The New Freedom Fighter - Anna Hazare

Very few social activists have captured the attention of Indians across the globe as Anna Hazare did during his "fast unto death" over the issue of the Lokpal Bill in New Delhi in April 2011.

Hazare, a Gandhian by belief, outlook and practice, has become the face of India's fight against corruption. During his fast over the Lokpal Bill, Hazare, a quintessential traditional Indian by looks and mannerism, managed to inspire and mobilize the support of even the ultra-modern Indians - Indians for whom the word "social" only means having a profile on social networking sites. The "Anna Hazare fast" can be described as the first real "social networking movement" in India.

Hazare, a former Army man, began his social activism from Ralegan Siddhi, a village in Ahmednagar district in Maharashtra, where he successfully led a movement against alcoholism and made Ralegan Siddhi a "model village".

Hazare's campaign was instrumental in the implementation of the Right to Information Act in Maharashtra, which is considered one of the best RTI Acts in India.

A Ramon Magsaysay award winner, Anna Hazare, like his idol, Mahatma Gandhi, has triggered a debate over the use of fast as a means of protest in India. By sheer commitment and simplicity, he has demonstrated that Gandhian principles are relevant even in the 21st-century India.

Click Here For

[Short Bio-Graphy of Anna Hazara]
Click Here For[Bio-Data of Anna Hazare]

BollyWood Headlines

1. Sonakshi Sinha bags Pankaj Kapur next film
2. Guess who shot this hot picture?
3. Padmapriya, Yuvanshankar Raja debut in Bollywood
4. Padmapriya, Yuvanshankar Raja debut in Bollywood
5. Manish Koirala back in Kollywood
6. Tamils should learn to respect the Thamizhan
7. Hrirajan of Mangai TV serial fame
8. From quarry to Kodambakkam
9. Maheshbabu's film shoots Hyderabad
10. Sonakshi's growing popularity
11. Bullock wants to kiss Meryl Streep again!
12. Sienna Miller wants to play Catwoman
13. Anushka's kissing woes
14. Udata Udata Oochâ?¦ready to hit screen
15. Nobody knows Katrina better than me: Salman

Top Headlines

• 'Boys become men at 27'
• Shammi Kapoor is the romantic icon: Aamir
• M S Dhoni ruled out of 1st Test against Bangladesh
• Won't make an emotional decision: Abhinav Bindra
• Headley case reveals LeT's global ambitions of mass killing: US
• India faces threat of another 26/11: US think tank
• Salman's fans go on rampage in Hyderabad
• Try at your own risk
• Police State: Dirty cops & Terror in Uniform
• How to keep a mister

D Sports Headlines

Live: India lose Sehwag, Gambhir

India lost Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir in successive overs as Bangladesh fought back after lunch on the first day of the first Test in Chittagong.

RELATED:

• 1st Test: Gambhir, Sehwag give India solid start
• 1st Test: Bangladesh elect to bowl against India
• Harbhajan misses first Test against Bangladesh
• Fog and dew delay first India-Bangladesh Test

Paes pleads for CWG go-ahead

Leander Paes has appealed to New Zealand and other governments to set aside security fears and send teams to the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

RELATED:

• Aussies to bring own security at cwg
• No security concerns at CWG: Aus Foreign Minister
• Australia to send 600-strong delegation for 2010 CWG
• England won't pull out of CWG: Indian, Eng officials

I never said I'm going to quit: Bindra

Abhinav Bindra dismissed reports that he was thinking of quitting shooting. He, however, did say that he was hurt by the attitude of NRAI and the ministry.

RELATED:

• Absent from trial, Bindra can't shoot for WC medal
• Special exemption for Bindra possible: Thomas
• NRAI defends selection process
• No clear word from NRAI, ministry on Bindra

Mattoo resigns as Hockey India President

Deeply hurt by recent allegations, AK Mattoo resigned as the Hockey India president and also from all the other administrative posts in various sport bodies

RELATED:

• Blog: Players need immunity from bungling babus
• Hockey revival: Ex-players give five-point agenda
• Rasquinha asks to manage hockey professionally
• Where has all the love for our national game gone?

Barcelona go five clear of Madrid

Lionel Messi scored his 100th Barcelona goal as the Spanish champions thumped Sevilla 4-0 to go five points clear of Real Madrid.

