Rising Chinese N-subs a concern for India

I saw the coverage on NDTV 24x7 about China's Nuclear submarines very close to Indian border.

India has voiced concern over the build-up of Chinese submarines equipped with nuclear arsenals in its neighbourhood amid indications that the issue would be discussed by the Cabinet Committee on Security soon.

"It a 'concern' to India," Naval Chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta told newspersons in New Delhi when asked about the revelations by satellite pictures that China had amassed five nuclear submarines carrying long range missiles.

''It is not the nuclear submarine bases that matter, we are concerned over the number of nuclear submarines that are being built in our neighbourhood''

Satellite imagery reportedly showed that a substantial harbour has been built which could house scores of nuclear submarines equipped with ballistic missiles besides a host of aircraft carriers at the Sanya base on Southern tip of Hainan island.

NDTV 24x7 is a must for Indians living in the US as the channel covers India-centric news extensively and is available in the US through DirecTV. The satellite TV provider also offers various other Indian channels.

Alcohol production increasing in India

India is one of the largest producers of alcohol in the world and there has been a steady increase in its production over the last 15 years, according to fresh statistics.

India is a dominant producer of alcohol in the South-East Asian region with 65 per cent of the total share and contributes to around seven per cent of the total alcohol beverage imports into the region.

More than two-thirds of the total beverage alcohol consumption within the region is in India, according to figures in the newly-compiled 'Alcohol Atlas of India'.

I read this first on NDTV 24x7. It is the best news channel for NRIs who can receive the latest news about India. This channel is available through DirecTV in the US.

Gilly takes Chargers home, hits fastest IPL century

NDTV Reports: Adam Gilchrist produced a breathtaking hundred --- the fastest so far in the Indian Premier League --- to take Deccan Chargers to their first win. It meant that Mumbai Indians slumped to their fourth straight loss.

The former Australia wicketkeeper clubbed a 42-ball hundred with 10 sixes and nine fours making a joke of the 155-run target that Mumbai had set. Hyderabad were home by 10 wickets --- the biggest victory margin so far in the IPL --- with an astounding 44 balls to spare. Hyderabad captain VVS Laxman made 36, playing bass to Gilchrist's electrifying riffs.

At cricket's newest home, Navi Mumbai's DY Patil Sports Academy Stadium, hosts Mumbai were asked to bat and put up a disappointing show. Reduced to 79-4 in the 14th over, it took a couple of brisk thirties from local boy Abhishek Nayar and Dwayne Bravo to take them to respectability.

The Hyderabad seamers set up the win with some tight bowling. Leading them was RP Singh, with figures of 4-1-15-2. Sanjay Bangar bowled economically till an expensive third over that went for 16, while leg spinner Shahid Afridi carved a hole out of the Mumbai batting, dismissing the dangerous Sanath Jayasuriya and Robin Uthappa.

Mumbai now have immense problems at hands. They've had three captains so far in the IPL. Sachin Tendulkar hasn't played a game, Harbhajan Singh has been suspended and will probably receive a hefty ban, and Pollock couldn't get his side to perform in this dire situation.

For Chargers, it was a performance long overdue. A side that boasts of some of the most feared hitters in the game, they had played poorly up to this point. However, Gilchrist's magical touch could now turn things around for them in the tournament.

The Chargers were my favorite team from the onset of the tournament and finally they have shown what they're worth. Gilchrist hasn't lost his firepower even after retirement from both forms of the game. I hope this is just the beginning of the Chargers' winning streak.

I saw a report on this issue on NDTV 24x7 which is available here in the US only on DirecTV.

PCB to launch Pakistan Premier League in 2009

NDTV Reports:
The Pakistan Cricket Board will launch a new look Twenty20 domestic tournament next year on the lines of the Indian Premier League, offering franchises of city-based teams to sponsors and companies.

A senior official of the board said that this year's Twenty20 competition, which has been delayed until August 10, would be the last time that the popular domestic event would be held on regional basis and without team sponsors.

