In the Media
Media cannot be a judge, say politicians
Kolkata, Jan 30: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi feel the media should not play the role of a judge -- because it can hurt a person's image.
Veteran journalist Raghunath Rau dead
Veteran journalist Raghunath Rau, who began life as a sports journalist and then made his mark across a range of subjects, died here Thursday evening after a prolonged illness. He was 67 and is survived by his wife Ratna and daughter Revati.
Raju Narisetti named WSJ Digital Editor
Washington, Jan 23: Noted Indian American journalist Raju Narisetti has been named the new managing editor of The Wall Street Journal's digital network.
Pachauri is PM's 'communication advisor', Khare quits
New Delhi, Jan 20: Senior television journalist Pankaj Pachauri was Thursday named communication advisor to the Prime Minister's Office. In no time, the veteran Harish Khare resigned as media advisor to Manmohan Singh saying he was returning to the 'joys of journalism'.
Pakistani journalist working for US radio killed
Islamabad, Jan 18: A Pakistani journalist, who was working for US radio, was shot dead by some unidentified gunmen Tuesday evening in the country's northwestern region, police said.
First woman photographer Homai Vyarawalla dead
Vadodara (Gujarat), Jan 16: Homai Vyarawalla, one of India's first professional women photographers, died here Sunday, days after being hospitalised due to a fall from her bed, close friends said. She was 98.
20 held for taking over radio station in Greece
Athens, Jan 11: At least 20 people were detained by police after they took control of a studio at a radio station in Athens and went on air supporting several members of an extremist group currently under trial.
Rock Street Journal editor drowns in Goa
Panaji, Jan 6: Amit Saigal, founder and editor of music magazine the Rock Street Journal, drowned while swimming off a Goa beach Thursday, officials said.
British police warned against relationship with journalists
London, Jan 5 : A new report on ethical standards of British police officers warns them against 'flirting' and having 'secret conversations' with journalists.
Focus on issues of national importance, PM tells media
New Delhi, Jan 2: There should be no outside control on the media, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said here Monday while stressing that it should focus on issues of national importance and uproot evils like paid news.
Radio Pakistan hit by financial problems
Islamabad, Dec 30: The Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation -- popularly known in the subcontinent as Radio Pakistan -- is facing a severe financial crunch due to which the future of over 3,000 employees and artistes all over the country has become uncertain.
China punishes 6 media groups for professional violations
Beijing, Dec 28: Government regulators punished six newspapers and magazines for illegally leasing local branches to advertising agencies that allegedly indulged in extortion and for employing non-journalists for reporting and publishing work.
Hyderabad to host world Urdu editors conference
Hyderabad, Dec 27: Editors of Urdu newspapers from India, Pakistan and other countries will participate in the World Urdu Editors Conference to be held here from Dec 30-31.
No unanimity on hiking FDI in print media: Minister
New Delhi, Dec 26: The government said there was no unanimity on hiking foreign direct investment (FDI) in the print media from the existing 26 percent and stressed that its current policy has benefited the domestic newspaper industry.
Probe ordered into threats to Geo TV journalist
Islamabad, Dec 26: President Asif Ali Zardari has ordered an investigation into threats received by a senior Pakistani TV journalist who complained about it a day ago.
Bengali print media market to touch Rs.800 crore by 2015
Kolkata, December 15: The Bengali print media market will touch Rs.800 crore by 2015, a report published by FICCI and Deloitte has said.
Bill to digitalise cable TV passed by Lok Sabha
New Delhi, December 14: A bill aimed at fast-tracking the digitalisation of cable TV was passed by Lok Sabha on Tuesday, with the government assuring cable operators that the proposed move would not harm them.
Deccan Herald launches Delhi edition
New Delhi, December 13: Deccan Herald, a premier English newspaper from south India, launched its Delhi edition on Sunday, its seventh since it began publishing from Bangalore in June 1948.
Chinese newspaper wins British media award
London, Dec 10: The China Daily European Weekly, Europe's first English-language Chinese newspaper, has won an award from a British group for its 'clear communication of business news to a global audience'.
Are stringers the future of media?
Hong Kong, Nov 30: In the pursuit of lower maintenance costs of news gathering and infrastructure, media groups will eventually work with stringers and outsource news production to the public, the chief of Russia's state news agency RIA Novosti said at a global meet here.
300 years of British newspapers put online
London, Dec 1: Around 65 million newspaper articles over the last 300 years were put online Tuesday in a new archive by the British Library.
Sports journalist S.K. Sham dead
Mumbai, Nov 28: Veteran sports journalist S. K. Sham passed away here on Monday. He was 71 and is survived by his wife.
Pakistan to have electronic media policy
Islamabad, Nov 28: Pakistan, which has 85 channels, is formulating an electronic media policy, a minister said.
Sports journalist S.K. Sham dead
Mumbai, Nov 28: Veteran sports journalist S. K. Sham passed away here on Monday. He was 71 and is survived by his wife.
Pakistan to have electronic media policy
Islamabad, Nov 28: Pakistan, which has 85 channels, is formulating an electronic media policy, a minister said.
Sports journalist S.K. Sham dead
Mumbai, Nov 28: Veteran sports journalist S. K. Sham passed away here on Monday. He was 71 and is survived by his wife.
