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Monday 31 December 2012

Woman who pushed Indian to death in New York subway laughed during trial in court

NEW YORK: A 31-year-old woman accused of shoving an immigrant from India to his death in front of a subway train because she believed he was Muslim laughed and smiled during a court hearing where she was ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. 

Erika Menendez, 31, was charged on Saturday night with murder as a hate crime after she told police she spontaneously pushed Sunando Sen, according to prosecutors. 

"There is no reason. I just pushed him in front of the train because I thought it would be cool,'' she said, according to the Queens district attorney's office. 

She laughed so hard during her arraignment in Queens criminal court that Judge Gia Morris told her lawyer: ``You're going to have to have your client stop laughing.'' 

Defense attorney Dietrich Epperson said her behavior in court was no different from how she had been acting, and said his client didn't really think the proceedings were funny, according to Newsday. He represented her for the arraignment only and had no further comment.

Menendez was held without bail and ordered to have a mental healthexam. 

Queens prosecutors said she pushed the 46-year-old Sen to his death because she blamed "Muslims, Hindus and Egyptians'' for the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. 

``I pushed a Muslim off the train tracks because I hate Hindus and Muslims ever since 2001 when they put down the twin towers I've been beating them up,'' Menendez told police, according to the district attorney's office. 

Friends and co-workers said Sen, a native of Calcutta, was Hindu. He had lived in Queens for decades and was a graphic designer and copy shop owner. Sen was standing on an elevated platform of the No. 7 train that travels between Manhattan and Queens when he was shoved from behind as the train entered the station. 

Witnesses told police a woman had been mumbling to herself and was sitting on a bench behind Sen until the train pulled in, then shoved him from behind. She then fled. 

Police released a sketch and surveillance footage of a woman running from the subway station. Menendez was arrested after a passer-by saw her on the street and thought she looked like the wanted suspect. Witnesses identified her in a lineup and she was questioned by police, when she implicated herself, according to police and prosecutors. 

Angel Luis Santiago, who used to work at the Queens building where Menendez's mother and stepfather live, said he was shocked by her arrest. 

"It surprised me what she did,'' he said. "She never acted that way.'' 

Menendez's next court appearance is scheduled for January 14. 

Sen was the second man to die after being pushed in front of a New York City subway train this month. Ki-Suck Han, a Korean immigrant, was killed in a midtown Manhattan subway station on December 3. A homeless man was arrested and charged with murder in that case and is awaiting trial. He claimed he acted in self-defense. 

Such subway deaths are rare, but transit officials said last week they would consider installing barriers with sliding doors on some subway platforms. Other cities including Paris and Londonhave installed such barriers.

Read More: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/Woman-who-pushed-Indian-to-death-in-New-York-subway-laughed-during-trial-in-court/articleshow/17829351.cms

Cliff's Edge Draws Close

Talks between Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) and Vice PresidentJoe Biden continued Monday, as Washington tried to do what it has promised for months: engineer an alternative to the so-called fiscal cliff.


A White House official said Monday morning the talks made "progress overnight." A spokesman for Mr. McConnell said the two men "will continue to work toward a solution."
According to a McConnell aide, the senator's last two conversations with Mr. Biden were at 12:45 a.m. and 6:30 a.m.
On taxes, one of the thorniest issues on the table, the two sides appeared to be converging. President Barack Obamahas called for raising individual income-tax rates on family income above $250,000. In the latest round of Senate talks, Republicans proposed a $550,000 threshold, which Democrats moved to $450,000, according to Sen. Dick Durbin (D., Ill.).
On the estate tax, Democrats are no longer insisting on an increased rate and instead have agreed to put the matter to a separate vote, which suggests current rates will likely continue. That is a concession to the GOP and a number of farm-state Democrats in the Senate. Absent action, rates on estates will jump and the threshold at which they would hit is set to fall.
Other fundamental divisions remained, including primarily a disagreement of principle between the parties: Republicans wanted any tax increase, which they only reluctantly accepted, to go toward reducing the deficit. Democrats wanted any increased tax revenue to offset spending cuts that are scheduled to kick in as part of the fiscal cliff, and to pay for extending unemployment benefits, among other items.
New Year's Eve, however, dawned with no solution to Washington's budget impasse. What happens Monday could go some way to determining the short-term fate of the U.S. economy and the reputation of the government, both of which have been tarnished by the spectacle of endless seemingly circular negotiations. In the past two weeks, at least three different sets of negotiation teams have sought a way out.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D., Nev.) said on the Senate floor Monday that discussions continue, but warned "we really are running out of time," adding "There are a number of issues on which the two sides are still apart."
The Senate had set itself a goal of hatching a deal by midafternoon Sunday, a deadline that slipped by as both sides instead bickered in public and tried to apportion blame for the continuing impasse. Late Sunday, Mr. Reid recessed the Senate until Monday, leaving the McConnell/Biden talks to take the lead.
"There is significant distance between the two sides," Mr. Reid said Sunday. "There is still time left to reach an agreement and we intend to continue negotiations."
In the absence of a bipartisan deal, Mr. Reid is preparing for a Monday vote on a bill to carry out Mr. Obama's backup proposal, which tackles only a few items on the legislative agenda, including extending current tax rates for income up to $250,000 for couples filing jointly. Democrats are confident they could pass the bill through the Senate. A key question is whether the House, which returned Sunday evening, would approve it if it doesn't enjoy broad bipartisan support in the Senate.
Some senators seemed almost resigned to the prospect of Congress missing its deadline, on the grounds that spending cuts and tax increases that take effect Tuesday and Wednesday, the first two days of the new year, could be reversed.
"The world won't end," said Sen. Tom Harkin (D., Iowa.). "Things can be made retroactive."
In a sign of opposition that could mount to any deal from liberal Democrats, Sen. Harkin took to the Senate floor to criticize reports that the compromise was taking shape in negotiations between Messrs. McConnell and Biden.
One Democratic offer on the negotiating table would extend current tax rates on income up to $450,000—a retreat from Mr. Obama's original proposal to raise taxes on income over $250,000. Democrats also were moving to compromise on the president's proposal to increase estate taxes.
"We're going to lock in forever the idea that $450,000 a year is middle class in America,'' said Mr. Harkin. "The direction they are heading in is absolutely the wrong direction for our country.''
Still, some remained hopeful elements of a deal were on the table and could be brought into alignment at the last minute.
Sen. Barbara Boxer (D., Calif.) urged colleagues not to "prejudge'' the outcome before the negotiations are complete.
"This is a compromise. We don't have a parliamentary system of government here,'' said Ms. Boxer, who like other Democrats from high-cost states, welcomes a compromise that raises the threshold on income-tax increases because $250,000 doesn't go as far in California as it does in other regions.
"I am hopeful that we will get something done,'' said Ms. Boxer. "If we do, and it is fair—fair enough—we should get our country off this cliff.''
As aides to Messrs. Reid and McConnell negotiated through the weekend, the focus was on a narrow bill that would likely fall far short of the lofty deficit-reduction goals congressional leaders and Mr. Obama had initially pursued.
White House officials believe raising tax rates on income above $250,000, combined with changes in capital-gains, dividend, and estate-tax rules, would raise roughly $950 billion over 10 years. According to its own budget estimates, that would raise between $50 billion and $60 billion in new revenue in the first year, less than 10% of the U.S.'s projected budget deficit.
The other items being discussed as part of the slimmed-down package would cost the government. One would extend unemployment benefits for one year, at a cost of roughly $30 billion. Another would prevent Medicare payments to doctors from being cut, at a cost of $10 billion, according to estimates.
The most expensive item being considered as part of the package would extend a change to the alternative-minimum tax, which was designed to make sure the wealthiest didn't avoid taxes by accumulating too many deductions and credits. The AMT wasn't indexed for inflation, and Congress has repeatedly passed an annual exemption to protect middle-class families from the tax. The change being considered would prevent the tax from hitting as many as 30 million additional households, and it would reduce potential revenue by close to $100 billion.
Mr. Obama expressed the Democrats' view in an interview that aired Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press."
"If we have raised some revenue by the wealthy paying a little bit more, that would be sufficient to turn off what's called the sequester, these automatic spending cuts, and that also would have a better outcome for our economy long-term," Mr. Obama said.
Sen. Bob Corker (R., Tenn.) said it remained a problem that Democrats wanted to spend the new tax revenue that would be raised by increasing the top rates. "All the money is being spent—it's not being used for any kind of deficit reduction," he said.
To address that concern, Republicans, in negotiations with Mr. Reid, resurrected a proposal to cut spending by slowing the growth of Social Security's cost-of-living adjustments. Mr. Obama, rare among Democrats, has shown some willingness to accept the idea, but only as part of a broader budget deal, not the kind of stopgap measure being devised in the Senate.
Mr. Reid was sharply opposed, and the proposal, which is known as "chained CPI," nearly brought the talks to a halt until Republicans withdrew the idea.
Sen. John McCain (R., Ariz.) said "we're closer than one would think" to a deal, but "we cannot win a PR battle where we are holding fast on tax breaks for the wealthiest people versus the chained CPI. It's not a winning hand."

