Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, on behalf of the cast and crew of forthcoming film "Aarakshan", Friday wished a speedy recovery to Congress president Sonia Gandhi who is recovering after a surgery abroad for an undisclosed ailment.
"Hum toh yahi chahte hain ki Soniaji jald hee swasth ho jaayein. Humaari duayein aur shubhkamnayein unke saath hain (We would like Soniaji to recover as soon as possible. Our prayers and good wishes are with her)," said the 68-year-old at a press conference here.
The actor, along with director Prakash Jha, screenplay writer Anjum Rajabali, actors Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, Manoj Bajpayee and Prateik Babbar, was in the capital to promote "Aarakshan".
The film is on caste-based reservations in the Indian education system, and its repercussions in the society. It releases Aug 12.
source:agency
20110806
DMK president M.Karunanidhi asserted the party cannot be wiped out
Chennai: DMK president and former Tamil Nadu chief minister M.Karunanidhi today asserted the party cannot be wiped out by vendetta politics played by the ruling AIADMK.Speaking at a public meeting at his home constituency Tiruvarur to condemn the arrest of party's district secretary Poondi K. Kalaivannan, he said: "I don't know how long I would be alive. But nobody can destroy DMK during my life time and after that."
Tiruvarur is located near Thanjavur, the rice granary of the state, around 325 km from Chennai.
Karunanidhi charged the AIADMK government of foisting land grab cases on party men.
Speaking about the financial position of the state, he said within three months of AIADMK coming to power, the state's debt has gone up by Rs.17,483 crore.
source:agency
Tags : India News, DMK president and former Tamil Nadu chief minister M.Karunanidhi, AIADMK
Tiruvarur is located near Thanjavur, the rice granary of the state, around 325 km from Chennai.
Karunanidhi charged the AIADMK government of foisting land grab cases on party men.
Speaking about the financial position of the state, he said within three months of AIADMK coming to power, the state's debt has gone up by Rs.17,483 crore.
source:agency
Tags : India News, DMK president and former Tamil Nadu chief minister M.Karunanidhi, AIADMK
2G scam: Unitech MD Sanjay Chandra denied the CBI allegations
New Delhi : Unitech MD Sanjay Chandra, who is an accused in the 2G spectrum scam, today denied the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) allegations against him saying that the probe agency has no evidence against him.
source:agency
Tags : India News, New Delhi, Unitech MD Sanjay Chandra, CBI, Central Bureau of Investigation
source:agency
Tags : India News, New Delhi, Unitech MD Sanjay Chandra, CBI, Central Bureau of Investigation
CWG,things might have gone haywire:Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit
New Delhi: A day after the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) indicted her for irregularities in the Commonwealth Games (CWG), Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today said "things might have gone haywire" but maintained that "extra spending" was not without reason.
"The extra money spent (on the Games) is not without any reason. Since the preparation of Games, the media had always doubted whether the CWG could be conducted in Delhi, but we did it and made the nation proud," said Dikshit.
"In the process, things might have gone haywire and wrong, but we assure you that we will take proper action," Dikshit told reporters here.
The chief minister also said that officials and the departments of the Delhi government will fully cooperate with the Public Accounts Committee which will discuss the CAG report in parliament.
"I will reiterate that this is a report of auditor general which is placed in the parliament and discussed by PAC. Whichever officials and departments in the government are called by the PAC for questioning, they will give their answers. If their answers are found unsatisfactory, necessary action will be taken against them," added Dikshit.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit
"The extra money spent (on the Games) is not without any reason. Since the preparation of Games, the media had always doubted whether the CWG could be conducted in Delhi, but we did it and made the nation proud," said Dikshit.
"In the process, things might have gone haywire and wrong, but we assure you that we will take proper action," Dikshit told reporters here.
The chief minister also said that officials and the departments of the Delhi government will fully cooperate with the Public Accounts Committee which will discuss the CAG report in parliament.
"I will reiterate that this is a report of auditor general which is placed in the parliament and discussed by PAC. Whichever officials and departments in the government are called by the PAC for questioning, they will give their answers. If their answers are found unsatisfactory, necessary action will be taken against them," added Dikshit.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit
Downgrading of the US long term credit rating has positive and negative features for India
Chennai: The downgrading of the US long term credit rating by global rating agency Standard and Poors (S&P) from AAA to AA+ has positive and negative features for India, a finance ministry official said on Saturday.
"Indian exports might be affected. On the positive side we could see more inflow of funds to India," R.Gopalan, secretary, department of teconomic affairs in the ministry, told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.
He said one should look at the positive fallout as well.
Queried about the tackling the inflation by increasing the supplies of essential items, Gopalan said the measures announced in the union budget to increase agri produce like pulses and others are expected to bear fruit soon.
Speaking at the inaugural function of Professor C.K.Prahalad Centre for Emerging India at the Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA), Gopalan said: "We had good growth in early part of the decade."
According to him, growth should be with equity and the country needs governance and legal rights for people.
"Our focus is on growth with equity," Gopalan said.
source:agency
Tags : India News, downgrading of the US, AA+ has positive and negative features for India, teconomic affairs
"Indian exports might be affected. On the positive side we could see more inflow of funds to India," R.Gopalan, secretary, department of teconomic affairs in the ministry, told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.
He said one should look at the positive fallout as well.
Queried about the tackling the inflation by increasing the supplies of essential items, Gopalan said the measures announced in the union budget to increase agri produce like pulses and others are expected to bear fruit soon.
Speaking at the inaugural function of Professor C.K.Prahalad Centre for Emerging India at the Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA), Gopalan said: "We had good growth in early part of the decade."
According to him, growth should be with equity and the country needs governance and legal rights for people.
"Our focus is on growth with equity," Gopalan said.
source:agency
Tags : India News, downgrading of the US, AA+ has positive and negative features for India, teconomic affairs
Apple now tops smart phone rankings,BlackBerry slipped
Toronto: Apple now tops smart phone rankings while BlackBerry has slipped to the fourth spot, confirmed the latest data from the US analyst firm International Data Corporation (IDC).
Apple had claimed the global top spot by shipping 20.3 million iPhones in its quarterly results released in the third week of July.
In its Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker released Thursday, the Massachusetts-based IDC said, "The smartphone market crowned a new leader in 2Q11, and its name is Apple.''
Out of the 106.5 million units sold globally in the second quarter, the IDC said Apple shipped 20.3 million iPhones, raising its global market share to 19.1 percent - 141.7 percent up since the same quarter last year.
The worldwide smart phone market jumped 65.4 percent year over year during the quarter.
Though Research In Motion (RIM) registered gains by shipping 12.4 million BlackBerries, its market share slipped to the fourth spot behind Nokia, the report said.
At number two, Samsung shipped 17.3 million smart phones during the period, posting a growth of 16.2 percent, followed closely by Nokia with 16.7 million shipments.
"Ever since the first iPhone launched in 2007, Apple has made market-setting strides in hardware, software, and channel development to grab mindshare and market share. Demand has been so strong that even models that have been out for one or two years are still being sought out. With an expected refresh later this year, volumes are set to reach higher levels,'' said Ramon Llamas, senior research analyst with IDC's Mobile Phone Technology and Trends team.
But Kevin Restivo, senior research analyst with IDC's Worldwide Mobile Phone Tracker, added, "There is no runaway leader in the market, which means there could easily be further Top 5 vendor changes to come.
"The smartphone market leadership change signifies the parity that comes with a fast-growing market such as smart phones.''
According to IDC projections for the whole year, the worldwide smartphone market will grow 55 percent over 2010. "The first half of the year has demonstrated strong growth for the smartphone market. The second half of the year will bring new flagship models and refreshed user experiences to market. These will keep smart phones well out in front of the market, and keep growth on an upward trajectory,'' said Llamas.
source:agency
Tags : Apple, International Data Corporation, BlackBerry
Apple had claimed the global top spot by shipping 20.3 million iPhones in its quarterly results released in the third week of July.
In its Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker released Thursday, the Massachusetts-based IDC said, "The smartphone market crowned a new leader in 2Q11, and its name is Apple.''
Out of the 106.5 million units sold globally in the second quarter, the IDC said Apple shipped 20.3 million iPhones, raising its global market share to 19.1 percent - 141.7 percent up since the same quarter last year.
The worldwide smart phone market jumped 65.4 percent year over year during the quarter.
Though Research In Motion (RIM) registered gains by shipping 12.4 million BlackBerries, its market share slipped to the fourth spot behind Nokia, the report said.
At number two, Samsung shipped 17.3 million smart phones during the period, posting a growth of 16.2 percent, followed closely by Nokia with 16.7 million shipments.
"Ever since the first iPhone launched in 2007, Apple has made market-setting strides in hardware, software, and channel development to grab mindshare and market share. Demand has been so strong that even models that have been out for one or two years are still being sought out. With an expected refresh later this year, volumes are set to reach higher levels,'' said Ramon Llamas, senior research analyst with IDC's Mobile Phone Technology and Trends team.
But Kevin Restivo, senior research analyst with IDC's Worldwide Mobile Phone Tracker, added, "There is no runaway leader in the market, which means there could easily be further Top 5 vendor changes to come.
"The smartphone market leadership change signifies the parity that comes with a fast-growing market such as smart phones.''
According to IDC projections for the whole year, the worldwide smartphone market will grow 55 percent over 2010. "The first half of the year has demonstrated strong growth for the smartphone market. The second half of the year will bring new flagship models and refreshed user experiences to market. These will keep smart phones well out in front of the market, and keep growth on an upward trajectory,'' said Llamas.
source:agency
Tags : Apple, International Data Corporation, BlackBerry
FMCG major Britannia would venture into diabetic-friendly products
Kolkata: Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FCMG) major Britannia today said it would venture into diabetic-friendly products and set up several greenfield bakery factories including in Bihar, Orissa and Karnataka, a top company official said here today.
Speaking to reporters after the company's annual general meeting here, managing director Vinita Bali said high price of ingredients due to the food inflation had impacted it.
"The high prices of ingredients like wheat and sugar are affecting our margin and we want to improve the quality of our margins," she said, adding that this made to play to foray into diabetic-friendly products.
The company's profit margin was 4.4 percent as opposed to its net profit margin of 2.9 percent last year and the management was relying on cost effectiveness and efficiency to improve the margins.
Asked about the company's investment, Bali said the amount pumped in would be targeted at generating a profitable growth.
Besides, Bihar, Orissa and Karnataka, the company had plans to set up bakery factories in some yet-to-be-decided location in western India.
Company chairman Nusli Wadia earlier told shareholders that the company was planning to consolidate its subsidiaries. "We are taking a relook at our subsidiaries as we have too many of them."
Bali said the company has already taken up the job of consolidation of subsidiaries and some of them were now only legal entities set to be phased out over time.
The company posted 27 per cent net profit growth at Rs.42 crore for the first quarter of the current fiscal with the net sales going up by 21 percent to Rs.1,106 crore.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Fast Moving Consumer Goods, Bihar, Orissa and Karnataka, diabetic-friendly
Speaking to reporters after the company's annual general meeting here, managing director Vinita Bali said high price of ingredients due to the food inflation had impacted it.
"The high prices of ingredients like wheat and sugar are affecting our margin and we want to improve the quality of our margins," she said, adding that this made to play to foray into diabetic-friendly products.
The company's profit margin was 4.4 percent as opposed to its net profit margin of 2.9 percent last year and the management was relying on cost effectiveness and efficiency to improve the margins.
Asked about the company's investment, Bali said the amount pumped in would be targeted at generating a profitable growth.
Besides, Bihar, Orissa and Karnataka, the company had plans to set up bakery factories in some yet-to-be-decided location in western India.
Company chairman Nusli Wadia earlier told shareholders that the company was planning to consolidate its subsidiaries. "We are taking a relook at our subsidiaries as we have too many of them."
Bali said the company has already taken up the job of consolidation of subsidiaries and some of them were now only legal entities set to be phased out over time.
The company posted 27 per cent net profit growth at Rs.42 crore for the first quarter of the current fiscal with the net sales going up by 21 percent to Rs.1,106 crore.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Fast Moving Consumer Goods, Bihar, Orissa and Karnataka, diabetic-friendly
Censor board cleared the "Aarakshan" without a single cut:Filmmaker Prakash Jha
Mumbai: Filmmaker Prakash Jha, whose Mumbai residence and office were ransacked by activists of Republican Party of India (RPI) Saturday, confirmed that nobody got hurt and said he failed to understand the brouhaha over the release of his film "Aarakshan", based on caste-based reservation in the Indian education system.
"The censor board (Central Board of Film Certification) has cleared the film without a single cut and with a U/A certificate. I am confident my film has examined the issue of reservation and caste divides with sensitivity. I don't understand why is everybody up in arms against my film. However, it's a democratic country, so everyone has a right to protest," he added.
"The police have been very helpful in taking care of my office premises and dealing with the violent protests happening there. Nobody from my office has been hurt. And I'm very grateful for that," Jha said in a statement.
The attack started around 5.30 p.m., according to Jha, who is currently in the capital, and will fly to Mumbai today morning.
RPI chief Ramdas Athavale earlier said that his party would obstruct the release of the socio-political theme-based movie in Maharashtra if Jha did not change its "anti-Dalit" stance.
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) had also termed the film "anti-Dalit", and asked Jha to screen the film for it before release.
Talking about the protests, Jha said: "The RPI activists have been protesting outside my office. They have burnt photographs of me and posters of the film. They have also been trying to damage our publicity material and hoardings across the city."
The movie, which features Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, Manoj Bajpayee and Prateik Babbar, is set to hit screens Aug 12.
But the 59-year-old filmmaker, known for his knack of picking sensitive social issues as subjects for his projects, said people should stop assuming the content of the film.
"The fact of the matter is that they have not seen the film. They are attacking me on the basis of presumptions and misconceptions about the treatment of the caste issue in 'Aarakshan'. I am a law-abiding and responsible citizen and filmmaker. I feel it's only fair if my film is judged after it has released," he said.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Filmmaker Prakash Jha, Mumbai residence and office, Aarakshan
"The censor board (Central Board of Film Certification) has cleared the film without a single cut and with a U/A certificate. I am confident my film has examined the issue of reservation and caste divides with sensitivity. I don't understand why is everybody up in arms against my film. However, it's a democratic country, so everyone has a right to protest," he added.
"The police have been very helpful in taking care of my office premises and dealing with the violent protests happening there. Nobody from my office has been hurt. And I'm very grateful for that," Jha said in a statement.
The attack started around 5.30 p.m., according to Jha, who is currently in the capital, and will fly to Mumbai today morning.
RPI chief Ramdas Athavale earlier said that his party would obstruct the release of the socio-political theme-based movie in Maharashtra if Jha did not change its "anti-Dalit" stance.
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) had also termed the film "anti-Dalit", and asked Jha to screen the film for it before release.
Talking about the protests, Jha said: "The RPI activists have been protesting outside my office. They have burnt photographs of me and posters of the film. They have also been trying to damage our publicity material and hoardings across the city."
The movie, which features Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, Manoj Bajpayee and Prateik Babbar, is set to hit screens Aug 12.
But the 59-year-old filmmaker, known for his knack of picking sensitive social issues as subjects for his projects, said people should stop assuming the content of the film.
"The fact of the matter is that they have not seen the film. They are attacking me on the basis of presumptions and misconceptions about the treatment of the caste issue in 'Aarakshan'. I am a law-abiding and responsible citizen and filmmaker. I feel it's only fair if my film is judged after it has released," he said.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Filmmaker Prakash Jha, Mumbai residence and office, Aarakshan
Filmmaker Prakash Jha's house attacked to obstruct the release of "Aarakshan"
New Delhi : Filmmaker Prakash Jha today said his house and office in Mumbai were attacked by political activists who wished to obstruct the release of his film "Aarakshan", based on caste-based reservations in the Indian education system.
"Just heard that my office and home have been attacked by political activists who are against the release of 'Aarakshan'," Jha posted on his Twitter page today evening.
The film is set to hit screens Aug 12.
Jha is currently in the capital, along with megastar Amitabh Bachchan and other cast members, to promote the movie.