Pakistan to have electronic media policy
Islamabad, Nov 28: Pakistan, which has 85 channels, is formulating an electronic media policy, a minister said.
I&B Ministry gets new secretary
New Delhi, Oct 20 Uday Kumar Varma, a 1976 batch IAS officer, Thursday took over as the new secretary in the information and broadcasting ministry.
Navratri celebrations in UAE
Dubai, October2 Indian expatriates across the UAE are celebrating the nine-day Navratri festival, participating in traditional dances and worshipping the deity Durga, reported “Gulf News” on October 2.
Expats to support education initiative
Riyadh, October1 A number of Indians working in Saudi Arabia pledged on September 30 to support a major educational initiative launched by Khalid Saifullah, a noted educationist and social worker in northern India, reported “Arab News” on October 1.
Government can decide on wage proposals for media employees
New Delhi, September 21 The Supreme Court on September 21 said the central government can take a decision on implementing the Majithia wage board recommendations for working journalists and non-journalists of newspapers, agencies and visual media.
UN drafts action plan to improve safety of journalists
New Delhi, September 20 A draft action plan to improve safety of journalists and combat crimes against them has been prepared by representatives of United Nations agencies in Paris, an official statement said on September 20.
Experts reject idea to bring media under Lokpal
New Delhi, August 28 The idea of bringing the media within the ambit of the Lokpal is “bad and mischievious”, say experts who argue that the media is “private” and the ombudsman is an institution “for redressal of grievances and to make the government behave”.
Bihar’s new tool to fight corruption - YouTube
Patna, August 26 Bihar, for years a metaphor for backwardness, will now harness modern communiction tools to nail corruption. It will expose officials seeking bribes in welfare schemes by uploading clips of complaints against them on the video-sharing website YouTube.
Team Anna versus government: Information warfare hots up
New Delhi, August 16 A full-blown information warfare has broken out between Team Anna and the government, with both sides deploying social media tools, SMS and e-mail campaigns to drum up support and run down each other — in what is proving to be a serious crisis for the UPA Government.
Dalai Lama achieves phenomenal following on Twitter
Dharamsala, July 26 More than two million people across the globe religiously follow him on microblogging site Twitter, giving Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama an unprecedented reach.
Indiavibes wins prestigious award
Kochi, July 25 Kochi-based Indiavibes, which claims to be the country's first web TV, has been awarded the Bloomberg UTV-Aegis Graham Bell award 2011 for innovation in mobile content application.
Social Network business for Bollywood
New Delhi, July 6 They chat, tweet and share pictures, but behind the social networking of Bollywood celebrities lies a lot of business. Filmmakers and actors are taking to websites like Facebook and Twitter to take the pulse of viewers and involve them in projects.
Directors pick the mighty pen!
New Delhi, June 23 A war over words — that's what it is between Bollywood directors and scriptwriters! Directors, tired of complaining about lack of good scriptwriters, are readily picking up the pen to script their own films, while scriptwriters crib about lack of opportunity and inadequate pay.
India, and its art of spices
New Delhi, June 20 India is a mouth-watering gold mine of indigenous food with over 20,000 documented traditional recipes that have at least 200 varieties of dosas, the signature pancake from south India that has taken the world by storm, says celebrity chef Hemant Oberoi who recently came out with his first book 'Masala Art'.
Print making now part of artscape
New Delhi, June 21 Buying art is no longer the same. Spiralling inflation and shooting prices are forcing Indian buyers and collectors to settle for the humble print that strains the wallet a little less.
Changing music of modern India
New Delhi, June 18 You could call it a 'desi' version of Bob Dylan's social poetry set to music — novel to the ears. Contemporary urban music in India is drawing its soul from tradition, narratives from socio-political circumstances and beats from Western pop, rock and funk genres.
M.F. Husain passes away
The passing away of Maqbool Fida Husain, India’s leading international face in contemporary 20th century art, marks the end of a golden era in India’s tryst with new-age art in an Indian idiom.
Punjab Mail chugs into 100th year
Mumbai, June 7 Once the preferred service for British officials disembarking at Mumbai and travelling up-country, the Punjab Mail entered its 100th year this month. It is the first train to achieve this distinction on Indian Railways' broad gauge network and still connects west and north India.
Feast on yam leaf, asparagus when in Himachal
Ala (Himachal Pradesh), June 8 You can begin with a baked yam leaf starter, move on to a dal slow cooked and sautéed in mustard oil and wind up with lip-smacking sweet rice... the traditional cuisine of Himachal Pradesh is a vegetarian's delight.
Entrepreneurship bug bites Kerala youth
Thiruvananthapuram, June 3 Fresh out of college and bursting with ideas, young IT professionals in Kerala are walking out on cushy blue collar jobs and taking the plunge to start their own businesses. Over two dozen startups have sprung up in the state over the last two years.
From sea to springs: A summer ritual in Goa
Panaji, June 3 The sea is not the only solace for summer-weary Goans. When the sun beats down in May-June, with humidity at a high, families move away from the beaches and head for the hills for numerous medicinal springs which dot the countryside.
‘Creativity needs a world of peace’
Kolkata, May 24 Creativity can be harnessed only in a peaceful world, sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan says, voicing concern over the mounting threats to peace since the 9/11 attacks in the U.S. 10 years ago and the recent retaliatory killing of Osama bin Laden.
