New Delhi: The Delhi High Court gave Congress leader N.D. Tiwari a day to complete the formalities for undergoing a DNA test on a suit filed by a young man claiming to be his biological son.
A division bench of Justice Vikramjit Sen and Justice Siddharth Mridul asked for a Tiwari aide to appear before the joint registrar on Tuesday and complete all the formalities for the test. Till then, the order on Tiwari's plea opposing the DNA test in the paternity suit was reserved.
Rohit Shekhar, 31, claims to be Tiwari's biological son, born out of an alleged relationship between his mother Ujjwala Sharma and the Congress leader.
Senior advocate Jayant Bhushan appeared for Tiwari, who has asked for an interim stay of the Dec 23, 2010 court order asking him to undergo the DNA test.
Bhushan said "there was no urgency as the petitioner (Rohit) has not sought any pecuniary relief".
The bench asked: "Can Tiwari file an affidavit that he would remain alive for the next 10 years?"
"Tiwari cannot be compelled by the court to give his blood sample and there are various Supreme Court judgements on the issue," Bhushan said.
Tiwari, who had held the posts of chief minister of undivided Uttar Pradesh and later Uttarakhand, has opposed the paternity suit.
Tiwari, who last year resigned as Andhra Pradesh governor in the wake of allegations of sexual misconduct, countered the claims and said he never had any physical relationship with Ujjwala, who is also a Congress activist. Shekhar, he said, was not entitled to seek a DNA test as a matter of right.
On Dec 23, 2010, the Delhi High Court had ordered Tiwari to undergo the DNA test to ascertain Shekhar's claim.
A single-judge bench of Justice S. Ravindra Bhat said it "cannot disregard the right of a child to know about his or her biological father."
"The single judge order asking the leader to undergo the test was erroneous as a legal and valid marriage was subsisting between Ujjwala and Bimal Prasad Sharma, the legitimate father of Rohit," said Bhushan.
"The words paternity and legitimacy, were interchangeable and no distinction can be made between them," Bhushan said.
Counsel Sudhir Nandrajog, appearing for Shekhar, opposed Tiwari's plea, saying that paternity and legitimacy were two distinct issues and the single judge had rightly asked the Congress leader to undergo the test.
source:agency
Tags : Delhi News, India Judiciary News, Delhi High Court, ND Tiwari DNA Test
20110207
Hindus ask ASEAN to save Shiva temple from further damage in Thai-Cambodia clash
Hindus have asked ASEAN to urgently play an effective role in protection and preservation of Preah Vihear Hindu Shiva temple complex which has reportedly suffered considerable damage due of Thai-Cambodian crossfire.
Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that this landmark age-old and revered temple was important to Hindu heritage and must be preserved to pass it on to the future generations.
Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, argued that it was a golden opportunity for ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) to prove that it was not just a “paper and ceremonial tiger” but an effective organization which yielded strong influence on the region. It should not shy away to shoulder its responsibility of saving the important heritage of the world and respecting the feelings of Hindus worldwide.
Rajan Zed further said that ASEAN should urgently intervene to stop the fighting so that this landmark Hindu temple could be saved from further damage, and then attempt to restore it to its original shape and provide some infrastructure in the area for devotees and other visitors.
ASEAN, whose Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint was to "Promote the conservation and preservation of ASEAN cultural heritage", had not even posted any statement on its website regarding the Thai-Cambodia clash which began February four and subsequent damage of the historic sacred Shiva temple, Zed pointed out.
Rajan Zed indicated that damage to 11th century Shiva temple was shocking and hurtful to the Hindu community world over. Lord Shiva, one of the major deities in Hinduism forming great triad with Brahma and Vishnu, was focus of worship of the Hindus, and it was important for them that Preah Vihear Hindu Shiva temple be protected.
Zed stressed that historic Preah Vihear was a world heritage and it was moral duty of the world to keep it intact for the coming generations. The reported collapse of a wing besides other damage to the already fragile complex was hurtful to the devotees because Lord Shiva temple was a sacred site to Hindus of the world.
Known as Preah Vihear in Cambodia and Khao Phra Viharn in Thailand, this remote temple at the border between Thailand and Cambodia, which had reportedly not been clearly demarcated, had been a source of tension for generations. Preah Vihear was said to even predate Cambodia’s Angkor Wat temple complex by about 100 years and its stunning setting made it finest of all the ruins left from the mighty Khmer civilization, Rajan Zed added.
Zed stated that world should not let this sacred site dedicated to Lord Shiva (situated where Preah Vihear province of northern Cambodia touched Sisaket province of eastern Thailand) be further damaged to advance political agendas of some as there appeared to be a no clear solution to settle the long-standing territorial dispute surrounding the temple, which was already a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and whose history could be traced to 9th century when the hermitage was founded.
Moreover, Temple of Preah Vihear, an outstanding masterpiece of Khmer architecture mostly created by Suryavarman I and Suryavarman II, was a unique architectural complex of a series of sanctuaries and was said to be exceptional for the quality of its architecture and carved stone ornamentation. It was reportedly dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva in his manifestations as Sikharesvara and Bhadresvara. It was also said to be marking representation of sacred Mount Meru, the abode of the gods, and showing a depiction of Churning of the Ocean, a Hindu scriptural episode, Rajan Zed said.
ASEAN, established in 1967; consisting of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam; and headquartered in Jakarta (Indonesia) is claimed to be a “community of caring societies”. Current chair is Indonesia whose President is Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Foreign Minister is Dr. R.M.Marty M. Natalegawa. Dr. Surin Pitsuwan (Thailand) is current Secretary-General.
Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that this landmark age-old and revered temple was important to Hindu heritage and must be preserved to pass it on to the future generations.
Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, argued that it was a golden opportunity for ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) to prove that it was not just a “paper and ceremonial tiger” but an effective organization which yielded strong influence on the region. It should not shy away to shoulder its responsibility of saving the important heritage of the world and respecting the feelings of Hindus worldwide.
Rajan Zed further said that ASEAN should urgently intervene to stop the fighting so that this landmark Hindu temple could be saved from further damage, and then attempt to restore it to its original shape and provide some infrastructure in the area for devotees and other visitors.
ASEAN, whose Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint was to "Promote the conservation and preservation of ASEAN cultural heritage", had not even posted any statement on its website regarding the Thai-Cambodia clash which began February four and subsequent damage of the historic sacred Shiva temple, Zed pointed out.
Rajan Zed indicated that damage to 11th century Shiva temple was shocking and hurtful to the Hindu community world over. Lord Shiva, one of the major deities in Hinduism forming great triad with Brahma and Vishnu, was focus of worship of the Hindus, and it was important for them that Preah Vihear Hindu Shiva temple be protected.
Zed stressed that historic Preah Vihear was a world heritage and it was moral duty of the world to keep it intact for the coming generations. The reported collapse of a wing besides other damage to the already fragile complex was hurtful to the devotees because Lord Shiva temple was a sacred site to Hindus of the world.
Known as Preah Vihear in Cambodia and Khao Phra Viharn in Thailand, this remote temple at the border between Thailand and Cambodia, which had reportedly not been clearly demarcated, had been a source of tension for generations. Preah Vihear was said to even predate Cambodia’s Angkor Wat temple complex by about 100 years and its stunning setting made it finest of all the ruins left from the mighty Khmer civilization, Rajan Zed added.
Zed stated that world should not let this sacred site dedicated to Lord Shiva (situated where Preah Vihear province of northern Cambodia touched Sisaket province of eastern Thailand) be further damaged to advance political agendas of some as there appeared to be a no clear solution to settle the long-standing territorial dispute surrounding the temple, which was already a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and whose history could be traced to 9th century when the hermitage was founded.
Moreover, Temple of Preah Vihear, an outstanding masterpiece of Khmer architecture mostly created by Suryavarman I and Suryavarman II, was a unique architectural complex of a series of sanctuaries and was said to be exceptional for the quality of its architecture and carved stone ornamentation. It was reportedly dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva in his manifestations as Sikharesvara and Bhadresvara. It was also said to be marking representation of sacred Mount Meru, the abode of the gods, and showing a depiction of Churning of the Ocean, a Hindu scriptural episode, Rajan Zed said.
ASEAN, established in 1967; consisting of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam; and headquartered in Jakarta (Indonesia) is claimed to be a “community of caring societies”. Current chair is Indonesia whose President is Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Foreign Minister is Dr. R.M.Marty M. Natalegawa. Dr. Surin Pitsuwan (Thailand) is current Secretary-General.
Kolkata Metro Railway line will be named after journalists:Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee
Kolkata: Two stations of the proposed new Kolkata Metro Railway line will be named after journalists Barun Sengupta and Gour Kishore Ghosh, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee announced today.
"The stations at Science City and Chingrighata of the new Metro Railway line between Kavi Subhas in South 24 Parganas and Dum Dum airport in North 24 Parganas will be named after journalists Barun Sengupta and Gour Kishore Ghosh," said Banerjee at Salt Lake in the north-eastern fringes of the city.
Founder-editor of Bengali newspaper Bartaman, Sengupta was a popular political critic.
Ghosh was a celebrated Bengali writer and journalist, who became a senior editor of vernacular daily Anandabazar Patrika. He portrayed the agony of West Bengal during the Naxalite movement from 1969 to 1971, in sharp satire under his pen-name, Rupadarshi.
"We don't want be confined with the political boundaries. We always tried to give respects to the noted persons who had worked for the development of society. So to commemorate their lives and works we have decided to christen some of the stations on the names of the great persons," said Banerjee in her address after laying the foundation stone of the new Metro line.
She said: "There will be 24 new stations on the new Metro Railway route. We have christened some of the stations after great personalities of Bengal. The names of the other stations will be decided later."
Stations like Mukundapur, Bantala, Kalikapur and Ruby Hospital would be named after novelist and poet Jyotirindranath Nandi, emminent filmmaker Ritwick Ghatak, communist poet Sukanta Bhattacharjee and eminent singer Hemanta Mukhopadhyay. The station between Kavi Subhas and Mukundapur will be named after Satyajit Ray, said Banerjee.
The City Centre station will be named after Titu Mir, a legendry revolutionary from Bengal who rebelled against the landlords and British rulers and put up an impressive armed resistance.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Indian Railways, Kolkata Metro Railway Stations, Barun Sengupta, Gour Kishore Ghosh, Kolkata News, Mamata Banerjee
"The stations at Science City and Chingrighata of the new Metro Railway line between Kavi Subhas in South 24 Parganas and Dum Dum airport in North 24 Parganas will be named after journalists Barun Sengupta and Gour Kishore Ghosh," said Banerjee at Salt Lake in the north-eastern fringes of the city.
Founder-editor of Bengali newspaper Bartaman, Sengupta was a popular political critic.
Ghosh was a celebrated Bengali writer and journalist, who became a senior editor of vernacular daily Anandabazar Patrika. He portrayed the agony of West Bengal during the Naxalite movement from 1969 to 1971, in sharp satire under his pen-name, Rupadarshi.
"We don't want be confined with the political boundaries. We always tried to give respects to the noted persons who had worked for the development of society. So to commemorate their lives and works we have decided to christen some of the stations on the names of the great persons," said Banerjee in her address after laying the foundation stone of the new Metro line.
She said: "There will be 24 new stations on the new Metro Railway route. We have christened some of the stations after great personalities of Bengal. The names of the other stations will be decided later."
Stations like Mukundapur, Bantala, Kalikapur and Ruby Hospital would be named after novelist and poet Jyotirindranath Nandi, emminent filmmaker Ritwick Ghatak, communist poet Sukanta Bhattacharjee and eminent singer Hemanta Mukhopadhyay. The station between Kavi Subhas and Mukundapur will be named after Satyajit Ray, said Banerjee.
The City Centre station will be named after Titu Mir, a legendry revolutionary from Bengal who rebelled against the landlords and British rulers and put up an impressive armed resistance.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Indian Railways, Kolkata Metro Railway Stations, Barun Sengupta, Gour Kishore Ghosh, Kolkata News, Mamata Banerjee
Russia will be represented by 35 companies at the upcoming Aero India 2011 air show
Moscow: Russia will exhibit over 80 types of weaponry and will be represented by 35 companies at the upcoming Aero India 2011 air show, state-run arms exporter Rosoboronexport said in a statement.
Aero India-2011, which will be held in Bangalore on Feb 9-13, is expected to attract a record number of over 600 manufacturers, vendors, and suppliers from 63 countries.
Russia will be represented by 35 companies, including MiG, Sukhoi, Almaz-Antei and Engineering Design Bureau.
Russia will traditionally promote MiG-35 and Su-35 fighter jets, the Yak-130 combat trainer, two versions of Il-76MD transport plane (with different engines), the Il-78MK aerial tanker and MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB naval fighters.
The Be-200 amphibious aircraft will most likely be one of the top attractions of the Russian exhibit as its popularity with foreign customers steadily grows. The plane could be used in a wide variety of roles, from maritime reconnaissance and rescue to firefighting.
Rosoboronexport and Russian helicopters will show the Mi-28NE attack helicopter, the light multirole Ka-226T and the heavy transport Mi-26. All three helicopters are currently taking part in separate Indian helicopter tenders.
The visitors will also be able to receive information about the Mi-35M combat transport helicopter, the Kamov Ka-31 radar surveillance helicopter and the Ansat and Kamov Ka-32A11BS multi-role helicopters.
The air defence part of the Russian exhibit will be represented by the Tor-M2E, the S-300VM, the Buk-M2E and the Tunguska-M1 systems.
Russia's Engineering Design Bureau will unveil a new ultra short-range air defence system based on the Strelets multiple launcher for the portable Igla missiles.
Russia is the world's second largest conventional arms exporter after the US. In 2010, Russian defence industry companies delivered about $10 billion worth of arms to foreign customers.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Aero India, 2011 air show, Rosoboronexport, Russian defence firms
Aero India-2011, which will be held in Bangalore on Feb 9-13, is expected to attract a record number of over 600 manufacturers, vendors, and suppliers from 63 countries.
Russia will be represented by 35 companies, including MiG, Sukhoi, Almaz-Antei and Engineering Design Bureau.
Russia will traditionally promote MiG-35 and Su-35 fighter jets, the Yak-130 combat trainer, two versions of Il-76MD transport plane (with different engines), the Il-78MK aerial tanker and MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB naval fighters.
The Be-200 amphibious aircraft will most likely be one of the top attractions of the Russian exhibit as its popularity with foreign customers steadily grows. The plane could be used in a wide variety of roles, from maritime reconnaissance and rescue to firefighting.
Rosoboronexport and Russian helicopters will show the Mi-28NE attack helicopter, the light multirole Ka-226T and the heavy transport Mi-26. All three helicopters are currently taking part in separate Indian helicopter tenders.
The visitors will also be able to receive information about the Mi-35M combat transport helicopter, the Kamov Ka-31 radar surveillance helicopter and the Ansat and Kamov Ka-32A11BS multi-role helicopters.
The air defence part of the Russian exhibit will be represented by the Tor-M2E, the S-300VM, the Buk-M2E and the Tunguska-M1 systems.
Russia's Engineering Design Bureau will unveil a new ultra short-range air defence system based on the Strelets multiple launcher for the portable Igla missiles.
Russia is the world's second largest conventional arms exporter after the US. In 2010, Russian defence industry companies delivered about $10 billion worth of arms to foreign customers.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Aero India, 2011 air show, Rosoboronexport, Russian defence firms
Foreign secretaries of India and Pakistan Nirupama Rao & Salman Bashir met in Bhutan's capital
Thimphu: The foreign secretaries of India and Pakistan met on Sunday in Bhutan's capital and affirmed the need to carry forward the dialogue process to resolve all ouststanding issues, an official said. "The foreign secretaries had useful and frank discussions... they agreed on the need of contructive dialogue between India and Pakistan to resolve all all outstanding issues. They affirmed the need to carry forward the dialogue process," Indian external affairs ministry spokesman Vishnu Prakash said here after the meeting.
The meeting between Nirupama Rao and her Pakistani counterpart Salman Bashir on the sidelines of a meeting of the eight-nation South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), lasted around 90 minutes.
The foreign secretaries will now brief their governments on the talks.
The talks came even as both countries engaged in a spat over the 2007 Samjhauta Express train blast that killed many Pakistanis.
The Pakistan foreign office on Saturday accused India of lacking "courage to unearth culpability of Hindu extremists and their links with some Indian Army personnel" in the train blast of 2007 in Panipat in Haryana.
The Samjhauta Express links India and Pakistan.
The spokesman expressed regret over the delay in the probe into the blast and said it was unfortunate that India was unable to complete its investigations despite the passage of four years.
Nearly 70 people, mostly Pakistanis, were killed in the horrific bomb attack on the train on Feb 18, 2007. Indian investigators initially blamed Islamists for the attack.
Recent investigations have, however, revealed that rightwing Hindu activists could have carried out the train attack along with bombings in other places including Hyderabad, Malegaon and Ajmer.
Dismissing the statement, Rao said that India had never shied away from sharing evidence with Pakistan and it would do so at the appropriate time.
Indian officials also continued to press Islamabad to move against the Pakistani masterminds who ordered the devastating terror attack on Mumbai in November 2008.
The foreign secretaries' talks is expected to set the stage for a meeting of foreign ministers S.M. Krishna of India and his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi in New Delhi this year.
Qureshi is not visiting Thimphu for the SAARC foreign ministers' meeting on Feb 8. Krishna will represent India.
The meeting between the Indian and Pakistani foreign secretaries was the first official talks to revive the dialogue process since the meeting between Krishna and Qureshi broke down in Islamabad in July last year.
"We are going into this with an open mind and constructive attitude," Rao said earlier, adding it would be an "exploratory discussion".
Her Pakistani counterpart Salman Bashir said he also looked forward to the meeting. "My expectations are that we should be working towards continuous engagement."
source:agency
Tags : India News, India Pakistan Foreign Secretaries, India Pakistan Dialogue Process, India Pakistan Issues
The meeting between Nirupama Rao and her Pakistani counterpart Salman Bashir on the sidelines of a meeting of the eight-nation South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), lasted around 90 minutes.
The foreign secretaries will now brief their governments on the talks.
The talks came even as both countries engaged in a spat over the 2007 Samjhauta Express train blast that killed many Pakistanis.
The Pakistan foreign office on Saturday accused India of lacking "courage to unearth culpability of Hindu extremists and their links with some Indian Army personnel" in the train blast of 2007 in Panipat in Haryana.
The Samjhauta Express links India and Pakistan.
The spokesman expressed regret over the delay in the probe into the blast and said it was unfortunate that India was unable to complete its investigations despite the passage of four years.
Nearly 70 people, mostly Pakistanis, were killed in the horrific bomb attack on the train on Feb 18, 2007. Indian investigators initially blamed Islamists for the attack.
Recent investigations have, however, revealed that rightwing Hindu activists could have carried out the train attack along with bombings in other places including Hyderabad, Malegaon and Ajmer.
Dismissing the statement, Rao said that India had never shied away from sharing evidence with Pakistan and it would do so at the appropriate time.
