Asian Age

RAF sent to pacify JammuBY YUSUF JAMEEL Srinagar July 3: For the first time in the troubled history of Jammu and Kashmir, the elite anti-riot Rapid Action Force (RAF) has been asked to step in as the violent protests in winter capital Jammu and its neighbourhood over the Amarnath land row have not only spread to new areas but also fashioned into communal frenzy at certain places. On Thursday about four companies (around 400 men) of the RAF requisitioned from Delhi were along with the paramilitary reinforcements fanned out in Jammu. Also, the authorities have sought help from the Army which, in fact, is already staging flag marches and assisting the law enforcement agencies towards tackling the otherwise deteriorating situation, including Kathua and Samba distri
» 3 Jul 2008, 11:42 am

Geelani is put under house arrestBY OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT SRINAGAR July 3: Kashmir’s senior separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani has been placed under house arrest here to prevent him from attending a rally planned beside Hazratbal shrine after the Friday congregation on July 4. Chief Muslim cleric and chairman of his faction of Hurriyat Conference Mirwaiz Umar Farooq had also agreed to attend the "thanksgiving" rally actually announced by Mr Geelani at a press conference here on Wednesday, after the Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet revoked the government order diverting forestland to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board under mounting public pressure. But, official sources here said that the Mirwaiz too may not be allowed to relocate to Hazratbal. While the roads to Hazra
» 3 Jul 2008, 11:41 am

CIC rejects 45% of all 2nd appealsBy Sonal Kellogg New Delhi July 3: The Central Information Commission revealed that it rejects 45 per cent of all second appeals and complaints on procedural grounds and of those registered 27 per cent are remanded back to the first appellate authority. These facts have disturbed RTI activists who feel that since the RTI Act was expected to be used by the common citizen the CIC should take a more lenient view to rejecting appeals on procedural grounds as it goes against the spirit of the act. RTI activist Shailesh Gandhi asked the CIC the total number of second appeals and complaints received by it from April 2007 to April 2008 and the number which were registered. The CIC revealed that the total number of appeals and complains received
» 3 Jul 2008, 11:41 am

CM Azad appeals for peaceBy Our Special Correspondent Srinagar July 3: Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Thursday made a passionate appeal to the people of Jammu to give up their violent agitation over the Amarnath land row "in the interest of country and the state". After a series of meetings the government representatives held with the leaders of the Shri Amarnathji Sangharash Samiti in the winter capital failed to produce any results, the chief minister chose to address a press conference in Jammu to say that it went against the national interest and communal harmony which has been the hallmark of Jammuites to indulge in violence in the name of Amarnath pilgrimage. "It is disgusting that some people are doing politics over the issue which i
» 3 Jul 2008, 11:40 am

Govt to discuss pay report at next Cabinet meetingBy MUKESH RANJAN NEW DELHI July 3: With high-powered Committee of Secretaries (CoS) headed by Cabinet Secretary K.M. Chandrasekhar handing over the Sixth Pay Commission report suggesting a few cosmetic changes, the government is now likely to consider it in the next meeting of the Union Cabinet. Informing about this, a senior Union Cabinet minister on the condition of anonymity said, "In the next meeting of the Cabinet, the Pay Commission report would be discussed and hopefully a decision will be arrived at." The CoS, even after reviewing the entire report and going through the grievances raised by various sections of the government employees, however failed to address all the concerns and instead it suggested hiving off the arrears by
» 3 Jul 2008, 11:40 am

New Central body for skill developmentBY OUR CORRESPONDENT NEW DELHI July 3: In a bid to put an apex body to guide activities for skill development in the country, the government on Thursday constituted the Prime Minister’s National Council to deal with subject. The National Council on Skill Development (NCSD) will be chaired by the Prime Minister and would consist of ministers of human resource development, finance, heavy industry and public enterprises, rural development, housing and urban poverty alleviation, labour and employment and chairperson of the National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council, a PMO release said. Six experts in the area of skill development have been included in the council. *** President Patil inaugurates Van Mahotsav By Our Special Correspo
» 3 Jul 2008, 11:39 am

‘Prasar does not strive for profits’BY OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT NEW DELHI July 3: Public broadcaster Prasar Bharati’s financial condition may not be very robust, however, as its chief executive office (CEO) B.S. Lalli puts it, "We are not a commercial organisation. We don’t strive to make profits." For, as he explains, Prasar Bharati performs a public broadcasting service under the Prasar Bharati Act and it has to perform its functions as per the act. Of course, he does add that the earning of revenue is not something that is in conflict with public service broadcasting. Even so, he maintains that in 2007-08, Prasar Bharati made more revenue even though the focus is not on making profits. Mr Lalli was speaking to reporters here on Thursday while announcing the news "
» 3 Jul 2008, 11:38 am

Info panel summons top copBY OUR CORRESPONDENT HYDERABAD July 3: Thee Andhra Pradesh information commission has issued summons to the city commissioner of police, Mr B. Prasada Rao, for not furnishing details sought by the former corporator, Mr Amjadullah Khan, under the Right to Information Act, 2005. The commissioner has either to be present in person or authorise a representative to appear for him. Mr Khan had sought information relating to the total number of absconders among people booked for criminal offences and data on pending court warrants. In another set of questions, he also wanted to know the criteria used by the police to designate offenders as rowdy sheeters. In the first reply issued by the police commissioner’s office, the department has sta
» 3 Jul 2008, 11:37 am

