Bhatia in housing society row

Former IAS officer and anti-corruption crusader Arun Bhatia has lodged a complaint against some office-bearers of his residential complex for barring him from entering the society premises. Bhatia and his wife were returning to their home at Blue Hill Society after going to a restaurant in the wee hours of March 20 when the security guards refused to allow his car into the premises.

According to Bhatia's complaint, security guards posted at the front and rear gate of Blue Hill Society did not allow his car to enter the society premises. When questioned, they said that they were following the society office-bearers' orders.

Bhatia informed the police that the incident was the outcome of his complaint lodged at the Sub Registrar of Co-operative Societies office, alleging corruption by the office-bearers.

Funds, power abuse
In a complaint registered at the Yerawada police station, Bhatia named society manager T Nanda, treasurer Rane, Khirwadkar, Ruksana and Anil Bhat.

"It all started after special audit pointed out that officer-bearer Nanda had misappropriated the society's money for personal gain and even used it for personal trips. We have sought explanation from him several times, but he has avoided our requests," Bhatia said. "Three days ago, Nanda, Khirwadkar and Bhat had ordered cutting of several trees on our society premises. I complained to PMC and the authorities conducted panchanama of tree cutting.

He added that after he raised the issues of corruption, the office-bearers were singling him and his wife out by not picking up garbage or cleaning out landings.

Accused booked
Police Inspector Vishwanth Ghanvat said, "I am investigating the case and so far no action has been taken." The police booked those named in Bhatia's complaint under various sections of the Indian Penal Code for wrongfully restraining a person and for abetting the commission of an offence.

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BRICS Summit: Expected announcements and initiatives

NEW DELHI: The fourth BRICS summit will be hosted here from March 29, 2012. The BRIC acronym was coined in 2001 by Goldman Sachs economist Jim O'Neill, who was searching for a catchy way to encapsulate the broader shift in global economic growth towards emerging markets. South Africa joined the grouping in 2010 so that it became BRICS.

The countries held their first summit in 2009 and have been criticised since as nothing more than an empty acronym as they struggle to find common cause from four different continents with radically different economies, systems of government and competing priorities.

Here is a look at the likely announcements that will be made during the summit:

> The BRICS group of emerging world powerhouses - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - is expected to launch plans this week for a joint development bank and measures to bring their stock exchanges closer together.

The initiative would allow the countries to pool resources for infrastructure improvements, and could also be used in the longer term as a vehicle for lending during global financial crises such as the one in Europe, officials say.

> A benchmark equity index derivative shared by the stock exchanges of the five BRICS nations will be launched on Friday, the exchanges involved said earlier this month. They would be cross-listed, so can be bought in local currencies.

> The leaders are also expected to sign agreements allowing their individual development banks to extend credit to other members in local currency, a step towards replacing the dollar as the main unit of trade between them.

> A senior Indian government source said the Middle East and energy security will be high on the agenda, including Iran. The Russian ambassador in New Delhi said that a discussion on Syria would be among his country's top priorities.

> While the plenary session on Thursday is likely to focus on common ground, bilateral meetings could touch on more sensitive issues.

> China said the meeting of the leaders of the top five emerging economies would discuss collective measures to boost cooperation among them and take steps to jointly respond to common challenges.

The summit meeting of the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) is being held in the back drop of changing landscape of international economy, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Hong Lei said.

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Tibetan self-immolation activist in India dies

A Tibetan activist who set himself on fire at a protest in the Indian capital, Delhi, has died, doctors say.

Jamphel Yeshi was being treated in hospital with 90% burns to his body.
His set himself alight on Monday at a protest against the visit by Chinese President Hu Jintao for Thursday's summit of the Brics nations - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
In recent months at least 25 Tibetans in China have set themselves alight against Beijing's rule of Tibet.
Disturbing pictures from Monday's demonstration showed Yeshi running in flames past other protesters.
"No one knew of his plans. He did this act to fight for the rights of all the Tibetans," AFP quoted Yeshi's cousin, Sonam Wangyal, as saying before the news of his death.
China's leaders say the Tibetan areas are an inseparable part of the country.
Most of the self-immolations have taken place in Tibetan parts of Sichuan province.
Associated Press news agency said the self-immolation in Delhi was the second in India recently. Last year a Tibetan exile set himself on fire outside the Chinese embassy, suffering minor burns.
A Tibetan government in exile is located in the northern Indian city of Dharamsala.

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Appeals in India over Rajoana hanging

Efforts have intensified in India's Punjab state to save Balwant Singh Rajoana, a prisoner on death row for his role in the 1995 murder of then state Chief Minister Beant Singh.

Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal is due to meet President Pratibha Patil to seek clemency for Rajoana.

Several opposition parties and Sikh groups have called a strike demanding a halt to the impending execution.

A Chandigarh court on Tuesday ordered the hanging to take place on Saturday.

Rajoana, who was sentenced in 2007, has not appealed against the sentence, although other convicted co-conspirators have had their death sentences reduced on appeal.

If carried out, the execution would be the first in India since 2004.

Tight security

Speaking to reporters, Mr Badal said he would meet President Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday and seek clemency for Rajoana.

"I will tell the president that the legal process is still on and request that the hanging be deferred. Law must be followed in the country," he said.

Punjab's Advocate General Anupinder Singh Grewal said the government would appeal to a higher court to stop the execution.

Meanwhile, security has been tightened across the state with paramilitary troops carrying out marches across various town and cities to ensure peace.

Patiala Central Jail, where Rajoana is being held, has been turned into a fortress and all roads leading to the prison have been barricaded.

On Tuesday, the superintendent of Patiala Central Jail Lakhwinder Singh Jakhar told the court that he was unable to carry out the sentence because a mercy petition for Rajoana and another man convicted in the case were before the president.

A rights group has also appealed to the Supreme Court to stay the execution.

The family of Beant Singh has also said it has forgiven Rajoana and would like his death penalty commuted to life in prison.

Only the president or the Supreme Court can stop an execution.

Rajoana's impending execution has provoked protests outside India in the Sikh diaspora, with demonstrations planned in Birmingham for Wednesday and London on Thursday.

Beant Singh was killed on 31 August along with 17 others by a suicide bomber identified as Dilawar Singh. Rajoana was convicted of acting as a back-up suicide bomber should Singh have failed.

Executions are rare in India where hundreds of convicts are awaiting the death penalty, including the killers of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.

Pakistani national Mohammad Ajmal Amir Qasab - the sole surviving gunman of the 2008 Mumbai attacks - is also on death row. The Supreme Court has stayed Qasab's execution while an appeal is considered.

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Political outrage over army chief's leaked letter, parties demand action

New Delhi:  The chief of the Indian army General VK Singh may have skidded past the point of no-return on his collision course with the government. A letter from him to the Prime Minister, warning that India's security is at risk, has been leaked to the media.

Opposition parties in Parliament demanded that the government take action against whoever is responsible, expressing as much concern over the leak of the letter as its contents.

Many blame the army chief, suggesting that this is his latest attempt to embarrass the Defence Ministry. A series of leaders from opposition parties, including Lalu Prasad Yadav, said the army chief should be removed for breaching confidentiality and compromising institutional integrity.

In his letter, dated March 12, General VK Singh asks the Prime Minister to "pass suitable directions to enhance the preparedness of the Army". The chief describes the state of artillery, air defence, and infantry as "alarming." He writes the Army's tanks are "devoid of critical ammunition to defeat enemy tanks" and air defence is "97% obsolete."

In Parliament,  Defence Minister AK Antony described the letter as "top-secret." He said publishing "secret communication within government cannot serve our national security" -a thinly-veiled indictment of General Singh.

The details of the army's weaknesses and its chasm with the government are now part of the imagery on display for Chinese President Hu Jintao who is in Delhi to the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) summit that begins tomorrow.  On Monday, the army chief revealed that he had been offered a bribe of 14 crores to clear sub-standard trucks in 2010.  The Defence Minister retorted yesterday that he had asked the chief to take action against the retired defence officer who offered him the kickback, but the army chief had refused.

The skirmish over the bribe has been eclipsed by the army chief's letter. Many Opposition leaders said the person responsible for the leak must be identified and punished.  "Responsibility will have to be fixed and action be taken, irrespective of the position they may hold in the defence forces or the civilian administration. And that assurance must be given, and that is what we want," said the Left's Sitaram Yechury.

Politicians like Lalu Prasad Yadav blamed the chief and asked for his immediate removal. "He is acting like someone who wants to stand for election...remove him" said Lalu Prasad Yadav.

Ram Gopal Yadav of the Samajwadi Party and Shivanand Tewari of the Janta Dal (United) agreed.  But Arun Jaitley of the BJP pointed out that alleged lapses in the procurement of equipment, as highlighted by the army chief, should be addressed urgently, though privately.

