KB Ganesh Kumar resigns from MLA position

The MLA from Pathanapuram is believed to have taken the action because he was disgruntled at not being given a ministerial berth even after controversies in which he was involved had died down.  Kumar, who has been an MLA thrice, had become a minister twice and had to resign on both occasions. Kumar has sent his resignation to party chairman R Balakrishna Pillai and the letter has not been sent to the Speaker. If the resignation is accepted, the strength of the UDF  will come down to 72.

KB Ganesh Kumar resigns from MLA position

The MLA from Pathanapuram is believed to have taken the action because he was disgruntled at not being given a ministerial berth even after controversies in which he was involved had died down.  Kumar, who has been an MLA thrice, had become a minister twice and had to resign on both occasions. Kumar has sent his resignation to party chairman R Balakrishna Pillai and the letter has not been sent to the Speaker. If the resignation is accepted, the strength of the UDF  will come down to 72.

Italy shipwreck: toll reaches 232

Rome: The official death toll in last week's capsizing of a boat carrying Eritrean and Somali migrants rose to 232 Monday after divers managed to recover another 38 bodies from the sunken vessel, Italian authorities said.

The divers recovered 17 bodies Monday morning off the island of Lampedusa and another 21 during the afternoon, coast guard sources said. 

The latest recoveries came on the second consecutive day of underwater operations after two days on which the work had been halted due to bad weather and rough seas. The search will continue Tuesday if maritime conditions permit and the task is a complicated one, according to one of the divers, who said that the bodies trapped in the sunken vessel "are all stuck together."

Statements of the 155 survivors of the shipwreck indicate that the vessel, which departed from North Africa headed for the coast of a European country, was carrying 518 people, and thus about 150 bodies have not yet been recovered. The boat's engine broke down near Lampedusa and the passengers fired off flares to attract passing ships, but the flames ignited gasoline on the deck and started a fire. Migrants rushing to one side of the vessel to escape the flames caused the boat to capsize.

Italy shipwreck: toll reaches 232

Rome: The official death toll in last week's capsizing of a boat carrying Eritrean and Somali migrants rose to 232 Monday after divers managed to recover another 38 bodies from the sunken vessel, Italian authorities said.

The divers recovered 17 bodies Monday morning off the island of Lampedusa and another 21 during the afternoon, coast guard sources said. 

The latest recoveries came on the second consecutive day of underwater operations after two days on which the work had been halted due to bad weather and rough seas. The search will continue Tuesday if maritime conditions permit and the task is a complicated one, according to one of the divers, who said that the bodies trapped in the sunken vessel "are all stuck together."

Statements of the 155 survivors of the shipwreck indicate that the vessel, which departed from North Africa headed for the coast of a European country, was carrying 518 people, and thus about 150 bodies have not yet been recovered. The boat's engine broke down near Lampedusa and the passengers fired off flares to attract passing ships, but the flames ignited gasoline on the deck and started a fire. Migrants rushing to one side of the vessel to escape the flames caused the boat to capsize.

Several trains cancelled due to Andhra power stir

Hyderabad: The indefinite strike by electricity employees in Seemandhra to oppose the Centre's decision to bifurcate Andhra Pradesh continued to hit train movement in the state with railways cancelling several trains for the third day Tuesday. About 20 trains, including some express trains originating from Visakhapatnam, were cancelled. 

The cancelled trains include Visakha-Secunderabad Janambhoomi Express, Visakha-Tirupati Tirumala Express, Visakha-Secunderabad Garib Rath, Visakha-Hyderabad Godavari Express, Visakha-Secunderabad Duronto Express and Visakha-Nizamuddin Link Express.

The South Central Railway has also cancelled Visakha-Vijayawada Ratnachal Express, Koraput-Visakha Inter City Express, Visakha-Nanded Express, Visakha-Guntur and other passenger trains.

With the electricity transmission from grid to the railways being affected, railways already cancelled many trains on Vijayawada section. All goods trains between Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada have also been cancelled. The authorities are running some key trains with diesel locomotives.

The movement of trains between Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram in north coastal Andhra was badly hit by the strike. Many trains were stranded at various stations, causing severe inconvenience to passengers.

The movement of trains between Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam and Bhubaneswar and Secunderabad was affected.
-IANS

Several trains cancelled due to Andhra power stir

Hyderabad: The indefinite strike by electricity employees in Seemandhra to oppose the Centre's decision to bifurcate Andhra Pradesh continued to hit train movement in the state with railways cancelling several trains for the third day Tuesday. About 20 trains, including some express trains originating from Visakhapatnam, were cancelled. 

The cancelled trains include Visakha-Secunderabad Janambhoomi Express, Visakha-Tirupati Tirumala Express, Visakha-Secunderabad Garib Rath, Visakha-Hyderabad Godavari Express, Visakha-Secunderabad Duronto Express and Visakha-Nizamuddin Link Express.

The South Central Railway has also cancelled Visakha-Vijayawada Ratnachal Express, Koraput-Visakha Inter City Express, Visakha-Nanded Express, Visakha-Guntur and other passenger trains.

With the electricity transmission from grid to the railways being affected, railways already cancelled many trains on Vijayawada section. All goods trains between Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada have also been cancelled. The authorities are running some key trains with diesel locomotives.

The movement of trains between Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram in north coastal Andhra was badly hit by the strike. Many trains were stranded at various stations, causing severe inconvenience to passengers.

The movement of trains between Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam and Bhubaneswar and Secunderabad was affected.
-IANS

Mobile users in Bangladesh reach 109 mn

Dhaka: The number of mobile subscribers in Bangladesh reached more than 109 million in August with 12 million new users in the first eight months of this year, official data showed Monday. According to Bangladesh's Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), the total number of mobile users in the country -- which has a population of more than 153 million -- reached 109.349 million in August, reports Xinhua.  Mobile companies sold nearly 12 million new connections in 2012, increasing the country's total subscribers to 97.18 million in December last year.