Read More: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323820104578213242594177744.html

Hillary Clinton hospitalized after doctors discover blood clot


Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was hospitalized Sunday after doctors discovered a blood clot during a follow-up exam related to a concussion she suffered this month, her spokesman said.
She is expected to remain at New York Presbyterian Hospital for the next 48 hours so doctors can monitor her condition and treat her with anticoagulants, said Philippe Reines, deputy assistant secretary of state.
"Her doctors will continue to assess her condition, including other issues associated with her concussion," Reines said. "They will determine if any further action is required."
Reines did not specify where the clot was discovered.
Clinton, 65, was suffering from a stomach virus earlier this month when she fainted because of dehydration, causing the concussion.
Photos: Clinton through the yearsPhotos: Clinton through the years
How dangerous are blood clots?
Blood clots "are clumps that occur when blood hardens from a liquid to a solid," according to the National Institutes for Health.
Clots can form inside veins or arteries or even the heart, the NIH says. "A blockage in the vein will usually cause fluid buildup and swelling," the NIH website says. Among the possible threats: Sometimes, a "clot can break loose and travel from one location in the body to another."
Sometimes, it can "partly or completely block" blood flow in a blood vessel. If a clot blocks an artery, it may "prevent oxygen from reaching the tissues in that area," the NIH says.
If not "treated promptly, it can lead to tissue damage or death."
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN chief medical correspondent, says the fact that Clinton's clot is being treated with anticoagulants may offer a clue to the clot's location.
Anticoagulants are drugs that prevent clots from forming in the heart veins and arteries, according to the American Heart Association. Anticoagulants also prevent clots from growing larger.
"I think it's very unlikely this is a blood clot on top of the brain or around the brain specifically, because you just don't treat blood clots on the brain that way," Gupta said. "That would worsen the bleeding."
Clinton spent the holidays with her family last week after working from home.
She was scheduled to return to work at the State Department this week after being sidelined for the past three weeks. Her illness forced her to bow out of testifying on December 20 before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on the deadly attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya. Deputies Thomas Nides and Bill Burns appeared in her place.
The medical setback comes as Clinton is wrapping up her busy tenure as secretary of state, during which she has logged more than 400 travel days and nearly a million miles. She plans to step down from the post if and when Sen. John Kerry -- President Barack Obama's choice to replace her -- is confirmed by the Senate.

Read More: http://edition.cnn.com/2012/12/31/politics/hillary-clinton-hospitalized/

Police draft chargesheet, teen accused kept out till bone test


The police have drafted a 1,000-page chargesheet on the gangrape-cum-murder of a 23-year-old woman who died early Saturday in a Singapore hospital after being assaulted on board a bus in south Delhi on December 16.
Police sources said the draft chargesheet has been sent to senior police officers for a final opinion. It names five of the six arrested — Ram Singh, Mukesh, Vinay, Pawan and Akshay Thakur — for the rape and murder of the woman.
The sixth accused is a juvenile who has not been included in the draft chargesheet. A supplementary chargesheet will be filed if results of an ostification test prove he is a major.
The chargesheet will be shown to a bench of the Delhi High Court before it is submitted at the Saket district court which will hear the case.
“The Delhi High Court has directed that any document which has to be filed in any court of law in this case must be brought before the High Court for perusal before it is filed in the court concerned,” said Najmi Waziri, standing counsel of the Delhi government.
At least 30 witnesses figure in the draft chargesheet, among them police control room personnel, a woman sub-inspector of the Vasant Vihar police station, the D S Construction manager who alerted the police control room about the woman and her friend lying by the roadside.
Murari, a resident of Ravi Dass Colony in RK Puram who was with the accused before they drove out in the bus, has also been made a witness. Two doctors from Safdarjung hospital who attended to the woman on the night of the incident have also given their statements.

The key witness whose statement has been recorded is the male friend of the woman. He too was badly beaten and thrown out of the bus with her.
The three-member police team which had gone to Singapore has already taken the statement of one of the doctors of Mount Elizabeth Hospital. This will be attached to the chargesheet. The police are yet to receive the autopsy report from Singapore — it is expected by Tuesday.
Sources said evidence recovered by the police included bloodstained clothes of accused Ram Singh. Police claimed to have recovered the mobile phone of the victim which her friend said was stolen by the accused on the night of the incident. The forensic report of samples recovered from the bus will also be crucial evidence.

