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Thursday, November 16, 2017

16th November 2013: Sachin Tendulkar Bids Adieu to International Cricket

When it comes to Sachin Tendulkar, it's as if his fans take pride in remembering all the records that the 'Master Blaster' has created. From his 100 centuries, to highest runs in Tests and ODIs, Sachin is still the hot topic for any average fan in India, even after his retirement in 2013.

On this day, four years ago, the legendary cricketer hung up his illustrious boots and walked into the sunset after playing his final Test against West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. That day in 2013 ended a global two-week cricket festival that saw curtains coming down on a career that still remains unmatched in the game's history.

Even in his final innings on the international stage, Sachin didn't let his class dip a bit as he slammed a masterful 74 against a hapless Windies bowling attack. Batting first, the Windies were all-out for 182, courtesy of a 5-wicket haul from Pragyan Ojha.

Cheteshwar Pujara and Rohit Sharma slammed their respective centuries while Sachin chipped in with a handy half-century to power India to 495 in their first innings. Meanwhile, Windies were bowled out for 187 in their second innings, with Ojha once again picking up five wickets for the hosts.

But as the last wicket fell and India won the Test by an innings, it also brought down the curtains over arguably the greatest career ever in the sport's history. Sachin then took centerstage for one last time in the middle and gave an emotional speech that moved everyone to tears.

"All my friends. Settle down let me talk, I will get more and more emotional. My life, between 22 yards for 24 years, it is hard to believe that that wonderful journey has come to an end, but I would like to take this opportunity to thank people who have played an important role in my life. Also, for the first time in my life I am carrying this list, to remember all the names in case I forget someone. I hope you understand. It's getting a little bit difficult to talk but I will manage.

The most important person in my life, and I have missed him a lot since 1999 when he passed away, my father. Without his guidance, I don't think I would have been standing here in front of you. He gave me freedom at the age of 11, and told me that [I should] chase my dreams, but make sure you do not find short cuts. The path might be difficult, but don't give up, and I have simply followed his instructions. Above all, he told me to be a nice human being, which I will continue to do and try my best. Every time I have done something special [and] showed my bat, it was [for] my father.

My mother, I don't know how she dealt with such a naughty child like me. I was not easy to manage. She must be extremely patient. For a mother, the most important thing is that her child remains safe and healthy and fit. That was what she was most bothered and worried about. She took care of me for the last 24 years that I have played for India, but even before that she started praying for me the day I started playing cricket. She just prayed and prayed and I think her prayers and blessings have given me the strength to go out and perform, so a big thank you to my mother for all the sacrifices.

It's hard to believe my wonderful journey between those 22 yards for 24 years is coming to an end.

In my school days, for four years, I stayed with my uncle and aunt because my school was quite far from my home, and they treated me like their son. My aunt, after having had a hard day's play, I would be half asleep and she would be feeding me food so I could go again and play tomorrow. I can't forget these moments. I am like their son and I am glad it has continued to be the same way.

My eldest brother, Nitin, and his family, have always encouraged me. My eldest brother doesn't like to talk much, but the one thing he always told me is that whatever you do, I know you will always give it 100%, and that I have full faith and confidence in you. His encouragement meant a lot to me. My sister, Savita, and her family, was no different. The first cricket bat of my life was presented to me by my sister. It was a Kashmir willow bat. But that is where the journey began. She is one of those many who still continue to fast when I bat, so thank you very much.

Ajit, my brother, now what do I talk about him? I don't know. We have lived this dream together. He was the one who sacrificed his career for my cricket. He spotted the spark in me. And it all started from the age of 11 when he took me to Archrekar sir, my coach, and from there on my life changed. You will find this hard to believe but even last night he called to discuss my dismissal, knowing that there was a remote chance of batting again, but just the habit we have developed, the rapport we have developed, since my birth, has continued and it will continue. Maybe when I'm not playing cricket we will still be discussing technique.

Various things we agreed upon, my technique, and so many technical things which I didn't agree with him, we have had arguments and disagreements, but when I look back at all these things in my life, I would have been a lesser cricketer.

The most beautiful thing happened to me in 1990 when I met my wife, Anjali. Those were special years and it has continued and will always continue that way. I know Anjali, being a doctor; there was a wonderful career in front of her. When we decided to have a family, Anjali took the initiative to step back and say that 'you continue with your cricket and I will take the responsibility of the family'.

