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Margot Robbie to play Barbie in live-action film
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Mohamed Salah voted African Footballer of the Year
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ENGLISH DAILY MORNING REPUTED NEWS PAPER, AHMEDABAD EDITION Editor : Kapilkumar M. Hirpara
Short News Why an MP is batting for your right to refuse calls post-office hours
New Delhi : In a bid to achieve work-life balance, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MP Supriya Sule Tuesday tabled a Private Members’ Bill in Lok Sabha to secure the ‘right to disconnect’, or refuse to reply to a call or e-mail beyond work hours or on holidays. Sule cited numerous studies that show that employees are faced with a “significant risk of erosion of boundaries between profession and personal life” due to digital communication (read: the ability to work from any location). She said employees are increasingly faced with “telepressure” — the constant urge to check your phone and respond to calls and e-mails.
Not biased, acted on CVC advice: Arun Jaitley
New Delhi : After the Supreme Court struck down its move to send CBI Director Alok Verma on leave, the government put up a brave face and said that its “perfectly bonafide” decision was based on a recommendation from the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and that it was taken in the“larger interest of fair and impartial investigation and larger credibility of the CBI as an institution”. Jaitley also said that the government will comply with the apex court’s order Tuesday to reinstate Verma. However, he declined comment when asked whether the order was a setback to the government.
Kerala: Nun who took part in protests against bishop gets warning from church Kochi : The Catholic Church in Kerala has sent a warning to Sister Lucy Kalapura, a nun who was at the forefront of protests against rape-accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal, for “attending channel discussions”, writing articles in “non-Christian newspapers” and “making false accusations” against the Catholic leadership. The warning, with the threat of dismissal from the congregation, has been issued by Sr. Ann Joseph FCC, Superior General of the Franciscan Clarist Congregation (FCC). Mulakkal was accused of raping a nun belonging to the order of Missionaries of Jesus several times between 2014 and 2016.
Kartarpur Corridor: Project yet to take off as state awaits Centre’s nod to design proposal Chandigarh : More than a month after the Union government gave its approval to constructing the Kartarpur Corridor, the project is yet to take off on the ground with the Punjab government waiting for the Centre to select one out of four design proposals for the corridor that were submitted to it by the state. Punjab’s Public Works Department (Buildings and Roads) Minister Vijay Inder Singh Singla told The Indian Express that a fortnight ago a joint inspection of the site was conducted along with Additional Secretary, Union Home Ministry. “After the inspection, we have prepared four design proposals for the corridor. The Centre has to choose one after getting in touch with the Ministry of Home, the Ministry of External Affairs. After that the entire process will start.
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The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed the Constitution (124th Amendment) Bill 2019 to provide 10 per cent reservation in jobs and educational institutions to the economically weaker sections in the general category.
Rajya Sabha passes bill for 10% quota to economically weaker sections in general category The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed the Constitution (124th Amendment) Bill 2019 to provide 10 per cent reservation in jobs and educational institutions to the economically weaker sections in the general category. The Bill, which was introduced by Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment Thaawarchand Gehlot, was passed with 165 votes in favour while seven voted against it. The bill was passed on the last day of the winter session of the Lower House on Tuesday with 323 votes in favour and just three against. DMK leader Kanimozhi pressed for the quota bill be sent to the select committee first before being presented in the Parliament. However, her proposal failed to get the
required votes in favour. After the Rajya Sabha passed the quota bill, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it a victory for social justice. “It ensures a wider canvas for our Yuva Shakti to showcase their prowess and contribute towards India’s transformation,” PM Modi tweeted. “By passing The Constitution (One Hundred And Twenty-Fourth Amendment) Bill, 2019, we pay tributes to the makers of our Constitution and the great freedom fighters, who envisioned an India that is strong and inclusive,” Modi further said.
A landmark, but contentious Bill that seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangaldesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan was passed by the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. Piloting the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019, home minister Rajnath Singh told the Opposition that the Bill was not against the provisions of the Constitution and would give succour to persecuted minorities in the three neighbouring countries. The Bill provides for according Indian citizenship to Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and
The Supreme Court Tuesday set aside the order of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and Union government divesting CBI Director Alok Kumar Verma of his powers and functions
Alok Verma back in office as CBI chief, three months after ‘forced leave’ by Centre gns, mumbai
CBI Director Alok Verma resumed office Wednesday, over three months after he was sent on forced leave by the central government through a late-night order on October 23, 2018. The Supreme Court Tuesday set aside the order of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and Union government divesting CBI Director Alok Kumar Verma of his powers and functions, finding that it went against the “legislative intent” to “ensure complete insulation” of the CBI Director “from all kinds of extraneous influences”. The court has, however, directed Verma not to take
Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on defence minister ‘insults women’, says PM Modi
Only non-Muslim immigrants to get Indian citizenship now
New Delhi
any policy decisions till the statutory committee meets within a week and decides further on the matter. The statutory committee comprises the Prime Minister, CJI and the Leader of the Opposition. In a 1997 judgment, the Supreme Court had entrusted the task of selecting the CBI Director to the Committee, given the
CVC Superintendence over the agency’s functioning, and fixed a minimum two-year tenure for the Director. Verma retires on January 31. The October order also sent Verma’s deputy Special Director Rakesh Asthana, booked by the agency on corruption charges, into exile in a first-of-its-kind move by the government in the agency’s history.
