A file photo of Chanda Kochhar, who has been named as the successor of K V Kamath to the post of CEO and MD of ICICI Bank.
Chanda Kochhar appointed ICICI Bank CEO
Dravid congratulates Gambhir
Rahul Dravid (R) congratulates Gautam Gambhir on his century in the first day of the second Test match between India and England in Mohali.
Bush on the auto industry bailout
President George Bush speaks on the auto industry bailout at the White House in Washington.
Sheila Dikshit to take oath as Delhi CM
Sheila Dikshit will be sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Delhi for an unprecedented third term on Wednesday. The swearing in will take place at the St Xavier's School grounds near the Lieutenant Governor's residence. Ms Dikshit has been tight lipped about her six Cabinet colleagues, but Kiran Walia, an MLA from Malviya Nagar is expected to be the new face on this Cabinet.
Meltdown worsens hunger situation in India
The world hunger situation may further deteriorate as the financial crisis hits the real economies of more and more countries. Already, 40 million people joined the ranks of the under-nourished this year. In Delhi, where they say no one sleeps hungry, people in the slums are fighting hunger on a daily basis.
Unsecure WiFi connections a threat in Pune
They look like any other group of teenagers hanging out together. But they are known as Club Hack, a group of students-turned-hackers in Pune. And these are ethical hackers who have made an alarming discovery. In a recent survey conducted jointly with the Pune Police, these young students found that half of Pune's wireless connections are unsecured leaving them open to misuse.
VIP protection proves costly in Punjab
After the Mumbai terror attack, there has been an outrage against the waste of police and security resources. But then on the ground little has changed. Like the Punjab Police, which is on high alert as very often, part of their job is waiting for VIP kids to finish school.
Proposed NSG hubs face staff crunch
After the brilliant operation that the NSG commandos carried out in Mumbai to end the Taj hotel siege, there were many questions raised on their delay in reaching the spot. So, the government came up with a plan to station these NSG commandos across the country in four new hubs for faster response. Right now, these commandos are stationed near Delhi.
Anatomy of anger
Award-winning journalist Barkha Dutt leads a live audience in grilling politicians about a topic of current interest.
Enough is enough: India's 9/11
Award-winning journalist Barkha Dutt leads a live audience in grilling politicians about a topic of current interest.
Big Fish: Rajiv Lall of IDFC
Big Fish: A one-on-one interaction with top leaders in the field of business.
L&T looking for acquisitions worth $200 mn
Engineering and construction giant Larson and Toubro (L&T) is on the look out for acquiring a small player to bridge the gap in some sectors by taking advantage of attractive valuations."Acquisition in the range of $100-200 million could be possible but a higher number may not be possible," said YM Deosthalee, CFO, L&T.
Mallya asks for tax breaks to lower airfares
Chairman of Kingfisher Airlines, Vijay Mallya, on Tuesday was apparently trying to establish a link between the airlines in India cutting fares and the Government reducing sales tax on ATF and giving it the "declared goods status".
Will assembly poll results affect general elections?
Muqabla - Top politicians combat each other with the help of a live audience in this formal debate. Each party has a limited time to respond to allegations and criticism.
India fumes at duplicate Bangladeshi Taj Mahal
India's embassy in Bangladesh voiced its displeasure over a life-size copy of the Taj Mahal, saying it would investigate to see if any copyright laws had been breached. "You can't just go and copy historical monuments," fumed a spokesman at the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. "Someone will go out there and have a look. The reports we are reading say it is an exact replica. This is a protected site we are talking about so we need to find out if it really is the exact size," he said.
Bangladeshi film director Ahsanullah Moni unveiled his $ 58 million replica, located about 30 kilometres (20 miles) northeast of the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka, this week. Moni began building it five years ago but came up with the idea in 1980 when he first visited the real "Monument to Love" in Agra, India. He imported marble and granite from Italy, diamonds from Belgium and used 160 kilos (350 pounds) of bronze for the dome.
Everyone dreams about seeing the Taj Mahal but very few Bangladeshis can make the trip because it's too expensive for them," he said. The Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth in 1631. ...(Hindustan Times)
Vijay Diwas celebration
Defence personnel march past after the Vijay Diwas celebration at India Gate in New Delhi.
