Dhoni returns to India’s T20 squad for NZ series, Pant dropped from ODI side

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December 24, 2018

MS Dhoni on Monday returned to India’s T20 squad for the February series against New Zealand, while the young wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant was dropped from the ODI squad.

Dhoni’s return comes as a surprise since he was dropped from the T20s against Australia only last month. The reason cited by the selectors at that time was that they were looking for a second wicketkeeper in the format.

However, justifying the 37-year-old’s selection, a BCCI official, on conditions of anonymity, told agencies, “Since there are only eight ODIs (three against Australia and five against New Zealand), selectors want to give MS as much game time as possible (before the World Cup). Three T20Is means 11 international matches through the next one month.”

In the ODI squad, the 21-year-old Pant’s axing is the only change that the selectors have made to the side that competed against the West Indies in a home series in October-November.

India are currently engaged in a Test series against Australia and will play three ODIs against them starting January 12 in Sydney.

This will be followed by a limited-overs engagement with New Zealand, starting with five ODIs from January 23. The three T20 Internationals against Kiwis are lined up from February 6.

I may score a 100 or even 200 in 3rd Boxing Day Test: Rahane

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December 24, 2018

Indian vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane was on Monday confidence personified, saying his rhythm and counter-attacking mindset could help him rack up not just a ton but a double at the Boxing Day Test.

Rahane has hit two fifties in his 164 runs from the first two Tests but a three-figure score has eluded him since scoring a century against Sri Lanka in Colombo last year.

“I am sure it will come in this match. The way I am batting, from Adelaide to perth, the mindset I was in to counter-attack and the rhythm I was batting in, maybe 100 or even 200 can come,” said the 30-year-old.

“I think it is more important for me not to think about it. I have to continue batting the way I am. I can read the situation a bit better and if I can play like that it will be better for the team. Personal milestones can be achieved later as well.

I am really happy (to return for Boxing Day Test). We all know how big it is and to come here at 1-1 is really good. We had our chances in Perth but it is important to stay in the present right now and give our best starting from December 26.

Rahane said that the batting unit needs to step up and support the bowlers if they are to win consistently overseas.

India lost 1-2 to South Africa before suffering a 1-4 defeat against England this year, mainly due to the batting line-up’s failure to produce consistent performances.

India are currently tied 1-1 with Australia after their 146-run defeat in the second Test, where Virat Kohli and his men were dismissed for 140 in the second innings.

“As a batting unit we must support the bowlers. Since South Africa tour Indian bowlers consistently got opposition out twice. If we batters play well and support our bowling unit results will be different,” Rahane told reporters on Monday.

“Yes we played some good cricket but right now it is important to start well and giving your best in each and every session, because the game can change in a session. We need some good batting in these two Tests and I am sure the batsmen will take this responsibility,” he added.

Rahane said that it was important to learn from the past, but more important to take the next two Tests session by session.

“I do believe in momentum especially while playing cricket. We had some great chances to dominate the Perth Test and result would have been different.

“In Test cricket you have to grab small little opportunities. From now on it’s two match series for us. We got nice break after second Test, which was so necessary. We are starting afresh,” he said.

The second Test witnessed frequent heated exchanges between Kohli and Australian captain Tim Paine.

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December 24, 2018

Indian table tennis star Manika Batra on Monday said that she wants to position herself under the top 30 in order to qualify for the Olympics directly.

In an interview to ANI, the Commonwealth gold medallist said: “Everyone dreams about Olympic gold, so do I. But I will move step by step. I have to improve my rankings in the forthcoming international tournaments next year. I will try to position myself under top 30 so that I can qualify for Olympics directly.”

Talking about her training for the Olympics, Manika stated that she is working on her fitness and trying to learn new techniques so that she can be quick in her game.

“After the Asian Games I have already started my training for the Olympics and it is going really well. I think overseas players now know about my game so I will have to change my playing style. I want to do something different and for that, I am training. I am working on my fitness because I have to defeat other Asians, so I have to be very quick. I am working hard for 2019,” she said.

Manika, who won the ‘Breakthrough Table Tennis Star’ award at the prestigious International Table Tennis Federation (ITFF) Star Awards held earlier this month, which no one in Indian history have won it, also lauded the government schemes and the support from the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore.

“The government is providing brilliant support to every player including those who cannot afford. It motivates players as well to do better. In India, the game transformed after Commonwealth Games. It didn’t happen only from our side but also from the government’s side. Especially our sports minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, who has been a sports person. So he knows what an athlete needs,” Manika said.

When asked about her achievements this year, Manika cheerfully said: “The year 2018 has been very important for me. I won many tournaments this year. It all started with the nationals and zone level. After that, in the Common Wealth Games, I bagged two gold medals, which no one had ever won in the history of table tennis. We also beat Singapore in the team event, which never happened before.”

First look of ‘Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga’ out!

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December 24, 2018

The first look poster of ‘Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga’ is finally out and it brings the father-daughter duo of Anil Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor together for the first time ever!

