Latest News and Updates
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11/2/2012 News
Defence Minister Antony to visit Saudi Arabia
In the first-ever visit by an Indian Defence Minister to Riyadh from February 13, India and Saudi Arabia are all set to give a boost to their defence ties and understanding with discussion on areas of mutual benefits. "A K Antony will embark on a two-day visit to Riyadh from Monday. This is going to be the first-ever visit by an Indian Defence Minister to Saudi Arabia," Defence Ministry officials said here. Antony will be accompanied by Defence Secretary Shashi Kant Sharma, Vice-Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General SK Singh, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Satish Soni and Air Vice Marshal MR Pawar. In Riyadh, Antony will hold discussions with his counterpart Prince Salman-bin-Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, besides meeting other senior government and political leaders. Defence cooperation between the two countries include training exchanges, ship visits and high-level visits by senior officials. "This visit is expected to enable both sides to engage in discussions on areas where existing cooperation can be expanded for mutual benefits," they said. Antony will also be interacting with the representatives of Indian community in Saudi Arabia. Over the years, relations between two countries have strengthened considerably owing to cooperation in regional affairs and trade. Saudi Arabia is one of the largest suppliers of oil to India, which is one of the top trading partners and investor there.
International cricket to resume in Pakistan
International cricket is likely to resume in Pakistan from April after a gap of nearly three years following a terror attack on the Sri Lankan team, said a federal minister. The Pakistan Cricket Board is in contact with the Interior Ministry and the Bangladesh Cricket Board for hosting a Test and one-day series with Bangladesh in April-May, Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani said while answering a question in the National Assembly or lower house of parliament. A delegation from Bangladesh is arriving in Pakistan in the first week of March for discussions on the proposed tour, he said. Interior Ministry officials will brief officials of the Bangladesh Cricket Board about the elaborate security arrangements being made for their cricket team, he added. The last international cricket match was played in Lahore against Sri Lanka during March 1-5, 2009, Bijarani said. The game was called off after the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team on March 3. After this 'unfortunate incident', no international cricket was played in Pakistan and all home series were being played at neutral venues, he said. Six policemen were killed and eight persons, including six Sri Lankan players, were injured in the attack on the Sri Lankan team that was blamed on the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi.
10/2/2012 News
Blasts near Imran Khan’s rally in Pak
Heavy Firing followed twin low intensity blasts at Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan`s public gathering in Swabi district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Friday. At least one person was killed and 11 people, including four policemen, were injured in the attack, media reports said. Talking to media, PTI chief Imran Khan said he was safe as he had left the venue shortly after the rally concluded. Khan, during his speech in the rally, said he would shoot down US drones of he came to power in the country. He said those in power should be embarrassed about the ongoing drone attacks that violate Pakistan’s sovereignty and kill innocent people. Imran said the PTI will not let US attack Pakistan via drone strikes and will shoot their drones down. “We will help them (US) to get out of Afghanistan but we will not become a part of their war,” Imran explained. He further said that if the PTI comes to power, it will free the people of Pakistan from US slavery.
Australia beat SL by 5 runs in tr-series
Australia defeated Sri Lanka by five runs in the third One-day International of the cricket tri-series at WACA ground here today. Brief Scores: Australia: 231 all out in 49.1 overs (Michael Clarke 57, David Warner 34; Angelo Mathews 37/2, Nuwan Kulasekara 39/2). Sri Lanka: 226 all out in 49.5 overs. (A Matthews 64, T Dilshan 40, D Chandimal 37; X Doherty 2/24, D Christian 2/47). Meanwhile batting first, Australian batting collapsed in the face of a disciplined Sri Lankan bowling effort as the hosts were bundled out for 231 in their second match of the ODI cricket tri-series here today. Skipper Michael Clarke's 57-run knock was the only standout performance among the Aussie batsmen, who were stifled by Sri Lanka's accurate bowling and folded up in 49.1 overs at the WACA Ground. Put into bat, Australia were off to a wobbly start when opener Matthew Wade was dismissed for just one run by Nuwan Kulasekara. Wade, who was impressive in his debut match against India scoring 67 runs, lasted just five deliveries today before being caught behind by wicketkeeper Kumar Sangakkara. David Warner (34) was his usual attacking self but the fireworks didn't last long as an Angelo Mathews delivery sneaked in between his bat and pad to rattle the stumps. The left-hander smashed four boundaries and a six during his 29-ball stay at the crease. Veteran Ricky Ponting (1) flopped yet again and the scintillating Test form was nowhere to be seen as he was trapped leg before by Lasith Malinga. With the top three coming a cropper, it was left to the middle-order to do the damage control and skipper Clarke took charge of the proceedings with his typical mix of caution and aggression.
