Total Solar Eclipse on July 22nd 2009 – The Most Powerful Eclipse of the Year 2009

2009-07-21T23:35:00.001+05:30

The rare solar eclipse which will take place on Wed, July 22, 09 will be a total eclipse of the Sun with a magnitude of 1.080 that will be visible in northern India, Nepal, northern Bangladesh, Bhutan, the northern Myanmar, central China and the Pacific Ocean, the Ryukyu Islands, Marshall Islands and Kiribati.

As per Indian Standard Time, Solar Eclipse will be seen between 5:28 AM to 7:40 AM.

The eclipse will last approximately for 4 minutes from morning 6.26 am to 6.30 am in India and during this period the sun will not be visible at all

The other places in India where the Eclipse is visible are Khandwa, Maihar, Mirzapur, Muzaffarpur, Panchmarhi, Purnia, Rewa, Sagar, Siliguri, Silvassa ,Vidisha, Bankipore, Bharuch, Chhapra, Chhatarpur, Cooch Bihar, Daltoganj, Daman, Darbhanga, Dibrugarh, Gangtok, Itanagar, Itarsi, Jabalpur, Katihar,
Do’s and Don’t during the Solar eclipse

* It is reccomended to avoid or postpone to perform any important tasks or deal during the eclipse day
* Fasting is reccomended , Many people in India observe fast on the day of eclipse
* Avoid eatables from outside
* Avoid cooking during the eclipse timing
* its reccomended to Keep the food and eatables closed during the time of eclipse.
* Hindus perform ritual bath after the eclipse is over

Below is the list of important places in India where the Eclipse is Visible in its totality.

Bhopal

* Eclipse begins before Sunrise
* Total Solar Eclipse Begins at 06:22:11 AM
* Greatest Eclipse Phase at 06:23:47 AM
* Total Solar Eclipse Ends at 06:25:23 AM
* Eclipse ends at 07:22:51 AM

Patna

* Eclipse begins at 05:29:57 AM
* Total Solar Eclipse Begins at 06:24:37 AM
* Greatest Eclipse Phase at 06:26:31 AM
* Total Solar Eclipse Ends at 06:28:24 AM
* Eclipse ends at 07:29:29 AM

Varanasi

* Eclipse begins at 05:30:03 AM
* Total Solar Eclipse Begins at 06:24:10 AM
* Greatest Eclipse Phase at 06:25:44 AM
* Total Solar Eclipse Ends at 06:27:17 AM
* Eclipse ends at 07:27:34 AM

Gaya

* Eclipse begins at 05:29:34 AM
* Total Solar Eclipse Begins at 06:24:26 AM
* Greatest Eclipse Phase at 06:26:04 AM
* Total Solar Eclipse Ends at 06:27:41 AM
* Eclipse ends at 07:29:00 AM

Surat

* Eclipse begins before sunrise
* Total Solar Eclipse Begins at 06:21:16 AM
* Greatest Eclipse Phase at 06:22:54 AM
* Total Solar Eclipse Ends at 06:24:33 AM
* Eclipse ends at 07:19:53 AM

Ujjain

* Eclipse begins before sunrise
* Total Solar Eclipse Begins at 06:22:51 AM
* Greatest Eclipse Phase at 06:23:40 AM
* Total Solar Eclipse Ends at 06:24:30 AM
* Eclipse ends at 07:21:56 AM

Vadodara

* Eclipse begins before sunrise
* Total Solar Eclipse Begins at 06:22:41 AM
* Greatest Eclipse Phase at 06:23:20 AM
* Total Solar Eclipse Ends at 06:23:59 AM
* Eclipse ends at 07:20:27 AM

Siliguri

* Eclipse begins at 05:30:26 AM
* Total Solar Eclipse Begins at 06:26:33 AM
* Greatest Eclipse Phase at 06:28:26 AM
* Total Solar Eclipse Ends at 06:30:23 AM
* Eclipse ends at 07:40:45 AM

Darjeeling

* Eclipse begins at 05:30:35 AM
* Total Solar Eclipse Begins at 06:27:01 AM
* Greatest Eclipse Phase at 06:28:30 AM
* Total Solar Eclipse Ends at 06:29:58 AM
* Eclipse ends at 07:33:07 AM

Sikkim

* Eclipse begins at 05:30:40 AM
* Total Solar Eclipse Begins at 06:27:15 AM
* Greatest Eclipse Phase at 06:28:30 AM
* Total Solar Eclipse Ends at 06:29:58 AM
* Eclipse ends at 07:34:10 AM

WB Madhyamik Pariksha (WBBSE) Class 10 Results 2009

2009-05-27T23:28:00.001+05:30

West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE) Results 2009

West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE) to be published Madhyakim Pariksha (SE) 2009 Results on 28th May 2009 at 11 AM. On that day at 9 AM the results will be decleard and 10 AM the marksheet will be delivered. The Results will be available in the following website after 11 AM on respective day. Students can check out Madhyamik Pariksha Class 10 Result online after 11 AM.

WB Madhyamik Pariksha (SE) Results 2009 at WBRESULTS
WB Madhyamik Pariksha (SE) Results 2009 at WBBSE
WB Madhyamik Pariksha (SE) Results 2009 at INDIARESULTS
WB Madhyamik Pariksha (SE) Results 2009 at INDIA EDUCATION
WB Madhyamik Pariksha (SE) Results 2009 at BANGLARMUKH
WB Madhyamik Pariksha (SE) Results 2009 at CALCUTTATELEPHONES
WB Madhyamik Pariksha (SE) Results 2009 at EXAMRESULTS
Ohters Examination Results 2009 at INDIAN-RESULTS

Madhyamik Pariksha Results 2009, West Bengal Madhyamik Result, WBBSE Results 2009

Related : madhyamik 2009, madhyamik, madhyamik shiksha parishad, tathyabangla, madhyamik pariksha 2009, result of madhyamik 2009, west bengal madhyamik exam result, west bengal 10th results, west bengal class x results, wb result, wbseb, tathyabangla, wbse, banglarmukh, wbchse

CBSE Class 12 Board Examination Results 2009 at www.cbse.nic.in

2009-05-20T08:18:00.000+05:30

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Class 12 Board Examinations Results 2009 will be declared 22 May 2009 on the CBSE website http://www.cbse.nic.in/ at 10 a.m.

