Champion Kuznetsova back from brink to reach third round

May 27, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Reigning champion Svetlana Kuznetsova held on by her fingernails at the French Open on Wednesday, saving four match points against Germany’s Andrea Petkovic to keep alive her hopes of defending the title.

The Russian sixth seed was on the brink when Petkovic served at 5-4, 40-0 in the second set of a rain-interrupted scrap on Court One but survived to win 4-6 7-5 6-4.

Petkovic’s nerves got the better of her as she wasted all her match points with unforced errors and Kuznetsova, who had been woefully off from, took full advantage.

Kuznetsova also wobbled serving at 5-3 in the decider as Petkovic broke back but sealed victory on her fourth match point in the next game when her opponent drilled a backhand long.

(Editing by Miles Evans.

To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)

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National footballers force AIFF to one-on-one meet

May 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment

New Delhi, May 15 (IANS) The national footballers are unhappy with the payment structure of the central contract system and have forced the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to have one-on-one meetings to negotiate their deal that will some into effect from next month.

The AIFF had planned to give central contracts to the 30-listed footballers from next month till the Asian Cup in January. The federation proposed that players, barring few, would be given 15 percent hike for the eight-month contract, but footballers feel that the hike is too less as the market value of some of the players has gone up by three to four folds.

In fact the top brass of the AIFF also stands divided over the issue and some feel that the federation is trying to arm twist the players to sign a lesser deal.

A top official in the AIFF told IANS: ‘The federation is now in a spot of bother and the footballers have forced us for a one-on-one meetings. This was on the cards. JCT striker Baljit Sahni now plays for a modest salary but he has got a great offer from a Kolkata club, which is three to four times his present offer this season. So why should he accept a contract with a mere 15 per cent hike?’

Players cannot negotiate with a club before the end of the I-League and the AIFF is using this rule to close the deals before the end of the league.

A top player, on condition of anonymity told IANS: ‘The AIFF is trying to take advantage of this rule and seal the deal before the start of the transfer season. They are cheating us.’

Another player, who was a part of the AFC Challenge winning squad, said: ‘This is simply arm twisting. Are we paying a price for taking India to the Asian Cup finals after 25 years? Show me one federation that treats its footballers this way. The players are not going to accept a hike of 15 percent.’

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Public get say on Townsville future

April 8, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The Townsville City Council is giving residents the opportunity to have their say on the future direction of the city.

The council is calling for the community to review and comment on its five year corporate plan on its website.

Corporate governance committee chairwoman Natalie Marr says the plan covers the issues and priorities for the council over the next 12 months.

“What we ask for is comments on the city’s direction, that can be responsible governance, economic, community, environmental sustainability, the submissions you can put through you can actually make any comments you wish – it’s very important that residents actually take this opportunity to contribute and take advantage of this process,” she said.

She says every submission will be reviewed and considered.

“Some of them really surprise me, it can be on the environment, some people want to talk about the social aspect, some talk about the economy and the direction that city is taking – the feedback that we do get through is right across the board for the whole city,” she said.

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Mums offered midwife home visits

April 8, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The Greater Western Area Health Service is to offer women giving birth in Broken Hill the option to take advantage of home visits by a community midwife.

The Early Postnatal Discharge Program within the maternity unit at the hospital, will allow mothers to go home early while still receiving support, care and advice until seven days after the birth.

A community midwife, Amanda McCormack, says it is important to give mothers the option to go home early if they have an uncomplicated birth.

“It’s important just to note it is a voluntary service,” she said.

“We’re not pushing people out the door, we’re certainly doing it in a supportive role, allowing women to go home if they choose to go home early.”

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Big Fish Games Launches Amazon: Hidden Expedition for iPad

April 3, 2010 By Leave a Comment

SEATTLE–(Business Wire)–
Big Fish Games today announced its Amazon: Hidden Expedition App for iPad is now
available on the App store. The app offers players a new take on the hidden
object game genre by allowing two players to compete against each other on a
single iPad. Amazon: Hidden Expedition takes advantage of iPad`s generous screen
size and innovative Multi-Touch user interface by offering two modes of play:
split-screen with mirror images for head-to-head gameplay or full-screen for
individual and collaborative gameplay.