Indian officials also continued to press Islamabad to move against the Pakistani masterminds who ordered the devastating terror attack on Mumbai in November 2008.
The foreign secretaries' talks is expected to set the stage for a meeting of foreign ministers S.M. Krishna of India and his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi in New Delhi this year.
Qureshi is not visiting Thimphu for the SAARC foreign ministers' meeting on Feb 8. Krishna will represent India.
The meeting between the Indian and Pakistani foreign secretaries was the first official talks to revive the dialogue process since the meeting between Krishna and Qureshi broke down in Islamabad in July last year.
"We are going into this with an open mind and constructive attitude," Rao said earlier, adding it would be an "exploratory discussion".
Her Pakistani counterpart Salman Bashir said he also looked forward to the meeting. "My expectations are that we should be working towards continuous engagement."
source:agency
Tags : India News, India Pakistan Foreign Secretaries, India Pakistan Dialogue Process, India Pakistan Issues
Janata Party president Swamy would seek Barnala's sanction to prosecute Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi
Chennai: Janata Party president Subramanian Swamy today said he would seek Tamil Nadu Governor Surjit Singh Barnala's sanction to prosecute Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi for alleged misuse of office to allot land.
"The governor has given me time to meet this afternoon. I will be seeking his sanction to prosecute Karunanidhi for misusing his office in allotting land to some people," Swamy told media.
"The governor cannot sit over my petition. This is only the first of my cases against Karunanidhi. There are several more complaints. I have 23 dossiers and with one down today, 22 are still there," he added.
Complaints against the Tamil Nadu Housing Board were made some time ago for alleged allotment of land to ineligible people under a discretionary quota. The government recently abolished the system of allotting land under the discretionary quota.
This is the second salvo that Swamy is firing at Karunanidhi.
On Saturday, Swamy named Karunanidhi as a co-accused along with former communications minister A. Raja in the 2G spectrum scam in his complaint to a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in New Delhi.
"I have named DMK chief Karunanidhi as a co-accused along with Raja in the matter and many more names will be added," Swamy told the court.
Karunanidhi on Sunday sent a legal notice to Swamy, demanding retraction of his statement within 24 hours or to face civil/criminal action for defamation.
But Swamy said, "I am yet to get that notice."
source:agency
Tags : India News, Janata Party president Subramanian Swamy, Tamil Nadu CM Karunanidhi's involvement in land misuse, Tamil Nadu Housing Board
"The governor has given me time to meet this afternoon. I will be seeking his sanction to prosecute Karunanidhi for misusing his office in allotting land to some people," Swamy told media.
"The governor cannot sit over my petition. This is only the first of my cases against Karunanidhi. There are several more complaints. I have 23 dossiers and with one down today, 22 are still there," he added.
Complaints against the Tamil Nadu Housing Board were made some time ago for alleged allotment of land to ineligible people under a discretionary quota. The government recently abolished the system of allotting land under the discretionary quota.
This is the second salvo that Swamy is firing at Karunanidhi.
On Saturday, Swamy named Karunanidhi as a co-accused along with former communications minister A. Raja in the 2G spectrum scam in his complaint to a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in New Delhi.
"I have named DMK chief Karunanidhi as a co-accused along with Raja in the matter and many more names will be added," Swamy told the court.
Karunanidhi on Sunday sent a legal notice to Swamy, demanding retraction of his statement within 24 hours or to face civil/criminal action for defamation.
But Swamy said, "I am yet to get that notice."
source:agency
Tags : India News, Janata Party president Subramanian Swamy, Tamil Nadu CM Karunanidhi's involvement in land misuse, Tamil Nadu Housing Board
Bombay High Court set Feb 21 as the date of verdict on the death sentence awarded to Ajmal Kasab
Mumbai: The Bombay High Court today on Feb 21 as the date when it will pronounce its verdict on the death sentence awarded to Pakistani terrorist Mohammed Ajmal Kasab for his role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack.
The court announced that it will give its verdict Feb 21 confirming or commuting the death penalty of Kasab awarded by a lower court last year, said Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam.
The high court will also the same day decide on Kasab's appeal against the award of death sentence to him by the lower court, his lawyer Farhana Shah said.
The matter came up before the Bombay High Court today for further directions in the case, the hearings on which were concluded three weeks ago.
In the final stages of the hearing in the high court, Kasab boycotted the proceedings after the judges rejected his request to be brought physically to the court.
In view of the security considerations in transferring him to and from the court, Kasab was made to appear before the court through a video-conference link set up in the high-security Arthur Road Central Jail.
At one of the initial hearings, Kasab displayed violent tendencies and attempted to spit at the video-camera. Refusing to accept the death sentence, Kasab also demanded that he should be sent to the US.
On Nov 26, 2008, Kasab and nine other Pakistani terrorists sneaked into south Mumbai through the Arabian Sea route and targeted various locations, including the Chhatrapati Shivaji railway terminus, Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Hotel, Hotel Trident-Oberoi, and Nariman House which housed the Jewish Chabad House.
The 60-hour mayhem left 166 people dead, including many foreign nationals, and over 300 injured.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Bombay High Court, Pakistani terrorist Mohammed Ajmal Kasab's death sentence, 2008 Mumbai terror attacks
The court announced that it will give its verdict Feb 21 confirming or commuting the death penalty of Kasab awarded by a lower court last year, said Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam.
The high court will also the same day decide on Kasab's appeal against the award of death sentence to him by the lower court, his lawyer Farhana Shah said.
The matter came up before the Bombay High Court today for further directions in the case, the hearings on which were concluded three weeks ago.
In the final stages of the hearing in the high court, Kasab boycotted the proceedings after the judges rejected his request to be brought physically to the court.
In view of the security considerations in transferring him to and from the court, Kasab was made to appear before the court through a video-conference link set up in the high-security Arthur Road Central Jail.
At one of the initial hearings, Kasab displayed violent tendencies and attempted to spit at the video-camera. Refusing to accept the death sentence, Kasab also demanded that he should be sent to the US.
On Nov 26, 2008, Kasab and nine other Pakistani terrorists sneaked into south Mumbai through the Arabian Sea route and targeted various locations, including the Chhatrapati Shivaji railway terminus, Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Hotel, Hotel Trident-Oberoi, and Nariman House which housed the Jewish Chabad House.
The 60-hour mayhem left 166 people dead, including many foreign nationals, and over 300 injured.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Bombay High Court, Pakistani terrorist Mohammed Ajmal Kasab's death sentence, 2008 Mumbai terror attacks
ULFA has vertically split with the elusive commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah
Guwahati: The outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has vertically split with the elusive commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah today rejecting the proposed Feb 10 peace talks between New Delhi and the rebel leadership now out on bail.
"The decision taken by the general council to hold peace talks with the government cannot be considered legal as the general council itself was unconstitutional," an emailed statement by Arunodoi Dohotia, ULFA publicity secretary, said.
The ULFA leadership Saturday told journalists here that the outfit's general council held last week decided to open unconditional peace talks with the central government and that all the resolutions adopted at that meeting were conveyed to Paresh Baruah.
The general council meeting was chaired by ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa and was attended among others by vice chairman Pradep Gogoi, deputy commander-in-chief Raju Baruah, self-styled foreign secretary Sasha Choudhury, finance secretary Chitraban Hazarika, cultural secretary Pranati Deka and octogenarian political ideologue Bhimkanta Buragohain.
All the top eight ULFA leaders are out on bail now with the government facilitating their release from prison to pave the way for formal peace talks.
The first round of peace talks between the government and the ULFA leadership was scheduled Feb 10 in New Delhi with Rajkhowa leading the rebel side while union Home Secretary G.K. Pillai was expected to represent the government.
"We held an emergency meeting at our general headquarters (somewhere in Myanmar) that began Sunday and concluded early Monday and we decided the general council meeting chaired by our chairman was unconstitutional as the meeting was held under the influence of our enemy (government)," the ULFA statement received by media read.
"We have also decided that the proposed peace talks are unconstitutional and hence we decided not to support such a dialogue process."
The statement said Paresh Baruah chaired the ‘emergency meeting'.
ULFA's commander-in-chief is believed to be somewhere along the China-Myanmar border.
The ULFA was formed in 1979 with the sole objective of carving out an independent homeland in Assam with the more than 30-year-old insurgency claiming over 10,000 livese.
The ULFA statement has clearly exposed chinks in the peace process and the very fact that outfit is now split between the pro-talk faction led by Arabinda Rajkhowa and Paresh Baruah, bitterly opposed to the negotiations.
The pro-talk faction is expected to come up with a reaction later today.
source:agency
Tags : Assam News, ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa, ULFA peace talks, Paresh Baruah
"The decision taken by the general council to hold peace talks with the government cannot be considered legal as the general council itself was unconstitutional," an emailed statement by Arunodoi Dohotia, ULFA publicity secretary, said.
The ULFA leadership Saturday told journalists here that the outfit's general council held last week decided to open unconditional peace talks with the central government and that all the resolutions adopted at that meeting were conveyed to Paresh Baruah.
The general council meeting was chaired by ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa and was attended among others by vice chairman Pradep Gogoi, deputy commander-in-chief Raju Baruah, self-styled foreign secretary Sasha Choudhury, finance secretary Chitraban Hazarika, cultural secretary Pranati Deka and octogenarian political ideologue Bhimkanta Buragohain.
All the top eight ULFA leaders are out on bail now with the government facilitating their release from prison to pave the way for formal peace talks.
The first round of peace talks between the government and the ULFA leadership was scheduled Feb 10 in New Delhi with Rajkhowa leading the rebel side while union Home Secretary G.K. Pillai was expected to represent the government.
"We held an emergency meeting at our general headquarters (somewhere in Myanmar) that began Sunday and concluded early Monday and we decided the general council meeting chaired by our chairman was unconstitutional as the meeting was held under the influence of our enemy (government)," the ULFA statement received by media read.
"We have also decided that the proposed peace talks are unconstitutional and hence we decided not to support such a dialogue process."
The statement said Paresh Baruah chaired the ‘emergency meeting'.
ULFA's commander-in-chief is believed to be somewhere along the China-Myanmar border.
The ULFA was formed in 1979 with the sole objective of carving out an independent homeland in Assam with the more than 30-year-old insurgency claiming over 10,000 livese.
The ULFA statement has clearly exposed chinks in the peace process and the very fact that outfit is now split between the pro-talk faction led by Arabinda Rajkhowa and Paresh Baruah, bitterly opposed to the negotiations.
The pro-talk faction is expected to come up with a reaction later today.
source:agency
Tags : Assam News, ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa, ULFA peace talks, Paresh Baruah
Militants kidnap 6 World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) officials from Manas Tiger Reserve
Guwahati: Heavily armed militants kidnapped six officials, including three women, of international conservation group World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) from the famed Manas National Park in Assam, officials today said.
A police spokesperson said the six WWF officials were abducted late Sunday from the sanctuary, about 200 km west of Assam's main city of Guwahati and bordering Bhutan.
"A group of about 20 armed militants kidnapped the six WWF officials, including three women members, while they were carrying out tiger and elephant counting and monitoring exercises inside the Manas National Park area," Kampa Borgoyary, deputy chief of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC).
The BTC is an autonomous council and its members are elected representatives.
"The six WWF officials were accompanied by members of a local wildlife conservation group, but the militants segregated the group and took away the WWF officials," the BTC deputy chief told media by telephone from Manas.
The identity of the militants is not immediately known.
"A massive hunt is on to rescue the kidnapped WWF officials," Borgoyary said.
At least three militant groups are active in the area - the outlawed National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), the Adivasi Cobra Force, and the Birsa Commando Force.
"The gunmen were all masked. We are taking the help of locals in the rescue mission," the BTC deputy chief said.
Manas is also a Tiger Reserve and is home to 22 of the 41 endangered wildlife species listed in India's Wildlife (Protection) Act, including the rare pygmy hogs, the golden langur, tigers, one-horned rhinoceros, and wild Asiatic elephants.
There are an estimated 70 tigers in the park, adjoining the foothills of Bhutan.
source:agency
Tags : Assam News, Militants kidnap WWF officials, Manas National Park in Assam, Bodoland Territorial Council
A police spokesperson said the six WWF officials were abducted late Sunday from the sanctuary, about 200 km west of Assam's main city of Guwahati and bordering Bhutan.
"A group of about 20 armed militants kidnapped the six WWF officials, including three women members, while they were carrying out tiger and elephant counting and monitoring exercises inside the Manas National Park area," Kampa Borgoyary, deputy chief of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC).
The BTC is an autonomous council and its members are elected representatives.
"The six WWF officials were accompanied by members of a local wildlife conservation group, but the militants segregated the group and took away the WWF officials," the BTC deputy chief told media by telephone from Manas.
The identity of the militants is not immediately known.
"A massive hunt is on to rescue the kidnapped WWF officials," Borgoyary said.
At least three militant groups are active in the area - the outlawed National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), the Adivasi Cobra Force, and the Birsa Commando Force.
"The gunmen were all masked. We are taking the help of locals in the rescue mission," the BTC deputy chief said.
Manas is also a Tiger Reserve and is home to 22 of the 41 endangered wildlife species listed in India's Wildlife (Protection) Act, including the rare pygmy hogs, the golden langur, tigers, one-horned rhinoceros, and wild Asiatic elephants.
There are an estimated 70 tigers in the park, adjoining the foothills of Bhutan.
source:agency
Tags : Assam News, Militants kidnap WWF officials, Manas National Park in Assam, Bodoland Territorial Council
Bollywood actress Celina Jaitly's wedding date is finalised
Mumbai: Celina Jaitly's wedding date is finalised. The actress says she will tie the knot with Dubai-based Austrian businessman Peter Haag on Sep 23 in Egypt, which is now in turmoil.
Tens of thousands of Egyptians are demanding the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak who has been in power since 1981.
"By September I'm sure everything will be back to normal in Egypt. It has to be. A strife of this sort cannot last for more than some days. Peter and I will take our marriage vows in Egypt and nowhere else. We decided that when we decided to get married. That won't change," said Celina, 30.
She intends to visit Egypt as soon as the present unrest subsides.
"The recent events in Egypt have left us all completely and totally astounded. Whatever happens next will impact Egypt and its people in a big way. My prayers are that whatever the outcome, it should be of a positive nature," said the actress who last visited the country in December 2010.
"I spent an entire month there until 15th Dec for a shoot. I attended the Cairo film festival as jury for 12 days, and shot for approximately a week for an ad campaign all over Cairo without a clue about any such) incident taking (place in) Egypt."
Celina has initiated a campaign for peace in Egypt on her official website.
"It's called Pray For Egypt. Twitter followers are invited to offer their prayers for peace in the region," said the actress who has worked in films like "No Entry" and "Golmaal Returns".
Earlier Celina had planned not to get married before 2012. But now when the couple is sure of their feeling for one another, waiting seems futile.
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, Bollywood, Celina Jaitly's Wedding, Unrest in Egypt
Tens of thousands of Egyptians are demanding the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak who has been in power since 1981.
"By September I'm sure everything will be back to normal in Egypt. It has to be. A strife of this sort cannot last for more than some days. Peter and I will take our marriage vows in Egypt and nowhere else. We decided that when we decided to get married. That won't change," said Celina, 30.
She intends to visit Egypt as soon as the present unrest subsides.
"The recent events in Egypt have left us all completely and totally astounded. Whatever happens next will impact Egypt and its people in a big way. My prayers are that whatever the outcome, it should be of a positive nature," said the actress who last visited the country in December 2010.
"I spent an entire month there until 15th Dec for a shoot. I attended the Cairo film festival as jury for 12 days, and shot for approximately a week for an ad campaign all over Cairo without a clue about any such) incident taking (place in) Egypt."
Celina has initiated a campaign for peace in Egypt on her official website.
"It's called Pray For Egypt. Twitter followers are invited to offer their prayers for peace in the region," said the actress who has worked in films like "No Entry" and "Golmaal Returns".
Earlier Celina had planned not to get married before 2012. But now when the couple is sure of their feeling for one another, waiting seems futile.
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, Bollywood, Celina Jaitly's Wedding, Unrest in Egypt
Still looking for the right man, says Deepika Padukone
Mumbai: She is still looking for the right man, says Deepika Padukone who is often spotted with industrialist Vijay Mallya's son Siddharth after breaking up with Ranbir Kapoor.
"I haven't thought of marriage. I still have to find the right man to even consider marriage," Deepika told reporters at Imran Khan and Avantika's wedding reception on Saturday where she came with Sidhharth.
When the reporters asked Siddharth about their relationship, he too passed the buck on Deepika saying: "I have planned nothing as yet. You should ask her."
Commenting upon the rumours about his and Deepika's relationship, he said: "I was out of the country when I heard of it, it made me laugh."
Deepika, who featured with Imran in "Break Ke Baad", said it was must for her to attend her co-star's wedding reception.
"I owe it to Imran. I was shooting in Bhopal and have just landed and coming straight from the airport to attend the reception," she said.
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, Bollywood, Deepika Padukone at Imran Khan Avantika's Wedding Reception, Siddharth Mallya at Imran Khan Avantika's Wedding Reception
"I haven't thought of marriage. I still have to find the right man to even consider marriage," Deepika told reporters at Imran Khan and Avantika's wedding reception on Saturday where she came with Sidhharth.
When the reporters asked Siddharth about their relationship, he too passed the buck on Deepika saying: "I have planned nothing as yet. You should ask her."
Commenting upon the rumours about his and Deepika's relationship, he said: "I was out of the country when I heard of it, it made me laugh."
Deepika, who featured with Imran in "Break Ke Baad", said it was must for her to attend her co-star's wedding reception.
"I owe it to Imran. I was shooting in Bhopal and have just landed and coming straight from the airport to attend the reception," she said.
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, Bollywood, Deepika Padukone at Imran Khan Avantika's Wedding Reception, Siddharth Mallya at Imran Khan Avantika's Wedding Reception
Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar is hoping "Patiala House",witnesses a bullish trend in the movie business
New Delhi: After a disappointing last year when most of his films saw a bearish turn at the box-office, Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar is hoping that his first release of the year, cricket based family-drama "Patiala House", witnesses a bullish trend in the movie business. The film is releasing on Friday.
Directed by Nikhil Advani and jointly produced and distributed by Hari Om Productions, T-series and People Tree Films Credence Motion Pictures, "Patiala House" shows how difficult it is for a Sikh boy, played by Akshay, in a patriarchal set up to fulfill his dreams.
And as they say behind every successful man there is a woman and something similar happens to this boy after he meets a girl, Anushka Sharma, who gives him the strength to stand up for what he believes in.
Rishi Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia, Indian rapper and hip hop singer Hard Kaur and Prem Chopra completes Akshay's family in the movie.
The story revolves around the Kahlon family, who has been living in Southall, London for the past four generations. It is ruled by autocratic and stubborn Bauji played by Rishi.
Since he is the head of the family, others have no choice but to adhere to what he says. Scarred by a racial incident that took place 20 years ago, which led to the murder of his mentor and guardian Saini, Bauji hates the British and everything that the country and its people stood for.
