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India, China pledge to promote nuclear cooperation
Beijing, Jan 14 (PTI) Giving a strong push to their growing political and economic relations, India and China today pledged to promote bilateral cooperation in civil nuclear energy and to seek a "fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution" to the vexed boundary dispute.
New Delhi declared its adherence to "one China" policy and Beijing supported India's "aspirations" for a seat in the UN Security Council.
Stepping up their defence ties, the two sides expressed satisfaction over the conclusion of the first joint military exercise between the two countries in Kunming in China last month and decided to hold the next exercise in India this year.
They also raised the bilateral trade target from USD 40 billion by 2010 to USD 60 billion seeing the rapid increase in the volume. They welcomed the idea of a Regional Trading Arrangement and mandated the Commerce Ministers to examine the feasibility study on the benefits of RTA and make recommendations at an early date.
After extensive "restricted meeting" and delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Premier Wen Jiabao at the Great Hall of People here, the two leaders came out with a joint statement titled "A Shared Vision for the 21st Century of India and China" and signed 12 agreements and MoUs that included cooperation between the two countries in various areas. PTI
BJP opposes fuel price hike
New Delhi, Jan 14 (PTI) BJP today opposed any increase in fuel prices and asked the UPA Government to cut various duties imposed on petroleum products rather than putting the burden on consumers.
"The Central Government must adopt the policy of revenue neutralisation as suggested by the Expenditure Finance Commission before effecting a fuel price hike," BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar demanded.
The Government's revenue earnings from the petroleum sector this year was about Rs 1,40,000 crore, double from Rs 70,000 crore in 2004, and it should not profit more from the escalation of prices in the international market, he said.
"The people are being looted by the Government," he alleged while noting that Indian consumers pay the highest petrol prices in the world if compared on a purchasing power parity index.
He said the UPA Government has ignored the suggestions of the Commission which guarantees definite revenue through flexible duty structure and that of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on petroleum ministry just to earn more revenue.
"The Government should first decide how much revenue it want to earn from the Petroleum sector.... The Government is now selling the product worth Rs 25 at Rs 50," he told reporters here.
Javadekar said luxury tax should not be imposed on petroleum products as it was used by common man.
He also slammed the Government for "dragging its feet" on implementing blending of ethanol with petrol, a decision taken by it some four months ago.
"Government has developed cold feet under pressure from liquor and petroleum import lobbies," he alleged. PTI
RFP for procurement of 140 ultra-light Howitzer guns issued
New Delhi, Jan 14 (PTI) Setting in motion the delayed Rs 10,000 crore artillery modernisation programme, the Army today invited proposals for procurement of 140 ultra-light Howitzer guns.
This was announced by Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor during an interaction with the media on the eve of the 60th Army Day.
"As I am interacting with you right now, the RFP (Request for proposal) for procurement of the Ultra-Light Howitzer guns has been issued," Gen Kapoor said while admitting delays in the modernisation of the artillery programme.
There has been no fresh induction of artillery guns since the infamous Rs 1,437-crore Bofors deal, under which 410 155mm 39-calibre field Howitzers were bought in 1986.
Now taking the issue at a war footing, the Army plans to issue fresh global tenders for procurement of the 155mm 52-calibre guns "shortly" and for 155 advanced gun in "a month or so," the army chief said.
Armies in some of the developed countries have been giving preference to the ultra-light Howitzers since it can be transported to battle-zone by air, much faster than the conventional heavy artillery guns.
In 2001, India floated a global tender for acquisition of 400 towed 155mm 52-calibre artillery guns, valued upwards of 1.5 billion US Dollars. This process was to be followed by licensed production in India.
But earlier this year, it was scrapped after an unprecedented four rounds of trials -- 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2006 -- during which the Bofors gun (now owned by BAe Systems) performed better than the guns of Israeli firm Soltam and the now-blacklisted South African Denel company. PTI
Assembly polls for three NE states announced
New Delhi, Jan 14 (PTI) The Election Commission today announced a single-phase assembly polls in three north eastern states -- Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland -- on February 23, March three and five respectively. This will be the first round of assembly polls this year which will be followed by elections to legislatures in seven other states--Karnataka, Delhi, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir and Mizoram--before the year-end.
The assembly polls would be held on the basis of the electoral rolls of January one, 2008, and for the first time Elector Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) would be used in Trpura and Meghalaya where its coverage is more than 99 per cent, Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswamy told reporters.
