Pasmanda Muslims: The voice unheard!

The mirage of reservation is still eluding the most backward caste of Muslim community, Pasmanda Muslims. Whenever the issue is raised, a new controversy crops up, and this time the difference of opinion was witnessed even among the Congress ministers of the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA).

The fracas over reservation came to the fore when Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil in the annual meeting of state Minority Commissions, said the government is seriously considering to give reservation to minorities and the process is under discussion.

However, immediately after the meeting, Union Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh stated that the government is not considering any reservation based on religion. The difference of opinion on such a sensitive matter between two Central ministers was a major setback for Muslims who were putting their hopes on this ‘secular’ government.

The internal tussle in the UPA was exposed further, when Minority Affairs Minister AR Antule favoured the reservation for minorities, while Social Welfare Minister Mira Kumar strictly opposed it.

On December 25, Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi in a press conference had stated that government was not considering any matter related to granting SC status to minorities. The government will not act until there is a consensus on this issue, he said, and remained silent when asked whether Congress will approach various political parties to try to evolve a consensus.

Prior to it, the Centre had asked for eight weeks time to reply to the Supreme Court notice over this issue. When asked, Singhvi coldly stated the issue has not been solved for last sixty years, so how can it be solved in eight weeks.

It seems the Congress lacks political will, therefore, it is trying to evade this matter citing lack of consensus. While almost all the UPA constituents, including RJD, LJP, DMK and NCP, are in favour for it. CPM general secretary Prakash Karat and BSP chief Mayawati had already written to the government in this regard.

Samajwadi Party, TDP, AIADMK, Akali Dal and JD(U) have also favoured reservation for minorities, except BJP and Shiv Sena. It shows the Congress is not serious about the issue, while majority of others appears to have consensus over it.

Stating that it is unethical to discriminate reservations on religion lines, Justice Sachchar Committee went a step ahead and said that discriminating Christian and Muslim backwards in reservation is an open disregard to Article 14 and 15 of the Constitution. It recommended that if necessary the government should amend the Constitution to facilitate this provision.

In March 2007, Dalit Christians filed a petition in Supreme Court asking for Scheduled Caste status for them and also for Pasmanda Muslims. When SC questioned the government stand, Justice Ranganath Commission was constituted. The commission in its report recommended SC status for Dalit Muslims and Christians. The government also sought the opinion of the Scheduled Caste Commission, which also recommended the same.

In 1996, just before the Lok Sabha elections the then Prime Minister PV Narsimha Rao had tried to put forth a bill to giving SC status to Dalit Christians but then Lok Sabha Speaker Shivraj Patil reportedly scuttled it. When the government tried to push it through an ordinance, BJP strongly opposed it and even wrote a letter to the then President SD Sharma urging him not to sign on it.

The Congress government then declared in its manifesto that it would grant SC status to Dalit Christians. But when it came to power, it simply forgot its promise. It appears that the Congress is scared of the fallout as the general elections are fast approaching.

Since Dalit Muslims and Christians are not entitled to SC reservation, they are deprived of the opportunity to contest elections in over 1000 assembly and 79 Lok Sabha constituencies. When Dalit Sikhs have been given reservation by amending the Constitution in 1956 and Buddhists in 1990, why is the government delaying the matter when it comes to Muslim and Christians?

Amitabh Bachchan`s office attacked in Mumbai

Mumbai, Mar 01: Some unidentified persons attacked the Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Limited (ABCL) office in Juhu late on Friday night. They allegedly threw beer bottles at the actor`s office, which is situated behind his Juhu residence "Jalsa".

The incident came in the wake of reports about a similar incident at the Bachchans` residence "Pratikhshsa" during the Maharastra Navinirman Sena-led campaign against north Indians migrant workers, early last month.

The actor confirmed that four people who came in a grey Santro attacked his office and threw bottles, and that he had reported the incident to the police.

"We have received a call that a bottle was thrown at the Janak bungalow, which houses ABCL and police officers have been sent to the spot to verify the facts," said DCP Vinay Choubey.

According to reports, Janak houses a gym and the ABCL office.

CA draws widespread criticism for reprimanding Hayden

Australian sporting greats have come down heavily at Cricket Australia officials, describing them as a bunch of cowards for reprimanding opener Matthew Hayden who just called "a spade a spade".

Former Test cricketer Jeff Thomson said the CA had been "politically correct" in officially reprimanding Hayden while legendary rugby player Tommy Raudonikis called its officials as "dead-set sooks".

"Every time someone says something, some official pulls them in. I am sick of political correctness. Someone asked Hayden what he thought of Harbhajan and he gave his view. Aren`t you allowed to give an opinion any more? Its bull s**t," Thomson was quoted as saying.

Echoing Thomsons` sentiments, Raudonikis ridiculed the reprimand to Hayden and said the player had just called `a spade a spade`.

"They are so weak. They are dead-set sooks. To see Hayden in trouble for what he said is ridiculous. Aussies are known for our toughness, and for calling a spade a spade, and there is nothing wrong with that," he said.

The Australian Cricketers` Association also supported Hayden, wondering how could be charged guilty for giving his personal opinion when asked.

"The ACA is disappointed that Matthew was charged for expressing a personal opinion about another player," ACA chief executive Paul Marsh said.

South African batting legend Barry Richards reacted to the Hayden sanction by claiming that cricket was being made to look "stupid".

"The way they are going they will be having tea and cucumber sandwiches on the pitch. Test cricket has got to be about some sort of clash," Richards said.

"The trouble with all these reportings and hearings is that teams are using them to try and get some ascendancy. It is all about scoring points at the moment," he added.

"This political correctness is just a lot of nonsense."

Hayden was reprimanded for calling Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh an "obnoxious little weed" in an interview earlier this week. He had also invited young paceman Ishant Sharma "into a ring" for a boxing bout.

Austrlaian skipper Ricky Ponting also felt Hayden`s remark about Harbhajan was "pretty flippant" to cause such a furore.

"It was a pretty flippant remark but you have to understand what you can and can`t do. I know that Haydos, when he said that, wouldn`t have thought in his wildest dreams that it could have escalated into what it has," he said.

Ponting claimed Hayden was at the Cricket Australia offices at 1.30am (local time), even though the verdict of the marathon nine-hour pre-hearing and hearing was announced before midnight.

This, Ponting said, had harmed Hayden`s preparation for the match against Sri Lanka at the MCG.

"It`s probably punishment within itself because he pays so much attention to his preparation. It`s unfortunate," he said.

Legendary spinner Shane Warne also joined the bandwagon in Hayden`s support, saying he was not surprised his former team-mate had vented out his frustration but was amazed at the reaction to it.
"If that is what he said, that is what he said. He obviously wanted to get it off his chest. So be it," he said.

"People do what they do, say those things and the board get involved, (but) hopefully it will all be settled and there will be some good cricket played in the finals," he added.

On Harbhajan`s description of Hayden, Warne said antagonism among rivals was part of the game.

"I suppose some individuals dislike other players more than us. I have disliked a few. I am sure a few disliked me as well, (but) I think that is what it is all about," he added.

Budget Bonanza: Debt-waiver for farmers; Income Tax relief

New Delhi, Feb 29: Finance Minister P Chidambaram in his fifth consecutive Union Budget for 2008-09 on Friday announced a complete debt-waiver scheme for the small and the marginal farmers. The FM also raised the exemption limit for Income Tax to Rs 1,50,000, Rs 1,80,000 for women and Rs 2,25,000 for senior citizens. He tinkered with the tax slabs for individuals, but left the corporate tax structure untouched.

Beginning his address, the FM said the economy had achieved record growth rates of over 8% for the 12th quarter starting January 2005 till December 2007. The FM said that the growth projected for the current financial is likely to be 8.7%, according to CSO, but he was confident of achieving 8.8%. Manufacturing and services have been driving the economy and had recorded growth rates of 9.4% and 10.7% respectively.

Chidambaram said the Indian growth story has been an absorbing and inspiring one. He added that the Indian economy was on a high growth trajectory but faced major challenges in year 2007-08. Since August 2007, financial markets in the developed world have faced turbulence while crude oil prices have spiralled. The prices of iron ore, copper, lead have escalated while wheat rates have grown by 88% and rice by 15%. He said therefore keeping inflation under control while providing inclusive growth were the corner stones of the UPA government’s policies. The FM kept his promise to the Defence Services and raised allocation by 10% to Rs 105,000 cr.