Palestinian militants point rifles at Bush poster
Palestinian militants point their rifles at a poster of US President George W Bush during a protest in Gaza.
Weightlifter Ali with Lalu Prasad
Andhra Pradesh weightlifter Ali with railway minister Lalu Prasad at Rail Bhavan in New Delhi.
Bush Comes Under Shoe Attack in Baghdad
Hero president George W. Bush placed his own life at risk by visiting an Iraqi office, where he came under heavy shoe fire.
Baby Sheetal discharged from hospital
The youngest survivor of the Mumbai attacks, three-month-old baby Sheetal is back in her home, after several weeks in hospital. Her father was killed in the attack at CST on 26/11 and an uncle ran away with much needed compensation money. Her grandparents seem to have grudgingly decided to accept her, but for the moment, the road ahead isn't very clear for the innocent victim and her mother.
Politics over terrorism?
Hum Log: Eminent politicians and personalities from a cross section of society are grilled by a live audience in this talk show.
M&M frontrunner for Chrysler's Jeep brand
With the threat of bankruptcy looming large over three large US carmakers, it seems that selling off some of the group brands may take centre stage, which means M&M is a step closer to buying out Chrysler's Jeep brand.
Wockhardt plans to sell Pinewood Labs for $200
In the wake of current global financial crisis, Mumbai-based drugmaker Wockhardt is working out a new strategy to shore up sagging profit margins and stay ahead of the competition.
Cabinet clears new probe agency bill
The Union Cabinet on Monday approved amendments to the law to provide for a tough legal framework and the setting up of a National Investigating Agency (NIA) to combat terror. The Cabinet, which had an unscheduled meeting, gave its approval to the proposal to amend the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 and the setting up of the NIA, an official spokesman said.
Chidambaram sweeps his new 'home'
After the Mumbai terror attacks, the man who took charge of the country's security affairs is wasting no time in learning the ropes. P Chidambaram, who moved from the Finance to the Home Ministry is said to be putting in extra effort in understanding his new challenges and responsibilities. For starters, he is focussing on cutting some of that notorious red tape.
India has no plans to attack Pak: Antony
India on Tuesday said it is not planning any military action against Pakistan but stressed that the neighbouring country will have to take action against terrorists there for the relations to improve.
Bring 26/11 perpetrators to justice: Rice
As Pakistan continues to ask India for credible evidence to prove that the terrorists involved in the Mumbai attack came from there, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has again urged Pakistan to bring the perpetrators to justice.
End of road for Mumbai taxis?
Mumbai's cabbies are protesting outside the Bombay High Court. But the case has been closed. After years of debate, this symbol of pre-liberalisation India -- 7,000 of Mumbai's 30,000 yellow and black taxis -- are finally headed for the scrap yard. And along with that, the livelihoods of cabbies like Narendra Visat and his family, who quite literally depended on this vehicle for 30 years.
NSG commando recalls 26/11 horror
Though the worst ever terror attack had ended two weeks ago, the nightmares are still haunting NSG commando Sunil Yadav. Even after he had united with his family, Yadav cannot forget the fateful night when he took three bullets during the operation. The 29-year-old, who belongs to Pataudi in Haryana, is now back home and recovering from mental and physical injuries he sustained two weeks ago in Mumbai.
Kerry meets PM, discusses 26/11 attacks
Influential American Senator John Kerry met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday and discussed the Mumbai terror attacks and the situation arising out of it. During the meeting, Singh is understood to have apprised the senator about the details of attack, which were carried out by the Pakistan-based outfit, Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT).
Suzlon to raise funds?
According to sources, Suzlon Energy, India's leading wind turbine manufacturer, is raising $450 million though a mix of debt and equity and convertibles. These could be raised by Suzlon, other promoter entities or overseas arms like Hansen.
PSU banks announce cheaper home loans
Public sector banks today announced that home loans up to Rs 5 lakh would be given at a maximum interest rate of 8.5 per cent, while those between Rs 5-20 lakh would be offered at 9.25 per cent. Besides, the banks would not charge any processing fees and pre-payment charges for loans up to Rs 20 lakh, and would also provide free insurance cover, the Indian Banks Association (IBA) said.