Counting of votes in Tripura and Meghalaya would be taken up on March seven and in Nagaland it would be the next day.
The filing of nominations in Tripura begins on January 30 and closes on February 6 and last date of withdrawal is February 9.
In Meghalaya, nomination starts on February 8 and ends on February 15. Withdrawal is slated by February 18.
The nomination papers will be filed in Nagaland from February 9 and the last date for it is February 16 followed by withdrawal by February 20.
While the term of the present assemblies in Meghalaya and Tripura ends on March 10 and 19 respectively the term of the House in Nagaland, which was brought under President's rule early this month, ends on March 13.
Of the 60-member assemblies in Meghalaya and Nagaland, 55 and 50 seats are reserved for Scheduled Tributes respectively while out 60 seats in Tripura House, 20 seats are reserved for STs and seven for SCs. PTI
PM holds talks with Wen Jiabao
V S Chandrasekar
Beijing, Jan 14 (PTI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today held talks with his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao during which a whole gamut of regional and bilateral issues, including the boundary problem, were expected to come up.
The Prime Minister's top aides were present at the 'restricted meeting' with Wen which would be followed by delegation-level talks.
Earlier, Singh, who is on his maiden three-day visit to the country, was given a ceremonial welcome at the Great Hall of People. The Prime Minister along with his host Wen inspected a guard of honour presented by the People's Liberation Army.
A joint statement will be issued after the talks. PTI
Madugalle hails Kumble, Ponting
Perth, Jan 14 (PTI) India and Australia have vowed to move forward and "uphold the interest of the game" by playing in the right spirit and with mutual respect for each other, ICC Chief Match Referee Ranjan Madugalle said today.
Rival skippers Anil Kumble and Ricky Ponting diffused the week-long tension that gripped the cricketing world following the Sydney Test and pledged to continue the rest of the series in a positive way.
"Ricky and Anil understand and agree that the interest of the game is paramount and that it should always be played in the correct spirit and with mutual respect between opponents," Madugalle said after brokering peace.
Madugalle was flown from Sri Lanka to bridge the gap between the teams.
"I have met the two captains and the managers separately over the past couple of days and then I talked to the two captains together today," he said.
"I am happy to say that both Ricky Ponting and Anil Kumble were extremely supportive in all dealings I have had with them and I am in no doubt they want to move forward and draw a line under what happened in the past couple of weeks," Madugalle said in an ICC release.
He said both the captains were role models for millions of people and were aware of their responsibilities in projecting the game in a positive way.
"I am confident that after meeting with the two captains, we can all expect to watch an entertaining game of cricket played in a great spirit between these two fine teams." PTI
Decision taken in the interest of the game: BCCI
New Delhi, Jan 14 (PTI) Welcoming the Indian team management's decision to drop charges against Brad Hogg, BCCI today said the step was taken in "larger interest of the game" and hoped that Australia looks at it positively.
BCCI Chief Administrative Office Ratnakar Shetty said Kumble had spoken to board officials and the decision would help get the focus back on cricket.
"Anil did speak to board officials yesterday. The decision to drop the charge against Brad Hogg was taken in the larger interest of the game. India has always upheld the spirit of the game and the on-field issues should not be taken outside the field," Shetty said.
"The decision would help get the focus back on cricket. We are hopeful that cricket will be the winner," he said.
Asked whether the hosts should reciprocate and drop the racial abuse charges against Harbhajan Singh, Shetty said, "We really hope that Australia looks at it positively".
BCCI Vice President Rajiv Shukla said the Australian team has expressed their gratitude.
"The Administrative Manager of the Indian team from Perth has just informed us that he has withdrawn the allegations against Hogg.
"The Australian captain Ricky Ponting and Hogg have spoken to Administrative Manager Chetan Chauhan and expressed their gratitude. They are feeling very glad over the magnanimity that Team India has shown," Shukla said.
BCCI Vice President Lalit Modi said, "I am glad they have done that. We are happy for the game. The players should settle the issues on the field." PTI
India drop charges against Hogg, send out goodwill message
Perth, Jan 14 (PTI) Sending out a message of goodwill, India today dropped the charge of using abusive language against Australian spinner Brad Hogg, saying that it was time to move on with cricket.
The Indian team management decided to withdraw all the charges against Hogg at the hearing with Match Referee Mike Procter, a development which could have a bearing on the racial abuse case involving Indian off spinner.
