No more waiting for Waitrose

No more waiting for Waitrose: "Supermarket chain Waitrose plans to continue its expansion into the Middle East, despite the economic downturn.
The UK firm yesterday opened its second store in Dubai, at the Marina Mall.
“The plan was always to expand further into the region,” David Morton, director of business development at Waitrose, told 7DAYS.
He said the firm was actively looking for further stores in the UAE, but also in Qatar, Bahrain and Oman.
He added that even though the economic situation was difficult, Waitrose’s unusual structure was helping it to ride the storm.
The firm is owned by the John Lewis Partnership, and as a result has no shareholders. Instead, each member of its 68,000 staff is a ‘partner’ and shares in the success or failure of the firm."

Over the hedge

Over the hedge: "Can the get-rich-quick funds survive as investors run for safe havens, Brid-Aine Conway wonders
As bankers count their remaining pennies and dodge the rotten fruit from the audience, there’s one group of financiers who may well see their numbers sharply depleted - hedge fund managers.
Liquidity is still tight worldwide, despite numerous attempts by governments to jumpstart lending between banks, and thereby ensure individuals and businesses can get loans. This means that there’s less and less spare cash floating around and if anyone has got money to invest, they’re looking for safe havens such as gold.
Since losses in hedge funds reached over 23 per cent last year, according to Hedge Fund Research’s daily report, they certainly don’t count as a safe havens."

Saudi switches places with UAE

Saudi switches places with UAE: "Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund has now overtaken the value of Abu Dhabi’s, according to a new report released yesterday.
Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) may have lost 5 billion last year, pushing the fund to second place behind the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA) after the global credit crisis cut asset prices, the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) said.
Abu Dhabi’s fund was “hard hit by the recent fall in global equities”, the study added.
“A high allocation to equities, emerging market and private equity” contributed to the drop.
Abu Dhabi’s fund was managing an estimated 8 billion at the end of last year compared with 3 billion a year earlier, said the US think tank’s report, which examined the four largest Gulf sovereign funds."

Population fall on job losses

Population fall on job losses: "Population may fall on job losses
Dubai’s population could shrink by up to eight per cent this year on job cuts in real estate and construction, according to a report by UBS.
The report estimates that over half of Dubai’s population is employed in the real estate and construction industries, which are suffering from a lack of financing.
“Anecdotal evidence suggests that 30 to 40 per cent of new infrastructure project launches in the UAE have been either delayed or cancelled with strict project and resource rationalisation underway,” the report said."

Deutsche Bank Chief Was ‘Briefly’ in Hospital, Now Feeling Well Email | Print | A A A

Deutsche Bank Chief Was ‘Briefly’ in Hospital, Now Feeling Well Email | Print | A A A: "Deutsche Bank AG said Chief Executive Officer Josef Ackermann was treated in a hospital in Berlin yesterday evening after an apparent reaction to food, and is now feeling better.

Ackermann, 60, resumed work as normal today, Deutsche Bank spokesman Armin Niedermeier said. “He was briefly in hospital for a medical check and then returned to his hotel,” he said. Deutsche Bank rose as much as 2.7 percent in Frankfurt trading."

Children’s Health Plan Clears House in Boost to Obama

Children’s Health Plan Clears House in Boost to Obama: "The U.S. House of Representatives voted to more than double funding for a government health program for low-income children, taking the first step in President-elect Barack Obama’s promise to ensure medical coverage for all kids.

The vote was 289-139 to add .3 billion over 4½ years to the program. Congress in 2007 twice passed similar legislation that President George W. Bush vetoed, saying it would encourage families that can afford private coverage to drop it. If approved by the Senate, it may become one of the first measures signed by Obama after he takes office Jan. 20."

St. Jude Blood Meter May Help Doctors Limit Use of Heart Stents

St. Jude Blood Meter May Help Doctors Limit Use of Heart Stents: "St. Jude Medical Inc.’s blood-flow meter reduced the need for stents in patients with clogged arteries and boosted survival rates, providing doctors a new way to assess the severity of the blockages, a study found.

The probe, which measures the blockages, also cut the cost of care by an average of 5 a patient, according to the study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Heart attacks and deaths were trimmed 35 percent with the use of the device, called a fractional-flow reserve meter, the research found."

Diagnosis Codes Multiply in ‘Nightmare’ for Providers

Diagnosis Codes Multiply in ‘Nightmare’ for Providers: "The number of codes for medical billing will grow to more than 155,000 from 17,000, creating a “nightmare” for hospitals and doctors seeking reimbursement.

The U.S. government’s Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will release a final rule this week boosting the number of available diagnosis codes for use in billing and tracking diseases, Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt said in an interview today. Health providers will have to use the codes to be paid by the government or private insurers."

‘India ready to allow Pak to try fugitives’

‘India ready to allow Pak to try fugitives’: "Softening its stand that Pakistan should hand over perpetrators of Mumbai attacks and other fugitives, India has stated it will have no objection, if they are put through “fair trial” in that country itself. We want to see Pakistan implementing its words, says External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Islamabad’s announcement of actions against Jamaat-ud-Dawa.

“It would be ideal if they (Pakistan) can hand over the fugitives from India to us. If that is not possible, there should at least be a fair trial of these fugitives in Pakistan,” told External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee."

Cong: Sanjay Dutt welcome to join us

Cong: Sanjay Dutt welcome to join us: "With elections around the corner, a bit of star power can go a long way. And it seems the Congress and the Samajwadi Party are doing all it takes to cast Sanjay Dutt under their banner. But, like with any good movie plot, the protagonist has everyone guessing.

Hours after Sanjay Dutt said his political options remain open, Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh reiterated that the actor will be his party’s candidate from Lucknow."

Two Pak boats seized off Gujarat coast

Two Pak boats seized off Gujarat coast: "On high alert after the Mumbai carnage, the Indian Coast Guard has apprehended two Pakistani boats with 17 Pakistanis off the Gujarat coast.