Without that, I don't think I would have been able to play cricket freely and without stress. Thanks for bearing with all my fuss and all my frustrations, and all sorts of rubbish that I have spoken. Thanks for bearing with me and always staying by my side through all the ups and downs. You are the best partnership I've had in my life.

Then, the two precious diamonds of my life, Sara and Arjun. They have already grown up. My daughter is 16, my son is 14. Time has flown by. I wanted to spend so much time with them on special occasions like their birthdays, their annual days, their sports day, going on holidays, whatever. I have missed out on all those things. Thanks for your understanding. Both of you have been so, so special to me you cannot imagine. I promise you [that] for 14 and 16 years I have not spent enough time with both of you, but the next 16 years or even beyond that, everything is for you.

My in-laws, Anand Mehta and Annabelle, both have been so, so supportive [and] loving and caring. I have discussed on various things in life, generally with them, and have taken their advice. You know, it's so important to have a strong family who is always with you and who are guiding you. Before you start clapping, the most important thing they did was allowing me to marry Anjali, so thank you very much.

In the last 24 years that I have played for India I have made new friends, and before that I have had friends from my childhood. They have all had a terrific contribution. As and when I have called them to come and bowl to me at the nets, they have left their work aside to come and help me. Be it joining me on holidays and having discussions with me on cricket, or how I was a little stressed and wanting to find a solution so I can perform better.

All those moments my friends were with me. Even for when I was injured, I would wake up in the morning because I couldn't sleep and thought that my career was over because of injuries, that is when my friends have woken up at 3 o'clock in the morning to drive with me and make me believe that my career was not over. Life would be incomplete without all those friends. Thanks for being there for me.

My cricket career started when I was 11. The turning point of my career was when my brother (Ajit) took me to Achrekar sir. I was extremely delighted to see him up in the stands. Normally he sits in front of the television and he watches all the games that I play. When I was 11/12, those were the days when I used to hop back on his scooter and play a couple of practice matches a day. The first half the innings I would be batting at Shivaji Park, the second half, at some other match in Azad Maidan. He would take me all over Mumbai to make sure I got match practice.
On a lighter note, in the last 29 years, sir has never ever said 'well played' to me because he thought I would get complacent and I would stop working hard. Maybe he can push his luck and wish me now, well done on my career, because there are no more matches, sir, in my life. I will be witnessing cricket, and cricket will always stay in my heart, but you have had an immense contribution in my life, so thank you very much.

My cricket for Mumbai started right here on this ground, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), which is so dear to me. I remember landing from New Zealand at four o'clock in the morning, and turning up for a game here at eight o'clock just because I wanted to be a part of Mumbai cricket, and not that somebody forced me. That was for the love of Mumbai cricket, and thank you very much. The president is here so thank you very much, along with your team, for taking care of me and looking after my cricket.

The dream was obviously to play for India, and that is where my association with BCCI started. BCCI was fantastic, right from my debut they believed in my ability and selecting me into the squad at the age of 16 was a big step, so thanks to all the selectors for having faith in me and the BCCI for giving me the freedom to express myself out in the middle. Things would have been different if you had not been behind me, and I really appreciate your support. Especially when I was injured, you were right with me and making sure that all the treatments were taken care of, and that I got fit and fine and playing [right] back for India.

The journey has been special, the last 24 years, I have played with many senior cricketers, and even before that there were many senior cricketers with whom I watched on television. They inspired me to play cricket, and to play in the right way. Thanks to all those senior cricketers, and unfortunately I have not been able to play with them, but I have high regards for all their achievements and all their contributions.

We see it on the mega-screen, Rahul, Laxman, Sourav, and Anil, who is not here, and my team-mates right here in front me. You are like my family away from home. I have had some wonderful times with you. It is going to be difficult to not be part of the dressing room, sharing those special moments. All the coaches for their guidance, it has been special for me. I know when MS Dhoni presented me the 200th Test match cap on day one morning. I had a brief message for the team. I would like to repeat that. I just feel that all of us are so, so fortunate and proud to be part of the Indian cricket team and serving the nation.

