A new world

At the end of our month long stay in Chennai, India, Tayler Sady, Patty Petronello too, Kacie Peterson left the home abroad and head north for a three day tour of Jaipur, Agra and New Delhi and completed a elephant ride and visit Taj Mahal. We have shed the skin of the temporary local Chennai and became a full fledged American tourists camouflaged in Indian clothing sent to travel un-chaperoned before heading back to the United States. But before leaving, will reduce the number of rupees in the pockets of our shopping trips around town. Rupees (Rs.) is the Indian version of the currency and are considered sacred. During our visit the exchange rate from U.S. dollars into Indian rupees was reduced from 48.35 to 47. For each minute is about two rupees. Although it took as many rupees by the end of our journey in the same amount of U.S. travelers checks, as in the beginning, you can now understand the purchasing power of one U.S. dollar. Our tour guide informed us that the wages of work is 100 rupees a day. This is the equivalent of two U.S. dollars for the work done one day. Earn in the United States and spend in India is what is said; It seems like a wise idea.

For more information visit: http://media.www.theonlinerocket.com/media/storage/paper601/news/2009/08/25/News/A.Whole.New.World.Part.Iii-3756693 . shtml

God is still good

It's amazing how many people assume that David Hume was right in his discussion on the right. All objects of human reason, research or course can be divided into two types, namely, relations of ideas, and questions of fact. From the first class are the sciences of geometry, algebra and arithmetic ... [that are] beyond the mere operation of thought ... Questions of fact are that the second object of human reason, can not be determined in the same way, nor is our evidence of its truth, but largely similar in nature to the previous ... If we have in our hands any volume of divinity or metaphysics, for instance, we ask, ¿Contains any abstract reasoning concerning quantity or number? Does not contain any experimental reasoning concerning matters of fact and existence? Do not buy seeds in the flames, as no more than sophistry and illegal • forward. I've been reading through the articles and comments to last week's question: "How to lose, or find your faith?". Losers ran around 100 to 1 on search engines and their comments were surprising and revealing. In almost all losers complained that the religious beliefs or not gave the practical benefits that are expected to agree that those who believe or implausible statements of fact and moral principles.

For more details visit as: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/belief/2009/aug/25/religion-atheism-hume-verificationism

The 12th Annual Sports

The 12th annual John Noce Golf Classic, hosted by the College of San Mateo baseball program, is scheduled for Oct. 12 (Columbus Day) at Poplar Creek Golf Course in San Mateo. Registration is at noon, with a 1 p.m. shotgun start. It's $150 for golf, a cart, lunch and dinner, plus a chance at prizes. For more details, contact CSM baseball coach Doug Williams] CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT

The sixth annual Tony Makjavich Memorial Golf Tournament, a charity event, will be held Sunday, Sept. 27 at Eagle Ridge Golf Club in Gilroy. The event to raise funds for Makjavich's pride and joy — the Palo Alto Oaks semi-pro baseball program — will have a scramble format and begin with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. The cost of $160 includes green fees, cart, prizes, range balls and a tri-tips dinner. Sponsorships are available for $175, which gets you a tee sign and entry in the program. The cost to attend the banquet and raffle only is $35.

For further details visit as : http://www.mercurynews.com/peninsula/ci_13204957?nclick_check=1

Gal is a real New Sport

Guy Ritchie has gone from one pin-up to another. But while Madonna modelled for Louis Vuitton in Vogue, new interest Mellany Gandara is aiming a little lower - and wants to flash her figure on a Sports Illustrated cover. Giving tips on how to pose at a red carpet bash, she said: "I'd love to be in Sports Illustrated and I'm going to do a Maxim shoot. You need to strike the right pose though. "Wiggle a little on the side with a straight leg. "It's a bit of cheating - but it makes you look good."

Source : http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2009/08/26/guy-s-new-gal-is-a-real-sport-115875-21624537/

Fresh Indian dossier of ‘legality’

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said Islamabad will respond to the fresh Indian dossier regarding the November 2008 Mumbai terror attacks only after examining the document handed over to it on Friday. “Our legal experts will examine the new information to see whether it was legally tenable,” ‘The Daily Times’ quoted Qureshi, as saying. India on Friday handed over more evidence on the 26/11 terror attacks on Mumbai to the Pakistani High Commissioner to India, Shahid Malik. Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao handed over the fresh proof to Malik during a meeting at her South Block office. The meeting went on for nearly half-an-hour. According to sources, Malik had reportedly requested a meeting with Rao to discuss the forthcoming engagement between the leaderships of the two countries on the sidelines of UN General Assembly next month.

For further details visit as : http://www.indianexpress.com/news/pak-to-verify-legality-of-fresh-indian-dossier-on-26-11/505529/

Improved ties with Seoul

North Korean envoys sent to mourn former South Korean leader Kim Dae-Jung called Saturday for an immediate improvement in inter-Korean ties and talks with the country's president, media pool reports said. "The North Koreans said they were carrying a message from (North Korea's leader) Chairman Kim Jong-Il," an unidentified government official was quoted as telling Yonhap news agency. Their wish to meet with President Lee Myung-Bak was conveyed to South Korea's Unification Minister Hyun In-Taek on Saturday. Hyun was talking to the president's office about the offer, the official said. "While meeting many South Koreans here, I came to believe that inter-Korean ties must be improved at the earliest possible date," Kim Yang-Gon, a North Korean official in charge of inter-Korean ties, told Hyun. "We've had little opportunity to talk... I hope that these first high-level official talks under the (South Korean conservative President) Lee Myung-Bak administration will provide a chance to have frank talks," he said. Kim is one of a six-member North Korean delegation making a rare visit south of the border to pay tribute to former leader Kim Dae-Jung, who died Tuesday at the age of 85. A winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, Kim held the first inter-Korean summit in 2000, during his 1998-2003 presidency. After the 90-minute talks, Hyun said the North Koreans might postpone their departure for home, sparking speculation that they will meet Lee. The rare encounter raised hopes for a breakthrough amid tension on the Korean peninsula which rose after the North's second nuclear test three months ago.

