Monday, March 31, 2008
Memories of a Boyfriend
Remembering Raghuvaran
"Is it your Raghu?" a friend texted as I sat in a theatre in Chennai listening to technical blah-blah on digital cinema. My heart sank. Raghu was a man I had met 19 years ago in Hyderabad, in the March of 1989, on the sets of Ram Gopal Varma's debut film Shiva.
I remember clearly. He had looked at a group of journalists and said, "I am Raghuvaran." He was playing Bhavani, the villain who will always be remembered with a shudder by a generation. That day, in jeans and shirt, and standing 6'2" tall with a cigarette in his mouth, he looked far from menacing. "But don't let his looks fool you," said Varma. "He is the new face of villainy."
"Acting is a lousy way to earn a living," said Raghu, two hours into our meeting. He had begun his film career seven years earlier in Hariharan's National Award winning film Ezhavathi Manithan (1982). Then, somewhere down the line, he turned commercial. "Name, fame, money, an actor has it all. But every time they make me play a clichéd role, I feel like a woman who is being gang raped."
As a young girl then, I was somehow always drawn towards trouble. So, while the other nine journalists were glowing in the company of Shiva's well-mannered hero, Nagarjuna, I was beginning to get attracted to the villain. He asked me to stay back. I appeared baffled, of course. "No," I said. After I returned to Bombay, we spoke on the phone several times.
In September that year I landed at his home in Chennai without warning. If he was surprised to see me, he didn't show it. He played the perfect host that summer afternoon, discussing everything from cinema to Sri Lanka, sipping Glucon-D. "I've just returned from a gruelling shooting in Kerala and this Glucon-D will help," he said.
What I didn't know then was that his drink was spiked with Vodka. And that one of the finest actors in the country, who was undeservedly unknown to north Indians, was on his way to becoming an alcoholic.
Despite his addiction, in the four ensuing years, Raghu and I forged a very deep friendship. In that period he acted in over 50 films in all the four South Indian languages, and his popularity was on the rise. His spine-chilling role as Bhavani in Ramu's Shiva was followed by a sensitive caring father in Mani Ratnam's Anjali. He matched histrionics with Dilip Kumar in Izzatdaar. Raghu would tell me later that the only gift he ever valued was the compliment from the thespian. "An actor thrives on praise," he said laughing. At that point in his career he didn't have too many awards to show. But everybody who saw him on screen knew that he was a very special talent. Part of Tamil cinema lore is how, in Puriyada Pudir, he repeated, 'I know' in a dozen ways, each time with a distinct emotion.
Raghu was to the camera born. I'd see him transform from set to set. Sometimes I felt I did not know when he was acting and when he was being himself. There were days when he slipped a knife under his bed before sleeping, and woke up staring at the cold steel blade because it gave him the feeling of being invincible.
He confessed to me often that in alcohol he found his refuge. The spirit dulled his sense and it made it easier, he said, to exist in a world that thrives on mediocrity. In 1993, excessive drinking landed him in the ICU. He was diagnosed with a hepatic failure. He was in the hospital for a week fighting hallucinations. The nurses attending to him ran away scared. He'd call out to Marc Anthony and Julius Caesar in his semi-conscious state. The only thing that made sense to everyone was his frequent plea—"Doctor save me, I don't want to die."
That was the last time I saw Raghuvaran. We split and I became just another curious bystander. I followed his life through the impersonality of news. Common friends like Tabu with whom he acted in Rajeev Menon's Kandukondain Kandukondain (2000) and Manisha Koirala in Lal Badshah (1999) would keep me posted on conversations with him.
The world saw Raghu as a weak man, as an alcoholic. I don't think of him that way. In 1993, doctors had given up on him. But he fought back. In the decade that followed he resurrected his career, his life. He won back many friends. He married and divorced actress Rohini, and had a son, Sai Rishi (whom he adored). And turned to religion in a major way. He also remained Rajnikant's favourite co-star. But suddenly, on the afternoon of March 19, I had to say, 'Yes, it is my Raghu.' Forty nine is no age to go.
"Is it your Raghu?" a friend texted as I sat in a theatre in Chennai listening to technical blah-blah on digital cinema. My heart sank. Raghu was a man I had met 19 years ago in Hyderabad, in the March of 1989, on the sets of Ram Gopal Varma's debut film Shiva.
I remember clearly. He had looked at a group of journalists and said, "I am Raghuvaran." He was playing Bhavani, the villain who will always be remembered with a shudder by a generation. That day, in jeans and shirt, and standing 6'2" tall with a cigarette in his mouth, he looked far from menacing. "But don't let his looks fool you," said Varma. "He is the new face of villainy."
"Acting is a lousy way to earn a living," said Raghu, two hours into our meeting. He had begun his film career seven years earlier in Hariharan's National Award winning film Ezhavathi Manithan (1982). Then, somewhere down the line, he turned commercial. "Name, fame, money, an actor has it all. But every time they make me play a clichéd role, I feel like a woman who is being gang raped."
As a young girl then, I was somehow always drawn towards trouble. So, while the other nine journalists were glowing in the company of Shiva's well-mannered hero, Nagarjuna, I was beginning to get attracted to the villain. He asked me to stay back. I appeared baffled, of course. "No," I said. After I returned to Bombay, we spoke on the phone several times.
In September that year I landed at his home in Chennai without warning. If he was surprised to see me, he didn't show it. He played the perfect host that summer afternoon, discussing everything from cinema to Sri Lanka, sipping Glucon-D. "I've just returned from a gruelling shooting in Kerala and this Glucon-D will help," he said.
What I didn't know then was that his drink was spiked with Vodka. And that one of the finest actors in the country, who was undeservedly unknown to north Indians, was on his way to becoming an alcoholic.
Despite his addiction, in the four ensuing years, Raghu and I forged a very deep friendship. In that period he acted in over 50 films in all the four South Indian languages, and his popularity was on the rise. His spine-chilling role as Bhavani in Ramu's Shiva was followed by a sensitive caring father in Mani Ratnam's Anjali. He matched histrionics with Dilip Kumar in Izzatdaar. Raghu would tell me later that the only gift he ever valued was the compliment from the thespian. "An actor thrives on praise," he said laughing. At that point in his career he didn't have too many awards to show. But everybody who saw him on screen knew that he was a very special talent. Part of Tamil cinema lore is how, in Puriyada Pudir, he repeated, 'I know' in a dozen ways, each time with a distinct emotion.
Raghu was to the camera born. I'd see him transform from set to set. Sometimes I felt I did not know when he was acting and when he was being himself. There were days when he slipped a knife under his bed before sleeping, and woke up staring at the cold steel blade because it gave him the feeling of being invincible.
He confessed to me often that in alcohol he found his refuge. The spirit dulled his sense and it made it easier, he said, to exist in a world that thrives on mediocrity. In 1993, excessive drinking landed him in the ICU. He was diagnosed with a hepatic failure. He was in the hospital for a week fighting hallucinations. The nurses attending to him ran away scared. He'd call out to Marc Anthony and Julius Caesar in his semi-conscious state. The only thing that made sense to everyone was his frequent plea—"Doctor save me, I don't want to die."
That was the last time I saw Raghuvaran. We split and I became just another curious bystander. I followed his life through the impersonality of news. Common friends like Tabu with whom he acted in Rajeev Menon's Kandukondain Kandukondain (2000) and Manisha Koirala in Lal Badshah (1999) would keep me posted on conversations with him.
The world saw Raghu as a weak man, as an alcoholic. I don't think of him that way. In 1993, doctors had given up on him. But he fought back. In the decade that followed he resurrected his career, his life. He won back many friends. He married and divorced actress Rohini, and had a son, Sai Rishi (whom he adored). And turned to religion in a major way. He also remained Rajnikant's favourite co-star. But suddenly, on the afternoon of March 19, I had to say, 'Yes, it is my Raghu.' Forty nine is no age to go.
Is Bebo’s bikini shot in Tashan a publicity gimmick?
Bebo’s new look has been appreciated a lot in tinsel town but more than her slim and super sexy figure, its her bikini scene that is now the biggest conversation starter in Bollywood. Kareena’s fans are looking forward to see her in a bikini, but it seems that this is a most hyped scene and is a Yashraj promotional strategy.
Putting a whole new twist to the tale is this unit hand, who reveals that Kareena who did tone her ultra thin body to give it that additional glam look for the now famed bikini scene, hasn’t shot any scene in a bikini in the first place. “Kareena’s successful film Jab We Met gave a boost to her career. She has managed to get that girl next door image. That role and film has not only given her several best actress’ award but has also made her the highest paid actress in Bollywood. Apparently Kareena is apprehensive about her bikini scene which may kill her new found girl next door image”, declares a confidante of the actress.
At a recent event Kareena denied the buzz about her bikini scene. She agreed that her role is extremely glamorous as it was a requirement of her character. She also added that her look will be a new trend for onscreen glam divas. But when asked about her bikini scene, the actress flatly denied saying there’s any scene as such.
When contacted the Yash Raj’s spokesperson, Monika said, “These are baseless all rumors. Tashan is complete and they will not edit or shoot any scene now.”
Apprently Tashan is cashing big time on Kareena’s bikini scene which may or may not be there in the film. Moreover Yash Raj’s policy to keep things under wrap till the release of their film itself creates a lot of curiosity so there is no other option but to wait till the release of Tashan .
In the scheme of things, it is important that the Yashraj banner strikes early in 2008 after a lackluster performance in 2007. And this time Aditya Chopra is prepared to pput Kareena Kapoor on the block to ensure a good opening for his first release of the year.
South Africa In India
I was expecting the call, says Kaif after replacing injured Sachin
At the Cricket Club of India on Sunday, Mohammed Kaif is getting ready to enjoy a Mumbai evening. His body language is calm and facial expressions belie the excitement and the sea of emotions he must be going through. After one year and nine months he had been picked for the Indian Test team for the second Test at Ahmedabad.
