Lightning kills 18 in eastern India

PATNA: At least 18 people including six children were killed after they were struck by lightning in the east Indian state of Bihar, officials said on Monday. Around 30 people were struck overnight by bolts of lightning across Bihar, and those that were injured were receiving treatment in hospital, State Disaster Management Minister Devesh Chand Thakur said. “The children were playing in the pre-monsoon showers when lightning struck them,” Thakur told AFP from the state capital Patna. Torrential rains accompanied by strong winds uprooted trees, damaged houses and brought down power cables across the impoverished state on Sunday night, he said.

Orix Leasing’s merger with Orix Bank approved, Orix Leasing Pakistan Ltd (OLP)

KARACHI: The extraordinary general meeting of Orix Leasing Pakistan Ltd (OLP) has approved the scheme amalgamation of Orix Investment Bank Pakistan (OIB) with and into OLP.According to a communique despatched to Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) on Monday, the scheme was approved by the majority in number representing two-thirds in value of shareholders.About 99.98 per cent of shareholders voted in favour of amalgamation subject to the completion of all formalities and sanction of the scheme by SECP. It may be noted that the board of directors of OLP had proposed the swap ratio of 43:1, whereby one ordinary share of Rs10 each of OLP will be allotted against 43 shares of OIB.

EU and Turkey still talking membership

ISTANBUL: Early in the last century, after an empire’s fall, the founder of Turkey set his new nation on a westward course. For Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Europe was worthy of a pedestal, a model of how to be modern. The vision of the former army officer leaped forward in 2005, when reform-minded Turkey began accession talks with the European Union. But the mood soured. While neither side says the process is dead, few question that Turkey’s goal of joining Europe’s club is in deep trouble. On Tuesday, EU and Turkish envoys restart talks in a process that sometimes seems hollow and adrift. The dry give-and-take in conference halls in Brussels masks bigger issues about Europe and diversity, Islam and democracy, and ties between modern and developing nations. Turkey’s enthusiasm for European Union membership has eroded under internal tension, European skepticism and a dispute over divided Cyprus, an EU member. Key European leaders, in turn, fear an influx of migrants, worry about human rights and wonder about admitting a huge Muslim nation into a 27-nation bloc that has struggled to integrate its own Muslim minorities. “We need to aim to achieve more progress this year in our relations,’’ Ollie Rehn, the EU commissioner handling Turkey’s bid, told visiting Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. “We know our responsibilities,’’ Davutoglu said, though he insisted that the EU at least help find a ``comprehensive settlement’’ for Cyprus, where Turkish troops are based in the Turkish Cypriot north, a legacy of a 1974 invasion after a coup attempt by backers of union with Greece. Turkey still fumes over the EU’s 2004 decision to bring Greek Cypriots into the EU, leaving Turkish Cypriots outside even though they - unlike the ethnic Greek side - voted for reunification. In all, the accession talks cover 35 different areas, or “chapters.’’ Of these, only 10 have been opened in the last four years. Of the 25 that have yet to be opened, eight face a veto from EU member Greece because of the Turkish troops in north Cyprus. “Turkey and the European Union have to stop wasting time on the path to membership to the Union and use this time in a much more productive way,’’ Turkey’s prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said Friday in Brussels. Erdogan dismissed a vaguely defined idea, now circulating in some European circles, of a “privileged partnership’’ that would give Turkey some rights, but deny it full EU status. Turkey, a Nato member, is already involved in many European institutions. “We expect Europe to keep its promises,’’ said Erdogan, whose Islamic-oriented government has done as much or more than many of its predecessors to move Turkey, once a chaotic place prone to military coups, closer to Western-style norms. Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, whose country assumes the EU presidency this year, has said Turkey’s membership negotiations are strategically vital for Europe. Still, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel are among the powerful players who oppose full accession. Their opposition has contributed to distraction and anger toward the EU among the Turkish public, though the delicate political balance within the country has also stalled progress. Turkey’s government, locked in a power struggle with military-backed secular elites, seeks to avoid a nationalist backlash if it pushes EU reforms too quickly. Early progress was made, and most recently, parliament passed an amendment Friday that allows the prosecution of military personnel in civilian courts, not military ones, during peacetime. This year, Turkey launched a Kurdish-language TV station on behalf of the long-suffering minority. This weekend, Culture Minister Ertugrul Gunay said Turkey would likely meet a key EU demand by opening Halki, a Greek Orthodox seminary near Istanbul. But obstacles abound. Turkey’s mostly Kurdish southeast remains largely a no-go area for investors, and Kurdish rebels operate there. Turkey has yet to reform its constitution - crafted after a 1980 military coup - inline with EU demands for stronger civilian institutions. A law that bars insults to Turkish identity and has been used to prosecute intellectuals still exists. Turkey has refused to trade with Greek-run southern Cyprus. Erdogan has faced accusations that he is interested in imposing religious values as well as Western-style ones, forcing him to fend off political and legal threats to his mandate. But in dealing with Europe, Turkey has a newfound sense of leverage in an emerging role as a regional player, and a transit point for energy supplies heading west. It has improved ties with Greece, Syria, Russia and Black Sea and Arab neighbors, and mediated between Israel and Syria. Erdogan’s harsh criticism of Israel during its war in Gaza heightened Turkey’s stature at a time when the West’s reaction seemed tepid to many people around the world. Hugh Pope, Turkey/Cyprus project director for the International Crisis Group, said the impact of politics in Europe, notably right-wing gains in recent elections, has tainted debate over Turkey’s EU bid. “Politicians and commentators present the accession talks as if a poorer, over-populated Turkey was about to join tomorrow,’’ Pope wrote in an analysis. “In fact, the process will take a decade or even two, by which time the relative positions of fast-growing Turkey and a more stagnant Europe will doubtless be much changed.’’

Saudi anti-smoking campaign targets young grooms

RIYADH: The catchy slogan, “Kicking the habit is on you, and marriage is on us,” is meant to entice young grooms to give up smoking by offering an attractive incentive. And, indeed, hundreds have expressed interest in the first anti-smoking drive of its kind in the kingdom, with one man saying he is ready to take up smoking just to be eligible for the grand prize an all-expenses-paid wedding. In much of the Arab world, the groom alone bears the cost of getting married, including an expensive party, a dowry and a fully furnished house. Men often put off marriage until they’ve saved enough money to take a bride. Several commentators have complained that the campaign is turning women into a commodity, but organisers have taken the criticism in stride, saying they’re thrilled to get people talking about the dangers of smoking. About one quarter of Saudi Arabia’s 27.6 million residents indulge. Since June 20, banners have gone up on overpasses and bridges over the Saudi capital’s major highways, depicting the campaign slogan in pink and reddish brown. Next to it are the faceless outlines of a bride, dressed in white and carrying a bouquet of flowers, and of a man wearing a black, ceremonial cloak over his white thobe, the traditional robe Saudi men wear. The quit-smoking-drive is also being advertised in malls, at universities and in magazines. The organiser, a local charity called Purity, stipulates that the marriage is the man’s first and that he has a recent marriage contract. In Islam, the contract is usually signed before a couple moves in together. A draw on Aug 6 will include the names of the men who successfully quit smoking in a weeklong course. The winner will have all wedding expenses paid while 20 runners-up will get free furniture. Sulaiman al-Soby, secretary general of Purity, said the aim is to create a smoke-free family. One-third of Saudi school children live in homes with smokers, according to a 2007 health survey.Al-Soby said he expects thousands to take part in the campaign, which only covers the capital Riyadh, a metropolis of 5 million. Ali al-Abdullah, originally from Yemen, said he wouldn’t have attempted to quit without the new incentive. The 22-year-old, who is engaged to his cousin, smokes a pack-and-a-half a day, “two when I have problems.” Salem al-Majdali, a spokesman for the charity, said hundreds of men have already applied or called to get more information. One was the nonsmoker who wanted to take up smoking. Another wanted to know if the charity also provides the bride. ”’Do we get to choose from a bride lineup?’” al-Majdali said, quoting the caller. Across the Arab world, economic barriers to getting married have prompted charities to jump in. From Gaza to Syria, Islamic groups have arranged mass weddings, to cut down on costs. In Egypt, an Islamic charity affiliated with the ruling party and a pro-government newspaper have provided furniture and appliances to young couples, in addition to collective parties. In Saudi Arabia, the anti-smoking drive has also attracted criticism. Some have rejected the link between smoking and what they consider a holy union. Others wanted to know how Purity could start the campaign without the religious blessings of clerics. Columnist Maha al-Hujailan said the concept is sexist. “The campaign stems from an idea directed at male smokers: ‘Give up having fun with a cigarette and take a woman instead,’” she wrote in the Al-Watan newspaper on Sunday. Another commentator, Suzan al-Mashhady, noted that Arabs have criticised the West for using women to promote merchandise. “Today, we’re using ... the same two-in-one method adopted by a hair product that promises to clean the hair and condition it at the same time,” she wrote in the Al-Hayat newspaper. Al-Majdali said many have misunderstood the slogan. “Did we say we’re offering a woman?” he said.” In any case, the fact that people are discussing the campaign means we have fulfilled our goal of spreading the word about it,” he added.