Parsis from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after six years of residence in India instead of 12 years now, even if they do not possess any document. “They have no place to go to, except India,” he said, adding that several leaders, including Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, had been in favour of giving shelter to persecuted minorities in the neighouring countries. The Congress and several Opposition parties opposed the Bill, and they demanded the Bill be sent to a select committee.
To pitch for border wall, Trump cites Indian-origin policeman’s murder by ‘illegal alien’ gns, New Delhi In a bid to convince Americans to support his demand for a $5.7 billion wall on the southern border, US President Donald Trump cited the murder of Indian-origin policeman Ronil Ron Singh, who was shot and killed during a traffic stop on December 26 allegedly by an illegal immigrant. Trump Tuesday described Corporal Singh, 33, a national “hero”, saying America’s heart broke the day the young officer was “savagely murdered” in cold blood by an “illegal alien”. “America’s heart broke the day after Christmas when a young police officer in California was savagely murdered in cold blood by an illegal alien (who) just came across the border. The life of an American hero was stolen by someone who had no right to be in our country,” Trump said.
Army Chief Bipin Rawat Wednesday said there is a need to curb social media as it is becoming a source of spreading radicalisation through misinformation and falsehood. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue 2019, the Army Chief said through social media, the youth are convinced that “there is sense” in what the terrorists are doing. Adding that “media and social media must be first controlled” to stop the spread of radicalisation through misinformation about religion. “Radicalisation through social media is becoming one of the reasons for raising funds for terrorist organisations,” he said. Rawat further said that if “any particular nation” attempts to control social media, it is accused of “curbing the rights… suppressing the media,” urging the international community to come together
Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said the Prime Minister got “a woman” to defend him in Parliament as he couldn't do so himself, a remark that appeared to trigger a sharp retort from Narendra Modi who accused the opposition of insulting Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Calling PM Modi a prime minister who claimed to have a broad chest, Gandhi said, the Prime Minister had "run away" from a debate in Parliament on the defence deal. “The watchman
with a 56-inch chest ran away and told a woman, Sitharaman ji, defend me. I won't be able to defend myself, defend me,” he said at a farmers' rally in Jaipur. “For two and a half hours, the woman could not defend him. I had asked a straight question – answer yes or no – but she couldn't answer,” the Congress chief said, using the word ‘mahila' for a woman in his speech in Hindi. Later in the address, he accused the Prime Minister again of running away from the debate, but this time did not refer to the defence minister in the same manner.
"Farmers Showed PM Their Strength In Recent Assembly Polls": Rahul Gandhi gns, Jaipur
Rahul Gandhi said on Wednesday that farmers, troubled by the agriculture distress, showed Prime Minister Narendra Modi their strength in the recent assembly elections in three Hindi heartland states including Rajasthan, in which the BJP lost power to the Congress. Addressing a farmers' rally in Jaipur - the first after Congress formed the government in Rajasthan - he also promised to waive farm loans in every state if the Congress is voted to power in 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The Congress president, however, said waiving farm loans is a small step towards addressing the agriculture distress and "a new green revolution (harit kranti) is needed to address the
Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue 2019, the army chief said radicalisation has taken a different route in Jammu and Kashmir where youth is being fed misinformation about religion, becoming a form of warfare.
to fight against it. Radicalisation has taken a different route in Jammu and Kashmir where youth is being fed misinformation about religion, becoming a form of warfare. “That is why you find more and more educated youth being drawn into
gns, Jaipur
Rahul Gandhi said waiving farm loans is a small step towards addressing the agriculture distress
Need to curb social media to combat radicalisation: Army Chief Bipin Rawat gns, mumbai
Mo : 98250 98053
terrorism,” he further said. Rawat has come down heavily on social media on earlier occasions as well, warning jawans on airing their grievances online, after videos alleging poor quality of food served in the army by a BSF jawan went viral.
problem." Attacking PM Modi for not participating in the debate on the multicrore Rafale jet deal, Mr Gandhi said, "Chowkidaar could not stand in Lok Sabha for a minute during the debate on Rafale issue." Mr Gandhi has been playing on the word "chowkidaar", used by PM Modi after his
election to say that he will not allow corruption under his watch, to target the prime minister. "We demand a JPC probe of the Rafale deal," Mr Gandhi said, asserting that Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman could not reply to his questions during the debate on the issue in Lok Sabha.
CJI Ranjan Gogoi-led Constitution bench on Ayodhya, hearing starts Jan 10 gns, New Delhi THE Supreme Court on Tuesday set up a five-judge Constitution Bench to hear the Ram JanmabhoomiBabri Masjid land title dispute case. Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi will head the bench, which will also comprise Justices S A Bobde, N V Ramana, U U Lalit and D Y Chandrachud. A notice issued by the Court said the Bench will take up the matter for hearing at 10.30 am on January 10. It is hearing appeals against the Allahabad High Court verdict of September 30, 2010, ordering a three-way division of the disputed 2.77 acres at the Ram JanmabhoomiBabri Masjid site, giving a third
each to the Nirmohi Akhara sect, the Sunni Central Wakf Board, Uttar Pradesh, and Ramlalla Virajman. On January 4, the top
court had said that further orders in the matter would be passed on January 10 by “the appropriate bench, as may be constituted”. The apex court is hearing 14 appeals against the 2010 Allahabad High Court judgment. On October 29 last year, the court had fixed the matter for hearing in the first week of January.
