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Friday 27 November 2015
India won the test series against South Africa, but Is it satisfactory?
After the dismal performances of Indian team in the T20 and ODI series against South Africa, finally Indian fans have something to cheer for, in the form a Test series victory
But I don’t think most of the cricket fans would be happy with the way the games have happened in the Test series
All the 3 pitches till now were prepared as the square turners which assisted the spinners from day1 onwards, as Indian team feel that the spin department is their strength and at the same time it is the weakness of South African team
I think this is the new level of home advantage .There’s no doubt that teams like Australia, England, South Africa and many more have done the same by preparing the wickets as per their team strengths and opposition team weakness
How far it is justified for Indian team to do the same?
Let’s talk about our current team, I guess everyone would remember the final ODI of this series where Faf, De kock and ABD have thrashed the Indian bowlers in the worst way possible.
Our bowling standards were clearly exposed in that match.
Our batsmen came outcome to chase the target on the same pitch, couldn’t survive the Proteas bowling attack and suffered a huge defeat
Ok, in this case if we give benefit of doubt to our Indian batsmen that they were under immense pressure while chasing such a big target.
Now let’s come to the ongoing test series
The curators have provided Indian team with the best turning wickets possible and luckily India won the toss in all the games and opted to bat first.
Unfortunately for South African team Day1 was the best time to bat on those pitches, which India couldn’t capitalise in any of the match. I guess South African team would have done far better if they get to bat first on those wickets (leave about the 2nd test, where South African team batted recklessly)
So even our batsman cannot play properly on those tracks, where as in Australia and South Africa their batsmen play our pacers comfortably and our batsmen can’t play their pacers.
So in this way, we are at the loss
Neither we are improving our bowling strength nor strengthening our available batting ability, which wouldn’t do any good for our team’s performance in the overseas (Even Bangladesh started winning in their home)
So as a genuine cricket fan I could only wish for a good sporting wicket, where we can get to see some quality cricket and as a Indian team fan I would be glad if my team wins that game
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Thursday 5 February 2015
Danny Boyle's Steve Jobs biopic set for October 2015 release
Danny Boyle's Steve Jobs film starring Michael Fassbender has been scheduled for October 9 release.
The Universal Pictures' film, which stars Michael as the Apple genius, is being helmed by 'Slumdog Millionaire' and '128 Hours' director Danny Boyle from a script by 'The Social Network's Aaron Sorkin, Deadline.com reported.
Scott Rudin is producing along with Mark Gordon, Film 360's Guymon Casady and Christian Colson. The film, which is based on the Walter Isaacson biography, is set backstage at three iconic product launches and ending in 1998 with the unveiling of the iMac and the center of the digital revolution.
While Fassbender plays Jobs, Kate Winslet will portray former Macintosh marketing chief Joanna Hoffman, with Seth Rogen as Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, and Jeff Daniels as former Apple CEO John Sculley. Katherine Waterston portrays Jobs' ex-girlfriend Chrisann Brennan, and Michael Stuhlbarg plays Andy Hertzfeld, one of the original members of the Apple Macintosh development team.
Other film that would be opening that time will be Warner Bros/New Line comedy reboot 'Vacation', Disney's 'The Finest Hours' and Fox's Halle Berry thriller 'Kidnap'.
Kim K breaks the internet again with her latest bare booty pic
Reality star Kim Kardashian always surpasses our expectations. The mother of one recently 'almost' broke the internet after a raunchy picture of her smoking and baring herbehind surface online.
We do know, Kim doesn't smoke or drink and likes to keep healthy but her she reportedly poses for Love magazine which demanded an edgy feel to the shoot. She wears nothing but a jacket, stockings and heels.
Although this image has not been posted by Kim herself but her fans. Kim loves the buzz around her derriere each time she poses naked.
Let's see how Kimye will react to this.
Vote for AAP, tweets Mamata Banerjee
In a surprise move, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Thursday urged the people of Delhi to vote for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi. "My request to all of you in Delhi to please vote for AAP," she tweeted. "For the greater need of the country and development in Delhi."
The AAP and the Bharatiya Janata Party are the main contenders for power in Saturday's election for the 70-member Delhi assembly.
On Wednesday, the Left parties announced their support to AAP and asked their supporters to vote for Arvind Kejriwal.
"15 seats are being contested jointly by Left parties in the Delhi polls. Rest of the 55 seats, our party has decided that it will ask our party members and voters to vote for the AAP. Most of the other left parties are also of the same view," CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat told reporters in New Delhi.
Rahat Ali replaces injured Junaid in Pakistan squad
Pakistan have called up tall left-arm paceman Rahat Ali to replace the injured Junaid Khan in their World Cup squad.
Rahat, 26, who has been a regular in the Test team since 2012 having taken 31 wickets in 11 matches, has played just a single one-day international way back in 2012 in Sri Lanka without taking a wicket.
"Rahat has been included in the World Cup squad on the recommendation of touring chief selector Moin Khan," a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official said on Thursday.
The official said the PCB had already sent a request to the technical committee of the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the replacement since Junaid was declared unfit for the tournament that begins on February 14 in New Zealand and Australia.
Junaid, who has been a leading performer for his country in recent times, missed out on the World Cup after picking up a hamstring injury during training on the eve of the team's departure for New Zealand late last month.
Junaid was named in Pakistan's squad last month after he showed a remarkable return to form after recovering from a knee injury that kept him out for nearly four months.
The PCB official said that Bilawal Bhatti, who was sent as a replacement for the series in New Zealand after the injury to Junaid, would be returning home.
Bilawal had a nightmarish match against New Zealand this week in the second one-dayer in which he conceded 93 runs.
Pakistan are already without their seasoned offspinner Saeed Ajmal for the World Cup after he was suspended from bowling by the ICC last September for an illegal action.
Shatrughan Sinha praises AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, calls him a good man
Just two days to go for Delhi polls, but Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal seems to be getting support from unexpected corners. Moments after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday urged the people of Delhi to vote for AAP, BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha has too joined the bandwagon in AAP's praise.
"Arvind Kejriwal is a good man, and AAP's prospects are bright," Sinha said, adding "Everyone is talking about AAP, newspapers are flooded with them, TV channels are discussing them, means that they are popular."
He said, "Fight in Delhi is between Kiran Bedi, who has a clean image and has been a good officer, and Arvind Kejriwal, who too has a clean image."
The negative campaigning that I've been observing in Delhi politics is unfortunate, we must not indulge in mud-slinging, the leader was quoted as saying.
Comparing Bedi with BJP leader Harsh Vardhan, he however said, "Harsh Vardhan would have been a better choice for Delhi CM candidate."
In a surprise move, Mamata Banerjee on Thursday urged the people of Delhi to vote for AAP. "My request to all of you in Delhi to please vote for AAP," she tweeted, adding, "For the greater need of the country and development in Delhi."
On Wednesday, the CPI(M) too had announced their support to AAP and asked their supporters to vote for Arvind Kejriwal. AAP and BJP are the main contenders for power in Saturday's election for the 70-member Delhi assembly.
"Arvind Kejriwal is a good man, and AAP's prospects are bright," Sinha said, adding "Everyone is talking about AAP, newspapers are flooded with them, TV channels are discussing them, means that they are popular."
He said, "Fight in Delhi is between Kiran Bedi, who has a clean image and has been a good officer, and Arvind Kejriwal, who too has a clean image."
