BEIJING: Terming India's decision to beef up the security along the border with China by deploying one lakh additional troops as a "sensitive move", an official daily here said it would result in raising tensions harming New Delhi's interests.
"The action is completely not worthwhile. Currently, India has 40,000 troops in the disputed area, and if the further 100,000 is deployed, the total number of the troops will reach 140,000", an article carried by official People's Daily Online said on Tuesday.
"It will result in a tense situation in the region and harm India's own interests. Increasing troops on the border area is always a sensitive move and it is especially sensitive to increase troops on a disputed border area", it said.
"In an era when precision-guided weapons are developing rapidly, everyone with common sense knows that concentrated troops could be eliminated easily", it said alleging that India is raising the China threat theory to increase defence spending at a time when its annual economic growth rate is falling.
The article followed People's Liberation Army (PLA) daily, the official mouthpiece of Chinese military, terming India's move was aimed at containing China as it considered Beijing as real competitor.
The People's Daily commentary said decreasing growth rates in India is making it "very difficult to considerably increase military spending for military build up amid the economic downturn, so India needs to first create a tense atmosphere and transfer domestic problems in hopes of securing more military spending".
"The spread of the 'China threat theory', the increase of troops to the disputed areas near the China-India border, and the display of a tough attitude toward China all aim to make a breakthrough in further increasing military spending", it said.
India has continued to hold joint military drills with China's neighbouring countries over a recent period, showing it "evidently intends" to contain China.
"In addition, the US needs to rely on India to restrict China. India needs to show its value to US by flexing its muscle toward China so that it could gain its military support and help raise its international status", it said.
"India's troop increase on the border between China and India is aimed at meeting the requirements of the United States and then getting support from the United States. However, will India realise its goal?", it asked.
Showing posts with label Breaking News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Breaking News. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Finally Petrol Prices Slashed, Effective From Midnight
NEW DELHI: After several hikes in the petrol prices, there is finally some relief.
Oil companies, for the first time after deregulation, have announced a cut in the price of petrol.
The price of petrol has been slashed by Rs 1.85 per litre. However, the actual reduction will vary from states to states.
Oil companies, for the first time after deregulation, have announced a cut in the price of petrol.
The price of petrol has been slashed by Rs 1.85 per litre. However, the actual reduction will vary from states to states.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Rahul Dravid Pips Ian Bell As The Highest Run-Getter In Tests In 2011
KOLKATA: Rahul Dravid on Monday reached a commendable milestone of becoming the highest run-scorer in the current year surpassing England's Ian Bell.
Dravid now has 952 runs in 10 Tests in the current year surpassing Bell's 950 runs from eight matches.
The senior batsman was out for 119 bowled by part-time spinner Kraigg Brathwaite after being involved in a 140-run fourth wicket partnership.
'The Wall' has scored five centuries in the current year thus far with two against West Indies and three against England apart from two half-centuries at an average of 59.50.
It has taken him 19 innings to score the runs while Bell has scored his runs at a staggering average of 118.75 in only 11 innings.
Apart from Dravid, VVS Laxman also reached a mini milestone on the day when he completed 1500 Test runs against the West Indies.
Centuries by Rahul Dravid in 2011 112 vs WI at Kingston 103 vs England at the Lord's 117 vs England at Nottingham 146 n.o. vs England at the Oval 119 vs West Indies at Eden Gardens.
Dravid now has 952 runs in 10 Tests in the current year surpassing Bell's 950 runs from eight matches.
The senior batsman was out for 119 bowled by part-time spinner Kraigg Brathwaite after being involved in a 140-run fourth wicket partnership.
'The Wall' has scored five centuries in the current year thus far with two against West Indies and three against England apart from two half-centuries at an average of 59.50.
It has taken him 19 innings to score the runs while Bell has scored his runs at a staggering average of 118.75 in only 11 innings.
Apart from Dravid, VVS Laxman also reached a mini milestone on the day when he completed 1500 Test runs against the West Indies.
Centuries by Rahul Dravid in 2011 112 vs WI at Kingston 103 vs England at the Lord's 117 vs England at Nottingham 146 n.o. vs England at the Oval 119 vs West Indies at Eden Gardens.
Heartbreak At Eden As Sachin Tendulkar Misses Elusive 100th Ton
KOLKATA: West Indies players Devendra Bishoo and Marlon Samuels turned villains for the Eden Gardens crowd which had begun to swell hoping Indian little master Sachin Tendulkar would complete his much-awaited 100th international ton on day one of the second Test on Monday.
Tendulkar, a ton away from achieving the milestone, departed on 38 (71 balls, 5x4) after a 75-minute stay in the middle.
The batting genius, who earlier survived a strong leg before appeal off Bishoo while on 25, got out to an ordinary delivery from the same bowler. Tendulkar tried to pull the rank short ball that was turning away from him, and offered a simple catch to Samuels at mid-wicket, as a hush descended on the stadium.
It was the Tendulkar magic that had seen the crowd count soar to around 10,000 in the afternoon session as he seemed confident but cautious, after having to wait over eight months for the elusive mark. He got his 99th ton March 12 at Nagpur against South Africa.
Earlier, Tendulkar had walked out to a rousing reception at 12:07 p.m. after Gautam Gambhir got out.
The spectators clapped and shouted "sachin", "sachin" as the master batsman made his way to the 22 yards.
The first ball he faced was a loosener of sorts from pacer Phil Edwards wayward down the leg side.
As Tendulkar unleashed some good shots, in between picking up runs in singles and twos, the excitement soared, and every run resulted in a countdown by the fans.
There were some anxious moments in the 44th over when Bishoo's delivery rapped Tendulkar - then on 25 - on the front foot, and there was a strong leg before appeal. Umpire Rod Tucker's decision to turn down the appeal came as a big relief for the crowd.
But all that finally ended in disappointment in the 52nd over of the day as the one century the cricketing world is waiting for months remained elusive once again.
Tendulkar, a ton away from achieving the milestone, departed on 38 (71 balls, 5x4) after a 75-minute stay in the middle.
The batting genius, who earlier survived a strong leg before appeal off Bishoo while on 25, got out to an ordinary delivery from the same bowler. Tendulkar tried to pull the rank short ball that was turning away from him, and offered a simple catch to Samuels at mid-wicket, as a hush descended on the stadium.
It was the Tendulkar magic that had seen the crowd count soar to around 10,000 in the afternoon session as he seemed confident but cautious, after having to wait over eight months for the elusive mark. He got his 99th ton March 12 at Nagpur against South Africa.
Earlier, Tendulkar had walked out to a rousing reception at 12:07 p.m. after Gautam Gambhir got out.
The spectators clapped and shouted "sachin", "sachin" as the master batsman made his way to the 22 yards.
The first ball he faced was a loosener of sorts from pacer Phil Edwards wayward down the leg side.
As Tendulkar unleashed some good shots, in between picking up runs in singles and twos, the excitement soared, and every run resulted in a countdown by the fans.
There were some anxious moments in the 44th over when Bishoo's delivery rapped Tendulkar - then on 25 - on the front foot, and there was a strong leg before appeal. Umpire Rod Tucker's decision to turn down the appeal came as a big relief for the crowd.
But all that finally ended in disappointment in the 52nd over of the day as the one century the cricketing world is waiting for months remained elusive once again.
Hamilton Ready To Reach New Level: Mclaren
ABU DHABI: Lewis Hamilton's victory in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is a sure sign of his championship-winning potential in 2012, according to McLaren team chief Martin Whitmarsh.
Hamilton has endured a rollercoaster year on the Formula One circuit, and off it. Last month he also split up with long-term girlfriend and fiancee Nicole Scherzinger.
On Sunday the Englishman took full advantage of the early retirement of double world champion Sebastian Vettel to win the penultimate race of the season with comfortable aplomb.
For Whitmarsh, it is a sign of great things to come.
"There is no reason why, in my mind, he cannot raise himself to another level now," said Whitmarsh.
"I think this was a great recovery from where he has been in the last few months, and he can do greater things even than this.
"I think he is pretty happy with this one. You can see that in him and that enables people to drive with greater confidence and to attack that little bit extra.
"We are looking forward now to getting to Brazil and having another race, which is a good feeling for us all."
Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso of Spain came home second for Ferrari, wiping away some of the memories of a nightmare race in 2010 when his title challenge was wrecked by strategic mistakes.
In third was Jenson Button, who along with Vettel, Alonso and teammate and fellow Briton Hamilton is the only other driver to win races this season.
Whitmarsh added: "This win also means both of our drivers have got three great wins apiece this year and I am sure both of them think they can make it four by the end of the season."
The final race of the season in Brazil on November 27.
Although the outcome of the Abu Dhabi race means that Hamilton cannot overhaul Button in this year's drivers standings -- meaning he will be beaten by a team-mate for the first time since he came into Formula One in 2007 -- Whitmarsh believes that will not significantly affect Hamilton.
He added: "I think this season has been a challenging one for him. He has done a great job here and he will focus on the positives of that.
"And, as I say, he will now be saying 'when can I get to Brazil? I love that circuit!' It is a fantastic circuit, and he will want to win there too."
Button will also travel to Sao Paulo full of confidence and seeking to beat Alonso to the runners-up spot in this year's drivers' championship behind double world champion Vettel.
"I have great memories of Interlagos," said Button. "I am sure we can be competitive there and I am really looking forward to it. It is so great for the team to finish the season winning races to set us up for next year."
Hamilton has endured a rollercoaster year on the Formula One circuit, and off it. Last month he also split up with long-term girlfriend and fiancee Nicole Scherzinger.
On Sunday the Englishman took full advantage of the early retirement of double world champion Sebastian Vettel to win the penultimate race of the season with comfortable aplomb.
For Whitmarsh, it is a sign of great things to come.
"There is no reason why, in my mind, he cannot raise himself to another level now," said Whitmarsh.
"I think this was a great recovery from where he has been in the last few months, and he can do greater things even than this.