For further details visit as : http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gAN4qXRbX9S4qZ_tdI45E_5oxLMg

80 Lakhs new GSM Connection in this May '09

May 2009, GSM industry has reported new GSM mobile phone connections with 83 Lakhs on this may.New GSM subscribers which extends to the total of 30 Crores 64 lakh connections.In the previous month's (April) record of 29 Crores 81 lakh subscribers.It shows that 70 percent of all new Cellphone subscribers choose only GSM phones.

Bharati AIRTEL retains the first spot in the New GSM connections.It has 32.48 percent of the Market share.Airtel has crossed 10 Crores subscribers in the last May.It has achieved 28 Lakhs new connections in this May 2009. Vodafone Essar achieved 25 Lakhs new Connections which extends to 7 Crores 4o Lakhs subscribers. Idea Cellular gets 13 Lakhs new Connections with the total of 4 Crores 54 Lakhs Subscribers

This statistics shows about the various Telecom Service providers:
Bharati Airtel: 30 crores 64 lakhs (32.48% of the market share)

Vodafone Essar: 7 crores 40 lakhs

Idea Cellular: 4 crores 54 lakhs

Sehwag on DDCA selection

Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has come out in full support of Virender Sehwag and said he might also leave Delhi Ranji team, if the Gautam Gambhir situation doesn't change. Gautam Gambhir supported Virender Sehwag’s allegation on the Delhi District and Cricket Association (DDCA) and praised his opening partner's move. “I am absolutely behind Sehwag. There should be transparency in the selection process and if the situation remains same, I wouldn't hesitate switching to a different state," said the flamboyant left-hander. Meanwhile, other Delhi players are also backing Sehwag’s decision. According to sources, Ashish Nehra and Ishant Sharma have also supported Sehwag as he threatened to leave for Haryana. On Monday, Indian opener Virender Sehwag has threatened to quit the Delhi Ranji team, alleging interference in selection matters by the DDCA Sports Committee members. Sehwag was unhappy with the rampant corruption in the DDCA and in the selection process of the Delhi team. "I am trying to leave Delhi and play for Haryana. I spoke to the DDCA president, Mr. Arun Jaitley, and he has asked me to discuss the issue with him and then take a decision. If I am not satisfied with the outcome of our meeting, I will surely leave Delhi," Sehwag had said.

Source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/top-stories/Gambhir-backs-Sehwag-on-selection-row/articleshow/4905188.cms

Spokesman 'held' in Pakistani

Pakistani officials say the army has arrested a man they believe to be the chief spokesman for the Pakistani Taliban Maulvi Omar. They said a formal announcement about the arrest would be made shortly. Officials told news agencies that Maulvi Omar was picked up while travelling in a tribal area by car close to the Afghan border. Maulvi Omar is the spokesman for the militant alliance Tehrik Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Source : http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8206489.stm

India Golden Glode Filmmakers

India associated filmmakers Golden Globe nominated Shekhar Kapur (Elizabeth) and BAFTA nominated Mira Nair (Monsoon Wedding) are directing “New York, I Love You” along with nine others, including Oscar nominated Natalie Portman (Star Wars). Suketu Mehta (Mission Kashmir) is one of the writers along with Golden Globe nominated Scarlett Johansson (Lost in Translation), Portman, and 18 others. Filmfare Award winner Irrfan Khan (Slumdog Millionaire) plays Mansukhbhai, while Gurdeep Singh (Love Comes Lately) is Badal, Vedant Gokhale (Body of Lies) is cab driver, and Himad Beg (The Accidental Husband) and Tanzeel Kayani (Anger Management) both play Indian Man. Divya Pathak (The King’s Daughter) is editorial intern. Other cast includes Portman; Oscar winners Cloris Leachman (The Last Picture Show), Julie Christie (Darling), and Chris Cooper (Adaptation); Oscar nominated John Hurt (The Elephant Man), Ethan Hawke (Training Day), James Caan (The Godfather), Andy Garcia (The Lost City), and Burt Young (Rocky); BAFTA winner Shea LaBeouf (Transformers); Golden Globe nominated Hayden Christensen (Life as a House) and Christina Ricci (The Opposite of Sex); Bradley Cooper (The Hangover); Orlando Bloom (The Lord of the Rings); Cesar De León (Salud); etc.

For further details visit as : http://www.totalfilmy.com/news/20090817/india_connection_new_york_i_love_you-27100.html

Indian PM says that Pakisthan are plotting

Indian PM Manmohan Singh says his government has "credible information" that Pakistan-based militants are plotting fresh attacks in India. Mr Singh urged the country's security forces to stay on high alert to avert any such attacks. India has announced a number of plans to boost its security after last November's deadly attacks in Mumbai. More than 170 people died in various attacks across Mumbai on 26 November, including nine gunmen. Mr Singh told a meeting on internal security in the capital, Delhi, that the government had information of fresh attacks being planned. "There is credible information of ongoing plans of terrorist groups in Pakistan to carry out fresh attacks," he told a meeting of state chief ministers. "After Mumbai attacks, we have put in place additional measures. There is a need for continued utmost vigilance," Mr Singh said.The prime minister said all states need to share intelligence information "to avert any terror attack". Mr Singh said cross-border terrorism remained a "most pervasive threat". The federal and state governments have planned several security measures following the Mumbai attacks. Mumbai and Hyderabad have already been allocated their first dedicated elite security force headquarters. More such security task force hubs are proposed in Jodhpur and Guwahati, to ensure that the whole country is covered.