Republican Party of India (RPI) chief Ramdas Athavale had earlier said that his party will not let theatres in Maharashtra screen the movie if it does not change its "anti-Dalit" stance. Prior to that, the National Commission of Scheduled Castes (NCSC) also termed the film "anti-Dalit".
The NCSC had even asked Jha to screen the film for a panel before its release Aug 12. But Jha is unfazed.
At a press conference here on Friday, Jha said he is a "responsible" filmmaker, and would not sensationalise a sensitive subject for entertainment.
The filmmaker, known for his projects on socio-political issues and their effects on the society, was recently denied permission to stage a grand show in Lucknow to promote "Aarakshan" by the state administration on grounds of "apprehension of breach of peace".
The film also features Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, Manoj Bajpayee and Prateik Babbar.
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, New Delhi, Prakash Jha, Mumbai, Aarakshan, Amitabh Bachchan,Republican Party of India, RPI,Maharashtra, National Commission of Scheduled Castes, NCSC, Saif Ali Khan, Deepika
"Just heard that my office and home have been attacked by political activists who are against the release of 'Aarakshan'," Jha posted on his Twitter page today evening.
The film is set to hit screens Aug 12.
Jha is currently in the capital, along with megastar Amitabh Bachchan and other cast members, to promote the movie.
Republican Party of India (RPI) chief Ramdas Athavale had earlier said that his party will not let theatres in Maharashtra screen the movie if it does not change its "anti-Dalit" stance. Prior to that, the National Commission of Scheduled Castes (NCSC) also termed the film "anti-Dalit".
The NCSC had even asked Jha to screen the film for a panel before its release Aug 12. But Jha is unfazed.
At a press conference here on Friday, Jha said he is a "responsible" filmmaker, and would not sensationalise a sensitive subject for entertainment.
The filmmaker, known for his projects on socio-political issues and their effects on the society, was recently denied permission to stage a grand show in Lucknow to promote "Aarakshan" by the state administration on grounds of "apprehension of breach of peace".
The film also features Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, Manoj Bajpayee and Prateik Babbar.
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, New Delhi, Prakash Jha, Mumbai, Aarakshan, Amitabh Bachchan,Republican Party of India, RPI,Maharashtra, National Commission of Scheduled Castes, NCSC, Saif Ali Khan, Deepika
Social networking site like facebook help brush up a youngster's academic knowledge
Jaipur: Fed up of your child logging into Facebook at the cost of studies? The Rajasthan government has hit upon a remedy - a social networking site that will also help brush up a youngster's academic knowledge.
"The idea is to utilise the popularity of social networking sites among students. Most of them spend a lot of time on such websites every day," a senior official of the state's information technology department, which is developing the portal, told the media.
The government portal will give tips to students on subjects like physics, chemistry and mathematics. Experts will be roped in to answer the academic queries students post on it.
"We thought why not make it a bit educational so that students can not only enjoy the fun that these sites offer but also get to learn something," the official said.
Students will be able to open up their individual accounts, add friends, upload photographs, play games and interact among themselves just like they do on Facebook.
"What makes it stand out is the fact that there will be subject-specific links on the home page. We will store e-books, objective questions and coaching material related to each subject," the officer added.
The development of the portal is in the final phase, he said.
The government should popularise the website by approaching educational institutes across the state, including schools, colleges and coaching centres, said Abhishek Sharma, a volunteer working with a local NGO.
"The students should be encouraged by the institutes to use this portal," Sharma told the media.
"It will be fun to have such a social networking website. I usually get distracted by these sites, but fun and studies going together must be great. I am eagerly waiting for the site to be launched," said Manu Mishra, a Class 11 student.
Parents have also welcomed the initiative.
"My son spends half of his time on social networking websites which could be utilised for sports or studies. I will definitely encourage him to use the portal being launched by the government as it will at least have some study or course and subject material," said Ramkumar Joshi, parent of a Class 12 student.
source:agency
Tags : India Education News, Rajasthan Government, Facebook, Academic Knowledge
"The idea is to utilise the popularity of social networking sites among students. Most of them spend a lot of time on such websites every day," a senior official of the state's information technology department, which is developing the portal, told the media.
The government portal will give tips to students on subjects like physics, chemistry and mathematics. Experts will be roped in to answer the academic queries students post on it.
"We thought why not make it a bit educational so that students can not only enjoy the fun that these sites offer but also get to learn something," the official said.
Students will be able to open up their individual accounts, add friends, upload photographs, play games and interact among themselves just like they do on Facebook.
"What makes it stand out is the fact that there will be subject-specific links on the home page. We will store e-books, objective questions and coaching material related to each subject," the officer added.
The development of the portal is in the final phase, he said.
The government should popularise the website by approaching educational institutes across the state, including schools, colleges and coaching centres, said Abhishek Sharma, a volunteer working with a local NGO.
"The students should be encouraged by the institutes to use this portal," Sharma told the media.
"It will be fun to have such a social networking website. I usually get distracted by these sites, but fun and studies going together must be great. I am eagerly waiting for the site to be launched," said Manu Mishra, a Class 11 student.
Parents have also welcomed the initiative.
"My son spends half of his time on social networking websites which could be utilised for sports or studies. I will definitely encourage him to use the portal being launched by the government as it will at least have some study or course and subject material," said Ramkumar Joshi, parent of a Class 12 student.
source:agency
Tags : India Education News, Rajasthan Government, Facebook, Academic Knowledge
Sports:Rahul Dravid has been recalled to India's ODI squad
Chennai: Rahul Dravid has been recalled to India's ODI squad after two years for the series against England beginning Sep 3. Harbhajan Singh and Yuvraj Singh, who were injured, have been left out of the 16-member squad for five ODIs and one-off Twenty20, selectors announced here today.
Dravid is in brilliant form with two back-to-back centuries against England in the first two Tests. He last played in an ODI against West Indies in the Champions Trophy at Johannesburg, Sep 30, 2009.
Squad:
Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Virender Sehwag (vice-captain), Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma, Zaheer Khan, Ravichandran Ashwin, Praveen Kumar, Munaf Patel, Ishant Sharma, Vinay Kumar, Amit Mishra, Parthiv Patel.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Rahul Dravid, India's ODI squad, Harbhajan Singh and Yuvraj Singh,five ODIs
Dravid is in brilliant form with two back-to-back centuries against England in the first two Tests. He last played in an ODI against West Indies in the Champions Trophy at Johannesburg, Sep 30, 2009.
Squad:
Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Virender Sehwag (vice-captain), Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma, Zaheer Khan, Ravichandran Ashwin, Praveen Kumar, Munaf Patel, Ishant Sharma, Vinay Kumar, Amit Mishra, Parthiv Patel.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Rahul Dravid, India's ODI squad, Harbhajan Singh and Yuvraj Singh,five ODIs
Hrithik Roshan riding high on the success of "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara"
Mumbai: Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan is riding high on the success of his latest release "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara". His upcoming "Krrish 2" is fetching skyrocketing prices for its music and satellite rights much ahead of its shooting - and is expected to be high on the overseas market too.
A source close to the actor revealed that the music rights have been sold for Rs.6 crore and the satellite rights given out for Rs.38 crore. The price has surpassed superstar Shah Rukh Khan's upcoming superhero flick "RA.One" which has been sold at a reported Rs.35 crore.
The bidding for the movie is expected to be high on overseas rights too, and Hrithik is elated.
"The overseas market is a hard one to crack because there's no guarantee that a film that works in India will do well there. So, it's heartening that five of my films ('Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham', 'Dhoom 2' 'Jodhaa Akbar', 'Kites' and 'Zindagi...') have conquered both markets. The breakthrough came with 'Dhoom 2'," Hrithik said in a press statement.
"Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara" grossed Rs.22 crore from the overseas market within 10 days of its release, and Hrithik feels his popularity has also grown thanks to his statue in Madame Tussaud's wax museum in London.
"The statue at Madame Tussaud's also got me a lot of attention and was symbolic of a decade-long journey that should inspire my sons to march ahead despite the hurdles," added the actor, who unveiled his wax statue in London earlier this year.
However, the 37-year-old refuses to agree he is in competition with Bollywood's Khans - Shah Rukh, Salman and Aamir.
"I wouldn't want to lump Shah Rukh, Aamir and Salman together as the 'Khans' because they are distinct individuals who have seen maximum failures, and yet, risen to great heights.
"We don't see ourselves as superheroes and walk around with crowns on our heads. We're just actors doing what we know best. The advantage is that being the last link in the chain, we get all the eyeballs and praise," he added.
Hrithik is currently shooting for the remake of "Agneepath", and he would start work on "Krrish 2" in November this year.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan, Krrish 2, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
A source close to the actor revealed that the music rights have been sold for Rs.6 crore and the satellite rights given out for Rs.38 crore. The price has surpassed superstar Shah Rukh Khan's upcoming superhero flick "RA.One" which has been sold at a reported Rs.35 crore.
The bidding for the movie is expected to be high on overseas rights too, and Hrithik is elated.
"The overseas market is a hard one to crack because there's no guarantee that a film that works in India will do well there. So, it's heartening that five of my films ('Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham', 'Dhoom 2' 'Jodhaa Akbar', 'Kites' and 'Zindagi...') have conquered both markets. The breakthrough came with 'Dhoom 2'," Hrithik said in a press statement.
"Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara" grossed Rs.22 crore from the overseas market within 10 days of its release, and Hrithik feels his popularity has also grown thanks to his statue in Madame Tussaud's wax museum in London.
"The statue at Madame Tussaud's also got me a lot of attention and was symbolic of a decade-long journey that should inspire my sons to march ahead despite the hurdles," added the actor, who unveiled his wax statue in London earlier this year.
However, the 37-year-old refuses to agree he is in competition with Bollywood's Khans - Shah Rukh, Salman and Aamir.
"I wouldn't want to lump Shah Rukh, Aamir and Salman together as the 'Khans' because they are distinct individuals who have seen maximum failures, and yet, risen to great heights.
"We don't see ourselves as superheroes and walk around with crowns on our heads. We're just actors doing what we know best. The advantage is that being the last link in the chain, we get all the eyeballs and praise," he added.
Hrithik is currently shooting for the remake of "Agneepath", and he would start work on "Krrish 2" in November this year.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan, Krrish 2, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
NASA launched voyage to Jupiter that will try to discover the secrets
LONDON: NASA has launched a 2.7-billion km voyage to Jupiter that will try to discover the secrets behind the largest planet in the solar system.
The unmaned $1.1 billion Juno spacecraft blasted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, at 11.25 am Friday.
The aim of the 1.7 billion-mile (2.7 bn km) voyage, was to learn more about how the solar system was created and unlock the secrets that have remained a mystery until now, The Telegraph reported quoting NASA.
The spacecraft will arrive at Jupiter in 2016 which will study the planet's core, atmosphere, magnetic field and auroras, scientists said. It is one of NASA's most ambitious missions.
Once it reaches its target it will be the furthest-travelled solar-powered probe and the fastest man-made object in history after travelling at 160,000 mph, the daily said.
Senior space agency officials have spent the past 10 years planning the mission, which is part of its New Frontiers planetary expeditions and is managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in La Canada Flintridge, California.
The unmanned satellite observatory is named after the ancient Roman goddess who spied through clouds on her husband Jupiter and is the first NASA probe to orbit Jupiter since the Galileo mission ended in 2003.
With the end of the space-shuttle programme, NASA has faced criticism that its approach to manned space exploration is aimless but this year it has turned its attention to unmanned exploration, particularly to deep space.
"Jupiter holds secrets about how the solar system formed," The Telegraph quoted NASA's Scott Bolton, the mission's chief scientist, as saying.
"We want to get the list of ingredients that produced the recipe for planets. That will give us guidance of what happened in that early time that eventually led to us.
"If we want to go back in time and understand where we came from and how the planets were made, Jupiter holds this secret," he said.
The spacecraft was launched aboard the Atlas V551, the most powerful rocket in NASA's inventory after the retirement of the space shuttle.
The 3.5 tonne spacecraft unfurled three 29-foot long solar panels to provide power to Jupiter, five times farther from the sun than Earth is, the newspaper added.
Jupiter is the size of 1,300 Earths combined and contains most of the material left in the solar system after the solar system was formed about 4.6 billion years ago. It has at least 63 moons, one bigger than Mercury, Telegraph said.
source:agecny
The unmaned $1.1 billion Juno spacecraft blasted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, at 11.25 am Friday.
The aim of the 1.7 billion-mile (2.7 bn km) voyage, was to learn more about how the solar system was created and unlock the secrets that have remained a mystery until now, The Telegraph reported quoting NASA.
The spacecraft will arrive at Jupiter in 2016 which will study the planet's core, atmosphere, magnetic field and auroras, scientists said. It is one of NASA's most ambitious missions.
Once it reaches its target it will be the furthest-travelled solar-powered probe and the fastest man-made object in history after travelling at 160,000 mph, the daily said.
Senior space agency officials have spent the past 10 years planning the mission, which is part of its New Frontiers planetary expeditions and is managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in La Canada Flintridge, California.
The unmanned satellite observatory is named after the ancient Roman goddess who spied through clouds on her husband Jupiter and is the first NASA probe to orbit Jupiter since the Galileo mission ended in 2003.
With the end of the space-shuttle programme, NASA has faced criticism that its approach to manned space exploration is aimless but this year it has turned its attention to unmanned exploration, particularly to deep space.
"Jupiter holds secrets about how the solar system formed," The Telegraph quoted NASA's Scott Bolton, the mission's chief scientist, as saying.
"We want to get the list of ingredients that produced the recipe for planets. That will give us guidance of what happened in that early time that eventually led to us.
"If we want to go back in time and understand where we came from and how the planets were made, Jupiter holds this secret," he said.
The spacecraft was launched aboard the Atlas V551, the most powerful rocket in NASA's inventory after the retirement of the space shuttle.
The 3.5 tonne spacecraft unfurled three 29-foot long solar panels to provide power to Jupiter, five times farther from the sun than Earth is, the newspaper added.
Jupiter is the size of 1,300 Earths combined and contains most of the material left in the solar system after the solar system was formed about 4.6 billion years ago. It has at least 63 moons, one bigger than Mercury, Telegraph said.
source:agecny
Telangana issue,Kindly make up your mind fast:Chidambaram
NEW DELHI: The government on Friday threw the ball in the court of the political parties in Andhra Pradesh for a decision on the issue of separate state of Telangana.
Responding to a Calling Attention Motion on the Telangana issue, home minister P Chidambaram told the Lok Sabha that as many as four political parties of Andhra Pradesh out of eight have not yet "made up their mind" on Telangana.
Three parties - TRS, BJP and CPI - favoured carving out of the new state while CPM is opposed to the idea, he said.
The parties which have not made up their mind are the ruling Congress, TDP, YSR Congress and MIM.
"Kindly make up your mind fast," Chidambaram asked the four parties which are undecided.
"We are urging the parties: kindly complete your process of consultation... then we can call a meeting," he said, appealing to the people of Andhra Pradesh, especially the youth to maintain calm and not to take any extreme step like suicide.
The debate on the Calling Attention Motion saw a divided House including Congress in Andhra Pradesh prompting Chidambaram to remark that he was responding with sadness as it was a "very divisive debate" as he had apprehended.
Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj expressed readiness of the BJP to ensure 2/3 majority to a bill for the formation of Telangana, if the government comes out with a bill.
The Home Minister said that a delay in the decision was in view of the fact that "situation on the ground" altered after the December 9, 2009 announcement of the Centre on the issue of separate Telangana.
"The ruling political party and the opposition were divided. I did not divide them. When this division took place, Government of India had to take note of it," Chidambaram said, adding that this led to the December 23, 2009 statement.
The home minister insisted that the recent history of the issue is the reasons for Government of India proceeding with "great care and caution" on the issue.
He said solution to the problem of Telangana "must come from the Telugu-speaking people....from people of Andhra Pradesh. Government of India can only facilitate that process, Parliament can only facilitate that process."
He said Union minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, who is also Congress general secretary, was carrying out the consultation process in the party.
"Let us not say or do anything which will add fuel to fire. Let us douse the flames and passions," he said.
The debate saw charges and countercharges between the Congress members from Telangana and those from rest of Andhra Pradesh and it was a tough time for the government managers to control them.
