Govt stops sanctioning new excavations
after ‘delayed’ reports

NEW DELHI, Mar 9: Concerned over "inordinate delays" in preparation of reports of archaeological excavations, the Government has decided to stop sanctioning new projects till all pending submissions are done.

With the reports of over 200 excavations done years ago still pending, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has also taken note of the lacuna, a report of the Parliamentary Estimates committee tabled last week said.

"Permission will not be granted to concerned agencies for carrying out the (new) excavation work unless the earlier reports are submitted," a senior ASI official involved in the excavation and exploration said.

Some of the important sites of which excavation reports are awaited include Mathura, Dholavira, Lalitgiri, Ramapuram, Burzahom, Sanghol and Banahalli.

"The main problem for not submitting the reports is transfer or retirement of the officials concerned," the official said.

While admitting to the long delays, the ASI sought to put the blame on the state agencies entrusted with the task of digging up the ruins.

Considering the magnitude of the problem, certain steps were being taken to improve the situation, it said.

"We have formulated a policy to do away with the inordinate delay in submitting excavation reports," the official said, adding "it has to be time-bound.

"Many excavation details are lying pending now. So we took the decision to evolve a policy for getting the reports in time so that they can be made available to scholars and public," he said. (PTI)

Badal seeks cooperation from neighbouring HP

CHANDIGARH, Mar 9: Seizing an opportunity as BJP is ruling party in neighbouring Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan, Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal today sought cooperation from the leadership of these states so as to resolve

certain contentious issues, including electricity and distribution of waters.

"If the neighbouring states work unitedly on schemes beneficial for each other than certain key issues can be easily

resolved without approaching the Centre," Badal said addressing a

gathering here of BJP workers held to honour newly elected Himachal Pradesh chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal and he himself,

by the local BJP leaders.

He said that the key officers of both Punjab and Himachal Pradesh held confabulations on certain important issues that were of paramount importance to both the states.

He said that both Punjab and Himachal Pradesh had decided in principle that the former will supply extra units of powers to

the latter in winters and Himachal Pradesh would contibute electricty to Punjab in summers.

Badal also announced to construct an aerial ropeway from religious place Anandpur Sahib to Naina Devi temple at a hill in

Himachal Pradesh.

Besides, both the state Governments had decided to connect

the industrial town of Baddi in Himachal Pradesh with Siswan in Ropar district.

The two Governments had also decided to work upon ‘Shah nehar Project’ so that Himachal Pradesh gets its due share of waters.

Urging the gathering to be prepared for ‘Hala Bol’ (attack)

at the national capital to overthrow the ruling UPA alliance, he said that "the NDA under the leasdership of L K Advani is inching closer to power at the Centre."

Noting that the country is going through a "difficult phase",

he said that despite having rich in resources the people are facing lot many problems.

Taking a dig at the Congress for allegedly playing the the politics of vote banks for 50 long years, Badal said that "the only aim of the Congress was to capture power either by

creating friction among religions or states."

"The Congress did nothing on the unemployment, illeteracy and

poverty front," he alleged.

Describing the present budget of the UPA Government as "unclear", he alleged that the Government made no porvisions to

ameliorate the lot of poor in the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Dhumal said that the elections in

the country are imminent by the end of this year.

He said that the budget of the UPA Government is a document

that only misguides the people.

He alleged that the Centre had failed to check the spread of

maoists movement in various parts of the country.

Among others those who also spoke on the occasion included Punjab BJP affairs incharge Balbir Punj, former MP StayaPal Jain

and BJP secretary Kiran Ghai. (PTI)

India-China RTA talks in "suitable time": Chinese envoy

NEW DELHI, Mar 9: China and India, the two Asian trading giants, will initiate negotiations for a Regional Trading Arrangement (RTA) at a "suitable time", Chinese Ambassador to the country, Zhang Yan has said.

China and India will work to expand mutual investment and initiate negotiations on RTA in a suitable time, Zhang said in his first public address after taking over as Beijing’s new envoy to New Delhi .

In 2003, India and China established a Joint Study Group to examine the potential for economic engagement between the two booming Asian giants. Further, a Joint Task Force has finalised its report on the feasibility of an India-China Regional Trading Arrangement (RTA).

According to the feasibility report, an India-China (RTA) will be "mutually advantageous," a joint declaration issued during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s maiden visit to China in January had said.

"Against the backdrop of accelerating regional economic integration in Asia, the two sides agree to explore the possibility of commencing discussions on a mutually beneficial and high-quality RTA that meets the common aspirations of both countries, and will also benefit the region," it said.

Speaking at a reception held here this week in his honour by Unity International Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation, Zhang said he firmly believed that the rising of China and India economically will not only benefit the people of the two countries, but would also contribute to the peace, stability and prosperity of Asia and the whole world.

Zhang noted that during Singh’s visit, India and China have revised the bilateral target for trade volume from USD 40 billion to USD 60 billion by 2010.

Already, China has replaced the United States as India’s largest trading partner. India’s bilateral trade with China has doubled in the last two years. The two Governments had set a trade target of USD 20 billion by 2008 which was reached two years ahead of schedule.