“The integration of our games with iPad effectively transforms the device into a
modern board game,” said Patrick Wylie, vice president of Big Fish Games
Studios. “Whether you choose to play against a worthy adversary in split-screen
mode, or in collaboration with friends and family in full-screen mode, the
Amazon: Hidden Expedition App for iPad promises to be an incredibly enjoyable
experience for all ages.”

Players join the Hidden Expedition team as they explore the Amazon rainforest in
search of a missing professor. A tattered map referencing the legendary Beetle
Temple provides clues as players explore cities, temples, and ruins, all the
while unlocking secrets of an ancient yet advanced civilization. The game
features 50 hidden object scenes, 14 mini-games and a three-stage hint system.

The Amazon: Hidden Expedition App for iPad is available now from the App store
on iPad or at www.itunes.com/appstore.

For more information about Big Fish Games` offerings for iPad, iPhone and iPod
touch, please visit www.bfgiphone.com.

About Big Fish Games

Founded in 2002, Big Fish Games is a multi-platform developer, publisher and
distributor of casual games, including downloadable, flash, social, MMO, console
and mobile games. Renowned for offering A New Game Every Day! on
www.bigfishgames.com, Big Fish Games distributes more than 1.5 million games per
day worldwide. With headquarters in Seattle and offices in Vancouver, Canada,
and Cork, Ireland, Big Fish Games partners with 500+ game developers, and both
develops and publishes some of the industry`s leading brands, including Mystery
Case Files, Hidden Expedition, Drawn, Fairway Solitaire, My Tribe and
Faunasphere. For more information, visit www.bigfishgames.com.

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Big Fish Games
Kate Brinks, 206-269-3666
kate.brinks@bigfishgames.com

Copyright Business Wire 2010

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Tapulous Unveils Tap Tap Radiation App for iPad

April 3, 2010 By Leave a Comment

PALO ALTO, CA, Apr 02 (MARKET WIRE) —
Tapulous, maker of the wildly popular Tap Tap Revenge music game for the
iPhone and iPod touch, today announced the launch of a brand new music
game built especially for the iPad, Tap Tap Radiation. The new game lets
users tap to the beats of more than 30 free music tracks along with
premium tracks by Pink, Lady Gaga, and more. Tap Tap Radiation goes off
the rails with free-style three dimensional game play and four difficulty
levels that create intense single player action.

The large screen size of iPad is a magnificent canvas for Tapulous’
eye-popping graphics. Designed specifically for iPad, Tap Tap Radiation
takes users on a visual ride alongside the beats of each track. The game
also features a Freestyle mode that allows users to enjoy the music and
visuals in a non-competitive environment.

“The iPad creates an amazing gaming experience for both serious and
casual gamers,” said Tapulous CEO, Bart Decrem. “Tap Tap Radiation was
designed especially for iPad and takes advantage of the greater screen
real estate and processing power. With its stunning graphics and killer
playlist, Tap Tap Radiation is great fun to play. We hope it will become
the must-have free app for the iPad.”

At launch, Tap Tap Radiation comes with 33 awesome free tracks adapted
especially for the app, including 12 Wives in Tehran by Serge Devant; I
Like That by Richard Vission; Quiet Dog by Mos Def; and Lions by The
Features. Additional free and premium content will be added to the app on
an ongoing basis.

Tap Tap Radiation includes an in-app store featuring premium music for
sale. At launch, premium music levels include:

– Lady Gaga 6-pack featuring Telephone, Poker Face, Love Game, Bad
Romance, Alejandro, and Speechless.
– Pink 2-pack featuring So What and Get The Party Started
– Ultra Records 6-pack featuring Imagination by Jes (Kaskade Remix),
Love is Gone by David Guetta (Fred Rister & Joachim Garraud Radio
Edit Remix), Satisfaction by Benny Benassi, Sorry by Kaskade (Dirty
South Remix), Elements of Life by Tiesto, and Duck, You Sucker by
Sharam

Additional free and premium tracks will be added on an ongoing
basis. Tap Tap Radiation is a free game for the iPad available on the App
Store or at http://bit.ly/TTRiPad.

