Diaspora News
UID to benefit common people: PM
Nandurbar (Maharashtra), Sep 30 Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Wednesday said the Unique Identification Number (UID) was a major step his government had taken to benefit the common man.
US losing competitive edge to India
Washington, Sep 30 With countries like India, China and Brazil focusing hard on education, research and development and exports, the U.S. is losing its competitive edge, fears U.S. President Barack Obama.
India to ramp up ties with Mozambique
New Delhi, Sep 30 India is hoping to ramp up economic ties with Mozambique, as the East African country's President Armando Emilio Guebuza arrived in Delhi on Wednesday on a five-day visit.
India assures Mozambique help
New Delhi, Sep 30 India on Wednesday assured Mozambique of all possible help in developing its rail infrastructure, saying that the two countries should work jointly to strengthen their relations.
EAM’s speech to UN General Assembly
United Nations, Sep 30 Indian External Affairs Minister on Wednesday asked Pakistan to stop its state-sponsored militancy and terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, 'an integral part of India' and sought an expansion of the UN Security Council.
Wealth of richest Indians pegged at $300 bn
Washington, Sep 30 The net worth of 100 wealthiest Indians is estimated at $300 billion by Forbes Magazine, which ranks the two Ambani brothers, Mukesh and Anil, first and sixth respectively in its latest rich list.
Nooyi is Fortune's most powerful woman
Washington, Sep 30 PepsiCo's India born chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi is No.1 on Fortune magazine's U.S. list for the fifth year in a row with Kraft Foods' Irene Rosenfeld right behind her at No.2.
CWG Village: a melting pot for cultures
New Delhi, Sep 30 The sprawling Commonwealth Games Village here is a veritable melting pot of different culture and traditions with hundreds of athletes and officials from across the Commonwealth spanning six continents gathering for the October 3-14 Games.
Bharatanatyam, dandia welcome athletes
New Delhi, Sep 30 Bharatanatyam to garba and dandia to bhangra — dance and music representing India's diversity welcome the athletes and officials at the sprawling Commonwealth Games Village here.
President receives credentials from envoys
New Delhi, Sep 30 President Pratibha Patil on Wednesday received credentials from seven envoys, including from the Vatican City and the African nations of Mali and Senegal.
US asks India to buy American arms
Washington, Sep 29 U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has urged India to 'buy American' as it upgrades its defence capabilities as the United States has the finest military hardware in the world.
PIOs to be allotted extendable visas
Panaji, Sep 29 Persons of Indian origin (PIO) visiting India will now be issued only long-term extendable visas and not tourist visas, Goa's Non-Resident Indian (NRI) commissioner Eduardo Faleiro said on Wednesday.
Kuwait keen on investing in India
New Delhi, Sep 29 Kuwait has expressed interest in investing in India's oil and gas sector, especially in the areas of petrochemical complexes and crude oil storage, a statement on Tuesday said.
PCR vans to be one-stop help shop
New Delhi, Sep 29 It will take only one minute for police control room (PCR) vans to reach any Commonwealth Games venue, with more than 100 deployed to respond to any emergency calls.
All bright and sunny for the Games
New Delhi, Sep 29 There is nothing quite like having the sun on the back to lift the mood. The chances of the October 3-14 Commonwealth Games being a success in its own right are as strong as the welcome winds that have been blowing across the plains, dispersing the clouds.
Butlers, discounts... Hotels pack in delights
New Delhi, Sep 29 High-end hotels have lined up much more than a warm welcome for Commonwealth Games visitors! Awaiting them are discounts at spas, personalised butler services, complimentary access to clubs, theme-based cocktails and culinary delights as part of special packages.
UAE, India discuss bilateral ties
Ras Al Khaimah (UAE), Sep 28 The strengthening of United Arab Emirates (UAE)-India bilateral ties was discussed at a meeting here of top officials of the two countries.
‘Obama visit will be defining moment’
New York, Sep 28 The United States says President Barack Obama's visit to India in November will be a 'defining moment' in the history of their ties as Washington has an important stake in India's emergence as a global power.
US to tap metropolitan sectors
Mumbai, Sep 28 Highlighting the opportunities that India's emerging metropolitan sectors offer, U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Francisco Sanchez on Monday began a three-day trade policy trip to India ahead of President Barack Obama.
Toronto Indians raise $320,000 for poor
Toronto, Sep 28 The Indo-Canadian community here raised $320,000 for the welfare of poor children in India at a fund-raising gala attended by former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
Delhi is a living museum: PM
New Delhi, Sep 28 Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Monday said the city of Delhi is 'a living museum' and it was the responsibility of all to 'preserve, protect and study its rich legacy'.
‘India keen on CECA with Malaysia’
New Delhi, Sep 28 Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia said Monday India is keen to ink a comprehensive economic cooperation agreement (CECA) with Malaysia to boost two-way trade and investment.
HAL among top 100 aerospace firms
New Delhi, Sep 28 India's state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has retained its 38th position among the top 100 global aerospace companies, with Boeing leapfrogging European defence behemoth EADS to reclaim its position as the biggest aerospace manufacturer, says a new survey.
IIM-C students offered dream salaries
Kolkata, Sep 28 With more placement offers and an average salary of Rs.18.4 lakh per annum, the Indian Institute of Management-Calcutta (IIM-Calcutta) concluded the placement for students of the third batch of the Post Graduation Programme for Executives (PGPEX).
Reliance Power to raise 5,000 MW
Mumbai, Sep 28 Reliance Power, a part of the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group, Tuesday said it will raise its installed power-generation capacity manifold over the next 24 months to touch 5,000 MW, with an ambitious target of 25,000 MW by 2015.
Global water body to be launched
Mumbai, Sep 28 A global body to raise water conservation efforts will be simultaneously launched Tuesday in 20 countries. It will have the support of Indian filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, an official said on Monday.
Tipu-era paintings top Sotheby highlights
New Delhi, Sep 28 Twenty-four rare paintings depicting the famous Battle of Pollilur, in which the East India Company army surrendered to Tipu Sultan and his father Hyder Ali, is the piece de resistance of British auction house Sotheby's on October 6 Islamic World Sale of Art. The paintings are estimated at 650,000-800,000 pounds.
Canon India teams with FTII to hone talent
Pune, Sep 28 Canon India on Monday announced a strategic partnership with the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) here to provide a platform to screen a diverse selection of student films in the short fiction, short non-fiction and animation segments.
Mumbai film fest to hold premiere of international film
Mumbai, Sep 28 The Mumbai Film Festival, organised by Mumbai Academy of the Moving Image (MAMI) in collaboration with Reliance Big Entertainment, will hold a world premiere of an international film, the first time ever in an Indian film festival, an official said on Monday.
Indian American scribe Kakaria dead
New York, Sep 28 Amrit Kakaria, a leading Indian-American journalist, has died of a heart attack in New York. He was 72.
India-Canada to ink security pact
New Delhi, Sep 27 India and Canada plan to sign social security and foreign investment promotion and protection agreements soon in a bid to boost trade and business ties.
‘India, Germany should aim to double trade’
New Delhi, Sep 27 India and Germany should identify sectors of potential partnership and evolve a roadmap to double two-way trade to $30 billion by 2014, an industry lobby said Sunday.
Khadi empowered Indians: Speaker
New Delhi, Sep 27 Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar on September 26 said that it was khadi and the charkha that empowered the 'humblest and simplest' people of India to wage a non-violent freedom struggle.
Auto sector grew second fastest
New Delhi, Sep 27 India was the second fastest growing automobile market in 2009-10 and is expected to grow further in the coming years, a senior official said on September 25.
Hindi Day celebrated in Stockholm
Stockholm, Sep 27 Hindi Day was celebrated with joy, enthusiasm and fervour at a well-attended function at the Ethnographic Museum here to promote cooperation and understanding between the people of India and Sweden about their common bonds of culture and language.
New pension scheme launched
New Delhi, Sep 27 A new pension scheme for low-income workers in the unorganised sector, for which the government will grant an incentive of Rs.1,000 annually, was launched in West Bengal on September 26.
Indian firm helps build water park in UAE
Ras al-Khaimah (UAE), Sep 27 An ice-themed water park in the Arabian Gulf, where penguins can be seen frolicking in the waters, was built at a cost of $100 million by a joint venture of Indian and UAE firms and will open for the public on September 29.
Kerala Sanskrit theatre enthralls capital
New Delhi, Sep 27 The capital was treated to a nine-hour performance of the mythical tale 'Shakuntala and the Ring of Recollection' in the ancient Kutiyattam style of Sanskrit theatre from Kerala dating back to the Vedic age.
Games shopping festival kicks off
New Delhi, Sep 27 A decked-up Ajmal Khan Road in central Delhi's Karol Bagh market resembled a venue for a Commonwealth nations conference as flags of 71 countries surrounded the Indian tri-colour, as the Games shopping festival kicked off here on September 25.
‘Shilpotsav-2010’ to attract tourists
Noida, Sep 27 Taking a cue from the Commonwealth Games, a sports theme based shopping festival — 'Shilpotsav-2010' — will be held here October 22-31 to attract tourists staying back after the Games.
Turkey’s tourism pitch to Goa
Panaji, Sep 27 Turkey would make an ideal religious tourism destination for India -- specifically Goa -- as the European nation is home to several Christian heritage sites which, though lesser known, are of ample significance, Turkey's top diplomat to India has said.
India seeks UNSC expansion
United Nations, Sep 25 India, Brazil, Germany and Japan (collectively known as G4 nations) have reiterated the need for urgent reform of the Security Council, including expansion of permanent and non-permanent membership, to make it more responsive to 21st century realities.
India backs global disarmament
United Nations, Sep 25 India has strongly backed UN Secretary General Ban ki Moon's push for efforts to rid the world of weapons of mass destruction with the Conference on Disarmament (CD) giving it political impetus.
ASEAN: India gets observer status
New Delhi, Sep 25 India’s application for observer status at the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) was approved on Friday at its 31st general assembly held in Hanoi, Vietnam.
‘India-Saudi relations to blossom’
New Delhi, Sep 25 Saudi Arabia's envoy to India Faisal Bin Hassan Trad hopes that the bilateral relations between the two nations 'will continue to blossom' with high-level exchange of visits in near future.
Citi's Pandit will again work for $1
Washington, Sep 25 Citigroup's India-born CEO Vikram Pandit has decided to work for just $1 for the second year in a row.
Suzlon installs 5,000 MW wind power
Mumbai, Sep 25 Suzlon Energy, India's largest and the world's third leading wind turbine maker, Friday said it has installed over 5,000 MW of cumulative wind turbines in India, accounting for nearly half of the country’s total wind installations.