"I think he is pretty happy with this one. You can see that in him and that enables people to drive with greater confidence and to attack that little bit extra.
"We are looking forward now to getting to Brazil and having another race, which is a good feeling for us all."
Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso of Spain came home second for Ferrari, wiping away some of the memories of a nightmare race in 2010 when his title challenge was wrecked by strategic mistakes.
In third was Jenson Button, who along with Vettel, Alonso and teammate and fellow Briton Hamilton is the only other driver to win races this season.
Whitmarsh added: "This win also means both of our drivers have got three great wins apiece this year and I am sure both of them think they can make it four by the end of the season."
The final race of the season in Brazil on November 27.
Although the outcome of the Abu Dhabi race means that Hamilton cannot overhaul Button in this year's drivers standings -- meaning he will be beaten by a team-mate for the first time since he came into Formula One in 2007 -- Whitmarsh believes that will not significantly affect Hamilton.
He added: "I think this season has been a challenging one for him. He has done a great job here and he will focus on the positives of that.
"And, as I say, he will now be saying 'when can I get to Brazil? I love that circuit!' It is a fantastic circuit, and he will want to win there too."
Button will also travel to Sao Paulo full of confidence and seeking to beat Alonso to the runners-up spot in this year's drivers' championship behind double world champion Vettel.
"I have great memories of Interlagos," said Button. "I am sure we can be competitive there and I am really looking forward to it. It is so great for the team to finish the season winning races to set us up for next year."
Dhoni's Team Is The Best Ever, Feels Kapil Dev
DURBAN: Former India captain Kapil Dev feels that the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led side is the best ever team in the history of Indian cricket.
"Without any doubt, I would say that this is the best Indian team ever," said Kapil, who is here to take part in the second edition of the World Cricket Legends - 15-a-side cricket tournament in the wild between former India and South African players, organised by Beyond Boundaries.
"When you have so many records, so much experience and have done so well, you can't complain about anything at all," he added.
Kapil feels that one should never compare two generations and said that we should always believe that our next generation is better than the previous one. That's mantra of moving forward, the legendary all-rounder opined.
"You can never compare a son with his father. The fathers never had the modern day gadgets that their sons are used to nowadays. Yet they worked tirelessly to get everything for their kids. That's why it is unfair to compare two generations. But you always want your son to be better than you," he said.
"The next generation has always been and will be better than the previous one. If it is not then we aren't moving forward as a society. If you at all have to compare, I would say this team is far better."
Kapil, meanwhile, denied that there is any extra pressure on Sachin Tendulkar to score his hundredth international ton, stating that the champion batsman has been handling pressure since he made his debut.
"When was Tendulkar not under pressure? Since age of 16, we have been putting pressure on him like comparing him with Sir Don Bradman and all that. He is always under pressure. I wonder if he would be able to perform if you don't write about him, talk to him and there is no crowd.
"I think he can only play under pressure. And the good part is, he is 99 not out. He likes to take pressure," he said.
Kapil also expressed his disappointment at how someone as promising as Irfan Pathan went off the boil.
"I think there is too much pressure. Look at (Irfan) Pathan. I thought he was coming up too well but suddenly he went off the boil. I thought he was moving in the right direction, perhaps, in today's world there is too much pressure and too much hard work. I don't think the players can handle themselves. It is tough life."
Still out of favour from the BCCI after he decided to switch favours for the unsanctioned ICL, Kapil wants the cricket establishment to approach him rather than him reaching out to them.
"The only thing is that the young players and the BCCI have to come back to me. They have to come back if they think they can learn something. It is up to the BCCI to sort these things out," he insisted.
Kapil recently had came out in the support of the proposed Sports Development Bill and insisted that he would always stand for it.
"The Sports Bill is speaking about the betterment of sports in the country. Forget about whether I have an advantage or a disadvantage. If it is good for sports but not personally for me then my personal liking should not come before the country. That's what I believe."
He feels that it's not something unreasonable to ask BCCI to be counted as a National Sports Federation (NSF).
"If it is for the betterment of sports we should all support it. Are we asking for anything unreasonable or unethical? No, we are not. If I am not ready to be accountable then it is sad," said Kapil.
"Without any doubt, I would say that this is the best Indian team ever," said Kapil, who is here to take part in the second edition of the World Cricket Legends - 15-a-side cricket tournament in the wild between former India and South African players, organised by Beyond Boundaries.
"When you have so many records, so much experience and have done so well, you can't complain about anything at all," he added.
Kapil feels that one should never compare two generations and said that we should always believe that our next generation is better than the previous one. That's mantra of moving forward, the legendary all-rounder opined.
"You can never compare a son with his father. The fathers never had the modern day gadgets that their sons are used to nowadays. Yet they worked tirelessly to get everything for their kids. That's why it is unfair to compare two generations. But you always want your son to be better than you," he said.
"The next generation has always been and will be better than the previous one. If it is not then we aren't moving forward as a society. If you at all have to compare, I would say this team is far better."
Kapil, meanwhile, denied that there is any extra pressure on Sachin Tendulkar to score his hundredth international ton, stating that the champion batsman has been handling pressure since he made his debut.
"When was Tendulkar not under pressure? Since age of 16, we have been putting pressure on him like comparing him with Sir Don Bradman and all that. He is always under pressure. I wonder if he would be able to perform if you don't write about him, talk to him and there is no crowd.
"I think he can only play under pressure. And the good part is, he is 99 not out. He likes to take pressure," he said.
Kapil also expressed his disappointment at how someone as promising as Irfan Pathan went off the boil.
"I think there is too much pressure. Look at (Irfan) Pathan. I thought he was coming up too well but suddenly he went off the boil. I thought he was moving in the right direction, perhaps, in today's world there is too much pressure and too much hard work. I don't think the players can handle themselves. It is tough life."
Still out of favour from the BCCI after he decided to switch favours for the unsanctioned ICL, Kapil wants the cricket establishment to approach him rather than him reaching out to them.
"The only thing is that the young players and the BCCI have to come back to me. They have to come back if they think they can learn something. It is up to the BCCI to sort these things out," he insisted.
Kapil recently had came out in the support of the proposed Sports Development Bill and insisted that he would always stand for it.
"The Sports Bill is speaking about the betterment of sports in the country. Forget about whether I have an advantage or a disadvantage. If it is good for sports but not personally for me then my personal liking should not come before the country. That's what I believe."
He feels that it's not something unreasonable to ask BCCI to be counted as a National Sports Federation (NSF).
"If it is for the betterment of sports we should all support it. Are we asking for anything unreasonable or unethical? No, we are not. If I am not ready to be accountable then it is sad," said Kapil.
Enough Is Enough, Behave Like 'Grown Up' Economy: Obama To China
HONOLULU: President Barack Obama served notice on Sunday that the United States was fed up with China's trade and currency practices as he turned up the heat on America's biggest economic rival.
"Enough's enough," Obama said bluntly at a closing news conference of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit where he scored a significant breakthrough in his push to create a pan-Pacific free trade zone and promote green technologies.
Using some of his toughest language yet against China, Obama, a day after face-to-face talks with President Hu Jintao, demanded that China stop "gaming" the international system and create a level playing field for US and other foreign businesses.
"We're going to continue to be firm that China operate by the same rules as everyone else," Obama told reporters after hosting the 21-nation APEC summit in his native Honolulu. "We don't want them taking advantage of the United States."
China shot back that it refused to abide by international economic rules that it had no part in writing.
"First we have to know whose rules we are talking about," Pang Sen, a deputy director-general at China's Foreign Ministry said.
"If the rules are made collectively through agreement and China is a part of it, then China will abide by them. If rules are decided by one or even several countries, China does not have the obligation to abide by that."
Even as Obama issued the veiled threat of further punitive action against China, it was unclear how much of his tough rhetoric was, at least in part, political posturing aimed at economically weary US voters who will decide next November whether to give him a second term.
Obama insisted that China allow its currency to rise faster in value, saying it was being kept artificially low and was hurting American companies and jobs. He said China, which often presents itself as a developing country, is now "grown up" and should act that way in global economic affairs.
The sharp words between the US and China contrasted with the unified front that Asia-Pacific leaders sought to present with a pledge to bolster their economies and lower trade barriers in an effort to shield against the fallout from Europe's debt crisis.
The members of APEC, which accounts for more than half of the world's economic output, said they had agreed on ways to counter "significant downside risks" to the world economy.
That followed an appeal by Obama, seeking to reassert US leadership to counter China's growing influence around the Pacific Rim, for a commitment to expand trade opportunities as an antidote to Europe's fiscal woes.
International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde, in Honolulu to consult with APEC leaders, said the euro zone upheaval risked sweeping the world economy into a "downward spiral" that all countries had a stake in resolving the crisis.
TRADE LIBERALIZATION PROMISED
APEC said in a final communique: "We recognize that further trade liberalization is essential to achieving a sustainable global recovery in the aftermath of the global recession of 2008-2009."
The communique also expressed a firm resolve "to support the strong, sustained and balanced growth of the regional and global economy" -- a clear reference to US concerns about a huge trade deficit with China's export-driven economy, fiscal problems in developed nations and the low savings rate in the United States.
In another bow to US pressure, APEC committed to reducing tariffs on environmental goods and services to 5 percent as a way to promote green technology trade, overcoming China's resistance to the idea.
Differences persist among APEC members -- a point hammered home by US-China tensions -- and the question remains how far leaders will be able to go in turning promises into action. Many, Obama included, will face resistance to opening markets further to foreign competition.
Obama's public denunciation of China's policies came as he faces pressure at home, from Republican presidential contenders as well as fellow Democrats, for a tougher line on Beijing. But US leverage is limited, not least because Beijing is America's largest foreign creditor.
Though Obama acknowledged a "slight improvement" in the value of China's yuan, he insisted it was not enough.
The United States has long complained that China keeps its currency artificially weak to give its exporters an advantage. China counters that the yuan should rise only gradually to avoid harming the economy and driving up unemployment, which would hurt global growth.
