Sunday, April 25, 2010

Daily Latest News

Daily Latest News

Manmohan to meet Karzai Monday, Taliban anxiety tops agenda

Posted: 25 Apr 2010 12:04 PM PDT

New Delhi, April 25 (IANS) A day before Afghan President Hamid Karzai arrives here on a two-day visit, his Foreign Minister Zalmay Rassoul Sunday held talks that saw India airing its concerns over a proposal to reintegrate the Taliban in Afghanistan.

External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna met Rassoul over dinner and conveyed New Delhi’s sense of unease about the consequences of any power-sharing arrangement with the Taliban, sources said.

India has always opposed any artificial distinction between good Taliban and bad Taliban and regard any power-sharing deal as a threat to its interests and to regional stability, the sources said.

Rassoul, on his part, briefed the Indian side on the ‘peace jirga’, a meeting of tribal elders that is expected to be held next month after Karzai returns from visit to Washington.

Ever since the Jan 28 London conference that cleared the way for reintegration of the Taliban into the Afghan mainstream, India has aired its anxieties many a time about any power-sharing arrangement with the hardline militia that could lead to an increased influence of Pakistan in the affairs of Afghanistan.

When Manmohan Singh meets Karzai Monday morning, he is likely to caution the Afghan president about the perils of accommodating the Taliban into the government that New Delhi feels militates not only against its interests, but goes against the larger objective of restoring peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Karzail will also call on President Pratibha Patil. The Afghan president will then leave for the Bhutanese capital Thimphu Tuesday to participate in the 16th summit meeting of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

Manmohan Singh will also convey to Karzai India’s concerns over the volatile security situation in the country and review steps being taken to bolster security of over 3,500 Indians engaged in various reconstruction activities in the violence-torn country.

‘We are constantly vigilant and seized of all these matters,’ Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao told reporters here recently when asked to react to reports that suggest more attacks are being planned on Indians in Afghanistan.

Krishna told parliament recently that India has no plans to scale down its operations in Afghanistan in the wake of the Feb 26 attack in Kabul, in which seven Indians were killed.

He also stressed that it has comprehensively reviewed and enhanced security measures for the safety of its personnel and other Indians working there.

Seventeen Indians have been killed in Afghanistan since 2008.

New Delhi, April 25 (IANS) A day before Afghan President Hamid Karzai arrives here on a two-day visit, his Foreign Minister Zalmay Rassoul Sunday held talks that saw India airing its concerns over a proposal to reintegrate the Taliban in Afghanistan.

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Pune girl scales Europe’s highest peak, Mt. Elbrus

Posted: 25 Apr 2010 12:04 PM PDT

Pune, April 25 (IANS) Braving strong gales and temperatures below minus-20 degrees Celsius, Pune mountaineer Krushnaa Patil Sunday scaled Europe’s highest peak, Mt. Elbrus (5,642 metres).

Accompanied by a sole guide, Vladimir from Russia, Krushnaa started the treacherous climb in a blanket of 20 cms snow at 6 a.m. Sunday.

‘Owing to heavy snowfall, low temperatures and strong winds, she had to wait for three days at the base camp for the weather to clear. Luckily, she got a window today to finally attempt the climb and succeeded in reaching the summit by 1 p.m.,’ her mother Ranjana Patil told IANS here Sunday night.

By late afternoon, Krushnaa started her descent and is expected to reach base camp – at around 3,694 metres – by early Monday morning, Ranjana, herself an avid mountaineer, said.

~ Rest Continues Below ~

With this, Krushnaa has scaled six of the world’s seven tallest peaks in all the continents and her eyes are now set on Mt.McKinley in Alaska (6,194 metres).

Incidentally, last month (March 13), Krushnaa and Ranjana both scaled the 2,228-metre Mt. Koscinszko, the highest Australian peak.

A couple of months before that, Krushnaa summitted South America’s highest peak Mt. Aconcagua – 6,961-metres high – in January this year.

Earlier, in May last year, Krushnaa reached the summit of the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest (8,848 metres), followed by Africa’s tallest mountain, Mt. Kilimanjaro (5,895 metres) in October and the highest peak in Antarctica, the 4,897-metre tall Mt. Vinson massif, in December.

