclusion which - for which there's no proof," he said.
Indian toddler found dead, Australian police clueless
Melbourne: A team of homicide detectives are searching for clues a day after a three-year-old Indian boy was found dead near Melbourne airport following his sudden disappearance from a house 20 km away.
The body of Gurshan Singh Channa was found on Wildwood Road, Oaklands Junction on Thursday night after a massive search following complaint by his parents who were staying in Lalor on a holiday.
The incident came to light after Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith visited New Delhi on Wednesday in the wake of series of attacks against Indians Dawn Under.
An autopsy on the toddler's body has not revealed how he died. Further forensic tests will be conducted to ascertain the cause of death, police said today.
The boy's mother Harpreet Kaur Channa called the police 45 minutes after he went missing. Police said the boy was found in the same clothes he was wearing when he went missing - a grey top and blue jeans.
They, however, declined to give details of injuries he had suffered, or to speculate on the precise cause of his death, according to the media.
Detective Inspector Steve Clark who is heading the investigation into the case, said today an autopsy has been conducted but the results were inconclusive.
He said police were appealing for anyone who witnessed the body being dumped near Oaklands Junction or who saw the boy in the streets around his parent's Lalor home after he went missing.
Detectives were returning to Lalor today to re-interview neighbours and people who were living in the house with the boy's parents.
Gurshan's parents have asked to see the boy's body and arrangements will be made for them to see him at the Coroner's Court today, where they are also receiving counselling.
Deputy Commissioner Crime Sir Ken Jones said the quick police response - an immediate alert and search - was because "this was such a young vulnerable child".
Jones said "anything that can be done, will be done" in this case.
At a press conference on Thursday night, Jones said it was believed the boy had been murdered.
"We are treating as worst case... as a homicide," Sir Ken said. "This is a terrible tragedy. We are doing everything in our power to establish what happened. Clearly the circumstances are suspicious, so we are assuming the worst".
Asked if any family members were suspects, Jones said there were no suspects "at this stage".
"We are taking the information provided by the parents at face value. At this stage we have no suspects".
Assuring Indian community in Australia, the deputy commissioner said, "If foul play has taken place we will do everything within our power to find out precisely what has happened and to bring people to justice".
Jones said the family had been in Australia for several months on a vacation, and had been due to return to India soon.
Meanwhile, Victoria's Prime Minister John Brumby has briefed the Indian High Commissioner Sujatha Singh about the boy's "deeply distressing" death.
Brumby told Singh that no stone would be left unturned in the investigation into the death.
"Any death of a child is a terrible, terrible tragedy. The death of a child so young is a terrible, unthinkable tragedy," he said.
"We hope this crime can be solved and resolved as soon as possible."
It was important that people don't jump to conclusion about the death at this time, Brumby said, adding that he had been kept regularly briefed by police, who have decided to treat the case as a homicide.
"Every possible police resource is being devoted," he said.
"There are no visible signs of the cause of death at this stage ... but I think it's very important that no one jumps to conclusions," Brumby told reporters today.
"The most important thing is that we find the cause of death and bring those responsible to justice and I can only repeat from the point of view of the government and the police force in Victoria, every single resource is being devoted to this effort," he added.
The body of Gurshan Singh Channa was found on Wildwood Road, Oaklands Junction on Thursday night after a massive search following complaint by his parents who were staying in Lalor on a holiday.
The incident came to light after Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith visited New Delhi on Wednesday in the wake of series of attacks against Indians Dawn Under.
An autopsy on the toddler's body has not revealed how he died. Further forensic tests will be conducted to ascertain the cause of death, police said today.
The boy's mother Harpreet Kaur Channa called the police 45 minutes after he went missing. Police said the boy was found in the same clothes he was wearing when he went missing - a grey top and blue jeans.
They, however, declined to give details of injuries he had suffered, or to speculate on the precise cause of his death, according to the media.
Detective Inspector Steve Clark who is heading the investigation into the case, said today an autopsy has been conducted but the results were inconclusive.
He said police were appealing for anyone who witnessed the body being dumped near Oaklands Junction or who saw the boy in the streets around his parent's Lalor home after he went missing.
Detectives were returning to Lalor today to re-interview neighbours and people who were living in the house with the boy's parents.
Gurshan's parents have asked to see the boy's body and arrangements will be made for them to see him at the Coroner's Court today, where they are also receiving counselling.
Deputy Commissioner Crime Sir Ken Jones said the quick police response - an immediate alert and search - was because "this was such a young vulnerable child".
Jones said "anything that can be done, will be done" in this case.
At a press conference on Thursday night, Jones said it was believed the boy had been murdered.
"We are treating as worst case... as a homicide," Sir Ken said. "This is a terrible tragedy. We are doing everything in our power to establish what happened. Clearly the circumstances are suspicious, so we are assuming the worst".
Asked if any family members were suspects, Jones said there were no suspects "at this stage".
"We are taking the information provided by the parents at face value. At this stage we have no suspects".
Assuring Indian community in Australia, the deputy commissioner said, "If foul play has taken place we will do everything within our power to find out precisely what has happened and to bring people to justice".
Jones said the family had been in Australia for several months on a vacation, and had been due to return to India soon.
Meanwhile, Victoria's Prime Minister John Brumby has briefed the Indian High Commissioner Sujatha Singh about the boy's "deeply distressing" death.
Brumby told Singh that no stone would be left unturned in the investigation into the death.
"Any death of a child is a terrible, terrible tragedy. The death of a child so young is a terrible, unthinkable tragedy," he said.
"We hope this crime can be solved and resolved as soon as possible."
It was important that people don't jump to conclusion about the death at this time, Brumby said, adding that he had been kept regularly briefed by police, who have decided to treat the case as a homicide.
"Every possible police resource is being devoted," he said.
"There are no visible signs of the cause of death at this stage ... but I think it's very important that no one jumps to conclusions," Brumby told reporters today.
"The most important thing is that we find the cause of death and bring those responsible to justice and I can only repeat from the point of view of the government and the police force in Victoria, every single resource is being devoted to this effort," he added.
Electrocution rumour sparked stampede, killing 63
Mangarh (Uttar Pradesh): As a pall of gloom hung over the Bhakti Dham ashram here a day after a stampede killed 63 women and children, an eyewitness said today that an electrocution rumour sparked off panic at the gate of the popular spiritual centre.
Hridesh Tiwari, who runs a tea stall nearby, said the initial panic at the ashram gate was due to a rumour that a wire hanging nearby was "live" and had electrocuted someone.