Swine flu fears hit All England Club

LONDON: Some staff members at the Wimbledon tennis championships have reported “flu-like” symptoms but the competition will continue “as normal”, organisers said on Monday.Ian Ritchie, the chief executive of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, which runs the annual grand slam in southwest London, sent a message to staff to inform them of the situation.Club sources told AFP that a handful of ball boys and ball girls were affected but nobody had been confirmed as having contracted the A(H1N1) virus. More than 4,300 swine flu cases have been diagnosed in Britain.

Facebook looking to buy Twitter – FT

Social networking company Facebook recently held acquisition talks with Twitter, the micro-blogging company. The negotiations put a valuation of as much as dollar 500 million on Twitter, which has become one of Silicon Valley's most closely watched start-ups. Facebook offered to pay for the acquisition in stock.

Putting a value on Twitter's shares proved controversial. If it used the dollar 15 billion valuation at which Microsoft Corp bought a stake in Facebook last year, it would have valued the Twitter purchase at dollar 500 million, though that investment was seen as a high-water mark for Web 2.0.

Online fraudsters steal billions

All the criminals are happy to work together to steal money from credit cards and bank accounts. This is because card numbers stolen in one country can only be 'cashed out' in their home nation - necessitating contact across borders
Hi-tech thieves who specialise in card fraud have a credit line in excess of $5bn, research suggests.
Security firm Symantec calculated the figure to quantify the scale of fraud it found during a year-long look at the net's underground economy.
Credit card numbers are the most popular item on sale and made up 31 percent of all the goods on offer.
Coming in second are bank details which made up 20 percent of the items being offered on criminal chat channels.
The $5.3bn figure was reached by multiplying the average amount of fraud perpetrated on a stolen card, $350 by the many millions Symantec observed being offered for sale.
Similarly, the report said, "if hi-tech thieves plundered all the bank accounts offered for sale they could net up to $1.7bn."

Symantec said, "these figures are indicative of the value of the underground economy and the potential worth of the market."
"Credit card numbers have proved so popular among hi-tech thieves because they are easy to obtain and use for fraudulent purposes," it added.
Many of the methods favoured by cyber criminals, such as database attacks and magnetic strip skimmers, are designed to steal credit card information.
The existence of a ready market for any stolen data and the growing use of credit cards also helped maintain their popularity, it said.
"High frequency use and the range of available methods for capturing credit card data would generate more opportunities for theft and compromise and, thus, lead to an increased supply on underground economy servers," said the report.
The price card thieves can expect for the numbers they offer for sale also varied by the country of origin. US card numbers are the cheapest because they are so ubiquitous – 74 percent of all cards offered for sale were from the US.
By contrast numbers from cards issued in Europe and the Middle East commanded a premium because they were relatively rare.
The year-long look at the underground economy confirmed to Symantec how serious and organised cyber thieves have become.
Via the covert chat channels and invitation-only discussion forums hi-tech thieves form loose alliances, contact those who specialise in one technique or find individuals who can extract cash from particular credit cards .
Russian and Eastern European gangs seem to be among the most well-organised, said the report. But, it said, all the criminals are happy to work together to steal money from credit cards and bank accounts. This is because card numbers stolen in one country can only be 'cashed out' in their home nation - necessitating contact across borders.
"Symantec research indicates that there is a certain amount of collaboration and organisation occurring on these forums, especially at the administrative level," it said.
"Moreover, considerable evidence exists that organised crime is involved in many cases."

Army facing tough choice after NWA ambush

PESHAWAR: The Army high command is required to make a tough choice whether to extend its military operation from South Waziristan to North Waziristan following the provocative attack by the Taliban militants on a military convoy in North Waziristan’s Madakhel area on Sunday despite the existence of a peace accord.The priority for now is South Waziristan where the military campaign against the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) head Baitullah Mehsud is gaining momentum. Opening a new front when the armed forces are fighting on a number of fronts including Swat, Buner, Dir Lower, Bajaur, Mohmand, Darra Adamkhel, Orakzai and South Waziristan would over-stretch the military and mix-up its priorities. But the military cannot ignore the deadly ambush on the 250-member convoy in which a significant number of soldiers were killed and injured. A senior government official said such attacks could demoralise the troops if punitive measures aren’t undertaken.This wasn’t the first time that the security forces were targeted by the Hafiz Gul Bahadur-led militants or the peace accord was violated in North Waziristan. There have been quite a few such incidents during the past month or so. There were attacks on military convoys with improvised explosive devices (IEDs), including two last Friday on the Miramshah-Mir Ali road in which four soldiers were killed, and the students of Cadet College, Razmak, located in North Waziristan, were kidnapped by Baitullah’s men in the limits of Frontier Region (FR) Bannu, an area that Hafiz Gul Bahadur considers as part of his tribal fiefdom. There have been suspicions that militants loyal to Hafiz Gul Bahadur cooperated with Baitullah’s fighters while kidnapping the Razmak college cadets and their teachers.But the ambush against the military convoy in Madakhel area on Sunday was both unexpected and provocative. Though the Taliban spokesman Ahmadullah Ahmadi claimed that 60 troops were killed and 15 military vehicles were destroyed in the attack, the Pakistan Army spokesman Maj Gen Athar Abbas conceded the loss of 12 soldiers only. Official sources in Peshawar and Miramshah estimated that the number of soldiers who lost their lives in the ambush was 40 or even more. Among the dead was a colonel, a major and a captain. The sources said the attackers also seized vehicles and arms and ammunition.The ambush was carried out in a narrow gorge that isn’t much different than the Shaoor Tangi, the famous gorge in South Waziristan where freedom-fighters often ambushed British forces and other invaders in the past. People with knowledge of Madakhel area wondered why adequate measures weren’t taken when the military convoy was passing through that treacherous gorge. It isn’t clear if helicopters were in place to provide air cover to the convoy at a time when it was vulnerable to an ambush.More intriguing are reports that intercepts of the militants communicating with each other had been heard three days before the ambush in which they talked about starting attacks against the security forces without formally scrapping their peace accord with the government in North Waziristan. If true, it is strange that even then proper security measures weren’t made for military convoys in the dangerous parts of North Waziristan. Also worth recalling is another such incident in June in which an army rescue party sent to help a military convoy under attack itself was ambushed shortly before sunset while returning to Shakai in South Waziristan. It was felt the rescue party shouldn’t have undertaken the return journey at such inopportune time in an area infested with militants. As a consequence, the rescue party suffered avoidable casualties.It is clear that the peace accord in North Waziristan is finished even if there has been no formal announcement by the militants and the government that it has been scrapped. The Hafiz Gul Bahadur-led Taliban Shura has already issued threats to tribal elders and others to stop interacting with government functionaries and avoid holding jirgas to settle disputes. Aware of the consequences, only one tribal elder, Malik Gulabat Khan, dared to attend the jirga with North Waziristan’s political agent on Monday. Others who came to the jirga, convened to discuss Sunday ambush against the military convoy, were clerics. The clerics’ loyalties, out of necessity, fear or religious affiliation would be with the militants.Though Hafiz Gul Bahadur was angry with the military for carrying out operation against his militant allies in FR Bannu, his spokesman Ahmadi mentioned the continued US drone attacks as the reason for the Taliban ambush on the Pakistan Army convoy in Madakhel area on Sunday. It was thus obvious that the confrontation between the militants and the military in North Waziristan would escalate because the US is unlikely to give up its policy of using drones to target militants’ positions.

