Phra Pathommachedi is the tallest stupa in Thailand, standing at 120.45 meters and with circumference of 235.50 meters
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Buddhist Stupa Phra Phra Pathommachedi in Thailand
Phra Pathommachedi is the tallest stupa in Thailand, standing at 120.45 meters and with circumference of 235.50 meters
2018 Nidahas Twenty20 Tri-Series between Sri Lanka-India -Bangladesh in Colombo,Sri Lanka March 06 - 18,2018 - West Indies Fast Bowling Legend Courtney Walsh named interim coach of Bangladesh
West Indies legend Courtney Walsh has been appointed as Bangladesh cricket team’s interim head coach for the Nidahas Trophy T20 tournament in Sri Lanka.
Coutney Walsh was part of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) coaching resource for a while now, having joined as a bowling coach in September 2016 on a three-year deal.
The BCB is yet to find a replacement for Chandika Hathurusingha and Walsh was named as the interim coach for the triangular T20 tournament which involves India as well as hosts Sri Lanka
The former West Indies pacer has been working closely with the Bangladesh bowlers, focusing on bringing consistency into their game and making them mentally strong. He will now be extending his role on other areas as the team gets ready for the challenge in Sri Lanka.
BCB also made another change in the support staff . Khaled Mahmud, who was the technical director, has been removed and he will now work in the capacity of a team manager.
“Since I will be going to Sri Lanka, a lot of the directors also will come with me. I personally feel that [Khaled Mahmud] Sujon should go as team manager,” ESPN quoted BCB president Nazmul Hassan. “We still haven’t talked to him about it. We have finalized on the other roles like we have also decided to give the batting duties to someone which we will announce on Tuesday. Feb 27,2018”
Ambuja,ACC Call Off Merger After 10 Months Monday Feb 26,2018
Ten months after Ambuja Cements
and ACC announced plans to merge their business, the two companies on
Monday Feb 26,2018 said that they are not going ahead with the proposal now,
although their ultimate goal is to merge.
A limitation in transferring mining assets is said to be one of the reasons behind the two cement majors’ decision to drop the merger plan as of now.
In two separate regulatory filings, the listed entities, without elaborating on what the constraints were in implementing the merger, said that following the evaluation of the merger proposal by the committee, which included its board members, it has been decided to not go ahead with the scheme.
The merger would have resulted in the creation of India’s second-largest cement company in terms of market capitalisation.
The Ambuja Cement-ACC combine would have a market cap of Rs 83,300 crore, while rival Ultra Tech currently has a market cap of Rs 1.1 lakh.
Franco-Swiss group Lafarge-Holcim holds 64% stake in Ambuja Cements, whereas it owns 55% in ACC
However, in terms of capacity, the Ambuja Cements-ACC combine would have been a close rival of UltraTech, the sector leader.
Compared to Ultra-Tech’s capacity of over 70 million tonnes, the combined entity would have had over 60 million tonnes.
Ambuja Cements and ACC said that they will continue to work together to maximise synergies.
Towards this, the two boards on Monday approved an arrangement for the sale and purchase of materials on a mutually agreed basis.
About Rs 900 crore worth of synergy benefits were expected from the merger when the proposal was announced in May 2017.
A limitation in transferring mining assets is said to be one of the reasons behind the two cement majors’ decision to drop the merger plan as of now.
In two separate regulatory filings, the listed entities, without elaborating on what the constraints were in implementing the merger, said that following the evaluation of the merger proposal by the committee, which included its board members, it has been decided to not go ahead with the scheme.
The merger would have resulted in the creation of India’s second-largest cement company in terms of market capitalisation.
The Ambuja Cement-ACC combine would have a market cap of Rs 83,300 crore, while rival Ultra Tech currently has a market cap of Rs 1.1 lakh.
Franco-Swiss group Lafarge-Holcim holds 64% stake in Ambuja Cements, whereas it owns 55% in ACC
However, in terms of capacity, the Ambuja Cements-ACC combine would have been a close rival of UltraTech, the sector leader.
Compared to Ultra-Tech’s capacity of over 70 million tonnes, the combined entity would have had over 60 million tonnes.
Ambuja Cements and ACC said that they will continue to work together to maximise synergies.
Towards this, the two boards on Monday approved an arrangement for the sale and purchase of materials on a mutually agreed basis.
About Rs 900 crore worth of synergy benefits were expected from the merger when the proposal was announced in May 2017.
SEBI Allows Open Market Sale Of Shares By Promoters
With a view to further facilitate listed entities to comply with the
minimum public shareholding requirements, markets regulator SEBI has
allowed sale of shares held by promoters/promoter group of up to 2% of
the total paid-up equity capital of the company in the open market.
The sale is, however, can be only up to five times’ average monthly trading volumes of the shares of the listed entity, the regulator said in its latest circular.
Every listed firm has to maintain a minimum public shareholding of at least 25% as per SEBI norms.
Listed public sector companies have been given time till August 21, 2018 to meet the requirements.
Currently, listed companies can use several methods to comply with the norms.