The dilemma, however, is that his son Parghat Singh Kahlon aka Gattu (Akshay) wants to be a cricketer and play for the British cricket team. But Gattu doesn't have the courage to stand up to his father therefore drops the idea.
Then enters Simran (Anushka) in Gattu's life and brings in both courage and hope to fulfil his long cherished dream.
Akshay's role in "Patiala House" is said to be inspired by England cricket team's Sikh member Monty Singh Panesar, the first Sikh to join England cricket team and the spinner is the crowds' favourite.
Panesar's parents migrated to London from Punjab.
Made with an approximate budget of Rs.21 crore, the film has been shot in Mumbai and places like Southall, Middlesex, Trent Bridge, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
Ian Botham, former England test cricketer and captain, makes his Bollywood debut with a cameo appearance in "Patiala House".
Music trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy compositions also make "Patiala House" an entertaining album. Music buffs are already dancing to the tunes of hit Punjabi song "Laung da Lashkara" sung by Jasbir Jassi.
Post "Singh Is Kinng" Akshay's only hit has been "Housefull". So, the star is banking heavily on this film to give him a hit after a string of duds last year - "Tees Maar Khan", "Action Replayy" and "Khatta Meetha".
Along with "Patiala House, "Ashiqui.in" and choreographer Ganesh Acharya's production venture "Angel" will also hit the screens on Friday.
"Angel", a love story between a boy and a handicapped girl, is the debut movie of Sanjay Dutt's nephew Nilesh Sahay and actress Sheila Sharma's daughter Madalta.
"Ashiqui.in" will also introduce new faces Ishaan Manhas and Ankita Shrivastava. The film is about two people - Cyrus and April - who chat online and become closer without revealing their true identities.
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, Akshay Kumar Films, Bollywood Films, Bollywood Business, Akshay Kumar in Patiala House, Bollywood Box Office
Directed by Nikhil Advani and jointly produced and distributed by Hari Om Productions, T-series and People Tree Films Credence Motion Pictures, "Patiala House" shows how difficult it is for a Sikh boy, played by Akshay, in a patriarchal set up to fulfill his dreams.
And as they say behind every successful man there is a woman and something similar happens to this boy after he meets a girl, Anushka Sharma, who gives him the strength to stand up for what he believes in.
Rishi Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia, Indian rapper and hip hop singer Hard Kaur and Prem Chopra completes Akshay's family in the movie.
The story revolves around the Kahlon family, who has been living in Southall, London for the past four generations. It is ruled by autocratic and stubborn Bauji played by Rishi.
Since he is the head of the family, others have no choice but to adhere to what he says. Scarred by a racial incident that took place 20 years ago, which led to the murder of his mentor and guardian Saini, Bauji hates the British and everything that the country and its people stood for.
The dilemma, however, is that his son Parghat Singh Kahlon aka Gattu (Akshay) wants to be a cricketer and play for the British cricket team. But Gattu doesn't have the courage to stand up to his father therefore drops the idea.
Then enters Simran (Anushka) in Gattu's life and brings in both courage and hope to fulfil his long cherished dream.
Akshay's role in "Patiala House" is said to be inspired by England cricket team's Sikh member Monty Singh Panesar, the first Sikh to join England cricket team and the spinner is the crowds' favourite.
Panesar's parents migrated to London from Punjab.
Made with an approximate budget of Rs.21 crore, the film has been shot in Mumbai and places like Southall, Middlesex, Trent Bridge, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
Ian Botham, former England test cricketer and captain, makes his Bollywood debut with a cameo appearance in "Patiala House".
Music trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy compositions also make "Patiala House" an entertaining album. Music buffs are already dancing to the tunes of hit Punjabi song "Laung da Lashkara" sung by Jasbir Jassi.
Post "Singh Is Kinng" Akshay's only hit has been "Housefull". So, the star is banking heavily on this film to give him a hit after a string of duds last year - "Tees Maar Khan", "Action Replayy" and "Khatta Meetha".
Along with "Patiala House, "Ashiqui.in" and choreographer Ganesh Acharya's production venture "Angel" will also hit the screens on Friday.
"Angel", a love story between a boy and a handicapped girl, is the debut movie of Sanjay Dutt's nephew Nilesh Sahay and actress Sheila Sharma's daughter Madalta.
"Ashiqui.in" will also introduce new faces Ishaan Manhas and Ankita Shrivastava. The film is about two people - Cyrus and April - who chat online and become closer without revealing their true identities.
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, Akshay Kumar Films, Bollywood Films, Bollywood Business, Akshay Kumar in Patiala House, Bollywood Box Office
Bollywood singer Sunidhi Chauhan,recorded a track with Spanish singer Enrique Iglesias
Mumbai: Bollywood singer Sunidhi Chauhan, known for her versatility, has gone global and recorded a track with Spanish singer Enrique Iglesias. She termed the experience "great" but felt there is not much difference in song recording in India and abroad.
"The experience was great. I have already recorded the song. Unfortunately I can't talk much about it. But it's in the process and will be out very soon," Sunidhi told the media in an interview.
She and Enrique sang "I Can Feel You", which has both Hindi and English lyrics. Sunidhi has also shot for a video with the Spanish singer for the song that is slated to be out this month.
The 27-year-old Indian singer has belted out chartbuster songs like "Ruki ruki" ("Mast"), "Dhoom machale" ("Dhoom"), "Deedar de" ("Dus"), "Beedi" ("Omkara"), "Sajnaji vari vari" ("Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd."), "Chor bazari" ("Love Aaj Kal") and most recently "Sheila Ki Jawani" ("Tees Maar Khan").
Asked if she found any difference while recording a song internationally and when in India, Sunidhi, who wants to collaborate with singer Mariah Carey someday, said: "There is not much difference."
"The difference is in the song and the atmosphere. It's a nice experience. But when it comes to singing, it's all the same," she added.
Sunidhi has been in Bollywood for more than a decade now, but the entry of new singers in the industry doesn't scare her. She believes that being good at work is the survival tactic.
"It's not tough to survive in the industry. You just have to sing better than everyone else and you survive. It's a simple equation. You give your 100 percent time and discipline, and work so hard that people see and appreciate," she said.
"As long as you know that working hard is the mantra, you will not find it hard to survive in the industry," she added.
The singer made her debut as a reality show judge in "Indian Idol" last year.
So any plans of taking up acting like Sonu Nigam and Himesh Reshammiya?
"I did TV, I've done a couple of videos and I'm quite happy with that. When it comes to acting, I believe that unless I'm sure of what I want to do, I don't get into it," Sunidhi said.
"For acting, I still haven't got that inner voice. So I wouldn't like to go ahead with it now. But as soon as I feel I'm ready, I wont mind doing it," she added.
"I believe in instincts, whatever my instinct says, I do that," Sunidhi said.
And how does she feel when she looks back at her journey till now?
"To be really frank, I don't look back to analyse how the journey has been because I feel that the journey has begun now. It's not that I have done a lot in life. I need to do lot more. So I don't relate to that feeling of looking back."
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, Indian Music, Sunidhi Chauhan Versatility, Sunidhi Chauhan with Enrique Iglesias, Song Recording in India
"The experience was great. I have already recorded the song. Unfortunately I can't talk much about it. But it's in the process and will be out very soon," Sunidhi told the media in an interview.
She and Enrique sang "I Can Feel You", which has both Hindi and English lyrics. Sunidhi has also shot for a video with the Spanish singer for the song that is slated to be out this month.
The 27-year-old Indian singer has belted out chartbuster songs like "Ruki ruki" ("Mast"), "Dhoom machale" ("Dhoom"), "Deedar de" ("Dus"), "Beedi" ("Omkara"), "Sajnaji vari vari" ("Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd."), "Chor bazari" ("Love Aaj Kal") and most recently "Sheila Ki Jawani" ("Tees Maar Khan").
Asked if she found any difference while recording a song internationally and when in India, Sunidhi, who wants to collaborate with singer Mariah Carey someday, said: "There is not much difference."
"The difference is in the song and the atmosphere. It's a nice experience. But when it comes to singing, it's all the same," she added.
Sunidhi has been in Bollywood for more than a decade now, but the entry of new singers in the industry doesn't scare her. She believes that being good at work is the survival tactic.
"It's not tough to survive in the industry. You just have to sing better than everyone else and you survive. It's a simple equation. You give your 100 percent time and discipline, and work so hard that people see and appreciate," she said.
"As long as you know that working hard is the mantra, you will not find it hard to survive in the industry," she added.
The singer made her debut as a reality show judge in "Indian Idol" last year.
So any plans of taking up acting like Sonu Nigam and Himesh Reshammiya?
"I did TV, I've done a couple of videos and I'm quite happy with that. When it comes to acting, I believe that unless I'm sure of what I want to do, I don't get into it," Sunidhi said.
"For acting, I still haven't got that inner voice. So I wouldn't like to go ahead with it now. But as soon as I feel I'm ready, I wont mind doing it," she added.
"I believe in instincts, whatever my instinct says, I do that," Sunidhi said.
And how does she feel when she looks back at her journey till now?
"To be really frank, I don't look back to analyse how the journey has been because I feel that the journey has begun now. It's not that I have done a lot in life. I need to do lot more. So I don't relate to that feeling of looking back."
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, Indian Music, Sunidhi Chauhan Versatility, Sunidhi Chauhan with Enrique Iglesias, Song Recording in India
State Bank of India is eyeing Rs.3 lakh crore rural deposits
Kandi (West Bengal): The country's largest lender State Bank of India is eyeing Rs.3 lakh crore rural deposits and Rs.1.75 lakh crore rural advances by the end of fiscal 2010-11, a senior bank official said today.
"Currently, rural deposits and advances stand at Rs.2.89 lakh crore and Rs.1.6 lakh crore respectively," SBI's deputy managing director (Rural Banking) R.Venkatachalam told media persons on the sidelines of a programme here.
Thirty-six percent of the bank's total deposits are in rural areas, which also constitute 32 percent of the total advances.
Asked whether the bank is extending loans to the micro-finance institutions (MFIs) in the wake of the happenings in Andhra Pradesh , the official said: "My bank is extending loans to MFIs, except in Andhra".
"We are watching the cash flow situation in Andhra. After Andhra, there is no default," he added.
The MFI sector has come under the scanner, with the Andhra Pradesh government passing a stringent ordinance in November to put a check on the high rates charged and allegedly coercive loan recovery methods used by the institutions, which allegedly triggered a spate of suicides by borrowers in the state. The ordinance was later converted into an act.
To a query, Venkatachalam said SBI's non-performing assets in rural banking were 3.5 percent.
source:agency
Tags : India Business News, State Bank of India Rural Deposits, State Bank of India Rural Advances
"Currently, rural deposits and advances stand at Rs.2.89 lakh crore and Rs.1.6 lakh crore respectively," SBI's deputy managing director (Rural Banking) R.Venkatachalam told media persons on the sidelines of a programme here.
Thirty-six percent of the bank's total deposits are in rural areas, which also constitute 32 percent of the total advances.
Asked whether the bank is extending loans to the micro-finance institutions (MFIs) in the wake of the happenings in Andhra Pradesh , the official said: "My bank is extending loans to MFIs, except in Andhra".
"We are watching the cash flow situation in Andhra. After Andhra, there is no default," he added.
The MFI sector has come under the scanner, with the Andhra Pradesh government passing a stringent ordinance in November to put a check on the high rates charged and allegedly coercive loan recovery methods used by the institutions, which allegedly triggered a spate of suicides by borrowers in the state. The ordinance was later converted into an act.
To a query, Venkatachalam said SBI's non-performing assets in rural banking were 3.5 percent.
source:agency
Tags : India Business News, State Bank of India Rural Deposits, State Bank of India Rural Advances
Latest version of Tata Motors' sedan Manza,hit the roads
Mumbai: The latest version of Tata Motors' sedan Manza, equipped with a range of new features, hit the roads today, an official said.
Competitively priced, Tata Manza would cost from Rs.5.14 lakh for the Safire petrol range and from Rs.5.91 lakh for the Quadrajet diesel range (both prices ex-showroom, Delhi). It would be available at Tata Motors dealers all over the country from Monday, he said.
Equipped with a 90PS Safire petrol and Quadrajet diesel engines, the Tata Manza purrs power with top of the line safety and security features.
The top end variant of the new series, Tata Manza Elan, comes with a host of premium features like dual tone alloy wheels, burgundy and beige interiors, chrome garnished bottom weather strip, fog lamps and an all new premium and exclusive Tyrian wine colour, the official said.
Tata Motors is India's largest automobile company, with consolidated revenues of Rs.92,519 crore ($20 billion) in 2009-10.
With over 5.9 million Tata vehicles plying in India, Tata Motors is the country's market leader in commercial vehicles and among the top three in passenger vehicles, which includes the low price Tata Nano.
source:agency
Tags : India Business News, Tata Manza Features, Tata Manza Cost, Tata Motors Dealers in India
Competitively priced, Tata Manza would cost from Rs.5.14 lakh for the Safire petrol range and from Rs.5.91 lakh for the Quadrajet diesel range (both prices ex-showroom, Delhi). It would be available at Tata Motors dealers all over the country from Monday, he said.
Equipped with a 90PS Safire petrol and Quadrajet diesel engines, the Tata Manza purrs power with top of the line safety and security features.
The top end variant of the new series, Tata Manza Elan, comes with a host of premium features like dual tone alloy wheels, burgundy and beige interiors, chrome garnished bottom weather strip, fog lamps and an all new premium and exclusive Tyrian wine colour, the official said.
Tata Motors is India's largest automobile company, with consolidated revenues of Rs.92,519 crore ($20 billion) in 2009-10.
With over 5.9 million Tata vehicles plying in India, Tata Motors is the country's market leader in commercial vehicles and among the top three in passenger vehicles, which includes the low price Tata Nano.
source:agency
Tags : India Business News, Tata Manza Features, Tata Manza Cost, Tata Motors Dealers in India
Inaugural day of the Entrepreneurship Week 2011 conducted by the Eastern Institute of Management
New Delhi: The inaugural day of the Entrepreneurship Week 2011 conducted by the Eastern Institute of Management in association with NEN India dealt with a couple of enriching panel discussions.
The topics focused on are integral to the health of entrepreneurship in Bengal and India - changing the mind of Bengal from working in offices to creating businesses in an entrepreneurial way and dealing with the financial obstacles.
The panelists at the opening discussion of the Entrepreneurship Week were some of the well known industry figures as well as successful entrepreneurs based in Kolkata.
At the top of the discussion speaker Avi Das made a rather valid point in saying that entrepreneurs produce value for the society. He also emphasised on a hands on role stating that a person who has conceptualised a particular business is best placed to work on it.
Arijit Bhattacharya, one of the speakers at the event highlighted the necessity of finding people who have the same wavelength and passion in order to make an entrepreneurship successful.
He stated that one of the first steps in entrepreneurship was market study. Confidence in one's own product was of paramount importance according to him. He further elucidated on the necessity of involving one's family in such efforts, highlighting their importance over angel investors and venture capital firms.
The panelists for the second half of the discussion were Sanjib Chakravorty and Md. Arshad Shamim.
Md. Arshad Shamim started off the phase by opining that the thought process needed to be uncluttered for the business to be a successful one. He stressed on a winning mentality in order to counter various problems that crop up at different stages in a business.
Md. Arshad Shamim stated that when he had started his business he had planned on earning money and not losing out on capital. He also stressed on the importance of staying true to one's roots for achieving success in business.
The second speaker in this segment, Sanjib Chakravorty stressed on the need for radical ideas in entrepreneurship. He stated that he had built his success on his unconventional thinking. He was supported by Md. Arshad Shamim who mentioned that he had taken calculated risks in his business.
He also urged the present day entrepreneurs to be passionate and knowledgeable about the business they were about to set up. He also stressed that in such situations support was not an issue.
At this juncture panelist Arijit Bhattacharya asked a very pertinent question when he enquired about the differences between entrepreneurs in Kolkata and other cities in India.
Sanjib Chakravorty lamented the fact that nowadays people, in spite of their obvious talent were not willing to take the risks needed to be successful. He said that this was especially the case in Kolkata.
In all, the panel discussions at Entrepreneurship Week 2011, organised by NEN India and Eastern Management Institute, saw a heady mix of personal experiences and professional knowledge shared by the renowned panelists.
The first day concluded with a tremendous play that dealt with entrepreneurship at grass roots. Aptly titled "From pavement to the sky" the act was presented by students of the 2nd semester. The event promises much more with attractive and exciting inter-college events in the offing such as business quiz, debates, E-mela, Ad Games, musical show, Business Bollywood, Business Idea Generation.
During the second day of the event the students of Eastern Institute of Management visited the Kolkata Book Fair 2011. The students executed a public campaign on entrepreneurship awareness and asked visitors to sign on the Entrepreneurship Week 2011 pledge.
Waste management is going to be a major theme at the E-Week event in the days to come. During the entire program the students would take part in art work competitions and awareness campaigns on waste management.
At E-mela students would exhibit their exclusive business ideas and put their art work on sale. The celebration would be capped off by cultural shows where the students would perform.
The entrepreneurship cell of Eastern Management Institute, named Cyan, is being operated by 4th semester management students Mohul Mukherjee and Mukto Ghosh.
source:agency
Tags : India Business News, Entrepreneurship in India, Entrepreneurship Week 2011 Inaugural Day, Eastern Institute of Management Entrepreneurship Week, NEN India Entrepreneurship Week
The topics focused on are integral to the health of entrepreneurship in Bengal and India - changing the mind of Bengal from working in offices to creating businesses in an entrepreneurial way and dealing with the financial obstacles.
The panelists at the opening discussion of the Entrepreneurship Week were some of the well known industry figures as well as successful entrepreneurs based in Kolkata.
At the top of the discussion speaker Avi Das made a rather valid point in saying that entrepreneurs produce value for the society. He also emphasised on a hands on role stating that a person who has conceptualised a particular business is best placed to work on it.
Arijit Bhattacharya, one of the speakers at the event highlighted the necessity of finding people who have the same wavelength and passion in order to make an entrepreneurship successful.
He stated that one of the first steps in entrepreneurship was market study. Confidence in one's own product was of paramount importance according to him. He further elucidated on the necessity of involving one's family in such efforts, highlighting their importance over angel investors and venture capital firms.
The panelists for the second half of the discussion were Sanjib Chakravorty and Md. Arshad Shamim.
Md. Arshad Shamim started off the phase by opining that the thought process needed to be uncluttered for the business to be a successful one. He stressed on a winning mentality in order to counter various problems that crop up at different stages in a business.
Md. Arshad Shamim stated that when he had started his business he had planned on earning money and not losing out on capital. He also stressed on the importance of staying true to one's roots for achieving success in business.
The second speaker in this segment, Sanjib Chakravorty stressed on the need for radical ideas in entrepreneurship. He stated that he had built his success on his unconventional thinking. He was supported by Md. Arshad Shamim who mentioned that he had taken calculated risks in his business.
