Obama looking forward to work with new Indian government

WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama has said he is looking forward to working “closely” with the next government in India to make the coming years “equally transformative” for the two countries. Obama also congratulated the people of India on the successful conclusion of the Lok Sabha polls, saying that country has set an example for the world in holding the largest democratic election in history. The nine-phase polls ended yesterday and counting of votes will take place on 16 May. “We look forward to the formation of a new government once election results are announced and to working closely with India's next Administration to make the coming years equally transformative,” Obama said in a statement yesterday. “India has set an example for the world in holding the largest democratic election in history, a vibrant demonstration of our shared values of diversity and freedom.” he added. In his statement, Obama also referred to the strong friendship that the two countries have developed over the last decades, cutting across party lines. “The United States and India have developed a strong friendship and comprehensive partnership over the last two decades, which has made our citizens safer and more prosperous and which has enhanced our ability to work together to solve global challenges,” he added. Separately, the State department also congratulated the people of India on the successful elections and said the US was looking forward to working with the leaders chosen to advance their important partnership and to set an ambitious agenda. “We look forward to working with the leaders chosen by the Indian people to advance this important partnership and to set an ambitious agenda,” State department Spokesperson Jen Psaki told reporters at her daily news conference. “We congratulate the people of India on their participation in the largest-ever free and fair democratic election in human history,” she said, hours after a record number of Indian voters concluded casting their votes yesterday. Psaki noted that over 500 million eligible voters peacefully went to the polls over the last six weeks, often in remote or challenging locations. “These elections are an inspiring example of the power of the democratic process in action, and the United States, like so many others around the world, has great admiration and respect for the vibrancy, diversity and resilience of India's democracy,” she said. India, Psaki said, continues to play a critical role in advancing prosperity, democracy and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.

Obama looking forward to work with new Indian government

WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama has said he is looking forward to working “closely” with the next government in India to make the coming years “equally transformative” for the two countries. Obama also congratulated the people of India on the successful conclusion of the Lok Sabha polls, saying that country has set an example for the world in holding the largest democratic election in history. The nine-phase polls ended yesterday and counting of votes will take place on 16 May. “We look forward to the formation of a new government once election results are announced and to working closely with India's next Administration to make the coming years equally transformative,” Obama said in a statement yesterday. “India has set an example for the world in holding the largest democratic election in history, a vibrant demonstration of our shared values of diversity and freedom.” he added. In his statement, Obama also referred to the strong friendship that the two countries have developed over the last decades, cutting across party lines. “The United States and India have developed a strong friendship and comprehensive partnership over the last two decades, which has made our citizens safer and more prosperous and which has enhanced our ability to work together to solve global challenges,” he added. Separately, the State department also congratulated the people of India on the successful elections and said the US was looking forward to working with the leaders chosen to advance their important partnership and to set an ambitious agenda. “We look forward to working with the leaders chosen by the Indian people to advance this important partnership and to set an ambitious agenda,” State department Spokesperson Jen Psaki told reporters at her daily news conference. “We congratulate the people of India on their participation in the largest-ever free and fair democratic election in human history,” she said, hours after a record number of Indian voters concluded casting their votes yesterday. Psaki noted that over 500 million eligible voters peacefully went to the polls over the last six weeks, often in remote or challenging locations. “These elections are an inspiring example of the power of the democratic process in action, and the United States, like so many others around the world, has great admiration and respect for the vibrancy, diversity and resilience of India's democracy,” she said. India, Psaki said, continues to play a critical role in advancing prosperity, democracy and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.

How your immune system can fight back cancer

Washington:In a groundbreaking treatment, researchers at the National Cancer Institute in the US have harnessed a female patient's own immune system to fight cancer.

The team sequenced the genome of her cancer and identified cells from her immune system that attacked a specific mutation in the malignant cells.

Then they grew those immune cells in the lab and infused billions of them back into her bloodstream, a report in the journal Science said.