Indians in Uganda promise to reward CWG medalists
Kampala, Sep 25 The Indian community in Uganda has promised to reward Ugandan athletes who win medals at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.
Kuwaiti minister to inaugurate Jamia library
New Delhi, Sep 25 Kuwaiti Oil and Information Minister Shaikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah will inaugurate a library in Jamia Millia Islamia on Monday, a university release said.
'WBTDC acts as catalyst to promote tourism'
Kolkata, Sep 25 The West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation (WBTDC) Friday said its intention is not to monopolise tourism activities in the state but to act as a catalyst for private investors.
Jnanpith winner arrives to rousing welcome
Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 25 Noted Malayalam poet and lyricist O.N.V. Kurup, who has been named for the Jnanpith Award, arrived to a rousing welcome at the airport here Saturday on his return from Dubai. He was received by ministers, close friends, students and hundreds of children.
India-Canada trade to triple in 5 yrs
Toronto, Sep 24 India's Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said here Thursday that his country's 'strategic partnership' with Canada would triple bilateral trade in the next five years to $15 billion.
US wants to expand military ties with India
Washington, Sep 24 Ahead of Indian Defence Minister A.K. Antony's visit here next week, the U.S. has said it wants to expand its military ties with India in 'mutually beneficial' ways with more exchanges and exercises.
IT firms focus on UK, Asia-Pacific
New Delhi, Sep 24 The Indian information technology sector is likely to witness heavy consolidation in the coming months as mid-size companies struggle to sustain growth amid a rising anti-outsourcing tirade in the United States.
4 PIOs among America's super-rich
Washington, Sep 24 Four Indian Americans figure in Forbes magazine's annual list of the 400 richest Americans, with Microsoft founder Bill Gates topping for the 17th year in a row.
Indian firm recognised at WBDA
New York, Sep 24 India's LifeSprings Hospital has been recognised at the World Business and Development Awards (WBDA) for its role in offering affordable maternal health services in India.
Yale to enlarge focus on India
Washington, Sep 24 Yale University is planning to grow ties with India to at least equal its ties with China and make it a leading university in the U.S. for teaching of India, according to a media report.
STAR India launched on America's TV
New York, Sep 24 STAR India PLUS has joined hands with American Verizon FiOS TV, that offers nearly 40 other international channels covering more than 20 languages, to bring people of South Asian origin a choice fare in the United States.
Experts bat for green infrastructure
Panaji, Sep 24 Development of infrastructure in urban India should be environment-friendly with structured sewage and garbage disposal systems, experts said here on Thursday.
IGNOU to open study centres in UK
New Delhi, Sep 24 The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), the largest in the world, will open study centres in six European nations, including Germany and France, to offer personalised courses, its Vice Chancellor V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai has said.
India to raise grain storage capacity 25 pc
New Delhi, Sep 24 Stung by the Supreme Court's rap on rotting grain in the warehouses of state-run agencies, with some estimates pegging the losses at Rs.58,000 crore (nearly $13 billion), the government has decided to increase the storage capacity by 17 million tonnes over the next five years.
PM to inaugurate PBD 2011
New Delhi, Sep 23 Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will inaugurate the ninth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), India's annual connect with its global diaspora, to be held here January 7-9, 2011, it was announced on Wednesday.
GDP will surpass 8.75 pc target: FM
New Delhi, Sep 23 The Indian economy will grow more than 8.75 percent in the current fiscal helped by strong growth in the manufacturing sector, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said on Thursday.
PM honoured with Statesman Award
New York, Sep 23 Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has been honoured with the 2010 World Statesman Award by the Appeal of Conscience Foundation, an interfaith coalition, which promotes mutual understanding, tolerance and peace.
India-US partnership 'looms bright'
New York, Sep 23 The promise of India-US partnership 'looms bright and unmistakable' ahead of President Barack Obama's historic India visit, says a senior U.S. official praising Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh for his role in forging the relationship.
India set for Obama, Sarkozy visits
New Delhi, Sept 23 It promises to be a diplomatic marathon for External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna as he gears up to meet Foreign Ministers of the United States, France and Russia this week to firm up the agenda for the visits by their leaders to India this year.
Canadian varsity honours Kalam
Toronto, Sep 23 A top Canadian university will confer an honorary doctorate degree on former Indian president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam next week.
India's Hercules plane readies for maiden flight
Washington, Sep 23 The first of India's six C-130J Super Hercules airlifters, considered the world's most advanced transport aircraft, is being prepared for its maiden flight early next month.
Canada's first Indian-origin woman minister dead
Vancouver, Sep 23 New Delhi-born Sindi Hawkins (earlier Satinder Kaur Ahluwalia), who became the first Indian-origin provincial minister in Canada, died in Calgary on Tuesday after a prolonged battle with leukemia.
Diaspora youth gets a taste of India
New Delhi, Sep 23 Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) Vayalar Ravi on Tuesday met 28 young People of Indian Origin (PIO), including 22 women from across the world, on a government-sponsored trip to know and understand their native country.
Gains seen for India at G20 Summit
New Delhi, Sep 20 Restructuring the 66-year-old International Monetary Fund (IMF) with a greater say for countries like India and measures to ensure sustained global economic recovery will top the agenda of the coming G20 Seoul Summit, a top official has said.
Bamboo can help save ecology: V-P
Kohima, Sep 20 Vice-President M. Hamid Ansari on September 18 said the importance of bamboo has increased in the backdrop of global concerns of ecology and environment and the looming threat of global warming and climate change.
India, US look for the next big thing
Washington, Sep 20 A search is on for the next big thing in India-US relations after their landmark civil nuclear deal to let President Barack Obama truly make 'history' on his India visit in early November.
Indian co acquires two US firms
New Delhi, Sep 20 India's leading global education company Core Projects and Technologies Ltd (CPTL) Monday said that it has acquired two education firms in the U.S. worth a combined revenue generation of $25 million.
Apollo's Reddy bets big on Africa
New Delhi, Sep 20 Apollo Hospitals, Asia's largest healthcare chain, is betting big on Africa, not just to expand operations there but to also attract what is called health tourism from the vast continent.
Pune woman sets 'flying like a bird' record
Pune, Sep 20 Pune sportswoman Shital V. Mahajan-Rane 'flew' like a bird over Spain and successfully created a new Indian record of jumping from an aircraft at 13,000 feet, an aide said here on Monday.
800 delegates to attend PBD-Africa
New Delhi, Sep 18 With 2010 being the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the first indentured sugarcane labourers from India, PBD Africa will be held in Durban on October 1-2 to coincide with Gandhi Jayanti, the birth anniversary of the apostle of non-violence.
‘Indian talents making it tough for US’
Washington, Sep 18 U.S. President Barack Obama says that with India and China catching up fast with 'some very talented people' and a hunger for growth, America faces a very competitive environment as it battles to come out of recession.
Positive vibes ahead of Obama visit
Washington, Sep 18 As India prepares for the visit of President Barack Obama in early November, its numerous concerns ranging from visa fee hike to hi-tech export controls to cross border terrorism appears to have had some positive response.
Anand Sharma to visit US, Canada
New Delhi, Sep 18 Ahead of the upcoming India visit of U.S. President Barack Obama, Commerce Minister Anand Sharma will visit Chicago and Washington from September 20-23 for a series of meetings to push bilateral economic ties between the two countries.
India eyes another Green Revolution
New Delhi, Sep 18 Ahead of U.S. President Barack Obama's maiden visit here, the United States has decided to intensify bilateral strategic cooperation in agriculture and food security to spur a second Green Revolution in India.
India to raise its concern over protectionism
New Delhi, Sep 18 India will raise its concern over the increasing protectionist policies in the United States at the upcoming G-20 meeting, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said on Friday.
India bags 3 tourism awards
New Delhi, Sep 18 India on Friday won three prestigious awards at the international travel mart in Macau for its rural and eco-tourism projects, an official said here.
Karnataka mourns Puttaraj’s death
Bengaluru, Sep 18 The Karnataka government on Saturday declared a one-day mourning to pay homage to Puttaraj Gavai, a doyen of Hindustani music, who passed away on Friday.
Economy to grow by 9 pc: FM
New Delhi, Sep 17 The Indian economy is estimated to grow by 8.5 percent this fiscal and 9 percent in 2011-12, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said on Thursday.
Nirupama Rao visits US
Washington, Sep 17 Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao began a hectic round of diplomacy to iron out differences over issues like outsourcing and hiked visa fees and prepare the ground for US President Barack Obama's history making visit to India in November.
India pushes for intra-SAARC trade
New Delhi, Sep 17 Pushing for economic integration in South Asia, India on Thursday called for greater intra-regional trade and investment flows on the lines of East and Southeast Asia and urged SAARC countries to ratify a key pact on trade and services.
3 PIOs on panel for Asian Americans
Washington, Sep 17 President Barack Obama has named three Indian-Americans to the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, a body to help them get increased access to and participation in federal programmes.
Sikhs in US happy Obama may visit Golden Temple
Washington, Sep 17 The small but influential Sikh community in the U.S. has expressed joy at reports that President Barack Obama may visit their holiest shrine, the Golden Temple, during his visit to India in November.
Delhi hotels beef up security for CWG
New Delhi, Sep 17 With the horror of 26/11 not far behind, big hotels in the capital are busy tightening security for the Commonwealth Games.
11 special economic zones okayed
New Delhi, Sep 17 The government on Thursday approved 11 new special economic zones, five of which are related to information technology and based in Karnataka.
Husain’s art gets bigger, crazier
New Delhi, Sep 17 His spirit refuses to cave in to age. India's tallest contemporary artist M.F. Husain turned 95 on Friday, still on the job of making high art. The artist is set to make a splash in his adopted homeland Doha with a sound installation of four life-size Murano glass horses and his flashy racing cars.
eBay registers its first global car purchase in India
New Delhi, Sep 17 Global on-line retail major eBay on Thursday said an Indian American doctor made the first global car purchase on eBay India Motors.
Jamia to spread message of peace
New Delhi, Sep 17 To spread the message of peace, students of Jamia Millia Islamia's school here will hold a kite flying competition on September 21, the UN International Day of Peace.
RBI reviews monetary policy
Mumbai, Sep 16 India's central bank on Thursday hiked its short-term borrowing and lending rates by 50 basis points and 25 basis points respectively, continuing with its tight monetary policy stance since January to tame inflation.
India, US sign MoU on migration issue
Washington, Sep 16 The Indian Council of Overseas Employment (ICOE) has signed a memorandum of understanding with a Washington think tank for cooperation on migration policy issues like the impact of labour migration on economic development.