"From next year, we will offer franchise of teams like in the IPL to interested companies and individuals and work has already begun in this direction," the official said.

He said the Twenty20 national championship would also be expanded to possibly include foreign players.

"But that will definitely depend on the sort of money the companies and individuals buying the franchise of teams are willing to offer for overseas players," the official said.

"The fact is that Twenty20 leagues are now a popular form of cricket and we don't want to lag behind other countries in this regard," he said.

Its good to see other Cricket boards jumping on to T-20 bandwagon. Maybe a match between the teams form both the leagues can be arranged in the future on the lines of the European Football Leagues. It will be exciting to see the PCB league.

Kalam was to quit over Bihar: Book

Former President APJ Abdul Kalam left office a year ago but it seems people are still talking about his tenure.
I heard them talking on NDTV 24×7.

His senior most aide PM Nair has written a book The Kalam Effect: My Years With the President, which will be released on Thursday.

The book talks about some of the big controversies during the Presidency and indicates that Kalam was ready to quit after the whole controversy surrounding the dissolution of the Bihar Assembly.

Nair gave some juicy anecdotes about the former President, the attention he received as a bachelor.

NDTV 24×7 is a must for Indians living in the US. The news channel is available in the US through DirecTV.

No one can stop me on my day: Sehwag

NDTV Reports: After his buccaneering unbeaten 94 powered Delhi Daredevils to a comprehensive win against the Deccan Chargers in Hyderabad on Tuesday night, Virender Sehwag said none can really stop him when he gets going and it was one of those days.

After the hosts put on a modest 142 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs, Sehwag led from the front and slammed an unbeaten explosive 41-ball knock of 94 to guide his side to an easy nine-wicket victory in just 13 overs.

"Someone asked me yesterday what would be our strategy and I just told him if the day belongs to me, none can stop me. And it was such a day," said Sehwag whose swashbuckling innings earned him the Man of the Match award.

Sehwag was especially harsh on Andrew Symonds and Sanjay Bangar and he in fact milked 30 runs off an over from the Australian all-rounder.

His opposite number VVS Laxman said the batsmen did not put enough runs on the board to give the bowlers any cushion in the match.

"You see 142 was just not enough. We did not capitalise on the first six overs and then lost wickets at regular intervals. It is not easy for a new batsman to come and start playing his shots. we could not concentrate enough.

"It's extremely disappointing to lose in such a manner in front of the home crowd," Laxman rued.

It really was an exhilarating performance by Sehwag who seems to be back in his element. The Deccan Chargers i think are a fabulous team with some explosive players; Symonds, Gilchrist and Afridi to name a few. Guess it just wasn't their day.

Amitabh Bachchan turns blogger

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan has turned blogger with bigadda.com, a youth networking site, to connect with his fans worldwide.

Speaking about his new initiative, Bachchan said, ''bigb.bigadda.com allows me to express myself, share and reflect my emotions, thoughts, opinions and listen to what people have to say to me and show them the 'real' side to my larger than life image that they see through media. It's a platform which I control and share my own drama without anyone editing or interpreting my thoughts.''

Amitabh also posted his views on his upcoming film Bhootnath and asked readers responses.

Bigadda.com has gained a user base of 1.6 million, where 40 per cent users are from tier II cities like Tuticorin, Bhilai, Amritsar, Guwahati, Surat and Nashik.

The site gets almost 10 per cent of users from countries like Sri Lanka, Pakistan and from Indians from Dubai, United States and United Kingdom.

This news is available on NDTV 24x7. DirecTV make sit possible to access this channel in the US and also guarantees excellent picture and sound quality.

China expresses thanks for great Indian efforts for torch run

NDTV Reports: Relieved at the trouble-free Olympic torch relay in New Delhi, China on Friday appreciated the ''great efforts'' by the Indian government for its smooth run.