Sourcen : http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8204666.stm

Olympic golden boy Michael Phelps

More bad news for Olympic golden boy Michael Phelps, who found himself involved in an automobile accident on Thursday night in his hometown of Baltimore. According to TMZ, Phelps was driving a Cadillac Escalade when it collided with a Honda Accord around 9pm ET on Thursday after one the vehicles allegedly ran a stoplight. A third car, idle car was subsequently caught up in the collision. Phelps reportedly walked away unharmed by the accident and refused medical treatment when it was offered. The report also states that the police do not believe alcohol to be a factor in the incident and Phelps was not given a field sobriety test after being interviewed by police.

Source : http://www.okmagazine.com/2009/08/olympic-swimmer-michael-phelps-involved-in-three-car-accident/

Yoga can cure Swine Flu

Amidst growing concern on the increasing spread of the H1N1 virus in India, renowned yoga guru Baba Ramdev prescribed yoga as a cure for the disease.

Talking to reporters here on Tuesday, Baba Ramdev advised people to practice yoga as a preventive measure against swine flu.
"People with strong immune system cannot be affected with swine flu. Through yoga and pranayma, you can keep your immune system particularly the respiratory system strong," he added.
He further said that the media was creating panic among the people.
"There is a lot of panic among the people. The news channels round the clock make it breaking news every time there is a death due to swine flu," said Ramdev.
The yoga guru also advised people to use facemasks while in crowded places.
However, a doctor and a 29-year-old woman succumbed to the deadly swine flu virus in Nashik and Pune respectively on Wednesday taking the country's' swine flu death toll to 14.
With the increasing number of swine flu cases, the Central Government has unveiled fresh measures to control the spread of disease by allowing private labs to conduct tests and private hospitals to provide treatment

Sources: in.news.yahoo.com/139/20090812/808/tnl-yoga-can-cure-swine-flu-says-baba-ra.html

Netherlands v England International friends

In a night of friendlies, this will be easily one of the most interesting ones, and given the passion and history between the sides, probably not as friendly as one would imagine. Both England and the Netherlands are in blistering form. The Dutch are reigning supreme on top of Group Nine with seven matches played, seven wins and 21 points accumulated, dead certain to make the trip to South Africa, with Scotland in second place with seven points from five matches. The hosts will be entertaining an equally ruthless side, as England are also in a commanding stance in Group Six, one of their best ever performances in the qualification rounds, with 21 points out of seven outings. And its precisely this spell of impressive performances which have given hope to the long suffering England supporters that Fabio Capello's side could finally stand a realistic chance of success next summer. England are playing beautiful football, but the Italian has managed a few other, on the surface trivial, even humourous achievements, but vital nevertheless. The discipline is fierce, the WAGs (wives and girlfriends) have been banned, and England are both entertaining and effective. The omens are good – unless there are serious England casualties at the end of this Premiership season, ahead of South Africa 2010.

For further details visit as : http://www.sofiaecho.com/2009/08/12/769058_international-friendly-netherlands-v-england

World Championship for 6yo horses

It was the day of "Oranje boven" at the International Dressage and Show-Jumping Festival at Verden on Friday. The black KWPN stallion Westpoint (Jazz / Michelangelo) delivered the first headline. With a total mark of 9.0 he became World Champion of six-year-old dressage horses. To rider Emmelie Scholtens the win was very emotional, as the young rider had her last ride for Larakkers Stable on Westpoint at Verden. Scholtens is going to set up on her own and hopes that the partnership will be continued: "Maybe I can ride him also in the future. I never believed that I would win here. Last year we were 36th." The judges certified Westpoint the best walk in the class, and gave him a 9.0. His canter received a 9.5. Second and third place went to Germany. To the Hanoverian stallion Florinero by Fürst Heinrich - A Jungle Prince (8.72), presented by Dorothee Schneider (Wiesbaden) and to the Vice World Champion of 2008, the Trakehner stallion Imperio by Connery - Balfour xx (8.42) with Anna-Sopie Fiebelkorn (Verden). After winning silver in the class for five-year-olds Fiebelkorn was happy with the bronze medal: "Only ten days ago Imperio finished his breeding season and was much in demand. I am very satisfied with our result."

For further details as : http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2009/08/075.shtml

A Tour to a harmonious world

A Painting Exhibition with the title "A Tour to a Harmonious World: Up to Nepal" was inaugurated amidst a ceremony at the Embassy of Nepal in Beijing by His Excellency Tanka Prasad Karki, Ambassador of Nepal, and His Excellency Chen Haosu, Chairman of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC). The four-day Exhibition is being jointly organized by the Embassy and CPAFFC. Ambassador Mr. Karki, in his inaugural address, said "a painting is not just the combination of refined skill, substances and a canvass, but more so a mixture of feelings which the artist shares with the object... The twelve distinguished artists representing the Institute of Fine Art Creation of CPAFFC visited Nepal, saw it through their artistic eyes, and reflected a living reality of the Nepalese Society. The natural beauty and cultural heritages which appear in their works show how humbly and magnificently Nepal, the Nepalese society and people present themselves to the rest of the world. They have successfully introduced the marvels and glory found in the Nepalese land to all art enthusiasts of China and around the world. Not only this, these arts also spread a message of world harmony and peace."

For further details visit as : http://english.cctv.com/20090812/104086.shtml

vital World Cup victory in Norway

Egil Olsen, the veteran and wily manager summoned by Norway to rescue their stumbling World Cup qualifying campaign, has spoken of the need to take risks against Scotland in Wednesday night’s qualifier in Oslo. Yet it is George Burley who will take the most calculated gamble by selecting a goalkeeper who has not made an international appearance in almost five years – and who conceded seven goals during his only two outings. David Marshall, of Cardiff City, last played for Scotland when the late Tommy Burns was caretaker manager in November 2004, following the resignation of Berti Vogts. Vogts handed Marshall caps in friendlies against Hungary and Sweden, which ended in 0-3 and 1-4 defeats respectively.

