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46 Indian students fled Australia in the past month

2009-06-16T02:47:00.000-07:00

Thiruvananthapuram, June 16 (IANS) At least 46 Indian students have fled Australia following a rise in the number of violent attacks against the community in the past month and many others are being asked by their worried parents to return home, the editor of a Melbourne-based magazine said Tuesday.

'Many students are being pressurised by their parents to return to India. Two universities here have decided not to admit Indian students and educational consultants are now faced with several cancellations by students from India who had secured admissions,' Thiruvallam Bhasi, editor of the Indian Student magazine, told IANS on phone from Melbourne.

Bhasi said two students from Kerala who were attacked had come to his home Tuesday morning and said they were getting ready to leave. The students, Monish Nair and Gautam, were into their second year MBA programme at the Burwood campus of Deakin University in Melbourne.

Nair told IANS that they were attacked by a group of Australians when they were returning to their home in Gillard Street near Melbourne May 23.

'The attack was uncalled for. We were kicked and punched. We filed a case with the police and their attitude made us even more sad. They said it is best not to pursue the case because we are students and there could be problems,' he said.

'When we told our parents about the incident they asked us to return. I will fly out early next month, while Gautam is returning home at the end of this week,' he added.

A two year MBA programme in Australia costs about Australian $60,000 (Rs.2.5 million).

'We are losing a lot of money because we have paid virtually the entire fees and we have one full semester to go. But enough is enough. Our parents are worried and they want us to return,' said Nair.

Indo Asian News Service

Nepal's first woman deputy PM dead

2009-06-12T04:46:00.000-07:00

Kathmandu, June 12 (IANS) Shailaja Acharya, the only woman politician in Nepal to have been a deputy prime minister, died here early Friday after a long battle with Alzheimer's and pneumonia.

The 65-year-old, who came from one of the most politically active families of Nepal, had been admitted to the Teaching Hospital here Wednesday after receiving treatment earlier in New Delhi and Bangkok.

The death of Acharya, niece of Nepal's first elected prime minister Bishweshwor Prasad Koirala and aunt of Bollywood star Manisha Koirala, would be mourned in Nepal as well as India where she spent nine years in exile and was close to veteran Indian Congress and Socialist leaders, especially former Indian premier Chandra Shekhar.

Acharya entered politics as a student when, inspired by her family's role in the pro-democracy movement, she showed a black flag to then king Mahendra, who held absolute power. She was jailed for three years for the offence.

A member of the Nepali Congress (NC) party, she won two elections from her home district in Morang in eastern Nepal and became the first woman in Nepal to head the water resources ministry as well as become deputy prime minister.

The soft-spoken, petite leader, however, started losing her position in the party after Mahendra's son Gyanendra seized power through a bloodless coup. She tried to vie for the leadership of her party but was pipped by her younger uncle, Girija Prasad Koirala, who still remains president of the NC.

She was also the subject of controversy after she supported constitutional monarchy and opposed joining forces with the Maoists to end Gyanendra's regime.

Acharya blamed her fall to the fact that she was a woman and not taken seriously in Nepal's male-dominated political arena despite her sacrifices.

During Nepal's pro-democracy struggles, she was also forced to live underground for two years in addition to spending nine years in exile in India.

But two years ago, it seemed her flagging political career would be revived after Koirala recommended her name as Nepal's ambassador to India despite opposition from his own party men and allies.

However, fate dealt a blow to Acharya when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and had to be hospitalised.

Since then, she had dropped out of the public eye, hitting the headlines only because of her deteriorating condition and the alleged negligence by her party to help with her treatment.

Strong quake hits Vanuatu - USGS

2009-06-12T04:45:00.000-07:00

A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck off the Vanuatu islands in the Pacific Ocean on Friday, the U.S. Geological Survey said, but local police said there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

The quake was centred 38 miles west-northwest of Port Vila and had a depth of 33 miles, the USGS said.

"There was no damage and no casualties. We have not received any reports from the outer islands," a police official said by phone from Vanuatu.

Anti-Taliban cleric killed in Pakistan blast

2009-06-12T04:44:00.002-07:00

A prominent anti-Taliban Pakistani Muslim cleric was killed on Friday in a suicide bomb attack in Lahore, police said.

In another blast at around the same time, a suicide car-bomber set off explosives in an attack on a mosque in the northwestern town of Nowshera, killing at least three people, police said.

The blasts came as Pakistani forces stepped up attacks on militants across the northwest after the U.S. House of Representatives approved tripling aid to Pakistan to about $1.5 billion a year for the next five years.

Security forces have made progress in more than a month of fighting against Taliban militants in the Swat valley, northwest of Islamabad, and in recent days have begun operations in several other parts of the region.

The militants have responded with a series of bomb attacks.

Moderate cleric Sarfraz Naeemi was attacked at his office at his mosque complex after leading Friday prayers.

"Unfortunately, Maulana Sarfraz Naeemi has been martyred," Lahore police chief Pervez Rathore told Reuters.

The cleric's brother, Tajwar Naeemi, said seven people were wounded in the attack that killed his brother.

"When I came out of the office a few people went in and the suicide bomber was probably among them," the brother said.

In Nowshera, in North West Frontier Province, three people were killed and more than 20 were wounded, police said.

Rising Islamist violence has raised fears for Pakistan's stability and for the safety of its nuclear arsenal but the offensive in Swat has reassured the United States about its commitment to the global campaign against militancy.

Pakistan is a vital ally of the United States as it struggles to stabilise neighbouring Afghanistan and defeat al Qaeda.

U.S. officials said on Thursday insurgent violence in Afghanistan had accelerated sharply alongside the arrival of new U.S. troops, reaching its highest level since 2001.

U.S. Central Intelligence Agency Director Leon Panetta said he believed al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was hiding in Pakistan and he hoped joint operations with Pakistani forces would find him.

HELICOPTERS ATTACK

The offensive in Swat has broad public support and the bombs in response appear to be hardening opinion against the militants.

Naeemi was an outspoken critic of suicide attacks which he said were un-Islamic.

"The military must eliminate the Taliban once and for all,"

Naeemi told Reuters last month. "Otherwise they will capture the entire country which would be a big catastrophe."

Police in Bannu, a town in North West Frontier Province adjacent to the North Waziristan militant stronghold on the Afghan border, said the military had fired artillery through the night at militant positions in the Jani Kheil area.

"Since sunrise, helicopter gunships have also being used in the attack. There have been reports of casualties on the militant side," police official Sami Ullah told Reuters.

More than 130 militants have been killed in the fighting near Bannu this week up to Thursday, according to military officers and a senior civilian official in the area.

Independent casualty estimates for the fighting in Bannu and other parts of the northwest are not available.

Gunship helicopters also attacked militants in the Bajaur and Mohmand regions on the Afghan border, both to the north of the city of Peshawar, military officials and residents said.

There has also been fighting this week in the South Waziristan and Orakzai ethnic Pashtun tribal regions.

The military's chief spokesman was not available for comment but an analyst said the various air strikes appeared aimed at keeping militants bottled up.

"The operation in Swat has entered its final stages and troops are engaging militants elsewhere to stop them going to Swat and to disrupt their network," said Mahmood Shah, a former chief of security in the Pashtun tribal areas.

The U.S. House of Representatives approved tripling aid to Pakistan to about $1.5 billion a year for the next five years in a key part of a strategy to combat extremism with economic and social development.

The fighting in Swat and other parts of the northwest has displaced about 2.5 million people and aid officials have appealed to donors to step up their help.

(Additional reporting by Zeeshan Haider, Hasan Mehmood, Javed Hussain and Augustine Anthony)

5 persons have narrow escape as plane crashes into 4WD vehicle near Johannesburg

2009-06-12T04:44:00.001-07:00

Melbourne, June 12 (ANI): Five persons had a narrow escape when a plane had a head-on crash with a four-wheel-drive Ford vehicle.

Just after taking off from a South African runway, the light aircraft plunged down towards a secluded road near Krugersdorp Airport, west of Johannesburg, on Sunday afternoon.

The two-seater Piper Cherokee ploughed into a Ford ute, which was carrying three people, and then burst into flames.

According to South African newspaper The Times, no one was killed in the crash.

Pilot John Thompson and George Carney, who trapped inside the burning aircraft for some time, were taken to hospital. Both of them sustained "serious" injuries.

Tony van Aswegen, who was sitting in the back of the ute, was thrown onto the road but escaped injury.

Monica Braganca and Anna Vaulina, who were inside the vehicle, were treated for shock at the scene.

Vaulina revealed that watching the plane dive down towards their vehicle, she thought that she was done for.

"I was thinking we were going to die, not one ounce of me thought I was going to survive. It felt like in a movie," News.com.au quoted her as telling The Times.

"I couldn't say anything, no one was screaming. I just thought it was the end, I'd never be lucky enough to escape it.

"The scary part was seeing the faces of the pilots looking straight at us," she added.

Braganca, who was driving the ute, said that she was lucky that the vehicle was sturdy.

"We saw the plane coming down, I honestly didn't think it would crash and it would pull up. When it hit the ground, I just closed my eyes and kept my foot on the brakes and braced myself. We pretty much saw it coming," she said. (ANI)

Another Indian student attacked in Oz

2009-06-12T04:42:00.000-07:00

Melbourne, June 12 (ANI): In yet another attack on Indians in Australia, a 22-year-old student was allegedly assaulted by a teenager in Adelaide's busy Rundle Mall.

According to the police, the attack took place on Thursday. The student suffered a broken nose.

A 17-year-old youth has been arrested in connection with the case.

Meanwhile, Indian students in Melbourne and Sydney organised another rally against what they claimed were racially motivated attacks by groups of Middle Eastern men.

There have been a string of attacks in Melbourne during the past few days, which Australian authorities insist have been crime-related.

Indian students believe that the attacks were acts of racism and warned of "curry bashings" in Australia, where foreign students more than 12 billion dollars contribute. (ANI)

Indian students protest after more attacks

2009-06-08T22:09:00.001-07:00

Sydney, June 9 (IANS) About 200 Indian students Monday night protested against perceived police apathy after two Indian men were attacked by ethnic Lebanese in the western Sydney suburb of Harris Park.

During the protest lasting until the early hours of Tuesday, three ethnic Lebanese were assaulted, sparking fears of inter-communal tensions in a city home to over 200 different nationalities.

'I don't think there's any suggestion that they (attacks) are racially motivated. Certainly it would appear to us that they were opportunistic and that this is an area of Harris Park where there's a very large Indian community', Police Superintendent of the Parramatta Local Command, Robert Redfern said.

However, Indian overseas student Ajay Kumar told Australian Associated Press (AAP) news agency, that he joined the protest after being a victim of assaults and to demand more police protection.

'I never come back home at night time. If I finish my work, I stay there. Why? Because I know if I come back, someone smash me, someone take my money', Kumar told AAP.

There were no charges laid and no victims needed hospital treatment in the overnight attacks.

There have been a spate of attacks in recent weeks, which overseas Indian students insist are racially motivated and the police are not doing enough to stop them.

Jimit Shah, 26, told AAP: 'I just came out the station and I [was] just near to my house, and I just see some of the Indians behind me, and suddenly some Lebanese come over there, and just they hit the Indian people, and they are my brothers'.

However, the police reiterate that Indian overseas students are more vulnerable and likely to be victims of crime because of working late and travelling on public transport late at night and in the early hours of the morning.

Meanwhile, in yet another tit-for-tat, a 20-year-old man was stabbed once in the neck and twice in the arm in the St Albans suburb of Victoria on Monday after allegedly racially abusing a group of Indian students, The Age newspaper reported.

'There is a danger this will become like a chain reaction with the victim becoming the perpetrator. We don't want to get to that,' Sam Afra, chairman of the Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria, told The Age.

The attacks have received wide spread coverage in India, damaging Australia's reputation as a friendly and safe study destination and straining bilateral relationship.

Foreign Minister Stephen Smith Tuesday told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation: '...we're doing everything we can to make sure that Indian students can come to Australia and not have to worry about their safety and security...we want very much to bring the perpetrators to justice, whatever their motivation, but also ensure that we're doing everything we can to put at ease the concerns of Indian mums and dads whose sons and daughters are far away in Australia and to provide them every service that we can to put their minds at rest'.

The Australian government has set up a new task force under National Security Adviser Duncan Lewis to coordinate the government's response to the recent spate of attacks on Indian international students.

http://in.news.yahoo.com/43/20090609/902/twl-indian-students-protest-after-more-a.html

Another Indian student attacked in Oz

2009-06-08T22:05:00.001-07:00

Mon, Jun 8 02:33 PM

Natasha Chaku Melbourne, Jun 8(PTI) A 23-year-old Indian student was beaten up for the second time in a fortnight by a group of youths here, the 11th person from the community to be assaulted within a space of a month in Australia. Kamal Jit was found unconscious and bleeding by another Indian student in western suburb of the city yesterday.

It was the second attack in two weeks on Jit, who was previously pelted with eggs by several masked men after getting off a late night train at St Albans station in western suburb. "It is very bad because we pay a lot of money and we are living far away from our country and from our families and we are without protection," Jit was quoted as saying in 'The Age' newspaper today.

As he walked home at about 1:40 am yesterday, Jit said, he noticed three men acting suspiciously in a car and he tried to avoid them. He then saw two men come out of it near a pizza shop, while another waited in a car.

"The two guys pushed me to the ground and I was hit on the head, I think with a steel rod," Jit said. PTI.

24 bodies recovered from Air France crash

2009-06-08T22:04:00.000-07:00

Sao Paulo, June 9 (DPA) The number of bodies recovered from the Air France flight that crashed into the Atlantic Ocean last week rose to 24, Brazilian authorities said.

Another eight bodies from the flight that had been carrying 228 people were found Monday, the Brazilian Navy and Air Force said in the northeastern city of Recife.

The teams have also discovered hundreds of large and small pieces of the Airbus A330-200 that disappeared June 1 while on a flight from Rio de Janeiro to Paris as well as personal belongings of its passengers, they said.

The remains were found about 440 km northeast of Brazil's tiny, unpopulated Atlantic island group, the St Peter and St Paul Rocks. The sea is about 3,500 metres deep at that location.

Six ships and 14 planes have been deployed round the clock in the search area about 1,200 km northeast of the Brazilian coastline.

The Brazilian recovery frigate Constituicao was returning to land and was on its way to the island of Fernando de Noronha, where it was expected to arrive Tuesday at the earliest with the 16 bodies discovered over the weekend.

The bodies were to receive an initial examination on Fernando de Noronha, about 350 km from the mainland. They then would be flown to Recife, where the process of identification would begin.

Relatives were asked to provide hair and blood samples to aid in the identifications through DNA comparisons.

Boats were fishing debris and belongings from the sea, which included bags, laptop computers, video and digital cameras, passenger seats and plastic fittings from the cabin. Television footage showed wreckage marked with 'Air France'.

Where the wreck of Flight 447 exactly lies was unknown as was what caused it to go down.

A French submarine was dispatched to help search for the plane's black boxes, which record a plane's instrument readings and cockpit conversations, to help in the investigation.

The wreckage was believed to lie at a depth of more than 3,000 metres, and experts said they believed the recovery of the black boxes was unlikely.

Meanwhile, French Prime Minister Francois Fillon Sunday named an ambassador for the victim's families, his office said.

Pierre-Jean Vandoorne is to assist the relatives of the 216 passengers from 32 countries and 12 crew members who died in the accident in their dealings with governments, bureaucracies and Air France.

Vandoorne would also try to facilitate cooperation between French authorities and officials in the countries affected by the crash.

http://in.news.yahoo.com/43/20090609/890/twl-24-bodies-recovered-from-air-france.html

Swine flu reaches capital, 2 infected

2009-06-08T03:38:00.000-07:00

reported its first case of human-to-human transmission of the deadly H1N1 influenza virus on Sunday with scientists confirming that an infected middle aged man who had recently returned from New York had passed on the virus to his 60-year-old mother, who had been nursing him for the past three days. ( Watch )

The 35-year-old man, believed to be a close relative of a well-known businessman associated with a pharma company, had returned to Delhi on June 2 from New York onboard an Air India flight (AI-102) and developed symptoms of H1N1 swine flu on June 4, following which he tested positive.

The passenger was put on quarantine inside his farmhouse at Rajokri near the Palam airport. On Sunday, the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) confirmed that the man's mother has also tested positive.

The sample is, however, being sent to National Institute of Virology (Pune) for final confirmation.

Union health ministry officials told TOI, ``Both the man and his mother were administered Tamiflu on June 4 even before their samples tested positive. The samples of the servants in the house have also been picked up. The man was travelling in the business class of Air India from New York, which had just one more passenger who is now being tracked down.''

The total number of H1N1 cases in India has climbed to 10 since the virus surfaced in the country on May 16. H1N1, which scientists fear could be the world's next pandemic, has spread to 69 countries, infected more than 22,000 people and killed 125.

Meanwhile, Hyderabad saw its second case of human-to-human transmission of the deadly virus, the latest victim being a 25-year-old passenger who sat next to the 20-year-old medical student who got infected after returning from a holiday in Toronto on June 3.

The passenger was sitting in the row next to the infected student in British Airways flight BA 277.

All his close contacts are being traced and would be administered Tamiflu, the only anti-viral known to be effective against H1N1, as a preventive measure.

Hyderabad had reported its first case of local human-to-human transmission of H1N1 on Saturday when a 28-year-old man who had arrived in the city from the US was found to have passed the infection to his brother.

Even though Union health ministry officials say there is still no evidence yet of a cluster of cases in India that would entail banning all public meetings and putting in place social distancing mechanisms, they admit that cases will definitely start to spread far and wide.

TOI

After Sharad Yadav, Mulayam opposes Women's Reservation Bill

2009-06-08T03:36:00.000-07:00

NEW DELHI: Samajwadi Party on Monday opposed the proposed Women's Reservation Bill, terming it as a "conspiracy" against the leaders who have reached the Lok Sabha through "hard struggles" and warned of people's movement if the UPA pushes the legislation.

SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, whose party is supporting the government from outside, backed the contention of JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav that if the Bill was passed without a consensus, it would amount to giving "poison by force" by the ruling class to those opposed to the legislation as had been done to Greek philosopher Socrates.

Participating in the debate on Motion of Thanks to the President's Address in the Lok Sabha, Yadav said he was not against greater participation of women in politics but it should be done through consensus.

He sought to reach out to the BJP, JD(U), RJD and Left, seeking their support to stall the bill which provides for 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and assemblies.

"The Bill is dangerous for the leadership of Lok Sabha... It is a conspiracy...It would finish the leadership," Yadav said.

Elaborating, he said leaders like LK Advani, MM Joshi, Sharad Yadav and Lalu Prasad had not reached the present state in a day but through "hard struggles".

TOI

IT – Sec 263 – notice not required but hearing must - Commissioner can revise assessment order if twin conditions are fulfilled, that is, that assessm

2009-06-08T03:34:00.000-07:00

NEW DELHI, JUNE 07, 2009: THE Revenue is aggrieved by the impugned judgment of the Tribunal by which it has set aside the order of the Commissioner of Income Tax dated 18/19.01.2007 whereby he in turn cancelled the assessment order dated 24.03.2005 and directed the Assessing Officer to make a fresh assessment after considering all the aspects of the case including various discrepancies pointed out by him in his order.

The assessee is a builder engaged in the business of construction of properties on a collaboration basis with the owners of the properties. The assessee filed a return dated 31.10.2002 in respect of assessment year 2002-03 declaring a total income of Rs 2,69,210/- The Assessing Officer made specific enquiries with respect to a collaboration project situated at E-5/1, Malviya Nagar, New Delhi-110017. The assessment order also indicates that the assessee had furnished copies of various agreements executed in respect of the Malviya Nagar property as well as the valuation report. The communication which is referred to in the assessment order shows that the assessee offered an additional income of Rs 8,00,000/- purportedly earned from the Malviya Nagar property to buy “peace with the Department”.

The Assessing Officer considering the material on record and the submission of the assessee, included the additional income of Rs 8,00,000/- offered by the assessee with respect to the Malviya Nagar and proceeded to tax the said sum along with income already declared that is a sum of Rs 2,69,210/-. By the said order a total income of Rs 10,69,210/- was brought to tax. Interest under Section 234A, 234B and 234C was also imposed. In addition, penalty proceedings under Section 271(1)(c) of the Act was also initiated.

In the interregnum i.e., during the course of scrutiny, the Assessing Officer had issued summons under Section 131 of the Act to purchasers of various properties in order to satisfy himself as regards the genuineness of the transactions in issue. In the communications dated 27.12.2004 and 28.02.2005 the assessee gave details with respect to other projects i.e., the properties located at Gitanjali Enclave and Defence Colony. Copies of the collaboration agreements, important details with respect to the agreements, area of construction and sale price as also details of receipt of Rs 26 lacs with respect to the property located at Gitanjali Enclave were supplied by the assessee through communication dated 27.12.2004 and 28.02.2005. Similarly, relevant details with regard to the Defence Colony property was furnished by the assessee in a letter dated 28.02.2005. Despite, the disclosure by the assessee of details with respect to all three projects i.e., the Malviya Nagar property as also properties located at Gitanjali Enclave and Defence Colony - a fact which was ascertained by the Tribunal and finds mention in the impugned judgment, the Commissioner issued a notice dated 11.05.2006 to the assessee on the ground that he was of the view that the assessment made in the case of the assessee was both erroneous and prejudicial to the interest of the Revenue.