India-US for immediate investment
Washington, Sep 16 Ahead of U.S. President Barack Obama's visit, a high level U.S. innovation delegation is in India to identify concrete projects for immediate investment and market delivery to address specific needs.
India ups training slots for Africans
New Delhi, Sep 16 India has substantially increased the number of slots for training African nationals in this country's institutions, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao said here on Wednesday.
India, China tie for top place in Forbes Fab 50
Washington, Sep 16 India and China have tied for top place on 2010 Forbes Asia's Fab 50 List with 16 firms each.
India’s exports up 22.5 percent
New Delhi, Sep 16 India's exports rose 22.5 percent to $16.64 billion in August as against a 13.2 percent growth in the previous month, helped by a revival in the demand for leather, cotton and engineering goods.
NFIA to honour 10 Indian Americans
Washington, Sep 16 The National Federation of Indian American Associations (NFIA) will honour 10 Indian Americans for their outstanding achievements and contributions to humanity and society at its 30th anniversary convention in New York over the weekend.
Gujarat delegation feted in UK
Gandhinagar, Sep 16 A high-level delegation of business leaders and government officials from Gujarat, which is in London on a two-day visit, attended a reception hosted by a British MP, official sources said here on Wednesday.
Indians outshine Britons by age 16
London, Sep 16 Indian and Chinese students, who lag behind at age five, outshine white British children in exams when they reach age 16, a study has revealed.
Online campaign to canonise Goan origin priest
Panaji, Sep 16 Back then, when the world travelled on horseback instead of motor cars, and hawks were used to take messages across, the canonisation of Catholic saints was largely a result of excited word-of-mouth regurgitation of miracles.
‘UN concert symbolised India's mission against terror’
Chicago, Sep 16 The 'Ode to Peace' concert performed by sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan at the United Nations ahead of the 9/11 anniversary was a declaration of India's battle against terror, says Anupam Ray, India's acting permanent representative to the United Nations.
Ayurvedic spa packages ready for CWG
New Delhi, Sep 16 Most spas in the capital are preparing irresistible ayurvedic massage packages for Commonwealth Games (CWG) players and tourists, knowing well the lure of Indian culture and tradition among foreigners.
Indian jewellers strike gold in Nepal
Kathmandu, Sep 16 At Kedarnath Road in Muzaffarpur town of India's Bihar state, the Sarafs are still remembered as a family of jewellers. But in Nepal, the family business has undergone a sea change, striking gold in the Nepali silver screen.
Kerala to launch promo film in UK
New Delhi, Sep 16 Kerala Tourism will launch its latest global advertising campaign in London at the end of September with the world premiere of a new promotional movie showcasing natural splendour and tourism potential of the state.
Indian film creates buzz at Toronto fest
Toronto, Sep 16 Indian film 'Soul of Sand' is creating a buzz at the ongoing Toronto International Film Festival and director Sidharth Srinivasan says his film exposes in a provocative way the underbelly of National Capital Region (NCR), seen as the symbol of new emerging India.
Mumbai to get India's first monorail
Mumbai, Sep 16 Indicating that the prestigious Mumbai monorail project is on schedule, a top official said here on Wednesday that six trains will ply in the first phase from later this month.
Two-wheeler industry to grow 19.4 pc
Mumbai, Sep 16 Ratings company Credit Analysis and Research (CARE) on Wednesday said the two wheeler industry is expected to grow at 19.4 percent this fiscal.
GSM subscriber base grows 2.89 pc
New Delhi, Sep 16 India's GSM mobile subscribers base grew 2.89 percent in August with the addition of over 13.51 subscribers, with Bharti Airtel alone signing over two million users to gain a near 30 percent market share.
Engineer-statesman Sir MV remembered
Bengaluru, Sep 16 Karnataka on Wednesday celebrated the 150th birth anniversary of engineer-statesman Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, popularly known as Sir MV, one of the earliest recipients of the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian award.
KidsCo channel to air Indian series in 47 nations
Chennai, Sep 16 World's fourth largest children's television channel network KidsCo will telecast 'Bommi and Friends' — a 13-episode animation series produced by the city-based Image Venture — in April 2011 throughout Australia, Asia and Africa covering 47 countries.
India-US solar power initiative urged
Bengaluru, Sep 14 India and the U.S. should explore the feasibility of a space-based solar power (SBSP) programme with the ultimate aim of putting in place a commercially viable system by 2025, a report by a Defence Ministry funded think tank says.
‘Doha round can provide $500 bn’
New Delhi, Sep 14 Successful conclusion of the Doha round of multilateral trade negotiations would provide a $500 billion 'stimulus' to the world economy, helping the developing countries most, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said on Monday.
‘US invests in R&D to compete with India’
Washington, Sep 14 President Barack Obama says his administration had made the largest investment in research and development in history so that the U.S. can compete with China and India and Germany over the long term.
India seventh-largest vehicle producing country
New Delhi, Sep 14 India now has become the seventh largest vehicle producing country in the world, a top government official said on Monday.
Nepal's 'royal dabangs' hail Salman
Kathmandu, Sep 14 His off-the-cuff remarks about the terror attacks in Mumbai may have earned Bollywood star Salman Khan some acid criticism in India, but his new avatar Chulbul 'Robinhood' Pandey has been reaping praise and admiration from the high and the low in neighbouring Nepal.
President arrives in Cambodia
Phnom Penh, Sep 13 Reaffirming India's 'Look East' policy and seeking to enhance ties with ASEAN countries, Indian President Pratibha Patil arrived here on Monday on a six-day visit to Cambodia.
India, China leading global recovery
Washington, Sep 13 The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Saturday said major emerging economies like China, India, Indonesia and Brazil are leading the global economic recovery.
Gujarat inks MoU with Britain
Gandhinagar, Sep 13 iNDEXTb, the investment promotion wing of the Gujarat Government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Britain's Leicestershire Asian Business Association (LABA) to promote economic cooperation and commercial exchanges.
India signs pact with Argentina
Buenos Aires, Sep 13 India has signed an agreement with Argentina on conducting research in agriculture and other allied sectors, in line with its plans to tap natural and other resources in South America to boost its food security.
CAG to train foreigners
New Delhi, Sep 13 The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India will Monday launch a professional training programme on audit and accounting for 45 participants from 36 countries, a statement said on September 11.
UK remembers 21 Sikh soldiers
London, Sep 13 Prominent members of the Sikh community in the United Kingdom, and a former senior official of the British Army are planning to establish a permanent national memorial to mark the sacrifice of 21 Sikh soldiers, who had laid down their lives in the battle of Saragarhi on September 12, 1897.
‘Mukesh Ambani to be world's richest’
Washington, Sep 13 Reliance Industries chief Mukesh Ambani will become the world's richest man in 2014 with a net worth of $62 billion, overtaking Mexican tycoon Carlos Slim, Forbes magazine has forecast.
CWG: Police take 'full command'
New Delhi, Sep 13 Aiming to provide 'foolproof security' during the Commonwealth Games, Delhi Police have taken over all the 11 competition venues and started holding mock drills and other security exercises there for the mega sports event just over 20 days away. Between 800 and 1,500 trained policemen would be deployed at each venue.
Indian origin actress wants to shift to India
New Delhi, Sep 13 Raised across the globe and living out of a suitcase, Indian origin actress Sarita Choudhury, best known for her role in 'Kama Sutra', wants to shift base to India to make her life 'culturally rich'. She also wants to learn an Indian language but isn't sure if Bollywood is the place for her.
Ashis Roy completes 106th marathon
New York, Sep 13 India's grand old marathon man Ashis Roy has completed his 106th marathon with a run in the MVP Health Care Rochester Marathon in Rochester, New York — his fifth race in the US this year.
There's a Mumbai suburb in Oz!
Melbourne, Sep 13 If you are an Indian living in Australia and want to have a feel of being close to home, then all you need to do is to buy a house in one of Melbourne's newest immigrant suburbs — popularly called Mumbai Cook.
Indian chef becomes Turkey's brand ambassador
Klang (Malaysia), Sep 13 An ethnic Indian chef and restaurateur has been made Turkey's brand ambassador to Malaysia.
President for enhanced ties with Laos
New Delhi, Sep 10 President Pratibha Patil on Thursday called for strategic and economic cooperation with Laos and Cambodia, as she started her visit to the two South East Asian countries.
India is an anchor of stability: US
Washington, Sep 10 The United States believes that India as 'an anchor of stability' in a critical part of the world will have to play a leading role in resolving regional and global issues more effectively.
‘India essential to solving challenges’
Washington, Sep 10 Describing India as an emerging global player, a U.S. official has said that President Barack Obama looks forward to his trip to a nation that is essential to solving regional challenges, including Afghanistan.
US-India to focus on biotechnology
Washington, Sep 10 The US-India Business Council will embark on a life sciences executive mission to coincide with the Biotechnology Industry Organisation's first annual international partnering conference in Hyderabad on September 21-22.
Digital Green: Buzzword for villages
New Delhi, Sep 10 Farmers are improving crop yields, using new technologies besides learning video-making skills — thanks to Digital Green which is catalysing a quiet revolution in the little hamlets of India. Its founder, Rikin Gandhi, has been named as a top young innovator by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
IGNOU spreads wings in Africa
New Delhi, Sep 10 The life of Francis Mbangwa, a Kenyan farmer in his late 20s, revolved around crops and fertiliser. He would eagerly wait for the harvest season, sometimes face a severe financial crunch because of a bad crop.
Industrial output jumps 13.8 pc
New Delhi, Sep 10 A 63 percent rise in capital goods production pushed India's industrial output up to 13.8 percent in July, as against 7.1 percent in the previous month, according to official data released on Friday.
India, Switzerland hold heritage meet
New Delhi, Sep 10 A two-day conference to identify areas of partnership between India and Switzerland for heritage-based sustainable urban development began at the India International Centre here on Thursday.
Maths graduates in India to teach UK kids
London, Sep 10 Indian maths graduates are being trained to give tuition to British children via telephone and internet round the clock, a report said on Friday.
Malaysian Indian may invest in India
Kuala Lumpur, Sep 10 An ethnic Indian, rated as the second richest Malaysian, may invest $250 million in a power production venture in India.
Enter Bollywood with a day trip
Mumbai, Sep 10 If you sleep, eat and drink movies and always wanted to get up close with Bollywood, then wait no more. Opt for a special tour package that will take you to film sets, popular shooting locales and even the homes of superstars like Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan.
Aamir joins Colin Firth at TIFF
Toronto, Sep 10 Some of the world's biggest film stars, directors and producers were already in town and others were pouring in for galas and premieres of their films as the 35th annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) got under way here.
