Zee News : India National

No CBI influence exerted on SP chief, says Congress

News

Dec 172012

New Delhi: The Congress Monday rejected the Samajwadi Party’s charge that the CBI was used to influence its decision in the foreign direct investment (FDI) in retail and jobs quota bill.

“There is no question of any influence. There is no proof of it,” Congress spokesperson PC Chacko told reporters.

The Samajwadi Party Sunday alleged that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was being used to trap its chief, Mulayam Singh Yadav.

The SP’s remark came ahead of the crucial vote on a bill Monday evening that promises reservation to the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and the Scheduled Tribes (STs) in job promotions.

Both the SP and the BSP had helped the ruling UPA win the parliament vote on FDI in retail.

“The SP and the BSP took their positions on FDI on their own. I don’t think a leader of Mulayam Singh Yadav’s stature would be afraid of CBI,” said Chacko.

PTI

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First Published: Monday, December 17, 2012, 23:39

Democracy, migration, tech fuelling change in Indi

News

Dec 172012

New Delhi: Democracy, migration and technology are the three basic forces that drive change in India, Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi said on Monday.

He made this remark while chairing a talk by eminent US-based Indian scientist Vijay Kumar on ‘Aerial Robot Swarms: Technology that will shape the future’ organised by Rajiv Gandhi Institute For Contemporary Studies (RGICS).

In his interventions during interaction, Rahul also emphasised the need for democratisation of technology and urged youngsters to explore the usage of technology for both humanitarian and nation building purposes.

“I don’t think, technology can enslave us. I think we enslave ourselves,” he said responding to a question and added that technology can be used for wrong purposes too.

Recalling the introduction of computer in the country when his late father Rajiv Gandhi was the Prime Minister, Rahul said the RGICS chose robot as a topic to make people understand its technology and how it helps the people.

In his speech, Vijay Kumar, who is a science professor at University of Pennsylvania, narrated the functioning of autonomous micro aerial robots that can operate in three- dimensional environments, with or without GPS, and after many opportunities for environment monitoring, search and rescue and first response.

He described his recent work on small, agile aerial robots at the University of Pennsylvania and the challenges in deployment of large numbers of aerial robots, with applications to cooperative manipulation and transport, construction and exploration and mapping.

PTI

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First Published: Monday, December 17, 2012, 23:35

All IAF aircraft to have anti-collision devices: AK Antony

News

Dec 172012

New Delhi: All IAF aircraft to be procured in future will have anti-collision technologies incorporated in them, Defence Minister AK Antony said on Monday.

IAF has decided that all aircraft to be procured by them in future will have anti-collision technologies incorporated in them. The type of equipment will depend on the role and operational employability of the aircraft, he said in reply to a written query in Lok Sabha.

He said the Embraer Executive Jets and Boeing Business Jets for VIP I WIP duties are equipped with Traffic Alert Collision Avoidance Systems and Ground Proximity Warning Systems as anti-collision features.

“The total cost of procurement of these aircraft and the associated equipment is inclusive of the collision avoidance systems mentioned above,” Antony said.

Meanwhile, answering another query, the Defence Minister said the 13th Round of Siachen talks between the Defence Secretaries of India and Pakistan were held at Rawalpindi from 11th to 12th June, 2012.

“They reaffirmed their resolve to make serious, sustained and result oriented efforts for seeking an amicable resolution of Siachen issue. It was agreed to continue the dialogue on Siachen in keeping with the desire of the leaders of both countries for early resolution of all outstanding issues”, he said.

To a query on Tatra trucks, he said, “The number of such vehicles with the Indian Army is 7,983 and it is about four per cent of total vehicles authorised for use by the Army.”

At present there is no further procurement of Tatra Trucks and their spare parts, Antony said.

PTI

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First Published: Monday, December 17, 2012, 23:24

Dortmund beat Hoffenheim 3-1 in Bundesliga

Sports

Dec 172012

Dortmund beat Hoffenheim 3-1 in Bundesliga Berlin: Defending champions Dortmund cruised to a 3-1 victory over struggling Hoffenheim to climb to third place while Werder Bremen and Nuremberg shared points to close the 17th round of German Bundesliga.

In a rainy encounter at the Rhein-Neckar Arena, both sides needed some time to gain a foothold into the game, reports Xinhua.

