Month: May 2014

Hot Sunday in Delhi, similar weather likely Monday

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The week ended on a hot, sunny note here Sunday with the maximum temperature a notch above the season’s average at 39.7 degrees Celsius. Similar weather is expected Monday.

“The sky will remain partly cloudy tomorrow (Monday) and the afternoon will be hot,” said an official of the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to hover at 39 and 25 degrees Celsius, respectively, added the IMD official.

Sunday morning was partly cloudy and the minimum temperature was recorded at 24.5 degrees Celsius, a notch above the season’s average.

AIIMS ex-director’s son held for duping NRI woman

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Son of a former director of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) was arrested here for duping a Britain-based NRI woman of over Rs.10 lakh, police said Sunday.

Mukul Paul Taneja, 50, resident of Hauz Khas, was arrested Thursday from a south Delhi market on the complaint of the Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Nisha Karavadra.

Taneja duped the NRI by selling her a luxurious car for Rs.10.50 lakh without informing her the loan taken against the vehicle was not paid.

Irfan finishes 26th in 20km walk at Worlds

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National record holder Irfan Kolothum Thodi finished 26th in the men’s 20 km event at the IAAF World Race Walking Cup here Sunday.

The Indian clocked 1:21:09 — his best time this season — and was the best-finisher among the five Indians in the event. Overall, the Indian walkers finished eighth in the team event out of a total of 17 teams.

Meanwhile, Asian Championship bronze medallist Gurmeet Singh clocked 1:21:20 to finish 27th and this was Gurmeet’s season best timing as well.

Modi solicits votes in name of Kargil ‘martyrs’: Sonia

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BJP leader Narendra Modi is seeking to make political gains by soliciting support for his party in the name of Kargil heroes, Congress president Sonia Gandhi said here Sunday.

“Unka dil sirf kursi mang raha hai (Modi’s heart only seeks power),” Gandhi said at an election rally here in Himachal Pradesh. “For political gains, he is using the name of martyrs.”

Gandhi, in her maiden visit to the state that will go to the Lok Sabha polls May 7, said the path being shown by the BJP was that of discrimination and destruction.

Clippers edge Warriors, enter NBA semis

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Los Angeles Clippers edged the Golden State Warriors 126-121 to enter the final four in the NBA Western Conference with a 4-3 series record.

Blake Griffin finished with 24 points, Chris Paul had 22 points and 14 assists and Jamal Crawford added 22 Saturday, reports Xinhua.

Stephen Curry had 33 points and nine assists for the Warriors while Draymond Green added 24.
(IANS)

Coal mafia beckons Bollywood filmmakers

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After shunning it for decades, it seems Hindi filmmakers have woken up to ‘coal mafia’ in a big way. After 2012’s two-part realistic drama “Gangs of Wasseypur” and latest release “Gunday”, this Friday brings “Koyelaanchal”, another expose on the same.

Produced and directed by Asshu Trikha, the film will show how coal mafia operates, how inhabitants of coal mine areas live, their survival stories as well as people’s lust to gain control over coal mine areas.

Trikha has described the film starring Vinod Khanna and Suniel Shetty as complicated with many layers and stories.

The “F” factor in Hyderabad Politics

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The politics in Hyderabad was always driven by the F-factor. For nearly six decades, the F-factor dictated the agenda and forced the people to abide by it. It was only the F-factor that obstructed the developmental activities in the city, especially the Old City. The “F” in the last few decades stood for “Fear”.

“If we don’t win, the others will”. “If you don’t support us, then they will come and harm you.” “If you are not supporting us, then you are their agent”.

Thunder overwhelm Grizzlies in NBA

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Oklahoma City Thunder overwhelmed Memphis Grizzlies 120-109, recording 4-3 to book a semi-final berth in the NBA Western Conference.

Kevin Durant knocked down all of his five shooting attempts beyond the arc, finishing with a game-high 33 points while Russell Westbrook bagged a “triple-double” which included 27 points, 10 rebounds and 16 assists Saturday, reports Xinhua.

Marc Gasol led the Grizzlies with 24 points while Mike Conley added 20.

