Match was evenly poised: Johan Botha

"It was evenly poised. Gauti and Robin started well but our guys also batted well on an excellent strip and I think going the way they did and getting 220 was excellent," South Africa skipper Johan Botha said after the match.

"They were batting well, they played a few shots and it was going their way but still there was scoring around nine runs per over and we thought if we can string a few overs at eight or seven runs, I mean it is still plenty to get in 10 overs, we were still feeling comfortable," he added.

"The whole motive of the match was to relax and play as you see it. It showed what we can do if we just go out and watch the ball and hit it," he said. "Colin played within himself and definitely did a great job. I knew he can do it and I am glad he could it on international stage. There are few young guys who came in and put their hands up," Botha said.

"It was nice for Kallis and Colin to give us a good platform. A 100-run partnership is good in any format but in Twenty20 it is better. They provided a good base for us to launch the total," he added.

"We are looking forward to the IPL. A lot of my team mates would be my opposition, it is great to be part of the tournament and we are really looking forward to it," he said on the fifth edition of the IPL starting from April 4, 2012.

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Looking forward to do well for my team: Shikhar Dhawan

Young and talented batsmen Shikhar Dhawan of Deccan Chargers is aiming to put their best in the IPL 5 starting from April 4, 2012.

"The competition would be tough. Players come from all over the world. It is a big tournament for everyone. I am looking forward to do well for my team and score big," Shikhar Dhawan said on the sidelines of a promotional event. 

"All the teams have got really good players. It's about which team clicks and who plays the best cricket on a particular day. That would be the best team," he said.

"My domestic season was good. I did well. IPL is a good platform for me to go to the next step. We are working hard. I am trying to be more aggressive and also focusing on fielding. I want to make whatever contribution I can," he added.

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Sunny Leone in JISM 2: First Look

Jism 2, the debut movie of Sunny Leone in Bollywood will go on floors soon and the movie gets the attention of the media and people from the day of announcement. She is working very hard and learn Hindi also.

"hehe just shot this picture and its one of the looks for @jism2. hope i dont get in trouble for showing you this to you!! hehhe" (sic), tweeted by excited Sunny Leone on Twitter.

"Sitting at the @Jism2 office learning my lines and hanging out :)", said in a another tweet sometimes ago. She is working very hard for the debut in Bollywood.

"Had a good time in my hindi lesson today and killer workout. My legs are going to be killing me tomorrow," she tweeted. (sic)

"Headed to another fitting for @Jism2 with @anasingh at her office!! Love her, she's the best!", she tweeted.

"This is how I memorize my lines right now.Sitting in a busy restaurant w/ people everywhere to distract me and listening to classical music. Oh and the uncomfortable feeling of people looking@me thinking I'm talking2myself. Haha must look crazy, I don't care because I'm on a mission," (sic) Sunny Leone tweeted.

"I don't believe in this april fools stuff. @Jism2 is shooting on the 1st of april. :) get ready here we come india.", She tweeted about the Jism 2 is going on floors on April 1, 2012.

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Stock Market on March 30, 2012

BSE gains 345.59 (2.03%) and close on 17,404.20
NSE gains 116.70 (2.25%) and close on 5,295.55

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Center do not interfere in the federal structure: Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said the Centre should not interfere in the country's federal structure and law and order management system of states in the name of fighting terrorism.

"We want all terrorist movements to be stopped. But in the name of fighting terrorism, do not interfere in the federal structure or the law and order because it is a state subject. It is not nice to bulldoze the federal structure," Banerjee told a press conference here.

She said although Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had said in Parliament that the NCTC issue would be discussed completely, a meeting convened in Delhi on April 16 has listed NCTC as one of the 10 items in the agenda for discussion.

"Let the NCTC issue be discussed freely first before discussing other matters. Ten issues cannot be discussed in one day. Please stick to the NCTC issue. Let it be over, then discuss other issues," she said.

The Centre should give 'full respect' to the chief ministers and allow them to discuss the NCTC issue freely, Banerjee said.

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Stock Market on March 29, 2012

BSE falls 63.01 (0.37%) and close on 17,058.61
NSE falls 15.90 (0.31%) and close on 5,178.85

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Vicky Donor: Theatrical Trailer

Vicky Donor, the first film produced by the actor Jhon Abraham and the debut movie of VJ-turned-actor Ayushmann Khurrana on the big screen.

Watch the Theatrical Trailer of the movie:

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Sachin Tendulkar will be available for entire IPL: Mumbai Indians

"I can categorically say Sachin Tendulkar (captain of Mumbai Indians) is available for the entire duration of the IPL. He has gone to London just for consultation (about his toe injury) and is scheduled to be back on March 31. There is no question of any surgery," the spokesperson of Mumbai Indians told. 

"He will also be there for the opening ceremony (on April 2) at Chennai and for the opening encounter (on April 4 against defending champions Chennai Super Kings)," the spokesman added.

"Yes, Sachin Tendulkar has gone to London for consultation about his toe injury. He has been playing with this injury for long. It is not sure when he will return as even a surgery may be needed to correct it," the BCCI source said earlier.

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Stock Market on March 28, 2012

BSE falls 135.74 (0.79%) and close on 17,121.62
NSE falls 48.40 (0.92%) and close on 5,194.75

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Stock Market on March 27, 2012

BSE gains 204.58 (1.20%) and close on 17,257.36
NSE gains 58.90 (1.14%) and close on 5,243.15

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Dhoni going back to old look of Long Hair

A good news for all the fans of Indian skipper Mahendra Sigh Dhoni will back in his long hair look.

"I'm growing my hair again. People said that I shaved my hair because of some 'mannat'. But actually I wanted a lean look with the summer approaching so I decided to go bald," Dhoni said. 

