EU fines Microsoft $1.3 Billion

The European Union's decision to fine Microsoft with $1.3 billion comes as a big blow to the company. Microsoft is being fined for charging rivals too much for the software information.

Microsoft fought hard against a March 2004 decision that led to a 497 million euro ($613 million) fine and an order that the software maker share interoperability information with rivals within 120 days. The company lost its appeal in that case in September.

Microsoft was fined $357 million in July 2006 for failing to obey that order.

Microsoft had initially set a royalty rate of 3.87 percent of a licensee's product revenues for patents and demanded that companies looking for communication information — which it said was highly secret — pay 2.98 percent of their products' revenues.

The EU complained last March that the rates were unfair. Under threat of fines, Microsoft two months later reduced the patent rate to 0.7 percent and the information license to 0.5 percent — but only in Europe, leaving the worldwide rates unchanged.

Bollywood item girl arrested

An actor, who featured in Bollywood item numbers in the 1990s, has been arrested by the Thane police in a case of alleged abetment of rape and the kidnapping of a 12-year-old girl.

The arrest came after the victim's mother filed a complaint against the 'item girl' at the Mira Road police station. The victim worked as a maid at the actor's home. Mira Road is a township close to Mumbai.

In the complaint to the police, the girl's mother alleged that the actor forcibly kidnapped her daughter with the help of her (the item girl's) brother, who then allegedly raped her. The mother also claimed that after the rape, her daughter was forcibly sent to Pune to have sex with some clients.

The actor and her brother have been arrested and will be produced in the Thane court later on Wednesday.

Hayden to face CA charge after 'weed' comment

The Australian opener Matthew Hayden has been charged with breaching Cricket Australia's code of conduct after calling India offspinner Harbhajan Singh an "obnoxious weed".

Hayden also said he liked the idea of "getting into the ring" with Indian fast bowler Ishant Sharma during a lively radio interview that has almost inevitably brought official sanction.

"Rule guidelines prohibit public denigration of other players against whom they have or will play," said Cricket Australia spokesman Peter Young.

A Code of Conduct commissioner will appointed later today to hear the charge against Hayden, which comes a day after he was voted Australia's limited-overs player of the year.

Kareena called her ex-boyfriend, Shahid Kapur on his birthday

If Saif Ali Khan can do it, why shouldn’t Kareena Kapoor? According to reports, Saif called his ex-girlfriend Rozza Catalano several times on her birthday last month. On Monday, Bebo called ex-beau Shahid to wish him on his birthday.

Says a source close to Kareena, “Though Shahid and Kareena have parted, they have kept in touch with each other. Kareena remembered his birthday on February 25 this year and called to wish him.

When she spoke to him, he was in Goa with close friends, Ahmed Khan and Lovely Singh. Bebo wished him and then they continued to talk for sometime. The conversation flowed very easily, just like in the past, when they used to have long chats.”

Gene - Hair loss culprit

Here is good news for those thinning at the top - a gene that prevents regeneration of hair has been identified. People losing their hair can now hope for medicines to inhibit this gene.

A healthy individual loses about 100 hairs daily. That's okay, as the bulk of them are replaced. The problem begins when the shedding goes beyond that number, and replacement lags.

Now, scientists at the University of Bonn have, after six years of research, identified a gene that causes a rare hereditary form of hair loss - Hypotrichosis simplex - throwing open the possibility of regenerating hair.

The defective gene was found to inhibit receptor structures on hair follicle cells from forming correctly. Such receptors play a specific role in hair growth that was previously unknown.

As part of the study, dermatologist Khalid Al Aboud of the King Faisal Hospital in Makkah examined a Saudi Arabian family with Hypotrichosis simplex.

DNA samples from the parents and from nine of their 10 children - including four sufferers - were analysed, providing the researchers the key to understanding some of the fundamental mechanisms of hair growth and loss.

The researchers now hope that this individual genetic case will lead to developments that can benefit more patients.

'Although Hypotrichosis simplex is uncommon, it may prove critical in our search to understand the mechanisms of hair growth,' said project leader Regina Betz.

Bangalore and Hyderabad (Shamshabad) airports to close

he existing airports at Hyderabad and Bangalore will be closed once the new airports are commissioned, Rajya Sabha was informed today.

The two projects at Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are at various stages of completion and steps have been taken by the state governments for providing connectivity at Shamshad (Hyderabad) and Devenhalli (Bangalore), Minister for Civil Aviation Praful Patel said while replying to a query.

"Commissioning of the new airports is pursuant to the provisions of the contractual agreements with the concerned airport companies," he said.

The existing airports at Hyderabad and Bangalore would be closed for commercial operations once the new airports become operational, the Minister added.

53rd FilmFare Awards

Best Actor: Shahrukh Khan - Chak De India

Best Actress: Kareena Kapoor - Jab We Met

Best Film: Taare Zameen Par

Best Director: Aamir Khan - Taare Zameen Par

Critics' Award For Best Actor: Darsheel Safary - Taare Zameen Par

Critics' Award For Best Actress: Tabu - Cheeni Kum

Critics' Award For Best Film: Shimit Amin - Chak De India

Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male): Irrfan Khan - Life in a... Metro

Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female): Konkana Sen Sharma - Life in a... Metro

Best Lyrics: Prasoon Joshi - (Maa - Taare Zameen Par)

Best Playback Singer (Male): Shaan - (Jab Se Tere Naina - Saawariya)

Best Playback Singer (Female): Shreya Ghosal - (Barso Re - Guru)

Best Music: A. R. Rahman - Guru

Best Story: Amol Gupte - Taare Zameen Par

Best Screenplay: Anurag Basu - Life in a... Metro

Best Dialogue: Imtiaz Ali - Jab We Met

R. D. Burman Award: Monty Sharma (Saawariya)

Lifetime Achievement Award: Rishi Kapoor

Power Awards: Yash Chopra & Aditya Chopra

Best Debut (Male): Ranbir Kapoor - Saawariya

Best Debut (Female): Deepika Padukone - Om Shanti Om

Best Special Effects: Red Chillies Entertainment - Om Shanti Om

Sony Head N Shoulders Fresh Face of the Year Award: Deepika Padukone

Best Background Score: A. R. Rahman - Guru

Best Editing: Amitabh Shukla - Chak De India

Best Choreography: Saroj Khan (Barso Re Megha Re - Guru)