Hu was quoted by Chinanews.com in Beijing on Sunday as saying a big appreciation in the yuan against the dollar would not help US trade and unemployment problems.
The yuan inched up against the dollar. Dealers said Hu's comments in Honolulu indicated that China had no intention of letting the currency rise faster in the near term.
US ENGAGEMENT
Obama declared US engagement in the Asia-Pacific region as "absolutely critical" to America's prosperity. By harnessing the potential for expanded trade with the world's fastest-growing region, Obama hopes he can create US jobs to help him through a tough reelection fight in 2012.
Obama's drive toward a pan-Pacific free trade zone -- the signature US achievement of the summit -- got a boost when Canada, Mexico and Japan said they were interested in joining talks now under way among nine countries, and they agreed to complete the detailed framework in 2012.
The Philippines was discussing the matter, US officials said.
The Trans-Pacific Partnership adds momentum to Obama's pledge to double US exports, made more urgent by the virtual collapse of the Doha round of trade talks. A free trade zone in the region would outstrip the market size of the European Union. But for Japan, such a deal faces major political obstacles at home.
Yet there was little promise of immediate economic dividends as such trade deals often take years to take effect.
Obama is seeking to assure allies of a US "pivot" as China flexes its economic and military muscles in Asia and beyond. But leaders may doubt whether Washington can avoid being distracted by economic woes at home and foreign policy priorities like Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran.
"Enough's enough," Obama said bluntly at a closing news conference of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit where he scored a significant breakthrough in his push to create a pan-Pacific free trade zone and promote green technologies.
Using some of his toughest language yet against China, Obama, a day after face-to-face talks with President Hu Jintao, demanded that China stop "gaming" the international system and create a level playing field for US and other foreign businesses.
"We're going to continue to be firm that China operate by the same rules as everyone else," Obama told reporters after hosting the 21-nation APEC summit in his native Honolulu. "We don't want them taking advantage of the United States."
China shot back that it refused to abide by international economic rules that it had no part in writing.
"First we have to know whose rules we are talking about," Pang Sen, a deputy director-general at China's Foreign Ministry said.
"If the rules are made collectively through agreement and China is a part of it, then China will abide by them. If rules are decided by one or even several countries, China does not have the obligation to abide by that."
Even as Obama issued the veiled threat of further punitive action against China, it was unclear how much of his tough rhetoric was, at least in part, political posturing aimed at economically weary US voters who will decide next November whether to give him a second term.
Obama insisted that China allow its currency to rise faster in value, saying it was being kept artificially low and was hurting American companies and jobs. He said China, which often presents itself as a developing country, is now "grown up" and should act that way in global economic affairs.
The sharp words between the US and China contrasted with the unified front that Asia-Pacific leaders sought to present with a pledge to bolster their economies and lower trade barriers in an effort to shield against the fallout from Europe's debt crisis.
The members of APEC, which accounts for more than half of the world's economic output, said they had agreed on ways to counter "significant downside risks" to the world economy.
That followed an appeal by Obama, seeking to reassert US leadership to counter China's growing influence around the Pacific Rim, for a commitment to expand trade opportunities as an antidote to Europe's fiscal woes.
International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde, in Honolulu to consult with APEC leaders, said the euro zone upheaval risked sweeping the world economy into a "downward spiral" that all countries had a stake in resolving the crisis.
TRADE LIBERALIZATION PROMISED
APEC said in a final communique: "We recognize that further trade liberalization is essential to achieving a sustainable global recovery in the aftermath of the global recession of 2008-2009."
The communique also expressed a firm resolve "to support the strong, sustained and balanced growth of the regional and global economy" -- a clear reference to US concerns about a huge trade deficit with China's export-driven economy, fiscal problems in developed nations and the low savings rate in the United States.
In another bow to US pressure, APEC committed to reducing tariffs on environmental goods and services to 5 percent as a way to promote green technology trade, overcoming China's resistance to the idea.
Differences persist among APEC members -- a point hammered home by US-China tensions -- and the question remains how far leaders will be able to go in turning promises into action. Many, Obama included, will face resistance to opening markets further to foreign competition.
Obama's public denunciation of China's policies came as he faces pressure at home, from Republican presidential contenders as well as fellow Democrats, for a tougher line on Beijing. But US leverage is limited, not least because Beijing is America's largest foreign creditor.
Though Obama acknowledged a "slight improvement" in the value of China's yuan, he insisted it was not enough.
The United States has long complained that China keeps its currency artificially weak to give its exporters an advantage. China counters that the yuan should rise only gradually to avoid harming the economy and driving up unemployment, which would hurt global growth.
Hu was quoted by Chinanews.com in Beijing on Sunday as saying a big appreciation in the yuan against the dollar would not help US trade and unemployment problems.
The yuan inched up against the dollar. Dealers said Hu's comments in Honolulu indicated that China had no intention of letting the currency rise faster in the near term.
US ENGAGEMENT
Obama declared US engagement in the Asia-Pacific region as "absolutely critical" to America's prosperity. By harnessing the potential for expanded trade with the world's fastest-growing region, Obama hopes he can create US jobs to help him through a tough reelection fight in 2012.
Obama's drive toward a pan-Pacific free trade zone -- the signature US achievement of the summit -- got a boost when Canada, Mexico and Japan said they were interested in joining talks now under way among nine countries, and they agreed to complete the detailed framework in 2012.
The Philippines was discussing the matter, US officials said.
The Trans-Pacific Partnership adds momentum to Obama's pledge to double US exports, made more urgent by the virtual collapse of the Doha round of trade talks. A free trade zone in the region would outstrip the market size of the European Union. But for Japan, such a deal faces major political obstacles at home.
Yet there was little promise of immediate economic dividends as such trade deals often take years to take effect.
Obama is seeking to assure allies of a US "pivot" as China flexes its economic and military muscles in Asia and beyond. But leaders may doubt whether Washington can avoid being distracted by economic woes at home and foreign policy priorities like Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran.
Gaddafi Had Voracious Sexual Appetite, Claims Aide
LONDON: Former Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi was a sex addict who had a penchant for young women -- many of whom were his bodyguards, his close aide has revealed.
"There were four or sometimes five women each day. They had just become a habit to Gaddafi. They would go into his bedroom, he would have his way with them and then he would come out like he had just blown his nose.
"They all had sex with Gaddafi. The more canny of them became wealthy from his gifts of villas or large sums of cash," Faisal, Gaddafi's chef of seven years, told 'The Sunday Times' newspaper.
Faisal claimed that some of the women his former master bedded suffered so badly that "they went immediately from his bedroom to the hospital" to be treated for internal injuries.
In fact, Gaddafi, who once bedded at least four women just hours before meeting Britain's Prince Andrew for trade talks in Tripoli, was so addicted to anti-impotence pills that his Ukrainian nurse urged to him to reduce the number of drugs he swallowed every day, the 29-year-old chef said.
The former Libyan despot even picked up victims at his former alma mater, Tripoli University, where he gave lectures and then led the young women to a nearby room whose only furniture was a double bed, he said.
Faisal claimed that another aide was once sent to a sex district of Paris, to buy a machine that Gaddafi used to apparently lengthen his penis.
Gaddafi was particular about his looks and used make- ups and treatments with green tea to hide his wrinkles, said Faisal, who was captured along with his former master by the National Transitional Council forces Sirte last month.
Gaddafi was killed after his capture.
"There were four or sometimes five women each day. They had just become a habit to Gaddafi. They would go into his bedroom, he would have his way with them and then he would come out like he had just blown his nose.
"They all had sex with Gaddafi. The more canny of them became wealthy from his gifts of villas or large sums of cash," Faisal, Gaddafi's chef of seven years, told 'The Sunday Times' newspaper.
Faisal claimed that some of the women his former master bedded suffered so badly that "they went immediately from his bedroom to the hospital" to be treated for internal injuries.
In fact, Gaddafi, who once bedded at least four women just hours before meeting Britain's Prince Andrew for trade talks in Tripoli, was so addicted to anti-impotence pills that his Ukrainian nurse urged to him to reduce the number of drugs he swallowed every day, the 29-year-old chef said.
The former Libyan despot even picked up victims at his former alma mater, Tripoli University, where he gave lectures and then led the young women to a nearby room whose only furniture was a double bed, he said.
Faisal claimed that another aide was once sent to a sex district of Paris, to buy a machine that Gaddafi used to apparently lengthen his penis.
Gaddafi was particular about his looks and used make- ups and treatments with green tea to hide his wrinkles, said Faisal, who was captured along with his former master by the National Transitional Council forces Sirte last month.
Gaddafi was killed after his capture.
Strong, Shallow Earthquake Hits Eastern Indonesia
JAKARTA(Indonesia): A strong earthquake hit waters off eastern Indonesia on Monday, sending people along coastlines fleeing to high ground in panic. Officials said, however, there was no threat of a tsunami.
The quake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.6 and was centered 12 miles (20 kilometers) beneath the Molucca Sea, the US Geological Survey said.
Many people in Ternate, the town in North Maluku province that was closest to the epicenter, ran from their homes and offices as the ground rattled beneath them, said George Rajaloa, a resident.
"I ran with everyone else," he said.
Fearing a tsunami, those living near the beach also fled to high ground.
But Suhardjono, from the Indonesian meteorological and geophysics agency, said there was no danger of a seismically triggered wave.
Indonesia straddles a series of fault lines that make the vast island nation prone to volcanic and seismic activity.
A giant quake off the country on Dec. 26, 2004, triggered a tsunami in the Indian Ocean that killed 230,000 people, half of them in Indonesia's westernmost province of Aceh.
The quake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.6 and was centered 12 miles (20 kilometers) beneath the Molucca Sea, the US Geological Survey said.
Many people in Ternate, the town in North Maluku province that was closest to the epicenter, ran from their homes and offices as the ground rattled beneath them, said George Rajaloa, a resident.
"I ran with everyone else," he said.
