In a bid to propel housing activities in the country, the Union Government has urged all States speed up the handing over of the 'pattas' to low income groups. It would help to arrange funds for the construction of new homes leading to increase in demand for cement and steel sector, the most impacted sectors due to global financial crisis.

The idea was suggested by Mr. T. K. A. Nair, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister in a meeting of Chief Secretaries of States on 'Implementation of economic stimulus measures', in the capital.

India's second-biggest reality developer, Unitech Ltd has announced its financial results for the third quarter of current financial year, posting 74 per cent decline in net profit.

The reality giant suffered huge losses due to decline in demand following break out of global financial crisis and tight financial conditions of monetary market.

The sixth additional chief metropolitan magistrate, hearing fraud case of beleaguered Satyam Computers, has extended judicial custody of Ramalinga Raju and three other, the main accused involved in the largest ever corporate audit scam in the country.

They have been booked under cheating, criminal conspiracy, falsification of records and forgery in Rs 70 billion Satyam fraud case.

The country's largest bank, State Bank of India (SBI) introduced a special offer for home loan segment in which the bank would provide loan at interest rate of 8 per cent, applicable up to April 30, 2009. It would be the lowest interest rate offered by any bank in India, applicable to all new as well as existing borrowers for one year.

The 30-share index Sensex gained 749.89 points to 9,424.24 during the week ended January 30, 2009, while the broad based NSE Nifty soared 196.25 points to 2,874.80 in the same period.
 
Indian equities, which posted sturdy gains on three of the four trading sessions, showed strong performance after three successive weeks of losses.

The market got well during the week on account of positive global signals and some reasonably good numbers from India Inc.

Preity Zinta, probably the most versatile actress in Bollywood has ever produced. From being a superb dancer to portraying the best acting skills, this cute girl has won many hearts.

Today she turned 34.

Preity Zinta was born in Shimla on January 31, 1975. She is the daughter of Durganand Zinta and Nilprabha Zinta and has two brothers. Upon graduating from the boarding school at age 18, Preity enrolled at St Bede's College in Shimla. She graduated college with an English honours degree, and then started a graduate programme in psychology.