'The tumours began melting away,' said Steven A. Rosenberg, chief of the surgery branch at the cancer institute.

The 43-year-old woman was diagnosed with an advanced and deadly type of cancer that had spread from her bile duct to her liver and lungs, despite chemotherapy.

'The report is noteworthy because it describes an approach that may also be applied to common tumours - like those in the digestive tract, ovaries, pancreas, lungs and breasts,' the report noted.

Researchers said the treatment, known as adoptive cell therapy, holds promise for common cancers. But they also cautioned that the report was early and based on just one patient.

According to Rosenberg, his team was working around the clock to streamline the process.

Potentially, if we could reduce the complexity, it's something that could get out into common usage eventually, he added. IANS

How your immune system can fight back cancer

Washington:In a groundbreaking treatment, researchers at the National Cancer Institute in the US have harnessed a female patient's own immune system to fight cancer.

The team sequenced the genome of her cancer and identified cells from her immune system that attacked a specific mutation in the malignant cells.

Then they grew those immune cells in the lab and infused billions of them back into her bloodstream, a report in the journal Science said.

'The tumours began melting away,' said Steven A. Rosenberg, chief of the surgery branch at the cancer institute.

The 43-year-old woman was diagnosed with an advanced and deadly type of cancer that had spread from her bile duct to her liver and lungs, despite chemotherapy.

'The report is noteworthy because it describes an approach that may also be applied to common tumours - like those in the digestive tract, ovaries, pancreas, lungs and breasts,' the report noted.

Researchers said the treatment, known as adoptive cell therapy, holds promise for common cancers. But they also cautioned that the report was early and based on just one patient.

According to Rosenberg, his team was working around the clock to streamline the process.

Potentially, if we could reduce the complexity, it's something that could get out into common usage eventually, he added. IANS

Sensex hits all-time peak of 23,410.36

Mumbai: The S&P BSE benchmark Sensex climbed to a all-time high of 23,410.36 in the early trade on the back of strong buying ahead of results of exit polls which are likely to start coming in from this evening, coupled with strong foreign capital inflows.

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 1,268.78 crore as per provisional data from the stock exchanges.

Investors are hoping that a stable government, which will complete its full term of five years in office, comes to power after the elections.

The Sensex resumed higher at 23,031.11 and rose to an all-time peak of 23,410.36 before quoting at 23,281.48 at 1000hrs, showing sharp gain of 287.25 points or 1.25 per cent from its last weekend's level.

The NSE 50-share Nifty also rose by 77.90 points or 1.11 per cent to 6,934.70 at 1000hrs after hitting life-time high of 6,975.70.

Major gainers were Reliance Ind (3.63 per cent), SBI (2.73 per cent), Axis Bank (2.36 per cent), HDFC Bank (2.12 per cent), Larsen (1.87 per cent), Hero Motocorp (1.71 per cent), Gail India (1.70 per cent), HDFC (1.62 per cent) and BHEL (1.60 per cent).

However, most Asian stocks fell in their early trade after Chinese President Xi Jinping said the nation needs to adapt to a 'new normal' in the pace of economic growth.

Key benchmark indices in Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea and Japan were down 0.03 per cent to 0.5 per cent while indices in Hong Kong, China and Indonesia were up 0.34 per cent to 1.55 per cent.

US stocks rose with the Dow Jones Industrial Average ended at a record high on last Friday, boosted by IBM, while a rebound in high-growth momentum names helped the broader market. PTI

Sensex hits all-time peak of 23,410.36

Mumbai: The S&P BSE benchmark Sensex climbed to a all-time high of 23,410.36 in the early trade on the back of strong buying ahead of results of exit polls which are likely to start coming in from this evening, coupled with strong foreign capital inflows.

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 1,268.78 crore as per provisional data from the stock exchanges.

Investors are hoping that a stable government, which will complete its full term of five years in office, comes to power after the elections.