Fearing a tsunami, those living near the beach also fled to high ground.
But Suhardjono, from the Indonesian meteorological and geophysics agency, said there was no danger of a seismically triggered wave.
Indonesia straddles a series of fault lines that make the vast island nation prone to volcanic and seismic activity.
A giant quake off the country on Dec. 26, 2004, triggered a tsunami in the Indian Ocean that killed 230,000 people, half of them in Indonesia's westernmost province of Aceh.
Ind Vs Wi: Rahul Dravid's Century Powers India To 346/5 At Stumps On Day 1
KOLKATA: Rahul Dravid slammed a fluent 119 to put India in command before West Indies snapped up two quick wickets in the fag end of the day to recover marginally in the second Test on Monday.
Scorecard | Match in Pics
Opting to bat, Dravid and VVS Laxman (73 not out) continued their love affair on their favourite Eden Gardens track as their 140-run partnership put India in a strong position of 346 for five at close on the opening day.
On a day Sachin Tendulkar missed out again on the 100th international century when he was out on 38, Dravid took centrestage by notching up his 36th Test and his fifth in 2011.
The fourth wicket partnership was broken by part-timer Kraigg Brathwaite who took his maiden Test wicket in the form of centurion Dravid who played one on to his stumps.
Laxman was unbeaten on 73 from 116 balls with five fours as the day was called off early because of bad light with 2.3 overs remaining.
Dravid notched up his century by guiding a Kemar Roach delivery towards fine leg for a boundary.
The second leading Test scorer behind Tendulkar completed the mark in 179 deliveries with nine boundaries and one six for his fifth century against the West Indies.
But Dravid missed the 13,000 Test runs mark by just 21 runs when he gifted five-Test match old part-time offspinner Kraigg Brathwaite an easy wicket playing an inside edge to the stumps.
Nightwatchman Ishant Sharma was dismissed for a duck in a first ball dismissal.
He may be lying low on 12 in the ICC rankings ladder, but Dravid once again showed why he is called one of the finest No. 3 batsmen in an innings of great composure.
Dravid came at a time when India were cruising in Twenty20 fashion with 66 in 12 overs.
The 38-year-old Dravid tried to match the run-rate after Sehwag's cheap dismissal for 38 as he scored 33 from 51 in the first session.
In the post-lunch session after Gautam Gambhir's departure, the focus obviously shifted to Sachin Tendulkar and his impending 100th international century.
Dravid then slowly built his innings with all eyes on Tendulkar as the Bangalorean was at his defiant best scoring 29 from 77 balls in the second session.
In the fruitful last session, he scored 57 from 79 balls which also included two sixes.
He clubbed Bishoo over long off to decimate the little reign the legspinner had after taking Tendulkar's wicket while his second over-boundary came off part-time offspinner Marlon Samuels over long on.
Tendulkar came and went but Dravid once again stood like a wall and grew in stature when VVS Laxman joined him in the middle.
A little more than a decade ago, the duo had shared an epic 376-run partnership with to see India bounce back from being followed on for a 171-run win over Australia in one of the most memorable wins.
Laxman's 281 and Dravid's 180 is still part of the cricketing folklore and the duo showed glimpses of that knock.
Laxman brought up his 56th half-century with a typical wristy whip towards square leg as the West Indian attack got little help from the Eden strip.
India had a blazing opening session, courtesy the usual flair of Virender Sehwag who raced away to 38 from 33 balls with eight fours as the West Indian bowlers were at the receiving end.
All the wickets that fell during the day were not because of any bowling brilliance but freak ones with Tendulkar's being the most disappointing one.
On a batting beauty, Tendulkar looked fluent, milking the inexperienced West Indian bowlers at ease as he hit five boundaries in his 71-ball knock.
The crowd also started filling up in the empty Eden Gardens with Tendulkar looking in fine touch for the landmark milestone.
But it was West Indian legspinner Devendra Bishoo who once again claimed the prized scalp just when he and Dravid were looking to make it big in their 56-run partnership.
Tendulkar could only manage to pull directly to Marlon Samuels at midwicket from a short Bishoo delivery in what appeared a very easy dismissal in the end in the last ball of the 52nd over.
Tendulkar was looking good in the second innings of the opening Test in Delhi but only to be dismissed leg before by the same West Indian leg-spinner.
The senior batsman, who last scored a century in a World Cup match against South Africa eight months ago, has remained one shy of the 100th milestone from 12 Test and four ODI innings.
Earlier Gambhir, cracked his 17th Test half-century but failed to make it big as he fell four overs after lunch.
It was another ordinary ball that yielded in a wicket when Edwards took the wicket after Gambhir drove straight to short cover where Barath took an easy catch.
Gambhir made 65 from 103 balls with eight boundaries. Sehwag was hit on the back of the helmet early into his innings but he seemed unaffected blazing away to 38 from 33 balls with eight boundaries as he along with the lefthander Gambhir put on 66 for the opening wicket.
India did not panic after Sehwag's freak dismissal as Gambhir and Dravid put on 83 runs for the second wicket before the left-hander was dismissed four overs after lunch.
The match began in front of a measly crowd with less than 1,000 in attendance crowd in the grand 67,000 capacity stadium.
With Ravi Rampaul indisposed, skipper Darren Sammy took the new ball along with Fidel Edwards, a move that did not work out quite well on the slow strip.
The diminutive pacer Edwards got a bit of bounce from the Eden strip but Sammy was unimpressive and looked ordinary.
The risk backfired for Sammy as Sehwag took the charge on the West Indies medium-pacer and gained in stature after being hit by a rising Fidel Edwards delivery in the third ball of the third over.
With no respite for the West Indians, the first drinks break in the morning did the trick for the visitors.
In what seemed a little lapse in concentration, Sehwag gave an easy catch at short midwicket to Adrian Barath to gift his wicket to Sammy in the first ball after the drinks break.
West Indies introduced spin in the 19th over but part-time offspinner Marlon Samuels and leggie Devendra Bishoo could not make much of an impact on Dravid and Gambhir.
Scorecard | Match in Pics
Opting to bat, Dravid and VVS Laxman (73 not out) continued their love affair on their favourite Eden Gardens track as their 140-run partnership put India in a strong position of 346 for five at close on the opening day.
On a day Sachin Tendulkar missed out again on the 100th international century when he was out on 38, Dravid took centrestage by notching up his 36th Test and his fifth in 2011.
The fourth wicket partnership was broken by part-timer Kraigg Brathwaite who took his maiden Test wicket in the form of centurion Dravid who played one on to his stumps.
Laxman was unbeaten on 73 from 116 balls with five fours as the day was called off early because of bad light with 2.3 overs remaining.
Dravid notched up his century by guiding a Kemar Roach delivery towards fine leg for a boundary.
The second leading Test scorer behind Tendulkar completed the mark in 179 deliveries with nine boundaries and one six for his fifth century against the West Indies.
But Dravid missed the 13,000 Test runs mark by just 21 runs when he gifted five-Test match old part-time offspinner Kraigg Brathwaite an easy wicket playing an inside edge to the stumps.
Nightwatchman Ishant Sharma was dismissed for a duck in a first ball dismissal.
He may be lying low on 12 in the ICC rankings ladder, but Dravid once again showed why he is called one of the finest No. 3 batsmen in an innings of great composure.
Dravid came at a time when India were cruising in Twenty20 fashion with 66 in 12 overs.
The 38-year-old Dravid tried to match the run-rate after Sehwag's cheap dismissal for 38 as he scored 33 from 51 in the first session.
In the post-lunch session after Gautam Gambhir's departure, the focus obviously shifted to Sachin Tendulkar and his impending 100th international century.
Dravid then slowly built his innings with all eyes on Tendulkar as the Bangalorean was at his defiant best scoring 29 from 77 balls in the second session.
In the fruitful last session, he scored 57 from 79 balls which also included two sixes.
He clubbed Bishoo over long off to decimate the little reign the legspinner had after taking Tendulkar's wicket while his second over-boundary came off part-time offspinner Marlon Samuels over long on.
Tendulkar came and went but Dravid once again stood like a wall and grew in stature when VVS Laxman joined him in the middle.
A little more than a decade ago, the duo had shared an epic 376-run partnership with to see India bounce back from being followed on for a 171-run win over Australia in one of the most memorable wins.
Laxman's 281 and Dravid's 180 is still part of the cricketing folklore and the duo showed glimpses of that knock.
Laxman brought up his 56th half-century with a typical wristy whip towards square leg as the West Indian attack got little help from the Eden strip.
India had a blazing opening session, courtesy the usual flair of Virender Sehwag who raced away to 38 from 33 balls with eight fours as the West Indian bowlers were at the receiving end.
All the wickets that fell during the day were not because of any bowling brilliance but freak ones with Tendulkar's being the most disappointing one.
On a batting beauty, Tendulkar looked fluent, milking the inexperienced West Indian bowlers at ease as he hit five boundaries in his 71-ball knock.
The crowd also started filling up in the empty Eden Gardens with Tendulkar looking in fine touch for the landmark milestone.
But it was West Indian legspinner Devendra Bishoo who once again claimed the prized scalp just when he and Dravid were looking to make it big in their 56-run partnership.
Tendulkar could only manage to pull directly to Marlon Samuels at midwicket from a short Bishoo delivery in what appeared a very easy dismissal in the end in the last ball of the 52nd over.
Tendulkar was looking good in the second innings of the opening Test in Delhi but only to be dismissed leg before by the same West Indian leg-spinner.
The senior batsman, who last scored a century in a World Cup match against South Africa eight months ago, has remained one shy of the 100th milestone from 12 Test and four ODI innings.
Earlier Gambhir, cracked his 17th Test half-century but failed to make it big as he fell four overs after lunch.
It was another ordinary ball that yielded in a wicket when Edwards took the wicket after Gambhir drove straight to short cover where Barath took an easy catch.