He also urged the present day entrepreneurs to be passionate and knowledgeable about the business they were about to set up. He also stressed that in such situations support was not an issue.
At this juncture panelist Arijit Bhattacharya asked a very pertinent question when he enquired about the differences between entrepreneurs in Kolkata and other cities in India.
Sanjib Chakravorty lamented the fact that nowadays people, in spite of their obvious talent were not willing to take the risks needed to be successful. He said that this was especially the case in Kolkata.
In all, the panel discussions at Entrepreneurship Week 2011, organised by NEN India and Eastern Management Institute, saw a heady mix of personal experiences and professional knowledge shared by the renowned panelists.
The first day concluded with a tremendous play that dealt with entrepreneurship at grass roots. Aptly titled "From pavement to the sky" the act was presented by students of the 2nd semester. The event promises much more with attractive and exciting inter-college events in the offing such as business quiz, debates, E-mela, Ad Games, musical show, Business Bollywood, Business Idea Generation.
During the second day of the event the students of Eastern Institute of Management visited the Kolkata Book Fair 2011. The students executed a public campaign on entrepreneurship awareness and asked visitors to sign on the Entrepreneurship Week 2011 pledge.
Waste management is going to be a major theme at the E-Week event in the days to come. During the entire program the students would take part in art work competitions and awareness campaigns on waste management.
At E-mela students would exhibit their exclusive business ideas and put their art work on sale. The celebration would be capped off by cultural shows where the students would perform.
The entrepreneurship cell of Eastern Management Institute, named Cyan, is being operated by 4th semester management students Mohul Mukherjee and Mukto Ghosh.
source:agency
Tags : India Business News, Entrepreneurship in India, Entrepreneurship Week 2011 Inaugural Day, Eastern Institute of Management Entrepreneurship Week, NEN India Entrepreneurship Week
Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) will name their newly-built stadium as Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium
Mumbai: The Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) will name their newly-built stadium on the outskirts of Pune as Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium.
In a statement today, MCA said that originally the stadium was proposed to be named as Sahara India Group but "owing to technical reasons" the state-of-the-art stadium will be named after the chairman of the Sahara India Pariwar.
This stadium is being built in two phases and the work for the first phase started in November 2009. Designed by world renowned architects Hopkins from England, the work is being carried out by Shapoorji Pallonji and company.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has assisted the project by increasing the grant for the stadium to Rs.50 crore. To raise funds for the construction of the stadium, MCA invited bids for naming and other rights and it was won by Sahara India. It secured the financial package required to build phases one and two of the stadium and the club as well.
Besides having naming rights for the stadium, Sahara will build a club in the stadium with modern amenities and facilities with 40 rooms at their own cost and will get rights to sell membership for the club. Pune Warriors will be playing their home matches in this stadium.
source:agency
Tags : Maharashtra Cricket Association, MCA stadium in Pune, Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium, Sahara India Pariwar
In a statement today, MCA said that originally the stadium was proposed to be named as Sahara India Group but "owing to technical reasons" the state-of-the-art stadium will be named after the chairman of the Sahara India Pariwar.
This stadium is being built in two phases and the work for the first phase started in November 2009. Designed by world renowned architects Hopkins from England, the work is being carried out by Shapoorji Pallonji and company.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has assisted the project by increasing the grant for the stadium to Rs.50 crore. To raise funds for the construction of the stadium, MCA invited bids for naming and other rights and it was won by Sahara India. It secured the financial package required to build phases one and two of the stadium and the club as well.
Besides having naming rights for the stadium, Sahara will build a club in the stadium with modern amenities and facilities with 40 rooms at their own cost and will get rights to sell membership for the club. Pune Warriors will be playing their home matches in this stadium.
source:agency
Tags : Maharashtra Cricket Association, MCA stadium in Pune, Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium, Sahara India Pariwar
20110206
Jordan King bounces back with win in 2011 MRF Championship
Chennai: Jordan King (Team Sidvin), the 16-year old from England underlined his mettle with a stunning win in the third race of the Formula 1600 class that brought the curtain down on the first round of the 2011 MRF Championship here on an incident-filled today.
The victory was a sweet compensation for King who had a disastrous start to his campaign on Saturday when he was docked a 20-second penalty and a subsequent exclusion due to a "technical infringement" following the post-race scrutiny of his car.
Also excluded from the first race were Salhil Shelar and Vikash Anand, again due to a "technical infringement". The revised results promoted Ashwin Sundar to first, Ameya Walavalkar to second and Jukka Honkawori to third.
In the second race run this morning, King trailed Sundar who opened up a comfortable gap following a strong start. However, in the third race, both King and Sundar trailed Walavalkar for three laps before the English lad moved in front.
In the next lap, Sundar and Walavalkar were involved in a collision. The incident saw Walavaklar going off the track and losing position. After the race, the Stewards, following an inquiry, slapped a 30-second penalty on Sundar who thus forfeited his second place and dropped to seventh.
However, Sundar said he will appeal the penalty and he has notified the Stewards his intent. As per rules, Sundar has to file the grounds on which he will appeal the penalty within the next 48 hours.
"I was very cautious this morning after my jump start last evening. So, I dropped back, but in the evening (third race), I had a good start and then took the lead in the third lap. I then put my head down," said King.
In the Super Saloons (touring cars) class, Siddharth Kishore (Performance Racing) achieved a double by winning the second race from his arch-rival Radha Selvaraj who was involved in two incidents with the eventual third place finisher Sivaramakrishnan.
Selvaraj and Sivaramakrishnan, both experienced drivers, made contact twice even as Kishore, running in front, opened up a commanding lead. Selvaraj blamed Sivaramakrishnan for blocking while the latter said he was forced off the track.
In contrast, Krishnan Rajini of Red Rooster Racing was in a league of his own as he destroyed the opposition to win both the Superbike races by huge margins.
In fact, both the Superbikes races flopped with Rajini facing no worthwhile opposition that was over four seconds off his pace. He spared 14 seconds to Sumit Lucas Topo in the first race and won the second by 29 seconds ahead of Vivek Pillai.
The results:
MRF Formula 1600 (Race 2 - 15 laps): Ashwin Sundar (Gulf Oil) 1 (25mins, 51.192secs); Jordan King (Sidvin) 2 (25:55.209); Karthik Shankar (TSI Racing) 3 (26:06.793). Race 3 (15 laps): Jordan King 1 (25:45.578); Karthik Shankar 2 (25:59.439); Jukka Honkawori 3 (26:07.742) - provisional pending appeal.
Super Bikes (600cc) Race 1 (10 laps): Krishnan Rajini (Red Rooster Racing) 1 (18:08.835); Sumit Lucas Topo (Preethi Racing) 2 (18:23.056); Prithvi M 3 (19:22.940). Race 2 (10 laps): Rajini 1 (18:09.923); Vivek Pillai (Preethi Racing) 2 (18:39.405); R Deepak (Preethi Racing) 3 (19:05.596).
Group D (165cc) Race 2 (7 laps): Arunagiri Prabhu (Moto-Rev India) 1 (15:30.401); Naveen Raj 2 (15:34.125); D Dinesh Kumar (Moto-Rev India) 3 (15:40.491).
Touring Cars - Super Saloons (Race 2 - 10 laps): Siddharth Kishore (Performance Racing) 1 (20:39.296); Radha Selvaraj (RAD Racing) 2 (21:07.120); Sivaramakrishnan (Performance Racing) 3 (21:10.772). Indian Junior Touring Cars (Race 2 - 10 laps): B Balavijay (Moto-Rev India) 1 (22:42.612); Diljith (Sigaram Sports) 2 (22:45.335); Feroze Khan (Haute Car Zone Racing) 3 (22:48.092).
source:agency
Tags : India Sports News, 2011 MRF Championship, Formula 1600 race
The victory was a sweet compensation for King who had a disastrous start to his campaign on Saturday when he was docked a 20-second penalty and a subsequent exclusion due to a "technical infringement" following the post-race scrutiny of his car.
Also excluded from the first race were Salhil Shelar and Vikash Anand, again due to a "technical infringement". The revised results promoted Ashwin Sundar to first, Ameya Walavalkar to second and Jukka Honkawori to third.
In the second race run this morning, King trailed Sundar who opened up a comfortable gap following a strong start. However, in the third race, both King and Sundar trailed Walavalkar for three laps before the English lad moved in front.
In the next lap, Sundar and Walavalkar were involved in a collision. The incident saw Walavaklar going off the track and losing position. After the race, the Stewards, following an inquiry, slapped a 30-second penalty on Sundar who thus forfeited his second place and dropped to seventh.
However, Sundar said he will appeal the penalty and he has notified the Stewards his intent. As per rules, Sundar has to file the grounds on which he will appeal the penalty within the next 48 hours.
"I was very cautious this morning after my jump start last evening. So, I dropped back, but in the evening (third race), I had a good start and then took the lead in the third lap. I then put my head down," said King.
In the Super Saloons (touring cars) class, Siddharth Kishore (Performance Racing) achieved a double by winning the second race from his arch-rival Radha Selvaraj who was involved in two incidents with the eventual third place finisher Sivaramakrishnan.
Selvaraj and Sivaramakrishnan, both experienced drivers, made contact twice even as Kishore, running in front, opened up a commanding lead. Selvaraj blamed Sivaramakrishnan for blocking while the latter said he was forced off the track.
In contrast, Krishnan Rajini of Red Rooster Racing was in a league of his own as he destroyed the opposition to win both the Superbike races by huge margins.
In fact, both the Superbikes races flopped with Rajini facing no worthwhile opposition that was over four seconds off his pace. He spared 14 seconds to Sumit Lucas Topo in the first race and won the second by 29 seconds ahead of Vivek Pillai.
The results:
MRF Formula 1600 (Race 2 - 15 laps): Ashwin Sundar (Gulf Oil) 1 (25mins, 51.192secs); Jordan King (Sidvin) 2 (25:55.209); Karthik Shankar (TSI Racing) 3 (26:06.793). Race 3 (15 laps): Jordan King 1 (25:45.578); Karthik Shankar 2 (25:59.439); Jukka Honkawori 3 (26:07.742) - provisional pending appeal.
Super Bikes (600cc) Race 1 (10 laps): Krishnan Rajini (Red Rooster Racing) 1 (18:08.835); Sumit Lucas Topo (Preethi Racing) 2 (18:23.056); Prithvi M 3 (19:22.940). Race 2 (10 laps): Rajini 1 (18:09.923); Vivek Pillai (Preethi Racing) 2 (18:39.405); R Deepak (Preethi Racing) 3 (19:05.596).
Group D (165cc) Race 2 (7 laps): Arunagiri Prabhu (Moto-Rev India) 1 (15:30.401); Naveen Raj 2 (15:34.125); D Dinesh Kumar (Moto-Rev India) 3 (15:40.491).
Touring Cars - Super Saloons (Race 2 - 10 laps): Siddharth Kishore (Performance Racing) 1 (20:39.296); Radha Selvaraj (RAD Racing) 2 (21:07.120); Sivaramakrishnan (Performance Racing) 3 (21:10.772). Indian Junior Touring Cars (Race 2 - 10 laps): B Balavijay (Moto-Rev India) 1 (22:42.612); Diljith (Sigaram Sports) 2 (22:45.335); Feroze Khan (Haute Car Zone Racing) 3 (22:48.092).
source:agency
Tags : India Sports News, 2011 MRF Championship, Formula 1600 race
Kurukshetra University in Haryana set up an international guest house for visitors
Chandigarh: Kurukshetra University in Haryana has set up an international guest house for visitors from abroad.
It was inaugurated today by Haryana governor Jagannath Pahadia, who is also the university's chancellor.
The university's vice chancellor D.D.S. Sandhu said the guest house will provide boarding and lodging facilities for those coming from abroad to attend seminars, conferences and training programmes.
"Efforts are being made to provide a very congenial atmosphere for making the campus academically and internationally vibrant and active. The opening of the international guest house is one of the efforts in this direction," Sandhu said.
Equipped with latest facilities, the international guest house has 26 deluxe rooms and two suites, a university spokesman said.
Kurukshetra is around 110 km from state capital Chandigarh.
source:agency
Tags : India Education News, Kurukshetra University in Haryana, International Guest House in Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra University Lodging Facilities
It was inaugurated today by Haryana governor Jagannath Pahadia, who is also the university's chancellor.
The university's vice chancellor D.D.S. Sandhu said the guest house will provide boarding and lodging facilities for those coming from abroad to attend seminars, conferences and training programmes.
"Efforts are being made to provide a very congenial atmosphere for making the campus academically and internationally vibrant and active. The opening of the international guest house is one of the efforts in this direction," Sandhu said.
Equipped with latest facilities, the international guest house has 26 deluxe rooms and two suites, a university spokesman said.
Kurukshetra is around 110 km from state capital Chandigarh.
source:agency
Tags : India Education News, Kurukshetra University in Haryana, International Guest House in Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra University Lodging Facilities
40,000 cases of cancer in children are being reported in India every year
New Delhi: Over 40,000 cases of cancer in children are being reported in India every year, experts said here today, adding that only a fraction of them manage to receive proper treatment.
"The number of cases of childhood cancer is increasing in India. Of the 40,000 that is reported, only 20-30 percent manage to get proper treatment," senior consultant pediatric oncologist at the Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute Gauri Kapoor said at the institute's 10th annual conference here.
"Unlike cancer in adults, childhood cancers have a higher cure rate. But, this is only possible if the cancer is diagnosed at the right stage and the child is given right mode of treatment," added Kapoor.
The common cancers among children are acute lymphoblastic leukemia or blood cancer, germ cell tumour, brain tumour and liver and kidney cancer, among others.
The annual conference saw participation from over 100 experts from the All Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Tata Memorial hospital in Mumbai, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in the US, and various other hospitals from across the world.
The three-day conference culminated in a 'walk on awareness of childhood cancer' in the central Delhi area today that saw nearly 2,000 people participate.
"The idea is to spread awareness on children who have survived the battle of cancer. Once they grow up, they are made to face discrimination due to the existent stigma in the society," additional secretary of the Indian Cancer Society Jyotsna Govil told the media.
"The cure rate for childhood cancer is high and we must make an effort to make life easy for these children who have won the battle," added Govil.
The conference also included an interactive workshop of 25 cancer survivors and doctors.
"The need is to develop more on dedicated pediatric oncology units that are equipped with adequate infrastructure and are viable to the masses," said Kapoor.
source:agency
Tags : India Health News, Cancer in Indian Children, Cancer Treatment in India, Cancer Cases in India
"The number of cases of childhood cancer is increasing in India. Of the 40,000 that is reported, only 20-30 percent manage to get proper treatment," senior consultant pediatric oncologist at the Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute Gauri Kapoor said at the institute's 10th annual conference here.
"Unlike cancer in adults, childhood cancers have a higher cure rate. But, this is only possible if the cancer is diagnosed at the right stage and the child is given right mode of treatment," added Kapoor.
The common cancers among children are acute lymphoblastic leukemia or blood cancer, germ cell tumour, brain tumour and liver and kidney cancer, among others.
The annual conference saw participation from over 100 experts from the All Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Tata Memorial hospital in Mumbai, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in the US, and various other hospitals from across the world.
The three-day conference culminated in a 'walk on awareness of childhood cancer' in the central Delhi area today that saw nearly 2,000 people participate.
"The idea is to spread awareness on children who have survived the battle of cancer. Once they grow up, they are made to face discrimination due to the existent stigma in the society," additional secretary of the Indian Cancer Society Jyotsna Govil told the media.
"The cure rate for childhood cancer is high and we must make an effort to make life easy for these children who have won the battle," added Govil.
The conference also included an interactive workshop of 25 cancer survivors and doctors.
"The need is to develop more on dedicated pediatric oncology units that are equipped with adequate infrastructure and are viable to the masses," said Kapoor.
source:agency
Tags : India Health News, Cancer in Indian Children, Cancer Treatment in India, Cancer Cases in India
Smallest replica of World Cup Cricket-2011
Bhopal: A cricket fan, who is a goldsmith in Madhya Pradesh, has made the smallest replica of World Cup Cricket-2011 that is 60 times smaller than the original one and weighs only about half a gram.
The replica made by Nitin Soni with 23 carat gold is less than 1 cm in height and is made of silver and gold.
"I started making this World Cup replica when the trophy was brought to India. It took me three days to make it," Soni told the media.
Soni who lives in Sehore district, 30 km from here, said: "It will not be very costly, but I will be happy if it will be given to an Indian player as Man of the Series trophy."
He also wants to get his replica registered in the Guinness Book of World Records.
The Cricket World Cup-2011 is scheduled from Feb 19-April 2. Fourteen countries will take on each other in 49 matches spread in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
This time, the World Cup trophy is of 11 kg in which three silver columns are holding a golden globe.
source:agency
Tags : Madhya Pradesh News, World Cup, Replica of World Cup Cricket 2011 in Madhya Pradesh, World Cup Man of the Series Trophy, World Cup Trophy in India
The replica made by Nitin Soni with 23 carat gold is less than 1 cm in height and is made of silver and gold.
"I started making this World Cup replica when the trophy was brought to India. It took me three days to make it," Soni told the media.
Soni who lives in Sehore district, 30 km from here, said: "It will not be very costly, but I will be happy if it will be given to an Indian player as Man of the Series trophy."
He also wants to get his replica registered in the Guinness Book of World Records.
The Cricket World Cup-2011 is scheduled from Feb 19-April 2. Fourteen countries will take on each other in 49 matches spread in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
This time, the World Cup trophy is of 11 kg in which three silver columns are holding a golden globe.
source:agency
Tags : Madhya Pradesh News, World Cup, Replica of World Cup Cricket 2011 in Madhya Pradesh, World Cup Man of the Series Trophy, World Cup Trophy in India
Proposed commercial divisions of high courts will help resolve commercial disputes speedily:Veerappa Moily
Hyderabad: The proposed commercial divisions of high courts will help resolve commercial disputes speedily, Law Minister M. Veerappa Moily said today.
He told the 17th Commonwealth Law Conference here that the Commercial Division of High Courts Bill is before parliament.
Voicing his concern over the increasing trend in commercial litigation, he said this was taking up most of the time of courts. "The commercial divisions will follow fast track procedure for disposal of cases," he said.
He said a national mission for delivery of justice and legal reforms was set up to reduce the number of cases of under trial and to ease congestion in jail. As a result of the initiative, more than 450,000 cases were disposed within 10 months.
Moily said gram nyayalayas (rural courts) were set up at the grassroots level to dispose cases within six months. They exercise both civil and criminal jurisdiction.
The minister said steps were also taken to improve the justice delivery system through reforms.
The amendments to the Arbitration and Conciliation Act were aimed at speedy disposal of cases relating to both domestic and international arbitration.
"Steps were also taken for enforcement of foreign arbitral awards. This will make India as the most preferred destination for international arbitration," the minister said.