For further details visit as : http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/scotland/6012652/Scotland-ready-to-wing-it-in-search-of-vital-World-Cup-victory-in-Norway.html

Annual World Championship good for the sport

India's top-ranked player at the World Badminton Championship that kicks off in Hyderabad today, Saina Nehwal believes the World Badminton Federation's idea of organising the championship annually is the best way to ensure that the global competition in the sport remains of the highest quality. Ever since the World Championship was made an annual affair in 2005 (since its inception in 1977 the Championship was held every three years until 1983, after which, it became a biennial event before it was changed again in 2005 and is held annually except in the year of the Olympics) some of the veteran players and experts have suggested that the tournament will lose its charm if held every year. The latest to join the critics' bandwagon is former World and Olympic champion Taufik Hidayat of Indonesia, who said that the Championship should be held once in three or four years or as a biennial event. However, World No 6 Nehwal disagrees. "Taufik may be saying that because he has the won the tournament before. But, there are so many players who still want to be world champions. An annual tournament will give many more the chance to be the world's best," Nehwal told MiD DAY from Hyderabad yesterday after her final practice session on the eve of the Championship. The 19-year-old felt that in no way was the tournament's importance diluted given its increased frequency. "Great tournaments like Wimbledon and all the other tennis slams are held once a year. No one has seen their value go down. "The annual tournament is particularly beneficial to young players because if a youngster misses out on the world title in one year, he/she has enough opportunities to try and win it in the future. This will only ensure that players work harder each year. "I would love to see a new world champion every year," added Nehwal.

Source : http://www.mid-day.com/news/2009/aug/100809-World-Badminton-Championship-Saina-Nehwal.htm

Sports Sciences to clinch football in Malavan

Malavan FC of Iran wound up their massive goal scoring ways with 11-0 walloping of the Sports Sciences team in the final of the 5th National Women Championship at Jinnah Stadium here on Tuesday. The Iranians continued to click like a well oiled machine and churned the goals that saw them finish their four-match drill scoring 55 goals against their opponents. In the final match, most part of the game was played within the sports sciences half, who showed a weak defence against Iranian women team .‘We played well and specially focused on short passes which helped us lift the title’ Iran Dost, captain of the Iranian football team, told Dawn. She said: ‘We are happy to lift the title in the very first appearance in a national competition in Pakistan.’ In front of a good crowd, the Iranian team never gave a single opportunity to Sports Sciences team to create a chance for scoring a goal. PFF’s women football chairperson Robina Irfan said ‘the event is a step forward to promote women sports in Pakistan.’ Asked that the Iranian team had lifted the cup with a huge margin of goals, she said: ‘the tournament is meant to raise the professional level of the women players in Pakistan.’ APP adds: Federal Minister for Sports, Pir Aftab Shah Jilani, was the chief guest at the final of the 13-team championship and distributed prizes. He presented the winners’ trophy to the Iranian team, hailing from Bandar Anzali seasport, and gave away the best player’s award to Mariam Irandost. The outgoing champions Young Rising Stars of Rawalpindi finished third in the annual event this time.

Source : http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/sport/07-malavan-fc-thrash-sports-sciences-to-win-football-championship-ha-07

Digital sports companies set on Growth

Global sports digital media company, Perform, has acquired a majority share in Sportal Australia, a local provider of digital sports content and website management, in line with growing demand for online and mobile sports content. The combined Sportal and Perform business is set to offer a larger range of internet and mobile video content and services to their client base of sports rights holders and media distributors including Cricket Australia, Tennis Australia, Telstra, Yahoo!7, Vodafone and Sportal’s own portal sportal.com.au. The deal creates a major digital sports media player in a market set to grow as broadband and internet-enabled mobile phones mature, creating more demand for online sports content, including video services, said Alex Peebles, general manager of Perform Australia. “Perform’s global expertise in the video space will further enhance Sportal’s offering to local partners,” he added. Sportal will provide editorial content and mobile applications to Perform’s current rights holder, publisher, mobile, and media group clients, as well as represent the advertising sales for Australian traffic on Perform’s international ad network which reaches 15 million fans per month. “Perform will also be able to immediately commercialise Sportal’s content and applications throughout the world,” said Chris Mutimer, joint founder and CEO of Sportal. “Our clients will have access to exceptional video applications and content, and also to an international sales team to commercialise their video assets.” The business will be launching a new syndicated online video offer at the end of the year which will allow consumers to view on-demand video content for free as well as offering advertisers the opportunity to align themselves with leading sports brands.

Source ; http://www.bandt.com.au/news/24/0C063224.asp

The swine flu tally in the India 1000 Mark

Tuesday reported the highest number of cases in a single day with 119 people testing positive for the dreaded swine flu virus. The swine flu tally in the country touched 1,078. The influenza also sniffed life out of four more people taking the death count to 11. One death each was reported from Pune , Vadodara, Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram. The insidious swine flu is in no mood to relent. In fact, with each passing day it is making its way into newer parts of the country. While Jammu and Meghalaya reported their first swine flu infections on Tuesday, Kerala reported its first fatality. The World Badminton championship in Hyderabad was also marred by H1N1 when a Malaysian coach was quarantined in a hospital after reporting flu like symptoms. The fresh cases Out of the 119 fresh cases, Pune, the epicenter of the current swine flu pandemic, again reported majority i.e. 62 cases, followed by Mumbai; 24 cases. Thus the state of Maharashtra continues to be the worst hit by the infections.