Gambhir made 65 from 103 balls with eight boundaries. Sehwag was hit on the back of the helmet early into his innings but he seemed unaffected blazing away to 38 from 33 balls with eight boundaries as he along with the lefthander Gambhir put on 66 for the opening wicket.
India did not panic after Sehwag's freak dismissal as Gambhir and Dravid put on 83 runs for the second wicket before the left-hander was dismissed four overs after lunch.
The match began in front of a measly crowd with less than 1,000 in attendance crowd in the grand 67,000 capacity stadium.
With Ravi Rampaul indisposed, skipper Darren Sammy took the new ball along with Fidel Edwards, a move that did not work out quite well on the slow strip.
The diminutive pacer Edwards got a bit of bounce from the Eden strip but Sammy was unimpressive and looked ordinary.
The risk backfired for Sammy as Sehwag took the charge on the West Indies medium-pacer and gained in stature after being hit by a rising Fidel Edwards delivery in the third ball of the third over.
With no respite for the West Indians, the first drinks break in the morning did the trick for the visitors.
In what seemed a little lapse in concentration, Sehwag gave an easy catch at short midwicket to Adrian Barath to gift his wicket to Sammy in the first ball after the drinks break.
West Indies introduced spin in the 19th over but part-time offspinner Marlon Samuels and leggie Devendra Bishoo could not make much of an impact on Dravid and Gambhir.
Rahul Gandhi Launches Campaign For Up Polls, Says State Being Ruled By 'Mafia'
LUCKNOW: Launching Congress campaign for UP 2012 assembly elections at Phulpur in Allahabad, Rahul Gandhi said that UP is being ruled by 'mafia' and accused Mayawati government of siphoning off funds given by centre for implementation of welfare schemes for the poor.
Rahul explained in detail why a deep sense of anguish overtakes him in UP. He said that there was a time when UP led the country but today it is among most backward states. He said that artisans and labourers from UP work in Maharashtra, Haryana, Punjab and other states. These people have helped in development of other states. But the same people can develop UP, if they stop voting on caste and communal line and make development a poll issue.
Rahul also hit out at BSP supremo Mayawati and SP chief Mulayam SIngh Yadav. He said that the two leaders have come from grassroots. There was a time when they used to feel angry about exploitation of poor. But now they are fighting to attain power and don't think about poor.
Rahul had recently said that lack of development and poverty in UP makes him angry. In response, UP chief minister and BSP supremo Mayawati had said that Rahul should show his anger to his government at the centre responsible for spiraling inflation and corruption. Maya had also said that Rahul should show his anger in Congress ruled state of Maharashtra where people from UP are being harassed. Mulayam had also mocked at Rahul's statement.
Rahul's attack on Mayawati and Mulayam is being seen as Gandhi scion's rebuttal. He said that Maya and Mulayam rules are responsible for UP's backwardness. He said these two leaders have criminalised politics and break down of law and order in UP.
Rahul also gave reply to those who scoffed at his visits and stay in houses of dalits and poor. He said a leader needs to see and experience of miseries of poor. "Unless you don't drink contaminated water poor get and suffer from diarrhoea, sleep under leaking roofs and eat bare minimum, a leader cannot deliver," he said.
Rahul also said that rampant corruption has rendered useless UPA government's schemes under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Gurantee Act and National Rural Health Mission in UP.
Indicating that he has enough experience and is now ready to take over bigger responsibility in Congress party, Rahul said that he has been working for the poor in UP for last seven years. He said that he has learnt a lot from poor.
Rahul said in last 22 years, after Congress lost power in UP and the state was ruled by other parties, state has lagged behind in development in comparison to other state despite having tremendous potential.
Rahul said that centre government had sent a development package for Bundelkhand but all was siphoned by Maya administration. He also accused Maya government of snatching land of poor farmers in the name of acquisition for development but handing them over to builders to reap profits. Farmers are paid pittance and those who protest, like in Bhatta-Parsaul and Tappal, get bullets.
Rahul said that UP is being ruled by mafia and criminals are being made MPs, MLAs and ministers by ruling parties in last two decades. He said that people will have to wake up and overthrow corrupt and criminal regimes. He said that people should not vote for tainted candidates.
Rahul exhorted youth of UP to rise and bring about a change in the state. "Till when you will go begging for jobs in Maharashtra and Punjab... Till when you will work as labourers...you have potential and talent," he said.
"The situation in UP can be changed in five years, if right government is voted to power," he added. Rahul said that he will continue to work among poor and visit Lucknow despite criticism of rivals. He said his stay in Lucknow will help party grow.
Rahul explained in detail why a deep sense of anguish overtakes him in UP. He said that there was a time when UP led the country but today it is among most backward states. He said that artisans and labourers from UP work in Maharashtra, Haryana, Punjab and other states. These people have helped in development of other states. But the same people can develop UP, if they stop voting on caste and communal line and make development a poll issue.
Rahul also hit out at BSP supremo Mayawati and SP chief Mulayam SIngh Yadav. He said that the two leaders have come from grassroots. There was a time when they used to feel angry about exploitation of poor. But now they are fighting to attain power and don't think about poor.
Rahul had recently said that lack of development and poverty in UP makes him angry. In response, UP chief minister and BSP supremo Mayawati had said that Rahul should show his anger to his government at the centre responsible for spiraling inflation and corruption. Maya had also said that Rahul should show his anger in Congress ruled state of Maharashtra where people from UP are being harassed. Mulayam had also mocked at Rahul's statement.
Rahul's attack on Mayawati and Mulayam is being seen as Gandhi scion's rebuttal. He said that Maya and Mulayam rules are responsible for UP's backwardness. He said these two leaders have criminalised politics and break down of law and order in UP.
Rahul also gave reply to those who scoffed at his visits and stay in houses of dalits and poor. He said a leader needs to see and experience of miseries of poor. "Unless you don't drink contaminated water poor get and suffer from diarrhoea, sleep under leaking roofs and eat bare minimum, a leader cannot deliver," he said.
Rahul also said that rampant corruption has rendered useless UPA government's schemes under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Gurantee Act and National Rural Health Mission in UP.
Indicating that he has enough experience and is now ready to take over bigger responsibility in Congress party, Rahul said that he has been working for the poor in UP for last seven years. He said that he has learnt a lot from poor.
Rahul said in last 22 years, after Congress lost power in UP and the state was ruled by other parties, state has lagged behind in development in comparison to other state despite having tremendous potential.
Rahul said that centre government had sent a development package for Bundelkhand but all was siphoned by Maya administration. He also accused Maya government of snatching land of poor farmers in the name of acquisition for development but handing them over to builders to reap profits. Farmers are paid pittance and those who protest, like in Bhatta-Parsaul and Tappal, get bullets.
Rahul said that UP is being ruled by mafia and criminals are being made MPs, MLAs and ministers by ruling parties in last two decades. He said that people will have to wake up and overthrow corrupt and criminal regimes. He said that people should not vote for tainted candidates.
Rahul exhorted youth of UP to rise and bring about a change in the state. "Till when you will go begging for jobs in Maharashtra and Punjab... Till when you will work as labourers...you have potential and talent," he said.
"The situation in UP can be changed in five years, if right government is voted to power," he added. Rahul said that he will continue to work among poor and visit Lucknow despite criticism of rivals. He said his stay in Lucknow will help party grow.
Trust Us, Times Have Changed, Pakistan Tells India
NEW DELHI: Amidst high expectations by India on the MFN issue, Pakistan on Monday asked New Delhi to have "trust and faith" in it, as "times have changed" and Islamabad wants complete normalisation of the bilateral trade.
India said, there is a clear political desire to "walk the talk" with its neighbouring country.
The mutual assurances were handed out by commerce secretaries of the two countries, who began their two-day talks for ensuring normal bilateral trade.
Armed with a "political backing and mandate, Pakistan commerce secretary Zafar Mahmood said in his opening remarks , "I want to assure you that please have trust and faith in the process (normalisation of trade). Times have changed. World is coming closer".
Mahmood, who is having a second round of talks with his Indian counterpart in the last six months said, he is looking forward to the official level discussions "in a spirit of mutual cooperation and confidence". In Pakistan, besides common people and businessmen, political leadership wants normalisation of bilateral trade,he added.
The commerce secretary, while welcoming the Pakistan's decision to grant the Most Favoured Nation (MFN)status to India, said "expectations from these talks are running high..." as the people including business communities and politicians want a breakthrough and lay a foundation for preferential trading arrangements.
"With such clear political vision, we are now obliged to walk the talk," Khullar said.
India granted the MFN status to Pakistan way back in 1996. Islamabad, had announced to grant the crucial WTO- compliant regime for New Delhi on November 2. But confusions followed. At present, Pakistan allows import of only about 1900 items from India.
India said, there is a clear political desire to "walk the talk" with its neighbouring country.
The mutual assurances were handed out by commerce secretaries of the two countries, who began their two-day talks for ensuring normal bilateral trade.
Armed with a "political backing and mandate, Pakistan commerce secretary Zafar Mahmood said in his opening remarks , "I want to assure you that please have trust and faith in the process (normalisation of trade). Times have changed. World is coming closer".
Mahmood, who is having a second round of talks with his Indian counterpart in the last six months said, he is looking forward to the official level discussions "in a spirit of mutual cooperation and confidence". In Pakistan, besides common people and businessmen, political leadership wants normalisation of bilateral trade,he added.
The commerce secretary, while welcoming the Pakistan's decision to grant the Most Favoured Nation (MFN)status to India, said "expectations from these talks are running high..." as the people including business communities and politicians want a breakthrough and lay a foundation for preferential trading arrangements.
"With such clear political vision, we are now obliged to walk the talk," Khullar said.
India granted the MFN status to Pakistan way back in 1996. Islamabad, had announced to grant the crucial WTO- compliant regime for New Delhi on November 2. But confusions followed. At present, Pakistan allows import of only about 1900 items from India.