Concept drives contemporary Indian art
New Delhi, May 26 Concept is driving contemporary Indian art to probe new frontiers beyond the conventional formats. 'There is a new interest in conceptual discourse in art in India. The thought processes going into a work of art is much more serious and theoretical now because India is functioning in the global realm,' curator and critic Heidi Fichtner, said.
‘Indian music speaks to soul’
New Delhi, May 21 You know him as a rock icon, famous for his on-stage antics, powerful voice and signature screams. But there are things about Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler that only a few know of — that he heard Indian musician Ravi Shankar as a teenager and finds joy in his children's laughter at Christmas.
Badal Sircar passes away
New Delhi, May 16 He was a man of the masses with a vision that changed the Bengali stage forever. Legendary playwright, director and actor Badal Sircar took theatre out of the auditoriums and to the streets, among the people. But age finally caught with him Friday when the diehard Marxist passed away at his residence in north Kolkata, barely two months before his 86th birthday in July. Born July 15, 1925, Sircar shot to the limelight with his anti-establishment plays during the Naxalite movement in the 1970s.
Tagore's works to go up on internet
New Delhi, May 9 The works of Rabindranath Tagore will soon be uploaded on the internet in an online electronic variorum by a group of scholars from Kolkata's Jadavpur University.
Moms tailor style to match kids’ steps
New Delhi, May 7 Remember 'Wake Up Sid!' and how Ranbir Kapoor snubbed his on-screen mother Supriya Pathak for her lack of command over English? Just like Supriya's character, who starts brushing up her language skills in the hope 'to be a friend' to her son, several mothers are grooming up and shaping up to enjoy their children's friends circle. Sugandh Lamba, 23, a Kathak dancer, says she feels very proud of the fact that her mom dresses well, and looks almost of her age despite being 30 years older.
Tagore still the man for all seasons
Kolkata, May 7 Poet-philosopher Rabindranath Tagore, who churned out a huge body of songs, stories, plays, paintings and more, still inspires millions of Bengalis, who feel his presence in the smallest things of life.
Foreign feet on India's dance floor
New Delhi, May 4 The ancient classical dance form of Mohiniyattam has kept Russian dancer Olga Stoliarova wedded to India for the last eight years since she came to the country to master the genre from her guru. And she isn't the only one. Over the last three decades, Indian classical dance has found a growing tribe of foreign disciples — Russians, Americans, Japanese and Croatians. From Mohiniyattam to Odissi, Bharatanatyam to Chhau, these forms offer them spiritual succour, creative freedom and a chance to express themselves through highly nuanced and graceful body language.
A pair of clean hands can save lives
New Delhi, May 4 Millions of patients admitted in hospitals in the country could recover faster if healthcare workers follow proper hand-washing routine, which helps in avoiding hospital-acquired infections, experts said.
57 Indian firms in Forbes Global list
Washington, April 23 As many as 57 Indian companies including Reliance Industries, State Bank of India and Oil & Natural Gas Corp. figure in The Forbes Global 2000 list of public companies based on their rankings for sales, profits, assets and market value.
‘Good to return to work’
Washington, April 21 It's just been a couple of days since he won the Pulitzer, but Indian American cancer specialist Siddhartha Mukherjee has no time to celebrate. He is already back to work, seeing patients and even doing some writing.
‘Good to return to work’
Washington, April 21 It's just been a couple of days since he won the Pulitzer, but Indian American cancer specialist Siddhartha Mukherjee has no time to celebrate. He is already back to work, seeing patients and even doing some writing.
‘Good to return to work’
Washington, April 21 It's just been a couple of days since he won the Pulitzer, but Indian American cancer specialist Siddhartha Mukherjee has no time to celebrate. He is already back to work, seeing patients and even doing some writing.
‘Good to return to work’
Washington, April 21 It's just been a couple of days since he won the Pulitzer, but Indian American cancer specialist Siddhartha Mukherjee has no time to celebrate. He is already back to work, seeing patients and even doing some writing.
‘My father was a patient teacher’
Mumbai, April 20 She is an award winning, eighth generation Indian musician. Begum Yaman K. Khan, the daughter of legendary sitar maestro Ustad Vilayat Khan, says 'I could sing before I could talk' as music was all pervading in her home when she was growing up.
Cities on India’s artscape
New Delhi, April 11 Cities, roads, people and lifestyles in the metros are edging the idyllic countryside out of the canvas of Indian contemporary art. Most artists in India begin with nature and landscapes before moving to abstract studies of cities and human forms. But now artists say the complex textures of life in cities and the architectural variety are offering them wider creative options.
K.L. Saigal, a musician of the masses
New Delhi, April 8 Some voices refuse to fade from memory. Legendary musician K.L. Saigal, the musician of the masses and the enduring face of 'Devdas' on the Hindi screen, remains one of them even 63 years after his death.
All that jazz in Delhi!
New Delhi, April 6 Summer will take off on a note of romance in the capital with a three-day international 'Delhi Jazz Festival' starting Friday at the sprawling Nehru Park in the heart of the metropolis.
Ancient Indian heritage in focus
New Delhi, April 1 The fate of the ancient monuments of India — seen through the eyes of two 18th century British landscape artists and the state of the relics 200 years later — is the focus of a documentary exposition on Indian heritage that opened here Thursday.