The negative campaigning that I've been observing in Delhi politics is unfortunate, we must not indulge in mud-slinging, the leader was quoted as saying.
Comparing Bedi with BJP leader Harsh Vardhan, he however said, "Harsh Vardhan would have been a better choice for Delhi CM candidate."
In a surprise move, Mamata Banerjee on Thursday urged the people of Delhi to vote for AAP. "My request to all of you in Delhi to please vote for AAP," she tweeted, adding, "For the greater need of the country and development in Delhi."
On Wednesday, the CPI(M) too had announced their support to AAP and asked their supporters to vote for Arvind Kejriwal. AAP and BJP are the main contenders for power in Saturday's election for the 70-member Delhi assembly.
Sunday 1 February 2015
Novak Djokovic beats Andy Murray to win fifth Australian Open title
Novak Djokovic won his fifth Australian Open title and extended Andy Murray's misery at Melbourne Park by beating the Scotsman 7-6 (5), 6-7 (4), 6-3, 6-0 in the final Sunday.
Murray has now been a losing finalist four times here, losing twice previously to Djokovic in 2011 and 2013 and to Roger Federer in 2010. Djokovic is a perfect 5-for-5 in Australian Open finals and has eight Grand Slam titles.
Djokovic swung momentum in a close match with a service break in the eighth game of the third set, winning four straight points. When he took a 4-0 lead in the last set, he smacked his fist hard against his chest in celebration.
At the end of the match, Djokovic threw his racket into the crowd at Rod Laver Arena.
Roy Emerson, the only other man with five or more Australian titles, was in the crowd and Djokovic acknowledged the presence of the six-time champion.
"I'm so grateful to be standing here as a champion for the fifth time, and to be in the elite group of players - Roy Emerson, Rod Laver and all the legends of our sport," Djokovic said.
Murray sat slumped over in his chair after the match, awaiting the presentations, and once again received the runner-up plate instead of the trophy.
"I had amazing support again here," Murray said. "It's been my most consistent Grand Slam of my career. I haven't been quite able to win, but the support I've received here has been amazing. I'll try and come back next year and hopefully have a slightly different outcome in the final."
Djokovic faced three break points in the third game of the opening set but saved them all, twice coming to the net, including on game point, to hold and take a 2-1 lead. He broke Murray in the next game, but Murray got back on serve when he broke Djokovic in the seventh game.
Djokovic served for the first set after breaking Murray in the eighth game, but Murray broke back. After that game, Djokovic had a trainer attend to this right thumb.
He double-faulted to open the tiebreaker but then, after Murray took a 2-1 lead, won five of the next six points to regain control. He clinched the set when Murray netted a backhand service return.
In the second set, Djokovic saved a set point in the 10th game and Murray saved three break points in the 11th before it went to the tiebreaker. Sixth-seeded Murray dominated the breaker to lead 6-2, securing four set points before clinching it on Djokovic's serve.
The second set was delayed for about five minutes after the seventh game when a court invader protesting Australia's refugee policies was removed by security after stepping on to the court. Other spectators in the stadium unfurled a political banner.
Djokovic broke Murray's serve in the eighth game of the third set, winning four straight points, prompting the Scottish player to throw his racket and yell repeatedly into his towel. The crowd booed Murray's display.
There was a bigger cheer for Djokovic when the introductions were made, but plenty of Scottish flags in the stands. Some Serbian fans yelled "Adje Nole" - Serbian for Come on Nole, which is Djokovic's nickname.
Before the match began, Andy Murray's fiancee, Kim Sears, caused a stir. She was dressed in an oversized T-shirt with a message that poked fun at the widespread attention paid to her use of colorful language during Murray's semifinal win over Tomas Berdych.
Rather than shy away from the issue, Sears' T-shirt for the final showed a sense of humor. It read: "Parental Advisory Explicit Content."
In the second set, Djokovic saved a set point in the 10th game and Murray saved three break points in the 11th before it went to the tiebreaker. Sixth-seeded Murray dominated the breaker to lead 6-2, securing four set points before clinching it on Djokovic's serve.
The second set was delayed for about five minutes after the seventh game when a court invader protesting Australia's refugee policies was removed by security after stepping on to the court. Other spectators in the stadium unfurled a political banner.
Djokovic broke Murray's serve in the eighth game of the third set, winning four straight points, prompting the Scottish player to throw his racket and yell repeatedly into his towel. The crowd booed Murray's display.
There was a bigger cheer for Djokovic when the introductions were made, but plenty of Scottish flags in the stands. Some Serbian fans yelled "Adje Nole" - Serbian for Come on Nole, which is Djokovic's nickname.
Before the match began, Andy Murray's fiancee, Kim Sears, caused a stir. She was dressed in an oversized T-shirt with a message that poked fun at the widespread attention paid to her use of colorful language during Murray's semifinal win over Tomas Berdych.
Rather than shy away from the issue, Sears' T-shirt for the final showed a sense of humor. It read: "Parental Advisory Explicit Content."
All-round Maxwell powers Australia to emphatic title victory
Perth: Glenn Maxwell produced a stellar all-round performance and Mitchell Johnson returned to terrorise England as Australia clinched the one-day tri-series with an emphatic 112-run victory over their Ashes rivals on Sunday.
Barely two weeks before the World Cup, the hosts proved their batting depth to recover from 60-4 and post 278-8 with Maxwell (95) and Mitchell Marsh (60) rebuilding the innings before James Faulkner`s late assault.
A rejuvenated Johnson, rested in the group games, then mowed down England top order on a bouncy WACA track, dismissing James Taylor, Moeen Ali and captain Eoin Morgan, who left a ball and watched in horror as it pegged back his off-stump.
Maxwell followed up his batting heroics with bowling figures of 4-46 to go with the sharp catch he took to send back Taylor as England collapsed for 166 in 39.1 overs.
Ravi Bopara top scored for the visitors but his 33 runs were of little significance in an abject batting collapse.
Put into bat, Australia were reeling at 60 for four in the 18th over but Maxwell found an able ally in Marsh and the duo added 141 runs in 23.2 overs to prop up the innings.
The hosts lost opener Aaron Finch even before they could open their account and David Warner became James Anderson`s second victim in the seventh over.
In-form Steve Smith, however, batted confidently until off-spinner Ali exhibited his newly-developed habit of claiming crucial breakthroughs.
Smith returned having contributed 40 of Australia`s 60 runs at that stage but the Maxwell-Marsh partnership allayed the fears of a batting capitulation with some aggressive cricket.
Maxwell displayed his wide array of shots -- both conventional and cheeky -- in a belligerent knock, bringing up his ninth fifty with a reverse paddle that raced to the boundary.
The right-hander hit four boundaries in a Chris Woakes over before falling to Stuart Broad in the next, while Marsh was run out soon after, paying the price for a late decision to go for a second run.
This was the third time Maxwell had fallen in the 90s but Faulkner continued the assault on the English bowlers by smashing four sixes, three in the same Woakes over and the other from the final delivery to bring up his fifty in just 24 balls.
Woakes bled 89 runs in his wicketless 10 overs, while Stuart Broad claimed 3-55. 