On electoral reforms, the minister termed India as a model for new emerging democracies but felt that there were a number of areas in the country that still needed to be strengthened.
source:agency
Tags : India Judiciary News, M. Veerappa Moily, Proposed Commercial Divisions of High Courts, Commercial Disputes in High Courts
He told the 17th Commonwealth Law Conference here that the Commercial Division of High Courts Bill is before parliament.
Voicing his concern over the increasing trend in commercial litigation, he said this was taking up most of the time of courts. "The commercial divisions will follow fast track procedure for disposal of cases," he said.
He said a national mission for delivery of justice and legal reforms was set up to reduce the number of cases of under trial and to ease congestion in jail. As a result of the initiative, more than 450,000 cases were disposed within 10 months.
Moily said gram nyayalayas (rural courts) were set up at the grassroots level to dispose cases within six months. They exercise both civil and criminal jurisdiction.
The minister said steps were also taken to improve the justice delivery system through reforms.
The amendments to the Arbitration and Conciliation Act were aimed at speedy disposal of cases relating to both domestic and international arbitration.
"Steps were also taken for enforcement of foreign arbitral awards. This will make India as the most preferred destination for international arbitration," the minister said.
On electoral reforms, the minister termed India as a model for new emerging democracies but felt that there were a number of areas in the country that still needed to be strengthened.
source:agency
Tags : India Judiciary News, M. Veerappa Moily, Proposed Commercial Divisions of High Courts, Commercial Disputes in High Courts
Pension of an army officer's widow has been revised from Rs.80 to Rs.18,000 a month
New Delhi: The pension of an army officer's widow has been revised from Rs.80 to Rs.18,000 a month, the government today informed the Supreme Court, which, however, observed there was a feeling that bureaucrats were insensitive towards families of the armed forces personnel.
"There is a feeling that bureaucrats don't care for them (service personnel)," the apex court bench of Justice Markandey Katju and Justice B.S. Chauhan said.
The court said that whatever may be the final decision, the service personnel should feel that their case was given an adequate hearing and consideration.
"A grievance needs to be given a hearing even if it is decided against the aggrieved service personnel," the court said.
Petitioner Pushpa Vanti is the widow of Major Dharam Chand, who joined the British India Army in 1937 and was promoted as a Junior Commissioned Officer in 1946. He was granted permanent commission in 1948.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Supreme Court hearing, Army officer's widow's pension revised
"There is a feeling that bureaucrats don't care for them (service personnel)," the apex court bench of Justice Markandey Katju and Justice B.S. Chauhan said.
The court said that whatever may be the final decision, the service personnel should feel that their case was given an adequate hearing and consideration.
"A grievance needs to be given a hearing even if it is decided against the aggrieved service personnel," the court said.
Petitioner Pushpa Vanti is the widow of Major Dharam Chand, who joined the British India Army in 1937 and was promoted as a Junior Commissioned Officer in 1946. He was granted permanent commission in 1948.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Supreme Court hearing, Army officer's widow's pension revised
Hindus upset at damage to landmark Hindu temple by Thai-Cambodian clashes
Hindus are shocked and upset at the reported damage to 11th century Preah Vihear Hindu Shiva temple complex because of Thai-Cambodian crossfire at their border.
Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, urged the international community to urgently intervene to stop the fighting in order to save the landmark Hindu temple from further damage.
Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said that world community should raise funds to restore the temple to its original shape and provide some infrastructure in the area for devotees and other visitors. As temple was the cause of long-running border feud between Thailand and Cambodia, it should be turned over to United Nations control.
Rajan Zed argued that historic Preah Vihear was a world heritage and it was moral duty of the world to keep it preserved and intact for the coming generations. The reported collapse of a wing besides other damage to the already fragile complex was hurtful to the devotees because Lord Shiva temple was a sacred site to Hindus of the world.
Known as Preah Vihear in Cambodia and Khao Phra Viharn in Thailand, this remote temple at the border between Thailand and Cambodia, which had reportedly not been clearly demarcated, had been a source of tension for generations. Preah Vihear was said to even predate Cambodia’s Angkor Wat temple complex by about 100 years and its stunning setting made it finest of all the ruins left from the mighty Khmer civilization, Rajan Zed added.
Zed further said that world should not let this sacred site dedicated to Lord Shiva (situated where Preah Vihear province of northern Cambodia touched Sisaket province of eastern Thailand) be further damaged to advance political agendas of some as there appeared to be a no clear solution to settle the long-standing territorial dispute surrounding the temple, which was already a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and whose history could be traced to 9th century when the hermitage was founded.
Moreover, Temple of Preah Vihear, an outstanding masterpiece of Khmer architecture mostly created by Suryavarman I and Suryavarman II, was a unique architectural complex of a series of sanctuaries and was said to be exceptional for the quality of its architecture and carved stone ornamentation. It was reportedly dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva in his manifestations as Sikharesvara and Bhadresvara. It was also said to be marking representation of sacred Mount Meru, the abode of the gods, and showing a depiction of Churning of the Ocean, a Hindu scriptural episode, Rajan Zed indicated.
Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, urged the international community to urgently intervene to stop the fighting in order to save the landmark Hindu temple from further damage.
Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said that world community should raise funds to restore the temple to its original shape and provide some infrastructure in the area for devotees and other visitors. As temple was the cause of long-running border feud between Thailand and Cambodia, it should be turned over to United Nations control.
Rajan Zed argued that historic Preah Vihear was a world heritage and it was moral duty of the world to keep it preserved and intact for the coming generations. The reported collapse of a wing besides other damage to the already fragile complex was hurtful to the devotees because Lord Shiva temple was a sacred site to Hindus of the world.
Known as Preah Vihear in Cambodia and Khao Phra Viharn in Thailand, this remote temple at the border between Thailand and Cambodia, which had reportedly not been clearly demarcated, had been a source of tension for generations. Preah Vihear was said to even predate Cambodia’s Angkor Wat temple complex by about 100 years and its stunning setting made it finest of all the ruins left from the mighty Khmer civilization, Rajan Zed added.
Zed further said that world should not let this sacred site dedicated to Lord Shiva (situated where Preah Vihear province of northern Cambodia touched Sisaket province of eastern Thailand) be further damaged to advance political agendas of some as there appeared to be a no clear solution to settle the long-standing territorial dispute surrounding the temple, which was already a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and whose history could be traced to 9th century when the hermitage was founded.
Moreover, Temple of Preah Vihear, an outstanding masterpiece of Khmer architecture mostly created by Suryavarman I and Suryavarman II, was a unique architectural complex of a series of sanctuaries and was said to be exceptional for the quality of its architecture and carved stone ornamentation. It was reportedly dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva in his manifestations as Sikharesvara and Bhadresvara. It was also said to be marking representation of sacred Mount Meru, the abode of the gods, and showing a depiction of Churning of the Ocean, a Hindu scriptural episode, Rajan Zed indicated.
Hindus want disputed Thai-Cambodia Hindu Shiva temple be transferred to UN control
Hindus have asked that landmark Preah Vihear Hindu temple complex, cause of border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, should be turned over to United Nations (UN) control.
Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that 11th century Preah Vihar was a world heritage and it was moral duty of the world to keep it preserved and intact for the coming generations.
Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, argued that this Lord Shiva temple was sacred to the Hindus of the world and reported damage caused by recent military crossfire could be hurtful to the devotees.
Rajan Zed pointed out that frequent clashes between Cambodia and Thailand because of long-running feud might further damage the already fragile temple. UN presence would help in protecting the sacred site, development and upkeep of the area, allowing easy access and provision of needed facilities to devotees and other visitors, bringing more economic development and investment in the region, clearing of reported area landmines and saving the military and civilian lives which were usually lost in conflicts.
Known as Preah Vihear in Cambodia and Khao Phra Viharn in Thailand, this remote temple at the border between Thailand and Cambodia, which has reportedly not been clearly demarcated, has been a source of tension for generations. Preah Vihear was said to even predate Cambodia’s Angkor Wat temple complex by about 100 years and its stunning setting made it finest of all the ruins left from the mighty Khmer civilization, Zed added.
Rajan Zed further said that world could not let this sacred site dedicated to Lord Shiva (situated where Preah Vihear province of northern Cambodia touched Sisaket province of eastern Thailand) be further damaged to advance political agendas of some as there appeared to be a no clear solution to settle the long-standing territorial dispute surrounding the temple, which was already a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and whose history could be traced to 9th century when the hermitage was founded.
Moreover, Temple of Preah Vihear, an outstanding masterpiece of Khmer architecture mostly created by Suryavarman I and Suryavarman II, was a unique architectural complex of a series of sanctuaries and was said to be exceptional for the quality of its architecture and carved stone ornamentation. It was reportedly dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva in his manifestations as Sikharesvara and Bhadresvara. It was also said to be marking representation of sacred Mount Meru, the abode of the gods, and showing a depiction of Churning of the Ocean, a Hindu scriptural episode, Zed indicated.
Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that 11th century Preah Vihar was a world heritage and it was moral duty of the world to keep it preserved and intact for the coming generations.
Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, argued that this Lord Shiva temple was sacred to the Hindus of the world and reported damage caused by recent military crossfire could be hurtful to the devotees.
Rajan Zed pointed out that frequent clashes between Cambodia and Thailand because of long-running feud might further damage the already fragile temple. UN presence would help in protecting the sacred site, development and upkeep of the area, allowing easy access and provision of needed facilities to devotees and other visitors, bringing more economic development and investment in the region, clearing of reported area landmines and saving the military and civilian lives which were usually lost in conflicts.
Known as Preah Vihear in Cambodia and Khao Phra Viharn in Thailand, this remote temple at the border between Thailand and Cambodia, which has reportedly not been clearly demarcated, has been a source of tension for generations. Preah Vihear was said to even predate Cambodia’s Angkor Wat temple complex by about 100 years and its stunning setting made it finest of all the ruins left from the mighty Khmer civilization, Zed added.
Rajan Zed further said that world could not let this sacred site dedicated to Lord Shiva (situated where Preah Vihear province of northern Cambodia touched Sisaket province of eastern Thailand) be further damaged to advance political agendas of some as there appeared to be a no clear solution to settle the long-standing territorial dispute surrounding the temple, which was already a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and whose history could be traced to 9th century when the hermitage was founded.
Moreover, Temple of Preah Vihear, an outstanding masterpiece of Khmer architecture mostly created by Suryavarman I and Suryavarman II, was a unique architectural complex of a series of sanctuaries and was said to be exceptional for the quality of its architecture and carved stone ornamentation. It was reportedly dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva in his manifestations as Sikharesvara and Bhadresvara. It was also said to be marking representation of sacred Mount Meru, the abode of the gods, and showing a depiction of Churning of the Ocean, a Hindu scriptural episode, Zed indicated.
Catholics back Hindus protesting over mockery of Lord Ganesh by Carrey on NBC
Roman Catholics have come out in support of Hindus, who are disturbed over the portrayal of Lord Ganesh as a sex act on NBC’s Saturday Night Live (SNL) and want apologies from all those responsible for it, including actor Jim Carrey and NBC.
Father Charles T. Durante; Chair of the Life, Peace and Justice Commission of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Reno; in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said: "Making fun of another’s religious beliefs leads to discontent and hurt feelings among peoples of different traditions. Is it really necessary to make fun of another’s religious beliefs?"
In a skit on NBC’s SNL (January eight) titled “The Wrath of Ganesh”, Jim Carrey (as erotic shaman Lee Licious) and Kenan Thomson (as Grady Wilson) demonstrated a sexual technique, mocking elephant-headed Lord Ganesh and his trunk in the process. Grady has traveled the world to find new sexual techniques to spice up the bedroom, the tagline of the episode (1587) “Grady Wilson's Tantric N'Tasty” said.
Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, taking up this issue, has earlier said that Lord Ganesh was highly revered in Hinduism and was meant to be worshipped in temples or home shrines and not to be thrown around loosely in reimagined versions for dramatic effects in TV series for mercantile greed. Such absurd depiction of Lord Ganesh with no scriptural backing was hurtful to the devotees.
In a remarkable interfaith gesture, leaders of other faith traditions have expressed support to the upset Hindus. Reverend Dr. Tom Butler, highly respected United Methodist Pastor in Nevada (USA), in a statement, said: “…the reference to the Hindu deity, Lord Ganesh, goes beyond poor taste; it appears to be a direct insult and intentional offense to those whose religious beliefs and practices revere Lord Ganesh. An apology from the producer of the show to the Hindu people who were subjected to it is clearly due.”
Buddhist Minister ‘Jikai’ Phil Bryan said: “It is very sad that NBC, the admired showman Jim Carrey, and others responsible for the skit ‘The Wrath of Ganesh’ fail to ‘see’ how important Ganesh is to every Hindu family's home… A heartfelt apology from all involved would show respect, love and understanding for all our Hindu friends”.
Jewish leader Rabbi ElizaBeth W. Beyer stated: “Portrayal of a religious group's deity in a form that is condescending and low is a serious affront to the many Hindus who worship Ganesh…Hollywood star Jim Carrey, NBC and others responsible for lampooning Hindu Lord Ganesh should provide public apologies…We Jews fully support Hindu leader Rajan Zed’s protest initiative on this issue…”
Annabelle Younger, Director of International Society for Krishna Consciousness for Northern Nevada, in a statement addressed to “NBC, Saturday Night Live and Jim Carrey”, said: “It would be to your benefit and the honorable deed for you to publicly offer an apology to those millions of people who worship Ganesh”. She described “Tantric N'Tasty” skit on Ganesh as “extremely offensive and completely TASTELESS”.
Swami Pooja Saraswati, a well respected spiritual leader, called this SNL skit “disgusting”. “I condemn such outrageous degradation of consciousness…NBC network and sponsors of the show should be boycotted”, she added.
Such trivialization of Lord Ganesh was disturbing and offensive to the one billion Hindus world over, Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, said in a statement in Nevada and requested NBC to immediately remove it from all its websites and other links.
Rajan Zed also asked Golden Globe winner actor-comedian Jim Carrey (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) , actor-comedian Kenan Thomson, NBC Universal President and Chief Executive Officer, and SNL Executive Producer Lorne Michaels to tender a public apology for it and urged them not to inappropriately drag Hindu deities to advance the commercial or other agenda in the future.
Reverend Larry Edward Schneider, a Unity Church leader, in a statement, also sought public apologies from Carrey, Zucker, and Michaels for hurting the feelings of Hindu faithful.
Meanwhile, Forum for Hindu Awakening has called it a “grave denigration” and “vulgar mockery of Sri Ganesh”, appealing devout Hindus worldwide to protest against it.
Hindus welcomed Hollywood and other entertainment industries to immerse in Hinduism but taking it seriously and respectfully and not just for indecorous showing of Hindu symbols and concepts to advance their selfish agenda. Casual flirting sometimes resulted in pillaging serious spiritual doctrines and revered symbols and hurting the devotees, Zed pointed out.
Rajan Zed argued that Hinduism was the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken lightly. No faith, larger or smaller, should be ridiculed at; Zed said and added if Hollywood or other entertainment executives needed any assistance about Hinduism, he or other Hindu scholars would be glad to help.
Emmy winning late-night comedy show SNL, which entertains millions each week, entered 36th season on September 25. Headquartered in New York (USA), founded in 1926, and available in about 112 million households; NBC Universal claims to be one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.
Lord Ganesh, however, is favorite of many Hollywood celebrities. According to reports, actress-director Goldie Hawn reveres Lord Ganesh, actress Olivia Hussey possesses an extensive collection of his statues, actress Kelli Williams considers him as her favorite, while writer-director Tracey Jackson wears Lord Ganesh necklace. In Bollywood, Mumbai-based Indian film industry considered largest in the world, most of the productions start with invoking Lord Ganesh.
In Hinduism, Lord Ganesh is worshipped as god of wisdom and remover of obstacles and is invoked before the beginning of any major undertaking.
Father Charles T. Durante; Chair of the Life, Peace and Justice Commission of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Reno; in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said: "Making fun of another’s religious beliefs leads to discontent and hurt feelings among peoples of different traditions. Is it really necessary to make fun of another’s religious beliefs?"
In a skit on NBC’s SNL (January eight) titled “The Wrath of Ganesh”, Jim Carrey (as erotic shaman Lee Licious) and Kenan Thomson (as Grady Wilson) demonstrated a sexual technique, mocking elephant-headed Lord Ganesh and his trunk in the process. Grady has traveled the world to find new sexual techniques to spice up the bedroom, the tagline of the episode (1587) “Grady Wilson's Tantric N'Tasty” said.
Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, taking up this issue, has earlier said that Lord Ganesh was highly revered in Hinduism and was meant to be worshipped in temples or home shrines and not to be thrown around loosely in reimagined versions for dramatic effects in TV series for mercantile greed. Such absurd depiction of Lord Ganesh with no scriptural backing was hurtful to the devotees.
In a remarkable interfaith gesture, leaders of other faith traditions have expressed support to the upset Hindus. Reverend Dr. Tom Butler, highly respected United Methodist Pastor in Nevada (USA), in a statement, said: “…the reference to the Hindu deity, Lord Ganesh, goes beyond poor taste; it appears to be a direct insult and intentional offense to those whose religious beliefs and practices revere Lord Ganesh. An apology from the producer of the show to the Hindu people who were subjected to it is clearly due.”
Buddhist Minister ‘Jikai’ Phil Bryan said: “It is very sad that NBC, the admired showman Jim Carrey, and others responsible for the skit ‘The Wrath of Ganesh’ fail to ‘see’ how important Ganesh is to every Hindu family's home… A heartfelt apology from all involved would show respect, love and understanding for all our Hindu friends”.
Jewish leader Rabbi ElizaBeth W. Beyer stated: “Portrayal of a religious group's deity in a form that is condescending and low is a serious affront to the many Hindus who worship Ganesh…Hollywood star Jim Carrey, NBC and others responsible for lampooning Hindu Lord Ganesh should provide public apologies…We Jews fully support Hindu leader Rajan Zed’s protest initiative on this issue…”
Annabelle Younger, Director of International Society for Krishna Consciousness for Northern Nevada, in a statement addressed to “NBC, Saturday Night Live and Jim Carrey”, said: “It would be to your benefit and the honorable deed for you to publicly offer an apology to those millions of people who worship Ganesh”. She described “Tantric N'Tasty” skit on Ganesh as “extremely offensive and completely TASTELESS”.
Swami Pooja Saraswati, a well respected spiritual leader, called this SNL skit “disgusting”. “I condemn such outrageous degradation of consciousness…NBC network and sponsors of the show should be boycotted”, she added.
Such trivialization of Lord Ganesh was disturbing and offensive to the one billion Hindus world over, Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, said in a statement in Nevada and requested NBC to immediately remove it from all its websites and other links.
Rajan Zed also asked Golden Globe winner actor-comedian Jim Carrey (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) , actor-comedian Kenan Thomson, NBC Universal President and Chief Executive Officer, and SNL Executive Producer Lorne Michaels to tender a public apology for it and urged them not to inappropriately drag Hindu deities to advance the commercial or other agenda in the future.