Qadiyani Jamaat lauds its late officers

LAHORE: A Qadiyani major of the Pakistan Army and a Qadiyani ASI of Lahore police died in the military operation in Bajaur Agency and the terrorist attack at the ISI office in Lahore respectively, said a press release issued by the Anjuman-e-Ahmadiyya Rabwah here Monday. The press release said that Major Afzaal Ahmad laid down his life in Bajaur on June 19, while ASI Ghulam Mustafa was killed on May 27 in the terrorist attack on the Rescue 15 building. The press release said that the Anjuman-e-Ahmadiyya had also donated a sum of Rs 5 million to the government’s relief fund for the IDPs.

TURKEY UPGRADE F-16 AIRCRAFT IN PAKISTAN

ANKARA: A Turkish company will upgrade 42 F-16 aircraft of Pakistan Air Force. The upgradation work will be undertaken from October 2010, sources in the Turkish company said. The total cost of the project is $75 million. The Turkish company had earlier performed up-gradation of Jordanís F-16 planes.

India says soldier killed in LoC firing

SRINAGAR: An Indian soldier was killed in cross-border firing in Kashmir, an Indian security official said on Monday, though Pakistan denied any violation of a six-year-old ceasefire in the disputed region.It was not clear whether the firing on Sunday night was from separatist militants trying to sneak into held Kashmir or from Pakistani troops. “A soldier fell to bullets fired from across the Line of Control late on Sunday,” an Indian army official, who did not wish to be identified, said. The shooting took place in the Poonch sector of south Kashmir. A Pakistani military official denied any violation from the Pakistani side. “It’s a wrong allegation,” said the Pakistani official, who declined to be identified.

Curfew imposed in Baramulla

OCCUPIED SRINAGAR: A strict curfew was imposed in Barmulla town in held Kashmir on Monday after two persons were killed when police fired at thousands of people protesting against alleged harassment by security forces.The curfew was ordered after thousands of residents angered by the death of a 19-year-old protester earlier in the day started attacking government vehicles and offices. The situation worsened after a second protester died in hospital an hour after he was shot, police said.“We have imposed a strict curfew in Baramulla town,” Deputy Commissioner Latief-u-Zaman Deva told reporters. The paramilitary troops were patrolling the town’s streets, but demonstrations continued in one neighbourhood to mourn and protest the death of the two young protesters.The pair died during earlier protests over the alleged harassment of a Muslim woman at a police station when she was filing a complaint, an accusation the police deny. Thousands of Muslims had taken to the streets of Baramulla. A police officer confirmed the two died in the gunfire and said 24 others were injured, three of them by bullets.

13 militants, seven civilians killed in Khyber

LANDIKOTAL/BARA: Security forces on Monday claimed to have killed at least 13 suspected militants in attacks on their hideouts in Bazaar Zakhakhel area of Landikotal, Khyber Agency, while seven members of a family were killed and four others injured when an artillery shell struck a Hujra in Sra Shaga area in Jamrud Tehsil.Security forces shelled the suspected militant hideouts in Kobikhel area of Bazaar Zakhakhel, FC sources said. At least 13 militants were killed and few others were injured, the FC sources claimed but without giving the names of the dead militants.Independent sources said three of the slain persons were guests. The villagers at Kobikhel denied the presence of the militants in the area and said that all the slain persons were local residents.Meanwhile, acting on a tip-off, security forces shelled the suspected hideouts of the militants in the mountainous Chora area with artillery from Forte Slope Camp in Bara Tehsil. One of the shells hit the house of Aqal Jan in Sra Shaga area, killing seven persons, including three children, and injuring four others of his family.The dead included head of the family Aqal Jan, his three cousins Didar Khan, Minat Khan, Sifat Khan and three children, whose names could not be ascertained. Four other members of the family were also seriously injured in the incident.Soon after the incident, the people of the nearby area rushed to the spot and retrieved the bodies and injured from the rubbles. The injured persons were rushed to the nearby hospital where their condition was stated to be critical.Official sources said that the Chora area was shelled as security forces had credible information about the presence of militants in the area. They said that a total of 12 artillery shells were fired that landed in different places in Chora and one hit the Hujra of Aqal Jan in Sra Shaga area.

Zero supply from Mangla worsens power crisis

ISLAMABAD:

The power crisis was aggravated on Monday with a shortfall of 3,650 megawatts in the national grid, leaving the people helpless.

As the people staged demonstrations across the country against the power shortage, authorities claimed that they would be able to control the situation within a couple of days, though the Mangla Dam had developed serious faults, bringing power generation to nil.

Mangla’s zero contribution resulted in a 22.427 per cent power shortage, with an immediate impact of five and a half hours daily loadshedding, if calculated in average, irrespective of the discrimination being meted out to rural areas.

Official sources in the Water and Power Ministry told this correspondent that the Mangla Dam had been generating 1,100 MW of power, almost in full capacity. “We have been informed that there are technical faults at Mangla despite the fact that it has enough water discharges as well as water storage to generate power,” the sources said.

Pakistan’s requirement stands at 16,275 MW, whereas it received 12,625 MW though almost 150,000 cusec water is being discharged from the Tarbela Dam to generate power up to its maximum electricity generation capacity.

The Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda), having operation command, is responsible for the safety of the existing water dams and the Pakistan Electric Power Company (Pepco) is supposed to manage the electricity, whether from water or thermal means.The fault at the Mangla Dam had not been removed till the filing of this report.

The dam has 1,363 feet storage against its dead level of 1,040 feet, with 53,000 cusecs inflow and 40,000 cusecs outflow.When approached, Pepco Managing Director Tahir Basharat Cheema said: “The Water and Power Development Authority expects enhanced electricity generation from Tarbela and through provision of gas supply to thermal units.

We expect 500 MW from Tarbela and another such quantum from thermal, with an increase in gas provision.”When asked about the responsibility of breakdown of Mangla power, he said Wapda and Pepco authorities were engaged in ensuring power supply from the same source. He, however, admitted that the deficit of 1,100 MW power, which was available from Mangla, had worsened the overall shortage situation considerably.“We are trying to manage this shortfall from thermal generation as well as to increase availability from Tarbela,” he said. “We are getting 2,000 MW from Tarbela, which will increase as the water flows in it have increased substantially,” Cheema said.He said the government would overcome the electricity shortage by December 2009, as repeatedly announced by Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervaiz Ashraf. “We have projects in the pipeline to ensure fulfilment of the promise,” Cheema said.Umer Bhatti adds from Lahore: People marched in protest here on Monday against long and frequent power outages, lambasting the Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) for its “highly inefficient” service.Be it a domestic consumer or a commercial or industrial one, everyone protested against Lesco and its subdivisions, demanding that loadshedding be stopped.

Apart from the loadshedding, the people are facing low voltage, melting of electricity wires, non-functioning metres and overloaded transformers, causing power breakdowns.Several demonstrations were staged here, in which people complained that the Lesco management had failed to solve their problems.

The added that their problems had aggravated after the establishment of distribution companies (Discos).They said corruption was rampant in Wapda and the establishment of those Discos had provided more room for corruption. The major demonstration was staged by traders, who blocked The Mall on Monday.Besides, there were demonstrations at Dharam Pura, Imamia Colony and Shahadra. The biggest of them was staged at Garhi Shahu, where demonstrators blocked the Allama Iqbal Road for three hours on Sunday night.The demonstrators complained that the loadshedding was not uniform.

