India Is Now A Space Power
Hurling the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle into orbit from Sriharikota marks the maturing of India's space faring capabilities. Besides saving on the costs of launching its own satellites, the country has entered the billion-dollar space launch market.

Moment Of Reckoning
The polls are likely to be milestones for the political parties. In Tamil Nadu, Karunanidhi is poised to hand over the mantle of the DMK to his son Stalin. And in West Bengal, Mamata may find it takes more than aggression to win a mandate.

Breaking Trust
UTI's dealing in Ketan Parekh's favourite shares has been under a cloud and SEBI's report on the stock-rigging scandal reaffirms suspicions. Bogged down with chunks of worthless shares, UTI's credibility has taken a nose dive.

Cold-Blooded Gamble
Sudden, violent skirmishes along the India-Bangladesh border leaves many dead and raises worrisome questions about peace and security in the North-east as a "friendly" neighbour's problems spill over.

Blue Sari Mystery
A dead polo player, a beautiful woman, an unclaimed garment. The Rajasthan High Court orders the police to look into the case.

METROSCAPE

STACKUP
The college canteens Mumbaikars swear by

St Xavier's College: Wooden benches, four stately oak trees for company and a menu that offers fresh cheese onion dosa (Rs 20), seven varieties of sandwiches (Rs 8-15), iced tea, coffee and milkshakes. Opens at 7.30 a.m. to allow for the diligent scholar's morning cuppa.

EAT AND MEET: Jai Hind's hangout

Jai Hind College: Revolving stools, gleaming formica tables, colourful walls and helpful waiters (once you befriend them!) define this popular hangout. Its Chinese and south Indian fare (Rs10-12), fast food and keema pav (Rs10) enjoy a high position in the campus' gastronomical charts.

Sophia College: One of the largest college canteens in the city, Sophia is sprawled with rickety green tables and benches. The vada-pavs and chicken fried rice (Rs 25) and sweet-spewing slot machines are always in demand. Our complaint: outsiders are prohibited.

BRUNCH BREAK: At St Xavier's

H. R. College of Commerce and Economics: Here's the deal. The college canteen isn't bad, but the roadside stalls just outside are even better. From 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. you can dig into snacks (Rs 8-20), south Indian and Chinese food (Rs 20-25), or a robust Mysore sada dosa made by the guy who has been around for the past 22 years.

New Kit On The Block

FACTS OF THE MATTER: Explaining the reproduction process

One of the biggest teenage misconceptions: if a boy and a girl are holding hands the girl could get pregnant! But wait, there's still hope. A sex education resource kit developed by the media department of Mumbai's Xavier's Institute of Communications and its community outreach programme can help others get the facts right. The two divisions have been working furiously for the past two years and after conducting workshops, have come out with Sahajeevan, a package of nine books and two videos in simple Hindi on subjects like the human body, sexual harassment and pregnancy. The kit can be sold to other NGOs (for Rs 850) working with economically disadvantaged and mostly illiterate kids. Says Feruzi Anjirbag, one of the coordinators: "What makes the kit unique is that it provides information against a backdrop of values such as gender equality, respect, concern and responsibility." No need now to lose sleep after holding hands.

—Natasha Israni

MetroScape

Operation Opera
If he can pull it off, it might well be the highpoint in India's cultural and tourism calendar for 2002. After restoring heritage properties and turning them into highly successful resorts, Francis Wacziarg is now turning to producing a full scale opera in Delhi.
more...

Looking Glass

Calcutta Restaurant: The Hub

Delhi Film Club:
Habitat Film Club

Delhi Bar: Golf Bar

Mashobra Resort: Wildflower Hall