9/2/2012 News
Sensex falls by 78 pts in early trade on weak cues
The BSE benchmark index Sensex fell by over 78 points in early trade today on fresh selling by funds amid a weakening trend on other Asian bourses. The 30-share index, which had gained 84.87 points yesterday, moved down by 78.33 points, or 0.44 per cent, to 17,628.99 points. The wide-based Nifty of the National Stock Exchange declined by 15.65 points, or 0.29 per cent, to 5,352.50 points. Metal, IT and oil and gas stocks led the decline. Brokers said fresh selling by funds amid weakening trend on other Asian bourses mainly influenced the trading sentiment. In the Asia region, Hong Kong`s Hang Seng index was down by 1.08 per cent and Japan`s Nikkei index shed 0.56 per cent in morning trade today.
Virat Kohli stars, as India beats Sri-Lanka
India overcame a late innings wobble before cruising to a four-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in their second match of the cricket triangular series here today. After restricting Sri Lanka to 233 for right, the Indians chased down the target with 20 balls to spare after suffering a mid-innings collapse which reduced them to 181 for 6 in 36 overs. Ravindra Jadeja (24) and Ravichandran Ashwin (30) then kept their nerve and put on 53 runs for the unbroken seventh wicket stand to guide India home. It was India`s second win in what has turned out to be a rather nightmarish tour of Australia. The victory capped a brilliant match for Ashwin who also claimed 3 for 32 while Sri Lanka batted first for their 233 for 8. In-form Virat Kohli (77) and Sachin Tendulkar (48) had played a good hand among India`s top-order batsmen but the rest were guilty of playing indiscreet shots to leave the team in the lurch. Virender Sehwag (10) began blazingly by smashing off-side fours off Nuwan Kulasekara and Lasith Malinga before he tried to help a rising delivery over the slips and was caught on the run by the third man fielder. Sachin Tendulkar (48) appeared in splendid touch and it appeared that he would finally complete his historic 100th international century before he tried to cut an Angelo Mathews delivery too close to his body and dragged the ball on to his stumps.
1/2/2012 News
Renewed violence in Karachi
In a renewed wave of sectarian and ethnic killings in Pakistan, at least 10 people were killed in the last 24 hours in southern Sind's provincial capital, the police said today. Sindh Home Minister Manzoor Wassan said 10 people had been killed since Monday and admitted some of the target killings appeared to be because of sectarian disputes. Security has been beefed up and a ban has been imposed on pillion riding in the city as a precautionary measure, he told a press conference here. He said police and paramilitary rangers had carried out raids in different parts of the city and rounded up some 50 to 60 suspects who were being interrogated. The victims in the latest series of bloody violence included the wife, daughter and driver of Mir Bakht Yar Domki, the sitting lawmaker from Sibi in the restive Balochistan province. They were gunned down late last night near the Gizri bridge in the upmarket Clifton area while they were returning home after attending a wedding. City police chief Ayaz Ghorchani said the killings appeared to be the result of a family enmity which are common in Baluchistan. The day began with a bloody incident in the densely populated Nazimabad area where gunmen attacked a telecom company franchise, killing a young girl who was employed there and a security guard and wounding others.
