The feeling of euphoria cricket lovers all over the world felt over the recent 'resurgence' in Pakistan cricket was short lived.
Pakistan drew a two match test series against Australia 1- 1 in a ' goodwill series' in England and after being soundly thrashed by England in the first two tests, won a splendid victory in the third. At the fourth and final test, it had England on its knees at seven for 102. The golden run ended there, England made 446 and Pakistan collapsed for 74 and 147 suffering its heaviest- ever innings defeat.
Even to those who swear by the glorious uncertainties of cricket, this was too much to stomach. How can the brilliant Pak pace trio, Mohammad Ameer, Mohammad Asif and rookie Wahab Riaz, allow an eighth wicket partnership of 300 plus and even allowing for its fragile batting, collapse so dramatically in both the innings. Or was it part of riddle which was Pak cricket? Apparently, it was something more. Even as the Lord's test match was in progress, Scotland ard personnel searched hotel rooms and seized the mobiles of some Pakistan players.
They were following up the sensational revelations in the British tabloid ' News of the World' which conducted a sting operation involving a well- known London- based contact man and bookie Mazhar Majeed . Arrested by the police ( later released on bail without any charge sheet being filed), Majeed talked freely about his close association with the Pak players, many of whom he pointed out were interested ' in wealth, women and food', rather than playing cricket. The videos made by the tabloid showed instances of ' spot fixing' where players delivered programmed no balls which had been decided before hand between the fixer and the players.
Was this the latest development in the 'art' of fixing and, if so, it was a serious development.
Rather than trying to fix the result of a match, the fixer now, can tempt errant players to play the nefarious game at its every stage. There were millions of bettors who would put their money on anything, the timing of a no ball or a wide, the exact moment a boundary would be hit and so on.
Thanks to the Pakistan players and fixers, every single action of cricketers could come under scrutiny! Pak captain Salman Butt denied the fixing charges, saying they were only allegations.
' News of the World' thrived on sensationalism and often treated truth with a pinch of salt. Couldn't the video tapes be doctored to achieve the desired result? Only detailed investigations by the police can decide these.
Yet, Pak cricket for several years had been tainted with different types of scandals. The team had lost matches when it was in impregnable positions. Bookies and shady characters had free access to the players.
And the Pak cricket board , neck- deep in controversy, backstabbing and passing the buck seldom had the time to guide and supervise the cricket players. What was more disturbing about the recent scandal was the apparent involvement of Umar Amin and Wahab Riaz, two young newcomers to the team. Had the fixers decided on a new policy of ' catch them young'? That is Pakistan cricket for you It was as chaotic as everything else in the nation. Over the years, it had had as many cricket captains as Prime Ministers. Selectors came and went with alarming regularity. Infighting among players rivalled that prevailing in our political parties and egos were more carefully nurtured than batting or bowling skills. Star players, including captains, were suspended and fined on various counts, but within months, everything was forgotten and forgiven, they were back in the team scoring runs and taking wickets. When was made captain in preference to or Z, players owning allegiance to these two performed badly so that the team could lose. Cricketing sense, team loyalty and national pride were lost on players who, time and again, managed to lose games which should have been won with ease. The climax of all that was wrong with Pak cricket came to s head some weeks back, when all- rounder and one- day specialist, Shahid Afridi, chosen to lead the team because no one else was available, lost the first test match against Australia in neutral England.
Immediately, Afridi announced he did not have the temperament for test cricket, complained of some physical ailment and flew back home, ditching the team.
Despite national turmoil and cricket politics, Pakistan figured in an outstanding and heart throbbing test series against Australia and England on alien soil. It was test cricket at its best with most of the matches finishing well within the stipulated five days. This was cricket for the connoisseur and would have gladdened the hearts of great cricket writers like Cardus, Ray Robinson and Jack Fingleton.
Cool breeze, lush green outfield, pitches which helped both batters and bowlers, skies occasionally blue but suddenly turned cloudy, helping seam bowlers to pose challenges to batsmen. Into this scene marched a number of young Pak medium pacers led by Mohammad Ameer who was only 18. He bowled left arm fast, moved the ball both ways, displayed stamina and skill and in batting would not give away his wicket easily. From the other end, bowled Asif, a veteran at 25, who had faced drug charges in the past and now mesmerized batsmen with his late swing. When the third members of the pace trio, Umar Gul, broke down ( when did he ever complete a full series?), in stepped the burly, unknown Wahab Riaz, bowling left arm, unleashing a mean bouncer and taking five wickets in his debut besides batting sensibly. Seam and swing bowling was England's strength but the rookies from Pakistan outdid them in bowling skills and gave a torrid time to Pietersen, Strauss, Collingwood and other England batters.
The Pak batting was fragile, we saw startling collapses but newcomer Azhar Ali and recalled veteran Mohammad oussuf steadied the ship. Had such talent been spotted in Australia, England or South Africa. We would have seen record breaking achievements and top rankings. But the Pak environment was so different. Players did not seem to be educated and unable to handle money and fame.
Perhaps that was why they succumbed to blandishments from shady fixers, sacrificing personal integrity and national pride. In the past senior players were involved in scandals, but now the rot began from the level of the youngsters. If this was not checked on time, Pak cricket would lose all its credibility. The scandal was also a warning to Indian cricket, particularly the IPL brand, which believed that money was the ultimate goal for the noble game of cricket.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
BJP MPs Bunk Workshop On Etiquette
The Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP)' s image of being 'a party with a difference' and disciplined unit stands dented once again. And it is not a rival political group, which has caused the damage.
The opposition party's own firsttime lawmakers are responsible for the loss of reputation as over 40 percent of them skipped a two- day training camp the saffron group organised here in New Delhi on August 28 and August 29 to teach them how to become an effective MP. The long list of absentees included Varun Gandhi, the Lok Sabha MP from Pilibhit, Tarun Vijay, the former editor of Panchjanya and now Rajya Sabha MP, Anurag Thakur, son of Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal and Lok Sabha MP from the State. While Thakur, Tarun Vijay and 12 others had intimated the party in advance about their inability to attend, Varun Gandhi and 23 others absented without information. The party is in the process of seeking explanation from them. " I'll give the list of absentees to Advaniji and Sushmaji.
It will be for them to seek an explanation," says Ram Naik, the former Union Minister and National Convener of BJP's MPs and MLAs Development Cell.
Naik told The Free Press Journal that the first- time MPs from Goa, Dadra Nagar Haveli and Karnataka could not attend as they had either panchayat or municipal elections in their area. The first time parliamentarians from Bihar, he added, were busy in preparing for the forthcoming assembly polls.