RELATED:

• Guardiola plays down five-point lead over Real
• Barcelona eye swift revenge against Sevilla
• Barcelona coach rules out new signings
• Barcelona braced for triple test against Sevilla

Top Headlines Today

• Sex, stress relief push people towards God
• LeT gave Headley $28,000 for Mumbai terror preparation
• Actors should be like supermarkets: Shahid
• Jazz-up-your-home tips for 2010
• Mobiles are a woman’s new best friend!
• Sushmita is desperately seeking Aamir
• Movie Review: Did you hear about the Morgans?
• Aditya Chopra's parents like Rani!
• Chances of locating your perfect mate: 1 in 285000
• I miss the traditional Lohri: Dharmendra

• LeT sought negotiation for Kasab release during 26/11

Sports Today

I am sure to tour India for IPL: Gilchrist

Ending all speculations, retired Australian Adam Gilchrist says he would play in this year's IPL even if some of his compatriots decide otherwise.

RELATED:

• Gilchrist worried by Sena threat, may skip IPL3
• Unperturbed Hayden looking forward to play in IPL
• Australian players to shun IPL 3?
• Sena threat serious but players to decide: Oz Govt

Sania to play Rezai in Aus Open 1st round

Sania Mirza has drawn world number 27 Aravane Rezai of France in the first round of the women's singles main draw of the Australian Open.

Federer starts bid for 16th Grand Slam

World No. 1 Roger Federer will start his bid for a 16th Grand Slam title against 36th-ranked Russian Igor Andreev in 1st round of Australian Open.

RELATED:

• Federer in familiar territory ahead of Open
• Federer and Serena named top seeds for Open
• Davydenko lurks for Federer at Australian Open
• Federer's imposing claim for another Slam win

Sanga replaces Yuvraj as KXIP skipper

Kumar Sangakkara replaced Yuvraj Singh as captain of the Kings XI Punjab but insisted that the Indian would remain the side's "most important" player.

RELATED:

• Kings XI looking for good fast bowlers: Sangakkara
• KXIP start IPL preparations
• Kings XI is yet to speak to me on captaincy: Sanga
• Yuvraj may not lead Kings XI anymore

Aussies to bring own security at CWG

Jittery about their security in India, the Australian delegation for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi will be accompanied by the country's Federal Police.

RELATED:

• No security concerns at CWG: Aus Foreign Minister
• Australia to send 600-strong delegation for 2010 CWG
• England won't pull out of CWG: Indian, Eng officials
• England to decide participation a month before CWG

Bollywood Stars News

1. Aamir steps into Salman's shoes
2. Shahid Kapoor bowled over by Aamir Khan
3. Rituparno Ghosh?s ?Abohomaan? to be released Jan 22
4. Shyam Benegal suffering from throat nodule
5. When debutants, Ben Kingsley left Big B embarrassed
6. India Post to sell ?Road To Sangam? envelopes
7. Riya Sen makes debut on TV
8. Deepika Padukone loves to shoot during night time
9. Censors scares 'Bhoot'
10. Big B's cherishes his recent visit in Kolkatta
11. Yash Raj Films romance with Switzerland continues
12. Prateik Babbar's pretty maidens
13. Teen Patti uncovered
14. Abhishek-Vivek patch up
15. Katrina Kaif wants more of The Italian Job

Top Headlines

• Hollywood movie review: Case 39
• Army chief to take action against generals in Sukna land scam: Antony
• Thousands feared dead as powerful quake rocks Haiti
• Oz team not allowed to play in Maharashtra: Sena
• Infiltration bids up in J&K: Antony
• Doomsday Clock to be reset, watch it online

Bollywood Headlines

1. VTV Songs online on iPhone
2. Porkalam sold for a big price
3. Balki ?s next a comedy with Big B
4. Nayanthara signs a Kannada film

Sports Headlines

Smooth sailing for Serena in Sydney

Serena Williams continued her smooth lead up to next week's Australian Open with a win over Vera Dushevina at the Sydney International.

RELATED:

• Safina enters Sydney quarter-finals
• Safina wins battle for fitness but mind games remain
• Wozniacki, Jankovic crash out in Sydney
• Peer advances to second round at Hobart International
• 
  

Collingwood predicts big score from KP

All-rounder Paul Collingwood described England's best batsman Kevin Pietersen as a genius and believes that his next big innings is just around the corner.

