Maharashtra News Archive: August 2007

Coaching classes attracting FDI
Thursday, August 30, 2007 | AY

Coaching classes, which form a crucial component in student's lives, are all set to go international. Mumbai-based Mahesh Tutorial, which has managed to attract $12 million from a foreign investment company for expansion. Mahesh Tutorials has branches in eight cities and teaches everything from Mathematics for school kids to IITians. Supplementary education system market has revenue of $2to 3 billion per annum growing at 2 to 3 per cent annually. Presently, 100 per cent foreign direct investment is allowed in education sector, but foreign investors have resisted promoting schools and colleges because the government does not allow profiteering and its here that coaching classes have gained.

Prime Minister to hand over cheque for Mumbai drainage
Wednesday, August 29, 2007 | AY

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will hand over the first instalment cheque of the Rs 12 billion Brihan Mumbai Storm Water Drainage Project (BRIMSTOWAD) at a function in Mumbai on Friday. Singh, who will visit Mumbai and Thane on Friday, will present the cheque to the Maharashtra government at a brief function. Mumbai's inadequate drainage system has grabbed national attention after the deluge of July 26, 2005, triggered by a cloudburst. The current drainage system in Mumbai, which was put in place at the beginning of the 20th century, is only capable of handling rain intensity of 25 mm per hour, which is inadequate to meet the present requirements. The BRIMSTOWAD project will upgrade it to 50-60 mm per hour subject to a maximum of 450 mm in 24 hours. The proposal was drawn by UK based consultants Watson Hawksley for the Brihan Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in 1990 after the city faced water logging at several places.

Chakde India Is Tax-Free in Maharashtra
Wednesday, August 29, 2007 | AY

After Nitish Kumar's Bihar govenment announced tax exemption for the national sport based movie, Yash Raj's 'Chakde! India' has now been made tax-free, for a period of six months in Maharashtra, starting today. In fact, the reliable sections of the trade have been calling for a tax-free status for 'Chakde! India', from the day of its release.

Lord Ganesha's 10-day festival of the year
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | AY

From September 15-25, Maharashtra celebrates the 10-day Ganapati Festival to mark Lord Ganesha's birthday. Ganesha, the Elephant God, is the patron deity of the state, and this is the biggest celebration in his honour in India. The festivities start with the installation of the idols on day one. For the next 10 days the deity is worshipped by devotees who lay sweets and brightly coloured gifts. Many spectacular Ganesha figurines are installed throughout Maharashtra, some reaching towering heights of up to 40 feet and weighing several tonnes. Fireworks, drum-beats, music and dancing are all present throughout the festival, culminating on day 10 in enormous street parties when the idols are immersed into the sea, accompanied by chanting. Ganesha, popularly known as Ganapati, is worshipped as the god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune.

Police probing Nagpur links in Saturday’s Hyderabad blasts
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | AY

Nagpur, Aug 27 (ANI): Nagpur Police is conducting investigations in the city to trace any connection to Saturday’s twin blasts in Hyderabad.Pursuing leads from materials used to make bombs, police officials said a chemical substance called "neogel" had been used to make the bombs.The chemical is used for blasting and mining purposes and is produced under restriction at Amin Explosives Limited in Nagpur about 350 kilometers north ofHyderabad.No arrests have been made so far, but Nagpur Police CommissionerSatyapal Singh said investigations are on."There is no question of arresting anyone now. Just because the explosives that were used in the blast came from Nagpur, the company here is not responsible for the incident," said Singh.According to forensic experts, the bombs also contained ammonium nitrate and were placed in wooden boxes fitted with iron pellets. The explosives were kept in knapsacks.Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhar Reddy said that terrorist organisations operating from Bangladesh and Pakistan were suspected to be behind the twin blasts. Both Islamabad and Dhaka rejected the idea, saying Reddy was jumping into conclusions without evidence.Saturday's explosions claimed 42 lives and injured about 100 others. (ANI)

Police probing Nagpur links in Saturday’s Hyderabad blasts
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | AY

Nagpur, Aug 27 (ANI): Nagpur Police is conducting investigations in the city to trace any connection to Saturday’s twin blasts in Hyderabad.Pursuing leads from materials used to make bombs, police officials said a chemical substance called "neogel" had been used to make the bombs.The chemical is used for blasting and mining purposes and is produced under restriction at Amin Explosives Limited in Nagpur about 350 kilometers north ofHyderabad.No arrests have been made so far, but Nagpur Police CommissionerSatyapal Singh said investigations are on."There is no question of arresting anyone now. Just because the explosives that were used in the blast came from Nagpur, the company here is not responsible for the incident," said Singh.According to forensic experts, the bombs also contained ammonium nitrate and were placed in wooden boxes fitted with iron pellets. The explosives were kept in knapsacks.Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhar Reddy said that terrorist organisations operating from Bangladesh and Pakistan were suspected to be behind the twin blasts. Both Islamabad and Dhaka rejected the idea, saying Reddy was jumping into conclusions without evidence.Saturday's explosions claimed 42 lives and injured about 100 others. (ANI)

Three killed in Mumbai building collapse
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | AY

Bai (Maharashtra), Aug 27 (ANI): At least three people were killed and five were injured when a section of a residential building collapsed in Mumbai this morning. The building, which is over 60-years old, is located in the Dongri area of south-central Mumbai. Khalid Ansari, the proprietor of the building, said it collapsed because of ongoing illegal construction on its roof."The cause behind it (the collapse) is the illegal construction on the roof about which a complaint has already been lodged," he said.Salma, a tenant of the building blamed it on the civic authorities."Our first demand is that we should be given accommodation. Our complaint has been lodged with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for the last six months. We lodged it on December 4, 2006," she said.There are at least 19,000 buildings in Mumbai that are marked as dangerous to live in by the BMC.As soon as the news spread, five fire engines and three ambulances reached the spot.Recently, five persons were killed after a portion of a five-storeyed Giridhar building collapsed onto an adjoining house in south Mumbai.The incident brought back memories of the collapse of 'Lakshmi Chhaya' building in Borivili last month that killed 28 persons. (ANI)

TV actor Anjan Shrivastava pledges moral support to Mumbai’s sex workers
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 | AY

Mumbai/Meerut, Aug 28 (ANI): Television actor Anjan Shrivastava has lent a soothing touch to Mumbai's sex workers, on the occasion of the sibling festival of 'Raksha Bandhan'.Shrivastava visited hundreds of commercial sex workers, giving them a sense of belonging.The tradition of women tying 'Rakhis' or sacred threads on their brothers’ wrists and wishing them prosperity and happiness, while the latter pledges to protect their sisters' honour, was a cherished experience for the sex workers.Sex workers were visibly excited about tying the sacred thread on Shrivastava."Nobody cares for women like us. Today, he (actor Anjan Shrivastava) came and we tied Rakhi to him, it felt great. We lose touch with our families once we enter this trade," said Hajra Shah, a sex worker.The Social Activities Integration (SAI), a self-help group, organised the event.Shrivastava also gave a lecture to the women on HIV/AIDS and safe sex practices."They should get our support. We need to help such organisations (NGOs) to work and grow," Shrivastava said.Sex workers lead extremely pathetic and exploited lives. They are also amongst the highest risk group for sexually transmitted diseases like HIV/AIDS.In Meerut, about 600 students and 40 teachers of the Shanti Niketan Vidyapeeth made a gigantic Rakhi (wristband) measuring 270 feet.It took an hour and forty-seven minutes to make the Rakhi. The entire exercise was aimed at highlighting unacceptable practices like dowry, female foeticide and infanticide.The school authorities are trying to get their feat acknowledged by the Guinness Book of World Records and the Limca Book of Records. 'Raksha Bandhan' is being celebrated across the country today. (ANI)

Cop suspended for hugging Dutt
Monday, August 27, 2007 | AY

Maharashtra Home Minister R R Patil has suspended a police constable of Pune's Yerwada Jail for shaking hands and hugging Sanjay Dutt. The constable shook hands and hugged the actor as he was coming out of Yerwada jail on August 23, after being granted interim bail. Patil has also ordered an internal enquiry on seven other policemen who shook hands with Dutt. Sources say, Patil was angry when he saw visuals of policemen rushing to greet Dutt at the Yerwada jail as this sent a wrong message about his force.

Fire destroys goods worth thousands of dollars in Pune
Monday, August 27, 2007 | AY

Pune, Aug 27 (ANI): A major fire at a Spencer's retail outlet godown in the Kondhwa region of Pune has destroyed goods worth thousands of dollars.The fire, which broke out at around 5.30 this morning, spread to five other Spencer godowns located nearby.According to officials, goods worth over 489,000 dollars were damaged in the blaze. The warehouse contained inflammable items like electronic goods, sugar and wheat. Devendra Potphode, a Fire Brigade official, said one part of the godown has ben saved, and added that 20 fire tenders were used to douse the inferno.No casualties were reported. (ANI)

Sanjay to get TADA court judgement copy on Sept. 27
Monday, August 27, 2007 | AY

Mumbai, Aug 27 (ANI): Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, who is out on interim bail in connection with the 1993 Mumbai blast case, will get a copy of the TADA court judgment order on September 27. After getting a copy of the judgment, Dutt will have to surrender before police. Then, he can move a fresh application for regular bail before the Supreme Court.Dutt was sentenced to six years of rigorous imprisonment by a TADA Court under the Arms Act for possession of arms, including an AK-56 assault rifle at the height of the 1993 communal riots in Mumbai.Dutt along with five other convicts were granted interim bail by the apex court on August 20. The apex court granted bail to all the six on the condition that they will report to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) office in Mumbai every week and will not abuse their grant of liberty and bail.Dutt has already spent nearly 16 months in prison before his release on bail in 1996. (ANI)

MMRDA asked to expedite Mumbai Metro project
Sunday, August 26, 2007 | AY

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) officials have been asked to expedite work on the Mumbai metro project to ensure its completion by 2012, almost eight years ahead of schedule. Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, during his recent meeting with citizen groups here, also asked MMRDA officials to set up an Integrated Metropolitan Transport Authority and to undertake a pilot project for the redevelopment of old buildings in clusters. The metro envisages creation of nine corridors in three phases. In phase I, for the first corridor (Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar-12 km) land is yet to be acquired. The second corridor (Colaba-Mahim-Charkop-38 km) has been approved by the cabinet, while the project report for the third (Bandra-Kurla-Mankhurd-13 km) is being prepared. The Chief Minister has also okayed setting up of an Integrated Metropolitan Transport Planning Authority for the Mumbai metropolitan region, which also includes parts of Thane and Raigad districts.

Guilty in Srikrishna Commission report will be punished: Dasmunsi
Saturday, August 25, 2007 | AY

New Delhi, Aug 24 (ANI): Parliamentary Affairs Minister P R Dasmunsi today said the UPA Government would deal firmly with those found guilty by the Srikrishna Commission Report on the 1992-93 communal riots in Mumbai."No stone will be left unturned, and we will deal with those found guilty (by the Commission) very firmly," Dasmunsi told the Lok Sabha, in reply to a question raised by CPI (M) leader Hannan Mollah.UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi was "seriously concerned" over the matter, Dasmunsi said, adding that Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh had said the recommendations have been partly complied with and his government would soon take action on the remaining recommendations.The report had identified 31 police personnel as well as some others who engineered the riots.Mollah said that the delay in the report's implementation is "sending wrong signals to the minority community".Opposing the implementation of Srikrishna Report, the BJP said the Congress-NCP Government's attempt to implement the report after a gap of nine years was aimed at appeasing the Muslim community.On August 12, Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh said the report will be implemented.Many NGOs and associations have opposed the Government's decision to implement the report and have filed public interest litigations in the Supreme Court in this regard.Since the report is under the court purview, the timeframe for its implementation has not been decided.The one man Commission which was formed to probe into the 1992-93 post Babri Masjid demolition riots in Mumbai had indicted many politicians, including Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray and his senior party colleagues including Manohar Joshi and Madhukar Sarpotdar.Shiv Sena threatened to take to the streets if Maharashtra Government implemented the commission's recommendations. Shiv Sena has maintained all along that it was opposed to implementing the commission's recommendations. (ANI)

Salman arrested at Jodhpur airport
Saturday, August 25, 2007 | AY

Mumbai, Aug 25 (ANI): Bollywood actor Salman Khan was arrested at the Jodhpur airport today, a day after his plea for bail in connection with the 1998 Chinkara shooting case was rejected.Salman, who reportedly arrived here with his brother Sohail Khan and lawyer Dipesh Mehta, was taken into police custody soon after his arrival at the airport. Salman will have to spend at least four days in jail, as Monday and Tuesday are court holidays. Before leaving for Jodhpur, Salman spoke to reporters and said, “I am going to Jodhpur. As a responsible citizen and somebody who abides by the law, I think I will go to the court. I have full faith in the judiciary.”Jodhpur District and Sessions Judge K R Singhvi on Friday upheld the five-year jail term given to the actor by a lower court in April 2006 for poaching an endangered chinkara in 1998. The court also issued an arrest warrant against him. Mehta has said Salman will file a review petition in the Rajasthan High Court. "The (court’s) order is 76 pages long. We will read it and file a revision application in the Rajasthan High Court on Monday,” said Mehta.On April 10, 2006, the Chief Judicial Magistrate convicted Salman and sentenced him to five years imprisonment. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on him. After his conviction by the lower court, Salman had to stay in a Jodhpur jail for four days.During the shooting of the movie "Hum Saath Saath Hain" in 1998, Salman and others poached two Chinkaras at Ujiyala Bhakhar near Ghoda Farm. Six others accused in the case, Bollywood actors Saif Ali Khan, Satish Shah, Sonali Bendre, Tabu and Neelam Kothari, have been acquitted. The actor has also been sentenced to a year's imprisonment in another poaching case at Bhawad, and has appealed against it as well. The hearing in that case has not begun as the case is pending before the Rajasthan High Court where the State Government has filed an appeal for an enhancement of sentence.The actor has been booked under the Wildlife Protection Act. (ANI)

Mi Marathi introduces fresh programmes
Thursday, August 23, 2007 | AY

Broadcast Initiatives' Marathi general entertainment channel Mi Marathi has introduced nine hours of fresh content titled "Nava Ritu Nava Rangat" from today. The new programmes include family dramas, daily soaps and original-format game shows. The channel will launch outdoor and print campaign to promote the fresh shows.

