BANGALORE : The state government has placed under suspension six officials from the Indiranagar ESI Hospital , including its medical superintendent, for negligence, leading to a day-old dead baby being bitten by rats. The authorities conducted an inquiry following a report in The Times of India dated December 27, ‘Day-old baby dies in ESI Hospital, bitten by rats’. They have placed medical superintendent Dr Valsa Mathew, resident medical officer Dr L.N. Chethan, nurses P.P. Shanthi and Ravikala Shetty, and ayahs Gowramma and Rajalakshmi, under suspension. The preliminary inquiry found that negligence by the hospital staff had led to the incident.
New Year breaks Devanahalli airport jinx
Wednesday, December 31, 2003
TIMES NEWS NETWORK BANGALORE: 2004 looks set to begin with a bang, with the state’s jinxed’’ flagship development project, the Bangalore international airport at Devanahalli, on its toes to begin construction by mid-January. The contentious concessions agreement with the Centre, which dragged its feet from one ministry to the other for 23 months, is undergoing final language and syntax’’ corrections in the Union law ministry. Everything is falling into place. Financial arrangers, ICICI, have assessed the project and assured us it can be done. We are looking at mid-January to sign all documents and begin construction forthwith,’’ officials told The Times of India here on Tuesday. Karnataka has done everything possible to get the project off the ground. Officials said the present government cleared all details up to the shareholders agreement in January 2002, within 15 months of taking it up. The red tape has basically been at the Centre. Each Union ministry came up with its own problems, all of which could have been sorted within three to five months, if only they had an integrated view of the whole thing,’’ officials rued. The meetings and amount of effort put to clear the documents has been nothing short of ‘torturous.’ The silver lining, however, has been Prime Minister A.B. Vajpyee’s personal initiative to push the project. He overcame pressures and hurdles from all sides and championed this project. We have to acknowledge his effort,’’ officials admitted. The PMO has now set a deadline of January 10 to clear all details for the concessions agreement. The problem of the IAF Kolar base’s airspace clashing with the new airport has also been sorted. Air Marshal B.K. Pandey, Air Officer (Commanding-in-chief), IAF Training Command, said the dialogue for adjusting traffic has been on for a while. We are studying traffic pattern of all airfields near Devanahalli airport. We will set up a unified traffic control system with members from Devanahalli, Yelahanka, Jakkur and HAL airport,’’ he stated. Giving the example of Changi airport in Singapore, which has five air bases around it, Pandey said: By the time traffic begins at the Devanahalli airport, we will have better navigation systems aided by satellites. Besides, if HAL airport can accommodate varied kinds of air activities, there is nothing to panic about Devanahalli. We will be decongesting traffic and growth will not double overnight.’’ Asked whether the air force will open up bases to civil activities, Air Marshal Pandey said: There is no embargo on opening up bases for the same. We are open to do anything in national interest. Airfields in Pune, Agra and Jodhpur are allowing civil activities.’’
Dhad Dhad
Friday, December 26, 2003
Kannada Cast : Krishna Mohan, Krishna Shetty, Chitra Shenoy Director : Hemant Hegde Review : Hemant Hegde’s whodunit revolves around three murders with a dash of romantic to relieve the tension. The young director has succeeded in holding his audience’s interest till the very end. While the first half has some romantic sequences, the second half is packed with murders and investigations. Theatre Zone Timings Uma South 10.15, 1.30, 4.45, 7.30 Kailash Central 10.30, 1.30, 4.30, 7.30
Dhad Dhad
Friday, December 26, 2003
Kannada Cast : Krishna Mohan, Krishna Shetty, Chitra Shenoy Director : Hemant Hegde Review : Hemant Hegde’s whodunit revolves around three murders with a dash of romantic to relieve the tension. The young director has succeeded in holding his audience’s interest till the very end. While the first half has some romantic sequences, the second half is packed with murders and investigations. Theatre Zone Timings Uma South 10.15, 1.30, 4.45, 7.30 Kailash Central 10.30, 1.30, 4.30, 7.30
Dhad Dhad
Friday, December 26, 2003
Kannada Cast : Krishna Mohan, Krishna Shetty, Chitra Shenoy Director : Hemant Hegde Review : Hemant Hegde’s whodunit revolves around three murders with a dash of romantic to relieve the tension. The young director has succeeded in holding his audience’s interest till the very end. While the first half has some romantic sequences, the second half is packed with murders and investigations. Theatre Zone Timings Uma South 10.15, 1.30, 4.45, 7.30 Kailash Central 10.30, 1.30, 4.30, 7.30
Red stones create commotion in two villages near Pavagada
Friday, December 26, 2003
BANGALORE: This one is straight from noted Kannada writer Poornachandra Tejaswi's classic novel `Jugari Cross'- which has virtually turned two villages near Pavagada in Tumkur district into a battlefield. While the police are keeping a strict vigil against the people who are craving to dig out `precious red stones' available in fields of these villages, precious stone traders from across the Country are already making a beeline here. Last week, following a group clash during the `precious stone hunt', the police resorted to lathi charge to disperse the mob. The red stone hunt gained momentum a week ago, when a precious stone trader from Gouribidanur visited Kenchanahalli gate in Pavaghada taluk and adjoining village Kyadigunte in Challakere taluk, Chitradurga district. He entered into a lease agreement with many farmers in the area by paying exorbitant price to dig out the red stones available in the region. He also began camping in the villages, stating that he had applied for license from Mines and Geology Department to extract the stones. As news began to spread, meanwhile, other precious stone traders also began visiting the villages offering extra money to farmers to lease out the lands for them. This led to a group clash between the traders. The police intervened and pacified the mob, but later resorted to lathicharge as the mob turned violent. Meanwhile, rumours spread in the gem and precious stone traders' circle that ruby was available in these two villages. Traders from all over the Country began pouring into the villages to take a look at the stones. However, soon they realised that the available stones were not ruby, but `corundum'. While ruby costs Rs 40,000 per gm, best quality of corundum costs around Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 per kg. Meanwhile, the villagers are claiming that the stones belong to them and they should have the right to extract the stones. The police have continued their presence in the region to contain any untoward incidents. When contacted Mines and Geology Director Basappa Reddy said that the department had not received any application for obtaining license to extract the red stones in either of the villages. ``It was an illegal operation and the police have stopped illegal extraction of the stones. They have also confiscated 35 kg of stones, that was extracted by some people. The samples we have obtained turn out to be very low quality corundum used in industries, which will not fetch more than Rs 200 per kg in the market,'' Basappa Reddy said. This is not the first time that such a `red stone' hype has taken place near Pavaghada. About 25 years, same kind of hype was created at Akkanahalli and superstition plays a major role in such hypes, Reddy added.
Residential school in G’burga wins zonal computer fair
Friday, December 26, 2003
Residential school in G’burga wins zonal computer fair Friday December 26 2003 00:00 IST GULBARGA: The students of S B Residential Public School here, have bagged the first place at the Gulbarga zonal-level computer fair organised by the District Science Centre here recently. Abhinay Patil and Anshuman Agnihotri of VII standard won the first place at the software development competition in the junior section. Nikhil Gangane of X standard and V H Prashant of XI standard stood first in the extempore talk on computer competition in the junior and senior sections respectively. These students have qualified to represent Gulbarga zone at the state-level computer fair to be held at Visvesaraiah Industrial and Technological Museum, Bangalore, in January. Principal N S Devarkal and staff of the school have commended the students for their achievements
Karnataka gives in, wants CBI to take over stamp paper scam
Friday, December 26, 2003
Karnataka gives in, wants CBI to take over stamp paper scam Saturday December 27 2003 00:14 IST BANGALORE: After months of vacillation, the Karnataka Cabinet on Friday finally decided to hand over the multi-crore stamp paper scam to the Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI) for investigations. The State Government will inform this to the Supreme Court which is seized of petitions asking for a CBI probe. Home Minister Mallikarjuna Kharge announced the Cabinet decision at a media-conference, and said this was being done in the overall national interest. The compelling reason for a sudden shift in the stand, according to Kharge, was that investigations by many agencies will lead to ``double jeopardy'', and this can be best avoided by entrusting the CBI with the task. In other words, a single crime cannot be tried twice and punished more than once by different courts of law. ``Finance Minister Jaswant Singh has said that if the accused Abdul Karim Telgi is tried by one court or under one charge in Karnataka, then it will be difficult to charge him or try him on the same charge or a similar charge elsewhere, resulting in double jeopardy. That became the rationale for seeking a centralised investigation,'' the Home Minister said, reading out a statement. The Stamp Paper Investigation Team (Stampit), however, will cease to work the day the CBI steps in and takes over the case. As for the Special Court that has been set up in Bangalore to try the case, the Home Minister said it will remain till the Supreme Court took a final view on the case. Kharge, however, maintained that Karnataka would place its reservations about a CBI probe in its affidavit before the Apex Court. ``We will utilise our Constitutional rights whenever we want,'' he said. Karnataka was the first to unearth the scandal and write to the Centre about it, and pursue the investigations vigorously, the Home Minister said, justifying its stated stand all along against a CBI probe. ``In fact, as early as July 2002 we brought to the notice of the Union finance Minister the unfortunate circumstances that the sensitive machinery of the India Security Press, Nasik, had been allowed to fall into unscrupulous hands, which contributed to the perpetuation of this fraud,'' Kharge said, and added that the Finance Minister had lauded Karnataka's efforts.
Time for Krishna to prune his ministry?
Friday, December 26, 2003
Time for Krishna to prune his ministry? Friday December 26 2003 00:00 IST BANGALORE: Chief Minister S M Krishna is believed to be working on a ministry restructure so as to emerge as a pioneer in the downsize exercise as defined in the new Constitutional amendment Bill. The Chief Minister has not said anything publicly about it, but is keen on having a compact ministry, for which he is willing to use the Bill cleared by the Parliament as a ruse. Since party work in an election year is as crucial, if not more, as being in the ministry, the Chief Minister is thinking on the lines of drafting some of them on party assignments in districts. Krishna had all along been defending the jumbo size of his ministry (49 ministers) and was not inclined to disturb the status quo. He may use the opportunity to drop all those whose performance has been dismal. He may also take a cue from Bhujbal and duck those ministers who have got themselves embroiled in controversies. This exercise will save both his face and that of his ministers'. The dismal outcome for Congress in the recent Assembly elections in north is firmly entrenched in Krishna's mind, and he is working out strategies to guard against its repeat in Karnataka. The intensive campaigning by the BJP, and the confusion in Janata Dal groups about merger too are key factors in the strategy he is tailing for the State Congress. Also, the recent developments with regard to stamp paper scam and possible involvement of politicians and bureaucrats as made out during the course of investigations, has forced the Chief Minister to change his mind on the reconstitution. Indications of an early poll at the Centre and possibilities of simultaneous polls in the State has left no time for the Chief Minister to think. Many young and potential leaders with high organising capacities, too seem to have contributed to this idea. According to sources, Krishna might prune his Ministry to a much smaller size than recommended (33 ministers) in the Bill. If the party wants to return to power then it was necessary for the partymen to go back to their respective constituencies and work. Friday's Cabinet meeting may turn out to be crucial for the Government as reconstitution of ministry to suit early elections is likely to figure. Krishna may even share his thought with his colleagues and seek their opinion about his idea. This is mainly to check any revolt from those dropped. While the Opposition parties like Dal groups, the BJP and also the two recently floated parties led by Vijay Mallya and Vijaya Sankeshwar are active at both district and Taluk levels, the Congress seems to be focusing only Bangalore. Also, all those who matter are engaged with the Government work, sparing little time to build party cadre in villages. Will the Chief Minister undertake the exercise before the the short winter session of the Assembly begenning on January 6 or later will be seen.