Relief for Modi in 2002 riots case
In a relief to Narendra Modi, the Gujarat High Court on Wednesday rejected a petition seeking directions to the Nanavati Commission to summon the State Chief Minister for questioning in connection with the 2002 riots. A division bench of Justice Akil Kureshi and Sonia Gokani while rejecting the application of NGO Jan Sangarsh Manch observed that the Commission has larger discretionary powers to call witnesses. The court further said that it did not find any substance in the JSM application seeking directions for summoning Modi. JSM, representing some riot victims, had approached the High Court for directing the Commission to call Modi for questioning after the Commission of Justice G T Nanavati and Justice Akshay Mehta, probing the 2002 riot cases had rejected JSM`s plea regarding the same. JSM`s lawyer Mukul Sinha had submitted in the court that Modi should be summoned by the Commission as the role of the Chief Minister falls within the ambit of the probe panel`s inquiry. The state government itself, in new terms of reference announced in 2005, had given the probe panel the liberty to examine the conduct of the chief minister, Sinha stated. There are many questions related to riots that can be answered only by the Chief Minister, he said. How will the truth come out if there is no examination or cross-examination, Sinha asked. Sinha had also asked for the cross-examination of three staff members of the Chief Minister. Reacting to the verdict, Sinha said they will approach the Supreme Court. Advocate General Kamal Trivedi, appearing for the state government, had submitted that the appeal is not maintainable under law as the Commission`s Act does not allow any third party to demand for questioning of any person. Trivedi said it is for the Commission to decided whom should it call for questioning or not. He suggested that the court should leave it to the Commission to decide whether to call Modi or not as it works under its own rules and procedures as per the Commission`s act.
31/1/2012 News
Dhoni ready to quit captaincy
Facing severe criticism for his unimpressive captaincy and performances in Test cricket, under-fire Mahendra Singh Dhoni has offered to quit the leadership role in the longer format of the game if the BCCI feels there is a better replacement waiting in the wings. Dhoni said if somebody could do a better job than him in Tests, then he will be more than happy to step down as captain for the sake of the team. "It (captaincy) doesn`t belong to anyone. It`s a position I hold, and it`s an added responsibility. I always like to do well till I am in job but it`s not something I want to stick to. If there is a better replacement, he can come in," Dhoni said on Tuesday ahead of Wednesday`s first Twenty20 game Australia. "At the end of the day, you want India to perform. If there is someone who can do a better job, captaincy should be given to him. It`s not something you have to cling on to," said Dhoni as speculation grew over his Test future both as a batsman and captain. Dhoni now has lost seven straight Test matches abroad as captain and as a batsman, his stocks have really fallen low on foreign pitches. While he made 220 at 31.43 from four Tests in England, he scored 102 from six innings of three Tests at 20.40 on the present tour.
IAF aircraft crashes, pilot safe
A Kiran Trainer Aircraft of IAF today crashed on the outskirts of the city during a routine training sortie, but both the pilots ejected to safety. The two-seater aircraft, which left the Air Force Station at suburban Tambaram, crashed near Iyancherry village, some 30 km from here, police said. "A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to find out the reasons for the crash", a Defence Ministry release said.
30/1/2012 News
'Stop Iran from developing n-weapon'
US will take every possible step to stop Iran from becoming a nuclear-capable state, Defence Secretary Leon Panetta has said. "If they (Iran) proceed and we get intelligence that they're proceeding with developing a nuclear weapon then we will take whatever steps are necessary to stop it," Panetta told CBS '60 Minutes' in an interview aired yesterday. "There are no options that are off the table," he said when asked if this includes military options too. The consensus is that, if they decided to do it, it would probably take them about a year to be able to produce a bomb and then possibly another one to two years in order to put it on a deliverable vehicle of some sort in order to deliver that weapon, he said. "The United States, and the President's made this clear, does not want Iran to develop a nuclear weapon. That's a red line for us. And it's a red line obviously for the Israelis so we share a common goal here. If we have to do it, we will do it," he said in response to a question.
