Microsoft unveils Windows 10 Operating System

 

Microsoft Corp. on Tuesday  Sep 30,2014 announced its 'Windows 10' Operating System to replace the largely unpopular Windows 8, skipping a number to mark a leap toward unifying the way people work on tablets, phones and traditional computers.

 

Microsoft is restoring some of the more traditional ways of doing things and promises that Windows 10 will be familiar for users regardless of which version of Windows they are now using.

For instance, the start menu in Windows 10 will appear similar to what’s found in Windows 7.

Terry Myerson, the Windows chief, told the crowd gathered for the launch of the new software that Microsoft wants to make a fresh start




“Our new Windows must be built from the group up for a mobile-first, cloud-first world,” said Myerson.
Nearly 1.5 billion people around the world use Windows today and devices outnumber people, Myerson told 

Windows 10 is still in its early stages of development and is expected to ship in late 2015.

J Jayalalithaa to stay in jail, bail plea adjourned by Karnataka HC till Tuesday Oct 07,2014

 

In a setback for former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa, the vacation bench Karnataka High Court adjourned the hearing of her bail plea to Tuesday Oct 07,2014

Her lawyers filed a plea seeking a speedy hearing of the case against her after the Karnataka High Court had put off her bail plea hearing till Monday.

However, the vacation bench of the HC on Wednesday adjourned the matter to be heard by the regular bench on Tuesday Oct 07,2014

Note

1. J Jayalalithaa(66)was in the middle of her third term as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister when she was convicted last Saturday Sep 27,2014 of corruption in a case that is 18 years old.
2. J Jayalalithaa was found guilty of misusing her office during her first stint from 1991 to 1996 to accumulate vast wealth that could not be accounted for by her declared sources of income. 
3.  J Jayalalithaa says the charges against her are politically motivated.

Xavi breaks Champions League appearance record

 

Xavi has broken a Champions League record after making his 143rd appearance in the competition for FC Barcelona on Tuesday night Sep 30,2014 where PSG defeated Barcelona in their Group F Champions League match at the Parc des Princes in Paris

The 34-year-old midfielder replaced Ivan Rakitic in the 69th minute against PSG at the Parc des Princes.

Xavi, who also has three winners medals, has surpassed Real Madrid icon Raul, who made 142 appearances.

Most CL apps (group stage onwards)

Raul - 142

Xavi - 142

Ryan Giggs - 141

Iker Casillas - 141

Clarence Seedorf - 125

Most CL apps (qualifying included) 

Ryan Giggs - 151

Xavi - 148

Raul -144

Iker Casillas -143

Paolo Maldini - 140

Former Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs made 151 appearances, but 10 of those were in qualifying rounds.

However, Xavi's new record could be under threat straight away with Iker Casillas set to play his 141st game in the competition for Real Madrid against Basel.

The Spanish midfielder has also been ousted from Luis Enrique's team of late, with new signing Rakitic and Andres Iniesta usually preferred.

Xavi is one of the most successful players in the competition's history, helping the club lift the competition in 2006, 2009 and 2011.

Francesco Totti becomes oldest ever Champions League goalscorer

 

Francesco Totti has overtaken Ryan Giggs as the oldest player to score in the Champions League after his goal for AS Roma against Manchester City on Tuesday Sep 30,2014.

Totti produced an impressive chip over the body of Joe Hart after 23 minutes during the two side's Group E clash, therefore overtaking Ryan Giggs' previous record of 37 years and 289 days.

 

FrancescoTotti turned 38 on Saturday, and the goal marked his 17th career Champions League strike. 

GOLDEN OLDIES 

The six oldest Champions league scorers:

1. Francesco Totti, 38 years and 3 days (Manchester City v Roma, Sep 30 2014) 

2. Ryan Giggs, 37 years and 289 days   (Benfica v Manchester United, Sep 14 2011)

3. Filippo Inzaghi, 37 years and 86 days         (AC Milan v Real Madrid, Nov 3 2010)

4. Javier Zanetti, 37 years and 71 days       (Inter Milan v Tottenham, October 20 2010) 

5. Laurent Blanc, 36 years and 338 days (Boavista v Manchester United, Oct 20 2010)

6. Paolo Maldini, 36 years and 333 days       (AC Milan v Liverpool, May 25 2005)  

PM Narendra Modi's meeting with US President Barack Obama

 

It was Mission Accomplished as a longer-than-usual summit meeting with US President Barack Obama, and a comprehensive joint statement after it, completed Prime Minister 
Narendra Modi’s five-day US trip
 

The ice had been broken, a meandering relationship re-energised, and the partnership resumed. 

As Obama departed from schedule to drive to the nearby National Mall for a walk with Modi around the Martin Luther King Memorial immediately after their two-hour summit meeting, the great reset seemed to have been set in stone.

Obama and Modi at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.

