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 Princess1
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?
PM's young security guards
In these times of terrorism, police seem to be desperate to ensure that they get the job done. And to ensure this, they are not leaving a stone unturned. Ahead of Prime Minister's visit to Shantiniketan, they asked young boys to check the trees for bombs.
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