Zhakmarlee Bayakokelee
Thursday, August 23, 2007 | AY

Bollywood actress Bhagyashri Patwardhan makes her debut in a Marathi film 'Zhakmarlee Bayakokelee', whose 'mahurat' took place at city's Shalini studio. Actress Bhagyashri started her film career with a Hindi film ''Maine Pyar Kiya'' that was a big hit. In this Hindi film she got the voice of melody queen Lata Mangeshkar as her play-back singer and the music was composed by music director Ram Laxman. Again after a gap of 14 years, this trio will be seen in a Marathi film, producer Nandkumar Vichare and director Bhaskar Jadhav. Apart from Lata Mangeshkar, the other play-back singers are Suresh Wadkar, Sadhana Sargam and Vaishali Sawan. Popular Marathi film actor Bharat Jadhav will be playing the lead role, while character actors like Mohan Joshi, Vijay Gokhale, Vijay Patkar, Pramod Shinde, Nilam Shirke are also in the film.

Kaande Pohe
Thursday, August 23, 2007 | AY

Subhash Ghai's Mukta Arts has entered the Marathi film industry with their first film Kaande Pohe produced by actor Shreyas Talpade. The film has known names from the Marathi film industry like Ashwini Bhave, Tushar Dalbi, Bharati Achrekar amongst others. The film will be directed by Rajiv Patil. The Marathi films by Mukta Arts will be made on a budget of Rs 10 - 30 million (Rs 1 - 3 crores). The film will be released in December this year under Maplix Films banner, which will cater to regional genre films.

Mumbai city imported 651 kg gold
Thursday, August 23, 2007 | AY

Mumbai imported 651 kg of gold bars and coins in July, slightly down from 656 kg the previous month. As much as 635 kg of gold was imported in bar form with the rest being coins, the data showed. July, traditionally a lean season, also saw a big consignment of two tonnes of silver imported via air. Mumbai is a major hub for precious metals trading and jewellery manufacturing, with banks, trading agencies and industrial manufacturers engaged in the business.

Sanjay Dutt released from Pune’s Yerawada Jail
Thursday, August 23, 2007 | AY

Mumbai, Aug 23 (ANI): Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt was released from Pune’s Yerawada Jail this morning. The actor, who spent three nights in the jail, was granted interim bail by the Supreme Court on Monday. The release was delayed as a copy of the Supreme Court's order did not reach the jail. Dressed in a white shirt and blue jeans, Dutt reached home, accompanied by his brother-in-law Kumar Gaurav, friend Yusuf Nalwala and lawyer Satish Maneshinde. Dutt has been sentenced for six years of rigorous imprisonment by a TADA Court under the Arms Act at the height of the 1993 communal riots in Mumbai. Five other convicts - - Sameer Hingora, Aziz Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed Sheikh, Ibrahim Musa Chauhan, Yusuf Mohsin Nulwalla and Zaibunnisa Anwar Kazi - - who also granted relief by the apex court, was released today. The apex court granted bail to all the six on the condition that they will report to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) office in Mumbai every week and will not abuse their grant of liberty and bail.The TADA court is expected to give a copy of its judgment by August 27. Dutt, after getting a copy of the TADA court’s judgment, will have to surrender before police.The Dutt family challenged the judgement given by a special TADA court in Mumbai for the illegal possession of arms on July 31.In the petition, Dutt’s lawyer said Dutt’s conviction by a special TADA court was based on his confession that he had later retracted.Dutt appealed that he should be granted bail because he was "not likely to commit any offence while on bail" and urged the court to award him some form of punishment other than jail.Dutt has already spent nearly 16 months in prison before his release on bail in 1996. (ANI)

Fans wish Sanjay Dutt a normal life
Thursday, August 23, 2007 | AY

Mumbai, Aug 23 (ANI): Elated over the release of Sanjay Dutt from the Pune’s Yerawada jail today, fans of the Bollywood actor said that they wanted him to live a normal life."He lives in the hearts of millions of people. Everyone in Ujjain and other places feel that Sanju Baba (Sanjay Dutt) should now be released and he should come and work for the people," said Azmat Khan, Dutt's fan, who travelled from Ujjain to meet Dutt.Dutt, who was released from the Pune’s Yerawada jail this morning, was welcomed by his fans, friends and family members. Dutt, sporting a beard and a shaved head, stepped out of the jail and shook the hands of police officers before leaving for home.Dressed in a white shirt and blue jeans, Dutt reached home, accompanied by his brother-in-law Kumar Gaurav, friend Yusuf Nalwala and lawyer Satish Maneshinde. His sister Priya Dutt hugged him.Dutt was granted interim bail by the Supreme Court on Monday. The release was delayed as a copy of the Supreme Court's order did not reach the jail. Dutt was sentenced to six years of rigorous imprisonment by a TADA Court under the Arms Act for possession of arms, including an AK-56 assault rifle at the height of the 1993 communal riots in Mumbai. Five other convicts - - Sameer Hingora, Aziz Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed Sheikh, Ibrahim Musa Chauhan, Yusuf Mohsin Nulwalla and Zaibunnisa Anwar Kazi - - who also granted relief by the apex court. They too were released today. The apex court granted bail to all the six on the condition that they will report to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) office in Mumbai every week and will not abuse their grant of liberty and bail.The TADA court is expected to give a copy of its judgment by August 27. Dutt, after getting a copy of the TADA court’s judgment, will have to surrender before police.The Dutt family challenged the judgement given by a special TADA court in Mumbai for the illegal possession of arms on July 31.In the petition, Dutt’s lawyer said Dutt’s conviction by a special TADA court was based on his confession that he had later retracted.Dutt appealed that he should be granted bail because he was "not likely to commit any offence while on bail" and urged the court to award him some form of punishment other than jail.Dutt has already spent nearly 16 months in prison before his release on bail in 1996. (ANI)

Maharashtra Govt. signs MoUs for three mega projects
Wednesday, August 22, 2007 | AY

In line with its stated policy of attracting industrial investments into the State and particularly in its backward areas, the Government of Maharashtra has signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with three companies to set up separate ‘mega projects.’ The total investment envisaged by the three companies will be around Rs. 1,000 crore in the next few years. Birla Cotsyn (India), a Yash Birla Group company, will set up an integrated textile project in Malkapur in phases at an estimated cost of Rs. 315 crore. The company was earlier engaged in cotton ginning and pressing and spinning at its facilities in Khamgaon and Ghatanji. It is now in the project of implementing the integrated textile project at Malkapur and Khamgaon. The expansion comprises an increase to 19,040 spindles for manufacture of synthetic yarn and 36,000 spindles for cotton yarn. The project will include the manufacture of open end rotor based cotton yarn with an installed capacity of 1,728 rotors and weaving of fabric with 114 looms. It will have a capacity to make 50,000 metres a day of finished cloth.

Bollywood welcomes Sanjay Dutt's bail, but actor awaits his release
Wednesday, August 22, 2007 | AY

New Delhi/Pune, Aug 21 (ANI): The Mumbai film industry has welcomed the Supreme Court's decision granting interim bail to actor Sanjay Dutt in connection with the 1993 Mumbai blasts case. But the actor is still awaiting his release since the requisite papers have not reached Yeravada jail, where he is lodged. The Bollywood actor, who has been sentenced to six years of rigorous imprisonment by the TADA court for violating the Arms Act at the height of the 1993 communal riots in Mumbai, had filed a bail plea at the apex court, earlier this month."We are relieved, we are happy. I pray for everything being sorted out for the best for Sanjay Dutt," said actor Shah Rukh Khan."I appreciate and recognise the fact that if some kind of unlawful aspect is attached to Sanjay Dutt's life, there has to be a punishment attached to it and none of us in the film industry believe that he should not pay if he has made a mistake. We also believe that he has paid a lot already," he added.Director Rajkumar Hirani said: "Obviously, all of us are very happy that Sanju will come back and... nothing can get better than having Sanjay Dutt back amongst us."Actor Jackie Shroff said he wished that Dutt was finally acquitted of the charges and he could get back to his acting career."I am very happy hearing that he has got bail, but I will be happier if he is acquitted," said Shroff.Director Vidhu Vinod Chopra said the apex court's decision has deepened his faith in the judiciary."I was very sad (when Dutt's was refused bail by TADA court), but I always had faith in Indian judiciary. I really felt that finally I am a great believer of the Indian Judicial system," he said."Whenever, I talk about Sanju, I always speak emotionally. We are thrilled and I can only speak very emotionally when I say that I always wish him all the best," said director Karan Johar.Millions of dollars are riding on Dutt by way of film projects stuck in the pipeline since his conviction.Meanwhile, Dutt could not be freed on bail today as legal documents for his release did not reach the Yeravada jail.The bail order of the apex court, which was expected to be produced before the TADA court, was not received in the jail before dusk today.Thus the formalities regarding Dutt's release could be completed only tomorrow. (ANI)

BCCI sacks Kapil from National Cricket Academy's chairmanship
Wednesday, August 22, 2007 | AY

Mumbai, Aug 21 (ANI): A day after former Indian skipper, Kapil Dev, addressed a press conference of the Indian Cricket League (ICL) as chairman of the group's executive board, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) today sacked him from the chairmanship of the Bangalore-based National Cricket Academy.The BCCI decision was expected, as the board had made it clear that it would not associate with anyone who will be joining the rival ICL.Announcing the decision, BCCI Treasurer N Srinivasan said: "The player decides whether to quit or stay. It is the player's choice to join ICL."Kapil's term as NCA Chairman was to end in September this year. To counter the exodus of domestic players to the rival ICL, since the latter is providing a better package, BCCI today announced increasing the total prize money in domestic tournaments from Rs 60 lakh to Rs 4.2 crore.This match fee for the domestic player has also been increased from Rs 16,000 per match day to Rs 26,000 per match day.However, BCCI insists that the hike has not been made to stop the chances of players joining the ICL."We had already said two years ago that we will give players 26 per cent of our profits," said Srinivasan. The ICL on Monday announced the list of the first 51 players that included former Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul Haq, Mohammad Yousuf, Abdul Razzaq and Imran Farhat, former West Indies skipper Brian Lara, South African Lance KlusenerNicky Boje and 45 Indian players that included Dinesh Mongia, JP Yadav and others. (ANI)

Traders blame shortage in supply for rise in onion prices
Wednesday, August 22, 2007 | AY

New Delhi/ Mumbai, Aug 21 (ANI): Traders on Tuesday blamed the rise in onion prices on the shortage of supply caused due to crop damage in floods and corporate retail buyers.Onion traders in Delhi's wholesale market say the prices of onions are rising because the pre-monsoon stocks are getting exhausted, and fresh stocks are in short supply."It is being said that it is the result of crop damage due to floods in Rajasthan and other areas. Also corporate retailers like Reliance and Subhiksha are affecting the market," said Kamal Dev, an onion wholesale trader."It has affected our business badly. Where earlier five trucks of onions use to come, only one is coming. Earlier hundred trucks of onions used to come to Azadpur (wholesale vegetable market) but this time only fifty trucks have come," Dev added.The average cost of onion has shot up to more than 24 dollars per quintal across the country from average 21 dollars.In Delhi people are forced to pay around 22 rupees per kilogram, up from the average 10 rupees.The wholesale dealers expect the price to shoot up further in next few days. They say people may have to shed 30 to 40 rupees per kilogram of onion in the coming days.India, the second largest producer of onion in the world after China, produces around four million metric tonnes of onions annually. However, in 2007 onion production has fallen by 25 percent because of lower market arrivals, lean production and higher demand. (ANI)

New details to Adnan murder
Tuesday, August 21, 2007 | AY

New details are emerging in the murder of Mumbai teenager Adnan Patrawala, who was found dead in his car on the outskirts of Mumbai murdered by his own friends more than 24 hours after he was kidnapped. According to the police, Adnan's killers gave him an alcoholic drink laced with sleeping pills before strangling him. He was allegedly killed by three men he met on the social networking site Orkut. Two of the accused have been sent to police custody till August 28 while one has been sent to a juvenile home. Adnan, the son of a businessman had stepped out of his home on Saturday night but never came back. On Sunday morning, his parents received a call demanding Rs two crore. The police's first breakthrough came on Monday when they arrested three of Adnan's friends. The three however confessed to having killed Adnan in panic after abducting him for ransom. They finally led the police to his car and body.