 

A good beginning had been made over dinner on Monday evening, with Obama greeting Modi in Gujarati; the official follow-through went just as well. 

"Kem Cho?" - this is how US President Barack Obama welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Gujarati at the doorstep of the White House, ahead of a rare private dinner hosted in his honour before their formal Summit talks. 

“Thank you very much, President", Modi responded as the two leaders shook hands and walked inside. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with US President Barack Obama at the White House.

“This visit has reinforced my conviction that India and US are natural global partners,” Modi said in a joint statement at the Oval Office of the White House after the meeting. 

The main takeaway from the summit was an agreement to make joint and concerted efforts to dismantle safe havens for terror and criminal networks like Lashkar–e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Dawood Ibrahim’s empire, al Qaeda, and the Haqqani network. 

The two leaders also agreed that the two countries will take steps to disrupt financial and tactical support to these terror outfits. Officials clarified, however, that there will not be any joint operations, but joint steps to dismantle the support structure of these terror groups.

The other takeaways from the summit included a joint pledge to push the bilateral relationship to new levels, and resolve issues blocking implementation of the civil nuclear deal. 

As the two leaders covered a broad range of issues including economic cooperation, trade and investment, Modi made it a point to seek continued openness and ease of access for Indian services companies to the U.S. market. 

The two countries also reached an agreement on extending their defence cooperation for 10 more years, and Modi invited American companies to participate in the Indian defence manufacturing sector. 

The discussions, the first formal meeting between the two leaders spread over delegation and restricted levels, covered terrorism in South Asia and emerging threats in West Asia. Modi expressed the hope that India-US relations will make fast progress. 

“Both of us are committed taking forward the civil nuclear partnership agreement. We are serious about resolving at the earliest issues relating to civil nuclear energy  cooperation. This is important for India for meeting energy security needs,” he said. 

The Indo-US nuclear deal concluded between the previous Manmohan Singh government and the Bush Administration has been stalled because of issues relating to liability laws. Sharing concerns over the threat of terrorism in South Asia and emerging challenges in West Asia, where Islamist group ISIS has been on the rampage, Modi said the two countries agreed to intensify cooperation in counter-terrorism and intelligence-sharing.

Obama said the two leaders had discussed various issues including trade and economic cooperation, and cooperating in the exploration of space and scientific developments, especially to deal with challenges like Ebola. 

Emphasising that India supports trade facilitation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today told US President Barack Obama that a solution must be found on its concerns over food security at the WTO. 

Modi had an open discussion on the WTO (World Trade Organisation) issue with Obama during their summit talks, where a host of other topics including the economy were also discussed. 

“We had an open discussion on WTO issue. We support trade facilitation but a solution that takes care of our food security must be found,” Modi said, adding he was “sure that it is possible to do that soon”

Modi waves to supporters after paying homage at the Mahatma Gandhi statue in front of the Indian Embassy in Washington.

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally chose gifts for US President Barack Obama which included a special edition of Gita by Gandhi bound in a Khadi cover, and audio-video clips from Martin Luther King’s India visit in 1959, besides other gifts.

 

The book is Gandhi’s interpretation of Gita and the prime minister had specifically ordered copies of the special edition and got them covered in Khadi in Delhi, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said. 

Tamil Nadu film industry will not showcase any movie across theatres in the state on Tuesday Sep 30,2014

Tamil Nadu continues to be on edge after the arrest of former Chief minister J Jayalalithaa in 18-year-old disproportionate assets case on September 27. 

The Tamil Nadu film industry will not showcase any movie on Tuesday across theatres in the state to protest Jayalalithaa's sentencing.

In order to show their support for Jayalalithaa, members of Tamil Film Exhibitors Association will go on fast on Tuesday. 

Members of Tamil Film Producers Council (TPFC) and South Indian Artists Association (SIAA) have also backed the hunger strike.

Reserve Bank of India keeps key rates unchanged

The Reserve Bank of India did not spring up any surprise move in its fourth bi-monthly monetary policy review. The central bank has kept key rates unchanged.

This is the fourth consecutive time that the RBI has kept key interest rates unchanged despite clamours from the industry to cut rates to boost economy. The short-term lending rate (repo) rate now stands at 8 per cent, and the cash reserve requirement of banks at 4 per cent. The statutory liquidity ratio (SLR) has also been retained at 22 per cent.

The RBI also retained the growth projection for the current fiscal at 5.5 per cent. The apex bank sees FY16 growth at 6.3 per cent.

Explaining the rationale for status quo policy, Rajan said though WPI inflation has ebbed to levels consistent with 8 per cent inflation by January 2015, "there are risks from food price shocks as the full effects of the monsoon's passage unfold, and from geo-political developments that could materialise rapidly."