Luxury cars' demand on the rise in Punjab
Whenever cricketer Yuvraj Singh is in Chandigarh, he's seen driving his BMW convertible car. But the craze for luxury cars in Punjab is not limited to star personalities like him. Twenty five-year-old Fulbagh always wanted to drive a BMW. And he finally got one last month. The economic slowdown may have hit his real estate business hard, but that didn't stop Fulbagh from spending Rs 40 lakh to fulfill his dream.
Kerry for an ISI under civilian control
With barely a month left for US President-elect Barack Obama to officially enter the White House, influential Democrat Senator and likely next head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee John Kerry, made it clear that the Obama Administration will ask the Pakistan government to bring the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) firmly under civilian control.
How the deadly Mumbai attacks unfolded - 29 Nov 08
Mumbai is reeling in the wake of a string of co-ordinated attacks by armed men which left scores dead and hundreds injured.
Security forces on Saturday killed the last of the attackers at the Taj Mahal, three days after the gunmen had holed themselves up with several hostages.
Al Jazeeras Sohail Rahman looks at how the attacks and the subsequent security operations unfolded.
Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi: An inconsistent jodi
Picture This: The Best of the Movies - what's new, what to watch and what's making the box office cash registers ring?
Pakistan should deliver now: India
Tensions between India and Pakistan over last month's terrorist attacks on Mumbai overshadowed a conference aimed at fostering cooperation between Afghanistan and its neighbours. Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Indian Junior Foreign Minister Anand Sharma sat side-by-side at a news conference on Sunday following the informal, closed-door talks, but they traded barely concealed barbs.
26/11: Were there more terrorists?
More mysteries are emerging from behind the shattered windows of Nariman House. Six Isrealis, who were held captive during the terror strike, were killed in this building. Finally, two terrorists were killed by commandos. But eyewitnesses say the numbers do not add up. Haridas Gaikwad, who runs a TV repair shop opposite Nariman House, says he saw four Indian looking men enter the building just before the firing started.
Son in S Korea jail, family wants Govt help
The Shyam household in Mumbai is not a happy one today. Chetan, the son of Commodore DR Shyam, is one of the two Indian officers, who are serving jail term in South Korea after being convicted for a collision off the coast of South Korea that caused an oil spill. Now with Chetan in jail pending a bail hearing, Commodore Shyam wants the Indian government to intervene.
VIP visits add to acid victims' woes
Politicians have been lining up to meet the engineering students who are fighting for life after acid was thrown on them in Hyderabad. Health experts say this increases chances of burn victims contracting infections, but are our VIPs listening?
Cash-for-vote: Clean chit to Amar Singh
A Lok Sabha committee that went into the cash-for-votes scam during UPA government's confidence vote in July has exonerated Samajwadi Party MP Amar Singh and Congress MP Ahmed Patel saying there was no evidence against them.
Can India replace China as the world's footwear factory?
The growing menace of global recession has forced many European shoemakers to look for India rather than China as sourcing from India is becoming cheaper due to low cost. "India works out to be cheaper since labour is much cheaper and labour laws are less tough. China is proving to be quite expensive," said Rajiv Mehta, India MD, Puma.
Shiv Sena protest against lawyer for Qasab
The Maharashtra government has still not been able to find a lawyer for Ajmal Amir Qasab, the sole terrorist captured alive during 26/11 attacks. And now, the Shiv Sena is staging protests outside the homes of lawyers who seem willing to take up the case. The party has staged protests outside the homes of two lawyers Ashok Saraogi and Mahesh Deshmukh.
IMA passing out parade
Keeping alive the glorious tradition of producing excellent officer-like qualities, the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun held its 123rd Regular Course passing out parade. Four-hundred-and-ninety-eight Gentlemen cadets including 24 foreign cadets, 13 from Bhutan, 2 from Nepal, and 9 Gentlemen cadets from Tajikistan marched out as officers of the Army.