CBSE Class 12 Board Examination 2009 (Link 1)

CBSE Class 12 Board Examination 2009 (Link 2)

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Results 2009 Class 12 Board Exam -Chennai, Ajmer and Panchkula Regions to be declared on 20th May 2009 at 10 AM.
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Results 2009 Class 12 Board Exam -Delhi, Guwahati and Allahabad Regions to be announced on May 22, 2009 at 10 am.

Related : CBSE 2009 Results, CBSE 12 class Results, CBSE Results, cbse date sheet, cbse delhi, cbse 2009, cbse website, cbse nic, Central Board of Secondary Education Results

ICSE and ISC Examination Results 2009 at www.cisce.org on May 20

2009-05-20T08:17:00.001+05:30

Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations

The CISCE Result 2009 are expected to be announced on 20th May (Wednesday) 2009. The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), New Delhi is expected to declare results ICSE and ISC Examinations on the CISCE website http://www.cise.org/ at 11 a.m.

CISCE Results 2009 (Link 1)

CISCE Results 2009 (Link 2)

Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) ICSE and ISC Examination Results 2009 to be declared on 20th May 2009 at 11 AM.

Students can pre-register on www.cisce.org to get their results through email or SMS. Pre-registration closes at 6 am that day. Email and SMS : http://www.cisce.org/News.aspx

Related : ICSE Results, ISC Results, ICSE Results 2009, ISC Results 2009, icse, cicse, cise, icse 2009, cbse, Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations, Results, icseresults, ciseresults, iscresults, http://www.cise.org/

Exit Poll 2009 | 15th Lok Sabha | Indian Elections Results | Live Chat

2009-05-13T20:19:00.000+05:30

Exit poll as the name suggests is the poll carried out when the voters exit from the polling booth. In other words, it is a kind of survey carried out by various non-governmental organisations (news channels, press etc.) to know about the possible outcome of the polls and made predictions based on the information collected. In this process the voters are enquired about the party they had voted for when they came out of the polling station/booth.
The decision from the EC has come following a notification from the Supreme Court of India. In its notification the SC had said that EC has the right and authority to put a ban on the exit and opinion polls during election time and it should implement the ban.
After the last phase of polling today ,various Tv channels who conducted the Exit polls 2009 for the elections will relays the results on Television.
15th Lok Sabha Elections Result to be announced on 16th May 2009.
Exit polls on television news channels show that the Congress-led UPA has been projected to have an edge over NDA and others in the Lok Sabha elections which are expected to produce a highly-fractured verdict.

'Headlines Today' channel gave Congress and its allies 191 seats against 180 to BJP and its allies. The Left parties, which played a crucial role in the outgoing Lok Sabha with 60 seats, has been projected to get 38 while 'Others' including the BSP are set to get 134 in a House of 543.

'India TV' channel said UPA would get between 195 seats and it could go up to 227 if 32 seats of RJD, LJP and SP are added. The channel has given NDA 189 and the Third Front 113. 'Others' are projected to get 14 seats.

Elections » Live Chat : Ask Dr Prannoy Roy
NDTV Opinion Poll Results

Related : exit poll 2009 india, ndtv, ndtv exit poll 2009, exit poll, exit poll 2009 lok sabha

Amitabh Bachchan to sing for TV commercial

2009-04-29T11:49:00.003+05:30

After crooning songs like "Mere angane mein", "Rang barse" and "Chali chali" for his movies, Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan now has lent his voice for a TV commercial.

Directed by Sujoy Ghosh, who is also directing the actor in his forthcoming film "Aladin", Amitabh has sung the song for a Himani Navratna Oil commercial, for which he is also the brand ambassador.

"He has an incredible energy level that comes across on the screen as well. We had an amazing time shooting the ad with him," said Ghosh.

The jingle has been composed by Vishal-Shekhar and sources claim "Amitabh too spent long hours in the studio with the musicians and provided his own inputs". The 66-year-old will also shake a leg in the ad. --IANS

IPL 2009 Indian Premier League Schedule

2009-04-17T16:44:00.000+05:30

IPL 2009 Schedule

April 18 : Opening ceremony followed by Rajasthan Royals vs Bangalore Royal Challengers and Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings (Newlands, Cape Town )

April 19 : Kolkata Knight Riders vs Deccan Chargers (Newlands, Cape Town); Delhi Daredevils vs Kings XI Punjab (Newlands, Cape Town)

April 20 : Bangalore Royal Challengers vs Chennai Super Kings ( St. George's Park , Port Elizabeth )

April 21 : Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians (Kingsmead, Durban ); Kolkata Knight Riders v Kings XI Punjab (Kingsmead, Durban )

April 22 : Delhi Daredevils vs Chennai Super Kings (Kingsmead, Durban ); Bangalore Royal Challengers vs Deccan Chargers (Newlands, Cape Town )

April 23 : Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals ( St. George's Park , Port Elizabeth )

April 24 : Kings XI Punjab vs Bangalore Royal Challengers (Wanderers, Johannesburg )

April 25 : Kolkata Knight Riders vs Chennai Super Kings (Newlands, Cape Town ); Deccan Chargers vs Mumbai Indians (Kingsmead, Durban )