J Jayalalithaa to stay in Bangalore jail as HC adjourns bail hearing till October 6,2014

 J Jayalalithaa will have to spend a week in prison as the Karnataka High Court adjourned the hearing of her bail plea in the disproportionate assets case till Monday October 6,2014

J Jayalalithaa three others were convicted in the Rs 66.65 crore corruption case by a special court in Bangalore. She had moved the High Court seeking bail and stay on the conviction orders.

While  J Jayalalithaa was asked to pay Rs 100 crore, the three others were fined Rs 10 crore each.

J Jayalalithaa is lodged in VVIP cell number 23 in the Central Prison at Parappana Agrahara.

California is the first state in USA to pass a law that aims to prevent sexual assaults

The bill is designed to define when 'yes means yes' and requires an 'affirmative, conscious, voluntary agreement' to engage in sexual activity  

It says someone who is drunk, drugged or asleep cannot grant consent

Consent can be non verbal, such as a nod of the head or moving in closer to the person 

It applies to all California post-secondary schools that receive state money

California has become the first state in the US to pass a law designed to define when 'yes means yes' to prevent sexual assaults.

The bill was signed by California Governor Jerry Brown yesterday and will adopt requirements for colleges to follow when investigating sexual assault reports.

The legislation says silence or lack of resistance do not constitute consent, and that someone who is drunk, drugged, unconscious or asleep cannot grant consent.

The bill, called SB967, applies to all California post-secondary schools, public and private, that receive state money for student financial aid. 

The California State University and University of California systems are backing the legislation after adopting similar consent standards this year.

University of California President Janet Napolitano recently announced the system will voluntarily establish an independent advocate to support sexual assault victims on every campus. 

World's longest flight on biggest plane takes off as Qantas launches non-stop 15-HOUR 30-minute journey from Sydney to Dallas

World's Largest Plane on World's Longest Route

World's longest flight on biggest plane takes off as Qantas launches non-stop 15-HOUR 30-minute journey from Sydney to Dallas

The world's largest aircraft is now flying the longest route with the launch of non-stop Qantas flights between Sydney, Australia and Dallas in the Airbus A380.

The airline this week announced that the expansive planes have taken over the nearly 16-hour route from the Boeing 747, operating six return services per week.

The aircraft switch means that first class is now available for the first time on the route, popular with business travellers

The non-stop service will operate every day except Tuesday. QF7 departs Sydney Kingsford Smith at 13.10, arriving at Dallas/Fort Worth airport at 13.45 local time the same day after a 14 hours 50 minutes flight.

The return service, QF8, will depart DFW at 22.15 and arrive back in Sydney at 06.05 two days later after a flying time of 15 hours 30 minutes. 

Note

The second longest flight routes by distance after Sydney to Dallas is the Johannesburg to Atlanta at 13,582km route operated by Delta Airlines, followed by Emirates' Dubai to Los Angeles route at 13,420km.

Japanese reality show launches new group...and invites fans to apply for romantic nights out with them

A reality TV show starring a bikini-wearing girl group who fans can date and even marry has been launched in Japan.

The four-member band based in Tokyo - called Happening Girls - only ever appear in public wearing bikinis or swimsuits.

Male fans can apply to their TV show producers Kandou TV where they take part in X Factor-style auditions and interviews to see if they are suitable to meet and date band members.

France's far-right National Front party wins first-ever Senate seats

France's far-right National front party was today celebrating a 'historic victory' as it won its first seats in the upper house of  parliament

 .

The party (FN), led by Marine Le Pen, entered the senate for the first time, securing two seats.

It was at the expense of Francois Hollande's struggling left-wing government, which is rapidly losing its grip on parliament. 

FN leader Le Pen, who is anti-immigration and anti-euro, said the election was a 'historic victory' for the party once synonymous with shaven-headed thugs and Third Reich nostalgia.  

She added: 'These results are beyond what we hoped for. Each day that passes, our ideas are increasingly being adopted by the French people. We have great potential.'

Stephane Ravier, one of the two newly elected FN senators, said: 'There is only one door left for us to push and it is that of the Elysee [presidential palace].' 

Half of the Senate's 348 seats were up for grabs in the election, with only some 158,000 people, the vast majority local councillors, able to vote.

The conservative UMP party of former President Nicolas Sarkozy and its centre-right ally, the UDI party, won 188 seats –13 seats more than needed for an absolute majority, according to the latest figures released early on Sep 29,2014 Monday morning.