Red stones create commotion in two villages near Pavagada
Friday, December 26, 2003
BANGALORE: This one is straight from noted Kannada writer Poornachandra Tejaswi's classic novel `Jugari Cross'- which has virtually turned two villages near Pavagada in Tumkur district into a battlefield. While the police are keeping a strict vigil against the people who are craving to dig out `precious red stones' available in fields of these villages, precious stone traders from across the Country are already making a beeline here. Last week, following a group clash during the `precious stone hunt', the police resorted to lathi charge to disperse the mob. The red stone hunt gained momentum a week ago, when a precious stone trader from Gouribidanur visited Kenchanahalli gate in Pavaghada taluk and adjoining village Kyadigunte in Challakere taluk, Chitradurga district. He entered into a lease agreement with many farmers in the area by paying exorbitant price to dig out the red stones available in the region. He also began camping in the villages, stating that he had applied for license from Mines and Geology Department to extract the stones. As news began to spread, meanwhile, other precious stone traders also began visiting the villages offering extra money to farmers to lease out the lands for them. This led to a group clash between the traders. The police intervened and pacified the mob, but later resorted to lathicharge as the mob turned violent. Meanwhile, rumours spread in the gem and precious stone traders' circle that ruby was available in these two villages. Traders from all over the Country began pouring into the villages to take a look at the stones. However, soon they realised that the available stones were not ruby, but `corundum'. While ruby costs Rs 40,000 per gm, best quality of corundum costs around Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 per kg. Meanwhile, the villagers are claiming that the stones belong to them and they should have the right to extract the stones. The police have continued their presence in the region to contain any untoward incidents. When contacted Mines and Geology Director Basappa Reddy said that the department had not received any application for obtaining license to extract the red stones in either of the villages. ``It was an illegal operation and the police have stopped illegal extraction of the stones. They have also confiscated 35 kg of stones, that was extracted by some people. The samples we have obtained turn out to be very low quality corundum used in industries, which will not fetch more than Rs 200 per kg in the market,'' Basappa Reddy said. This is not the first time that such a `red stone' hype has taken place near Pavaghada. About 25 years, same kind of hype was created at Akkanahalli and superstition plays a major role in such hypes, Reddy added.
Knock, knock...this film wishes to marry ideal with reality
Friday, December 26, 2003
Knock, knock...this film wishes to marry ideal with reality Friday December 26 2003 00:00 IST BANGALORE: A Masters in Film and TV production from Los Angeles, two short films - ‘Flowery Thorn’ and ‘Om’ - and one Tamil music album ‘Mugangal’ later, Anita Udeep is all set to release her debut venture ‘Knock Knock, I’m Looking to Marry’. An Indian English contemporary romantic comedy, ‘Knock Knock..’ is 35 mm format, 90-min flick. ‘‘The whole movie is set in Bangalore because this is such an amazing and vibrant city. People from all around India and the world dwell here,’’ says a visibly excited Udeep, who has produced and directed the film. And the film too, caters to viewers of all ages, as it takes a refreshing view of the dilemmas and predicaments faced by today’s youngsters. It may sound like a tried-and-tested formula. Only this time the subject is much more realistic and close to heart -- about the struggle between traditional arranged marriage scenario and modern love marriage phenomenon. Udeep has also made sure fresh approach to the subject is brought about by a fresh chemistry on screen with new faces. The lead male role is being played by Suhaas, presently a VJ in SS Music, and Radhi, a South Indian actress with six films to her name, plays the heroine. ‘‘Casting was the biggest hurdle. I needed youngsters who could speak good English as well as act,’’ recalls Udeep. ‘‘This was an entirely different kind of experience. The industry is so male-dominated and so are the films, especially down South. Shooting for ‘Knock Knock..’ with so many women -- all well-versed in their own fields -- it was like working with a bunch of friends,’’ beams Radhi. ‘‘The story is very simple. It gets straight to the point -- no distractions in form of songs and stuff -- stays with you and leaves you feeling good and wanting for more,’’ says Suhaas. And Udeep didn’t have to go too far in search of the script. ‘‘All my friends and cousins were going through this phase. They don’t find the love of their life, but have a dream guy in mind,’’ says she. ‘‘The conflict between these youngsters and their parents while going through the formalities of arranged marriages is universal. Everybody relates to it and there-in lies the success of ‘Knock Knock..’, she adds. The film is being released in three cities -- Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore. ‘‘I’ll take it to Mumbai and Delhi for Valentine’s Day,’’ Udeep says.
We want to develop Tirupati on lines of Vatican: TTD chief
Friday, December 26, 2003
We want to develop Tirupati on lines of Vatican: TTD chief Friday December 26 2003 00:00 IST BANGALORE: The new chairman of Thirumala Tirupati Devasthamans (TTD) Trust D K Adikesavalu on Thursday said that he is planning to develop the world-famous pilgrimage centre on the lines of the Vatican City. ‘‘We want to prepare a comprehensive development plan to develop Thirumala as the best pilgrimage centre in the world. That is also the wish of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu,’’ Adikesavalu told reporters here. TTD, he said, is taking several steps to further improvise the facilities being provided to devotees of Lord Venkateshwara. Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) and similar agencies from other states have approached the trust with a request to increase their quota of felicitating ‘darshan’ for devotees. TTD is considering those proposals, he noted. Adikesavalu also said the famous temple ‘laddoos,’ which are sold in the city on every second Saturday, will soon be made available every Saturday. ‘Ladoos ’will be available at the TTD Information Centre in Vyalikaval in the city. Asked about security measures, he said, security has been heightened after suspected Naxalites attacked Naidu. Vehicles are being scanned and the Vigilance Wing of the TDD has also been strengthened after the incident, Adikesavalu said.
Annoyed beggar bites 3 people
Friday, December 26, 2003
BANGALORE: High drama prevailed near Victoria Hospital in the city on Thursday evening when a beggar found a unique way of ‘punishing’ people! The beggar, Shankar, hit a traffic police constable and a woman, before biting three people near the hospital. People with the help of police managed to catch hold of the beggar and tied him to an electric pole before shifting him to Nimhans for examination. The police said Shankar was annoyed after some vendors teased him. He was roaming in the vicinity for the past two years. Two of the victims were identified as Jayamma (55) of Channapatna and Syed Mohammad. Syed Mohammad was bitten in his right leg. All the victims, including the traffic police constable were treated as out patients in Victoria Hospital.
Partha
Thursday, December 25, 2003
Cast: Sudeep, Hardeep Music: GuruKiran Director: Om Prakash Rao Sudeep hasn't changed one bit. The same anger, the same josh and the same old stale story. Yeah we are talking of PARTHA, which is nothing but another boy meet girl story. Sudeep and the leading lady Hardeep meet in a temple. And the saga of love starts. Its take a awhile for Hardeep to confess. Sudeep does a lot of gimmicks to convince the heroine that the feeling is love and is mutual. Somebody is not happy with all this. And guess what he is a known rowdy of that area. Now this rowdy comes to Hardeep's house and threatens her parents and scares the life out of her. There is a reason for this. The rowdy's brother had cut of one person's hand for this girl. Our hero comes to know this. And her beats the pulp out the rowdy and finally marries the girl Stale is not the word for this story. One can definitely witness the dedication of the actors and technicians in this film. Director Om Prakash Rao has taken a common story and made a film, which is very close to reality. M S Ramesh's dialogues are too good. Cinematography by Anaji Nagaraj is first-class. Some locations have been depicted really beautifully. Music by Gurukiran is okay. Action performed by Sudeep is first rate. Performance wise Sudeep fits perfectly into his role. His performance as lovesick guy who runs behind his girl is impressive. His dialogue delivery is excellent. Geetha S Rao as his sister in law has performed well. Dr Vijay, Aiyyappa and Siddartha have rendered amazing performance. But our heroine Hardeep hardly knows to act. We can't help but think as to why she was selected to perform as leading star. The drawbacks of this film is that at points the film has been stretched unnecessarily, otherwise this film is a okay one and is good to watch once. (Source: http://movies.indiainfo.com/kannada/)
Excuse Me
Thursday, December 25, 2003
Cast: Sunil, Ajay, Ramya and Sumalatha Music: R P Patnaik Producer:Suresh Story, screenplay, direction:Prem Why do we have love on earth? With a kicker question like this and amazing music by R P Patnaik, director Prem has given us EXCUSE ME. This film has been heavily inspired by Bollywood hit, SAAJAN. In SAAJAN it was love for poetry and here it is love for music. Both the heroes are childhood friends. One is stubborn, the other is a musician. One of the friends considers his mother to be god. Both of them come to the city to pursue studies. Generally we don't get to see sentiments in the first 30 minutes of any film. But here we see it in many forms. Then follows different forms of love. Our stubborn hero's love for a girl. The musician's love for the music. Heroine's love for the musician. Also follows is a series of misunderstanding. Finally we don't get to see the sacrifice that we saw in SAAJAN. It's an unusual conclusion all together. EXCUSE ME has too many songs. R P Patnaik's tunes are pleasing. Dialogues are good. At some places loose words have been used which is not a welcome trend. Performance wise Ajay impresses due to his underplay. There is no justification for Sunil's character in the film. Sometimes he tries to imitate Shah Rukh Khan, but has failed miserably. Ramya is beautiful, but she needs to improve on her acting skills. There is no connection between the title of the film and the story. A good effort by Prem though. (Source: http://movies.indiainfo.com/kannada/)
Excuse Me
Thursday, December 25, 2003
Cast: Sunil, Ajay, Ramya and Sumalatha Music: R P Patnaik Producer:Suresh Story, screenplay, direction:Prem Why do we have love on earth? With a kicker question like this and amazing music by R P Patnaik, director Prem has given us EXCUSE ME. This film has been heavily inspired by Bollywood hit, SAAJAN. In SAAJAN it was love for poetry and here it is love for music. Both the heroes are childhood friends. One is stubborn, the other is a musician. One of the friends considers his mother to be god. Both of them come to the city to pursue studies. Generally we don't get to see sentiments in the first 30 minutes of any film. But here we see it in many forms. Then follows different forms of love. Our stubborn hero's love for a girl. The musician's love for the music. Heroine's love for the musician. Also follows is a series of misunderstanding. Finally we don't get to see the sacrifice that we saw in SAAJAN. It's an unusual conclusion all together. EXCUSE ME has too many songs. R P Patnaik's tunes are pleasing. Dialogues are good. At some places loose words have been used which is not a welcome trend. Performance wise Ajay impresses due to his underplay. There is no justification for Sunil's character in the film. Sometimes he tries to imitate Shah Rukh Khan, but has failed miserably. Ramya is beautiful, but she needs to improve on her acting skills. There is no connection between the title of the film and the story. A good effort by Prem though. (Source: http://movies.indiainfo.com/kannada/)
Partha
Thursday, December 25, 2003
Cast: Sudeep, Hardeep Music: GuruKiran Director: Om Prakash Rao Sudeep hasn't changed one bit. The same anger, the same josh and the same old stale story. Yeah we are talking of PARTHA, which is nothing but another boy meet girl story. Sudeep and the leading lady Hardeep meet in a temple. And the saga of love starts. Its take a awhile for Hardeep to confess. Sudeep does a lot of gimmicks to convince the heroine that the feeling is love and is mutual. Somebody is not happy with all this. And guess what he is a known rowdy of that area. Now this rowdy comes to Hardeep's house and threatens her parents and scares the life out of her. There is a reason for this. The rowdy's brother had cut of one person's hand for this girl. Our hero comes to know this. And her beats the pulp out the rowdy and finally marries the girl Stale is not the word for this story. One can definitely witness the dedication of the actors and technicians in this film. Director Om Prakash Rao has taken a common story and made a film, which is very close to reality. M S Ramesh's dialogues are too good. Cinematography by Anaji Nagaraj is first-class. Some locations have been depicted really beautifully. Music by Gurukiran is okay. Action performed by Sudeep is first rate. Performance wise Sudeep fits perfectly into his role. His performance as lovesick guy who runs behind his girl is impressive. His dialogue delivery is excellent. Geetha S Rao as his sister in law has performed well. Dr Vijay, Aiyyappa and Siddartha have rendered amazing performance. But our heroine Hardeep hardly knows to act. We can't help but think as to why she was selected to perform as leading star. The drawbacks of this film is that at points the film has been stretched unnecessarily, otherwise this film is a okay one and is good to watch once. (Source: http://movies.indiainfo.com/kannada/)
Upendra weds Priyanka Trivedi
Thursday, December 25, 2003
Superstar Upendra got married to actress Priyanka in Kolkatta on the 14th of December. The wedding was witnessed by his family members, producer Muniratna and S Ramesh, President of Karnataka Chamber of film and Commerce. Upendra had performed with Priyanka in H2O. Prabhudeva also starred in this film. The film was released simultaneously in Kannada and Tamil. Priyanka has also acted with Vishnuvardhan in KOTIGOBBA. Apart from this she has a couple of unfinished projects in hand, which include, MALLA opposite Ravichandran and ROWDY ALIYA opposite Shivaraj Kumar. So far Upendra has not spoke about his wedding to anybody. Later this week he might make a formal announcement. http://movies.indiainfo.com/kannada/
Dr U R Ananthmurthy rejects award
Thursday, December 25, 2003
Dr U R Ananthmurthy has rejected to accept the award for best storywriter for the film MOUNI. This has been the first negative reaction for this year's film awards. Dr Murthy said that the state government has not given him the award after reading his story. The award is for the visualization of the story written by him. He wrote Mouni in the 60's. When the awards were announced Dr UR Ananthmurthy was in Kerala. He was also visibly upset that MOUNI has received no awards in any other category. http://movies.indiainfo.com/kannada/
Lokayukta for disciplinary action against ten officials
Thursday, December 25, 2003
DHNS The Karnataka Lokayukta has recommended to the State Government to initiate disciplinary action against ten officials of the department of archaeology and museums who have reportedly misappropriated funds meant for repairing Shivappa Nayak’s palace in Shimoga district and Surala Mud palace in Udupi district. The officials were found prima facie guilty of causing financial losses to the State exchequer. The officials are; G P Kaladagi (Archaeological Conservation Assistant), B Vageesh (Junior Engineer - Special Grade), N D Mohankumar (Archaeological Conservation Assistant), Vasudeva (Archaeological Conservation Assistant), Chikkarangegowda (Archaeological Conservation Assistant), P Sathyanarayana Rao (Archaeological Conservation Engineer), M D Raju (Archaeological Conservation Engineer), S M Poojari (Archaeological Conservation Engineer), Dr D V Devaraj (Director of Archaeology and Museums) and Dr M V Krishnappa (Director of Archaeology and Museums). The recommendation has been made on the basis of the investigations carried out by Mr Pranesh Kumar of the Technical Wing of the Lokayukta. The accused got all the works (totalling about Rs 35 lakh), pertaining to these two palaces, carried out on piece work system and quotation instead of calling for tenders. The officials had got the estimates sanctioned without obtaining the technical scrutiny certificate from the department of public works, Lokayukta investigations revealed.