Australia have been outstanding in the entire series. They are gathering steam ahead of the World Cup. Warner and Smith got tons, Finch, Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh spent some quality time in the middle. Michael Clarke scored a few runs in a domestic game. The only concern with the bat is the form of Bailey, who might have to make way once Clarke returns. The bowling was already looking strong, but with the return of Johnson it just got bolstered. Starc was superb with the new ball, Cummins bowled with a lot of pace and Hazlewood was tight in his line and lengths. Maxwell and Doherty provide the spin options. All-in-all Australia look the side to beat in the World Cup.
Martina Hingis, Leander Paes win Australian Open mixed doubles title
Martina Hingis won her first Grand Slam title since returning from retirement, teaming with Leander Paes of India to win the Australian Open mixed doubles title with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Kristina Mladenovic of France and Daniel Nestor of Canada.
With Paes serving for the match, Hingis, a five-time singles champion, hit a hard overhead to Mladenovic, who netted a half volley from near the baseline.
Hingis, who won three singles and six doubles titles at Melbourne Park, returned to the tour to play doubles in 2013 and teamed with the 41-year-old Paes for the first time at the Australian Open.
Hingis, 34, won the 2006 Australian Open mixed doubles title with Manesh Bhupathi, who was Paes' former longtime doubles partner.
Sushma Swaraj says Modi to visit China in May
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who began a three-day visit to Beijing on Sunday, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi will likely visit China in May - his first as PM.
Swaraj called for a new 'six-point template' to boost India's relations with China, detailing what officials said was a broad guideline that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had outlined to craft a new framework for ties.
Swaraj told reporters the main purpose of her visit was "to strengthen ties" and prepare the groundwork for the Prime Minister's visit.
Swaraj on Sunday met with members of the Indian community from China, who had travelled from Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Shanghai to meet with the External Affairs Minister. She urged the Indian diaspora to play a role in Modi's plans to revitalise India's economy and in the "Make in India" initiative, and noted there was "interest and excitement" in China on the steps being taken in India on the economic front following Modi's election.
Earlier on Sunday, Swaraj told a media forum that the Modi government would be more open to Chinese companies seeking to invest in India.
She also outlined a new 'six-point template' to take ties forward, calling for "an action-oriented approach, broad-based bilateral engagement, convergence on common regional and global interests, developing new areas of cooperation, expand strategic communication and fulfilling common aspirations to usher an 'Asian Century'".
Grateful to Bedi for sparing my children : Kejriwal
Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday took a jibe at BJP chief ministerial nominee Kiran Bedi as he thanked her for sparing his children in BJP's campaign advertisement.
"I am grateful to Kiran Bedi ji for sparing my family and kids out of BJP's ads today," he tweeted.
He was referring to a cartoon that appeared on BJP's campaign advertisement alleging that Kejriwal had used his children to usurp power in Delhi. The same cartoon also had a caricature of Lok Pal crusader Anna Hazare's portrait with a garland on it. Kejriwal had slammed the BJP for depicting Hazare as a dead person.
BJP's Sunday advertisement is also in a cartoon form in which the BJP has alleged that Kejriwal went back on his pre-poll promise of not taking a government bungalow as residence if he came to power.
Kejriwal had moved in to government's bungalow at Tilak Marg last year after he became the Chief Minister of Delhi. He vacated the bungalow after he resigned.
Both the BJP and the AAP have been embroiled in a poster war ahead of the February 7 polls. While the BJP started publishing a series of cartoons in newspapers, the AAP used auto posters to term Bedi an opportunist.
The Full Winners List For The Filmfare Awards 2015!
Arguably Bollywood’s biggest award function, the Filmfare awards, just took place in Mumbai. While the telecast is still days away, we’ve got the list of winners so you can know whether your favourite star picked up the award they were nominated for!
Have a look at the entire list of winners below:
Best costume – Dolly Ahluwalia for Haider
Best sound design – Anilkumar Konakandla and Prabal Pradhan forMardaani
Best production design – Subrata Chakraborty and Amit Ray for Haider
Best editing – Abhijit Kokate and Anurag Kashyap for Queen
Best cinematography – Bobby Singh and Siddharth Diwan for Queen
Best action – Sham Kaushal for Gunday
Best background score – Amit Trivedi for Queen
Best choreography – Ahmed Khan for Jumme Ki Raat (Kick)
Best sound design – Anilkumar Konakandla and Prabal Pradhan forMardaani
Best production design – Subrata Chakraborty and Amit Ray for Haider
Best editing – Abhijit Kokate and Anurag Kashyap for Queen
Best cinematography – Bobby Singh and Siddharth Diwan for Queen
Best action – Sham Kaushal for Gunday
Best background score – Amit Trivedi for Queen
Best choreography – Ahmed Khan for Jumme Ki Raat (Kick)
Best playback singer (female) – Kanika Kapoor for Baby Doll (Ragini MMS 2)
Best playback singer (male) – Ankit Tiwari for Galliyan (Ek Villain)
Best lyrics – Rashmi Singh for Muskurane Ki Wajah (CityLights)
Best music director – Shankar-Eshaan-Loy for 2 States
Best playback singer (male) – Ankit Tiwari for Galliyan (Ek Villain)
Best lyrics – Rashmi Singh for Muskurane Ki Wajah (CityLights)
Best music director – Shankar-Eshaan-Loy for 2 States
Lifetime Achievement - Kamini Kaushal
Best debut (female) – Kriti Sanon for Heropanti
Best debut (male) – Fawad Khan for Khoobsurat
Best debut director – Abhishek Varman for 2 States
Best debut (male) – Fawad Khan for Khoobsurat
Best debut director – Abhishek Varman for 2 States
Best screenplay – Rajkumar Hirani and Abhijat Joshi for PK
Best dialogue – Abhijat Joshi and Rajkumar Hirani for PK
Best story – Rajat Kapoor for Ankhon Dekhi
Best dialogue – Abhijat Joshi and Rajkumar Hirani for PK
Best story – Rajat Kapoor for Ankhon Dekhi
Best supporting actor (female) – Tabu for Haider
Best supporting actor (male) – Kay Kay Menon for Haider
Best actress critics – Alia Bhatt for Highway
Best actor critics – Sanjay Mishra for Ankhon Dekhi
Best film critics – Ankhon Dekhi
Best supporting actor (male) – Kay Kay Menon for Haider
Best actress critics – Alia Bhatt for Highway
Best actor critics – Sanjay Mishra for Ankhon Dekhi
Best film critics – Ankhon Dekhi
Best director – Vikas Bahl for Queen
Best film – Queen
Best actor (female) – Kangana Ranaut for Queen
Best actor (male) – Shahid Kapoor for Haider
Best film – Queen
Best actor (female) – Kangana Ranaut for Queen
Best actor (male) – Shahid Kapoor for Haider
Japan PM Shinzo Abe vows to work with other nations to bring IS to justice
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Sunday condemned the apparent killing of journalist Kenji Goto by Islamic State, vowing to work with other nations to bring those responsible to justice.
"I feel strong indignation at this inhumane and contemptible act of terrorism," a grim-faced Abe said in brief remarks to reporters. "I will never forgive these terrorists."
"Japan will work with the international community to bring those responsible for this crime to justice," he said, reiterating that Japan would not give in to terrorism.
Islamic State militants said on Saturday they had killed Japanese hostage Kenji Goto, after the apparent failure of sustained international efforts to secure his release through a prisoner swap.
The hardline Islamist group, an offshoot of al Qaeda which controls large parts of Syria and Iraq, released a video which purported to show the beheaded body of journalist Goto and threatened further attacks on Japanese targets.
