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Archives for July 2017

Mallya fails to appear before SC in contempt case

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Vijay Mallya. Photo: Reuters

Vijay Mallya. Photo: Reuters

New Delhi: Embattled businessman Vijay Mallya, who was held guilty of contempt, today failed to make a personal appearance before the Supreme Court despite being directed to do so.

A bench comprising of Justices A K Goel and U U Lalit fixed the matter for hearing on July 14 and sought the assistance of the Solicitor General in the case.

The apex court had on May 9 held Mallya, who is presently in the United Kingdom, guilty of contempt on a plea by the consortium of lender banks, led by the State Bank of India, for his failure to furnish details of all his Indian as well as offshore assets.

It had directed Mallya to appear before it today to argue on the quantum of punishment.

The offence of contempt of court entails a maximum imprisonment of up to six months or a fine of upto Rs 2,000 or both.

India had recently asked Britain to ensure early extradition of Mallya, who is an accused in a bank loan default case of over Rs 9,000 crore involving his defunct Kingfisher Airlines.

The apex court’s order had come on a plea by the consortium of banks, led by the State Bank of India (SBI), which had said that Mallya had allegedly transferred USD 40 million received from British firm Diageo to his children in “flagrant violation” of various judicial orders.

The banks had argued before the court that Mallya had wilfully disobeyed the orders and made “vague” disclosure about his assets.

The top court had on March 9 asked the liquor baron about the “truthfulness” of the disclosure of assets by him and the transfer of money to his children.

The bench had reserved its order on two pleas of lending banks seeking contempt action and a direction to Mallya to deposit USD 40 million received from offshore firm Diageo respectively.

The banks have alleged that Mallya had concealed the facts and diverted the money to his son Siddharth Mallya and daughters Leanna Mallya and Tanya Mallya in “flagrant violation” of the orders passed by the Karnataka High Court.

In October last year, the court had rapped Mallya for not making full disclosure of his overseas properties and had asked him to do so within a month.

The bench had also pulled up Mallya for not giving details of USD 40 million which he had allegedly received from Diageo in February last year, saying it was of the “prima facie view” that proper disclosure as per its earlier order was not made.

The banks had on August 29 last year told the Supreme Court that Mallya had deliberately not made full disclosure of his assets including the USD 40 million he received on February 25 from Diageo.

(Agencies)

HOLLYWOOD HOPPING

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ANDREW GARFIELD

ANDREW GARFIELD’S HONEST CONFESSION

Andrew Garfield recently made an honest confession that he is a gay man who is not having sex with men right now but he also goes on to add in a haste, “Maybe I’ll have an awakening later in my life, which I’m sure will be wonderful and I’ll get to explore that part of the garden, but right now I’m secluded to my area, which is wonderful as well. Can you be a gay man if you don’t have sex with other men? Andrew Garfield, who recently opened up about his sexuality during an “Angels in America” post – show talkback, jokingly seems to think so. Garfield, who plays a gay character diagnosed with AIDS in the critically – acclaimed drama being staged in London, told the audience that his life is currently so gay, he considers himself a “gay man right now just without the physical act.” Garfield did go on to admit, “as far as I know, I am not a gay man,” but appeared to be open to the possibility of a same – sex experience or relationship at some point in the future.

HANK DEUTSCHENDORF, GHOSTBUSTERS 2 STAR COMMITS SUICIDE

Hank Deutschendorf, a former child actor best known for his role in Ghostbusters 2, was found dead at his home in California. He was 29 years old. This sad piece of news has been confirmed by Hank’s twin brother, William, who co – starred with his sibling as a baby named oscar in the aforementioned 1989 movie. Both very young at the time, the brothers portrayed the son of Sigourney Weaver’s character in the popular sequel. They are also the nephews of musician John Denver. William tragically discovered Hank’s body in the apartment Hank shared with his girlfriend in Escondido. Meanwhile the official coroner’s report states that a “a single, 29 – year – old caucasian male” who resided where he died was “found suspended by a ligature around his neck in his closet by his brother.” Continues this same report, “He had a long history of depression.”