Ancient Indian heritage in focus
New Delhi, April 1 The fate of the ancient monuments of India — seen through the eyes of two 18th century British landscape artists and the state of the relics 200 years later — is the focus of a documentary exposition on Indian heritage that opened here Thursday.
‘More to performing arts than just stage’
New Delhi, March 31 Careers in performing arts now lie behind the scenes - in fields like lighting, sound and design management. And even for students aspiring to be actors, a firm grasp on these subjects is essential, says leading British performance arts entrepreneur Mark Featherstone-Witty.Witty, 65, is the founding principal and CEO of the prestigious Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA) in Britain. And he is on a mission to provide sustainable employment to young performing arts students in a field that is constantly changing.
Urban ecology art comes to Delhi
New Delhi, March 30 Beatles, bats and mosquitoes have suddenly found a place in the realm of public art in the Indian capital. Opening up points of intersection between art, ecology, science and urban landscape is the public art residency programme, 'In Context: Public.Art.Ecology' with its nerve centre in Saket and fanning out across the city.
Scripting a new story for scriptwriters
New Delhi, March 26 Gone are the days when the script was the weakest link of a movie and multi-starrers were a sure shot way to success. As the mindsets of audiences change, Bollywood scriptwriters foresee a dignified growth for their kind though problems persist.
From humble loaf to multi-grain joy
New Delhi, March 12 Time was when bread came in white or brown, and anything more sophisticated would entail a drive to a special bakery. But just walk down to your friendly neighbourhood store today and a profusion of bread varieties greets you — multi-grain, whole wheat, garlic, dalia, fenugreek and more. Thanks to growing awareness about health and also more adventurous eating habits, the demand for new health-based or flavoured breads has gone up in Indian metros. And manufacturers have been more than happy to oblige.
At 86, Badal Sircar writes, reads, plays
New Delhi, March 10 Legendary Bengali playwright Badal Sircar, who gave Indian theatre a new dimension with plays like 'Pagla Ghoda' and 'Ebang Indrajit', is as busy as ever at 86. For the man who took theatre out of the proscenium, much of the action now happens in the confines of his home.
‘Bollywood has huge audience in world’
Mumbai, March 8 Indian origin reggae artist Steven Kapur, popularly known as Apache Indian, says Bollywood has massive popularity in Britain and the rest of the world, which is why he wants to learn Hindi and work in movies.
Cricket fans go easy on paint, wear cotton
New Delhi, March 5 Do you show your craze for the Indian cricket team by making tri-colour tattoos and painting your face and hair? If yes, then beware of skin allergies and hair loss, say experts while suggesting ideal ways to dress up for a match.
Hollywood comes to Bollywood
Washington, March 2 Three new Hollywood films are set to be shot in India shortly as producers explore the Indian market with the help of an Indian American talent manager in Hollywood.
‘Never retired, never stopped dancing’
New Delhi, Feb 24 Legendary kathak dancer Birju Maharaj, who is also a musician, choreographer and lyricist, says kathak as a genre is finally receiving the encouragement it should from the government. He also says he never retired and is dancing away even at 75.
‘Kathakar’ — The art of story telling
New Delhi, Feb 22 Sonal Mansingh, one of India's leading exponents of classical dance, is resurrecting the ancient cultural tradition of 'kathaa' or story telling through a series of interactive 'Natya Kathaa' performances in the 50th year of her dance career.
Why it's India for Bryan Adams
New Delhi, Feb 11 Thanks to its net-savvy and well-travelled people, rich music and dance traditions and openness to experimentation, India has become a hit with top Western performers who find audiences here mature and highly receptive.
Brain tumour cured with minimal surgery
New Delhi, Feb 10 Deweshwar Kumar, 77, had lost all hope after a sudden loss of consciousness was attributed to a large blood clot in his brain. Chances of survival were low and his condition deteriorated. But his life was saved thanks to minimal invasive neuroendoscopy.
Shoe brands put e-foot forward
New Delhi, Feb 9 What have footwear brands got to do with gaming and social networking sites? Here's the answer: these are the platforms most visited by youth, prompting top shoe companies to put their 'e-foot' forward and target this section.
Facebook, Twitter to be used for Census
Bhopal, Feb 5 Social networking websites like Facebook and Twitter will also used to make people aware of the importance of Census 2011, an official said on Friday.
Carving space for films on real people
New Delhi, Feb 4 What if India's farmers, slumdwellers and rickshaw-pullers could see their lives play out on the big screen? What if they could make these movies themselves?
‘Global warming is a cyclic process’
Chandigarh, Feb 2 He has drilled the highest tubewell in the world and holds a Guinness record for the feat. He spends most of his time looking for precious water resources in the high Himalayas. And now geologist-entrepreneur Ritesh Arya wants to demolish the 'myth' that global warming is a consequence of human activities and says its a '100 percent natural cyclic process'.
Worth a lifetime: R-Day spectators
New Delhi, Jan 27 From toddlers to senior citizens, everyone was mesmerised by the grand parade in the capital on the occasion of India's 62nd Republic Day on Wednesday, with the smartly turned out contingents of security personnel getting the maximum applause.