"Once people heard that, they wanted to get away. Since there was no scope for turning back towards the road, everyone tried to rush forward, trampling one after the other," Tiwari told the media.
The ashram in this small town of Pratapgarh district run by popular godman Kripaluji Maharaj, which usually bustles with activity in the morning, wore an eerie look, with more cops than anybody else in and around the place.
The gate of the ashram that came crashing down Thursday under the pressure of the stampeding crowd was still lying on the ground. The open area around was still strewn with broken bangles, shoes, slippers, caps and shreds of the clothes worn by the victims who had converged to attend the bhandara (religious feast) organised by the godman.
The occasion, held annually to mark the death anniversary of his wife, had drawn thousands of devotees - largely very poor people - particularly in view of the announcement that along with food, the visitors would also be given some cash and two utensils.
The staff of the sprawling six-acre ashram remained silent and sullen, while they attended to their chores.
A number of injured are being treated in a hospital run by the ashram in the campus. Its doors were shut not only to the media but even to the kin of the victims. "We have instructions from the top not to allow anyone inside the hospital", said a private security guard at the door.
One of the ashram caretakers Sukh Din Deo maintained that the hospital had been cordoned off in the larger interest of the victims.
"On a normal morning , we would have had at least 100-200 devotees by now , but today there is not a single visitor," he lamented.
The road in front of the ashram remained closed to traffic. A large contingent of policemen including armed cops were stationed all over the area, effectively converting the place into a police camp.
Mangarh, in eastern Uttar Pradesh, is 180 km from state capital Lucknow.
Hridesh Tiwari, who runs a tea stall nearby, said the initial panic at the ashram gate was due to a rumour that a wire hanging nearby was "live" and had electrocuted someone.
"Once people heard that, they wanted to get away. Since there was no scope for turning back towards the road, everyone tried to rush forward, trampling one after the other," Tiwari told the media.
The ashram in this small town of Pratapgarh district run by popular godman Kripaluji Maharaj, which usually bustles with activity in the morning, wore an eerie look, with more cops than anybody else in and around the place.
The gate of the ashram that came crashing down Thursday under the pressure of the stampeding crowd was still lying on the ground. The open area around was still strewn with broken bangles, shoes, slippers, caps and shreds of the clothes worn by the victims who had converged to attend the bhandara (religious feast) organised by the godman.
The occasion, held annually to mark the death anniversary of his wife, had drawn thousands of devotees - largely very poor people - particularly in view of the announcement that along with food, the visitors would also be given some cash and two utensils.
The staff of the sprawling six-acre ashram remained silent and sullen, while they attended to their chores.
A number of injured are being treated in a hospital run by the ashram in the campus. Its doors were shut not only to the media but even to the kin of the victims. "We have instructions from the top not to allow anyone inside the hospital", said a private security guard at the door.
One of the ashram caretakers Sukh Din Deo maintained that the hospital had been cordoned off in the larger interest of the victims.
"On a normal morning , we would have had at least 100-200 devotees by now , but today there is not a single visitor," he lamented.
The road in front of the ashram remained closed to traffic. A large contingent of policemen including armed cops were stationed all over the area, effectively converting the place into a police camp.
Mangarh, in eastern Uttar Pradesh, is 180 km from state capital Lucknow.
20100303
Youtube video shows nexus of drug mafia, Goa police
Panaji: A video uploaded on the popular Youtube website showing an Israeli drug dealer talking about his alleged links with the Goa police's anti-narcotics sleuths has created a flutter in the state.
The 8.16-minute long video was uploaded on youtube.com by user OrenbenYaish back in April 20, 2008, and features Atala, a reportedly notorious Israeli drug peddler.
Atala, an Israeli youngster with close cropped head, is shown in the video speaking about how a senior anti-narcotics cell (ANC) officer, whom he identifies as 'Ashish', regularly sells him drugs seized from raids and even deposited with the magistrate.
"This Panjim police... this narcotics the chief.. Big chief. Maybe he is one giving drugs. Maybe... he said something to give it to friend. All the time he is giving me five kg charas, ecstasy...," Atala, who has been arrested previously on drug peddling charge told an unidentified person in the video.
"He is very young. Three star (inspector). Before I meet him two star.., only two star. Now he get one more star and he is now big chief... The head anti-narcotic. He know me from before. The first time I meet him. I fight with... he said Atala, listen u my friend. I know u good heart. I like you. I create no problem for you. Give me 10 ecstasy. I tell listen.. You are anti-narcotics. I not give u 10 ecstasy. I scare to give you. He said you are my friend. I open my pocket and give him 10 ecstasy," Atala says, adding this risk had forged the relationship between the two "more stronger and stronger and stronger".
During the video, an unknown person, whom Atala identifies as an ANC official, also hands him a white plastic bag with cocaine.
Atala, who is seated in car parked near Calangute, also says that the rear seat of his car is packed with cocaine, heroine, charas, etc.
Incidentally, the ANC was headed by police inspector Ashish Shirodkar for a period of more than two years since 2008.
Ashish's mobile phone number read out by Atala in course of the conversation, also matches with the official phone number of Shirodkar listed in the police records.
The arrest of David Driham alias Dudu, a notorious Israeli drug peddler, has opened a Pandora's box for the state police. Sources said that Dudu under interrogation has named three police officials and several journalists, including reportedly an editor, who he said he had bribed in order to carry on his business unhindered.
The video and its details have stunned the Goa Police.
When contacted, Superintendent of Police Veenu Bansal refused to comment on the issue, virtually scampering away from the media at the police headquarters.
Deputy Inspector General Ravinder Yadav said he was not in a position to comment on the video right away.
"We will be in a position to say anything only after we verify the genuineness of the footage," he said.
Hours after Yadav was handed over a copy of the controversial footage by mediapersons in Panaji, Director General of Police (DGP) Bhim Sain Bassi claimed that he was not aware of such a video.
"Now that you have told me, we will view it and take appropriate action," Bassi said.
The 8.16-minute long video was uploaded on youtube.com by user OrenbenYaish back in April 20, 2008, and features Atala, a reportedly notorious Israeli drug peddler.
Atala, an Israeli youngster with close cropped head, is shown in the video speaking about how a senior anti-narcotics cell (ANC) officer, whom he identifies as 'Ashish', regularly sells him drugs seized from raids and even deposited with the magistrate.