About Tapulous
Tapulous is a leading developer on the App Store with
more than 30 million users. The company’s flagship game, Tap Tap Revenge,
is one of the most downloaded games on the iPhone and iPod touch. Founded
in 2008 and based in Palo Alto, California, the company is angel funded
and profitable. For more information, please visit www.tapulous.com or
follow them on Twitter by going to @Tapulous, @RiddimRibbon,
@TapRadiation, or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/taptaprevenge,
www.facebook.com/riddim-ribbon, www.facebook.com/tapradiation.

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Press Contacts:
Daniel McKean
(949) 338-4762
Email Contact

Brian Blank
(408) 910-4460
Email Contact

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Vice President”s wife unhappy over Women”s Reservation Bill

March 30, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Agra (Uttar Pradesh), Mar 30 (ANI): Vice President Hamid Ansari”s wife, Salma Ansari, has expressed unhappiness over the Women”s Reservation Bill, saying it would not help women of the backward classes.

Speaking to reporters after addressing a function in Agra, she said the Bill would help only a section of women.

“I have a problem with this bill. The government comes up with a lot of schemes and many projects, but how many women take advantage of them. Till women themselves are not aware and are not educated and do not stand on their own feet, no matter how many bills are passed it will not really help them,” said Salma Ansari.

“Some people will definitely benefit but till the time women from the grass-root are not aware, till that time it will not be of much help. Only education of the women can help achieve the objectives of the bill,” she added.

The controversial yet historic Women”s Reservation Bill seeks to provide 33 percent reservation for women in Parliament and in state legislative bodies. (ANI)

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Tendulkar’s absence from Twenty20 World Cup great relief for teams: Afridi

March 29, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Islamabad, Mar. 29 (ANI): Pakistani captain Shahid Afridi has said that master blaster Sachin Tendulkar’s absence from the next month’s Twenty20 World Cup will prove to be a big relief for other teams.

Tendulkar, who quit T20 international cricket along with Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid in 2007, is in a great form at the IPL-3 but he has ruled out the possibility of returning to the format.

“The way he has blossomed in the last few years, he is only getting better and better as a batsman. If he is not playing for India in the Twenty20 World Cup, it is certainly a big advantage for other teams,” the Daily Times quoted Afridi, as saying.

“If Tendulkar had played in this World Cup, I am sure he would have made a big impact for India,” he added.

Afridi feels that Tendulkar’s batting style is getting better day-by-day.

“With every match he seems to be growing as a batsman and getting better. He is playing like a teenager. There is no sign of age affecting his game at all,” he said.

“The biggest thing that he still enjoys playing the sport and his hunger for runs has not died at all,” he added. (ANI)

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Call for convention centre to bolster tourism

March 25, 2010 By Leave a Comment

A Federal Opposition MP says Hervey Bay is missing out on tourism growth because it does not have a convention centre.

The Member for Hinkler, Paul Neville, says the state and federal governments need to help councils fund big community projects.

He says without a convention centre, the city does not take full advantage of its tourism resources.

“Hervey Bay doesn’t have a town hall, it doesn’t have a civic centre, it doesn’t have a convention centre,” Mr Neville said.

“It’s a tourist town that could do with something like a convention centre.

“We’ve got direct flights to Sydney and we’ve got very high quality resorts, so it is an ideal town for big conventions.”

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Ex uses Jesse James’ extra-marital affair in custody push

March 23, 2010 By Leave a Comment

New York, Mar 23 (ANI): Actress Sandra Bullock’s husband Jesse James’ porn star ex has taken advantage of the scandal surrounding his affair with a stripper by taking him to court to get custody of their daughter.

According to TMZ, James’ ex-wife Janine Lindemulder, 41, who is currently living in a halfway house after being sent to jail for tax evasion in 2008, has filed legal papers for custody of their 6-year-old daughter, Sunny.

James, 40, had won full custody after a nasty court battle, but now Lindemulder believes his affair could give her another chance in court.

“Janine now believes Sandra will divorce Jesse and she feels she has a shot at getting some custodial rights,” the New York Daily News quoted TMZ.com as reporting.

Her court date is set for June 14. (ANI)

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Ballack dismisses Mourinho as history ahead of clash with Inter Milan

March 15, 2010 By Leave a Comment

London, Mar 15 (ANI): Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has dismissed former boss Jose Mourinho as history and called upon his club to look to the future.

