The Mumbai Grapevine
Connecting Mumbaikars with Mumbai
(Published by Mumbai-Central.com)
Please feel free to forward this message to your friends and co-workers
who might be interested in it. The instructions to join the Mumbai
Grapevine are at the end of the message.
CPI(M) more dangerous than communalism : BJP
Kolkata, Feb 23 (PTI) The CPI(M) is more dangerous than communalism in West Bengal, where it is pitting the GNLF and the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha against each other, while its own minister is making derogatory remarks against the Marwari commnity, the BJP said today.
''Communalism is not a threat in West Bengal. The CPI(M) is the real threat and more dangerous than communalism,'' West Bengal BJP General Secretary Rahul Sinha told reporters.
The CPI(M) is pitting the GNLF against its rival GJM in Darjeeling and fomenting discord between Bengalis and Nepalis for political benefit in a volatile situation, Sinha alleged.
''The CPI(M) is playing communal game in the hills,'' he said.
Speaking about the remarks of Land and Land Reforms Minister Abdur Rezzak Mollah against the Marwari community, he demanded his immediate removal from the ministry.
Sinha said that if the CPI(M) could criticise the remarks against North Indians by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, it should remove Mollah.
Mollah, who had alleged that Marwaris were manipulative in money matters on February 21, had later apologised following pressure from the CPI(M). PTI
Tripura witnesses 70 per cent polling
Agartala, Feb 23 (PTI) Around 70 per cent of over 20 lakh voters exercised their franchise in the election to the 60- member Tripura assembly today.
The polling was peaceful, official sources said.
Election department officials said 85 per cent votes were cast in the state capital.
Long queues were seen, particularly in rural areas, even after 4 pm at the close of voting.
The state has an electorate of 20,35,877.
A total of 313 candidates, including 28 women, are contesting the elections. PTI
Stringent laws needed to check acid attacks on women: Law Comm
Bangalore, Feb 23 (PTI) The Law Commission is contemplating to recommend stringent legislations providing maximum punishment to perpetrators of acid attacks on women.
"Lack of a specific law on the issue has become a major impediment in checking the gruesome crime," Kirti Singh, Member, Law Commission, said addressing a day-long seminar on "Victims of Acid Attack" here today.
The Law Commission was deliberating upon what laws could be introduced against acid attacks and also whether "a law is enough to prevent this crime", she said.
Such attacks at present are being booked under various sections of IPC, including 302(attempt to murder). A confusion is prevailing on the issue and often police do not register the case under proper section, she said.
Secondly, "what needs to be examined is the kind of sentences awarded in such cases, which makes a specific law indispensable," Singh said adding "if a law is framed properly, it can limit the discretion of judges".
Even the fines imposed in such cases are insignificant compared to the 'lifetime damage' caused.
The Law Commission is also examining the suggestion put forward by National Commission for Women (NCW) which imposes minimum punishment of 10 years and maximum of life imprisonment on perpetrators of such a crime.
Rehabilitation of the victims was another issue which needed serious attention. Constitution of a Criminal Injuries Board is necessary to ensure right kind of rehabilitation for acid victims, she said. PTI
CPI(M) expects total ban on online trading of essential commodities
Tuticorin, Feb 23 (PTI) The CPI(M) expects the Centre to clamp a total ban on online and prospective trading of essential commodities, party Politburo member Brinda Karat has said.
"Online trading was nothing but gambling and it decided the prices of rice and wheat. I hope it will be banned and an announcement will be made in the forthcoming budget session," Karat told reporters here last night.
Globalisation and prospective trading was mainly responsible for the steep hike in the rate of essential commodities, she said.
A committee was formed to enquire into the link between online trading and price hike during the last budget session, she said.
Karat said the government could not achieve four per cent growth in the agriculture sector as most of the farmers were in debt and thousands of farmers had committed suicide due to its burden.
The government should write off all farm loans. About 60 per cent of farmers are in the debt trap. They had borrowed money from money lenders after being denied loans by nationalised banks, she said.
"The Union Finance Minister should focus on farmers instead of sensex, and write off the old farm loans and give new ones," she said. She also demanded significant fund allocation for education, health and socio-economic sectors.