April 26 : Rajasthan Royals vs Kings XI Punjab (Newlands, Cape Town); Bangalore Royal Challengers vs Delhi Daredevils (St. George's Park, Port Elizabeth)

April 27 : Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians (Newlands, Cape Town ); Chennai Super Kings vs Deccan Chargers (Kingsmead, Durban )

April 28 : Delhi Daredevils vs Rajasthan Royals ( Supersport Park , Centurion, Pretoria )

April 29 : Mumbai Indians vs Kings XI Punjab (Kingsmead, Durban ); Kolkata Knight Riders vs Bangalore Royal Challengers (Kingsmead, Durban )

April 30 : Delhi Daredevils vs Deccan Chargers (Supersport Park, Centurion, Pretoria); Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings (Supersport Park, Centurion, Pretoria)

May 1 : Bangalore Royal Challengers vs Kings XI Punjab ( Buffalo Park , East London); Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Kingsmead, Durban )

May 2 : Rajasthan Royals vs Deccan Chargers (Wanderers, Johannesburg ); Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Daredevils ( St. George's Park , Port Elizabeth )

May 3 : Mumbai Indians vs Bangalore Royal Challengers (Kingsmead, Durban ); Kings XI Punjab vs Kolkata Knight Riders ( Buffalo Park , East London )

May 4 : Deccan Chargers vs Chennai Super Kings ( St. George's Park , Port Elizabeth )

May 5 : Delhi Daredevils vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Kingsmead, Durban ); Kings XI Punjab vs Rajasthan Royals (Kingsmead, Durban )

May 6 : Mumbai Indians vs Deccan Chargers ( Supersport Park , Centurion, Pretoria )

May 7 : Kings XI Punjab vs Chennai Super Kings ( Supersport Park , Centurion, Pretoria ); Bangalore Royal Challengers vs Rajasthan Royals ( Supersport Park , Centurion, Pretoria )

May 8 : Delhi Daredevils vs Mumbai Indians ( Buffalo Park , East London )

May 9 : Deccan Chargers vs Kings XI Punjab ( Outsurance Park , Bloemfontein ); Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals ( St. George's Park , Port Elizabeth )

May 10 : Kolkata Knight Riders vs Delhi Daredevils ( Buffalo Park , East London); Bangalore Royal Challengers vs Mumbai Indians (Wanderers, Johannesburg )

May 11 : Deccan Chargers vs Rajasthan Royals ( Outsurance Park , Bloemfontein )

May 12 : Bangalore Royal Challengers vs Kolkata Knight Riders ( Supersport Park , Centurion, Pretoria ); Kings XI Punjab vs Mumbai Indians ( Supersport Park , Centurion, Pretoria )

May 13 : Deccan Chargers vs Delhi Daredevils (Kingsmead, Durban )

May 14 : Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals (Kingsmead, Durban ); Chennai Super Kings vs Bangalore Royal Challengers (Kingsmead, Durban )

May 15 : Kings XI Punjab vs Delhi Daredevils (De Beers Diamond, Oval, Kimberley )

May 16 : Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians (Wanderers, Johannesburg ); Deccan Chargers vs Kolkata Knight Riders ( St. George's Park , Port Elizabeth )

May 17 : Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Daredevils (De Beers Diamond Oval, Kimberley ); Kings XI Punjab vs Deccan Chargers (Wanderers, Johannesburg )

May 18 : Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders ( Supersport Park , Centurion, Pretoria )

May 19 : Delhi Daredevils vs Bangalore Royal Challengers (Wanderers, Johannesburg )

May 20 : Chennai Super Kings vs Kings XI Punjab (Kingsmead, Durban ); Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Kingsmead, Durban )

May 21 : Deccan Chargers vs Bangalore Royal Challengers ( Supersport Park , Centurion, Pretoria ); Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Daredevils ( Supersport Park , Centurion, Pretoria )

May 22 : Semifinal 1 at Supersport Park , Centurion, Pretoria

May 23 : Semifinal 2 at Wanderers, Johannesburg

May 24 : Closing ceremony followed by final (Wanderers, Johannesburg ).

Tech Mahindra to be Satyam's new owner

2009-04-13T14:12:00.001+05:30

Indian software company Tech Mahindra Ltd. is the highest bidder for a stake in rival Satyam Computer Services Ltd., two people familiar with the development said Monday.

"They (Tech Mahindra) have emerged as the clear winner. They had bid at 58 rupees ($1.16) per share," one of them told Dow Jones Newswires. The next bidder was Larsen & Toubro Ltd. at 49.50 rupees, the person added.

According to the process laid down earlier, the bid is for a 31% stake in Satyam. This will be followed by an open offer for another 20% in the company.

At 58 rupees per share, Tech Mahindra would have to pay about 32 billion rupees to 33 billion rupees for a controlling 51% stake in Satyam, said Apurva Shah, an IT analyst with Mumbai-based brokerage Prabhudas Lilladher.

Billionaire investor Wilbur Ross had bid at 20 rupees per share, while U.S.-based Cognizant Technology Solutions Co. had withdrawn from the process, the person said.

Hyderabad-based Satyam, once India's fourth-largest software exporter by revenue, is looking for a buyer who will infuse funds and help revive the company.

The company has been in turmoil after its founder, B. Ramalinga Raju, revealed in January he overstated its profits over several years and created a fictitious cash balance of more than $1 billion.

Freida Pinto is poised to play the next Bond girl

2009-03-15T00:02:00.002+05:30

Bond girls are, as a rule, like a trampoline for a rising young star. Even if the part itself does not require much acting, or talent for that matter, as critics have often pointed out, being named as a Bond girl is the ultimate tribute paid to beauty, grace and elegance. For the 23rd film, an actress that has already proved her worth might be chosen, sources are saying: Freida Pinto of “Slumdog Millionaire.”