They said there were no power outages at the DHA and in the areas having the residences of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Lesco Chief Executive Officer M Akram Arain.They said when they called at the complaint cell at the residence of the Lesco CEO, no one attended their call. This scribe also made several attempts to contact the Lesco CEO, but failed.The Anjuman-e-Tajiran complained that Akram Arain never received their calls and they felt frustrated when the authorities ignored them.

They said their economic condition was miserable.The people demanded of the government to revamp the Lesco management on war footing. A person from Sant Nagar told The News that there was no light at his place from midnight to 4 am on Sunday. He said power was again discontinued at 4:10 am up to 7 am.He said his family, including his 75-year-old ailing father, stayed restless during the time. A woman from Allama Iqbal Town said an intense summer, coupled with the worst loadshedding, had turned them into psycho. What was more, she said, that there was no schedule for the loadshedding.A person from the Cantonment area said that after power outage at his house from 4 am to 9 am on Monday morning, he could not attend his office because of the restlessness he suffered during the sleep.In some cases, the people said they were experiencing power outages after every 20 minutes.

A New Samanabad resident said the transformer in his area was bearing the load of three transformers.He accused Lesco and its subdivisions of corruption, and said they were not installing new transformers though they were available with them. He also complained of low voltage, much to the damage of his home appliances.The loadshedding was at its peak on Sunday midnight after all the machines at the Mangla Power Plant went out of order. Wapda authorities said the problem occurred as a power cable was damaged around 11 pm. The Mangla machines were not repaired till Monday night.A loadshedding expert told The News that power outages were far more than it should be, given the shortfall, which was normally around 2,500 MW. He said the loadshedding duration should have been around four to five hours. Meanwhile, demonstrations were also staged in Faisalabad against loadshedding.Our Dera Ghazi Khan correspondent adds: Unannounced and long loadshedding triggered protests in various localities here on Monday.

Traders and domestic consumers blocked the Quaid-i-Azam Road near the Golai Committee and burnt tyres. They also chanted slogans against Wapda.Meanwhile, a large number of shopkeepers blocked the Pir Qatal Road near the Fawwara Chowk. They were carrying banners and placards inscribed with demand for an end to power crisis.The protesters took out a rally, which started from the Ghanta Ghar Chowk and culminated at the Kalma Chowk, where the protesters chanted slogans against Wapda for their alleged discrimination against the Dera Ghazi Khan district.Consumers said despite an extraordinary spell of heat, electricity was suspended five to 10 times a day, making lives of the people miserable and bringing business activities at a standstill.The consumers said they were not getting electricity for three consecutive hours during 24 hours. They said power had been suspended from midnight to 2:30 am and again from 4 am to 5 am on Sunday and Monday.

They said the Wapda authorities again suspended power from 6 am to 8 am, from 10 am to 11 am and then from 12 noon to 1 pm on Monday. They said it was irritating for the domestic and commercial consumers when just after half an hour, power had disrupted again from 1:30 pm to 4 pm on Monday.“In addition, power is repeatedly suspended after every 5-10 minutes when the supply is restored,” they added. Meanwhile, The Jewellers Association has announced it will set up a camp against Wapda from Tuesday (today).With an increase in the power crisis, rural consumers were facing the worst-ever loadshedding, ranging between 18 to 24 hours, while about 16-18 hours shutdown was being observed in urban areas. Traders, students, children, and aged men and women were the worst sufferers.The government departments have purchased heavy power generators. The unrest and sleeplessness was the most common feature the consumers were observing. In Rajanpur and Dera Ghazi Khan, power supply had been suspended for three consecutive hours for the last 10 days.

The Dera Ghazi Khan Mepco deputy manager did not respond to repeated calls made by this correspondent.Our Gujranwala correspondent adds: People from different walks of life staged demonstrations against electricity loadshedding here on Monday.Talking to newsmen, they said they were facing several problems due to unscheduled loadshedding in the district. They said loadshedding in the summer had made their lives miserable.Meanwhile, the Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce and Industry office-bearers said loadshedding was affecting trade activities in the district. They urged President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the industrial sector, otherwise, it would totally collapse.Meanwhile, Gujranwala Electric Power Company (Gepco) Chief Executive Officer Ibrahim Majoka, in a statement, said a major fault had developed in the Mangla Power House that caused electricity suspension to the Gakhar grid station.He said the Gepco officials connected the Gakhar grid station with the Kala Shah Kaku grid station and restored power supply. He said work was under way to rectify the fault at the Mangla Power House. Our Bahawalpur correspondent adds: People took out rallies against 22-hour loadshedding in Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan districts on Monday.

In Donga Bonga, people staged a demonstration near the general bus stand and later, blocked traffic on the Donga Bonga-Bahawalnagar Road for several hours. They said they were facing various problems due to loadshedding.Our Hafizabad correspondent adds: Hundreds of people staged a demonstration against 20-hour unscheduled loadshedding here on Monday.Carrying banners and placards, they chanted slogans against Wapda.

Meanwhile, Labour Union President Muhammad Zaman Ansari said the loadshedding was forcing power-loom owners to close their units, rendering thousands of labourers jobless.

India Knocked Out of World Twenty 20 Cricket

India, who were taking part in the World Twenty20 Cup 2009 as defending champions and were being considered hot favourites for retaining the title, bowed out of this mega event after they lost to England by three runs on Sunday to record consecutive losses in the Super 8 stage of the tournament in England.Pakistan were runners-up to their bitter rivals India at the 2007 World Twenty20 tournament. This time, cricket lovers cannot see them contest again for the title as Indians have been knocked out of the tournament.How do you see India’s fall and what will be the impact on Indian cricket?

Celebrations in Indian Kasmir after Pakistan Win

Celebrations in Indian Kashmir after Pakistan win
SRINAGAR: Residents in Indian-ruled Kashmir Sunday fired crackers in the region's main city after Pakistan beat Sri Lanka to win the World Twenty20 championship, witnesses said.Srinagar -- the Kashmiri summer capital -- erupted in celebration after Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by eight wickets and as scores of Kashmiri youth poured on to the streets and lit firecrackers.The youths also chanted pro-Pakistan and pro-freedom slogans as Indian aramilitary troops stayed in their bunkers, witnesses said.Thousands of Kashmiris, including women and children, were glued to their televisions sets to watch the tense final."It is a great victory and one day I hope we will merge with Pakistan," said a die-hard Pakistani cricket fan, Mohammed Yaseen.Residents in Muslim-majority Kashmir valley traditionally support Pakistan in sports events.

PTCL gives award to Cricket Team

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tele-Communication (PTCL) has awarded cash prizes of Rs 3 million to the victorious Pakistan team of the World Twenty20 Cup.President and chief executive officer PTCL Waleed Irshad distributed cheques among the players.Captain Younis Khan and allrounder Shahid Afridi were given Rs 0.5 million each while Rs 2 million were distributed among the rest of the team.Waleed Irshad said on this occasion that the Pakistan cricket team has achieved a great honour for the nation by winning the World Cup and the team deserves encouragement.

National Bank of Pakistan rewards its World Cup Heroes

NBP rewards its World Cup heroes
KARACHI: National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) on Friday rewarded its employed players who were a part of World T20 Championship winning squad here at its head office. President NBP Syed Ali Reza gave one million rupees each to wicketkeeper-atsman Kamran Akmal and pacer Mohammad Aamer. While, opener Salman Butt and Fawad Alam bagged Rs500,000 each. “The T20 World Cup win is more significant than Pakistan’s win at the ’91 World Cup, considering the circumstances in the country today,” Ali Reza said at the occasion. “Our team’s victory is a unique gift to the nation, whose spirits have been boosted. I hope this victory will inspire the youth of our country to take special interest in sports and further spur this industry on to further heights.” Ali Reza also announced the confirmation of a hundred players who represent NBP in various sports.

