MUMBAI: Aimed at the ‘aam aadmi‘, Finance Minister presented a generous Rs. 60,000 crore agricultural loan waiver to farmers in the proposed Union Budget 2008-09.In a special series, ‘The Sixty Thousand Crore Loan Waiver‘, CNN-IBN evaluates the possible merits, if any, of this so-called panacea to the rising farmer suicides. Through-out the week CNN-IBN‘s flagship news bulletin, ‘India at 9‘, will bring stories from across the country that look at the state of farmers from some of the worst-affected areas, including how banks are grappling and how political parties are politicising the entire situation in their favour.

The farm loan waiver is expected to benefit three crore small and medium farmers, but in fact the figure is nothing like it. The waiver is in fact only applicable to loans taken from established and recognised banks for less than 2.5 hectares of land. However, a majority of the affected farmers either own more than 2.5-hectares of land and/or borrowed money from private moneylenders. This therefore means that they are exempted from the waiver and that in reality it is just a pre-poll political gimmick. CNN-IBN‘s ‘The Sixty Thousand Crore Loan Waiver‘, travels to places like Bundelkhand, Vidarbha, Telengana, Haryana and even the Finance Minster‘s constituency of Shivganga in Tamil Nadu to showcase ground realities that have been overlooked by the government‘s otherwise impressive grant. Could it be a political carrot it is dangling before farmers to gain momentum before the upcoming elections? CNN-IBN finds out. In addition, the series also lays focus on the growing migration of people from areas like the Azamgarh-Varanasi belt to the big cities in search of urban opportunities. For these former farmers, agriculture is no longer an option and jobs in metropolises seem more alluring.

‘The Sixty Thousand Crore Loan Waiver‘ is a series that looks into the reality of the Budget‘s most hyped provision and how everything is not what meets the eye!

"The series is aimed at unearthing the real impact of the Rs. 60,000 crore loan waiver on those its supposed to help. It sheds light on the plight and state of farmers across the country, for whom nothing really changes." Said, Rajdeep Sardesai, Editor-in-Chief, CNN-IBN & IBN7.

MUMBAI: Keeping its endeavor to connect with the listeners emotionally, 94.3 MY FM celebrated International Women‘s Day today. The day was dedicated to women and all their efforts.

All 94.3 MY FM stations ran a contest from 4th March onwards on the top 10 women who have made a significant contribution in their own field. Majority of cities faced a tie between Kiran Bedi and Aishwarya Rai. Sania Mirza and Lata Mageshwar were other two favorites. The station also played bytes of women who are trying to make a mark in the society. Many silently active women got honored on-air. Working women, entrepreneurs of small scale, women driving autos, women running stores or parlor and all unsung women who have made a mark in the society, their bytes were played on-air.

Says Harrish M. Bhatia, Business Head 94.3 MY FM, "Women are the most important part of our lives who shape the world into a better and loving. Celebrating their presence is an honor."
About 94.3 MY FM

The fastest growing radio brand in the country and one of the most exciting brands in the radio space, 94.3 MY FM is the radio station of Synergy Media Entertainment Limited, SMEL - a wholly owned company of DBCL Group. Launched after an extensive research, 94.3 MY FM Dil Se! caters to the local flavor of the people and aims at becoming the voice of the Indian masses.

MUMBAI: Zee TV, India‘s largest media and entertainment conglomerate proudly announces the launch of the first ever dance show, Airtel Rock ‘N‘ Roll Family on Indian television that spans across generations. Three generations from one family come together and battle it out to be the proud recipients of the coveted ‘Rock-N-Roll Family‘. This show will be replacing Sa Re Ga Ma Pa in the weekend slot.

Commenting on the commencement of the most promising show on television, Tarun Mehra, Business Head, Zee TV said, "We were looking for a property that will offer a format which is refreshing and challenging at the same time. With Airtel Rock-N-Roll Family, we have the perfect combination of grit, determination, emotions and most importantly family bonding. With this our viewers will be treated to a different level of visual, delightful and emotional content."