CWG: Feast on regional theatre
New Delhi, Sep 10 Theatre lovers should be happy with the Commonwealth Games. For, the mega event in October has yielded a rich bounty of regional theatre, children's plays and awards to promote the language stage in Delhi.
Tourism website for CWG launched
New Delhi, Sep 10 Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Thursday launched a tourism website and a helpline for round the clock information for tourists arriving in the capital for the Commonwealth Games.
Indian tea prices firming up
Guwahati, Sep 10 The Indian tea industry is on a comeback trail with exports increasing and prices firming up in the weekly auctions despite adverse climatic conditions hitting production and rampant pests eating away the crop in some areas.
Mumbai readies for Ganesh Chaturthi
Mumbai, Sep 10 Come Saturday and millions of people will immerse themselves in Ganesh festival, a 10-day gala that sees the elephant-headed god being worshipped in Mumbai's nooks and corners and crores of rupees being splurged on preparations.
Sudarsan wins prize in Canada
Bhubaneswar, Sep 10 Orissa based sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik’s sculpture of Lord Ganesha won the people’s choice prize at the Canadian National Exhibition’s first international sand sculpting competition.
India, Poland ink cultural pact
New Delhi, Sep 8 India and Poland on Tuesday renewed a pact for promoting cultural exchanges and decided to invigorate their economic and defence ties.
India seeks Canadian investment
Toronto, Sep 8 Subodh Kant Sahai, India's minister for food processing industries, has called upon Canadian companies to invest in the fast growing sector of the Indian economy.
Gandhi statue unveiled at Oz varsity
Sydney, Sep 8 A statue of Mahatma Gandhi has been unveiled at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, as a symbol of Australia's close relations with the Indian community.
UK invites India to set up shop there
Mumbai, Sep 8 Britain on Tuesday invited Indian banks, financial and insurance firms to set up businesses in the country.
GE and PepsiCo India among ACE finalists
Washington, Sep 8 GE and PepsiCo in India are among 12 American companies selected as finalists for the Secretary of State's prestigious 2010 Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE).
Kerala swears by responsible tourism
Kumarakom (Kerala), Sep 8 The travel trade in Kerala is beginning to rope in local communities and the environment to cater to a growing number of visitors with sensitivity as part of its responsible tourism initiative.
Poland gifts composer Chopin’s bust to India
New Delhi, Sep 8 A magnificent 28-kg brass bust of renowned Polish composer and pianist Fryderyk Franciszek Chopin will now grace the National Gallery of Modern Art — a gift handed over by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk's wife Malgorzata Tusk here on Tuesday.
System to ensure smoother travel planning launched
New Delhi, Sep 8 The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) on Tuesday launched a new software system that will streamline the booking arrangements between consumers and travel agents to facilitate quicker and smoother planning of tours.
Poland woos Indian investment
Bengaluru, Sep 7 Poland on Monday invited Indian industry to invest in the country with a slew of incentives for setting up operations in manufacturing and the services sectors.
Chad looks to deepen ties with India
New Delhi, Sep 7 A seven-member delegation from the central African state of Chad is in India to boost ties, especially in the areas of hydrocarbons, minerals and agriculture.
India forays into Latin America’s business
New Delhi, Sep 7 Indian companies are increasingly getting a foothold into South America, acquiring assets and land not just to get entry into its lucrative agricultural market but also to export commodities such as sugar, pulses and edible oils back to India.
Kapur casts laughing spell
New Delhi, Sep 7 Do you know why Vatsyayan wrote 'Kamasutra'? To sell scented oils to white people! Or so says popular New York-based stand-up comedian Vidur Kapur, who will have you in splits with more quirky answers like this one.
Sari inspires Lecoanet-Hemant
New Delhi, Sep 7 Designer duo Lecoanet-Hemant, who moved base here from Paris a decade ago, are excited about their first solo show on September 9 in Mumbai where they will pay an ode to the most beautiful garment on the earth — the sari.
Liver transplant: Kerala has an edge
Kochi, Sep 7 Not many know that private hospitals here offer liver transplants that are almost 50 percent cheaper than anywhere else in India and six times cheaper than in the West.
Now a ‘Rancho’ school in Bihar
Begusarai (Bihar), Sep 7 A school for the poor in Bihar, inspired by Rancho's iconic school in Bollywood blockbuster '3 Idiots', has been opened by a scientist to teach complex science theories through games and interactive workshops.
Indian companies biggest gainers
Washington, Sep 3 With 39 Indian companies making it to the Forbes “Asia’s Best Under a Billion” list, up from only 20 last year, India was the biggest gainer as the region grew at “blistering rates” after the global economic crisis.
India looks at S. America for farm revolution
New Delhi, Sep 3 India, looking to launch a second green revolution to boost its food security, has begun looking at distant South America where countries have been able to ramp up food production with new technology and farming methods. And to take lessons first-hand, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar will visit Argentina, Brazil and Mexico this month.
India-S. America deal to be expanded
Brasilia, Sep 3 India’s Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jyotiraditya Scindia said here Thursday that India and a trade bloc of South American countries have agreed to expand a trade agreement.
India, S. Africa look to expand trade
Johannesburg, Sep 3 India and South Africa are trying to strengthen trade links, constituting sector-specific task forces to jointly explore business opportunities and putting on the fast track mutually beneficial trade agreements.
Canadian delegation to begin visit
New Delhi, Sep 3 A Canadian foreign affairs and trade delegation will visit India from September 4-9 to meet ministers, officials and business leaders to understand the potential that the country holds as an emerging market and one of the fastest developing economies.
Canadian honour for M.S. Swaminathan
Vancouver, Sep 3 M.S. Swaminathan, one of the pioneers of the Green Revolution in India, will receive an honorary doctorate from Canada's University of Alberta for his contribution to food security in the world.
Janmashtami celebrated across India
New Delhi, Sep 2 Men, women and children of all ages on Thursday thronged temples that were decked up in bright coloured lights, decorations and flowers across Delhi for Janmashtami which celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. Despite the hot and humid weather, crowds were large.
India, SA jointly tap opportunities
Johannesburg/New Delhi, Sep 1 Indian and South African businesses may jointly tap investment opportunities in the rest of Africa, taking advantage of the inherent synergies between the two economies.
Polish PM to woo Indian business
Warsaw, Sep 2 Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk will woo Indian business during his three-day state visit to India that starts Sep 6 as the country 'is a role model not only for Poland but for the European Union', a former ambassador said.
India to build largest telescope
Bengaluru, Sep 2 India is inching closer towards building the world's largest solar telescope in Ladakh on the foothills of the Himalayas that aims to study the sun's microscopic structure.
Auto makers post good sales growth
New Delhi/Chennai, Sep 2 Ahead of the festival season, Indian automobile manufacturers reported robust sales numbers in August, gaining from higher incomes, low-cost loans and launches of new models, especially in the small car segment, in a growing economy.
PM lays foundation of NTPC-BHEL plant
Hyderabad, Sep 1 Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Wednesday laid the foundation stone for the NTPC-BHEL joint venture power equipment manufacturing plant at Mannavaram village near Srikalahasthi in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh.
Manufacturing leads 8.8 pc growth
New Delhi, Sep 1 The Indian economy grew at a faster rate of 8.8 percent in the first quarter of this fiscal as strong domestic demand resulted in a spurt of manufacturing activity, official data released Tuesday showed.
Indian wins American journalism award
Washington, Sep 1 India's Pallava Bagla has won the American Geophysical Union (AGU) David Perlman Award for Excellence in Science Journalism for his articles on the impact of climate change on Himalayan glaciers.
India’s merchandise exports up 13 pc
New Delhi, Sep 1 India's merchandise export grew for the ninth straight month in July by 13.2 percent to $16.2 billion (Rs.76,064 crore), compared to corresponding month last year, official data released on Wednesday showed.
India, SA to discuss trade pacts
New Delhi, Sep 1 Indian and South African officials will meet in the first week of October to finalise two agreements to boost two-way trade and investment.
Obama may address parliament Nov 9
New Delhi, Sep 1 U.S. President Barack Obama is expected to address a joint sitting of both houses of parliament on November 9, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal said on Wednesday.
‘We can be food processing outsourcing hub’
New Delhi, Sep 1 India could become a global outsourcing hub for food processing by 2012 to meet the world food demand, Minister for Food Processing Industries Subodh Kant Sahai said Tuesday.
‘Jiyo utho...’ targets young generation
New Delhi, Sep 1 'Jiyo Utho Bado Jeeto'... the Commonwealth Games official song exhorts youngsters to live, rise, ascend, win and play the game without malice, says lyricist Mehboob who brainstormed with music maestro A.R. Rahman for six months before coming up with the final version.
Mumbai aims high for Dahi Handi
Mumbai, Sep 1 Preparations for Dahi Handi — a popular sport associated with Janmashtami in and around Mumbai — are on a high this year, with several places offering a whopping prize money of Rs.25 lakh ($53,000), a far cry from last year's lacklustre celebrations on account of swine flu.
Kerala to air educational reality show
Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 1 The country's first-of-its-kind Educational Reality Show is aimed at unleashing the creativity and innovativeness of school students in Kerala, thanks to the initiative of IT@School ViCTERS.
India’s economy grows by 8.8 pc
New Delhi, Aug 31 The Indian economy grew at a faster rate of 8.8 percent in the first quarter of current fiscal as strong domestic demand resulted in a spurt of manufacturing activity, official data released on Tuesday showed.
India ups Pak flood aid to $25 mn
New Delhi, Aug 31 India has raised its aid for Pakistan flood victims to $25 million from the $5 million announced earlier, but the assistance will be routed through the United Nations, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna said in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
Moving ahead with robotic surgery
New Delhi, Aug 31 A robot performing surgery sounds like a scene out of a Hollywood sci-fi flick. But fiction is fast turning into reality in Indian operation theatres where high-precision robotic surgeries — a less cumbersome procedure than conventional operations — are gaining acceptance.
Indian-origin wins Emmy
Los Angeles, Aug 31 Indian origin British actress Archie Panjabi, who starred in films like 'Bend it like Beckham' and 'East is East', has bagged the best supporting actress in a drama series for her role in 'The Good Wife' at the 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards here.
Feasibility study for India-Oz FTA
Kolkata, Aug 31 Australia and India have completed a joint feasibility study for a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries, Australian High Commissioner Peter N. Varghese said on August 28. The study has identified a boost of $30 million for each of the two economies from the pact.
‘1,000 MW solar power by 2013’
Kolkata, Aug 31 New and Renewable Energy Minister Farooq Abdullah Monday said that the government is aiming to generate 1,000 MW of solar power by 2013.