This includes issuance of shares to the public through a prospectus, offer for sale to the public, sale of shares held by promoters through secondary market institutional placement programme, rights issue and bonus issue to public shareholders
SEBIsaid that the listed company should inform the stock exchanges on the intention of the promoter/promoter group to sell, the purpose of sale, details of promoters/promoter group, who propose to divest their shareholding, total number of shares and percentage of shareholding proposed to be divested and the timeframe within which the entire divestment process will be completed at least one trading day prior to the proposed sale.
The sale is, however, can be only up to five times’ average monthly trading volumes of the shares of the listed entity, the regulator said in its latest circular.
Every listed firm has to maintain a minimum public shareholding of at least 25% as per SEBI norms.
Listed public sector companies have been given time till August 21, 2018 to meet the requirements.
Currently, listed companies can use several methods to comply with the norms.
This includes issuance of shares to the public through a prospectus, offer for sale to the public, sale of shares held by promoters through secondary market institutional placement programme, rights issue and bonus issue to public shareholders
SEBIsaid that the listed company should inform the stock exchanges on the intention of the promoter/promoter group to sell, the purpose of sale, details of promoters/promoter group, who propose to divest their shareholding, total number of shares and percentage of shareholding proposed to be divested and the timeframe within which the entire divestment process will be completed at least one trading day prior to the proposed sale.
Monday, February 26, 2018
India women's cricket team achieves a double series win against South Africa in South Africa
The India women's team achieved a double series win against South Africa
in South Africa in the recently concluded One-day International (ODI)
and Twenty20 International (T20I) series.
While the Mithali Raj-led team won the ODI's 2-1, the side captained by Harmanpreet Kaur won the T20I series 3-1.
While the Mithali Raj-led team won the ODI's 2-1, the side captained by Harmanpreet Kaur won the T20I series 3-1.
Most runs by a captain on an away tour
Most runs by a captain on an away tour
Graeme Smith vs England - 16 innings - 937 Runs in 2003Virat Kohli vs South Africa - 14 innings - 871 runs in 2018
Allan Border vs England - 14 innings - 785 runs in 1985
Alastair Cook vs India - 13 innings - 769 runs in 2012
2018 India Tour of South Africa - Captain Virat Kohli Beats Allan Border In A Unique Record
In the recently-concluded South Africa series, India skipper Kohli
amassed 871 runs across all formats at a mind-boggling batting average
of 79.18.
Virat Kohli scored 286 Runs in the Test series to finish ahead of AB de Villiers, who had 211 runs. Kohli was head and shoulders above everyone in the ODIs with India dominating the series 5-1.
Virat Kohli scored two fifties and four centuries in a stellar batting display against the Proteas.
With this feat, Kohli surpassed Australian great Allan Border in becoming the second-highest run-getter by a touring captain.
Allan Border had scored 785 runs against England in 14 innings in 1985 while Virat Kohli accumulated 871 runs in 14 innings against South Africa
Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith holds the record with 937 runs in 16 innings against England in 2003. Former England captain Alastair Cook is fourth with 769 runs against India in 2012.
Virat Kohli scored 286 Runs in the Test series to finish ahead of AB de Villiers, who had 211 runs. Kohli was head and shoulders above everyone in the ODIs with India dominating the series 5-1.
Virat Kohli scored a record 558 runs in six ODI matches at an
average of 186. Second in the list was Shikhar Dhawan, who scored 323
runs at an average of 64.60.
Besides sitting out the final T20I, Virat Kohli failed to get going in the previous two T20Is Virat Kohli scored two fifties and four centuries in a stellar batting display against the Proteas.
With this feat, Kohli surpassed Australian great Allan Border in becoming the second-highest run-getter by a touring captain.
Allan Border had scored 785 runs against England in 14 innings in 1985 while Virat Kohli accumulated 871 runs in 14 innings against South Africa
Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith holds the record with 937 runs in 16 innings against England in 2003. Former England captain Alastair Cook is fourth with 769 runs against India in 2012.
Most runs by a captain on an away tour
Graeme Smith vs England - 16 innings - 937 Runs in 2003
Virat Kohli vs South Africa - 14 innings - 871 runs in 2018
Allan Border vs England - 14 innings - 785 runs in 1985
Alastair Cook vs India - 13 innings - 769 runs in 2012
Virat Kohli vs South Africa - 14 innings - 871 runs in 2018
Allan Border vs England - 14 innings - 785 runs in 1985
Alastair Cook vs India - 13 innings - 769 runs in 2012
Saudi King Removes Chief Of Staff, Commanders In Big Military Shake-Up Monday Feb 26,2018
Saudi Arabia replaced several top military commanders including the
chief of staff and the heads of ground and air forces, the latest
overhaul of traditional power centers in the oil-rich kingdom.
No reason was given for the changes, which were announced in a series of late-night royal decrees approved by King Salman on Monday Feb 26,2018
Several civilian officials, including deputy ministers, were also replaced.
The Saudi military heads a coalition that's been struggling for almost three years to regain control of Yemen from rebel fighters with ties to Iran. That intervention is part of a more assertive regional policy pursued by Salman since he ascended to the throne three years ago.
The king and his son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, known as MBS, have also sought to tighten their grip at home -- consolidating powers that were once shared out among an extended royal family. Senior princes and prominent businessmen were arrested in November as part of an anti-corruption campaign. A new generation of bureaucrats close to the crown prince have been installed in senior posts.