The Blues must overcome a 2-1 deficit at Stamford Bridge tomorrow to send Inter Milan and their former boss crashing out of the Champions League.

It was the only trophy Mourinho failed to win at Chelsea and Ballack believes they can go one better under Carlo Ancelotti, The Sun reports.

The German captain said: “You can only make history if you win something. Jose won two League titles, of course, that is why he is so popular here.

“But that is history and now we have a new coach, with new players as well. This competition is the one we couldn”t win until now. So that is why we are so hungry.”

Ballack signed in 2006 and played one season with Mourinho before the boss was sacked.

And he risked the further wrath of former boss when he suggested Ancelotti’s record of two Champions League titles is an advantage now.

Ballack said: “It’s a big plus because we have an experienced side but most of the players have not won the Champions League. But our coach has won it twice, that”s why we look up to him and that’s why we listen to him.” (ANI)

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Krishna in Belarus to strengthen bilateral ties

September 17, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Minsk, Sept 17 (ANI): Indian External Affairs Minister S M Krishna has arrived here to foster bilateral ties between the two countries.

Krishna is the first Indian External Minister to visit this country.

On Wednesday, Krishna visited the Victory Square Monument in the city and paid tribute to soldiers who had laid down their lives during the World War II while fighting the Nazi invaders.

“This is the first ever visit by an Indian Minister for External Affairs to Belarus. I think it is an important visit with a view to further cement and strengthen relationship to mutual advantage,” said Ramesh Chander, Indian Ambassador to Belarus.

Krishna’s visit is being seen as important, as it would help to cement ties further between the two countries.

“In 2008, we had a 432 million trade turnover. And this year, it is likely to touch 500 million by the end of the year,” Chander added.

Krishna reviewed guard of honour of the Belarus Army at the Square. He was received by the Deputy Mayor of Minsk, Titenkov Mikhail.

On Thursday, Krishna will call on Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko.

He will also hold talks with his counterpart Sergey Martynov. Two agreements will be signed including one on Cooperation in Physical Education and Sports and an MoU on the Establishment of a Digital Learning Centre in Minsk.

The Digital Learning Centre will impart skills in advanced computing and software creation to young Belarusian students, initially with Indian faculty members and thereafter with trained Belarusian professionals.

Krishna will also pay an official visit to Turkmenistan on September 18 and 19.

He will call on Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedov and hold meetings with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov.

Krishna will also have a meeting with Minister in-charge of Oil and Gas sector Baymyrat Hojamuhammedov.

Both countries will sign a cooperation agreement during the visit. By Ravi Shankar (ANI)

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Spitzer call girl Ashley Dupre wants to make a comeback

September 14, 2009 By Leave a Comment

New York, September 14 (ANI): Ashley Dupre, the former high-class call girl at the centre of the Eliot Spitzer prostitution scandal, is tired of hiding and wants a comeback.

The 24-year-old was dubbed as an ‘informant’ during the scandal that saw the politician patronising a prostitution service that subsequently led to his resignation from the post of New York Governor.

And eighteen months after the storm, Dupre, who is recording pop songs and wooing a record deal, is seeking to get her life back on track.

“Everyone likes an underdog story, and everyone likes a comeback. I’m the poster child for redemption,” the New York Post quoted her as saying.

Dupre, who is also working on a book she calls a “cautionary tale,” further laughed at the idea that she was after the limelight.

She added: “I didn’t ask for it, but now that I have it, it’s up to me to take advantage of this platform and do something amazing. I have a voice now.” (ANI)

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Oldest-known fiber materials used by humans date back to 34,000 years

September 12, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Washington, September 11 (ANI): A team of archaeologists and paleobiologists has discovered flax fibers that are more than 34,000 years old, making them the oldest fibers known to have been used by humans.

The fibers were discovered during systematic excavations in a cave in the Republic of Georgia.

The flax, which would have been collected from the wild and not farmed, could have been used to make linen and thread, according to the researchers.

The cloth and thread would then have been used to fashion garments for warmth, sew leather pieces, make cloths, or tie together packs that might have aided the mobility of our ancient ancestors from one camp to another.

“This was a critical invention for early humans. They might have used this fiber to create parts of clothing, ropes, or baskets-for items that were mainly used for domestic activities,” said Ofer Bar-Yosef of the Harvard University, who jointly led the research with George Grant MacCurdy and Janet G. B. MacCurdy.