''China expresses its thanks for the warm support and participation of the Indian people and the great efforts by the Indian side,'' the Foreign Ministry spokesperson's office told PTI, a day after the relay passed off under a massive security cover in New Delhi.

Beijing was anxious about the smooth passage of the relay in India, home to an estimated population of about 150,000 Tibetans living in exile who have been staging repeated protests to draw global attention to alleged repression in Tibet, ahead of the Olympics here in August.

I believe in the sanctity of the Olympic Torch and believe that the Olympic Games are a human event and cant be hijacked by any country. But then the rights of the Tibetan people are also critical. Watched a report about this on NDTV last night... it was very well reported!

Met Department forecasts near normal monsoon this season

NDTV Reports: The south-west monsoon that is crucial for agriculture is likely to be near normal this year, the India Meteorological Department has forecast amid hopes that good summer rains would lead to easing price situation.

''India Meteorological Department's long range forecast for the 2008 south-west monsoon season (June-September) is that the rainfall for the country as a whole is likely to be near normal,'' Earth Sciences Minister Kapil Sibal told reporters in Delhi.

Quantitatively, monsoon season rainfall is likely to be 99 per cent of the long period average with a model error of five per cent.

This is some real good news for India. he monsoons still play a huge role in our country's economy as agriculture depends mostly on the rains for water. Watched a report about this on NDTV last night. I'm glad i can stay in touch with all thenews about India through NDTV 24x7 which is available here in the US on DirecTV.

With 100 hours left, IPL gets ready for trial by fire

Millions have already been spent. More will be spent in the next few days. But who gets to show the matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the world's most lucrative cricket event, or who gets to see them is still not clear.

The stand-off, with the IPL management on one side and media - both print and electronic - on the other, has not been resolved yet, though the IPL top brass says that all outstanding issues relating to the media have been sorted out.

The National Broadcasters Association (NBA), a group of broadcasters, is said to be holding meetings on how to deal with this issue and the dreaded word 'boycott' has figured often enough.

The championship has also raised security concerns in the cities the matches are being played as nothing has been heard about transport arrangements after the matches late in the night.

Security after the match is causing concern in Delhi and Mumbai as the police forces want a greater say in matters.

Then there is a lack of information on ticket sales and disputes on entertainment tax on tickets. All these things put together are making IPL's debut a trial by fire.

While many cities have started ticket sales, some franchises have not yet started them. In cities like Delhi (Daredevils), Kolkata (Knight Riders), Bangalore (Royal Challengers) and Mohali (Kings XI Punjab) sales have started, but the response is said to be lukewarm still.

In Kolkata, Shah Rukh Khan's team is said to be facing a lot of problems in trying to get exemption on entertainment tax. While the franchises are claiming it to be a sport, the state governments are said to be saying that it is also entertainment, as can be seen by the involvement of Bollywood stars and their performances. Other franchises are also likely to encounter the problem over next few days.

On entertainment tax, the West Bengal government is believed to have agreed to charge three percent on the entertainment component of 35 minutes of the 195 minutes' match duration.

And, finally, even as overseas players are joining their respective teams, there are questions on who will be available for how many matches as Pakistan, Australia, Bangladesh and West Indies are going to be engaged in international Test and ODI series.

Any major tournament on this massive scale will have issues that need to be sorted, till the last moment. But lets not forget that, over-all this has been a well organized event right from the start. I hope these issues get sorted soon and we can finally take the pleasure of watching some quality cricket. Dont forget to catch the post match analysis of IPL on NDTV 24x7 only on DirecTV here in the US.

Ishant Shines, South Africa bowled out for 265

Spinner Harbhajan Singh and pace bowler Ishant Sharma have shared six wickets as India wrested control of the deciding third Test away from South Africa on day one.

India bowled South Africa out for 265 on Friday, after the tourists were at one stage 152-1 and in firm control of the match approaching tea.

Harbhajan Singh (3-52) and Sharma (3-53) brought India back into the game, heightening its chances of winning the final test to square the series. However the pitch was already exhibiting uneven bounce, and India will face a challenge on Saturday to match South Africa's first innings total.