The channel is excited and looking forward to start shooting with the esteemed jury that, for the very first time shall make their appearance in a reality show on Indian television - the effervescent Kajol, the indomitable Ajay Devgan and the beautiful Tanuja!!! With this trio as the permanent judges of the show, the content will be something to watch out for.

The channel has roped in Sharad Kelkar (Nahar of Saat Phere fame) as the anchor of the show. Sharad who himself is a staunch family man and essays a similar character on screen as well, is the right choice for a show that requires someone who can empathize with the participants.

A total of 12 families from across the country have been selected and they comprise of the grand parents, parents and grand children, all dancing together as a team. The format is unique and has all the elements of drama and suspense that is nicely layered with talent. Only the best family will take away the title of the Rock N Roll Family. The show will go on air from March 14th 2008 at Fri-Sat 10pm only on Zee TV.

MUMBAI: Lights?! Camera?and Action! After rigorous rounds of non-stop comic acts, mimicry, gags, pranks, tears, fears, funny and entertaining moments?the drama reaches its climax. . Bindass, a UTV venture and India‘s first local 360-degree entertainment youth brand today announce comedy gang ? Kool Kolkatans, winner of the coveted Bindass Idea Hass Ley India Comedy Gang War Contest. The Gang takes home a dazzling trophy and a ticket to act on UTV Motion Picture‘s forthcoming movie with a lucky chance to be part of the bollywood fraternity

Speaking on the occasion, Shekhar Suman, judge for the Comedy Gang War said, "The Kool Kolkatans truly deserve their win, though for us, all three finalists are winners. All these kids are fresh talent entering the industry. The team has performed consistently and has made us proud. We wish them all luck for their future and their film assignment."

Commenting on their achievement, the elated comedy gang winners said, "At first we were shocked to hear Shekhar Sumanji announce on the set that we had not won the competition. However, later on, we learnt that we had won & that he had played a prank on us. We thank Bindass and the entire production team for giving us the opportunity to showcase our talent on national television and we are eagerly looking forward to presenting our best comic act on film?so Bollywood here we come!"

The comedy gang of Kool Kolkatans includes Kapil Madnani a 23 year old professional DJ and second runner up of Mr. University - Kolkata who graduated last year in Commerce and is currently pursing his career in film and sound editing; Vineet a funky DJ and professional film editor who loves to see others laugh; Nitin Bararia a dedicated theatre artist who has won several awards as best actor and as a pre-eminent stand up comedian and; Abid, an independent lad with a dream to make it big in the film industry.

Judged by the Bindass duo, noted television personality Shekhar Suman and actor, director, theatre personality Makrand Despande, the show received enormous response from viewers and fans across the country. The entire series saw two rounds; Shoot at Site and Jaldi Jugaad being contested in each episode. While Shoot at Site was a pre-recorded gag, Jaldi Jugaad was an on-the-spot performance and had different themes for every episode. In addition, the finale episode saw the gangs presenting a fun-filled and hilarious dance performance on select Bollywood chart busters. Laced with mind boggling performances by the gangs, the finale was one of the most entertaining episodes to be remembered by all.

‘Idea Hass Ley India Comedy Gang‘ War kicked off beginning January this year with stand-up comic enthusiasts auditioning across Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Lucknow and Kolkata and giving their best comic acts to participate in this unique contest.

MUMBAI: To bring a fresh meaning to the International Women‘s Day, India‘s first social networking website, Fropper.com, has constituted "Women‘s Bravery Award".A firm believer in social networking for a social cause, Fropper.com has announced this unique initiative to salute the silent bravery shown by strong Indian women. With a strong base of 3.5 million active users, Fropper.com is encouraging women to come out of their shells and share an incidence where they proved their strength (mental, emotional and physical). The most inspiring entrees will be recognized and rewarded.