He had replaced Sachin Tendulkar who aggravated his right groin injury while fielding during the South Africa's second innings on the fourth day of the first Test in Chennai. The injury had first troubled Tendulkar during the fourth Test against Australia Down Under. Although, the Board of Control for Cricket in India in their statement have only talked about Tendulkar's non-availability for the second Test, according to sources, Tendulkar is most likely to miss the third Test to be played at Kanpur too. Interestingly, Tendulkar had not given the fitness test held at the National Cricket Academy ahead of the Test series.
Kaif, who made his debut against the same opponents eight years ago in Bangalore, has played 13 Test matches. Talking to Mumbai Mirror Kaif said, "Basically, I was expecting it. I had a good domestic and India A season. I had scored some 1000-1200 runs. A bulk of them were scored on tough wickets so the call was kind of expected."
Kaif played his last series in the West Indies and made 148 in the second Test at St Lucia. And although his last two Test scores were of 13 and six, his form should have given him a longer stint with the Indian side. However, the 27-year-old looks at the events in a rather philosophical manner. "I had learned a lot during this period. I think whatever happens, happens for some good only. So I think there must have been some good reason of my being away from the Indian side."
"I must thank my supporters and those who stood by me in my bad period. I hope that the bad phase has ended and this selection will bring more good news for me in the future."
The selectors call to pick Kaif seems to be a logical one. They have picked a middle-order batsman for an injured middle-order batsmen and not an opener like Gautam Gambhir or Aakash Chopra.
Kaif knows he might have got a chance but the team is certainly going to feel Tendulkar's absence. "I have been picked, its good for me, but Tendulkar is injured and that certainly is a bad news for the Indian team. Captain Anil Kumble will never have wanted him to be out of the side. But now I have got a chance and if I play, I will try and make the best out of it."
At the Cricket Club of India on Sunday, Mohammed Kaif is getting ready to enjoy a Mumbai evening. His body language is calm and facial expressions belie the excitement and the sea of emotions he must be going through. After one year and nine months he had been picked for the Indian Test team for the second Test at Ahmedabad.
He had replaced Sachin Tendulkar who aggravated his right groin injury while fielding during the South Africa's second innings on the fourth day of the first Test in Chennai. The injury had first troubled Tendulkar during the fourth Test against Australia Down Under. Although, the Board of Control for Cricket in India in their statement have only talked about Tendulkar's non-availability for the second Test, according to sources, Tendulkar is most likely to miss the third Test to be played at Kanpur too. Interestingly, Tendulkar had not given the fitness test held at the National Cricket Academy ahead of the Test series.
Kaif, who made his debut against the same opponents eight years ago in Bangalore, has played 13 Test matches. Talking to Mumbai Mirror Kaif said, "Basically, I was expecting it. I had a good domestic and India A season. I had scored some 1000-1200 runs. A bulk of them were scored on tough wickets so the call was kind of expected."
Kaif played his last series in the West Indies and made 148 in the second Test at St Lucia. And although his last two Test scores were of 13 and six, his form should have given him a longer stint with the Indian side. However, the 27-year-old looks at the events in a rather philosophical manner. "I had learned a lot during this period. I think whatever happens, happens for some good only. So I think there must have been some good reason of my being away from the Indian side."
"I must thank my supporters and those who stood by me in my bad period. I hope that the bad phase has ended and this selection will bring more good news for me in the future."
The selectors call to pick Kaif seems to be a logical one. They have picked a middle-order batsman for an injured middle-order batsmen and not an opener like Gautam Gambhir or Aakash Chopra.
Kaif knows he might have got a chance but the team is certainly going to feel Tendulkar's absence. "I have been picked, its good for me, but Tendulkar is injured and that certainly is a bad news for the Indian team. Captain Anil Kumble will never have wanted him to be out of the side. But now I have got a chance and if I play, I will try and make the best out of it."
Earth Hour goes global
The Sydney Opera House to San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge went dark as people switched off lights in their homes and skylines dimmed around the world on Saturday to show concern with global warming.
Up to 30 million people were expected to have turned off their lights for 60 minutes by the time "Earth Hour" -- which started in Suva in Fiji and Christchurch in New Zealand -- completed its cycle westward.
More than 380 towns and cities and 3,500 businesses in 35 countries signed up for the campaign that is in its second year after it began in 2007 in Sydney, Australia's largest city.
"Earth Hour shows that everyday people are prepared to pull together to find a solution to climate change. It can be done," said James Leape of WWF International, which was running the campaign.
Lights at Sydney's Opera House and Harbour Bridge were lowered as Australians held candle-lit beach parties, played poker by candlelight and floated candles down rivers.
In Bangkok, some of the city's business districts, shopping malls and billboards went dark, although street lights stayed on. One major hotel invited guests to dine by candle light and reported brisk business.
In Copenhagen, the Tivoli Gardens and the Royal Palace and the opera darkened for an hour, along with many street lights.
"In the central square a lot of people were standing looking at the stars," said Ida Thuesen, spokeswoman for WWF Denmark. "It's not often you can see the stars in a city."
Floodlights went out at landmarks in Budapest, including its castle, cathedral and parliament.
In Britain, 26 town and city councils signed up to switch off nonessential lights as did several historic buildings, including Prince Charles' private residence Highgrove House, London City Hall, Winchester Cathedral and the Government Communication Headquarters radio monitoring station. The south coast town of Brighton turned off the lights on its pier.
The movement crossed the Atlantic to the United States and Canada, where the 1,815-foot (553-metre) CN Tower in Toronto and the surrounding skyline were plunged into temporary darkness.
In Toronto, many restaurants offered candlelight dining. The golden arches at a corner McDonalds were dark, though the restaurant itself was brightly lit. Supporters held "dark parties," glow-in-the-dark soccer games and lantern walks.
News helicopters swooped low over city streets, where banks had switched off the neon signs atop their skyscrapers.
Landmarks such as San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge and Chicago's Sears Tower went dark in the closing hours of Saturday's round-the-world event.
"It is not just about turning off the lights, it is about raising awareness," San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom said. "Energy efficiency is low-hanging fruit. Energy efficiency is the easiest thing we can do" to reduce global warming.
Buildings account for about one-third of the carbon emissions that scientists say will boost global average temperatures by between 1.4 and 4.0 degrees Celsius this century, bringing floods and famines and putting millions of lives at risk.
Organizers of Earth Hour said that while switching off a light for one hour would have little impact on carbon emissions, the fact that so many people were taking part showed how much interest and concern at the climate crisis had taken hold. They said they plan a similar event March 28, 2009.
Source: TIMES OF INDIA
Got a death wish? Try suicide machine
Just one press of a button and you'll take your last breath. One of Germany's most promising conservative politicians and lawyer has unveiled Europe's first suicide machine for people with a death wish.
The killing machine named 'Perfusor' can end a person's life with a swift injection of potassium chloride.
If the machine, designed to evade strict laws banning assisted suicide, goes into production then Germany rather than Switzerland could soon become the destination of choice for those seeking to kill themselves.
"The machine is simply an option for fatally ill people," Times Online quoted Kusch, as saying. The machine is painted in green and it looks like a cross between an electric transformer and a paint spraygun. "Nobody is forced to use it but I do believe that it will contribute to a debate that is moving thousands of people," he said.
The machine would be lent or rented so that the patients could insert the needles themselves and then push the button releasing the potassium chloride.
Gerhard Strate, a defence lawyer from Hamburg, said: "As long as the sick person is fully conscious and aware, then lending the machine to him is no more illegal than lending him a kitchen knife or a razor blade. It becomes illegal only if the potential suicide asks someone in the room to press the button for him."
The killing machine named 'Perfusor' can end a person's life with a swift injection of potassium chloride.
If the machine, designed to evade strict laws banning assisted suicide, goes into production then Germany rather than Switzerland could soon become the destination of choice for those seeking to kill themselves.
"The machine is simply an option for fatally ill people," Times Online quoted Kusch, as saying. The machine is painted in green and it looks like a cross between an electric transformer and a paint spraygun. "Nobody is forced to use it but I do believe that it will contribute to a debate that is moving thousands of people," he said.
The machine would be lent or rented so that the patients could insert the needles themselves and then push the button releasing the potassium chloride.
Gerhard Strate, a defence lawyer from Hamburg, said: "As long as the sick person is fully conscious and aware, then lending the machine to him is no more illegal than lending him a kitchen knife or a razor blade. It becomes illegal only if the potential suicide asks someone in the room to press the button for him."
Electronic passports, courtesy IIT-K (IIT Kanpur)
Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, has joined hands with the passport department to come out with tamper-proof electronic passports. The diplomats and officials, in the first phase, would get the electronic passports from the third week of May.
"The tender for electronic passports would be opened by April end. Private companies have started approaching us to know if they could also use them," Rajat Moona of the IIT-K's computer science and engineering department said. He said IIT-K experts and students have developed the temper-proof passport with assistance of National Informatics Centre, New Delhi.
The passport will have in-built processor and chip. "Unlike other countries, we have defined the standard of writing information on the electronic chip embedded inside the passport. Other countries rely on private companies for the job," Moona said. He said 40 countries, around the world, are using the electronic passports.
"The IIT-K's electronic passport would be different. To counter any possibility of tampering, the passport office would store the information in the chip with IIT-K's assistance," he said, adding, "The chip would contain vital information on the user, including photograph and finger prints, to prevent misuse."
He said electronic passports' introduction would end the menace of fake passports.
"The tender for electronic passports would be opened by April end. Private companies have started approaching us to know if they could also use them," Rajat Moona of the IIT-K's computer science and engineering department said. He said IIT-K experts and students have developed the temper-proof passport with assistance of National Informatics Centre, New Delhi.