2 / Sunvilla Samachar (English Daily) Editors’ Picks thursday, 10th january, 2019
The fatal attraction of quota politics On Monday the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National
Democratic Alliance (NDA) government moved to expand the country’s affirmative action agenda. It has proposed 10% reservation for the economically weaker sections in the general category of the population for government jobs and admission to education institutions, both in the public and private sectors. At present, the affirmative action is restricted to Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs)—cumulatively adding up to 50%. The additional reservation will mean upping the reservation quota to 60%. Interestingly, the quota prescribed for education extends even to private sector institutions. To implement this it proposes to amend the Constitution of India to specifically include economic deprivation as a criterion for affirmative action. This is because under Article 15 and Article 16 of the Constitution, affirmative action is allowed to correct for social and educational backwardness. The proposed action raises several issues. For one, the timing of the proposal, with just under two months left for the next general election cycle, has led to the charge of political opportunism being levelled against the BJP, especially since it is well received by the upper castes, a traditional BJP vote bank which, of late, has felt alienated. To be sure, though, this has been a long-standing demand—most recently expressed by Mayawati, the chief of the Bahujan Samaj Party—and may well be justified as political action that is long overdue. Regardless, the episode implicitly raises a more fundamental question on how electoral behaviour continues to be defined in this country around religious and caste denominations—exactly why you have political parties defined around such electoral currencies. In turn, this has enabled politicians to pursue a flawed list of priorities for the country—eschewing basic focus areas such as health and education—without being challenged. This is a fatal failure for India as Nobel laureate Amartya Sen pointed out in an interview published in Mint on Monday. According to him, the situation is so dire today that most of the poor neither have a school nor a hospital to turn to for receiving basic education and diagnostic healthcare. And as he points out, this is a systemic failure over the last seven decades: “The main thing is India has never tried to develop on a solid footing either primary healthcare or primary education. In the absence of that, you cannot make anything else stand.” The second cause for thought is that the proposed change is walking a very fine line on social justice. As Dalit scholar Chandra Bhan Prasad pointed out in Mint on Tuesday, that the original idea of reservation for SCs and STs was premised on correcting deprivation forced upon them by centuries of prejudice. A similar justification is missing in the argument justifying enhancing the ceiling on quota to accommodate the economically disadvantaged. Prasad is right in claiming that the latest move will open the door on dilution of the original idea of - Kapilkumar M. Hirpara affirmative action. Editor
Bollywood
Shraddha Kapoor gets down to work
gns, Mumbai Hours after signing up as the lead in a dance film, Shraddha Kapoor has already begun rehearsing for the film’s songs and dances with Varun Dhawan and director choreographer Remo D’Souza. It was interesting to note how quickly Shraddha got back with her ABCD 2 co-star, Varun Dhawan, and director Remo after signing the deal with producer
Bhushan Kumar, who, incidentally, is also bankrolling her film on Saina Nehwal. “Shraddha had to juggle her dates for other films, but then she did not want to waste any time as she cut out on all her holidays and free time and devoted them to the new dance film. ABCD 2 made `100 crore and it is one of the films that Shraddha is very proud of, which was the reason she agreed to do the film in the first place,” says a source.
Actress Bhumi Pednekar who has surprised the audience with her choice of films is now back in action with the film Sonchiraiya. The actress reveals what she took back home after working in a project directed by Abhishek Chaubey. Bhumi says, “Maybe, a lot of people might tell me that it's not my best career decision but this experience enriched me as an actor. Abhishek Chaubey has been in my bucket list for a long time. When he approached
me, I thought it's for a film he is producing but I never expected my fourth film to be an Abhishek Chaubey film.” Set in the 1970s, the film revolves around a small town, which is dominated by rebels who are in the era of dacoits. Bhumi reveals the prep work that went behind her character in the film. She says, “Abhishek told me that it is not a regular movie and would need 10 times more effort than my other films. Just to survive Chambal, you have to become mentally, emotionally and physically strong.” The crew
Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas are on a holiday in the Caribbean gns, Bengaluru
Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas are, reportedly, in the Caribbean. It seems the couple is on an endless vacation mode. Priyanka and Nick, who tied the knot in Jodhpur’s Umaid Bhawan Place in December 2018, have been making the best of their time together, traveling the world. They were first seen spending Christmas in London with their family and close friends. The couple then traveled to Switzerland to wrap up a memorable 2018. And now
Priyanka and Nick are in the Caribbean. While fan pages shared a few clicks of Priyanka and Nick as they stepped off a flight in the Caribbean on Tuesday morning, Priyanka gave a sneak peek by sharing photos on her Instagram story where she could be seen lying on the beach. Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas have been sharing photos on their social media accounts. The latest photo of Nick was shared with the caption, “Walking into 2019 like….” Priyanka too shared a selfie recently and wrote, “Coming at you 2019.”
Hollywood buzz
Mattel and Warner Bros. Pictures announced on Tuesday that Margot Robbie will star as the iconic doll in the franchise's first-ever live-action film. los angeles
Margot Robbie will bring Barbie to life in a live-action film. Mattel and Warner Bros. Pictures announced on Tuesday that Robbie will star as the iconic doll in the franchise’s first-ever live-action film. The 28-year-old I, Tonya actress will also co-produce the film under her LuckyChap Entertainment banner. The Barbie film is the first announced deal to come out of toymaker’s newly-established Mattel Films. The Barbie doll debuted at a New York toy fair in 1959. Robbie said in a statement that she believes the film will have a “tremendously positive impact on children and audiences worldwide.” The Oscar-nominated actress has also starred in Mary Queen of Scots and Suicide Squad.