The revised target of USD 40 billion by 2010 is also likely to be achieved two years ahead of schedule, experts say.

"We are happy to see that the development of our bilateral relations has entered into a fast track in an all-round manner in recent years," the Chinese Ambassador said.

He noted that Sino-Indian relations is characterised by frequent high-level exchanges, growing mutual political trust, fast-expanding economic and trade cooperation, increasing exchanges in other fields such as culture, science and technology, education, defence, and close coordination and cooperation on major international and regional issues.

Economic cooperation has become a principal driver of the Strategic and Cooperative Partnership that is envisaged between India and China, experts noted.

India and China should develop a habit of mutually advantageous cooperation, they noted. At the reception, the Chinese Ambassador also briefed the audience about his country’s fast-paced economic growth.

Zhang noted that 2008 marked the 30^{th anniversary of China’s adoption of reform and opening-up policy.}

^{During the past 30 years, China has witnessed remarkable achievements in its economic development with its gross domestic product (GDP) increasing by 15 times from USD 216.5 billion at the outset of the reform and opening-up to USD 3.4 trillion in 2007, with the GDP per capita reaching USD 2,500.}

^{China’s import and export volume has gone up from USD 20.6 billion to USD 2.17 trillion in 2007. China’s accumulative foreign exchange reserve has touched a record USD 1.53 trillion, the world’s largest.}

^{China’s booming economy is not only improving the livelihood of the Chinese people, but also injecting new vitality into the global economy, Zhang said.}

^{The growing domestic demand in China has made it the third biggest import market in the world, creating plenty of opportunities in manufacturing and employment for its trade partners, the Ambassador said. (PTI)}

My film shows the tragedy of liberal
Muslim: Shoaib Mansoor

NEW DELHI, Mar 9: Noted Pakistani director Shoaib Mansoor, whose much acclaimed film ‘Khuda Ke Liye’ is all set to hit the Indian theatres, says he wanted to portray the tragedy of liberal Muslims through the movie.

"I wanted to project the tragedy of a liberal Muslim, who internally is not considered a good Muslim because of his modernity and outside his religion he is labelled a fundamentalist just for having a Muslim name," Mansoor said about the film which releases in India on April 4.

One of the most influential figures in the Pakistani showbiz industry, Mansoor has produced and directed hit TV shows like ‘Alpha Bravo Charlie’ and ‘Ankahi’ besides being a successful songwriter and music composer.

With ‘Khuda Ke Liye’, he debuted as a film director and the movie received a standing ovation in Pakistan, UK and UAE with its sensitive portrayal of the problems and dilemmas of liberal Muslims who are caught between fundamentalism and the hostility of the world in the post 9/11 era.

"The response to the movie is there to prove that my message did reach its target," Mansoor said.

The film went on to win the Silver Pyramid Award at the Cairo International Film Festival in 2007.

The film’s Indian connection, Naseeruddin Shah, who plays the pivotal role of a liberal cleric, was initially reluctant to work in the film but after reading the script was quite impressed and refused to take any money for his work.

"I got his number from a friend and called. He did not commit but asked for the script. Three days after doing so I got an SMS from him saying: ‘I love it. I will do it but won’t take any money for it’," Mansoor said.

When asked about the thought behind making a movie like ‘Khuda Ke Liye’ (In the Name of God), Mansoor said the immediate source were the difficulties that the world is facing today.

"The second reason to make this film was to pin-point the injustice being done to Muslims around the world in matters of their rights to live independently," Mansoor said in an e-mail interview.

The director refuses to buy the idea that the release of Indian films in Pakistan would in any way harm the film industry there.

"I firmly believe that in competition it is always the underdog which benefits more in the longer run. Bollywood is a big thing. Competing with it would definitely make us better," he said.

Mansoor is quite hopeful that Bollywood will encourage new talents in Pakistan.

"Pakistan is by no means behind India in terms of talent. It is only on the technical side that we lack. Big Indian films will bring audience to cinemas in Pakistan. As a result the right now doomed cinema industry will flourish," said Mansoor on the recent decision of Pakistan government to allow Indian movies in Pakistani theatres.

On his part, Mansoor hopes that ‘Khuda Ke Liye’, which will be the first Pakistani film released in Indian theatres, will generate interest among the audiences here which, he said, is lacking right now. (PTI)

Delhi Govt asks civic bodies to set up fly-ash brick plants

NEW DELHI, Mar 9: In a bid to promote usage of environment friendly and cost-effective fly-ash bricks, Delhi Government has asked all civic agencies in the capital to set up manufacturing units, promising them monetary support.

"We have asked the DDA, NDMC and MCD to set up plants of their own so that they do not have to wait to procure bricks from other sources. This would ensure usage of fly-ash and promotion of its bricks," a Government official said.

"We have assured fiscal help of over Rs two lakhs to the civic bodies to set up their own bricks manufacturing plants. This would help better usage of fly ash being produced from the power plants," he said.

However, the proposal has not immediately evoked an encouraging response as the NDMC has already turned it down.