The 22-year-old actress, who has starred in the multi-award winning film, has reportedly been spotted by Bond producers as early as “Quantum of Solace,” but, despite her stunning beauty, she could not be cast in it because of her age. Now that she’s older and her name certainly rings a few bells with the audiences, producers are set on having Freida shine on Daniel Craig’s arm in the next installment of the franchise, according to the British tabloid The Sun.

“Freida came to the attention of the Bond team when they were casting ‘Quantum of Solace.’ She was too young at the time to have a part as a love interest for a secret agent. But she has blossomed into an incredibly stunning young woman and would look perfect on Daniel Craig’s arm.” sources close to Bond chief Barbara Broccoli from EON Productions are telling the aforementioned publication. “Danny Boyle is favorite to take the helm of the next movie, which would increase Freida’s chances of a starring role.” it is further being said.

As reported at the beginning of the month, Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle, who helmed “Slumdog Millionaire,” was poised to act as director for the upcoming Bond film as well. With him on board, getting Freida would be much easier, sources are saying, adding that both deals are almost done.

“Danny is the man of the moment and he is being bombarded with offers from studios. He has been offered the chance to direct the 23rd Bond film by Barbara. The EON team loves his vision and thinks that it would work perfectly for the new look of Bond. Danny has always insisted he is more interested in the film than the money. However, with Daniel Craig’s involvement and the way the films are now structured – with the emphasis on the characters and plot rather than gags and gadgets – it is right up Danny’s street. Everyone on the EON team thinks Danny would be a fantastic addition to the Bond family.” other sources were telling the same publication in early March.

Election Commission announces 5 phase Lok Sabha Vote

2009-03-02T18:25:00.000+05:30

The Election Commission of India announced the dates for the 15th Lok Sabha election on Monday.

Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswami, and Election Commissioners Naveen Chawla and SY Quraishi announced the poll dates at a press conference here this afternoon.

The elections will be held in five phases on April 16, 23, 30, May 7 and 13, they said, adding that the new government will take office on June 2.

Five phased polls will be held in Jammu and Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh, while Bihar will have a four-phased election.

Maharashtra and West Bengal will witness three phased polls while Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and Punjab will have elections in two phases.

The remaining 15 states and seven Union Territories will have one-day polling.

The first phase of polling will take place on April 16 in 124 constituencies. The second phase of polling will be held on April 23 in 141 constituencies. In this phase, one constituency in Manipur will go to poll on April 22 due to a local holiday.

The third and fourth phase of polling will take place on April 30 and May 7 in 107 and 85 respectively.

The fifth and final phase of polling will be held on May 13 in 86 constituencies.ounting of votes will take place on May 16.

The Election Commission said that the delimitation of parliamentary constituencies is over except in Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Manipur, Assam and Nagaland. It also said that the Model Code of Conduct comes into effect immediately.

Around 40 lakh civil personnel and 21 lakh police personnel would be pressed into service during the polls, the Election Commission said.

Out of the 543 Lok Sabha seats up for grab, 499 have been redrawn following the delimitation exercise.

There are a total of 71.40 crore voters, of which 4.30 crore are eligible to vote for the first time.

There will be 8,28,804 polling stations for the general elections.

The term of the 14th Lok Sabha ends on June 1, 2009, therefore the new Lok Sabha will have to be constituted by then. (ANI)

Indian music genius AR Rahman wins two Oscars

2009-02-23T12:54:00.002+05:30

The little master from Chennai, AR Rahman has made India proud by winning the eagerly awaited Oscars for 'Best Original Score' and the 'Original Song Award' for Slumdog Millionaire .

Taking a bow at the coveted red carpet ceremony, Rahman's acceptance speech during the Best Original Song Award was a moving encore. "All my life I had two choices - between love and hate and I chose love," declared Rahman to an enamoured Hollywood audience.

Dedicating the trophy to his country, Rahman also sought his mother's blessings and love. Citing the famous line from the yesteryears Bollywood hit Deewar - Rahman stated 'Mere paas Ma hain,' (I have my mother with me), as he accepted the award for Best Original Score. Rahman's soulful rendition of his nominated track Jai Ho was a fitting declaration of his talent on an international platform.

Jai Ho Rahman, we salute your musical prowess and hope you add many more triumphs to India's musical sojourn.

Preity Zinta nominated for Canadian award

2009-02-17T14:11:00.002+05:30

Bollywood actress Preity Zinta has been nominated for the 24th Genie Awards for her performance in Heaven on Earth, directed by Canada-based Indian filmmaker Deepa Mehta.

The actress has been nominated in the Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role category. The nomination was announced by The Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television (ACCT).

Preity will be vying with Hollywood actresses like Susan Sarandon and Ellen Burstyn who have been nominated for Emotional Arithmetic and The Stone Angel respectively.

Heaven on Earth is about a battered Punjabi housewife in Canada and has also been nominated for Best Original Screenplay. The awards will be announced April 4 at Ottawa.

Source : NDTV

Dev D Movie review

2009-02-06T19:18:00.002+05:30

Movie : Dev D
Director : Anurag Kashyap
Cast : Abhay Deol, Kalki Koechlin, Mahi Gill, Parakh Madan, Dibyendu Bhattacharya.
Ratings : 3 out of 5.

One more Devdas. This time director Anurag Kashyap has come up with the latest version. If you watch the movie, you’ll find a major difference between K.L. Saigal, Dilip Kumar, Shah Rukh Khan and Abhay Deol’s Devdas.

The first three films were faithful to Sarat Chandra’s legendary novella, while Anurag Kashyap’s deviant take on Devdas is contemporary and differs from the original work.

