Irandam Ulagam Fans Review

Selvaraghavan's takes on films has been different from his contemporaries. He makes experiments with commercial ingredients, which has created a brand of his own. He is now returning with Irandam Ulagam, the project that has went through lots of changes from the day the film was planned.

Irandam Ulagam History
Irandam Ulagam has a history. Maybe, no filmmaker would have attempted to pick a project, which was repeatedly shelved for one or the other reason. The movie, first hit the floors in 2006 with Karthi and Sandhya in the leads. Since then, it was halted thrice before Selvaraghavan decided to complete the film at the cost of Kamal Hassan'sVishwaroopam, which was supposed to be directed by Selva.

Selvaraghavan, with his new team consisting of Arya, Anushka Shetty and music director Harris Jayaraj, started the movie in 2010 and it took him two years to wrap up the project.

Hype
Irandam Ulagam is no less to any A-list actors' movies. More than the big names like Selvaraghavan, Arya and Anushka Shetty, it is the scintillating trailer and musical treat of Harris Jayaraj have made people to wait for the release. While the film is releasing today in India, it had a premiere in some foreign countries last night. Here, we are bringing you some of the tweet reviews posted by international audience.

#Irandamulagam is brilliant. No words. @anushka_shetty @arya. Awesome graphics and message conveyed.

#IrandamUlagam - Spoilers everywhere. Kindly ignore all and experience the thrilling journey in the second world. A #Selvaraghavan movie.

#IrandamUlagam really good movie .dont beleive twitter review.pl watch urself.worth watch better than diwali release.

Do watch it in theatres #IrandamUlagam one of the awesomatic best visual experience movie....dont believe crap reviews ma humble request.

As always Selva rocks...not like regular commercial movie... watch it with family #IrandamUlagam


Best creation by @selvaraghavan #IrandamUlagam has exceeded my expectations @IrandamUlagam team congrats !!!

#IrandamUlagam watching movie so far real good. imagination at its best looking ahead for a better second half !!

Amazing Visual effects, Screenplay... n Awesome Background music !!

Watched #IrandamUlagam Awesum movie.. #Arya is amazing. Great BGM @anirudhofficial and unexpected climax. Respect u @selvaraghavan Sir !!!


Watched #IrandamUlagam Awesum movie.. #Arya is amazing. Great BGM @anirudhofficial and unexpected climax. Respect u @selvaraghavan Sir !!!
"
Visual effects, bgm stand out....performances Arya and Anushka wonderfull...don't miss it.

@murugaramu_kkl After a long break director Selvaraghavan has come up with Irandam Ulagam. He has also said that it is his Magnum Opus.


#IrandamUlagam, Again A Brilliant From Selva. Finally a superb fantasy in Indian cinema !! Best CG Works from Selva team. We loved it. Must watch.

@Selvaragavan #Irandamulagam Technically Brilliant nd Screenplay Awesum...

#Irandamulagam Go less xpectation.Surely u ll lik #IU.2nd Half Draging nd sum scenes Clitches.Othrwis Decent mve..@Selvaraghavan #Anushka scored nd do better than #Arya.

#Irandamulagam is Selva's best work so far...don't miss.

#Irandamulagam is boring flick...first half okay...second half is not engaging...

#Arya is acting a little weird but just something which you can expect from Tamil movie #Anushka-#Arya cute pair up #Varna #IrandamUlagam

From being Slave in one world to a social worker in other worls... Good work by #Arya

Not a regular movie for sure... Feeling quite uncomfortable during all the last few mins... EKKADO THEDA KODUTUNDI RO MOVIE LO #Varna

#Anushka a powerful and daring lady in the land of beasts And a Sinple on earth... #Varna

It is a Parallel world story..voice over narrates the story of two worlds.. Story starts off as creator wants a warrior to save their world from the evil force.

#Varna : Anushka's proposing Arya scene is nicely handled, the way Anushka's friend handles...

More: http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/news/2013/irandam-ulagam-fans-review-125445.html#slide424724

Coffee may help perk up your blood vessels

A cup of caffeinated coffee may help small blood vessels work better, warding off cardiovascular disease, a new study has claimed.

The study of 27 healthy adults showed for the first time that drinking a cup of caffeinated coffee significantly improved blood flow in a finger, which is a measure of how well the inner lining of the body's smaller blood vessels work.

Specifically, participants who drank a cup of caffeinated coffee had a 30 per cent increase in blood flow over a 75-minute period compared to those who drank decaffeinated coffee.

"This gives us a clue about how coffee may help improve cardiovascular health," said Masato Tsutsui, lead researcher and a cardiologist and professor in the pharmacology department at the University of the Ryukyus in Okinawa, Japan.

The study adds to a growing body of research about coffee, the most widely consumed beverage worldwide. Previous studies showed that drinking coffee is linked to lower risks of dying from heart disease and stroke, and that high doses of caffeine may improve the function of larger arteries.

Study participants were people who did not regularly drink coffee, ranging in age from 22 to 30. On one day, each participant drank one five-ounce cup of either regular or decaffeinated coffee.

Then researchers measured finger blood flow with laser Doppler flowmetry, a non-invasive technique for gauging blood circulation on a microscopic level.

Two days later, the experiment was repeated with the other type of coffee. Neither the researchers nor the participants knew when they were drinking caffeinated coffee.

The researchers noted blood pressure, heart rate, and vascular resistance levels. They also took blood samples to analyse levels of caffeine and to rule out the role of hormones on blood vessel function.

Compared to decaf, caffeinated coffee slightly raised participants' blood pressure and improved vessel inner lining function. Heart rate levels were the same between the two groups.

It's still unclear how caffeine actually works to improve small blood vessel function, although Tsutsui suggests that caffeine may help open blood vessels and reduce inflammation.

"If we know how the positive effects of coffee work, it could lead to a new treatment strategy for cardiovascular disease in the future," said Tsutsui. The research was presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2013 in Dallas.

More: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/coffee-may-help-perk-up-your-blood-vessels/1197769/0

Cadila launches low-cost cancer drug

Ahmedabad-based Cadila Pharmaceuticalsintroduced the first novel product for cancer managementwhich it claims is a significant breakthrough in the treatment of lung cancer.

Mycidac-C is an innovative research product for patients suffering from a cancer sub-type - non-small cell lung cancer - and will be priced at Rs 4,000 for 10 injections. The total cost of therapy to patients is estimated at Rs 40,000 - which the company claims is affordable as cancer treatment is generally exorbitant.

Cadila CMD Dr Rajiv Modi said on Thursday, "Our drug is a significant breakthrough in the management of squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), since the introduction of first line cancer drugs nearly 30 years ago."

As per World Health Organisation, approximately 1.25 million people are diagnosed with lung cancer every year worldwide.

Lung cancer kills more people than the three next commonest cancers combined. The drug has already been approved by the country's drug controller general.

According to Dr Modi, the drug is the world's first targeted active immunotherapy, and is to be used in conjunction with other cancer medication. Final trials on the drug suggest that it improves median survival by over 40% in patients suffering from squamous NSCLC.

"It has taken us over a decade, a huge investment and a dedicated research and development team to develop this unique drug. We expect it to be available in the Indian market by December 2013. Thereafter, we will introduce it in other regions like SAARC countries and European markets over the next five years," Modi said.

More: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Cadila-launches-low-cost-cancer-drug/articleshow/26176469.cms

Do not push industrial interests in the name of climate change, tells India

The developed countries must step up to the plate to come true on their existing commitments to fight climate change, said Jayanthi Natarajan, Indian Environment Minister, while addressing the U.N. climate negotiations.

“There is a huge ambition gap between what developed country have pledged and what is required by science and their historical responsibilities. The irony is that developing countries have pledged much more than developed countries in pre-2020 period,” she said.

“However, in a scenario where we need to do more, not just on mitigation but adaptation, what I hear with dismay is the scaling down of ambition and lowering of targets for emission cuts by some countries. We still have seven years to go for 2020, and we cannot afford to give up the momentum at this point.

