It's About Politics
The limits on Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha's budget this year are political. He has the prescription to put the economy on a high growth track, but hampered by vested interests, vote-bank politics and stubborn opposition parties, he is unlikely to deliver.

The Rot in Farming
Falling prices, stagnating production and diminishing returns are brewing an unparalleled crisis in farmlands across India. Ironically, the alarming situation has arisen despite an unprecedented 12 consecutive normal monsoons.

Creeping Paralysis
Doubts over Keshubhai Patel's fitness to rule are growing after his government failed to provide basic relief like tents to those affected by the earthquake. Despite having speedily restored electricity and water, which earned praise from some international agencies, criticism over Patel's poor marshalling of resources continues.

Artless Artistry
The festival tried to exhibit the widest selection rather than the best, making it a disappointing show.

Stillness of Change
The legendary bamboo curtain is lifting to reveal that Myanmar isn't quite the "fascist Disneyland" it is made out to be. The winds of change have brought back English as the medium of instruction and Aung San Suu Kyi is talking to the military. After prolonged isolation, Yangon wants to face the world, but on its own terms.

Making It Happen
John Buchanan gives an exclusive insight into what it takes to coach the world's most successful team. He also enumerates what
he feels will be the Indian strengths that the Aussies
will have to watch out for.

Strategic Partners
As emphasis shifts from relief to rehabilitation, Care Today is selecting regions to focus on and NGOs to help it channelise aid. The involvement of victims is integral to the plan so that their dignity remains intact.

ENTERTAINMENT: CINEMA

Q & A: JUHI CHAWLA

"I've never let anything interfere with my work"

Bollywood mothers don't go gently into retirement any longer. Witness
Juhi Chawla, who is all ready to deliver her first baby and a film, One 2 Ka 4. Juhi on roles,
motherhood and guns:

Q. Is One 2 the last we'll see of Juhi Chawla for a while?
A. No, I don't want this to be a long break. I hope to get back to work in April to finish Suneel Darshan's Rishta, Sanjay Chhel's Yahoo and Kashmakash.

Q. Do you think post-baby Bollywood will perceive you differently?
A. I hope being mom won't be a problem. Both Rishta and Yahoo were offered to me when I was already pregnant but both directors said that they wanted me. That is a very positive attitude and it made me feel very good. I have never let anything interfere with my work. I'm a thorough professional and I hope people remember that.

Q. What do you play in One 2?
A. Actually, my character is a plot point so I can't tell you really what she is. But it was great. This is the first time I've dealt with action. I got to fire guns and beat up guys.

Did You Know That?

The third Khan brother Sohail, best known for directing films like Pyar Kiya to Darna Kya, is making his acting debut. Maine Dil Tujko Diya, starring Sameera Reddy and directed by Sohail himself, started shooting on February 14, this year.

I've won a prize for ... what was that again?

It's silly season in Bollywood again, When the industry can be divided into two camps: those who win awards and those who say these are rigged. But while Bollywood is busy sniping, griping and back-slapping, here's a look at the dubious achievements of 2000.

-Compiled by Anupama Chopra

MetroScape
Charitable Mood
In the backdrop of murky allegations about underworld connections, philanthropy by the Bollywood badshahs comes a little more easily.
more...

Looking Glass

Delhi: Lifestyle Store

Delhi: Film Festival

Mumbai: Restaurant

The Indian Navy's International Fleet Review was a fine effort at naval diplomacy which the Government would do well to build on, writes INDIA TODAY's Principal Correspondent Sandeep Unnithan
in Despatches.

"The only obvious competition is in bhangra," say the Pakistani duo of the music group, Strings, in an exclusive interview with INDIA TODAY's Sonia Faleiro.
Interviews.