After apprehending the boats, the ICG ship towed it to Jakhau coast, where all the arrested personnel were being interrogated. Sources have not ruled out the possibility of the two boats being used to carry out anti-India activities. After the Mumbai terror strikes on November 26, the ICG had put all its assets on high alert searching for vessels. The terrorists had used such trawlers to enter Indian waters."

Pakistan tries to mollify, India snubs

Pakistan tries to mollify, India snubs: "India’s Union External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee lashed out at Pakistan yet again. This time Pranab accused the Pakistani government of not being transparent in their investigations. The minister also said that instead of being informed through the media about developments in Pakistan, it would be better if the Indian government was informed of the same directly from their Pakistan counterpart."

Mumbai set for Marathon 2009

Mumbai set for Marathon 2009: "The city of Mumbai is beaming and all geared up for the marathon. Come Sunday (January 18), Mumbai will be all out on the streets running the ‘Mumbai Marathon’. The purpose of this marathon is doubly beneficial, for some it’s about being part of the Mumbai spirit but for others it’s a true test of fitness.

The spirit of Mumbai has been best encapsulated in its yearly marathon. The 2009 edition will hold a special place in the heart of the Mumbaikar."

Pilot ditches jet in Hudson River in NY all 155 safe after

Pilot ditches jet in Hudson River in NY all 155 safe after: "A cool-headed pilot maneuvered his crippled jetliner over New York City and ditched it in the frigid Hudson River on Thursday, and all 155 on board were pulled to safety as the plane slowly sank. It was, the governor said, “a miracle on the Hudson.” One victim suffered two broken legs, a paramedic said, but there were no other reports of serious injuries."

Bush farewell speech

Bush farewell speech: "Unpopular but unbowed, President George W Bush defended his tumultuous two terms in a farewell address to the nation Thursday night, claiming a hard-won record of achievement. Reaching back to the September 11 attacks, when the public rallied behind him, Bush declared the United States will “never tire, never falter and never fail.”"

Israel under rockets attack from Lebanese territory

Israel under rockets attack from Lebanese territory

Gaza’s Hamas rulers has destroyed at least $1.4 billion

Gaza’s Hamas rulers has destroyed at least $1.4 billion: "Israel’s fierce assault on Gaza’s Hamas rulers has destroyed at least $1.4 billion worth of buildings, roads, pipes, power lines and other infrastructure in already impoverished territory, Palestinian surveyors estimate."

Rahul gives Miliband a taste of India

Rahul gives Miliband a taste of India: "Rahul Gandhi is the poster boy of the Congress, and he is suave face of the British Government–both men tipped to be future Prime Ministers. Rahul wanted to show British Foreign Secretary David Miliband just exactly how India lives he took him to his constituency of Amethi.

David Miliband got a real taste of rural Indian life - a thatched house, village fare and a rope cot to sleep on - when he along with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi spent last night in the house of a Dalit family in Amethi."

Amar to move Rajya Sabha against Mayawati

Amar to move Rajya Sabha against Mayawati: "Charging the Uttar Pradesh government with “murdering” democracy in the name of law and order, Samajwadi Party (SP) General Secretary Amar Singh on Thursday (January 15) threatened to move the privileges committee of Rajya Sabha against Chief Minister Mayawati for allegedly using force against him during a protest.

Singh, who turned up at a press conference with a bandage on his head along with his Gorakhpur Lok Sabha candidate Manoj Tiwari and party MP Jaya Bachchan, alleged that he received blows of lathis on his head during a scuffle with police personnel at Gorakhpur airport."

Two Pak boats seized off Gujarat coast

Two Pak boats seized off Gujarat coast: "On high alert after the Mumbai carnage, the Indian Coast Guard has apprehended two Pakistani boats with 17 Pakistanis off the Gujarat coast.

After apprehending the boats, the ICG ship towed it to Jakhau coast, where all the arrested personnel were being interrogated. Sources have not ruled out the possibility of the two boats being used to carry out anti-India activities. After the Mumbai terror strikes on November 26, the ICG had put all its assets on high alert searching for vessels. The terrorists had used such trawlers to enter Indian waters."

We’ll tackle corruption: Omar Abdullah

We’ll tackle corruption: Omar Abdullah: "Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday (Jan 15) said that his government would work out modalities with the centre on bringing back Kashmiri youths, who had gone to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir for arms training but are now desirous of returning.

“The issue of Kashmiri youths presently in PoK and desirous of returning to Kashmir will be taken up with the Centre,” Omar told reporters here, adding modalities will be worked out with the centre on ways to bring them back as reports suggested that some of them were coming on passports"

FDA offices opened in India

FDA offices opened in India: "The US health regulator, the Food and Drug Administration, on Thursday (January 15) announced the opening of its offices in New Delhi and Mumbai, India. “Through these offices, we can work more closely with manufacturers to share best practices and ensure producers build quality and safety into food and medical products,” the US Secretary of Health, Mike Leavitte, said at the inaugural event.

While the New Delhi office would open immediately, the Mumbai office would be opened soon, officials said. The opening of the Mumbai office, which was scheduled to be along with New Delhi, was delayed because of the November 26 terrorist attack on the city."

How much money collected for Mayawathi?

How much money collected for Mayawathi?: "Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chairperson and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati may have toned down her 53rd birthday celebrations on Thursday (January 15) but she couldn’t stop raving about the big cash present she received from her party supporters on her birthday in Lucknow.

In fact, Mayawati boasted that her supporters had helped to double the “donations” for her party BSP in the time of recession. Her acknowledgement has raised questions about the money-politics link in Uttar Pradesh. “Recession was beaten. Thanks to you. We collected more thanks to opposition,” said Mayawati."

How much money collected for Mayawathi?

How much money collected for Mayawathi?: "Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chairperson and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati may have toned down her 53rd birthday celebrations on Thursday (January 15) but she couldn’t stop raving about the big cash present she received from her party supporters on her birthday in Lucknow."

Cong: Sanjay Dutt welcome to join us

Cong: Sanjay Dutt welcome to join us: "With elections around the corner, a bit of star power can go a long way. And it seems the Congress and the Samajwadi Party are doing all it takes to cast Sanjay Dutt under their banner. But, like with any good movie plot, the protagonist has everyone guessing."