Japan hit by 5.5 earthquake
A magnitude-5.5 earthquake rattled Yamanashi prefecture in central Japan this morning, the Japan Meteorological Agency reported. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. The temblor was some 20 km deep and hit at 7:43 AM local time (2243 GMT Friday), the Japanese earthquake-reporting agency said. Last year, a magnitude-9 quake on March 11 and subsequent tsunami about 230 km northeast of Tokyo left nearly 20,000 people dead or missing. Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world.
29/1/2012 News
All set for polling in Punjab and Uttarakhand
After violence that took place during polling in Manipur assembly elections on Saturday, the election commission has made elaborate arrangements in both Punjab and Uttarakhand to ensure peaceful polling on Monday. The polling will start at 8 in the morning. While, Punjab has witnessed very high pitched campaigning, this was not true for Uttarakhand as campaigning was rather dull and lukewarm their. It may be recalled that Punjab and Uttarakhand assemblies have 117 and 70 members respectively. In both the states, Congress was in opposition in the last assembly and it is trying hard to capture power. While Akali Dal-BJP were in power in Punjab and BJP was ruling the hill state of Uttarakhand. Political observers say that issues like development, unemployment, corruption and other local issues have dominated the campaigning. As far as Punjab is concerned, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress President – Sonia Gandhi and other top congress leaders have campaigned hard. BJP and Akhali Dal leaders have also not spared any stone unturned in order to make their presence felt in both the states. Meanwhile, Congress leader Amrinder Singh and Akali Dal President- Sukhbir Singh Badal have claimed in their interviews with Ms Anurradha Prasad, Editor-in-Chief of News 24 Channel, that their respective parties have an edge in the elections.
Low intensity quake hits Delhi-NCR
A low intensity earthquake measuring 3.5 on the Richter Scale hit Rohtak-Sonipat district in Haryana early today. The residents of Delhi and NCR have also observed slight tremors. The earthquake with a latitude of 28.8 degree north and a longitude of 76.7 degree east occurred at 4:55 am, the Meteorological Department said here. The quake struck at a depth of 10-kilometre, it said.
28/1/2012 News
India slip to third in ICC Rankings
The humiliating 0-4 whitewash at the hands of Australia today resulted in India dropping a rung to third spot in the ICC Test rankings with Michael Clarke's team breathing down their neck just a fraction of a point behind in the table. India, who entered the series in second place on 118 ratings points, have fallen to 111 ratings points while fourth-ranked Australia have boosted their standing in the Championship table after gaining eight ratings points which put them alongside their rivals, the ICC said in a statement. However, Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men are still ranked above Clarke's men by a fraction of a point. When the ratings are calculated beyond the decimal point, India have 111.10 ratings points while Australia are on 110.80 ratings points. Nevertheless, Australia will have a chance to move ahead of India when they travel to the West Indies in March to play in a three-Test series which will start in Barbados on April 7. There, Australia will need to win the series by 1-0 or better to achieve the number-three position on the table. Since December 16 2010, India have dropped from 129 ratings points to 111 ratings points. In the last 13 months, India drew with South Africa (1-1) in South Africa, beat the West Indies in West Indies (1-0), lost 0-4 to England in England, beat the West Indies (2-0) at home before losing 0-4 to Australia in Australia.
Bajaj Auto launches 'Duke 200' at Rs 1.18 lakh
The country's second largest two-wheeler maker Bajaj Auto today launched a sports bike 'Duke 200' from its Austrian associate firm KTM's portfolio at an introductory price of Rs 1.18 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). "The launch of 'Duke' is one of the many steps in our association with KTM over the last five years. Between Bajaj Pulsar and KTM 'Duke' we intend to further strengthen our position in sports motorcycle segment in India," Bajaj Auto Managing Director Rajiv Bajaj told reporters here. The company will be launching at least one new KTM bike every year in India, he added. Bajaj Auto has decided to sell 'Duke' through all its 32 pro-biking showrooms, which has now been transformed into exclusive KTM outlets. Besides, there will be 40 service centres dedicated only for KTM bikes.
