Celebs share their freedom funda

Come Independence Day and we experience the tricolour magic. Be it a small flag perched atop your car, or a tiny badge with a patriotic message attached to your shirt – here's saluting the spirit of freedom.

This year, we asked celebs to share the significance of this national day in their lives and also give a message to the young brigade of India...

Mehar Bhasin, Model
Significance : To me, Independence Day signifies absolute freedom. The fact that I am a proud Indian is a celebration for me and it doesn’t matter whether I am in the country or aboard, I just love the feeling of being an Indian.

Message : The youth today is well aware of their status in the country, about what the government thinks of them and makes decisions too. Let them enjoy living in a free country.

Ramneek Pantal, Emcee
Significance : This day means a lot to me to show my love for the country, I always put an Indian flag in my car. Also, this year, it’s my son’s first year in school and they will have a pre-independence Day celebration, where we as parents will also take part, so I intend to make the most of it.

Message : Please just do not sit back and crib about the way the country functions. Instead get up and make the first move towards changing it for the better.

Riddima Kapoor Sahni, Socialite
Significance : I celebrate this day in my own little way. Every year I put up a small flag either in my car or my house. And in turn try to remember at least some of our freedom fighters who did so much for our country.

Message : Live and let live in peace.

Raj Kaushal, Director
Significance : Independence Day also happens to be my birthday. Its true significance for me lies in the fact that it gives me my identity. I am proud to be an Indian. It reassures me that I belong to an incredible culture and a nation of people who believe that love, ahimsa and humanity can conquer the world. The best way to celebrate its true spirit is to, from your heart, respect the tricolor and all that it stands for and sing the national anthem not from your heart, but your soul.

Message : If you are truly proud to be an Indian then it will show. Be a true Indian. Live by example. Accept this country for all that it is – the good and the bad. And pledge to make it the best place in the world to live and love in. Jai hind!

Gautam Bhimani, cricket commentator
Significance : Independence Day is a great time to have a public display of affection for the nation. However small, a tiny lapel on my shirt is what I like on this day. It’s a great time to feel good about being an Indian. The anthem of course give us goose bumps every time we sing it, especially for those of us who do not get to hear the anthem as sports people or award winners.

Message : It's very simple. Every individual needs to only do his or her tiny bit towards the country's progress. Not everyone needs to be a politician or a CEO. Even keeping your neighbourhood clean or obeying traffic laws is enough to make India a better place.

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Was the superbug imported into India?

Did the superbug evolve in India and has medical tourism contributed to its spread across the world? Closer reading of the research paper published in the British journal Lancet Infectious Diseases presents a very different picture. Suggestions that India is the fountainhead of this drug resistant bug are probably erroneous. (Read: Asian super bug hits the UK)

Evidence suggests that the bug may possibly have been inadvertently introduced into India. (Read: Government refutes Lancet report on superbug study)

Out of the 37 samples collected in UK, only 17 samples had history of travel to India or Pakistan. So, a question arises as to where did the rest 20 people contract this superbug?

Also, the authors themselves admit that there is no genetic similarity between the UK and Indian strains. And the very first alert issued by the UK government on January 30, 2009, makes no mention of India. Instead, it lists presence of the bug in Greece, USA and Israel.

Moving on to the other part: If medical tourism is to blame for the spread of this super bug, how come Rohtak, Guwahati, and of all places Port Blair, are home to the bug and find mention in the research? They are not certainly hot destinations for medical treatment. (Read: Superbug named after New Delhi bugs India) | (Read: Govt clarification on 'superbug' traced to India)

Confirming this to NDTV, Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research, Dr V M Katoch said India may have actually been a victim of this bug, since it is spontaneously evolving all over the world.

"India is definitely not the source of origin of this so called superbug, it is omnipresent across the globe," Katoch said. (Read: Why superbug NDM1 is considered hard-core)

Indian medical experts say the researchers may have flagged an important emergent problem, but to blame it on India's health system was stretching it too far. Health ministry is now planning to write a strong formal rejoinder to the journal refuting these findings.

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Goa to warn tourists about swine flu

With one swine flu death and 30 H1N1 cases reported in Goa this year, the state government has now started cautioning tourists coming to Goa about the disease.

State Chief Secretary Sanjiv Srivastava, in a written order Friday, asked the state tourism department to publish a handout on swine flu related Dos and Don'ts which will be made available to all tourists checking into hotels in Goa, which is known for its beach-oriented tourism.