Maharashtra power employees to strike work
Tuesday, August 21, 2007 | AY

About 80,000-90,000 employees working with Maharashtra power utilities would strike work for three days from August 22 to demand pension and cancellation of franchisee policy. There are about 95,000 employees in the three utilities engaged in power generation, transmission and distribution. Meanwhile, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL) Managing Director Ajay Bhushan Pandey said the power companies have put in alternative arrangement in place for transmission and distribution.

Parsis celebrate 'Navroz' with fervour and gaiety
Tuesday, August 21, 2007 | AY

Mumbai, Aug 20 (ANI): Members of the Parsi community on Monday celebrated the Zoroastrian New Year, 'Navroz' with fervour and gaiety.Parsis flocked the Fire Temple to pay respects to Prophet Zarathushtra in Mumbai, where they are concentrated.On this day, Parsis decorate their homes with "torans" or floral garlands and chalk designs. An important part of the celebrations are get-togethers with friends and family."We begin the day by decorating our home with chalks, flowers, lighting the ceremonial. Then we visit the temple and offer prayers before the holy fire. Then the day is free for us to celebrate with the family," said Nilofar Dumachha, a Parsi woman.The day before 'Navroz' is 'Pateti' when Parsis dwell on the wrongs or the sins committed the previous year.Ten days prior to the New Year, the Parsis offer prayers at Fire Temples to the dead. It is believed that the spirits of the dead are present during that time and if remembered, they shower their blessings.Zoroastrianism, the religion of the Parsi community, is the oldest revealed religion in the world and the basic tenet is the law of purity and righteousness.Zoroastrians worship all the natural elements but the most important is Fire.It is estimated that there are 150,000 Parsis in the world, and about 50,000 of them are settled in Mumbai.According to a legend, 3000 years ago Shah Jamshed of the Peshadian dynasty ascended the throne on "Navroz". The day also came to be known as Jamshed Navroz and is celebrated with lot of feasting. (ANI)

Family and fans wait for Sanjay Dutt's release from Pune prison
Tuesday, August 21, 2007 | AY

Pune/ Yamunanagar (Haryana), Aug 21 (ANI): Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt's fans continue to wait outside Pune’s Yerwada Jail today for his release, in the wake of the Supreme Court granting the actor interim bail. Several fans have been camping outside the jail since Monday, and are reportedly unable to contain their excitement about seeing their favourite actor."We have been here since yesterday morning since we heard of his bail. I hope he is released today and catch a glimpse of him," said Sunil Vora, a fan. In Yamunanagar, Sanjay Dutt’s ancestral village, relatives and friends are in celebration mode, distributing sweets to each other. "We were really happy when we heard (of Sanjay’s bail). We have been praying for him, the whole village has been praying for him. We were all hoping that the Supreme Court releases him from jail as soon as possible," said Satya Devi, Sanjay’s aunt.Dutt, who was sentenced to six years of rigorous imprisonment by the TADA court for violating the Arms Act at the height of the 1993 communal riots in Mumbai, had filed a bail plea in the apex court earlier this month.Dutt will be released after the prison officials get a copy of the Supreme Court order. The bail is valid till the time the special TADA court provides him with a copy of the judgment.Immediately after getting a copy of the judgement, Dutt will have to surrender, the apex court said.The TADA court has indicated that copies of the detailed judgement may be given to Dutt and others by August 24, subject to them being ready.Defence lawyer Mukul Rohatgi said the court has granted bail on the condition that he will report to the CBI office in Mumbai every week, and will not abuse their grant of liberty and bail.After getting the copy of the judgement, Dutt can apply for regular bail.The court said that Dutt's passport will remain with the trial court, and he will not leave the country without its permission.Dutt has already spent nearly 16 months in prison before his release on bail in 1996. (ANI)

Bollywood Star Dutt Released on Bail
Monday, August 20, 2007 | AY

India's Supreme Court released Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt on bail Monday, citing a technicality weeks after he was convicted for illegally possessing guns tied to 1993 bombings in Mumbai, his lawyer said. Dutt received bail because the Mumbai court that convicted him had not yet provided him with a copy of his sentence, said his lawyer, Surender Singh. Five other people convicted in the same case were also granted bail on the same technicality. All will have to return to prison once they are given copies of the sentence, Singh said. Dutt was convicted in November and sentenced on July 31 to six years in prison for illegally possessing three automatic rifles and a pistol. He was acquitted of more serious terrorism charges relating to the bombings.

AAI to hand over Nagpur Airport to MADC
Monday, August 20, 2007 | AY

Maharashtra State Government announced plans to transfer Nagpur Airports assets from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to Maharashtra Airport Development Corporation (MADC), as part of plans to develop the facility as a major multi-modal hub in India. The state government originally signed an MoU with AAI in Dec-06, providing AAI to hand over all assets of the airport within six months. MADC currently holds a 51% shareholding in the venture, with AAI holding 49%. Nagpur is in an ideal location for a national cargo hub (underscoring its central location. Over 270 international flights daily currently fly over Nagpur city, making Nagpur Air Traffic Control one of the busiest in India.

SMS service for deaf and mute
Sunday, August 19, 2007 | AY

From August 15, the Mumbai police have launched a special SMS service, where deaf and mute people can SMS their complaints. The idea for the service came about when a deaf and mute group approached the police for this service. The service will work out of Mumbai’s central control room, which is one of five. Once a person sends his complaint here, an officer will then contact the nearest police station or wireless van, and dispatch help. He would also SMS a reply to the complainant telling them help is on the way. The phone is connected to the police's computerised complaint logging system. The number for the service is 9320200100, and like 100, its available 24 hours a day and if successful, the police will consider expanding the service.

Bhopal gas victims demand justice on lines of 1993 Mumbai blast
Sunday, August 19, 2007 | AY

Bhopal, Aug 18 (ANI): Hundreds of victims of the 1984 deadly gas tragedy in Bhopal city staged a protest here on Saturday, and sought justice similar to what has been delivered in other cases like the 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blast.Urging the Government to bring the culprits to book, the protesters, holding placards and shouting slogans here today."It's evident that people are enraged. The 1993 Mumbai blasts case is over. With so many cases regarding tragedies that happened much after Bhopal cleared, the Bhopal Gas leak case is being delayed, as the victims were mostly poor, and the guilty were heads of multinational corporations," said Abdul Jabbar, president of a gas victims' forum. Bhopal tragedy activists say that the actual death toll from post-disaster diseases is almost 33,000, and continues to rise, as people living near the plant drink water poisoned by chemical waste. They have long demanded that former Union Carbide Chairman Warren Anderson, be brought to India and tried in an Indian court. "There aren't two books of law, there is just one. If one of our children commits murder, the police spare no effort to round him up and get him sentenced. Are the accused here relatives of those in the government that preferential treatment is being given to them? They should be sentenced at once," said Hamida Bi, a gas leak victim. In 1984, Union Carbide accepted moral responsibility for the tragedy in Bhopal, and established a 100 million dollar charitable trust fund to build a hospital for victims. Union Carbide was later taken over by Dow Chemical. The company also paid 470 million dollars to the Indian Government in 1989 as a settlement that was reached after a protracted legal battle. The victims, on an average, have received 25,000 rupees in case of illness and 100,000 rupees or so in case of a death in the family. In December 1984, tonnes of toxic gas leaked from a pesticide plant owned by Union Carbide in Bhopal, killing 3,500 people almost immediately. Thousands more were maimed for life.Twenty-three years on, a majority of the victims of the tragedy are still battling deadly diseases. Doctors say many survivors -- and some from a generation born after the disaster -- still suffer from deep psychiatric disorders and stunted growth while thousands of women have severe gynaecological problems.Michigan-based Dow Chemical now says it is not responsible for the clean up, as it never owned or operated the plant. The Madhya Pradesh Government now owns the abandoned plant. (ANI)

Preparations in full swing for Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai
Sunday, August 19, 2007 | AY

By Sushil PareekMumbai, Aug.19 (ANI): Preparations for Ganesh Chaturthi festival are in full swing here, with sculptures witnessing the busiest time of the year to meet an enormous demand for Lord Ganesha idols for the annual festival, which is just a month away. Every year, there is a huge demand for Lord Ganesha idols during "Ganesh Chaturthi". And, the sculptures along with their families can be found working day-night at times to complete orders for idols to be made in various colours, sizes, and designs. The countdown to the 10-day festivities of Ganesha Chaturthi began on Friday in Mumbai and other places of the State. Many artists commence their work as early as mid-June, and the schedule turns hectic by the latter part of August. The orders for Ganapati idols may range anywhere from one to 22 feet in height. Ratan Lal, an idol-maker, said: "We start making the Ganesha idols from May and June as the customers orders their idols in advance. Sketches of the idols are drawn and customers' consent is taken before starting working upon it." Mainly mud and plaster of Paris are used to make these idols everywhere. At some places, wood and fiber is also used. "They wooden idols are worshipped, but not immersed into the sea or river on Ganesha Chaturthi festival's last day. Only the idols made of plaster of Paris are immersed into the water," Lal added. Idols have become costly from this year. A five feet high Ganapati idol, which used to come for just rupees 1,000 last year, will cost rupees 1,500 this year. Artisans say that Ganesha idols measuring 15 to 20-feet in height that could earlier be bought around rupees 20,000 to 30,000, would cost around rupees 25,000 to 40,000. Vijay Khatu, owner of a Ganesh idol-making unit, said: "We have finished almost 70 per cent of the work and I think in another 10-15 days our work will be complete. We prepare idols up to 22 feet and this year we have received 14 orders for that and we have received about 325 orders for idols measuring eight to twelve feet in size." Khatu added: "A good quality idol may cost around rupees 5,000 to 55,000. The orders are placed from all over state, including Mumbai, Pune, Nasik and other places."An idol is given basic shape with clay. Then the plaster of Paris dye is made, which is the most difficult part of the whole process. Coconut oil and a few other materials are used to prepare this dye. It may take a day to prepare a five-feet Ganesha idol and over ten days for a 15-feet high idol. The craftsmen work not on just one statue till it is finished. Over a period of two months, hundreds of idols are made in batches. Once the statues acquire a proper shape, a whitewash coat is rendered. The statue is left for drying till the second or third week of August. This is when the actual painting of the statues begins. It is only a few days before the festival that a majority of the statues are fully painted and given the final touch. The most absorbing or skilful area of work for artisans is in the synchronised painting of the eyes and adding a touch of divine expression to the overall face of the Ganapati. The idol-making industry is basically unorganised and, thus, makes it difficult to estimate the total number of idols made each year. It exists more like a cottage industry. Ganesha Chaturthi is an occasion or a day when Lord Ganesha, the son of Shiva and Parvati, is believed to bestow his presence on earth for all his devotees Also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi in Sanskrit, Kannada, Tamil and Telugu languages, it is the birthday of Lord Ganesha. It is celebrated during Bhadrapada month, starting from the Shukla Chaturthi (fourth day of the waxing moon period) as per Hindu almanac. It is usually some time between August 20th to September 15 and the festival concludes on "Ananta Chaturdashi". Ganesha, the elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati, is widely worshipped as the supreme god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune. While Ganesha Chaturthi is held all over India, it is celebrated in a big way in the States of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, and other areas which were former States of the Maratha Empire. (ANI)

Maharashtra to develop 210 eco-tourist spots
Saturday, August 18, 2007 | AY

The Maharashtra government has drawn up an ambitious plan to develop 210 eco-tourist spots, including 56 in Vidarbha region, similar to those in South Africa. The eco-tourist spots will be developed by forest department across the state and a team of experts would embark upon a study tour to South Africa, Brazil and some European countries. The government would set up a State eco-tourism board, headed by Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, to give shape to eco-tourism industry. About the much-publicised Gorewada Safari park in the city, Pachpute said this international venture would have some protected and rare animals from foreign countries.

