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Archives for 2015

Tension in Haryana village after church attack

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Chandigarh: Tension prevailed in a village in Haryana’s Hisar district on Monday after an under construction church was attacked and vandalised by miscreants and the idol of a Hindu god was placed inside the premises.

Police officials said on Monday that 14 people were booked for rioting, damaging place of worship, theft and promoting enmity following a complaint from the church priest in Kaimri village in Hisar district, 260km from here.

No arrests have been made so far. The attackers allegedly damaged the cross at the church and took away some other items.

The priest told media that certain activists of the Bajrang Dal and others had threatened him earlier. He alleged that the same people could be behind the attack on the church.

“I was threatened by Bajrang Dal activists and other locals last month,” the priest, Subhash Chand, said.

Haryana has a BJP government since October last year. Local residents in the village alleged that the priest was trying to construct the church despite the fact that there was no Christian in the entire village.

(Agencies)

 

'Fresh and fit' Kejriwal discharged from Bengaluru

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Arvind-Kejriwal-Bangalore

Bengaluru: A “fresh and fit” Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was discharged on Monday from a hospital here after 10 days of naturopathy treatment to cure his chronic cough and high blood sugar and immediately left for the national capital.

“Kejriwal left for airport in a private vehicle to board an evening flight to Delhi. He has recovered from the twin symptoms he had when he came here on March 5 and is fine,” Jindal Naturecure Institute medical officer Jayachandran told media later.

 

Before leaving the hospital on the city’s outskirts, Kejriwal told the media that he was feeling “fresh and fit” and was excited to return home by late evening.

“My cough and blood sugar level are under control now. I am feeling fresh and fit after treatment at Jindal,” Kejriwal said after discharge.

Expressing gratitude to the hospital staff, including doctors and nurses, for taking care of him, Kejriwal said he was relieved to be free from nagging cough and high blood sugar as they affected his health and work.

“I am looking forward to be at home with family by night and resume work soon. I have been told to strictly keep away from aerated drinks and oily food. I have learnt a lot about the importance of diet, rest and regular exercises to stay fit and remain healthy,” Kejriwal pointed out.

He added in a tweet: “Am excited to return (to Delhi) to resume work.”

The 46-year-old Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader was driven to airport by the party’s state unit convener Prithvi Reddy, followed by a dozen volunteers.

Kejriwal, however, declined to comment on the crisis in the party, saying he was pre-occupied with the naturopathy treatment and had no time to discuss the issues with his colleagues in Delhi or here.

Kejriwal is accompanied by his parents Gobind Ram and Gita Devi, who too got treated for age related symptoms.

Asked about the cost of the treatment, Kejriwal hastened to say that he paid the hospital bills from his own money and won’t seek reimbursement from the Delhi government.

According to hospital sources, Kejriwal was billed Rs.17,000 a day for accommodation in a three-bed room cottage ‘Nest’ located in the midst of the sprawling institute campus on the Bengaluru-Pune National Highway.

“Total cost of treatment, including therapies, massages, yogic exercises and ayurvedic liquids, fresh juices and dietary food, would have been Rs.10,000-12,000 a day,” a source said on the condition of anonymity.

Aware of Kejriwal’s hectic schedule and pre-occupation with political and other engagements, doctors have advised him to maintain a strict diet, take food at the prescribed hour and go to bed early and to get up early.

“As Kejriwal is unable to extend his stay here due to the upcoming budget session (of the Delhi assembly) and other pressing engagements, we have prescribed a regime comprising naturopathy treatment, diet and exercises,” Jindal medical director Babina Nandakumar told IANS.

Kejriwal was earlier treated at the institute when he came with noted social activist Anna Hazare in February 2012. He then had high blood sugar level but no cough.

“Kejriwal stayed with us for 16 days and followed our nature cure regime, diet and treatment instructions meticulously. On discharge, his sugar level was within normal limits without medication,” Nandakumar recalled.

During the last three years, due to pre-occupation with social and political activities and punishing schedules, Kejriwal could not maintain the lifestyle changes he had learnt at the institute.

Preliminary tests on March 5-6 showed that Kejriwal’s faulty and stressful lifestyle, including consumption of aerated drinks, irregular eating habits, high level of pollution in Delhi and accumulation of toxins in his body had resulted in chronic cough and high blood sugar.