The Secrets of Effective Networking

Before we talk about specific networking tips I want to address a critical aspect of networking that is often overlooked. Sometimes we are so eager to network that we don't stop to consider whether or not we are investing our energy in the right places.

Listen, you can go to all of the networking meetings under the sun and collect hundreds of business cards while you're at it but if you're not hanging out with people you can do business with, you might make some new friends, you won't necessarily grow your business.

If you want to grow your business by networking it is imperative that you network with: people who are your ideal clients, people who know your ideal clients, and/or people who do business with your ideal clients. It's that simple. So before you sign up for your next networking event, ask yourself if it is a good fit for your business.

When you network with people who need your products/services (or know others who do) there will be a natural interest in knowing more about your business. Stop, not so quick - the story of you and your business comes later. First, let's walk through what happens at a networking event and I will give you a tip for each step.

Step 1: Meeting People

Enter the room with confidence, stand up straight and smile. Look for a friendly face and introduce yourself. If you don't see an opportunity to meet someone right away don't panic. A sure fire way to strike up a conversation is to get in a line (to sign in, for food, for drinks, for the restrooms). You can also approach the person hosting the event and ask for an introduction. In addition, if the list of attendees is available prior to the meeting you can identify someone you would like to meet and approach someone to ask if the person you are looking for is at the meeting.

Step 2: Getting to Know People - The Ed Principle

Instead of trying to be interestING (focusing on the 'ing') be interestED (focus on the 'ed') in the person you are talking with. You don't have to worry about what you will say (except for your brief pitch which comes later). In fact, you can make it a goal to talk as little as possible, I promise you will be remembered as a marvelous conversationalist. Memorize this phrase: 'Tell me more about...' and use it! Just relax, be yourself and listen.

Step 3: Giving First

Yes I know, the reason you are networking in the first place is because you want to get something. You want to meet more of your ideal clients and meet people who can refer to your ideal clients. But don't forget, networking is a two way street. It is about building relationships. I know you have something interesting to share, so why not give first? Perhaps you can recommend a great book or website, share an article, or maybe you can make a valuable introduction.

Step 4: Your Perfect Pitch

Eventually the person you are talking with may ask you what you do, so be ready! Don't ramble on about how long you have been in business or how your business process works. Do prepare a fabulous, short, and memorable pitch (10-30 seconds long) that clearly communicates what you do and for whom you do it.

Step 5: Ending a Conversation

Remember, all conversations must end at some point so don't be afraid to politely excuse yourself and thank the person for her time. Reasons to wrap up can include going to get another drink, something to eat, going to the restroom, or needing to talk with someone before they leave. Whatever the reason, be honest and be genuine.

Step 6: Follow Up and Follow Through

This one is so simple and important yet somehow it frequently gets ignored. If you promise to do something (call, send an article, make an introduction) do it!

Think about making use of these networking tips the next time you plan to do some networking. The truth is people do business with people they know, like, and trust. This occurs over time and is all about building relationships, not about collecting business cards. Be yourself, be real and have fun!

Hrithik can’t thank Shah Rukh enough

Feb 29, 2008

Shah Rukh Khan went out of his way to accommodate the Roshans by shooting an item song for their production Krazzy 4, and Hrithik can’t thank the busy Khan enough. “I’m doing the song for my own home production. But Shah Rukh has gone out of his way to accommodate the project because he respects dad. His gesture has touched all of us. It’s very kind of him. He didn’t need to dance.”

Hrithik can’t stop raving about the item song. “It’s the best dance track I’ve ever performed. My uncle Rajesh Roshan has outdone himself. And Vishal Dadlani who has sung the number has also been extremely gracious. He didn’t accept the cheque that my dad gave him after the song. He did it for my dad and uncle. As a family, we Roshans are overwhelmed by the respect that has been shown by everyone associated with the item song.”

Tell him it’s because of the respect his dad’s banner commands, and Hrithik corrects. “No, I think it’s more to do with the kind of person my father is. If he wasn’t the person he is, Shah Rukh, Vishal and everyone else wouldn’t have gone out of their way to accommodate us, no matter how successful we may be. I think my dad has earned the respect he gets. He doesn’t command it.” Hrithik further informs, “Shah Rukh’s version of the song will be part of the main movie, while mine will be used in the end titles, also on MTV, Channel V and other promotional campaigns for television.”

With Jodhaa Akbar behind him, Hrithik is now looking forward to starting his next film with Anurag Basu. “That’s one film I’m really looking forward to. I’m a big fan of Anurag’s cinema. I think he’s a very sensitive director. He’s really going to be doing something different with me. I can’t say much about the subject. But it will be a different experience for me, though something right up his alley.” The industry was abuzz about Sonam Kapoor being Hrithik’s leading lady in Anurag’s film. “Both Dad and I think Sonam is wonderful. But she was never considered for Anurag’s film. The role requires someone from abroad. So yeah, I’ll have an international costar in Anurag’s film.”

Hrithik and Aishwarya Rai looked pretty international in Dhoom 2 and Jodhaa Akbar. “I can’t dispute that. It’s so true. Ash and I share a fabulous rapport. It’s always fun to work with a costar who isn’t selfish. We both gave so much of ourselves to Jodhaa Akbar. Aishwarya has been one of my most helpful costars. I really cherish working with her. She an incredible actor and an even better costar. And since all three of us — Abhishek, Aishwarya and I — are friends, we’ have great fun even when not shooting.”

Hrithik craves for the perfect chemistry with his costars. “I don’t think it’s possible for me to give my best if my costar isn’t doing the same. I try to surround myself with like-minded people. And I think I’ve found the right people operating at my frequency to work it, be it Ashutosh Gowarikar, Sanjay Gadhvi, Aditya Chopra or my dad. I’m fortunate, I guess.”

SRK sports a Marathi 'pagadi'

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan is known for getting into the skin of the character completely, in each and every role he portrays, be it Kabir Khan in Chak De India or Om Prakash Makhija in OSO.

Now, the Baadshah of Bollywood took that very habit of his into real life earlier this week, when he was present to inaugurate the 'Abhijit Kadam Memorial Football tournament' in Pune. In keeping with the true 'Puneri' tradition, King Khan was spotted wearing a pink turban and if you think SRK must have been feeling 'thoda' out of place in this new get up, you couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, Shah Rukh seemed completely in his element with 'pagdi' et al and needless to say, entertained one and all with his antics.

What's more, later he was even seen kicking ball, enjoying football as he always had. Must say this is truly one hero who can enact each and every role with élan, be it in reel life or real life. Chak De SRK…

Shah Rukh is intelligent, practical: Australian bodyguard in OSO

Mumbai, Feb 29 : As Farah Khan's 'Om Shanti Om' releases on DVD, complete with a 16-page booklet that gives an insight into the cast and crew of the movie that has come to be known as 'OSO', I caught up with one of the stars of the film: Simon Hewitt.

Simon who? Shah Rukh Khan's Australian bodyguard. That's he.

Movie buffs will recall Simon as the foreign bodyguard who appeared constantly by the side of Shah Rukh's Om Kapoor character in the blockbuster. Clad in a black suit, with ever-present dark glasses, the tall Australian-born actor (measuring 6.3 feet) cuts an imposing figure on celluloid.

At the scheduled interview location, a Mahim coffee shop, on the edge of Mumbai's 'filmi' society, the patrons' excited whispers of 'Om Shanti Om' rebounds as Simon enters.

So how does a 30 something Australian end up in the biggest Bollywood film of all time? 'I got the part through an audition,' Simon narrates, 'In fact, I got a couple of films for SRK's production house Red Chillies in that one audition; the other being 'My Name is Anthony Gonsalves' '.

Simon, who swapped Melbourne for Mumbai four years ago, says, 'I knew it was a big film. The hype was huge before we had even finished it. But who could have foreseen the circus that was to come following the release.'

Looking back on the experience, Simon reflects, 'I shot for 25 days over about four months. I had no idea what the film was about while I was shooting. In fact, it seemed a bit silly, but of course at that stage I didn't know that it was deliberately tongue-in-cheek.'