"This Panjim police... this narcotics the chief.. Big chief. Maybe he is one giving drugs. Maybe... he said something to give it to friend. All the time he is giving me five kg charas, ecstasy...," Atala, who has been arrested previously on drug peddling charge told an unidentified person in the video.
"He is very young. Three star (inspector). Before I meet him two star.., only two star. Now he get one more star and he is now big chief... The head anti-narcotic. He know me from before. The first time I meet him. I fight with... he said Atala, listen u my friend. I know u good heart. I like you. I create no problem for you. Give me 10 ecstasy. I tell listen.. You are anti-narcotics. I not give u 10 ecstasy. I scare to give you. He said you are my friend. I open my pocket and give him 10 ecstasy," Atala says, adding this risk had forged the relationship between the two "more stronger and stronger and stronger".
During the video, an unknown person, whom Atala identifies as an ANC official, also hands him a white plastic bag with cocaine.
Atala, who is seated in car parked near Calangute, also says that the rear seat of his car is packed with cocaine, heroine, charas, etc.
Incidentally, the ANC was headed by police inspector Ashish Shirodkar for a period of more than two years since 2008.
Ashish's mobile phone number read out by Atala in course of the conversation, also matches with the official phone number of Shirodkar listed in the police records.
The arrest of David Driham alias Dudu, a notorious Israeli drug peddler, has opened a Pandora's box for the state police. Sources said that Dudu under interrogation has named three police officials and several journalists, including reportedly an editor, who he said he had bribed in order to carry on his business unhindered.
The video and its details have stunned the Goa Police.
When contacted, Superintendent of Police Veenu Bansal refused to comment on the issue, virtually scampering away from the media at the police headquarters.
Deputy Inspector General Ravinder Yadav said he was not in a position to comment on the video right away.
"We will be in a position to say anything only after we verify the genuineness of the footage," he said.
Hours after Yadav was handed over a copy of the controversial footage by mediapersons in Panaji, Director General of Police (DGP) Bhim Sain Bassi claimed that he was not aware of such a video.
"Now that you have told me, we will view it and take appropriate action," Bassi said.
John Abraham set to watch FIFA World Cup 2010 live
Mumbai: John Abraham is a huge football fan and is all set to watch the FIFA World Cup 2010 live in South Africa. The actor would be rooting for Spaniards.
"I am going to South Africa to watch the FIFA World Cup," John told reporters here held by Castrol, the official sponsor of the World Cup 2010.
Apart from John, 29 winners of the Castrol 2010 FIFA World Cup promotion, from Feb 1 to April 15, would also be able to watch a match in South Africa with the star.
Talking about favourite teams, John said he would support Spain.
"You know, you can have favourites right now but on June 11, you will realise which team is peaking and which team is not. If everything remains fine then Spain is one of my favourite teams and I really want Spain to do well," he said.
The 2010 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 11-July 11 and it will be the 19th edition of the premier international football tournament.
"I went to Berlin last time to see the world cup final between France and Italy," said John.
Asked about his favourite players, he said: "World Cup always gives new players. The old favourites are Lionel Messi (Argentina) and Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) and a lot of other players I assume are going to do well in this world cup."
John had played a football player in "Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal" and he says he would have loved to be a professional footballer if he could re-do his career.
"I am going to South Africa to watch the FIFA World Cup," John told reporters here held by Castrol, the official sponsor of the World Cup 2010.
Apart from John, 29 winners of the Castrol 2010 FIFA World Cup promotion, from Feb 1 to April 15, would also be able to watch a match in South Africa with the star.
Talking about favourite teams, John said he would support Spain.
"You know, you can have favourites right now but on June 11, you will realise which team is peaking and which team is not. If everything remains fine then Spain is one of my favourite teams and I really want Spain to do well," he said.
The 2010 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 11-July 11 and it will be the 19th edition of the premier international football tournament.
"I went to Berlin last time to see the world cup final between France and Italy," said John.
Asked about his favourite players, he said: "World Cup always gives new players. The old favourites are Lionel Messi (Argentina) and Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) and a lot of other players I assume are going to do well in this world cup."
John had played a football player in "Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal" and he says he would have loved to be a professional footballer if he could re-do his career.
Purple cabbage, seedless cucumber on Games platter
New Delhi: A world-class infrastructure and full-proof security are not the only things in offing during the Commonwealth Games. The organisers are also fixing up delightful menus prepared with select ingredients ranging from purple cabbage and seedless cucumber to multi-coloured pepper.
Leading agricultural scientists in Delhi are currently working on a number of vegetables, which are not only safe and pesticide-free but also fancy and colourful. These vegetables will be served to over 7,000 athletes, delegates from over 70 countries and other tourists who will be here for the mega sporting event between Oct 3-14.
"We are getting ready for the Commonwealth Games. They will get safe and colourful vegetables to eat," Baljit Singh, a principal scientist with the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) here, told media today.
"It is our job to provide them good food. We know October is an off season but we will cultivate vegetables in protected environments," he said.
"Vegetables like purple cabbage, special broccoli, multi-coloured peppers, cherry tomato with at least seven percent sweetness, French radish and seedless cucumber are some of our focus areas now.
"We have cultivated them under protected environment and are now training farmers, living in 80-km radius of the national capital, to grow these vegetables," said Singh, who is the head of the Centre for Protected Cultivation Technology at IARI.
He said several farmers in and around Delhi are interested in cultivating these vegetables.
For example, farmers in Najafgarh are likely to cultivate pesticide-free cauliflowers while those in Alipur will produce seedless cucumber. Special sweet corns are likely to be sourced from Sonepat in Haryana. Several farmers in Bilaspur region of Himachal Pradesh are likely to provide red, yellow and green pepper.
The scientist explained that protected cultivation meant that all these vegetables would be grown in "greenhouses under a controlled environment". Water, fertiliser and temperature will be controlled.
Leading agricultural scientists in Delhi are currently working on a number of vegetables, which are not only safe and pesticide-free but also fancy and colourful. These vegetables will be served to over 7,000 athletes, delegates from over 70 countries and other tourists who will be here for the mega sporting event between Oct 3-14.
"We are getting ready for the Commonwealth Games. They will get safe and colourful vegetables to eat," Baljit Singh, a principal scientist with the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) here, told media today.
"It is our job to provide them good food. We know October is an off season but we will cultivate vegetables in protected environments," he said.
"Vegetables like purple cabbage, special broccoli, multi-coloured peppers, cherry tomato with at least seven percent sweetness, French radish and seedless cucumber are some of our focus areas now.