The Sensex resumed higher at 23,031.11 and rose to an all-time peak of 23,410.36 before quoting at 23,281.48 at 1000hrs, showing sharp gain of 287.25 points or 1.25 per cent from its last weekend's level.

The NSE 50-share Nifty also rose by 77.90 points or 1.11 per cent to 6,934.70 at 1000hrs after hitting life-time high of 6,975.70.

Major gainers were Reliance Ind (3.63 per cent), SBI (2.73 per cent), Axis Bank (2.36 per cent), HDFC Bank (2.12 per cent), Larsen (1.87 per cent), Hero Motocorp (1.71 per cent), Gail India (1.70 per cent), HDFC (1.62 per cent) and BHEL (1.60 per cent).

However, most Asian stocks fell in their early trade after Chinese President Xi Jinping said the nation needs to adapt to a 'new normal' in the pace of economic growth.

Key benchmark indices in Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea and Japan were down 0.03 per cent to 0.5 per cent while indices in Hong Kong, China and Indonesia were up 0.34 per cent to 1.55 per cent.

US stocks rose with the Dow Jones Industrial Average ended at a record high on last Friday, boosted by IBM, while a rebound in high-growth momentum names helped the broader market. PTI

Clinical Man City wrap up Premier League title in style

Manchester City's Samir Nasri (R) is congratulated by teammate Pablo Zabaleta after scoring against West Ham United during their English Premier League soccer match at the Etihad Stadium (REUTERS)

London: Manchester City calmly overpowered West Ham United 2-0 to secure their second Premier League title in three seasons in a party atmosphere at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Liverpool beat Newcastle United 2-1 at Anfield to finish two points behind the champions but goals by Samir Nasri and Vincent Kompany sparked wild celebrations at City whose heavyweight squad came out on top at the end of a thrilling and fluctuating title race.

Nasri calmed City nerves with a fierce strike in the 39th minute and captain Kompany's neat finish four minutes after halftime put the hosts in cruise control, rounding off a superb debut season for manager Manuel Pellegrini.

'It's a very special time. My first year is not easy to get used to English football but I think I managed a great group of players,' Pellegrini said after the trophy was presented on the pitch.

'It was a very special because we've never been at the top of the table but six games away I told my players we needed to change and they believed in me. They are a special group.'

For Chilean Pellegrini, the first non-European manager to win the Premier League, it was a first league title since he won the Clausura with River Plate in Argentina in 2003 and a maiden success on this continent. 'I'm just so happy for the manager as well because it's his first title in Europe, it's amazing,' Nasri added.

The atmosphere at Anfield was muted as an own goal from Martin Skrtel put Newcastle ahead in the first half, but goals from Daniel Agger and Daniel Sturridge ensured they ended with victory against opponents who had Shola Ameobi and Paul Dummett sent off.

Chelsea had to settle for third spot after coming from a goal down to win 2-1 at Cardiff City, ending a trophyless first season back in England for manager Jose Mourinho. Tottenham Hotspur comfortably beat Aston Villa 3-0 to finish sixth and clinch a place in next season's Europa League, meaning deposed champions Manchester United, who drew their final match of a terrible season 1-1 against Southampton, will not play in Europe next season for the first time in 24 years. Norwich City's relegation was confirmed with a 2-0 home defeat by Arsenal and they will join Cardiff and Fulham in the Championship next season.
PATIENT PROBING
City began by patiently probing, just as they did against Aston Villa in midweek, with their first chance falling to David Silva who blasted over after 10 minutes.

Minutes later and with the teams still deadlocked, a roar echoed around the Etihad stadium as news filtered through that Liverpool had fallen a goal behind, easing the tension before City opened the scoring.

Yaya Toure laid the ball inside to Nasri 30 metres from goal. He dropped his shoulder, strode forward and unleashed a vicious drive low into the bottom corner.