CM defends Baig, rules out dropping him
Thursday, December 25, 2003
CM defends Baig, rules out dropping him Bangalore,Dec 21 - Chief Minister S.M. Krishna ruled out the possibility of sacking Small Scale Industry Minister Roshan Baig in the light of allegations of his involvement in the stamp paper scam. The CM said, he will spare nobody if credible evidence is furnished, but no such evidence has been made against Baig. He asked the media to ‘‘read between the lines’’ in Telgi’s advocate meeting the Deputy PM and furnishing some information. ‘‘What credibility can you attach to such statements’’, he asked. Krishna was here to open the coastal investors meet. The CM hailed the Union Finance Minister’s statements terming the stamp paper scam as a ‘system failure’ and maintained that Karnataka had made every effort to bring the culprits to book. The Special Court, which is seized of the scam, was proceeding with 10 chargesheets, and the Stampit is likely to file three more charge-sheets soon, he said. The CM rejected demands for handing over the case to the CBI. However, he said the State’s response will follow after watching the outcome of pleas being heard in the SC. Krishna wanted to know if anybody wanted Roshan Baig still punished when he had already clarified that he was not involved in the scam, but it was only his brother.
Jadhav remanded till Dec.30
Thursday, December 25, 2003
Mumbai, Dec 25. (UNI): Suspended Assistant Police Inspector J D Jadhav, who was arrested last evening on charges of omission and commission in Rs 3,300-crore multi-crore fake stamp paper racket, was today remanded in police custody till December 30. The special Public Prosecutor argued in court that the Mr Jadhav had facilitated Abdul Karim Telgi, a prime accused in the scam. He was aware about the seriousness of offence, despite that he did not arrest the Telgi and had also failed to take the precaution of preparing a crime report against him. Defence advocate Ishwariprasad A Bagaria countered that the Special Investigating Team (SIT) had sent 18 questionaires to Jadhav in August this year on which he had submitted his replies. Bagaria has also argued that Jadhav was an investigating officer between 1995 and 1997 and as per the provision of law, an action could be taken only within two years of the offence committed and also that the sections under which he was charged were bailable. After hearing the arguments, Metropolitan Magistrate P P Suroshe remanded him until December 30 to police custody. Jadhav who had earlier been suspended by the department, was yesterday summoned by the SIT to its office in Worli for questioning. Later, in the evening he was arrested. He had allegedly showed laxity in investigating a fake stamp scam case in the city in 1995, the source said. Eleven police personnel have so far been arrested in connection with the scam, prominent among them being former Mumbai Police Commissioner R S Sharma and suspended IPS officer S S Vagal, both currently in judicial custody in Pune. Two MLAs - Anil Gote (Maharashtra) and C Krishna Yadav (Andhra Pradesh) are also in custody for their alleged involvement in the scam. The alleged masterminded behind the scam, Abdul Karm Telgi is currently lodged in a Karnataka jail.
Dal move to build temple sparks tension
Thursday, December 25, 2003
Gulbarga, Dec 25. : Attempts by Bajrang Dal activists to construct a temple on a disputed piece of land at Adki village of Sedam taluk of Karnartaka have caused tension in the area requiring police to take up intensive patrolling to prevent clashes, police said. District Superintendent of Police K Ramachandra told PTI here that some Bajrang Dal activists, carrying the outfit's flag, went to the land last night to construct a temple. Members of a particular community had been using the land for holding prayers some years ago and now a petty shop existed there, he said. The activists' move to construct the temple came after negotiations with members belonging to the other community, who had reportedly declared that they had no objection, Ramachandra said. But yesterday, a group of people objected to the Dal's construction activity and the altercation that followed led to sporadic incidents of stone pelting in which, however, no one was injured, he said. A police party rushed to the spot, held a peace meeting and brought the situation under control. Twelve Bajrang Dal activists have been arrested in connection with the incident and remanded to judicial custody, Ramachandra said. Police have intensified patrolling in the village now.
Facile 10-wicket win for Karnataka
Sunday, December 21, 2003
Ahmedabad: Karnataka beat Gujarat by 10 wickets in the elite group B Ranji Trophy match played on Saturday at the Sardar Patel stadium in Motera and gained five points. Starting with the overnight score of 152 runs, hosts Gujarat added only 20 runs before being bowled out for 172. Opener Nilesh Modi could garner only 10 runs to his overnight score when he was caught by Stuart Binny off Sunil Joshi. Timil left for pavilion without adding any run to his overnight score of 10 when caught by Robin Utappa off Udit Patel. Shyamal Bhatt, Siddharth trivedi and Lalit Patel, with single digit score, fell victim to Udit Patel's bowling. Karnataka, who needed only 29 runs to win the match, managed it in just 7.2 overs. J Arunkumar scored 21 with three hits to the boundary and B Rowland remained not out on seven.
Coastal Karnataka draws investments of Rs.33 bn
Sunday, December 21, 2003
Karwar (Karnataka), Dec 20 (IANS): A Coastal Investors' Meet (CIM) that got underway here Saturday secured around Rs.33 billion worth of investments on the opening day of the two-day event. Some 30 proposals were received for investments in the three coastal districts of the state. In the presence of Karnataka Chief Minister S.M. Krishna, who inaugurated the CIM, five memoranda of understanding were signed and five letters of felicitation issued on the spot. Karnataka Industries Minister R.V. Deshpande declared at the inaugural session the investments would go into diverse industrial and infrastructure sectors in the Uttara Kannada, Udipi and Dakshin Kannada districts. "The investments are being made in various projects to set up hydro and thermal projects, mini ports, IT and biotech complexes, cement plant, edible oil plant and multiplexes," Deshpande stated. The Jindal Vijaynagar steel plant, located near Bellary in north Karnataka, will develop a mini seaport in Karwar, while Jindal power plant will set up a thermal plant at a cost of Rs.5 billion. Pinnacle Green Power Ltd will set up a 30MW hydro-power project in Udipi district. JK Cements will set up a cement plant in Uttara Kannada and Mysore Mercantile company will erect an edible oil complex in Dakshin Kannada. In the IT and biotech sector, Robosoft Ltd will set up an IT center in Mangalore and Biogynes will open a biotech center in Karwar. Delivering the theme address at the meet, being attended by 750 delegates, including 53 from seven foreign countries, Deshpande said the objective of the CIM was to attract sustained investments from India and overseas in the three jewel districts of the state to create thousands of jobs and business opportunities. "Some of the key sectors that offer great investment opportunities in this region are infrastructure, industries, tourism, horticulture, marine products, food processing, textiles and knowledge-based industries such as IT, biotechnology and healthcare services," Deshpande stated. The Coast Investors' Meet is being organized four years after the first Global Investors' Meet was held in Bangalore in June 2000, when about 100 investment proposals worth Rs.270 billion were received. "Of this, about Rs.100 billion of investments have already come in and projects worth Rs.50 billion are in the pipeline," Deshpande said. The minister also declared that the existing Mangalore airport would soon be upgraded to an international airport to enable direct and connecting flights to overseas destinations.
Rehan Baig surrenders to police
Sunday, December 21, 2003
Bangalore, Dec 21 - Rehan Baig, the younger brother of Karnataka Minister Roshan Baig surrendered to police in Bangalore on Saturday in the Telgi scam. The police had been on a lookout for Baig for his alleged involvement in the scam and for his links with the prime accused in the multi-crore scam, Abdul Karim Telgi. Soon after his surrender Rehan said, "I am not a criminal but since the last two years my name is being dragged into the case and despite two years of intensive investigation they had themselves declared on November 14 that there is no available evidence against me".
Deve Gowda `hails' Govt.
