Bollywood turns 100

Sunil Gandham of a company called Nirmal Seeds partnered with an American-based group to provide what he calls the new direction of agriculture.
“So this is the only way – a cheap way – with less cost, how to increase their vitamins, irons, all these micronutrients which are needed for the health of the body.”

His company is providing millet seeds that have extra iron. VOA reporter Aru Pande says that more than 60 percent of women in India do not have enough iron in their bodies. The lack of iron leads to problems in pregnancy, childbirth, and development in young children.

Parwath Pokharkar has seen the effects of low iron levels on women in her village. She says the women bleed a lot and...

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The Indian movie industry, known as Bollywood, celebrates 100 years of movie making. Bollywood movies are well-known for their mix of drama, singing, and dancing. If you haven't seen a Bollywood movie, you should!

Starbucks opens first store in India

The world's largest coffee chain, U.S.-based Starbucks Corporation has opened its first store in India. The move comes at a time when coffee is winning new fans in India, traditionally a tea-drinking country.

From a 370 square-meter outlet spread over two levels in an upscale Mumbai neighborhood, Starbucks began serving its first cappuccinos and lattes in the Indian market.

Both in its décor and products, the Starbucks flagship store has an Indian touch. There are vintage trunks, hand carved-wooden screens and tables of Indian teak.

The coffee it serves is prepared with coffee beans grown in India. Some food items such as...

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Globalization is opening new markets for some businesses. It is also influencing the tastes of local people. Coffee is becoming more popular in India and Starbucks is hoping to capitalize on the opportunity.

Pakistan president invites Indian PM to visit

President Asif Ali Zardari Friday formally invited the Indian prime minister to visit Pakistan, an official said, the latest sign that tensions are easing between the two countries.

"I can confirm that President Asif Ali Zardari has sent a letter to the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and invited him to visit Pakistan," Zardari's spokesman, Farhatullah Babar, told AFP.

"The letter has been sent through the High Commission (of Pakistan in India) and the president also invited PM Manmohan Singh to visit his ancestral hometown in Pakistan."

It was not immediately clear when the visit would...

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