The Hindu Articles: October 2012

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

A small blow to the Compton name

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No one present at the Brabourne Stadium on Wednesday probably recalls Denis Comptons’s superb efforts of 91 and 124 for the Europeans against the Hindus in the semifinals of the Pentagulars in his last match at the Dinshaw Vaccha Road venue in 1946.

But the day saw a third generation Compton — in the England opener Nick — appear in flannels at the storied ground in nearly seven decades.

Facing the third ball from Ashok Dinda operating with the new ball, the right-hander from Taunton nicked to the ’keeper to be dismissed for a duck.

And with that unhappy episode the Compton reputation took a minor blow.

Denis Compton, in fact, has a pretty impressive record at Brabourne — 844 runs with four centuries, with a best of an unbeaten 249 for Holkar against Bombay in the Ranji Trophy final of 1945.

Keywords: Denis Comptons

More In: Cricket | Sport

via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/a-small-blow-to-the-compton-name/article4051587.ece

India starts favourite

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sport

The Indian men’s team would attempt to regain the title in the sixth World carrom Championship being staged in Colombo till November 4. India had won every title except the men’s team championship in the last edition after losing to Sri Lanka in the final.

Yogesh Pardeshi and S. Illavazhaki will attempt to defend their individual world crown in the men’s and women’s sections respectively.

The team: Men: Yogesh Pardeshi, K. Srinivas, C. Bharathidasan, Prakash Gaikwad. Women: M. Parimala Devi, S. Illavazhaki, Rashmi Kumari and Kavita Somanchi.

Keywords: World carrom Championship

Arafat’s remains could be exhumed in November

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World Palestine

crime, law and justice

French and Swiss investigators are expected to exhume the remains of Yasser Arafat to ascertain the cause of his death after suspicions arose that the iconic Palestinian leader might have been poisoned.

The French team will arrive anytime between November 24 and 26, AP reported. However, Switzerland’s Institute of Radiation Physics, expected to carry out a parallel autopsy, did not confirm the dates.

A fresh investigation into Arafat’s death — in November 2004 — was triggered by the findings of a Swiss laboratory, which examined clothes that supposedly belonged to Arafat. Investigators discovered traces of polonium-210, a deadly radioactive poison on the clothing — generating strong suspicions that Arafat, who had died in a French military hospital, might have been poisoned.

Armed with the report, Arafat’s wife Suha Arafat and the Palestinian Authority (PA) called for parallel probes — Ms. Arafat formally seeking a French investigation, while the PA apparently deciding to reach out to the Swiss investigators.

Both teams will draw samples at the same time from the remains of Arafat, who was buried in Ramallah. A grand mausoleum has been subsequently constructed to enclose the grave-site.

The investigation into Arafat’s death comes at a time when the PA is set for a major diplomatic confrontation with Israel and the United States. Strong opposition from Tel Aviv and Washington notwithstanding, the Palestinians are likely to move the General Assembly for a vote likely to establish Palestine as an “observer state” of the United Nations.

The Palestinians, supported by a majority of the developing countries, are expected to sail though the voting. “Observer state” status would empower the Palestinians with international legitimacy, which they can leverage during future negotiations with the Israelis for a genuine two-state solution.

Heavy price

However, the Palestinians could pay a heavy price for their audacious move. Saeb Erakat, veteran Palestinian negotiator, warned on Tuesday that the U.S could “freeze all or some of the funding for the Palestinian National Authority ... put pressure on other governments to discourage them from providing support and/or reduce their aid to Palestine”, after the U.N. vote, scheduled either on November 15 or November 29.

The Americans have already punished the U.N. cultural body United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) after it admitted Palestine as a member last year. Mr. Erekat also apprehended that the Israel could refuse to channel the monthly $100 million that it collects as customs payments on behalf of the PA.

Keywords: Yasser Arafat's death

Could Sandy turn the tide in Obama’s favour?

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politics election

Could Sandy turn the tide in Obama’s favour?

Narayan Lakshman

Washington: In a race as closely contested as the 2012 U.S. presidential election, in which the latest opinion polls place President Barack Obama and rival Mitt Romney at an even 47 per cent among likely voters, every single point scored and misstep made counts.

However, less than a week before Election Day, the U.S. citizenry is so sharply polarised that, barring the 13 per cent or so of truly undecided voters, even the most dramatic of situations is likely to make little difference.

As political analyst Robert Shrum recently noted, “Never underestimate the capacity of an intervening event to have a big influence. It was the Friday before the 2004 election that Osama bin Laden suddenly popped up on Al Jazeera, telling people they shouldn’t vote for Bush. Now, I don’t think he was a dumb cookie; I think he knew exactly what he was doing. The last person in the world people in this country were going to take advice from was Osama bin Laden.”

Does this apply to “super-storm” Sandy? Perhaps.

Clear indications that Sandy would wreak havoc along the U.S. East Coast emerged more than a week ago, leaving the Obama administration with plenty of time to prepare not only to tackle the hurricane , but also set in motion its public relations machinery.

A few days before Monday night — when Sandy made landfall in New Jersey accompanied by lethal, 130 km ph wind gusts — statements from the White House started emerging.

The President himself issued warning about it being a “big”, “difficult” storm. Alongside, minute details of all his meetings with officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Energy, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Health and Human Services, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Red Cross and the Coast Guard were made available to the media.

The Republican machinery wasted little time in hopping on board the Sandy wagon. Mr. Romney immediately announced that he’d be suspending some of his campaign activities to focus on those affected by the storm, and the campaign team committed his wife, Ann and vice-presidential running mate, Paul Ryan, to further hurricane-focused meetings.

Both men are poised to visit areas worst-hit by Sandy, which, although re-classified as a post-tropical cyclone after making landfall, has claimed more than 40 American lives and left around eight million without power.

Whether this will matter on November 6 remains an open question. Although Mr. Obama began the race with an ostensibly unassailable lead, the margin shrank dramatically after the presidential debates in October, when Mr. Romney boosted his public standing by appearing both aggressive and reasonable in his arguments and criticism of the Obama administration. A Pew Research Centre poll this week said they were tied among likely voters.

The outcome will ultimately depend on who turns up at the polling booths, whether they are given the opportunity to vote, and what issues weigh most strongly on their minds. With even major events like hurricane Sandy failing to shift voter preferences towards either candidate, the identity of the next White House occupant may only be known when the last vote is counted.

Keywords: US presidential polls

TOPICS

media television industry

As per reports, an estimated 3.5 lakh people remain to be covered

Even as the deadline for digitization at four metros ended on Wednesday, an estimated 10-15 per cent of homes in these metros are yet to be shifted to the new system.

In a fresh development, however, the Madras High Court, on Wednesday, extended the deadline for digitization in Chennai till November 5.

Direct-to-Home (DTH) and Multi-System Operator (MSO) companies providing digital signals said much of digitization happened in the last 15 days, and the balance would be covered within a week. Sources said they had been flooded with inquiries in the last few days.

While near complete digitization has taken place in New Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai have lagged behind.

“The last two weeks have been very good. Lot of people migrated during this period. In Delhi, we have seen ten-fold jump in subscribers as against our average sale. In Mumbai, the growth was five-to-six times. This is the tip of the iceberg. In Chennai and Kolkata, we have seen a small increase. But now we are anticipating huge demand from those who have stayed way,” said Salil Kapoor, Chief Operating Officer, Dish TV. He said consumers normally delayed their buying decision till the last moment or until they were forced to. “We are augmenting man power from neighbouring States and cities to cater to the demand,” Mr. Kapoor said.

“The momentum was much faster this time. As compared to the last deadline of June 30, the awareness was much more. Today, DTH and set-top boxes are in huge demand. As per reports, an estimated 3.5 lakh people remain to be covered, and this conversion will happen in days,” said Shashi Arora, Chief Executive Officer, Digital TV Services, Airtel.

He said the company’s offer for a free set-top box had been received well.

“This is festive season, and we expect the uptrend to continue for the next 15 days. We have sufficient stock to meet the demand. As the digitization deadline for other big cities ends in March, 2013, we also expect more business from there as well,” Mr. Arora added.

According to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, there has been a huge surge in the installation of set-top boxes (STBs) in the metros, especially in Delhi, in the last two days.

Keywords: Cable TV digitisation

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Mildly dramatic, no show-stopper [Tamil: Parapappu undu; bhramippu illai], October 29, 2012. Translated by D.I. Aravindan, Presented by V.B.Ganesan

via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/incoming/article4048058.ece

Gadkari survives for now [Telugu: Ippodhaiku Thappiththar Gadkari] October 30, 2012. Translated by D.I.Aravindan, presented by V.B. Ganesan

via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/incoming/article4048051.ece

The winning tune

via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chen-metroplus/the-winning-tune/article4047345.ece

Monday, October 29, 2012

Five held for SI’s murder

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crime, law and justice

Police launch hunt for the other accused

The district police achieved a major breakthrough in the case relating to the murder of sub-inspector Alwin Sudhan (27) by arresting five people, including M. Barathi, a close associate of main accused Prabu, on Monday.