Pete Davidson and Kate Beckinsale get flirty Kate Beckinsale and Pete Davidson were spotted flirting the night away at the Golden Globes after party.
Kate Beckinsale and Pete Davidson were spotted flirting the night away at the Golden Globes after party, reports EOnline.com. According to a source, he and rapper Machine Gun Kelly first arrived to the soirée together early on. After briefly standing and chatting closely with Beckinsale on the dance floor, Davidson made a quick exit with the rapper. “She was very flirty with him and there were definitely some vibes going on,” the source described. “Pete was smiling and laughing with her and she was all about him.” Pete Davidson broke up with singer Ariana Grande last year after a short-lived engagement. Kate Beckinsale and Pete Davidson were spotted flirting the night away at the Golden Globes after party.
Sonchiraiya enriched me as an actor: Bhumi
gns, New Delhi
Margot Robbie to play Barbie in live-action film
los angeles
Date: 10/01/2019, thursday, Ahmedabad
Aamir Khan reeling from Thugs of Hindostan debacle gns, New Delhi
Ask Aamir Khan how he has been coping with the lacklustre performance of his last release Thugs of Hindostan, and the actor smiles as he says, “I am recovering.” The actor was spotted attending a brunch at a new restaurant owned by Basab Paul who is both his friend and also his exbrother-in-law, as he is married to Anu, the sister of Aamir’s ex-wife, Reena Dutta. “We are related. It’s a long relationship. I don’t know if we are even related now,” Aamir chuckles. Basab quickly butts in, “We are related in two ways. One relationship is going, but the other one is coming.” We are not sure what that means though! In the meanwhile,
Aamir is working on his next film, but refuses to divulge anything more. He volunteers though, “I used to love my brunches, but I am on a strict diet at the moment. I can tell you that this diet is for my next film, but I cannot tell you which one it is. I am getting back into shape for it. I want to only talk about the restaurant now,” is all he offers.
underwent rigorous training which was “hectic and insane”. “It's a revenge chase film, so I had to be fit physically. We underwent a lot of training and we could withstand everything in Chambal because he had physically and mentally prepared us personally,” she added about the film that has been shot in the valleys of Madhya Pradesh. Directed by Abhishek Chaubey, the film also stars Manoj Bajpayee, Ranvir Shorey and Ashutosh Rana in the lead roles.
Thought it was a prank: Deepika on featuring in highest-earning list
gns, Mumbai Newsmaker of 2018, Deepika Padukone who has had an eventful year took to her social media and went LIVE to interact with her fans. The actress spoke at length about all her achievements in the year 2018 Earlier in the year, Deepika Padukone also featured in the TIME Magazine list of 100 most influential people in the world, Variety Magazine's International Women’s Impact report amongst other accomplishments. Emerging as the only woman to win a spot in the top 5 list of the richest Indian celebrities by Forbes, Deepika Padukone has set new precedents. Talking about the same, Deepika shared, "It's really bizarre, Always wondered while growing as to how the people on this list felt who are featured on it and randomly, I don't know I was on the list. Me and my team received this email from them confirming I am on the list last year and I reread the email, thinking if someone was doing a prank". She further adds, "We are in a very interesting time, there is so much talk about diversity equality, and in a time like that breaking into top 5 is something that I will very openly say that I very proud because that hasn't fallen in my Lap and I have worked very hard for it. In terms of remuneration, be it any field we need to acknowledge women's contribution in the field. Deepika began the year with a bang with the magnum opus ‘Padmaavat’.
Priyanka Gandhi a very self-assured woman: Aahana Kumra Mumbai
Lipstick Under my Burkha actor Aahana Kumra, who will be seen as Priyanka Gandhi in The Accidental Prime Minister, says she was excited when she got to know more about Priyanka who is otherwise a very private person. Aahana says, “She is not someone who is out there, she is not much in the limelight so YouTube was a great teacher and helped me with my research
work. In politics, everybody wants to be in the limelight but she is happy about not being popular. She is such a mystery for this whole country and that’s what
makes her interesting.” “She is a very self-assured woman, she is in control of herself. She is a smart woman; I am grateful to play her on screen,” she
added. The film is based on the book of the same name written by Sanjaya Baru, who served as a media advisor for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. In the film, Anupam Kher plays the title role and Akshaye Khanna will be seen as Baru. Aahana who has done a lot of contentdriven films also reveals how politically aware she is. She says, “I come from a politically literate family so I am aware of politics.
3 / Sunvilla Samachar (English Daily)
SPORTS ROUNDUP
Mohamed Salah beat fellow nominees, Liverpool team mate Sadio Mane and Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to the award.
Mohamed Salah voted African Footballer of the Year
Date: 10/01/2019, thursday, Ahmedabad
Shubman Gill described Cheteshwar Pujara’s awe-inspiring batting feat Down Under — three centuries and a half-century in four Tests, and 1,258 balls faced — with reverence.