26/11 terrorist seeks legal aid from Pak
Pakistan still refuses to officially acknowledge that the men involved in the attacks in Mumbai's were Pakistani. But there is more evidence of their nationality coming from the only terrorist captured alive, Ajmal Amir Qasab. In a three-page letter written in Urdu to the Pakistani High Commission Qasab has admitted to being a Pakistani citizen.
Major Unnikrishnan's father visits NDA
One of those who fought off the terrorists was fallen NSG commando major Sandeep Unnikrishnan. His father on Saturday went to the National Defence Academy in Khadakvasla, near Pune. He went to the room where his son stayed during his training at the academy. He also met Major Unnikrishnan's teachers and instructors at the NDA.
The man who helped capture Qasab
It's been more than two weeks since the terror attacks in Mumbai, and tributes are still pouring in for those brave officers who gave up their life to save others. They are stories of courage and valour to inspire others. One of such martyrs of 26/11 was Tukaram Umbale. Tukaram Umbale's family is in mourning, but they are also proud. Umbale took five bullets, but held on to Qasab's (the lone terrorist captured after the Mumbai attacks) weapon, enabling his colleagues to capture him alive.
AP acid attack: Victims' dreams shattered
Three men who allegedly threw acid on two engineering college girls at Warangal in Andhra Pradesh have been killed in what the police claim to be an encounter. But what about their victims, the two final year engineering students, they're battling on against huge odds? One of the victims of the acid attack is undergoing treatment in a Secunderabad hospital.
ASI to pitch in Taj hotel's restoration
Mumbai's Taj hotel is iconic. The recent terror attacks damaged large parts of the 105-year-old building. As the management sets about planning its restoration, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has also decided to pitch in. In Delhi, the ASI has volunteered to send experts across. Ratan Tata's Taj group has already promised that it will spare no effort to restore the glory of the 105-year-old building.
LeT behind Mumbai attacks: Brown
International pressure on Pakistan increased further on Sunday with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown asserting that the outrageous attacks in Mumbai were carried out by Lashkar-e-Toiba and made it clear that Islamabad will have a "great deal to answer for".
Pak claims airspace violated, India denies
Pakistan has claimed that Indian fighter jets violated the country's airspace in two separate sectors and were forced out by its combat aircraft, a charge rejected by India. A Pakistan Air Force spokesman claimed that Indian jets were "forced to retreat" after Pakistani aircraft responded. He did not say when the airspace violations had occurred or how long the Indian jets had remained in Pakistani airspace.
Sheila Dikshit
Noted journalist and Indian Express Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta interviews the personality of the week. Meet top politicians, mega film stars, and controversial sportsmen on Walk The Talk.
ONGC on a rigs acquisition spree
The rigs are a lifeline for any oil and gas exploration and production company whose operations have been hit by scarcity of rigs that are not available when needed.So, RS Sharma, CMD of the state-owned oil firm ONGC, has adopted the mantra of self dependence and thus setting aside plans of hiring rigs but rather acquiring rigs."In long term business, where the old rigs are to be phased out and, it is necessary to have own rigs and lower the dependence on others," said Sharma.
Bank status likely for NBFCs
The global meltdown has left the non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) pretty much high and dry but the government's efforts at the PM's apex committee meet to convert them to banks had been shot down by the RBI.But now, NDTV has learnt that the commerce ministry will try again this time with the possible backing of the finance ministry.
FMPs out of vogue?
Fixed Maturity Plans (FMPs) are in the news again with the regulator looking at further tightening norms, but investors may be losing interest.FMPs remain on top of the mind for Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI). The market regulator's Mutual Fund Advisory committee met on Friday to debate the further tightening of asset-liability norms, but amongst investors, interest in the product is waning.
Parvathy Omanakuttan - Miss World First Princess1
Newly crowned Miss World Kseniya Sukhinova from Russia, center, stands with first princess Parvathy Omanakuttai from India, left, and second princess Gabrielle Walcott from Trinidad and Tobago, right, during the Miss World contest in Johannesburg, South Africa, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008.
Parvathy Omanakuttan - Miss World First Princess2
Newly crowned Miss World Kseniya Sukhinova from Russia, center, sits with first princess Parvathy Omanakuttai from India, left, and second princess Gabrielle Walcott from Trinidad and Tobago, right, during the Miss World contest in Johannesburg, South Africa, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008.