Ranjana Patil said her daughter plans to conquer even Alaska’s Mt. Mckinley within the next few months. She added preparations are already underway for the effort which will make her the first Indian to scale all the seven peaks in the seven continents of the world.

Krushnaa, who is pursuing Bachelor of Arts (BA) at Pune University, is a professional Indian classical dancer and choreographer. She also designs dance costumes, jewellery and home interiors.

Pune, April 25 (IANS) Braving strong gales and temperatures below minus-20 degrees Celsius, Pune mountaineer Krushnaa Patil Sunday scaled Europe’s highest peak, Mt. Elbrus (5,642 metres).

Son of a jeweller killed, ornaments stolen in Delhi

Posted: 25 Apr 2010 12:02 PM PDT

New Delhi, April 25 (IANS) A 35-year-old son of a jeweller was killed at his shop by unidentified robbers, who fled away with ornaments worth millions Sunday in Tilak Nagar area of west Delhi, police said.

‘The incident took place around 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Ashok Kumar was at his shop when two men entered and at knife-point asked him to hand over all the jewellery,’ a senior police officer said.

‘When Ashok resisted, they stabbed him. The robbers then fled with jewellery. Ashok was taken to Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries,’ the officer added.

‘The value of the stolen jewellery is being ascertained. His father, who is the shop owner, was not at the shop at the time of attack. However, his elder brother was at the spot,’ the officer said.

New Delhi, April 25 (IANS) A 35-year-old son of a jeweller was killed at his shop by unidentified robbers, who fled away with ornaments worth millions Sunday in Tilak Nagar area of west Delhi, police said.

Bhutan hopes SAARC summit would boost tourism

Posted: 25 Apr 2010 12:02 PM PDT

Thimpu, April 25 (IANS) Bhutan hopes the upcoming 16th summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) here will help revive the country’s jaded tourism industry.

For the first time, this Himalayan kingdom will host a summit of the eight-member grouping April 28-29. The summit will mark the 25th year of the establishment of the regional body.

The tourism sector has been a nonstarter in Bhutan due to limited resources and lack of infrastructure, although the country is endowed with beautiful landscapes and rich wildlife.

Bhutan now hopes more foreign tourists would visit this landlocked country after it gets wide publicity during the summit.

The authorities in Thimpu have already gone into a rigorous drive to upgrade the infrastructure in view of the international conference.

Markets, restaurants and hotels were renovated to show the warm hospitality of the people of Bhutan when the dignitaries would come here for the summit, Kinley Dorji, secretary at Information and Communication Ministry, told Xinhua.

The infrastructure that has been upgraded would serve the tourism sector in the future, he said.

According to National Statistics Bureau of Bhutan, tourist arrival in the country is increasing every year. In 2009, more than 28,000 tourists visited the country, compared to 27,636 in 2008.

‘Within three years, we are hoping to increase tourist arrival by three times to 100,000 annually,’ said Dorji.

Since 1947, Bhutan has followed a ‘high value, low volume’ tourism policy, he added.

Tourists’ arrival in the country has been within the capacity of its socio-cultural and natural environment to absorb visitors without negative impacts. Tourism is Bhutan’s largest commercial source of convertible currency earnings.

Thimpu, April 25 (IANS) Bhutan hopes the upcoming 16th summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) here will help revive the country’s jaded tourism industry.

Five Greater Noida officials transferred for land row

Posted: 25 Apr 2010 12:00 PM PDT

Greater Noida, April 25 (IANS) Five officials of the Greater Noida administration were transferred Sunday after a controversy arose over a piece of land that the government acquired near a mansion being built by the brother of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati in Badalpur area here.

The land has several slums, which are allegedly being demolished by the Gautam Buddha Nagar district administration after the acquisition.

A local resident has accused the government of irregularity and said the land was acquired to add to the beauty of the mansion.

Among those transferred are Chief Executive Officer Mukul Singhal, Deputy Chief Executive Official Shailendra Chaudhary, ADM (Land Acquisition) Manmohan Chaudhary, Dadri Tehsildar and his deputy.

Deepak Aggarwal, district magistrate of Gautam Buddha Nagar, told IANS: ‘The road connecting to Badalpur with Maripat railway station is being widened. Therefore, the land of about 15 ‘khasras’ is being acquired. However, a man who has a house on this acquired land, is crying foul play. But, no irregularity has been found in the acquision process.’

