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Refugees drown as boat sinks off Turkey

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Turkish media reports that 18 died and 14 were rescued after boat capsized in the Aegean Sea, between Turkey and Greece.

refugees

by Al Jazeera

At least 18 people have drowned after a refugee boat capsized off the Turkish coast near Bodrum, the Turkish Anadolu news agency reported.

The wooden boat carrying refugees, including Syrians and Iraqis, sank on Friday night as it travelled from Turkey’s coastal resort of Bodrum to Greece’s Kos Island.

According to the Bodrum Sea Rescue Society, coast guards retrieved the bodies, including those of children, who drowned.

The incident was the third attempted sea crossing to end in the deaths of refugees in the Aegean this week.

Less than 24 hours earlier, on Friday morning, eight Iraqi refugees, including five children, drowned after a boat sank off near Bodrum, Anadolu reported.

And on Wednesday, at least Syrian four refugees, including three babies, drowned as their boat sank off Bodrum.

The bodies of the dead refugees were taken to the Greek island of Leros and then to Rhodes for medical examination, according to the Anadolu report.

Kos and other Greek Islands are a few kilometres from the Turkish coast.

European border action

The European Commission said in a statement on Tuesday that it will adopt a set of measures to protect the EU’s external borders and manage migration more effectively.

The Commission proposed to establish a European border and coast guard to “ensure a strong and shared management of external borders to further increase security for European citizens”, the statement said.

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) says at least 45,255 refugees and migrants have arrived in the Greek islands from Turkey since the beginning of December.

Since January, at least 907,712 refugees and migrants made the journey to Europe, including 878,495 who have arrived by sea, the IOM said in a report earlier this month.

At least 3,563 people have gone missing or drowned trying to reach Europe, the IOM said in a report released in early December.

The UNHCR put the number of arrivals by sea at 956,683 and 3,625 reported missing or dead.

Don’t speak against India, Sharif tells his ministers

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Nawaz-Sharif

Islamabad: Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has stopped his ministers from giving anti-India statements so that the peace process is not hit, an official said.

A close aide to Sharif said on Friday that the ministers and senior officials had been asked not to issue any statement that could damage the peace process.

“There will be statements only that encourage the dialogue process rather than digging out the past. The PM has asked the close aides and cabinet members to promote peace,” The Nation quoted an official as saying.

He said Sharif was optimistic about better ties with India, which would benefit the whole region.

Sharif was annoyed by statements from India that New Delhi only wanted to discuss Pakistan occupied Kashmir in talks, but understands this is not Inidan government’s policy, the official added.

Sharif, the official said, wanted to give top priority to Kashmir, terrorism and trade when the two sides discuss peace.

Another official said Sharif and the military leadership were on the same page to make peace with India.

“There is no difference of opinion and both agree that there should be no compromise on the stated position on key issues,” he added.

An interaction between Sharif and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in Paris and subsequent meeting of the National Security Advisors in Bangkok set the pace for improvement in the bilateral ties.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also visited Pakistan on December 8 to attend the Heart of Asia conference.

She met Sharif and his advisor on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz on the sidelines of the conference.

It is expected that Sharif and Modi will meet again in Switzerland in January. The two leaders will be together on January 20 to attend the 46th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos-Klosters.

India’s outgoing High Commissioner to Pakistan TCA Raghavan on Thursday said the relations between the two countries were heading towards betterment.

Analysts said it was a positive development that Pakistan and India agreed to resume comprehensive dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues.

(IANS)

HC quashes probe against Yeddyurappa, DK Shivkumar in land case

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Yeddyurappa, DK Shivkumar

Bengaluru: Karnataka High Court on Friday quashed the Lokayukta proceedings against BJP vice-president and former Chief Minister B.S Yeddyurappa and Energy minister D K Shivkumar.

Two separate complaints were filed by social activist T.J. Abraham and Kabbale Gowda, alleging that Shivkumar had purchased 4.2 acres of land at Benniganahalli from the original owner, despite it being acquired by the BDA, and had allegedly got it de-notified with the help of the then chief minister Yeddyurappa.

Following the complaints, Yeddyurappa and Shivkumar had filed petitions seeking quashing of the proceedings.

In a big relief, on Friday, Justice Anand Byrareddy, in his verdict pronounced that the allegations leveled against the petitioners did not constitute criminal acts.

(Agencies)

National Herald case: Sonia, Rahul appear in court, granted bail

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sonia-rahul-gandhi

New Delhi: Congress president Sonia Gandhi and party vice president Rahul Gandhi were granted bail in the National Herald case on Saturday by a court here.