Her speech took place the same day on which more than 800 NGO representatives walked out of the climate talks claiming the rich world was not coming true on its obligations and letting corporate interests play up.

Warning that developing countries cannot be expected to do more while the rich countries slip away from their existing obligations, she said, “I would like to underline that it is not conceivable that we can get high post-2020 ambition through low pre-2020 ambition. High ambition is the bedrock for 2015 outcome.”

The rich countries had committed two years ago to increase their emission reduction targets in the short run, provide U.S. $100 billion annually by 2020 and resolve issues of technology transfer. But since then most developed countries, including the U.S. and EU have refused to increase their emission reduction targets to the levels recommended by the UN scientific panel on climate change. They have also changed stance to say that U.S. $100 billion pledge should not be primarily public funds but more private investments for which developing countries should create the right investment regimes.

She also took on the U.S., without naming it, for pushing its industrial interests in the name of asking for action on climate change, such as in the case of refrigeration gases, HFCs. “The issue should not be seen from a business perspective of providing markets to domestic companies. We can’t take a leap of faith without knowing the exact path and the pitfalls. It is time that we had honest dialogue instead of raising the rhetoric,” she said.

In the backdrop of rich countries blocking progress in the negotiations and trying to postpone discussions on their obligations, she said, “Equity is the route to higher ambition. We must fill the gaps this year at Warsaw and not tomorrow, not after the talks here in Poland.”

More: http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/pledge-more-deliver-more-jayanthi-tells-rich-nations/article5376416.ece?textsize=small&test=2

Mars Mission: Mangalayaan sends first pictures of Earth

The Mars orbiter spacecraft's first images of Earth have reached Isro's Indian Deep Space Network in Byalalu, about 30km from here.

On Thursday, Isro released one image taken on November 19 which captures the Indian subcontinent. It was taken using its Mars Colour Camera (MCC) from 67,975km with a resolutionof 3.53km per pixel. The image was taken as part the payload testing activity which commenced last week.

The MCC, which is meant for optical imaging of the Martian surface, was one of the first payloads to be tested. "It's ideal to conduct a test on the functioning of all payloads before the craft leaves the sphere of Earth's influence. The MCC is working well, as indicated by the images we've received," a senior Isro official told TOI.

The tri-colour camera will send images and information about the Martian surface from September 2014 after the craft reaches its designated elliptical orbit around Mars. "The images and information will be useful to monitor the Martian weather. The camera will be used to monitor two of its satellites, Phobos and Deimos," the official said.

MCC will also provide context information for other payloads aboard MOM, another official said, adding that the testing of the four other payloads will be done next week. "Information received from other payloads may not be published as they're not of public interest. They'll be in the form of scientific data which will be released later," he said.

More: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Mars-Mission-Mangalayaan-sends-first-pictures-of-Earth/articleshow/26170103.cms

Where was Vinod Kambli when his buddy Sachin Tendulkar retired?

One man, who used to be Sachin Tendulkar's school-time buddy and later on an India team-mate, was missing in the emotion-filled atmosphere at the Wankhede Stadium on November 16. Vinod Kambli was nowhere to be seen the day his friend Sachin ended his iconic cricket career.

The Tendulkar-Kambli friendship has many anecdotes attached to it, the most famous being their 664-run partnership during their schooldays while playing for the Shardashram Vidyamandir. But the warmth that the two used to share seems to have gone missing over the last few years.

When contacted to know about his absence from the momentous occasion, the southpaw went to the extent of saying that "it seems as if we have become enemies now" - he told Zee Media.


According to a media report, Kambli said "it seems as if we have become enemies now" when asked about his absence from Tendulkar's farewell speech.

"I haven't heard Sachin's sound for a long time and it hurts me. It's been seven long years and we haven't met with each other. In between, we just shared a few text messages and that's all. It seems as if we have become enemies now," Kambli told Zee.

But it's not that Sachin's retirement did not touch Kambli's heart. He too, like the millions in India, was moved by the moment. "My eyes also welled up with tears when I saw my friend crying at Wankhede, during his last match," he said.

Kambli wants to bury the hatchet to once again have a good time with his friend in their days as ex-cricketers. "I have always supported him as a friend and as a cricketer. I never stated anything wrong behind his back. I still feel we can be friends once again," he said. "We have shared many good memories in the past. We played together, had fun for 30 long years. And even if I get a call from Sachin now, we can be friends again and you could see me right behind him," he added.

Incidentally, Kambli found no mention in Tendulkar's moving farewell speech and was also not spotted at the dinner party hosted by the Tendulkar family in Mumbai.

"I am deeply hurt. I was expecting my name to be part of his farewell speech. If anything for our famous partnership. It's that world record partnership that was the turning point of our careers. That's when everyone came to know who is Vinod and Sachin. I had a hand in that and our careers started from there. I thought he could have mentioned that part at least," Kambli told in another interview to a TV channel.

"The other shocking part was all his team-mates, friends and family were invited to party after retirement and I was not invited. My family and I were upset, sad and disturbed...All I can say is that he has forgotten me," Kambli added.

Kambli once spoke out about his relationship with Sachin on a reality show Sach Ka Saamna seven years ago, where he said Sachin has not done enough for him. That was perhaps the start of their relations getting sour.

More: http://ibnlive.in.com/news/cricketnext/where-was-vinod-kambli-when-his-buddy-sachin-tendulkar-retired/435529-78.html

Winning Oscar like running for President now: Susan Sarandon

Academy award winning Hollywood star Susan Sarandon feels it is far more difficult to win an Oscar these days because the procedure is as elaborate as running for President.

Sarandon, 67, was nominated four times for the Academy Awards before finally bagging the honour in 1995 for 'Dead Man Walking'.

The actress said winning the trophy now has more to do about who is backing you rather than actual talent. "Getting an Academy award is great. You kind of join an elite club. But at the same time there are so many actors in the film business. Now you need to have someone like Harvey Weinstein behind you to get an Academy award or even a nomination.

"People are on the road doing all kinds of different events, visiting different places. It is like running for President. They spend so much time and money. So there are so many great performances that don't have a shot at all," said Sarandon on the sidelines of IFFI.

The actress-turned-activist also expressed her delight over meeting veteran Indian actress Waheeda Rehman, who was honoured with the Centenary award at the festival.

"I told Waheeda that it was wonderful to meet an older actress who has been in the film business for so long and is still cheerful and happy and glowing," she said.

Sarandon, who has been in Hollywood for more than two decades, said working in the film business is very difficult for actresses as they have to struggle for their existence every single day.

"The business is very cruel to women. People have often asked me whether me being involved in politics has lost me jobs in Hollywood. The truth of the matter is Hollywood is not political and the only reason why you can lose work is if you grow old and fat. I think there is something to be said for that," Sarandon said.

The 'Step Mom' star said that even at 67, she feels she has many more years to give to films.

"That's the reason so many actresses are telling their own stories. I try and keep working until I am not having fun anymore. And if I don't get plastic surgery, I will be one of the few actors who looks her age. It is a hard place for women but there are so many actresses who are doing better work as they grow older. I am 67, I can hardly belive at myself.

"My daughter just wrote something for me and her to do. My son is a director and my other son is a musician. I think we should just start a family cottage film business. That's how I will keep working."

The actress also cleared the air about the designer, who created her bright pink and red knee length dress for the opening ceremony of IFFI.

Earlier, festival director Shankar Mohan had told reporters that Goan designer Wendell Rodricks would design Sarandon's outfit for the opening ceremony but Wendell denied.

"To put all confusion to rest, I would like to say that dress was designed by my friend and designer Han Feng. She is a Chineese woman, who is now an American citizen. She designed the costumes for Madama Butterfly-The Metropolitan Opera.

"She has also designed clothes for the film 'Karate Kid'. I really wanted to wear a saree for the ceremony but things did not work out with some designers her. Hopefully next time I will get to wear traditional Indian attire," she said.