Greater Noida, April 25 (IANS) Five officials of the Greater Noida administration were transferred Sunday after a controversy arose over a piece of land that the government acquired near a mansion being built by the brother of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati in Badalpur area here.

Leftover veins can help treat future heart problems

Posted: 25 Apr 2010 12:00 PM PDT

London, April 25 (IANS) Researchers have found that human veins left over from lifesaving bypass surgery could be a source of ‘master’ cells that can help treat future heart problems.

Stem cells have been popular area of research because they have the ability to produce many different types of human cells, thus opening up the possibility of repair or renewal for tissues ravaged by disease or injury.

Patients with heart disease often have blocked or narrowed arteries supplying the heart muscle. The lack of blood leaves the muscle damaged, and this can cause chest pain or even a heart attack.

A heart bypass operation takes a section of vein, usually from the patient’s leg, and uses it to replace a blocked or narrowed section of heart artery.

During the study, researchers from University of Bristol extracted stem cells from the veins, then used them to stimulate new blood vessel growth in mice.

They found that when the stem cells were injected into the leg muscle of a mouse which had been deprived of blood to simulate conditions in a damaged heart, the cells appeared to trigger the development of new blood vessels and improve blood flow.

‘This is the first time that anyone has been able to extract stem cells from sections of vein left over from heart bypass operations,’ bbc.co.uk quoted lead researcher professor Paolo Madeddu as saying.

‘These cells might make it possible for a person having a bypass to also receive a heart treatment using their body’s own stem cells,’ Madeddu added.

However, other experts said much more work would be needed before such cells could be used widely in humans.

Professor Qingbo Xu, from King’s College London, said the mechanisms by which the cells worked needed to be more fully understood.

‘It’s possible this could be a future treatment, although not at the same time as the heart bypass surgery, as it takes some time to extract and grow these cells in the laboratory.

‘But there is a long way to go before we can have a clinical application for this.’

London, April 25 (IANS) Researchers have found that human veins left over from lifesaving bypass surgery could be a source of ‘master’ cells that can help treat future heart problems.

Lindsay Lohan’s father ‘dangerous’, says her mother

Posted: 25 Apr 2010 11:58 AM PDT

Los Angeles, April 25 (IANS) Hollywood actress Lindsay Lohan’s mother Dina has hit back at the claims made by father Michael Lohan that the actress is not fit to look after her teenage sister.

Michael went public with his concerns for 16-year-old Ali Lohan’s welfare after staging a police-led raid on his eldest daughter’s Hollywood home April 22, suggesting the ‘Mean Girls’ star was not responsible enough to play guardian to the student, reports aceshowbiz.com.

‘Lindsay is absolutely, 100 percent, not (a bad influence). Ali is amazing. She loves her sister. Would I let my daughter go anywhere that’s dangerous? I mean, come on, Ali and Lindsay need to be protected from their ex-father. That’s the dangerous situation… He’s creating a worse situation for everyone,’ said Dina.

She added, ‘Michael’s not well. Nothing he does surprises me. He’s dangerous… Ali doesn’t want to see him again. She has a block on her phone because she was so petrified of him. He needs to pay child support and leave his kids alone.

Los Angeles, April 25 (IANS) Hollywood actress Lindsay Lohan’s mother Dina has hit back at the claims made by father Michael Lohan that the actress is not fit to look after her teenage sister.

Scarlett Johansson was geeked out for ‘Iron Man’ role

Posted: 25 Apr 2010 11:58 AM PDT

London, April 26 (IANS) Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson has revealed that she was so eager to land a role in ‘Iron Man 2′ that she absorbed herself in comic books to impress producers.

‘I was a huge fan of the first movie and was quite ‘geek-ed’ out at being part of the second one. I just wanted to be a part of ‘Iron Man’ so I really researched the comic books and came in with some ideas of my own about how to develop the character. I see her as being determined and ambitious,’ contactmusic.com quoted her as saying.

‘I love everything about this character. She’s a total bada*s. I love every detail from her fabulous outfit to the wonderful hair. I mean, there’s nothing not to like about the character.

‘She’s very bad and I think it’s rare that we get to see these sort of super heroines bought to the screen, where they’re really kicking some major a*s, which she does,’ she added.

The 25-year-old actress landed the role of Russian spy Black Widow after actress Emily Blunt dropped out because of scheduling conflicts.