Read More: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/police-draft-chargesheet-teen-accused-kept-out-till-bone-test/1052589/2

Sunday 30 December 2012

India vs Pakistan 2012 Live Score: Chennai ODI


LIVE SCORECARD» |LIVE COMMENTARY»



INDIA: Overs: 50 II Score: 227/6 (Dhoni: 113*, Ashwin: 31*)

Another good over for India as they collect 10 off the last over of their innings from Junaid. Dhoni scored a boundary off a full delivery by opening the face of the bat towards point region. This has been an excellent recovery from the Indian team considering they were 29/5 at one stage.

MS Dhoni struck a century stand with R Ashwin for the seventh wicket to take his team out of troubled waters and guide them to a respectable 227/6 in 50 overs. The skipper returns unbeaten on 113 (4X7, 3X6). He received good support from Ashwin who refrained from playing risky shots allowing his captain to guide the innings to safe shores.
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INDIA: Overs: 49 II Score: 217/6 (Dhoni: 104*, Ashwin: 30*)

WHATTAY KNOCK FROM MS DHONI!!! Boundary, Boundary and a six to bring up his eight ODI century. He has taken Irfan to cleaners in this over. The determination is evident from the fact that he is struggling with cramps but still is running hard for every single or couple. Speaks much of his fitness level and stamina! R Ashwin finishes the over with boundary to fine leg. 21 runs from the over. Misbah must be kicking himself for dropping Dhoni when he was on 16!
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INDIA: Overs: 47 II Score: 193/6 (Dhoni: 85*, Ashwin: 25*)

Dhoni pulled the first delivery from Irfan but it took an outside edge and went through point region for a boundary. Everyone in the field was left amused. By the end of the over, Dhoni was on his knees. This knock has taken a lot out of the Indian skipper. It has been a brilliant knock from him.
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INDIA: Overs: 46 II Score: 184/6 (Dhoni: 77*, Ashwin: 24*)

Dhoni has deposited this out of the park. It was a tossed up delivery from Ajmal and Dhoni was quick to pounce upon it as he employed the full swing of his blade to guide it over long on region. Nine runs from the over as India near 200-run mark.
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INDIA: Overs: 45 II Score: 175/6 (Dhoni: 69*, Ashwin: 24*)

Mohammad Irfan comes back into the attack to bowl his seventh over. Dhoni welcomes him with a boundary off the first delivery to deep midwicket. The next five deliveries produce five singles. Nine runs from the over. Ashwin tried a late cut in the over but couldn’t connect it well as it took the toe end of the bat to advance to third man.
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INDIA: Overs: 43 II Score: 159/6 (Dhoni: 57*, Ashwin: 20*)

That dropped catch from Misbah has helped Dhoni lead the recovery. Dhoni looks tired now. He has been in the middle for quite long today. How many runs can India manage? 200? 210? 220? Or if I can be a little optimistic can they post 250?
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INDIA: Overs: 41 II Score: 151/6 (Dhoni: 53*, Ashwin: 16*)

MS Dhoni reaches his fifty with a boundary via a flick to midwicket region off Gul. This is his 47th ODI fifty. A captain’s knock this from him. It has been crucial considering India were in tatters at one stage when half of their side was already in the dressing room within 10 overs. Five runs from the over.
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INDIA: Overs: 40 II Score: 146/6 (Dhoni: 48*, Ashwin: 16*)

Umar Gul and Junaid Khan have been reintroduced into the attack. Dhoni scores a boundary off Gul’s last delivery of the 39th over to deep backward square leg region. Junaid Khan, who has been the tormentor-in-chief in this match, bowls a no ball and Indians get a free hit. Dhoni makes full use of the opportunity and deposits it over long on fence for a six. They need more of such hitting for a good total. A good over for India as they collect 14 runs off it.
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INDIA: Overs: 37 II Score: 119/6 (Dhoni: 30, Ashwin: 9*)

It has taken India 87 balls to score their fifth boundary. Fours have been rare for the batting team. That shot brought some cheers in the Indian camp. It came off the bat of R Ashwin via an outside edge. This has been by far the best over in the innings for India. 10 runs came off it. Earlier in the over, Azhar Ali walked out of the park to get some treatment after his knee got stuck as he attempted a slide to field one in the cover region.
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INDIA: Overs: 33.2 II Score: 102/6 (Raina: 43, Dhoni: 22*)

Suresh Raina has been bowled! Hafeez has castled Raina in the first over of the powerplay.Pakistan have broken this stand that lasted 23.4 overs and 73 runs. Raina is the fifth Indian batsmen to have been bowled in this innings. He was going for the pull as the ball was a touch faster than he anticipated. He scored 43 (88b, 4X2). In walks R Ashwin.
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INDIA: Overs: 32 II Score: 101/5 (Raina: 42*, Dhoni: 22*)

The wickets aren’t falling anymore but the runs have dried. The spinners have done an excellent job in keeping the Indian batsmen searching for runs. Ajmal, Hafeez and Malik have bowled 14 overs between them and leaked just 32 runs. The run rate needs to pick up now.
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INDIA: Overs: 30 II Score: 97/5 (Raina: 39*, Dhoni: 21*)


Sunil Gavaskar complains Indians are being over defensive. They’re well set and can bring out their shots now. On the other hand, Misbah is quickly going through with these middle overs with spin from both ends. Can India post a competitive total? In fact it is difficult to say what should be an apt target on this pitch. If Indian bowlers can replicate what the Paksitani did in the morning, this first ODI will not be a walk in the park for the visitors.
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INDIA: Overs: 25.2 II Score: 85/5 (Raina: 32*, Dhoni: 17*)

DROPPED! Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq has dropped a simple catch of his counterpart MS Dhoni at midwicket. Dhoni was on 16 as he stepped out and flicked one from Hafeez to midwicket where Misbah failed to hold on to the catch.
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INDIA: Overs: 25 II Score: 84/5 (Raina: 32*, Dhoni: 16*)

Mohammad Hafeez has bowled five overs – two of them have been maidens. If India continue at the same pace they will end up scoring 168. However, if they manage 8/over from here on they will manage to put 284 on the scoreboard.
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INDIA: Overs: 23 II Score: 81/5 (Raina: 31*, Dhoni: 14*)