More: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/winning-oscar-like-running-for-president-now-susan-sarandon/1198201/0

Today's big releases: Gori Tere Pyaar Mein, Singh Saab The Great

While Gori Tere Pyaar Mein features Imran Khan and Kareena Kapoor, Sunny Deol plays the lead role in Singh Saab The Great.

It's a mix of comedy and action at the box office today with the release of Imran Khan and Kareena Kapoor's Gori Tere Pyaar Mein and Sunny Deol's Singh Saab The Great.

Directed by Punit Malhotra, Gori Tere Pyaar Mein is a romantic comedy in which Imran Khan plays a rich boy who falls in love with Dia Sharma (Kareena Kapoor), a social activist, and follows her to a remote village to win his love. Imran and Kareena co-star for the second time after the 2012 film Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu. The movie also features Shraddha Kapoor, who apparently did not charge a fee for her role.

Imran Khan's wife Avantika will reportedly make a special appearance in the film.

Actor Sunny Deol collaborates with his Gadar: Ek Prem Katha director Anil Sharma for the action drama Singh Saab The Great. Sunny Deol plays the role of a collector who fights corruption and injustice. The movie also features Amrita Rao, Prakash Raj and Urvashi Rautela.

Also out today is Hollywood dance flick Battle Of The Year which is about a dancing tournament where the best teams from around the world perform. The movie features Josh Peck, Josh Holloway, Chris Brown and Laz Alonso.

more: http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/today-s-big-releases-gori-tere-pyaar-mein-singh-saab-the-great-449381

Minor fire breaks out in Shah Rukh Khan's residence

A minor fire broke out in Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan's beach-facing bungalow 'Mannat' located in suburban Bandra West on November 21, after a short circuit, fire officials said.

The short circuit, which occurred in a bathroom's exhaust fan, set off the bungalow's fire alarm, the officials said.

The blaze was quickly brought under control after alert security guards called up the fire brigade, which rushed two fire engines to the spot.

More: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/minor-fire-breaks-out-in-shah-rukh-khan-s-residence/1198208/

"Goliyon Ki Raasleela - Ram Leela" banned in Uttar Pradesh

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's latest flick "Goliyon Ki Raasleela - Ram Leela" was banned in Uttar Pradesh by the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court on Thursday.

A bench of Justice Ashok Pal Singh and Justice Devi Prasad Singh passed the ban order while hearing a petition filed by Maryada Purshottam Bhagwan Ramleela Samiti from Bahraich.

In their petition, the Samiti claimed that the film, starring Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone and released on November 15, had controversial and objectionable dialogues and had sought the cancellation of the Censor Board certificate to the film.

The petitioners also pleaded that since the film also hurt the sentiments of the Hindus by its name and other things portrayed in the film, it should be banned from exhibition.

The union and state governments as well as the state chief secretary, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Eros International and Bhansali had been made parties in the petition.

More: http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-goliyon-ki-raasleela-ram-leela-banned-in-uttar-pradesh-1922788

WhatsApp For Nokia Asha 501 Released

Its no secret that instant messaging applications have become quite popular than texting, because while the latter incurs charges, IM apps allow users to send messages around the world for virtually no cost at all. WhatsApp is one of the most widely used IM applications out there, and it is available for a number of platforms. Originally announced at Nokia World 2013 in Abu Dhabi, WhatsApp for Nokia Asha 501 has been released today.

 Before users can install the app, they will need to install an over-the-air software update that starts rolling out this week. Without first installing the update WhatsApp for Asha 501 can not be downloaded on the device. When users log in for the first time, the app will automatically locate contacts who’re already using WhatsApp. The app can be used to send text messages, photos and videos as well as voice messages. Messages are either routed through the 2G cellular connection or through Wi-Fi. The app is available as a free download for Nokia Asha 501. 

The Asha 500, 502 and 503 phones, which were recently announced, will have WhatsApp pre-installed when they start selling in the coming weeks. The app opens up a whole new communication channel for Asha users, who will be able to communicate with friends and family even if they are on different phones made by different manufacturers.

More:  http://www.ubergizmo.com/2013/11/whatsapp-for-nokia-asha-501-released/

Microsoft hopes Xbox One finally puts it on the media map

Microsoft Corp aims to upstage rival Sony Corp with a console that goes well beyond gaming and helps transform media viewing, a long-cherished but elusive goal.

The software giant is betting its first new video game console in eight years, which goes on sale on Friday, will help sustain its position as a dominant player in gaming hardware. It also hopes to build a high-margin, rapid-growth business that plays a bigger role in how people watch television and consume media content.

The console has received early positive reviews for its performance, interface and exclusive launch games. Yusuf Mehdi, chief marketing and strategy officer for Xbox, said preorders for Xbox One were running at twice the rate of 2005's Xbox 360 but declined to elaborate. "We continue to be on track for the biggest launch in Xbox history," Mehdi said.

"We're building the largest volume of consoles that we've ever done." He added that the company is anticipating an adequate supply to meet demand. Revenue from Xbox games and consoles, including the blockbuster "Halo" game franchise, yielded 10 percent of total Microsoft sales in the last fiscal year. A successful launch could give a much-needed lift to the software titan, which is trying to become a significant player in hardware. Microsoft wants to become a "devices and services" giant as it struggles to find the right formula and hire a new chief executive to take on Google Inc, Apple Inc, and Amazon.com Inc in a mobile-computing era.

Japan's Sony, which launched its new PlayStation 4 gaming console last week, and Nintendo Co Ltd, which has struggled with slow sales of its next-generation Wii U console, have also crammed media apps and content onto their machines, but analysts say Microsoft is taking it a step further. The Xbox One, which will launch in 13 markets worldwide, will cater to its loyal gamer fan base with exclusive titles like "Forza Motorsport 5" and "Ryse: Son of Rome." Beyond that, the company hopes the device crosses over to the mainstream and becomes a family entertainment center.

MONEY IN THE LIVING ROOM
To entice TV viewers and simplify their viewing experience, the new device comes with features like voice control via its Kinect input device - ostensibly in place of a remote - and the ability to integrate it with cable boxes. As with the PlayStation and Nintendo's Wii U, the Xbox One comes loaded with Netflix and other popular media apps. But Microsoft has started its own studio to produce exclusive video content, meaning the new device could become a gateway to much more than games.

To bolster its entertainment offerings, Microsoft launched its Xbox Music app, a digital music service that vies with Apple's iTunes, last year. "The profit margin of that business is more defensible than the current PC business. Microsoft has a more solid shot at the living room, by way of Xbox, than it does through PCs," said Roger Kay, an analyst at Endpoint Technologies Associates. "There's a lot of monetization possible if you can take over the living room, so Microsoft is highly motivated to make that game platform as versatile as possible." Microsoft is battling Sony, which sold 1 million of its PlayStation 4s within the first 24 hour of its Nov. 15 release in the United States and Canada, and is currently sold out in many retail stores and online. At $499, the Xbox One costs $100 more than its rival console.

TANK OF SHARKS
Robert W. Baird & Co analyst Colin Sebastian has said he expects shipments of 2.5 million to 3 million units for both the Xbox One and PS4 in the fourth quarter. Microsoft is pulling out the stops on marketing, producing creative stunts such as immersing the first Xbox One console to go on sale, in New Zealand, in a tank of 20 sharks. "With everything they're going through ... one shining light there that they really feel good about" is the Xbox franchise, said Peter Moore, chief operating officer of Electronic Arts Inc , who led the launch of the Xbox 360 when he was at Microsoft. "It's a great company with a lot of good businesses, but the real sparkle right now, particularly this week on campus right now ... will be the launch of the Xbox One." Microsoft hopes to avoid the glitches that plagued Sony, whose PlayStation 4 launch was marred by problems while booting up the machine and units being damaging during shipping. Selling something more than a game console is imperative, with more and more potential customers gravitating to free online and mobile games, analysts say. Over the last eight years, Sony and Microsoft both sold more than 80 million PS3 and Xbox 360 units each, while Nintendo sold over 100 million Wii consoles.

