Doctor, 4 foreigners arrested in kidney racket

GURGAON, Jan 25: Police have arrested a doctor and four foreigners, including two women, for running a kidney transplant racket here, a senior police official today said.

The doctor, running a false hospital in the basement of a house in Sector 23, was arrested, along with the foreigners, during a raid yesterday.

Upendra is also the owner of the Sriram Hospital in Vallabhgad area of Uttar Pradesh.

He used to deceive poor people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar and allegedly removed their kidneys without their knowledge, the official said, adding kidneys of about 500 patients had already been removed so far.

In 2000, a case had been filed in the Nizamuddin Police Station against him, the official added.

"In case the victims came to know about the transplant, they were offered an amount of Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh," he said adding the doctor used to sell the kidneys to foreigners for anything between Rs 15 and 20 lakh. (UNI)

Tunics and naughty bell bottoms to be hot this year

NEW DELHI, Jan 25: With fashion changing faster than the time taken to make a cup of hot coffee in this winter, fashion-conscious, suave urban Indians are facing the ever increasing dilemma of what to wear and what not.

Forecasting trends for Year 2008, Delhi based fashion designer Chiarg Joshi says, "Tunics which sold like hot cakes last year will continue to hold grip among all age-groups. This year the terrific tunics will reign, when worn with churidars, with back zips. Chic Arabian pattern of Harem pants would be trashed out, making way for naughty bell bottoms. Also time to bid farewell to dear wedges, as platforms are set to strike the market with great velocity."

Joshi who worked with top-notch designers like Ritu Kumar and Ritu Beri before setting up his own designer label adds, "An exorbitant use of vegetable dyes would add finesse to the apparels. Shades of pastels and earthy colors like blue, orange, golden, and browns shall rule the fashion kingdom.

He adds, "The influence of nature would be visible in the form of floral prints. Prints of leaves and flowers mixed together will stand out strongly."

Betting on cotton fabrics for the hot Indian summer, Joshi says, "Seeing the long summer season prevalent in our country, it would be safe to bet upon the cottons. The fabric suits, all body types and will be a must in everybody’s wardrobe. Flowy, flamboyant silhouettes in cotton can never go out of vogue."

Arguing that one need to differentiate between fashion and fad, Joshi points out that fashion is something with can be carried forward from one generation to another.

"Fashion is different from fad which usually has a shell life of a season or two. Fad keeps changing," he says.

While movies like King Khan’s ‘ Om Shanti Om’ has brought back the 70’s fashion Joshi says that one must not follow trends blindly.

"The mistake that people usually commit is that they follow trends completely. They need to ascertain whether they actually look good in a dress or can carry it off well before deciding to follow fashion," says Joshi.

"It would be stereotypical to say that wear something which suits your attitude, but then reality lies in the fact that gorgeous silhouettes which look stunning on the ramp are not meant for any one and everyone.

"One should follow his heart and not brainlessly follow fashion trends to end up dressing up like a buffoon. However this does not mean the trends are to be ignored and trashed, for an essential guide on colors and fabrics helps to create a look, most envied of," he adds.

With the fast paced fashion industry coming into lot of criticism after former model Geetanjali Nagpal was found begging on streets and Bollywood director Madhur Bhandarkar promising to show the ‘real’ face of the industry in his upcoming movie, ‘Fashion’, Joshi says that the industry is a sitting duck for everyone.

"There are so many women like Nagpal out on the streets. Since, she was a former model, she has got so much publicity. Fashion industry is always in the limelight because of its close relationship with media. Hence, anything small tends to get highlighted and blown out of proportion," says Joshi.

He adds, "Few years back during a fashion event, there was a wardrobe malfunction. Everybody started accusing the designers of doing it intentionally. Who would ever want such a cheap publicity. But, since it is related to our industry, people write and say whatever they want irrespective of it being a fact or not."

Talking up the upcoming movie ‘Fashion’, he says, "Madhur is a good director. I have seen all his previous movies. He makes realistic movies but you need to understand that a director also needs mirch-masala to sell his movies. Hence, I can’t wait to see his film on the fashion industry to check out whether he has hit the bull’s eye or has added a lot of masala." (PTI)

SC to consider Scheduled Caste
status for Muslim Khateeks

NEW DELHI, Jan 25: The Supreme Court today issued notices to the Centre on a petition seeking Scheduled Caste (SC) status for Khateeks in Muslim community on the ground that Khateeks in Hindu community have already been given SC status.

A bench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justice R V Raveendran issued notices on a petition filed by Akhil Maharashtra Muslim Khateek Samaj who contended that it is a clear case of discrimination that the people belonging to same caste in minority community have been denied the benefits of reservation, being enjoyed by their counterpart in Hindu community since Independence.

