India under Modi has been fantastic, says World Bank President

 New Delhi, Jun 30 (PTI) India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership has been fantastic, says World Bank President Jim Yong Kim calling himself a "big fan" of Modi who like great leaders sets ambitious targets and deadlines.

Kim, who on the last day of his two-day visit called on Modi and pledged full support to government's programmes particularly in areas of nutrition and renewable energy, said India is not just the fastest growing major economy in the world but has also proved extremely resilient in face of UK exiting European Union.

"I am a big fan of Prime Minister Modi and the reason I'm such a big fan is because he does something that all great leaders should do, that is set ambitious targets, set deadlines for those targets and then hold your staff accountable for those targets. That is tried and proved method of getting results," he told reporters here.

Results of Modi's endeavours have started to show, as evident from the World Bank's ease of doing business report, he said.

"We just released an Index of Logistics on how easy is logistics in any country and found from 2014 to 2016 India's rank went from 54th place to 35th place. Logistics in India is better than Portugal," he said.

Kim said one can always find things that are not going as quickly as even Modi would like to.

"These accomplishments are real. India under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi has been fantastic but that challenges us to be better," he said.

During his meeting with Modi today, Kim promised proactive and full support of World Bank for his agenda including smart cities, Ganga rejuvenation, skill development, Swachh Bharat and power for all.

"I met Prime Minister Modi seven months after he took over as Prime Minister. I think he understands the World Bank almost better than we do ourselves because he began making very specific demands on priority areas like Swachh Bharat, 24/7 power for all," he told reporters here.

These twin initiatives, for which Modi had sought World Bank support, have moved very quickly, he said.

"India is the fastest growing economy in the world.

Brexit happened and India proved to be extremely resilient.

The inflation rate has been down. Growth has been extremely strong, balance of payment in better shape. Overall, you have to say that economically he has done well," he said.

Calling the cleanliness drive Swachh Bharat "amazing", he said there already are open defecation-free areas.

Open defecation is a critical problem, he said, adding Modi talks about women's dignity by addressing the problem through building toilets.

"As a medical doctor, I can tell you that it has everything to do with levels of malnutrition, everything to do with community engagement... these were really important changes that took a long time," he said.

Priyanka says she and Deepika are still friends

Mumbai, Jun 30 (PTI) Actress Priyanka Chopra says there is no change in her equation with Deepika Padukone contrary to reports of a fight between them.

It was reported that since there is a competition between Priyanka and Deepika - both are trying to make a mark in Hollywood - their friendship has gone kaput.

"You (media) said we are friends. Earlier, you all (media) used to write we are BFF (best friend forever) so how did this change, why and how it changed? I did not say it (equation) has changed, you said it has changed," Priyanka told reporters here at an event.

"I am clarifying that whatever was earlier it is same today also. Your perspective has changed and that shouldn't have happened," the 33-year-old actress said, dismissing suggestions that their friendship has turned sour.

The "Bajirao Mastani" co-stars have umpteen times in the past said they are friends. In fact, Deepika had said Priyanka was her first friend when she entered Bollywood nearly a decade ago.

Priyanka has made a name for herself on small screen in the US through her television show "Quantico" and now she will be making her debut in Hollywood with "Baywatch".

Apparently, it was reported that the team of "Piku" actress is trying to get good projects for her. Asked about this, Priyanka said, "Ask her team. My team is not trying. It doesn't make sense for me to answer about someone else...I don't pay attention to what others are doing.

"My career has been very solitary. My career has nothing to do with the success and failure of others." 

The former Miss World said she is trying to open doors globally for Indian actors.

"I am trying to open doors for others (Indian actors) by representing Indian film industry (at the international level). I hope a lot of south Asian actors get entry on global level. Whoever gets good work I will always wish them well. I would wish them more success than me." 

According to gossip mills were abuzz "Bajirao Mastani" stars apparently declined to to perform on "Pinga" at the recently concluded IIFA Awards at Madrid.