Frenzied seesaw at Friday's Sensex
Saturday, August 18, 2007 | AY

Mumbai, Aug 17 (ANI): The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) witnessed a tumultuous day today with scrips oscillating in a frenzied way, ending the day down with 216.69 points, but managed to cling the 14000 psychological mark.The opening spell began with a negative gap of 49 points at 14,309 and things started moving up when it suddenly crashed to a low of 13,780, shedding 578 points from Thursday's closing index.The downfall was attributed to global meltdown of shares-Japan's Nikkei closing losing 875 points, Korean stock market shedding 3.2 per cent and Hong Kong's blue chip Hang Seng Index falling 1.4 per cent- which was triggered by fall in Wall Street.However, the afternoon session witnessed renewed buying at lower levels at BSE that helped the index recover most of its losses by late noon deals.Reliance, ICICI Bank, SBI, HDFC and Wipro helped in the recovery but the end session witnessed fresh round of selling with Sensex finally closing at 14,141 down by 217 points or 1.51 percent.The BSE index lost 4.9 percent this week, its fourth successive fall and its biggest weekly loss since in more than five months.The 50-share NSE index, or Nifty, fell 1.69 percent (71 points) to 4,108.05, its lowest close since May 11.Small investors were the worst hit. Anxious faces gathered outside the BSE building, counting their losses over the past few days."I would have lost an amount between 250,000 to and 400,000 rupees over the past three days alone. Today alone, I lost a good 250,000 in the Nifty future," said Vinod Aggarwal."The markets are down because of various reasons. One of the reasons why it was up was there was a lot of liquidity available across the globe, and as it looked like there could be tightening on liquidity, particularly related to asset prices. I think people started looking at risk more seriously. Earlier, risk was not being priced. So any asset, whether risky or non-risky, people were willing to buy it. But when money becomes tight, people start evaluating risk more seriously. That's why across... all emerging markets we find share prices declining," said I.V. Subramanium, Director of the Mumbai-based Quantum Mutual Fund.The rupee's fall of around 3 percent from last month's nine-year high against the dollar was another reason for investors to take some profits on Indian stocks, to capture some of this year's currency gains.The rupee hit a high of 40.20 per dollar last month, at which point it was up about 10 percent for the year, with foreign buying of stocks a key driver of its gains. Foreign funds have been net sellers this month, selling almost 750 million dollars in the first two weeks of August to trim their net purchases this year to about 9.5 billion dollars.Shares in software services companies led the losses, with Infosys at one stage down almost 9 percent at an 11-month low. (ANI)

Salman’s 'Marigold' releases to terrific response
Saturday, August 18, 2007 | AY

New Delhi/Mumbai, Aug 17 (ANI): Bollywood heartthrob Salman Khan's first Hollywood flick 'Marigold' that revolves around the life of an American actress, who travels to India seeking fame and fortune, was released to a terrific response in theatres across the country on Friday.The musical comedy, which is a cross-cultural experiment and has been extensively shot in India, received a warm welcome by audiences."I liked the movie because it has Salman," said Priya, an ardent Salman Khan fan."Salman Khan was great and locations were very nice. It is a very nice movie," said Samita, another viewer.The film that was launched in 2003, but was stalled in the absence of a financier, has an entire Indian crew with only two American actors despite being an outright Hollywood film.The film trails the journey of Marigold Lexton, a non-descript Hollywood actress who comes to India to shoot for a film, which eventually gets shelved due to lack of funds. Stranded in a strange country, Marigold decides to star in a miniscule role in a Bollywood flick.During the course of the film, she falls in love with the choreographer and what happens after that is an exciting journey that the director takes its audiences on.Willard Carroll, a little known American director, who fell in love with Bollywood after watching a few movies, made this film as an attempt to take Bollywood and Indian culture to American viewers."The movie… is a sort of way-in for American audience who don't know Bollywood. To give them an introduction -- both to the world of films here andalso society and culture here," said Carroll.Ali Larter known for her roles in films like 'A Lot Like Love' and 'Final Destination' stars along with Salman Khan, who has over 70 films to his credit.Larter plays the role of Marigold while Khan serenades her as Prem, the Bollywood choreographer in the film.Salman Khan, who makes Hollywood debut with 'Marigold', pointed out the noticeable differences between Bollywood and Hollywood movie making."Their (Hollywood) style of working is a lot more professional. Their scripting and everything is pretty much the same, but they are more efficient and they are more serious about the work," said Salman.The film has some beautiful numbers by the super-hit musical trio of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, who have added another feather in their caps by scoring the songs for "Marigold'. The songs are a mix of English and Hindi.Shot in Jodhpur in Rajasthan and Maharashtra, the film is seeing a simultaneous release in the UK, the US and Canada. (ANI)

Protest erupts in Maharashtra village over proposed SEZ
Saturday, August 18, 2007 | AY

Belapur (Maharashtra), Aug 17 (ANI): Thousands of villagers from Pen and Ursa villages on the outskirts of Mumbai, hit the roads on Thursday to protest against land acquisition for an Special Economic Zone (SEZ) project, which will cover a major portion of their villages.The protest soon turned violent after the protestors went on a rampage, damaging vehicles and attacking police.Police had to fire tear gas shells to disperse and control the mob.Senior Shiv Sena leader Manohar Joshi, who was leading the protest, was arrested along with several others on charges of inciting violence.The SEZ for Reliance is expected to be built on an area of 5,000 hectares under a new ruling as opposed to initial 10,000 hectares.The Central Government had earlier extended the one year in-principle approval to Mukesh Ambani led Reliance Industries Limited's proposed Maha Mumbai SEZ.The country's SEZ policies have come under fire of late, with regular protests taking place since the second half of last year across the country.Fourteen people died and more than 100 were injured in protests against a proposed SEZ in West Bengal.Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in his address to the nation on the 60th anniversary of the country's independence on Wednesday, promised a national policy on rehabilitation and resettlement of those displaced by major projects.He, however, said there was no alternative to industrialization as it offers new opportunities and hope, especially for people in rural areas displaced by agrarian change. (ANI)

Kamal Nath to lay foundation stone of NIIPM today
Saturday, August 18, 2007 | AY

Nagpur, Aug 18 (ANI): Union Commerce Minister Kamal Nath will today lay the foundation stone of the new National Institute of Intellectual Property Management (NIIPM) here today. Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh will also be present on the occasion. The NIIPM will cater to the needs of an Intellectual Property (IP) regime that is in line with the global norms while at the same time safeguarding national interests. The setting up of the NIIPM closely follows the launch of the e-Filing facility for patent and trade mark applications by Kamal Nath on July 20. NIIPM will encompass training, education and research, besides being a think tank of the government on important IP policy matters. It will conduct training programmes for examiners of patents, designs, trade marks and geographical indications, IP professionals such as agents, attorneys and lawyers, and IP managers in business enterprises and research organisations. Its education programmes will cover government officials, enforcement agencies such as police and customs, and judicial officers, besides academics. Research will be carried out in a wide variety of subjects relating to Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) which have topical relevance. Inputs will be provided by the Institute based on analytical and empirical research to facilitate government decision-making in the area of IP policy and legislation. The NIIPM will be a unique institute combining all the four functions. The establishment of the NIIPM will cost about Rs.22 crore. The Government has recently completed the implementation of a Rs.153 crore modernisation programme which has seen the establishment of state-of-the-art modern integrated intellectual property offices at the four metros of Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai. Computerisation has also been introduced at all levels of functioning of the Intellectual Property Offices. This has resulted in an increase in patent and trademark applications as well as their grants. Government is also planning to invest another Rs.300 crore in the next five years on further modernisation of the IP Offices so as to make them world class. It has already moved an application with the World Intellectual Property Organisation to recognise the Indian Patent Office as an International Search Authority and an International Preliminary Examining Authority under the Patent Cooperation Treaty administered by that organisation. Currently, there are only 12 such offices. On the trademark side, it is planning to become a member of the Madrid Protocol, a facilitative system for international trademarks.(ANI)

Five killed in Mumbai building collapse
Saturday, August 18, 2007 | AY

Mumbai, Aug 18 (ANI): Five persons were killed after a portion of a five-storeyed Giridhar building collapsed onto an adjoining house in south Mumbai late on Friday night.The upper two floors of the building collapsed onto Chadha Mansion adjacent to it on Lamington Road. The debris had fallen on a hutment, which was inside the compound of Chadha Mansion where members of the Ojha family lived."Giridhar Bhawan is a very old building and, there was some repairing work going on. Therefore, there wasn't anybody in the building. The rear part of the building collapsed," said Ramarao Pawar, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone 2, Mumbai.In the incident, five members of Lalta Prasad Ojha’s family died. He and his son Sanjay got injured while his wife - Pratibha (36), son - Anurag (8), daughters - Anjali (2.5) and Anushka (5), and other family member - Malti (47) died.As soon as the news spread, rescue efforts were launched and 10 fire brigades reached the spot. The building is about 50-60 years old and had undergone some maintenance work recently. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has declared it as 'dangerous building' and notice given to all tenants to vacant this building. This building was half empty."This building was very old and the BMC has already issued a notice to residents to vacate the building," said Shubha Kaul, Mayor. There are at least 19,000 buildings in Mumbai that are marked as dangerous to live in by the BMC.The incident brought back memories of the collapse of 'Lakshmi Chhaya' building in Borivili last month that killed 28 persons. (ANI)

Idol makers in Mumbai gear up for annual Ganesh Chaturthi festival
Saturday, August 18, 2007 | AY

Mumbai, Aug 18 (ANI): Hundreds of idol makers in Maharashtra are busy these days preparing idols of Lord Ganesh, ahead of his annual birthday celebrations.The festival begins on September 15, and people throng shops to purchase these idols to grace households across the country.Both skilled and unskilled labourers come to Mumbai to sculpt Ganesh idols. Over 20,000 artisans work in this city alone ahead of the annual festival, and the making of these idols starts months before."We have a systematic way of working. We start our work in May-June and make our idols date wise. Some of the clients take the idols 10 or 15 days in advance. So, we make the idols accordingly and deliver them," said Ratan Lal, an idol maker.This year, there has been a slight increase in the price of the idols 15-20 feet idols, which were earlier priced between 20,000-30,000 rupees, would now cost anywhere between 25,000-40,000 rupees."This year we have made around fourteen big idols of around 12-22 feet high and around 350 small idols of 6 to 12 feet high," said Vijay Khatu, the owner of a workshop. Some 7,500 registered organisations hold celebrations in public places in the city, while thousands opt for a more private and family affair.Legend has it that Goddess Parvati, consort of Shiva, one of the three most powerful Gods in the Hindu pantheon, had created Ganesh from a perfumed putty-like substance, used to remove dirt from her body in an ancient self-cleansing ritual, the equivalent of a modern bath.Shiva flew into rage on seeing the boy near the bath and beheaded him.When he later realised the boy was created by Parvati to guard the bath, Shiva brought him back to life by slaying an elephant and giving him the animal's head. Thus was created Ganesh who is revered at the beginning of every auspicious occasion.In the modern era, celebrations relating to this ancient festival were given patriotic prominence by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a freedom fighter, who used it to unite Indians against British colonial rule in the latter half of the 19th century and the early part of the 20th century. The festival is also observed to seek Lord Ganesha's blessings for one's well-being and intellectual prowess, as he is regarded as the fount of both. (ANI)

Unified transport authority in Mumbai
Thursday, August 16, 2007 | AY

Travelling in Mumbai could become convenient with the government planning to set up a unified metropolitan transport authority that would issue a single ticket for various modes of transport. An Urban Transport Management Authority would be set up by 2015, when metro rail, water transport and a network of bridges would be in place, to bring about an integrated fare structure. Mumbai would be the first Indian city to have a single-fare structure for transport. Globally, cities like London, New York and Singapore already have such a system in operation. The Maharashtra government is planning a massive Rs 50,000-crore makeover for Mumbai, under which it would set up infrastructure on par with those in developed countries.