London, April 26 (IANS) Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson has revealed that she was so eager to land a role in ‘Iron Man 2′ that she absorbed herself in comic books to impress producers.

Britney Spears slashes Beverly Hills mansion price

Posted: 25 Apr 2010 11:56 AM PDT

London, April 26 (IANS) Singer Britney Spears is drastically reducing the price on her Beverly Hills home in a desperate bid to sell it.

The ‘Toxic’ hitmaker put the property on the market in early 2008, and even increased the price to $7.9 million before economic crisis. But the mansion is still on the market and now Spears has dropped the price to $4.85 million, reports contactmusic.com.

Spears presently stands to lose $1.9 million on the property.

London, April 26 (IANS) Singer Britney Spears is drastically reducing the price on her Beverly Hills home in a desperate bid to sell it.

Super Kings champions after a thrilling final

Posted: 25 Apr 2010 11:56 AM PDT

Mumbai, April 25 (IANS) Chennai Super Kings proved to be second time lucky as they beat favourites Mumbai Indians by 22 runs in a thrilling final to become Indian Premier League champions at the D.Y. Patil Stadium at Navi Mumbai Sunday night.

This was the second IPL final for the Super Kings, who lost the trophy to Rajasthan Royals in the inaugural season.

Deciding to bat, Super Kings riding on Suresh Raina’s unbeaten 57 scored 168 for five in 20 overs.

Raina added 72 runs with Mahendra Singh Dhoni (22 off 15 balls) for the fourth wicket before using the long handle in final five overs that fetched Super Kings 60 runs. Dilhara Fernando was the pick of Mumbai bowlers with 2-23.

In reply, Mumbai Indians were off to a slow start with skipper Sachin Tendulkar, despite five stitches on his right hand, top scoring with a gutsy 48. Kieron Pollard who blazed off 27 in 10 balls, narrowed the gap but by then it was too late.

Mumbai, April 25 (IANS) Chennai Super Kings proved to be second time lucky as they beat favourites Mumbai Indians by 22 runs in a thrilling final to become Indian Premier League champions at the D.Y. Patil Stadium at Navi Mumbai Sunday night.

Ranbir Kapoor awards Rs.500,000 to Pepsi campaign winner

Posted: 25 Apr 2010 10:16 AM PDT

Mumbai, April 25 (IANS) Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor awarded Maria Islam with Rs.500,000 for giving the most catchy closing line for Pepsi’s ad campaign — The Game.

‘I am very, very happy on winning the prize from Pepsi and doubly for getting it from the youth icon Ranbir Kapoor. This is an unbelievable experience,’ said Maria receiving the gift check from the actor Sunday.

There were around 1.2 lakh people who cleared the three levels of the game and came close to Rs.500,000, but Maria piped the rest for the top prize giving the line ‘Loser Game Master…you gotta think faster…Aur bhi koi chunauti hai to le aao, par tab tak kehte raho…Youngistan ka wow!!!’

Ranbir said: ‘It was a very new and engaging concept for television. There were five parts and three levels, Maria hurdled every step successfully. I was lucky to be the part of the trendsetting thing that they started.’

Pepsi continued the ad-campaign through IPL season 3 and hence they planned to declare the winner on the final day of the cricket extravaganza.

Asked which team he supports in the final, Ranbir said, ‘I think Mumbai Indians will take the cup. I will support Mumbai Indians.’

Mumbai, April 25 (IANS) Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor awarded Maria Islam with Rs.500,000 for giving the most catchy closing line for Pepsi’s ad campaign — The Game.

Kapur 40th, Bhullar 60th at Ballantines

Posted: 25 Apr 2010 10:16 AM PDT

Jeju Island (South Korea), April 25 (IANS) Shiv Kapur (74) and Gaganjeet Bhullar failed to make any progress in the third and final round of the truncated Ballantine’s Golf championships and ended way down on the ladder here Sunday.

Kapur with his 74 ended at one-over 217 in tied 40th and Bhullar (78) was at five-over 221 ended at 60th place.

Australia’s Marcus Fraser landed the biggest win of his career when he carded a final round three-under-par 69 for a three-day total of 12-under-par 204 in the reduced to a 54-stroke play tournament.

