New Delhi: The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) today announced admissions for its six-month online certificate course in 'Dispensing Optics' in a bid to develop manpower in the area of primary eyecare.
The varsity's Centre for Paramedical Sciences offers the course which aims to educate opticians and impart specific skills in delivering quality and consistent eye care to people enhancing existing skills for eye care professionals as well as opticians.
"It shall thus create a sustainable resource to provide basic eye care and combat the prevalence of preventable blindness," said a statement by IGNOU.
"The last date for submission of applications is on Dec 15. A late fee of Rs.200 would be imposed between Dec 15 and 30," it added.
source:agency
20111207
Why This Kolaveri Di (with Lyrics) - 3
courtesy:YOU TUBE
Movie: 3
Song: Why This Kolaveri Di
Singer: Dhanush
Lyrics: Dhanush
Mullaperiyar Dam:J.Jayalalithaa made a fervent appeal to the people of Kerala
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J.Jayalalithaa on Tuesday made a fervent appeal to the people of Kerala, urging them not succumb to the machinations of unscrupulous mischief-mongers and indulge in senseless violence and vandalism over imaginary issues.Referring to the attacks on Ayyappa devotees going to Sabarimala, and vadalisation of vehicles bearing Tamil Nadu number-plates by some elements in Kerala, Jayalalithaa said: "I call upon the highly educated and intelligent people of God's Own Country not to fall a prey to the machinations of narrow, vested interests or of unscrupulous anti-social elements and allow their rational minds to be manipulated to indulge in quixotic acts of wanton mob violence."She said these violent developments are alarming and based on imaginary and unfounded fears, which have been fuelled by irresponsible positioning by vested political interests.
With the politicians in Kerala spreading mass fear psychosis about the safety of Mullaperiyar Dam, tension has gripped districts like Idukki in Kerala, she said.
"Please do not destroy the mutual trust, esteem and goodwill that exist between the people of the two States - which have been painstakingly built up, not just over the last six decades, but over centuries. Do not let whipped up passions cloud your reason and better judgement. This is my request to a people whom I have always held in the highest esteem for their intelligence, education, rationality and hard work," Jayalalithaa said.
She also appealed to the political class of Kerala "to desist from making inflammatory speeches on the issue, which would vitiate the cordial relations that exist between the people of the two States".
Jayalalithaa said the safety of the dam is being "constantly monitored and highly qualified and accomplished technical experts, including those nominated by the Supreme Court of India, have repeatedly reiterated that it is absolutely safe. To doubt its safety merely because it is 116 years old is sheer ignorance."
source:agency
With the politicians in Kerala spreading mass fear psychosis about the safety of Mullaperiyar Dam, tension has gripped districts like Idukki in Kerala, she said.
"Please do not destroy the mutual trust, esteem and goodwill that exist between the people of the two States - which have been painstakingly built up, not just over the last six decades, but over centuries. Do not let whipped up passions cloud your reason and better judgement. This is my request to a people whom I have always held in the highest esteem for their intelligence, education, rationality and hard work," Jayalalithaa said.
She also appealed to the political class of Kerala "to desist from making inflammatory speeches on the issue, which would vitiate the cordial relations that exist between the people of the two States".
Jayalalithaa said the safety of the dam is being "constantly monitored and highly qualified and accomplished technical experts, including those nominated by the Supreme Court of India, have repeatedly reiterated that it is absolutely safe. To doubt its safety merely because it is 116 years old is sheer ignorance."
source:agency
Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit is stable and may leave hospital
New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, who was admitted to hospital following viral infection and high fever, is stable and may leave hospital today, a close aide said.
"Her condition is stable now and she may leave the hospital today (Wednesday). It's up to her to take the decision," a close aide of Dikshit, 73, told the media on condition of anonymity.
The chief minister was admitted to the Escorts Heart Institute at 5.30 p.m. on Monday with complaints of viral infection accompanied by persistent high fever.
According to hospital chairman Ashok Seth, Dikshit was dehydrated but her temperature had normalised and her condition was stable on Tuesday.
Dikshit was advised three to four days rest by doctors.
source:agency
"Her condition is stable now and she may leave the hospital today (Wednesday). It's up to her to take the decision," a close aide of Dikshit, 73, told the media on condition of anonymity.
The chief minister was admitted to the Escorts Heart Institute at 5.30 p.m. on Monday with complaints of viral infection accompanied by persistent high fever.
According to hospital chairman Ashok Seth, Dikshit was dehydrated but her temperature had normalised and her condition was stable on Tuesday.
Dikshit was advised three to four days rest by doctors.
source:agency
FDI:All-party meeting passed a resolution to suspend the move till a consensus was reached
New Delhi: The deadlock in parliament over the government's decision to allow foreign direct investment (FDI) in retail ended today after an all-party meeting passed a resolution to suspend the move till a consensus was reached.
Both houses of parliament functioned normally and took the crucial Question Hour for the first time since the winter session began Nov 22.
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee who chaired the meeting made a brief statement in the Lok Sabha and read out the resolution passed in the all-party meeting.
"The decision to permit 51 percent FDI in retail trade is suspended till a consensus is developed through consultation among various stakeholders," a one-paragraph resolution passed in the meeting said.
Mukherjee said he was "glad" that all political parties have agreed. He said as per the government's latest formula, they would now consult all stakeholders, including the chief ministers of all states and political parties, before going ahead with the policy.
"The government will take a final decision through consultation. Let the houses conduct normal business."
Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) welcomed the decision and said it was not the defeat of the government "but it strengthened democracy".
She complimented the finance minster and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who was present in the house. "I thank the finance minister and the prime minister," Sushma Swaraj said.
Earlier, leaders of political parties emerging out of the meeting said they have agreed on the government's formula to suspend foreign investment in retail.
The issue had led to a continuous logjam in parliament as both houses were not been able to run since the winter session began. There were other issues, including rising prices, Telangana and corruption, that blocked parliament for the first nine days of the session.
Calling it "peoples' victory", the Communist Party of India (CPI) said the government has virtually revoked the FDI decision.
"It is a virtual rollback. I compliment the government for taking a belated decision. It has been retreated," CPI leader Gurudas Dasgupta told reporters.
He said the government would consult on the issue and when "they will come to us, we will oppose it again. There will be no consensus and it won't be implemented," Dasgupta told media.
He said both the houses will function normally now.
Trinamool Congress, a bitter critic of the policy and a ruling Congress ally in the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), said every political party, "including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)", agreed to let parliament function and put the FDI decision on hold.
"It has been accepted. Whatever you may want to call it, holdback or rollback, it is not being implemented," Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandhopadhyay told IANS after the meeting.
Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajiv Shukla dismissed the notion that the government has bowed before the opposition and its own allies, the Trinamool Congress and the DMK.
"There is no question of bowing down. This is democracy. We always wanted to have a discussion. They have agreed on our formula. The meeting went off very well. Parliament will function now," Shukla told reporters.
Allowing FDI in retail was the biggest reform policy of the Manmohan Singh government since it regained power in 2009 and putting it on hold is being seen as an embarrassment for the UPA.
However, the resumption of parliament is good news for the government. It has listed some key legislations, including the anti-graft Lokpal bill, to be passed in the session.
source:agecny
Both houses of parliament functioned normally and took the crucial Question Hour for the first time since the winter session began Nov 22.
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee who chaired the meeting made a brief statement in the Lok Sabha and read out the resolution passed in the all-party meeting.
"The decision to permit 51 percent FDI in retail trade is suspended till a consensus is developed through consultation among various stakeholders," a one-paragraph resolution passed in the meeting said.
Mukherjee said he was "glad" that all political parties have agreed. He said as per the government's latest formula, they would now consult all stakeholders, including the chief ministers of all states and political parties, before going ahead with the policy.
"The government will take a final decision through consultation. Let the houses conduct normal business."
Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) welcomed the decision and said it was not the defeat of the government "but it strengthened democracy".
She complimented the finance minster and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who was present in the house. "I thank the finance minister and the prime minister," Sushma Swaraj said.
Earlier, leaders of political parties emerging out of the meeting said they have agreed on the government's formula to suspend foreign investment in retail.
The issue had led to a continuous logjam in parliament as both houses were not been able to run since the winter session began. There were other issues, including rising prices, Telangana and corruption, that blocked parliament for the first nine days of the session.
Calling it "peoples' victory", the Communist Party of India (CPI) said the government has virtually revoked the FDI decision.
"It is a virtual rollback. I compliment the government for taking a belated decision. It has been retreated," CPI leader Gurudas Dasgupta told reporters.
He said the government would consult on the issue and when "they will come to us, we will oppose it again. There will be no consensus and it won't be implemented," Dasgupta told media.
He said both the houses will function normally now.
Trinamool Congress, a bitter critic of the policy and a ruling Congress ally in the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), said every political party, "including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)", agreed to let parliament function and put the FDI decision on hold.
"It has been accepted. Whatever you may want to call it, holdback or rollback, it is not being implemented," Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandhopadhyay told IANS after the meeting.
Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajiv Shukla dismissed the notion that the government has bowed before the opposition and its own allies, the Trinamool Congress and the DMK.
"There is no question of bowing down. This is democracy. We always wanted to have a discussion. They have agreed on our formula. The meeting went off very well. Parliament will function now," Shukla told reporters.
Allowing FDI in retail was the biggest reform policy of the Manmohan Singh government since it regained power in 2009 and putting it on hold is being seen as an embarrassment for the UPA.
However, the resumption of parliament is good news for the government. It has listed some key legislations, including the anti-graft Lokpal bill, to be passed in the session.
source:agecny
I am aware of some concerns of the telecom industry regarding government policies in the telecom sector:Manmohan Singh
New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today assured all stakeholders in the telecom industry that his government will address their concerns and support the growth of this crucial sector with forward-looking policies.
"I am aware of some concerns of the telecom industry regarding government policies in the telecom sector," the prime minister said, inaugurating the India Telecom Summit, organised by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Ficci here.
"I wish to reassure industry of the government's full commitment to sustaining growth, creativity and enterprise in this vitally important sector of our economy," the prime minister added.
His comments come against the backdrop of his meeting last week with the heads of five top private sector telecom companies in India, who expressed concern over lack of available spectrum and the ban on sharing these precious airwaves among them.
Those from the industry at the meeting were Bharti Airtel chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal, Reliance Group chairman Anil Ambani, Aditya Vikram Birla Group chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla, Vodafone Group chief executive Vittoria Collao and Tata Sons director Ishaat Hussain.
"I would like to take this opportunity to assure all of you that our government will continue to formulate forward-looking policies that will encourage further growth of the telecom sector," Manmohan Singh said.
According to the prime minister, India was today the fastest growing telecom market in the world, adding 18 million new connections to the network every month. In the process, wireless tele-density had grown from 2 percent in 2000 to 72.1 percent now.
He said the new draft telecom policy aimed at 175 million broadband connections by 2017 and 600 million by 2020 at a minimum download speed of 2 megabits per second, from 12.8 million at present. All village blocks will also have broadband access by 2014.
source:agency
"I am aware of some concerns of the telecom industry regarding government policies in the telecom sector," the prime minister said, inaugurating the India Telecom Summit, organised by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Ficci here.
"I wish to reassure industry of the government's full commitment to sustaining growth, creativity and enterprise in this vitally important sector of our economy," the prime minister added.
His comments come against the backdrop of his meeting last week with the heads of five top private sector telecom companies in India, who expressed concern over lack of available spectrum and the ban on sharing these precious airwaves among them.
Those from the industry at the meeting were Bharti Airtel chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal, Reliance Group chairman Anil Ambani, Aditya Vikram Birla Group chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla, Vodafone Group chief executive Vittoria Collao and Tata Sons director Ishaat Hussain.
"I would like to take this opportunity to assure all of you that our government will continue to formulate forward-looking policies that will encourage further growth of the telecom sector," Manmohan Singh said.
According to the prime minister, India was today the fastest growing telecom market in the world, adding 18 million new connections to the network every month. In the process, wireless tele-density had grown from 2 percent in 2000 to 72.1 percent now.
He said the new draft telecom policy aimed at 175 million broadband connections by 2017 and 600 million by 2020 at a minimum download speed of 2 megabits per second, from 12.8 million at present. All village blocks will also have broadband access by 2014.
source:agency
Decision to open up India's retail trade industry to foreign companies turned into despair
New Delhi: The euphoria over the decision to open up India's retail trade industry to foreign companies turned into despair after the suspension of the decision today owing to political pressure from both within and outside the ruling coalition.
India Inc, which had hailed the decision taken last month as one that signals movement forward in the reforms process and one that will help farmers, consumers and small and medium enterprises, felt let down and said it also sends wrong signals overseas.
"The government decision to hold back up to 51 percent FDI in multi-brand retail and 100 percent in single brand retail is deeply disappointing," said Harsh Mariwala, president, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
"It is a highly regressive move. For the growth of this vital sector of the economy which is likely to result in strong linkages with the farm sector and for the economy as a whole it is imperative that the reforms like these should take place," Mariwala said.
Earlier this week the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) hoped that there will be early consensus among the political parties on the FDI in retail issue as it felt the move would be in the national interest and create jobs and benefit farmers as well as consumers.
"Holding back the cabinet decision on foreign direct investment (FDI) in retail due to political opposition is a clear case of missed opportunity that will dent the country's image as a global investment destination," a leading industry lobby Assocham said.
"It is a clear case of missed opportunity that would have created over 10 million of new jobs in three years, curbed agricultural wastages, benefited farmers with better prices for their produce and brought down prices of many commodities for consumers."
In a decision taken on Thanksgiving Day, on Thursday Nov 24, a meeting of the cabinet presided over by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had decided to allow up to 51 percent foreign equity in multi-brand retailing and enhance the cap on single-brand format to 100 percent.
But with stiff opposition from both within the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA), notably the Trinamool Congress and the DMK, as also persistent logjam in parliament due to an unrelenting opposition, the decision was "suspended" pending consensus.
source:agecny
India Inc, which had hailed the decision taken last month as one that signals movement forward in the reforms process and one that will help farmers, consumers and small and medium enterprises, felt let down and said it also sends wrong signals overseas.
"The government decision to hold back up to 51 percent FDI in multi-brand retail and 100 percent in single brand retail is deeply disappointing," said Harsh Mariwala, president, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
"It is a highly regressive move. For the growth of this vital sector of the economy which is likely to result in strong linkages with the farm sector and for the economy as a whole it is imperative that the reforms like these should take place," Mariwala said.
Earlier this week the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) hoped that there will be early consensus among the political parties on the FDI in retail issue as it felt the move would be in the national interest and create jobs and benefit farmers as well as consumers.
"Holding back the cabinet decision on foreign direct investment (FDI) in retail due to political opposition is a clear case of missed opportunity that will dent the country's image as a global investment destination," a leading industry lobby Assocham said.
"It is a clear case of missed opportunity that would have created over 10 million of new jobs in three years, curbed agricultural wastages, benefited farmers with better prices for their produce and brought down prices of many commodities for consumers."
In a decision taken on Thanksgiving Day, on Thursday Nov 24, a meeting of the cabinet presided over by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had decided to allow up to 51 percent foreign equity in multi-brand retailing and enhance the cap on single-brand format to 100 percent.
But with stiff opposition from both within the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA), notably the Trinamool Congress and the DMK, as also persistent logjam in parliament due to an unrelenting opposition, the decision was "suspended" pending consensus.
source:agecny
Vedanta Aluminium Ltd,will be expanding its smelting capacity to 2.5 million tonnes
Hyderabad: Vedanta Aluminium Ltd, a subsidiary of the globally-diversified mining group Vedanta Resources PLC, will be expanding its smelting capacity to 2.5 million tonnes in less than a couple of years with an investment of Rs.60,000 crore.
At present, the smelting capacity of Vedanta Aluminium is around 1.6 million tonnes per annum.
The expanded smelters will start operating from the next financial year, and in less than couple of years the total integrated aluminium capacity of Vedanta Aluminium and BALCO, the two group companies, will go up to over 2.5 million tons.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the 6th International Conference on Aluminium (INCAL), which began here today, Vedanta Aluminium managing director S.K. Roongta said it was exciting for him to steer 2.5 million capacity with captive power of 6,000 MW when the current consumption of aluminium in the country is only two million tons.
Vedanta is at present operating one million tonnes refinery at Lanjigarh, half a million tonnes smelter at Jharsuguda and about 275,000 tonnes smelter at BALCO.
"We have aluminium production of about 775,000 tonnes at this moment. We are putting up another smelter at BALCO which is almost getting ready with capacity of 325,000 tonnes and four lines in new smelter plant at Jharsuguda of 1.25 million tonnes," he said.
The total investment in expansion of smelting capacity at BALCO, allied power plant of 1,200 MW, smelter capacity at Jharsuguda, new power plant of 2,400 MW as well as expansion at Lanjigarh will be Rs.60,000 crore.
"We have already spent more than 75 percent of it. The capacity is almost ready for operation, especially smelter capacity and power plants."
Roongta said buying bauxite from open market was adding to the cost but the company was trying to minimize the cost by efficient plant operations and reducing power consumption and use of other ingredients.
"It is not a permanent solution to buy bauxite from various sources and incur so much transportation and logistic costs. We have to have our own bauxite. We will find some solution. I am certain solutions will emerge," he said referring to plenty of bauxite reserves in Odisha and Chhattisgarh but the ongoing problems in mining.
Roongta said once the full capacity expansion was operational, the company would require almost 15 million tonnes of bauxite every year. At present, it needs three million tonne for one million tonnes refinery.
Replying to a question, he said Vedanta would be looking at owning coal assets and participate in the auction of new coal blocks.
He said importing coal would not be economically viable either for the companies or the country.
"We are sitting right in the midst of the coal reserves, where coal can be mined at the lowest cost in the world. Government must find solution to at least hinterland plants through higher supplies from local coal mines," he added.
source:agency
At present, the smelting capacity of Vedanta Aluminium is around 1.6 million tonnes per annum.
The expanded smelters will start operating from the next financial year, and in less than couple of years the total integrated aluminium capacity of Vedanta Aluminium and BALCO, the two group companies, will go up to over 2.5 million tons.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the 6th International Conference on Aluminium (INCAL), which began here today, Vedanta Aluminium managing director S.K. Roongta said it was exciting for him to steer 2.5 million capacity with captive power of 6,000 MW when the current consumption of aluminium in the country is only two million tons.