“A special team arrested the five in the Manamadurai area and seized two cars used by them and some weapons,” District Superintendent of Police M Panneerselvam told The Hindu over phone.

The first accused Prabu is still at large and special teams have launched a hunt for him and other accused.

Those arrested were part of the armed gang that killed the police officer, while proceeding to pay homage to Marudhu brothers on Saturday.

They were produced before the Judicial Magistrate court, Manamadurai, and remanded to judicial custody. They have lodged at the Madurai central prison.

The arrest came a day after Director General of Police K. Ramanujam said that all steps had been taken to secure the armed gang, after placing a wreath of the body of the SI at the Government Rajaji hospital in Madurai.

The police identified the accused as M. Barathi (25), R. Sonaimuthu (36) J. Manikandan (24), K. Prabu (24) (not the main accused) and S. Iyanar (24).

In all, the police have identified about 25 accused in connection with the murder case, the SP said.

Iyanar is the owner-cum-driver of the car, the SP added.

Keywords: Alwin Sudhan's murder

Sudoku – October 30, 2012

A mind game and a puzzle that you solve with reasoning and logic. Fill in the grid with digits in such a manner that every row, every column and every 3x3 box accommodates the digits 1 to 9, without repeating any. The solution to yesterday’s puzzle is also given.

Special youth brigade to be set up to aid police

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crime, law and justice police

Youth will be absorbed in police department after training

A special youth brigade will be formed to assist the police in various activities and provide a ready recruitment base for the police department after the youth undergo a year’s successful training.

Chief Minister Jayalalithaa told the State Assembly on Monday that she had ordered the formation of the ‘Tamil Nadu Special Police Youth Brigade (TSPYB), taking into account the need to create 19,096 additional posts in the police department in proportion to the ever-increasing population and the retirement of thousands of policemen every year.

The brigade would assist the police in various activities so that the existing personnel could be fully involved in primary activities such as maintenance of law and order, controlling crime and investigation.

Making a suo motu statement on the first day of the Assembly session, Ms. Jayalalithaa said in the current year, 10,000 persons would be recruited for the youth police brigade.

A selection test would be held in December and successful candidates inducted into the brigade in January 2013 after completion of basic training. In 2013-14, the recruitment would be for selection of 15,000 candidates. Depending on the requirement, their numbers would be raised up to 50,000 in a year.

The Chief Minister explained that candidates who successfully completed a year’s training in the youth brigade would be absorbed in the police department. Every year, a particular percentage of vacancies in the department would be filled through these candidates and the Tamil Nadu Uniformed Services Recruitment Board would conduct recruitment. Unsuccessful candidates who reached the age of 40 would be given some other employment opportunities.

The Chief Minister said candidates selected for the brigade would get a monthly honorarium of Rs. 7,500 and could avail of the canteen facilities available to police personnel. Besides, they would be entitled to rice, wheat, sugar, atta and dhall at subsidised rates.

She said recruitment would be conducted by Superintendent of Police in all districts and the basic qualification was S.S.L.C.

The age limit is between 18 and 30 and selected candidates would be included in the brigade in their district.

Members of the youth brigade will be assigned work such as traffic regulation, delivery of court summonses, crowd regulation, night patrol and driving police vehicles.

Ms. Jayalalithaa said the total posts in the police department were 1,13,629, at a ratio of one policeman for every 635 people. But as on January 1, 2012, only 82 per cent of the total posts remained filled.

To overcome the shortage, she ordered a recruitment drive for selection of 12,208 police personnel. The Tamil Nadu Uniformed Services Recruitment Board conducted a written test in June, followed by physical fitness tests in August.

The list of selected candidates was released on October 12. Medical check-up is on for 12,162 candidates and they would join duty only after seven months of training.

Keywords: Tamil Nadu Special Police Youth Brigade

England set for another Indian journey

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sport cricket

Cricket / The current team is the most inexperienced in dusty Indian conditions

When England arrived a few hours before sunrise on Monday to mark the 14th official Lions tour of India Alastair Cook’s team had a count of 17 players including Kevin Pietersen and 15 experts to deal with the team’s skills, fitness, nutrition and security related parts of the tour. Even the spacious Patiala players’ dressing room at the Brabourne Stadium may be a trifle small to accommodate such a large group when Cook’s team locks horn with India `A’ in a three-day opening tour match from Tuesday.

The size of the present squad is indeed a far cry from the Lions first tour of India in 1933 when Douglas Jardine managed the three-Test series against Col. C. Nayudu’s team with 13 players.

Their skills and knowledge were good enough for England to score an emphatic 2-0 win against India.

Established opener

On the other hand Cook has just taken over the leadership following the retirement of Andrew Strauss with whom he formed England’s all-time best opening partnership delivering 4711 runs in the last six and a half years. Strauss’s absence is a big hole to fill in and Cook will have to contemplate over the next three weeks on his likely replacement leading to the first Test in Ahmedabad.

On a personal note Cook made a fine impression on his Test debut in India scoring 60 and 104 at Nagpur. He has also established himself as a solid opening batsman who has accumulated 6555 runs with 20 centuries that makes him a daunting opponent to deal with at the top of the order.

As of now it appears Cook and the England team management seem to have coped with the acerbic issues related to Pietersen.

Reports suggest that the England has been told to treat the series against India as it would do to Australia in an Ashes. What has surprised the discerning though is England’s option to practice for two days in Dubai than at the venue of the first tour match. According to sources England imported SG Test balls a year ago and simulated spin-friendly pitches in at Dubai.

Clearly the current England team is the most inexperienced in dusty Indian conditions with Pietersen and Ian Bell having played five Tests each and Cook four, among the batsmen and Monty Panesar having played five and James Anderson, three, among the bowlers.

Cook would clearly bank upon Flower and batting coach Graham Gooch to offer their expertise on playing spin; Flower has scored 1138 runs at 94.83 against India (820 runs in five Test matches in India with an unbeaten 232 as his highest) and Gooch has a record of 1725 runs in 19 Tests against India (591 at 42.21 in India).

There have been reports — quite shrill at that — around the personnel picked in the India ‘A’ team. Michael Vaughan and David Lloyd have scoffed at India’s decision to pick an all-seam attack for the first three-day warm up game.

Vaughan has said the Indian selectors’ tactic is not in the spirit of the game. Cook on his part has said his team has the wherewithal to tackle spin — which they will face aplenty.

So the stage is set for England to embark on another serious engagement in India at a venue where some 40 years ago, Farokh Engineer and Gundappa scored fine centuries, Salim Durani clouted sixes on demand, skipper Tony Lewis was out first ball, Tony Greig and Keith Fletcher scored centuries and when England played three spinners in Derek Underwoord, Pat Pocock and Jack Birkenshaw.

The teams (from):

India ‘A’: Suresh Raina (Capt.), M.Vijay, A. Mukund, A. Rahane, M. Tiwary, Yuvraj Singh, W. Saha, A. Menaria, R. Vinay Kumar, Irfan Pathan, Ashok Dinda, P. Awana, R. Bist and A. Rayudu

England: Alastair Cook (Capt.), James Anderson, Ian Bell, Jonathan Trott, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Tim Bresnan, Nick Compton, Steven Finn, Graham Onions, Monty Panesar, Samit Patel, Kevin Pietersen, Matt Prior, Joe Root, Graeme Swann and Eoin Morgan.

Keywords: England's tour of India

TOPICS

sport shooting

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) will conduct the 56th National shooting championship at the Dr. Karni Singh Range, Tughlakabad, from December 20 to 30.

Though the tentative programme has been made for the pistol, rifle and shotgun events, the NRAI has announced that things would be finalised in the technical committee meeting to be held on November 9.

Keywords: National shooting championship

Nurses march to collectorate

Kerala Students’ Union workers gheraoing Deputy Labour Officer B. Arun in Kannur on Monday demanding initiation of discussion with private hospital authorities to end the nurses’ strike in four four private hospitals in the district. Photo: S K Mohan

TOPICS

labour

Nearly 280 nurses are on strike in four hospitals in the district and their demands include revision of pay scale, three-shift duty and 10 per cent annual increment for senior staff. The nurses are on strike at Ashirvad Hospital, Dhanalakshmi Hospital and Koyili Hospital in Kannur and Lourde Hospital at Taliparamaba.

Political leaders cutting across party lines addressed the Indian Nurses’ Association (INA) members who marched to the collectorate on Monday, on the eighth day of their indefinite strike, raising a slew of demands.

T.V. Rajesh, MLA, All-India Congress Committee member Suma Balakrishnan and Bharatiya Janata Party State vice-president A.P. Padmini were among those who addressed the nurses who took out the march from Koyili Hospital around 11 a.m.