Cheteshwar Pujara provides inspiration and is a benchmark for youngsters: Shubman Gill
Dakar Egypt striker Mohamed Salah was voted as the African Footballer of the Year for the second successive year at the Confederation of African Football’s awards ceremony in Dakar on Tuesday. Salah beat fellow nominees, Liverpool team mate Sadio Mane and Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. He edged the same two players last year in a vote decided by the technical directors and head coaches of 56 CAF member associations. “This award is very big for me, I love it because I saw it when I was young and I always had a dream to win it one day,” Salah said when collecting his trophy for his 2018 exploits. “I’m proud to win it twice, I must thank my family and my team mates, and I dedicate this award to my country, Egypt.” Salah helped Liverpool reach the 2018 Champions League final but suffered a shoulder injury during the 3-1 defeat by Real Madrid in Kiev. That injury raised doubts about his World Cup participation but he regained fitness to represent Egypt in the finals in Russia, scoring twice as they exited in the first round. He has scored 13 Premier League goals this season to guide Liverpool to the top of the standings.
gns, Kolkata On Tuesday, Shubman Gill, arguably the brightest of young Indian batting talents, spoke about how Cheteshwar Pujara’s exploits in Australia could have a trickle-down effect on the youngsters like him, who aspire to play for the country. “He faced 1200-odd deliveries in Australia. To play that many balls in one series is something really great. It provides inspiration. Scoring 500 runs in a tour/series, for example, is a good performance. But playing 1,200 balls in series sets the benchmark for the youngsters,”
the Punjab teenager, a U-19 World Cup-winner, said. Gill is more of a swashbuckler. Today, he scored 91 off 119 balls against Bengal in the Ranji Trophy match at the JU Salt Lake campus ground. The 19-year-old was disappointed with the manner of his dismissal. Once again, he wants to take a leaf out of Pujara’s book to improve. “I’m pretty happy the way I’m batting now. But surely the way I’m getting out is something I can work on. I can work on certain areas, when I’m batting good. I tend to go with the flow. In Test matches you need to bat the sessions. There’s
Wasim Akram, Moin Khan, Mohsin Khan applaud India on Australia Test series win Karachi
The Pakistan cricket fraternity, including the legendary Wasim Akram, lavished praise on India for becoming the first Asian team to win a Test series in Australia. Akram, one of the game’s greatest fast bowlers, said that the team gelled well as a unit and were ably led by Virat Kohli. “I think Virat Kohli deserves lot of praise for this performance and I would think this success can be put down to the solid domestic cricket structure in India,” Akram said at a function. On Tuesday, the country’s Prime Minister and former cricket captain, Imran Khan, congratulated India on
becoming the first Asian team to win a Test series in Australia. “Congratulations to Virat Kohli and the Indian cricket team for the first ever win by a subcontinent team in a test series in Australia,”
Khan had tweeted. Another excaptain, Moin Khan, said that winning in Australia was never an easy task for any team from Asia and India deserved credit for their victory.
a period when a bowler would be bowling good. There would be sessions when I will get runs. You have to differentiate those sessions. “There’s a lot to learn from his (Pujara) batting (in this regard). His patience; the way he blunted such a world-class pace attack on those wickets. It was phenomenal. The majority of the batsmen these days focus on scoring runs. Very few concentrate on batting for a whole day. His batting inspires us.” Gill described Pujara’s awe-inspiring batting feat Down Under — three centuries and a half-century in four Tests, and 1,258 balls faced — with reverence.
Mardy Fish to step up as USA Davis Cup captain: Report gns, New Delhi
Former top-10 player Mardy Fish will be the new captain of the US Davis Cup team, taking over the job as the event shifts to a drastically different setup. A person familiar with the US Tennis Association’s (USTA) choice told The Associated Press on Tuesday that Fish will replace former captain Jim Courier, who stepped down in September after eight years leading the Americans. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the USTA scheduled a formal announcement about Fish on Wednesday. The 37-year-old Fish won six titles in singles and eight in doubles as a player, earned a silver medal for the United States at the 2004 Athens Olympics in singles and competed in the Davis Cup from 2002-12. He made it to the quarterfinals at three Grand Slam tournaments and reached a career-best ranking of No. 7. When Fish retired from the tennis tour in 2015 after dealing with what he described that year as “severe anxiety disorder,” Roger Federer described him as “one of the great ball-strikers of the last 15 years.”
Hardik Pandya apologises for comments on Koffee with Karan; BCCI seeks explanation Hardik Pandya apologised for his comments on TV show Koffee with Karan which is hosted by Karan Johar. Many slammed his comments as misogynist and sexist. Mumbai India cricketer Hardik Pandya has apologised for what many on social media construed as misogynist and sexist comments on TV show Koffee with Karan. In his brief apology posted on his Twitter account, Pandya said he “got carried away with the nature of the show” while not meaning to “disrespect or hurt anyone’s sentiments”. In the tweet Pandya said, “After reflecting on my comments on Koffee with Karan, I would like to apologise to everyone concerned who I may have hurt in a way. Honestly, I got a bit carried away with the nature of the show. In no way did I mean to disrespect of hurt anyone’s sentiments. Respect.” “We have sent showcause notices to Hardik Pandya and K L Rahul for their comments. They have been given 24 hours to give an
explanation,” Chairman of the Committee of Administrators that runs the BCCI, Vinod Rai, told news agancy. Criticism started coming Pandya’s way soon after and it is learnt that he was ticked off by the BCCI top brass. According to a source, his comments were deemed “crass and cringeworthy” and might have a bearing on whether Indian cricketers appear on “such noncricket shows” after this. “It will be considered whether players should even be allowed to appear on such shows which have got nothing to do with cricket,” a BCCI source told repoter. Former BCCI general manager Ratnakar Shetty called Pandya’s conduct a “disgrace to the cricket community.” Shetty tweeted, “It is time the BCCI decides to take corrective steps for cricketers who talk rubbish on public platforms.