The industry has debated whether the console heyday is over, with hardware sales in decline for the past four years. But analysts expect new consoles to reignite the sector. The PS4 is currently in short supply at many retail stores and online after a robust launch. "All of those questions have been put to rest by the strong pickup this weekend of the Sony platform, and we're very confident Xbox will have a strong launch this weekend as well," EA's Moore said. EA games like "Battlefield 4" and "FIFA 14" had strong sales as PS4 machines flew off store shelves, Moore said. The same titles will be released for Xbox One, in addition to some upcoming exclusive titles like sci-fi shooter "Titanfall."

In a rare display of solidarity, Xbox sent a congratulatory tweet to Sony shortly after the PS4 hit store shelves. "This isn't so much a competitive effort. It's really about how we grow the broader market ... that should really be the focus and a little bit of that was the spirit behind congratulating Sony for the good work they've done," Microsoft's Mehdi said.

More: http://www.dnaindia.com/scitech/report-microsoft-hopes-xbox-one-finally-puts-it-on-the-media-map-1922959

Housing prices rise in 12 cities

Housing prices increased in 12 cities by up to 5.3%, while it declined in 10 cities, including the national capital, by up to 7% during the second quarter ended September 30.

Housing prices in Delhi witnessed a decline of 4.5% during July-September period compared with the previous quarter. However, it jumped by 6.7% on annual basis, as per Residex released byNational Housing Bank (NHB).

On annual basis, the prices in Delhi rose by 6.7%. Maximum price moderation was seen in Meerut by 6.9% while, highest appreciation in rate was witnessed in Kolkata by 5.3%. The movement in prices of residential properties for the July-September quarter has shown increasing trend in 12 cities ranging from 0.5% in Mumbai to 5.3% in Kolkata, and fall in 10 cities ranging from 0.9% in Bengaluru to 6.9% in Meerut, NHB said in a statement.

More: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Housing-prices-rise-in-12-cities/articleshow/26178312.cms

Rupee breaks past 63; foreign investors sell shares

The rupee is at 63.02/63.04 versus its close of 62.93/94, after foreign institutional investors (FIIs) sold a net 598 million rupees in shares on Thursday to snap a 32-day buying streak that totalled 238.84 billion rupees as per exchange and regulatory data.

Traders say continued weakness could spark intervention from the central bank.

Rallies in U.S. and Japan stock markets are also sparking talk of a shift by global investors to developed markets, with emerging countries with current account deficits such as India seen as vulnerable to future Fed tapering.

USD/INR gains also reflecting demand from state-run oil companies, traders say.

Still, the Nifty gains 0.5 percent, recovering from its biggest single-day percentage fall in nearly two months on Thursday, putting a lid on USD/INR gains.

The rupee is seen in a range of 62.70/63.30 for the session, traders said.

More: http://in.reuters.com/article/2013/11/22/india-rupee-idINDEE9AL03V20131122

30 killed, 50 wounded in Iraq violence

As many as 30 people were killed and some 50 wounded in separate incidents of shootings and bomb attacks in Iraq on Thursday, including a deadly minibus bombing, police and an official said.

The deadliest attack occurred before noon in Diyala province when a minibus loaded with over 100 kg of high explosives went off at a busy marketplace in Sa’ diyah city, some 120 km from Baghdad, killing 25 people and wounding 45, reported Xinhua citing a provincial police source.

Omer al-Hemiyari, governor of Diyala, confirmed the toll in a statement, adding that “what happened in the Sa’diyah is an atrocious crime and a security breach that led to the deaths of dozens of innocent people”.

The huge blast in the minibus set fire to eight civilian cars and ten shops and destroyed dozens of stalls, the police source said.

In a separate incident, a soldier was killed and his brother wounded when unidentified gunmen opened fire on their house in Sa’ diyah, a source said.

Meanwhile, two young men were killed and as many injured in a motorcycle bomb explosion in the northeastern part of Baquba, provincial capital city of Diyala, some 65 km from Baghdad, the source said, adding that two more people were wounded in a bomb explosion near a house in the nearby town of Buhruz.

In Baghdad, gunmen using silenced weapons shot dead two brothers at their shop in a commercial street in the Shiite-dominated neighbourhood of Baiyaa in southern capital, a police source said.

More: http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/30-killed-50-wounded-in-iraq-violence/article5378885.ece

The day slaves escaped suburban London jail after decades of abuse

It was, in the words of one charity boss, "just an ordinary house in an ordinary street".

Yet behind its doors, unbeknown to neighbours going about their daily lives, the elderly home owners were keeping three women as slaves in conditions that belonged to the pre-Victorian age.

For no fewer than 30 years the women had lived in such terror of the 67-year-old couple arrested on Thursday that they did not dare run away, call the police or confide in another living soul.

"There lives were greatly controlled": Detective Inspector Kevin Hyland. Photo: AFP

Physically and mentally abused, they had come to believe that they had no choice but to remain under the control of their captors.
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"It was a life of domestic servitude," explained Aneeta Prem, founder of the Freedom charity, which eventually secured the women's release from the house in Lambeth, south London.

"They were there and they weren't able to leave. They felt they were in massive danger. They were restricted in everything they could do."

Detective Inspector Kevin Hyland, of the Metropolitan Police's human trafficking unit, said: "Their lives were greatly controlled. For much of it, they would have been kept on the premises."

The oldest of the women was a 69-year-old Malaysian national; her fellow slaves were a 57-year-old Irish woman and a 30-year-old Briton, thought to have been born in the house and kept in servitude for her entire life.

When they first fell under the control of their captors, who are described as "non-British", Margaret Thatcher was beginning her second term as UK prime minister, Sally Ride was making history as the first woman in space and Return of the Jedi was filling cinemas.

Almost as shocking as what was to happen to the women over the next three decades was the fact that they felt unable, in 20th and 21st-century Britain, to cry out for help.

Mr Hyland said that they were allowed "some controlled freedom" but the mechanics of how they went outside and how far they were allowed to go remained unclear.

The youngest victim is thought to have been denied the opportunity of going to school. Whether neighbours even knew she existed is another as yet unanswered question.

"I don't believe the neighbours knew anything about it at all," said Ms Prem. "It was just an ordinary house in an ordinary street."

The turning point for the women came on October 4, when they watched a BBC news report featuring Ms Prem calling on Michael Gove, the Education Secretary, to track children who did not return to school following the summer holidays.

Although the report was about child kidnappings, it featured the work of the Freedom Charity, and the women decided that they had at last found an organisation that they could trust.

On October 18, taking what they no doubt believed to be a huge risk, the 57-year-old Irish captive managed to evade the attention of her masters long enough to telephone the charity.

"The professionals shone through and made sure that call was taken seriously," said Ms Prem. It was the first of a series of phone calls over the following week in which she talked to Vineeta Thornhill, the charity's chief executive.

"We started in-depth talks to them when they could, it had to be pre-arranged. They gave us set times when they were able to speak to us."

At first, the women were so frightened that they could not bring themselves to tell the charity the address of the house where they were being kept.

But over the course of several calls, the charity's staff were able to build up a bond of trust with the women, until a clear picture of their terrible circumstances emerged along with the location where they were being held.

As a result, on October 25, the women were able to pluck up the courage to do something they had been unable to do in their 30 years of captivity: walk out of the door of their prison against their masters' wishes.

The two younger women met charity workers and the police at a pre-arranged location and officers went to the address and rescued the 69-year-old.

"It was planned that they would be able to walk out of the property," said Ms Prem. "The police were on standby. They were able to leave the property, but it was done in such a way ... it was a very, very excellent way it happened."

She said that the women had been held in a "controlled freedom".

"I think basically that a controlled freedom would mean that there are part freedoms, but a lot of it can be psychological and a lot of it can be physical as well," Ms Prem said. The women would previously have been allowed out of the house occasionally, but always escorted by their captors, she added.

