PTI - The Press Trust of India Ltd. articles from December 2004

PTI - The Press Trust of India Ltd. archives from December 2004

US to sell Pak six Phalanx anti-ship missiles.
December 1, 2004... Washington, Dec 1 (PTI) The United States is all set to deliver six Phalanx anti-ship missiles, worth USD 155 million, to Pakistan in addition to the Orion surveillance aircraft and anti-tank missiles it has agreed to sell under a 'Foreign...

Tom Ridge resigns as Homeland Security Secretary.
December 1, 2004... Washington, Dec 1 (PTI) US Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, the first head of the special anti-terror wing created in the wake of September 11 attacks, has resigned citing personal reasons. Ridge, who hogged the limelight with his...

Gartner predicts slump for computer makers.
December 1, 2004... Seema Hakhu Kachru Houston, Dec 1 (PTI) Tough times lie ahead for personnel computer manufacturers as a recent report by research firm Gartner has predicted that three of the top ten PC makers of the world may be forced to exit the market...

High-level panel proposes masterplan for UN reforms.
December 1, 2004... Dharam Shourie United Nations, Dec 1 (PTI) Setting the stage for a major overhaul of the United Nations, a high-level panel appointed by the Secretary-General has proposed the expansion of the Security Council, but rejected the idea of...

Defence coop with India crucial aspect of bilateral relations.
December 1, 2004... Moscow, Dec 1 (PTI) Terming military cooperation with India as a crucial aspect of bilateral relations, Russia has said that Moscow's defence association with New Delhi helps in maintaining stability in the region. "Military-technical...

Colder winter in Tibet may impact India.
December 1, 2004... Beijing, Dec 1 (PTI) The remote Himalayan region of Tibet is likely to face a severe winter this year due to a range of factors, including the effect of El Nino weather phenomenon, which could also affect neighbouring India. Despite...

Inhaling saltwater spray can prevent Flu, tuberculosis: study.
December 1, 2004... Washington, Dec 1 (PTI) The maxim water being the 'elixir of life' has been proved right after the US and German researchers revealed that simply inhaling a saltwater spray could help prevent the spread of diseases including Flu and...

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 1 (PTI) A 28-year-old.
December 1, 2004... autorickshaw driver has been arrested by the Peroorkada police on the charge of an alleged attempt to kidnap a 17-year-old girl here, police said. The girl, student of a city school, had boarded the vehicle for a short trip to Nanthancode...

Apology demanded for insensitive portrayal of Lord Ganesh.
December 1, 2004... London, Dec 1 (PTI) The Hindu Forum of Britain on Wednesday demanded an unconditional apology from a commercial television network ITV for its insensitive portrayal of the Lord Ganesh, a deity revered by millions of Indians. In an episode...

Bush, Martin stress common goals.
December 1, 2004... Washington, Dec 1 (PTI) Setting aside past differences over Iraq, visiting President George W Bush and Canada's Prime Minister Paul Martin stressed for the need to cooperate on common global goals and economic progress. Both Canada and the...

NRI offers to pay for restoration in Golden Temple.
December 1, 2004... H S Rao London, Dec 1 (PTI) A non-resident Indian entrepreneur on Wednesday offered to pay for the "restoration" of the 300-year-old door at the Golden Temple and opposed any move to replace it. "The door, known as Darshani Deori at...

Indian IT market is an example for rest of world: expert.
December 1, 2004... London, Dec 1 (PTI) Indian IT market is poised to grow but its leading players must work with emerging global companies and become multinationals, a leading IT specialist has said. "The challenge for Indian IT companies is to work with...

Rotary International for polio eradication in India by 2005.
December 1, 2004... Kolkata, Dec 1 (PTI) The Rotary International aims to achieve total polio eradication by 2005 and literacy for all along with water management by 2015 in India, its Director said here on Wednesday. "In 1985, Rotary made historic commitment...

World Bank announces USD 120 million loan for Indian SMEs.
December 1, 2004... T V Parasuram Washington, Dec 1 (PTI) The World Bank has approved a 120 million dollar loan to support the development of India's small and medium enterprises (SMEs) sector. The loan to Small Industries Development Bank of India is...