Former army chief Shankar Roy Chowdhury said that the government has been alerted repeatedly to the exigent need to upgrade the army's resources. "This is not a new thing...it is occupying media space because of the leaks," he said.  "Pakistan must be laughing... rest assured Pakistan knows about it, China knows about it," he added.
 
The army chief is set to retire at the end of May.  Many believe that this week's developments suggest he is hungry for revenge before he exits office.

For most of last year, the minister and the Army chief fought a long battle over General Singh's age. The government refused to accept that General Singh was born in 1951 and not 1950.

Records with the army show both years, but the government said that documents used to establish his seniority and promotions declared 1950 as his year of birth and could not be amended. The Army chief took the unprecedented action of taking the government to court. But he dropped his petition after Supreme Court judges indicated they were unlikely to accept his arguments.

Read more at: http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/in-letter-to-pm-army-chief-warns-indias-security-is-in-danger-190847&cp

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Rajoana sentence: Punjab tries to keep matter hanging

Radical Sikhs outfits Dal Khalsa and Khalsa Action Committee have asked the people to observe a 'bandh' on Wednesday in protest against the proposed hanging of Balwant Singh Rajoana sentenced to death for killing former Punjab chief minister Beant Singh.
Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh

Badal is also likely to meet President Pratibha Patil in Delhi today.

Referring to the bandh, the two Sikh groups said "we appeal to a cross section of Punjabi society to close their business establishments, schools, colleges and shops to protest against the hanging of fixed for March 31.
Prohibitory orders were clamped and police and paramilitary forces personnel conducted flag marches in parts of Punjab which was on high alert ahead of Punjab Bandh on Wednesday.
Security forces conducted flag march in the state for the third day on Tuesday including in Moga, Jalandhar, Amritsar and Ludhiana to instill a sense of confidence among the residents.
Activists of some Sikh organisations took out a protest march at some places today and raised slogans in favour of Rajoana and demanded clemency for him.
Security around the Central Jail at Patiala, where Rajoana is lodged, has been beefed up by erecting additional security check points and
restricting the entry of those going towards the prison side.
Official sources said that only persons with bonafide work are being allowed to proceed towards the Central Jail.
Rajoana, as per a court order, will be hanged on March 31 at Central Jail Patiala.
Incoming traffic from neighbouring states, including Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh was also being thoroughly checked at the inter-state borders.
Security along various national and state highways as also around railway installations has also been beefed.
Security personnel have been deployed in strength in sensitive areas and patrolling intensified to maintain peace and order in the next few days in view of the tension over the issue of death sentence to Rajoana, a Babbar Khalsa militant.
The SAD-BJP government and the Congress in the state have demanded grant of clemency to Rajoana.
Punjab's DGP Sumedh Singh Saini has directed the district police chiefs to take all preventive and necessary steps to maintain peace.
Police have set up special control rooms to monitor the security situation. Extra forces have been deployed around sensitive installations.
A few companies of paramilitary forces and of the Punjab Armed Police (PAP) have been deployed at Amritsar, Patiala, Batala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana and other places.
The All India Sikh Students Federation said it will extend its full support to the Punjab Bandh.
AISSF President Karnail Singh Peer Mohammed, who was present in the court here today, told reporters that the Federation and other Sikh activists will organise debates, hold congregations and conferences tomorrow and raise the Rajoana issue.
Trade and industry bodies have appealed to the Punjab government to ensure peace in the state in the wake of various Sikh organisations giving a bandh call in view of the possible execution of Balwant Singh Rajoana.
"We want peace and tranquillity to be maintained on Wednesday (in the wake of bandh call)," former Chairman of CII, Amritsar
zone, Gunbir Singh said.
"It (Rajoana issue) is a political matter and we do not want to get into it. If anybody wants to shut down his unit or shop, he can do so. But we are not going to direct our fellow industrialists to support the bandh call," Chamber of Industrial and Commercial Undertaking, General Secretary Avtar Singh said.
Punjab is well known for its garment, bicycle and auto parts manufacturing industries.

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As tributes flow, Rahul Dravid is moved to tears

MUMBAI: "I had made a pact with myself that I would not cry at any of the functions organized for me over the last three weeks, but I think today that's been tested to the limit," said Rahul Dravid, voice choking with emotion during the felicitation ceremony organized for him by BCCI on a warm Tuesday night.

In Pics: Rahul Dravid felicitated by BCCI

Tributes flowed just like Dravid's strokeplay during his halcyon years (between 2002 and 2006) as former teammates Anil Kumble, Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman and MS Dhoni waxed eloquent about the WALL.

The only surprising omissions in the guest list that included Indian cricket's who's who, both past and present, were Sachin Tendulkar, with whom Dravid had shared most century partnerships and has scored most runs, and India's first World Cup winning skipper Kapil Dev. Probably, both had prior commitments.

BCCI President N Srinivasan was indisposed due to ill health but sent a recorded message and called Dravid one of India's most selfless cricketers.

"Cricket's given me some of my most unbelievable experiences," Dravid said, trying hard to stop the tears from rolling down his cheeks. "I've experienced some unbelievable victories and some crushing defeats. What I've learnt through them is that tough times do pass and we can endure and we can survive. Playing for India humbled me and made me appreciate what I did for so long," Dravid said amidst rapturous applause.

Calling himself lucky to be at the "right place at the right time", Dravid went on to salute the backroom boys of Indian cricket. "I want to thank the groundsmen, scorers, umpires and people who work in honorary positions just to help organize a game of cricket and set the stage for us to perform, because without them these hundreds and these achievements wouldn't have been possible."

The man responsible for many a glorious overseas Indian triumph also thanked the BCCI for making Indian cricket the force that it is today.

"When I started in 1996, Indian cricketers were treated much like second class citizens. We always toured England in the first half of their summer and were made to play on some of the smaller county grounds. Indian cricketers have changed that but the BCCI has played its role in making us the big boys of international cricket."

Dravid, who was vice-captain to Sourav Ganguly for almost five years, also paid his former captain rich tributes. "We've been captain and vice-captain for more than five years and the relationship is almost like a husband and wife. We've had out ups and downs, but I think we've both come out of it with flying colours."

Ganguly, on his part called Dravid as one of greatest No. 3 batsmen overseas that the world has ever produced, but rated his innings of 180 against Australia at the Eden Gardens in 2001 as his best.

Indian skipper MS Dhoni, who made his Test debut under Dravid's captaincy in 2005, said, "Dravid is someone who walked through obstacles and not around them."

WHAT THEY SAID:

"Laxy, without you, Kolkata wouldn't have been possible and it was the greatest innings played by an Indian. I'll miss your company at second slip where we discussed domestic cricket and why architects and contractors aren't doing a good job." - Dravid to VVS Laxman.

"Anil, I'll miss your intensity and desire. I'm not sure I'll miss the vegetarian meal, without onion and garlic." - Dravid to Anil Kumble.

"Sourav, ours was a great partnership. As you would expect with captains and vice-captains, it was like a relationship between husband and wives. We have come out with flying colours." - Dravid to Sourav Ganguly.

"During my captaincy you (Dravid) and John (Wright) did a lot of work behind the doors to build a strong Indian team. Your are one of the best No.3 batsman in world cricket, I have seen. You were one of the pillars which took Indian cricket forward. You are one of the greatest batsmen not just in India but in world cricket." - Ganguly to Dravid.

"Mahi, watching you lift the World Cup was great after what happened in 2007. As a 10-year-old I had watched Kapil Dev lifting the World Cup in 1983. You have inspired a whole bunch of 10 year olds by what you and the team did last year. You have the right temperament and ability to take forward the legacy of Indian cricket." - Dravid to MS Dhoni.

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As tributes flow, Rahul Dravid is moved to tears

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Bribe offer taped, more proof soon, warn Army chief's friends

NEW DELHI: Supporters of Army chief General V K Singh are claiming that not only does a tape exist of his meeting with Lt Gen Tejinder Singh (retd), but more evidence would emerge in the coming days.

According to Gen Singh's friends, there is a tape of the conversation between Gen Singh and Lt Gen Tejinder Singh, retired chief of the Defence Intelligence Agency, where the latter offered a bribe of Rs 14 crore for facilitating purchase of 600 substandard Tatra trucks by the Army.

CBI sources said that an anonymous person sent the tape of the purported conversation between the Army chief and retired Lt General Singh, the alleged bribe-giver.

Sources also said that during the course of conversation the pitch of voice purportedly belonging to General Singh suddenly rises, but stressed that the contents have not been verified.