Let me clarify that how the DEV D is different from others. Dev, the lead character of the move, is into drugs and vodka. Paro sends her nude pic to Dev via email and later, wants Dev to have sex with her in the fields. Chanda, a hooker, indulges in phone sex mainly. Clearly, Kashyap’s Dev, Paro and Chanda are audacious and rebellious.

Emotional Attyachar BandOne can say that DEV D is a bridge between original and Bhasali’s Devdas. In ‘Dev D’ the director takes just the spirit of ‘Devdas’ and woven it around contemporary headlines from the last 10-15 years. Though, Kashyap accepted that he never liked Sarat Chandra’s novel.

While earlier versions of “Devdas” were shot in West Bengal, especially Kolkata, Kashyap has based his film in Punjab and Delhi.

The story of the movie revolves around Dev (Abhay Deol), son of a rich industrialist, who is sent away to London when he was 12.

Dev returns to his hometown and to Paro (Mahi Gill), his childhood sweetheart. Inseparable as they seem, a misunderstanding puts their lives in a tizzy; Paro is married off to someone else and Dev goes into severe depression.

Post Paro’s marriage, DEV D starts going downhill. Lenny/Chanda’s MMS scandal is straight out of life and the reasons that make her turn into a hooker are well explained. But the sequences between Dev and Chanda lack fizz. Amit Trivedi’s music sounds good to the ears.

Source : Fresh News

Shilpa Shetty Buys Stake in IPL | Shilpa Shetty Buys Stake in Rajasthan Royals

2009-02-03T21:08:00.002+05:30

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty and Dubai-based businessman Raj Kundra have picked up 12 per cent stake worth over $11.6 million in the Rajasthan Royals franchise team that won the inaugural 2008 season of the Indian Premier League.

"It's a strategic business investment. I always support the underdogs as I am myself one. Rajasthan Royals were the underdogs in IPL before they succeeded (in winning the title)", Shetty told a media conference on Tuesday.

Shetty has invested her money in the Rajasthan Royals team, co-owned by Manoj Badale who is also its chairman, as the CEO of S2 Global Productions Private Limited and her business partner in the venture is the CEO of Dubai-based Essential Trading Company, Raj Kundra.

Kundra said he has heeded the advise of his father to always invest in a successful venture and the triumphant Royals franchise team fit it perfectly.

Badale, announcing the selling of 12 per cent stake in Rajasthan Royals was valued at $140 million, said that last year the focus was to make it a well-known brand in India and this year the strategy was to globalise it.

"We wanted to find a strategic partner to develop the commercial properties. We want to make Rajasthan Royals into more than a cricket franchise, want to make it into a global brand. It was the second-most popular team in all of India last year, and obviously the number one in Rajasthan", he said.

Badale also announced that the focus of the Royals team would always remain cricket-specific and that this year the team will include a few young players who already have had a few interactive sessions with Australian spin legend and the team's captain-cum-coach Shane Warne.

Barack Obama Sworn in as 44th President of the United States

2009-01-21T14:30:00.001+05:30

We can now finally drop the "Elect" and call him "President Obama" now. Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States this morning, officially becoming the nation's first African-American President. During Obama's speech he stressed that the U.S. will achieve the goals he sets in the hopes of "remaking America."

"Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real," Obama said. "They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met."

A crowd of approximately two million people turned out for the inauguration despite the below freezing temperatures. Billions more around the world saw the procession on television and streaming online.

Worldwide, Obama echoed the global sentiment that the United States will be more receptive to change that many feel is long overdue.

"For we know that our patchwork heritage is strength, not a weakness," Obama said. "We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth."

The inauguration, taking place the day after observing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, was a symbol of hope to a country mired in economic troubles and overseas conflict. Obama said that collectively, the United States can face their problems and make things right again for the world as a whole

"Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations," he said.

The procession also showed the swearing in of new Vice President Joe Biden in addition to a performance by Aretha Franklin, who sung, "Let Freedom Ring." Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, the hero of the US Airways plane that landed in New York's Hudson River a week ago, was the guest of honor.

Change is finally coming. All we can do now is sit back and watch change take place. Go Obama!

Thirumangalam Election Result 2009

2009-01-12T12:33:00.000+05:30

The bypoll for Thirumangalam Assembly constituency, will be held on 9th January 2009.

The constituency is witnessing a triangular contest between DMK's Latha Adiyaman, widow of a former party MLA, AIADMK's M. Muthuramalingam, the party's Madurai Rural District Deputy Secretary, and actor-politician Vijaykant's DMDK nominee T. Danapandiyan.

MDMK, whose sitting member Veera Elavarasan's death necessitated the byelection, has given the seat to AIADMK.

Counting of votes will be taken up on January 12. For results visit this page on January 12.

Sienna Miller to make her design debut at London Fashion Week

2009-01-06T22:04:00.002+05:30

Sienna Miller is all set to make her design debut at London Fashion Week, organised this February.

The 27-year-old actress, known for a peculiar style of dressing has joined hands with her fashion designer sister Savannah to come up with an unusual collection. “We are so excited. We felt ready to be taken to the next level,” said Sienna Miller, reports The Sun. Their label, Twenty8Twelve, gets its name from Sienna’s December 28 birthday. But there is a disappointment for fans expecting her to take to ramp because the star will just showcase her collection in London.

Kareena Kapoor in confession mode !

2009-01-03T15:55:00.001+05:30

She had spent it and some more at Lilavati where Saif Ali Khan, yes — the love of her life, ended up after sinfully and unwisely indulging in plum pudding and chaat the previous night. But New Year was different for Kareena Kapoor. Bollywood’s most written about jodi is currently in the French Alps; they’re doing their thing, just happy being themselves, by themselves. I met them Sunday evening at his residence-cum-office in Bandra hours before they took a late night flight out. Saif, who got discharged from hospital that morning, still seemed unwell and sorry for himself. But Kareena, fresh from a shower, the luscious body gleaming in early winter twilight, looked a million. I made a snap decision. Ignoring him, I turned to her.