Karat said many of the big corporate houses did not pay their tax properly nor the government collected them. Though the government had fixed a target of 33 per cent, only 19.4 per cent tax has been collected from big corporate houses.
Instead of achieving the target, the government was giving them more concessions, she said. PTI
Pak polls: Indian army heaves sigh of relief
New Delhi, Feb 23 (PTI) India was a "little worried" when things were "turbulent" in Pakistan but the elections there have generated hope that the situation will improve, Army Chief Gen Deepak Kapoor has said.
Kapoor had words of praise for his Pakistani counterpart Gen Ashfaq Kayani, saying he was a "professional" soldier and it was "reassuring" to have him as the head of the army of that country.
He played down the possibility of Pakistan carrying out any adventurous action against India to avert attention from troubles at home, citing the Pakistan army's commitment internally and on the country's western borders.
"When the things were turbulent, we were a little worried.. And therefore, we were very vigilant on the borders," the Army Chief told Karan Thapar's 'Devil's Advocate' programme for CNN-IBN.
"With the elections now having taken place, I think the security situation in Pakistan, if it now gets stabilised, should improve," Kapoor said.
He said Pakistan would hopefully "have a government" in the next few days and "we would be able to talk to a democratically-elected government to resolve some of our differences." PTI
India fourth in ICC ODI rankings
Dubai, Feb 23 (PTI) India can rise to third from its current fourth position in the ICC ODI rankings if it wins all its remaining matches in current tri-series in Australia.
M.S. Dhoni's side is currently on 110 rating points and if it wins all the remaining matches in Australia, it will gain five points to dislodge New Zealand (113 points) from third place.
India plays Australia tomorrow before taking on Sri Lanka on Tuesday. The tri-series winner will be decided by the best of three final matches.
If it loses one game and wins the remaining, it will have 113 points but still stay behind the Black Caps at fourth when the points are calculated beyond the decimal point.
And, if India loses all the remaining matches in the tri-series, it will be pushed down to sixth spot.
The series results are significant as the cut-off date for the determination of seedings for the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan is fast approaching.
Wherever the top eight teams sit on that date will dictate the make-up of the two groups for the big event, which is set to take place in Pakistan in September.
Meanwhile, New Zealand strengthens its position in third place after its 3-1 series win against England, completed with a 34-run victory in the final ODI in Christchurch today.
The series loss to New Zealand meant England stayed in seventh place on 105 rating points. But Paul Collingwood's side can swap places with Sri Lanka if Mahela Jayawardene's side loses both its remaining matches against Australia and India next week.
Australia is on top of the championship table with 131 points, four points clear of South Africa. PTI
I am happy as long as players make money: Modi
New Delhi, Feb 23 (PTI) The mastermind behind the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL), Lalit Modi said he is not too much bothered about the anomalies in pricing of some players during the recently-held auction.
Modi said the hype of India's emergence in cricket was responsible for some young players being sold for healthy price tags.
"The hype that India is the world champs in Twenty20 is taking the whole team forward. There are people who are paying huge sum of money and today some may say that someone is over-priced or under-priced.
"As far as I am concerned, if players make more money, I am happy. Take the example of Ishant Sharma, six months back nobody knew him," Modi told NDTV today.
Modi said he was taken by surprise over the huge success of the IPL as a business venture.
"We are probably 30-40 per cent above our business plan. We thought it may fall in that area but never thought it would really happen. I myself is surprised by the fact that actually it has reached today. We would not have been able to write a better script ourself. Now we just have to deliver." Modi set aside the controversy that he helped Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan hours before the start of the players' bidding.
In the dead of night on Tuesday, Modi visited Shah Rukh and courted controversy for helping Red Chillies Entertainment Pvt Ltd -- the IPL franchise owned by the actor.
Modi, however, said that he showed no favouritism and tried to help other franchisees as well. PTI
India toughest side to beat: Lee
Sydney, Feb 23 (PTI) Ready to return to action after a brief break, Australian speedster Brett Lee said he wants to test himself in tomorrow's tri-series one-dayer against India whom he considers one of the toughest sides to beat.
Lee gave enough indication that Australia would face a tough fight if India made it to the best-of-three finals.
