Sahara is IHF sponsor; No meeting with Khokhar: Sibal; BJP rejects VHP's demand for legislation on Ayodhya; Muslim Board reply to Kanchi seer; Bakery case judge goes on leave as NHRC team arrives in Vadodara; Congress for freeze on places of worship; Issue of sending troops to Iraq not to affect Indo-US ties: Blackwill; Maruti script zooms on hectic demand; Infant stolen from Delhi hospital; Rs 10 lakh and a house for Sania Mirza; Pushkin Medal for two Indian professors; Hundreds feared dead in Bangla ferry disaster; 3000 pilgrims make it to Amarnath caves; Delhi to miss rickshaw-riding diplomat; Queen calls for Justin; Demi faces Angels' wrath; Robbie, Cameron go karting; Ginger spices up 'Sex and the City'; Geri goes from 'girl power to purl power'; News from India; News for Tourists and Travellers; India Travel Times; India News; India News Times; Indian News; Travel News; Travel; Tourism;

Lucknow, July 9: Sahara India Group has signed an eight-year deal with the Indian Hockey Federation to sponsor both the senior as well as junior national teams. The Indian hockey team will now sport Sahara colours at all international matches, tournaments and ceremonies, IHF president K P S Gill said. "We are confident that this understanding will go a long way in regaining the glory of the '50s and '60s of the national game, which is looking up, especially after the recent performances of the hockey team in international tournaments," Gill added. He added that the full details of the understanding with Sahara India would be worked out soon.

Kathmandu July 9: India's foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal on Wednesday set to rest all speculations about any meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Riaz H. Khokhar. The media was speculating that the two foreign secretaries, now in Kathmandu to attend the 4th special session of the SAARC standing committee, could meet separately following a thaw in relations between the two countries. Recently the two nuclear rivals had taken a series of confidence-building measures after Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee offered a hand of friendship to Pakistan in April. "There is no bilateral meeting," said Sibal who arrived late on Wednesday. Sibal will now join talks on Thursday at the concluding session of the SAARC meeting. Sibal said India's doors for dialogue with Pakistan will open after it addressed India's concerns. India has said that Pakistan should create a conducive climate for talks by putting a complete halt to the cross-border terrorism in Kashmir.

Chennai, July 9: The BJP on Wednesday made it clear that legislation for construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya was not on NDA agenda. Responding to Vishwa Hindu Parishad's demand for the legislation, BJP president M Venkaiah Naidu told reporters that there were no grounds for the demand as BJP could not force the idea on its allies. Naidu, who is here to attend a meeting of RSS and its affiliates, said BJP would not thrust the idea of constructing a Ram temple in Ayodhya on its allies, adding that the party wanted the NDA government to complete its full term.

Lucknow, July 9: The Muslim Personal Law Board on Wednesday sent a letter to the Kanchi Sankaracharya explaining why his proposals for resolving the Ayodhya issue were rejected. A board member said the proposals contained "a veiled threat" to the Muslim community to surrender the disputed site in Ayodhya and to mentally prepare themselves for giving up their claims on Kashi and Mathura. It was a mere repetition of the Sangh Parivar's demand on the temple issue. The letter was sent along with a copy of the resolution passed by the Board at its working committee meeting on Sunday, which unanimously rejected the proposals. The Board said it was optimistic after the first proposal by the seer that a way could be found to resolve the dispute through negotiations. But the second proposal sent by him was completely different to what he had proposed earlier.

Vadodara, July 9: The three-member team of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) arrived in Vadodara on Tuesday to study the legal documents relating to the Best Bakery case even as the judge who gave the controversial judgement on June 27, acquitting all the 21 accused in the case, proceeded on leave. The National Human Rights Commission team, which is taking another look at the Best Bakery case, has finished its work in Vadodara and is expected to submit its report within a week. "We have come here to take the copy of the police and court report. After going through it, we will place our report with the commission within a week and then the commission will decide on the future course of action," said Ajit Bharioke who is heading the three -member team. Twelve people were burnt alive in the bakery and two went missing on March 1, 2002 during post-Godhra communal riots.

Shimla, July 9: The Congress party on Wednesday made it clear that no compromises would be made in an event of an alliance ahead of the forthcoming provincial elections. Addressing mediapersons on the concluding day of the brain- storming session in Shimla, Sonia Gandhi, president of the party, said the Congress favoured alliances with other secular parties. "The Congress would be ready to enter into a proper electoral or coalition arrangements with secular parties on the basis of mutual understanding but always without compromising its basic ideology," said Ms Gandhi.

