CNN International has named Australian journalist John Darren Vause the network‘s first US based correspondent, it was announced on Tuesday. Vause will report from the United States and file special reports for CNN‘s international viewers in 212 countries and territories worldwide.

His first assignment is to cover the inauguration of the new US President, George W Bush on 20 January.

Vause joins CNN International from Seven Network Australia, where he was bureau chief for their only US office.

One of the major regulatory hurdles in the way of the launch of DTH services in India has been lifted. On Friday, a notification was issued which formally lifted the four year old ban on the establishment, maintenance, possession or dealing of equipment capable of receiving Ku band television broadcast signals.

The notification becomes effective immediately, amending the Radio, Television and Video Cassette Recorder Sets (Exemption from Licensing Requirements) Rules, 1997 removing prohibition for use of such apparatus in the frequency bands 4,800 MHz and above.

One issue which is still exercising industry players is that of the 20 per cent sectoral and foreign equity cap on any DTH operations. Information and Broadcasting Minister Sushma Swaraj has repeatedly said that there would be no change in these guidelines despite strong lobbying from the industry for its increase.

Star TV India has recently announced it is going ahead with its DTH plans despite its "difficulties" in meeting the government‘s criteria to start operations.

The Bombay High Court on Monday adjourned Bollywood financier and co-promoter of B4U Bharat Shah‘s bail plea till Tuesday as the defence arguments remained incomplete. However, the court gave permission for the release of his film "Chori Chori Chupke Chupke" on the condition that the rights of the film would remain with the government, Chalo Mumbai reported.

Shah had filed his bail plea in the High Court after his bail was rejected in the special court. The case was brought before Justice SS Parkar and Advocate Ashok Desai appeared on Shah‘s behalf. Shah was arrested on 8 January under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) for his alleged links with underworld don Chhota Shakeel.

Meanwhile, "Chori Chori" producer Nasim Rizvi and Shah have both made counter claims on the seized negatives of the movie while the prosecution has urged the the appointment of a court receiver to release the film and deposit the proceeds in the treasury, according to Press Trust of India.

Public prosecutor Rohini Salian, speaking on the plea made by Shah for the release of the film‘s negatives, informed a special court that the film producer and accused Rizvi had claimed during interrogation his right over the release of the controversial movie.

Both Shah and Rizvi are being tried under MCOCA for their alleged nexus with the underworld. In the circumstances, it would not be proper to release the film‘s negatives to either of them, Salian said.

The prosecutor has suggested that in the interest of justice, the court may give its ruling on the rights of the film after the conclusion of the trial so that no prejudice is caused to any of the accused. Till then, she said the film‘s negatives should not be released to anyone.

Shah‘s counsel urged for time till January 17 to file his submissions on the prosecution‘s prayer for appointment of court receiver. Accordingly, designated judge AP Bhangale has adjourned the matter until then.