Donation fund for protection of UN presence in Iraq.
December 1, 2004... United Nations, Dec 1 (PTI) The Security Council has recommended to Secretary-General Kofi Annan to establish a trust fund for donations to finance a protection force for the United Nations presence in Iraq. In a letter to Annan, sent...

India gain vital 106-run lead.
December 1, 2004... Kolkata, Dec 1 (PTI) South Africa managed to capture the remaining four Indian wickets inside lunch but not before the hosts had managed to stretch their lead to 106 runs on the fourth day of the second cricket Test here Wednesday. Makhaya...

UPA govt's efforts to liberalise trade encouraging: UK.
December 1, 2004... New Delhi, Dec 1 (PTI) Entry level obstacles came in the way of stepping up British investments in India but efforts of the United Progressive Alliance government to further liberalise FDI regime, particularly in telecom, insurance and civil...

Death toll at China mine blast likely to rise to 166.
December 1, 2004... Beijing, Dec 1 (PTI) The death toll in one of the worst mine accidents in China's history is likely to shoot up to 166 with 101 miners still trapped in a coal mine in northwest China's Shaanxi province which was struck by a severe gas blast on...

UN panel recommends commission for reconstruction of countries.
December 1, 2004... United Nations, Dec 1 (PTI) A high-level panel, appointed by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, has recommended constitution of a Peace-building Commission which would ensure that reconstruction of the countries which are emerging from a conflict...

Aiyar to visit Iran to salvage LNG deal.
December 1, 2004... New Delhi, Dec 1 (PTI) Indian Petroleum Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar will visit Tehran early next week to salvage the LNG-for-oil field deal, which hit an obstacle after Iran sought a very high price for liquefied natural gas it plans to sell to...

India asks Israel, Palestine to pursue political dialogue.
December 1, 2004... United Nations, Dec 1 (PTI) India has asked Israel and Palestine to pursue the path of political dialogue to end conflict in the region and move the peace process forward. "India has maintained consistently that violence is a serious...

Kerala assembly adjourned sine die.
December 1, 2004... Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 1 (PTI) The Kerala Assembly was adjourned sine die on the opening day of the winter session Wednesday, as the government could not carry on with business, amidst the opposition protest for removal of Industries Minister...

US-based NGO to provide clean drinking water to poor in India.
December 1, 2004... New York, Dec 1 (PTI) A US-based NGO will launch an innovative programme to provide nearly 2,00,000 people in India access to clean drinking water. WaterPartners International, which works for providing clean water to developing countries,...

Bangalore boys to launch rocket.
December 1, 2004... Bangalore, Dec 1 (PTI) Two high school boys in the southern Indian city of Bangalore have developed their own rocket, which is all set for launch. The rocket 'Ebender', developed by the boys of Standard 12 of Bishop Cotton Boys School, has...

India for forward-looking economic ties with China: Surie.
December 1, 2004... Anil K Joseph Beijing, Dec 1 (PTI) India on Wednesday said it is keen to forge a "progressive and forward-looking" economic partnership with China to sustain the booming bilateral trade which is set to register a new record at 12 billion...

Both Houses pay glowing tributes to Arafat.
December 1, 2004... New Delhi, Dec 1 (PTI) Both Houses of Indian Parliament Wednesday paid glowing tributes to Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who died last month. Describing...

WHO reinstates two AIDS antiretroviral drugs.
December 1, 2004... New York, Dec 1 (PTI) The World Health Organisation is reinstating two generic AIDS antiretroviral drugs delisted earlier this year after the Indian manufacturer carried out new studies to confirm that they are as effective as their brand-name...

India, China commence 3rd meeting of JSG to expand trade ties.
December 1, 2004... Beijing, Dec 1 (PTI) As part of efforts to prepare a blueprint for enhancing bilateral trade ties, the Sino-Indian Joint Study Group (JSG) on Trade and Economic Cooperation opened a working-level meeting here Wednesday to discuss the...