The sessions were called in the wake of the forthcoming Assembly elections in Rajasthan, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram - four of which are ruled by the Congress. Ms Gandhi also said political parties should abide by the court's decision on the explosive temple-mosque row in Ayodhya but the party was not averse to a mutually acceptable solution between majority Hindus and minority Muslims. "We believe that the Ayodhya dispute must be resolved to the core. All parties must abide by the judicial verdict. We are not against the facilitation of the negotiating settlement among the parties to the dispute," Ms Gandhi said. The Shimla Declaration adopted by the Congress at the end of the 3-day session also proposes a freeze on places of worship on "as it is, where it is" basis as they have existed since independence in 1947 except for Ayodhya dispute on which a court sits in judgement.

Issue of sending troops to Iraq not to affect Indo-US ties: Blackwill (Go To Top)
-by N Bhadran Nair

New Delhi, July 9: The United States says its relation with India is in no way going to be affected, even if New Delhi decides to stay away from the stabilization process in Iraq. US Ambassador to India Robert Blackwill, however, said it is a strategic opportunity for India. "This is a strategic opportunity for it. But if it doesn't, it is not going to damage Indo-US relationship," said Blackwill in an exclusive interview to ANI. Blackwill said the US-India relationship is in steep ascendance and will go in steep ascendance, whether or not India contribute its troops or not.

The envoy denied criticism that the US is adopting different yardsticks to fight terrorism. He said though his country has been working with India to root out terrorism in the region, there has not been complete success. "There continues to be terrorism against India which emanates from Pakistan. I wouldn't say we have had complete success. But we are not going to flag it down or end it permanently. We have our stamina and we work on this problem virtually every day," said Blackwill. Blackwill said the third initiative of Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee has created political space, which gives an opportunity now to lower the tension and begin a real diplomatic dialogue between the two sides. "Let me say that I think the initiative the Prime Minister voiced in Srinagar was quite remarkable. I believe it was an act of great statesmanship on his part to open the door, once third time for reconciliation between India and Pakistan," opined Blackwill.

Blackwill has opted out of his two-year diplomatic stint in India and would be returning home towards the end of this month to resume his academic pursuits. He scoffed at some reports that his premature departure has something do with a differing perception with the Bush Administration. Blackwill was the Belfer Lecturer in International Security at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government and taught foreign and defence policy. He was special assistant to President George Bush for European and Soviet Affairs and his contribution to German unification was recognized through the Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit by Germany.

Mumbai, July 9: Auto major Maruti Udyog Limited has started trading for the first time with a big bang after it was listed at the National Stock Exchange at Rs 164.50 a share. Opening at Rs 158.90 on Wednesday at the Bombay Stock Exchange, the scrip shot up within minutes to Rs 163.50 a share following hectic demand. The first deal was executed for one share at Rs 158.40, BSE spokesperson said. Over 36.7 lakh shares were traded in less than half an hour with foreign institutional investors as also domestic mutual funds evincing keen buying interest. The MUL securities were admitted for dealings on BSE in the list of specified securities (A group). MUL managing director Jagdish Khattar told newspersons after striking the ceremonial gong on BSE, "The market for small cars, those priced upto Rs 400,000, is huge in India and with better vehicle finance facilities we can tap the growing demand and maintain our leadership position". Suzuki Motor Corporation, parent company of MUL, has decided to make Indian operations a base for research and development for small car and Asian market, he said. On the plans on second hand car business, Khattar said currently the market for such vehicles was unorganised and for MUL this was one of the future areas for growth.

New Delhi, July 9: After the much publicised case of a stolen baby in Hyderabad, once again a case of baby theft has hit the headlines. An infant has been stolen from the maternity ward of Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital in Delhi. While the 25-year old Sudha, the mother of the stolen child, weeps for her child, authorities are clueless. Sudha was admitted in Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital on Monday and underwent a caesarean operation. She was admitted to the post- natal ward (number 13) around 6 pm. Sudha believes the baby boy was taken away by an unidentified woman who had been in the ward the entire night.

The authorities cannot explain how an outsider could spend so much time in the ward without being noticed. Delhi Health Minister A.K.Walia today visited the hospital. He said the investigation is on and the photograph of the suspected woman has been drawn. "The security staff of the hospital as well as the police are doing the verification. The photograph of the suspect has been drawn. Even the patient has identified that lady," said Walia. Walia futher said there is the need to tighten security at the hospital. For monitoring the entry of people in hospitals, Delhi Government will soon introduce a two-card system. Two cards will be issued to every patient who gets admitted and only those who have this card will be allowed to enter the hospital," said Walia.

Hyderabad, July 9: Sania Mirza, who became the first Indian girl to win the junior doubles at the Wimbledon, was accorded a grand reception by her family and friends at Hyderabad on Tuesday evening. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu lauded the Ggrand Slam winner's achievements and presented her with Rs 10 lakh and a house. "To encourage her further, immediately we are giving her a house set in Hyderabad and also one million rupees in cash. Apart from this I am planning her career building, how to get her to America for training," said Naidu.