Skipper Anil Kumble, who had a reconciliation meeting with rival captain Ricky Ponting during the day, told reporters that the Indians have decided to drop the charge.
"It was just something that happened in the heat of the moment. Cricket is larger than individual and its time to move on", Kumble said.
It was not known whether the Indians had worked out a peace deal with the Australians following the acrimonious developments in the Sydney Test or whether the hosts were willing to reciprocate by withdrawing the racial abuse charge against Harbhajan Singh.
Match Referee Procter described India's move as a "magnificent gesture" while Hogg was also prompt to thank the Indians for letting him off the hook.
It is learnt that the decision to drop the charges against Hogg was taken at the behest of Kumble who had consulted BCCI officials. PTI
Sharif calls for national unity govt without Musharraf
Islamabad, Jan 14 (PTI) Former premier Nawaz Sharif today demanded the formation of a national unity government without President Pervez Musharraf to hold free, fair and transparent polls in Pakistan.
Addressing a public meeting at Barakao on the outskirts of the federal capital, the PML-N chief said his party would not accept any national unity government headed by Musharraf. "I have never accepted Prevez Musharraf as president," Sharif told a gathering of his supporters.
Sharif's comments came amidst reports that the military regime had established contacts with his brother and former Punjab chief minister Shahbaz Sharif to explore the possibility of forming a consensus government ahead of the February 18 general election.
The PML-N has said Shahbaz's meeting with Brig (retired) Niaz Ahmad, a close aide of Musharraf, had nothing to do with politics. It has also called on Musharraf to step down.
Criticising the current regime's economic policies, Nawaz Sharif said his government had undertaken several development projects, including the construction of motorways and a housing scheme for the poor.
It was during his government that Pakistan became a nuclear power but the country had subsequently lost creditability across the world as a result of "flawed policies", he said.
Urging the people not to vote for the PML-Q, which was "responsible for the Lal Masjid raid and operations in tribal areas", Sharif told them to vote for PML-N candidates in order to bring about a change in the country.
Sharif passed through Islamabad while returning to Lahore from the hill station of Murree, where he had gone with his family for a brief holiday. PTI
Benazir probe: Six Scotland Yard sleuths return to Britain
Islamabad, Jan 14 (PTI) Six members of the Scotland Yard team probing the assassination of former Pakistani premier Benazir Bhutto returned to Britain today with evidence gathered from their investigation.
Since it arrived in the country ten days ago, the team from Metropolitan Police's Counter-Terrorism Command has visited the site in Rawalpindi where Bhutto was attacked by a suicide bomber on December 27, reviewed forensic and technical evidence and questioned eyewitnesses and doctors who treated her.
Five British investigators arrived here on January 4 and they were subsequently joined by six more sleuths.
The other members of the Scotland Yard team are still in Pakistan and likely to leave later this week, officials said.
The sleuths are taking back evidence, including video footage of the attack, for analysis in British laboratories, they said.
Over the past two days, members of the team again reconstructed the attack on Bhutto near Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi and thoroughly inspected the site. They visited Rawalpindi General Hospital again and questioned doctors about the nature of Bhutto's wounds.
Under the terms of the agreement between the British and Pakistani governments, the Scotland Yard team was brought in to establish the exact cause of Bhutto's death, an issue which has become a matter of controversy. PTI
6 injured in Kathmandu blast
Kathmandu, Jan 14 (PTI) At least six people were injured today in Nepal's capital in a bomb attack on a mass political rally which marked the start of campaigning for crucial Constituent Assembly polls.
The bomb, apparently hurled from a Taxi, was aimed at a moving bus carrying political workers who too part in the mass meeting at Bhotahity area, organized by the country's main parties as part of a joint election campaign, eye-witnesses and police said.
Six people who were inside the bus sustained injuries in the blast which occurred at 3:45 pm, and they were rushed to the nearby Bir Hospital, police said, adding the window panes of the bus and Taxi were broken by the explosion.
Police have taken the Taxi driver into custody.
Nobody has taken responsibility for the blast so far. Security has been tightened in the area and police are searching for those involved in the attack. PTI
Major Nepal parties launch poll campaign, vow to end monarchy
Shirish B Pradhan
Kathmandu, Jan 14 (PTI) The top leaders of the seven major political parties today vowed to abolish the 239-year- old monarchy and build a "new Nepal" as they launched a joint campaign for the crucial April 10 Constituent Assembly polls.
