Vienna - Nuclear-exporting countries gathered in Vienna for a second round of talks on allowing exports to India on Thursday, as Washington was under pressure to build an international consensus for a trade waiver before the US presidential election.

As the two-day meeting got under way, it was unclear whether the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), which sets nuclear export rules, could agree on a US draft that would give India access to international markets for supplying its growing nuclear energy sector.

Ahead of the meeting, NSG insiders criticized the new draft, saying it did not include a provision for measures in case India tested a nuclear weapon.

New Delhi, Sep 4 : Amid continued reservations of some member countries over granting waiver to India, the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) will hold a crucial two-day meeting in Vienna from today to consider the initiative.

The NSG will consider a revised draft that is being presented before the 45-nation grouping after amendments following demands by at least 15 countries during the August 21-22 meeting.

Countries like New Zealand and Austria, which are still not satisfied with the revised draft, are expected to voice their concerns over non-proliferation issues.

Washington  - The Bush administration has informed Congress it has no intention of selling sensitive nuclear technology to India and maintains the right to immediately end a cooperative agreement if New Dehli tests a nuclear weapon.

The US State Department sent a letter answering congressional inquiries about the nature of the nuclear cooperation pact signed in 2006. The pact has yet to be implemented pending the approval of Congress and a group of nations that sets the rules for trade in nuclear material and technology.

Srinagar, Sept 3 : Curfew following protests and shutdowns due to shrine land row over the past two months in Srinagar has caused a major setback to the economy of the region.

Though the curfew was relaxed at intervals in a phased manner, it was not enough for traders and businessmen to carry out their business.

The economy that was coming on track after 19-year turmoil is again in doldrums due to the land row.

The worst hit sectors are tourism, fruit, hosiery, carpets, handicrafts and dry fruits.

The region which ropes in major business during the season lost at least 80 per cent of its exports, especially fruits, due to the agitation and shutdowns over shrine row.

The Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Mr. Anbumani Ramadoss announced, on Tuesday, that private as well as public offices can no longer have separate rooms for smoking as the official prohibition on smoking in public places would be imposed rigorously from October 02.

On the sidelines of a function, Mr. Anbumani said, “From October 2, the government would introduce the no smoking policy in all indoor establishments.”

People Groups movie arm People Pictures has made announcement about the launching of its maiden movie venture with an unusual name, ‘99’, on September 1.

Featuring the talented hero Kunal Khemu, hot Soha Ali Khan, superb actor Boman Irani, comedian Cyrus Broacha, cute Simone Singh, ace director Mahesh Manjrekar and veteran actor Vinod Khanna, the flick will be directed by Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK, who earlier directed short-titled movies including ‘Shor’ and ‘Falvors.’