Mobile users in Bangladesh reach 109 mn

Dhaka: The number of mobile subscribers in Bangladesh reached more than 109 million in August with 12 million new users in the first eight months of this year, official data showed Monday. According to Bangladesh's Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), the total number of mobile users in the country -- which has a population of more than 153 million -- reached 109.349 million in August, reports Xinhua.  Mobile companies sold nearly 12 million new connections in 2012, increasing the country's total subscribers to 97.18 million in December last year.

Rs.3,493 crore excess of expenditure over income for KSEB

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), already reeling under financial strain, has recorded Rs.3,493 crore excess expenditure over income in 2012-13. KSEB's total revenue for the period was Rs 7,651 crore while its expenditure stood at Rs.11,144 crore, the accounts accepted at the KSEB's board meeting stated. Due to drought situation and high value power purchased from the Kayamkulam Thermal Power station, the KSEB had to pay Rs.7,765 crore for power purchase alone, more than its total revenue for the year, an official release said.

Rs.3,493 crore excess of expenditure over income for KSEB

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), already reeling under financial strain, has recorded Rs.3,493 crore excess expenditure over income in 2012-13. KSEB's total revenue for the period was Rs 7,651 crore while its expenditure stood at Rs.11,144 crore, the accounts accepted at the KSEB's board meeting stated. Due to drought situation and high value power purchased from the Kayamkulam Thermal Power station, the KSEB had to pay Rs.7,765 crore for power purchase alone, more than its total revenue for the year, an official release said.

India starts process to extend visa on arrival to 40 nations

India has initiated the process for making it a more tourist friendly destination, which includes extending on arrival visa for 40 more countries, simplifying online visa and attracting senior citizen foreign visitors. The consensus was brought on these issues during a high level meeting convened here today by the Planning Commission.

'There was a consensus about initiating the process to make India a tourist-friendly country and extending the on-arrival visa facility to around 40 more countries,' Planning Minister Rajeev Shukla told PTI.

The minister said: 'All officials, including the National Security Advisor (Shivshankar Menon), were of the view that India should do this as it would help in garnering more foreign exchange when government is battling the problem of burgeoning current account deficit as it would help in earning foreign exchange.'

Besides Commission's Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia, others who attended meeting include, Foreign Secretary (Sujatha Singh), Tourism Secretary (Parvez Dewan), Additional Home Secretary and representatives from the Intelligence Bureau and the PMO (Prime Minister's Office).

The countries for which visa on arrival facility would be extended include the US, the UK, Canada, Brazil, Australia, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Germany, France, Italy, Swedan, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, Belgium, Austria, Denmark, Poland, Norway and Ireland.

Under the visa on arrival system, India has agreement with different countries, including Japan, Finland, Singapore, Indonesia, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines, Laos and Myanmar.

Besides relaxing visa norms, Mr Shukla said: 'There was broad consensus on simplifying online visa system, relaxing visa regime for all types of conferences and senior citizen foreign tourist or foreign pensioners.'

According to Mr Shukla it was also decided that on arrival visa facility would be extended to more airports like Goa, Gaya, Chandigarh and Amritsar which have large flow of foreign tourists.

At present the on arrival visa facility is available at international airports of Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, Kochi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. During the meeting, the Planning Minister said: 'The other issue was of deployment of forces from the Central Police Organisation (CPO) for airports. It was also agreed that the issue will be addressed for achieving the desired objective of making India a tourist friendly country.'

According to the minister, there are many senior citizen foreign tourists, including pensioners, who want to visit India. The government has decided to relax visa norms for a group of four such foreign tourists. But that decision has not been implemented so far.

'All on board of the meeting were in favour of relaxing visa rules and allowing even a single senior citizen foreign tourist or pensioner to visit India,' he said.

According to the experts giving a boost to the tourism at this point will help government which is battling widening of Current Account Deficit (CAD) at this point of time.

The current account deficit is the difference between inflow and outflow of foreign exchange. During 2012-13, the CAD was at all-time high of 4.8 per cent of GDP or $88.2 billion. Government proposes to bring it down to $70 billion or 3.8 per cent of the GDP.

According to sources, Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi had also discussed the issue with top officials of concerned ministries like tourism for relaxing visa norms for more countries.

In 2012, India received 6.58 million foreign tourists, up 4.3 per cent over the previous year. India's foreign exchange earnings in 2012 from tourists were $17.74 billion, showing an increase of 7.1 per cent year on year.

India's share in the international tourist receipts in the year 2012 was 0.64 per cent with overall ranking of 41. The country's share in international receipts in the year 2012 was 1.65 per cent with overall rank of 16.

Foreign exchange earnings from tourism during January to August 2013 were $12.025 billion with a growth of 6.7 per cent, as compared to $11.273 billion year on year.PTI

India starts process to extend visa on arrival to 40 nations

India has initiated the process for making it a more tourist friendly destination, which includes extending on arrival visa for 40 more countries, simplifying online visa and attracting senior citizen foreign visitors. The consensus was brought on these issues during a high level meeting convened here today by the Planning Commission.

'There was a consensus about initiating the process to make India a tourist-friendly country and extending the on-arrival visa facility to around 40 more countries,' Planning Minister Rajeev Shukla told PTI.

The minister said: 'All officials, including the National Security Advisor (Shivshankar Menon), were of the view that India should do this as it would help in garnering more foreign exchange when government is battling the problem of burgeoning current account deficit as it would help in earning foreign exchange.'