"No power can stop" them from holding the twice-differed election to the Constituent Assembly that will decide the future political system, the Seven Party Alliance leaders said addressing a rally attended by over 50,000 people at an open ground just half a kms south of the Royal Palace.
Supporters of the seven parties, including the former rebel Maoists, marched through the main streets of the Nepal capital before converging into the venue.
"Now, Nepalese people have become really sovereign as they have got the power to make their own constitution," said Nepali Congress leader and former premier Sher Bahadur Deuba, speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala who did not take part in the meeting due to his illness.
As Nepali Congress has already committed itself towards establishing a republican system, "no one can stop" Nepal from converting into a federal republic, Deuba said.
He also urged the armed ethnic groups of southern Terai to abandon violence and participate in the April election.
Maoist chairman Prachanda said his party is committed to holding the polls at any cost and cautioned people against the "royalists and foreign interventionists who do not want to elections to take place".
"The rally is a commitment and a declaration for a new Nepal and for a federal republican Nepal after the polls." He claimed majority of the Madhesi people are in favour of the polls but "some puppets of foreign elements may be involved in hatching conspiracy against it and we will fight against them". PTI
Protecting Bilawal in Britain may cost 1 mn pounds a year
London, Jan 14 (PTI) Protecting former Pakistan premier Benazir Bhutto's son Bilawal while he studies in Britain could cost UK taxpayers as much as one million pounds a year.
Police chiefs fear the cost of providing a 24-hour armed guard for Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will be a drain on already overstretched Scotland Yard resources, 'The Daily Express' reported.
The 19-year-old Oxford undergraduate became Britain's most high-profile terrorist target since author Salman Rushdie after being named chief of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) following his mother's assassination last month.
"His protection will cost 1 million pounds a year minimum. Talk of it being in line with Prince William's and other royals is way off the mark - the cost will be stratospheric by comparison. The kind of protection he will be afforded is on a par with the likes of Rushdie and KGB defector Oleg Gordievsky," a police source told the paper.
Although Scotland Yard has refused to comment on Bilawal's protection, it is understood a risk assessment has been carried out by a detective inspector.
"It is understood that Mr Zardari qualifies for the top level of protection; a close protection team of 12 armed officers in two vehicles working eight-hour shifts," the newspaper said.
The yearly wage bill alone is around 500,000 pounds.
Tory MP David Davies, a member of the Home Affairs Select Committee, said the wealthy Bhutto family should help foot the bill for Bilawal's protection, said the report. PTI
Nifty improves by 6.70 pts, second-line shares in limelight
Mumbai, Jan 14 (PTI) The National Stock Exchange barometer index Nifty today ended flat as the rise in second-line and banking counters was offset by the fall in software stocks.
IT segment suffered a sharp setback on heavy sell-off on possibility of US recession fears as majority of the revenues from these companies came from the American market.
The 50-share issue moved irregularly in a range of 6,244.15 and 6,172.00 before concluding the day at 6,206.80, a rise of 0.11 per cent from Friday's close of 6,200.10.
Led by petro-chem giant, RIL, other refinery counters also attracted good buying support and otched handsome gains.
Reflecting rally in small-cap and bank counters, the CNX Nifty Junior spurted by 323.65 points or 2.60 per ent to 12,789.85 and the Bank Nifty by 136.80 points or 1.30 per cent to 10,698.35.
The Nifty Midcap 50 also rose by 54.20 points to 3,755.60, the S&P CNX Defty by 5.90 points to 5,474.50, the S&P CNX 500 by 37.05 points to 5,385.25, the CNX Midcap by 73.85 points to 9,047.5 and the CNX 100 by 29.80 points to 6,127.60.
However, the CNX IT dropped by 136.20 points or 3.09 per cent to 4,268.15.
Top five S&P CNX Nifty gainers were BPCL, Hero Honda, Tata Power, NTPC and Idea Cell while losers were Bharti Air, Wipro, Maruti, Sun Pharma and Infosys Tech.
The total turnover on the NSE fell further to Rs 17,788.32 crore from Rs 18,994.43 crore on Friday. A total of 5,56.22 lakh shares changed hands in 48,29,483 trades. PTI
India, China ink 11 agreements to boost bilateral relations
Beijing, Jan 14 (PTI) India and China today further boosted their bilateral ties by inking 11 agreements for cooperation in rail, housing, geo-sciences, land resource management and other sectors besides a shared vision for the 21st century of the two countries.