Business
Members of Finland Chamber of Commerce in Indiaconvene their first meeting in Delhi ss news, Ahmedabad
The Members of the Finland Chamber of Commerce in India (FINCHAM) convened their first plenary session on December 13th, 2018 at the Embassy of Finland in New Delhi. The Meeting was well attended by members, including the honorary members - Her Excellency, Ms. Nina Vaskunlahti, Ambassador of Finland in India, Mr. Mikko Potsonen, Counsellor, Embassy of Finland, andMr. Jukka Holappa, Commercial Counsellor, Business Finland. Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Neeraj Sharma, Chairman, FINCHAM and Managing Director & President, Wärtsilä India reiterated the role of FINCHAM being an organized platform to discuss and identify
common issues regarding economic and trade interests. “FINCHAM has been established to bring together Finnish companies from all sectors and stages of establishment in India. The core aim of the Chamber is to provide members with unique opportunities for continuous learning & development and to leverage opportunities related to corporate affairs and social responsibility.
BMW Motorrad India stirs the premium motorcycle segment with outstanding sales of 2,187 units in its first full year of operations.
ss news, Ahmedabad Continuing its momentum, BMW Group India has delivered its most robust performance till date with all three brands - BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad. BMW Group India delivered 11,105 cars (BMW + MINI) in 2018, registering a growth of 13% as compared to 2017. BMW India achieved highest ever sales of 10,405 units clocking 11% growth. MINI India accelerated with unprecedented growth of 66% with 700 units, further strengthening its position in the small-premium car segment. By selling 2,187 motorcycles in the first full year of operations, BMW Motorrad India has successfully created an intense demand for the ultimate riding machine. BMW 5 Series and BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo have contributed strongly to
the growth story. BMW also saw significant contribution of upto 50% coming from the locally-produced Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) range with strong contribution from the new BMW X3. Presently, BMW X1, BMW X3 and BMW X5 are locally-produced at BMW Group Plant Chennai. In 2019, the plant will also start local production of BMW X4 and BMW X7. The iconic MINI Hatch and the now locally-produced MINI Countryman together commanded a share of over 60% in MINI sales making headway for its striking growth. The much-awaited BMW G 310 R and BMW G 310 GS led the outstanding growth of BMW Motorrad India with over 75% contribution to sales. BMW S 1000 RR, BMW R 1200 GS and BMW R 1200 GSA were a favorite among motorcycle enthusiasts.
HERO MOTOSPORTS TEAM RALLY POSTS A STRONG FINISH TO A CHALLENGING SECOND STAGE ss news, Ahmedabad
The first full stage of the Dakar kicked off from Pisco, taking the Rally all the way to San Juan De Marcona over a total distance of 552 km, including a 342 km long special. The cars started the stage followed by the Bikes. It was a challenging, yet positive day for Hero MotoSports Team Rally as all three of its riders successfully completed the second stage of the Dakar Rally 2019. Continuing his good run, Oriol Mena was the first one to head out and brought home a solid 17th place finish. In overall standings, he is at 16th position at the end of stage 2. In a fast stage that offered a mix of hard piste, dunes and some seaside riding as well, Mena tackled all of it with ease. Joaquim Rodrigues and C S Santosh met with some difficulties during the stage, with both having to deal with technical glitches. JRod had to stop and attend to a fuel issue and lost some time there, while Santosh also had to ride with caution in the second part of the stage sensing some trouble with his clutch. JRod and Santosh
finished the stage 2 in 34th and 37th position respectively. In the overall standings, JRodis atthe 32nd spot while Santosh is at the 33rd position. Overall, a very well tackled stage by Hero MotoSports riders, even with the technical glitches troubling them, to ensure 100% arrival of the team across the finish line today. In stage 3, the rally will move to Arequipa for an even longer stage of 799 km, including a 331 km long special section, subjecting the competitors to more challenging dunes.
Five impressive and solid reasons why New Zealand rocks ss news, Mumbai
New Zealand is a geological wonderland featuring a range of fascinating formations, some as old as time, some more recent arrivals. Smooth round spheres or squished pancake stones, New Zealand boasts all manner of rocky curiosities that make visitors scratch their heads. What are they? How did they form? Here’s a brief guide to some of the country’s most interesting and otherworldly arrangements. The 2016 Kaikōura earthquake unearthed a cluster of previously unseen stones. The size of beach balls, these newest kids on the geological block have been dubbed “dinosaur eggs”. Part of the uplifted seabed at Gooch’s Beach, the boulders are concretions – distinctive masses of mineral
material that have embedded themselves in sedimentary rock. Some are cracked in two while others are perfect spheres. One thing is certain: they were not apparent before the mighty November shake. The question on all the locals’ lips is will these stony orbs give New Zealand’s famous Moeraki Boulders a run for their money?