Senior BJP leaders Advani, Swaraj, Nitin Gadkari, Arun Jaitely, Bal Apte, Gopinath Munde, SS Ahluwalia and Vinay Sahasrabhuddhe, Director General of Mumbaibased Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini lectured the parliamentarians on different issues. The training camp, organised in a Naturopathy and oga centre on the outskirts of Delhi, was held after a decade. Naik said that the participant MPs had suggested increase in the duration and frequency of the training workshops.
The opposition party's own firsttime lawmakers are responsible for the loss of reputation as over 40 percent of them skipped a two- day training camp the saffron group organised here in New Delhi on August 28 and August 29 to teach them how to become an effective MP. The long list of absentees included Varun Gandhi, the Lok Sabha MP from Pilibhit, Tarun Vijay, the former editor of Panchjanya and now Rajya Sabha MP, Anurag Thakur, son of Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal and Lok Sabha MP from the State. While Thakur, Tarun Vijay and 12 others had intimated the party in advance about their inability to attend, Varun Gandhi and 23 others absented without information. The party is in the process of seeking explanation from them. " I'll give the list of absentees to Advaniji and Sushmaji.
It will be for them to seek an explanation," says Ram Naik, the former Union Minister and National Convener of BJP's MPs and MLAs Development Cell.
Naik told The Free Press Journal that the first- time MPs from Goa, Dadra Nagar Haveli and Karnataka could not attend as they had either panchayat or municipal elections in their area. The first time parliamentarians from Bihar, he added, were busy in preparing for the forthcoming assembly polls.
Senior BJP leaders Advani, Swaraj, Nitin Gadkari, Arun Jaitely, Bal Apte, Gopinath Munde, SS Ahluwalia and Vinay Sahasrabhuddhe, Director General of Mumbaibased Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini lectured the parliamentarians on different issues. The training camp, organised in a Naturopathy and oga centre on the outskirts of Delhi, was held after a decade. Naik said that the participant MPs had suggested increase in the duration and frequency of the training workshops.
Vibgor Row: HC Says No Stigma Attached To Girl
The Bombay High Court today observed that there is no stigma attached to the 13- year- old student of Vibgyor school in Goregaon who was expelled and later admitted to another school.
The division bench of Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice S C Dharmadhikari were hearing a review petition filed by Adhishree Gopalkrishnan and was argued in person by her mother. In July 2010, HC dismissed her petition after holding that continuing in the same school would be `` more traumatic'' for her.
Avisha argued before the court that Adhishree has to travel a total "60 kms daily" from Goregaon to Chembur to her new school and is passing through a traumatic experience with anxiety attacks as she has been labelled as a rejected student.
She urged the court to direct the school to admit Adhishree. Today she urged the court to set aside the expulsion order, term it "illegal" and "remove the stigma permanently from her life." She added, "Her mid- term exams are on. She is anxiously waiting to know what is going to happen to her future." The school's lawyer Janak Dwarakadas told the court that Adhishree was admitted to the new school in July 2010 even as the court was seized of the matter. He claimed that she is currently residing at a place some 15 minutes from the new school. Avisha riposted that while she did take the admission for her daughter in July, the claim of staying in Chembur was baseless. "Her mid-term exams are on. She is anxiously waiting to know what is going to happen to her future." The judges said they cannot pass an order revoking the expulsion and these cases needed to be over and done with. "This is now a closed chapter," said Justice Shah. The judges clarified that their July 7, 2010 order did not give any adverse finding about the girl so as to create a stigma. They said mere stigma cannot be a ground for review.
Before she commenced her arguments, Avisha requested Chief Justice Shah to ask his fellow- judge on the bench, Justice Dharmadhikari to recuse himself from the case. She said the judge's father, a retired HC judge, Justice C S Dharmadhikari is closely associated with the Forum for Private Unaided schools. Rustom Kerawala, trustee of Vibgyor High School, is also part of the same forum.
The Forum recently filed a petition in court against the state government's new resolution which aims at capping school fees. "This is a direct conflict of interest," she added.
Vibgyor refused admission to Adhishree in the current academic year. The school's lawyers earlier argued that the girl was not at fault but her mother's behaviour in the past three years had vitiated the atmosphere in the school. Avisha is spearheading the case pending in HC over the school's fee hike in 2007.
The division bench of Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice S C Dharmadhikari were hearing a review petition filed by Adhishree Gopalkrishnan and was argued in person by her mother. In July 2010, HC dismissed her petition after holding that continuing in the same school would be `` more traumatic'' for her.
Avisha argued before the court that Adhishree has to travel a total "60 kms daily" from Goregaon to Chembur to her new school and is passing through a traumatic experience with anxiety attacks as she has been labelled as a rejected student.
She urged the court to direct the school to admit Adhishree. Today she urged the court to set aside the expulsion order, term it "illegal" and "remove the stigma permanently from her life." She added, "Her mid- term exams are on. She is anxiously waiting to know what is going to happen to her future." The school's lawyer Janak Dwarakadas told the court that Adhishree was admitted to the new school in July 2010 even as the court was seized of the matter. He claimed that she is currently residing at a place some 15 minutes from the new school. Avisha riposted that while she did take the admission for her daughter in July, the claim of staying in Chembur was baseless. "Her mid-term exams are on. She is anxiously waiting to know what is going to happen to her future." The judges said they cannot pass an order revoking the expulsion and these cases needed to be over and done with. "This is now a closed chapter," said Justice Shah. The judges clarified that their July 7, 2010 order did not give any adverse finding about the girl so as to create a stigma. They said mere stigma cannot be a ground for review.
Before she commenced her arguments, Avisha requested Chief Justice Shah to ask his fellow- judge on the bench, Justice Dharmadhikari to recuse himself from the case. She said the judge's father, a retired HC judge, Justice C S Dharmadhikari is closely associated with the Forum for Private Unaided schools. Rustom Kerawala, trustee of Vibgyor High School, is also part of the same forum.
The Forum recently filed a petition in court against the state government's new resolution which aims at capping school fees. "This is a direct conflict of interest," she added.
Vibgyor refused admission to Adhishree in the current academic year. The school's lawyers earlier argued that the girl was not at fault but her mother's behaviour in the past three years had vitiated the atmosphere in the school. Avisha is spearheading the case pending in HC over the school's fee hike in 2007.
Firm pulled up for sacking woman on maternity leave
The Bombay High Court today observed that the Maternity Benefits Act 1961 is a `` good reason not to appoint women'' while hearing a case where a woman was allegedly sacked while she was on maternity leave.
The division bench of Justice D K Deshmukh and Justice N D Deshpande were hearing a petition filed by Kantilal Chhaganlal Securities challenging the order of the competent authority under the Act - the Assistant Commissioner of Labour, Mumbai.
Waving a copy of the Act, Justice Deshmukh asked, With this Act in force, why do you want to appoint women? This is good reason not to appoint women. However while passing the order, the judges directed the company to deposit Rs 30 lakh of her backwages on Tuesday.