But of the superstar himself, Simon says: 'Shah Rukh seemed like a nice guy, a good mix of being both intelligent and practical. In one of the shots, he fixed my sunglasses when they kept falling off my face.'

Along with many other fans of Khan, Simon shares the view that the star is approachable. 'I felt him to be busy but not stressed.' Hailing from a foreign background, Simon accepts: 'I didn't have the same awe of Shah Rukh as the other members of the film and would often sit next to him to watch the monitors.'

'Farah, on the other hand, used to stress me with her microphone.' The actor remembers a time when he was suddenly needed at the last minute to shoot on the 'Deewangi Deewangi' sequence.

For those of you who came in late, the song was picturised on 31 of the industry's hottest stars. However, Simon was out of town and could not be contacted. Fortunately, Farah was forgiving when she found out that Simon's date problems were the result of an outdoor shoot in Bangalore with none other than Aamir Khan.

It is not everyday that an actor gets to shoot every single one of his scenes with screen idol Shah Rukh and that too with no dialogue. 'Twenty five days' shooting and not a word spoken. That's got to be some kind of a film record,' joked Simon.

'Actually, the script said I was to say one word. I remember when it was time to shoot that section, Shah Rukh laughed and said live it up, knowing it was the only word I would get to say.'

And Simon's last word on SRK? 'The guy is pretty mellow'.

Rajnikanth in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2

Post the release of Jodhaa Akbar on Friday, Feb 15, there hasn't been any popular release in Bollywood and the situation is likely to be the same till March 7th, when Subhash Ghai's Black and White hits the theatres.

In the interim, a lot of new Hollywood releases, some C-grade Hindi films and even some dubbed films are being released trying to cash in on the open weeks. However, what took us by surprise was when we saw this poster of the Rajinikanth starrer Chandramukhi which is lined for release this week. Apparently, this super-duper hit Tamil movie which released a couple of years back is now dubbed in Hindi and releases across cinemas today (Feb 29th).

Chandramukhi directed by P.Vasu stars Superstar Rajinikanth playing an eccentric psychiatrist along with south sensation Jyothika and Sonu Sood (who was last seen as Ash's brother in Jodhaa Akbar). The movie which has won 5 National awards is a spooky supernatural thriller. For the benefit of all those who came in late, last year's smash hit Bhool Bhulaiyaa starring Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan and Shiney Ahuja had a story very similar to Chandramukhi. Interestingly, Chandramukhi itself borrows its premise from the Malayalam film Manachitratazhu starring Shobhana.

So, to add a twist to your movie watching experience, check out the south blockbuster Chandramukhi starring Rajinikanth and Jyothika do the 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa' in Hindi.

Aish paid Rs.6 Cr's and asked to reduce 6 Kgs weight

Aishwarya is paid a big amount of Rs.6 Cr's for starring with Rajnikanth in Robot, she is asked to reduce six kilograms of weight to perform some stunts in Robot, its understood that she is not just working hard in gym but also on strict diet. She is on soups and salads, she has made up her mind to loose 6 kgs as per advise of Shankar director of Robot.

Ramgopal Varma's all problems comes to an end

Ramgopal Varma is back into stream, he made peace with old associates will working for his previous producers, Varma is completing his contract with P V R Cinema. He now signed with producer K Sera Sera for three flicks. This three flicks contract is signed for a Lexus Car which was damaged during downpour, Sarkar Raj his flick as director is getting good reports. Now he has come out of all troubles and is with peace of mind.

Kantri proposed to Pawan - Bunny finally approved by N T R Jr.

'Kantri' is the movie that is being produced by Aswini Dutt in which N T R Jr. and Hansika are starring as hero and heroine, this movie is directed by Meher Ramesh. According to film nagar sources director made this script keeping Pawan Kalyan in view and narrated it to him which was not relished by Pawan Kalyan and said no to director. Then it was proposed to Bunny with some changes in script even then director efforts went in vain and finally it was approved by N T R. Presently shooting of the flick is going on in South Africa.

Sensex sheds 500 points

MUMBAI: The stock market extended its losses with the Sensex dipping close to 500 points within minutes of Finance Minister P Chidambaram announcing a hike in short-term capital gains tax to 15 per cent, while leaving corporate tax and surcharge rates unchanged.

The 30-share Sensex was trading down by 464.86 points at the day's low of 17,359.62.

While Finance Minister P Chidambaram raised tax slabs for personal income tax assessees, he left corporate tax rates unchanged and raised short-term capital gains tax to 15 per cent from 10 per cent.

1993 Mumbai blasts: Yusuf Memon gets interim bail

The Supreme Court on Friday granted interim bail to 1993 Mumbai serial blasts convict Yusuf Abdul Razak Memon, who was sentenced to life imprisonment by a TADA court.

After going through Yusuf's medical report placed before it by the CBI, a Bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrisnan directed that he be released on bail till July 14.

The court said that it will review Yusuf's bail before extending it further.

Appearing for Yusuf, senior advocate Harish Salve contended that the medical report confirmed that his client was suffering from schizophrenia and needed a supportive environment which could not be provided in jail.

"Since 1992 he has been a patient of schizophrenia. He is not in right state of mind, so grant him bail," Salve said.

The CBI also did not strongly oppose Yusuf's plea and said that the court should review his interim bail after every three months.

Earlier, the apex court while hearing Yusuf's bail plea on February 12 had directed CBI to conduct medical examination of the convict and file a report.

Yusuf is related to absconding accused and mastermind of the blasts, Tiger Memon. The court had on February 12 declined to grant bail to the convicts who have been awarded life sentence by the TADA Court.

Bangalore terror suspect Yahya undergoes narco test

Terror suspect Yahya Kammukutty on Friday underwent a narco analysis test and is believed to have made vital disclosures about the terror network in Karnataka, sources in Forensic Science Laboratory said in Bangalore.

"During the test, Yahya has made important revelations on his terror links. But they can't be shared with the press" sources said.

The test was conducted on the former techie who hails from Kozhikode, for more than three and half hours, they said.

Yahya, who was allegedly lending technical support to terrorists, including supply of weapons, is the fifth suspected militant to be subjected to the truth serum test.

Riyazuddin Naseer, Mohammad Asif, Asadullah Abubakkar and Shakeel Mali have already undergone narco tests.

Yahya, who initially had connections with two Muslim fundamentalist organisations in Kerala, established links with banned Students Islamic Movement of India after he moved to Bangalore eight years ago.

Yahya was suspected to have been working towards strengthening SIMI in parts of Karnataka, particularly in North Karnataka where he had organised several meetings of the outfit.

Murugudoss - Ghajini Director arrested

Ghajini and Stalin Director is A R Murgadoss was arrested by Chennai police as this director is making Ghajini starred by Aamir Khan. This arrest was done by Salem Police upon complaint filed by Salem Chandrashekar producer of Ghajini in Tamil version. Complaint stated that Murugudoss kept him dark about Hindi version of Ghajini and has never cared to pay him remake rights share money. Murugudoss was arrested by police in mufti in a filmy manner in presence of public.

Taxpayers may gain up to Rs 44,000 per year

The increase in tax slabs in undoubtedly great news for the salaried. The news gets even better for those in the higher tax brackets. The adjustment for the income tax slabs has been done in such a way that people in the high income category – say above Rs 2.5 lakhs per annum - stand to gain even more.

To put this in numbers, a person who had a taxable income of Rs 5 lakhs would have be paying a tax of Rs 1 lakh – before any cess on his income in the income tax slabs that prevailed till now. However, under the new income tax slabs, his tax liability would come down to Rs 55,000 translating into cool tax savings of Rs 45,000 per year. That is a huge amount of money.

So, how has this magic come about? To consider this, look at the tax slabs. The minimum exemption limit has gone up by Rs 40,000. That’s good enough. What is better is that the next slab of 20% which earlier kicked in from Rs 1, 50,000 and extended till Rs 2, 50,000 will now only kick in from Rs 3 lakh onwards.

The good news does not end here; in the prevailing regime the 30% tax bracket started from Rs 2.5 lakh onwards. In the latest budget, the 30% tax bracket only starts from Rs 5 lakhs onwards. This is the revision that will do the magic for the high income earners. And, all this is not taking into account the impact of deduction on account of Section 80C.