Picasso to open animation colleges in Vizag, Mumbai
Wednesday, August 15, 2007 | AY

Delhi-based Picasso Digital Media Private Limited is planning to start two more animation colleges at Visakhapatnam and Mumbai from the next academic year. The company at present has animation colleges at Delhi and Hyderabad. There is a huge shortage of animators in the country, which is resulting in India losing contracts worth about $1 billion every year in the international market. While the global animation and gaming industry are growing at 8 per cent and 18 per cent respectively, the corresponding growth figures for India are 25 per cent and 72 per cent indicating the country’s growth of 3 to 4 times the global growth.

Maharashtra Government launches two schemes on I-Day
Wednesday, August 15, 2007 | AY

Maharashtra Government today launched two ambitious schemes on the occasion of the Independence Day, aimed at making villages 'dispute-free' and providing medical services in rural areas. The first scheme, called 'Mahatma Gandhi tanta mukta gaon' (dispute-free village campaign), aims at rewarding villages which manage to resolve disputes and squabbles at the local level itself without need for any administrative or judicial intervention. Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh said the scheme was being launched with the objective of rural development. The other scheme launched by the Congress-NCP Government is called 'Doctor tumchya dari' (doctor at your doorstep). This has been launched by the Public Health Department to provide timely medical services in rural areas.

A R Rahman's new album is a tribute to National Anthem
Wednesday, August 15, 2007 | AY

Mumbai, Aug 15 (ANI): Music composer A R Rahman has brought together several maestros of the music industry to lend their voices to his latest album, Jana Gana Mana, his composition of India's National Anthem.The album contains 35 different renditions of the original composition and features several stalwarts of Indian classical and popular music.Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Lata Mangeshkar and S.P Balasubramanium are among the maestros to have performed for the album.Rahman thanks them for coming together for his album. "I don't know whether anybody would get this opportunity to meet all of them for a single project without any hang-ups or without any ego clashes, which we normally get from big people. They were very sweet and unconditional in their support to this album," he said at a recent launch function.Rahman said partly the concept of the album was to re-emboss fading impressions of India's freedom struggle."To remember what has gone through for getting the freedom, because if you see lots of countries are being destroyed now -- like Israel, Afghanistan and Palestine -- you can understand the value of independence and freedom, and we should value it even more and do as much as we can for it," said Rahman.Part of the album is a video picturised on Indian troops stationed at the 21,000-feet Siachen glacier, the world's highest battle-field.Rahman had cut the much-acclaimed album 'Vande Matram' in 1997 on India's golden jubilee celebrations of independence, with compositions inspired by India's national song by the same name. (ANI)

Venugopala may play for Maharashtra
Tuesday, August 14, 2007 | AY

Andhra Ranji player and former India International Y. Venugopala Rao is planning represent Maharashtra in the forthcoming 2007-2008 Ranji season, according to Andhra Cricket Association sources here on Monday. Venugopala has approached ACA requesting it to issue a no objection certificate so as to enable him to play for Maharashtra as a professional.

Maharashtra cabinet likely to reshuffle
Monday, August 13, 2007 | AY

Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh is on a strong wicket after getting the go-ahead for Cabinet reshuffle from Congress President Sonia Gandhi. The much-awaited reshuffle is expected to take place "anytime this month". The outcome of the meeting was eagerly awaited in state political circles, amid reports about leadership change. Two prominent claimants for the Chief Ministerial post, Revenue Minister Narayan Rane and Cooperation Minister Patangrao Kadam had in fact, camped in Delhi ahead of the Deshmukh-Sonia meeting. This is the second-term as Chief Minister for Deshmukh. He became Chief Minister in 1999 when the Congress-NCP combine swept to power, dethroning the Shiv Sena-BJP government. Opponents of Deshmukh, both within and outside Congress, recently launched a campaign against him over the Wakf land irregularities issue and implementation of the Srikrishna Commission report which probed the 1992-93 Mumbai riots that claimed around 900 lives.

K L Dhingra appointed as new CMD of HUDCO
Sunday, August 12, 2007 | AY

New Delhi, Aug 10 (ANI): K.L. Dhingra, presently Director (Finance) of Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation Limited, has been appointed as Chairman and Managing Director of Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO).Dhingra will be holding the new charge for a period of five years, or till he attains the age for superannuation. HUDCO was incorporated on April 25, 1970 under the Companies Act 1956, as a fully owned enterprise of the Government of India. HUDCO focuses on the social aspect of housing and utility infrastructure provision. It continues to focus on sectors which are more socially relevant rather than only on commercially viable and profitable sectors. HUDCO's techno-economic focus, its high caliber human resources, and its financial and project re-engineering capabilities has enabled it to continue as an Institution par excellence in the field of housing and urban development. (ANI)

Sensex down 232 points
Sunday, August 12, 2007 | AY

Mumbai, Aug 10 (ANI): The Sensex today shed 232 points to close below 15,000 mark. The downfall came amidst a global sell-off, as fears of a credit squeeze gripped world markets.In early trade, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) tumbled nearly 530 points, but recovered partially during the day to close down by 231.90 points at 14,868.25.At one point, the index hit a low of 14,570.89, it's lowest since June 29."This kind of fall comes from across the board. The stocks like even Reliance, some of the technology stocks, the big banking stocks and even engineering and construction stocks, there was heavy fall in the morning,” Ashok Ajmera, a stock analyst said.The benchmark fell 7.4 percent from a record 15,868.85 hit on July 24.Among the stocks, banking scrips were hit heavily. The BSE banking index, BANKEX, was the biggest loser among sectoral indices. It shed 2.5 per cent or 202 points.Kotak Mahindra Bank, Canara Bank, Punjab National Bank, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, Union Bank, SBI, Oriental Bank of Commerce, Federal Bank, Bank of India and Allahabad Bank were the top draggers.The losers at the Sensex were Bharti Airtel, Hindalco, Reliance Communication, NTPC, ONGC and HUL. They shed between 2.5 per cent to 3.5 per cent each.In the broader markets, the Nifty tanked 1.6 per cent or 70 points to close at 4,333 levels. (ANI)

India's first movie on women's hockey opens to packed houses
Sunday, August 12, 2007 | AY

New Delhi/Mumbai, Aug 10 (ANI): After flooring cine lovers in London, Chak De India - first Indian film based on country's women's hockey team- released to a tremendous response across the country on Friday.The film, which stars Shahrukh Khan, revolves around the story of a women hockey team that goes onto win a World Cup.The film received a warm welcome from cricket crazy Indian audience for its subject and storyline."The movie was really very nice. It was worth," said one of the cine goers, who admitted of being a great fan of cricket star Sachin Tendulkar than Shahrukh Khan. "The film gives a push to women hockey players as it could revive public interest in the dying game, which is also our national games," she added. This film is a shift from a regular Bollywood movie as it diverts from the usual and delves into the unexplored arena of sports."The film is very good. It's a complete Shah Rukh Khan film with lots of sporting action," said another viewer.Not many films have been made on the subject and after 'Lagaan'-which was made on cricket, its 'Chak De India' that comes packed with a heavy dose of hockey for the audiences.'Chak De India' is a story of a coach's fight of making his team overcome obstacles and motivate his team members to a historic victory."What happens to people who play it and what goes on a regular daily basis when you play it? How much training is done, how much drama happens behind the scene. What kinds of characters play this sport? Who plays it actually, when nobody really wants to play and what kind of women are involved in playing this. I had to gain that kind of knowledge," said Shimit Amin, director of the movie whose earlier directed 'Ab Tak Chappan" received rave reviews.The story depicts a hockey team consisting of a rag-tag bunch of girls who get disillusioned with the system and resort to other games just to get a pensioned job and a secure future.Their interest and passion is revived by a forgotten a hockey coach, played by Khan, who enters into their lives and fuels them with a new vigour and enthusiasm to take up the sport with a new agenda- to bring laurel for their country.The film also stars model Vidya Malvade along with a plethora of newcomers including one real life hockey player.The film is devoid of the typical song-and-dance routine characteristic to Bollywood films."It has a very serious take. People who think after seeing a film will like it. People who just want more entertainment, they might be a bit disappointed and say, 'Oh, this is not having a song at all'. But, I think every good thinking person will enjoy the fact that we have attempted something like this," Khan said.The character of Kabir Khan, the hockey coach, is believed to be inspired by a real-life former goalie Mir Ranjan Negi, who was charged with allegations of match fixing after India lost to Pakistan in 1982 Asian Games.Seven years later Negi's honour was restored when he was absolved of the charges. He coached the national women's hockey team to win gold at the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games. (ANI)

Amitabh Bachchan ecstatic over winning National Award
Sunday, August 12, 2007 | AY

Mumbai, Aug 11 (ANI): All of sixty-four, and Amitabh Bachchan still sets hearts aflutter across the world. Men and women swoon when they see his larger-than-life portrayals on screen, making him one of the most sought after actors in Bollywood today.The latest feather in his cap, a National Award for his sensitive and charged interpretation of a deaf, mute and blind girl's teacher in the film "Black", has given him more cause to celebrate.The pleasure is evident as he plays to the audiences once again, thanking them for appreciating his work."I am very grateful to National Award Committee for recognizing the film, because it was quite an exceptional film," said Bachchan.He is full of praise for Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the director of the film."It was an exceptional role and an exceptional director to work with. Sanjay is by far one of our most talented directors, who has a vision, and has aesthetics. The way he constructed the film and provided us a wonderful platform to be able to perform and grow as an artist, is just remarkable," Bachchan said. A rage with Indian cine goers in the 1970s and 1980s, Bachchan is still among the most popular actors in the country."I think Indian Cinema and Indian audiences have matured over the years, and there is an exception to perhaps the ageing character, an exception to anything which is done differently. I guess it's all put together and works out into a wonderful product. I am fortunate to be around and to be able to be a part of the film," said Bachchan.The son of noted Hindi poet, Dr. Harivansh Rai Bachchan, Amitabh Bachchan quit his job as a Kolkata freight broker to join the Hindi film industry in 1969. He made his name in the 1970s playing a "Dirty Harry"- style cop in the ground-breaking movie "Zanjeer".His best-known film, "Sholay", ran in Bombay for seven years - turning him into an icon in India, much like Elvis Presley was in the West.Millions of young men aped his distinctive hairstyle and people in remote villages rattled off lines from his films.A fatal accident he survived on the sets of "Coolie" in 1982, left the country in a tizzy, forcing state television to telecast hourly medical updates, the first in Indian media history.He was voted the millennium's greatest star of the stage and screen in a BBC online poll three years ago, ahead of Hollywood icons such as Lawrence Olivier, Humphrey Bogart and Charlie Chaplin.Six years ago, he became the first Indian movie actor to have a wax exhibit of himself at the Madame Tussaud's Museum in London.In recognition of his popularity, French perfume-maker Lomani has named a fragrance, "Amitabh B" after him.While many of his contemporaries have retired from Bollywood -- known for its megawatt musicals and song-and-dance extravaganzas -- the silver-bearded actor still continues to draw audiences of all age groups.He recently appeared in films like "Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna” with his son Abhishek Bachchan and a musical called "Jhoom Barabar Jhoom". (ANI)

Potato, onion prices decline in Delhi, Mumbai
Thursday, August 9, 2007 | AY

Potato prices have fallen by Rs 1.50 per kg in the national capital and by 50 paise in Mumbai and Kolkata, while onion is cheaper by 50 paise per kg each at Delhi and Mumbai. Retail prices of essential commodities monitored by the Department of Consumer Affairs at four metropolitan cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai have remained stable or shown mixed trend during the week. Prices of atta increased by Rs 1 per kg at Kolkata. The price of gram dal went up by Re. 1 per kg and milk by Re. 1 a litre at Delhi. Tur dal price went up by Rs 2 per kg at Mumbai and by Rs 1 at Kolkata. Groundnut oil prices went up by Rs 4 per kg and mustard oil by Rs 2 per kg at Kolkata. Prices of groundnut oil during last one year increased from Rs 85 per kg to Rs 107, tur dal went up from Rs 33 per kg to Rs 39 per kg, vanaspati prices rose by Rs Nine from Rs 50 per kg to Rs 59 and milk from Rs 16 per litre to Rs 19.

