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2009-08-21T02:52:00.000-07:00

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2009-08-21T02:43:00.000-07:00

PPP meeting: decision to reshuffle ministers’ portfolios

2009-07-06T08:32:00.000-07:00

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party’s Central Executive Committee’s meeting has decided to reshuffle portfolios of some of the federal ministers.According to the presidential Spokesman, during the meeting President Asif Ali Zardari also sought a report from WAPD Chairman on the closure of Mangla Power House.The President has prohibited the MNAs and ministers from issuing statements over establishment of new provinces.According to sources, decision has also been made to scrap some of the ministries and that the portfolio of the Ministry of Water and Power is being reshuffled. Meanwhile, some ministers of state may also be changed, sources added.The President directed that he be kept up to date on steps aimed at improving the situation of electricity in the country.

Top British judge suggests ban on drones

2009-07-06T08:31:00.000-07:00

LONDON: Lord Bingham, who retired last year as a senior law lord, said the aircraft could follow other weapons considered "so cruel as to be beyond the pale of human tolerance" in being consigned to the history books.He likened drones, which have killed hundreds of civilians in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Gaza, to cluster bombs and landmines. Lord Bingham made the comments to the British Institute of International and Comparative Law in an interview which addressed the issue of the state being bound by the rule of law."Are there, for example, and this goes to conflict, not post-conflict situations, weapons that ought to be outlawed?" he said."From time to time in the history of international law various weapons have been thought to be so cruel as to be beyond the pale of human tolerance. I think cluster bombs and landmines are the most recent examples."It may be – I'm not expressing a view – that unmanned drones that fall on a house full of civilians is a weapon the international community should decide should not be used."His comments are likely to lead to further calls for new international rules to protect civilians from attacks by the pilotless aircraft.Drones have become an important tool in combating the Taliban in remote regions of Afghanistan, which are difficult to access by land and leave soldiers vulnerable to attack.They have proved successful in eliminating several high-profile leaders of al-Qaeda and the Taliban, including Mohammed Atef, reputedly al-Qaeda's chief of military operations.However, they have been known to make errors and kill civilians.Israel was accused last week of using missile-firing drones to unlawfully kill at least 29 Palestinian civilians during the Gaza Strip war. The US admitted to 26 civilian deaths in a series of drone attacks that took place in May.Britain, which currently deploys drones to gather battlefield intelligence, has indicated that it plans to use them as weapons in the future.It was disclosed earlier this year that the Home Office has suggested using drones to help police gather evidence and track criminals to avoid putting officers at risk.Last year, Lord Bingham said he believed that Britain violated "international law and the rule of law" by supporting the US invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Mostly Taliban leaders killed: Malik

2009-07-06T08:29:00.000-07:00

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Interior Rehman Malik Monday claimed that most of Taliban militant leaders have been killed in the military operation while the remaining would be flushed out shortly, ARY NEWS reported.Talking to newsmen here the minister also claimed that some terrorist elements creating unrest in South Punjab areas after fleeing from the restive Waziristan tribal area.Malik said that Pakistan Army had carried out a successful offensive in Swat northwest areas against terrorist elements, adding the Waziristan operation was only against Baitullah Mehsud, the chief of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan and his cronies.

Power tariff not be raised, orders CJP

2009-07-06T08:27:00.000-07:00

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan ordering the government to stay proposed increase in power tariff said an unjustified raise in the rates of electricity cannot be allowed.A three-member Supreme Court bench headed by the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry heard the case of suo motto notice taken on proposed rise in electricity tariff.Chairman WAPDA, Chairman NEPRA and their councils were present during the hearing.The Chief Justice in his remarks said: “The undue increase in electricity rates is against people’s interest and that decisions made in the living rooms cannot be allowed.”The CJP also sought details regarding the rates of oil supplied to the power houses.In his remarks Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry also said: “We aware of a lot of things…. do not make us speak up.”The Supreme Court also sought details from Chairman NEPRA about the cost of power generation and other overheads besides the profits of the power utilities.

Fourteen more terrorists killed: ISPR

2009-07-06T08:26:00.000-07:00

SWAT: Fourteen terrorists were killed and few were apprehended while 4 soldiers were injured in Swat and Bunnu, during last 24 hours.According to ISPR, security forces during search operation at Banjut recovered 50 mules loaded with arms and ammunition, medicines and ration items and also apprehended few terrorists.Security forces conducted search operation at Thana, due to an IED blast, 1 soldier was injured.Security forces carried out search operation at Tahirabad, Mingora and recovered surgical equipment, 9 hand grenades and office furniture from the house of a terrorist. Security forces conducted search at Dadhra and recovered 1 hand grenade and high altitude sleeping bag. Security forces secured area Tighak Banda and Gakhe Banda. During exchange of fire with terrorists 2 soldiers were injured at Pir Patai ridge.Security forces conducted combing operation around Uchrai Sar- Ziarat Khapa - Datpanrai and recovered 2 Small Machine Guns and 1 gas mask.Security forces engaged terrorists hide outs at Tiligram. 14 terrorists were killed in exchange of fire. Large quantity of ammunition and explosives, 4 IEDs, one 14.5 gun barrel and 26 detonators were also recovered.Security forces confiscated 2,156 rounds of Small Machine Gun, 9,728 rounds of Light Machine Gun, 7 grenades, 8 magazines of Small Machine Gun, from a Single Cabin Hilux at Kharkhanai Chowk. An IED planted by terrorists exploded near a civil vehicle at village Sarati Sherangal, Upper Dir. Resultantly 1 child died and 10 civilians were injured. Security forces conducted search operation at Rajgae Kandao, Buner and apprehended 2 terrorists alognwith 5 Kgs explosives.Terrorists fire raided at Jani Khel Fort in Bannu with mortars and small arms fire. Resultantly, 1 policemen and 1 soldier was injured.

KSE-100 Index surges beyond 7,500 level

2009-07-06T08:24:00.000-07:00

KARACHI: The benchmark KSE-100 Index of Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) Monday gained 67.21 points to close at 7538.The turnover volume was low at 127.032 million shares as prices of 135 scrips recorded gains while 131 sustained losses and 21remained unchanged.A dealer at a leading brokerage house said that the market was bullish in the morning on hectic buying and Index crossed 7500 level. But it came down to 7400 level on profit taking. However, some buying again helped Index to cross 7500 level at the close, he added.The market capitalization was improved by about Rs 18 billion to Rs 2.223 trillion.Jahangir Siddiqui Co was the volume leader with a turnover of17.896 million shares followed by DG Khan Cement with 17.675 million shares, Arif Habib Sec 11.597 million shares, Azgard Nine 8.403million shares and OGDC 8.218 million shares.OGDC closed at 86.24, Arif Habib Sec 29.69, Jahangir Siddiqui Co26.12, PTCL 17.71, D G Khan Cement 30.48, NBP 73.22, Azgard Nine 26.16and Attock Refinery 143.18. Lakson Tobacco recorded the highest gain of Rs 6.98 to close at183.98 followed by Pak Services which moved up by Rs 6.16 to 130.50while Fazal Textile dipped by Rs 19.25 to 365.75 and Wyeth Pak Ltd went down by Rs 13.49 to 1259.

Kisses and expletives, but `Love Aaj Kal` a family film: Imtiaz Ali

2009-07-05T07:20:00.001-07:00

Mumbai, July 05: Imtiaz Ali openly admits that his upcoming `Love Aaj Kal`, which stars Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone, has unabashed kissing scenes and shows the lead actors mouthing expletives, but the director insists that it will still be a complete family entertainer.
The director says he has included the so-called objectionable scenes in the movie`s promos so that people are already used to it by the time they see the film. "See, it`s the way you put it in the film and treat it. It`s up to the filmmaker not to make his film some fodder for perversion or lechery." Ali told reporters. Ali promises that `Love Aaj Kal`, which is Saif`s production debut, is a film that would be accepted by an entire family. "Kisses included," he winks. "Nobody will feel inhibited watching `Love Aaj Kal`. No one will hesitate walking into the film with his family. All that is potentially objectionable in the film in the strictest of sense has been taken care of in the first promo. If you have warmed up on it, rest assured you will love `Love Aaj Kal`," the filmmaker said. "Love Aaj Kal" is his third love story after "Socha Na Tha" and the blockbuster `Jab We Met`. But there were people around Ali who weren`t too comfortable with the idea of showing Saif trying to hold Deepika`s butt, then share an unabashed kiss with her in the car and also mouth Hinglish expletives on a date right in the promo itself. "They thought that people may get an impression that the film was only about these things but I had my own viewpoint," explains Ali. "My argument is that audiences are really smart. They pretty much see the intention of the filmmaker and make up their mind to watch the film accordingly. We better start taking them seriously rather than attempt at fooling them by considering ourselves over smart," he says. To substantiate his claim, Ali goes on to share an anecdote from his experience during the making of `Jab We Met`, which starred Shahid Kapur and Kareena Kapoor. "Remember the sequence in the second half of the film when Kareena curses her ex-boyfriend on phone? She goes on to say `Teri Maa Ki` and a lot more. Did the audience feel awkward? Not at all. In fact they laughed during the entire scene and not a single soul came and told me that he/she felt offended by the language," Ali reasons. The director, however, admits that for `Love Aaj Kal`, the prime target audience is the younger crowd. "And that`s more by accident rather than planned," he says. "The film caters to them mainly because it`s this age group that goes and sees films in theatres. Due to this, even when I am conceptualising a film and then putting it on celluloid, I feel safe from my target audience perspective," he explains. With music by Pritam and lyrics by Irshad Kamil, `Love Aaj Kal` is set for a July 31 release.

Katie Price to launch own charity

2009-07-05T07:19:00.001-07:00

London, July 05: Model Katie Price, who received negative publicity after splitting from husband singer Peter Andre, will launch her own charity organisation to improve her image.
Price was shocked by the negative press she received and wants to change her ways. She is especially hurt by being made to look like a villain in the split, mirror.co.uk reports. Her foundation will help disabled children to enjoy a better life. Price`s son Harvey was born part-blind. A source close to Price said: "Harvey`s condition has caused her years of pain and she understands the struggle parents go through with a disabled child. She wants to help other parents like her who are less fortunate."

Madonna pays tribute to Michael Jackson in concert

2009-07-05T07:18:00.001-07:00

London, July 05: Madonna paid tribute to Michael Jackson on Saturday night in the same arena where he was to stage his comeback, dancing along with an impersonator doing Jackson`s distinctive moves.
Jackson, who died last week, was to begin a series of 50 concerts at the 23,000-seat O2 starting July 13.A picture of a young Michael Jackson appeared on stage while Madonna was performing "Holiday," then the impersonator came on, wearing a sequined jacket, white T-shirt, white glove and white socks in the Jackson manner.The music then switched to Jackson`s song, "Wanna Be Starting Something," and the impersonator worked through Jackson`s moves, including the famous moonwalk. The impersonator didn`t sing.After the number, Madonna told the crowd, "Let`s give it up for one of the greatest artists the world has ever known," and the crowd roared its approval.The impersonator`s appearance would not have surprised anyone paying close attention to Madonna`s Web site, which had a picture of him dancing in rehearsal.An estimated crowd of 17,000, including the fashion designer Valentino, turned out for Madonna`s concert, the first of two this weekend in London on her "Sticky & Sweet" tour.In an interview with The Sun newspaper, Madonna had said she was "terribly sad" about Jackson`s death."To be able to do what he did at such an early age was unearthly, everybody grew up in awe of him," The Sun quoted her as saying."To work with him and become friends, and hang out with him, was exciting for me. I used to love picking his brains about musical stuff."

Katrina turns producer to remake French film

2009-07-05T07:17:00.000-07:00

Mumbai, July 08: Katrina Kaif is all set to wear the producer’s hat, as the actress has decided to remake a French film in Bollywood.
According to reports, Katrina saw a French flick recently and fell in love with it instantly, so much so that she has decided to finance it herself and has also bought the remake rights of the same.Though Katrina is refusing to divulge the name of the film, what’s known is that she will be playing the central character in it. “It’s a huge hit of 2006. I don’t want to name it because then it will immediately be picked up by others and they’ll get down to making their own versions of the film before I have even finalised the deal. I’m very serious about the film and my negotiations are on. And if all goes well, I’ll have the rights with me very soon,” says an eager Katrina.It is believed that Kat will be portraying a very different character in her production. “My role in the film has dark shades to it. I play a conniving, ambitious woman. It’s a gloriously grey character, the kind I haven’t played before,” adds Katrina.When asked about what made her turn producer for the flick, Katrina says, “It is very important for me to find vehicles that will challenge me as an actor. And I am willing to create opportunities for myself.”

Akshay is really good with Priyanka, says Katrina

2009-07-05T07:14:00.000-07:00

Mumbai, July 05: After burning the silver screen with their sizzling chemistry and hitting headlines for their growing closeness which set the rumour mills rolling, news has it that Akshay Kumar is looking forward to work with Priyanka Chopra once again.
Speaking about Akshay’s onscreen chemistry with Priyanka, Katrina said, “Akshay and I vibe superbly on screen. But he’s really good with Priyanka and I’m looking forward to seeing them again.” Buzz has it that that Akshay ended his pairing with Priyanka when his wife Twinkle became wary of their endless relationship rumours. When enquired whether the original Khiladi of Bollywood is open to work with hot Priyanka, Akshay said, “Why not. Priyanka and I did some really successful films like ‘Andaaz’ and ‘Aitraaz’. I’d love to work with her again. Those of our fans who missed our pairing may soon get a pleasant surprise.” According to latest B-town news, two major producers are contemplating to cast Priyanka and Akshay in their upcoming venture. According to a close source, Priyanka too is optimistic to act opposite Akshay. “Though she loves working with Hrithik Roshan and Shah Rukh Khan, she misses the magic she created with Akshay,” said the source.