The huge jump in interim slabs means that many people will just fall out of the highest tax slab into the tax slab below after they start claiming deductions they are entitled to under Section 80C. This is one budget middle class salary earners are unlikely to forget.

So what does the revision in the tax slabs mean for various tax payers. For a person whose taxable income after all deductions was Rs 2.5 lakh, tax savings could be around Rs 14,000; for someone with an income of Rs 5 lakh, it could be around Rs 45,000; for someone with a salalry income of Rs 7.5 lakh, tax saving would be Rs 44,000 and for those earning Rs 10 lakh, tax saving would be as much as Rs 45,000 per year.

Clinton counts on women for comeback

Ohio-Fighting to survive, Hillary Rodham Clinton is counting on female power to energize her faltering presidential bid. She's hoping a double-digit lead among women in Ohio is the answer.
"I am thrilled to be running to be the first woman president, which I think would be a sea change in our country and around the world," the New York senator said this week in Cleveland, emphasizing anew the pioneering aspect of her candidacy.

A woman in the White House, Clinton said, would present "a real challenge to the way things have been done, and who gets to do them and what the rules are."

The remarks had a call-to-action flair and underscored just how much she is relying on women, always a key part of her support, to help her win Ohio and, perhaps, Texas on Tuesday as she seeks to get back on track in the Democratic nomination fight.

She has urgent reason to prod the sisterhood into action.

Illinois Sen. Barack Obama has racked up 11 straight wins to lead the convention delegate hunt. Clinton hasn't won a primary in a month and is looking for big-state victories to breathe new life into her campaign.

Clinton leads in Ohio in recent polling, while Obama has a slight edge in Texas.

Women may hold the key for Clinton, particularly in the Midwestern state. Polls in the past week have shown her with a wide advantage — 17 percentage points in one poll, 18 in another — among Ohio women. She also leads among Texas women, but the margin is slimmer.

"If Hillary is going to regain the front-runner status and win the nomination, it starts with and ends with women," said Jenny Backus, a Democratic strategist who is not aligned with either candidate. "She has struck a chord with women, especially in Ohio."

On Thursday, Clinton stopped at a Bob Evans Restaurant in Rio Grande, Ohio, and made a bee line for the counter and the all-female wait staff. She posed for pictures, arms around them for a photo op worthy of the "Nine to Five" song that often is featured at her events. "I've waited tables before," she told them. "That was when I was much younger."

Ohio Democrats say women here admire her for the barriers she has broken and the troubles she had overcome. That good will, they say, coupled with the support of popular Gov. Ted Strickland and her jobs-focused economic message, has resonated with women across economic lines, education levels and ages.

The conquering-obstacles element is a theme Clinton embraced during a debate in Austin, Texas, last week, when she appeared to allude to her husband's infidelity.

Asked to describe a moment that tested her the most, she said: "Well, I think everybody here knows I've lived through some crises and some challenging moments in my life." The audience clapped knowingly.

Margie Bennett, 44, a laid-off accountant from Zanesville, calls herself a feminist but says she's been a Clinton fan for years because of who the senator is, not because she's a woman.

"She's a tough fighter. She's been through a lot. And, she's the best candidate," Bennett said after a Clinton-led economic round-table this week.

That sounded much like the rationale Kay Israel, 67, gave minutes earlier. "I respect Hillary's strengths as far as overcoming obstacles against all odds," the teacher from Zanesville said. "I admire her effort to make history. She's smart. She's educated. She knows the issues."

Kelly Adams, 24 and a college financial aide adviser, cited Clinton's push for universal health care and her promise to bring jobs to Ohio as the main reasons she's lending her support. Also, she added: "I like the strength that she's shown and her work as first lady."

Many women backing Obama praise Clinton's strides as a woman, too, but they say that's not reason enough to vote for her.

"I would love to see a woman in the White House. I just don't think she's the right woman," said Ruth Ziegler, 51, a high school teacher from Newark as she waited for Obama to take the stage at Ohio State University on Wednesday. "It's about winning and I really don't think she can win against the Republicans."

Her friend and fellow teacher, Linda LaRue, 54 and also of Newark, seconded those sentiments and added: "His passion speaks to me. He excites people. She just doesn't inspire."

It's not surprising that women have been a primary constituency for the woman with the best chance in history to break through the highest of glass ceilings.

"If she can put the combination together for women that she understands their lives while also representing change, she's got a lot going on there. It completely works," said Page Gardner, the president of a group — Women's Voices. Women Vote Action Fund — working to encourage unmarried women to participate in the political process.

While Clinton has been strong throughout the campaign among white and Hispanic women, black women overwhelmingly support Obama.

She often includes him in referring to the unprecedented character of the Democratic contest: "I believe strongly that the fact that we have an African-American and a woman running for the Democratic nomination is historical and I'm very, very proud of that."

In recent weeks, Obama has made inroads into Clinton's overall hold on female voters.

Before primary voting began, Clinton had an enormous lead over him among all women. An AP-Ipsos poll in December showed her with 52 percent support to 19 percent for him.

Exit polls for the AP and television networks from 22 Democratic primaries where the candidates have competed showed her with a slimmer lead among women, 51 percent to 45 percent.

The apparent erosion was acute in the most recent primaries where exit polling was conducted. Obama won among women in the Louisiana, Maryland and Virginia primaries, while the two candidates tied most recently in Wisconsin.

As she campaigns, Clinton tries to strike a balance. She often tells audiences that while she's proud to be running as a woman, she should be elected because she's the best candidate and not because of her gender.

Still, at pivotal times, she has campaigned alongside daughter Chelsea and mother Dorothy Rodham, and invoked an us-versus-them pitch.

"In so many ways, this all-women's college prepared me to compete in the all-boys club of presidential politics," she said in November at Wellesley College in Massachusetts, speaking about the challenges of being a woman in a campaign environment that men long have dominated.

The candidate has, however, struggled with just how much of her femininity to show.

After women turned away from her in Iowa, Clinton grew emotional days before the New Hampshire primary.

"This is very personal for me," she said, adding, "Some of us are right, and some of us are not. Some of us are ready, and some of us are not."

That moment of humility has been credited with helping her win back women who ultimately brought her victory in New Hampshire.

Hyundai breaks through with two 'top' models

Consumer Reports awarded coveted "top pick" status to two Hyundai vehicles Thursday, marking the first time that South Korean models have been represented on the magazine's influential list.

The Hyundai Elantra SE small sedan and Santa Fe midsized sport utility vehicles were among the top 10 vehicles for 2008 unveiled in the magazine's April issue. The magazine's annual ratings, based on road tests and predicted safety and reliability are considered highly influential among consumers.

Other new models represented on the 2008 list included the Lexus LS460L luxury sedan and the redesigned Chevrolet Silverado, the first U.S.-made pickup truck to make the list since 2005. The Japanese-made Lexus, with a list price of $77,000, got a score of 99 out of 100 on the magazine's road test and was the highest rated vehicle for 2008.

Akshay Kumar set for action-comedy with Nikhil Advani

Mumbai, Feb 28: Action-comedy is Akshay Kumar's forte and Nikhil Advani's "Chandni Chowk To China" seems to be just what the box office doctors ordered.

"Action and comedy are Akshay's forte and I'm glad to direct him in a film that is written by someone else," Advani told IANS.

"I realised I went wrong in the scripting of 'Salaam-e-Ishq'. I should've edited the script more ruthlessly. Here, all I've to do is to put it all on film," Advani added.

Jointly produced by Warner Brothers and Rohan Sippy, "Chandni Chowk To China" fits the athletic star like a glove. It will give Akshay a chance to return to his rugged "Khiladi" roots, with lots of sophisticated fight sequences thrown in.

"It's an action comedy. It's a very big film to be shot in the Far East with very sophisticated technical effects done abroad. It would be more than 'Dhoom 2', but would be very much like 'Dhoom' in mood. 'Dhoom' had more comic elements.... Call it talent or luck, but right now I'm only riding piggyback on the reputation of Rohan Sippy and Akshay," Advani revealed.

The director started shooting the film Feb 22 in different parts of China, including Shanghai. He plans to wrap it up in May. In fact, the film will have many action scenes involving martial artistes.