"We have cultivated them under protected environment and are now training farmers, living in 80-km radius of the national capital, to grow these vegetables," said Singh, who is the head of the Centre for Protected Cultivation Technology at IARI.
He said several farmers in and around Delhi are interested in cultivating these vegetables.
For example, farmers in Najafgarh are likely to cultivate pesticide-free cauliflowers while those in Alipur will produce seedless cucumber. Special sweet corns are likely to be sourced from Sonepat in Haryana. Several farmers in Bilaspur region of Himachal Pradesh are likely to provide red, yellow and green pepper.
The scientist explained that protected cultivation meant that all these vegetables would be grown in "greenhouses under a controlled environment". Water, fertiliser and temperature will be controlled.
New TV series 'Jamunia' straight from village palace
Kawardha (Chhattisgarh): Bringing "Jamunia" to the small screen was not easy for producers Yash Patnaik and Ajit Andhare. From finding the right artists to shooting in a real village to battling mosquitoes, they had their hands full.
"Before us, nobody dared to come and shoot here," said Andhare. Kawardha is 120 km from state capital Raipur.
The series, about the trials and tribulations of orphaned girl Jamunia, played by Bhavana Khatri, is going live on NDTV Imagine on Women's Day on March 8 and producers have moved here with a team of about 125 people for the shoot.
The owner of Kawardha Palace, where the serial is being shot, has rented out the ground floor to the unit of "Jamunia".
"I did a recce of 1,100 km here. We needed a palace and a beautiful village and this place suited our purpose. We met the (erstwhile) maharaja and maharani of Kawardha and requested them to allow us to shoot here. Initially, they refused, but later gave permission," Patnaik told the media.
"I chose the real location because it gives impact and detailing and I have also unbound writers by bringing them to a real location. There are logistical problems, but I have control. I can shoot any time," he added.
Shooting on location has affected their budget.
"In Mumbai, when you make a serial, the per day expense of shooting comes to somewhere between Rs.300,000 to Rs.400,000. But as we are shooting on real location, our budget has gone up 30 to 35 percent. One needs a budget of Rs.250-300 million to make a serial like this," said Patnaik.
The cast and crew, who left the comfort of their homes to shoot, had adjustment problems. The "Jamunia" cast is a mixed bag - from newcomers to locals to veterans like Mohan Joshi and Suhasini Mule.
"Initially, I had problems, but now I'm comfortable. Earlier, shooting while sitting on the floor didn't come naturally to me, but now I have got used to it," said Bhavana.
Preeta Jain, who plays Jamunia's cousin Chatori in the serial, said: "Now we feel at home. All the female artists stay in the campus."
Usually 22 episodes are aired in a month and actors have to shoot 12 hours a day. And "Jamunia" is no different.
"There are breaks. Artists keep coming and going. We don't keep an artist here if he or she is not required. Unlike a film schedule, serials are a long-term thing. After a certain period it becomes like a family. Right now we have about 30 episodes in the bank," said Andhare.
Organising the shooting here was a humongous task for Amit Bangia, production controller of the serial. "It is a mammoth task to shoot in this area. Locations are pretty far. If we have a 7 a.m. shooting shift, we start preparing from 2 in the morning. And there is no time to eat or sleep.
"Shooting a crowd scene is the toughest job. In Mumbai, it is very easy to gather people to shoot a crowd scene, but not here. There were two more people with me here, but once they went back to Mumbai, they didn't come back. But I am doing it because it's a challenge to shoot in Kawardha," said Bangia who worked as a production assistant on serials like "Kkusum", "Kasturi" and "Maika".
Apart from other things, mosquitoes are a real problem after sunset, but the team has learnt to cope.
Shooting the serial here has made local businessmen happy.
"I run a travel agency here and I have six vehicles. But I am not able to meet up with the demand of the unit. I have to arrange for vehicles from other places to fulfil the production unit's demand," said Kaushal Singh who runs Jai Mata Di Travels here.
"We charge about Rs.700 for eight hours. After spending time with Amit, I have also learnt a lot about shooting. I know they will need horses and elephants to shoot a wedding, so I have already spoken to the people concerned," he added.
Hotels in the area are also doing good business. There are four hotels here and the "Jamunia" production team has hired them for the crew members.
Andhare says at the moment they are not worried about the TRPs, their main concern being the initial buildup of the story.
"Before us, nobody dared to come and shoot here," said Andhare. Kawardha is 120 km from state capital Raipur.
The series, about the trials and tribulations of orphaned girl Jamunia, played by Bhavana Khatri, is going live on NDTV Imagine on Women's Day on March 8 and producers have moved here with a team of about 125 people for the shoot.
The owner of Kawardha Palace, where the serial is being shot, has rented out the ground floor to the unit of "Jamunia".
"I did a recce of 1,100 km here. We needed a palace and a beautiful village and this place suited our purpose. We met the (erstwhile) maharaja and maharani of Kawardha and requested them to allow us to shoot here. Initially, they refused, but later gave permission," Patnaik told the media.
"I chose the real location because it gives impact and detailing and I have also unbound writers by bringing them to a real location. There are logistical problems, but I have control. I can shoot any time," he added.
Shooting on location has affected their budget.
"In Mumbai, when you make a serial, the per day expense of shooting comes to somewhere between Rs.300,000 to Rs.400,000. But as we are shooting on real location, our budget has gone up 30 to 35 percent. One needs a budget of Rs.250-300 million to make a serial like this," said Patnaik.
The cast and crew, who left the comfort of their homes to shoot, had adjustment problems. The "Jamunia" cast is a mixed bag - from newcomers to locals to veterans like Mohan Joshi and Suhasini Mule.
"Initially, I had problems, but now I'm comfortable. Earlier, shooting while sitting on the floor didn't come naturally to me, but now I have got used to it," said Bhavana.
Preeta Jain, who plays Jamunia's cousin Chatori in the serial, said: "Now we feel at home. All the female artists stay in the campus."
Usually 22 episodes are aired in a month and actors have to shoot 12 hours a day. And "Jamunia" is no different.
"There are breaks. Artists keep coming and going. We don't keep an artist here if he or she is not required. Unlike a film schedule, serials are a long-term thing. After a certain period it becomes like a family. Right now we have about 30 episodes in the bank," said Andhare.
Organising the shooting here was a humongous task for Amit Bangia, production controller of the serial. "It is a mammoth task to shoot in this area. Locations are pretty far. If we have a 7 a.m. shooting shift, we start preparing from 2 in the morning. And there is no time to eat or sleep.
