Sunday, July 31, 2016

2016 Rio Olympic Games in Brazil - Desperate Brazil chases elusive football gold

Brazil is seeking redemption in the form of an Olympic football gold to wash away the sins of repeated failures that reached a nadir with the 7-1 loss to Germany at the 2014 FIFA World Cup

Brazil, the most successful World Cup team with five triumphs, has never won an Olympic gold. It reached the final in 2012 after winning five consecutive matches, but lost 2-1 to Mexico. This is its second big opportunity and Neymar will be looking to exploit it.

Indian Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu flags off Delhi-Agartala ‘Tripura Sundari Express’ Sunday July 31,2016.

Railway connectivity between Agartala and New Delhi was finally achieved with launch of ‘Tripura Sundari Express’ train on Sunday July 31,2016.

Union Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu flagged off the train in the presence Bangladesh Railways Minister Md. Mazibul Hoque.

Suresh. Prabhu and Mr. Hoque also laid foundation stone of India–Bangladesh Board Gauge Rail link between Agartala and Akhaura in Bangladesh, in the historic event overseen by Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy, Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, MoS for Railways Rajen Gohain, host of Tripura State ministers and top rail officials of both countries.

Thousands of people gathered at Agartala railway station to witness the event. Railway ministers of both countries spoke at length about existing friendly relations between India and Bangladesh, and felt need of more cooperation that can benefit trade, commerce and tourism.

“I am inviting Md Mazibul Hoque to New Delhi for

further deliberations on mutually beneficial issues”, Suresh Prabhu stated.

He said Bangladesh would be convinced to reopen the British era rail link between Belonia in south Tripura and Feni in southeast Bangladesh. Ministers and MPs of Tripura were insisting of reviving pre independence rail connectivity across the border.

The ambitious India–Bangladesh rail project was mooted in 2012 and both countries signed a MoU in February 2013 to create 15.06km line of which 10km falls in Bangladesh.

India would bear entire expenditure for Rs.968 crore estimated project. Rs.148 crore has been allocated in 2015–16 Budget of the union government.

2016 Petrol Price REvision Sunday July 31,2016

Petrol price cut by Rs 1.42 per litre, diesel by Rs 2.01 a litre

Oil marketing companies on Sunday July 31,2016 cut petrol prices by Rs 1.42 a litre and diesel by Rs 2.01 a litre. The new prices will be applicable from midnight of July 31, 2016 and August 01, 2016

With this change, the price of petrol in the national capital will be Rs. 61.09 per litre (including State levies), while one litre diesel will cost Rs. 52.27

Petrol price was last cut by 89 paise a litre and diesel by 49 paise a litre on July 15. Prior to this, prices had been hiked on four occasions since May 1.

Thousands March For Scottish Independence In Glasgow Saturday July 30,2016

Up to 7,000 people marched through the streets of Glasgow on Saturday July 30,2016 calling for Scottish independence from the UK - as a new survey suggested there has been no shift in favour of independence since Brexit Vote

Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon has said a second independence referendum is “on the table” after the UK overall voted to leave the European Union but Scots overwhelmingly voted to stay. She suggested that an independent Scotland could remain in the EU as a separate country.

2016 England Vs Pakistan Third Test @ Edgbaston Aug 03-07,2016 - Ben Stokes Out of Third Test Against Pakistan

England all-rounder Ben Stokes has been ruled of next week's third Test against Pakistan at Edgbaston with a torn right calf, the England and Wales Cricket Board said on Wednesday July 27,2016

Durham paceman Stokes suffered the injury midway through bowling his sixth over on the fourth day of the second Test at Old Trafford on Monday, when England completed a 330-run win to level the four-match series at 1-1.

A scan revealed the extent of Stokes's injury and the 25-year-old's fitness will be reviewed by the England medical team next week, with the squad assembling in Birmingham on Monday July 25,2016

In addition to the remaining 10 fit players who featured at Old Trafford, England have selected Nottinghamshire paceman Jake Ball, who made his Test debut in a 75-run defeat by Pakistan in the series opener at Lord's.