27/1/2012 News
BJP promises Ayodhya Temple in Manifesto
Promising sops for every section of society in its manifesto for Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, BJP today opposed 4.5 per cent reservation to minorities from the 27 per cent quota of backward classes even as it said it was committed to the construction of a Ram Temple at Ayodhya. The manifesto was released by senior leaders, including Uma Bharati, Surya Pratap Shahi, Kalraj Mishra, Mukhtar Abas Naqvi, Narendra Singh Tomar and Suddhendra Kulkarni at the party office here. On questions regarding a Ram temple at Ayodhya, state president Shahi said that the party was of the opinion that Hinduism was the life substance of the country, but due to vote bank politics it was being attacked by parties, including Congress, SP, BSP and the Left. "Construction of a grand temple is associated with the faith of crores of people of the country. Ram is the symbol of prestige, pride and dignity of the country. Unfortunately due to psuedo secularism and vote bank politics it is being opposed. BJP is committed to remove all hurdles in the path of construction of Ram temple," he said. Releasing the manifesto, Leader of BJP Legislative Party Om Prakash Singh said that the party was opposed to religion-based reservation. "The UPA government decision is motivated by vote bank politics and when BJP comes to power 4.5 per cent reservation for minorities would be scrapped and 27 per cent quota of the OBCs will be restored," he said.
Team India facing another crushing defeat
A listless India were heading for their second successive overseas whitewash after yet another irresponsible batting display reduced the visitors to 166 for six on the fourth day of the final cricket Test against Australia here today. Set a daunting target of 500, India were left with an arduous task of batting out the entire fifth day to prevent the dominating Australians to sweep the series 4-0 in what has turned out to be a completely lop-sided encounter. Having lost 0-4 in England last year, India now face the ignominy of losing eight straight Test matches overseas. The star-studded line-up, that has flattered to deceive throughout the series, failed once again with skipper Virender Sehwag leading the way as he got out in an atrocious manner after smashing his way to a half century. At stumps, Ishant Sharma (2) and Wriddhiman Saha (0) were holding fort and it will be a mere formality for Australia to take the remaining four wickets on the fifth day. The Indians were still trailing by 334 runs. Off-spinner Nathan Lyon finally came on to his own with 3 for 57 in India's second innings so far. Opener Gautam Gambhir (3) and Sehwag (62, 53 balls, 12x4) left in the post-lunch session while Rahul Dravid (25), Sachin Tendulkar (13), VVS Laxman (35) and Virat Kohli (22) were back in the hut in the final session. Gambhir was the first one to leave on 3 when he tried to push hard at a Ryan Harris delivery that was pitched around off-stump and moved a shade and the nick was smartly taken by Brad Haddin behind stumps.
26/1/2012 News
Ponting honoured with Australia's highest civil award
Senior Australian batsman Ricky Ponting has been awarded country's highest civil honour along with a host of sportspersons of international repute. The 37-year-old former skipper, who struck a fluent double century against India on the second day of the fourth Test here, has been appointed an officer (AO) in the general division of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to the sport of cricket as a leading player, and to the community through the establishment of the Ponting Foundation. In 2008, Ponting and his wife Rianna formed the foundation to help cancer patients. Ponting, with two centuries in his past three Test matches, said he was humbled to have been awarded an Order of Australia honour. "In every way, this honour is also for my wife Rianna who has been with me for the significant part of my cricket career and above all, has been the driver for all our charity work,"Ponting was quoted as saying by 'Sydney Morning Herald'. "We are very proud of what the Ponting Foundation is doing to help young Australians and their families beat cancer. From the very first time we walked into the cancer ward at the Sydney Children's Hospital almost a decade ago, we have been continually inspired by the courage and determination shown by young cancer sufferers," the skipper added.
