23:43
Karthick Dharman
Posted in: Tamil ActorsSaturday, 27 August 2011
Johnson Wins Barclays To Kick-Off Fedexcup Playoffs
EDISON (New Jersey): Dustin Johnson fired a six-under 65 on Saturday to launch the FedExCup playoffs with a two-shot win over US Ryder Cup teammate Matt Kuchar at The Barclays, an event cut to 54 holes because of Hurricane Irene.
Johnson ended with a 19-under total of 194 at a rain-softened Plainfield Country Club after a day of intermittent showers ahead of the approaching storm.
"This feels great," said the 27-year-old after claiming his fifth US Tour win and first this season after four top-four results including runner-up finishes at the British Open and WGC-Cadillac Championship.
"I feel like I've played pretty well all year but just haven't quite been able to get that win. The putter has been lacking a little bit. This week I finally rolled in some putts."
Holder Kuchar began the day one ahead of Johnson and Vijay Singh of Fiji and was tied with his fellow American at 19-under before taking three-putt bogeys on the par-five 12th and par-four 13th.
An eagle two at the fourth from a greenside bunker gave Johnson an early lead as the big-hitter blitzed his way to a six-under 29 on the front nine.
FRONT NINE FEAST
He feasted on the outward half in every round, shooting 29 on Friday and 30 in the opening round for a cumulative 17 under par on that nine.
"I don't know what it is about the front nine but I played it pretty well," said Johnson. "I wish we could have just kept playing the front nine."
Singh returned a 68 to finish tied for third with American Brandt Snedeker on 197.
Snedeker compiled a spectacular 10-under 61 after starting his round with five successive birdies.
Another shot back on 198 was American Jonathan Byrd, one ahead of Yang Yong-eun of South Korea, Britons Justin Rose and Brian Davis and Camilo Villegas of Colombia.
Yang, the 2009 US PGA champion, also flirted with breaking 60 as he reeled off six birdies in a row from the second and was nine-under for the day with three holes to play before missing a birdie putt at 16 and taking bogey at 17 to record a 63.
The victory lifted world number nine Johnson to the top of the FedExCup standings ahead of next week's Deutsche Bank Championship, the second tournament of the four-event series that pays the overall winner a $10 million bonus.
The top 100 on the points list qualify for the Deutsche Bank event that starts on Friday.
Asked if he had thought about the big cash bonus, Johnson said: "It would look good in the bank account that's for sure".
As if to vindicate the organisers for reducing the tournament to 54 holes, it began pouring with rain around an hour after the final putt was holed.
Johnson ended with a 19-under total of 194 at a rain-softened Plainfield Country Club after a day of intermittent showers ahead of the approaching storm.
"This feels great," said the 27-year-old after claiming his fifth US Tour win and first this season after four top-four results including runner-up finishes at the British Open and WGC-Cadillac Championship.
"I feel like I've played pretty well all year but just haven't quite been able to get that win. The putter has been lacking a little bit. This week I finally rolled in some putts."
Holder Kuchar began the day one ahead of Johnson and Vijay Singh of Fiji and was tied with his fellow American at 19-under before taking three-putt bogeys on the par-five 12th and par-four 13th.
An eagle two at the fourth from a greenside bunker gave Johnson an early lead as the big-hitter blitzed his way to a six-under 29 on the front nine.
FRONT NINE FEAST
He feasted on the outward half in every round, shooting 29 on Friday and 30 in the opening round for a cumulative 17 under par on that nine.
"I don't know what it is about the front nine but I played it pretty well," said Johnson. "I wish we could have just kept playing the front nine."
Singh returned a 68 to finish tied for third with American Brandt Snedeker on 197.
Snedeker compiled a spectacular 10-under 61 after starting his round with five successive birdies.
Another shot back on 198 was American Jonathan Byrd, one ahead of Yang Yong-eun of South Korea, Britons Justin Rose and Brian Davis and Camilo Villegas of Colombia.
Yang, the 2009 US PGA champion, also flirted with breaking 60 as he reeled off six birdies in a row from the second and was nine-under for the day with three holes to play before missing a birdie putt at 16 and taking bogey at 17 to record a 63.
The victory lifted world number nine Johnson to the top of the FedExCup standings ahead of next week's Deutsche Bank Championship, the second tournament of the four-event series that pays the overall winner a $10 million bonus.
The top 100 on the points list qualify for the Deutsche Bank event that starts on Friday.
Asked if he had thought about the big cash bonus, Johnson said: "It would look good in the bank account that's for sure".
As if to vindicate the organisers for reducing the tournament to 54 holes, it began pouring with rain around an hour after the final putt was holed.
Posted in: Breaking News
Team India will bounce back: Brett Lee
MUMBAI: The Indian team might have been pilloried for suffering a 4-0 loss in the Test series against England but Australian pacer Brett Lee on Friday sympathised with Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men by saying he knew how difficult the conditions can be in "Old Blighty".
Asked about the whitewash suffered by Dhoni's men against England, Lee said while India would be hurt by the rout, he was certain the team would bounce back.
"The loss is going to hurt India. But they are very difficult conditions to play with the ball seaming and swinging around, which we found out in the 2005 Ashes series. I am not surprised they (England) are playing very well," he said on the sidelines of a promotional event for apparel firm Alok Group on Friday.
Lee was referring to the 1-2 defeat suffered by the then high-flying team led by Ricky Ponting against the Michael Vaughan-led England after the Aussies had gone 1-0 up by winning the series opener at Lord's.
"England played really well and you would point your fingers at India when they lose 4-0 and India hasn't played the best cricket. But look at the other side of the fence as well and think may be England has played some very, very good cricket. But I think they (India) will bounce back," he added.
Looking ahead to Team India's visit to Australia later this year for a four-Test rubber followed by a triangular ODI series, Lee said though he is no longer a part of the Test squad, he wanted the rubber to be a competitive one.
