Excelsior... Nation

SPECIAL REPORT
It is ‘terror sex’ in US
Post-September 11
increase in sexual activity

From B L Kak

NEW DELHI, Nov 19: Many Americans are reported to have become far more open and intense following the terrorist attack on New York and Washington on September 11....more

Four killed, three
injured in car crash

NEW DELHI, Nov 19 : Reviving the nightmare of the infamous 1999 bmw tragedy, four youngsters. ...more

Rahul Dev hates
to be branded

NEW DELHI, Nov 19: Supermodel turned actor Rahul Dev, who shot to fame after a punchy....more

MP to amend provisions for
grants to PAP of Narmada

BHOPAL, Nov 19: Madhya Pradesh Cabinet has decided to enhance the grant provided to the landless...more

Death of Dalit youth in
police custody, oppn
stages walk-out

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Nov 19: The Marxist-led opposition in the Kerala Assembly today......more

LS calls upon world
community to unite
to fight global terror

NEW DELHI, Nov 19: Reflecting growing concerns over terrorism, the Lok Sabha today called upon the world community to stand together in the fight to destroy and defeat the global terror network......more

Left, others to move
adjournment motion
on Ayodhya today

NEW DELHI, Nov 19: Non-Congress opposition parties will move an adjournment motion in Lok .............more

Vajpayee exchanges
pleasantries
with Sonia

NEW DELHI, Nov 19: Making a rare gesture in the Lok Sabha on the opening day of winter session ....more

SPECIAL REPORT
It is ‘terror sex’ in US
Post-September 11 increase in sexual activity

From B L Kak

NEW DELHI, Nov 19: Many Americans are reported to have become far more open and intense following the terrorist attack on New York and Washington on September 11. Afraid to get on planes and into subways, they are getting into bed for sex.

This finding is contained in a report prepared by Image Advertising, a media company in New York. According to the report, post-September 11 phenomenon is indicative of the degree of vulnerability Americans feel in a "shaky universe where planes crash, buildings collapse and white powders can kill".

Mr Steven Fleming, executive director of Image Advertising, has noted that post-September 11, New York, in particular and America in general, is reaching out, and more often, for human contact at its most elemental. Mr Fleming has described it as "terror sex".

Men and women in New York, for instance, want to meet people, want to settle down. "They want to have sex", is Mr Fleming’s finding. And Dr Robert Prince of the New York University post doctoral programme in psychoanalysis and psychotherapy has revealed that stress, chemically-speaking, leads to an increased flow of dopamine and testosterone-hormones associated with pleasure and aggression-stimulating the sex drive.

While dating services are thriving, weddings, it is reported, seem to be a dime a dozen. If bars, according to media reports, are filled to capacity, the sales of condoms are booming. University of Washington sociologist, Ms Pepper Schwartz, has been quoted as saying: "People are feeling restless and finding sex very soothing in these circumstances".

Quite an interesting piece of information: Revenues for dating services in New York and Washington, for instance, were up 22 per cent over last year in the two weeks of September. Singles are been found flocking to dating services in record numbers. The impulse is reported to be "astounding even veteran love gurus". For many young singles, it has become a question of ‘now or never’.

Many Americans, it has also been discovered by social scientists, know one thing-that is, they can be with someone and enjoy the night. And typical of these times, ‘patriotism’ has been found to be reigning supreme. A media report from New York revealed that at least 10 per cent of brides and grooms had included a patriotic element such as red dresses and blue vests, American flags on the limousine, or red, blue and white as wedding colours.

One survey has showed that 46 per cent of Americans reported an increase in sexual activity after September 11. Ms Schwartz has been quoted as saying: "When you have low-lying tension and anxiety, then sexuality is often the response". She has not denied reports about an increase in sexual activity, but she has let it be known: "We certainly couldn’t get a report on the birth-rate change that quickly. Maybe nine months later".

Yet another aspect of the new phenomenon in the United States has been highlighted: With so many Americans throwing caution to the winds, a rise in sexually transmitted disease is an alarming possibility. Hence, a baby boom may not be the only result.