If that goal was enough to put the champagne on ice, the corks started popping four minutes after the restart when a corner struck the back of Edin Dzeko, falling for Kompany who swivelled and lashed home from close range.

There was a sense of deflation at Anfield from the moment Skrtel fly-kicked a harmless Yoan Gouffran cross past Simon Mignolet into the back of the net.

Radios pressed against the ears of fans in the stands told the home crowd that City were cruising to victory and Liverpool's wait for a top-flight title was likely to go on beyond 24 years.

The second half brought some cheer as Daniel Agger scored Liverpool's 100th goal of the season to level by hooking in at the far post while Daniel Sturridge netted a second in as many minutes, tapping home in similar fashion.

Ameobi was sent off for dissent and Dummett for a clumsy challenge as the dejected Liverpool players were left to ponder what might have been.

'I'm absolutely devastated,' Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard told Sky Sports.

'Personally gutted and gutted for the fans. We can't be too down because it's been a great season and we have to bounce back for next season. Hopefully, we can keep improving but we have to congratulate Man City because they've been the best for 38 games.' REUTERS

Clinical Man City wrap up Premier League title in style

Manchester City's Samir Nasri (R) is congratulated by teammate Pablo Zabaleta after scoring against West Ham United during their English Premier League soccer match at the Etihad Stadium (REUTERS)

London: Manchester City calmly overpowered West Ham United 2-0 to secure their second Premier League title in three seasons in a party atmosphere at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Liverpool beat Newcastle United 2-1 at Anfield to finish two points behind the champions but goals by Samir Nasri and Vincent Kompany sparked wild celebrations at City whose heavyweight squad came out on top at the end of a thrilling and fluctuating title race.

Nasri calmed City nerves with a fierce strike in the 39th minute and captain Kompany's neat finish four minutes after halftime put the hosts in cruise control, rounding off a superb debut season for manager Manuel Pellegrini.

'It's a very special time. My first year is not easy to get used to English football but I think I managed a great group of players,' Pellegrini said after the trophy was presented on the pitch.

'It was a very special because we've never been at the top of the table but six games away I told my players we needed to change and they believed in me. They are a special group.'

For Chilean Pellegrini, the first non-European manager to win the Premier League, it was a first league title since he won the Clausura with River Plate in Argentina in 2003 and a maiden success on this continent. 'I'm just so happy for the manager as well because it's his first title in Europe, it's amazing,' Nasri added.

The atmosphere at Anfield was muted as an own goal from Martin Skrtel put Newcastle ahead in the first half, but goals from Daniel Agger and Daniel Sturridge ensured they ended with victory against opponents who had Shola Ameobi and Paul Dummett sent off.

Chelsea had to settle for third spot after coming from a goal down to win 2-1 at Cardiff City, ending a trophyless first season back in England for manager Jose Mourinho. Tottenham Hotspur comfortably beat Aston Villa 3-0 to finish sixth and clinch a place in next season's Europa League, meaning deposed champions Manchester United, who drew their final match of a terrible season 1-1 against Southampton, will not play in Europe next season for the first time in 24 years. Norwich City's relegation was confirmed with a 2-0 home defeat by Arsenal and they will join Cardiff and Fulham in the Championship next season.
PATIENT PROBING
City began by patiently probing, just as they did against Aston Villa in midweek, with their first chance falling to David Silva who blasted over after 10 minutes.

Minutes later and with the teams still deadlocked, a roar echoed around the Etihad stadium as news filtered through that Liverpool had fallen a goal behind, easing the tension before City opened the scoring.

Yaya Toure laid the ball inside to Nasri 30 metres from goal. He dropped his shoulder, strode forward and unleashed a vicious drive low into the bottom corner.

If that goal was enough to put the champagne on ice, the corks started popping four minutes after the restart when a corner struck the back of Edin Dzeko, falling for Kompany who swivelled and lashed home from close range.