Mr. Rajesh said the hospital managements should not let sparks turn into a fire. None of the demands put forward by the striking group could be termed unjustified and eight months had passed since the Balram committee had submitted its report to the government. The recommendations of the committee should be implemented at the earliest, he urged.

Office-bearers of the INA said that in the wake of unqualified nurses and nursing students being engaged by the managements of hospitals where nurses were on strike, the Kerala Nursing Council had been given a complaint and inspections had been undertaken. A report in this direction was awaited, while such practices would be fought in the future, they said.

Meanwhile, the hospital managements said that the hospitals were functioning normally as many striking nurses had joined back on duty.

New appointments had also been made to meet the staff shortage, they said. Many conciliatory talks between the INA and the Qualified Private Medical Practitioners’ Association (QPMPA), representing the hospital managements, organised by the Labour Department officials and district administration, since the strike commenced on October 22 had failed to reach any agreement.

Keywords: Kerala nurses

Mumbai in final

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sport cricket

Mumbai qualified for the final of the All India women’s cricket tournament (under-19) with a narrow, two-wicket win over Hyderabad in the final round match here on Monday. Mumbai will face Bengal in the final at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Uppal on October 31.

The scores: Madhya Pradesh 168 for eight (Neha Badaik 39, Tamanna Nigam 43, Sneh Rana four for 27) bt Punjab 148 (Taniya Bhatia 54, Neelam Bist 34, Preeti Yadav four for 26).

Maharashtra 149 (Smriti Mandana 61, G. Chandralekha three for 35) lost to Andhra 152 for three (Ch. Jhansi Lakshmi 42, N. Anusha 43 n.o.).

Hyderabad 98 lost to Mumbai 99 for eight (Praneesha three for 15).

Uttar Pradesh 99 (Harleen Kaur Deol four for 19) bt Himachal Pradesh 81 (Deepti Sharma three for 16).

Keywords: All India women’s cricket tournament

More In: Cricket | Sport

via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/mumbai-in-final/article4044542.ece

Three points for Andhra ‘A’

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sport cricket

Andhra ‘A’ took a first innings lead of 151 runs against Chhattisgarh ‘A’ in a Plate Group ‘B’ match of the Col. C.K. Nayudu Trophy (u-25) match that ended in a draw at Kadapa on Monday. Chhattisgarh made 461 in 160. 2 overs with Prakhar Roy (132) and Vishal Kushwah (120) cracking centuries.

Kerala ‘A’ posts win

At New Delhi, Kerala ‘A’ completed a 96 run win over Railways ‘A’.

MP ‘A’ takes three points

At Kalyani, Madhya Pradesh ‘A’ claimed three points by virtue of its first innings lead against Bengal ‘A.’

The scores:

At Kadapa: Andhra ‘A’ 612 for eight decl. in 130 overs and 122 for one in 16 overs (Prajit 49 n.o., G. Chiranjeevi 44) drew with Chhattisgarh ‘A’ 461 in 160.2 overs (Prakhar Roy 132, Vishal Kushwah 120, Chhabhi 68, V.D. Dubey 38, K. Bharat Reddy four for 90, K. Harish three for 90, B. Sudhakar two for 82).

At New Delhi: Kerala ‘A’ 138 & 236 bt Railways ‘A’ 86 & 192 for nine in 47 overs (P. Aswathi 38, Sandeep Warrier three for 46).

At Kalyani: Bengal ‘A’ 340 and 231 for four in 78 overs (P. Joshi 50, Writam Porel 54, Sreevats Goswami 64) drew with Madhya Pradesh ‘A’ 538 for seven decl. in 165 overs (Satyam Choudhary 246 n.o., Anandsingh Bais 65, Rameez Khan 59)

At New Delhi: Delhi 513 for six decl beat Orissa 318 and 178 (Arvind Kumar Singh 58, Manan Sharma four for 32, Varun Sood four for 34) by an innings and 17 runs.

Keywords: Col. C.K. Nayudu Trophy

More In: Cricket | Sport

via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/three-points-for-andhra-a/article4044551.ece

‘There are several good teams here’

TOPICS

sport boxing

Despite the absence of most of the big names of Indian boxing, keen competition is on the cards as Railways gets set to defend its team title in the 59th senior national boxing championship for men, which is to begin at the Lal Bahadur stadium from Tuesday.

The main challenge will obviously come from its arch rival — the strong Services outfit — while boxers from All India Police, Steel Plants, Haryana, and Manipur could come up with an upset or two.

Jaydev Bisht, coach of Indian Railways, sounded confident on the eve of the tournament. “We are here to win the title once again and prove we are second to none. I have great hopes from Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Amandeep Singh in 49 kgs, multiple times national champion Dilbagh Singh in 69 kgs, Kuldeep Singh in 75 kgs and Jasbir Singh in 91 kgs. Olympian Manoj Kumar has not come because he is not fit,” said Bisht.

But if the railways boxers are raring to go, their biggest rivals Services are also confident of putting up a good show.

Services coach Narendra Rana says he is sure of a medal from heavyweight Manpreet Singh, a product of the Army Sports Institute who had won a silver in the Asian games in Guangzhou.

“Besides Manpreet, we also have other good boxers like Santosh Kumar in 64 kgs and Nanao Singh who had won a gold in the Youth World Amateur boxing championship in 2008. Nanao too is a product of the Army Sports Institute and he also got a gold in the Commonwealth Youth Games. He is one of the best boxers in the country now,” said Rana.

The Andhra Pradesh team coach Omkar Yadav rested his hopes on K. Sagar (light flyweight), I.M. Ashok (light welterweight), Sardar Bhaginder Singh (heavyweight) and Trivikram Dev (super heavyweight).

“We have trained very hard and I am sure our performance will be much better than it was the last time,” said Yadav.

Dronacharya awardee national coach G.S. Sandhu also felt that competition would be very tough.

“Boxing is a major sport in India now and we are producing so many good boxers. It is very difficult to predict anything about who will be the winner or which team will get more medals,” he said.

“I have high hopes that boxers like Chotelal Yadav, Sumeet Sangwan and Jasbir Singh will give very good performances. They are very talented boxers and have trained well,” said Sandhu.

“There are several good teams here — not just Railways and Services,” he clarified. “Haryana has some very good boxers. Then states like Manipur cannot be ruled out. All India Police and Steel Plants have produced good boxers in the past and they continue to do so even now. So we really cannot make any prediction about which team will emerge as the best,” he said.

Keywords: senior national boxing championship

Grasim's second quarter profit up 48 %

TOPICS

company information corporate performance

An improved performance from its cement business saw Grasim Industries on Monday report a 48 per cent rise in its consolidated net profit at Rs. 620 crore for the second quarter of 2012-13.

Grasim’s consolidated revenue for the quarter rose 15 per cent to Rs. 6,602 crore and operating profit was up a third at Rs. 1,505 crore.Grasim’s viscose staple fibre (VSF) sales volumes rose 8 per cent in spite of difficult conditions in the global textile industry amidst economic slowdown, a company release said.

While the first phase of the VSF brownfield expansion (18,250 tonnes) was commissioned last month, the second phase of same tonnage is expected to go on stream in the fourth quarter.

Commissioning of Grasim’s VSF (120,000 tonnes per annum) and chemical (1.82 lakh tonnes) greenfield projects at Vilayat, Gujarat will start in the fourth quarter, the company said.

The board approved a capex of Rs. 223 crore to set up a 51,500 tonnes Epoxy plant at Vilayat to be commissioned in Q3 of 2013-14.

In its VSF outlook, the statement said “the environment continues to be challenging. The global economic scenario, coupled with a surplus capacity in China, will impact market conditions and margins. The cotton crop in the ensuing season will influence realisations in the short term.’’

Colgate

Colgate-Palmolive India, the fast-moving consumer goods player, announced a 46 per cent increase in its net profit at Rs.145.08 crore for the second quarter ended September 30, 2012, against Rs.99.68 crore in the corresponding period in the pervious year. Net sales were higher by 18 per cent at Rs.773.77 crore against Rs. 657.24 crore.

For the half-year ended September 30, 2012, the net profit had risen by 31 per cent to Rs.262.50 crore from Rs.200.12 crore in the corresponding period in the last year. Net sales were higher by 19 per cent at Rs.1,509.85 crore against Rs.1,268.34 crore.

EID Parry

EID Parry (India), a leading manufacturer of sugar in India, has posted a rise of 21 per cent in its turnover to Rs. 502.66 crore in the second quarter ended September 30, 2012 from Rs. 415.10 crore in the same period in the previous your. The earnings before interest and depreciation stood at Rs. 372.61 crore against Rs. 83.19 crore. The profit after taxation has risen smartly to Rs. 325.80 crore from Rs. 49.48 crore in the year-ago period.