Citing lack of space, the NDMC said it was already using 75,000 bricks made up of fly-ash annually.

"We are taking all steps to promote the fly-ash bricks but since we are facing a constraint of space, the feasibility of setting up plant is not possible," the NDMC said in a letter to the Delhi Government’s environment ministry.

The proposal has also come under criticism from the brick manufacturers, who have termed it an "eyewash".

"The Government’s decision to give monetary help for setting up the plants is an eyewash," Anil Arora, General Secretary of All India Alliance of Fly Ash Bricks Manufactures said.

"If the Government was really keen to promote fly-ash bricks, it should have asked the civic bodies to set up the plants within the fly-ash production centres," he said.

"Fly-ash bricks manufacturing units at Rajghat, IP and Badarpur power plants run by the Government are running at low capacity and are unable to meet the needs," Arora said. (PTI)

On Delhi’s platter - authentic Pakistani food!

NEW DELHI, Mar 9: Baluchistani Baluchi, Bahalwalpuri chicken, Wazirabadi fish, Lahore Shahi Kheer and Zarda. These and many more authentic Pakistani dishes are on offer at an on-going food festival here.

Around 80-85 dishes from across the border have been brought here by Pakistani Chefs Abdul Majid and Mohammad Jamil and Delhiites can taste them at the food fest at Hyatt Regency hotel.

The main attractions at the food festival, that is on from March 7 to 16, are Lahori style fried fish, Baluchistani Baluchi, Mutton Shorba and Bahawalpuri Chicken.

In dessert, Lahore Shahi Kheer, Sher Khurma and Phirni are the main dishes.

Zarda, a sweet dish comprising rice cooked in Ghee and seasoned with dry fruits and served hot is also very popular.

Also on the menu is Gajrela, a variation of our very own Gajar Ka Halva.

"The main purpose of the food festival is to give the people here a taste of authentic Pakistani food," Abdul Majid said.

The two chefs from Avari International Hotel in Lahore will also be teaching the chefs here how to prepare Pakistani food.

Everyday, in lunch and dinner, four non-vegetarian dishes and four vegetarian dishes and different types of Naan and Roti are served.

The other dishes that are being lapped up by diners are Chinoti Mutton Kuana and Peshawari Chapli Kebab from the Northwest province.

According to the Pakistani chefs, the difference between Indian and Pakistani cuisine lies in the way of cooking and the ratio of spices.

They further said the way people eat at the feasts is also different.

However, the palate was the same in the two countries, the chefs added.

The two chefs also emphasised that Pakistani food takes a lot of time cooking and the there is accent on patience.

Giving an example, they said there is a Sunday morning dish called Nihari that is made of chicken and mutton in a clay pot and is done at slow flame overnight.

Asked about the Indian dishes that are liked by Pakistani people, they rattled off names like Mumbai fried fish, Barfi, Kheer, Kaju Ka Halwa and Ras Malai.

The chefs said they would want to taste the original Mumbai fried fish during their India visit.

"We are very hungry to learn," Majid said. (PTI)

Mahatma is a true Jihadi: Sargut

NEW DELHI Mar 9: Mahatma Gandhi’s fight with his ego and subsequent victory represents the qualities of what can be termed as true Jihad according to an eminent Islamic spiritual leader from Turkey.

"Gandhi is the martyr who has performed the real Jihad. As he taught us to first fight with one’s ego and win, but never with guns," said Sheika Cemalnur Sargut, who heads the Istanbul branch of TURKKAD,the Turkish Women’s cultural Association.

Drawing comparisons between a Haji and the Mahatma, Sargut said, Mahatma Gandhi is dressed exactly like one performing Haj. Muslims wear single unstiched clothing ‘ihram’ while performing Haj. This is a proof that he is always before Allah. He teaches real Islam", she adds.

Sargut is one of the main speakers of ‘The World Council of Women Spiritual Leaders’ summit which is going on in Jaipur from March 6-10.

Women leaders cutting across faiths from over 50 countries have gathered in Jaipur to deliberate on various global issues and encourage women leadership.

The delegates from countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Sudan, Palestine, Nepal, Tibet, Japan, United States and Afghanistan among others will be present at the event.

Talking about the growing intolerance and suspicion against Muslims and rise of Islamic militancy. Sargut said that "It is unfortunate that the West is trying to project Muslims as using violence, there are lots of so called Jihadi groups in Christianity ready to kill Muslims."

Sheika Cemalnur Sargut adds, "Islam is a beautiful religion and people who really understand Islam are like diamonds. Sufism is the spectacles through which one can see both the worlds, the real and the divine."

Talking about the various misconceptions about Islam she said, "It is not easy to understand Islam, one has to live and feel it at close quarters to understand the religion."

Explaining that the concept of Jihad was much vitiated in present times Sargut who has published many books and articles on Islam said, "The Jihad, true war of Islam is Love. And where there is love there can be no question of violence and hate."

Emphasing on the need for all religions to work together for global peace and prosperity she said, Different religions are like five figures which are very unlike each other but when they come together they create something very beautiful." (PTI)