The rather disappointing performance of "Salaam-e-Ishq" hasn't dampened director Advani's spirits. He's ready to bounce back with a mammoth action movie.

The other film based on the life of a child from an orphanage that Advani wanted to make right after "Salaam-e-Ishq" has been put on hold.

"That script is taking longer than I thought it would. So I've decided to move to a ready-made script. My long-standing buddy Rohan Sippy had already worked out the script with Sridhar Raghavan. When they narrated it to me, I though they just wanted my opinion on it. When Rohan asked me to direct it, I agreed on condition that I can also be the producer. We're working out the modalities of the co-production."

Advani has known Rohan for 20 years.

"My wife and Rohan are best of friends. So it's all in the family. I'm making an action-comedy for the first time. It's a good opportunity to try something different. Also I've never worked with Akshay before. He seems to be good fun."

Akshay, who is paired with Deepika Padukone, gave four hits last year - "Namastey London", "Heyy Babyy", "Welcome" and "Bhool Bhulaiyaa".

Revoke marriage in Goa, Sanjay-Manyata tell authorities

Mumbai, Feb 28: In a bizarre turn of events, film star Sanjay Dutt and wife Manyata have revoked their marriage in Goa.

The couple applied to the Goa Marriage Registrar seeking to revoke their marriage Thursday and the Goa marriage registrar has accepted the application permitting them to withdraw the marriage. The wedding now stands cancelled.

The couple in their application said they did not desire to honour their marriage under the Portuguese Civil Code.

Sources said the couple decided to cancel their marriage to avoid the legal tangle arising out of the alleged fake residential certificate that the registrar had accused Manyata of submitting at the time of the wedding.

The duo apparently wanted to register their marriage under the Special Marriages Act but was not informed at the time of marriage that the Act was not applicable in Goa.

Independent sources in Goa confirmed this when contacted by IANS over phone Thursday afternoon.

The development comes barely three weeks after the couple entered into wedlock in Goa and followed it up with a Hindu marriage ceremony in Mumbai.

Circles close to Dutt described the development an indication of how Dutt and Manyata are "frustrated with the continuing legal complications hampering their wedlock".

A close friend of Dutt, filmmaker Nitin Manmohan, told IANS Thursday that Sanjay and Manyata just want to lead "a normal, peaceful married life, but the legalities rocking their marriage has left a bad taste".

Manmohan said though he had not yet spoken to Dutt about the matter, he sympathised with the couple.

The marriage led to several controversies. First, the Goa marriage registrar's office slapped a notice on the couple and then Manyata's ex-husband Meraj-Ur-Rehman claimed that he was still married to Dutt's wife.

A fortnight after the marriage was registered in Goa, the Marriage Registrar there served Manyata with a show cause notice questioning her on the fake residential certificate that she had submitted.

An official of the Goa government was suspended allegedly on ground of accepting invalid documents and registering the marriage in the tiny tourist paradise.

Who cares about the Budget?

The longest session of India’s Parliament is traditionally the Budget session. It underlines the importance of the business of getting the legislature to scrutinise the Budget.

In reality, however, Lok Sabha in recent years has spent less and less time discussing the Budget — in fact, it spends much more time interrupting the session.

The result is that year after year an overwhelming majority of the government’s expenditure plans — the demands for grants of the various ministries and governments — have been passed by Lok Sabha with no discussion on them in the House.

The practice of applying the "guillotine" — under which all demands outstanding when the allotted time for discussion is over are put to vote without discussion — is now applied to most ministries.

Information available on the Lok Sabha website shows that in a typical year, the House manages to discuss the spending proposals of at best three or four of the 50-odd ministries. There have even been certain years — two years, to be precise — when the demands for grants of all ministries have been guillotined.

It is true that standing committees go into the demands for grants of each and every ministry and prepare reports on them during the mid-session recess, but that is obviously no substitute for the House itself debating the proposals.

The data in the accompanying graphic is collated from the "resume of work" put out on the Lok Sabha website for each session.


The hours of discussion on the Budget are those spent debating the Budget presented that year and do not include hours used up in discussions on supplementary or excess demands for previous years.

What the data clearly shows is that in the last seven years, 2003 is the only year in which the number of hours spent in the House on discussing the proposed Budget exceeded the time lost to interruptions.

It also shows how the amount involved in the demands for grants that are passed after the guillotine is applied are consistently at 95 per cent or more of the total for the year. In other words, the amount that is actually discussed before it is passed is 5 per cent or less of the total.

Given that the demands for grants now total in the region of Rs 18,00,000 crore a year, that is an enormous amount of expenditure being sanctioned without adequate legislative scrutiny.

The years 2002 and 2004 stand out for the fact that demands for grants for every ministry were guillotined. In 2002, this was presumably because the Godhra train incident happened on Budget day and the incident and the following riots dominated the Budget session of Parliament.

In 2004, while more than 17 hours were spent on discussing the Budget, all of this was on general discussion and not on specific demands for grants. Since this budget was presented after more than three months of the financial year had already passed, it could be argued that there was an urgency to passing the budget.

However, the remaining years analysed here have been "normal" years and there is no obvious reason why such an overwhelming proportion of the government’s spending should have been voted upon without adequate discussion in Lok Sabha.

Aam aadmi's income may double in 10 yrs: FM

Last year the Economic Survey declared that India had moved into the East Asian growth trajectory. The FM settles all debate this time by saying that the economy has moved decisively to a higher growth phase. The Survey continues to emphasise what it did last time - managing macro-economic growth even while containing inflation. It remains sanguine about economic growth even in the face of a slowing US and global economy and notes that the economy is likely to remain domestic demand driven in the medium term. Even while the Survey talks of effective delivery systems at the state and the local level, it remains to be seen how the budget addresses the issue of effective delivery and of managing and measuring outcomes.

This time, it latches on to Per Capita Income and Investment to perhaps make the point that the high GDP growth has trickled down to the Aam Aadmi . It proudly notes that the rate of growth of per capita income has sharply climbed to 7.2% per annum - implying that average income of the Aam Aadmi can virtually double in a decade. It also points that out private final consumption expenditure at per person level is up and so are the saving rates.


Interestingly, it also points to the limited capability of state governments to deliver goods and services to people. It suggests a Smart Card based System to enhance the delivery and efficiency of government schemes such as NREGA, Public Distribution System etc. The management of supply is also being viewed as a critical aspect for inflation management.

The Eco Survey also indicates that the targets for revenue and fiscal deficits for the year 2007-08 appear well within reach. But, it also strikes a cautionary note by saying that the current revenue buoyancy is riding on the performance of an economy more globalised than before. Thus, global developments that have a bearing on India's domestic economy would need to be watched. It also applauds the move by 26 states to a rule based programme for fiscal reforms.

On Inflation, the survey notes that the change in the structure of the economy has made inflation management a more complex task. It mentions that monetary policy mechanisms - particularly to tackle inflation arising of capital inflows-have become important. Even while it acknowledges that agricultural import tariffs remain high, it is unlikely to do much to reduce these rates in an election year, particularly when a sensitive constituency like agriculture needs to be addressed.

It sees agriculture as an important sector to push GDP growth upwards and to make growth more inclusive and biased in favour of women. It also sees higher farm incomes providing equitable growth. Even here, it stresses on the need to build outcome oriented perspective in the implementation of public programmes. Increasing productivity in the face of limited area of cultivation is important, it says.

It expects capital inflows as a proportion of GDP to decline, but, feels that the decline will be modest but enough to take the pressure on reserve accumulation and exchange rate appreciation.

It sees the country continuing to attract significant cross-border portfolio inflows as India is expected to continue to remain a relatively attractive investment destination. It notes the importance of insurance and pension funds for both the equity and the debt markets and hints at further initiatives to expand and deepen both the Government Securities and the Corporate Bond markets. It also sees the debt markets as a critical financing mechanism for the infrastructure sector.

Even while it expects pressure on the rupee to weaken, the Survey is not optimistic about exports on account of world GDP and world imports. It says that the outlook for exports in the year 2008-09 is not as bright as it was in the years before. Policy changes and relief measures for export oriented sectors can be expected.