The passport will have in-built processor and chip. "Unlike other countries, we have defined the standard of writing information on the electronic chip embedded inside the passport. Other countries rely on private companies for the job," Moona said. He said 40 countries, around the world, are using the electronic passports.
"The IIT-K's electronic passport would be different. To counter any possibility of tampering, the passport office would store the information in the chip with IIT-K's assistance," he said, adding, "The chip would contain vital information on the user, including photograph and finger prints, to prevent misuse."
He said electronic passports' introduction would end the menace of fake passports.
RTC buses all set to go cool in Hyderabad
It's summer bonanza for city commuters. State-owned Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation is all set to end summer woes of bus commuters with the launch of 'Seetala Hamsa', an air-conditioned (AC) city bus service, on Monday.
Though initially, on a pilot basis, it will ply on the Secunderabad-VBIT, Madhapur route, the corporation hopes to roll out 50 more buses on different routes based on customer feedback and patronage.
Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy will flag off APSRTC's first AC city service, 10H, on the Secunderabad-VBIT, Madhapur route, at the Assembly premises on Monday at 8.00 am. The 'Seetala Hamsa' has an engine-driven AC system and is of semi-low floor type with floor height of 860 mm as against 1050 in a normal city bus.
Unlike the conventional three-step entry, passengers would have a two-step entry, providing easy access to the elderly and the physically-challenged. Though APSRTC officials are tight-lipped about the fare, sources said it would be Rs 10 (from anywhere to anywhere) for a month and thereafter the authorities will decide on the fare.
The new swanky bus would sport LED destination boards, which would be conspicuous for commuters even sitting at the rear of the vehicle. Also, the new bus would have air suspension so that passengers would have a smooth ride.
It would have comfortable fibre-moulded plastic seats with good upholstery. About 11 metres long, the bus has a seating capacity for 45 and has a wider gangway to facilitate free passenger movement, according to an official release issued here on Sunday.
The 10H city service would ply from Secunderabad Station to VBIT Park via Patny, Ameerpet, Yousufguda, Jubilee Hills check post and Madhapur.
Though initially, on a pilot basis, it will ply on the Secunderabad-VBIT, Madhapur route, the corporation hopes to roll out 50 more buses on different routes based on customer feedback and patronage.
Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy will flag off APSRTC's first AC city service, 10H, on the Secunderabad-VBIT, Madhapur route, at the Assembly premises on Monday at 8.00 am. The 'Seetala Hamsa' has an engine-driven AC system and is of semi-low floor type with floor height of 860 mm as against 1050 in a normal city bus.
Unlike the conventional three-step entry, passengers would have a two-step entry, providing easy access to the elderly and the physically-challenged. Though APSRTC officials are tight-lipped about the fare, sources said it would be Rs 10 (from anywhere to anywhere) for a month and thereafter the authorities will decide on the fare.
The new swanky bus would sport LED destination boards, which would be conspicuous for commuters even sitting at the rear of the vehicle. Also, the new bus would have air suspension so that passengers would have a smooth ride.
It would have comfortable fibre-moulded plastic seats with good upholstery. About 11 metres long, the bus has a seating capacity for 45 and has a wider gangway to facilitate free passenger movement, according to an official release issued here on Sunday.
The 10H city service would ply from Secunderabad Station to VBIT Park via Patny, Ameerpet, Yousufguda, Jubilee Hills check post and Madhapur.
Head implant that makes you taller
Is your wife or girlfriend taller than you? Forget shoe lifts. Instead you can try out a two-inch head implant. A cosmetic surgeon in Spain has developed a new way of adding up to two inches to a person's height by inserting a silicone head implant, British newspaper the Daily Mail reported on Sunday.
According to Dr Luis de la Cruz of the Clinica La Luz hospital in Madrid, the operation takes 90 minutes during which an incision is made in one side of the head and then the implant is squeezed in between the skull and the scalp. The cost of the entire operation is roughly £4,000 and it is usually performed by applying a local anaesthetic.
Patients are released from the hospital the subsequent day. Dr de la Cruz, who has already carried out the operation on 17 patients, said: "It is a relatively simple procedure that can have a wonderfully positive effect on the patient's life. Like most good ideas it came to me in a flash.
"I was approached by a young woman who always dreamt of becoming an air stewardess. She was rejected for being half an inch too small and asked if there was any technique to add to her height.
"At the time the only way was through lengthening the leg bones, which is an extreme and traumatic option. It got me thinking. I carry out many chin implant operations and suddenly I thought, 'Why not an implant between the skull and the scalp?'. She is very happy with the result and is now an air stewardess."
A woman patient called Eugenia said: "It changed my life. I look a different person." The Clinica La Luz in Madrid is thought to be the only place in the world where the operation is performed. But people with long, thin heads are advised against the surgery as the result can look odd. Clinical psychologist Javier Hernandez said: "People should think long and hard before having this surgery."
Source : TIMES OF INDIA
According to Dr Luis de la Cruz of the Clinica La Luz hospital in Madrid, the operation takes 90 minutes during which an incision is made in one side of the head and then the implant is squeezed in between the skull and the scalp. The cost of the entire operation is roughly £4,000 and it is usually performed by applying a local anaesthetic.
Patients are released from the hospital the subsequent day. Dr de la Cruz, who has already carried out the operation on 17 patients, said: "It is a relatively simple procedure that can have a wonderfully positive effect on the patient's life. Like most good ideas it came to me in a flash.
"I was approached by a young woman who always dreamt of becoming an air stewardess. She was rejected for being half an inch too small and asked if there was any technique to add to her height.
"At the time the only way was through lengthening the leg bones, which is an extreme and traumatic option. It got me thinking. I carry out many chin implant operations and suddenly I thought, 'Why not an implant between the skull and the scalp?'. She is very happy with the result and is now an air stewardess."
A woman patient called Eugenia said: "It changed my life. I look a different person." The Clinica La Luz in Madrid is thought to be the only place in the world where the operation is performed. But people with long, thin heads are advised against the surgery as the result can look odd. Clinical psychologist Javier Hernandez said: "People should think long and hard before having this surgery."
Source : TIMES OF INDIA
What's your value in cyber mafia?
What’s your value in the cyber mafia-run chor bazaar? $0.25 for your official name, $2 for cell number, $150 to $500 for credit card number and $50 to $400 for bank customer ID and PIN.
You could be worth $1,000 on an average. When it comes to dealing in corporate information, your value could run into thousands of dollars.
If fun and fame were the sole aim of cyber hijackers till sometime ago, making fast buck is the key motive of today’s cyber crackers.
These nerds can outsmart cracker king Kevin David Mitnick. The tech savvyness attached to the profession makes it proliferate in terms of value and volume, said a leading cyber expert.
How does one fall prey to the cyber mafia? The case of Rajeev Vasudeva, a Chandigarh bank executive, says it all.
He logged on to a social networking site, a couple of months ago. “Soon, I started receiving mails from unknown sources asking about my health and home loan details. I thought someone who knows us well was playing a prank, until a tech-savvy friend realised my computer was hijacked and turned into a BOT (a hijacked computer), a captive.
In Vasudeva’s case, when he logged on, a malware/spyware was downloaded onto his system which held his computer a captive and started sending the entire data to an outsider, exposing his passwords.
Over 10,000 computers are converted into BOTs a day and are linked into large networks of such computers, called BOTnets.
On an average, around 400 BOTs are created a day in India, says a recent study. The country has over 40 command-and-control servers having 38,465 distinct BOTs.
Among the cities, Mumbai reported a share of 33 per cent, followed by Delhi at 25 per cent, Chennai 17 per cent and Bangalore 13 per cent.
Cyber criminals sell stolen information be it credit cards, credit verification values, bank accounts on the underground economy servers. The buyer is then required to pay cash.
Unwilling to risk exposure, buyers use cashiers agents who convert the stolen information into true currency in the form of e-gold (wherein the process is instantaneous and the payments are final, ensuring no charge-backs) or through money transfers.
Source : INDIATIMES
You could be worth $1,000 on an average. When it comes to dealing in corporate information, your value could run into thousands of dollars.
If fun and fame were the sole aim of cyber hijackers till sometime ago, making fast buck is the key motive of today’s cyber crackers.
These nerds can outsmart cracker king Kevin David Mitnick. The tech savvyness attached to the profession makes it proliferate in terms of value and volume, said a leading cyber expert.
How does one fall prey to the cyber mafia? The case of Rajeev Vasudeva, a Chandigarh bank executive, says it all.
He logged on to a social networking site, a couple of months ago. “Soon, I started receiving mails from unknown sources asking about my health and home loan details. I thought someone who knows us well was playing a prank, until a tech-savvy friend realised my computer was hijacked and turned into a BOT (a hijacked computer), a captive.
In Vasudeva’s case, when he logged on, a malware/spyware was downloaded onto his system which held his computer a captive and started sending the entire data to an outsider, exposing his passwords.
Over 10,000 computers are converted into BOTs a day and are linked into large networks of such computers, called BOTnets.
On an average, around 400 BOTs are created a day in India, says a recent study. The country has over 40 command-and-control servers having 38,465 distinct BOTs.
Among the cities, Mumbai reported a share of 33 per cent, followed by Delhi at 25 per cent, Chennai 17 per cent and Bangalore 13 per cent.
Cyber criminals sell stolen information be it credit cards, credit verification values, bank accounts on the underground economy servers. The buyer is then required to pay cash.
Unwilling to risk exposure, buyers use cashiers agents who convert the stolen information into true currency in the form of e-gold (wherein the process is instantaneous and the payments are final, ensuring no charge-backs) or through money transfers.
Source : INDIATIMES
Protesting Indian workers in US to return H2B visas
Nearly 100 Indian workers, who claim they were lured to move to the US by false promises of permanent jobs, will march up to the White House on Monday morning and return their H2B visas in a symbolic rejection of the guest worker programme used to traffic them in US.