"Sri Lanka and India are very hard teams to play against but for the moment, it looks India is the toughest side to beat.
"If India gets a great start, they are very hard to pull back... A few guys in Sri Lanka can also fire. It's a tough question but I've always enjoyed playing against India, testing yourself against Sachin Tendulkar. If you can prove yourself against the best, you know you are going alright," the fast bowler said.
Lee has taken a lot of workload during the current season but feels refreshed after resting for Australia's previous two tri-series games.
"I will play tomorrow. We have had this thing through our sports scientists which showed I have bowled well above the limit I should have bowled this summer. But I have been allowed (a rest) to freshen up and would be ready to steam in again tomorrow," claimed Lee. PTI
India will seek to secure a berth in final tomorrow
Ashish Shukla
Sydney, Feb 23 (PTI) Needing to win just one more game to ensure a berth in the cricket tri-series final, India will seek to get the job done tomorrow itself as they go into their penultimate league match against Australia with the form of some key batsmen being a concern.
A win tomorrow will almost certainly take Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men to the title round and render their game against Sri Lanka in Hobart on Tuesday of only academic interest.
"We would like to seal it tomorrow and save ourselves pressure," Dhoni said as his side prepared to take on the world champions on a slow SCG track.
Australia have already secured their place in the final, collecting 22 points from six games. India, on 12 points, has a handy six-point lead over their sub-continent rivals with one round of matches to go.
Sri Lanka need to win both their remaining matches and at the same time hope that India lose both their games to go through to the final.
India is no different than others when it comes to batting woes in the low-scoring series and, in all probability, Virender Sehwag will mark a return to the playing eleven to bolster the line-up.
It would mean India discarding its new-found preference of five bowlers. It would revert to four frontline bowlers and expect the fifth bowler's quota to be shared between Sachin Tendulkar, Sehwag and Yuvraj Singh. PTI
Indian Golf Union gets new President in TT Jagannathan
New Delhi, Feb 23 (PTI) Renowned industrialist T T Jagannatahan has been elected President of the Indian Golf Union for the year 2008.
Jagannathan, Chairman and Managing Director of TTK group of industries, replaced former Chief of Army Staff General J J Singh.
Jagannathan was elected to the post at the IGU's 50th Annual General meeting held at the Army Golf Club yesterday.
Hailing from Bangalore, Jagannathan is a good golfer and also held the post of IGU Vice-President in 2006 and 2007.
"The new President would be approaching various state governments to start public golf courses in India and also driving ranges, particularly in the metro cities where land is at premium," an IGU press release said.
General J J Singh, who is presently Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, had an extremely successful tenure as India won a silver medal at the Doha Asian Games and the junior team qualified for the World Junior championship.
Besides, Jyoti Randhawa won the Indian Open and S S P Chowrasia won claimed the Indian Masters, the first European Tour event held in India.
The Ladies European Tour was also held for the first time in India in December.
PML(Q) offers issue-based support to govt, cracks surface
Rezaul H Laskar
Islamabad, Feb 23 (PTI) Struggling to keep its flock together after the electoral drubbing, the PML-Q today said it would play a "positive and constructive" role in the opposition by offering issue-based support to the government The top leadership of the PML-Q met here to review its performance in the elections and to devise ways to prevent defections by its newly elected lawmakers to former premier Nawaz Sharif's PML-N party.
The leadership of the PML-Q, whose tally dropped from 118 in 2002 to 39 rpt 39 in the February 18 polls, has blamed the party's close association with Presidnet Pervez Musharraf for its poor performance.
"We have decided by consensus that we will play a positive and constructive role as an issue-oriented, robust, vibrant and active opposition, except in the province of Balochistan, where the PML-Q will lead a coalition government," PML-Q secretary general Mushahid Hussain Sayed said.
"We would like to support the future government on a national agenda above party lines and that national agenda should focus on issues such as combating extremism and terrorism," Sayed told a news conference after the four-hour meeting.
The PML-Q wanted "a common social agenda focussing on education, health, welfare, justice and rights of women and minorities", he said.