Islamic State has said Goto was held along with a Jordanian pilot. Efforts to win their release had focused on the possible release of an Iraqi would-be suicide bomber jailed in Jordan 10 years ago. The video did not mention the pilot.
Japan condemned the militants and said Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's cabinet would meet in response to the video, which showed a hooded man standing over Goto with a knife to his throat, followed by footage of a head put on the back of a human body.
The release of the video came exactly a week after footage purportedly showing the beheaded body of another Japanese hostage Haruna Yukawa.
"I cannot help feeling strong indignation that an inhuman and despicable act of terrorism like this has been committed again," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said, adding the video appeared to show Goto. "We resolutely condemn this."
A grim-faced Abe told reporters Japan would not give in to terrorism and said his country would work with international partners to bring those responsible for Goto's apparent killing to justice.
A White House spokeswoman said the United States was working to confirm the authenticity of the latest video and "strongly condemns" the militant group's actions.
The Islamic State threats to kill their Japanese hostages came after Abe announced $200 million in non-military aid for countries contending with Islamic State. His government has rejected any suggestion it acted rashly and stressed the assistance was humanitarian.
Addressing Abe, the militant in the video said: "Because of your reckless decision to take part in an unwinnable war, this knife will not only slaughter Kenji, but will also carry on and cause carnage wherever your people are found. So let the nightmare for Japan begin."
The militant had the same British accent as the man featured in previous Islamic State videos showing beheadings. Goto wore an orange jumpsuit like Islamic State captives in past footage.
The landscape in the video showed a hill and land covered in scrub, and appeared different to the desert setting of previous videos.
Islamic State, which has seized large swaths of Iraq and Syria, has beheaded a number of Western journalists and aid workers, saying they were paying the price for their governments' fight against the group.
It has also killed many local people, through beheadings, stonings and shootings, accusing them of violating their hardline interpretation of Islamic law.
In November the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said Islamic State had killed 1,432 Syrians off the battlefield since the end of June when it declared a caliphate in the territory under its control.
There was no mention in the one-minute video of Jordanian pilot Muath al-Kasaesbeh who was seized by Islamic State after his jet crashed in northeast Syria in December during a bombing mission against the militants.
An audio message purportedly from Goto earlier this week said Kasaesbeh would be killed if Jordan did not free Iraqi Sajida al-Rishawi, in jail for her role in a 2005 suicide bomb attack that killed 60 people in the Jordanian capital Amman.
Abe's government had put high priority on seeking the release of Goto, a veteran war correspondent captured by the militants in late October when he went to Syria seeking Yukawa's release.
Japan PM Abe condemns Islamic State, vows justice for Goto
"I feel strong indignation at this inhumane and contemptible act of terrorism," a grim-faced Abe said in brief remarks to reporters. "I will never forgive these terrorists."
"Japan will work with the international community to bring those responsible for this crime to justice," he said, reiterating that Japan would not give in to terrorism.
'Islamic State video of Goto killing appears genuine'
The video purporting to show the beheading of Japanese journalist Kenji Goto by Islamic State militants appears genuine, Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said on Sunday.
Tokyo's Metropolitan Police Department reported to a meeting of ministers from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government that the video "has a high degree of credibility," Nakatani told reporters.
Islamic State, which has seized large swaths of Iraq and Syria, has beheaded a number of Western journalists and aid workers, saying they were paying the price for their governments' fight against the group.
It has also killed many local people, through beheadings, stonings and shootings, accusing them of violating their hardline interpretation of Islamic law.
In November the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said Islamic State had killed 1,432 Syrians off the battlefield since the end of June when it declared a caliphate in the territory under its control.
There was no mention in the one-minute video of Jordanian pilot Muath al-Kasaesbeh who was seized by Islamic State after his jet crashed in northeast Syria in December during a bombing mission against the militants.
An audio message purportedly from Goto earlier this week said Kasaesbeh would be killed if Jordan did not free Iraqi Sajida al-Rishawi, in jail for her role in a 2005 suicide bomb attack that killed 60 people in the Jordanian capital Amman.
Abe's government had put high priority on seeking the release of Goto, a veteran war correspondent captured by the militants in late October when he went to Syria seeking Yukawa's release.
Japan PM Abe condemns Islamic State, vows justice for Goto
"I feel strong indignation at this inhumane and contemptible act of terrorism," a grim-faced Abe said in brief remarks to reporters. "I will never forgive these terrorists."
"Japan will work with the international community to bring those responsible for this crime to justice," he said, reiterating that Japan would not give in to terrorism.
'Islamic State video of Goto killing appears genuine'
The video purporting to show the beheading of Japanese journalist Kenji Goto by Islamic State militants appears genuine, Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said on Sunday.
Tokyo's Metropolitan Police Department reported to a meeting of ministers from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government that the video "has a high degree of credibility," Nakatani told reporters.
Saturday 31 January 2015
Serena Williams beats Maria Sharapova to win sixth Australian Open title
Serena Williams won her 19th Grand Slam title, continued her unbeaten run in six Australian Open finals and extended her decade-long domination of Maria Sharapova with a 6-3, 7-6 (5) win on Saturday night.
After celebrating prematurely on her third match point, letting her racket go after serving what she thought was an ace but learning that it was a let, top-ranked Williams took a deep breath and fired another ace - her 15th of the set and 18th of the match - to seal it.
This time, the celebration was real. She jumped around like a little child, bouncing up and down, before shaking hands with Sharapova at the net.
"Growing up I wasn't the richest but I had a rich family in spirit and support and you know standing here with 19 championships is something I never thought would happen," Williams said. "I went on the courts with just a ball, and a racket and a hope, that's all I had.
"I'm so honored to be here tonight and to hold this 19th trophy @ my favorite stadium."
Williams, coughing frequently and still affected by a recent cold, controlled the first set around a rain delay in the sixth game, when the match was stopped for 13 minutes for the roof to be closed. Williams came back on court momentarily near the end of the break, but returned to the locker room with a hacking cough. She later said she had vomited before returning to Rod Laver Arena to continue.
It didn't show. She came back from the break and fired an ace to start a run of six straight points. She was broken while serving for the set but broke Sharapova for a third time to clinch it.
The 33-year-old Williams, the oldest winner of the Australian women's title in the Open era, won the first six points of the second set and seemed on course for another lopsided victory before Sharapova hit back to set up a dramatic second set.
Sharapova saved two match points, including one in the 10th game when she bravely hit a forehand winner down the line - applauded by Williams. She twice held serve to stay in the match.
The No. 2-ranked Sharapova forced a tiebreaker and then took the first point off Williams when she leaped into a service return down the line. But Williams rallied again and relied on her serve to keep the points short, missing a second set point when Sharapova hit a winning service return. Williams didn't relent, though, and secured the title that lifted her above Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, who had 18 Grand Slam singles titles.
Williams has now won 16 in a row and is 17-2 in career matches against five-time major winner Sharapova, who hasn't won a head-to-head meeting since 2004.
Two of Williams' six Australian titles have come with straights-set wins in the final against Sharapova, the first in 2007. For 2008 champion Sharapova, it was a third loss in a final at Melbourne Park.
"I haven't beaten her in a long time but I love every time I step on the court with her," said Sharapova, who had to save two match points in the second round. "I've had some of the best memories of my career on this court and also some of my toughest losses, but that's the life of a tennis player."