RELATED:

• South Africa look to save face in final Test
• I love annoying the opposition: Collingwood
• South African paceman De Wet to miss final Test
• South Africa withdraw Tahir over eligibility fears

Top Headlines

• Deepika in 'Break Ke Baad' post split
• Drunk Indians harass crew in business class, offloaded in Hong Kong
• Big draw Avatar now draws ‘racist’ flak
• 70% of Corbett resorts host parties, races
• Graduates line up to be coolies in Mumbai
• Pride and Prejudice: How 'Bihari' became a 'gaali'
• Exclusive: ET Awards for Corporate Excellence
• Follow us on Twitter for TOI top stories
• Salman gets artistic once again
• SRK's healing touch for Vishal Bhardwaj

• Women with Jolie-like-pout look younger
• Women, your partner can make you fat
• Ranbir & Katrina are back together
• Ishqiya: Music Review

Bollywood Headlines

1. Aamir Khan grace Seksaria School festival
2. Dasari Narayana Rao to direct Balakrishna
3. Eedu Jodu audio released
4. I couldn?t take my eyes off Katrina Kaif: Zarine Khan
5. Jackson` doctor to face charges for murder?
6. When Big B stole Shah Rukh`s lunch!
7. I couldn't take my eyes off Katrina Kaif: Zarine Khan
8. Mamma Mia!
9. 'Salman and I have to do a film which is really special'
10. 'Humko khush rakho...': Aamir Khan

Sports Headlines

India beat Bangladesh by 6 wickets

In-form Virat Kohli hammered his second ODI ton to script India's facile six-wicket victory over Bangladesh in a dead rubber of the ongoing tri-series.

RELATED:

• Scorecard: India vs Bangladesh, 6th ODI
• Match in Pics: India vs Bangladesh
• Statistical highlights of India-Bangladesh ODI
• Bangladesh post 247 for six against India
• 
  

Players served with 24-hour deadline

India's hockey players were served with a 24-hour deadline by Hockey India to resume practice or face disciplinary action.

RELATED:

• Scorecard: India vs Bangladesh, 6th ODI
• Match in Pics: India vs Bangladesh
• Statistical highlights of India-Bangladesh ODI
• Bangladesh post 247 for six against India

The Auto Expo 2010- Mercedes-Benz unleashes Pure Fascination

At the largest stand alone luxury pavilion at the 10th Auto Expo 2010, Mercedes-Benz unleashed ‘Pure Fascination’, a theme that highlights its participation at the Auto Expo 2010 and points the way to the company’s strategy in the near future for Indian market.

‘Pure Fascination’ is interplay between all the brand values of the company. As the inventors of the automobile and the world’s most valuable premium car brand, Mercedes-Benz continues to remain the standard for vehicle quality, safety and refined motoring. The hallmarks of the brand: Passion, Perfection and cutting-edge Technology are values incorporated in its theme ‘Pure Fascination’ reflected by the mesmerizing array of products on display. Presented by Dr. Wilfried Aulbur, managing director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India along with Mr. Johannes Fritz, Director Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars Daimler Central/Eastern Europe, Near/Middle East, Africa and Asia (DCAA) were the SLS “AMG Desert Gold” along with the S 500L and the GL 350CDI.

Each of these cars is category leaders. While the S 500L is the most premium ‘made-in-India’ limousine, the GL350CDI is the largest and most premium off-roader in Indian market. The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, the highlight of the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt/Main, was presented in a stunning gold paint finish. This matt silk finish with the designation ‘AMG Desert Gold’ lends an extraordinary aura to the new super sports car.

The Auto Expo 2010- Dilip Chhabaria Design, DC Designs

Dilip Chabaria has some very unique and interesting cars displayed at the Auto Expo.

First is a Red Imperator with 28” wheels, one huge hydraulic Butterfly Door and Massive Head and Leg room. Vivek Oberoi was there giving interviews and he said it has become his favourite car. The red Imperator definitely looked glossy and a complete style statement in itself.

The Auto Expo 2010- Skoda SUV - Yeti Unveiled

Skoda Auto India has unveiled its international brand car, SUV Yeti at the 10th Auto Expo 2010 in New Delhi. This is the fifth in the line-up in India.

During the launch of this model, Reinhard Fleger, member of the board, Sales and Marketing, Skoda Auto, said, “The Indian automobile industry continues to be among the most promising car industries across the globe and it shall continue to grow in the coming year backed by an estimated GDP growth of about 7 per cent. Skoda has a share of around 25 per cent in the mid size segment where we have operated since the last 9 years. We have aggressive plans for the Indian market and aim to emerge as a major player in the Indian automotive industry’s growth story. The Yeti is an integral aspect of this plan.”

Speaking at the unveiling of the Skoda variant, Mr. Thomas Kuehl of Skoda Auto India, said, "The highly agile Yeti is compact, attractively styled with excellent handling characteristics and is bound to create a stir in this segment with the potential of having a cult following. We just can't wait to get our hands on this one!”

The Skoda Yeti has a compact 4x4 body and is equipped with a 2 litre TDI diesel engine, which is not only powerful but also efficient in fuel consumption. And, the most important thing is that it is the first ever SUV, which has got rave reviews from the experts worldwide for its nice design and efficiency.