Indian firing kills Pakistani at Wagah crossing

2009-07-05T07:13:00.001-07:00

LAHORE: A Pakistani national was killed in Indian Border Security Force’s firing at Wagah border crossing on Sunday. According to ARY News Indian border force opened firing without any reason at Wagah border crossing this morning killing a Pakistani citizen. The incident infuriated Pakistani citizens present at the border crossing and they chanted slogans against India.

Dead body of missing girl found from drain

2009-07-05T07:12:00.001-07:00

KARACHI(Faisal Shakeel): The dead body of a three-and-half year girl who was missing for last three days from Zaman Town was found from a sewerage drain near Gora Qabristan on Sunday. The girl was killed and her body thrown in a sewerage water drain. According to ARY NEWS correspondent when two traffic police men entered in their house in the neighborhood, a five-year girl told people that she had seen the missing girl with them. The angry residents of the area caught the accused and started beating them. Police reached to the spot and arrested the accused which were later locked up at Zaman Town police station. The accused, talking to ARY NEWS claimed they didn’t kill the child and found the body in the water tank of their house and out of fear they thrown the dead body in a sewerage drain.Policemen and Edhi volunteers on indication of the accused found the body from a sewerage drain near Gora Qabristan.

Earthquake jolts upper Pakistan

2009-07-05T07:11:00.000-07:00

ISLAMABAD: Medium intensity earthquake jolted the upper parts of Pakistan on Sunday.The epicenter of the 5.1 intensity quake was the border region of Afghanistan and Tajikistan, the met department officials said. The quake jolted Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Mardan, Malakand, Swat, Buner, Shangla, Kotli and other areas.

CJ calls for independent judiciary

2009-07-05T07:08:00.002-07:00

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry has said that the judicial system should be independent in accordance with the aspirations of the people. He urged for eradication of corruption from the courts. Addressing two-day conference here for implementation of the National Judicial Policy 2009 the Chief Justice called for a simple system in the courts. He said more funds will be required for strengthening the system at lower courts. He called for proper remunerations for the judicial officers. He said only a free judiciary can build a Pakistan dreamt by Quaid-e-Azam. Justice Javed Iqbal, Justice Khalil-ur-Rehman Ramday, Justice Rana Bhagwandas and others also addressed the moot.

Hamburg street festival ends with riot

2009-07-05T07:08:00.001-07:00

BERLIN: Anarchists from Hamburg’s autonomous scene battled police for six hours late Saturday and early Sunday in the trendy Schanzenviertel neighbourhood after a street fair. At least 67 rioters were arrested and 27 police officers injured.Over 10,000 visitors visited the Schanzenfest street fair, but once it turned dark, over 1,000 young, masked anarchists came out to do battle, police said. The rioters threw bottles, stones and fireworks at police.“The fusillade was extremely massive,” police spokesman Ralf Meyer told the daily Hamburger Abendblatt, who said the anarchists were more aggressive than in past years. For years, the Schanzenfest has often concluded with clashes between police and anarchists.Over 1,800 police officers were on duty at the event and deployed water cannons and riot sticks against the rioters. Many of the rioters were injured, though no specific numbers were available. One police vehicle was torched by rioters, who also ignited trash cans and street barriers. Two of the arrested rioters traveled to Hamburg from Berlin to take part. They were taken into custody after pulling out a backpack that contained a timing device that looked like it could set off explosives.Police around Germany have warned in recent months that the ultra-left-wing anarchist scene appears to be becoming more violent. On June 21, thousands of anarchists tried to forcibly occupy Berlin’s Tempelhof airport. Police said rioters at this year’s annual May 1 riots in Berlin used Molotov cocktails against police, an escalation from recent years.

Suspected suicide bomber surrenders in DIK: ISPR

2009-07-05T07:06:00.000-07:00

RAWALPINDI: At least three security personnel were martyred and six others injured in Malakand during the last 24 hours of ongoing operation in the troubled areas, Geo News reported Sunday.According to Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), a few terrorists have also been apprehended.Security forces raided house of a terrorist in Mohalla Nehrabad, Kuza Banda and recovered a Suzuki Pick Up, a Small Machine Gun including two magazines, a Pistol and 175 rounds of miscellaneous caliber.Security forces conducted search operation south of Kotah near Bari Kot. During exchange of fire with terrorists three soldiers embraced shahadat and four were injured.During search and clearance operation in Rangeela security forces apprehended few terrorists.Security forces conducted search and clearance operation around Magaltan and apprehended a few suspects for screening and also recovered IED making material including 6 Kgs of Black Powder, two Kgs of Potassium Chloride, 90 meters white electric cable, three weight machines, 22 electric detonators, 6 non electric detonators and 1.5 meters prima cord. Security forces conducted search operation and extended the cordon areas around Mangaltan valley including Zangai village and Asharband village. 6 suspects were apprehended and two explosive laden double cabins were destroyed in area Jungle, north of Mangaltan. An IED bag, 1 grenade, a communication charger, 3 detonators, 10 meters safety fuse, 1.5 Kgs potassium chloride and training material were also recovered. Security forces carried out search and clearance operation in area around Kokaria and recovered computers and survey equipment. Security forces conducted search operation at Takhtaband area and recovered 4 pistols, a RPG-7 round, a metal detector and a motorola set.Terrorists fire raided at check post near Qamar Post. Exchange of fire took place in general area Chinarai, Lal Qilla and Maidan. During search operation a bullet proof jacket, a camouflage uniform and some propaganda pictures / posters were also recovered. Security forces targetted suspected hideouts in Orakzai Agency.A suicide bomber voluntarily surrendered himself to the district administration in Dera Ismail Khan. Security forces apprehended 3 terrorists alongwith a Binjo car having fake MPA number plate at Shindi Adda, Mamsh Khel, Bannu.The security forces continued the relief activities today, as 1,888 tons of rations from Army Supply Depot distributed amongst IDPs of Malakand Division.Cash cards were distributed amongst the IDPs of Malakand at Gordwara Panja Shaif, Hasanabdal.

Fazlullah’s close aide killed in Swat

2009-07-05T07:04:00.000-07:00

SWAT: A close aide of militant commander Fazlullah has been killed during Swat operation, Geo News reported Sunday.The security sources said Ehsan alias Abu Jandal who was the close aide of Fazlullah has been killed as the security forces spread the action to Qambar area of Swat.The security forces faced tough resistance from the extremists for some days in Qambar. However, the security forces bombarded the area, killing Abu Jandal.Abu Jandal has been buried in suburban area of Mingora.

Obama seeks new start in US-Russia relations

2009-07-05T07:03:00.001-07:00

Moscow, July 05: Presidents Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev end a seven-year hiatus in US-Russian summitry on Monday, with both men declaring their determination to further cut nuclear arsenals and repair a badly damaged relationship. Both sides appear to want to use progress on arms control as a pathway into possible agreement on other, far trickier issues — like Iran and the tiny country of Georgia, a former Soviet republic. Those difficulties and many others have soured a promising linkage in the first years after the Cold War and pushed ties between Moscow and Washington to depths not seen in more than two decades. Obama arrives here Monday afternoon, the first stop on a weeklong trip that will also take him to Italy and Ghana. "It's not, in our view, a zero-sum game, that if it's two points for Russia it's negative two for us, but there are ways that we can cooperate to advance our interests and, at the same time, do things with the Russians that are good for them, as well," Obama's top assistant on Russia, Michael McFaul, said in a pre-summit briefing. He seemed to be of one mind with the Russian leader, Medvedev. "Russia and America need new, common, mutually beneficial projects in business, science and culture," the Russian president said in his weekly Internet address. "I hope that this sincere desire to open a new chapter in Russian-American cooperation will be brought into fruition." Two things appear certain to be on the agenda:
The Russians have said they will agree to allow the United States to use their territory and air space to move munitions and arms to US and NATO forces fighting Taliban Islamic extremists in Afghanistan. The Kremlin announced the deal three-days before the summit as a significant sweetener for Obama.
A directive by both presidents for negotiators to work on a nuclear agreement that would further reduce warheads and replace the 1991 START I accord that expires Dec. 5. Both sides are agreed in principle to cut warheads from more than 2,000 each to as low as 1,500 apiece. Those deals are likely to be announced at an Obama-Medvedev news conference.

Reintroduce ballot papers as EVMs can be rigged: Advani

2009-07-05T06:52:00.000-07:00

New Delhi, July 05: Senior BJP leader LK Advani has expressed apprehensions about the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in elections, saying they are prone to rigging. Advani, who was BJP’s prime ministerial candidate in the recent Lok Sabha polls, further demanded that the ballot papers be reintroduced, starting with the Assembly Elections in Maharashtra scheduled for October, and three other states later this year. “We should revert to ballot papers unless the Election Commission is able to ensure that Electronic Voting Machines are foolproof and every possibility of their malfunctioning is taken care of,” Advani told The Sunday Express. This is the first time a mainstream political party has raised doubts about the reliability of EVMs. While demanding the scrapping of the use of EVMs, Advani referred to several instances: Electronic voting has been banned altogether in Germany, while in the US there are elaborate guidelines for voting through EVMs. He further stressed that “no one was raising any questions like rigging or malpractices in the elections”, but larger questions about the “possibility of EVMs’ malfunctioning...must be addressed”. The newspaper, however, quoted Election Commissioner SY Quraishi as saying that the “poll panel was absolutely satisfied that EVMs couldn’t be manipulated”. He added that a parliamentary sub-committee has already appointed a technical committee headed by former IIT-Madras director PV Indiresan “to ensure this”. After the recent Lok Sabha polls, several BJP state units had alleged “malpractices through EVMs”. The issue also cropped up at a meeting of BJP’s newly-elected MPs last month. Former Delhi chief secretary Omesh Saigal had renewed the debate on EVMs reliability when he claimed recently that “rigging of EVMs was very much possible” and that a programme written by a junior programmer showed that the final results could vary “if the pre-programmed code number was keyed in into the machine”. Saigal, who retired as secretary to Government of India, had in a letter to Chief Election Commissioner Navin Chawla said that he had conducted a detailed study along with information technology experts which showed that rigging of EVMs was “possible and plausible”. “It is an important issue as the fate of this country’s democratic set-up hinges on the fairness of the elections. There shouldn’t be an iota of doubt about the same,” he had told the same newspaper. Saigal had also referred to a study conducted by the Johns Hopkins University and Rice University, which proved that if one is able to gain access to the source code of an EVM, he can then cast unlimited ballots without detection. “To see if a similar fraud could be done in India, on my request a young programmer wrote a very simple programme which could skew the result if a pre-programmed code number was keyed in. A mock poll showed that every 5th vote after the first 10 would go in favour of a particular candidate. This poll was conducted in the presence of some eminent people, whose names have also been sent to the CEC. I intend to conduct this poll before the EC,” Saigal told the daily.

Akshay jumps 11 floors to promote KI

2009-07-04T09:57:00.001-07:00

DELHI: Trust Akshay Kumar to put a kahani mein twist even in a routine happening like a press meet. On Thursday evening in Delhi to promote Kambakkht Ishq Akshay decided to conduct a press conference in a unique way. He opted to join the melee of press persons at the Citywalk mall by jumpimg down from the 10th floor.Buzz up!Laughs Akshay, “I think everyone was bored with just the routine questions and answers. So I decided to make the get-together exciting for both the parties at the press meet and for the onlookers.” Wasn’t it dangerous to jump down from such a high altitude? “All precautions were taken. Besides what’s life without taking risks?” quips Akshay

Sonam, Amrita shop till they drop!

2009-07-04T09:56:00.001-07:00

MUMBAI : The two young actresses have apparently bonded really well. In fact, we hear that the two spend a lot of time together, indulging in typically girlie activities like shopping, spa visits, partying and gyming. Recently the two girls went on a shopping spree at a popular designer’s store and literally ransacked the place.That’s not all. The two will soon be hiring the services of the same fitness instructor. Papa Anil, who’s happy with this new friendship, treated the girls to a dinner at his home. Sonam is keen to act with Amrita and has in fact, asked papa dearest to cast them together, we hear. Dosti ho toh aisi!

SRK keeps Arjun Rampal waiting

2009-07-04T09:52:00.001-07:00

MUMBAI: They might be the best buddies in B-Town, but SRK will not be able to attend the opening ceremony of close pal Arjun Rampal's restaurant LAP, since he's busy shooting for his film MY NAME IS KHAN till mid-August.Keeping this fact in mind, Arjun has made changes in his plans and deferred it by a month to fit in SRK's presence. Now, the launch date of the restaurant will be mid-August when King Khan will be in town to grace the occasion.It must be recalled that Arjun and SRK bonded big time during the making of OM SHANTI OM and the friendship between the two seems to be growing by the day.