‘India ready to allow Pak to try fugitives’

‘India ready to allow Pak to try fugitives’: "Softening its stand that Pakistan should hand over perpetrators of Mumbai attacks and other fugitives, India has stated it will have no objection, if they are put through “fair trial” in that country itself. We want to see Pakistan implementing its words, says External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Islamabad’s announcement of actions against Jamaat-ud-Dawa."

Pakistan terror groups linked to ISI

Pakistan terror groups linked to ISI: "Suggesting that the Pakistan spy agency Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) and terror groups had links, the US has said Pakistan government was delinking the powerful intelligence agency from the terror outfits and wanted this to be done “completely and effectively.”"

A Record 200 Crores makes by Ghajini

A Record 200 Crores makes by Ghajini: "Ghajini has become India’s biggest hit by making 200 crores in a matter of 15 days only."

Shilpa Shetty will shave her head

Shilpa Shetty will shave her head: "Shilpa Shetty will be soon saying bye bye to her lovely hair as she will be soon sporting a bald look for the most challenging role she ever played in her film career, for Malayalam director, R Sarath’s English flick Desire."

15th Lions Gold Awards 2008

15th Lions Gold Awards 2008: "The 15th Lions Gold Awards were held on the same day with Screen Awards. While most Bollywoodites preferred Screen Awards some stars were also seen attending the Lions Gold Awards."

Amrita Rao is the new girl in Hurman’s life

Amrita Rao is the new girl in Hurman’s life: "There is a buzz that Hurman Baweja and Priyanka Chopra have parted their ways and Amrita Rao is the new girl in Hurman’s life, but that didn’t stop Priyanka from getting impressed by Amrita’s performance in Victory."

Deepika made Ranbir take a resolution this year

Deepika made Ranbir take a resolution this year: "While girlfriend Deepika has done her bit for her love by tattooing the initials of boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor’s name on the back of her neck, boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor is also trying it hard to impress his girl."

Deepika Padukone has joined the tattoo bandwagon

Deepika Padukone has joined the tattoo bandwagon: "The trend was started internationally, Saif followed it by inking the name of his beloved Bebo on his hand and now Deepika Padukone has joined the tattoo bandwagon."

Amitabh Bachchan criticized Slumdog Millionaire’s success

Amitabh Bachchan criticized Slumdog Millionaire’s success: "Amitabh Bachchan has criticized Slumdog Millionaire’s success and believes it only made big internationally because of its Western director- Danny Boyle."

15th Annual Star Screen Awards 2008

15th Annual Star Screen Awards 2008: "The 15th Annual Star Screen Awards 2008 took place this week amidst much pomp and glare as all stars came together to get honored and to applaud others."

Bipasha Basu ready to Lamha in Kashmir

Bipasha Basu ready to Lamha in Kashmir: "Bipasha Basu is all set to do the shooting of her upcoming film ‘Lamhaa’ directed by Rahul Dholakia in Kashmir. Earlier Bipasha Basu left the shooting of film in Kashmir due to security problems and came back but now she does not have any problem to do the shooting."

Nokia 15th Annual Star Screen Awards 2008 Winners

Nokia 15th Annual Star Screen Awards 2008 Winners: "Best Film
Jodhaa Akbar

Best Director
Ashutosh Gowarikar - Jodhaa Akbar
Neeraj Pandey - A Wednesday!

Best Actor (Male)"

Gaza’s Hamas rulers has destroyed at least $1.4 billion

Gaza’s Hamas rulers has destroyed at least $1.4 billion: "Israel’s fierce assault on Gaza’s Hamas rulers has destroyed at least $1.4 billion worth of buildings, roads, pipes, power lines and other infrastructure in already impoverished territory, Palestinian surveyors estimate."

Satyam Computer operations are sound: Board tells Govt

Satyam Computer operations are sound: Board tells Govt: "Satyam Computers Board is of the view that the company’s operations are sound and that its investors are willing to stick to it, Corporate Affairs Minister PC Gupta has said.

Announcing the names of three more members appointed by the Govt to the scan-tainted company’s Board, the Minister said the Board will be allowed to take its own decisions. The nominations to the Board are: Tarun Das (CII chief mentor), SK Balakrishnan (from LIC) and Chartered Accountant PN Manoharan."

Pakistan admits JuD running terror camps, claims arrests of Lakhvi, Saeed

"Islamabad: Pakistan has claimed that it has come down hard on the terrorist outfit Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), and has put its top leaders Hafiz Saeed and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi behind bars, after admitting that the outfit was actually running terror camps behind the garb of a religious charity.

Interestingly, the clampdown against the Jamaat-ud-Dawa came after the Saudi intelligence chief’s visit to Pakistan earlier this week.

It also claims to have shut down five camps of the JuD.

“The crackdown was in response to the UN’’s accusation that a Pakistani charity was a front for an outlawed militant group allegedly linked to the Mumbai attacks,” The Dawn quoted Pak interior secretary Rehman Malik, as saying.

Malik told reporters here that the camps JuD claiming to be doing relief work, had actually been militant training camps.

All the print and publications work including the website of the outfit has also been blocked with immediate effect, he said.

The latest action against the JuD has put a stamp to the Indian stance that the group was involved in masterminding the November, 2008 Mumbai terror attack in which around 200 people, including foreigners were killed. (ANI)"

PPP Had Opposed 17th Amendment Bill: PM Gilani

"ISLAMBAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Thursday said Pakistan and India are nuclear states and there is no chance of war between them.

Talking to newsmen in ministry of information, PM Gilani said People Party had opposed the 17th amendment in the past."

Pakistan Vows To Bring Mumbai Attackers To Justice

"ISLAMABAD: Interior Adviser Rehman Malik said on Thursday that Pakistan is committed to bringing the perpetrators of Mumbai attacks to justice. He said Pakistan and India were nuclear states and that the Indian government was under intense public pressure to act.

