New crisis involving Nab’s Irfan Qadir emerges

ISLAMABAD: A new crisis involving the dismissal and restoration of Prosecutor General of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Irfan Qadir, emerged after Supreme Court (SC) issued orders to remove him from his office, Geo News reported Monday.

The apex court ordered the sacking of the Prosecutor General in Haris Steel case; however, talking to Geo News, Irfan Qadir said, ‘I was legally appointed by President Asif Ali Zardari and still I am the Nab’s Prosecutor General.’

Irfan Qadir called a meeting of law officers at his office this morning and issued them high-level directives to keep up their work.

Qadir said he was appointed by President Zardari and only he could ask him (Qadir) to quit his office.

Meantime, the Presidential House said the apex court ruling is quite explicit and unequivocal.

Presidential spokesman Farhatullah Babar said the court has expressly directed Irfan Qadir to leave his charge and there is no truth in reports regarding directives from the president giving him go-ahead to continue his work.

Feeling ‘Hurt’, President of IMPPA TP Aggarwal threatens suicide

The president of IMPAA (Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association) TP Aggarwal couldn’t control his emotions when he suddenly declared in front of the waiting media that soon, he would be committing suicide.

The press conference was called by the IMPAA progressive group to express solidarity with T.P. Aggarwal who was charged by his rival Sushma Shiromanee the ex V.P. of the association that Aggarwal is involved with the underworld and she has received calls from the underworld threatening her to withdraw from the forthcoming elections, offering her amount up to 4 crores.

Protesting against a recent news report that claimed that Aggarwal had underworld links including those with gangster Ravi Pujari, several members of IMPPA came down heavily on Sushma Shiromanee, Vice President of IMPPA accusing her of several misdeeds committed against the President and fellow members.

At the Press conference the IMPAA progressive group demanded through investigation into the matter and an emotional T.P. Aggarwal said that he will only stand for the elections if he comes clean from the investigations and in the sudden burst of emotions T.P. Aggarwal who is in the respective business of education in Delhi said that “If industry is filled with such people then I will leave this industry, the allegations have hurt me a lot.”

The IMPAA president also hinted that he will take action against the parties at fault including the publication which printed the news without confirming with T.P. Aggarwal and finding out his credentials as an educationist.

The IMPAA elections are due shortly

Laden fame Pradhuman Singh’s act of concern

Remember the laden look alike in the whacky ‘Tere Bin Laden’, yes of course... why not Pradhuman Singh who rose to fame with his debut super hit movie ‘Tere Bin Laden’, where he got appreciations from various corners is a man with a heart that bleeds for the poor.

Pradhuman is missing his sister on the eve of Raksha Bandhan as he is in Mumbai these days, but he made the day special for many underprivileged kids on the eve of the festival which is close to his heart.

Pradhuman yesterday was seen interacting and chatting with underprivileged kids for an NGO. The actor visited the NGO to celebrate Raksha Bandhan and the young girls couldn’t stop smiling as they tied Rakhi’s on the wrists of the actor. The actor mingled with kids and made them feel special. The actor who shies away from media and keeps a very low profile was really glad to pay visit and showed deep interest to support the kids in whatever way he can. He became a member with the charitable trust and promised them to visit again.

Pradhuman was really surprised to see those beautiful hand made rakhis and was touched when kids approached him saying, “Bhaiya main aapko Rakhi baandh dhoon.”

Ajay-Anil starrer Bullet Train rolls from September 10

Venus forthcoming project ‘Bullet Train’ goes on floors 10th September 2010.

‘Bullet Train’ stars Ajay Devgn, Anil Kapoor, Tusshar Kapoor, Kangana Ranuat, Sameera Reddy and Boman Irani with music from maestro Pritam will be a first of its kind stylized action thriller shot entirely in the United Kingdom.

Taking director Priyadarshan out of his comfort zone, the film produced by head honcho at Venus Ratan Jain will be on par with sleek Hollywood action flicks.

The Ratan Jain-Priyadarshan duo has always spelled magic at the box office with all 4 of their projects – ‘Hungama’, ‘Hulchul’, ‘Garam Masala’ and ‘De Dana Dan’ turning out to be super hits. This time the partnership plans to reach greater heights with the decision to work on an action film.

Says producer Ratan Jain, “We’ve had a longstanding equation with Priyadarshan over the years – all of the comedies we’ve worked on have done brilliantly at the box office. For our fifth project we wanted to take on a novel concept and that was how Bullet Train was born.”