Parvathy Omanakuttan - Miss World First Princess3
Newly crowned Miss World Kseniya Sukhinova from Russia, center, sits with first princess Parvathy Omanakuttai from India, left, and second princess Gabrielle Walcott from Trinidad and Tobago, right, during the Miss World contest in Johannesburg, South Africa, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008.
Parvathy Omanakuttan - Miss World First Princess4
First princess Parvathy Omanakuttai from India, right, dances during the Miss World contest in Johannesburg, South Africa, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008.
Parvathy Omanakuttan - Miss World First Princess5
Miss India Parvathy Omanakuttan poses on the day before the 58th Miss World Final at Sandton Convention Centre on December 12, 2008 in Johannesburg, South Africa..58th Miss World Final - Pre Show Portraits.Sandton Convention Centre.Johannesburg.
Parvathy Omanakuttan - Miss World First Princess6
Winner, Miss Russia Kseniya Sukhinova, center, flanked by second runner up Miss Angola, Micaela Reis, right, and runner up Miss India, Parvathy Omanakuttan, left, seen during the Miss World Fashion Show and Top Model competition in Soweto, South Africa, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008 ahead of the final beauty pageant to be held Saturday Dec. 13, in Johannesburg.
Parvathy Omanakuttan - Miss World First Princess7
Winner, Miss Russia Kseniya Sukhinova, center, flanked by second runner up Miss Angola, Micaela Reis, right, and runner up Miss India, Parvathy Omanakuttan, left, seen during the Miss World Fashion Show and Top Model competition in Soweto, South Africa, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008 ahead of the final beauty pageant to be held Saturday Dec. 13, in Johannesburg
Acid attack case: 3 accused killed
Three men who allegedly threw acid on two engineering college girls in Warangal in Andhra Pradesh have been killed in what the police claim to be an encounter. Police say that they opened fire on the three men as they tried to run away while being taken to the site where they attacked the girls. The three men who were arrested on Friday on the basis of the girls' statements were produced at a press conference.
Even best brains are without jobs amid crisis
The slowdown has obviously hit the companies expansion and hiring plans but it seems the realisation happened earlier than expected and as a result, even some of the best brains will now have to wait to get the job they were studying for.Its not a good time to be a final year student as this year's graduating batch is slowly waking up to the reality of lowered expectations.
Luxury bikes zoom into India
It may be a tough ride for many in the Indian Motown currently, but that's not stopping the super bike makers to drive into India.Slowdown or no slowdown, they see a thriving market for super bikes in India.The likes of Yamaha, Suzuki and Ducati are already here and Honda Motorcycle India is set to join the bandwagon.
GM, Chrysler face bankruptcy as auto bailout collapses
The collapse of the auto aid plan for three biggest US automakers has raised concerns of an imminent bankruptcy filing by General Motors and Chrysler before Christmas. However, the Ford management said it is not facing a solvency issue.
Are young officers adequately trained?
In these times of terror, the training module for IPS probationers at the National Police Academy in Hyderabad has come under scrutiny. Questions are being asked if the curriculum adequately prepares the young officers to fight the modern-day terrorist. During a mock session at the National Police Academy, officer-cadets simulated mob control after a bomb blast at a place of worship, similar to what happened at Hyderabad's Mecca Masjid in May last year.
Refugees still outsiders in the Valley
For Bahadur Lal, the ongoing state elections are meaningless. He's among the west Pakistan refugees who were born and brought up in Jammu but can't vote in state polls as they do not have permanent residence or a state subject certificate.
MLA from a BPL family in Rajasthan
If you thought politics was all about money and muscle power, think again. In one corner of rural Rajasthan, it's a heartwarming story that shows democracy is alive and thriving. The newly elected MLA from Dhaud in Sikar lives in a mud house. The brick structure with two rooms was built under the Indira Awas Yojana.