Also in a 13-man squad is Middlesex fast bowler Steven Finn, who also played in that match, and Yorkshire leg-spinner Adil Rashid.

The third Test starts on Wednesday, August 03,2016

England Squad For the Third Test @ Edgbaston Aug 03-07,2016
Alastair Cook (Essex, capt), Alex Hales (Nottinghamshire), Joe Root (Yorkshire), James Vince (Hampshire), Gary Ballance (Yorkshire), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire), Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire, wkt), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), James Anderson (Lancashire), Steven Finn (Middlesex), Jake Ball (Nottinghamshire), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire)

2016 Rio Olympic Games in Brazil - Eyeing Olympic Glory, Indian Hockey Teams Arrive in Rio Friday July 29,2016

Determined to put up a top-notch performance at the 2016 Olympic Games, the Indian men and women's hockey teams arrived on Friday July 29,2016

While the men's team traveled from Madrid after playing two friendly matches against the Spanish national squad, the Indian women's team arrived from Philadelphia where they won two matches against Canada and one match against USA national teams.

This will be the first women's hockey team from India in 36 years to play at the Olympics.

The excitement and anxiousness was palpable among the women led by promising young Captain Sushila Chanu.

The Hockey India women's team features in Pool B and will play against Argentina, Australia, Great Britain, USA and Japan.

The Men's hockey team, riding high on their recent exploits in the FIH Champions Trophy in London where the PR Sreejesh-led squad won a historic Silver medal, is vying to get the better of some of the top teams in their pool.

On arrival, India captain Sreejesh said, "Our first priority is to beat some of the top teams in our pool including Germany, Argentina and Netherlands.

Though we have beaten each of these teams in the past or have come close to beating Germany in the Champions Trophy recently, the Olympic Games is a different ball game and we need to put up something extraordinary and special to excel against them."

Sreejesh further said that every match will be crucial and their first goal is to make the QF's

The men's team will take on Ireland on August 6 in their first match while the women begin their campaign against Japan on August 7,2016

2016-17 La Liga - Kevin Gameiro Joins Atletico Madrid on 4-Year Deal Saturday July 30,2016

French striker Kevin Gameiro has joined Atletico Madrid on a 4-year deal from fellow La Liga side Sevilla, the Champions League finalists said on Saturday July 30,2016

The 29-year-old scored 67 goals in three years at Sevilla and though no financial details of the transfer were released, media reports suggested Atletico signed the France international for an initial fee of 32 million euros ($35.78 million).

"Atletico de Madrid and Sevilla FC have reached an agreement for the transfer of Kevin Gameiro to our club. The striker, who will sign for four seasons, will travel to Madrid this evening," Atletico said in a statement.

"The transfer is contingent to the French player successfully undergoing a medical examination."
Gameiro's arrival was also likely put an end to Atletico's hopes of re-signing striker Diego Costa from Chelsea

NDA Govt Cabinet Drops 1% Additional Tax From Goods and Services Tax Bill Wednesday July 27,2016

The Cabinet on Wednesday July 27,2016 cleared changes in the GST Constitutional Amendment Bill, dropping 1 per cent manufacturing tax and providing guarantee to compensate states for any revenue loss in the first five years of rollout of the proposed indirect tax regime.

The Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, decided to include in the Constitutional Amendment Bill that any dispute between states and the Centre will be adjudicated by the GST Council, which will have representation from both the Centre and states.

With states on board and the Cabinet approving the amendments, the government is hopeful of passage of the long-pending Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill in the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament, which ends on August 12,2016

The GST Bill, with the changes approved by the Cabinet, could come up in the Rajya Sabha as early as this week, but certainly by next week.

The changes approved by the Cabinet are to the Constitutional Amendment Bill that was approved by the Lok Sabha in August last year. Once the Rajya Sabha approves the legislation, the amended Bill will have to go back to the Lok Sabha again for approval.