The reasons which found favour with the Commissioner were as follows:-

1. No examination of books of account was made;

2. No verification were made from the persons to whom summons under Section 131 were issued and no statements were recorded on oath;

3. The surrender of Rs 8 lacs was made on agreed basis, on the sale of project of Malviya Nagar, other projects, which were also in posh colonies of South Delhi, remain untouched and unverified.

4. No proper recordings were made on the order sheet.

The Commissioner formed an opinion that the assessment order required to be cancelled and accordingly, the Assessing Officer was directed to make a fresh assessment. In coming to the said conclusion, the Commissioner articulated the following reasons in his order:

“I am not convinced with the submission of the assessee. The facts of the instant case are not identical to the facts of the cases on which reliance was placed by the counsel of the assessee. Moreover, there is absolutely no evidence that the Assessing Officer called for the books of accounts other than certain details recorded at page 2 of the order sheet. There is also no evidence whatsoever that the assessee produced the books of accounts as stated in the submission. It is evident that the Assessing Officer considered the offer of Rs 8 lakh from the Malviya Nagar project only that too without any basis and without any inquiry and application of mind on the other projects and other aspects of this case. In view of the various discrepancies pointed out above, passing an assessment order without proper verification of the issues that too without even examining the books of accounts is definitely erroneous and prejudicial to the interest of revenue.”

Being aggrieved, the assessee preferred an appeal to the Tribunal. The Tribunal by the impugned judgment set aside the order of the Commissioner under Section 263 of the Act. While doing so, the Tribunal made the following observations and findings of fact:-

(i) that they had examined the assessment record on their own. From the record, it was revealed that the assessee had filed copious details covering various aspects of the matter. It noted that by a letter dated 27.12.2004 the assessee had given details regarding unsecured loans, taken by him; justification for claiming depreciation on car; investment in fixed deposit with Canara Bank; details of loan given to one Pradeep Arora; Reconciliation Statement in respect of the savings account with Canara Bank, Malviya Nagar Branch; details regarding the names and addresses of persons from whom total construction and consultancy receipts of Rs 75.61 lacs were received; and the explanation as to why no work-in-progress at the end of the year had been shown ;

(ii) reference to a letter dated 14.02.2005 wherein details with respect to Malviya Nagar property were given, in particular, cost and expenses incurred on the Malviya Nagar property, as also copies of sale deeds of two properties in the same locality were filed; referred to letter dated 28.02.2005 which gave details with respect to property located at Gitanjali Enclave. Details with respect to Shop No 5 and 6 in the Malviya Nagar property and copies of relevant agreements as also sale deeds in respect of portions of said property which the assessee had been asked to submit. Details of salary expenses, accounting charges, vehicle maintenance account, entertainment expenses, telephone expenses etc. were also given;

(iii) the confirmation of unsecured loan in the earlier years taken from one Shri Jagdish Chander;

(iv) in the very same letter dated 28.02.2005 details were also given regarding the construction and labour charges in the sum of Rs 52,77,094/- debited to the profit and loss account;

(v) a chart was filed to demonstrate that the value of work-in-progress and the cost of construction was comparable to the valuation certificates. Reference was also made to a letter dated 22.03.2005 wherein the assessee had conceded that it would surrender an additional income of Rs 8 lacs with respect to the Malviya Nagar property in order to buy peace with the Department in lieu of the penalty proceedings being dropped;

(vi) it is also mentioned that the record contained notices issued under Section 131 of the Act in respect of various persons. The Tribunal also seems to have made the effort of going through the order sheet entries of the Assessing Officer which demonstrated that details were sought from the persons summoned.

The Tribunal came to the conclusion that looking at the voluminous record filed with the Assessing Officer it could not be said that the books of accounts were not examined, when the assertion of the assessee was that they were produced before the Assessing Officer for examination; merely on the basis that there is no such reference of examination of books of accounts in the order sheet entries maintained by the Assessing Officer. The Tribunal also observed that a perusal of the summons issued under Section 131 by the Assessing Officer indicated that each one was required to furnish details and documents and that it is not the requirement under Section 131 that the Assessing Officer should record statements of persons who were summoned to give evidence or produce documentary evidence. The Tribunal also concluded that the assessee had furnished details with regard to properties located at Gitanjali Enclave as well as Defence Colony. In this regard, the Tribunal noted the contents of the assessee’s letter dated 27.12.2004 and 28.02.2005 filed with the Assessing Officer. The Tribunal was, thus, of the view that the Assessing Officer had taken care to collect details and facts, and put them on the record; and hence it could not be said that the Assessing Officer’s order was without basis. The Tribunal was of the view that having found the details satisfactory, the mere fact that what had been accepted by the Assessing Officer as satisfactory did not find mention in the assessment order would not render the assessment order liable for a revision by the Commissioner in exercise of power under Section 263 of the Act.

The High Court recalled the parameters and principles laid down by the Courts which govern the exercise power by the Commissioner under the provisions of Section 263 of the Act.

(i) The power is supervisory in nature, whereby the Commissioner can call for and examine the assessment records.

(ii) The Commissioner can revise the assessment order if the twin conditions provided in the Act are fulfilled, that is, that the assessment order is not only erroneous but is also prejudicial to the interest of the Revenue. The fulfilment of both the conditions is an essential prerequisite.

(iii) An order is erroneous when it is contrary to law or proceeds on an incorrect assumption of facts or is in breach of principles of natural justice or is passed without application of mind, that is, is stereo-typed, in as much as, the Assessing Officer, accepts what is stated in the return of the assessee without making any enquiry called for in the circumstances of the case, that is, proceeds with “undue haste”.

(iv) The expression “prejudicial to the interest of the Revenue” while not to be confused with the loss of tax will certainly include an erroneous order which results in a person not paying tax which is lawfully payable to the Revenue.

(v) Every loss of tax to the Revenue cannot be treated as being “prejudicial to the interest of the Revenue”. For example, when the Assessing Officer takes recourse to one of the two courses possible in law or where there are two views possible and the Commissioner does not agree with the view taken by the Assessing Officer which has resulted in a loss (2007-TIOL-203-SC-IT)

(vi) There is no requirement of issuance of a notice before commencing proceedings under Section 263 of the Act. What is required is adherence to the principles of natural justice by granting to the assessee an opportunity of being heard before passing an order under Section 263.

(vii) If the Assessing Officer acts in accordance with law, his order cannot be termed as erroneous by the Commissioner, simply because according to him, the order should have been written “more elaborately”. Recourse cannot be taken to Section 263 to substitute the view of the Assessing Officer with that of the Commissioner.

(viii) The exercise of statutory power under Section 263 of the Act is dependent on existence of objective facts ascertained from prima facie material on record. The evaluation of such material should show that tax which was lawfully exigible was not imposed.

The High Court observed that there is no requirement under Section 263 of the Act to issue a notice before embarking upon a revisionary proceedings. To that extent the submission of the counsel for the Revenue has to be accepted. What is mandated under Section 263 of the Act is that once the Commissioner calls for and examines the record, pertaining to the assessee, and forms a prima facie view that the order passed by the Assessing Officer is both erroneous and prejudicial to the interest of the Revenue, he is obliged to afford an opportunity to the assessee before passing an order, to the prejudice of the assessee. In the instant case, the Commissioner sought to accord such an opportunity to the assessee by putting him to notice as regards aspects which the Assessing Officer had failed to scrutinize. During the course of the revisionary proceedings this was conveyed to the assessee by way of a notice dated 11.05.2006. It is not disputed that in the order dated 18/19.01.2007 the Commissioner has referred to certain other issues which did not form part of the initial notice dated 11.05.2006. It was always open to the Commissioner to put such issues/discrepancies, found by him based on material on record, to the assessee. It is to be noted, however, that the counsel for the assessee vehemently denied that the assessee had been given any opportunity to meet issues other than those to which reference has been made in the Commissioner’s notice dated 11.05.2006. For this purpose, the counsel for the assessee sought to place reliance on the impugned judgment passed by the Tribunal, wherein this aspect of the matter has been discussed elaborately.

The threshold condition for reopening the assessment is that before passing an order an opportunity has to be granted to the assessee and, such an opportunity granted to the assessee is a necessary concomitant of the enquiry the Commissioner is required to conduct to come to a conclusion that an order for either an enhancement or modification of the assessment or, as in the present case, an order for cancellation of the assessment is called for, with a direction to Assessing Officer to make a fresh assessment. This defect cannot be cured by first reopening the assessment and then granting an opportunity to the assessee to respond to the issues raised before Assessing Officer during the course of fresh assessment proceedings. It is the requirement of Section 263 of the Act that the assessee must have an opportunity of being heard in respect of those errors which the Commissioner proposes to revise. To accord an opportunity after setting aside the assessment order, would not meet the mandate the Section 263 of the Act. If such an interpretation is accepted it would make light of the finality accorded to an assessment order which cannot be reopened unless due adherence is made to the conditionalities incorporated in the provisions of the Act in respect of such powers vested in the Revenue.

The findings returned by the Tribunal are pure findings of fact. No substantial question of law has arisen for consideration. Resultantly, the appeal is dismissed. No order as to cost.

(See 2009-TIOL-300-HC-DEL-IT in 'Income Tax')

Assessment after merger with another company - Company no longer in existence cannot be an assessee by any stretch of imagination: ITAT

2009-06-08T03:33:00.000-07:00

BANGALORE, JUNE 08, 2009: THE assessee as well as the Revenue are aggrieved by the decision of CIT( A)'s impugned order on which both the parties preferred these appeals.

M/s Software & Silcon Systems India Pvt. Limited ( SSSIPL ) was in the business of software services. By virtue of a scheme of amalgamation, the SSSIPL along with another company, called, Trillium software systems India Pvt. Ltd had merged with Intel Technology India Pvt. Limited ( ITIPL ), the appointed date being 1.4.2004. SSSIPL , for the AY 2003-04 (for the previous year 1.4.2002 to 31.3.2003), had furnished its return of income on 28.11.2003 admitting a total loss of Rs.28 ,26,310 /- and book profits u/s 115JB of Rs.3,89,211 . After proceeding its return u/s 143(1), the same was subjected to scrutiny and, accordingly, the assessment concluded, resulting in assessable total income of Rs.19,50,84,606 /-.

Aggrieved, the assessee had approached the CIT(A) pleading that since the assessee [ SSSIPL ] had ceased to exist consequent of its amalgamation with the ITIPL w.e.f . 1.4.2004, the impugned order dated 27.3.2006 passed by the AO was without jurisdiction. The jurisdiction to assess the ITIPL was vested with the Ward 11(2), Bangalore and the impugned order passed by the ACIT , C 12(2) who had no jurisdiction to assess the ITIPL and, hence, the impugned order in question was bad in law. After much deliberations, the CIT( A) had concluded.

"3.4......But, other facts of the case are that the appellant having income-tax liability and attendant income-tax implications for the AY under appeal being prior to the AD of the amalgamation is also not disputed by it The appellant had voluntarily furnished its return, in its former name of SSIPL , in respect of which scrutiny proceedings were initiated on 16/2/2004-which was also prior to the AD. The appellant had participated in the scrutiny proceedings without raising any objection. Thus, on the facts of the case, the appellant was assessable to income-tax to determine its tax liability, if any, for the accounting period prior to the AD of amalgamation. Therefore, the AO, who had the jurisdiction to assess the appellant, in its former name of SSIPL , had rightly assumed jurisdiction to assess it Accordingly , the impugned order is valid in law. In such view of the matter, the objection raised by the appellant, challenging the jurisdiction, is found untenable. Besides, the provisions of the section 292-B of the Act are also supportive to the proceedings initiated.........................."

Another effective ground was directed against the assessing of Rs.5 ,311 on the ground that the same representing the negative cash balance. The AO from the verification of the cash book/petty cash book had found deficit cash balance of Rs.5 ,311 as on 31.12.02. After discussions on the importance of cash book and stating that a big organization like that of the assessee's was supposed to keep its cash book in order and, hence, Rs.5 ,311 was added. After considering the rival submissions, the CIT( A) observed that considering the assessee's size of financial transactions and the assessee's own admission that the negative cash balance had arisen due to clerical error inadvertently, the addition was sustained.

With regard to charging of interest u/s 234B and u/s 234D , the ld.CIT(A) was of the view that charging of interest was mandatory and no appeal can lie against an order charging of interest u/s 234B and u/s 234D , if there were incidence, unless such charging is in contravention to the relevant section. However, he directed the AO to charge interest, if chargeable after considering the relief allowed in his impugned order.

The Revenue has raised three effective grounds which are as under:

In respect of treating the expenditure on purchase of application software as capital in nature, the AO had held that such software was used in its business as the assessee was providing software service; as such it was an asset with enduring benefit during the relevant previous year. The CIT( A), by placing reliance on the decision of ITAT, Bangalore Bench in assessee's own case for the AY 02-03 had observed that as the facts of the case are similar to that of the AY 02-03, directed the AO to allow the said expenditure on application software of Rs.20616386 as revenue expenses.

The assessee-company incurred various expenses under the head 'operating and other expenses'. The AO had disallowed 10% of the said expenditure (excluding software expenses) on the ground that most of the expenses debited are expenses paid to M/s. Intel Technology India Pvt. Ltd., Since these expenses are paid to the holding company, 10% of such expenses are treated as incidental to the business. The CIT( A), in his order held that ad hoc disallowance is not sustainable as the AO instead of verifying the genuineness, unreasonableness, excessiveness of the said expenses, has acted arbitrarily and disallowed 10% without any basis or reason.

In deleting the addition on account of disallowance of international relocation expenses, the CIT had reasoned that this disallowance was made with a cryptic observation that the same was incurred on employees of the ITIPL . In view of the AO had failed to substantiate his action in disallowing the said expenses even in his remand report, the CIT(A) went on to delete the disputed disallowance.

Aggrieved by the action of the CIT( A), both parties, the Revenue as well as the assessee have come up with their respective appeals before the Tribunal.

The Tribunal observed, “The Scheme of Amalgamation was in effect from 1st April, 2004. The AO was duly informed by the assessee vide its letter dated 29/6/2004 addressed to the ACIT , Circle 12(2), Bangalore which has been duly acknowledged by the latter. This goes to prove beyond doubt that the AO was well aware of the fact that the assessee was in non-existence as on the dates on which the assessment proceedings have taken place and subsequent order passed. The company which was no longer in existence cannot be an assessee in any stretch of imagination”.

In over all consideration of the facts and circumstances of the issue and respectfully following the decisions, ITAT was of the considered view that the assessment order passed by the AO was null and void and without jurisdiction and, therefore, cancelled.

Since the Tribunal cancelled the assessment order as null and void, Tribunal was not inclined to adjudicate the other grounds raised either by the assessee or by the Revenue as they have become infructuous.

In the result, the assessee's appeal is allowed and the Revenue's appeal is dismissed as infructuous .

(See 2009-TIOL-342-ITAT-BANG in 'Income Tax')

TDS Certificate Forms 16 & 16A Changed by CBDT!

2009-06-08T03:03:00.000-07:00

UPDATE!
From 1/4/2009 , the rule regarding deposit of tax ,issuing certificate and reporting through returns have been changed .As such the form 16 & 16A have been changed by CBDT vide this notification and also new Form 17 has been introduced for depositing the tax deducted at source.

The new Form 16 , 16A & 17 may be downloaded from here.

Read more about change in relevant rules for deduction of tax in this article

New TDS Payment Challan Introduced and Now Deposit TDS/TCS By Online Method Mandatory For All!

All the things written below is valid upto 31/3/2009
Now the tax deductor has to fill up the date of filing the quarterly TDS returns (even acknowledgment number) in the certificate issued for tax deducted.

CBDT vide Notification - 83 , dt. 26-3-2007 Income-tax (Third Amendment) Rules, 2007-Form 16, Form 16a and Form 27d substituted, the Central Board of Direct Taxes hereby makes the following rules further to amend the Income-tax Rules, 1962, namely:-
1. (1) These rules may be called the Income-tax (Third Amendment) Rules, 2007.
(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
2. In the Income-tax Rules, 1962, in APPENDIX II, for Form No. 16, Form No. 16A and Form No. 27D, the following Forms shall be substituted, namely:"

The form 16 & 16A can be obtained in excel format from here.

(Use these forms at your own responsibility and being provided for your benefit and guidance only)
Although there are some controversy has arisen on account of time limitation given for issue of Form 16 & 16A and last dates of filing quarterly TDS return . But I feel CBDT will surely sort out such unintended controversy by suitable circular

Pak used US aid to fight India: Report

2009-06-07T22:57:00.000-07:00

Pentagon has confirmed one of South Asia's worst kept secrets - that Pakistan has used billions of dollars of US aid to buy a mind-boggling array of conventional American weaponary to use against India.

The aid was meant for Pakistan to fight the war on terror. India has repeatedly pointed out that much of the military hardware on Pakistan's shopping list was not suited to anti-terror operations. Now, Pentagon reports have revealed that even the money poured into Islamabad's coffers by the Bush administration fter 9/11 specifically to fight al Qaida and the Taliban, was used to develop offensive capabilities against India.

The Pentagon reports detail the brazen diversion of funds given to Pakistan between 2002 and 2009 and the Pervez Musharraf government -- often described by George W Bush as America's "strong" ally in the "war against terror" - to acquire arms ranging from anti-tank missiles to F 16s. The arsenal was meant to blunt India's edge in conventional weaponry.

It is thought significant that the US Congress is currently debating another aid bill for Pakistan with a substantial military component, even as lawmakers express concern about Islamabad arming itself against India. The debate may have gained fresh traction, but Pakistan , which has shrewdly exploited the dubious distinction of being the epicentre of worldterrorism, may have its way yet again.

The Pakistani trait of diverting arms given to it by US goes back to the 1950s when it was a member of Cento (Baghdad Pact), which was an essentially Cold War grouping. The field armour it recieved from the US was used in the 1965 war against India.Six years later, in a letter to the Nixon administration at a time India-US ties were at their lowest ebb, Indira Gandhi noted that "It was a sad chapter in our sub-continent when US began supply of arms to Pakistan in 1954 and continued to do so till 1965. The arms have been used against us, as indeed we feared they would be."

This time around, almost four decades later, Pakistan seems to have done one better by using American money to buy American arms. Pentagon reports say arms were bought from America in the years under review with some of Pakistan's own money, some US foreign military financing(FMF), some from what is called excess defense articles and some from a fund known as coalition support funds (CSF) given to Pakistan for fighting terrorists.

Pakistan's big-ticket conventional military buys include 18 new F-16 C/D Block 50/52 combat aircraft (valued at $1.43 billion; none delivered yet), F-16 armaments including 500 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles; 1,450 2,000-pound bombs; 500 JDAM tail kits for gravity bombs and 1,600 enhanced paveway laser-guided kits, also used for gravity bombs ($629 million); 100 Harpoon anti-ship missiles ($298 million); 500 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles ($95 million) and six Phalanx close-in naval guns ($80 million).

Pentagon concluded $4.89 billion worth foreign military sales (FMS) agreements ith Pakistan between 2002 and 2008, although the bulk includes theF-16 sales. The US gave $1.9 billion foreign military financing with what it calls a "base programme" of $300 million a year from 2005-2009. It is this that has been used to buy US military equipment.

What else did Pakistan buy with this money?

Eight P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft and their refurbishment (valued at $474 million); about 5,250 TOW anti-armor missiles ($186 million; 2,007 delivered); more than 5,600 military radio sets ($163 million); six AN/TPS-77 surveillance radars ($100 million); six C-130E transport aircraft and their refurbishment ($76 million); and 20 AH-1F Cobra attack helicopters granted under EDA, then refurbished ($48 million, 12 delivered, 8 pending refurbishment for an additional $65 million).

Pakistan bought some other stuff with a mixture of its own money and FMF funds. These include up to 60 Mid-Life Update kits for F-16A/B combat aircraft (valued at $891 million, with $477 million of this in FMF, Pakistan currently plans to purchase 35 such kits); and 115 M-109 self-propelled howitzers ($87 million, with $53 million in FMF).

Pakistan also has been granted US defense supplies as Excess Defense Articles (EDA). While India has been celebrating the arrival of its Phalcon Awacs systems, Pakistan got the Pentagon to transfer three P3-B aircraft as EDA grants which would be modified to house the E-2C-Hawkeye airborne early warning systems worth $855 million. Last week the Pakistan air force chief announced that these "eyes in the sky" would be delivered "very soon".

Pakistan also got 14 F-16A/B combat aircraft and 39 T-37 military trainer jets. To fight terror, Pakistan has been given 26 Bell 412 utility helicopters, along with related parts and maintenance, valued at $235 million. Finally, under 1206 and Frontier Corps Authorities, the US has provided Pakistan with helicopter spare parts, night vision goggles, radios, body armor, helmets, first aid kits, litters, and other individual soldier equipment.