"There used to be the old Rajdoot motorcyles in 'Hero'... I really liked the model. I still have about eight of them," he said on his passion about sportbikes.

"People often ask what we discuss in the middle of a high-voltage match. But we generally talk about what's there for food at hotel...," he said with a smile on talking of high voltage matches.

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Shootout At Wadala is my Vaastav: John Abraham

Shootout at Wadala is the upcoming movie of Jhon Abhraham, in which he will be seen as gangster Manya Surve and said that it will be his career defining film.

"People ask me what is this film for you? I say that this film is my Vaastav(which had Sanjay Dutt in the lead role). On a serious note, it's a career defining film and it's something that I have taken very seriously," said Jhon in an event.

Many stars in the movie Shootout At Wadala Jhon Abhraham, Anil Kapoor, SonuSood, Mahesh Manjrekar, Manoj Bajpayee, Tusshar Kapoor, Ronit Roy and Kangna Ranaut. The movie is directed by Sanjay Gupta.

John, who has turned producer with Vicky Donor, adds that he is having a great time with the team of his first production venture.

"I am enjoying a lot because my cast of Ayushmann Khurana, Yami Gautamand Anuji (Anu Kapoor) are super talented. Our director Shoojit Sircar, with whom I am doing my next film, we are all a great team. We are really having a great time and enjoying this," he said on his first movie as a producer Vicky Donor.

Next release of John is Housefull 2, which is scheduled to release on April 5, 2012.

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Blood Money is like homecoming for me: Kunal Khemu

Actor Kunal Khemu is back with Bhatt camp in his upcoming movie 'Blood Money'. He started his career with the Bhatt camp in the movie 'Kalyug'.

“I started off with films similar to Blood Money — intense, emotional dramas. But as is often the case, the industry and audience typecast me and I decided to break away. Hence, followed a spate of comedies,” informs Kunal, adding, “In a way, this film is like homecoming for me — working with the Bhatts, who are very good in making thrillers.” Quiz him on the role he’s playing and Kunal rattles off, “I play a middle-class Mumbai boy who’s in love and dreams of a perfect life. He moves with his wife to Cape Town in a high profile diamond job. He wants to believe that honesty and hard work pays but is confronted by the diamond mafia. From there begins the battle of principles, complete with greed and lust.”

“I do get cold feet even though I understand it’s the demand of the role,” he said.

“I wasn’t happy with the sort of work coming my way so decided not to do anything for as long as the right script didn’t come along. But now, I’m glad that film-makers are approaching me with roles cut out for me,” said Kunal.

“We are both pretty easygoing and communicative and that keeps us together. But when it comes to food habits, we are poles apart. I love junk.”, said Kunal on steady relationship with Soha Ali Khan.

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Stock Market on March 26, 2012

BSE falls 308.96 (1.78%) and close on 17,052.78
NSE falls 93.95 (1.78%) and close on 5,184.25

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Sunny Leone: Latest Photoshoot

Sunny Leone sizzles in her latest photo-shoot

She recently came to India for the shooting of her Bollywood debut movie Jism 2.

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I don't think that I have changed my personality: Virat Kohli

"I have always had the self-belief to go forward. A lot of people criticised me for the way I used to be off the field. I did make a few mistakes but I don't think that I have changed my personality.", Indian vice captain Virat Kohli said.

"I am still the same person at heart. It's all about making your own identity at what you are and not changing for what people want you to be,", he added.

"You would rather become someone because who you are rather than changing for someone else. That gives you a lot of satisfaction," the 23-year-old batsman, who has already scored 11 ODI hundreds apart from a Test century at Adelaide.

"It's the team which comes first. I was getting a lot of 110s and 115s and getting out in the 40th and 42nd over. So I asked myself that why don't I get a big one. I decided to apply myself and not make the mistakes.", he said.

"I want to enjoy myself everytime I got out there in the middle. Keep myself motivated and looking to do that everywhere."

"Be true to yourself and do whatever you feel like but with full passion. If you want to pursue education or sport do that with passion because no one can else force you to do something that you don't want. There will be a few distractions but one shouldn't lose focus," he said.

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Ferrari Ki Sawaari: First Official Trailer out now

Vidhu Vinod Chopra is come again with his next, Ferrari Ki Sawaari. Sharman Joshi, Nilesh Divekar and Boman Irani is in the lead role in the movie.

"I went as far as the cricket academy in Dehradun and Roger Binny's academy in Bangalore but somehow none of them matched up," the writer-producer reminisces.

"The child, who is nine, was with his mother and when Raju's assistant approached her with the offer of a film role, she tagged him as a pest and asked him to stay away," Vinod said with a laugh.

The film is scheduled to release on April 27, 2012.

Watch the first trailer of the movie here:

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Senior members of the Indian team know my worth: Suresh Raina

"Critics can say a lot of things but I know that I have tried to perform the role assigned to me with utmost sincerity. People can say whatever they like but the senior members of the Indian team know my worth and that is what is important for me," Raina told in an interview.

"After the IPL is over, I will take a month's break and then start training again. In fact, I plan to go to Australia accompanied by current Chennai Super Kings physio Tom Simsek for an extensive fitness program. If possible, I might play a few club matches in order to get some good match practice on bouncy pitches," Raina said.

"The kind of depth we have in our batting, I normally come out to bat in the 38th or the 40th over. That is the most crucial phase for the batting team where you need to step up the run-rate.", Raina said.

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Virat is the next big thing in Indian cricket: Sourav Ganguly

"He is the next big thing in Indian cricket. I've never seen a better one-day innings in my 22 years career. I hope he fills up the place of the champion Rahul Dravid at No 3," former skipper Sourav Ganguly said on Virat Kohli innings against Pakistan.