E-governance didn’t help poor: StudyBY OUR CORRESPONDENT New Delhi July 3: Computerisation of front-end government services, e-governance, citizen charters and social audits have made an impact in controlling corruption involving upper and middle classes but have not helped the poor. This is one of the key findings of the India Corruption Study- 2007 brought out by the Transparency International India and the Centre for Media Studies. Releasing the report at a function here, vice-president M. Hamid Ansari, with reference to this aspect, remarked: "Entitlement of BPL households to basic services provided by the government is meaningless without knowledge of and unhindered access to such services and universal awareness of grievance redressal mechanisms." The 2007 edition o
» 3 Jul 2008, 11:37 am

Rastogi case: CBI team leaves for USBY OUR CORRESPONDENT NEW DELHI July 3: A two-member CBI team left for the US on Thursday to extradite Narendra Rastogi, who along with his brothers, including influential UK-based businessman Virendra, has been accused by the agency of defrauding the exchequer of Rs 43 crores while exporting scrap to CIS countries. Rastogi was arrested by the FBI in US along with three others in May 2002 for defrauding banks around the world of an estimated $600 million by obtaining finance for sham transactions and then pledging them as collaterals. The CBI, which had launched a hot pursuit of the four Rastogi brothers is now expected to bring back the third brother to India.  
» 3 Jul 2008, 11:36 am

Special freight charge removedBY AMIT AGNIHOTRI NEW DELHI July 3: Stung by the severe criticism over its decision to levy special supplementary charge on freight rates on certain commodities ranging from 5 to 7 per cent (which would have added to the inflationary pressures in the economy), the Railways on Thursday retracted from the controversial move. "The decision to introduce the special supplementary charge on freight rates ranging from 5 to 7 per cent on certain commodities from July 1 to September 30 has been put on hold till further advice," said a senior railway ministry official. According to officials, the controversial circular, introducing the special supplementary charge during the lean period from July to September, was issued on June 25. Usually the s
» 3 Jul 2008, 11:36 am

Google News - India

Puri Rath Yatra stampede: 6 killed, 11 injured - Expressindia.comNDTV.comPuri Rath Yatra stampede: 6 killed, 11 injuredExpressindia.com - 1 hour agoPuri, July 4: At least six people were killed in a stampede in outside Jagannath temple in Puri as hundreds of thousands of devotees thronged the holy city for the grand annual Rath Yatra festival.Stampede in Puri, six dead Zee NewsSix killed in Puri Rath Yatra stampede Times of IndiaMerinews - IBNLive.com - Smash Hits - NDTV.comall 62 news articles  हिन्दी मे
» 4 Jul 2008, 3:02 am

PM presented 'new facts' on n-deal: Mulayam Singh Yadav - Economic TimesIBNLive.comPM presented 'new facts' on n-deal: Mulayam Singh YadavEconomic Times - 3 hours agoNEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Friday presented "new facts" on the India-US civil nuclear deal to Samajwadi Party leaders when they met him at his residence here, said party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav.Opposition to Chidambaram, Deora not personal: Amar Expressindia.comMulayam, Amar Singh meet PM NDTV.comTimes of India - India Infoline.com - TopNews - Hindustan Timesall 523 news articles  हिन्दी मे
» 4 Jul 2008, 1:08 am

Betancourt back on political stage - BBC NewsCanada.comBetancourt back on political stageBBC News - 1 hour agoBy Jeremy McDermott The successful rescue of 15 hostages from the clutches of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) has had a massive political impact, nationally and internationally.Video: US hostages freed from Colombian rebels - 3 July 08 AlJazeeraEnglishBetancourt heads to France Aljazeera.netVoice of America - CNN International - Xinhua - New York Timesall 3,877 news articles
» 4 Jul 2008, 3:52 am

Rights group wants S.Lanka to punish ex-Tiger boss - Reuters IndiaBBC NewsRights group wants S.Lanka to punish ex-Tiger bossReuters India - 36 minutes agoBy Ranga Sirilal COLOMBO (Reuters) - Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Friday urged Sri Lanka's government to investigate and prosecute renegade former Tamil Tiger leader Karuna Amman for war crimes, after Britain failed to do so because of a lack of ...Sri Lanka says fighting kills 32 rebels, 2 soldiers ReutersSri Lanka fighting kills 34 The Associated PressAFP - Hindu - BBC News - Bloombergall 589 news articles
» 4 Jul 2008, 4:25 am

China launches regular Taiwan flights - Times OnlineTimes OnlineChina launches regular Taiwan flightsTimes Online - 2 hours agoChina and Taiwan signalled an easing of tensions in one of the world's most enduring flashpoints today by launching regular direct flights across the Taiwan Strait.China Southern flies to Taipei, ending tourist ban International Herald TribuneCharter flights grant wings to Chinese tourists' cross-strait dreams XinhuaVoice of America - Aljazeera.net - AFP - The Associated Pressall 747 news articles
» 4 Jul 2008, 2:37 am