The sugar division crushed 14.43 lakh tonnes of sugarcane against 12.77 lakh tonnes, registering a growth of 13 per cent. As a standalone entity, the sugar division reported a profit before interest (PBIT) of Rs.27.84 crore against Rs. 5.20 crore. EID Parry exported power to the tune of 917 lakh units during the quarter under reference against 890 lakh units in the year-ago period.

Sugar operations, on a consolidated basis, resulted in a profit before interest and taxation of Rs. 2.66 crore against a loss of Rs. 20.37 crore.

Rane Brake Lining

Rane Brake Lining, a part of the Chennai-based Rane Group, registered a decline in its sales and operating income at Rs. 82.59 crore in the three months ended September 30, 2012, against Rs. 88.45 crore in the same period in the previous year. The net profit was sharply lower at Rs. 48 lakhs against Rs. 5.10 crore in the year-ago period. The company attributed the poor performance to the weakeing in the automobile market. In the original equipment manufacturing (OEM) segment, most sectors registered negative or flat growth, the company said in a press release.

Keywords: Grasim performace

More In: Companies | Business | Industry

via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/business/companies/grasims-second-quarter-profit-up-48/article4044359.ece

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Day in pictures

via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/day-in-pictures/article4042933.ece

29th October 2012

Sri U. Ve. Athan Periya Tiruvadi Swamy (Sri Mohan Swamy) Chief Archakar, Sri Venkateshwara Perumal Devastanam, Koneri Shivaji Nagar, Secunderabad. Attained Acharyan Tiruvadi on 28-10-2012, Funeral on 29-10-12. Ph: 040-27700664.

KOVIL KANDADAI Appan Ramanuja Chariar Swamy attained Acharyan Thiruvadi on 28-10-12.Charama Kainkaryam at Sriperumpudur on 29-10-12. 9.00a.m

WE REGRET to inform that Koil Kandadai Appan Ramaanujachariar Attained Acharyan Thiruvadi 28-10-12 by KKC.Periappangar Swamy Thirumaligai Sholinghur

Mr. K.T.VARGHESE, (75), Retd. Paper Products, passed away on 27-10-2012. Funeral at Kilpauk Cemetery, 3-30 p.m. on 29-10-2012. Contact No. 9791062551, 22593800.

A.V.ANANTHANARAYANAN 90 Retd, SRLY, F/o AV Rajan Expired on 28-10-12 at his residence 29/15 Pattammal St, Krishnapuram Ambattur Cremation on Tuesday 30-10-12 Morning Contact: 26585174/ 9840970811

28th October 2012

R.PARTHASARATHY S/o Late K.Rangachary & Mandakiniammal attained Acharyan Thiruvadi on 25/10/2012.Dasasthu on 03/11/2012 @ Narayanatheertham Nandanam. Inserted by Family Members & Friends Ph:9841470429/26160459

Sow.S.HEMALATHA W/o,V.Sowmyanarayanan,Ex-Staff Syndicate Bank,Nanganallur,Attained Acharyan Thiruvadi on Saturday,27th-Oct-2012,After a Brief Illness. Contact Ph:044-22241340.Inserted By Relatives,Chennai.

S.BALASUBRAMANIAN(72 years) Retd Kaveri Engg. & IIQA, Trichy passed away on 27-10-2012. Deeply mourned by wife, son & family. Ct: 9941451967

Mrs.S.KAMALA (Age 63) W/o V.Santhanam M/o.Sridhar & Sriram passed away at Virugambakkam on 26-10-2012 at 8-50 a.m. Ct: 9940575655.

SUNDARAMURTHI.M.R(79 yrs), RETD. Sr.Audit Officer,AGS office, passed away on 27-10-2012 at his residence,Alwarthirunagar Annexe,Chennai-87. Contact No: 9444072692/23772692.

Smt. D. KAMALAVENI (61), Mother of Mr. D. Shanmugam, Chennai-600001 expired on 27-10-2012. Eyes donated to Rotary Rajan Eye Bank, C/o Rajan Eye Care Hospital Pvt. Ltd., Chennai-17.

Delta farmers on cloud nine

Photo: B.Velankanni Raj Farmers planting samba paddy at Mannargudi taluk.

TOPICS

economy, business and finance agriculture

With vast stretches on either side of Mannargudi-Muthupet-Thiruthuraipoondi Road looking lush green, a diametrically opposite picture obtained about a month ago, it looks the ryots of this region have surmounted the water crisis for the time being.

The euphoria among farmers even in the tail-end areas of delta is palpable.

The normal bounty of northeast monsoon (October-December) to Tirurvarur district is 731 mm. In just a week (October 15 – 21), the district recorded 221 mm.

S. Vasudevan, a mechanical engineer who is looking after the family property of 188 acres in a single block at Perugavazhndan, admits that the farmers were in tears till the onset of monsoon.

“After September 23, there was no rain at all. And the Mettur water reached this area only by October 3. We took a calculated risk by resorting to direct-sowing and spent more than Rs four lakh. But, it was the timely rains after October 15 that proved crucial. A team with a German technical expert which visited the farm recently is confident that the yield would be extremely impressive,” he added.

The same joyous feeling is echoed by G. Ravi of Mannukkamundan, Mannargudi taluk, and J. Krishnan, who has lands in Manankathankottam and Peruvidaimarudur.

They hope that they would get adequate water during the next few weeks, thanks to monsoon.

But, with the Mettur Dam having hardly 30 tmcft of water and Karnataka remaining unmoved regarding release of water to Tamil Nadu, despite the contempt of court case filed by Tamil Nadu, they don’t know whether to rejoice.

S. Santhanakrishnan, another farmer, said that the ideal situation would be to have one more spell of showers in a week.

At the same time, he articulated their lurking fear - whether there will be enough water to complete the cultivation because water is absolutely essential up to the end of January.

Mr. Ravi explained their apprehension. “Now we require water for 100 days. First worry is that the rains should not be too heavy as that would totally ruin the standing crops.

But rains would not continue beyond December.

As the harvest is going to be only by February 15 for the 150-day variety like Savithri, how are we going to manage the entire January with the pittance of storage in Mettur Dam?If we can’t get water during January, situation will become a repeat of 2003 when we did not even bother to harvest.”

Alleging that the prices of fertilizers have further shot up in the past couple of weeks, he pleaded that the government to check the same immediately.

Mr. Krishnan, who is looking after 40 acres , said this is the right time for the government to help the farmers out as they have taken enormous risk by raising crops.

“A large number of farmers have started insuring their crop and they can insure up to the end of December. Without insurance, crop coverage would plummet. Besides, both the Central and the State governments should release their contribution simultaneously to help the ryots”.

Keywords: TN delta farmers

More In: Tiruchirapalli | Tamil Nadu | States

via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/delta-farmers-on-cloud-nine/article4041411.ece

Mobile units on rounds to trace fever cases in Madurai

TOPICS

health

Herbal ‘kashayam’ being distributed in Melur block: Additional Collector

Surveillance of fever cases and public awareness campaign to prevent dengue were intensified across Madurai district on Sunday, especially in Melur block which has seen high incidence of suspected and confirmed dengue cases.

A special monitoring team from the district administration led by Additional Collector G.K. Arun Sundar Thayalan, visited dengue-hit hamlets in Melur block on Sunday along with officials from the Revenue and Health Departments.

The week-long intensive campaign to contain dengue fever which began on Saturday is going door-to-door to create awareness of the hazards of water stagnation and to screen people having fever in various hamlets of Melur block.

“We are going by what Collector Anshul Mishra said at a review-cum-coordination meeting on Friday. Five mobile medical units have been pressed into service in Melur block to trace fever cases and provide immediate medical attention. Even if it is normal fever, our team is keeping a track to rule out dengue,” Mr. Thayalan told The Hindu on Sunday.

Mosquito breeding sources in Melur block are being identified and eliminated through door-to-door survey, while persons having fever with dengue symptoms are being attended to by the mobile medical units. In cases where it is required, they would be referred to the Government Rajaji Hospital here.

Another control measure taken up for dengue fever control is distribution of Siddha medicine ‘nilavembu kashayam,’ the Additional Collector has said.

The distribution of herbal Siddha medicine is being monitored by T.N. Ramanathan, Commissioner of Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy, who has been deputed by the State government to oversee dengue control steps in southern districts.

Also, doctors of Primary Health Centres in the Melur block and public health staff have been asked to be on alert. Meanwhile, Mr. Mishra has given instructions to improve sanitation on the GRH premises too.

Following his orders, additional rounds of anti-larval wok and fogging are being done in GRH since Friday at the paediatric wing, special dengue wards and staff quarters. “We are doing water purification and cleanliness works on regular basis. Five workers have been engaged on daily wage basis and they are being paid from the hospital maintenance fund,” a supervisor in the sanitation wing of GRH said.