The music legend loved fast cars
New Delhi, Jan 24 India's legendary Hindustani vocalist Bhimsen Joshi, who died in a Pune hospital on Monday, had left his home in Dharwad, Karnataka, more than seven decades ago when he was only 11 to search for a guru. But, apart from music, he had another passion — fast cars.
S.H. Raza wants to assimilate with India
New Delhi, Jan 20 One of India's oldest and best-known contemporary artists, S.H. Raza, at 88, has just begun work on a new series of art to mark his homecoming after six decades in Paris. He says he wants to live in India as a 'tax-paying, Hindi-speaking' citizen.
‘Promote classical music aggressively’
Mumbai, Jan 14 Classical music is elaborate and expressive and represents our culture in its purest form, yet the country doesn't promote it in the way it should, laments Indian classical singer and sitar player Hidayat Hussain, son of legendary musician Ustad Vilayat Hussain.
A ‘short film’ fest with a difference
Kochi, Jan 14 Billed as the first of its kind in the country, a short film festival SCRIPT 2011 — Social & Corporate Responsibility International Promotional Theatre, would be held here on January 28-29.
Colourscape - spotlight on people's art
New Delhi, Jan 12 Art in public spaces involving mass participation has caught the capital's imagination. The cast is diverse with personalities like Subodh Gupta, Anjolie Ela Menon and even Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati contributing to the flurry of aesthetics and innovation.
What makes Bollywood love TV
New Delhi, Jan 12 Noticed the surfeit of Bollywood singers and choreographers on TV? Not only is music and dance reality shows giving them a good source of income but also many say the recognition they get from the small screen is a big add-on.
Action scenes terrified comedian Seth Rogen
New Delhi, Jan 11 Wondering what Hollywood funnyman Seth Rogen is doing in a pine coloured suit, escaping blown up cars and engaging in physical combat? He has now turned a masked crime fighter in 'The Green Hornet'. And he didn't quite have the last laugh filming the action scenes.
Himachal hosts tallest flying bird
Una (Himachal Pradesh), Jan 11 Green activists worried over the falling numbers of the Sarus crane, the tallest flying bird in the world, heaved a collective sigh of relief after they were spotted in agricultural fields near this Himachal Pradesh town.Bird enthusiasts are excited after their regular sightings in marshy and agricultural fields along the Swan river, a tributary of the Sutlej.
‘Mahatma always had time as grandfather’
New Delhi, Jan 11 Just like Mahatma Gandhi always shared stories with her, grownups must take time out to listen to their children seriously, says the iconic leader's granddaughter Ela Gandhi who lives in South Africa and wants to revive the community settlement, Tolstoy Farm, as a Gandhian retreat.
Theatre emerging as a diplomatic tool
New Delhi, Jan 7 Theatre, an emerging diplomatic tool promoting people-to-people contact and understanding of diverse cultures, has a shared language in the Asia-Pacific region and a drama school meet here is trying to carry the commonalities forward to address issues like identity, politics and culture.
Catching crabs with shark fins and chicken guts
Varca (Goa), Jan 5 Away from Goa's sun-kissed beaches, trance parties and neon lit coastal streets, young boys dressed in shorts are still happy wading shin-deep in muddy, smelly water armed with shark fins or rotten chicken entrails to hunt crabs.
Want to quit smoking? Get professional help
New Delhi, Jan 4 Promising to quit smoking is one of the most common New Year resolutions. However, by the end of the first week of January, the craving for nicotine drives people to break the pledge.
Food channels on small screen menu
New Delhi, Dec 30 Cookery shows are no longer the half-an-hour afternoon how-to-do-it shows aimed at bored housewives. Food has become top grosser on television at yearend, leading to 24X7 food channels and eye-ball grabbing cookery reality shows.
Delhi most active in e-commerce: eBay
New Delhi, Dec 9 Delhi has the most active online buyers and sellers in India, a report by leading online retailer eBay said on Wednesday.
30 yrs on, he’s still the Nowhere Man
Sometimes, words fail you. When a musician is equally revered as a peace campaigner, when his songs become an anthem for anti-war groups, when he attains a place beyond the confines of musical history, then even exhaustive efforts at finding the right adjectives for him can be futile. Thirty years have passed since he was killed Dec 8, 1980 at the age of 40, but words still fail to capture the phenomenon, John Lennon.
Women balancing divine feminine with modernity
New Delhi, Dec 8 The emerging voice of women in India is one of strength, economic sustainability, positive energy, achievement and erudition — that strikes a fine balance between modernism and tradition.
Warming up to Grammy awardee Carlton
New Delhi, Dec 7 Meet 'Mr. 335', the man behind the popular thin-line, arched-top semi-acoustic Gibson guitar. American legend and three-time Grammy award winner Larry Carlton says jazz will continue to grow as long as it maintains its core roots.
Teenagers obsessed with mobile phones
New Delhi, Dec 6 Teenagers are obsessed with mobile phones and carry them to schools, tuition centres and other public places, a study released here said.
Eatables have a story to tell
New Delhi, Dec 3 Food was once a good word. It symbolised fulfilment, nutrition and well-being. But when did it all change? When did we become such guilt-ridden unhappy eaters? Food writer Ratna Rajaiah explores many such questions in her new book 'How the Banana Goes to Heaven'.