The film that will be shot across London, Scotland, Wales and Birmingham will have 4 major action sequences as highlights specially choreographed by an acclaimed UK based action director.

Katrina Kaif to Fly Arab via Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has appointed Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif as its brand ambassador.

The announcement is slated to be made today at a PC in Mumbai by Etihad Airways vice president marketing Andrew Ward and Etihad Airways country manager India Neerja Bhatia along with Katrina.

According to the officials from the airline, the association with Katrina would boost the brand image of Ethiad Airways.

Katrina will next be seen in Farah Khan’s ‘Tees Maar Khan’ opposite Akshay Kumar. The movie is slated to release on 24 December. She has also recently signed Yash Raj Films' untitled movie, where she is paired opposite Imran Khan. The movie will be directed by debutant Ali Abbas Zafar.

Earlier there was news that the actress had suggested Farah Khan to direct her for the brand’s commercial.

Sunny Deol, Tabu to share screen

When they are gracing the screens again, looks like they have planned to create a power-packed difference… Sunny Deol and Tabu individually created a remarkable niche in the industry, playing imposing characters many times. But it is only now that these striking actors are going to share the screen space, after 'Maa Tujhhe Salaam' their last movie together.

K C Bokadia's ‘Khuda Kasam’ is said to bring together Sunny and Tabu; however we don’t know whether they play a pair here…

Remember Sunny’s earlier performance in ‘Gadar: Ek Prem Katha’? Well, sources say that the powerful actor will be repeating his role as a truck driver in ‘Khuda Kasam’ as well. But instead of Sikh character, the actor will be playing a Muslim in this one.

The film is about an honest person’s fight against the system which falsely proved him to be guilty of a crime. Tabu features as a police officer while Ashish Vidyarthi plays the baddie, as a politician.

Expect a dhamdaar screenplay

Deepika’s tattoo tales to end…

Yes people; like they say erase everything of the past…. This Bollywood babe is also not in mood to look back when she’s standing on the threshold of a promising future. And her decision to wipe out old memories doesn’t seem to be surprising.

Buzz is that Deepika Padukone has planned to remove the RK tattoo on the nape of her neck. The tattoo which was done when she and Ranbir Kapoor were a hot pair. Now that both have parted ways, Deeps wants to erase the inked impression through laser technology.

All these while the tall beauty had tried her best to hide the tattoo with concealer, when she shot for movies ‘Lafangey Parindey’ and ‘Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey’.

Deepika is currently a hot topic among gossip mongers for being a pair with Siddharth Mallya.

Jab dil hi toot gaya, toh tattoo le kar kya karenge....

Rituparna Ajay’s pair in DTBHJ

Rituparna, the Bengali beauty will be Ajay Devgn’s heroine in Madhur Bhandarkar’s ‘Dil Toh Bachcha Hai Ji’ (DTBHJ).

Rituparna is a National award winning actress, for her role in Rituparno Ghosh's ‘Dahan’. She made her Bollywood debut five years ago in ‘Main, Meri Patni Aur Woh’ opposite Rajpal Yadav.

Excited about acting under the direction of Madhur Bhandarkar, Rituparna admits that she hasn’t been briefed about her character but she knows it will be a fun ride. DTBHJ is a serious topic of human relationships combined with comic touches.

Rituparna is eagerly waiting for the release of ‘And Once Again’ directed by Amol Palekar. As it is an English movie, Rituparna hopes to go the segments that not many actresses can reach.

Its official - ‘Khichdi’ to come on big screen

Yes, its official the popular TV show ‘Khichadi’ will be made into a film.

The promotion of this amusing small tube comedy to the big screen is first of its kind in Indian entertainment history.

Fox Star Studios that brought ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ and ‘My Name Is Khan’ to audiences in India is presenting the feature film which takes off from the popular sitcom Khichdi.

Bringing Hollywood practices to India where popular and successful television shows like Mr Bean, Batman, Simpson's, Mission Impossible, Star Wars and Sex and the City get made into films regularly, this would be the first time in India that a series will migrate onto the cinema platform. Given the challenge that Bollywood has to create new content – this could be a start of a new trend!

The film titled ‘Khichdi - The Movie’ produced by Hats Off Productions, written and directed by Aatish Kapadia is an all out fun and crazy ride and is best described as “Comedy Family Ki Family Comedy”.