Best Action: Rob Miller - Chak De India

Best Art Direction: Samir Chanda - Guru

Best Sound: Leslie Fernandes - Johnny Gaddaar

Best Cinematography: Sudhip Chatterjee

Best Costumes: Sujata Sharma - Gandhi My Father

Indian IPL Teams so far

Jaipur Shane Warne (US$450,000), Graeme Smith (US$475,000), Younis Khan (US$225,000), Kamran Akmal (US$150,000), Yusuf Pathan (US$475,000), Mohammad Kaif (US$675,000), Munaf Patel (US$275,000), Justin Langer (US$200,000)

Chennai MS Dhoni (US$1.5 million), Muttiah Muralitharan (US$600,000), Matthew Hayden (US$375,000), Jacob Oram (US$675,000), Stephen Fleming (US$350,000), Parthiv Patel (US$325,000), Joginder Sharma (US$225,000), Albie Morkel (US$675,000), Suresh Raina (US$650,000), Makhaya Ntini (US$200,000), Michael Hussey (US$350,000)

Mumbai Sachin Tendulkar (icon), Sanath Jayasuriya (US$975,000), Harbhajan Singh (US$850,000), Shaun Pollock (US$550,000), Robin Uthappa (US$800,000), Lasith Malinga (US$350,000), Dilhara Fernando (US$150,000), Loots Bosman (US$175,000)

Bangalore Rahul Dravid (icon), Anil Kumble (US$500,000), Jacques Kallis (US$900,000), Zaheer Khan (US$450,000), Mark Boucher (US$450,000), Cameron White (US$500,000), Wasim Jaffer (US$150,000), Dale Steyn (US$325,000), Nathan Bracken (US$325,000), Shivnarine Chanderpaul (US$200,000)

Hyderabad Adam Gilchrist (US$700,000), Andrew Symonds (US$1.35 million), Herschelle Gibbs (US$575,000), Shahid Afridi (US$675,000), Scott Styris (US$175,000), VVS Laxman (US$375,000), Rohit Sharma (US$750,000), Chamara Silva (US$100,000), RP Singh (US$875,000), Chaminda Vaas (US$200,000), Nuwan Zoysa (US$110,000)

Mohali Yuvraj Singh (icon), Mahela Jayawardene (US$475,000), Kumar Sangakkara (US$700,000), Brett

Manchu Manoj -- Nenu Meeku Telusa

Get ready for another Jalak from the Manchu family. This time it's from Manchu Manoj Kumar, in his never relenting raids on telugu film industry for a success. Till date Manoj hasn't tasted success in his filmi career. His previous film Raju Bhai was a comprehensive debacle. He is going to appear with a toned body and complete image change in the movie 'Nenu Meeku Telusa' which is being shown during the interval of his brother Vishnu’s film 'Krishnarjuna'. The shooting has already begun. Ad man-turned-filmmaker Ajay Sastri is making his debut and is very exuberant of the project.Hope it doesn't end up like 'KrishnaArjuna'.

Allu Arvind -- Sharp business man

It's known fact that Allu Arvind is producing the hindi version of Ghazani, starring Amir and being directed by MurugaDas. It's reported that the theaterical rights were sold at whopping Rs.53 Cr and the DVD,satellite rights for Rs.40 Cr. The movie budget is Rs.40 Cr. He is making a profit of Rs.50 Cr even before the realease of the movie. No wonder he is a trusted and time tested lieutenant for Chiru.

Jodhaa Akbar -- Maham Anga Vs Jodha , Jodha - The bahu

Maham Manga Vs Jodha or Jodha - the bahu would have aptly suited rather than Jodha-Akbar. All the excitement and hype surrounding the movie is no match to the actual movie. With no doubt the saving grace for the movie is the ever-beautiful 'AISH' and the songs. The costumes, ornaments supplemented Aish's beauty. Needless to say, she was the perfect fit for the character.The movie completely fails in justifying the marriage between a Rajput Princess and the Mughal Emperor. If the movie continues to run it, the credit will go to Aish. Hristhik's performance was nothing special. He failed to match the persona that we would expect from the Shehanshah of Hindustan. The movie also lacks any war depictions in contrast to the trailers floating around.Clearly the director was 'inspired' by 'Kyon ki Saas bhi Kabhi bahu thi'.

AP budget bigger than Bangladesh's !!!!

The finance minister, Mr K. Rosaiah, on Saturday presented a Rs 1-lakh crore budget which eclipses even the outlay for small countries such as Bangladesh. The total outlay is put at Rs 1,00,436 crore. This is not only the biggest budget of the state but also the highest for any state in the country in the last two years. Speaking later, the Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, said, “Uttar Pradesh with the largest population has a plan budget of Rs 25,000 crore and financially strong Maharashtra Rs 20,000 crore.” The figure for AP is about Rs 43,000 crore, the highest in the country.
The fiscal deficit for this year is estimated to be Rs 9,657 crore, which would be 2.82 per cent of gross state domestic product. “After taking into account the overall transactions of the year, we will have a net surplus of Rs 134 crore,” said the finance minister. “The financial year 2008-09 is expected to end with a cash balance of Rs 120 crore.” The GSDP during 2007-2008 is likely to be Rs 2,29,461 crore, which is an increase of 10.37 per cent over the previous year’s quick estimates.
In its last full-fledged Budget before the Assembly elections, the Congress government has allocated Rs 51,885 crore under non-plan expenditure and Rs 48,551 crore under plan expenditure for the next 12 months. An amount of Rs 2,277 crore has been allocated for infrastructure which is 73 per cent more than the previous allotment. Further, the government plans to invest Rs 38,671 crore in the industries sector creating 1.30 lakh jobs. Special economic zones coming up in the State will employ 25 lakh persons.

Padmanabham in financial crisis

Vetran comedian Padhmanabham who was revered a lot during his hey days is facing acute financial problems. He has turned 75 recently. He did the arangetram into tinseltown at the age of 12. Movie 'SHavukaru' transformed into a full fledged comedian. It's sad to see a legend suffering. Lets hope he receives relief in some form.