Key India talks over nuclear deal - BBC NewsVoice of AmericaKey India talks over nuclear dealBBC News - 4 hours agoCommunist allies of India's ruling coalition are meeting on withdrawing support to the government over a civilian nuclear deal with the US.Singh Edges Closer to Support on US Nuclear Accord (Update2) BloombergUPDATE 2-India's government inches toward survival, nuke deal Reuters IndiaKhabrein.info - Economic Times - Financial Times - Hindustan Timesall 351 news articles  हिन्दी मे
» 4 Jul 2008, 12:14 am

JKNPP calls for dismissal of Azad government - HinduNDTV.comJKNPP calls for dismissal of Azad governmentHindu - 2 hours agoJammu (PTI): The Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) on Friday dubbed the government's decision of revoking the order on land transfer to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) as 'unconstitutional' and demanded dismissal of the chief minister ...Opp hand in glove with BJP, says PDP The StatesmanProvide security to pilgrims, SC to J&K govt Business StandardPress Trust of India - Merinews - Times of India - NDTV.comall 293 news articles  हिन्दी मे
» 4 Jul 2008, 2:25 am

5 commando bodies pulled out from sunken boat - Expressindia.comodishatoday.com5 commando bodies pulled out from sunken boatExpressindia.com - 3 hours agoMalkangiri (Orissa), July 4: Five more bodies of the elite anti-Naxal Greyhound commandos, who became victims of a Maoist attack, were retrieved from the sunken launch in Balimela reservoir on Friday, taking the number of bodies recovered to 15.15 dead bodies recovered so far from Balimela Reservoir odishatoday.comTwo bodies of Greyhound commandoes found HinduTimes of India - Smash Hits - Calcutta Telegraph - Newindpressall 17 news articles
» 4 Jul 2008, 1:21 am

Fresh record for Indian inflation - BBC NewsAFPFresh record for Indian inflationBBC News - 3 hours agoIndian inflation set another record in the third week in June as prices of food, fuel and steel continued to rise. Wholesale prices rose by a larger-than-expected 11.63% in the 12 months to 21 June compared with the same period the previous year.Experts speak on inflation Economic TimesInflation zooms to a fresh high of 11.63% Times of IndiaReuters India - NDTV.com - Commodity Online - Newstrack Indiaall 43 news articles
» 4 Jul 2008, 1:26 am

Reliance Comm shares up on MTN deal clarity hopes - Reuters IndiaTimes Now.tvReliance Comm shares up on MTN deal clarity hopesReuters India - 2 hours agoBy Rina Chandran MUMBAI, July 4 (Reuters) - Shares in India's Reliance Communications Ltd (RLCM.BO: Quote, Profile, Research) bounced on Friday in a firm Mumbai market, on expectations that some clarity may soon emerge on the status of its exclusive ...Fitch upgrades MTN Group's credit ratings Business StandardADA seeks SEBI probe, flays RIL SifyHindu - Reuters - Economic Times - Moneycontrol.comall 225 news articles  हिन्दी मे
» 4 Jul 2008, 2:07 am

Mkts rebound as Realty up 8%, CG, Power surges over 6% - Moneycontrol.comSifyMkts rebound as Realty up 8%, CG, Power surges over 6%Moneycontrol.com - 37 minutes agoMarkets have rebounded sharply on the back of buying in heavily beaten down sectors like realty, capital goods, power, banking and FMCG, and managed to recover nearly half of gain, which lost in Thursday's trade.Sensex ends up 360pts; RCom, JP Associates shine Business StandardSensex ends 360 pts up as bulls return to the ring SifyEconomic Times - Moneycontrol.com - Moneycontrol.com - Economic Timesall 236 news articles
» 4 Jul 2008, 4:24 am

Hindustan Times

6 killed in stampede during Rath YatraSix pilgrims were killed and several injured in a stampede outside the Jagannath temple in Puri during the annual Rath Yatra festival.
» 4 Jul 2008, 6:48 am

Lahore HC lifts ban on Shoaib AkhtarAlthough the suspension has been lifted, he will have to give the seven million rupees fine imposed by the PCB appellate tribunal last month.
» 4 Jul 2008, 6:25 am

Left gives July 7 deadline to the governmentThe Left parties have asked the Govt to make it clear by July 7 if it was seeking the approval of the IAEA's board of governors for the India-specific safeguards agreement. See related pics.
» 4 Jul 2008, 5:28 am

No commitment to anything yet: SPSP leaders Mulayam Singh Yadav and Amar Singh say the priority is national interests and not securing berths in the Cabinet.
» 4 Jul 2008, 2:11 am

Iran seizes foreign boats with 17 IndiansThe four fishing boats from Saudi Arabia with 17 Indian crew on board have been seized near Iran's first nuclear power plant in Persian Gulf waters.
» 4 Jul 2008, 1:40 am

Truckers call off nationwide strikeThe strike has been called off after a marathon meeting between the transporters and the Govt during which the administration agreed to lower service tax.
» 4 Jul 2008, 12:10 am

Fuel prices may go up in OctoberCrude prices have more than doubled in the past year. The pinch is bigger for India as it imports about 75 per cent of the crude it needs, reports Gaurav Choudhury.
» 3 Jul 2008, 3:41 pm