 

Lionel Messi scored 400+ Career Goals Saturday Sep 27,2014

Lionel Messi surpassed 400 career goals on Saturday Sep 27,2014 with a double against Granada - comprised of 359 for Barcelona and 42 for Argentina

Lionel Messi scored his 400th career goal in Barcelona's 6-0 win over Granada on Saturday Sep 27,2014

Messi slams home his 400th career goal to put Barcelona 4-0 up against Granada at the Nou Camp

He needs four more to become the all-time top scorer in La Liga

LA LIGA ALL-TIME SCORERS 

1. Telmo Zarra (1940-1955) 251 goals in 278 games

2. Lionel Messi (2004-) 248 in 282

3. Hugo Sanchez (1981-1994) 234 in 347

4. Raul (1994-2010) 228 in 550

5. Alfredo di Stefano (1953-1966) 227 in 329

10. Cristiano Ronaldo (2009-) 187 in 170

LA LIGA HAT-TRICKS 

1. Alfredo di Stefano 22 hat-tricks

= Telmo Zarra 22

= Cristiano Ronaldo 22

4. Edmundo Suarez 19

5. Lionel Messi 18

Messi is four behind Raul's Champions League scoring record

ALL-TIME CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 

1. Raul (1995-2011) 71 goals

2. Cristiano Ronaldo (2002-) 69

3. Lionel Messi (2004-) 67

4. Ruud van Nistelrooy (1998-2009) 60

5. Andriy Shevchenko (1994-2011) 59

Ashraf Ghani Inaugurated as Afghan President Monday Sep 29,2014

 

Afghanistan inaugurates its first new president in a decade on Monday Sep 29,2014, swearing in technocrat Ashraf Ghani to head a power-sharing government just as the withdrawal of most foreign troops presents a crucial test.
The first democratic handover of power in Afghanistan's history has been far from smooth: the deal for a unity government was cobbled together only after months of deadlock over a vote in which both Ghani and opponent Abdullah Abdullah claimed victory.
The inauguration marks the end of an era with the departure of President Hamid Karzai, the only leader Afghans have known since a US-led invasion in 2001 overthrew the Islamist Taliban that had given sanctuary to al Qaeda
The new government inherits massive problems, including fighting an emboldened Taliban that in recent months has been launching ever more aggressive attacks as foreign troops draw down.
Ghani must also reset relations with the United States, which have soured in recent years under Karzai. One of Ghani's first acts as president is expected to be signing a bilateral security agreement to allow a small contingent of US forces to remain to train and assist the new Afghan army and police.

George Clooney marrries Amal Alamuddin in Venice,Italy Saturday Sep 27,2014

 

George Clooney married Human Rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin in Venice with stars like Bono, Matt Damon and Cindy Crawford as witnesses.
 

The wedding took place at luxurious Aman Hotel overlooking the Grand Canal in Venice


Amal Alamuddin, a London-based human rights lawyer, is of Lebanese origin, and her wedding was also being celebrated Saturday in her family's village of origin, Baakline in the Chouf district. Alamuddin left Lebanon during the civil war and was raised in the United Kingdom. She met Clooney, who is active in many political causes, through her work. 

O Panneerselvam to be the new CM of TN Monday Sep 29,2014

 

J Jayalalithaa has hand picked her successor, entrusting her loyalist and Finance Minister O Panneerselvam with the top job in the state.

O Panneerselvam and his Cabinet will take oath on Monday Sep 29,2014.

O Panneerselvam was formally elected by AIADMK MLAs at a meeting in Chennai on Sunday. This will be his second innings as Chief Minister.

 O Panneerselvam was first elected the Tamil Nadu CM in 2001 when J Jayalalithaa was convicted in TANSI land scam.

O Panneerselvam is the first man from the Thevar community to become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Representing Bodinayakanur Assembly constituency in Theni District in the current assembly

Once a tea stall owner, Jayalalithaa's trusted lieutenant O Panneerselvam is set to become Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for the second time since 2001, when he made his Assembly debut. The 63-year-old leader from Thevar community held two key portfolios of Finance and Public Works in the Jayalalithaa Ministry.
J Jayalalithaa had taken everyone by surprise by handpicking him to fill her shoes in 2001 when she had to step down due to her conviction in TANSI land scam. The staunch Jayalalithaa loyalist chose not to function from the chair on which his 'revered' leader sat while he performed the role of the nightwatchman.
He duly vacated the post after Jayalalithaa was acquitted in the case. But this time his selection was expected by many after she was sent to jail in a graft case as the stature of the leader, known for his unflinching devotion to Jayalalithaa, has grown in the party over the years.

Tearful OPS sworn in as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister

Dramatic scenes were on display at a modest swearing-in ceremony at the Raj Bhavan on Monday Sep 29,2014, where a visibly overwhelmed O. Panneerselvam stepped in to fill the vacuum left behind by the arrest of his mentor and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa.

Governor K. Rosaiah administered the oath of office and secrecy to Panneerselvam, 63, at a low-key ceremony shorn of the usual fanfare.

A Finance Minister in Jayalalithaa's Cabinet, Panneerselvam took out a small photograph of the AIADMK supremo, placed it on the lectern and wiped tears while repeating the oath.

