New Delhi, Jan. 23 : `Slumdog Millionare' the internationally acknowledged film, was released across the country to packed theatres on Friday.

The rags-to-riches story about a boy from the slum area of Mumbai is attracting huge crowds. All shows are being booked in advance here.

Released in the country with the name `Slumdog Crorepati', the movie is shot in real, gritty locations of Mumbai and is being appreciated by the people for its `realistic portrayal' of life.

New Delhi, Jan 23, : The

New Delhi, Jan 23 : For the first time in the 60 odd years since Indian independence, a Prime Minister will miss the Republic day parade.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will miss the special occasion for undergoing a coronary artery bypass graft surgery on Jan 24, at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

Singh is admitted in the hospital, where an angiography-X-ray examination of the blood vessels was conducted on him. He also underwent several blood chemistry tests, CT scan and ECG, which have affirmed arterial blockages in the heart.

New Delhi, Jan 23 : BrahMos, a 290-km range cruise missile that can touch 2.8 times the speed of sound, will be the main attraction of the army contingent for the Republic Day 2009.

The leader of the Republic Day Parade, GOC Delhi Area, Major General KJS Oberoi said that the Brahmos and full width length mine plough would be the main attraction of the parade this year.

He further said to keep the enthusiasm level high among spectators, the duration of the parade will one-and-half-hours. Last year, duration of the Republic Day parade was one hour and fifty-two minutes.

New Delhi, Jan 23 : Kate Beckinsale''s sexy, black leather all-in-one garment which she wore in ''Underworld'' is being auctioned.

The catsuit will be sold at Premiere Props in El Segundo, California, on February 7, with all proceeds going to the Entertainment Industry Foundation.

Other items from the ''Underworld'' films, including a medical book, a serum vial and a serum injector will also go under the hammer, reports the China Daily.

New Delhi, Jan 23 : India has provided 104 million dollars as grant assistance to Nepal for upgradation of education and road infrastructure in three districts in the country.

The Embassy of India has already signed four separate Memorandum of Understanding (MOU's) with concerned district development committees and other beneficiary organisations .

The grant assistance is provided for construction of two new school buildings in Rupendehi and Lamjung districts and two roads in Rupendehi districts.