“We gave detoxifying treatment in the form of yogic therapy and diet comprising vegetable and fresh juices, sprouts, ayurvedic liquids, soup, boiled vegetables and chapathis to rejuvenate his entire system,” the director added.

The institute has advised Kejriwal dietary changes and daily practice of prescribed yogasana, pranayama and kriya — a form of breathing technique to cleanse the inner body — when he returns to Delhi.

(Agencies)

Movie Review: 'Chappie' is fascinating but fails to live up to everyone's expectation

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Banner: Media Rights Capital
Producer: Simon Kinberg
Director: Neill Blomkamp
Cast: Sharlto Copley as Chappie (voice. & motion capture), Dev Patel, Ninja, Yo – Landi Visser, Jose Pablo Cantillo, Sigourney Weaver, Hugh Jackman, Anderson Cooper, Brandon Auret &  Watkin Tudor Jones
Music: Hans Zimmer

Director Neill Blomkamp of ‘District 9’ & ‘Elysium’ fame has treaded on a different kind of filmmaking genre, namely that of robotic world in lieu with the multi – million dollar heist angle.

The plotted scenario reveals that Deon Wilson (Dev Patel) is the lead programmer of the Scouts programme, which has provided Johannesburg with an all – robotic police force and brought order to the lawless town. Deon Wilson is working on making his machines better through giving them artificial intelligence. Vincent Moore (Hugh Jackman) is a war veteran, who doesn’t care for nerds such as colleague Deon Wilson, wears shorts to office unlike Deon Wilson’s tie & shirt and who is pushing for his own Moore programme in which humans will control a crime – busting robot via a neuro – transmitter helmet. Things take a turn when Deon Wilson is denied permission to try his breakthrough A. I. technology on his Scouts. He then secretes a dismantled robot away, is kidnapped on his way home and threatened by his abductors to load this robot with the a new technology. The result is ‘Chappie’, a robot that is like a child when rebooted, but who learns things much, much faster, is curious, inquisitive, has feelings and a consciousness. Chappie is absolutely charming. The scenario takes a turn and brings in South African musicians Ninja & Yo – Landi Visser, along with Cantillo, who play the gangsters who kidnapped Deon Wilson. Yo – Landi Visser takes on the role of Chappie’s ‘mother’, she reads him bedtime stories, delights in his paintings and the speed at which he picks up new words and tells him all about soul. On the other hand Ninja takes on the role of Chappie‘s father and begins to like him, though his primary motive remains using Chappie to pull off a multi – million dollar heist and ward off fellow robotic police officers. Time for another twist, Chappie is attacked, has his arm cut off and stumbles through his first few hours bewildered at how things are turning out. Particularly as “maker” Deon Wilson had instructed him “never, ever” to do anything criminal.

‘Chappie’ (stylized as Chappie) is an American science fiction film directed by Neill Blomkamp. The screenplay, written by Blomkamp & his real life spouse Terri Tatchell, is based on Blomkamp’s own 2004 short film ‘Tetra Vaal’. Not to forget his copied inspiration (Read Robocop). The only praiseworthy crew members are cinematographer Trent Opalach and to some extent editor Julian Clarke and music composer Hans Zimmer.

Performance wise it is Dev Patel of ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ fame as Deon Wilson who walks away with all the acting honors as he makes his presence felt in all the frames throughout the film’s duration. The next in line impressive performers are Ninja & Yo – Landi Visser. The rest of the actors like Jose Pablo Cantillo, Anderson Cooper, Brandon Auret & Watkin Tudor Jones are ok. But the most let down act has been delivered by Sigourney Weaver & Hugh Jackman.

Tailpiece: ‘Chappie’ can be recommended as an enjoyable fare for Kids.

Southern movies round up

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As compared to films produced in Bollywoodian & Hollywoodian Cinema arena, South Indian Cinema is rapidly & regylaerly progressing by churning out its own brand of gems of milestone movies in all the 4 languages namely Kannada, Malyalam, Telugu & Tamil. In an exclusive Nasheman.In, Shaheen Raaj will present a sneak preview of the productional happenings of Southern Cinema every fortnight. Time to stay tuned in.