Swaraj dubbed the Justice B N Srikrishna Commission report on the matter as a "AICC report" while Congress member from Telangana Sarvey Satyanaraina wanted the report to be thrown in the dustbin, saying, "it is not a Supreme Court judgement which is binding on us".
The home minister regretted attempts to "run down" a "distinguished judge" like Justice Srikrishna who has contributed to the nation for many years.
Having a dig at the BJP, he said when the BJP was in power at the Centre, the then Home Minister had on April 1, 2002 had ruled out formation of separate Telangana. "Now their stand has undergone a change," he said.
source:agency
Responding to a Calling Attention Motion on the Telangana issue, home minister P Chidambaram told the Lok Sabha that as many as four political parties of Andhra Pradesh out of eight have not yet "made up their mind" on Telangana.
Three parties - TRS, BJP and CPI - favoured carving out of the new state while CPM is opposed to the idea, he said.
The parties which have not made up their mind are the ruling Congress, TDP, YSR Congress and MIM.
"Kindly make up your mind fast," Chidambaram asked the four parties which are undecided.
"We are urging the parties: kindly complete your process of consultation... then we can call a meeting," he said, appealing to the people of Andhra Pradesh, especially the youth to maintain calm and not to take any extreme step like suicide.
The debate on the Calling Attention Motion saw a divided House including Congress in Andhra Pradesh prompting Chidambaram to remark that he was responding with sadness as it was a "very divisive debate" as he had apprehended.
Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj expressed readiness of the BJP to ensure 2/3 majority to a bill for the formation of Telangana, if the government comes out with a bill.
The Home Minister said that a delay in the decision was in view of the fact that "situation on the ground" altered after the December 9, 2009 announcement of the Centre on the issue of separate Telangana.
"The ruling political party and the opposition were divided. I did not divide them. When this division took place, Government of India had to take note of it," Chidambaram said, adding that this led to the December 23, 2009 statement.
The home minister insisted that the recent history of the issue is the reasons for Government of India proceeding with "great care and caution" on the issue.
He said solution to the problem of Telangana "must come from the Telugu-speaking people....from people of Andhra Pradesh. Government of India can only facilitate that process, Parliament can only facilitate that process."
He said Union minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, who is also Congress general secretary, was carrying out the consultation process in the party.
"Let us not say or do anything which will add fuel to fire. Let us douse the flames and passions," he said.
The debate saw charges and countercharges between the Congress members from Telangana and those from rest of Andhra Pradesh and it was a tough time for the government managers to control them.
Swaraj dubbed the Justice B N Srikrishna Commission report on the matter as a "AICC report" while Congress member from Telangana Sarvey Satyanaraina wanted the report to be thrown in the dustbin, saying, "it is not a Supreme Court judgement which is binding on us".
The home minister regretted attempts to "run down" a "distinguished judge" like Justice Srikrishna who has contributed to the nation for many years.
Having a dig at the BJP, he said when the BJP was in power at the Centre, the then Home Minister had on April 1, 2002 had ruled out formation of separate Telangana. "Now their stand has undergone a change," he said.
source:agency
Virender Sehwag can't stop the hosts from clinching the ongoing series 4-0:Botham
LONDON: The arrival of Virender Sehwag might have triggered hopes of an Indian revival but former England captain Ian Botham says given that the dashing opener is short of match practice, even he can't stop the hosts from clinching the ongoing series 4-0.
"I can't see any reason why 4-0 isn't on...what is there to stop them (England) from making it 4-0? Not a lot in my eyes, and certainly not the brittle India batting line-up they're facing," Botham wrote in his column for 'The Daily Mirror'.
"The suggestion is that Virender Sehwag is going to go straight into the team with Gautam Gambhir happy to play now his bruise isn't hurting him anymore.
"Well if they think those two will turn fortunes around on their own, then think again because in the case of Sehwag certainly, opening the batting in a Test match in England without any first-class cricket behind you in months, against this attack is anything but a walk in the park," he added.
Botham said except for Rahul Dravid, the Indian batting has "looked fragile".
"...only Rahul Dravid has shown the sort of fight and technique needed to be successful over here. I don't doubt the quality of players like VVS Laxman and obviously Sachin Tendulkar, but they have only shown glimpses of what they're capable of and like any batsman they have to produce the goods out in the middle," he pointed out.
Botham suggested that England retain the team that won the second Test by 319 runs at Trent Bridge.
"England must take the same 11 men into battle next week to secure their rightful place as the world's best Test cricket team.
"Another victory of the sort inspired by Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Ian Bell and Matt Prior at Trent Bridge will do just fine and with it will come the crown that we have all been expecting for some time," he said.
Botham said pacer Bresnan, who scored a 90 and took a five-wicket haul, should be retained even if original choice Chris Tremlett is fit.
"...I'm afraid he (Tremlett) should sit this one out because the man who replaced him in Nottingham is on fire and has done more than enough to keep the spot he has worked so hard for," he said.
"It is the nature of sport that sometimes you get injured and someone takes your place, but you can rarely expect to just walk back into the side when you're fit again.
"The only time that happens is when the quality of the replacement isn't up to much or because your own track record is so good and you've been playing so well that you demand inclusion," he added.
source:agecny
"I can't see any reason why 4-0 isn't on...what is there to stop them (England) from making it 4-0? Not a lot in my eyes, and certainly not the brittle India batting line-up they're facing," Botham wrote in his column for 'The Daily Mirror'.
"The suggestion is that Virender Sehwag is going to go straight into the team with Gautam Gambhir happy to play now his bruise isn't hurting him anymore.
"Well if they think those two will turn fortunes around on their own, then think again because in the case of Sehwag certainly, opening the batting in a Test match in England without any first-class cricket behind you in months, against this attack is anything but a walk in the park," he added.
Botham said except for Rahul Dravid, the Indian batting has "looked fragile".
"...only Rahul Dravid has shown the sort of fight and technique needed to be successful over here. I don't doubt the quality of players like VVS Laxman and obviously Sachin Tendulkar, but they have only shown glimpses of what they're capable of and like any batsman they have to produce the goods out in the middle," he pointed out.
Botham suggested that England retain the team that won the second Test by 319 runs at Trent Bridge.
"England must take the same 11 men into battle next week to secure their rightful place as the world's best Test cricket team.
"Another victory of the sort inspired by Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Ian Bell and Matt Prior at Trent Bridge will do just fine and with it will come the crown that we have all been expecting for some time," he said.
Botham said pacer Bresnan, who scored a 90 and took a five-wicket haul, should be retained even if original choice Chris Tremlett is fit.
"...I'm afraid he (Tremlett) should sit this one out because the man who replaced him in Nottingham is on fire and has done more than enough to keep the spot he has worked so hard for," he said.
"It is the nature of sport that sometimes you get injured and someone takes your place, but you can rarely expect to just walk back into the side when you're fit again.
"The only time that happens is when the quality of the replacement isn't up to much or because your own track record is so good and you've been playing so well that you demand inclusion," he added.
source:agecny
Standard & Poor's downgraded the US government's 'AAA' sovereign credit rating
WASHINGTON: In an unprecedented move, credit rating agency Standard & Poor's downgraded the US government's 'AAA' sovereign credit rating - a development which raises concerns that investors will lose confidence in its economy.
"We have lowered our long-term sovereign credit rating on the United States of America to 'AA+' from 'AAA' and affirmed the 'A-1+' short-term rating.
"We have also removed both the short- and long-term ratings from CreditWatch negative," S&P said in a statement.
The downgrade, it said, reflects its opinion that the fiscal consolidation plan which Congress and the administration recently agreed to "falls short of what, in our view, would be necessary to stabilize the government's medium-term debt dynamics."
"More broadly, the downgrade reflects our view that the effectiveness, stability, and predictability of American policy making and political institutions have weakened at a time of ongoing fiscal and economic challenges to a degree more than we envisioned when we assigned a negative outlook to the rating on April 18, 2011," the agency said.
"Since then, we have changed our view of the difficulties in bridging the gulf between the political parties over fiscal policy, which makes us pessimistic about the capacity of Congress and the Administration to be able to leverage their agreement this week into a broader fiscal consolidation plan that stabilizes the government's debt dynamics any time soon."
Other prominent credit rating agencies - Moody's Investors Service and Fitch Ratings - affirmed their AAA credit ratings even as President Barack Obama signed a bill that ended the debt-ceiling impasse that pushed the Treasury to the edge of default. Moody's and Fitch also said that downgrades were possible if lawmakers fail to enact debt reduction measures and the economy weakens.
source:agency
"We have lowered our long-term sovereign credit rating on the United States of America to 'AA+' from 'AAA' and affirmed the 'A-1+' short-term rating.
"We have also removed both the short- and long-term ratings from CreditWatch negative," S&P said in a statement.
The downgrade, it said, reflects its opinion that the fiscal consolidation plan which Congress and the administration recently agreed to "falls short of what, in our view, would be necessary to stabilize the government's medium-term debt dynamics."
"More broadly, the downgrade reflects our view that the effectiveness, stability, and predictability of American policy making and political institutions have weakened at a time of ongoing fiscal and economic challenges to a degree more than we envisioned when we assigned a negative outlook to the rating on April 18, 2011," the agency said.
"Since then, we have changed our view of the difficulties in bridging the gulf between the political parties over fiscal policy, which makes us pessimistic about the capacity of Congress and the Administration to be able to leverage their agreement this week into a broader fiscal consolidation plan that stabilizes the government's debt dynamics any time soon."
Other prominent credit rating agencies - Moody's Investors Service and Fitch Ratings - affirmed their AAA credit ratings even as President Barack Obama signed a bill that ended the debt-ceiling impasse that pushed the Treasury to the edge of default. Moody's and Fitch also said that downgrades were possible if lawmakers fail to enact debt reduction measures and the economy weakens.
source:agency
Congress president Sonia Gandhi shifted out of the ICU
New Delhi: Congress president Sonia Gandhi has been shifted out of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at a hospital abroad where she was operated upon for an undisclosed ailment, a senior party leader said here today."Sonia Gandhi remained in the ICU for 24 hours and has thereafter been moved out. Her family has expressed gratitude on her behalf for all the messages and good wishes that have been sent to her," Congress spokesperson Janardan Dwidedi said.Informed sources said that she was being treated at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre in New York and underwent surgery on Thursday. However, the hospital refused to confirm or deny anthing.
Her son Rahul Gandhi, daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and son-in-law Robert Vadra are with her.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Sonia Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi Out of ICU
Her son Rahul Gandhi, daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and son-in-law Robert Vadra are with her.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Sonia Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi Out of ICU
Congress core committee met to discuss the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report
New Delhi: The Congress core committee met today to discuss the political situation, including the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report that has indicted the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and the Delhi government for irregularities in the Commonwealth Games.
The meeting is being held at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's 7, Race Course Road residence, the sources added.
Besides Manmohan Singh, the meeting is being attended by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Defence Minister A.K. Antony, Gandhi's political secretary Ahmed Patel, party general secretary Janardan Dwivedi and other leaders.
This is the first meeting of the core committee in the absence of party chief Sonia Gandhi who is recuperating abroad after a surgery.
Sonia Gandhi's son and party general secretary Rahul Gandhi, who is among the four leaders named to oversee party affairs in her absence, has accompanied his mother abroad, party sources said.
The meeting will discuss the CAG report which came out on Friday and put the blame on the Delhi government, led by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, and the PMO for delays and inefficiency in the conduct of the Games, sources added.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Congress, Delhi Government, CAG Report
The meeting is being held at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's 7, Race Course Road residence, the sources added.
Besides Manmohan Singh, the meeting is being attended by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Defence Minister A.K. Antony, Gandhi's political secretary Ahmed Patel, party general secretary Janardan Dwivedi and other leaders.
This is the first meeting of the core committee in the absence of party chief Sonia Gandhi who is recuperating abroad after a surgery.
Sonia Gandhi's son and party general secretary Rahul Gandhi, who is among the four leaders named to oversee party affairs in her absence, has accompanied his mother abroad, party sources said.
The meeting will discuss the CAG report which came out on Friday and put the blame on the Delhi government, led by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, and the PMO for delays and inefficiency in the conduct of the Games, sources added.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Congress, Delhi Government, CAG Report
NASA scientists found the best evidence yet of liquid water on Mars
Washington: NASA scientists have found the best evidence yet of liquid water - a necessary ingredient for organic life - on Mars, a media report said.
Images unveiled from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter have revealed dark, narrow streaks that appear and slowly snake down walls of craters that populate the planet's southern hemisphere, the Christian Science Monitor reported on Friday.
The process occurs from late spring to early fall. The streaks vanish with the return of late fall and winter, only to reappear the following spring, it said.
The streaks originate at rock outcroppings high on steep crater walls, but only on walls facing in the general direction of the equator, which receive more sunlight than poleward-facing slopes, according to Monitor.
The features are too narrow to be formed by silt sliding downhill, which has been seen elsewhere on the planet, experts reported in the Aug 5 issue of the journal Science.
These streaks are far more rare than the silt slides, suggesting a far less common process at work. Sudden thaws of carbon-dioxide frost probably triggered those other, silty slides, scientists have theorized.
These newly-discovered features, by contrast, appear - and grow - when surface temperatures are too warm for carbon-dioxide frost to exist.
Those temperatures range from about 9 degrees below zero Fahrenheit to as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit during a summer's mid-afternoon, researchers said.
Nine degrees below zero may be too warm for CO2 frost, but not for liquid water heavily laced with salts, says Alfred McEwen, a planetary scientist at the University of Arizona at Tucson and leader of the team reporting the results.
He cautions that the evidence for liquid water as the driver behind these ephemeral stripes is circumstantial.
So far, the orbiter's spectrometer has not detected the chemical fingerprints of water in these features, although the team has plans to use the spectrometer's high-resolution option to hunt for them in greater detail than the initial, low-resolution measurements could achieve, Monitor added.
"This is the best evidence we have to date of liquid water occurring today on Mars," says Philip Christiansen, a researcher at Arizona State University at Tempe and a lead scientist on an earlier mission, the Mars Odyssey orbiter.
For 15 years, NASA has geared its Mars exploration programme to "follow the water", in order to determine how hospitable the red planet was to at least simple forms of life early in its history, and perhaps today as well, the Monitor said.
source:agency
Tags : NASA Scientists, NASA, NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Christian Science Monitor
Images unveiled from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter have revealed dark, narrow streaks that appear and slowly snake down walls of craters that populate the planet's southern hemisphere, the Christian Science Monitor reported on Friday.
The process occurs from late spring to early fall. The streaks vanish with the return of late fall and winter, only to reappear the following spring, it said.
The streaks originate at rock outcroppings high on steep crater walls, but only on walls facing in the general direction of the equator, which receive more sunlight than poleward-facing slopes, according to Monitor.
The features are too narrow to be formed by silt sliding downhill, which has been seen elsewhere on the planet, experts reported in the Aug 5 issue of the journal Science.
These streaks are far more rare than the silt slides, suggesting a far less common process at work. Sudden thaws of carbon-dioxide frost probably triggered those other, silty slides, scientists have theorized.
These newly-discovered features, by contrast, appear - and grow - when surface temperatures are too warm for carbon-dioxide frost to exist.
Those temperatures range from about 9 degrees below zero Fahrenheit to as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit during a summer's mid-afternoon, researchers said.
Nine degrees below zero may be too warm for CO2 frost, but not for liquid water heavily laced with salts, says Alfred McEwen, a planetary scientist at the University of Arizona at Tucson and leader of the team reporting the results.
He cautions that the evidence for liquid water as the driver behind these ephemeral stripes is circumstantial.
So far, the orbiter's spectrometer has not detected the chemical fingerprints of water in these features, although the team has plans to use the spectrometer's high-resolution option to hunt for them in greater detail than the initial, low-resolution measurements could achieve, Monitor added.
"This is the best evidence we have to date of liquid water occurring today on Mars," says Philip Christiansen, a researcher at Arizona State University at Tempe and a lead scientist on an earlier mission, the Mars Odyssey orbiter.