I regret making my relationship with Ranbir public: Deepika

2009-07-04T09:50:00.000-07:00

MUMBAI: Deepika Padukone has everything going for her in Bollywood. She has worked with top stars and big banners. But she does have one regret - making her relationship with Ranbir Kapoor public."When we got into a relationship, we decided to be open about it. Otherwise there would be reports about us being spotted holding hands, kissing, hugging, etc. Since we were so clear about our relationship, we had nothing to hide. I thought people would respect that. But it didn't work out that way," Deepika told.Deepika was specially upset about the paparazzi pictures of her and Ranbir."We both have families and very respectable families. People who take pictures of us secretly must have families and boyfriends and girlfriends. We've now decided not to talk about our friendship. At the end of the day no one is going to see our films because we're a couple," said the actress who teamed up with Ranbir in "Bachna Ae Haseeno".Any other film with Ranbir after "Bachna Ae Haseeno"?"We get offers every day to act together, but we're waiting for the right opportunity. The script has to be special. But we're very clear about not mixing business with our relationship," she said.Tell her there was no upward movement in Ranbir's graph as an actor from "Saawariya" to "Bachna?" and she protests: "His graph was already so high in 'Saawariya', where could he go? 'Bachna Ae Haseeno' gave him a chance to do something totally different. I too want to get away from the glam sham."Of course, I want to wear good clothes and sing good songs. But I'd be uncomfortable doing just songs and dances. Beyond Sajid Khan's film I haven't signed any movie. Imtiaz Ali's films are very real relevant to today," she said.Deepika has mainly worked with older actors - Shah Rukh, Akshay Kumar. In her next, "Love Aaj Kal", she teams up with another senior actor Saif Ali Khan. But she is not complaining."Ranbir and I work like pals. But I wouldn't say I had more fun working with him. You are not on the sets to have fun. But yes, definitely the comfort level with him was much higher even when we weren't seeing each other. My other co-stars were a lot more mature and I was a lot more reserved with them. But I've to tell you, Shah Rukh completely pampered me," she said.Talking about her "Love Aaj Kal" co-star Saif, she said: "Saif is reserved. I've heard he wasn't like this earlier. I believe he has calmed down a lot because of Kareena or whatever. Saif and I just did our work on Imtiaz Ali's sets and went our separate ways. That's the way I like it. I'm a very reserved person. I'm not here to make friends. But yes, Bipasha Basu and Minissha Lamba are now friends."Deepika has signed Sajid Khan's full-fledged comedy "Houseful"."It's not just a few comic scenes here and there. It's a hardcore comic role. And I wonder how I'll manage it. I'll try. Sajid has a great sense of humour and I'd go by his vision. Sajid just told me to follow him. If my director has so much confidence in me, I can't let him down," said the actress, who has a very sober image."But that doesn't mean I don't have a sense of fun. I plan to have a ball doing 'Houseful'. I'm a reserved person in real life, but that doesn't mean I can't be funny for the camera," she added.So after working with sister Farah it's brother Sajid."I'm very fond of both of them. At a time when the entertainment industry wasn't too confident about me, Farah trusted me completely. She didn't even audition me. Farah was the one who spotted talent in me and cast me opposite Shah Rukh," she said.

Saif is perfect for me, Kareena

2009-07-04T09:49:00.001-07:00

Ms Poo is all 'attitude and panache' in KAMBAKKHT ISHQ. Yes, we are talking about Kareena Kapoor, who has already set eyeballs rolling with her 'Bebo' song in the film. The Bollywood diva chit-chats with our correspondent on film, shaadi and of course, Saif. Your 'Bebo' song in KAMBAKKHT ISHQ is already creating waves... Thanks. By the way, that song is meant for creating waves only (giggles) So, you are repeating the attitude of KABHI KHUSHI KABHI GHAM's Ms Poo in this film? Poo's attitude was a much more innocent one. But here I am a 'Babe'...hope you got what I mean! Yes, got it. Your character is very much against marriage in the film. Is that your view in real life too? That's a clever way of getting into my personal life! (Laughs) No...I am a great believer in marriage. But this film is all about how two totally different-minded persons evolve through the course of life and fall headlong in love with each other. Do you have any insecurity that people might prefer 'Bond girl' Denise Richards over you in the film? The reverse can also happen...just kidding. Denise is too beautiful and gorgeous. Though she has a brief role in the film, she will definitely touch people's hearts with her performance. She is a part of the love triangle that includes me and Akshay (Kumar) as well. As for the insecurity part, I have never been and will never be insecure about anything in life...be it off-screen or on-screen. Sylvester Stallone has said that you are one of the most beautiful actors he has seen so far. Elated? Koi shaaq? I mean, who won't be on Cloud 9 to get compliments from The Sylvester Stallone! And what a warm person he is! A perfect gentleman. KAMBAKKHT ISHQ and Saif's LOVE AAJ KAL is releasing almost back to back. Are you nervous for yourself or Saif? I am not nervous, but I am praying that both our films do well and people like our performance. LOVE AAJ KAL is Saif's first production, so double prayers for him.Do you regret not being a part of LOVE AAJ KAL? No...Deepika (Padukone) suits the role to a T. But you said at an awards function that you are a bit disappointed for not being a part of the film... Yes...initially, I was a bit down because the script is damn good and any actor would love to be a part of it. But ultimately, it's the director's (Imtiaz Ali) decision, and neither Saif, not I can do anything about it. But now that I have seen a few cuts of the film, I am convinced that Imtiaz took the right decision. You are also doing 3 IDIOTS with Aamir Khan. How's the experience? Are you kidding? What do you mean by 'how's the experience'? It's a Rajkumar Hirani-Aamir Khan combo...I would be an idiot not to do it. There is news that you cried after listening to the script of 3 IDIOTS? Yes, I did. It was the first time that a script made me cry. Now please don't ask the storyline, I won't tell you...wait and watch. And what about playing a terrorist in (tentatively titled) JEHAAD? JEHAAD is a Karan Johar film. But this time Karan is stepping outside his romantic and social genre. Saif is my hero in the film, but it's not the 'dance-round-the-tree' romance that we do in the film. And let me clear this confusion, Saif is the terrorist in the film, not me. This interview won't be complete without a couple of questions on Saif and you... Ohhhh...this is boring...the entire world knows more about us (Saif and me) more than we ourselves do! Ok, shoot. You just now said that you are pro-marriage. So, when are you getting married? Not tomorrow, or day after tomorrow...(laughs) See, to both Saif and me, marriage is the purest form of love, and trust me, we will never hide our marriage from anyone...did we hide our relationship from anyone, then? In fact, Saif wants to announce our marriage to the world, the very day we select a date. But with both of us overloaded with work, we don't think the date is going to be fixed in another two-three years. Do you think Saif will be a good husband? Saif is perfect for me.

Thai zoo's 1st baby panda goes on display

2009-07-04T09:48:00.001-07:00

CHIANG MAI, Thailand: Thousands of excited visitors flocked Saturday to a zoo in northern Thailand for the first public viewing of a baby panda, which has been featured on Thai front pages almost every day since her birth six weeks ago.The coming-out party at the Chiang Mai Zoo included a parade led by an orangutan. Zoo officials stood beside the cub's incubator and tried to position her head so visitors streaming past could get a good look.The baby panda is tiny enough to be held in the hands of a zoo staffer.Thais have been captivated by the cub since her birth May 27. For six years, the zoo had tried to mate its two adult pandas, both on loan from China. They held a mock wedding for the pair, showed the male, Chuang Chuang, "porn" videos of pandas mating, and finally turned to artificial insemination.Newspapers have reported the baby panda's milestones and the public's reaction, including a giant cake measuring 4 feet by 5 feet (1.2 meters by 1.6 meters) donated by a Chiang Mai bakery to celebrate her one-month birthday. Some Chiang Mai hotels are offering special "meet the panda" rates for the next few months.A public competition to name the cub drew more than a half-million entries, which have been whittled down to four finalists. The name will be chosen next month.Thailand has joined a select list of countries that have bred the rare mammals in captivity, along with China, Japan and the U.S.

Global warming now shrinking sheep

2009-07-04T09:46:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON: Like the wool sweater that emerges from the dryer a size too small, global warming seems to be shrinking sheep.On average, wild Soay sheep on Scotland's island Hirta are 5 percent smaller today than they were in 1985, according to a team of researchers led by Tim Coulson of Imperial College London."The decrease in body size was due to a reduction in growth rates caused, in part, by the changing climate," Coulson said in an interview via e-mail.Evolution favors the development of large sheep, which can more easily survive harsh winters, Coulson explained. So the researchers became curious about the overall decline in size of the animals on Hirta.They discovered that as the climate has grown milder, small lambs that would not have survived previous winters were now living to grow up and reproduce.Since size is inherited, the survival and reproduction of these smaller animals lowered the average size of the herd.In addition, Coulson noted, there is what he termed the "young mum effect," with the younger mothers physically unable to produce large offspring.The find adds to the understanding of how change occurs in many types of animals, he said, including birds, fish and mammals.It shows how evolution and ecology each play a role in change, Coulson said: "And that, for our wild sheep at least, climate change is having a detectable effect on body size — a trait that is partly determined by genes — and that this compliments previous research showing how climate change can influence population size.""This study addresses one of the major goals of population biology, namely to untangle the ways in which evolutionary and environmental changes influence a species' traits," said Andrew Sugden, deputy and international managing editor at Science, which published the report.The research was supported by Britain's Natural Environment Research Council.

Prime Minister, COAS call on President

2009-07-04T09:45:00.000-07:00

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani and Chief of Army Staff called on the President in the Presidency here today on Saturday, ARY NEWS reported.The supremos discussed issues relating to security situation in the country.

South Asians have most heart diseases: study

2009-07-04T06:57:00.002-07:00

ISLAMABAD: Researchers from the University of Cambridge have warned that the burden of coronary heart disease (CHD) is increasing at a greater rate in South Asia than in any other region globally.Unfortunately, there is little direct evidence about the determinants of the disease, write D Saleheen and colleagues who published their study in the European Journal of Epidemiology (The Pakistan Risk of Myocardial Infarction Study: a resource for the study of genetic, lifestyle and other determinants of myocardial infarction in South Asia, it was reported.The Pakistan Risk of Myocardial Infarction Study (PROMIS) is a resource to enable the reliable study of genetic, lifestyle and other determinants of coronary heart disease in South Asia.By March 2009, PROMIS had recruited over 5,000 cases of first-ever confirmed acute myocardial infarction (MI) and over 5,000 matched controls aged 30-80 years.For each participant, information has been recorded on demographic factors, lifestyle, medical and family history, anthropometry, and a 12-lead electrocardiogram.A range of biological samples has been collected and stored, including DNA, plasma, serum and whole blood.During its next stage, the study aims to expand recruitment to achieve a total of about 20,000 cases and about 20,000 controls, and, in subsets of participants, to enrich the resource by collection of monocytes, establishment of lymphoblastoid cell lines, and by resurveying participants.Measurements in progress include profiling of candidate biochemical factors, assay of 45,000 variants in 2,100 candidate genes, and a genome-wide association scan of over 650,000 genetic markers."We have established a large epidemiological resource for CHD in South Asia. In parallel with its further expansion and enrichment, the PROMIS resource will be systematically harvested to help identify and evaluate genetic and other determinants of MI in South Asia," wrote D. Saleheen and colleagues.The researchers concluded: "Findings from this study should advance scientific understanding and inform regionally appropriate disease prevention and control strategies."

Sukkur: JI holds rally against oil prices hike

2009-07-04T06:57:00.001-07:00

SUKKUR: A protest demonstration held in Sukkur Saturday on the call of Jamat Islami to protest against the hike in petroleum prices. Jamat Islami Sukkur chapter organized a rally from Teer Chowk to Ghantaghar against the hike in petroleum prices and power outages in the city. Chief of Jamat Islami Sindh Asadulllah Bhutto addressing the participants of the rally said that the price hike and poverty have forced poor people to commit suicides. He said the rulers instead of providing cheaper goods to the masses increasing the prices day by day. He demanded of the government to provide relief to the people by decreasing the prices of petroleum products.

Seven arrested after shootout in Islamabad

2009-07-04T06:44:00.000-07:00

ISLAMABAD (Saqib Raja): Police arrested seven persons with arms from Shahzad Town in federal capital after hours-long shootout.According to reports police conducted a raid at a village in Shahzad Town in the wee hours of Saturday and cordoned off the armed men hiding in the area. The armed men opened fire at the police, which retorted the attack. The shootout continued for several hours after which the police captured seven men with sophisticated weapons, sources said.

Bull-run at KSE this week

2009-07-04T06:43:00.001-07:00

KARACHI: Bull-run was witnessed at Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) almost throughout this week and the benchmark KSE-100 Index advanced by 4 percent.This week investors were seen taking particular interest in cement, energy and banking scrips on announcement of cash dividend by PTCL besides reports of decline in profit rates on National Savings Schemes and the central bank’s discount rate.The KSE-100 Index gained 308 points this week to close at 7,471

Lahore goes on strike against load shedding, oil raise

2009-07-04T06:42:00.001-07:00

LAHORE: The traders here are on complete shutter-down strike Saturday against the price hike, load shedding and recent increase in petroleum prices today in the metropolis.Anjuman Tajiran Pakistan and other trade organizations gave a strike call for complete shutter down and announcement was made urging all the traders to keep all commercial and business centers closed today.All trade centers at Mall Road, Hall Road, Bandth Road, McLeod Road, Anarkali, Ferozpur Road will remain closed; while, the trade leaders announced to take out protest rallies and stage public gatherings at Hall Road, Mall Road and Kot Lakhpat.Meantime, Lahore traders have put up banners and posters with slogans against government and Wapda written on them, at Mall Road and all adjoining markets against the unjustified raise in power tariffs, load shedding and hike in petroleum prices.