Gehlot sworn-in as Rajasthan CM
Ashok Gehlot has been sworn-in as Rajasthannew Chief Minister. After days of hectic lobbying and exploring all possibilities, the Congress finally decided to go with Gehlot as their choice for the post of the CM. While Gehlot clearly spearheaded the campaign for the party in Rajasthan, taking charge is going to prove to be tough for him as the prominent Jat lobby initially opposed his appointment.
He is my son, says Qasab's father in Pak
Though LeT and JuD may disown him, the father of the lone Pakistani gunman arrested for the Mumbai terror attacks has admitted that the young man whose picture was beamed by media across the world is his son.
Mumbai forms human chain against terror
Protesting the terror attacks, Mumbaiites on Friday formed human chain at the spots targeted by terrorists and other key areas to raise their voice against the dastardly strikes.
Terror keeps moviegoers home
The terror attacks in Mumbai seem to have cast a dark spell over the business of cinema halls. They have, however, thrown up opportunities for DVD rental storeowners. Warren La Touche is the owner of one of Hyderabad's oldest DVD rental stores. His business dropped by more than 30 per cent because of the financial slowdown and with most of his customers working as BPO employees.
Dream homes now affordable
State of the art conveniences, swimming pools and landscape gardens are not out of the reach of middle-class people anymore. Whoever says the king size life is only for kings? The downturn could enable everybody to live it up, as builders scramble to attract buyers for their new properties by offering luxury amenities for much less price than before.
Intel ready for WiMax advantage!
As WiMax auctions are getting closer, heat is building with Wimax Technology providers like Intel.
So Intel is wasting no time and is launching WiMax enabled notebooks in India to be the first in the race. Now, one would really be able to connect ones laptop or computer to the Internet without any modem, cable or wireless card.
Girl burnt in acid attack, fights for life
The Warangal district police in Andhra Pradesh have arrested Srinivas, who allegedly poured acid on a final year engineering college student. The 21-year-old victim is battling for life in a Hyderabad hospital but even if she survives, she will be maimed for life. She has lost her eyesight. Swapnika is admitted in the acute medical care ward inside Yashoda Hospital in Hyderabad oscillating between life and death with 55 per cent burns.
26/11 NSG commando loses eye, not spirit
NSG commando A K Singh wants to fight for the country, even after losing sight in one eye while fighting terrorists at the Oberoi hotel in Mumbai. This happened just weeks before his wedding.A K Singh was one of the brave NSG Commandos who stormed the 18th floor of the Oberoi hotel in Mumbai to rescue hostages and kill the terrorists a fortnight ago. But he has paid a heavy price.
Family loses breadwinner in 26/11 attacks
It has been two weeks since the Mumbai terror strike, but for families, who have lost their breadwinner, the harsh reality of an uncertain future is sinking in. Hussainbi's troubles are mounting as her immediate concern is to provide for her five children. Her husband Peer Pasha, a waiter at Leopold Cafe, was among the terror attacks' first victims. He made Rs 2,200 a month, barely enough to make ends meet.
Help pours in for baby Sheetal
A day after the news trickled in about baby Sheetal being betrayed by her uncle help has begun pouring in for the three-month old baby. Sheetal is the youngest survivor of the 26/11 attacks on Mumbai. People from across the country and even abroad are coming forward with a helping hand. A dozen cheques have come in so far, ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 5,000.
Islamabad must act forcefully, says Rice
The United States has said that although there is "no bellicose talk" from either India or Pakistan in the aftermath of the terror attacks in Mumbai but the situation is "obviously dangerous and Islamabad needs to act forcefully".
Team India felicitates Viswanathan Anand
The All India Chess Federation on Thursday felicitated Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand for retaining the world chess championship title.
England were too defensive: Harbhajan
Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh felt that England were far too defensive and wasted a good opening stand on the first day of the first Test on Thursday.
Goenkas may exit Andhra Cement
It is not a happy picture for the cement industry witnessing considerable slowdown in demand and volumes. NDTV has learnt that Gouri Prasad Goenka-promoted Andhra Cements, has decided to offload a significant stake in the company.The process for offloading the stake has begun and sources say talks are on with players like Lafarge, Swiss-based CRH and Jaypee Group who have been looking at Andhra Pradesh for a greenfield plant.