Talking to journalists here, Malik said the government of Pakistan had launched probe into Mumbai attacks soon after the tragic incident occurred. ‘The government has banned Jamaat-ud-Dawah publications and shut down six Dawah’s websites”, advisor said.

Malik further said that 124 activists of Jamaat-ud-Dawah were nabbed including Hafiz Saeed, Mufti Abdur Rehman, Colonnel (Retd.) Nazir Ahmed, Amir Hamza and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi and five camps were closed down. He said the FIA was looking into the Indian dossier but more evidence was required.

Interior Advisor said that Pakistan had assured India of its unconditional support to India in Mumbai probe. He urged India to establish direct diplomatic channels with Pakistan for the exchange of information on Mumbai attacks instead of using indirect channels."

PML-N To Hold Talks With PPP on 17th Amend Today

"ISLAMABAD: Information Secretary of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Ahsan Iqbal said that PPP and PML-N would negotiate today (on Thursday) over the repeal of 17th constitutional amendment.

He said PML-N would hand over a draft of repealing the bill to PPP leadership today.

Talking to media in the capital Ahsan Iqbal said a delegation of PML-N, led by Senator Ishaq Dar, would hand over the bill draft to Senator Raza Rabbani for consultation."

No Support To MQM’s 17th Amendment Bill

"THATTA: Provincial Minister for Law Ayaz Soomro said on Wednesday the PPP government will roll back the ‘defective’ system of the local government, revenue and police set-up to their past status.

He said this will be done by making amendments and streamlining the local bodies system of governance and police and the commissionorate system according to the 1973 Constitution. Talking to newsmen at the Circuit House in Makli, he said the devolution in local bodies system, police and revenue departments introduced by General (retd) Pervez Musharraf resulted in acute crises and irreparable losses to the national exchequer and governance in the country.

The minister said the Sindh government was spending Rs 109 million per annum on police, adding that abolition of the Police Order 2002 and bringing back the police to its previous status would reduce the expenditure as well as help redress the public problems.

Ayaz said the country would no longer be allowed to become laboratory for new experiments. He said this government would not support the MQM’s proposed amendment bill on the 17th Amendment because the coalition partner had not taken the ruling party into confidence"

Grand Jirga Meets in Hangu Today

"HANGU: A 100-member grand Jirga is scheduled to meet today (Thursday) at the office of the district police officer to devise an effective strategy to restore peace in the district.

Sources said that DPO Sajjad Khan called a meeting of the local elders, scholars, religious leaders of both the sects at his office to evolve a strategy to restore lasting peace. Security forces continued patrolling the area after taking its control. The personnel of the law enforcement agencies were also assisting security forces.

Aerial surveillance by the gunship helicopters in the area is being minimised and no firing incident was reported from any part of the district. Also, security forces personnel have occupied the bunkers previously used by the rival groups.

The sources said there was no relaxation in the curfew in the main town of the district and all the educational institutions, offices and banks remained closed. Meanwhile, the provincial government commenced a polio vaccination drive in other parts of the district, as it could not be started in Hangu due to the volatile security. It merits a mention here that the authorities had directed the hospital employees and other staff to remain on duty round-the-clock to handle any emergency, but the staff failed to go to the hospital due to curfew. On the other hand, the Kohat-Hangu Road also remained closed sinc"

Two Policemen Killed, 11 injured in Karachi

"Two police officials were killed while eleven others including the head of anti-violent crime cell SSP Farooq Awan and an ASI were critically injured during a clash with miscreants in Sohrab Goath area on early Thursday, a private TV reported.

Heavy troops of Police and Rangers have cordoned off the area and exchange of fire between security officials and militants is still underway meanwhile, injured have been shifted to Agha Khan hospitals, police sources said.

Hospital sources have confirmed that two police constables, injured in the encounter, have succumbed to injuries. CCPO Waseem Ahmed said that the encounter took place as police carried out a raid on the information that suspects were hiding there. Police also recovered weaponry from the crime scene.

Police have arrested some of the suspects, sources said and have shifted them to unknown place for further investigation. Police sources also confirmed four among held culprits have links with banned religious outfit."

Blast heard at Pindi Road, Kohat

"KOHAT: Blast heard near Pindi Road on Wednesday."

PML-N to Back PM if Zardari Does Not Surrender Power

"ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) Quaid Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday stressed for the supremacy of parliament, saying his party wanted the powers to dissolve the assemblies be taken back from the president.

“If the presidency tries to create hurdles in our way, then the PML-N will extend its support to the prime minister,” Nawaz Sharif said while talking to newsmen here at the Punjab House. He said his party’s doors were closed for negotiations with dictators only, and he was ready to embrace President Asif Zardari if he changed his stance.

He said the PML-N would soon table a bill in the National Assembly to repeal the 17th Amendment and if the PPP government desired, it could be repealed in 10 minutes. “We will table a bill in the National Assembly to repeal the 17th Amendment soon and if the PPP government so desires, it can be done away within 10 minutes,” Nawaz Sharif said.

He said the PML-N would be taking the initiative to table the bill to repeal the 17th Amendment after waiting for one year as the PPP leadership had also promised to repeal this amendment.

“A number of PPP parliamentarians are also against the 17th Amendment and the PML-N will prove that it is sincere in repealing this amendment,” he maintained. Nawaz said he did n"

How much money collected for Mayawathi?

How much money collected for Mayawathi?: "Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chairperson and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati may have toned down her 53rd birthday celebrations on Thursday (January 15) but she couldn’t stop raving about the big cash present she received from her party supporters on her birthday in Lucknow.

In fact, Mayawati boasted that her supporters had helped to double the “donations” for her party BSP in the time of recession. Her acknowledgement has raised questions about the money-politics link in Uttar Pradesh. “Recession was beaten. Thanks to you. We collected more thanks to opposition,” said Mayawati."

FDA offices opened in India

FDA offices opened in India: "The US health regulator, the Food and Drug Administration, on Thursday (January 15) announced the opening of its offices in New Delhi and Mumbai, India. “Through these offices, we can work more closely with manufacturers to share best practices and ensure producers build quality and safety into food and medical products,” the US Secretary of Health, Mike Leavitte, said at the inaugural event.