South Africa captain Graeme Smith (69), Hashim Amla (51) and Jacques Kallis (1) fell in the space of 27 deliveries as South Africa moved to 161-4 after two sessions. Ashwell Prince (10) and AB de Villiers (3) were the not-out batsmen.

South Africa were 80-1 at lunch, needing only a draw to win the series. It was an important toss to win, with South Africa avoiding having to bat last on a pitch expected to strongly assist spinners as the match proceeds.

The South African openers, Graeme Smith and McKenzie, played cautiously to give the visitors a solid start before Chawla got rid of McKenzie with a gem of a flighted delivery and provided the much-needed breakthough.

Neil McKenzie (36) was the only batsman to fall in the first session, stumped by India's stand-in skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni in leg-spinner Piyush Chawla's first over after he played down the wrong line when stepping out for an aggressive shot.

Earlier, Anil Kumble was ruled out of the final Test because of a groin injury.

The 37-year-old leg-spinner, India's most successful bowler, failed to recover from the injury, leaving one-day captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni to lead the team for the first time in Tests.

India included leg-spinner Piyush Chawla in place of Kumble and recalled fit-again paceman Ishant Sharma and batsman Yuvraj Singh.

The tourists lead 1-0 after crushing India by an innings and 90 runs on a lively pitch in the second Test in Ahmedabad, a victory that brought them close to claiming an Asian treble after wins in Pakistan in November last year and Bangladesh last month.

Teams:

India: Wasim Jaffer, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, Saurav Ganguly, Vangipurappu Laxman, Yuvraj Singh, Mahendra Dhoni (captain), Harbhajan Singh, Piyush Chawla, Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, Ishant Sharma.

South Africa: Graeme Smith (captain), Neil McKenzie, Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, Ashwell Prince, Mark Boucher, Morne Morkel, Paul Harris, Dale Steyn, Makhaya Ntini.

It will be interesting to see what happens in Kanpur tomorrow. India have done a good job today but its important to carry the gains forward and make use of them. Its the responsibility of the batsmen. Cant wait to watch the analysis of today's play on the NDTV cricket show. You need a DirecTV subscription to view DirecTV here in the US.

Scindia sets agenda for new responsibility

NDTV reports: Providing cheaper communication facilities, upgrading the ailing postal system and taking India to the next level of development in IT are high on new Minister of State for Communications and IT Jyotiraditya Scindia's agenda.

''We have to ensure that the common man gets a product with the best quality and price. There exists a lot of asymmetry in communications today which we have to remove and involve every man in this revolution,'' said the minister who took charge in New Delhi on Wednesday.

''In IT, India should now look beyond being the back-office of the world. There should not be any reason why semiconductor fabrication units cannot be set up in India,'' he added.

''Another area that needs to be upgraded is the Department of Posts, which is present in every corner of the country. It must become our window to the world.''

Son of Madhavrao Scindia, a charismatic leader and seasoned politician who died in a plane crash in September 2001, Jyotiraditya Scindia was first elected to the Lok Sabha from his father's old constituency Guna in Madhya Pradesh in February 2002.

The 37-year-old was Sunday inducted into the council of ministers as minister of state for IT and Communications replacing Shakeel Ahmed.

Its heartening to see young faces being inducted into such high offices of government. India is a young nation and needs leaders who can understand the pulse of the youth. The ministry he's taking over is the most appropriate for him. Being young and tech savvy he will be able to hopefully resolve long standing issues like spectrum allocation and such. I wish Jyotiraditya Scindia all the very best.

India gives visual effects in Hollywood films

Ever since ''The Golden Compass'' won an Oscar this year, the Indian animation and visual effects sector is going places. More Hollywood movies are being outsourced to the country for visual effects.

Director Chris Weitz's ''The Golden Compass'', starring Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig, outsourced most of its visual effect shots to the Mumbai set-up of Culver City, the California-based firm Rhythm & Hues.