Mumbai to get automated car parks
Mumbai, Aug 31 India's first robot-assisted multi-level car parks that can collectively accommodate over 1,100 vehicles will come up at two private commercial building projects in the city, a company official said here on Monday.
Kerala, Asia’s best tourist spot
Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 31 Kerala Tourism has got a boost with readers of SmartTravelAsia.com placing the state as the best Asian holiday destination ahead of Bali, Phuket and the Maldives.
‘Create environment for progress’
New Delhi, Aug 28 Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Friday asked India's top diplomats to aim to create a conducive external environment that would fuel the country's progress.
India to work with UN for women
New Delhi, Aug 28 India will work with the UN for protecting and empowering women migrants from this country, an official said on Friday.
Rs.275 cr earmarked for tourism
New Delhi, Aug 28 India has earmarked Rs.275 crore for tourism promotion abroad to attract more visitors, the Lok Sabha was informed on Friday.
Auto-comp industry to grow $110 bn
New Delhi, Aug 28 The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) Thursday said the industry could grow to $110 billion by 2020 and create one million new jobs with an estimated investment of $35 billion by that time.
Shirdi connected to Mumbai by rail
Shirdi, (Maharashtra), Aug 28 The famous temple town of Shirdi, the abode of the Saibaba, was put on the country's railway map with the inauguration on Friday of a tri-weekly superfast train connecting it with Mumbai.
GOA helping hand in Pak relief work
Panaji, Aug 28 As help pours in for Pakistan's flood-affected areas, a small group of Pakistanis of Goan origin is networking to bring hope to some 20 million people affected by the calamity.
India to ink FTA with Japan, Malaysia
New Delhi, Aug 27 India is likely to sign free trade agreements with Japan and Malaysia in three to four months, but the pact with the European Union is unlikely to be inked this year as differences over several issues persist, a senior official said on Thursday.
Indian envoys’ conference begins
New Delhi, Aug 27 One hundred and nineteen Indian ambassadors and high commissioners will gather here for their third annual conference that begins on Friday and interact with top leaders from the political and business establishments.
Teach farmers in their dialect
Agartala, Aug 27 There is enough global information available on the latest agricultural techniques and strategies, but farmers need to be educated about it in their local dialect and the techniques translated into applications, an expert said here on Thursday.
Showcasing the ancient in Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 27 Delhi, the capital of several dynasties and empires down the ages, will showcase its array of ancient forts, edifices and memorial structures for visitors to the Commonwealth Games. At least major 46 of them are being refurbished at a cost of about Rs.24 crore ($5 million) by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
US envoy pays homage to Mother Teresa
New Delhi, Aug 27 U.S. envoy to India Timothy J. Roemer on Thursday paid homage to India's 'saint of the gutters' Mother Teresa on her birth centenary and said her work 'inspires' all.
‘Mother Express’ inaugurated
Kolkata, Aug 27 An exhibition train showcasing the life and works of Nobel Laureate Mother Teresa was inaugurated on Thursday by Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee to mark her birth centenary.
India confident to deal with cyber threats
New Delhi, Aug 27 A majority of Indian companies are confident of dealing with the cyber security threats, says a survey released by financial advisory firm Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India Pvt Ltd.
Reliance expands 3D capabilities
Los Angeles, Aug 27 Expanding alliances with leading 3D solution providers in Hollywood, Reliance MediaWorks Ltd, a member of the Reliance ADA group, is offering integrated 3D services across the entire film services value chain.
Krishna to visit Egypt
New Delhi, Aug 26 India and Egypt are poised to upgrade their dialogue and sign six pacts in areas ranging from energy and technology to maritime transport and agriculture when External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna goes to Cairo next month.
Speed talks with EU, Japan, Malaysia
New Delhi, Aug 26 India is taking proactive measures to conclude bilateral trade agreements with the European Union, Japan and Malaysia, as the future of the Doha round of multilateral trade talks look uncertain because of the protectionist stance of the developed countries.
Indian envoys’ meet begins Friday
New Delhi, Aug 26 External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna will inaugurate a three-day annual conference of around 120 Indian heads of missions here on Friday that will review various facets of India's foreign policy and map the way forward.
Punjab paper-maker to operate in US
Chandigarh, Aug 26 Punjab-based Abhishek Industries Limited (AIL) has received the Chain of Custody certificate from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) of the U.S. to strengthen its operations in the paper market there, a company official said on Wednesday.
Oz bank opens first Indian branch
Mumbai, Aug 26 The Commonwealth Bank of Australia opened its first Indian branch Wednesday, becoming the first Australian bank to operate with a full banking licence in the country.
Vehicles move towards green
New Delhi, Aug 26 The Indian automobile industry will move towards greener and mass mobility vehicles, global consulting and advisory firm KPMG said on Wednesday.
Dialysis centre for health scheme beneficiaries
New Delhi, Aug 26 Reflecting the government's plan to rope in private players in the health sector, a new dialysis centre was inaugurated here on Wednesday, as a joint venture between the Health Ministry and one of India's largest hospital chains.
Pope sends blessings on Mother Teresa's birth centenary
Kolkata, Aug 26 Describing Mother Teresa as an 'exemplary model of Christian virtue', Pope Benedict XVI has urged everyone to draw constantly from her spirituality and example in the service of the poor and the sick.
PM greets nation on Rakhi
New Delhi, Aug 24 Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh greeted the country on the eve of Raksha Bandhan, asking the people to make renewed efforts to ensure women's dignity and promote peace in society.
Indian American joins USAID
Washington, Aug 24 Sohini Chatterjee, an Indian American lawyer involved in development work worldwide, has been appointed as Senior Advisor in the Office of Donor Engagement in the U.S. Agency for International Development's newly created Policy Planning Bureau.
4 Indians among America’s coolest entrepreneurs
Washington, Aug 24 Four Indian Americans figure in Inc. magazine’s list of '30 Under 30: America's Coolest Young Entrepreneurs' who are 'building unique brands, making money along the way and changing the way we do business'.
IGNOU takes farming info to villages
Agartala, Aug 24 The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is on a mission to reach out to farmers in remote and far-flung areas with the latest global information on farming and agriculture, a senior university official said here on Monday.
Britain allays India’s visa concerns
New Delhi, Aug 24 British Immigration Minister Damian Green Monday assured India that Britain's new cap on skilled labour was not designed to bar skilled professionals and stressed that key stakeholders in business and education sectors will be consulted to smoothen the visa process.
Mumbai portal selected by Harvard
Mumbai, Aug 23 Don't just vote but consciously select your leader — that is the premise behind an Indian portal that offers the database of Mumbai's 1,500 politicians in order to help voters make an informed choice. It has now been selected by the prestigious Harvard University for research.
UK students learn about India
New Delhi, Aug 23 Enterprising British youngsters are utilising their school holidays to gain first-hand knowledge of the impact of globalisation. At least 30 are learning Indian business processes at leading multinational companies, acquiring basic knowledge of Indian culture as lodgers with Indian families and familiarising themselves with the education environment at schools in India.
We want to work with India: Gambia
New Delhi, Aug 23 India's experience in development is a crucial learning tool for Africa's smallest mainland nation, whose president is an admirer of India, to develop its own economy and social sectors like education, Gambian Foreign Minister Mamadou Tangara said here.
President greets nation on Rakhi
New Delhi, Aug 23 President Pratibha Patil on Monday greeted the nation on the eve of Raksha Bandhan, a festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.
Kerala celebrates Onam
Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 23 Women wearing white and gold saris and men in spotless 'mundus' (dhotis) thronged temples across Kerala early Monday and beautiful 'pookalams' (floral designs) adorned homes but the 24-course 'sadhya' feast was clearly the highlight of Kerala's Onam celebrations.
Japan backs N-pact with India
New Delhi, Aug 23 Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada on August 21 made it clear that if India were to conduct a nuclear test, Tokyo will be forced to suspend bilateral nuclear accord and urged New Delhi to ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).
UK Immigration Min to visit India
New Delhi, Aug 23 British Immigration Minister Damian Green will begin his first visit to India Monday. The three-day visit will focus on what Britain's immigration policy means for Indian businesses and on tackling illegal immigration.
Metro plans extra trips on Raksha Bandhan
New Delhi, Aug 23 The Delhi Metro will run 187 extra trips to avoid overcrowding on the Raksha Bandhan festival on August 24, an official said on August 22.
Women to get free bus rides on Rakhi day
New Delhi, Aug 23 Women in the capital city can enjoy a free ride in public buses Tuesday on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit announced on Monday.
Bill for NRI voting rights introduced
New Delhi, Aug 23 The Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill 2010, which seeks to give voting rights to NRIs, was moved in the Rajya Sabha on August 21.
Algeria invites India Inc for project
New Delhi, Aug 22 (IANS) Oil-rich Algeria, the second largest country in Africa, has invited Indian companies to participate in a $10-billion project to build an ambitious trans-Saharan gas pipeline originating from Nigeria via neigbouring Niger.
IT to make MGNREGA more transparent
New Delhi, Aug 21 Hand-held biometric devices and Internet kiosks are part of the Rural Development Ministry's new strategy to ensure greater transparency and accountability in implementing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
India-US pact on clean energy centre
Washington, Aug 21 India and the United States on Friday initialled an agreement for setting up a Joint Clean Energy Research and Development Centre to foster innovation and joint efforts to accelerate deployment of clean energy technologies.
India hopes for win-win N-accord
New Delhi, Aug 21 India on Friday said it would shortly hold another round of negotiations with Japan here and underlined that it was hopeful of 'a win-win' atomic accord soon.
Indian warships on visit to Africa
Mumbai, Aug 21 Four Indian warships have been deployed on a goodwill visit to several maritime nations of Africa, an official said here on Friday.
Tricolour look for new PIB website
New Delhi, Aug 21 Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting C.M. Jatua Friday launched the newly designed website of the government of India www.pib.nic.in.
Computerisation of treasuries okayed
New Delhi, Aug 21 The government has approved the computerisation of state treasuries within three years at an overall cost of Rs.626 crore, the Finance Ministry said on Friday.
Canada’s top B-school to woo Indians
Toronto, Aug 21 Canada's Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University here plans to offer its world-class courses to Indian students and forge tie-ups with Indian universities.
Indian-American looks at IPL for tips
Washington, Aug 21 Looking at the 'phenomenal launch' of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Sunil Gulati, Indian-American president of the US Soccer Federation, believes that even the United States can learn a thing or two from India.