Vedanta is at present operating one million tonnes refinery at Lanjigarh, half a million tonnes smelter at Jharsuguda and about 275,000 tonnes smelter at BALCO.
"We have aluminium production of about 775,000 tonnes at this moment. We are putting up another smelter at BALCO which is almost getting ready with capacity of 325,000 tonnes and four lines in new smelter plant at Jharsuguda of 1.25 million tonnes," he said.
The total investment in expansion of smelting capacity at BALCO, allied power plant of 1,200 MW, smelter capacity at Jharsuguda, new power plant of 2,400 MW as well as expansion at Lanjigarh will be Rs.60,000 crore.
"We have already spent more than 75 percent of it. The capacity is almost ready for operation, especially smelter capacity and power plants."
Roongta said buying bauxite from open market was adding to the cost but the company was trying to minimize the cost by efficient plant operations and reducing power consumption and use of other ingredients.
"It is not a permanent solution to buy bauxite from various sources and incur so much transportation and logistic costs. We have to have our own bauxite. We will find some solution. I am certain solutions will emerge," he said referring to plenty of bauxite reserves in Odisha and Chhattisgarh but the ongoing problems in mining.
Roongta said once the full capacity expansion was operational, the company would require almost 15 million tonnes of bauxite every year. At present, it needs three million tonne for one million tonnes refinery.
Replying to a question, he said Vedanta would be looking at owning coal assets and participate in the auction of new coal blocks.
He said importing coal would not be economically viable either for the companies or the country.
"We are sitting right in the midst of the coal reserves, where coal can be mined at the lowest cost in the world. Government must find solution to at least hinterland plants through higher supplies from local coal mines," he added.
source:agency
Wipro's infrastructure engineering business unit announced a JV with the Japanese major Kawasaki Heavy Industry
Bangalore: Wipro's infrastructure engineering business unit on Tuesday announced a joint venture (JV) with the Japanese major Kawasaki Heavy Industry to manufacture hydraulic pumps for excavators.
"The Wipro Kawasaki Precision Machinery Ltd joint venture will invest upfront Rs.50 crore to set up a manufacturing facility in Bangalore with an initial capacity of 4,000 pumps per annum," Wipro infrastructure engineering unit president Pratik Kumar said in a statement here.
As Wipro's 11th manufacturing facility globally, the Bangalore plant will roll out pumps for excavators of 7-20 tonne range from July 2012 with increasing localisation and expand the installed capacity to 15,000 pumps per annum by 2015.
"With the construction equipment market in India projected to grow to $20 billion by 2020-21, we intend to tap the growth potential of multiple mega-infrastructure projects planned by various public-private sectors, making excavator pumps available at a competitive price," Kumar noted.
As a subsidiary of the $16-billion Kawasaki Heavy Industries group, Kawasaki Precision Machinery manufactures hydraulic components and equipment used in construction machinery, aircraft, ships and industrial robots.
"The partnerships will help us to bring leading edge technology products to the Indian market and expand product portfolio in the hydraulic segment. Localisation will also enable time to market with enhanced customer service," Kumar observed.
Kawasaki also manufactures a wide range of products, including motors, actuators, valves and other hydraulic components for machines and plants, besides hydraulic deck machinery, electro-hydraulic steering gear and hydraulic fishing machinery.
"Since India is a very important growth market for us, the joint venture's combined strengths will bring superior hydraulic products to the customers in this region," Kawasaki Precision Machinery president Makoto Sonoda said in the statement.
source:agency
"The Wipro Kawasaki Precision Machinery Ltd joint venture will invest upfront Rs.50 crore to set up a manufacturing facility in Bangalore with an initial capacity of 4,000 pumps per annum," Wipro infrastructure engineering unit president Pratik Kumar said in a statement here.
As Wipro's 11th manufacturing facility globally, the Bangalore plant will roll out pumps for excavators of 7-20 tonne range from July 2012 with increasing localisation and expand the installed capacity to 15,000 pumps per annum by 2015.
"With the construction equipment market in India projected to grow to $20 billion by 2020-21, we intend to tap the growth potential of multiple mega-infrastructure projects planned by various public-private sectors, making excavator pumps available at a competitive price," Kumar noted.
As a subsidiary of the $16-billion Kawasaki Heavy Industries group, Kawasaki Precision Machinery manufactures hydraulic components and equipment used in construction machinery, aircraft, ships and industrial robots.
"The partnerships will help us to bring leading edge technology products to the Indian market and expand product portfolio in the hydraulic segment. Localisation will also enable time to market with enhanced customer service," Kumar observed.
Kawasaki also manufactures a wide range of products, including motors, actuators, valves and other hydraulic components for machines and plants, besides hydraulic deck machinery, electro-hydraulic steering gear and hydraulic fishing machinery.
"Since India is a very important growth market for us, the joint venture's combined strengths will bring superior hydraulic products to the customers in this region," Kawasaki Precision Machinery president Makoto Sonoda said in the statement.
source:agency
Carbon trading market may be headed for a crash
Durban: The carbon trading market may be headed for a crash if negotiations at the climate change conference are any indication, according to experts. This is likely to impact China and India the most, as the two make up almost three-fourths of the trade on carbon exchanges.
"India is likely to be most affected if the second round of Kyoto Protocol is not signed. China is already taking steps to tackle the issue; India is not," said Axel Michaelowa, who advises corporates on carbon trading.
"The carbon markets will crash if Durban fails to send a strong signal that the next round of Kyoto Protocol negotiations are on track," concurred Remi Gruet of the European Wind Energy Association, an industry body.
Wind energy projects are major contributors to the carbon trading regime known as the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) under the Kyoto Protocol with wind projects worth $75 billion expected to be set up next year.
The protocol, signed and ratified by most developed countries, legally binds them to cut human-induced carbon dioxide emissions, which are said by the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to be responsible for global warming.
Under the Protocol, each developed country is given a quota on how much emission it can produce -- in turn, the countries limit the emissions of each company or project. But such companies can offset their obligation of cutting emissions by buying Certified Emission Reductions or CERs on carbon exchanges.
CERs are sold by companies and institutions in third world countries who have taken steps to go green or set up environmental friendly projects. The CERs are awarded to them by the CDM's executive board.
This is a way to bring in market mechanism and the incentive system to overall reduce emissions.
According to Arun Bharat Ram, chairman of SRF, one of the leading companies in India benefiting from CERs, said as an industry, they have told the government that it should take steps to negotiate the continuation of carbon trading with the European Union, even if the Kyoto Protocol is not extended.
The price of CERs in Europe has slipped sharply to Euro 6.18 now, from its peak of Euro 30 in 2008. India has been the second highest beneficiary of the CDM, touching 60.5 million CERs in 2010. China touched 346 million.
The leading companies in India dealing in the certificates, apart from SRF, are Torrent Power, Gujarat Fluro Chemicals, Navin Flourine International and Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertiliser.
According to a recent report by research firm Crisil, Indian projects are estimated to receive 246 million CERs by December 2012, an almost four-fold increase. But with the Kyoto Protocol doubtful, companies dealing with the certificates, or those who want to get into this, would be looking very nervously at Durban.
According to Margaret Mukhanana-Sangarwe, chair of the Ad-hoc working group on long-term cooperation, a companion body to the working group on Kyoto Protocol, the slow pace of negotiations at Durban are worrying. She said that an agreement on the principles of setting up a second protocol were "farfetched in light of the position taken by major countries".
The strongest votary of the protocol was the European Union. But it too is speaking in different voices, having been battered by the recession back home, and officials are blaming the developing world and some developed countries.
Another threat on the horizon is that under UN rules, after December 2012, new CDM projects would be approved only for the least developed countries (which do not include either India or China), although projects already awarded carbon certificates can keep on trading them on the exchanges. The market may be headed for further slide, even though experts say some amount of discounting on what is expected in Durban is already discernible.
source:agency
"India is likely to be most affected if the second round of Kyoto Protocol is not signed. China is already taking steps to tackle the issue; India is not," said Axel Michaelowa, who advises corporates on carbon trading.
"The carbon markets will crash if Durban fails to send a strong signal that the next round of Kyoto Protocol negotiations are on track," concurred Remi Gruet of the European Wind Energy Association, an industry body.
Wind energy projects are major contributors to the carbon trading regime known as the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) under the Kyoto Protocol with wind projects worth $75 billion expected to be set up next year.
The protocol, signed and ratified by most developed countries, legally binds them to cut human-induced carbon dioxide emissions, which are said by the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to be responsible for global warming.
Under the Protocol, each developed country is given a quota on how much emission it can produce -- in turn, the countries limit the emissions of each company or project. But such companies can offset their obligation of cutting emissions by buying Certified Emission Reductions or CERs on carbon exchanges.
CERs are sold by companies and institutions in third world countries who have taken steps to go green or set up environmental friendly projects. The CERs are awarded to them by the CDM's executive board.
This is a way to bring in market mechanism and the incentive system to overall reduce emissions.
According to Arun Bharat Ram, chairman of SRF, one of the leading companies in India benefiting from CERs, said as an industry, they have told the government that it should take steps to negotiate the continuation of carbon trading with the European Union, even if the Kyoto Protocol is not extended.
The price of CERs in Europe has slipped sharply to Euro 6.18 now, from its peak of Euro 30 in 2008. India has been the second highest beneficiary of the CDM, touching 60.5 million CERs in 2010. China touched 346 million.
The leading companies in India dealing in the certificates, apart from SRF, are Torrent Power, Gujarat Fluro Chemicals, Navin Flourine International and Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertiliser.
According to a recent report by research firm Crisil, Indian projects are estimated to receive 246 million CERs by December 2012, an almost four-fold increase. But with the Kyoto Protocol doubtful, companies dealing with the certificates, or those who want to get into this, would be looking very nervously at Durban.
According to Margaret Mukhanana-Sangarwe, chair of the Ad-hoc working group on long-term cooperation, a companion body to the working group on Kyoto Protocol, the slow pace of negotiations at Durban are worrying. She said that an agreement on the principles of setting up a second protocol were "farfetched in light of the position taken by major countries".
The strongest votary of the protocol was the European Union. But it too is speaking in different voices, having been battered by the recession back home, and officials are blaming the developing world and some developed countries.
Another threat on the horizon is that under UN rules, after December 2012, new CDM projects would be approved only for the least developed countries (which do not include either India or China), although projects already awarded carbon certificates can keep on trading them on the exchanges. The market may be headed for further slide, even though experts say some amount of discounting on what is expected in Durban is already discernible.
source:agency
ICC has reprimanded Virat Kohli for showing dissent at an umpire's decision
Ahmedabad: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reprimanded India batsman Virat Kohli for "showing dissent at an umpire's decision" during the third One-day International against the West Indies here on Monday.
After being given out in the ninth over, Kohli stood his ground for a considerable time before leaving the middle. "This was considered to be a show of dissent, a fact accepted by the player himself. As Kohli pleaded guilty and accepted the proposed sanction there was no need for a formal hearing," said an ICC release. The match was won by the West Indies by 16 runs.
Kohli pleaded guilty to a Level 1 offence and accepted the proposed sanction from David Boon of the Elite Panel of ICC match referees after play concluded. He was found to have breached Article 2.1.3 of the code which relates to "showing dissent at an umpire's decision".
The charge was brought by on-field umpires Tony Hill and Sudhir Asnani and third umpire Vineet Kulkarni.
"Accepting umpires' decisions is part and parcel of playing cricket and on this occasion Virat clearly showed dissent when he had been given out," said Boon.
source:agency
After being given out in the ninth over, Kohli stood his ground for a considerable time before leaving the middle. "This was considered to be a show of dissent, a fact accepted by the player himself. As Kohli pleaded guilty and accepted the proposed sanction there was no need for a formal hearing," said an ICC release. The match was won by the West Indies by 16 runs.
Kohli pleaded guilty to a Level 1 offence and accepted the proposed sanction from David Boon of the Elite Panel of ICC match referees after play concluded. He was found to have breached Article 2.1.3 of the code which relates to "showing dissent at an umpire's decision".
The charge was brought by on-field umpires Tony Hill and Sudhir Asnani and third umpire Vineet Kulkarni.
"Accepting umpires' decisions is part and parcel of playing cricket and on this occasion Virat clearly showed dissent when he had been given out," said Boon.
source:agency
Irfan Pathan, making a comeback into the Indian team
Baroda; Irfan Pathan, making a comeback into the Indian team after two years, is eager to cash in on the opportunity given by the national selectors.
Pathan was on Monday named in the India squad for the remaining two One-Day Internationals against the West Indies on the back of having had a successful season so far in the ongoing Ranji Trophy where he is the leading wicket-taker with a tally of 21 in four matches. The Baroda all-rounder last played for India during the World Twenty20 in England in 2009.
"I am really happy to get back into the team. It is a great feeling. It has been a long wait for two years and god has fulfilled my dreams. Nothing comes better than playing for your country. If given the opportunity to play, I will try to do my best," Pathan told reporters.
Pathan was dropped from the Indian team after his bowling form dipped. The ability to swing the ball both ways that made him a regular in the side suddenly disappeared. He had a frustrating domestic season in 2010 when he also suffered a severe back injury.
Pathan remembered the tough times in his career and said it made his return all the more worthwhile.
"It makes every second of the struggle worthwhile. You feel blessed when your hard work is rewarded."
"The dream to play for the country has always been there. When it is fulfilled, you feel nothing gets better than this. Having all the luxuries in life - having a big car, big house - nothing comes close to this," said Pathan. He was also in the running for Praveen Kumar's replacement in the Test squad for Australia but lost out to Abhimanyu Mithun.
He would be looking forward to impress the selectors and get a berth in the ODI squad for the tri-nation series in Australia.
Pathan has taken 100 wickets in 29 Tests and and 152 scalps in 107 One-Day Internationals.
source:agency
Pathan was on Monday named in the India squad for the remaining two One-Day Internationals against the West Indies on the back of having had a successful season so far in the ongoing Ranji Trophy where he is the leading wicket-taker with a tally of 21 in four matches. The Baroda all-rounder last played for India during the World Twenty20 in England in 2009.
"I am really happy to get back into the team. It is a great feeling. It has been a long wait for two years and god has fulfilled my dreams. Nothing comes better than playing for your country. If given the opportunity to play, I will try to do my best," Pathan told reporters.
Pathan was dropped from the Indian team after his bowling form dipped. The ability to swing the ball both ways that made him a regular in the side suddenly disappeared. He had a frustrating domestic season in 2010 when he also suffered a severe back injury.
Pathan remembered the tough times in his career and said it made his return all the more worthwhile.
"It makes every second of the struggle worthwhile. You feel blessed when your hard work is rewarded."
"The dream to play for the country has always been there. When it is fulfilled, you feel nothing gets better than this. Having all the luxuries in life - having a big car, big house - nothing comes close to this," said Pathan. He was also in the running for Praveen Kumar's replacement in the Test squad for Australia but lost out to Abhimanyu Mithun.
He would be looking forward to impress the selectors and get a berth in the ODI squad for the tri-nation series in Australia.
Pathan has taken 100 wickets in 29 Tests and and 152 scalps in 107 One-Day Internationals.
source:agency
Abhishek Bachchan feels like he is wearing the Michael Jackson look !
New Delhi: After a small accident on the sets of "Bol Bachchan", Abhishek Bachchan had got stitches above the right eye and he tried convincing himself that he is looking like Al Pacino in "Scarface". Now that he has a torn tendon in his finger, he feels like he is wearing the Michael Jackson look.
"A lot of the crew asking how the stitches and finger are. Firstly, thank you for the concern. Stitches were removed on Monday and the finger will take time to heal. The fracture has repaired but have torn a certain tendon in my finger. So my fingers are taped up. Finally got my Michael Jackson moment!!!" Abhishek posted on micro-blogging site Twitter.
Abhishek suffered both -- the above-the-eye and finger injury -- in September.
But his stitches above the eye had to be reopened.
"The stitches that I got above my right eye after a small accident on the sets of 'Bol Bachchan' had got infected, so had to reopen the wound," Abhishek had tweeted last month adding: "Actually, currently looking like a one eyed troll. Trying to make myself feel better, convincing myself that I look like Pacino in 'Scarface'."
source:agency
"A lot of the crew asking how the stitches and finger are. Firstly, thank you for the concern. Stitches were removed on Monday and the finger will take time to heal. The fracture has repaired but have torn a certain tendon in my finger. So my fingers are taped up. Finally got my Michael Jackson moment!!!" Abhishek posted on micro-blogging site Twitter.
Abhishek suffered both -- the above-the-eye and finger injury -- in September.
But his stitches above the eye had to be reopened.
"The stitches that I got above my right eye after a small accident on the sets of 'Bol Bachchan' had got infected, so had to reopen the wound," Abhishek had tweeted last month adding: "Actually, currently looking like a one eyed troll. Trying to make myself feel better, convincing myself that I look like Pacino in 'Scarface'."
source:agency
20111206
If you've got talent, no one can stop you from achieving success:Mithun Chakraborty
Mumbai: National award winning actor Mithun Chakraborty, who has been in the industry for almost 36 years, feels that only talent that can help an individual carve a niche in Bollywood.
"If you've got talent, no one can stop you from achieving success in your field. No one in my family was ever related to the film industry. No godfather can help you. I didn't have any godfather," the 61-year-old said at a press meet for the third season of dance reality show "Dance India Dance".
After starting his career with offbeat "Mrigaya" in 1976, Mithun carved a niche for himself in the comercial Hindi films with hits like "Disco Dancer", "Pyar Jhukta Nahin", "Ghar Ek Mandir", "Ghulami" and "Agneepath".
Currently the actor is gearing up for his small screen stint as the grand master on "Dance India Dance".
Talking about the best dancers in the industry today, he said: "I have always said that Hrithik Roshan is a fabulous dancer. Shahid Kapoor also dances very well. They have it in them and they have proved it."
Mithun also feels that dancing styles are changing with time and one has to adapt to such changes because "people get bored watching the same style again and again."
Meanwhile, the actor is active on big screen and he has just wrapped up Sajid Khan's "Housefull 2".
He was also seen in "Golmaal 3" in 2010 and also starred in Bengali films "Nobel Chor" and Mahesh Manjrekar's "Ami Shubhash Bolchi".
source:agency
"If you've got talent, no one can stop you from achieving success in your field. No one in my family was ever related to the film industry. No godfather can help you. I didn't have any godfather," the 61-year-old said at a press meet for the third season of dance reality show "Dance India Dance".