Pakistan is not inadequately equipped or trained to fight terror. If it wants, Pakistan can fight terror several times over. But it is seen to be preparing for conflict with India.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Pakistan-used-US-aid-to-fight-India-Report/articleshow/4624601.cms

Don't treat us as 'cash cow', say Indian rallyists

2009-06-07T22:55:00.000-07:00

MELBOURNE: Appealing to the Australian government to stop treating them like `cash cow', about 2,000 Indian students and community members gathered at the Sydney Town Hall Sunday morning to voice their concern over growing violence and inequality towards them.

The Federation of Indian Students in Australia, which had until two days ago said it would not extend support to the rally, changed its position and assumed leadership of the small groups of students from various universities in Sydney.

``A lot of SMSes had been sent to the students about the rally and it had become difficult to cancel it,'' said Sumit Purdani, the federation'srepresentative in Sydney.

He said initially there were between 1,000 and 1,500 people at the Town Hall and the police blocked the main George Street. ``As the numbers kept swelling we decided in consultation with the police to move the venue to sprawling Hyde Park nearby,'' Purdani said. As a result, hundreds of students who arrived late were left stranded at the Town Hall.

Asked what they had achieved since action has already been taken by the state and federal governments, Purdani said the aim was to garner public support and make the people aware of the plight of Indian students. The rally was peaceful, he added.

At the rally, National Union of Students president David Barrow said the government policy towards foreign students was ``discriminatory''. ``For too long, the education sector and the government have treated international students like cash cow, not like human beings,' Barrow said.

He said overseas university student fees were rising, landlords and employers were taking advantage and they can't survive under visas limits of a maximum of 20 hours of work a week. ``It is not acceptable to have 10 or 15 students crammed into an apartment being charged $150 a week (each),'' Barrow said.

The students also called for Australia's education and immigration policy to be overhauled so overseas students are protected from dodgy landlords and employers and receive the same benefits as domestic students.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/World/Indians-Abroad/Indian-students-rally-in-Sydney-against-racial-attacks/articleshow/4627571.cms

Sharad Yadav seeks to wriggle out of poison statement

2009-06-06T05:03:00.001-07:00

New Delhi, June 6 (PTI) JD-U President Sharad Yadav, who had created flutters with his threat to consume poison and die if the women's reservation bill was passed, today sought to wriggle out of his statement but maintained his strong opposition to the measure in its present form.
Claiming that the present bill would only allow entry of women of "elite class of society", he demanded at a press conference that the bill should be amended to provide for quota for women belonging to SCs, STs, OBCs and minorities.

"I had taken the name of Socrates. He (the Greek philosopher) was not not the one to consume poison himself. He was given poison for speaking the truth. I am a fighter and I will not not give up," he told a press conference adding he had not not said he would take poison.

"What I said (in Lok Sabha yesterday) should have been understood in its spirit," Yadav, a long-time opponent of the bill, said adding one should not not go merely by words.

Participating in the discussion on the motion of thanks to the President's address in the Lok Sabha yesterday, he had said "We may not have the numbers. I will consume poison and die here but not allow the passage of the women's reservation bill."

He had referred to Greek philosopher Socrates who was forced to consume poison or compromise on his view. He preferred poison. PTI

Mumbai Police likely to quiz LeT chief aide in 11/7 case

2009-06-06T05:01:00.000-07:00

Mumbai, Jun 6 (PTI) Mohammed Omar Madni, a suspected aide of Lashkar-e-Toiba founder Hafiz Saeed, is likely to be questioned by the city police in connection with July 11, 2006 serial train blasts case.
"We are in touch with Delhi Police authorities and after getting more information from them, we will send a team to interrogate him," Additional Director General (Anti-Terrorism Squad) K P Raghuvanshi told PTI today.

The Delhi Police, while seeking Madni's custody, had said that he was found to have recruited Kamal Ansari, arrested by the ATS in connection with the train blasts that killed over 180 people.

Ansari is among the 13 arrested for their alleged involvement in planting the bombs aboard the suburban trains in Mumbai. The ATS has filed its chargesheet in the case.

Madni, arrested on Thursday, was allegedly looking to recruit new personnel for the Pakistan-based terror outfit and had knowledge about LeT operatives working out of Nepal.

He was allegedly in India to enrol youth from major cities for terror acts, police officials said. PTI

2009-06-03T21:40:00.000-07:00

MELBOURNE: Every day, on an average, four Indians are victims of crimes such as robbery and assault in Victoria, according to statistics released by the state’s top cop.

"Our statewide figures show that in 2007-08, 1,447 people of Indian-origin were victims of crimes, an increase from 1,082 the previous year," Simon Overland, chief commissioner, Victoria Police told Herald Sun newspaper.

In other words, a 34% jump over the previous year. "Some of these crimes are racially motivated. However, I also believe that many of the robberies and other crimes of violence are simply opportunistic. We know that a lot of international students work and study late at night and are often travelling home by themselves on trains, equipped with their laptops and phones. Unfortunately, they are often just in the wrong place at the wrong time," he said.

"We recognized this trend more than 18 months ago and have been working with the Indian community to detect and prevent these unacceptable crimes," he was quoted as saying. But Overland's remarks have done little to alleviate fears among the Indian students. "I'm feeling very scared now. I'm getting calls from my parents asking 'Are you safe?' and insisting I come back. There are many of my friends going back to India now just because of these incidents. They all feel they are not secure," said Sanket, 21, who goes to a city university was quoted by the same newspaper as saying.

Federation of Indian Students of Australia (FISA) spokesman Gautam Gupta said he had advised seven students planning to leave the country in recent days. "They've told me they're too scared to stay."

But he said the FISA was getting calls from many more families who had scrapped plans to send their children to Australia. “Even if it is just a small percentage of the 93,000 students here, hundreds of students will be affected. We’re talking about 20-somethings being stabbed on the streets for 20 dollars or a cigarette. That is not the cost of a life. For each student that’s stabbed, five will be demotivated to continue studies or to come to Australia,” he said.

However, others said they never felt victimised because of their race. Instead, it was their circumstances, such as working late and travelling long distances on public transport to the outer suburbs, that made them targets for muggings and violence.

“Most of my friends work late at night at KFC or 7-Eleven. It’s an international students issue, not just of Indian students.”

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/World/In-Oz-4-Indians-attacked-every-day/articleshow/4614726.cms

India likely to resume talks with Pakistan

2009-06-03T21:39:00.000-07:00

NEW DELHI: Pakistan may be thumbing its nose at India by releasing wanted terrorists like Hafeez Saeed, but New Delhi is veering around to the view that talks with Islamabad that were suspended after the 26/11 Mumbai attack should be resumed as engagement, however frustrating, would be better than benign neglect of the source of its terror problem.

Some version of a dialogue with Pakistan is expected to start soon, possibly before the visit of US secretary of state Hillary Clinton to India which is likely in the first week of July. India knows that powers like the US would try to nudge India to the negotiating table, and it would be better not to be seen as having been pressured into the talks.

New Delhi recognises that the post-Mumbai diplomatic trail is fast turning cold, and it would like to retain the initiative by starting talks. The new external affairs minister, S M Krishna, is said to have quoted JFK to his officers: "Never negotiate out of fear, but never fear to negotiate."

Taking the cue from the boss, the foreign office is trying to find a way to break the ice. There are two main reasons why India would like to begin talks. First, it might get the Pakistanis to at least attempt to stop the next big- ticket terrorist attack against India. Sources said Pakistan is likely to sponsor another big attack in J&K to push India to come to the table. This is nothing short of blackmail, but India doesn't want to be in a position where it might seem to be succumbing to such blackmail.

Second, Indian officials are clear that the US, waiting for the elections to be over, will soon raise the talks issue with India. This could come as soon as Hillary Clinton's visit to India in July. The government here is keen to pre-empt such pressure tactics.

Prime minister Manmohan Singh might have an occasion to break the ice if he decides to go for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Moscow later this month. If Singh attends the SCO, he would have a chance to meet his Pakistan counterpart and could seize the opportunity.

At the same time, it becomes glaringly clear that India's high-voltage diplomatic push post-26/11 has not really succeeded in getting Pakistan to act on anything - either on the perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks or on dismantling the terror infrastructure in Pakistan.

toi

16 cops killed in Maharashtra Naxal ambush

2009-05-22T01:26:00.000-07:00

CHANDRAPUR: Naxalite guerrillas on Thursday ambushed a police party after luring it into the jungles of Gadchiroli district, killing 16 cops, including five women constables.

The Naxals had called for a two-day bandh beginning Wednesday in Bhandara, Gondia and Gadchiroli against the recently-held parliamentary elections. The bandh evoked a warm response in these districts, sources said, and as part of the bandh, Naxals had blocked several roads.

A police party led by inspector Ashok Aiyyar went to the hills of Hatti Tola to clear the Dhanora-Murumgaon road, which was blocked by Naxalites by felling trees. Dhanora police station had received information about the roadblock about 40 km away in the jungle and a 16-member police party left in two vehicles. As the police party reached the spot at about 3.30 pm and started clearing the roads, guerrillas hiding in the forest, opened indiscriminate fire. Police personnel returned the fire and a gunbattle raged for about three hours. But in the end, all the 16 cops were killed, reports reaching the district headquarters said.

No details of casualties on the Naxal side were available. Sources said the Naxals set the police vehicles on fire after looting the arms and ammunition and fled into the jungles.

It is the first instance when five woman constables have been killed in the encounter with Naxals in Gadchiroli.

Although the entire chain of events wasn’t clear, it appeared that the inspector who led the police party had violated rules by not informing his seniors before setting off on a dangerous mission.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/16-policemen-killed-in-Naxal-attack-in-Maharashtra/articleshow/4561463.cms

Kasab used fake I-card, says Principal of Hyderabad college

2009-05-19T21:19:00.000-07:00

MUMBAI: The Principal of a Hyderabad college on Tuesday told a special court here that prime accused in Mumbai terror attack case Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab was not a student of his college and he used a fake identity card.

He was referring to an identity card found from Kasab's possession which showed that he was a student of Arunodaya Degree and P G college, Hyderabad. The card was recovered by police after Kasab's arrest on November 26 last year during the terror attacks in the metropolis.

G Radhakrishna, Principal of the College, was deposing as witness to throw light on the seven identity cards seized from Kasab by the police and his six associates who were killed in the gun battle with the security forces.

It is the prosecution's case that terrorists had carried fake Identity cards to conceal their Pakistani identity.

To a question by Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam whether he had seen Kasab in college, the Principal replied in the negative, saying "he is not a student of my institution".

The principal said he personally knew all the 600 students of his college and Kasab was not among them.

Asked about the procedure for issuing I-cards, the principal said he sign on them only after the student concerned puts signature on it in his presence. The I-card found in Kasab's possession also carried the college stamp.

Though Radhakrishna said his college's I-cards were prepared manually, the fake I-cards produced in the court were made from computers.

When the witness was shown all the seven I-cards, he said these have not been issued by his college.

The I-cards were issued in fake names of Arjun Kumar, Dinesh kumar, Arun Sharma, Raghuvir Singh, Sameer Choudhary, Naresh Varma and Rohit Patil. Kasab's identity card was issued in the name of Sameer Choudhary.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Kasab-used-fake-I-card-says-Principal-of-Hyderabad-college/articleshow/4552940.cms

More cops identify Kasab's gun

2009-05-12T23:33:00.000-07:00

MUMBAI: Two police officers deposing as witnesses in the 26/11 trial identified in court the terror weapon-an AK-47 rifle used by Pakistan gunman Ajmal Amir Kasab-and recounted how the police had overpowered the two terrorists near Girgaum Chowpatty as they tried to make a getaway on the night of the attack. One of them said he wanted to kill Kasab but his bullet could have hit the other policemen grappling with the terrorist.

Special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam examined Hemant Boudhankar and Sanjay Govilkar, both assistant police inspectors. Boudhankar said he had fired a shot from his revolver at Abu Ismail (the dead terrorist) and how assistant sub-inspector Tukaram Ombale and other cops managed to overpower Kasab with just sticks as weapons.

When Ombale's name was mentioned, Kasab smiled, following which trial judge M L Tahaliyani said sternly, "Despite yesterday's warning, you have not improved. Why do you smile?" he asked. Kasab then stood up and replied, "Mere dil mein koi baat nahi hain (I have no malice)."

At one point, Kasab's defence lawyer Abbas Kazmi objected to the judge asking questions during the witness deposition. Nikam, however, said the judge cannot be a "mute spectator" while presiding over a trial.

Later, Kazmi asked Boudhankar why he did not fire at Kasab. The policeman said that as Ombale was in a scuffle with Kasab, he did not open fire as the bullet could have hit the cop. Govilkar was also shot at by Ajmal and suffered an injury on his waist.

s.deshpande@timesgroup.com

Egyptian court bans porn websites

2009-05-12T22:16:00.000-07:00

Egyptian court bans porn websites
Rania Al Garhi

Cairo, May 12 (PTI) A court in Egypt today banned pornographic websites, observing that such sites spread vice among several segments of the society.

The administrative court here issued the ruling on a petition filed by lawyer, Nizar Ghurab, who demanded court direction to the Ministry of Communications and the National Telecom Regulatory Authority to block such websites.

The court said there are porn websites that are spreading vice among several segments of Egyptian society. All necessary measures must be taken to block such websites as they breach freedom of expression and threaten national security and the interest of the State.

In his plaintiff, Ghurab mentioned a recent case of a married couple who were sentenced to prison for setting up a swingers club through the internet as an example of danger the websites create.

The wife-swapping case shocked conservative Egyptian society especially that the husband was in his late forties and the wife was veiled, a sign of chastity, the court heard.

The Egyptian government has been keen on clamping down on political opposition sites and bloggers but sites loaded with explicit material remain untouched.

The Ministry of Information Technology and Communications had not yet commented on the verdict but has the right to appeal it. Egypt has over 12 million Internet users, according to 2007 government figures. PTI

Jammu bandh today to protest Taliban atrocities against Pak Sikhs

2009-05-07T22:20:00.000-07:00

JAMMU: Various organisations here have given a call for a shutdown on Friday to protest Taliban atrocities against Sikhs in Pakistan's northwest region.

The decision to call a shutdown ton Friday was taken at a meeting of the representatives of about twenty social, political, trade and other organisations held here on Thursday evening, state VHP president Ramakant Dubey told reporters here.

The meeting was arranged by the Bar Association of Jammu.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Jammu-bandh-today-to-protest-Taliban-atrocities-against-Pak-Sikhs/articleshow/4497999.cms

30% chance of coup in Pakistan, according to analysts

2009-05-07T22:19:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON: A top private risk analysis firm gave embattled Pakistan a three-in-ten chance of a military coup even before the latest offensive by Taliban rebels, according to a noted US analyst.

New York-based Eurasiagroup, whose head of research is top former State Department, White House National Security Council and CIA official David F Gordon, said in a little noticed, late April report that it was more than possible the Pakistani Army would step in to stabilise the rebel-threatened country.

The premise of Eurasiagroup's "scenario" is that "the global economic crisis proves too much to handle for the political leadership in Pakistan", writes Jeff Stein, National Security Editor of Congressional Quarterly in his "SpyTalk" column.

The report was evidently written before Islamic Taliban rebels overran the Swat Valley this month, forcing the army into barricaded camps and threatening the viability of the government of President Asif Ali Zardari, he noted adding, "Presumably, the risk of a military coup is far greater now."

Before that, the Eurasia report gave the nation a "30 percent" chance of losing its elected government to an army general like Pervez Musharaf, who seized power in 1999, and his predecessor, Gen. Zia Ul-Haq, who led the country from 1977 until his fatal plane crash in 1988.

"As in the 1990s, the military concludes that it must intervene in politics for the sake of the nation-to stop the spread of militancy, revitalize the economy, and clean up civilian politics," the report envisioned.

"New Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Kiyani had sought to distance the military from politics, but the political crisis between the PPP (Pakistan People's Party) and the PML-N (Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz) boosts the military's political clout and its willingness to intervene."

"Kiyani does not pursue a full-fledged military coup, but rather the 'Bangladesh model.' The military removes President Asif Ali Zardari and his administration and establishes a caretaker government, which it tasks with the job of stabilizing the political and economic situation," the report suggested.

"The military appoints Western-educated technocrats with no independent power base or political connections to serve in the new government. These officials maintain close contacts with Kiyani, who makes all strategic decisions," it said painting the coup scenario.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/30-chance-of-coup-in-Pakistan-feel-analysts/articleshow/4498044.cms

Maharashtra bans use of bullocks for pulling tankers

2009-05-01T23:22:00.000-07:00

Maharashtra bans use of bullocks for pulling tankers

Kolkata, May 2 (PTI) The Maharashtra government has banned the use of bullocks for pulling heavy kerosene tankers in Mumbai after a campaign by an animal rights group.

"The People for Ethical Treatment of Animals took action after receiving reports of bullocks being forced to pull heavy kerosene carts in all weather extremes, in violation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Draught and Pack Animal Rules," PETA said in a release here.

The rules, it said, prohibit the use of animals to pull vehicles when the temperature exceeds 37 C.

Following its intervention, the Maharashtra government imposed the ban on the use of bullocks for pulling heavy kerosene tankers.

PETA India Chief Functionary Anuradha Sawhney emphasised on the need to be extra vigilant during summer time as animals suffer from dehydration and heat exhaustion.

"Stray dogs and cats and working animals need access to shade and water during the heat of the day." PETA was also successful in its efforts to remove a billboard for the Thrissur Institute which featured a photo of a dead squirrel.

The animal rights body filed a complaint with the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) and pointed out that the advertisement might encourage people to harm squirrels, which are legally protected.

"ASCI asked the Thrissur Institute to withdraw the ad," it said. PTI

SC lifts stay on trial of 2002 Gujarat riots cases

2009-05-01T23:19:00.001-07:00

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SC lifts stay on trial of 2002 Gujarat riots cases

New Delhi, May 1 (PTI) The Supreme Court today lifted the stay on trial of 2002 Gujarat riots cases and directed the setting up of fast track courts for holding it on a day-to-day basis.

The apex court ordered the setting up of designated courts for riot cases in Ahmedabad, Anand, Sabarkanta, Mehsana and Gulbarga districts. PTI

Key witness in Ambani's helicopter sabotage case found dead

2009-04-28T21:18:00.000-07:00

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Key witness in Ambani's helicopter sabotage case found dead

Mumbai, Apr 28 (PTI) In a mysterious turn to the Anil Ambani chopper sabotage case, the man who spotted the pebbles in the fuel tank of the industrialist's helicopter was found dead today on a railway track in a Mumbai suburb and the police said it was a case of "suicide".
"Bharat Borge's body was found by police this evening. A letter was found on his person," Government Railway Police (GRP) Commissioner A K Sharma told PTI. Borge's body was found on the rail track this evening between Vile Parle and Andheri stations.

Borge was among the first persons to have spotted the fuel cap of Ambani's Bell-412 helicopter open on Thursday last and on inspection found pebbles and gravel inside, one day before he was scheduled to go to neighbouring Navi Mumbai.

Mumbai Police Joint Commissioner Rakesh Maria and Additional DGP(Railway Police) K P Raghuvanshi said tonight Borge's death was a case of suicide. Maria also said the motorman and the guard of a fast local saw the victim cross the track even when the train was fast approaching.

According to GRP sources, the letter recovered from Borge's person said some "Reliance" people came to see him and questioned him but he did not say anything and that he also felt they will do something to him. It was not clear to which of the Reliance group he was referring.

Borge's letter also said he had done nothing wrong and that the investigations into the alleged sabotage was going on the right track and that the Crime Branch will do a fair job.

There were no comments from the Anil Ambani Group which had alleged that business rivals may be behind an "attempt to murder" the industrialist by trying to sabotage his helicopter. PTI

Aakriti death: School principal denies reports of quitting

2009-04-24T21:54:00.000-07:00

NEW DELHI: The family of Aakriti Bhatia, the Class 12 student who died of an asthma attack in the elite Modern School in Vasant Vihar here, Friday Candlelight vigil at Aakriti's residence in New Delhi. (TOI Photo)
More Pictures momentarily cheered at the news that the school principal had resigned. But principal Goldie Malhotra soon clarified that she had not stepped down.

It all started when one of Aakriti's relatives came out from their house on Siri Fort Road and told waiting mediapersons: "The principal has resigned."

Family members and Aakriti's schoolmates were seen hugging each other and raising slogans against the school.

Bina Bhatia, Aakriti's mother, also came out and hugged her daughter's classmates and shouted "Hip Hip Hurray". But her husband Vipin Bhatia said they did not have any confirmation about the news. It turned out to be a false alarm as Malhotra herself denied the reports.

"I haven't resigned and why should I resign?" she told reporters.

AP Singh, trustee of the Modern School, also told IANS: "She (Malhotra) hasn't resigned and continues to be principal of the school."

Women and child development minister Renuka Chowdhury, who spent nearly an hour at Akkriti's house, assured the grieving family that necessary action would be taken in the case.

Akkriti had suffered an asthma attack in her school Monday and died while she was being taken to hospital.
Her parents have filed a complaint against the school authorities, blaming the school principal for delaying medical help to the girl.