Player to donate part of earning to swat victims

KARACHI: Pakistan captain Younis Khan said on Friday that he and his team-mates will donate a fair share of their World Twenty20 earnings to the victims of the turmoil in Swat. “We will give a percentage of our prize money to the victims of Swat. We will all sit down and decide how much to be given and we will give it personally to the affected people,” Younis told reporters. Habib Bank Limited (HBL) hosted a reception in honour of its employed players who were a part of World T20 Cup winning squad here on Friday at its head office. HBL president Zakir Mehmood awarded two million rupees each to Younis Khan, Shahid Afridi and Umar Gul. Ahmed Shehzad received an award of one million rupees. Younis Khan also received a car from HBL for scoring 313 runs against Sri Lanka earlier this year. Younis said the victory in World T20 Championship was a team effort and not an individual’s work. He added that winning the title requires performance from every player of the team. He praised Shahid Afridi and said that he had been bowling well for the last two to three years and now he has now also picked up his batting instinct as well. On the occasion Afridi praised Younis Khan for his great leadership abilities and said that Younis led the team very well. “He made a pleasant atmosphere within the team. He also became serious when it was necessary,” Afridi said. He said that senior players played with responsibility in the T20 Cup while juniors also performed well. Umar Gul and Ahmed Shahzad were also present of the occasion.

Team brought joy to nation in time of trial

Team brought joy to nation in time of trial: Zardari
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari held a ceremony in honour of the victorious national cricket team of the World Twenty20 Cup here at the President House on Thursday. Paying rich tributes to the victorious team at the ceremony, the President said that he has celebrated the victory with the nation for the first time after the martyrdom of Benazir Bhutto.Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and federal minister for sports Pir Aftab Jilani were also present at the reception, hosted by President Zardari for the victorious national team at the President House.While congratulating the team on winning the World Cup, the President said that he also celebrated the victory with his children.He said that the Pakistan nation has excelled in every department and there is no boundary of this achievement.The President advised the team to follow the principles of unity, faith and discipline.He gave away the prizes to the players.

8 killed, jets kept pounding South Waziristan

WANA: At least eight militants were killed and two of their hideouts demolished as the security forces jets kept pounding South Waziristan, while two security personnel were also martyred and three injured in militants’ attack on FC Camp.

Operation Rah-e-Nijat against the militants in South Waziristan has entered into the third week now, while the heavy guns and jet fighters of the security forces continued pounding the militants’ hideouts overnight.

Sources said that eight militants were killed and two hideouts demolished last night in jet fighters’ bombings at Sam, Langarkhel and other areas of Mehsud tribes. Gunship helicopters targeted militants’ hideouts at Shah Alam areas also, where some deaths feared.

On the other hand, militants attacked FC Fort at Tanai near Wana firing mortar shells. Sources said that two security personnel were martyred and three injured in the onslaught. One of the injured is said to be in critical condition.

Following the attack, security forces targeted suspected hideouts of the militants, but no report of loss of life was received.

Jackson insisted promoter hire his cardiologist

Michael Jackson insisted that his concert promoter's payroll include his personal physician, a financially troubled cardiologist who was with the entertainer just before he died.

Dr. Conrad Murray was hired by AEG Live to accompany the pop star to London for his comeback series of concerts, said AEG Live President and Chief Executive Randy Phillips.

"As a company, we would have preferred not having a physician on staff full-time because it would have been cheaper without the hotels and travel, but Michael was insistent that he be hired," Phillips told The Associated Press. "Michael said he had a rapport with him."

Jackson, who collapsed Thursday at his rented home in Los Angeles, appeared to have suffered a heart attack, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press. The person, who was not authorized to speak publicly and requested anonymity, said Jackson had a heart attack, which is a blocking of the arteries that deprives the heart of adequate blood.

Jackson's brother Jermaine said Thursday that it was believed the pop singer went into cardiac arrest, an interruption of the normal heartbeat that can be caused by factors other than heart attack. The Los Angeles County coroner's office, which completed its autopsy Friday, said there were no signs of foul play or trauma, but determining the cause of death will require further tests that will take six to eight weeks.

Coroner's officials released Jackson's body to his family late Friday night. No funeral plans have been announced.

A heart attack could help explain why Jackson was in the care of a cardiologist while he went through vigorous training for an upcoming series of concerts in London: Heart attacks can indicate a long-term problem, such as heart disease. It would not necessarily rule out another factor, such as drug use, however.

Coroner's spokesman Craig Harvey said Jackson was taking some prescription medications, but did not specify what they were.

Police seized Murray's car the night before, saying they believed the car may contain drugs or other evidence, but have insisted that Murray has been cooperative and do not consider him a criminal suspect.

"We do not consider him to be uncooperative at this time," said police Deputy Chief Charlie Beck, noting that detectives spoke with the doctor after Jackson's death. "We think that he will assist us in coming to the truth of the facts in this case."

Records reveal years of financial troubles for Murray, who practices medicine in California, Nevada and Texas. His Nevada medical practice, Global Cardiovascular Associates, was slapped with more than $400,000 in court judgments, and he faces at least two other pending cases and several tax liens.

Beck declined to answer questions about how long the doctor had been with Jackson before paramedics were summoned, or if any drugs had been administered.

Phillips said AEG Live advanced Jackson money to pay for Murray's services as part of the production costs. Phillips said he asked Jackson why he wanted Murray with him full-time.
"He just said, `Look, this whole business revolves around me. I'm a machine and we have to keep the machine well-oiled,' and you don't argue with the King of Pop," Phillips said.

The promoter said that sometime in February Jackson submitted to "five-plus hours of physicals that the insurance underwriter insisted on. We were told he passed with flying colors."
Based on those results and the nature of the comeback shows, all of which were to be held at the same venue from July 13 to March, AEG Live wasn't concerned about Jackson's history of medical issues.

"This wasn't as strenuous as a tour. There was no travel," Phillips said. "He and the kids were going to be living in this beautiful home outside London and shows were spread out over six months. For him, it seemed like the perfect way to come back."

Phillips attended Jackson's rehearsal at Staples Center on Wednesday night, when the entertainer was on stage for about three hours before leaving at 12:30 a.m.

"He was dancing as well or better than the 20-year-old dancers we surrounded him with," the promoter said. "He was riveting. I thought we were home free. I thought this was going to be the greatest live show ever produced. He looked great."

Phillips said AEG Live held multiple insurance policies covering cancellation of the shows.
"We had pretty good coverage, but a lot of it is going to depend on the toxicology results," he said. "We need to know what the cause of death was."

A 911 call released by fire officials Friday shed light on the desperate effort at the mansion to save Jackson's life before paramedics arrived Thursday afternoon. Jackson died later at UCLA Medical Center.

In the recording, an unidentified caller pleads with authorities to send help, offering no clues about why Jackson was stricken. He tells a dispatcher that Jackson's doctor is performing CPR.
"He's pumping his chest," the caller says, "but he's not responding to anything."

Asked by the dispatcher whether anyone saw what happened, the caller answers: "No, just the doctor, sir. The doctor has been the only one there."

Lou Ferrigno, the star of "The Incredible Hulk," said he had been working out with Jackson for the past several months. Still, Jackson's health had been known to be precarious in recent years, and one family friend said Friday that he had warned the entertainer's family about his use of painkillers.

"I said one day we're going to have this experience. And when Anna Nicole Smith passed away, I said we cannot have this kind of thing with Michael Jackson," Brian Oxman, a former Jackson attorney and family friend, told NBC's "Today" show. "The result was I warned everyone, and lo and behold, here we are. I don't know what caused his death. But I feared this day, and here we are."

Oxman claimed Jackson had prescription drugs at his disposal to help with pain suffered when he broke his leg after he fell off a stage and for broken vertebrae in his back.

The worldwide wave of mourning for Jackson continued unabated for the man who revolutionized pop music and moonwalked his way into entertainment legend.

"My heart, my mind are broken," said Elizabeth Taylor, who was one of Jackson's closest friends and married one of her husbands at a lavish wedding at the pop star's Neverland Ranch in 1991. She said she had heard the news as she was preparing to travel to London for Jackson's comeback show, and added, "I can't imagine life without him."

Scores of celebrities who knew or worked with Jackson — or were simply awed by him — issued statements of mourning. Some came through publicists and others through emotional postings on social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook, where countless everyday fans were sharing memories as well.