Quiz the "Don" actress on this and she says, "I have no idea... It would be better to ask IIFA team. All I know is that it was suppose to happen but then I don't know what happened and why it did not happen. I have no idea... You have to ask IIFA I am sure they would know." 

Priyanka was talking to the media at special edition launch of Maxim magazine, in which she has topped the list for the hottest woman of the decade.

The Union HRD Minister launches ‘Prashikshak’- a teacher education portal

The Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Smt. Smriti Irani addressing at the launch of the ‘Prashikshak’ teacher education portal for District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs), in New Delhi on June 30, 2016. The Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Shri Upendra Kushwaha and the Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Prof. (Dr.) Ram Shankar Katheria are also seen.

Hon’ble Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani dedicated ‘Prashikshak’ - a teacher education portal, to the nation at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi today. ‘Prashikshak’ is launched with a vision to strengthen District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs) and bring quality teachers into the Indian school education system. 

Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, Minister for Human Resource Development addressed the gathering at the launch of the programme. She highlighted the fact that though the Prashiskshak has started only for DIETs, it will cover Block level institutes in the future and identify gaps at the bottom of the pyramid. The Union HRD Minister also announced that the Ministry of Human Resource Development also has plans for enhancing Prashikshak to cover all Govt. Teacher Education Institutions in the country, which are recognized by the NCTE. She also made an appeal to all State Government teacher education functionaries to make full use of the ‘Prashikshak’ to bring about transformative changes in the monitoring system of these institutions. 

The event also saw live interaction about ‘Prashikshak’ through Video Conference with DIET Principals across 6 States - Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh. During the interaction, State Education Ministers of Assam and Madhya Pradesh appreciated the initiative and extended support along with their state functionaries. Also, suggestions received like sharing of materials in regional languages, creating a corner for ‘solution exchange on issues related to teacher education’ were also well noted and appreciated by the Union HRD Minister. 

Prashikshak is thus, a first of its kind in the country, a unique IT initiative which will contain a comprehensive database of all DIETs in the country with all relevant performance indicators. It will help benchmark DIETs to enable aspiring teachers to make informed choices about their future. At the same time, it will give the opportunity to Central and State Governments to do real time monitoring of the institutions. 

Prashikshak was established through joint collaboration between Ministry of Human Resource Development and Central Square Foundation. The objective of Prashikshak is to define the quality benchmark and thus, helping DIETs to make informed decisions about their institutes, compare the performance of their institute against other DIETs in the state/country as well as helping aspiring teachers make informed decision making. 

Teacher education system has seen a phenomenal expansion during the last two decades and today it is the single largest professional educational system in the country which turns out the highest number of ‘trained personnel’ for our schools. 

DIETs were created in the early 1990s to strengthen elementary education and support the decentralization of education to the district level, under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme on Teacher Education. DIETs offer pre-service and in-service teacher training programmes for Government elementary school teachers. They also undertake studies in education, annual academic planning and reviews and function as resource centres for teaching learning and material development. As on 31.05.2016, 588 DIETs are functioning in the country with an annual intake capacity of 49026 students. 

Dr. Ram Shankar Katheria, MoS, (HRD) and Shri Upendra Kushwaha, MoS, (HRD), also addressed the gathering and appreciated Prashikshak as a milestone in strengthening the quality of teachers’ education. The event was also graced by 11 State Education Ministers from the States of Assam, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand. Dr. S.C. Khuntia, Secretary, School Education and Literacy, Smt. Rina Ray, Additional Secretary, School Education, Education Secretaries of various states, Directors SCERTs, Principals DIETs, senior policy makers and representatives of Autonomous Bodies such as NCTE, NCERT, CBSE and NUEPA, also attended the programme. 

Cabinet approves Implementation of the recommendations of 7th Central Pay Commission

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the implementation of the recommendations of 7^th Central Pay Commission (CPC) on pay and pensionary benefits.   It will come into effect from 01.01.2016.