For 15 years, NASA has geared its Mars exploration programme to "follow the water", in order to determine how hospitable the red planet was to at least simple forms of life early in its history, and perhaps today as well, the Monitor said.
source:agency
Tags : NASA Scientists, NASA, NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Christian Science Monitor
US Securities and Exchange Commission, to drop an administrative action against Rajat Gupta
Washington: The US Securities and Exchange Commission has agreed to drop an administrative action against Rajat Gupta, former Indian American director of Goldman Sachs Group Inc. In return, he has agreed to withdraw a lawsuit claiming the regulatory proceeding violated his constitutional rights.
"Mr. Gupta is very pleased that as a result of his lawsuit the SEC has dismissed its administrative proceeding and he will no longer be singled out for disparate treatment," Gary Naftalis, his lawyer, said in a statement. "Mr. Gupta's lawsuit against the SEC has achieved all of the relief he sought."
The SEC started an administrative proceeding in Washington March 1, claiming Gupta passed inside information to Galleon Group LLC co-founder Raj Rajaratnam about Goldman Sachs and Procter & Gamble Co. (PG), where Gupta was also on the board.
According to an agreement filed on Thursday in federal court in Manhattan, the SEC will file any future complaint against Gupta in that court, where it would be heard by US District Judge Jed Rakoff.
"The staff is fully committed to the case and will proceed as appropriate," John Nester, an SEC spokesman, said in an e- mail.
In the administrative proceeding, the SEC claimed Gupta gave Rajaratnam information about Berkshire Hathaway Inc.'s $5 billion investment in Goldman Sachs. The agency also alleges Gupta told Rajaratnam about quarterly earnings of Goldman Sachs and Procter & Gamble.
Gupta sued in the Manhattan court on March 18, claiming the agency violated his rights by pursuing an administrative action rather than a lawsuit in federal court, where Gupta would have more procedural protections, including the right to have the case considered by a jury and the use of federal rules of evidence.
source:agency
Tags : US Securities and Exchange Commission, Goldman Sachs Group Inc, Rajat Gupta
"Mr. Gupta is very pleased that as a result of his lawsuit the SEC has dismissed its administrative proceeding and he will no longer be singled out for disparate treatment," Gary Naftalis, his lawyer, said in a statement. "Mr. Gupta's lawsuit against the SEC has achieved all of the relief he sought."
The SEC started an administrative proceeding in Washington March 1, claiming Gupta passed inside information to Galleon Group LLC co-founder Raj Rajaratnam about Goldman Sachs and Procter & Gamble Co. (PG), where Gupta was also on the board.
According to an agreement filed on Thursday in federal court in Manhattan, the SEC will file any future complaint against Gupta in that court, where it would be heard by US District Judge Jed Rakoff.
"The staff is fully committed to the case and will proceed as appropriate," John Nester, an SEC spokesman, said in an e- mail.
In the administrative proceeding, the SEC claimed Gupta gave Rajaratnam information about Berkshire Hathaway Inc.'s $5 billion investment in Goldman Sachs. The agency also alleges Gupta told Rajaratnam about quarterly earnings of Goldman Sachs and Procter & Gamble.
Gupta sued in the Manhattan court on March 18, claiming the agency violated his rights by pursuing an administrative action rather than a lawsuit in federal court, where Gupta would have more procedural protections, including the right to have the case considered by a jury and the use of federal rules of evidence.
source:agency
Tags : US Securities and Exchange Commission, Goldman Sachs Group Inc, Rajat Gupta
Sonia Gandhi is recovering after a successful surgery abroad for an undisclosed ailment
New Delhi: A day after Sonia Gandhi formed a four-member group to manage party affairs in her absence, the Congress on Friday announced two new spokespersons even as the party chief was recuperating in a US hospital after a successful surgery.
Sonia Gandhi is recovering after a successful surgery abroad for an undisclosed ailment, a party leader said on Friday as party prayed for her good health.
"The surgery is over... the surgeon has indicated that the operation was successful. Presently she is in ICU (intensive care unit)," Congress media department chairman Janardan Dwivedi told reporters.
Dwivedi said her son and party MP Rahul Gandhi, her daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and son-in-law Robert Vadra are with her.
Gandhi underwent surgery on Thursday. Informed sources said she was being treated at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. The hospital refused to confirm or deny she was admitted there.
Apart from Rahul Gandhi, the other members of the four-member group to run affairs of the party in her absence are union minister A.K. Antony, Sonia Gandhi's political secretary Ahmed Patel and Dwivedi himself.
Gandhi also effected some changes in the work allocation in the party and made some appointments.
Renuka Chowdhury and Rashid Alvi have been appointed as spokespersons.
Congress leaders said that partymen had held prayers in different parts of country for Sonia Gandhi's speedy recovery. A yagna was held in Lucknow, they said.
Dwivedi had on Thursday said Gandhi has "been recently diagnosed with a medical condition that requires surgery".
However, the party did not say when she left India.
"As this is a personal matter that pertains to her health and medical treatment, her family requests that her privacy be respected," Dwivedi said on Friday.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Sonia Gandhi, Congress, Congress Leaders, Sonia Gandhi Surgery
Sonia Gandhi is recovering after a successful surgery abroad for an undisclosed ailment, a party leader said on Friday as party prayed for her good health.
"The surgery is over... the surgeon has indicated that the operation was successful. Presently she is in ICU (intensive care unit)," Congress media department chairman Janardan Dwivedi told reporters.
Dwivedi said her son and party MP Rahul Gandhi, her daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and son-in-law Robert Vadra are with her.
Gandhi underwent surgery on Thursday. Informed sources said she was being treated at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. The hospital refused to confirm or deny she was admitted there.
Apart from Rahul Gandhi, the other members of the four-member group to run affairs of the party in her absence are union minister A.K. Antony, Sonia Gandhi's political secretary Ahmed Patel and Dwivedi himself.
Gandhi also effected some changes in the work allocation in the party and made some appointments.
Renuka Chowdhury and Rashid Alvi have been appointed as spokespersons.
Congress leaders said that partymen had held prayers in different parts of country for Sonia Gandhi's speedy recovery. A yagna was held in Lucknow, they said.
Dwivedi had on Thursday said Gandhi has "been recently diagnosed with a medical condition that requires surgery".
However, the party did not say when she left India.
"As this is a personal matter that pertains to her health and medical treatment, her family requests that her privacy be respected," Dwivedi said on Friday.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Sonia Gandhi, Congress, Congress Leaders, Sonia Gandhi Surgery
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) intends to spend Rs.2,300 crore
New Delhi: India's largest software firm, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), has said it intends to spend Rs.2,300 crore as capital expenditure during the current financial year. The firm also said it would look for acquisitions.
"TCS would consider investments or acquisition opportunities in some of the market areas as and when they arise. The company would consider increasing its market share in Latin America, the Middle East and in Asia apart from the US and Western Europe," TCS chairman Ratan Tata said in its annual general meeting.
Speaking about attrition rate, the company said that at 14 percent, though its attrition rate had increased compared to the previous year, it was lowest in the industry.
At the end of March 2011, the company had a total employee strength of 198,614 -- making it the largest private sector employer in the country. The company said that it would be hiring around 60,000 people in 2011-12.
During financial year 2010-2011, North America contributed 54 percent of the company's revenue along with significant growth across various geographies, including Latin America, Middle East and Africa apart from India.
Total revenue of the software firm for 2010-11 crossed $8 billion. In terms of revenue generated from business segment, the banking and financial services segment contributed 47 percent of the company's revenue, followed by other segments including retail, hi-tech life sciences and utilities.
The company also said that currently it does not have any plans of listing its shares on the foreign exchange.
The company's dividend has gone up from Rs.10 per equity share to Rs.14 per equity share. The dividend paid by TCS is 36.7 percent and by Infosys is 29.4 percent.
At the Bombay Stock Exchange, the shares of the company closed 3.66 percent lower at Rs.1,056.70.
source:agency
Tags : India Business News, Tata Consultancy Services, TCS, TCS Expenditure
"TCS would consider investments or acquisition opportunities in some of the market areas as and when they arise. The company would consider increasing its market share in Latin America, the Middle East and in Asia apart from the US and Western Europe," TCS chairman Ratan Tata said in its annual general meeting.
Speaking about attrition rate, the company said that at 14 percent, though its attrition rate had increased compared to the previous year, it was lowest in the industry.
At the end of March 2011, the company had a total employee strength of 198,614 -- making it the largest private sector employer in the country. The company said that it would be hiring around 60,000 people in 2011-12.
During financial year 2010-2011, North America contributed 54 percent of the company's revenue along with significant growth across various geographies, including Latin America, Middle East and Africa apart from India.
Total revenue of the software firm for 2010-11 crossed $8 billion. In terms of revenue generated from business segment, the banking and financial services segment contributed 47 percent of the company's revenue, followed by other segments including retail, hi-tech life sciences and utilities.
The company also said that currently it does not have any plans of listing its shares on the foreign exchange.
The company's dividend has gone up from Rs.10 per equity share to Rs.14 per equity share. The dividend paid by TCS is 36.7 percent and by Infosys is 29.4 percent.
At the Bombay Stock Exchange, the shares of the company closed 3.66 percent lower at Rs.1,056.70.
source:agency
Tags : India Business News, Tata Consultancy Services, TCS, TCS Expenditure
UTV Motion Pictures launched an online hunt for new look of Akshay Kumar
New Delhi: UTV Motion Pictures has launched an online hunt for the new look of actor Akshay Kumar for their new film "Rowdy Rathore".
"Akshay Kumar is shedding the uber-cool avatar and is set for sporting a rowdy look in his upcoming film 'Rowdy Rathore'. But he is not able to decide which moustache will bring out the rowdiness in him. Click to help him pick one," reads a post on the UTV Motion Pictures' Facebook page.
And the look that gets the maximum votes would be finalised for the film, which also stars Sonakshi Sinha.
Akshay is also learning traditional combat karate for his role in the film.
Directed by Prabhudeva, the film is produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Ronnie Screwvala and designer Shabinaa Khan.
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, Bollywood, UTV Motion Pictures, Akshay Kumar, Rowdy Rathore
"Akshay Kumar is shedding the uber-cool avatar and is set for sporting a rowdy look in his upcoming film 'Rowdy Rathore'. But he is not able to decide which moustache will bring out the rowdiness in him. Click to help him pick one," reads a post on the UTV Motion Pictures' Facebook page.
And the look that gets the maximum votes would be finalised for the film, which also stars Sonakshi Sinha.
Akshay is also learning traditional combat karate for his role in the film.
Directed by Prabhudeva, the film is produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Ronnie Screwvala and designer Shabinaa Khan.
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, Bollywood, UTV Motion Pictures, Akshay Kumar, Rowdy Rathore
Actor Kamaal R. Khan office targeted by burglars
New Delhi: Actor Kamaal R. Khan suffered a loss of over Rs.2 lakh in cash and other items after his office here was targeted by burglars on Thursday night.
The criminals entered the office, located opposite Sri Venkateswara College near Dhaula Kuan in south Delhi and walked away with cash and a laptop, among other things.
"Yes, I got to know about the news today itself as one of my staff called me up and said that an amount of Rs.2 lakh plus a laptop and few small things were stolen from my Delhi office," Kamaal told the media on phone from Dubai.
The actor, known for his role in "Deshdrohi", has lodged a police complaint but is unsure whether they will be able to find the culprits.
"I have filed the complaint but the way police officials reacted was simply disheartening. They behaved very casually and asked me to buy new things in replacement of old ones. I don't even know whether they will take any action or not," the actor added.
Kamaal used to supply manpower to different Gulf countries from this office.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Kamaal R. Khan, Kamaal R. Khan Office, Delhi
The criminals entered the office, located opposite Sri Venkateswara College near Dhaula Kuan in south Delhi and walked away with cash and a laptop, among other things.
"Yes, I got to know about the news today itself as one of my staff called me up and said that an amount of Rs.2 lakh plus a laptop and few small things were stolen from my Delhi office," Kamaal told the media on phone from Dubai.
The actor, known for his role in "Deshdrohi", has lodged a police complaint but is unsure whether they will be able to find the culprits.
"I have filed the complaint but the way police officials reacted was simply disheartening. They behaved very casually and asked me to buy new things in replacement of old ones. I don't even know whether they will take any action or not," the actor added.
Kamaal used to supply manpower to different Gulf countries from this office.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Kamaal R. Khan, Kamaal R. Khan Office, Delhi
IGNOU inked a pact with the Aditya Birla Group (ABG) to train less privileged sections
New Delhi: The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has inked a pact with the Aditya Birla Group (ABG) to train less privileged sections of society from rural, suburban and disadvantaged locations in garment stitching, an official said today.
According to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IGNOU and Aditya Birla's Madura Fashion and Lifestyle Limited (MFL), three short-term courses would be launched in a bid to promote self-employment.
"There would be a basic and an advanced course in garment stitching for one and two months respectively and a third course in garment stitching and quality control for two and a half months," said an IGNOU official.
"All of these programmes will be coordinated by our regional centre of Delhi," added the official.
Under the MoU, MFL shall enroll at least 200 students per year as per IGNOU approved eligibility conditions and conduct programmes at approved learning centres only.
"Such training would enable the marginalised sections of the society living in the rural and far flung areas to have gainful employment in the industry while promoting self-employment," said R.S. Balasubramanyam, Head, Corporate Social Responsibility, ABG.
MFL would be responsible for developing the teaching methodology for each programme based on its specific curriculum and learning objectives. It shall also provide practical and library facilities and assignment evaluation, as per IGNOU's guidelines.
"Learners may even want to pursue these courses at a certificate or diploma level which may be provided to them in the later stages," varsity's Vice-Chancellor, V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai said.
source:agency
Tags : India Education News, Indira Gandhi National Open University, IGNOU, Aditya Birla Group
According to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IGNOU and Aditya Birla's Madura Fashion and Lifestyle Limited (MFL), three short-term courses would be launched in a bid to promote self-employment.
"There would be a basic and an advanced course in garment stitching for one and two months respectively and a third course in garment stitching and quality control for two and a half months," said an IGNOU official.
"All of these programmes will be coordinated by our regional centre of Delhi," added the official.
Under the MoU, MFL shall enroll at least 200 students per year as per IGNOU approved eligibility conditions and conduct programmes at approved learning centres only.
"Such training would enable the marginalised sections of the society living in the rural and far flung areas to have gainful employment in the industry while promoting self-employment," said R.S. Balasubramanyam, Head, Corporate Social Responsibility, ABG.
MFL would be responsible for developing the teaching methodology for each programme based on its specific curriculum and learning objectives. It shall also provide practical and library facilities and assignment evaluation, as per IGNOU's guidelines.
"Learners may even want to pursue these courses at a certificate or diploma level which may be provided to them in the later stages," varsity's Vice-Chancellor, V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai said.
source:agency
Tags : India Education News, Indira Gandhi National Open University, IGNOU, Aditya Birla Group
20110805
President Pratibha Patil released postage stamp on Rashtrapati Bhavan
New Delhi: Marking the 80th anniversary of the commissioning of Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Pratibha Patil today released a commemorative stamp on the historical building.
"The postage stamp marks the 80th anniversary of the commissioning of the building when the then Governor General of India, Lord Irwin became its first occupant," a statement said.
The Viceroy's House was re-christened Rashtrapati Bhavan Jan 26, 1950, and was conceptualised in 1911 after the Delhi Durbar under Lord Hardinge, the then Viceroy and Governor General of India.
Construction began in 1913 on 130 hectares of land to build the 340-room building spread over 200,000 square feet.
The use of pink sandstone and Dholpur buff or cream stone establishes the kinship of Rashtrapati Bhavan with Mughal and Rajpur edifices. Made with some 700 million bricks, three million cubic feet of stone and very little steel, Rashtrapati Bhavan is an H-shaped structure with four floors.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Rashtrapati Bhavan, 80th Anniversary of Rashtrapati Bhavan, Rashtrapati Bhavan Stamp
"The postage stamp marks the 80th anniversary of the commissioning of the building when the then Governor General of India, Lord Irwin became its first occupant," a statement said.
The Viceroy's House was re-christened Rashtrapati Bhavan Jan 26, 1950, and was conceptualised in 1911 after the Delhi Durbar under Lord Hardinge, the then Viceroy and Governor General of India.