If media reports from the US are any guide, young Indian women are seeking male companionship. For most of these women, it has become dangerous to move out at night. And with another aircraft going down in New York on November 12, the embrace for many just got tighter.

Four killed, three injured in car crash

NEW DELHI, Nov 19 : Reviving the nightmare of the infamous 1999 bmw tragedy, four youngsters were killed and three injured, two of them critically, when a speeding maruti esteem car crashed onto the pavement and went into a spin in South Delhi, late last night.

Police said as the car was coming down the flyover at chirag Delhi from the Nehru Place side at a breakneck speed, the driver apparently lost control and the vehicle crashed on to the footpath. Policemen on patrol duty claimed that the car was moving at a speed of more than 120 km per hour.

Under the impact, the car went for a toss, killing two of the three occupants, including a girl, on the spot. The third one escaped with minor injuries.

Four IIT aspirants who were returning after a late night show also fell victims to the accident with two of them losing their lives and two others sustaining critical injuries.

In 1999, five people, including two policemen, were killed when speed crazed youth in their BMW Car mowed them down. Three labourers were sleeping on the pavements and the policemen were in their picket. The case, in which Sanjeev Nanda, grand son of former Naval Chief S M Nanda, is the prime suspect, is still pending trial.

In yesterday’s accident, the dead were identified as Dhruv (who was driving the car), Amba Dalmia who is said to be the daughter of Mr G N Dalmia, a relative of VHP president Vishnu Hari Dalmia, Shubam Paliwal and Praveen. Police, however, refused to confirm the identity of Amba.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) P Kamaraj told UNI that apart from the four, Shukat (the third occupant of the car), and IIT aspirants Varun Kushwaha and Jagdish were injured. They have been admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) where the condition of Varun and Jagdish is said to be critical. Shukat has been discharged. Though the police have so far not come out with the reason for the accident, it is believed that the occupants of the car, who were returning after attending a party, could have been under the influence of liquor. (UNI)

Rahul Dev hates to be branded

NEW DELHI, Nov 19: Supermodel turned actor Rahul Dev, who shot to fame after a punchy performance as an assassin in the Hindi movie ‘Champion’, hates to be branded as a model, villain or hero, for he believes in perfecting any role he does, on or off the screen.

"I don’t want to be typecast as a villain. I want to do all kinds of roles," Rahul told UNI here adding that in Hindi movies, one could easily be branded in one particular role.

Winner of this year’s Maharashtra Chief Minister’s Award and claiming 12 nominations from Filmfare, Zee Cine Award, Sansui and Screen for best actor in a negative performance and also best debutant, Rahul’s performance in ‘Asoka’ and ‘Indian’ have been well - received by both audience and critics.

"I have a mission to accomplish — I have to prove that models can act too," Rahul says and adds that he was looking forward to his coming releases ‘Akshamya’, ‘Supari’ and ‘Awara Pagal Dewana’.

Rahul Gels with the character very well, says Santosh Sivan, Director of ‘Asoka’, who has bagged 14 international awards for his film terrorist. To get under the very skin of his character Rahul even learnt the art of Kalari, a Martial arts form of Kerala, he adds.

The ramp favourite, who launched scores of campaigns for Tata Sierra, Park Avenue, Raymonds, Killer Jeans, Kamasutra and Paparazzi, had won the bollywood fashion award from hollywood star Steven Seagal in New York for being the best model and also the Kingfisher hall of fame best model award in Bangalore this year.

Explaining the reason to move to the tinsel world, he said, "it was easy for me to continue as a super model but I found acting challenging and so I tried my luck there. The change of roles is nothing new for me."

Rahul recalls that he never wanted to be a model or an actor. This only happened to his life by chance.

His first love was, of course cricket. Apart from playing for St Columba’s School, he took part in Delhi state cricket in under-15 Vijay Trophy in 1984-85 and under-19 Cooch Bihar Trophy in 1988-89. "He wanted to be a fast bowler like Imran Khan," recalls his mother Anup Kaushal, a retired principal of a Government school, and adds that her son could have made to the international level had he continued to play the game.

Rahul owes his modelling career to pumping iron in the gym. "I have been into body building for eight years. Even today, I sweat out for two hours five to six days a week," he says.