After starting his career with offbeat "Mrigaya" in 1976, Mithun carved a niche for himself in the comercial Hindi films with hits like "Disco Dancer", "Pyar Jhukta Nahin", "Ghar Ek Mandir", "Ghulami" and "Agneepath".
Currently the actor is gearing up for his small screen stint as the grand master on "Dance India Dance".
Talking about the best dancers in the industry today, he said: "I have always said that Hrithik Roshan is a fabulous dancer. Shahid Kapoor also dances very well. They have it in them and they have proved it."
Mithun also feels that dancing styles are changing with time and one has to adapt to such changes because "people get bored watching the same style again and again."
Meanwhile, the actor is active on big screen and he has just wrapped up Sajid Khan's "Housefull 2".
He was also seen in "Golmaal 3" in 2010 and also starred in Bengali films "Nobel Chor" and Mahesh Manjrekar's "Ami Shubhash Bolchi".
source:agency
Kolaveri Di (((BABY FEET))) Nevaan Nigam Son of Sonu Nigam - FAST MIX
Kolaveri Di Song Remix Featuring Naveen Nigam Son of Bollywood Singer Naveen Nigam
Sound Engineer : Pramod Chandorkar
DOP : Kunal Naithani
"kolaveri di milk version by sonu nigam's son nevaan"
Editing by : Madhurima Nigam
Kepler space telescope has confirmed its first-ever planet in a habitable zone:NASA
WASHINGTON: In another step toward finding Earth-like planets that may hold life, NASA said on Monday the Kepler space telescope has confirmed its first-ever planet in a habitable zone outside our solar system.
French astronomers earlier this year confirmed the first rocky exoplanet to meet key requirements for sustaining life. But Kepler-22b, initially glimpsed in 2009, is the first the US space agency has been able to confirm.
Confirmation means that astronomers have seen it crossing in front of its star three times. But it doesn't mean that astronomers know whether life actually exists there, simply that the conditions are right.
Such planets have the right distance from their star to support water, plus a suitable temperature and atmosphere to support life.
"We have now got good planet confirmation with Kepler-22b," said Bill Borucki, Kepler principal investigator at NASA Ames Research Center.
"We are certain that it is in the habitable zone and if it has a surface, it ought to have a nice temperature," he told reporters.
Spinning around its star some 600 light years away, Kepler-22b is 2.4 times the size of the Earth, putting it in class known as "super-Earths," and orbits its Sun-like star every 290 days.
Its near-surface temperature is presumed to be about 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 Celsius). Scientists do not know, however, whether the planet is rocky, gaseous or liquid.
The planet's first "transit," or star crossover, was captured shortly after NASA launched its Kepler spacecraft in March 2009.
NASA also announced that Kepler has uncovered 1,094 more potential planets, twice the number it previously had been tracking, according to research being presented at a conference in California this week.
Kepler is NASA's first mission in search of Earth-like planets orbiting suns similar to ours, and cost the US space agency about $600 million.
It is equipped with the largest camera ever sent into space -- a 95-megapixel array of charge-coupled devices -- and is expected to continue sending information back to Earth until at least November 2012.
Kepler is searching for planets as small as Earth, including those orbiting stars in a warm, habitable zone where liquid water could exist on the surface of the planet.
The latest confirmed exoplanet that could support life brings to three the total number confirmed by global astronomers.
In addition to French astronomers' confirmed finding of Gliese 581d in May, Swiss astronomers reported in August that another planet, HD 85512 b, about 36 light years away seemed to be in the habitable zone of its star.
However, those two planets are "orbiting stars smaller and cooler than our Sun," NASA said in a statement, noting that Kepler-22b "is the smallest yet found to orbit in the middle of the habitable zone of a star similar to our Sun."
"The Europeans have also been very active, actively working on confirming our candidates," said Natalie Batalha, Kepler deputy science team lead at San Jose State University.
"They have already confirmed two that are published and they have got another batch that are on the preprint servers so those will be, I'm sure, in the published literature soon," she added.
"So we are just thrilled about this. We need all telescopes observing these candidates so we can confirm as many as possible."
A total of 48 exoplanets and exomoons are potential habitable candidates, among a total of 2,326 possibilities that Kepler has identified so far.
The top rankers are listed in an online catalog that indexes bodies outside our solar system, available online at http://phl.upr.edu.
courtesy:AFP
French astronomers earlier this year confirmed the first rocky exoplanet to meet key requirements for sustaining life. But Kepler-22b, initially glimpsed in 2009, is the first the US space agency has been able to confirm.
Confirmation means that astronomers have seen it crossing in front of its star three times. But it doesn't mean that astronomers know whether life actually exists there, simply that the conditions are right.
Such planets have the right distance from their star to support water, plus a suitable temperature and atmosphere to support life.
"We have now got good planet confirmation with Kepler-22b," said Bill Borucki, Kepler principal investigator at NASA Ames Research Center.
"We are certain that it is in the habitable zone and if it has a surface, it ought to have a nice temperature," he told reporters.
Spinning around its star some 600 light years away, Kepler-22b is 2.4 times the size of the Earth, putting it in class known as "super-Earths," and orbits its Sun-like star every 290 days.
Its near-surface temperature is presumed to be about 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 Celsius). Scientists do not know, however, whether the planet is rocky, gaseous or liquid.
The planet's first "transit," or star crossover, was captured shortly after NASA launched its Kepler spacecraft in March 2009.
NASA also announced that Kepler has uncovered 1,094 more potential planets, twice the number it previously had been tracking, according to research being presented at a conference in California this week.
Kepler is NASA's first mission in search of Earth-like planets orbiting suns similar to ours, and cost the US space agency about $600 million.
It is equipped with the largest camera ever sent into space -- a 95-megapixel array of charge-coupled devices -- and is expected to continue sending information back to Earth until at least November 2012.
Kepler is searching for planets as small as Earth, including those orbiting stars in a warm, habitable zone where liquid water could exist on the surface of the planet.
The latest confirmed exoplanet that could support life brings to three the total number confirmed by global astronomers.
In addition to French astronomers' confirmed finding of Gliese 581d in May, Swiss astronomers reported in August that another planet, HD 85512 b, about 36 light years away seemed to be in the habitable zone of its star.
However, those two planets are "orbiting stars smaller and cooler than our Sun," NASA said in a statement, noting that Kepler-22b "is the smallest yet found to orbit in the middle of the habitable zone of a star similar to our Sun."
"The Europeans have also been very active, actively working on confirming our candidates," said Natalie Batalha, Kepler deputy science team lead at San Jose State University.
"They have already confirmed two that are published and they have got another batch that are on the preprint servers so those will be, I'm sure, in the published literature soon," she added.
"So we are just thrilled about this. We need all telescopes observing these candidates so we can confirm as many as possible."
A total of 48 exoplanets and exomoons are potential habitable candidates, among a total of 2,326 possibilities that Kepler has identified so far.
The top rankers are listed in an online catalog that indexes bodies outside our solar system, available online at http://phl.upr.edu.
courtesy:AFP
20111205
Pakistan's Punjab province have arrested a monkey after it crossed the border with India
ISLAMABAD: Believe it or not but authorities in Pakistan's Punjab province have "arrested" a monkey after it crossed the border with India, according to a media report today.
The monkey was captured by wildlife officials in Bahawalpur, Express News channel reported.
Local residents initially tried to capture the monkey after it entered Cholistan area of Bahawalpur district.
After the monkey evaded them, the people informed wildlife officials, who captured the animal after a struggle. The monkey was taken to Bahawalpur Zoo, where officials named him Bobby.
In May last year, Indian police detained a pigeon and kept it under armed guard after it was caught on an alleged spying mission for Pakistan.
The bird was found by a resident of India's Punjab state, which borders Pakistan, and taken to a police station 40 km from Amritsar.
source:agency
The monkey was captured by wildlife officials in Bahawalpur, Express News channel reported.
Local residents initially tried to capture the monkey after it entered Cholistan area of Bahawalpur district.
After the monkey evaded them, the people informed wildlife officials, who captured the animal after a struggle. The monkey was taken to Bahawalpur Zoo, where officials named him Bobby.
In May last year, Indian police detained a pigeon and kept it under armed guard after it was caught on an alleged spying mission for Pakistan.
The bird was found by a resident of India's Punjab state, which borders Pakistan, and taken to a police station 40 km from Amritsar.
source:agency
United States, India and Japan will hold their first trilateral meeting
Washington: The United States, India and Japan will hold their first trilateral meeting here on Dec 19 to discuss "a range of Asia Pacific regional issues" among three leading "Pacific democracies.""This meeting is going to be an opportunity to hold comprehensive discussion on a range of Asia-Pacific regional issues," State Department spokesman Mark Toner told reporters on Monday.The specific agenda is still being determined, "but obviously, as the three leading Pacific democracies, we look forward to productive exchanges with India and Japan," he said.Asked why India, an Indian Ocean country, was invited to the meeting as one of the "Pacific democracies," Toner said, "This is a chance for us to discuss regional issues."
In response to a question that why Australia was not invited to the meeting, Toner explained that it "isn't all-inclusive."
"I don't know about Australia. All these talks don't have to be completely inclusive. Again, this is a chance for us to meet with three leading democracies in the region."
The dialogue earlier scheduled for October 8 in Tokyo was postponed at US request.
Driven by Tokyo and finalised during then foreign secretary Nirupama Rao's visit to Japan in April 2010, the dialogue is also part of New Delhi's effort to go beyond the stated Look East policy and engage North Asia as well.
From the US perspective, the dialogue is seen as part of what is described as a policy "pivot" toward Asia as wars in Iraq and Afghanistan wind down.
President Barack Obama recently returned from an Asian tour that stressed US interests in the region.
source:agency
In response to a question that why Australia was not invited to the meeting, Toner explained that it "isn't all-inclusive."
"I don't know about Australia. All these talks don't have to be completely inclusive. Again, this is a chance for us to meet with three leading democracies in the region."
The dialogue earlier scheduled for October 8 in Tokyo was postponed at US request.
Driven by Tokyo and finalised during then foreign secretary Nirupama Rao's visit to Japan in April 2010, the dialogue is also part of New Delhi's effort to go beyond the stated Look East policy and engage North Asia as well.
From the US perspective, the dialogue is seen as part of what is described as a policy "pivot" toward Asia as wars in Iraq and Afghanistan wind down.
President Barack Obama recently returned from an Asian tour that stressed US interests in the region.
source:agency
No-confidence motion against the Congress government in Andhra Pradesh was defeated
Hyderabad: The opposition sponsored no-confidence motion against the Congress government in Andhra Pradesh was defeated by a huge margin in the state assembly late Monday night.
After over a 16-hour-long debate on the motion moved by Telugu Desam Party (TDP), the house voted on the motion after 1 a.m. While 122 members supported the motion, 160 opposed it and there was one neutral. Five members were absent during the voting.
Though 16 Congress legislators loyal to YSR Congress party leader Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy violated the whip to vote in favour of the motion, it was not enough to defeat the government.
The ruling party has 153 members in 295-member house. The magic figure required to defeat the motion was 143 as there are seven vacancies in the house.
In addition to ruling party's 136 members, 17 out of 18 legislators of Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) and all seven members of Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) opposed the motion.
All 85 members of TDP, 12 of Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), four of CPI, two of BJP, one each of CPI-M, YSR Congress party and independent voted for the motion.
Though YSR Congress party's honorary president Vijayamma had reached the assembly in the morning with 18 Congress rebels, the number dwindled to 16 by the time of the voting. Suspense over the actual strength of Jagan group continued till the last minute as Congress leaders made all out efforts to win back rebels.
Announcing the defeat of the motion, Speaker N. Manohar adjourned the house sine die.
On the last day of the five-day winter session, the house debated the motion for over 16 hours. The debate was marred by not just heated exchanges between treasury and opposition benches but also by the allegations and counter allegations among the parties supporting the motion.
source:agency
After over a 16-hour-long debate on the motion moved by Telugu Desam Party (TDP), the house voted on the motion after 1 a.m. While 122 members supported the motion, 160 opposed it and there was one neutral. Five members were absent during the voting.
Though 16 Congress legislators loyal to YSR Congress party leader Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy violated the whip to vote in favour of the motion, it was not enough to defeat the government.
The ruling party has 153 members in 295-member house. The magic figure required to defeat the motion was 143 as there are seven vacancies in the house.
In addition to ruling party's 136 members, 17 out of 18 legislators of Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) and all seven members of Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) opposed the motion.
All 85 members of TDP, 12 of Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), four of CPI, two of BJP, one each of CPI-M, YSR Congress party and independent voted for the motion.
Though YSR Congress party's honorary president Vijayamma had reached the assembly in the morning with 18 Congress rebels, the number dwindled to 16 by the time of the voting. Suspense over the actual strength of Jagan group continued till the last minute as Congress leaders made all out efforts to win back rebels.
Announcing the defeat of the motion, Speaker N. Manohar adjourned the house sine die.
On the last day of the five-day winter session, the house debated the motion for over 16 hours. The debate was marred by not just heated exchanges between treasury and opposition benches but also by the allegations and counter allegations among the parties supporting the motion.
source:agency
Muslims in India took out processions today to mark the 10th day of the Islamic month of Muharram
New Delhi: Thousands of Muslims in India took out processions today to mark the 10th day of the Islamic month of Muharram and mourn the killing of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed, who was martyred some 1,400 ago at Karbala in Iraq.
Hundreds of Muslims took out processions in the capital at many places to observe the day, also known as Yaum-e-Ashura, the day of enlightenment, which is an important date in the Islamic calendar. Muslims believe that many key events in Islamic history occurred on the day, including the events of Karbala.
Holding flags and dressed in black, men and women, mostly belonging to the Shia sect -- who along with Sunnis make up India's 140 million Muslims -- took out processions, crying and beating their chests in the ceremonial "maatam" or mourning.
Delhi Police put in place security measures to ensure that the day passes off peacefully as it also coincides with the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition anniversary.
"We have taken enough security measures for the processions in Delhi, like every other year," Delhi Police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat told media.
The processions are taken out between mosques -- from Shia Jama Masjid in Kashmere Gate to Punja Sharif Karbala in the same locality and from Pahari Bhojla in Chittqualam near the historic Jama Masjid to Karbala in Jorbagh near Lodhi Road. The procession ends in the afternoon.
Special prayers were offered at the historic Shahi Masjid Fatehpuri and Khwaja Nizam-ud-din Auliya's shrine in south Delhi, where Muslims pay homage to Hussain.
Processions were also taken out in Muslim dominated areas of Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Maharashtra and West Bengal.
In Srinagar, the Jammu and Kashmir government government has banned the procession since the early 1990s for security reasons. However, Shia Muslims still carry out small processions in the interiors of the old city.
India has the third largest population of Muslims in the world, after Indonesia and Pakistan.
On Muharram, considered a day of bereavement, Muslims observe voluntary fasts, give to charity and pray in remembrance of Hussain.
It was during the month of Muharram in 680 AD that soldiers of the ruling caliph Yazid surrounded Hussain, his family and some of his followers at Karbala. In the days that followed, they were denied food and water and many of them were systematically killed in the clash that lasted till the 10th day of the month.
Hussain was killed on the tenth day which is observed as the day of mourning.
source:agency
Hundreds of Muslims took out processions in the capital at many places to observe the day, also known as Yaum-e-Ashura, the day of enlightenment, which is an important date in the Islamic calendar. Muslims believe that many key events in Islamic history occurred on the day, including the events of Karbala.
Holding flags and dressed in black, men and women, mostly belonging to the Shia sect -- who along with Sunnis make up India's 140 million Muslims -- took out processions, crying and beating their chests in the ceremonial "maatam" or mourning.
Delhi Police put in place security measures to ensure that the day passes off peacefully as it also coincides with the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition anniversary.
"We have taken enough security measures for the processions in Delhi, like every other year," Delhi Police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat told media.
The processions are taken out between mosques -- from Shia Jama Masjid in Kashmere Gate to Punja Sharif Karbala in the same locality and from Pahari Bhojla in Chittqualam near the historic Jama Masjid to Karbala in Jorbagh near Lodhi Road. The procession ends in the afternoon.
Special prayers were offered at the historic Shahi Masjid Fatehpuri and Khwaja Nizam-ud-din Auliya's shrine in south Delhi, where Muslims pay homage to Hussain.
Processions were also taken out in Muslim dominated areas of Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Maharashtra and West Bengal.
In Srinagar, the Jammu and Kashmir government government has banned the procession since the early 1990s for security reasons. However, Shia Muslims still carry out small processions in the interiors of the old city.
India has the third largest population of Muslims in the world, after Indonesia and Pakistan.
On Muharram, considered a day of bereavement, Muslims observe voluntary fasts, give to charity and pray in remembrance of Hussain.
It was during the month of Muharram in 680 AD that soldiers of the ruling caliph Yazid surrounded Hussain, his family and some of his followers at Karbala. In the days that followed, they were denied food and water and many of them were systematically killed in the clash that lasted till the 10th day of the month.
Hussain was killed on the tenth day which is observed as the day of mourning.
source:agency
Global banking giant HSBC will cut 330 jobs in Britain
London: Global banking giant HSBC will cut 330 jobs in Britain due to "the very challenging economic environment".
The job cuts will mainly come from the commercial banking arm of HSBC in Britain, the media reported.
The bank is also shedding jobs in retail banking, wealth management and technology services.
"Every effort is being made to support impacted employees and redeploy as many people as possible within the bank," said Joe Garner, a senior HSBC official.
Britain's largest trade union Unite said the job cut, announced just three weeks before Christmas, was "disgraceful".
The London-headquartered bank said in August it would cut another 25,000 jobs by 2013.
source:agency
The job cuts will mainly come from the commercial banking arm of HSBC in Britain, the media reported.
The bank is also shedding jobs in retail banking, wealth management and technology services.
"Every effort is being made to support impacted employees and redeploy as many people as possible within the bank," said Joe Garner, a senior HSBC official.
Britain's largest trade union Unite said the job cut, announced just three weeks before Christmas, was "disgraceful".
The London-headquartered bank said in August it would cut another 25,000 jobs by 2013.
source:agency
West Indies defeated India by 16 runs in the third One-Day
Ahmedabad: Rohit Sharma's valiant 95 went in vain as the West Indies defeated India by 16 runs in the third One-Day International here today and kept the series alive.