"Shooting a crowd scene is the toughest job. In Mumbai, it is very easy to gather people to shoot a crowd scene, but not here. There were two more people with me here, but once they went back to Mumbai, they didn't come back. But I am doing it because it's a challenge to shoot in Kawardha," said Bangia who worked as a production assistant on serials like "Kkusum", "Kasturi" and "Maika".
Apart from other things, mosquitoes are a real problem after sunset, but the team has learnt to cope.
Shooting the serial here has made local businessmen happy.
"I run a travel agency here and I have six vehicles. But I am not able to meet up with the demand of the unit. I have to arrange for vehicles from other places to fulfil the production unit's demand," said Kaushal Singh who runs Jai Mata Di Travels here.
"We charge about Rs.700 for eight hours. After spending time with Amit, I have also learnt a lot about shooting. I know they will need horses and elephants to shoot a wedding, so I have already spoken to the people concerned," he added.
Hotels in the area are also doing good business. There are four hotels here and the "Jamunia" production team has hired them for the crew members.
Andhare says at the moment they are not worried about the TRPs, their main concern being the initial buildup of the story.
'Atithi...' gives a message with a laugh: Ajay Devgn
New Delhi: Double entendres are often used in scripts to make people laugh, but actor Ajay Devgn says the makers of his forthcoming laugh-riot "Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?" have not used them.
"We have tried to make a clean and entertaining film. Not even one dialogue has a double meaning, so people from all age groups can enjoy the film," said Ajay, who was in the capital to promote the film.
"It is very easy to put double meanings in dialogues and make people laugh in comedies. The real challenge is to make people laugh through situations.
"The film is not just comedy but says a lot of things that you will like and that will touch your heart. Along with making you laugh, it will give a message, that's the USP of the film," he added.
Set in Mumbai, director Ashwani Dhir's film shows what happens when an unwanted guest (Paresh Rawal) arrives and disturbs the life of a happily married couple - Puneet (Ajay Devgn) and Munmun (Konkona Sen Sharma). Slated for a March 5 release, "Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?" is co-produced by Warner Bros. Pictures (India) Pvt. Ltd.
In the film, all the three main actors are National Award winners but Ajay says that wasn't planned.
"Casting was not done keeping in mind that only National Award winners should be taken. It's a co-incidence and I must say that it's a good coincidence."
Talking about his on-screen wife, Konkona, with whom he has earlier acted in "Omkara", Ajay told the media: "When you work with great actors, your own work becomes better. It's always a pleasure to work with a good actor like Konkona."
In the last few years, the 40-year-old had been a part of several successful laughathons like "Masti", "Golmaal", "Sunday" and "Golmaal Returns", but says he has no plans to confine himself to one genre.
"It's not that I want to stick to one kind of films. When I get a good script, I do it, whether it's comedy or something else. If the character is good and is written well then I'm pretty comfortable doing any role. Apart from comedies, I am also doing all sorts of other roles," said Ajay who is going to complete two decades in Bollywood next year.
His other forthcoming releases include Prakash Jha's much-talked about political drama "Rajneeti", Milan Luthria's crime thriller "Once Upon A Time In Mumbai" and an action film directed by Rohit Shetty.
"We have tried to make a clean and entertaining film. Not even one dialogue has a double meaning, so people from all age groups can enjoy the film," said Ajay, who was in the capital to promote the film.
"It is very easy to put double meanings in dialogues and make people laugh in comedies. The real challenge is to make people laugh through situations.
"The film is not just comedy but says a lot of things that you will like and that will touch your heart. Along with making you laugh, it will give a message, that's the USP of the film," he added.
Set in Mumbai, director Ashwani Dhir's film shows what happens when an unwanted guest (Paresh Rawal) arrives and disturbs the life of a happily married couple - Puneet (Ajay Devgn) and Munmun (Konkona Sen Sharma). Slated for a March 5 release, "Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge?" is co-produced by Warner Bros. Pictures (India) Pvt. Ltd.
In the film, all the three main actors are National Award winners but Ajay says that wasn't planned.
"Casting was not done keeping in mind that only National Award winners should be taken. It's a co-incidence and I must say that it's a good coincidence."
Talking about his on-screen wife, Konkona, with whom he has earlier acted in "Omkara", Ajay told the media: "When you work with great actors, your own work becomes better. It's always a pleasure to work with a good actor like Konkona."
In the last few years, the 40-year-old had been a part of several successful laughathons like "Masti", "Golmaal", "Sunday" and "Golmaal Returns", but says he has no plans to confine himself to one genre.
"It's not that I want to stick to one kind of films. When I get a good script, I do it, whether it's comedy or something else. If the character is good and is written well then I'm pretty comfortable doing any role. Apart from comedies, I am also doing all sorts of other roles," said Ajay who is going to complete two decades in Bollywood next year.
His other forthcoming releases include Prakash Jha's much-talked about political drama "Rajneeti", Milan Luthria's crime thriller "Once Upon A Time In Mumbai" and an action film directed by Rohit Shetty.
I've followed Gandhi's maxim: Shakira
Geneva: Colombian singer Shakira, who was awarded a medal by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) for her work to promote social justice and the advancement of children worldwide, says she has followed Mahatma Gandhi's maxim.
In her remarks, the singer said on Wednesday: "Gandhi used to say 'Be the change you wish to see in the world' and I've followed that maxim."
Shakira thanked the ILO for the prize and dedicated it to all children suffering from violence and extreme poverty, which is the focus of her Barefoot Foundation.
That non-profit organisation takes its name from the recording artist's first album and is devoted to ensuring that education is universally available to every child.
Its Colombian partner, the Pies Descalzos Foundation, works to assist vulnerable children affected by population displacement in the Andean nation, providing them with nutritious meals, education and psychological-support services.
Dressed in black high-heeled boots, jeans, a grey T-shirt and a black jacket, Shakira's dress colours contrasted with the hundreds of red T-shirts worn by children and adults who packed the room where the award ceremony was held.
The T-shirts bore the slogan "Social Justice for Peace" in honour of World Day on Social Justice, which was celebrated on Wednesday.
The award was handed out by ILO Director-General Juan Somavia who said: "Your friend (82-year-old Colombian novelist Gabriel) Garcia Marquez maintains that 'sometimes wisdom comes to us when it can no longer do any good'; that didn't happen with you."
Somavia said that "Shakira is an example to follow and an inspiration for all of us."