His modelling career began soon after he was spotted by Rohit Khosla at a disco in the capital and did his first shoot with Prabbhudo Dasgupta.

With his unsusual looks and well-built physique, Rahul was truly fantastic on the ramp, says Ashis Soni, a noted fashion designer.

After his umpteen ramp shows, he was offered the role of Must Gul, an Afghan rebel, in Mukul Anand’s film ‘Dus’. The movie could not be completed due to Mukul’s sudden death during production.

"It would have been an ideal launch pad," admits Rahul but adds "it was destiny that I got an even stronger role in ‘Champion’.

"For a guy, who never looked in a mirror except perhaps to fix his guard and never went anywhere near the stage in his schooldays, to carve out a career in films with so much finesse is truly wonderful," says his sister Rashmi.

His younger brother, Mukul Dev, himself an actor, is also fulll of admiration for Rahul. "Big brother is truly champion material. Anything he takes up in life, be it cricket, body-building, modelling and now films, he excels in it," he says. (UNI)

MP to amend provisions for grants to PAP of Narmada

BHOPAL, Nov 19: Madhya Pradesh Cabinet has decided to enhance the grant provided to the landless displaced families, the Project Affected People (PAP), of Narmada Valley projects.

Suitable amendments would be made in the rehabilitation policy of the Narmada Valley Development Department, an official release said here today.

Accordingly, the families of landless farm workers, of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes or other families or small and marginal farmers will be given rehabilitation grant of Rs 18,700 as against Rs 11,000 given earlier.

Other land owing or landless families will be given half of this amount (Rs 9,350) as grant that will be paid in a single instalment.

The cabinet also decided to increase the amount of grant given to landless displaced families after displacement for purchasing employment generating productive assets for livelihood.

Now, the grant for landless farm workers and landless families of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes will be increased from Rs 29,000 to Rs 49,300 and for other landless families from Rs 19,500 to Rs 33,150.

Of this, 50 per cent amount will be paid at the time of displacement and rest, at the time of purchase of productive asset, the release said.

The grant has been increased with effect from 1999, when the rehabilitation policy was framed, following about 170 per cent increase in the price index, the release added.

The Cabinet also decided to provide financial assistance for purchase of land to such displaced families of Sardar Sarovar who are willing to settle in Madhya Pradesh.

This will enable the Sardar Sarovar Project oustees to purchase as much land in the nearest irrgiated Sakalda command as has been acquired from him, the release said.

For this, a suitable amount of grant is being calculated on a formula. The oustees will be required to purchase lands themselves. The cost of this will be paid to the seller on the basis of the calculation. Only those who are land owners before January one, 2000 would be eligible for this, it said.

Besides, rehabilitation grant to landless farm workers, farmers of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes and small farmers, assistance for purchase of ancestral assets will be provided at the enhanced rates as per the new rehabilitation policy.

The Cabinet also decided that in the event of the death of a displaced account holder, the undisputed cases will be enquire into by Tehsildar and the collector will issue the certificate to the successor to save him the trouble of bringing guarantor to get the rehabilitation grant. The disputed cases will be disposed of by the civil court, the release added. (PTI)

Death of Dalit youth in police custody,
oppn stages walk-out

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Nov 19: The Marxist-led opposition in the Kerala Assembly today staged a walk-out over the issue relating to the death of a Dalit youth a few days after he was released from police custody.

The opposition walked out when Speaker Vakkom Purushothaman refused to admit an adjournment motion on the death of Joy (30) of Kattakada a few days after he was released from custody in Thiruvananthapuram district.

Opposing the admissibility of the motion, sought to be moved by Janata Dal (Secular) member A Neelalohithadasan Nadar, Parliamentary Affairs Minister M M Hassan denied the opposition charge that Joy was kept under "unauthorised custody". He was arrested in connection with a case on november nine and was released on the same day.

Deputising for Chief Minister A K Antony, Mr Hassan said the preliminary medical report showed that he died following a coronary block. The viscera had been sent for examination. The actual reason for death could be ascertained only after getting the chemical examination report.

In the light of the minister’s reply, the speaker withheld consent to the motion, leading to the walk-out.