The agreements were signed at the Great Hall of the People after wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao.
While the MoU covering the rail sector will promote cooperation between Chinese Railways and Indian Railways, the agreement on housing will provide a basic framework for cooperation between the two countries.
Another MoU between the Ministry of Rural Development and the Ministry of Land Resources of China was signed for cooperation in land resource management, land administration and resettlement and rehabilitation.
A protocol of phytosanitary requirements for the export of tobacco leaves from India to China and a memorandum on cooperation between Geological Survey of India and China Geological Survey in Geo-Sciences were also inked.
The two countries propose to jointly plan and promote their respective traditional systems of medicine through the MoU signed between the Department of Ayush of the Ministry of Health and the State Administration for Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Other agreements included those between the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) and Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign countries on cooperation in culture, between NABARD and Agricultural Development Bank of China and between the Planning Commission of India and National Development and Reform Commission of China. PTI
Gold scales new peak at Rs 11,620 on global cues
New Delhi, Jan 14 (PTI) Gold is fast approaching the Rs 12,000 per 10 gram level with prices in the bullion market here today rising by Rs 140 to set a new high of Rs 11,620 on constant buying by market players.
Last week, some traders had said that the precious metal could hit the Rs 12,000 mark this year.
In bullion market here, jewellery spurted by Rs 140 to Rs 11,620 per ten gram. Ornaments also firmed up by a similar margin to Rs 11,470. Sovereign too traded higher by Rs 50 at Rs 9,120 per piece of eight gram, a level never seen before.
Silver too joined the bull run and spurted on the back of rising demand for the metal among coin manufacturers and industrial units.
Silver ready shot up by Rs 400 to Rs 20,700 per kilo and weekly-based delivery by Rs 300 to Rs 21,200 per kilo. Silver coins rose by Rs 100 to Rs 25,500 for buying and Rs 25,600 for selling of 100 pieces.
Analysts attributed the bullish trend to reports of the metal crossing 900 dollar an ounce for the first time in the Asian region.
The price had already broken through recored 900 dollar an ounce during trading in New York on Friday following a speech by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke indicating that there could be more US interest rate cuts are on anvil.
Amid turmoil in the global financial markets and declining stock markets, the appeal of gold as an alternative investment option has been heightened. The metal has been shining on account of softening of US dollar and oil prices-led inflation. PTI
Sensex sheds 99 pts, Mid-cap stocks bounce
Mumbai, Jan 14 (PTI) After the last Friday's rally of nearly 245 points, the Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark index Sensex today beat a Hasty retreat and shed nearly 99 points following heavy losses in telcom major Bharti Airtel and top IT stocks such as Wipro, Infosys and TCS.
Amid the fall, the mid-cap and small-cap stocks staged a smart recovery, after a large downward correction of 6.67 per cent and 8.57 per cent respectively during the past week.
The 30-share BSE barometer touched a high of 20,985.62 points, just short of psychological 21,000 mark, and saw a low of 20,61.90 points during day.
The Sensex ended the day at 20,728.05, a fall of 99.40 points, or 0.48 per cent, from previous close.
The National Stock Exchange index Nifty, however, gained 6.70 points to close at 6,206.80 from previous close of 6,200.10.
The losses at BSE would have been more severe if not for the significant gains in heavyweight and market leader Reliance Industries and public sector banking major State Bank of India.
Among the Sensex stocks, telecom major Bharti Aitel which was down by 6.05 per cent topped the pack of losers. The company has not benefited much in the last week's spectrum allocation by the Centre.
Besides, the Delhi High Court today declined to stay spectrum allocation to rival RCom on a petition by COAI, of which Airtel is a key member. Anil Ambani-led RCom on the other hand ended the day up by 1.47 per cent. PTI
PM wants China to remove trade barriers
Beijing, Jan 14 (PTI) Concerned over growing bilateral trade imbalance, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today urged China to lift market barriers to goods from India and wanted Indian business to diversify its export basket to that country.
"The challenge before us is to diversify our export basket to China," Singh said.
The burgeoning trade deficit crossed USD 9 billion last year in Beijing's favour and it will remain in focus since the two countries have agreed to increase bilateral trade from 40 billion USD to 60 billion USD by 2010 after Singh's summit meeting today with his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao.