Annan demands immediate release of Aung San Suu Kyi.
December 1, 2004... United Nations, Dec 1 (PTI) United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has demanded the immediate release of detained Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, whose house arrest was extended for another year by the military regime of the...

Tata to launch Indica in China.
December 1, 2004... Anil K Joseph Beijing, Dec 1 (PTI) India's largest automotive manufacturer, Tata Motors Limited Wednesday said it will launch its 1400cc Indica family car in China very soon and was closely evaluating the best options to penetrate into the...

Vajpayee, Advani hit streets against price rise.
December 1, 2004... New Delhi, Dec 1 (PTI) In a show of strength on the first day of the Winter Session of Indian Parliament, president of Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party L K Advani and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee L K Advani Wednesday took to the...

India finalises co-production treaty with Italy.
December 1, 2004... Panaji, Dec 1 (PTI) India had finalised a co-production treaty with Italy for films and had received a proposal from a US-based financial firm for underwriting of loans for Indian film makers, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Jaipal...

TAPS unit 4 will go critical by the end of December: Kakodkar.
December 1, 2004... Mumbai, Dec 1 (PTI) India's first 540 MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor at Tarapur Atomic Power Station (TAPS Unit 4) will go critical by the end of December, Atomic Energy Commission chairman Anil Kakodkar said Wednesday. The Unit 4 of...

India, Pakistan share experience in conduct of elections.
December 1, 2004... New Delhi, Dec 1 (PTI) India Wednesday shared its experience with Pakistan on the conduct of polls as the neighbouring country's Election Commission officials met their counterparts here. The two sides had a fruitful exchange of ideas on...

India-Pak Foreign Secretaries' talks put off to Dec 27-28.
December 1, 2004... K J M Varma Islamabad, Dec 1 (PTI) The two-day Foreign Secretary- level talks between India and Pakistan, scheduled to take place here on December 23-24 to start the second round of Composite Dialogue process, have been put off to December...

Demonstration against Kanchi Sankaracharya's arrest.
December 1, 2004... New York, Dec 1 (PTI) Expressing "outrage" over the arrest of Kanchi Sankaracharya Jayendra Sarswathi, several Hindu religious and political organisations and the Sikh Sangat of America held a demonstration near the Indian consulate here...

PPP accuses ISI of acting as state-within-state.
December 1, 2004... Islamabad, Dec 1 (PTI) Accusing ISI of acting as a "state within the state", Pakistan's main opposition party Pakistan People's Party has said that the intelligence agency's role in the domestic politics should be ended. Asserting that the...

India eyeing Test series win after a long time.
December 1, 2004... Sirshendu Panth Kolkata, Dec 1 (PTI) India put themselves on course for their first home series win in two years as their famed spinners exploited a wearing track to push South Africa on the mat in the decisive second cricket Test at the...

Kolkata, Dec 1 (PTI) Scoreboard on the fourth day of.
December 1, 2004... the second cricket Test between India and South Africa at the Eden Gardens here Wednesday: South Africa 1st innings: 305 India 1st innings: 411 South Africa 2nd innings: G Smith c Laxman b Harbhajan 71 A Hall c Kaarthick b...

Satellite-based Village resource centres being set up.
December 1, 2004... New Delhi, Dec 1 (PTI) The Indian Government is setting up satellite-based village resource centres in different parts of the country to make available the benefits of space technology, like tele-education and tele-medicine, to rural people....

India developing space-based air navigation.
December 1, 2004... New Delhi, Dec 1 (PTI) In an effort to enhance air navigation facility, India is developing its own space-based augmentation system 'Gagan' to implement International Civil Aviation Organisation Communication, Navigation System Air Traffic...

India, Russia to jointly launch 18 navigation satellites.
December 1, 2004... Vinay Shukla Moscow, Dec 1 (PTI) Taking their strategic partnership to space, India and Russia are set to enter into an agreement to jointly launch 18 navigation satellites to restore, develop and commercialise the ex-Soviet global...

Russia offers India strategic defence partnership.
December 1, 2004... New Delhi, Dec 1 (PTI) Russia Wednesday offered India a strategic defence partnership to develop high-tech weapon systems jointly while seeking an early conclusion of an intellectual property agreement to ensure that futuristic weapon systems...