They appeared in the court of Metropolitan Magistrate Loveleen in the Patiala House courts complex amid tight security.

A team of Special Protection Guard (SPG), Border Security Force, and anti-bomb squad has been deployed at the Patiala House court premise here.

A large number of Congress party workers gathered at the party’s headquarters to express solidarity with the two top leaders.

Sonia Gandhi had reportedly asked party leaders and supporters from other states not to throng the capital on Saturday.

Congress leaders have alleged a “political vendetta” for the National Herald cheating and misappropriation case involving the Gandhis.

“Its a political vendetta. We will fight the legal battle in accordance with law. We have complete respect for the judicial process,” said Congress spokesman R.S. Surjewala.

Another Congress leader and senior advocate Abhishek Manu Shinghvi said: “We have faith in the judiciary, all legal options including bail are available. We will proceed to court in a serious and dignified manner. No reason for hype.”

The court had ordered Sonia and Rahul Gandhi to appear on Saturday in connection with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy’s complaint in the National Herald case.

On June 26 last year, the trial court issued summons to the Congress leaders on Swamy’s complaint about “cheating” in the acquisition of Associated Journals Ltd (AJL) by Young India Ltd (YIL), a firm in which Sonia Gandhi and her son each own a 38 percent stake.

The Delhi High Court last week dismissed the plea of the Gandhis to quash the summons issued to them by a trial court.

(IANS)

Movie Review: ‘Bajirao Mastani’ is spell binding, captivating, enchanting, endearing & entertaining beyond imagination

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Bajirao Mastani

Banner: Sanjay Leela Bhansali Films
Producer: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Star Cast: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra, Milind Sonam, Aditya Pancholi, Tanvi Azmi, Sukhada Khandekar, Anuja Gokhale, Vaibbhav Tatwadi, Ayush Tandon, Sanjay Mishra & Mahesh Manjrekar et al
Music: Sanchit Balhara, Shreyas Puranik & Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Sure enough director Sanjay Leela Bhansali is a well – known filmmaker of Bollywood, who needs no special introduction whatsoever. He had conceived this dream of making a historic biopic on Bajirao Mastani almost a decade ago. But he shelved the project midway due to unavoidable circumstances. And during this interim phase he ended up making films like Black, Saawasriya, Guzarish, Goliyon Ki Rasleela – Ram Leela. And finally he succeeded in filming & releasing his ambitious decade long dream project Bajirao Mastani. And what a brilliant film he has made!!!

Bajirao Mastani is a short & sweet triangular love drama. The scripted scenario of Bajirao Mastani kicks off with Bajirao (Ranveer Singh) being appointed as a Peshwa. Then soon enough Mastani (Deepika Padukone) seeks his help to save her kingdom. Although Bajirao is already married to Kashibai (Priyanka Chopra), love blossoms between Bajirao & Mastani.

In short Bajirao Mastani explicitly projects the period love story, the lovers conflict, the dramatic altercations, the battle sequences and of course, the ostentatiously opulence settings. The script is faultless, the pace is racy, in fact director Sanjay Leela Bhansali has kept a tight reigns on his cast & crew and thereby no one falters. The entire film keeps you hooked till the end with not a dull moment till the climax arrives which leaves you with a filling of déjà vu. Overall Bajirao Mastani is an enthralling period film that transports you to an era you had only read about in history books.

The entire team of Sanjay Leela Bhansali comprising of screenplay by Prakash R. Kapadia, additional screenplay by Sanjay Leela Bhansali & Mallika Dutt Gharde, editing by Rajesh G. Pandey, cinematography by Sudeep Chatterjee, music by Sanchit Balhara, Shreyas Puranik & Sanjay Leela Bhansali, action by Sham Kaushal, production designing by Sriram Kannan Iyengar, Sujeet Subhash Sawant, Saloni & Ankush Dhatrak et all deserves kudos for their brilliant efforts as they have given their full concentration & cooperation for Bhansali’s dream offering Bajirao Mastani. Besides Bhansali and his crew have adorned the film with fascinating characters & inspirational sub – plots that advance into a stunning culmination. But somewhere along the line Bajirao Mastani’s music does reminds you off the classical touch that reflects in all the songs especially the “Pinga” song that has an uncanny resemblance to “Dola Re” from Devdas.

