12 nations switch to Euro
Paris: The Euro single currency became a reality for some 300 million Europeans on 1 January.
Greece and Finland became the first European nations to get a chance to use the new euro cash.
France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Luxembourg, and Austria followed an hour later.
Back to News Review index page  

Mark Tully awarded Knighthood
New Delhi: Mark Tully, who reported from India for several years as BBC's South Asia correspondent, has been conferred Knighthood by the Queen of England.

Tully was among a dozen people of Indian origin who figure in the Queen's New Year's honours list for 2002.

Tully will now have the title of Sir prefixed to his name. Born on October 24, 1935, in Kolkata, he left for England ten years later for his education and returned to the country of his birth in 1965 for a four-year stint as BBC correspondent.
Back to News Review index page  

Pramila Dandavate passes away
New Delhi: Pramila Dandavate, former MP and a prominent champion of women's rights died here early on 1 January following a massive heart attack. She was 73.

She was the wife of former finance minister and Janata Dal (S) leader Madhu Dandavate. She is survived by her husband and son Uday, who is in USA.

Pramila was elected to Lok Sabha from a constituency in Mumbai in the 70s. She had participated in many an agitations in Maharashtra against price hike during the 70s an era characterised by "Latne Morcha", taken out by large number of women carrying rolling pins.
Back to News Review index page  

ISD rates to be slashed from May
New Delhi: The government has committed itself to bring down the ISD rates.

ISD rates would become cheaper from May following the opening up of the international long-distance telephony market and launching of Internet telephony.
Back to News Review index page  

Hotel catering exempt from service tax
New Delhi: The government has exempted the hotel catering industry from service tax.

The exemption would be available for only those services that involve catering.

Hotel industry attracts five per cent service tax on billed amount. A rebate of 40 per cent is being given on the billed amount if catering is involved. Now 100 per cent rebate would be provided on all services involving catering in hotels.
Back to News Review index page