In the past, the employees had to wait for 19 months for the implementation of the Commission’s recommendations at the time of 5^thCPC, and for 32 months at the time of implementation of 6^th CPC.  However, this time, 7^th CPC recommendations are being implemented within 6 months from the due date.

The Cabinet has also decided that arrears of pay and pensionary benefits will be paid during the current financial year (2016-17) itself, unlike in the past when parts of arrears were paid in the next financial year. 

The recommendations will benefit over 1 crore employees. This includes over 47 lakh central government employees and 53 lakh pensioners, of which 14 lakh employees and 18 lakh pensioners are from the defence forces.

Highlights:

1.     The present system of Pay Bands and Grade Pay has been dispensed with and a new Pay Matrix as recommended by the Commission has been approved. The status of the employee, hitherto determined by grade pay, will now be determined by the level in the Pay Matrix. Separate Pay Matrices have been drawn up for Civilians, Defence Personnel and for Military Nursing Service. The principle and rationale behind these matrices are the same.

2.     All existing levels have been subsumed in the new structure; no new levels have been introduced nor has any level been dispensed with. Index of Rationalisation has been approved for arriving at minimum pay in each Level of the Pay Matrix depending upon the increasing role, responsibility and accountability at each step in the hierarchy.

3.     The minimum pay has been increased from Rs.  7000 to 18000 p.m.  Starting salary of a newly recruited employee at lowest level will now be Rs.  18000 whereas for a freshly recruited Class I officer, it will be Rs.  56100.  This reflects a compression ratio of 1:3.12 signifying that pay of a Class I officer on direct recruitment will be three times the pay of an entrant at lowest level.

4.     For the purpose of revision of pay and pension, a fitment factor of 2.57 will be applied across all Levels in the Pay Matrices. After taking into account the DA at prevailing rate, the salary/pension of all government employees/pensioners will be raised by at least 14.29 % as on 01.01.2016.

5.     Rate of increment has been retained at 3 %. This will benefit the employees in future on account of higher basic pay as the annual increments that they earn in future will be 2.57 times than at present.

6.     The Cabinet approved further improvements in the Defence Pay Matrix by enhancing Index of Rationalisation for Level 13A (Brigadier) and providing for additional stages in Level 12A (Lieutenant Colonel), 13 (Colonel) and 13A (Brigadier) in order to bring parity with Combined Armed Police Forces (CAPF) counterparts at the maximum of the respective Levels.

7.     Some other decisions impacting the employees including Defence & Combined Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel include :

·        Gratuity ceiling enhanced from Rs.  10 to 20 lakh. The ceiling on gratuity will increase by 25 % whenever DA rises by 50 %.

·        A common regime for payment of Ex-gratia lump sum compensation for civil and defence forces personnel payable to Next of Kin with the existing rates enhanced from Rs. 10-20 lakh to 25-45 lakh for different categories.

·        Rates of Military Service Pay revised from Rs.  1000, 2000, 4200 & 6000 to 3600, 5200, 10800 & 15500 respectively for various categories of Defence Forces personnel.

·        Terminal gratuity equivalent of 10.5 months of reckonable emoluments for Short Service Commissioned Officers who will be allowed to exit Armed Forces any time between 7 and 10 years of service.

·        Hospital Leave, Special Disability Leave and Sick Leave subsumed into a composite new Leave named ‘Work Related Illness and Injury Leave’ (WRIIL). Full pay and allowances will be granted to all employees during the entire period of hospitalization on account of WRIIL.

8.     The Cabinet also approved the recommendation of the Commission to enhance the ceiling of House Building Advance from Rs.  7.50 lakh to 25 lakh. In order to ensure that no hardship is caused to employees, four interest free advances namely Advances for Medical Treatment, TA on tour/transfer, TA for family of deceased employees and LTC have been retained. All other interest free advances have been abolished.