It would take another four weeks before police could move in and arrest the alleged captors, such was the difficulty in coaxing hard facts out of the women that could be used as evidence.

"They were deeply traumatised, so information coming out from them was coming out slowly, that is one of the reasons for the gap before the arrests," said a police source.

Mr Hyland said: "We had to work very carefully with these people who were highly traumatised and it was very difficult to establish the facts.

"We needed professional assistance from outside agencies. The last thing we wanted to do was increase that trauma.

"Until we had facts to justify where we are now, we delayed that arrest."

He added: "Our unit deals with many cases every year but has never unearthed such a staggering example of people held against their will for their whole lifetime."

The women - who police say were not sexually abused - are now in the care of a charity, which is helping them to adjust to freedom, a process which is likely to take months.

Ms Prem said: "They are going to be afforded all the help and support that can be given. I'm so grateful they saw the news. Now they will try to rebuild their lives. It was a very, very difficult life they led and all we can hope now is that they can move forward from this."

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/world/the-day-slaves-escaped-suburban-london-jail-after-decades-of-abuse-20131122-2y0d9.html#ixzz2lLk4dVzO

Afghan Leader Jeopardizes Security Pact

Obama administration plans to keep thousands of troops in Afghanistan for years to come were thrust into doubt on Thursday when Afghan President Hamid Karzai unexpectedly called for delaying a long-term security deal until his successor is elected next spring.

The surprise move, which Mr. Karzai announced in a televised address before a special Afghan council that will advise him on the deal, cast a new cloud of uncertainty over the fate of the security pact. The administration warned that failure to complete the agreement by the end of the year could force the U.S. to pull out of Afghanistan altogether in 2014.

This week, Mr. Karzai during a phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of StateJohn Kerry requested a letter from President Barack Obama admitting U.S. "mistakes" in the war and recognizing the suffering inflicted on Afghans by U.S. forces. Mr. Karzai wanted the letter as a condition to dropping his objections to U.S. forces raiding Afghan homes in exceptional circumstances.Mr. Karzai's remarks came less than 24 hours after Afghan and U.S. leaders ironed out a disagreement over the circumstances when U.S. forces could enter Afghan homes, paving the way for a final agreement after a year of contentious negotiations.

Mr. Obama replied with a letter Thursday morning, Mr. Karzai said, but its text—initially released by Kabul—fell far short of the Afghan demands. The letter didn't acknowledge any American mistakes and said the U.S. has redoubled its efforts to ensure that Afghan homes are respected by U.S. forces.

Mr. Obama's letter also raised the "enormous sacrifices" made by American soldiers in Afghanistan and said U.S. troops wouldn't enter Afghan homes unless there is "urgent risk" to U.S. nationals.

Mr. Karzai, in an hour-long address to the Loya Jirga gathering, told Afghan politicians that the "agreement should be signed when the election is conducted, properly and with dignity."

"There is mistrust between me and America," he told the advisory body. "I don't trust them, and they don't trust me."

Both American and Afghan officials expressed surprise at Mr. Karzai's announcement and tried to determine if he was throwing a last-minute wrench in the process, compelling the U.S. to pull all its forces out of Afghanistan—as it did in Iraq in 2011 after a similar deal fell through.

"We need to have that agreement signed by the end of the year," Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel told reporters on his plane while en route to Halifax, Nova Scotia, for a security conference.

"Until we have a signed Bilateral Security Agreement that essentially gives us the assurance that we need to go forward, I don't think the president is going to commit to anything," he said. "He said that. And my advice to him would be to not."

At the White House, spokesman Josh Earnest said: "It is important for this security agreement to be approved and signed by the end of this year so that preparations can start being made to plan for the post-2014 presence that the United States may have in Afghanistan."

It wasn't immediately clear whether Mr. Karzai's Pashto-language remarks represented a final policy decision. Reached hours after the speech, Mr. Karzai's spokesman, Aimal Faizi, said that "peace, security and a good election are key to the signing" of the security pact.

A senior Afghan official, however, said Mr. Karzai may reconsider if requested to do so by the Loya Jirga, whose roughly 3,000 delegates are scheduled to deliberate on the deal for three more days. Mr. Karzai approved the list of the assembly's participants; most of them had been selected by provincial authorities.

In his speech, Mr. Karzai didn't direct the delegates to vote in favor of signingthe deal with the U.S., asking only that they do what is in "the best interests of Afghanistan."

U.S. officials pressed for the security agreement to be implemented this month. A lengthy delay, such as the one outlined by Mr. Karzai, almost certainly would derail American and allied plans to maintain a limited training and counterterrorism force in Afghanistan after 2014.

In addition to the future American military mission in Afghanistan, at stake are billions of dollars in economic and military assistance. The Afghan army and police, struggling to contain the Taliban, would likely collapse without this foreign funding.

"If the deal does not go through, the whole support of the international community will be on hold.…Most probably it will discontinue," said Mr. Karzai's former defense minister, Gen. Abdul Rahim Wardak, who is a presidential candidate. "We are not a wealthy country like Iraq, which at least can pay its soldiers. The result will be a gradual decline of the state because there is no alternative."

Even close aides to Mr. Karzai said they were stunned by the president's statement, which came toward the end of a nationalistic speech in which he voiced a litany of complaints against the U.S.

"It came as a surprise," said Hedayat Amin Arsala, Mr. Karzai's former vice president who resigned as senior minister in October to run in the presidential election.

In Thursday's speech, Mr. Karzai said that if the Loya Jirga and the Afghan Parliament approve the security deal, the final signature would depend on the outcome of the presidential elections scheduled for April. Alluding to what he previously described as Western interference in the 2009 election, Mr. Karzai said: "We have had our experiences in the past election, and I won't repeat them."

David Sedney, the former U.S. deputy assistant defense secretary who oversaw Afghan policy at the Pentagon until May, said the 2009 election had a long-lasting impact on Mr. Karzai's approach to negotiations with the U.S.Mr. Karzai is slated to step down after the vote. Many Afghan politicians, however, believe it is likely to be postponed as he seeks to steer a preferred successor into office.

"He's always been ambivalent about a long-term relationship with the United States because he feels that he's been personally betrayed by the U.S. a number of times," he said.

"In any discussion about contentious issues, he has pulled a surprise out at the last minute to try and prevent something or to try and get additional leverage," said Mr. Sedney, who has spent countless hours with Mr. Karzai over the past decade. "He's trying to get some last-minute leverage for his future. What he cares about is being able to ensure that, after the election, he is given a position of significant power behind the scenes."

Major candidates vying for the president's support include Mr. Karzai's brother Qayum, his former Foreign Minister Zalmai Rassoul, and former transition adviser Ashraf Ghani. Also running is Mr. Karzai's main challenger in the 2009 election, Abdullah Abdullah. At the time, the United Nations-led electoral watchdog threw out a million votes, mostly cast for Mr. Karzai, as fraudulent, ordering a runoff. Mr. Karzai in the past repeatedly described that decision as a plot by some American officials seeking to oust him.

"He thinks he has been dishonored, and he is trying to give the United States the runaround," said Daoud Sultanzoy, a former lawmaker and TV talk-show host who is one of 11 presidential candidates.

Naheed Farid, a lawmaker from Herat province, condemned Mr. Karzai's suggestion to delay the security deal until after the election as "running against the national interest."

More: http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304791704579211271054226730

One dead, 800 shanties gutted in Cuff Parade fire

One person was killed and a few others injured after a massive fire broke out in a slum pocket in south Mumbai’s Cuff Parade area on Thursday morning, leaving over 800 shanties gutted.

The deceased could not be identified until going to the press.

The fire erupted in Ganesh Murthy area near Ambedkar Nagar slum, behind BEST’s Cuff Parade bus depot at around 11am. While the exact cause could not be ascertained, the fire was reportedly started by a series of cylinder explosions.