‘Hiding Divya’ was a real challenge
Washington, Aug 21 Upcoming Indian-American actress Pooja Kumar says she met the challenge of portraying a single mother raising a teenager in her new film 'Hiding Divya', about the taboo of mental illness, by tapping into the fear of unknown.
Indian coconut exports rise
New Delhi, Aug 21 Exports of coconuts from India continues to rise, and totalled 24,878 tonnes worth Rs.549 million in 2009-10, Minister of State for Agriculture K.V. Thomas said on Friday.
Reliance launches 3 English channels
Mumbai, Aug 21 The Reliance Broadcast Network Limited (RBNL), part of the Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group and CBS Studios International, has launched three new English entertainment channels at a function at the JW Marriot here.
PM, Sonia pay tribute to Rajiv Gandhi
New Delhi, Aug 20 President Pratibha Patil, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and other senior leaders paid tribute to former prime Rajiv Gandhi on his 66th birth anniversary at his memorial Veer Bhumi here on Friday.
India, Japan to discuss N-pact
New Delhi, Aug 20 Cashing in on the recent launch of nuclear negotiations, India and Japan Saturday will hold their strategic dialogue that will also flesh out the agenda for Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh's visit to Tokyo in October.
Uganda offers farmland to India
New Delhi, Aug 20 As India looks at avenues beyond its shores to deal with food security, Uganda, which has nearly half the arable land in east Africa, has laid the red carpet for inward investment from India Inc. in its farming sector.
Memorial for Bangladesh war heroes
Agartala, Aug 20 India is building an ambitious edifice and a park in Tripura in memory of Indian soldiers and Bangladeshi freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the 1971 Bangladesh liberation war.
American food makes inroad in India
New Delhi, Aug 20 Crunchy prunes, lush Washington apples and juicy grapes... India is in love with American fruits. A colourful exhibition of American health food and beverages was inaugurated at Godrej Nature Basket in Delhi on Thursday afternoon.
OVL records highest production
New Delhi, Aug 20 The overseas arm of state-run ONGC Ltd has reported its highest-ever production of over 8 million tonnes from its foreign hydrocarbon assets last year, parliament was informed on Thursday.
Intelligent kiosk for quick tests
Bengaluru, Aug 20 Global chip maker Freescale Technology has developed a low-cost intelligent hospital kiosk that enables patients to quickly check their health parameters and seek a physician's advice through the internet.
PM greets nation on Parsi New Year
New Delhi, Aug 19 Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Thursday greeted the Parsi community on their new year and hoped Navroz would usher in prosperity to all Parsis and the nation.
Mexico to ease visa process to draw Indians
New Delhi, Aug 19 Mexico is working to expedite the visa process to attract more Indian tourists to the Latin American nation, Mexican Tourism Minister Gloria Guevara said.
PTU targets Asia, Africa
Chandigarh, Aug 19 After launching its centres across India, Punjab Technical University (PTU) is all set to take the education world by storm by foraying into South Asian and African countries.
Auto component industry logs $22 bn
New Delhi, Aug 19 The auto component industry logged a 20 percent growth at $22 billion in the 2009-10 fiscal, the Automotive Component Manufacturer Association of India (ACMA) said Wednesday.
UN condemns killing of peacekeepers
United Nations, Aug 19 UN Secretary-general Ban Ki- moon has offered his 'sincere condolences' to the Indian government and families of the three Indian soldiers who were killed on Wednesday in an attack on the UN peacekeeping forces in Congo.
Goa takes to fishing big time
Panaji, Aug 19 Here's a chance to know what Santiago, the old fisherman from Ernest Hemingway's novel 'Old man and the Sea', felt like while battling it out with the 18-foot marlin fish. Close on the heels of water sports, fishing has emerged as an off-beat sport in Goa.
Reliance Broadcast forms J-V with CBS
Mumbai, Aug 19 The Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG) forayed into television broadcasting Wednesday, setting up a joint venture with U.S. media company CBS to launch general entertainment channels in South Asia.
100 mn mobile broadband users by 2015
New Delhi, Aug 19 India will have more than 100 million third generation (3G) mobile broadband users, generating about Rs.940 billion in revenues by the end of 2015, according to global advisory firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
Indian team in Seoul for Vibrant Gujarat
Gandhinagar, August 19 The first international delegation to South Korea to promote the Vibrant Gujarat 2011 investment summit has received an overwhelming response, an official said here on Wednesday.
‘India big player at Cancun summit’
New Delhi, Aug 18 India, one of the four BASIC (Brazil, South Africa, India, China) countries, will play an important role in the process of arriving at a consensus at the UN climate change summit at Cancun later this year, Mexican Foreign Minister Patricia Espinosa said on Tuesday.
US hopes visa hike wont hurt India ties
Washington, Aug 18 Amid reports that India may take it to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) for a new law to hike worker visa fees, the United States hopes it would not affect their long term economic partnership.
India wins property tax case with NY
New York, Aug 18 India has won a seven-year legal battle with New York City with a federal appeals court ruling that nations with diplomatic housing do not have to pay city property taxes.
Citing India, Obama promotes ‘Made In America’
Washington, Aug 18 President Barack Obama has asked Americans to produce more scientists and engineers and return to making things themselves lest nations like China and India out-compete them for the jobs of the future.
Oz wants India to play greater role in East Asia
New Delhi, Aug 18 Australia wants India to play an increased role in the strategic security paradigm of East Asia, Australian envoy Peter Varghese said here on Tuesday.
RS.1 mn prize for Indian art
New Delhi, Aug 18 Art and automobile tied a happy knot when Skoda Auto India, the manufacturer of models like Fabia, Laura and Octavia, here on Tuesday announced a RS.1 million prize for the best collection of Indian contemporary art by a single artist in the country.
PTU targets Asia, Africa
Chandigarh, Aug 18 After launching its centres across India, Punjab Technical University (PTU) is all set to take the education world by storm by foraying into South Asian and African countries.
Biocon unveils healthcare unit
Bengaluru, Aug 18 Biocon has set up a new comprehensive care division to provide affordable solutions to hospital acquired infections, the leading biotech firm said on Tuesday.
India-Sweden economies complementary
Stockholm, Aug 17 The Indian and Swedish economies complement each other and there is tremendous scope for expanding and enhancing bilateral relations across a range of spheres, the Indian envoy here has said.
US visa law: We'll work with India
Washington, Aug 17 Practically ruling out a review, the U.S. has said it would work closely with India in implementing a new law hiking work visa fees to secure U.S.-Mexico border that would largely hit Indian firms.
African e-network’s phase-II launched
New Delhi, Aug 17 From talking about Ugandan students in India to thanking African nations for the hospitality extended to Indian ships, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna Monday gave a personal touch to his two-hour videoconference with ministers of 12 nations from that continent.
Zinta to ring NASDAQ bell
New Delhi, Aug 17 Bollywood actress Preity Zinta will ring the opening bell of the world's biggest stock exchange, NASDAQ, in New York on Tuesday.
Gambia FM to visit India
New Delhi, Aug 17 As part of India's increased engagement with Africa, Gambian Foreign Minister Momodou Tangara will be arriving in India on a four-day visit on Wednesday.
It’s time India reached out to ayurvedic diaspora
New Delhi, Aug 17 It is time India reached out to its 'ayurvedic diaspora', scattered among most countries in Southeast Asia where this ancient system of medicine is still practised with some local adaptations, said a wellness expert.
Gond artist's work in Sotheby's sale
New Delhi, Aug 17 Sotheby's will put on auction a colourful natural landscape by a Gond tribal artist from Madhya Pradesh, Jangarh Singh Shyam, nine years after his suicide in Japan in 2001.
Goa to host international travel mart
Panaji, Aug 17 Goa will host its first ever International Travel Mart (ITM) October 14-17 to expose the state's travel and tourism operators to domestic and international markets, an official said on Monday.
Economy is strong: PM
New Delhi, Aug 16 With a strong note of optimism on the economy, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on August 15 assured the nation that inflation will be tamed, promised world-class infrastructure to spur growth and announced a new institution to develop high-yielding seeds.
Indians in US celebrate a rainy I-Day
Washington, Aug 16 Dressed in a sky blue sari, Indian ambassador to the U.S. Meera Shankar unfurled the tricolour here in pouring rain as Indians across America celebrated the country's 64th Independence Day.
MEA reaches out with Twitter
New Delhi, Aug 16 Over a month after the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) debuted on Twitter, the response from denizens of the fast-growing social networking site has generally been welcoming, although tinged with some surprise that the stodgy Government of India was finally waking up to the power and reach of new media.
India, Mexico to discuss climate
New Delhi, Aug 16 Ahead of the global climate change summit in Cancun, Mexican Foreign Minister Patricia Espinosa touches down here on a three-day visit on August 15 that will explore views on evolving a strategy for negotiations at the November 29-December 10 UN meet on combating global warming.
4 Indian ministers to visit Canada
Toronto, Aug 16 Four Indian cabinet ministers will visit Canada next month to bolster ties between the two countries which signed nuclear, mining and other deals during Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh's visit here in June.
National Archives tell India's story
New Delhi, Aug 16 On January 26, 1930, the Indian National Congress adopted the 'Poorna Swaraj' resolution at its Lahore session — a call that was deemed as the first step to India's midnight rendezvous with freedom on August 15, 1947. All this and more comes alive through typewritten sepia-toned documents at the National Archives of India here.
India confident of 150 votes in Security Council bid
New Delhi, Aug 16 India is not only set to be elected a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2011-12 in October but is confident of garnering at least 150 votes in the General Assembly that could fast-track its bid for a permanent seat as well, according to well-placed diplomatic sources.
Netaji's bodyguard felicitated
Gurgaon, Aug 16 Jagpal Yadav, one of the bodyguards of Subhas Chandra Bose, was felicitated by the Russian telecom giant Sistema on Independence-Day eve at a function here at the company's India headquarters on the outskirts of Delhi.
Indian-origin pilot marries Chinese colleague
Kuala Lumpur, Aug 16 Two fighter pilots — one of Indian origin and the other of Chinese origin — of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) have got married in one of the military's first inter-racial weddings.
Scheme for empowering girls gets nod
New Delhi, Aug 16 The union government on Monday accepted a proposal to provide nutritional diet and financial aid to empower girls between ages 11 and 18 in 200 districts and the union territories.
Haryana to have cotton libraries
Chandigarh, Aug 16 To give a boost to cotton production in Haryana, cotton libraries providing information to growers will be set up in villages of the Sirsa district, 300 km from here.
Obama aims for defining partnership
Washington, Aug 14 Wishing India a happy and safe Independence Day, U.S. President Barack Obama has said he was looking forward to his India visit aimed at making their relations “one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century”.