Putin's India visit from Thursday.
December 1, 2004... New Delhi, Dec 1 (PTI) Russian President Vladimir Putin will arrive here Thursday on a three-day official visit during which Russia and India are expected to sign a number of accords on defence cooperation and other key areas to take strategic...

'Global conflicts should be resolved through dialogue'.
December 1, 2004... Kathmandu, Dec 1 (PTI) Recognising the importance of Buddhism in spreading global peace and harmony, India Wednesday said conflicts around the world should be resolved through a process of dialogue and consensus. "For world peace and...

Taj's more beautiful than me as it embodies love: Aishwariya.
December 1, 2004... Agra, Dec 1 (PTI) Film star and former Miss Universe Aishwariya Rai Wednesday released a hot air balloon near the Taj Mahal mausoleum, launching a campaign to rope in votes worldwide for including the 17th century monument of love in a list of...

China to levy anti-dumping tax on chloroform from India.
December 1, 2004... Beijing, Dec 1 (PTI) China Wednesday said it would levy anti-dumping tax on chloroform imported from India, the US, European Union and South Korea for the next five years. The final verdict issued here by the Ministry of Commerce (MOC)...

Deuba appeals to Maoists to shun violence.
December 1, 2004... Kathmandu, Dec 1 (PTI) Issuing a fresh appeal to Maoists to shun violence, Nepalese Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba Wednesday said the doors to dialogue were open for the peaceful resolution of the nine-year-long insurgency in the Himalayan...

Lankan govt rejects Tigers' demand for unconditional talks.
December 1, 2004... Colombo, Dec 1 (PTI) Sri Lankan government Wednesday rejected Tamil Tigers' demand for an unconditional resumption of talks and accused the guerrillas of using "threatening language" to undermine peace efforts. The rebel position was...

Dubai police detain Dawood aide.
December 1, 2004... New Delhi, Dec 1 (PTI) Dubai police have detained Omar Mian Bukhari, an aide of Dawood Ibrahim, following a red- corner notice issued against him by the Interpol at the instance of India, official sources said Wednesday. They said Bukhari...

Bhupathi teams up with Bjorkman for Chennai ATP.
December 1, 2004... Chennai, Dec 1 (PTI) Doubles specialist Mahesh Bhupathi has decided to pair with Jonas Bjorkman of Sweden to get the pride of place for the doubles event of the ATP Tour Chennai Open starting here on January 3. According to a press...

Israeli institute asks for investment to develop Indian market.
December 1, 2004... Jerusalem, Dec 1 (PTI) Ahead of a high-level Israeli trade delegation's visit to New Delhi, the Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute (IEAICI) has submitted a proposal to its government for an investment of USD 1.2 million...

Gagandeep makes his way to Test squad.
December 1, 2004... Kolkata, Dec 1 (PTI) Punjab speedster Gagandeep Singh was Wednesday rewarded for his consistent performance in domestic circuit with a berth in the 15-member Indian Test squad for the two-Test series against Bangladesh starting later this...

Ntini says even a target of 110 will be challenging.
December 1, 2004... Kolkata, Dec 1 (PTI) Despite having managed only a slender lead so far, South African bowler Makhaya Ntini on Wednesday sounded positive about his team's chances of a win in the decisive second Test against India, saying even a target...

Ganguly hopeful of a win in the second Test against S Africa.
December 1, 2004... Kolkata, Dec 1 (PTI) The second and final cricket Test against South Africa was interestingly poised and India would press for a win on Thursday to bag the home series, skipper Sourav Ganguly said on Wednesday. "The match is at a...

Efforts on to retain Leipus as Indian cricket team physio:Nair.
December 1, 2004... Kolkata, Dec 1 (PTI) The Indian Cricket Board on Wednesday said efforts were on to retain the services of team physiotherapist Andrew Leipus under renegotiated terms. "Discussions with Leipus on fresh terms is already on and we hope...