The changes to the armed forces were announced as Saudi officers and executives from dozens of global defense companies gather in the capital Riyadh for an arms fair.
Creating a domestic defense industry is a key goal of the kingdom's plan to overhaul its economy and reduce its dependence on oil. In another decree Monday, the king approved a plan setting out a "vision and strategy" for the development of the Defense Ministry, according to the official Saudi Press Agency.
King Salman also announced new personnel at several ministries, including the appointment of a woman as deputy minister for labor and social development. The government's press office said that some military positions will be available to women for the first time.
No reason was given for the changes, which were announced in a series of late-night royal decrees approved by King Salman on Monday Feb 26,2018
Several civilian officials, including deputy ministers, were also replaced.
The Saudi military heads a coalition that's been struggling for almost three years to regain control of Yemen from rebel fighters with ties to Iran. That intervention is part of a more assertive regional policy pursued by Salman since he ascended to the throne three years ago.
The king and his son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, known as MBS, have also sought to tighten their grip at home -- consolidating powers that were once shared out among an extended royal family. Senior princes and prominent businessmen were arrested in November as part of an anti-corruption campaign. A new generation of bureaucrats close to the crown prince have been installed in senior posts.
The changes to the armed forces were announced as Saudi officers and executives from dozens of global defense companies gather in the capital Riyadh for an arms fair.
Creating a domestic defense industry is a key goal of the kingdom's plan to overhaul its economy and reduce its dependence on oil. In another decree Monday, the king approved a plan setting out a "vision and strategy" for the development of the Defense Ministry, according to the official Saudi Press Agency.
King Salman also announced new personnel at several ministries, including the appointment of a woman as deputy minister for labor and social development. The government's press office said that some military positions will be available to women for the first time.
Rare snowfall blankets Rome, closes schools Monday Feb 26,2018
New Zealand's National Party chooses indigenous Maori leader Tuesday Feb 27,2018
Lawmakers from New Zealand’s main conservative party on Tuesday
Feb 27,2018 chose their first indigenous Maori leader as they regrouped after an
election loss.
National Party members selected 41-year-old Simon Bridges from among five candidates.
He is a former lawyer and prosecutor who was first elected to Parliament 10 years ago.
He held several ministerial portfolios in the previous government, including energy, labor and transport.
The party also chose a Maori deputy leader after Paula Bennett fended off one challenger to retain her position.
New Zealand National Party on February
27, 2018 shows new party leader Simon Bridges (L) with deputy leader
Paula Bennett in Wellington
New Zealand had three women serve as prime minister but has never had a Maori prime minister, an opportunity Bridges would have if he wins the next election in 2020.
The 3 Women PM's of NZ are
Jenny Shipley Dec 1997- Dec 1999
Helen Clark Dec 1999 - Nov 2008
Jacinda Ardern Oct 2017 - till date
“I’m really excited about the opportunity I’ve got ahead,” Bridges said. “I hope Maori are proud of me.”
Bridges replaces former Prime Minister Bill English, 56, who earlier this month announced that he was quitting politics
National Party members selected 41-year-old Simon Bridges from among five candidates.
He is a former lawyer and prosecutor who was first elected to Parliament 10 years ago.
He held several ministerial portfolios in the previous government, including energy, labor and transport.
The party also chose a Maori deputy leader after Paula Bennett fended off one challenger to retain her position.
New Zealand had three women serve as prime minister but has never had a Maori prime minister, an opportunity Bridges would have if he wins the next election in 2020.
The 3 Women PM's of NZ are
Jenny Shipley Dec 1997- Dec 1999
Helen Clark Dec 1999 - Nov 2008
Jacinda Ardern Oct 2017 - till date
“I’m really excited about the opportunity I’ve got ahead,” Bridges said. “I hope Maori are proud of me.”
Bridges replaces former Prime Minister Bill English, 56, who earlier this month announced that he was quitting politics
2018 Commonwealth Games in Queensland,Australia April 04-15,2018
The 2018 Commonwealth Games, officially known as the XXI Commonwealth Games and commonly known as Gold Coast 2018, is an international multi sport event for members of the Commonwealth that will be held on the Gold Coast,Queensland,Australia during April 04-15,2018
The current regulations state that from the 26 approved sports administered by Commonwealth Governing Bodies, a minimum of ten core sports and maximum of seventeen sports must be included in any Commonwealth Games schedule
The current approved sports include the 10 core sports
- Athletics
- Badminton
- Boxing
- Hockey
- Lawn Bowls
- Netball for Women
- Rugby Sevens
- Squash
- Swimming
- Weightlifting
- swimming
- athletics
- cycling
- table tennis
- cycling
- powerlifting and
- lawn bowls
Along these events for the first time EAD events in triathlon will be held, with the medals being added to the final tally for each nation.
A record 38 para events will be contested at these games
The 2018 Commonwealth Games Athletes Village will provide accommodation and services to 6600 athletes and official in a purpose built 1252 permanent dwellings: 1170 one and two bedroom apartments and 82 three bedroom townhouses at Southport,Gold Coast,Queensland,Australia
There are 70 participating nations scheduled to compete at 2018 Commonwealth Games.