Babies not Robots for Ash

RajaniKanth has always tried to rope in Aishwarys for his movies. Somehow things never materialized. Efforts are being made to cast Aishwarya in 'Robot'. If rumors are to be believed, Aish has declined the 6cr offer from Shankar. You are wrong, if you think she refused the offer because of money. She is planning to have kids shortly and wasn't ready for the 2yr dates requested from Shankar.

Nandi Awards 2006

First Best Feature Film Bommarillu Dil Raju Gold 50,000

Second Best Feature Film Godavari GVG Raju Silver 20,000

Third Best Feature Film Ganga Sekhar Yalamanchi Bronze 10,000

Akkineni Award for best home-viewing feature film Sri Ramadasu Konda Krishnamraju Silver 20,000

Best popular feature film providing wholesome entertainment Pokiri Puri Jagan Gold 50,000

Best film on national integration Hanumanthu Srihari Gold 50,000

Best Children film Bharathi rs raju Gold 1,00,000

Second Best Children film Kittu Bhargava Copper 20,000

Best director of Children film RS Raju Bharathi Copper 20,000

Best director Sekhar Kammula Godavari Silver 10,000

Best Leading Actor Nagarjuna Sri Ramadasu Silver 10,000

Best Leading Actress Nanditadas Kamli Silver 10,000

Best supporting actor Prakash Raj Bommarillu Copper 10,000

Best supporting actress Eeswari Ganga Copper 10,000

Best character actor (gummadi award) Kota Pellaina Kothalo Copper 10,000

Best comedian actor (allu award) Venu Madhav Lakshmi Copper 10,000

Best comedian actress Abhinaya Sri Paisalo Paramatma Copper 10,000

Best Villain Sai Kumar Samanyudu Copper 10,000

Best Child Actor Master Raghava Style Copper 10,000

Best child actress Baby Sri Divya Bharati Copper 10,000

Best 1st film director Bhaskar Bommarillu Copper 10,000

Best screenplay writer Bhaskar Bommarillu Copper 10,000

Best story writer Ravi C Kumar Samanyudu Copper 10,000

Best dialogue writer Abburi Ravi Bommarillu Copper 10,000

Best lyric writer Ande Sri Ganga Copper 10,000

Best cinematographer Vijay C kumar Godavari Copper 10,000

Best Music director KM Radha Krishnan Godavari Copper 10,000

Best Male playback singer Jesudas Ganga Copper 10,000

Best Female playback singer Sunita Godavari (Andanga Lena) Copper 10,000

Best editor Marthand K Venkatesh Pokiri Copper 10,000

Best art director Ashok Pournami Copper 10,000

Best Choreographer Raghava Lawrence Style Copper 10,000

Best audiographer Radhakrishna Pokiri Copper 10,000

Best costume designer Basha Sri Ramadasu Copper 10,000

Best makeup artiste Ramachandra Rao Sri Ramadasu Copper 10,000

Best fight master Vijayan Pokiri Copper 10,000

Best male dubbing artiste Ravi Shankar - Copper 10,000

Best female dubbing artiste Savitha Reddy Bommarillu Copper 10,000

Best special effects Nipuna Spirit Sainikudu Copper 10,000

Special Jury Award Stalin Nagababu Copper 10,000

Special Jury Award Genelia Bommarillu Copper 10,000

Special Jury Award Gunnam Gangaraju Amma Cheppindi Copper 10,000

Best book on Telugu cinema Nati Neti nootokka chitralu SV Rama Rao Copper 10,000

Best film critic on Telugu Cinema Challa Srinivas Andhra Bhoomi Copper 10,000

Abhishek loses over Rs 1 cr on Reliance Power IPO

AMONG the millions who wished the Reliance Power Initial Public Offering (IPO) would change their fortunes, there was a close family friend of Anil Dhirubhai Ambani, Abhishek Bachchan.

Junior Bachchan put in close to a whopping Rs 1,000 crore, which is almost 10 per cent of the IPO’s value, hoping for a substantial allotment and good returns. However he lost over Rs 1 crore on Day 1 itself as the Reliance Power shares dipped 32 per cent to Rs 372.

YSR better CM than Naidu -- Opinion Poll

Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy leads the Telugu Desam chief, Mr N. Chandrababu Naidu, as the person who would make the best Chief Minister. While Dr Reddy scored an overall 49 per cent, Mr Naidu secured 42 per cent across the state. Dr Reddy was ahead in Rayalaseema and coastal Andhra. In Telangana, however, Mr Naidu was ranked ahead of Dr Reddy.

These were the results of a conducted by Nielsen ORG-Marg for the regional news channel N-TV. The survey was conducted in 270 of the 294 Assembly constituencies in the state and covered about 55,000 voters. It was conducted between October and the first week of December when speculation was rife over the possibility of a mid-term election to the Lok Sabha.

Of the 25,406 voters interviewed in coastal Andhra region, 57 per cent favoured Dr Reddy the best Chief Minister while only 39 per cent preferred Mr Naidu. In Rayalaseema, the home turf of both, Dr Reddy got 49 per cent and Naidu 45 per cent. In Telangana, 44 per cent of the voters gave the thumbs-up to Mr Naidu, who is seen as a staunch votary of unified Andhra Pradesh. Dr Reddy got 39 per cent.

Others like the TRS chief, Mr K. Chandrasekhar Rao, the torch-bearer of the separate state movement, and actors Chiranjeevi and Balakrishna together secured 17 per cent votes as the choice for best Chief Minister. Even in the other regions of the state, Chiranjeevi and Balakrishna could not woo the voters. However, it must be noted that the survey was conducted before talk of Chiranjeevi’s plans to float a political party.

Results

Statewide:
* 49% want YSR as CM
* 42% want Naidu as CM

Coastal Rayalaseema
* YSR 57% * YSR 49%
* Naidu 39% * Naidu 45%

Telangana
* YSR 39%
* Naidu 44%
* KCR+Chiranjeevi+ Balakrishna 17%

Sanjay Baba to be Baba again ?

After the official news of Sanju baba'a maariage, people are anxiously waiting for another official news from the macho star of Bollywood. If rumors are to be believed, Manyata is 3 month preganant and this has prompted our Munnabhai to expedite the marriage plan and give it an official stamp.