Although it is primarily for cost reasons that Hollywood began to look eastwards, the talent shown by Indian animators and Computer Generated Intermediary (CGI) experts is unquestionable.

Some of these Indian visual effect set-ups are doing an incredible job for Hollywood productions, though out of the glare of publicity.

I saw this news on NDTV 24x7. This channel is excellent for NRIs for the latest news related to India. The channel is available in the US through DirecTV.

Sania moves up in WTA rankings

Sania Mirza, struggling to recover from a wrist injury, moved one place up to 31 in singles and gained three spots in doubles to be 22 in the latest WTA tennis rankings.

Sania, who withdrew from the on-going Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, made the singles pre-quarterfinal at the Pacific Life open and reached doubles semi-finals with American partner Bethanie Mattek at the same event.

This news was brought to me by on NDTV 24x7. This channel is excellent for NRIs making it easier for them to stay connected to India. This channel is available in the US through DirecTV.

Delhi students selected for NASA race

It's a first for Delhi and for India. Two teams of students have been selected from the Delhi College of Engineering to travel to the NASA Space Centre.

They're going to take part in the 15th annual moonbuggy race next week. This race simulates conditions on the moon and students participate in buggies designed by them.

The Delhi College of Engineering has produced not one but two successful entries for the annual race conducted by NASA. Fifty teams have been selected from across the world, and it is India's maiden entry.

The NASA competition will see the different entries racing to finish the journey, and professors are trying to keep their excited students grounded even as they head for the moon.

India is certainly going places! NDTV 24x7 brought this news to me. It is an excellent news channel for NRIs. This channel is available in the US through DirecTV.

'Nano' trial production to start by July

My first post in this blog was about the news coverage on NDTV 24x7 about the revolution in Indian small car segment. Tata Motors showcased Nano on January 10 at an auto show held in Delhi.

NDTV 24x7 was the first news channel to break this news to me. Now, I saw the news about TATA's plans to produce 2.5 lakh units of Nano from Singur on NDTV 24x7.

Trial production of Tata Motors' Rs one lakh wonder 'Nano', which was unveiled at the auto-expo in the national capital last month, would start in June or July.
Within two months of start of trial production, commercial production of the small car would begin in the second half of the next financial year, preferably in October.

A number of auto component manufacturers are also geared up for their manufacturing units near the plant area for the small car.

I think NDTV 24x7 is a must for all the Indians living in the US. It is the only news channel available in the US covering India-centric news extensively. The channel is available on DirecTV. The satellite TV service provider is a class-apart. My experience with DirecTV & NDTV 24x7 has been indeed a pleasant one.

IPL may affect international calendar

The potential success of the IPL is already itching a few international bodies. Cricket Australia has expressed concerns that the success of Indian Premier League may have a negative influence on the international calender in future.

IPL is not domestic cricket, its an tournament with various international cricket players.

James Sutherland, CEO of the CA, said the cash-rich league may ask for more weeks for conducting the Twenty20 event as it gains popularity.

Sutherland's fears stem from the fact that the West Indies Cricket Board has allowed three of its players to play in the inaugural IPL, instead of in the Test matches against Australia in May and June in Caribbean.

I saw the coverage on NDTV 24x7, the only news channel in the US to cover Indian Sports extensively. I am a huge fan of cricket and NDTV is the only way to stay abreast of Cricket news. The channel is available in the US only through DirecTV.

IPL owners jostle to pick U-19 World Cup stars

After Indian & International cricket players it is the turn of U-19 players. India's World Cup winning Under-19 team stole the limelight during the second auction of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Tuesday as the cash-stacked franchise owners jostled to buy them.

I saw the coverage on NDTV 24x7. Cricket isn't a known sport in the US, the popularity levels are abysmal. So, NDTV 24x7 is the only option for Indians in the US to stay in touch with Cricket. The incisive news channel is available in the US only through DirecTV.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has fixed an IPL fee of $30,000 for the Under-19 players.