At one point of time, Rosaiah was seen comforting the new Chief Minister. 

Popularly called 'OPS' in political circles of Tamil Nadu, Panneerselvam finds himself in the top post for the second time since 2001.

Political pundits drew parallels while comparing the two incidents, as the AIADMK leader had taken over as interim Chief Minister when Jayalalithaa was convicted and sentenced to jail.

On Sunday, Panneerselvam was elected as Leader of the AIADMK Legislature Party after Jayalalithaa was sentenced to four-years imprisonment by a Bangalore court in a disproportionate assets case on September 27.

Many ministers broke down as they approached the podium to take oath after Panneerselvam. The new CM chose not to make changes in the state Cabinet.

Andy Murray wins the 2014 Shenzhen Open Tennis Sunday Sep 28,2014

 

 Andy Murray faced five match points in a second-set tie-break, four of them in succession from 6-2 behind, but saved them with some of his best tennis on his way to a 5-7 7-6 (11/9) 6-1 victory over Tommy Robredo, his first tournament triumph since Wimbledon last year

 

Sunday's Shenzhen title match was Murray's first final of an uncharacteristically fallow year to date, and it looked like being anticlimactic for his followers when Robredo moved to the brink of victory. Yet the result told a wholly different story, the manner of his victory offering fresh reassurance that Murray is lacking nothing in determination to get back to the top of the sport.

Wayne Rooney third in Premier League all-time goalscoring list

 

Wayne Rooney's goal against West Ham moved him into 3rd place in the EPL scoring charts

 

 .

The Manchester United forward scored his 176th league goal, moving him ahead of Thierry Henry.

He is now behind only Newcastle legend Alan Shearer on 260 and and former United striker Andy Cole on 187

The 28-year-old has scored 161 of his Premier League goals for United, with 15 coming for his first club, Everton.

That included his first and possibly most memorable goal against Arsenal at Goodison Park in 2002, when he curled the ball past David Seaman from 30 yards and forced us to 'remember the name'.

TOP 10 PREMIER LEAGUE SCORERS 

Alan Shearer 260 goals

Andy Cole 187

Wayne Rooney 176

Thierry Henry 175

Frank Lampard 173

Robbie Fowler 163

Michael Owen 150

Les Ferdinand 149

Teddy Sheringham 146

Robin van Persie 136

President's rule imposed in Maharashtra as Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan resigns Sunday Sep 28,2014

President's Rule was imposed in Maharashtra on Sunday after Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan resigned following the breakup of the 15-year-old Congress-NCP alliance in the state. 

President Pranab Mukherjee signed the proclamation for imposing central rule in Maharashtra a day after the Union Cabinet recommended putting the state under President’s Rule. 

The brief Cabinet meeting on Saturday Sep 27,2014 was chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh in the absence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is away in the US. 

With the NCP withdrawing support to the government in Maharashtra, Chavan had resigned on Friday. His resignation was accepted by Governor Vidyasagar Rao. 

Since Assembly polls are scheduled for next month, the Governor, in his report to the Centre, had recommended the imposition of President’s Rule. 

Handyala Lakshminarayanaswamy Dattu was sworn in as the Chief Justice of India Sunday Sep 28,2014

Handyala Lakshminarayanaswamy Dattu, who was sworn in as the Chief Justice of India on Sunday Sep 28,2014, described himself as a “judge who will represent the common man” to ensure that not a single plea is thrown out by the Supreme Court without a proper hearing as it affects the citizens’ rights. 

“The Supreme Court is the highest court and an aggrieved man’s last hope. Pleas should not be thrown out casually and a proper hearing needs to be given. One has nowhere else to go after the apex court rejects their petition. I will sit in the Supreme Court as a common man on the bench,” Dattu, 63, said at an informal interaction with journalists at his residence hours after being sworn-in by President Pranab Mukherjee at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday morning. 

 

Pointing to the workload in the apex court, where 64,900 cases are pending, Dattu said: “Besides the number of cases, the sensitive nature of cases due to the issues involved demands a responsible and cautious handling of it.” 

The new chief justice, a native of Bellary in Karnataka, will work for a tenure of 14 months and retire on December 2, 2015. 

Dattu, unlike his predecessor R.M. Lodha who was known to speak his mind in public even on sensitive issues, refused to answer questions on attempts to scrap the collegium system, the Gopal Subramanium issue, corruption in the judiciary or any other pressing issue. 

He merely said: “Please, I will not answer any question. Let us discuss about the philosophy of life over a cup of tea or coffee.” 

BCCI retains Ravi Shastri, Duncan Fletcher until 2015 World Cup Friday Sep 26,2014

The BCCI Working Committee on Friday retained Team Director Ravi Shastri and the coaching staff headed by Duncan Fletcher until the ICC World Cup early next year in Australia and New Zealand.