Construction began in 1913 on 130 hectares of land to build the 340-room building spread over 200,000 square feet.
The use of pink sandstone and Dholpur buff or cream stone establishes the kinship of Rashtrapati Bhavan with Mughal and Rajpur edifices. Made with some 700 million bricks, three million cubic feet of stone and very little steel, Rashtrapati Bhavan is an H-shaped structure with four floors.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Rashtrapati Bhavan, 80th Anniversary of Rashtrapati Bhavan, Rashtrapati Bhavan Stamp
Hindustan Motors would provide the clarifications on a land sale
Kolkata: Hindustan Motors, the flagship venture of the multi-billion dollar C.K. Birla Group which gave the country the iconic Ambassador car, on Thursday said the West Bengal government has sought some clarifications from the company on a land sale and it would provide the same.
"Some clarifications have been asked for. We will give the clarifications," chairman C.K. Birla told reporters on the sidelines of the company's 69th annual general meeting.
The state government has reportedly sought the clarifications related to the sale of 314 acres of excess land the company had in its Uttarpara plant in West Bengal's Hooghly district.
The company has total 741 acres in Uttarpara of which the plant is constructed on 427 acres.
As the land was vested with the state government, the company had to seek its permission to sell it off. The government gave the green signal in 2006, after the company proposed to use the proceeds to revive the ailing plant and repay dues of the workers.
The company had then sold off the land to Bangalore-based Shriram Properties for the development of an integrated IT township.
The government reportedly feels the company understated its revenue from the land sale and also did not utilise the fund fully for the twin purposes.
However, Birla said the company had ploughed back into the plant's operations the money it got from selling off the land to Shriram Properties.
The company officials said last November-December the fund utilisation audit was done.
During the year, the company earned a profit of Rs.75 lakh after taxes, including other income from sale of properties/shares, on revenues of Rs.850 crore as compared to a loss of Rs.51.1 crore in the previous fiscal. Its turnover increased by 15 percent during the year.
The company has also reported a net profit of Rs 17.20 crore in the first quarter of 2011-12 mainly due to its exceptional income of Rs.47 crore from sale of land at Gujarat's Halol.
It had reported net loss of Rs 19.73 crore in the year-ago period. The company has decided to lay major emphasis on development and launch of new vehicles and products to ensure productive use of unutilised capacity and sustainable growth.
It has revitalised its research and design services by establishing a research and development centre at Uttarpara, from where the country's oldest car Ambassador had rolled out in 1948.
The company has completed development of a 0.8 tonne pick-up, a commercial passenger carrier on Ambassador platform, a 9-10 seater passenger carrier on LCV Winner platform and an upgraded cargo version Winner from uttarpara.
"These models will be launched in the market very soon," said Birla. The company's Chennai plant, would witness the launch of new generation Pajero Sports Utility Vehicle, the seven seater Outlander and an upgraded Montero.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Hindustan Motors, West Bengal Government, C.K. Birla Group
"Some clarifications have been asked for. We will give the clarifications," chairman C.K. Birla told reporters on the sidelines of the company's 69th annual general meeting.
The state government has reportedly sought the clarifications related to the sale of 314 acres of excess land the company had in its Uttarpara plant in West Bengal's Hooghly district.
The company has total 741 acres in Uttarpara of which the plant is constructed on 427 acres.
As the land was vested with the state government, the company had to seek its permission to sell it off. The government gave the green signal in 2006, after the company proposed to use the proceeds to revive the ailing plant and repay dues of the workers.
The company had then sold off the land to Bangalore-based Shriram Properties for the development of an integrated IT township.
The government reportedly feels the company understated its revenue from the land sale and also did not utilise the fund fully for the twin purposes.
However, Birla said the company had ploughed back into the plant's operations the money it got from selling off the land to Shriram Properties.
The company officials said last November-December the fund utilisation audit was done.
During the year, the company earned a profit of Rs.75 lakh after taxes, including other income from sale of properties/shares, on revenues of Rs.850 crore as compared to a loss of Rs.51.1 crore in the previous fiscal. Its turnover increased by 15 percent during the year.
The company has also reported a net profit of Rs 17.20 crore in the first quarter of 2011-12 mainly due to its exceptional income of Rs.47 crore from sale of land at Gujarat's Halol.
It had reported net loss of Rs 19.73 crore in the year-ago period. The company has decided to lay major emphasis on development and launch of new vehicles and products to ensure productive use of unutilised capacity and sustainable growth.
It has revitalised its research and design services by establishing a research and development centre at Uttarpara, from where the country's oldest car Ambassador had rolled out in 1948.
The company has completed development of a 0.8 tonne pick-up, a commercial passenger carrier on Ambassador platform, a 9-10 seater passenger carrier on LCV Winner platform and an upgraded cargo version Winner from uttarpara.
"These models will be launched in the market very soon," said Birla. The company's Chennai plant, would witness the launch of new generation Pajero Sports Utility Vehicle, the seven seater Outlander and an upgraded Montero.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Hindustan Motors, West Bengal Government, C.K. Birla Group
Ranbaxy Laboratories reported a decline of 25 percent in its net profit
New Delhi: Pharmaceutical major Ranbaxy Laboratories today reported a decline of 25 percent in its net profit of Rs.243.2 crore for the quarter ended June 30 as against Rs.325.7 crore in the like period of last year.
According to the company, the results were incomparable because of varying contributions of First to File' (FTF) in the overall results. FTF is a procedure used in the US for granting exclusive marketing rights for six months to companies that file for the patent of new generic drugs.
"We have consciously worked towards strengthening our base business on the one hand and are successfully delivering on multiple first to file opportunities on the other," said Ranbaxy managing director Arun Sawhney.
The company, whose financial year starts Jan 1, said that its second quarter consolidated net sales declined marginally by 1.71 percent at Rs.2,059.3 crore as compared to Rs.2,095.3 crore in the corresponding quarter of last fiscal.
For the first-half of the year, the company reported a decline of 57.42 percent in its net profit at Rs.547.6 crore as against Rs.1,286.3 crore in the like period of last year.
The consolidated sales in the first-half fell 8.15 percent at Rs.4,205.6 crore as compared to Rs.4,579.1 crore in the corresponding period of last year.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Pharmaceutical major Ranbaxy Laboratories, varying contributions of First to File'
According to the company, the results were incomparable because of varying contributions of First to File' (FTF) in the overall results. FTF is a procedure used in the US for granting exclusive marketing rights for six months to companies that file for the patent of new generic drugs.
"We have consciously worked towards strengthening our base business on the one hand and are successfully delivering on multiple first to file opportunities on the other," said Ranbaxy managing director Arun Sawhney.
The company, whose financial year starts Jan 1, said that its second quarter consolidated net sales declined marginally by 1.71 percent at Rs.2,059.3 crore as compared to Rs.2,095.3 crore in the corresponding quarter of last fiscal.
For the first-half of the year, the company reported a decline of 57.42 percent in its net profit at Rs.547.6 crore as against Rs.1,286.3 crore in the like period of last year.
The consolidated sales in the first-half fell 8.15 percent at Rs.4,205.6 crore as compared to Rs.4,579.1 crore in the corresponding period of last year.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Pharmaceutical major Ranbaxy Laboratories, varying contributions of First to File'
Priyanka Chopra is set to release her debut music album
New Delhi: After making her mark in Bollywood, actress Priyanka Chopra, a trained western classical singer, is set to release her debut music album, and that too internationally. She will write and record songs in English.
"It has been a long cherished dream which is finally coming true," Priyanka said in a statement.
The 29-year-old has signed a recording agreement with music company Universal Music Group (UMG) and Desi Hits!, a fusion entertainment platform.
She will release the album in North America with Desi Hits through Interscope Records and in other international markets on Britain's Island Records.
"I am truly excited to have an opportunity to present my musical dimension on a world platform...This is a fascinating new experience for me and I am thoroughly enjoying the journey," said the National Award-winning actress, who is also known for her involvement in humanitarian causes and being a green crusader and brand ambassador.
Atom Factory CEO Troy Carter, who also manages international pop star Lady Gaga's career, has signed with Priyanka to manage her music career across the globe.
"We believe wholeheartedly in Priyanka's talent, drive and creative vision. We are confident in her ability to redefine pop music on her own terms," said Atom Factory executive vice president and general manager Anthony Saleh.
Signing Priyanka is also a major feat for Desi Hits!, founded by its CEO Anjula Acharia-Bath in partnership with UMG in 2010, to promote creative artists with Indian or south Asian roots.
Acharia-Bath flew to India with UMG Britain chief executive David Joseph to sign on the actress.
Universal Music foresees a bright future for Priyanka's singing talent too. "Bollywood has had Priyanka to itself for too long. She has exceptional talent and we look forward to launching her recording career around the world," said Joseph.
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, Priyanka Chopra, Bollywood, Universal Music Group, Priyanka Chopra Music Album
"It has been a long cherished dream which is finally coming true," Priyanka said in a statement.
The 29-year-old has signed a recording agreement with music company Universal Music Group (UMG) and Desi Hits!, a fusion entertainment platform.
She will release the album in North America with Desi Hits through Interscope Records and in other international markets on Britain's Island Records.
"I am truly excited to have an opportunity to present my musical dimension on a world platform...This is a fascinating new experience for me and I am thoroughly enjoying the journey," said the National Award-winning actress, who is also known for her involvement in humanitarian causes and being a green crusader and brand ambassador.
Atom Factory CEO Troy Carter, who also manages international pop star Lady Gaga's career, has signed with Priyanka to manage her music career across the globe.
"We believe wholeheartedly in Priyanka's talent, drive and creative vision. We are confident in her ability to redefine pop music on her own terms," said Atom Factory executive vice president and general manager Anthony Saleh.
Signing Priyanka is also a major feat for Desi Hits!, founded by its CEO Anjula Acharia-Bath in partnership with UMG in 2010, to promote creative artists with Indian or south Asian roots.
Acharia-Bath flew to India with UMG Britain chief executive David Joseph to sign on the actress.
Universal Music foresees a bright future for Priyanka's singing talent too. "Bollywood has had Priyanka to itself for too long. She has exceptional talent and we look forward to launching her recording career around the world," said Joseph.
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, Priyanka Chopra, Bollywood, Universal Music Group, Priyanka Chopra Music Album
Astro Tips-Rudraksh Medicinal value
Rudraksha can be used as follows :
One Mukhi Rudraksha for Asthama, TB, Paralysis, stroke, Heart Problem, Mental Anxiety, Right Eye Problem, Bone Pain, Headache.
Two Mukhi Rudraksha for Lack of Concentration, Renal Failure, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Negative thinking, Eye Problem, Mental Chaos, intestinal Disorder, Hysteria.
Three Mukhi Rudraksha for Psychosis or guilt induced complexes, Blood Pressure, Regulation of the Menstrual cycle/menstrual Stress, Mood Swings, Fever or Weakness, Jaundice, Mental Disability.
Four Mukhi Rudraksha for Blood Circulation, Cough, Brain related illness, Asthma, Stammering, Memory Lapse, Respiratory Tract Problems.
Five Mukhi Rudraksha for Blood Pressure, Mental Disability, Obesity, Heart Problems, Stress, Anger Management, Diabetics, Piles, Neurotic and Maladjustment Problems.
Six Mukhi Rudraksha for epilepsy, gynecological problems, Mouth and Throat.
Seven Mukhi Rudraksha for Asthma, Pharyngitis, Impotency, Foot Related Diseases, Respiratory Disorders.
Eight Mukhi Rudraksha for Stomachache, Stress, Skin Diseases, Anxiety.
Nine Mukhi Rudraksha for Lung diseases, Fever, Eye pain, Bowel pain , Skin disease, Body pain.
Ten Mukhi Rudraksha for Hormonal imbalance in the body, Mental instability, Whooping Cough.
Eleven Mukhi Rudraksha for Body Pain, Backache, Chronic Alcoholism, Liver Diseases.
Twelve Mukhi Rudraksha for Bone Diseases, Rickets, Osteoporosis, Mental Disability, Anxiety.
Thirteen Mukhi Rudraksha for Diseases of muscle like dystrophies.
Fourteen Mukhi Rudraksha for Brain Related and many other kinds of diseases.
Fifteen Mukhi Rudraksha for Skin Diseases, Repeated Miscarriage, Still Birth. This Rudraksha is considered a blessing for women who are unable to conceive and in such case both the spouses should wear it for fertility.
Sixteen Mukhi Rudraksha for Leprosy, Tuberculosis, Cor-pulmonale, Lung diseases.
Seventeen Mukhi Rudraksha for Memory Lapse, Body Functional Disorders.
Eighteen Mukhi Rudraksha for Mental in Coordination, Loss of Power. It is specially beneficial for the pregnant women in protecting their child.
Ninteen Mukhi Rudraksha for blood disorder, spinal disorder.
Twenty Mukhi Rudraksha for eyesight problem and snake bites.
Twenty One Mukhi Rudraksha for remove every form of diseases.
Gauri Shankar Rudraksha for Peace and comfort in the family.
Garbh Gauri Rudraksha maintains family unity and relation between mother and child. It is an excellent Rudraksha to maintain parental relationships.
Ganesh Rudraksha for Perfection in every sphere in life.
Trijuti Rudraksha for Diseases of all sorts in the body internally as well as externally never touches him.
Hindus welcome apology of Australian radio host Sandilands & station over Ganga remarks
Hindus have welcomed apology by popular Australian radio/TV personality Kyle Sandilands and his radio station “2dayFM” over his remarks about their sacred river Ganga and India, calling it a “step in the right direction”.
In July 29 "Kyle and Jackie O Show" at Sydney’s radio station “2dayFM 104.1", Sandilands termed Ganga as “junkyard” and India a “shit hole”.
Adam Lang, General Manager of “2dayFM”, in a letter dated August four and emailed by his Executive Assistant Sarah Potts to Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, said: “I hope that you feel that Kyle Sandilands and 2DayFM have taken complete responsibility for the offence caused by the remarks made. The offence was not intended but that consequence is absolutely accepted and we do sincerely apologise.”
This letter also says: “Kyle has apologized on air yesterday morning saying….“I’m apologizing….Anyone that’s Indian that listens to this show knows that I love Indians….I just made the mistake that the river which, to me, looks polluted, I said it was a junkyard and did not realize that it was holy.”
Lang’s letter adds: “In the case of Kyle’s remarks, they were directed toward the water quality of the river rather than the spiritual significance of the Ganga to so many people and their religious practices.”
Considering the apology a “step in the right direction”, Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, suggested that “2dayFM 104.1" and its owner "Southern Cross Austereo" should put in policies and procedures in place, assuring the hurt community that this kind of denigration would not happen in the future. As radio was a forceful medium, they should be more sensitive when handling faith related subjects, because faith was something very sacred to the devout, Zed added.
Rajan Zed has earlier stressed that Hindus and people of India descent world over were upset about unnecessary denigration of their sacred river and malicious caricaturing of India. Ganga was sacred to one billion Hindus worldwide and such remarks were very hurtful to the devotees. Besides apparently denigrating the religion, it was belittling the entire community.
Hinduism was the oldest and third largest religion of the world with a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken lightly. No faith, larger or smaller, should be ridiculed at, Zed said.
Hindus are for free speech as much as anybody else if not more. Hindu tradition encourages peaceful debates, won on their intellectual merit. But faith is something sacred and attempts at belittling it hurt the devotees, Rajan Zed points out.
Zed urged Sandilands to visit a nearby Hindu temple and make himself aware of Hinduism practices and beliefs. If he needed any help in deeper exploration of Hinduism, he or other scholars would gladly assist him. Zed thanked various organizations and individuals world over who backed the protest.
In Varanasi (a city in India on the banks of Ganga), the protesters reportedly burnt Sandilands’ effigy on August two over his comments.
It is believed that bath in the sacred Ganga purifies one of all sin, and its water if taken daily confers immortality. It finds mention in Rig-Veda; the oldest scripture of the world still in common use. Kumbh Mela has been seeing an influx of about 70-100 million people from world over coming to take a dip in Ganga.