Manmohan knew Reds would go, deal or no dealThe Prime Minister had read the nature of Left politics and he never bought the ‘Muslim-backlash’ line, reports Pramit Pal Chaudhuri. 
» 3 Jul 2008, 3:16 pm

Clive Lloyd takes over ICC top postThe former West Indies captain is named the new Chairman of the ICC Cricket Committee to fill in the void created by Sunil Gavaskar's resignation from the post.
» 3 Jul 2008, 12:10 pm

Nuke deal good for India: Kalam tells MulayamThe former president told top SP leaders that the deal was beneficial for the country and they should keep national interest above politics while firming up their stand on the issue.
» 3 Jul 2008, 11:54 am

'India's defence plan hit by inflation'General Deepak Kapoor said with inflation hovering at 11 pc for the first time since India-China war in 1962, defence budget had fallen below two pc of GDP.
» 3 Jul 2008, 10:49 am

India eNews

Now milk to take care of your heart and cholesterolTo battle the rising cholesterol levels in India, Nestle India has introduced a new skimmed milk - Nesvita Pro-Heart Omega 3 - complete with what it called a scientifically proven healthy and beneficial fatty acid.
» 3 Jul 2008, 10:00 am

Tripura asks for adequate funds for 'Vision 2020' planA day after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh unveiled a roadmap for alround developemnt of the northeast, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar asked the central government to allocate adequate funds for the project.
» 3 Jul 2008, 5:45 am

India adds 27.45 mn more mobile subscribersIndia added 27.45 million mobile subscribers in the quarter ended March 31, taking the total number of connections to 261.07 million, new data showed Thursday.
» 3 Jul 2008, 8:03 am

Rashid takes five-shot lead in Lalit Suri Junior golfYoung Rashid Khan, the 2007 Faldo Asian Junior series champion, carded a one-over 73 to take a five-shot lead at the end of the third round in the Lalit Suri Northern India Junior/Sub-Junior golf championship at the Army Golf Course here Thursday.
» 3 Jul 2008, 9:33 am

Efficiency key to airlines' profitability: KPMGAirlines in India could be profitable despite rising aviation fuel prices, if they focussed on improving efficiency, says a global consultancy firm.
» 3 Jul 2008, 6:01 am

Priyanka takes Bhojpuri lessons from Ravi KishanBhojpuri actor Ravi Kishan has been giving lessons in Bhojpuri language to Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra lately.
» 3 Jul 2008, 9:31 am

Ahmedabad set for 131st Jagannth Rath Yatra FridayAhmedabad is all set for the 131st annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath Friday amid heavy security arrangements.
» 3 Jul 2008, 2:57 pm

Former footballers recall Kempaiah's dedication and hard workIndia's former soccer stars Thursday paid rich tributes to Mariappa Kempaiah, describing him as a dedicated and hardworking midfielder famous for his never-say-die attitude. Kempaiah, who played in the 1956 and 1960 Olympics, passed away in Bangalore Wednesday.
» 3 Jul 2008, 7:36 am

Local girl Anwesha in quarter-finals of Chennai Open SquashWhile the big guns blazed away in the ICL Chennai Open Squash tournament, local girl Anwesha Reddy reached the quarter-finals in the women's singles, here Thursday as also Harinderpal Singh who toppled sixth seed Shamshul Islam Khan of Pakistan to author the day's big upset.
» 3 Jul 2008, 9:32 am

Government, striking transporters hold talk againTransport of goods across the country remained affected for the second day Thursday even as the striking truck owners protesting rising taxes and the fuel price hike met again to end the logjam.
» 3 Jul 2008, 9:30 am

Archer Reena questions Olympics selectionArcher Reena Kumari, who was left out of the Indian Olympic team after the trials in Kolkata last week, slammed the Archery Association of India (AAI) alleging several discrepancies in the selection process and claimed that she was not picked despite being the best performer in the other two trials.
» 3 Jul 2008, 9:33 am

India FM - Bollywood News

Saif and Kareena sign a film with AshtavinayakSaif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor may have failed to create magic at the B-O with their last film, Tashan. However, that doesn't stop Bebo and Saif from doing more films together and the coming year is a proof of that. While they are already starring in Sriram Raghavan's Agent Vinod and Rensil D'Silva's as-yet untitled film; Saif-eena (as the couple is more popularly known as) have gone ahead and signed yet another film. The film will be produced by Shree Ashtavinayak Cinevision Ltd. We got in touch with the spokesperson for Ashtavinayak who confirmed the news, "Yes, Saif and Kareena have been signed for a film to be made under the Ashtavinayak banner. It is an action film but the director is yet to be finalized. The film will go on floors
» 4 Jul 2008, 7:07 am

Irrfan Khan to learn the art of hair cutting for Billo BarberIrrfan Khan is very excited about signing Priyadarshan's new project Billo Barber where he plays the title role and becomes the first Indian actor to actually learn the art of hair-cutting. "Not hair-styling, mind you. I don't want to learn the barber's art from some posh salon in a 7-star hotel. That kind of hair cutting I know already. I've done it to my kids. The bonafide Barbers hold the scissors in a different manner and the way they hold the customer's hair is different. I am actually going to sit with a roadside Barber and observe him at work. As soon as I finish learning you'll be the first person whose hair I'll cut and then probably Shah Rukh Khan who's my co-star in Billo Barber." He has already started shooting for the film.
» 4 Jul 2008, 2:48 am