( Watch: Indian workers in US to return H2B visas )
The workers, who complain they underwent "slave-like treatment" at a Mississippi shipyard, will also demand a Congressional investigation of their former employer Signal International.
Signal, a Northrop Grumman subcontractor that held them as bonded labourers and is already the subject of a criminal human trafficking investigation by the Department of Justice, a statement issued on behalf of them by the organisers said.
Allies from 'Jobs With Justice', a national campaign for workers' rights in United States, will join the workers, who arrived in Washington last week after a nine-day S atyagraha , or "journey for justice" from New Orleans to Washington DC.
The group is among over 500 Indian welders and pipe-fitters trafficked to the US to work for Signal International after Hurricane Katrina.
The workers have filed a major class action anti-racketeering suit against Signal and its US and Indian recruiters in federal court.
Last Thursday, the workers had staged a protest rally at Dupont Circle and then marched to the Indian Embassy on Massachussetts Avenue where they had a three-hour-meeting with the Indian Ambassador Ronen Sen. They had also demanded a CBI probe into their case.
Sen gave the workers and their representatives a patient hearing at the embassy in which he promised to take up their grievances but only though appropriate and established channels.
( Watch: Indian workers in US to return H2B visas )
The workers, who complain they underwent "slave-like treatment" at a Mississippi shipyard, will also demand a Congressional investigation of their former employer Signal International.
Signal, a Northrop Grumman subcontractor that held them as bonded labourers and is already the subject of a criminal human trafficking investigation by the Department of Justice, a statement issued on behalf of them by the organisers said.
Allies from 'Jobs With Justice', a national campaign for workers' rights in United States, will join the workers, who arrived in Washington last week after a nine-day S atyagraha , or "journey for justice" from New Orleans to Washington DC.
The group is among over 500 Indian welders and pipe-fitters trafficked to the US to work for Signal International after Hurricane Katrina.
The workers have filed a major class action anti-racketeering suit against Signal and its US and Indian recruiters in federal court.
Last Thursday, the workers had staged a protest rally at Dupont Circle and then marched to the Indian Embassy on Massachussetts Avenue where they had a three-hour-meeting with the Indian Ambassador Ronen Sen. They had also demanded a CBI probe into their case.
Sen gave the workers and their representatives a patient hearing at the embassy in which he promised to take up their grievances but only though appropriate and established channels.
Gateway of India will be under water by 2100
The Gateway of India will be wiped off the Mumbai skyline. Bhelpuri at Chowpatty will become the stuff of grandmother's tales.
No flights will take off from Chhatrapati Shivaji airport. No couple will canoodle at the Marine Drive promenade and even heirs to the bungalow of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan will not be able to resist being evicted from their home.
Ninety-two years from now, all these landmarks of Mumbai will be underwater. That's the apocalypse scenario drawn up in a report titled 'Climate Migrants in South Asia: Estimates and Solutions' that has been commissioned by Greenpeace, a non-government organization.
Prepared by climate expert and professor from the humanities department of IIT Chennai, Sudhir Chella Rajan, the report says that a potential increase in temperatures by 4 to 5 degrees due to greenhouse emissions at the current rate would mean a corresponding rise in sea levels of up to five metres by 2100.
This, in turn, would imply that approximately 50 million Indians would be rendered homeless and become 'climate migrants'.
"The low elevation coastal zone (LECZ), which comprises the coastal region that is less than 10 metres above average sea level, is obviously at direct risk. Even prime commercial properties like the Backbay complex and the Bandra-Kurla complex fall into this category. This means that it's not just the average Koli who will be affected but even Mannat (superstar SRK's Bandra Bandstand bungalow) would be on the wrong side of the coastline once the sea level rises," said Greenpeace activist Shweta Ganesh Kumar.
Greenpeace envisages that human migration 92 years hence would be equivalent to 10 times the movement seen during Partition. "This means that even the limited space in your Virar-Churchgate local will be affected," she added.
However, Rakesh Kumar from the National Environment Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) felt the figures in the Greenpeace study seemed exaggerated.
"This can create a scare in the minds of the people. According to estimates of the intergovernmental panel of climate change (IPCC), the rise in sea levels by 2011 is estimated at one metre. There will be submersion, but only in the low-lying areas. At most, the foundations of buildings near the shore may be weakened due to saline formation," said Kumar.
Greenpeace activists, however, are on a mission to raise awareness about the impending doom. Around 40 Greenpeace activists or 'Blue Busters' sporting symbolic blue raincoats hit the city streets on Sunday.
Blue cautionary signs, saying 'Climate Change Zone Ahead' with illustrations of drowning individuals bearing a distinct resemblance to traditional traffic signs, were put up along the Bandra Kurla Complex and other areas.
Greenpeace Climate and Energy campaigner Brikesh Singh said, "We want to alert Mumbaikars to the blue future they have in store if steps are not taken to fight global warming. If we don't act now, our city of dreams will be caught up in a never-ending nightmare, and we are the last generation that can prevent this from happening." The 'Blue Alert' signs were part of a Greenpeace campaign launched in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Kochi, Panaji and Puri.
"The campaign aims at bringing home the reality of climate change to the common man and empowering people to force their MPs to speak out about the issue of climate change," said Singh.
Greenpeace activists will slap token 'eviction-warning' notices on the doors of structures that may be affected. These include the homes of actors Shah Rukh Khan, Rekha and Farhan Akhtar.
Gateway of India will be under water by 2100
The Gateway of India will be wiped off the Mumbai skyline. Bhelpuri at Chowpatty will become the stuff of grandmother's tales.
No flights will take off from Chhatrapati Shivaji airport. No couple will canoodle at the Marine Drive promenade and even heirs to the bungalow of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan will not be able to resist being evicted from their home.
Ninety-two years from now, all these landmarks of Mumbai will be underwater. That's the apocalypse scenario drawn up in a report titled 'Climate Migrants in South Asia: Estimates and Solutions' that has been commissioned by Greenpeace, a non-government organization.
Prepared by climate expert and professor from the humanities department of IIT Chennai, Sudhir Chella Rajan, the report says that a potential increase in temperatures by 4 to 5 degrees due to greenhouse emissions at the current rate would mean a corresponding rise in sea levels of up to five metres by 2100.
This, in turn, would imply that approximately 50 million Indians would be rendered homeless and become 'climate migrants'.
"The low elevation coastal zone (LECZ), which comprises the coastal region that is less than 10 metres above average sea level, is obviously at direct risk. Even prime commercial properties like the Backbay complex and the Bandra-Kurla complex fall into this category. This means that it's not just the average Koli who will be affected but even Mannat (superstar SRK's Bandra Bandstand bungalow) would be on the wrong side of the coastline once the sea level rises," said Greenpeace activist Shweta Ganesh Kumar.
Greenpeace envisages that human migration 92 years hence would be equivalent to 10 times the movement seen during Partition. "This means that even the limited space in your Virar-Churchgate local will be affected," she added.
However, Rakesh Kumar from the National Environment Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) felt the figures in the Greenpeace study seemed exaggerated.
"This can create a scare in the minds of the people. According to estimates of the intergovernmental panel of climate change (IPCC), the rise in sea levels by 2011 is estimated at one metre. There will be submersion, but only in the low-lying areas. At most, the foundations of buildings near the shore may be weakened due to saline formation," said Kumar.
Greenpeace activists, however, are on a mission to raise awareness about the impending doom. Around 40 Greenpeace activists or 'Blue Busters' sporting symbolic blue raincoats hit the city streets on Sunday.
Blue cautionary signs, saying 'Climate Change Zone Ahead' with illustrations of drowning individuals bearing a distinct resemblance to traditional traffic signs, were put up along the Bandra Kurla Complex and other areas.
Greenpeace Climate and Energy campaigner Brikesh Singh said, "We want to alert Mumbaikars to the blue future they have in store if steps are not taken to fight global warming. If we don't act now, our city of dreams will be caught up in a never-ending nightmare, and we are the last generation that can prevent this from happening." The 'Blue Alert' signs were part of a Greenpeace campaign launched in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Kochi, Panaji and Puri.
"The campaign aims at bringing home the reality of climate change to the common man and empowering people to force their MPs to speak out about the issue of climate change," said Singh.
Greenpeace activists will slap token 'eviction-warning' notices on the doors of structures that may be affected. These include the homes of actors Shah Rukh Khan, Rekha and Farhan Akhtar.
Mobiles more dangerous than fags
Puffing kills. But a new study, led by an Indian-origin researcher, claims that mobiles phones are more dangerous than fags.
"Though mobiles can save lives in emergencies, there is a significant and increasing body of evidence for a link between mobile phone usage and certain brain tumours (which can lead to cancer).
"It is anticipated that this danger has far broader public health ramifications than asbestos and smoking," the study`s lead author Dr Vini Khurana was quoted by `the independent` newspaper as saying.
Smoking kills some five million worldwide each year, according to the world health organisation.
But Dr Khurana, who has based the findings on an analysis of over 100 researches on the effects of cell phones, said the radiation from mobiles could kill far more people than smoking.
"We are currently experiencing a reactively unchecked and dangerous situation. This will be definitively proven in the next decade," he said.
The leading cancer expert said that people should avoid using them wherever possible and that governments and the mobile phone industry must take "immediate steps" to reduce exposure to their radiation.
"Unless the industry and governments take immediate and decisive steps, the incidence of malignant brain tumours and associated death rate will be observed to rise globally within a decade from now, by which time it may be far too late to intervene medically," according to him.
However, the mobile operators association has dismissed Dr Khurana`s study as "a selective discussion of scientific literature by one individual".
Saturday, March 29, 2008
India to surpass US and become 2nd largest Moblie Phone Market
Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), India’s telecom watchdog has predicted that the country is likely to become the second largest mobile phone market in the world, leaving behind America on the third position by April this year.