This radio show at 6-9 am weekdays, hosted by Kyle Dalton Sandilands, 40, with Jacqueline Henderson, reportedly airs on selected Today Network stations across Australia and also on Take40 Australia. "Southern Cross Austereo" claims to be the creator of more hours of live content than any other broadcast media in Australia and "First in Entertainment Media Solutions". Tagline of “2dayFM 104.1" is "Sydney's Hit Music Station".
Recently, a model displayed an image of Hindu Goddess Lakshmi on swimwear at a fashion event held in Sydney, which caused worldwide protests. Swimwear company immediately apologized, halting all its related production, and promising that the protested swimwear would never be available for sale.
In July 29 "Kyle and Jackie O Show" at Sydney’s radio station “2dayFM 104.1", Sandilands termed Ganga as “junkyard” and India a “shit hole”.
Adam Lang, General Manager of “2dayFM”, in a letter dated August four and emailed by his Executive Assistant Sarah Potts to Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, said: “I hope that you feel that Kyle Sandilands and 2DayFM have taken complete responsibility for the offence caused by the remarks made. The offence was not intended but that consequence is absolutely accepted and we do sincerely apologise.”
This letter also says: “Kyle has apologized on air yesterday morning saying….“I’m apologizing….Anyone that’s Indian that listens to this show knows that I love Indians….I just made the mistake that the river which, to me, looks polluted, I said it was a junkyard and did not realize that it was holy.”
Lang’s letter adds: “In the case of Kyle’s remarks, they were directed toward the water quality of the river rather than the spiritual significance of the Ganga to so many people and their religious practices.”
Considering the apology a “step in the right direction”, Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, suggested that “2dayFM 104.1" and its owner "Southern Cross Austereo" should put in policies and procedures in place, assuring the hurt community that this kind of denigration would not happen in the future. As radio was a forceful medium, they should be more sensitive when handling faith related subjects, because faith was something very sacred to the devout, Zed added.
Rajan Zed has earlier stressed that Hindus and people of India descent world over were upset about unnecessary denigration of their sacred river and malicious caricaturing of India. Ganga was sacred to one billion Hindus worldwide and such remarks were very hurtful to the devotees. Besides apparently denigrating the religion, it was belittling the entire community.
Hinduism was the oldest and third largest religion of the world with a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken lightly. No faith, larger or smaller, should be ridiculed at, Zed said.
Hindus are for free speech as much as anybody else if not more. Hindu tradition encourages peaceful debates, won on their intellectual merit. But faith is something sacred and attempts at belittling it hurt the devotees, Rajan Zed points out.
Zed urged Sandilands to visit a nearby Hindu temple and make himself aware of Hinduism practices and beliefs. If he needed any help in deeper exploration of Hinduism, he or other scholars would gladly assist him. Zed thanked various organizations and individuals world over who backed the protest.
In Varanasi (a city in India on the banks of Ganga), the protesters reportedly burnt Sandilands’ effigy on August two over his comments.
It is believed that bath in the sacred Ganga purifies one of all sin, and its water if taken daily confers immortality. It finds mention in Rig-Veda; the oldest scripture of the world still in common use. Kumbh Mela has been seeing an influx of about 70-100 million people from world over coming to take a dip in Ganga.
This radio show at 6-9 am weekdays, hosted by Kyle Dalton Sandilands, 40, with Jacqueline Henderson, reportedly airs on selected Today Network stations across Australia and also on Take40 Australia. "Southern Cross Austereo" claims to be the creator of more hours of live content than any other broadcast media in Australia and "First in Entertainment Media Solutions". Tagline of “2dayFM 104.1" is "Sydney's Hit Music Station".
Recently, a model displayed an image of Hindu Goddess Lakshmi on swimwear at a fashion event held in Sydney, which caused worldwide protests. Swimwear company immediately apologized, halting all its related production, and promising that the protested swimwear would never be available for sale.
20110804
IMF chief Lagarde's role in arbitration deal
PARIS: A French court on Thursday ordered an investigation into new IMF chief Christine Lagarde's role in a much-criticized $400 million arbitration deal in favor of a controversial tycoon.
Lagarde was France's finance minister when magnate Bernard Tapie won a settlement in 2008 with a French state-owned bank over the mishandled sale of sportswear maker Adidas in the 1990s.
Lagarde took over as managing director of the International Monetary Fund last month after her predecessor, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, quit to face charges he tried to rape a New York hotel maid.
A commission at France's Court of Justice of the Republic decided Thursday that an investigation should be launched into Lagarde's role in the arbitration deal. It is a special court that convenes rarely and only to handle cases involving government ministers.
A senior prosecutor had requested an investigation in May, saying he suspected Lagarde overstepped her authority in allowing the arbitration to go forward.
Gerard Palisse, the head of the commission, announced the decision to reporters.
Lagarde's lawyer, Yves Repiquet, said she is not worried about the investigation and even welcomes it. "We'll get to the bottom of things. There will no longer be the least doubt," he told reporters after speaking with her on phone.
The possibility of a French investigation dogged Lagarde even before she was appointed to head the IMF.
Critics have said the case shouldn't have gone to a private arbitration authority because it involved a state-owned bank, Credit Lyonnais, and that Lagarde should have questioned the independence of one of the arbitration panel's judges.
It will likely take months before the investigation is completed and a decision is made on whether to send the case to the special court for a trial.
While Lagarde was finance minister, she won praise for her role in international negotiations during the global financial crisis and Europe's debt troubles.
After the legal troubles her predecessor Strauss-Kahn faced, Lagarde's IMF contract says she is "expected to observe the highest standards of ethical conduct" and "shall strive to avoid even the appearance of impropriety in your conduct."
Strauss-Kahn's contract did not include such language.
source:AP
Lagarde was France's finance minister when magnate Bernard Tapie won a settlement in 2008 with a French state-owned bank over the mishandled sale of sportswear maker Adidas in the 1990s.
Lagarde took over as managing director of the International Monetary Fund last month after her predecessor, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, quit to face charges he tried to rape a New York hotel maid.
A commission at France's Court of Justice of the Republic decided Thursday that an investigation should be launched into Lagarde's role in the arbitration deal. It is a special court that convenes rarely and only to handle cases involving government ministers.
A senior prosecutor had requested an investigation in May, saying he suspected Lagarde overstepped her authority in allowing the arbitration to go forward.
Gerard Palisse, the head of the commission, announced the decision to reporters.
Lagarde's lawyer, Yves Repiquet, said she is not worried about the investigation and even welcomes it. "We'll get to the bottom of things. There will no longer be the least doubt," he told reporters after speaking with her on phone.
The possibility of a French investigation dogged Lagarde even before she was appointed to head the IMF.
Critics have said the case shouldn't have gone to a private arbitration authority because it involved a state-owned bank, Credit Lyonnais, and that Lagarde should have questioned the independence of one of the arbitration panel's judges.
It will likely take months before the investigation is completed and a decision is made on whether to send the case to the special court for a trial.
While Lagarde was finance minister, she won praise for her role in international negotiations during the global financial crisis and Europe's debt troubles.
After the legal troubles her predecessor Strauss-Kahn faced, Lagarde's IMF contract says she is "expected to observe the highest standards of ethical conduct" and "shall strive to avoid even the appearance of impropriety in your conduct."
Strauss-Kahn's contract did not include such language.
source:AP
Majority of banking transactions across India were hit on Friday
Majority of banking transactions across India were hit on Friday as some one million staff struck work to protest proposals to divest government stake in state-run institutions, apart from demanding a host of welfare schemes.
"Nearly one million bank employees in state run, private sector as well as foreign banks have struck work today (Friday). The nationwide response for the strike call is good," the convener of the United Forum of Bank Unions, CH Venkatachalam, said in Chennai.
"Cheque clearing operations have also been impacted," said the senior office bearer of the forum, which is an umbrella body representing nine unions in the banking industry, but admitted that some private banks were functioning.
"ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank are functioning. We do not have a presence in them," he added.
"We find that the government's equity capital in public sector banks is being diluted and reduced and consequently the private capital in our public sector banks is increasing," said Harvinder Singh of the All India Bank Officers' Confederation.
"We demand that public sector banks should not be privatised and government's equity capital in our banks should not be reduced. Do not avail World Bank loan to capitalise public sector banks."
Other demands include no merger of state-run banks, no outsourcing of permanent banking jobs to private sector, resumption of recruitment in right earnest, give jobs to family members on compassionate grounds and frame guidelines for housing, car and other loans.
The union officials said they will meet Aug 10 in Bangalore to decide on the next course of action.
source:agency
"Nearly one million bank employees in state run, private sector as well as foreign banks have struck work today (Friday). The nationwide response for the strike call is good," the convener of the United Forum of Bank Unions, CH Venkatachalam, said in Chennai.
"Cheque clearing operations have also been impacted," said the senior office bearer of the forum, which is an umbrella body representing nine unions in the banking industry, but admitted that some private banks were functioning.
"ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank are functioning. We do not have a presence in them," he added.
"We find that the government's equity capital in public sector banks is being diluted and reduced and consequently the private capital in our public sector banks is increasing," said Harvinder Singh of the All India Bank Officers' Confederation.
"We demand that public sector banks should not be privatised and government's equity capital in our banks should not be reduced. Do not avail World Bank loan to capitalise public sector banks."
Other demands include no merger of state-run banks, no outsourcing of permanent banking jobs to private sector, resumption of recruitment in right earnest, give jobs to family members on compassionate grounds and frame guidelines for housing, car and other loans.
The union officials said they will meet Aug 10 in Bangalore to decide on the next course of action.
source:agency
Congress activists offered prayers for the early recovery of Sonia Gandhi
Bhubaneswar: Congress activists and leaders across Orissa on Thursday visited temples and offered prayers for the early recovery of party president Sonia Gandhi who is abroad for a surgical operation. The party activists including large number of women offered prayers and performed special rituals at various temples of Bhubaneswar, Rourkela, Sambalpur, Balasore, Puri, Cuttack and Berhampur."We prayed to god for her speedy recovery," said Chinmaya Sahu, president of the state unit of Congress' student wing after offering prayers in a temple here.
Congress chief spokesperson Janardhan Dwivedi said in New Delhi earlier that Gandhi would undergo surgery today or Saturday.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Congress activists and leaders across Orissa, president Sonia Gandhi
Congress chief spokesperson Janardhan Dwivedi said in New Delhi earlier that Gandhi would undergo surgery today or Saturday.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Congress activists and leaders across Orissa, president Sonia Gandhi
CAG report on irregularities in CWG will be tabled in parliament
New Delhi: The Comptroller and Auditor General's (CAG) report on irregularities in the October 2010 Commonwealth Games will be tabled in parliament today, according to the business listed for the two houses.
The report, which has already caused much uproar after being leaked to the media, is expected to point fingers at Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and even the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).
Opposition parties have been raising the matter and are seeking Dikshit's resignation. The Delhi government, however, insists there have been no irregularities.
According to reports, the federal auditor slammed Dikshit government for lapses and irregularities, stating the contracts for the Games were overpriced and delayed to make money.
The CAG has also reportedly slammed the PMO for ignoring warnings against the Games Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi.
Dikshit Thursday said, "We have not done anything wrong. Everything was done keeping in mind the national interest and prestige. We were entrusted with certain responsibilities and we delivered them."
The Commonwealth Games took place in the Indian capital from Oct 3-14 last year.
source:agency
Tags : India News, The Comptroller and Auditor General, tabled in parliament, Commonwealth Games
The report, which has already caused much uproar after being leaked to the media, is expected to point fingers at Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and even the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).
Opposition parties have been raising the matter and are seeking Dikshit's resignation. The Delhi government, however, insists there have been no irregularities.
According to reports, the federal auditor slammed Dikshit government for lapses and irregularities, stating the contracts for the Games were overpriced and delayed to make money.
The CAG has also reportedly slammed the PMO for ignoring warnings against the Games Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi.
Dikshit Thursday said, "We have not done anything wrong. Everything was done keeping in mind the national interest and prestige. We were entrusted with certain responsibilities and we delivered them."
The Commonwealth Games took place in the Indian capital from Oct 3-14 last year.
source:agency
Tags : India News, The Comptroller and Auditor General, tabled in parliament, Commonwealth Games
Government cleared a Rs.1,732 crore package for the Air India
New Delhi: In a bid to pump cash into the financially-troubled Air India, the government today cleared a Rs.1,732 crore package for the flag carrier, that was struggling even to pay salaries to its staff.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the federal cabinet here, presided over by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who had assured parliament a day ago that swift steps will be taken to help the carrier clear the backlog in the wage bill.
The package calls for Rs.1,200 crore as equity and Rs.532 crore as the fare for VVIP and evacuation services, so that the carrier can meet both its immediate needs and also raise funds on its own for its other operational and fleet expansion programme, official sources said.
source:agency
Tags : India Business News, Air India, Government, Manmohan Singh
The decision was taken at a meeting of the federal cabinet here, presided over by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who had assured parliament a day ago that swift steps will be taken to help the carrier clear the backlog in the wage bill.
The package calls for Rs.1,200 crore as equity and Rs.532 crore as the fare for VVIP and evacuation services, so that the carrier can meet both its immediate needs and also raise funds on its own for its other operational and fleet expansion programme, official sources said.
source:agency
Tags : India Business News, Air India, Government, Manmohan Singh
Outpacing the Mercedes team,the most pleasing part:Vijay Mallya
New Delhi: Force India boss Vijay Mallya is encouraged by the team's strong result in the last two races and says outpacing the Mercedes team in Germany and Hungary has been the most pleasing part for them in the Formula One season so far.
Force India go into the mid-season break on seventh position in the Constructor's Championship with 14 out of their 26 points coming in the previous two rounds. Adrian Sutil came sixth at the Nurburgring, finishing ahead of Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher in the Mercedes. Paul di Resta delivered in the following race at the Hungaroring, finishing seventh ahead a Mercedes team which operates on a much-higher budget.
"It is the result that counts (beating Mercedes)," said Mallya in a statement today.
"I am very encouraged and very happy. Development work through the season is obviously paying off. The car is getting better and more competitive and easier to drive."
Force India started the season well with points in Australia and Malaysia but then went through a quiet period in the next three races. Mallya says the VJM04 picked up pace from the European season onwards.
"We had a slow start to the season, because I think the first few flyaway races were just an extension of our development programme. But once we got going from the European season onwards, particularly from Monaco, we have improved almost every race. These last few races, where we have qualified in Q3. To be in the top 10 in such a fiercely competitive field is quite satisfying."
The Silverstone-based outfit, however, would want to improve on both cars not having a good result in the same race.
"It was very wet (in Hungary) and Adrian went off into the gravel on the first lap. It is unfortunate that we seem to be always having bad luck with one of the cars. It will be nice going forward to see both coming home in the points."
The next race is in Belgium at the Spa circuit, where the Force India got their maiden podium finish till date with Giancarlo Fisichella coming second from pole position.
Mallya says the current car is more capable than the one in 2009 and he is confident of another good show in the August 28 race.
"It was an absolutely fantastic moment to see the car in pole position in 2009 and Giancarlo Fisichella on the podium. But that car could only go very fast in a straight line, and pretty much didn't do very much else! Now it is doing everything that is asked of it, irrespective of the track. I think that is a better position to be in."
source:agency
Tags : India Sports News, Vijay Mallya, Formula One, Mercedes Team
Force India go into the mid-season break on seventh position in the Constructor's Championship with 14 out of their 26 points coming in the previous two rounds. Adrian Sutil came sixth at the Nurburgring, finishing ahead of Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher in the Mercedes. Paul di Resta delivered in the following race at the Hungaroring, finishing seventh ahead a Mercedes team which operates on a much-higher budget.
"It is the result that counts (beating Mercedes)," said Mallya in a statement today.
"I am very encouraged and very happy. Development work through the season is obviously paying off. The car is getting better and more competitive and easier to drive."
Force India started the season well with points in Australia and Malaysia but then went through a quiet period in the next three races. Mallya says the VJM04 picked up pace from the European season onwards.
"We had a slow start to the season, because I think the first few flyaway races were just an extension of our development programme. But once we got going from the European season onwards, particularly from Monaco, we have improved almost every race. These last few races, where we have qualified in Q3. To be in the top 10 in such a fiercely competitive field is quite satisfying."