"India are visiting Australia later this year and though I am not part of the Test squad I hope Australia do well and it (series) is competitive," said the 34-year-old New South Welshman, who had grabbed 310 wickets from 76 Tests before quitting the longest format of the game.
Lee also gave a big thumb's up to the Argus committee's recommendations to Cricket Australia decision, following a review of their Ashes defeat in 2009 at home, to include the captain and coach as part of the selection panel.
"I'm not an expert to talk about it, but if it's going to improve Australian cricket it's a win-win situation. In other sports the captain-coach play a vital role [in selection]. To me it makes sense. The captain is well qualified person for the job and Michael Clarke and coach can make a direct impact on team selection. It strengthens Australian cricket," said Lee, who quit Test cricket to prolong his international career.
India is currently grappling with injuries with two of its frontline pacers -- Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma -- out of the team and Lee, who himself had to struggle through out his career against injuries, said fast bowling remained the toughest job in cricket and it was up to the individuals to maintain fitness.
"Fast bowling is the toughest job in cricket. You have to work hard to stay strong and fit. You need to know your body. You need to love it (fast bowling) too. Enjoyment is the most important thing in life. If you do believe in something, then you are going to get a lot better out of it and have fun along the way," said the blond pacer, who has taken 357 wickets from 205 ODIs.
"When you land on your front foot, 15 times of your body weight lands, so a lot of pressure is there (on the foot). It is hard work in hot and gruelling conditions, but it is also a lot of fun. You got be strong and fit and you got to train hard. I wish them all the very best because we love to see fast bowlers around the world," Lee said.
Asked about the whitewash suffered by Dhoni's men against England, Lee said while India would be hurt by the rout, he was certain the team would bounce back.
"The loss is going to hurt India. But they are very difficult conditions to play with the ball seaming and swinging around, which we found out in the 2005 Ashes series. I am not surprised they (England) are playing very well," he said on the sidelines of a promotional event for apparel firm Alok Group on Friday.
Lee was referring to the 1-2 defeat suffered by the then high-flying team led by Ricky Ponting against the Michael Vaughan-led England after the Aussies had gone 1-0 up by winning the series opener at Lord's.
"England played really well and you would point your fingers at India when they lose 4-0 and India hasn't played the best cricket. But look at the other side of the fence as well and think may be England has played some very, very good cricket. But I think they (India) will bounce back," he added.
Looking ahead to Team India's visit to Australia later this year for a four-Test rubber followed by a triangular ODI series, Lee said though he is no longer a part of the Test squad, he wanted the rubber to be a competitive one.
"India are visiting Australia later this year and though I am not part of the Test squad I hope Australia do well and it (series) is competitive," said the 34-year-old New South Welshman, who had grabbed 310 wickets from 76 Tests before quitting the longest format of the game.
Lee also gave a big thumb's up to the Argus committee's recommendations to Cricket Australia decision, following a review of their Ashes defeat in 2009 at home, to include the captain and coach as part of the selection panel.
"I'm not an expert to talk about it, but if it's going to improve Australian cricket it's a win-win situation. In other sports the captain-coach play a vital role [in selection]. To me it makes sense. The captain is well qualified person for the job and Michael Clarke and coach can make a direct impact on team selection. It strengthens Australian cricket," said Lee, who quit Test cricket to prolong his international career.
India is currently grappling with injuries with two of its frontline pacers -- Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma -- out of the team and Lee, who himself had to struggle through out his career against injuries, said fast bowling remained the toughest job in cricket and it was up to the individuals to maintain fitness.
"Fast bowling is the toughest job in cricket. You have to work hard to stay strong and fit. You need to know your body. You need to love it (fast bowling) too. Enjoyment is the most important thing in life. If you do believe in something, then you are going to get a lot better out of it and have fun along the way," said the blond pacer, who has taken 357 wickets from 205 ODIs.
"When you land on your front foot, 15 times of your body weight lands, so a lot of pressure is there (on the foot). It is hard work in hot and gruelling conditions, but it is also a lot of fun. You got be strong and fit and you got to train hard. I wish them all the very best because we love to see fast bowlers around the world," Lee said.
Posted in: Breaking News
India Looked Tired, Under-Prepared In England Series: Wadekar
MUMBAI: Former captain Ajit Wadekar feels the Indian cricket team's humiliating 0-4 loss to England in the recently-concluded Test series was a result of fatigue and lack of preparation.
"They had no time to celebrate the team's World Cup victory. It was followed by IPL, the West Indies tour and then the tour of England. The body language was terrible. They looked tired," Wadekar said.
"They thought just by being No. 1 in the world (in Test ranking) we can beat England, who looked a determined team and had prepared well for the series," he said.
Recalling India's maiden series victory over England under his leadership in 1971, Wadekar pointed out that at that time, the team played nine tour games and won eight of them unlike the current outfit, which played only one warm-up game before the first Test at Lord's.
Wadekar, who led the Indian team during the 3-0 series loss to England in 1974, recollected that like Dhoni's men their team also coped with an unsettled opening pair and lack of sufficient practice.
"We played four practice games but most were rained off and we also did not have settled openers," Wadekar recalled.
"This team went in two batches, did not have enough time to strategise and get acclimatised. The opening combination missed the presence of Virender Sehwag (who missed the first two Tests recuperating from his shoulder operation). There were other injury issues too, including that to key bowler Zaheer Khan," he said.
Wadekar's outfit went to England after three Test series wins in a row, including back-to-back triumphs in the West Indies and England in 1971 followed by a home series win over England in 1972-73, but was humbled 3-0 by the hosts.
"Cold weather made it difficult for our match winner Bhagwat Chandrashekhar to grip the ball. And the BCCI (Indian cricket board) also, without my knowledge, had agreed to restrict the number of fielders on the leg side to five from the earlier six which affected our spinners' strategy," Wadekar recalled.