Sunday, December 21, 2003
Bangalore Dec. 21. The former Prime Minister, H.D. Deve Gowda, in a tongue-in-cheek manner, has complimented the State Government for "taking along the judiciary and the executive" in matters related to investments in the State. Speaking to presspersons here on Saturday, Deve Gowda said the Government had done well in boosting investor confidence, referring to the Coastal Investors' Meet. When reporters pointed out that there was "something more to his statement than what he had said", Deve Gowda added that he would reveal at a press conference on Sunday what the "something" was. (Hindu)
Police arrest accused in multi-million dollar stamp paper scam
Saturday, December 20, 2003
Bangalore, Dec. 20 : A Special Investigating Team (SIT) in Bangalore arrested another accused in the multi-million dollar fake stamp paper scam on Saturday. Rehman Baig, brother of a Karnataka state minister, has been accused of dealing with Abdul Karim Telgi, who has been in jail for over two years awaiting trial. Over 100 people across several states, including policemen, politicians and government officials, have been arrested in connection with the scam. The SIT had issued a non-bailable warrant against Baig. Baig, however, pleaded innocence in the case and accused the SIT of implicating him in the case. "They are saying that they have found evidence against me. I am going to face them and I am sure that the evidence against me will not hold ground. The letter they have is a fake letter. I have not given any property to Telgi (Abdul Karim Telgi)," he said. Another SIT team of Maharashtra police has so far arrested former Mumbai police commissioner R.S.Sharma and several senior police officers. The Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister, Chhagan Bhujbal's name has also come up in the case. The Central Bureau of Investigation, probing yet another aspect of the scam, on Friday arrested Gyan Prakash, the suspended general manager of India Security Press at Nasik. The nearly decade-old scam involves paper used in legal documents, known as stamp paper. Police and prosecutors say that although 660 million dollars worth of the paper has been found cross nine states, the real figure could be 10 times more than that.
Rehan Baig surrenders
Saturday, December 20, 2003
Bangalore, Dec. 20 : Rehan Baig, brother of Karnataka Small-Scale Industries Minister Roshan Baig, surrendered this afternoon before the Special Investigation Team (STAMPIT) probing the fake stamp paper scam, a STAMPIT official said. A hunt had been launched against Baig in connection with his alleged involvement in the scam and links with the prime accused in the multi-crore scam, Abdul Karim Telgi. Forty-two-year-old Rehan Baig, according to STAMPIT officials, had rented out commercial premises belonging to him to Telgi. Rehan's passport had been seized in May after he returned from Saudi Arabia. A Bangalore court had issued an arrest warrant against him based on the "investigation records" submitted by STAMPIT. STAMPIT had put up his photo and details of the "absconder" on its website seeking information from the public leading to his arrest. STAMPIT had grilled Rehan Baig in the past. Soon after his surrender Rehan said "I am not a criminal but since last two years they are involving my name in this and despite two years of intensive investigation they themselves on November 14 said that there is no evidence against me". He said he was out of station on a pilgrimage and had informed STAMPIT that he would return in 10 days. "But before my coming back they made a big mess, put my photos on the internet as if I am a criminal. I am actually an NRI. I am a double medical graduate, I am a blood bank director working in Saudi Arabia's Health Ministry". Meanwhile, Telgi faced a lie-detector test at the Forensic Science Laboratory here for the second day running.
Karnataka beat Gujarat by 10 wickets in Ranji tie
Saturday, December 20, 2003
Ahmedabad, Dec 20. : Karnataka beat Gujarat by 10 wickets in the Elite Group B Ranji Trophy match today at the Sardar Patel stadium in Motera. Karnataka gained five points from this win. Resuming at their overnight score of 152 runs, hosts Gujarat added only 20 runs before being bowled out for 172. Opener Nilesh Modi could garner only 10 runs to his previous day's score as he was caught by Stuart Binny off Sunil Joshi. Another night watchman Timil Patel had rather bad start today as he was caught by Robin Uttaappa off Udit Patel without adding any run to his overnight score of 10. Shyamal Bhatt, Siddharth Trivedi and Lalit Patel, all with single digit score, also fell victim to Udit Patel's bowling. Karnataka, who needed only 29 runs to win the match, managed it in just 7.2 overs. J Arunkumar scored 21 with three hits to the boundary while Barrington Rowland remained not out on seven.
Film industry woes will be addressed in Budget: Minister
Thursday, December 18, 2003
BANGALORE: Holding out an assurance that the problems faced by various sections of the film industry would be addressed during the Budget, the State Government has appealed to theatre owners to withdraw their proposed strike from Dec 22. Speaking to mediapersons here on Wednesday after a meeting with film industry representatives, Higher Education and Information Minister Dr G. Parameshwar said he would discuss the matter with Chief Minister S.M. Krishna to extend a solution during the Budget in February. Film industry representatives have made known problems facing them in the areas of taxation, service tax, power tariff, show tax and the like. Since the matters had financial implications, a discussion with the CM had been necessitated, Parameshwar said. After the meeting, theatre owners had consented to consider the Government’s plea to withdraw the strike, Parameshwar said. Meanwhile, the State Government has decided to shift the venue of the State film awards function from Bellary to Tumkur. Scheduled to be held on Dec 29, the programme stood postponed by a week or ten days due to the change in venue and the new date would be announced soon, the minister said. There were two reason for the shift in venue, he explained. Film industry representatives had complained that Bellary was quite remote a venue and had also been hit by severe drought. Also, film award functions are traditionally held in the district of the Information Minister, it was pointed out. Besides, new awards had been constituted for best managed film theatres in different regions, he added.
‘Cyber disaster management plans imperative’
Thursday, December 18, 2003
BANGALORE: A cyber disaster management plan to operate in human engineered tragedy scenarios and capable of being executed electronically was the need of the hour, said Additional Chief Secretary for Home and Transport Adhip Chowdhury on Wednesday. Chowdhury was speaking at a two-day workshop on Disaster Management for Deputy Commissioners and District Police Superintendents organised by the Karnataka State Home Guards, Civil Defence and Fire Services. ‘‘It was time the State took measures to preempt potential cyber disasters.’’ Chowdhury said that with electricity and water supply systems being gradually computerised in the State, a well-informed crook could paralyse these supply systems through a computer. ‘‘Just imagine Bangalore city without power and water for two days,’’ he said, emphasising that a cyber disaster management system was imperative.
Mizoram disowns lottery sold on Internet
Thursday, December 18, 2003
BANGALORE: The Mizoram Government has denied marketing any of its lotteries on the internet and warned that any such lotteries available in Karnataka are illegal and fake. In a letter to the Karnataka Director of Lotteries H. Raghupathy, his Mizoram counterpart clarified: ‘‘So far this State has not marketed lotteries through the Internet in the State of Karnataka. None of the distributors or retailers under Mizoram State Lottery are authorised to do so. Any lottery sold through the Internet or by means of conventional printed paper not bearing the logo and imprint of Mizoram State must be fake and illegal.’’ Raghupathy, who had obtained a ‘Mizoram Lottery’ ticket being sold in the State had pronounced the draws illegal for being in contravention of Section 4 of the Lotteries (Regulation) Act, 1998. He had noted that the lottery in question did not bear the emblem of the State as required by the Act, making it impossible for buyers to verify authenticity of tickets.
Govt to hire Israeli agency to nab Veerappan
Thursday, December 18, 2003
NEW DELHI: The Karnataka Government may soon hire the services of an Israeli agency to nab forest brigand Veerappan. Karnataka Home Minister Mallikarjun Kharge told mediapersons on Wednesday that an Israeli agency has come forward to assist the state government in the arrest of Veerappan. 'They have the latest equipment. How far will it be useful in forest in nabbing Veerappan will have to be assessed,' Kharge remarked. The Home Minister said that the expert’s alongwith the police will examine the usefulness of hiring such the Israeli agency, before the State Government could come to any conclusion. When asked whether any meeting of the experts with the Isreali agency was being contemplated, Kharge said, ''It will be held soon''.
Cabinet discuss drought situation in the state
Thursday, December 18, 2003
BANGALORE: The State Cabinet, which met here on Wednesday discussed about the prevailing drought situation in the State and the insufficient assistance from the Centre to tackle it. Speaking to mediapersons after the Cabinet meeting, Higher Education and Information Minister Dr G Parameshwar said that the State, in its memorandum submitted to the Centre on Tuesday had demanded a cash component of Rs 800 crore and One lakh MT of food grain every month to tackle drought. However, the Centre had released 1.65 lakh MT of food grains for three months from November, he added. The Centre has also agreed to send a Central team to study and review drought situation in the State, but the State does not have details on the day of arrival of the team, Parameshwar said. During the Rabi season, the State has witnessed crop loss in over 20 lakh hectares of land. Besides, drinking water problem is already surfacing now and the people in the rural areas are not finding jobs. The State has communicated the problems to the Centre, Parameshwar said. The Government has also utilised 65,000 MT food grains sent by the Centre and had furnished utilisation certificate upto the end of kharif season, Parameshwar said. The cabinet also decided to import about 300 MW power from Orissa and the central grid to ensure supply of power for six hours from December 22 in the State. Answering to a question, Parameshwar said that the Cabinet did not discuss the absence of Agriculture Minister H K Patil in the delegation, that was called on by the Union Agriculture Ministers to seek drought relief. Patil, dissatisfied by the recent reshuffling of the portfolio in which his water resources portfolio was replaced by the Agriculture, did not accompany the delegation.
Karnataka to continue steps to set up special court for Jaya
Thursday, December 18, 2003
PTI BANGALORE: Even as the Supreme Court reserved ruling on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's petition seeking transfer of the trial of two disproportionate assets cases against her to Pondicherry, Karnataka government on Tuesday said that it was going ahead with its steps to set up a special court as per the Apex court directive. 'Since we are not a party to the petition (filed by Jayalalithaa) and there has been no direction from the Supreme Court, our initiatives are on,' State Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs D B Chandregowda told reporters here. The government has identified another place for establishing the special court apart from the locations already identified at the City civil courts complex and Parappana Agrahara Jail premises, he said.
Curfew in Malebennur as communal tension continues
Thursday, December 18, 2003
Press Trust of India Davangere, December 17 Dusk-to-dawn curfew was on Tuesday clamped for five days at Malebennur village in Davangere District of Karnataka following unabated communal tension, police said. Police said a saw mill and haystack were set on fire by miscreants as tension continued ever since a minor accident led to clash between two groups a fortnight ago. Additional police reinforcements were rushed to the trouble-hit village from neighbouring districts. Superintendent of Police GB Chabi is camping at the village.
ECIL executes project for Karnataka
Thursday, December 18, 2003
The Electronics Corporation of India limited (ECIL) has implemented the Karnataka Valuation and e-Registration (Kaveri) project in Karnataka. The project will be run on the build-operate-transfer (BoT) basis for a period of five years. As part of the implementation of the project, ECIL is responsible for the execution and administration of the project including manpower deployment, consumable planning, installation of software, preparation of site and the supply, installation and commissioning of hardware of over 199 centres in 23 districts including the office of Inspector-General (Registration) and Commissioner of Stamps (IGR&CS) of Karnataka. Each of the district registrar offices will be equipped with a state-of-the-art server and an internal network that connects the computers, printers, scanners and CD writers within the office including the customer kiosks. The finger print scanner and the web cameras will capture the finger prints and the photograph of the person wishing to register the documents. To facilitate e-governance all transactions will be recorded in the centralised server, which is accessed by the IGR&CS. G P Srivastava, the chairman and managing director of ECIL, said in a release that, ECIL’s computerised network will enable citizens of Karnataka to fulfil the registration process at a lesser turnaround time and on demand access to valuation documents, encumbrance certificates and various other copies related to land records. The computerised process will ensure authenticity of transactions, safeguarding the citizen’s interests against fraud.
Increase credit offtake, RBI tells Govt.
Thursday, December 18, 2003
Bangalore, Dec. 17 : The Reserve Bank of India today asked Karnataka to increase credit offtake and ensure credit delivery to agriculture and small industries. "We look forward to ensure increased credit offtake, I have requested the Chief Minister to help us see more credit delivery to agriculture and small industries," RBI Governor Y V Reddy, told reporters here after an interaction with Krishna with whom he discussed the State's finances. Reddy, who is here for the RBI board meeting being held tomorrow, said the central bank was the economic advisor to the State and had excellent and outstanding relationship. "We will strive to work together as we always have done," he said. Asked whether the RBI had any move to reduce interest rates on agriculture, Reddy said, "We will look at interest rates all the time".