Internet: Biggest global info source
New Delhi, Dec 2 What began modestly in the late 1960s as a way to connect research establishments by the U.S. military has grown phenomenally to become the Internet, networking and empowering billions of people worldwide in myriads of ways. For instance, the latest Wikileaks, comprising million of documents, demonstrate the power of the Internet to change the world and bring transparency in governance.
Aparna's film to flag off Florence fest
Florence, Dec 1 A red carpet reception awaits filmmaker-actress Aparna Sen in Italy where her latest venture, 'Iti Mrinalini', will flag off the River to River film festival here on Friday. Sen has made many women-oriented films, but says she doesn't like to divide the world on the basis of gender.
Music in gyms - motivation or distraction?
New Delhi, Dec 1 If you're in a gym, chances are you'll be pumping iron while listening to music, perhaps even from a DJ! While some experts feel pulsating music can motivate you for a workout, others feel it's a distraction and takes the focus away from exercise.
Gay community asserts identity with pink products
New Delhi, Nov 29 Mugs and T-shirts with witty one-liners like 'Jalebii High', 'Pink Sheep of the Family', 'Haan Hoo! Toh?' (Yes I am! So?) are catching up among the capital's gay community that held the third edition of its 'Gay Pride Parade on November 28.
Recording live was great: Asha Bhosle
Mumbai, Nov 27 Legendary singer Asha Bhosle is excited on recording live after 30 years, with singer and sitarist Shujaat Khan, for an album that will have traditional classical-based songs. She also feels if a song is melodious, then orchestra is unnecessary.
26/11: Mumbai pays tribute
Mumbai, Nov 26 Two years after 10 Pakistani terrorists killed 166 people in an audacious attack here, India's financial capital on Friday paid homage to the victims of the 26/11 carnage that stunned the world.
Signature Line: Heavy on designers, light on purse!
New Delhi, Nov 26 Do you dream of owning a Rohit Bal or a Namrata Joshipura at an affordable price? Go right ahead and pick a designer label from Wills Lifestyle's Signature Line, which believes in delivering clothes from the ramp to the rack.
SN good for businesses!
New Delhi, Nov 26 Social networking sites are beginning to change the face of business in a digitised India with companies adopting a marketing mix of online campaigns, promotions in print, television as well as road shows to reach out to people.
Delhiites eye good luck charm at trade fair
New Delhi, Nov 19 'Laws should be made, not against quacks but against superstition,' it is said, but traders from Turkey, Thailand and Hong Kong would beg to differ as good luck charms from their countries are seeing a robust response at the 30th India International Trade Fair (IITF).
No smoking: Gory pictures show why
New Delhi, Nov 18 Positioned in a secluded corner of Hall No. 1 of Pragati Maidan here, gory pictures of mutilated lips, disfigured mouths and lungs are forcing many visitors at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) to halt and take a second look.
Outdoor play is vital for kids
New Delhi, Nov 13 Children chasing one another in parks and playgrounds or playing outdoor games is a sight now rarely seen due to academic pressure and the lure of video games, say experts, warning of the dangers of neglecting physical activity.
‘Playing flute like practising yoga’
New Delhi, Nov 11 The language of the humble bamboo flute is universal and more sought after than other classical instruments like the sitar and sarod, says flute maestro Hari Prasad Chaurasia who was born into a family of wrestlers and used to practise music secretly.
Dandi March inspires mega art project
New Delhi, Nov 10 In the last six decades, Mahatma Gandhi has influenced generations of Indian artists who have creatively expressed his contribution to India's independence and the philosophy of non-violence and now they will celebrate the famed Dandi March.
Here's the art behind Nobel citations
New Delhi, Oct 30 Writer Dorris Lessing's cats found a way into her Nobel citation! That's because the prestigious awards, instituted in 1901, carry a rich legacy of art that reflects the recipient's persona, says artist Annika Rucker who has designed 200 such citations since 1988.
Wake-up call on breast cancer in India
New Delhi, Oct 28 In the seemingly tranquil radiation room of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), two women lit up the ambience with their humour and telltale signs of victory as they shared a common experience: recovering from breast cancer.
DD left with a legacy after CWG
New Delhi, Oct 27 Public broadcaster Doordarshan has been left with a permanent legacy after the 2010 Commonwealth Games as now its staff knows 'how to go about such an event' and even have new software at their disposal, says its chief.
New tourism campaign - teach them young!
New Delhi, Oct 25 Catch them young - that's seems to be the motto of Tourism Minister Kumari Selja and actor-producer Aamir Khan as they are all set to jointly launch a campaign with school children on imbibing best tourism practices to attract more visitors to India in the coming years.
Lata loves watching 'KBC', 'CID'
Mumbai, Oct 22 She has stopped her riyaz and spends time catching up on her favourite TV programmes, including Amitabh Bachchan's 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' and popular crime series 'CID'. Melody queen Lata Mangeshkar, 81, is enjoying her well-deserved leisure time after more than 60 years of singing.
Sweat, stretch, smile with Bikram Yoga
Mumbai, Oct 20 Stretching and balancing exercises are common in yoga. But how about sweating it out in a room at a temperature of 41 degrees Celsius?
Showcase of Gond art to keep legacy alive
New Delhi, Oct 20 The legacy of tribal artist Jangarh Singh Shyam, who died in Japan in 2001, but not before starting a whole new tradition of painting in his Gond community, is set to come alive in the capital.