AR Rehman – Manirathnam -Vairamuthu Combo To Be Back With A Big Bang

AR Rehman – Manirathnam -Vairamuthu combo to be back with a big bang. A surprise treat is in the offing for all the die hard fans of AR Rehman – Manirathnam – Vairamuthu combo. As the single “Mental Manathil” from ‘OK Kanmani’ is releasing shortly and is all set to rock the music world. Incidentally speaking ‘OK Kanmani’ is all set to release on 14th Apr, 2015 and stars Dulquer Salman & Nithya Menon with cinematography by P. C. Sriram. The film said to be on the lines of ‘Alaipaythey’, one of the most awaited films releasing this summer.

Vishal & Mysskin Join Hands For The 1st Time Ever

Vishal & Mysskin join hands for the 1st time ever. Mysskin, the maverick director is joining hands with Vishal for the 1st time ever. Mishkin is all set to release his assistant Vadivel’s movie ‘Kallapadam’. The music rights have been bagged by Vishal’s “Vishal Music company”. The audio release function is expected soon. “K”, who scored the music for Mysskin’s ‘Yuddham Sai’ & ‘Mugamoodi’ has scored the music.

‘Kallapadam’ movie is based on “Koothupattarai” and there are 5 songs in the movie. Mysskin has written the lyrics and sung one of the songs and the rest of the songs have been sung by “Koothupattarai” members themselves.

Santosh Narayan Chooses ‘Bangalore Day’ After ‘Madras’

Santosh Narayan chooses ‘Bangalore Day’ after ‘Madras’. Santosh Narayan is one of the finest music directors of Tamil cinema as he got the knack of delivering the perfect Bank Ground Music’s and soul stirring songs. His work in ‘Madras’ got him loads of acclaims and he has become one amongst the most sought after musicians in the southern industry. The Malayalam blockbuster, ‘Bangalore Days’ is getting remade in Tamil & Telugu under ‘Bommarilu’ Baskar’s direction and the latest news to emerge from their camp is, Santosh Narayan will be composing music for this bi – lingual fare.

Poorna Shakes A Leg With Jayam Ravi

Poorna shakes a leg with Jayam Ravi. The already star – studded ‘Appatakar’ has one more addition, with Poorna coming on board for a special song. The actress will shake her legs with Jayam Ravi for a pulsating number.

The song is said to be a a mix of folk & western beats and it would have the ‘Muniyandi Vilangiyal Moondramandu’ & ‘Vithagan’ actress in different costumes, along with Jayam Ravi.

Trisha & Anjali are the heroines of ‘Appatakar’, directed by Suraaj. Vivekh & Santhanam are also there. Shooting is currently on in full swing in Pollachi.

Sivakarthikeyan Is Making Waves

Sivakarthikeyan Is Making Waves. Sivakarthikeyan is in the news for all the right reasons. His much awaited ‘Kakki Sattai’, directed by Durai Senthilkuumar & produced by Dhanush has hit the theatres on 27th Feb, 2015. There is more good news for the star’s fans that with the producers of his next film ‘Rajini Murugan’ are planning to unveil the 1st look of this film on 18th Apr, 2015. Rumors are rife that as many as 370 theatres have been booked for this film and some more are expected. This film is produced by Lingusamy & Subash Chandra Bose of Thirrupathi Brothers, Eros International has teamed up to release it worldwide & Studio Green K. E. Gnanavel Raja has acquired the Tamil Nadu theatrical rights.

Nayantara To Enact A Dual Role For The 1st Time Ever

Nayantara to enact a dual role for the 1st time ever. For the 1st time in her career, Nayanthara is playing a dual role in a Tamil movie titled ‘Maaya’. It is a female centric horror entertainer.

Though the makers had first considered the title ‘Night Show’ for the film, they have changed it as ‘Maaya’. This film will be released in Telugu as ‘Mayuri’. Ashwin Saravanan is making his debut as director with this film. Nayanthara will be seen as a mother in this movie. Nayanthara is the leading heroine in Tamil now with half a dozen films in the pipeline and in Telugu, she will be seen opposite Balakrishna in the actor’s 99th film, directed by Sriwass.

Dasari Narayana Rao Teams Up With Pawan Kalyan

Dasari Narayana Rao teams up with Pawan Kalyan. The fans of Pawan Kalyan have been in a shock since Dasari Narayana Rao announced that he is going to team up with Pawan Kalyan for a movie. Though there is no official announcement, the news is that Dr. M. Mohan Babu is being considered as a villain for this movie. Mohan Babu had played negative roles during the early years of his career but it would be interesting to see him as a baddie now.