2018 Commonwealth Games Motto
The official motto for the 2018 Commonwealth Games is "Share the Dream". It was chosen to highlight the dreams and experience at the games that were shared by participants of the games, ranging from athletes to volunteers and the host country Australia to the world including the Commonwealth nations
2018 Commonwealth Games Emblem
The emblem of the 2018 Commonwealth Games is a sihoulette of the skyline
and landscape of the Gold Coast, the host city of the games.
It was chosen to represent the vibrancy, warmth, friendliness, energy and joy in the city, as well as the competitive spirit of the athletes who are welcomed to the city to participate in the games
2018 Commonwealth Games Mascot
Borobi was named as the mascot of the 2018 Commonwealth Games in 2016.
Borobi is a blue koala, with indigenous markings on its body.
The term "borobi" is an Aboriginal term for koala.
United Nations Security Council (UNSC) - All You Need To Know
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of
the six principal organs of the United Nations(UN)charged with the
maintenance of International Peace & Security as well as accepting
new members to the United Nations and approving any changes to its
United Nations(UN)Charter
Its powers include -
UNSC is the only UN body with the authority to issue binding resolutions to member states. The Security Council held its first session on Jan 17,1946
UNSC has 10 Members - 5 Permanent Members and 10 Non Permanent Members
The 5 Permanent Members are
The 10 Non Permanent Members are elected on a regional basis to serve two-year terms
UNSC Presidency rotates monthly among its members.
Unlike the United Nations General Assembly, the United Nations Security Council(UNSC) meets year-round. Each Security Council member must have a representative available at UN Headquarters at all times in case an emergency meeting becomes necessary'
The UNSC generally meets in a designated chamber in the United Nations Conference Bulidng in New York City in USA
The chamber was designed by the Norwegian architect Arnstein Arneberg and was a gift from Norway.
The UNSC has also held meetings in cities including Nairobi in Kenya;Addis Ababa in Ethiopia; Panama City in Panama; and Geneva in Switzerland
Its powers include -
- the establishment of Peacekeeping Operations
- the establishment of International Sanctions and
- the authorization of Military Action through UNSC Resolutuons
UNSC is the only UN body with the authority to issue binding resolutions to member states. The Security Council held its first session on Jan 17,1946
UNSC has 10 Members - 5 Permanent Members and 10 Non Permanent Members
The 5 Permanent Members are
- France
- Britain
- Russia
- China
- USA
The 10 Non Permanent Members are elected on a regional basis to serve two-year terms
UNSC Presidency rotates monthly among its members.
Unlike the United Nations General Assembly, the United Nations Security Council(UNSC) meets year-round. Each Security Council member must have a representative available at UN Headquarters at all times in case an emergency meeting becomes necessary'
The UNSC generally meets in a designated chamber in the United Nations Conference Bulidng in New York City in USA
The chamber was designed by the Norwegian architect Arnstein Arneberg and was a gift from Norway.
The UNSC has also held meetings in cities including Nairobi in Kenya;Addis Ababa in Ethiopia; Panama City in Panama; and Geneva in Switzerland
Russia Vetoes Western Bid at UN to Pressure Iran over Yemen Monday Feb 26,2018
Russia vetoed on Monday Feb 26,2018 a UN draft resolution presented by Britain and
strongly backed by the United States that would have pressured Iran over
its failure to block supplies of missiles to Yemen's Huthi rebels.
Britain had sought to include in the measure renewing sanctions on Yemen an expression of "particular concern" from the Security Council over a UN report that found Iran had violated the 2015 arms embargo on Yemen.
The report by a UN panel of experts in January concluded that Iran was in violation after determining that missiles fired by the Huthis at Saudi Arabia last year were made in Iran. The text, which was backed by France, other European countries and Kuwait, won 11 favorable votes at the 15-member Security Council but was blocked by Russia's veto.
China and Kazakhstan abstained, while Bolivia also voted against the measure.
9 votes and no vetoes from the 5 permanent council members -- Britain, France, China, Russia and the United States -- are required to adopt resolutions at the United Nations Security Council(UNSC)
After hours of negotiations in a bid to reach a compromise, Russia made clear it had strong reservations about the findings of the UN report and would not support a draft resolution that mentioned them.
"We cannot concur with uncorroborated conclusions and evidence which requires verification and discussions within the sanctions committee," Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told the council.
While the report found that Tehran had violated the embargo by failing to block the shipments, the experts said they were unable to identify the supplier. Nebenzia warned that taking aim at Iran could have had "dangerous destabilizing ramifications" in the Middle East by exacerbating tensions between Shiites and Sunnis.
After the veto, the council unanimously adopted a Russian-drafted measure that extended for one year the sanctions regime against Yemen, but that text made no mention of Iran.
- US accuses Russia -
Iran has repeatedly denied arming the Huthis in Yemen, despite claims by the United States and Saudi Arabia that the evidence of an arms connection is irrefutable.
US Ambassador Nikki Haley released a statement accusing Russia of shielding Iran and warned the United States would consider other ways to take action against Tehran. "Today, Russia protected the terrorist-sponsoring regime in Iran," said Haley, who was traveling to Honduras.
"If Russia is going to use its veto to block action against Iran's dangerous and destabilizing conduct, then the United States and our partners will need to take actions against Iran that the Russians cannot block."