The petitioner also contended that caste based reservation can not be confined to one community. People belonging to same caste enjoying the same status in other community are also entitled to similar treatment. (UNI)

Court discharges MLA

NEW DELHI, Jan 25: A court here today discharged H S Balli, a Delhi MLA, in a case of obstructing a public servant in carrying out his duties and causing him hurt while opposing a sealing drive in 2004.

Metropolitan Magistarte Gautam Manan dropped all the charges against the BJP MLA from Hari Nagar constituency here after noting that there was no prima-facie evidence against him.

The court observed that the requisite sanction needed to proceed against him was also not obtained from the proper authority.

According to the complaint lodged by a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Balli had obstructed him in discharge of his official duties and also entered into a scuffle with him as he tried to seal an illegal property in Mayapuri locality. (PTI)

Balancing home and work not just domain of women: Ash

MUMBAI, Jan 25: Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan wonders why only female working professionals are asked about how they balance home and work after marriage.

"Balancing commitments and prioritising them is applicable even to men and not just my gender. Focus on what needs your commitment at what time as time is precious. Balancing commitments and being true to your reality is important," the actress said while talking to reporters last night after launching "Lux Provocateur", a new black soap from the Lux brand.

Ash, who has been the brand ambassador of "Lux" for nine years said black lux arouses curiousity and intrigue among the consumers.

"Black Lux is very innovative and transcends the barriers of colour bias. Normally, consumers would ask how a black soap would clean their skin," she added.

Replying to questions, the actress said beauty knew no colour and tone variations. "We do not chose the colour of our skin that we are born with. Black is mysterious to some and white is fascinating to many. The black soap bar was reminiscent of women who command attention by their mystery," she felt.

The former beauty queen said the year 2007 has been an eventful year for her personally and professionally.

The actress said she was awaiting the release of "Jodhaa Akbar" next month and was eager to know the reaction of the audiences to Ashutosh Gowarikar’s labour of love. "It has been a sincere and painstaking effort of all those involved in the project," she added.

Working in "Sarkar Raj" and "Pink Panther" has given her creative satisfaction, she said. Responding to a question on international projects which include films on the Bhopal gas tragedy and Shahjehan, Ash said ideas have been exchanged on both movies. As far as the Bhopal tragedy film is concerned, it is still in the process of scripting. "When I get a full bound script, I will know where the project stands," she added.

Referring to Ben Kinsgley’s "Shahjehan", Ash said he told her that after "Gandhi", it would be ideal to come back to explore India with "Shahjehan". "Even this film is in the script development process," she added.

Ash was also approached for Rajnikant starrer "Robot". "If dates and schedules work out well, it will be a positive response from my side," she said.

When asked how she plans to celebrate hubby Abhishek’s birthday on February 5, Ash replied, "It will be special."

To a query on the secret of her beauty, Ash said, "Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. However, the love and affection of her fans, family and friends make her glow. It is neccessary to be real and stay connected with true self. Beauty radiates from within. Titles like beauty queen are transient. Being who you are is constant."

She said the Lux brand symbolised tradition and glamour. "It has been a tradition for a female actor to be associated with this brand. I feel privileged to be part of it for nine years," she added. (UNI)

India, France give new impetus to strategic ties

NEW DELHI, Jan 25: Giving a new impetus to strategic ties, India and France have finalised negotiations for a bilateral agreement on cooperation in civil nuclear energy, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced today.

The two sides also decided to bolster their defence cooperation and take it "beyond a buyer-seller" relationship, Singh said at a joint press conference with French President Nicholas Sarkozy.

During the talks, Sarkozy, who arrived here today on a two-day visit, reaffirmed France’s support to India’s bid for a permanent seat in the expanded UN Security Council.

Singh, who held extensive talks with Sarkozy on his maiden visit to India, said the two sides have agreed to strengthen cooperation to fight terrorism.

Describing his discussions with Sarkozy as "very productive and wide-ranging", Singh said both the sides "reaffirmed our strong mutual desire to further strengthen our strategic partnership."

"This partnership is long standing and rests on shared values and similar approaches to regional and global issues." Singh said.

Singh said both sides agreed to further consolidate the multi-faceted cooperation in the fields of trade and investment, technology transfer, space, defence, culture and education.

"The initiatives that we have take reflect our mutual strength and growing potential of our two countries to contribute to each others’ development and national priorities," he said.

Contrary to media speculation, Sarkozy landed here without his girlfriend and former supermodel Carla Bruni. There was suspense on both sides on whether 40-year-old Bruni will accompany 52-year-old Sarkozy on his brief visit to Taj Mahal.