Pm, Sonia Will Be In The Dock In Parliament Over Black Money Issue: Advani
JALANDHAR: Announcing that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi will be in the dock on the issue of black money stashed abroad during the coming winter session of Parliament, BJP leader L K Advani, during his Jan Chetna Rath Yatra, also sought to link inflation with "massive corruption" in UPA government.
Advani while addressing two rallies here on Monday - one in Chuggitti Chowk organized by Jalandhar Central MLA and former minister Manoranjan Kalia and the other in Pathankot Chowk organized by two BJP MLAS and Jalandhar Mayor - said that the issue of black money stashed abroad has never been discussed in Parliament.
"In the winter session starting on November 22, BJP will take the initiative to strongly raise the issue in Parliament and Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi will be put in the dock to explain the position of the government on the issue," Advani said.
"This issue has never been discussed in Parliament through it is very important as it concerns the economic condition of the common man," he said.
"It is being said that three MPs are also holding their accounts in Swiss banks, I don't who they are but government should reveal their identities," he added.
As he raked up the issue of black money, Advani - flanked by his wife Kamla Advani, had daughter daughter Pratibha Advani capturing the people's response in her video camera from behind his shoulders.
Advani also lashed out at the PM saying that there was a direct link between the price rise of basic commodities and corruption in the government. "An economist is running the government and he understands well how to control prices but for the massive corruption in the government," Advani said.
Mocking claims of the government boasting of the country's high GDP, Advani expanded the abbreviation to increase in Gas Diesel Petrol prices.
Acknowledging the good turnout at Kalia's rally in Chuggitti Chowk, Advani said that the response he got in Jalandhar was unprecedented during the entire course of yatra, despite the noon timing. He claimed that though Ram Rath Yatra was miraculous for him but the response to his Jan Chetna Yatra was the biggest as compared to his other six yatras.
Advani while addressing two rallies here on Monday - one in Chuggitti Chowk organized by Jalandhar Central MLA and former minister Manoranjan Kalia and the other in Pathankot Chowk organized by two BJP MLAS and Jalandhar Mayor - said that the issue of black money stashed abroad has never been discussed in Parliament.
"In the winter session starting on November 22, BJP will take the initiative to strongly raise the issue in Parliament and Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi will be put in the dock to explain the position of the government on the issue," Advani said.
"This issue has never been discussed in Parliament through it is very important as it concerns the economic condition of the common man," he said.
"It is being said that three MPs are also holding their accounts in Swiss banks, I don't who they are but government should reveal their identities," he added.
As he raked up the issue of black money, Advani - flanked by his wife Kamla Advani, had daughter daughter Pratibha Advani capturing the people's response in her video camera from behind his shoulders.
Advani also lashed out at the PM saying that there was a direct link between the price rise of basic commodities and corruption in the government. "An economist is running the government and he understands well how to control prices but for the massive corruption in the government," Advani said.
Mocking claims of the government boasting of the country's high GDP, Advani expanded the abbreviation to increase in Gas Diesel Petrol prices.
Acknowledging the good turnout at Kalia's rally in Chuggitti Chowk, Advani said that the response he got in Jalandhar was unprecedented during the entire course of yatra, despite the noon timing. He claimed that though Ram Rath Yatra was miraculous for him but the response to his Jan Chetna Yatra was the biggest as compared to his other six yatras.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Ashwin Ties The Knot In Low-Key Ceremony
CHENNAI: India's newest spin sensation R Ashwin on Sunday tied the knot with his childhood friend Preethi Narayanan in a low-key wedding ceremony attended by only family members and close friends.
The off-spinner, who made his debut in the first Test against the West Indies in Delhi, will fly to Kolkata for the second match starting on Monday after an impressive nine-wicket haul in the earlier game.
His nine-wicket haul in Delhi included six in the second innings of a match which India won more than a day to spare. The performance got him the selector's nod for the second Test as well.
Ashwin will leave for Kolkata this evening with his wife and a party has been arranged there for his Indian teammates, according to family sources.
The wedding reception of the couple was held last evening chief selector K Srikkanth were among those who attended the function. The marriage was solemnised this morning according to Hindu customs.
The 25-year-old Ashwin made his ODI and Twenty20 debuts last year, after being a strike bowler for IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings.
The off-spinner, who made his debut in the first Test against the West Indies in Delhi, will fly to Kolkata for the second match starting on Monday after an impressive nine-wicket haul in the earlier game.
His nine-wicket haul in Delhi included six in the second innings of a match which India won more than a day to spare. The performance got him the selector's nod for the second Test as well.
Ashwin will leave for Kolkata this evening with his wife and a party has been arranged there for his Indian teammates, according to family sources.
The wedding reception of the couple was held last evening chief selector K Srikkanth were among those who attended the function. The marriage was solemnised this morning according to Hindu customs.
The 25-year-old Ashwin made his ODI and Twenty20 debuts last year, after being a strike bowler for IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings.
Tiger Woods Unbowed After Missing Elusive Win
SYDNEY: Tiger Woods came up short again in his quest to end a two-year tournament drought with his third placing behind two-time Australian Open winner Greg Chalmers at The Lakes on Sunday.
The former world number one, whose barren run has left him outside the top 50 rankings for the first time in 15 years, put himself into a winning position for the first time since the Augusta Masters last April.
But despite an eagle three at the 14th and a birdie at the 17th he could not overhaul the 215th-ranked Chalmers, who beat compatriot John Senden by one shot with Woods a further stroke away.
The 14-time major winner, who last won at the 2009 Australian Masters, finished with a five-under 67 for a four-round total of 11-under 277.
Woods, who will play with a formidable US team against the Internationals in next week's Presidents Cup teams event at Royal Melbourne, was encouraged in only his fifth tournament since the Masters after left knee ligament and Achilles injuries.
"I had the lead at Augusta on the Sunday, that's the last time I've been in that spot so it's been a long time," Woods said.
"Unfortunately, I haven't played a lot of tournaments in between, but it was great to be out there and I had a chance.
"I kept telling myself that I needed to post 13 or 14 under to get up there and to see what happened but unfortunately I didn't post the number I needed."
Woods, whose pulling power was again indicative of the total 67,000 crowd over the four days of the Australian Open, is relishing feeling fit again as he works on reconstructing his game.
"I felt great. It's nice to finally feel healthy again, it's been such a long time. I felt I made some nice changes yesterday," he said.
Woods led at Friday's halfway stage and looked to have finally recaptured winning form.
But he put in his worst round of the tournament with a three-over 75 on Saturday to lie six shots behind the leader heading into Sunday's final round.
"We did some work last night and I felt that I was close to finding it yesterday, but it wasn't quite there," Woods said.
"I did a little bit of work on the (driving) range, but really worked on the putting green for a while and found my stroke, found some of the keys and rolled it good today.
"It was very simple easy fixes but if you play into this much wind it's easy to start getting off and unfortunately I did that and I had to reset my game yesterday."
The former world number one set himself a Sunday target of 13 or 14 under to win, but fell a couple of strokes short.
"I figured I needed to shoot at least 31 on the back nine to give myself a chance and I thought 13 or 14 was going to be the number that I had to get, but unfortunately I made a mistake at the 13th hole," he said.
Woods finished with an eagle and five birdies, but gave back two bogeys in the final round.
He finished the tournament with 18 birdies, an eagle and nine bogeys.
"Today was a day that could have been really low. I hit the ball really good, but hit two bad tee-shots on the back nine, made two bogeys, but other than that I controlled it all day," he said.
Woods is now looking forward to his seventh Presidents Cup appearance for the United States next week, with his event record standing at 18-11-1.
"Golf-course-wise it will be totally different, the (Royal Melbourne) greens will be much quicker and much firmer and I know the fairways have slowed down so I know we're going to take a look at that," he said.
"It will be nice to get with the team and map out our strategy that goes into these team events."
The former world number one, whose barren run has left him outside the top 50 rankings for the first time in 15 years, put himself into a winning position for the first time since the Augusta Masters last April.
But despite an eagle three at the 14th and a birdie at the 17th he could not overhaul the 215th-ranked Chalmers, who beat compatriot John Senden by one shot with Woods a further stroke away.
The 14-time major winner, who last won at the 2009 Australian Masters, finished with a five-under 67 for a four-round total of 11-under 277.
Woods, who will play with a formidable US team against the Internationals in next week's Presidents Cup teams event at Royal Melbourne, was encouraged in only his fifth tournament since the Masters after left knee ligament and Achilles injuries.
"I had the lead at Augusta on the Sunday, that's the last time I've been in that spot so it's been a long time," Woods said.
"Unfortunately, I haven't played a lot of tournaments in between, but it was great to be out there and I had a chance.
"I kept telling myself that I needed to post 13 or 14 under to get up there and to see what happened but unfortunately I didn't post the number I needed."
Woods, whose pulling power was again indicative of the total 67,000 crowd over the four days of the Australian Open, is relishing feeling fit again as he works on reconstructing his game.
"I felt great. It's nice to finally feel healthy again, it's been such a long time. I felt I made some nice changes yesterday," he said.
Woods led at Friday's halfway stage and looked to have finally recaptured winning form.
But he put in his worst round of the tournament with a three-over 75 on Saturday to lie six shots behind the leader heading into Sunday's final round.
"We did some work last night and I felt that I was close to finding it yesterday, but it wasn't quite there," Woods said.
"I did a little bit of work on the (driving) range, but really worked on the putting green for a while and found my stroke, found some of the keys and rolled it good today.
"It was very simple easy fixes but if you play into this much wind it's easy to start getting off and unfortunately I did that and I had to reset my game yesterday."
The former world number one set himself a Sunday target of 13 or 14 under to win, but fell a couple of strokes short.
"I figured I needed to shoot at least 31 on the back nine to give myself a chance and I thought 13 or 14 was going to be the number that I had to get, but unfortunately I made a mistake at the 13th hole," he said.
Woods finished with an eagle and five birdies, but gave back two bogeys in the final round.
He finished the tournament with 18 birdies, an eagle and nine bogeys.
"Today was a day that could have been really low. I hit the ball really good, but hit two bad tee-shots on the back nine, made two bogeys, but other than that I controlled it all day," he said.