The film is freshly written and retains the humor and the eccentricities of the much loved characters that have made close to 50 million people laugh over the last 7 years whilst taking an updated view of today's times.

The unique flavor of the comedy and the characters made the series very popular among television audiences. In a recent research conducted in July 2010 – the characters of Hansa, Praful, Babuji, Himanshu and Jayshree have rated very high on recall and like ability amongst audiences.

Vijay Singh, CEO Fox Star Studios India said, “We are very excited about the research feedback from the audiences that have seen Khichdi - The Movie. Audiences loved the ‘saaf suthri comedy’ and found it to be funnier than most recent comedy films. Audiences are looking for new experiences and lets face it, there are very few good clean comedy films that audiences can go and watch with the entire family ….that’s the promise of Khichdi-the Movie!”

“Producer of the film Jamnadas Majethia (JD) of Hats Off Productions, came to us with his vision of taking the humor of the television characters to the big screen. Hats Off Production has an amazing track record and understand the comedy genre and were best placed to deliver a great comedy film for the entire family,” added Vijay Singh.

“The TV serial changed the grammar of comedy when it came on television and viewers got addicted to the humor. They were enjoying watching it again and again and we are sure that Khichdi – the Movie will create the same magic on the big screen and hopefully redefine comedy in Indian cinema.” said JD Majethia.

In its new avatar – Khichdi, the Movie goes on a roller coaster ride where the ridiculous tasks that the Parekh family attempts to fulfill takes them through a tsunami of hilarious situations. “Khichdi is and shall always remain closest to my heart as it is the first show produced by Hats Off Productions and thanks to JD’s insistence, I directed my own idea for the first time and Khichdi achieved cult status as it created a new genre of humor. Khichdi the Movie will now take the madness at least 10 notches ahead. Watch out for this fun and craziness coming soon to a cinema Hall near you,” says writer- director Aatish Kapadia.

Bipasha ka laadla John bigad gaya

Our dear Bipasha will be getting red hot with anger when she sees this… And the sultry bong babe has the reason to fight with her beau the handsome John Abraham who in his forthcoming flick ‘Aashayein’ is finding comfort in the scintillating intimate scene with B-town lovely Sonal Sehgal.

And yes it’s the same uniform justification from the makers that the scene was needed as it was the demand of the script that gives John's character a new twist.

But the news is that it has been shot aesthetically and it’s graphic in nature.

A close hand reveals, “John and Sonal's love-making scenes come at a crucial point in the film and take the story in a new direction. Before shooting it, Nagesh explained the motive behind the passionate scene to both the actors."

Well its obvious that in the part and parcel of business John might have loved doing it but now the handsome hunk has to bear the wrath of his sexy bong girl Bipasha and it will be interesting what he says to save his highly publicized ‘ass’ which he wishes to insure for a whooping 10+ crores.

Part and parcel of being in Bollywood….. What say….John? Bipasha ka laddla john bigad gaya….

Stay tuned for more!

Raju Hirani gives thumbs up to ‘Antardwand’

After Imtiaz Ali now it’s the helmer with the Midas touch Raju Hirani who is singing praises for ‘Antardwand’.

The flick is getting special treatment from the sensible helmer club of Bollywood. First it was Imtiaz Ali, then Anurag Khasyap and now its none other then the maker of Bollywood biggest B.O. hit ‘3 Idiots’ director Raju Hirani.

Raju praised the Sushil Rajpal directorial debut, which won the national award, and supported the maker at a special screening recently. Raju Hirani quoted, “It’s a very realistic, well made film, and more ever it’s a true story, which makes it more interesting....It brings to light that these unfortunate incidents still happen in India...True stories truly inspires me more than anything else.. The true story in the film should be highlighted... ”

It’s very refreshing to see the directors supporting each other to further... The cause of good cinema...Unlike the dog-eat-dog world of the stars...

Bhandarkar’s eyes on gay life

Every time he brings up a project on screen, it will surely be something which would make one to sit back and take notice…. And this time it’s not going to be any different….

Latest titbit that our birdie brought in is that ace filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar has already planned about his future project. Yeah even though he already as two films on hand – ‘Dil To Bachcha Hai Ji’ and ‘Heroine’ - Bhandarkar said to have made the ground clear for one more film, which will be on a gay love affair. The National Award winning director said to sources that he has already got very much hooked on the subject.