'The handouts will reach all the tourists checking into hotels in the state and will carry information on the symptoms of H1N1 and the steps to be taken in case of any need. The state health services department is also co-ordinating with the tourism department to create awareness amongst the tourists coming into Goa,' a senior directorate of health services official said.

A swine flu-related awareness campaign will also be conducted at public places like cinema halls, bus stations and railway stations, the official said.

A state core monitoring committee meeting on H1N1 held at the state Secretariat Friday also discussed measures that needed to be taken to exhaustively monitor swine flu at schools and workplaces.

'The current H1N1 scenario in Goa was reviewed vividly along with all the measures which have been taken to control H1N1. The state education department was also ordered to instruct schools and colleges to follow the guidelines in connection with children who have symptoms of H1N1.

'Absenteeism in schools is also being monitored and reported to the respective health officers for timely action,' a press statement issued by the state information department stated.

The tourism department, meanwhile, has already updated H1N1 information on its website.

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SRK makes a presence in Times Square

Three years after he made his presence felt at the Madame Tussauds wax museum in London, the Baadshah of Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan now finds a place at the Madame Tussauds wax museum in Times Square, New York.

The actor's statue was unveiled at a glittering ceremony yesterday which saw dancers perform to some of his chartbuster hits. Although SRK couldn't make it to the event, as he is busy shooting for his home production Ra.One in UK, his fans surely went crazy on seeing their favourite matinee idol's wax statue. The good news is that this time SRK's wax replica looks much more real as compared to the previous one.

The event also saw the launch of the DVD of SRK starrer My Name Is Khan. Surely this was one special day for all SRK fans. If only King Khan was present, it would truly have added to the glitter and glam.

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Janta Verdict: 'Peepli Live' lives up to its hype

Aamir Khan Productions Peepli Live deals about an issue, known to everyone, but still an unsolved issue of the country.

Despite the fact that a subject on farmers suicide can never pull the audience to the theaters, the credibility Aamir Khan has with a film like Lagaan and Taare Zameen Par can never be underestimated.

Let’s find out what the aam janta had to say about Peepli Live at the first day first show at a city multiplex.

Mansi Paithankar says, “The farmer’s suicide issue is nothing new to the country. But the way they have packaged it, is so engaging.”

Shreekant Wattamwar says, “I just hope all the electronic journalists watch the film. There is so much that they would not want to do in their work but are pressurized by the channel. It is a must watch for them.”

Trupti Nege says, “Anusha Rizvi has cast all the characters to perfection. Any character, even with a bit role, stood out. Natha was brilliant with his expressions."

Richa Upreti says, “The film is little serious and its an eye opener for people who live in the city. We are not aware of the problems of poor people in the village and the film definitely educates everyone about it.”

Tarun Godiyal says, “It is great that a character actor like Raghvir Yadav got his due after so many years. He had a pivotal role in the film and he performed really well. The actor who played Natha is a great find. His expressions are very raw and at some point I could sympathize with the character.”

Varun Dobhal says, “Indian Ocean band have done a fantastic job with their music in the film. Des Mera Rangrez is the track of the year.”

The film has received a lot of encouraging feedback and weekend certainly looks strong for Peepli Live. Well, only Monday will tell whether the film be able to create a new box-office record or not.

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Bollywood Movie Help Review

Vic (Bobby Deol), a film maker who specialises in horror films, enters a rough patch in his marital life with Pia (Mugdha Godse). Horror seems to enter their domestic life when a pregnant Pia suddenly becomes possessed with ghosts from her troubled past. Can Vic exorcise the past demons with the help of psychic Shreyas Talpade?

Movie Review: Bobby Deol seems bored. Really bored. And you wouldn't blame him for it. For the poor soul is saddled with a sad script that has nothing exciting to offer in terms of characterisation and drama. All that it demands from him is to stand by and watch wife Mugdha Godse go into paroxysms or vacantly stare at nothing in particular, when the possession takes over. Small wonder then, he mostly seems to sleepwalk or desperately tries to keep a straight face while trying to cope with ghosts who walk, creep and crawl across the ceiling. In between, he does some serious talk with the psychic Shreyas who takes one look at his wife and tells him she needs help.

Meanwhile, wife Mugdha Godse tries to bring alive all the sundry posters of Hollywood horror flicks you may have recently seen. With the ghost of her dead twin sister tormenting her, she tries to pull either a Grudge or a Ring with her dishevelled, scary eye look. This, when she's not doubting the fidelity of her husband and suspecting him of having an affair with his leading lady.