Performance wise Ranveer Singh as Bajirao has delivered a mind blowing act. He is in his element by sinking his teeth deep into his character which proves he is in top form. This time he has finally proved that he is certainly an actor to be reckoned with and is here to stay. His body language is in sync with his character from “The Beginning” to “The End”. He has worked wonders in the climatic portions too. Deepika Padukone as Mastani is a sheer delight. She adds one more histrionic feather in her illustrious & chequered career after Piku. Priyanka Chopra springs a magical surprise with her tour de performance. She is indeed too good to be true. And both Deepika Padukone & Priyanka Chopra deserves all kudos oriented brownie points for depicting their brilliant on screen chemistry, almost as good as the Aishwarya Rai Bachchan & Maadhuri Dixit’s on screen chemistry in Bhansali’s own film Devdas. And last but not the least even the supporting cast is top notch, especially Tanvi Azmi (terrific), Milind Soman (wonderful), Vaibbhav Tatwawdi (superb), Yateen Karyekar (competent). Mahesh Manjrekar (perfect), Raza Murad (good) & Aditya Pancholi (eye catching). In fact all of them have enacted their respective roles with finesse.

Tail Piece: Bajirao Mastani is like a precious cinematic diamond which will leave you stunned till the last frame. It will leave you spell bound with its picture perfect performances, deft direction, superb screenplay, dynamic dialogues, melodious music and last but not the least the lavish mounting. Surely not be missed highly recommended fare.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starts shooting for Omang Kumar’s biopic Sarbjit

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aish

Of late there has been a lot of excitement for Omung Kumar’s upcoming biopic Sarbjit. The movie which has kick started shooting from this week with their its 1st schedule in Mumbai, stars Aishwarya Rai- Bachchan & Randeep Hooda in the lead. While Randeep Hooda has already shot his 1st scene as Sarbjit, Aishwarya Rai – Bachchan also started with the shooting recently.

Being a biopic, the makers have kept the looks of both lead characters extremely guarded but a Aishwarya Rai – Bachchan is going to have a complete de – glam look. The bewitching actress who is always been portrayed as the diva of Bollywood would go for a complete make over for her role as Dalbir Kaur, Sarabjit’s sister in the movie. In order to portray the realistic character of Dalbir Kaur, Aishwarya has chosen a de – glam look with no makeup & simple dressing .

With Aishwarya Rai – Bachchan donning a complete de – glamorized look, it would be exciting to see how this gorgeous actress will look in the character of a middle aged struggling woman.

The film is divided into a vast schedule which includes shooting in Mumbai from Dec, 2015 and then moving on to shoot in varied cities of Punjab like Amritsar, Malerkotla, Bhikipind Patiala in the month of Jan, 2016 and finally the last leg of the schedule will be shot in Delhi in the month of Feb, 2016.

The credits of the film Sarbjit are produced by Sandeep Singh, Omung Kumar & Vashu Bhagnani, screenplay by Rajesh Beri & Utkarshini Vashishtha, directed by Omung Kumar, cinematography by Kiran Deohans, production designingh by Vanitha Kumar, creative director is Sandeep Singh, costumes designed by Shaahid Amir & Neetu Singh & creative producer is Akshay Balsaraf.

The most awaited film Sarbjit is slated to release on 20th May, 2016 with its premiere to be held at the well acclaimed Cannes Film Festival.

UN adopts resolution to cut off ISIL funding

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The Security Council passed a resolution to disrupt all funding sources for ISIL in its first finance ministers meeting.

ISIL gets their money from ransom payments and other criminal activities [AP]

ISIL gets their money from ransom payments and other criminal activities [AP]

by Al Jazeera

The United Nations Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution to cut off all sources of funding for the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq (ISIL) and other groups it classifies as terrorist organisations.

In its first meeting at the finance ministers’ level on Thursday, the 15 member states stepped up their efforts to disrupt money supply for ISIL, including preventing access to ransom payments.

The Council called for “enhanced actions, from closing financial system loopholes to stopping the abuse of charitable causes, as well as updating the existing ISIL and al-Qaeda Sanctions List”.

The UN calls ISIL a splinter group of al-Qaeda and stresses that “any individual, group, undertaking, or entity supporting ISIL or al-Qaeda” is subject to UN sanctions, including an asset freeze, travel ban and arms embargo.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told the Council at the start of the debate on Thursday that ISIL has been far too quick and successful in attaining resources for their violent and deadly acts.

“As Daesh (another name for ISIL) and other terrorist groups disseminate their hateful propaganda and ratchet up murderous attacks, we must join forces to prevent them from acquiring and deploying resources to do further harm,” he stressed.