9.     The Cabinet also decided not to accept the steep hike in monthly contribution towards Central Government Employees Group Insurance Scheme (CGEGIS) recommended by the Commission. The existing rates of monthly contribution will continue. This will increase the take home salary of employees at lower levels by Rs. 1470. However, considering the need for social security of employees, the Cabinet has asked Ministry of Finance to work out a customized group insurance scheme for Central Government Employees with low premium and high risk cover.

10. The general recommendations of the Commission on pension and related benefits have been approved by the Cabinet. Both the options recommended by the Commission as regards pension revision have been accepted subject to feasibility of their implementation. Revision of pension using the second option based on fitment factor of 2.57 shall be implemented immediately. A Committee is being constituted to address the implementation issues anticipated in the first formulation. The first formulation may be made applicable if its implementation is found feasible after examination by proposed Committee which is to submit its Report within 4 months.

11. The Commission examined a total of 196 existing Allowances and, by way of rationalization, recommended abolition of 51 Allowances and subsuming of 37 Allowances. Given the significant changes in the existing provisions for Allowances which may have wide ranging implications, the Cabinet decided to constitute a Committee headed by Finance Secretary for further examination of the recommendations of 7th CPC on Allowances.  The Committee will complete its work in a time bound manner and submit its reports within a period of 4 months. Till a final decision, all existing Allowances will continue to be paid at the existing rates.

12. The Cabinet also decided to constitute two separate Committees (i) to suggest measures for streamlining the implementation of National Pension System (NPS) and (ii) to look into anomalies likely to arise out of implementation of the Commission’s Report.

13. Apart from the pay, pension and other recommendations approved by the Cabinet, it was decided that the concerned Ministries may examine the issues that are administrative in nature, individual post/ cadre specific and issues in which the Commission has not been able to arrive at a consensus.

14. As estimated by the 7th CPC, the additional financial impact on account of implementation of all its recommendations in 2016-17 will be Rs. 1,02,100 crore. There will be an additional implication of Rs. 12,133 crore on account of payments of arrears of pay and pension for two months of 2015-16.

Could never do what Priyanka has done: Kareena on Hollywood

 Mumbai, Jun 28 (PTI) Kareena Kapoor Khan says having a career in Hollywood like fellow actress Priyanka Chopra is not feasible for her as her priorities in life are different than the "Quantico" star.

In her recent interview to fashion and lifestyle magazine Vogue, where the actress has also appeared on the cover, Kareena said she does not want to conquer the world.

"My priorities are very different. I think it's amazing what Priyanka has done. But I don't think I could ever do something like that. I want to be a married working woman. My responsibilities are a lot more different than hers. I have a husband, I would like to start a family.

"I can't give up everything and move to LA. That's not me. The kind of work that these girls have put in, you need to have that kind of dedication of wanting to achieve so much and do it so wonderfully. Also, maybe I'm lazy. I don't want to conquer the world but I don't mind having a little place of my own. It's as simple as that," she said.

The "Ki & Ka" star, 35, and the 33-year-old former Miss World shared screen space in 2004 romantic-thriller "Aitraaz".

India, Pak entry may shift SCO focus: Chinese daily

 Beijing, Jun 28 (PTI) As India and Pakistan moved a step closer to join Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, an official Chinese daily today raised concerns that their "territorial and religious" disputes may disturb the bloc's functioning and shift its focus.

"Generally, including new members can help the SCO expand its clout. But the inclusion of the two South Asian powers might also lead to some problems," an article in the state-run Global Times said today.

"First of all, the inclusion may have an impact on the SCO's principle of consultation-based consensus. The principle of consultation-based consensus has been widely recognised and adhered to by the members," it said.

"In this sense, the inclusion of India and Pakistan may bring into the SCO their long-existing disputes over territorial and religious issues and disturb the organisation's efforts to carry out the principle," it said.