4 / Sunvilla Samachar (English Daily)
Date: 10/01/2019, thursday, Ahmedabad
Gujarat will soon be home to the largest cricket stadium in the world
SS NEWS, Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad will soon get the world's largest cricket stadium leaving the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) far behind. Gujarat Cricket Association Vice-President Parimal Nathwani posted images of the under-construction stadium and hailed it as a symbol of national pride. The Sardar Patel Stadium in Montera, Ahmedabad is being renovated to accommodate over 1 lakh spectators from the existing 49,000. The stadium commonly referred to as the Montera Stadium, is being redeveloped
BJP's Chhabil Patel, 5 Others Named in Ex-Lawmaker's Murder in Gujarat SS NEWS, Ahmedabad
across 63 acres under architect firm M/s Populous. According to a report in The Indian Express, the estimated cost of the project is Rs 700 crore and
Farmers march against Ongoing Water Scarcity in Gujarat SS NEWS, Ahmedabad
Tens of thousands of farmers marched on the streets of Surat in Gujarat on 8th January against the continuing water shortage in the district. They also urged the state government to supply water for irrigation purpose for 80 days instead of 42 days during the summer season. Farmers, under the banner of Khedut Samaj, also demanded to withdraw its circular asking growers to not grow paddy next summer. Farmers, mainly from Kamrej, Bardoli, Olpad, Palsana and Chorryasi tehsils, gathered at Jehangirpura and marched towards the Irrigation Department office in Athwalines area where they had submitted a memo of their demands to S R Mahakal, Superintendent Engineer. The memorandum, which was addressed to CM Vijay Rupani demanded water for 80 days i.e. 20 days in the month of January & February, 20 days in March & April, 20 days in April & May, and remaining 20 days in May & June. Following a scarce monsoon last year and less rainfall in the catchment areas, the level of water in Ukai dam remained at 318.56 feet. After which the Irrigation Department decided to release water from the dam for 22 days in March while 20 days in April.
the construction tender has been given to Larsen & Toubro. The edifice will boast three practice grounds, an indoor cricket academy and 76 corporate boxes.
Gujarat BJP leader Chhabil Patel and five others, including his son and a woman, have been shown as suspects in an FIR lodged by Railway Police Wednesday in the murder former BJP MLA Jayanti Bhanushali. Bhanushali was shot dead on a moving train Tuesday. The police, however, said that none of them has been shown as "accused" yet, and no one has been arrested so far. The first information report (FIR) was registered Wednesday at the Gandhidham Railway police station in Kutch district against unidentified persons. The FIR is based on the complaint given by his nephew Sunil Bhanushali, who accused
the slain leader's political rival Chhabil Patel of orchestrating the murder. Police sub-inspector C S Saundarva said the FIR named six persons
Fearing losses, farmers demand water for irrigation
As many as 10 central trade unions except the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh are protesting against the government's alleged anti-labour policies and unilateral labour reforms.
Bharat Bandh: Banks, post offices hit by strike in Gujarat on Day 2 SS NEWS, Ahmedabad
Banking and postal services continued to be affected in Gujarat on the second day of the two-day strike called by central trade unions Wednesday.Unions also staged protest marches and demonstrations in major cities, said Arun Mehta, general secretary of the
Gujarat unit of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU). Thousands of more Anganwadi (state-run child care centres) and ASHA (accredited social health activists) workers joined in the protest on the second day, taking out rallies in Anand, Morbi and Palanpur, he said. Postal employees took part in the strike under
the banner of the Postal Joint Council of Action. Staying away from work, they staged demonstrations, forcing post offices to down the shutters, he said. "More Anganwadi and ASHA workers joined in the strike Wednesday, taking the number of striking workers beyond 10 lakh," claimed Mehta. Workers in industrial
units at Ankleshwar in Bharuch and those at ports also joined in the shut-down, he said. Banking services were partially hit, with around 40,000 employees of public sector banks except State Bank of India stayed away from work, said Janak Rawal, general secretary of the Mahagujarat Bank Employees Association.
SC Rejects Gujarat Govt's Plea, Says Final Report on Fake Encounters be Given to Parties gns, Ahmedabad The Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected the Gujarat government's plea to maintain confidentiality of the final report of the Justice H S Bedi committee on 24 alleged fake encounter cases from 2002 to 2006 in the state and ordered that it be given to petitioners including poet and lyricist
Javed Akhtar. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said it was Akhtar and veteran journalist B G Verghese, since dead, who had set the "ball rolling" by filing petitions in the case, and the copies of the panel's report need to be given to them besides the state government. The bench, which also comprised Justcies L Nageswara Rao and S K
Kaul, made clear however that it was neither accepting nor rejecting the 221-page report of the committee at this stage. It said it would deal with this aspect later and directed that the parties including the state government file their responses or objections, if any, within four weeks from receiving the report. "We are of the view that the copy of
including Chhabil Patel as "suspects". Other suspects were Patel's son Siddharth Patel, Manisha Goswami, Jayanti Thakkar, Umesh Parmar and Surjit Bhau, he said. "These six persons have been shown only as suspects, not as accused. The FIR was lodged on the complaint given by Sunil Bhanushali," said Saundarva. Bhanushali represented Abdasa Assembly constituency in Kutch from 2007 to 2012. Chhabil Patel, a Congress candidate then, defeated him in the 2012 Assembly election. Within two years, Patel switched sides and joined the BJP but lost the resultant by-poll for the seat in 2014. In 2017, the party chose Patel over Bhanushali for Abdasa seat, but he lost to a Congress candidate.
the report should be furnished to the petitioners as well as the Gujarat government to file their response," said the bench. The top court was hearing two PILs filed in 2007 by Verghese and Akhtar, seeking a direction for a probe by an independent agency or the CBI so the "truth may come out". Verghese passed away on December 30, 2014.