Bravery can come in many forms and Fropper.com is inviting all women to share their brave moments and experiences with the world. Anecdotes uploaded by the participants would highlight not only physical bravery, but could also narrate a story where the woman fought for her individuality, how she overcame the roadblocks and setbacks that life presented to her. These can vary from family problems, education, profession or even standing up for their rights. The three best and most inspiring entries will win attractive prizes, along with 10 consolation prizes. Male members can send in entries about women in their lives who they look up to, including their mother, friend, wife, girlfriend, teacher, etc and how they are inspired by them.

"What better way to celebrate the International Women‘s Day and womanhood than by honoring their bravery? We feel that ordinary women are extraordinary in their strength of character, and this contest aims to highlight the extraordinariness which women display in their daily lives. Women‘s Day in the past has somehow always been about lifestyle, luxury brands and indulgence. But a woman‘s life is not only about beauty treatments, night outs, kitty parties and social gatherings alone. We hope the women really come out and share their real-life experiences with the world and prove to the world," Mr. Navin Mittal, Business Head, Fropper.com

Fropper.com has tied up with Indiwo.com for the initiative. Together Fropper.com and Indiwo.com have come up with a host of interesting online propositions for the members. Continuing the spirit of bravery alive, Fropper.com would also provide various tips to girls on having a healthy and effective online experience, and the girls can use Social Networking Sites correctly and judiciously. Indiwo.com has specially designed the website for the occasion with the theme of Bust Stress by pampering your four senses (Smell, Touch, Sight and Sound)

Commenting on the tie-up, Ms. Sita Menon, Editor, Indiwo.com says, "We, at Indiwo.com believe in celebrating womanhood throughout the year. Hence celebrating International Women‘ Day with saluting bravery was a welcome idea. We are glad Fropper.com has come up with such a unique concept to recognize the real strength of Indian Woman."

The contest will be on for a period of 2 weeks wherein other members can vote and rank the blog entries / anecdotes by participating women members. At the end of the scheduled time period of the contest, the winners will be announced based on the maximum number of votes/ranks in their favour. Cobra Magnum Spray - manufacturers of self defence sprays are the sponsors of the Bravery Awards and will be providing free pepper spray samples to the winners.

Continuing the spirit of bravery alive, Fropper.com would also provide various tips to girls on having a healthy and effective online experience, and the girls can use Social Networking Sites correctly and judiciously.

MUMBAI: For every Hollywood film buff in India, Arnold Schwarzenegger is synonymous with the word Terminator. Back in the eighties, the story of a cyborg sent back in time by the evil, intelligent machines of the 21st Century to assassinate an innocent woman, whose unborn child will pose a threat to their mission, was an instant hit with the audience. The film was relished over and over again with collective jaws dropping at every spell-binding special effect! Ever since, The Terminator has attained status of a cult, with each of its sequels turning out to be a mega blockbuster.

Hollywood has seen several successful TV series being made into films and vice versa. The latest to go on air on Indian television screens is an exciting TV series based on the Terminator, called Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. Premiering on Tuesday, 11th March at 9 PM on Zee Caf?, the series is set in time right after Terminator 2: The Judgement Day. It kicks off when Sarah Connor stops running and goes on the offensive against the technological enemy bent on destroying her son?s life, and perhaps the world. The series premiered this January in the US and was #1 for it?s timeslot on Fox.

The premiere of the series throws up a host of questions for the die-hard Terminator fans. Will the series bring alive the magic of the motion pictures? Can the special effects on a television series match those on 70 mm? Can Lena Headey possibly slide into Linda Hamilton?s shoes and bring back the steely, gritty Sarah Connor? Will Arnold Schwarzenegger make a guest appearance on the show? If the reviews in the United States are anything to go by, the series is in a class of its own and worthy of the 18 million pairs of eyeballs glued to the telly screens each times it airs. And while Headey may have had big shoes to fill with Hamilton?s iconic portrayal, the British actress has proved that her performance as Queen Gorgo of ?300? was no fluke!

So don?t miss out on the exciting action as it unfolds on Zee Caf? starting 11th March at 9 PM.