Haley has taken a hawkish stance on Iran, accusing Tehran of sowing instability in the Middle East and failing to live up to its commitments under the landmark 2015 nuclear deal. Russia, which has traditionally friendly relations with Iran, is providing military support along with Tehran to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces.
Iran's mission to the United Nations charged that the United States and Britain had pushed an "unwarranted draft resolution" to advance an anti-Iran political agenda.
Iran "categorically rejects allegations regarding arms transfer to Yemen," said a statement from the mission that described the draft resolution as an attempt to "distract" the world's attention from the "catastrophic humanitarian situation" in Yemen.
A Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen's government has been fighting the Huthis since 2015 in a war that has led to what the United Nations describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis.
An alarming 17 million people in Yemen -- 60 percent of the total population -- are in need of food aid, of whom seven million are on the brink of famine because of the conflict, according to the United Nations.
About United Nations Security Council(UNSC)
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations(UN)charged with the maintenance of International Peace & Security as well as accepting new members to the United Nations and approving any changes to its United Nations(UN)Charter
Its powers include -
UNSC is the only UN body with the authority to issue binding resolutions to member states. The Security Council held its first session on Jan 17,1946
UNSC has 10 Members - 5 Permanent Members and 10 Non Permanent Members
The 5 Permanent Members are
The 10 Non Permanent Members are elected on a regional basis to serve two-year terms
UNSC Presidency rotates monthly among its members.
Unlike the United Nations General Assembly, the United Nations Security Council(UNSC) meets year-round. Each Security Council member must have a representative available at UN Headquarters at all times in case an emergency meeting becomes necessary'
The UNSC generally meets in a designated chamber in the United Nations Conference Bulidng in New York City in USA
The chamber was designed by the Norwegian architect Arnstein Arneberg and was a gift from Norway.
The UNSC has also held meetings in cities including Nairobi in Kenya;Addis Ababa in Ethiopia; Panama City in Panama; and Geneva in Switzerland
Britain had sought to include in the measure renewing sanctions on Yemen an expression of "particular concern" from the Security Council over a UN report that found Iran had violated the 2015 arms embargo on Yemen.
The report by a UN panel of experts in January concluded that Iran was in violation after determining that missiles fired by the Huthis at Saudi Arabia last year were made in Iran. The text, which was backed by France, other European countries and Kuwait, won 11 favorable votes at the 15-member Security Council but was blocked by Russia's veto.
China and Kazakhstan abstained, while Bolivia also voted against the measure.
9 votes and no vetoes from the 5 permanent council members -- Britain, France, China, Russia and the United States -- are required to adopt resolutions at the United Nations Security Council(UNSC)
After hours of negotiations in a bid to reach a compromise, Russia made clear it had strong reservations about the findings of the UN report and would not support a draft resolution that mentioned them.
"We cannot concur with uncorroborated conclusions and evidence which requires verification and discussions within the sanctions committee," Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told the council.
While the report found that Tehran had violated the embargo by failing to block the shipments, the experts said they were unable to identify the supplier. Nebenzia warned that taking aim at Iran could have had "dangerous destabilizing ramifications" in the Middle East by exacerbating tensions between Shiites and Sunnis.
After the veto, the council unanimously adopted a Russian-drafted measure that extended for one year the sanctions regime against Yemen, but that text made no mention of Iran.
- US accuses Russia -
Iran has repeatedly denied arming the Huthis in Yemen, despite claims by the United States and Saudi Arabia that the evidence of an arms connection is irrefutable.
US Ambassador Nikki Haley released a statement accusing Russia of shielding Iran and warned the United States would consider other ways to take action against Tehran. "Today, Russia protected the terrorist-sponsoring regime in Iran," said Haley, who was traveling to Honduras.
"If Russia is going to use its veto to block action against Iran's dangerous and destabilizing conduct, then the United States and our partners will need to take actions against Iran that the Russians cannot block."
Haley has taken a hawkish stance on Iran, accusing Tehran of sowing instability in the Middle East and failing to live up to its commitments under the landmark 2015 nuclear deal. Russia, which has traditionally friendly relations with Iran, is providing military support along with Tehran to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces.
Iran's mission to the United Nations charged that the United States and Britain had pushed an "unwarranted draft resolution" to advance an anti-Iran political agenda.
Iran "categorically rejects allegations regarding arms transfer to Yemen," said a statement from the mission that described the draft resolution as an attempt to "distract" the world's attention from the "catastrophic humanitarian situation" in Yemen.
A Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen's government has been fighting the Huthis since 2015 in a war that has led to what the United Nations describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis.
An alarming 17 million people in Yemen -- 60 percent of the total population -- are in need of food aid, of whom seven million are on the brink of famine because of the conflict, according to the United Nations.
About United Nations Security Council(UNSC)
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations(UN)charged with the maintenance of International Peace & Security as well as accepting new members to the United Nations and approving any changes to its United Nations(UN)Charter
Its powers include -
- the establishment of Peacekeeping Operations
- the establishment of International Sanctions and
- the authorization of Military Action through UNSC Resolutuons
UNSC is the only UN body with the authority to issue binding resolutions to member states. The Security Council held its first session on Jan 17,1946
UNSC has 10 Members - 5 Permanent Members and 10 Non Permanent Members
The 5 Permanent Members are
- France
- Britain
- Russia
- China
- USA
The 10 Non Permanent Members are elected on a regional basis to serve two-year terms
UNSC Presidency rotates monthly among its members.