Hmm, after showcasing the worlds of corporate, fashion, slums, posh society, looks like Bhandarkar is on his way to portray a totally new

Salman to say ‘I Am Hariprasad’

Hey people, looks like the Khans are out to project themselves individually with their filmy character…. Don’t understand? Well first it was Shah Rukh Khan who said that ‘My Name Is Khan’ and now it’s Salman Khan who’s going to shout loud about his screen character…. Well let us tell you how…

According to industry khabhar, Sallu miyaan has signed on a movie which is titled as ‘I Am Hariprasad’. Here the star will play the character of a Godman. The movie in fact will be directed by Prem Raj, who earlier gave ‘Main Aur Mrs Khanna’ with Salman. Well that movie sank without a trace, but the actor-with-big-heart is back with the filmmaker and has no ill will. Meanwhile Salman said to have loved the script and so gave his nod immediately for the project. Not only that, the actor is also backing Prem for the film! Truly ‘Being Human’, we say…

Donning additional role, Prem is launching his own banner Wildcard Entertainment Private Limited and will be producing ‘I Am Hariprasad’ along with two other projects. Heard that this movie is his most ambitious project and it is expected to go on floors next year.

John, the Warrior

And here we’re going to watch John Abraham transforming in totally new ‘strong’ avatar… After donning the characters of urban dude several times, John will be soon wearing the role of a warrior for a period film.

However the people behind this project are tight lipped and our birdies managed to get few titbits from industry sources. It seems the film will be based on a book, which carries the story of the warrior and the makers are yet to finalise the formalities on the rights of the book.

The project will be produced by Madhu Mantena, who has bought the rights of the book at a whopping price. The untitled film will be set in 18th century and will be directed by Sabal Shekhawat, a noted ad-director and a friend of John. Doing a period film for the first time, John finds it quite challenging to do this film. For his role, the actor will take on special training in martial arts.

According to sources, the role needs John to be extremely agile, almost panther-like. So he will have to train in a martial arts discipline from the 18th century and also specific to the community that the real-life character belonged to. The actor said to take on this physical preparation once he’s done with the shooting of ‘Dostana 2’.

Wait for a hot warrior….

Shammi & Sharmila - ‘An Evening Of Memories’

It had been an evening of nostalgia for our yesteryear stars recently.

On Saturday evening, the Radio Mirchi Purani Jeans Film Festival was held at PVR Goregaon. There, a special screening of 1967 film 'An Evening in Paris' was showcased which was attended by the film’s lead couple - Shammi Kapoor and Sharmila Tagore.

It had been a wonderful moment for the two legendary actors, who met after a long time and shared some sweet memories of their times.

The show was also attended by Shammiji’s wife Neela Devi and Sharmila’s daughter Soha Ali Khan.

Rituparana Sengupta: the ‘once more’ performer

The talented and award winning bong kumari Rituparna Sen Gupta mesmerized the audience recently in a white designer saree and her scintillating dance moves. The B-town lovely recently sizzled at a fashion show at Grand Hyatt, Mumbai. The actress performed on the foot tapping no “Prem Ki Naiya” from Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani.

Rituparana took the audiences by surprise with her fabulous performance. There were loud cheers for ‘Once More from the crowd” said a source. Audiences were left speechless and surprised as they couldn’t come to terms with how Rituparana managed to perform to this fast feet tapping number draped in sexy looking saree.

Needless to say Rituparna was delighted by the response from the audience

Bachchans, Akshay all praise for Shefali Shah

The decision of producer Vipul Shah and his wife actress Shefali Shah to come back to theatre after 14 and 10 years respectively has received a thunderous response from the B-town fraternity.

At a special show held yesterday in Mumbai which was attended by who’s who of the tinsel town which included names like Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan with wife Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Akshay Kumar with wife Twinkle, Film Makers Ashutosh Gowarikar and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra.

Shifaali’s mesmerizing performance left the audience awestruck and everyone including the present celebrities gave her and the team of the play a standing ovation. Shefali got very emotional at such a grand reception and could not stop her tears that reflected happiness.

‘Bus Itna Sa Khwab’ is originally a Marathi play called Dhyanimani. This play is directed in Hindi by famous Marathi Film Maker and Theatre Director, who had actually directed the original play Dhyanimani, Chandrakant Kulkarni.