Kohli hits maiden ton, Aussies still in command
Young Virat Kohli provided the only bright moment by cracking his maiden century but India were still faced with a herculean task of preventing a 'Whitewash' after conceding a huge first innings lead of 332 runs in the fourth and final cricket Test, here today. Kohli stood bravely amidst the ruins with a gritty 116 but most of the other top batsmen surrendered meekly as India folded up for 272 in the first innings. Australia were 50 for three in the second enjoying an overall lead of 382 to further consolidate their poistion and push for a 4-0 rout. Credit should also be given to young Wriddhiman Saha (35) who helped Kohli add 114 runs for the sixth wicket which helped the Delhi lad push for his three-figure mark. The second new-ball again did the trick for Australia as India who were 225 for five at one stage lost five wickets for 47 runs in little over 10 overs. Kohli's delightful knock contained 11 boundaries and a six over deep mid-wicket off Michael Clarke's bowling. If the morning session belonged to Australia who reduced India to 111 for five with Sachin Tendulkar (25), Gautam Gambhir (34) and VVS Laxman (18) back in the hut, Kohli and Saha ensured that the afternoon session went visitors' way. While Tendulkar tried to push a fuller delivery from Siddle only to be caught Ricky Ponting in the second slip, Gautam Gambhir once again fell prey to short pitched stuff. Siddle who scalped five for 49 dug one short and Gambhir trying to fend off in an ugly manner lobbed it up as Mike Hussey completed the formalities. Laxman's painful stay at the crease ended when he tried to cut a straighter one from offie Nathan Lyon and the faint edge was gobbled up by Brad Haddin behind the stumps.
25/1/2012 News
Ashok Chakra to brave heart Lt. Navdeep Singh
Lieutenant Navdeep Singh, who died foiling an infiltration attempt by Pakistan-based terrorists along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir last year, will be awarded the highest peace-time gallantry award Ashok Chakra on Republic Day. President Pratibha Patil will present the medal to the officer posthumously at the Republic Day parade in capital on Thursday in which Prime Minister of Thailand Yingluck Shinawatra will be the Chief Guest. The medal will be received by Lt Navdeep`s father Honorary Captain (retd) Joginder Singh. The late illusrator Mario Miranda and the late Bhupen Hazarika are among the five Padma Vibhushan awardees this year. The other three are: KG Subramaniam (in art-painting &sculpture category), Dr Kantimal Hastimal Sancheti (medicine, orthopaedics) and TV Rajeswar (civil service). The Padma Vibhushan is the second highest civilian awards given in India. The Padma Bhushan has been conferred on 27 personalities, among them Shabana Azmi, Jatin Das, Buddhadev Dasgupta, Mira Nair, MS Gopalakrishnan, Anish Kapoor, Dr SH Advani, N Vittal, and Ronen Sen. The Padma Shri has been conferred on 77 personalities, among them Anup Jalota, Priyadarshan, Dr Swati Piramal, Dr Mukesh Batra, Jhulan Goswami, Limba Ram and Ullas Karanth.
India tottering at Adelaide
India were 61 for two in reply to Australia's first innings 569 for seven declared at stumps on the second day of the fourth and final cricket Test here today. Brief Scores: Australia 1st Innings: 569 for seven declared in 150 overs ((Ricky Ponting 221, Michael Clarke 210; R Ashwin 3/179, Zaheer Khan 2/96). India 1st Innings: 61 for two in 21 overs (Gautam Gambhir batting 30, Sachin Tendulkar batting 12).
24/1/2012 News
Sonia all out attack on SAD-BJP in Punjab
Launching a scathing attack on the SAD-BJP government in Punjab, UPA Chairperson and Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday accused it of using central funds for their own benefits rather than for the progress of the state. Refuting the allegation that the central government had always given a step-motherly treatment to the state, Gandhi said the UPA government under the leadership of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had given sufficient grants to Punjab for its progress and development. She added that the money sent by the Centre was used by the Akalis for their own benefits rather than for progress of the state. Castigating the SAD-BJP alliance for not properly utilising funds available under centrally sponsored schemes, Gandhi said, "the SAD-BJP rule destroyed Punjab...there have been scandals and embezzlements all round and corruption is at its peak". She said that the UPA government provided grants to states irrespective of which government is ruling them. "The UPA gave packages to Punjab for improvement oneconomic fronts, but the Akalis never bothered about Centre sponsored schemes," she said. Listing out the "shortcomings" of the Akali regime, Gandhi at a public meeting at this border area of Punjab, said that the common man in the state felt insecure in view of the poor law and order situation in the state.