“Repeated blasts were heard when the fire erupted. Given the chaos around, we could not tell what exactly caused the blaze. But the presence LPG cylinders and the direction of the wind, toward land, made the fire spread over a huge area, gutting the shanties completely,” said a fire official engaged in the rescue operation.

It didn’t take too long for the blaze to spread through the heavily congested slum, which is built on marshy land.

To stop the fire from spreading further, several slum dwellers used their presence of mind and took their LPG cylinders with them while escaping. “At least 500 people must have left their homes with the cylinders. If they hadn’t, the fire would have been much bigger and would have killed more people,” said Gopal Rathod, a local resident.

Meanwhile, the civic body claimed to have arranged for alternate shelter for the residents at a nearby municipal school. Apart from this, food and water supply too was made available.

“We can’t look into the irregularities such as why the slums have been allowed to come up on mangroves. The district collector’s office and the MMRDA will look into it. Our job was to rescue the people. We made shelter and food arrangements after the collector requested us to do so,” a civic official said.

At least 16 fire engines, nine jumbo water tankers and three ambulances were pressed into service. “We are recording the statements of witnesses. It appears that around 10 to 12 cylinders exploded in the fire, resulting in further damage. We are in the process of registering an incident report,” said senior inspector Sharad Barde of the Cuffe Parade police station.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident, a fire broke out in temporary huts constructed for laborers of an under-construction building on Salt Pan Road in Wadala on Thursday morning. However, no casualties have been reported.

Brave firemen
Fire engines had to be stationed around 1,000 feet away from the spot as with its many narrow lanes, it was difficult to access, informed fire officials. “The inaccessibility of the area, sea wind and continuous explosions posed a great threat to the rescue operation,” a fire official said.

Meanwhile, chief minister Prithviraj Chavan paid a visit to the slum on Thursday night. He said the government would conduct an inquiry into the incident and compensate the victims and their kin through the chief minister’s fund.

More: http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-one-dead-800-shanties-gutted-in-cuff-parade-fire-1922914

Mizoram elections: No new faces in the fray

In Mizoram, which goes polls on November 25, despite a large pool of voters, there seems to be a dearth of new faces. Nearly 7,00,000 voters are all set to vote in the Mizoram state assembly polls, but the faces that are up for election are all old ones. After suffering an embarrassing defeat in the last elections, former Chief Minister Zoramthanga is contesting against the current Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla.

For the Congress that rode the anti-incumbency wave in 2008, it is time to go back to the voters. With a weak opposition and advantage of populist schemes like the new land use policy, it is hopeful that all of this will get them the votes. "It will of course, it will, despite the opposition protests, complaints and trying to prevent people from giving their thanksgivings vote, the people will vote in large numbers for the Congress because they are very happy with the NLUP," Thanhawla said.

The Congress under Lal Thanhawla won 32 seats in the last elections. To counter the Congress, the Mizo National Front and the Mizoram People's Conference have formed an alliance. The alliance had reaped 33 seats in 1998. "We are announcing schemes, but not like NLUP. We will monitor everything through society. It is not like an election sop," said MNF spokesperson Biakthansinga.

Watching from a distance is the Mizoram Synod, the highest decision making body of the Presbyterian Church. "The church, usually when it comes to elections, sends out a message encouraging people for clean and fair election, that is the main role the church plays," said the church moderator, Rev L Pachau.

Come December 9, it will be clear who will flash the victory sign.

More: http://ibnlive.in.com/news/mizoram-elections-no-new-faces-in-the-fray/435550-80-261.html

Intel of terrorists in guise of journos puts Narendra Modi's office on high alert

Security at Swarnim Sankul I, chief minister Narendra Modi’s office, was beefed up on Thursday in the wake of Intelligence inputs suggesting that terror operatives could disguise as mediapersons to gain access into the building. Journalists who frequent the CMO and the other offices in the building had to back their credentials before being allowed entry.

“Against the backdrop of Intelligence inputs, we have started checking credentials of media-persons and other visitors coming to Swarnim Sankul I and the purpose of their visit,” DySP PP Vyas, in-charge of security of Sachivalaya, told dna.

Some mediapersons were not allowed entry in Swarnim Sankul I. Police clarified that there were restrictions only for the third floor, where Modi sits, and not for other floors. “Entry has been restricted for media persons for the time being because of the IB input. We are sending their cards to officers concerned,” said an official of the CMO’s security team.

State Intelligence officials, meanwhile, said that threat level to Modi has gone up after the recent escape of six SIMI operatives from Khandwa jail. Plotting by Indian Mujahideen as well Lashkar-e-Toiba has not been ruled out either, they said. There has also been information of some movement by Punjab-based terror suspects, , officials added.

The input and call for stronger security cover came when Modi hosted a lunch for mediapersons in Gandhinagar on November 13, where around 350 mediapersons were present, said a senior official. At the time, an Intelligence input had suggested that a terror operative may use false identification and disguise of a media person to get inside to target the chief minister, sources said.

“Following the event, inputs also indicated that a similar strategy may be used by the operatives to get inside Swarnim Sankul I, which houses the CM’s office as well as those of cabinet ministers,” said a senior official on condition of anonymity.

'Pradhan Mantriji, Vajpayee said Modi following raj dharma'

As the Congress targeted him for A B Vajpayee's advice to follow raj dharma during the 2002 riots, Narendra Modi claimed Vajpayee had said he was following raj dharma.

"Pradhan Mantriji, Atal Bihari Vajpayeeji's video is on YouTube. Atal Bihari Vajpayeeji had told Narendra Modi raj dharma should be followed and immediately added Modiji is following raj dharma," Modi said at a rally in Gwalior Thursday. "Pradhan Mantriji, you should also update yourself. Vajpayeeji taught us raj dharma, that is why BJP governments are earning praise."

Rebutting the PM's remark that BJP leaders are not using decent language, he said, "Pradhan Mantriji, who are you talking about? Since you are not able to speak in your party, you are speaking outside. Who insulted the dignity of the post of prime minister? When you were in America, your young leader came and said it is all nonsense. He tore up the cabinet paper..."

While Modi centred his 35-minute speech around the achievements of the MP government — with just one reference to development in Gujarat — he singled out "Shehzada" for attack besides the prime minister.

"Our economist PM is also chairman of the Planning Commission. The commission says if a five-member family earns Rs 26 a day, they are rich, not poor. How can people living in palaces know how the poor live? And Shehzada says poverty is nothing; poverty is a state of mind. Can you trust these people?...

"You say what Atalji told Modi. I ask what your party vice-president told you. We cannot raise our head in front of the world...Nobody challenged the family but a chai wallah."

More: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/pradhan-mantriji-vajpayee-said-modi-following-raj-dharma/1198033/

For Viswanathan Anand, it's all but over

Viswanathan Anand’s reign as world chess champion is all but over. Playing a spectacular ninth game, the Indian found a strong attack and looked like getting a mating attack before Norwegian challenger Magnus Carlsen pulled out the right moves to win his third game in the match. The game lasted only 28 moves but took two-and-a-half hours before the World No.1 made the scoreline 6-3 in his favour.

Carlsen is half-a-point away from dethroning Anand. The defending champion, on the other hand, will have to win all the three remaining games to take the match to the tie-breaker. Anand will play with black pieces in the 10th game on Friday.

Thursday’s game was Anand’s last chance to bounce back. He came three minutes before the match and Carlsen took his seat just before the start. It promised much when Anand started with the queen-pawn opening and Carlsen replied with the Nimzo-Indian Defence, a very popular system for black. This was the first time Anand chose the queen-pawn opening in this match.

Anand opted for a sharp Samisch variation with his fourth move and then enlivened the game with his kingside forays. Obviously, Anand had come prepared for the variation. By move 13, Anand had consumed only 10 minutes to Carlsen’s 30.

The fourth move by white usually leads to sharp, unbalanced positions with chances for both sides. Old masters such as Mikhail Botvinnik, David Bronstein, Efim Geller and Boris Spassky used these systems successfully while Alexei Shirov and Arthur Jussupow played this until recently.