While the New Delhi office would open immediately, the Mumbai office would be opened soon, officials said. The opening of the Mumbai office, which was scheduled to be along with New Delhi, was delayed because of the November 26 terrorist attack on the city."

We’ll tackle corruption: Omar Abdullah

We’ll tackle corruption: Omar Abdullah: "Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday (Jan 15) said that his government would work out modalities with the centre on bringing back Kashmiri youths, who had gone to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir for arms training but are now desirous of returning.

“The issue of Kashmiri youths presently in PoK and desirous of returning to Kashmir will be taken up with the Centre,” Omar told reporters here, adding modalities will be worked out with the centre on ways to bring them back as reports suggested that some of them were coming on passports."

Two Pak boats seized off Gujarat coast

Two Pak boats seized off Gujarat coast: "On high alert after the Mumbai carnage, the Indian Coast Guard has apprehended two Pakistani boats with 17 Pakistanis off the Gujarat coast.

After apprehending the boats, the ICG ship towed it to Jakhau coast, where all the arrested personnel were being interrogated. Sources have not ruled out the possibility of the two boats being used to carry out anti-India activities. After the Mumbai terror strikes on November 26, the ICG had put all its assets on high alert searching for vessels. The terrorists had used such trawlers to enter Indian waters."

Amar to move Rajya Sabha against Mayawati

Amar to move Rajya Sabha against Mayawati: "Charging the Uttar Pradesh government with “murdering” democracy in the name of law and order, Samajwadi Party (SP) General Secretary Amar Singh on Thursday (January 15) threatened to move the privileges committee of Rajya Sabha against Chief Minister Mayawati for allegedly using force against him during a protest.

Singh, who turned up at a press conference with a bandage on his head along with his Gorakhpur Lok Sabha candidate Manoj Tiwari and party MP Jaya Bachchan, alleged that he received blows of lathis on his head during a scuffle with police personnel at Gorakhpur airport."

Clive Owen talks about sexy spy thrillers

Clive Owen talks about sexy spy thrillers: "Clive Owen could be reading the phone book and it would be sexy. But for him to actually star in a film that he calls a “sexy, savvy, banter movie” - be still, my heart. Seriously, his voice is the best part of an already perfect package. Anyway, Clive answered some questions from The Los Angeles Times via e-mail about his two upcoming spy films. First up is The International, co-starring Naomi Watts. After that is Duplicity, playing against his Closer co-star Julia Roberts."

West Indies’ Gayle tops ODI ranking

West Indies’ Gayle tops ODI ranking: "DUBAI: West Indies captain Chris Gayle has again become the number one batsman in the ICC’s One-day International ranking while Nathan Bracken of Australia has topped the bowlers in the rankings.

Earlier, he had secured the top position in 2000.

According to the ICC rankings, Gayle leaving behind India’s captain Mahinder Singh Dhoni has obtained the first position in ODI rankings.

Dhoni with 779 points came second and Mike Hussey with 776 points finished third."

Clarke hoping for all-clear on thumb injury

Clarke hoping for all-clear on thumb injury: "SYDNEY: Michael Clarke will today need to prove he is over a thumb injury if he is to play in tomorrow’’s opening one-day match against South Africa at the MCG.Clarke missed both Twenty20 matches with the complaint, with New South Wales rookie David Warner filling his spot in the side.Warner is on standby for Clarke and will make his one-day debut should the Test vice-captain fail to come through. Australian fast bowler Nathan Bracken says he hopes Clarke can return to the side.”Hopefully he comes up well, and obviously it’’s always a concern when you”ve got an injury worry,” he said."

Hockey teams? foreign tours being considered: Bajwa

Hockey teams? foreign tours being considered: Bajwa: "LAHORE: Secretary Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Asif Bajwa said that the Malaysian hockey team?s refusal to tour Pakistan is not a setback as the PHF is planning to send the national senior and junior teams to foreign countries.He said that the proposed schedule of the Benazir Bhutto Hockey Tournament is being sent to the International Hockey Federation.Talking at the National Hockey Stadium, Asif Bajwa said that Malaysia?s not coming to Pakistan is disappointing but this is not a setback for Pakistan hockey."

PCB contacts Bangladesh for ODI series

PCB contacts Bangladesh for ODI series: "LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has contacted Bangladesh for one-day matches series after trimming in Sri Lanka?s tour to Pakistan.Pakistan team is schedule to visit Bangladesh from March 3rd to play five one-day matches series.Due to breakage of Sri Lanka?s into two stages, Pakistan could not pursue the tour as per schedule.PCB has proposed Bangladeshi cricket officials that Pakistan would tour Bangladesh after playing one-day series against Sri Lanka.Bangladeshi cricket officials said that they would inform the PCB after reviewing the arrangements."

PCB contacts Bangladesh for ODI series

PCB contacts Bangladesh for ODI series: "LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has contacted Bangladesh for one-day matches series after trimming in Sri Lanka?s tour to Pakistan.Pakistan team is schedule to visit Bangladesh from March 3rd to play five one-day matches series.Due to breakage of Sri Lanka?s into two stages, Pakistan could not pursue the tour as per schedule.PCB has proposed Bangladeshi cricket officials that Pakistan would tour Bangladesh after playing one-day series against Sri Lanka.Bangladeshi cricket officials said that they would inform the PCB after reviewing the arrangements."

Guy Ritchie visits Madonna in New York

"Guy Ritchie recently took a break from his busy shooting schedule to visit his ex-wife Madonna’s
apartment in New York.

Ritchie is currently shooting for his latest flick on ‘Sherlock Holmes’ in Brooklyn. The British director was seen leaving the pop-singer’s residence, the ‘DailyMail’ reported.

The former couple who have fought a bitter divorce battle continue to put their differences aside for the sake of their children, the paper said.

The 40-year-old British director reportedly took time away from his busy schedule to visit their children — eight-year-Rocco and adopted son three-year-old-David.