Parliament should be made the "pivot of decision-making" and there should be consensus on foreign policy so that issues like the war on terror and relations with neighbouring countries and the West had the "support and sanction of the people of Pakistan", Sayed said. PTI
Musharraf may not face the music immediately
Rezaul H Laskar
Islamabad, Feb 23 (PTI) In a breather for beleaguered President Pervez Musharaf, Pakistan People's Party has indicated that the new government will not seek his immediate impeachment as western envoys confabulated with leaders here to shore up his position.
Asked whether the new government will move forward to impeach Musharraf, PPP leader and frontrunner for Prime Ministership Makhdoom Amin Fahim said the party did not wish "to rock the boat" at this stage.
"I think there's no need at the moment but the parliament is sovereign. Once we go to the parliament, the parliament will look at every issue. We should not rock the boat at this time. We must have civil transition of power from the military to the civilians," the 68-year-old Bhutto loyalist told CNN.
The envoys, including from the US and UK, have pressed Pakistan People's Party and Pakistan Muslim League-(N) to try to co-exist with Musharraf, a key ally in the war on terror, for some time" to ensure a "smooth transition" and stability in the country, sources said.
Though both PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari and and PML (N) chief Nawaz Sharif have said the vote was against Musharraf, the PPP is reluctant to make immediate moves for the former General's impeachment.
US Ambassador Anne Patterson had met Zardari at least twice since his PPP emerged as the largest party in the February 18 polls, bagging 87 of the 272 seats.
British High Commissioner Robert Brinkley has also met leaders of the PPP and PML-N, including Sharif.
The US has indicated that it would continue to work with Musharraf despite the rout of his PML-Q party in the polls. PTI
British soldiers accused of killing 20 Iraqis in cold blood
London, Feb 23 (PTI) British soldiers have been accused of executing upto 20 Iraqi prisoners in cold blood, a charge denied by the government.
The allegations were made by men taken captive after a battle near the town of Majat-al-Kabir in southern Iraq in May 2004, and also suggest that prisoners were tortured and mutilated.
An investigation by the Army and the International Red Cross could find no proof but human rights lawyers are now demanding that the case be handed over to Scotland Yard, the Daily Telegraph reported today.
Lawyers for five Iraqis claimed yesterday that they had detailed witness statements, photographs of corpses and death certificates of the men who died.
The charges, which have been strongly denied by the Ministry of Defence, are among the most serious levelled against British soldiers in Iraq.
Phil Shiner, a leading solicitor, said of the dossier: "We would be very surprised if it did not shock the nation." The claims form the basis for a BBC Panorama programme due to be broadcast next week that has been condemned by the armed forces minister and senior Army commanders, who are are convinced that the allegations are without foundation.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said: "Allegations of mistreatment, unlawful killing and mutilations by British troops following an incident at vehicle checkpoint Danny Boy were thoroughly investigated by the RMP. They found no evidence to support these allegations." PTI
Clinton says still in race for party nomination
Washington, Feb 23 (PTI) Democratic Presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton has brushed aside suggestions that she is doubtful of winning the White House bid following the 11 straight losses to the front-runner Barack Obama, saying she is looking forward to the crucial contests of Ohio and Texas.
At the end of a debate with Obama on Thursday, New York Senator Clinton had said "Whatever happens, we'll both be fine." This was seen by many as the former first Lady having doubts about her own campaign and in its ability to bag the big ticket states of Ohio and Texas scheduled for their political showdown on March 4.
However, she downplayed her remarks and made it known that she is indeed serious about Ohio and Texas. "I intend to win, obviously. I'm working very hard. And Ohio and Texas are critical states," she said in a media interview.
The Hillary campaign knows well that she must get Ohio and Texas to stay meaningful in the Democratic race and even former President Bill Clinton had said recently that if his wife does not bag these two states, she is toast.
Senator Clinton did not respond to the remarks of her husband maintaining that she is not in the prediction business but polls have shown that while she maintains a small lead in Ohio, Senator Obama has either caught up in Texas or is leading in the Lone Star state.
Political analysts have also pointed to the rather cumbersome allocation of delegates in Texas where the Democratic Party has both the primary and caucus and where it allows independents and Republicans to vote. This is to the disadvantage of Senator Clinton.