Chasing a target of 261 runs, India again fumbled at the top before Sharma guided the innings scoring his third fifty of the series. Wickets kept falling at the other end. Sharma was run out to a sharp pick and throw by West Indies captain Darren Sammy, and it looked it was all but over for India.
But Abhimanyu Mithun (23) and Umesh Yadav (11) raised visions of a victory with some scintillating hitting. The two added 28 runs for the last wicket before Mithun was dismissed lbw to Ravi Rampaul, who took four wickets. India folded up in 46.5 overs.
It was the first victory for the West Indies team on this tour. The series is now wide open with India leading 2-1 and two more matches to go.
India had a bad start again with Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir. Both fell to Rampaul in successive balls for a golden duck.
Parthiv Patel (39) and Virat Kohli (20) added 25 runs for the third wicket before debutant Sunil Narine (2/34) trapped Kohli lbw.
Marlon Samuels bowled Parthiv and Rampaul dismissed Suresh Raina (2), caught behind. Ravindra Jadeja (11) did not stay for long and soon India were left reeling at 105/6.
Sharma, who got away with a life when Sammy dropped an easy catch at gully, together with Ravichandran Ashwin added 91 runs to stabilise the innings.
Sharma, who has been a revelation in the series, hit 10 well-timed fours and a six. He was out to direct throw from Sammy.
Earlier, the West Indies smashed 73 runs in the last five overs to post a competitive 260/5.
All-rounder Andre Russell and captain Darren Sammy took the Indian pacers to the cleaners in the death overs after Marlon Samuels scored a patient 58 at the top of the order.
Russell's 40 off 18 balls and Sammy's 41 off 17 turned things around for the visitors, who are looking for their maiden win of the tour.
Their brutal attack also exposed the inexperience of the likes of Umesh Yadav and Abhimanyu Mithun, who gave away 43 runs in the last 12 balls. Mithun, playing his first match of the series and in hunt to be Praveen Kumar's replacement on the Australia tour, conceded 47 runs in seven overs. His last over went for 23 with Sammy hitting him for consecutive sixes over long on and cover. Yadav leaked 75 runs from nine overs.
The West Indies also got off to a bad start as they lost in-form opener Lendl Simmons (1) early on and found scoring tough for as long as the 40th over.
Pollard (29) once again got out after a promising start with Ravindra Jadeja taking a blinder in the deep off Vinay Kumar (2/39).
Darren Bravo (26) and Samuels had shared 55 runs for the third wicket before the stylish southpaw was forced to retire at the end of the 26th over.
source:agency
Chasing a target of 261 runs, India again fumbled at the top before Sharma guided the innings scoring his third fifty of the series. Wickets kept falling at the other end. Sharma was run out to a sharp pick and throw by West Indies captain Darren Sammy, and it looked it was all but over for India.
But Abhimanyu Mithun (23) and Umesh Yadav (11) raised visions of a victory with some scintillating hitting. The two added 28 runs for the last wicket before Mithun was dismissed lbw to Ravi Rampaul, who took four wickets. India folded up in 46.5 overs.
It was the first victory for the West Indies team on this tour. The series is now wide open with India leading 2-1 and two more matches to go.
India had a bad start again with Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir. Both fell to Rampaul in successive balls for a golden duck.
Parthiv Patel (39) and Virat Kohli (20) added 25 runs for the third wicket before debutant Sunil Narine (2/34) trapped Kohli lbw.
Marlon Samuels bowled Parthiv and Rampaul dismissed Suresh Raina (2), caught behind. Ravindra Jadeja (11) did not stay for long and soon India were left reeling at 105/6.
Sharma, who got away with a life when Sammy dropped an easy catch at gully, together with Ravichandran Ashwin added 91 runs to stabilise the innings.
Sharma, who has been a revelation in the series, hit 10 well-timed fours and a six. He was out to direct throw from Sammy.
Earlier, the West Indies smashed 73 runs in the last five overs to post a competitive 260/5.
All-rounder Andre Russell and captain Darren Sammy took the Indian pacers to the cleaners in the death overs after Marlon Samuels scored a patient 58 at the top of the order.
Russell's 40 off 18 balls and Sammy's 41 off 17 turned things around for the visitors, who are looking for their maiden win of the tour.
Their brutal attack also exposed the inexperience of the likes of Umesh Yadav and Abhimanyu Mithun, who gave away 43 runs in the last 12 balls. Mithun, playing his first match of the series and in hunt to be Praveen Kumar's replacement on the Australia tour, conceded 47 runs in seven overs. His last over went for 23 with Sammy hitting him for consecutive sixes over long on and cover. Yadav leaked 75 runs from nine overs.
The West Indies also got off to a bad start as they lost in-form opener Lendl Simmons (1) early on and found scoring tough for as long as the 40th over.
Pollard (29) once again got out after a promising start with Ravindra Jadeja taking a blinder in the deep off Vinay Kumar (2/39).
Darren Bravo (26) and Samuels had shared 55 runs for the third wicket before the stylish southpaw was forced to retire at the end of the 26th over.
source:agency
Bollywood heartthrob Hrithik Roshan is stepping behind the camera
New Delhi: Bollywood heartthrob Hrithik Roshan is stepping behind the camera to assist his father filmmaker Rakesh Roshan in the sequel to 2006 superhero film "Krissh".
The filmmaker confirmed the news, saying, "Hrithik always helps me out whenever we work together."
The first schedule of the film, also starring Vivek Oberoi and Priyanka Chopra, started off Thursday and since Hrithik was not part of it, he decided to help with the direction. The actor has been calling the shots and taking creative decisions.
This is not the first time that Hrithik will be assisting his father on a film. They previously worked together on films like "Koyla" and "Karan Arjun".
source:agency
The filmmaker confirmed the news, saying, "Hrithik always helps me out whenever we work together."
The first schedule of the film, also starring Vivek Oberoi and Priyanka Chopra, started off Thursday and since Hrithik was not part of it, he decided to help with the direction. The actor has been calling the shots and taking creative decisions.
This is not the first time that Hrithik will be assisting his father on a film. They previously worked together on films like "Koyla" and "Karan Arjun".
source:agency
I am very scared of bike riding:Actress Kareena Kapoor
Mumbai: Actress Kareena Kapoor reveals that, though uncomfortable riding a bike, she enjoyed doing a stunt with Akshay Kumar in "Kambakkht Ishq" and the bike scene with her beau Saif Ali Khan in their forthcoming movie "Agent Vinod".
"I am very scared of bike riding. But I have done a bike stunt with Akshay Kumar in 'Kambakkht Ishq' when he was riding the bike and I stood up on the speeding bike. Definitely, I enjoyed that with him the most," said Kareena who was here for the Top Gear awards ceremony.
"In our forthcoming film 'Agent Vinod', which would release by early next year, Saif and I have done a bike stunt. It was very exciting and fun. Hope people will love it," added the 31-year-old actress who seems to be trying to overcome her fear.
This year Kareena had two releases - "Bodyguard" with Salman Khan and "Ra. One" with Shah Rukh Khan.
In 2012, besides "Agent Vinod", she will be seen in "Talaash", directed by Reema Kagti, and Madhur Bhandarkar's "mega-budget "Heroine".
In the New Year, the Kapoor girl has also plans to get married to Saif, whom she has been dating for the last four years.
source:agency
"I am very scared of bike riding. But I have done a bike stunt with Akshay Kumar in 'Kambakkht Ishq' when he was riding the bike and I stood up on the speeding bike. Definitely, I enjoyed that with him the most," said Kareena who was here for the Top Gear awards ceremony.
"In our forthcoming film 'Agent Vinod', which would release by early next year, Saif and I have done a bike stunt. It was very exciting and fun. Hope people will love it," added the 31-year-old actress who seems to be trying to overcome her fear.
This year Kareena had two releases - "Bodyguard" with Salman Khan and "Ra. One" with Shah Rukh Khan.
In 2012, besides "Agent Vinod", she will be seen in "Talaash", directed by Reema Kagti, and Madhur Bhandarkar's "mega-budget "Heroine".
In the New Year, the Kapoor girl has also plans to get married to Saif, whom she has been dating for the last four years.
source:agency
Model Yana Gupta says she battled chronic eating disorder
New Delhi: Model Yana Gupta says she battled chronic eating disorder and struggled for 16 years with the way she looked despite being conscious about fitness.
She carried her own food to the places she was invited to dinner and tried every diet, but her fears about her body remained, Yana says in her yet-to-be-released book, "How To Love Your Body And Get The Body You Love".
She got the balance back in her life and gradually learnt to love herself, her publisher Penguin India quoted her as saying in a statement.
Using her own experiences, Yana offers "easy eating advice and gives a lowdown on food from the right portions to eat to being healthy on the go".
She advises on ways to understand nutrition labels, the "great dabba trick" and the best snack to eat when you get a late-night hunger attack.
"One has to learn to love one's body," the model says.
Yana has modelled for brands like Calvin Klein, Victoria's Secret, Toyota, Honda, Sony, Limca and MTV.
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, Model Yana Gupta, eating disorder, fitness
She carried her own food to the places she was invited to dinner and tried every diet, but her fears about her body remained, Yana says in her yet-to-be-released book, "How To Love Your Body And Get The Body You Love".
She got the balance back in her life and gradually learnt to love herself, her publisher Penguin India quoted her as saying in a statement.
Using her own experiences, Yana offers "easy eating advice and gives a lowdown on food from the right portions to eat to being healthy on the go".
She advises on ways to understand nutrition labels, the "great dabba trick" and the best snack to eat when you get a late-night hunger attack.
"One has to learn to love one's body," the model says.
Yana has modelled for brands like Calvin Klein, Victoria's Secret, Toyota, Honda, Sony, Limca and MTV.
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, Model Yana Gupta, eating disorder, fitness
Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao have been blessed with a son, born through IVF
New Delhi: Bollywood couple Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao have been blessed with a son, who was born through IVF to a surrogate mother at a private clinic in Mumbai Dec 1.
Aamir and Kiran confirmed the news, saying: "It gives us the greatest joy to share with you the good news of the birth of our baby boy. This baby is especially dear to us because he was born to us after a long wait and some difficulty."
This is Kiran Rao's first baby, while Aamir has a son, Junaid, and a daughter, Ira, from his first wife Reena. Aamir ended his 15-year-old marriage to Reena in 2002.
During the filming of Ashutosh Gowariker's "Lagaan", Aamir met assistant director Kiran, and they fell in love and tied the knot in 2005.
In 2009, Kiran got pregnant, but she had a miscarriage. But now the couple is happy.
Kiran and Aamir said that due to medical complications, "we were advised to have a baby through IVF - surrogacy, and we feel very grateful to the Almighty that all has gone well. We are humbled by the greatness of god, the miracles of science, and the kindness and love of our families and friends in being there for us while respecting our privacy."
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, Aamir Khan, Kiran Rao, surrogate son
Aamir and Kiran confirmed the news, saying: "It gives us the greatest joy to share with you the good news of the birth of our baby boy. This baby is especially dear to us because he was born to us after a long wait and some difficulty."
This is Kiran Rao's first baby, while Aamir has a son, Junaid, and a daughter, Ira, from his first wife Reena. Aamir ended his 15-year-old marriage to Reena in 2002.
During the filming of Ashutosh Gowariker's "Lagaan", Aamir met assistant director Kiran, and they fell in love and tied the knot in 2005.
In 2009, Kiran got pregnant, but she had a miscarriage. But now the couple is happy.
Kiran and Aamir said that due to medical complications, "we were advised to have a baby through IVF - surrogacy, and we feel very grateful to the Almighty that all has gone well. We are humbled by the greatness of god, the miracles of science, and the kindness and love of our families and friends in being there for us while respecting our privacy."
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, Aamir Khan, Kiran Rao, surrogate son
International film fraternity is realising the importance of the Indian market:Anil Kapoor
Mumbai: Actor Anil Kapoor, who plays an Indian business tycoon in "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol", believes that the international film fraternity is gradually realising the importance of the Indian market.
"It's the third biggest economy, it's the second largest populated country in the world. People are understanding it. They know now India is a very very important country. They have to focus on India," the 51-year-old actor said here during a special screening of the latest "Mission Impossible" franchise.
Anil will be seen in a cameo as businessman Brijnath in Tom Cruise-starrer "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol", which was screened in Mumbai on Sunday, a fortnight before its global release on Dec 21.
"I feel no role is small or big. It's in talent. Even one shot, one close-up is enough to prove what you are," said the actor who made a foray into Hollywood with Danny Boyle's "Slumdog Millionaire" in 2008.
Following the success of "Slumdog Millionaire", Anil bagged a role in American TV series "24" and he believes other Bollywood actors have it in them to make it big in Hollywood.
"I told Aamir Khan, I told Shah Rukh Khan, I told all the actors... Hrithik Roshan and all. They are great, they can become international stars. They are so good. So many of them, Ranbir Kapoor and all. They have that potential," said Anil who has done varied roles during his so far 32-year-old career.
He is known for his performances in "Woh Saat Din", "Saaheb", "Mr. India", "Lamhe", "Ram Lakhan" and "Viraasat".
source:agency
"It's the third biggest economy, it's the second largest populated country in the world. People are understanding it. They know now India is a very very important country. They have to focus on India," the 51-year-old actor said here during a special screening of the latest "Mission Impossible" franchise.
Anil will be seen in a cameo as businessman Brijnath in Tom Cruise-starrer "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol", which was screened in Mumbai on Sunday, a fortnight before its global release on Dec 21.
"I feel no role is small or big. It's in talent. Even one shot, one close-up is enough to prove what you are," said the actor who made a foray into Hollywood with Danny Boyle's "Slumdog Millionaire" in 2008.
Following the success of "Slumdog Millionaire", Anil bagged a role in American TV series "24" and he believes other Bollywood actors have it in them to make it big in Hollywood.
"I told Aamir Khan, I told Shah Rukh Khan, I told all the actors... Hrithik Roshan and all. They are great, they can become international stars. They are so good. So many of them, Ranbir Kapoor and all. They have that potential," said Anil who has done varied roles during his so far 32-year-old career.
He is known for his performances in "Woh Saat Din", "Saaheb", "Mr. India", "Lamhe", "Ram Lakhan" and "Viraasat".
source:agency
Deploy central forces to protect the Mullaperiyar dam :J. Jayalalithaa
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa on Sunday urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to deploy central forces to protect the Mullaperiyar dam in Kerala, citing a threat of mobs attempting to damage it.In a letter, the text of which was released to the media here, Jayalalithaa said: "In view of the violent activities reported at the dam site, it is imperative that central forces be deployed at the dam immediately.""I, therefore, request you to order the deployment of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at the dam site to avert any man made catastrophic consequences," she wroted."A mob of 200 people damaged the gate at the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board facility at the dam yesterday (Saturday) and today (Sunday) certain lumpen elements marched towards the dam from Vallakadavu (Kerala) with a JCB (earthmoving machine) and some implements, with the intention of letting out water and wanting to damage the dam."
"As I have pointed out earlier, the orchestrated campaign of fear mongering carried on by the Kerala government has led to this situation wherein the very security and safety of the dam is being deliberately threatened," she added.
According to her, the current situation of fear and panic mongering by the Kerala government was beyond comprehension.
Jayalalithaa said the situation "requires mature and informed decisions and wise handling at the level of the prime minister".
Tamil Nadu wants the storage capacity of the dam in Kerala's Idukki district to be increased by raising the dam height - from 136 feet (41.5 m) to 142 feet (43 m) to meet growing irrigation needs in Tamil Nadu.
Kerala has said that it was not against giving water to Tamil Nadu, but at the same time argued that a new dam was needed as the 115-year-old Mullaperiyar dam was frequently hit by tremors.
source:agency
"As I have pointed out earlier, the orchestrated campaign of fear mongering carried on by the Kerala government has led to this situation wherein the very security and safety of the dam is being deliberately threatened," she added.
According to her, the current situation of fear and panic mongering by the Kerala government was beyond comprehension.
Jayalalithaa said the situation "requires mature and informed decisions and wise handling at the level of the prime minister".
Tamil Nadu wants the storage capacity of the dam in Kerala's Idukki district to be increased by raising the dam height - from 136 feet (41.5 m) to 142 feet (43 m) to meet growing irrigation needs in Tamil Nadu.
Kerala has said that it was not against giving water to Tamil Nadu, but at the same time argued that a new dam was needed as the 115-year-old Mullaperiyar dam was frequently hit by tremors.
source:agency
Lok Sabha bypoll,verdict will inspire the government to work more: Mamata Banerjee
Kolkata: Enthused by the massive victory of the Trinamool Congress in the South Kolkata Lok Sabha bypoll against its arch-rival CPI-M, party supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday said the verdict will inspire the government to work more for the state's development."I am grateful to those people who voted for us. I think that they gave us the inspiration to work more for the development of Bengal," Banerjee told reporters here after State Trinamool Congress president Subrata Bakshi trounced Communist Party of India-Marxist's (CPI-M) Ritabrata Banerjee with a margin of over 2.30 lakh votes."We have to work for the poor, for the common people who are the base of democracy. And we will strongly deal with any attempt to hinder the development projects. This verdict of the people of South Kolkata will inspire me," she added.
The bypoll, held on Nov 30, was necessitated by Banerjee's resignation from the Lok Sabha after she won the assembly byelection from Bhawanipur two months back.
The chief minister charged the CPI-M with making "false statements" against her party.
"Why the CPI-M is so restless? I had told them to remain quiet in the next 10 years. They should watch what the new government does in these years. This regime will do better and better in the days ahead," she said.
"The CPI-M will lose its strength day by day due to its faulty works," she added.
source:agency
The bypoll, held on Nov 30, was necessitated by Banerjee's resignation from the Lok Sabha after she won the assembly byelection from Bhawanipur two months back.
The chief minister charged the CPI-M with making "false statements" against her party.
"Why the CPI-M is so restless? I had told them to remain quiet in the next 10 years. They should watch what the new government does in these years. This regime will do better and better in the days ahead," she said.
"The CPI-M will lose its strength day by day due to its faulty works," she added.
source:agency
Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray mourned the demise of evergreen actor Dev Anand
Mumbai: "The Love Bird has gone…" This was how Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray today mourned the demise of evergreen actor Dev Anand.
In a rare, signed personal statement on the front page of the party mouthpiece, Dopaharka Saamna, Thackeray said "Dev Anand was full of life" with a zest for living. The actor passed away in London in the early hours of Sunday at the age of 88.
"He always walked and talked fast, everything about him was fast, without commas or full stops. His heart was clean, such was my friend," Thackeray said.