Ponting, Clarke hit tons
The old firm of Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke put India's hapless bowlers to the sword with contrasting centuries as Australia took command of the fourth and final cricket Test on the opening day itself here today. Ponting (137) and Clarke (140), both of whom tormented India in the second Test in Sydney with centuries, joined hands once again for an unbroken 251-run fourth wicket stand which took the hosts to a comfortable 335 for three after a shaky start. Australia have already clinched the series with a 3-0 lead and India are desperately hoping to avoid a whitewash. The effort was not all that bad to start with as India struck two blows inside the first 10 overs after the hosts opted to bat first. Zaheer Khan removed David Warner (8) with a delivery which came in and Ravichandran Ashwin, surprisingly introduced as early as in the fourth over, bowled a delivery which came in with the arm and clipped the off-stump of an out of form Shaun Marsh's (3) hesitant forward prod. Ashwin snared another victim before the lunch-break, opener Ed Cowan (30) driving little uppishly into short covers and VVS Laxman snapped a brilliant low catch. After that, it was former captain Ponting and current skipper Clarke for the rest of the day. Ponting smashed the 41st century of his 162-Test career, his eighth against India which put him at par with Sir Garfield Sobers and Sir Vivian Richards as the batsmen who has scored maximum tons against the sub-continental team.
23/1/2012 News
India to showcase military might at R-Day
Showcasing India's military might, the Army will display its T-72 Main Battle Tanks (MBT), Agni-4 missile and Advance Light Helicopter (ALH) at the Republic Day parade on Thursday. "Marching contingents on the Rajpath would include mounted troops from 61st Cavalry, mechanized columns and 11 regiments of the Indian Army followed by a flypast of ALH from Army Aviation Corps," said parade second-in-command Major General Rajbir Singh. The parade would be commanded by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Delhi Area, Lieutenant General VK Pillai. Maj Gen Singh further informed that the one-and-a-half hour long parade would begin with national salute followed by presentation of one Ashok Chakra.
Sania in quarters of Australian Open
Sania Mirza had a productive day at the Australian Open today as the Indian ace reached the quarter-finals of both the women's doubles and the mixed doubles events with Elena Vesnina and Mahesh Bhupathi respectively. Sania and Bhupathi, the 2009 mixed doubles champions, came from behind to beat Czech Iveta Benesova and Austria's Jurgen Melzer 3-6 6-4 12-10 in the second-round match. The sixth-seeded Indian team took one hour and 11 minutes to dispatch their fighting opponents. They will next take on America's Liezel Huber and British Colin Fleming. They are heading towards a potential title clash with fourth seeds Rohan Bopanna and American Lisa Raymond, who got the better of the Australian pair of Casey Dellacqua and Matthew Ebden 6-4 6-2 in their second round match. Bopanna and Raymond await the winner of other second round clash between the pairs of Su-Wei Hsieh/Marcin Matkowski and Vesnina/Leander Paes. Earlier, Sania and her Russian partner Vesnina downed 12th seeds Jarmila Gajdosova of Australia and Bethanie Mattek-Sands of the USA 7-5 6-3 to make the women's doubles quarterfinals.