Source: TOI

Kasab's lawyer asks for one month to study chargesheet

2009-04-21T21:42:00.001-07:00

MUMBAI: Ajmal Amir Kasab’s lawyer, Abbas Kazmi, refused to open his arguments on Tuesday asking the court for a month’s time to read the 1,000-page chargesheet. He also informed the court on Kasab’s request for a copy of the chargesheet in Urdu so that he could study the evidence against him.

Special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam took objection to Kazmi’s pleas and told the court that these were ‘‘ tactics to delay the trial’’ . He also argued that there was no legal responsibility for the court to supply Kasab with an Urdu chargesheet.

Kazmi quoted extensively from previous judgments to argue that he must be given ‘‘sufficient time’’ to study the charges levelled by the prosecution so that he could come up with an ‘‘adequate strategy’’ to defend Kasab. He emphasised that he was appointed to defend Kasab only on April 16, and had little time to read the documents related to the case.

Judge M L Tahaliyani seemed to agree in principle with Kazmi that lawyers should get sufficient time to study the charges, but added, ‘‘ How much time is for me to decide’’. He will pass an order on the plea on Wednesday.

Kasab sat quietly in the courtroom and observed the proceedings keenly. Kazmi had informed court that Kasab wanted to give him ‘‘detailed instructions’’ during the trial and thus wanted to read the charges himself. ‘‘This is not a kangaroo court. It is a historical trial with international ramifications and the accused must be given every opportunity to defend himself,’’ Kazmi argued.

On Tuesday, Nikam also filed an application asking the court to conduct an inquiry into whether Kasab was a minor or not. Kasab has claimed that he was less than 17-years-old when the attack took place. It is now up to Judge Tahaliyani to decide whether he wants to send him for medical tests to verify the fact.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/LATEST-NEWS/Kasabs_lawyer_asks_for_one_month_to_study_chargesheet/articleshow/4432925.cms

Manmohan not UPA's candidate for top job: Modi

2009-04-20T21:14:00.000-07:00

NAVSARI/RAJULA: Taking the 'weak' prime minister charge further, Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi said Manmohan Singh was the prime ministerial candidate only of the Gandhis and not of the entire UPA.

"Only the mother (Sonia Gandhi), son (Rahul) and daughter (Priyanka) keep saying that Singh is PM candidate. He is the candidate of Sonia Gandhi's family," he said.

"Except for Sonia Gandhi's family, nobody is rooting for Singh. Even senior Congress leaders like Arjun Singh and Kamal Nath are not acknowledging him for the top job," he said addressing election rallies in Gujarat.

Modi appealed to the people to choose between 'dynastic and opportunistic rule' and a nationalist government.

Modi also said preferably the prime minister should be an elected one and not nominated.

"Elected PM reflects the strength of democracy while a nominated one depicts strength of dynastic rule. He should have the people's support not just one family's," Modi added.

He said NCP chief Sharad Pawar "wants to become a Prime Minister. On more than one occasion, his RJD counterpart and Railway Minister too has expressed a similar desire."

"Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh and BSP chief Mayawati too cannot be ruled out for the job," Modi said.

Source: TOI

Pak groups rope in Babbar Khalsa to launch attacks

2009-04-20T21:12:00.000-07:00

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Pak groups rope in Babbar Khalsa to launch attacks

NEW DELHI: As part of their larger plan to target prominent politicians and carry out blasts in India during Lok Sabha polls, Pakistan-based terror groups have roped in Khalistani outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) to carry out terror attacks — particularly in Punjab.

Indian intelligence agencies recently found out about a joint meeting between militants of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed with BKI chief Wadhawan Singh in Rawalpindi in February where they planned terror attacks in Punjab during polls.

Wadhawan Singh, hiding in Pakistan, is one of the 40 most wanted terrorists who found place in New Delhi's list to Islamabad for deportation. Intelligence agencies believe that Singh has constantly been in touch with radical elements in the Sikh community to carry out his plan.

Sources in the agencies said the terrorist outfits had planned to take help of local BKI activists for logistics. Similar meeting had also taken place in December last year when Pak-based terror groups had planned to infiltrate their cadres through fenced western border in Punjab and Rajasthan, sources added.

Punjab will go to poll in the fourth and fifth phases on May 7 and 13. The home ministry has, meanwhile, alerted the state to take adequate measures in coordination with central intelligence and security agencies to thwart any such attempts.

Sources in the ministry said similar alerts had also been sent to other states and Union Territories as the government has intelligence inputs suggesting attacks on prominent politicians during the polls.

Agencies here believe that Wadhawan Singh continues to be a vital link between terrorists in other countries and some radical elements in the Sikh community in Punjab.

The intent of BKI and its patrons was evident in 2005 when investigation into the bombing of Liberty cinema in Delhi led to the arrest of its agent, Jagtar Singh Hawara, wanted for the assassination of former Punjab CM Beant Singh.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Pak-terror-groups-rope-in-Babbar-Khalsa/articleshow/4427738.cms

US announces $5m reward for info about Haqqani, Mehsud

2009-03-26T23:53:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON: The United States on Wednesday offered $5 million bounty each for Sirajuddin Haqqani, believed to have been involved in the bombing of the Indian Embassy in Kabul at the instance of Pakistan's ISI, and Baitullah Mehsud, a suspect in the assassination of Benazir Bhutto.

The remuneration, under the state department’s Rewards for Justice scheme, is for ''information leading to the location, arrest, and/or conviction,'' of Haqqani and Mehsud, officials said. A separate $1 million reward was also announced for Abu Yahya al-Libi, described as a prominent member of al-Qaida.

The reward for Haqqani particularly will interest New Delhi since Washington believes the Haqqani network executed the bombing of the Indian Embassy in Kabul at the instance of ISI.

US electronic intercepts is said to have yielded ''ISI fingerprints'' on the operation in the form of communication about the attack, which some experts believe was conducted by Pakistan to warn India about its growing influence in Afghanistan.

The US reward incidentally covers only Siraj Haqqani while leaving out his father Jalaluddin Haqqani, who was once seen as an American ally during the Afghan War when Washington used the mujaheddin to oust the then Soviet Union. Haqqani sr. is also believed to be ailing and close to death.

Terrorism analyst Bill Roggio told ToI that the reward for the junior Haqqani alone was probably made at the behest of ISI, which believes it can cause a rift between the father and son.

Pakistan has routinely tried the strategy of playing off one faction of extremists against another to achieve its tactical goals. In Swat, Islamabad has signed a peace deal with what it regards as a moderate Talibanist, Sufi Mohammed, in an effort to rein in his more extremist son-in-law Maulana Fazlullah.

Subsequent to the Kabul attack, Pakistan’s army chief Pervez Ashraf Kiyani, a former ISI Director General, had described Haqqani as a strategic asset. It was not clear whether he was referring to the father or son or both.

In another example of the wages of Pakistan’s divide-and-rule tactics, a suicide bomber sent by Baitullah Mehsud on Thursday blew himself up in a restaurant near the town of Tank in an effort to kill a pro-government militant named Turkistan Bitani, resulting in the death of 11 Bitani men. Bitani himself escaped the attack.

The Mehsud and Bitani clans have been at loggerheads in Pakistan’s restive frontier province. Mehsud had killed Bitani’s brother, who was strangely named Hindustan, in an attack last year to avenge the death of 35 of his men. Such internecine fighting is in any case common in the Frontier region.

The rewards for justice program has unclaimed booty of $ 25 million each for Osama bin Laden and Ayman Al Zawahiri, both accused in the 9/11 attacks and on the lam in nearly a decade since.

However, the program has paid more than $77 million to over 50 people who provided information that ''prevented international terrorist attacks or helped bring to justice those involved in prior acts.''

Those reported under the program include Saddam Hussein’s sons Uday and Qusai, first World Trade Center attack accused Ramzi Yousef, and Mir Aimal Kansi, who was charged with the brazen assassination of CIA analysts right outside the agency headquarters in Langley, Virginia.

Source: TOI

US wary over N Korea's rocket launch plan

2009-03-26T23:50:00.000-07:00

SEOUL: North Korea's positioning of a rocket on its east coast launchpad ratcheted up tensions with Washington, which warned that pushing ahead with the April launch would violate a UN ban and have serious consequences.

Pyongyang says the rocket is designed to carry its Kwangmyongsong-2 satellite into orbit, an accomplishment timed for the eve of the inaugural session of North Korea's new parliament and for late founder Kim Il Sung's April 15 birthday.

But regional powers suspect the North will use the launch to test the delivery technology for a long-range missile, one capable of striking Alaska, or may even test-fire the intercontinental Taepodong-2 missile itself. Keeping speculation about the payload alive, North Korea reportedly has kept the top of the rocket covered.

In Washington on Thursday, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs reiterated comments made a day earlier by US secretary of state Hillary Clinton that any rocket launch would be “provocative'' and violate Security Council resolutions.

Clinton warned that the launch could jeopardize the stalled talks on supplying North Korea with aid and other concessions in exchange for dismantling its nuclear program.

Source: TOI

EPF panel rejects plan to invest funds in stocks

2009-03-26T23:43:00.000-07:00

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EPF panel rejects plan to invest funds in stocks

NEW DELHI: An Employees Provident Fund Organisation committee has rejected the finance ministry's proposal to invest 15% of the EPF corpus in stocks.

At a meeting held here on Thursday, EPFO's finance and investment committee rejected the proposal for parking up to 15% of the corpus of Rs 1,82,000 crore in shares of listed companies as also equity-linked schemes of mutual funds.

Sources said the committee was opposed to the finance ministry's proposal in view of the volatility witnessed in the stock markets in the recent past.

The finance ministry had in August last year suggested a new investment pattern to EPFO under which the organisation could park up to 15% of its funds in companies listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange and also equity-linked schemes of Sebi-regulated mutual funds.

The trade unions were vehemently opposed to this proposal. The trade union representatives on EPFO's central board of trustees had at its meetings argued that PF money should instead be parked in public sector financial institutions which were much safer than the volatile stock markets.

The finance ministry had come out with the proposal after EPFO allowed private players HSBC, Reliance Capital and ICICI Prudential to manage the incremental funds of EPFO in July last year. EPFO had also selected the country's largest public sector bank, State Bank of India, for the purpose.

The ministry wanted EPFO to invest in stocks to increase its yield on the funds. In April last year, the banks were offering an interest rate of 9% or more. But EPFO found it difficult to announce even 8.5% returns for 2008-09.

Source: TOI

SBI officers to go on nationwide strike on Apr 8-9

2009-03-23T21:57:00.000-07:00

New Delhi, Mar 23 (PTI) Officers of the country' largest lender the State Bank of India have decided to go on a two-day nationwide strike from April 8 to press for hiring officers and revising pay scales.

"There is a shortage of 7,000-8,000 officers across the country. If you take into account the new branches, this figure will cross 10,000 ," All India State Bank Officers' Federation President T N Goel told PTI.

He further said 25 per cent branches have only one officer, though the core banking solution (CBS) requires minimum two officers in each branch.

In Delhi circle, more than 300 branches are running with a single officer, he added.

Currently, around 65,000 officers are employed in over 11,000 branches of the bank across the country.

The union is demanding minimum two officers at all existing CBS branches and is against opening of new branches without minimum staff and adequate infrastructure.

There is also demanding for improvement of pension scheme, revision of pay scales, regulated working hours, among other things.

The officers' union has threatened to go on an indefinite nationwide strike in May if their demands are not met. PTI

PM visits Golden Temple

2009-03-23T21:53:00.001-07:00

Amritsar, March 24 (PTI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today paid obeisance at the Golden Temple here during his first visit outside Delhi after undergoing a heart bypass surgery.

Making an early morning trip to the holiest Sikh shrine, Singh accompanied by his wife Gurusharan reached the complex at 6:am and spent an hour there.

Inside the shrine's sanctum sanctorum, Jatehdar Akal Takht Gyani Gurbanchan Singh offered Singh and his wife a Siropa (a robe of honour).

After getting the siropa, Singh sat in the VIP enclosure and listened to gurubani (religious hymns) for half-an-hour.

Amidst tight security, the Prime Minister took a full round of the marbled periphery and paid obeisance at various points at the Temple. He later visited the nearby Durgiana temple.

SGPC President Avtar Singh Makkar and SGPC Secretary Delgmegh Singh were among others who accompanied the Prime Minister and his wife.

Thereafter, Singh and his wife were escorted to the Information Centre of the Golden Temple where the couple were presented a replica of Golden Temple, set of Sikh religious books and shawls by Makkar.

During tea at the Centre, Makkar discussed various issues with Singh including the plight of the Sikh and Hindu communities in Taliban-controlled Swat Valley of Pakistan. PTI

BJP rejects EC advice on Varun, says he will contest polls

2009-03-23T21:50:00.000-07:00

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New Delhi, Mar 23 (PTI) A defiant BJP today today rejected the Election Commission's advice to it not not to nominate Varun Gandhi as candidate in the Lok Sabha elections and threw its full weight behind his candidature in Pilibhit.

The young member of the Gandhi family also put up a defiant posture accusing the EC of acting in "haste" and going beyond its "jurisdiction", "pressurised by political considerations".

The morning after the EC's unprecedented action of recommending to BJP that Varun not be nominated as its candidate in the elections in view of his hate speeches, top leaders of the party met at the residence of senior leader L K Advani and decided to take on the Commission.

"He (Varun) is our candidate. We have turned down the advice (of the EC) because it does not have the right to give such an advice," party spokesman Balbir Punj told reporters after meeting Varun at his residence.

In a no-holds-barred attack on the EC, Punj said the EC does not have the technical knowhow to verify the authenticity of the CD containing the speeches of Varun, which he said should have been done by a neutral expert.

While BJP attacked the EC's decision, the advice was hailed by its ally JD(U) and rivals Congress and Samajwadi Party. Varun also got a piece of advice from his cousin Priyanka who asked him to read the 'Gita' and understand it properly. PTI

Chidambaram hits back at BCCI, BJP

2009-03-23T21:49:00.000-07:00

New Delhi, Mar 23 (PTI) In a sharp reaction to the criticism of the Central government over the IPL issue, Union Home Minister P Chidambaram today hit back at the BCCI and the BJP, saying that the cricket tournament was a "shrewd combination of sport and business" and there was no need to add politics to it.

A day after the BCCI announced that the second edition of the IPL was being shifted to a foreign country because of security issues in India, Chidambaram told a press conference that while he had no comment on that decision, he had read a number of statements which obliquely criticised the Central government. "These statements require an answer. Some unwarranted comments also deserve a rejoinder," he added.

Taking on Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who had described the shifting of the IPL out of India as a "national shame", the Home Minister said that most people in India thought that the Gujarat communal riots of 2002 were a national shame.

To another BJP leader Arjun Jaitley's comments that the decision will send a negative message to the world and that the Congress-ruled states have been non-cooperative towards holding of IPL in India, Chidambaram said, "I know that Mr Jaitley has a penchant for exaggeration, but because he also wears the cap of the president of the DDCA he seems to have gone overboard this time." PTI

Airfares drop in Asia-Pacific but rises in India: Study

2009-03-23T21:48:00.000-07:00

New Delhi, Mar 17 (PTI) The global economic crisis saw air fares in Asia-Pacific region fall by an average nine per cent, but "reduced competition" in India saw them grow by five per cent in the last quarter of 2008 compared to the previous quarter, says a study.

"In India, reduced competition in the industry saw airfares increase by five per cent from the previous quarter- the largest quarterly increase across the Asia Pacific region," the American Express Asia Pacific Business Travel Monitor said in a study.

Maintaining that domestic travel prices in India rose by eight per cent quarter-on-quarter, it said the full Business Class airfares recorded the biggest quarter-on-quarter spike at ten per cent, though it was less than half of its year-on-year increase of 23 per cent.

Commenting on the findings, American Express Business Travel India Vice President Manoj Chacko said the Asia Pacific published airfares flattened out for the fourth quarter of 2008, curtailing a bullish year that saw year-on-year airfare increases averaging nine per cent.

"During the first half of 2008, the economy was strong and airlines responded with airfare increases across all classes and destinations. PTI

Zardari weakened, may be eased out: Analysts

2009-03-16T21:11:00.000-07:00

ISLAMABAD: Asif Ali Zardari may have emerged as a weakened President after giving in to opposition leader Nawaz Sharif's demand for reinstating the Supreme Court Chief Justice and his days in power may be numbered, say analysts.

After a weekend of violent protests and a massive show of strength in Lahore by Sharif, who defied his house arrest to lead thousands of protestors towards Islamabad, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani announced that sacked Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry would be restored on March 21.

Gilani's move reflected the growing isolation of Zardari within the ruling Pakistan People's Party, over which he had exercised complete control after being named party chief in the wake of the assassination of his wife, former premier Benazir Bhutto, in December 2007.

"The President has been highly weakened by the latest developments. His actions were untenable and were rejected by the people and even his own party," said Lt Gen (retd) Talat Masood, one of Pakistan's leading political and security analysts.

Former ISI chief Hamid Gul felt that "If Zardari does not mend his approach to the problem, then he would have to say goodbye to President's House very soon."

"He (Zardari) is a very weak politician who does not understand the mood and the temperature of the people. He tried to run the affairs of the state by gimmickry rather than by principles and that is where he has gone wrong," he said.

Political analyst Harris Khalique said Zardari had been misled by aides who believed Sharif would not be able to organise a major protest and today's developments should serve as a "reality check" for the President.

"If the common people can bring down a strong military dictator, they can also bring down a man with a serious credibility crisis," Khalique said, referring to the movement by lawyers and opposition parties last year that led to the ouster of former military ruler Pervez Musharraf.

The developments had also proved that Zardari was "largely a successor" to the leadership of the PPP and "not a political leader in his own right," he said.

Former premier Sharif had backed a "long march" by the lawyers' movement to reinstate the deposed judges after the Supreme Court last month barred him and his brother, former Punjab chief minister Shahbaz Sharif, from electoral politics. The Sharifs accused Zardari of influencing the verdict and said he had packed the Supreme Court with hand-picked judges.

Even as Zardari grappled with the new onslaught by his former ally, he has had to contend with growing dissent within the PPP. Gilani openly opposed the President's move to impose Governor's Rule in Punjab, which was ruled by the PML-N, while two senior ministers —Raza Rabbani and Sherry Rehman — quit to express their unhappiness with Zardari's functioning.

Analysts said Gilani, who was hand-picked for the post of Prime Minister by Zardari, had emerged stronger from the political crisis by convincing the President to reinstate the former Chief Justice.

"Gilani's stature has improved as he is now perceived as honest and reliable," said Masood. Though his abilities as an administrator remained questionable, Gilani now had a "higher level of credibility," he said.

"The Prime Minister will be more assertive now and he could help the parliament re-assert itself," Masood said.

Khalique said that though the PPP had initially played a key role in the movement for restoring the deposed judges, it was now responsible for relinquishing that role to "right wing forces" that could seek further concessions from the government, particularly in the fight against militancy.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/World/Pakistan/Zardari_weakened_may_be_eased_out_Analysts/articleshow/4272595.cms

ATS clean chit to IM leaves Crime Branch red-faced

2009-03-16T21:06:00.000-07:00

The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) is likely to discharge Indian Mujahideen (IM) co-founder Sadiq Shaikh in the July 11, 2006 train blasts case, indicating that no evidence was found to link the outfit with the terror attack. The move may, however, leave the city crime branch red-faced.

In September and October last year, Mumbai crime branch arrested 21 people, who, it said were IM members and stated that during interrogations, Sadiq revealed his involvement in the blasts. This revelation came as a shock to the ATS since it had already arrested 13 suspected SIMI members in the train blasts case and filed a 11,000-page chargesheet against them.

It is learnt that the ATS, which questioned Sadiq for over two weeks, was not convinced with the crime branch's theory. An ATS officer said that Sadiq (31) was giving contradictory statements — sometimes he said his group was involved and at other times he said he gave this statement under pressure.

"We arrested him on February 28 in the train blast case and questioned him. However, there is no evidence to link him with the train blasts. We will soon file a report in court asking for Sadiq to be discharged in this case,'' an ATS officer said.

A news channel had recently aired a CD containing Sadiq's confessional statement about the train blast. However, the ATS has rubished all these claims, giving Sadiq a clean chit.

TOI had earlier reported that during a polygraph test Sadiq told the forensic experts that he had lied about the outfit's involvement in the train blasts. This brought a new twist to the tale as Sadiq, till then, had told the Mumbai crime branch, the Ahmedabad police and the Delhi police that he and his accomplices engineered the explosions.

The state forensic science laboratory on Saturday sent a brain mapping and polygraph test report to the ATS saying as per the tests he was not involved in the train blasts and that he had lied during the interrogations conducted by other agencies.