Recalling his friendship with the actor since 1945, Thackeray said he had seen the "sunrise in Dev Anand's film career" and they would often meet in those days.
There was the renowned Central Cinema in Girgaum, south Mumbai and Thackeray worked as a press layout artist in the Famous Studios at Mahalaxmi. It was established by Baburao Pai after the collapse of Prabhat Movies Co. "After he completed his day's shooting, we would meet and often walk down to the nearby Charni Road station. He would get into the first class compartment while I would enter the third class coach since I was a pass-holder," Thackeray reminisced.
In this way, the duo went "their respective ways" - till the end, Thackeray said, referring to Dev Anand's career in Bollywood, and his own in journalism and politics.
Later, Dev Anand started visiting the Thackeray residence in Bandra east, Matoshree, and the latter reciprocated by gracing the book release or other functions hosted by the actor.
"We met in parties, gatherings, ate together. He always talked and walked a lot…," Thackeray said.
"Suddenly, my friend has gone away. I feel like meeting and talking to him. But he has left us from far away London, this is really painful," he said.
"On my behalf, on behalf of Uddhav Thackeray, and innumerable Shiv Sainiks, I offer my condolences," Thackeray said, praying that the Almighty (Dev) grant peace to his beloved Dev.
source:agency
In a rare, signed personal statement on the front page of the party mouthpiece, Dopaharka Saamna, Thackeray said "Dev Anand was full of life" with a zest for living. The actor passed away in London in the early hours of Sunday at the age of 88.
"He always walked and talked fast, everything about him was fast, without commas or full stops. His heart was clean, such was my friend," Thackeray said.
Recalling his friendship with the actor since 1945, Thackeray said he had seen the "sunrise in Dev Anand's film career" and they would often meet in those days.
There was the renowned Central Cinema in Girgaum, south Mumbai and Thackeray worked as a press layout artist in the Famous Studios at Mahalaxmi. It was established by Baburao Pai after the collapse of Prabhat Movies Co. "After he completed his day's shooting, we would meet and often walk down to the nearby Charni Road station. He would get into the first class compartment while I would enter the third class coach since I was a pass-holder," Thackeray reminisced.
In this way, the duo went "their respective ways" - till the end, Thackeray said, referring to Dev Anand's career in Bollywood, and his own in journalism and politics.
Later, Dev Anand started visiting the Thackeray residence in Bandra east, Matoshree, and the latter reciprocated by gracing the book release or other functions hosted by the actor.
"We met in parties, gatherings, ate together. He always talked and walked a lot…," Thackeray said.
"Suddenly, my friend has gone away. I feel like meeting and talking to him. But he has left us from far away London, this is really painful," he said.
"On my behalf, on behalf of Uddhav Thackeray, and innumerable Shiv Sainiks, I offer my condolences," Thackeray said, praying that the Almighty (Dev) grant peace to his beloved Dev.
source:agency
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, hope that parliament would function normally
New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has expressed hope that parliament would function normally from Wednesday after it meets following a four-day break."Hopefully," said the prime minister at the Navy Day "At Home" to queries if parliament would function normally from Wednesday.The winter session of parliament has seen repeated adjourments mainly on the government's decision to allow Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in retail and rising prices.The opposition has demanded a roll back of the FDI decision, while some of government's allies, including the Trinamool Congress, have expressed strong reservations.
Trinamool supremo Mamata Banerjee on Saturday quoted union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee as saying the government had decided to suspend the decision but there has been no official announcement.
source:agency
Trinamool supremo Mamata Banerjee on Saturday quoted union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee as saying the government had decided to suspend the decision but there has been no official announcement.
source:agency
20111204
Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik created a sculpture as a tribute to Dev Anand
Bhubaneswar: Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik today created a huge sculpture in Odisha as a tribute to Bollywood legend Dev Anand who died after a career spanning 65 years.
Pattnaik said he used five tonnes of sand and devoted about two hours to create the face of the star with a 25-ft-long movie reel bearing the message 'Evergreen Hero'.
Hundreds of people, including locals and tourists, gathered at the Chandrabhaga beach at Konark in Puri district, about 60 km from here, and paid their floral tribute to the veteran actor's sculpture.
"I am a big fan of Dev Anandji. I created this sculpture to pay him my tribute," Pattnaik told media.
The legendary actor died in London early today at the age of 88.
source:agency
Pattnaik said he used five tonnes of sand and devoted about two hours to create the face of the star with a 25-ft-long movie reel bearing the message 'Evergreen Hero'.
Hundreds of people, including locals and tourists, gathered at the Chandrabhaga beach at Konark in Puri district, about 60 km from here, and paid their floral tribute to the veteran actor's sculpture.
"I am a big fan of Dev Anandji. I created this sculpture to pay him my tribute," Pattnaik told media.
The legendary actor died in London early today at the age of 88.
source:agency
Police in Hyderabad have sounded a high alert ahead of Dec 6
Hyderabad: Police in Hyderabad have sounded a high alert ahead of Dec 6, the anniversary of the demolition of the Babri Masjid which is coinciding this year with 'Yaum-e-Ashoora', the 10th day of 'Muharram'.
Security has been stepped up across the Andhra Pradesh capital, especially in the communally sensitive Old City.
Police have deployed additional forces to maintain peace in view of calls by various Muslim organisations to observe the day as 'black day' and also for the smooth conduct of the annual 'Moharram procession'.
Police are taking no chances in view of the recent communal attacks in the city. According to police, at least six activists of Hindu Vahini were arrested last month for attacks on members of a minority community.
Hyderabad Police commissioner A.K. Khan said known communal offenders were taken into custody as part of measures to avert any untoward incident.
Police also launched vehicle checking operations in various parts of the city from Sunday evening.
Additional Director General of Police S.A. Huda said additional paramilitary forces were also deployed to maintain law and order.
Every year, the police make elaborate arrangements for the historic 'Moharram' procession but as the day is coinciding with the Babri Masjid demolition anniversary, police were making additional security arrangements.
Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT), a political party in the Old City, has called for a shutdown on Tuesday as a mark of protest over the 1992 demolition. It is also demanding that the mosque be rebuilt on its original site at Ayodhya.
source:agency
Tags : Babri Masjid, Moharram Procession, Hyderabad
Security has been stepped up across the Andhra Pradesh capital, especially in the communally sensitive Old City.
Police have deployed additional forces to maintain peace in view of calls by various Muslim organisations to observe the day as 'black day' and also for the smooth conduct of the annual 'Moharram procession'.
Police are taking no chances in view of the recent communal attacks in the city. According to police, at least six activists of Hindu Vahini were arrested last month for attacks on members of a minority community.
Hyderabad Police commissioner A.K. Khan said known communal offenders were taken into custody as part of measures to avert any untoward incident.
Police also launched vehicle checking operations in various parts of the city from Sunday evening.
Additional Director General of Police S.A. Huda said additional paramilitary forces were also deployed to maintain law and order.
Every year, the police make elaborate arrangements for the historic 'Moharram' procession but as the day is coinciding with the Babri Masjid demolition anniversary, police were making additional security arrangements.
Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT), a political party in the Old City, has called for a shutdown on Tuesday as a mark of protest over the 1992 demolition. It is also demanding that the mosque be rebuilt on its original site at Ayodhya.
source:agency
Tags : Babri Masjid, Moharram Procession, Hyderabad
Champions Challenge hockey ,India lose 3-4 to Belgium
Johannesburg: A last minute goal saw India lose 3-4 to Belgium in an exhilarating final of the Champions Challenge hockey tournament here today.
India were comfortably sitting on a 3-1 cushion in the second half but a resiliant Belgium bounced back in the match.
Tom Boon scored the winner and in the process became the joint top scorer of the tournament along with Justin Reid Ross of South Africa with eight goals.
For India, V.R.Raghunath (23rd minute), Sandeep Singh (41th) and Shivender Singh (54) scored. Belgium, who defeated Argentina in a tense shoot-out for a place in the final, responded through Jerome Dekeyser's brace (44th, 57th) and Gauthier Boccard's strike (55th)before Boon (70th) separated the two teams.
Sandeep finished with seven goals, all through penalty corners, and won the Player of the Tournament award.
But it was hardly a consolation for India as their propensity to concede last minute goals came back to haunt them.
Belgium, who have already made it to the London Olympics, also qualified for next December's champions Trophy in Australia.
"It is a cherry on the cake," said ecstatic Belgian player Xavier Reckinger.
India wasted an opportunity to play in the elite Champions Trophy after 2005.
The eight-time Olympic Champion looked in fine touch at the start. India had their chances as S.V.Sunil, with his explosive speed and fine dribbling skills, troubled the Belgian defenders.
Raghunath converted a penalty corner to give them the lead. Belgium stepped up the attack, but failed to level the scores. On one occasion Boon shot wide and on another he wasted a ball right in front of the goal. Indian custodian Bharat Chettri also made some good saves.
But Belgium galvanised themselves in the thrilling second half that saw three goals in three minutes.
Though it was India who went 2-0 up with Sandeep drag flicking the ball home, after wasting the first penalty corner.
Belgium was not heartbroken and found their first goal as Dekeyser, latching onto a through ball, got past a defender and scored.
It was then the most exciting moment of the match. Shivender scored a brilliant goal. He dribbled down the line and got past the goalkeeper with his skillful stickwork just in time to send the ball in.
He got another chance immediately, but could deflect the ball.
Belgium, after wasting two penalty corners in the second half, scored two in the next two minutes through Gauthier and Dekeyser taking India by surprise.
With 13 minutes to go, the match moved into a tense phase. Both teams concentrated on effective build-up while making sure the defence stay intact.
Belgium though looked in better control. They got a penalty corner when Thomas Briels came close to scoring but his push hit the Indian defender. It was wasted with Belgium drag flick expert Boon sitting on the bench.
Shivender then latched onto a long ball, but Yuvraj Walmiki was not in control to score.
Belgium then made a fine move and Boon made it count.
"I am really happy. We fought back in the match. It was not easy. We have beaten one of the top teams of the world in the final," said Belgium's Australian coach Colin Batch.
source:agency
India were comfortably sitting on a 3-1 cushion in the second half but a resiliant Belgium bounced back in the match.
Tom Boon scored the winner and in the process became the joint top scorer of the tournament along with Justin Reid Ross of South Africa with eight goals.
For India, V.R.Raghunath (23rd minute), Sandeep Singh (41th) and Shivender Singh (54) scored. Belgium, who defeated Argentina in a tense shoot-out for a place in the final, responded through Jerome Dekeyser's brace (44th, 57th) and Gauthier Boccard's strike (55th)before Boon (70th) separated the two teams.
Sandeep finished with seven goals, all through penalty corners, and won the Player of the Tournament award.
But it was hardly a consolation for India as their propensity to concede last minute goals came back to haunt them.
Belgium, who have already made it to the London Olympics, also qualified for next December's champions Trophy in Australia.
"It is a cherry on the cake," said ecstatic Belgian player Xavier Reckinger.
India wasted an opportunity to play in the elite Champions Trophy after 2005.
The eight-time Olympic Champion looked in fine touch at the start. India had their chances as S.V.Sunil, with his explosive speed and fine dribbling skills, troubled the Belgian defenders.
Raghunath converted a penalty corner to give them the lead. Belgium stepped up the attack, but failed to level the scores. On one occasion Boon shot wide and on another he wasted a ball right in front of the goal. Indian custodian Bharat Chettri also made some good saves.
But Belgium galvanised themselves in the thrilling second half that saw three goals in three minutes.
Though it was India who went 2-0 up with Sandeep drag flicking the ball home, after wasting the first penalty corner.
Belgium was not heartbroken and found their first goal as Dekeyser, latching onto a through ball, got past a defender and scored.
It was then the most exciting moment of the match. Shivender scored a brilliant goal. He dribbled down the line and got past the goalkeeper with his skillful stickwork just in time to send the ball in.
He got another chance immediately, but could deflect the ball.
Belgium, after wasting two penalty corners in the second half, scored two in the next two minutes through Gauthier and Dekeyser taking India by surprise.
With 13 minutes to go, the match moved into a tense phase. Both teams concentrated on effective build-up while making sure the defence stay intact.
Belgium though looked in better control. They got a penalty corner when Thomas Briels came close to scoring but his push hit the Indian defender. It was wasted with Belgium drag flick expert Boon sitting on the bench.
Shivender then latched onto a long ball, but Yuvraj Walmiki was not in control to score.
Belgium then made a fine move and Boon made it count.
"I am really happy. We fought back in the match. It was not easy. We have beaten one of the top teams of the world in the final," said Belgium's Australian coach Colin Batch.
source:agency
Tom Cruise at a special pre-release screening of his forthcoming movie "Mission Impossible
Mumbai: Signaling a new era of co-operation between Bollywood and Hollywood, Hollywood star Tom Cruise was on Sunday accorded a red carpet treatment at a special pre-release screening of his forthcoming movie "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol", over a fortnight before its global release on Dec 21.
Wearing a blue shirt and jeans, keeping in mind Mumbai's warm weather, Cruise, 49, was at his charismatic best, even as his host and co-star, Anil Kapoor, beamed with pride at the Imax Cinema in Wadala in central Mumbai.
When Cruise, Patton and Kapoor - who plays telecom tycoon Brij Nath in the film arrived, they were throatily cheered by the gathering.
Many carried posters with "We Love You, Tom Cruise," and "Welcome to Mumbai, Tom Cruise," which Cruise happily signed.
Cruise and co-star Paula Patton spent nearly two hours wowing and directly interacting with their fans, happily signing autographs, accepting their good wishes for the movie, which nearly 1,500 of them watched.
"I have wanted to come here all my life. I kept telling Anil, a great actor and an incredible host, 'I promise you I will come to India'. Yesterday when we were at the Taj Mahal, I told him 'You have to pinch me. I can't believe I am here'," said a smiling Cruise.
Besides Budapest, Moscow and Dubai, Mumbai is one of the cities where parts of the film have been shot, though much of the location has been recreated in Dubai and Vancouver.
Asked about his experience in India, Cruise said he met Kapoor and became friends with him when he gave away the Golden Globe Award to the "Slumdog Millionaire" team, which included the Indian actor.
At the time, Kapoor invited him to India, and Cruise accepted it, promising to visit at some point.
Asked Whether he was familiar with Indian cinema, Cruise said: "Yes, I know some of them. You make so many movies. I don't know all of them. But, you have made many great films, and have great film-makers and actors here."
Co-star Patton appeared sharper when she quickly named 'Aishwarya Rai' when asked what stars she was familiar with, and mentioned "Monsoon Wedding" as her favourite Indian movie.
"This is the first time a top Hollywood star and producer not only screened his forthcoming movie for an Indian audience pre-release, but remained personally present to interact with his fans," said an official from the host team.
Referring to the film in whih he plays an IMF agent Ethan Hunt accused of a terrorist bombing in the Kremlin, leading to US-Russia tension, Cruise said he was excited working the movie's director, Brad Bird.
In the traditional hallmark of the MI franchise, the latest one provides ultra-high adrenaline action supported by a racy script that keeps the viewer on the edge of the seat.
Among the highlights in MIGP is a breath-taking stunt by Hunt (Cruise) atop the Burj al-Khalifa, the world's tallest building in Dubai.
Asked to comment what went through his mind while doing the stunt, Cruise laughed: "I am not afraid of heights... I am scared of falling."
Whether his family - actress Katie Holmes and daughter Suri - are concerned about the intense action in all the MI films, Cruise said: "They know who I am and what I do. I have always done things like these my whole life. They know I want to entertain an audience. I call them and say - 'Do not worry' - They know, understand and appreciate my dedication, and they understand."
"I always feel that what I can do that I would be excited, and the my audience would be excited," Cruise said, asked what kind of challenges a top Hollywood star like him encountered.
Also present on the red carpet was Kapoor's vivacious daughter, actress Sonam, accompanied by actor Neil Nitin Mukesh and Indian film director duo Abbas-Mustan Burmawallah, for promoting their new film "Players," due for release early next January.
source:agency
Tags : Tom Cruise, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol Pre-Release Screening, Bollywood, Hollywood
Wearing a blue shirt and jeans, keeping in mind Mumbai's warm weather, Cruise, 49, was at his charismatic best, even as his host and co-star, Anil Kapoor, beamed with pride at the Imax Cinema in Wadala in central Mumbai.
When Cruise, Patton and Kapoor - who plays telecom tycoon Brij Nath in the film arrived, they were throatily cheered by the gathering.
Many carried posters with "We Love You, Tom Cruise," and "Welcome to Mumbai, Tom Cruise," which Cruise happily signed.
Cruise and co-star Paula Patton spent nearly two hours wowing and directly interacting with their fans, happily signing autographs, accepting their good wishes for the movie, which nearly 1,500 of them watched.
"I have wanted to come here all my life. I kept telling Anil, a great actor and an incredible host, 'I promise you I will come to India'. Yesterday when we were at the Taj Mahal, I told him 'You have to pinch me. I can't believe I am here'," said a smiling Cruise.
Besides Budapest, Moscow and Dubai, Mumbai is one of the cities where parts of the film have been shot, though much of the location has been recreated in Dubai and Vancouver.
Asked about his experience in India, Cruise said he met Kapoor and became friends with him when he gave away the Golden Globe Award to the "Slumdog Millionaire" team, which included the Indian actor.
At the time, Kapoor invited him to India, and Cruise accepted it, promising to visit at some point.
Asked Whether he was familiar with Indian cinema, Cruise said: "Yes, I know some of them. You make so many movies. I don't know all of them. But, you have made many great films, and have great film-makers and actors here."
Co-star Patton appeared sharper when she quickly named 'Aishwarya Rai' when asked what stars she was familiar with, and mentioned "Monsoon Wedding" as her favourite Indian movie.
"This is the first time a top Hollywood star and producer not only screened his forthcoming movie for an Indian audience pre-release, but remained personally present to interact with his fans," said an official from the host team.
Referring to the film in whih he plays an IMF agent Ethan Hunt accused of a terrorist bombing in the Kremlin, leading to US-Russia tension, Cruise said he was excited working the movie's director, Brad Bird.
In the traditional hallmark of the MI franchise, the latest one provides ultra-high adrenaline action supported by a racy script that keeps the viewer on the edge of the seat.
Among the highlights in MIGP is a breath-taking stunt by Hunt (Cruise) atop the Burj al-Khalifa, the world's tallest building in Dubai.