Thunder will meet the Los Angeles Clippers in the second round.
(IANS)

Guinea’s Ebola death toll rises to 81

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The Ebola virus has killed 81 people out of 127 confirmed cases in Guinea so far this year, health authorities said.

Statistics released by the government April 28 reported 74 deaths among 121 confirmed Ebola cases, Xinhua reported Sunday.

First discovered in 1976 in two simultaneous outbreaks in Sudan and in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), the Ebola virus was named after the Ebola river where the DR Congo outbreak was found in a nearby village.

Ebola is a fatal disease that kills up to 90 percent of its victims.

Nadal favourite under pressure at Madrid Open

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Tennis star Rafael Nadal will again be the favourite when the big names begin their matches in the Madrid Open here Monday.

The Spaniard is the top seed despite a recent slump in form which has seen him lose to fellow Spaniards David Ferrer and Nicolas Almagro in Monte Carlo and Barcelona, respectively. But he can count on unconditional support from the stands at the Caja Magica where he has already been champion on three occasions, reports Xinhua.

Adam Levine goes blonde

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Singer Adam Levine has dyed his hair blonde and he shared his new look on Twitter.

“The Voice” Sunday tweeted a photo capturing his new look with fiance Behati Prinsloo peering over his shoulder, reports dailymail.co.uk.

The bold new hairstyle is in stark contrast to his usual naturally brown locks and thanks to his new hairdo, he now resembles some big screen actors like Ryan Gosling, who coloured his hair for “The Place Beyond The Pines”, and Rutger Hauer.

The dye job marks the end of a busy few weeks for Levine, who has been busy promoting his debut film role in “Begin Again”.

For night out, go monochrome

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Singer Jessica Simpson’s Carolina Herrera gown is eye-catching and perfect for a night out. When you step out to let your hair down, make sure to slip into a black floral dress just like Simpson for the red carpet glamorous look.

She recently wore the dress, which was nipped in at the waist, flattering her figure, with a flowing layered skirt. She teamed it with a classic black stilettos, reports dailymail.co.uk.

A classic monochrome dress is a party staple. Whether you opt for mini, midi or maxi length, it will make you look chic and feminine.

Barcelona coach Martino hints at departure

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FC Barcelona coach Tata Martino hinted that he will leave the club at the end of the season after Getafe striker Angel Lafita scored in injury time which all but ends Barcelona’s chance of winning this season’s La Liga title.

The Getafe striker planted a header firmly past Barcelona keeper Jose Pinto to give his side a vital point with a 2-2 draw in their battle against relegation Saturday. The result means that if Atletico Madrid win away to Levante Sunday, Barcelona would no longer be able to overhaul them, thus ending their title hopes, reports Xinhua.

Mamata serving infiltrators with help from Left, Congress: Modi

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BJP’s prime ministerial hopeful Narendra Modi Sunday came down heavily on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for “serving” Bangladeshi infiltrators and neglecting the youths in her state, and alleged the Congress and the Left are in league with her on this issue.

Seeking to make a distinction between infiltrators and refugees from Bangladesh, Modi said while those who force themselves into India illegally would have to go back, people driven out from the neighbouring nation because of their religion would be welcomed.

Three killed, six injured in Afghan blasts

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Three people were killed and six others wounded in two blasts in Afghanistan Sunday, authorities said.

In one attack, a civilian was killed, and three civilian and a soldier were wounded when a sticky bomb attached to an army jeep detonated in northern Kunduz city, capital of Kunduz province, Xinhua reported.

In another incident, Toryalli Khan, governor of Mauruf district of southern Kandahar province, told Xinhua that two personnel of Afghan National Directorate for Security (NDS) were killed and two others wounded in a roadside bombing.

Congress allies NCP and NC oppose snoopgate probe

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In a major snub for the Congress, two of its allies – the NCP and the National Conference – Sunday opposed an inquiry commission to probe the snoopgate allegations against BJP leader Narendra Modi, saying the timing was not right.

Speaking to reporters, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and union minister Praful Patel said: “The decision to set up an inquiry into the allegations was taken in December. Now with 10 days to go for election results, it’s not the right time.”