Earlier, the IPL organisers had prevented franchise owners from reaching out to junior players when they were playing in the World Cup in Malaysia so that it did not affect their focus.

Oldest handmade paper mill dying

The country's oldest Handmade Paper Institute in Pune that provided paper for the first edition of our Indian constitution is struggling for survival.

I saw the coverage on NDTV 24x7. I wasn't even aware of the Paper mill in Pune until I saw the news.

The same institute also printed invitations for Rajiv and Sonia Gandhi's reception on 26th February, 1968.

The likes of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi had come visiting the institute. And all its historic achievement has been documented on the institute walls with pictures and frames.
Institute's aim was to propagate environment-friendly manufacture of paper. But for various economic reasons the institute is now facing the threat of closure.

The only hope now is the few odd customers, mostly foreigners who come here to buy handmade paper.

The Indian government should grant it the status of Heritage Structure. This might help the premises to counter the sands of time. NDTV 24x7 is a must for Indians in the US, it's the best way to stay in touch with India-centric news. The incisive news channel is provided by DirecTv in the US.

UK Hindus blame British for caste system

I saw this news on NDTV 24x7. The news channel brought the news as it is but left me wondering what is the point in blaming the British. I am sure the next time this news is covered an analysis will be offered by NDTV 24x7.

A Hindu organisation in the UK on Friday blamed the British for the caste system in India, saying the ''current adulteration'' of the varnashram system is a result of ''generations of British colonial bureaucracy''.

The report included quotations from Hindu scripture in support of the concept of egalitarianism and cites many sacred texts - respected by people of all castes - that were written by ''Dalits,'' or ''outcastes'', in an attempt to prove that in Hinduism, caste was never intended to be hereditary.

''It was the British who single-handedly formulated the caste schedules that remain in place today''

The result of several months research, the report lifts the lid on rarely-heard Hindu perspectives on a subject assumed by most non-Hindus to be always a gross form of unjust discrimination, an alleged feature of Hinduism so maligned it justifies attempts by Christians to convert Hindus in the UK, in India and elsewhere, the report said.

I prefer watching NDTV 24x7 as it provides up–to–the–minute, 24/7 news with unparalleled coverage of the latest in domestic and international news. NDTV 24x7 is available in the US only through DirecTv. Here is the URL for DirecTv:

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/packProg/channelChart2.jsp?assetId=1200042

Australian police denies compensation to Haneef

I saw the coverage on NDTV 24x7 about Indians abroad. Much of the airtime was dedicated to Dr. Haneef.
Australian police spent a whopping $7.5 million probing Mohammed Haneef, who was wrongly accused of terror charges, the country's police chief said on Monday while claiming that the Indian doctor did not have a case for compensation.

Mick Keelty told the Senate Estimates Committee that the Australian Federal Police (AFP) investigation of Haneef in connection with the failed UK terror bombings last year involved 470 police and customs officers.
Keelty, who has ducked calls for his resignation after the Haneef episode, which caused severe embarrassment to Canberra, said there had been an internal investigation but no changes had been made to processes inside the force.

Lawyers of the 28-year-old Bangalore doctor, who was forced to return to his country even after dropping of charges, have spoken of $9 lakh compensation claiming his career has been ruined by police's actions.

I watch all the news related to India on NDTV 24x7. The news channel is available in the US only through DirecTv, here is the URL for DirecTv:
http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/packProg/channelChart2.jsp?assetId=1200042

PM seeks security of sea lanes

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said that India's initiative to forge working cooperation among navies of the Indian Ocean region is of 'paramount importance'. He said that the move will prove beneficial in tackling threats of terrorism from the seas.

He said high level of trade and economic growth was being witnessed in the region, which dictated the need to ensure safety and security of the sea-lanes.