"I had always said it was a matter of time. It's a colossal achievement. I congratulate Sachin. I only sent a text message."

"I was 17 years old. I didn't play for the entire tour. I went with high hopes. I was little awe struck after meeting greats like Kapil Dev. Initially I thought that I was taken as a left-handed batsman who can hit a few shots." he said.

"But I ended up bowling at the nets. Then I was dropped ahead of the World Cup. I was happy to be back playing for Ranji for four years," he said.

"The quality of players changed. There were likes of VVS Laxman, Sehwag... It was a mixture of attitude, wanting to change Indian cricket coupled with keen to improve fitness."

"We would take a lap of a stadium once. But on his first day he said, 'I am your coach. You have to run 10 laps of the stadium. You may abuse me.'", Ganguly said on Jhon Wright starting days.

"It's the attitude to train, I think that changed the Indian cricket. A crop of players came in. I loved working with him. It was a great relationship. We thought alike.", he added.

On his retirement, he said: "I still had two years of cricket. But I was not enjoying. I was given Asian cricketer, Batsman of the year. I just felt that something was not right. I didn't want to play cricket like that."

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Dynamic countries like China can be contained: Manmohan Singh

"Our aim is to have cooperative ties with both China and USA. It is not zero-sum game. I do not think that large and dynamic countries like China can be contained," Manmohan Singh told South Korean daily 'JoongAng Ilbo' ahead of his visit here.

"China is our largest neighbour with which we share a long border. It is also our biggest trading partner in goods. With USA, our relations have been transformed in 2005. Three million people of Indian origin live and work in the US," Singh said.

"Since this is an occasion which coincides with Nuclear Security Summit, we can work together to promote nuclear security and safety in this world that we live in," he said.

"I am aware of the odds you fought against and the sacrifice you made in the early years of building your nation to gain your prestige and position you enjoy today," he said.

"We are governed by the rule of law, and as a functioning democracy, we need to be mindful of the concerns and sensitivities of all sections and stake-holders and take their interests into account," Singh said.

"We would like to see more South Korean companies come to India and take advantage of our youthful and skilled labour force. Opportunities in India are wide open," he said.

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Music has always been a passion: Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra soon launch his debut album, for that she is working very hard.

“Music has always been a passion but I wanted the right opportunity to venture into it. This deal with UMG-Desi Hits! is amazing. We are looking at dropping a single sometime in the middle of 2012,” said Priyanka.

“I was really nervous the first few times I went into the recording booth to sing. But I’m really looking forward to sharing my music with the world.”, added Priyanka.

“I play an autistic character in Barfii. It is one of my most memorable film experiences. People may think it is a very serious film, but it is a funny, sweet film,” said by her.

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Sachin continues, continues, continues and still continuing: Srikkanth

Slection committee Chairman Krishnamachari Srikkanth paid his tribute to the legend Sachin Tendulkar on Saturday.

"A classic example for thriving in imbalanced world is Sachin Tendulkar. In 1989, when I was the captain, he was just 16 years old making a debut in Pakistan against Pakistan. And there was Imran Khan, Wasim Akram. You call that a balanced world?", he said.

"In his first match, he gets hit on his mouth, bleeds through his mouth. He does not go back. Then, he continues to play. Then, he continues, continues, continues and (is still) continuing!" said the Chairman of selection committee.

"But what happened later? the next match he got 75, next Test he got a 100. He became the highest run-getter in the series. He also became the highest run-getter in the one-dayers," he added.

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Agent Vinod already earns Rs. 30 crore

Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor starer Agent Vinod got the mixed reviews from the critics. Opening of the movie is also not big but it may be a profitable venture for the producers as they only need to recover Rs. 30 crores.

"The film has been made for Rs50 crores and 12 crores went for marketing totalling to 62 crores. Out of which we have already recovered 50% as music and satellite rights have been sold for around 30 crores," said producer Dinesh Vijan.

"The task ahead is to make around Rs30 crores which is a very achievable figure," he said.

"Agent Vinod has been the biggest from our production house. Love Aaj Kalwas our first film and we shot it in three continents. On the other hand, this has been filmed in 12 countries and each schedule came with its own set of problems. The possibility of things going wrong in a love story compared to an action story is 1:10. We are proud of the final product that Sriram has delivered," Vijan said.

"The opening of the film is very critical and they are usually backed by huge promotions. The first three days it is a producer's film. From Monday onwards, the film becomes a director's film," he said.

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Watch: Mallika new item number "Laila"

Mallika Sherawat is back as Laila with a item dance in the movie Tezz. She did item numbers in the movies Bin Bulaye Baraati (Shalu), Thank You (Razia), Double Dhammal (Jalebi Bai) and Guru (Champa).

The item number sung by Sunidhi Chauhan and choreographed by Ganesh Acharya.

“Laila O Laila will not be a Jalebi Bai or a Chikni Chameli, but a lot better,” said Acharya

Tezz is scheduled to release on April 27, 2012.

Watch the song here:

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Stock Market on March 23, 2012

BSE gains 165.27 (0.96%) and close on 17,361.74
NSE gains 49.75 (0.95%) and close on 5,278.20

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The Lokpal Bill of the government is useless: Anna Hazare

"Today there was an all party meeting, but no decision was taken because of failure of parties to arrive at a consensus. Now we think, whether the government brings Lokpal or not, we will go to the people's Parliament," Anna Hazare said.

"The Lokpal Bill of the government is useless. It will not end corruption. There is no point in bringing such a law," he said.