Employment is a key area of focus for the UPA government; its flagship NREAGA programme is meant to address precisely this issue. The survey notes that while employment growth actually rose to 2.62% per annum in the period 1999-2000 to 2004-05, unemployment actually rose as an absolute measure on account of a faster increase in the labour force. The share of agriculture in total employment is still declining. Expect the government to latch on to this statistic to further spread the NREGA and other employment initiatives in the budget tomorrow. The survey also points out an improvement in important social indicators but stresses on the need for better governance and improved service delivery at the local level.

Rizwanur Rehman committed suicide, says CBI

The much-awaited CBI report on the mysterious death of computer graphics teacher Rizwanur Rehman on Thursday said that he had committed suicide ( Watch ). The report also recommended action against senior police officers, including the then Kolkata police commissioner Prasun Mukherjee in that connection.

The main points of the report were made public on Thursday by Justice Dipankar Dutta of Calcutta High Court, which had ordered the central agency to investigate the cause of the death of the computer teacher who had married Priyanka Todi, daughter of an industrialist and thus put to rest the controversy as to whether it was a murder or a suicide.

The report recommended departmental action against the former police commissioner, who is at present the ADG (Telecom) with the West Bengal police, while asking for major disciplinary action against the then DCP (headquarter) Gyanwant Singh and some officers of Karaya police station.

The CBI also sought permission to file chargesheet against the then Deputy Commissioner (Detective Department) Ajoy Kumar and two officers of his department along with Priyanka's father Ashok Todi, uncle Pradip and maternal uncle Anil Saraogi and Mohiuddin alias Pappu for abetment to suicide, criminal intimidation and conspiracy.

Rizwan, whose body was found beside railway tracks a month after his marriage to Priyanka, had allegedly been intimidated by senior police officers of Kolkata Police at its Lalbazar headquarters a few days before his death at the behest of her relatives.

The death of the youth from a modest background following his marriage to the daughter of a rich industrialist had snowballed into a public outcry and resulted in the shunting out of the three IPS officers -- Prasun Mukherjee, Gyanwant Singh and Ajoy Kumar.

Racist video stirs row in S African varsity

25 years after apartheid ended in South Africa racial tensions continue to simmer in the country. The video shows four white South African students feeding black campus cleaners with soup they had urinated in.

The video has sparked off riots on the University of the Free State campus in Bloemfontein and a demand for action against the four men.

The university has decided to press criminal charges against the four men. Two of them have already graduated but that is small consolation for the victims of this racial abuse in a country scarred by decades of apartheid.

Aamir's six packs for Ghajini

Aamir Khan has taken his perfectionism to a new level. The actor had acquired six-pack abs in October during a month-long schedule in South Africa where he had shot for a special dance number for Ghajini. Since then, however, he had lost his six-pack and put on some weight.

Now, he had to complete the dance number (about 30 per cent of it was left) at Film City recently. However, when choreographer Ahmed Khan met him, he realised that Aamir’s body was not matching the earlier shoot. Ahmed Khan pointed out that Aamir had lost his six-pack abs and had also become a little plump. So how could they shoot?

That’s when Aamir requested Ahmed to give him 21 days to get back to shape for the song. And sure enough, the actor achieved his target in 21 days. He returned with six-pack abs in three weeks!
Ahmed Khan says, "We had shot this song in South Africa four months ago, in October, and it turned out to be excellent. Later I wanted to add some variations in the song for it to look better. So I requested Aamir for some extra time. But Aamir got busy with the post-production and promotion of Taare Zameen Par. Finally, when I met him last month to discuss the song, I saw that his six-pack was gone, he was also looking plump. When I pointed this out to him, he requested me to give him 21 days to get back the same look. When I met him 20 days later, he was looking as perfect as he was in South Africa. We shot the song over four days."

Needless to say, Ahmed Khan is impressed with the actor’s commitment. He says, "Aamir not only has commitment, but will power too. Imagine getting six-pack abs twice over, for a film!"

Gilchrist doesn't buy Bhajji's claim

Harbhajan Singh may consider Matthew Hayden one of the most disliked cricketers around, but retiring wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist disagrees, calling his one-day opening partner "one of the most well-respected people in our team."

Hayden had added fuel to an already explosive tour when he described Harbhajan as an "obnoxious little weed" and challenged young Indian paceman Ishant Sharma to a boxing bout in an interview to 'Brisbane Radio'.

The Indian off-spinner replied by claiming Hayden was one of the most disliked players on the international cricket circuit.

"Who is Matthew Hayden? You only need to speak to international cricketers... to know in what opinion they hold Hayden," Harbhajan had said.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow's inconsequential tri-series match against Sri Lanka here, Gilchrist, however, sprung to the defence of his teammate.

"I've not ever cared to think what other teams think of Matthew Hayden. He's one of the most well-respected people in our team, so that's all that interests me."

Harbhajan had also alleged Australian skipper Ricky Ponting abused him during the one-dayer in Adelaide, but Gilchrist dismissed the claims.

But he admitted the controversies during his farewell international season were taking a toll and it was important for the hosts to concentrate on playing good cricket.

The team would like to put in a good performance against the Lankans tomorrow and be in the best possible frame of mind to take on the Indians in the best-of-three tri-series finals starting in Sydney on Sunday.

"Everyone is over it a little bit now. I'm just trying to get on with the finals and play some cricket," Gilchrist said.

"I can't speak on behalf of everyone, particularly on their team, and I haven't spoken to our guys about it, but I'm sure everyone is just keen to let cricket get on," the Aussie wicketkeeper said.

"There's been a lot on, a lot of issues, I haven't played in too many summers where... there's been any number of issues you could bring to mind."

Sharif says no to presidential post

PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif has ruled himself out as a candidate for the post of president and said his party could become part of Pakistan's new government only if President Pervez Musharraf steps down.

Reacting to reports that he could be made president as part of efforts by the PML-N and Pakistan Peoples Party to form the new government after the February 18 polls, Sharif said he was not a candidate for the post.

The PML-N had assured the PPP of its complete support in forming government at the centre, the former premier said.

''We have assured (PPP co-chairman) Asif Ali Zardari of our full cooperation whether the PML-N becomes part of the government or not,'' Sharif told ARY Oneworld news channel.

''We will only become part of government when Musharraf quits the office of president,'' he said.

The PML-N and PPP, which swept the polls, have agreed to form government with the backing of the Awami National Party, which draws its support from the Pashtuns of northwestern Pakistan, and independent candidates.

The three parties held a show of strength yesterday and Sharif repeated his call for Musharraf to accept the people's verdict and step down.

The PML-N's top leadership announced earlier this week that the party will not seek berths in the federal cabinet as their members did not want to be administered oath of office by Musharraf, whose ouster has been listed as a priority by Sharif.

Salman performs daring stunt in Hindi - Pokiri

Salman Khan did a daring action fight as part of movie scene on top of building terrace in Mumbai for the flick Wanted Dead or Alive by Boney Kapoor. According to reliable sources, its understood that he has done stunt without any cables, this is a super hit flick in Telugu as Pokiri. This flick is remake of Pokiri in Telugu starred by Ayesha Takia, music of which is composed by Sajid Wajid, Tamil version is directed by Prabhu Deva. Hindi version is likely to be released during July.

Kareena Kapoor on Vogue Cover!

"When it rains, it pours" said a famous poet. The same verse can be applied to almost all the leading magazines (both fashion and film based), who seem to be unable to resist themselves from having the're-discovered' Diva of Bollywood, Madame Kareena Kapoor, the reigning queen of the raining magazine covers!

The latest one to cash in on this is the Indian version of Vogue, for whom Kareena has shot some really breath-taking snaps (aren't all her snaps breath-taking?) with some of the most desirable dressings to go with the various moods of the shoot!

This interview is yet another affirmation of the fact that Kareena is one person who is the same on and off screen! She is so very sweet enough to confess that she had done films in the past for money or for mere greed. She also speaks about the similarities between 'Geet'-her character in Jab We Met -and the real-life Kareena. And guess what, she also reveals the secret behind her hour-glass figure.

Read all of this and more to discover the real Kareena yet again…only till yet another magazine hits the stands with the much-coveted cover-girl of all reasons and seasons: Kareena Kapoor!