"Your youthful wisdom and social consciousness were put to good use very early on. You resolved to be a catalyst for change, to help children escape the grip of poverty through education, to bring back dreams and hope to lives scarred by the trauma of violence and displacement," he added.
The Colombian responded that she has simply been able to fulfill a dream she has had since she was a young girl: to be able to help the street children of her native Barranquilla who were suffering great hardship and lacked the same privileges she did.
"Investing in a child means investing in our collective future. A child who receives quality education, nutrition and care early in life will have higher earnings, better health, stronger relationships and higher productivity throughout his or her life as an adult," Shakira said.
She said witnessing extreme poverty as a girl "shaped my dream and my vision of social justice: to see a world where every child can live a dignified life with the opportunity to reap the benefits of a good education and a chance to pursue their dreams".
In her remarks, the singer said on Wednesday: "Gandhi used to say 'Be the change you wish to see in the world' and I've followed that maxim."
Shakira thanked the ILO for the prize and dedicated it to all children suffering from violence and extreme poverty, which is the focus of her Barefoot Foundation.
That non-profit organisation takes its name from the recording artist's first album and is devoted to ensuring that education is universally available to every child.
Its Colombian partner, the Pies Descalzos Foundation, works to assist vulnerable children affected by population displacement in the Andean nation, providing them with nutritious meals, education and psychological-support services.
Dressed in black high-heeled boots, jeans, a grey T-shirt and a black jacket, Shakira's dress colours contrasted with the hundreds of red T-shirts worn by children and adults who packed the room where the award ceremony was held.
The T-shirts bore the slogan "Social Justice for Peace" in honour of World Day on Social Justice, which was celebrated on Wednesday.
The award was handed out by ILO Director-General Juan Somavia who said: "Your friend (82-year-old Colombian novelist Gabriel) Garcia Marquez maintains that 'sometimes wisdom comes to us when it can no longer do any good'; that didn't happen with you."
Somavia said that "Shakira is an example to follow and an inspiration for all of us."
"Your youthful wisdom and social consciousness were put to good use very early on. You resolved to be a catalyst for change, to help children escape the grip of poverty through education, to bring back dreams and hope to lives scarred by the trauma of violence and displacement," he added.
The Colombian responded that she has simply been able to fulfill a dream she has had since she was a young girl: to be able to help the street children of her native Barranquilla who were suffering great hardship and lacked the same privileges she did.
"Investing in a child means investing in our collective future. A child who receives quality education, nutrition and care early in life will have higher earnings, better health, stronger relationships and higher productivity throughout his or her life as an adult," Shakira said.
She said witnessing extreme poverty as a girl "shaped my dream and my vision of social justice: to see a world where every child can live a dignified life with the opportunity to reap the benefits of a good education and a chance to pursue their dreams".
Omar embarrassed over advisor's deal with Doordarshan
Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is facing opposition heat after it was revealed that his advisor Mubarak Gul is party to a lucrative contract with a TV channel while still a legislator.
Gul was selected as one of the producers by Doordarshan for allotment of a Rs.18 lakh contract for producing a serial in June last year.
This revelation has caused a great deal of embarrassment for the chief minister, as his rivals, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have sought to make an issue of it.
"This is straight corruption and violates the established constitutional provisions," said PDP legislator Sayeed Mansoor Hussain. He raised the issue in the assembly on Wednesday, but his charges were denied by Gul.
According to constitutional lawyer A.K. Sawhney: "It is an unacceptable situation. The legislator cannot enter into any contract with the government or any other agency."
However, the chief minister is maintaining silence over the issue. Despite persistent efforts by newsmen, he refused to speak on it.
Gul claimed that his "Gulistan Production" had applied for the allotment three years ago, when he was not a legislator.
But the Doordarshan allotment list issued after the presentation in June 2009 showed that Gul had appeared for a presentation before a panel of Doordarshan in New Delhi when he was a legislator.
Gul was elected from Idgah constituency in Srinagar during the 2008 assembly elections.
When contacted, Gul told media that he did make a presentation.
"But, no formal allotment was made because some people moved the court against the list issued after the presentation. I have not entered into any contract till date," he maintained.
Gul was selected as one of the producers by Doordarshan for allotment of a Rs.18 lakh contract for producing a serial in June last year.
This revelation has caused a great deal of embarrassment for the chief minister, as his rivals, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have sought to make an issue of it.
"This is straight corruption and violates the established constitutional provisions," said PDP legislator Sayeed Mansoor Hussain. He raised the issue in the assembly on Wednesday, but his charges were denied by Gul.
According to constitutional lawyer A.K. Sawhney: "It is an unacceptable situation. The legislator cannot enter into any contract with the government or any other agency."
However, the chief minister is maintaining silence over the issue. Despite persistent efforts by newsmen, he refused to speak on it.
Gul claimed that his "Gulistan Production" had applied for the allotment three years ago, when he was not a legislator.
But the Doordarshan allotment list issued after the presentation in June 2009 showed that Gul had appeared for a presentation before a panel of Doordarshan in New Delhi when he was a legislator.
Gul was elected from Idgah constituency in Srinagar during the 2008 assembly elections.
When contacted, Gul told media that he did make a presentation.
"But, no formal allotment was made because some people moved the court against the list issued after the presentation. I have not entered into any contract till date," he maintained.
Pravin Mahajan to be cremated today
Mumbai: Pravin Mahajan, who was sentenced to life for killing his elder brother Pramod Mahajan and died after a prolonged illness at a Thane hospital, will be cremated today afternoon.
His brother Prakash said the family had also decided to bear all the medical expenses during Pravin's 82-day stay in the intensive care unit of Jupiter Hospital.
Pravin's body was taken to the Sir J.J. Hospital in Mumbai for an autopsy on Wednesday night and then handed over to the family.
Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Gopinath Munde expressed "regrets" over the death, but declined to say whether he would attend the funeral.
Pravin, 50, had been admitted to Jupiter Hospital following a massive brain haemorrhage on Dec 11, 2009, when he was on parole. He had been in coma since.
In a dramatic murder that shocked the country, he had shot his brother and BJP leader Pramod Mahajan on April 22, 2006, in his Mumbai home. The high-profile BJP leader succumbed to his bullet wounds 11 days later on May 3.
Shortly after committing the crime, Pravin walked down to the Worli police station and surrendered with his weapon.
Pravin was sentenced to life in jail by a sessions court for fratricide on Dec 18, 2007.