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Stock Market on March 22, 2012

BSE falls 405.24 (2.30%) and close on 17,196.47
NSE falls 136.50 (2.54%) and close on 5,228.45

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Let Sachin only decide about retirement: Srikkanth

Chief cricket selector of India Kris Srikkanth said that let Sachin Tendulkar to decide about his retirement.

"Let Sachin only decide about it," said Srikkanth.

"Cricket is a game where sometime we lose and sometime we win. But seeing it in the right spirit of sports, we should not forget that it is the same team which brought World Cup a year back. But yes, we did have a lull after that for about six to eight months," said the former India captain and current chief selector.

"Having played cricket, I know the game very well. We should always keep in mind that it's a game which has lots of up and downs. I think cricket makes people feel hungry. The hunger for the game and hunger for the runs will always be there in the country," said Srikkanth.

"I really can't say, but it's good for the team. I'm sure there will be many more Kohlis in future.", Srikkanth said on Kohli as a future captain.

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Fare hike rolled back by Mukul Roy

Newly appointed Railways minister Mukul Roy rollback the price hike that was declared by Dinesh Trivedi in the railway budget.

"Fare hike in sleeper class, AC chaircar and AC three tier is huge drain on masses and middle class," Roy told in Lok Sabha during his reply on a debate the budget.

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The rest period is over: Virender Sehwag

"The rest period is over and I am set to train, and play in the IPL," Virender Sehwag said.

"I missed being in the dressing room when Tendulkar scored that 100thcentury.", he said on Sachin's 100th ton.

"I will continue to play as long as I am enjoying the game, contributing to the team, winning games for my country. Nobody can force a player to retire," he said on asking about Rahul Dravid retirement.

"It's not like a job, government job where you have to retire at 60. A cricketer can retire at 30 or 60, it's up to the player. (Sanath) Jayasuriya played till 42," he added.

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Stock Market on March 21, 2012

BSE gains 285.53 (1.65%) and close on 17,601.71
NSE gains 90.10 (1.71%) and close on 5,364.95

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Virat Kohli is a brilliant player: Sachin Tendulkar

"He is a brilliant player. We all know how well he has done and all I can say is that don't put pressure on him, let him play," said Sachin Tendulkar on the Virat Kohli match winning inning of 183 runs in 148 balls on Sunday against Pakistan.

"Rohit also batted very well. He showed a lot of composure. The way he built the partnership with Virat in the Pakistan game was very important for us," he said on Rohit Sharma's inning of 68 runs against Pakiskan. Kohli and Sharma made 172 runs together for the third wicket.

"The pressure is off. It was a difficult phase and all of us had to wait for it for a long time. But it has made everyone realise, including me, that even after scoring 99 hundreds, it is not easy to score another one," said Sachin, on his 100th ton after a long time.

"We go out to win every match and sometimes it's not possible to win every match and sometimes the opposition plays better cricket than you and that is what happened. I would not want to take the credit away from them (Bangladesh). I think they played well.", Tendulkar said on India's exit from the Asia Cup.

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Kahaani collections better than The Dirty Picture in overseas

Vidya Balan again rocks with Kahaani after The Dirty Picture. Kahaani gets more success in overseas than The Dirty Picture.

"Kahaani has emerged a surprise success in Overseas. The film has managed rock-steady figures in its second weekend [at places, better than opening weekend], taking the 10-day total to Rs 8 cr from seven markets [U.K., U.S.A., U.A.E., Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Pakistan]. Viacom18's strategy has yielded good dividends," writes by trade expert Taran Adarsh.

Drawing the comparison between the box office collections of Kahaani and The Dirty Picture in UK and Ireland BO, "The film has collected £ 46,133 on 18 screens, with the per screen average working out to £ 2,563. Total: £ 1,57,155 [Rs. 1.25 crores]. The Dirty Picture had collected £ 93,355 after its second weekend.", Adarsh writes.

Kahaani that garnered Rs 24.10 cr in the first week has amassed Rs 38.2 cr nett in the domestic market, according to Adarsh.

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PM statement has caused anguish and unease for us: Sharad Pawar

"There is not even a single instance where we (NCP) have caused any hindrance (for the government). Making such a sweeping statement has caused anguish and unease for us."

"I am the NCP chief. We have 15 MPs in Parliament. We have been working with this PM and the government for the last 7-8 years," NCP chief and Union minister Sharad Pawar said on Tuesday.

"We maintain coalition dharma. We don't have any other grouse against the UPA government. It is limited only to the PM's statement. If he has issues with any (ally) party, the PM has the full right to take a position on it."

"We felt bad about the PM's statement, because we (NCP) never acted like this (against coalition dharma)," Pawar maintained.

"Last Tuesday it was decided that there would be regular meetings of all UPA constituents, Pawar said. Accordingly, daily meetings have begun," he added.

"I had extreme sentiments on the decision on cotton export ban, which I had conveyed (to the Government). There is no other reason for my skipping the function," he added.

"From what I have been seeing, the SP has been cooperative.", Panwar said on SP issue to join UPA.

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Stock Market on March 20, 2012

BSE gains 42.81 (0.25%) and close on 17,316.18
NSE gains 17.80 (0.34%) and close on 5,274.85

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Bittoo Boss is not like Band Baaja Baaraat: Pulkit Samrat

Bittoo Boss is looking like hit movie Band Baaja Baaraat of Yash Raj banner. Pulkit Samrat, leading actor of the upcoming movie refuses it similarities with "Band Baaja Baaraat".

