Mugdha Godse: I don’t want to do anything stupid

Mumbai, May 03: Mugdha Godse is taking it easy. Despite a good success rate with two hits (FASHION, ALL THE BEST) and one critically acclaimed film (JAIL), Mugdha isn’t allowing her PR drive to go on an overactive mode.

Instead she is waiting for the best to come out of this lean phase which she believes is actually good for the industry because now is the time for better films to be kick started. So one can foresee Mugdha to be pretty much continuing her chilling mode till she gets hold of that perfect script that works?

Tanushree Dutta is looking for romance!

Mumbai, May 03: With her first psychological thriller APARTMENT getting her good reviews once again (after ROKKK), Tanushree is very happy.

She says, “In just five years I have covered almost all genres as an actress – Romantic, negative, comedy, horror and thriller. And that gives me a lot of satisfaction.”

She goes to add, “You know, I just realized that it is almost five years since I last did a full-fledged romantic lead (in AASHIQ BANAYA AAPNE opposite Emraan Hashmi).

Sharman Joshi’s win over Shahrukh and Aamir

Mumbai, May 03: Though in comparison to Shahrukh and Aamir Khan Sharman Joshi doesnt stand too tall, but the actor is actually getting luckier than the Khans.

Its reported that Vidhu Vinod Chopra might finally cast Sharman Joshi in one of his most ambitious projects FERRARI KI SAWAARI. Though, the producer earlier thought of casting Shahrukh and Aamir for the project, but the Khans are too busy to spare any dates for the film.

No fish fry for Salman Khan

Mumbai, May 03: Salman Khan’s liking for fish fry is a well known secret. The actor can go to any length to have his share of fried fish no matter where he is.

Recently, while shooting for his film DABANGG, the crew members wanted to treat Salman to some exotic fresh water fish. So, they went fishing to a nearby lake. After hours of waiting finally they got their prize catch. A four feet long fish was getting ready to become the actor’s meal.

Katrina to show her dirty side

Mumbai, May 03: Katrina Kaif will no longer be the tender beauty if her role in her upcoming film with Zoya Akhtar is anything to go by.

According to reports, Katrina will be seen performing some heavy duty stunts in the film that will also involve some dirt biking. For this, the actress is already taking lessons.

The film, which stars Hrithik Roshan, Abhay Deol and Farhan Akhtar, will be Zoya Akhtar’s first big budget film.

Though, Katrina is excited about her new act, but at the same time she agrees that it is not going to be easy performing the stunts with the bike.

Somali militia group seizes pirate hub

Mogadishu, May 03: Dozens of fighters from a Somali militia group have seized the port town and major pirate hub of Harardhere in northern Somalia, residents said.

The Hizbul Islam militia group’s control over the city has raised concerns for three international ships and 60 crew held there.

It is expected that the group will try to gain a foothold in Haradhere before the rival militant group al-Shabab.

The combination of pirate trade and the more dangerous insurgency could have perilous consequences for more than 300 foreign hostages that are being held by the Somali pirates.

Torture cases question UK democracy

London, May 03: A collection of torture cases linked to the British government has created a crisis of credibility for a nation claiming to be a “democracy.”

The UK is today accused of involvement in a catalogue of serious human rights violations since the September 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center buildings in New York.

At the end of March, Amnesty International published a report saying there is “credible evidence” that Britain is implicated in torture, unlawful detentions, rendition, the concealment of victims’ complaints and a failure to disclose evidence of torture.

Iran considers limiting UK ties

London, May 03: Amid calls for downgrading relations with Britain, the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission of Iran’s Parliament says it is looking into its options.

Iran’s Intelligence Ministry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have expressed their views regarding the proposal to reduce diplomatic relations with London, commissioner Hossein Ebrahimi told Fars News Agency on Monday.

He added that the commission is currently debating the issue, having held negotiations with certain influential bodies.

The outcome will be reported to commission.

Iran set to limit ties with UAE

Tehran, May 03: With Tehran still reeling from recent Emirati claims on three Persian Gulf islands, Iranian lawmakers move to reduce ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Last week, Emirati Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahayan raised hackles in Tehran when he likened Iran’s ownership of the three Persian Gulf islands to Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territory.

Iraqis blame violence surge on US

Iraqis blame violence surge on US

Baghdad, May 03: Iraqis are calling for an end to delays in the formation of a new government as more blame US interventions for a surge in violence across the country.

The calls follow a hike in terrorist attacks across Iraq which a report by the Amnesty International partially blamed on the air of uncertainty shrouding the fraud-tainted March 7 elections.

Oppose ban on burqa: Deoband to Islamic countries

Muzaffarnagar, May 03: A leading seminary on Monday, May 3, appealed Islamic countries to withdraw the ban on Islamic veil in European countries as its violates religious freedom of community members.

“It is unfortunate that Islamic countries have not opposed the law by European countries curbing Muslim women from wearing the veil which is an integral part of our religion,” Deputy Vice Chancellor of Darul Uloom Deoband, Maulana Abdul Khalique Madrasi.

He urged the Islamic countries to oppose the ban and pressurise the European countries to lift the ban.

Criminal killed by STF in encounter in UP

Agra/Lucknow, May 03: The Special Task Force (STF) of Uttar Pradesh police today shot dead dreaded criminal Neeraj Singh, who was wanted in more than two dozen cases and had recently fled from police custody after killing two policemen. The criminal, hailing from Jaunpur, was evading arrest after he fled on March 16 last after killing two police constables when they were taking him back to Naini Central jail, Allahabad from Jaunpur.