The 28- year- old professional Veena (name changed) was allegedly fired while she was on maternity leave. Under the Act, a pregnant woman is entitled to 12 weeks' paid leave which includes six weeks until delivery and another six after that. She was sanctioned maternity leave between July 21 to October 20, 2008. She delivered on August 11, 2008 after which she sent an application for payment of her salary during this period. She was surprised when the company replied on October 7, 2008 that her services are terminated.
Veena moved the Assistant Commissioner of Labour, Mumbai. On June 10, 2010, Assistant Commissioner R M Parshetty noted in his order that she was " deprived of her legitimate rights to maternity benefits and medical bonus". Also that this deprivation and dismissal is " contrary to provisions of the Act and the same is unlawful and illegal." He directed Veena to be reinstated with payment of backwages, an extra month of maternity leave and medical bonus. The company challenged this order. Their lawyer told the court that they terminated her services on October 20, 2008 after her sanctioned leave was over and not before that.
The division bench of Justice D K Deshmukh and Justice N D Deshpande were hearing a petition filed by Kantilal Chhaganlal Securities challenging the order of the competent authority under the Act - the Assistant Commissioner of Labour, Mumbai.
Waving a copy of the Act, Justice Deshmukh asked, With this Act in force, why do you want to appoint women? This is good reason not to appoint women. However while passing the order, the judges directed the company to deposit Rs 30 lakh of her backwages on Tuesday.
The 28- year- old professional Veena (name changed) was allegedly fired while she was on maternity leave. Under the Act, a pregnant woman is entitled to 12 weeks' paid leave which includes six weeks until delivery and another six after that. She was sanctioned maternity leave between July 21 to October 20, 2008. She delivered on August 11, 2008 after which she sent an application for payment of her salary during this period. She was surprised when the company replied on October 7, 2008 that her services are terminated.
Veena moved the Assistant Commissioner of Labour, Mumbai. On June 10, 2010, Assistant Commissioner R M Parshetty noted in his order that she was " deprived of her legitimate rights to maternity benefits and medical bonus". Also that this deprivation and dismissal is " contrary to provisions of the Act and the same is unlawful and illegal." He directed Veena to be reinstated with payment of backwages, an extra month of maternity leave and medical bonus. The company challenged this order. Their lawyer told the court that they terminated her services on October 20, 2008 after her sanctioned leave was over and not before that.
Lalit Modi Finally Jumps into Bollywood
The ex IPL commissioner will be presenting old friend KC Bokadia's much delayed film 'Khuda Kasam'
Lalit Modi has been the man in the news for all the wrong reasons. The ex IPL commissioner has finally jumped into Bollywood after a couple of flirtations. Modi is slated to be presenting a film, ' Khuda Kasam', produced by his old friend from Rajasthan, KC Bokadia. ' Khuda Kasam' is a long- in- thepipeline film from Bokadia starring Sunny Deol and Tabu in stellar roles.
Bokadia has been in the business for long, but the past few years have seen his cinema going downhill. ' Aaj Ka Arjun' was his last hit and he has seen multiple flops after that. Even ' Khuda Kasam' is an old film which was unsold and which has been rechristened and repackaged for release. And that is where the friend has stepped in with his help.
Modi who was earlier toying with the idea of making a Sushmita Sen film, ' Jhansi Ki Rani', which is being produced by her and stars her in the lead role, has now decided to test the waters with a smaller film even though he himself has been in troubled waters.
Surely Modi seems to be a man who wants to help old friends even as a production house has announced their plans to make a film on Modi's life. Shailendra Singh of Percept Picture Company had mentioned that he had signed on an ad filmmaker turned movie maker, Shamim Desai, to helm their next project on the life and times of Lalit Modi. But then in a tone similar to the life of the ex IPL chief and the controversies surrounding him, Shamim Desai is not willing to confirm that he is ready to direct the film.
Bokadia who last made the big ' Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam', toplining Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan did a cameo) has now confirmed that Modi along with IMPPA ( Indian Motion Pictures Producers' Association) head TP Aggarwal were supporting him to release ' Khuda Kasam'. " es, it's true.
Lalit and I did meet and my film 'Khuda Kasam' will hit the theatres on September 24. Lalit is an old friend and I am short of words to thank him," he said.
Sunny Deol has been cast as a truck driver in this film, just like he was in ' Gadar - Ek Prem Katha'. ' Khuda Kasam' was earlier called ' Challenge'. The film is about a simple and honest Muslim, whose life takes a violent turn after he is indicted in a f a l s e case by the home minister.
Not many are aware that over a decade and a half ago Modi was an important player in the distribution of foreign films in India.
Lalit Modi has been the man in the news for all the wrong reasons. The ex IPL commissioner has finally jumped into Bollywood after a couple of flirtations. Modi is slated to be presenting a film, ' Khuda Kasam', produced by his old friend from Rajasthan, KC Bokadia. ' Khuda Kasam' is a long- in- thepipeline film from Bokadia starring Sunny Deol and Tabu in stellar roles.
Bokadia has been in the business for long, but the past few years have seen his cinema going downhill. ' Aaj Ka Arjun' was his last hit and he has seen multiple flops after that. Even ' Khuda Kasam' is an old film which was unsold and which has been rechristened and repackaged for release. And that is where the friend has stepped in with his help.
Modi who was earlier toying with the idea of making a Sushmita Sen film, ' Jhansi Ki Rani', which is being produced by her and stars her in the lead role, has now decided to test the waters with a smaller film even though he himself has been in troubled waters.
Surely Modi seems to be a man who wants to help old friends even as a production house has announced their plans to make a film on Modi's life. Shailendra Singh of Percept Picture Company had mentioned that he had signed on an ad filmmaker turned movie maker, Shamim Desai, to helm their next project on the life and times of Lalit Modi. But then in a tone similar to the life of the ex IPL chief and the controversies surrounding him, Shamim Desai is not willing to confirm that he is ready to direct the film.
Bokadia who last made the big ' Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam', toplining Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan did a cameo) has now confirmed that Modi along with IMPPA ( Indian Motion Pictures Producers' Association) head TP Aggarwal were supporting him to release ' Khuda Kasam'. " es, it's true.
Lalit and I did meet and my film 'Khuda Kasam' will hit the theatres on September 24. Lalit is an old friend and I am short of words to thank him," he said.
Sunny Deol has been cast as a truck driver in this film, just like he was in ' Gadar - Ek Prem Katha'. ' Khuda Kasam' was earlier called ' Challenge'. The film is about a simple and honest Muslim, whose life takes a violent turn after he is indicted in a f a l s e case by the home minister.
Not many are aware that over a decade and a half ago Modi was an important player in the distribution of foreign films in India.