With 26 minutes played Dortmund`s Mario Goetze broke the deadlock with a solo run and shot.

Hoffenheim responded with frenetic attacks and their efforts were rewarded with the equaliser nine minutes later. Kevin Volland`s cross into the box found Sven Schipplock, who had no problems to slot into the open goal.

After the interval the visitors piled on the pressure, as they seemed discontent with the equaliser by Hoffenheim.

Dortmund`s Kevin Grokreutz gave his side the lead for the second time, when he slotted home an assist by Marco Reus at the 58th minute.

Grokreutz`s goal took the wind out of the hosts` as Robert Lewandowski made it 3-1 on the scoreboard eight minutes later to seal the deal ahead of time.

Dortmund are ranked third on the table with 30 points, 12 points adrift of front-runners Bayern Munich, meanwhile Hoffenheim suffered their sixth loss in a row and remain in 16th position.

Elsewhere, Bremen and Nuremberg shared points following a 1-1 draw at Weser stadium.

IANS

First Published: Monday, December 17, 2012, 14:02

Olympians live 3 years longer, says study

Sports

Dec 172012

Olympians live 3 years longer, says study Sydney: The Olympians live longer, nearly three years longer, than the general population, regardless of the country of origin, the category of medals or specific sport, a study said.

Researchers from the University of Melbourne compared life expectancy among 15,174 Olympic athletes who won medals between 1896 and 2010 with general population groups matched by country, age, sex, and year of birth.

All medalists lived an average of 2.8 years longer – a significant survival advantage over the general population in eight out of the nine countries studied, the British Medical Journal reports.

Gold, silver and bronze medalists enjoyed roughly the same survival advantage, as did medallists in both endurance and mixed sports, according to a Melbourne statement.

Medallists in power sports, such as gymnastics and tennis, had a smaller but still significant advantage over the general population. Philip Clarke, professor at Melbourne, said the study was not designed to determine why Olympic athletes live longer.

“There are many possible explanations, including genetic factors, physical activity, healthy lifestyle, and the wealth and status that come from international sporting glory,” he said.

“Perhaps the one thing those of us who do not make the Olympic team can do to increase our life expectancy is to undertake regular exercise. This has been shown to decrease the risk of big killers like type-2 diabetes.”

IANS

First Published: Monday, December 17, 2012, 14:23

Wenger interested in Italian striker

Sports

Dec 172012

Wenger interested in Italian striker Rome: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed his interest in AC Milan striker Stephan El Shaarawy, saying the Italian`s “philosophy fits perfectly with mine”.

But the 20-year-old is unlikely to leave Milan in January as he is the current Serie A top scorer and the Rossoneri`s most prolific player in all competition this season, reports Xinhua.

“El Shaarawy is a very mobile, very technical young player. His philosophy fits perfectly with mine,” Wenger said.

The French tactician also said a January offer was not out of the question.

“You never know. I am just saying I love the way he plays,” he said.

El Shaarawy is valued at a minimum of 30 million euros, but Milan have pledged not to sell their latest discovery.

IANS

First Published: Monday, December 17, 2012, 14:07

Juventus beat Atalanta to extend lead in Serie A

Sports

Dec 172012

Juventus beat Atalanta to extend lead in Serie A Rome: Juventus thrashed 10-man Atalanta 3-0 to extend their lead at the top of the Italian Serie A football table to seven points.

The home side went ahead through Mirko Vucinic in the second minute, and then Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio added further goals within the first half hour Sunday, reports Xinhua.

To add to the visitors` woes, Thomas Manfredini was then shown a red card, and Juve continued to attack but could not add to their first-half salvo.

With the win Juventus increased their lead over second-placed Inter Milan to seven points, and their head coach Antonio Conte warned his players against any complacency.

“The season isn`t over yet. We`re still going and it`s never simple to confirm a victory a year later. We try to prove ourselves through good football and organisation. At the end of the day we`ll see where we are,” he said.

AC Milan`s revival still maintains momentum as they claimed a fourth consecutive victory after beating the struggling Pescara 4-1.

IANS

First Published: Monday, December 17, 2012, 13:54

Mazzarri rules Napoli out of Scudetto chances

Sports

Dec 172012

Mazzarri rules Napoli out of Scudetto chances Rome: Manager Walter Mazzarri ruled out Napoli`s chances of winning the Italian Serie A following his side`s 2-3 defeat to Bologna.