At present, China ranks first with a total of 540.50 million wireless customers, followed by 260.50 million subscriber base in the US and 250.93 million in India. These ratings were taken in February this year. It is also noticed that the US is the least in adding up subscribers monthly with about 2-3 million, whereas China gains around 6-7 million subscribers per month. Coming to India, the highest monthly wireless subscription has been marked that ranges from 8-9 million.
With this growing wireless network, TRAI is confident that the nation’s wireless subscriber base will overtake US’ during the first half of April this year. On the other hand, it is believed that the subscriber base of both wireless and fixed lines will reach over 300 million.
“India’s monthly wireless subscriber addition is the highest in the range of 8-9 million. Thus, India’s wireless subscriber base during the first half of April 2008 will surpass that of the US and become the second-largest wireless network in the world. Not only this, the total subscriber base (wireless plus fixedline) of India will also cross the 300-million mark in April 2008,” stated TRAI.
In February, India’s wireless subscriber base occupied 8.53 million, from 8.77 million subscribers’ addition in the previous month. If the total wireless subscribers are considered, including GSM, CDMA and WLL(F), the base achieved a target of 250.93 million at the end of February 2008.
Man behind Aamir's Ghajini look!
Aamir Khan's new buzz look for Ghajini has been appreciated and talked about a lot... however very few people known that apart from designer Arjun Bhasin and hair stylist Avan Contractor there was another low profile man who was instrumental in designing his look and giving various important inputs...
Ravi K Chandran the ace cinematographer, who has been known to shoot the films in most aesthetic and beautiful manner, was not only present for all discussions and made the final decisions about the various scars on the scalp and how it should be presented in the film. How the scars would look on screen was very important as it was Ravi who eventually will shoot Aamir and the angles and how he would like to shoot Aamir Khan from far off... But then they say, alls well, that's end's well!
SRK: The Badshah Roars!!!
When we bumped into Shah Rukh recently at an event, without missing the golden opportunity that we had been blessed with, we asked the superstar as to what did he think about the constant comparisons between him and Rakhi Sawant as far as their item numbers in Krazzy 4 is concerned!
Khan’s reply to his comparison with Rakhi took everyone by surprise as the otherwise witty but well spoken actor bluntly replied, “I don’t believe in this cheap competition”! Everyone’s surprised faces must have made SRK realize the repercussions of his strong critical comment and as to cover up the goof up, Shah Rukh added, “I’ve always said that my competitors are better than me and as it is I don’t believe in competition! I am sure Hrithik will do more justice to the item song that I’ve done, him being a fabulous dancer and even Rakhi is known for her dancing! So frankly I don’t consider myself to be their competition!”
“Shah Rukh never looks down upon his co-stars! This time around he replied curtly to the question about his comparison with Rakhi only because he is not an item boy material the way he is made to look like. He is an actor and did the Krazzy 4 song only because Rakesh Roshan requested him to do so! He definitely does not consider himself in the league of Rakhi’s and that is what made him a little furious” said a close friend of SRK!
We have already seen SRK and Rakhi grooving to the music of Krazzy 4 and Hrithik has already impressed all, with his version of ‘Breakfree’, (the same track as SRK’s) with different choreography of course!
We spoke to Jaideep Sen, the director of Krazzy 4 and he said, “It was a delight to direct SRK and I must say the song is getting popular day by day. Hrithik's song is on the same tune but there is a slight change in lyrics. He has danced brilliantly as usual and it shows! I am very lucky that two mega stars have danced to my title song for my debut film!”
When we asked the filmmaker about the SRK v/s Rakhi war, he replied, “Rakhi Sawant's song is for the masses as she has a certain amount of class which appeals to a certain target audience as she is famous through her item songs. It was a great working experience with her as well!"
Only April 11th will help us decide which is the best ‘item’ of the three is as that is the day when Krazzy 4 will hit the theatres!
Kareena wins the Race
Saif Ali Khan is completely besotted by Kareena Kapoor.
Recently, Saif threw a party in honour of Kareena as he believes that his latest film Race has succeeded only because Bebo (Kareena) is lucky for him.
Saif invited a few of their close friends at a suburban five-star hotel for a dinner party on Wednesday. Says a source
present at the dinner table, “The dinner party was planned by Saif as he thinks that Bebo has brought him a lot of luck in his personal as well as professional life. After the dinner, Saif had planned a cosy candlelight
dinner for just him and Bebo. Saif is extremely happy with the way things are.”
Accidental firing at PMO parking lot
In what appears to be a case of accidental firing, a constable of Delhi police was injured when his colleague’s gun went off accidentally in the high security area near the Prime Minister’s Office in South Block at New Delhi on Friday afternoon.
Ensuing panic brought senior officers of the district rushing to the spot. Later, a case of negligence was registered at Parliament Street police station and the head constable whose gun was fired accidentally was detained.
According to the police, constable Sanjay Kumar (25), who is posted at the parking lot inside PMO received a gun-shot wound in his left thigh in the shooting incident at around 12 pm. He was taking over charge from another constable. His colleague, head constable Suraj Pal (58), who allegedly shot at Sanjay, was also taking charge of duty.
"The constable has suffered one gun shot. We have registered a case and investigation is on," said DCP (New Delhi), Anand Mohan. The police are questioning Surajpal for exact sequence of events. Preliminary reports, however suggest that after taking charge of duty inside PMO’s parking lot HC Surajpal was was inspecting his .38 revolver when the incident took place.
"After adjusting and cleaning the weapon, Surajpal was putting the gun inside his holster when it slipped. In order to prevent the gun from falling, Surajpal tried to get hold of the gun in which the trigger went off," said a senior police officer.
Constable Sanjay, who was sitting opposite Surajpal, could not get away in time as he was sitting inside a hut and the bullet hit him on his left thigh. Kumar was rushed to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital where underwent a surgery and the bullet was removed from his left thigh after an operation. Doctors at RML said Sanjay is stable and out of danger.
The police said that Sanjay is posted in the 2nd Battalion of the Delhi Armed Police and his family is staying in a village in Haryana. He had been deployed at the PMO for the past few months. He joined Delhi Police in the year 2004. Head Constable Surajpal is presently at Parliament Street and deployed at PMO. He had joined Delhi Police in the year 1969. Both were taking charge of the duty shift from 12 to 8 pm at the PMO, added the police.
Ensuing panic brought senior officers of the district rushing to the spot. Later, a case of negligence was registered at Parliament Street police station and the head constable whose gun was fired accidentally was detained.
According to the police, constable Sanjay Kumar (25), who is posted at the parking lot inside PMO received a gun-shot wound in his left thigh in the shooting incident at around 12 pm. He was taking over charge from another constable. His colleague, head constable Suraj Pal (58), who allegedly shot at Sanjay, was also taking charge of duty.
"The constable has suffered one gun shot. We have registered a case and investigation is on," said DCP (New Delhi), Anand Mohan. The police are questioning Surajpal for exact sequence of events. Preliminary reports, however suggest that after taking charge of duty inside PMO’s parking lot HC Surajpal was was inspecting his .38 revolver when the incident took place.
"After adjusting and cleaning the weapon, Surajpal was putting the gun inside his holster when it slipped. In order to prevent the gun from falling, Surajpal tried to get hold of the gun in which the trigger went off," said a senior police officer.
Constable Sanjay, who was sitting opposite Surajpal, could not get away in time as he was sitting inside a hut and the bullet hit him on his left thigh. Kumar was rushed to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital where underwent a surgery and the bullet was removed from his left thigh after an operation. Doctors at RML said Sanjay is stable and out of danger.
The police said that Sanjay is posted in the 2nd Battalion of the Delhi Armed Police and his family is staying in a village in Haryana. He had been deployed at the PMO for the past few months. He joined Delhi Police in the year 2004. Head Constable Surajpal is presently at Parliament Street and deployed at PMO. He had joined Delhi Police in the year 1969. Both were taking charge of the duty shift from 12 to 8 pm at the PMO, added the police.
Two Indian soldiers missing from US military base
Two Indian soldiers have gone missing from a military base in California where they were participating in joint training exercises with US troops, the State Department said Friday.
"We can confirm reports that two Indian soldiers disappeared from Camp Pendleton during a training assignment," the State Department said in a statement.
India's consulate in San Francisco requested assistance from the US Office of Foreign Missions in Los Angeles to help track down the pair.
"We are working with the Department of Defense, as well as state and local law enforcement agencies, to provide the Indian government with all the help it needs to locate these individuals," the State Department said.
The statement did not name the individuals or address the circumstances of their disappearance.
A US Marine Corps website described Exercise Shatrujeet 2008 as a two-week joint operation with the Indian army to "share knowledge and build interoperabililty for possible future operations."
US-India military relations were marked by mistrust during the Cold War, but there has been a significant change in relations in recent years as Washington and New Delhi pursue expanded arms deals and annual joint exercises.
"We can confirm reports that two Indian soldiers disappeared from Camp Pendleton during a training assignment," the State Department said in a statement.
India's consulate in San Francisco requested assistance from the US Office of Foreign Missions in Los Angeles to help track down the pair.
"We are working with the Department of Defense, as well as state and local law enforcement agencies, to provide the Indian government with all the help it needs to locate these individuals," the State Department said.
The statement did not name the individuals or address the circumstances of their disappearance.
A US Marine Corps website described Exercise Shatrujeet 2008 as a two-week joint operation with the Indian army to "share knowledge and build interoperabililty for possible future operations."
US-India military relations were marked by mistrust during the Cold War, but there has been a significant change in relations in recent years as Washington and New Delhi pursue expanded arms deals and annual joint exercises.
SIMI leaders planned terror strikes
The arrested top SIMI leaders were believed to be planning major terror strikes in Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and tourist spots in Goa while the police said that the banned outfit once considered floating a dedicated group for carrying out suicide attacks.