"There was also the issue of Sudhir Naik (who was accused of shop lifting) and the reception at the Indian High Commission (when the team landed half an hour late and Wadekar was asked to get out by the then High Commissioner B K Nehru and the entire squad also walked out) where our bus got stuck at the gate and we went half an hour late," he added.
Wadekar suggested that the BCCI should assert itself and get the Future Tours Programme amended so that the number of matches is cut down and top players are available for domestic cricket.
"In my days we learnt a lot from playing along side Polly Umrigar, G S Ramchand, Subash Gupte not only in Ranji Trophy but also in tournaments like the Kanga League. We learnt to build the innings. I'm sure the BCCI has enough financial clout to make changes in the Indian team's international programme," he said.
Wadekar also wanted the present system of zonal representation in the national selection panel to be replaced by a three-member non-zonal committee with the members having played at least 25 Tests each.
"The zonal representation in the selection panel needs to be replaced by a three-member panel and each one of them should have played at least 25 Tests," he suggested.
Currently the BCCI appoints five paid selectors (who are paid Rs 40 lakh each annually) representing the north, south, east, west and central zones.
"They had no time to celebrate the team's World Cup victory. It was followed by IPL, the West Indies tour and then the tour of England. The body language was terrible. They looked tired," Wadekar said.
"They thought just by being No. 1 in the world (in Test ranking) we can beat England, who looked a determined team and had prepared well for the series," he said.
Recalling India's maiden series victory over England under his leadership in 1971, Wadekar pointed out that at that time, the team played nine tour games and won eight of them unlike the current outfit, which played only one warm-up game before the first Test at Lord's.
Wadekar, who led the Indian team during the 3-0 series loss to England in 1974, recollected that like Dhoni's men their team also coped with an unsettled opening pair and lack of sufficient practice.
"We played four practice games but most were rained off and we also did not have settled openers," Wadekar recalled.
"This team went in two batches, did not have enough time to strategise and get acclimatised. The opening combination missed the presence of Virender Sehwag (who missed the first two Tests recuperating from his shoulder operation). There were other injury issues too, including that to key bowler Zaheer Khan," he said.
Wadekar's outfit went to England after three Test series wins in a row, including back-to-back triumphs in the West Indies and England in 1971 followed by a home series win over England in 1972-73, but was humbled 3-0 by the hosts.
"Cold weather made it difficult for our match winner Bhagwat Chandrashekhar to grip the ball. And the BCCI (Indian cricket board) also, without my knowledge, had agreed to restrict the number of fielders on the leg side to five from the earlier six which affected our spinners' strategy," Wadekar recalled.
"There was also the issue of Sudhir Naik (who was accused of shop lifting) and the reception at the Indian High Commission (when the team landed half an hour late and Wadekar was asked to get out by the then High Commissioner B K Nehru and the entire squad also walked out) where our bus got stuck at the gate and we went half an hour late," he added.
Wadekar suggested that the BCCI should assert itself and get the Future Tours Programme amended so that the number of matches is cut down and top players are available for domestic cricket.
"In my days we learnt a lot from playing along side Polly Umrigar, G S Ramchand, Subash Gupte not only in Ranji Trophy but also in tournaments like the Kanga League. We learnt to build the innings. I'm sure the BCCI has enough financial clout to make changes in the Indian team's international programme," he said.
Wadekar also wanted the present system of zonal representation in the national selection panel to be replaced by a three-member non-zonal committee with the members having played at least 25 Tests each.
"The zonal representation in the selection panel needs to be replaced by a three-member panel and each one of them should have played at least 25 Tests," he suggested.
Currently the BCCI appoints five paid selectors (who are paid Rs 40 lakh each annually) representing the north, south, east, west and central zones.
Posted in: Breaking News
Sri Lanka President Says No Need Of Emergency Rules Anymore
COLOMBO: Sri Lanka president Mahinda Rajapaksa on Thursday declared an end to strict wartime emergency regulations imposed in 2005, noting there have not been any terror attacks since the end of a 25-year war against Tamil Tiger separatists in May 2009.
"To carry forward the day-to-day activities in a democratic way, I propose there is no need of a emergency regulations anymore," Rajapaksa told the parliament.
"There has been no terrorist activities since the end of the war in May 2009," Rajapaksa said.
"I am satisfied that extension of emergency is not required anymore. So I inform (parliament) that we will not extend the emergency anymore."
"To carry forward the day-to-day activities in a democratic way, I propose there is no need of a emergency regulations anymore," Rajapaksa told the parliament.
"There has been no terrorist activities since the end of the war in May 2009," Rajapaksa said.
"I am satisfied that extension of emergency is not required anymore. So I inform (parliament) that we will not extend the emergency anymore."
Posted in: Breaking News
Hurricane Irene: Obama Declares Emergency In Four Us States
WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama today declared emergency in three States of New York, Virginia and Massachusetts which empowered federal agencies to take all steps required to protect people and properties, as hurricane Irene with a sustained wind speed of 100 miles per hour gushed toward the eastern shores of the United States.
While Obama declared emergency in New York early in the day, the US President signed off on the emergency declaration for the States of Virginia and Massachusetts around midnight soon after he arrived at the White House, a day early from his summer vacation.
Emergency in North Carolina was declared earlier. Obama's action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in these three States.
Governors of Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, and New York have already declared states of emergency as hurricane Irene nears land.
Federal storm-surge maps showed the potential for four-to 10-foot surges across a massive swath of the eastern United States, with potentially disastrous impacts in eastern North Carolina, the Tidewater area of Virginia, as well as the Potomac River that runs through Washington.