Sania Mirza and Alisa Kleybanova of Russia defeated Katerina Bohmova (Czech Republic) and Michaela Krajicek (Netherlands) in the girls doubles final of Wimbledon on Sunday. A jubilant Mirza said she is still getting accustomed to her victory. "I could not believe it...it is still sinking in...that I have won the Wimbledon, and I am here...but it is definitely a very good feeling," said Mirza. Mirza added that now she would be looking ahead to perform well in the next Grand Slam, the US open.

She made an impression on the tennis circuit as a 14-year old in 2001 when she became the youngest ever Indian to figure in the main draw of the girls' junior Wimbledon tennis championship. Sania Mirza has won 10 singles titles and 13 doubles titles since she arrived in the international junior tennis scene three years ago. She has also won three senior singles titles and two senior doubles title on WTA tour.

Moscow, July 9: Two Indian professors K P S Unny of Jawaharlal Nehru University and Sabiruddin of Indian Institute of Technology have been honoured with the Pushkin Medal, the highest international award for outstanding contribution to Russian studies abroad. Previous Indian recipients of the award included Director of Institute of Russian Studies in India (now part of JNU) Prof C N Chakravarti and Prof Abhai Maurya of Delhi University. Over 1,200 delegates from all over the world participated in the congress of the International Association of the Teachers of Russian language and literature.

Dhaka, July 9: Up to 400 people were feared drowned after a ferry sank in a river swollen by monsoon rains in Bangladesh, official sources said on Wednesday. The double-decker MV Nasreen was on its way to the southern town of Barisal from Dhaka when it went down in the Meghna river in Chandpur, 170 km southeast of the capital. The ferry sank with over 600 people. According to survivors, only 200 swam to safety or were rescued and the rest sank with the ferry, police chief of the Chandpur district said. Three bodies were recovered from the river and one of the survivors died in hospital, police said. At least 19 people were being treated for injuries, they said. A rescue ship was at the site and hundreds of people were crowding river banks for news of their kin, witnesses said.

Jammu, July 9: The first batch of 3000 Hindu pilgrims reached the holy Amarnath cave on Wednesday. They started their journey from here on Tuesday under tight security. The devotees reached the hilltop shrine after an arduous 48-km (29 miles) trek. Security has been tightened because the annual pilgrimage was targeted several times in the past by Islamic guerrillas fighting Indian rule in Jammu and Kashmir. The pilgrims said they were satisfied with the security cover.

The Jammu and Kashmir Bank has introduced an insurance cover of Rs 1 lakh for Amarnath pilgrims at a notional premium of Rs 20. Almost 95,000 pilgrims out of a targeted 112,000 have so far registered for the annual pilgrimage. Last year, 110,793 people visited the cave shrine while a record 173,334 went there in 2000. Pilgrims will be allowed to trek in batches of 3000-3,500 each to the cave shrine from Jammu every day. Amarnath stands at a height of nearly 12,500 feet (3,888 metres) above sea level, 141 km from Srinagar. The base camp is located at Pahalgam, 96 km south of the summer capital. The journey takes the devotees through rain-swollen streams and past a glacier-fed lake to the cave where they worship an ice stalagmite, believed to be a phallic symbol representing the regenerative powers of Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction.

Bottomlines

Delhi to miss rickshaw-riding diplomat (Go To Top)
-by N Bhadran Nair

New Delhi, July 9: The diplomatic enclave of New Delhi would miss the diplomat who rides a cycle-rickshaw! Yes this strange diplomat from Britain, Gerry McCrudden, is winding up his assignment in Delhi and moving back to his country a week later. And he never forgot to pack his cycle-rickshaw too. "I have sent it to London and will soon be peddling my short legs on the streets of that fair city," said McCrudden. "It's great fun," said McCrudden gleefully when asked about his strange passion. But how come he drives around in a cycle-rickshaw in the diplomatic enclave. "It is unusual, I think, in having its own CD/AF number plate. No, I have never been challenged by the police. But they and passersby have frequently hailed me and jokingly asked for a ride," said McCrudden. The First Secretary dealing with Press and Public Affairs in the British High Commission has no qualms about driving a cycle- rickshaw in the posh New Delhi area. "We all do our job. I think riding a rickshaw is a noble profession as my own profession or any other profession," McCrudden dismissed his critics.