Several industrial units silent sans gas in Peshawar

2009-07-04T06:40:00.000-07:00

PESHAWAR: A number of more industrial units have halted their operations following suspension of gas supply in Peshawar.Chairman Hayatabad Industrialists Association Malik Niaz talking Geo News termed the decision of suspending the gas supply to Peshawar industries as unfair and as an attempt to dent the economy of the province.He claimed that no industrial unit owes any dues and cited no justification for suspension of gas supply to the industries of Peshawar.Malik Niaz demanded that the gas supply to Peshawar industries be restored at the earliest.

New Zealand reports first swine flu deaths

2009-07-04T06:39:00.001-07:00

Wellington, July 04: Three people have died of swine flu in New Zealand, the Ministry of Health announced on Saturday, reporting the country's first fatalities from the H1N1 virus. It said the chief coroner had reported that it was "strongly probable" the H1N1 virus was a major factor in the death of a 19-year-old man in Hamilton on Sunday and a 42-year-old man in Christchurch on Thursday. A Ministry statement said that a young girl with underlying medical conditions died on Saturday morning in Wellington Hospital after testing positive for swine flu. Health Minister Tony Ryall said swine flu was continuing to spread throughout the community, but there was no cause for alarm. Mark Jacobs, director of public health, said, "For most New Zealanders, swine flu will be a mild illness, but in some instances, the infection can cause more severe illness and, in a few tragic instances, death." He said that 945 confirmed cases had now been reported in New Zealand, up from 912 on Friday.

50,000 in south China evacuated after rains caused flooding

2009-07-04T06:36:00.000-07:00

Beijing, July 04: Over 50,000 people in south China were evacuated from their homes after heavy rains this week led to flooding in some of the areas, reports said on Saturday. The torrential downpour, which continued for three days, flooded the banks of Rongjiang River, forcing 47,000 people of Rongshui County of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of south China to leave their houses. According to the County government half of the 20 townships reported rainfall up to 200 mm from Wednesday to Friday, Xinhua news agency reported. Another 7,509 people living below Guangxi region's Kama reservoir were evacuated for fear that the dam might collapse as water flow had destroyed a section of a dyke near the base of the reservoir. Bureau Report Several houses in the rural areas were also destroyed in the flood, while farmlands were inundated and crops damaged. It has been estimated that rains have caused USD 210 30.88 million in damages. Earlier Xinhua had reported that 20 people had died and eight were missing in the flood. With water levels of some rivers in Gaungxi touching the highest since 1998, China experienced worst flooding in over 100 years.

Shahid Kapoor’s fake twitter

2009-07-01T06:35:00.000-07:00

There is a profile of Shahid Kapoor on Social networking site – Twitter which has almost 3000+ fans who have been following everything what fake Shahid writes believing him to be true.
Speaking on the fake account, Shahid says, “My friends brought to my notice that there is a profile of Shahid Kapoor that is active, when I haven’t even registered. This person has impersonated me and has been connecting with my fans, who don’t know that the ID is fake! My management has complained about this fake ‘Shahid Kapoor’ to authorities, let’s see what happens next!”
Feel sorry for the die hard fans who were duped by the so called fake Shahid Kapoor.

Deepika more beautiful than Angelina Jolie

2009-07-01T06:34:00.001-07:00

MUMBAI: Graceful, classic and radiant, Deepika Padukone is the new face of Indian cinema. The Indian super model turned actress has carved a niche for herself not only within Indian cinema, but is also creating a sensation internationally. According to renowned Hollywood director Rob Cohen, whose credit includes THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK and THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS, ''Deepika Padukone is gorgeous and is more beautiful than Angelina Jolie.'' The director has also indicated his interest in casting Deepika for his next film project. Deepika's striking beauty and cover model appeal have made her the favourite cover girl for various fashion magazines. Deepika was also the most searched celebrity on one of the popular websites in 2008, surpassing Bollywood favourites Shilpa Shetty and Aishwarya Rai. Maxim Magazine recently voted her ''The Hottest Girl on Earth'' not just for her huge fan following but also because of her appeal as an international brand face. Deepika's diverse and versatile body of work continues to truly make her one of the youngest, most gorgeous and most talented super model and actresses to have taken both the cinema and fashion industry by storm. Her versatility as a model and inimitable style have made her a popular celebrity ambassador for international brands.

Jacksons doctor is father of his two children: Weekly

2009-07-01T06:32:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES: Rumours about the biological parents of Michael Jackson's three children have deepened, with Us Weekly saying that a Los Angeles-based dermatologist is the biological father of the late pop star's two children.Quoting multiple sources, the magazine reported Tuesday that though Jackson was married to Prince and Paris' mother, Debbie Rowe, their biological father is Arnold Klein, Jackson's Los Angeles-based dermatologist and Rowe's former boss."He is the dad," the magazine quoted a Jackson insider as saying. "He and Debbie signed an agreement saying they would never reveal the truth."Though neither Rowe nor Jackson ever confessed to their kids' true lineage, she did admit in 2002 that she carried his children as a personal favour and would not confirm that the marriage was ever consummated, the weekly said."I said: Let me do this. You need to be a dad. You have been so good to me," Rowe was quoted as saying.Rowe first met Jackson when she was a nurse's assistant in the 1980s.The magazine said Klein refused to comment on whether he is the biological father of Jackson's two children.But his attorney Richard L. Charnley has been quoted as telling Entertainment Tonight: "Dr. Klein is aware of media reports connecting him to Michael Jackson. Because of patient confidentiality Dr. Klein will make no statement on any reports or allegations."Out of respect for his patients and adherence to federal HIPAA regulations, Dr. Klein asks that the media not contact his patients nor interfere with their medical treatments. Like millions of Michael's fans around the world, Dr. Klein is saddened by Michael's death and extends his condolences to Michael's family."

India will reject greenhouse gas emission targets

2009-07-01T06:31:00.000-07:00

NEW DELHI : India will not sign up to targets to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions but will instead focus on fighting poverty and boosting economic growth, the environment minister said on Tuesday.India is one of the world's biggest emitters alongside China, the U.S. and Russia, and the second most populous nation. But India's per capita emissions lag far behind rich countries and it feels the developed world should take the lead on tackling climate change."India cannot and will not take emission reduction targets because poverty eradication and social and economic development are first and over-riding priorities," a statement on behalf of Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said.A legally binding emission reduction target endangers India's energy conservation, food security and transport, he said.India has laid out its stance ahead of the negotiation of a climate treaty in Copenhagen in December that will replace the expiring Kyoto pact.Developing nations say rich countries should cut emissions by at least 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2020. Developed nations say that target is out of reach when they are trying to stimulate recession-hit economies.India's ruling Congress party secured a convincing election victory in May and is pushing an inclusive growth agenda to help lift hundreds of millions out of poverty.While it backs market-based measures to promote energy efficiency, India still relies on coal-fired generation to underpin the growing economy.Ramesh said India will not allow its per capita greenhouse emissions to exceed that of developed countries, and said this amounted to a voluntary cap.Ramesh also said India would not accept a provision in a U.S. Congress bill which would impose trade penalties on countries who fail to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Karachi: Child marriage accused granted bail

2009-07-01T06:30:00.000-07:00

KARACHI (Faizullah): Judicial Magistrate (south) Ghulam Farooque Shaikh Wednesday granted Rs 5000 bail to the accused arrested for their involvement in child marriage. The defence counsel pleaded to the court that the case registered against the accused has been bailable. The court granted Rs 5000 bail to Abdul Rasool, the father of nine-year bride, Nikahkhwan Qari Naqeeb Ali Shah and bridegroom Dilshad 15. Police had arrested three accused on Sunday night from Azam Basti.

Firing, tension in various areas of Karachi

2009-07-01T06:28:00.000-07:00

KARACHI: Tension and fear gripped various areas of the city here Wednesday following aerial firing and a clash between the workers of a political party and police in PECHS area, reports ARY NEWS.The tension started from Tariq Road, PECHS, where a clash between the police and workers of Sunni Tehreek (ST) occurred following a protest demonstration by the party activists.TV footage shows ST workers hurling stones on the police which retaliated with aerial firing.Soon after the news of the clash telecasted on the local media, enraged people came on streets in Saddar and adjacent areas of PECHS and hurled stones on vehicles, suspending the traffic on various major roads.Enraged crowd also torched a Korangi-bound bus at Mubarak Shaheed Raod of Saddar. Police and Rangers have arrived in the affected-areas and were trying to control the situation, says the channel.

Council votes for Muslim Eid Holidays

2009-07-01T06:19:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK: Spurred by a broad coalition of religious, labor and immigrant groups, the City Council overwhelmingly passed a resolution on Tuesday to add two of the most important Muslim holy days to the public schools’ holiday calendar.But the vote, which was nonbinding, put the Council in conflict with Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, who has the final say to designate the days off and has said he is resolutely opposed to the idea.The mayor told reporters before the vote that not all religions could be accommodated on the holiday schedule, only those with “a very large number of kids who practice.”“If you close the schools for every single holiday, there won’t be any school,” he said. “Educating our kids requires time in the classroom, and that’s the most important thing to us.” The current school calendar recognizes major Christian and Jewish holy days like Christmas and Yom Kippur, but no Muslim holy days. Bloomberg’s stance has irritated advocates of the measure, and some said he risked alienating many in New York’s fast-growing Muslim population as he seeks re-election in the fall.Imam Talib Abdur-Rashid, a leader of the campaign to add the holidays, said that if the mayor continued to oppose the move, the results for him at the voting booth could be “catastrophic” among the city’s roughly 600,000 Muslims.“We really have confidence in the mayor’s intelligence,” said Imam Talib, head of the Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood in Harlem. “It’s an election year.”The proposal to add the two holy days — Id al-Fitr and Id al-Adha — has not drawn much visible public opposition. Some council members have expressed reservations about subtracting more classroom days from the school calendar, though only one, G. Oliver Koppell of the Bronx, voted against it. After the vote, Koppell said the existing schedule of religious holidays might have to be reviewed and trimmed, lest other growing religions in New York start demanding their own days off. “Where are we going to end with this?” he asked.The resolution’s advocates said that since about 12 percent, or more than 100,000, of the city’s public school students are Muslim, they deserved recognition. The two holidays have already been adopted by school districts including Dearborn, Mich., and several municipalities in New Jersey.

PM, Army Chief call on President

2009-07-01T06:18:00.002-07:00

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani Wednesday called on President Asif Ali Zardari to discuss the issues relating to overall law and order situation in the country.According to a presidential spokesman, in the meeting at the Presidency the counterinsurgency operation in Malakand and South Waziristan region, rehabilitation of displaced persons and overall security situation in the country were discussed.According to the statement issued from the Presidency, President Zardari said the war against terrorism will be taken to its logical end until the absolute elimination of extremists.He said the enduring peace would be established in the country by completely exterminating the militants from the troubled areas.Zardari said government has in focus the relief and rehabilitation of Malakand affectees, adding government will ensure the safe return of all affectees.President Zardari said any reconciliation with the extremists is out of question.On the occasion, the Army Chief also apprised the President about his recent visits to France, Germany and Russia.According to Geo News sources, the army chief informed the PM and the President about the ongoing operation and current situation in Malakand and Waziristan.The sources said the military and political leadership agreed that the militants will have to accept the writ of government by surrendering with their arms.It was agreed upon in the meeting that the war against terrorists will continue until the absolute elimination of militants with no option of backtracking on table.On this occasion, rich tribute was paid to the jawans and officers who laid down their lives in the war against terrorism.

KSE-100 Index climbs over 7,200 level

2009-07-01T06:18:00.001-07:00

KARACHI: The benchmark KSE-100 Index of Karachi Stock Exchange surged by 109 points on the opening day of the new financial year, closing at 7,270.The share market opened upbeat and the major Index was seen in the green territory throughout the session.Energy and cement sectors drew particular attention of the investors who took fresh positions in these sectors on reports of slashing of interest rate by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and reduction in profit rates on national savings schemes. Trade volume was recorded at 100 million shares.DG Khan Cement was today’s star performer in terms of volume which gained paisas 85 to close at Rs30.50.KSE-30 Index advanced by 141 points to peg at 7,711.

Terrorism claimed over 3,000 lives in tribal areas: report

2009-07-01T06:17:00.001-07:00

PESHAWAR: Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) secretariat has issued the report of monetary and human losses done by terrorism and extremism in the tribal areas.A 21 pages report revealed that more than $2 billion damages were done by terrorism in tribal areas.Tribal areas suffered most as compared to other parts of the country. More than 3,000 people were killed in tribal areas during terror activities. Bajaur Agency was the worst hit area where 600 people were killed. The wake of terrorism claimed five hundred lives Kurram Agency, South and North Waziristan. The number of people wounded in terror incident is over 3,000.According to report, the initial property losses is estimated up to $103 million whereas the losses estimated in economic and social sectors are $119 million and $109 million respectively. Extremism takes its toll in agriculture sector also in the form of $188 million losses. Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) expenses estimated $572 million.The report disclosed that militants are equipped with latest weapons whereas in contrast of this, Khasadar Force have outdated arms insufficient for retaliatory action against militants.The personnel of Khasadar and Levies getting Rs.3,500 salary per month while militants getting Rs.10,000 to 15,000 per month. The report termed this major inequality as the basic reason of unrest in these areas. The estimated $two billion is needed for reconstruction and rehabilitation of tribal areas, it added.