The Australian held his nerves under pressure to win by four shots, fending off the challenges of closest rivals, Gareth Maybin of Northern Ireland and compatriot Brett Rumford who took a share of second place on 208.

Two-time Asian Tour winner Noh Seung-yul of Korea closed with his best round score of 68 for the week to take equal fourth with England’s Oliver Fisher on 209 while Singapore’s Mardan Mamat enjoyed his best result of the season by signing for a 72 to take a share of sixth place alongside Wales’ Jamie Donaldson and Robert-Jan Derksen of the Netherlands on 210.

The opening round fog disruption resulted in almost six hours of lost play and led tournament officials to reduce the Ballantine’s Championship to three rounds so as to ensure a Sunday finish for the 2.2 million euros (approximately $2.9 million) showpiece that is sanctioned by the Asian Tour, European Tour and the Korea PGA.

Fraser’s wire-to-wire victory in Korea this week ended a seven-year title drought for the visibly emotional Australian.

‘I had so many chances to win over the last seven years. So to go out there and play like how I did today and this week was simply unbelievable,’ said Fraser whose maiden European Tour victory was in Russia in 2003.

Fraser who took home the winner’s prize purse of approximately US$496,000.

Defending champion Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand signed off with a 75 to take tied-ninth place on 211.

Jeju Island (South Korea), April 25 (IANS) Shiv Kapur (74) and Gaganjeet Bhullar failed to make any progress in the third and final round of the truncated Ballantine’s Golf championships and ended way down on the ladder here Sunday.

Under-fire Modi dreams big about next IPL season

Posted: 25 Apr 2010 10:08 AM PDT

Mumbai, April 25 (IANS) The reins of Indian Premier League (IPL) could slip away from Lalit Modi’s hands Monday, but that does not stop him from charting out plans for the next season.

Modi, who gave shape to the highly-popular IPL, exuded enthusiasm at the grand closing ceremony of the third edition’s final as he discussed plans about the next season which promises to be a bigger and longer affair with two new teams joining the sporting extravaganza.

‘Next year it will be a week longer. We will have 94 games. There will be two new teams and a brand new auction, it will be a beginning from scratch,’ Modi said.

Modi has been in an eye of a storm ever since he questioned the stakes in the Kochi IPL, which led to the resignation of the junior minister Shashi Tharoor.

Modi was excited about the performances during the colourful closing ceremony that saw Oscar-winning music director A.R Rahman performing along with Bollywood stars.

‘It is an Indian affair this time. You could not have asked for better show. What a tournament. There is lot of excitement.’

Mumbai, April 25 (IANS) The reins of Indian Premier League (IPL) could slip away from Lalit Modi’s hands Monday, but that does not stop him from charting out plans for the next season.

Bollywood lends colour as IPL 3 ends with style

Posted: 25 Apr 2010 10:08 AM PDT

Mumbai, April 25 (IANS) It was a carnival, no less as a laser show, a bevy of Bollywood stars, dancers donning elaborate feathered headdresses and furs, stilt-walkers and a mini parade float brought the curtain down on the third edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) Sunday night.

As Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians pulled up their sleeves to fight the final battle at the D.Y.Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, the tournament ended with style and pomp. Marking the sold-out gala event were big names in showbiz.

Crisscrossing arcs of colourful lights spun a web across the ground and stands during the laser show as soon as the lights went off.

Sounds of ‘Jai Ho’ reverberated in the air as music maestro A. R. Rahman set the pace for an evening with ‘Chale chalo’ from the film ‘Lagaan’. Dressed in pristine white, the Oscar and Grammy winning artiste set the tone for lively closing ceremony.

After a quick glimpse of Bollywood diva Sushmita Sen in the crowd, sizzling Bipasha Basu appeared on stage with dancers, who swayed behind her doing the round of the stadium in an open truck. Dressed in black shorts, black top and boots, she jived on the hit title tracks of ‘Race’ and ‘All The Best’.

Tinsel town’s chocolate boy Shahid Kapoor made a terrific entry atop a hovercraft. He enthralled the public with his power-packed performance on the song ‘Chaska’ from his upcoming film ‘Badmaash Company’ before he broke into a jig on the popular song ‘Dhan te nan’. The actor also danced with cheer leaders.

‘I had a great time. I thought we are actors and we should prove our fitness. I will be rooting for Mumbai Indians. It is going to be a night to remember,’ said Shahid, who even sported a T-shirt of his favourite team.