Does the horror angle work? Only intermittently, when you sit up and take note of the paranormal proceedings. For the rest of the film, you are mostly counting the minutes.

Please, please, please, will someone give us the real scary movie in desi cinema. It's high time, no?

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New age love - a bit complicated and mixed one

Gone are the days of Romeo and Juliet, when people were used to stay mad for only one person and would spend their whole life with a single partner. Now this is a new age and the new age poster couples are far much complicated. Anger, jealousy, ego & comfort all are so prevalent that a very less percentage of lovebirds remain unaffected by all these factors. Love is now a grey mix of the good, the bad and the ugly.

Look around. From sports to politics, from Bollywood to TV - Love in its various avatars has taken over popular mindspace.

Whether it's Mohammed Azharuddin and Sangeeta's lessons rocking marital boat, Rahul and Dimpy Mahajan's by now predictable drama, Sunanda Pushkar and Shashi Tharoor's old world romance, Kunal Khemu and Soha Ali Khan's new age love, Deepika Padukone and Siddharth Malaya's smart dating ways or Vivek Oberoi and Priyanka Alva's textbook match. As they continue to hog newspace, we decided to look at love in its new hybrid form, the new rules that are being written and the hurdles that need to be overcome...

MID- LOVE CRISIS

THE STORY SO FAR: Sangeeta Bijlani and Mohammed Azharuddin broke all rules only to fall for a pattern. She was the glamorous babe that stole his heart 12 years ago. He faced public ire and cruel remarks for giving it all up for what he called 'love at first sight'. His cricketing career had come to an end and her career was over even before she knew it. So love was all they had. A decade later they were settled and laughing all the way to the power centre, as she rallied in designer whites and he rose to glory once more. Only that was rudely interrupted by news of him having an affair with half- his- age badminton 'hottie' Jwala Gutta. Now, there's trouble in paradise to say the least. Though there are no confirmed reports of splitsville, they're definitely starting to do their own thing.

LESSON LEARNT: History repeats itself. Sangeeta is reportedly, once again seeking solace in the arms of ex- beau Salman ( she is said to be spending a lot of time with his family) and Azhar is hiding his face once again from public questions.

FRIENDS FIRST LOVERS LATER

Their relationship was one of those open secrets that needed the formality of an acknowledgement.

Soha broke up with her RDB co- star Siddhartha as he allegedly didn't give her much time. That was last year; she was reported to have immediately starting seeing Kunal but never came out in the open with it. It happened at the Couture Week last month that Soha and Kunal finally came out with their love story.

Interestingly, it was Soha that first spoke about it and Kunal almost followed cue. Soha also admitted to being emotionally high- strung and extremely demanding, something Kunal "understands". She also talked about how her family's acceptance of the relationship is important to her and for now she's taking it one step at a time. Soha Ali Khan has the lineage and Kunal Khemu has the talent. One can't act but still finds roles thanks to her strong PR and the other one struggles, despite talent, for the exactly opposite reason. So, they both in a way have something going for them as they find their way in the evercompetitive world of cinema. They're both mediocre in terms of professional success and that might be a bonding point.

LESSON LEARNT: Equals and friends work better in today's times. It's nice if they both bring complimenting aspects and personalities to the table.

US V/ S THEM

Foot- in- mouth is not the only syndrome ex- Minister Shashi Tharoor suffers from. The 60- something, handsomely grey Tharoor also is quite openly love- struck. The love affair between Sunanda Pushkar and Shashi Tharoor was the giant worm that came crawling out of the IPL can. After being questioned about the "sweat equity" given to the beautiful yet arguably undeserving Ms Pushkar in the upcoming Kochi team, Tharoor had not much choice but to stand by the woman he had fallen for. Though he's been married twice before ( first to his high- school sweetheart Tilottama Mukerji and then to a Canadian Civil Servant, Christa Giles), he's obviously hoping to the proverbial thirdtime lucky. Sunanda too is a bit romantic in nature, it is believed. Coming from a middle- class background, she's romantic in the way she's viewed and lived her life so far. People have accused her of being a bit of a social climber, but she's faced the criticism by following her heart and ambition with determination and instinct. Her blonde hair and bright clothes reflect her personality.