Mumbai roadside vendors protest eviction drive
Thursday, August 9, 2007 | AY

Mumbai, Aug 9 (ANI): Hundreds of hawkers here protested an eviction drive by the civic authorities to clean up the city, saying their livelihood is at stake.Congregating under the banner of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions, the protestors accused the State Government of ending their source of livelihood."They should make some arrangements for us, otherwise how will we earn our livelihood, how will we run our families?" asked Roshan Sharma, a vendor.Shabia Ali Mohammad, a vegetable vendor, said police and civic authorities continue to harass them, though they pay 1250 rupees per week as hawking fine."They take 1250 rupees as fine in a week or so. From where will we get the money? I was born on the roads and spent my entire life over here. Where we will go?" asked Shabia. The authorities say they are abiding by a 2003 Supreme Court ruling, which declared several Mumbai roads as "no hawking zones". (ANI)

’93 Mumbai Blast: SC says no discrimination against accused
Thursday, August 9, 2007 | AY

New Delhi, Aug 09: The Supreme Court today assured that there will be no discrimination in dealing with the Mumbai bomb blasts accused, and agreed to hear the bail plea of Aziz Ahmed Mohammad Shaikh, who was convicted for five years under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA). Giving this assurance to Ahmed's counsel, Justice B N Aggarwal said the bail plea would be heard on Friday. Sanjay Dutt’s bail petition was filed in the apex court on Tuesday, challenging his sentence of six-years of rigorous imprisonment given by a special TADA court under the Arms Act and seeking interim bail. Dutt’s lawyers’ have contended that Dutt’s conviction under the Arms Act was wrong because no weapons were recovered from him. They also say that Dutt’s conviction was based on a confessional statement, which he later retracted. Special Judge P D Kode sentenced Dutt to six years imprisonment in prison and fined him Rupees 25,000. Dutt has already spent nearly 16 months in prison before his release on bail in 1996. (ANI)

Mumbai roadside vendors protest eviction drive
Thursday, August 9, 2007 | AY

Mumbai, Aug 9 (ANI): Hundreds of hawkers here protested an eviction drive by the civic authorities to clean up the city, saying their livelihood is at stake.Congregating under the banner of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions, the protestors accused the State Government of ending their source of livelihood."They should make some arrangements for us, otherwise how will we earn our livelihood, how will we run our families?" asked Roshan Sharma, a vendor.Shabia Ali Mohammad, a vegetable vendor, said police and civic authorities continue to harass them, though they pay 1250 rupees per week as hawking fine."They take 1250 rupees as fine in a week or so. From where will we get the money? I was born on the roads and spent my entire life over here. Where we will go?" asked Shabia. The authorities say they are abiding by a 2003 Supreme Court ruling, which declared several Mumbai roads as "no hawking zones". (ANI)

ANA to launch first Tokyo-Mumbai non-stop flight
Wednesday, August 8, 2007 | AY

Japan's second largest carrier All Nippon Airways (ANA) will launch the first non-stop and the first all-business 36-seater jet flight between Tokyo-Narita and Mumbai from September 1. The flight will operate six days a week with a Boeing 737-700ER (extended range) aircraft on the 9,000-km, nine-hour flight. ANA is believed to be the first in Asia to offer business class-only flights following the recent trend set by Britain's Silverjet and the US' Eos. During Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Tokyo last year, India and Japan agreed to increase the total number of flights between the two countries to 42 from the current 18 as part of their renewed air services agreement. The new bilateral has made it possible for ANA to fly to India.

Dhoni to lead India in T20 WC; Yuvraj to be his deputy
Wednesday, August 8, 2007 | AY

Mumbai, Aug 7 (ANI): Swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni was today named the captain of the 15-member squad for the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup to be held in South Africa from September 11 to 24.Yuvraj Singh will be the vice captain of the team, which includes off-spinner Harabhajan Singh and Delhi batsman Virender Sehwag. BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah announced the team here after a teleconference between Chief National Selector Dilip Vengsarkar, who is currently in England with the Indian team, and the other four national selectors back home. The only new face is Baroda all-rounder Yusuf Pathan, who is the elder brother of Irfan Pathan.Yusuf's big hitting ability and his off-breaks helped him get an international call. Besides, Irfan, Rohit Sharma and Haryana all-rounder Joginder Sharma have been included in the squad. The team for the seven-match one-day series in England was also announced. Fast bowler Munaf Patel has been recalled for the ODI series after missing the Test series on fitness grounds. S. Sreesanth has been left out.Twenty20 squad:Mahendra Singh Dhoni (capt), Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, Ajit Agarkar, Dinesh Karthik, Gautam Gambhir, Robin Uthappa, Joginder Sharma, Yusuf Pathan, Piyush Chawla, Sreesanth, Irfan Pathan, RP Singh, Rohit Sharma One-day squad:Rahul Dravid (capt), Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Yuvraj Singh, Ramesh Powar, Dinesh Karthik, Zaheer Khan, RP Singh, Munaf Patel, Robin Uthappa, Rohit Sharma, Piyush Chawla, Gautam Gambhir, Ajit Agarkar. (ANI)

Sensex plunges by 235 points
Tuesday, August 7, 2007 | AY

Mumbai, Aug 6 (ANI): Opening with a huge negative gap of 245 points, the Sensex shed 435 points as soon as it opened today and ended 235 points less than yesterday's close. A cue from weak global markets and selling spree by the funds resulted in the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) closing at 14,903 mark.BSE midcap and BSE smallcap index also plunged by 52 and 48 points respectively.Hindalco, ICICI Bank, Maruti, Reliance Communications and Larsen & Toubro tumbled around 3 per cent each to Rs 157, Rs 888, Rs 825, Rs 532 and Rs 2,449, respectively.Infosys and Wipro plunged 2.7 per cent each to Rs 1,867 and Rs 458, respectively.ACC and HDFC dropped nearly 2.5 per cent each to Rs 979 and Rs 1,942, respectively.Hindustan Unilever, Satyam, Grasim, BHEL and Ambuja Cements slipped over 2 per cent each to Rs 200, Rs 462, Rs 2,897, Rs 1,684 and Rs 126, respectively.ONGC, HDFC Bank, NTPC, Cipla, Reliance, Bharti Airtel and Reliance Energy also declined. However, the SBI soared nearly by 3 per cent to Rs 1,682. ITC surged 1.8 per cent to Rs 172. Ranbaxy was up 1 per cent at Rs 370. (ANI)

BCCI likely to announce T20 World Cup squad today
Tuesday, August 7, 2007 | AY

Mumbai, Aug 7 (ANI): The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will be meeting today to come ahead with the squad for the twenty-20 World Cup and seven One Day match series that will be played in England.There are all likelihood that Team India's wicketkeeper, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, would lead the T20 Indian squad.According to sources, some of the senior players could also get a call for the two teams. (ANI)

Mumbai-based multiplexes boycott ‘The Simpsons Movie’
Tuesday, August 7, 2007 | AY

Washington, Aug. 7 (ANI): A number of Mumbai-based multiplex chains boycotted ‘The Simpsons Movie’ over its opening weekend after a breakdown in negotiations with its distributors. Warner Bros. India, which also handles 20th Century Fox product in the country, was reportedly demanding more number of screenings than the owners of multiplexes reckoned could be possible. "Warners was demanding that we book at least five or six shows but that was impossible considering we had major Indian films opening as well such as 'Gandhi My Father' and 'Cash'. We decided to boycott the film altogether," Hollywood Reporter quoted Vishal Anand, the Marketing Manager for 50-screen chain Fun Republic, as saying. The cinema chains that boycotted ‘The Simpsons Movie’ nationwide included Fame, Inox, Adlabs, Fun Republic, Cinemax, Movietime, and Citypride. These chains also pulled Warners’ another movie ‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’, which was in its third week of a successful run. However, a deal regarding the shows was reached with 20th Century Fox Australia on Monday, and multiplexes will be showing three shows of the film from Tuesday. "We are now opening the film from Tuesday with about three shows," Anand said. In Delhi, ‘The Simpsons Movie’ opened on August 3 on a handful of screens, thanks to a previous agreement with new Delhi-based multiplex chains PVR Cinemas, Wave Cinemas and Satyam Cinemas. (ANI)

Emulating Helen’s Mehbooba Mehbooba was a big challenge for Urmila
Tuesday, August 7, 2007 | AY

Mumbai, Aug 7 (ANI): Bollywood stunner Urmila Matondkar has admitted that doing the ‘Mehbooba Mehbooba’ number for Ram Gopal Varma’s Aag, a remake of the all-time hit ‘Sholay’, was totally challenging.The item number was performed by yesteryears’ stunner Helen in the 70s blockbuster.Matondkar said that she is a big fan of the actress, who has appeared in over 400 films since she began her career in 1950s.“Absolutely sensational, fantastic, brilliant. I have no adjectives. I just think, this is a lifetime opportunity and I have really tried to make the most of it,” she said. “And moreover first of all this was made a remake by Ramu ji , then it was choreographed by Ganesh then it had somebody like the one and only Amitabh bachchan opposite you and it’s a song that you have danced million of times from the last so many years. I’ve been a big fan Helen fan. So it was entirely challenging,” she added. However, the talented actress admitted that though the rendition made her ‘nervous’, but she coped with it by giving it a ‘completely new entity’.“Tremendous nervousness. I think as soon as the excitement got a little ok, the nervousness just came out. But I think eventually you have to go beyond the nervousness and that is what happened and then the enjoyment part starts,” Matondkar said. “So I try to recreate a completely new entity of the song and try to recreate a part of impact of the original song. So if you look at the little tid bits that are on the screen right now, you’ll get the whole thought is try to recapture only the magic not the looks or the movements or any other thing,” she added.The ‘Rangeela’ star also said that the original song had a sucky chemistry between the two actors, and that the new song is slightly more face to face“In the original song the chemistry between two characters is slightly more sucky and here it is slightly more in the face. It’s quite more aggressive. So this is one more challenging part to do it with none other than Amit ji and of course it was a complete pleasure to work with him. It was like a dream coming true,” she said. (ANI)

Boman Irani wants much more of Gandhi in films
Tuesday, August 7, 2007 | AY

Mumbai, Aug 7 (ANI): Actor Boman Irani has insisted that more films should be made on Mahatma Gandhi, to ensure that all ‘aspects of the father of the nation is made known to the world’.The actor, who has himself performed in a play called Mahatma verses Gandhi, said that films on Gandhiji should be made not only to encourage a cinema, but also to show the unexplored sides of the greatest Indian ever.“I myself had done a role of Gandhi in the play Mahatma verses Gandhi. I did 60-70 performances all over the world. Then I’d also worked in ‘Maine Gandhi ko Nahin Maara’, ‘Lage Raho Munna Bhai’. And now one more movie on Gandhi ji, Gandhi My Father is also released. So its not important only that we’ve to encourage a cinema, or to tell audiences that these kinds of films are also been made and it should be encouraged, but he is the one person in our country that we are all really proud of.“I think people abroad remember him more than me sometimes and that is a shame And that’s why I feel that it is very important that all aspects and facets of Bapu should be shown to the world,” he added..The actor’s upcoming projects include ‘Hey Baby’ and ‘Goal’. (ANI)

Mumbai train blasts: Court adjourns hearing
Tuesday, August 7, 2007 | AY

A special court here today asked 13 accused in the July 11, 2006 train bombings case to produce an order from a competent court to transfer their trial to another judge and adjourned the hearing till August 21. Judge Mrudula Bhatkar of the special MCOCA (Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act) court, who framed charges against the accused yesterday, said if the accused did not have faith in her court regarding an impartial trial, they could approach a competent court for transferring the trial to another judge. She also granted them 15 days' time for this.Declining to accept the charges framed against them yesterday, all the accused had refused to sign the form recording their plea. They either cited lack of faith in Bhatkar's court or sought the transfer of the case to another court.