For further details visit as : http://www.themedguru.com/20090811/newsfeature/swine-flu-tally-crosses-1000-mark-india-86127038.html

India chana on stock limit profit-taking

India's chana futures extended the previous sessions' losses on Wednesday morning on stock limits imposed on traders by a key growing state and higher acreage under kharif pulses, analysts said. India's north western state of Rajasthan imposed stock limits on pulses in an attempt to check hoarding, a senior government official said. See [ID:nBOM89475] India's prime minister asked state governments on Saturday to enforce limits on stocks that can be held by traders in an attempt to check hoarding of essential commodities. At 10:48 a.m., the September futures contract NCHU9 was down 1.07 percent at 2,487 rupees per 100 kg. But scanty rainfall and firm spot prices of kharif pulses restricted the downside, they added. The shortfall in India's monsoon rains since June 1 worsened to 28 percent on Aug. 8 from 25 percent three days earlier. See [ID:nDEL487024] Chana, a winter-sown pulse, is priced lower than kharif pulses like tur, urad and moong, but follows their trend as consumers tend to buy the cheaper substitute, pushing up its price as well.

For further details visit as ; http://in.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idINBOM25230420090812

Swine flu in India rose to 14

The death toll from Influenza A (H1N1) virus, or swine flu, rose to 14 with three deaths being reported from Maharashtra, two in Pune and one in Nashik. Rupesh Gangurde, a doctor at the Nashik Civil Hospital, died, the city’s first and the nation’s 14th victim from the swine flu virus. hrawani Deshpande (29) was India’s 13th swine flu victim. She too died at Pune’s government-run Sassoon General Hospital.
Earlier, a 35-year-old man succumbed to the swine flu virus at the Sassoon Hospital. The total number of swine flu casualties in Maharashtra has now gone up to 10. Two more people have died of swine flu in Gujarat and one each in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Meanwhile, with death toll continuing to mount the authorities have stepped up efforts to curb the spread of the contagious virus. The total number of swine flu casualties in Maharashtra has now gone up to 10. Two more people have died of swine flu in Gujarat and one each in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Currently, there are five critical patients at Pune’s Sassoon Hospital and another two critical patients in a Mumbai hospital.

Source : http://www.geo.tv/8-12-2009/47483.htm

India copper opens eyes Fed decision

India's copper futures opened steady on Wednesday as support from a weak rupee was offset by disappointing Chinese data, analysts said. At 10.30 a.m., benchmark August copper MCCQ9 on the Multi Commodity Exchange of India was up 0.02 percent at 291.65 rupees per kg. The Indian rupee weakened to its lowest in nearly two weeks on Wednesday, tracking lower Asian shares. [INR/].The exchange rate of the rupee affects prices as most of the metal is imported. China's July imports of unwrought copper and semi-finished copper products fell to 406,612 tonnes from June's record 475,999 tonnes, customs data showed on Tuesday. See [ID:nBJI000184] Copper prices are expected to trade sideways later in the day as investors will remain cautious ahead of the outcome of the U.S. Fed meeting.[ID:nN11538767] At 10.31 a.m., August zinc contract MZIQ9 was down 0.23 percent at 86.45 rupees and lead for August delivery MLDQ9 was down 0.35 percent at 86.05 rupees per kg. (Reporting by Nandita Bose; Editing by Harish Nambiar)

Source : http://in.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idINBOM23478720090812

Dark drama Kaminey:

After his critically-acclaimed Omkara, director Vishal Bharadwaj is back with dark drama Kaminey. This Shahid Kapoor-Priyanka Chopra-starrer is all about gangsters, rebel soldiers, rogue politicians and crooked cops. The initial rushes and songs of the film have already created an unprecedented buzz among audiences and with a healthy round of eleventh hour promotions going on, Kaminey has gathered just enough momentum for its release. The film revolves around twins - Charlie and Guddu - both played by Shahid. They are as different as chalk and cheese and can't stand the sight of each other till one fateful rainy night their lives cross. Charlie gets mixed up in a deathly get-rich-quick scheme, while Guddu realises that the love of his life, Sweety, has unwittingly put a price on his head. It's a dark comic ride thereon and their lives collide with the lives of gangsters, rogue politicians and crooked cops. In the middle of this crazy adventure, the brothers have to run to protect themselves, their dreams, their love.... And most importantly, realise that all they have is each other. Produced and distributed by UTV Motion Pictures, the film has been written and directed by Bharadwaj. Shahid plays a double role for the first time and it also has writer-director Amol Gupte making his on-screen debut. Industry sources reveal that the movie is made at a budget of around Rs.35 crore (Rs.350 million) and is releasing worldwide with around 1,100 prints and an 'A' certificate.

For further details visit as : http://movies.ndtv.com/Ndtv-Show-Special-Story.aspx?ID=190&StoryID=ENTEN20090104554&ch=810200993300AM

Tighter New York airspace regulation:

A U.S. safety board will examine whether tighter New York airspace regulations are needed after a small plane collided with a sightseeing helicopter above the Hudson River on Aug. 8, leaving nine people dead. The National Transportation Safety Board is “going to be looking at the operations in this airspace,” Debbie Hersman, the board’s chairman, said at a news conference yesterday. “We do know it’s very congested.” The accident has placed a spotlight on a busy strip of airspace above the Hudson River in which pilots fly without air- traffic control direction and rely on their vision and a special radio frequency to avoid collisions with other aircraft. Seven bodies were pulled from the water yesterday along with most of the wreckage of the helicopter as the recovery effort continued, Hersman said. The helicopter was carrying a pilot and five Italian tourists, while the single-engine plane had on board a pilot and two passengers. “If the safety board determines that there are any issues that need to be addressed immediately because of an acute safety concern, we will issue urgent safety recommendations,” Hersman said. “It’s too early in the investigation for us to identify a cause at this point.”