Bollywood movies teach management
Chandigarh, Oct 19 Bunking college to watch movies may be commonplace for students, but not if some of the biggest Bollywood blockbusters come to them, that too as part of the curriculum!
India shining as CWG set for closing gala
New Delhi, Oct 14 As the curtains come down on it Thursday, the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi will be remembered as much for India's ability to pull off a world-class mega event as about sporting glory.
Age no bar as arthritis strikes young
New Delhi, Oct 13 Investment banker Priyam Joshi, 33, left her job to take care of her one-year-old son. But life wasn't the breather she had hoped for as the joint pains she had been ignoring for over a year became severe. She was diagnosed with arthritis — a disease that affects over 30 percent of the Indian population.
Despite internet, newspapers here to stay
Mumbai, Oct 13 Internet has dented the profits of the print media globally. Although many newspapers and magazines have shut shop worldwide, the industry still has a bright future.
Pink industry keeps pace with West
New Delhi, Oct 11 A niche market spanning clothing and fashion accessories, tourism and media targeted at the lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender (LGBT) community is fast growing in India, with entrepreneurs wanting to cash in on its purchasing power.
Games dominate cyberspace
New Delhi, Oct 8 It is not just the real world which has its eyes set on the Commonwealth Games, the virtual world is also googling its way to make CWG and Suresh Kalmadi two of the most searched topics in cyberspace, a Google Trends reports said on Thursday.
Yoga is no longer esoteric
Berlin, Oct 7 Now practised by a broad range of people from nudists to babies, yoga has spread from its origin in India into western societies. Some would say the promotion of yoga in the U.S. and Europe has become strident and commercial.
Freebies, discounts entice visitors
New Delhi, Oct 7 With the Commonwealth Games (CWG) fever gripping the Indian capital, athletes, officials and tourists are being bombarded with a host of freebies, discounts and bonanzas to cash in on the buzz being created by the 12-day event.
CWG opener gets a pat from Indian media
New Delhi, Oct 5 The Indian media on Monday lavishly praised the inaugural ceremony of the October 3-14 sporting extravaganza here a day earlier.
Western media salutes Games opener
Toronto/London/Melbourne, Oct 5 The bright dancing lights, loud drums and the pageantry at the Commonwealth Games inaugural has dazzled the West, with its media speaking glowingly about the colourful extravaganza.
Tagore songs in demand this Durga Puja
Kolkata, Oct 4 The timeless magic of Rabindra Sangeet is set to dominate the special album releases this Durga Puja.
Learn Hindi the Malay way - online
New Delhi, Sep 30 Bollywood films are popular in Malaysia and soon one might find Malaysians speaking Hindi as well, thanks to a website that will impart Hindi lessons online to citizens of Southeast Asian countries.
31,000 on Facebook for Delhi roads
New Delhi, Sep 29 'Dear Sir/Madam, Today I have seen lot many defence cars, with blue and red beacon lights, judges' cars (with justice label at the back) driving in Commonwealth Games lane,' says a Facebook post received by Delhi Traffic Police, nicknamed DTP by netizens.
‘Even as office boy, I stayed close to cinema’
Chennai, Sep 27 Director Pandiraj, the son of farmer parents, couldn't pursue graduation for want of money and did odd jobs to support himself. But the Tamil director, whose first film 'Pasanga' bagged three National Awards, says even while working as an office boy, he made sure he was not far from the movie business.
'Julia likes Indian food, hates onions'
New Delhi, Sep 25 Julia Roberts surprised everyone by eating rice, chapati, aloo-gobi and mattar-paneer with her bare hands while filming 'Eat Pray Love' in India last year, but the Pretty Woman can't stand onions, says her lesser known Indian co-star Russhita Singh.
Kerala women turn poll aspirants
Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 24 There is a huge rush of Kerala women who want to contest next month's local bodies polls because this time 50 percent of seats have been reserved for them.
Manipuri music reaching out to Gen Next
New Delhi, Sep 22 The 'pena', a musical genre from India's northeast associated with shamanistic folk rites from the pre-Christian era, is making its way into mainstream performances after roping in women and youth.
Indian advertising in for exciting times
New Delhi, Sep 20 Indian advertising is in for some exciting and creative times as a wave of new thinking is blowing over the industry with the economy expanding and Indian brands entering the global market place, says Shyam Madiraju, the man behind the much-talked-about Kit Kat ad featuring a pair of dancing squirrels.
Ibsen thrives among college-goers
New Delhi, Sep 18 Creative ideas are pouring out of the capital's amateur stage. Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, one of the modern dramatists to have influenced Indian theatre, has made inroads into the college drama circuit with a festival.
Four-decade ban lifted on Ray’s ‘Sikkim’
Mumbai, Sep 18 Director Sandip Ray, the son of Oscar-winning filmmaker Satyajit Ray, is elated over a government decision to lift a ban on his father's documentary 'Sikkim' after four decades, but rues that the original negative has perished.
India looking at ancient waterways
New Delhi, Sep 16 Be it in Delhi, Kerala, Orissa or West Bengal, ancient waterways are being sought to be revived to facilitate heritage tourism and public transportation in a throwback to history when inland rivers were the economic lifeline of urban settlements.