Shastri, Fletcher and the support staff of Sanjay Bangar, Bharat Arun and MV Sridhar will now draw plan for India's 2015 World Cup title defence after the board took the decision to extend their contracts.

Google celebrates the company's 16th birthday Sep 27,2014

Google celebrated September 7 (the day when the company was incorporated) as its birthday till 2005. In 2005 Google changed the date to September 27 to make it coincide with the announcement of the record number of pages that the search engine was indexing


For its 16th 'birthday', Google has posted an animated doodle on its homepage. The doodle shows the six letters of the word Google as different characters with the letter G wearing a birthday hat. The 'senior' G - like a parent - marks the heights of O and L against a wall. O, who first gets excited on seeing that it has grown, immediately gets sombre as he notices that L is so much bigger than him.

It's been 16 years since 1998 when two Stanford university students, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, got together to form a company that would change the face of the Internet, for ever

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Visits USA on a 5-day tour Friday Sep 26,2014

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in New York on a five-day US visit, he was greeted with 'Har Har Modi' slogan, heard first during Lok Sabha poll campaign, by a large group of Indians who had gathered outside his hotel.

The Indians were also carrying placards with messages such as 'We love Modi' 'America loves Modi' 'Indian American loves Modi'. They were also shouting slogans in support of Prime Minister Modi and were also chanting 'Vande Mataram' and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai', besides the most largely-shouted 'Har Har Modi' chants.

A special enclosure was made by the local police for these supporters to watch Modi as he came.

PM Narendra Modi addresses Madison Square ground in NY Sunday Sep 28,2014

 

Addressing over 20,000 Non Resident Indians and Persons of Indian Origin community at New York's Madison Square Ground, Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirmed that India will move ahead at a rapid pace and lead the 21st Century world.

 

The atmosphere at the Madison Square in New York was electrifying as 18,000 NRIs waited anxiously for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech. The rapturous crowd chanted slogans and waved ecstatically at the cameras before the PM arrived at the venue. Beaming with hope and confidence, Narendra Modi did not disappoint the NRI and PIO community at the Madison Square Ground as he assured them the 21st century belonged to India.

The hour-long speech in Hindi began with the PM extending greeting for Navratri festival with 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'. Modi promised good governance saying after a gap of 30 years India has got a government at the Centre with a clear majority.

'Democracy, demographic dividend in which 65 per cent of its population is under 35 years, and the demand for India because it is a huge market,' according to him were the three biggest strengths that India possesses.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today gave a large gathering of Indians at New York's Madison Square Garden a statistic to be proud of: "A one-km autorickshaw ride in Ahmedabad takes Rs. 10 and India reached Mars at Rs. 7 a km." 

Days after he watched the Mangalyaan enter the planet's orbit, PM Modi held it up as a shining example of India's talent.

"At 65 crore rupees, we went to Mars. Everything about Mangalyaan is indigenous...made in small factories. We reached Mars at a smaller budget than a Hollywood movie," he said, turning to what has become his favourite anecdote

PM Modi Meets Israeli Prime Minister in New York

  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in New York on Sunday in the first high level meet between the two nations since Mr Modi swept to power earlier this year.

The prime ministers of the two nations met on Sunday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly to discuss cooperation in areas ranging from agriculture and water management to defence and cyber-security.

The "sky is the limit" for relations between the two countries, Benjamin Netanyahu told Mr Modi, The Jerusalem Post reported.

"We are two old people, some of the oldest civilizations on earth. But also two democracies, proud of our tradition, but also eager to seize the future," Netanyahu said according to the Israeli newspaper. "I believe that if we work together it will be for the benefit of both our peoples."

Mr Netanyahu invited Mr Modi to visit Israel- which he has visited as the chief minister of Gujarat,

In discussing defence relations, Mr Modi told Netanyahu about his 'Make in India' initiative and pointed out that 49 percent investment was possible in defence industries, Syed Akbaruddin, the External Affairs Ministry spokesman said. Cooperation in cyber-security was also discussed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj (right) meet the former US President Bill Clinton (left) and former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (centre) in New York

Modi met America's corporate leaders over breakfast with his 'Make In India' pitch Monday Sep 29,2014

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a breakfast meeting with CEOs in New York. The PM was joined by Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh (second from back, right) and foreign ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin (back, right)

    

The breakfast was followed by one-on-one meetings with six other CEOs of firms including Boeing, IBM, GE and Goldman Sachs. 

The atmosphere was less Bollywood and more business as Modi held talks with the 11 leading CEOs

Modi said he wants to convert the Supreme Court judgment on coal block allocation into an "opportunity to move forward and clean up the past" as he sought investment in key sectors, including infrastructure. 

Listening to concerns raised by the business leaders, Modi assured them that his Government will address their issues and try to make the environment in India more business-friendly.