A boundary after 14 overs for India! A huge cheer from the crowd as Suresh Raina cuts one from Ajmal through point for his second boundary. That boundary also completed 50-run stand between Raina and skipper Dhoni for the sixth wicket. Five runs from the over. Ajmal and Hafeez are the top two ODI bowlers as per the ICC rankings.
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INDIA: Overs: 19 II Score: 71/5 (Raina: 22*, Dhoni: 13*)

Right-arm offbreak Saeed Ajmal introduced into the attack. A late bloomer he is as he began his career at the age of 31 years. His first ODI was against India in Karachi. A decent first over from the tweaker. Just two from it.
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INDIA: Overs: 15 II Score: 59/5 (Raina: 16*, Dhoni: 9*)

India have crossed the 50-run mark without further damage to their already splintered innings. A cautious approach has been from Dhoni and Raina considering the help the bowlers are getting from the conditions. This partnership is crucial for the team if they have to post a competitive total.
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INDIA: Overs: 13 II Score: 44/5 (Raina: 10*, Dhoni: 5*)

Suresh Raina is the first batsman today to reach double figures. This has been Pakistan’s morning so far. They have put on an excellent exhibition of swing and pace bowling bamboozling the Indian batsman who were in part to blame for their early dismissals.
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INDIA: Overs: 9.4 II Score: 29/5 (Raina: 6*, Dhoni: 0*)

Ah! Would you believe it? India have lost half their side within 10 overs! Rohit Sharma has been caught brilliantly by Pakistan’s T20 captain Mohammad Hafeez off Junaid Khan.

Well, not to take any credit from the bowler and the fielder though considering all batsmen have gone down playing poor shots! This one from Junaid bounced a bit more that Sharma had anticipated and it took the edge off the bat. Hafeez at third slip gobbled it beautifully to send Sharma back to the pavilion. He scored 4 (14b).
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INDIA: Overs: 8 II Score: 24/3 (Raina: 4*, Rohit: 1*)

Suresh Raina glances the last delivery off Khan’s over to fine leg to get off the mark and score his first boundary. Four runs in the over.
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INDIA: Overs: 5.6 II Score: 20/4 (Sharma:1*, Raina: 0*)

What is happening with India? They have lost their fourth wicket in Yuvraj Singh! A brilliant spell from Junaid Khan as he castles another Indian batsman. Third wicket for the pacer.

Two wickets in the over. The first one to pack his bag was Virat Kohli as he stayed rooted to the crease as the ball came in after pitching on off. Kohli goes for a drive and the ball crashes on the off stump.

Yuvraj followed him two deliveries later after being bowled off the last delivery in the same over. Another poor shot from the batsman as he attempts to play one across but misses it completely. The ball was pitched on the middle and went past him to disturb the off stump. He scored 2 (3b) India are four wickets down. Terrific stuff from Junaid.
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INDIA: Overs: 5.4 II Score: 19/3 (Sharma:1*, Yuvraj: 2*)

OH DEAR! India have lost their third wicket in Virat Kohli! The third batsman to be out bowled in this innings. He goes back for a duck.
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INDIA: Overs: 4.4 II Score: 17/2 (Kohli:0*, Yuvraj: 0*)

Another wicket goes down. Gautam Gambhir has been set up and bowled by Mohammad Irfan. The Indian openers are back in the hut! Another wicket goes down. Gautam Gambhir has been set up and bowled by Mohammad Irfan. The Indian openers are back in the hut! He has outfoxed Gambhir by bowling one full and onto the middle after pitching his previous three outside off. The fourth delivery sneaks past his bat and crashes on the stumps! He scored 8 (17b, 4X1).
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INDIA: Overs: 3.5 II Score: 17/1 (Gambhir: 8, Sehwag: 4)

The Indian batsmen are being tested by the Pakistani pacers! Sehwag almost played on and the next delivery hit him on the pads. The fielders appeal but Bowden says no. And Sehwag has been clean bowled! Virat Kohli walks in at No. 3. Junaid finally gets his reward. Sehwag failed to cover the line of the delivery as an inswinger went through the gap between his bat and pads to knock the stumps. He scored 4 (11b, 4X1)
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INDIA: Overs: 3 II Score: 17/0 (Gambhir: 8, Sehwag: 4*)

Finally Gautam Gambhir gets off the mark with a couple off Irfan. He was beaten in the previous over and got a leading edge that went to cover. The conditions are perfect for bowling – overcast, moisture in the pitch. The openers will have to be watchful. Oh! An edge that flies to left of second slip (Younis Khan) and Gambhir gets his first boundary.
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INDIA: Overs: 2 II Score: 8/0 (Gambhir: 0, Sehwag: 4*)

Left arm pacer Junaid Khan comes in to bowl his first and hits Sehwag on the pad. Turns back and appeals. Umpire calls it a no ball and signals a free hit. Sehwag gets it on his pads and India take two leg byes. Sehwag isn’t happy with the sight screen. He flicks the second delivery over midwicket for boundary.
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INDIA: Over: 1 II Score: 0/0 (Gambhir: 0, Sehwag: 0*)

Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag have walked to the middle and the former will be taking guard. Mohammad Irfan has started the proceedings for Pakistan. Two slips and a gully. This is the first ODI that India are playing at home in 2012! Irfan is on the mark as he getting the bounce and getting the ball to move. A maiden over.
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TOSS: Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has won the toss and invited India to bat first.

FACT: This match will be played under new ODI rules. Under the new rules, one new ball will be used at each end, bowlers will be allowed two bouncers an over, there will be no batting Power Play, the bowling Power Play will have to be completed before the 40th over, and at no stage in the innings will more than four fielders be allowed outside the 30-yard circle.

Match Update: The toss will be on 9:30 am and the match should start by 10:00 am. Billy Bowden is pleasantly surprised with the conditions considering what has transpired in the past two days.

Toss update: The toss has been delayed. There will be a pitch inspection at 8:45 am.

Weather update: The sun is out and the match is expected to start on time. As far as the toss is concerned, as per the commentators the team that wins the toss should bowl first to exploit the moisture in the pitch.

Honours shared in the T20 series, arch foes India and Pakistan are now set for what is likely to be an exhilarating three-match ODI series showdown but weather gods could prove to be the dampener in the opening clash in Chennai on Sunday.

Read More: http://zeenews.india.com/sports/cricket/india-vs-pakistan-2012/india-vs-pakistan-2012-live-score-chennai-odi_754193.html

Instagram lost nearly 25% daily active users after policy changes

Facebook Inc's Instagram lost almost a quarter of its daily users a week after it rolled out and then withdrew policy changes that incensed users who feared the photo-sharing service would use their pictures without compensation.