Rohit Shetty to direct Ajay Devgan in yet another filmDirector Rohit Shetty's association with actor Ajay Devgan is well known. Ajay has been part of all of Rohit's projects be it Zameen, Golmaal, Sunday and even the yet-to-be released Golmaal Returns. Now it seems that this association is only going further as Rohit has finalized his favorite hero, Ajay Devgan, for yet another film. Bollywood Hungama got in touch with the young director to get some more details, "Yes, I am directing Ajay for a film which will be produced by Shri Ashtavinayak Cinevision. It's going to be an action film starring two heroes. All this while, I was busy with Golmaal Returns hence haven't decided on the other cast members. We are yet to finalize the other hero and the two female leads. We plan to start the film so
» 3 Jul 2008, 5:48 am

Surprise factors in 'Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na'Click above for more stills Expect a couple of surprises when you go to watch JAANE TU YA JAANE NA… The trend of launching the first promo of a forthcoming film continues this week as well. Before the 16 reels of J.T.Y.J.N. unfold, you are treated to the promos of Vikram Bhatt's 1920 and Ritesh Sidhwani-Farhan Akhtar's ROCK ON, which marks the acting debut of Farhan Akhtar. The promos of both 1920 and ROCK ON look exciting and you can visualize an interesting story in that minute-and-a-half footage you've just watched. Now to the film. There are a few surprise actors in the film who appear in cameos. Bollywood Hungama had earlier reported that Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah enact the roles of Imran Khan's parents in
» 3 Jul 2008, 2:04 am

Neil Mukesh to compose the theme song of Freeze along with PritamWe had earlier reported that Neil Nitin Mukesh would be making his singing debut in director Jehangir Surti’s Freeze. Now it seems that the actor will not just sing but also compose the song he’s set to croon. The actor, who stole everyone’s heart with his performance in Johnny Gaddaar last year, would be reviving some old tunes that he has composed along with some help from music director Pritam. The song is said to be the film’s theme song and if Neil’s genes are anything to go by, we surely have a rocking number in store.
» 2 Jul 2008, 9:19 am

Live Chat: Abbas Tyrewala on July 3 at 1600 hrs ISTWhen a person who has written the screenplay of films like Main Hoon Na and Maqbool and the dialogues of classics like Munnabhai M.B.B.S and Salaam Namaste, decides to don the director’s hat, expectations are bound to be sky-high. Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen we are indeed talking about the incredibly multi-talented Abbas Tyrewala. Abbas is all excited, as his maiden directorial venture Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na opens across cinema halls this week (July 4th). Bollywood Hungama gives you a chance to get up, close and personal with this creative genius as he shares his experiences during the making of the film. Don’t miss this chance to have a rendezvous with Abbas Tyrewala only on Bollywood Hungama's Celebrity Chat on Thursday,
» 2 Jul 2008, 9:07 am

Mukhbiir producer offers money refund to dissatisfied customersClick above for more stills The Hyderabad-based producers Color Chips of the forthcoming film Mukhbiir have come up with a unique market concept to ensure the viewers' satisfaction. If you don't like the film, which opens on July 11, you can refund your ticket and get your money back. Explaining the motivation behind introducing this never-before customer-satisfaction scheme, the Mukhbiir producer Sudhish Rambhotla says, "When we've money-back guarantee for consumers in other business why not in the entertainment industry? This money-refund satisfaction-guarantee has never been done in the entertainment industry in any part of the world. Movie making is like any mass manufacturing business. So why can't we assure quality to the consu
» 2 Jul 2008, 8:50 am

Vivek Agnihotri to make a biopic titled FreedomHis last release Dhana Dhana Dhan Goal may not have scored a 'goal' at the box-office, but Vivek Agnihotri is confident that his next release surely will. Bollywood Hungama had earlier reported that Vivek's next will be a biggie, with one of India's biggest corporate houses producing it. Vivek has now inked the deal. Speaking exclusively to Bollywood Hungama, Vivek confirmed the news about his next film. "My next film is titled Freedom and will be produced by Reliance Big Entertainment. This film will be of a 'biopic' genre, meaning that, it will have a biography and an epic weaved into each other. It will trace India's journey in the last 30 years", informs Vivek. As for the actors, Vivek says that the film will surely have a dream sta
» 2 Jul 2008, 5:54 am

Live Chat: Genelia Dsouza on July 2 at 1530 hrs IST"God cannot be everywhere, hence He created Mothers. Angels cannot be everywhere, hence He created Genelia Dsouza". These words aptly describe Genelia Dsouza, the name to watch out for as the frontrunner for the 'Numero Uno' position in Bollywood! Having made her debut in Bollywood with Tujhe Meri Kasam, opposite Riteish Deshmukh, this delicate than feather chic packed her bags to Tollywood and ruled the roost there for a while, only to be back in Bollywood with a bang! If the cinegoers had complained of insomnia recently, then the reason's nothing but her dreamy screen presence in the recently released Mere Baap Pehle Aap, whereby she simply affirmed the saying 'Out of sight is surely not out of mind'! If her performance in this film
» 2 Jul 2008, 1:31 am