Asked to comment what went through his mind while doing the stunt, Cruise laughed: "I am not afraid of heights... I am scared of falling."
Whether his family - actress Katie Holmes and daughter Suri - are concerned about the intense action in all the MI films, Cruise said: "They know who I am and what I do. I have always done things like these my whole life. They know I want to entertain an audience. I call them and say - 'Do not worry' - They know, understand and appreciate my dedication, and they understand."
"I always feel that what I can do that I would be excited, and the my audience would be excited," Cruise said, asked what kind of challenges a top Hollywood star like him encountered.
Also present on the red carpet was Kapoor's vivacious daughter, actress Sonam, accompanied by actor Neil Nitin Mukesh and Indian film director duo Abbas-Mustan Burmawallah, for promoting their new film "Players," due for release early next January.
source:agency
Tags : Tom Cruise, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol Pre-Release Screening, Bollywood, Hollywood
Gurgaon welcomes TEMPUR ,8th stand alone store in Gurgaon
The No.1 International premium mattress making brand, TEMPUR has stood one level up as it opens its eightth stand alone store in DLF Grand Mall, MG Road, Gurgaon, in addition to the exclusive stores in New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Chandigarh.
Sleeping, taken in a lighter sense is indeed very important as we sleep for almost 4 months a year. In this frantic schedule where we easily doze off while working on a laptop and have forgotten the meaning of a nap, knocking our doors to provide us a good night sleep is the TEMPUR range of mattresses, beds and pillows which have already been declared the most highly recommended ones in America.
With the NASA developed pressure relieving material manufactured only in their company-owned production facilities using the proprietary formula. TEMPUR promises to eliminate painful pressure points, letting you mean it when you wish a “goodnight”. TEMPUR material not only reduces snoring, on the adjacent hand, its visco elastic and pressure relieving material reduces body tossing, turning and pain eventually. The sensitive material is always soft and firm for an individual's body.
TEMPUR has a unique concept of presentation as it is ultra-luxurious and very high-end, serving to a special group of consumers. Luxury does not stand alone, it is defined with a bouquet of special brands and TEMPUR is certainly one of them. The premium brand has a lot to express, a lot of intimate, a lot to educate, in order to wish a very good night.
To make you rest properly after work, the unparalleled posh store offers the fantastic range of Mattresses incorporating The Royal, The Celebrity, The Sensation, The Cloud and The Deluxe Mattresses. Pillows range from Original Pillows, Long Hug Pillow, Ombracio Pillow, Symphony Pillow to Millenium Pillows. Supreme and Superflex Beds along with the travelling accessories cater to the luxury and comfort seekers.
”Gurgaon is one of the most exciting markets where we can see a new corporate and high-end residential, coming almost very week. I see a lot of potential here and therefore I always wanted TEMPUR to exist as an independent store in Gurgaon, apart from our store in New Delhi. I am very excited to serve TEMPUR to the door steps of Gurgaon's highly advanced audience.”, said Puneet Verma, Country Manager for TEMPUR in India.
TEMPUR serves the best when it comes to mattress retail market. Moreover, there is a 12-minutes experience zone where one can experience the finest blend of comfort and luxury. Hence, this unique theme gives another field to play on as it attracts customers and gift them with an opportunity to learn and know much more about the mattress they should actually use.
TEMPUR, in collaboration with Springwel (Premium mattress making Indian brand) in India, has also launched the retail stores of international repute & standards with the name of ”Springwel Planet Bliss”, 4 stores, out of which two are located in Mumbai, one in Kolkata and one in Delhi NCR, are in operation.
The excitement has already begun. Gurgaon is all set to experience the most luxurious and comfortable, premium range of mattresses, pillows and beds from TEMPUR.
About TEMPUR
TEMPUR Pedic International, Inc. is a manufacturer and distributor of mattresses and pillows made of open celled visco-elastic, pressure relieving and temperature sensitive material. The company's headquarters are in Lexington, Kentucky. It has partnered with Springwel Mattresses Pvt. Ltd. as its sole distributor in India. TEMPUR material was originally based on NASA's research to develop a material that would cushion aircraft seats and improve survivability in the even of an accident. It is the most highly recommended bed in America and are the only brand of mattresses to earn the Arthritis Foundation's Ease-of-Use Commendation, which recognizes comfort and ease of use for people with arthritis.
For further information, kindly visit:
www.tempur.co.in
Sleeping, taken in a lighter sense is indeed very important as we sleep for almost 4 months a year. In this frantic schedule where we easily doze off while working on a laptop and have forgotten the meaning of a nap, knocking our doors to provide us a good night sleep is the TEMPUR range of mattresses, beds and pillows which have already been declared the most highly recommended ones in America.
With the NASA developed pressure relieving material manufactured only in their company-owned production facilities using the proprietary formula. TEMPUR promises to eliminate painful pressure points, letting you mean it when you wish a “goodnight”. TEMPUR material not only reduces snoring, on the adjacent hand, its visco elastic and pressure relieving material reduces body tossing, turning and pain eventually. The sensitive material is always soft and firm for an individual's body.
TEMPUR has a unique concept of presentation as it is ultra-luxurious and very high-end, serving to a special group of consumers. Luxury does not stand alone, it is defined with a bouquet of special brands and TEMPUR is certainly one of them. The premium brand has a lot to express, a lot of intimate, a lot to educate, in order to wish a very good night.
To make you rest properly after work, the unparalleled posh store offers the fantastic range of Mattresses incorporating The Royal, The Celebrity, The Sensation, The Cloud and The Deluxe Mattresses. Pillows range from Original Pillows, Long Hug Pillow, Ombracio Pillow, Symphony Pillow to Millenium Pillows. Supreme and Superflex Beds along with the travelling accessories cater to the luxury and comfort seekers.
”Gurgaon is one of the most exciting markets where we can see a new corporate and high-end residential, coming almost very week. I see a lot of potential here and therefore I always wanted TEMPUR to exist as an independent store in Gurgaon, apart from our store in New Delhi. I am very excited to serve TEMPUR to the door steps of Gurgaon's highly advanced audience.”, said Puneet Verma, Country Manager for TEMPUR in India.
TEMPUR serves the best when it comes to mattress retail market. Moreover, there is a 12-minutes experience zone where one can experience the finest blend of comfort and luxury. Hence, this unique theme gives another field to play on as it attracts customers and gift them with an opportunity to learn and know much more about the mattress they should actually use.
TEMPUR, in collaboration with Springwel (Premium mattress making Indian brand) in India, has also launched the retail stores of international repute & standards with the name of ”Springwel Planet Bliss”, 4 stores, out of which two are located in Mumbai, one in Kolkata and one in Delhi NCR, are in operation.
The excitement has already begun. Gurgaon is all set to experience the most luxurious and comfortable, premium range of mattresses, pillows and beds from TEMPUR.
About TEMPUR
TEMPUR Pedic International, Inc. is a manufacturer and distributor of mattresses and pillows made of open celled visco-elastic, pressure relieving and temperature sensitive material. The company's headquarters are in Lexington, Kentucky. It has partnered with Springwel Mattresses Pvt. Ltd. as its sole distributor in India. TEMPUR material was originally based on NASA's research to develop a material that would cushion aircraft seats and improve survivability in the even of an accident. It is the most highly recommended bed in America and are the only brand of mattresses to earn the Arthritis Foundation's Ease-of-Use Commendation, which recognizes comfort and ease of use for people with arthritis.
For further information, kindly visit:
www.tempur.co.in
President Pratibha Patil condoled the death of legendary actor Dev Anand
New Delhi: President Pratibha Patil today condoled the death of legendary actor Dev Anand, saying the film industry has lost a creative talent and a man who personified the spirit of graceful ageing with dignity.In her message, the president said: "Anand was a legendary film artiste as well as a producer, director and writer who adorned the Hindi cinema with great distinction. He delighted Hindi cinema fans with his vivacious acting and as a popular romantic hero of his times."The 88-year-old actor passed away after a massive cardiac arrest in London.
Recalling his movies, Patil said: "He shall always be remembered by a generation of film watchers for his exemplified acting in the movies -- 'Taxi Driver', 'Munimji', 'Guide', 'Johny Mera Naam', 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna' and 'Des Pardes'."
"In his passing away, the film industry has lost a creative talent and a man who personified the spirit of graceful ageing with dignity," she added.
The iconic star is survived by his wife, former actress Kalpana Karthik, a son and a daughter.
source:agency
Tags : Pratibha Patil, Dev Anand, Hindi Cinema
Recalling his movies, Patil said: "He shall always be remembered by a generation of film watchers for his exemplified acting in the movies -- 'Taxi Driver', 'Munimji', 'Guide', 'Johny Mera Naam', 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna' and 'Des Pardes'."
"In his passing away, the film industry has lost a creative talent and a man who personified the spirit of graceful ageing with dignity," she added.
The iconic star is survived by his wife, former actress Kalpana Karthik, a son and a daughter.
source:agency
Tags : Pratibha Patil, Dev Anand, Hindi Cinema
Government would put on hold its decision to allow FDI :Pranab Mukherjee
New Delhi: Just a day after the government unveiled its new team of ministers to share the government's view with people, many of them, including both senior and junior ministers, had no clue today about the fate of the decision allowing foreign equity in retail.
Utter confusion prevailed in the government today evening after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, quoting union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, said the government would put on hold its decision to allow FDI in multi-brand retail till a consensus emerges on the issue.
While many ministers, expected to brief the media on crucial political and policy matters, could not clarify the government's position in response to Banerjee's statement, a junior minister said he would be able to say anything only after speaking to Mukherjee.
If the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government chose to remain silent on the issue, probably awaiting the return of prime minister Manmohan Singh visiting the north eastern state of Manipur, the party was ambiguous in its response.
Congress media department chief Janardan Dwivedi told reporters: "In such a situation, broad consensus is required."
source:agency
Tags : Mamata Banerjee, FDI, Pranab Mukherjee, Mamata Banerjee on FDI
Utter confusion prevailed in the government today evening after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, quoting union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, said the government would put on hold its decision to allow FDI in multi-brand retail till a consensus emerges on the issue.
While many ministers, expected to brief the media on crucial political and policy matters, could not clarify the government's position in response to Banerjee's statement, a junior minister said he would be able to say anything only after speaking to Mukherjee.
If the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government chose to remain silent on the issue, probably awaiting the return of prime minister Manmohan Singh visiting the north eastern state of Manipur, the party was ambiguous in its response.
Congress media department chief Janardan Dwivedi told reporters: "In such a situation, broad consensus is required."
source:agency
Tags : Mamata Banerjee, FDI, Pranab Mukherjee, Mamata Banerjee on FDI
Hindi film industry mourns the death of legendary actor Dev Anand
Mumbai: The Hindi film industry mourns the death of legendary actor Dev Anand, who died of a heart attack in London. Amitabh Bachchan says he has left a void that will not be filled again and Anupam Kher pays tribute remembering his song "Ahbi na jao chodkar", which became an integral part of his life.
Dev Anand died in London last night. Mourning the demise of the legend, film fraternity today took to Twitter to express sadness over the era that had ended with his death.
Amitabh Bachchan: "An era has come to an end .. Dev Anand leaves a void never perhaps to be filled again .. his never give up belief, his joy of life ! Had just met Dev Saheb at his premiere recently .. he was weak but full of spirit ..the newspapers confirming his passing away..He was such a positive person .. never associated death with him."
Anupam Kher: "Just heard the sad news about Dev Saab. Somehow believed he will ALWAYS be there with us. My first hero...An Institution of optimism. RIP...Dev Saab was Kind, Passionate, Courageous, Forthright, Charming, Encouraging, Contemporary, Always a leader and a Great Human. Will Miss him...So as a Tribute to Dev Saab let's only humm his Songs today. Songs which became such an integral part of our lives. "Ahbi na jao chodkar..."
Shreya Ghoshal: "Dev Anand Sa'ab is no more.. Rest in peace...Do you like 2011? We lost so many legends this year... Its true. This year we lost many greats... What legacy of great films n music! He indeed was a man of excellence and passion for cinema."
Sangeeth Sivan: "RIP Dev Anand - what a life!!"
Dia Mirza: "Rest In Peace Dev Saab... Your chivalry, charm, optimism and your great body of work will never be forgotten."
Mahesh Bhatt: "Dev Anand is dead. As the new dawn breaks over Mumbai, I salute the memory of this star who has left us with the glow of his smile."
Shabana Azmi: "Dev Saheb robustly lived life on his own terms...he will be missed by millions but will live on thru his movies... I salute his spirit."
Goldie Behl: "Rip dev anand ... spread love & a never give up attitude just went ahead and did whatever he wanted... My favorite actor!!!"
Dabboo Ratnani: "Saddened by the demise of Dev Saheb, Never had the privilege of working with him. His attitude has always been an inspiration..."
Shekhar Ravjiani: "Man I had the privilege to meet once in my life is no more. A legend Mr Dev Anand. God bless his soul."
source:agency
Tags : Hindi film Industry, Dev Anand, Amitabh Bachchan
Dev Anand died in London last night. Mourning the demise of the legend, film fraternity today took to Twitter to express sadness over the era that had ended with his death.
Amitabh Bachchan: "An era has come to an end .. Dev Anand leaves a void never perhaps to be filled again .. his never give up belief, his joy of life ! Had just met Dev Saheb at his premiere recently .. he was weak but full of spirit ..the newspapers confirming his passing away..He was such a positive person .. never associated death with him."
Anupam Kher: "Just heard the sad news about Dev Saab. Somehow believed he will ALWAYS be there with us. My first hero...An Institution of optimism. RIP...Dev Saab was Kind, Passionate, Courageous, Forthright, Charming, Encouraging, Contemporary, Always a leader and a Great Human. Will Miss him...So as a Tribute to Dev Saab let's only humm his Songs today. Songs which became such an integral part of our lives. "Ahbi na jao chodkar..."
Shreya Ghoshal: "Dev Anand Sa'ab is no more.. Rest in peace...Do you like 2011? We lost so many legends this year... Its true. This year we lost many greats... What legacy of great films n music! He indeed was a man of excellence and passion for cinema."
Sangeeth Sivan: "RIP Dev Anand - what a life!!"
Dia Mirza: "Rest In Peace Dev Saab... Your chivalry, charm, optimism and your great body of work will never be forgotten."
Mahesh Bhatt: "Dev Anand is dead. As the new dawn breaks over Mumbai, I salute the memory of this star who has left us with the glow of his smile."
Shabana Azmi: "Dev Saheb robustly lived life on his own terms...he will be missed by millions but will live on thru his movies... I salute his spirit."
Goldie Behl: "Rip dev anand ... spread love & a never give up attitude just went ahead and did whatever he wanted... My favorite actor!!!"
Dabboo Ratnani: "Saddened by the demise of Dev Saheb, Never had the privilege of working with him. His attitude has always been an inspiration..."
Shekhar Ravjiani: "Man I had the privilege to meet once in my life is no more. A legend Mr Dev Anand. God bless his soul."
source:agency
Tags : Hindi film Industry, Dev Anand, Amitabh Bachchan
Lokpal bill:Hundreds of Anna Hazare supporters participated in a car and bike rally
New Delhi: Hundreds of Anna Hazare supporters participated in a car and bike rally in the capital today to drum up support for civil society's version of the Lokpal bill, an activist said.
The rally was flagged off by Team Anna member Kiran Bedi from Rajghat in central Delhi. It is scheduled to end at Tughlakabad Maidan in south Delhi.
"It was a open call for the public to participate in the rally. We have had an overwhelming response. About 400 car and bikes are participating in the rally," India Against Corruption (IAC) media coordinator Aswathi Muralidharan told IANS.
Muralidharan said people from all age groups participated in this rally to express their disappointment with the government's version of the anti-graft law.
Taking part in the event, IAC volunteer Sandeep Saxena said: "I have borrowed my brother's car to take part in this rally. By participating in these kind of protests, we can express support for Anna Hazare. Despite all differences, I support Annaji and want him to continue his campaign against corruption."
Activist Anna Hazare is scheduled to sit on a day-long protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar Dec 11 against the draft Lokpal bill prepared by the government.
He has also warned of a major agitation from Dec 27 to Jan 5 at Ramlila ground in central Delhi if changes were not made to the proposed anti-graft law.
source:agency
The rally was flagged off by Team Anna member Kiran Bedi from Rajghat in central Delhi. It is scheduled to end at Tughlakabad Maidan in south Delhi.
"It was a open call for the public to participate in the rally. We have had an overwhelming response. About 400 car and bikes are participating in the rally," India Against Corruption (IAC) media coordinator Aswathi Muralidharan told IANS.
Muralidharan said people from all age groups participated in this rally to express their disappointment with the government's version of the anti-graft law.
Taking part in the event, IAC volunteer Sandeep Saxena said: "I have borrowed my brother's car to take part in this rally. By participating in these kind of protests, we can express support for Anna Hazare. Despite all differences, I support Annaji and want him to continue his campaign against corruption."
Activist Anna Hazare is scheduled to sit on a day-long protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar Dec 11 against the draft Lokpal bill prepared by the government.
He has also warned of a major agitation from Dec 27 to Jan 5 at Ramlila ground in central Delhi if changes were not made to the proposed anti-graft law.
source:agency
Rahul Dravid was today named the captain of the Indian Premier League (IPL) team Rajasthan Royals
Jaipur: Indian batting great Rahul Dravid was today named the captain of the Indian Premier League (IPL) team Rajasthan Royals. He replaces Australia's Shane Warne, who led the team for four seasons before announcing his retirement from the cash-rich event earlier this year.
The 38-year-old former India captain has had a great 2011. He has piled on 1067 runs in 11 Tests that includes five centuries. 'The Wall' was bought by the Rajasthan franchise for $500,000 in the IPL auctions held in Bangalore in January. Dravid was with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for the first three editions.
"I am honoured to lead the Rajasthan Royals. I hope to live up to the confidence shown in me by the franchise and give our fans an exciting season of cricket," said Dravid in a statement released by Rajasthan Royals.
"I look forward to the valuable inputs from my teammates who are already leading their national sides and clubs. My aim will be to get the best out of a very talented squad and invoke the same team spirit that won the franchise the first IPL and has been a hallmark of the Rajasthan Royals ever since."
Warne had no hesitation in saying that his successor will take the team to more success.
