The economic meltdown which has its impact in all organisations has also affected Katraj Dairy. In an interview with the managing director of Katraj Dairy, Dr Vivek Hindura has expressed his view on recession.

Apart from fetching laurels in international women wrestling, Geetika Jakhar is a winner of Bhim Award in 2003. She is also the first woman wrestler to get the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2006.

Lara Dutta, the former Miss Universe has stepped into various genres of movies but off late her trademark movies are mainstream comedy. The dazzling Lara Dutta is back again in yet another comedy flick 'Do Knot Disturb'

Paro Anand, one of the finest author gave 18 books for children and adults, including plays, short stories, novellas and novels. Also published in several anthologies and has written extensively on children's literature, shares her experience with us

Binayak Sen is national Vice President of the People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) and a pediatrician and public health specialist based in Chhattisgarh. Sen won the tenth annual Jonathan Mann Award for Global Health and Human Rights.

Former chief of Delhi Police's special cell, Karnal Singh was credited for cracking the 2005 Delhi blasts case, the Parliament attack in 2001 and more recent serial blasts in Delhi. Singh is now serving as the joint commissioner of police.

An interview with VK Murthy, one of India's greatest cinematographer. He had worked with Guru Dutt, in almost all of his films. The cinematographer talks about his childhood, his career graph and his work with Guru Dutt.

Kavita Dwibedi, a renowned Odissi exponent and the daughter and disciple of veteran Odissi maestro, Guru Harkrishan Behera talks about her father's teachings, her first performance and choosing the dance form as a profession.

Kiran Bedi, a retired IPS officer and social activist talks about prison reforms, police reforms, her opinion on physical abuse of women and most of all her latest television show, Aap ki kachehri, that has won heavy TRP ratings in India.

Comedy roller coaster of Bollywood, Rajpal Yadav is all set for his two new flicks lined up together. Toss and Yeh Mera India are the two flicks going to hit the box office soon and Rajpal shares his experience, movies and a lot more.

British Council IELTS chief in India, Kevin McLaven, has clarified that despite recent immigration rules changes, there has been 'no change' regarding English language requirements for that country.

Mumbai-based model, Tamara Moss with her suave and sultry image has created a wave in the modelling circuit. Here, in an exclusive interview with CJ Stylekandy, the model talks about how her career began and her likes and dislikes

Concerned about environmental degradation due to massive urbanisation and industrialisation, Vimlendu discovered a subject - Delhi's river Yamuna. He felt sad that the 'lifeline' of Delhi was now ignored by the very people it nurtured.

Concerned about environmental degradation due to massive urbanisation and industrialisation, Vimlendu discovered a subject - Delhi's river Yamuna. He felt sad that the 'lifeline' of Delhi was now ignored by the very people it nurtured.

My father's advice to me has always been to follow my heart and never compromise with quality. I am proud to be Shekhar Suman's son and I hope to take forward his good work in the industry, says Adhyayan

Hindus strongly criticised Canada's imposition of visa restrictions on Czech nationals, calling it a "step in the wrong direction." Rajan Zed, pointed out that it was simply inhumane for Canada to attempt to turn the Roma away

YDG Films and Amarsinh Nikam is all set to come up with a Marathi feature film 'Pratisaad' which will feature a realistic journey of a Homeopathic Hospital in Pune for last 15 years. Staring Sandeep Kulkarni and Anand Abhayankar and many more

For years, writing a novel and narratives has been considered as a subject of upper echelon in knowledge base. But the way things are happening in today's era because of mushrooming professionalism due to market orientation

For Yadam Ram Kumar, writing an innovative piece for ordinary folks, is a source of great contentment. t is probably his modest beginning that influences Yadam at every step. Much of his creative work addresses the downtrodden.

Our students should gel well with foreign students and try to assimilate into their culture, advises Mr. Pankaj Malhotra, a New Zealand study visa expert in an interview. Whereas NZ also promises easy permanent settlement on completion of studies.

Currently, hordes of students are flocking to visa consultants nationwide as this 'golden opportunity' is thrown open to them for only six months. To know more about getting a Canada student visa, read on...

In a candid interview with the author, eminent scholar and environment journalist, Praful Bidwai reveals the major concerns and solutions to bring global warming under control, required amnedements in government plans and India's development

Rajeswari Sainath, a name to be reckon with in India's classical dance circuit. She is known for her innovative approach and experiment with the grammar and mathematics of the 'layas' in classical dance that resulted in rare thematic presentations

Nagendra Karri along with Marwah Studios have patnered to produce a new film called "Mobster" which will be shot in multi locales including India. Nagendra's film "Where are you Sophia?" was successfully screened in the Cannes Film festival recently.