White strives to leave the well-researched paths from time to time and tries some less popular variations in this line. Somehow, the opening lost its charm in the 1960s when black started finding the correct defence. However, in the 1990s, it came back to tournament play thanks to top players dusting it off from the archives.

In order to keep a good pawn structure, white slows down the development and brings out the queen. But Anand did not go for this idea and instead quickly created a strong pawn centre.

Anand took the game to uncleared waters with his kingside charge. Carlsen tried to counter it with his own advances on the queenside. It was an exciting encounter. Commenting on the game, former world women’s champion Susan Polgar quickly recalled a game that her sister Judit had played with black against Garry Kasparov in 1997, though from a different opening.

But by move 15, the game was already out of the book and the played lines. Anand’s 18th move seemed to worry Carlsen. He took a lot of time for his reply and when he did, there was a difference of 30 minutes between them on the clock.

But the position was significant in that Anand had to find a plan to checkmate Carlsen. If he failed, he would give Carlsen a strong counter-attack on the queenside. At this point, Anand had to make the right choice. Otherwise, he would have fallen behind by a move or two after a proper black defence. It was clear that Anand’s pawn chain was too strong.

After move 22, Anand thought for almost 35 minutes before making his move. Not only did Carlsen catch up with Anand on the clock, the Norwegian had also gained 10 minutes by the end of it. Anand had to make some 17 moves in the next 22 minutes.

When he came up with his queen and rook combination between moves 23 and 27, it looked like Anand was about to find a winning plan. He even spent about 40 minutes analysing his kingside attack but, in the end, he blundered a knight move to close the game.

“I missed some defence on the kingside and allowed the pawn chain,” he said. “After that, I had to counter-attack on the queenside,” Carlsen said.

Anand said the match situation did not allow him to be defensive. “I had to do something and that was why I changed my match strategy (on shifting to queen-pawn opening),” he said.

More: http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-for-viswanathan-anand-it-s-all-but-over-1922936

Jury orders Samsung to pay Apple $290 million

A Silicon Valley jury on Thursday added $290 million more to the damages Samsung Electronics owes Apple for copying vital iPhone and iPad features, bringing the total amount the South Korean technology titan is on the hook for to $930 million.

The verdict covers 13 older Samsung devices that a previous jury found were among 26 Samsung products that infringed Apple patents.

The previous jury awarded Apple $1.05 billion. But U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh ordered the new trial and tossed out $450 million of the damages after concluding that jury miscalculated the amount Samsung owed.

Apple had asked for $380 million, arguing Samsung’s copying cost it a significant amount of sales. Samsung countered that it owed only $52 million because the features at issue weren’t the reasons most consumers chose to buy Samsung’s devices instead of Apple’s.

Samsung said it would appeal both verdicts.

“For Apple, this case has always been about more than patents and money,” Apple spokeswoman Kristin Huguet said. “While it’s impossible to put a price tag on those values, we are grateful to the jury for showing Samsung that copying has a cost.”

A third trial is scheduled for March to consider Apple’s claims that Samsung’s newest devices such as the popular Galaxy S III on the market also copied Apple’s technology.

Apple and Samsung are the world’s two biggest smartphone makers. The bitter rivals have been waging a global battle for supremacy of the $300 billion worldwide market. The size of the award didn’t faze Wall Street or harm or help either company’s financial fortunes in any significant way.

Samsung reported it had $47 billion in cash at the end of September and racked up $247.5 billion in revenue last year. Apple has $147 billion of cash on hand and took in $170.9 billion in revenue last year.

“We understood that the money wasn’t really an issue,” said juror Barry Goldman-Hall. “This was about the integrity of the patent process.”

The juror Goldman-Hall, 60, of San Jose was one of two men and six women on the jury, which was tasked only with determining damages.

Apple has argued in courts, government tribunals and regulatory agencies around the world that Samsung’s Android-based phones copy vital iPhone features. Samsung is fighting back with its own complaints that some key Apple patents are invalid and Apple has copied Samsung’s technology.

Samsung lawyer William Price argued Apple is misconstruing the breadth of its patents to include such things as basic rectangle shape of most smartphones.

“Apple doesn’t own beautiful and sexy,” the laywer told the San Jose jury.

Apple attorney William Lee told the jury that Samsung used Apple’s technology to lift it from an also-ran in the smartphone market three years ago to the world’s biggest seller of them today.

“Apple can never get back to where it should have been in 2010,” the Apple attorney told the jury on Tuesday at the conclusion of the weeklong trial.

The fight in San Jose is particularly contentious. The courtroom is a 15-minute drive from Apple’s headquarters, and several prospective jurors were dismissed because of their ties to the company.

The three jurors who discussed the verdict outside court said Apple’s proximity made no difference in their deliberations.

“Although Apple is down the street, it’s a global company just like Samsung,” jury forewoman Colleen Allen said. “I have a Samsung television and refrigerator and an Apple computer. I like both companies.”

Allen, 36, of Aromas, is an emergency room nurse who served nearly eight years in the Navy, including a posting in Afghanistan.

“If we didn’t award Apple much, we’re saying it’s OK to infringe patents,” the nurse said.

The South Korea-based Samsung has twice sought to stop the trial, accusing Apple on Tuesday of unfairly trying to inflame patriotic passions by urging jurors to help protect American companies from overseas competitors. The judge denied Samsung’s request for a mistrial, but did reread an instruction ordering jurors to put aside their dislikes and biases in deciding the case.

On Wednesday, Samsung again demanded a halt to the trial after the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office told Apple it was planning to invalidate a patent protecting the “pinch-to-zoom” feature at issue in the jury’s deliberation. The judge ordered more briefing while declining to stop the trial.

More: http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/jury-orders-samsung-to-pay-apple-290-million/article5378897.ece

It feels good to equal Richards' feat: Virat Kohli

India's vice-captain Virat Kohli on Friday reached a rare milestone when he became the joint fastest batsman along with Viv Richards to reach the 5000-run mark in ODI cricket but the flamboyant right-hander said it was just the beginning and he still has a long way to go. Even though he is delighted to share the feat with Richards, Kohli said he never goes on to bat thinking about records.

"I was told in Bangalore during the last ODI (about the record) but I did not really remember it because I do not approach a game thinking about records. I said to myself that if you bat well, along the way these milestones are bound to happen," he said at the post match press conference after India defeated West Indies by six wickets in the first ODI of the three-match series here.

"To equal a feat with a player like him (Richards) is a very good feeling but it does not stop here because it is more or less the beginning. It is nice to equal his record but still there is a long way to go," a confident Kohli said.

Kohli smashed a classy 84 and along with Rohit Sharma (72) shared 133 runs for the second wicket to set the platform for the win.

Kohli said the wicket was not easy to bat but it became better as the match progressed.

"There was variable bounce on the wicket in the first innings. Compared to that, it was better in the second innings. But the wicket was slow and the ball was turning. It was a flat batting wicket and was on the slower side," he said.

More: http://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/cricketnews/it-feels-good-to-equal-richards-feat-virat-kohli/article1-1154345.aspx

EC rejects Modi’s argument on ‘khooni panja’ remark

In a strong disapproval of the language used by BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi a fortnight ago, the Election Commission on Thursday told him to be “more careful” with his choice of words, stressing that the expressions should be couched in terms that conform to “dignity, decorum and public morality”.

The commission’s order came on a Congress complaint against Modi who had slammed the party’s election symbol, a hand, as a ‘khooni Panja’ (bloodied hand) and a ‘zalim haath’ (hand of atrocity).

The Gujarat chief minister had defended his usage to words, arguing that the commission could prohibit defamatory remarks, but could not use the model code to curb his fundamental right of expression and speech enshrined in the Constitution.