Unlike the United Nations General Assembly, the United Nations Security Council(UNSC) meets year-round. Each Security Council member must have a representative available at UN Headquarters at all times in case an emergency meeting becomes necessary'
The UNSC generally meets in a designated chamber in the United Nations Conference Bulidng in New York City in USA
The chamber was designed by the Norwegian architect Arnstein Arneberg and was a gift from Norway.
The UNSC has also held meetings in cities including Nairobi in Kenya;Addis Ababa in Ethiopia; Panama City in Panama; and Geneva in Switzerland
Ford is Now a Guinness Record Holder for the World’s Largest Billboard
Ford is now the official Guinness World Records title-holder for the largest billboard in the world after unveiling a 5,265 m2 advertisement – equivalent to 20 tennis courts – for the new Ford EcoSport sports utility vehicle (SUV) on the iconic Espana Building in central Madrid, Spain.
“Our Guinness World Records title for the Largest billboard demonstrates the creativity that drives our company,” said Elena Burguete, director of Marketing, Ford Spain. “Ford’s message is ‘Go Further’, and that’s what we aimed to do with our campaign for the launch of the new EcoSport. It’s a great way to deliver the message ‘Life is out there, are you?’ to as many people as possible, right in the heart of Madrid.”
The billboard will remain in place until the end of February 2018, after which it will be donated to the Apascovi Foundation employment centre for people with disabilities, where a second life will be given to all of the materials used.
A Guinness World Records official adjudicator inspected the 2,000 kg installation and verified that the largest billboard Guinness World Records official attempt was successful – exceeding the previous record established in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, by 241.93 m2
British folk-pop phenomenon Ed Sheeran Named the best-selling artist in the world in 2017 by IFPI Monday Feb 26,2018
Sheeran is the fifth recipient of the Global Recording Artist of the Year Award after One Direction (2013), Taylor Swift (2014), Adele (2015) and Drake (2016).
"The success Ed has achieved is astonishing and testament to his ability to write and perform songs that connect with a truly global fanbase," IFPI chief executive Frances Moore said in a statement.
2018 Meghalaya Assembly Elections Feb 27,2018 - Polling Takes Place Today Tuesday Feb 27,2018
Polling for the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly began at 7 am on Tuesday morning amid tight security.
A state carved out of Assam in 1970, has almost always had a coalition government ruling it.
In the 2013 polls, no other party apart from Congress managed to touch the double digit. Even Congress currently has only 24 seats, in the 60 member house.
Of the three states where elections are taking place, this is the only one which has a Congress government.
Other two, Tripura which went to polls on 18th February has a Left Front government and Nagaland is ruled by Naga People’s Front.
In Meghalaya polling takes place for 59 seats as the election has been countermanded in Williamnagar in the wake of the killing of NCP candidate Jonathone N Sangma in an IED blast in East Garo Hills district on February 18,2018
For the Congress, the poll outcome in Meghalaya is particularly significant as it has been ruling the state for the last 10 years.
But this time, the BJP is leaving no stone unturned to throw the Congress out of power and add Meghalaya into its kitty.
In Meghalaya, the Congress and the BJP are pitted against each other. While the former has fielded 59 candidates, the latter has put up nominees in 47 constituencies.
Though they are contesting the polls separately, in Meghalaya, the National People's Party (NPP) of Conrad Sangma, son of former Lok Sabha speaker P A Sangma, is the BJP's partner in the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA).
There are 370 candidates in the fray in Meghalaya.
Meghalaya's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) F R Kharkongor said for the first time, 67 all-women polling stations and 61 model polling stations were set up in the state.
A total of 18.4 lakh voters are eligible to exercise their franchise at 3,083 polling stations in the state. Chief Electoral Officer F R Kharkongor said 67 all-women polling stations and 61 model polling stations have been set up for the first time in the state. Thirty-two women are in the fray, the maximum so far in electoral politics in the state, he said.
2018 Nagaland Assembly Elections Feb 27,2018 - Polling Takes Place Today Tuesday Feb 27,2018
Election to the 60-member Nagaland assembly began at 7 am amid tight security as more than half of 2,156 polling stations have been declared critical.
Nagaland Chief Electoral Officer Abhijit Sinha said of the 2,156 polling stations in Nagaland, 1,100 have been declared critical, 530 vulnerable and 526 normal.
All the polling stations would be manned by the CAPF personnel and the state police would also be assisting them, he added.
There are 195 candidates in the fray in Nagaland
Voting will continue till 4 pm, except in some polling stations of the interior districts where it will end at 3 pm
With Nationalist Democratic People's Party(NDPP) chief Neiphiu Rio winning unopposed the Northern Angami-II seat, polling is being held in 59 seats.
In Nagaland, BJP's hope hinges on its alliance partner NDPP (the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party) of Neiphiu Rio, which is contesting from 40 seats. The saffron party has fielded candidates from the remaining 20 seats.