Rahman set the final tone of the extravaganza with much fanfare as he swept the audience away with his songs ‘Maa tujhe salaam’ and ‘Jai ho’.

‘Maa tujhe salaam’ was probably the best way to wrap up the closing ceremony and hand over the torch to the fighters of the day, the Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians.

Another highlight of the evening was DJ Shalom D’Souza aka DJ Hi Frequency, who doesn’t like cricket, but rocked the stadium with foot-tapping Bollywood hits.

Shalom played her favourite Bollywood tracks along with her DJing partner DJ Devika and in-house IPL DJ Romit. This was only her second public performance and she was all excited about performing in front of 55,000 people. And yes, she’s all of seven years old.

IPL commissioner Lalit Modi, whose future hangs in balance, too was seen enjoying the evening.

One of the six largest sporting events in the world today, the IPL has over the past couple of weeks been mired in controversies and allegations of corruption and plough-back of slush money from tax havens abroad.

Mumbai, April 25 (IANS) It was a carnival, no less as a laser show, a bevy of Bollywood stars, dancers donning elaborate feathered headdresses and furs, stilt-walkers and a mini parade float brought the curtain down on the third edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) Sunday night.

Super Kings set Mumbai 169-run target in IPL final

Posted: 25 Apr 2010 10:06 AM PDT

Mumbai, April 25 (IANS) Suresh Raina smashed an unbeaten 57 as Chennai Super Kings scored 168 for five against Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League final at the D.Y. Patil Stadium at Navi Mumbai Sunday.

Raina rode on his luck as he was dropped twice in his 35-ball innings that included three fours and three sixes.

Super Kings got off to a slow start after electing to bat with Murali Vijay (26) and Matthew Hayden (17) sharing a 44-run opening stand in as many balls.

Raina and Subramaniam Badrinath (14) added 19 runs before the latter was dismissed by Dilahara Fernando (2-23).

Raina and Mahendra Singh Dhoni (22 off 15 balls) then added 72 runs for the fourth wicket. Dhoni struck two fours and one six but was caught by Fernando after mishitting a full toss from Zaheer Khan.

Raina then used the long handle in the end with the final five overs fetching Super Kings 60 runs.

Mumbai, April 25 (IANS) Suresh Raina smashed an unbeaten 57 as Chennai Super Kings scored 168 for five against Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League final at the D.Y. Patil Stadium at Navi Mumbai Sunday.

Anand fights back to win second game, levels world title match

Posted: 25 Apr 2010 10:06 AM PDT

Sofia, April 25 (IANS) World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand fought back in style to level his 12-game World chess final against Bulgarian Veselin Topalov with a superb win in the second game Sunday.

Fighting tiredness and a first-game deficit, Anand, who endured a 40-hour road trip to make it to Sofia, is now tied 1-1 after losing the first game Saturday.

‘I am happy with my play and I thought that I played fairly accurately,’ Anand said. This sends him to the first rest day with a psychological advantage.

Anand started with the Queen Pawn Opening. It was a complex Catalan Opening with neither player having any clear advantage.

In comparison to the rapid-style first game, players were more circumspect Sunday. Topalov seemed to have an edge in terms of position, but Anand waited it out.

Anand sacrificed a pawn and Topalov appeared to have greater mobility. The early exchange of queens on the 15th move was a bit surprising since it was at Anand’s invitation and he was a pawn down.

Anand made a few unexpected moves and slowly seemed to be improving his position. The 25th move of Topalov to get into Anand’s territory to exchange a knight for a bishop was dubious and the Indian started looking better.

Anand spent too much time on the 29th turn and had just 19 minutes to Topalov’s 38 minutes to complete the stipulated 40 moves before the first time control.

Topalov’s 29th move was either unnecessary aggression or desperation in trying to exchange at least one rook as Anand’s position had started looking better and better.

The Indian first won a pawn and then the second one with his rooks, bishop and knight in perfect control even as Topalov’s pieces were left with no play and he resigned on the 38th move.

