Say Hello to Another
Scam
The raging corporate war over the introduction of limited mobility telephone services has turned political, with the Prime Minister's Office being charged with subverting the regulatory system and favouring a few business houses. An INDIA TODAY investigation looks at the conflict between the sanctimonious claims and the grim reality.

Ballot Boxwallahs
The approaching assembly elections have brought to life five states which are set to witness a stiff fight and whose results can have a big impact on all major parties. A profile of the prime contenders who could tilt the balance either way.

Fall From Grace
Despite a triple-digit growth in net profits of Infosys Technologies and Satyam Computers, the stock prices of the two companies have plunged. Is it the gloomy forecast for software companies that's hammering down the prices?

Unnatural Alliance
The CNG controversy has taken a new turn, with doubts being raised about the propriety of the Delhi Government's selection of Nugas as the sole supplier of the conversion kit.

The Doon Boom
The city that houses Doon School is now playing host to a whole array of new education barons--with big money and even bigger ambitions.

METROSCAPE

Q&A
K. J. Yesudas

Flamboyant playback singer, K.J. Yesudas was in the Capital last week to release his latest album Ahimsa (Music Today). Excerpts from a conversation with INDIA TODAY's S. Sahaya Ranjit:

Q. Ahimsa marks your debut as an English language singer. Why did you make the switch from Malayalam?
A. The theme ahimsa demanded a language that could easily serve as a medium to spread the message of peace.

Q. Is English the only medium of peace?
A. Music is the medium. Words merely enhance the composition.

Q. You invoke God's name at every concert. What is the link between God and music?
A. God is love, love is bhakti and bhakti our connection to God.

Q. Would you like to be reborn as a musician?
A. There is no death. The body withers but the spirit still lives.

Grin And Wear It

Minimalism? Somehow colour-hungry designer Aki Narula knew that this phase for him was not going to last-the beige-white-black legibility of clean straight-cuts just seemed too unconnected. So since last year, the 31-year-old self-taught designer began a frolicksome expe-rimentation with colour that continues with his current spring/summer line, unveiled at Delhi's Ogaan store last week.

Not a ramp call, just an elementary clothes-and-hangers display where GI Jane and Wonderwomen tops compete with folksy Buddha ones and where crinkled/crushed organza and voile lend a mutinous touch. "The latent wackiness in me has emerged. Now I'm at peace with myself," says Narula. That's the idea.

-Anshul Avijit

MetroScape

Wealth Of Art
April 8 saw an unabashed get together of Mumbai's Who's Who when the annual Harmony Show, well known as "Tina Ambani's baby", celebrated its sixth showing at the Nehru Centre.
more...

Looking Glass

Bangalore Hotel:
Park.hotel

Mumbai Store:
Regent Watch and Jewellery Boutique

A war of words is on at the Jammu border where India is trying to build a fence to stop infiltration, much to Pakistan's dislike, reports
INDIA TODAY's Special Correspondent Ramesh Vinayak in Despatches.