His brother Prakash said the family had also decided to bear all the medical expenses during Pravin's 82-day stay in the intensive care unit of Jupiter Hospital.
Pravin's body was taken to the Sir J.J. Hospital in Mumbai for an autopsy on Wednesday night and then handed over to the family.
Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Gopinath Munde expressed "regrets" over the death, but declined to say whether he would attend the funeral.
Pravin, 50, had been admitted to Jupiter Hospital following a massive brain haemorrhage on Dec 11, 2009, when he was on parole. He had been in coma since.
In a dramatic murder that shocked the country, he had shot his brother and BJP leader Pramod Mahajan on April 22, 2006, in his Mumbai home. The high-profile BJP leader succumbed to his bullet wounds 11 days later on May 3.
Shortly after committing the crime, Pravin walked down to the Worli police station and surrendered with his weapon.
Pravin was sentenced to life in jail by a sessions court for fratricide on Dec 18, 2007.
Highest priority to women's quota bill: Sonia
New Delhi: Congress president Sonia Gandhi told party MPs today that she would accord the "highest priority" to the women's reservation bill that would be introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 8, International Women's Day, party sources said after a Congress Parliamentary Party meeting here. The food security bill would also be introduced in parliament in the ongoing session, Gandhi said while addressing the meeting. She also praised Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee for presenting a balanced budget, a Congress MP who was present said.
The 30-minute meeting started at 9.30 a.m.
The proposal for providing 33 percent reservation to women in legislatures has been pending for over 13 years -- since 1996 when it was first brought to parliament by the H.D. Deve Gowda government.
In its present form, the Constitution (108th Amendment) Bill, 2008, has the backing of the Congress, the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Left. But it is being opposed by the Samajwadi Party, Rashtria Janata Dal and Janata Dal-United.
For the bill to be passed, it has to be supported by two-thirds of those present and voting. This figure should also be at least 50 percent of the total number of MPs in the house.
The 30-minute meeting started at 9.30 a.m.
The proposal for providing 33 percent reservation to women in legislatures has been pending for over 13 years -- since 1996 when it was first brought to parliament by the H.D. Deve Gowda government.
In its present form, the Constitution (108th Amendment) Bill, 2008, has the backing of the Congress, the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Left. But it is being opposed by the Samajwadi Party, Rashtria Janata Dal and Janata Dal-United.
For the bill to be passed, it has to be supported by two-thirds of those present and voting. This figure should also be at least 50 percent of the total number of MPs in the house.
Gunfight in Kashmir village resumes after nightlong lull
Srinagar: After a nightlong lull, gunfire between separatist guerrillas and security forces in a village in Jammu and Kashmir restarted today morning.
The gunbattle had started on Wednesday when troops of the Rashtriya Rifles and local police had surrounded a house in Dadsara village, 35 km from here in Pulwama district, after a tip-off about the presence of guerrillas inside.
The guerrillas holed up inside the house were asked to surrender and responded with a volley of gunfire.
Today after a few hours of quiet, security forces again came under heavy automatic gunfire this morning, a police official said.
"Firing exchanges have again started between the militants and the security forces in Dadsara village where the security forces had surrounded a house yesterday morning following information about the presence of militants inside," he added.
"One militant has died in the encounter so far, but this would only be confirmed after the body of the slain militant is recovered."
The gunbattle had started on Wednesday when troops of the Rashtriya Rifles and local police had surrounded a house in Dadsara village, 35 km from here in Pulwama district, after a tip-off about the presence of guerrillas inside.
The guerrillas holed up inside the house were asked to surrender and responded with a volley of gunfire.
Today after a few hours of quiet, security forces again came under heavy automatic gunfire this morning, a police official said.
"Firing exchanges have again started between the militants and the security forces in Dadsara village where the security forces had surrounded a house yesterday morning following information about the presence of militants inside," he added.
"One militant has died in the encounter so far, but this would only be confirmed after the body of the slain militant is recovered."
India cautions against universal road safety norms
United Nations: India has strongly supported increased international cooperation for achieving the objectives of the Decade of Action for Road Safety, but has cautioned against setting universal standards without taking into account specific circumstances.
"International cooperation is imperative in assisting developing countries to effectively address issues of road safety," said Hardeep Singh Puri, India's permanent representative to the UN, during a debate on Global Road Safety Crisis in UN General Assembly on Wednesday.
Availability of adequate financial resources, technical assistance, capacity building, sharing of best practices and advocacy are crucial in this regard, he said expressing satisfaction at an increase in funding reported in a World Health Organization report on Improving Global Road Safety.
"We agree with the report's assessment that levels of funding for road safety are still not commensurate with the scale of the problem, and increased efforts must be made to secure additional financial support for road safety projects," Puri said.
"However, we would caution against setting universal standards based on what may have been developed in one region, and stress that specific circumstances in various parts of the world must be taken into account in addressing road safety."
India, Puri said, strongly supported the intent to increase cooperation at the national, regional and global levels for achieving the objectives of road safety as part of the Decade of Action for Road Safety.
India also looked forward to a concrete plan of action to implement the objectives by the end of the decade, which will take into account the need of developing countries for adequate support to build capacities in this area, he said.
The importance of addressing road safety has a key development dimension, Puri said.
"It is, therefore, encouraging that the United Nations has recognised road traffic injuries as an extensive and serious global health problem, requiring coordinated international cooperation efforts."
India is acutely conscious of the imperative to address road safety and reduce the adverse consequences of traffic accidents, he said as "India's economic growth lies in part upon the rapid expansion of our infrastructure, including roads".
"International cooperation is imperative in assisting developing countries to effectively address issues of road safety," said Hardeep Singh Puri, India's permanent representative to the UN, during a debate on Global Road Safety Crisis in UN General Assembly on Wednesday.
Availability of adequate financial resources, technical assistance, capacity building, sharing of best practices and advocacy are crucial in this regard, he said expressing satisfaction at an increase in funding reported in a World Health Organization report on Improving Global Road Safety.
"We agree with the report's assessment that levels of funding for road safety are still not commensurate with the scale of the problem, and increased efforts must be made to secure additional financial support for road safety projects," Puri said.
"However, we would caution against setting universal standards based on what may have been developed in one region, and stress that specific circumstances in various parts of the world must be taken into account in addressing road safety."
India, Puri said, strongly supported the intent to increase cooperation at the national, regional and global levels for achieving the objectives of road safety as part of the Decade of Action for Road Safety.