World Stationery Expo in New Delhi,India July 29 and July 31,2016

Over 7,000 to 8,000 stationery products — from unique writing instruments to office equipment, art and school supplies to notebooks and diaries — will be up for sale at the first edition of World Stationery Expo in New Delhi,India

Organised by MEX Exhibitions Pvt Ltd, the three-day long fair will be hosted at Pragati Maidan between July 29 and July 31,2016

The expo, that promises to be a "one-stop hub" for stationery supplies from across the globe, will exhibit products in distinguished budget ranges, targeted at small, medium and large offices, organizations and educational institutes.

"It is more of B2B and less of B2C. It is not targeted at end-to-end consumer requirements. For anyone who requires stationery for their office or institute, this is the place to be

"It is targeted at institutional sales in terms of pens and art supplies, educational institute supplies. Everything from a small Rs 10 product to a few hundreds rupees, will be there," Himani Gulati, Director, MEX Exhibitions, said.

The fair will have two other shows — Gift expo and Office Expo — running parallel to the event at the same venue with both national companies and international brands exhibiting world class stationery.

"We have people from all across the country and a few international names there. For Gift and Stationery Expos combined, there are about 150 exhibiting companies," Gulati said. The Stationery World Expo seeks to provide an opportunity for business attendees and visitors to meet and network with numerous exhibitors at a single platform and source everything under a single roof.

Govt Extends Last Date For Filing Tax Returns to August 5,2016

The last date for filing income-tax returns has been extended to August 5,2016

Tax returns for 2015-16 (assessment year 2016-17) were originally to be filed by July 31. But in view of the day-long strike at public sector banks, the deadline has been extended to August 5.

For Jammu and Kashmir, the deadline will be August 31 in view of the ongoing turmoil in the state.

"In view of today's bank strike and disturbance in J&K, the due date of IT return filing is being extended," Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia said in a tweet on Friday July 29,2016

For assessees across India liable to file I-T returns by July 31, the deadline is extended up to August 5, he said.

"For assessees in J&K, this date has been extended to August 31,2016" the secretary added

JK Rowling Bids Farewell To Harry Potter at 'Cursed Child' Gala Saturday July 30,2016

A general view shows The Palace Theatre where the Harry Potter and The Cursed Child parts One and Two play is being staged in London

A new "Harry Potter" play that opened to swooning reviews and delighted gasps from the audience marks the end of the journey for the beloved boy wizard, his creator J.K. Rowling said at the play's premiere in London on Saturday July 30,2016

Billed as the eighth instalment in the series, the play "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" and a book based on its script have helped awaken a new wave of Pottermania five years since the previous episode was made into a movie.

Throngs of fans crowded bookstores for the midnight release of the book, hours after the play in London's West End theatre district dazzled theatre-goers with swishing capes, billowy wraiths floating overhead and illusionist tricks of actors appearing to vanish into thin air.

The play, a marathon affair running over five hours and split into two parts, is sold out through May 2017. Enthusiasts from around the world queued outside the ornate Palace Theatre for a glimpse of Rowling and the cast of the production.

Many in attendance at the show said it lived up to its billing in reviews as a thrilling theatrical spectacle, with deft stagecraft that drew audible gasps at times.

The play opens ahead of the November movie version of Rowling's Potter spinoff book "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," and follows the opening in April of a second Harry Potter attraction within a theme park, this time at Universal Studios in Los Angeles.

Mel B (41)at the Maxim Hot 100 party Saturday July 30,2016

Mel B's lost close to 30 pounds after an intensive workout regime.

And Mel B certainly looked fit as she stepped out at the Maxim Hot 100 party in Hollywood on Saturday night July 30,2016

The 41-year-old former Spice Girl flaunted her enviably toned legs in a daring split red gown that exposed a flash of her hips.

Mel B was joined at the event by her film producer husband Stephen Belafonte, who was happy to pose with his wife of eight years

2016 Rio Olympic Games in Brazil - Russian swimmers Vladimir Morozov and Nikita Lobintsev appeal against Rio 2016 Olympic ban Saturday July 30,2016

Russian swimmers Vladimir Morozov and Nikita Lobintsev have launched an appeal against the ruling banning them from next month’s Rio Olympic Games even though they have never failed a doping test.