Vipul Shah is the presenter of the play, Shefali Shah the female lead and Kiran Karmarkar is the male lead. It also casts Adhir Bhat, Abir Abrar and master Mohit.

Kajol: Karan is an ideal friend, brother

Its Raksha Bandhan tomorrow and Bollywood’s talent extreme Kajol on the eve of this festival which is a sweet little remembrance between the bond between a brother and sister has revealed her Bhaiya No.1. The actress said that Karan is an ideal bhaiya and a great friend to have.

Speaking at a press gathering, the actress who is expecting her second baby within a month or so gave her valuable gyan and tips on brotherhood and friendship during a promotional thingie of her forthcoming flick ‘We Are Family’, Dharma productions’ official remake of Hollywood super hit ‘StepMom’.

The lovable mother and actress was at her candid best and said, “Bonds are made from heart and Rakhi reassures that, Karan is an ideal friend, a brother to have, we share a great friendship and bonding.”

Well so we now know who is going to tie Rakhi on Karan’s hand tomorrow and yes Kajol is holding a gathering for her near and dear ones tomorrow at 10 a.m. and Karan might be there….. ‘All in the family as we are a family’ right Kajol, Karan…

Stay tuned for more

Child among 6 killed in roadside accident in Lodhran

LODHRAN: Six people were killed including a child and 10 others injured when a Bahawalpur-bound passenger van collided with a trailer near Lodhran.

According to police a passenger bus heading towards Bahawalpur from Dunyapur had collision with a speeding trailer. Two passengers were killed on spot and 14 others sustained injuries, six of them critically.

The injured were shifted to Victoria Hospital where four of them breathed their last.

Roadside blast kills 3 peace committee members in Peshawar

PESHAWAR: A roadside bomb blast killed three members of local peace committee here in Matni Bazar on Monday, Geo News reported.

Police said the blast occurred when a bomb planted alongside a road went off in Matni Bazar.

Ex MNA among 22 killed in Wana suicide attack

WANA: At least 22 people including former MNA Maulana Noor Muhammed were killed and several others injured in an explosion in Wana Bazaar area of South Waziristan Agency (SWA), Geo News reported Monday.

It should be mentioned here that the explosion occurred in a mosque when the people were offering Zuhr Prayer in Maulana Noor Muhammed’s mosque adjacent to a seminary, killing 17 people and injuring 11 others.

The blast was so powerful that it was heard far and wide. According to Geo News correspondent, the blast was suicidal in nature.

The injured have been transported to a nearby hospital. According to hospital sources, three of 35 injured are in critical condition.

Maulana Noor Muhammed, former MNA is also among the deceased. Soon after the incident, the law-enforcers put security cordon around the blast site.

Maulana Noor Muhammed was delivering a sermon at the mosque, when suicide bomber blew him up, causing the immediate death of the former MNA.

ANP MNA’s younger brother shot dead in Karachi

KARACHI: Asif Jan, brother of Awami National Party’s MNA Pervez Khan has been shot dead by unknown attackers here in New Town area, police sources said here on Monday.

According to reports, Asif Jan was heading back home when unidentified gunmen showered his car with bullets in New Town area. He was rushed to Agha Khan Hospital with critical bullet wounds where he was pronounced dead.

Asif Jan worked as Accounts Officer in City District Government Karachi.

Salzburg Festival holds benefit gala for Pakistan

VIENNA: Russian superstar soprano, Anna Netrebko, will headline a special benefit concert at this year's ultra-exclusive Salzburg Festival to raise money for flood-hit Pakistan, organisers said.

Netrebko will appear alongside many of the stars of this year's festival including her Uruguayan partner, baritone Erwin Schrott, at a gala performance on Thursday evening in Salzburg's swish Haus fuer Mozart theatre, according to a statement released late Sunday.

Tickets, which go on sale Monday, will cost between 40-280 euros (51-356 dollars).

The proceeds will go to victims of the flooding in Pakistan, the worst in the country's history affecting 20 million people and an area the size of England.

British public give 29 million pounds in Pakistan aid

LONDON: The British public have given 29 million pounds (45 million dollars, 35 million euros) in aid to flood-ravaged Pakistan, charity officials said Monday.

After a slow start blamed on a lack of awareness of the crisis, the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), which coordinates humanitarian appeals from a dozen charities, said donations from the public were growing.