Bangalore to be Google's first office outside California
Saturday, December 13, 2003
Washington, Dec 12 Google, the popular Internet search engine, has chosen India's Silicon Valley Bangalore for its first engineering research and development centre outside US to be set up next year. "We just want more really great engineers," Google vice president of engineering Wayne Rosing told the Wall Street Journal. "It's clear there are a significant number of really talented computer scientists in India." He said Google hopes to hire about 100 engineers for its Bangalore centre, which would be the first of its type outside the US for the company based in California. Google has been looking to expand the pool from which it selects employees with compter-science and engineering backgrounds, he said. The company realised that it will be restricted in that goal if it requires those employees to work in the US, because many people cannot obtain work visas, he added. Google has 21 sales offices around the world. It employees some 1000 engineers in its Mountain View headquarters and in Santa Monica, California, and in New York. Rosing said the decision to move into India was not based on cost-cutting or outsourcing reasons. He added Google employees were willing to spend "significant time" in India and identify and train new recruits in the Google search code base. The Google executive also said he had been impressed by Indian officials during tours of various Indian cities. "It's clear India is going to be a major player," he said. PTI
Karnataka postpones National Youth Games indefinitely
Monday, December 8, 2003
Bangalore, Dec 8 Barely a week after declaring that it was fully prepared to host the first ever National Youth Games from January 4-11 here, the Karnataka government today announced the indefinite postponement of the mega event. State Chief Secretary B S Patil told reporters here that the inaugural edition of the Games, which the state had agreed to host, had to be postponed following non-availability of accommodation to house athletes and offcials in hotels. Patil said several hotels have already been booked by tourists during that period and it was difficult for the government to ensure accommodation for all the participants. The state goverment had decided to provide lodging to participants in the city hotels, instead of going in for a separate complex construction, as it did during 1997 when it hosted the National Games. Chief Minister S M Krishna, who is the chairman of the Games committee, reviewed arrangements that were being made last week. About 5,000 participants including athletes and officials from all the states, were expected take part in 17 events. PTI
TN, Karnataka farmers disuss Cauvery river issue
Sunday, December 7, 2003
PTI MYSORE: The meeting between the Cauvery delta farmers of Tamil nadu and Karnataka, which commenced here on Sunday, is likely to throw up the contentious issue of sharing of Cauvery river waters during times of distress. The meeting is the fifth of its kind since April, when farmers of the two neighbouring States started discussions to try and find a solution to the vexed Cauvery issue. Media personnel are barred from the meeting in which farmers' leaders and representatives are taking part. Prof. V K Nataraj, Director, Madras Institute of Development Studies, who has been instrumental in bringing the farmers of the two States together, told PTI that there was a congenial atmosphere for negotiations to take place without any mutual suspicion, since a lot of ground work had already been done. The meeting is taking place at the end of a three-day visit by Tamil Nadu farmers to Cauvery basin projects in Karnataka. The visiting team studied the depleted storage positions in the reservoirs and was convinced of the helplessness of the State but nonetheless pleaded for water for its standing Samba crops. The demand is likely to be placed at the meeting.
Seven members of family burnt alive in fire at Raichur
Sunday, December 7, 2003
PTI BANGALORE: Seven members of a family were burnt alive after their hut caught fire in the district headquarters town of Raichur in Karnataka during the early hours of Sunday police said. The blaze was sparked by a kerosene lamp in the thatched house, police said, adding that because of raging fire and thick smokes, the inmates could not open the door which was bolted from inside. The dead were identfied as a 35-year-old man, his wife, their son, the man's brother, his wife and their two children. The kids who lost their lives were aged between four and ten, police said.
I am ready for lie detector tests says Telgi
Sunday, December 7, 2003
Bangalore, December 7: Prime accused in the multi-crore fake stamp paper scam Abdul Karim Telgi said here on Saturday that he is ready to face lie-detector and voice recording tests, as sought by the Maharashtra Special Investigation Team (SIT). I am ready, Telgi's Counsel M T Nanaiah quoted him as saying, after the second fast track court hearing his case on Saturday posted the next hearing for December 17. He (Telgi) says, nothing is going to happen. It is all to show off. He is ready to let the matter be investigated thoroughly, so that I am innocent in this regard, Nanaiah told reporters, quoting Telgi. Nanaiah said Telgi was for a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the case, adding, Telgi said, let them (CBI) make a thorough investigation. Perhaps the truth will come out. According to him (Telgi), Nanaiah said, there was some rivalry within the police department. Stating that Telgi was not asking for a lie-detector test but had agreed after reading Saturday's newspapers, he said Telgi had told him that he was ready for it. He wants to, in fact, meet the press and have detailed discussions with the press, Nanaiah said. The Maharashtra SIT has pleaded in a special court in Pune for permission to conduct lie detector test, P 300 brain finger printing and narco-analysis on nine accused, including Telgi. Nanaiah said Telgi's health condition was deteriorating and questioned Karnataka's move to transfer Dr Chowhan who was treating Telgi out of the Bangalore Central Jail. (udayavani)
Lottery ordinance promulgated
Sunday, December 7, 2003
Lottery ordinance promulgated Bangalore, Dec 7. : Governor T N Chaturvedi has promulgated the Karnataka Tax on Lotteries Ordinance, under which promoters of lotteries are required to pay a tax of Rs 1 lakh per ordinary draw and Rs 1.5 lakh per bumper draw in advance. Promoters of lotteries, wholesalers or distributors and also retailers of online lotteries are required to get registered under the Ordinance. The ordinance comes into force from December 10, according to a release from commissioner for commercial taxes Ashok Kumar C Manoli.
Kannada Cinema Awards-2003
Saturday, December 6, 2003
Sudeep and Bhavana have bagged this year's best actor and best actress awards given by the State Government for their lead roles in Kannada movies Nandi and Kshama respectively. While producer K C N Gowda has been selected for the Rajkumar award, director Vijaya Reddy wins the late Puttanna Kanagal award. Announcing the State film awards for 2002-03 here today Information Minister Allum Veerabhadrappa said the Life Time Achievement award had been given to lyricist S K Kareem Khan. The awards will be presented at a function in Bellary on December 27. Best Films: While Artha and Kshama bagged the best and second best film awards, Laali Haadu was adjudged the third best. Kalarava was the best children's film. MLA Yogeshwar's film Sainika bagged the special award for "Film with social message" and Hollywood was chosen for the "Film with best Technology and consumes" award. Jnanapith awardee U R Ananthmurthy was chosen for the best story writer award for feature film Mouni. The other awards winners were: Komal Kumar (best supporting actor in film Tavarige Baa Thangi); Arundathi Jathkar (best supporting actress, Artha); Kavitha Lankesh (best screen play, Bimba); Venkatesh Prasad and Nalini Venkappa (best dialogue, Kaarmugilu); Nagaraj Adhavani (best cinematographer, Kshama); Prayog (best music director, Paris Pranaya); S Mahendran (best sound-recorder, Marma); Basavaraj URs (best editor, Sainika); Nitil Krishna (best male child artiste, Bimba); Shashidhar Adapa (best art director, Singaravva); Nagathihalli Chandrasekar (best lyricist, Paris Pranaya); Rajesh Krishna (best male singer, Dumbi); Nanditha (best female singer, Paris Pranaya). Asked on what basis the films were selected for the awards, Mr. Veerabhadrappa said the government would disclose the reasons while announcing the awards from next year onwards. The reason why a particular film had not been selected would also be disclosed, he added. The awards committee members justified their decision to select commericial film Laali Haadu for the Third Best Film award stating that "there is no rule to select only art movies for the awards". There were suggestions to select remake movies also for the awards and it would be considered from next year. Mr Veerabhadrappa said no award had been given in the Best Regional Language film category as there were no nominations in the category. The Best Kannada Cinema in 2003 Best Actor Sudeep (Nandi) Best Actress Bhavana (Kshama) Best Screeplay Kavitha Langesh (Bimba) Best Editor Basavaraj Urs (Sainika) Best Photography Nagaraj Adhvani (Kshama) Best Art Director Shashidhar Adapa (Singaravva) Best Lyricist Nagathihalli Chandrasekar (Paris Pranaya) Best Dialogue Venkatesh Prasad and Nalini Venkatappa (Karmugilu) Best Male Child Artiste Master Nitil Krishna (Devera Makkalu) Best Female Child Artiste Baby Raksha (Bimba)
Poorvapara completes shooting in Sringeri
Saturday, December 6, 2003
The shooting of Poorvapara, starring famous dancer Lakshmi Gopalaswamy, Naveen Mayoor and yesteryears heart-throb Geetha, was completed recently at the temple town of Sringeri in Karnataka, Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, Niagara Falls and Brockville in Canada and Denver Colorado in USA. It is based on MK Indira’s novel.
Bangalore-Howrah Holiday Special train
Saturday, December 6, 2003
Chennai, December 6: The Southern Railways has announced that it would operate a weekly special train between Howrah and Bangalore to clear the extra rush of passengers during the winter holidays. The train will leave Howrah on December 18 and 25, January 1, 8 and 15 while the parallel train from Bangalore would leave on December 20 and 27 and January 3, 10 and 17, a Southern Railway press release said here. The train will leave Howrah at 2005 hrs while it would leave Bangalore at 2330 hrs.
Bangalore to have 8 digit phone Nos soon
Saturday, December 6, 2003
Bangalore, December 6: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd plans to introduce eight digit numbering for telephone connections in Bangalore urban area shortly, top officials said here on Friday. All the existing seven digit telephone numbers (barring numbers starting from level 7 in rural areas) will be converted into 8 digit numbers prefixed by digit 2. It will be introduced in January, BSNL principal General Manager, B R Baliga, told reporters here on Friday. He said BSNL had 9,65,883 subscribers in Bangalore with an addition of around 4,000 connections per month. It also had withdrawals of about 4,000 every month due to cellular phones and private telecom operators. Baliga said BSNL is offering a second land line connection at concessional rates of Rs 499 per month for Internet users, which can be used for unlimited access of Internet. The scheme is open for registration from December 15 and the subscriber can access Internet from any Internet Service Provider, he said. Baliga said there were 3,18,106 BSNL mobile subscribers in Karnataka, with about 2.14 lakh prepaid subscribers. He said BSNL has extended its Diwali Bonanza for prepaid customers in which talk time equal to the recharge coupon value is provided till December 31. Baliga said that telephone-shifting charges of Rs 600 had been waived for customers, besides the transfer fee being levied for general third party transfer of landline connection.