LESSON LEARNT: Rebels attract. They both are non- conformists and follow their heart. It's said people come closer when they're cornered. They find strength in becoming one v/ s others. That seems to be the case as they head to the altar.

SHAADI. COM MATCH

Vivek Oberoi has been so damn unlucky in love that it didn't come as much of a surprise when he decided to go for an "arranged" marriage. 28- year- old Priyanka Alva, his fiance, is the daughter of Karnataka Minister and Senior Janata Dal leader Jeevaraj Alva and social worker and danseuse Nandini Alva. The pedigree girl also has an MBA degree to boast of. She's pretty, educated and his parents' choice. All seems well for this alliance on paper for Vivek who's had his hands burnt many times before. Though with a penchant for going for the aspirational ( Aishwarya Rai), it seems now Vivek has wisened up to make a more practical choice.

LESSON LEARNT: Be realistic about what you deserve.

It's all good to want the fairy- tale ending. We all long for it hoping against hope. But the truth is, matches don't happen in heaven. It's good to chase your heart but it's also smart to call it a day when it clearly aint happening.

REALITY TV LOVE LIVES

THE STORY SO FAR: Getting married on National TV was as new- age as it got. It was another level for even bad boy Mahajan who had till then already had his brush with scandals. An ugly divorce with childhood sweetheart Shweta Singh in 2008, followed by a colorful stint on Big Boss , followed by the swayamvar that was gimmicky. Though, Rahul claimed to find his soulmate in Kolkatta model and 15 years his junior, Dimpy Mahajan on the show. After a very public wedding and honeymoon send- off, the two appeared once again on TV for a loyalty test on Emotional Atyachaar . This time, Rahul who is known for his philandering ways, passed the test. Just when everyone thought, all was 'normal' in Mahajan's life he rose from the ashes of short public memory. First for harassing ex- flame Payal Rohatgi and then allegedly beating up his wife. Keeping in sync with their 'private is public' ways, the couple made up on TV once again and even visited a temple for divine intervention! LESSON LEARNT: Drama never ends. Rahul's ex- girlfriends have all talked about this urge to 'fix him'. They say, Rahul has this teenage charm that is quite attractive. It's very easy to fall in love with this 'bad boy' who needs to be mothered. But soon enough, his penchant for drama takes over. For such guys 'normal' will always be too boring.

SMART DATING

What was being hailed as the most endearing romance of this generation was abruptly ended when Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone went their separate ways. Belonging to a generation that no longer thinks it necessary to hide their dating status, they went about town declaring their love and future plans and using tattoos as an expression of their feelings. That was then. Last year, when they both broke up, Deepika walked away with dignity. Till date, she maintains a controlled silence over what went wrong and also says how she is still close to Ranbir. Of course, the tattoo also stays and is flaunted from time to time. Not someone to nurse her broken heart in silence, Deepika was soon seen beside the flamboyant Malaya Jr. Schooled abroad and trained under his father, Siddharth Malaya is no stranger to the power of a beautiful woman by one's side. So, he clearly wasn't going to be the one to complain. Now, both are seen around town, attending parties and premiers clearly as a couple everyone's talking about.

LESSON LEARNT: Date someone who's good for your ego. The new generation doesn't think dating to be a big deal.

They're unapologetic and flamboyant about being with someone, as long as they add to their social and celebrity status. A relationship like that will not take anything away. So no point getting your heart broken over a loser.

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Storage space - a problem for Gmail now

It has been around six years ago, when Google launched its own mail site Gmail. At that time it had claimed to have unlimited storage. It proudly declared "never delete an e-mail again." Well, now it seems like they are not successful in fulfilling their commitment. They may have to eat their words now as Mark Flick, the latest user to break the Gmail limit had to delete some mails to make space.

When Gmail was first launched, it offered a massive storage space (then 1GB), which was a highly touted feature. Even though, over time this space has expanded to about 7.3 GB per user, but still it doesn`t seem enough. One of the reasons for this may be the fact that users send larger e-mail attachments now and archive more messages. Still, for non-corporate e-mail users, racking up more than 7 GB in e-mail archives is a pretty impressive feat, reported the website.

Incidentally, when such a problem had arisen earlier, Google also had even considered buying more storage.

And the problem goes on. Now the users are again expecting Gmail to expand its storage capacity.

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MP: 61 explosive-laden trucks go missing

Sixty-one trucks loaded with over 300 tonnes of explosives, worth Rs1.5 crore went missing in Madhya Pradesh.