The argument is being made that Senator Obama runs very strong among the Independent voters and Republicans may enter the fray in the Democratic primaries just to vote against Senator Clinton. PTI
Markets down by 4 pc on concerns over US recession
Mumbai, Feb 23 (PTI) Stocks: The markets registered a four per cent fall in thin volume during the week under review with investors' confidence at its low amid fresh worries about the impending recession in the US.
Investors, however, pinned their hopes on the Union Budget scheduled to be presented on February 29.
Analysts expected a significant move in the last week of the month as the derivatives contract expires on February 28, a day ahead of the budget.
After last week's bounce, the markets remained highly unpredictable moving erratically as global cues continued to dictate the trend while the key driver Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) were selective buyers while retail investors maintained low profile despite forthcoming Union Budget.
High crude oil prices raising US inflation fears as well as continued credit concerns had made the situation worst for the economies across the world, analysts feel.
Weak US mid-Atlantic manufacturing data released on Thursday almost confirmed the notion that the recession in the US economy is on the cards, which in turn, will have adverse impact on emerging economies.
In roller-coaster ride in the week ended February 23, the Bombay Stock Exchange 30-share index gyrated in a range of 18,314.10 and 17,294.73 before ending the week at 17,349.07, a fall of 766.18 points over last weekend's close of 18,115.25.
The National Stock Exchange's S&P CNX Nifty also finished the week lower by 192.15 points or 3.62 per cent to 5,110.75 from previous weekend's close of 5,302.90. MORE
Renault, Nissan sign MoU with Tamil Nadu for Chennai plant
New Delhi, Feb 22 (PTI) French carmaker Renault and Japan's Nissan today signed a memorandum of understanding with the Tamil Nadu government for setting up their proposed greenfield automobile manufacturing unit in Oragadam, near Chennai, at an investment of Rs 4,500 crore.
Both Renault and Nissan would have 50 per cent stake in the plant which would have a capacity to roll out four lakh units per annum over the next seven years, Renault-Nissan said in a statement.
Renault holds 44.4 per cent stake in Nissan.
Renault Executive Vice-President, Products, Plan and Programs, Patrick Pelata and Nissan Executive Vice-President, Corporate and Product Planning, Carlos Tavares signed the MoU with the Tamil Nadu government.
Renault and Nissan had initially entered into a tripartite joint venture with India's Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) for the proposed plant. Later M&M decided to pull out of the JV and these two companies decided to go on their own.
The Indian firm had said that it did not require the additional capacity being planned at Chennai and would instead expand its existing facility in Chakan near Pune to meet its projected requirements.
As per the initial agreement, Mahindra would have held a majority 50 per cent stake in the plant while Renault and Nissan would have held an equal 25 per cent stake each.
Mahindra manufactures and markets its mid-size sedan Logan through a joint venture with Renault.
The proposed Renault-Nissan manufacturing facility would come up in an area of 670 acre and is expected to go on stream in early 2010. PTI
Sensex plunges over 385 points as banking stocks take a hit
Mumbai, Feb 22 (PTI) The Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex today plunged by over 385 points as banking stocks came under selling pressure on concerns that the recent cut in lending rates might hit their earnings.
Marketmen said rising inflation rate, which saw a six-month high of 4.35 per cent for the week ended February 9, also dampened the sentiments.
The Sensex, which had recorded a gain of 117 points in the previous day's trading, declined by 385.61 points to 17,349.07, with banking heavyweights SBI, ICICI Bank and HDFC taking a hit.
The key index touched the day's low of 17,294.73 and a high of 17,526.80 points.
National Stock Exchange index Nifty also dropped by 81.05 points to 5,110.75, after touching the day's low of 5,092.80 and a high of 5,184.00 points.
Banking index on the BSE fell 328.72 points at 10,150.22, followed by oil and gas index by 239.26 points at 10,673.00 Major PSU banks like SBI, Canara Bank and Bank of India have cut lending rates in the past few days.
Besides banking stocks, other leading scrips which lost significantly included Bajaj Auto, Reliance Industries, Tata Steel, Larsen and Toubro, Tata Consultancy Services and Infosys Technologies.