Will 'Contract' move out?Click above for more stills Times are changing! Most producers are giving a lot of thought, a lot of emphasis on releasing their films on an appropriate date. For, after all, making a qualitative product is important, but ensuring that it gets the right release is most important these days. After all, the stakes are so high these days. While the rumors of SINGH IS KINNG getting postponed [since Akshay's dubbing is still pending] has been refuted by Vipul Shah, there's talk that Ramgopal Varma's CONTRACT might be pushed to August for a different reason completely. Reportedly, RGV's advisors feel that clashing with a feel-good film like KISMAT KONNECTION on July 18 would hamper the prospects of CONTRACT. "I am not bothered," RGV tells
» 2 Jul 2008, 12:11 am

NDTV

Six killed in Puri Rath Yatra stampedeAt least six people were killed and 20 injured in a stampede during the annual Rath Yatra (chariot festival) in Puri on Friday, police said.Di
»

SC directs J&K govt to provide security to pilgrimsThe Supreme Court on Friday directed the Jammu and Kashmir government to provide adequate security to the stranded pilgrims of Vaishno Devi and Amarna
»

Manmohan to meet Bush on July 9Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will meet US President George W Bush on July nine on the sidelines of the G-8 summit in Hokkaido in Japan when he Is exp
»

UP: Cong office flooded with ticket seekers' bio-dataCall it impact of reports of Samajwadi Party's possible alliance with Congress or 'trust' on Rahul Gandhi's charisma, the Congress party office in Utt
»

RIL's aircrafts seized by customsTwo aircrafts belonging to Reliance Industries Ltd were reportedly seized by the customs late on Thursday night.The Executive Director of Reli
»

Expulsion of three IIT students revokedThe expulsion of three students, including two belonging to the Scheduled Caste community, by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Delhi for un
»

The Economic Times

PETA offers Sharon Stone free brain scanAnimal rights group PETA has offered Sharon Stone a free brain scan in an effort to see if her lack of empathy is the result of a defect in her brain.
»

Report reveals that crime costs UK 15 billion pounds a yearA study undertaken by Britain's Taxpayers Alliance has revealed that crime costs Britain 15 billion pounds a year.
»

DST assures continued funding for R&D despite inflationThe Department of Science and Technology (DST) has assured private sector drug companies of continued support at a time when inflationary pressure has forced the government to go for austerity measures.
»

Lafarge Boral invests $23 mn in India gypsum plantLafarge Boral has invested $23 million in a gypsum plant in India to meet the demand in the rapidly urbanising country officials said.
»

Recession hit Americans don't buy Indian mangoesIndian mangoes can't compete with South American mangoes because the latter are cheaper, good quality and easily available.
»

Modern India plans warehousing zone near MumbaiTextile and real-estate firm Modern India Ltd said on Friday that a 51 per cent unit will set up a free trade warehousing zone at Panvel, near Mumbai.
»

New UK Visa rules may affect talent import from IndiaBritish financial employers feel the new points-based system for migrant workers may affect import of skilled talent. NRIs: Away but united
»

Prakash Industries to invest Rs 485 cr in ChhattisgarhSteel maker Prakash Industries said it would invest Rs 485 crore for setting up a cement and a clinker plant in Chhattisgarh.
»

New method that blocks HIV transmissionResearchers from Lavax (Palatine, Ill.) and the University of Illinois at Chicago are developing a new method that may help in inhibiting HIV transmission from breastfeeding.
»

Ranbaxy completes phase II trials for anti-malaria drugRanbaxy has succesfully completed the phase II clinical trials for the first malaria drugs being developed in India since many decades and expects to start marketing it in next 3-5 years.
»

India fields 100-member team in CAI GamesIndia has fielded a strong 100-member squad in the fourth Children of Asia International (CAI) Games, which began today in the Siberian city of Yakutsk in the nations' diamond mining region of Yakutia.
»

The Hindu

UNPA seeks expert opinion on nuclear dealMulayam: there are differences, but we’ll move forward together
» 4 Jul 2008, 12:00 am

Deal is in national interest: KalamNew Delhi: The former President, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, on Thursday told Samajwadi Party leaders Mulayam Singh and Amar Singh that the nuclear deal with the United States was beneficial for India and they should keep national interests above ...
» 4 Jul 2008, 12:00 am

Army stages flag march in JammuProtesters continue to defy curfew, clash with police
» 4 Jul 2008, 12:00 am

Response to BJP’s bandh call partial in most StatesFour killed in violence in Indore, normal life hit in parts of Punjab
» 4 Jul 2008, 12:00 am

Time running out: Ackerman“Deal must get Congress nod by August”
» 4 Jul 2008, 12:00 am

UNPA in BJP’s eyesNEW DELHI: What is the United National Progressive Alliance and what does it stand for? What does the BJP have to say about the recent political developments involving the UNPA? Is not the BJP looking for tying up with some of the UNPA ...
» 4 Jul 2008, 12:00 am