Besides Commission's Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia, others who attended meeting include, Foreign Secretary (Sujatha Singh), Tourism Secretary (Parvez Dewan), Additional Home Secretary and representatives from the Intelligence Bureau and the PMO (Prime Minister's Office).

The countries for which visa on arrival facility would be extended include the US, the UK, Canada, Brazil, Australia, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Germany, France, Italy, Swedan, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, Belgium, Austria, Denmark, Poland, Norway and Ireland.

Under the visa on arrival system, India has agreement with different countries, including Japan, Finland, Singapore, Indonesia, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines, Laos and Myanmar.

Besides relaxing visa norms, Mr Shukla said: 'There was broad consensus on simplifying online visa system, relaxing visa regime for all types of conferences and senior citizen foreign tourist or foreign pensioners.'

According to Mr Shukla it was also decided that on arrival visa facility would be extended to more airports like Goa, Gaya, Chandigarh and Amritsar which have large flow of foreign tourists.

At present the on arrival visa facility is available at international airports of Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, Kochi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. During the meeting, the Planning Minister said: 'The other issue was of deployment of forces from the Central Police Organisation (CPO) for airports. It was also agreed that the issue will be addressed for achieving the desired objective of making India a tourist friendly country.'

According to the minister, there are many senior citizen foreign tourists, including pensioners, who want to visit India. The government has decided to relax visa norms for a group of four such foreign tourists. But that decision has not been implemented so far.

'All on board of the meeting were in favour of relaxing visa rules and allowing even a single senior citizen foreign tourist or pensioner to visit India,' he said.

According to the experts giving a boost to the tourism at this point will help government which is battling widening of Current Account Deficit (CAD) at this point of time.

The current account deficit is the difference between inflow and outflow of foreign exchange. During 2012-13, the CAD was at all-time high of 4.8 per cent of GDP or $88.2 billion. Government proposes to bring it down to $70 billion or 3.8 per cent of the GDP.

According to sources, Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi had also discussed the issue with top officials of concerned ministries like tourism for relaxing visa norms for more countries.

In 2012, India received 6.58 million foreign tourists, up 4.3 per cent over the previous year. India's foreign exchange earnings in 2012 from tourists were $17.74 billion, showing an increase of 7.1 per cent year on year.

India's share in the international tourist receipts in the year 2012 was 0.64 per cent with overall ranking of 41. The country's share in international receipts in the year 2012 was 1.65 per cent with overall rank of 16.

Foreign exchange earnings from tourism during January to August 2013 were $12.025 billion with a growth of 6.7 per cent, as compared to $11.273 billion year on year.PTI

Two Americans, German win Nobel medicine prize

Two Americans, James Rothman and Randy Schekman, and Germany's Thomas Sudhof won the 2013 Nobel prize for medicine or physiology for research into how the cell organises its transport system, the award-giving body said on Monday.

'Through their discoveries, Rothman, Schekman and 
Sudhof have revealed the exquisitely precise control system for the transport and delivery of cellular cargo,' the Nobel Assembly at Sweden's Karolinska Institute said in a statement when awarding the prize of 8 million crowns ($1.2 million). 
Medicine is the first of the Nobel prizes awarded each year. Prizes for achievements in science, literature and peace were first awarded in 1901 in accordance with the will of dynamite inventor and businessman Alfred Nobel.

Two Americans, German win Nobel medicine prize

Two Americans, James Rothman and Randy Schekman, and Germany's Thomas Sudhof won the 2013 Nobel prize for medicine or physiology for research into how the cell organises its transport system, the award-giving body said on Monday.

'Through their discoveries, Rothman, Schekman and 
Sudhof have revealed the exquisitely precise control system for the transport and delivery of cellular cargo,' the Nobel Assembly at Sweden's Karolinska Institute said in a statement when awarding the prize of 8 million crowns ($1.2 million). 
Medicine is the first of the Nobel prizes awarded each year. Prizes for achievements in science, literature and peace were first awarded in 1901 in accordance with the will of dynamite inventor and businessman Alfred Nobel.

Clash at IUML convention

Kannur: IUML workers who attended the election convention in Kannur Lok Sabha constituency clashed on Sunday. A group of workers approached the leaders on stage with a demand to transfer CI of Alakkodu, who is alleged to have including them in fake cases. They approached the state president Panakkad Hyderali Shihab Thangal and state general secretary KPA Majeed. Some of them even prevented KPA Majeed from leaving the stage while another group of workers acted against this which resulted in a clash. With clashes ending, the district secretary Abdul Rahman Kallayi announced his resignation, owning responsibility.

The convention witnessed dramatic incidents when workers clashed in the presence of leaders inside and outside the hall. The workers from Alakkodu earlier filed a compliant against CI and with no action being taken, they decided to approach the senior leaders. During the clash, the volunteers managed to sneak out Hyderali Shihab Thangal. Though union minister E Ahamed asked them to clam down and pleaded to IUML workers not to forget their lineage, the trouble continued. Amidst this, some workers tried to manhandle cameramen too. The trouble stopped only when E Ahmed announced there would not be a single policemen in the district who will lay hands on IUML workers. But once they were out of the hall, they continued the fight. District president KM Sooppy said they will not accept district secretary Abdul Rahman Kallayi's resignation.

Clash at IUML convention

Kannur: IUML workers who attended the election convention in Kannur Lok Sabha constituency clashed on Sunday. A group of workers approached the leaders on stage with a demand to transfer CI of Alakkodu, who is alleged to have including them in fake cases. They approached the state president Panakkad Hyderali Shihab Thangal and state general secretary KPA Majeed. Some of them even prevented KPA Majeed from leaving the stage while another group of workers acted against this which resulted in a clash. With clashes ending, the district secretary Abdul Rahman Kallayi announced his resignation, owning responsibility.