The trucks carrying powerful explosives and gelatin sticks were sent from Rajasthan Explosives and Chemicals Ltd (RECL) in Dholpur to a trading firm, Ganesh Magazine at Sagar in Madhya Pradesh. But they never reached there.

Rajasthan Explosives and Chemicals Limited (RECL) - the company which sent the explosives - claims it can`t be blamed for this disappearance as it sent explosives only in trucks authorised by the company.

"We hand over the explosives to those who have the license. And they then dispatch it on their truck. Now, whatever happens to that explosive thereafter, we are not responsible for that," said YC Upadhyay, GM,Rajasthan Explosives and Chemicals Limited.

Documents show that the explosives, sent between April and June, included detonators and gelatin sticks. Ganesh Explosives for which the consignment was sent is now locked up; shockingly their licence had already expired in March this year.

Owners of the company that booked the explosives are now absconding. Security agencies are worried that if the explosives reach the wrong hands it could be devastating.

In 2008, detonators used in the Surat blasts were also made in the same Dholpur factory.

Madhya Pradesh home minister Umashankar Gupta said the efforts were on to trace missing explosives as well as the trucks

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Fresh violence rocks Kashmir, one killed

A youth was killed and several others were injured on Friday when security forces fired at protesters defying curfew in Jammu and Kashmir`s Kupwara district.

With the youth`s death, the number of civilians killed across the Kashmir Valley in the present unrest that started on June 11 has risen to 52.

Shops, educational institutions, banks, post offices and other businesses remained shut in Srinagar. Other major towns of the Valley and public transport remained off the roads.

The Kashmir Valley has been on the boil for two months due to violent protests against civilians being killed in firing by security forces.

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SC stays trial against Sajjan in 1984 Sikh riots case

In a very significant decision, the Supreme Court today stayed trial proceedings against Congress leader Sajjan Kumar, who is facing murder and other charges in connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

A bench of Justices P Sathasivam and B S Chauhan also issued notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Kumar”s appeal challenging his prosecution.

The Delhi High Court had on July 19 dismissed Kumar”s petition challenging a trial court”s order to frame charges against him in the case.

In the order, Justice Vipin Sanghi questioned the motive of the Delhi Police in cancelling the FIR against Kumar when the matter was still being probed by the CBI.

Justice Sanghi directed the trial court to hold the proceedings against him expeditiously in the anti-Sikh riots cases.

The trial court had on July 7 framed charges against him in another case in connection with the riot case.

The trial court had in May this year framed charges under Sections 302 (murder), 395 (dacoity), 427 (mischief to property), 153A (promoting enmity between different communities) and other provisions of the IPC paving the way for trial of Kumar and five others.

The Supreme Court had on March 29 granted relief to him, saying it would not intervene with a Delhi High Court order that granted bail to Kumar in the case.

The Delhi High Court had on February 26 granted bail to Sajjan Kumar in connection with two cases registered against him in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

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You too can woo a married woman

So, you` have met a woman who is really keen to spend nice time with you, but she`s married. No worries! If you want to seduce married women, there is nothing to be ashamed of. After all, in the end it`s her decision, right? There are a heap of positives to sleeping with other men`s wives. Sex with no commitment, no dates to spend money on, she`s primarily interested in you for sex only, etc..

There are some tips to find and seduce married women:

The best way to seduce married women is to look in bars with an "older" crowd. Why would a married woman go out drinking without her husband if she isn`t interested in meeting another man? Treat the fact that she`s married as a "non-issue".

Make sure that you`re only interested in sex, and that her husband will never know because you`re not seeking a relationship. Keep conversation topics on the matter at hand: Sex! You don`t have to be overly sexual, but try to make her feel sexy and wanted.Married women love attention from other men because their husbands often start taking them for granted.

Browse internet sites like Adult Friend Finder for wives looking for sex. This is the easiest way to do it, but it`s not exactly as fun as going out and getting an unsuspecting target. Treat everymarried woman like she is single, young, and sexy.

This is what they want from a man. Why do so many older women go for cosmetic surgery? Because as they age they lose their self esteem. Make them feel good. If you work in the same office as her, single her out, take her for lunch, get closer to her, just like she was single. Be careful!. Invite yourmarried target to your home for some inconspicuous reason (a "friendly" coffee?).