The Congress, which has given three chief ministers to Nagaland since the state's inception in 1963, is contesting from only 18 seats, two less than the BJP, an emerging entity in the north-east.
In Nagaland, a total of 11,91,513 voters — 6,01,707 (50.50 per cent) men and 5,89,806 (49.50 per cent) women — will exercise their franchise on Tuesday. There are also 5,925 service voters.
The results of the polls in Nagaland will be declared along with those of Tripura and Meghalaya on March 03,2018
Of the three states where elections are taking place, this is the only one which has a Congress government.
Other two, Tripura which went to polls on 18th February has a Left Front government and Nagaland is ruled by Naga People’s Front.
Feroz Shah Kotla,New Delhi - All You Need To Know
Feroz Shah Kotla,New Delhi
Home to the Delhi Ranji team and the Delhi Daredevils, the Feroz Shah Kotla, is the second oldest international cricket stadium in India.
The stadium gets its name from its location. It is in the vicinity of the Feroz Shah Kotla, a fortress built by Sultan Feroz Shah Tughlaq.
Having been established in 1883, the ground has undergone some heavy reconstruction over the years.
Colloquially, the locals also call the stadium 'Kotla', which literally means citadel or fortress.
The first international game here was a Test match between India and the West Indies in 1948.
Records at Feroz Shah Kotla:
The stadium witnessed Anil Kumble's famous 10/74 in an innings, against Pakistan in 1999. With these figures, Kumble became only the second bowler after Jim Laker to take all the ten wickets in an innings.
In 1983, Sunil Gavaskar scored his 29th Test ton at this venue, equalling Sir Donald Bradman's record for the most number of centuries in Test cricket.
In 2005, Sachin Tendulkar went past Sunil Gavaskar's record of 34 Test centuries, registering his 35th Test ton in the second Test against Sri Lanka at this venue.
| Opened | 1883 |
| Capacity | 48000 |
| Known as | Willingdon Pavilion |
| Ends | Stadium End, Pavilion End |
| Location | Delhi, India |
Home to the Delhi Ranji team and the Delhi Daredevils, the Feroz Shah Kotla, is the second oldest international cricket stadium in India.
The stadium gets its name from its location. It is in the vicinity of the Feroz Shah Kotla, a fortress built by Sultan Feroz Shah Tughlaq.
Having been established in 1883, the ground has undergone some heavy reconstruction over the years.
Colloquially, the locals also call the stadium 'Kotla', which literally means citadel or fortress.
The first international game here was a Test match between India and the West Indies in 1948.
Records at Feroz Shah Kotla:
The stadium witnessed Anil Kumble's famous 10/74 in an innings, against Pakistan in 1999. With these figures, Kumble became only the second bowler after Jim Laker to take all the ten wickets in an innings.
In 1983, Sunil Gavaskar scored his 29th Test ton at this venue, equalling Sir Donald Bradman's record for the most number of centuries in Test cricket.
In 2005, Sachin Tendulkar went past Sunil Gavaskar's record of 34 Test centuries, registering his 35th Test ton in the second Test against Sri Lanka at this venue.
STATS - ODI
| Total matches | 24 |
| Matches won batting first | 11 |
| Matches won bowling first | 12 |
| Average 1st Inns scores | 233 |
| Average 2nd Inns scores | 211 |
| Highest total recorded | 330/8 (50 Ov) by WI vs NED |
| Lowest total recorded | 115/10 (31.3 Ov) by NED vs WI |
| Highest score chased | 281/4 (40.5 Ov) by Ind vs SL |
| Lowest score defended | 167/10 (43.4 Ov) by Ind vs Pak |
STATS - TEST
| Total matches | 34 |
| Matches won batting first | 6 |
| Matches won bowling first | 13 |
| Average 1st Inns scores | 352 |
| Average 2nd Inns scores | 323 |
| Average 3rd Inns scores | 239 |
| Average 4th Inns scores | 173 |
| Highest total recorded | 644/8 (214 Overs)by West Indies Vs India |
| Lowest total recorded | 75/10 (30.5 Overs)by India Vs West Indies |
STATS - T20I
2018Vijay Hazare Trophy Final - Karnataka vs Saurashtra @ FerozShah Kotla New Delhi
Squads
Karnataka
Karun Nair (c), Mayank Agarwal, Ravikumar Samarth, Anirudha Joshi, Ritesh Bhatkal, CM Gautam (wk), Shreyas Gopal, Krishnappa Gowtham, Pradeep T, Pavan Deshpande, Prasidh Krishna, Praveen Dubey, Jagadeesha Suchith, Stuart Binny, Sreenath Aravind, Ronit More, Sharath BR, Devdutt Padikkal
Saurashtra
Jaydev Shah, Avi Barot, Aarpit Vasavada, Himalaya Barad, Sheldon Jackson, Dharmendrasinh Jadeja, Ravindra Jadeja, Chirag Jani, Kamlesh Makvana, Prerak Mankad, Cheteshwar Pujara (c), Hardik Rathod, Shaurya Sanandia, Robin Uthappa, Samarth Vyas
Karnataka outplay Saurashtra by 41 runs
Sensible batting from opener Mayank Agarwal (90) helped Karnataka outplay Saurashtra by 41 runs in the final match of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 50-overs cricket tournament in New Delhi on Tuesday.