Singh said the two sides have agreed to intensify business-to-business contacts and establish an Indian Cultural Centre in Paris.

He said Sarkozy indicated to him during the talks his intention to facilitate travel of large number of Indian students to France for higher studies.

In the area of defence cooperation, "we have agreed to go beyond a buyer-seller relationship. We will increasingly focus on joint research and development projects, transfer of technology and greater military exchanges," Singh said.

"We have finalised negotiations in regard to reaching a bilateral agreeement on cooperation in the field of civil nuclear energy," he added.

Sarkozy said France favoured a waiver for India to allow it to have access to civil nuclear energy.

Singh said he had conveyed to Sarkozy India’s appreciation of France’s steadfast support for lifting of international restrictions on nuclear cooperation with India that are still in place.

Both leaders agreed that there was a need to reform international institutions to bring them in conformity with the existing realities.

"President Sarkozy reiterated France’s full support for India’s permanent membership of an expanded UN Security Council," the Prime Minister said.

The two sides agreed that there was immense scope to work towards creating a "more equitable and inclusive" international order.

Sharing India’s concerns on terrorism, France agreed to cooperate with it to fight the scourge.

"A global fight against terrorism is essential to protect open, democratic and multi-cultural societies like our two countries," Singh said.

Singh said Sarkozy showed deep understanding of India’s perspective on the issue of energy security, sustainable development and climate change.

A joint statement issued by the two sides reflected their desire to strengthen cooperation in this ares within the framework of the Bali process and the provisions and principles of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, Singh added.

The Prime Minister said he had accepted the French President’s invitation to visit France for the next India-EU summit.

Both the sides signed several agreements, including one to facilitate transfer of sentenced prisoners and to construct and operate Jules Horowitz reactors.

Another agreeement signed between the two sides was on protection of classified information in the field of defence.

To a question on terrorism, Singh said "countries and societies committed to pluralism, rule of law and human freedom are particularly vulnerable to terrorist onslaughts and I think on account of misguided emphasis on religiosity and all that goes with the culture of extremism."

"I think it is very important that India and France should cooperate, share information and intelligence gathering for defence of the values which are dear to both our countries," he added.

Sarkozy, who was accorded a warm ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan by President Pratibha Patil, said his visit to India would help further boost the partnership between the two countries. (PTI)

Pictorial warning: SC notice to Centre on smoking issue

NEW DELHI, Jan 25: The Supreme Court today issued notice to the Central Government for not implementing its decision of July 2006 to issue pictorial warning that smoking is injurious to health on cigarette packets from February 1, 2007.

A bench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justice R V Raveendran issued notice after hearing petitioner Narinder Sharma, an advocate who appeared in person and contended before the court that the Union government was not implementing its own decision to issue pictorial warning to the smokers under pressure from the tobacco lobby.

The petitioner also contended that the decision was taken by the Union government in July 2006 that the step will be implemented with effect from February 1, 2007 and then it was postponed to December 2007 and the same has not been implemented till date. (UNI)

PM, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi
to hit campaign trail in NE

SHILLONG, Jan 25: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will lead the campaign trails in the three Northeastern states of Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura ahead of the Assembly elections.

Speaking to UNI over the phone from New Delhi today, AICC general secretary in-charge of Meghalaya and Nagaland Margaret Alva said Congress president Sonia Gandhi and AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi were also scheduled to hit the campaign trail for two days in the three poll-bound NE states.

Ms Alva, however, said the AICC was still working out the itinerary of the three top Congress leaders to launch their poll campaign.

Meanwhile, AICC secretary in-charge of Meghalaya Maj (retd) Ved Prakash had already kickedstarted the election campaign in the state.

Ms Alva said the Congress was hopeful of retaining Meghalaya and wresting back Nagaland from the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN).

Meanwhile, Nationalist Congress Party leaders - Sharad Pawar, Praful Patel and Tariq Anwar - will visit Meghalaya to join the party’s electioneering campaign.

The single-phase Assembly elections in the three NE states of Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland will be held on February 23, March 3 and March 5 respectively.

The counting will take place in Tripura and Meghalaya on March seven and Nagaland on March 8.

The filing of nominations will begin in Tripura on January 30, Meghalaya on February 8 and Nagaland on February 9.

In Tripura, the last date for filing of the nomination is February 6 while the scrutiny will take place on February 7 and the last date for withdrawal is February 9.

In Meghalaya, nominations will close on February 15, scrutiny is slated for February 16 and the last date for withdrawal is February 18.

For Nagaland, the deadline for entering the poll fray is February 16, while scrutiny will take place on February 18 and last date of withdrawal is February 20. (UNI)