The Auto Expo 2010-Fiat Launched New Linea

Italian car maker Fiat launched the new Linea variants at the Delhi Auto Expo 2010 – Fiat Linea T-Jet and Fiat Linea Dualogic Transmission. The Fiat Linea T-Jet model is powered by the new 1.4L turbocharged petrol engine that delivers peak power output of 110 bhp. The Fiat Linea Dualogic is the automatic transmission variant of the car.

Fiat has deferred any plans to launch its hatchback model Bravo in India considering the size of the small car market. It will develop a small car for India but did not reveal details about the completion of the car. "Fiat plans to develop a small car for the Indian market in Italy with the help of an Indian team. It will be launched here with our joint venture partner Tata Motors with about 80-85 percent localisation," said Fiat India President and CEO Rajeev Kapoor.

Fiat also launched three new variants of the Grande Punto – Natural Power, Sport and Trendz. Fiat Grande Punto Natural Power has a CNG tank under the boot along with its existing petrol tank. Grande Punto Trendz is the trendy new variant available with the Active Plus option that features new exteriors and interiors, and an MP3 CD player and FM receiver audio system. Grande Punto Sports utilizes a 1.3-litre Multijet engine in 90bhp tune, an electric sunroof, rear spoiler, red decals and dual colour leather seats. All variants of the Grande Punto are concept models at the moment and will be on sale later in the future.

The Auto Expo 2010- BMW Launches Three New Brands

German luxury car maker introduced three new models on the first day of the Delhi Auto Expo 2010. BMW introduced the new Gran Turismo, BMW X6M and BMW 760Li models at the auto show. BMW remains committed towards the Indian market and its expansion plans. It already beat Mercedes in 2009 to achieve the highest sales figures ever achieved by any luxury car makers in India. The company will make further investments at its Chennai plant and BMW Financial Services India. It also intends to ramp up its production facility at Chennai, said BMW India President Peter Kronschnabl told at the 10th Auto Expo.

BMW has introduced 100 units of BMW Gran Turismo that will be priced at Rs. 63 lakh and will be a limited edition model. Its other models BMW X6M and BMW 760Li are priced over Rs. 1 crore a piece. BMW X6 M is priced around Rs. 1.3 crores while BMW 760Li Rs. 1.29 crore.

BMW currently has 16 dealerships pan India. It intends to increase its dealership networks by adding more 10 dealers.

The Auto Expo 2010- Yamaha Launches the new R15 Model

Yamaha had earlier stated that it aims to capture at least 10 percent market share in India by 2012. The recent Yamaha pavilion at the Delhi Auto Expo 2010 aptly shows company’s commitment towards its goal. "Our aim is to capture 10 per cent share in the Indian motorcycle market by 2012. For that we will make substantial investment in launching new models," India Yamaha Motor CEO Yukimine Tsuji reiterated company’s sentiments at the Auto Expo.

Yamaha’s complete range of motorcycles was on display at Yamaha pavilion. It launched its special white and red edition of YZF-R15 model. The model was driven on to the stage by avid biker John Abraham who also became the Yamaha advisor now. He has already been the brand ambassador for Yamaha till now.

Yamaha is also aiming to increase its market share in the 150cc motorcycle segment to 25 per cent by the end of this year from 15 per cent at present. "In the 150cc segment, which is of 8.5 lakh units, we have at present a market share of 15 per cent and by the end of this year, we are aiming for a share of 25 per cent,” Tsuji said.

Yamaha was also the first bike maker to introduce the first super-bike in the country. Last year it added its muscle bike VMAX to its product portfolio. Other models that were on display at the auto expo were the T-Max, a twin cylinder 500cc scooter, the XJ6, a 600cc motorcycle, the YZR M1 that Valentino Rossi rides during races and the 200bhp VMax.

The Auto Expo 2010: Volkswagen's Polo a Big Draw

Volkswagen, Europe's largest car maker, unveiled its 2010 'European car of the year' – the Polo, a premium hatchback. On show was the Race Polo, its model for the Volkswagen Polo Cup that will begin in India with the inaugural race event in June 2010.

As of 2009, there have been five separate generations of the Polo, usually recognised by a 'series' or 'mark' number. Some Polo models from the 1970s and 1980s used the emblem of the city of Wolfsburg, where it is headquartered, on the steering wheel hub rather than the front, as seen today.

The company, which recently bought a 19.9-per cent stake in Suzuki, will begin selling the Polo in India in March and will launch the sedan version on the same platform in the second half of this year.