Home Ministry sources said in Delhi that former SIMI chief Safdar Nagori and 12 other leaders, who were arrested in Indore on Wednesday night, chose Mumbai as it is the commercial hub and the other three cities were targetted since they were frequented by foreigners in large numbers "SIMI activists, under the leadership of former Chief Safdar Nagori, had arrived in the city(Indore) for the Organisation's annual meeting. From the preliminary inquiry, it seems they finalised training programme to its members during the meet," Indore Range IG Anil Kumar said in Indore.
The outfit's top leaders were arrested by Madhya Pradesh Police for allegedly being involved in weapons procurement and illegal financing of the outfit.
Among those arrested as part of a special police operation that began Wednesday night were Safdar Nagori and his brother and chief of the operations in Andhra Pradesh Kamruddin. All of them were remanded to police custody till April 11 by a local court. Some more arrests are expected in the next few days, the police said.
A Maharashtra's Anti-Terrorism Squad(ATS) officer said in Mumbai that one of the ideas floated at the SIMI conclave in Ujjain before the July 11 2006 Mumbai serial train blasts was to start a dedicated group for carrying out `fidayeen' (suicide) attacks but Nagori disapproved of it.
It was later decided between train blasts accused Ehtesham Siddiqui and three top SIMI leaders to divide SIMI into two groups, one of which will be the operations branch that will carry out strikes with the help of groups like the LeT and ISI, ATS sources said.
Sehwag's next stop: Lara's 400-run record?
Virender Sehwag's breathtaking triple century, the fastest triple hundred in the history of the game, came in just 278 balls.
But the question is, will he reach the 400-run mark?
The first run that Sehwag scores on Saturday will create a new record - the highest individual test score by an Indian batsman.
The right-hand batsman will break his own record of 309 made at Multan against Pakistan and will be looking forward to equaling or breaking West Indian superstar Brian Lara’s record.
On April 14, 2004; Lara scored 400 runs in a single test innings against England. And while many felt that would be a summit too far, Sehwag’s triple ton has only given them reason to remain hooked to the match.
What should mutual fund investors do during market meltdown?
It's crucial to rebalance the equity portfolio
Last couple of months have caused pain in global equity markets, and Indian equity markets in particular have suffered the most. The BSE Sensex has corrected by over 25% from its all-time high achieved on January 10. The fall that seems to have been triggered by global macroeconomic concerns has been accentuated by weak domestic data release. In just two months, the sentiment has slipped from unbridled optimism to morbid pessimism, both being extremes and hence not sustainable. A situation like this requires an objective and dispassionate assessment of concerns and positives in the environment.
There is no way to foretell when the sentiment will turn, or when the investor confidence will return. Existing mutual fund investors may be well advised not to allow panic and uncertainty dictate possibly disastrous investment moves. They need to remain focused on their financial goals and take a long-term view of the market. The longer one remains invested, the less is the impact of volatility. And for the new investors looking for price-value gap, these are like rare opportunities on a platter.
Investors with a 3-5 year horizon can take advantage of these opportunities by building an equity mutual fund portfolio using the SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) route over the next 6-12 months. Using this time tested and disciplined investors can gain tremendously through the benefits of rupee cost averaging. For more conservative investors, Debt funds, Debt PMS or Fixed maturity plans offer a good opportunity with a 12-18 month time horizon.
Having said that, probably now is the time to review the quality of your portfolio and stick to the principles of asset allocation. Asset allocation contributes 95% to the portfolios' returns. It is a function of your risk appetite and goals.. Thus in volatile markets if an investor has stuck to his recommended asset allocation suited to his risk profile then the debt in the portfolio will limit the downside.
To be a successful long-term investor, it is imperative to design a well-balanced portfolio and equally important is to rebalance it on a regular basis. Rebalancing becomes necessary because we make investments to achieve best results at an acceptable level of risk. By doing nothing, we violate this premise and get exposed to unacceptable level of risk.
Last couple of months have caused pain in global equity markets, and Indian equity markets in particular have suffered the most. The BSE Sensex has corrected by over 25% from its all-time high achieved on January 10. The fall that seems to have been triggered by global macroeconomic concerns has been accentuated by weak domestic data release. In just two months, the sentiment has slipped from unbridled optimism to morbid pessimism, both being extremes and hence not sustainable. A situation like this requires an objective and dispassionate assessment of concerns and positives in the environment.
There is no way to foretell when the sentiment will turn, or when the investor confidence will return. Existing mutual fund investors may be well advised not to allow panic and uncertainty dictate possibly disastrous investment moves. They need to remain focused on their financial goals and take a long-term view of the market. The longer one remains invested, the less is the impact of volatility. And for the new investors looking for price-value gap, these are like rare opportunities on a platter.
Investors with a 3-5 year horizon can take advantage of these opportunities by building an equity mutual fund portfolio using the SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) route over the next 6-12 months. Using this time tested and disciplined investors can gain tremendously through the benefits of rupee cost averaging. For more conservative investors, Debt funds, Debt PMS or Fixed maturity plans offer a good opportunity with a 12-18 month time horizon.
Having said that, probably now is the time to review the quality of your portfolio and stick to the principles of asset allocation. Asset allocation contributes 95% to the portfolios' returns. It is a function of your risk appetite and goals.. Thus in volatile markets if an investor has stuck to his recommended asset allocation suited to his risk profile then the debt in the portfolio will limit the downside.
To be a successful long-term investor, it is imperative to design a well-balanced portfolio and equally important is to rebalance it on a regular basis. Rebalancing becomes necessary because we make investments to achieve best results at an acceptable level of risk. By doing nothing, we violate this premise and get exposed to unacceptable level of risk.
On-road price tag for Jaguar & Land Rover runs to $3 bn
MUMBAI: The final acquisition cost of the iconic Jaguar-Land Rover (JLR) brands by Tata Motors is likely to be about 30% more than the $2.3 billion announced on Wednesday. The $2.3 billion covers just the price of the brands, assets and technology know-how. A big part of the additional cost would go for engine and component supply. A Ford Motor spokesperson confirmed that a separate contractual pact has been signed for engines and components.
A Tata Motors spokesperson too confirmed that the purchase price does not include the engine supply cost. “JLR will be acquired with all the technology know-how and IPR required for the business. This is fully built into the purchase agreement of $2.3 billion. However, the supply of engines and components will be outside the purchase agreement,” the spokesman said.
“The total cost is likely to be about $3 billion,” a person close to the development told ET. Neither Ford nor Tata Motors officials were willing to divulge details on the cost per engine or the amount the Indian company will have to fork out, saying it is “commercially confidential information”. Tata Motors, incidentally, has struck a deal with banks to raise about $3 billion for the transaction. As per the deal, Ford will still supply JLR for differing periods with powertrains, stampings and other vehicle parts.
Ford has also committed to provide engineering support, including research and development, information technology, accounting and other services. For most of these arrangements, the Tatas will have to pay Ford separately. The engine supply agreement, for instance, has been signed initially for five years. In addition, Ford Motor Credit Company will provide financing for Jaguar and Land Rover dealers and customers during a transitional period—which can vary by market—of up to 12 months.
Incidentally, the Tatas had signed 20-odd separate agreements with Ford for the JLR takeover. Of these, around 10-12 pacts that involved engine, power trains, R&D etc would entail payment by Tata Motors to Ford over the next few years. The Tata-JLR pact is a unique M&A deal in that it is rare for the buyer and seller to have these sort of agreements. Meanwhile, Ford is likely to make a ‘significant contribution’ towards JLR’s pension funds. At closing of the deal, Ford is contributing up to around $600 million to the funds.
Friday, March 28, 2008
India vs South Africa 1st Test, 3r Day, Chennai
India had good start to the game...Shewag has done great job
On 3rd day Indians are in commendable position.
Summary
For more cricket news click: Cricinfo.com get full scorecard.
On 3rd day Indians are in commendable position.
Summary
| 1st Test: India v South Africa at Chennai, Mar 26-30, 2008 Day 3 | ||
| South Africa 540 India 468/1 (106.0 ov) | South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first | India RR 4.41 |
| Stumps - Day 3 (Ist innings) | ||
| Batting | Bowling | |
| V Shewag 309(292) R Dravid 65(181) | PL Harris -36 - 3 - 141 - 1 - 3.91 M Morkel -18 - 3 - 56 - 0 - 3.11 | |
For more cricket news click: Cricinfo.com get full scorecard.
D-Company merges with LeT
The intelligence agencies on Friday claimed to have gathered credible evidence to suggest that the Pakistan-based underworld don Dawood Ibrahim’s notorious D-Company has become a part of Lashkar-e-Toiba`s terror network.
The reports comes just a day after the National Security Advisor M K Narayana said that Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is still supporting terrorist outfits like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba to launch attacks against India.
"We have seen no change in ISI`s attitude to mentor terror groups like Lashkar and Jaish... attacks on India from Pakistan`s soil are likely to continue," said National Security Advisor M K Narayanan, while delivering the 25th Air Chief Marshal P C Lal Memorial Lecture on Wednesday.
If the intelligence agencies are to be believed, Pakistan`s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has been pressing Dawood to merge his gang with the terrorists outfit to boost its anti-India campaign.
The Indian intelligence agencies, which have been keeping a track of Pakistan’s ISI, have issued a fresh warning that the merger of the two deadly outfit poses great threat to India.
"The underworld gang and the Lashkar jihadis have been knocked into a single entity and this has serious implications for India`s internal security," a senior intelligence official said on the condition of anonymity.
D-Company supposedly has strong ties with ISI, which dates back to nineties. According to reports, Pakistan`s external intelligence agency employed Dawood’s network and his close associates to execute the March 12 serial bombings in Mumbai.
Further investigations by the Indian authorities into the Mumbai serial blast confirmed the presence of Dawood, Chhota Shakeel and Tiger Memon in Pakistan.
Shortly after the Mumbai serial blasts, Dawood along with his close associates including Chhota Shakeel and Tiger Memon – the main accused – fled to Pakistan.
