World At A Glance

TORONTO: Noted Indian vocalist Pandit Jasraj has been honoured by the University of Toronto for his outstanding contribution in the field of music. The University8217;s Faculty of Music Distinguished Visitor Award8217; for the year 1999 carries a citation and a medal. The award will be conferred upon Jasraj on April 18, according to David Beach, dean of the music faculty. Pandit Jasraj had been a recipient of Padma Bhusan, Sangeet Martand and several other prestigious national and international awards.

COLOMBO: Indian mega star Amitabh Bachchan will star with his son Abhishek in an ABCL production Suryavansham,8217; slated for shooting in Sri Lanka by June this year. Amid severe financial crisis, Bachchan8217;s ABCL has now embarked upon taking up production of films and even hoping to diversify its activities in the field of television, and training of artistes. 8220;ABCL is very much functioning although we have toned down our activities,8221; he said during a press conference here yesterday.

BEIJING:Contesting the general perception that the 21st century is to begin on January 1, 2000, leading scientists in China have claimed the new millennium will actually start on January 1, 2001. Chinese scientists have reached a consensus that the 21st century and the new millennium do not begin until January 1, 2001, the official China daily said quoting the country8217;s leading scientists.