Six mysterious deaths shock Bangalore
In Bangalore, six deaths under mysterious circumstances have been reported from a single locality. One whole family and two of its neighbours were wiped out. These deaths have shocked Bangalore, not just for the number but for what might be the motive for the gruesome murders.
Bridging the digital divide for kids
The digital divide or access to the latest technology, is far from being equal. An attempt to remedy this is the Digital Equalizer programme of the America India Foundation, started at the initiative of President Clinton in 2001. "We have learnt how to use the camera to record, edit and make a movie from what we have edited and to burn a CD," said J M Manu Kumar, a student.
Stimulus package upsets textile sector
The government's much publicised stimulus package has failed to bring cheer to one industry that contributes four per cent of our GDP -- textiles. And if the present trend continues many people could lose their jobs in this industry. This news has taken away smile from the six people employed in a small spinning unit on the outskirts of Coimbatore. There are more than one lakh such units in and around Coimbatore and Tirupur in Tamil Nadu.
Dream houses become affordable in Chennai
A dream home in Chennai has become a lot cheaper. Hit hard by the financial meltdown, the construction industry is trying hard to get back to brisk business through affordable housing.
Now, the new price tags are a little over Rs nine lakh for a 450 sq ft single bedroom apartment and Rs 14 lakh for a 900 sq feet two bedroom apartment.
Paul, House of Lords' Dy speaker
It's another first for an expat Indian. Lord Swaraj Paul has become the deputy speaker of the House of Lords. Little did Swaraj Paul imagine that he would hold one of the highest positions any Indian immigrant has held in the British parliament one day, when he migrated to London from Jalandhar in the 1960s. Paul, a leading businessman with an annual turnover of 1.5 billion pounds has been a member of the House of Lords for 13 years.
Orissa cops muzzle writer; spark furor
Orissa cops have taken the term gag order to a new level altogether. A Leftist writer and the editor of Oriya literary magazine Nissan, Lenin Ray was quite literally stopped from speaking to the media by policemen who muzzled him as he was being produced in Bhubaneswar's district court. Lenin was arrested on charges of inciting communal hatred. His crime being his writings against Hindu groups on the attacks on Christians in Kandhmal.
A case of justice delayed and denied
It's not unusual how the rich and the powerful can get away with anything, including murder in this country. A death sentence handed out to former MP Anand Mohan Singh has been reduced to life imprisonment, and his wife Lovely Singh has been acquitted. Both were convicted in the murder of a district magistrate of Bihar. Uma Krishnaiah, the widow of the murdered IAS officer says that she never expected to get justice.
Mumbai's brave cops who caught Qasab
All crucial leads into the 26/11 attacks on Mumbai are coming from one man - Abdul Amir Qasab, the lone terrorist captured alive. But behind the capture is a story of grit, of a group of 5 policemen who trapped two terrorists, killed one, and got the other alive. Those policemen stopped the terrorists from spreading further mayhem in Mumbai.
India raises Mumbai terror attack at UN
India late on Tuesday raised the Mumbai terror atack at the United Nations and demanded that the world body ban Pakistan-based Jamaat-ud-Dawa, the front organisation of Lashkar-e-Toiba(LeT) blamed for the carnage, and other such organisations and impose effective sanctions against them.
Who is Maulana Masood Azhar?
Founder of the group Jaish-e-Mohammed, Maulana Masood Azhar comes from a rich land-owning family in Pakistan. He features on India's most wanted list of 20 people it accuses of terrorism. India authorities arrested him in 1994 and imprisoned him for being a member of the Harkat-ul-Mujahideen -- one of the leading terror groups backed by Osama bin Laden.
MF Husain holds exhibition on 26/11 attack
One of India's best known artists, M F Husain opened an exhibition on contemporary Indian art in a gallery in London, and is exhibiting his latest work on the terrorist attack on Mumbai. He has called the collection, the 'Rape of India'. It is the artist's response to the Mumbai terrorist attack, a city that was his for many years. Husain was forced to leave Mumbai as his work was attacked for being offensive and vulgar, by some Hindu groups.