The crime branch had claimed that the bombs for the blasts were manufactured in a Sewree flat and the RDX was procured by a wanted accused, Riyaz Bhatkal. But the ATS is sticking to its old theory that the bombs were assembled at a 100 sq ft flat in Govandi and not at Sewree. The ATS said that the RDX was procured by a Pakistani Ehsanullah, who had illegally entered India along with 10 other Pakistani accomplices.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/711-ATS-clears-IM-Crime-Branch-in-a-spot/articleshow/4273196.cms

Chances of army takeover 'absolutely nil' in Pak: Sharif

2009-03-13T22:09:00.001-07:00

ISLAMABAD: Amid worsening political situation in Pakistan, former Premier Nawaz Sharif, who was overthrown in a military coup in 1999, has said the chances of an army takeover of the country are "absolutely nil".

Sharif, who has locked horns with President Asif Ali Zardari over the issue of reinstatement of sacked judges, said his PML-N party will go ahead with its long march for restoration of the justices despite a crackdown launched by authorities.

"Talks with President Zardari (are) possible only after he reinstates the judges as promised to us earlier," he told an Indian news channel.

"There is a massive credibility gap and trust deficit between Zardari and us. By offering talks, the government is only buying time. The government has not done anything to undo what the 'kangaroo' courts have done," he said.

Tensions between the former allies escalated after the supreme court recently barred Sharif and his brother Shahbaz from contesting polls and holding public offices, resulting in Shahbaz's removal as chief minister of Punjab province, where governor's rule was also imposed.

"The president got the supreme court to make me and Shahbaz Sharif ineligible to contest elections and further went ahead to impose governor's rule in Punjab when there was no breakdown of law and order in the state," the two-time former premier told the channel.

Source: TOI

Pak crisis deepens, Sharif remains defiant

2009-03-13T22:08:00.001-07:00

KARACHI: Pakistan's political crisis deepened on Thursday with a defiant Nawaz Sharif rebuffing ruling PPP government's offers for talks as police lathicharged activists and detained politicians and lawyers who demanded immediate reinstatement of sacked judges.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Ghafoor Ahmed and Karachi Bar Association President Muhammad Ali Abbasi were among over 350 political activists and lawyers detained across the country.

There were indications of a possible showdown between President Asif Ali Zardari and his one-time ally Sharif who accused the government of not doing anything to undo what the "kangaroo" courts have done.

"Talks with President Zardari are possible only after he reinstates the judges as promised to us earlier," Sharif said pressing his demand for restoration of independent-minded judges removed by then President Pervez Musharraf during emergency rule in 2007.

Some of them could turn hostile to Zardari, who for this reason, may not have pushed hard for their re-induction, said a report.

Sharif's comments came after the government struck a conciliatory tone and expressed its readiness for talks and said it was "in principle" not against the 'Long March' set off by the protestors from Karachi to Islamabad.

Government had told the protestors to culminate their march at an alternate site other than outside Parliament House but this was not acceptable.

Tensions between the former allies escalated after the Supreme Court recently barred Sharif and his brother, Shahbaz, from contesting polls and holding public offices, resulting in Shahbaz's removal as Punjab chief minister.

The government ban on demonstrations and processions, earlier limited to Sindh and Punjab provinces, was on Thursday extended to the whole of the country.

Already on the backfoot, Zardari is facing heat from several quarters. Sharif has gone on the offensive and there are reports that Army chief Gen Ashfaq Kayani is unhappy with the President's functioning and wants him to quickly clear the political mess.
Sharif sought to dispel Western fears of an army rule saying chances of such a takeover are "absoluteoly nil".

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, handpicked by Zardari for the key post, has also made known his disapproval of certain actions of the president.

Zardari also faces trouble from the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) with extremist elements tightening their stranglehold.

"The president got the Supreme Court to make me and Shahbaz ineligible to contest elections and further went ahead to impose governor's rule in Punjab when there was no breakdown of law and order in the state," Sharif, who held the PM's post twice, said.

This was disputed by interior ministry chief Rehman Malik who said "we didn't know that the Supreme Court will disqualify them".

Source: TOI

ISI must cut ties with extremists, US to Pak

2009-03-13T22:04:00.000-07:00

US wants Pakistan to reform its notorious Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency, shift its focus from India to Afghanistan and train its troops in counter-insurgency to meet the terrorist threat at home.

Pakistan army chief General Ashfaq Kayani "recognises that he has an extremist threat in Pakistan", Admiral Michael Mullen, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in an interview with PBS broadcast late on Thursday.

"They've lost many, many citizens. And, in fact, if you look at the suicide bombings which have occurred over the last year or so, they've actually moved towards - and a couple of them have actually occurred in Islamabad."

"So he recognizes there's a serious extremist terrorist threat inside his country," Mullen said when asked how he would get Kayani to use his military forces not in anticipation of conflict with India, but more in pursuit of forces that want to destabilise Pakistan.

"Clearly, the Mumbai attacks in India put him in a position where he had to focus more on the Indian border, and he has," he said adding, "I mean, he's a chief who's got threats coming from both directions."

But giving "a lot of credit" to former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Mullen said "they actually de-tensioned that border during President Musharraf's time, and in fact the tourism started to flourish, there was trade which started to flourish across that border."

"And all that got suspended with the Mumbai attacks," he noted. "So General Kayani knows what he has to do. He needs to move more troops to the west and he needs to train them in counterinsurgency."

Kayani "certainly is aware of the concerns that I have with respect to his intelligence agency, ISI", Mullen said.

"They have been very attached to many of these extremist organizations," he said warning that "in the long run, they have got to completely cut ties with those in order to really move in the right direction".

"ISI fundamentally has to change its strategic approach, which has been clear to focus on India as well as Afghanistan," Mullen said. "And I don't believe they can make a lot of progress until that actually occurs."

Kayani, he said, had appointed in Lt Gen Ahmad Shuja Pasha, "one of his best guys", as the new director of ISI. "I'm encouraged with his views and I'm encouraged with how he sees the problem." But "it's going to take some time to get at it inside ISI".

Zardari to lift Governor's rule in Punjab: Pak media

2009-03-13T22:02:00.000-07:00

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Islamabad, Mar 13 (PTI) Buckling under intense domestic and international pressure, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari today decided to lift Governor's rule in Punjab and allow the main opposition PML-N to form government in the politically-crucial province, local media reports said.

This came after the beleaguered Zardari was put on notice by the US, which reportedly gave him a 24-hour ultimatum to ease the simmering political crisis in Pakistan amid speculation that a deal brokered by Washington and the UK in consultation with the Pakistan army had been conveyed to the government.

After holding back-to-back meetings with Premier Yousuf Raza Gilani and army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Zardari was ready "in principle" to end Governor's Rule in Punjab, imposed on February 25 after the Supreme Court barred PML-N leaders Nawaz and Shahbaz Sharif from holding elected office, Dawn News channel quoted official sources as saying.

However, there was no official word on the development. PTI

Gandhi memorabilia owner to file case to get items back

2009-03-13T22:01:00.000-07:00

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New York, Mar 13 (PTI) US-based collector James Otis, owner of Mahatma Gandhi five items which were auctioned off by the Antiquorum Auctioneers for USD 1.8 million, said he will file a case in the New York State Supreme Court in an effort get the items back.

Talking to PTI today, Otis said his lawyers are finalising the details. He did not say on what grounds he would be seeking the items back.

Mahatma Gandhi's iconic round eye glasses and other personal belongings-- pocket watch, sandals, glasses, bowl and plate were bought by Indian liquor baron Vijay Mallya recently in an auction here. PTI

India gives more evidence to Pak, asks it to act quickly

2009-03-13T21:36:00.000-07:00

New Delhi, Mar 13 (PTI) Responding to Pakistan's queries on Mumbai terror attacks, India today gave it more evidence, including DNA profile and voice recordings of terrorists, and pressed it to prosecute the perpetrators quickly on the basis of "very comprehensive" and "solid" information.

The 401-page dossier, containing question-by-question replies and annexures, was handed over by Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon to Pakistan's High Commissioner to India Shahid Malik here, a month after Islamabad sought more information to help its probe into 26/11.

The second dossier given to Pakistan in two months included telephone conversations of the 10 attackers and their Pakistan-based handlers intercepted during the 60-hour carnage, fingerprints, DNA profiles and other details of the terrorists who struck in Mumbai.

The dossier also included forensic analysis of GPS, ammunition and other equipment used by the terrorists.

The answers to Pakistan's questions are "very comprehensive" and "enough" for it to act fast against the perpetrators of the attacks, Home Minister P Chidambaram said about the dossier that comprised documents and CDs.

"We expect Pakistan to take investigations forward quickly, apprehend all the culprits and either hand them over to India for prosecution and punishment or prosecute them and punish them in Pakistan," he said. PTI

PM will attend G-20 Summit in London

2009-03-13T00:17:00.001-07:00

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New Delhi, Mar 12 (PTI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will attend the G-20 Summit in London on April 2, his office confirmed today, ending suspense about whether he would be travelling in view of his bypass surgery.

Singh will undertake four-day visit to London from April one to attend the crucial meeting convened to discuss the global meltdown and ways to deal with it, PMO officials said.

The confirmation ends the suspense about whether he would be travelling as he is recuperating from bypass surgery conducted around seven weeks back.

During the visit, the Prime Minister is expected to have his first meeting with US President Barack Obama since the latter assumed office in January.

The two leaders, who are expected to meet on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit, would be reviewing the bilateral relations and discuss ways to take these forward.

Singh is expected to have bilateral meetings with some other world leaders, including British Prime Minister Gordan Brown.

Singh underwent a bypass surgery on January 24 and has since been recovering fast. He has started attending to some work and a few official functions.

The G-20 Summit, a group of developed and major developing countries, is meeting for the second time in five months to discuss how the global financial crisis could be dealt with. PTI

Pak warns Sharif over anti-govt speeches

2009-03-10T01:18:00.001-07:00

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's top security official warned opposition leader Nawaz Sharif on Monday that his recent anti-government speeches amount to treason.

Pakistan's interior ministry chief Rehman Malik said the government had "no intention" of arresting Sharif but suggested it had the grounds to do so.

Political tensions are rising in Pakistan ahead of a planned anti-government rally in the capital by Sharif's party and lawyers later this week. The crisis comes as the nuclear-armed country battles rising violence by al-Qaida and Taliban militants.

In a televised media conference, Malik read out extracts from several speeches he said were made by Sharif, a former prime minister, in recent weeks.

"Inciting people for disobedience is sedition. ... It could get life imprisonment and a fine," Malik said.

Any move to arrest Sharif or other high-profile members of his party would be a major escalation of the crisis and would likely trigger violent protests.

Rehman also appealed for Sharif to negotiate with the government for a solution to the crisis, which was triggered last month when the Supreme Court banned the opposition leader and his brother from elected office.

Malik said the government would not outlaw the march but said the protesters would not be allowed to rally in front of the parliament building or other downtown areas, as they are planning. He suggested they protest in a park on the outskirts of the Islamabad.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Pak_warns_Sharif_over_anti-govt_speeches/articleshow/4246540.cms

BRT project selected for Taiwan award

2009-03-10T01:17:00.001-07:00

NEW DELHI: Delhi government might be receiving flak for the controversial Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor here, but the project has been selected for an award by a Taiwan-based organisation.

Delhi chief secretary Rakesh Mehta has left for Tainan city in Taiwan to receive the award at a function on Wednesday at an Asia Pacific conference being organised by a voluntary body, People to People International's Tainan Chapter.

Before leaving for Taiwan, Mehta said international experts have complimented the project and there is need to educate people about usage of the corridor.

"BRT is going to provide efficient mass transportation," he said, adding the fact that the project has been chosen for the Asia Pacific award indicates its importance.

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India in its latest report had pulled up the Delhi government for implementing the project in haste ignoring suggestions from the concerned experts.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/BRT-project-selected-for-Taiwan-award/articleshow/4249316.cms

Yoga Breath

2009-03-05T03:58:00.000-08:00

Practice this sequence daily. Move gently and mindfully while breathing slowly. At first, try these techniques at times when you are not anxious; it’s easier to learn them then. Aim to have them mastered to use when you feel especially nervous. Caution: Avoid these poses if you are pregnant; have heart disease, very high or low blood pressure, epilepsy, an eye or ear disorder, or a neck, shoulder, or abdominal injury; or have had a stroke.

Standing Prayer Breath

Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart. Bring your palms together in front of your chest in prayer position, as pictured. Inhale as you raise your pressed palms and arms overhead. Relax your shoulders and press them down into your back.
Exhale as you separate your hands and sweep them out and down to your sides, and then draw them back up to the starting prayer position. Repeat 3 to 10 times, allowing your breath to follow your movements. Make your exhalations slightly longer each time, gradually slowing your pace.
Repeat this breath in reverse. Starting with your hands in prayer position, inhale as you separate your hands, lower your arms to your sides, and then sweep them out and up until your palms touch overhead.
Exhale as you draw your pressed palms down the centerline of your body, stopping in front of your heart. Repeat 3 to 10 times. Make your exhalations slightly longer each time, gradually slowing your pace.

Seated Yoga Mudra

Kneel on the floor, keeping your spine tall, and then sit on your heels. (This may feel better if you place a pillow on your calves.) Move your arms behind your back and clasp your fingers or hold a scarf. Squeeze your shoulders together and lower them into your back.
Exhale, bending forward from your hips with a flat back until your forehead touches the floor in front of you. (If this is difficult, place a pillow under your head.) Your clasped hands should rise toward the ceiling. Hold for 3 to 10 steady breaths. Stop here if you are a beginner.
If you would like to continue, draw in your abdominal muscles and roll your body forward onto the crown of your head, raising your hips up away from your heels, as pictured. Your arms should still point toward the ceiling. Remember to keep your shoulders pressed away from your ears. Hold for 3 to 10 breaths.
To release, slowly lower your hips down to your heels, rolling back onto your forehead. Use your abdominal muscles to gradually lift your torso to an upright position, keeping your back flat. Separate your fingers, close your eyes, and allow your hands to float to your knees.

Breathing Meditation

Sit tall in a chair or cross-legged on the floor on the edge of a pillow. Press your sitting bones (the two knobby bones in your buttocks) into the chair or floor, lift your chest slightly, and relax your shoulders. Rest your palms on your knees and close your eyes, as pictured.
Breathe in and out through your nose, inhaling for 4 counts and exhaling for 4. Continue for 2 to 3 minutes, gradually lengthening your exhalation so that you inhale for 4 counts and exhale for 6. Do not force your breath.
After practicing steps 1 and 2 for several weeks, move on to a more advanced pattern: Inhale for 4 counts, hold gently for 2 counts, and exhale for 6. Continue for a full minute. If you feel any strain, eliminate the 2-count hold.
Return to inhaling for 4 counts and exhaling for 6 for 2 to 3 minutes. Gradually let go of counting and return to your natural breathing. Lie down on your back for 5 minutes and rest.

Surya Namaskar: The Sun Salutation

2009-03-05T03:57:00.000-08:00

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In Hindu mythology, the sun god is worshipped as a symbol of health and immortal life. The Rig Veda declares that "Surya is the Soul, both of the moving and unmoving beings". The Sun Salutation originated as a series of prostrations to the sun. Traditionally, it is performed at dawn, facing the rising sun. In time, each of the twelve positions came to have its own mantra, celebrating aspects of the sun's divinity.

The Sun Salutation is a graceful sequence of twelve positions performed as one continuous exercise. Each position counteracts the one before, stretching the body in a different way and alternately expanding and contracting the chest to regulate the breathing. Practiced daily it will bring great flexibility to your spine and joints and trim your waist. It limbers up the whole body in preperation for the Asanas (postures) as taught by Swami Vishnu-devananda, founder/Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers

Steps:

Stand erect with feet together and hands in the prayer position in front of your chest. Make sure your weight is evenly distributed. Exhale.
Inhaling, stretch your arms up and arch back from the waist, pushing the hips out, legs straight. Relax your neck.
Exhaling, fold forward, and press your palms down, fingertips in line with toes - bend your knees if necessary.
Inhaling, bring the left (or right) leg back and place the knee on the floor. Arch back and look up, lifting your chin.
Retaining the breath, bring the other leg back and support your weight on hands and toes.
Exhaling, lower your knees, then your chest and then your forehead, keeping your hips up and your toes curled under.
Inhaling, lower your hips, point your toes and bend back. Keep legs together and shoulders down. Look up and back.
Exhaling, curl your toes under, raise your hips and pivot into an inverted "V"shape. Try to push your heels and head down and keep your shoulders back.
Inhaling, step forward and place the left (or right) foot between your hands. Rest the other knee on the floor and look up, as in position 4.
Exhaling, bring the other leg forward and bend down from the waist, keeping your palms as in position 3.
Inhaling, streach your arms forward, then up and back over your head and bend back slowly from the waist, as in position 1.
Exhaling, gently come back to an upright position and bring your arms down by your sides.

Yoga - Diet

2009-03-05T03:56:00.000-08:00

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The yogic diet is a vegetarian one, consisting of pure, simple, natural foods which are easily digested and promote health. Simple meals aid the digestion and assimilation of foods. Nutritional requirements fall under five categories: protein, carbohydrates, minerals, fats and vitamins. One should have a certain knowledge of dietetics in order to balance the diet. Eating foods first-hand from nature, grown in fertile soil (preferably organic, free from chemicals and pesticides) will help ensure a better supply of these nutritional needs. Processing, refining and overcooking destroy much food value.

There is a cycle in nature known as the "food cycle" or "food chain". The Sun is the source of energy for all life on our planet; it nourishes the plants (the top of the food chain) which are then eaten by animals (vegetarian), which are then eaten by other animals (carnivores). The food at the top of the food chain, being directly nourished by the Sun, has the greatest life promoting properties. The food value of animal flesh is termed as "second-hand" source of nutrition, and is inferior in nature. All natural foods (fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts and grains) have, in varying quantities, different proportions of these essential nutrients.

As source of protein, these are easily assimilated by the body. However, second-hand sources are often more difficult to digest and are of less value to the body's metabolism.

Many people worry about whether they are getting enough protein, but neglect other factors. The quality of the protein is more important than the quantity alone. Dairy products, legumes, nuts and seeds provide the vegetarian with an adequate supply of protein. The high protein requirement still being used by many Health Departments is based on antiquated data and has been scientifically disproved many times in the laboratory. A healthy motto is: "Eat to live, not live to eat". It is best if we understand that the purpose of eating is to supply our being with the lifeforce,or Prana, the vital life energy. So the greatest nutritional plan for the Yoga student is the simple diet of natural fresh foods.

However, the true Yogic diet is actually even more selective than this. The Yogi is concerned with the subtle effect that food has on his mind and astral body. He therefore avoids foods which are overly stimulating, preferring those which render the mind calm and the intellect sharp. One who seriously takes to the path of Yoga would avoid ingesting meats, fish, eggs, onions, garlic, coffee, tea (except herbal), alcohol and drugs.

Any change in diet should be made gradually. Start by substituting larger portions of vegetables, grains, seeds and nuts until finally all flesh products have been completely eliminated from the diet.

The Yogic diet will help you attain a high standard of health, keen intellect and serenity of mind. To really understand the Yogic approach to diet one has to get familiar with the concept of the 3 Gunas or qualities of nature.

http://yoga.allindiansite.com/ydiet.html

Our terror background helped: Jayawardene

2009-03-03T22:40:00.000-08:00

Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene said his team's immediate reaction in taking cover when terrorists attacked their team bus in Lahore to the situation in his country.

"We have been brought up in a background of terrorist activities," Jayawardene told reporters after the players returned home.

"We are used to hearing, seeing these things – firing, bombings. So we ducked under our seats when the firing began. It was like natural instinct," he was quoted as saying by a cricket website.

Sri Lanka has seen civil war with Tamil Tiger rebels who are fighting for a separate homeland. The Sri Lanka cricketers were on their way to the Gaddafi stadium to play third day of the second and final Test when their bus was attacked by at least a dozen armed terrorists.

Six players were injured in the incident while eight others, most of them security personnel, were killed. Jayawardene felt the attack on the team could have happened anywhere and should not blacklist Pakistan.

"We were not aware of security lapses. It's an unfortunate incident. In hindsight, this could have happened anywhere in the world," he said.

"In the future, I think all of us will step back and look at the bigger picture besides just touring abroad, taking into account our families," added.

He said the players just wanted to spend time with their families now. "I am a Buddhist and I think we have done some merit in our previous birth to escape with minor injuries."

Lankan players arrive home after Lahore attack

Sri Lanka's cricketers were reunited with their families after returning home early on Wednesday following an attack by gunmen in Lahore.

The players were welcomed home to Bandaranaike International Airport by friends and families, cricket officials, sports minister Gamini Lokuge and a large media contingent.

Around a dozen gunmen attacked the team's bus on Tuesday with rifles, grenades and rockets, wounding six players and a British assistant coach and killing at least eight Pakistanis.

"It's great to be back in Sri Lanka with our families and loved ones," Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene said after the team's arrival home at 3.20am (2120 GMT).

"We are still shocked by what has happened but we are relieved that no one in the team suffered more serious injuries or were killed," he added.

Five players and assistant coach Paul Farbrace were transported straight to Nawaloka hospital in central Colombo for checks on their injuries.

The most seriously injured player was Thilan Samaraweera, who was shot in the leg. Doctors will decide on Wednesday whether to try to remove the bullet.

Early reports suggest he would be unable to play cricket for between six to eight weeks.