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister not acting out of animosity: Singhal.
December 1, 2004... Kancheepuram, Dec 1 (PTI) Vishwa Hindu Parishad President Ashok Singhal on Wednesday came out in support of Tamil Nadu state Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on the Kanchi Sankaracharya arrest issue saying she was not acting "out of animosity"...

Kerala sex scandal: Oppn steps up protest, assembly adjourned.
December 1, 2004... Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 1 (PTI) The Winter session of Kerala Assembly was abandoned on the its opening day on Wednesday as a determined LDF opposition stepped up its protest inside and outside the House seeking ousting of Industries...

Bush calls for global fight against AIDS.
December 2, 2004... Washington, Dec 2 (PTI) Terming AIDS the "greatest health crisis of our time," US President George W Bush has called for a global fight against the pandemic and stressed the need for developing new treatments and drugs. "HIV/AIDS is the...

Sharon sacks coalition partners as budget defeated in Knesset.
December 2, 2004... Harinder Mishra Jerusalem, Dec 2 (PTI) Triggering a major political crisis in Israel, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's annual budget was overwhelmingly defeated in the Parliament as a key ruling coalition partner voted against it, drawing...

US sanctions on Chinese firms for banned trade with Iran.
December 2, 2004... Washington, Dec 2 (PTI) The United States has imposed sanctions on four Chinese firms and one North Korean entity for selling items which were on the government's 'Export Control list' to Iran. "We are not going to stand by idly while...

Disaster-hit Chinese coal mine suffers two more blasts.
December 2, 2004... Beijing, Dec 2 (PTI) The gas blast-devastated coal mine in northwest China which killed 166 miners on Sunday was hit by two more explosions on Thursday but did not incur any new casualties, officials said. The blasts took place...

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 2 Kerala Assembly has.
December 2, 2004... felicitated the Agriculture Minister K R Gouri for setting a record by putting in the longest term as member of the House. Born in July 14, 1919, Gouri had broken on October 31 the record of the late P R Kurup of being the eldest member of...

South Africa all out for 222.
December 2, 2004... Kolkata, Dec 2 (PTI) South Africa set India a target of 117 after being bowled out for 222 in their second innings on the fifth and final day of the second cricket Test at the Eden Gardens here on Thursday. Brief scores: South Africa:...

Kanchi Acharya's arrest "very sad": Dalai Lama.
December 2, 2004... Bangalore, Dec 2 (PTI) The Dalai Lama on Thursday said the arrest of Kanchi Sankaracharya Jayendra Saraswathi was "very sad" but indicated the law should take its own course in the matter. "Very sad", he told reporters here in response to a...

It's in our own interest to remain in China: Dalai Lama.
December 2, 2004... Bangalore, Dec 2 (PTI) The Dalai Lama on Thursday said it was in the interest of Tibet to remain in China especially from the perspective of economic development and reiterated that he was only seeking "genuine autonomy for his country and not...

Khokhrapar-Munnabao rail link talks begin.
December 2, 2004... Islamabad, Dec 2 (PTI) Top railway officials of India and Pakistan on Thursday began talks here to finalise arrangements for the train service between Khokhrapar in southern Sindh province and Munnabao in Rajasthan. A seven-member Indian...

Pak made eco recovery but no major reduction in poverty: IMF.
December 2, 2004... Washington, Dec 2 (PTI) The International Monetary Fund has said Pakistan has made economic recovery but social indicators continued to remain weak which hampered significant and lasting reduction in poverty. The Executive Board of the IMF...

UN member states, staff reject call for Annan's resignation.
December 2, 2004... Dharam Shourie United Nations, Dec 2 (PTI) UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, under attack from a US right-wing republican, who demanded that he step down in connection with allegations of corruption in the now defunct 'oil-for-food'...

Dalai Lama hopes China will reconsider Delek's execution.
December 2, 2004... Bangalore, Dec 2 (PTI) Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, hoped that China will reconsider its decision to execute Buddhist leader Tulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, accused of bomb blasts in the Chengdu region. "I hope that as in...