"The comparison between two films are inevitable as both are based on weddings and Punjabi more so. The films have Punjabi flavour, colour to it. People will be reminded of Band Baaja Baaraat but I don't care if its like BBB. Ranveer was brilliant in it and I hope people like my role too. He played Bittoo too but Bittoo is a very common Punjabi name. Ranveer played a londa (boy) from Delhi which is a city, while I play this Pind ka Londa, I am a small town boy and that's the difference.", clarified by Pulkit Samrat.

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Poonam Pandey gifts a pic to Virat Kohli

For the fine performance of Virat Kohli in the match against Pakistan yesterday, Poonam Pandey gifts a racy pic to him on twitter.

"NewPic wowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww whattta matchmuwaaaaah luv u virattttt.", she tweeted with the pic.

Other related tweets:

Poonam Pandey (@iPoonampandey): Very well played Kohli! massive applauds to your spirit! You done us proud today and we will always remember this special innings.

Poonam Pandey (@iPoonampandey): #thankyoukohli for giving us such a great victory.

Poonam Pandey (@iPoonampandey): Jaise bhagwan Ram ke liye Hanuman, vaise hi team India ke liye Virat Kohli. SANKAT MOCHAN via @rohitbansal002.

Poonam Pandey (@iPoonampandey): Kholi (sic) seems to be prepared to show the finger _|_ after d match.... :P lol.

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Pranab hints at hike in diesel, LPG prices after budget session

After the budget session petrol and LPG prices may be increased.

"... After the Budget session of Parliament is over, I shall discuss with various state governments, chief ministers, leaders of political parties and try to work out an overall mechanism through which we will be to deal some of the very crucial issues for which the collective support of all stakeholders are called for," Pranab Mukherjee told to reporters.

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Stock Market on March 19, 2012

BSE falls 192.83 (1.10%) and close on 17,273.37
NSE falls 60.85 (1.14%) and close on 5,257.05

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If Biharis stop working, Delhi would come to an halt: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar

"Biharis form 20 per cent of the population in Delhi. They contribute significantly to the city's economy. If they stop working for a day, Delhi would come to an halt. I am not saying they should stop work, but that is the potential of Biharis," Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said addressing a function to mark 100 years of formation of Bihar.

"Biharis are not a burden, but an assest...Big farmers and entrepreneurs in Punjab are complaining labour shortage because of decrease in arrival of labourers from Bihar who are getting employment in their native places itself," he added.

"It is wrong to say that people from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are forced to go outside for begging. They indeed go not only to different parts of the country but also abroad to contribute to their economic growth," he said.

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Amitabh Bachchan will play a part in IPL opening ceremony

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan will take part in the opening ceremony for Indian Premier League season 5 (IPL 5) on April 3, 2012.

"Asia Cup over soon and then IPL ...opening extravaganza in Chennai .. and yours truly a small part of it ...nervous as hell. April 3 is the day for the opening, preparing for it already...getting back into the grind," he tweeted on twitter.

"And yes the show will be on Sony...meeting all the Captains and teams will be such an honour ..seen all of them on TV, now personally," he added.

"Mr. Bachchan will play a part in IPL opening ceremony," said by BCCI vice president Niranjan Shah to IANS. However, he refused to give any details.

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Virat Kohli ton leads India to win against Pakistan

Virat Kohli produced a blistering 183 off 148 balls as India notched up their highest run chase ever to register an incredible six-wicket victory over arch rivals Pakistan and keep themselves afloat in the Asia Cup cricket tournament on Sunday.

Chasing Pakistan's stiff 329 for six, the Indians rode on Kohli's breath-taking heroics to pull off a sensational victory with 13 balls to spare in a high-voltage contest at the jam-packed Sher-e-Bangla national stadium.

Apart from Kohli's career-best knock, his second century in the tournament, Rohit Sharma (68) and Sachin Tendulkar (52) were the other notable contributors as India eclipsed their highest successful run chase of 326 for eight against England at the Lords in the NatWest Cup final in 2002.

It was a stunning assault by the young Kolhi who smashed 22 boundaries and one six while Tendulkar also gave ample display of his vintage form during his knock. Rohit also marked his return to form with some glorious shots.

The outstanding batting display by the Indians completely overshadowed the centuries of the two Pakistan openers Nasir Jamshed (112) and Mohammad Hafeez (105) who stitched a record 224-run opening partnership. But their efforts went in vain.

India, whose Asia Cup campaign was thrown into disarray after their upset five-wicket defeat against minnows Bangladesh, will now have to await the result of the last league match between Sri Lanka and Bangladeshon Tuesday.

If Sri Lanka wins, India will go into the final but a Sri Lankan defeat will ensure that Bangladesh take on Pakistan in the final on March 22.

As per the rules, if two teams are tied on points, head to head record will be considered, so Bangladesh will go into the final as they had beaten India in their league match.

Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni hit Umar Gul to the boundary to bring about India's victory, triggering off scenes of celebrations in the dressing roo,

The Indian run chase began on a disastrous note as Gautam Gambhir was dismissed in the very second ball of the innings with spinner Mohammad Hafeez getting the scalp.

Undeterred by the early setback, Tendulkar and Kohli unleashed a flurry of strokes to maintain a very good run rate.

With the burden of the 100th international ton off his shoulders, Tendulkar seemed to be in a more relaxed frame of mind and an upper cut six off Umar Gul brought back memories of his vintage days.

The pair brought about the 100-run partnership in 92 balls to keep India in the hunt while Kohli notched up his half century soon after by cutting Saeed Ajmal to the boundary.

In the next over off Wahab Riaz, Tendulkar posted his 96th ODI half century off just 45 balls.

Just when the partnership was assuming dangerous proportions, spinner Ajmal provided the vital breakthrough by evicting Tendulkar who seemed to be in sublime touch.