RIL checks into hospitality with EIH
The East India Hotels ( EIH) management on Monday brought in Reliance Industries Limited ( RIL) as a key investor, selling out 14.12% for Rs. 1,021 crores in the company that runs the reputed Oberoi and Trident chain of hotels.
The deal brings in RIL as a strategic player and a financial powerhouse in EIH Limited, standing next to if not against the holding of 14.98% in EIH by the rival hospitality company, ITC Limited.
Both holdings are just shy of the 15% mark that would trigger an open offer for another 20% stake in the company under the current takeover guidelines of the Securities & Exchange Board of India.
RIL acquired the stock through its wholly owned subsidiary Reliance Industries Investment and Holding Private Limited from Oberoi Hotels Private Limited and " certain other promotes of EIH," RIL said in a statement.
" RIL's investment in EIH has been made as the Oberoi family had developed the ' Oberoi Hotels' brand into a premier international brand in the luxury hospitality sector and as a result EIH Limited has excellent future prospects," the RIL statement said. " RIL has full faith in and would support the management of EIH Limited and there is no change of management, operation or control of EIH Limited," the statement added.
The announcement of the sale comes barely a week after EIH Chairman and Chief Executive PRS Oberoi was quoted as having said that the promoters would continue to increase their stake in the group to ward off any possible takeover bids.
The promoters have been vulnerable with a holding of some 46.4% in the group and ITC sitting by the side with its key stake. ITC, however, has said its holding was purely an investment and not intended to launch a takeover of EIH. The investment takes RIL, India's largest private sector enterprise with annual revenues in excess of US$ 28 billion, into an entirely new sector.
A PTI report said the deal " also reflects RIL Chairman Mukesh Ambani's wife Neeta's endeavour to expand and consolidate services sector operations like hospitality, wellness and lifestyle." The sudden announcement spurred EIH shares by 11.46 % to Rs 150.70 a share, while ITC fell by 1.24% to close the day at Rs 159.3 per share. RIL acquired the stake at a premium of about 20% to the market, according to one report.
The Oberoi Group operates 28 hotels and three cruisers in five countries under the luxury ' Oberoi' and five- star ' Trident' brands. The group is also engaged in flight catering, airport restaurants, travel and tour services, car rentals, project management and corporate air charters.
The Company had a difficult 2009- 2010, when total revenues fell to Rs. 907.27 crores as compared to Rs. 1,078.47 crores in the previous year. It reported profit after tax of Rs. 57.23 crores, down from Rs. 170.44 crores in the previous year.
The Oberoi family was earlier reported exploring the possibility of bringing in Analjit Singh, founder and chairman of conglomerate Max India Limited as a co- promoter in EIH. These plans were subsequently dropped.
The deal brings in RIL as a strategic player and a financial powerhouse in EIH Limited, standing next to if not against the holding of 14.98% in EIH by the rival hospitality firm, ITC Limited.
The deal brings in RIL as a strategic player and a financial powerhouse in EIH Limited, standing next to if not against the holding of 14.98% in EIH by the rival hospitality company, ITC Limited.
Both holdings are just shy of the 15% mark that would trigger an open offer for another 20% stake in the company under the current takeover guidelines of the Securities & Exchange Board of India.
RIL acquired the stock through its wholly owned subsidiary Reliance Industries Investment and Holding Private Limited from Oberoi Hotels Private Limited and " certain other promotes of EIH," RIL said in a statement.
" RIL's investment in EIH has been made as the Oberoi family had developed the ' Oberoi Hotels' brand into a premier international brand in the luxury hospitality sector and as a result EIH Limited has excellent future prospects," the RIL statement said. " RIL has full faith in and would support the management of EIH Limited and there is no change of management, operation or control of EIH Limited," the statement added.
The announcement of the sale comes barely a week after EIH Chairman and Chief Executive PRS Oberoi was quoted as having said that the promoters would continue to increase their stake in the group to ward off any possible takeover bids.
The promoters have been vulnerable with a holding of some 46.4% in the group and ITC sitting by the side with its key stake. ITC, however, has said its holding was purely an investment and not intended to launch a takeover of EIH. The investment takes RIL, India's largest private sector enterprise with annual revenues in excess of US$ 28 billion, into an entirely new sector.
A PTI report said the deal " also reflects RIL Chairman Mukesh Ambani's wife Neeta's endeavour to expand and consolidate services sector operations like hospitality, wellness and lifestyle." The sudden announcement spurred EIH shares by 11.46 % to Rs 150.70 a share, while ITC fell by 1.24% to close the day at Rs 159.3 per share. RIL acquired the stake at a premium of about 20% to the market, according to one report.
The Oberoi Group operates 28 hotels and three cruisers in five countries under the luxury ' Oberoi' and five- star ' Trident' brands. The group is also engaged in flight catering, airport restaurants, travel and tour services, car rentals, project management and corporate air charters.
The Company had a difficult 2009- 2010, when total revenues fell to Rs. 907.27 crores as compared to Rs. 1,078.47 crores in the previous year. It reported profit after tax of Rs. 57.23 crores, down from Rs. 170.44 crores in the previous year.
The Oberoi family was earlier reported exploring the possibility of bringing in Analjit Singh, founder and chairman of conglomerate Max India Limited as a co- promoter in EIH. These plans were subsequently dropped.
The deal brings in RIL as a strategic player and a financial powerhouse in EIH Limited, standing next to if not against the holding of 14.98% in EIH by the rival hospitality firm, ITC Limited.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Shahrukh Khan Epitomises The Film World: Shahana Goswami
Shahana Goswami is slowly but surely carving her niche in this industry. The actress who started her career about fours years ago, was commercially recognised in ‘Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd’, playing the role of Boman Irani’s daughter. Those who missed watching her in ‘ HT’ couldn’t miss her in ‘Rock On!!’, which was not only a blockbuster hit but also proved a turning point for this talented actress.Shahana was soon seen in a host of other films, some which worked wonders at the box office while some others that failed to catch attention. Another movie that got her a lot of critical acclaim was Nandita Das’ ‘Firaaq’. Shahana counts ‘Rock On!!’ and ‘Firaaq’ as the two movies that changed the course of her career.
“These two films helped me win appreciation and respect for my work. It is the most identifying factor for me as an actor.
I just didn’t want to do a lead role for the heck of it; even a small role, which I believe in and which will gain maximum viewership, is important for me,” says the actress.
After a lean phase the actress is now bouncing back to work and how! Shahana just finished shooting for ‘ Break Ke Baad’, a love story, with Imran Khan and Deepika Padukone. She has also completed her shooting for Farhan Akthar’s ‘ Game’, and is yet to complete Shah Rukh Khan Production, ‘ Ra. One’. The actress has played very different roles in all these three films. While she plays the role of a business minded Parsi woman in ‘ BKB’, she plays Shah Rukh Khan’s colleague, a video game designer in ‘ Ra. One’. “‘ BKB’ is turning out to be a great film and it was great fun working with a whole lot of talented young actors.