Many actors are turning villains at present and it is a good sign for the industry that our actors are getting ready to play different roles if the story demands.

Puri Jagannadh May Direct Chiranjeevi

Puri Jagannadh is all set to direct Chiranjeevi. With the big success of ‘Temper’, Puri Jagannadh is back in the big league and now the director’s aim is to direct Chiranjeevi. He said that he has been a big fan of Chiranjeevi since his childhood and will be very happy if Chiru gives him a chance to direct his 150th film. He also said that though he has no story with him, he has registered the title ‘Auto Jaani’ for Chiru long time back. He added the title would strike a chord with the masses easily and no one would bother what the story of the film is, if Chiru acts in a film with that title. Auto Jaani is the name of Chiranjeevi’s character in his super hit film, ‘Rowdy Alludu’. Lets see if Chiranjeevi gives his nod for Puri Jagannadh.

Senior Cinematographer Vincent Is No More

Senior cinematographer Vincent left for his heavenly abode recently. Senior
cinematographer Aloysius Vincent, who has worked for South as well as  Bollywood films, has passed away. He was 86. He worked with many big actors in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam & Hindi films like Sr. NTR, ANR, Rajesh Khanna, Balakrishna, Chiranjeevi, Venkatesh et al. He is best known for his work as a cinematographer for films like ‘Adavi Ramudu’, ‘Prem Nagar’ (Hindi), ‘Major Chandrakanth’, ‘Annamayya’ et al in Telugu. He was one of the most revered cinematographers in India. His son Jayanan Vincent is also a cinematographer.

Anoop Menon To Script For Priyan

Anoop Menon to write a screenplay for Priyan. “Priyadarshan…….we as a generation was fed on his films…….a master of the craft, the moments spent with him were replete with anecdotes and sheer movie magic…….will be soon writing for the maverick’…….!” wrote Anoop Menon in his social networking page thereby announcing his new project. Anoop who is excited to be a part of his favorite director Priyadarshan, is planning this project as an out & out commercial entertainer. Anoop who finds Priyadarshan as the big reason for his passion for cinema was also recently seen in a Priyadarshan movie named ‘Aamayum Muyalum’ which uynfortunately failed at the Box Office.

Pranav Says No To Acting

Pranav says no to acting. Following a statement from actor turned director Sajid Yahiya about his new film, ‘Inspector Davood Ibrahim’, reports flooded on the net about Pranav Mohanlal’s entry as hero through this film. All media were after the young assistant of Jeethu Joseph to know about the real story and its confirmation. But incidentally speaking Pranav has not yet confirmed about his entry into film acting. Citing earlier stories as baseless, it is now learned that Pranav still doesn’t have any solid acting plans. Pranav, had earlier acted in films like ‘Punarjani’ & ‘Onnaman’, while he was a child. He is currently assisting director Jeethu Joseph in the Dileep starrer ‘Life Of Josutty’.

Horro To Star In ‘Last Bus’

Horro to star in ‘Last Bus’. Last Bus is very important on many occasions. When the last bus is not caught for reaching the destination, life becomes horrible. It is not horrible but horror says director of ‘Jugari’ in his 2nd film ‘Last Bus’. The shoot has been completed for this film with 6 prominent actors. The grand children of Hasyachakravarthy Narasimharaju – SD Aravind, Avinash & Samarth are part of this film. 6 strangers in the ‘Last Bus’ travelling to Malanad reach a bungalow. They witness lots of strange developments in the stay. Pravin D. Rao has scored the background music & K. Y. Narayanaswamy has lent 3 songs. Aravind has composed songs. Avinash Narasimharaju has high expectations from this film. Deepa Gowda admitted that she had taken 35 takes for 1st shot. Manasa Joshi, Meghasri Bhagavathar expressed happiness while working for this film. Rajesh is playing Kerala Mantrik’s role. 3rd generation from Narasimharaju family Samarth is in a prominent role.

‘Kanana’ All Set To Go On The Floors

‘Kanana’ All Set To Go On The Floors. This is yet another father & son combination project. On the investment of father the young son is entering filmdom via ‘Kaanana’. S. Srinivas of S. Nalige Productions is introducing a new director Radha. Radha has written story, screenplay, & dialogue besides direction.

According to director Radha the film is on crime & punishment. The shoot will be held In Hosur, Kolar & other locales of Kerala. Son of producer Srinivas, Sushanth who is making his debut worked in England for 3 years and is currently an employee of HP company. He is also a close relative of famous comedian N. S. Rao.