The Moves:

Viswanathan Anand Vs Veselin Topalov

Anand,V – Topalov,V

WCh Sofia BUL (2), 25.02.2010

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.g3 dxc4 5.Bg2 a6 6.Ne5 c5 7.Na3 cxd4 8.Naxc4 Bc5 9.0-0 0-0 10.Bd2 Nd5 11.Rc1 Nd7 12.Nd3 Ba7 13.Ba5 Qe7 14.Qb3 Rb8 15.Qa3 Qxa3 16.bxa3 N7f6 17.Nce5 Re8 18.Rc2 b6 19.Bd2 Bb7 20.Rfc1 Rbd8 21.f4 Bb8 22.a4 a5 23.Nc6 Bxc6 24.Rxc6 h5 25.R1c4 Ne3 26.Bxe3 dxe3 27.Bf3 g6 28.Rxb6 Ba7 29.Rb3 Rd4 30.Rc7 Bb8 31.Rc5 Bd6 32.Rxa5 Rc8 33.Kg2 Rc2 34.a3 Ra2 35.Nb4 Bxb4 36.axb4 Nd5 37.b5 Rdxa4 38.Rxa4 1-0

Sofia, April 25 (IANS) World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand fought back in style to level his 12-game World chess final against Bulgarian Veselin Topalov with a superb win in the second game Sunday.

Madhya Pradesh government tapping my phone: Digvijay Singh

Posted: 25 Apr 2010 10:04 AM PDT

Bhopal, April 25 (IANS) Accusing Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan of protecting ‘corrupt ministers’, Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh Sunday also alleged that his phone was being tapped by the state government.

‘I am aware that my phone is being tapped by the Madhya Pradesh government but I don’t have any problem,’ Singh – one of the four leaders whose phone was allegedly tapped by the central government – told a group of reporters here.

According to report in the recent edition of prominent newsmagazine Outlook, the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government tapped the telephone conversations of important political leaders, including Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader Prakash Karat as well as Digvijay Singh.

Asking Chouhan to seek resignation of state Industries Minister Kailash Vijayavargiya, who is embroiled in a land scam in Indore and against whom the lokayukta (ombudsman) has started investigation, Singh said Chouhan was instead protecting corrupt ministers in his cabinet.

‘Several such ministers who were removed on the charges of corruption during the previous regime of Chouhan were re-inducted during his second tenure. What does this signify?’ Singh asked, adding that the cases of all those who were allegedly involved in corruption should be handed over to lokayukta for a thorough investigations.

Singh also criticised the decision to convene a special session of the state assembly next month ‘to discuss the concept of Golden Madhya Pradesh’. ‘I will have to borrow glasses from Chouhan to see such a state,’ he said.

On the Indian Premier League (IPL) controversy, Singh said that ‘though it can’t be denied that (IPL commissioner) Lalit Modi has taken the tournament to new heights, inquiry should be held to probe whatever wrong, if any, he has done’.

Bhopal, April 25 (IANS) Accusing Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan of protecting ‘corrupt ministers’, Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh Sunday also alleged that his phone was being tapped by the state government.

Sangma allocates portfolios to ministers

Posted: 25 Apr 2010 10:04 AM PDT

Shillong, April 25 (IANS) Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul M. Sangma has allocated portfolios among his council of ministers, keeping the finance, planning, commerce and industries departments with himself, an official statement said Sunday.

The portfolios were allotted through a notification Saturday, the statement said.

United Democratic Party (UDP) leader and Deputy Chief Minister Bindo Mathew Lanong will look after mining and geology, animal husbandry, sports and youth affairs, law and re-organisation.

Lanong’s party colleague John Antonious Lyngdoh was allotted secretariat administration, social welfare, election and printing and stationery.

Independent legislator Abu Taher Mondal was handle power, excise, transport and information and public relations.

Sangma, who was sworn-in chief minister April 20, allocated health and family welfare, labour, parliamentary affairs, home (passport) and administrative reforms to the other Deputy Chief Minister Rowel Lyngdoh, who is from the Congress.

Among the other ministers – all from the Congress – M. Ampareen Lyngdoh, the lone woman legislator in the 60-member house, was given education and tourism, H.D.R. Lyngdoh retained home (police), public works department (roads) and district council affairs and R.C. Laloo was allotted revenue and disaster management, forests and environment, sericulture and weaving, soil and water conservation.

Prestone Tynsong will look after general administration, public health engineering, science and technology and municipal administration.

Community and rural development, water resources and cooperation departments were allotted to Congress’ Frankenstein W. Momin.