Describing the meeting as "excellent and very good", all business leaders, including Nooyi and Corbat, said that the PM heard their concerns and mapped out the priority areas of his Government to take the India story forward. 

MasterCard CEO Ajay Banga said: "Modi is very focused; he has shown us the opportunities in India.

"His personal thinking assures us that India hurriedly wants change. By focusing on economic growth, he is reiterating that India is open-minded and is exploring opportunities in infrastructure development."

J Jayalalithaa Convicted in DA Case Saturday Sep 27,2014

 

Judgement Day For J Jayalalithaa in DA Case
 It is judgement day for Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa as a Bangalore court on Saturday will deliver its verdict in the disproportionate assets case against the AIADMK chief

J Jayalalithaa has been charged with accumulating Rs 66 crore wealth disproportionate to known sources of her income from 1991-96 in her first term as Chief Minister in the case

If convicted, Jayalalithaa will face immediate disqualification as Member of the Legislative Assembly and will have to relinquish office.

If acquitted, it will free her of all charges, further reinforcing her claim that the case was based on rival DMK's political vendetta.

J Jayalalithaa would be forced to step down as the CM if the court convicts her in the 18-year-old corruption case and sentences her to more than two years in jail.

 She would also be disqualified as an MLA and barred from contesting elections for six years after the end of her jail term.

Tight security is in place outside the Bangalore court ahead of the verdict, Tamil Nadu too have been put on high alert keeping a close watch on the situation that was likely to emerge in the aftermath of the court delivering the verdict

J Jayalalithaa and her aide Sasikala, who is also an accused in the case, reached the court amidst very high security at 10.42 a.m

J Jayalalithaa on her way to the Special Court in Gandhi Bhavan at Parapana Agrahara
 

All eyes at the Parappana Agrahara prison complex, where the judgment is set to be pronounced

The case was transferred to Bangalore’s Special Court in 2003 by the Supreme Court on a petition filed by DMK leader K Anbazhagan who had expressed doubts over conduct of fair trail in Tamil Nadu as Jayalalithaa ruled the state then 

Special Court Judge Michael Dicunha will be delivering the verdict by noon at the makeshift court created at Bangalore central prison at Parappana Agrahara on the outskirts of Bangalore city, which has been provided with multi-layer security cover.

 The Bangalore city police have promulgated prohibitory orders under section 144 of Cr.PC as a precautionary measure ahead of the court delivering its verdict.

There are four accused in the case. Jayalalithaa, Sasikala and Ilavarasi arrived together in the same convoy while the fourth accused VN Sudhakaran had arrived earlier.

The judgment in Jaya's DA case adjourned till 1pm at 11.40 a.m

J Jayalalithaa wealth case: Timeline of events

 

 

1996:

June 14: Dr. Subramanian Swamy files complaint against Jayalalithaa

June 21: The Principal District and Sessions Judge directs Letika Saran, IPS, to investigate the private complaint

June 18: The then (DMK) government directs DVAC to register an FIR against Jayalalithaa for allegedly possessing unaccounted assets

1997:

June 4: Charge sheet filed in Chennai; Rs. 66.65 crore disproportionate assets

Oct 21: Court frames charges against Jayalalithaa, V.K.Sasikala, V.N.Sudhakaran, and J. Ilavarasi

2002:

March: Takes charge as Chief Minister again

Nov. 2002 to Feb 2003: 76 witnesses were recalled and they resiled their previous statements

Feb 28, 2003: DMK leader K. Anbazhagan moves Supreme Court for transfer of trial

Nov 18: Supreme Court orders transfer of trial to a Special Court in Bangalore while observing that ‘fair trial was not going’ in Chennai

Dec. 2003 to March 2005: Special Court set up at Bangalore B.V.Acharya named Special Public Prosecutor for the case

2010:

Jan. 22: Supreme Court clears way for trial of DA case and trial commences

Dec. 2010 to Feb, 2011: Witnesses re-examined by the prosecution

2011:

May 16: AIADMK back in power, Jayalalithaa becomes Chief Minister again

Oct. 20 & 21; Nov 22 & 23: Jayalalithaa appears in person,answers Special Court’s questions.

2012:

Aug. 13: G. Bhavani Singh appointed as SPP

Aug. 23: Anbhazhagan moves HC questioning appointment

Aug. 26: Karnataka Govt. removes Singh as SPP

Aug.-Sept: Singh moves Apex Court which reinstates him

Sept. 30: Special Court judge Balakrishna retires.

Oct. 29: HC appoints John Michael Cunha as judge of Special Court

2014:

Aug. 28: Trial concludes, Special Court says verdict will be pronounced on September 20

Sept. 15: Ms. Jayalalithaa requests for change of locations for security reasons.