"Whatever he has spoken is 100% true," said Col R S N Singh, a sympathizer of the Army chief.

The tape contains the conversation that ends with Gen Singh shouting at the other person and asking him to leave his office. During the conversation, the other person also told Gen Singh that his predecessors too were on the take.

"You can't actually put down a man who has nothing to hide," Col Singh said of the Army chief. The tape was "only the tip of the iceberg", and more evidence would emerge soon, he said. "General V K Singh doesn't talk in thin air. He has a lot of capacity to strike back at an opportune time," he added.

Col Singh also hinted that there may be further proof, including documents, with the Army chief, to buttress his claim about the bribe offer.

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Gandhi was a 'power', says President Patil

President Pratibha Patil on Sunday said that Mahatma Gandhi was not just a person, but a "power" whose teachings can give the youth new strength and vision.

Speaking at a gathering after inaugurating Gandhi Research Foundation in Jalgaon, Patil said she was happy that memorabilia

and writings of the father of the nation would be housed in this institute in her hometown.

"Gandhiji had visited Jalgaon in 1927," she said. "It is necessary not only to know Gandhiji, but also to understand his thoughts. If the youth understand Gandhiji completely, then a new strength and vision will be created among the present generation. Gandhi was not just a person, but a power," she added.
Patil also called for introspection on whether Gandhiji's ideals and principles were being followed.

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Govinda gets bail in assault case

Govinda was granted bail today by a Mumbai court in a case registered against him for allegedly slapping a person in 2008 on the sets of his film Money Hai to Honey Hai.
Govinda Ahuja alias Govinda appeared for the first time on March 20 before a Magistrate in Borivali, a western suburb of Mumbai. in response to a summons issued against him.
The 48-year-old actor was asked to furnish a personal bond of Rs 15,000 or in lieu thereof pay Rs 10,000 cash. He chose to pay the cash of Rs 10,000 and secured bail.
The court had issued summons to Govinda on September 17 last year on a complaint filed by Santosh Rai who alleged that he was slapped by the actor in 2008 following an altercation over a trivial issue.
However, the actor failed to appear on the appointed date and the court issued a warning to him to come personally on the next occasion or else it would issue non-bailable warrant against him.

The court also asked Govinda to pay Rs 1,000 as costs for not appearing in person, according to Bipin Gupta, advocate for the complainant.
He appeared today to avoid issuance of the non-bailable warrant and sought bail.

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Acting was never on my agenda: Nargis Fakhri

She was happy walking international runways as a model when 'Rockstar' happened. Nargis Fakhri, who played the female lead opposite Ranbir Kapoor in the Imtiaz Ali directed film, says she never wanted to become an actress.
Born to a Czech mother and a Pakistani father, Nargis made a much-hyped debut at the age of 32 with the film. The model-turned-actress says she has no regrets entering Bollywood late in her career as acting was never on her agenda.
"Acting was never on the agenda, so I think 'Rockstar' happened at the right time. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for 'Rockstar'. I have been modeling since I was 16. I am very new to the film industry and while I thoroughly enjoy my new job, there is still a lot for me to learn," said Nargis.
Even though her performance as Heer Kaul in 'Rockstar' met with criticism, the newbie actress remains undeterred, saying the comments have helped her overcome flaws.
"I deal with the criticism the same way I deal with the praise. I am a very positive person and when people criticize it helps me overcome my flaws. I am very new to this industry so I take it as an experience and feel motivated to do better," she said.
'Rockstar' came out in November 2011 and Nargis is yet to sign another film, saying that she is waiting for the right project.
"After being a part of a film like 'Rockstar', my next project has to be as good or better. I have read some great scripts and I think we will announce something soon. I was in no hurry to sign something. I wanted to wait for something exciting, and if that meant waiting for a while, then so be it," she said. 
Nargis was not an active part of promotions of 'Rockstar' and even after the release she didn't expose herself to the media hype. The actress says she stayed away from the limelight to guard her personal life.
"I don't think I am an introvert at all. But I am guarded about my personal life and I think that's important when you work in this industry."
Despite being exposed to the world of show business as a model, Nargis says she was not prepared for the kind of attention she got post the film's release.
"Nothing can prepare you for this. I still get very nervous when I have to face a lot of people. It freaks me out to see so many people in front of me, calling out my name," she said.
And she is also aware of the pressure that comes alongwith the attention.
"It is a big achievement to be recognized in the Indian film fraternity as it has such great talents. But there is also a lot of responsibility that comes along, a lot of pressure about what your next project is, how you look, speak, act etc," Nargis said.

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Rain stops play after Bangladesh restrict Sri Lanka

Rain has delayed the start of Bangladesh innings in their Asia Cup match against Sri Lanka here on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka batting report:

Bangladesh kept their hopes alive for a place in the Asia Cup final as they restricted Sri Lanka to a modest 232 in 49.5 overs in the final round robin league match here on Tuesday.

Chamara Kapugedera (62), Lahiru Thirimanne (48) and Upul Tharanga (48) made significant contributions in the middle—order after a top—order collapse saw the islanders reeling at 32 for three in 10 overs.

Comeback man Nazmul Hossain was the pick of the bowlers with figures of three for 32, while left—arm spinners Shakib—al Hasan (2/56) and Abdur Razzaq (2/44) also got important breakthroughs.

Medium pacer Hossain, who was drafted into the playing XI in place of Shafiul Islam, struck a triple blow to reduce Sri Lanka to 32 for three within the first 10 overs after Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim opted to field.

Nazmul, who played his last ODI back in October last year, bowled with control as he rocked the Lankan top—order, removing the seasoned trio of Mahela Jayawardene (5), Tillekaratne Dilshan (19) and Kumar Sangakkara (6).

Jayawardene, who has played some poor shots in the two earlier matches, once again tried to play across the line to a delivery that moved in a shade and breached his defence as his off—stump was dislodged.

Sangakkara played a rank bad shot as he tried to play an expansive cover drive off Nazmul only to be caught by Nazimuddin.

Dilshan hit three boundaries during his brief stay but then inside—edged one on to his stumps as there was minimal footwork from the former Sri lanka captain.

Thirimanne and Kapugedera then joined hands to stem the rot. The duo didn’t take too many risks as they went on doing their job quietly.

The 88 runs they added did not come at a great pace and there were only five boundaries during their stay of little under 23 overs. They concentrated on taking singles as the 100 came up in the 28th over.

Thirimanne missed out on a half century when he charged out to a Razzaq delivery that was going down the leg—side. The ball richocheted off Rahim’s pads and hit stumps with the batsman out of his ground. Thirimanne’s 48 came off 73 balls with three hits to the fence.

Kapugedera completed his eighth ODI half—century with a push towards mid—on that fetched him two runs. He found an able ally in Upul Tharanga (48, 44 balls, 5x4, 1x6), who was positive from the onset as they added 49 runs for the fifth wicket stand.

Kapugedera was finally dismissed for a well—made 62 off 93 balls (4x4) when he tried to hit a cover drive off Razzaq only to find Shakib pouching a brilliant low catch.

Ferveez Maharoof (3) and Nuwan Kulasekara (1) soon followed and Sri Lanka were again down in the dumps with the scorecard reading 183 for seven.

But Tharanga didn’t stop playing his shots as he hit Shakib for a huge six over long on and then pushed down fine leg for a boundary that brought the team’s 200. Tharanga also missed out on a half century when he edged one off Shahadat Hossain trying to steer it down to third—man.

Sachitra Senanayake (19 not out, 3x4) and Lasith Malinga (10) - who added a valuable 26 runs for the ninth wicket - gave the Lankan total some respectability.

Scoreboard:

Sri Lanka:

Mahela Jayawardene b Nazmul 5

Tillakaratne Dilshan b Nazmul 19

Kumar Sangakkara c Nazimuddin b Nazmul 6

Chamara Kapugedera c Shakib b Abdur 62

Lahiru Thirimanne st Mushfiqur b Abdur 48

Upul Tharanga c Mushfiqur b Shahadat 48

Farveez Maharoof c Mushfiqur b Shakib 3

Nuwan Kulasekara lbw b Shakib 1

Sachithra Senanayake not out 19

Lasith Malinga b Mashrafe 10

Suranga Lakmal run out 0

Extras (LB 3, W 8) 11

Total (all out in 49.5 overs) 232

Fall of wickets: 1—19, 2—29, 3—32, 4—120, 5—169, 6—175, 7—183, 8—204, 9—230, 10—232

Bowling: Mashrafe Mortaza 9.5—1—30—1, Nazmul Hossain 8—1—32—3, Shahadat Hossain 8—0—51—1, Abdur Razzak 10—0—44—2, Shakib Al Hasan 10—1—56—2, Mahmudullah 4—0—16—0.