Instagram, which Facebook bought for $715 million this year, saw the number of daily active users who accessed the service via Facebook bottom out at 12.4 million as of Friday, versus a peak of 16.4 million last week, according to data compiled by online tracker AppData.

The popular app, which allows people to add filters and effects to photos and share them over the Internet or smartphones, experienced the drop over the brief, often-volatile holiday period.

Other popular apps also saw slippage in usage, and some were more pronounced. Yelp, for instance, saw daily active users - again via Facebook - slide to a weekly low of half a million on Thursday, from a high of 820,000 one week ago.

Instagram disputed the AppData survey, which was compiled from users that have linked the photo service to their own Facebook accounts, historically between 20 and 30 percent of Instagram members.

"This data is inaccurate. We continue to see strong and steady growth in both registered and active users of Instagram," a spokeswoman said in an emailed statement on Friday.




Looking out over a broader timeframe, Instagram's monthly active users edged up to 43.6 million as of Friday, an increase of 1.7 million over the past seven days, according to AppData.

"We'll have to monitor the data over the coming weeks to gain perspective on trends in Instagram's performance," AppData marketing manager Ashley Taylor Anderson said in an email.



Attention-seeking

The sharp slide in activity highlighted by AppData was bound to draw attention on the heels of the controversial revision to Instagram's terms of service that, among other things, allowed an advertiser to pay Instagram "to display your username, likeness, photos (along with any associated metadata)" without compensation.

The subsequent public outrage prompted an apology from Instagram founder Kevin Systrom. Last week, a California Instagram user sued the company for breach of contract and other claims, in what may have been the first civil lawsuit to stem from the controversial change.

Instagram subsequently reverted to some of its original language.

The move renewed debate about how much control over personal data users must give up to live and participate in a world steeped in social media.

Analysts say Facebook, the world's largest social network, was laying the groundwork to begin generating advertising revenue, by giving marketers the right to display profile pictures and other personal information, such as who users follow in advertisements.

Its shares closed down 13 cents or 0.5 percent at $25.91 on the Nasdaq, in line with the broader market.

Read More: http://gadgets.ndtv.com/apps/news/instagram-lost-nearly-25-daily-active-users-due-to-policy-changes-311300

Insisting on Assad’s Exit Will Cost More Lives, Russian Says

MOSCOW — Russia’s foreign minister, Sergey V. Lavrov, said Saturday that there was “no possibility” of persuading President Bashar al-Assad to leave Syria, leaving little hope for a breakthrough in the standoff. He also said that the opposition leaders’ insistence on Mr. Assad’s departure as a precondition for peace talks would come at the cost of “more and more lives of Syrian citizens” in a conflict that has already killed tens of thousands.

Moscow has made a muscular push for a political solution in recent days, sending signals that the Kremlin, one of Mr. Assad’s most important allies, sees a pressing need for political change. As an international consensus forms around the notion of a transitional government, it has been snagged on the thorny question of what role, if any, Mr. Assad would occupy in it. 

But after talks in Moscow on Saturday with Lakhdar Brahimi, the United Nations and Arab League envoy on Syria, Mr. Lavrov said that Russia could not press Mr. Assad to give up power. Mr. Lavrov has said that Russia “isn’t in the business of regime change,” but his characterization of Mr. Assad’s stance on Saturday sounded more definitive. 

“He has repeatedly said, both publicly and privately, including during his meeting with Lakhdar Brahimi not long ago, that he has no plans to go anywhere, that he will stay in his post until the end, that he will, as he says, protect the Syrian people, Syrian sovereignty and so forth,” Mr. Lavrov said. “There is no possibility of changing this position.” 

There have been evident changes in the standoff over Syria in recent weeks, as Russia acknowledged that government forces were losing territory and distanced itself from Mr. Assad. In televised remarks, President Vladimir V. Putin said that Russian leaders “are not preoccupied by the fate of Assad’s regime” and that after 40 years of rule by one family, “undoubtedly there is a call for change.” 

But Moscow has watched the recent Arab uprisings with mounting worry, arguing that the West was unleashing dangerous turbulence by supporting popular rebellions, and it has vehemently opposed any international intervention in Syria as a matter of principle. 

Developments on the battlefield have accelerated the pace of diplomacy. 

Anti-Assad activists on Saturday reported fierce fighting and large numbers of casualties in the central city of Homs, where they said government troops were completely surrounding the Deir Ba’alba neighborhood after storming the area on Friday. An activist reached by telephone, who said he was less than a mile from the neighborhood on Saturday night, said he heard gunfire and saw houses in flames. Communications to the area had been cut, and civilians and rebel fighters who had managed to flee were “traumatized,” he said.
Mr. Brahimi, an Algerian statesman who is viewed sympathetically in Moscow, recommended last week that a transitional government be established, perhaps within months, and that it should rule Syria until elections could be held. 

Like Russia, Mr. Brahimi hopes to arrange a political settlement on the basis of an international agreement reached this summer in Geneva, which envisages a transitional government and a peacekeeping force. But the Geneva document does not address Mr. Assad’s fate, nor does it invoke tough sanctions against the Syrian government under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, which authorizes economic measures and, if necessary, military action. 

On Saturday, Mr. Brahimi said that it might be necessary to “make some small changes to the Geneva agreement.” 

“Nonetheless,” he added, “I consider that it is a wonderful basis for the continuation of the political process.” He warned that if a political solution was not possible, Syria would be overrun by violence, like Somalia. He also said his recent visit to Damascus had convinced him that continued fighting in the country could turn into “something horrible,” and he envisioned the flight of a million people across Syria’s borders into Jordan and Lebanon. 

“The problem could grow to such proportions that it could have a substantial effect on our future, and we cannot ignore this,” Mr. Brahimi said. 

Russia has set the stage for forward momentum, announcing a gathering in mid-January between the United States, Russia and Mr. Brahimi to discuss Syria. 

Moscow may see these talks as a chance to rebuild its prestige in the Arab world, where Russia’s historically strong alliances have been badly damaged by the standoff over Syria. Mr. Lavrov bridled on Saturday when a reporter from an Arabic news channel asked him to comment on criticism that Russia was “a participant in the Syrian conflict” because it continued to fulfill weapons contracts with Damascus after the outbreak of violence. 

The accusation, Mr. Lavrov said, “is so far from the truth that there’s no way to comment on it.” He said that Russia did not supply the government with offensive weapons, and that much of Syria’s arsenal dated to the Soviet era. He also said the opposition was receiving a far more deadly flow of weapons and aid.
The leader of the main opposition coalition, Sheik Ahmad Moaz al-Khatib, responded coolly to an overture on Friday from Russia, saying Moscow should publicly apologize for its pro-government position. He also refused to meet with Russian leaders in Moscow, saying a meeting was possible only in an Arab country.
Mr. Lavrov said Saturday that he would agree to such a meeting, but he responded to Mr. Khatib’s remarks with an equally chilly response. 