Reverend Larry Edward Schneider, a Unity Church leader, in a statement, also sought public apologies from Carrey, Zucker, and Michaels for hurting the feelings of Hindu faithful.
Meanwhile, Forum for Hindu Awakening has called it a “grave denigration” and “vulgar mockery of Sri Ganesh”, appealing devout Hindus worldwide to protest against it.
Hindus welcomed Hollywood and other entertainment industries to immerse in Hinduism but taking it seriously and respectfully and not just for indecorous showing of Hindu symbols and concepts to advance their selfish agenda. Casual flirting sometimes resulted in pillaging serious spiritual doctrines and revered symbols and hurting the devotees, Zed pointed out.
Rajan Zed argued that Hinduism was the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken lightly. No faith, larger or smaller, should be ridiculed at; Zed said and added if Hollywood or other entertainment executives needed any assistance about Hinduism, he or other Hindu scholars would be glad to help.
Emmy winning late-night comedy show SNL, which entertains millions each week, entered 36th season on September 25. Headquartered in New York (USA), founded in 1926, and available in about 112 million households; NBC Universal claims to be one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.
Lord Ganesh, however, is favorite of many Hollywood celebrities. According to reports, actress-director Goldie Hawn reveres Lord Ganesh, actress Olivia Hussey possesses an extensive collection of his statues, actress Kelli Williams considers him as her favorite, while writer-director Tracey Jackson wears Lord Ganesh necklace. In Bollywood, Mumbai-based Indian film industry considered largest in the world, most of the productions start with invoking Lord Ganesh.
In Hinduism, Lord Ganesh is worshipped as god of wisdom and remover of obstacles and is invoked before the beginning of any major undertaking.
20110205
2G spectrum scam: Janata Party chief Subramanian Swamy says Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi is involved
New Delhi: Janata Party chief Subramanian Swamy on Saturday made a fresh plea before a Delhi court that the CBI should probe issues related to national security and alleged involvement of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi in the 2G spectrum scam. Hearing Swamy's plea, Special Judge Pradeep Chaddah asked him how a parallel inquiry could proceed when the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was already investigating into the matter and had apprehended DMK leader and former communications minister A. Raja and other top officials.
Swamy said that his complaint covered Karunanidhi's alleged role in the scam and national security and it should be looking into it in the "nation's interest".
"I have named DMK chief Karunanidhi as a co-accused along with Raja in the matter and many more names will be added," Swamy told the court.
He said his complaint revolved around wider issues which were not covered by the CBI's on-going investigation into the scandal involving allocation of second generation (2G) airwaves (spectrum) to telecom companies in 2008 at below market price.
Swamy said companies like Etisalat DB (Swan Telecom), a Dubai-based company, had alleged connections with underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. Swan was granted licences at cheap rates in 13 circles.
According to Swamy, Swan acquired two more circles when another new licensee, Allianz Infratech, merged with it.
The court asked the probe agency to file a detailed report on Feb 22. The court asked the CBI to give details of the investigation being carried out by it and whether it covered the aspect of national security.
"As per section 210 of the Criminal Procedure Code, when it appears to the magistrate that the police (CBI) investigation is in progress in relation to some matter, (like) the complaint case which is pending before him, he must stop the proceedings and call for a report," the court said.
Swamy said that he intended to file an application seeking impleading of Tamil Nadu chief minister as an accused as there was sufficient evidence against him.
The CBI is presently interrogating Raja, former telecom secretary Siddartha Behura and Raja's former personal secretary R.K. Chandolia.
Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Vinod Rai filed a certified copy of the entire report concerning the matter through his advocate Sandeep Sethi. Rai was earlier summoned by the court to appear as witnesses on Swamy's complaint.
The order came on a complaint filed by Swamy seeking registration of a criminal case against Raja for his alleged role in the scam which, according to the CAG, caused a presumptive loss of Rs.1.76 lakh crore to the exchequer.
Raja and two of his aides were arrested here by the CBI on Wednesday for their suspected role in the allocation of airwaves for second generation phone services, billed as the country's biggest corruption scandal to date.
source:agency
Tags : Janata Party chief Subramanian Swamy, Delhi court, CBI probe into national security, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, Karunanidhi in 2G spectrum scam
Swamy said that his complaint covered Karunanidhi's alleged role in the scam and national security and it should be looking into it in the "nation's interest".
"I have named DMK chief Karunanidhi as a co-accused along with Raja in the matter and many more names will be added," Swamy told the court.
He said his complaint revolved around wider issues which were not covered by the CBI's on-going investigation into the scandal involving allocation of second generation (2G) airwaves (spectrum) to telecom companies in 2008 at below market price.
Swamy said companies like Etisalat DB (Swan Telecom), a Dubai-based company, had alleged connections with underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. Swan was granted licences at cheap rates in 13 circles.
According to Swamy, Swan acquired two more circles when another new licensee, Allianz Infratech, merged with it.
The court asked the probe agency to file a detailed report on Feb 22. The court asked the CBI to give details of the investigation being carried out by it and whether it covered the aspect of national security.
"As per section 210 of the Criminal Procedure Code, when it appears to the magistrate that the police (CBI) investigation is in progress in relation to some matter, (like) the complaint case which is pending before him, he must stop the proceedings and call for a report," the court said.
Swamy said that he intended to file an application seeking impleading of Tamil Nadu chief minister as an accused as there was sufficient evidence against him.
The CBI is presently interrogating Raja, former telecom secretary Siddartha Behura and Raja's former personal secretary R.K. Chandolia.
Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Vinod Rai filed a certified copy of the entire report concerning the matter through his advocate Sandeep Sethi. Rai was earlier summoned by the court to appear as witnesses on Swamy's complaint.
The order came on a complaint filed by Swamy seeking registration of a criminal case against Raja for his alleged role in the scam which, according to the CAG, caused a presumptive loss of Rs.1.76 lakh crore to the exchequer.
Raja and two of his aides were arrested here by the CBI on Wednesday for their suspected role in the allocation of airwaves for second generation phone services, billed as the country's biggest corruption scandal to date.
source:agency
Tags : Janata Party chief Subramanian Swamy, Delhi court, CBI probe into national security, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, Karunanidhi in 2G spectrum scam
J&K government received the clearance from the CVC for the appointment of an income tax officer
Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir government has received the clearance from the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) for the appointment of an income tax officer as the state's first chief information commissioner (CIC), an official said today.
A panel headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had recommended G.R. Sufi's name for appointment as the CIC Jan 27, but Governor N.N. Vohra had sent back the file saying that the CVC clearance be attached with it.
"Subsequently, the CVC's clearance was sought and it has been received," an official told the media.
"The file would be sent back to the governor," he added.
With Sufi's appointment that may happen sometime next week, the process to set up the state information commission has begun in Jammu and Kashmir.
source:agency
Tags : Jammu and Kashmir News, Jammu and Kashmir Government, Central Vigilance Commission, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Information Commissioner
A panel headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had recommended G.R. Sufi's name for appointment as the CIC Jan 27, but Governor N.N. Vohra had sent back the file saying that the CVC clearance be attached with it.
"Subsequently, the CVC's clearance was sought and it has been received," an official told the media.
"The file would be sent back to the governor," he added.
With Sufi's appointment that may happen sometime next week, the process to set up the state information commission has begun in Jammu and Kashmir.
source:agency
Tags : Jammu and Kashmir News, Jammu and Kashmir Government, Central Vigilance Commission, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Information Commissioner
Maoist ideologue Azad and activist Binayak Sen a hit at Kolkata Book Fair
Kolkata: A slew of pro-ultra publications, on killed Maoist ideologue Azad and jailed activist Binayak Sen, sold like hot cakes in the two-week long Kolkata Book Fair that concluded today.
Activists brought out booklets containing the writings of Azad alias Cherukuri Rajkumar, about jailed paediatrician-cum-rights activist Binayak Sen, and in support of the Maoist movement in the fair held at the Milan Mela ground.
The Communist Party of India-Maoist is not a banned outfit in West Bengal as it is in many other states.
Booklets like "Maoism, State and Indian Communist Movement", "Dr Binayak Sen", "Prostitutionalisation of Justice: Life term of Binayak", "Azad and his Writings" and 'At this Moment" - voicing protest against the government, found buyers aplenty.
In the booklet "Maoism, State and Indian Communist Movement" published by Liberation Publication, and displayed in the Little Magazine enclosure, author Arindam Sen raised the slogan: "Green Hunt: a war against democracy, stand against it."
The tomes on Binayak Sen narrated his ordeal, giving in-depth account of how the Chhattisgarh administration 'framed and convicted' him for 'sedition' and Maoist 'links'.
The booklets appealed to the people to unite against the government, demanding Sen's immediate release.
The book "Azad and his Writings", published by the Friends of Azad, contains his media interviews, and letters to different social activists. The book also claimed that Azad, the spokesperson of the Maoists, was killed in a fake encounter in Adilabad district of Andhra Pradesh on July 2. They urged people to put pressure on the government to initiate an inquiry for unearthing how he was gunned down.
Maintaining that several writings of Azad still remain unpublished, the publishers appealed to the people to join hands with them in printing all his writings.
"At this Moment" - a periodical published by the United Students' Democratic Front, a students' union of Jadavpur University, contains 'Azad Song' narrating how brutally Azad was killed in a stage-managed encounter.
Several booklets were seen rooting for the Lalgarh movement and criticising the government's policy against tribals.
The booklets flooded the book fair.
This is despite senior government functionaries like Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram, West Bengal governor and former national security advisor M.K. Narayanan time and again castigating the civil society representatives and intellectuals not to show sympathy for the Maoists and their cause.
Earlier, Chidambaram had urged intellectuals to refrain from propagating the Maoist propaganda and supporting them, and had even warned that legal actions will be taken against the sympathisers.
"I regret that no representative of the civil society has called for an inquiry into the brutal and unlawful killing of civilians and other acts of depredation committed by the Communist Party of India- Maoist," he said recently.
Narayanan echoed Chidambaram's sentiments: "Maoism is becoming 'fashionable' in some state universities. The ideology appears to be gaining an upper hand in the minds of people. After doctor Binayak Sen's conviction, the civil society has been very much on the attack, demanding his release."
source:agency
Tags : Kolkata News, Pro-ultra Publications in Kolkata Book Fair, Publications on Binayak Sen in Kolkata Book Fair
Activists brought out booklets containing the writings of Azad alias Cherukuri Rajkumar, about jailed paediatrician-cum-rights activist Binayak Sen, and in support of the Maoist movement in the fair held at the Milan Mela ground.
The Communist Party of India-Maoist is not a banned outfit in West Bengal as it is in many other states.
Booklets like "Maoism, State and Indian Communist Movement", "Dr Binayak Sen", "Prostitutionalisation of Justice: Life term of Binayak", "Azad and his Writings" and 'At this Moment" - voicing protest against the government, found buyers aplenty.
In the booklet "Maoism, State and Indian Communist Movement" published by Liberation Publication, and displayed in the Little Magazine enclosure, author Arindam Sen raised the slogan: "Green Hunt: a war against democracy, stand against it."
The tomes on Binayak Sen narrated his ordeal, giving in-depth account of how the Chhattisgarh administration 'framed and convicted' him for 'sedition' and Maoist 'links'.
The booklets appealed to the people to unite against the government, demanding Sen's immediate release.
The book "Azad and his Writings", published by the Friends of Azad, contains his media interviews, and letters to different social activists. The book also claimed that Azad, the spokesperson of the Maoists, was killed in a fake encounter in Adilabad district of Andhra Pradesh on July 2. They urged people to put pressure on the government to initiate an inquiry for unearthing how he was gunned down.
Maintaining that several writings of Azad still remain unpublished, the publishers appealed to the people to join hands with them in printing all his writings.
"At this Moment" - a periodical published by the United Students' Democratic Front, a students' union of Jadavpur University, contains 'Azad Song' narrating how brutally Azad was killed in a stage-managed encounter.
Several booklets were seen rooting for the Lalgarh movement and criticising the government's policy against tribals.
The booklets flooded the book fair.
This is despite senior government functionaries like Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram, West Bengal governor and former national security advisor M.K. Narayanan time and again castigating the civil society representatives and intellectuals not to show sympathy for the Maoists and their cause.
Earlier, Chidambaram had urged intellectuals to refrain from propagating the Maoist propaganda and supporting them, and had even warned that legal actions will be taken against the sympathisers.
"I regret that no representative of the civil society has called for an inquiry into the brutal and unlawful killing of civilians and other acts of depredation committed by the Communist Party of India- Maoist," he said recently.
Narayanan echoed Chidambaram's sentiments: "Maoism is becoming 'fashionable' in some state universities. The ideology appears to be gaining an upper hand in the minds of people. After doctor Binayak Sen's conviction, the civil society has been very much on the attack, demanding his release."
source:agency
Tags : Kolkata News, Pro-ultra Publications in Kolkata Book Fair, Publications on Binayak Sen in Kolkata Book Fair
Right to Justice Bill in parliament in the next five to six months:Law Minister M. Veerappa Moily
Chandigarh: In a bid to ensure justice at all levels, the central government is contemplating introduction of a bill ensuring right to justice for all in the next five to six months, Law Minister M. Veerappa Moily said on Saturday. "The union law ministry is considering to introduce the Right to Justice Bill in parliament in the next five to six months. This bill would ensure that nobody should feel alienated in our country," Moily told reporters here.
"This bill will take care of economic, social and political justice at all levels. Justice has to be made available and accessible to everyone," he added.
Moily had come to address Congress workers at the party office here.
On the issue of a separate high court for Haryana at Chandigarh, Moily said: "Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda had written to me and this issue is pending. Both Haryana and Punjab governments have to agree up on this first. We also need to talk to the officials of Punjab and Haryana High Court about this matter."
source:agency
Tags : central government, introduction of Right to Justice Bill, right to justice, Law Minister M. Veerappa Moily
"This bill will take care of economic, social and political justice at all levels. Justice has to be made available and accessible to everyone," he added.
Moily had come to address Congress workers at the party office here.
On the issue of a separate high court for Haryana at Chandigarh, Moily said: "Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda had written to me and this issue is pending. Both Haryana and Punjab governments have to agree up on this first. We also need to talk to the officials of Punjab and Haryana High Court about this matter."
source:agency
Tags : central government, introduction of Right to Justice Bill, right to justice, Law Minister M. Veerappa Moily
Life Insurance Corporation (LIC)-Internal probe body has so far found no wrong-doing in its housing arm
Raghunathganj (West Bengal): The Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) Saturday said an internal probe body has so far found no wrong-doing in its housing arm.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a programme here in Murshidabad district, LIC chairman T.S. Vijayan refused to comment on whether the committee has already submitted its report.
"I cannot comment on the status of the committee, but we have not found anything wrong so far".
LIC had set up the high-level panel comprising three executive-director rank officers to look into the systems and procedures of LIC investments and recommend corrective steps, if needed, after the recent arrests of some top LIC and LIC Housing officials by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for their alleged involvement in an alleged bribe for loan scam.
Vijayan said the company was aiming for a total premium collection of Rs.2,00,000 crore this fiscal, as the alleged scam has had no effect on its business.
"We are aiming for a total premium income in excess of Rs.2,00,000 crore for the current fiscal with first premium income of Rs.54,000 crore. We hope to grow about 16-17 percent next year and there is no impact of the scam."
Asked whether the company was considering offloading its share in Corporation Bank, Vijayan said: "We have equity in many banks. These are our financial investments. We are guided by the dividends and on the companies' showings".
Vijayan was here to attend the launch of the LIC-Aadhar Unique Identification cards alongside union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee.
source:agency
Tags : Life Insurance Corporation, procedures of LIC investments, internal probe,LIC chairman
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a programme here in Murshidabad district, LIC chairman T.S. Vijayan refused to comment on whether the committee has already submitted its report.
"I cannot comment on the status of the committee, but we have not found anything wrong so far".
LIC had set up the high-level panel comprising three executive-director rank officers to look into the systems and procedures of LIC investments and recommend corrective steps, if needed, after the recent arrests of some top LIC and LIC Housing officials by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for their alleged involvement in an alleged bribe for loan scam.
Vijayan said the company was aiming for a total premium collection of Rs.2,00,000 crore this fiscal, as the alleged scam has had no effect on its business.
"We are aiming for a total premium income in excess of Rs.2,00,000 crore for the current fiscal with first premium income of Rs.54,000 crore. We hope to grow about 16-17 percent next year and there is no impact of the scam."
Asked whether the company was considering offloading its share in Corporation Bank, Vijayan said: "We have equity in many banks. These are our financial investments. We are guided by the dividends and on the companies' showings".
Vijayan was here to attend the launch of the LIC-Aadhar Unique Identification cards alongside union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee.
source:agency
Tags : Life Insurance Corporation, procedures of LIC investments, internal probe,LIC chairman
Bollywood celebrities,Preity Zinta, Riteish Deshmukh & Bipasha Basu wished Abhishek Bachchan on his birthday
New Delhi: A host of Bollywood celebrities, including Preity Zinta, Riteish Deshmukh and Bipasha Basu, have wished good luck and success to Abhishek Bachchan on his birthday today.
The actor, who turned 35, is currently shooting in New Zealand for Abbas Mastan's "Players". But his colleagues reached out to wish him through micro-blogging site Twitter.
Preity Zinta: "Happy Birthday Abhishek! Hope 2011 is most special with more happiness, more love, more success, more laughter & blockbusters."
Genelia D'Souza: "Wishin you a very happy birthday, may u have a fun-filled year with loads of success, lots of love."
Uday Chopra: "Big shout out to my partner in crime, Happy Birthday brada! Hope you all set to rock New Zealand just don't do too much damage."
Riteish Deshmukh: "Wishing one of the coolest people I know - a very happy birthday - have a great one big bro."
Neil Nitin Mukesh: "Happy birthday to my big bro! God bless you always."
Bipasha Basu: "Happy birthday my dear! Wish u Neverending happiness, love & success."
Rohan Sippy: "Happy Birthday AB! Hope this is the best one yet."
Abhishek began his career with J.P. Dutta's "Refugee" (2000). He then went on to give a string of poorly received films, but his performances in "Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon" (2003) and Mani Ratnam's "Yuva" (2004) proved his mettle as an actor.
The same year, he starred in "Dhoom" -- his first commercial hit -- and in 2005, he shot to fame with four movies that did well commercially - "Bunty Aur Babli", "Sarkar", "Dus" and "Bluffmaster".
In 2007, the actor starred in "Guru", receiving much acclaim for his performance, and the film emerged as his first solo hit. Later, he went on to do films like "Sarkar Raj", "Dostana", "Delhi-6" and "Paa", among others.
The actor has a full kitty this year with four films "Game", "Dum Maro Dum", "Players" and "Bol Bachchan".
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, Bollywood, Abhishek Bachchan's Birthday, Preity Zinta, Bipasha Basu, Riteish Deshmukh
The actor, who turned 35, is currently shooting in New Zealand for Abbas Mastan's "Players". But his colleagues reached out to wish him through micro-blogging site Twitter.