We had a one and half month outdoor schedule and enjoyed every bit of each other’s company. We would all go out together, not just the cast but the whole unit, so it was like a big family working and partying hard. ‘ Ra. One’ on the other hand was a huge budget film. Working with Shah Rukh, who epitomises the film world is an experience in itself. Working with a whole new cast and a different story was a great experience. Both these movies are two ends of the spectrum and to do them one after the other was truly amazing.” Shahana truly had the time of her life shooting with the King Khan, but also spent a lot of her free time absorbing all that he could give. “ I got the privilege of observing him as an actor and as a producer, keenly making a project that he feels very close to. It was an achievement for me to share time and experience with him. All these years I have watched and admired him on the big screen, but watching him perform live is something different. There is so much to that man, and what we see on screen is just a small glimpse of his personality.” SRK was quite happy with Shahana and remarked that he had quite a lot to learn from the actress. “ He was just sweet and generous enough to say that. It’s just his kindness in terms of a professional and co- worker.
I don’t think I have taught him anything, but it was surely the other way round,” says Miss Goswami.
Shahana got along quite well with her co- actress Kareena Kapoor and is now quite eager to work with Bebo’s cousin, Ranbir Kapoor. “ I think Ranbir is a fantastic entertainer and a fabulous actor. He can really grab anyone’s attention and I would really love to work with him,” she says.
Shahana who has done all kinds of roles, is quite waiting for someone to offer her a comedy flick. “ I would love to do a comedy. When I was a kid I was called ‘nautanki’ because I would make people laugh all the time,” she finishes.
Now, MHADA to redevelop its own buildings
The residents of old MHADA colonies who wish redevelop their old buildings, but fear being cheated by private builders, have a reason to smile as the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority ( MHADA) has plans to take up the redevelopment of MHADA colonies in Mumbai instead of the present arrangement of private builder carrying out redevelopment.
Jairam Palsamkar (29), a resident of SVP Nagar MHADA colony in Andheri ( west) said, " There are many builders who have approached our society for the redevelopment of our society with lucurative offers but we are not sure about trusting any builder because of cases in the past, where tenants have been cheated by private developers." " I would really not mind if I get a lesser area compared to what builders are offering me but the condition is that MHADA should take up the redevelopment process," added Satyavijay Kadu.
There have been many instances in the past where it was noted that in initial stages private builders offer lucrative deals to some of the tenants of MHADA colonies but once they get possession of the land they refuse to give the area promised to the tenants.
Speaking to FPJ, a MHADA official on condition of anonymity said, " During the Mumbai board meeting that was held on Wednesday, the plan to make amendments in the Development Control Regulations ( DCR) so that MHADA can take up redevelopment of our colonies was discussed." When the issue was discussed in the meeting some of the members made suggestions where they said that the present section 33 ( 5) of the DCR needs to be modified.
The MHADA is also going to move a proposal on amendment regarding the same for approval in the Mumbai board meeting that has been scheduled in the first week of September. Once the proposal gets a go- ahead from the board members it would be sent to the housing authority for clearance.
Later the proposal would be forwarded to the state government to clear it in the upcoming winter session of assembly in Nagpur. According to the MHADA official, if this amendment happens the redevelopment of those decrepit MHADA colonies that are not lucrative for developers would be undertaken by the housing authority.
" In this manner, the additional homes that would be constructed will not be sold directly in the open market but would be made available as part of affordable housing by way of lottery process," added the official.
In Mumbai, there are altogether 56 MHADA colonies, wherein 3,701 buildings exist. Out of these, many residents of 406 buildings have approached MHADA to approve their redevelopment. Till date, 114 buildings have already received the ' No Objection Certificate', so that private builders can start redevelopment work. The land bank of MHADA has almost gone dry, which is forcing them to amend or enact certain rules so that a regular process of sale of affordable homes by way of lottery draw can happen.
Jairam Palsamkar (29), a resident of SVP Nagar MHADA colony in Andheri ( west) said, " There are many builders who have approached our society for the redevelopment of our society with lucurative offers but we are not sure about trusting any builder because of cases in the past, where tenants have been cheated by private developers." " I would really not mind if I get a lesser area compared to what builders are offering me but the condition is that MHADA should take up the redevelopment process," added Satyavijay Kadu.
There have been many instances in the past where it was noted that in initial stages private builders offer lucrative deals to some of the tenants of MHADA colonies but once they get possession of the land they refuse to give the area promised to the tenants.
Speaking to FPJ, a MHADA official on condition of anonymity said, " During the Mumbai board meeting that was held on Wednesday, the plan to make amendments in the Development Control Regulations ( DCR) so that MHADA can take up redevelopment of our colonies was discussed." When the issue was discussed in the meeting some of the members made suggestions where they said that the present section 33 ( 5) of the DCR needs to be modified.
The MHADA is also going to move a proposal on amendment regarding the same for approval in the Mumbai board meeting that has been scheduled in the first week of September. Once the proposal gets a go- ahead from the board members it would be sent to the housing authority for clearance.
Later the proposal would be forwarded to the state government to clear it in the upcoming winter session of assembly in Nagpur. According to the MHADA official, if this amendment happens the redevelopment of those decrepit MHADA colonies that are not lucrative for developers would be undertaken by the housing authority.
" In this manner, the additional homes that would be constructed will not be sold directly in the open market but would be made available as part of affordable housing by way of lottery process," added the official.
In Mumbai, there are altogether 56 MHADA colonies, wherein 3,701 buildings exist. Out of these, many residents of 406 buildings have approached MHADA to approve their redevelopment. Till date, 114 buildings have already received the ' No Objection Certificate', so that private builders can start redevelopment work. The land bank of MHADA has almost gone dry, which is forcing them to amend or enact certain rules so that a regular process of sale of affordable homes by way of lottery draw can happen.
Immature Sena leaders should contest polls, face people: Pawar
In a scathing attack on the opposition parties and leaders, Union Minister of Agriculture and Civil Supplies Sharad Pawar on Saturday termed the Shiv Sena and MNS agenda as hollow and its leaders as childish.
Those who cannot maintain the unity of their own party and agenda have no business in aspiring to rule the state, he said in a direct reference to the warring cousins Uddhav and Raj. He claimed that friction between Sena and MNS could ruin and hamper the progress of the state.
When his attention was drawn to the remark of some opposition leaders ( read Uddhav) that instead of Dadaji Kondeo, there should be statues of Pawar and Kalmadi, Pawar said that both the Sena and MNS were not politically mature and he did not care for remarks of immature men.