‘123 overrides Hyde Act’NEW DELHI: Defending the India-U.S. civil nuclear agreement, the Prime Minister’s Office on Wednesday said it would cater for the development of a strategic reservoir of nuclear fuel to guard against disruption of supplies over the ...
» 4 Jul 2008, 12:00 am

PMO: our strategic autonomy not affectedNEW DELHI: The government on Wednesday clarified that the civil nuclear agreement with the U.S. would not affect India’s autonomy of decision making on foreign affairs or strategic programme in any manner. “India had always ...
» 4 Jul 2008, 12:00 am

Nuclear deal will come through: SenSilicon Valley: The stalled New Delhi-Washington nuclear deal will ultimately be “consummated,” says Indian Ambassador to the U.S. Ronen Sen, voicing confidence that the two countries will find a way out to overcome “some ...
» 4 Jul 2008, 12:00 am

“We’ll do nothing that will harm national interest”Communalism, the greatest threat to the nation: Amar Singh
» 4 Jul 2008, 12:00 am

CPI: Left will have to decide the modalities of withdrawing supportWhen the government is going to the IAEA is the question, says Bardhan
» 4 Jul 2008, 12:00 am

The Times of India

UPA to go ahead with nuke deal 'at the earliest'Shivshankar Menon said the government was in touch with NSG and would go ahead with the deal "as soon as it can". He also said PM will meet US prez Bush on July 9.
»

Curfew imposed in Indore city following fresh violence»

Amarnath land row: Curfew extended to Kathua townCurfew was on Friday extended to Kathua town where protestors opposing the government's decision on revoking the land transfer order to Amarnath shrine board clashed with police.
»

Six killed in Puri Rath Yatra stampedeAt least six people were killed and 10 others injured in a stampede outside Jagannath temple during the Rath Yatra festival.
»

Five jawans killed in encounter with militants in J&KFive Army personnel and a militant were killed in an ongoing gunbattle near Line of Control (LoC) in Jammmu and Kashmir, taking the toll in the encounter to 18.
»

Left to govt: Clear stand on N-deal by July 7The Left parties asked the government to make it clear by July 7 if it was seeking the approval of the IAEA's board of governors for the India-specific safeguards agreement.
»

Defence experts to discuss securityTop defence experts are converging on Kolkata to discuss security matters under the banner of the Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation.
»

Six people killed in Puri Rath Yatra stampede»

SP leaders meet PM over N-dealInching closer to sealing a deal with the Congress to bail out the government, SP leaders met PM Manmohan Singh and will later hold parleys with Sonia Gandhi.
»

S C Mathur sworn in as Assam GovernorAssam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, his cabinet colleagues and top government officials, including police and army officials, attended the function.
»

Topix - India

India, Iran to seal gas pipeline deal 'by Aug'MADRID: India expects to sign a deal "by next month" on a pipeline that will transport gas across the subcontinent from Iran, Indian oil minister Murli Deora said yesterday.
» 4 Jul 2008, 4:32 am

Nuke deal good for India: Kalam tells MulayamFormer President and scientist APJ Abdul Kalam on Thursday told top Samajwadi Party leaders that the Indo-US nuclear deal was beneficial for the country and they should keep national interest above politics ...
» 4 Jul 2008, 12:05 am

Left to decide timing of pull out tomorrowGearing up to implement their threat of withdrawing support to the UPA government over the Indo-US nuclear deal, the Left parties would on Friday work out the timing and modalities of the pullout.
» 3 Jul 2008, 7:22 pm

Key Indian party has doubts over nuclear dealA regional party that could hold the balance of power in India said on Thursday it still had doubts over a civilian nuclear deal with the United States and was not yet ready to give its crucial support to an ...
» 3 Jul 2008, 3:01 pm

India's defence plan hit by inflation: Army ChiefNEW DELHI: A hike of about 10 per cent in the annual defence budget this year notwithstanding, India's defence planning has been hit by inflation hovering at 11 per cent, Army chief General Deepak Kapoor said ...
» 3 Jul 2008, 10:33 am

BJP, VHP nationwide shutdown affects trains, highwaysSeveral highways across the country were blocked and some trains were stopped Thursday as BJP and VHP workers took to the streets in support of their shutdown to protest revocation of the land allotment to the ...
» 3 Jul 2008, 6:07 am

`Armed action against Iran unacceptable'India has said any unilateral armed action against Iran is totally "unacceptable and undesirable" and should be disapproved of by the international community.
» 3 Jul 2008, 1:37 am

Left suffers another jolt in WB, this time in civic pollKolkata, July 2: After last month's panchayat poll, the CPI-M in West Bengal suffered yet another setback on Wednesday losing three of 13 municipalities to Trinamool Congress and another to Congress in the ...
» 2 Jul 2008, 9:08 pm

No headway in talks with truckersAT A STANDSTILL : Trucks lying idle at a terminal on the outskirts of Mumbai on Wednesday following a nationwide strike called by the All-India Motor Transport Congress to protest against increased highway toll ...
» 2 Jul 2008, 4:41 pm

BJP calls for nationwide strike over Amarnath land orderAccusing the ruling Congress party of 'being one with fundamentalists', the Bharatiya Janata Party Tuesday called for a nationwide strike Thursday over the Jammu and Kashmir government's order cancelling land ...
» 2 Jul 2008, 12:16 pm