"He is not only one of the world's best batsmen, but a leader par excellence. The Royals squad is a bunch of extremely energetic and talented players who know their roles perfectly well and I am sure they will thrive under Dravid's inspiring leadership. I will be keenly following the Royals and Dravid and would like to wish them the best," said Warne, who led the team to victory in the inaugural season.
source:agency
The 38-year-old former India captain has had a great 2011. He has piled on 1067 runs in 11 Tests that includes five centuries. 'The Wall' was bought by the Rajasthan franchise for $500,000 in the IPL auctions held in Bangalore in January. Dravid was with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for the first three editions.
"I am honoured to lead the Rajasthan Royals. I hope to live up to the confidence shown in me by the franchise and give our fans an exciting season of cricket," said Dravid in a statement released by Rajasthan Royals.
"I look forward to the valuable inputs from my teammates who are already leading their national sides and clubs. My aim will be to get the best out of a very talented squad and invoke the same team spirit that won the franchise the first IPL and has been a hallmark of the Rajasthan Royals ever since."
Warne had no hesitation in saying that his successor will take the team to more success.
"He is not only one of the world's best batsmen, but a leader par excellence. The Royals squad is a bunch of extremely energetic and talented players who know their roles perfectly well and I am sure they will thrive under Dravid's inspiring leadership. I will be keenly following the Royals and Dravid and would like to wish them the best," said Warne, who led the team to victory in the inaugural season.
source:agency
Saina Nehwal is one of the fittest players in the world:Pullela Gopichand
New Delhi: Former All England Champion and current India coach Pullela Gopichand says Saina Nehwal's recent slump in form would only help her to get better ahead of the all important Olympics in London next year.
Saina has only a single title to her name in 2011 and it came in the Swiss Open Grand Prix. However, the Indian has been able to maintain her rankings and is fourth in the world at the moment.
Gopichand said that it was good that the slump had come at this time and not closer to the Olympics.
"Good that the dip in form has come now. We still have a lot of time to straighten out all the problems so that she can regain her game that we all know she is capable of playing," Gopichand said at the launch of his book 'The World Beneath His Feat' in the national capital here today.
"We need to make little changes here and there. She does not need much tinkering, she is already a great player."
The 2001 All England Open winner also commended Saina for her fitness.
"Saina is one of the fittest players in the world,"he said.
Gopichand had no qualms on the fitness of the Indian players, saying they were at par with the Chinese and the Indonesians.
"Indian players do not lack fitness but there some inconsistencies that need to be sorted out. If our players lack anything then its speed, but that will also come with time."
Pullela also spoke very highly of the new rising stars of Indian Badminton, Parupalli Kashyap and Ajay Jayaram.
"Both of them are top 15 material, Kashyap has a good state of mind but was unlucky this year with some very tough draws."
Talking about the book a very excited Gopichand said: "The book is about a journey of a boy who loves to play. Hardships and lows that a sports person goes through in his life."
source:agency
Tags : Pullela Gopichand, Gopichand, London Olympics, Saina Nehwal
Saina has only a single title to her name in 2011 and it came in the Swiss Open Grand Prix. However, the Indian has been able to maintain her rankings and is fourth in the world at the moment.
Gopichand said that it was good that the slump had come at this time and not closer to the Olympics.
"Good that the dip in form has come now. We still have a lot of time to straighten out all the problems so that she can regain her game that we all know she is capable of playing," Gopichand said at the launch of his book 'The World Beneath His Feat' in the national capital here today.
"We need to make little changes here and there. She does not need much tinkering, she is already a great player."
The 2001 All England Open winner also commended Saina for her fitness.
"Saina is one of the fittest players in the world,"he said.
Gopichand had no qualms on the fitness of the Indian players, saying they were at par with the Chinese and the Indonesians.
"Indian players do not lack fitness but there some inconsistencies that need to be sorted out. If our players lack anything then its speed, but that will also come with time."
Pullela also spoke very highly of the new rising stars of Indian Badminton, Parupalli Kashyap and Ajay Jayaram.
"Both of them are top 15 material, Kashyap has a good state of mind but was unlucky this year with some very tough draws."
Talking about the book a very excited Gopichand said: "The book is about a journey of a boy who loves to play. Hardships and lows that a sports person goes through in his life."
source:agency
Tags : Pullela Gopichand, Gopichand, London Olympics, Saina Nehwal
Tom Cruise landed in Delhi, then visited the Taj Mahal in Agra
New Delhi: On a whirlwind tour of India to promote the fourth instalment of his "Mission Impossible" franchise, Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise landed in Delhi, then visited the Taj Mahal in Agra and later reached Mumbai today.
Accompanying him in this 'mission' was his Bollywood co-star Anil Kapoor who reached Delhi ahead of him to take him around India. Kapoor plays a key role in "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol".
Cruise landed in Delhi early morning and headed straight to the Leela Palace, Chanakyapuri. He stayed at the exquisite Maharaja suite which has a personal gym, jacuzzi and is one of the most expensive suites in the country, sources said.
From there, the 49-year-old left for Agra with Kapoor. He stayed at the Oberoi Amar Villas in the Taj city.
He then visited the Taj Mahal with Kapoor. People who were already inside the Taj literally forgot about the monument and started trailing the stars.
After the visit, Cruise said: "Stunning. I love being here and I always wanted to see the Taj."
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had made special arrangements for the visit.
"We took the necessary precautions and provided whatever facilities were required. Cruise spent about an hour and took keen interest in the mausoleum, spending several minutes admiring the main structure from the marble platform," Taj caretaker Munnazar Ali told the media.
Tom then cruised to the entertainment and financial capital of the country, Mumbai, amid tight security at the airport and the route to his hotel.
Dressed in a blue and white checkered shirt and blue jeans, Cruise landed at the domestic terminal of Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport a little before 5 p.m.
He will stay at the presidential suite of the Taj Mahal Palace and Towers in Colaba till Monday.
If sources are to be believed, the presidential suite that Cruise has booked for two nights costs Rs.10 lakh per night.
The 5,000 square feet suite has in the past hosted guests like US President Barack Obama and French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Hollywood couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie also stayed in the same suite during their India visit in November 2006.
An additional 14 rooms have been booked for his management and entourage.
Though Cruise was supposed to travel with wife Katie Holmes and daughter Suri, he came to India alone.
Later today, he attended a private party thrown by Anil Kapoor which was also attended by top Bollywood celebrities.
The bash was a private 150-guest affair at the Taj Rooftop, Colaba.
On Sunday, Cruise will be part of the main event hosted by Viacom 18 and Anil Kapoor -the special screening for 1,500 fans two weeks before the film's worldwide release on Dec 21.
"Cruise will meet and interact with his fans and will also watch the film with them. A red carpet event will follow the film," said an organiser.
The film marks the return of the Hollywood superstar as secret agent Ethan Hunt. Kapoor plays an Indian business tycoon, Brij Nath.
Sources added that Cruise has expressed his intention to visit Kapoor's home and meet his family if time permits.
source:agency
Accompanying him in this 'mission' was his Bollywood co-star Anil Kapoor who reached Delhi ahead of him to take him around India. Kapoor plays a key role in "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol".
Cruise landed in Delhi early morning and headed straight to the Leela Palace, Chanakyapuri. He stayed at the exquisite Maharaja suite which has a personal gym, jacuzzi and is one of the most expensive suites in the country, sources said.
From there, the 49-year-old left for Agra with Kapoor. He stayed at the Oberoi Amar Villas in the Taj city.
He then visited the Taj Mahal with Kapoor. People who were already inside the Taj literally forgot about the monument and started trailing the stars.
After the visit, Cruise said: "Stunning. I love being here and I always wanted to see the Taj."
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had made special arrangements for the visit.
"We took the necessary precautions and provided whatever facilities were required. Cruise spent about an hour and took keen interest in the mausoleum, spending several minutes admiring the main structure from the marble platform," Taj caretaker Munnazar Ali told the media.
Tom then cruised to the entertainment and financial capital of the country, Mumbai, amid tight security at the airport and the route to his hotel.
Dressed in a blue and white checkered shirt and blue jeans, Cruise landed at the domestic terminal of Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport a little before 5 p.m.
He will stay at the presidential suite of the Taj Mahal Palace and Towers in Colaba till Monday.
If sources are to be believed, the presidential suite that Cruise has booked for two nights costs Rs.10 lakh per night.
The 5,000 square feet suite has in the past hosted guests like US President Barack Obama and French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Hollywood couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie also stayed in the same suite during their India visit in November 2006.
An additional 14 rooms have been booked for his management and entourage.
Though Cruise was supposed to travel with wife Katie Holmes and daughter Suri, he came to India alone.
Later today, he attended a private party thrown by Anil Kapoor which was also attended by top Bollywood celebrities.
The bash was a private 150-guest affair at the Taj Rooftop, Colaba.
On Sunday, Cruise will be part of the main event hosted by Viacom 18 and Anil Kapoor -the special screening for 1,500 fans two weeks before the film's worldwide release on Dec 21.
"Cruise will meet and interact with his fans and will also watch the film with them. A red carpet event will follow the film," said an organiser.
The film marks the return of the Hollywood superstar as secret agent Ethan Hunt. Kapoor plays an Indian business tycoon, Brij Nath.
Sources added that Cruise has expressed his intention to visit Kapoor's home and meet his family if time permits.
source:agency
Farhan Akhtar is keen to work with his childhood friend Salman Khan
New Delhi: After working with Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar says he is keen to work with his childhood friend Salman Khan.
The 37-year-old knows Salman from his childhood days, thanks to their fathers, the scriptwriter duo Salim-Javed.
"Salman and I have spent a lot of time together and we were really good friends. He was really supportive and caring towards me and Zoya just like he was towards his own brothers," said Farhan in the capital today, attending the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit.
"We have spoken on many occasions to get Salim and Javed back. We have spoken about doing a film together too. It would be great if we do it. I will be all in for it. I really want to do something with him," he added.
Farhan, who is all set for his next project "Don 2" to hit the screens on Dec 23, also reveals his parents have never pressurised him and have always been supportive.
"My parents have never pressurised me or Zoya. They have never poked any of us, saying your treatment is not correct or anything. They are happy that we have independently made a name for ourselves and are passionate about our work," he said.
Farhan, who has directed films like "Dil Chahta Hai", "Lakshya" and "Don" franchise, admits one should never take audience for granted.
"The most important lesson I have learnt being in the industry is that one should never take the audience for granted. People need to do their work by telling the story and not think and assume that our audience is intelligent enough to understand the details. It is the effort that needs to be made to be accepted and recognised," he said.
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, Farhan Akhtar, Salman Khan
The 37-year-old knows Salman from his childhood days, thanks to their fathers, the scriptwriter duo Salim-Javed.
"Salman and I have spent a lot of time together and we were really good friends. He was really supportive and caring towards me and Zoya just like he was towards his own brothers," said Farhan in the capital today, attending the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit.
"We have spoken on many occasions to get Salim and Javed back. We have spoken about doing a film together too. It would be great if we do it. I will be all in for it. I really want to do something with him," he added.
Farhan, who is all set for his next project "Don 2" to hit the screens on Dec 23, also reveals his parents have never pressurised him and have always been supportive.
"My parents have never pressurised me or Zoya. They have never poked any of us, saying your treatment is not correct or anything. They are happy that we have independently made a name for ourselves and are passionate about our work," he said.
Farhan, who has directed films like "Dil Chahta Hai", "Lakshya" and "Don" franchise, admits one should never take audience for granted.
"The most important lesson I have learnt being in the industry is that one should never take the audience for granted. People need to do their work by telling the story and not think and assume that our audience is intelligent enough to understand the details. It is the effort that needs to be made to be accepted and recognised," he said.
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, Farhan Akhtar, Salman Khan
Ranveer Singh says that his character 'Ricky Bahl' in the film is not that of a casanova
Mumbai: Ranveer Singh, who will be seen conning girls in his forthcoming film "Ladies vs Ricky Bahl", says that his character 'Ricky Bahl' in the film is not that of a casanova but of a charmer.
"Ricky Bahl is a professional conman. He's not a casanova or a heart breaker. He has a natural skill of charming the ladies and he thinks why not use his natural skill and get some money from them," Ranveer said here at a press conference.
"His purpose is not to break hearts or be a casanova but money is his main focus. He does not play with emotions," he added.
The 26-year-old actor also admits he is a self-critic.
"I am very over-critical of myself. I hate my own performances in the films," said Ranveer, who hit the jackpot with his first film "Band Baaja Baraat"
"Ladies vs Ricky Bahl" also features Anushka Sharma, Parineeti Chopra, Aditi Sharma and Dipannita Sharma. Directed by Maneesh Sharma, the film releases on Dec 9.
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, Ranveer Singh, "Ladies vs Ricky Bahl"
"Ricky Bahl is a professional conman. He's not a casanova or a heart breaker. He has a natural skill of charming the ladies and he thinks why not use his natural skill and get some money from them," Ranveer said here at a press conference.
"His purpose is not to break hearts or be a casanova but money is his main focus. He does not play with emotions," he added.
The 26-year-old actor also admits he is a self-critic.
"I am very over-critical of myself. I hate my own performances in the films," said Ranveer, who hit the jackpot with his first film "Band Baaja Baraat"
"Ladies vs Ricky Bahl" also features Anushka Sharma, Parineeti Chopra, Aditi Sharma and Dipannita Sharma. Directed by Maneesh Sharma, the film releases on Dec 9.
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, Ranveer Singh, "Ladies vs Ricky Bahl"
"The Dirty Picture":Vidya Balan is overwhelmed by the kind of response
Mumbai: Vidya Balan is overwhelmed by the kind of response she has received for "The Dirty Picture", and is glad that even her parents did not find anything vulgar or cheap in her portrayal of a sex symbol.
"I am feeling great. I am thankful to god as the film has got such a good opening. I got to know it has got 100 percent occupancy in single screen cinemas and 80-90 percent in multiplexes. I have just seen the reaction of people inside the theatre and I didn't even know what to say. There have been certain reviews which are very positive and encouraging," Vidya said after watching the film in a theatre here.
Vidya is particularly happy with her parents' reaction.
"My dad and mom said this film has nothing vulgar or cheap. They said they are proud of me as I have brought so much grace and dignity. I think whatever compliments I will get after this will be like bonus. That's the best compliment," she said.
The film has been directed by Milan Luthria and produced by Balaji Productions. It also features Naseeruddin Shah, Emran Hashmi and Tusshar Kapoor.
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, Vidya Balan, "The Dirty Picture"
"I am feeling great. I am thankful to god as the film has got such a good opening. I got to know it has got 100 percent occupancy in single screen cinemas and 80-90 percent in multiplexes. I have just seen the reaction of people inside the theatre and I didn't even know what to say. There have been certain reviews which are very positive and encouraging," Vidya said after watching the film in a theatre here.
Vidya is particularly happy with her parents' reaction.
"My dad and mom said this film has nothing vulgar or cheap. They said they are proud of me as I have brought so much grace and dignity. I think whatever compliments I will get after this will be like bonus. That's the best compliment," she said.
The film has been directed by Milan Luthria and produced by Balaji Productions. It also features Naseeruddin Shah, Emran Hashmi and Tusshar Kapoor.
source:agency
Tags : India Entertainment News, Vidya Balan, "The Dirty Picture"
20111202
Earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale jolted India's Nicobar Islands
New Delhi: An earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale jolted India's Nicobar Islands early today.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the temblor hit the Nicobar Islands at 1.07 a.m., the media reported.
The quake's epicentre, with a depth of 38.70 km, was initially determined to be at 7.7615 degrees north latitude and 93.9754 degrees east longitude.
Located in the south-east of the Bay of Bengal, the Nicobar Islands comprises 22 large and small islands, of which only 12 have inhabitants.
source:agency
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the temblor hit the Nicobar Islands at 1.07 a.m., the media reported.
The quake's epicentre, with a depth of 38.70 km, was initially determined to be at 7.7615 degrees north latitude and 93.9754 degrees east longitude.
Located in the south-east of the Bay of Bengal, the Nicobar Islands comprises 22 large and small islands, of which only 12 have inhabitants.
source:agency
Death of Maoist leader Kishenji was not good said Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) chief Shibu Soren
Ranchi: Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) chief Shibu Soren said the death of Maoist leader Kishenji was "not good for the country", inviting sharp reaction from political leaders.
"Kishenji was a big leader. His death is not good for his party and not for the country," Soren, chairman of the ruling JMM-Bharatiya Janata Party alliance steering committee, told reporters in Jamshedpur.
Koteshwar Rao alias Kishenji was killed in a shootout with security forces in West Bengal last week.
Soren's statement has invited sharp reaction in the political circle.
"This is the personal view of Shibu Soren," Baijnath Ram, Jharkhand Education Minister who is also a BJP leader, told reporters.
Marxist Coordination Committee's (MCC) lone legislator Arup Chatterji said: "Soren is a big leader and he should not come out with such statements."
source:agency
"Kishenji was a big leader. His death is not good for his party and not for the country," Soren, chairman of the ruling JMM-Bharatiya Janata Party alliance steering committee, told reporters in Jamshedpur.
Koteshwar Rao alias Kishenji was killed in a shootout with security forces in West Bengal last week.
Soren's statement has invited sharp reaction in the political circle.
"This is the personal view of Shibu Soren," Baijnath Ram, Jharkhand Education Minister who is also a BJP leader, told reporters.
Marxist Coordination Committee's (MCC) lone legislator Arup Chatterji said: "Soren is a big leader and he should not come out with such statements."
source:agency
Mahindra and Mahindra will re-open bookings of its new sports utility vehicle (SUV)-- XUV5OO
Mumbai: Automobile major Mahindra and Mahindra on Friday said it will re-open bookings of its new sports utility vehicle (SUV)-- XUV5OO in January 2012.
"The XUV5OO had received over 8,000 bookings in just 10 days (since its launch). Mahindra had sold out four months production of the XUV5OO and had deferred new bookings since Oct 11," the company said in a statement.
According to the statement, the company expects to complete deliveries of last bookings by January, 2012.
"The production for the XUV5OO is as per schedule and the company is also in the process of ramping up production at its plant in Chakan (plant) which will enable it to re-open bookings next month," the statement added.
The car was launched on Sep 29 with an introductory price ranging from Rs.10.8 lakh to Rs.12.88 lakh (ex-showroom price Delhi).
The car has three variants, all in diesel, and offers the option of a four-wheel drive.