Ban called for increased international cooperation in sharing information and expertise, especially in stopping the illegal trade of cultural artefacts, and closer cooperation with the private and charitable sectors to identify suspected transactions, the UN press release released on Thursday said.

The Council also called on members to be prepared to detect any diversion of explosives, raw materials and components that can be used to manufacture improvised explosive devices or unconventional weapons.

The US said earlier this month that ISIL has made up to $1.5bn from looting banks in Iraq and Syria and through black market oil sales.

Kejriwal’s fresh salvo, claims CBI told to target Opposition

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CBI-Kejriwal

New Delhi: The confrontation between Delhi’s ruling AAP and the Centre Friday intensified with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal making fresh allegations that CBI has been asked to “target” the opposition and “finish those who don’t fall in line”.

Kejriwal’s latest salvo came a day after he demanded that Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley be removed from the Cabinet for alleged corruption in Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) which he had headed for 14 years till 2013.

Jaitley had rejected the allegations calling it was a propaganda technique of Kejriwal to deflect attention when he himself was in the “dock”.

Kejriwal today tweeted, “A CBI officer told me yesterday that CBI has been asked to target all opposition parties and finish those who don’t fall in line.”

The AAP chief once again chose the social media route to level the charges. He had virtually live-tweeted the CBI raid at his Principal Secretary Rajendra Kumar’s office in the Delhi Secretariat on Tuesday.

Kejriwal had said Jaitley’s assertion that AAP’s allegations against him are “unsubstantiated and non-specific” could not be treated as “gospel truth” as the charges against him were “very, very serious”.

(Agencies)

Bajrang Dal workers protest Dilwale’s screening in Bihar

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Dilwale

Patna: Bajrang Dal activists in Bihar on Friday protested against the release of Shah Rukh Khan starrer “Dilwale” and stopped the film’s screening at two theatres, police said.

Angered by Shah Rukh’s statement on intolerance in the country, they shouted slogans and opposed the screening in Araria and Patna districts.

At one of the theatres, the activists burnt an effigy of Shah Rukh and threatened to take their protest to different places in the coming days.

(Agencies)

 

DDCA row: AAP poses 5 questions to Jaitley

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arun jaitley

New Delhi: The AAP today put “five specific” questions to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley relating to its allegations of corruption in Delhi’s cricket body DDCA under his watch and accused him of giving “vague” response to the charges.

Calling Jaitley a “master of half truth and beautiful lies”, AAP leader Ashutosh made certain fresh allegations against the Finance Minister and said his comments that there was no specific charges against him was “misleading”.

Jaitley has strongly rejected the allegations calling them a propaganda technique of Kejriwal to deflect attention when he himself was in the “dock” following a CBI raid in Delhi Secretariat.

Addressing a press conferencehere, Ashutosh accused DDCA of allowing private firm 21st Century to sub-lease 10 corporate boxes at Feroz Shah Kotla stadium and claimed the firm owned by a friend of Jaitley was extended financial benefit to the tune of over Rs 5 crore for the deal.

The AAP leader asked Jaitley to clarify who were members of the 21st Century and whether it had any of his kin.

The AAP leader also accused Jaitley of putting pressure on ONGC to give an amount of Rs 5 crore to Hockey India and sought to know what was the reason behind it.

Alleging huge financial bungling in reconstruction of the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium, the AAP leader said although public sector entity EPIL was paid Rs 57 crore for the project the remaining Rs 57 crore out of the total expenditure of Rs 114 crore was distributed among nine companies.

“The registered address, e-mail and directors of these companies were same. Did Jaitley know about these companies and is it not corruption,” asked the AAP leader.

On Jaitley’s comments that the SFIO report had absolved him, Ashutosh said the Finance Minister hid the fact that punishment for offences mentioned by the central agency included imprisonment.

“We had raised specific questions and Jaitley gave vague answers. That is why we are coming out with five specific questions for him,” AAP leader Sanjay Singh said.

The AAP leaders also asked Jaitley to tell about his relationship with Hockey India chief Narendra Batra.

They said Delhi Government last month had set up committee to probe irregularities in DDCA after getting a communication in this regard from Union Sports Ministry. They said Home Ministry had communicated to Sports Ministry about irregularities in DDCA following which it wrote to Delhi Government.

Following a CBI raid in Delhi Secretariat in connection with charges against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s Principal Secretary Rajendra Kumar, AAP has been claiming that the Central agency carried out the searches to target the AAP chief and was looking for a file relating to graft in DDCA.

Since then, the party has been demanding resignation of Jaitley from the Union Cabinet.

(PTI)

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