Supreme Court to take up petition against Goa Speaker
Tuesday, August 7, 2007 | AY

New Delhi, Aug 6 (ANI): The Supreme Court will today take up a petition challenging the Goa Assembly Speaker's order to restrain two Maharashtra Goa Gomantak Party (MGGP) MLAs from voting in the State Assembly during a vote of confidence against Chief Minister Digamber Kamat. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the MGGP leaders have sought a stay on Speaker Pratap Singh Rane's order. Rane, through an ad-interim order on disqualification petitions, had restrained three legislators from participating in the Assembly vote, resulting in the Congress victory. Governor S C Jamir had directed Kamat to undertake a floor test to prove his majority after the Congress Government was reduced to a minority. During the floor test, two legislators of the Maharashtra Gomantak Party (MGP) - Sudin Dhavalikar and Dipak Dhavalikar - and Victoria Fernandes, the Congress MLA who had resigned from the State Assembly last week, were restrained from voting. The State Government was reduced to a minority following the withdrawal of support of two MGGP legislators and the resignation of Congress legislator Victoria Fernandes from the State Assembly. (ANI)

Family, friends meet Sanjay Dutt in Pune’s Yerawada Jail
Tuesday, August 7, 2007 | AY

Pune / Lucknow, Aug 7 (ANI): Family and friends of Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt visited him in the high security P Yerawada jail here. His younger sister Namrata came along with her husband and actor Kumar Gaurav and another close friend of Sanjay also visited him.Dutt's sentence has evoked mixed reactions in the public and the media, with conflicting opinions regarding his punishment coming up everyday.Many people term the actor's sentence as harsh, and feel it should be reduced.Another faction feels letting him off would be a mockery of justice, as he is a criminal and should be treated as one.In Lucknow, a fire ritual was performed to pray for his relief.Fans also chanted hymns and expressed hope for a positive outcome in the Supreme Court, when Dutt’s appeal comes up for hearing."The prayers will definitely have its effect and according to my calculations, relief will come to him within a time span of 2 to 21 months," said Kartikey Chattopadhyay, an astrologer, who performed the prayers.Dutt’s lawyer, Satish Maneshinde, is likely to file his bail plea in the Supreme Court today. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has said it would oppose the plea in the apex court. The Dutt family is challenging the judgement given by a special Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) court for the illegal possession of arms on July 31.Special Judge P D Kode sentenced Dutt to six years imprisonment in prison and fined him Rupees 25,000.Dutt has already spent nearly 16 months in prison before his release on bail in 1996. (ANI)

Nagpur air project land facing hinderances
Monday, August 6, 2007 | AY

The Maharashtra government’s ambitious multi-modal international cargo hub and airport project (MIHAN) in Nagpur has hit an air pocket. The MIHAN project, expected to cost more than Rs 3,000 crore, consists of widening and extending the present runway to international standards (4,000m x 60m) with a provision to pave a similar runway in future. The airport will have parking space for 50 aircraft with 50 additional bays along the fringes. The project features an aircraft engineering and maintenance base, which is likely to be set up by Boeing. There will also be a special economic zone (SEZ) to come up adjacent to the airport. But like many other mega projects across India, this one too has seen violent protests over land acquisition. The government wants to acquire more than 4,025 hectares, including 1,475 hectares for the said SEZ. But five years have gone by, but the acquisition stands at less than 2,000 hectares. According to sources, the committee’s take is the price offered to the villagers in return for their lands was just not enough. The government has paid them a few lakhs of rupees per acre whereas the prices are much higher. In many villages, the panel observed, it’s the small-and medium-sized entrepreneurship that would bear the brunt of the land takeover.

Mumbai braces up for possible outbreak of monsoon diseases
Monday, August 6, 2007 | AY

Mumbai, Aug 5 (ANI): Civic and health officials in Mumbai are bracing up for a possible outbreak of water-borne diseases, after heavy monsoon rains and water logging in the teeming city.With several low-lying areas in Mumbai having been under knee-deep water, threat of an outbreak of water-borne diseases is looming large.Stagnant water and rotting garbage left behind after rains have raised fears of diseases and the city's municipal authorities have launched a campaign to prevent any outbreak of diseases."We are taking measures so that there is no outbreak. We are taking efforts for public awareness. Arrangements are in place to counter diseases like dengue and malaria. We are making medicines available in the hospitals," said Shubha Raul, Mayor, Greater Mumbai Municipal Corporation.Medical authorities said, water-borne diseases like diarrhoea, dysentery and fever are very common, but diseases like malaria, dengue and leptospirosis were on the rise."During monsoon there is a rise of certain diseases. So we take preventive measures. That is why it is very important to know where these diseases have spread and how we can take preventive measures," said Neera Kevalramani, Deputy Health Officer, Epidemiology Cell, BMC.Epidemiology Cell will monitor monsoon related diseases. Hospitals in the city, both state-run and private, and even primary health centres will have to provide details of patients suffering from such diseases to the BMC's Epidemiology Cell.In 2005, two days of heavy rain in July showed up the pathetic infrastructure and dismal emergency response in Mumbai. (ANI)

Sanjay Dutt’s sister Priya to file petition in Supreme Court
Monday, August 6, 2007 | AY

New Delhi, Aug 6 (ANI): Priya Dutt, the sister of Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, is expected to file a petition in the Supreme Court today to challenge his sentence of six-years of rigorous imprisonment given by a special TADA court under the Arms Act.An application will be simultaneously made to secure Dutt’s bail. A prayer for probation will form an integral part of the appeal. Criticising the verdict, some of Dutt's colleagues and friends are planning to start a signature campaign to garner support for the actor. Describing the attempt as ‘unfair’, Public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam said: “If someone starts such a campaign, criticising the order of the court (before the prisoner seeks relief), it certainly amounts to contempt of court. I am watching the events carefully, and if this continues, I will be forced to take legal action.”Priya, who urged Bollywood friends to restrain themselves from participating in the support campaign, said she favoured “the legal route”.The Dutt family is challenging the judgement given by a special Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) court for the illegal possession of arms on July 31.Special Judge P D Kode also fined the film star Rupees 25,000 and rejected his probation plea. Priya Dutt, a member of Parliament, has already met Congress Party President Sonia Gandhi and apprised her of the developments relating to the case. Meanwhile, Union Minister for Science and Technology Kapil Sibal said that the Congress Party should stand by Sanjay Dutt.Sanjay Dutt has already spent nearly 16 months in prison before being released on bail in 1996. (ANI)

Marathi movie channel soon to be on air
Sunday, August 5, 2007 | AY

Following government approval, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zeel) is geared to unveil its Marathi movie channel Zee Talkies. The network is looking to shell out Rs 80-100 million on the marketing push for its newcomer. The tagline for Zee Talkies is 'Maharashtra cha Maha Cinema.' Preceeding the launch of the channel, the network will unleash a full fledged 360 degree promotional campaign across television, radio, print and outdoor. The aim is to reach into the interiors of Maharashtra along with its core market Mumbai and other tier II cities. The new movie channel has already stacked up a library of 350 Marathi films.

Apollo plans to expand in Mumbai, Chennai
Sunday, August 5, 2007 | AY

Apollo Hospitals on Saturday said it has chalked out a Rs 710-crore expansion plan to set up hospitals in Mumbai, besides a full-fledged orthopaedic hospital in Chennai soon. Rs 600 crore has been allocated for the expansion in Mumbai and the process of finalising and acquiring land in Navi Mumbai, Thane, South Mumbai and Nasik has started. The consultancy division of Apollo would soon foray into Khazakhstan and Turkey, with details of the tie-up for the latter almost finalised.

Gandhi, My Father
Saturday, August 4, 2007 | AY

New Delhi/Mumbai, Aug 3 (ANI): After mesmerizing its audience in Johannesburg, Bollywood's latest ode to Mahatma Gandhi, 'Gandhi, My Father', today released in theatres across the countrywide, and received a tremendous response.The film based on a personal tragedy in the life Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, takes an intimate look at the poignant and tumultuous relationship he shared with his son Harilal Gandhi.The film won rave reviews from its viewers who were left speechless after watching it."The movie was really good. I was very impressed by the acting. All the actors have done a superb job, especially Akshaye Khanna. His acting is fantastic," said Shyamli, a viewer.The tagline of the film, 'To the people...he was a father, to his son...he was a father, he never had' aptly conveys the content and message that it is trying to put across to its audiences.The film covering a period of about 50 years is based on letters written by the iconic leader to his son, and is a 'factual' and 'honest' account of the unexplored side of Mahatma Gandhi's life."It is a mainstream film which would touch people's hearts and will leave an impact on their minds. It is purely authentic. Its integrity lies in the fact that it has been made with an honest approach," said director of the film, Feroz Abbas Khan.Set against the backdrop of racial discrimination in South Africa and India's struggle of freedom, the film portrays Gandhi more as father to the nation rather than a father to his children.The movie shows how in the larger picture of Gandhi's dedication and service towards his nation, he overlooked the very vital existence of his family and children. Starring Akshaye Khanna, Bhumika Chawla, Shefali Shah and veteran DarshanJhariwala as Gandhi, the film is packed with powerful performances. The film goes onto show how living in his father's shadow, Hiralal leads a life, complete anti-thesis to that of Gandhi.How he roams on the streets of India like a beggar, converts to Islam as rebellion, reconverts to Hinduism as penance before finally drinking himself to death.Akshaye Khanna, who plays Hiralal, describes the film as eye opener as it unfolded an entire new dimension of Gandhi's life. "It is true that I also knew that much which is in general public knowledge. I had no clue about this story. When I read the script, I was shocked, I was surprised, I was moved, very emotionally moved that such a thing happened in the life of Mahatma Gandhi," he said.Caught in the tussle between Mahatma Gandhi and Hiralal was Kasturba Gandhi, whose emotional conflict and mental agony forms an integral part of the film.Actress Shefali Shah, who has won accolades for her performances in manyBollywood movies, adds another feather to her cap with her soul-stirring portrayal of Kasturba or 'Ba', as she was popularly known."The point of doing this film, more than anything else was to be honest to the emotional intensity of each and every character in the film and I think that's what every actor's done. So, I don't think anybody's done a "performance, performance". If you see the film you will know what I am talking about. It's not a performance. It looks like you have looked into somebody's life at that point of time," said Shefali.Made with an in-depth research and study on the director's part, the film was shot in South Africa and across several cities, including Mumbai and Ahmedabad. (ANI)

All options open to secure Sanjay's freedom: Priya Dutt
Saturday, August 4, 2007 | AY

New Delhi, Aug 3 (ANI): Actor Sanjay Dutt's sister, Priya Dutt today said that her family would de deciding on the next course of action in next two days for her brother's release, who has been sentenced to six years of rigorous imprisonment in connection with the 1993 Mumbai blasts case.Priya, a member of Lok Sabha from Mumbai, today met Congress president Sonia Gandhi at her residence here and apprised her of ongoing situation."We are exploring all possible options. We are hopeful of finding a way out," Priya told reporters after meeting Sonia.''We are taking opinion of experts how to go about it and in a day or two will finalise details of our petition,'' she added. The Dutt family is likely to apply for Sanjay's bail in the Supreme Court. Sanjay was sentenced by a special Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) court for the illegal possession of arms on July 31.Special Judge P D Kode also fined Rupees 25,000 on the star and rejected his probation plea. He has already spent nearly 16 months, as an under trial before being released on bail in 1996. (ANI)

MSRTC strike leaves commuters harried
Saturday, August 4, 2007 | AY

Mumbai, Aug 2 (ANI): Bus commuters in Maharashtra faced difficulty today after employees of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) went on one-day strike to register their protest against the State Government's decision to legalise private transport."We didn't know about the strike. I had to go to my village but there's no means of transport so I am just staying here," a local commuter, Ramachandra Pandare said.Over 4,600 employees of the MSRTC started their strike call at midnight on Wednesday.Bus operators said that the decision to legalise private taxis would go against the interest of the state-run cooperation."As the decision to give permit to private taxis was taken without consulting us, we have decided to go on a strike," Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) leader M B Shirsat said. (ANI)

Sanjay Dutt spends “sleepless” first night at Pune’s Yerawada Jail
Saturday, August 4, 2007 | AY

Mumbai, Aug 3 (ANI): It was a sleepless night for Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt, who spent his first night at Special Cell 2 of the Pune’s Yerawada Jail on Thursday. Dutt, who was shifted from Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail to the high security Yerawada Jail yesterday, did not slept properly. As per the daily jail schedule, he got up at 5.00 a.m. Dutt has to live a simple life and earn his living by working inside the jail like other inmates. The jail authorities will assign him the work today, as part of his rigorous imprisonment.According to sources, the kind of work that a general convict needs to do inside a jail, includes cooking food, cleanliness work, carpentry, and tailoring etc.A convict sentenced to rigorous imprisonment has to cook, weave or do woodwork. These facilities were not available at the Arthur Road Jail.Dutt, who left the likes of Abu Salem and Mustafa Dossa in the Arthur Road Jail, here, will have the company of Abdul Karim Telgi, the kingpin in the multi-crore fake stamp paper case. Dutt’s cell is next to Telgi’s. One of the most famous inmates of this jail was Mahatma Gandhi. Before he was moved out, he had said: “Pray for me, I love my country, okay?" to crowds gathered outside the Arthur Road Jail. "I have faith in the country's judiciary,” he added. Dutt was kept at Arthur Road Jail for two days. He had appealed to the special terror court to be kept in same jail, but the prosecution made a plea to shift Dutt to a high security prison.On the security front, Arthur Road Jail officials clarified that all Maharashtra jails are under heavy security surveillance, so, any threat on Sanjay Dutt's life could be checked.He admitted that, the Arthur Road Jail is overcrowded, having mostly under trials as inmates. Dutt was sentenced by a special Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) court for the illegal possession of arms on July 31.His lawyers have said they would appeal against the sentence, which came after a mammoth trial of those blamed for the blasts.Dutt has already spent nearly 16 months, as an undertrial before being released on bail in 1996. (ANI)