India also looked forward to a concrete plan of action to implement the objectives by the end of the decade, which will take into account the need of developing countries for adequate support to build capacities in this area, he said.
The importance of addressing road safety has a key development dimension, Puri said.
"It is, therefore, encouraging that the United Nations has recognised road traffic injuries as an extensive and serious global health problem, requiring coordinated international cooperation efforts."
India is acutely conscious of the imperative to address road safety and reduce the adverse consequences of traffic accidents, he said as "India's economic growth lies in part upon the rapid expansion of our infrastructure, including roads".
Maoists change stance, call for talks with the centre
New Delhi: After the Maoist leader Kishenji's deputy was arrested few days back, the rebel camp seems to have felt the pressure of initiating talks with the government. According to the latest report, Kishenji's close associate has issued a fresh statement inviting the Home Ministry on table to find out ways on implementing a ceasefire on both sides.
As per the statement issued by Kishenji's aide Raju, Ministry of Home Affairs has not yet responded to the Maoists' offer. It is clear form the statement that the rebel camp wants to talk with the Ministry and decide how to stop operations on both sides.
The statement further added that DMK and TMC are misleading common people on the price rise issue. Raju also urged government to release West Bengal state Maoist Committee member Deepak.
On the other hand, the Union Home Ministry has reiterated its stance stating its willingness to respond to Maoists' call only when they stop violence just for 72 hours.
As per the statement issued by Kishenji's aide Raju, Ministry of Home Affairs has not yet responded to the Maoists' offer. It is clear form the statement that the rebel camp wants to talk with the Ministry and decide how to stop operations on both sides.
The statement further added that DMK and TMC are misleading common people on the price rise issue. Raju also urged government to release West Bengal state Maoist Committee member Deepak.
On the other hand, the Union Home Ministry has reiterated its stance stating its willingness to respond to Maoists' call only when they stop violence just for 72 hours.
Left India for comforts, facilities to work: M.F Husain
New Delhi: Eminent painter Maqbool Fida Husain, who has accepted Qatari citizenship, says he left India because he needed "all comforts, facilities" and did not want "any disturbance" while working which he found "impossible" in India.
"I think there is a main reason for that (surrendering Indian passport and accepting Qatar citizenship)...I want to focus only on my work...don't want any disturbance. Need all comforts, facilities to the maximum," Husain told a TV channel in an interview.
Under attack from sections of the Hindu right, the artist had been shuttling between Dubai and London.
The painter has many lawsuits pending against him across the country for his paintings on goddesses that some radical Hindus find sacrilegious and has been living abroad as a fugitive since 2006.
The 95-year-old painter said he wanted to work on three major projects: History of Indian civilization...from Mohenjedaro to Manmohan Singh; History of other civilization ...dating back to Babylon; and 100 years of Indian cinema.
"I wanted to do these projects in India, but there are so many obstacles you know it is not easy to work in India," Husain told the media.
In 2008, one of his works fetched $1.6 million at a Christie's auction in New York.
He said he could not find a sponsor in India. "I found a sponsor for history of Indian civilization and in Qatar...Sheikha Mozah invited me to do a history of other civilization and the project on Indian cinema...So I have all these works to do," Husain said.
The artist said he had to become an NRI "because (of) the tax structure there (India.)"
"It's all over the world... what's happening to Polanski, Bergmann in the Swedish...he had to leave because he was hounded by tax people," he said.
However, he said he was at home away from home.
"Hindi hain hum, watan hain saara jahan hamara. These boundaries are only political boundaries. You can be anywhere in the world but the work that you do has a strong link to 5,000 years of our great Indian culture."
Asked if he believed that the government could have done more for his security, the artists said the government of India was doing its job and "I am doing my job".
"I don't deny or question their intentions...But I have to finish three projects and I cannot work in India. It is impossible for me to work in India. There are so many reasons, everyone knows them. If they really look inside their conscience will tell them everything."
Husain said that "the media is suffering from all the pain and agony, I am not" when he was asked if it was a painful decision to surrender Indian passport.
"I am in an ecstasy for the last 40 years."
He said that if somebody felt hurt by his art, he regrets it but added "my conscience is clear".
The artist still feels that "in India there is no serious curb on creative painting".
"I don't think it was ever there. Just once there was that attack in Baroda, but what has happened with me is a small thing. We remain a free country."
"I think there is a main reason for that (surrendering Indian passport and accepting Qatar citizenship)...I want to focus only on my work...don't want any disturbance. Need all comforts, facilities to the maximum," Husain told a TV channel in an interview.
Under attack from sections of the Hindu right, the artist had been shuttling between Dubai and London.
The painter has many lawsuits pending against him across the country for his paintings on goddesses that some radical Hindus find sacrilegious and has been living abroad as a fugitive since 2006.
The 95-year-old painter said he wanted to work on three major projects: History of Indian civilization...from Mohenjedaro to Manmohan Singh; History of other civilization ...dating back to Babylon; and 100 years of Indian cinema.
"I wanted to do these projects in India, but there are so many obstacles you know it is not easy to work in India," Husain told the media.
In 2008, one of his works fetched $1.6 million at a Christie's auction in New York.
He said he could not find a sponsor in India. "I found a sponsor for history of Indian civilization and in Qatar...Sheikha Mozah invited me to do a history of other civilization and the project on Indian cinema...So I have all these works to do," Husain said.
The artist said he had to become an NRI "because (of) the tax structure there (India.)"
"It's all over the world... what's happening to Polanski, Bergmann in the Swedish...he had to leave because he was hounded by tax people," he said.
However, he said he was at home away from home.
"Hindi hain hum, watan hain saara jahan hamara. These boundaries are only political boundaries. You can be anywhere in the world but the work that you do has a strong link to 5,000 years of our great Indian culture."
Asked if he believed that the government could have done more for his security, the artists said the government of India was doing its job and "I am doing my job".
"I don't deny or question their intentions...But I have to finish three projects and I cannot work in India. It is impossible for me to work in India. There are so many reasons, everyone knows them. If they really look inside their conscience will tell them everything."
Husain said that "the media is suffering from all the pain and agony, I am not" when he was asked if it was a painful decision to surrender Indian passport.
"I am in an ecstasy for the last 40 years."
He said that if somebody felt hurt by his art, he regrets it but added "my conscience is clear".
The artist still feels that "in India there is no serious curb on creative painting".
"I don't think it was ever there. Just once there was that attack in Baroda, but what has happened with me is a small thing. We remain a free country."
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