22/1/2012 News
Corporate companies to come under anti-graft law
In view of complaints of corruption in the private sector, the government is considering bringing corporates under a proposed anti-graft law. Official sources said the chiefs of the Central Vigilance Commission, the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate have been called in by a parliamentary standing committee next week to give their views in this regard. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice, headed by Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi, is examining the Prevention of Bribery of Foreign Public Officials and Officials of Public International Organisations Act-2011 aimed at criminalising foreign bribery and offences thereof. The Bill has been passed by the Lok Sabha and awaiting nod from the upper house of Parliament. "A letter has been sent to the CVC, CBI and ED seeking their response through an in-person presentation/submission on the matter. They have been asked to appear before the Committee on January 24," a source said. "The Committee is also considering to bring corporates or private industrial houses in the ambit of the proposed bill," he added. The Bill prohibits accepting gratification by foreign public officials as also giving gratification to foreign public officials, while also proposing provisions for rendering assistance and cooperation among nations and making the offence punishable to a minimum of six months jail term to a maximum of seven years.
Indo-Pak Test series not possible before 2013
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has admitted that any realistic chance of a bilateral Test series with India would not be possible before 2013. Chief Operating Officer, Subhan Ahmad told PTI that it appeared with the new ICC Future Tour Program (FTP) to be enforced from April this year that the scheduled Pakistan team's tour to India in March-April in the old FTP is now being shelved. "It appears as if both boards now have to make a fresh start in the new FTP with India scheduled to tour Pakistan in 2013," he said. India didn't tour Pakistan in early 2009 in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks, while Pakistan's tour to India in March-April this year under the old FTP is cancelled due to various reasons. Ahmad admitted that it is a case of even-steven between the two boards. "We were demanding compensation for the cancelled tour of 2009 but now with India not hosting us this year, the situation has evened out between the two boards as both have suffered losses by not hosting these series in the old FTP," Ahmad explained. "This basically means that we make a fresh start as far as bilateral relations are concerned between the two boards from 2013 when India is due to tour Pakistan under the new FTP," he added.
21/1/2012 News
Rajnikanth website really runs without internet
It may sound like another Rajinikanth joke, but a new website dedicated to the superstar runs ‘without an internet connection’! Visitors to www.allaboutrajni.com are greeted with a warning that “He is no ordinary man, this is no ordinary website. It runs on Rajini Power” and are advised to switch off their internet connection to enter the website. Only when the web is disconnected, one is allowed to explore the site. Netizens can trace the story of the legend from the beginning, read inside scoops from his films and get a glimpse of behind-the-scenes action, while browsing through famous Rajini jokes about impossible feats only he can achieve. “The unbelievable spectacle of running a website without the internet is a tribute to Rajinikant’s larger than life image,” claimed Webchutney’s creative director Gurbaksh Singh, who developed the site for Desimartini.com. With a heady mix of foot-tapping music, vibrant splash of colours, quirky quotes and illustrations, and icons in true Rajni style and lingo, the unique website reflects Rajini’s signature style. Singh told PTI that the website is based on a complex algorithm running in the back-end that keeps an eye on the propagation of data packets between two terminals. Magic kicks in soon as the internet speed is down to zero, which is the basic premise on which the site and the concept has been constructed. The humour element on the website is accentuated by the error message in typical Rajini style that appears if a visitor attempts to re-connect the internet. “Aiyyo! That was unexpected. To keep browsing, switch off your internet,” reads the message.
Viru's misery away from home costing India
A couple of scores in single digits during the upcoming fourth Test against Australia here and Virender Sehwag's average, for the first time in 26 months and 25 Tests, could fall below 50 per innings. More hands would go up on the likelihood of such a possibility than otherwise, which is a reflection on how Sehwag's stocks have fallen abroad in the last four years. Stats of this period show that on the last four tours to New Zealand, South Africa, England and Australia, Sehwag's average has never touched 30. In 21 innings, he has less than 500 runs and just two 50s -- stats which don't fare well in comparison to even Harbhajan Singh, leave alone Mahendra Singh Dhoni or Suresh Raina. Also noticeable in these 21 innings are his 16 dismissals at the hands of quicker bowlers. Anyone with a decent swing in perceptible conditions could hope for the scalp of Sehwag, till recently the most destructive batsman in world arena. Even in his pomp, Sehwag was an average performer in New Zealand, England and South Africa, barring an odd innings or two. Since the Test at this very venue in Adelaide in 2008, even such a rare sighting has been missing.