UN votes for restoration of Honduras’ president

2009-07-01T06:15:00.000-07:00

TEGUCIGALPA: Honduras' ousted president won overwhelming international support Tuesday as he planned a high-profile return to his chaotic country. The politicians who sent soldiers to fly him into exile in his pajamas said he will be arrested for treason if he tries.The showdown was building to a climax as the presidents of Argentina and Ecuador signed on to accompany President Manuel Zelaya and other figures on a flight to Honduras on Thursday. Attorney General Luis Alberto Rubi said Zelaya would be seized "as soon as he sets foot on Honduran soil" and face 20 years in prison on charges that also include abuse of authority."I'm going back to calm people down. I'm going to try to open a dialogue and put things in order," Zelaya said at the United Nations. "When I'm back, people are going to say ... `commander, we're at your service' and the army will have to correct itself. There's no other possibility."The U.N. General Assembly voted by acclamation to demand Zelaya's immediate restoration, and the Organization of American States was meeting to consider suspending Honduras for straying from democracy.With no international support but a significant following at home, the new Honduran leadership called thousands of flag-waving people into a downtown plaza. Soldiers fenced off the area around the presidential palace, where security forces used tear gas and water cannons Monday against Zelaya supporters, injuring and arresting dozens.The interim president named by Congress, Roberto Micheletti, said Zelaya could be arrested for violating the constitution if he returns. He also said he would not resign no matter how intense the international pressure on Honduras becomes."No. I was appointed by Congress, which represents the Honduran people. Nobody can make me resign unless I break the laws of the country," Micheletti said in an interview with media at the presidential palace.Zelaya — whose elected term ends in 2010 — had defied the Supreme Court and called a referendum on constitutional change that opponents worried would lead to Zelaya prolonging his presidency.

CRPF suffered more in Naxal areas than in J&K and NE

2009-07-01T06:14:00.000-07:00

New Delhi, July 01: Fighting Naxals in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh cost more loss of life to the CRPF as compared to that during operations against militancy in Jammu and Kashmir and the north-east in the first six months this year. CRPF lost as many as 39 personnel in the Naxal infested states of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand as compared to just two in Jammu and Kashmir and the north-east between January-June this year, as per official records. What sounds interesting is that, in both J&K and north-east states, the CRPF has had better success rate in terms of militants killed. The CRPF killed about 64 ultras in the militants struck areas as compared to only 43 in left wing extremism (LWE) affected states, the records show. The country’s largest paramilitary force also lost a total of nine arms and 760 ammunitions in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh as against none in other operational areas. The losses primarily occur when Naxals loot the weapons and ammunition used by security personnel during encounters or after they are injured in an IED blast, officials said. The CRPF has recovered 183 weapons from non-Naxal states while it has recovered 170 from left-wing extremism hit states, the records stated. Interestingly, the highest injuries for the force's men have been in J&K with 339 personnel injured till date as against only 74 in Naxal areas. The high injury rate of CRPF personnel in J&K is primarily due to stone pelting incidents by civilians.

Salman avoids New York

2009-06-30T07:49:00.001-07:00

While everybody is going ga-ga about New York and John’s girlfriend Bipasha Basu specially flew to Mumbai to watch her boyfriend’s performance in New York, there was no sign of Katrina’s man Salman at the premiere of the flick.
A close friend of Katrina says, “It really puzzles and hurts her why Salman chooses to ignore all her films. It isn’t as if he doesn’t watch any films.He does. But when it comes to Katrina, he seems to suffer from a mental block. He won’t see her films.”
She doesn’t miss any of Salman’s films. Whether it’s a premiere or just a regular screening, Katrina is always there to support anything that Salman does.”
Apparently Salman cannot handle when it when his beautiful girlfriend Katrina romances her co-star onscreen and this is the reason why he stays away from watching her movies.

Both Katrina, Kareena have sexy bodies: Akshay Kumar

2009-06-30T07:46:00.000-07:00

NEW DELHI: Akshay Kumar has worked with both Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif in several films, but can't decide who is better. The action king says both are "wonderful actresses" and have "sexy bodies"."Both Kareena and Katrina are really good but who is the better among them depends on their roles in the films. Otherwise, both of them have sexy bodies and are absolutely wonderful actresses," said Akshay when asked to choose his favourite of the two.Akshay has done four films with Katrina including "Namastey London" and "Singh Is Kinng", while he has worked with Kareena in five that include hits "Ajnabee" and "Aitraaz". The two are set to scorch the screen once again in their upcoming action-cum-romantic drama "Kambakkht Ishq"."In 'Kambakkht Ishq', Kareena has performed very well. Her character required to answer back at me and be strong and she has portrayed it in a powerful, yet lovable way. On the other hand, even Katrina was really good in 'Namastey London'. So it's not really about my choice... it all depends on their roles," the actor told.Akshay, who has spent more than 18 years in the Hindi film industry, says acting with a new league of actresses is a learning experience."I cannot particularly point out what I have learnt from them (Kareena and Katrina) yet, but yes, working with them was a learning experience," said the actor, who has also teamed up with Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone and Ayesha Takia.

New York grosses 35 cr in 3-day first weekend

2009-06-30T07:39:00.001-07:00

MUMBAI: Yash Raj films' 'New York', which released worldwide on June 26, has grossed Rs 35 crore in its three day first weekend.The film has broken all earlier opening weekend collection records for 2009, a Yash Raj Films press release issued here said."Yash Raj Films ended 2008 with its highest grossing film 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi', and has started 2009 with a bang," the release said.The movie has also had an impressive opening across all markets.'New York' has opened at the third slot on the Australian charts and at the tenth spot in the UK this weekend. The movie has also been the top weekend earner in the UAE for 2009.Directed by Kabir Khan and produced by Aditya Chopra, the film stars John Abraham, Katrina Kaif, Neil Nitin Mukesh and Irrfan Khan and is released in over 900 screens worldwide.

Pirated ‘Love Aaj Kal’ songs are not the final version: Pritam

2009-06-30T07:37:00.000-07:00

MUMBAI: Piracy has hit the soundtrack of ‘Love Aaj Kal’. The songs from this Pritam composed album are freely available on internet. If this wasn't bad enough, the composer is further hurt by the fact that the version available for download is not even the final mix."Actually I was surprised to see the songs all over the internet; more so because I was still in the process of mastering. It's one thing for the songs to have made it to the internet and even worse when they are the unfinished versions. I am not sure what would the listeners be making of the songs that they are currently hearing", says a visibly upset Pritam.Coming together with filmmaker Imtiaz Ali two years after Jab We Met has been a high pressure job for him as well. "Yeah, that's a baggage that we would always have to carry", he sighs, "Jab We Met has been a set benchmark for the listeners and comparisons are bound to happen."He goes on share a joke that he has been sharing with Imtiaz ever since he started working on the soundtrack of ‘Love Aaj Kal’. "We keep telling each other that every review of ‘Love Aaj Kal’ will start with a standard line - 'After the super success of ‘Jab We Met’, Imtiaz, Pritam and Irshad Kamil (the lyricist) reunite with ‘Love Aaj Kal’. So does the soundtrack create a similar magic? Does it meet or exceed the expectations? etc. etc.' What we are nervous about it to get the answers to these questions. I hope it is yes, yes and yes!"Well, the team of ‘Love Aaj Kal’ will certainly have an answer once the album (most likely) hits the stands this weekend. If the response to 'Twist' is anything to go by, there are no reasons why the team of ‘Love Aaj Kal’ would actually have much to worry about.

Dilip Kumar admitted in ICU

2009-06-30T07:35:00.002-07:00

MUMBAI: Bollywood's most regarded, veteran actor Dilip Kumar, as per the latest reports, has been admitted to ICU at Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital in suburban Bandra, after having diagnosed to be suffering from malaria.The 87-year-old actor who was suffering from high fever since Saturday was immediately admitted by the family to facilitate proper investigation.Now the actor's condition is much stable & better and would hopefully be discharged in a couple of days.

Laborer falls in Karachi factory well dies, another saved

2009-06-30T07:35:00.001-07:00

KARACHI (Faisal Shakeel): A labourer was killed and another critically injured falling in a well in National Fiber factory near Jam Sadique Bridge in Korangi on Tuesday. Two laborers Abdul Rehman and Mohammed Saeed were fall in the well during digging The rescue teams reached to the spot and a laborer Abdul Rehman was taken out of the well in serious condition. However, another laborer Saeed could not be saved and died by suffocation in the well.

President confers Hilal-i-Shuja'at on Dr Naeemi

2009-06-30T07:30:00.000-07:00

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday signed the order to confer the award of Hilal-i-Shuja'at on late Allama Dr Sarfraz Hussain Naeemi who embraced shahadat in a terrorist attack at Jamia Naeemia, Lahore on June 12.Spokesperson of the President, former Senator Farhatullah Babar, told the newsmen that the President also relaxed the condition of making the announcement of the award once a year only on August 14, making it possible to confer the award immediately.Late Allama Naeemi was a leading religious scholar who showed great courage against extremism despite threats to his life in recognition of which the President conferred the award posthumously.According to the warrant of civil awards, Order of Shuja'at is awarded for acts of heroism and conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger and for gallantry in saving or attempting to save life.The warrant says that awards in this order may also be conferred posthumously, he said.

Katrina Kaif adopting Salman Khan's snooty attitude?

2009-06-30T07:29:00.000-07:00

Mumbai, June 30: Not that Bollywood damsel Katrina Kaif had ever been so kind to those interacting with her, but she wasn’t someone with airs either. But now with several hits in her kitty, the actress is changing colours.
According to reports, Kat has apparently started using her star power. The actress, who was recently signed up by a luxury designer brand and paid a throbbing amount too, has set special demands and conditions for the shoot of the ad campaign. A source says that she has to be flown to Paris for the shoot but Kat isn’t happy with just that. She has said that she would shoot only in a certain hotel where she wants to stay as well. Kat also wants to work with her own stylist, make-up artist and insists that they should be flown to Paris with her. The company officials could not gulp the conditions down their throats and when they protested, Kat threw a tantrum till they relented.They say you need to act like a star to feel like one. And Katrina must be feeling every bit of a star.Katrina is surely giving a tough time to the brand managers, but don’t we get a hint of Salman in her actions here? Well, certainly! Guess it’s time that she starts thinking with her own gifted brain as she can’t afford to follow Salman even subconsciously.

Truth about Jacko`s bizarre sex life revealed

2009-06-30T07:27:00.000-07:00

Melbourne, June 30: Michael Jackson`s friend of 40 years and biographer J Randy Taraborrelli has opened up about the King of Pop`s bizarre sex life after the legend suddenly died of a suspected cardiac arrest last week.
Taraborrelli told London`s Daily Mail that Jackson`s sexual proclivities had been a matter of speculation since he was a teenager. Even his mother worried that he rarely went out with girls, reports the Daily Telegraph.Later, when he romanced a number of Hollywood stars, Taraborrelli said: "No one believed he`d had romances with girls such as Tatum O`Neal or Brooke Shields, no matter how much he insisted he had.Tatum told a friend: "How can any girl have a relationship with him? When we`re together, he`s so shy he hardly says two words. I know he`s a virgin. I wonder if he`s afraid to have sex. He doesn`t seem very interested."What he was interested in, however, and was absolutely open about, was his love of children. He made no secret of his feelings. He said on a number of occasions that he loved children and that he even had kids sleeping in his bed.However, these claims took on a much more sinister tone when Jackson was charged and his house searched by police after one child, Jordie Chandler, said that the singer had touched his penis.After Jackson`s court case of the child sex claims came to an end - he was never charged - the star met his soul mate, Elvis Presley`s daughter Lisa Marie.They were married at a secret ceremony in the Dominican Republic in May 1994, with no family or friends present.Taraborrelli claims that the two appeared to have had an active sex life.She told a friend that he was `hot stuff in bed` and `amazing` - and she should know, the friend added, because `she`s been around`.However, some of his habits were a little odd."The first time, she went to turn on the lights afterwards, and he leapt out of bed and ran into the bathroom so she wouldn`t see his body. He emerged 20 minutes later, in full make-up and wearing a silk robe. Then they went at it again," Taraborrelli said."He liked her to wear jewellery in bed. They were into role-playing games, although Lisa would never say who was playing what kind of role," Taraborrelli added.Their relationship ended after Jackson asked Lisa to have his baby and she turned him down.Lisa-Marie said: "I think we have to have sex in order for me to get pregnant,` she told him, `and I ain`t doin` it."The one day over breakfast, he told Lisa: "My friend Debbie said she will have my baby. If you won`t do it, then she will."

Jackson's ex-wife admits Michael did not father her children

2009-06-30T07:25:00.002-07:00

LOS ANGELES: Debbie Rowe, the former wife of Michael Jackson says that Michael is not the father.Jackson's two eldest kids face a tug-of-love battle after their mum Debbie Rowe confessed he was not their father.In an interview Debbie, mother of Prince, 12, and Paris, 11, said she was artificially inseminated by an anonymous donor.

People face problems, as fuel sale stopped

2009-06-30T07:25:00.001-07:00

KARACHI: The people are facing problems, as various petrol pumping stations Tuesday stalled the sale of petrol and diesel across the country including Karachi ahead of increase in petroleum prices.There are reports that the summary regarding the increase in petroleum prices has been approved by Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and petroleum ministry has received back the summary.Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) sent the summary of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources regarding Rs6 to 7/lit increase in the prices of petroleum products.Several petrol pumps stopped selling petrol and diesel triggering problems for the motorists and vehicle-owners.