Knowing all of you guys, I know you will continue to serve the nation in the right spirit and right values. I believe we have been the lucky ones to be chosen by the Almighty to serve this sport. Each generation gets this opportunity to take care of this sport and serve it to the best of our ability. I have full faith in you to continue to serve the nation in the right spirit and to the best of your ability, to bring all the laurels to the country. All the very best.

I would be failing in my duties if I did not thank all the doctors, the physios, the trainers, who have put this difficult body together to go back on the field and be able to play. The amount of injuries that I have had in my career, I don't know how you have managed to keep me fit, but without your special efforts, it would never have happened. The doctors have met me at weird hours. I mean I have called them from Mumbai to Chennai, Mumbai to Delhi, I mean wherever. They have just taken the next flight and left their work and families to be with me, which has allowed me to play. So a big thank you to all three of you for keeping me in good shape.

My dear friend, late Mark Mascarenhas, my first manager. We unfortunately lost him in a car accident in 2001, but he was such a well-wisher of cricket, my cricket, and especially Indian cricket. He was so passionate. He understood what it takes to represent a nation and gave me all the space to go out and express myself, and never pressurized me to do this ad or promotion or whatever the sponsors demanded. He took care of that and today I miss him, so thank you Mark for all your contribution.

My current management team, WSG, for repeating what Mark has done, because when I signed the contract I exactly told them what I want from them, and what it requires to represent me. They have done that and respected that.

Someone who has worked closely with me for 14 years is my manager, Vinod Nayudu. He is more like my family and all the sacrifices, spending time away from his family for my work, has been special, so big thank you to his family as well for giving up so much time for my work with Vinod.

In my school days, when I performed well, the media backed me a lot. They continue to do that till this morning. Thank you so much to the media for supporting and appreciating my performances. It surely had a positive effect on me. Thank you so much to all the photographers as well for those wonderfully captured moments that will stay with me for the rest of my life, so a big thank you to all the photographers.

I know my speech is getting a bit too long (crowd roars), but this is the last thing I want to say. I want to thank all the people here who have flown in from various parts of the world, and have supported me endlessly, whether I scored a 0 or a 100-plus. Your support was so dear to me and meant a lot to me. Whatever you have done for me.

I know I have met so many guys who have fasted for me, prayed for me, done so much for me. Without that life wouldn't have been like this for me. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, and also say that time has flown by rather quickly, but the memories you have left with me will always be with me forever and ever, especially "Sachin, Sachin" which will reverberate in my ears till I stop breathing.

Thank you very much. If I have missed out on saying something, I hope you understand.

Goodbye!"

2017 Miss International - Indonesia's Kevin Lilliana Crowned as Miss International 2017 Tuesday November 14, 2017

The winner of the Miss International 2017 Kevin Lilliana (C) representing Indonesia waves at the 57th Miss International Beauty Pageant in Tokyo, Japan, November 14, 2017

The winner of the Miss International 2017 Kevin Lilliana representing Indonesia

The winner of the Miss International 2017 Kevin Lilliana (R) representing Indonesia receives her crown from Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa representing Philippines

The winner of the Miss International 2017 Kevin Lilliana representing Indonesia and fourth runner-up Natsuki Tsutsui representing Japan walk on the runway

The winner of the Miss International 2017 Kevin Lilliana representing Indonesia, first runner-up Chanelle Wilhelmina Maria representing Curacao, third runner-up Amber Dew representing Australia, second runner-up Diana Macarena Croce Garcia representing Venezuela and fourth runner-up Natsuki Tsutsui representing Japan pose at the 57th Miss International Beauty Pageant in Tokyo, Japan, November 14, 2017.

Leonardo da Vinci Painting Becomes Most Expensive Work of Art Auctioned at 450 Million Dollars

A 500-year-old painting believed to be by Leonardo da Vinci sold for $450.3 million in New York on Wednesday Nov 15,2017, blazing a new world record for the most expensive work of art sold at auction, Christie's said. 'Salvator Mundi' or 'Savior of the World,' which depicts Jesus Christ, more than doubled the previous record of $179.4 million paid for Pablo Picasso's 'The Women of Algiers (Version O)' in New York in 2015.

Lost for years only to resurface at a regional auction in 2005, it is one of fewer than 20 Da Vinci paintings generally accepted as being from the Renaissance master's own hand, according to Christie's. All the others are held in museum or institutional collections.