"For the possible problems that may arise after India and Pakistan become full members, the SCO cannot just ignore but instead deal with them in a positive and rational manner," it said.

The daily underlined that SCO founding members should be given some special rights to dispel their concerns caused by the expansion.

"Requirements can be proposed to the new members in terms of mechanism-building so as to avoid cooperation bottleneck after the expansion," it said.

Today's article, second in the daily in recent weeks, said the inclusion of India and Pakistan may divert the focus of the SCO.

"As four out of six founding members of the SCO are in Central Asia, the SCO has always concentrated on the region.

But the joining of India and Pakistan may split the focus of the SCO, and hence the four Central Asian members will reduce their dependence on the SCO," it said.

"Moreover, giving full memberships to India and Pakistan will affect the SCO mechanism. The working languages of the SCO are now Chinese and Russian, and there has already been massive language workload in current meeting mechanisms. If India and Pakistan are taken in, the organisation's daily work is likely to increase exponentially," it said.

But at the same time it said "the inclusion of India and Pakistan will undoubtedly enhance the influence of the SCO, and the member states also highly value and support the wills of observers and dialogue partners to step up their cooperation with the organisation," it said.

India and Pakistan last week signed Memorandum of Obligations to join the six-member organisation at the Tashkent summit as part of lengthy process to join the grouping.

The SCO formally decided to admit the two countries in Ufa summit last year but the Indian officials say the process of admission is still continuing as both the countries have to ratify all the documents of the group since it was founded in 2001.

SCO, focussing mostly security related issues like terrorism in Central Asia, has China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as full members.

Afghanistan, Belarus, India, Iran, Mongolia and Pakistan have observer status.

Grave injustice to Rajan, says PM

Breaking his silence over the Raghuram Rajan episode, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said people who have questioned the patriotism of the outgoing Reserve Bank of India governor were doing him “great injustice”. The PMtermed the attack on Rajan and other Finance Ministry officials as “improper” and declared that “no one is bigger than institutions”. The PM didn’t refer to anyone by name but said those indulging in “publicity stunts” should not think that they were furthering the cause of the nation. 

The PM strongly advocated the need for the Goods and Services Tax (GST) reform and hoped that the arithmetic, after the recent biennial elections to the Rajya Sabha, could pave the way for its passage in the forthcoming monsoon session. He singled out the Congress for stalling the government’s legislative agenda in the Upper House, including the GST constitution amendment, and termed those opposing the Bill as “anti-poor”. 

The PM responded to questions on a range of issues, from foreign policy to poor job growth, in an 85-minute interview to private news channel Times Now. Nowhere did he refer to his party’s Rajya Sabha member Subramanian Swamy by name, but seemed to say much both on Rajan as well as the GST that runs counter to Swamy’s statements on either of the two issues. 

In recent past, Swamy has doubted the patriotism of not just Rajan but also of Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian, attacked other finance ministry officials and made disparaging tweets that seemed directed at Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. The Finance Minister’s defence of officials was met by Swamy announcing that Jaitley can say whatever but he speaks only with the PM and party president Amit Shah. Swamy, brought into the Rajya Sabha earlier this year at the behest of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and a section of the Bharatiya Janata Party leadership, told industry lobby Indian Merchant Chamber on June 17 that the GST will be “no game changer”, and reminded the audience that Modi as Gujarat chief minister had opposed the tax reform. 

Party officials, in off the record briefings, have been conveying to media persons that the BJP doesn't agree with Swamy’s views but also that only the PM or Shah can make him fall in line. In a message that seemed aimed at both Swamy as well as his backers in the RSS, the PM asked people to conduct themselves responsibly and said anybody who thought they were bigger than institutions were wrong. “It is my clear message. I have no confusion about it,” he said, indications that the rift between a section of the RSS and Modi government was widening. 