McCrudden, who could never ride a bicycle when he was a child, was fascinated by it when he landed up in New Delhi on a diplomatic assignment in May 2000. And to fulfil his childhood passion, he owned a cycle-rickshaw from Lady Catherine Young, the wife of High Commissioner Sir Rob Young, "at a very good price". As his personal belongings were packed, he was in two minds, to take it or not to take it. But a cycle-mender came to his rescue and dismantled the rickshaw into a compact box. McCrudden is only worried whether he would be able to put it back to its form, once in London, where he won't get a cycle-rickshaw repairing shop. A diplomat on the move, McCrudden won't mind taking it to any other country, if the terrain is suitable to ride it. "I have persuaded some of my colleagues here to follow suit. But I don't know they have taken it seriously." Until someone else takes fascination for the poor man's transport, the diplomatic enclave in New Delhi would certainly miss the diplomat-on-cycle-rickshaw, Gerry McCrudden.

Queen calls for Justin (Go To Top)

London, July 9: This is one invitation that Justin Timberlake simply can't refuse. After all, it's not everyday that you get a royal invitation to perform in the august company of the Queen of England. The 22-year old pop hunk has been beckoned by the Buckingham Palace to unleash his vocal skills at the Royal Variety Performance in Edinburgh in November, according to a report in the Sun. Although the American singer has not replied in the affirmative so far, event organisers seem desperate to get him in the act. The annual show, produced by Granada TV, usually has an impressive line-up of the showbiz fraternity, especially performing for the Queen. "It just goes to show that no woman on earth is immune to his charms! The last time he was in England, he was invited to sing at Buckingham Palace, but unfortunately he was too busy," a spokeswoman said, referring to the Queen's invite.

Demi faces Angels' wrath (Go To Top)

Washington, July 9: The angels are a miffed lot these days. Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz and Lucy Liu are harbouring all but angelic feelings for 'Charlie's Angels :Full Throttle' co-star Demi Moore for walking away with the laurels, according to a report in the New York Post. "Drew, Cameron and Lucy were really angry after the L.A. premiere of the movie when Demi stole the show from them by arriving at the last minute with Ashton Kutcher, Bruce and her kids," a source was quoted as saying. Apparently, the 'Ghost' star also refused interviews, which acted in her favour by granting her greater publicity from the media. "Drew even thought the box-office returns were hurt because Demi did so much press that she over-saturated the market," the source further went on to add. Meanwhile, ties between the stars soured perceptibly with the trio rebuking Moore at the New York and European premieres by refusing to sit or speak with her. Cameron Diaz escalated matters further when she snapped at a TV reporter questioning about Moore. "I don't want to talk about her! The movie isn't all about her!" , the 'My best friend's wedding' star said. However, representatives for Moore, Diaz and Barrymore weren't available for comment.

Robbie, Cameron go karting (Go To Top)

London, July 9: What made Charlie's Angels actress Cameron Diaz and her boyfriend Justin Timberlake' s chart rival, Robbie Williams, come closer? Well, the duo went on an intimate date-- go-karting. The couple bumped into each other in Berlin's Four Seasons hotel. Since they know each other from Los Angeles Cameron was so pleased to see a familiar face that she leapt at Robbie's invitation to go for an evening's racing. The singer is in the German capital for two gigs while Cameron is promoting Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle with co-stars Lucy Liu and Drew Barrymore, according to a report in the Sun. "They bumped into each other in the bar and decided it would be fun to go karting. They headed off to a posh track in the Spandau area of the city and had a great time," a friend of Robbie's said. "They both have very bubbly personalities and bounce off each other. I don't really know if there was much romance involved but who knows what might happen," a friend of Robbie's said.

Ginger spices up 'Sex and the City' (Go To Top)

Washington, July 9: It's the undeclared war of the Spices. Posh Spice has landed a pretty major role in a Hollywood musical comedy, so Ginger's hit back in her own minor way with news of a cameo in the ultimate TV expression of Girl Power - 'Sex and the City'. According to a report in People News, the recently plumped-up Halliwell is filming in New York this week and, despite carrying extra weight, will appear on screen wearing a bikini top and tiny mini skirt. Disappointingly, she will not provide the love interest for Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda. Geri may feel she's on familiar ground in a series based on four sex crazed girl pals looking for that one elusive relationship.

Geri goes from 'girl power to purl power' (Go To Top)

London, July 9: It's knitting that occupied Geri Halliwell's break from filming hit US sitcom 'Sex and the City'. According to a report in the Sun, the 30-year old singer looked pretty darn good as she picked up her needles in between scenes for the raunchy show in New York. She impressed fans by knitting a scarf and chatting at the same time - without so much as dropping a stitch. Geri, sporting a tiny skirt and bikini top, began her hobby earlier this year. Julia Roberts and Kate Moss have also taken up knitting. One onlooker said: "Geri uses knitting to unwind. She seems to have gone from Girl Power to Purl Power."