His two ex-wives both said they were devastated. One of them, Lisa Marie Presley, posted a long, emotional statement on her MySpace page in which she said her ex-husband had confided to her 14 years ago that he feared dying young and under tragic circumstances, just as her father, Elvis Presley, had.

"I promptly tried to deter him from the idea, at which point he just shrugged his shoulders and nodded almost matter of fact as if to let me know, he knew what he knew and that was kind of that," Presley said.

When he was on trial on child molestation charges in 2005, Jackson appeared gaunt and had recurring back problems that he attributed to stress. His trial was interrupted several times by hospital visits, and Jackson once even appeared late to court dressed in his pajamas after an emergency room visit.

After his acquittal, Jackson's prosecutor argued against returning some items that had been seized from Neverland, the Santa Barbara County estate Jackson had converted into a children's playland. Among the items were syringes, the powerful painkiller Demerol and other prescription drugs.

Demerol carries a long list of warnings to users. The government warns that mixing it with certain other drugs can lead to reactions including slowed or stopped breathing, shock and cardiac arrest.

Michael Jackson’s music will immortalise him: Shilpa Shetty

New Delhi, Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, a die-hard fan of King of Pop Michael Jackson, says she was taken aback at the news of the singer’s demise but his music will immortalise him.

“I woke up to the most devastating news of Michael Jackson passing away. I just sank in my chair… words can’t express my emotions because I am a huge huge fan of his.

“He was an icon who lead an extraordinary life. I admired him for constantly reinventing himself and for converting me into a pop lover after ‘Thriller’. His music will immortalise him,” the actress posted om her blog shilpashettylive.com.

Jackson died Thursday due to a cardiac arrest in his Los Angeles home.

Shilpa got to know the legend’s brother Jermaine during her stint on Britain’s reality show “Big Brother” and says that she was lucky to here a lot about Jackson from him.

“I was lucky to hear a lot about him from Jermaine who I got to know closely in the Big Brother house. It was sad how the press mercilessly shred him over issues that he got acquitted for at a later stage! He was a special soul - gods chosen one�there can never be another MJ,” she added.

There can only be one Michael Jackson, Bollywood pays tribute

New Delhi, Some call it the end of an era while others refer to it as a irreparable loss to music - Bollywood is deeply saddened by the demise of king of pop, Michael Jackson and say that there can only be one.
The 50-year-old died Thursday in the US following a cardiac arrest at his home in Los Angeles. He was famous for not only his cult music but also for his iconic dance steps, including the ‘Moonwalk’.
Members of the Hindi filmdom spoke to IANS about the legend:
Anurag Basu: This is actually the end of an era. Our whole generation has grown up listening to his songs. This news is actually very sad and shocking.
Shankar Mahadevan: He made us think differently with his hit “Thriller”. He was an institution of modern music, which had great mass appeal with musical excellence. “Heal the world” is my favourite song.
Sukhwinder Singh: It’s a huge loss for the music industry. People remember him only as king of pop, but his grip on the music was too wide to be restricted to one genre.
Sunidhi Chauhan: He was the one and only. My favourite song of his was “I just cant stop loving you”.
Palash Sen: I am a huge fan of Michael Jackson. The man gave modern pop its identity and gave all of us lessons in music… not to mention the uniqueness of his vocals and his unbelievable dancing moves. He truly was the god of pop. Maybe the only singer in history who everyone knows across the globe. Sad loss.
Dibakar Banerjee: I would like to remember him for his music and his two songs “Billie Jean” and “Thriller”.
Akriti Kakkar: He was and will remain the king of the music, an icon to aspiring singers for the way he carved a niche for himself by fighting the odds and creating a new genre of music which we shall remember forever as Michael Jackson’s music. His demise is a big loss.
Subhash Ghai: Michael Jackson was a symbol of fire, passion and energy of talent who changed the peopl’e thinking. Youth followed him worldwide including in India and even our film music and dances have been heavily influenced by him.
Madhur Bhandarkar: We have been listening to his songs since 1980s and 1990s. The kind of euphoria that he created that time was amazing. His death is a great loss. It is so unfortunate that just weeks before he was supposed to hit the stage for his shows, he passed away. But he will always remain the king of music.

Pop superstar Michael Jackson dies at 50

Los Angeles, Pop star Michael Jackson died Thursday following a cardiac arrest at his home in Los Angeles, officials said. He was 50.
The King of Pop, whose life of stardom and scandal kept him permanently in the headlines, was found unconscious at his rented Bel Air mansion and was rushed to the UCLA Medical Centre.
“We were notified by LAPD that Michael Jackson was transferred from his house to the hospital,” said Los Angeles County Coroner Fred Corral. “He was unresponsive and pronounced dead at approximately 2.26 this afternoon.”
Corral said an autopsy would be performed to check for toxicology and other problems. The results are to be released Friday.
A large crowd formed outside the medical centre and his home, playing Jackson’s music, as news crews and reporters jostled for stories and as news helicopters hovered overhead.
Corral said that he had suffered a cardiac arrest and local media reported Jackson had not been breathing when paramedics reached him. Reports from hospital first said he was in a coma, before numerous media reported his death.
“We are just stunned - I can’t tell you what has taken place but everyone is just stunned,” family spokesman Brian Oxman told CNN. Referring to reports that Jackson was in ill health, Oxman said he “feared and warned about” the level of medication that Jackson was taking, though he stressed that “he was in fine condition. We have never seen him in any kind of weakened condition”.
Jackson is survived by three children: Michael Joseph Jackson, Jr., Paris Michael Katherine Jackson and Prince “Blanket” Michael Jackson II.
Jackson had appeared increasingly frail and financially-challenged in recent years. Despite earning hundreds of millions of dollars he was reported to be $500 million in debt thanks largely to his eccentrically extravagant lifestyle.
Jackson’s rented home was roped off after paramedics arrived to transport the King of Pop to the hospital.
Born in 1958 in Gary, Indiana, Jackson was a child star with the Jackson 5 and became one of the most successful recording artists of all time with the release of the album “Thriller” in 1982 - the best selling album of all time. His successful songs redefined the modern music video and forced MTV to start showing black performers, and paved the way for the acceptance of rap and hip-hop as mainstream musical styles.
Elevated to the stardom level of the Beatles and Elvis, he also introduced a new level of mega-stardom through his music and clothes, his dance moves, and his massive live concert tours.
“Michael Jackson made culture accept a person of colour - way before Tiger Woods, way before Oprah Winfrey, way before Barack Obama,” said black leader Al Sharpton. “Michael did with music what they did in sport politics and music. No controversy will erase his impact.”
He raised consciousness about the plight of Africa with the supergroup recording “We Are the World” in 1985. But after that most of his headlines were dogged by scandal - from his marriages to Lisa Presley and former nurse Debby Rowe, to his eccentric lifestyle behind the gates of his fantasy childhood estate, named Neverland, after the setting of the book Peter Pan.
He managed to settle an allegation that he molested a boy there in 1993, but was forced to face a sensational “trial of the century” 10 years later. He was ultimately acquitted of the charges, but the exposure caused huge damage to his career and financial situation.
At the time of his death he had been preparing for a 50-concert run in London that was meant to represent his comeback and secure his financial future.

Death of King of Pop Michael Jackson shocks the World

Washington, The death of pop star Michael Jackson with best-selling albums like “Off the Wall”, “Thriller” and “Bad” has shocked the world with messages pouring in from his family and close friends in Hollywood and around the globe.
The 50-year-old moonwalking former child star, who became known the world over as the King of Pop, was not breathing when paramedics arrived at his home early Thursday afternoon, according to various media reports.
He was taken to the University of California, Los Angeles Medical Centre, where he died at 1.07 p.m. Pacific time Thursday (1:37 a.m. IST Friday).
“I am so very sad and confused with every emotion possible. I am heartbroken for his children who I know were everything to him and for his family. This is such a massive loss on so many levels, words fail me,” said Jackson’s ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of Elvis Presley.