Pilgrims begin gathering in B'desh for Muslim meet.
December 2, 2004... Tongi, Dec 2 (PTI) About four million pilgrims from more than 60 countries, including those from India, are expected to converge on this Bangladesh industrial town for the World Muslim Congregation, the largest annual Islamic meet next to the...

India rely on spin trick to clinch series win.
December 2, 2004... Sirshendu Panth Kolkata, Dec 2 (PTI) India relied on their spin card Harbhajan Singh's guiles to clinch their first home series win in two years with a facile eight-wicket victory over South Africa in the second cricket Test here Thursday....

Kolkata, Dec 2 (PTI) Scoreboard on the fifth and final.
December 2, 2004... day of the second cricket Test between India and South Africa at the Eden Gardens here Thursday: South Africa 1st innings: 305 India 1st innings: 411 South Africa 2nd Innings: G Smith c Laxman b Harbhajan 71 A Hall c Kaarthick b...

Talks only in an atmosphere free from terror: India to Pak.
December 2, 2004... New Delhi, Dec 2 (PTI) India has conveyed to Pakistan that a sustained and productive dialogue between the two countries requires an atmosphere free of terrorism and violence. Junior federal minister for External Affairs E Ahamed said in...

India concerned over Maoist activities in Nepal.
December 2, 2004... New Delhi, Dec 2 (PTI) India Thursday said it was concerned over the upsurge in Maoist activities in Nepal and was in touch with the Nepalese government to prevent a spill over of their activities into India. "The government is gravely...

Tamil Tigers enforce strike in northern Sri Lanka town.
December 2, 2004... Colombo, Dec 2 (PTI) Tamil Tiger rebels enforced a strike in a northern Sri Lankan town disrupting normal life with shops and offices remaining closed, officials said. The strike in Vavuniaya town was organised to protest disruptions to...

Elite opinion in India, Pak for LoC as border: Talbott.
December 2, 2004... Washington, Dec 1 (PTI) A critical mass of "elite opinion" in both India and Pakistan favour making Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir an international boundary, according to former US Undersecretary of State Strobe Talbott. Talbott, now...

First Pakistani movie to be released in eight Indian cities.
December 2, 2004... Mumbai, Dec 2 (PTI) `Khamosh Pani', a Pakistani film based on the Partition of India in 1947, will be released Friday in eight Indian cities to be the first from the neighbouring country screened in this country. The film has been screened...

Pulse of development beats in rural India: Kurien.
December 2, 2004... Panaji, Dec 2 (PTI) Rural India is where the pulse of life and development beats, according to Anup Kurien, director of critically acclaimed film `Manasarovar'. The film, which opened the panorama section at the International Film Festival...

Wildlife film festival in city from December 4.
December 2, 2004... Mumbai, Dec 2 (PTI) India's diverse flora and fauna, vis-a-vis effects of pollution, would be showcased during an exclusive enviornment and wildlife film festival 'Vatavaran Travels 2004' in the city from December 4 to 7. The festival is...

Talks on Baglihar could be held later this month: India to Pak.
December 2, 2004... Islamabad, Dec 2 (PTI) India has offered to hold Secretary-level talks with Pakistan later this month to discuss Islamabad's objection over the construction of the Baglihar hydro-electric dam over Chenab river in Jammu and Kashmir. Indian...

Amitabh inaugurates retrospective section of Yash Johar.
December 2, 2004... Panaji, Dec 2 (PTI) Superstar Amitabh Bachchan Thursday inaugurated the retrospective section devoted to the late film producer Yash Johar at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) here. Describing Yash Johar as a "great human...

Laxman, Kumble rested for Bangla ODI series.
December 2, 2004... Kolkata, Dec 2 (PTI) The national selectors Thursday rested stylish batsman V V S Laxman and leg-spinner Anil Kumble and named two uncapped youngsters in the Indian squad for the three One-Day Internationals against Bangladesh this month. ...

Bhopal residents recount horrors of 1984.
December 2, 2004... Bhopal, Dec 2 (PTI) Residents of this central Indian city recounted in rallies and seminars the horrors let loose in one of the country's major eco-disaster this day twenty years ago when toxic gas leaked from multinational Union Carbide...