(With inputs from Agencies)"

Singer Geri Halliwell with a new man

"Singer Geri Halliwell has been spotted with a new mystery man in Paris just days after she was clicked with an Italian hunk in a Florence club.

This time the former Spice Girl was seen with a London club owner Nick House.

Halliwell was clicked with her new man as they left the ‘Ritz’ hotel in Paris together yesterday (January 14).

The 36-year-old British singer split with her partner of six months Ivan Flipz Velez in November last year.

Since then Halliwell has been linked to a number of men, the Daily Mail reported. ‘Its Raining men’ singer looked happy as she left for her latest date.

(With inputs from Agencies)"

Not removing Pietersen would have endorsed player power: ECB

"Speaking for the first time after the skipper-coach feud, the England and Wales Cricket Board
yesterday (January 14) indicated that Kevin Pietersen was removed from captaincy to negate the player-power which could have been damaging for the team management in the long term.

ECB Chairman Giles Clarke described the circumstances that led to dismissal of its two most important employees as “horrendously problematic” but admired the duo for handling the situation with dignity.

“The ECB was faced with an impossible situation and it raised issues that had very serious implications for the game,” Clarke was quoted as saying in the ‘Daily Telegraph’.

“It has been a very difficult time and when the issue arose it was obvious it was going to be horrendously problematic, but a lot of people have behaved with great dignity throughout, not least Kevin Pietersen and Peter Moores.”

The ECB sacked Moores after Pietersen gave the ultimatum that the two could not work together anymore with the West Indies tour just a fortnight away and in the process also lost his own job.

“I am delighted that Kevin has reiterated his desire to play for England and actually I think he has handled the whole matter with great dignity. I am a great admirer of his as"

Sachin Tandulkar Not Exists in Top 20 ICC Ranking

"Dubai: After Sir Don Bradman claimed Sachin Tendulkar to be his replica in Test Cricket, one would not make any mistakes to keep the Master Blaster out of their top-10 list of best Test batsmen ever. But it seemed that the ICC thought the other way round when it not only kept the Indian Star out of the top-10, but also the top-20 of its list of the new “ICC Best Ever Ratings”.

According to ICC, the Mumbaikar did not deserve to be placed above than the 26th rank in the new “best ever” ratings issued by the board. Whereas Kumara Sangakara, Matthew Hayden, Mike Hussey, Kevin Pietersen and Neil Harvey could easily find a berth for themselves in the top-25.

The only Indian who could squeeze himself into the top-20 was Sunil Gavaskar who is just ahead of West Indies’ George Headley. The “Wall”, Rahul Dravid too didn’t get a respectable place to stand. He holds the 30th position.

However, Australia could surely rejoice after Matthew Hayden was named as the 10th best Test batsmen.

Hayden’s highest Test rating of 935 came during the Ashes series of 2002-03 and puts him level in 10th position with South Africa’s Jacques Kallis and just behind four others, Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara and a West Indian triumvirate consisting of legends"

Mathew Hayden is Better than Tandulkar: ICC

"NEW DELHI: Donald Bradman the unquestioned supreme deity of batting - said Sachin Tendulkar reminded him of himself more than anybody before or since. You might think Sachin can, thus, safely consider the No. 2 slot in a list of all-time greats his for the taking. But you would be wrong, or so says the ICC. Sachin isn’t even in the top 20 Test batsmen , according to new ICC “best ever” ratings. ( Watch )

So who are the “greats” who elbowed Sachin out? Among those ahead of his No. 26 rank are Kumar Sangakkara at joint sixth, Matthew Hayden (joint 10th), Mike Hussey and Neil Harvey (joint 17th), Kevin Pietersen (No. 24) and Shivnarine Chanderpaul, one slot above the Indian maestro.

The only Indian in the top 20 is Sunil Gavaskar, who only just gets in ahead of West Indian George Headley. How about The Wall? Rahul Dravid stands not so tall at No. 30.

“Players make the all-time list by sustaining excellent form over a prolonged period,” the ICC website explains, which makes it slightly difficult to understand why none of the top four run-getters in Tests - Sachin, Brian Lara, Alan Border and Steve Waugh - figures among the ICC’s top 20 Test batsmen. In Sachin’s case, we can only conclude that the ICC believes 12,429 runs and 41 tons are not"

Raju’s hasty arrest stalled probe: SEBI

"Pradyumana Kumar Reddy, lawyer of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), on Wednesday stirred a hornet’s nest by saying that the judicial custody of disgraced Satyam Computer promoter B Ramalinga Raju was delaying the market regulator’s probe into the case.

Reddy’s statement fuelled rumours already doing the rounds, with many alleging that Raju was arrested in haste to prevent/delay his interrogation by SEBI. It is being pointed out that SEBI, rather than the local police, which has the expertise required to carry out investigations.

Reddy told TOI that Sebi’s general manager Sunil Kumar, appointed as the investigating authority in the case, landed in Hyderabad on January 8, within 24 hours of Raju’s confession of a Rs 7,000-crore fraud. While SEBI had issued summons to Raju to appear in Satyam’s office on January 9 at 4.30pm, he refrained from attending in person and had his lawyer S Bharat Kumar represent him.

The same night, Raju was arrested. “If the investigating authority could have recorded his statement on January 9, it would have been able to submit the same at the earliest to the executive director,” Reddy said.

The application seeking permission to record Raju’s statement was filed by SEBI on January 12, on the same day when his bail applica"

Trading Outlook until end of jan: Agarwal

"After witnessing a huge rally yesterday (Jan 14), Indian equities belled the day on a weak note following negative global cues causing a massive sell-off.

The 30-share index, BSE Sensex opened at 9,098.08, down 272.41 points from its last closure. After few minutes of trading, Sensex slipped below the 9,000 mark.

Realty stocks hit the most followed by information technology, metal and banking sectors. The annual inflation rate is likely to be announced later today.

BSE Midcap and Smallcap index fell 2.40% and 1.57% respectively.

