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.

NEWSNOTES

After losing the Lok Sabha elections, SUKHBIR BADAL makes a back-door entry into Parliament through the Rajya Sabha.

Q. Doesn't your nomination to the Upper House run against the people's will?
A. Losing and winning is part of politics. After all, I won the Lok Sabha elections twice. So one loss doesn't mean the end of the road for me. Moreover, my party has nominated me.

Q. Your opponents see your nomination as perpetuation of dynastic politics.
A. That's false propaganda. I have not been thrust upon the people by my father, nor am I a paratrooper politician. Unlike the Gandhi family members, I have slogged at the grassroots level.

Q. Does Punjab stand to gain with your nomination?
A. As a former minister, I got several projects sanctioned for the state. I will closely pursue and monitor them and raise issues concerning Punjab.

Q. Aren't you too young to be in the House of Elders?
A. Times have changed. In a democracy, there is a need for youngsters who can project the voice of the younger generation in the House of Elders.

Q. Given a choice, will you prefer to be in Parliament or in state politics?
A. Politics is now my full-time vocation. And I will work wherever the party wants me.

-Ramesh Vinayak

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.