“We know that this is wild flax that grew in the vicinity of the cave and was exploited intensively or extensively by modern humans,” he added.

The items created with these fibers increased early humans chances of survival and mobility in the harsh conditions of this hilly region.

The flax fibers could have been used to sew hides together for clothing and shoes, to create the warmth necessary to endure cold weather.

They might have also been used to make packs for carrying essentials, which would have increased and eased mobility, offering a great advantage to a hunter-gatherer society.

Some of the fibers were twisted, indicating they were used to make ropes or strings. Others had been dyed.

Early humans used the plants in the area to color the fabric or threads made from the flax.

Today, these fibers are not visible to the eye, because the garments and items sewed together with the flax have long ago disintegrated.

Bar-Yosef, Eliso Kvavadze of the Institute of Paleobiology, and colleagues, discovered the fibers by examining samples of clay retrieved from different layers of the cave under a microscope.

Bar-Yosef and his team used radiocarbon dating to date the layers of the cave as they dug the site, revealing the age of the clay samples in which the fibers were found.

Flax fibers were also found in the layers that dated to about 21,000 and 13,000 years ago. (ANI)

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Vijender enters semifinal of World Boxing Championship

September 10, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Milan (Italy), Sep10 (ANI): Indian boxing star Vijender Singh achieved yet another historic feat by entering in to the semifinal of middleweight category of the World Boxing Championship, here on Thursday.

With this Singh became the first Indian to enter into the last four of the world boxing championship and also has ensured another medal to the country in the prestigious event.

Singh currently ranked number two in the world boxing rating punched out Sergiy Derevyanchenko of the Ukraine, 12-4.

Singh is now playing against former light heavy weight world champion Abbos Atoev, who returned to middle weight this year.

Speaking after the victory, Singh said he measured his opponent in the opening round which ended 1-1 before going for all-out attack in the next two rounds.

Singh, also had the advantage of height against his much shorter rival. The Indian boxer began to take control of the proceedings with his trademark left straights and uppercuts to end the second round 5-3.

He went on the offensive in the final round and didn’t let his opponent breach his defence even once to round off the last three minutes 6-0.

National boxing coach Gurbaksh Singh Sandhu lavished praise on Vijender saying that the composure with which he competes is remarkable. He hardly loses his cool and even in moments that can make one nervous, he seems in control the coach added.(ANI)

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Authorities promote blackberry production among Uttarakhand farmers

September 10, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Nainital, Sep 9 (ANI): In an initiative to promote European blackberry production in Uttarakhand, the state government have authorities distributed saplings of the fruit among farmers across the street.

Blackberry is not sown in the country, but the prospect of rich dividends from international markets has made the authorities and farmers to adapt to the fruit.

Sudhir Chaddha, agriculture specialist and director of Floriculture Park located in Chafi, said that the farmers in the country were at an advantage, as the fruit could be reaped two months in advance as compared to their European counterparts.

“Several European tourists when they visited India said that if we grow blackberries in India and send the frozen fruit to Europe it could be lucrative business, as the blackberries’ were not grown in Europe at that time,” Chaddha said.

“We grow blackberries two months in advance as compared to the farmers in Europe. This will be a great advantage for the blackberry farmers in India,” he added.

It is grown at an altitude of 2000-4000 feet. The fruit requires cold climate preferably less than 30 degrees centigrade for a healthy crop.

The best months for blackberry cultivation are February, March and April while the light soil is ideal for their cultivation. (ANI)

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Malay vet extends service to pet owner by groping, sucking her breasts

September 10, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Kuala Lumpur, Sep 9 (ANI): A Malay kindergarten teacher, who took her feverish pet squirrel to a veterinary clinic for treatment, had her breasts groped instead by the attending veterinarian.

According to the Harian Metro, the veterinarian had asked the 27-year old woman to place the squirrel inside her blouse to keep it warm, given its “erratic body temperature”.

But the squirrel got stuck on her bra strap, when the 52-year-old veterinarian asked her to take the animal out.

While helping the woman remove the squirrel, the veterinarian saw her breasts, started praising her figure, and allegedly told her to take care of her body and “beautiful breasts”.