Preity Zinta: "Happy Birthday Abhishek! Hope 2011 is most special with more happiness, more love, more success, more laughter & blockbusters."
Genelia D'Souza: "Wishin you a very happy birthday, may u have a fun-filled year with loads of success, lots of love."
Uday Chopra: "Big shout out to my partner in crime, Happy Birthday brada! Hope you all set to rock New Zealand just don't do too much damage."
Riteish Deshmukh: "Wishing one of the coolest people I know - a very happy birthday - have a great one big bro."
Neil Nitin Mukesh: "Happy birthday to my big bro! God bless you always."
Bipasha Basu: "Happy birthday my dear! Wish u Neverending happiness, love & success."
Rohan Sippy: "Happy Birthday AB! Hope this is the best one yet."
Abhishek began his career with J.P. Dutta's "Refugee" (2000). He then went on to give a string of poorly received films, but his performances in "Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon" (2003) and Mani Ratnam's "Yuva" (2004) proved his mettle as an actor.
The same year, he starred in "Dhoom" -- his first commercial hit -- and in 2005, he shot to fame with four movies that did well commercially - "Bunty Aur Babli", "Sarkar", "Dus" and "Bluffmaster".
In 2007, the actor starred in "Guru", receiving much acclaim for his performance, and the film emerged as his first solo hit. Later, he went on to do films like "Sarkar Raj", "Dostana", "Delhi-6" and "Paa", among others.
The actor has a full kitty this year with four films "Game", "Dum Maro Dum", "Players" and "Bol Bachchan".
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, Bollywood, Abhishek Bachchan's Birthday, Preity Zinta, Bipasha Basu, Riteish Deshmukh
Bollywood actor Uday Chopra ,extended a warm welcome to Aamir Khan in its third edition "Dhoom"
New Delhi: Bollywood actor Uday Chopra, best remembered for his role as Ali in the "Dhoom" franchise, has extended a warm welcome to Aamir Khan, who is on board to play a baddie in its third edition.
"Heres welcoming @aamir_khan to the Dhoom madness. Maybe he teaches us a few things or then again maybe we do (sic)," Uday posted on his Twitter page today.
Aamir has come in after John Abraham and Hrithik Roshan respectively played the smart thief in the first and second movie of the franchise.
Uday and Abhishek Bachchan would continue to be the permanent feature in the franchise. While Uday plays Ali, Abhishek essays the role of inspector Jai Dixit.
Produced by Aditya Chopra, "Dhoom 3" will be written and directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya, popularly known as Victor. The movie's shooting will begin this year-end and it is slated for a 2012 Christmas release.
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, Bollywood, Aamir Khan in Dhoom 3, Uday Chopra in Dhoom 3
"Heres welcoming @aamir_khan to the Dhoom madness. Maybe he teaches us a few things or then again maybe we do (sic)," Uday posted on his Twitter page today.
Aamir has come in after John Abraham and Hrithik Roshan respectively played the smart thief in the first and second movie of the franchise.
Uday and Abhishek Bachchan would continue to be the permanent feature in the franchise. While Uday plays Ali, Abhishek essays the role of inspector Jai Dixit.
Produced by Aditya Chopra, "Dhoom 3" will be written and directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya, popularly known as Victor. The movie's shooting will begin this year-end and it is slated for a 2012 Christmas release.
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, Bollywood, Aamir Khan in Dhoom 3, Uday Chopra in Dhoom 3
India might just become my second home:Hollywood star Jennifer Lopez's cousin Caterina Lopez
Mumbai: She is Hollywood star Jennifer Lopez's cousin and is all set to make a splash in Bollywood with an item number. Caterina Lopez loves being in Mumbai, is a Shah Rukh Khan fan, wants to learn Hindi and says she just might make India her second home.
This is Caterina's second trip to Mumbai and loves the idea of making a career in the Hindi film industry.
"I'm loving being in Mumbai. The weather is perfect right now. It's neither too hot nor too cold. This is my second trip to India and on this trip I did get a chance to know Mumbai better. That's exciting," Caterina told the media in an interview.
"I came last year around summer time for the first time. That time I had come to shoot for the item song. I couldn't go around Mumbai that time and didn't even have the time to shop because I was very busy. But this time I did get the opportunity to go around and I loved it," said the leggy beauty, who admits that she doesn't have her sister's singing genes.
Caterina will be seen dancing in a sari in the film "Bhindi Bazaar Inc" and to the words "Taan ke seena hoja Kameena". The movie by debutant director Ankush Bhatt stars critically acclaimed actors Deepti Naval, Kaykay Menon and Pawan Malhotra among others.
The Latin beauty feels that the song was a good opportunity for her to try her luck in Bollywood.
"I did know about Bollywood. It is pretty known in America; so I did have a good idea about the industry.
"The director approached me for this song and I thought that this will be a great platform for my Bollywood introduction. I also quite liked the song, and really connected with it and thought that this is the perfect thing for me. So I came to India and we shot it and I had an amazing time," Caterina said.
But she did have her share of difficulties while shooting the song in Hindi, an alien language for her.
"It was not easy learning the whole Bollywood style of dancing because it's very different. It's a different ball game altogether. Learning the song was also very tough but once I got a hang of it, it became better.
"Honestly I think I did a good job," she said.
Caterina, who refused to reveal her age, said she had earnest plans of learning Hindi.
"I'm still struggling with the language. Here and there I've learned a few words, but I'm definitely planning to get a teacher and learn Hindi completely," she added.
Asked if she would like to make a career in Hindi films, Caterina said candidly: "I do have those plans ... there are talks about a few projects and hopefully once the film comes out we'll see the reaction of the people and then I plan to do more work in India."
"I'm looking forward to that and maybe India might just become my second home. Who knows?"
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, Bollywood, Caterina Lopez in Mumbai, Caterina Lopez in Bollywood, Caterina Lopez in India
This is Caterina's second trip to Mumbai and loves the idea of making a career in the Hindi film industry.
"I'm loving being in Mumbai. The weather is perfect right now. It's neither too hot nor too cold. This is my second trip to India and on this trip I did get a chance to know Mumbai better. That's exciting," Caterina told the media in an interview.
"I came last year around summer time for the first time. That time I had come to shoot for the item song. I couldn't go around Mumbai that time and didn't even have the time to shop because I was very busy. But this time I did get the opportunity to go around and I loved it," said the leggy beauty, who admits that she doesn't have her sister's singing genes.
Caterina will be seen dancing in a sari in the film "Bhindi Bazaar Inc" and to the words "Taan ke seena hoja Kameena". The movie by debutant director Ankush Bhatt stars critically acclaimed actors Deepti Naval, Kaykay Menon and Pawan Malhotra among others.
The Latin beauty feels that the song was a good opportunity for her to try her luck in Bollywood.
"I did know about Bollywood. It is pretty known in America; so I did have a good idea about the industry.
"The director approached me for this song and I thought that this will be a great platform for my Bollywood introduction. I also quite liked the song, and really connected with it and thought that this is the perfect thing for me. So I came to India and we shot it and I had an amazing time," Caterina said.
But she did have her share of difficulties while shooting the song in Hindi, an alien language for her.
"It was not easy learning the whole Bollywood style of dancing because it's very different. It's a different ball game altogether. Learning the song was also very tough but once I got a hang of it, it became better.
"Honestly I think I did a good job," she said.
Caterina, who refused to reveal her age, said she had earnest plans of learning Hindi.
"I'm still struggling with the language. Here and there I've learned a few words, but I'm definitely planning to get a teacher and learn Hindi completely," she added.
Asked if she would like to make a career in Hindi films, Caterina said candidly: "I do have those plans ... there are talks about a few projects and hopefully once the film comes out we'll see the reaction of the people and then I plan to do more work in India."
"I'm looking forward to that and maybe India might just become my second home. Who knows?"
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, Bollywood, Caterina Lopez in Mumbai, Caterina Lopez in Bollywood, Caterina Lopez in India
India's first online digital radio station airing Bengali music is to be launched
Kolkata: Lovers of Tagore songs and other traditional Bengali music are in for a treat as India's first online digital radio station airing Bengali music is to be launched this month.
For those living away from their roots, the upcoming Tara Radio promises to be a boon, as they can access the music of their choice by using any internet enabled device.
"One can surf the net or access it from i-enabled hand held devices like mobile phones and listen on the go 24x7. This will be India's first online digital radio station airing Bengali music," said Sandip Khosla, chief operating officer of promoters Broadcast Worldwide.
Broadcast worldwide, owned by television veteran Rathikant Basu, has in the past come out with various regional language television channels in Bengali, Punjabi, Gujrati and Marathi, among other languages.
The radio station would draw heavily from the resources of the group's existing television channel Tara Muzik, which has a collection of over 5,000 tracks of traditional and popular Bengali music including those composed by Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam and Atul Prasad Sen, besides a rich content of folk.
"We plan to have a mega launch later this month. For now, people can visit our website. If everything goes on well, then we plan to unveil phase 2 of our project in about six months time. We plan to have talk shows then," Khosla told the media.
"Subscribers will be given a 30-day trial. After that, we will levy a fee per month. Subscription will be one of our main sources of revenue. Besides, we will also look for sponsorship and ad support.
"With our cost being minimal, we will break-even if we get 500 subscribers immediately. We would also draw on our 5,000 Tara Club members, who, we hope, will be our captive audience. We are actively promoting the new offering among them," said Khosla.
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, Tagore Songs, Traditional Bengali Music, Online Bengali Music
For those living away from their roots, the upcoming Tara Radio promises to be a boon, as they can access the music of their choice by using any internet enabled device.
"One can surf the net or access it from i-enabled hand held devices like mobile phones and listen on the go 24x7. This will be India's first online digital radio station airing Bengali music," said Sandip Khosla, chief operating officer of promoters Broadcast Worldwide.
Broadcast worldwide, owned by television veteran Rathikant Basu, has in the past come out with various regional language television channels in Bengali, Punjabi, Gujrati and Marathi, among other languages.
The radio station would draw heavily from the resources of the group's existing television channel Tara Muzik, which has a collection of over 5,000 tracks of traditional and popular Bengali music including those composed by Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam and Atul Prasad Sen, besides a rich content of folk.
"We plan to have a mega launch later this month. For now, people can visit our website. If everything goes on well, then we plan to unveil phase 2 of our project in about six months time. We plan to have talk shows then," Khosla told the media.
"Subscribers will be given a 30-day trial. After that, we will levy a fee per month. Subscription will be one of our main sources of revenue. Besides, we will also look for sponsorship and ad support.
"With our cost being minimal, we will break-even if we get 500 subscribers immediately. We would also draw on our 5,000 Tara Club members, who, we hope, will be our captive audience. We are actively promoting the new offering among them," said Khosla.
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, Tagore Songs, Traditional Bengali Music, Online Bengali Music
Samsung Electronics increasing its revenue from the sale of technology products in business-to-business (B2B) segment
New Delhi: Samsung Electronics targets increasing its revenue from the sale of technology products in business-to-business (B2B) segment in India to $100 million this year with the introduction of new products, senior officials said.
"We are targeting $100 million revenue this year from B2B sales of IT and mobile products. Over 25 percent of it is expected to come from education segment," said Ranjit Yadav, country head, mobile and IT division of Samsung India Electronics.
He said the company targets over two-and-a-half fold jump in revenue from B2B segment on the back of introduction of new products.
Samsung's revenue from sale of mobile and IT products in B2B segment that include printers, computing, display and mobility items, was $38 million in 2010.
Yadav said the company would work in collaboration with the government institutions to promote the use of advanced technology in primary and high school segment.
The company targets to provide IT and mobility solutions to over 20,000 educational institutions in India this year.
Samsung is providing classroom management software services in nine cities in India including, Delhi/NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Ahmedabad and Chandigarh, said Chetan Patnaik, head of enterprise sale IT and B2B division of Samsung India Electronics.
Patnaik said the company targets to increase that services to 22 cities by the end of this year.
Samsung on Friday unveiled an interactive e-board that enables latest teaching applications. The new display board named Samsung 650 TS is priced at Rs.525,000.
"As opposed to conventional black boards, Samsung 650 TS provides a wide viewing angle and comes with a dummy pen and web cam to enhance student-teacher interactivity," the company said in a statement.
source:agency
Tags : India Business News, Samsung Electronics Sale of Technology Products, Samsung India Electronics, Samsung Electronics Revenue
"We are targeting $100 million revenue this year from B2B sales of IT and mobile products. Over 25 percent of it is expected to come from education segment," said Ranjit Yadav, country head, mobile and IT division of Samsung India Electronics.
He said the company targets over two-and-a-half fold jump in revenue from B2B segment on the back of introduction of new products.
Samsung's revenue from sale of mobile and IT products in B2B segment that include printers, computing, display and mobility items, was $38 million in 2010.
Yadav said the company would work in collaboration with the government institutions to promote the use of advanced technology in primary and high school segment.
The company targets to provide IT and mobility solutions to over 20,000 educational institutions in India this year.
Samsung is providing classroom management software services in nine cities in India including, Delhi/NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Ahmedabad and Chandigarh, said Chetan Patnaik, head of enterprise sale IT and B2B division of Samsung India Electronics.
Patnaik said the company targets to increase that services to 22 cities by the end of this year.
Samsung on Friday unveiled an interactive e-board that enables latest teaching applications. The new display board named Samsung 650 TS is priced at Rs.525,000.
"As opposed to conventional black boards, Samsung 650 TS provides a wide viewing angle and comes with a dummy pen and web cam to enhance student-teacher interactivity," the company said in a statement.
source:agency
Tags : India Business News, Samsung Electronics Sale of Technology Products, Samsung India Electronics, Samsung Electronics Revenue
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee advocated public-private partnership in the insurance sector
Ragunathganj (West Bengal): Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today advocated public-private partnership in the insurance sector to bring more people under its cover.
"In our country, the total number of people under insurance coverage is very low. In life insurance segment, however, the number of people under insurance coverage is now increasing. But in general insurance segment the coverage is only 8-10 percent, which is very low.
"In other countries of the world, about 80 percent of the people are insured," Mukherjee told a gathering on the occasion of opening an agent training institute and a new branch office of Universal Sompo General Insurance Company Limited here in Murshidabad district.
"We should go for private-public partnership in insurance sector to bring more people under its cover and make insurance products more acceptable to the masses," he said.
Universal Sompo General Insurance company is a joint venture between Allahabad Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Karnataka Bank, Dabur Investment Corp and Sompo Japan Inc. The company started its operation in November 2008.
"In the 1970s, the central government nationalised general insurance and life insurance companies, but we saw that only the government was not being able to reach out to the masses in insurance sector. Then in the 1990s, we allowed the private sector companies to enter the sector," the finance minister said.
"Now private and public sector companies are doing business together," he said.
Calling for more awareness among the people for getting insured, Mukherjee said insurance agents should be trained to make the people aware about the benefits.
source:agency
Tags : India Business News, Public Private Partnership in Insurance Sector, Pranab Mukherjee on Insurance Sector
"In our country, the total number of people under insurance coverage is very low. In life insurance segment, however, the number of people under insurance coverage is now increasing. But in general insurance segment the coverage is only 8-10 percent, which is very low.
"In other countries of the world, about 80 percent of the people are insured," Mukherjee told a gathering on the occasion of opening an agent training institute and a new branch office of Universal Sompo General Insurance Company Limited here in Murshidabad district.
"We should go for private-public partnership in insurance sector to bring more people under its cover and make insurance products more acceptable to the masses," he said.
Universal Sompo General Insurance company is a joint venture between Allahabad Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Karnataka Bank, Dabur Investment Corp and Sompo Japan Inc. The company started its operation in November 2008.
"In the 1970s, the central government nationalised general insurance and life insurance companies, but we saw that only the government was not being able to reach out to the masses in insurance sector. Then in the 1990s, we allowed the private sector companies to enter the sector," the finance minister said.
"Now private and public sector companies are doing business together," he said.
Calling for more awareness among the people for getting insured, Mukherjee said insurance agents should be trained to make the people aware about the benefits.
source:agency
Tags : India Business News, Public Private Partnership in Insurance Sector, Pranab Mukherjee on Insurance Sector
Ambush marketing:Sachin Tendulkar,bunch of Indian players spoke to the cricket board on the contentious ICC clause
Mumbai: Ambush marketing again surfaced ahead of a World Cup as a concerned bunch of Indian players, including Sachin Tendulkar, spoke to the cricket board on the contentious International Cricket Council's (ICC) clause.
Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh and Ashish Nehra sought clarification from Indian cricket board president Shashank Manohar today on the ICC clause that protects the official sponsors of the event and imposes restrictions on the personal brand endorsements of players seven days before the World Cup. The players also wanted to know about a similar clause in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
"With an event of this magnitude, there are multiple fronts that need legal protection. Especially considering the event is spread over three countries, there are various permutations and combinations that have to be looked into," ICC Legal Head David Becker was quoted was saying in a sports website.
"Our primary responsibility is to protect the rights of our broadcasters, sponsors and partners who have made significant investments towards the tournament. This has to be done at every venue and at every game. Ambush marketing, protection of intellectual property rights, counterfeit merchandise and online piracy are just some of the avenues that have to be monitored," he said.
The ICC has sent guidelines to all the players regarding the issue.
"We have a very thorough rights protection programme in place. Pre-tournament inspections have been carried out at each venue. The major part of the programme is to educate stakeholders, officials, organisers and volunteers on the protection of rights. Competitors of our sponsors have been provided with guidelines relating to the use of the World Cup brand and its related content, the use of tickets, the use of participating players and endorsements," Becker said.
source:agency
Tags : India Sports News, India Cricket News, Ambush Marketing, World Cup, Indian Cricket Players, Indian Cricket Board, Sachin Tendulkar, ICC
Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh and Ashish Nehra sought clarification from Indian cricket board president Shashank Manohar today on the ICC clause that protects the official sponsors of the event and imposes restrictions on the personal brand endorsements of players seven days before the World Cup. The players also wanted to know about a similar clause in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
"With an event of this magnitude, there are multiple fronts that need legal protection. Especially considering the event is spread over three countries, there are various permutations and combinations that have to be looked into," ICC Legal Head David Becker was quoted was saying in a sports website.
"Our primary responsibility is to protect the rights of our broadcasters, sponsors and partners who have made significant investments towards the tournament. This has to be done at every venue and at every game. Ambush marketing, protection of intellectual property rights, counterfeit merchandise and online piracy are just some of the avenues that have to be monitored," he said.
The ICC has sent guidelines to all the players regarding the issue.
"We have a very thorough rights protection programme in place. Pre-tournament inspections have been carried out at each venue. The major part of the programme is to educate stakeholders, officials, organisers and volunteers on the protection of rights. Competitors of our sponsors have been provided with guidelines relating to the use of the World Cup brand and its related content, the use of tickets, the use of participating players and endorsements," Becker said.
source:agency
Tags : India Sports News, India Cricket News, Ambush Marketing, World Cup, Indian Cricket Players, Indian Cricket Board, Sachin Tendulkar, ICC
Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) chief K. Chiranjeevi will meet Congress president Sonia Gandhi
Hyderabad: Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) chief K. Chiranjeevi will meet Congress president Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi on Sunday to discuss proposals including the merger of his party with the Congress.