Mazzarri said, as Juventus, who are now the Winter Champions with a seven-point lead at the top of the table, are nearly invincible, Napoli should focus on other objectives than the Serie A title, reports Xinhua.

“The whole `anti-Juventus` thing is a slogan the media thought up and I`m sick of it. Juventus are doing something extraordinary and I`ve said since the summer that we have to grow,” he said.

“We`re all on a par now for second place and will see how the season ends, as I don`t see anyone else right now who can compete with Juve. Maybe things will change, but it`s tough when they` re playing like that. We should focus on other objectives,” he added.

Then he criticised his players for wasting chances in the match.

“These players gave their all tonight. When you waste that many chances at this level, you will pay. I don`t know how many opportunities we had to finish it off,” he said.

“Napoli created many scoring opportunities and Bologna scored on one of only two chances they had in the first half,” he said.

“Our defect is that once we take the lead, we think the job is done. It has happened many times and we don`t finish sides off.

“We get distracted and unconsciously the players think the victory is safe. That is where we really must improve and make that step up in quality, otherwise we`ll keep dropping points continually,” he said.

IANS

First Published: Monday, December 17, 2012, 14:18

Money is not everything, says Sandeep Singh

Sports

Dec 162012

Money is not everything, says Sandeep Singh New Delhi: A visibly dejected Sandeep Singh, India`s top drag-flicker, said he was not disappointed at being sold for the base price to Mumbai Magicians as a marquee player in the Hockey India League (HIL) auction held here Sunday.

Sandeep, who was dropped from the national team after a poor run at the London Olympic Games, was bought by Mumbai outfit for his reserve price of $27,800.

Asked whether he was disappointed, Sandeep said: “Money is not everything in life. The league will be a big affair. I am looking forward to play in it.”

But it was Australian defender Joel Caroll who ensured that Sandeep gets a better pay package. Caroll was bought by Mumbai for $56,000 and as a marquee player Sandeep will be getting 15 percent more than what the Australian was sold for.

Sandeep, however, said the league will not only help the profile of the game in the country but also world hockey.

“I am sure it will be a great tournament. We not only have some of the best players in the world but also some of the top coaches are here. It will be a great learning experience,” he said.

IANS

PCB applies pressure tactics on BCB for short series in Pak

Sports

Dec 162012

PCB applies pressure tactics on BCB for short series in Pak Karachi: The Pakistan Cricket Board appears to be heading for a confrontation with the Bangladesh Cricket Board after indicating to its counterpart that it would not be possible to send its players for the Bangladesh Premier League unless the BCB fulfills its commitment of touring Pakistan .

Reliable sources in the PCB said on Sunday that the board had already conveyed to the BCB that they need to fulfill their commitment of sending a team to Pakistan for a series.

“Basically it is a very politely worded message but clear that unless the BCB gives a final commitment when it will tour Pakistan it would not be possible for the PCB to give clearance to its players to play in the second BPL season,” one source said.

In the inaugural BPL held in February this year around 20 Pakistani players including Shahid Afridi, Saeed Ajmal, Mohammad Hafeez, Imran Nazir, Abdul Razzaq, Mohammad Sami, Nasir Jamshed, Ahmed Shahzad etc took part in the competition.

But for the second BPL although the deadline for boards to issue NOC?s to their players has passed the PCB is yet to issue a single NOC to any player for the BPL which will also be holding its players auction next week.

“It is a tight situation but the PCB is firm at the moment because it feels that it has completed its part of the bargain of supporting BCB?s former President, Mostafa Kamal for the post of ICC Vice President but the BCB has yet to fulfill its part of the bargain,” the source said.

The BCB in April announced it would be sending a team to

Lahore to play a T20 and ODI match to help revive international cricket in Pakistan .

But at the last moment the BCB stopped its team citing a order from the Dhaka High Court which said that Bangladeshi players should not go and play in Pakistan because of security concerns.

Another source said eventually the PCB will allow its players to take part in the BPL but is using the league to get the BCB to give a written commitment of sending its team.

No Test playing nation has toured Pakistan since militants attacked the Sri Lankan team in March, 2009 in Lahore.

PTI

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