It was the 'doosra' which consumed Tendulkar as he went forward but only succeeded in edging the ball to Younis Khan at first slip. His knock of 52 came off 48 balls and contained five boundaries and a six.

Rohit Sharma, who joined the action after Tendulkar's dismissal, was a trifle tentative in the initial stages which brought down the scoring rate to some extent. But gradually he started playing his strokes.

Kohli brought about his 11th ODI century by taking a single off Hafeez, completing the ton of 97 balls and with the help of 11 boundaries.

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Yuvraj Singh discharged from hospital

Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh discharged from hospital on Sunday.

"3rd chemo cycles over, back from hospital n I am free. Road to recovery starts now. Can't wait to be back home," Yuvraj tweeted on micro blogging site twitter.

"Thank you 4 all ur love n wishes from the bottom of my heart I'm sure they have worked well with the doctors therapy," Yuvraj said.

"Overwhelmed and full of emotions Tendulkar take a bow What he has achieved is immeasurable and what he has done is unachievable@sachin_rt," he said in a another tweet to congratulate the Sachin.

"He truly is the MASTER of his generation."

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Entrepreneurs gear up to cash in on India-Pakistan match

With less than 24 hours remaining for Asia Cup's marquee match between Pakistan and India, entrepreneurs are gearing up to cash in on the huge interest surrounding the match. Most of the private clubs, gymkhanas, restaurant owners and public parks have announced they would be screening the match on the big screen to lure the customers.

"We are playing against India for the first time since the World Cup semi-final and obviously there is tremendous interest in it especially after Bangladesh upset India," the manager of a private club said.

"We have already got so many bookings that we have had to make arrangements for extra seats and sofas and a second big screen to show the match live," he added.

Manzoor Ali pointed out that members had confirmed plans to enjoy their day at the club watching the match, so special dishes for the occasion were also being prepared.

"It is going to be a big day tomorrow for us. All staffers have been told there will be no weekly holiday for them tomorrow," Ali said.

Sagheer Ahmed, a manager at a popular eating place, said they had also set up a giant screen and were prepared for the big rush.

"The environment gets very noisy and colourful during the match, but since tomorrow is Sunday I guess we will have a lot of families coming in for the match," he said.

Interestingly a number of designer outlets and boutiques, who had set Sunday as the launch date for their summer lawn collections at different venues in the city, have also postponed these events to some other day.

"Women generally don't follow cricket, but when it is about playing India then they are as excited and involved, as they can't resist the cricket fever prevailing in their homes," designer Naveen said.

The local authorities have also made arrangements for giant screens in public and amusement parks where people from the lower income group can go and enjoy a day out with their families and friends.

Rashid, a shopkeeper who usually makes huge profits selling locally manufactured copies of the Pakistani cricket shirts, cursed the strike call given by the MQM and traders in Karachi today.

"Nearly all markets and shops had to remain closed today we will open late evening, but we would have minted money selling these T-shirts," he said.

For many Pakistanis the Asia Cup encounter is a chance for their country to avenge the World Cup semi-final defeat in Mohali exactly a year ago.

"Let's just hope that this time Misbah-ul-Haq plays a faster innings. Twice he has cost us matches against India in the World Cups in 2007 and 2011," a local club player Mustafa said.

As expected most of the television channels have also prepared special programming for the match, with advertisers and sponsors keen to cash in on the hype.

"We always expect such response before an India-Pakistan match. Because cricket sells in Pakistan and it is also a unifying force for us," Uzma Ali, a marketing manager at a leading newspaper group said.

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It was pretty useless electoral calculations: Rushdie

In India two months after being forced to skip Jaipur Literary Festival, controversial author Salman Rushdie today hit out a Congress, suggesting that his presence there was blocked because of "useless electoral calculations" and told Rahul Gandhi that "it did not work". The renowed author, who has been castigated by fundamentalist Muslim groups for his book 'The Satanic Verses', said blocking his presence in Jaipur "led the Congress party down the road" in Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

"What happened there is not Deobandi bigotry... It was pretty useless electoral calculations. It did not work, Rahul (Gandhi)." , said Rushdie.

“A British writer described Imran Khan as a dictator in waiting. I am happy that nobody else is protesting this time than Imran Khan. Imran is afraid of facing my bouncers. Imran knew that he would share the stage with me,” he said.

Imran never read 'The Satanic Verses'. Imran is not a liberal,” Rushdie said.

Rushdie, who returned two months after he vowed on Indian television that he would come back to India after being stopped from the Jaipur Literature Festival in January, said he had "not caused immeasurable harm to Mulsims”.

“Fanatics cause biggest harm to Islam. Immeasurable harm have been caused to Muslims by terrorists,” he said.

“Freedom is not absolute, if you don't defend it, you lose it...,” he said.

“India always had tradition of accepting free speech. Everyday there is a price for hooliganism by bigots,” he said, taking a dig at the “disgraceful votebank politics taking place in India”, he added.

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Jannat 2 - Emraan Hashmi: First Look

The sequel of the Jannat will ready to launch soon and the first look of the Emraan Hashmi in Jannat 2 released out.

“It’s going to be one of the most talked about films of 2012 with superlative performances and a hit music score,” said Emraan Hashmi.

“At heart, it’s an old school romance revolving around a small-town guy who comes to the big city looking for a piece of heaven, falls in love with a girl (former Miss India International Esha Gupta) he would do anything for, and like Arjun, loses himself in the dark underbelly,” Emraan added.

See the first look of JANNAT 2

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It's selfish to say one should retire when on top: Sachin Tendulkar

"My belief is that if I feel I can contribute, I am mentally there where I feel I am bringing value to the team then I should be playing. It's a very selfish thought that when you are at the top you should retire," Tendulkar told 'Times Now'. 