The duo want the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to overturn the decision of swimming’s world governing body FINA to ban them for not falling within the IOC’s new criteria on allowing Russian competitors to compete.

The criteria states that only if they have not previously failed a drugs test and can prove they are clean and not associated with the country’s doping regime are Russian athletes eligible to take part in the Games.

Lobintsev and U.S.-based Morozov were part of Russia’s bronze-medal winning 4x100m freestyle team at the London 2012 Games, while Lobintsev also won a silver medal in the 4x200m freestyle relay at Beijing 2008.

The two swimmers were suspended after they were named in relation to the “disappearing positives” revelations – false reporting of positive samples – in a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-led independent report into doping in Russia.

Neither swimmer has ever served a ban for a positive test, and both have repeatedly said they are clean athletes.

Note

After a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) backed investigation said there had been Russian state-organised doping, the IOC on July 24 ordered individual federations to rule which Russian athletes could compete in Rio.

Since then, at least 117 Russians have been ruled out of the Rio Games which start on Friday Aug 05,2016

2016 Rio Olympic Games in Brazil - International Tennis Federation clears Russian tennis team for Rio 2016 Sunday July 24,2016

Russia’s eight-strong tennis team for the Rio Olympics was cleared to play by the International Tennis Federation on Sunday July 24,2016 after the International Olympic Committee opted against a blanket ban for state-backed sports doping.

The ITF said that the players nominated by Russia all met the requirements set down to guarantee their participation at the Games which start on August 5,2016

All eight have “been subject to a rigorous anti-doping testing programme outside Russia”.
This included a total of 205 samples collected since 2014, of which 83 (40%) were collected in-competition and 122 (60%) out-of-competition.

Also 111 (54%) were urine samples and 94 (46%) were blood samples.

“The ITF believes that this is sufficient for the eight Russian tennis players to meet the relevant requirement of today’s decision of the IOC Executive Board,” said an ITF statement.

The Russian team is made up of Andrey Kuznetsov, Evgeny Donskoy and Teymuraz Gabashvili in the men’s singles.

In women’s singles, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, Darya Kasatkina and Ekaterina Makarova will play while Elena Vesnina features in the women’s doubles.

“The ITF will be seeking confirmation from WADA that none of those players, or the Russian Tennis Federation, were implicated in the McLaren report, in accordance with the IOC decision,” added the ITF statement

Off-duty Swedish cop makes an arrest in bikini while sunbathing Wednesday July 27,2016

Swedish police officer Mikaela Kellner is pinning a man to the ground who is suspected to have stolen a friend's mobile phone as she said, in Stockholm, Sweden

She was off duty and wearing a bikini but that didn’t stop Swedish police officer Mikaela Kellner from catching a suspected thief.

A photo of Kellner pinning the suspect to the ground was trending on social media in Sweden this week.

“My first intervention while wearing a bikini during my 11 years as a police officer,” she wrote on Instagram.

Kellner and three friends were sunbathing Wednesday July 27,2016 in a Stockholm park, a homeless man selling newspapers approached, she told Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet.

After he left, one friend noticed her phone was missing. Kellner and a fellow police officer gave chase.
Kellner said she didn’t hesitate to make the arrest while wearing a bikini.

“If I had been naked, I would have intervened as well,” she said.

2016 Rio Olympic Games in Brazil - Indian Olympian Profiles

India will boast of a strong 121-man contingent at Rio Olympics with the likes of Leander Paes participating in his seventh quadrennial event and shooter Kynan Chenai making his debut.

Both hockey squads have qualified for the Olympics and this will be the first time women will be in participating after 1980.

In golf, sport returning after 112 years to Olympics, three golfers will be looking to make their mark.

India have their strongest athletics contingent ever with a record number of participants pushing forward for a podium finish.