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Russia hopeful of building new nuclear power reactors in India
New Delhi, Nov 25 (PTI) Buoyed by the approval of Nuclear Suppliers Group to trade with New Delhi, Russia today said it hoped to construct more nuclear power reactors in India.
"I'm extremely happy that this area of cooperation between India and Russia have been given a new opportunity after the decision was taken by the Nuclear Supplier Group," visiting Russian Energy Minister Sergey Shmatko told reporters here.
"We expect the inter-governmental agreement on construction of additional units at the Kudankulam site as well as other sites in India to be signed in the near future," he said.
Russia is to build four nuclear power reactors in India.
"Russia and India have excellent prospects of cooperation in the nuclear area and this cooperation is very multi-faceted.
"I believe that Russia and India have very good opportunity for future cooperation based on the results of our cooperation at Kudankulam site where we have been able to acquire large expertise by working together," he added. PTI
Captain, 6 crew members of hijacked ship return
New Delhi, Nov 24 (PTI) After having spent 64 harrowing days with their Somali captors, hijacked merchant ship Stolt Valor's Captain Prabhat Goyal and six other crew members reached home today with some of them saying they were still ready to sail again if their families agreed.
"The experience was very bad. They tortured us mentally. But in the end, we are happy to be back safe," an emotional and tired-looking Goyal told the waiting media at the Indira Gandhi International airport here.
All the 18 Indian crew members on board the Japanese ship have now returned to India with other batches having already back home. Goyal and six others arrived at the city's International Airport from Muscat at about 0400 hours.
Recalling the experience, another crew member Rajinder Malik from Haryana, said: "The pirates tortured us mentally and physically. They often fired in the air to terrify us. Communication was another problem. The only words they uttered were 'go', 'sit' and 'ok'." The crew survived on 'dal' and fish, he said, adding the pirates, numbering around 30 to 35, were so arrogant that they even fought among themselves.
The some of the crew members broke down as they met their relatives and friends at the airport. Seema Goyal, wife of the ship's captain, said that the family plans to celebrate his safe return in a big way.
Despite having gone through a tormenting time at the hands of the pirates, some of the crew members were not against the idea of sailing again.
"If my family agrees, I will again go for my job in the seas. However, the Indian navy should take more steps to ensure the safety of vessels in high seas. We were happy when we learned that INS Tabar sank a pirate mothership," Malik, said.
The ship was hijacked by Somali pirates on September 15 and the 22-member crew was kept hostage at the port of Eyl in Somalia for nearly two months until an undisclosed ransom was paid by the owners of the vessel.
Asked about the ransom, Goyal refused to comment saying, "it is confidential and kept a secret between me, ship owners and the pirates". PTI
Economy could grow at 7 pc this fiscal: Montek
New Delhi, Nov 25 (PTI) The Planning Commission today said even though RBI estimated India's economy to grow at 7.5-8 per cent in the current fiscal, the GDP growth rate would be a shade lower at seven per cent against nine per cent in 2007-08.
"We should be planning for as low as 7 per cent (economic growth rate in the current fiscal)," Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia said at Economic Editors' Conference.
However, he hoped that inflation, which came down to 8.9 per cent, would decline further giving RBI a leeway to go for softening interest rates to spur growth.
"Inflation would come down further. This gives us greater flexibility in monetary policy. Infusion of liquidity would ease interest rates," he said.
Yesterday, Finance Minister P Chidambaram had also said that policy rates may also moderate if the rate of inflation continues to decline.
"RBI's policy is now biased towards stimulating growth," he had said.
RBI has injected around Rs 2,75,000 crore into the system through cuts in reserve ratios and policy rate, Repo, but there is demand for more money supply by the corporates. PTI
India to try out young guns, England to play for pride
Tapan Mohanta
Cuttack, Nov 25 (PTI) With the series already in their pocket, India will now aim for a 7-0 whitewash in the one-day cricket series against England as they go into the fifth game here tomorrow with the intention of giving some of the bench players the chance to prove their worth.
The hosts have taken an unassailable 4-0 lead but Mahendra Singh Dhoni's bravehearts are not likely to show any mercy on the visitors in the day-night contest at the Barabati stadium.
Outplayed, outpaced and out-thought, England ran for covers in all the four matches they lost though they were a trifle unlucky when Duckworth and Lewis method favoured the hosts twice.