"Hurricane Irene lashed coastal North Carolina late Friday and had metropolitan New York in its sights, staying on an unusual track that could bring deadly storm surge, heavy rainfall and misery to millions," CNN reported from North Carolina.
It was expected to hit Virginia, Maryland and Washington on Saturday night.
Meanwhile, tens and thousands of people across the east coast were evacuated from the low-lying areas.
"The storm was on a track that experts have feared for decades as they watched the rapid expansion of coastal resorts and housing developments in the lowlands behind them. They have worried that a storm tracking along the shore line, renewing its force over the warm Atlantic and then ripping with each rotation like a circular saw into coastal areas, could produce unprecedented devastation," The Washington Post said.
"It looks like the track of Irene is going to have a major impact along the East Coast starting in the Carolinas all the way up through Maine," said Craig Fugate, director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
While Obama declared emergency in New York early in the day, the US President signed off on the emergency declaration for the States of Virginia and Massachusetts around midnight soon after he arrived at the White House, a day early from his summer vacation.
Emergency in North Carolina was declared earlier. Obama's action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in these three States.
Governors of Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, and New York have already declared states of emergency as hurricane Irene nears land.
Federal storm-surge maps showed the potential for four-to 10-foot surges across a massive swath of the eastern United States, with potentially disastrous impacts in eastern North Carolina, the Tidewater area of Virginia, as well as the Potomac River that runs through Washington.
"Hurricane Irene lashed coastal North Carolina late Friday and had metropolitan New York in its sights, staying on an unusual track that could bring deadly storm surge, heavy rainfall and misery to millions," CNN reported from North Carolina.
It was expected to hit Virginia, Maryland and Washington on Saturday night.
Meanwhile, tens and thousands of people across the east coast were evacuated from the low-lying areas.
"The storm was on a track that experts have feared for decades as they watched the rapid expansion of coastal resorts and housing developments in the lowlands behind them. They have worried that a storm tracking along the shore line, renewing its force over the warm Atlantic and then ripping with each rotation like a circular saw into coastal areas, could produce unprecedented devastation," The Washington Post said.
"It looks like the track of Irene is going to have a major impact along the East Coast starting in the Carolinas all the way up through Maine," said Craig Fugate, director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Posted in: Breaking News
Israelis Resume Protests Against Cost Of Living
TEL AVIV: More than 20,000 Israelis demonstrated in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and other places across the country in fresh protests against the spiralling cost of living, media reports said.
The numbers were well below the more than 300,000 who demonstrated earlier this month calling for "social justice" and a "welfare state," organisers admitted, blaming renewed tension with the Palestinians.
Since mid-July, Israel has been gripped by a rapidly growing protest movement demanding cheaper housing, education and health care.
"Security problems have always existed in Israel. They will not stop our struggle," student union leader Itzik Shmuli told the demonstration in Tel Aviv, calling for a "million-man march" in a week's time.
Noam Shalit, the father of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit kidnapped in the Gaza Strip in 2006, was the guest of honour at the Tel Aviv rally on the occasion of his son's 25th birthday.
He called on the government to "pay the price needed to bring Gilad home or resign."
Although the middle class and students are the most militant, opinion polls show up to 88 percent of the population supports their protests, the largest in Israel's history.
Under pressure, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has set up a commission to look into the issues and make proposals within a month.
The numbers were well below the more than 300,000 who demonstrated earlier this month calling for "social justice" and a "welfare state," organisers admitted, blaming renewed tension with the Palestinians.
Since mid-July, Israel has been gripped by a rapidly growing protest movement demanding cheaper housing, education and health care.
"Security problems have always existed in Israel. They will not stop our struggle," student union leader Itzik Shmuli told the demonstration in Tel Aviv, calling for a "million-man march" in a week's time.
Noam Shalit, the father of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit kidnapped in the Gaza Strip in 2006, was the guest of honour at the Tel Aviv rally on the occasion of his son's 25th birthday.
He called on the government to "pay the price needed to bring Gilad home or resign."
Although the middle class and students are the most militant, opinion polls show up to 88 percent of the population supports their protests, the largest in Israel's history.
Under pressure, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has set up a commission to look into the issues and make proposals within a month.
Posted in: Breaking News
Prince Harry To Be Immortalised As A Cartoon
LONDON: Prince Harry's life, loves and escapades are to be immortalised in the form of a cartoon strip. The 26-year-old Prince of Wales, the third in line to the throne has been turned into a cartoon character in his very own comic strip. The special 32-page Marvel-style comic traces the
Wild Child royal's life, right from childhood and days at Eton through to his time with the army in Afghanistan and finally his transformation into a dashing helicopter pilot.
Darren G. Davis of publisher Bluewater Productions said that he decided to commission a comic of "wild child" Prince Harry because he believed there was a renewed worldwide fascination with British royal since April's royal wedding was announced.
"I have been interested in the Royals since Princess Diana's wedding and the world has become so fascinated again with the British Royal Family since Will and Kate walked down the aisle I thought that people would want to know more about the other family members," the Daily Mail quoted Davis as saying.
The team of its creators consists of some of the most pre-eminent writers and artists in the business, who claim not to have shied away from any of the party prince's notorious antics including his visits to lap dancing clubs.
The magazine will also chart the rough and good times in the prince's love life including his off-and-on relation with long time girlfriend Chelsy Davy.
Some of the incidents and dialogues are imagined including, whereas all stories are based on fact.
Wild Child royal's life, right from childhood and days at Eton through to his time with the army in Afghanistan and finally his transformation into a dashing helicopter pilot.
Darren G. Davis of publisher Bluewater Productions said that he decided to commission a comic of "wild child" Prince Harry because he believed there was a renewed worldwide fascination with British royal since April's royal wedding was announced.
"I have been interested in the Royals since Princess Diana's wedding and the world has become so fascinated again with the British Royal Family since Will and Kate walked down the aisle I thought that people would want to know more about the other family members," the Daily Mail quoted Davis as saying.