Pointing that recent years had seen rise in crimes like terrorism, piracy and smuggling of narcotics and ammunitions in the ocean region, the Prime Minister emphasized on the need for cooperation among the navies of the littoral states to prevent these transnational crimes.''The perpetrators of these crimes are well organised and well-funded transnational syndicates who take full advantage of the vastness of oceans''

I prefer watching NDTV 24x7 as it is India’s most respected news channel and the news coverage is ‘to the point’ unlike other news channel where every news is a breaking news. No other news channel covers Indian news stories the way NDTV 24x7 does.

The experience only improves as I have subscribed to DirecTv.

There are absolutely no interruptions as DirecTV delivers a digital signal 99.9% of the time. I also ordered a high-speed Internet connection with the service.

The most important benefit is that my cable & internet bills have reduced.

Dilshan leads Lanka to victory

The current Australia-India-SriLanka cricket matches are being played at odd times. I can't watch a single match due to the time difference between Australia and the US. DirecTv is doing a fantastic job of providing NDTV 24x7 in the US. Atleast, I can watch the post-match analysis. Today was a disaster for the Indian cricket team. They somehow manage to put up a good score and the Rain-Gods and the D/L method spoil it for the Indian Team.

Sri Lanka beat India by eight wickets owing to the Duckworth-Lewis method in their rain-shortened tri-series one-day international at Manuka Oval on Tuesday

Earlier, another spell of rain brought down the target for Sri Lanka to 154 in 21 overs.India had scored 195 in 29 overs when the match got underway after a rain-delay, but another shower during the innings break forced a revision of the target.

Sharma, who took 20 balls for his first 10 runs, struck some lusty blows to finish with 70 runs off 64 balls and shared a rollicking 68-run fourth wicket stand with skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (31).

I think NDTV 24x7 is a must for Indians in the US. The news channel is available through DirecTv. Here is the URL >>
http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/packProg/channelChart2.jsp?assetId=1200042
There are absolutely no interruptions as DirecTV delivers a digital signal 99.9% of the time. I also ordered a high-speed Internet connection with the service.

The Force

I saw the news on NDTV 24x7 about Force India rolling out its car for this year's 18 Formula1 races. Giancarlo Fisichella and Adrian Sutil will race the cars and Vitantoniio Liuzzi will be the test-driver.

Force India, India's entry in the 2008 Formula One World Championship, unveiled its car and team colours for the upcoming season, which begins in Melbourne on March 16.
Calling it a "red letter day in the history of Indian motorsport", Force India owner and liquor baron Vijay Mallya unveiled the new car and the team's three drivers dressed in the team colours of white, tungsten, gold and red at a ceremony at the historic Gateway of India in South Mumbai.

The car, called VJM01, is expected to have its first run during the next test session of the team to be held in Barcelona from February 25 to 27.

I prefer watching NDTV 24x7 as it is India’s most respected news channel and the news coverage is ‘to the point’ unlike other news channel where every news is a breaking news.

The experience only improves as I have subscribed to DirecTv.

There are absolutely no interruptions as DirecTV delivers a digital signal 99.9% of the time. I also ordered a high-speed Internet connection with the service.

The most important benefit is that my cable & internet bills have reduced.

So what do you think? Mallya wants a podium finish in the 1st race of the 2010 F1 season, Is it possible?

The Spirit of Bombay: Kalaghoda festival

If I was in Mumbai this time of the year I would definitely be at Kalaghoda to witness the decade old festival that echoes the spirit of Mumbai. All I could get is the News coverage on NDTV 24x7. I would like to share with you what I gathered while watching NDTV.

The Kalaghoda festival is a unique platform for showcasing new talent and attracts hundreds of enthusiasts.

This year the Kalaghoda art festival looks bigger, brighter and more colourful. The otherwise commercial lanes of a business district now turn themselves into art exhibits.

Space is created for artists who feel that, art cannot be bound by closed walls and class divides of traditional art galleries.

True to the spirit of a street festival, day one had traditional acrobats from rural Maharashta.