The Egypt Yellow Pages iPhone application is a free application download in the Apple AppStore. The application offers free access to Egypt's most comprehensive, up-to-date, geo-referenced business listings database - the Yellow Pages

Despite the global meltdown and racial attacks on Indian students abroad, United States is still a popular destination for Indian students. US student visa consultant, Pushpinder Bhatia, gives further details in an exclusive interview.

Following 'racial' attacks on Indian students in Australia, Canada is making concerted efforts to attract more and more Indian students to its universities and colleges. An interview with Canada student visa expert:

Recession has hit the dairy industry hard. In the given interview Vishal Gajjar, maintenance engineer at Mother Dairy Baroda, gives his views on the impact of the slowdown on the Indian dairy industry.

Laxmi Ratan Shukla is not a dreamer. However, he achieved beyond imagination. He played for India at a very young age. But, he was ignored by the selectors for a long period. Thanks to IPL for rediscovering his talent, once again.

Canada is being seen as the next top education destination by most of the Indians. Good scholarships, safe environment, job opportunities, health care services and great education structure is attracting more and more students to Canada

The following is an interview with Indira Rajkumar, wife of Air Marshal PP Rajkumar and President, Air Force Wives' Welfare Association (AFWWA). Read on to find out more about the lady

No doubt, joblessness is being faced by most of the countries today. However, Australia does not seem to be affected so severely, as the number of Indian students going there is still increasing. The writer tells us more through an interview

An interview with Ajay Maken, Minister of State for Urban Development in the UPA government and contesting candidate of the INC from the New Delhi parliamentary constituency from where he is the incumbent MP.

Swine flu with its pandemic potential is a serious threat to all countries, including India. With no vaccine available at present, we have to prevent it from reaching India, says Dr Muktanjali Arya of Apollo Hospital

Almost everyone reads newspapers or watches news channels, but does anyone know what goes into making the newspaper or news channel successful? A look into how the Fourth Estate is evolving in the fast changing world of new developments.

An aspiring journalist has to be armed with a working brain and an ample amount of wit. He or she has to be hardworking, self-possessed, and should be well-read. Investigative talent is also a definite plus.

The current global recession might have taken a heavy toll on Indian students? migration to Australia, the US and the UK but one country, which has remained immune to the meltdown and has reaped rich dividends from students? inflow is New Zealand

Interview with CP Rajashekharan, Controlling Editor of Kerala's Rashtra Deepika Group on the role on news media in the current scenario. He has over 23 years of experience in the print media with stints as reporter, sub-editor and news editor

Criticising the Congress on the issue of creating special economic zone in Gurgaon, the BJP leader said that despite large swathes of fertile land having been given to private companies at low prices, no benefit has accrued to the people.

Just nine month old in politics, Agatha Sangma, India?s youngest parliamentarian and the first women MP from Meghalaya is all set to context the ensuing Lok Sabha election schedule for April 16. She talks about her concerns and experience so far..

Twenty six-year-old Kaustubh Londhe, an operations manager from Pune, has decided to fight the next LS elections as an independent candidate. It is the fire within to bring about a change in the system that has forced the Puneite to take on the baton

After being the toast of critics at several international film festivals, Nandita Das's directorial venture Firaaq is all set to hit theatres in India on March 20. To find out what is it about Firaaq that's gathering so much adulation, read on...

Prakash Javadekar is a member and a leader of BJP. He is the official spokesperson of the party. After wining 11 seats in Kashmir, BJP is ecstatic of its position. He talks about their win and BJP?s preparation for the upcoming election

For his selfless contribution to the field, Coimbatore Arya Vaidya Pharmacy chairman and managing director Krishnakumar was recently honoured with Padma Shree. It was an honour for Ayurveda also.

The new US administration’s intention to deny tax benefits to firms which send their jobs outside the US could stir up a hornet’s nest in India. The IT sector is not going to relish it given its reliance on exports. We examine the pros and cons.

Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Chairman of Biocon, is one of the richest women in India, who transformed a small business operating out of her garage, into a 150 million dollar company. To find out her success secret, future plans and a lot more read on...