Tharanga Paranavitana, a 26-year-old playing his first international tour, was the next most seriously injured after being shot in the chest. The bullet, which narrowly missed his heart, was later removed by Pakistan doctors.

"I am fine now," Paranavitana said at the airport. "I feel very lucky."

The other players injured, all of whom suffered minor shrapnel wounds, included Jayawardene (ankle), Kumar Sangakkara (shoulder), Ajantha Mendis (head) and Suranga Lakmal (leg).

Jayawardene was the only player not sent to hospital on the team's return.

Sangakkara paid tribute to the team's bus driver, Mohammad Khalil, for saving lives.

"The truth is that we owe our lives to Khalil for the courage he showed in getting the bus going again after the initial attack and into the stadium," Sangakkara said.

"After the first shots the bus had come to a halt on the roundabout and we were sitting ducks for the terrorists, but he got us out of there just in time."

http://www.expressindia.com/

Lahore attack: Terrorists entered from India, says Pak

2009-03-03T22:38:00.000-08:00

Islamabad A Pakistani minister accused India of being behind the attack on Sri Lanka's cricket team in the city of Lahore on Tuesday, saying the attackers had crossed into Pakistan from India.

"The evidence which we have got shows that these terrorists entered from across the border from India," Sardar Nabil Ahmed Gabol, Minister of State for Shipping, told private Geo television. "This was a conspiracy to defame Pakistan internationally."

"This incident took place in reaction to 26/11," he said referring to the Mumbai attacks in November in which at least 170 people were killed. "It is a declaration of open war on Pakistan by India," said the minister, who is not one of the government's official spokesmen, but belongs to President Asif Ali Zardari's party.

Source: Reuters

Zardari apologises for terror attack on Lankan players

2009-03-03T22:34:00.000-08:00

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The Pakistani leadership expressed its sincere apologies to the Sri Lankan people for the "very unfortunate incident" in which seven players from the Island nation were injured when masked terrorist attacked the players' convoy in Lahore on Tuesday.

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari telephoned President Mahinda Rajapaksa today in Kathmandu to strongly condemn the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan cricketers, injuring seven players and killing eight policemen and others.

Earlier, Pakistan Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani had also telephoned President Rajapaksa to condemn the attack by gunmen near showpiece Gaddafi Stadium where the player were being taken at 9 am ahead of the third day's play in the second Test against Pakistan.

Both the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan conveyed their sincere apologies to the people and the Government of Sri Lanka for the harm caused to the Sri Lankan players by terrorists in Pakistan, a Sri Lankan foreign ministry said.

"They expressed their profound sympathy and concern for the welfare of the injured cricketers and assured President Rajapaksa that Pakistan is determined to combat terrorism and will work with the international community and Sri Lanka to defeat terrorism," it said in a statement.

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, who has been asked by Rajapaksa to rush to Pakistan, was associated with the President during the telephone discussions, the ministry statement said.

Source: www.hindustantimes.com

Poll dates any day, UPA clears building of 1 mn houses

2009-02-27T02:08:00.000-08:00

New Delhi The UPA government on Thursday cleared a scheme to build a million “affordable” houses across the country over four years to bridge the glaring gap in home-ownership and kick-start the sputtering economy. The scheme — to be notified next month — was cleared today, barely days before the Election Commission is expected to notify the elections and bring the code of conduct into effect.

A meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) gave the go-ahead for construction of a million houses in partnership with the private sector over the next four years.

The scheme, though targeted at housing for middle and low-income families, will also have 2.5 lakh houses for the economically weaker section (EWS).

The houses will have a plinth area of 300-1,200 sq ft and will be sold at a pre-determined price that is expected to be lower than the market price. While states will release land for building such affordable houses, the Centre will fund 25 per cent of the total costs on external civic infrastructure such as roads and water supply. It has set aside Rs 5,000 crore for this purpose.

While any city can initiate a housing proposal under the scheme, the government is largely looking at cities with a population of over a million.

Apart from the private sector, state housing boards, employees’ welfare housing societies are expected to partner the government.

The scheme will also fuel applications for home loans at reduced interest rates, the note said.

Source: the indian express

No talks till Pak takes steps to end terrorism: India

2009-02-27T01:54:00.000-08:00

Colombo In the first high-level contact with Pakistan since the Mumbai attacks, Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon on Thursday met his counterpart Salman Bashir in Colombo and rejected his suggestion for resumption of Composite Dialogue till Islamabad took credible steps to end terrorism.

Menon, who met Bashir on the sidelines of a SAARC conference, underlined that India and Pakistan had entered entirely a "new phase of relations" as Mumbai attacks has changed the situation.

Bashir stressed the need for resuming the composite dialogue but Menon made it known that it could happen only after India's sees credible action by Pakistan to dismantle terror infrastructure.

"We have paused the composite dialogue and official talks have been paused," Menon told reporters after the meeting.

"As far as resumption of composite dialogue is concerned, we have to see whether there is a real movement forward on (ending) terrorism. Our goal is to bring the perpetrators of Mumbai attack to justice," he said.

Noting that India wants to see perpetrators of Mumbai attack to be brought to justice, he referred to the queries sent by Pakistan in response to India's dossier and said initial steps were "positive".

"But we need to see what they do (in future)," Menon said.

A Pakistani Foreign Ministry statement said during his meeting with Menon, Bashir reiterated the need to resume the dialogue as soon as possible to promote "substantive engagement on all issues, including Kashmir."

Menon said both the diplomats reviewed the status of bilateral relations which were paused after the Mumbai attacks.

"It is clear that we are in a new phase of relations entirely. Mumbai has changed what we had taken. We have paused the composite dialogue and official talks have been put on hold," the Indian Foreign Secretary said.

Menon said there has to be credible action against dismantling of terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan.

"We have brought Pakistan to somewhere. It has to be recognised. Terrorism infrastructure inside that country has to be dismantled and credible steps towards this should be taken," he said.

"We have made it clear that we have no quarrel with the people of Pakistan. Trade and travel links between the two countries have not been affected," he said.

Menon said India does not doubt the sincerity of the civilian government in Pakistan. "But we need to see what they can do to eradicate the menace of terrorism."

The Indian Foreign Secretary said Pakistan's response to our January 5 dossier on Mumbai attacks was a positive step.

"They (Pakistan) shared some of the results of these investigation and asked us some questions. (Home Minister) P Chidambaran said we will come with a response to the demand once the chargesheet is filed," he said.

Menon said India will do whatever it can to encourage Pakistan to bring the perpetrators of Mumbai attacks "whoever it may be" to justice.

Source: the indian express

6% hike in DA for central Govt employees

2009-02-27T01:48:00.000-08:00

New Delhi In a decision that will have a total financial implication to the tune of Rs 6,020 crore over a 14 month period starting January 1, 2009, the Union Cabinet on Thursday approved a six percent hike in the Dearness Allowance (DA) given to Central Government employees and pensioners.

The decision will benefit 41 lakh government employees and another 38 lakh pensioners. Although revision of DA is done every six months, the quantum of the hike is being viewed as another poll sop doled out by the government with an eye on the forthcoming general elections.

Following Thursday’s decision. the DA component in the salaries and pensions will increase from the 16 to 22 per cent. While the financial implication of the move on the salary component will be Rs 4,100 crore, the implication on the pension component will be around Rs 1,920 crore.

Union Home Minister P Chidambaram said that the hike will be effective from January 1 and will be payable from March 1 this year.

Source: the indian express

Fire at Marriott hotel in Pak 5 months after bombing

2009-02-27T01:46:00.000-08:00

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Fire at Marriott hotel in Pak 5 months after bombing

Several people were feared injured in a major fire that broke out at the luxury Marriott Hotel in the capital, five months after it was devastated by a suicide attack.

Paramedics were seen removing the injured from the hotel and rushing them to near by hospitals.

The cause of the fire that reportedly broke out at the kitchen could not be immediately ascertained.

Firefighters were tackling the blaze, witnesses said, adding that large plumes of smoke were seen billowing from a section of the second floor of the hotel, which is frequented by businessmen, diplomats and top politicians.

More than 50 people were killed and several injured in the attack that took place on September 20 last year at the hotel.

The hotel reopened in December last year after repairs following the attack.

Source: the indian express

UPA govt trying to send me to jail: Mulayam

2009-02-27T01:41:00.000-08:00

Etawah: Coming down heavily on the UPA government at the Centre which his party helped survive after the Left withdrew its support over the Indo-US nuclear deal, Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav has charged it with using the CBI to try and put him behind bars.

"The government, which we have supported during the height of the Indo-US nuclear deal imbroglio, is now trying to send me to jail with CBI's help," the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister told a function at Charan Singh PG College here on Friday.

"The CBI is preparing fake documents to frame me (in the disproportionate assets case)," he said. He said party General Secretary Amar Singh, however, came to know about this and found out how "the property of others was mentioned against my name".

Yadav also flayed the Centre's faulty foreign policy and said the country stood isolated at the global level because of that. Turning to farmers, he said there was a move to stop the subsidy provided to them.

IANS

Finish 26/11 trial pronto, hang Kasab: Salaskar's daughter

2009-02-25T08:46:00.000-08:00

Mumbai (PTI): Shortly after Mumbai police filed the chargesheet in the 26/11 terror attacks, daughter of a senior police officer Vijay Salaskar killed by terrorists demanded the trial should be over soon and Ajmal Kasab, the lone terrorist caught alive, be hanged.

"Over time, people forget...that is the reason the trial should not drag on for months. There should be a quick trial and quick result," Divya said demanding capital punishment for Kasab.
Salaskar, along with two other senior police officers, was killed after terrorists sprayed bullets on their vehicle with automatic rifles on November 26 in south Mumbai. Kasab is suspected to be behind the killing of the three officers.

Colombo air strikes were suicide attacks: LTTE

2009-02-20T23:56:00.001-08:00

Colombo, Feb 21 (PTI) The LTTE today said the air strikes carried out by it over capital Colombo killing two people and injuring 54 others were suicide attacks by its elite 'Black Air Tiger' squad.
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam said two men from the "Black Air Tiger" suicide squad piloted the two light aircraft that carried out the attack last night.

"The aircrafts dived into Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Headquarters in Colombo and into the SLAF base at Katunayaka at around 0915 pm last night carrying out successful air raids," pro-LTTE website TamilNet.Com reported.

However, the Government had last night said it shot down one aircraft and the second one was disabled by the anti air gunfire. It also said the pilot of one aircraft was killed.

TamilNet.Com also published a photograph of the two suicide pilots together with Tamil Tigers supremo Velupillai Prabhakaran said to have been taken shortly before they set off on the suicide mission. PTI

US reviewing Bush regime's foreign policies

2009-02-20T23:54:00.001-08:00

Lalit K Jha
Washington, Feb 21 (PTI) The US has said it is reviewing all major foreign policies pursued by the previous Bush administration but the pacts signed with other countries will remain intact, indicating that the historic nuclear deal with India will not be affected.

"It is fair to say that all of the major parts of American foreign policy are currently under review," State Department Deputy Acting Spokesman Gordon Duguid said.

However, those reviews, he stressed, "do not affect" commitments made by the US in international fora or by international agreements.

The nuclear deal, which was initiated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the then US President George W Bush in 2005, was signed in October 2008 after it was approved by the Congress.

"We are looking at the effectiveness of our policies and how we can better achieve our goals," he said.

Most of the goals of the US policies have not changed, either, he said.

"We are looking for a denuclearised Korean Peninsula. We are looking for democratic reform and the establishment of representative government in Burma. PTI

Satyam's board meets to discuss CLB's go ahead for sale

2009-02-20T23:38:00.001-08:00

Hyderabad, Feb 21 (PTI) The board of Satyam Computer Services began its meeting here today to discuss the process of finding a strategic partner after getting the Company Law Board's nod recently.
"The board meeting has started," a company spokesperson said.

The board would discuss the CLB's approval and consider induction of a strategic partner in the IT company, Satyam Chairman Kiran Karnik has said yesterday.

A number of suitors, including engineering giant Larsen & Toubro and Spice Group, have evinced interest in acquiring stake in the fraud-hit IT company. PTI

Ashok Leyland secures USD 43 mn order from Angola

2009-02-20T22:57:00.000-08:00

Hinduja Group`s flagship company, Ashok Leyland has secured order from ministry of transport of Angola worth USD 43.5 million to supply 1,000 buses, reports Business Standard.

Study conducted by Angola`s Transport Requirements stated that the company has developed a unique vehicle to meet the needs of the rural population, who travel to the cities with agricultural produce and return with provisions. A goods compartment was added to the seating area with 30 seats. It is built on a strengthened chassis to withstand the extra weight of goods and has a 4x4 configuration to combat trying under-tyre conditions. 300 such buses were delivered within stiff deadlines starting August 2008, along with 200 Falcon buses, informed a press release issued by the company.

The next order approached in January 2009 for 500 Eagle Mini buses--50 air-conditioned and 450 non air-conditioned. Deliveries against this order have to be completed by Mar 31, 2009.

Source : myiris.com (2/19/2009)

Tata Motors hails SBI move

2009-02-20T22:56:00.004-08:00

Mumbai , Domestic auto major Tata Motors today welcomed the State Bank of India&aposs move of freezing interest rates on new car loans at 10 per cent for one year and said that this should help increase automobile sales.

"We welcome the move. This should help the automobile industry to boost up sales," Tata Motors&aposspokesperson told PTI here.

"We hope other banks will also follow suit,"he added.

SBI said the new rates would be applicable to all customers taking loans between February 23 and May 31, 2009.

Source : indopia.in (2/20/2009)

Mahindra & Mahindra turns down

2009-02-20T22:56:00.003-08:00

Shares of Mahindra & Mahindra are trading at Rs 273.55, down Rs 16.6, or 5.72% at the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) on Friday at 10:28 a.m.

The scrip has touched an intra-day high of Rs 288 and low of Rs 270. The total volume of shares traded at the BSE is 29,198.

In the earlier session, the shares climbed 1.97%, or Rs 5.6, at Rs 290.15.

Source : myiris.com (2/20/2009)

Tata Motors gearing up distribution network for Nano

2009-02-20T22:56:00.001-08:00

Tata Motors, one of India`s largest automobile producers, is gearing up its distribution network, for aggressively supporting its future car launches, especially the high-profile Nano, reports Economic Times.

The auto major will be launching Xenon, a premium lifestyle pick-up vehicle for personal usage, which will be followed by the Rs 1-lakh Nano before the end of the financial year. Thus, the company has asked all its dealerships to strengthen manpower to provide efficient customer service.

The first Nano will roll out from Pantnagar manufacturing plant of Tata Motors, (Q, N,C,F)* the car will focus on semi-urban and rural markets.

As per dealers, the bookings will start at the end of this month and deliveries will begin by March 2009. The company`s current dealer network for passenger cars will also be tapped for distributing Nano.

Shares of the company gained Rs 1.35, or 1.01%, to end at Rs 134.60. The total volume of shares traded was 285,858.00 at the BSE (Thursday).

Source : myiris.com (2/20/2009)

M&M foresees upto 15% growth

2009-02-20T22:55:00.001-08:00

M&M foresees upto 15% growth in spare parts biz this fiscal

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) expects its spare parts division to clock a growth of 10-15% this fiscal, although it sees the business getting into a difficult environment in the next three to four months, said M&M CEO (spares business) Rajendra Bhurat.

He said that in the domestic market, M&M`s spare parts business clocked a turnover of Rs 5.50 billion last fiscal.

He also said that as of now they are doing their business normally but it will start getting affected in the next three to four months.

The liquidity crunch has affected distributors and dealers and their ability to do business, he added.

For the next fiscal, Bhurat said the company would be looking at a growth of 10-12% despite the expected tough environment due to new products launches planned by M&M.

Source : myiris.com (2/20/2009

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Aims for High Profile at Oscars

2009-02-20T22:54:00.003-08:00

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, California — Hyundai Motor America plans to flex its muscle during Sunday's Academy Awards presentation, saying it has eight advertisements set to air during the Oscars, including a new Genesis Coupe ad.

Hyundai will showcase everything from its 2009 North American Car of the Year win for the 2009 Genesis Sedan to details on its new Hyundai Assurance Plus program during the Oscars. It said it will run seven 30-second ads and one 60-second ad during the program.

Of greatest interest to enthusiasts should be a new Genesis Coupe ad featuring performance driving by Rhys Millen behind the wheel of the car at Road Atlanta. An online component lets visitors create their own version of a Genesis Coupe ad.

Source : www.whatcar.com (2/20/2009)

Jaguar Announces Pricing on 2010 XFR

2009-02-20T22:54:00.001-08:00

MAHWAH, New Jersey — Jaguar said on Thursday that it is pricing its 2010 XFR at $80,000, including an $850 destination charge. That gives luxury buyers a midrange choice falling between the $59,055 2009 Cadillac CTS-V and the $86,875 2009 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG.

Expect to see the XFR, which introduces the 510-horsepower supercharged 5.0-liter V8, in showrooms this spring. Jaguar said the new direct-injection engine gives the XFR a 0-60-mph time of 4.7 seconds. Details on the XFR include quad tailpipes, a rear spoiler and unique 20-inch alloy wheels.

Jaguar also used the occasion to detail its U.S. pricing for the 2010 XF and XK lineup. The base 2010 Jaguar XF starts at $52,000, including destination, a $2,025 increase over the 2009 model.

Jaguar said the 2010 XF Premium with the 5.0-liter V8 will start at $57,000, including shipping. An optional $4,000 Portfolio Pack on the XF Premium adds such standard features as heated and cooled front seats, bi-xenon headlights, blind spot monitor and rear camera parking aid.

The more powerful 2010 Jaguar XK Coupe starts at $83,000, including shipping, a $5,025 increase over the 2009 model with the 300-hp 4.2-liter V8. The 2010 XK gets a 385-hp 5.0-liter V8. The 2010 XK goes on sale this summer. The 2010 XK coupe starts at $89,000, including shipping.

Jaguar said the 2010 XKR with the 510-hp supercharged 5.0-liter AJ-V8 starts at $96,000 for the coupe and $102,000 for the convertible. The 2009 Jaguar XKR coupe started at $88,475, including a $775 destination charge. That translates to a price hike of $7,525.

Source : www.whatcar.com (2/20/2009)

Good Things Come in Big Packages

2009-02-20T22:53:00.002-08:00

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Good Things Come in Big Packages: GM To Sell LS9 Crate Engine for $21K
DETROIT — Although it was revealed during last year's SEMA show that the muscle behind the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 was going to be offered as a crate engine, GM Performance Parts waited until now to announce the $21,000 price that comes along with the LS9 beast. http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=142487 As the company's high-end LS-series engine, the 6.2-liter LS9 V8 is rated at 638 horsepower and 604 pound-feet of torque. It jets the ZR1 to 60 mph in a mere 3.4 seconds and doesn't quit until it hits a 205-mph top speed.

The engine comes fully dressed out of the box with an ignition system, supercharger assembly and exhaust manifolds, and those interested will have to get an external coolant tank, oil tank and a wire harness to get the thing running in its new engine bay.

The crate LS9 is available for $21,000 via most GM dealers (part number 19201990) and is covered under GM Performance Parts crate engine warranty of 24 months/50,000 miles.

Source : www.edmunds.com (2/20/2009)

Hyundai Beefs Up Consumer Protection Program

2009-02-20T22:53:00.001-08:00

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, California — Hyundai Motor America has beefed up its consumer protection program, adding a new element that provides a one-time 90-day payment of a car loan or lease while an unemployed owner looks for work.

Dubbed Hyundai Assurance Plus, the new benefit is part of the Korean automaker's Spring Sales Event, which runs from February 23 to April 30. Earlier this year, Hyundai rolled out the Hyundai Assurance program, which allows owners to return a new vehicle within a year if they lose their job.

"We continue to look for ways to help consumers in this challenging economic environment," said Joel Ewanick, Hyundai Motor America marketing vice president. "We're telling consumers that we are all in this together, and we'll get through this together."

In a statement, Hyundai explained that the 90-day payment relief benefit in the event of involuntary unemployment or physical disability "helps keep them in their vehicles for three months while attempting to replace their income." The program pays the lender a lump sum equal to 90 days of loan or lease payments, it said.

To qualify, consumers must have made at least two scheduled payments on the loan or lease, be current on all payments and have been employed for at least 90 days before filing for the benefit. It said consumers who take advantage of the payment relief benefit can still return their vehicle within a year. "This payment is not pro-rated and never has to be repaid, even if the owner regains health and/or returns to work inside the 90-day period," it said.

Source : www.edmunds.com (2/20/2009)

Gas Prices Down for the Week

2009-02-20T22:52:00.003-08:00

After weeks of steadily rising, U.S. Gasoline prices appear to have gone down a bit, though its too early to say whether the trend will continue.

The nationwide average price of unleaded regular was $1.938 Friday, down from $1.949 the day before, and $1.961 last Friday, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Report. A year ago at this time, motorists were paying an average $3.08 per gallon.

Gasoline prices have risen over the last two months as crude oil prices have remained low. Despite attempted rallies in the oil market, the price of crude has fallen to less than $40 a barrel as world economic problems have become more clear.