"This is a tragedy unfolding in slow motion with new areas still being flooded and the threat of deadly water-borne diseases stalking millions of survivors," said DEC chief executive Brendan Gormley.

British Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell said last week the government was doubling its emergency aid for Pakistan to more than 64 million pounds.

The near month-long floods in Pakistan have killed 1,500 people and affected up to 20 million nationwide in the country's worst natural disaster.

SWA blast kills 17, injures 11

WANA: At least 17 people including former MNA Maulana Noor Muhammed were killed and several others injured in an explosion in Wana Bazaar area of South Waziristan Agency (SWA), Geo News reported Monday.

It should be mentioned here that the explosion occurred in a mosque when the people were offering Zuhr Prayer in Maulana Noor Muhammed’s mosque adjacent to a seminary, killing 17 people and injuring 11 others.

The blast was so powerful that it was heard far and wide. According to Geo News correspondent, the blast was suicidal in nature.

The injured have been transported to a nearby hospital. According to hospital sources, three of 11 injured are in critical condition.

Maulana Noor Muhammed, former MNA is also among the deceased. Soon after the incident, the law-enforcers put security cordon around the blast site.

Maulana Noor Muhammed was delivering a sermon at the mosque, when suicide bomber blew him up, causing the immediate death of the former MNA. (Last updated at 1610)

15% hike in rail fares recommended

LAHORE: GM Operations Pakistan Railways, Ashfaque Khatak, late Friday said he has sent federal government a summary requesting for 15 percent increase in fares of goods and passenger trains, Geo news reported.

Talking to Geo news he termed inflation in rail fares as ‘indispensable’ in order to meet additional expenses of Pakistan Railways given the salary-raise for government employees and increase in diesel and electricity tariff.

Rs47.332bn AJK deficit budget presented

MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government Friday announced an overall consolidated budget of Rs 47.332 billion for fiscal year 2010-11 with a record deficit of over Rs 17.6050 billion, allocating Rs 11.1749 billion for Annual Development Programme (ADP).

AJK Minister for Finance Raja Nisar Ahmad Khan presented the budget in the AJK Legislative Assembly, which was presided over by Speaker of the Assembly Shah Ghulam Qadir.

The opposition boycotted the budget speech of the Finance Minister after a short protest in the house against non-provision of their development funds during the outgoing fiscal year.

The budget sets aside Rs 11.174965 billion for development, up by 10 per cent over the outgoing fiscal year's original allocation of Rs 9.555 billion as compared to original spending of Rs 7.13 billion.

The finance minister hoped that the federal government would provide grant in aid to meet the development expenditures deficit.

The total revenue receipts were estimated as Rs 22.9 billion including share from the taxes of Kashmir council income from local resources of Rs 9.92 billion, Mangla Dam water usage charges Rs750 million, share from AJK council taxes Rs 4.5 billion, and share from federal taxes Rs 6.68 billion.

The finance minister announced 50 per cent ad hoc increase in the salaries of the government employees, police officials, pensions and medical allowance following the federal government's initiative.

However, he did not announce any cut in the salaries of ministers and government functionaries as the federal and provincial governments did by cutting down their expenditures.

It is pertinent to mention that AJK has the biggest cabinet of its history with all treasury members except one having the portfolio.

The finance minister in his budget speech said the share of the federal government in the new National Finance Commission (NFC) award was reduced, which had also affected the AJK share putting his government in financial crunch.

"If we are provided net profit over the hydro-electric projects, complete share from the federal taxes and Kashmir property, we might not need any grant in aid to bridge the gap between income and expenditures," he informed the house.

The minister said the government need extra seven billion rupees in the current expenditures head to raise the salaries of government employees, Judiciary, police and 100 percent increase in the medical allowance of grade 1 to 15 employees and 15 percent of higher grade officials.

In the development budget, priority has been given to transport and communication sector by allocating a sum of Rs 4.18 billion for the construction and maintenance of roads and bridges, besides fixing Rs 1.5 billion for development projects in the power sector.

Local government departments would be provided Rs one billion during the next fiscal year while Rs 916 million have been allocated for foreign funded projects. The education sector would get Rs 800 million for its development schemes.

The minister announced to regularize 1100 contractual employees during the fiscal year starting from July 1, but no new post has been announced in the budget.