In the interview, the PM stoutly defended Rajan. The PM pointed at the plethora of media reports in May-June 2014 that had wondered whether he will allow Rajan to complete his term. “But Rajan completed his entire tenure…,” Modi said. In an echo of Rajan’s statement that had announced that he was unlikely to pursue a second term at the RBI but will always serve his country, the PM said Rajan’s patriotism “is no less than any of ours”. Modi said his experience with Rajan was good and he appreciated the work Rajan had done. In comments that should assuage Non-Resident Indians willing to work for the government but unnerved after Swamy's attack, Modi said: “As much as I know Raghuram Rajan, whatever post he holds, wherever he is, he is someone who will continue to serve the country. He is someone who loves his country. Therefore, it's not like the nation won't get Rajan's services. Rajan is not that kind of a person,” the PM said. 

On other issues, Modi reiterated the need for simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, asserted that the Uttar Pradesh polls will be fought on the issue of development and advised the media to not make “heroes” out of those who claim to be BJP spokespersons and make irresponsible statements. He said development was the panacea to communal tensions as well. Modi said the investigation into the Agusta helicopter scam was on, and that it will be conducted professionally without targeting people. Modi said the scam was pulled off by those who had perfected this art and it was evident that they enjoyed a “shield”. On willful defaulters like industrialist Vijay Mallya who have gone overseas, the PM said: “I will show them what rule of law is.” 

The PM bemoaned the parliamentary logjam. He, however, said it was wrong to paint the entire opposition with the same brush as there were several non-NDA parties that have supported the legislative agenda of the government. He said GST will help the poor of UP, Bihar, Odisha and Bengal and its chief ministers – Akhilesh Yadav, Nitish Kumar, Naveen Patnaik and Mamata Banerjee – were keen for it to be passed. Modi said that only one party, the Congress, made opposing the GST a “prestige issue”. “But I will keep trying to convince…even if I have to go to someone’s house,” he said. 

On the issue of unaccounted money, Modi accused the UPA government of allowing people with ‘black money’ opportunities from 2011 to 2014 to conceal it. The PM defended his Pakistan outreach and said his government was engaging with the democratically elected government in Islamabad, but there were other non-state actors that were also at play in that country. On India-US relations, Modi said India has been late in realizing that it was no longer a bipolar world. 

On New Delhi’s bid for an entry to the Nuclear Suppliers Group, the PM said the process has started on a “positive note” and will be pursued in conformity with the rules of the 48-member grouping. He said India and China disagreed on several issues but dialogue will continue. The important change, Modi said, was that India was keeping its concerns in unambiguous terms in front of China. Modi defended his frequent overseas tours. He said it was important for him to meet foreign leaders to dispel any misconceptions that they might have about him as an individual by reading media coverage about him. 

The PM said the cornerstone of his government’s policies was ‘Antyodaya’ or the welfare of the poorest. On the criticism that his government has failed to generate jobs, the PM said the data on job generation has failed to capture the job growth spurred by the MUDRA scheme, that has disbursed loans to nearly 3.48 crore people. 

The PM said a correct assessment of his government’s two years in office should be made by comparing it with the last 10 years of the UPA, and not at the altar of the expectations that his election campaign had generated. On the promise that each Indian would have Rs 15 lakh in their bank accounts, Modi said: “That is something the opposition raises during elections. Let them have some issue to talk about.” 

Sensex stays flat after worst fall in four months

Mumbai, Jun 27 (PTI) After its biggest drop in over four months last week, market on Monday remained sandwiched in a tight band by ending with measly gains amid mixed global conditions.

There was an element of choppiness too ahead of the June derivative contract expiry coming up on Thursday.

Investors still are a worried lot as they tried to digest the full impact of the Brexit fallout.

However, the broader markets came up a little better as they outperformed Sensex, with the small-cap index rising 1.52 per cent and the mid-cap 0.80 per cent.