“I know that Mr. Khatib is probably not very experienced in politics,” he said. “If he aspires to the role of a serious politician, he will nonetheless understand that it is in his own interests to hear our analysis directly from us.” 

Hwaida Saad contributed reporting from Beirut, Lebanon.

Read More: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/30/world/middleeast/syria.html?_r=0

NY: Indian subway victim to be cremated tomorrow

Sunando Sen, the 46-year-old Indian immigrant who died after being pushed in front of a subway train in New York by a woman, will be cremated on Monday by his friends.

Indian ambassador to the US Nirupama Rao expressed her condolences on the death of Sen on micro-blogging sit.

Sen's cremation is expected to be held in New York since he has no family in India.


"R.I.P Sunando Sen, citizen of India who has been taken away from us in an act of murder most senseless and foul. R Consulate NY (sic) is in touch with friends of deceased who are arranging cremation on Monday afternoon. Apparently no family in India," Rao tweeted.

New York police have arrested and charged 31-year old Queens resident Erika Menendez with second-degree murder as a hate crime in Sen's death.

She pushed Sen to his death in front of an oncoming subway train at the Queens station on December 27.
In a statement to the police, Menendez said she harbourbed hatred for "Hindus and Muslims" after the September 11, 2001 attacks in the US and pushed Sen off the platform because she thought he was a Muslim.

In a statement released by the district attorney's office, Menendez is quoted as having told the police "in sum and substance" that "I pushed a Muslim off the train tracks because I hate Hindus and Muslims ever since 2001 when they put down the twin towers I've been beating them up."

Menendez was referring to the September 11, 2001 attack on Manhattan's World Trade Center towers by terrorists.

Sen was unmarried and his parents had died. He lived with roommates in a small apartment in Queens and had recently opened his own copying and printing business near Columbia University.

After being on the run for almost two days, Menendez was apprehended by the police on Saturday.
She faces a maximum of 25 years to life in prison if convicted.

Read more: http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/NorthAmerica/NY-Indian-subway-victim-to-be-cremated-tomorrow/Article1-982662.aspx

Saturday 29 December 2012

Pakistani Taliban execute 21 captured paramilitary men


Pakistani Taliban militants have executed 21 paramilitary force men who were captured in attacks on their posts late last week, government officials said on Sunday.

The men, who were kidnapped on Friday in attacks on three checkpoints near the city of Peshawar, were lined up before being shot one-by-one, officials said.

"They were tied up and blindfolded," Naveed Anwar, a senior administration official in the Khyber region, said by telephone.

One man was badly wounded but survived, Anwar said, adding that the 21 bodies had been found after local tribesmen notified security services.

"They were lined up and shot in the head," said Habibullah Arif, another local official. He said the wounded man and another man had managed to escape.

A Taliban spokesman claimed responsibility and pledged to carry out further attacks on Pakistani security forces.

"We killed all the kidnapped men after a council of senior clerics gave a verdict for their execution. We didn't make any demand for their release because we don't spare any prisoners who are caught during fighting," said Ihsanullah Ihsan.

The men were from a paramilitary force recruited from members of ethnic Pashtun tribes in northwestern Pakistan. The militias support the government in its efforts against Islamist militants battling the state.
The killing of the men followed two high-profile attacks in Peshawar this month. Suicide bombers attacked Peshawar's airport on December 15 and a bomb killed a senior Pashtun nationalist politician and eight other people at a rally on December 22.


The violence underscores the Taliban's ability to carry out high-profile attacks in major cities even as the amount of territory they control has shrunk over the past three years.
(Additional reporting by Saud Mehsud in Dera Ismail Khan.; Writing by Katharine Houreld; Editing by Robert Birsel and Ron Popeski)

Read More: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/30/us-pakistan-taliban-idUSBRE8BT00T20121230

Delhi gang-rape: Ban Ki-moon expresses sorrow at Delhi braveheart's death

UN chief Ban Ki-moon has voiced "deep sorrow" at the death of the 23-year-old Delhi braveheart who succumbed to grievous injuries sustained while fighting off her rapists, asking the Indian government to implement reforms to deter such crimes and bring the perpetrators to justice.





Ban "utterly condemns this brutal crime" and expresses "deep sorrow" at the death of the girl, who was brutally gang-raped and assaulted by six men in a moving bus in Delhi on December 16 and succumbed to her severe injuries at a Singapore hospital on Saturday. The death of the paramedic girl, whose body was cremated in Delhi on Sunday morning, led to a massive outpouring of grief and anger across India.


Millions of Indians held candle-light vigils and protests demanding immediate action from the government to punish perpetrators of the heinous crime and strengthen laws that deal with violence against women.


Ban welcomed efforts of the Indian government to take urgent action in the case and called for "further steps and reforms to deter such crimes and bring perpetrators to justice," a statement issued on Saturday by the UN secretary general's spokesperson said here. He also encouraged the Indian government to strengthen critical services for rape victims and said the UN women and other agencies of the United Nations stand ready to support such reform efforts with technical expertise and other support as required.


The UN chief offered his sincerest condolences to the girl's parents, family and friends. "Violence against women must never be accepted, never excused, never tolerated. Every girl and woman has the right to be respected, valued and protected," he added.

Read More: http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report_delhi-gang-rape-ban-ki-moon-expresses-sorrow-at-delhi-braveheart-s-death_1783386

Thursday 27 December 2012

Obama reaches out to congressional leaders on ‘fiscal cliff’ talks

With just five days left before the year-end “fiscal cliff” and pessimism mounting that a deal to avert it can be reached, President Obama returned to Washington on Thursday after placing late-night calls to Congress’s four top leaders.
Obama made calls from Hawaii late Wednesday to Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.), Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), House Speaker John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), White House spokeswoman Amy Brundage said. Obama was seeking an update on the state of fiscal cliff talks before departing on an overnight flight back to Washington, Brundage said.

