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.

SOCIETY & TRENDS: VACATION

Singles Mingle

Sex was not top of the mind as Associate Editor Harinder Baweja found out when she was invited to an unusual holiday in Goa-for singles only

By Harinder Baweja

Initially, it sounded too much like a smart advertisement punchline aimed at the teeny-moonies: "Are you single and ready to mingle?" But then I thought, why not. For, how often do you actually get to meet unattached men, especially when you're on the wrong side of 30 and not eager to be on the right side of 40? Interesting men-as discussed at our "feet-up" evenings-are already taken. The ones who do show some interest are far too "unhappily married" and that, mind you, is trouble.

So when I received this letter from the Taj Group of Hotels, saying they were organising a singles vacation in Goa and were only inviting people in the age group of 30 and 45, I must confess I was tempted. They also said they had got together 40 singles and though it had not been planned-coincidences do happen-the group had been neatly divided, 20 men and 20 women. Besides, they had screened the guests and not put the package up for grabs. So it wasn't available to the highest bidder, nor were they letting in the 20-somethings; the 50-plus were passe.

So there I was, on a flight to Goa, two days after Valentine's Day, when I had spent the evening mingling with a much married crowd. But the next 48 hours, I reminded myself, were for me and the like-minded, who on many occasions in the past had wanted to take off on a holiday but had simply failed to find the right companions. The next two days would be about meeting interesting people in their fleeting 30s and naughty 40s. About spending time getting to know new people. Unlike the weekends back home where time is spent-let's face it-bitching and gossiping about work and home.

This was different. The evening was spreading itself across the sky and Goa was just what the hotel brochure had seductively promised it would be. A sparkle of sapphire in the morning, a diamond scattered fantasy at night. A sea that lapped gently on the white, sandy beaches and whispered tales of love.

Love? Head for the bar, I reminded myself. That's where we were supposed to meet. A yoga session had been organised on the beach a little earlier, but then not everyone had come to attend it. Perhaps, they'd been busy having their champagne baths. Yes, that's what the hotel had provided in each of the "single occupancy, double-bedded rooms''. Only after reading the letter did we understand why the waiter had taken the champagne into the bathroom, lit the candles and put petals into the bathtub. To indulge ... luxuriate ... pamper ... soak and "bring your words to the bar".

The lights were dim and the warm sound of chatter filled the room as I walked in, surveying those already present there. The trepidation melted and the ice broke, quickly. Up came the singleton from Hyderabad-wearing his shorts as confidently as his lock of grey-holding his hand out to Neena Gupta of Saans and Viv Richards fame. Startling Neena he said, "Hi! We haven't met. What do you do?"

"What do you do?'' the actress retorted, smiling dangerously.

"Event management," he answered, still not getting it.

"Is it rural events that you spend your time managing?" asked Neena her face deadpan.

The chatter continued over tequila shots and a cocktail-making session as we did the rounds, introducing ourselves to one another: professional executives from the varied worlds of marketing, advertising, banking. Time wasn't wasted talking shop. Not in a room full of fun-loving, confident people who all knew they were there to interact. It didn't take long before the conversation veered around to the "so, why aren't you married" question. It was an important question. For why would someone like Neena-unafraid of being an unwed single mother-come for a do like this. The answer is companionship.

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.