Manyata aka Shaikh Dilnawaz hails from Dubai but she has settled in bollywood for quite some time. People remember her from the item song in Prakash Jha's 'GangaJal'. The marriage vows were taken according to Hindu rites in Lokhandwala, Andheri at the bungalow next to the office of T-Series and neither of the families were present for the ocassion.

Lets wait and see if Sanju Baba becomes baba again.

Gopichand in league of big stars!

Gopichand is clearly inching towards big stardom. The macho hero has already established himself as a bankable star with the successes of Yagnam, Ranam and Lakshyam.

His new film, Ontari has done amazing business, setting new records in his career. The film produced by Pokuri Baburao is said to have done a whopping Rs 13 Crores (approximate) business.

Any hero who guarantees an Rs 15 Crore market is considered big mass hero by the trade. So Gopichand is all set to join the select league of big heroes. He is just shy of that range. If Ontari succeeds, he might easily plunge into it.

Chiranjeevi completes 30 years

Exactly 30 years back, a star was born. No one could have imagined on the sets of Punadi Rallu that the young actor who was donning grease paint on to his face would rule Tollywood for 30 years there after. Yes, Chiranjeevi completes 30 years as actor on Feb 11. His was a modest beginning. Although Chiranjeevi shot for Punadirallu for first time as one of actors, Pranam Khareedu was his maiden release on the same year (September 22, 1978).

Interestingly, at the end of the 30 years, he dreams to begin a new era in another field (politics) like he did in films. Lets wish him all the best!

Shamshabad airport -- An epitome !!!

The Rajiv Gandhi international airport at Shamshabad is the best in its class with the world’s best brains in airport design and passenger services joining together to execute the first-ever greenfield airport under public-private partnership in the country. “The new Hyderabad airport has several firsts to its credit. We have put together the best international companies to work with us to complete the project eight months ahead of the schedule and give passengers the best of world class services,” said GM Rao, chairman of GMR Group, which executed the mega airport project in the otherwise sleepy village of Shamshabad in the backward Ranga Reddy district 30 km from here.

In an exclusive interview to this newspaper on Monday on the eve of the calibration tests at the new airport, Mr Rao elaborated that Rajiv Gandhi international airport at Shamshabad is the first airport in India to go for LEED Certificate for incorporating green design elements. It is a non-polluting airport and passengers will have fresh air to breathe. “It is also the first airport to have integrated terminal Authorities believe that those who want to build Greenfield airports in the PPP mode would surely study Shamshabad, which has incorporated global best practices, as the most successful model.

“Passengers can enter the airport from the national highway No. 7 and from Srisailam highway,” said Mr Rao, who was happy that the rain god blessed his mega venture immediately after the puja ahead of the calibration tests. The airport has the best brains working in all its sectors. “The cargo operation will be handled by Menzies, the business hotel by Accor with Novotel brand and flight catering by LSG Sky Chef and Sky Gourmet,” said Mr Rao. The fuel farm operation and maintenance would be undertaken by Reliance Industries, duty free and retail by Nuance and Shoppers Stop, parking by Tenaga and airport lounges by Plaza Premium of Hong Kong.

“Our business philosophy is to work with the best international companies,” he said. “We have chosen them through a transparent selection process.” The airport medical centre will be manned by Apollo Hospitals and pilots will be trained by the Sabena Flight Academy while the maintenance contract has been given to Faber Malaysia. Even the house-keeping has been handed over to Sinar Jernih of Malaysia and ISS Integrated Services of Singapore. The bookstores will be run by Landmark and Odyssey.

Mr Rao said GHIAL had got the help of renowned aviation and construction experts including Prof. Rigas Doganis, fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, Prof. Amadeu Odoni of MIT and Prof. John Kasarda from North Carolina University. “We got the help of experts who designed Oslo and Hong Kong airport,” said Mr Rao. “The works of the passenger terminal building was taken up by China State Engineering Construction (Hong Kong) Limited.”

Mr Rao said a team had visited Bangkok to study how the existing airport there was converted to a greenfield one. “Since we know the problems which Bangkok faced, we have made our strategies accordingly,” he said. “The shifting from Begumpet to Shamshabad on March 16 will be a smooth affair. We will be running 120 special buses to several points in the city. The fare will be just Rs 95.” By all counts, the Begumpet airport would close down after March 16, though there are demands from some quarters that it be kept open.

Most Honest CM -- Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar

He is probably the poorest chief minister in India. Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar has no home and his bank balance is just Rs.13,920.

"I am dependent on my wife Panchali Bhattacharjee, who is an officer of the Central Social Welfare Board under the central government," he said over the weekend.

The 59-year-old Marxist has no land, no vehicle and no other moveable or immoveable assets.

Sarkar's financial condition came to light when he submitted nominations along with an affidavit declaring his assets on Jan 31 ahead of the Feb 23 assembly elections.

"As chief minister, Sarkar received a monthly salary of Rs.9,200 and subsidiary allowance of Rs.1,200 per month and these amounts he donates to the party fund, like other party men," said Gautam Das, the state spokesman of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M).

A non-smoker and teetotaller, Sarkar's critics and archrivals in the Congress and other opposition parties are also quite impressed by his personal integrity and honesty.

"We have no doubt about his honesty, but most of Sarkar's fellow party leaders and workers are not honest," said Tapas Dey, former legislator and Congress spokesman.

Sarkar's wife also leads a simple life and prefers travelling in rickshaws.

"If Sarkar and his wife take part in the same programme, the chief minister goes in his official vehicle while his wife travels in a rickshaw or an auto," said an official of the chief minister's secretariat.

Sarkar, a close follower of late chief minister Nripen Chakraborty who was the father figure of the Communist movement in Tripura, has now set his sight on creating political history in Tripura by becoming chief minister for the third straight term.

The Marxist leader is contesting the assembly elections for the fifth time since 1981 and fighting from Dhanpur in west Tripura for the third consecutive time.

In a sharp contrast, former chief minister and state Congress president Sarmir Ranjan Burman shows his assets valued at Rs.16.41 million while his party colleague and another former chief minister Sudhir Ranjan Majumder submitted an affidavit declaring assets totalling Rs.550,000.

Opposition leader Ratan Lal Nath has moveable or immoveable assets worth Rs.21,62,000.

India owes New York US$ 39.4 mn

Under international treaties, consulates and embassies are generally tax exempt. Their status as sovereign territory often puts them outside the reach of US law.