The convention witnessed dramatic incidents when workers clashed in the presence of leaders inside and outside the hall. The workers from Alakkodu earlier filed a compliant against CI and with no action being taken, they decided to approach the senior leaders. During the clash, the volunteers managed to sneak out Hyderali Shihab Thangal. Though union minister E Ahamed asked them to clam down and pleaded to IUML workers not to forget their lineage, the trouble continued. Amidst this, some workers tried to manhandle cameramen too. The trouble stopped only when E Ahmed announced there would not be a single policemen in the district who will lay hands on IUML workers. But once they were out of the hall, they continued the fight. District president KM Sooppy said they will not accept district secretary Abdul Rahman Kallayi's resignation.

'New airports in Kerala only if locals agree'

Thiruvananthapuram: Two airports proposed in Kerala will be built only if the locals of the area give their consent, a state minister said Monday.Minister for Ports and Excise K. Babu who also handles aviation issues, said the state government would not thrust the proposed airports in the hill districts of Idukki and Wayanad on the people.

'After a survey, we have zeroed in on 500 acres of land each in both the districts. We have already stressed that more than adequate compensation would be given to people for rehabilitation,' Babu told IANS. Leader of Opposition V.S. Achuthanandan visited the proposed site of the Wayanad airport Sunday and assured the people that their interests would be fully taken care of.

'We are not against the airport and our only concern is of the 500 acres of land that have been identified, around 250 acres of land are paddy fields and we do not wish that area to be taken up for commercialisation. Moreover, in the place there are around 250 families who have been living in the place for long, their interests also have to be looked after,' said CPI-M Wayanad district secretary C.K. Saseendran.

Wayanad is set high on the Western Ghats at altitudes ranging between 700 and 2,100 metres and is a popular tourist destination. Minister for Scheduled Tribes P.K.Jayalekshmi will call a meeting next week to address the airports issue. Kerala has three international airports and work for the fourth at Kannur is scheduled to begin later this year. The sanction of the union environment ministry is awaited for constructing another airport at Aranmula in Pathanamthitta district.

'New airports in Kerala only if locals agree'

Thiruvananthapuram: Two airports proposed in Kerala will be built only if the locals of the area give their consent, a state minister said Monday.Minister for Ports and Excise K. Babu who also handles aviation issues, said the state government would not thrust the proposed airports in the hill districts of Idukki and Wayanad on the people.

'After a survey, we have zeroed in on 500 acres of land each in both the districts. We have already stressed that more than adequate compensation would be given to people for rehabilitation,' Babu told IANS. Leader of Opposition V.S. Achuthanandan visited the proposed site of the Wayanad airport Sunday and assured the people that their interests would be fully taken care of.

'We are not against the airport and our only concern is of the 500 acres of land that have been identified, around 250 acres of land are paddy fields and we do not wish that area to be taken up for commercialisation. Moreover, in the place there are around 250 families who have been living in the place for long, their interests also have to be looked after,' said CPI-M Wayanad district secretary C.K. Saseendran.

Wayanad is set high on the Western Ghats at altitudes ranging between 700 and 2,100 metres and is a popular tourist destination. Minister for Scheduled Tribes P.K.Jayalekshmi will call a meeting next week to address the airports issue. Kerala has three international airports and work for the fourth at Kannur is scheduled to begin later this year. The sanction of the union environment ministry is awaited for constructing another airport at Aranmula in Pathanamthitta district.

Adnan Januzaj lifts Manchester United gloom, Liverpool top

Manchester United unearthed a sparkling gem to lighten the early-season gloom, Adnan Januzaj striking twice in a 2-1 win at Sunderland on Saturday after resurgent Liverpool stormed to the top of the Premier League.

Liverpool fans were celebrating a 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace, Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge and Steven Gerrard scoring, and their day seemed about to get even better as arch-rivals United trailed at bottom club Sunderland in the day's late kickoff. The champions seemed to be heading to a third consecutive Premiership defeat for the first time in 12 years after Craig Gardner had given Sunderland a deserved first-half lead but 18-year-old Januzaj, given a first league start by David Moyes, spared their blushes.

He sidefooted a 55th-minute equaliser and six minutes later produced a sumptuous left-foot volley to seal three welcome points for a United side experiencing their worst start to a season since 1989.

Victory moved United up to ninth with 10 points from seven games, six behind Liverpool who seemed set for a goal avalanche against Palace after netting three times in the first half. Manchester City bounced back from their midweek Bayern Munich mauling by beating Everton 3-1 to climb to third on 13 points.

French striker Loic Remy gave Newcastle United's under-pressure manager Alan Pardew some relief by scoring twice in a 2-1 victory at Cardiff City. Fulham did the same for manager Martin Jol, edging past Stoke City 1-0 with Darren Bent's 83rd-minute winner, while Hull City drew 0-0 with Aston Villa.

Manager Moyes has been looking for some respite after consecutive league defeats by Manchester City and West Bromwich Albion and a none-too-convincing draw against Shakhtar Donetsk and he was rewarded for his decision to offer Januzaj a chance. "I think a few players tonight should be worried about their positions," former United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel told Sky Sports. "We've seen something special."

Adnan Januzaj lifts Manchester United gloom, Liverpool top

Manchester United unearthed a sparkling gem to lighten the early-season gloom, Adnan Januzaj striking twice in a 2-1 win at Sunderland on Saturday after resurgent Liverpool stormed to the top of the Premier League.