The team of its creators consists of some of the most pre-eminent writers and artists in the business, who claim not to have shied away from any of the party prince's notorious antics including his visits to lap dancing clubs.
The magazine will also chart the rough and good times in the prince's love life including his off-and-on relation with long time girlfriend Chelsy Davy.
Some of the incidents and dialogues are imagined including, whereas all stories are based on fact.
Posted in: Breaking News
5.5 Magnitude Quake Strikes Afghanistan
NEW YORK: A magnitude-5.4 earthquake rattled the Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan early today, the US Geological Survey reported.
There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries from the quake that hit at 1:02 a.m. today (2032 Friday GMT).
No tsunami alerts were issued. The quake was deep, some 199.1 kilometers below the surface, the USGS said.
The USGS said the quake hit was about 74 kilometers southeast of Faizabad, Afghanistan, and 254 kilometers northeast of Kabul.
There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries from the quake that hit at 1:02 a.m. today (2032 Friday GMT).
No tsunami alerts were issued. The quake was deep, some 199.1 kilometers below the surface, the USGS said.
The USGS said the quake hit was about 74 kilometers southeast of Faizabad, Afghanistan, and 254 kilometers northeast of Kabul.
Posted in: Breaking News
36 Pakistani Soldiers Killed
PESHAWAR: At least 36 Pakistani security personnel were killed and dozens of others injured when hundreds of Taliban insurgents from Afghanistan attacked border checkpoints in Pakistan's north western Chitral district on Saturday.
This was the latest in a series of attacks that militants carried out inside Pakistan from their bases in Afghanistan's Nuristan and Kunar provinces, bordering Chitral. Since the US pulled out its troops from eastern Afghanistan, the Taliban insurgents and the Hizb-i-Islami militia of former Afghan prime minister Gulbuddin Hikmatyar re-established their bases in the two provinces. Pakistani Taliban on the run from military offensives in the country's north west also sneaked into Nuristan and Kunar which they use now as a launching pad against Pakistani forces stationed in Chitral, Dir and Swat regions.
According to security officials, hundreds of militants attacked Pakistan's paramilitary posts and civilian settlements in Arandhi and Drosht areas of Chitral before dawn on Saturday.
"Twenty-six soldiers and 10 border police were killed. About a dozen militants were also killed in retaliatory attacks," said colonel Haroon Rasheed, Chitral's FC commandant. He said that militants attacked some posts with heavy weapons while firing mortar bombs on others causing the casualties.
However, there was no independent verification of the militants death toll. One official said that clashes between the security forces and militants were still going on in the border areas. Pakistani troops also blew up three bridges on Saturday in the border region to halt the militants incursion.
Around 60 Pakistani soldiers were killed in clashes in July when some 600 militants from Afghanistan attacked two Pakistani villages in the upper Dir region. The Pakistani Taliban later claimed responsibility for the Dir attack. Pakistani militants have largely relied on a campaign of suicide and bomb attacks but carrying out large-scale attacks on government and army targets seem to be their new strategy.
Last year, Afghan officials claimed that Maulana Fazlullah (mullah radio), who escaped military operation in Swat, had been killed in a clash between security forces and militants in the Barg Mittal area of Nuristan.
For long Kabul and Washington blamed Pakistan for not doing enough to stop the infiltration of militants into Afghanistan from its tribal badlands. Pakistan told Washington and Kabul last summer to stem the flow of militants into its border areas.
While the border attacks continued, gunmen kidnapped and killed a retired army colonel on Saturday in the northwestern garrison city of Kohat. Police said that they seized Col. Shakeel Ahmad when he was on his way home from morning prayers. Police intercepted the gunmen in a car at a checkpoint and engaged them in a gunfight in which one police officer was killed. The abductors escaped and later shot dead Ahmad and abandoned his body alongside a road.
This was the latest in a series of attacks that militants carried out inside Pakistan from their bases in Afghanistan's Nuristan and Kunar provinces, bordering Chitral. Since the US pulled out its troops from eastern Afghanistan, the Taliban insurgents and the Hizb-i-Islami militia of former Afghan prime minister Gulbuddin Hikmatyar re-established their bases in the two provinces. Pakistani Taliban on the run from military offensives in the country's north west also sneaked into Nuristan and Kunar which they use now as a launching pad against Pakistani forces stationed in Chitral, Dir and Swat regions.
According to security officials, hundreds of militants attacked Pakistan's paramilitary posts and civilian settlements in Arandhi and Drosht areas of Chitral before dawn on Saturday.
"Twenty-six soldiers and 10 border police were killed. About a dozen militants were also killed in retaliatory attacks," said colonel Haroon Rasheed, Chitral's FC commandant. He said that militants attacked some posts with heavy weapons while firing mortar bombs on others causing the casualties.
However, there was no independent verification of the militants death toll. One official said that clashes between the security forces and militants were still going on in the border areas. Pakistani troops also blew up three bridges on Saturday in the border region to halt the militants incursion.
Around 60 Pakistani soldiers were killed in clashes in July when some 600 militants from Afghanistan attacked two Pakistani villages in the upper Dir region. The Pakistani Taliban later claimed responsibility for the Dir attack. Pakistani militants have largely relied on a campaign of suicide and bomb attacks but carrying out large-scale attacks on government and army targets seem to be their new strategy.
Last year, Afghan officials claimed that Maulana Fazlullah (mullah radio), who escaped military operation in Swat, had been killed in a clash between security forces and militants in the Barg Mittal area of Nuristan.
For long Kabul and Washington blamed Pakistan for not doing enough to stop the infiltration of militants into Afghanistan from its tribal badlands. Pakistan told Washington and Kabul last summer to stem the flow of militants into its border areas.