England will play to salvage some pride, trying to start it afresh here while for India it will be time for some experiments as they plan to give an opportunity to the reserve players, who have not played a single match yet.
Delhi's Virat Kohli is expected to get a berth in the playing eleven, having played his last ODI at Dambulla in Sri Lanka series.
Replaced with Rudra Pratap Singh, Irfan Pathan is also tipped for a comeback while Pragyan Ojha will be relishing at the prospect of getting a call to bowl his left-arm spin against the English batsmen on his home ground.
With seven victories in their last eight one-dayers -- three against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka and four against the visitors, Dhoni has done nothing wrong so far. PTI
Olympian Peter Thangaraj passes away
Ranchi, Nov 25 (PTI) Peter Thangaraj, the towering Indian goalkeeper who twice figured in the Asian All-star football team in the 1960s, passed away at Bokaro last night.
Thangaraj, 72, died of a massive heart attack, the family sources said.
An Arjuna awardee, Thangaraj suffered bouts of vomitting yesterday morning and was admitted to the Bokaro General Hospital. The end came at 11.30 pm.
The over six foot tall footballer was the adviser of the football academy set up by Bokaro Steel Plant.
A favourite of soccer buffs on the Kolkata maidan in the 1950s and 1960s, Thangaraj played for the East Bengal and Mohun Bagan teams and was a member of the victorious Indian team which won the gold in the 1962 Asian Games. PTI
Indo-Pak home secretary level talks begin in Islamabad
Rezaul H Laskar
Islamabad, Nov 25 (PTI) India and Pakistan today began crucial talks here on combating terrorism, drug trafficking and liberalising the visa regime under the composite dialogue process, as authorities freed 101 Indian prisoners, most of them fishermen in a goodwill gesture.
Indian Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta and Pakistani counterpart Syed Kamal Shah met to discuss issues of terrorism, afflicting both the countries, with New Delhi expected to dwell upon Islamabad for extradition of some of the most wanted fugitives like Dawood Ibrahim, wanted in 1993 Bombay blasts cases.
There is expected to be focus also on the exchange of civilian prisoners and a proposal to liberalise the visa regime as well as illegal immigration, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and counterfeit currency during the day-long talks, officials said.
Even as the talks got underway in Islamabad, Pakistani authorities freed 99 Indian fishermen from a jail in the southern port city of Karachi and two other prisoners from another jail in Karachi.
The fishermen, arrested between 2002 and 2006, were put on two buses that would take them to Lahore, for passage back home through the Wagah land border tomorrow.
Before his departure from India, Gupta told reporters yesterday that New Delhi expected pro-active cooperation from Islamabad in dealing with security issues.
"The whole purpose is to try and see that there can be an improvement in relations across a wide range of issues," he said. PTI
India, Nepal "reactivate" bilateral mechanism to tackle issues
Shirish B Pradhan
Kathmandu, Nov 25 (PTI) India and Nepal have "reactivated" an existing bilateral mechanism to deal with issues like water resources, security and trade even as they explored ways to handle differences on the border demarcation.
External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, who is here on a three-day visit, held separate meetings with Nepalese Premier Prachanda and his counterpart Upendra Yadav today during which the two sides discussed issues of mutual interest.
During his meeting with Yadav, the two leaders discussed issues including water resources, security and trade and commerce. The controversial issues of Susta and Kalapani, where Nepal alleges encroachment of border by the Indian side, also figured in the talks.
Mukherjee, the first high-level Indian leader to visit the land-locked country after its recent transition to democracy, discussed with Prachanda issues of bilateral concern, including repair of the Kosi embankment and maintenance of the East West highway figured.
"We have reactivated the existing bilateral mechanism. The Secretaries of two countries at the Ministry of Water Resources, Home and Commerce met and reviewed the existing bilateral cooperation and also identified areas where we shall have to work expeditiously," Mukherjee said.
About the border problem, he said that 98 per cent of the Nepal-India border has been demarcated and it has also been put on a strip map.
The Nepalese Minister spoke of "certain corrections" that have to be made, he said. "After the corrections are made it will be ready for plenipotentiary for putting their signature." PTI
Sensex down by 208 pts as late selling wiped off early gains
Mumbai, Nov 25 (PTI) After a promising start, the Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex today fell by over 250 points on fag-end selling across counters barring consumer durables.
The bellwether index closed lower by 207.59 points at 8,695.53, with heavyweight Reliance Industries taking a big hit of over 6.00 per cent.
The wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty also closed down by 54.25 points at 2,654.00.
Markets had surged in the morning with the Sensex gaining over 270 points to breach the 9,000 level again on strong cues in Asian bourses after shares rallied in US yesterday.
However, it was a straight fall then as the European stock markets opened lower by 1.0-2.0 per cent.
The Planning Commission's observations that economic growth would be lower at seven per cent this fiscal against nine per cent in 2007-08 dampened the sentiment.
Amidst reports of a likely a cut in fuel prices, oil and gas sector index lost 3.86 per cent-- the highest among all indices today-- at 5409.37 witj segment major and Sensex heaviest Reliance Industries dropping by Rs 73.25, or 6.40 per cent, at 1071.70. Aban Offshore fell by Rs 52, or 6.85 to Rs 707.65. PTI
Govt set to cut petrol and diesel prices after Dec 24
New Delhi, Nov 25 (PTI) The government will cut petrol and diesel prices after Assembly elections are over on December 24, Petroleum Minister Murli Deora said today.
"The international prices have fallen and there is an expectation that prices need to be reduced. I am also of the opinion that they should be reduced and that will happen after December 24," Deora said.
Based on the average international oil prices in the first fortnight of November, state-run firms are earning a margin of Rs 16 crore per day on petrol and Rs 5 crore a day on diesel.
However, they continue to lose on kerosene sold through ration shops and domestic LPG. Kerosene is being sold at a loss of Rs 22.40 a litre and LPG at Rs 343.49 per cylinder.
The fall in international oil prices will result in lower revenue loss on fuel sales this fiscal.
Petroleum Secretary R S Pandey said the ministry would go to the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) with a comprehensive proposal highlighting the situation and the remedial steps that can be taken.
The issues to be highlighted are that prices of petrol and diesel can be revised in view of the profits made by the state-run oil firms on petrol and diesel since November 1, 2008.
However, the combined net loss of over Rs 14,000 crore incurred by oil companies on fuel sales also needs to be taken into account.
"Thirdly, as per our calculations, there will be an under recovery of Rs 1,10,000 crore on sale of fuel this fiscal. In what form these need to be covered will also be flagged with the CCEA," Pandey said. PTI
Deora invites hydrocarbon investments, projects from CIS
New Delhi, Nov 25 (PTI) In yet another effort to secure energy ties with oil and gas rich countries, Petroleum Minister Murli Deora today invited investments and joint projects in the hydrocarbons sector from member countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States.
"We seek greater opportunities of acquiring oil and gas equities abroad. India provides the world a huge market for hydrocarbons, opportunities for building of gas pipelines across the region and supplying of more LNG to us," Deora said addressing the roundtable of energy ministers from CIS countries here.
State-run Oil and Natural Gas Corp'S (ONGC) overseas investment arm ONGC Videsh Ltd has already made a total investment of about USD 8 billion so far in energy assets on foreign shores, the minister said.
"Our share of oil and gas production from these assets reached almost 9 million tonnes last year," Deora said, adding that India is working to increase its presence in Russia's hydrocarbon's sector. OVL already has 20 per cent stake in Sakhalin-I oilfield in Russia.
Energy-deficient India is also pursuing discussions on the USD 3.5 billion Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline.
"We are in serious discussion on import of natural gas from Turkmenistan through the transnational pipeline. We are eager for business opportunities in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan for mutual benefit," Deora said adding that an Indian company is already working in Tajikistan for production of gas.
India, he said, is keen to tie-up with CIS countries for gas processing and gas-based petrochemical projects, alongside assisting in modernisation and upgradation of refinery and setting up greenfield refining projects. PTI
Oliver not sure about takers for his latest film in India
Panaji, Nov 25 (PTI) Swiss filmmaker Oliver Paulus, whose "Tandoori Love" was premiered IFFI admits his Bollywood-inspired love story featuring actor Vijay Raaz as the protagonist may not find buyers in Indian market where commercial stars dominate.
"A cook essentially belongs to the lower strata of society and a star like Salman Khan and John Abraham who look like Italian models would not suit the character of an Indian cook working in a Swiss resturant and a film crew shooting in Switzerland," he said.
However, western audiences will have a different approach to see the film because Vijay Raaz is not just a good actor but fits the character of a cook.