Liverpool fans were celebrating a 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace, Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge and Steven Gerrard scoring, and their day seemed about to get even better as arch-rivals United trailed at bottom club Sunderland in the day's late kickoff. The champions seemed to be heading to a third consecutive Premiership defeat for the first time in 12 years after Craig Gardner had given Sunderland a deserved first-half lead but 18-year-old Januzaj, given a first league start by David Moyes, spared their blushes.

He sidefooted a 55th-minute equaliser and six minutes later produced a sumptuous left-foot volley to seal three welcome points for a United side experiencing their worst start to a season since 1989.

Victory moved United up to ninth with 10 points from seven games, six behind Liverpool who seemed set for a goal avalanche against Palace after netting three times in the first half. Manchester City bounced back from their midweek Bayern Munich mauling by beating Everton 3-1 to climb to third on 13 points.

French striker Loic Remy gave Newcastle United's under-pressure manager Alan Pardew some relief by scoring twice in a 2-1 victory at Cardiff City. Fulham did the same for manager Martin Jol, edging past Stoke City 1-0 with Darren Bent's 83rd-minute winner, while Hull City drew 0-0 with Aston Villa.

Manager Moyes has been looking for some respite after consecutive league defeats by Manchester City and West Bromwich Albion and a none-too-convincing draw against Shakhtar Donetsk and he was rewarded for his decision to offer Januzaj a chance. "I think a few players tonight should be worried about their positions," former United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel told Sky Sports. "We've seen something special."

Wonder 19: India win quadrangular trophy beating South Africa colts by 201 runs

Victory has a very specific sensation. Go into the dressing room of any team at any level after a triumph and it is a tangible presence. There are periodic 'woo's' and clapping as players let out their adrenaline. The atmosphere in the Indian U-19 team dressing room after having handed a crushing 201 run defeat to South Africa in the finals of the four nation quadrangular was no different. Sarfaraz Khan, the hero of the win with an unbeaten 67 in India's total of 267 and then two crucial wickets up front as South Africa was bowled out for 66, was handing out high fives like they were pieces of toffee.

With the coaches leaving for the airport, directly after the match, the players were left to their own. Unchaperoned, celebrations would continue late into the evening at the team hotel. But Sarfaraz had another reason to get back to the hotel — to gloat. "Aaj wapas jaane me maza ayega. Woh apni room se nahi niklenge. Hamne tod diya unhe," Indeed if the victory was sweet, even more so was the fact that it came against this particular opposition.

Grudge match

The two teams had played each other just a couple of days back, and it was the Indians what had surprisingly lost as they choked in the last few overs of a chase. What added to the pressure was the fact that plenty of words were said as the chase got tighter. At that time Sarfaraz had succumbed and tried a ridiculous ramp shot which he only edged to the keeper. "Last time around they were sledging us properly and it didn't feel good. I got under pressure and I tried an irresponsible shot. This time I was prepared," he says.

India were at 150 for four when Khan came to the crease. The score was a precarious 177 for 5 when Deepak Hooda joined him at the fall of Ricky Bhui's wicket in the 38th over. While he is a powerful hitter, Khan chose to avoid going for the big hits and chose to work the ball around in front of square. "Before the game, the coach told me to just play in the front. He told me that I don't have to try things like the ramp shot because there is so much risk and my wicket was crucial," he says.

Having been broken down once, Khan says, the fielders went at him again but this time he was ready.

Khan does it again

Using sheer cheek to force the fielders into errors, stealing an extra run where none existed, fooling the keeper into thinking they were going for a run, and then ultimately taking the single on the ricoichette, he did everything. Khan and Hooda, who made 32, would put together 69 off 58 balls as the total grew steadily out of reach.

If the batting had set the Proteas on edge, India's spinners pushed them over. On a dry wicket that was now staying low, 268 was a tall ask. Against an aggressive Indian team, it was next to impossible. Shreyas Iyer may not have scored too much with the bat, but fielding at slip he alongside the other close in fielders did more than enough. With a short cover in place, the South African openers couldn't find a single to get off the strike. The first few overs, runs came in only in singles.

"This time around we were doing the talking," says Iyer. The wicket of the team's top scorer Clyde Fortuin run out for 1 as he responded to a sharp call for a single seemed to break them. Sarfaraz came in as change up and picked up two wickets lbw. Hooda got an lbw of his own soon after. A 27 run stand between captain Yaseen Valli and Jason Smith was cut shot by a brilliant run out of the former by Iyer. Kuldeep Yadav (2 for 13 off 8 overs ) and Amir Gani (3 for 18 off five) would wrap up the remainder with five wickets between them.

Wonder 19: India win quadrangular trophy beating South Africa colts by 201 runs

Victory has a very specific sensation. Go into the dressing room of any team at any level after a triumph and it is a tangible presence. There are periodic 'woo's' and clapping as players let out their adrenaline. The atmosphere in the Indian U-19 team dressing room after having handed a crushing 201 run defeat to South Africa in the finals of the four nation quadrangular was no different. Sarfaraz Khan, the hero of the win with an unbeaten 67 in India's total of 267 and then two crucial wickets up front as South Africa was bowled out for 66, was handing out high fives like they were pieces of toffee.

With the coaches leaving for the airport, directly after the match, the players were left to their own. Unchaperoned, celebrations would continue late into the evening at the team hotel. But Sarfaraz had another reason to get back to the hotel — to gloat. "Aaj wapas jaane me maza ayega. Woh apni room se nahi niklenge. Hamne tod diya unhe," Indeed if the victory was sweet, even more so was the fact that it came against this particular opposition.

Grudge match

The two teams had played each other just a couple of days back, and it was the Indians what had surprisingly lost as they choked in the last few overs of a chase. What added to the pressure was the fact that plenty of words were said as the chase got tighter. At that time Sarfaraz had succumbed and tried a ridiculous ramp shot which he only edged to the keeper. "Last time around they were sledging us properly and it didn't feel good. I got under pressure and I tried an irresponsible shot. This time I was prepared," he says.