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Indian Union Budget 2012-13: Highlights

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Friday announced tax relief for individual tax payers. Presenting Union Budget 2012-13 in Lok Sabha, Mukherjee said income upto Rs 2 lakh would be tax free; income from Rs 2 to 5 lakh would be taxed at 10%; from Rs 5 to 10 lakh at 20%; and income above Rs 10 lakh would attract tax of 30%.

In other tax measures, Mukherjee announced that interest from savings account up to Rs 10,000 would be tax free. Also, apart from medical insurance, an additional Rs 5,000 would be exempted for preventive health check-ups. Senior Citizens have been exempted from filing advance tax.

Meanwhile, Service Tax has been hiked from 10% to 12%. Also, its net has been widened and all services barring 17 would now be taxed. Corporate Tax structure has been left unchanged. Mukherjee earlier said India continues to remain among front-runners in economic growth. Mukherjee however said the economic growth is estimated at 6.9 percent during the current fiscal year which was "disappointing". The Finance Minister also exuded confidence that headline inflation would moderate in the next few months and remain stable.

Income Tax:
* Tax collection up 15%
* Personal Income Tax slabs for individuals relaxed
* Exemption limit enhanced from Rs 1.8 lakh to Rs 2 lakh
* Upper limit of 20% tax raised from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 10 lakh

New Slabs as follows:
* Upto Rs 2 lakh - Nil, Rs 2-5 lakh - 10%, Rs 5–10 lakh – 20%, and above Rs 10 lakh – 30%.
* Interest from savings account up to Rs 10,000 to be exempt from tax.
* In addition to medical insurance, an additional Rs 5000 to be exempted for
preventive health check-ups.
* Senior Citizens exempted from filing advance tax. Compulsory reporting of assets sold abroad.

Corporate Tax:
* Corporate Tax structure left unchanged. Withholding tax on certain overseas borrowings reduced to 5% from 20%. Securities transaction tax by 20% for stock market orders.
Service Tax:
* Service Tax rates raised from 10% to 12%. To bring more businesses under Service Tax net; only 17 services exempted now. Higher Service Tax to add Rs 186.6 bn in revenue. Changes in direct taxes to result in revenue loss of Rs 45 bn. Government services, public transport exempted from services tax. Standard excise rate hiked to 12% from 10%.

Tax Reforms:
* Advanced pricing agreement in DTC to be in Financial Bill. New tax exemption on individual share invest with lock-in. GST network to get operational from Aug. GST under progress, talks on with states for drafting law.
* To examine parliamentary panel report on Direct Tax Code.
* Rajiv Gandhi Equity Saving Scheme launched
* Rajiv plan equity invest lock-in period to be 3 years
* Rs 50000 tax exempt for share invest in new Rajiv plan
* Tax exemption on individual share invest below a million rupees
* Tax free infra bonds Rs 600 bn to be issues FY 13
* To allow Rs 100 bn NHAI tax free bonds FY 13
* To allow Rs 100 bn IRFC tax free bonds in FY 13
* To allow Rs 50 bn HUDCO tax free bonds FY 13
* To allow Rs 50 bn SIDBI tax free bonds FY 13   
* To allow Rs 100 bn power sector tax free bonds FY 13
* To okay Rs 50 bn National Housing Bank tax free bonds
* 1% loan sop plan for home loans up to Rs 2.5 mn
* Interest subvention on low cost homes extended by a year

Growth & Divestment:
Past year was supposed to be year of recovery. This year’s performance turned out to be disappointing. We were facing several challenges; global situation a dampener.
* GDP estimated to grow 6.9% in 2011-12
* FY 13 GDP seen 7.6%, plus or minus 0.25%

Proposes Mid-term fiscal goals:
Aim to raise Rs 300 bn through sales of stakes in state run companies next fiscal. Aim to raise Rs 140 bn through sales of stakes in state companies this fiscal year. Agri, Services performing well. Industry pulled down growth in past two years. Industry now showing signs of recovery.

* FY 12 Services growth at 9.4
* FY 12 Industry growth at 3.9%
* FY 12 Agri growth at 2.5%
Need to improve supply side of economy. India still front runner in world; share of trade has increased. Crude oil prices to cross USD 115/barrel.

Five main objectives:
* Focus on domestic demand driven growth recovery
* Create conditions for rapid revival of high growth in private investment
* Address supply bottlenecks in agriculture, energy and transport sectors, particularly in coal, power, national highways, railways and civil aviation.
* Intervene decisively to address the problem of malnutrition especially in the 200 high-burden districts
* Expedite coordinated implementation of decisions being taken to improve delivery systems, governance, and transparency; and address the problem of black money and corruption in public life.

Fiscal Health & Estimates
* Aim to trim fiscal deficit
* To make amendments to Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act (FRBM Act)
* Current account deficit 3.6%
* Fiscal deficit 5.9% of GDP this FY
* Expect fiscal deficit 5.1% of GDP next FY
* Concept of effective revenue deficit to be fiscal parameter
* Expect gross tax receipts at Rs 10.78 tn next FY, up 15.6%
* As a percentage of GDP, gross taxes to be 10.6 % in FY 13
* Total spending Rs 14.49 tn next FY
* Non-Plan spending Rs 9.69 tn next FY, 8.7% higher than revised estimates
* Net tax to Centre in FY 13 at Rs 7.71 tn
* Expect non-tax revenue at Rs 1.64 tn next FY
* Non-debt Capital Receipts at Rs 416.50 bn
* Plan expenditure at Rs 5.21 tn, 18% higher than estimates
* Direct tax collection fell short by Rs 320 bn
* Total Debt stock at 45.5 % of GDP
* Effective Revenue Deficit at Rs 1.85 tn or 1.8% of GDP

Farm & Food
* Agri to be on govt priority list
* To increases outlay for agriculture by 18% to RS 202.08 bn
* India to be self sufficient in urea manufacturing in 5 years
* Announces 2 new handloom mega clusters
* To set up 3 technical assistance centres for textiles
* Allot Rs 700 mn for Maharashtra power loom cluster
* East Indian states produced 7 mn tones more of paddy
* Rs 5 bn pilot plan in 12th plan for geo textiles in NE
* Allocated Rs 3 bn for FY 13 irrigation plans
* Allot Rs 10 bn to up kharif output in NE FY 13
* Allot Rs 4 bn to up kharif output in NE FY 12
* Allot 5 bn for aquaculture FY 13
* NABARD to give rural banks Rs 100 bn for short term loans
* To move bill for NABARD Act amendment
* 3% rate subvention for farmers repaying loans on time
* Rs 5.75 tn farm credit target in FY 13
* Rs 2 bn for R&D of seeds and farm research
* Allocation to farm development plan RKVY hiked to Rs 92.17 bn
* To set up govt owned irrigation promotion company
* To add 5 mn tones grain storage capacity in FY 13
* To start national food processing mission in FY 13
* Micro-irrigation allotment up 13% to Rs 142.42 bn

Inflation:
* Headline inflation was major cause of concern
* Inflation likely to moderate in FY 13
* Inflation largely structural in nature
* Headline inflation is beginning to stabalize
* Prolonged period of high inflation tends to get generalized
* Inflation driven by farm supply constraints

Financial Sector & Banks
* India Opportunity Venture Fund via SIDBI of Rs 50 bn
* To issue revised norms for banks priority sector lending
* To set up financial holding company for recapitalization of banks
* To move National Housing Bank Amendment Bill
* To move Regional Rural Bank Amendment Bill
* Rs 158.88 bn for capitalization of PSU banks in FY 13
* Propose electronic voting to up shareholder involvement
* IPOs of over Rs 100 mn to be in electronic form

Infrastructure:
* 12th plan invest for infra at Rs 50 tn
* ECBs allowed to part finance rupee debt of power projects
* Coal India told to to sign coal supply pacts with power companies
* Inter ministerial panel to monitor allocated coal mines
* Targetting 8800 km projects under NHDP FY 13
* Irrigation including damns under viability gap funding FY 13
* Irrigation, fertilizer, terminal market under viability gap funding
* Viability gap funding for oil, gas pipelines, storage
* Telecom towers to get viability gap funding in FY 13
* Inadequate infra strain on growth
* Extend plan to capitalize regional rural banks by 2 years
* To give Rs 40 bn FY 13 for rural housing V Rs 30 bn in FY 12
* Realtors can borrow overseas for low cost home projects
* To move bill for Public Debt Management
* To allow external commercial loans for affordable homes
* Foreign airline investment of 49% under consideration
* Budget approves overseas borrowing of upto USD 1 bln for airlines' working capital needs
* Budget OKs overseas borrowing for low-cost housing projects
* To allow 1 year ECBs of USD 1 bn for airline companies
* Allowed direct import of ATF by airlines
* Foreign borrow for capex maintain, operate toll roads
* Up NHDP allocation 14% to Rs 253.6 bn in FY 13

