Good compositional skills a must for returns on realistic art
One of the safest bets in art is good realism. This taste appears to sweep not only the whole of India, but extends to Lahore and Karachi as well. If Calcutta artists like Hemen Mazumdar are prized all over South Asia, the Western Indian buyer seeks out the works of Pithawala, Dhurandhur and Trindade, the last of these being at the moment much sought after, as an exhibition of his work is being planned in the USA.
Lantern appears to be flickering but Bihar refuses to come oot of darkness
Bihar provides a kaleidoscope of political polemics as the state prepares to go for what looks like a do or die battle between pro and anti-Laloo Yadav forces in the 12th Lok Sabha elections. The fight is between the BJP-Samata combine and Laloo's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) with parties like the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Congress and even the Janata Dal on the periphery.
Entertainment clubs set to woo Chennai
Germany-based Kimber & Parks has tied up with British group Turn 21 Entertainment Group to launch its entertainment projects in Chennai. The first project is the Royal Club after which the group will also set up the Adventurous Club and a club for children.
Instant-access accounts for CIS customers
The Co-operative Bank and Co-operative Insurance Society have entered their first big strategic alliance, bringing instant access savings accounts to CIS customers. The move is not being presented as a prelude to an eventual merger. The instant access account will initially be offered to CIS customers with maturing life assurance policies.
Ambassador ploughs a slow and steady path amidst sleek, trendy car competitors
Some say it is a bit like Hinduism: ancient but full of hidden strengths. The heavy, staid-looking Ambassador is a car that many Indians love to criticise. But the model, a descendant of Britain's Morris Minor of the 1940s, has defied challengers and critics for 40 years.
Zhu Rongji seen taking over as China's premier
In a clear sign that China's economic tsar Zhu Rongji will take over as premier, he has been slated to deliver the keynote address to parliament next month. Separately, the National People's Congress is scheduled to review a proposal to streamline the bloated government bureaucracy by spinning off corporations under the ministries. Administrative arms of several ministries would be merged.