Babri Mosque commission submits report to Indian PM

2009-06-30T07:24:00.001-07:00

NEW DELHI: Seventeen years after it was set up, the Liberhan Commission probing the 1992 demolition of Babri Masjid in Ayodhya submitted its report to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.The Commission, which had got 48 extensions, submitted the report to the Prime Minister by Retd Justice M S Liberhan in presence of Home Minister P Chidambaram.The contents of the report were not immediately known.Set up within ten days of the demolition of the historic mosque on December six, 1992, which triggered widespread communal violence leading to heavy loss of lives, the panel has become the country's longest serving Commission of Enquiry.The Commission, mandated to inquire into the circumstances leading to the demolition of the Babri mosque was to submit its report by March 16, 1993 but sought repeated extensions to complete its probe. The last three-month extension was given in March this year.

Govt to earn 43pc per liter from new petroleum prices

2009-06-30T07:23:00.001-07:00

ISLAMABAD: The government will receive approximately 43 percent per litre profit after the enforcement of new petroleum prices, Geo News reported Tuesday.According to Dr. Asim Hussain, Advisor to Prime Minster on Petroleum and Natural Resources, the petrol per liter price has been proposed to rise by 10.55 percent and diesel price to rise 12.5 percent per liter.Dr Asim said if the government decides as it was recommended, then the petroleum price would rise to Rs62.13 per liter, diesel Rs62.65 per liter with an addition of Rs6.90.After the enforcement of new petrol price, its ex-refinery price will be Rs36.59 per liter with Rs10/lit fixed carbon tax, Rs3.37 under head of intra-country transportation, Rs2/lit commission of dealers, Rs1.60/lit commission for oil marketing companies and Rs8.57/lit General Sales Tax (GST) would be charged at the rate of 16 percent.After the enforcement of new prices, per liter petrol price including all expenses would be Rs43.56 and the government taxes applicable on it would be Rs18.57/lit, which is 43 percent of the petrol price.

Britons held hostage in Iraq died from gunshot wounds

2009-06-30T07:20:00.001-07:00

London, June 30: Two British hostages who died after being held by kidnappers in Iraq had been shot, the BBC reported on Tuesday. The bodies of Jason Swindlehurst, 38, and Jason Creswell, 39, were handed over to the British embassy in Baghdad on June 19. According to the BBC, the coroners report concluded that the men had died from gunshot wounds. The pair were among four guards protecting British computer consultant Peter Moore when around 40 heavily armed militants seized all five men in the Iraqi capital in May 2007. Unconfirmed reports said they died some months ago, but the British authorities have as yet released no details of their deaths. The kidnappers have claimed that one of the men committed suicide. A spokeswoman for the Foreign Office could not confirm the information, telling AFP, "It's an ongoing matter for the coroner."

Honduran President's ouster illegal: Obama

2009-06-30T07:19:00.001-07:00

Washington, June 30: US President Barack Obama has said the expulsion of the Honduran President by the country's armed forces was illegal and reminiscent of Central America's "dark past".

Speaking to reporters alongside visiting Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, Obama repeated his condemnation of Sunday's events in Honduras, where the army ousted President Mel Zelaya and forced him into exile in Costa Rica. "It would be a terrible precedent if we start moving backwards into the era in which we are seeing military coups as a means of political transition rather than democratic elections," Obama said in the Oval Office Monday. The situation in Honduras has "evolved into a coup", Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said earlier Monday, adding that the US does not plan to suspend aid to the Central American nation. "Our immediate priority is to restore full democratic and constitutional order in that country," Clinton said at a press conference. She said the US will not suspend aid to Honduras, even though many assistance programmes are conditioned on the country's adherence to democratic principles. "We haven't laid out any demands, because we're working with others on behalf of our ultimate objectives, which are shared broadly," she said when asked whether Washington was insisting on Zelaya's reinstatement. "So we think that the arrest and expulsion of a president is certainly cause for concern that has to be addressed. And it's not just with respect to whether our aid continues, but whether democracy in Honduras continues," Clinton said. Honduran lawmakers voted Sunday to make Congress speaker Roberto Micheletti the country's interim President. He promised that the general elections scheduled for Nov 29 would proceed as planned. The 128-member Congress elected Micheletti to serve the six months remaining in Zelaya's four-year term, which was set to end Jan 27, 2010. Congress justified Zelaya's removal from office on the grounds that he threatened the constitutional order by trying to hold a non-binding referendum on his proposal for a national assembly next year to overhaul the Central American country's constitution. Soldiers arrested Zelaya a few hours before the referendum was set to begin Sunday and he was flown to Costa Rica. Congress and the Supreme Court had both declared the referendum illegal.

Top German court suspends ratification of Lisbon Treaty

2009-06-30T07:18:00.001-07:00

Karlsruhe (Germany), June 30: Germany's top court has said that additional national legislation was needed before the EU's Lisbon Treaty could be ratified, further delaying its adoption across the 27-member bloc. "The ratification document of the Federal Republic of Germany may not be adopted until the sufficient legal groundwork for parliamentary participation as foreseen in the constitution has been laid," the Federal Constitutional Court said. "If one wanted to summarise this result, one could say: the constitution says 'yes' to the Lisbon Treaty but demands that parliament's right to participation be strengthened at the national level," the court said. "The court is confident that the last barrier for adopting the ratification document will be cleared." The treaty -- which aims to streamline decision-making in the EU and give the bloc a stronger voice on the world stage -- must be ratified by all 27 member states before it can come into force. Although the treaty was approved by a large majority in both houses of the German parliament, the country's President Horst Koehler has held off on the final ratification step pending the judgement. So far, 23 out of the 27 countries in the EU have ratified the document.

Over 85 Sharia courts in Britain that ignore laws

2009-06-30T07:17:00.000-07:00

London, June 30: More than 85 Sharia courts exist in the United Kingdom which dish out Islamic justice, ignoring British laws, a leading newspaper has claimed. According to the 'Daily Star', Britain is facing a "terrifying situation" as more than 85 Sharia courts have been set up -- in fact, the number of Islamic courts in the country is more than 17 times higher than previously thought. Critics have claimed that the situation is dangerous as Sharia rulings often ignore British laws. Douglas Murray, the Director Of The Centre For Social Cohesion, said: "They are going from the voluntary to the imposed. It's a terrifying situation both for Muslims who want to escape Sharia rule elsewhere and for the country at large." Sharia courts have been slammed for imposing illegal judgments allegedly backed up by death threats. And, women who marry outside the religion can be forced to give up their kids and wives are duty-bound to have sex with their husbands, the newspaper said. Legal experts also say up to two-thirds of marriages under the system are unlawful because they are not registered. The panels are legal as they act as tribunals and judgements can be approved by national law courts. But the Civitas think-tank has warned: "Among the rulings we find some that advise illegal actions and others that transgress human rights standards as applied by British courts." However, the Muslim Council Of Britain said: "Sharia councils are perfectly legitimate. There is no evidence they are intimidating or discriminating against women. The system is purely voluntary."

Iran upholds disputed Ahmadinejad victory

2009-06-30T07:13:00.000-07:00

Tehran, June 30: Iran upheld President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's election victory despite massive opposition protests over what many branded a rigged poll that triggered the worst crisis since the 1979 revolution. The country's powerful electoral watchdog confirmed yesterday the initial result of the disputed June 12 vote which gave Ahmadinejad a landslide victory over his nearest rival Mir Hossein Mousavi, after conducting a recount of 10 per cent of the ballot boxes. The streets of Tehran -- the scene of widespread unrest in the aftermath of the poll, were quiet today, with security forces withdrawing from their positions after being deployed Monday to prevent any outbreak of new violence. The 12-member Guardians Council said it confirmed the results after a "thorough and comprehensive investigation" into the election, which had been denounced by Mousavi as a "shameful fraud". "The majority of the objections were not deemed infringements or fraud and were only minor irregularities that occur in any election," Guardians Council chief Ayatollah Ahmad Janati said. "Thus we confirm the result of the 10th presidential election." But the United States warned that the decision may not placate the opposition, and Italy warned of possible further sanctions against Iran.

Catch Priyanka's ultra-glam avtaar

2009-06-28T05:18:00.000-07:00

MUMBAI: Priyanka Kothari has been popular as a sex symbol so far. And nothing is changing on that front, as the actress is quite happy with the tag.However, from being a teen temptress, Priyanka is going for an image change now. The sex kitten is going to be quite a cat from now, as she will be seen more glamorous than teenybopper sexy. And, the film in which the audience will get a treat to watch Priyanka in this new avatar is Ram Gopal Varma's much in the news AGYAAT.Well, RGV is anyway known to portray his heroines in a glamorous yet aesthetic way. So, with Priyanka's new avatar it is going to be a double treat for sure!

Sallu doesn’t mind working with SRK

2009-06-28T05:16:00.000-07:00

Salman it seems is quite miffed and irritated by the way the media is always hounding him about his relationship going sour with SRK, so he has taken a different route altogether. Apparently now he doesn’t have any problem in working with SRK
Salman on working with SRK says, “I am not going to marry SRK, there is no problem working with him in a movie.”
So folks do you see any kind of patch up between the two Khans in the future?

Kambakht Ishq is an illogical flick

2009-06-28T05:15:00.002-07:00

Well I don’t say so, it’s Kambakht Ishq’s lead hero Akshay Kumar who says that his upcoming flick is illogical.
Akki says, “I don’t want to get into logical films… I am happy doing films where one can keep discussions around logic at home.”
“I want people to come with their parents and children, munch popcorn while the movie plays, get entertained, have some nice lunch or dinner after the show ends and then go back home happy and smiling.”
“I want people to come with their parents and children, munch popcorn while the movie plays, get entertained, have some nice lunch or dinner after the show ends and then go back home happy and smiling.”
So folks, you know where to keep your brains on the releasing date of Kambakht Ishq?

Deepika ignores Bebo

2009-06-28T05:15:00.001-07:00

Deepika Padukone is all exited about her upcoming flick Love Aaj Kal and is planning a special screening of her flick for B-Wood.
Deepika says, “Love Aaj Kal is a special film. And I’m planning to have a special screening for all the special people in my life my family, my boyfriend, my four best friends Sneha, Divya, Hiteshi and Srila from Bangalore, Farah Khan , Shah Rukh and others who made my journey in life and career unforgettable for me. I want to show this film to all the wonderful people in my life.”
Apparently her co-star Saif is also on the guest list but the person she forgot or rather ignored to invite is Saif’s girlfriend Kareena Kapoor.
Does it have to do with Saif’s constant yapping of having Kareena in the movie instead of Deepika?

Bollywood hotties enjoy rain

2009-06-28T05:13:00.000-07:00

The Rainy Season is back after a very hot Summer season, and our Bollywood hotties are loving every drop of it.Read to know:
Dia Mirza: Watching the world go by from my window, or sometimes getting drenched and coming back home to find hot tea and bhajiyas waiting. Pure bliss!
Bipasha Basu: For me, the rains are a relief from the unbearable heat! I also think about the farmers whose lives depend on the rains.
Vidya Balan:The rains mean eternal romance to me… Raj Kapoor and Nargis under an umbrella. I always think about a roadside dhaba, steam coming out of hot chai and holding hands with your beloved.
Shilpa Shetty:I look forward to the smell of soil after the first rains, but apart from that it now means potholes, bad roads and worse traffic jams.
Amrita Rao:The rains bring about a sense of belonging. It means earthy scents, long drives and gusty winds.
Minissha Lamba:The washing away of heat and dust, fresh beginnings, a nice hot cuppa adrak ki chai.
Mugdha Godse:Getting drenched on long walks, playing badminton or football, basically being wet n’ wild!
Folks so do you love or hate rains?

PSO temporarily suspends fuel supply to airlines

2009-06-28T05:12:00.001-07:00

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan State Oil (PSO) has temporarily suspended the fuel supply to many airlines including Pakistan International Airline (PIA) for the want of JP1 fuel, sources said.According to PSO sources, the fuel shortage hit due to the annual repair work on National Refinery, which will be completed soon but Shell and Caltex lubricants companies have been continuously providing fuel to airline.JP1 Fuel, stored for US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, is in use theses days , sources added.

Lanka military security for Pak players

2009-06-28T05:11:00.002-07:00

COLOMBO: The Sri Lankan Cricket (SC) has hired services of security forces including military security for safeguarding Pakistan cricket players during their tour to Sri Lanka, board sources said.As many as 100 security men will be deployed for the Pakistan team security, said spokesman Sri Lanka cricket team Charith Senanayake.He said the best ever security arrangements have been set up for Pakistan cricket team while Sri Lanka cricket will do its best to make Pakistan players pleased.There will be seven security vehicles, which will keep Pakistan team escorted during their journey from hotel to stadium, he added.

30 new CNG buses inaugurated in Lahore

2009-06-28T05:11:00.001-07:00

LAHORE: As many as 30 CNG buses received from China have been formally inaugurated Sunday in Lahore.Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said at least 2000 CNG buses would be run in Lahore to purge the city of pollution; however, underground Metro train would be run in collaboration with Iran and China.The CM Sharif inaugurated new CNG buses and 23 diesel buses at CM House situated at 7 Club Road. Later on, riding on two buses, Shahbaz along with other people came out at 90 Quad-e-Azam Road.The CM said the similar CNG buses would be buses also in Multan, Rawalpindi, Bahawalpur, Sargodha and Sialkot in collaboration with China.A Chinese representative said on the occasion that 700 CNG buses will start plying by December 2009, adding nine Chinese companies will run 2000 buses.