"My film 'Monsoon' is the final test of my inborn histrionic talent": Shristi Sharma

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Shristi Sharma, can no longer be termed as a débutante heroine of the celluloid silver screen. In fact she has seen it all & done it all in her illustrious & chequered Bollywoodian journey. And now to bag her share of limelight & stardom she is eyeing the box office Queen to bestow her winsome smile on her. And for that She is keeping her heart, fingers, toes et al crossed for the runaway success of ‘Monsoon’. Here in this interactive telephonic encounter with SHAHEEN RAAJ, she recounts all about the success of her recently released movie ‘MONSOON’.

Please inform us about the latest development in your professional life?

First & foremost I would like to Thank God – The Almighty that slowly but steadily I am inching ahead in my career. And of late one of my film named ‘Monsoon’ has been released and has proved successful and I am 100% sure it has proved to be the final test of my Inborn histrionic talent. I am not like the other débutante starlets who keep on shouting from rooftops to tom tom about, how good & talented actresses they are. As for me I firmly & strongly believe in letting my work speak for me. Just wait & watch out for my other upcoming movies.

So what was your film ‘Monsoon’ all about?

Incidentally speaking in ‘Monsoon’ I had an author backed female oriented role. Which incidentally revolved totally & completely around me. I had enacted a very strong character in ‘Monsoon’. There were  2 looks of my character in ‘Monsoon’. One was that of a silently suffering widow and the other was the imaginary side of her reflecting her romantic side.

How was it working with a débutante actor like Vijay Singh?

My lead hero in ‘Monsoon’ was none other than débutante Vijay Singh, the winner of the Mallika Sherawat’s reality show ‘The Bachelorette India’. So if Vijay Singh was the real life hero of Mallika on the small screen then Vijay Singh happened to be my reel life hero on the big screen. He is a good actor, but he has miles to go is all I can say but of course I found him to be a very intense & dedicated actor.

And what about your director Sujat Khan?

No doubt he is a very talented director and the way he explains the gamut & the nuances of the character is awesome. I think he has a bright future ahead of him.

Anything else that you would like to add?

‘Monsoon’ has been produced by my erstwhile mentor Mahendra Dhariwal and it has been directed by Sujat Khan topped of course with some of the most daring stunts executed by none other than Tinu Verma and last but not the least is Khusi who has styled my character in ‘Monsoon’.

Tell us what other new things are happening in your professional advertisement career?

I have just done 2 ad films one is named “Khushboo” and the other one is named “Mango Freshy” made by one of my favorite directors namely Navin Batra.

Movie Review: NH10 is a brilliant film crafted with a very realistic touch

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Banner: Phantom Films & Clean Slate Films
Producer: Vikramaditya Motwane, Anurag Kashyap, Vikas Bahl, Sunil Lulla, Krishika Lulla & Anushka Sharma
Director: Navdeep Singh
Cast: Anushka Sharma, Neil Bhoopalam, Deepti Naval, Ravi Jhankal, Darshan Kumar et al
Music: Anirban Chakraborty, Sanjeev -Darshan, Ayush Shrestha, Savera Mehta & Samira Koppikar

Director Navdeep Singh, of ‘Manorama Six Feet Under’ fame, in his latest offering ‘NH10’ seems to have surpassed his own directorial skills. So ‘NH10’ is chilling, blood curdling, horrifying et al beyond imagination. It leaves you speechless & dumbfounded with its shocking twists & turns at every turn of events. Sometimes its scary, true to life, happenings makes you flinch and with a nail biting attitude you are left wondering what next? And the high point of ‘NH10’ is its shockingly spine chilling climax in the last half an hour’s duration of the film. If only Navdeep Singh had resisted the temptation of getting entangled in the inspirational web, of Hollywood films ‘Eden Lake’ and even the blatantly copied poster of another Hollywood film ‘Black Widow’ based on a similar theme.