BISMILLAH – IN THE NAME OF ALLAH

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Purpose of the Bismillah Of all the good practices founded by Islam is the practice of that a person should begin all his actions in the name of Allah. To remember Allah before any action is a way of admitting that everything is created by Allah and whatever the action or skill is going to be practiced is under the will granted by Allah. And hence granting the man a freedom to exercise his actions with a hint of consciousness that Allah is watching his action and a sense of gratitude to the Creator of the worlds.

Bihar village sans campaign ahead of polling

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Even though election fever grips the rest of the country, this village in Bihar’s Saran district remains silent as neither any candidate contesting the ongoing Lok Sabha polls nor any political leader has so far visited the village for campaigning.

The residents of Dharmasati Gandaman village are in mourning as 23 children from here died after eating contaminated mid-day meal in a government primary school last year.

No witch-hunt but no one above law: Modi on Vadra (IANS Interview)

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BJP’s prime ministerial nominee Narendra Modi said he will not “waste” time by launching a “witch-hunt” against his political opponents or individuals, including Robert Vadra, but added that no one was above the rule of law howsoever highly placed.

“I am not going to waste my time in launching a witch-hunt against my political opponents or other individuals,” Modi told IANS in an e-mail interview when asked whether Congress chief Sonia Gandhi’s son-in-law will be sent to jail if his wrongdoing were proved in land deals.

Too Many Contenders for Telangana CM’s Post

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With the conclusion of polling in Telangana, several Congress leaders are gearing up to begin lobbying for the post of Chief Minister.

The Congress leaders are confident of their victory in the elections, whose results will be announced on May 16. They are primarily trying to capatalise on the recent statements made by their senior leaders to secure their position. There are over a dozen contenders for the CM’s post in the Congress party.

No time to relax, says Modi (IANS Interview)

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The gruelling campaign schedule over the past month has not allowed BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi to relax in any manner, including listening to music and reading.

Asked by IANS how he manages to keep fit amid the hectic election campaigning, Modi said: “Yes, in the last one month it has been a very hectic and gruelling schedule. However, when I see the kind of support the people are giving to the BJP, it keeps me motivated to work hard.”

Modi said he was also not getting time to read as well.

Bengal’s Red Corridor readies for polls (Election Special)

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Junglemahal – for years synonymous with the Maoist movement when bullets held sway – is now readying for the battle of the ballot under a heavy security blanket.

The forested stretches in the three districts of West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia will be voting May 7 for the Lok Sabha election.

The Trinamool Congress, riding on its success in the 2011 assembly and 2013 rural government polls, is hoping to unseat the Left Front from its long-held Jhargram, Purulia and Bankura constituencies.

The ‘Red Corridor’ has not witnessed any subversive activity over the last two years.

Mamata condemns Assam attacks

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In a veiled attack on BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Sunday said comments by “aspirants of high office are adding fuel” to the fire in states like Assam where at least 28 people have died in militant attacks.

“I am very shocked over the recent incident of violence in Assam where innocent Bengali-speaking minorities and tribal brothers and sisters are being brutally murdered. This is most unfortunate,” Banerjee said in a post on her Facebook page.

Defoe returns to line-up but Toronto FC lose

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Toronto FC striker Jermain Defoe returned to action in the team’s 1-2 loss against New England Revolution in Major League Soccer (MLS).

The 31-year-old London native returned from a hamstring injury sustained March 29 against Real Salt Lake. The injury sidelined Defoe for the following three matches, reports Xinhua.

In Saturday’s loss against New England, Defoe played the duration of the match but went scoreless. But despite that Defoe’s presence led Toronto to scoring chances throughout the game.

Ludhiana college in national basketball league final

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It was a mixed day Sunday for Government College, Ludhiana, as their boys’ team reached the final but the girls went down in the semifinals of the first BFI-IMG Reliance National School and College Basketball League at the Thyagaraj Stadium here.

The Ludhiana boys narrowly beat SBM Jain College, Bangalore, 94-90 but the latter’s girls team got the better of Government College 93-70 in the semis.