The market also remained under pressure as major Asian indices traded lower on renewed fear of the US entering into a recession. PTI
Canadian company to supply parts for Tata Nano
Ottawa, Feb 23 (PTI) Samco Machinery Ltd, a Canada-based roll forming system manufacturer, will supply auto parts for world's cheapest car Tata Nano, unveiled by the Tata Group last month.
Samco has partnered India's leading business conglomerate Tatas to produce parts for the Rs 1,00,000 (2,500 dollar) car, Export Development Canada's Chief Representative (India) Peter L Nesbitt said while addressing the Telfer India Forum at the University of Ottawa yesterday.
He said that Tata Nano would revolutionise the auto industry around the world.
A large number of Canadian companies attended the function organised by Telfer School of Management of the University, Indo-Canada Ottawa Business Chamber and others.
Telfer School of Management Dean Michael J Kelly said Canadian companies should not miss great business avenues in India.
"Canadian companies need to get a handle of this opportunity quickly. As a market, back office, research and development hub and source of future competitors, India should be on top of the mind for Canadian top executives," Professor Kelly added.
Ontario Minister of Small Business and Entrepreneurship Harinder Takhar and Ontario Labour Minister Brad Duguid would visit the Samco facility in Toronto on Monday and would provide more details about the collaboration. PTI
Allow FM radio channels to broadcast news; increase FDI: TRAI
New Delhi, Feb 22 (PTI) Broadcast regulator TRAI today recommended that FM radio operators should be allowed to broadcast news and suggested increase in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to up to 49 per cent.
At present, there is a 20 per cent ceiling on FDI in FM radio space and TRAI recommended that 26 per cent foreign investment can be allowed in radio channels that want to broadcast news and 49 per cent in non-news FM stations.
The FDI cap will also include funds received from Foreign Institutional Investors, TRAI said in its recommendation.
It suggested that FM radio broadcasters may be permitted to broadcast news using content from AIR, Doordarshan, authorised news channels, PTI, UNI and any other authorised news agency, the recommendation on third phase of private FM radio broadcasting said.
With this move, a large section of the population, which hitherto lack access to information, would be able to keep themselves abreast without any costs that are attached to internet and TV services, it said.
It also recommended lowering of annual fees by 50 per cent from the existing permission holders for private FM radio broadcasters in North East and Jammu and Kashmir region for an initial period of three years. PTI
Digest of domestic stories for the week Feb 16-22
Saturday
Nayagarh: Fourteen policemen were among 15 people gunned down by about 500 heavily-armed naxalites who struck at five police establishments and drove away with huge quanity of arms and ammunitions in this remote district of Orissa.
Panaji: Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt and his wife Manyata face double trouble with Goan authorities putting on hold their marriage registration process and a court in Mumbai ordering a probe into an undertrial's claim that she was still married to him.
Sunday
ew Delhi: After remaining elusive for more than a fortnight, Jeevan Raut, brother of Dr Amit Kumar, the alleged kingpin in the multi-crore rupee kidney racket, is arrested here by the CBI.
Bhubaneswar: Backed by helicopters, security forces kill at least 20 naxals, including some women cadres, during continuing gun battles, a day after 14 policemen and a civilian died in Maoist attacks on police stations in Orissa's Nayagarh district.
Monday
Raipur: Six CRPF personnel and 13 Maoists are killed in two separate encounters in Bijapur district, about 565km from here.
New Delhi: Romesh Sharma, alleged frontman of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, and five others are sentenced to rigorous life imprisonment by a Delhi court for hatching a "pathetic, chilling and sinister" conspiracy to eliminate his fashion designer girlfriend nine years ago.
Tuesday
Panaji: Former Goa minister and MLA Atanasio Monserratte along with city Mayor Tony Rodrigues is detained after a mob, led by them, attacked Panaji police station, setting three vehicles on fire.
Bhubaneswar: Launching the country's biggest ever anti-Maoist offensive, security forces adopted a new strategy of guerilla warfare in the hunt for naxals in the dense forests of Orissa where additional paramilitary personnel have been rushed to join the long haul operation.
Thursday
New Delhi: India welcomes the conduct of elections in Pakistan and said it would resume the composite dialogue as soon as a "duly-constituted" government is in place in that country.