"I would urge Indian business to vigorously pursue opportunities for expanding non-traditional items of export. Such efforts, when matched by greater market access for Indian goods in China, will help to bridge the rising trade deficit between us," Singh said in his address at the India-China Economic, Trade and Investment Summit.
The Prime Minister said there were enormous opportunities for both India and China to expand trade in services, particularly in construction and engineering, education, entertainment, financial services, IT and IT-enabled services, transport, tourism and health.
Echoing Singh's views, Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu said the two countries have pledged to strengthen trade ties in these areas.
"We will work together with the Chinese government to remove administrative barriers and simplify regulatory regimes in order to move forward in these areas," Singh also said.
Singh assured that both the governments will work together to put in place an "enabling environment" for greater trade, investment and economic interaction. PTI
Hope for peace talks in Assam
Durba Ghosh
Guwahati, Jan 14 (PTI) The dawn of the new year brought hope in Assam that peace talks with the banned outfit ULFA was likely to resume with the centre considering the release of five jailed ULFA leaders but the road to peace appears to be still a long way to go.
Jnanpith award-winning litterateur Dr Indira Raisom Goswami had announced that AICC general secretary and party's in-charge for Assam Veerapa Moily had assured her that the centre was likely to take a decision on the demand of the ULFA for release of its top five leaders which could facilitate the much-awaited talks between the ULFA and the government.
Moily had expressed interest in breaking the stalemate and to bring back the peace process with the ULFA back on rails.
"Moily being a senior leader understands the problems of the state and expressed a positive interest in taking the peace process forward", she said.
The five leaders are political advisor Bhimkanta Buragohain, vice president Pradip Gogoi, publicity secretary Mithinga Daimary, cultural secretary Pranati Deka and senior cadre Ramu Mech.
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has also said that he was not averse to the demand for the release of top ULFA leaders from jail and both his government and the centre were open to the prospect of talks with the outfit. PTI
Digest of domestic stories for the Week Jan 5-11, 2008
Saturday
New Delhi: The Election Commission holds Congress MP Rajeev Shukla guilty of violation of model code of conduct for his remarks against Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi during the Assembly polls in the state and advised him to be more cautious in future.
Bhubaneswar: Orissa government see Maoist hand in the riots in Kandhamal district and claimed the arson and violence was not due to religious conversion.
Sunday
New Delhi: Congress President Sonia Gandhi is discharged from Sir Gangaram Hospital here where she was under treatment for chest infection for the last five days.
New Delhi: While deciding an appeal, a High Court should give sufficient reasons for arriving at a particular conclusion as absence of reasons renders an order "not sustainable", the Supreme Court rules.
Kollam (Ker)/Malda(WB): CPI-M veteran Jyoti Basu's remarks warming up to capitalism triggers a sharp reaction from ally RSP which said no marxist text spoke about the inevitability of capitalism while it generated interest across the political spectrum.
Amritsar: In a controversial action, the highest Sikh temporal seat declares the assassins of former prime minister Indira Gandhi as martyrs of the community.
Monday
New Delhi: Congress remains unfazed over BSP supremo Mayawati's threat to withdraw support to the government at the Centre and dismissed as "absolutely not acceptable" her charge that certain Congress leaders were conspiring to eliminate her.
New Delhi: President Pratibha Patil gives assent to the Armed forces Tribunal Bill, paving the way for setting up of the country's first ever rederessal forum to adjudicate on litigation of cases pertaining to men in arms.
Jalandhar: Apparently irked by the indifferent attitude of the authorities, nearly 1,500 inmates of the central jail go on rampage, setting afire prison properties and pelting stones on the staff.
Tuesday
New Delhi: With a view to tap the vast potential of Indians settled abroad, government decides to set up a 'Prime Minister's Global Advisory Council of People of Indian Origin' to draw upon the experience and knowledge of the "best Indian minds".
New Delhi: The country's prestigious business schools, Indian Institutes of Management, declares the results of the written exam of the Common Admission Test, with close to 3,500 students getting through it.
Madurai: The CPI(M) wants the Left parties and "secular forces" to work for a "third alternative" though it may not emerge overnight as the Congress and BJP had "failed" in finding a solution to people's problems.
Wednesday
New Delhi: Amidst conflicting reports over the ban on recruitment of workers from India, Malaysia conveys to New Delhi that it wants an early agreement to regulate such employment in that country.
New Delhi: L K Advani, who was recently anointed BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate, proposes that former premier and party stalwart Atal Bihari Vajpayee be awarded Bharat Ratna for his contribution to the national polity and for his statesmanship.