But in New York’s case, the city argued that it had a right to collect taxes on portions of the structures used for non-diplomatic purposes.

India’s 26-story tower near the UN holds 20 floors worth of apartments, all occupied by diplomatic employees. Mongolia’s six-story building has two floors that serve as staff residences. The Philippines’ building, on a prime stretch of Fifth Avenue, has had a variety of commercial tenants, including a restaurant, a bank and an airline office.

For years, the three countries simply ignored their New York City tax bills, but the legal tide turned in the city’s favor when the Supreme Court ruled in June that the nations could, indeed, be sued over the matter in US courts.

In a written opinion issued yesterday, US District Judge Jed Rakoff sided with the city, which could put the three countries on the hook for a big payout.

As of September, the city claimed India owed it USD 39.4 million, a total that includes millions of dollars in interest. Mongolia owed USD 4.2 million.

The long-running legal dispute had attracted attention from the US Department of State, which had sided with the foreign countries against the city. State Department officials had warned that if New York City won, the US might be forced to pay millions of dollars in taxes on various properties it controls abroad.

Yahoo not to be (micro)SOFT -- Yahoo rejects Microsoft bid !!!

The news that yahoo board is set to reject the bid has come as a surprise.
The board plans to send a letter to Microsoft on Monday, spelling out its position.Yahoo's board believes that Microsoft's is trying to take advantage of the recent weakness in the company's share price to "steal" the company. The decision to reject the offer signals that Yahoo's board is digging in its heels for what could be a long takeover battle. The company is unlikely to consider any offer below $40 per share, the person said.

It's unclear whether Microsoft would be willing to pay such a premium, which would increase the value of its original cash and stock bid by more than $12 billion. The rejection comes as Yahoo's board has been considering various other scenarios, including a search advertising partnership Google Inc. Yahoo's directors are still considering that and other options that would safeguard the company's independence, people close the company say.

Dutt's Third and Manyata's Fourth wedlock confirmed !!!

Dutt has entered the wedlock for the THIRD time and Manyata her FOURTH!!! It was long believed that Dutt would tie the knot with Nadiya.The speculation was high after the couple jointly issued advertisement in the newspaper congratulating Bal Thackeray. The names in the advertisement were listed as 'Sanjay Dutt and Manyata Dutt' instead of her surname, Shaikh Dilnawaz.

On Saturday, Nadiya confirmed that she had married Dutt. The actress is also known as Dilnawaz Shaikh and has also done an item number in Prakash Jha film Gangajal.

Gowariker On The Historical Existence Of Jodha Bai

Some historians have questioned the very existence of a Jodha Bai and some are of the view that it was Jehangir who had one of the wives by this name. Ashutosh says he has heard of it. “The historians are divided over name not the person. Most of them agree that Akbar married the daughter of Raja Bharmal of Amber but differ over her name.”

He relates his research. “I started from the top. Abul Fazal’s ‘Ain-e-Akbari’ and ‘Akbarnama’ have no reference to Jodha Bai. The name also doesn’t find mention in Jehangir’s memoirs. Similarly, there is no mention of Jodha Bai in Bada’uni’s ‘Muntakhib-al-Tawarikh’.”

He also went to the Aligarh Muslim University, one of the biggest centres for the study of medieval history. “There also I was told that there is no historical reference to Jodha Bai. However, when you study Rajput history there is a mention of Jodha Bai in the works of K.L. Khurana, A.L. Shrivastav and Munni Lal. At the same time in ‘Kachchawon ka Itihas’ she is mentioned by the name of Harika Bai. In another book she is called Manmati and Shahi Bai.”

History also tells us that there was hardly any concept of a couple in Moghul royalty. Emperors had many wives, some to consolidate political alliances and others for physical needs. “The perception of togetherness keeps on changing with times. What we know for sure is Jehangir was born out of this wedlock,” argues Ashutosh.

On Jehangir having one wife with a similar name, Ashutosh points out what historian Jadunath Sarkar says. “Uday Singh of Jaipur married his daughter to Jehangir. Her name was Mira Bai but she was also known as Jodh Bai and not Jodha Bai.”

At the end of this historical discussion, Ashutosh says he appeals to the historians to appreciate the fact that he has used the name which is etched in the public memory

India mourns death of Baba Amte

Noted social activist and Magsaysay award winner Murlidhar Devidas Amte alias Baba Amte died at his 'Anandvan' ashram in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra on Saturday. He was 94.

One of the country's most respected social leaders, Amte devoted his life to the care and rehabilitation of leprosy patients.

Baba Amte also launched the Bharat Jodo movements from Kanyakumari to Kashmir in 1985 and Gujarat to Arunachal Pradesh in 1988, with the mission of establishing peace and raising environmental consciousness.

In 1990, Baba Amte left Anandvan to live along the Narmada river to fight against social injustice to local inhabitants. Although he continued to support the movement for rehabilitation of tribals affected by the construction of large dams on the Narmada, he had recently returned to Anandvan for health reasons.

IPL --- Indian Players price tag.

PRICE TAG FOR INDIAN PLAYERS

$4,00,000 Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, Yuvraj Singh and Mahendra Singh Dhoni

$2,50,000 Anil Kumble and Harbhajan

$2,00,000 Virender Sehwag, Sreesanth, Zaheer Khan, RP Singh, Robin Uthappa, Murali Kartik and Dinesh Karthik

$1,75,000 Irfan Pathan

$1,50,000 Rohit Sharma

$1,25,000 Mohd Kaif, Suresh Raina and Yousuf Pathan

$1,00,000-$1,25,000 Joginder Sharma

$1,00,000 Munaf Patel and Ishant Sharma

Babu Mohan longing for 'Son'Stroke

Babu Mohan the comedian and ex-MLA is producing a movie with his son as hero and Vemu as the director. The shooting is going at full pace. Babu Mohan would be doing an important role in the film. Looks like Babu Mohan is all set for the 'Son'Stroke'. He will be joining the league of Bramhanandam,MS Narayana shortly.

Arunachal Pradesh is OURS !!!!! --- India

Amidst warming of ties, China has taken exception to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Arunachal Pradesh and his assertion that the state belongs to India, evoking a strong reaction from New Delhi.