Madonna also issued a statement, saying: “I can’t stop crying over the sad news. I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever. My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless.”
“Michael Jackson was my generation’s most iconic cultural hero. Courageous, unique and incredibly talented. He’ll be missed greatly,” said Russell Simmons, hip-hop entrepreneur and founder of Def-Jam Records.
The son of a steelworker, he rose to fame as the lead singer of the Jackson 5, a band he formed with his brothers in the late 1960s. By the late ’70s, as a solo artist, he was topping the charts with cuts from “Off the Wall”, including “Rock With You” and “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough”.
In 1982, he released “Thriller”, an album that eventually produced seven hit singles. An appearance the next year on a Motown Records 25th-anniversary special cemented his status as the biggest star in the country.
“Thriller’s” follow-up, 1987’s “Bad”, sold almost as many copies. A new Jackson album - a new Jackson appearance - was a pop culture event.
Michael Jackson was born August 29, 1958, to Joe Jackson, a Gary, Indiana, steelworker, and his wife, Katherine. By the time he was 6, he had joined his brothers in a musical group organised by his father, and by the time he was 10, the group - the Jackson 5 - had been signed to Motown. He made his first television appearance at age 11.
Jackson, a natural performer, soon became the group’s front man. Its first four singles - “I Want You Back”, “ABC”, “The Love You Save” and “I’ll Be There” - went to No. 1 on the Billboard pop chart, the first time any group had pulled off that feat.
The group’s popularity waned as the ’70s continued, and Michael eventually went solo full time. He played the Scarecrow in the 1978 movie version of “The Wiz”, and released the album “Off the Wall” in 1979.
Its success paved the way for “Thriller”, which eventually became the best-selling album in history, with 50 million copies sold worldwide.

Kareena Kapoor to act with Aamir Khan in Rajkumar Hirani’s next film

Kareena Kapoor just added another feather in her plum hat and this time, it’s something big.
The news has it that after much anticipation, she has finally bagged the elusive opportunity of working with her dream actor, Aamir Khan!
And the film is Rajkumar Hirani’s forthcoming film.
The news is a big one for Kareena, as she has managed to steal the ever so elusive and perfectionist Aamir Khan from actresses like Rani Mukherji, Preity Zinta and Vidya Balan.
There was some confusion in between, but last night she finally got her contract letter from Hirani’s office.
And she’s obviously delighted, because her last film with Aamir Khan which Mani Ratnam had planned, did not work out.
Stay tuned in!

Akki-Bebo Smooch 10 Times in Kambakht Ishq

Akshay Kumar must be feeling really lucky to be a part of Kambakht Ishq, first he gets to smooch Hollywood hottie, Denise Richards for a good two minutes and then he gets 10 lip kisses from co-star Kareena too.

A source says, While everyone is aware that there is a kissing scene between Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor, no one knows that they have lip locked as many as ten times. The news has been very hush hush as both the lead actors were of the opinion that it should not be leaked out. However, now that the film is releasing and there are many trial shows going on, people who have seen the film are aware of it. Many people in the trade are also surprised that both the stars agreed to so many. In fact, four among the 10 kisses feature before the pre-climax. The chemistry between Akshay and Kareena is excellent and they both have beautiful bodies and look extremely sexy onscreen”
Ask producer Sajid Nadiadwala about it and he says, “Why do you want me to tell the whole world if there are so many kisses in the film? Let the audience watch the film and they will know about it.”

Music Release of Abbas Mastaans "Runaway"

This Monday, Mumbai saw the music release of Abbas Mastaan’s romantic thriller ‘Runaway’. The film which is being produced by 171 Entertainment Private Limited stars Deepal Shaw, Tulip Joshi, Lucky Ali and debutant actor Amarjeet.
Tulip is playing the role of a bar dancer for the first time in the film and has shot a real sexy time number for the film. “In this film there is a lot of freshness and for me the character which I play which is that of a bar dancer I have never played in my life and have never been a part of a film like this. I did a lot of research and preparation for this role,” said Joshi.

Deepal Shaw revealed more about the film saying, “The Unique Selling Proposition (USP) of this film is that it looks very sleek as these days the packaging rules and it’s a well packaged film. The songs are good and I hope that 70 percent of our population which comes from B and C grade towns they will like the songs which will be an attraction of this film.”

Saif-Bebo All Set To Kiss On-Screen

Saif Ali Khan is all set to indulge in some passionate romance with real life girlfriend Kareena Kapoor in Rensil D’Silva’s upcoming flick.
However the idea of doing an intimate scene with Bebo made Saif uncomfortable and left him feeling conscious all the time while filming it.
Saif says,“It was obviously easier to do the intimate scenes with Kareena as my co-star and it would be the easiest thing for me to say otherwise, but I’ll admit, having Kareena as my co-star on the sets actually made me feel more responsible, and so more conscious. I did not want to show off our relationship by accentuating the intimacy aspect. It was quite a double-edged sword there! Of, course, at the end of the day we’re all actors, but this was certainly different.”
“It’s a love story with a passionate and relevantly disturbing theme. And I have kissing scenes with Kareena because Rensil is making a real contemporary film here. We just can’t have two flowers touching each other to show intimacy. At the same, we have taken care that there isn’t anything that will make us squirm while watching the film with our parents. We’ve done the scenes tastefully and within the limits of decorum.”

Krrish 2 Stacked - Rakesh Roshan

Rakesh Roshan was planning to make Krrish 2, a sequel of Krrish, but it seems that the film is kept aside for a while as no good script is coming in front. Also actor Hrithik Roshan is hesitating to work with director Rakyesh Om Prakash Mehra after his recent disaster Delhi-6. Mehra was supposed to direct Krrish 2.

“The Roshans have been working on several script ideas for Krrish 2 but nothing could be finalised. They could not zero in on any one script and whatever was remotely finalised, was not approved by either Rakesh or Hrithik. The idea has now taken a back seat as Rakyesh Mehra, who was finalised to direct the sequel, delivered a turkey in Delhi-6. Hrithik was in two minds about working with Mehra and Rakesh Roshan had made it clear that he does not want to direct Krrish 2. They have altogether dropped the plans to make the sequel. Currently, Rakesh Roshan is looking for a fresh subject with a global appeal as he wants Hrithik to be an international star,” said the source.
When asked to Rakesh Roshan, he said, “Right now, I am not thinking of anything till Kites releases. Only after that will I decide on what to make next.”

Its all sorted out between Ashu and Priyanka

With her upcoming flick ‘What’s Your Rashee’ Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra is all set to hit the silver screen.The actress really got hurt when Ashutosh Gowariker, on the IIFA night said that no Priyanka but Aishwarya deserved the best actress award. But according to the latest b-town reports, director Ashutosh and actress Priyanka have now patched up.At the night of IIFA awards, Ashutosh had said that he wanted Aishwarya to win the best actress award for ‘Jodha Akbar’ rather than Priyanka winning it for ‘Fashion’.Now the reports reveal that there is no tension between Ashu and Priyanka and the two are extremely fond of each other as well.It is also rumored that the director has offered 12 special songs to the actress in order to make up for his comments.

Visit to Guantanamo Bay Prison Horrifies Katrina

Recently Katrina Kaif got an opportunity to visit the security prison at Guantanamo Bay as she shot for a movie at the place. The place horrified the delicate beauty so much that she was left drained and gloomy after her visit to the place. When she came face to face with the stories of brutality and tortures associated with the prison, she was absolutely shocked.
A depressed Katrina said, “We are not making a documentary on 9/11 and so this film is highly entertaining yet very realistic. We shot in actual locations associated with the 9/11 attacks and Guantanamo was one of them. I was there for just a day to shoot my portions. It was shocking to see the high-profile prison where people who were sentenced for their lives were also living.”
“I did not meet any person arrested and jailed in connection with the terror attacks. But I have heard stories about them when I was shooting there. Some most wanted criminals have stayed there”, she added.
Meanwhile checkout the latest photoshoot of the lady for the June 2009 issue of FHM Magazine, India, where she looks absolutely chirpy, sexy and pretty.