Cinema chill thaws between India, Pakistan

Pakistan lifted the ban on exhibition of Indian movies early this month and Firoz Nadiadwala's "Welcome" was the first Bollywood movie to be "officially" released in Pakistan. And now "Khuda Ke Liye," in which actor Naseeruddin Shah plays a major role, is also going to be "officially" released in India March 28 for the first time

Bollywood movies may have been released in cinemas in Pakistan on and off, but the government of Pakistan officially lifted the ban on exhibition of Indian movies early this month.

Firoz Nadiadwala's "Welcome" was the first Bollywood movie to be "officially" released in Pakistan Feb 8 after "the Senate standing committee on culture recommended to the government to allow exhibition of Indian movies under a proper censorship policy".

The movie is currently running to packed houses in Lahore, Karachi, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala and Multan. It is reported to have netted more than Rs.70 million from the local box-office.

Another good news is a Pakistani movie, "Khuda Ke Liye," in which Naseeruddin Shah plays a major role, is also going to be "officially" released in India March 28 for the first time.

The movie, directed by Shoaib Mansoor, has been brought to India by Percept Picture Company, which will release it in the country with 150 prints initially.

"The film was a big hit in Pakistan when it was released there in July last year. Everybody who saw it when it was screened at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa this year appreciated it. So, we thought of bringing it to India through legitimate channels," Ashok Ahuja, director, acquisition and distribution, Percept Picture Company, told IANS.

The company is hopeful that the movie will get a good response from the Indian audience, not only because it is well made but also because the theme on which it is based is relevant to contemporary society.

The movie, a Geo Films presentation (the film division of Karachi-based Geo TV network), is about the ideological clash between liberal Muslims and fundamentalists.

The language of the movie is Urdu.; It stars Shaan, Fawad Afzal Khan, Imran Ali, Hameed Shaikh and Austin Marie Sayre, besides Naseeruddin Shah.

Though the film industry in Pakistan is in a shambles due to various reasons, the box-office success of "Khuda Ke Liye" gave it a new lease of life.

But the problem the industry is facing at present is lack of exhibition outlets as many of the cinemas have closed down because of poor patronage.

It is with a view to giving the industry a shot in the arm that exhibitors and distributors in Pakistan have been urging the government to lift the ban on Indian films.

Bollywood movies, in particular, have many takers in Pakistan. Earlier, they could satisfy their insatiable passion for Hindi movies, blockbusters and the rest, either by buying pirated CDs and VCDs or watching them when they were aired on various satellite television channels.

The last Bollywood movie to be released in Pakistan was Mukesh Bhatt's recent offering "Awaarapan." It grossed nearly Rs.80 million, the highest for a Bollywood movie so far.

"Welcome" is also expected to net an equal amount from the Pakistani market.

"Now that the ban on Indian films has gone, a Bollywood movie can earn Rs.10-12 million in an average from the Pakistani market, provided it clicks at the box-office," said Asish Wagh, spokesman of Studio 18, which has distributed "Welcome".

Mumbai set for Rajnikant's magic again!

After regaling countless fans in Mumbai with "Sivaji: The Boss", Tamil superstar Rajnikant is all set to win hearts again with the dubbed version of his Tamil blockbuster "Chandramukhi".

Thanks to distributor Dilip Dhanwani of the Royal Film Company, cinegoers will be able to hear the Tamil icon spout dialogues in Hindi in his inimitable style.

Aware of Rajnikant's huge fan following in Mumbai, Dhanwani decided to release the dubbed version of the movie, produced by N. Rathnam. It will hit the theatres this Friday.

Altogether 150 prints will be shown in multiplexes and single screen cinemas, which is an unprecedented record for a dubbed movie.

"Though Rajnikant has stopped acting in Bollywood films because of his preoccupations in his home state, his magical popularity outside South India has not yet diminished. The Hindi film audiences still remember his acting style and dialogue delivery. I am sure, they will like him in 'Chandramukhi'," which was a big hit in the south," Dhanwani said.

In anticipation of the release, Mumbai has already been plastered with 30-feet cutouts of the actor in full regalia, looking at Mumbaikars at strategic points all over the metropolis.

It remains to be seen if the ageing south Indian star manages to cast his spell on the new generation of Hindi movie audience grown on movies featuring Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan and other Khans.

But Dhanwani is confident about the Tamil superstar's pull at the box-office, despite the fact that Akshay Kumar starrer "Bhool Bhulaiyaa" was loosely based on the movie.

The film also casts Jyotika Ganeshan, Nayanthara, Vineeth and Malvika in key roles.

Written and directed by P. Vasu, the original Tamil movie has been produced by Ramkumar Ganeshan and was released in Tamil Nadu in 2005.

It ran for three years before it was voluntarily withdrawn from cinemas recently to make way for other movies waiting to be released.

Made on a budget of Rs.220 million, the Tamil version grossed Rs. 1.5 billion (Rs.150 crore) in Tamil Nadu and it also bagged five National Awards in 2006.

The movie has some fast numbers composed by Vidyasagar.

The Tamil version of "Chandramukhi," in fact, is based on a Kannada movie called "Apthamitra" which again is based on "Manichitrathazham" in Malayalam.

"Chandramukhi" was earlier dubbed in Telugu and also in German. The movie also had a Bengali version called "Rajmahal," starring Prasenjit Chatterjee.

Kiwis, Windies agree to play in Pakistan

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finally gained some success in reducing the gap in their Future Tours Program (FTP) calendar after New Zealand and West Indies agreed to play a tri-series in August this year.

A senior PCB official said that efforts have been made during the recent ICC meeting in Kuala Lumpur to arrange some One-day matches for Pakistan in the vacant period in the FTP calendar over the next few years.

"We have achieved considerable success in this regard as some 38 matches have either been finalised or are being negotiated with different boards," PCB chief executive Shafqat Naghmi said.

He said West Indies and New Zealand have agreed to visit Pakistan in August before the ICC Champions Trophy is held in Pakistan to play a tri-series on double league basis.

"The series will give our team and West Indies and New Zealand valuable practise before the Champions Trophy in September," Naghmi said.

Pakistan failed to persuade India to play three One-day games in Pakistan in March.

Pakistan, desperate to organise some international matches, due to the cloud of uncertainty hanging over Australia's tour in March-April had invited India to play a series of three One-day games in Lahore in March.

Australia have already reduced their tour from 44 days to around 29 days and are yet to confirm the revised schedule as they wait to send a security delegation to Pakistan early next month.

Sania Mirza bows out of Dubai Open

World number four Jelena Jankovic spent almost the whole of a two-hour, 14-minute match trailing before narrowly surviving against Sania Mirza in the second round of the Dubai Open.

The Serbian beat the Indian 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 but there were many moments when it seemed that the unseeded Mirza, who led 3-1 in the final set and had three points for 5-3 and an opportunity to serve for the match, was going to win.

The 21-year-old Mumbai-based player from Hyderabad often swung her better-known opponent about the court with early, flat-hit drives, and also hit a high ratio of clean winners.

But just when it seemed she had Jankovic on the back foot, errors crept into Mirza's game, the return of serve she sent long from a moderate second serve on the third break point being particularly wayward.

But Mirza also provided many rousing moments with her forthright style, bringing plenty of noise from the large expatriate crowd and contributing a great deal to the entertainment.

Once Jankovic spoke to some of them as though she were trying to quieten them down.

"They were making a sudden noise during the rallies, which was disturbing, and I asked them to wait until the end of the rallies to do it," she said. "But they didn't."

Jankovic paid tribute to the exciting ability of Mirza to attack but admitted, when questioned, that she had not been feeling at her best and was disappointed with her movement.

She also said she was giving a trial to a new coach, Scott Humphries, and suggested that this was causing some confusion at the moment.

"I am struggling with him at the moment as we are in a trial period," she said. "I am trying to do the things I did before and he is doing something different, so I don't know what I am doing."

"I'll know in a week or two whether the arrangement will last," she added. Jankovic next plays Anna Chakvetadze, the sixth-seeded Russian, who survived an even longer contest, lasting more than three hours, and came back from a set and 1-4 down to beat her fellow Muscovite, Dinara Safina, by 6-7 (3/7), 6-4, 6-3.