Subsidy:
* To keep Subsidies under 2% of GDP over next 3 Years
* Subsidy for food security to be fully provide for
* Some subsidies inevitable
* Fiscal policy had to absorb subsidy payments
* Aim to directly transfer kerosene subsidy to individuals
* Testing kerosene subsidy transfer in Rajasthan
* Direct transfer subsidy pilot for 50 districts
* Aim to directly transfer subsidy on LPG to consumers
* Direct transfer of fertilizer subsidy to retailer, farmers soon
* Direct transfer subsidy to be rolled out gradually

Other Highlights:
* GDP to grow by 6.9% in 2011-12
* This year’s performance disappointing
* India still among front runners in economic growth
* Monetary policy was geared towards containing inflation
* Need to improve supply side of economy
* Exports grew 23 %
* Imports grew 29%
* Past year was supposed to be year of recovery
* To keep subsidies under 2% of GDP over next 3 years
* We were facing several challenges; global situation a dampener
* Industry pulled down growth in past two years
* Industry now showing signs of recovery
* Need to improve supply side of economy
* Subsidy for food security law to be fully provided
* Some subsidies inevitable
* Agriculture to services performed well
* Economy now turning around
* Manufacturing on cusp of revival
* Need to improve micro-economic environment
* Expect headline inflation to moderate in the next few months and remain stable
* Agri growth at 2.5%
* External trade growth encouraging
* India has successfully achieved diversification of import and export market
* Diversification has helped overcome global slowdown
* Current account deficit at 3.6%
* Fiscal balance has deteriorated due to increase in direct tax seepages and increased subsidy
* Expect smaller fiscal deficit in the coming year
* Concept of effective revenue deficit is being brought in as a fiscal parameter
* Crude oil prices to cross USD 115/barrel
* Need to take a close look at revenue expenditure, particularly subsidies
* Endeavour to restrict subsidy to under 2% of GDP
* Recommendation of task force under Nandan Nilekani has been accepted
* Direct transfer of fertilizer subsidy to retailer and then on to farmer to be rolled out
* Direct transfer of kerosene subsidy pilot project in Alwar, Rajasthan
* Direct subsidy transfer to be implemented in at least 50 more districts soon
* DTC to be implemented at the earliest
* The structure of GST network has been approved by EGoM
* Treasury management for CPACs has been enhanced
* Rs 30000 cr to be raised via disinvestment
* At least 51% stake will remain with the govt
* FDI in multi-band retail held in abeyance
* GST to be operational by August 2012
* Provision for advance pricing agreement included in DTC bill
* Reform in financial sector has been pursued to ensure more market intervention
* New scheme - Rajiv Gandhi equity scheme - to be introduced
* Simplifying process of IPOs
* Mandatory for companies to issue stocks over Rs 10 cr through online system
* 8 financial amendments bills to be introduced this year
* Central Know Your Customer repository would be set up
* 70,000 habitations have been provided with banking services
* Ultra small branches would be set up
* Swabhiman campaign to be extended to habitations with population of 1000 people
* 81 Regional Rural Banks have migrated to core banking
* Weak RRBs to be recapitalized for another two years
* Viability gap funding under PPP is an important factor
* Oil and gas and LNG storage and oil gas pipeline, telecom towers will also be * made eligible under viability gap finding
* The first infra debt fund with a outlay of Rs 8,000 cr has been launched
* Tax free infra bonds to be raised to Rs 60,000 cr
* Coal India has been advised to sign power purchase agreements with power plants
* 8,800 km roads to be covered under NHDP
* ERCB for capex of toll system and maintenance
* ECB for working capital requirement of aviation industry for a period of 1 year with an upper cap of USD 1 bn
* Delhi-Mumbai industrial corridor has made progress
* USD 4.5 bn has come Japan for DMIC
* ECB for low cost housing
* New handloom cluster in Prakasam and Guntur districts of AP and leather cluster in Jharkhand
* Power loom mega cluster in Ichalkaranji in Maharashtra
* India opportunity venture fund to be launched
* 1% interest subvention for homes costing less than Rs 25 lakhs to continue
* RKBY under Rs 300 cr for irrigation program
* National food security mission, integrated development of pulses villages
* National mission of sustainable irrigation being taken up
* National mission on oil seed and oil palms
* Rs 500 cr for aquaculture
* Rs 10,000 cr to NABARD to refinance RRBS
* Kisan card can be operated from ATMs
* Allocation for SC/ST increased to Rs 37,113 crore
* Food security a legal entitlement
* PDS network being created using AADHAR platform
* Multispectral programs to address maternal nutrition to be rolled out in select district
* Budget OKs overseas borrowing to part-fund power projects' rupee debts
* Budget approves overseas borrowing of upto USD 1 bln for airlines' working capital needs
* Budget OKs overseas borrowing for low-cost housing projects
* To increases outlay for agriculture by 18% to Rs 202.08 bn
* India to be self sufficient in urea manufacturing in 5 years
* Foreign borrow for capex to maintain, operate toll roads
* Irrigation including damns under viability gap funding FY 13
* Irrigation, fertilizer, terminal market under viability gap funding
* To allow Rs 100 bn NHAI tax free bonds FY 13
* To allow Rs 100 bn IRFC tax free bonds in FY 13
* To allow Rs 50 bn HUDCO tax free bonds FY 13
* To allow Rs 50 bn SIDBI tax free bonds FY 13
* To allow Rs 100 bn power sector tax free bonds FY 13
* Inter ministerial panel to monitor allocated coal mines
* To OK Rs 50 bn National Housing Bank tax free bonds
* ECBs allowed to part finance rupee debt of power projects
* Hike in agri credit by Rs 1 tnh To Rs 5.75 tn next FY
* Outlay for agriculture up by 18% to Rs 202.08 bn
* Mid-Day meal scheme allocated Rs 11937 cr
* RG for empowerment of adolescent girls scheme gets 750 cr
* Rural drinking water and satiation allocated 14000 cr
* PMGSY get Rs 24000 cr
* Backward region development fund allocated Rs 12040 cr
* Development projects for drought mitigation in Bundelkhand and other select areas Rs 20000 cr
* Rs 5000 cr for developing warehousing facility
* 6000 schools to be set up at block levels and developed as model schools
* No new case of polio was reported in last one year
* New vaccine unit to be set up near Chennai
* NRHM enlarged to include iodine deficiency and vaccination
* NRHM allocated Rs 20822 cr
* National urban health mission launched
* Seven more govt medical colleges to be upgraded to AIIMS
* National Rural Livelihood Mission to provide self employment - allocation upped to Rs 3915 cr
* Interest subvention of additional 3% on loans upto Rs 3 lakhs to women self help groups - effective rate of 4%
* Credit guarantee fund for skill development
* In the eventuality of the death of the bread earner of a BPL family they will get Rs 10,000
* Rs 25 cr to Institute of Rural Management in Anand
* Rs 100 cr for Kerala agricultural University
* Rs 50 cr of Dharwad Agriculture University
* Rs 50 cr to Agri universities in Haryana, Odisha
* Indira Gandhi pension scheme beneficiaries to get Rs 300 pm as against current Rs 200
* National population registry project to be completed in the next two years
* 14 cr AADHAR number generated
* AADHAR is ready for payments under MGNERGA, pension scheme
* 82 double tax avoidance agreements have been finalized
* 17 tax info sharing agreements has been finalized
* Will table white paper on black money
* Dedicated information cells to track black money
* Allowed direct import of ATF by airlines
* Realtors can borrow from overseas for low cost home projects
* Gave Rs 40 bn in FY 13 for rural housing Vs Rs 30 bn in FY 12
* Announces 2 new handloom mega clusters
* To set up 3 technical assistance centres for textiles
* Allot Rs 700 mn for Maharashtra power loom cluster
* East Indian states produced 7 mn tones more of paddy
* Rs 5 bn pilot plan in 12 plan for geo textiles in NE
* Allot 10 bn to up kharif output in NE FY 13
* Allot 4 bn to up kharif output in NE FY 12
* Rs 5.75 tn farm credit in FY 13
* Rs 100 bn to NABRAD for refinancing RRBs
* NABARD to give rural banks Rs 100 bn for short term loans
* Allocated Rs 255.55 bn under Right to Education
* Allocated Rs 208.22 bn under rural health plan FY 13
* No new case of polio
* Credit guarantee fund proposed for poor students
* Allocated Rs 31.24 bn for secondary education
* Allocated Rs 200 bn for rural infra development in FY 13
* Allocated Rs 240 bn under rural road project
* Allocated Rs 158.50 bn for child development in FY 13
* Expect gross tax receipts at Rs 10.78 tn next FY
* Total spending Rs 14.49 tn next FY
* Expect non-tax revenue at Rs 1.64 tn next FY
* Non-Plan spending Rs 9.69 tn next FY
* Fiscal deficit 5.9% of GDP this FY
* Expect Fiscal deficit 5.1% of GDP next FY

 




Source:zeenews.