Thursday
New Delhi: With India and China breaking new ground in their ties by holding first-ever joint military exercises, Beijing favours more such endeavours, saying these would enhance "confidence and trust" necessary for tranquility along the border and stability in the region.
New Delhi: Tata Motors unveils its people's car, Nano, that meets Euro 4 emission and safety norms. The car, popularly called the Rs one lakh car, will cost Rs 100,000 at the dealer end but would attract VAT and transportation cost.
Friday
New Delhi: The Supreme Court refuses to permit the traditional 'Jallikattu' or bull fight during the harvest festival of Pongal in Tamil Nadu saying it is "barbaric" and "inhumane".
New Delhi: Jasbir Singh, a key witness in the anti-Sikh riots case against Congress leader Jagdish Tytler, says the CBI should approach him in the US to record his statement as he feared for his life in India. PTI
Film Review- My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves...who cares!
Shambhu Sahu
Film: My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves
Director: E Niwas
Cast: Nikhil Dwivedi, Amrita Rao, Lillete Dubey, Anupam Kher, Pavan Malhotra, others.
'My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves' is about a struggling hero Anthony Gonsalves (Nikhil Dwivedi), an orphan, who dreams of stardom all the time and sings duets with his girlfriend in his spare time. But besides dreaming and serving liquor at a bar, there should be something that the debutante actor should do in order to be projected as the hero in the film?
So this tapori wannabe's life is woven around an underworld gang (quite clichéd) which provides score for truth, conscience and of course some 'dishum dishum' (action).
As he thinks his life is set, there comes a twist. The actor is caught in a situation where he has to defend an underworld don (Pawan Malhotra ) who brought this orphan and made him a good human being despite being a criminal himself.
Thanks to the trouble-at-home, his much-awaited debut in Hollywood-produced Hindi film stalled, for the time being. The second half is all about how he gets over the odds and emerges as a winner in the end.
The film, made in a comedy/romance genre has a very slow narration especially in the first half, which basically deals with the hero's bindaas and dreamy tapori life. But Arshad Warsi - since his maiden film 'Tere Mere Sapne' to the latest 'Munnabhai MBBS' and 'Lage Raho Munnabhai' - has entertained us through his 'taporigiri' so much that Anthony seems to be lacking somewhere.
Amrita Rao looks hot in the film but is almost wasted, as there isn't much for her to do considering her role. Actors like Anupam Kher and Vidya Shankar Paandey's potential remains unused while Pakistani actor Javed Sheikh and Pawan Malhotra are comparatively better.
Though even Mithun Chakravorty, who plays a pop (Father) of a local church, is controlled throughout the film but steals the show in a few scenes.
As far as director E Niwas is concerned, all those who know that he directed 'Shool' (and many actually do), keep waiting for the narration and story to get better since it starts. But the film fails in entertaining, primarily because of its script, which offers nothing new.
But there are a few impressive moments like top don Anupam Kher singing songs as per the situation or one where Pavan tells his mentor Anupam that he brought Anthony to make him a 'achcha insaan' (good human being). As far as his attempting comedy and romance genre is concerned, Niwas's 'Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega' was comparatively better.
Watch if for: Mithun's last five minutes show stealing act, and...! PTI
Take your pick: Rs one lakh car or Rs one lakh cocktail
New Delhi, Jan 10 (PTI) With valentines season just round the corner, youngsters are saving up to woo their better halves this winter. But for all those with extra cash, the season offers an alternative. Either one can now go in for newly launched 'People's car' costing just Rs one lakh or buy a drink for your lady for the same amount.
Yes, a drink worth Rs one lakh. Called the "Cupid's Love Punch", it is probably the most exclusive and expensive wine cocktail available for the Delhiites launched by a leading Indian wine maker.
The speciality of this drink apart from its key ingredient, Sauvignon Blanc and Peach Schnapps(Italian sweet liquor) along with orange juice and aerated drink is a diamond ring at the bottom of the drink served in an Italian crystal glass.
According to ND Wines who have launched the cocktail, it is solely made for the people who are deeply in love and wants to propose to their better half in a unique way.
Eyeing the Valentines season, the wine maker has also come out with cheaper alternatives like 'Soothing swig" for the 'flirtatious types' costing a handsome Rs. 20,000. If you think that was enough, there is 'Love in your prime" cocktail which cost Rs 15, 000. PTI
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