Sushma Swaraj set for rare meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who arrives in Beijing on Saturday evening on a three-day visit, will on Monday hold rare talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, underlining the importance China is placing on the visit.
Officials told India Today the Chinese President will meet Swaraj on Monday afternoon at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, the expansive Chinese Parliament building where foreign heads of state are usually welcomed.
It is not a very frequent occurrence, officials said, that Xi meets with Foreign Ministers from overseas, who are usually granted an audience with the second-ranked Premier or other leaders from the elite 7-member Politburo Standing Committee.
Swaraj's visit has taken on significance in the wake of US President Barack Obama's recently concluded visit to India, which saw the India and US announce for the first time a joint strategic vision for the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean.
The vision expresses both countries' concern over the South China Sea dispute - an issue considered sensitive for China. Beijing this week reiterated its position that it believed the dispute was only for the parties directly concerned to resolve.
Officials said Xi's meeting with Swaraj was in the works before Obama's visit to India, so was not related to this week's developments.
Swaraj's visit is expected to lay the ground work for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China, set to take place in the first half of this year.
Swaraj will begin her visit on Sunday by launching a Media Forum between Chinese and Indian journalists. On Sunday afternoon, she will hold bilateral talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in central Beijing.
On Monday, Swaraj will attend the Russia-India-China Foreign Ministers' meeting, which will send a signal that despite India's deepening of ties with Washington, it will continue with a multi-aligned foreign policy and bolster its relations with both China and Russia, which currently has particularly tense relations with the US.
Officials told India Today the Chinese President will meet Swaraj on Monday afternoon at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, the expansive Chinese Parliament building where foreign heads of state are usually welcomed.
It is not a very frequent occurrence, officials said, that Xi meets with Foreign Ministers from overseas, who are usually granted an audience with the second-ranked Premier or other leaders from the elite 7-member Politburo Standing Committee.
Swaraj's visit has taken on significance in the wake of US President Barack Obama's recently concluded visit to India, which saw the India and US announce for the first time a joint strategic vision for the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean.
The vision expresses both countries' concern over the South China Sea dispute - an issue considered sensitive for China. Beijing this week reiterated its position that it believed the dispute was only for the parties directly concerned to resolve.
Officials said Xi's meeting with Swaraj was in the works before Obama's visit to India, so was not related to this week's developments.
Swaraj's visit is expected to lay the ground work for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China, set to take place in the first half of this year.
Swaraj will begin her visit on Sunday by launching a Media Forum between Chinese and Indian journalists. On Sunday afternoon, she will hold bilateral talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in central Beijing.
On Monday, Swaraj will attend the Russia-India-China Foreign Ministers' meeting, which will send a signal that despite India's deepening of ties with Washington, it will continue with a multi-aligned foreign policy and bolster its relations with both China and Russia, which currently has particularly tense relations with the US.
Modi attacks Kejriwal, says Delhi won't vote for betrayers
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is confident that Delhi will get a Chief Minister from Krishna Nagar. Addressing a poll rally in Karkarduma, East Delhi, the PM asked the people of Delhi to vote for a BJP government as it can work in tandem with the centre.
"Elect a government with whom I can work shoulder to shoulder towards making a positive difference in your lives," Modi said.
Making an indirect attack on the Aam Aadmi Party, he said: "People can make a mistake once, but not again and again. One year back, Delhi people had voted with dreams.
"Last year, those whom you people voted, back-stabbed you and shattered your dreams," the prime minister said.
"Delhi won't vote for betrayers," he added.
Modi said the entire world was watching the Delhi polls.
"If India needs to be introduced to the world, then Delhi is the best place to showcase.
"All events in the capital have an imprint on not only the country but the entire world. It represents India," he said.
1. We are moving towards victory in Delhi, this time the Chief Minister will be from Krishna Nagar.
2. This election will set a view of India in front of the entire world.
3. I have come to Delhi not just to rule at the centre, but to serve you and work with equal force.
4. Have come to reinstate Delhi and fix the damage that was caused in the last 15 years.
5. You must check the track record of the big-talkers around you, you can fool someone, but only once.
6. A year ago the people of Delhi voted with some dreams, but those very people betrayed you, led you to instability.
7. People of Delhi endowed us with immense love, but did not give us the opportunity to rule the govt last time.
8. When BJP came to power in Haryana, CM took effective steps to give water to Delhi.
9. Both Delhi and Haryana were ruled by Congress, but still the people of Delhi were bothered about problems of drinking water.
10. People of Delhi endowed us with immense love, but did not give us the opportunity to rule the govt last time.
11. By the time we celebrate the 75th year of independent India, we will ensure that all slums are replaced by cemented houses.
12. If the world is looking upto India today, it's not because of Modi but because of its people.
13. Had Obama come to Delhi only as Chief Guest & nothing worthwhile would have happened, our critiques would have willfully condemned me.
2. This election will set a view of India in front of the entire world.
3. I have come to Delhi not just to rule at the centre, but to serve you and work with equal force.
4. Have come to reinstate Delhi and fix the damage that was caused in the last 15 years.
5. You must check the track record of the big-talkers around you, you can fool someone, but only once.
6. A year ago the people of Delhi voted with some dreams, but those very people betrayed you, led you to instability.
7. People of Delhi endowed us with immense love, but did not give us the opportunity to rule the govt last time.
8. When BJP came to power in Haryana, CM took effective steps to give water to Delhi.
9. Both Delhi and Haryana were ruled by Congress, but still the people of Delhi were bothered about problems of drinking water.
10. People of Delhi endowed us with immense love, but did not give us the opportunity to rule the govt last time.
11. By the time we celebrate the 75th year of independent India, we will ensure that all slums are replaced by cemented houses.
12. If the world is looking upto India today, it's not because of Modi but because of its people.
13. Had Obama come to Delhi only as Chief Guest & nothing worthwhile would have happened, our critiques would have willfully condemned me.
AAP releases manifesto, promises Jan Lokpal and statehood to Delhi
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Saturday released manifesto for its upcoming polls in Delhi.
Releasing the manifesto, AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal said, "environment, women, autowalas, traffic, economy, we have covered all these areas in our manifesto."
Among the significant announcements in the manifesto, the party promised to push for Delhi's statehood and bring down the VAT charges in Delhi to the lowest level among all states and Union Territories within five years. The party made a host of promises in its manifesto like 24X7 "affordable" power supply, free Wi-Fi across the city, installation of at least 10 lakh CCTV cameras for women security, making water a legal right and slashing VAT significantly.
In order to ensure women security, the party promised to install 10-15 lakh CCTV cameras all over the city along with ensuring a security guard in every bus.
"If 15,000 CCTV cameras can be installed for Barack Obama why can't the same be done for our mothers and sisters? We will install 10-15 lakh CCTV cameras along with putting a security guard in every bus," the former Chief Minister said.
The manifesto also reiterates the party's long-standing promise of slashing power tariff by half till the audit of private discoms.
"We will slash the power tariff by half. After that we will ensure a rigorous audit of the private discoms which have had a free run till now," Kejriwal said, adding water availability will be made a "legal right".
AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal said the document was not just another electoral document but the party's "Geeta, Bible, Quran and Guru Granth Sahib" which it will implement point-by-point if voted to power.