Keywords: dengue fever

Police not present, witnesses not produced…that is how trials are delayed

TOPICS

crime, law and justice

“Accused present. Police not present. Witness not produced. For recall of prosecution of witness call on…” Such a noting was found in the diary of a Sessions Court. Says the diary in another court: “Accused not present. No representation for accused. Police not present. Address to Commissioner. Issue non-bailable warrant to accused.”

These entries show the manner in which trials are handled by law enforcement agencies before Sessions Courts that deal with serious offences such as murder, rape and dacoity. Trial proceedings are often marred by the absence of investigation officers, non-production of witnesses or accused. Prosecutors say such slackness made their job very tough and led to frequent adjournments and interminable delays at the trial stage.

A public prosecutor had just finished her examination-in-chief of a prosecution witness, who turned hostile in a murder case involving a gang. She expressed her anguish: “ The police have not even bothered to depute an Inspector rank officer in this case.”

The notice board at additional sessions courts here are full of proclamations relating to absconding suspects, some of them involved in serious crimes. Another prosecutor lamented: “Some of the police personnel don’t even know under which provisions the accused could be booked. There is no list of witnesses, as they don’t know how to prepare the list.”

There are instances of cases being dragged for several days because investigation officers are absent. The officers are sometimes unavailable for official reasons: “IO has gone for training,” constables deputed to represent the police tell judges. Or it could be ‘bandobast duty’ or just ‘special duty.’

A prosecutor says a case committed to sessions for trial in 2007 was adjourned 10 times for examination of prosecution witnesses. “The Assistant Commissioner, who was the investigation officer, failed to appear in court for many hearings, and ultimately retired. The police standing rules say the IO has to appear before the court even if he was on medical leave or has retired.”

N. Chandrasekharan, an advocate long associated with prosecuting agencies, said that unless there was dedication on the part of the police and the judiciary, cases relating to serious crimes would only get delayed. “Criminals are aware that the greater the delay, the better it is for them. For, over time, witnesses will disappear or change their versions or water down their testimony.”

Mr. Chandrasekharan also favoured a timeframe to finish the investigation and trial. “Those days when I started my practice, serious cases will not be kept pending for long. After filing charge sheet, the trial date will be fixed and examination begin within a few days.”

Senior advocate K.S. Dinakaran said, “There is no proper agency to serve summons on witnesses or to keep abreast of trial proceedings. Policemen lack in numbers and are often deployed for security and other duties.” He suggested that a special wing in the police force be created exclusively to handle court cases like serving of summons or attending the court.

Keywords: crime

Saina Nehwal loses in the final of French Open Super Series

Gates Of Heaven should make amends

TOPICS

sport horse racing

Trainer Mansoor Shah’s ward Gates Of Heaven, who ran second in her last start is in good shape and should make amends, in the Pune Cantonment Board Trophy, Div.I, the feature event of the penultimate day’s races here on Saturday (October 27).

WHOPPER PLATE (1,000m), Cl.V, rated 1 to 26 – 12.30 p.m.: 1. Tudor Regent (10) Dashrath 59.5, 2. So True (9) S.Kamble 59, 3. Cuba (6) Akshay 58, 4. Distinguished (1) S.Sameer 58, 5. Towering High (7) Kavraj 57, 6. Wild Imagination (5) C.Rajendra 56.5, 7. Sweaty Betty (4) Agarwal 53.5, 8. The Saint (8) C.S.Jodha 53, 9. Arabian Chief (3) Sandesh 50.5 and 10. Rio Del Ray (2) Sandeep Jadhav 49.

1. Arabian Chief, 2. Tudor Regent, 3. Wild Imagination

ASSESSED PLATE, DIV.II (1,200m), Cl. V, rated 1 to 26 – 1.00: 1. Fajr (14) S.Sunil 59.5, 2. Trump Card (11) N.Bhujbal 58.5, 3. Xenia

(2) Dashrath 58.5, 4. Speed Up (6) P.S.Chouhan 58, 5. Suntan Beauty (7) S.Kamble 58, 6. Winds Of Change (1) Kamlesh 58, 7. Stylish Strokes (13) C.S.Jodha 56.5, 8. Fantastic Kingdom (10) Pradeep 56, 9. Star Glory (5) Hanumant 56, 10. Al Zamarud (3) Agarwal 53.5, 11. Amora (8) V.Jodha 52, 12. Rose Bud (12) Akshay 52, 13. Mischevious Z (4) Baria 51 and 14. Twittillator (9) Sandesh 49.

1. Xenia, 2. Speed Up, 3. Twittillator

MOUNT ROSE PLATE, DIV.II (1,000m), Cl. IV, rated 20 to 46 – 1.30: 1. Alkazi (11) Kavraj 61, 2. Aflame (5) Trevor 57, 3. Hill Ranger (6) Zervan 55.5, 4. Foxtrot (2) Sandesh 55, 5. Always Smile (4) T.Nemane 54, 6. Walking Tall (8) Akshay 54, 7. Crowned Princess (9) Dashrath 53, 8. Mcqueen (12) D.K.Ashish 52.5, 9. Rising Angel (Late Fallen Angel) (1) Zameer 52, 10. Mahima (7) Neeraj 51, 11. Minute To Win It (3) N.Jodha 51 and 12. Rakhsh (10) Pradeep 51.

1. Aflame, 2. Hill Ranger, 3. Crowned Princess

PROLETARIAN PLATE, DIV.II (1,400m), Cl. IV, rated 20 to 46 – 2.00: 1. Octopaul (6) I.Chisty 60, 2. Flying Kiss (7) Sandesh 56, 3. Bayblues (10) I.Pardeshi 55, 4. Eclipsed (8) Dashrath 55, 5. Banana Boy (2) Pradeep 54.5, 6. New Wings (9) C.S.Jodha 54.5, 7. Reckless Romeo (4) Akshay 54.5, 8. Double Diamond (1) Pereira 54, 9. Gibran (5) Trevor 52.5, 10. Peak Peak Peak (12) Baria 52.5, 11. Sea Pearl (11) S.K.Jadhav 51.5 and 12. Vaile Rouge (3) Neeraj 49.

1. Octopaul, 2. Flying Kiss, 3. Banana Boy

PARTY WHIP PLATE (1,400m), Cl. II, rated 60 to 86 - 2.30: 1. White Knight (1) Sandeep Jadhav 59, 2. Silver Birch (4) Zervan 57.5, 3. Deja Vu (5) Sandesh 55, 4. Bizarro (2) Kamlesh 51 and 5. Snow Blaze (3) Neeraj 50.5.

1. Deja Vu, 2. Bizarro

PROLETARIAN PLATE, DIV.I (1,400m), Cl. IV, rated 20 to 46 – 3.00: 1. Gloria (5) Agarwal 62, 2. Staying Alive (2) I.Chisty 61, 3. In The Limelight (1) Sandesh 59.5, 4. Roger Bcool (3) Baria 59.5, 5. Voyager (8) T.Nemane 59.5, 6. Glowing Star (10) S.Sunil 59, 7. Queen Of Venus (12) Kamlesh 59, 8. Angels Tern (13) B.Sreekanth 58.5, 9. Step Up (9) B.Prakash 58.5, 10. Eye Of The Storm (4) N.Bhujbal 58, 11. Queens Kiss (6) S.Kamble 57.5, 12. Pablo Neruda (7) Trevor 56.5 and 13. Arabian Fighter (11) Akshay 54.5.

1. Staying Alive, 2. In The Limelight, 3. Queen Of Venus

PUNE CANTONMENT BOARD TROPHY, DIV.II (1,000m), Maiden, 3-y-o only – 3.30: 1. Aigaion (5) R.K.Mahesh 56, 2. Amara (3) V.Jodha 56, 3. Burn (7) Tograllu 56, 4. Monsieur Strauss (4) S.Sunil 56, 5. Your Lordship (2) S.Kamble 56, 6. Ace Image (8) Pereira 54.5, 7. Astromia (6) D.K.Ashish 54.5, 8. Jaipur Gem (10) C.S.Jodha 54.5, 9. Negredo (1) D.A.Naik 54.5 and 10. Suzonia (9) Baria 54.5.

1. Astromia, 2. Burn, 3. Monsieur Strauss

ASSESSED PLATE, DIV.I (1,200m), Cl. V, rated 1 to 26 – 4.00: 1. Red Tabasco (1) Dashrath 61.5, 2. Adams Vision (13) Shammi 61, 3. Gararo (11) Ashad Asbar 61, 4. Star Storm (4) B.Sreekanth 61, 5. Absolute Star (6) Akshay 60.5, 6. Ceasarina (3) Agarwal 60.5, 7. Hearthrob (2) S.Kamble 60.5, 8. Hot As Ice (5) Sandeep Jadhav 60.5, 9. Riding Onthe Storm (7) Kamlesh 60, 10. Constanza (10) P.Naidu 59.5, 11. Enlightening (9) Pasha 59, 12. Radical Mackie (12) Baria 59, 13. Mountain Lion (8) T.Nemane 58.5 and 14. Victor Ivanov (14) Deepesh 49.