Sept. 16: Special Court allows Jayalalithaa’s plea, orders for shifting venue near Bangalore Central prison; postpones verdict to September 27,2014

The Bangalore Central Jail, where Jayalalithaa has been lodged, is garrisoned with several platoons of Karnataka State Reserve Police and City Armed Reserve Police to prevent any untoward incident.

 

J Jayalalithaa convicted in the DA case on Saturday Sep 27,2014

 

 The Judgement
 
J Jayalalithaa was sentenced to four years’ simple imprisonment and a Rs. 100-crore fine was imposed on her for offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Her co-accused — Sasikala Natarajan, V. Sudhakaran and J. Elavarasi — were sentenced to four years’ imprisonment with a fine of Rs. 10 crore each.

 

In consequence, J Jayalalithaa stood disqualified as an MLA and lost her position as Chief Minister. She would now be barred from contesting elections for the period of conviction plus six years — a total of 10 years. 

 J Jayalalithaa was held guilty of amassing illegal wealth in a 910-page order was sentenced to four years in jail on Saturday. , the court also asked her to pay Rs. 100 crore fine.J Jayalalithaa is also now barred by law from contesting elections for the next 10 years - six years after the completion of her sentence - unless today's judgement is reversed by a higher court. She is the first chief minister to be disqualified
 

J. Jayalalithaa, who was convicted in the disproportionate assets case on Saturday, refused special treatment from the Bangalore Central Jail authorities at Parappana Agrahara on the city’s outskirts

J Jayalalithaa, who has been convicted in the disproportionate assets case, has been allotted the VVIP Cell number 23 in the Central Prison at Parappana Agrahara. She has been given prisoner number 7402.

Sources said the cell is located next to the women’s barrack. Jail authorities said the occupant was entitled to a bed, fan and separate bathroom facility. Ms Jayalalithaa was provided with a white sari as a convict.

Her dinner included a Ragi ball, 200 grams of rice and two chapathis. However, she refused dinner and sought fruits instead.

Others convicted in the case Sasikala, Ilavarsi and Sudhakaran were given prisoner numbers 7403 and 7404 and 7405 respectively.

 J Jayalalithaa will be the first occupant of the VVIP cell in the high security Central Prison.

The Central Prison has two VVIP prisons cells that are categorised as high security zones while the prison also has five VIP cells that have been used to lodge former Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, former Ministers, G. Janardhan Reddy and S.N. Krishnaiah Setty.

Jayalalithaa asked the jail authorities to allow her to share the cell with her friends Sasikala Natarajan and V.N.J. Illavarasai.

Her disowned foster son Sudhakaran is sharing his cell with mining baron G. Janardhana Reddy’s former aide, Mehfuz Ali Khan. 

Considering her health concerns, Jayalalithaa has been housed at the hospital located inside the jail.

J Jayalalithaa is sharing the hospital’s common ward with Sasikala and Illavarasai, who also complained of health problems. A VIP cell has been set up for Jayalalithaa in the jail, and whenever the doctors permit, she will be shifted from the hospital ward. 

“On Saturday night, she had fruits for dinner. She woke up around 5.30am on Sunday and took a stroll in the jail premises. She had requested for three Tamil newspapers and two English dailies. She read them in detail and returned to her ward,” a senior jail official said.

Jayalalithaa reportedly instructed the jail staff not to accord any special treatment to her. She spoke to the jail authorities in Kannada, and many of them were taken aback by her simplicity.

Though the jail staff offered her idli and sambar for breakfast, the AIADMK chief sought permission to get her breakfast prepared by her personal staff Veera Perumal. He has been camping outside the jail since Saturday and had cooked idli-sambar for breakfast for his ‘Amma’.

As it was Sunday, general visitors, including Perumal, were not permitted to enter the jail premises. In the afternoon, she had lunch supplied by her personal staff. 

Jayalalitha now joins powerful politicians like Lalu Prasad and Om Prakash Chautala to be imprisoned in a corruption case after being convicted by court.

A former Haryana chief minister, Chautala was jailed in a teacher's scam but his party – the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) is one of the front runners in the upcoming elections in the state.

The same is the case with former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad whose political fortunes look on the upswing despite his conviction in a corruption case. 

J Jayalalithaa appeals in Karnataka HC against conviction

J  Jayalalithaa's appeal against Special Court's conviction order in disproportionate assets case has been filed in the Karnataka High Court around 11 a.m on Monday Sep 29,2014

Her advocates filed the appeal, with a plea seeking suspension of sentence, in the High Court's registry section. 

Since the High Court was on vacation, the application may be taken up by a vacation bench on Tuesday Sep 30,2014

Legal experts say a stay on the conviction is deemed necessary to get her disqualification suspended. While the Supreme Court has said in many cases that the appellate court has the power to suspend both the sentence and conviction, it laid down in 2001 that when a public servant has been convicted for corruption, the conviction should not be stayed during the pendency of an appeal.