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Sachin Tendulkar Timeline: 1989 to 2012

Masterblaster Sachin Tendulkar ended the agonising wait for his 100th 100 in Dhaka against Bangladesh on Friday 16 March, 2012. Batting first in the fourth match of the Asia Cup at Mirpur's Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, India were cruising but all eyes were at Sachin Tendulkar who crossed his nineties confidentially. And he did not look nervous at all!

Twenty-three years, every conceivable record, a World Cup medal, hundred international centuries - what more could Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar and millions of his fans have asked for. From the day he played his first game for India till today the man continues to baffle one and all with his class and consistency. Here's a quick timeline of Sachin Tendulkar's career so far.

1989: Makes his international debut in the away series against Pakistan under the captaincy of Krishnamachari Srikkanth as a 16-year-old and scores two half-centuries in six Test innings.
1990: Scores his maiden Test century (119 not out, 17 fours) against England at Old Trafford and helps India to save the match.
1991: Plays an impressive knock of 52 not against Pakistan at Sharjah which ended a series of defeats for India against their arch rivals at that venue. Also came into prominence in the same tournament as a bowler taking 4/34 against the West Indies which resulted in a comprehensive win for India.

1992: Plays a sublime innings of 114 in the Perth Test against an Aussie attack comprising of Craig McDermott, Merv Hughes, Paul Reiffel and Mike Whitney. Plays a match winning innings of 54 not out against Pakistan at Sydney in the 1992 World Cup, gets the crucial wicket of Aamir Sohail and ends up with the man of the match award. Becomes the first-ever overseas cricketer to represent Yorkshire in their County Championship.

1993: Bowls India to a memorable victory against South Africa at the Hero Cup when six runs were required to win off the last over. Scores his first Test century (165) in India at Chennai during the home series against England.
1994: Takes the world by storm as he is asked to open for the first time in one day internationals (ODI) during India's tour of New Zealand. Goes on to annihilate the Kiwi bowlers on his way to 82 off just 49 balls at Auckland's Eden Park as India level the series after losing the first match. Scores his first ODI ton in his 79th match during the Singer Cup against Australia at Colombo during a quadrilateral tournament involving hosts Sri Lanka, Australia and Pakistan.

1995: Signs first contract worth Rs 3.5 crore with WorldTel, for a five-year commercial endorsements and marketing deal.

1996: Scores a total of 523 runs in the World Cup hosted by India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka which includes two centuries. Also plays a major role in India's progress to the semi-finals. Takes over the captaincy from Mohammad Azharuddin after India's tour of England and leads India to victory over Australia in the one-off Test at Delhi which was followed by a Test series win over South Africa at home. India also win the Titan Cup by beating Australia and South Africa under his captaincy. Scores his 10th Test century (177) during the third Test against England at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. Scores his 10th ODI ton (114) during the Pepsi challenge match against South Africa at the Wankhede stadium.

1997: Leads India to a 4-1 victory over Pakistan at Toronto in the second edition of the Sahara Cup. Wins the Wisden cricketer of the year award.
1998: Scores an unbeaten 155 against Australia during the third Test at Chennai and helps India to a massive 179-run victory. Scores back to back centuries against Australia at Sharjah in a tri-series also involving New Zealand which helped India to go all the way. Brings up his 20th ODI ton at Sharjah against the Zimbabweans.

1999: Completes 8,000 runs in ODIs in his 217th match at the age of 26 years and 45 days vs Pakistan at Manchester in the World Cup. Scores his first Test double century (217 runs against New Zealand) in Ahmedabad. Brings up his 20th Test ton vs New Zealand at Mohali. Completes 50 catches in Test cricket in his 70th match vs New Zealand at Kanpur.

2000: Completes 9,000 runs in ODIs in his 242nd match at the age of 26 years and 330 days. Completes 6,000 runs in Test cricket in his 76th match vs South Africa at Bangalore.
2001: Completed 10,000 runs in ODIs in his 266th match. Becomes the first batsman in ODI history to score 10,000 runs. Brings up his 30th one-day century at Johannesburg against South Africa. Completes his 100 wickets in ODIs. Also completes a unique double of 10,000 runs and 100 wickets.

2002: Equals Sir Donald Bradman's record of 29 Test Centuries by scoring 117 vs West Indies at Port-of-Spain. In his 99th Test appearance, surpasses Bradman's record of 29 centuries scoring 193, against England at Headingly, Leeds. Only his mentor, Sunil Gavaskar is ahead of him at 34 centuries. Scores his 30th Test ton against England at Headingley, Leeds.

2003: Makes 673 runs in 11 matches in the ICC World Cup – most by any batsman in a single World Cup that wins him the player of the tournament award. Scores his 12,000th ODI run, while playing against Pakistan in the group match during the World cup.
2004: Equals Sunil Gavaskar's world record 34 Test centuries in the first match against Bangladesh. Becomes only the third player in history, after Gary Kirsten and Steve Waugh, to score centuries against all Test playing nations. Also becomes the first player in ODI history to win 50 Man of the Match awards.

2005: Completes 10,000 runs in Test cricket in his 122nd match at the age of 31 years and 326 days. Scores a record 35th hundred on the first day of the second Test against Sri Lanka in New Delhi, surpassing Gavaskar's record.
2006: Sets a new world record by completing 14,000 one-day runs en route to his 39th century in the first one-day international against Pakistan in Peshawar.
Scores his 40th ODI century at Kuala Lumpur against the West indies during a tri-series competition also including Australia. Time magazine rewards Tendulkar as one of the Asian Heroes.

2007: Rested for the first time in his career, for the three-ODI series against Bangladesh. Scores back-to-back centuries in the two following Tests. Plays in his 400th one-day international. 2008: During the second match of the CB series involving hosts Australia, India and Sri Lanka, Tendulkar becomes the first batsman to go past 16,000 runs in ODIs. Tendulkar becomes the highest run-scorer in Test cricket at Mohali against Australia, surpassing Brian Lara's tally of 11953 runs.

2009: Becomes the first batsman to aggregate 17,000 ODI runs during his innings of 175 against Australia at Hyderabad.
2010: Becomes the first batsman to score a double-century, brings up the feat in ODI vs South Africa at Gwalior. Becomes the most capped player in Test cricket, surpassing Steve Waugh's tally of 168 Tests. Brings up his 50th Test century at the Centurion against South Africa.
2011: Becomes the most capped player in ODIs with the World Cup opening game vs Bangladesh, surpassing Sanath Jayasuriya's tally of 444 matches. Hits two hundreds and is first to score 2000 runs in World Cups as India win the World Cup beating Sri Lanka in the final at Wankhede.
2012: Becomes the first batsman in cricket hostory to score 100th interntaional ton. He reached the landmark on Friday, 16th March 2012 against Banglandesh at Mirpur.
Source:cn.

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First trailer of Ishaqzaade releases

First trailer of Ishaqzaade releases Yash Raj Films today released the first trailer of Ishaqzaade starring newcomer Arjun Kapoor and one-film-old Parineeti Chopra. The film has been directed by Habib Faisal.

Interest peaked in the film billed as a "love story of a passion ignited by hatred".

Sonam Kapoor presented the trailer of her cousin's debut film: "Guys... We present to you the OFFICIAL TRAILER of @Ishaqzaade", she posted on Twitter.

Meanwhile, Arjun Kapoor's mother, Mona Kapoor, first wife of producer Boney Kapoor is in hospital. Reports say she is being treated for cancer. "GM! Su prabhat! Namaskar! Jst a quck hello to everyone on twitr who is sooo concernd abt my health. I am nt all rt bt wth ths luv I wl heal!" Mona Kapoor posted on Twitter today.

On a happier note, Ishaqzaade appears to have caught the fancy of Twitterati with many posting praise for the film's first look and its lead actors.

Read more at: http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?ID=ENTEN20120196843&keyword=bollywood&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA&nid=186349&cp

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Salman's marriage is Aamir's birthday wish

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan has been concerned about fellow Khan star Salman's love life.
On his birthday, instead of wishing something for himself, Aamir on Wednesday wished for a perfect match for his good friend.