It’s a busy time for her. She’s doing three films currently: Raju Hirani’s 3 Idiots with Aamir Khan; Karan Johar’s untitled film with Saif himself; and, Main Aur Mrs Khanna with Salman Khan. The couple was in Philadelphia shooting for a month. Now, this break. When do you stop acting and start being real together, I asked. Isn’t there a fine line between the two? An unfair question, actually, because this is the first time Kareena and Saif are being romantically paired. “People say our pairing didn’t work in Tashan, but that’s not true, I was paired with Akshay... not Saif,” she replied defensively. “Even in Omkara, which is the other film we did, he was with Konkona and I with Ajay. My only time with Saif on screen was in Kargil where I did a small role for J P Dutta.”

But, yes, it was sometimes difficult doing Karan’s film. Especially highly emotional scenes, she crying, he acting hurt. Not for her, though. “I’m the switch on-switch off kind,” she admitted, “as an actress, it’s easy for me. But Saif is emotional. Here’s the woman he loves, but now he’s also working with her. He’s jumpy, he has a lot of nervous energy, but he won’t agree, though I got that vibe... I know what he is deep down.” I asked if the familiarity of their relationship robbed her of the challenge and intimacy of the moment. “No, it’s more fun,” said Kareena.

“There’s double pressure. And that buzz and excitement, that’s there. Saif is a most watchable actor even when I’m not giving a shot with him. I used to look upto him much before we got into a relationship. He’s got a spontaneity that I like.”

But she’s also acting with some of Bollywood’s other Khans, so where does Saif compare with them? “With Aamir, I’ve just done a small stint, and he’s absolutely a dream. I’m lucky. Whatever he does, is something not seen before. It excites me to learn from him. Actors pick up by observing great co-stars.” What did she pick up from Saif, then? “The chemistry,” Kareena promptly replied. “But the journey is still on, I’m hoping to learn more while we shoot. Personally, he taught me how to balance work and personal life. He does it so well. But all the Khans are amazingly different. That’s why they’re the Khans! Salman is Salman... the coolest actor ever. But Saif is the original rockstar!” Who’s the most fun to be with? “Saif, because it’s a personal equation,” she smiled. “But my best co-star is Akshay Kumar.”

Her next big film, Kambakht Ishq, is with Akshay. “I love Akshay to a point where Saif gets jealous. He says, ‘You’re always praising Akshay!’” Kareena laughed. “But in LA, on the sets of Kambakht Ishq, Saif paid me a sweet compliment by saying Akshay and I look great together.” She’s excited about the film. “I have a good role, it’s got all the Hollywood stars...” she paused, “and there’s Stallone!” She talked about Hollywood’s macho man. “He’s down-to-earth, he came without a make-up man, without a valet, he drove over himself and stepped out of the car carrying a basket of food and water. Look at us!

How spoiled we are. Saif actually has a little angrez attitude... but that I like!” Considering Bollywood’s actors are into their bodies, I asked Kareena about Stallone’s. “It’s to die for,” she drooled. “So amazing at his age, like a rock, not an ounce of fat. He’s truly sexy. It’s great to have him in a Hindi film... this is a proud moment for Bollywood.” Yeah, but who in Hindi films
compared to Stallone, bodywise? “Tough to say,” she pouted.

“There’s Salman, but now Aamir and Shah Rukh have great bodies too.” What about Saif, wasn’t he into six-packs? “No,” she said, “but he’s got the best smile in Bollywood.”

New Year SMS Messages

2008-12-31T01:48:00.001+05:30

New Year is round the corner and here starts your mobile phones ringing saying “ 1 message received” . New Year SMS Messages are no doubt the simplest and cheapest ways to greet and wish your loved ones in a fraction of seconds. Wherever you are, you can still send sweet New Year SMS Messages to your loved ones on the occasion as big as the New Year. All you need is a cell phone and here goes your New Year SMS. Sending messages was not easy, as it has become after the invention of SMS. Popularity of New Year SMS Messages is evident in the fact that it has even overtaken the sale of New Year Greeting Cards. We, at Travour, are here with some of the popular New Year SMS Messages.

Listed below are some popular New Year SMS Messages:

• Drop the last year into the silent limbo of the past. Let it go, for it was imperfect, and thank God that it can go.

• A happy New Year! Grant that I
May bring no tear to any eye
When this New Year in time shall end
Let it be said I've played the friend,
Have lived and loved and labored here,
And made of it a happy year.

• We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room-by-room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives... not looking for flaws, but for potential.

• The Old Year has gone. Let the dead past bury its own dead. The New Year has taken possession of the clock of time. All hail the duties and possibilities of the coming twelve months!

• Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.

• New Year's eve is like every other night; there is no pause in the march of the universe, no breathless moment of silence among created things that the passage of another twelve months may be noted; and yet no man has quite the same thoughts this evening that come with the coming of darkness on other nights.

• Glory to God in highest heaven,
Who unto man His Son hath given;
While angels sing with tender mirth,
A glad new year to all the earth.

• A Relaxed Mind, A Peaceful Soul, A Joyful Spirit, A Healthy Body & Heart full of Love..All these are my Prayers for You..Wish a Happy New Year

• With all the Rose's Perfume & with all the lights in the world & with all the children's Smiles...I Wish U that ur all dreams comes True..*HAPPY New Year 2009*

• May The Year 2009 Bring for You Happiness,Success and filled with Peace,Hope & Togetherness of your Family & Friends....Wishing You a...*HAPPY NEW YEAR*

• New is the year, new are the hopes and the aspirations, new is the resolution, new are the spirits and forever my warm wishes are for u.Have a promising and fulfilling new year.