The film’s title NH10 refers to the 403 km long National Highway 10 that starts from Delhi, passes through Haryana via Bahadurgarh, Rohtak, Hisar, Fatehabad, Sirsa and ends at the Pakistan border in Punjab. So ‘NH10’ unfolds the story of a young couple whose road trip gets upset after an encounter with a group of violent criminals. Meera (Anushka Sharma) &  Arjun (Neil Bhoopalam) are corporate professionals living in Gurgaon. When Meera walks out of a party late one night, she is attacked by a group of unknown men. Although she escapes by the skin of her teeth, the encounter leaves her extremely traumatized. Arjun, partly blaming himself for not being there that night, tries to make up for it by treating her to a luxurious desert holiday. As they stop on a Highway dhaba for dinner, they witness a young girl & a young boy being picked up by a bunch of hoodlums, a clear revengeful case of honor killing, when Arjun chooses to step in unmindful of the danger lying ahead. And that’s when Meera & Arjun’s pleasant & fun oriented romantic road trip goes completly & totally toppsy turvy. No I won’t be a spoiler by revealing the rest of the true to life, spine chilling & horrifyingly dangerous plot. It can happen to anyone on a darkened deserted highway. So “Beware”!!!

Director Navdeep Singh’s carefully assembled directorial treatment is 1st rate, simply outstanding. Hats off to the entire team of producers namely Vikramaditya Motwane, Anurag Kashyap, Vikas Bahl, Sunil Lulla, Krishika Lulla & above all actor Anushka Sharma for also donning a producer’s hat with an excellent film like ‘NH10’. And due credit of the crowning glory of ‘NH10’ also goes to the behind the scenes team members like Dipa De Motwane (Co – producer), Sudeep Sharma (Writer), Karan Gour (Background Score), Eka Lakhani (Costume Designers), Sanjeev – Darshan, Bann Chakraborty, Ayush Shrestha, Savera Mehta & Samira Koppikar (Music), Jabeen Merchant (Editor), Arvind Kannabiran (Cinematographer), Mustafa Stationwala (Production Designers), Armin Sauer & Abdul Salaam Ansari (Action), Subhash Sahu (Sound), Jogi (Casting Director), Ravi Padda & Binny Padda (Publicity Stills) & Raindrop Media (PRO).

Performance wise undoubtedly the scene stealer is Anushka Sharma, this simple Bangalorean girl, nay an actor perhaps whose potential talent was untapped till this date, but she has finally arrived and how? Her vendetta oriented flawless act doesn’t even give you a chance to bat your eyelids. If she continues in the same team in her subsequent films then there is no looking back for her. Even an extremely talented actor like Neil Bhoopalam is a few shades paler in comparison to Anushka Sharma. Darshan Kumar as Satbir is unbeliably remarkable. Deepti Naval leaves a strong impact. Finally Ravi Jhaankal along with the entire bunch of talented albeit unknown actors in the entire hoodlum’s gang deserves a special & a noteworthy mention.

Tailpiece: ‘NH10’s press preview was a hardcore, nay every critics delight and its theatrical shows will be a moviegoer’s ultimate, with no alternate, movie watching experience. And a cautionary advice: certainly & defintely not recommended for cinegoers with a weak heart.

Turkey says spy suspected of helping British school girls is Syrian

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British teenage girls Shamima Begun, Amira Abase and Kadiza Sultana (L-R) walk through security at Gatwick airport before they boarded a flight to Turkey on February 17, 2015, in this combination picture made from handout still images taken from CCTV and released by the Metropolitan Police on February 22, 2015.

British teenage girls Shamima Begum, Amira Abase and Kadiza Sultana (L-R) walk through security at Gatwick airport before they boarded a flight to Turkey on February 17, 2015, in this combination picture made from handout still images taken from CCTV and released by the Metropolitan Police on February 22, 2015.

Ankara/Reuters: An alleged spy detained in Turkey for helping three British girls cross into Syria is a Syrian national working for a country in the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State, the Turkish foreign minister said on Friday.

Mevlut Cavusoglu announced on Thursday that a spy who had assisted the three London school girls, now believed to be on territory controlled by Islamic State, had been caught, but did not give the suspect’s nationality.

Islamic State seized swathes of land last June, cementing their rule with a militant interpretation of Islamic law, and is drawing sympathisers from many countries to support their fight. The U.S.-led coalition is using mostly air power in an attempt to push the Sunni militant group back.

“The person who helped the three British girls into Syria is a Syrian national working for another country within the coalition. The situation is so complicated,” Cavusoglu told reporters in Ankara.

He did not say which country the spy was working for, although on Thursday he had said it was not the European Union or the United States. The coalition also includes countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Bahrain, Australia and Canada.