"We have made special reservations for senior citizens in our manifesto, and also the youth," Kejriwal added.
He said that party would implement all the promises made in their manifesto as they had done in the earlier rule of 49 days.
"We want a Delhi where everyone will be proud of calling himself or herself its resident. Where every class grows equally, irrespective of caste or religion," Kejriwal said adding the manifesto is a product of four months of "intense research".
The Aam Aadmi Party also promised to ensure all round development of Delhi to make it a global city.
Taking a dig at BJP for not coming out with a manifesto, Kejriwal said that the BJP was shying away from making any promises as they had not fulfilled any of the promises they had made at the time of the Lok Sabha election.
"What to say about fulfilling promises, they (BJP) have not taken any steps in that direction," the AAP leader said.
He added: "BJP had talked of bringing down prices but they are rising unabated. They had also talked of bringing down the rate of electricity charges but the same has been hiked twice since they came to power."
With regard to the Congress, Kejriwal said that in their rule of 15 years they released three manifestos in which they had made tall claims, but sadly most of their promises have not realised.
Delhi will go to polls on February 7 and the results will be announced on February 10.
Thursday 29 January 2015
Cameron Diaz & Benji Madden spotted for the first time post wedding
It was a great day for paparazzis as Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden were spotted for the first time after their top-secret nuptials earlier this month.
The newlyweds were having a double date with Benji's twin brother Joel Madden and his wife Nicole Richie at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, reported Ace Showbiz.
The duo did their best to hide from being spotted, they drove in through the back of the hotel rather than pulling up front for the valet.
In some pictures, Cameron, 42, and 35 Benji were seen leaving the hotel in a silver car. The 'Sex Tape' actress sat in the passenger seat while her husband, who wore a black cap, was behind the wheel. Their siblings-in-law, meanwhile, could be seen walking together with their children Harlow and Sparrow.
Nicole, who recently dyed her hair pink, sported a long-sleeved striped top paired with ripped jean shorts. She completed her look with black sunglasses, black shoulder bag and matching flat shoes. Joel, meanwhile, donned a black short-sleeved shirt over a black tee and black pants. He completed his look with a black hat, black sunglasses and black-and-white sneakers.
The two couples enjoyed a lunch at the Cabana restaurant.
Cameron secretly got married to Benji on January 5 at their Beverly Hills pad in front of family and close friends including Drew Barrymore, Reese Witherspoon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Samantha Ronson and Robin Antin.
In some pictures, Cameron, 42, and 35 Benji were seen leaving the hotel in a silver car. The 'Sex Tape' actress sat in the passenger seat while her husband, who wore a black cap, was behind the wheel. Their siblings-in-law, meanwhile, could be seen walking together with their children Harlow and Sparrow.
Nicole, who recently dyed her hair pink, sported a long-sleeved striped top paired with ripped jean shorts. She completed her look with black sunglasses, black shoulder bag and matching flat shoes. Joel, meanwhile, donned a black short-sleeved shirt over a black tee and black pants. He completed his look with a black hat, black sunglasses and black-and-white sneakers.
The two couples enjoyed a lunch at the Cabana restaurant.
Cameron secretly got married to Benji on January 5 at their Beverly Hills pad in front of family and close friends including Drew Barrymore, Reese Witherspoon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Samantha Ronson and Robin Antin.
ICC reinstates Super Over in case of tie in World Cup final
A Super Over could decide the 2015 World Cup winner in case the final ends in a tie at the Melbourne Cricket Ground March 29. The decision was made by the International Cricket Council (ICC) following its Board meeting here on Thursday.
The ICC reinstated the use of Super Over in the event of a tie during the World Cup final, replicating the arrangements of the 2011 edition final and other ICC events where a winner is determined via a Super Over, in case of a tie in the final, as it is the most credible way to separate two sides.
The board also approved a change to the application of ICC Code of Conduct offences relating to slow over-rates so that captains do not carry any prior offences or suspensions from other series.
This means all captains will enter the World Cup with no over-rate offences against them and will only be suspended from playing a World Cup match if over-rate offences are committed during the event. Any offence incurred prior will be carried forward to the first bilateral series after the event.
In decisions relating to on-field player behaviour, the ICC reiterated its support for umpires clamping down on poor behaviour, particularly leading into and during the World Cup.
The board also discussed issues about player safety following the tragic death of Australia batsman Phillip Hughes during a first-class match. It was briefed on the ICC-supported research project to improve the safety of helmets.
It was noted that helmet manufacturers have now introduced a number of new models that comply with the updated standards and that an increasing number of international players have been choosing to wear the new models.
The board also approved the dates of ICC events through to 2019 which includes the 2016 World Twenty20 to be held in India. The tournament will be played from March 11 to April 3 in 2016.
The ICC also approved the dates for the next 50-over World Cup to be played in England in 2019. That edition will be held from May 30 to July 15 in 2019.
India eyeing England scalp to seal final berth
An under-fire India will be hoping to get their act together in the virtual semifinal against a better-placed England in the final league match of the cricket tri-series on Friday.
Lucky to share two points with Australia (who are already in the finals) in the washed off game in Sydney, the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led side will not only try to address its bowling worries but also try to pull up its batting socks.
Failing to register a win in the league stage so far, the Indian bowlers were unable to defend their 267 runs in their first match, while the team was shot for 153 in the second game against England.
All eyes were on Rohit Sharma's fitness after the opener failed to take part in the last two ODIs post a fluent 138 in the team's opener against the hosts but the team management is not looking to risk his strained hamstring so close to the World Cup.
After undergoing a fitness test at WACA yesterday, Rohit batted in the nets for a while today and did look comfortable. But surprisingly he is still unavailable for selection for this upcoming match.
Ajinkya Rahane has shown flexibility with the think-tank still tinkering with the team's batting order as Ambati Rayudu looks uncomfortable at the number three position.
Shikhar Dhawan's batting form has also contributed to India's dismal showing in the ODIs as the left-handed opener has just managed 11 runs in three matches to give the team a big reason to worry before the World Cup.
Dhawan enjoyed a brilliant outing in the 2013 Champions Trophy in England, scoring back-to-back hundreds that helped him accumulate 363 runs in just five matches at an average of 90.75. He won the man-of-the-tournament award back then, but ever since it has been downhill.
The rest of the cast has also not been consistent and Virat Kohli is still trying to find his groove at the No.4 spot that the Indian think-tank seems to be settling him into.
Even after getting stick from the Australian batsmen in the Test matches and the Indian critics, the bowlers still continue to leak runs without picking many wickets.
With Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Shami still trying to find the right length all through the Australian summer, spinners Akshar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin find little help from the fast-paced tracks.
Ishant though is expected to be given a run-in again after missing out due to the weather in Sydney.
A bowling all-rounder is what India have been searching for and if Stuart Binny -- who scored a valiant 44 and picked up the only wicket to fall in a losing cause against England -- can deliver, then the Men in Blue will fancy their chances against Eoin Morgan and company.
England though also have had a patchy run in this tournament so far but have certainly looked much better than India on the field. Getting a bonus point against Dhoni and company in the nine-wicket win in Brisbane has been their high-point so far as they lost both their ODIs against arch-rivals Australia.
With five points from three games, England certainly have the upper hand in the knockout game but WACA is always a different ball game for any visiting side.
Their bowling led by James Anderson has made the right noises before the 50-over showpiece event but the batting form of most of their top stars has been inconsistent.