Karan Johar in New York For Non-Diaspora Release of My Name is Khan

Mumbai, May 03: Karan Johar is currently in New York for the release of the English version of My Name Is Khan in two theatres of New York on May 5.

“It is meant for the non-NRI audience. It’s crisper, sharper cut and we hope to create a new market for Bollywood films,” says Karan.

Karan Johar, who left for New York for three weeks on Tuesday night, has discovered a new side to his personality that he never knew existed.

Hosting the show Lift Kara De which ended last week, he discovered how little people from privileged classes gave to the needy.

Jiah Khan: Hollywood Beckons!

Mumbai, May 03: The sultry Jiah Khan is steadily making headway in filmdom. She debuted with the controversial Nishabd opposite the very-senior Amitabh Bachchan and followed it with a meaningful role in Ghajini.

The dusky actress is known for her alluring persona and trademark curly tresses. After charming Indian audiences, she has set her sights on the West. After Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Jiah is the next Bollywood celebrity to head for Hollywood.

Iraq begins Baghdad vote recount requested by PM

Baghdad, May 03: Iraqi officials began on Monday a controversial recount of the 2.5 million ballots cast in Baghdad, a move requested by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki who narrowly lost a parliamentary election held nearly two months ago.

Political factions have since the March 7 vote wrestled over the results which showed a bloc led by al-Maliki coming two seats short of a rival coalition led by a secular Shiite heavily backed by Sunni Arabs.

AP cannot take unilateral decision on Telangana issue: Rosaiah

Chennai, May 03: The Andhra Pradesh Government could not take any unilateral decision on the Telangana issue, Chief Minister K Rosaiah said today.

In a brief chat with reporters at the airport here on his arrival from Nellore en route to Visakhapatnam, he said the Centre had constituted a committee.

”The committee is seized of the issue and it will submit its report to the Central Government,” he said.

KASAB FOUND GUILTY, FAHEEM, SABAHUDDIN ACQUITTED

Mumbai, May 03: Seventeen months after the audacious attack on Mumbai that left 166 dead and thousands scarred for life, the 26/11 Special Court on Monday pronounced the lone captured Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab guilty of waging war against India and manslaughter.

However, the two Indian co-accused Fahim Ansari and Sabahuddin Ahmed who were charged for conspiracy in the terror attacks – preparing maps of the targeted locations and handing these to Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) operatives – were acquitted by the court.

Most Religions condemns fortune-tellers

Islam, like Christianity and Judaism, condemns fortune-tellers and praise genuine sciences. In The Holy Koran, Surah Al-Maida commands “Forbidden also is to use arrows seeking luck or decision; all that is disobedience of Allah and sin”, Quran 5:3. In this case, the critical question involves the application of astrology.

Iran develops short-range missile defence

Tehran, May 03: Iran, whose nuclear dispute with the West has raised the possibility of new regional conflict, has developed a short-range defence system to combat Cruise missiles, its defence minister was quoted as saying on Sunday.

“A new short range anti-Cruise defence system with the capability to fire 4,000 rounds of bullets per minute has been produced at the Defence Ministry and soon will be inaugurated,” Ahmad Vahidi said on semi-official Fars news agency.

No need of US’ help to fight China: Taiwan

Taipei, may 03: Taiwan will never ask the United States to help fight a war, officials said on Monday in comments that could ease regional tension but shake views the island needs the world military superpower to battle China.

In a statement seen appeasing both Washington and Beijing, Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou had told a visiting television reporter over the weekend that the island would stand up for itself, suggesting the United States was not obligated to send help and risk its own conflict with China.

North Korean leader on rare visit to China

Dandong, May 03: North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has arrived in China, his destitute state’s biggest benefactor, for a rare trip abroad that could defuse regional tensions and bring him much-needed aid, reports said on Monday.

China has the most influence in curbing the North’s military grandstanding and the reclusive Kim’s previous trips to his neighbour have led to steps that have reduced security concerns for the economically vibrant region and between the rival Koreas.

Thai ‘red shirts’ ignore new government threats

Bangkok, May 03: Anti-government protesters in the Thai capital showed no sign of leaving the city’s main shopping district on Monday despite new warnings of clashes and losses during a two-month crisis that has already killed 27 people.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva warned thousands of red shirted protesters on Sunday there was a risk of further trouble if the protesters did not leave upscale Bangkok shopping district they have closed and barricaded themselves in for a month.

Iran develops short-range missile defence

Tehran, May 03: Iran, whose nuclear dispute with the West has raised the possibility of new regional conflict, has developed a short-range defence system to combat Cruise missiles, its defence minister was quoted as saying on Sunday.

“A new short range anti-Cruise defence system with the capability to fire 4,000 rounds of bullets per minute has been produced at the Defence Ministry and soon will be inaugurated,” Ahmad Vahidi said on semi-official Fars news agency.

No need of US’ help to fight China: Taiwan

Taipei, May 03: Taiwan will never ask the United States to help fight a war, officials said on Monday in comments that could ease regional tension but shake views the island needs the world military superpower to battle China.

In a statement seen appeasing both Washington and Beijing, Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou had told a visiting television reporter over the weekend that the island would stand up for itself, suggesting the United States was not obligated to send help and risk its own conflict with China.

No power sharing deal in Nepal so far; Maoists strike continues

Kathmandu, May 03: Nepal’s three largest parties failed to reach a consensus to resolve the political crisis that has spilled on to the streets, but agreed to resume talks on a power-sharing deal on Monday, even as the Maoists’ general strike paralysed the capital for a second day.

The Unified CPN-Maoist, Nepali Congress and CPN-UML failed to arrive at a power sharing agreement last evening, with both the Maoists and the ruling coalition sticking to their stands.