Chasing, 254, Saurashtra failed to get the start they wanted and started losing wickets at quick intervals. The first two wickets fell inside three overs with the scoreboard reading 15 runs.
Apart from skipper Cheteshwar Pujara (94 in 127 balls), no other batsmen stepped up to the occasion and they gifted away their wickets.
Pujara, however, tried to match the pace of the game but lack of support from the other end resulted in their loss.
Prasidh Krishna and Krishnappa Gowtham took three wickets each for Karnataka.
Put into bat, Karnataka started off on a bad note, losing Karun Nair (0) and Lokesh Rahul (0) in first three overs in the innings.
With scoreboard reading 5/2, Ravikumar Samarth (48) came in the middle and played handsomely. The duo forged 136-run partnership to stabilise the innings.
But just when things seemed good in the middle, Agarwal was dismissed in the 25th over by Dharmendrasinh Jadeja. In his 79 ball innings, Agarwal played slammed 11 fours and three sixes.
Soon, Samarth was also sent packing by Prerak Mankad in the next over to make it 147/4.
Unperturbed by the fall of wickets, Incoming batsmen Pavan Deshpande (49) played a crucial knock in the middle overs. Apart from him, other batsmen Stuart Binny (5), Shreyas Gopal (31), Krishnappa Gowtham (9) could not add much to the score.
In the 44th over, Deshpande was also dismissed by Kamlesh Makvana. Lower-order batsmen -- Sreenath Aravind (13) and Pradeep T (1) --tried to contribute but were dismissed inside two overs after the fall of Despande's wicket.
For Saurastra, Kamlesh Makvana chipped in four wickets while Prerak Mankad took two wickets.
Brief scores: Karnataka 253/10 (Mayank Agarwal 90, Pavan Deshpande 49; Kamlesh Makvana 4/32) bt Saurashtra 212/10 (Cheteshwar Pujara 94; Krishnappa Gowtham 3/27)
Following the win, Karnataka pacer Sreenath Arvind also announced his retirement from first-class and list A cricket.
Karnataka
Karun Nair (c), Mayank Agarwal, Ravikumar Samarth, Anirudha Joshi, Ritesh Bhatkal, CM Gautam (wk), Shreyas Gopal, Krishnappa Gowtham, Pradeep T, Pavan Deshpande, Prasidh Krishna, Praveen Dubey, Jagadeesha Suchith, Stuart Binny, Sreenath Aravind, Ronit More, Sharath BR, Devdutt Padikkal
Saurashtra
Jaydev Shah, Avi Barot, Aarpit Vasavada, Himalaya Barad, Sheldon Jackson, Dharmendrasinh Jadeja, Ravindra Jadeja, Chirag Jani, Kamlesh Makvana, Prerak Mankad, Cheteshwar Pujara (c), Hardik Rathod, Shaurya Sanandia, Robin Uthappa, Samarth Vyas
Karnataka outplay Saurashtra by 41 runs
Sensible batting from opener Mayank Agarwal (90) helped Karnataka outplay Saurashtra by 41 runs in the final match of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 50-overs cricket tournament in New Delhi on Tuesday.
Chasing, 254, Saurashtra failed to get the start they wanted and started losing wickets at quick intervals. The first two wickets fell inside three overs with the scoreboard reading 15 runs.
Apart from skipper Cheteshwar Pujara (94 in 127 balls), no other batsmen stepped up to the occasion and they gifted away their wickets.
Pujara, however, tried to match the pace of the game but lack of support from the other end resulted in their loss.
Prasidh Krishna and Krishnappa Gowtham took three wickets each for Karnataka.
Put into bat, Karnataka started off on a bad note, losing Karun Nair (0) and Lokesh Rahul (0) in first three overs in the innings.
With scoreboard reading 5/2, Ravikumar Samarth (48) came in the middle and played handsomely. The duo forged 136-run partnership to stabilise the innings.
But just when things seemed good in the middle, Agarwal was dismissed in the 25th over by Dharmendrasinh Jadeja. In his 79 ball innings, Agarwal played slammed 11 fours and three sixes.
Soon, Samarth was also sent packing by Prerak Mankad in the next over to make it 147/4.
Unperturbed by the fall of wickets, Incoming batsmen Pavan Deshpande (49) played a crucial knock in the middle overs. Apart from him, other batsmen Stuart Binny (5), Shreyas Gopal (31), Krishnappa Gowtham (9) could not add much to the score.
In the 44th over, Deshpande was also dismissed by Kamlesh Makvana. Lower-order batsmen -- Sreenath Aravind (13) and Pradeep T (1) --tried to contribute but were dismissed inside two overs after the fall of Despande's wicket.
For Saurastra, Kamlesh Makvana chipped in four wickets while Prerak Mankad took two wickets.
Brief scores: Karnataka 253/10 (Mayank Agarwal 90, Pavan Deshpande 49; Kamlesh Makvana 4/32) bt Saurashtra 212/10 (Cheteshwar Pujara 94; Krishnappa Gowtham 3/27)
Following the win, Karnataka pacer Sreenath Arvind also announced his retirement from first-class and list A cricket.
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