Almost a week after Singh visited Arunachal Pradesh and said the state was ‘our land of rising sun’, Chinese Foreign Ministry officials have conveyed to officials in the Indian Mission in Beijing that they were unhappy with the visit and his comments there.

Beijing feels that it was not appropriate for the Prime Minister to visit a state, major parts of which it claims are its territory.

In a sharp reaction, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee asserted that Arunachal Pradesh was part of India and the Prime Minister has right to visit any part of the country.

"Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of our country. We are having regular representation in our Parliament elected by people of Arunachal Pradesh. Therefore, it is quite obvious that the Prime Minister will visit any part of the country," Mukherjee said in Mumbai.

Singh, during his maiden visit to Arunachal on January 31, had said that the state was ‘our land of rising sun’, in a clear message to China that it belongs to India.

The Chinese unhappiness comes more than a fortnight after Singh had a good visit to Beijing when the two countries agreed to expedite resolution of the boundary issue.

Chinese claim over Arunachal has been nagging the ties between the two countries for long. The issue gets flared up when the Chinese troops at regular intervals intrude into the Indian territory to demonstrate their claim on the land.

India has, however, been seeking to play down these incursions by arguing that these were a result of ‘differences in perception’.

The Special Representatives of the two countries are working out a solution as per the Political Parameters and Guiding Principles signed in 2005.

Yahoo Board to decide the fate of Microsoft's deal

Yahoo board would be meeting today to decide the fate of the microsoft deal. It is very unlikely that Yahoo would be challenging the microsoft's bid of 31$ per share. There are only two options left. Accept the offer in principal, and try to increase the price with no negotiating leverage at all, or do a deal with Google to outsource search advertising and, likely, search itself.

The contingent of senior executives at Yahoo, who are willing to do literally anything to thwart a Microsoft takeover, are pushing for the Google deal and will present their case at the meeting.

Ghost (Dasari) doesn't quit using Ghost writers

It is a known fact that Dasari is very cunning and selfish personality. He was almost bankrupt beforer the Congress government came to power. Only he knows how he had earned so much of wealth in short time. He has been very instrumental in trying to rope in Chiru into Congress, but to his disgust things didn't work out as planned. Cold war has been brewing between Chiru and Dasari from some time. Dasari was invited as the chief guest for 100 days function of Ram Charan's chirutha movie. People believe that Chiru has invited Dasari to calm the rumors spreading around. Dasari has been employing ghost writers for his movies from a long time. Inspite of being a union minister and a big shot in the industry he is still focused on exploiting people. When will this ghost stop using ghost writers?

Pawan and Allu frustated at the audio leak !!!

The much awaited movie of Pawan Kalyan "Jalsa" under the banner of Geeta Arts has completed its shooting part and dubbing works is in progress. The audio songs of the movie were leaked before the audio release. Allu Arvind and Pawan are frustated at the leak as the audio rights were were sold to Aditya Audio at whopping 90 lakhs. Allu Arvind showing his disgust has filed a police complaint.

Salman back to his old ways.

News of a break-up between Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif were just about dying down and now reports of the couple having a huge fight, in a coffee outlet has come to light.

Says an eyewitness who was present, “They were chatting when suddenly the argument got heated. Salman got up and slapped his girlfriend across her left cheek. It wasn’t a hard slap but it made a cracking sound, leaving the actress and the onlookers stunned in shocked silence. Instead of making a scene, she quietly got up and walked out, without uttering a word.”

Chiru RaviTeja BalaKrishna Venky dance together

Have you seen this ?
No? U got to watch this !!

Kunal, Lakshmpathi and Kalpana Rai are no more

Kunal who made his debut in Premikula Roju committed suicide by hanging himself at around 10pm on Feb 6th in his rented flat in Mumbai. The police are waiting for the autopsy before deciding the line of investigation. Initial reports suggest he was going through marital problems.Sources say that he is working with lady friend for new film in Bollywood and this friendship may have been a reason for his marital problems.

Comedian and Telly actor Chittajallu Lakshmpathi Rao was found dead at his residence in Motinagar, Hyderabad. The reason for his death is not immediately known. Since two days he didn't come out and relatives found his dead body this morning.

Senior actress Kalpana Rai too passed away this morning at her residence in Hyderabad. She had acted in 400 films.

Shamshabad airport -- Hyderabad

The prestigious Shamshabad airport construction undertaken by the GMR group is all set for trial runs from Feb 12th. The project is being developed at the cost of Rs.2478 crores.Final touches are being made for the inauguration by Sonia Gandhi on march 16th.

According to officials of GMR group, Kingfisher and Jet airways would be conducting the calibration tests on Feb 12th.

Mr Raja Gopala Swamy, chief financial officer of GMR said “The airport will be right on schedule. It has been designed to cater to 12 million passengers and 1 lakh tonnes of freight per annum in the first phase”.

The airport is sure to be another landmark in the City of Pearls.

Pilots to fly high on Viagra

It might harm their reputation, but Israel’s Air Force is considering giving its combat pilots Viagra to improve their performance — in the air. A recent study conducted by Israeli doctors among mountain climbers in Africa found a link between erectile dysfunction drugs and improved performance in high altitudes, the mass-selling Yediot Aharonot reported on Thursday.

The active ingredient in the drugs was found to make climbers perform better in an environment with less oxygen, which causes fatigue and dizziness. This has led Army doctors to consider giving jet fighter pilots — who can fly at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet — the same drug, the report said.

“The Viagra family of drugs is considered effective in these conditions because when there is a long shortage in oxygen it leads to high blood pressure in the lungs, and the drugs help fight that,” the report quoted military medical sources as saying.

Court 'See'ne

Fans of movie stars used to hang around film studios to catch a glimpse of their favorite stars, things have changed now, they can hang around the judicial courts now. Just look at some of the leading filmmakers making trips to the courts.

The leader of the pack is Khushboo with a handful of cases pending against her. If all this wasn't bad enough, some of her remarks against the court had angered the judiciary so much that they are now planning to try her for insulting the courts!

Then there are a few divorce proceedings- Prashant and his estranged wife Grihalakshmi, Saritha and her Malayali husband actor Mukesh, Meera Vasudevan and her husband, Pawan Kalyan and his angry wife Nandinee.Kaveri, a leading actress, has filed a suit against her husband, a lesser-known cinematographer, who is now attempting to get married to another female now.