On Wednesday, equities climbed up towards close after the Reliance pack shares surged sharply on hearsays that the brothers Mukesh and Anil Ambani were on line for an out-of-court conclusion in Reliance Industries-Reliance Natural Resources gas dispute case.

At 10:04 a.m., the 30-share index Sensex lost 385.67 points at 8,984.82, while the broad based Nifty stood at 2,725.90, down 109.40 points.

The major losers at the BSE Sensex were Reliance Capital (7.18%), Reliance Energy (7.17%), Jaiprakash Associates (6.97%), Reliance Communications (6.93%), Wipro (6.54%), and Tata Steel (6.37%).

Stock market analyst, Vishwas Agarwal said that on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), 9,350 level is very important in order to sustain for any further upmove to 9,555 and 9,678."

Sensex tanks below 9K in opening trade

"The bourses cut short its overnight brief rally as the benchmark Sensex plunged by a huge 353 points in early trade today (January 15) as extremely weak global cues weighed on the market sentiment.

The Bombay Stock Exchange 30-share barometer was quoted lower at 9,017.59 at 1015 hrs, a net fall of 352.90 points or 3.77 per cent from its previous close.

The Sensex hit a low of 8,951.50, down 418.99 points from its last close, but later recovered smartly on some buying support at lower levels. The broader 50-share Nifty of the National Stock Exchange also tumbled by 111.35 points or 3.93 per cent to 2,723.95 at 1015 hrs from its last close.

The Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex today (January 15) lost almost 419 points and dipped below crucial 9,000 points level in opening trade on major sell-off by foreign funds and retail investors, largely taking cues from weak global markets.

Brokers said sentiments turned distinctly weak after Asian shares plunged to five-week low in line with overnight sharp fall on the US stock markets. Meanwhile, Canada-based telephone equipment maker, Nortel Networks Corp’s subsidiaries in the US and Canada filed for bankruptcy protection.

Major losers among technology stocks were IT bellwether Infosys Technologies that fell by Rs 68.85, or 5.28 per cent at Rs 1,236, Wipro lost Rs"

Inflation eases to 5.24 per cent

"Inflation declined for the tenth consecutive week today (January 15) to 5.24 per cent for the week ended January 3, primarily due to decline in prices of food articles.

Inflation, measured by movements in wholesale prices, dipped by 0.67 percentage points from 5.91 per cent in the previous week. It stood at 4.26 per cent a year ago.

The index of the food articles group declined by 0.6 per cent as prices of fruit and vegetables fell by three per cent, and gram, barley, condiments and spices by one per cent each. However, the index of manufactured goods declined one per cent. Among manufactured items, paper and paper products declined by 0.4 per cent, and chemicals and chemical products fell by 1.2 per cent.

The index of fuel declined by 0.2 per cent due to lower prices of aviation turbine fuel (8 per cent) and light diesel oil (3 per cent). However, naphtha became expensive by three per cent, and among food items jowar, tea, urad moong and rice moved up by one per cent each, and masoor by two per cent.

Inflation has been declining after it touched a peak of 12.91 per cent in August last year. According to the economic affairs secretary Ashok Chawla, inflation is likely to fall to an annual 3-4 per cent by March.

“The downward trend will continue. The expectation is inflation will"

Obama’s inauguration to be very expensive!

"US President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration on January 20 is expected to cost a whopping USD 150 million, making it the most expensive in the American history. Obama’s inauguration expenses are likely to be to the tune of over USD 150 million, overshadowing the USD 42.3 million spent on George Bush’s inauguration in 2005 and USD 33 million on Bill Clinton’s in 1993, a media report said.

Part of the spending includes emergency funding announced by the White House yesterday to help with the soaring costs.

The costs are likely to go up if it snows during the ceremony, as long-term weather forecast has suggested there are chances of snow on Sunday as well as Tuesday, the day of inauguration.

Further, most of the funding would be to deal with around 1.5 to two million people expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the United States’ first African American president, a report in the Guardian said.

The surge in spending is partly because of Obama’s decision to make the event as accessible to the public as possible.

The report quoted a spokeswoman for the joint congressional committee on inaugural ceremonies Carole Florman as saying, “We are always very budget conscious. But we are sending a message to the"

Osama’s al Qaeda No 1 Threat to US (watch Video)

"Washington: The US President-elect Barack Obama has said that al Qaeda and its leader Osama bin Laden, the most wanted terrorist of the world, are the number one threat to the United States of America.


“I haven’t changed my mind, that bin Laden and al Qaeda are our number one threat when it comes to American security,” Obama told reporters yesterday after a new voice recording emerged from the terror group’s leader warning the President-elect of new fronts in bin Laden’s self-styled holy war against Western interests.

The 22-minute audio recording, which the US-based site Intelligence Group said it believes is authentic, was the first commentary from the al Qaeda leader in last eight months.

Obama was addressing a joint press conference with his Vice President-elect, Joe Biden, along with the Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. Both Graham and Biden returned on Tuesday from a visit to Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq.



Obama emphasised on adopting a regional approach in resolving the Afghanistan problem, so did Biden.

“As Joe (Biden) indicated, we have to take a regional approach. We’re not going to solve the problem just in Afghanistan; we’re going to have address issues in Pakistan as well,” Obama said adding"

Today is 134th India Meteorological Department Foundation Day

"New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is celebrating its 134th Foundation Day today. The day is being celebrated to commemorate taking over of H. F. Blanford as Imperial Meteorological Reporter on January 15, 1875.

This year, it is being celebrated with a view to promote awareness about new initiatives taken by the Department and to recognize offices and employees who have done excellent work.

Kapil Sibal, Union Minister of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences will be the Chief Guest at the function.

Interacting with the media on the eve of the occasion, Director General, Dr. Ajit Tyagi said that IMD is the National Meteorological Service of the country and the principal government agency in all matters relating to meteorology, seismology and allied subjects.

He said that from a modest beginning in 1875, IMD has progressively expanded its infrastructure for meteorological observations, communications, forecasting and weather services and it has achieved a parallel scientific growth.