More than stars, the film is about seduction of food, the filmmaker said. "I hope there is a chance for releasing the film in India. May be, it can get theatres only in the metros where people are used to English films. But my movie has five Hindi songs as well," he said adding he wants at least the music to be launched here.
Oliver said the market premiere of the film will take place at the Berlin film festival in February next year.
"Then we can discuss the overseas release. We are targetting Australia, Europe, Britain, US where Indians live in large numbers," he said. PTI
Batman set to die in the new comic book
London, Nov 25 (PTI) The iconic cartoon character of Batman is set to be killed off after running successfully for 70 years in the new comic book.
Rumours are rife that in the next issue of DC Comics' Batman, to be published on November 27, Bruce Wayne will meet a grisly end, the Contactmusic reported.
The latest Batman movie, "The Dark Knight" was a box office smash this year. It was the last film of actor Heath Ledger, who died of alleged drug overdose.
The Bruce Wayne character is now expected to retire from his duties, perhaps leading to a new Batman or an entirely different superhero to take his place. PTI
Soothsayers popular with Gen Next
Ruby Nanda
New Delhi, Nov 25 (PTI) They maybe smart suave new jetsetters but the modern youth are still facinated by the age old art of astrology, tarot reading, numerology more then ever.
"A lot of young people come to me. Today's youth is ambitious they want everything very fast. They do not want any problems in their life. We never say that there is any replacement for hard work but minor changes can bring you better luck", says Niraj Mancchanda, a numerologist from Mumbai.
The new-age soothsayers are popular with the young with a desire to get ahead fast in life .
"People come to correct their names so that they vibrate with positive vibes for good luck", says Mancchanda.
Come marriage season and event he educated and the illiterate make a beeline to astrologers seeking their advice.
"Young people want it both ways; they want to marry the person they love yet not have any problems. So they come to consult me, so that there are no problems in the future," said Prem Sharma, a popular astrologer.
A visit to a palmist, numerologist, tarot card reader or astrologer has become quite a fashion statement now-a-days.
T has become quite a thing to have theme parties or a tarot reader in a party, says Nandita, 23, a Public Relations executive.
"My friend a top government official is going through a bad phase in her married life, she consulted a tarot reader whom she claims told her every thing correctly," says Kabita "This has always been there for centuries in India, it is much more widely accepted because of insecurity and unsurety in the modern world. Any individual cannot survive in a condition of ambiguity," says senior consultant, Fortis hospital Clinical Psychologist Vandana Prakash. PTI
In bearish market, anti-depressants demand turn bullish
Anurag Sharma
New Delhi, Nov 24 (PTI) As crisis gripping the stock markets world over show no sign of easing with rising fears of job cuts sales of anti depressants have a shown a sharp increase say psychiatrists.
More and more people are resorting to the medicine resulting in a noticeable rise in the sale volume, especially in Mumbai, the financial capital, according to experts.
"Yes the sales of anti-anxiety and anti-depression drugs have gone up in the last few months," says a chemist in the capital.
According to ORG-IMS, a market research agency, the country has recorded growth in the sale of anti-depressants drugs in the last 12 months ended August, especially in Maharashtra and Gujarat.
While Maharashtra recorded the highest growth of 29 per cent in sales of drugs used to treat depression and stimulate moods, Gujarat, a state which has a lot of retail investors, has witnessed a 10 per cent growth in the sales of these drugs.
Mumbai tops the list of cities with the highest sales of anti-depression drugs with Rs 26 crore closely followed by Kolkata with Rs 24 crore and Delhi 22 crore.
"After all these retrenchment and loss of hard earned money there is a belief of loneliness and helplessness amongst investors and employees which prompts them to take extreme steps. A report also says that sale of anti-depressant drugs has increased in the last one year," says Samir Parikh, a psychiatrist.
"One should not blame oneself for the loss as it was not in one's hands. It's happening worldwide so you can do nothing about it." His advice is don't stop spending time with friends and family, never live in isolation and plan better ways to deal with the stress. PTI
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Sensex: 8695.53, -207.59
The sensex closed at 8695.53, down 207.59
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______Forex_______
1 U.S. $ = 49.895 INR
1 Japanese Yen = 0.5201 INR
1 British Pound = 74.966 INR
1 Canadian $ = 40.099 INR
1 Singapore $ = 32.845 INR
1 UAE Dirham = 13.584 INR
1 Saudi Arabian Riyal = 13.323 INR
1 Euro = 64.030 INR
1 Qatar Rial = 13.701 INR
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