1. Hearthrob, 2. Red Tabasco, 3. Mountain Lion

PUNE CANTONMENT BOARD TROPHY, DIV.I (1,000m), Maiden, 3-y-o only – 4.30: 1. Ashwa Pranav (3) Pasha 56, 2. August Sunshine (6) R.K.Mahesh 56, 3. Moon Raker (1) V.Jodha 56, 4. Novak (4) S.Kamble 56, 5. Astral Queen (7) Trevor 54.5, 6. Basic Life (5) D.K.Ashish 54.5, 7. Eveready (10) C.S.Jodha 54.5, 8. Gates Of Heaven (2) Sandesh 54.5, 9. Scotch White (9) Baria 54.5, 10. Starsonboard (8) Dashrath 54.5 and 11. Tropical Blue (11) Merchant 54.5.

1. Gates Of Heaven, 2. Starsonboard, 3. Astral Queen

IRISH BOSS PLATE (1,600m), Cl. III, rated 40 to 66 – 5.00: 1. El Clasico (6) C.Rajendra 59, 2. Talk Of The Town (9) Kamlesh 58, 3. Pelikano (3) Prasad 57, 4. Set To Fly (11) I.Chisty 56.5, 5. Deep Purple (13) P.S.Chouhan 56, 6. Saba (4) Neeraj 56, 7. Snow Mountain (5) Sandesh 56, 8. Zakynthos (10) Zervan 56, 9. Seven Seas (1) Dashrath 55.5, 10. Forward Charge (12) S.Kamble 55, 11. Etesian (2) Trevor 53.5, 12. Star Mountain (8) Kavraj 53.5 and 13. Tell Me More (7) Agarwal 53.5.

1. Set To Fly, 2. Star Mountain, 3. Zakynthos

MOUNT ROSE PLATE, DIV.I (1,000m), Cl. IV, rated 20 to 46 – 5.30: 1. Fortuner (6) P.Naidu 62, 2. Phosphor (12) P.S.Chouhan 62, 3. Scarlet Regent (4) B.Sreekanth 62, 4. Bongani (2) Sandesh 61.5, 5. Native Lady (3) Akshay 61.5, 6. Amika (5) Dashrath 61, 7. Capitano (11) S.Kamble 60.5, 8. Three Roses (10) Trevor 60, 9. Warrior Prince (8) T.Nemane 57.5, 10. Holiday Dancer (1) Shammi 57, 11. Celsius (9) N.Bhujbal 55 and 12. Golden Spurs (7) Hanumant 55.

1. Scarlet Regent, 2. Amika, 3. Phosphor

Day’s best: Astromia

Double: Set To Fly-Scarlet Regent

Jackpot (i): 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8; (ii) 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11.

Treble (i): 3, 4 & 5; (ii): 5, 6 & 7; (iii): 9, 10 & 11.

Super Jackpot: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11.

Keywords: Pune races

More In: Races | Sport

via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/sport/races/gates-of-heaven-should-make-amends/article4034622.ece

Spanish Fly, Cielo Signore shine

TOPICS

sport horse racing

Spanish Fly, Cielo Signore, Carducci and Showin’off shone when the horses were exercised here on Friday morning (October 26).

Inner sand:

1400m: Petite Fleur (Asgar) 1-36.5, (1,400-600) 49. Impressed. Aristos (Vaibhav) 1-38, (1,400-600) 54. In fine trim.

Outer sand:

600m: Ensatus Elegans (B. Harish) 44. Moved freely.

1000m: Zultanite (Selvaraj) 1-15.5, 600/46. Moved on the bit.

1200m: Spanish Fly (B. Paswan) 1-24.5, 1,000/1-11.5, 600/45. In fine condition. Sunstorm (Mrs. Silva), Hillstone (B. Paswan) 1-29.5, 1,000/1-15, 600/45. They finished level. Cielo Signore (Vaibhav) 1-25, 1,000/1-11.5, 600/43.5. Pleased. Showin’off (S.K. Das) 1-27, 1,000/1-12, 600/43. A fine display. Carducci (Vaibhav) 1-24, 1,000/1-1-9.5, 600/42.5. Moved fluently. Cirque Du Soleil (Vaibhav) 1-25.5, 1,000/1-12, 600/45.5. Moved impressively. Vistabella (Mrs. Silva), Lad Fury (B. Paswan) 1-25, 1,000/1-11.5, 600/44.5. They are in fine trim. Smithsonite (Selvaraj) 1-28, (1,200-600) 41.5. Eased up.

1400m: Southern Bay (Sreekanth) 1-40, 1,200/1-26, 1,000/1-12.5, 600/45. Shaped well. Hillfiger (Mrs. Silva) 1-42.5, (1,400-600) 55. Moved freely. Crown Empress (S.K. Das) 1-45.5, 1,200/1-30.5, 1,000/1-14.5, 600/45.5. Moved on the bit.

Keywords: Bangalore races

More In: Races | Sport

via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/sport/races/spanish-fly-cielo-signore-shine/article4034524.ece

Capriole wins main event

TOPICS

sport horse racing

Capriole ridden by I.Chisty won the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing & Goffs R.W.I.T.C Ltd Gold Cup (Gr. II), the main event of the concluding day’s races here on Sunday. The winner is owned by Mr. K.H.Vaccha, Z.H.Vaccha & R.A.Mehreally. S.K.Sunderji trains the winner.

Leading Owner: Mr. M.A.M.Ramaswamy with stakesmoney of Rs. 65, 37, 174. Leading Racing Syndicate: Sopher Racing Syndicate with stakesmoney of Rs. 11, 00, 644. Leading Trainer: Dallas Todywalla by saddling 27 winners. Leading Jockey: There was a tie between Dashrath Singh and A.Sandesh with 31 winners. Leading Apprentice Jockey: S.Kamble with 8 winners. Leading Bookmaker (Mumbai) : M/s. Banarsi Das with fieldmoney of Rs. 72, 42, 660. Leading Bookmaker (Pune): Latif Associates with fieldmoney of Rs. 27, 39, 090. Leading Stud Farm: Poonawalla with 106 points.

1. CLASSICAL ACT PLATE DIV.II (1,200m), Cl. IV, rated 20 to 46: Zidaan (Trevor) 1, Josephine (Sandesh) 2, Follow Me (Kavraj) 3 and Serena (Zervan) 4. 2-1/2, 3, 2. 1m 10.84s. Rs. 30 (w), 13, 19 and 20 (p). SHP: Rs. 35, FP: Rs. 171, Q: Rs. 156, Tanala: Rs. 711 and Rs. 779. Favourite: Wind Of The North. Owners: Mr. Saleem A.Jasdanwalla, Ashok Ranpise, J.H.Damania & Sureshkumar T.Jain. Trainer: Altaf Hussain.

2. DELHI RACE CLUB TROPHY (1,200m), Cl. I, rated 80 and upwards: Dovers Hill (C.Rajendra) 1, Yuville (I.Chisty) 2, Sea Treasure (Akshay) 3 and Saints N Sinners (Sandesh) 4. 1-1/2, Sh, 1/2. 1m 10.68s. Rs. 34 (w), 14 and 11 (p). SHP: Rs. 31, FP: Rs. 44, Q: Rs. 22, Tanala: Rs. 164 and Rs. 186. Favourite: Yuville. Owners: Mr. N.D.Talati & Mr. Nozer Panthaky. Trainer: Dallas Todywalla.

3. KEJRIWAL TROPHY DIV.II (1,200m), Cl. III, rated 40 to 66: Victorious March (Sandesh) 1, Maximus (D.K.Ashish) 2, Centrestage (Trevor) 3 and Monza (C.Rajjendra) 4. Sh, 1-1/4, 4-1/4, 1m 10.40s. Rs. 31 (w), 10, 14 and 18 (p). SHP: Rs. 37, FP: Rs. 67, Q: Rs. 32, Tanala: Rs. 106 and Rs. 73. Favourite: Maximus. Owners: M/s. Vinod K.Agarwal, Sunil Anand, Mr. Rehanullah Khan & Mrs. Shabana R.Khan. Trainer: Rehanullah Khan.

4. DEMOCRATICUS PLATE (2,000m), Cl. IV, rated 20 to 46: Mountain Force (Sandesh) 1, Perfect Strength (P.S.Chouhan) 2, Blue Mellon (S.Sunil) 3 and Phoenix Force (B.Sreekanth) 4. 1/2, 2, 3/4. 2m 6.66s. Rs. 49 (w), 12, 17 and 28 (p). SHP: Rs. 42, FP: Rs. 229, Q: Rs. 98, Tanala: Rs. 1,222 and Rs. 698. Favourite: Songalark. Owners: Mr. Rakesh Kumar Wadhawan & Mr. Waryam Singh rep. Wadhawan Livestock Pvt Ltd. Trainer: Dallas Todywalla.