There was a sense of deflation at Anfield from the moment Skrtel fly-kicked a harmless Yoan Gouffran cross past Simon Mignolet into the back of the net.

Radios pressed against the ears of fans in the stands told the home crowd that City were cruising to victory and Liverpool's wait for a top-flight title was likely to go on beyond 24 years.

The second half brought some cheer as Daniel Agger scored Liverpool's 100th goal of the season to level by hooking in at the far post while Daniel Sturridge netted a second in as many minutes, tapping home in similar fashion.

Ameobi was sent off for dissent and Dummett for a clumsy challenge as the dejected Liverpool players were left to ponder what might have been.

'I'm absolutely devastated,' Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard told Sky Sports.

'Personally gutted and gutted for the fans. We can't be too down because it's been a great season and we have to bounce back for next season. Hopefully, we can keep improving but we have to congratulate Man City because they've been the best for 38 games.' REUTERS

Nigerian governor has cue to 200 abducted girls

London:A Nigerian state governor has said he has information on the whereabouts of the 200 abducted schoolgirls, a media report said Monday.

Kashim Shettima, governor of the Nigerian state of Borno, said he has sighted the abducted girls, BBC reported.

Shettima has passed on the report of the sightings to the Nigerian military for verification.

Shettima added, 'The girls have not been taken across the border of Cameroon or Chad.'

More than 200 girls of the Chibok community in Borno state in northeastern Nigeria were abducted April 14.

The Islamist militant group Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the mass kidnapping Monday and threatened to sell the girls.

French President Francois Hollande Sunday offered to hold a summit in Paris with Nigeria and its neighbours to tackle the issue.

Hollande said: 'I suggested, with Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, a meeting of Nigeria's neighbouring countries. If the countries agree, it should take place next Saturday'.

Countries neighbouring Nigeria - Cameroon, Chad, Niger - along with the US and the European Union (EU) are likely to attend the summit.

The US, Britain and France have also vowed to assist Nigeria in the rescue of the 200 abducted girls.

US First Lady Michelle Obama appeared Saturday on the White House weekly address to express her outrage against the abductions.

Earlier this week, she tweeted a picture of herself in the White House holding a sign with the message '#BringBackOurGirls'.

British Prime Minister David Cameron also tweeted his support with the same message.

People around the world have showed their support for the girls by taking part in protests and joining online campaigns on social networking sites calling for their rescue. IANS

Nigerian governor has cue to 200 abducted girls

London:A Nigerian state governor has said he has information on the whereabouts of the 200 abducted schoolgirls, a media report said Monday.

Kashim Shettima, governor of the Nigerian state of Borno, said he has sighted the abducted girls, BBC reported.

Shettima has passed on the report of the sightings to the Nigerian military for verification.

Shettima added, 'The girls have not been taken across the border of Cameroon or Chad.'

More than 200 girls of the Chibok community in Borno state in northeastern Nigeria were abducted April 14.

The Islamist militant group Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the mass kidnapping Monday and threatened to sell the girls.

French President Francois Hollande Sunday offered to hold a summit in Paris with Nigeria and its neighbours to tackle the issue.

Hollande said: 'I suggested, with Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, a meeting of Nigeria's neighbouring countries. If the countries agree, it should take place next Saturday'.

Countries neighbouring Nigeria - Cameroon, Chad, Niger - along with the US and the European Union (EU) are likely to attend the summit.

The US, Britain and France have also vowed to assist Nigeria in the rescue of the 200 abducted girls.

US First Lady Michelle Obama appeared Saturday on the White House weekly address to express her outrage against the abductions.

Earlier this week, she tweeted a picture of herself in the White House holding a sign with the message '#BringBackOurGirls'.

British Prime Minister David Cameron also tweeted his support with the same message.

People around the world have showed their support for the girls by taking part in protests and joining online campaigns on social networking sites calling for their rescue. IANS