Wednesday Nov 15,2017's price was all the more extraordinary given that the oil on panel fetched only 45 British pounds in 1958, at the time believed to have been a copy, before subsequently disappearing for years. Dated to around 1500, the work sold after 19 minutes of frenzied bidding -- an incongruous Old Master in Christie's evening postwar and contemporary sale, which attracts the biggest spenders in the high-octane world of international billionaire art collectors.

Christie's declined to identify the buyer, other than to confirm that bids came from "every part of the world." The price could call into question a legal suit lodged by its Russian seller, who accused a Swiss art dealer in Monaco of allegedly overcharging him when he bought the work for $127.5 million in 2013. The value of private sales are rarely known, but a Willem de Kooning and a Gauguin were previously thought the most expensive, sold in 2015 separately for $300 million each, according to US media reports.

Auctioneer Jussi Pylkkanen opened bidding at $75 million, pulling in 45 bids from clients on the phone and in the room. Whoops and applause rippled through the packed room as bids quickly escalated into uncharted territory, coming down to two head-to-head rivals on the telephone. Pylkkanen eventually hammered the painting at $450 million. The final price came to $450.3 million including the buyer's premium. Even discounting any commission, that is a tidy profit for Dmitry Rybolovlev, the boss of soccer club AS Monaco, who last bought the painting in 2013. The oligarch has accused Yves Bouvier of conning him out of hundreds of million dollars by overcharging him on a string of deals, including on the Da Vinci, and pocketing the difference. Bouvier bought the work at Sotheby's for $80 million in 2013. He resold it within days to the Russian tycoon, for $127.5 million. He has denied any wrongdoing.

Christie's declined to comment on the controversy and had valued the painting pre-sale at $100 million.

So huge was interest that nearly 30,000 people flocked to see the painting at Christie's showrooms in Hong Kong, London, San Francisco and New York, the auction house said. The work was exhibited at The National Gallery in London in 2011, after years of research trying to document its authenticity after it was found, mistaken for a copy, in a US auction in 2005. Christie's experts said the painting's rarity was difficult to overstate, calling it the "Holy Grail" for auction specialists. For years it was presumed to have been destroyed, emerging only in 2005 when it was purchased from a US estate.

"It's an extraordinary price for an extraordinary painting. Leonardo inspired generations and continues to inspire today," said Francois de Poortere, head of the Old Masters department at Christie's, adding, "He was a genius of his time and people still see him as that. It's an extraordinary feeling to see the magnetism around this painting."

The painting depicts a half-length figure of Jesus, holding a crystal orb in his left hand as he raises his right in benediction. Christie's says it belonged to Charles I, after possibly being made for the French royal family and taken to England by Queen Henrietta Maria when she married the English monarch in 1625. Of the roughly 20 known contemporary copies of the Mundi, some by pupils or followers of the artist, none is of sufficient quality to support an attribution to the master himself, the auction house says.

2018 FIFA World Cupin Russia - The List of 32 Teams That Will Dazzle in Russia

The qualifying rounds of FIFA World Cup 2018 has finally ended and the 32 teams that will contest for the biggest prize in football is now known. Few regular suspects qualified for the finals without much trouble while some of the underdogs have also made it through. There have been few high profile casualties as well along the day, who will not be plying their trade at the biggest stage of them all.

The official account of the FIFA World Cup 2018 put a series of posts on social media to celebrate the achievements of these 32 team who will get a chance to etch their names in history books next year.

The pots were also announced for the FIFA World Cup 2018, according to which the groups will be made for the finals.

Here is the list of the teams who will be competing for the biggest prize in world football —

- The Usual Suspects -

The five giants have won 13 of the last 16 World Cups between them. Spain and Germany both qualified without losing, while Brazil sealed first place in the South American group with four rounds to play.

France won their group but, as in the Euros last year, were alternately brilliant and toothless, such as in a shocking 0-0 draw at home to Luxembourg.

Argentina squeaked through by winning their last game, away to Ecuador, and inevitably it was Messi who hit a hat-trick to save his nation when staring into the abyss of elimination. How Italy wish they had a Messi in their ranks. But that near miss hardly bodes well for a country dreaming of emulating the Diego Maradona inspired victory of 1986.

Yet form can be misleading, as Spain and Brazil's crushing losses to the Dutch and Germans four years ago showed.