5. RED MILLS HORSE FEED NOW IN INDIA SALVER (1,400m), Maiden 3-y-o only: Que Sera Sera (C.S.Jodha) 1, Woven Dreams (Trevor) 2, Ice Cool (S.John) 3 and Monet (Zervan) 4. 2-1/2, 1-1/2, 1-1/4. 1m 24.74s. Rs. 39 (w), 12, 15 and 16 (p). SHP: Rs. 39, FP: Rs. 68, Q: Rs. 47, Tanala: Rs. 208 and Rs. 105. Favourite: Woven Dreams. Owners: Mr. Kishore P.Rungta & Mrs. Magansingh P.Jodha. Trainer: Adhirajsingh Jodha.

6. COOLMORE JUVENILE MILLION (1,000m), Maiden 2-y-only: Decathlon (P.S.Chouhan) 1, Marinsky (Zervan) 2, Saturday Affair (Sandesh) 3 and Raptor (B.Sreekanth) 4. 1-1/2, 2-1/2, 1. 1m 0.18s. Rs. 39 (w), 14, 14 and 23 (p). SHP: Rs. 42, FP: Rs. 141, Q: Rs. 48, Tanala: Rs. 445 and Rs. 342. Favourite: Marinsky. Owners: Mr. K.Someshwar Bhupal. Trainer: L.V.R.Deshmukh.

7. IRISH THOROUGHBRED MARKETING & GOFFS R.W.I.T.C.LTD. GOLD CUP (Gr. II) (2,000m), 4-y-o & over: Capriole (I.Chisty) 1, Nadia (P.S.Chouhan) 2, Onassis (Zervan) 3 and Ocean And Beyond (Kamlesh) 4. Nk, 2-1/2, Hd. 2m 2.72s. Rs. 230 (w), 84, 24 and 36 (p). SHP : Rs. 68, FP: Rs. 1,462, Q: Rs. 443, Tanala: Rs. 16,852 and Rs. 4,815. Favourite: Astapi. Owners: Mr. K.H.Vaccha, Z.H.Vaccha & R.A.Meherally. Trainer: S.K.Sunderji.

8. KEJRIWAL TROPHY DIV.I (1,200m), Cl. III, rated 40 to 66: Borak (Neeraj) 1, Afrojack (Dashrath) 2, Arctic Minstrel (S.Kamble) 3 and Bold Dancer (F.Irani) 4. Hd, 2-1/2, Nk. 1m 11.04s. Rs. 70 (w), 20, 13 and 44 (p). SHP: Rs. 36, FP: Rs. 156, Q: Rs. 46, Tanala: Rs. 3,054 and Rs. 2,290. Favourite: Wings Of Glory. Owners: Mr. Jaydev M.Mody rep. J.M.Livestock P.Ltd. Trainer: M.Narredu.

9. CLASSICAL ACT PLATE DIV.I (1,200m), Cl. IV, rated 20 to 46: Snow Ball (Zervan) 1, Masterofthesky (Kavraj) 2, Tag Along Tommy (P.Naidu) 3 and Tamarai (Prasad) 4. 1, Nk, 1/2. 1m 11.26s. Rs. 20 (w), 12, 34 and 16 (p). SHP: Rs. 166, FP: Rs. 331, Q: Rs. 327, Tanala: Rs. 1,231 and Rs. 445. Favourite: Snow Ball. Owners: Mr. Rakesh Kumar Wadhawan & Mr. Waryam Singh rep. Wadhawan Livestock Pvt Ltd. Trainer: S.Manglorkar.

10. THUNDERING POWER PLATE (1,600m), Cl. V, rated 1 to 26: Mon Ami (Sandesh) 1, Fairy Empress (C.S.Jodha) 2, Atlantic Star (Zervan) 3 and Snow Flake (Kavraj) 4. 6-3/4, 1, Hd. 1m 39.20s. Rs. 31 (w), 19, 19 and 22 (p). SHP: Rs. 65, FP: Rs. 114, Q: Rs. 56, Tanala: Rs. 312 and Rs. 112. Favourite: Mon Ami. Owners: Mr. & Mrs. I.Nathani, M/s. Murad I.Nathani & Zain I.Nathani rep. Alpha Stud and Farms Pvt Ltd. Trainer: Rehanullah Khan.

Jackpot: (i) 70 per cent: Rs. 3, 02, 080 (carried forward), 30 per cent: Rs. 18,125 (4 tkts). (ii) 70 per cent: Rs. 1,20,762 (3 tkts), 30 per cent: Rs. 22,181 (7 tkts). Treble: (i) Rs. 601 (24 tkts), (ii) Rs. 9, 097 (2 tkts), (iii) Rs. 397 (92 tkts). Super Jackpot : 70 per cent: Rs. 1, 11, 489 (1 tkts), 30 per cent: Rs. 47, 781 (1 tkt).

Keywords: Pune races

More In: Races | Sport

via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/sport/races/capriole-wins-main-event/article4040885.ece

War Horse pleases

TOPICS

sport horse racing

War Horse and Starry Eyes pleased when the horses were exercised here on Sunday morning.

Sand track

800m: Senora Bella (Zervan), a bay filly (Mull Of Kintyre/Symphony) (J.Chinoy) 56, 600/41.5. They are 2/y/o’s and ended level. Ventura (Dashrath), a chestnut filly (Rebuttal/Flinstone) (Kamlesh) 51, 600/38.5. Former was well in hand and they finished level. Both are 2/y/o’s. Mufasa (J.Chinoy), Gerome (Zervan) 55, 600/42. Both are 2/y/o’s and moved freely. Hamlet (Kharadi) 55, 600/41.5. Easy.

1,000m: Rajasthan Royals (C.S.Jodha) 1-4, 800/50, 600/38. Moved well. 2/y/o’s Arch Duchess (B.Prakash), Sheer Class (Trevor) 1-10.5, 800/54.5, 600/40. They moved level freely. War Horse (Kamlesh), Winds Of Fortune (Merchant) 1-4, 800/50, 600/38. Former strode out well and finished four lengths ahead. 2/y/o’s Archie (B.Prakash), Swashbuckler (Trevor) 1-9.5, 800/54, 600/41. Both moved level freely. 2/y/o’s Starry Eyes (Kamlesh), Way Out (Merchant) 1-5, 800/49.5, 600/37. Former easily finished three lengths ahead. Note former.

1,200m: Ranthambore (C.S.Jodha) 1-19.5, 1,000/1-5, 600/38. Moved well. Montezuma (Kharadi), Roswald (Zervan) 1-23, 1,000/1-8, 600/41. Former started three lengths behind and finished level.

Keywords: Pune races

More In: Races | Sport

via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/sport/races/war-horse-pleases/article4040673.ece

Saturday, October 27, 2012

War Horse shines

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sport horse racing

War Horse shone when the horses were exercised here on Saturday morning (October 27).

Sand track:

600m: Act Of War (S.S.Rathore), Dictator (rb) 41. Former ended five lengths in front. Pepe Senior (Ikram) 41. Easy. 2/y/os War Horse(Kamlesh), Way Out (Merchant) 39. Former was superior. 2/y/o Ticker Tape Parade (Kamlesh), Shadows Of Time (Merchant) 40. Former ended two lengths in front.

800m: Nicanora (V.Jodha) 54, 600/40. Moved freely. 2/y/os Cactus Cash (C.S.Jodha), Sword Of Honour (Shammi) 53, 600/40. They moved level freely. Lorelei (rb), Nush (rb) 53, 600/39. Former finished two lengths ahead.

1000m: Mountain Prince (Kavraj) 1-11, 600/43. Easy.

Noted on Oct. 26:

Sand track:

800m: Milano Green (rb), Money For Nothin (P.Naidu) 53, 600/39. Former was easy while the latter was pushed to end level. Hills And Stars (rb) 57, 600/42. Easy. 2/y/o Marinsky (Kharadi) 54, 600/40. Moved well.

Keywords: Pune races

More In: Races | Sport

via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/sport/races/war-horse-shines/article4038076.ece

Maid held for murder of 67-year-old woman

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crime, law and justice

A woman who allegedly murdered a 67-year-old domestic help in Valmiki Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur and stole her jewellery was arrested on Friday. Police recovered the jewellery from a pawn shop. The suspect had stolen it to repay her debts.

The victim Lakshmi (67) was found dead on September 29 with strangulation marks and an electric cable around her neck in the house of eye doctor Pragadesh Subramanian in Rajagopalan Street. She had been working there as a domestic help for over a decade. Eight sovereigns of jewellery that she was wearing was missing.