Bill Gates pumps in USD 25 Million for Aids prevention in Karnataka
Saturday, December 6, 2003
Bangalore, December 6: The Bill-Melinda Gates Foundation on Friday launched a USD 25 million (Rs 115 crore) programme to scale up HIV prevention in Karnataka, where an estimated five lakh people are infected with the dreaded virus. Karnataka is the first state to receive grants under the Foundation's broader national HIV prevention package of USD 200 million. Other states which would receive grants are: Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Manipur and Nagaland, Asok Alexander, Director of Avahan, the Foundation's India Aids Initiative, told reporters here. At a presentation attended by Karnataka Chief Minister, S M Krishna, Union Health Secretary J V R Prasada Rao, said 49 districts in these six states have been identified as high prevalence districts. The initiative in Karnataka will provide grants to three partners -- the University of Manitoba (USD 17 million), the Transport Corporation of India (TCI) Foundation, and Population Services International (both of whom together would receive USD eight million). These partners would work in collaboration with Karnataka State Aids Prevention Society (KSAPS) to provide HIV prevention programmes to groups at high risk of infection. The funds are to be spent over the next five years. The three grantees would provide counseling and testing, behaviour change communication, condom social marketing, and improved diagnosis and treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
Jaya's trial will be held at city civil court
Saturday, December 6, 2003
BANGALORE: The Karnataka High Court has agreed to set up special court at City Civil and Sessions Court complex, to try two disproportionate asset cases filed against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, which were transferred to the State by the Supreme Court. Speaking to mediapersons here on Friday, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister D B Chandre Gowda said that the State had suggested some names for the public prosecutor and Judge to head the Court and Chief Justice will be taking a decision on it by Saturday. Answering a question, Chandre Gowda said that the Chief Justice N K Jain had rejected the Government's proposal to set up the special court in the high security Parappana Agrahara Jail premises, feeling that `it is not a good accommodation'. Jayalalithaa, who is placed under the highest level of protection would have to appear personally before the special court here. The security considerations necessitated that the special court be located within the City itself, Chandre Gowda said. Earlier, the State Cabinet decided to set up the special court as directed by the Supreme Court, which transferred the two cases against Jayalalithaa to Karnataka. The Home department has been directed to make arrangement for providing security to Jayalalithaa, who is in `Z' category, Chandre Gowda said. Besides, security arrangements would also be made for Rs 66.65 crore worth of properties, including jewelleries seized in connection with these cases. The properties would be kept in the treasury till the disposal of the cases, Chandre Gowda said. Asked whether Jayalalithaa would appear before the Court in person, Chandre Gowda said she was required to do so for deposition as per CrPC Section 313 and also under a judgments delivered by the Supreme Court. The State would take steps to set up the court by December 25, the deadline set by the Supreme Court, Chandre Gowda added.
State film awards jury faces the music for tardy selections
Wednesday, December 3, 2003
BANGALORE: The selection of the State film awards for the year 2002 has invited lot of criticism from artistes and prominent personalities in Kannada filmdom. While many allege rampant corruption among the jury members, others questioned their credentials to be part of the awards selection committee. Few industry insiders even expressed ignorance about the awards committee chairman. Prominent writer U.R. Ananthamurthy may have announced his decision not to accept the best story award for the film Mouni. Veteran character artiste Srinivasa Murthy also came down heavily on the selection committee. ‘‘The awards committee’s selection is like Queen Kunti advising her sons Pandavas to share the booty (Draupadi) among themselves. How can a film be rated best without coming good with the story and screenplay. I hate to talk about this dirty selection committee,’’ he fumed. Murthy said most of the members of the committee could not tell Nagathihally Chandrasekhar from Kuvempu or Dara Bendre. Another sore point is the selection of the re-make Laali Haadu for best film. The other award-winners Artha and Kshama were never released at theatres. That some of the members strove to get awards for their relatives is another point raising the hackles of critics of the whole process. For instance, the committee member H.N. Maruthi is a relative of K.C.N. Gowda, who was selected for the Dr. Rajkumar Award for his contribution to the Kannada film industry. Another member Jayasri, who was part of the cast for Sainika, is also on the committee. The film received a special award. Kavitha Lankesh, who was recognised for best story, is not refusing the award. She is not happy either. ‘‘It seems they have selected my name to pacify me. I will accept the award to pacify them. As far as the selection of the awards is concerned, it is pathetic.’’
Shed false notions on AIDS -Dpty Commissioner
Wednesday, December 3, 2003
Mangalore, December 3: The Deputy Commissioner, Arvind Srivastav, on Monday urged people to shed false notions on AIDS and those inflicted by the disease. Inaugurating a function organised here by the District Aids Monitoring Committee and associated agencies to mark World AIDS Prevention Day, he said it was not possible to combat the spread of AIDS if such notions prevailed. Srivastav said it was important for all those working in the field of AIDS prevention to create greater awareness on the disease among people. He advocated the need to organise such functions at grassroots level, as lack of information about AIDS in rural areas was still a cause for concern. He also stressed the need to disseminate information on AIDS among certain high-risk groups such as track drivers. Expressing concern over the increase in the number of AIDS cases in South Kanara district, he said there was a need to evolve a special programme to check this trend. The district administration had trained around 400 high school teachers, who in turn, would disseminate information on the disease to around 25,000 high school students. The District Health and Family Welfare Officer, Mohan Raj, welcomed the gathering and delivered the introductory remarks. Jayaram, Head of the Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, proposed a vote of thanks. Reshma Ramakrishna and Kusuma anchored the programme. Representatives of the YMCA and M V Shetty College of Social Work, Valored, and members of Lions Club and Rotary Club were present. More than 1,000 National Service Scheme volunteers from around 10 colleges in the city took out a colourful jatha from Light House Hill Road to the Town Hall, the venue of the function. They carried placards and other publicity material highlighting the problem posed by AIDS and the ways to avoid contracting it. A HIV positive child inaugurated the jatha.
Council polls concluded in Karnataka
Wednesday, December 3, 2003
Chief Electoral Officer in Karnataka Abhijit Das Gupta told reporters here, polling has been incident free in all the 20 districts, barring in a village in Chitradurga and Tumkur. About 95 per cent of an estimated 85,590 voters cast their ballots to elect 25 members to the Legislative Council from local body constituencies in Karnataka on Monday and Election Commission has ordered re-poll in two polling stations where electoral malpractices have been reported. In Guddada Rangavvanahally in Chitradurga, some miscreants barged into the polling station, collected five ballot papers, marked them and asked the voters to drop them into the ballot box, necessitated re-polling, held on Tuesday. Re-polling has also been held in Sajje Hosahalli in Tumkur where some miscreants tore ballot papers, he said. According to reports reaching here, Bidar recorded 99 per cent of polling, Gulbarga 85 per cent, Tumkur 98 per cent, Dharwad 97 per cent, Belgaum 98 per cent, Bijapur 80 per cent, Uttara Kannada 98 per cent, Bangalore urban 98.5 per cent, Shimoga 96.5 per cent, Chikmagalur 97 per cent, Mysore 95 per cent, Kolar 95 per cent, Mandya 98 per cent, Raichur 99 per cent, Bellary 90 per cent, Hassan 99 per cent, Bangalore rural 99 per cent and Mangalore 96.9 per cent. Ninety four candidates including Karnataka minister for Civil Aviation, T John and S M Shankar, brother of Chief Minister S M Krishna are in fray. Counting of votes will be held on December 3.
More arrests in stamp case
Wednesday, December 3, 2003
More than a dozen arrests are likely in the fake stamp paper scam, the team probing the case in Karnataka said on Monday. Additional Director General of Police R Sri Kumar, who is heading the fake stamp paper investigation team (STAMPIT), said in Bangalore that 54 of the 70 accused have been arrested. He said the remaining arrests are likely in the next one to one-and-half months, after which "95 per cent of the investigation will be over". Sri Kumar said STAMPIT, constituted by the Karnataka government two years ago after the scam was uncovered, continues to probe the alleged role of politicians and police officers in the scandal. He said 11 charge sheets have already been filed and more are likely. The Karnataka high court, following a request made by the state government, recently announced establishment of a special court headed by Judge A T Manoli to try the stamp cases.
Govt will take a decision on Bababudangiri
Wednesday, December 3, 2003
Mandya , December 3: Chief Minister S M Krishna has said the State government will take a decision on Datta Jayanthi and communal harmony meets in Bababudangiri by considering the overall interest of the State. Addressing a press conference at Maddur tourist bungalow after voting for the Legislative Council election on Monday, he said various political parties and progressive organisations had discussions with him regarding the Bababudangiri issue. The government is holding talks to peacefully solve the issue, he noted. The chief minister said the government has no plans to ban progressive activities. And categorically stated that it was not the government’s strategy. But it would take action against those disturbing peace, he added. Krishna said the government was formulating a comprehensive plan to manage power shortage in summer. The government was considering a proposal for the development of Shivanasamudra power project on its completion of 100 years but Tamil Nadu would object, he observed. Karnataka Power Corporation was giving priority start a power plant at Bidadi which would produce 1,400 MW of power, he said. Referring to underground water, he said rain water harvesting would be made compulsory in Bangalore. He said the Congress would win Assembly elections in four states. MP Ambarish, MLC D C Thammanna and Zilla Panchayat President B S Ramachandraiah were present.
Naidu's condolence on Mallikarjunappa’s demise
Wednesday, December 3, 2003
Bangalore, December 3: BJP President Venkaiah Naidu on Monday expressed shock over the demise of party Lok Sabha member from Davanagere Mallikarjunappa, saying it was a great loss to the Karnataka unit. Mallikarjunappa was a philanthropist and has done a lot of service in providing educational facilities in his area. He was very dedicated and humble person and was a loyal party leader and was always accessible to the party and the people, Naidu said in a condolence message.
Mercury dips
Tuesday, December 2, 2003
BANGALORE: Mornings have turned chilly and the sun has started retreating early, leaving an unmistakable nip in the air. The city's brief winter season is here. For the next two months, weathermen say, the minimum temperature can drop to 15 degrees Centigrade ensuring coats and wraps are pulled a little closer. ``On certain occasions it can go as low as 11 degrees Centigrade for one or two days anytime now,'' says Director, Indian Meteorological Centre, A V Koppar, a notice for allergy and asthma patients to equip themselves with winter woollies. Winter in south India is however is nowhere as severe as in north India which is swept by chilly winds from across the Himalayalas.``Bangalore being in the south has a short and mild winter,'' says Koppar. In fact, many are attracted to the City for its climes known for being pleasant year round. Winter here calls for just one thick coat or sweater supplemented by cups of hot tea and coffee through the day. Day time maximum temperature during December /January is around 28 degrees Centigrade appreciated by those who have escaped icy cold winter in north India.There temperatures get much lower. The minimum the mercury has dipped in the city in last few years is 12.5 degrees Centigrade on Dec 19, 2002, 12.3 degrees Centigrade on Dec 19, 2001 and 11.5 degrees Centigrade on Dec 14, 2000. And the lowest the city has seen was a long time back. ``The lowest ever measured here was 7.8 degrees Centigrade in January of 1884,'' says Koppar, quoting statistics in the met office. The winter this year is however not expected to bring any surprises. Fog will hang in the air only in the wee hours of the morning, leaving the days pleasant and the evenings a mite chilly, informs the met department.
District Health Officer asked to give report on woman giving birth infront of hospital
Tuesday, December 2, 2003
GULBARGA: The incident of a woman giving birth to a male child on the road due to alleged negligence of the doctors at the Chincholi Taluk hospital has raised questions about the Government health care system in the district. Sangeetha of Rustampur village in Chincholi taluk who was duly admitted to the taluk hospital for her maiden delivery on Nov 28 had to leave the hospital on subsequent morning as she was not being given proper treatment by the hospital staff. However, she gave birth to a male baby on the road in front of the hospital. Noticing this,on the doctors rushed to her aid and took her inside the hospital and provided her with required care. Administrative Medical Officer Dr.Sajjan Shetty of the 30 bed taluk hospital told this website's correspondent on Monday that after providing nursing care Sangeetha was discharged the same evening as the delivery was quite normal. Dr.Shetty maintained that due to some communication gap between Sangeetha and the hospital staff, the unfortunate incident had taken place. Dr.Shetty said Sangeetha was given all the necessary medication after she was admitted to the hospital. Dr.Ansari who had examined her had told that she could deliver only after 24 hours. According to Shetty, Sangeetha insisted on being examined by Dr.Anasari only when she came to the hospital although another lady medical officer was very present in the hospital. On the following day, when Dr.Ansari was preoccupied, Sangeetha approached the lady medical officer who reportedly refused to see her following which Sangeetha decided to go to some other place. She then decided to leave the hospital and later delivered the baby just outside hospital. The zilla panchayat administration has sought a report from District Health Officer Dr.Basavaraj Danappa on the incident. Ironically neither the administration nor the DHO came to know about the incident till it appeared in the press on Monday. The hospital has six medical officers out of the seven sanctioned posts. However, there is a severe shortage of nurses. out of eight nurses only three are working, the hospital sources said. On the day of the incident, there was only one nurse in the hospital. Some of the doctors were busy with the tubectomy camps being held at nearby villages and also an eye examination camp in another village.