The actor-turned-politician will call on Sonia Gandhi on Sunday morning, party sources said.
The meeting is taking place at the invitation of the Congress president. Senior Congress leader and Defence Minister A.K. Antony had visited Hyderabad and met Chiranjeevi last week to invite him for the talks.
Worried over the threat posed by former party MP Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy to its government in Andhra Pradesh, the Congress is trying to woo the PRP to either merge with it or join the government.
The PRP has 18 legislators in the 294-member assembly. With 156 members, Congress enjoys a slender majority.
But at least two dozen of its legislators are reportedly planning to switch loyalties to Jaganmohan Reddy, who quit the Congress in November last year and is planning to float a new party.
Chiranjeevi, who held consultations with party legislators and senior leaders during the last two days, will hear the proposals from Sonia Gandhi and will then respond, said a party leader.
A section of PRP leaders is opposed to the merger, but majority of the legislators back a tie-up with the ruling party.
source:agency
Tags : India Politics News, Andhra Pradesh News, Praja Rajyam Party, Chiranjeevi Sonia Gandhi Meeting in New Delhi, A.K. Antony Chiranjeevi Meeting in Hyderabad, Praja Rajyam Party Congress Merger Proposals
The actor-turned-politician will call on Sonia Gandhi on Sunday morning, party sources said.
The meeting is taking place at the invitation of the Congress president. Senior Congress leader and Defence Minister A.K. Antony had visited Hyderabad and met Chiranjeevi last week to invite him for the talks.
Worried over the threat posed by former party MP Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy to its government in Andhra Pradesh, the Congress is trying to woo the PRP to either merge with it or join the government.
The PRP has 18 legislators in the 294-member assembly. With 156 members, Congress enjoys a slender majority.
But at least two dozen of its legislators are reportedly planning to switch loyalties to Jaganmohan Reddy, who quit the Congress in November last year and is planning to float a new party.
Chiranjeevi, who held consultations with party legislators and senior leaders during the last two days, will hear the proposals from Sonia Gandhi and will then respond, said a party leader.
A section of PRP leaders is opposed to the merger, but majority of the legislators back a tie-up with the ruling party.
source:agency
Tags : India Politics News, Andhra Pradesh News, Praja Rajyam Party, Chiranjeevi Sonia Gandhi Meeting in New Delhi, A.K. Antony Chiranjeevi Meeting in Hyderabad, Praja Rajyam Party Congress Merger Proposals
Indian Air Force inducted the first of the six Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules aircraft
New Delhi: The Indian Air Force today inducted the first of the six Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules aircraft into its transportation fleet that is expected to enhance the armed forces' reach for specialist operations behind enemy lines.
The induction ceremony was held at Hindon airbase near the capital and witnessed by Defence Minister A.K. Antony, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik and US Ambassador to India Timothy J. Roemer.
The aircraft, India's first such acquisition from the US through the foreign military sales route in decades, arrived at its new home at Hindon airbase today.
source:agency
Tags : India Defence News, Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules Aircraft Induction Ceremony, Indian Air Force Transportation Fleet, Indian Armed Forces' Specialist Operations
The induction ceremony was held at Hindon airbase near the capital and witnessed by Defence Minister A.K. Antony, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik and US Ambassador to India Timothy J. Roemer.
The aircraft, India's first such acquisition from the US through the foreign military sales route in decades, arrived at its new home at Hindon airbase today.
source:agency
Tags : India Defence News, Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules Aircraft Induction Ceremony, Indian Air Force Transportation Fleet, Indian Armed Forces' Specialist Operations
Indian Navy officer facing a sex scandal probe, will be discharged from service:Defence Minister A.K. Antony
New Delhi: Commodore Sukhjinder Singh, an Indian Navy officer who was closely involved with the aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov deal with Russia and is facing a sex scandal probe, will be discharged from service, Defence Minister A.K. Antony said today.
"He (Singh) will be discharged. He will not be in service now," Antony told reporters at a function to induct US-built C-130J aircraft into the Indian Air Force.
The investigation against Commodore Singh, who was heading the Indian team overseeing refit of the carrier in Russia, was involved in a relationship with a Russian woman. Singh's explicit photographs with the woman had formed part of the evidence to indict him.
Singh was posted as the Indian warship production superintendent overseeing Gorshkov's refit in Russia from 2005 to 2007.
Even after returning to India, he continued to remain connected with the programme as the principal director (aircraft carrier project) in New Delhi till mid-2009. In April last, he was relieved of his posting in the defence ministry's directorate-general of quality assurance.
source:agency
Tags : India Defence News, A.K. Antony, Admiral Gorshkov Deal with Russia, Indian Navy Officer in Sex Scandal, Sukhjinder Singh
"He (Singh) will be discharged. He will not be in service now," Antony told reporters at a function to induct US-built C-130J aircraft into the Indian Air Force.
The investigation against Commodore Singh, who was heading the Indian team overseeing refit of the carrier in Russia, was involved in a relationship with a Russian woman. Singh's explicit photographs with the woman had formed part of the evidence to indict him.
Singh was posted as the Indian warship production superintendent overseeing Gorshkov's refit in Russia from 2005 to 2007.
Even after returning to India, he continued to remain connected with the programme as the principal director (aircraft carrier project) in New Delhi till mid-2009. In April last, he was relieved of his posting in the defence ministry's directorate-general of quality assurance.
source:agency
Tags : India Defence News, A.K. Antony, Admiral Gorshkov Deal with Russia, Indian Navy Officer in Sex Scandal, Sukhjinder Singh
US Vice President Joe Biden spoke with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to discuss regional and global issues:White House statement
Washington: Amidst the crisis in Egypt, US Vice President Joe Biden spoke with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and "reaffirmed the US commitment to building a global, strategic partnership with India." There weren't many details available or if the call on Friday was related to Egypt with a short White House readout only saying they discussed "regional and global issues of mutual concern."
"Vice President Biden spoke today with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to discuss regional and global issues of mutual concern. The Vice President reaffirmed the US commitment to building a global, strategic partnership with India," the White House statement read.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Crisis in Egypt, India US Global Partnership, India US Strategic Partnership, Joe Biden, Manmohan Singh
"Vice President Biden spoke today with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to discuss regional and global issues of mutual concern. The Vice President reaffirmed the US commitment to building a global, strategic partnership with India," the White House statement read.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Crisis in Egypt, India US Global Partnership, India US Strategic Partnership, Joe Biden, Manmohan Singh
Janata Party president Subramanian Swamy named DMK chief M.Karunanidhi as a co-accused in the 2G spectrum scam
New Delhi: Janata Party president Subramanian Swamy today named DMK chief M.Karunanidhi as a co-accused along with former communications minister A.Raja in the 2G spectrum scam in his complaint to a CBI court here.
Swamy told Central Bureau of Investigation judge Pradeep Chaddha that along with Karunanidhi, who is Tamil Nadu chief minister, "there are many more names to be added" as accused.
Swamy had earlier filed a complaint naming Raja as an accused in the 2G spectrum scam.
Raja and two of his aides were arrested here on Wednesday for their suspected role in the allocation of airwaves for second generation (2G) phone services, billed as the country's biggest corruption scandal to date.
source:agency
Tags : India News, 2G Spectrum Scam, DMK chief M.Karunanidhi, CBI court, Janata Party president Subramanian Swamy
Swamy told Central Bureau of Investigation judge Pradeep Chaddha that along with Karunanidhi, who is Tamil Nadu chief minister, "there are many more names to be added" as accused.
Swamy had earlier filed a complaint naming Raja as an accused in the 2G spectrum scam.
Raja and two of his aides were arrested here on Wednesday for their suspected role in the allocation of airwaves for second generation (2G) phone services, billed as the country's biggest corruption scandal to date.
source:agency
Tags : India News, 2G Spectrum Scam, DMK chief M.Karunanidhi, CBI court, Janata Party president Subramanian Swamy
Indian composer A.R. Rahman,will be performing at the prestigious Oscars award ceremony in Los Angeles
London: Indian composer A.R. Rahman, who has been second time lucky in getting two nominations at the Oscars, will be performing at the prestigious award ceremony in Los Angeles yet again.
The 45-year-old, who has been nominated in two categories - original score and original song - for his work in Danny Boyle's "127 Hours", will team up with British pop singer Florence Welch to perform "If I Rise" from the movie.
The performance is being staged for the best song nominees, and other competitors will be performing too, reports contactmusic.com.
Rahman performed at the Oscars in 2009, when he was nominated for the same categories for "Slumdog Millionaire". He mesmerised the international audience with his song "Jai ho", and even took home two golden statuettes.
This year Mandy Moore and Gwyneth Paltrow will be performing as well.
Moore will team up with actor-director Zachary Levi and composer Alan Menken to perform for the best song nominee "I See the Light" from their animated film "Tangled", while Paltrow will sing "Coming Home from "Country Strong", and Randy Newman will sing his "Toy Story 3" tune "We Belong Together".
The Academy Awards 2011 are scheduled for Feb 27.
source:agency
Tags : Entertainment news, A.R. Rahman, Oscars nominations, Academy Awards 2011
The 45-year-old, who has been nominated in two categories - original score and original song - for his work in Danny Boyle's "127 Hours", will team up with British pop singer Florence Welch to perform "If I Rise" from the movie.
The performance is being staged for the best song nominees, and other competitors will be performing too, reports contactmusic.com.
Rahman performed at the Oscars in 2009, when he was nominated for the same categories for "Slumdog Millionaire". He mesmerised the international audience with his song "Jai ho", and even took home two golden statuettes.
This year Mandy Moore and Gwyneth Paltrow will be performing as well.
Moore will team up with actor-director Zachary Levi and composer Alan Menken to perform for the best song nominee "I See the Light" from their animated film "Tangled", while Paltrow will sing "Coming Home from "Country Strong", and Randy Newman will sing his "Toy Story 3" tune "We Belong Together".
The Academy Awards 2011 are scheduled for Feb 27.
source:agency
Tags : Entertainment news, A.R. Rahman, Oscars nominations, Academy Awards 2011
Dusky beauty Lara Dutta,took out time to give dietary and exercise tips
New Delhi: Dusky beauty Lara Dutta, who is set to tie the knot with beau Mahesh Bhupathi on Feb 19, took out time from her busy schedule to give dietary and exercise tips.
"I have always been a supporter of exercise to lose weight, but the first step is to eat right. So start by eating right and then add an exercise regime to your routine and see the difference.
"I'm always on the move, but still I don't miss on my meals, especially my breakfast, and I exercise five days a week. Eating right is also important because in this day and age of stress, one needs to have energy to face everything," said the 32-year-old actress.
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, Bollywood, Lara Dutta Dietary Tips, Lara Dutta Exercise Tips
"I have always been a supporter of exercise to lose weight, but the first step is to eat right. So start by eating right and then add an exercise regime to your routine and see the difference.
"I'm always on the move, but still I don't miss on my meals, especially my breakfast, and I exercise five days a week. Eating right is also important because in this day and age of stress, one needs to have energy to face everything," said the 32-year-old actress.
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, Bollywood, Lara Dutta Dietary Tips, Lara Dutta Exercise Tips
Tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain is eager to make music for Bollywood films again
Mumbai: He composed music for critically acclaimed "Mr And Mrs Iyer" and now tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain is eager to make music for Bollywood films again.
"The problem is that I'm here always for a very less time and to give music in a Bollywood film you have to be here because producers can call you any time to make changes in the song; so it becomes a little difficult for me to do it," said Hussain who is based in US.
"But it has been a dream because I used to play tabla in the recordings of Madan Mohan and Naushad; so even I had a desire to compose music for Hindi films. So whenever I get a chance and if time allows, I would love to do it," he added.
In the past, the Grammy winner has composed soul-stirring music for Sai Paranjape's "Saaz" (1998) and for an Indo-American production "For Real" (2009).
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, Indian Music, Mr And Mrs Iyer Music, Ustad Zakir Hussain Music, Bollywood Music, Bollywood Films
"The problem is that I'm here always for a very less time and to give music in a Bollywood film you have to be here because producers can call you any time to make changes in the song; so it becomes a little difficult for me to do it," said Hussain who is based in US.
"But it has been a dream because I used to play tabla in the recordings of Madan Mohan and Naushad; so even I had a desire to compose music for Hindi films. So whenever I get a chance and if time allows, I would love to do it," he added.
In the past, the Grammy winner has composed soul-stirring music for Sai Paranjape's "Saaz" (1998) and for an Indo-American production "For Real" (2009).
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, Indian Music, Mr And Mrs Iyer Music, Ustad Zakir Hussain Music, Bollywood Music, Bollywood Films
Bollywood filmmaker Vishal Bharadwaj adapted Ruskin Bond's short story into a movie "7 Khoon Maaf"
New Delhi: Penguin is set to launch a book on Ruskin Bond's short story "Suzanna's Seven Husbands", which Bollywood filmmaker Vishal Bharadwaj has adapted into a movie and titled it "7 Khoon Maaf".
"Penguin will release the book on Feb 19. This will help readers know our journey from the short story to the film," said Bharadwaj.
"7 Khoon Maaf" stars Priyanka Chopra as the protagonist, who kills her seven husbands.
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, Bollywood, Penguin Book on Suzanna's Seven Husbands, Ruskin Bond's Suzanna's Seven Husbands, Vishal Bharadwaj, 7 Khoon Maaf
"Penguin will release the book on Feb 19. This will help readers know our journey from the short story to the film," said Bharadwaj.
"7 Khoon Maaf" stars Priyanka Chopra as the protagonist, who kills her seven husbands.
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, Bollywood, Penguin Book on Suzanna's Seven Husbands, Ruskin Bond's Suzanna's Seven Husbands, Vishal Bharadwaj, 7 Khoon Maaf
Aishwarya and his friends are planning to give Abhishek Bachchan a surprise birthday
Mumbai: Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan, who is currently shooting in New Zealand for Abbas Mastan's "Players", is in for a surprise birthday today as wife Aishwarya and his friends are planning to visit his sets and take him out for some thrilling adventure sports.
Abhishek's friends will be flying down to New Zealand to indulge him in his favorite adventure sports. Aishwarya is planning a surprise 35th birthday for her husband, according to sources.
The sources said, the friends and Aishwarya have planned an entire day of bungee jumping, white water rapids and zorbing since Abhishek is a complete adventure junkie.
"Abhishek‘s friends plan to fly down to New zealand where he is shooting to surprise him. Abbas Mastan have decided to give the unit a break and celebrate his birthday in a big way. Since he loves adventure sports but hasn't got the time to indulge in them thanks to his hectic schedule his friends decided to surprise him and have booked an entire day of interesting activities," a source told the media.
Abhishek, who will celebrate his 35th birthday tomorrow began his career with J.P. Dutta's "Refugee" (2000). He then went on to give a string poorly received films, but his performances in "Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon" (2003) and Mani Ratnam's "Yuva" (2004) proved his mettle as an actor.
The same year, he starred in "Dhoom" his first commercial hit and in 2005, Abhishek, shot to fame with four movies that did well commercially - "Bunty Aur Babli", "Sarkar", "Dus", and "Bluffmaster".
In 2007, the actor starred in "Guru", receiving much acclaim for his performance, and the film emerged as his first solo hit. Later he went on to films like "Sarkar Raj", "Dostana", "Delhi-6" and "Paa" among others.
The actor has a full kitty this year with four films "Game", "Dum Maro Dum", "Players" and "Bol Bachchan".
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, Bollywood, Abhishek Bachchan in New Zealand, Abhishek Bachchan in Players, Abbas Mastan's Players, Abhishek Bachchan Birthday
Abhishek's friends will be flying down to New Zealand to indulge him in his favorite adventure sports. Aishwarya is planning a surprise 35th birthday for her husband, according to sources.
The sources said, the friends and Aishwarya have planned an entire day of bungee jumping, white water rapids and zorbing since Abhishek is a complete adventure junkie.
"Abhishek‘s friends plan to fly down to New zealand where he is shooting to surprise him. Abbas Mastan have decided to give the unit a break and celebrate his birthday in a big way. Since he loves adventure sports but hasn't got the time to indulge in them thanks to his hectic schedule his friends decided to surprise him and have booked an entire day of interesting activities," a source told the media.
Abhishek, who will celebrate his 35th birthday tomorrow began his career with J.P. Dutta's "Refugee" (2000). He then went on to give a string poorly received films, but his performances in "Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon" (2003) and Mani Ratnam's "Yuva" (2004) proved his mettle as an actor.
The same year, he starred in "Dhoom" his first commercial hit and in 2005, Abhishek, shot to fame with four movies that did well commercially - "Bunty Aur Babli", "Sarkar", "Dus", and "Bluffmaster".
In 2007, the actor starred in "Guru", receiving much acclaim for his performance, and the film emerged as his first solo hit. Later he went on to films like "Sarkar Raj", "Dostana", "Delhi-6" and "Paa" among others.
The actor has a full kitty this year with four films "Game", "Dum Maro Dum", "Players" and "Bol Bachchan".
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, Bollywood, Abhishek Bachchan in New Zealand, Abhishek Bachchan in Players, Abbas Mastan's Players, Abhishek Bachchan Birthday
India's telecom watchdog directed all cell phone service operators to cut down the maximum number of SMSs sent:TRAI
New Delhi: India's telecom watchdog has directed all cell phone service operators to cut down the maximum number of SMSs sent from a customer's mobile to 100 per day. This is an initiative of TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) to prevent SMS spam.
The decision that is in force since Feb 1 will surely discourage lots of mobile phone users who are into unlimited texting. TRAI was forced to impose this rule to stop the unregistered telemarketers from sending unsolicited sales and marketing messages to customers.
TRAI said that it has received complaints from many cell phone subscribers against the telemarketing agencies who send bulk text messages to their phones. Putting a limitation on sending the number of SMSs will help the telecom authority to control the unsolicited operations of the telemarketers.
It is however unknown whether the cell phone service operators will have to face the wrath of the SMS limitation as many of them send such promotional messages to their customers.
source:agency
Tags : India Telecom News, TRAI limits SMS sending, SMS Spam, Unsolicited telemarketing messages
The decision that is in force since Feb 1 will surely discourage lots of mobile phone users who are into unlimited texting. TRAI was forced to impose this rule to stop the unregistered telemarketers from sending unsolicited sales and marketing messages to customers.
TRAI said that it has received complaints from many cell phone subscribers against the telemarketing agencies who send bulk text messages to their phones. Putting a limitation on sending the number of SMSs will help the telecom authority to control the unsolicited operations of the telemarketers.
It is however unknown whether the cell phone service operators will have to face the wrath of the SMS limitation as many of them send such promotional messages to their customers.
source:agency
Tags : India Telecom News, TRAI limits SMS sending, SMS Spam, Unsolicited telemarketing messages
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