He also advised them to do proper work among the masses and prove themselves in their constituencies instead of invoking divisive tendencies through such speeches.
Hitting back at Shiv Sena, NCP chief Sharad Pawar said its leaders should face the electorate rather than giving hollow orders. " Let them ( Thackerays) contest any elections and face the people, rather than just giving orders," he said addressing an extended working committee meeting of the party in Mumbai.
He was also scathing of the BJP, which, he said had held Parliament to ransom on the issue of pay hike for the MPs.
" There is a proper podium for everything and the Parliament should not be misused and disturbed for such narrow ends," he said. He also advised his own coalition members Home Minister R. R. Patil and Finance Minister Jayant Patil to solve the problems of the state, without trying to involve New Delhi and advised leaders of his party to solve contentious issues by themselves without in fighting.
He also asked what was behind pointing fingers at the civil supplies minister for the precarious financial situation in the country. Why aren't questions being put to the finance minister, he quizzed.
On the proposed airport issue, he said that Mumbai was once the aviation capital of India - a position now claimed by New Delhi. He said the civil aviation authorities should coordinate with the environment ministry on the issue. He said there should be no loss resulting to Maharashtra adding that Mumbai definitely needed a second airport. He also supported the coming up of the lake city at Lavasa, saying he had formed a committee in this regard when he was chief minister and it had visited a lake city project in UK to study its feasibility. He said, not a single hill station had come up in the state after the British left India. He said the lake city could be a big boost to the tourism industry.
Those who cannot maintain the unity of their own party and agenda have no business in aspiring to rule the state, he said in a direct reference to the warring cousins Uddhav and Raj. He claimed that friction between Sena and MNS could ruin and hamper the progress of the state.
When his attention was drawn to the remark of some opposition leaders ( read Uddhav) that instead of Dadaji Kondeo, there should be statues of Pawar and Kalmadi, Pawar said that both the Sena and MNS were not politically mature and he did not care for remarks of immature men.
He also advised them to do proper work among the masses and prove themselves in their constituencies instead of invoking divisive tendencies through such speeches.
Hitting back at Shiv Sena, NCP chief Sharad Pawar said its leaders should face the electorate rather than giving hollow orders. " Let them ( Thackerays) contest any elections and face the people, rather than just giving orders," he said addressing an extended working committee meeting of the party in Mumbai.
He was also scathing of the BJP, which, he said had held Parliament to ransom on the issue of pay hike for the MPs.
" There is a proper podium for everything and the Parliament should not be misused and disturbed for such narrow ends," he said. He also advised his own coalition members Home Minister R. R. Patil and Finance Minister Jayant Patil to solve the problems of the state, without trying to involve New Delhi and advised leaders of his party to solve contentious issues by themselves without in fighting.
He also asked what was behind pointing fingers at the civil supplies minister for the precarious financial situation in the country. Why aren't questions being put to the finance minister, he quizzed.
On the proposed airport issue, he said that Mumbai was once the aviation capital of India - a position now claimed by New Delhi. He said the civil aviation authorities should coordinate with the environment ministry on the issue. He said there should be no loss resulting to Maharashtra adding that Mumbai definitely needed a second airport. He also supported the coming up of the lake city at Lavasa, saying he had formed a committee in this regard when he was chief minister and it had visited a lake city project in UK to study its feasibility. He said, not a single hill station had come up in the state after the British left India. He said the lake city could be a big boost to the tourism industry.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
SEBI Turns The Heat on Media Private Treaties
Media companies must disclose their share holdings in companies with which they have deals like “ private treaties,” the Securities & Exchange Board of India said on Friday.
The remarks came in a statement titled “ Mandatory disclosures by the media of its stake in corporate sector.” “ Private treaties” are thriving business areas in large media houses, which sign up chosen corporate sector clients for media exposure in return for shares in the companies and seek to cash in on these with share price appreciation over time.
SEBI has been uncomfortable with these arrangements which “ entail a company giving a stake ( shares, warrants, bonds etc.) in return for media coverage through advertisements, news reports, advertorials etc. in the print or electronic media.” SEBI said such arrangements are typically with companies which are listed or which propose to come out with public offerings.
“ It was felt that such agreements may give rise to conflict of interest and may, therefore, result in dilution of the independence of press. This may consequently compromise the nature, quality and content of the news/ editorials relating to such companies,” SEBI said.
“ Needless to say, biased and motivated dissemination of information, guided by commercial considerations can potentially mislead investors in the securities market. Such journalism would not be in the interest of securities market,” the regulator added.
The strong language against such deals first came in a reference to the Press Council of India, with suggestions that disclosures on these arrangements be made mandatory by the media houses.
The Press Council accepted the suggestions of SEBI at a meeting on February 22 but announced them five months later on August 2. Though the word “ mandatory” has been used by SEBI in its release of today, SEBI’s prescription draws on the power of the Press Council, which has called these “ guidelines” and ended them with the words: “ the above suggestions may be kept in mind by the media.” The three specific suggestions accepted by the Press Council are: media houses must disclose their stakes in companies when reporting or commenting on them; a disclosure of the percentage holding must be made on the web site of the media houses; and other agreements, which may be a potential conflict of interest, should mandatorily be disclosed.
The remarks came in a statement titled “ Mandatory disclosures by the media of its stake in corporate sector.” “ Private treaties” are thriving business areas in large media houses, which sign up chosen corporate sector clients for media exposure in return for shares in the companies and seek to cash in on these with share price appreciation over time.
SEBI has been uncomfortable with these arrangements which “ entail a company giving a stake ( shares, warrants, bonds etc.) in return for media coverage through advertisements, news reports, advertorials etc. in the print or electronic media.” SEBI said such arrangements are typically with companies which are listed or which propose to come out with public offerings.
“ It was felt that such agreements may give rise to conflict of interest and may, therefore, result in dilution of the independence of press. This may consequently compromise the nature, quality and content of the news/ editorials relating to such companies,” SEBI said.
“ Needless to say, biased and motivated dissemination of information, guided by commercial considerations can potentially mislead investors in the securities market. Such journalism would not be in the interest of securities market,” the regulator added.
The strong language against such deals first came in a reference to the Press Council of India, with suggestions that disclosures on these arrangements be made mandatory by the media houses.
The Press Council accepted the suggestions of SEBI at a meeting on February 22 but announced them five months later on August 2. Though the word “ mandatory” has been used by SEBI in its release of today, SEBI’s prescription draws on the power of the Press Council, which has called these “ guidelines” and ended them with the words: “ the above suggestions may be kept in mind by the media.” The three specific suggestions accepted by the Press Council are: media houses must disclose their stakes in companies when reporting or commenting on them; a disclosure of the percentage holding must be made on the web site of the media houses; and other agreements, which may be a potential conflict of interest, should mandatorily be disclosed.