Woods is now looking forward to his seventh Presidents Cup appearance for the United States next week, with his event record standing at 18-11-1.
"Golf-course-wise it will be totally different, the (Royal Melbourne) greens will be much quicker and much firmer and I know the fairways have slowed down so I know we're going to take a look at that," he said.
"It will be nice to get with the team and map out our strategy that goes into these team events."
India Beat Australia 3-2, Bag Bronze In U-21 Women's Hockey
NEW DELHI: Striker Anupa Barla scored a two as India twice came back from a goal down to beat Australia 3-2 and finish third in the 22nd Lal Bahadur Shastri under-21 women's hockey tournament on Saturday.
India scored all their goals in the second session after conceding a 0-1 lead to Australia in the opening half. Barla struck in the 42nd and 65th minutes after captain Poonam Rani had found the target in the 37th minute.
Australia scored through Brooke Peris (32nd) and Kate Gilmore (41st).
The opening session was an even affair though Australia got more penalty corners than the home side -- three as against India's two.
Indian goalkeeper Sukmani Virk did an excellent job to deny any success to the Australians from the three penalty corners they got.
Just as it looked like the first half would end barren, Australia surged ahead with Brooke Peris sounding the board with a fine shot.
Egged on by a small home crowd at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, India earned two penalty corners immediately after the Australian goal but both were wasted.
Captain Poonam Rani was the culprit on the first occasion in the 33rd minute while Navjot Kaur failed to find target the next minute.
India, however, fought back in superb fashion in the second session which they dominated throughout with several raids in the opposition circle with the trio of Poonam, Anupa Barla and Navjot Kaur combining well upfront.
The home side equalised from the third penalty corner they got in the match five minutes after resumption with Poonam sounding the board.
Four minutes later, Australia again took the lead with an unmarked Kate Gilmore slotting home from a fine move.
India made it 2-2 just as the ball moved to the other end after the Australian goal with Anupa Barla reverse-flicking home after a scramble in the striking area.
The home side then pressed for a winner with some fine moves from both the right and left flanks and from one such build-ups, Anup Barla was in the clear with just the opposition goalkeeper to beat but she pushed wide.
India, however, deservedly got the winning goal five minutes remaining in the match with Anup Barla firing in from the middle of the circle after a fine move had drawn the Australian defenders away to leave her unmarked.
India coach Sudarshan Pathak praised his wards for beating a strong side like Australia.
"Australians are just like European sides. They are physically strong and play fast-paced. But our girls matched them and beat them. It's an achievement," he said after the match.
"We played 4-4-2 formation. Our plan was to defend in the first half and look for mistakes of our opponents and then attack in the second half. The girls did just that and I am happy about it," he added.
The coach, however, conceded that his wards will have to improve their physical strength and stamina if they want to consistently win against top sides.
"Physical strength and stamina are something we have to improve upon. We are lacking in these. But with more exposure and training we will improve," Pathak said.
India scored all their goals in the second session after conceding a 0-1 lead to Australia in the opening half. Barla struck in the 42nd and 65th minutes after captain Poonam Rani had found the target in the 37th minute.
Australia scored through Brooke Peris (32nd) and Kate Gilmore (41st).
The opening session was an even affair though Australia got more penalty corners than the home side -- three as against India's two.
Indian goalkeeper Sukmani Virk did an excellent job to deny any success to the Australians from the three penalty corners they got.
Just as it looked like the first half would end barren, Australia surged ahead with Brooke Peris sounding the board with a fine shot.
Egged on by a small home crowd at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, India earned two penalty corners immediately after the Australian goal but both were wasted.
Captain Poonam Rani was the culprit on the first occasion in the 33rd minute while Navjot Kaur failed to find target the next minute.
India, however, fought back in superb fashion in the second session which they dominated throughout with several raids in the opposition circle with the trio of Poonam, Anupa Barla and Navjot Kaur combining well upfront.
The home side equalised from the third penalty corner they got in the match five minutes after resumption with Poonam sounding the board.
Four minutes later, Australia again took the lead with an unmarked Kate Gilmore slotting home from a fine move.
India made it 2-2 just as the ball moved to the other end after the Australian goal with Anupa Barla reverse-flicking home after a scramble in the striking area.
The home side then pressed for a winner with some fine moves from both the right and left flanks and from one such build-ups, Anup Barla was in the clear with just the opposition goalkeeper to beat but she pushed wide.
India, however, deservedly got the winning goal five minutes remaining in the match with Anup Barla firing in from the middle of the circle after a fine move had drawn the Australian defenders away to leave her unmarked.
India coach Sudarshan Pathak praised his wards for beating a strong side like Australia.
"Australians are just like European sides. They are physically strong and play fast-paced. But our girls matched them and beat them. It's an achievement," he said after the match.
"We played 4-4-2 formation. Our plan was to defend in the first half and look for mistakes of our opponents and then attack in the second half. The girls did just that and I am happy about it," he added.
The coach, however, conceded that his wards will have to improve their physical strength and stamina if they want to consistently win against top sides.
"Physical strength and stamina are something we have to improve upon. We are lacking in these. But with more exposure and training we will improve," Pathak said.
Prandelli Sees Balotelli As Future Italy Star
ROME: Italy coach Cesare Prandelli is delighted after Mario Balotelli broke his international scoring duck against Poland and predicted on Saturday the striker could become the key player in the Azzurri attack.
Balotelli and Giampaolo Pazzini replaced injured starting forwards Giuseppe Rossi and Antonio Cassano in Friday's game and both scored to earn Italy a 2-0 victory.
It was Balotelli's first goal in six internationals and followed a sometimes controversial period for the Manchester City forward.
He recently had to evacuate his house in England after fireworks were let off in his bathroom and he has been criticized at times by City manager Roberto Mancini. The 21-year-old is regularly pictured on the gossip pages of Italian newspapers with an array of women and has been questioned by Naples prosecutors over a visit last year to the heartland of the city's Camorra crime syndicate.
"After all the criticism he has received in these months it's right that he should enjoy this moment," Prandelli said. "I'm happy to have him because he is important for this project.
"I would not be unhappy at all if Italy became dependent on him."
Balotelli's chance to become a key player for Italy reflects the fact that Rossi had knee surgery last week and Cassano is recovering from heart surgery. Both players expected to be out for up to six months and their chances of recovering fully in time for next year's European Championship are slim.
Balotelli said before the Poland game that he was ready to take on more responsibility and Prandelli is confident the forward has learned from his past mistakes.
"Mario has in him the ability to have performances like that," Prandelli added. "His attitude was great throughout the 90 minutes.
"Compliments to Mario and also to Mancini, who has worked on this aspect in the club. I hope Mario has embarked on a path to maturity. We are here to help him."
Prandelli hinted that he sees Balotelli as being better matched with striker Sebastian Giovinco, who was sent home from Italy's training camp last week with a leg muscle injury.
"It's not difficult to pair Balotelli up front with either Pazzini, (Alessandro) Matri or (Pablo) Osvaldo," he continued. "But it would have been more significant, and even more fascinating, to see him together with Giovinco."
Italy face Uruguay in another friendly on Tuesday and Balotelli is likely to once again lead the attack.
"Against Uruguay there will be several changes," Prandelli said. "They are one of the strongest teams in the world. I think Balotelli will play again, I believe I will put him forward again.
"We have to treat this game as if it was in the Euros, even if the pressure will be different."
Italy will train Sunday on a pitch in the small Calabrian town of Rizziconi that was confiscated from a crime syndicate to show support in the fight against organized crime.
"It's a gesture that can help people who live in particular situations," Prandelli said. "I hope it's not an isolated gesture. There is the desire to face up to the mafia, to back those determined to resist."
Calabria's 'Ndrangheta crime syndicate is today considered more powerful than the Sicilian mafia and has become one of the world's biggest cocaine traffickers.
Italy normally trains in the town of Coverciano on the outskirts of Florence.
Balotelli and Giampaolo Pazzini replaced injured starting forwards Giuseppe Rossi and Antonio Cassano in Friday's game and both scored to earn Italy a 2-0 victory.
It was Balotelli's first goal in six internationals and followed a sometimes controversial period for the Manchester City forward.
He recently had to evacuate his house in England after fireworks were let off in his bathroom and he has been criticized at times by City manager Roberto Mancini. The 21-year-old is regularly pictured on the gossip pages of Italian newspapers with an array of women and has been questioned by Naples prosecutors over a visit last year to the heartland of the city's Camorra crime syndicate.
"After all the criticism he has received in these months it's right that he should enjoy this moment," Prandelli said. "I'm happy to have him because he is important for this project.
"I would not be unhappy at all if Italy became dependent on him."
Balotelli's chance to become a key player for Italy reflects the fact that Rossi had knee surgery last week and Cassano is recovering from heart surgery. Both players expected to be out for up to six months and their chances of recovering fully in time for next year's European Championship are slim.
Balotelli said before the Poland game that he was ready to take on more responsibility and Prandelli is confident the forward has learned from his past mistakes.
"Mario has in him the ability to have performances like that," Prandelli added. "His attitude was great throughout the 90 minutes.
"Compliments to Mario and also to Mancini, who has worked on this aspect in the club. I hope Mario has embarked on a path to maturity. We are here to help him."
Prandelli hinted that he sees Balotelli as being better matched with striker Sebastian Giovinco, who was sent home from Italy's training camp last week with a leg muscle injury.
"It's not difficult to pair Balotelli up front with either Pazzini, (Alessandro) Matri or (Pablo) Osvaldo," he continued. "But it would have been more significant, and even more fascinating, to see him together with Giovinco."
Italy face Uruguay in another friendly on Tuesday and Balotelli is likely to once again lead the attack.
"Against Uruguay there will be several changes," Prandelli said. "They are one of the strongest teams in the world. I think Balotelli will play again, I believe I will put him forward again.
"We have to treat this game as if it was in the Euros, even if the pressure will be different."