Panaji: Former Goa minister and MLA Anatasio Monserratte faces a charge of attempt to murder is arrested in connection with the mob attack on the Panaji police station in which 15 policemen were injured.
Friday
New Delhi: The protests against the screening of "Jodhaa Akbar" for alleged distortion of history refused to die down even as some theatres in Punjab and Bihar stop the film from showing.
New Delhi: Former External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh resigns from the Rajya Sabha as well as Congress with which he was associated for over two decades. PTI
Coolie? Why not call us porters instead?
Ashish Jha
New Delhi, Feb 22 (PTI) The demand is feeble, not even listed in the charter of demands that they would present to the Railway Minister. But they plan to broach the issue at an appropriate time- why call us 'coolie'? "It is one of our several demands including a forth grade employee status to coolies and a pension scheme for those coolies attaining age of 60," says Mangat Ram Saini, Chairman, All India Railway Coolie Organisation.
Coolies, the inseparable entity of one of the world's biggest Railway network and the biggest non-governmental structure supporting the Indian railways have come up with these demands during their "Sansad Ghero Abhiyan" in the capital.
"This name, 'coolie' smacks of the British Raj and still gives us a sense of 'slavery'," says Saini adding a better calling name was much required to uplift their social status.
"Being called as 'Coolie' is a little degradation of the kind of service, we provide to the millions of passengers everyday," he says.
After a long gap of 25 years when 'Coolies' were heard and their role was recognised in the society with the Bollywood 'Icon' Amitabh Bachhan giving a voice to their plight through the hit film 'Coolie,' the coolie fraternity has decided to voice its demands on their own.
"We are going to put our demand before the government for not only changing this name but also to consider us as the fourth grade employee under Indian Railways and providing pension scheme for our colleagues who cross 60 years of age" says Charan Singh, who has worked as a coolie on the New Delhi Railway Station for last 35 years. PTI
US co. Forced to recall a batch, Bindi in India goes unchecked
Amit Kumar Srivastava and Diganta Biswas
New Delhi, Feb 20 (PTI) The 'bindi', the ubiquitous mark on the forehead of Indian women is facing a problem in the distant United States where a manufacturer has been forced to withdraw a batch along with other cosmetics products from the market owing to its high lead content.
In the land of its birth, the bindi, however, continues to be manufactured unchecked as there is no agency to monitor the usage and harmful effects of spurious products.
"The cosmetics industry is not at all regulated in India. There's no apex body to control this in India", says Dr Deepak Vohra, a cosmetologist.
"What's worse is the fact that most of the branded products in the market do not carry the mandatory label of ingredients, colouring agent (chemicals used) and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mark and no declaration whatsoever that that the products are manufactured from any carcinogenic or any harmful ingredients", Dr Vohra says.
According to experts, 'sindoor' or 'kumkum' readily available in market often contains high amount of lead, which heightens the risk of poisoning. Lead exposure can result in a wide range of biological effects, depending upon the level and duration of exposure.
Synthetic sindoor can cause serious dermatological disorders like irritation, skin toxicity, eczema, leucoderma. Long-term exposure to even low levels of lead can cause irreversible learning difficulties, mental retardation, and delayed neurological and physical development, doctors say. PTI
___________________________________________________________
This is the Mumbai Grapevine
___________________________________________________________
______Market_______
To get regularly updated NIFTY (NSE) quotes by email, join the NSEData
mailing list by sending an email to NSEData-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
To get regularly updated BSE quotes by email, join the BSEData mailing
list by sending an email to BSEData-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Sensex: 17349.07, -385.61
The sensex closed at 17349.07, down 385.61
___________________________________________________________
This is the Mumbai Grapevine
___________________________________________________________
______Forex_______
1 U.S. $ = 40.075 INR
1 Japanese Yen = 0.3738 INR
1 British Pound = 78.833 INR
1 Canadian $ = 39.565 INR
1 Singapore $ = 28.503 INR
1 UAE Dirham = 10.912 INR
1 Saudi Arabian Riyal = 10.687 INR
1 Euro = 59.413 INR
1 Qatar Rial = 11.020 INR
___________________________________________________________
This is the Mumbai Grapevine
___________________________________________________________