Caroline Middlebrook, started off in her life as a software developer in the United Kingdom, when differences in her work field aided with her freedom loving spirit and plans of being a master of her destiny, made her become self-employed.

Barbara Lorey, the head of Alizarine Productions and a member of International Federation of Film Critics, reveals her experiences at BIFFES –2009 and how do film festivals change your point of view towards films. To know this and more, read on...

The Batla House encounter has revealed the widening wedge between Hindus and Muslims in India. KA Siddiq Hassan, Vice Amir, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind says Indian security agencies are working in tandem with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Mossad

Shamita Shetty has taken a little hatke role from her usual sexy ones to a peppy and full on masti dance number, in the forthcoming film Hari Puttar -A Comedy of Terrors. The cuteness of the song appealed to her, she says.

The Canadian Egyptian beauty Solomon in a tete-a-tete with merinews says, she's game to wear a saree and sing and dance in a Bollywood flick. Coming to India has always been her dream and she's ecstatic about working with directors here.

Bollywood actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan gets candid with this citizen journalist and talks about her journey from modelling to films, her Hollywood stints, her beauty and fitness secrets and of course about her hubby, Abhishek Bachchan

The mercury is rising as election fever grips the Delhi University campus. Amidst all the excitement and campaigning, we caught up with Vasu Rukhar (ABVP) for a tête-à-tête with the candidate. Read on…

At a time when the entire leadership of Kashmir Valley is singing pro-Pakistan slogans, there is one sane voice which identifies the turmoil as an attempt of Kashmir based politicians to end their increasing irrelevance in the political process.

Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza, Miss Universe 2006, believes in being what she is. The beauty diva respects people and wants to be respected too. Disapproving fake smiles, she wants to cut the stereotype attached to beauty queens: A candid interview.

Mukesh Shivdasani the CEO of Max Healthcare can also be called Mr. Consistent. Here, he talks about his career, Max healthcare, his passion for Bridge and more…

Sunil Bharti Mittal is a man always on the move. After taking the telecom industry by storm, he is now venturing into retail and agriculture. His successful journey is definitely an inspiration to a new generation of Indian entrepreneurs.

JJ Valaya is the guru of Indian fashion industry is a self-made man. As a big believer of God and India’s premier fashion designer, he has earned a name for his extraordinary designs that have charmed the world for over a decade.

In an interview with Merinews, Subir Bose, managing director of Berger Paints, talks about his life, the Indian paint industry and the company that he leads. We also questioned him regarding the use of lead in Indian paints.

In an exclusive interview with Sucheta Das, a Calcutta- based photojournalist, merinews asks her to share her experiences in this field, in the present set-up. Despite problems, she loves her profession and hopes for a change.

Sanjeev Bikhchandani, the CEO of InfoEdge recently took to blogging. In a chitchat session with Sudipta Sengupta, Bikhchandani reveals how this blog will be a platform to express his views, and not an internet marketing or PR platform for his company.

BharatMatrimony, pioneer of the matrimonial sites takes pride in registering the highest number of members online. Murugavel Janakiraman, CEO, BharatMatrimony attributes the success of the site to its innovation and consumer focused approach.

Web portals are becoming increasingly popular and Indians in search of their soul mates across the globe are using the medium even more. In a chat with merinews, Vibhas Mehta, Business Head, Shaadi.com talks about the success of the matrimonial site.

Yashraj films’ Jhoom Brabar Jhoom’ comes with mammoth expectations. Reason, primarily being, coming together of Bunty Aur Babli team, Amitabh, Abhsihek, Shaad Ali and of course producer Aditya Chopra.

Prof R P Misra, Former Vice Chancellor of Allahabad University, a strict Gandhian is actively involved in authoring and editing of several books. Talking to merinews, Prof Misra strongly advocates a practical change in the education system in India.

Dr Vineet Dikshit, Head of History department, DAV College Dehradun is also the Director of Ram Institute of Hotel Management, Dehradun. In conversation with merinews, Dikshit strongly talks about the need of a change in the education system in India.

Prof Surendra Nath, who teaches Human Resource Management, Amity Business School, Noida talks about education system in India. He has also served as the Adviser, Planning Commission Western Zone States and Education, Govt. of India.

Udit Narayan, considered as one of the greatest singers of his generation is judging the popular TV reality show Indian Idol 3. Often compared with Mohammed Rafi and Kishore Kumar, Udit Narayan chats with Merinews on his take on Indian Idol 3.