Five special teams led by Joint Commissioner (South), K.P. Shanmugarajeswaran and Deputy Commissioner (Adyar) R. Sudhakar conducted enquiries. Two other women working in the house were questioned. One of the two, Vijaya was frequently visited by her niece Amudha (34), a resident of Rajasrinivasan Nagar in Thiruvanmiyur, also a domestic help.

“We found out that Amudha had debts of over Rs. 60,000 and had paid them off a few days after the killing. When questioned, she said her aunt in Puduchery gave her gold and cash. But when a team approached the aunt, she denied Amudha’s claims,” said Deputy Commissioner Sudhakar.

Amudha later confessed to having killed Lakshmi.

On the morning before the killing, persons who had lent money to Amudha came to her house and abused her for not returning the cash. Irked by this, Amudha’s father assaulted her. Therefore, she decided to pay back the entire sum by killing her acquaintance Lakshmi and stealing her jewellery.

Amudha went to the house in the evening when Lakshmi was alone and asked for some water. When the elderly woman went in to fetch water, she hid inside the house.

“Amudha later strangled Lakshmi using an electric cable and stabbed her on the neck with a kitchen knife killing her on the spot. She fled the house with the jewellery,” Mr. Sudhakar added.

Keywords: domestic help murder

Friday, October 26, 2012

Tough series for Cook

AP Kevin Pietersen of England speaks with batting coach Graham Gooch during a nets session.

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sport cricket

Alastair Cook, clearly nervous despite his wide smile, led the England team to Dubai this week as it began its preparations for the strenuous Test tour of India.

Cook has much to be nervous about. It is his first trip as regular captain, stepping forward to succeed Andrew Strauss and he must know that he is starting the toughest series of his life.

Forget the Ashes; forget the disciplined, ruthless South Africans. England players have many reasons for concern about tours of the subcontinent and India in particular.

It used to be illness, strange food, oppressive heat and a dozen foreign languages thousands of dusty miles from England.

Now that the world is, thanks to computers, telephones and the marvels of radio and television, a much smaller place there are fewer worries but the old consolation that Indian teams were poor, with frightened, undisciplined players poorly led is no longer true.

Finer team

Only two years ago India stepped into Australia’s place at the top of the world rankings and, although England wrenched the crown from its hands soon afterwards, India is a much finer side at home.

England has not won a series there since David Gower united a band of rugged professionals who ignored defeat in the first Test and won the series 2-1.

That was way back in 1985, four years BT — Before Tendulkar — and now India fears no one on its own idiosyncratic pitches.

In M.S. Dhoni it has one of the finest captains in the world, the immortal Tendulkar is still playing, even though Rahul Dravid and V.V.S. Laxman are retired, and during the Twenty20 world title matches it looked as if Harbhajan Singh had found the touch that had slipped from his cunning fingers.

Did he learn something extra in his brief spell with Essex recently? It may be true because that county has succeeded Yorkshire and Surrey as the great training ground.

If he did regain his form at Chelmsford he will also know that Cook served his apprenticeship there and that Andy Flower and Graham Gooch, the England’s backroom boys, will be on hand for the next two months in India.

Cook will look to both Flower and Gooch for wisdom. Flower will help with the spin bowling and there has never been a finer batsman against the slow stuff; Gooch had one of his finest moments in India.

I can see him now sweeping repeatedly in the World Cup semifinal in Mumbai which enabled England beat India.

The next day I flew to Calcutta for the final in an almost empty plane because India’s fans did not care any longer who won the World Cup, four years after it had snatched it from the West Indies at Lord’s, the most shocking defeat in the history of that competition.

Recipe for victory

Can Flower and Gooch — with Cook on field — find a recipe for victory? England has only won one Test in India since Gower’s triumph but there may be the key to victory in the peace talks that have allowed Kevin Pietersen back.

Unfortunately he is out of form. KP is more sensitive than his enemies suspect and all the upset over the text message row and his alleged insulting of Strauss have taken their toll.

So the management team must go to work again, convince Pietersen that he is still a great batsman and that those low pitches will allow him to play as freely as he did in the IPL and, maybe, restore his good name in a land where Indian fans hold him in the highest respect.

Keywords: England Test tour of India

More In: Cricket | Sport

via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/tough-series-for-cook/article4034755.ece

Kerala Tourism upbeat after Australia roadshow

Tourism Minister A.P. Anil Kumar interacts with participants of the Kerala Tourism roadshow at Brisbane, Australia.

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India Kerala

economy, business and finance tourism and leisure

Leading tour operators took part in the shows in three leading cities

Three roadshows organised by Kerala Tourism this week in Australia were the toast of the Pacific Rim country barely after a week Indian batting hero Sachin Tendulkar was bestowed on the Membership of the Order of Australia.

Led by Tourism Minister A.P. Anil Kumar, the campaign in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth for tour operators showcased the tremendous opportunities for promoting the State’s tourist destinations. A number of leading tour operators took part in the road shows to explore business tie-ups with their counterparts in Australia.

In Brisbane, 30 representatives of tour operators attended the road show held on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the number of Australian business participants in Melbourne was more than double at 66. The final road show in Perth, was held on Thursday with the attendance of local buyers at over 30.

“I am excited by the enthusiasm shown by the Australian tourism trade and media for Kerala as one of the top destinations in the world,” Mr. Anil Kumar said in Melbourne. “The strengthening of bilateral ties between India and Australia demonstrated by the visit of the Australian Prime Minister to India augurs well for tourism and will inspire more Australian travellers,” he said.

With a new State tourism policy in place and a new bouquet of tourism products available, the Tourism Minister said Kerala had much more surprises in store for Australian visitors.

Australia is the fifth largest market for Kerala Tourism. “Over the years, there has been an impressive growth in tourist arrivals from the Asia-Pacific region, with the figures during the last five years showing a phenomenal increase of 168 per cent,” said Kerala Tourism Secretary Suman Billa, who was also part of the Kerala Tourism delegation.

“With increased focus on the region and improved air connectivity between Australia and Kerala, we will see more Australian travellers holidaying in the State in the coming days,” Mr. Billa said.

Keywords: Kerala tourism

More In: Thiruvananthapuram | Kerala | States

via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/kerala-tourism-upbeat-after-australia-roadshow/article4035839.ece

Cabinet berths likely for 4 Congress leaders from State

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India Andhra Pradesh

politics

Names of K. Chiranjeevi, Kotla Suryaprakash Reddy, Killi Krupa Rani and P. Balram Naik doing the rounds

Unlike in the past when veterans were preferred, the next round of the Union Cabinet’s expansion on Sunday could see the induction of four new faces from Andhra Pradesh.

The names that are doing the rounds -- K. Chiranjeevi, Kotla Suryaprakash Reddy, Killi Krupa Rani and P. Balram Naik -- are all new. Among them, the induction of the actor-turned-politician, Mr. Chiranjeevi, appears a certainty.

Ever since he merged his Praja Rajyam Party into the Congress after the 2009 elections, the party’s central leadership had been promising him “due recognition in line with his stature.”

Aides of Mr Chiranjeevi, who is serving his maiden Rajya Sabha term claim that he is sure to be taken into the Union Cabinet as Minister of State with independent charge.

They further claim that he could be given tourism and culture portfolio.

Mr. Suryaprakash Reddy, Dr Krupa Rani and Mr. Balram Naik, Lok Sabha Members from Kurnool, Srikakulam and Mahbubabad constituencies, respectively, reportedly got telephone calls from the Cabinet Secretary to be present in New Delhi on Sunday.

The other names doing the rounds are that of Renuka Chowdary, K.S. Rao, Rayapati Sambasiva Rao, Anjan Kumar Yadav and Sarve Satyanarayana.

Party leaders point out that Mr. Suryaprakash Reddy could have got the nod because of his loyalty to the Gandhi family.

At one stage when a majority of the State Congress leaders backed Y. S. Jaganmohan Reddy for the Chief Minister’s post, the three-time MP came out against him.

Early luck

For 48-year-old first time MP, Balram Naik, a Lambada, luck seems to have smiled on him rather early. It is understood that his case was strongly recommended by vice-chairman of National Disaster Management Authority Marri Sashidhar Reddy. He is said to have backed him for the Cabinet berth by putting in a word with the AICC leadership. Dr. Krupa Rani won the 2009 elections to the Lok Sabha from Srikakulam constituency for the first time.

At present there are five Union Ministers from the State, S. Jaipal Reddy, hailing from Telangana and the other four Panabaka Lakshmi, D. Purandeswari, Kishore Chandra Deo and M. M. Pallam Raju from Coastal Andhra region.

Keywords: Union Cabinet’s expansion

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

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Heavy price

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Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Monday, October 29, 2012

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Established opener

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Kerala ‘A’ posts win

MP ‘A’ takes three points

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Colgate

EID Parry

Rane Brake Lining

Sunday, October 28, 2012

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Saturday, October 27, 2012

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Friday, October 26, 2012

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Finer team

Recipe for victory

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Early luck