Leading his colleagues out, leader of opposition said the reply of the minister would show how the Government trivialised a serious issue.

He said nemom police arrested joy on November six and released him three days later. During his "illegal" custody, he was tortured and died on November 16.

Earlier, raising the issue, Dr Nadar said Joy’s death had created tension in Balaramapuram and Nemom areas on November 17. People blocked the traffic on the national highway at Pravachambalam, keeping the coffin containing the body of joy on the road for nearly two hours. The protesters were demanding the arrest of Nemom’s Sub-Inspector of Police. (UNI)

LS calls upon world community to unite
to fight global terror

Making a special reference on the September 11 terror strikes in the US and the October 1 attack on the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Lok Sabha Speaker GMC Balayogi said terrorism has today emerged as the biggest challenge facing the world.

"It is imperative for the world community to stand together in the fight to destroy and defeat the global terror network, wherver it exists," Balayogi told a near-packed house on the opening day of the winter session of Parliament.

Placing on record heartfelt sympathies of the house for victims of terrorism in India and other parts of the world, Balayogi said "for us in India, terrorism has a special resonance because we have been a victim of terrorism for over a decade, and we know what it is like to lose a loved one in a wanton terrorist attack’’.

That is why the country lost no time in lending its voice to the world community in condemning the recent terrorist attcks in the US, in which many Indians were among the victims.

"Our hearts go out to the families of those victims who are still trying to come to terms with the tragedy," Balayogi said.

Balayogi said while each such strike was an attack on freedom and democracy, the September 11 and October one incidents brought home to the world just how far and wide the tentacles of terrorism have spread, and what resources and organisation capability they have at their command to hit targets, not only across borders but also across continents.

"I am sure the whole house will join me in condemning this in-human and dastardly act of hate and terror, which has shocked the entire world,’’ he said.

Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, leader of the opposition Sonia Gandhi, Union Ministers and leaders of various political parties were present in house.

The members stood in silence for a short while as a mark of respect to the memory of the departed souls. (PTI)

Left, others to move adjournment motion
on Ayodhya today

NEW DELHI, Nov 19: Non-Congress opposition parties will move an adjournment motion in Lok Sabha on the Ayodhya issue tomorrow charging BJP and Sangh Parivar leaders with "deliberately fomenting communal passions" just months before the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

At a meeting of all opposition parties, barring Congress, on the first day of the Winter session of Parliament, the leaders also decided to jointly oppose the Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance (POTO) or any legislation to that effect.

The meeting, chaired by CPI-M leader Somnath Chatterjee, also decided to move an adjournment motion on the farmers’ issue in the wake of "total collapse" of foodgrain prices and Government’s move to give up procurement.

The veteran Marxist said BJP and Sangh Parivar leaders were openly attacking the Supreme Court directive on maintaining status quo at the disputed Ayodhya site and the Vajpayee Government was "surrendering itself.

He said said they had agreed on floor coordination in Parliament on "concerns of commonality". These included POTO, Ayodhya issue, the war in Afghanistan and re-induction of George Fernandes as defence minister.

Among the other issues which will be raised during the session are the Doha meet on WTO, unemployment, economic crisis and the Prime Minister’s three-nation tour.

George Fernandes’ re-induction into the cabinet, which came under strong opposition attack, will also be raised by the parties, Chatterjee said.

The Prime Minister’s "unwarranted and objectionable" statement that there was no evidence against Fernandes amounted to direct interference in the working of the judicial commission probing the Tehelka expose, he alleged.

In a sarcastic remark hinting at the Trinamool Congress, the CPI-M leader said "now that Fernandes is in, those who went out of NDA seeking his ouster are back in the fold. Probably, they are waiting to return to the cabinet."

Reacting to the Prime Minister’s announcement of Rs 812 crore package for Punjab, Chatterjee said this was done "specifically for electoral purposes" while a state like Bihar which suffered large-scale devastation due to floods was "not given a single pie."

Among the parties represented at the meeting were CPI-M, CPI, RJD, Samajwadi Party, RSP, Forward Bloc, NCP, JD (Secular), Muslim League and Akali Dal (Mann). (PTI)