While the border attacks continued, gunmen kidnapped and killed a retired army colonel on Saturday in the northwestern garrison city of Kohat. Police said that they seized Col. Shakeel Ahmad when he was on his way home from morning prayers. Police intercepted the gunmen in a car at a checkpoint and engaged them in a gunfight in which one police officer was killed. The abductors escaped and later shot dead Ahmad and abandoned his body alongside a road.
Posted in: Breaking News
Russia Successfully Test-Launches Ballistic Missile
MOSCOW: Russia on Saturday successfully test launched its Bulava inter-continental ballistic missile to its maximum range of 8,000 km, in a boost to the country's defence capabilities.
The missile was fired successfully by the White sea-based Russian nuclear submarine Yuri Dolgoruky, the Defence Ministry said today.
The successful launch of the Bulava came after a string of setbacks suffered by this programme. Only eight of its previous 15 launches were officially declared successful.
"The regular launch of the missile was conducted at 7:20 am Moscow time from a submerged position from the regular carrier in line with the state flight development tests at a maximum flight range of the missile," a defence ministry spokesman was quoted as saying by Russian news agency Ria Novosti.
The missile successfully reached its target in the Pacific Ocean in accordance with the necessary shipping security measures, the spokesman said.
The successful test of the missile was reported to President Dmitry Medvedev by the defence minister Anatoly Serdyukov.
The Bulava, expected to become Russia's main naval strategic missile, is capable of carrying 10 warheads with a range of 8,000 km.
The first test launch from the Yuri Dolgoruky was conducted on June 28, 2011. Before that the missiles were fired from the typhoon-class Dmitry Donskoy submarine.
The three-stage missile is specifically designed for deployment on Borey class nuclear submarines.
The missile was fired successfully by the White sea-based Russian nuclear submarine Yuri Dolgoruky, the Defence Ministry said today.
The successful launch of the Bulava came after a string of setbacks suffered by this programme. Only eight of its previous 15 launches were officially declared successful.
"The regular launch of the missile was conducted at 7:20 am Moscow time from a submerged position from the regular carrier in line with the state flight development tests at a maximum flight range of the missile," a defence ministry spokesman was quoted as saying by Russian news agency Ria Novosti.
The missile successfully reached its target in the Pacific Ocean in accordance with the necessary shipping security measures, the spokesman said.
The successful test of the missile was reported to President Dmitry Medvedev by the defence minister Anatoly Serdyukov.
The Bulava, expected to become Russia's main naval strategic missile, is capable of carrying 10 warheads with a range of 8,000 km.
The first test launch from the Yuri Dolgoruky was conducted on June 28, 2011. Before that the missiles were fired from the typhoon-class Dmitry Donskoy submarine.
The three-stage missile is specifically designed for deployment on Borey class nuclear submarines.
Posted in: Breaking News
China Govt Cracks Down On Local Versions Of Twitter
BEIJING: China's media and culture police are at a high point of success with the local version of Twitter launching a campaign to suspend accounts of users who "spread rumors". The move came after the censors forced a TV channel to junk a sensitive video clip and blocked access to songs by Lady Gaga.
Sina Weibo, the Chinese version of Twitter-which remains banned in China-, on Saturday warned it would suspend accounts of people who spread rumors. Sina said bloggers posted false reports about a 19-year-old murder accused, who was released on bail because of his father's connections.
Observers fear the move would shut up critics, who raise uncomfortable questions about issues like corruption and inefficient railway operations that resulted in a major accident recently. Sina's action followed visits by senior officials of the Communist Party of China to its office.
The state-run China Central Television network has suppressed a video clip, which it had shown by mistake a few days back. The clip showed how authorities had implemented a cyber-attack on websites run by the banned Falun Gong sect, and inadvertently exposed the government's censorship methods.
The government recently banned 100 foreign songs including some sang by Lady Gaga because they posed "cultural threat" to the government.
Sina Weibo, the Chinese version of Twitter-which remains banned in China-, on Saturday warned it would suspend accounts of people who spread rumors. Sina said bloggers posted false reports about a 19-year-old murder accused, who was released on bail because of his father's connections.
Observers fear the move would shut up critics, who raise uncomfortable questions about issues like corruption and inefficient railway operations that resulted in a major accident recently. Sina's action followed visits by senior officials of the Communist Party of China to its office.
The state-run China Central Television network has suppressed a video clip, which it had shown by mistake a few days back. The clip showed how authorities had implemented a cyber-attack on websites run by the banned Falun Gong sect, and inadvertently exposed the government's censorship methods.
The government recently banned 100 foreign songs including some sang by Lady Gaga because they posed "cultural threat" to the government.
Posted in: Breaking News
Ponting Says He Urged Dravid Not To Retire
Former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting claims that he persuaded Rahul Dravid against retiring when he was written off after a string of low scores last year and the in- form Indian batsman has reciprocated the support by inspiring him during his lean patch.
Dravid, the lone Indian batsman to perform well in with three centuries and 461 runs in the team's recent 0-4 Test whitewash at the hands of England, was woefully out of form last year and Ponting said he encouraged the veteran right-hander carry on despite the criticism.
"I remember after our last series in India there was a lot of talk and speculation about Dravid being finished," Ponting told a cricket website.
"I actually went and found him at the end of the series and said 'don't you even think about retiring' because I just saw some stuff in a few of his innings that suggested he was still a very, very good player.
"I just said 'don't let them wear you down, don't let them get you down'. I received a similar text message before and after the Ashes from him as well," he added.
The 36-year-old Ponting has not scored a Test century since January last year but he is confident of regaining his touch and he is looking up to Dravid for inspiration.
"There are a few ( who provide an inspiration for batsmen of advancing years).
Sachin (Tendulkar) and (Jacques) Kallis both had a great last year; Dravid is doing well now. It's not only good for guys of my age to see guys doing that, it's good for the younger blokes to see it as well; to know that if you keep doing the right things and work hard, and if you've got talent, then age is not a barrier in our game," he said.