"When you are at the top, you should serve the nation. When I feel I am not in a frame of mind to contribute to nation, that's when I should retire not when somebody says. That's a selfish statement that one should retire on top," he explained.

"(There is) more of a relief because my 99th hundred was against South Africa (during the World Cup) and after that media didn't speak about my 100th hundred while the World Cup was on," he recalled.

"I missed the West Indies tour and somehow there is speculation that I wanted to score the 100 in England at Lord's but a hundred doesn't come as and when you want", he said.

"For the last one year, there were patches I was batting reasonably ok and some failures also but the whole package put together, it was possibly the toughest of my life. Last one year has been really tough," Tendulkar said.

Responding to the criticism against him that he was playing only for the milestone, Tendulkar said, "There are certain people I respect and there are certain people I don't respect. So I don't get affected by ones I don't respect, they have their opinions, it doesn't matter much; they remain where they are."

"I don't bother much about them. Let them be where they are. I have got a bigger job of playing for India, score runs and win matches for India and I focus on that job instead of reacting to what they are saying," he retorted.

"Earlier the 100th 100 wasn't on my mind at all, I was so focussed on the World Cup. My biggest dream was to lift the World Cup and there could be no greater satisfaction for a player than to bring the World Cup home. That was the most important moment of my life."

"I don't think anything gets bigger than that. Personal milestones are created along that path where you have got a bigger goal and the bigger goal was to play for nation," he asserted.

"I am feeling like plenty of weight has been taken off my shoulders. I said that I have lost 50 kg yesterday but looking back it feels a little more than that. I am glad that it's all done with now."

"There are moments when you question youself, why is this happening because I was batting well. There was no specific reason to get out. It just happened. Sometimes you just have to accept what the almighty's plan is for you. I want to assure you that I won't stop trying my best," he said.

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Bollywood congratulates Sachin Tendulkar on 100th Ton

Sachin Tendulkar completes his 100th hundred and gets the another milestone under his belt. Bollywood wishes Sachin on completing the milestone.

Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan)

T 685 - India breathes normally ..!! Sachin completes an incredible feat !! A hundred 100's .. Never done before, perhaps never after !!!

Lata Mangeshkar (@mangeshkarlata)

Namaskar. Sachin ne aaj phir se itihaas racha hai. Sachin ko meri bahut shubhkamnayein aur badhaai.

Abhishek Bachchan (@juniorbachchan)

CONGRATULARIONS SACHIN!!!! @sachin_rt WOW!!!! it's an honor to witness this master play. we're lucky. COME ON INDIA! how good is Sachin? he's the BEST. period! stop analyzing him. stop being cynical. just celebrate him! (sic)

Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar)

Salute to the man who never gave up in spite of all the criticism. Finally he did it. #Sachin creates history in world cricket! Congrats to Sachin Hundredkar :D #Respect

Sonakshi Sinha (@sonakshisinha)

Master blaster... Salute!

Madhur Bhandarkar (@mbhandarkar268)

The god of cricket has proved again y he's called so. Congrats Sachin fr the century of tons. U make us proud always! (sic)

Ranveer Singh (@iRanveersingh)

finally finally.thank u god. #sachin gets his #100th ton.congrats india.bahut intezar karwaya sachin ne. atlast thanx sachin. sau sau salam @sachin_rt tere naam..india party on...now my back pain has suddenly gone,feel like dancing. (sic)

Arjun Rampal (@rampalarjun)

Phew!!! Love u Sachin, truly remarkable well deserved, thank you for making us enjoy every one of those Tons. Sooooo happppppyyyyyy. (sic)

Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher)

Once again Sachin gives us reason to smile, to celebrate, to dance, to scream with joy and to feel Proud to be an INDIAN. Jai Ho.:)

Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd)

Sachin TON TONNA TON - all those who thought sachin should retire- time for them to retire from making such statements. (sic)

Lara Dutta Bhupathi (@DuttaLara)

Congratulations Sachin! Even for the humility and grace in acknowledging such an amazing feat!! We celebrate your accomplishment and you!

Dhanush (@dhanushkraja)

Hey come-u mama SACHIN !! All hail the god of cricket !! Hail sachin !! (sic)

Shobhaa De (@DeShobhaa)

Chalo. 100th international cricket century in the bag.Congrats! Important milestone and all that. Ek announcement baki hai, bhai: Retirement.

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Stock Market on March 16, 2012

BSE falls 209.65 (1.19%) and close on 17,466.20
NSE falls 62.60 (1.16%) and close on 5,317.90

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Finally Sachin Tendulkar completes 100th Ton

The 100 that had been one year in waiting finally came about as Sachin Tendulkar completed his century of tons but showed minimal emotion after reaching a milestone that is unlikely to be emulated in the near or distant future.

After 33 innings and over a year, Tendulkar finally got to the elusive ton against Bangladesh in an Asia Cup league match at a packed Sher-e-Bangla stadium in Mirpur.

It took him 138 deliveries, one of the most arduos one-day efforts by the 38-year-old right-hander, to get to the 100 that had become as much a talking point as the team's fortunes in the past 365 days.

The bowler against whom it came about was Shakib Al Hasan and the moment was the fourth delievry of the 43rd over of Indian innings.

Tendulkar clipped it down to square leg and jogged the single, gave a long hard stare to his bat after taking off his helmet before looking heavenward in his signature style. What was missing was emotion.

The diminutive batsman, the most successful batsman in international cricket right now, kept it subdued.

He shook hands with Suresh Raina, his partner at the other end, and raised his bat to acknowledge the cheering fans with a straight face giving little insight into what was going on his mind amid the drama.