Treating his fans on his birthday, the ‘Fanney Khan’ actor shared the first look of the film on his Instagram account and captioned it as, “Excited to present the first look of #EkLadkiKoDekhaToAisaLaga. Honoured to begin this journey on my birthday along with my lovely daughter @sonamkapoor. Trailer releases 27th Dec #LetLoveBe @rajkummar_rao @iamjuhichawla @FoxStarHindi @vinodchoprafilms @saregama_official.”

The picture features Anil and Sonam depicting the emotional bond of a father and daughter. The film’s trailer will release on December 27.

Sonam too shared the poster on her Instagram account and wrote, “What a day to release the first poster of #EkLadkiKoDekhaTohAisaLaga. Happy Birthday Daddy @Anilkapoor! This film is a tribute to the father-daughter bond. Trailer releases 27th December. #LetLoveBe @rajkummar_rao @iamjuhichawla @FoxStarHindi @vinodchoprafilms @saregama_official.”

Earlier, the makers of the film had released the teaser of the romantic drama and a few character posters.

The film is set in the backdrop of Punjab and revolves around a love story filled with ‘syaapa’.

The teaser of ‘Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga’ makes you believe that the flick is a typical love story with a twist. The one-minute video opens with a few scenes from Anil’s 1994-film ‘1942-A Love Story’ after which we are introduced to Sonam, who says, “Love story mein koi na koi syappa toh hota he hota hai”. The teaser then introduces the audience to Rajkummar Rao and the ‘Neerja’ star’s ‘syapa love story’.

Directed by Shelly Chopra Dhar, the film also stars Rajkummar and Juhi Chawla in pivotal roles. It is all set to hit the big screens on February 1, 2019.

PIL in SC challenging ‘snooping powers’ to 10 agencies

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December 24, 2018

A PIL was filed on Monday in the Supreme Court challenging the government’s notification authorising 10 central agencies to intercept, monitor and decrypt any computer system.

The petition filed by advocate Manohar Lal Sharma seeks quashing of the government’s December 20 notification.

According to the government’s notification, 10 Central probe and snoop agencies are now empowered under the Information Technology (IT) Act for computer interception and analysis, Ministry of Home Affairs officials said.

The 10 agencies notified under the new order are the Intelligence Bureau, Narcotics Control Bureau, Enforcement Directorate, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (for Income Tax Department), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Central Bureau of Investigation, National Investigation Agency, the Research and Analysis Wing, Directorate of Signal Intelligence (in service areas of J-K, North East and Assam) and Delhi Police commissioner.

VVIP Chopper case: Delhi court allows former Air Chief Tyagi, cousin to travel abroad

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December 24, 2018

A Delhi court on Monday allowed former Air Chief S P Tyagi, accused in the VVIP chopper case lodged by the CBI, to travel abroad in March next year.

Special Judge Arvind Kumar permitted Tyagi and his cousin Sanjeev Tyagi’s plea to go to the United States of America.

Hearing on a similar plea filed by them them in the ED’s money laundering case was adjourned to January 3.

If the ED opposes the plea to travel abroad, the court may deny permission later.

The CBI on September 1, 2017, had filed a charge sheet in the case in which Tyagi and British national Christian Michel were named among the accused.

Nine others were also named in the charge sheet in connection with a bribery case in the VVIP chopper deal.

Tyagi (73) is the first chief of the Indian Air Force to be charge sheeted in a corruption or a criminal case by the CBI and he has denied all charges against him.

Former Union Minister JN Prasad Nishad passes away

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December 24, 2018

Former Union minister Captain Jai Narain Prasad Nishad died at a hospital in Delhi on Monday following prolonged illness, sources said.

Nishad (88), also a former Member of Parliament, was undergoing treatment at the Max Hospital, where he breathed his last, they said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled his demise in a Twitter post.

“Saddened by the demise of Captain Jai Narain Prasad Nishad Ji. He served our nation with great diligence. Captain Nishad’s efforts for the progress of Bihar were noteworthy. His work towards empowering the poor will always be remembered. Condolences to his family and supporters,” he tweeted.

“The former minister died today and the body was handed over to the family at around 1 pm,” a hospital source said.

He was an MP from the Muzaffarpur constituency in Bihar, and his son, Ajay Nishad, is currently a lawmaker.

Shatrughan Sinha says Modi govt ‘one-man show’, mocks PM, Shah

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December 24, 2018

BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha on Monday took potshots at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party chief Amit Shah, saying he was personally against the “one-man show and the two-men army”.

Sinha, who is known for his sharp attacks on the ruling BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, said in a democracy “a party is bigger than the individual but nation is bigger than the party”.

“So, whatever I have said and done was in the national interest and certainly not in self interest. So far, I have never asked for any favour, or anything for me,” the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader said.

He was speaking at the launch of the book ‘The Paradoxical Prime Minister, Narendra Modi And His India’, penned by Thiruvananthapuram MP and Congress leader Shashi Tharoor.

