Ford Figo in India

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fordapa/sets/72157622437825828/

Some photos for the enthusiasts

What do you think , would this hatchback make a kill?

Bush proud of indo-US relations

In the backdrop of controversy over Democratic presidential hopeful Barrack Obama’s comments on his party rival Hillary Clinton’s connections with Indian-Americans, the White House has said President George W Bush is “proud” of the relationship between India and the United States.

“The President, obviously, is proud of the growing closeness between United States and Indians,” White House Press Secretary Tony Snow said when asked to comment on Obama’s comments that have peeved many in the Indian-American community.

The Obama Campaign had drawn up a document that took aim at Clinton’s support from an Indian-American businessman and companies that do business in India. It referred to Clinton as “Mrs Clinton D-Punjab.” “Not to be holding a brief for Senator Obama, but I don’t believe that he made comments of that sort. I do believe that was a staff comment for which he issued apologies,” the White House Spokesman said.

“But having said that, it is important to realise that the United States looks upon India as the world’s largest democracy, as an important and vital ally in a whole host of things — regional security, global trade, climate change. I mean, the importance of India is not to be understated. And we are certainly glad that the relations between the nations continue to draw closer,” Snow added.

In a meeting with Register reporters, Senator Obama called the document put out by his campaign as a “screw up” and that it was “stupid” and “caustic” and something that was not seen by him or his senior staffers. Maintaining the contents do not reflect his views, Obama said that he has had long-standing support from the Indo-American community, and that outsourcing is a complicated issue.

“Look, I’m running for president, and there are certain conventions we engage in. I have to raise money. It would be wonderful if we didn’t. Opposition research is part of the game that’s played, partly because you guys rely on it for stories,” Senator Obama is reported to have said adding “I’m not so naive as to believe I can win without being rough and tumble”.

And in an interview with Aziz Haniffa, Senator Obama said that he was “furious” when he heard about the issue and stressed that his campaign was taking “corrective action to make sure that people understand how this could be potentially hurtful.”

“My support among Indian Americans, South Asians, and Asian Americans generally, has been very strong and that’s the culture within which I was raised, as having grown up in Hawaii and Asia myself,” he added in that interview. “I think what happened was that the people who were writing the memo thought that to quote back Hillary Clinton was clever somehow. They were wrong and I let them know in no uncertain terms that this was unacceptable,” the Illinois Democrat said.

India for UNSC seat

Britain has pledged its full support to India in its bid to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

"India will play a lead role in the 21st century and the UK supports India in its bid to become a permanent member of UN Security Council," Kim Howells, MP, Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office said on Monday night.

Russia's first Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov, tipped to succeed President Vladimir Putin next March, has backed India's aspirations for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council, though calling for its expansion on the basis of a consensus.

"Moscow supports India and Germany as candidates for UN Security Council's permanent members," Ivanov told the leaders of youth organizations in Moscow on Thursday.

Vodafone to invest 2 billion dollars

Having constituted a new Board to administer India's third-largest mobile firm Hutch-Essar, Vodafone on Friday said it would invest two billion dollars in the country this year for expanding its business.

These investments would mainly come in areas like acquiring fresh licenses, improving content delivery, marketing and stuff i presume.The main think to watch for is can hutch improve its service overall to beat one of the leading player AIRTEL. Lets wait and watch


Earlier: British telecom giant Vodafone’s acquisition of a controlling stake in Hutchison Essar has cleared its final hurdle, with Finance Minister P. Chidambaram approving the deal.


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Delhi to host Formula 1 racing

"India has won the right to host its first Formula One race in 2009, officials announced on Thursday. The deal was struck to hold the event in New Delhi", said Suresh Kalmadi, president of the Indian Olympic Association, which will promote the race.


Indian cricket teams doom in 2007 cricket worldcup seems to have given some impetus to growing popularity of other sports. Cricket mad country would now be hosting a Formula 1 race. So out of no where will delhi have to come up with a world class F1 strech, so as to attract the best in business.


There has been heightened interest in F1 racing in India after Karthikeyan hit the tracks on the back of Indian sponsorship reportedly worth $10 million. The 29-year-old did not race in 2006 but is signed up with Williams as a test driver.

Millions of Indians watch Formula One on television, often with the same passion they reserve for the country’s most popular sport — cricket.

"We have received a letter in this regard from Bernie Ecclestone, CEO of Formula One,” Mr Kalmadi told reporters. Funds will be raised from the government and the private sector to build a new F1 track and stadium for the race, said Mr Kalmadi.

"We are capable enough to raise the money. We have done it in the past. We will do it again,” he said. Asked why New Delhi was chosen as the venue, Mr Kalmadi said, "The Commonwealth Games are coming up. So we will have the international airport, hotels and other infrastructure ready for this."

The major obstacle in implementing such a gorgeous plan is corruption. If that could some how be controlled (emphasis.. controlled not avoided) then we all Formula One lovers can look forward to a treat in Delhi soon. more