- Sleeping Giants -

England won in 1966, but since then the nation that invented the sport and boasts the richest league in the world, has reached just one semi-final. Gareth Southgate, the England manager, has been blooding youngsters from the successful youth teams and there is reason for optimism in England, but maybe 2018 will come too soon.

According to FIFA, Mexico has the third highest number of registered footballers -- behind only Brazil and Germany -- amongst World Cup finalists, yet in 15 finals appearances, they have never gone past the quarters.

With 142 million people, Russia have the biggest population of any of the finalists. The Soviet Union once reached a semi-final, but that was a long time ago and in a different world. Recent scandals surrounding Russian sport mean that success for the hosts might be greeted with more suspicion than acclaim.

- Small Nations with Big Hopes -

With a population of just over three million and two World Cup titles, Uruguay are again following their own succesful template. They have produced enough top-end talent, led by Luis Suarez, Diego Godin and Edinson Cavani, to give them a chance of beating anyone.

Croatia have Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Ivan Perisic, which is good, but they finished second to Iceland in their qualifying group, which is not.

Portugal have Cristiano Ronaldo, but their greatest success -- winning the 2016 Euros -- came despite playing without the world player of the year for three-quarters of the final.

Belgium are enjoying a golden generation, but Switzerland and Denmark have only silver and bronze ones.

Poland, not such a small nation in population terms, have the prolific Robert Lewandowski, the top scorer in global qualifying with 16 goals.

- Underdogs with Sharp Teeth -

In 2002, as joint hosts, Japan and South Korea ran deep into the knockout rounds. This time, along with Australia, they lack world-class talent but bring a work ethic that makes them teams to avoid.

Colombia, Senegal and Nigeria bring skill, pace and power and a bad habit of agonising exits caused by careless errors or bad luck.

Serbia and Morocco both qualified impressively but lack the star man who can make a difference. Iceland will strive to continue to defy gravity.

- Happy to be Back -

Peru, once regulars, had not qualified since 1982 until they beat New Zealand on Thursday. They prepare for Russia ranked an unlikely 10th in the world.

Dour Sweden, former finalists, smothered Italy in a play-off but if the smell of glory draws Zlatan Ibrahimovic out of retirement, a blunt instrument would acquire a sharp edge.

Egypt have won more African titles than any other nation but their World Cup record is miserable, and this is only their third appearance.

- Those That Make a Draw Kind -

Costa Rica reached the last eight in 2014 and are ranked 22nd but alongside Iran and Tunisia will still be the teams in the third pot everyone wants to draw.

Tunisia and Saudi Arabia both won games in the first of their four finals appearances but neither has won since and their last points came when they drew 2-2 in Stuttgart in 2006.

Panama may already have used up their miracle, scoring two minutes from the end of their qualifying campaign to beat Costa Rica, eliminate the United States and qualify for their first finals.

Global Laws Regarding Homosexuality

Australia has now become the most recent country to have voted in favour of allowing same-sex couples to marry.

Last year, Ireland became the first country to legalize same sex mariage through popular vote.

While there has been a wave of same-sex marriage legalisation in recent times, there are still a handful of countries which punish homosexual acts with death and over 70 countries where it is illegal

UNESCO Recognition for 7 Indian Conservation Efforts

Seven projects from India were recognized by the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation programme for their efforts — three received the Award of Merit and four got an honorable mention. In all, sixteen projects from six countries - Australia, China, India, Iran, New Zealand, and Singapore - were recognized in this year's Heritage awards.

The awards aim to encourage other property owners to undertake conservation projects within their communities, either independently or by seeking public-private partnerships.

Here is a look at Indian projects that got the honours.

The World's Wealth Disparity

A recent report on global wealth reveals that global wealth is up 27 per cent since the 2007 financial crisis, but spread is far from even.

Today, 86 per cent per cent of the world's wealth is concentrated with less than 10 per cent of the world's population - now that is some disparity.

Best and the worst countries for women

Countries that are peaceful is where Women well-being is highest in the world, while those that are unstable or embroiled in conflict are the most dangerous for them, according to the 2017 Global Women, Peace and Security Index.

The index gauges the status of Women in 153 countries and ranks them on well-being which involves inclusion, justice and security.

Here's a look at the countries on top and those that are worst off.