Ampang OCPD Asst Comm Abd Jalil Hasan said that the veterinarian later began to demonstrate to her how to massage her breasts.

“He then took advantage by groping and sucking the victim’s breasts. The victim struggled to release herself before the doctor finally let her go,” the Star Online quoted him as saying.

“He told her she need not pay for the squirrel’s treatment and asked her to come again. But she decided to lodge a police report,” he added.

ACP Abd Jalil Hasan added that the veterinarian was arrested on September 7.

However, the squirrel died shortly after returning home. (ANI)

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Pak wants relationship with India on ‘equal footing’: Gilani

September 6, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Karachi, Sep.6 (ANI): Stressing the need for resumption of bilateral talks with India, Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said Islamabad wants relations with New Delhi on an equal footing.

“We want relations with India on an equal basis and it is our resolve that we will not allow our soil to be used for terrorism. Therefore, we want a proper dialogue to be resumed as in the present situation, the terrorists are getting benefit of the situation,” Gilani said.

Interacting with media persons at the Governor’s House here, Gilani said tensions between India and Pakistan would benefit the militants, so it was important for both countries to restart the peace process as soon as possible.

“We want relations with India on the basis of equality. If Pakistan and India do not enter into negotiations for the betterment of the region, then someone else would get the benefit. If there will not be bilateral talks, the terrorists will take advantage of it,” The News quoted Gilani, as saying.

Commenting on the massive reshuffle in the bureaucracy, Gilani defended his action saying it was important to ensure efficiency, integrity and quality in the system.

Gilani has revamped the top bureaucratic posts, replacing over a dozen federal secretaries in several ministries with over 50 civil servants.

In what is being touted as the single largest grade-22 promotion in many years, secretaries of interior, information, industries, privatisation commission, labour, and special secretary of finance are among those who have been replaced with the newly promoted officers.

However, the move has being criticized by many civil servants, as they believe the reshuffle reeks of nepotism and favouritism. (ANI)

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Sehwag will be missed by Team India, says Gautam Gambhir

September 4, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Chennai, Sep 4 (ANI): Cricketer Gautam Gambhir on Friday said that swashbuckling opener Virender Sehwag, who is sidelined due to injury, will be desperately missed by the team during the tour of Sri Lanka as well as the Champions Trophy.

“Any team will miss Sehwag (Virender Sehwag) because he was in such a form, that would have been a great advantage for any team,” Gambhir said.

Gambhir said this on the sidelines of ceremony held in Chennai, where he was appointed the brand ambassador of MRF.

India has announced the squad for the Sri Lanka tri-series followed by the Champions Trophy, in which they have recalled Rahul Dravid and left out Sehwag due to his shoulder surgery.

Gambhir further sad that international cricket was all about handling pressure, and you have to continuously deliver for the team.

“When you are playing international cricket it’s all about the pressure. You should know how to handle it and you should be able take that responsibility, which is very important and the responsibility only comes when the team starts expecting that you can deliver,” he said.

The series in Sri Lanka, which also involves New Zealand, will be held from September 8 to 14. (ANI)

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Nuke Sub, Aircraft Carrier in Kalam’s vision 2020 for Andamans

September 4, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Port Blair (Andaman and Nicobar Islands), Sep 4 (ANI): Former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on Friday unveiled a vision document for the strategic development of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands by the year 2020.

Inaugurating a national seminar on ‘Security and Development of the Andaman and Nicobar islands’ here, Dr Kalam said that a 250 mw nuclear power station on one of the islands would form the core of the development programme.

Dr Kalam said the islands being a vital part of the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) of the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) would have “enhanced significance” in the next decade.

He further said that the ANC should have bases for static aircraft carrier and a nuclear,

Dr Kalam also called upon the Armed Forces to evolve an effective security plan for underneath the sea, at sea level and in air.

“The security plan which you evolve should ensure that there is no unauthorised occupation of the vacant islands,”said Dr Kalam.

Meanwhile, Commander-in-Chief of the ANC, Vice Admiral Vijay Shankar, said that the location of these islands confers a geostrategic advantage.

“Its economic and forest potential dictates a sound security presence,” he added.

Top defence and security experts, including Deputy National Security Advisor Shekhar Dutt, former Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran and Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India R Chidambaram, are attending the two-day seminar. (ANI)

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