For further details visit as : http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=arVdbhmfkP5M

Bill Clinton emerged of relative obscurity last week

Bill Clinton emerged from more than a year of relative obscurity last week with a mission to Pyongyang, where he rescued two American journalists imprisoned by the North Koreans. It was a touching and triumphant moment, the secretary of state’s spouse as high-level diplomatic troubleshooter. There were banner headlines about the Comeback Kid, reminiscent of Mr. Clinton’s first presidential campaign. It was a testament to his special status. “A former president gives you a unique combination of seniority and rank, but also distance,” says Richard N. Haass, a former U.S. State Department official and now head of the Council on Foreign Relations in New York. As Mr. Haass and others note, Mr. Clinton didn’t negotiate anything in North Korea. Everything was scripted back-channel by President Barack Obama’s administration; the ex-president might have freelanced a little, but he had no leeway for discussions on other issues. Still, he undoubtedly gleaned important impressions of the ailing “Dear Leader,” Kim Jong-il, and others in the reclusive, nuclear-armed, trouble-making regime. Thus, more interesting and important than the headlines, and the attendant fun and gossip of any Clinton saga, are the possibilities — and perils — of using him on subsequent missions.

For further details visit as : http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/10/us/10iht-letter.html

Tiger cadres in military custody feared for their lives

COLOMBO — Senior Tiger cadres in military custody feared for their lives after the new head of the defeated guerrilla group was arrested in Malaysia, a pro-rebel website said Saturday. The Tamilnet.com website said Wednesday's dramatic capture of Selvarasa Pathmanathan, better known as K.P., in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur raised "serious concerns about the world outlook to political justice." Pathmanathan, who took over as head of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) after its military leadership was killed in the final stages of fighting in mid May, had chosen to reorganise the rebel group as a non-violent movement. "Mr Pathmanathan, who denounced violence, was engaged in reorganising the LTTE" and was involved in "the formation of a trans-national body for the Eelam Tamils," the website said. Tamilnet said Pathmanathan's "mysterious kidnapping" had raised fears for the safety of hundreds of Tiger leaders in Sri Lankan military custody. "Currently there are fears about the lives of hundreds of senior LTTE leaders," the Tamilnet said. "War criminals and terrorists hide behind the banner of state and the world doesn?t care for a whole nation incarcerated." Government forces have identified nearly 10,000 Tamil rebels among some 300,000 civilians who escaped the final stages of fighting between troops and Tamil Tigers in the island's north. Sri Lanka has promised to establish an ambitious rehabilitation programme for rebels in custody and has already set up two centres to provide them with vocational training.


For further details visit as : http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5illWvglKXGhRIf5MXSUmhp9poqvg

The terrorist noordin was dead

He was killed today in a police raid on a remote house in Central Java. After seven years on the run and many narrow escapes, the man behind every terrorist attack in Indonesia since 2002 has been killed in a police raid. The death of the Malaysian-born Noordin Mohammed Top has been confirmed by anti-terrorism sources. He is understood to have been killed by a combination of gunshot wounds and the impact of explosions which were seen to detonate inside the house police raided today in Beji village in the Central Java region of Temanggung. Another raid in Bekasi on the outskirts of Jakarta uncovered more than 100 kilograms of explosives including a car bomb which was to be detonated within the next few weeks, say police. They fear the motorcade of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono may have been among the intended targets.


Source : http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/08/08/2650105.htm

Umar Akmal is delighted after reaching his maiden hundred

Umar Akmal is delighted after reaching his maiden hundred, Sri Lanka v Pakistan, 4th ODI, R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Umar Akmal, who destroyed Sri Lanka with a magnificent maiden one-day international century in the fourth ODI at the Premadasa Stadium, has said that he had learned to tackle pressure from his elder brother Kamran Akmal, also a free-scoring batsman. Umar walked in with his team at 130 for 4 in the 26th over and went on to add a crucial 176 with his captain Younis Khan to raise his team's total to 321. The hosts were bowled out for 175, handing Pakistan their first win on tour. Pakistan trail the five-match series 3-1 with the final game on Sunday. "I've learnt a lot from my brother on how to tackle pressure. When the team needed runs I knew how to play according to the situation," Umar said after his blazing unbeaten 102 off 72 balls that comprised four sixes and five fours. "I am thankful to the team management for selecting me and placing faith in my ability. The captain, coach and senior members helped me." Umar, 19, impressed with a typically aggressive fifty in the third ODI in Dambulla and the twin knocks have impressed his coach, Intikhab Alam.

For further details visit as: http://www.cricinfo.com/slvpak2009/content/current/story/418415.html

Australia's selectors were taken to task by the Australian

SYDNEY — Australia's selectors were taken to task by the Australian press Saturday after Stuart Clark's devastating return to the bowling lineup helped rout England in the fourth Ashes Test. Ricky Ponting's team, trailing 1-0 in the five-match series, roared back into contention, bowling out England for 102 and establishing a 94-run lead with their 196 for four by stumps on the opening day of the Headingley Test. Peter Siddle captured five wickets for 21 runs in 9.5 overs and Clark three for 18 in 10 overs as the Australians had their best day of the series since dominating the opening Cardiff Test. But it was the belated appearance of 33-year-old Clark, playing in his first Test since elbow surgery last December, who captured the headlines with a controlled line of attack that Australia's bowling has missed in this series. "The selectors' inexplicable resistance to Clark prior to Headingley could not have been more emphatically highlighted as a most serious error as England were unable to survive more than 33 overs," The Sydney Morning Herald's Jamie Pandaram said. "Clark's comeback could not have been more emphatic; 10 overs for 18 runs and three scalps. He was at his miserly best, conceding his first run after 17 deliveries, and beating the bat repeatedly." Although Siddle produced the best figures, the Herald's Peter Roebuck said Clark was the pick of the Australian bowlers.