The actor-turned-politician, who has often been critical of the various policies of the Narendra Modi-led NDA government, said people of the country needed jobs and better facilities instead of promises and jumlas (rhetoric).

“I am not just talking about Rs 15 lakh. I am not against him (Modi). I am personally against the one-man show and the two-men army. They are running the country. What kind of scene is this,” Sinha added.

Sinha further said that some people had asked him that being an actor, why was he expressing his opinions on demonetisation, GST and other issues.

“If a lawyer can talk on financial issues, without having any experience and knowledge, if a TV actress can become the HRD minister, and a tea-seller, though he never was one but thanks to media propaganda, can reach this height, then why can’t I,” he asked.

The former Union Minister said he had enough experience in the film industry to speak about demonetisation in the national interest.

Sinha said people can decide whether the prime minister was paradoxical or absurd after reading Tharoor’s book.

Stop all constructions, industries at hotspots says CPCB after Delhi air pollution hits alarming levels

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December 24, 2018

A Central Pollution Control Board-led task force on Monday recommended a closure of factories located in hotspot industrial areas and a ban on construction activities till Wednesday in view of the severe air pollution in the national capital.

Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘severe’ level for the third consecutive day on Monday as wind speed and other meteorological factors remained “highly unfavourable” for dispersion of pollutants.

People have been advised by the authorities to minimise outdoor activities and avoid the use of private vehicles as the city battles its worst pollution levels since Diwali.

The CPCB has recommended to the Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) to shut down industries located in the hotspot industrial areas of Wazirpur, Mundka, Narela, Bawana, Sahibabad and Faridabad until Wednesday.

It also recommended a ban on construction activities in Delhi, Faridabad, Gurugram, Ghaziabad and Noida during the same period.

The CPCB added that the traffic police should deploy special teams to ensure smooth vehicular movement, especially in identified high traffic corridors.

“Police department concerned to strictly ensure that non-destined heavy-duty vehicles travel through eastern and western peripheral expressways. Agencies concerned to ensure strict action against illegal industries,” the CPCB-led task force said.

On Saturday, the task force had recommended that authorities intensify ground actions to enforce measures already in place, particularly to control emissions from vehicles and burning of biomass.

The other recommendations made are: agencies concerned to increase surveillance to find industrial waste dumping or burning especially in hotspots that are vulnerable to high pollution level, water sprinkling and mechanized sweeping to be intensified and traffic police to ensure smooth flow of traffic, including during long holidays.

The task force also urged people to avoid using private vehicles particularly diesel vehicles and minimize outdoor exposure for next three to five days, especially for those with respiratory illness, the CPCB said.

No one is allowed to invest in the land of Baloch!

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December 24, 2018

Baloch nationalist leader Dr. Allah Nizar Baloch, in a video message from an undisclosed area of Balochistan said that for the last seven decades Punjab and Punjabi imperialists has kept its forceful occupation of Baloch land and ruthlessly plundered our national resources.

He addressed the civilised nations of the world and appealed them to end Pakistani’s illegal occupation in Balochistan, that Pakistan has occupied and also urged to stop the atrocities committed by Pakistani forces against them.

He said, “We Baloch, as an oppressed nation, appeal to you. For the last seven decades Punjab and Punjabi imperialists has kept its forceful occupation of Baloch land; ruthlessly plundered the national resources of Balochistan and threw the Baloch nation into an abyss of poverty and ignorance.”

Dr. Allah Nizar Baloch stated that now with Chinese imperialism, it is no more Mao Zedong’s China, for it (China) has expansionist ambitions; it (China), in collaboration with the Punjabi imperialists, constructed the Gwadar Port.

Additionally, the Saindak Project for gold, copper and silver mining. It is mercilessly looting all the (projects’) benefits like spoils of war.

Punjab and China are sharing these with each other; while the sons of the soil are even deprived of making ends meet.

While commenting on CPEC project, he said, “Now the coastline of Balochistan has been occupied in the name of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Gwadar Port, which is connected with the Economic Corridor, where millions of Baloch are being driven out of their motherland while foreign investors are being invited.

Baloch leader said that the civilised world is aware of that for the last two decades.

Balochistan is continuously fighting for its survival. So we warn the foreign investors that Balochistan is a conflict zone and no foreign investors will be allowed to invest here. If they invest, they will be responsible for their security, protection of assets and properties. Because, without a free Balochistan and free agreements, no one is allowed to invest in the land of Baloch nation.

He appealed to the international community, civilised world, United Nations, Amnesty International and human rights organisations to note that thousands of Baloch have been massacred. Punjabis are committing a slow genocide of Baloch nation and thousands of people are missing.

Dr. Allah Nizar Baloch expressed that it is the responsibility of the world community to raise their voices. If the world remains silent and does not stand with Baloch nation to stop Punjabis’ tyranny and atrocities then history will surely not forgive the civilised world.

-Goweram Baloch

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