The White House provided no details about the conversations. The House is in recess pending action in the Senate, which convened Thursday amid a sense of gloom about chances for a deal to avert more than $500 billion in spending cuts and tax hikes set to hit in January.
Obama landed aboard Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews late Thursday morning Eastern time.
Earlier, Reid opened the Senate’s session with a scathing floor speech castigating Republican leaders in the House for not calling their members back to Washington to restart negotiations. He called the chances of going over the cliff increasingly likely.
Reid accused Boehner of putting a higher priority on keeping his job as leader of the House than on securing the nation’s economy. He said the only “escape hatch” out of the stalemate would be for Boehner to allow the House the vote on a measure adopted by the Senate over the summer to extend tax cuts for families making less than $250,000 a year.
Boehner has said the Senate must move first, and he has asked Democrats to take up a bill passed by the House in August to extend the rate cuts for Americans at all income levels. He has put the House on 48 hours notice to return to Washington but has indicated he has no plans to ask members to return without Senate action.
“Nothing can move forward in regards to our budget crisis unless Speaker Boehner and Leader McConnell are willing to participate in coming up with a bipartisan plan,” Reid said. “So far, they are radio silent.”
As a result, Reid said, the nation is increasingly unlikely to forestall tax hikes on nearly every American and deep automatic spending cuts on Jan. 1 — provisions that Congress approved in 2011 as a way to force compromise on a deficit-reduction deal. “It looks like that’s where we’re headed,” the Senate Democratic leader said.
Reid said Boehner will not bring up the Senate’s bill because he knows it would pass on the votes of Democrats and a handful of Republicans. He charged that the House is now run as Boehner’s own “dictatorship.”
“If we go over the cliff, we’ll be left with the knowledge that it could have been prevented with a single vote in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives,” he said.
House leaders have said the Senate bill is not viable because measures that deal with revenue must, by law, originate in the House.
If anything, hope for success appeared to have dimmed over the Christmas holiday. The House last week abdicated responsibility for resolving the crisis, leaving all eyes on the Senate. But senior aides in both parties said Wednesday Reid and McConnell had not met or even spoken since leaving town for the weekend.
Boehner and other top Republicans have demanded that Senate leaders take up a bill approved by the House months ago that would preserve expiring tax cuts for the wealthy as well as the middle class.
After failing to persuade their fellow Republicans last week to let taxes rise on income over $1 million, GOP leaders offered no guidance on the shape of a package the House could ultimately accept. “The House will take . . . action on whatever the Senate can pass, but the Senate first must act,” the leaders said in a joint statement.
The White House, meanwhile, was working with Reid on an alternative package that would keep Obama’s vow to let taxes rise on income over $250,000. Top Senate aides said their approach also would protect millions of middle-class Americans from having to pay the costly alternative minimum tax for the first time and would keep benefits flowing to 2 million unemployed workers who otherwise would be cut off in January.
The measure also could delay deep spending cuts set to strike at the Pentagon and other federal agencies next month. But aides said the scope of the package depends on negotiations with Senate Republicans, and the talks had yet to get off the ground.
Unless the House and the Senate can agree on a way to avoid the fiscal cliff, economists fear that the more than $500 billion in automatic tax increases and spending cuts could spark a new recession.
Financial markets, already unsettled by the prospect of dramatic tax increases and spending reductions, may also face a new battle over the limit on federal borrowing. Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner announced Wednesday that the debt will hit the $16.4 trillion cap on Dec. 31, leaving roughly two months for Congress to raise it or default on the nation’s obligations.
Paul Kane contributed to this report.

Read More: http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/obama-reaches-out-to-congressional-leaders-on-fiscal-cliff-talks/2012/12/27/2476e18c-503b-11e2-8b49-64675006147f_story.html

George Bush Sr still in intensive care but doctors 'cautiously optimistic'

George Bush Sr and his wife Barbara in 2010
George Bush Sr and his wife Barbara in 2010. His spokesman said he would issue an updated statement 'when events warrant it.' Photograph: Bob Levey/WireImage
Former US president George Bush Sr remains in intensive care at a Houston hospital, his spokesman said on Thursday.
The 88-year-old was admitted to Methodist hospital's intensive care unit on Sunday, after a series of setbacks including a persistent fever, but he is alert and talking to medical staff, according to Jim McGrath.
In an email on Wednesday, McGrath said that Bush, the oldest living US president, remains in a "guarded condition" and said that doctors were "cautiously optimistic" about his course of treatment.
He is surrounded by his family, McGrath said.
Early on Thursday morning, McGrath told the Associated Press that he had no new information on Bush's condition, but would issue an updated statement "when events warrant it."
Bush was admitted to hospital on November 23 for a stubborn cough related to bronchitis, after being in and out of hospital after complications linked to the illness.
Earlier on Wednesday, McGrath had said a fever that kept Bush in the hospital over Christmas had worsened, and that doctors had put him on a liquids-only diet.
"It's an elevated fever, so it's actually gone up in the last day or two," McGrath said. "It's a stubborn fever that won't go away."
But he said the cough that initially brought Bush to the hospital has improved.
A hospital spokesman said in mid-December that Bush was expected to be home in time for Christmas, but, according to Reuters, the spokesman later said doctors felt he should build up his strength before returning home.
Bush has lower-body Parkinsonism, which causes a loss of balance, and has used wheelchairs for more than a year, McGrath told Reuters in an email.
On Christmas Day, Bush was visited by his wife, Barbara, his son, Neil, and Neil's wife, Maria, and a grandson, McGrath said. Bush's daughter, Dorothy, was expected to arrive on Wednesday in Houston from Bethesda, Maryland. He has also been visited twice by two of his other sons, George W Bush, the 43rd president, and Jeb Bush, the former governor of Florida.
Bush and Barbara live in Houston during the winter and spend their summers at their home in Kennebunkport, Maine.
After serving as vice-president under Ronald Reagan, Bush took office as the 41st president in 1989 and served a single term in the White House. He was a naval aviator in the second world war – at one point the youngest in the US navy – and was shot down over the Pacific. After leaving the White House in 1992, he celebrated at least three of his birthdays by skydiving, and had threatened to celebrate his 90th the same way.

Read More: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/dec/27/george-bush-sr-intensive-care

Bilawal makes formal entry into Pakistani politics

Islamabad: Pakistan People's Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari made his formal entry into the hurly burly of Pakistani politics at an event on Thursday that marked the fifth death anniversary of his mother Benazir Bhutto.

24-year-old Oxford graduate, Bilawal launched his political career with a fiery speech at Garhi Khuda Bux before thousands of cheering supporters in Southern Sindh province and took over the PPP's campaign for next year's general election.

Zardari and Bilawal, who were clad in black, held hands and waved to the large gathering after they arrived at the venue of the rally.

As per BBC report, Bilawal vowed to fight militancy and extremism to maintain democracy and peace in Pakistan, in his first major political speech.

He also said that his slain mother and former Pak PM Benazir Bhutto "sacrificed her life to uphold democracy".

While delivering a confident speech, Bilawal said, "people were the source of power".

A combative Bilawal also took on the judiciary for lack of action to punish those arrested for the murder of his mother.