Augustine D. Marak was given food and civil supplies, home (jails, civil defence and home guards), while Founder Strong Cajee will look after urban affairs and fisheries.

Shillong, April 25 (IANS) Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul M. Sangma has allocated portfolios among his council of ministers, keeping the finance, planning, commerce and industries departments with himself, an official statement said Sunday.

Himachal gathering folktales to woo tourists to villages

Posted: 25 Apr 2010 09:26 AM PDT

Shimla, April 26 (IANS) Fascinating tales, folklore and anecdotes related to remote villages in Himachal Pradesh are set to lure tourists with the state government launching a scheme to promote rural tourism.

Residents of villages across the hill state have been asked by the tourism department to send fascinating stories and legends related to their native place. These would then be used by the authorities in tourism literature to woo tourists.

‘We have asked the heads of villages to send fascinating stories, legends, folklore and popular anecdotes associated with their place. This will help the tourism department to develop their village for tourism,’ Principal Secretary (tourism) Manisha Nanda told IANS.

She said on the pattern of ‘Har ghar kuchh kehta hai’ (every house has its own history) scheme launched last year in Shimla, a new scheme ‘Har gaon ki kahani’ or (every village’s own story) has been launched this month to collect interesting facts about villages.

‘If the story from a village is interesting and has some historical element, the tourism department will allot funds to that village to develop tourism infrastructure,’ she said.

Tourism Director Arun Sharma said: ‘The lesser known facts about villages would be reviewed and then published in the form of a book. This will attract tourists even to remote destinations.’

‘To get timely feedback from every village, district-level committees have been formed. The deputy commissioner will head each committee. The department has also constituted cash awards for the best story – both at the district and state level,’ he said.

Nanda said tourism infrastructure of the selected villages would be developed by roping in local villagers and using funds under the central government’s flagship rural jobs scheme, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).

‘Local villagers would be involved to develop roads and other facilities,’ she said, adding ‘this would not only develop infrastructure but also provide employment’.

‘The scheme will generate self-employment and decongest urban areas. The local people will also get a chance to showcase their cuisine, folk culture and handicrafts before tourists,’ Nanda said.

According to her, rural destinations attract a large number of budget tourists – both domestic and foreign. ‘In the long run, the local communities will benefit in monetary terms,’ she added.

Mohit Sood of Craignano, a village located on the outskirts of Shimla, said: ‘The Dak Bungalow constructed by the British for their recreation in our village will also find space in the book complied by the tourism department on historical legends. The village would also get funds to improve the road leading to the Dak Bungalow.’

Himachal Pradesh, known for its picturesque tourist spots, registered an increase of 17 percent in the inflow of tourists last year compared to the previous year.

The state attracted 11,437,155 tourists, including 400,583 foreigners, in 2009.

Kullu-Manali has emerged as a favourite tourist destination, followed by Shimla and Dharamsala.

Shimla, April 26 (IANS) Fascinating tales, folklore and anecdotes related to remote villages in Himachal Pradesh are set to lure tourists with the state government launching a scheme to promote rural tourism.

Fifteen injured during protest against cow slaughter

Posted: 25 Apr 2010 09:24 AM PDT

New Delhi, April 25 (IANS) Fifteen people, including five policemen, were injured during a protest over cow slaughter in Vijay Vihar area of outer Delhi Sunday, police said.

The local residents started protesting Sunday morning after carcasses of five cows were reportedly found in the Lal Quarter area of Vijay Vihar for the second consecutive day. The protesters claimed it was third such case in a fortnight.

They raised slogans against the administration and demanded action into the incident.

According to a senior police officer: ‘The crowd started gathering around 7 in the morning after which they started blocking roads. They also pelted stones at the police.’

Police called for reinforcements and baton-charged the crowds to disperse the protesters.

‘We had to resort to a baton-charge as the protest had turned violent. Several people responsible for violence have been detained. In all fifteen people were injured, including five policemen,’ the officer said.

‘Patrolling in the area has been increased and we are looking for those responsible for cow slaughter. The locals have alleged that it is work of some slaughter houses operating illegally in the area. It is being looked into,’ the officer added.

New Delhi, April 25 (IANS) Fifteen people, including five policemen, were injured during a protest over cow slaughter in Vijay Vihar area of outer Delhi Sunday, police said.

Posted by Suresh at 3:12 PM

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