For further details visit as : http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g6mvdqIw4JJ90KycEEb5yX7hVQCw

Sri Lanka's local election was started

COLOMBO, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- Polls opened Saturday in Sri Lanka's first election since the island's security forces crushed the Tamil Tigers' over three-decade-old separatist campaign. Polling is being held from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time for the Jaffna Municipal Council and Vavuniya Urban Council in the north, a province affected by the bloody violent campaign of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels. Election to appoint a new provincial administration for the Uva Provincial Council in the central hilly part of the island is also being conducted. A little over 1 million voters are expected to vote, election officials said. The election will be the first in Jaffna since 1998. Jaffna, the cultural capital of the minority Tamils, came under government control in 1995 after being controlled by the rebels for many years. Vavuniya is the gateway to the north - although the rebels never came to control the town it has been a hotbed of violence throughout the conflict. Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse's ruling United People's Freedom Alliance and allies are expected to win the election, analysts say.


For further details visit as : http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-08/08/content_11846148.htm

Attack on Shiite Religious occasion

The bombings, apparently intended to inflame sectarian tensions, coincided with the end of an important Shiite religious occasion. They came just two days after Iraq said it would lift all blast walls from Baghdad’s main roads — and the head of Baghdad’s operations command, Maj. Gen. Abud Qanbar, declared that “security is not an issue anymore” — and one week after five Shiite mosques in Baghdad were bombed in coordinated attacks, killing at least 29. The deadliest bombing on Friday took place at a Shiite Turkmen mosque on the northern fringes of the seething city of Mosul. A Kia truck packed with explosives was detonated while the mosque and an adjacent hall used for funeral services were filled with people, killing at least 37 people and wounding 276, the governor, Atheel al-Nujaifi, told reporters. Mr. Nujaifi and his brother Osama, a member of Parliament, blamed the negligence of Iraqi security forces for the attack and called on the central government to declare the area a disaster zone. Other officials and some witnesses said the truck was driven by a suicide bomber. Raad al-Zubaie, a volunteer with the Iraqi Red Crescent who helped rescue the victims at the scene, said at least 10 houses were leveled in the bombing, which happened in the village of Shirakhan, four miles north of Mosul. It was the second devastating attack to strike near Shiite Turkmen mosques in recent months. In June, a truck bomb exploded as worshipers left Friday Prayer in the contested city of Kirkuk, killing 80 people and wounding 300.

For further details visit as : http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/08/world/middleeast/08iraq.html?hp

Journalists detained in a government crackdown

The suspects, including several prominent political figures, were appearing before the revolutionary court on Saturday to face allegations that they attacked security forces and destroyed property, among other charges. They were among hundreds of protesters, activists and journalists detained in a government crackdown following the unrest, which left at least 20 people dead. At the first hearing held last week, a number of defendants confessed to organising the violence and said that the opposition claims that the election was rigged were a pretext for the riots. The session was to be held on Thursday but was pushed back to Saturday after some of the lawyers of the defendants had asked for more time to study the charges against their clients. Those on trial include Mohammad Ali Abtahi, a former vice-president, Behzad Nabavi, a former industry minister and deputy speaker of parliament, and Abdollah Ramazanzadeh, a former government spokesman. Abtahi told the court that the issue of fraud was "brought up to create riots so Iran becomes like Afghanistan and Iraq and suffers damage and hardship", according to local news agencies.

For further details visit as : http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2009/08/20098843439590151.html

Tendulkar device a new strategy

The most important comparison is the number of centuries scored in the second innings. Out of six centuries scored by Ponting five resulted in Australia winning Test matches. That’s 83 per cent. Inzamam had four winning matches out of six centuries — the percentage is 66 but while
Tendulkar scored ten centuries, only three saw India win matches. The percentage is 30. If the styles of these three batsmen are compared, aggression is a common factor but why Tendulkar is not able to convert his second innings centuries into winning ones is something very intriguing looking at the class that he possesses. Is it because of the load of expectations of the country that agitates his mental make-up or perhaps he is unable to handle pressure in the middle? If one argues that Ponting played for a stronger team, Inzamam certainly didn’t. It was late in his career that Mohd. Yusuf and Yunus Khan added strength to the batting line-up. In Tendulkar’s case he seemed to enjoy his first innings batting rather than second innings. Apart from the first few years, Tendulkar had the support of Azharuddin, Dravid and Ganguly. Later Laxman and Sehwag joined to make the batting line-up strong. Kapil Dev feels that Tendulkar seems to think that the more he accumulates runs, the more he will be comfortable, but in cricket when you change your approach you are inviting trouble. Tendulkar on the other hand has gone on record saying that people shouldn’t expect him to do what he was doing a decade ago. Though one has to agree with Tendulkar’s comment, the fact is that he is unable to do justice to his class by not getting India to win more matches. This is definitely not a blot on his career but not scoring a triple hundred and not increasing the percentage of the winning matches calls for some introspection before the new season begins.

For further details visit as : http://www.hindu.com/2009/08/07/stories/2009080755012200.htm

Greatest Cricketer This country Produce the Second half century

As we filed out through the drizzle that Saturday evening the scoreboard flashed up those famous odds, 500-1, set by Godfrey Evans. It made a good picture for the cover of Mike Brearley's subsequent book, Phoenix From The Ashes, but all that spectators could manage that day was derisive laughter. 'Here we go again,' people thought. That unhappy situation supplied the context for what happened next, which will never be forgotten so long as cricket is played. Botham's impersonation of a blacksmith on a spree turned the match on its head, England claimed the most extraordinary victory in the game's history, and went on to win the series 3-1 amid scenes of unprecedented revelry. Can we ever hear or read too much about Headingley '81? Never! Monday, July 20, 1981 was the feast day of the greatest cricketer this country produced in the second half of the last century. It was not Botham's finest innings – that came two Tests later, at Old Trafford – but it is the performance that made him immortal as the man who single-handedly beat the Aussies. That is not the literal truth. Bob Willis played a fairly significant role, taking eight for 43 on that final afternoon, as he ran in, hypnotised, from the Kirkstall Lane End, with a point to prove (he was nearly dropped after Lord's) and Mr Dylan in his ear: "Beauty walks a razor's edge, some day I'll make it mine!" But legends are not hammered into shape on the anvil of cold facts. Count them if you like – six first-innings wickets, a half-century in England's feeble total of 174, and then that 149 not out. No, legends are made by men who know no fear.