And the long-ranged outlook for oil prices is lower rather than higher. Bloomberg News reported Thursday that Barclays Capital had cut its forecast for average 2009 Brent crude oil prices to $60 a barrel from $71 a barrel because of the weakening global economic outlook. The bank expects global oil demand to drop 1.25 million barrels a day this year.

Gasoline prices, though low by recent standards, have been rising because refiners have reduced their output in the early part of the year. When gas prices approached $4 last year refiners operated at peak capacity, to produce as much fuel as possible. Recently, refineries have operated at around 80 percent of capacity.

In its weekly report Wednesday, the Energy Information Administration said U.S. refineries operated at 82.3 percent of their capacity last week, a slight increase from the previous week. The EIA also reported inventories of gasoline increased by 1.1 million barrels last week.

The increase was enough to exert a small amount of downward pressure on gasoline prices. Thirteen states - Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington, and West Virginia – all have average gas prices above $2 a gallon, with Alaska the most expensive, at $2.519 a gallon.

Wyoming offers the cheapest gas in the land again this week, with an average price of $1.722.

Source : www.consumeraffairs.com (2/20/2009)

2009 SEMA Show Dates Announced

2009-02-20T22:52:00.001-08:00

LAS VEGAS — Despite the economic freefall and the continued threat to such towering auto venues as the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show, it seems that all is well in Sin City for the upcoming 2009 SEMA Show.

In a reassuring move, the organizers of the 2009 SEMA Show announced this week that the event will be held November 3-6 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. As usual, the specialty automotive show is not open to the public.

The 2008 SEMA Show drew more than 50,000 global buyers and featured a new products showcase with 2,000 new parts, tools and components.

Source : www.edmunds.com (2/20/2009)

Swatch Watches Shops and Showrooms in India

2009-02-20T08:49:00.000-08:00

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Swatch Watches Shops and Showrooms in India

Swatch Kiosk
Garuda Mall, Magarth Road
Bangalore

Chandigarh Swatch Store
SCO 21, Sector 17E
chandigarh
Phone: ‎+91 172 5012033

Spencer's Plaza
Anna Salai Street
Chennai
Phone: ‎+91 44 2841 8051

Swatch Kiosk
Shipra Mall, Indirapuram
Ghaziabad

MGF Metropolitan Mall
Ground Floor, Mehrauli Rd
Gurgaon 122002
Phone: ‎+91 124 510 1268

The Hub
GS Road
Guwahati

Karpa Building,
The Mall
Mad Monk Maya
Manali

Inorbit Mall
1st Floor, F-6, Malad West
Mumbai 600064
Phone: ‎+91 22 6675 7264

Atria The Millenium Mall
Shop No 1222, Dr Annie Besant Road
Mumbai 400026
Phone: ‎+91 22 2481 3523
E-Mail: swissboulevard@gmail.com

Select City Walk Mall
F-16, 1st floor, A-3 District Centre, Saket
New Delhi 110017
Phone: ‎+91 11 40588744
E-Mail: minoo@ethoswatches.com

Unitech Mall
FF 133, The Great India Place, Sector 38A
Noida 201301
Phone: ‎+91120 4223995

Cine Wonder Mall
Ghodbunder Road
Thane

Dealers of Nissan in India

2009-02-20T08:36:00.000-08:00

List of Nissan Dealers In India :

Pushpanjali Motors Limited.
29, Shivaji Marg, Opposite Campa Cola Factory,
Moti Nagar, New Delhi 110 015
Tel: +91-11-45644545
Tele Fax: +91-11-45644514
Email : info@pmlnissan.in

Aquest Auto Pvt. Ltd.
167 Vidyanagri Marg, Kalina,
Santacruz ( E), Mumbai 400 098
Tel: 26527359 / 60, 26525710,
26541089
Email : sales@aquestauto.com

P S Natarajan & Co.
P.S. NATARAJAN & CO.,
# 20, Avenue Road, Nungambakkam,
Chennai 600 034
Tel: 2827 0244 , 28278345
Email : sales@psn-nissan.com

Shahwar Motives Pvt. Ltd.,
# 15, Queens Road,
Bangalore 560 052
Tel: 41235305
Email : shahwar_nissan@airtelbroadband.in

Tapasvi Motors Pvt. Ltd.
P M Modi Commercial Complex,
5-4-187/6 & 5 & 3, Karbala Maidan,
M.G. Road, Secunderabad 500 003
Tel: 040-66488899/27540990.
Email : tapasvimotors@rediffmail.com

List of Dealers of Nissan in India

DEALERS OF MAHINDRA RENAULT LOGAN IN INDIA

2009-02-20T08:33:00.000-08:00

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MAHINDRA RENAULT LOGAN DEALERS IN INDIA

For the convenience of Internet users i could get a list of Mahindra's dealers in India as mentioned below, hope it will help you.

Dealer : SUTARIA AUTO CENTER
Address : Opp. Unkal Lake,
P.B. Road, Hubli.
City : Hubli - 580031
State : Karnataka
Sales No : 836-2371760
Mobile No : 9945221605
Email Id : sutaria@satyam.net.in

Dealer : SUPREME MOBILES LTD.
Address : 473-474, Auto Market ,
Hissar.
City : Hissar - 125001
State : Haryana
Sales No : 01662-277944
Mobile No : 9812021745
Email Id : sup@teammahindramail.com

Dealer : KARNATAKA AGENCIES
Address : 1-5-409/1,Nh - 17, Kottarachowki,
Ashok Nagar Post .
City : Mangalore - 575006
State : Karnataka
Sales No : 824 -2457881
Mobile No : 9945687678
Email Id : sales@karagencies.com

Dealer : SRI. MOHAN MOTORS
Address : 4th Km Milestone, Fideri Mor,
Delhi Road, Rewari
City : Rewari - 123401
State : Haryana
Sales No : 9355099999
Mobile No : 9355099999
Email Id : srm@teammahindramail.com

Dealer : KARNATAKA AGENCIES
Address : 1-5-409/1,Nh - 17, Kottarachowki,
Ashok Nagar Post .
City : Mangalore - 575006
State : Karnataka
Sales No : 824 -2457881
Mobile No : 9945687678
Email Id : sales@karagencies.com

Dealer : GARG MOTORS
Address : 9th K.M. Mile stone,
Hisar Road, Near Sikanderpur
City : Sirsa -
State : Haryana
Sales No : 01666-250857
Email Id : grg@teammahindramail.com

Dealer : T.V.S. IYENGAR & SONS LTD.
Address : Near BTH Sarovaram, NH Bye-pass,
Maradu, Cochin
City : Ernakulam - 682304
State : Kerala
Sales No : 0484-4465628/4465653/4465654
Mobile No : 9895633000
Email Id : scorpio.tvsekn@tvssons.com

Dealer : WIN WIN AUTOMOBILES
Address : : NH - 12, Hoshangabad Road, Misrod
City : Bhopal - 462026
State : Madhya Pradesh
Sales No : 0755 – 2499550/ 551
Mobile No : 9425602809/8775/2810
Fax No : 0755 - 2499554
Email Id : wwa@teammahindramail.com, winwinauto_s@airtelmail.in

Dealer : TVS
Address : 5/3346/A&B, Mavoor Road,
Calicut
City : Kozhikode - 673004
State : Kerala
Sales No : 0495-2722875/2723778
Mobile No : 9895701850
Email Id : scorpio.tvsclt@tvssons.com

Dealer : PATWA AUTOMOTIVE PVT. LTD.
Address : Khasra No. 51/4, 50/6 & 49/5/3, Village:Lasudia,
Mori, A.B.Road (Opp. Life Care), Dewas Naka,
City : Indore - 452012
State : Madhya Pradesh
Sales No : 0762-4230005/0006, 9302102987
Mobile No : 9826082145
Email Id : patwacom@mantrafreenet.com

Dealer : TVS
Address : Neeramankara, Kaimanam P.O., Cape Road,
TRIVANDRUM
City : Trivandrum - 695 040
State : Kerala
Sales No : 0471-2490527
Mobile No : 9995894147
Email Id : scorpio.tvstvm@tvscons.com

Dealer : STAR AUTOMOBILES (MP) LTD, JABALPUR
Address : 60, Garha, Near Tripuri Chowk,
Nagpur Road, Jabalpur.
City : Jabalpur -
State : Madhya Pradesh
Sales No : 0761- 2673203
Mobile No : 9424888999
Email Id : stm@teammahindramail.com

Dealer : NBS INTERNATIONAL LTD
Address : Stone Building ,10 Chowpatty Sea Face
City : Mumbai - 400007
State : Maharashtra
Sales No : 022-23642068
Mobile No : 9967350272
Email Id : sharma.ajay@mahindra.com

Dealer : G3 MOTORS
Address : D-238 A ,TTC Industrial Area
Shirwane,Nerul,Navi
City : Mumbai - 400708
State : Maharashtra
Sales No : 9833877456
Mobile No : 9987242424

Dealer : AVIS MOTORS PVT LTD
Address : Kailash Heights, Phase – 1
Safed pool, Sakinaka, Andheri (E)
City : Mumbai - 400072
State : Maharashtra
Sales No : 022 - 22939322, 97693 20092
Mobile No : 9820965863

Dealer : STERLING MOTOR CO.
Address : 14/5 Main Mathura Road,
Opp. Alfa Motors
City : Faridabad -
State : Haryana
Sales No : 0129-4048845/46/47
Mobile No : 9910090002
Email Id : personal.fbd@sterlingmotorco.com

Dealer : AUTO PLAANATE INDUSTRY (PVT.) LTD.
Address : Katras Road, Matkuria,
Dhanbad,
City : Dhanbad - 826001
State : Jharkhand
Sales No : 0326-2307305
Mobile No : 9431126422/9431122299
Email Id : aud@teammahindramail.com

Dealer : STERLING MOTOR CO.
Address : Ground floor, Solitaire plaza,
MG Road (Near Global Business Park)
City : Gurgaon -
State : Haryana
Sales No : 0124-4514000
Mobile No : 9910090002
Email Id : sales.logan@sterlingmotorco.com

Dealer : PRATIK AUTOMOBILES
Address : Old Hazaribagh road,
Near Govt Bus Stand, Ranchi
City : Ranchi - 834001
State : Jharkhand
Sales No : 0651-22432413
Email Id : prt@teammahindramail.com

Dealer : NEXGEN SOLUTIONS TECHNOLOGIES (P) LTD.
Address : E/189/11 HEC, Opp Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha,
Dhurwa, Ranchi
City : Ranchi - 834004
State : Jharkhand
Sales No : 0651-2443324 / 2443423
Mobile No : 9431106250/9431106250
Email Id : nex@teammahindramail.com

Dealer : SUPREME MOBILES LTD.
Address : 473-474, Auto Market ,
Hissar.
City : Hissar - 125001
State : Haryana
Sales No : 01662-277944
Mobile No : 9812021745
Email Id : sup@teammahindramail.com

Dealer : M/S. VIJAI AUTO SALES & SERVICE PVT. LTD
Address : No.63, 80 Feet Road, "RMZ Gateway",
Opp. Sony World, Koramangala 4th Block,
City : Bangalore - 560034
State : Karnataka
Sales No : 25631971 to 975
Mobile No : 9845040233
Email Id : sales@vijaiauto.com/service@vijaiauto.com

Dealer : M/S SIREESH AUTO PVT. LTD.
Address : No-30,Pride Quadra, Nxt to Baptist hospital,
bellary Road,Hebbal Bangalore.
City : Bangalore - 560058
State : Karnataka
Sales No : 080-22177999
Email Id : sireeshauto@sireeshauto.com, service@sireeshauto.com

Dealer : INDIA GARAGE
Address : 63, St. Marks Road,
Bangalore.
City : Bangalore - 560001
State : Karnataka
Sales No : 080-25581820 ,25581384
Mobile No : 9845694954
Email Id : indiagarage@airtelbroadband.in

Dealer : INDIA GARAGE
Address : No.1, Palace Cross Road,
Bangalore.
City : Bangalore - 560053
State : Karnataka
Sales No : 080-41106006
Mobile No : 9845694954
Email Id : indiagarage@airtelbroadband.in

Dealer : PP AUTOMOTIVE
Address : NH-1, Opposite New World Hotel,
G.T. Road, Karnal, Haryana.
City : Karnal - 132001
State : Haryana
Sales No : 0184-2221500
Mobile No : 9812431414
Email Id : ppa@teammahindramail.com

Dealer : BELLARY MOTOR SALES PVT. LTD.
Address : Nh - 63, Ananthapur Road,
Bellary.
City : Bellary - 583101
State : Karnataka
Sales No : 183-2585280
Mobile No : 9945686777, '0839-2260666
Email Id : mahindrainbellary@yahoo.co.in

Dealer : AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURERS PVT LTD
Address : NO:8571, P.B.NO. 1627, Rashtrapati Road,
SECUNDERABAD
City : Secunderabad - 500003
State : Andhra Pradesh
Sales No : 040- 27543701/702;2754716/717
Mobile No : 99893 98913/ 98494 52442
Fax No : 27545486
Email Id : smscorpio.sec@automotiveml.com

Dealer : AMPL
Address : P.B.No:1627, 8571,
Rashtrapati Road, Secundrabad.
City : Secunderabad - 500003
State : Andhra Pradesh
Sales No : 040-27543701, 040-27541379
Mobile No : 9849285706
Email Id : sec@sec.automotiveml.com

Dealer : PUNJAB AUTOMOBILES
Address : Next to Sola flyover, Near new highcourt,
Sarkhej Gandhinagar highway.
City : Ahmedabad - 380061
State : Gujrat
Sales No : 079-40032244/40032255
Email Id : service@punjabauto.com

Dealer : RIO MOTORS
Address : Survey no. 248 & 250, Nanakiloda, Near PTC college, Karie village,
200 feet Sardar Patel ring road, Taluka Gandhinagar,
City : Ahmedabad -
State : Gujrat
Sales No : 079-65138600/65128500
Mobile No : 9825404567/9925833340
Email Id : sehejr@gmail.com

Dealer : GARAPATI AUTO VENTURES PVT LTD
Address : 33-21-33, SEETHARAMPURAM
ELURU ROAD,VIJAYAWADA
City : Vijayawada - 520003
State : Andhra Pradesh
Sales No : 0866-2573663,2576773
Email Id : garapati1959@yahoo.com

Dealer : B. MANGATRAM & CO.
Address : Opposite Bhudarmal Petrolpump,
Station Rd,Wadiawad
City : Bhuj - 370001
State : Gujrat
Sales No : 0832-254803/254804
Mobile No : 9925313835
Email Id : bmc@teammahindra.com / bmcoad1@sancharnet.in

Dealer : MARSHAL TRADING CO.
Address : "Arthik Bahavan", Ground Floor, Gondal Rd,
Beside Bombay Garage Petrol Pump,Rajkot.
City : Rajkot - 360001
State : Gujrat
Sales No : 0281-2239730
Mobile No : 9825668241
Email Id : mtr@teammahindramail.com

Dealer : SHIMLA AUTOMOBILES
Address : Bhangrotu (Near Chowk),Mandi.
City : Mandi - 175021
State : Himachal Pradesh
Sales No : 1905-243351
Mobile No : 9218688801
Email Id : simlaauto_mandi@yahoo.co.in

Dealer : PRESIDENT MOTORS
Address : Near Umiyanagar society, Chousath Joganimata circle,
Opp Choksey dyeing, Udhna Magdalla road
City : Surat - 394210
State : Gujrat
Mobile No : 9925115577/9879603312

Dealer : SNOW VIEW
Address : Opp.Govt. Printing Press,
Main Highway, Ghora Chowki ,Shimla.
City : Shimla - 171005
State : Himachal Pradesh
Sales No : 177 -2633177
Mobile No : 9218599630
Email Id : snowviewautomobiles@yahoo.com

Dealer : CARAVEL MOTORS PVT. LTD
Address : Opp. GSFC, Chaani,
NH 8, Baroda
City : Vadodara -
State : Gujrat
Sales No : 0265- 6631000
Mobile No : 9227778801/9227778802

Dealer : CHOWDHARY MOTORS
Address : Opp. Channi Himmat Colony,
Narwal By-Pass,Jammu.
City : Jammu - 180004
State : Jammu & kashmir
Sales No : 191 -2463087
Mobile No : 9906025500
Email Id : chowdhary_sales@rediffmail.com

Dealer : SILVASSA AGENCIES & SERVICES PVT. LTD.
Address : Nr. Hotel Fortune Galaxy, NH 8,
Vapi
City : Vapi - 396195
State : Gujrat
Mobile No : 9925103068/69/70/71
Email Id : sas@teammahindramail.com

Dealer : SHUHUL AUTOMOBILES PVT. LTD.
Address : National Highway 1A, Nowgam Bye Pass,
Srinagar Kashmir.
City : Srinagar -
State : Jammu & kashmir
Mobile No : 9419010786
Email Id : shuhulautomoblies_786@yahoo.co.in

Dealer : AML MOTORS
Address : 8-2-248/1/7/13,Nagarjuna Circle,
Panjagutta, Hyderabad.
City : Hyderabad - 500004
State : Andhra Pradesh
Sales No : 040-30222333
Mobile No : 99499 88800 / 98498 09570
Email Id : ansari@amlmotors.com, sales@amlmotors.com

Dealer : M.G.B.MOBILES
Address : 4-595-A, BELLARY ROAD,
ANANTPUR
City : Hyderabad - 515004
State : Andhra Pradesh
Sales No : 08554-276990

Dealer : SONALI AUTOS
Address : Dangi Complex, Vishnupuri,
Anisabad, Patna
City : Patna - 800002
State : Bihar
Sales No : 612-2251751
Mobile No : 9835020988
Email Id : son@teammahindramail.com

Dealer : JAYALAKSHMI MOTORS
Address : D NO. 84-1-3/1, N.H.5,
NEAR ONGC BASE COMPLEX,RAJAHMUNDRY
City : Rajahmundry - 533103
State : Andhra Pradesh
Sales No : 0883-2427736,2427737

Dealer : INDUSTRIAL FARM & EQUIPMENT.
Address : Ganeshguri,G.S Road,Dispur,
Guwahati.
City : Guwahati - 781005
State : Assam
Sales No : 0361-2342408/409; 9435017235, 9435544216
Email Id : ifeghy@yahoo.com

Dealer : SWAMI AUTOMOBILES PVT LTD
Address : Village Singpura,Zirakpur NAC ,
Chandigarh Ambala Road, Zirakpur, Mohali.
City : Chandigarh -
State : Chandigarh
Sales No : 0172-2651161
Mobile No : 9872410004
Email Id : logan@swamigroup.com

Dealer : SWAMI AUTOMOBILES PVT LTD
Address : Plot No 26B, Ind Area,
Phase1, Chandigarh.
City : Chandigarh - 160002
State : Chandigarh
Sales No : 0171-2651161-62
Mobile No : 9872410004
Email Id : logan@swamigroup.com

Dealer : GOEL MOTORS PVT LTD
Address : B-55,Phase-VI,
Mohali,
City : Chandigarh - 160055
State : Chandigarh
Sales No : 9815444977
Mobile No : 9815444977
Email Id : ankush_balaji@yahoo.co.in

Dealer : AUTO CENTRE
Address : Magarpara Rd, Jarabhata Chowk,
Bilaspur.
City : Bilaspur - 495001
State : Chattisgarh
Sales No : 07752-409997

Dealer : BHASIN MOTORS
Address : N-12, South Extension Part-1.
City : New delhi -
State : Delhi
Sales No : 011-46655500,01,02,03,04,05,06,07,08,09
Mobile No : 9810517971
Email Id : bmd@teammahindramail.com

Dealer : SRI DURGA AUTOMOBILES
Address : 55 Rama Road, New Delhi.
City : New delhi - 110015
State : Delhi
Sales No : 45063720-30
Mobile No : 9958147776
Fax No : 45063733
Email Id : sredurga@rediffmail.com

Dealer : KONCEPT AUTOMOBILES
Address : B2/16 - Safdarjang Enclave
City : New delhi -
State : Delhi
Mobile No : 9999027777
Email Id : koncept@konceptauto111.com

Dealer : SHIVA AUTO CAR (INDIA) PVT LTD
Address : 88 F-I-E Patparganj Industrial Area
City : New delhi - 92
State : Delhi
Mobile No : 9899706769
Email Id : sales@shivamahindra.in

Dealer : DPC
Address : Plot No 38/13, Old National Highway 17,Near Porvorin,
Old Bazar,P O Porvorin,Bardez,Goa,
City : Goa - 403501
State : Goa
Sales No : 0832-2415074/2415941/42
Mobile No : 9370698169
Email Id : dpcmotor@sancharnet.in

LIST OF DEALERS OF MAHINDRA RENAULT LOGAN IN INDIA

Dealers of TATA Motors in New Delhi

2009-02-20T08:31:00.000-08:00

..