Eight local British embassy staff in Iran held

2009-06-28T05:10:00.001-07:00

TEHRAN: Eight Iranian employees of the British embassy in Tehran have been detained on accusations of involvement in post-election unrest in the Islamic Republic, a local news agency reported on Sunday. "Eight local employees at the British embassy who had a considerable role in recent unrest were taken into custody," the news agency said, without giving a source. "This group played an active role in provoking recent unrest," the news agency said. Iran has accused Western powers -- Britain and the United States in particular -- of inciting street protests and violence that rocked the country after its disputed June 12 presidential election. Britain has rejected the accusations. Last Tuesday, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said Britain was expelling two Iranian diplomats after Iran forced two British diplomats to leave.

War on terror in last phase: PM

2009-06-28T04:57:00.000-07:00

LAHORE: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Sunday said the whole nation has come to a consensus conclusion that this is time for the final decision, not for the negotiations with the extremists, adding the rule of constitution would be established in the country.Addressing the media outside Jamia Naeemia after offering condolences to the bereaved family of Dr Sarfraz Naeemi, Prime Minister Gilani said on Sunday all anti-Pakistan elements are terrorists and they have no religion, belief and geographic boundaries. Earlier, he offered Fateha at the grave of Dr Sarfaraz Naeemi Shaheed in Jamia Naeemia here. The PM said “In my view, those elements, who are against Pakistan, are terrorists,” The Prime Minister said people of NWFP and FATA are patriots and our brethren, who not only played important role in Pakistan Movement by supporting Quaid‑e‑Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, but are now striving hard for the integrity of the country. To a question about Maulana Fazl‑ur‑Rehman’s statement on dialogue with Taliban, he said that Maulana is coalition partner of the government, but it can be his personal views. However, entire nation wanted peace by eliminating terrorists once and forever, he added. He said, Pakistan Army is taking decisive action against terrorists in FATA and other tense areas, as this is not the time for dialogue with terrorists and extremists. The army operation is not a conventional war but a guerrilla fight, he said and added “Our army is fighting very efficiently against the coward people, who strike through ambushes and these anti‑social and anti‑Pakistan elements work on foreign agendas”. The Prime Minister also paid rich homage to Army Jawans, civilians and children martyred during the military offensive against the extremists. To another question, he said that division of a province is a constitutional matter and those aspiring for it, can raise this issue through parliament or at the platform of their respective parties. To a question, he said all provinces including Punjab would get their water share under Indus River System Authority (IRSA) in line the Water Apportionment Accord 1991. About the issue of revocation of 17th Amendment, he said that it was Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed’s commitment which manifested in the Charter of Democracy (CoD) signed by her and former Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif. While, in his address to the joint sitting of the parliament, the President Asif Ali Zardari had twice reaffirmed his resolve to implement the CoD, he added. All the parliamentary parties have been given due representation in the house committee, constituted to settle this issue, he added. Gilani said that PPP’s manifesto is to revive the 1973 Constitution, given by Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. To a question, the Prime Minister said that he had already announced a Civil Award for Dr. Sarfaraz Naeemi, who sacrificed his life to end terrorism and extremism. Earlier talking to Ulema at the Jamia, the Prime Minister termed Naeemi’s martyrdom a great tragedy for the nation. He said the Ulema had played prominent role in Pakistan’s formation, and now they also have to come forward to brave the challenge of terrorism to save Pakistan. The terrorists have no link with the true message of Islam, which advocates love, harmony, tolerance, fraternity and peace. Federal Social Welfare Minister Samina Khalid Ghurki, Punjab Senior Minister Raja Riaz Ahmed, Provincial IT Minister Farooq Yousaf Ghurki, Qasim Zia and Haji Azizur Rehman Chan were also present.

Venice gets its first woman gondolier

2009-06-28T04:56:00.000-07:00

VENICE: Nine centuries of male monopoly on the canals of Venice came to an end Friday when the first woman passed the grueling test to become a trainee gondolier.Giorgia Boscolo, the 23-year-old daughter of a gondolier, got the lowest points for one of the 22 places available, while two other women candidates failed to gain admission at all. She is now authorized to take passengers on her gondola while completing her training."I have always been in love with gondolas, unlike my three sisters, and I used to prefer going rowing with my father to going out with my friends," Boscolo told Ansa news agency.Her father, Dante, said being a gondolier was "a job that requires a lot of physical strength, but with experience you need less effort and my daughter has lots of experience."The flat-bottomed boats are propelled by a standing oarsman and are nowadays used for giving tourists romantic trips through the city. To gain entry to the guild of gondoliers, candidates also have to demonstrate knowledge of Venetian history.

2 FC men, 11 militants killed in SWaziristan

2009-06-28T04:52:00.000-07:00

WANA: At least two frontier constables were killed in mortar attacks here in South Waziristan while 11 militants were killed in air raids by security forces, the channel reports Sunday.The mortars fired from some unknown location hit Frontier Constabulary’s Fort Tanai and Army Colony areas of Wana, killing two FC personnel and injuring four others.Meanwhile, at least 11 militants were killed in Pak Army’s air strikes in South Waziristan early Sunday.Military jet planes pounded suspected hideouts of Taliban militants in Ladha area of the agency, killing 11 miscreants and wounding many others, claimed the channel.Meanwhile, at least eight suspected militants were killed in clashes with security forces during their ongoing operation in Saam and Langerkhel areas.

Israel to offer three-month settlement freeze

2009-06-28T04:51:00.000-07:00

Jerusalem, June 28: Israel's Defence Minister Ehud Barak will propose a limited three-month freeze on settlement growth in response to increased pressure from Washington, Israeli army radio reported on Sunday. Barak, who is to meet US Middle East envoy George Mitchell in New York on Monday, will propose the limited freeze as a compromise to Washington's demand for a complete halt to settlement activity on occupied land, it said. US President Barack Obama's administration has repeatedly demanded that Israel's new right-wing government halt all settlement growth in the occupied West Bank in order to relaunch peace talks with the Palestinians. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to take steps to halt so-called "natural growth" within existing settlements that Israel expects to keep in any final peace deal. And the possible freeze would not apply to settlements in mostly Arab east Jerusalem, which Israel occupied and annexed in 1967 and which the Palestinians have demanded as the capital of their future state. It would also not cover some 2,000 buildings in West Bank settlement blocs that are currently at an advanced stage of construction, mainly public buildings, a newspaper reported.

Iraq to open up oil fields for first time in four decades

2009-06-28T04:50:00.001-07:00

Baghdad, June 28: Iraq will this week unveil which foreign firms have won contracts to develop its oil and gas fields, nearly four decades after Saddam Hussein nationalised the country's energy infrastructure. The deals, likely to be announced live on television on June 29 and 30, will provide the government with much-needed revenue as it struggles to rebuild the country after three wars and 20 years of debilitating economic sanctions. Thirty-one companies have submitted bids to develop six giant oil fields and two gas fields. The oil deposits, holding known reserves of 43 billion barrels of crude, are in southern and northern Iraq while the gas concessions are west and northeast of Baghdad. "Our principal objective is to increase our oil production from 2.4 million barrels per day to more than four million in the next five years," Oil Minister Hussein al-Shahristani said in an interview with Iraqi public television. Increasing production to that level will, according to him, pump an extra USD 1.7 trillion into government coffers over the next 20 years. Shahristani has said that only USD 30 billion of that sum will go to the companies that have extracted the oil. "This is a huge amount that would finance infrastructure projects across Iraq -- schools, roads, airports, housing, hospitals," he said, insisting that the country would retain control over its oil reserves.

Barbara Mori can't stop falling in love...

2009-06-26T07:48:00.000-07:00

MUMBAI: Media is abuzz with Hrithik Roshan's KITES co-star Barbara Mori who had to apparently stop herself from falling in love with the actor. Along with making statements that India helped her heal from an emotionally turbulent phase of her personal life, the lady who apparently gets infatuated easily has reportedly revealed that she had to try hard to control herself from falling in love 'this time'.It's heard that the stunning enchantress dreads being alone but on a current resolution of not falling in love, she is striving hard to learn to be with herself. Mori recently ended a two -year relationship with fellow Mexican actor Jose Maria Torre. She must have thanked her stars as KITES came to her just then at the perfect time, when she was on the verge of taking a spiritual break to get to know herself better.We are sure Barbara's intimate love making act with Duggu onscreen, of course is definitely one of the reasons for her inability to stay single!

Salman says Akshaye is boring

2009-06-26T07:46:00.002-07:00

MUMBAI:It seems Salman Khan likes to have total control over his show DUS KA DUM. May be that's the reason he pays special attention to the people who are going to be his guests on the show.It's learnt that Salman made changes in his guest list recently when he gave preference to Arshad Warsi over Akshaye Khanna for being the guest on his show. The reason for this change was Sallu's belief that Akshaye Khanna might sound a bit boring on the show.Well, looks like Salman doesn't regard of the abilities which Akshaye is known for.

Aamir loses his cool

2009-06-26T07:46:00.001-07:00

MUMBAI: But it wasn’t the heat that was responsible for his rising temper. The actor who landed from Ladakh, where he was stationed for Three Idiots, was spotted coming out of the airport speaking angrily into his cell phone for a good ten minutes. After that he and his body guard sat in a cool cab and sped off. From what it appears like, Aamir’s car must not have arrived on time to receive him. And, so was the staff getting a dressing down? Over to you, Aamir.

Sallu Miyan on Filmfare

2009-06-26T07:43:00.002-07:00

Check out Salman Khan on the cover of latest issue of Filmfare magazine and the look is from his upcoming flick Most Wanted with Ayesha Takia. Like it?

Michael Jackson Dead, Fans React with Shock

2009-06-26T07:43:00.001-07:00

Michael Jackson is dead. He died in the late afternoon hours of Thursday, 25th of June at the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles. His family members say that he probably died due to cardiac arrest. Jackson was aged 50.
Fans were shocked when they learned of Michael Jackson’s death. People gathered at Harlem, Apollo Theatre and Times Square in New York, his home town of Gary, Indiana and elsewhere in the country to mourn his death. They spread the news through their mobile phones.
Celebrities across the entertainment field were quick to offer condolences to Michael Jackson’s family and hail the ‘King of Pop’. Many said that he was the greatest entertainer of all time, and that he united whites and blacks with his music.
Michael Jackson was born on Aug. 29, 1958 in Gray, Indiana. He started his musical career with his brothers, at the age of 11. Soon, he was on his own. He came out with the album ‘Thriller’ in 1978. It went on to become the highest selling album of all time, with about 65 million copies and still going.
Jackson has had health problems all his life. He abused his body in many ways. Michael Levine, a publicist who once represented Jackson, said that emotional, physical, legal and financial pressures finally caught up with Jackson.
Michael Jackson was preparing for an epic 50-concert program in London, the first of which was on July 13th. It was supposed to silence his critics. Now the critics have been silenced, although not in the way his fans would have wanted.

Saif goes younger with botox

2009-06-26T07:42:00.001-07:00

Well wonder what made Saif take up a botox job, was it his young girlfriend Bebo giving him complex or his young co-star Deepika Padukone, well the latter gave him the complex.
Saif Ali Khan who is working with Deepika Padukone in his upcoming flick Love Aaj Kal, wanted to look good with young actress Deepika Padukone, so he went for botox treatment and emerged out young.
A source says, “Saif was wearing shades to a lot of events just after he got the job done. This was to hide the telltale signs. Now that the after-effects have worn out, he steps out in day light without the shades.”
Whoever have seen the promos of Love Aaj Kal are raving about Saif’s young look and now you know the secret too.
Bebo might be very happy to have a jawaan looking Saifoo by her side.

Rani the Sardar

2009-06-26T07:40:00.000-07:00

Check out Rani Mukherjee as a Sardar in upcoming Yash Raj flick Dil Bole Hadippa opposite Shahid Kapoor.
Rani plays the role of Sikh boy from a small town who comes to the city to be a part of the International Indian Cricket team which is captained by Shasha, Shahid Kapoor.
Like Rani Mukherjee’s sardar look?

Akki-Bebo smooch 10 times in Kambakht Ishq

2009-06-26T07:05:00.000-07:00

Akshay Kumar must be feeling really lucky to be a part of Kambakht Ishq, first he gets to smooch Hollywood hottie, Denise Richards for a good two minutes and then he gets 10 lip kisses from co-star Kareena too.
A source says, While everyone is aware that there is a kissing scene between Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor, no one knows that they have lip locked as many as ten times. The news has been very hush hush as both the lead actors were of the opinion that it should not be leaked out. However, now that the film is releasing and there are many trial shows going on, people who have seen the film are aware of it. Many people in the trade are also surprised that both the stars agreed to so many. In fact, four among the 10 kisses feature before the pre-climax. The chemistry between Akshay and Kareena is excellent and they both have beautiful bodies and look extremely sexy onscreen”
Ask producer Sajid Nadiadwala about it and he says, “Why do you want me to tell the whole world if there are so many kisses in the film? Let the audience watch the film and they will know about it.”
So certain Hashmi we are dethroning you from your Serial Kisser throne and giving it to the Serial Kisser Akki now!

Katrina spotted in a veil

2009-06-26T06:45:00.000-07:00

Well this is how our beautiful Katrina Kaif looks in a veil. Apparerntly she went to the shrine of Ajmer Sharif to pray for her upcoming flick New York.
A shirne person says,”Katrina Kaif visited the holy shrine of Ajmer, in Rajasthan on Tuesday, clad in a ’salwar-kameez’ and wearing a black laced veil/scarf, in order to escape being mobbed”
Well she looks beautiful even with the veil!!