India were at 150 for four when Khan came to the crease. The score was a precarious 177 for 5 when Deepak Hooda joined him at the fall of Ricky Bhui's wicket in the 38th over. While he is a powerful hitter, Khan chose to avoid going for the big hits and chose to work the ball around in front of square. "Before the game, the coach told me to just play in the front. He told me that I don't have to try things like the ramp shot because there is so much risk and my wicket was crucial," he says.

Having been broken down once, Khan says, the fielders went at him again but this time he was ready.

Khan does it again

Using sheer cheek to force the fielders into errors, stealing an extra run where none existed, fooling the keeper into thinking they were going for a run, and then ultimately taking the single on the ricoichette, he did everything. Khan and Hooda, who made 32, would put together 69 off 58 balls as the total grew steadily out of reach.

If the batting had set the Proteas on edge, India's spinners pushed them over. On a dry wicket that was now staying low, 268 was a tall ask. Against an aggressive Indian team, it was next to impossible. Shreyas Iyer may not have scored too much with the bat, but fielding at slip he alongside the other close in fielders did more than enough. With a short cover in place, the South African openers couldn't find a single to get off the strike. The first few overs, runs came in only in singles.

"This time around we were doing the talking," says Iyer. The wicket of the team's top scorer Clyde Fortuin run out for 1 as he responded to a sharp call for a single seemed to break them. Sarfaraz came in as change up and picked up two wickets lbw. Hooda got an lbw of his own soon after. A 27 run stand between captain Yaseen Valli and Jason Smith was cut shot by a brilliant run out of the former by Iyer. Kuldeep Yadav (2 for 13 off 8 overs ) and Amir Gani (3 for 18 off five) would wrap up the remainder with five wickets between them.

Vettel wins Korean Grand Prix

YEONGAM, SOUTH KOREA: Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel’s relentless push toward a seemingly inevitable fourth straight Formula One drivers’ championship continued with a victory at the Korean Grand Prix on Sunday.

Even two safety car periods, the emergence of a truck on the circuit mid-race and the incineration of his teammate’s car were not enough to put off the German, who made it a hat-trick of wins in Korea, and a fourth successive victory overall.

The Red Bull ace led throughout to win by 4.2 seconds ahead of the Lotus pair Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean. Nearest title rival Fernando Alonso was sixth, stretching Vettel’s lead in the championship to 77 points with only five races remaining, and he could wrap up the title at next weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.
“Even though it looks very good for us, it’s still not over,” Vettel said. “I’m not trying to think about it to be honest, I’m focusing more on the present.

“I am really enjoying things at the moment, we have a great team and we are having a great time as well.”
Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg put in a superb defensive drive over the last 17 laps by holding off a queue of world champions behind him after the second safety car period ended, finishing fourth to equal his career best.
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton was fifth, just holding off Alonso on the last lap. Mercedes Nico Rosberg took seventh by passing eighth-placed Jenson Button of McLaren in the closing stages.Ferrari’s Felipe Massa was ninth and McLaren’s Sergio Perez tenth.

Vettel wins Korean Grand Prix

YEONGAM, SOUTH KOREA: Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel’s relentless push toward a seemingly inevitable fourth straight Formula One drivers’ championship continued with a victory at the Korean Grand Prix on Sunday.

Even two safety car periods, the emergence of a truck on the circuit mid-race and the incineration of his teammate’s car were not enough to put off the German, who made it a hat-trick of wins in Korea, and a fourth successive victory overall.

The Red Bull ace led throughout to win by 4.2 seconds ahead of the Lotus pair Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean. Nearest title rival Fernando Alonso was sixth, stretching Vettel’s lead in the championship to 77 points with only five races remaining, and he could wrap up the title at next weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.
“Even though it looks very good for us, it’s still not over,” Vettel said. “I’m not trying to think about it to be honest, I’m focusing more on the present.

“I am really enjoying things at the moment, we have a great team and we are having a great time as well.”
Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg put in a superb defensive drive over the last 17 laps by holding off a queue of world champions behind him after the second safety car period ended, finishing fourth to equal his career best.
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton was fifth, just holding off Alonso on the last lap. Mercedes Nico Rosberg took seventh by passing eighth-placed Jenson Button of McLaren in the closing stages.Ferrari’s Felipe Massa was ninth and McLaren’s Sergio Perez tenth.

PM to embark on visit to Russia, China from Oct 20

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will embark on a crucial trip to Russia and China from October 20 during which a number of pacts are expected to be inked in key areas of trade, business and energy. The first leg from October 20 to 22 in Russia will see the Prime Minister holding talks on important issues such as nuclear cooperation, trade and defence. Dr Singh will on October 22 travel from Moscow to Beijing where he is expected to articulate India’s concerns over trans-border rivers, trade deficit and boundary incidents. During the meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Singh is expected to assure him on concerns over India’s nuclear liability law and also on the safety of Russian investments including in telecom  sector. Significantly, after the recently-concluded India Russia Inter Governmental Commission meeting in Moscow, the indications are that the two countries have made progress to clear the nuclear liability issue, crucial for a contract for supply of Russian reactors for Units 3 and 4 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP). It is understood that hectic parleys were on to conclude the tehno-commercial negotiations for the Unit 3 and 4 of KNPP) ahead of Singh’s visit and officials are hoping to ink it after the talks between the two sides. The effort is to basically match India’s Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CNLD) Act, 2010 and the internationally and nationally accepted principles. Another crucial issue would be Russia’s investment in telecom sector with Russian giant Sistema last week expressing unhappiness over telecom regulator TRAI’s recommendations on spectrum auction, saying it created “ambiguity” and “policy uncertainty” that would adversely impact its investment plans. Dr. Singh is expected to assure Russian leader on this front. Sistema Shyam Teleservices Ltd, which offers mobile services under the MTS brand, has protested against TRAI recommendations that the spectrum used by CDMA operators should not be auctioned and a part of it be explored for use by GSM services.