Obama's message on India's I-Day
Washington, Aug 14 Following is the text of U.S. President Barack Obama's message on the occasion of India's Independence Day:
India's Pan-African project lauded
New Delhi, Aug 14 In a growing global recognition of India's people-focused diplomacy in Africa, its signature Pan-African e-network project, that seeks to empower the resource-rich continent through tele-medicine and tele-education, has won a top international prize for innovation.
India-US hold counter-terror training
New Delhi, Aug 14 In the backdrop of terror warnings on the eve of India's Independence Day, Indian security officials are holding a counter-terror training exercise focusing on post-incident investigations and pre-empting blasts with the U.S. officials and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Ashok Chakra for Maj Jyotin Singh
New Delhi, Aug 14 Major Laishram Jyotin Singh of the Army Medical Corps has been posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra, the highest gallantry award during peace time.
Patil savours delights on Kerala trip
Kumarakom (Kerala), Aug 14 Appam, puttu, aviyal, olan... President Pratibha Patil and her family are apparently enjoying the best of Kerala cuisine and the chefs at the Taj Retreat here are taking every care while churning out the gastronomical delights.
Delhi to have technology toilets
New Delhi, Aug 14 The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on Friday introduced bio-toilets and electronic toilets based on innovative technologies, which they said, will save water, energy and space and also be aesthetically more appealing.
Delhi boys discover new asteroid
New Delhi, Aug 14 Two Delhi students have discovered a new asteroid as part of a unique astronomy project connected to the U.S. space agency NASA.
Designers to shine at inaugural IIJW
Mumbai, Aug 14 All that glitters might not be gold but there will surely be oodles of sparkle at the inaugural India International Jewellery Week (IIJW) that opens here Sunday, with its organisers saying it will put the spotlight on jewellery designers and help them increase their business.
PM to visit Japan, N-deal on way
New Delhi, Aug 13 Buoyed by an upswing in economic ties and the launch of civil nuclear negotiations, Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada comes here next week, a preparatory visit aimed at firming up the agenda for Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh's trip to Tokyo later in the year.
Pan-African network: 12 nations linked
New Delhi, Aug 13 Twelve more African countries will be formally inducted into India's flagship initiatives in tele-medicine and tele-education as part of the Pan-African network that will also establish a communication link between secretariats of their heads of states.
‘US committed to strengthening bond with India’
Washington, Aug 13 Wishing India 'a safe and joyous Independence Day celebration', Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reiterated the United States’ commitment to further develop their 'unique' relationship to 'address the defining challenges of the 21st century'.
Obama visit to strengthen ties: Rao
New Delhi, Aug 13 President Barack Obama's visit will further strengthen the strategic partnership between the U.S. and India, according to Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao.
MakeMyTrip jumps 90 pc on US debut
New York, Aug 13 MakeMyTrip, a pioneering Indian online travel portal, has made a dream debut on the U.S. markets with its shares soaring over 90 percent after listing on the Nasdaq, catapulting its valuation to $800 million.
India fourth in plastic surgeries
Mumbai, Aug 13 Are looks important for Indians? Certainly, going by a survey that has ranked India fourth as a plastic surgery hotspot. Doctors attribute the trend to greater spending capacity, the celebrity factor and world class medical facilities in the country.
Metro's line to showcase Delhi's heritage
New Delhi, Aug 13 Passengers travelling on Delhi Metro's Central Secretariat-Qutub Minar stretch, which is about to be commissioned, will have access to information about the capital's rich heritage, an official said on Thursday.
MNP to be rolled out from Oct 31
New Delhi, Aug 13 The telecom regulator on Thursday said mobile number portability (MNP) would be implemented nationwide from October 31, ruling out any further delay.
Online bookstore launched in Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 13 Bibliophiles will have it easy with an online bookstore being launched in the city on Thursday.
Christie's unveils art works
New Delhi, Aug 13 Art auction house Christie's has unveiled seven works by top artists here in a preview of its September 15 sale of South Asian modern and contemporary art in New York.
‘Freedom jam’ to celebrate I-Day
Bengaluru, Aug 13 Over 200 people — from school children to software professionals and teachers to full-time artistes — are offering a feast of music for three days from Friday to celebrate Independence Day (August 15).
Farm sector to have e-portal
New Delhi, Aug 12 A new e-portal serving as a one-stop information source for all stakeholders of the Indian food industry was launched here on Wednesday.
US slams move to tax Indian firms
Washington, Aug 12 Corporate America on Wednesday slammed a U.S. legislation to hike the visa fee for highly skilled professionals, saying it discriminates against Indian companies and would undermine the burgeoning economic and strategic ties between the two countries.
PIO claims to crack toughest sum
London, Aug 11 An Indian-origin computer scientist based in the U.S. claims to have solved one of the world's most complex mathematical riddles.
India to host Asian science camp
New Delhi, Aug 12 Scientists and students from across the world will participate in an Asian Science Camp organised in India for the first time on August 17-19, an official said Tuesday.
India gives $42 mn for Congo project
Kinshasa, Aug 12 The Export Import Bank of India has approved a US$42 million line of credit from the Indian government to the Democratic Republic of Congo for building a hydro-electric plant in this central African country.
Celebrating Asian culture in Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 12 Film lovers in the capital can next week look forward to four days of serious and quality cinema from across Asia thanks to 'Imaging Asia', a festival that will also showcase folk performances and art.
Indians stuck in Libya to return
New Delhi, Aug 12 Hundreds of Indian workers stuck in Libya in northern Africa without being paid salaries since October last year will return home by the month end, says Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi.
‘Pak should stop terror to build confidence’
New Delhi, Aug 12 External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna on Thursday said the only option for Pakistan to bridge the 'trust deficit' with India is to take effective steps to stop terror emanating from its soil.
Journey of life through father-son's lens
New Delhi, Aug 12 The country's art fraternity is all set to host award-winning photojournalist Pablo Bartholomew and his illustrious father, art critic, writer and lensman Richard Bartholomew, at the Harrington Street Art Centre in Kolkata on August 14 in twin expositions, adjacent to one another.
Madras Week goes beyond Chennai
Chennai, Aug 12 Quizzes, debates, heritage walks, painting and photo exhibitions are some of the 150-odd programmes planned in Tamil Nadu's capital Chennai as part of the Madras Week celebrations beginning on August 15, which will overflow to other cities as well.
SBI net profit jumps 25 percent
Mumbai, Aug 12 The country's largest lender, State Bank of India, on Thursday reported a 25 percent jump in net profit at Rs.2,914.2 crore for the quarter ended June 30, beating street expectations, which propelled its scrip to an all time high at the Bombay Stock Exchange.
India launches navigation system
New Delhi, Aug 11 India on Tuesday launched a satellite-based navigation system to aid air traffic in the region and joined a select club of nations which have similar capabilities.
Business forum to engage with Africa
New Delhi, Aug 11 To mark the increased engagement of India and Africa, a new forum has been launched to encourage more intense economic and business collaboration, powered by a shared interest in forging mutually advantageous ties.
PIO to address Malaysian forum
Kuala Lumpur, Aug 11 Virgin Group founder and chairman Richard Branson and US-based Indian management guru Anil Gupta will address a forum here next month.
Canines ready to sniff out trouble
Chandigarh, Aug 11 Pinky, a one-year-old labrador, and her canine companions seem happy and relaxed as they stroll along Chandigarh's popular Sukhna lake. But these sniffer dogs are actually on duty, as getting accustomed to crowds is part of their training for the Delhi Commonwealth Games.
Delhi launches eco-friendly rickshaw
New Delhi, Aug 11 Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit on Tuesday launched a battery-operated rickshaw, 'E-rick', sponsored by cellular services provider Vodafone Essar, to promote eco-friendly transportation in the city ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
Shah Rukh Khan to appear in wax at Times Square
New York, Aug 11 Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan will join the wax figures of the famous at the famed Madame Tussauds at Times Square here on Thursday amid a performance by Bollywood dancers.
Goa varsity to have chair for diaspora studies
Panaji, Aug 11 The University Grants Commission (UGC) has agreed to create a chair for diaspora studies at the Goa university, Goa non-resident Indian (NRI) commissioner Eduardo Faleiro said on Tuesday.
Shoppers Stop to enter smaller cities
New Delhi, Aug 11 Shoppers Stop, the popular retain chain that has presence in major metros, is now foraying into smaller cities, opening 10-12 stores by the end of this year.
Artists honoured with Bismillah award
New Delhi, Aug 11 Thirty-three young artists who proved their mettle in various genres of performing arts were on Tuesday honoured here with the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar by the Sangeet Natak Akademi for the year 2009.
Leela is Sangeet Natak Akademi chairperson
New Delhi, Aug 11 Noted dancer Leela Samson was on Tuesday appointed the chairperson of the Sangeet Natak Akademi for a term of five years, the Akademi said.
Bharti Airtel to acquire Seychelles co
New Delhi, Aug 11 India's Bharti Airtel on Wednesday said it will acquire 100 percent stake in the Telecom Seychelles for $62 million to expand its business in Africa.
Obama cites India’s example
Washington, Aug 10 For the second time in a week, President Barack Obama has pointed to the rise of India to ask Americans to produce more graduates to compete globally and regain its top status.
‘Rise of India makes S Asia matter more’
Washington, Aug 10 The rise of India and the difficulties of Pakistan has made South Asia matter more in the reckoning of the United States even as 'Europe means a little less' and American power has seen a 'relative decline', according to a former Bush era official.
Mobile to track midday meal scheme
Lucknow, Aug 10 Two graduates from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Kanpur have developed technology to keep tabs on the gigantic Rs.2,000 crore midday meal scheme across Uttar Pradesh's 150,000 schools — through mobile phones!
Students protest against rules in Oz
Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 10 Hundreds of nursing students from Kerala in Melbourne will march in protest to the Victorian Parliament on Wednesday against the new rules for nurses.
India to launch forestry satellite
New Delhi, Aug 9 A satellite for monitoring the country's forest cover will be launched in 2013, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Monday.
India Show in Africa to push trade
New Delhi, Aug 9 A four-day 'India Show' in Johannesburg from August 29 will kick off a drive to push trade and economic ties with South Africa and use it to make a major foray into the African continent.
Indian violinist performs in T&T
Port-of-Spain, Aug 9 Indian violinist Kala Ramnath enthralled a packed hall here with her scintillating performance during a show ahead of India's Independence Day Aug 15.
Trade returning to old world values
New Delhi, Aug 9 In the footsteps of India's Tata Group — which is hunting for a successor right now — business houses across the globe are resorting to old world values of community service to sustain themselves in the long run, says British business historian Morgen Witzel.