National carrier Gulf Air launches services to HyderabadFollowing the successful launch of its services to Shanghai, China last month, national carrier Gulf Air began its new service to India's fifth largest city, Hyderabad.
» 2 Jul 2008, 7:41 am

Zee News

Advani to launch election campaign in Gujarat on Sunday !Bharatiya Janata Party`s Prime Ministerial candidate L. K. Advani is all set to launch election campaign for the Lok Sabha due in the normal course for May 2009.
» 4 Jul 2008, 5:40 am

Amarnath row: VHP extends bandh, curfew in Jammu!Claiming that their day-long nation-wide bandh was a "success", Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Thursday said it will continue its protests until the Jammu and Kashmir government withdraws its decision to revoke the land transfer to Shree Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB). Meanwhile the curfew in Jammu continued for the third day, adding to the woes of the common man.
» 4 Jul 2008, 5:40 am

SP`s Mulayam, Amar Singh meet PM!Samajwadi Party leaders Mulayam Singh Yadav and Amar Singh have met with PM Manmohan Singh here on Friday. The leaders are meeting to convey their support for the Indo-US nuclear deal. The SP leaders will also meet UPA chief Sonia Gandhi on the issue.
» 4 Jul 2008, 5:40 am

Iran seizes foreign boats with 17 Indians!Iran has seized four fishing boats from Saudi Arabia with 17 Indian crew on board in Persian Gulf waters near its first nuclear power plant.
» 4 Jul 2008, 5:40 am

Left parties to work out modalities of pull out from UPA!The UPA government holds its breath on Friday as the Left parties convene a meeting of their coordination committee to work out the modalities of a pull out over the Indo-US civil nuclear deal. The parties however might not decide on a pull out before July 6, when PM Manmohan Singh returns from the G8 summit.
» 4 Jul 2008, 5:40 am

Truckers strike ends, toll hike frozen!The three-day-old truckers` strike has been called off following an agreement between the transporters and the government after marathon negotiations that lasted for about ten hours.
» 4 Jul 2008, 5:40 am

Zee News - Cricket

Its official: Dalmiya pads up second innings at CAB!Clearing the air on whether he will contest or not, former International Cricket Council (ICC) president Jagmohan Dalmiya said that he would fight in the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) election due in July end.
» 3 Jul 2008, 5:56 pm

IPL may get separate window in ICC calendar soon!The hugely successful Indian Premier League may find a place in International Cricket Council`s calendar soon if the ICC excutive board accepts a draft proposal to open a window for the Twenty20 venture in its ongoing meeting in Dubai.
» 3 Jul 2008, 5:56 pm

Pak govt assures foolproof security Trophy!Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday got a shot in the arm with the Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani assuring foolproof security during the Champions Trophy in October.
» 3 Jul 2008, 5:56 pm

Hamilton hundred sets up Scotland win!Gavin Hamilton`s first One-Day International century helped Scotland inflict Ireland`s second defeat in two days with a five-wicket win here on Wednesday.
» 3 Jul 2008, 5:56 pm

Law backs Flintoff for England return !Lancashire captain Stuart Law believes England should recall Andrew Flintoff "as soon as he is ready" after the all-rounder helped his side to victory over county champions Sussex at Hove on Wednesday.
» 3 Jul 2008, 5:56 pm

India book berth in final; Pak bow out!India dished out yet another comprehensive performance with the bat as they overhauled the Sri Lankan target of 309 runs losing only 4 wickets and with 25 balls to spare. The result earned India the right to play Sri Lanka in the finals of the Asia Cup rendering Friday`s Pakistan-Bangladesh match inconsequential.
» 3 Jul 2008, 5:56 pm

Oz ex-deputy coach sues CA for hurting his shoulders throwing balls at nets!!Former Australian team`s assistant coach Jamie Siddons has sued Cricket Australia (CA) for compensation as, he alleged, he hurt his shoulder while throwing cricket balls for hours together during net practice on the 2005 Ashes tour of England.
» 3 Jul 2008, 5:56 pm

Dhoni toes BCCI line; bows to rigors of professional cricket!Reeling from the crushing defeat to Pakistan, Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni did a volte-face, vis-à-vis his views regarding the tight scheduling in place for the ongoing Asia Cup. In a press conference a few days back, Dhoni had expressed his displeasure at the choc-a-bloc itinerary, inviting widespread criticism from the ICC, ACC and the BCCI itself, even though the Test captain Anil Kumble stood by Dhoni.
» 3 Jul 2008, 5:56 pm

Kirsten can`t post match-related comments !India coach Gary Kirsten and his assistant Paddy Upton, who is the mental conditioning coach of the team, have been asked by the Cricket Board to stop airing post-match comments and writing columns on the former`s website `garykirsten.com`.
» 3 Jul 2008, 5:56 pm

Lloyd to succeed Gavaskar at ICC Cricket Committee!Former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd will succeed Sunil Gavaskar as Chairman of the ICC Cricket Committee after Pakistan withdrew the nomination of Majid Khan for the high-profile post.
» 3 Jul 2008, 5:56 pm