Friday, August 27, 2010
PC loves saffron, Cong chooses to be colour blind
The Congress is mastering the art of doublespeak, until now a preserve of the BJP. The party, extremely wary of a backlash to Home Minister P Chidambram’s loaded ‘ saffron terror’ remarks, was in a tearing hurry on Friday to explain that ‘ terror has no colour’. “ The issue was of terror.
Terror has no colour. Terror is black. Saffron was part of freedom struggle, mythology, and ancient history. It cannot be the prerogative of any political party,” Congress General Secretary Janardhan Dwivedi said, appearing to distance itself from Chidambaram’s remarks.
Others within the party, too, tried to brush aside the controversy. Party spokesperson Manish Tiwari said that there was no need to get bogged down in nomenclature but to look at the substance of the Home Minister’s remarks on the activities of organizations affiliated to right- wing ideology which have been found to be involved in acts of terror.
Earlier, there was a furore in the Rajya Sabha over the remarks with the BJP and Shiv Sena demanding their withdrawal. The two allies accused the government of giving a religious hue to terrorism for political reasons. The BJP even accused Chidambaram of insulting India’s national flag -– the Tricolour – of which saffron is one of the colours.
Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley said Chidambaram was fighting an “ imaginary” battle against saffron terror instead of concentrating on fighting Maoists and tackling the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. BJP leader Rajnath Singh saw in the remarks a “ conspiracy” by the Congress- led UPA government to “ demoralise nationalistic forces”. Averring that the home minister has committed a blunder, Singh said: “ Terror has no caste, creed or religion. Moreover, those believing in Hindutva or Indian culture can never be terrorists.” Addressing a meet of top policemen in Vigyan Bhawan, Chidambaram had said on Thursday, “ There is no let- up in the attempts to radicalise young men and women in India. There has been a recent uncovered phenomenon of saffron terrorism that has been implicated in many bomb blasts in the past. My advice to you is that we must remain ever vigilant and continue to build, at both Central and state level, our capacities in counter- terrorism.” Understandably livid, senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi warned the Home Minister against making such remarks again. Joshi said, “ Such remarks could have dangerous repercussions.” In a discussion in the Lok Sabha on Friday, BJP MP from Gorakhpur ogi Adityanath lashed out at Chidambaram and called him mentally unstable.
“ On the internal security issue, Chidambaram has flopped badly. He is just trying to divert attention. His statement is not only anti- Hindu, but against the nation. Only someone with a psychological problem can think like this.
His mental condition should be checked,” Adityanath said.
Chidambaram has in the past rubbed colleagues within the Congress on the wrong side, too. Congress General Secretary Digvijay Singh had lambasted the Home Minister on his approach against the Naxals. The former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister had even called him ‘ intellectually arrogant’ in a write up in a business daily. In a recent interview on a television channel, Singh reiterated his views on Naxalism and claimed he had only voiced the party’s views.
Besides Singh, Chidambaram has several other detractors within the Congress who do not quite agree with his ‘ high handed’ approach.
Terror has no colour. Terror is black. Saffron was part of freedom struggle, mythology, and ancient history. It cannot be the prerogative of any political party,” Congress General Secretary Janardhan Dwivedi said, appearing to distance itself from Chidambaram’s remarks.
Others within the party, too, tried to brush aside the controversy. Party spokesperson Manish Tiwari said that there was no need to get bogged down in nomenclature but to look at the substance of the Home Minister’s remarks on the activities of organizations affiliated to right- wing ideology which have been found to be involved in acts of terror.
Earlier, there was a furore in the Rajya Sabha over the remarks with the BJP and Shiv Sena demanding their withdrawal. The two allies accused the government of giving a religious hue to terrorism for political reasons. The BJP even accused Chidambaram of insulting India’s national flag -– the Tricolour – of which saffron is one of the colours.
Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley said Chidambaram was fighting an “ imaginary” battle against saffron terror instead of concentrating on fighting Maoists and tackling the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. BJP leader Rajnath Singh saw in the remarks a “ conspiracy” by the Congress- led UPA government to “ demoralise nationalistic forces”. Averring that the home minister has committed a blunder, Singh said: “ Terror has no caste, creed or religion. Moreover, those believing in Hindutva or Indian culture can never be terrorists.” Addressing a meet of top policemen in Vigyan Bhawan, Chidambaram had said on Thursday, “ There is no let- up in the attempts to radicalise young men and women in India. There has been a recent uncovered phenomenon of saffron terrorism that has been implicated in many bomb blasts in the past. My advice to you is that we must remain ever vigilant and continue to build, at both Central and state level, our capacities in counter- terrorism.” Understandably livid, senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi warned the Home Minister against making such remarks again. Joshi said, “ Such remarks could have dangerous repercussions.” In a discussion in the Lok Sabha on Friday, BJP MP from Gorakhpur ogi Adityanath lashed out at Chidambaram and called him mentally unstable.
“ On the internal security issue, Chidambaram has flopped badly. He is just trying to divert attention. His statement is not only anti- Hindu, but against the nation. Only someone with a psychological problem can think like this.
His mental condition should be checked,” Adityanath said.
Chidambaram has in the past rubbed colleagues within the Congress on the wrong side, too. Congress General Secretary Digvijay Singh had lambasted the Home Minister on his approach against the Naxals. The former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister had even called him ‘ intellectually arrogant’ in a write up in a business daily. In a recent interview on a television channel, Singh reiterated his views on Naxalism and claimed he had only voiced the party’s views.
Besides Singh, Chidambaram has several other detractors within the Congress who do not quite agree with his ‘ high handed’ approach.
INDIA FRETS AND FUMES
The UPA Government on Friday shot off a strongly worded protest note to Beijing after it refused permission to one of its top commanders, Lt Gen B S Jaswal, to visit China because he comes from “ sensitive” Jammu and Kashmir.
The visit by a General- rank officer to China was agreed upon between the two countries in January during the Annual Defence Dialogue. However, at that time it was not decided as to who would be going.
In the worsening diplomatic row, India has also put on hold defence exchanges with China; however, New Delhi stopped short of snapping defence ties with its neighbour.
Retaliating against the Chinese action, the government also refused permission to two Chinese defence personnel who were slated to attend a course in the National Defence College here.
The MEA also summoned Chinese Ambassador to India Zhang ang to the External Affairs Ministry, where he was handed over four protest demarches. A demarche is a diplomatic way of protesting and conveying the government’s displeasure.
To make sure there was no ambiguity, ang was bluntly told that China’s decision to block northern area commander Lt.