The three girls, two aged 15 and one 16, flew to Istanbul from London on Feb. 17 and then onwards to Syria, where more than 200,000 have been killed in a civil war. Their families have appealed to them to return.

(Reporting by Tulay Karadeniz; Writing by Ece Toksabay; editing by Ralph Boulton)

Cricket World Cup 2015: England beat Afghanistan in final game

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england_world_cup

by Stephan Shemilt, BBC Sport

England’s miserable World Cup ended with a low-key nine-wicket victory over Afghanistan in Sydney.

After rain reduced England’s target to 101 from 25 overs, Ian Bell made an unbeaten 52 to complete the chase with 41 balls to spare.

Afghanistan had earlier been limited to 111-7 from 36.2 overs when the weather intervened for the third time.

England finish fifth in Pool A having beaten only the Afghans and Scotland in their six matches.

Winning just twice is England’s joint-worst return from a World Cup, matching the 1996 tournament. On that occasion, they did at least make it to the quarter-finals.

In Australia and New Zealand, they have suffered heavy defeats by the co-hosts and Sri Lanka, while a loss to Bangladesh in Adelaide confirmed their exit.

That rendered their first one-day international meeting with Afghanistan as a dead rubber, played out in front of a sparse crowd at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The rain, two short intervals and one that kept the players off the field for two and-a-half hours, sucked much of the meaning from an already nondescript contest.

And it was in a match with little riding on it that England found some of the skills they have lacked for most of the tournament – consistency of length with the ball, few mistakes in the field and top-order aggression with the bat.

With cloud cover and a green-tinged wicket providing assistance, England’s seamers worked through an Afghan top order that showed collective uncertainty outside off-stump.

James Anderson and Stuart Broad had catches held at first slip to dismiss Nawroz Mangal and Javed Ahmadi respectively, before Chris Jordan enticed Afsar Zazai to edge behind and Samiullah Shenwari to flash a cut shot to point.

From 34-4 Afghanistan were in danger of capitulation, but the middle-order steadied, without threatening to damage the England attack.

Shafiqullah’s patient 30 was compiled in the company of Nasir Jamal Ahmadzai and Mohammad Nabi, the former edging to wicketkeeper Jos Buttler after the second rain break, the latter well caught by James Tredwell at mid-on, both off Ravi Bopara.

Then, when Shafiqullah was brilliantly held at deep square leg by a diving Bopara from the spin of Tredwell, it was the last major action before the longest rain delay.

Puddles formed around the square and out the outfield, but the rain relented for play to get under way at 20:45 local time.

When the players returned, Hales and Bell took advantage of the inaccuracies of the feisty Afghanistan pace bowlers.

Hales, twice dropped by Najib Zadran at point off the bowling of Shapoor Zadran, pulled a six in the second over and continued to go after anything short.

Bell, more fluent than at any other time in the competition, unfurled pulls and drives as an opening stand of 77 ensured a swift conclusion and no hint of an upset.

Hales’ poke to wicketkeeper Zazai was reward for the lively Hamid Hassan, leaving James Taylor to complete the job with Bell.

Still, it was Afghanistan who had the louder fans at the conclusion. In their historic first World Cup campaign, they have finished one place and one win behind England.

Breakthrough? Swedish prosecutor drops refusal to interview Assange in UK

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‘This is something we’ve demanded for over four years,’ says lawyer; ‘Ridiculous’ that it took over four years, says Wikileaks spokesperson

Julian Assange has been in Ecuador’s embassy in London for nearly three years to avoid extradition from Sweden.

Julian Assange has been in Ecuador’s embassy in London for nearly three years to avoid extradition from Sweden.

by Jon Queally, Common Dreams

Both a lawyer and spokesperson for Wikileaks expressed relief on Friday that Swedish prosecutors are now willing travel to London to interview founder and editor-in-chief Julian Assange, even as they characterized as ridiculous that fact that it took well over four years to accept such an arrangement.

Assange has been living in the Ecuadorian embassy in London for more than three years under asylum protection after allegations over sexual misconduct in Sweden sparked a legal battle over extradition. Assange has denied wrongdoing in the case but repeatedly said he would be willing to answer all questions regarding the accusations and details of the case. However, he refused to return to Sweden stating fears of being extradited to the United States over a sealed indictment in that country related to his work with Wikileaks exposing government and military secrets containde in leaked documents provided by U.S. Army whistleblower Chelsea Manning.