No fun for Asin - Bollywood Actress

That too, abroad. World recession and the swine flu have spoiled Asin’s fun. She was to travel to Japan to shoot for Bharat Bala’s The 19th Step, but now the twin factors have worked against her trip. Instead, Japanese superstar Tadnobu Asano is expected to join Asin in Kerala where the entire film will be shot.
It’s not as if Papa Joseph preaches. Or that Asin was dying to be out of his influence so that she could do her own thing. But, yes, the Southie hottie had admitted that she was looking forward to going to Japan for fun and work. She visited China alone earlier for an awards event and, apparently, freaked out over her freedom. “I may seem to be a Papa’s girl but I like my independence,” Asin had said then.
Bollywood sources report that the height of freedom for Asin is to have a good time without raising comment. Not even shopping or trying her luck at the casinos is her idea of having a blast. Instead, she enjoys trying out new and different cuisines. That’s the actress’ definition of self-indulgence, for which she really does not need to go abroad. What’s Japan got in terms of food that India doesn’t?

12 thousand avils

Priyank Chopra Miss Bollywood

Priyank Chopra, one of the most paid actress in the Bollywood. She was miss India world and also miss world 2000. She made her debute in the movie Hero in the year 2003. After that she never turned backwards, her found her own place in the bollywood. She also accepted many negative charactor and one of ther movie Aitraaz was prized by critics even. She also acted in a couple of tamil movies but she did not like to be in the tamil movie industry even though it pays as high as in Bollywood.

Her recent movie Dostana was another hit movie in the bollywood, whats your rashee and Pyaar Impossible are here upcoming movies which is filming currently.

Priyank Chopra videos, priyank chopra sizzling video songs and many more are available and are highly successfull.

Manisha Koirala Hottest

Manisha Koirala, Born in Kathmandu Nepal in the year 1970 and became famous in Indian movie industry Bollywood. She debuted in the big screen in Nepal itself in the movie 'Pheri Bhetaula' and she started her career in the bollywood in the movie 'Saudagar' which was a super hit in that year. She found very successfull with serous roles and romantic as well. She also appeared in a few movies which became very contraversial. 'Mumbai and 'Ek chhoti si love story' are the movies which become contravercial. She appeared in the movie ek chhoti si love story just wearing inners.

Her career was almost at her end after the movie ek chhotisi love story and after that she appeared in some of the movies which found not successful. Now she become and old is gold girl in the bollywood.

Kareena Kapoor Bikini

Kareena Kapoor, sister of old Karishma kapoor, now in her most glamourous place in the bollywood movie industry. She started her career in the movie "Refugee" which was not a successful movie. She won a lot of film critic award, but she found to be ungly now a days. She started to date with Shahid kapoor in the early career life but broke in the middle. Now she found to date with Saif Ali Khan hopefully it also wont last for long.

Three idiots (currently filming), 'Milenge milenge' (post production) are the upcoming movies of Kareena Kapoor. She found to be very successful in bollywood when paired along with Akshay Kumar and Aitraz was one of the successful movie.

Omkara, Golmal returs etc are some of the most interesting movies of Kareena Kapoor and found success in the box office as well.

Mallika The Hottest of All

Mallika Sherawat became world famous by acting along with Jackie Chan in 'The Myth' and also appeared in Cannes film festival in a most stunning dress. Mallika found very difficult in her early life later she became one of the sexiest actress in the bollywood. She made debute in the bollywood in the movie "Khwahish" in 2004. But the movie 'Murder' changed her whole career and became the hottest of all bollywood actressess. She also appeared in many movies as item dance girl, which is also become sensation among the youths.

. 'Ugly aur pagli', 'Maan gaye mugal-e-azam' are the two bollywood movies released recently of mallika.

Katrina Kaif Wet Scene

Katrina kaif, model turned actress now one of the busiest actress in the bollywood started her career in the bollywood movie 'Boom'. She appeared in the most glamourous role in the movie but the movie did not make any movement in the theatre. But her movie with abhishek Sarkar in the year 2005 found success and her career started to be more bright. She also appeared in malayalam movie along with Mammootty.

Partner, Race, Welcome, Singh is king etc are the super hit movies of Katrina Kaif. 7 days in paris, Rajniti, jhoom barabar jhoom2 etc are the upcoming movies of katrina kaif. Katrina kaif started to date with Salman khan and currently now in a good condition and may be broke up within a couple of months.

Sajini The South Masala

The era of Sajini starts in the early 90s and it was one of the most thrilling period in the history of malayalam movie industry. Even though she was not as famous as other actress in this catagory, sajini also found her place in movies. She acted in a lot of movies both with as leading role also in supporting role. High quality videos, movies, sizzling dance scens for such movies also make her famous among the youth.
She started her career as a supporting actress, later she become heroin in many malayalam, tamil, telugu movies. She also did charactor role in other movies also. Tamil and Telugu movie industry is some what different from malayalam movie industry and people couldnot accept her there, so she did a come back in malayalam movies . She did a lot of famous role here

Nayanthara Latest in Glamour

Nayanthara, the latest in the glamour movie industry and she is from Kerala. She did her schooling and all from kerala and tamil nadu. She started her career in the malayalam industry with a good charactor role, and found her place in the industry. Later she become very glamourous actress in the tamil and telugu movie industry. Her bikini role in the movie Billa became very famous. She appeared in the recent malayalam movie twenty - twenty in a sizzling songs only. She now one of the high paid actress in the south india.

Body guard, Adhurs, Anjaneyulu, Aadhavan are the upcoming movies of Nayanthara. Currently she worked with Dileep in Body guard.

Aishwarya Rai hot scene

Aishwarya Rai, a south indian girl became sensational in the Bollywood movie industry in the recent years now married to abhishek bachhan. Miss world in the year 1994, which opened the window to bollywood. Ash made her debute in the movie of Maniratnam 'Iruvar'. 'Hum dil de chuke sanam' was her first commercial successful movie after that she need not turn behind. Dozens of super hit movies were born after that. She acted along with Hrithik Roshan in the movie Dhoom which became sensational because of the lip lock kissing scenes with Hrithik. The movie was the biggest hit of that year.

She found date with Salman khan in her starting career, then with Vivek obroi but no one last long. Finally she married to Abhishek bachhan. After her marriage she did not appear in more movies 'Action replay', 'Ravan' etc are her upcoming hindi movies and Enthiran is coming in Tamil movie which is expected to be one of the successful story in the tamil. Get some of the high quality digital videos songs and many more things from here

Navya Nair The Glamour Girl

Navya Nair, One of the good actress in the Malayalam movie industry. She started her career here in malayalam , also appeared in tamil movies, and telugu movies. But she never engaged with them like Nayanthara. She appeared in the glamour role in very less number of movies. One of her glamorous photo is as given above. Stunning more glamour picture of navay nair is there. She debuted along with Prithwi Raj in the movie and became very successfull. She never been out of her career life, now almost in a plan to marry.

Navya nair wallpapers, high quality videos, high quality digital photo galleries etc are available. Her most successful movies are in malayam . Navay nair always found very successful with Dileep the comedy actor turned hero of malayalam movies.

Partner to launch Classmate PCs in India

Developed to aid students in their classroom learning, the PC features an Intel Processor 900 Mhz, WiFi and Ethernet connectivity, water-resistant keyboard, a 7-inch LCD screen, 215 MB and 512 MB RAM with 1 GB and 2 GB flash memory. With the Classmate PC, Intel-HCl will also offer note taker and digital pens.

Furthermore, Intel is also working with Educomp, leading educational service provider, for the design, development, prototype creation and proof of concept of Classmate PCs.
“It is priced in the sub-Rs 18,000 range but it also includes the cost of installing supporting connectivity infrastructure, teachers’ training and customized integrated learning solutions through our tie-up with content developers and education service provider. Later, the cost will go down further,” said Rajendra Kumar, HCL Infosystems Executive Vice-president.
Classmate PCs will be retailed through schools and HCL Infosystems and also by Intel OEM partners Wipro and Zenith shortly in August-September 2007. It is expected to deploy 3,000-5,000 such PCs over the next nine months to a year.