• Years come n go,but this year I specially wish 4 u a double dose of health n happiness topped with loads of good fortune. Have a gr8 year ahead! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

• When the mid-nite bell rings tonight...
Let it signify new and better things for you,
let it signify a realisation of all things you wish for,
Let it signify a year of courage and believes,
Wishing you a very...very...very prosperious 2009.

• New Year is the time to unfold new horizons & realize new dreams, to rediscover the strength & faith within u, to rejoice in simple pleasures & gear up 4 a new challenges. Wishin u a truly fulfilling 2009

• Fresh Air....
Fresh Idea....
Fresh Talent....
Fresh Energy....
I wish U to have a .....
Sweetest Sunday,
Marvellous Monday,
Tasty Tuesday,
Wonderful Wednesday,
Thankful Thursday,
Friendly Friday,
Successful Saturday.
Have a great Year. HAPPY NEW YEAR

• Each moment in a day has its own value. Morning brings HOPE, Afternoon brings FAITH, Evening brings LOVE, Night brings REST, Hope you will all of them everyday. HAPPY NEW YEAR

• My wishes for you, Great start for Jan, Love for Feb, Peace for march, No worries for April, Fun for May, Joy for June to Nov, Happiness for Dec, Have a lucky and wonderful 2009.

Wishing you a very happy and prosperous New Year, Travour offers you New Year Tours around the world along with online information on New Year Celebrations and New Year SMS Messages.

Mona Jassi Singh is Aamir's new heroine

2008-12-28T09:32:00.001+05:30

Indian television's Ugly Betty Mona Singh, who is set to make her big screen debut with Aamir Khan-starrer Three Idiots, says she is excited but also nervous about working with the superstar.

"Aamir is so good. It's not even funny. He makes me so nervous. In fact, the thought of working with any of the big stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir and Shah Rukh Khan makes me very nervous. But for now, I am excited," said Mona.

In Three Idiots, which is based on Chetan Bhagat's best-selling novel Five Point Someone and is being directed by Rajkumar Hirani, Mona plays Kareena Kapoor's sister.

"I play a very bubbly character in the film and my look is very different from what I look right now. My role is really good and I have a major part in the climax of the film," said Mona.

She became extremely popular when she essayed the role of ugly duckling Jassi in Sony TV's Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin. Her true identity was kept under wraps in the initial months of the show. Mona managed to win the viewers' heart as Jassi.

Now she is back to being in disguise on a new reality TV show Arre Deewano Mujhe Pehchano. She would be competing with celebrity contestants Rakhi Sawant, Shweta Keswani, Mahesh Manjrekar, Yash Tonk, Gulshan Grover, Divya Dutta and Mandira Bedi to win the title of Master of Disguise.

Commenting upon the format of the show, she said: "The show is all about stand-up comedy actually. It's about how well we can conceal our identity and find a scapegoat on the streets. It's quite a challenge for all of us and a very refreshing show."

Winner of two dance reality shows - Jhalak Dikhla Jaa and Ek Khiladi EK Haseena, Mona is quite confident of her success on the show.

She said: "I think I will be good. I had successfully remained in disguise for Jassi... so I might perform better than others. But my voice is a big giveaway. When I speak in Hindi, it has a very strong Punjabi accent so I have to work hard on it."

Right now Mona is seen in NDTV Imagine's hit soap Radhaa Ki Betiyaan Kuch Kar Dikhayengi. "I found the character interesting, so I took it up. Also, Radhaa is a very simple and sweet show and I used to watch it regularly," she said.

For now, Mona is concentrating on Arre Deewano Mujhe Pehchano and Three Idiots and says some "interesting offers" are coming her way. Source : movies.ndtv.com

Aamir Khan turns new look in Barber

2008-12-21T23:04:00.002+05:30

While many star struck men and boys visited salons to get the perfect Ghajini cut, two lucky fans got their hair buzzed by Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan himself at a market in the capital.

"Quite a lot of people are getting this Ghajini haircut from various places, so I thought I will give the cut to some of my fans myself. I felt very light when I got it done - there was no need to comb my hair after the bath," said Aamir, who gave hair cut at Bengali Market in central Delhi as part of his promotional activities for Ghajini.

Aamir gave the hair cut to Shamshir, a hairstylist, and Shivek, a grade five student in the presence of a huge crowd.

"I felt very nice when Aamir cut my hair for me. It's like a dream come true for me. I was waiting for him since five in the morning and I will definitely watch Ghajini on the first day," said Shamshir after his 15 minutes of fame.

While Shamshir was keen to get the nearly bald look, Aamir took special care before snipping Shivek's tresses - he took permission from Shivek's father before cutting his hair.

After doing his bit as a barber, Aamir said that it was a fairly simple job.

Several others were craving to sit on the hot seat, but the actor couldn't oblige all his fans. But he compensated by singing a few songs including Guzarish from Ghajini.

Apart from adults, children were present in huge number at the event. Some of them sat and stood on their parents' shoulders and shouted "Aamir bhaiya, Aamir bhaiya" until they managed to establish eye contact with the star.

Four-year-old Kavya came with her father just to catch a glimpse of the star, but managed to reach his arms when Aamir said he was keen to give the Ghajini look to a woman. Kavya was the only one sporting enough, but Aamir didn't quite want to spoil the little one's soft hair.

Lots of other kids came with autograph books, but returned dismayed because of multiple barricades and heavy security. Others came equipped with cameras and were busy taking Aamir's pictures and videos.