If all these weren't bad enough, there are financial suits against couple of films. Cases are still on against the directors of 'Shivaji' and 'Dasavathaaram' for stealing the stories.

500 TCS Employees resign

Soon after the news of variable pay cut, comes the news of Tata Consultancy Services showing the door to 500 employees. However the company maintained, there had been no layoffs and the number of people asked to leave was not exceptional this year. According to TCS CEO, Ramadorai "There is no layoff.. people are leaving the company due to natural attrition. There are some non-performers who have been given sufficient time to look for alternative employment and company helped them in finding it."

TCS spokesperson Pradipta Bagchi further explained, "This is not an exceptional thing, it happens every year and it is part of our annual performance exercise. In TCS, everyone has to go through an appraisal cycle where they are rated between 1 and 5 depending on their performance. If in one appraisal cycle anyone is rated below 2, we put them on PIP (performance improvement plan).Under this they are given extra training. Even after this if their rating is below 2, then they are asked to look for other jobs."

Signs of a slowdown in the US economy and rising rupee are being blamed for building up pressure on margins and revenues of the IT companies which have enjoyed a gold run in recent times. Is it a sign of things to come in the future?

Pavan -- nandini Case Update

Nandini Lawyer has produced three witness before Magistrate, witness asked court how is it possible to have son without marriage? Pawan has son with Renu and pair attend to many functions together. Next hearing of the case would be heard at the courts comfortable date. Divorce case and Alimony case is put on 7th March as both Pawan and Nandini failed to attend court.

Rajasekhar trying to take complete mileage.

Rajasekhar was almost vanishing into thin air before the attack by Chiru's fans.It was a boon in disguise for him and it has brought him into limelight again. He is trying to take complete mileage from it. He along with his wife have been busy welcoming film and political personalities. Looks like all the non-chiru factions are trying to group together. The visit of Mohan Babu has raised few eye brows. Is he is actively involving in gathering support of anti-chiru forces then he must be very careful with the people he is mingling with. There is no doubt that whatever had happened to him was sad and unwarranted but he should also guard himself from the leeches who are trying to use him.

SS Rajamouli selects Kajal for Charan in his next venture.

Kajal Agarwal is going to act with hero Ram Charan Teja in his next film. The young Chirutha is doing his second film under the direction of S S Rajamouli. The film Nagar buzz is that Raja Mouli himself has picked Kajal after a photo shoot. It is said that Rajamouli considered many heroines for his film, including Tamanna and Amritha Rao. Meanwhile, the film's shooting will start on February 26. Kajal has received success as an actor with Chandamama and film critics have praised her acting skills after her film 'Pourudu' did average business.

Sledging has negative impact on players like Tendulkar and Lara 'warns' Warne

Spin wizard Shane Warne feels sledging is a legitimate weapon in cricket but said it should not be used to wind up someone like Sachin Tendulkar, who a bowler should rather befriend.

"I do believe that sledging is a legitimate weapon as long as it does not become abusive. Foul language or an aggressive tone are signs of a frustrated player," Warne said.

"I found it an extremely effective tactic against an insecure batsman who could be intimidated. South Africa's Darryl Cullinan springs to mind as a good player who was not confident against Australia, particularly leg spin. On the other hand, with Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara, it was better to be friends and make them smile rather than wind them up," he wrote in his column for The Times.

Bal Thackeray and Pawar rally behind Amitabh.

Shiv Sena leader Bal Thackeray on Wednesday said making parochial allegations against actor Amitabh Bachchan was plain foolishness.

In a statement, Mr. Bal Thackeray said: “In the end Amitabh Bachchan is Amitabh Bachchan.” Mr. Bachchan should ignore all these silly allegations and those who speak against him.

“Bachchan is not only my friend; we have family relations. Whenever he has the time he comes over and visits us. Our friendship has lasted for 40 years and there has been no strain in our relationship,” Mr. Bal Thackeray pointed out.

Nationalist Congress Party president and Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said Mr. Thackeray’s observations were “irresponsible” and did not deserve much importance

Mr. Pawar said even the statements by Samajwadi Party member Abu Azim were irresponsible. “Looks like both sides have some political agenda. They don’t have much support.”

Bal Thackeray backs Bachchan

Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray on Wednesday sprang to the defence of Amitabh Bachchan, numbing the campaign by his nephew and splinter sena leader Raj Thackeray against the star and North Indians as Mumbai limped back to normalcy after three days of violence.

With the Centre pressing the Maharashtra government to take immediate steps against those indulging in violence, the city police appealed to Raj to restrain the cadre of his party--Maharashtra Navnirman Sena(MNS)--from further fuelling the campaign against North Indians.

"The allegations are nothing but stupidity", Bal Thackeray said in a statement taking on Raj for his personal attack against Bachchan that the star always gave priority to Uttar Pradesh over Maharashtra triggering a war of words between the youth leader and Samajwadi that led to violence since Sunday.

"Amitabh is Amitabh..he should ignore such allegations", said Thackeray, who turned 82 last month.

"Amitabh is a family friend. The friendship goes back 40 years during which it has not even diminished.

Bachchan is a global superstar and is respected all over the world. He has always expressed his gratitude to Mumbai and the people for giving him fame," Thackeray said in comments exposing the divide in the Thackeray family.

India's Fastest growing cities.

1. SURAT -- Growth rate: 11.5% -- Supported by thriving diamond and textile industry. More than 90 per cent of world's diamonds are cut and polished here.
2. BANGALORE -- Growth rate: 10.3% -- Supported by information technology and information technology-enabled services.
3. AHMEDABAD -- Growth rate: 10.1% -- Supported by commerce, trade, chemicals and pharmaceutical industries
4. MUMBAI -- Mumbai accounts for 14 per cent of India's income tax collections and 37 per cent of the corporate tax collections in the country. -- Growth rate: 8.5% -- Supported by Financial Institutions
5. NEW DELHI – Growth rate: 8.4% -- Supported by IT, telecommunications, hotels, banking, media and tourism
6. HYDERABAD, city of pearls, financial capital of Andhra Pradesh -- Growth rate: 7.8% -- Supported by IT, Pharma, Communication and bio-tech.
7. PUNE -- Growth rate: 7.4% -- Supported by IT and Automobile Industry
8. BARDHAMAN -- Growth rate: 6.6% -- Supported by coal-based industries, chemicals and power plants
9. KOLKATA -- Growth rate: 6.3% -- Supported by IT
10. Tamil Nadu, the fourth largest metropolitan city in India -- Growth rate: 6.2% -- Supported by industries like automobile, technology, hardware manufacturing, and healthcare

Swayamkrushi and Thrinetram ??