SS NEWS, SURAT Tens of thousands of farmers from Surat district participated in a ‘Jal Yatra’ organized by Gujarat Khedut Samaj (GKS) on Tuesday to protest against irrigation department’s circular to slash water rotation (release into canal in a year) to just 42 days and also asking them to not cultivate paddy crop in summer. The rally was flagged off from Jehangirpura and it culminated at the irrigation department office at Athwalines where the farmers shouted slogans against the state government for harassing them. Ukai-Kakrapar command area cultivates Rs5,000 crore worth of cash crops, including sugar cane per
annum. This time around the water level in Ukai dam was at 318 feet and that from 80 water rotation decided by the irrigation department, only 42 water rotation is being given from January 19 to May 19-the sowing season for sugar cane, paddy and vegetables. GKS president Jayesh Patel said, “At present, the water level in Ukai reservoir is 308 feet and that the irrigation department could easily set 80 water rotation for agriculture sector in the district. However, the same has been slashed to just 42 day rotation. Farmers will suffer huge losses due to slashing of the rotation and that there will be a severe problem of white flies in the cane fields due to non-irrigation of the fields.”
international
Malaysia’s Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau Leads Delegation of 13 to India, Launching New Incentives and Support for the India Market ss news, Ahmedabad
India — The Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB)launched its first sales mission to Ahmedabad this morning at the Crown Plaza Hotel as part of the second edition of its Penang Sales Mission to India. Led by Ashwin Gunasekeran, Chief Executive Officer of PCEB, the mission is supported by a Penang delegation of 12 partners, including hotels, destination management companies, attractions and theme park, professional conference organisers, event experts, and PCEB’s strategic airline partner, Malaysia Airlines. Beginning the mission in Chennai on 7 Jan, the Penang delegation will continue on to Mumbai on 11 Jan and New Delhi on 14 Jan with the objective of promoting Penang as the preferred destination for corporate and association meetings, conferences, and incentives, and leisure travel. Capitalising on Penang’s rising popularity in India, the Penang Sales Mission to India
will host, in each of the four cities it is visiting, a B2B engagement session with participating Business Events and leisure travel buyers from India as well as a media session with the local Indian and Business Events media. , visit : https:// www.pceb.my/penangroadshow.php Penang’s state executive councillor for Tourism Development, Heritage, Arts & Culture, the Honourable Mr Yeoh Soon Hin will be attending the New Delhi leg where he will be having official meetings with tourism authorities and key players in India. “This mission is joined by some of Penang’s finest offerings in the hospitality, travel and events sectors, and will showcase the best of what Penang can offer to the Indian market,” he added. Penang is worldclass travel destination, one that is famed for its unique offerings of an modern international island city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lush rainforests, beautiful hill station, shopping galore and fabulous food. Additionally, this Northern Malaysian state is also a rising
Business Events destination. Currently, Penang is the top ranked second-tier destination in Malaysia in the ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association). “India is one of the top five markets for Business Events in Penang, and over the past year, we have received encouraging interest from event planners
and conference organisers,” says Ashwin Gunasekeran, the Chief Executive Officer of PCEB. In 2017, 13% of Business Events of Asia Pacific origin was from India, contributing RM190 mil or USD 46 million. In 2018, Penang’s largest Business Event – V Con 2018 – which saw a participation of 16,000 delegates
from around the world reported that 80% of their delegates were from India. The number of Indian travellers flying in to Penang has also increased in recent years. The Penang Immigration Department reported that for the period between Jan to Nov2018, 7,250 Indian travellers flew into the Penang International Airport, compared to 6,569 in the same period in 2017. The 10.37% increase came despite there not being direct flights between Penang and India. To further attract the Indian outbound meetings and conference market, PCEB introduced a new support package specially tailored for India. The support packages start from as low as sponsorship of souvenirs and welcome luncheon for the organisers valued at RM2,000 (for confirmed meetings/ conferences of 50 to 100 delegates) to hosted site inspections, welcome luncheon for organisers, cultural performances and souvenirs valued at RM15,000 (for incentive groups of 501 delegates and above. Given the encouraging media coverage of the Penang Sales Mission to India last year,
PCEB is also announced that it is running the #BusinessEventsPenang Media Award for India 2019. The award – four full expense paid trip inclusive of flights to Penang for 5D4N to attend PCEB’s BE @ Penang 2019 conference and the media familiarisation tour from 4th to 8th Dec 2019. Journalists and writers interested in vying for this award must submit the published article or news coverage on the Penang Sales Mission to India 2019 to PCEB by 28th March 2019. Should the submission be in a language other than English, the English translation must be provided. A panel of judges will judge the best reporting for each city, and the announcement of the winner will be made by the end of April 2019. In the past year, PCEB has heavily invested in marketing Penang to India, as the potential for growth from the Indian market is vast. Besides the Penang Sales Mission to India 2018 which saw PCEB leading 17 partners to Kolkata, New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore, PCEB also joined the Global Panorama Showcase on its 8-city roadshow in 2018.
Lawyer: Harvey Weinstein’s criminal trial scheduled for May 6
Harvey Weinstein's lawyer says the disgraced Hollywood mogul's sexual assault trial is scheduled for May 6, but court officials say that's tentative and unofficial.
New York
Harvey Weinstein’s lawyer says the disgraced Hollywood mogul’s sexual assault trial in New York is scheduled for May 6, but court officials say that’s tentative and unofficial. Lawyer Benjamin Brafman mentioned the date in a
court filing Monday in a civil case against Weinstein. He wants actress Ashley Judd’s lawsuit put on hold until Weinstein’s criminal case is resolved. A court spokesman said Tuesday that an early May trial date had been discussed, but that nothing was official. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for March
7. A judge last month denied a defense motion seeking to dismiss the case. The 66-year-old Weinstein is charged with raping an unidentified female acquaintance in 2013 and performing a forcible sex act on a different woman in 2006. He denies all allegations of nonconsensual sex.
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