"Salman saab ke liye hum dua karte hai ki unko ishq ho jaye aur unki shaadi ho jaye (We pray for Salman that he falls in love and gets married)," Aamir said.
Last year also Aamir had expressed the same desire to see Salman get hitched. "I will tie his hands and legs and get him married. We will all be happy then," he had then said.
In fact, Aamir's wish list did not end at Salman's wedding.
When asked if Salman deserved Re 1 more than Shah Rukh Khan, as the actor was quoted recently, Aamir said, "I think Salman deserves much more than that."
It seems that Aamir is already having a good year. With no birthday wishes for himself, he only hopes for his friend Salman to finally tie the knot.

Read more at: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/salmans-marriage-is-aamirs-birthday-wish/1/177903.html

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YRF`s next not titled `London Ishq`

New Delhi: Yash Raj Films (YRF) officials says that their next production, directed by head honcho Yash Chopra, is not titled "London Ishq", as has been reported in certain sections of the media.

"Despite repeated confirmations that Yash Chopra`s film still remains untitled, large sections of the media continue to call it `London Ishq`. This is completely baseless, inaccurate and detrimental to the film," said an official statement from YRF.

The yet-to-be titled film, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma, started shooting for its first schedule in the third week of February in London. It has been creating a huge buzz all over since the first look was unveiled.

The film also brings together the Oscar award-winning pair of A.R.Rahman and Gulzar, who along with Chopra, are working on creating some wonderful and meaningful music.

Scheduled for a Diwali release, the film is expected to add the same fervour to the festive time that Chopra`s films are known for.

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What’s Really Happened to Rail Fares in the Last Nine Years

The annual presentation of the Railway Budget in Parliament is a staid affair usually featuring the minister in charge reeling off a list of new lines to be built or stations to be refurbished. For the last nine years, no minister has dared to announce an increase in ticket prices, though they have often raised the cost of transporting freight.
Dinesh Trivedi, the current railways minister who may not be in that position for much longer, tried something different on Wednesday when he announced increases in prices ranging from 2 paise per kilometer traveled to 30 paise per kilometer. That works out to about to between 4 U.S. cents and 60 cents more per 100 kilometers, or 62 miles.
Almost immediately, Mamata Banerjee, the former railway minister and the leader of Mr. Trivedi’s party, the Trinamool Congress, announced that the fare increase was unacceptable and had to be rolled back. She also demanded that the government fire Mr. Trivedi, whom she handpicked to run the ministry just a few months ago.
Ms. Banerjee and her party have been very clear time and again, that they will not countenance any increase in rail fares, so her reaction is frankly not surprising. What is perhaps more surprising is that Mr. Trivedi even tried to raise fares, a decision he has justified as being good for the country in various interviews.
But is the increase that Mr. Trivedi proposed really an increase? It’s true that he has proposed a nominal increase in the cost of train travel, but let us consider his proposal in real terms, or in other words, adjusted for inflation.
The average railway fare in India was 26.3 paise per kilometer in the fiscal year 2010-11, according to the Finance Ministry’s Economic Survey report released on Thursday. At the low end of the range, Mr. Trivedi’s proposal increases fares by 7.6 percent – that is almost the same as the 7.6 percent increase in India’s latest consumer price index, in January, compared to a year earlier.
O.K., now put that comparison aside and take a look at how much costs have increased in the past nine years – the period over which there has been no increase in railway ticket prices.
India’s consumer price index for industrial workers, which goes back decades, is the best available measure of how costs have changed in that time. According to that, consumer prices have increased 87 percent from early 2003 to December 2011. Even at the high end of Mr. Trivedi’s proposal, which would apply to fares for air-conditioned cars, for which prices are already substantially higher than the cost of traveling in sleeper cars, the increases do not come close to matching the general increase in costs.
What the numbers show is that it’s incorrect to say that ticket prices have remain unchanged in the past nine years. Adjusted for inflation – which is the best way to measure prices – rail ticket prices have actually fallen about 48 percent in the past nine years as the average price of everything else has gone up.
But I suppose Ms. Banerjee will not see it that way.

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Budget 2012: Govt to keep 51% in public sector units

In a few minutes from now, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee will present what is one of the biggest challenges of his long political career – the Union Budget 2012. The Union Budget is usually about economics. Today, it is more about politics.
He arrived in Parliament early, carrying his big brown suitcase and wearing a smile. All economic indicators are crying for a “tough budget” from the Finance Minister. On Thursday, the economic survey tabled in Parliament and the credit policy announcement of the Reserve Bank of India together called in one voice for “fiscal consolidation”. Which is equal to a tough budget. Such a budget should have more tax receipts, more disinvestment, more reforms, less dole-outs through subsidies and less expenditure.

Coalition politics of the fragile nature that the UPA government has on its hands now demands exactly the opposite – doles, freebies, populist measures, no reforms.

Experts of all hue have called on the finance minister to act in the interest of the nation. Dinesh Trivedi, the railway minister, is on the verge of losing his job for having done that – he raised train fares after nine years, a bold move hailed universally, and now his own party the Trinamool Congress wants him axed. Today, insists Mamata Banerjee.

Pressure from allies like Ms Banerjee pushed the UPA government into what is seen as a “policy paralysis” all through last year. Reform measures were announced only to be stalled by a red-faced government after much arm-twisting by those allies whose support ensured that the government survived. Investment sentiment is at an all-time low and industry is clear that is looking to the finance minister for a pro-growth Budget.

Anand Mahindra of theMahindra group tweeted on Friday morning, “Slashing of the EPF rate a bold,rational&courageous step. Hope we will be able to use the same adjectives for his budget this morning. (sic)”

Can Pranab Mukherjee bite the bullet?

By keeping interest rates untouched, the Reserve Bank of India is looking for a cue from the finance minister for fiscal consolidation. India needs a tighter fiscal policy to let RBI cut key interest rates to boost growth. This means the government tightens its expenditure and allows RBI to release money to fuel economic growth.
Up to January 2012, the accumulated fiscal deficit reached Rs 4.35 lakh crore, which is 105.4% of the estimated amount last year. The fiscal deficit could in the range of 5.5-6 per cent of the GDP.

Businesses and markets are not looking for numbers. They are looking for a statement of intent. They are looking for Manmohan Singh and Pranab Mukherjee to show character and do what it takes to bring back the economy on the much needed 8.5 per cent to 9 per cent growth trajectory. They want the government to present a roadmap to seize control of rising subsidies bill that is likely to

They hope that he will speak about decontrol of fuel prices, tax reforms.

In that context, it matters what Pranab Mukherjee says on the roadmap towards a single goods and services tax or GST roadmap. A single such tax across the country makes it easier for goods and services to move efficiently across states.

Businesses are also aware that tax rates are set to rise.

While automakers are bracing for a tax on diesel cars, those in the consumer goods space expect excise duty rates to go up.

The minister is likely to bring back excise duty to the pre-2008 economic crisis level of 12 per cent from 10 per cent for cement, consumer goods and cigarettes.

But nobody wants the government to raise taxes and not show an intent to reform or cut expenditure.
The big brown briefcase has reached Parliament. In it Pranab Mukherjee carries what is one of the biggest challenges of his long political career – the Union Budget 2012. The Union Budget is usually about economics. Today, it is more about politics.

All economic indicators are crying for a “tough budget” from the Finance Minister. On Thursday, the economic survey tabled in Parliament and the credit policy announcement of the Reserve Bank of India together called in one voice for “fiscal consolidation”. Which is equal to a tough budget. Such a budget should have more tax receipts, more disinvestment, more reforms, less dole-outs through subsidies and less expenditure.

Coalition politics of the fragile nature that the UPA government has on its hands now demands exactly the opposite – doles, freebies, populist measures, no reforms.
Experts of all hue have called on the finance minister to act in the interest of the nation. Dinesh Trivedi, the railway minister, is on the verge of losing his job for having done that – he raised train fares after nine years, a bold move hailed universally, and now his own party the Trinamool Congress wants him axed. Today, insists Mamata Banerjee.
Coalition politics of the fragile nature that the UPA government has on its hands now demands exactly the opposite – doles, freebies, populist measures, no reforms.
Experts of all hue have called on the finance minister to act in the interest of the nation. Dinesh Trivedi, the railway minister, is on the verge of losing his job for having done that – he raised train fares and now his own party the Trinamool Congress wants him axed.

Can Pranab Mukherjee bite the bullet?

By keeping interest rates untouched, the Reserve Bank of India is looking for a cue from the finance minister for fiscal consolidation. India needs a tighter fiscal policy to let RBI cut key interest rates to boost growth. This means the government tightens its expenditure and allows RBI to release money to fuel economic growth.