If the rumors are to be believed, Chiru's party would be named as swayamkrushi and Lord Shiva's Thrinetram would be the party symbol. Party may be announced officially on the telugu new year eve April 7th. Probably it's time for Chiru to decide before all the excitement in the people die down.

Sankalp Yatra Missing Sankalp

The scheduled Yatra to be conducted by the BJP prime ministerial candidate Lal Krishna Advani has been postponed. The BJP spokesperson Sushma Swaraj said that "We felt at this point of time, ignoring the advice of the NSA will not be an intelligent move. It is, therefore, better to postpone our programmes for the time being".The postponement came after National Security Adviser M K Narayanan met Advani on Monday and told him about the threat of a suicide attack. He advised Advani to keep his appearances at public places like rallies to the minimum for about a month.

Advani was to address a series of rallies in Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Haryana as part of his 'Sankalp Yatra' to boost the party's poll preparedness.

Jr. NTR, VV Vinayak and Kodali Naani Combo !!!

After the tremendous success of Krishna, VV Vinayak is going to direct a movie for Jr. NTR. Kodali Nani who has been in oblivion would be producing it. It is slated to be released by the end of the year. Vinayak would be penning the script. There have been rumors about differences between Kodali Naani and NTR. Looks like things are returning back to normalcy between them.

Bravest of the Brave !

Most of us talk, fight and argue about doing something for the country, but rarely do they go into action. We take for granted the real heroes in our life who sacrifice their lives fighting for us. The irony is that the news about these real heroes never reach common people. Please go through the link in rediff.com Click Here -- HEROES .

Ravi Teja increases his remuneration

Ravi Teja has started the year with a bang. Krishna is a box office hit. Ravi Teja's histrionics are drawing class and mass audience alike. A stiff competition was assumed between Okkaa Magaadu and Krishna. Okka Magaadu has proved a dud at box office. Ravi Teja has increased his remuneration to 3 crores as he has become one of the most bankable actor in the industry.

Jodha Akbar --- Flawed version ?

Historians are furious on the flawed version of history incorporated in Jodha Akbar movie. The movie directed by Ashutosh is all set to be released on 15th feb. Historians contend that Jodha was grand daughter of Akbar in contrast to wrongful depiction as wife in the movie.

The centuries old historical site where Akbar married his first Rajput princess from the Amber principality back in 1562 is still standing at Sambhar near Jaipur. A painfully carved stone inscription clearly endorses the matrimonial union of Jalaludin Mohammed Akbar with Harka Bhai, the daughter of Raja Bharmal, from the Kachchawa Rajput clan of Amber (erstwhile Jaipur) . Jodha Bhai on the other hand was born later in 1572 as the daughter of Mota Raja Udai Singh of Marwar (Jodhpur).

Almost all historical accounts right from Colonel James Tod's Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan to the recent compilation of Rajasthan's history by Rima Hooja puts it down clearly that Akbar's foremost and favourite Rajput bride was Harka Bhai or Harika Bhai of Amber whom he married according to Hindu rituals at Sambhar. The same texts go on to say that their son Jehangir married Jodha Bhai (meaning the lady of Jodhpur, according to Col. Tod's version, also referred to as Mani Bhai and Jagat Gosai in Jehangir Nama) who was the daughter of Mota Raja Udai Singh of Marwar (Jodhpur) much later in 1586. Harkha Bhai was given the title of Mariam-uz-Zamani (Mary of the World) after she gave birth to Jehangir.

Nenu Meeku Telusa ???

Don't jump to any conclusions. This is the title of Manchu Manoj's new film under the direction of Ajay Sharma. Ajay Sharma has worked under Krishna Vamsi. The underlying concept of the film in recurring amnesia. Manoj has been working very hard lately for image transformation. He has shed a lot of weight and has been under training for body build up in US.Film is scheduled to release in Summer. Got to wait and see if this will be another Sonstroke for Mohan babu. Mohan Babu is yet to recuperate from the debacle of Krishna Arjuna which bombed at the box office for its poor narration and story.

Attack on Amitabh's House

In the ongoing tussle between Raj Thackeray and Amitabh, miscreants have attacked Amitabh's Prateeksha residence in Mumbai. Amitabh who was shooting for "Shoe Bite" has returned back. Raj Thackeray has accused Amitabh of being more loyal and beneficial to UP than Mumbai. Raj thackeray is continuing his outburst against North Indians in Mumbai, especially against Bihari's and UP's.

Google trying to stop Yahoo becoming YahooSoft

Google has laid down its concerns regarding the ongoing deal between Microsoft and Yahoo. Google has said that by buying Yahoo, Microsoft would extend its unfair practices from operating systems to internet too. Google has also cautioned about monopoly. Looks like Microsoft is trying to retry the technique it has used on Netscape.

Jalsa on March 27th

After a long hiatus, Power Star Pawan Kalyan is all set for his next flick "JALSA". Movie is grabbing lot of attention coz of the star cast and director Trivikram. Trivikram's previous flick 'Athadu' was a box office hit and expectations are running high on Jalsa too. Illeyana is playing the role of heroine.

Ramcharan condemns rumor

Ramcharan has condemned the rumor about his marriage with Neha. He said he was surprised to hear about the rumor and said there was no need for him to marry secretly and also added that he would invite press and media for the occasion.

Microsoft bids Yahoo for 45B$ !!!

Microsoft has bid Yahoo for $44.6B which is 62% premium. Microsoft is offering $31 a share. Yahoo spokesman has said that the directors are considering the offer closely and would take a decision shortly.Yahoo was trading at $18 a share before the offer was made. It is trading at around $28 today. Microsoft CEo Steve Blamer has said that the deal would stand as a milestone in the history.Microsoft is gearing up for a tight competition with Google. yahoo has recently announced that it would fire 100 employees in the coming months. The deal is sure to shake the equations in advertising sector.