Swedish prosecutors of the case consistently refused Assange’s offer to meet at the embassy in London to conduct the interview, but have now reversed that decision citing the approaching statute of limitations on the alleged offenses in the case.

“My view has always been that to perform an interview with him at the Ecuadorean embassy in London would lower the quality of the interview, and that he would need to be present in Sweden in any case should there be a trial in the future,”  said lead prosecutor Marianne Ny in a statement. “Now that time is of the essence, I have viewed it therefore necessary to accept such deficiencies in the investigation and likewise take the risk that the interview does not move the case forward,” Ny said.

Ny said a request by her office was made to Assange’s legal team on Friday for an in-person interview inside the Ecuador Embassy in London. In addition, the prosecutions have requested to take a DNA swab of Assange.

Speaking with the Associated Press, WikiLeaks spokesman Kristinn Hrafnsson said the Swedish decision was “a victory for Julian,” even as he criticized the delay.

“I think it’s absolutely outrageous that it took the Swedish prosecutor 41/2 years to come to this conclusion after maintaining that she couldn’t come to London because it would be illegal to do so,” he said. “Obviously that was a bogus argument.”

One of Assange’s lawyers, Per Samuelson, said he had spoken with his client and that they certainly were likely to accept the offer.

“This is something we’ve demanded for over four years,” Samuelson told AP. “Julian Assange wants to be interviewed so he can be exonerated.”

According to the Guardian:

Assange has been wanted in Sweden since the accusations were made against him in August 2010. The British Foreign Office said in November it would welcome a request by the Swedish prosecutor to question Assange inside the Ecuadorian embassy. Ecuador’s government has also repeatedly stated that it approves of such a step.

Assange’s lawyers, who are appealing against his arrest warrant in Sweden’s highest court, have complained bitterly about the prosecutor’s refusal to travel to London to speak to him – an essential step under Swedish jurisprudence to establish whether Assange can be formally charged.

Ny’s refusal, they say, has condemned Assange to severe limitations on his freedom that are disproportionate to the accusations against him.

Ny has argued that interrogating Assange abroad would be complicated and have little point because he would still have to travel to Sweden for trial, should sufficient grounds emerge. However, she is obliged to drop the case against him unless she believes there are “reasonable grounds” for suspicion of his guilt.

UN chief: Syrians feel 'increasingly abandoned'

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Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says world “divided and incapable of taking collective action” to resolve crisis.

More than 4 million people have fled the country millions more have been internally displaced [AFP/Getty Images]

More than 4 million people have fled the country millions more have been internally displaced [AFP/Getty Images]

by Al Jazeera

The UN secretary-general has warned that Syria’s people feel increasingly abandoned by the world as their country’s crisis enters its fifth year.

Ban Ki-moon called on President Bashar al-Assad by name to take decisive steps to end the conflict.

“Governments or movements that aspire to legitimacy do not massacre their own people,” Ban declared on Thursday.

In a statement, Ban described the international community as “divided and incapable of taking collective action” in the civil war.

That division is seen in the UN Security Council, which has been largely powerless to take strong action because of the threat of a veto from permanent member Russia, Syria’s ally.

Ban’s spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, told reporters that the UN chief was not so much assigning blame but underscoring “our collective responsibility”.

The Syrian conflict began months after popular protests erupted in March 2011.

More than 220,000 people have been killed so far in the war, and more than 4 million have fled the country.

The UN says it needs another $2.9bn to help Syrians caught up in the conflict.

Government forces and rebels are battling each other on many fronts, and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group has seized large swathes of territory.

‘Total collapse’

Ban warned of the “fearsome prospect of the total collapse of this country” and its effects throughout the region.

He said the lack of accountability in the conflict has led to an exponential increase in war crimes and crimes against humanity.

“Each day brings reports of fresh horrors,” he said, including executions, systemic torture, the use of indiscriminate weapons like barrel bombs on civilians, siege and starvation and the use of chemical weapons.

The UN chief’s statement came as more than 20 international aid groups issued a joint condemnation of the Security Council for its failure to back up the resolutions it passed last year to help get aid to millions of Syrians and protect civilians from the fighting.

The aid groups, including the International Rescue Committee, the Norwegian Refugee Council and Handicap International, called on UN members to ensure the resolutions are fully implemented.

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