After a bathroom break before the third set Chavetadze felt fresher and began to play better but the contest hinged just on a point or two in the final set when Chakvetadze made the crucial break of the Safina serve.

Earlier another Russian, the second-seeded Svetlana Kuznetsova, won impressively, by 6-1, 6-2 against Lucie Safarova, the world number 40 from the Czech republic.

Kuznetsova admitted to having been fascinated by the magician at the players' party the night before and wishing she had some of his skills.

With ten aces and a large number of winners, she made a pretty good job of emulating him, often making the ball unexpectedly disappear.

Her next opponent is Amelie Mauresmo, the former world number one from France, who beat Akiko Morigami of Japan, 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, and now has a chance.

16 crushed to death by train in Surat

SURAT: At least 16 people, including three women and two children, were crushed to death by a train in Udhna town of Gujarat's Surat district, railway officials said.

The accident occurred at South Kankrakhadi in Udhna, about three kilometres from Surat, at about 11 pm on Wednesday.
Bodies of victims were spotted besides the track by a driver of another train.

Those dead were reportedly labourers and their family members, who had come to Udhana in the Taptiganga Express that runs from Varanasi to Surat, officials said.

After getting off the train at Udhana station, the people were walking on the railway track when they were run over by a train.

The driver of train 'Flying Rani', which runs between Surat and Mumbai, immediately informed the authorities of the incident, Railway Police Inspector H M Patel said.

Investigations were on to determine the circumstances under which the accident took place, he added.

Thaksin detained on return to Thailand

BANGKOK, Thailand - Deposed Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned Thursday from 17 months in exile to face corruption charges, saying he hopes to restore his reputation. Police took him into custody but a court quickly granted bail, officials said.
Thousands of supporters — many dancing, beating drums and singing — gathered at Suvarnabhumi International Airport for his arrival aboard a Thai Airways flight from Hong Kong.

Thaksin had tears in his eyes as emerged faced supporters. He knelt and touched the ground with his forehead, hands clapsed together in the Thai greeting.

But Thai authorities rapidly detained the 58-year-old billionaire politician and took him to a court appearance. There he was ordered him to post $267,000 in bail pending a hearing on March 12, said court secretary Rakkiat Pattanapong.

Thaksin was deposed in a September 2006 coup and had lived abroad ever since. He had expected to face arrest after arriving on charges of graft and abuse of power during his 2001-2006 time in office.

His return was seen as a test of the country's political stability, with critics warning that the populist billionaire's homecoming could plunge the country into renewed crisis.

Police Lt. Gen. Prung Bunpadung said about 1,000 police were being deployed at the airport, along Thaksin's route of travel and places he is expected to visit during the day.

Before boarding the plane in Hong Kong for the last leg of his journey home, Thaksin said, "I believe in the Thai justice system, especially the court system. Normally in justice systems everywhere, a person is innocent until proved guilty."

He said that he was a "little bit" concerned about his security. But he added that there was little chance his return would spark violence.

Thaksin also repeated his pledge that he wouldn't seek to regain his political post. "I'm finished," he said.

Thaksin was stripped of power 17 months ago when the army staged a coup during one of his trips abroad, and he has since lived in exile. He returns home several weeks after a government sympathetic to him replaced a military-appointed interim regime.

The People's Power Party, which is packed with Thaksin allies, won Dec. 23 general elections and now leads a six-party coalition government. Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, who heads PPP, won widespread support by campaigning as Thaksin's proxy and pledging to clear his name.

Thaksin and his wife, Pojaman, face corruption and conflict of interest charges in connection with her purchase of prime Bangkok real estate from a state agency in 2003, while he was prime minister. Pojaman returned to Thailand in January and was released on bail pending trial.

Thaksin, a former telecommunications magnate, also faces separate charges of concealing assets.

Speaking to journalists in Hong Kong on Wednesday, Thaksin called the charges against him "unjust, unfair allegations" that were "cooked up by my political enemies."

"The country has returned to democracy, so I want to go home ... I miss my motherland," he said Wednesday, speaking to Thai Public Broadcasting Service television from a Hong Kong shopping mall.

The former prime minister inspires fear and loathing among his critics, and his return could re-ignite the deep political divisions that led to his downfall.

"Thaksin will plunge the country into a greater crisis that people will not be able to tolerate any longer," said former Bangkok governor and onetime Thaksin ally Chamlong Srimuang.

Thaksin enjoys support among rural people, who appreciated his financial and social welfare policies. But he is deeply resented by the urban elite for his autocratic ways and allegedly mass corruption under his regime.

Some of his old opponents are threatening new protests against him. Months of strident anti-Thaksin demonstrations in Bangkok culminated in the Sept. 19, 2006, military coup that toppled him while he was abroad.

His return marks an impressive comeback. His London-based exile was eased by his fortune, earned in telecommunications, and he kept himself in the spotlight by buying Britain's Manchester City soccer club.

The forces that helped unseat Thaksin — the military, Bangkok's educated middle class and the country's elite, including people associated with the country's monarchy — worked hard to erase Thaksin's political legacy.

Clinton links her fate to economy

ZANESVILLE, Ohio - Hillary Rodham Clinton spent almost three hours Wednesday trying to persuade a college gym full of Ohioans that her detailed plans to revive the failing economy can also resuscitate her dwindling campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination.
"Obviously, the economy is the No. 1 issue in the country, and it's unbelievably important here in Ohio," said Clinton. "I think, absent any intervening circumstances, the economy will be the domestic driver with all the related issues like health care and energy costs and home foreclosures."

The former first lady said voters in key swing states are beginning to focus on "the big questions," such as bedrock economic issues, that she said will drive both the remaining Democratic nomination contests and the fall general election.

"What's important is we have a lot of people yet to vote," said Clinton. "We've got four states coming up on Tuesday, we've got 16 contests after that."

Trailing her rival Barack Obama in popular vote, committed delegates and fundraising, Clinton emphasized the struggling industrial economy throughout the upper Midwest as she swung through Ohio less than a week before its crucial primary. She is counting on her performance in the March 4 contests in Ohio and Texas to keep her candidacy afloat.

In this southeastern Ohio city that's been hammered by plant closings, she held a nearly three-hour round-table on economic issues in the gymnasium of Ohio University-Zanesville and Zane State College. In addition to political heavyweights like Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland, New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine and former Sen. John Glenn who all have endorsed her, Clinton also heard tales of economic stress from workers in excruciating detail that reinforced her reputation as a policy wonk.

Robert Landry, of Dayton, told Clinton about how his home was foreclosed on Christmas Eve and the emotional struggle he faced.

"You feel alone and the bottom drops out of your whole life," said Landry. "The bottom line is you don't know what to do and you're lost."

That underscored a core message of her campaign.

"What are we going to do to improve the lives of hardworking Americans," said Clinton. "That is my mission. I see a middle-class comeback. I see it starting in places like Zanesville."

She heard Florine Mark of Weight Watchers tell stories about obese children struggling with self-image, Ohio Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher talk about state economic development and Christine Pambianchi of Corning Inc. talk about change.

Clinton praised Corning for moving into new product lines like fiber optics. "They used to make glass," she said. "If they were still about glass they wouldn't be around."

Diving into the deep details of a struggling economy was aimed at reinforcing her argument that she's ready to tackle the big problems facing the nation, compared to Obama whom she labels as inexperienced.

"What I intend to do is draw attention, not only to the problem side but the solution side," said Clinton. As the campaign moves to the industrial Midwest, voters are responding, she said.

"What I feel is happening is people are starting toward the big questions they should have to answer, who can be the best commander in chief, who do you want in the White House answering the phone at 3 a.m.," said Clinton. "I feel good about these upcoming states. What keeps me optimistic is the success I've had so far and what I think the prospects are for Tuesday."

She emphasized the value of patience and experience.

"Change does take consistent, concerted effort," said Clinton. "The people of Ohio are ready. We just need to stay with you."

Nagma - for comeback

Nagma - yesteryear heroine has ruled Tollywood few years back and has many super hit movies to her credit, she starred with most of the top hero's in the industry, she emerged as sex bomb in Bhojpuri industry. Now she is making up her mind to comeback in Tamil. Balu Mahinder will be directing this movie which is titled as ' Anal Katru', its just matter of time for official announcement.