Indian dance, a global heritage
New Delhi, Aug 9 Once confined to temples, Indian classical dance is crossing the seas, creating new cross-cultural idioms and churning out foreign exponents.
Helpline for Indian globetrotters
New Delhi, Aug 9 Whether it is a businessman who wants to know if it is safe to visit certain cities in Mexico or a tourist in Tokyo who suspects he has fractured his ankle, help is not far thanks to a service available to the Indian globe trotter.
Melbourne Malayalis donate blood
Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 9 Malayalis settled in Melbourne donated blood as part of a two-week programme to strengthen ties between Indian and Australia ahead of Kerala's Onam festival, organisers said on Monday.
Dhaka gets $1 bn loan from India
Dhaka, Aug 9 Bangladesh on August 7 inked a $1 billion loan agreement with India to finance several projects in the country.
Bollywood choreographer to start school in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, Aug 9 Indian actress Tabu is among the Bollywood stars who are here to promote choreographer Saroj Khan's dance academy that will open the doors to Malaysian students in September.
Four S Asian nations to allow mutual transit
Dhaka, Aug 9 An exchange of letters by this year-end among four South Asian nations — India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan — will formalise arrangements that will allow transit into each others’ territories.
Six AIIMS-like institutions to be registered as societies
New Delhi, Aug 9 The union cabinet on Monday approved the proposal for formation of societies for each of the six All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)-like institutions being set up at a cost of over `5,040 crore ($1 billion).
India-US ties 'defining partnership'
Washington, Aug 7 Noting that President Barack Obama considers India-US relationship as 'one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century', the U.S. senate has resolved to foster and advance the strategic partnership between the two nations.
FM in Dhaka to sign loan pact
New Delhi, Aug 7 Building on Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to New Delhi eight months ago, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee travels to Dhaka on Saturday for the signing of a $1 billion soft loan agreement, the largest single package India has given to any country.
Telecom industry celebrates 50 pc tele-density
New Delhi, Aug 7 The Indian telecom industry celebrated its unprecedented achievement in 2010 late last evening by recognising some key leaders who have helped shape this sector into a $63-billion business with a tele-density of 50 percent.
American has successful heart transplant in India
Chennai, Aug 7 Sixty-five-year-old U.S. citizen Ronald Lemmer's heart is expected to beat for India after his successful heart transplant operation here.
‘We want to share experiences’
New Delhi, Aug 6 India wants to share its experience and assistance with other developing nations, President Pratibha Patil said here on Thursday.
Zambia seeks Indian investments
New Delhi, Aug 6 Indian farmers may soon be looking to Zambia for sugar with the southern African nation seeking India's cooperation and investment in agricultural production.
TRIL targets RS.30,000 cr projects
Chennai, Aug 6 Tata Realty and Infrastructure Ltd (TRIL) is targeting an order book of RS.30,000 crore by 2015, building logistics parks, roads, airports, rapid transport systems, a top company official said on Thursday.
'I am a practising Hindu'
London, Aug 6 Hollywood star Julia Roberts reveals that she has been practising Hinduism after filming her new movie 'Eat, Pray and Love' in India.
Now hostels for animals in Gujarat
Gandhinagar, Aug 6 An innovative concept of 'animal hostels' to house cattle in a common facility in villages is being pursued vigorously in Gujarat, according to agriculture and fisheries minister Dilip Sanghani.
Durban to host PBD-Africa
New Delhi, Aug 5 Come October and the Indian diaspora in Africa will converge for the Mini Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) in Durban, marking the city's historic links with India and aiming to 'build bridges' between them and their country of origin.
‘Follow Gandhi to bring real change’
Washington, Aug 5 U.S. President Barack Obama has asked young African leaders to follow the example of Mahatma Gandhi and change themselves first if they wanted to bring about real change in the continent.
India-Colombia trade to grow by 23 pc
Kolkata, Aug 5 Bilateral trade between India and Colombia is expected to increase around 23 percent to $1 billion in 2010-11, Colombian ambassador Juan Alfredo Pinto Saavedra said here on Wednesday.
‘T&T can develop ayurvedic medicine’
Port-of-Spain, Aug 5 Latin America and the Caribbean have the highest rates of non-communicable and lifestyle diseases in the world, and a place like Trinidad and Tobago has the potential to develop ayurvedic treatment for these diseases, leading experts have said.
DMRC to construct Jaipur Metro
New Delhi, Aug 5 Taking up its first independent project outside the national capital, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has agreed to the Rajasthan government's proposal to construct a Metro rail in Jaipur, an official said on Wednesday.
RIL to buy 60 pc stakes in US firm
Mumbai, Aug 5 India's largest private sector company Reliance Industries (RIL) Thursday said it will invest $392 million to acquire a 60 percent stake in the US-based Pioneer Natural Resources' shale gas assets in a joint venture with Carrizo Oil and Gas.
Jaipur's Jantar Mantar a world heritage site
New Delhi, Aug 5 India has added the 18th century Jantar Mantar in Jaipur to its list of UNESCO's World Heritage sites on July 31 after winning a bid in the race for inscription at Brasilia last week, a top Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) official said on Wednesday.
TUV Rheinland sets up lab in India
Bengaluru, Aug 5 Global technical services provider TUV Rheinland AG on Wednesday unveiled its first photovoltaic (PV) laboratory at Electronics City in this tech hub for PV testing and certification.
Hi-tech media centre for Delhi journalists
New Delhi, Aug 5 Inaugurating a swanky, high-tech media centre for journalists reporting on the Delhi government, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Tuesday said a welfare fund of RS.5 crore was being planned for scribes.
Punjab to have 'E-gram' services
Chandigarh Aug 5 All 12,800 villages in Punjab will get 'E-gram' services by December which will enable people to utilise several public services under one roof, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal said on Wednesday.
250,000-rose India Gate replica
Bengaluru, Aug 5 Ever imagined what the India Gate would look like if it was made of roses? A replica of the monument with 250,000 roses will be the star attraction at the annual Independence Day flower show here.
Long way to go in education: PM
New Delhi, Aug 4 Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Tuesday said India has a 'long way to go' in spreading literacy, adding that paucity of funds will not be allowed to hamper the spread of education in the country.
Geithner discusses India-US priorities
Washington, Aug 4 Economic and other policy priorities between India and the U.S. were discussed by U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner with a major Track II group trying for enhancing the strategic relationship between the two countries.
Fresh norms for air safety on cards
New Delhi, Aug 4 The government on Tuesday said it was in the process of framing fresh regulations to ensure better air safety. Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said that no airport in the country could be called unsafe.
Adani buys Oz coal assets
Mumbai, Aug 4 Gujarat-based Adani Enterprises, part of the Rs.30,000-crore diversified Adani Group, has acquired the coal mine assets of Linc Energy of Australia for a cash and royalty package worth $2.7 billion to expand the group's energy business.
Gopal Das new CMD of BSNL
New Delhi, Aug 4 Gopal Das is the new chairman and managing director (CMD) of the state-run telephone services provider Bharat Sanchar Nigam limited (BSNL).
Big Cinemas celebrates 'Spirit of Tiranga' in US
Washington, Aug 4 To celebrate the Indian Independence Day, BIG Cinemas is screening free several popular Bollywood movies at a 'Spirit of My Tiranga' festival across 11 theatres in the United States from August 7-15.
PIO named NY’s investment adviser
Washington, Aug 4 Concerned over New York's spiralling pension costs, Mayor Michael Bloomberg has tapped Ranji Nagaswami, an Indian American finance expert, as the city's first ever chief investment adviser.
Indian is Malaysia's first woman mridhangam player
Kuala Lumpur, Aug 4 An ethnic Indian teenager in Malaysia has qualified as a mridhangam player, becoming the first woman to specialise in playing the traditional South Indian drum.
Lilavati offers solution to IVF failures
Mumbai, Aug 4 Offering a ray of hope against recurrent In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) pregnancy failures, a leading hospital here is offering metabolomics profiling that will enable doctors shift from multiple to single embryo transfer.
Mercedes Benz India logs record sales
Chennai, Aug 4 Luxury car maker Mercedes Benz India closed last month with a record sales of 521 units — the highest ever monthly sales in its 15-year existence in India.
‘Recognise re-emerging India’
London, Aug 2 Britain needs to recognise the opportunities presented by a re-emerging India, Business Secretary Vince Cable says, while reflecting on his visit to India as part of Prime Minister David Cameron's delegation.
Auto makers log good sales growth
New Delhi/Chennai, Aug 2 Indian automobile manufacturers reported good sales numbers in July, gaining from higher incomes, low-cost loans and launches of new models, especially in the small car segment, in a growing economy.
Goa to strengthen ties with diaspora
New Delhi, Aug 2 Goa is following in the footsteps of Kerala to engage with its non-residents who make up at least one-third of the state's 1.5 million population and contribute substantially to the Goan economy.
Scottish varsity ties up with Pune College
London, Aug 2 The Glasgow Caledonian University of Scotland and India's Fergusson College, Pune, have agreed to develop joint curriculum for postgraduate students of various courses in life science.
India's Adani eyes Oz's coal reserves
Sydney, Aug 2 India's Adani Group Ltd is set to announce it has bought a coal tenement in Queensland's Galilee Basis from Australia's Linc Energy Ltd, news reports said on Monday.
Pattnaik wins Berlin contest
Bhubaneswar, Aug 2 Orissa-based renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik's creation on global warming won the people's choice award at the Eighth International Sand Sculpture Festival in Berlin, the artist said on August 1.
Zakir Hussain to enthral Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Aug 2 Indian tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain's beats set to dance by famous choreographer Alonzo King in their joint creation 'Rasa' promises to mesmerise crowds at the Edinburgh International Festival this month.
Kolkata hospital to have breast milk bank
Kolkata, Aug 2 Kolkata's state-run SSKM hospital, one of the elite healthcare centres in West Bengal, is all set to have a breast milk bank — the first of its kind in eastern India and only the second in the country.
Tunnel may be blessing for Rohtang
Manali (Himachal Pradesh), Aug 2 The fragile ecosystem of the Rohtang Pass is likely to get some respite from heavy pollution from vehicles once the 8.8-km-long tunnel being built under it takes on the traffic burden.
Mathew championed Indian journalism: PM
New Delhi, Aug 2 Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on August 1 condoled the death of Malayala Manorama chief editor K.M. Mathew, saying that the country had 'lost a true champion of the highest traditions of Indian journalism'.
Vayalar Ravi, who assumed office as Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs on January 30, 2006, was born in 1937 in Vayalar village of Kerala's Alappuzha district...