TATA Motors dealers in New Delhi

VIVEK AUTOMOBILES PVT. LTD
20-B / 5, DESH BANDU GUPTA ROAD, DEV NAGAR,
KAROL BAGH, NEAR KHALSA COLLEGE
NEW DELHI -110005 , DELHI
Phone : 011 - 64693300

SANYA AUTOMOBILES PVT. LTD.
D-13/1, DEFENCE COLONY
NEW DELHI -110024 , DELHI
Phone : (011) 2465 4111 / 4010 / 4212 / 4077

RAGHUVANSHI ENTERPRISES PVT. LTD.
ZB-11/487, ZULPHE BENGAL, MAIN G.T. ROAD, DILSHAD GARDEN
NEW DELHI -110095 , DELHI
Phone : 011 - 22576565 / 22576465 / 9311090222

PAWHA INTERNATIONAL PVT. LTD.
C 93, WAZIRPUR INDUSTRIAL AREA
NEW DELHI -110052 , DELHI
Phone : (011) 27376163 / 64 / 65 / 67

A-ONE MOTORS
KANCHANJUNGA BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR,
18, BARAKHAMBA ROAD
NEW DELHI -110001 , DELHI
Phone : (011) 41514700 - 05

HIM MOTORS PVT. LTD.
NO. 4, PATPARGANJ INDUSTRIAL AREA
NEW DELHI -110092 , DELHI
Phone : (011) 22157131 - 35

AUTOLINK ENTERPRISES (INDIA) PVT. LTD.
M-3, HAUZ KHAS ENCLAVE
NEW DELHI -110016 , DELHI
Phone : 011 - 46034000 - 29

AUTOLINK ENTERPRISES (INDIA) PVT. LTD.
B-362, MEERA BAGH, PASCHIM VIHAR, OUTER RING ROAD
NEW DELHI -110063 , DELHI
Phone : (011) 4288 5288

TECHNO AUTOMOBILES PVT. LTD.
K-1/36, RAJAPURI, DWARKA
NEW DELHI -110059 , DELHI
Phone : 011 - 43107310

SANYA AUTOMOBILES PVT. LTD.
B-227, OKHLA INDUSTRIAL AREA, PHASE I
NEW DELHI -110020 , DELHI
Phone : (011) 2637 2031-37

SANYA AUTOMOBILES PVT. LTD.
C-101, MAYAPURI IND. AREA, PHASE II
NEW DELHI -110064 , DELHI
Phone : (011) 28116051-57

A-ONE MOTORS
A - 19, MOHAN CO-OPERATIVE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE,
MATHURA ROAD
NEW DELHI -110044 , DELHI
Phone : (011) 40690000

A-ONE MOTORS
63A, NAJAFGARH IND. AREA, RAMA ROAD
NEW DELHI -110015 , DELHI
Phone : (011) 25922222 / 3333 / 41428811 / 22

HIM MOTORS PVT. LTD.
D-9, UDYOG NAGAR, NEW ROHTAK ROAD,
PEERAGARHI
NEW DELHI -110041 , DELHI
Phone : (011) 25487001-09 / 2527 7682

RAMA MOTORS PVT. LTD.
A-87, PHASE-2, OKHLA INDUSTRIAL AREA
NEW DELHI -110 020 , DELHI
Phone : 011-40503030

List of TATA Motors dealers in New Delhi

List of Tyre Manufacturers in India

2009-02-20T08:17:00.000-08:00

.

I got a List of AUTOMOTIVE TYRE MANUFACTURERS IN INDIA, hope it will help internet users.

APOLLO TYRES LTD.
Apollo House, 7, Institutional Area, Sector 32
GURGAON-122001
Tel.: (0124) 91-238 3002-18
Website: http://www.apollotyres.com/

FALCON TYRES LTD.
KRS Road, Metagalli Post,
MYSORE-570016
Tel.: (0821) 2582 453,2582041,2582055
E-Mail : feedback@falcontyres.com
Website: http://www.falcontyres.com/

BIRLA TYRES
Shivam Chamber, 53, Syed Amir Ali Avenue,
KOLKATA-700019
Tel.: (033) 22814516-17, 22814813
E-Mail: ho@birlatyre.com
Website: http://www.birlatyre.com/

GOODYEAR INDIA LTD.
Mathura Road,
Ballabgarh,HARYANA-121004
Tel.: (0129) 4069000-11,2305300-08
Website: http://www.goodyear.com/

BRIDGESTONE INDIA PVT. LTD.
Plot No. 12, Kheda Growth, Centre,
Post Sagore 454 774. Dist Dhar
MADHYA PRADESH
Tel : (7292) 255021-30
Website: http://www.bridgestone.co.in

JK TYRE & INDUSTRIES LTD.
Link House, 3, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg,
NEW DELHI-110002
Tel.: (011) 2331 1112-5
Website: http://www.jktyre.com/

CEAT LTD.
463, Dr. Annie Besant Road,
MUMBAI-400030
Tel.: (022) 2493 0621/24951213
Website: http://www.ceattyres.com/

MRF LTD.
124, Greams Road,
CHENNAI-600006
Tel.: (044) 2829 2777
E-mail: mrf@vsnl.com
Website: http://www.mrftyres.com/

Automotive Tyre Manufacturers in India

Ford Motor India to add 1000 employees this year

2009-02-20T08:16:00.001-08:00

CHENNAI: Ford India, a 100% subsidiary of Ford Motor Company, USA, on Friday said it plans to add 1,000 more employees to its India operations this year.

The move will be a part of the company's plan to attract best talents in the industry.

"This will be in addition to the 6,000 staff across various levels in the country," Ford India president and managing director Michael Boneham said.

On the economic downturn, he said one has to look for solutions based on corporate intelligence. This was the right time to 'grab those intellectuals', he said, adding the secret to a company's success in uncertain times is its people.

Boneham was in Chennai to inaugurate the annual convention on 'Navigating Uncertain Times', organised by the Madras Management Association .

Soruce:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Atoall.com makes English Knowledge Irrelevant for Net Surfers

2009-02-20T08:03:00.001-08:00

Bhatinda, Punjab, India, Friday, February 20, 2009 -- There is a brilliant new internet technology that uses keyboard shortcuts to access Google, Orkut, Yahoo, Microsoft and similar such popular sites making the entire online surfing experience easy. This new internet technology search engine invention will allow users to access all most popular websites by the use of simple shortcuts. For example, if a user wants to visit Google, he will have to type the following three consecutive letters in the keyboard, "gghhjj.com". To visit Orkut, they will have to just type, ookkmm.com.

This new technology is made available to everyone by a team of eight Indian net-savvy youth. They have named their theory as 'Angle Theory of Atoall.com'. The intention of this invention is to make the internet and websites on the web accessible to all including the illiterates. They believe that this new internet technology search engine invention will make online surfing experience easy for English speaking users, non-English speaking users too can now access web pages without any difficulty, and it is possible for illiterate people to access websites of their interest.

For people to access web pages, they must know English. But not all users know English. But, they need not to be worry any more about their inability to use the internet because they have a new way of interacting with the World Wide Web.

While explaining this new technology, Mr. Sanjeev Singla the Managing Director of Atoall.com said that, "One has to type three letters twice on the computer keyboard which are in a straight line, 'C' or inverted 'C', 'V' or inverted 'V' twice followed by dot (.) com or ctrl+enter (its for www. .com). Shortcut keys are together on the keyboard e.g. rrddcc.com, ccddrr.com, mmjjnn.com, nnjjmm.com etc. We can earn 36 billions US$ annually from this invention because illiterate can also use the internet by Atoall.com's Angle Theory. So, non English persons can get benefits of internet technology."

This new technology search engine invention does not only have keyboard shortcuts to Google, Orkut, Yahoo, Microsoft, etc., users will also be able to access their favorite games sites, access videos, etc. Language will no more be a barrier. People from all language backgrounds can use this new technology.
In their new invention, according to Mr. Rinkle Sharma, they did not violate any rules and regulations of the internet. Everything is absolutely legal. Moreover, this new concept of interacting with the web does not require users to install any new software product.

About Atoall.com

This company is managed by a team of eight young internet savvy Indians who have come up with a highly innovative technology that removes the language barriers on the World Wide Web. Their new system is capable of increasing the over all percentage of internet users by another thirty percent Source:Atoall.com, Business Wire India

Corporate governance may weigh more in future IPO grading

2009-02-20T08:01:00.002-08:00

There are expectations that in coming time rating agencies will consider corporate governance as a key aspect of grading in initial public offers (IPO). According to rating agencies official, importance to corporate governance is increasing as a parameter in IPO grading for assigning a higher weightage. This is mainly due to potential investors, especially retail, in an IPO have very little information about the company's or its promoter's background and track-record.
Corporate governance issue came in limelight especially after the accounting scandal in Satyam and charges of irregularities in Maytas Infra, which was listed during the peak of the bull run.

In a study of 29 IPOs by CRISIL graded by the ratings agency since May 2007, corporate governance structures were found to be 'weak' in close to 50% of the companies evaluated.

Head-equities, CRISIL Research, Chetan Majithia said in a statement, "While not the sole determining factor, the quality of corporate governance as assessed by CRISIL may significantly influence the CRISIL IPO grade, beyond what the company's business prospects and financials may suggest,".

Fortis MF launches FTP-Series 14 C

2009-02-20T08:01:00.001-08:00

Fortis Mutual Fund has launched initial offer period of Fortis Fixed Term Plan - Series 14 C on February 19, 2009. The new issue will be closed for the subscription on March 16, 2009. The NFO price for the fund is Rs 10 per unit. The scheme offers two plans- regular as well as institutional plan and along with this will have two sub-options of growth and dividend options. The dividend option offers dividend payout and dividend reinvestment facilities.
Under the regular plan, the minimum amount of investment is Rs. 5,000 and in multiples of Rs 10 thereafter. While under the institutional plan, the minimum amount of investment is Rs. 25 lakh and in multiples of Rs 10 thereafter.

Fortis Mutual Fund is a close-ended income scheme with an objective to achieve growth of capital through investments made in a portfolio of fixed income securities maturing on or before the maturity of the scheme.

Principal Pnb changes asset allocation of Ultra Short Term Fund

2009-02-20T08:00:00.002-08:00

Principal Pnb Mutual Fund has announced changes in asset allocation pattern of Principal Ultra Short Term Fund (PUSTF) with effect from March 24, 2009. The scheme accordingly will invest its entire corpus in debt instruments as well as money market instruments with low to medium risk profile.

The scheme would invest in such instruments, which have an average maturity of upto one year. The amount of investment in securitised debt may be upto 50% of the net assets of the scheme. It may also invest upto 50% of net assets of the scheme in such derivative instruments. However, the fund's existing asset allocation pattern is as follows:- The scheme invests 50%-100% of net assets in the fixed rate debt instrument as well as money market instruments while 50-100% in floating rate debt instruments and money market instruments.

Principal Pnb changes asset allocation of Ultra Short Term Fund

2009-02-20T08:00:00.001-08:00

DBS Chola MF ceases Interval Income Fund - Monthly Plan A

2009-02-20T07:59:00.001-08:00

DBS Chola Mutual Fund has ceased DBS Chola Interval Income Fund - Monthly Plan A, with effect from February 17, 2009. The fund house ceased to carry any business activities in respect of the plan as well as ceased to issue units in the plan and to create or cancel units in the plan.

DBS Chola Interval Fund - Monthly Plan A seeks to generate regular income through investments in debt (including securitised debt) as well as money market and government securities normally maturing in line with the time profile of the respective plans.

Celina Jaitley’s set to solve your love problems

2009-02-20T07:43:00.001-08:00

If you have any problems in love life then don’t worry now Celina’s there to solve it. This beautiful actress is all set to get in touch with her fans through her website.

She has recently launched her official website. Apparently some interesting features like ‘Talk about love’ and Talk to Me makes her website different from others. Interestingly there’s a section called ‘Talk about love’ where she will try to solve love queries.

Speaking about it she said, “You can talk to me and discuss issues about love or any other problem. Apart from that I would like to share my own experiences on my site.” She informs that she is going to have her favorite play list on the site that her fan can download on their phone. -Sampurn Media

Minissha Lamba loves Hyderabadi Khana

2009-02-20T07:42:00.001-08:00

The petite Minnisha Lamba was recently shooting for Shyam Benegal’s ‘Abba Ka Kuan’ in Hyderabad.

Apparently the actress really loves the city and for a very justified reason.

We hear that the actress goes on a journey of gastronomical delight whenever she visits the Nizam’s city! Apparently the actress loves all the delicious food served there and is a big fan of curd rice, the peanut rice and the vadas.

“I go on a completely vegetarian diet when I am in Hyderabad. The food there is just too delicious!” laughs the actress.

Well, we sure are tempted to join you there Minissha. -Sampurn Media

Celina Jaitley launches her official website www.mycelinajaitley.com

2009-02-20T07:41:00.002-08:00

Globosport Digital launched Celina Jaitley’s official online and mobile destination aiming to invite fans of the gorgeous actress into her very personal and professional life. www.mycelinajaitley.com is an interactive and user-friendly website which takes fans on a journey through memories and career highlights that have made Celina Jaitley who she is.

The website encompasses the story of a girl who aspired to join the army and her journey from there on to become a successful model and finally an acclaimed actress. Also shared are the diva’s style secrets, her favourite destinations and more. Revealing an unknown side of the actress is a list of charitable causes that Celina has been associated with. It also provides her fans with an opportunity to ask questions and get a reply from the actress herself. Celina also plays online love guru as she gives fans help and advice on their love life.

“I am really excited about launching my own digital platform through www.mycelinajaitley.com. My fans and my well wishers can now get a glimpse of my personal life, get to know me more and talk to me about my style statement, my professional life etc,” says Celina. “This really makes me feel connected to my fans and I feel like this is an ideal platform for people to reach out to me,” she adds.

Globosport Digital has powered the Official Mobile and Internet destinations of Celina Jaitley. GSD has currently acquired exclusive global new media (Internet, Mobile) and Licensing and Merchandising rights of over 30 celebrities from Bollywood, Sports and South Indian film industry. This includes the likes of Ranbir Kapoor, Celina Jaitley, Mugdha Godse, Payal Rohatgi, Sikander Kher, Riya Sen, Koena Mitra, Amrita Arora, Rahul Bose and several others. -Sampurn Media

Shahid Kapoor’s birthday plans

2009-02-20T07:41:00.001-08:00

Shahid’s birthday is still a week ahead but, the actor has already planned what he is going to do on his birthday. Sources reveal that the actor is planning a private party at his home with his family and friends. Currently the actor is shooting Jodhpur and will specially fly down to celebrate his birthday with family and close friends. A friend of Shahid said, “Shahid is pretty excited about the party and has been planning it for months.”

Shahid’s house is currently under renovation. “But he has seen to it that the renovation is completed before his birthday party. His freinds and family have already given an invitation and includes papa Pankaj Kapoor, stepmom Supriya Kapoor, their children Rohan and Sana, Shahid’s brother Ishaan (Neelima Azim and Rajesh Kattar’s son), his close friend from Bangalore Shriram, designer Sabina Khan, Ken Ghosh, Shahid’s trainer Abbas and a few other from the film industry.” Shahid has worked out the party details from Jodhpur.

-Sampurn Media

State Bank of India freezes interest rates @ 10% for a year

2009-02-20T07:05:00.002-08:00

A good news for consumers, SBI freeze interest rates on new car loans at 10 per cent for a year. Now it's time for us to go for cheap car loans.

State Bank of India said on Friday it will freeze interest rates on new car loans at 10 per cent for a year.

The bank also slashed lending rate on credit to farmers against cold storage and warehouse receipts to 8 per cent, a bank release said.

The new rates will be applicable to all customers availing loans between February 23 and May 31, 2009, the bank said.

After the freeze-period, the rates will be reset at the applicable card rate contracted as on the date of sanction under the respective schemes, the bank said. Source: rediff.com

Ghajini director Murugadoss prefers SRK over Aamir

2009-02-20T07:05:00.001-08:00

He might have had a mammoth Hindi hit ‘Ghajini’ with Aamir Khan and the film might have broken many records.

As of now, people would expect a lot from the Aamir Khan-AR Murugadoss jodi. But that’s not the case. In fact the Tamil-Telegu director is in talks with Shah Rukh Khan for his second Hindi film.

The buzz is that Murugadoss has been regularly meeting SRK since the last few months. Sources say that SRK has even agreed to do the film just before he left for the hospital for his shoulder surgery and the director ahs admitted that he was in Mumbai for negotiations with Shah Rukh.

He’s said, “Things will materialise further only after Shah Rukh recovers from his surgery.”

Sources have said, “It was cinematographer Ravi Chandran who suggested SRK’s name to Murugadoss. Ravi is currently shooting the SRK starrer ‘My Name is Khan’. An out-and-out romance, the film will be Shah Rukh’s home production. One of the industry’s top actresses, Priyanka Chopra or Kareena Kapoor will play the lead, reportedly. Unlike in the case of Ghajini, this film won’t be a remake.”

Now there have been problems between Aamir and Shah Rukh with both hitting out at each other from time to time. Murugodoss obviously has the guts and cares for nothing of that. -Sampurn Media

No one has offered me glamorous roles: Sonam Kapoor

2009-02-20T06:30:00.000-08:00

Sonam Kapoor may be just two films old but appears in no hurry to join the rat race and grab as many projects she can like most of her contemporaries. “I believe in quality over quantity. So I am ready to wait” she tells us.

Sonam’s Delhi 6 is all set to release and having worked in two different schools of film making Sonam says that the experience of working with director Sanjay Leela Bhansali got her through her teething problems as far as acting was concerned. “But working with Rakeysh Mehra was much easier as he often expects the best of you but he knows how to extract it from an actor. In fact I have been pampered by both the directors but Rakeysh balanced it by making me work hard.” says Sonam.

Well coming back to her role in the film Sonam says, “In Delhi –6, I am playing Bittu, a middle class woman, who finds her life suffocating and seeks a new future by entering the Indian Idol competition. The film is about India and its youth”

Was it a true test of your talent we ask her? “No, I think everything you do is a true test of who you are as a person and your talents” she informs.

Sonam it is learnt was the butt of Abhishek’s pranks on the sets often. “Yes he always told me the wrong this at the right moment. He was great fun to work with. He is a good guy with mischief up his sleeve all the time but he’s talented and fun to work with. He kept the atmosphere alive all the time.” -Sampurn Media

Sanjay Kapoor remembers pretty Divya Bharati

2009-02-20T06:27:00.000-08:00

Sanjay Kapoor mightn’t have had a bright career and he’s happy to be back in the limelight with Zoya Akhtar’s ‘Luck By Chance’.

He says the movie also brought back fond memories of working with his former co-star Juhi Chawla, the heroine of his 1995 movie ‘Kartvaya’ as well as the late Divya Bharati.

He’s said, “Shooting with Juhi, who is my co-star in ‘Luck By Chance’, instantly took me back to the days when we did ‘Kartavya’ together. Juhi was my leading lady. Divya Bharti was the original heroine of the film. But she had to be replaced with Juhi because of her untimely demise. There were Dimple (Kapadia) and Juhi and Chintoo (Rishi Kapoor) whom I have also known since a long time. So it was great shooting for the film.”

It was good to see someone in Bollywood remember the pretty, talented and young actress after almost 16 years of her sad accidental death.

Otherwise in the showbiz world people have short memories and they don’t really have hearts.

-Sampurn Media

Slumdog kids get ready for the Oscars

2009-02-20T06:26:00.001-08:00

Child artistes Mohammed Azharuddin’s and Rubina Ali are getting their passports done and visas done for their visit to the Oscars.

The Slumdog kids, as they are known these days, are supposed to go to Los Angeles for the Oscars.

Rubina has said, “Not in my dreams did I ever think that I will go to America. I have to buy clothes and shoes for the award ceremony.”

Azhar has added, “Even I would not have ever thought this but I am really happy. I have to thank Danny uncle as I am going to America.”

They have been assured of their passports but the Visa formalities are yet to be settled and it remains to be seen whether these kids can actually make it to the Oscars or not.

Meanwhile the controversy surrounding the compensation given to the child actors for the film continues. Producer Christian Colson says that the family was given money from a fund set up to build a new home but the parents deny it.

Azhar’s father Mohammed Ismail, a TB patient says, “Just provide us with a house, we don’t want any car or money.”

We hope there’ll indeed be a brighter tomorrow for these kids post the Oscars. -Sampurn Media

Big B’s Kunal hit by recession?

2009-02-20T06:25:00.003-08:00

The current global recession has hit almost every industry and Bollywood has not been any exception. Films are being shelved and put on hold due to the credit crunch. Big B’s Kunal too is learnt to be facing the heat.

According to sources, the film’s director, Dr.Chandraprakash Dwivedi however states, “The recession is affecting everyone so it is natural that it is affecting the film industry. When such problems arise, we have to make sure that we are secure in money matters. The film requires a lot of work as its budget is approximately 30 to 40 crores.”

The film revolves around the strange and loving relationship shared by King Ashoka (Amitabh Bachchan) and his son Veera Kunal (Arjun Rampal). Set in 240 BC, the film begins with the emperor converting to Buddhism. Another subplot of the movie is Ashoka’s fifth wife Pishyarakshita’s (Tabu) sexual attraction towards her stepson Veera, who is married to Kanchanmala (Amrita Rao). Shooting is supposed to take place at Filmcity and in northern parts of India. -Sampurn Media