Opener Ian Bell though tops the run-scorers list in this series so far, with 229 runs from three matches - a ton and a half-century. All-rounder Moeen Ali provides England with not only a good opening batting option but also gives them the vital breakthroughs with his wily off-spinners.
So going by the performances so far, England do start as favourites in the upcoming clash but India have a golden chance to reverse the trend this weekend and re-start their World Cup campaign on a more positive note.
Lucky to share two points with Australia (who are already in the finals) in the washed off game in Sydney, the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led side will not only try to address its bowling worries but also try to pull up its batting socks.
Failing to register a win in the league stage so far, the Indian bowlers were unable to defend their 267 runs in their first match, while the team was shot for 153 in the second game against England.
All eyes were on Rohit Sharma's fitness after the opener failed to take part in the last two ODIs post a fluent 138 in the team's opener against the hosts but the team management is not looking to risk his strained hamstring so close to the World Cup.
After undergoing a fitness test at WACA yesterday, Rohit batted in the nets for a while today and did look comfortable. But surprisingly he is still unavailable for selection for this upcoming match.
Ajinkya Rahane has shown flexibility with the think-tank still tinkering with the team's batting order as Ambati Rayudu looks uncomfortable at the number three position.
Shikhar Dhawan's batting form has also contributed to India's dismal showing in the ODIs as the left-handed opener has just managed 11 runs in three matches to give the team a big reason to worry before the World Cup.
Dhawan enjoyed a brilliant outing in the 2013 Champions Trophy in England, scoring back-to-back hundreds that helped him accumulate 363 runs in just five matches at an average of 90.75. He won the man-of-the-tournament award back then, but ever since it has been downhill.
The rest of the cast has also not been consistent and Virat Kohli is still trying to find his groove at the No.4 spot that the Indian think-tank seems to be settling him into.
Even after getting stick from the Australian batsmen in the Test matches and the Indian critics, the bowlers still continue to leak runs without picking many wickets.
With Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Shami still trying to find the right length all through the Australian summer, spinners Akshar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin find little help from the fast-paced tracks.
Ishant though is expected to be given a run-in again after missing out due to the weather in Sydney.
A bowling all-rounder is what India have been searching for and if Stuart Binny -- who scored a valiant 44 and picked up the only wicket to fall in a losing cause against England -- can deliver, then the Men in Blue will fancy their chances against Eoin Morgan and company.
England though also have had a patchy run in this tournament so far but have certainly looked much better than India on the field. Getting a bonus point against Dhoni and company in the nine-wicket win in Brisbane has been their high-point so far as they lost both their ODIs against arch-rivals Australia.
With five points from three games, England certainly have the upper hand in the knockout game but WACA is always a different ball game for any visiting side.
Their bowling led by James Anderson has made the right noises before the 50-over showpiece event but the batting form of most of their top stars has been inconsistent.
Opener Ian Bell though tops the run-scorers list in this series so far, with 229 runs from three matches - a ton and a half-century. All-rounder Moeen Ali provides England with not only a good opening batting option but also gives them the vital breakthroughs with his wily off-spinners.
So going by the performances so far, England do start as favourites in the upcoming clash but India have a golden chance to reverse the trend this weekend and re-start their World Cup campaign on a more positive note.
PM Modi wears Rs.10-lakh suit, says Rahul Gandhi
ongress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi, addressing an election rally in Delhi on Thursday, attacked the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for wearing a suit that carried his name where holding talks with US President Barack Obama on January 25. He also targeted the Aam Aadmi Party.
Here are 11 things Rahul Gandhi said in his rally in Seelampur:
1. Modi-ji promised to credit Rs.15 lakh in everyone's account. Did you get the amount? No, you didn't but Modi-ji is wearing Rs.10 lakh suit."
2. "The AAP has just one agenda: to stop Congress from coming to power".
3. "Wherever there are elections, they have communal clashes. Did you see any AAP or BJP MLA in Trilokpuri? You only saw Congress.
4. "The Congress party will not become weak."
5. ""Delhi is the capital of nation. It's everyone's city. If we have to take Delhi ahead, we'll have to take everyone forward. We want everyone to be part of Delhi's progress."
6. "We will provide the right to shelter to every poor person."
7. "We will regularise contract workers and temporary workers and make them permanent".
8. "When the UPA ruled, Arvind Kejriwal raised issues of rape and corruption and held protests. Now when there is a NDA government, rape cases in Delhi have increased by 30 per cent but Kejriwal did not hold any protest."
9. "Let me tell you what Congress will do. There will be a government of brotherhood. We ruled here for 15 years and not a single riot took place."
10. "We will provide shelter to every poor person of Delhi so that they also feel that Delhi is their city."
11. The BJP wants to divide Hindus and Muslims, wants the poor to fight. That is what their strategy is so that a few corporates can benefit."
5 questions BJP has asked Arvind Kejriwal
Just hours after a crucial meeting of the BJP to draw up a final battle plan for the Delhi assembly polls, party leader Rajiv Pratap Rudy on Thursday shot five questions at Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal, highlighting his supposed "failure to keep up his promise" to the people.
At Thursday's strategic meeting, the BJP had decided to deploy over 120 MPs from various states to beef up the party's poll campaign in the capital. It also decided to field five questions daily to AAP leader until the elections.
At the ensuing press conference on Thursday afternoon, Rudy fielded five questions for Kejriwal.
1. Why use security despite pledging not to?
2. Why use metro once only and then use official car?
3. Why did you use private jet for personal use?
4. Why did AAP take Congress support to form government? and
5. Why no action was taken against Sheila Dikshit?
Apparently, the BJP has decided to go into a full battle mode in a bid to counter the AAP and secure a majority in the Delhi elections due on February 7.
Several important decisions were taken at the party's strategy meeting at the party headquarters on Thursday. It was attended by several top leaders of the party and was chaired by party chief Amit Shah.
The party has roped in 120 MPs and hundreds of party workers from 13 states to Delhi to run the election campaign as it reached feverish pitch.
There will be 250 BJP rallies in the city in the next few days and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address four of them.
"We will do micro-management of the elections. We will be fighting for two-third majority," Bangalore South MP and senior party leader Ananth Kumartold reporters after the meeting.
There will also be daily assessment of the campaign, he said.
The party however will not release a manifesto, but only "a vision document."
At Thursday's strategic meeting, the BJP had decided to deploy over 120 MPs from various states to beef up the party's poll campaign in the capital. It also decided to field five questions daily to AAP leader until the elections.
At the ensuing press conference on Thursday afternoon, Rudy fielded five questions for Kejriwal.
1. Why use security despite pledging not to?
2. Why use metro once only and then use official car?
3. Why did you use private jet for personal use?
4. Why did AAP take Congress support to form government? and
5. Why no action was taken against Sheila Dikshit?
Apparently, the BJP has decided to go into a full battle mode in a bid to counter the AAP and secure a majority in the Delhi elections due on February 7.
Several important decisions were taken at the party's strategy meeting at the party headquarters on Thursday. It was attended by several top leaders of the party and was chaired by party chief Amit Shah.
The party has roped in 120 MPs and hundreds of party workers from 13 states to Delhi to run the election campaign as it reached feverish pitch.
There will be 250 BJP rallies in the city in the next few days and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address four of them.