The Silverstone-based outfit, however, would want to improve on both cars not having a good result in the same race.
"It was very wet (in Hungary) and Adrian went off into the gravel on the first lap. It is unfortunate that we seem to be always having bad luck with one of the cars. It will be nice going forward to see both coming home in the points."
The next race is in Belgium at the Spa circuit, where the Force India got their maiden podium finish till date with Giancarlo Fisichella coming second from pole position.
Mallya says the current car is more capable than the one in 2009 and he is confident of another good show in the August 28 race.
"It was an absolutely fantastic moment to see the car in pole position in 2009 and Giancarlo Fisichella on the podium. But that car could only go very fast in a straight line, and pretty much didn't do very much else! Now it is doing everything that is asked of it, irrespective of the track. I think that is a better position to be in."
source:agency
Tags : India Sports News, Vijay Mallya, Formula One, Mercedes Team
IGNOU with Unicef sensitised media personnel on the high infant mortality
New Delhi: The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) along with Unicef sensitised media personnel on the high infant mortality and low immunisation levels in Madhya Pradesh, a statement said today.
"A 20-member team comprising national, state and district level media visited Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh and observed the low rate of routine immunisation and high infant mortality in the state," a varsity official said.
The journalists visited the state-of-the-art special care newborn units, set-up by the National Rural Health Mision (NRHM) and Unicef, as well as the cold chain vaccine storage units in the district.
According to IGNOU, the visit was part of second phase of its partnership with Unicef launched a month ago to address the issue.
The journalists got a first-hand experience about the micro-planning involved in the handling of cold chain equipment that maintains vaccines at right temperatures.
"The field visit to Jabalpur followed media engagement held through video-conference in Delhi, in which over 80 media professionals from Delhi, Bhopal and Jabalpur exchanged views on the subject," added the official.
Tania Goldner, Unicef chief of field office, Madhya Pradesh, said that around 5,000 children under the age of five die daily in India and a large number of these deaths are due to preventable causes.
"Vaccine-preventable diseases are one of the major causes of morbidity, disability and mortality among children in many states of India.
"It is here that we need media's support to convey the need for immunisation as well as help to motivate parents for immunising their children," she added.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Indira Gandhi National Open University, Unicef sensitised media personnel
"A 20-member team comprising national, state and district level media visited Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh and observed the low rate of routine immunisation and high infant mortality in the state," a varsity official said.
The journalists visited the state-of-the-art special care newborn units, set-up by the National Rural Health Mision (NRHM) and Unicef, as well as the cold chain vaccine storage units in the district.
According to IGNOU, the visit was part of second phase of its partnership with Unicef launched a month ago to address the issue.
The journalists got a first-hand experience about the micro-planning involved in the handling of cold chain equipment that maintains vaccines at right temperatures.
"The field visit to Jabalpur followed media engagement held through video-conference in Delhi, in which over 80 media professionals from Delhi, Bhopal and Jabalpur exchanged views on the subject," added the official.
Tania Goldner, Unicef chief of field office, Madhya Pradesh, said that around 5,000 children under the age of five die daily in India and a large number of these deaths are due to preventable causes.
"Vaccine-preventable diseases are one of the major causes of morbidity, disability and mortality among children in many states of India.
"It is here that we need media's support to convey the need for immunisation as well as help to motivate parents for immunising their children," she added.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Indira Gandhi National Open University, Unicef sensitised media personnel
Lokpal bill introduced in parliament,amid protests from BJP ,Anna Hazare
New Delhi: The Lokpal bill, which seeks to combat corruption in high places, was today introduced in parliament amid protests from Gandhian Anna Hazare and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which objected to the prime minister's exclusion from its ambit while in office.
The most vocal opposition in the Lok Sabha came from BJP leader Sushma Swaraj, who said the prime minister cannot be treated as "holy cow", more so when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had no objection to be investigated by the Lokpal or ombudsman.
Outside parliament, the chorus was taken up by Hazare, 72, who called the bill "anti-poor". Civil society activists burned copies of the bill in 13 places in and around the capital.
The long awaited bill was tabled in the house by Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office V. Narayanasamy.
Sushma Swaraj, leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, immediately rose to protest.
"I cannot understand how anyone, sitting in any position, be a holy cow? Why is the prime minister out of it?" she asked.
The proposed legislation says that a prime minister can be investigated by the Lokpal after he demits office.
It also excludes the judiciary and any action of an MP in parliament or in a parliamentary committee.
"I am happy the prime minister himself had said that it is okay if he is brought within the ambit of the Lokpal bill. Then, why is the cabinet not paying heed?" Sushma Swaraj asked.
Narayanasamy defended the bill, saying it had now become the property of the house and it will go to the parliamentary standing committee.
"Parliament is supreme, so the opposition by (Sushma) Swaraj cannot be sustained."
Replying to the BJP contention that former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had agreed to be covered by the anti-corruption law, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said he placed the bill in parliament for two consecutive years when the BJP ruled India.
"Why wasn't it cleared then?" he asked.
Later, Sushma Swaraj told reporters: "Our basic opposition is that we want a strong Lokpal bill. If the prime minister is kept out of the bill, how effective will it be."
Hazare vowed to go on fast from Aug 16, calling his campaign for a corruption free society India's "second freedom struggle".
"The government is not willing to eradicate corruption," Hazare told reporters at Ralegan Siddhi, his home 230 km from Mumbai.
"The more people protest against the bill, the more pressure will be created on the government," he added.
In Ghaziabad, near the Indian capital, civil society activists burnt the copy of the bill.
Lawyer Prashant Bhushan quoted his father and former law minister Shanti Bhushan as saying: "Till now we thought the prime minister was a honest man. Now we know that in cash-for-vote scam many MPs were involved. They were let out scot free as the prime minister is also involved.
"Without a proper Lokpal bill, everyone will escape," he added.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Lokpal Bill, Anna Hazare, Bharatiya Janata Party, Corruption
The most vocal opposition in the Lok Sabha came from BJP leader Sushma Swaraj, who said the prime minister cannot be treated as "holy cow", more so when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had no objection to be investigated by the Lokpal or ombudsman.
Outside parliament, the chorus was taken up by Hazare, 72, who called the bill "anti-poor". Civil society activists burned copies of the bill in 13 places in and around the capital.
The long awaited bill was tabled in the house by Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office V. Narayanasamy.
Sushma Swaraj, leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, immediately rose to protest.
"I cannot understand how anyone, sitting in any position, be a holy cow? Why is the prime minister out of it?" she asked.
The proposed legislation says that a prime minister can be investigated by the Lokpal after he demits office.
It also excludes the judiciary and any action of an MP in parliament or in a parliamentary committee.
"I am happy the prime minister himself had said that it is okay if he is brought within the ambit of the Lokpal bill. Then, why is the cabinet not paying heed?" Sushma Swaraj asked.
Narayanasamy defended the bill, saying it had now become the property of the house and it will go to the parliamentary standing committee.
"Parliament is supreme, so the opposition by (Sushma) Swaraj cannot be sustained."
Replying to the BJP contention that former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had agreed to be covered by the anti-corruption law, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said he placed the bill in parliament for two consecutive years when the BJP ruled India.
"Why wasn't it cleared then?" he asked.
Later, Sushma Swaraj told reporters: "Our basic opposition is that we want a strong Lokpal bill. If the prime minister is kept out of the bill, how effective will it be."
Hazare vowed to go on fast from Aug 16, calling his campaign for a corruption free society India's "second freedom struggle".
"The government is not willing to eradicate corruption," Hazare told reporters at Ralegan Siddhi, his home 230 km from Mumbai.
"The more people protest against the bill, the more pressure will be created on the government," he added.
In Ghaziabad, near the Indian capital, civil society activists burnt the copy of the bill.
Lawyer Prashant Bhushan quoted his father and former law minister Shanti Bhushan as saying: "Till now we thought the prime minister was a honest man. Now we know that in cash-for-vote scam many MPs were involved. They were let out scot free as the prime minister is also involved.
"Without a proper Lokpal bill, everyone will escape," he added.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Lokpal Bill, Anna Hazare, Bharatiya Janata Party, Corruption
Narendra Modi wished speedy recovery to Congress president Sonia Gandhi
New Delhi: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today wished speedy recovery to Congress president Sonia Gandhi who underwent surgery abroad.
"Have come to know through media about Mrs. Sonia Gandhi's surgery. I pray for her speedy recovery & good health," Modi tweeted.
The Congress party said that Gandhi was in "satisfactory" condition after undergoing surgery, adding she will be out of India for two-three weeks.
Congress chief spokesperson Janardhan Dwivedi, however, did not reveal in which country Gandhi, 64, is being treated. Party sources said she was in the US for an "abdominal-related ailment".
She has formed a four-member group, including son and general secretary Rahul Gandhi, to look after party matters in her absence, Dwivedi added.
The others are Defence Minister A.K. Antony, Dwivedi and her political secretary Ahmed Patel.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, speedy recovery to Congress president Sonia Gandhi
"Have come to know through media about Mrs. Sonia Gandhi's surgery. I pray for her speedy recovery & good health," Modi tweeted.
The Congress party said that Gandhi was in "satisfactory" condition after undergoing surgery, adding she will be out of India for two-three weeks.
Congress chief spokesperson Janardhan Dwivedi, however, did not reveal in which country Gandhi, 64, is being treated. Party sources said she was in the US for an "abdominal-related ailment".
She has formed a four-member group, including son and general secretary Rahul Gandhi, to look after party matters in her absence, Dwivedi added.
The others are Defence Minister A.K. Antony, Dwivedi and her political secretary Ahmed Patel.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, speedy recovery to Congress president Sonia Gandhi
Anna Hazare urged people to join the peaceful protest on Aug 16
Maharashtra: Expressing discontent over the government's version of the anti-graft Lokpal bill, social activist Anna Hazare today vowed to go on fast on Aug 16 and urged people to join the "peaceful protest", calling it the country's "second freedom struggle".
"Every citizen should go on fast from wherever possible - village or city. The more people protest against the bill, the more pressure will be created on the government," Hazare told reporters at Ralegan Siddhi, 230 km from Mumbai.
"The movement should spread to the entire country," he added.
"The government is not willing to eradicate corruption. Aug 16 will mark the second freedom struggle in this country," he said.
In Ghaziabad, near the Indian capital, civil society activists burnt the copy of the government's version of the bill that was introduced in parliament today.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Lokpal Bill, Anna Hazare, Anna Hazare Fast, Government
"Every citizen should go on fast from wherever possible - village or city. The more people protest against the bill, the more pressure will be created on the government," Hazare told reporters at Ralegan Siddhi, 230 km from Mumbai.
"The movement should spread to the entire country," he added.
"The government is not willing to eradicate corruption. Aug 16 will mark the second freedom struggle in this country," he said.
In Ghaziabad, near the Indian capital, civil society activists burnt the copy of the government's version of the bill that was introduced in parliament today.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Lokpal Bill, Anna Hazare, Anna Hazare Fast, Government
Bihar's CM Nitish Kumar, a simple and modest man:Amitabh Bachchan
New Delhi: Promotional activities for "Aarakshan" are taking the film's cast and crew, including Amitabh Bachchan, to different cities in the country. Recently the megastar was in Patna and he met Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and was bowled over by his simplicity.
Big B was in Patna on Wednesday and visited director Prakash Jha's multiplex in the city and then attended a press conference.
"A visit to the Cinepolis and the press conference, which I must add was conducted in the most civil and disciplined manner. And then invited over to the Chief Minister's residence for tea, by Nitish Kumar," Nachchan posted on his blog Bigb.bigadda.com.
"A simple and modest man and one that has gained the respect and admiration of all due to his hard work in bringing the state up to a standard which has gained immense praise," he added.
Produced and directed by Prakash Jha, "Aarakshan", which focuses on caste-based reservation in educational institutions, is releasing Aug 12.
The film will show various aspects of the education system through important characters played by Amitabh, Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, Prateik Babbar and Tanvi Azmi.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Promotional activities for "Aarakshan", including Amitabh Bachchan,
Big B was in Patna on Wednesday and visited director Prakash Jha's multiplex in the city and then attended a press conference.
"A visit to the Cinepolis and the press conference, which I must add was conducted in the most civil and disciplined manner. And then invited over to the Chief Minister's residence for tea, by Nitish Kumar," Nachchan posted on his blog Bigb.bigadda.com.
"A simple and modest man and one that has gained the respect and admiration of all due to his hard work in bringing the state up to a standard which has gained immense praise," he added.
Produced and directed by Prakash Jha, "Aarakshan", which focuses on caste-based reservation in educational institutions, is releasing Aug 12.
The film will show various aspects of the education system through important characters played by Amitabh, Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, Prateik Babbar and Tanvi Azmi.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Promotional activities for "Aarakshan", including Amitabh Bachchan,
20110803
FIA will inspect the Formula One Indian Grand Prix race track
NEW DELHI: The International Automobile Federation (FIA) will inspect the Formula One Indian Grand Prix race track on September 1.
The organisers Jaypee Sports International (JPSI) claimed that work is in full swing and the track will be completed by the second week of September for the inaugural race scheduled for October 28-30.
The FIA team led by race director Charlie Whiting will have to clear the 5.14 km Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida near.
The homologation was earlier expected to take place in the first week of August but the FIA, organisers JPSI and the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) agreed to have it done in September.
FMSCI president Vicky Chandhok said the FIA team will first visit the circuit for Korean Grand Prix and then come to India. The race in Korea (Oct 14-16) will take place two weeks before the Indian GP.
"The FIA have decided to go with the September date. Mr. Whiting and his team will first visit the Korea circuit in Yeongam and then head to India via Europe," Chandhok, who is here to oversee the race preparations, said.
The work at the circuit is still in progress with a little over two months left for the country's biggest event since the Commonwealth Games last year.
While Chandhok was quick to deny that homologation was moved to September due to the pending work around the circuit, a source in JPSI said the FIA changed the date as they wanted to inspect the track in dry weather.
"There are finishing touches to be given to the track and the FIA people wanted to visit the area in dry weather. So, we jointly went with a later date (Sep 1)," the source said.
The JPSI official claimed that the all the work around the circuit will be completed by the second week of next month.
"The track should be done by the first week (September) and the infrastructural work including the pit building, team building, grandstands and temporary spectator stands will be completed by the second week."
Chandhok maintained that the work is on full swing and there is no need to panic.
"The track is complete, the tarmac has been laid. Now, it is only the weathering coat on the tarmac that is left and we plan to do that by September 15. The coat is recommended for the closest date to the race. The other infrastructural work is also going on but there is no need for any panic."
The BIC will cost approximately $400 million to the organisers.
source:agency
The organisers Jaypee Sports International (JPSI) claimed that work is in full swing and the track will be completed by the second week of September for the inaugural race scheduled for October 28-30.
The FIA team led by race director Charlie Whiting will have to clear the 5.14 km Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida near.
The homologation was earlier expected to take place in the first week of August but the FIA, organisers JPSI and the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) agreed to have it done in September.
FMSCI president Vicky Chandhok said the FIA team will first visit the circuit for Korean Grand Prix and then come to India. The race in Korea (Oct 14-16) will take place two weeks before the Indian GP.
"The FIA have decided to go with the September date. Mr. Whiting and his team will first visit the Korea circuit in Yeongam and then head to India via Europe," Chandhok, who is here to oversee the race preparations, said.
The work at the circuit is still in progress with a little over two months left for the country's biggest event since the Commonwealth Games last year.
While Chandhok was quick to deny that homologation was moved to September due to the pending work around the circuit, a source in JPSI said the FIA changed the date as they wanted to inspect the track in dry weather.
"There are finishing touches to be given to the track and the FIA people wanted to visit the area in dry weather. So, we jointly went with a later date (Sep 1)," the source said.
The JPSI official claimed that the all the work around the circuit will be completed by the second week of next month.
"The track should be done by the first week (September) and the infrastructural work including the pit building, team building, grandstands and temporary spectator stands will be completed by the second week."
Chandhok maintained that the work is on full swing and there is no need to panic.