IMD has recently developed technique for five-day district-wise quantitative forecast of rainfall, temperature, wind, cloud amount and humidity. This is very useful for issuing district-wise agro-meteorological advisories for the benefit of farming community of the country.

E-Atlas containing information about"

Satyam not Govt Bailout Plan it is Viable: Karnik

"New Delhi: Fraud-scarred Satyam Computer Services is a financially viable company and there is no plan for a government bailout, reports said on Thursday, quoting a newly appointed director.
“Taking money from the government will send a wrong signal,” Kiran Karnik told the paper, amid speculation that the state will have to step in to rescue the firm.

As per the leading Indian daily, raising funds from equity partners and banks was the top priority of the new board to meet working capital and to pay salaries to staff.

Karnik is one of three board members appointed by the government on Sunday after Satyam’s chairman last week revealed India’s biggest ever corporate scandal, threatening the firm’s survival.

Satyam has a 53,000-strong workforce and counts Nestle and General Electric among its clients.

Karnik, a former head of Indian lobby group National Association of Software and Services Companies, told the Times of India the company was a “very viable organisation” and would make a profit in a few months.

“Our only concern is to keep the show and hold on to the clients and the workers,” he said.

Satyam appointed two new audit firms on Wednesday to examine the extent of the fraud, determine how much cash it has on hand and restate"

Govt will Begin Withdrawal Central Forces From Orissa

"Bhubaneshwar: The government will begin withdrawal of its Central forces from Orissa’’s Kandhamal District in a phased manner from today.

The Central forces had to be deployed in Kandhmal following the communal violence between Hindus and Christians that triggered after murder of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh leader and anti-conversion leader Lakshmananand Saraswathi.

“A communication from the Union Home Ministry stated that withdrawal of 53 companies of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Rapid Action Force from Orissa would start in a phased manner from January 15″, said Orissa’’s Home Secretary A. P. Padhi.

“At least ten companies would be pulled out in consultation with the Orissa police in the first-phase that begins January 15,” Padhi had said while adding that “Ten more companies would be withdrawn in February and the remainder by the end of March this year.”

At least 40 companies of the Central forces comprising about 4,000 personnel are at present stationed in Kandhamal district and the remaining 13 in several other sensitive areas of the state.

Though the Central forces were to stay in Orissa till December 31, 2008, on a Supreme Court order, Orissa’’s Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had written to the Centre urging extension of t"

Prince Muqrin meets M K Narayanan in India

"NEW DELHI: Saudi intelligence Chief Prince Muqrin bin Abdul Aziz reached India after his tour to Pakistan to carry on Saudi Arab’s efforts to deescalate Pak-India tension after Mumbai attacks. Prince Muqrin met Indian National Security Adviser M K Narayanan and some other officials here on Thursday and exchanged views over the tension between India and Pakistan following the Mumbai attacks."

Bailout Package for Satyam ruled out by Govt

"New Delhi: The government on Thursday ruled out any bailout package for crisis-ridden Satyam Computers, but assured to do everything required to save the 53000 jobs at stake.

“Satyam might not need any financial assistance. If the company needs any money they can approach the banks. Satyam has also requisite resources,” said Corporate Affairs Minister PC Gupta while talking to reporters here today.

He also stressed that any decision regarding Satyam’s management would be taken by the three-member board itself, which was appointed by the government recently.

“The board has people of eminence who know how to manage a company. It is up to the board to take a decision in this regard,” he added.

Gupta’s confirmation about the remote possibility of a bailout package came in tandem with comments by Minister Of State For Industry Ashwani Kumar on the same.

Kumar had earlier in the day said, “This is a decision that the new board of Satyam would take. This government is not going to directly or indirectly subsidize wrong-doing and fraud in Satyam.”

Kumar was briefing reporters on the sidelines of a Petrotech-2009 conference in the national capital.

When asked, is government not in favour of a bailout package for Satyam as such, Kumar said that the new Satyam b"

Opposition Campaign Make Duble Funds on Maya’s Birhtday

"Lucknow: Celebrating her birthday shorn of frills, UP Chief Minister Mayawati on Thursday thanked the Opposition for their malicious campaign against her, claiming that BSP had collected twice the funds this year than it in previous years.

“I wish to thank all the opposition parties for the efforts made by them to malign the image of our party as it helped our workers to collect twice the donations that they collected last year on my birthday,” she said.

Mayawati, who turned 53 Thursday, expressed her condolences to the family members of those killed in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, saying: “It is to mourn those killed in the terror attack that celebrations will be low key this year and I will not even cut a cake”.

In her brief address to the media, she singled out the opposition Samajwadi Party (SP) and said that it was trying to make capital of the Auraiya episode in which Public Works Department engineer MK Gupta was beaten to death by BSP legislator Shekhar Tiwari last month.

“The SP tried to project in all possible ways that the murder was related to fund collections for my birthday but I had made it clear that it was not. All the accused, including the legislator, are behind the bars and will be strictly punished,” she said.

May"

150cr Urgently Needs For Satyam: Mynampati

"NEW DELHI: Satyam’s senior management executive Ram Mynampati has informed the government that the troubled IT firm would need Rs 150 crore to meet insurance liabilities of its US employees.
“We have received a mail or two from Mynampati. They indicated that they would need something of the order of Rs 150 crore to take care of the health insurance liabilities of the employees in the US,” economic affairs secretary Ashok Chawla told reporters here.

Mynampati is in the US to talk to clients and reassure them of the company’s ability to continue serving them, besides restoring confidence among employees in the aftermath of a Rs 7,800 crore financial fraud disclosed by founder Ramalinga Raju last week.

Chawla said there is no immediate plan for a government bailout for Satyam, although Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath had indicated that the government was willing to extend financial support to the company.

“Not at this stage,” Chawla said when asked if the government would offer any bailout to the IT firm now.

Asked if the new board has already approached the government for Rs 150 crore assistance, he said: “Board members have got down to work… they will be getting in touch with the ministry of corporate affairs.”

The company’s new board, comprising"