This will isolate her, and make her feel more comfortable to open up. Slowly direct the conversation to sexual waters. Again, be careful if you work with her. Work parties are great for seducingmarried women ! As we all know, alcohol brings out the truth. If she`s going to cheat, she`ll do it with a little help from the wine bottle! Join a swingers community. Need I explain more?

My favourite...Approach women with children in supermarkets, shopping centres, coffee shops, etc.. The last thing she`ll be thinking about is an approach from a man. Be subtle, ask her for a coffee. If she goes with you easily, it is a sign that she wants to break her daily grind and meet new people. After a coffee, take it further and ask her out for a "friendly" drink, and take it from there. This is probably the most difficult, but most exhilarating way toseduce other men`s wives.

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Markets illuminates as its Ramzan time

As the holy month of Ramzan has started, the narrow lanes from the capitals` walled city to Mumbai`s Mohammad Ali Road has started witnessing flurry of activities and buzz. The sale in markets all over the country has already picking up. While it is the early days of Ramzan, the weather is good and nice in both the metro cities . Worshippers are pouring into Jama Masjid to offer their thanks for all that they are blessed with. While your eyes stray to the platters of phirni, your nose follows the aroma of fritters frying around the corner. Outside this tug of war, the ears alert you to the noise.

In Mumbai,Mustaq Bhai on Mohammad Ali Road is sitting in his shop Haji Sweets. He can barely keep up with the crowds gathering at his shop as he packs pakodas for them. "The mood is electric and people are coming to buy sweets. He is personally supervises operations at his shop during Ramzan. It`s all about quality check. "After an entire day of fasting, the devout don`t deserve substandard food. This time of the year, I make sure only the best goes out of my shop," he says.

In this year`s festivities, however, some things will be different. Usually, this walled city market stays buzzing and brightly lit even at 3 am as people prepare for the Sehri (pre-sunrise meal). This year, the rains have made decorative lighting too risky. Kallan Sweets is usually open 24 hours during Ramzan, but labour shortage has meant they`ll shut shop around midnight. Despite that, sales have nearly doubled.

"During Ramzan we keep Pheeki Jalebi, Paneer Jalebi, keema samosa, feni, khazla etc.," says Mohammad Shaan. Ask him if it`s difficult to fast with such delicacies all around him, and he jokes - "Look at my face, don`t I look morose?" adding on a more serious note, "Our dedication and devotion keep us going."

Journalist Maqsood Ahmed is returning back to his place after hard day in office. Says Ahmed,” handling kids on an empty stomach is never easy and it`s only the first day; her head hurts. "I`m looking forward to the evening. I won`t come to the Masjid but will break my fast at home with my family," he says. .

At Hazi Hotel just outside Jama Masjid,like every day, the poor squat outside receiving rotis and gravy. A hard core Congress worker and owner Hazji Mian insisting that those seeking alms come in a queue. The entire point of the fast is to make a person realize what a poor, hungry person goes through. It teaches humility. We feed the poor all year round, but during Ramzan, others too come forward to feed people here.

In this Ramzan, some things will be different in Delhi. Usually, this walled city market stays buzzing and brightly lit even at 3 am as people prepare for the Sehri . This year, the rains have made decorativelighting too risky. Meanwhile, the mood is great and festive. An ex-IAS officer Zafar Iqbal says that you can not enjoy Ramzan more than any other place thanin Mumbai. " I always look forward to be in Mumbai during Ramzan," Zafar Iqbal says.

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Pakistan installing mobile towers close to border

Pakistan is undertaking a "technological invasion" of India by installing mobile towers near the border and the matter should be taken "boldly" with Islamabad.

Raising the issue in Lok Sabha, a Congress member Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said the signals of the Pakistani mobile companies were penetrating 30 kilometres deep inside the Indian territory, which has serious security implications.

Similar towers were also being set up on the Indo-Bangla border and the signals "are being used by smugglers to carry out their activities." He said, the intentions were "mysterious" and India, which was a global power in IT, was not able to stop these signals.

Terming it as a "technological invasion" which impacts India`s sovereignty, he said, "India should take up this issue with Pakistan, not meekly but boldly." He also referred to the rampant violation of border ceasefire by Pakistan while making his point. Meanwhile, Bhupender Singh (BJP) said connectivity of state-run BSNL in Madhya Pradesh, both for mobile and landlines, has "collapsed" for the past five months and the people were suffering.

He demanded an enquiry into whether the network failure was "deliberately done to benefit the private operators."

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