Speaking about the state of the game in general, Ponting said he is worried about the impact of Twenty20 on youngsters.
"The big worry I've had about Twenty20 cricket and even other shorter forms of the game being played at really developmental times in kids' careers is that it won't teach them the art of concentration.
"Cricket for me when I was growing up meant batting until someone got me out, and if that took them a week then that's how long it took them," he said.
"Now, even Under-17s and Under-19s are playing T20 games in national championships, and at the detriment of two- day games. Good state players these days are averaging 35; if you were averaging 35 when I was playing your dad would go and buy you a basketball or a footy and tell you to play that. So there are areas of concern there; I don't know how you change them," he explained.
Asked about India's slide from the top of ICC rankings after the debacle in England, Ponting said it would be interesting to see how Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men do once the veterans retire.
"India still haven't reached that point that I thought they'd get to yet. They've still got that crux, those great batters in that side. Time will tell with India now. Dravid was probably one who was in the gun before the rest of them and he's found a way to come through," he said.
"They (Tendulkar, Dravid and VVS Laxman) are all about the same age and they won't go on forever. They will be tested more than anything with their bowlers."
Dravid, the lone Indian batsman to perform well in with three centuries and 461 runs in the team's recent 0-4 Test whitewash at the hands of England, was woefully out of form last year and Ponting said he encouraged the veteran right-hander carry on despite the criticism.
"I remember after our last series in India there was a lot of talk and speculation about Dravid being finished," Ponting told a cricket website.
"I actually went and found him at the end of the series and said 'don't you even think about retiring' because I just saw some stuff in a few of his innings that suggested he was still a very, very good player.
"I just said 'don't let them wear you down, don't let them get you down'. I received a similar text message before and after the Ashes from him as well," he added.
The 36-year-old Ponting has not scored a Test century since January last year but he is confident of regaining his touch and he is looking up to Dravid for inspiration.
"There are a few ( who provide an inspiration for batsmen of advancing years).
Sachin (Tendulkar) and (Jacques) Kallis both had a great last year; Dravid is doing well now. It's not only good for guys of my age to see guys doing that, it's good for the younger blokes to see it as well; to know that if you keep doing the right things and work hard, and if you've got talent, then age is not a barrier in our game," he said.
Speaking about the state of the game in general, Ponting said he is worried about the impact of Twenty20 on youngsters.
"The big worry I've had about Twenty20 cricket and even other shorter forms of the game being played at really developmental times in kids' careers is that it won't teach them the art of concentration.
"Cricket for me when I was growing up meant batting until someone got me out, and if that took them a week then that's how long it took them," he said.
"Now, even Under-17s and Under-19s are playing T20 games in national championships, and at the detriment of two- day games. Good state players these days are averaging 35; if you were averaging 35 when I was playing your dad would go and buy you a basketball or a footy and tell you to play that. So there are areas of concern there; I don't know how you change them," he explained.
Asked about India's slide from the top of ICC rankings after the debacle in England, Ponting said it would be interesting to see how Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men do once the veterans retire.
"India still haven't reached that point that I thought they'd get to yet. They've still got that crux, those great batters in that side. Time will tell with India now. Dravid was probably one who was in the gun before the rest of them and he's found a way to come through," he said.
"They (Tendulkar, Dravid and VVS Laxman) are all about the same age and they won't go on forever. They will be tested more than anything with their bowlers."
Posted in: Breaking News
Salman Khan Heading To Us For Treatment
Salman Khan leaves Saturday for the US for treatment of a medical condition that causes him unbearable pain in the head, jaws and cheeks.
Amdist pain Salman wrapped up his commitments to promote his forthcoming film Bodyguard.
"Though he is suffering from severe pain, he finished off his interviews scheduled till last night. He is leaving for the US Aug 27 for the treatment," a source from the unit of "Bodyguard" told IANS.
He would miss Ganesh Chaturthi, Eid and the release of his film Bodyguard, which is hitting screens Aug 31.
Salman disclosed to media that the he had the first attack of pain in the left side of his face during the making of his film Partner (2007) and the pain came back while he was shooting for Veer (2010). He is suffering from this pain continuously since last year.
In medical parlance, Salman is suffering from trigeminal neuralgia and aneurysm.
Amdist pain Salman wrapped up his commitments to promote his forthcoming film Bodyguard.
"Though he is suffering from severe pain, he finished off his interviews scheduled till last night. He is leaving for the US Aug 27 for the treatment," a source from the unit of "Bodyguard" told IANS.
He would miss Ganesh Chaturthi, Eid and the release of his film Bodyguard, which is hitting screens Aug 31.
Salman disclosed to media that the he had the first attack of pain in the left side of his face during the making of his film Partner (2007) and the pain came back while he was shooting for Veer (2010). He is suffering from this pain continuously since last year.
In medical parlance, Salman is suffering from trigeminal neuralgia and aneurysm.
Posted in: Breaking News
Rahul's remark pours cold water on PM's statesmanship: Sushma
The Opposition on Saturday sought to drive a wedge between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi saying the young leader's remarks on Anna Hazare's fast has "poured cold water" on the statesmanship of the leader of the country.
"Was Rahul Gandhi's speech a Zero Hour intervention or an address to the nation," asked Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj while initiating a day-long debate in the Lok Sabha on the issues relating to the setting up of a Lokpal.
The debate was held on a day when Hazare's fast entered the twelfth day and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, whose statement formed the basis of the discussion, made a renewed appeal to the Gandhian to end the hunger strike.
Swaraj insisted that Rahul's remarks were the line of the Congress party which "poured cold water on the statesmanship displayed by the prime minister on the floor of the House" a couple of days back in a bid to end the impasse.