Since then, Dawood has been operating its vast network under the umbrella protection of Pakistan’s ISI, which has time and again refuted India’s claim about the former’s presence in the neighbouring state.
However, the pressure increased on Islamabad and Dawood was branded as a global terrorist after the 9/11 attack in the US, when the White House began its global war against terrorism.
Terrorist outfits employ bicycles as carriers
Terrorist outfits almost always innovate on terror tactics, but the latest innovation of bicycles, which are moving bombs, could mean a demand on innovative policing from now on.
A couple of days ago, Baishya, an ULFA militant was arrested with a bicycle in Guwahati. The police didn't suspect it could be an explosive device. The bicycle lay untouched at the police station till Baishya confessed.
''Earlier we used to have info of bombs kept on cycles now we have cycles filled with bombs. Our job is now tougher, as we have to increase our intelligence. They have used two chemicals PETN and TNT,'' said Debojit Hazarika, SP, Kamrup.
Be it Malegaon in Maharashtra or Tinsukia in upper Assam, militants have been using bicycles only to carry explosives.
Last year in Assam, blasts involving bicycles killed 16 people and injured over a hundred. This has made the bicycle an object of suspension and threat. But Baishya's revelation has stunned the police.
In the last one-year there have been 17 blasts, which were bicycle borne.
Any amount of surveillance is not enough to restrict the movement of terror bicycles and this recovery should make the government change its gear, as soft-pedalling on terror outfits has given the militants time and space to spread its web.
more on ... NDTV.COM
Arrested SIMI chief planned terror strikes
Arrested SIMI chief Safdar Nagori had called a meeting in Indore to finalise plans for major terror strikes across the country, police sources have said.
Another SIMI activist Ehtesham has told the police that Nagori held a series of meetings to plan the strikes.
He also organised training camps in Madhya Pradesh to raise a local terror force.
Nagori's plan was to set up a completely indigenous jehadi outfit trained in the use of explosives and sophisticated arms.
He also wanted to create a force of fidayeens or suicide bombers.
Ehtesham, who was caught after the Mumbai train blasts, has also revealed that Nagori played a key role in the Malegaon and Mumbai train blasts.
With the Indore arrests, the police have managed to catch almost all major SIMI chiefs.
An ATS team Mumbai left for Madhya Pradesh on Thursday night to ask for his custody to probe his role in the blasts.
More... NDTV.com
India vs South Africa 1st Test 2008
India of to good start in 1st innings at Chennai.
Shewag is playing magnificiently...and that's a Hundred for him...
V Shewag 104(123) SR 85.00
India 1st innings 165/0 trial by 375 runs and 10 wickets in hand
Shewag is playing magnificiently...and that's a Hundred for him...
V Shewag 104(123) SR 85.00
India 1st innings 165/0 trial by 375 runs and 10 wickets in hand
Dog-hit grounds flight in Banglore
We’ve heard about bird-hits. This time, though, it was a black dog. A Kingfisher Airlines aircraft readying for takeoff was grounded as it hit a dog that darted across the runway at HAL airport on Thursday night. The aircraft, an ATR 72, was taking off for Hyderabad at 9.50 pm when the incident occurred.
Two passengers who suffered shock have been hospitalized, police and ATC officials said. The 23 other passengers and four crew members are safe. The passengers claimed "many" of them were injured when they jumped off the plane for safety reasons, as advised by the crew. The airline confirmed two were injured.
A Kingfisher Airlines release quoted the commander as saying the black dog crossed the runway when the the aircraft was on a roll. The pilots could not see the animal because the runway is dimly lit.
"The nosewheel came in direct contact with the dog. Owing to the speed and impact, the nosewheel got jammed. The aircraft was dragged up to a point before it came to a halt," an official said.
The plane had gained momentum on the runway when the incident occurred. The pilots kept the aircraft under control. "The aircraft was on the central line of the runway and was immobilized for two hours," a senior official said.
The official confirmed eight aircraft had to hover over the airport for more than an hour before they were diverted to Chennai and other cities.
However, one of the passengers told TOI he felt a tyre burst had occurred while the plane was in motion. “It came to an abrupt halt on the runway after the burst. All passengers were asked to come out of the aircraft through the exit doors that were opened soon after the aircraft halted. The air crew helped us a lot,” he said.
The aircraft was towed away.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
India vs South Africa, Day 2, Chennai
India had good start to the game...Shewag looks to be great back in form..
On 2 day
For more cricket news click: Cricinfo.com get full scorecard.
On 2 day
| 1st Test: India v South Africa at Chennai, Mar 26-30, 2008 Day 2 | ||
| South Africa 540 India 82/0 (21.0 ov) | South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first | India RR 3.90 |
| Stumps - Day 1 (Ist innings) | ||
| Batting | Bowling | |
| V Shewag 52(61) W Jaffer 25(65) | DW Steyn -6 - 1 - 27 - 0 - 4.5 Harris -3 - 1 - 9 - 0 - 3.0 | |
For more cricket news click: Cricinfo.com get full scorecard.
India vs South Africa, Chennai Day 2
1st Test Chennai, Day 2
At Last the superb South African Innings came to an end.
RSA - 540 all out - I innings
Harbhajan Singh 5 wickets
A Kumble 2 wickets
Indian Innings to come...
At Last the superb South African Innings came to an end.
RSA - 540 all out - I innings
Harbhajan Singh 5 wickets
A Kumble 2 wickets
Indian Innings to come...
Remains of 'pioneer woman' found in Spain are oldest west European
European have been discovered in a cave in Spain, pushing back the beginnings of human occupation of the Continent by up to 400,000 years.
The jawbone and teeth found in the Atapuerca hills, near Burgos, have been reliably dated to between 1.1 million and 1.2 million years ago, and probably come from a female who was among the first ancient humans to inhabit Europe.
She has been tentatively identified as a member of a species called Homo antecessor, or “pioneer man”, and lived 300,000 to 400,000 years before any other early humans — or hominins — are known to have reached Western Europe.
Hominin fossils dating to 1.7 million years ago have been found in Dmanisi, Georgia, but the oldest remains previously known west of the Caucasus, also from an Atapuerca cave, are 800,000 years old. The discovery, by a team led by Eudald Carbonell, of the Human Palaeoecology Institute in Tarragona, Spain, suggests that Homo antecessor, or a closely related hominin species, settled in Europe much earlier than that, within a few hundred thousand years of the first human migration from Africa.
These first Europeans, however, are unlikely to have been direct ancestors of Homo sapiens. Scientists largely agree that we are descended from hominins that evolved in Africa about 200,000 to 150,000 years ago.
Homo sapiens left Africa in a fresh migration about 60,000 years ago, and went on to supplant other human species in every part of the globe.
The new fossil, described today in the journal Nature, consists of a jawbone or mandible containing teeth, which was found at the Sima del Elefante cave, 656ft (200 metres) from the Gran Dolina cave where Homo antecessor was first identified in 1994.
The discovery also included primitive stone tools and animal bones with cut marks, which indicate that they were butchered by the ancient humans. Both provide corroborating evidence for the fossil’s age.
Dr Carbonell’s group suggested that the finds indicate that Homo antecessor may have evolved in Western Europe, but this has been challenged by other researchers.
Professor Chris Stringer, head of human origins at the Natural History Museum in London, said: “The timing of the earliest human occupation of Europe has been controversial for many years. Until more material has been discovered, I am cautious about inferring that this find indicates that Homo antecessor originated in Western Europe.”
— The 3,000-year-old remains of early East Enders have been unearthed at the site of the London 2012 Olympic Park. Archaeologists from the Museum of London have uncovered four skeletons that were buried in graves dating back to the Iron Age.
RCom set to launch DTH service Big TV
The war to carry television to your home has started in earnest with the telecom giants Reliance Communications and Airtel ready with their DTH plans and expect to storm the market by May this year.
Reliance Communications, which is launching the service under the BIG TV brand has even started trial runs in Mumbai. The company says it will invest Rs 2000 crore in its DTH venture and is ready with its entry strategy.
The DTH market in India is already at 6 million with Tata sky and Dish TV being the major players but Reliance says its service will be cheaper and since its using MPEG 4 a new technology.
It will be able to provide almost 250 channels, the highest by any DTH player. The company is even talking to broadcasters on HDTV transmission and just like Airtel it will use the distribution network of its parent company.
Reliance is targetting a million subscribers in the first year of operation and will be concentrating on smaller cities to boost its subscriber numbers.
Reliance Communications, which is launching the service under the BIG TV brand has even started trial runs in Mumbai. The company says it will invest Rs 2000 crore in its DTH venture and is ready with its entry strategy.
The DTH market in India is already at 6 million with Tata sky and Dish TV being the major players but Reliance says its service will be cheaper and since its using MPEG 4 a new technology.
It will be able to provide almost 250 channels, the highest by any DTH player. The company is even talking to broadcasters on HDTV transmission and just like Airtel it will use the distribution network of its parent company.
Reliance is targetting a million subscribers in the first year of operation and will be concentrating on smaller cities to boost its subscriber numbers.
Space Shuttle Endeavour lands
The US space shuttle Endeavour lands after completing a sixteen day mission to the International Space Station.
TMSUK communication robot
A local kindergartner smiles as a communication robot, developed by Japan's robot maker 'tmsuk', calls his name at Aeon shopping mall in Fukuoka, western Japan.
Aamir Khan to be the Olympic torch bearer in Delhi
After a spirited performance in his directorial debut film Taare Zameen Par, noted actor Aamir Khan will don the role of a torch bearer for the Olympic torch relay on April 17 in New Delhi.
Along with Khan, five other persons including former director general (Bureau of police research and development) Dr Kiran Bedi, president BAIF development research foundation Narayan Hegde, secretary general and CEO, World Wildlife Fund Ravi Singh, president and CEO Coca Cola India Atul Singh and environmentalist Y Subhash Chandra Reddy will be part the Olympic torch relay.