"The track is complete, the tarmac has been laid. Now, it is only the weathering coat on the tarmac that is left and we plan to do that by September 15. The coat is recommended for the closest date to the race. The other infrastructural work is also going on but there is no need for any panic."
The BIC will cost approximately $400 million to the organisers.
source:agency
Astro tips: If suffering from Rahu
If you are suffering from Rahu planet plz donate raddish ,gomed and coconut.
Since rahu is not a planet buy a shadow ,it results are same like Saturn.
Plz wear Gomed bracelet to please rahu and get benefits.
To buy this stone or for free remedies or astro tips email: ssbcompanyhyd@gmail.com
Since rahu is not a planet buy a shadow ,it results are same like Saturn.
Plz wear Gomed bracelet to please rahu and get benefits.
To buy this stone or for free remedies or astro tips email: ssbcompanyhyd@gmail.com
Bollywood :Ranbir kapoor linked with Shakti Kapoor's daughter
Shraddha Kapoor has rubbished the rumours but added that she would love to work with him.
Mining scam:Karnataka's new Lokayukata to study investigation report
Bangalore: Karnataka's new Lokayukata (ombudsman) Justice Shivaraj V. Patil on Wednesday said he would study the investigation report into the multi-crore mining scam before admitting the petition of former chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa challenging its recommendation to prosecute him for alleged graft.
"As I assumed office only today (Wednesday), I need some time to study the voluminous report and its recommendations to act on Yeddyurappa's petition," Patil told reporters after he was administered oath of office by Governor H.R. Bhardwaj at Raj Bhavan earlier on Wednesday.
The final probe report was prepared by Patil's predecessor Justice N. Santosh Hegde and submitted to the state government on July 27 with a copy to the governor, who is the competent authority to sanction prosecution of a chief minister under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and the Karnataka Lokayukta Act, 1994.
Yeddyurappa on Tuesday petitioned the ombudsman on Hegde's last day in office to reconsider his recommendation on the premise that his indictment was contrary to the Lokayukta Act and that there were errors in the probe report.
Patil also said he did not receive the governor's letter sanctioning Yeddyurappa's prosecution on the basis of the recommendation made by Hegde.
"The governor's letter has not been placed before met yet as it was only issued earlier in the day and I came to office to take charge late afternoon. I will be able to act upon it only after studying the report along with annexures and recommendations," Patil pointed out.
"The governor recommended the Karnataka Lokayukta to initiate criminal proceedings against Yeddyurappa under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, on the basis of the ombudsman's investigation report on illegal mining activities," a communique from Raj Bhavan said.
Noting that the anti-corruption institution needed more powers to suo motto actions against even corrupt ministers and politicians, the former Supreme Court judge said he would not tolerate graft at any level in the state.
"I would like to send a strong message through the media to the people of the state that corruption will not be tolerated at any level in the state. Stringent action will be taken against those indulging in corrupt activities," Patil asserted.
source:agency
Tags : Karnataka News, Karnataka's New Lokayukata, Lokayukata, Shivaraj V. Patil, B.S. Yeddyurappa, Yeddyurappa
"As I assumed office only today (Wednesday), I need some time to study the voluminous report and its recommendations to act on Yeddyurappa's petition," Patil told reporters after he was administered oath of office by Governor H.R. Bhardwaj at Raj Bhavan earlier on Wednesday.
The final probe report was prepared by Patil's predecessor Justice N. Santosh Hegde and submitted to the state government on July 27 with a copy to the governor, who is the competent authority to sanction prosecution of a chief minister under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and the Karnataka Lokayukta Act, 1994.
Yeddyurappa on Tuesday petitioned the ombudsman on Hegde's last day in office to reconsider his recommendation on the premise that his indictment was contrary to the Lokayukta Act and that there were errors in the probe report.
Patil also said he did not receive the governor's letter sanctioning Yeddyurappa's prosecution on the basis of the recommendation made by Hegde.
"The governor's letter has not been placed before met yet as it was only issued earlier in the day and I came to office to take charge late afternoon. I will be able to act upon it only after studying the report along with annexures and recommendations," Patil pointed out.
"The governor recommended the Karnataka Lokayukta to initiate criminal proceedings against Yeddyurappa under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, on the basis of the ombudsman's investigation report on illegal mining activities," a communique from Raj Bhavan said.
Noting that the anti-corruption institution needed more powers to suo motto actions against even corrupt ministers and politicians, the former Supreme Court judge said he would not tolerate graft at any level in the state.
"I would like to send a strong message through the media to the people of the state that corruption will not be tolerated at any level in the state. Stringent action will be taken against those indulging in corrupt activities," Patil asserted.
source:agency
Tags : Karnataka News, Karnataka's New Lokayukata, Lokayukata, Shivaraj V. Patil, B.S. Yeddyurappa, Yeddyurappa
Bollywood actress Neha Dhupia can't google
Neha Dhupia talking about her new release 'Gandhi To Hitler' in which she plays Hitler's arm candy Eva Braun.
Sheila Dikshit not involved in any CWG irregularities:Delhi government
New Delhi: The Delhi government on Wednesday came out in defence of Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit saying she was not involved in any irregularities related to the Commonwealth Games.Delhi chief secretary P.K. Tripathi said media reports quoting a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report indicting Dikshit of involvement in irregularities in contracts related to CWG are based on incorrect facts."The reportage of the CAG report does not give the facts accurately and we would like to correct it so that the image of the government is not maligned," Tripathi told reporters here.
"The media reports said that for street lighting four parties were selected of which one was selected later on directions of the chief minister. We want to make it clear that at no stage did the chief minister give any such directions," he said.
"It was decided by the board of assessors who made recommendations. At first Spaceage (company give the contract) was not selected and later they made a representation. The CM has simply marked it to the engineer-in-chief and did not even make any recommendation," he added.
Dikshit, meanwhile, declined to comment on the leaked contents of the CAG report saying "let the report be tabled in parliament and then I will talk about it".
The CAG report leaked on Tuesday faulted the Prime Minister's Office for letting Suresh Kalmadi run the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee.
The report, yet to be tabled in parliament, said that the Delhi government and civic agencies overspent Rs.100 crore on streetscaping and Rs.31 crore on street lightning.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Delhi Government, Sheila Dikshit, Commonwealth Games, CWG Irregularities, CWG
"The media reports said that for street lighting four parties were selected of which one was selected later on directions of the chief minister. We want to make it clear that at no stage did the chief minister give any such directions," he said.
"It was decided by the board of assessors who made recommendations. At first Spaceage (company give the contract) was not selected and later they made a representation. The CM has simply marked it to the engineer-in-chief and did not even make any recommendation," he added.
Dikshit, meanwhile, declined to comment on the leaked contents of the CAG report saying "let the report be tabled in parliament and then I will talk about it".
The CAG report leaked on Tuesday faulted the Prime Minister's Office for letting Suresh Kalmadi run the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee.
The report, yet to be tabled in parliament, said that the Delhi government and civic agencies overspent Rs.100 crore on streetscaping and Rs.31 crore on street lightning.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Delhi Government, Sheila Dikshit, Commonwealth Games, CWG Irregularities, CWG
Russia's MiG aircraft corporation launched production of carrier fighters
Moscow: Russia's MiG aircraft corporation has launched production of a new batch of carrier fighters for the Indian Navy, a MiG spokesman said.
The MiG29K/KUB fighters are to be delivered under a 2010 contract, the spokesman said.
Under the $1.5-billion contract, Russia will supply 29 MiG-29K Fulcrum-D jets to India starting 2012.
The fighters will be based at an air field until the Admiral Gorshkov joins the Navy under the name of INS Vikramaditya in 2013.
The INS Vikramaditya is expected to carry up to 24 MiG-29K/KUB fighters.
source:agency
Tags : India Defence News, Russia's MiG Aircraft Corporation, MiG, MiG29K KUB Fighters, Indian Navy
The MiG29K/KUB fighters are to be delivered under a 2010 contract, the spokesman said.
Under the $1.5-billion contract, Russia will supply 29 MiG-29K Fulcrum-D jets to India starting 2012.
The fighters will be based at an air field until the Admiral Gorshkov joins the Navy under the name of INS Vikramaditya in 2013.
The INS Vikramaditya is expected to carry up to 24 MiG-29K/KUB fighters.
source:agency
Tags : India Defence News, Russia's MiG Aircraft Corporation, MiG, MiG29K KUB Fighters, Indian Navy
J. Jayalalithaa-led AIADMK government will present its first budget
Chennai: The J. Jayalalithaa-led AIADMK government in Tamil Nadu will present its first budget on Thursday on the first day of the nearly month-long budget session.
Finance Minister O. Pannerselvam is expected to make several announcements relating to welfare measures and promises made by the AIADMK in its poll manifesto.
The AIADMK had promised distribution of free laptops for students and fan, mixer, grinder, cattle and gold for 'mangalsutra' for the poor.
The budget is also expected to unfold free medical insurance and free housing schemes for the poor.
The AIADMK government earlier scrapped the insurance and housing schemes introduced by the previous DMK government.
The government is also expected to announce steps to revive the near defunct Arasu Cable Corporation set up to provide cable television service in the state and measures to meet the power shortage.
Jayalalithaa earlier said the state would not be in a position to meet the stipulations relating to revenue and fiscal deficits due to its high debt.
According to her, the outstanding debt of the state had climbed to Rs.101,541 crore, in addition to the outstanding Rs.40,000 crore debt of the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Company.
Though DMK won 23 seats in the April 13 elections, its strength in the assembly will be reduced during the budget session as one of its legislators J. Anbazhagan is under arrest in a land grab case.
The DMDK, the second largest party in the assembly with 29 members in the 234-member house, said will sail with its alliance partner AIADMK but play a constructive opposition role by pointing out the government's lapses.
"Now it is not the time to take our own line as the division of anti-DMK forces will only help DMK to revive," Panruti S. Ramachandran, senior DMDK leader, told the media.
source:agency
Tags : Tamil Nadu News, Jayalalithaa, AIADMK Government, AIADMK, Tamil Nadu, Tamil Nadu Budget
Finance Minister O. Pannerselvam is expected to make several announcements relating to welfare measures and promises made by the AIADMK in its poll manifesto.
The AIADMK had promised distribution of free laptops for students and fan, mixer, grinder, cattle and gold for 'mangalsutra' for the poor.
The budget is also expected to unfold free medical insurance and free housing schemes for the poor.
The AIADMK government earlier scrapped the insurance and housing schemes introduced by the previous DMK government.
The government is also expected to announce steps to revive the near defunct Arasu Cable Corporation set up to provide cable television service in the state and measures to meet the power shortage.
Jayalalithaa earlier said the state would not be in a position to meet the stipulations relating to revenue and fiscal deficits due to its high debt.
According to her, the outstanding debt of the state had climbed to Rs.101,541 crore, in addition to the outstanding Rs.40,000 crore debt of the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Company.
Though DMK won 23 seats in the April 13 elections, its strength in the assembly will be reduced during the budget session as one of its legislators J. Anbazhagan is under arrest in a land grab case.
The DMDK, the second largest party in the assembly with 29 members in the 234-member house, said will sail with its alliance partner AIADMK but play a constructive opposition role by pointing out the government's lapses.
"Now it is not the time to take our own line as the division of anti-DMK forces will only help DMK to revive," Panruti S. Ramachandran, senior DMDK leader, told the media.
source:agency
Tags : Tamil Nadu News, Jayalalithaa, AIADMK Government, AIADMK, Tamil Nadu, Tamil Nadu Budget
Air India staff not paid for the last 3 months
The airline is facing a daily loss of over Rs 28 crore rupees and it is paying Rs 9.1 crore per day in interest.
CBI registered 4 cases for manipulating the entrance exam results of the AIIMS
New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday registered four cases for manipulating the entrance exam results of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), said an officer.
The CBI registered four separate cases for rigging of the post-graduate and one graduate entrance results, he said.
The first case registered by CBI pertains to rigging of the results of All India P.G. entrance exam in January 2010. "In the exam, optical mark recognition (OMR) answer sheets of seven candidates were interpolated. These candidates succeeded in getting admissions in different Medical colleges of India," said official.
The second case registered was of rigging of results of MBBS entrance exam held on June 2010. In this exam, the answer sheets of six candidates were changed. In this one candidate succeeded in getting admission in AIIMS, said official.
The third case was of P.G. entrance exam held in November 2010. In this eight candidates got admitted.
The fourth was registered for rigging of AIl India P.G. entrance exam held in January 2011. In this exam, four candidates succeeded in getting admissions.
The cases have been registered against kingpin Mahipal Singh and his associates along with the candidates.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Central Bureau of Investigation, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, CBI registered four separate cases
The CBI registered four separate cases for rigging of the post-graduate and one graduate entrance results, he said.
The first case registered by CBI pertains to rigging of the results of All India P.G. entrance exam in January 2010. "In the exam, optical mark recognition (OMR) answer sheets of seven candidates were interpolated. These candidates succeeded in getting admissions in different Medical colleges of India," said official.
The second case registered was of rigging of results of MBBS entrance exam held on June 2010. In this exam, the answer sheets of six candidates were changed. In this one candidate succeeded in getting admission in AIIMS, said official.
The third case was of P.G. entrance exam held in November 2010. In this eight candidates got admitted.
The fourth was registered for rigging of AIl India P.G. entrance exam held in January 2011. In this exam, four candidates succeeded in getting admissions.
The cases have been registered against kingpin Mahipal Singh and his associates along with the candidates.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Central Bureau of Investigation, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, CBI registered four separate cases
The all-girl Pakistani band in India
Zeb and Haniya's songs are mostly in Urdu but some lyrics are in Pashto, Persian and Turkish.
ISRO so far launched 64 satellites and of these 7 failed
New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has so far launched 64 satellites and of these seven failed, Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday.
Minister of state in the ministry of personnel, public grievances and pensions V. Narayanasamy informed the Lok Sabha that using Indian launch vehicles, ISRO has so far launched 64 satellites - 38 national satellites and 26 international.
"There have been a total of seven failed launches, of which five have been during experimental or developmental phase whereas two were operational missions," he said.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Indian Space Research Organisation, ISRO, 64 Satellites, Lok Sabha
Minister of state in the ministry of personnel, public grievances and pensions V. Narayanasamy informed the Lok Sabha that using Indian launch vehicles, ISRO has so far launched 64 satellites - 38 national satellites and 26 international.
"There have been a total of seven failed launches, of which five have been during experimental or developmental phase whereas two were operational missions," he said.
source:agency
Tags : India News, Indian Space Research Organisation, ISRO, 64 Satellites, Lok Sabha
Lokpal Bill to be tabled today, it's Anna vs MPs
Forty-two years after it was first introduced, the Lokpal bill will be tabled for the ninth time today.
Audi launched a new variant of its executive class sedan Audi A6
New Delhi: German automobile manufacturer Audi today launched a new variant of its executive class sedan Audi A6 in the price range of Rs.37.7 lakh to Rs.47 lakh.
"The launch of the new Audi A6 is in line with our top down strategy for India," said Michael Perschke, head, Audi India.
According to Perschke, the new A6 combines new technologies and fuel efficient engine.
"The new A6 is available with wide array of innovation like lightweight technology, adaptive air suspension, LED headlamps," Perschke said.
The Audi model range in India includes Audi A4, Audi A6, Audi A8, Audi A7 Sportback, Audi Q5, Audi Q7, Audi RS5, and the super sports cars Audi R8 and Audi R8 Spyder.
source:agency
Tags : India Business News, Audi, Audi India, Audi A6
"The launch of the new Audi A6 is in line with our top down strategy for India," said Michael Perschke, head, Audi India.
According to Perschke, the new A6 combines new technologies and fuel efficient engine.
"The new A6 is available with wide array of innovation like lightweight technology, adaptive air suspension, LED headlamps," Perschke said.
The Audi model range in India includes Audi A4, Audi A6, Audi A8, Audi A7 Sportback, Audi Q5, Audi Q7, Audi RS5, and the super sports cars Audi R8 and Audi R8 Spyder.
source:agency
Tags : India Business News, Audi, Audi India, Audi A6
MNS Chief Raj Thackeray takes development tips from Gujarat CM Modi
Raj Thackeray is Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's state guest for 8 days.
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