About Ghajini, Aamir said: "It is an action film yet deals with a lot of human emotions. It is a beautiful love story."

Aamir has teamed up with south Indian actress Asin and Jiah Khan in the film.

Source : NDTV

Congress Wins Delhi, Rajasthan & Mizoram

2008-12-08T18:33:00.000+05:30

The emerging results to Assembly polls show a 3:2 split in favour of Congress, providing a much-needed boost to the UPA just ahead of general elections due in April-May 2009. It will give Congress the breathing space it needs to tackle the fallout of the Mumbai attacks and an economic slowdown.

Apart from a win in Mizoram, the poll outcome in Rajasthan and Delhi would please the Congress leadership. Of all the elections, Congress’s hat-trick in Delhi is clearly the highlight of this round of elections. Though it is semi-state with just a 70-seat House, Delhi has a highly symbolic value and the verdict will be seen to reflect on issues like terrorism and price rise.

Sheila Dikshit has pulled off an unlikely victory and looks to be one of the most successful chief ministers ever. The third win coming at the back of political set backs like sealings and demolitions is remarkable. The party’s prospects were seen to be synonymous with the CM, given the free hand she had in ticket selection.

Congress headed for a hatrick today in Delhi having bagged 28 out of 43 seats, results for which were available, leaving its rival BJP way behind with 13 seats.

Dikshit and five of her cabinet colleagues were among the successful candidates of Congress in the keenly contested electoral battle for the 70-member House.

Dikshit, chief minister for past ten years, got 39,747 votes defeating BJP's Vijay Jolly by a margin of 14,078 votes. This is her third consecutive win in the Assembly elections, this time from the newly created New Delhi constituency following delimitation.

Om Prakash Chautala-led INLD sprang a surprise by winning Najafgarh seat while BSP bagged the Gokulpuri seat.

In Mizoram, riding an anti-incumbency wave, the Congress was back in power after a decade when it got a majority routing the Mizo National Front.

The party secured 21 of the 23 seats for which results have been declared in a House of 40. Two-time chief minister Lal Thanhawla won from both Serchhip and South Tuipui seats.

The MNF cut a sorry figure with Chief Minister Zoramthanga biting the dust in his Champahi North constituency where he lost to a Congress greenhorn T T Zothansanga.

BJP can draw some satisfaction by retaining two big, “under-developed” states like Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. This is not an easy feat and marks the rise of a new kind of satraps – low-profile organisation men like Shivraj Singh Chauhan and Raman Singh. It has put up a creditable show in Rajasthan, where incumbency has not generated a wave.

But overall, BJP has reasons to worry. There is a problem with its message and messengers. Despite the projection of “national issues” like terrorism, there did not seem much purchase with the voter – something that BJP’s prime ministerial candidate L K Advani will have to factor in. The saffron party remains divided and the factional warfare is not expected to decrease.

Congress has gained breathing space, but not much. If it does not act fast on issues like economic slowdown and slows down on the terror threat, it can yet again pay the price of complacency. The party would have to keep in mind that while its state governments have paid a price for incumbency, it has not been able to extract a similar toll of the BJP.

As the results in Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh prove performance does matter after all. Source : Times of India.

Maradona mania in crazy Kolkatans

2008-12-06T02:13:00.004+05:30

As Kolkata gears up for Diego Maradona’s visit on Saturday, the state administration has planned a four-tier security ring around the Argentine football legend and his entourage during their stay here.

The Argentine superstar will arrive in the city early on Saturday and will fly out on Monday morning. In between, he has a busy schedule that includes a grand felicitation at the Salt Lake Stadium and a visit to the Mohun Bagan ground.

On Sunday, Maradona will join the list of illustrious achievers who have paid a visit to the Missionaries of Charity.
Therafter, the great footballer is scheduled to drive down to the residence to of former chief minister Jyoti Basu to meet the 94-year-old stalwart of India’s leftist movement.

A clinic for youngsters at the Mohun Bagan ground will allow the aspirants to interact with the fopotball superstar, who will sign off with an auction at the hotel in the evening.

6th December 2008

1am : Maradona reaches city by Lufthansa flight. From airport, he heads to ITC Sonar
10am : He leaves for Maheshtala
11am : Laying of foundation stone at Indian Football School
1pm : Press meet at hotel
3:30pm : Leaves for Salt Lake Stadium for the felicitation
7pm : Returns to hotel

7th December 2008

10am : Leaves for Missionaries of Charity
11am : Starts for Jyoti Basu’s residence
1pm : Returns to hotel
3pm : Leaves for Mohun Bagan tent for youth football clinic
8pm : Dinner & auction at hotel

8th December 2008

1am : Leaves for airport

Actor Ashish Chowdhury loses sister in attack

2008-11-28T19:13:00.001+05:30

Bollywood actor Ashish Chowdhury's sister and brother-in-law were among the many hostages killed at the Oberoi Trident Hotel in Mumbai.

The actor, who had been maintaining a tense vigil outside the hotel ever since he came to know about the terrorist attacks, broke down after hearing the news.

'My sister Monica and her husband have been inside the hotel along with maybe 40 other hostages. They came here for dinner last night, but now they are not answering any calls,' he had told a news channel on Thursday.

The couple, who were held hostage at the hotel in Mumbai since Wednesday night, were reportedly shot in the leg first and then straight in the head.

Mumbai attacks : In Pictures

2008-11-28T10:39:00.003+05:30

Among the targets were two of the city's luxury hotels, taken over by gunmen who entered shooting indiscriminately, witnesses said. At the Taj Mahal Palace, fire engulfed part of the top floor.

Gunmen have launched co-ordinated attacks at several sites in the Indian city of Mumbai, killing scores of people. Warning: Some of the following images contain graphic content.

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