Condoms, sex issues taboo no more
New Delhi, Sep 14 Not so long ago, the mere mention of the word 'sex' would raise eyebrows and spark a debate in Jamia Millia Islamia, recall old-timers at the 90-year-old university. Today, however, students freely walk up to a university facility to collect condoms.
BPO jobs on your finger taps!
Chennai, Sep 13 Good news for those aspiring to work in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector! Now any one seeking a job in a BPO can apply dialling a toll-free number to key in their resumes from their mobile phone.
Bollywood's woman directors call shots
New Delhi, Sep 10 Bollywood, for long considered a male-centric industry, is no more an alien world for women directors — if the success of Anusha Rizvi's 'Peepli Live' and Rajshree Ojha's 'Aisha' is any indication. Women are confidently going behind the camera to call the shots.
‘Dhobi Ghat will go global’
Toronto, Sep 8 'Dhobi Ghat' is a rare movie to come out of Bollywood and it is meant for the global stage, says Cameron Bailey, co-director of the Toronto Film Festival (TIFF) where the film will be premiered this week. It is the first non-masala, non-song-and-dance film from Bollywood to make to the world's premier film festival, which opens here on Thursday to showcase about 300 films from around the world.
Dental jewellery for a dazzling smile!
Mumbai, Sep 7 Decking up your ears, neck, ankles and wrists with precious stones is nothing new! If you are a trendsetter, you can go for dental jewellery and get a gem attached to your teeth for a dazzling smile.
Ghatak’s masterpiece has to shine
Mumbai, Sep 3 Legendary filmmaker Ritwik Ghatak’s “Meghe Dhaka Tara” completes 50 years this year. Sadly, despite critics globally considering it to be one of a handful of most important films from India, the excitement is not palpable.
Time is right for luxury watches in India
New Delhi, Sep 1 Luxury watch brands like Rolex, Bvlgari, Omega, Tissot and Longines are eyeing the booming market in India, but they say expanding business is a tough task because of lack of right retail locations and high rents.
Little Bommi to globetrot in 2011
Chennai, Sep 1 Bommi and her pals, Remba, Yip, Taco, Maya and Boris, are likely to take two city-based young entrepreneurs, R. Mathiseelan and K.R. Senthil Kumar, places in 2011.
Vigyan Gram to popularise science
Agartala, Aug 31 A Vigyan Gram, or a science village, is to come up on the outskirts of Tripura's capital, complete with a museum, library, planetarium, botanical garden, bird sanctuary and other attractions to popularise science among the masses.
‘24’ bigger than my biggest work in India
New Delhi, Aug 23 Anil Kapoor is going great guns. After the international acclaim following 'Slumdog Millionaire', the evergreen star is making his debut on international television with the final season of American series '24'. He describes the action drama as 'bigger than the biggest' he has done in India.
Journalist recalls first I-Day shots
New Delhi, Aug 21 Her face crinkles into a smile, drawing a fine mesh of crow's feet in the gentle folds of her skin. At 97, Homai Vyarawalla, India's first and oldest photojournalist, is still as spirited as she was in the 1920s when she shot glimpses of Mumbai life with her box camera and chronicled the Independence struggle in striking black and white compositions.
Onam spread of dishes goes online
New Delhi, Aug 21 Foodies cutting across social and racial divides have a lot to cheer this Onam, the state festival of Kerala to be celebrated on August 23.
Business booms for outsourcing units
Chennai, Aug 19 The pan-India expansion of telecom, insurance, banking and financial services companies and the near extinction of the tribe of personnel managers have resulted in booming business for labour laws compliance outsourcing units.
Art, accessory auctions gather pace in India
New Delhi, Aug 19 The art and accessories auction market is humming with activity in India and abroad, putting memories of the economic meltdown behind. The goods on display in showrooms and cyber galleries include souvenirs, antiques, jewellery, vintage books and even wine.
Feeling stressed? Start an activity
New Delhi, Aug 17 Suffering from eating disorder, skin problems, hair fall and drinking — it could be because of stress at work or emotional void and experts suggest that the best thing to get out of the stressful life is to indulge in some activity.
Delhi is talking world cinema
New Delhi, Aug 16 No longer is 'Breathless', 'Rashomon' and 'Amores Perros' the preserve of the well heeled at Delhi's arty evenings. Critically acclaimed international films like these have struck a chord among non-elite audiences thanks to small groups 'fighting for serious cinema'.
Planning to wed? Choose your theme
New Delhi, Aug 16 Rajasthani or Royal Victorian style — how would you like to get married? Indians with money to splurge are opting for theme weddings and, at a time when the sector is growing at an annual growth rate of 15 percent, they are indeed spoilt for choice.
African students make a home in India
New Delhi, Aug 12 Two years ago, an apprehensive Joseph Gitonga arrived in India from Kenya to study to become a teacher. Now, he has one refrain — India is incredible.
India going places on fashion map
Chandigarh, Aug 10 Designers from small towns as well as big cities have bright prospects in the fashion industry and Chandigarh itself is sitting on a goldmine of talent, say leading names like Raghvendra Rathore and Shantanu and Nikhil.
Vayalar Ravi, who assumed office as Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs on January 30, 2006, was born in 1937 in Vayalar village of... 
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