All the three variants of the car are produced at the company's Chakan plant, located on the outskirts of Pune with an initial capacity of 2,000 units per month.
source:agency
"The XUV5OO had received over 8,000 bookings in just 10 days (since its launch). Mahindra had sold out four months production of the XUV5OO and had deferred new bookings since Oct 11," the company said in a statement.
According to the statement, the company expects to complete deliveries of last bookings by January, 2012.
"The production for the XUV5OO is as per schedule and the company is also in the process of ramping up production at its plant in Chakan (plant) which will enable it to re-open bookings next month," the statement added.
The car was launched on Sep 29 with an introductory price ranging from Rs.10.8 lakh to Rs.12.88 lakh (ex-showroom price Delhi).
The car has three variants, all in diesel, and offers the option of a four-wheel drive.
All the three variants of the car are produced at the company's Chakan plant, located on the outskirts of Pune with an initial capacity of 2,000 units per month.
source:agency
Pankaj Advani and Kamal Chawla to enter the semi-finals of the IBSF World snooker championship
Bangalore: Pankaj Advani and Kamal Chawla chalked up contrasting victories to enter the semi-finals of the IBSF World snooker championship here on today.
Advani, though nowhere near his best, carried enough ammunition to bring down Belgium's Peter Bullen 6-2 (71-07, 00-123, 34-75, 92-21, 67-60, 70-09, 69-16, 80-45) while Chawla, the 32-year-old from Bhopal, overcame another Belgian, Kevin van Hove, 6-5, in a tight match.
In the semi-finals to be played later in the day, Advani takes on Welshman Lee Walker who ousted former champion Thepchaiya Un-Nooh, the precocious Thai, 6-2, while Chawla faces Iran's Hossein Vafaei Ayouri who beat Brendan O'Donnoghue of Ireland 6-3.
Advani started off on a bright note as he opened the proceedings by crafting a break of 62 to pocket the first frame. However, Bullen responded strongly with a 123 clearance followed by a break of 64 that put the Belgian 2-1 ahead. However, the 26-year-old Bangalorean took the next two frames on a run of 62 in the fourth and a 48 in the fifth for a 3-2 advantage.
"I was rattled by the century break and also the 64 in the third frame. He was potting virtually everything in sight and I realised that I needed to do something different to get back into the Imatch.
"Luckily for me, I got a good opening in the fourth and in the next frame, I made a crucial blue to pink clearance for a 3-2 lead. I feel, that was the turning point of the match," said Advani.
In the next three frames, Advani kept things tight and under control. Runs of 63 and 55 took him to 5-2 and early in the eighth, he laid a near-perfect snooker leaving the cue ball tight behind the green. Bullen made six unsuccessful attempts to come out of the snook, conceding 27 points in the process and on his seventh attempt, he left Advani on a small break that proved decisive.
"I didn't take any chances in the eighth. The reds were in a tight bunch and I didn't want to risk opening it. The snook behind the green got me some useful points and I built on that.
"It certainly wasn't my best match, but I tried to make every visit count since I knew what Bullen was capable of. At this level, you can't really afford to give any chances to your opponent," Advani said.
On the other hand, Chawla, who had ousted Alok Kumar 5-4 in a four-hour marathon Thursday night, survived yet another punishing encounter that not only underlined his abundant talent but also the inconsistency that has denied him more success.
Leading 3-1 and 5-4, Chawla cramped up to allow his opponent back into the match although van Hove was as error-prone, missing sitters and generally tense.
"After losing the first frame, I played well in the next three for 3-1. Thereafter, my cueing went awry and I guess, it had to with the alignment or whatever. I started missing a lot of shots and he played well to come back.
"I was really tense in the second half of the match, but luckily, I got my game back and won. But it was a very close match and am happy that I won," said Chawla who was a quarter-finalist at the 2009 World championship in Hyderabad.
The results:
Quarter-finals (Best-of-11): Pankaj Advani (India) bt Peter Bullen (Belgium) 6-2: (62) 71-07; 00-123 (123 clearance); 34-75 (64); (62) 92-21; (47) 67-60; (63) 70-09; (55) 69-16; 80-45. Lee Walker (Wales) bt Thepchaiya Un-Nooh (Thailand) 6-2: 11-95 (68); 72-64 (64); (67) 67-25; (54) 60-72 (46); (38) 68-04; (70cl) 70-60 (60); (59cl) 59-55 (55); 62-28. Hossein Vafaei Ayouri (Iran) bt Brendan O'Donnoghue (Ireland) 6-3: (41, 30cl) 80-62 (54); (118) 118-00; 63-73 (66); (48, 33) 86-18; 33-73 (67); 18-83 (46cl); (58) 85-01; 71-52, (38, 38) 74-00. Kamal Chawla (India) bt Kevin van Hove (Belgium) 6-5: 03-87 (75); (56, 50) 106-07; (58cl) 93-15; (60) 76-29; 06-112 (48, 55cl); 27-86; 46-65 (36); 74-32; (31) 72-35; 27-78 (32); 77-36.
source:agency
Advani, though nowhere near his best, carried enough ammunition to bring down Belgium's Peter Bullen 6-2 (71-07, 00-123, 34-75, 92-21, 67-60, 70-09, 69-16, 80-45) while Chawla, the 32-year-old from Bhopal, overcame another Belgian, Kevin van Hove, 6-5, in a tight match.
In the semi-finals to be played later in the day, Advani takes on Welshman Lee Walker who ousted former champion Thepchaiya Un-Nooh, the precocious Thai, 6-2, while Chawla faces Iran's Hossein Vafaei Ayouri who beat Brendan O'Donnoghue of Ireland 6-3.
Advani started off on a bright note as he opened the proceedings by crafting a break of 62 to pocket the first frame. However, Bullen responded strongly with a 123 clearance followed by a break of 64 that put the Belgian 2-1 ahead. However, the 26-year-old Bangalorean took the next two frames on a run of 62 in the fourth and a 48 in the fifth for a 3-2 advantage.
"I was rattled by the century break and also the 64 in the third frame. He was potting virtually everything in sight and I realised that I needed to do something different to get back into the Imatch.
"Luckily for me, I got a good opening in the fourth and in the next frame, I made a crucial blue to pink clearance for a 3-2 lead. I feel, that was the turning point of the match," said Advani.
In the next three frames, Advani kept things tight and under control. Runs of 63 and 55 took him to 5-2 and early in the eighth, he laid a near-perfect snooker leaving the cue ball tight behind the green. Bullen made six unsuccessful attempts to come out of the snook, conceding 27 points in the process and on his seventh attempt, he left Advani on a small break that proved decisive.
"I didn't take any chances in the eighth. The reds were in a tight bunch and I didn't want to risk opening it. The snook behind the green got me some useful points and I built on that.
"It certainly wasn't my best match, but I tried to make every visit count since I knew what Bullen was capable of. At this level, you can't really afford to give any chances to your opponent," Advani said.
On the other hand, Chawla, who had ousted Alok Kumar 5-4 in a four-hour marathon Thursday night, survived yet another punishing encounter that not only underlined his abundant talent but also the inconsistency that has denied him more success.
Leading 3-1 and 5-4, Chawla cramped up to allow his opponent back into the match although van Hove was as error-prone, missing sitters and generally tense.
"After losing the first frame, I played well in the next three for 3-1. Thereafter, my cueing went awry and I guess, it had to with the alignment or whatever. I started missing a lot of shots and he played well to come back.
"I was really tense in the second half of the match, but luckily, I got my game back and won. But it was a very close match and am happy that I won," said Chawla who was a quarter-finalist at the 2009 World championship in Hyderabad.
The results:
Quarter-finals (Best-of-11): Pankaj Advani (India) bt Peter Bullen (Belgium) 6-2: (62) 71-07; 00-123 (123 clearance); 34-75 (64); (62) 92-21; (47) 67-60; (63) 70-09; (55) 69-16; 80-45. Lee Walker (Wales) bt Thepchaiya Un-Nooh (Thailand) 6-2: 11-95 (68); 72-64 (64); (67) 67-25; (54) 60-72 (46); (38) 68-04; (70cl) 70-60 (60); (59cl) 59-55 (55); 62-28. Hossein Vafaei Ayouri (Iran) bt Brendan O'Donnoghue (Ireland) 6-3: (41, 30cl) 80-62 (54); (118) 118-00; 63-73 (66); (48, 33) 86-18; 33-73 (67); 18-83 (46cl); (58) 85-01; 71-52, (38, 38) 74-00. Kamal Chawla (India) bt Kevin van Hove (Belgium) 6-5: 03-87 (75); (56, 50) 106-07; (58cl) 93-15; (60) 76-29; 06-112 (48, 55cl); 27-86; 46-65 (36); 74-32; (31) 72-35; 27-78 (32); 77-36.
source:agency
Second ODI against West Indies:India chased down 270 runs courtesy Kohli's (118) second century
Visakhapatnam: Virat Kohli smashed a century and together with troubleshooter Rohit Sharma put up 163 runs for the fourth wicket as India overcame a resilent West Indies by five wickets in the second ODI here on Friday.
India chased down 270 runs courtesy Kohli's (118) second century at the venue and Sharma's fluent unbeaten 90. The two fully entertained the capacity crowd at the Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy Stadium with their hitting prowess.
The hosts comfortably reached the target with 11 balls in hand and took a 2-0 lead in the five match series.
West Indies, after being bailed out of deep trouble by Lendl Simmons' defiant 78 and Ravi Rampaul's counterattacking 86 off 66 balls, took three wickets for 84 runs. Parthiv Patel (2), Virender Sehwag (26) and Gautam Gambhir (12), who fell to a brilliant one-handed catch by Adrian Barath, left early.
Kohli and Sharma then built up the innings and took the game away from West Indies.
Kohli, who has a century against Australia here, hit 14 fours off 123 balls and scored his eighth century in 70 ODIs. He enchanced his growing reputation of a reliable batsman when the team is chasing. It was his fourth century when India has batted second.
Sharma, who guided India's innings in the first ODI as well which India won narrowly, was again upto the task. He stood upto the short deliveries and played some beautifully timed pull shots.
He struck seven fours and two sixes.
Earlier, Rampaul helped West Indies post a challenging total.
Coming in at No.10 when West Indies were struggling at 170/9 in 36 overs, Rampaul hit the bowlers all over the park.
He added 99 runs with Kemar Roach, staging a remarkable fightback for the West Indies.
Rampaul single-handedly stole the show towards the end and got good support from Roach, who chipped in with 24 off 36 balls. It was the highest score by a No.10 batsman in an ODI.
Before that, opener Simmons guided West Indies, who lost half their side for 63 runs after India put them in overcast conditions which led to a 15-minute delay in the start of the match.
The Indian seamers made most of the conditions early on. R. Vinay Kumar (2/43) and Umesh Yadav (3/38) swung the ball at a good pace to trouble the West Indies batsmen.
Rampaul's maiden fifty in ODIs comprised six huge sixes and as many fours. The Trinidadian entertained the crowd with his big hits. He particularly developed a liking for the off-spin of Ravichandran Ashwin (1/74), who was the most expensive Indian bowler.
Big-hitting Kieron Pollard played a 35-run cameo in the middle of the innings, hitting Ashwin for two huge sixes before falling bat-pad in the next delivery.
source:agency
India chased down 270 runs courtesy Kohli's (118) second century at the venue and Sharma's fluent unbeaten 90. The two fully entertained the capacity crowd at the Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy Stadium with their hitting prowess.
The hosts comfortably reached the target with 11 balls in hand and took a 2-0 lead in the five match series.
West Indies, after being bailed out of deep trouble by Lendl Simmons' defiant 78 and Ravi Rampaul's counterattacking 86 off 66 balls, took three wickets for 84 runs. Parthiv Patel (2), Virender Sehwag (26) and Gautam Gambhir (12), who fell to a brilliant one-handed catch by Adrian Barath, left early.
Kohli and Sharma then built up the innings and took the game away from West Indies.
Kohli, who has a century against Australia here, hit 14 fours off 123 balls and scored his eighth century in 70 ODIs. He enchanced his growing reputation of a reliable batsman when the team is chasing. It was his fourth century when India has batted second.
Sharma, who guided India's innings in the first ODI as well which India won narrowly, was again upto the task. He stood upto the short deliveries and played some beautifully timed pull shots.
He struck seven fours and two sixes.
Earlier, Rampaul helped West Indies post a challenging total.
Coming in at No.10 when West Indies were struggling at 170/9 in 36 overs, Rampaul hit the bowlers all over the park.
He added 99 runs with Kemar Roach, staging a remarkable fightback for the West Indies.
Rampaul single-handedly stole the show towards the end and got good support from Roach, who chipped in with 24 off 36 balls. It was the highest score by a No.10 batsman in an ODI.
Before that, opener Simmons guided West Indies, who lost half their side for 63 runs after India put them in overcast conditions which led to a 15-minute delay in the start of the match.
The Indian seamers made most of the conditions early on. R. Vinay Kumar (2/43) and Umesh Yadav (3/38) swung the ball at a good pace to trouble the West Indies batsmen.
Rampaul's maiden fifty in ODIs comprised six huge sixes and as many fours. The Trinidadian entertained the crowd with his big hits. He particularly developed a liking for the off-spin of Ravichandran Ashwin (1/74), who was the most expensive Indian bowler.
Big-hitting Kieron Pollard played a 35-run cameo in the middle of the innings, hitting Ashwin for two huge sixes before falling bat-pad in the next delivery.
source:agency
Hollywood star Tom Cruise in India ,promotional tour of his "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol"
New Delhi: Hollywood star Tom Cruise, who is on a worldwide promotional tour of his much-awaited film "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol", landed here early on Saturday.
The 49-year-old arrived here at 6 a.m. and headed straight to the Leela Palace, Chanakyapuri.
He is staying at the hotel's exquisite Maharaja Suite, which has a personal gym, jacuzzi and is one of the most expensive suites in the country, said sources.
Cruise, who features as intelligence agent Ethan Hunt in the popular film franchise, will go to Agra, accompanied by Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor, who has a role in the latest "Mission Impossible" movie.
The international star is also due to fly to Mumbai where he is hosting a special screening for 1,500 fans two weeks before the film's worldwide release on Dec 21.
source:agency
The 49-year-old arrived here at 6 a.m. and headed straight to the Leela Palace, Chanakyapuri.
He is staying at the hotel's exquisite Maharaja Suite, which has a personal gym, jacuzzi and is one of the most expensive suites in the country, said sources.
Cruise, who features as intelligence agent Ethan Hunt in the popular film franchise, will go to Agra, accompanied by Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor, who has a role in the latest "Mission Impossible" movie.
The international star is also due to fly to Mumbai where he is hosting a special screening for 1,500 fans two weeks before the film's worldwide release on Dec 21.
source:agency
Deepika Padukone ,one of the most stylish actresses in the Hindi film industry:Poorna Jagannathan
Mumbai: Poorna Jagannathan, who made her Bollywood debut with "Delhi Belly", finds Deepika Padukone as one of the most stylish actresses in the Hindi film industry.
"Deepika, knows how to carry herself, super great body, super athletic, I love that look, and she is a wonderful actress," Poorna said at the launch of the Campari calendar here.
Poorna has been away from the arc lights after delivering a wonderful performance in "Delhi Belly".
"It's been a bit of a roller-coaster, it has been a little unexpected with what happened with 'Delhi Belly'. Then I went back to New York... it is good to be here," the 38-year-old said.
Poorna will soon be seen in director Bruce Beresford's comedy-drama "Peace, Love and Misunderstanding".
source:agency
"Deepika, knows how to carry herself, super great body, super athletic, I love that look, and she is a wonderful actress," Poorna said at the launch of the Campari calendar here.
Poorna has been away from the arc lights after delivering a wonderful performance in "Delhi Belly".
"It's been a bit of a roller-coaster, it has been a little unexpected with what happened with 'Delhi Belly'. Then I went back to New York... it is good to be here," the 38-year-old said.
Poorna will soon be seen in director Bruce Beresford's comedy-drama "Peace, Love and Misunderstanding".
source:agency
IIFA organiser Wizcraft International wants the southern film industry to also get on board
Chennai: After taking Bollywood offshore, IIFA organiser Wizcraft International wants the southern film industry to also get on board to create a global platform for them.
During the third edition of Media and Entertainment Business Conclave (MEBC) 2011, organized by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in Chennai, Sabbas Joseph of Wizcraft International shared the success story of International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards weekend and recommended the same for the southern filmdom.
"The talent in the south Indian film industry is enormous. We wanted to seize this opportunity to establish a platform for talent to be promoted and honoured on a national level and international level for south Indian films," said Joseph, director, Wizcraft International Entertainment.
"Regional and Indian cinema have grown into a global phenomenon and we would surely look at promoting and leveraging them on a global platform through brand IIFA," he added.
IIFA is considered as a most respected South Asian film academy and its main highlights include the IIFA Weekend and Awards to felicitate the Hindi film industry.
source:agency
During the third edition of Media and Entertainment Business Conclave (MEBC) 2011, organized by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in Chennai, Sabbas Joseph of Wizcraft International shared the success story of International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards weekend and recommended the same for the southern filmdom.
"The talent in the south Indian film industry is enormous. We wanted to seize this opportunity to establish a platform for talent to be promoted and honoured on a national level and international level for south Indian films," said Joseph, director, Wizcraft International Entertainment.
"Regional and Indian cinema have grown into a global phenomenon and we would surely look at promoting and leveraging them on a global platform through brand IIFA," he added.
IIFA is considered as a most respected South Asian film academy and its main highlights include the IIFA Weekend and Awards to felicitate the Hindi film industry.
source:agency
Amitabh Bachchan has denied reports of selling pictures of his son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya's first child
New Delhi: Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has denied reports he is planning to sell pictures of his son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya's first child.
"Media trying to build up story of sale of baby picture...ha ha ha ... good try media, it will never happen...," Amitabh posted on micro-blogging site Twitter, following reports that the family will follow Hollywood's trend of selling baby pictures.
Aishwarya gave birth to a baby girl on Nov 16, and the Bachchan's brought the daughter home on Nov 22.
The family is yet to decide on a name for its bundle of joy.
source:agency
"Media trying to build up story of sale of baby picture...ha ha ha ... good try media, it will never happen...," Amitabh posted on micro-blogging site Twitter, following reports that the family will follow Hollywood's trend of selling baby pictures.
Aishwarya gave birth to a baby girl on Nov 16, and the Bachchan's brought the daughter home on Nov 22.
The family is yet to decide on a name for its bundle of joy.
source:agency
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