Baldwins Boys School plans to post your kid's progress card on the net
Tuesday, December 2, 2003
BANGALORE: Parents need not take time off from their busy schedule to keep a tab on their ward's progress in studies, extra-curricular activities and overall behaviour at school. All they have to do is to log on to the Net. Baldwins Boys High School is all set to launch this new intiative of sending marks card through mail by the end of December. In addition to progress cards, the website will give information about the misconduct of students, the school calendar and other related activities. ``The school will send marks cards only to parents who have made a request through any one of the four IDs maintained by the school,'' Principal of the school GMV Murthy told this website's paper. As a preliminary step, the school recently launched a website. ``Parents come to school only when they are called for or something happens that is connected to their child. This will help keep a tab of their child's academic and overall progress,' Murthy said. The school has developed a specially designed software called E-campus into which marks of individual students will be fed. ``A format of the report card is present in the software. Marks will be entered giving priority to parents request,'' Advisor Administration, Honorary, Lt Col EP Dayal said. Asked about tampering of printed marks since it is accessible to all, Dayal said that the password will be kept secret and will be known only to a few. ``The software has been developed in such a way that there is an in-built security. The school will store a copy of the marks card as a safety measure,'' Dayal added. Once the software, developed by Vilgo Communications, is ready for use, parents will be intimated. ``After the intial response to the facility is assessed, it will determine its future application and improvement,'' Dayal said. Explaining various kind of reports available on the school website, Dayal said that ``Conduct report'' will lay emphasis on achievements and behaviour of a child in and out of classrooms. ``Photographs of students who come late and cause disturbance to teachers and students are taken and put on net, so that parents come to know about their kids' behaviour,'' Dayal said. To Dayal, this action is just a disciplinary measure and not ``impinging on the privacy of the students.'' The school management is also planning to hold an interactive session between parents and teachers on a montly basis. ``Doubts regarding applications, fees and progress of the child can be cleared directly and on the spot once interactive session comes into force,'' Dayal said. Through the website, parents can also get in touch with psychologists if their child need medical help. The site can be accessed at www.baldwinboysschool.com.
Police arrest 2 for medicine burglary
Tuesday, December 2, 2003
BANGALORE: With two persons arrested on Sunday, Peenya police have got wind of an inter-state gang operating in stolen drugs in the city. Raiding a Moodalpalya medical store, the police seized stolen goods worth Rs 10 lakh and arrested Kamalesh P Jain (28) of Magadi Road and Rakesh (22) of Seshadripuram. They owned medical stores in the city and had teamed up with Tamil Nadu’s notorious gang of 15 men headed by David, to run a stolen drugs business here, the police said, adding that some of the gang men identified are Shanti Lal, Robin and Rajan. The modus operandi, the police said, is to break into medical stores and godowns and distribute the stolen drugs among associates, who would stock them and sell in their shops. The gang is said to be active in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The police arrested Kamalesh and Rakesh while they were planning to burgle a shop in Peenya. On questioning, the duo revealed the gang had looted animals’ medicine worth Rs six lakh from a store on NH-4. There are several cases against the gang in Salem, Solamangala, Sevapet and other places in Tamil Nadu. The police said Kamalesh was a Commerce graduate and had left his job in Madura Coats to open a cosmetics store in Chikpet.
Khandre alleges victimisation
Tuesday, December 2, 2003
BANGALORE: The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, which has assumed a strident stand against rebels, on Sunday expelled B F Dandina who chose to contest as a rebel candidate from Dharwad district. In a release, KPCC general secretary Abdul Wahab said Dandina had been expelled from the primary membership of the party for a period of six years. Meanwhile, senior Congress leader from Bidar Bheemanna Khandre, who was expelled from the party along with his children on Saturday, has expressed surprise over the party's move. The KPCC had accused Khandre and his children of canvassing for the JD-S candidate. In a release, Khandre said he had been expelled on the basis of false allegations and that everyone in Bidar knew he had been striving to get money released for the Mahatma Gandhi Sahakari Sakkare Karkhane, for which he had been spending most of his time in Bangalore and not in Bidar. ``My Detractors in the party, for their selfish gains, have taken up this opportunity to victimise me and my sons on the grounds of alleged anti-party activity, which is totally baseless,'' Khandre said.
Auto driver, wife charred to death
Tuesday, December 2, 2003
BANGALORE: A married couple was charred to death in an accidental fire that broke out in their hut in Cholanayakanahalli under Hebbal police station limits late Saturday night. The deceased are autorickshaw driver Janardhana (42) and his wife Parvathamma (38), an ayah at a local college. Police said the fire, which broke out around 1.30 a.m. destroyed around 15 huts while no injuries were reported. There were around 30 huts in the slum. According to the neighbours, the deceased used to frequently quarrel after consuming alcohol. Apparently, there were sounds of a quarrel on Saturday night too. The police suspect a kerosene lamp tipped over and the hut caught fire immediately. The couple was trapped inside as the flames had engulfed their hut and despite screams, nobody could save them. The inmates of neighbouring huts managed to escape but their belongings were destroyed. The couple have a seven-year-old son who is staying and studying elsewhere, the police said. Six fire tenders were rushed to the spot and the fire was put out. In another fire mishap near Taverekere in Bangalore Rural on Sunday morning, timber worth Rs 15 lakh was gutted at a depot. An electrical short circuit is suspected to have caused the fire.
CAT retest roils students’ plans
Tuesday, December 2, 2003
BANGALORE: Having been through the wringer once, students now are skeptically eying round two of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Common Admission Test (CAT). The imbroglio they feel was not a test of intelligence but patience. And opinion here leaned towards a probable public interest litigation in favour of weeding out those with leaked question papers rather than conducting a retest for over a lakh aspirants. IIM, Ahmedabad professor J P Singh is reportedly seeking the directors’ permission to file the PIL. ‘‘Retest is a hassle. We have our final year B.Com exams coming up, besides, now we do not know if the question papers are going to be leaked again,’’ said Nethra, who is targeting the IIMs, SP Jain Institute, TAPME and Management Development Institute, in that order. Nethra had been attending classes at Career Forum for a year and her round one of CAT went well, she was, however, apprehensive that her luck might not hold. The paper on February 15, she expects would be tougher. For others, the retest might be yet another exam to go for but the autonomous tests of other B-schools were getting more important. ‘‘Symbiosis, IRMA and other exams are coming up, so IIM’s not everything,’’ said Akshay of HKBK College of Engineering. While his focus so far was on the IIM, it’s the retest that was the deciding factor for him now. ‘‘The best way out is a standardised computer test,’’ he said. Students who had planned to finish CAT before tackling the series of tests that come with this season found their plans in disarray. ‘‘The retest is too late. It does alter my plans. If I knew the test was in February I, would have prepared accordingly,’’ said Aruna. For aspirants for whom CAT proves twice unlucky, many felt, it would mean another year of preparation many could take a year off to devote to the struggle.
Khaki
Monday, December 1, 2003
Khaki Cast Shivamani, Devraj, Rashmi Kulkarni Producer-Director Shivamani Music Director Rajesh Ramanathan Review Producer cum director cum actor Shivamani intially portrayed his film Khaki as a film based on brigand Veerappan. To maintain this, the film starts with Malemahadeshwara and Palan forest, which are territories of Veerappan. Then you have the entry of Veerappan but suddenly Devaraj comes on the screen in police inspector uniform and says that he was in disguise as Veerappan to nab his gang. Then only you realise that it’s a remake of Andha Yudh - a Hindi film produced way back in 1988. Andha Yudh starring Nana Patekar, Raj Babbar and Pallavi Joshi is the story of two likeminded men with the same goal but the methods that they take to achieve this is different. Devaraj, Shivamani and Rashmi Kulakarni play the roles. While Dinakar (Devaraj), a police inspector is out to punish the bad guys using his uniform; Shivamani is a gunman who too is out to kill the bad guys. However both cross each other path. The clash between Dinakar and Shivamani results in the latter's death. Dinakar then realizes the motive of Shivamani after his death and takes up the unfinished job left behind. The roaring Devaraj or furious Shivamani give very good performance. Compared to his earlier film Love You Shivamani has come a long way. The entire film is devoid of song sequences and is built on the strength of dialogues. The slickness and music by Rajesh Ramanath makes the film a treat to watch. http://kannada.galatta.com/entertainment/movies/kannada/released/khaki/
Daasa
Monday, December 1, 2003
Daasa Cast Darshan, Amrutha, Avihash, Satyajit, Padma Vasanthi, Jr.Narasimharaju, Ramesh Pandit and others Producer Ramesh Yadav Story,Screenplay and Direction P.N.Sathya Cinematography Sundarnath Suvarna Music Kokila Saadhu Review Daasa - Mohana Dasa comes from a poverty stricken family. He worships his mother. He has no inclination to romance and even slaps the heroine who tells him that she loves him. He lands up the house of the CM where he finds his mother working as a maidservant. The time he is at the house the CM is murdered. The colleague of CM frames Mohana Dasa in this murder case and alleges that Dasa’s mother had an illegal relationship with CM. Mohanadasa lands up in prison. His mother dies of shock. Next we see Dasa has become an underworld don who is plotting to kill the person who framed him and called his mother as prostitute. Darshan does his role with great ease while Avinash as encounter Amar along with Satyajit go overboard in melodrama. Less said about the music the better. Director P.N.Sathya a specialist of underworld subjects brings in events in rapidity to keep the front benchers happy. He has used Darshan in an apt way. http://kannada.galatta.com/entertainment/movies/kannada/released/daasa/
Namma Preethiya Ramu
Monday, December 1, 2003
Namma Preethiya Ramu Cast Darshan, Navya, Hamsavijetha, Doddanna, Umasri, Ramesh Pandir, Hanumanthe Gowda, Dr.Ratan, Krishne Gowda, Pavitra Lokesh, Karibasavaiah. Banner/ Producers Vishwapriya Films/Nandakumar and Rame Gowda Direction Sanjay & Vijay Cinematography Ramesh Babu Music Maestro Ilayaraja Review Darshan who acted in films like Majestic, Kariya, Druva, Ninagoskara, Kitti, Dasa, Darshan, Dharma was the angry young man in most of them. But in Namma Preetiya Ramu - a sentimental film, he played a blind man's character. Ramu (Darshan) is blind by birth. Somehow he manages his family - father, mother and sister. But fate won't allow them to live peacefully. A rape of his sister destroys their happiness. Ramu decides to take revenge on the culprits. Umashree has acted as Ramu's mother, Hamsajoti as sister, Navya as his lover and Dodanna as his friend and adviser. Remake of the Malayalam film Vasantiyum Laxmiyum Pinne Jnanum is all the way a Darshan film. He plays to near perfection. Hamsavijetha is notable for her pensive performance. Navya too has also given good support to Darshan and so is Doddanna. Umasri . The new find Hanumanthe Gowda leaves a strong impression. Dr.Ratan playing his role for the first time is quite convincing. Meastro Ialayaraja and cameraman Ramesh Babu have further boosted up the quality of the film. The song written by Rame Gowda and Kalyan are very meaningful. http://kannada.galatta.com/entertainment/movies/kannada/released/namma%20preethiya%20ramu/
Ondagona Baa
Monday, December 1, 2003
Ondagona Baa Cast Ravichandran, Shilpa Shetty, Somayajilu, K.R. Vijaya, Chithra Shenoi, Charan Raj, Pavithra Lokesh, Vanita Vasu, Doddanna, Pramila Joshai, Tara, Shivaram, Rekha etc Banner/ Producers Rockline Venkatesh Direction Udayshankar Cinematography Sitaram Music Director Hamsalekha Review Ondagona Baa is the remake of Telugu award winner Kalisundam Raa (starring Venkatesh and Simran), which was a big hit and its remakes in Tamil and Hindi too were succesful. Ravichandran comes to his father's native place with his mother and sister to attend his grandfather Raghavayya's (Somayajilu) Shatabdhi (60th birthday). His father Bhaskar’s (Bharath) marriage was against his father wish. Ravichandran learns that his father was the reason for the split between Raghavayya’s and his brother-in-law's (Doddanna) family. Raghavayya dislikes his grandson while his grandmother (K.R. Vijaya) likes him a lot. Ravichandran falls in love with Belli (Shilpa Shetty) - granddaughter of Raghavayya. He wins his grandfather by uniting the families together. Unaware of the love between Ravichandran and Shilpa the family members fix the latters’ marriage with Doddanna’s grandson. If Ravichandran declares his love in the open it will stop the marriage and once again lead to rift in the family and so he decides to sacrifice his love. Whether love will triumph or not forms the climax. A neat wholesome family entertainer with good music, comedy, the lead pair who gave an earlier hit with Prethsod Thappa disappoints. Ravichandran and Shilpa Shetty lookswise is good but the magic is missing. Veterans Somayajilu and K.R. Vijaya give a good account. Udayshankar 's direction is good and he weaves a very fine film for all sections of the audience. Hamsalekha's is already a hit. http://kannada.galatta.com/entertainment/movies/kannada/released/ondagona%20baa/
Chiguridha Kanasu
Monday, December 1, 2003
Cast Shivraj Kumar, Ananthnag, Rekha, Vidya, Avinash Direction T S Naghabharana Music Manohar Review Shanker a Delhite finds the city uncomfortable and so also Varanasi where he studied. Homesick, he leaves for his hometown Karnataka. Shanker comes to Bangadi. There he meets his grandpa's sister. He takes to farming. Builds a dam to solve the water problem and takes steps to develop the village. Shanker is delighted in seeing the fruit of his labour. Then starts Shanbog’s jealousy towards Shanker while Shanbog’s daughter is in love with the latter. The situation comes when Shanker has to choose his village over his girlfriend. Performance wise in this role Shivraj Kumar has done full justice. Avinash has given a good account. Apt casting has made the job easy for the heroines. T S Naghabharana scores as a director who has shown urban- rural divide. Ananthnag leaves a lasting impression especially in the last scene. Musically three songs are very good. It’s a film that one has to sit back and enjoy.