In the non-development expenditures head, a junk amount of Rs 7.594 billion have been allocated for the education sector, Rs 5.30 billion for electricity department, Rs 3.31 billion in the head of miscellaneous expenditures, Rs 2.5 billion for state trading, Rs1.82 billion for health, Rs 1.17 billion for general administration, Rs 1.6 billion for the payment pension and Rs 1.58 billion for police department.

The minister also presented the revised budget estimates of Rs 32.78 billion for the outgoing fiscal year 2009-10 in the house, out of which Rs 25.65 were for non-development expenditures and Rs 7.13 for the development expenditures. The revised budget shows a deficit of Rs 5.5 billion.

The house will debate the budget for the fiscal year 2010-11 and revised budget for the outgoing fiscal year from Monday after a two days pause.

Poultry products prices rise in Karachi

KARACHI: The prices of poultry products have risen in Karachi with addition of Rs.10/kg in chicken meat while eggs by Rs.3 a dozen, Geo news reported Friday.

Spokesman Pakistan Poultry Association (PPA), Maroof Siddiqui, told Geo news price of chicken has hiked by Rs.8/kg and is now selling at Rs.146/kg while chicken meat saw inflation by Rs.10/kg to sell at Rs.248/kg in local market.

“Summer vacations and commencement of marriage season are the major causes to contribute hike in prices of poultry products”, he identified.

Further more, eggs price has risen by Rs.3/dozen to sell at Rs.59, he added.

Gates backs cell phone banking for Haiti

The massive earthquake in Haiti in January destroyed a third or more of the country's banks and ATMs, but even before the quake fewer than 1 in 10 Haitians had ever used a traditional bank.

Aiming to broaden access to financial institutions and aid in the recovery, the Gates Foundation and the U.S. Agency for International Development announced Tuesday a plan to back up to $10 million in funding to spur the use of cell phone banking, an approach that has worked elsewhere to bring financing to the poor.

Paul Tertilus writes a text message earlier this month to his girlfriend from a tent city in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti. The Gates Foundation is hoping to spur use of cell phones for making mobile payments.

(Credit: Natasha Fillion/Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation)

"Out of the ruins of Haiti's tragic earthquake, there is an unprecedented opportunity to improve the lives of millions of Haitians and unlock the country's economic potential through mobile money," said Mark Suzman, acting president of the Global Development Program at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, in a statement. "Making financial services widely available to the poorest families in the developing world can help break the cycle of poverty by giving them a safe place to save, guard against risks, build assets, and provide opportunities for the next generation."

The fund will offer cash awards to companies that build mobile financial services in Haiti, giving $2.5 million to the first country that launches a mobile banking service in the next six months and hits certain goals. The second company that does so within 12 months will get $1.5 million, while the remaining $6 million will be awarded proportionately to those services that process the first 5 million transactions.

The program's backers hope that, in the short term, mobile banking will make it easier to distribute humanitarian aid, including various cash-for-work programs. Over time, the hope is that a mobile banking system will leave Haitians with broad access to savings and other financial services that were not widely available before the quake.

A program in Kenya, known as M-Pesa, reaches 9 million people--40 percent of adult Kenyans--just three years after its launch. The service allows a range of goods and services, from taxi fares to school fees--to be paid by phone. The Gates Foundation touts a recent University of Edinburgh study that suggests rural households using M-Pesa saw their income increase by 5 percent to 30 percent.

Mildred, an M-PESA agent helps a customers at a booth in Eldoret, Kenya. M-PESA allows Kenyans to make payments using their cell phones.

(Credit: Frederic Courbet/Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation)

Bill Gates has been a big proponent of the role cell phones can play in bringing access to banking, particularly savings, to the poor. He touted the Kenyan program during a stop in Berkeley, Calif., on his recent speaking tour at top U.S. colleges.

"Poor people don't have saving accounts," Gates said. "The financial system doesn't work for the poor."

Setback for TiVo in long-running patent dispute

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Tuesday rejected a claim by TiVo that it owns the patent on time-warp DVR technology.

TiVo released this statement Tuesday: "While TiVo is disappointed with this recent PTO office action, this is just one of several steps in the review process. We will continue to work with the PTO to explain the validity of the claims under review. It is important to note that TiVo received a 'final action' holding several claims invalid during EchoStar's first re-examination request at this juncture only to have the PTO ultimately uphold the validity of all claims of the patent."

Dish Network said it was encouraged by the ruling in the case running parallel to its own TiVo patent lawsuit.