"With Benazir Bhutto as my witness, I vow that the Pakistan Peoples Party will not allow any dictator to snatch the people's rights and that the PPP will not be afraid of any terrorist," Bilawal told a gathering of tens of thousands.

For the first time, he spoke live on TV and radio.

In an emotional speech in Urdu replete with references to sacrifices made by PPP founder Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and his daughter Benazir, Bilawal said: "We have chosen the difficult path of democracy that has tears, thorns and stones. This is the same path that (Benazir Bhutto) taught us to walk on".

The PPP, he said, was the "biggest wall against terrorism" while other political forces feared to "even take the name of terrorists".

Bilawal paid tribute to others killed by the Taliban and militant groups, including Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer, federal minister Shahbaz Bhatti and Awami National Party leader Bashir Ahmad Bilour, and questioned why only those wanting peace and championing democracy were being targeted.

While Bilawal did not name the PPP's opponents in his speech, he singled out the judiciary and Supreme Court Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry for criticism.

His father, President Asif Ali Zardari, also addressed the crowd after Bilawal outside the site of the Bhutto family's mausoleum near the PPP's stronghold of Naudero. He promised that next year's elections would be free and fair.

Zardari also gave a clear indication that his son would now play a larger role in the PPP's affairs."Bilawal's education is over and now it's time for his training. He will live among the workers and learn about the people and Pakistan," he said. He also said all preparations had been made for holding clean and transparent polls and that the PPP will "not be scared off by anyone and will always fight" any efforts to delay the election.

An interim government and a caretaker premier will be chosen after consulting all political parties to oversee the polls, he said.

"Anyone thinking of bringing the Egyptian model to Pakistan has the wrong impression. We will not allow any Egyptian model," he said.

Bilawal questioned why the Chief Justice had not acted on an application from his father, President Asif Ali Zardari, seeking a review of the death sentence given to Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.

He also questioned the lack of action by the judiciary to punish those arrested for the murder of Benazir Bhutto, who was assassinated by a suicide bomber after an election rally in Rawalpindi on December 27, 2007.

Bilawal contended that the judiciary was focussing on irrelevant issues like fixing the prices of "pakoras, samosas and sugar" and criticism of judges by the media.

"Is your job giving justice or governing? Why are you not hearing the voice of the PPP workers?" he said.

He pledged to thwart efforts by elements who were using dictators, intelligence agencies, state institutions and "other players" to end democracy and stop the PPP.

"They are bent on destroying democracy but we will not allow it," he added.

Bilawal himself cannot contest polls till he turns 25 in September next year. Till now, he has mainly played a background role as he completed his studies in the United Kingdom.

PPP insiders said Bilawal had worked hard to brush up his Urdu for today's speech.

The PPP's decision to give Bilawal a greater role in the upcoming election campaign has been influenced by several recent orders from the judiciary, including one from the Supreme Court that said the President should be non-partisan and have no political affiliations.

Pakistan's Parliament will complete its five-year term in March and the country expected to go to the polls in April or May.

Several senior PPP leaders, including Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf, former premier Yousuf Raza Gilani and Aitzaz Ahsan, addressed the gathering and pledged their allegiance to the party and Bilawal. 


Read More: http://zeenews.india.com/news/south-asia/bilawal-makes-formal-entry-into-pakistani-politics_819123.html

Wednesday 26 December 2012

Samsung Galaxy Frame, Young Duos mid-rangers hoped for MWC-13

Samsung boasts its own style to launch new products. The company, even being the best player in smartphone market, features a lot of low-range and midmarket handsets. It is further to release many more similarly affordable phones. In coming months, we can get much more low-price phones from the Korean tech maker. We have already heard about a 5-in affordable phablet called the Galaxy Grand. As of now, it is rumored that Samsung is to uncover a Galaxy Frame and Galaxy Young Duos.
SamMobile, a credible source in Samsung-related rumors, has broken up the speculations about the devices. According SamMobile, the Frame is a replacement to Samsung’s Galaxy Ace, a 2011 lower-end handset. Young Duos is a new addition to its mid-range dual SIM handsets. Both phones are expected for official display at the upcoming Mobile World Congress 2013. Let us have a look into their leaked specs and features.
Samsung Galaxy Young Duos
It may be an upgrade to the 2012 February’s Galaxy Y Duos S6102. To be called the GT-S6312 G Young Duos, the device may certainly have new software, some remarkable hardware upgrades and a dual SIM option as major highlights. As per SamMobile, Samsung is about to start selling the device in February 2013, possibly because it started selling its precursor the Y Duos in February 2012.
We have no access to the specs of the device. Samsung or rumor mills are yet to talk about its specs. But, let us hope that it will have almost the same specs of the Y Duos. Except for some hardware changes and Android 4.1 or 4.2 Jelly Bean update, the device will be almost likely to its much-favored predecessor. The handset will come in two colors – the White and Grayish Blue.
Samsung Galaxy Frame
As we can read from rumors, the Frame is an upgraded midrange phone to Samsung’s market hit Galaxy Ace. After its launch early 2011, the Ace has received a couple of upgrades in form of Galaxy Ace 2 and Ace Plus. Well, as per grapevine, Samsung is now going to bring forth the Frame, a potential higher end replacement to the Ace. Of course, apart from an upgrade, the Galaxy Frame will be meant as a replacement to the old version.
The Frame may also keep almost the same specs or potential of Ace or Galaxy Mini. But, for a change, it will have fresh software – Android 4.1 or 4.2 Jelly Bean. The device, as per SamMobile, is set for rollout in a single body color only, i.e. pearl white. “In the first place the Galaxy Frame will come only in the color Pearl White. We expect the specifications to be around the same level as Galaxy Ace or Galaxy Mini,” says SamMobile.
Samsung in 2013
As the year 2012 ends, Samsung is now the world’s top player in smart phone and feature phone markets. It has pushed aside Nokia and Apple respectively in feature phone and smartphone segments. The company has established its own image as a mobile vendor. As a result, Samsung will be producing many more devices next year. The company is about to roll out a variety of handsets next year also with a goal to keep up its place in the mobile market.
Apart from the lower-end devices, Samsung is rumored to produce a high-tech Galaxy S IV upgrade to its famous flagship Galaxy S lineup. It is set to come with a rumored 4.99-inch Super AMOLED FullHD display, a better quad core processor, 13MP of rear camera, a bendable display and more. Samsung is also hoped to put the S IV on display at MWC 2013 following its demo of the 1080p sAMOLED display at CES 2013.

Read More: http://nvonews.com/2012/12/26/samsung-galaxy-frame-young-duos-mid-rangers-hoped-for-mwc-13/