Amid objections and protests from Congress members, Swaraj also took a dig at Speaker Meira Kumar who was in the chair, for allowing Gandhi to speak for so long while other members were restricted to just three to five minutes during the Zero Hour.
Unruffled by the protests including an objection by Minister Srikant Jena, Swaraj accused the government of failing to come up with a resolution or a statement by a senior minister yesterday which could have facilitated a debate straight away.
This, she said, was because the government was not ready to make a commitment on the Lokpal issue.
Noting the absence of Gandhi in the House, Swaraj said the young leader comes rarely to Parliament. He may be general secretary of the Congress, but in the House he is just a second term member, she remarked.
"Yesterday when he (Gandhi) came and started speaking in the Zero Hour, even the Prime Minister came rushing," she said adding that the young leader had come to give his party's line on the controversial issue.
Swaraj suggested that Rahul gave a different line by telling the House that "it is not a matter of how the present impasse will resolve, it is a much greater battle. There are no simple solutions..."
She also said it was amusing that the Congress General Secretary spoke of greater democracy within political parties.
When Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal reminded Swaraj that she was diverting from the issue, she said she was happy that the prime minister has taken the "reins in his hands once again" for resolving the issue.
The senior BJP leader admitted even her party's failure in enacting a Lokpal when it got opportunity twice during the NDA rule.
"Was Rahul Gandhi's speech a Zero Hour intervention or an address to the nation," asked Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj while initiating a day-long debate in the Lok Sabha on the issues relating to the setting up of a Lokpal.
The debate was held on a day when Hazare's fast entered the twelfth day and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, whose statement formed the basis of the discussion, made a renewed appeal to the Gandhian to end the hunger strike.
Swaraj insisted that Rahul's remarks were the line of the Congress party which "poured cold water on the statesmanship displayed by the prime minister on the floor of the House" a couple of days back in a bid to end the impasse.
Amid objections and protests from Congress members, Swaraj also took a dig at Speaker Meira Kumar who was in the chair, for allowing Gandhi to speak for so long while other members were restricted to just three to five minutes during the Zero Hour.
Unruffled by the protests including an objection by Minister Srikant Jena, Swaraj accused the government of failing to come up with a resolution or a statement by a senior minister yesterday which could have facilitated a debate straight away.
This, she said, was because the government was not ready to make a commitment on the Lokpal issue.
Noting the absence of Gandhi in the House, Swaraj said the young leader comes rarely to Parliament. He may be general secretary of the Congress, but in the House he is just a second term member, she remarked.
"Yesterday when he (Gandhi) came and started speaking in the Zero Hour, even the Prime Minister came rushing," she said adding that the young leader had come to give his party's line on the controversial issue.
Swaraj suggested that Rahul gave a different line by telling the House that "it is not a matter of how the present impasse will resolve, it is a much greater battle. There are no simple solutions..."
She also said it was amusing that the Congress General Secretary spoke of greater democracy within political parties.
When Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal reminded Swaraj that she was diverting from the issue, she said she was happy that the prime minister has taken the "reins in his hands once again" for resolving the issue.
The senior BJP leader admitted even her party's failure in enacting a Lokpal when it got opportunity twice during the NDA rule.
Posted in: Breaking News
Anna Hazare Breaks His Fast, His Team Thanks Pm For Ending Lokpal Logjam
Anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare on Sunday ended his 12-day long fast against corruption at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi, ending months of deadlock over the Lokpal Bill issue.
In a symbolic gesture, a Dalit girl offered coconut water and honey to the 74-year old Gandhian whose campaign galvanised widespread support against corruption. (In pics: India celebrates Anna's victory)
On Saturday, the anti-corruption crusader had announced he would call off his fast after the government accepted his key demands. He said what had happened in Parliament on Saturday was a victory of the people. He said this after Deshmukh read out the letter appealing to him to end his fast.
Earlier, the eight-hour long extraordinary debate in Parliament on the Lokpal issue on Saturday ended with the government finally agreeing to a resolution that includes all three of Anna Hazare's demands.
Soon after the resolution was passed, the prime minister said, "Parliament has spoken. The will of Parliament is will of the people."
Although there was no vote, the "sense of House" resolution was passed unanimously in the House with the thumping of desks.
Leader of the House Pranab Mukherjee requested Speaker Meira Kumar to adopt the sense of the House as a resolution and forward it to the standing committee.
The resolution says that the House agrees in principle for a strong and effective Lokpal and also for establishment of Lokayuktas in the state. The House has also agreed to set up a citizens' charter. It also recommends the setting up of an appropriate mechanism to bring lower bureaucracy under the Lokpal.
In a symbolic gesture, a Dalit girl offered coconut water and honey to the 74-year old Gandhian whose campaign galvanised widespread support against corruption. (In pics: India celebrates Anna's victory)
On Saturday, the anti-corruption crusader had announced he would call off his fast after the government accepted his key demands. He said what had happened in Parliament on Saturday was a victory of the people. He said this after Deshmukh read out the letter appealing to him to end his fast.
Earlier, the eight-hour long extraordinary debate in Parliament on the Lokpal issue on Saturday ended with the government finally agreeing to a resolution that includes all three of Anna Hazare's demands.
Soon after the resolution was passed, the prime minister said, "Parliament has spoken. The will of Parliament is will of the people."
Although there was no vote, the "sense of House" resolution was passed unanimously in the House with the thumping of desks.
Leader of the House Pranab Mukherjee requested Speaker Meira Kumar to adopt the sense of the House as a resolution and forward it to the standing committee.
The resolution says that the House agrees in principle for a strong and effective Lokpal and also for establishment of Lokayuktas in the state. The House has also agreed to set up a citizens' charter. It also recommends the setting up of an appropriate mechanism to bring lower bureaucracy under the Lokpal.
Posted in: Breaking News