Sugar companies found themselves in a sweet spot as stocks led by Dalmia Bharat Sugar, Dwarikesh Sugar, Sakthi Sugars and Bajaj Hindusthan soared by up to 20 per cent in an otherwise flat market.

The 30-share Sensex closed at 26,402.96, a marginal rise of 5.25 points, or 0.02 per cent.

The gauge had plunged nearly 605 points on Friday, its biggest single-day fall since February 11, as a shock victory for 'Leave' camp in the UK referendum sent shivers down the spine of global markets.

The NSE Nifty ended higher 6.10 points, or 0.08 per cent, at 8,094.70 after shuttling between 8,039.35 and 8,120.65.

In the Sensex pack, Dr Reddy's was on top of the gainers' list by climbing 3.04 per cent, followed by SBI (2.77 per cent).

"Domestic sentiment was given a bit of a boost after global credit rating agency Moody's Investors Service reportedly said in a note that the Indian government's recent decision to relax FDI rules is credit positive," said Shreyash Devalkar, Fund Manager - Equities, BNP Paribas Mutual Fund.

Meanwhile, foreign portfolio investors sold shares worth net Rs 629.14 crore last Friday, provisional data showed.

In the 30-share Sensex basket, 14 rose while 14 declined and 2 remained unchanged.

I feel proud of Priyanka, Deepika: Anushka Sharma

Mumbai, Jun 27 (PTI) Anushka Sharma may not have any plan to try her luck in Hollywood, but the actress says she is proud of the work her contemporaries Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone are doing in the West.

The 28-year-old actress, who has worked with Priyanka in "Dil Dhadakne Do," said she is happy with her achievements.

"It's great that both Deepika and Priyanka are doing good work there. Priyanka has achieved so much, she is a known name there. I feel proud of them," Anushka said in an interview.

The "NH10" star doesn't have any such dreams and will take things as they come.

"There is nothing like a dream as such (doing Hollywood films). I have never planned things in life, I believe in living life or doing things to the moment.

"I have never planned my career here in Bollywood, so planning to do Hollywood films is a distant thing. You have to see how things come. There is no active work towards getting there (to West)," she said.

Anushka will next be seen in Ali Abbas Zafar-directed "Sultan", which stars Salman Khan in the lead role. The YRF project will hit the theaters this Eid.

The actress is currently working on her next production venture "Phillauri". The movie also stars Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh, who recently made his Bollywood debut with "Udta Punjab".

Sensex zooms 295 points, regains 27k-level in pre-close trade

 Mumbai, Jun 23 (PTI) Making a strong turnaround from the cautious start, the BSE Sensex rebounded 295 points to trade above the crucial 27,000-mark in late afternoon deals, driven by a firming trend in global market as UK voters began to cast ballots on 'Brexit' referendum.

The 30-share index flared up by 295.33 points or 1.10 per cent to 27,060.98 at 1500 hrs.

Sentiment turned better largely in tune with a firming trend in other Asian markets and a higher opening in European shares as Britain began voting in a historic referendum on its future in the European Union.

The rupee strengthening by 21 paise to 67.27 against the American currency (intra-day) at the forex market, too supported the market.

Banking, auto, healthcare, FMCG, capital goods, oil&gas, PSU, IT and Metal, led the rebound.

Also, the 50-share NSE Nifty was quoting higher by 74.80 points or 0.91 per cent at 8,278.50.

Among the 30-Sensex constituents, Tata Motors, Dr Reddy's, SBI, Sun Pharma, ITC, Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, Lupin, Hindustan Unilever, Power Grid, Infosys, Bajaj Auto and M&M gained up to 3.12 per cent.

Globally, Hong Kong's Hang Seng index closed 0.35 per cent higher, while Japan's Nikkei gained 1.07 per cent. European markets were also in the positive zone with London's FTSE 0.67 per cent up, France's CAC 0.93 per cent higher and Frankfurt-based DAX 0.86 per cent in the green.