Gokarna
Monday, December 1, 2003
SRIKANTH SRINIVASA After two hugely successful films at the box office, Upendra is back with a bang. Uppi’s film Gokarna is getting ready to hit the screens this Christmas. The making of the film was kept under wraps to avoid conflict and ward off any threat to the success of Rakta Kanneeru. Upendra’s brother Sudhindra Kumar is producing Gokarna under the banner Anegudde Vinayaka Productions. According to Upendra, Gokarna is based on Rajnikanth’s blockbuster Annamalai, which was based on Telugu film Kondapalli Raja (a remake of another Telugu film Prana Snehitam!). While Annamalai was a story of two brothers, Gokarna portrays the story of two young friends. Rakshita plays the female lead opposite Upendra in the film. Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce President S Ramesh and Madhu Bangarappa of Akash Audio are making their screen appearances for the first time with this film. Mumbai girl Shwetha Menon will be seen in an item number in the film which is directed by Naganna. Krishna Kumar is the cinematographer while Gurukiran has scored the music. Well-known poet G P Rajaratnam’s song Bramha Ninge Jodistini Henda Muttida Kaina...has been rendered by S P Balasubrahmanyam. Thriller Manju is the action director while K Nanjunda has penned the dialogues. The film also stars Sarita, Sitara, Satyajit, Satyapriya, Indudhar, Tennis Krishna and Dr Nagesh among others. Gokarna has been shot mainly in Bangalore and Hyderabad. Chinni Prakash and Ashokraj are the choreographers. http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/nov30/ent6.asp
'Krishna, Poojary have no time for partymen'
Monday, December 1, 2003
BANGALORE: On the eve of the Council elections, former Congress MP from Belgaum S.B. Sidnal resigned from the party on Sunday, accusing chief minister S.M. Krishna and KPCC president B. Janardhana Poojary of ignoring loyal party workers.’’ Speaking to The Times of India from Belgaum , Sidnal said: I tolerated this for four-and-a-half years. People who came from Janata Dal have become ministers or the Upper House chairman, but loyal workers like us have been ignored.’’ Sidnal clarified that he’s not against people joining the Congress. They can work in the party, but not overtake us.’’ Stating that he had joined the Congress in 1958, Sidnal said both Krishna and Poojary are indifferent to party workers. Poojary shouts at workers in the open meeting, while Krishna has no time to hear us.’’ Further, Poojary is expelling people left, right and centre’’. Poojary lost elections thrice and now has gained backdoor entry to become KPCC president.’’ Reacting to Sidnal’s outburst, Poojary said the former’s son is a functionary in Vijay Sankeswar’s Kannada Nadu Party. Sidnal is also planning to join him. If he wants to do so, let him leave the Congress graciously.’’ On the fact he’s riding roughshod over workers, Poojary said: I have been holding meetings and hear workers’ grievances up to 4 am . His grouse is just a pretext to leave the party.’’
I am facing threat from police: Kareem
Monday, December 1, 2003
Retired DySP Abdul Kareem has alleged that he was facing threat from the security given to him by the police department. The policeman posted at my house at Yadavagiri for my security, once raised his gun to shoot me, he told reporters here today. I protested when the policeman abused my son Jameel Ahmed, who had come to my house to see me. To this, the policeman took his gun and aimed at me, he alleged. The complaint to the police commissioner did not work. I am in a situation where I am facing threat from the protectors,’’ he said. Mr Kareem, the father of sub-inspector of police Shakeel Ahmed who was killed by forest brigand Veerappan, today set a deadline of four days to Chief Minister S M Krishna to reimburse the expenses he (Kareem) had incurred during his legal battle in the Supreme Court.
Congress expels Khandre
Monday, December 1, 2003
The Congress has expelled former minister Bhimanna Khandre, his sons Eshwar Khandre and Dr Vijayakumar Khandre for six years for anti-party activities. According to a release from Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, Mr Khandre and his sons have been expelled as they were openly campaigning against Congress candidate Basavaraj Patil Humnabad in the Legislative Council elections in Bidar. The Congress has also expelled Mr Rajkumar Kumani, son of former Bijapur District Congress president S D Kumani from its primary membership of the party for a period of six years over his decision to contest as the unofficial Congress candidate in the Bijapur segment. Mr Rajkumar Kumani did not withdraw his nomination despite the party making known its official candidates - S R Patil and Siddu B Namegowda for the Bijapur MLC seats from Bijapur, according to a KPCC release.
Maruti's Gurgaon facility to be Suzuki's R&D hub in Asia
Monday, December 1, 2003
Bangalore, Nov 30 (IANS) Maruti Udyog Ltd's multi-billion-rupee research and development facility will become Japanese auto major Suzuki's Asia hub by 2007 for the design and development of new compact cars, says a top official of the firm. As India's largest carmaker, Maruti will be investing substantially in upgrading its research and development centre at Gurgaon in Haryana for executing design and development projects for Suzuki, including localisation, modernisation and greater use of composite technologies in upcoming models. Maruti Udyog general manager Arvind Saxena told IANS that the parent company had decided to shift its new projects from Japan to India and other Asian countries to leverage research and development local talent and to capitalise on the lower cost advantage. "With a view to turning the Maruti research and development centre into Suzuki's hub in Asia outside Japan for the next generation of models in the compact car segment, we are sending our design and engineering teams in batches of 20 to 30 people to Japan for intensive training and adaptation." After a stint of 12 to 18 months at Suzuki's main research and development facilities in Japan, the teams are given specific design and re-engineering projects to upgrade the existing Maruti Alto, Zen and 800 models. "Till now, hundreds of our engineers and specialists have been trained at Suzuki centres," said Saxena in an interview. "Apart from working on innovative features, the teams will focus on latest technologies using CAD-CAM tools to roll out new models that will meet the needs of our diverse customers in future," he said. On a pilot basis, Suzuki transferred the technology and equipment to Maruti for indigenously designing the latest Zen model launched last week. The re-designing and re-engineering of the company's flagship premium compact car was undertaken a decade after the Zen was introduced in India. "Years of expertise and heavy investment in research and development have enabled Maruti's in-house competence to do a full facelift of the Zen. The Japanese training and perseverance of our talent pool of engineers and designers have paid off," Saxena claimed. The company was able to save Rs.350 million by indigenously designing and revamping the Zen at Gurgaon, as the same attempt in Japan or other Suzuki centres in Asia would have cost twice the amount. In the run-up to becoming Suzuki's Asian research and development hub, Maruti's Gurgaon facility is looking at ways to revamp existing models in all segments that are marketed in the subcontinent and exported to Europe and West Asia. Company sources hinted the Maruti 800 model would be re-launched soon with new designer features and additional facilities to maintain its position as Maruti's breadwinner. "Research and development work is an ongoing process at Maruti. To stay ahead of the competition and retain its leadership position with around 45 percent market share, new models and upgrades of existing ones will be a constant activity of the company," Saxena said. Asked whether any research and development work was being done on the Maruti 800 model, the company's flagship product that accounts for the largest sales from the its stable, Saxena said it was one among the models. "It is too early to say which will be the next one. It's a fact that the 800 model is due for a fresh look as it is now six to seven years since it was last re-launched with variants and upgraded to make it conform to Euro-I and Euro-II emission norms," he noted. The company will be hiring more software engineers and technocrats to handle Suzuki's research and development projects in the future. "The investment will be more in manpower than in infrastructure, which is already in place and modular for ramping up the operations," Saxena said.
Bangalore-based Subex Systems plans foray into China
Monday, December 1, 2003
BANGALORE (Reuters) - Subex Systems Ltd, a fast-growing telecoms software company, plans to expand into China following a sales and marketing alliance with a local software firm to gain a foothold in the trillion-dollar economy. A company spokesman told Reuters the firm's chief executive officer and chief operating officer would announce further details at a news conference on Tuesday. Subex is among a handful of Indian firms that have ventured into products, in a sector dominated by service companies. Its investors include Intel Capital and Toronto Dominion Bank. Bangalore-based Subex makes products that help telecom service firms check fraud and verify bills. It counts U.S. telephone service provider Sprint Corp and Cyprus telecoms firm CyTA among its 39 clients. Subex's shares were up 4.6 percent higher at a three-year-high of 291.75 rupees at the Bombay Stock Exchange on Monday. The shares have surged 153 percent in the past six months, outperforming a 87 percent rise in Bombay's tech index.
'More arrests soon in fake stamp paper scam'
Monday, December 1, 2003
'More arrests soon in fake stamp paper scam' Bangalore, Dec. 1 : The special team in Karnataka investigating the multi-crore fake stamp paper scam today said more than a dozen arrests are likely in the next few weeks as the probe in the case is now in the final stages. Additional Director General of Police R Sri Kumar, who is heading the fake stamp paper investigation team (STAMPIT), said here 70 accused have been identified, out of which 54 have already been arrested. He said the remaining arrests are likely in the next one to one-and-half months, after which "95 per cent of the investigation will be over". Sri Kumar said STAMPIT, constituted by the Karnataka Government two years ago after the scam was uncovered, continues to probe the alleged role of politicians and police officers in the scandal. He said 11 chargesheets have already been filed and more are likely.