If you are an Indian living in the US (like me), you should immeidately subscribe to DirecTv because:

• It is the best TV service provider in the US in all respects.
• NDTV 24x7 is the best Indian news channel.
• DirecTv is the sole provider of NDTV 24x7 in the US.

Here is the URL: http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/packProg/channelChart2.jsp?assetId=1200042

India minus Sania go down against Indonesia

I am tied up throughout the day in some or the other chore. Life in The States isn't easy at all. There is no time for me to watch even sports so I have to settle with the sports coverage on NDTV 24x7 - India's best news channel available in the US.

I saw the coverage about India's decision to rest star player Sania Mirza in the opening match itself against Indonesia backfired as they lost 1-2 in the Asia/Oceania Zone Group 1 Federation Cup tournament on Wednesday.

The Indians badly missed Sania's firebrand tennis as other team members Shikha Uberoi and Sunitha Rao were found lacking at crucial junctures.

Although Shikha gave a positive start and 1-0 lead to India by winning the first singles match by defeating Ayu Fani Damayanti 6-4 6-4, Sunitha could not keep the momentum going.

Tendulkar’s Last test at Adelaide

I did not know that the current test match is Tendulkar’s Last test at Adelaide until I saw the coverage on NDTV 24*7 through DirecTv.

Tendulkar went into the match with just 122 runs at 20.33 in his three previous visits to Adelaide Oval, but made sure his last Test at the home ground of his idol Donald Bradman would be a memorable one with his 39th century.

Tendulkar, who has 480 runs at 80 in the series, faced 205 balls and hit 13 fours and three sixes, earning a pat on the back from the successful bowler and a standing ovation as he left the field.

I prefer watching NDTV 24*7 as it is India’s most respected news channel and it the news coverage is ‘to the point’ unlike other news channel where every news is a breaking news.

The experience only improves as I have subscribed to DirecTv.

There’s no need to buy any costly equipments, I received installation of a 4-room DirecTV system alongwith the subscription.

There are absolutely no interruptions as DirecTV delivers a digital signal 99.9% of the time. I also ordered a high-speed Internet connection with the service.

The most important benefit is that my cable & internet bills have reduced.

Run Mumbai Run

Yeah...there's nothing new about Mumbai running. The "city that never sleeps" is notorious for its ultra fast lifestyle. Mumbaikars are known to be a busy breed. After all they are the ones who keep the financial nerve center of India alive.

The Mumbai Marathon 2008 brought together stars and commoners on the streets of the country's commercial and entertainment capital.

Over 30,000 Mumbaikars- celebrities, corporate executives, students, social workers, housewives, even the man on the street, tested their stamina and fitness to drive home the message that 'running is not stressful for the heart'.

Even though she wasn't there, this is what Urmila Matondkar had to say about the Marathon, "For practical reasons, I could not participate in the Mumbai Marathon.But I'd love to. I didn't get time to prepare for it. But I support it wholeheartedly. It means standing up for a cause that's close to your heart. It's like doing your bit to keep the energy and integrity of Mumbai intact."


I saw the coverage of the marathon on NDTV through my DirecTV connection. I'm so glad we can receive Indian channels here in the US!

Sania & Rohan advance in doubles

Indian sportsmen & women are performing well throughout the world. Sania & Rohan won their respective double matches in the Australian Open. I saw the coverage on NDTV 24 * 7 through Directv. Its a very good channel covering almost all the news in a desirable format. Its available in the US only through Directv.

Auto Expo 2008

When I was in India I never missed the Auto Expo Show. I lived in Mumbai but made sure I could be in Delhi during the greatest Auto Show in India. Last July I moved to California, US for further studies. The Auto Show was amazing, as my friends tell me. The new Tata Car was unveiled this year. Its good that I could view NDTV through Directv.

The coverage was fantastic on NDTV. The photographs, the reviews, the anchor everything was showcased well. Here is the link to NDTV's Videos >>> Auto Expo 2008