The commission did not buy his explanation, stressing utterances – even when used colloquially to criticise policies and programmes of political parties --- had to be conform to “dignity, decorum and public morality”. It added that use of such expressions cannot but be “construed as injurious” to the cause of decorous political discourse.

After going through the speech Modi made in Rajnandaon in Chhattisgarh, the commission concluded that he was referring to the Congress election symbol of hand and his remarks were violation of the model code, which restricts criticism of the political parties on their policies and programmes, past record and work.

The commission disagreed with Modi’s contention in his reply to the commission’s notice on November 13 that high standard of public discourse in case of personal attack on leaders cannot be enforced for remarks against the political parties.

The commission also reminded Modi that the right to freedom to speech allowing criticism of the political opponents in elections was not “absolute” and has to be exercised in such a manner that it does not transcend the boundaries of decency and morality or disturb public order. 

 

BJP PM candidate Narendra Modi addresses an election rally in Agra. (PTI photo)

The EC also said the right cannot lead to defamation or incitement of an offence as ordained in clause (2) of the Article 19 of the Constitution.

Modi, in his reply, said, “The model code of conduct can only prohibit such criticism which amounts to a defamation in which a defence of truth is not available. Thus, if a corrupt person or entity is referred to as corrupt, the maker of the allegation would not be guilty of either defamation or violation of model code of conduct as long as he can justify the charge made. A complete prohibition of any form of criticism would be in violation of the right of free speech.”

The EC, however, maintained the model code of conduct aims and seeks to achieve the very objective of the Constitutional provisions that imposes reasonable restrictions and hoped that Modi would abide by his commitment to the code and directions of the commission.

More: http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ec-rejects-modi-s-argument-on-khooni-panja-remark/article1-1154248.aspx

Sting operation against Aam Aadmi Party leaders is a conspiracy, says Arvind Kejriwal

A media portal on Thursday claimed to have done a sting operation on Aam Aadmi Party's senior leaders including Shazia Ilmi and Kumar Vishwas and alleged that they were involved in "raising funds through illegal means."

The sting operation, conducted by Media Sarkar, alleged that several leaders of AAP, who were contacted for their help in recovery of money from individuals and getting land deals done, readily agreed to extend their support in return of donations in cash to AAP.

AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal dismissed the sting operation as a conspiracy against his party, but said it will not compromise on the issue of corruption.

"We will not spare anyone if found guilty," he said, adding he knew who were behind it as BJP and Congress have been routed by AAP.

The video purportedly showed a reporter meeting Shazia posing as a representative of a company and sought her help to teach a lesson to a rival company.

Initially, Shazia refused to help the reporter without legal documents, but later allegedly agreed to help her even without documents when the reporter offered her donations in cash.

Shazia is also shown in the video allegedly telling the reporter that the party accepts donations in cash.

The sting operations were also done on AAP candidates from Kondli (Manoj Kumar), Sangam Vihar (Dinesh Mohaniya), Okhla (Irfan Ullah Khan), Rohtas Nagar (Mukesh Hooda), Deoli (Prakash) and Palam (Bhawna Gaur).

Reacting to allegations of funds misuse by AAP, BJP leader V K Malhotra said the sting operation has "exposed AAP totally".

"Earlier also Anna Hazare condemned them for taking all this money which was collected at Hazare's agitation for election purpose.

"Elections are in Delhi, but money is coming from USA, UK and other places. If they take money from outside and contest election in Delhi, then tomorrow they can sell India's interest also by taking foreign money," said Malhotra.

More: http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-sting-operation-against-aam-aadmi-party-leaders-is-a-conspiracy-says-arvind-kejriwal-1922825

Goa probes alleged sexual assault by Tehelka founder Tarun Tejpal

The Goa government on Thursday ordered a suo motu "preliminary inquiry" into allegations that Tehelka's high-profile founder-editor and author Tarun Tejpal sexually assaulted a junior colleague in the lift of a starred hotel near the state capital of Panaji.

Briefing the media, chief minister Manohar Parrikar, who also holds the home portfolio, said that "a prima facie case has been made out" and didn't rule out summoning Tejpal, who has not been available for comment since the charges surfaced on Wednesday.

Goa DGP Kishan Kumar said the police have also asked the magazine's managing editor Shoma Chaudhury to hand over a copy of the complaint submitted to her by the victim "for necessary action". He said Chaudhury had not referred the matter to the police after receiving the complaint from the girl "as she was legally bound to do". "We cannot register an FIR based on media reports. We'll need a copy of the complaint," he added. Sources said the police have obtained video footage of the lift from the hotel management.

Tejpal had on Wednesday announced his decision to step down as editor of Tehelka for six months following the journalist's complaint to Chaudhury on November 18 alleging that while on duty she was sexually assaulted by Tejpal on two occasions on November 7 and 8 at the magazine's annual ThinkFest. 

What provoked searing criticism was Tejpal's email to Chaudhury which stated that he was recusing himself from editorship as he "must do the penance that lacerates me". Kavita Krishnan, who heads the All India Progressive Women's Association (AIPWA), described Tehelka's response as "completely inadequate and in fact shocking. Penance is no substitute for due process and penalty." "Tarun Tejpal is no God to decide his own course of punishment," said Mamata Sharma, head of the National Commission for Women (NCW).

Chaudhury also came under fire on Thursday for her handling of the situation. She had told a TV channel, "There was an incident which has been dealt with internally. An unconditional apology was extended by Tarun. The journalist concerned was satisfied with the action taken." The journalist responded by saying, "I am deeply disappointed with Tehelka's response. The claim that I am 'satisfied' is false."

In her mail to Chaudhury, which details the two separate alleged incidents as well as everything that happened before and after, the journalist said, "Both times, I returned to my room in a completely distraught condition, trembling and crying.'' She said she had reported both incidents to three colleagues who were also in Goa for the festival. She said Tejpal later sent her text messages insinuating that she had "misconstrued'' the "drunken banter".

In an email to the magazine's staffers, Chaudhury had said: "There has been an untoward incident, and though he has extended an unconditional apology to the colleague involved, Tarun will be recusing himself as the editor of Tehelka for the next six months."

She attached an email from Tejpal which began, "The last few days have been most testing, and I squarely take the blame for this. A bad lapse of judgement, an awful misreading of the situation, have led to an unfortunate incident that rails against all we believe in and fight for."

When questioned about the incident, Shoma told The Indian Express: "I don't know how this concerns you...I don't think you can ask me these questions".

Facing flak for describing the case as an "internal matter", Chaudhury tried to defend her position by saying: "From my understanding she wanted an apology and it was given to her. The editor stepped down which was not something she had asked for, it was over and above that."

But when the criticism snowballed late Thursday, Chaudhury issued a statement saying Tehelka had now constituted a committee, as per Vishaka guidelines, headed by feminist and publisher Urvashi Butalia to investigate the matter.

At the press conference, chief minister Parikkar said that though Goa police could have filed an FIR, they had limited themselves to conducting a preliminary enquiry and the next course of action would depend on what this yielded.

Parrikar said action would be taken as per law. "Higher the person, higher the punishment should be, subject to the law. If in a high profile case, you do not punish the guilty, society will lose faith in institutions."

The victim has not submitted any complaint to the Goa police but Parrikar said that a preliminary enquiry does not need a complaint. "Also, a criminal offence within the jurisdiction of Goa necessitates that we investigate the charges regardless of whether a complaint is there or not," he added. The preliminary inquiry could take between anywhere one day to a week because the offence was committed about 10 days ago, he indicated.

Asked about the nature of the offence, Parrikar said that available information pointed towards attempted rape or molestation. Asked if he was depending only on media reports, Parrikar said the government had no knowledge of the offence beyond media reports.

The Goa state women's commission would also take cognizance of the offence and initiate suo motu action, he said. Commission chairperson Vidhya Shet Tanawade said the commission would meet on Friday to discuss the issue and decide on what needed to be done.

More: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Goa-probes-alleged-sexual-assault-by-Tehelka-founder-Tarun-Tejpal/articleshow/26168894.cms