Curfew, shoot-at-sight orders in Vizianagaram in Seemandhra

HYDERABAD: Curfew has been imposed in Vizianagaram town with police given the orders to shoot at sight in the wake of large-scale violence by anti-bifurcation agitators, police said here. Vizianagaram, a town in coastal Andhra, has been roiling since the Union Cabinet's decision to create the state of Telangana out of the existing state of Andhra Pradesh.

"Lot of violence was reported, with the protesters indulging in arson, setting a bank on fire, and damaging public and private properties. In view of the violence, authorities ordered a curfew late last night," Dwaraka Tirumala Rao, IGP (North Coastal Zone), said.

Curfew, shoot-at-sight orders in Vizianagaram in Seemandhra

HYDERABAD: Curfew has been imposed in Vizianagaram town with police given the orders to shoot at sight in the wake of large-scale violence by anti-bifurcation agitators, police said here. Vizianagaram, a town in coastal Andhra, has been roiling since the Union Cabinet's decision to create the state of Telangana out of the existing state of Andhra Pradesh.

"Lot of violence was reported, with the protesters indulging in arson, setting a bank on fire, and damaging public and private properties. In view of the violence, authorities ordered a curfew late last night," Dwaraka Tirumala Rao, IGP (North Coastal Zone), said.

PM to embark on visit to Russia, China from Oct 20

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will embark on a crucial trip to Russia and China from October 20 during which a number of pacts are expected to be inked in key areas of trade, business and energy. The first leg from October 20 to 22 in Russia will see the Prime Minister holding talks on important issues such as nuclear cooperation, trade and defence. Dr Singh will on October 22 travel from Moscow to Beijing where he is expected to articulate India’s concerns over trans-border rivers, trade deficit and boundary incidents. During the meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Singh is expected to assure him on concerns over India’s nuclear liability law and also on the safety of Russian investments including in telecom  sector. Significantly, after the recently-concluded India Russia Inter Governmental Commission meeting in Moscow, the indications are that the two countries have made progress to clear the nuclear liability issue, crucial for a contract for supply of Russian reactors for Units 3 and 4 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KNPP). It is understood that hectic parleys were on to conclude the tehno-commercial negotiations for the Unit 3 and 4 of KNPP) ahead of Singh’s visit and officials are hoping to ink it after the talks between the two sides. The effort is to basically match India’s Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CNLD) Act, 2010 and the internationally and nationally accepted principles. Another crucial issue would be Russia’s investment in telecom sector with Russian giant Sistema last week expressing unhappiness over telecom regulator TRAI’s recommendations on spectrum auction, saying it created “ambiguity” and “policy uncertainty” that would adversely impact its investment plans. Dr. Singh is expected to assure Russian leader on this front. Sistema Shyam Teleservices Ltd, which offers mobile services under the MTS brand, has protested against TRAI recommendations that the spectrum used by CDMA operators should not be auctioned and a part of it be explored for use by GSM services.

Fresh sexual assault complaints against Asaram, son

SURAT: Fresh sexual assault complaints have been registered against controversial self-styled godman Asaram Bapu and his son Narayan Sai here after two sisters accused the duo of abusing them. Asaram, 75, was arrested in August on charges of sexually assaulting a minor girl and has been in prison at Jodhpur in Rajasthan since then. "We have registered two complaints, one against Asaram and another against Narayan Sai of sexual assault, illegal confinement and other charges," Surat Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana said Sunday.

"The victims are two sisters," he said. The complaint against Narayan Sai has been registered at Jhangirpura police station in Surat, while the one against his father Asaram has been transferred to Ahmedabad as the alleged incident happened there, Asthana said. The police will question Narayan Sai in connection with the complaint shortly, he said. The older sister in her complaint is understood to have accused Asaram of sexual assault, while the younger one filed a complaint against his son. The incidents reportedly happened between 2001 and 2006.

Fresh sexual assault complaints against Asaram, son

SURAT: Fresh sexual assault complaints have been registered against controversial self-styled godman Asaram Bapu and his son Narayan Sai here after two sisters accused the duo of abusing them. Asaram, 75, was arrested in August on charges of sexually assaulting a minor girl and has been in prison at Jodhpur in Rajasthan since then. "We have registered two complaints, one against Asaram and another against Narayan Sai of sexual assault, illegal confinement and other charges," Surat Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana said Sunday.

"The victims are two sisters," he said. The complaint against Narayan Sai has been registered at Jhangirpura police station in Surat, while the one against his father Asaram has been transferred to Ahmedabad as the alleged incident happened there, Asthana said. The police will question Narayan Sai in connection with the complaint shortly, he said. The older sister in her complaint is understood to have accused Asaram of sexual assault, while the younger one filed a complaint against his son. The incidents reportedly happened between 2001 and 2006.

Senior al-Qaida leader linked to 1998 embassy bombings nabbed

TRIPOLI, Libya: US forces on Saturday captured an al-Qaida leader in Libya linked to the 1998 American embassy bombings in east Africa and wanted by the United States for more than a decade, a US official said. The official identified the al-Qaida leader as Nazih Abdul-Hamed al-Ruqai, known by his alias Anas al-Libi. His capture would represent a significant blow to what remains of the core al-Qaida organization once led by Osama bin Laden.