He has been there and done that. Now as the third season of Indian Idol goes on air, the country’s first Idol speaks about his success mantra. Abhijeet Sawant reveals that a healthy mix of talent, common sense and luck helped him emerge victorious.

Suraj Rosario, the name may not ring a bell to the thousands of Indian Idol viewers across the country. He is Executive Head in the artist management division of Sony BMG and played a key role in shaping up the talents of Indian Idol1.

Prajakta Shukre a contestant in ‘Indian Idol1’ has been considered a right combination of talent and good looks. Though the show was never a cakewalk for her, she managed to reach at number four. Here, in a tête-à-tête Shukre sings praises of the show.

Rahul Vaidya, one of the top four singers in ‘Indian Idol 1’ sang with great expertise and won hearty applause from the jury and the viewers alike. Here he reveals his views on the third season of the show before it goes live on air.

In an exclusive interview with merinews, Chandrakant Pandit, former India wicket-keeper batsmen revealed that Team India is one of the best ever teams. He has immense confidence in the team and is sure that they will be back with the Cup.

The intricacies of Indian leadership cannot be correctly understood by merely looking at it from outside. There are diverse shades and complex realities at different levels of evolving India. To get an insider’s view, merinews spoke to Vimal Kirti Singh.

It isn’t without reason that Lucknow University VC RP Singh polled more votes than Amitabh Bachchan in Lucknow. He did what none would have dared to do — take on the SP-backed student goons and send them packing to restore academic order on the campus.

Fifty years ago, Baba Saheb converted to Buddhism. He did so to come out of social stigma and disenfranchisement of Dalits. Jabbar Patel has portrayed the man, who has become an icon of Dalits, in a movie. An exclusive interview with Patel.

Well-known economist Bibek Debroy shares his views on rural and urban issues in an exclusive interview with merinews.

Co-founder of Kali for Women Urvashi Butalia speaks to merinews on aspects and necessity of the Domestic Violence Act brought to stop crimes happening behind closed doors. Kali for Women has been at the forefront of feminist movement in India.

The government has hastily enforced the law banning child labour without first making alternative provisions for the lakhs of child workers hit by the Act, Rita Panicker tells merinews.

A lot is expected of the police in India, but very little has so far been done to make it professional, accountable and free from political interference. J&K IGP Sheikh Owais Ahmed shares his views on how reforms are likely to impact policing.

Dr Ishtiaq Ahmed shares his views on the Uniform Civil Code.

Dr Asghar Ali Engineer shares his views on the Uniform Civil Code.

The Shahi Imam of Fatehpuri Masjid shares his views on the Vande Mataram issue.

The editor of Rock Street Journal does some plain speaking on the rock music scene in India

Singapore: Most of the Indian bands were engaged in playing covers in the 1990s, Rudra began a new trend in rock music and focused more on original songs

New Delhi: People restrict their thinking to what the marketing juggernauts promote. Listeners should listen to the music of Prayag without any preconditions.

Kolkata: Skinny Alley is one of the most premier names in the rock scenario. They have twin objectives of creating new music and recreating the old ones.

New Delhi: When Aamir decided to help the causes of NBA and victims of Bhopal gas tragedy the Tehelka Foundation pitched in coordinating the press to get people interested in the issues.

New Delhi: The love for music has kept Lou Majaw, one of the co-founders of The Great Society, a rock band from Shillong, alive. The 50-plus artist organises an annual Bob Dylan festival in Meghalaya.

New Delhi: Fossils, a Bangla rock band, was once asked to get off stage to make way for better-known bands. Today it is considered one of the most original rock bands in India and four-album old.

NOIDA: The band is financially sound and popular among the college crowds and hopes that soon rock artists will be able to earn purely through music.

New Delhi: The oldest Indian rock band claims to have had 1.5 million downloads of its songs, even when it has not cut a full-fledged album yet.

New Delhi: The lead vocalist of Orange Street struggled hard in the beginning to get recognition for his band. It claims to be original with a blend of Western rock and Indian classical music.

New Delhi: Like any little girl Ira Trivedi wanted to be a fairy queen and to realise this childhood dream she participated in a Miss India contest. But, the world she saw was superficial.

He has gained international recognition for addressing inequality in the health and social care sectors. With his appointment to the House of Lords he gets a larger platform to assert his ideas.

New Delhi: She had an oppressive childhood and marriage. Then her professor employer encouraged her to take up studies again and she took no time in penning down her memories.