Indo-Pak consensus to continue bilateral ties

2009-06-26T06:44:00.001-07:00

TRIESTE: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi Friday said Pakistan and India will get along in restoring the composite talks between the two countries.Talking to media here, Shah Mehmood said his meeting with his Indian counterpart SM Krishna turned out very positive and fruitful.Indian Foreign Minster SM Krishna said Pakistan and India should resolve all their outstanding issues mutually; however, if any friend country wants to play a role in this connection, then India will have no objection to it.According to media reports, Indian FM said Pak-India relations are strained, and its reason is terrorism.However, Pakistan FM said both the countries have agreed on continuing contacts.

Gharibabad blast kills 2, injures 25

2009-06-26T06:30:00.000-07:00

KARACHI: At least two persons were killed and 25 injured in a blast at a firecracker-producing factory in Karachi area of Gharibabad near Civic Center, Geo News reported Friday.The body of a woman has been taken out from under the debris of the house. There are reports that a body of a child also was taken out from the rubble.MS Abbasi Shaheed said at least 20 injured were brought to the hospital; the injured include 8 women, 5 men and 7 children.People in large number thronged the hospital, which is causing hardships for the medical staff in carrying out their duties.It should be mentioned here that the local people gave complaints to police regarding the presence of a firecrackers factory; however, no action was taken against the responsible.Massive traffic jams are being witnessed in the area.A gas pipeline passing through the area blew up as a result of intensity of the blast. The Sui Gas company personnel arrived before long and cut off the gas connection. The blast was so powerful that more than dozen houses collapsed.According to eyewitnesses, the whole area smells of the gunpowder.Gulberg town Nazim said the street is quite narrow, which does not have enough space for the heavy machinery to enter the affected for relief activity.People in large number gathered on the spot causing hurdles in the relief activities. Once, police baton-charged to disperse them.

'King of Pop' Michael Jackson dies at 50

2009-06-26T06:29:00.000-07:00

Los Angeles, June 25: It’s a sad day for music lovers as Michael Jackson, the sensationally gifted child star who rose to become the ‘King of Pop’ and the biggest celebrity in the world only to fall from his throne in a freakish series of scandals, died Thursday. He was 50.

A music genius, who got the world grooving to his signature style and heart thumping numbers, Jackson died at UCLA Medical Center after being stricken at his rented home in Holmby Hills. Paramedics tried to resuscitate him at his home for nearly three-quarters of an hour, then rushed him to the hospital, where doctors continued to work on him. "It is believed he suffered cardiac arrest in his home. However, the cause of his death is unknown until results of the autopsy are known," his brother Jermaine said. Police said they were investigating, standard procedure in high-profile cases. Jackson's death brought a tragic end to a long, bizarre, sometimes farcical decline from his peak in the 1980s, when he was popular music's premier all-around performer, a uniter of black and white music who shattered the race barrier on MTV, dominated the charts and dazzled even more on stage. His 1982 album ‘Thriller’ — which included the blockbuster hits ‘Beat It,’ ‘Billie Jean’ and ‘Thriller’ — is the best-selling album of all time, with an estimated 50 million copies sold worldwide. Out to gain his lost glory, Jackson was rehearsing hard for what was to be his greatest comeback ever. He was scheduled for an unprecedented 50 shows at a London arena, with the first set for July 13. As word of his death spread, MTV switched its programming to play videos from Jackson's heyday. Radio stations began playing marathons of his hits. Hundreds of people gathered outside the hospital. In New York's Times Square, a low groan went up in the crowd when a screen flashed that Jackson had died, and people began relaying the news to friends by cell phone. "No joke. King of Pop is no more. Wow," Michael Harris, 36, of New York City, read from a text message a friend had sent him. "It's like when Kennedy was assassinated. I will always remember being in Times Square when Michael Jackson died." Jackson rose to fame as a boy in the late 1960s, when he was the precocious, spinning lead singer of the Jackson 5, the singing group he formed with his four older brothers out of Gary, Ind. Among their No 1 hits were 'I Want You Back,' 'ABC' and 'I'll Be There.'

Jackson was on a cocktail of drugs months before his death

2009-06-26T06:20:00.000-07:00

Washington, June 27: King of pop Michael Jackson had been taking a cocktail of seven prescription drugs that caused the cardiac arrest that took his life, if reports are to be believed.

The legendary star passed away last night at the age of 50 after he suffered a heart attack at his home in Holmby Hills, California, and failed to recover even after repeated resuscitation attempts. Celebrity magazine Life & Style has now reported that Jackson was addicted to prescription drugs in the months before his death. A source has revealed that Jackson had been popping pills, including anti-anxiety drugs Xanax and Zoloft and painkiller Demerol, for weeks before he lost his life. An insider has revealed that the ''Thriller'' hit-maker took a suspected overdose of drugs on Thursday morning, which caused respiratory and cardiac arrest. In an interview with CNN, Jackson’s family lawyer, Brian Oxman, commented that the icon was killed by an abuse of prescription drugs, and compared his death to that of tragic star Anna Nicole Smith. He has claimed that Jackson’s death is down to the people who surrounded him before his untimely demise. "I believe (his manager) Frank DiLeo was with him at the time (of his heart attack), that is what I have been told," Contactmusic quoted him as saying. "This family has been trying for months and months and months to take care of Michael Jackson. The people who have surrounded him have been enabling him. "If you think the case of Anna Nicole Smith was an abuse, that is nothing compared to what has taken place in the life of Michael Jackson. "I do not know what medications he was taking, but the reports that we have received within the family are that they were extensive. "I don’t know the cause of all this. But this is something that I feared. This is a case of abuse of medications, unless the cause is something else. "This was something which I feared and something which I warned about. Where there is smoke there is fire," he added.

Case against SRK for hurting religious sentiments

2009-06-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

A case has been filed by All India Jamaitul Quresh, an Islamic organization against SRK for hurting the religious sentiments of Muslim by referring to Prophet Mohammed(P.B.U.H) as a negative figure in the history.
However SRK who is currently in Los Angeles shooting for My Name Is Khan says that he did not say such a thing and the error occurred due to negligence by the magazine editors and writers.
HE says, “Obviously, I think there is no figure in history more important than Prophet Mohammed.”
“Also, being a Muslim and standing up for the tenets of Islam is my most important agenda… and if they have seen my interviews, etc on TV about Islam, then the people who are objecting should realize that what has appeared is a writing error not a thought or view that I believe in. Prophet Mohammed is the most important positive figure in Islam.”
The magazine also accepted their fault and has issued a statement apologizing for the error.
The publication’s statement read, “This is with reference to the interview with Shah Rukh Khan that featured in Time’N Style-Luxury Vol-1 issue: The answer to question ‘According to you (Shah Rukh) who is the most impressive figure in history?’ should have appeared as: ‘There are lots of them. Some negative ones like Hitler. Then Napoleon, Winston Churchill were impressive.
” ‘If I can call it history then most impressive, positive figure Prophet Mohammad and from recent times there are the nice ones like Nelson Mandela, Gandhiji and Mother Teresa.’
However even after an apology issued by both SRK and the magazine, the organisation has not withdrawn their FIR.

Shahid bonds with Priyanka's dad

2009-06-23T09:56:00.001-07:00

MUMBAI: After the news about Priyanka dumping Shahid Kapur out of her life, it's known that Shahid is figuring out new ways to reach back to her lady love.Since the two actors stay in the same society, Shahid has hit a new friendship with Priyanka's dad Dr. Ashok Chopra and the two seem to have lots to talk about according to reliable sources.Though Priyanka might hate Shahid for being too conservative about his relationships, the fact of the matter is that Shahid is quite welcome by Priyanka's parents who find him quite adoring.Now, with the daughter against her dad's best friend, we wonder if Shahid's formula is going to yield any results for him.

It will break my heart if New York fails: Katrina

2009-06-23T09:54:00.001-07:00

Katrina Kaif is not your typical Bollywood heroine -- she wasn't born in India and can barely speak Hindi.Q: It's been more than four years since you entered the industry. Have you always got this kind of attention?A: "No, you grow in the audience's awareness with every film. You can't come in with your first film and expect everyone to love you overnight. It happens to some people, but not to me. It's been a process -- from 'Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya' to 'Sarkar', to 'Humko Deewana Kar Gaye' to 'Namastey London', 'Welcome', 'Race', 'Singh is Kinng'. Some people like 'Namastey London', some liked 'Welcome', and you build on that."Q: Have you assessed this growth and its graph?A: "If you are a stone and are falling you can never assess the magnitude of it. You can only feel the pushing and the stress. But in the rare moment that you can sit back, you do think to yourself that it's been a wonderful journey and thank God, it has worked out well. Otherwise, imagine if you are in the same position after five years going -- 'nothing is working out'.Q: You weren't perceived as the traditional Hindi film heroine when you came into the industry.A: "It was a very reluctant acceptance from the industry. It came in little spurts. Like in Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya, people said, 'chalo, theek hai, she looks OK'. Then in 'Humko Deewana' they said, 'OK, so she can look Indian'. It was in 'Namastey London' that I got my first bit of acceptance from the industry. Every movie is like piece in the puzzle, which ultimately led to me being trusted with bigger and better films."Q: Is 'New York' one of those films?A: "It is the film closest to my heart because it is the first film that I have been able to be 'me'. It is me without the make-up and the heels and when you are not made up and don't have stuff on your face or aren't worried about your lipstick, I can say I am proud of this film. This personally has been a journey for me. When I came for the shoot on the first day, I remember thinking 'Why have I come here?' From then on, to shooting the film, to finding myself, I have already gotten so much out of it."Q: What if it doesn't do well at the box-office?A: This film will break my heart, it really will. So many good people came together to make this film. So for now, let us keep the faith.Q: You said you were faced with doubt when you first came on to the set. Why was that?A: "'Singh is Kinng' had just released in Mumbai and I took the night flight out. It had got the biggest opening ever, there was hysteria. And here I landed up on the sets of a non-big, non-commercial film. And complete panic. I asked myself, 'What am I doing here. There is no Akshay, no Salman here, what I am doing?' I walked on to the set, and you could see the armour around me and I was like 'No one come near me'.Q: You are now doing a Prakash Jha film, a Rajkumar Santoshi film. Are you leaving the 'Singh is Kinng's and 'Welcome's behind?A: "Not at all. I stand by 'Singh is Kinng'. It was a fun film, in that space Anees Bazmee is fantastic. I would definitely work with him again. But it is also important to do something different."With Santoshi, everyone told me, don't look at the script, it doesn't matter. Just work with him, because what you will learn from him as an actor is invaluable. With 'Rajniti' (Jha's film), the script just blew me away. He had worked on it for five years, and his knowledge on the subject was amazing."But I am also doing a 'De Dana Dan', which is a fun film. I don’t really overthink this. Akshay (Kumar) called me the other day and said will you do Priyadarshan's next film. I heard a line of the script, I liked it and I said OK. You have to go with your heart.

Movie Preview : Fruit And Nut

2009-06-23T09:53:00.001-07:00

FRUIT N NUT got a little confused? Since you were scrolling the section for movies and possibly, here you cannot find the popular Cadbury chocolate. But don't be unhappy, as you would be soon laughing, holding your stomach, right in front of the cinema screen. FRUIT N NUT is an upcoming movie, directed by the well-liked MTV VJ and theatre actor - Kunal Vijaykar. Studio 18 group will be producing this debut film of Kunal. FRUIT N NUT is said to be a social parody, suggesting that it would be a comedy with social undercurrent Cyrus Broacha, a friend to Kunal, after jesting at the small screen is ready to get the flash over big screen. The former Miss Asia Pacific, Dia Mirza has been finalized to play the leading lady. Munnabhai MBBS famed, Boman Irani will be another pivotal role player in the hilarious movie. With these talented actors in the movie, it sure promises to be a treat. Sharat Kataria, the one who wrote dialogues for the critically acclaimed funny movie BHEJA FRY, has written the script of this screwball comedy. Regarding the wacky title, Vijaykar stated that Boman suggested this title and it goes juts right for the interesting film.Synopsis:FRUIT N NUT is a madcap comedy with a central character named Jolly Maker, who is a simple, hard working middle class struggling bachelor in search of love, money, friends and success. Jolly Maker works as a clerk/accountant in office of a greedy and corrupt builder named Khandar. He is typically nerdy and un-stylish. He is also accident-prone and leaves a trail of disaster behind him. One fine day in broad daylight, Jolly Maker's beautiful, sexy, smart and snobbish colleague, Monica, gets mysteriously kidnapped.Through a roller coaster ride and series of comical mishaps, Jolly Maker finds himself in the middle of plot that has been hatched by an insane Ex- Maharaja to destroy Mumbai!! Whether the poor, adorable, accident- prone Jolly Maker finally falls in love or not, gets his girl or not and above all is able to save Mumbai or not, makes for rest of the film.

French parliament sets up inquiry into burka

2009-06-23T09:52:00.001-07:00

PARIS: The French National Assembly agreed on Tuesday to set up a fact-finding inquiry into the number of Muslim women who wear the burka, after President Nicolas Sarkozy spoke out against the full Islamic veil.Sarkozy said the burka was "not a sign of religious faith" but a sign of women's "subservience" that is "not welcome" in France.The lower house of parliament was responding to a call from a group of lawmakers, many of whom are from Sarkozy's right-wing UMP party, for a panel to look at ways of restricting the wearing of the burka.Speaker Bernard Accoyer said 32 lawmakers from right-wing and leftist parties will be examining the thorny issue for six months before making recommendations.