Family members said gunmen in a three-car convoy seized al-Libi outside his home in the Libyan capital, Tripoli. Al-Libi is believed to have returned to Libya during the 2011 civil war that led to the ouster and killing of dictator Muammar Gaddafi. His brother, Nabih, said the 49-year-old was parking outside his house early Saturday after dawn prayers, when three vehicles encircled his vehicle. The gunmen smashed his car's window and seized his gun before grabbing him and fleeing. The brother said al-Libi's wife saw the kidnapping from her window and described the abductors as foreign-looking armed 'commandos'.

The US official said there were no US casualties in the operation. The official was not authorized to speak publicly and requested anonymity. Al-Libi is on the FBI's most-wanted list with a $5 million bounty on his head. He was indicted by a federal court in the Southern District of New York, for his alleged role in the bombings of the US embassies in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Nairobi, Kenya, on August 7, 1998, that killed more than 250 people. Libyan officials did not return calls seeking comment on al-Libi's abduction and the US issued no immediate statements. His brother said he failed to contact authorities over the matter.

Al-Libi was believed to be a computer specialist with al-Qaida. He studied electronic and nuclear engineering, graduating from Tripoli University, and was an anti-Gaddafi activist. He is believed to have spent time in Sudan, where Osama bin Laden was based in the early 1990s. After bin Laden was forced to leave Sudan, al-Libi turned up in Britain in 1995 where he was granted political asylum under unclear circumstances and lived in Manchester. He was arrested by Scotland Yard in 1999, but released because of lack of evidence and later fled Britain. His name was included on the FBI's most wanted terrorists list that was introduced shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

There were a number of reports of his arrest, which were later denied by US officials. In 2007, Human Rights Watch said it believed he was among about two dozen people who may have once been held in secret CIA prisons. The group said it believed he was held in Sudan, but didn't elaborate, and said his whereabouts were later unknown. Al-Libi's family returned to Libya a year before the revolt against Gaddafi, under an initiative by Gaddafi's son Seif al-Islam who sought to reconcile with militants who renounce violence, a close friend said, refusing to identify himself because of security concerns.

The friend said al-Libi's son was killed during the civil war as rebels marched on the capital, ousting Gaddafi. His son's name is scribbled as graffiti on the walls of the street where his family resides, in an affluent neighborhood in Tripoli. 
Since Gaddafi's fall, Libya has been rocked by lawlessness, as militia groups have challenged the central government's power, and assassinations and revenge attacks spread. Last year, militants attacked the US Consulate in the eastern city of Benghazi, killing the US ambassador and three other Americans. According to official documents, al-Libi is not among those wanted for that attack.
AP

Senior al-Qaida leader linked to 1998 embassy bombings nabbed

TRIPOLI, Libya: US forces on Saturday captured an al-Qaida leader in Libya linked to the 1998 American embassy bombings in east Africa and wanted by the United States for more than a decade, a US official said. The official identified the al-Qaida leader as Nazih Abdul-Hamed al-Ruqai, known by his alias Anas al-Libi. His capture would represent a significant blow to what remains of the core al-Qaida organization once led by Osama bin Laden.

Family members said gunmen in a three-car convoy seized al-Libi outside his home in the Libyan capital, Tripoli. Al-Libi is believed to have returned to Libya during the 2011 civil war that led to the ouster and killing of dictator Muammar Gaddafi. His brother, Nabih, said the 49-year-old was parking outside his house early Saturday after dawn prayers, when three vehicles encircled his vehicle. The gunmen smashed his car's window and seized his gun before grabbing him and fleeing. The brother said al-Libi's wife saw the kidnapping from her window and described the abductors as foreign-looking armed 'commandos'.

The US official said there were no US casualties in the operation. The official was not authorized to speak publicly and requested anonymity. Al-Libi is on the FBI's most-wanted list with a $5 million bounty on his head. He was indicted by a federal court in the Southern District of New York, for his alleged role in the bombings of the US embassies in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Nairobi, Kenya, on August 7, 1998, that killed more than 250 people. Libyan officials did not return calls seeking comment on al-Libi's abduction and the US issued no immediate statements. His brother said he failed to contact authorities over the matter.

Al-Libi was believed to be a computer specialist with al-Qaida. He studied electronic and nuclear engineering, graduating from Tripoli University, and was an anti-Gaddafi activist. He is believed to have spent time in Sudan, where Osama bin Laden was based in the early 1990s. After bin Laden was forced to leave Sudan, al-Libi turned up in Britain in 1995 where he was granted political asylum under unclear circumstances and lived in Manchester. He was arrested by Scotland Yard in 1999, but released because of lack of evidence and later fled Britain. His name was included on the FBI's most wanted terrorists list that was introduced shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

There were a number of reports of his arrest, which were later denied by US officials. In 2007, Human Rights Watch said it believed he was among about two dozen people who may have once been held in secret CIA prisons. The group said it believed he was held in Sudan, but didn't elaborate, and said his whereabouts were later unknown. Al-Libi's family returned to Libya a year before the revolt against Gaddafi, under an initiative by Gaddafi's son Seif al-Islam who sought to reconcile with militants who renounce violence, a close friend said, refusing to identify himself because of security concerns.

The friend said al-Libi's son was killed during the civil war as rebels marched on the capital, ousting Gaddafi. His son's name is scribbled as graffiti on the walls of the street where his family resides, in an affluent neighborhood in Tripoli. 
Since Gaddafi's fall, Libya has been rocked by lawlessness, as militia groups have challenged the central government's power, and assassinations and revenge attacks spread. Last year, militants attacked the US Consulate in the eastern city of Benghazi, killing the US ambassador and three other Americans. According to official documents, al-Libi is not among those wanted for that attack.
AP