For further details visit as : http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/international/theashes/5984229/Michael-Henderson-Ian-Bothams-Headingley-1981-Ashes-Test-still-resonates.html

Drugs tests - Harbhajan

Spinner Harbhajan Singh has said India's cricketers are not opposed to drug tests but the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA's) clause to reveal one's round-the-year location, which he felt was illogical. Harbhajan is on the ICC's International Registered Testing Pool (IRTP) and was among the three cricketers who met ICC officials and subsequently expressed reservations about the WADA guidelines to the BCCI working committee last Sunday. "We are not against drug tests. They can test us every single day, before or after a match, before or after a net session, we don't mind that. We would love to have a drug-free sport. But is this the only way?" he told the Indian Express. The offspinner said he and his colleagues would accept what is decided at the ICC executive board meeting with BCCI and WADA officials. "We will follow whatever the BCCI tells us," he said. Responding to criticism by Indian Olympians of the cricketers' stance, Harbhajan said: "People should stick to their own business and not speak about what we should or shouldn't do, or teach us how to behave. We don't interfere in any other sports or speak of what other sportsmen should do." Harbhajan said he had been tested several times and never had a problem. "I have been tested at least 15 to 20 times… We are not against it. We are responsible people and we know what we have to do," he said.

Source : http://www.cricinfo.com/india/content/current/story/418276.html

Arrested in Tamil Tiger Leader

The Tamil Tiger rebels' new leader, Selvarasa Pathmanathan, has been arrested, Sri Lankan officials say. Sri Lanka's defence minister told the BBC that Mr Pathmanathan, better known as KP, was detained in Thailand, where he had been residing for many years. He took over the leadership of the remnants of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) after their defeat in May by Sri Lankan security forces. Mr Pathmanathan was wanted on two Interpol warrants. There has been no comment yet from the rebels on the arrest of Mr Pathmanathan.The Sri Lankan Defence Minister, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, told the BBC that the new Tamil Tiger leader had been arrested, but he did not elaborate on the circumstances surrounding his capture. Mr Pathmanathan was widely believed to be running the LTTE's arms and smuggling networks for years. But he took over the leadership of the LTTE after the former head, Velupillai Pirabhakaran, and his top commanders were killed during the military offensive in north-eastern Sri Lanka in May. As the new rebel leader, Mr Pathmanathan said the LTTE had decided to silence their guns and would try non-violent methods to achieve their goal of a separate state for the Tamil minority. If Mr Pathmanathan's arrest is independently confirmed, it would be another significant blow for the LTTE. He is also wanted in India in connection with the assassination of the former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, by a suspected Tamil female suicide bomber, in 1991.

Source : http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8188900.stm

Families after Tonga ferry capsize

Many Tongans living in New Zealand are scrambling for the money and means to get home as they face an unbearable wait for news of loved ones missing since a ferry capsized off Tonga on Wednesday night.Authorities say 119 people were on board the Princess Ashika when it went down 86 kilometres of the coast of the Tongan capital Nuku'alofa. So far the bodies of two men have been recovered and 64 people are still missing. Concerns have now been raised that the ferry - which was 30 years old - may not have been fit for use. Elisapeta Ofa flew up to Auckland from Christchurch this morning but there are no flights to Tonga today so she has to wait until tomorrow. Her mother, brother and sister were on board the ferry when it sank. Nothing has been heard of them since. "I just look down into the ocean and I just imagine, just wonder, looking at the face of my mum and my brother and my sister, wondering where they are because we don't know," she said. Ms Ofa says it has been difficult to get information about those missing. "It was just the waiting [to] hear about what's happening and just lucky that I have got brothers and sisters in the main island so they can actually just rush around and find out information from their friends," she said. Most of the missing are women and children who were asleep on the lower deck. Babies are also listed as missing. Ms Ofa is trying to stay strong for her father. Her missing sister is 23, her missing brother is 20 and has Down's syndrome.

For further details visit as : http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/08/07/2649325.htm

Boys no bother for Ponting

Australia captain Ricky Ponting said he had "loved every minute" of the drawn third Ashes Test at Edgbaston despite being booed by some England supporters as he went into bat. It was not the first time in this Ashes series, where England are 1-0 up with two to play, that Ponting has been jeered by crowds. So concerned are home officials, according to the London Daily Telegraph on Wednesday, that England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chairman Giles Clarke has written a message in the match programme for the fourth Test here at Headingley, which starts on Friday, urging fans to respect all players. But Ponting, writing in the Daily Telegraph, didn't appear too concerned by the boos, which he was "half-expecting". And he labelled the Barmy Army, the much criticised and vocal England supporters' group as "the best sporting crowd in the world". Ponting added: "There is never anything untoward. It is always good, light-hearted stuff, and when England have a sniff of winning the volume goes up tenfold. "They add a lot to the whole experience of the Ashes. "The Edgbaston crowd were not the first to boo me this summer - but they were the loudest. Which makes sense, because Edgbaston is famous for being the bullring of English cricket. "Whenever I walk out of the changing rooms I'm half-expecting it. I'm thinking: 'Right, let's get it out of the way, get the booing done, and then I'll start building my innings."

For further details visit as : http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hPxa_IyCMa5V77x_ts1mPWJa9nGQ