The six persons, who are a part of the Coca Cola (Presenting partner for the Beijing Olympics) Environment Champions today pledged to protect the environment and support the cause of water conservation.
Speaking on the occasion Khan said, "The feeling is more special as it has given me the opportunity to raise awareness on environment."
The cola giant plans to hold painting competitions in schools across the country on the theme, `The need to protect environment.'
On country's Olympic's run so far, Khan said, "There is a huge scope of improvement. I don't think we don't have the capability to do well. Perhaps what we don't know how to harness the capability of the individual."
"We have diamonds but we need to polish them. We need adequate research and development in the sport and that alone can create a champion," said Aamir.
On bollywood personalities and corporates showing interest in the Indian Premier League, Khan said, "I rather be the fan of the team than owning one. I don't want to own the team. I don't have the ability and can't manage to do that with acting at the same time."
Yash Raj Films' Dhoom:2 game to hit stores in April
A PC-based game on Yash Raj Films' 2006 blockbuster Dhoom:2 will be launched in the market by mid-April this year.
The game has been made on a budget of Rs 30 million (Rs 3 crores).
Hyderabad-based FX Labs has developed the game, which is tentatively titled D 2.5. All characters from the movie will be part of the game. The movie starred Hrithik Roshan, Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Bipasha Basu and Uday Singh.
Speaking to Businessofcinema.com, Yash Raj senior manager internet and new media Anand Gurnani says, "The game will be marketed and distributed by Yash Raj Films. "Currently, we are giving final finishing touches to the game and it may be called D 2.5. We will lock in the marketing and distribution strategy in a few days."
Elaborating on the game, FX Labs founder and chairman Sashi Reddi says, "The game has been developed keeping in mind the Indian audience, therefore apart from the action, it also has some song and dance. Since we want to breakthrough at a mass level with this game, we have not complicated the game because it is necessary to keep in mind that majority Indians have not played a game."
The game has a play time of approximately four hours. A team of 40 people have developed the game over a period of 15 months. Based on the feedback D 2.5 receives, the game may further be developed for Sony's Playstation as well.
More On... www.businessofcinema.com
South Africans make Indian bowlers toil
Smith and McKenzie forge century partnership; Amla stays on to frustrate Indians
Graeme Smith fails to pick Anil Kumble’s flight and is caught by V.V.S. Laxman at short mid-on.
Chennai: The first day of the Chennai Test showcased South African efficiency, as the side managed 304 for the loss of four wickets, after opting to bat first. The South African batsmen are seldom obliged to entertain, and on Wednesday at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, whatever little entertainment existed was tapered down to the minimum.
Save for the imperious cover-drives, their batting was efficient and purposeful, but buried under layers of defence and unimaginative Indian bowling. The most India managed were four well-spaced wickets that saved the day.
Graeme Smith fails to pick Anil Kumble’s flight and is caught by V.V.S. Laxman at short mid-on.
Chennai: The first day of the Chennai Test showcased South African efficiency, as the side managed 304 for the loss of four wickets, after opting to bat first. The South African batsmen are seldom obliged to entertain, and on Wednesday at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, whatever little entertainment existed was tapered down to the minimum.
Save for the imperious cover-drives, their batting was efficient and purposeful, but buried under layers of defence and unimaginative Indian bowling. The most India managed were four well-spaced wickets that saved the day.
Supercomp unveiled in Hyderabad
Supercomputer Dhruva was on Wednesday logged-in in the city to help in defence research and perform functions faster than the existing computers in the country. The computer is 20 times faster than the Param series and will be able to perform the most complicated functions, including guiding aircraft.
The computer, which is the product of research by Advanced Numerical Research and Analysis Group (ANURAG) was placed at the Centre for High Performance Computing and Research (CHITRA).
The CHITRA was inaugurated by Union minister of state for defence M Pallam Raju.
At the inaugural function, ANURAG director K D Nayak said that Chitra was one of the fastest high performance computing facilities in the country and that such a centre would help in the development of many more supercomputers like Dhruva in the future.
"There will be more indigenous programmes. We will develop programmes useful for CFD design for aircraft and airborne systems, simulation complex systems and molecular modelling and bio-informatic applications," the ANURAG director added.
Many applications for advanced computing devices, to be developed at Chitra, would be used for civilian and commercial applications, the director said.
Meanwhile, Pallam Raju said the need of the hour was tie-ups with private companies and defence organisations.
"We will give incentives to boost morale of defence scientists to perform well. Even their working environment will be improved," the Union minister said.
The computer, which is the product of research by Advanced Numerical Research and Analysis Group (ANURAG) was placed at the Centre for High Performance Computing and Research (CHITRA).
The CHITRA was inaugurated by Union minister of state for defence M Pallam Raju.
At the inaugural function, ANURAG director K D Nayak said that Chitra was one of the fastest high performance computing facilities in the country and that such a centre would help in the development of many more supercomputers like Dhruva in the future.
"There will be more indigenous programmes. We will develop programmes useful for CFD design for aircraft and airborne systems, simulation complex systems and molecular modelling and bio-informatic applications," the ANURAG director added.
Many applications for advanced computing devices, to be developed at Chitra, would be used for civilian and commercial applications, the director said.
Meanwhile, Pallam Raju said the need of the hour was tie-ups with private companies and defence organisations.
"We will give incentives to boost morale of defence scientists to perform well. Even their working environment will be improved," the Union minister said.
TATA Motors buys Jaguar and Land Rover
Indian TATA motors secured Jaguar and Land Rover by buying British luxury icons from Ford Motor Company for $2.3 billion, less than half what it paid in 1989 and 2000 respectively.
Ford acquired Jaguar in 1989 for $2.5 billion and Land Rover in 2000 for $2.73 billion as part of a European-luxury strategy it began by buying Aston Martin in 1987. It sold Aston last year, according to bloomberg.
“We are very pleased at the prospect of Jaguar and Land Rover being a significant part of our automotive business… and will endeavour to preserve and build on their heritage and competitiveness, keeping their identities intact,” said Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata.
Jaguar XF
Jaguar XKR
Ford acquired Jaguar in 1989 for $2.5 billion and Land Rover in 2000 for $2.73 billion as part of a European-luxury strategy it began by buying Aston Martin in 1987. It sold Aston last year, according to bloomberg.
“We are very pleased at the prospect of Jaguar and Land Rover being a significant part of our automotive business… and will endeavour to preserve and build on their heritage and competitiveness, keeping their identities intact,” said Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata.
Jaguar XF
Jaguar XKR
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
IND vs SA 1st Test in Chennai - Scores
South Africans had taken up task to build a big score at Chennai test...
Let's watch out for rest of the days
Courtesy : Cricinfo.com
Let's watch out for rest of the days
| 1st Test: India v South Africa | at Chennai, | Mar 26-30, 2008 Day 1 |
| South Africa 304/4 (90 ov) | South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first | South Africa RR 3.37 |
| Stumps - Day 1 | ||
| AB de Villiers 10(26) HM Amla 85(159) | H Singh -26 - 2 - 92 - 2 - 3.53 AKumble -28 - 8 - 61 - 2 - 2.10 |
Sportbike Sprint
New Hyderabad airport begins commercial operations
The new Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) at Shamshabad began its commercial operations on Sunday morning. A Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt in Germany landed at the airport at around 12:24 am.
- The flight, carrying 76 passengers received a warm welcome from GMR Group officials. GMR has built the airport. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi inaugurated the airport, which is about 30 km from Hyderabad, on March 14.
- The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is the country's first Greenfield airport developed under the public-private partnership initiative.
- Built by the GMR Group that has a majority stake of 63 per cent in the project, the Rs 2,470 crore airport has several firsts to its credit. It has the longest runway in Asia at 4.26 km and the tallest air traffic control (ATC) tower in the country at 75 metres.
- The greenfield airport spread over 5,400 acres is a joint venture of the GMR Group, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad which has 11 per cent stake in the project, the Airports Authority of India and the Andhra Pradesh Government, which have a 13 per cent stake each.
courtesy : timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Route Map to reach Hyderabad Airport (Rajiv Gandhi Intl. Airport)
Complete map - shows how u can reach airport from Hyderabad City
Hyderabad International Airport
GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited is located approximately 22 kms from Hyderabad city on a 5,400 acre site.It will have an ultimate capacity of 50 million passengers per annum and is designed to handle New Large Aircrafts (NLA), including the Airbus A380. The modular design of the airport will allow incremental expansion of each area, without major rebuilding or operational disruption.
Visit for more details: http://www.newhyderabadairport.com/
Visit for more details: http://www.newhyderabadairport.com/
Courtesy : www.hyderabad.aero
Maharashtra MBA/MMS CET 2008 results on 27th march 2008
Check your MAH-MBA/MMS-CET-2008
Result at http://www.dte.org.in/mba/MBACETsearchResult2008.asp
Result at http://www.dte.org.in/mba/MBACETsearchResult2008.asp
Airtel-SRK: A deal to die for
It's one of the biggest deals and its between two of the country's biggest brands - Airtel and Shah Rukh Khan.The Bollywood ka badshah will be testing your general knowledge and if you succeed to answer the questions correctly you will be rewarded Rs five crore in the new game show Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain?. But hold your breath, if the market grapevine is to be believed Shah Rukh himself is getting Rs 40 crore to ask you those questions. And it's Airtel, the mobile giant, who is footing the bill. After all Shah Rukh is already their brand ambassador and Airtel feels the returns will be even bigger.Shah Rukh was apparently paid Rs 25 crore for KBC, but this time the figure has almost doubled. Most branding experts feel that Shah Rukh may be looking at something more than just money. After all the new show will help him reach out to children as well, a constituency in which Aamir and Hrithik are already well entrenched.
Source: NDTVMovies.com
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