But the teammates in the dressing room were as expressive as they could be as they all got up from their seats to applaud the veteran as he added another feather to an already overcrowded cap.

However, reaching the milestone was no easy task for the player who often makes batting look effortless.

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Pranab plays safe: Budget 2012

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee's take no big reforms decision in the budget and play safe.

"The global crisis has affected us. India's gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to grow at 6.9% in 2011-12, after having grown at 8.4% in each of the two preceding years," the finance minister said.

"Though we have been able to limit the adverse impact of the slowdown in our economy, this year's performance has been disappointing. But it is also a fact that in any cross-country comparison, India still remains among the front-runners in economic growth."

"While we do not have the aggregate figures for the last quarter of 2011-12, numerous indicators pertaining to this period suggest that the economy is now turning around. There are signs of recovery in coal, fertiliser, cement and electricity sectors."

Tax slab

Up to 2 lakh rupees - NIL

2 lakh - 5 lakh rupees - 10%

5 lakh - 10 lakh rupees - 20%

Above 10 lakh rupees - 30%

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The Lone Ranger: Johnny Depp First Look

The movie is scheduled to release on May 31, 2013.

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Stock Market on March 15, 2012

BSE falls 243.45 (1.36%) and close on 17,675.85
NSE falls 83.40 (1.53%) and close on 5,380.50

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Beti B's name out

There is no official conformation yet, but another name of Beti B is now in headlines. "Aaradhya" is the new name out of Beti B and sources said, it is the original name of Beti B.

"We’ve got a name, and I’ll announce it very soon, but in terms of releasing a photograph you know I... if people see her in everyday life that’s fine by me, but I just think releasing the photograph is a very pompous thing to do. We don’t believe in any ceremony in terms of naamkaran,” Abhishek had said.

Aaliya and Abhilasha were the names which also called the Beti B's name in the headlines before.

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Talaash postponed due to Aamir Khan

Fans of Aamir Khan will have to wait for some more time as his upcoming movie Talaash has been pushed to December. The movie was first scheduled to released in January which got postpond to June and now will scheduled to end of the year.

The movie is directed by Reema Kagti. Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Rani Mukherjee is in the lead roles.

"Talaash is very close to our heart. We had earlier tried to release it in January but that time the director needed some time. Later we were to release it in June, but now that has also got delayed. The film would release now on November 30 or December 7," Aamir told reporters.

"I apologise for the delay, as I know they (fans) have been waiting for it," he said.

The release date of the film got pushed due to Aamir's debut TV show Satyamev Jayate, which is expected to go on air in two months.

"As you know that there was a fire on the sets of the TV show, so things got delayed for the show and hence the film got delayed," he said.

"Now the shooting of the show would have an impact on Talaash. I did not want to do both at the same time... I wanted to do justice to both," he added.

"I wanted to give time to the film as this is my first film after Dhobi Ghat... After nearly two years i would be seen in a film. I want to make this film good and enjoyable... want people to like it," he said.

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Stock Market on March 14, 2012

BSE gains 105.68 (0.59%) and close on 17,919.30
NSE gains 34.40 (0.63%) and close on 5,463.90

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Rail Budget: Highlights

* Electrification to be undertaken over 6,500 km at an allocation of Rs 8,000 crore during 12th Plan.

* Conversion from DC to AC power supply completed in Western Railway corridor of Mumbai suburban rail system; conversion of Central Railway corridor to be completed in 2012-13.

* Elevated corridor from Churchgate to Virar in Mumbai being firmed up.

* Government should consider dividend payback to railways.

* Thirty-one projects over 5,000 km being implemented with state govenments sharing costs.

* Capacity augmentation to get Rs 4,410 crore during 2012-13.

* Eighty-five new line projects to be taken up during 2012-13.

* One hundred and fourteen new line surveys to be undertaken during 2012-13.

* New line projects to get Rs 6,870 crore in 2012-13.

* Gauge conversion to be undertaken over 800 km with an allocation of Rs 1,950 crore.

* Focus during next five years on five areas: tracks, bridges, signalling, rolling stock and stations.

* Signalling to be improved over 19,000 km.

* Investment of Rs 1.70 lakh crore on rolling stock in next five years.

* Attempt to increase train speeds to 160 kmph; journey time from New Delhi to Kolkata can be brought down to 14 hours from 17 hours.

* Improvements to railway stations can provide employment to 50,000 people.

* Outlay of Rs.60,100 crore during 2012-13, the highest ever.

* Railways will require Rs 14 lakh crore in the next 10 years for modernisation.

* Aim to bring down operating ratio from 90 percent to 84.9% in 2012-13 and to 72% by 2016-17.

* Time has come for formulating national policy for railways on the lines of that for defence and external affairs.

* Railways should grow at 10% annually for sustained GDP growth.

* Railways to invest Rs 7.35 lakh crore during 12th Five Year Plan period (2012-17), a quantum jump from the Rs 1.92 lakh crore invested in previous plan period.

* Railways must attract 10% of the Rs 20 lakh crore government expects to spend on infrastructure during 12th Plan.

* Railways expect gross budgetary support of Rs 2.5 lakh crore during 12th Plan.

* Collective challenge to formulate viable funding mechanism for modernisation.

* Railways should contribute 2 percent of GDP from the present 1%.

* Stress on strengthening safety. Has to be be benchmarked with the best in the world.

* Target of reducing accidents from 0.55 to 0.17 has been met.

* Special purpose vehicle to be set up on safety protocols.

* Independent railway safety authority to be set up as statutory safety body.

* Investment of Rs 5.60 lakh crore required for modernisation.

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