"We will do micro-management of the elections. We will be fighting for two-third majority," Bangalore South MP and senior party leader Ananth Kumartold reporters after the meeting.
There will also be daily assessment of the campaign, he said.
The party however will not release a manifesto, but only "a vision document."
Saturday 17 January 2015
British royals Kate, William and Harry join Instagram and Twitter
Get ready to get updates from popular British Royals - Prince William, Katherine Middleton and Prince Harry as the three have joined Twitter and Instagram.
The British Monarchy's Twitter page gave a formal introduction to @KensingtonRoyal yesterday, tweeting, "Welcome @KensingtonRoyal, the official twitter account for The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry."
The palace then followed up with some introductory tweets of its own, "Hello from Kensington Palace! Welcome to our new Twitter account." "This account represents The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, follow for updates on their work and the #RoyalFoundation," a tweet said.
The move shows greater independence for the young royals from Prince Charles and wife Camilla and just a few hours after launching, the account had picked up nearly 100,000 followers.
However, only 75 accounts were deemed worthy of a royal follow. The young royals have previously used the Clarence House Twitter to publicise their duties but staff have now created one for Kensington Palace.
The trio also joined Instagram and shared some photos on it. On Twitter and Instagram, Kensington Palace shared updates about the Coach Core charity, launched by William, Kate and Harry's Royal Foundation to train young people to become sports coaches and mentors.
Press office staff are expected to update the feed with live pictures and information from official engagements. This is not the first Twitter account from the Royal Family. The @BritishMonarchy account was set up in 2009 and keeps the Twittersphere updated with the comings and goings from Buckingham Palace.
The palace then followed up with some introductory tweets of its own, "Hello from Kensington Palace! Welcome to our new Twitter account." "This account represents The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, follow for updates on their work and the #RoyalFoundation," a tweet said.
The move shows greater independence for the young royals from Prince Charles and wife Camilla and just a few hours after launching, the account had picked up nearly 100,000 followers.
However, only 75 accounts were deemed worthy of a royal follow. The young royals have previously used the Clarence House Twitter to publicise their duties but staff have now created one for Kensington Palace.
The trio also joined Instagram and shared some photos on it. On Twitter and Instagram, Kensington Palace shared updates about the Coach Core charity, launched by William, Kate and Harry's Royal Foundation to train young people to become sports coaches and mentors.
Press office staff are expected to update the feed with live pictures and information from official engagements. This is not the first Twitter account from the Royal Family. The @BritishMonarchy account was set up in 2009 and keeps the Twittersphere updated with the comings and goings from Buckingham Palace.
Gwyneth Paltrow approves of Chris Martin's girlfriend Jennifer Lawrence
Though actress Jennifer Lawrence and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin are in a rumoured relationship, actress Gwyneth Paltrow says she doesn't disapprove of them as a couple.
Paltrow, who split from Martin after 10 years together in March 2014, opened up while talking to Howard Stern on his SiriusXM radio show, reports mirror.co.uk.
"Who says I don't approve of Jennifer Lawrence?" she said when questioned about their relationship.
"I respect him as the father of my children…It's his decision...He wouldn't be with someone who isn't great," Paltrow added.
The actress, who has daughter Apple, 10, and eight-year-old son Moses with Martin, insisted that even after split they are "always going to be family".
"We laugh and we have fun but there are times when it's really difficult. Things happen and you're like, I'm sure he doesn't want to hang out with me and I don't want to hang out with him but for the sake of the kids, you do it.
"But you also don't do it all tense. You say, 'I really want to find the love for you and I want to forgive you and I want you to forgive me and let's have some fun as a family,'" she said.
"I respect him as the father of my children…It's his decision...He wouldn't be with someone who isn't great," Paltrow added.
The actress, who has daughter Apple, 10, and eight-year-old son Moses with Martin, insisted that even after split they are "always going to be family".
"We laugh and we have fun but there are times when it's really difficult. Things happen and you're like, I'm sure he doesn't want to hang out with me and I don't want to hang out with him but for the sake of the kids, you do it.
"But you also don't do it all tense. You say, 'I really want to find the love for you and I want to forgive you and I want you to forgive me and let's have some fun as a family,'" she said.
Jennifer Aniston, Angelina Jolie 'almost' face each other after six years
Can you feel the tension? Well, we can - with the thought that Mrs Brad Pitt and former Mrs Brad Pitt actually came together for Critics Choice Awards. The interesting part is, the two celebrities 'almost' missed each other on the red carpet during their arrival.
Indeed a tough time for Jennifer Aniston specially, who was first snubbed by Oscars nominations yesterday and then she had to face Jolie on a public platform for the first time in 6 years.
The organisers of the show ensured a careful seating arrangement, getting them as far as possible. During the event, while Aniston lost to Julianne Moore in the best actress category, Jolie also lost to in the directing category to Richard Linklater.
The former 'Friends' star came to the function with her fiance Justin Theroux but Jolie was spotted alone without Brad Pitt (thank god for that)
The organisers of the show ensured a careful seating arrangement, getting them as far as possible. During the event, while Aniston lost to Julianne Moore in the best actress category, Jolie also lost to in the directing category to Richard Linklater.
The former 'Friends' star came to the function with her fiance Justin Theroux but Jolie was spotted alone without Brad Pitt (thank god for that)
PM Modi promises reforms 'at top speed'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday promised reforms "at top speed" with positive regulatory framework, tax stability and boost to infrastructure to help take the economy to USD 20 trillion from USD 2 trillion.
Asserting that development has to result in jobs, he said the government will change rules, reform tax system and target subsidies to the needy.
"A positive regulatory framework, tax stability and ease of doing business are being pushed ahead at top speed.
"We are cutting down on multiple clearances that choke investment. Our complex tax system is crying for reform which we have initiated. I believe in speed, I will push through change at a fast pace. You will appreciate this in times to come," he said addressing Economic Times Global Business Summit here.
Maintaining that improvement in governance is a continuous process, Modi said government was making changes wherever as rules and procedures were not in tune with the needs.
After two back-to-back years of below 5 per cent growth, governance at rock-bottom and a series of scam, the transition of the New Age India has begun, he said.
"We have to repair the damage that has happened.
Restoring growth momentum will be an uphill task. It will take hard work, sustained commitment and strong administrative action. But we can overcome the mood of despair," he said.
Stating that transparency and efficiency in governance and institutional reforms are essential elements for rapid growth, he said the government was "moving fast in designing policies and laws to promote growth".
Infrastructure, he said, is being given a boost and "new approaches and instruments are being put in place" to attract greater investment in sectors like railways and roads.
Outlining his agenda, Modi said fiscal deficit targets will not be breached, inflation will be controlled through firm measures, GST will be implemented and schemes like Jan Dhan Yojana will be pursued to get poor included in the financial system and the rupee will be made more productive.
Modi said there was no contradiction between doing big ticket items and doing small things.
A massive national programme for computerisation of public distribution system (PDS), right from FCI godwons to ration shops and consumers, will be launched, he said, adding subsidises are needed for poor and there was a need to cut subsidy leakages.
Stating that the cash subsidy transfer to users of cooking gas (LPG) was the world's largest cash transfer programme, he said, "we plant to introduce direct cash transfers in other benefit schemes."
"We are committed to achieving the fiscal deficit target announced in the Budget. We have worked systematically in this direction," he said, adding cutting wasteful expenditure would help achieve the target.
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