Italy will train Sunday on a pitch in the small Calabrian town of Rizziconi that was confiscated from a crime syndicate to show support in the fight against organized crime.
"It's a gesture that can help people who live in particular situations," Prandelli said. "I hope it's not an isolated gesture. There is the desire to face up to the mafia, to back those determined to resist."
Calabria's 'Ndrangheta crime syndicate is today considered more powerful than the Sicilian mafia and has become one of the world's biggest cocaine traffickers.
Italy normally trains in the town of Coverciano on the outskirts of Florence.
Roger Federer Into Paris Masters Final
ARIS: Roger Federer defeated Tomas Berdych 6-4, 6-3 on Saturday to reach the final of the Paris Masters for the first time in his career.
The 30-year-old Swiss holder of 16 Grand Slam titles will play on Sunday the winner of the other semifinal which sees 2008 winner Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France take on giant American John Isner.
A break of serve in the first game of each set was all the former world No. 1 needed to see off the challenge of Berdych who beat second seed Andy Murray in a marathon quarterfinal on Friday.
The day after chalking up the 800th match win of his career, Federer made a storming start against a player who had given him problems in the past.
He immediately had the big Czech on the defensive and clinched a first break of serve when a rasping cross-court forehand forced an error.
The third seed powered through his own serve and had a break point to go 3-0 up in the next game before Berdych finally started to find his range.
Federer though was comfortable on his own serve and took the first set 6-4 despite a double fault at 40-15 ahead in the 10th game.
Berdych stumbled again at the start of the second set handing Federer two break points by netting an easy-looking overhead smash and he then netted a routine forehand from the baseline.
Federer, who won just his second tournament of the year last week in his hometown of Basel, smoothly moved 2-0 up and he never looked like being caught from there on in.
Berdych saved a break point after double-faulting in the seventh game, but two games later Federer went 40-0 up and clinched the win when a demoralised Berdych netted a weak forehand.
A win on Sunday would be just the second time that Federer has lifted a title in the French capital with his only triumph at Roland Garros in the French Open coming in 2009 when he beat Sweden's Robin Soderling in the final.
It would also set him up perfectly for the season-ending ATP Tour finals in London which start the week after next.
The 30-year-old Swiss holder of 16 Grand Slam titles will play on Sunday the winner of the other semifinal which sees 2008 winner Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France take on giant American John Isner.
A break of serve in the first game of each set was all the former world No. 1 needed to see off the challenge of Berdych who beat second seed Andy Murray in a marathon quarterfinal on Friday.
The day after chalking up the 800th match win of his career, Federer made a storming start against a player who had given him problems in the past.
He immediately had the big Czech on the defensive and clinched a first break of serve when a rasping cross-court forehand forced an error.
The third seed powered through his own serve and had a break point to go 3-0 up in the next game before Berdych finally started to find his range.
Federer though was comfortable on his own serve and took the first set 6-4 despite a double fault at 40-15 ahead in the 10th game.
Berdych stumbled again at the start of the second set handing Federer two break points by netting an easy-looking overhead smash and he then netted a routine forehand from the baseline.
Federer, who won just his second tournament of the year last week in his hometown of Basel, smoothly moved 2-0 up and he never looked like being caught from there on in.
Berdych saved a break point after double-faulting in the seventh game, but two games later Federer went 40-0 up and clinched the win when a demoralised Berdych netted a weak forehand.
A win on Sunday would be just the second time that Federer has lifted a title in the French capital with his only triumph at Roland Garros in the French Open coming in 2009 when he beat Sweden's Robin Soderling in the final.
It would also set him up perfectly for the season-ending ATP Tour finals in London which start the week after next.
Renowned Cricket Writer Peter Roebuck Commits Suicide
CAPE TOWN: Peter Roebuck, one of the most respected cricket commentators, who also wrote for Indian newspapers, committed suicide at his hotel where he was covering Australia's Test series against South Africa.
According to a statement released by the South African police, the 55-year-old British-born Roebuck, who captained Somerset in 1980s, took away his own life.
"This office can confirm that an incident occurred last night at about 21:15 at a hotel in Claremont where a 55-year-old British national who worked as an Australian commentator committed suicide," the statement said.
"The circumstances surrounding this incident is being conducted. An inquest docket has been opened for investigation," it said.
Roebuck was covering the Australia-South Africa series as a radio commentator for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. He also used to write for Australia's Fairfax newspapers.
Even though the circumstances leading to his suicide were not clear, it has been reported that he was spoken to by local police on his return to the Southern Sun Hotel Newlands on Saturday night after having his dinner outside.
The hotel, on its part, had also issued a statement, saying, "An incident that occurred at Southern Sun Newlands was currently under full police investigation."
Roebuck was born to two school teachers in Oxford on March 6, 1956, and was one of their six children. He studied law at Cambridge and played 335 first-class matches before deciding to make his career in writing about cricket.
In 335 first-class matches, Roebuck, a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1988, made 17,558 runs at 37.27, with 33 centuries. He also led an England team to defeat against Holland.
Roebuck retired from top-level cricket in 1991. No sooner the news of his death came out, tributes started to pour in.
"Peter was a wonderful writer who was the bard of summer for cricket-loving Australians. He was also an extraordinary bloke who will be sorely missed," the Herald's sport managing editor, Ian Fuge said.
Craig Norenbergs, head of the ABC's Grandstand sports programme, added, "Incredibly sad news. He was an integral part of the Grandstand commentary team and apart from being a magnificent print journalist.
"For us he could describe a game of cricket in such a way that even if you didn't like the game, you liked the way that he went about his business."
Roebuck's fellow commentator in ABC Radio, Kerry O'Keeffe described him as a "bookworm who loved the game".
"Nobody analysed the game better, nobody cut to the chase more succinctly, and nobody saw where the game was going better," O'Keeffe said
"Cricket consumed him and he played it with great distinction, and then turned to writing and commentary, and he was the No. 1 seed.
"It is the most devastating news for so many out there who knew that voice, so incisive - the blue print for all our cricket commentary. He rang me up nearly every week for the last 10 years to talk cricket, and every time I'd put the phone down and have a deeper view of the game after the conversation," he added.
Roebuck penned several books on cricket. His diary of the 1983 season, 'It Never Rains' established him as one of cricket's most insightful and strong voices. He also wrote an autobiography 'Sometimes I Forgot To Laugh'.
According to a statement released by the South African police, the 55-year-old British-born Roebuck, who captained Somerset in 1980s, took away his own life.
"This office can confirm that an incident occurred last night at about 21:15 at a hotel in Claremont where a 55-year-old British national who worked as an Australian commentator committed suicide," the statement said.
"The circumstances surrounding this incident is being conducted. An inquest docket has been opened for investigation," it said.
Roebuck was covering the Australia-South Africa series as a radio commentator for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. He also used to write for Australia's Fairfax newspapers.
Even though the circumstances leading to his suicide were not clear, it has been reported that he was spoken to by local police on his return to the Southern Sun Hotel Newlands on Saturday night after having his dinner outside.
The hotel, on its part, had also issued a statement, saying, "An incident that occurred at Southern Sun Newlands was currently under full police investigation."
Roebuck was born to two school teachers in Oxford on March 6, 1956, and was one of their six children. He studied law at Cambridge and played 335 first-class matches before deciding to make his career in writing about cricket.
In 335 first-class matches, Roebuck, a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1988, made 17,558 runs at 37.27, with 33 centuries. He also led an England team to defeat against Holland.
Roebuck retired from top-level cricket in 1991. No sooner the news of his death came out, tributes started to pour in.
"Peter was a wonderful writer who was the bard of summer for cricket-loving Australians. He was also an extraordinary bloke who will be sorely missed," the Herald's sport managing editor, Ian Fuge said.
Craig Norenbergs, head of the ABC's Grandstand sports programme, added, "Incredibly sad news. He was an integral part of the Grandstand commentary team and apart from being a magnificent print journalist.
"For us he could describe a game of cricket in such a way that even if you didn't like the game, you liked the way that he went about his business."
Roebuck's fellow commentator in ABC Radio, Kerry O'Keeffe described him as a "bookworm who loved the game".
"Nobody analysed the game better, nobody cut to the chase more succinctly, and nobody saw where the game was going better," O'Keeffe said
"Cricket consumed him and he played it with great distinction, and then turned to writing and commentary, and he was the No. 1 seed.
"It is the most devastating news for so many out there who knew that voice, so incisive - the blue print for all our cricket commentary. He rang me up nearly every week for the last 10 years to talk cricket, and every time I'd put the phone down and have a deeper view of the game after the conversation," he added.
Roebuck penned several books on cricket. His diary of the 1983 season, 'It Never Rains' established him as one of cricket's most insightful and strong voices. He also wrote an autobiography 'Sometimes I Forgot To Laugh'.
Death Toll Rises To 34 In China Mine Accident
BEIJING: A Chinese official says that 34 miners are now known to have died in a gas leak at a southwestern coal mine. Another nine miners are still trapped.
A powerful gas leak hit one underground platform of the Sizhuang Coal Mine in Yunnan province on Thursday and spread to another platform, trapping 43 miners.
It was China's second deadly mining accident in less than a week. China's coal mines are the deadliest in the world.
The duty official at the Yunnan Provincial Work Safety Administration said Sunday that 34 people are confirmed dead and the search for the missing nine continues. He refused to give his name as is common with Chinese officials.
A News Agency says the mine was operating illegally and that the mine's bosses have been detained.
A powerful gas leak hit one underground platform of the Sizhuang Coal Mine in Yunnan province on Thursday and spread to another platform, trapping 43 miners.
It was China's second deadly mining accident in less than a week. China's coal mines are the deadliest in the world.
The duty official at the Yunnan Provincial Work Safety Administration said Sunday that 34 people are confirmed dead and the search for the missing nine continues. He refused to give his name as is common with Chinese officials.
A News Agency says the mine was operating illegally and that the mine's bosses have been detained.
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