"We are pleased the Patent and Trademark Office issued a Final Office Action maintaining its rejection of the software claims of TiVo's patent," Dish Network said in a statement. "These software claims are the same claims that EchoStar was found to have infringed in the contempt ruling now pending for en banc review by the Federal Circuit."

Though the two cases are technically unrelated, the uncertainty could be bad news for TiVo's the long-running dispute with EchoStar/Dish Network. In 2006, a Texas court first found Dish Network and its parent company EchoStar (they have since split into two companies) guilty of using TiVo's patented "time-warping" DVR technology. EchoStar was ordered to pay $74 million to TiVo. That amount was raised in September 2009 to $200 million.

But last month an appeals court granted EchoStar's petition for a rehearing of the case. A panel of three or more appellate judges will be listening to both sides re-argue the case, but this time, TiVo won't have the U.S. PTO's stamp of approval on its time-warp patent, which could cause a very different outcome this time around.

Twitter tests its own URL shortener

Twitter has squeezed the way we communicate, and now it is putting the squeeze on Web links users share on the microblogging service.

Twitter is testing a new service--called t.co--to wrap and abbreviate all links shared on the site in the same way other URL-shortening services such as Bit.ly do. The move is designed to increase security on the site, as well as offering analytics and related services for the company's Promoted Tweets platform, Twitter spokesperson Sean Garrett wrote in the post announcing the move Tuesday afternoon.

To illustrate how URLs would appear after testing is complete, Garrett said that a URL such as http://www.amazon.com/Delivering-Happiness-Profits-Passion-Purpose/dp/0446563048 might appear on Twitter wrapped as http://t.co/DRo0trj on mobile devices. However, users viewing the message on a computer will still see the entire URL.

"If you are already partial to a particular shortener when you tweet, you can continue to use it for link shortening and analytics as you normally would, and we'll wrap the shortened links you submit," Garrett wrote.

However, t.co is likely to put the squeeze on new competitors such as Bit.ly, which also offer analytics services and custom domains for corporations. The related services Twitter referred to might include content recommendation, suggesting content that users might want to consume.

The move isn't a total surprise. After a series of phishing attacks in February, Twitter launched a filtering servicein March to detect malicious links designed to dupe users into revealing their login credentials and other attacks

Shahbaz says Lahore attacks to be investigated

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif Friday said that an independent probe into the violent incidents in Garhi Shahu and Model Town will be undertaken.

Talking to media men here at 7 Club Road, Shahbaz Sharif termed the bloodshed at places of worship in Lahore as condemnable, saying the nation acknowledges it as barbarism.

He said unless Pakistan defeats terrorism and extremism it cannot get to its desired destination.

Nawaz denounces deadly attacks on Ahmedi worshipers

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-N chief Nawaz Sharif has strongly condemned the gun and grenade attacks on two worship places of minority Ahmedi sect.

“It is the duty of the government to protect and life and property of any citizen belonging to any faith and sect,” he said in a statement released today after the terrorist attacks that left at least 70 dead.

“Anti-Pakistan forces are engaged in causing harm to the country, he said, adding that the government shall not spare the terrorists,” he said.

PML-N chief said he has directed Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif to extend full cooperation with the families of victims and reach out to the culprits.

US drone strike kills 11 in SWA

WANA: At least 11 militants were killed, and three injured in a missile strike carried out by a US unmanned plane in South Waziristan Agency Friday.

According to sources, the pilotless spy plane targeted the suspected militant hideouts located in Nezai Narai area along Afghan border, in which 11 militants were killed.

Hunza IDPs suffer due to lack of facilities in camps

HUNZA: The IDPs of Hunza who are taking refuge in different camps set up by the government are facing a number of hardships due to the inclement weather.

After the formation of artificial lake in Attabad due to land sliding, the government shifted the residents of low lying areas in Hunza Nagar and Gilgit to the relief camps set up in 30 different spots. About 25000 to 30000 IDPs are taking shelter in these camps.

As many as 360 tents and a camp providing refuge to 3000 people in Faizabad were declared vulnerable last night and the IDPs from there are now being relocated to a girls hostel near Karakorum University and Special Education Complex. The shifting will be completed today.

Meanwhile, the IDPs of Danyor camp in Gilgit have complained that they have to suffer from a number of difficulties in the camps set up by the government due to bad weather conditions. They said the IDPs are not being provided things required for cooking besides other necessary items of daily use.

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