Heavy rains lash Mumbai, life thrown out of gear
Saturday, August 4, 2007 | AY

Mumbai, Aug.3 (ANI): Heavy rains lashed many parts of Mumbai on Friday, throwing normal life completely out of gear.Waterlogged streets and traffic snarls in King Circle, Matunga Circle, Hindmata Junction, Panduang Budhkar Marg, Worli Naka, Haji Ali Junction, Peddar Road left commuters at their wits end about how to get back home or to their places of work.Kurla, Sion, Dadar, Andheri, Santa Cruz, Chembur and Thane have been badly affected due to the waterlogging.Railway tracks are also submerged in the country's financial capital, throwing train services out of their routine schedules. Trains on the Western line were running 10 mins late, whereas trains plying on the Central Line were running about 30 mins late. About 82.6 mm of rain has been recorded in Santa Cruz, while Colaba has received 104.2 mm of rain already. Flights too were delayed.Important link roads like S V Road and Linking Road were clear.The met department has said that there could be heavy to very heavy rain and gusty winds over the next 24 hours. With over 20 people drowned or killed in house collapses in two states -- Bihar and Uttar Pradesh --, the countrywide rain-related death toll rose to 145 as an estimated 19 million people were stranded or displaced in floods over the past fortnight. Floods in Bihar worsened Friday as 14 people were swept away by swirling rivers in the worst-hit districts of Darbhanga, Beghusarai, Madhubani and Champaran. Thousands of stranded villagers waited for rescue operations to start amidst a crisis of essential commodities and food. State flood-control officials said water levels were rising in all major rivers and nearly 16 districts were submerged affecting over nine million people. Soldiers have begun to evacuate people from hundreds of inundated villages in Uttar Pradesh. State officials said seven people died in house collapses overnight after rains and floods submerged 5,000 villages in the state's eastern districts. Teams of doctors and paramedics were visiting regions in the state to supply medicines and control the outbreak of waterborne diseases. The flood situation in Assam marginally improved with the main Brahmaputra River and its tributaries subsiding as rains eased. Over 5.5 million people were displaced in the latest wave of flooding in the state. According to local news outlets, a total of 870 people have been killed in incidents of drowning, landslides, house collapses or electrocution across India since the onset of the monsoon season. The monsoon season in India usually lasts from June until September and exacts a heavy toll, both in terms of human lives and destruction of agricultural crops and property. (ANI with inputs)

Contract farming, nightmare for Maharashtra farmers
Saturday, August 4, 2007 | AY

By Sameer Desai Manchar (Maharashtra), Aug 4 (ANI): Farmers in Maharashtra are complaining that they are being exploited at the hands of big multi-national companies in the name of contract farming.Manchar village, famous for its high quality potato crops, has attracted big corporate giants such as PepsiCo. The company now buys the produce of over 6000 acres of land in the area.Initially, the farmers were quiet excited about the concept of contract farming because of good support, good returns and an assured and fixed rate for their crop.But now, they say, with most of their crops lost due to natural calamities like floods and diseases in last two years, the company has not paid them anything for the damaged crops or seeds."The company should pay for all the damages. If not, they should buy the undamaged crops and pay only for the rest of the damage accordingly. They should also insure the crops themselves,” said Gulabrao Navle, a farmer.However Rajeev Kumar, Vice President, Operations, PepsiCo, one of the companies, which has an agreement with the farmers here, said they have done their part of the job by replacing all the damaged seeds given to the farmers.“We ensured that each and every kilogram of rotten seed is replaced. As per our reports no one else has done that," said Rajeev.“In Maharashtra, this year, there was delayed monsoon followed by incessant rains which actually delayed planting. So like many farmers even our farmers have to suffer because of the rotten seeds,” he added. Politicians also feel the need for framing new rules and policy frameworks in contract farming to save farmers from exploitation."We need to discuss it in the State Assembly and the Parliament. I will request the Central Government that they should frame a new policy for contract farming," said Adhalrao Patil, a parliamentarian. Farmers also complain that the companies are paying them at rates fixed two years back, without taking into account the increase in the cost of farming equipment and raw material. Most of the farmers, therefore, have decided to bypass the contract with these companies and sell their products in the open markets where they get higher prices.Contract farming, which began in Maharashtra in 2001 with 30 farmers, now involves around 3000 farmers all over the state. It is an agreement between farmers and companies, according to which a farmer sells his harvest to the contractor on a pre-agreed price in a certain time. (ANI)

Attractive opportunity for NRIs
Thursday, August 2, 2007 | AY

The government nod for the Greenfield Navi Mumbai International Airport and Mukesh Ambani's Special Economic Zone (SEZ) are two big factors that are set to change the profile of Navi Mumbai, according to realty experts. The Rs. 10,000 crore Navi Mumbai International Airport is being built on a 950 hectares site in Panvel. It will accommodate two parallel runways, with provision of full length taxi ways on either side of the runways. The airfield has been designed to accommodate the new large aircrafts compatible to aerodrome code 4-E. The Airport will handle 4.5 million passengers in its first operational year, doubling to 8.2 million by 2010 to 13.7 million by 2020 and 30 million by 2030. The third major development is the Gulf Finance House (GFH) project, Energy City India, the second Energy City after Qatar, part of a series of energy focused business clusters planned across the Middle East and Asia. Navi Mumbai is the only Indian city to be featured in the National Geographic Channel's 'Super Cities of the World' series. The four-pronged plan involves a metro rail, a ring railway, a ferry service and an inter-state bus terminal, all designed to move people from south Mumbai to the Navi Mumbai International Airport in just 40 minutes.

'92 Mumbai communal riots: SC seeks affidavit on Maharashtra Govt's lapses
Thursday, August 2, 2007 | AY

New Delhi, Aug 1 (ANI): Taking a serious note of the 1992 Mumbai communal riots, the Supreme Court today sought a comprehensive affidavit on the alleged lapses by the Maharashtra Government in taking action against the perpetrators of the riots.A Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan headed bench said it could not pass any specific order or direction on the basis of Justice Sri Krishna Commission's findings.The apex court asked the petitioner, the action committee for implementation of Srikrishna Commission, and others to file the affidavit within six weeks. "If there is complete failure of justice, it will certainly be looked into," the apex court said.The petitioners had alleged that the accused in the 1992 communal riots, which preceded the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts, have gone scot-free.Justice B.N. Srikrishna headed commission investigated causes and apportioned blame for the Mumbai riots, before submitting its report in 1998. (ANI)

Fans perform special prayers for Sanjay Dutt
Thursday, August 2, 2007 | AY

Jammu/Mumbai, Aug 2 (ANI): Fans of Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt held special prayers here for relief to the imprisoned actor."We are praying to god that the Supreme Court should provide relief to Dutt as he has not committed a major crime by keeping an arm without a license. The sentence awarded to him is very harsh," said Rajesh Gupta, Dutt’s fan. Dutt, 48, was sentenced to six years of rigorous imprisonment for illegal possession of arms in connection with the 1993 Mumbai blasts case, by a special TADA court.His lawyers have said they would appeal against the sentence, which came after a mammoth trial of those blamed for the blasts that killed 257 people in Mumbai in 1993.Meanwhile, Dutt's sentencing has shocked Bollywood industry, with many expressing dismay at the punishment.Reacting to Dutt's sentencing, Bollywood director and Sanjay Dutt's close friend, Anubhav Sinha termed it as 'harsh'."Even a day's punishment to Sanju would sound harsh to us," he said.Throughout his life, Dutt has frequently faced adversity, but usually triumphed, with millions of fans standing solidly behind him.Through all his troubled years, Dutt has managed to stay at the top of Bollywood, his biggest hits being a two-series film in which he played a funny, do-gooder gangster.The second of the two films saw him espousing the non-violent principles of Mahatma Gandhi. (ANI)

Buses from Pune railway station to Mantralaya
Wednesday, August 1, 2007 | AY

The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) will start operations between Pune railway station to Mantralaya from Wednesday. The corporation will also kick-start a service from Sahar airport at Santacruz to Pune railway station starting from the same day. The corporation will cash in on the opportunity by running a ‘Mahabus’ during the launch. Its frequency will be increased if the demand goes up. The charges include Rs 195 for adults and Rs 105 for children. The MSRTC will also start Volvo bus operations to ferry passengers from Sahar Airport at Santacruz to Pune. The MSRTC estimates around 1,200 passengers are stranded at Sahar Airport to reach Pune everyday.

RBI keeps bank rate, repo and reverse repo rates unchanged
Wednesday, August 1, 2007 | AY

Mumbai, July 31 (ANI): Releasing the First Quarter Review of Annual Statement on Monetary Policy for the Year 2007-08, Reserve Bank of India Governor Y V Reddy today announced that Bank rate, reverse repo rate and repo rate will remain unchanged.However, the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) has been increased by 50 basis points to seven per cent with effect from the fortnight beginning August 4.The quarterly review has projected a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 8.5 per cent, barring domestic or external shocks.Commenting on inflation, Reddy said, "Holding inflation within five per cent in 2007-08 assumes priority in the policy hierarchy, while reinforcing the medium-term objective to condition policy and perceptions to reduce inflation to 4.0-4.5 per cent on a sustained basis."Inflation, measured by variations in the wholesale price index (WPI) on a year-on-year basis, declined from 5.9 per cent at end-March 2007 to 4.4 per cent as on July 14, he added.The review stated that while non-food credit growth has decelerated, the acceleration in money supply and reserve money warrants an appropriate response.On recent ups and downs in the stock markets, the review said: "Recent financial market developments in the country and potential uncertainties in global markets warrant a higher priority in the policy hierarchy for managing appropriate liquidity conditions at the current juncture."Real GDP growth during the quarter January-March 2007 is placed at 9.1 per cent as against 10.0 per cent in the corresponding quarter a year ago and real GDP growth for the year 2006-07 is revised upwards from 9.2 per cent to 9.4 per cent, a RBI release said.The review further added that the year-on-year increase in aggregate deposits of scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) was at 24.4 per cent that was at 20.9 per cent a year ago. "Banks had generally increased their deposit rates by about 25-50 basis points across various maturities between March and June, but reduced them during July, especially in the shorter maturities," the release said. The majority of public sector banks (PSBs) adjusted their deposit rates upwards by 10-25 basis points on maturities above one year, particularly at the longer end, it added. (ANI)

Industry welcomes RBI review policy; BSE up by 290 points
Wednesday, August 1, 2007 | AY

New Delhi, Mumbai, July (ANI): The Confederation of Indian Industries and National Commodity and Derivative Exchange today welcomed the announcement made by Reserve Bank of India Governor Y V Reddy on the occasion of release of the First Quarter Review of Annual Statement on Monetary Policy for the Year 2007-08.The CII had earlier suggested that the Reserve Bank of India should consider desisting from increasing headline interest rates any further since that may be detrimental to the medium term growth prospects of the economy. The unchanged Repo, Reverse Repo and Bank Rates are very welcome, and the 50 basis points increase in CRR would suck out excess liquidity from the system, said the CII. However, the CII and said Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) said that the Small and Medium companies will find it very difficult to access funds in this kind of a monetary environment, since effective rates and availability of bank credit are an issue for them. "The increase in CRR will obviously has a element of impacting the investment capital formation and growth," said FICCI Secretary General Amit Mitra.The Government bond yields rose sharply. The yield on the 10-year bond was at 7.87 per cent soon after the policy review, 12 basis points higher than before the review was released and up from previous close of 7.76 per cent.The Bombay Stock Exchange indices fell sharply into negative territory after the central bank raised the cash reserve ratio for banks, knocking shares in banks and auto makers on concerns credit would become tighter, but then pared its losses.The Sensex soared by 290 points with almost all indices showin