Up to January 2012, the accumulated fiscal deficit reached Rs 4.35 lakh crore, which is 105.4% of the estimated amount last year. The fiscal deficit could in the range of 5.5-6 per cent of the GDP.

Businesses and markets are not looking for numbers. They are looking for a statement of intent. They are looking for Manmohan Singh and Pranab Mukherjee to show character and do what it takes to bring back the economy on the much needed 8.5 per cent to 9 per cent growth trajectory. They want the government to present a roadmap to seize control of rising subsidies bill that is likely to

They hope that he will speak about decontrol of fuel prices, tax reforms.

In that context, it matters what Pranab Mukherjee says on the roadmap towards a single goods and services tax or GST roadmap. A single such tax across the country makes it easier for goods and services to move efficiently across states.

Businesses are also aware that tax rates are set to rise.

While automakers are bracing for a tax on diesel cars, those in the consumer goods space expect excise duty rates to go up.

The minister is likely to bring back excise duty to the pre-2008 economic crisis level of 12 per cent from 10 per cent for cement, consumer goods and cigarettes.

But nobody wants the government to raise taxes and not show an intent to reform or cut expenditure.

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Highlights of Rail Budget 2012-13

An increase in passenger fares across all classes, more than 100 new trains, enhanced frequency or routes for many others, and plans to hire more than one lakh employees were some of the key Rail Budget proposals made on Wednesday.

Presenting the annual Rail Budget for the financial year 2012-13 in Parliament on Wednesday, Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi made following key proposals:

*Passenger fares to be hiked by 2 paise per km for suburban and ordinary second class travel; 3 paise per km for mail/ express second class; 5 paise per km for sleeper class; 10 paise per km for AC chair car/AC 3-tier and First Class; 15 paise per km for AC 2-tier and 30 paise per km for AC 1-tier.

*Minimum fare and platform tickets to cost Rs 5.

*75 new Express trains to be introduced, along with 21 new passenger services, nine DEMU services and 8 MEMU services trains.

*Route of 39 trains to be extended and frequency of 23 trains to be increased.

*Railways to hire more than one lakh employees in 2012-13; 80,000 persons hired last year.

*Indian Railways Stations Development Corp to be set up to re-develop stations and maintain them like airports.

*To set up an independent Railway Safety Authority as a statutory body.

* The open discharge toilets on trains to be replaced with green (bio) toilets.

*All unmanned level crossings to be abolished in next five years; To target zero deaths due to rail accidents.

*To provide rail connectivity to neighbouring countries, a new line from Agartala to Akura in Bangladesh to be set up.

*Double-decker container trains to be introduced.

*Steps to improve cleanliness and hygiene on trains and stations within six months. A special house keeping body to be set up to take care of both stations and trains.

*New passenger services include escalators at major stations, alternative train accommodation for wait-listed passengers, laundry services, AC lounges, coin/currency operated ticket vending machines.

*Two new members, one for marketing, and other for safety, to be inducted into Railway Board.

*On board passenger displays indicating next halt station and expected arrival time to be introduced.

*Introduction of regional cuisine; Book-a-meal scheme to provide meals through SMS or email.

*Specially designed coaches for differently-abled persons to be provided in each Mail/Express trains.

*Railway Tariff Regulatory Authority to be considered.

*National High Speed Rail Authority to be set up; Pre-feasibility studies on six high speed corridors completed; study on Delhi-Jaipur-Ajmer-Jodhpur to be taken up in 2012-13.

*Wellness programme for railway staff at work places.

*Institution of ‘Rail Khel Ratna’ Award for 10 rail sportspersons every year.

*A wagon factory at Sitapali, Odisha, rail coach factory at Palakkad, two additional new coach manufacturing units in Kutch (Gujarat) and Kolar (Karnataka); component factory at Shyamnagar (West Bengal); new coaching terminal at Naihati, the birth place of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.

*Freight loading of 1,025 MT targeted; 55 MT more than 2011—12; Passenger growth targeted at 5.4 per cent.

*Passenger earnings to increase to Rs 36,200 crore.

*Gross rail traffic targeted to increase by Rs 28,635 crore to Rs 1,32,552 crore in 2012—13.

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Two friends who pass on their love for momos

If you love Chinese food and are craving delicious steamed chicken momos, then Yuan restaurant, near the Hennur Bus Depot, is just the place for you.

Leisurely meals

In 2004, two friends, Gautam Swaroop and Manish Mandana who fancied Chinese food, wanted to open a joint of their own.

“When we started the place, this area was relatively quiet and peaceful. We even had outdoor seating arrangements. People would come here to enjoy leisurely evening meals,” recalls Gautam.

Just three years later, he says, the place witnessed rapid development and they had to discontinue the arrangement. “Dust and traffic increased to a great extent,” he says.

Despite this setback, the popularity of the restaurant was not dampened. “We have been quite lucky that way. Most of our staff is still with us, and many initial customers tell me that our momos cannot be substituted by any other,” he adds.

Fine balance

The staple dumplings (priced at Rs. 70 a plate) should definitely be the first on your list of things to try. The chilli sauce balances the succulent and mildly flavoured momos. The triple Schezwan rice (Rs. 125) is the chef's special. The crispy noodles with rice and tiny chicken pieces was the highlight of the meal.

Vegetarian fare

Among the vegetarian main course dishes, the special dragon noodles (Rs. 90 a plate) is a must-have.

For lovers of seafood, the Phuket fish (Rs. 150) will surely prove addictive. Slightly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, this delicacy deserves full points for presentation and great taste. While they do serve lamb, pork and beef are not available.

The popularity of the restaurant stands testimony to quality of the food served here.

Space constraint has done nothing to dampen the restaurant's patronage. What it lacks in space, it makes up by doing home delivery to the surrounding areas.

Yuan is located at Shop No. 2 and 3, Renu Arcade, 80 ft road, 1st Stage, 2nd Block, HBR Layout. Call 40974045 or 9901047070.

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Corporate job? have some veggies

A testing lifestyle of rigorous hours, untimely food breaks, plenty of beverages that must be downed to keep company at a corporate party… that's plenty of abuse to take. But then how do you say ‘No' if the job demands otherwise?

The two-hour session on ‘corporate health' addressed the issue at the ongoing health mela in Valluvar Kottam on Friday. Some corporate employees were scribbling in their notepads. Others wanted answers to their dilemmas such as the benefits of drinking plenty of water. Those with erratic dietary pattern can take heart for there is a solution to it.

Varsha, founder chair of Indian Institute of Nutritional Sciences, who conducted the programme provided a detailed diet chart, from morning to night, and explained why each item should be consumed. A beverage can act as an activator, energiser or relaxant, depending on how it is handled. “When you associate [each food] with a function, people understand why they are drinking [eating] something,” she says, suggesting a simple buttermilk recipe to detoxify at night.

Every adult should consume half a kg of vegetables, she insists. “But is it that difficult? An assorted mix of vegetables, including 100gm each of greens (when cooked it will amount to a tablespoon), carrot/beet/radish; two tomatoes or one cucumber; peas, beans or lady's finger and 50gm of tubers (not chips) is enough to provide the necessary nutrients each day,” Dr. Varsha says.

Such an eclectic mix will provide 13 vitamins, 28 minerals, phytochemicals, soluble and insoluble fibres and water that the body needs.

At the mela, aspiring dentists, lawyers and engineers have each created a platform for the city's residents to understand the onslaught on their health from a variety of sources: tobacco, aerated drinks, attractively packaged salted snacks, tea, honey, turmeric and milk.

If this does not excite a die-hard corporate employee then perhaps a quick tour of the mela would settle doubts. Dental students show with exhibits that much-loved snacks from attractively packaged pouches faintly smell of plastic when burnt and their explanation is worth listening to. Budding lawyers insist that consumers have the right to know what goes into the products they patronise.

It may be difficult to give up cigarettes or ‘paan', but may be there is a way to raise awareness at least among students. So, Anna University's students from Media Sciences and Electronics Engineering departments have designed human organs, which, at the click of a button explain their role in the body and the assault they are subjected to. If all this appears like a lecture on nutrition then it is time to visit the food court. And it is a revelation. From ‘jowar dosa' to ‘millet payasam', there are a healthy variety of dishes to choose from, which are light on the stomach and prevent digestive problems.

Before exiting the exhibition, it would be worth remembering gastroenterologist S.M. Chandramohan's counsel to eat dinner four hours before sleep: “Food in the stomach needs two hours to empty into the intestine. Acidity, stomach ulcers, heartburns, piles and irritable bowel are symptoms of improper dietary habits. Do not self-diagnose, leave it to the doctor.”

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