General B S Jaswal’s visit to China despite his nomination by the Defence Ministry was the reason behind the Indian Army canceling a goodwill visit to Beijing. In Beijing, Colonel Jaishankar, the defence attache, too lodged an official protest with the Chinese defence ministry. Lt. Gen. Jaswal, General Officer Commanding- in- Chief of northern area, was to visit China this month as part of the regular highlevel military exchanges, but he could not make it as his visa application was stuck in the Chinese embassy here. Only when inquiries were made at the top level that Beijing said the army commander was “ not welcome” since he “ controlled” Jammu and Kashmir that Beijing considers as disputed.
While Defence Minister Antony played down the incident as not good enough for snapping defence ties, telling reporters in Hyderabad that “ short- term problems would not affect India’s overall approach towards China,” Minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur, however, claimed in Delhi that “ the defence minister has taken a strong view” of the matter.
The Army is also up in arms but it is waiting for the government’s guidance on whether protocol for the border meetings should be continued. The army has been told that its anger has been conveyed to the Chinese government.
The Bhartiya Janata Party also slammed China. Its spokesman Prakash Javdekar said: “ This is the worst kind of insult inflicted upon India.
We strongly condemn the Chinese attitude and stand. The Ministry of External Affairs and the Government of India must immediately convey our displeasure.” He added that China has always fomented trouble in Arunachal Pradesh and they have now begun fishing in troubled waters in Kashmir. “ This is helping Pakistan.” Congress spokesperson Manish Tiwari said: “ The relationship has to be premised on mutual self- respect and sensibilities.” He said the External Affairs Ministry would react appropriately.
The visit by a General- rank officer to China was agreed upon between the two countries in January during the Annual Defence Dialogue. However, at that time it was not decided as to who would be going.
In the worsening diplomatic row, India has also put on hold defence exchanges with China; however, New Delhi stopped short of snapping defence ties with its neighbour.
Retaliating against the Chinese action, the government also refused permission to two Chinese defence personnel who were slated to attend a course in the National Defence College here.
The MEA also summoned Chinese Ambassador to India Zhang ang to the External Affairs Ministry, where he was handed over four protest demarches. A demarche is a diplomatic way of protesting and conveying the government’s displeasure.
To make sure there was no ambiguity, ang was bluntly told that China’s decision to block northern area commander Lt.
General B S Jaswal’s visit to China despite his nomination by the Defence Ministry was the reason behind the Indian Army canceling a goodwill visit to Beijing. In Beijing, Colonel Jaishankar, the defence attache, too lodged an official protest with the Chinese defence ministry. Lt. Gen. Jaswal, General Officer Commanding- in- Chief of northern area, was to visit China this month as part of the regular highlevel military exchanges, but he could not make it as his visa application was stuck in the Chinese embassy here. Only when inquiries were made at the top level that Beijing said the army commander was “ not welcome” since he “ controlled” Jammu and Kashmir that Beijing considers as disputed.
While Defence Minister Antony played down the incident as not good enough for snapping defence ties, telling reporters in Hyderabad that “ short- term problems would not affect India’s overall approach towards China,” Minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur, however, claimed in Delhi that “ the defence minister has taken a strong view” of the matter.
The Army is also up in arms but it is waiting for the government’s guidance on whether protocol for the border meetings should be continued. The army has been told that its anger has been conveyed to the Chinese government.
The Bhartiya Janata Party also slammed China. Its spokesman Prakash Javdekar said: “ This is the worst kind of insult inflicted upon India.
We strongly condemn the Chinese attitude and stand. The Ministry of External Affairs and the Government of India must immediately convey our displeasure.” He added that China has always fomented trouble in Arunachal Pradesh and they have now begun fishing in troubled waters in Kashmir. “ This is helping Pakistan.” Congress spokesperson Manish Tiwari said: “ The relationship has to be premised on mutual self- respect and sensibilities.” He said the External Affairs Ministry would react appropriately.
Jet Passengers 'Land' With Fractures
It was a harrowing experience at the city airport on Friday evening for the passengers of Jet Airways Mumbai- Chennai flight 9W- 2302.
A fire alarm in the cockpit led to emergency evacuation of the aircraft while it was still on the taxiway. The pilot ordered that the passengers be deplaned, using emergency services. Next instant all hell broke loose.
There was a sudden surge of passengers towards the exit and a mad scramble to slide down the chutes to safety.
In the near panic situation with the crew not able to control the situation, some passengers were forced to jump off the aircraft onto the tarmac and injured themselves. Thirty of them have reportedly sustained bruises and some of them have suffered multiple fractures. According to wire agency reports, about 153 passengers were on board.
Fifteen persons were taken to Nanavati hospital in ambulances for further treatment after receiving first aid at the airport. There was utter confusion on board and some passengers even concluded that the chutes were not functioning.
When contacted, a Jet spokesperson, however, denied the malfunction report saying, “ it is not correct”. Manish Kalghatgi, spokesperson of Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), said, “ Jet Airways flight 9W- 2302 bound for Chennai from Mumbai airport reported a fire in one of the engines while on the taxiway. Airport emergency services responded to the call. However, there was no visible fire.
However, once a fire alarm has been sounded, it is of utmost importance to abandon the aircraft immediately. The captain, therefore, ordered the deployment of chutes for emergency evacuation of passengers. All the passengers were evacuated.” ‘‘ Safety of our guests is of paramount importance to us,” was all the Jet spokesperson said in a statement. A full emergency was earlier declared at the Mumbai Airport and Fire Tenders rushed immediately to the spot.
A fire alarm in the cockpit led to emergency evacuation of the aircraft while it was still on the taxiway. The pilot ordered that the passengers be deplaned, using emergency services. Next instant all hell broke loose.
There was a sudden surge of passengers towards the exit and a mad scramble to slide down the chutes to safety.
In the near panic situation with the crew not able to control the situation, some passengers were forced to jump off the aircraft onto the tarmac and injured themselves. Thirty of them have reportedly sustained bruises and some of them have suffered multiple fractures. According to wire agency reports, about 153 passengers were on board.
Fifteen persons were taken to Nanavati hospital in ambulances for further treatment after receiving first aid at the airport. There was utter confusion on board and some passengers even concluded that the chutes were not functioning.
When contacted, a Jet spokesperson, however, denied the malfunction report saying, “ it is not correct”. Manish Kalghatgi, spokesperson of Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL), said, “ Jet Airways flight 9W- 2302 bound for Chennai from Mumbai airport reported a fire in one of the engines while on the taxiway. Airport emergency services responded to the call. However, there was no visible fire.
However, once a fire alarm has been sounded, it is of utmost importance to abandon the aircraft immediately. The captain, therefore, ordered the deployment of chutes for emergency evacuation of passengers. All the passengers were evacuated.” ‘‘ Safety of our guests is of paramount importance to us,” was all the Jet spokesperson said in a statement. A full emergency was earlier declared at the Mumbai Airport and Fire Tenders rushed immediately to the spot.
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