Gurgaon mom wins 9-year long custody fight
It's a story of a mother who has took on some of the country's biggest lawyers to win back her son. Sumedha Nagpal, a school teacher in Delhi has won the custody of her son after a 9-year long legal battle with her estranged husband. On Tuesday, a Gurgaon court officially handed over Sumedha's 11-year-old son to her. The last time they lived together was when he was a baby.
Mizoram: Lalthanhawla's dramatic comeback
Lalthanhawla was almost written off when he staged a dramatic comeback, winning 32 of the 40 seats in Mizoram. It was in a manner which was totally dismissive of the Mizo National Front's ten year reign.
Goa beaches vulnerable to terror attacks
The vulnerability of our coastlines was exposed after the Mumbai terror attacks. Goa is a state whose economy is completely dependent on its coastline. Tourists in the state are attracted to its pristine beaches and the fishing industries which do thriving business. It's ironic, then, that Goa is as vulnerable as it can get when it comes to its pristine shores.
Govt formation in full swing in 5 states
The process of government formation is in full swing in the five states of Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram, the results of which came out this Monday. In Delhi, the state Congress will meet at noon on Wednesday to formally elect Sheila Dikshit as the chief minister. In Madhya Pradesh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan will be elected leader of the BJP legislative party.
Ousted cadet fakes identity to rejoin IMA
Sanjeev Yadav, a cadet at the Indian Military academy (IMA) is in deep trouble.
Sanjeev's been caught by authorities who realised that he was the same candidate who had been thrown out of the academy in 2006. So, a security lapse has taken place in the Indian military academy, one of the world's finest training institutions.
The big fight against terror
Tempers fly as the newsmakers of the week face-off in The Big Fight. Anchored by Vikram Chandra, this weekly programme has politicians battling wits in front of a live audience.
Exporters find stimulus not enough to survive
The export sector of late has been going through a very rough time. Besides seeing cancellation in orders as a direct impact of the global meltdown, it now also faces several factory shutdowns
Stimulus brings no shine for gems & jewellery
The economic slowdown has taken the shine off India's export-dependent gems and jewellery industry, which now has been promised easier financing and lower interest rates by the government in its economic stimulus
Pak girl gets heart treatment in India
The heart has a way of bringing countries together. Like little Noor in 2003, it is now Shabana who has travelled from Pakistan to India for treatment to save her life. "I never used to play like other girls and I used to pray to God for recovery," said Shabana. Her family members have come here with a lot of hope.
Mumbai attacks hit tourism
Mumbai's iconic Taj Mahal Hotel was under siege for 62 hours. And the painful visuals were beamed live across the world. Now, a CCTV footage released by the Mumbai Police showing the battle inside the Taj between the police and the terrorists has upset the tourism industry
26/11 terrorists came from Pak: Police
First, it was an article in The Observer that travelled to Ajmal Qasab's home village to prove the Pakistan connection to the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai. Now, there are more leads to pursue the hometowns of the remaining 10 men made public by the Mumbai Police.
Eid fervour dampened by terror this year
There is tight security for the Eid celebrations on Tuesday with additional forces being deployed in sensitive areas. In Maharashtra, Muslims have been asked to celebrate Eid in a low profile manner as it comes right after the Mumbai terror attacks.
Fire at new wing of Taj Mumbai
According to sources, a fire broke out in a restaurant on the 21st floor of the new Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai, which is adjacent to the wing attacked by terrorists on November 26. Smoke was seen rising from the new Taj Mahal Hotel. The Taj sources said that electrical wiring could have caused fire.
Advantage Congress ahead of LS polls
The results of the assembly elections are out. It's 3-2 in the favour of the Congress. The Congress has won in Delhi, Rajasthan and Mizoram. And the BJP has retained power in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
Clean sweep for Congress in Mizoram
An unexpected sweep and the Congress is back in Mizoram after 10 years. The victory was so sweet that nothing could stop the Congress supporters from going all out n their celebrations, not even a diktat by the church on limiting election expenditure. Even by Northeast standards, campaigning in Mizoram was really low key but the celebrations at the Congress Bhawan has more than made up for it. Anti-incumbency has definitely worked but has the Rahul Gandhi factor worked here as well?
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