BERNADO BERTOLUCCI ADMITS TO CONSPIRING TO FILM ACTUAL RAPE

Bernardo Bertolucci, the director of Last Tango In Paris has revealed a horrifying confession. As per the director, he and Marlon Brando conspired in 1972 to shoot a scene in the film Last Tango in Paris that depicted the actor actually raping co – star Maria Schneider with a stick of butter. Marlon Brando was 48 at the time of the movie and Maria Schneider was 19, with the later saying herself back in 2007 that the famous scene was actually a sexual violation. “I felt humiliated and to be honest, I felt a little raped, both by Marlon Brando and by Bernardo Bertolucci,” she wrote in an essay for The Daily Mail. “After the scene, Marlon didn’t console me or even apologized. Thankfully, there was just one take.” Maria Schneider passed away in 2011.

RONDA ROUSEY REVEALS HER VENICE HOME WAS BURGLARIZED

Ronda Rousey is the latest celebrity to have her home burglarized, but different from the rash of similar high – profile crimes, it appears that the suspects in Ronda Rousey’s robbery were apprehended. The UFC fighter & actress visited Live With Kelly and Ryan, with Jerry O’Connell filling in for Seacrest as co – host, and told the story of how a group of young skaters broke into her Venice, California, home a few months back while she was away and squatted before stealing numerous belongings, including jewelry. “Someone had been squatting in my house for, like, 3 days, sleeping in my bed, stole my Olympic rings, stole my guns, stole all my precious jewelry, every headphone in the house, credit cards etal,” she averred.

HASSAN JAMEEL IS THE NEW MAN IN RIHANNA’S

Much to the chagrin of Chris Brown it appears as though Singer Rihanna has moved on from her violent ex – boyfriend. Rihanna and Chris Brown haven’t actually dated for many years. But their romantic status was re – ignited earlier this month after Chris Brown talked at length about Rihanna in his recently released documentary. It’s pretty clear That Chris Brown wants to get back together with the artist. Thankfully, however, Rihanna does not feel the same way. Actually speaking Rihanna was seen swapping some major spit with some mystery dude in Spain. In the paparazzi pictures, Rihanna has her arms around this guy’s neck while the 2 take a dip in a pool, her mouth wide open and basically swallowing her lucky paramour’s tongue. And now we have a name to attach to the brown – haired dude’s face. His name is reportedly Hassan Jameel.

MICHAEL NYQVIST NO MORE

Michael Nyqvist, a Swedish actor who took on the lead role in the initial big screen adaption of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, left for his heavenly abode on Tues 4th July in Stockholm. He was 56 years old. Micheal Nyqvist portrayed a journalist Mikael Blomkvist in the original film and its sequels, which were based on the blockbuster novel by the same name. He had been suffering from lung cancer for over a year at the time of his death. His charm and charisma were undeniable. Many Hollywood celebrities had gathered at his residence to pay their tribute upon learning of his death.

CHRISTINA EL MOUSSA’S TEXT MESSAGES HINT A NEW CHEATING SCANDAL

Christina El Moussa is dating a man with a very shady past. His name is Doug Spedding and he’s been accused on multiple occasions of ripping off clients at his car dealership. But those inappropriate & possibly illegal machinations are not at the crux of Christina El Moussa’ latest issues with her new man. Instead, questions have arisen less about Doug Spedding’s past and more about his present and future. Is he cheating on El Moussa? Some reliable sources have hinted over the past few weeks that Doug Spedding has been involved in a 5 year long relationship with a woman named Tracy Johnson – Diaz, as a few steamy text messages between Doug and Tracy, the type that someone in a serious romance should most definitely not be sending to anyone who isn’t his girlfriend.

BEYONCE AND THE TWINS AND THEIR NEW WHERABOUTS

Beyonce Knowles and her twins have left the hospital. The singer’s brand new son and daughter were forced to remain under doctor’s supervision for several days after entering the world due to reports of jaundice. Because they were born a few days early, the twins allegedly suffered from a “minor” health issue that was later described as having to do with elevated bilirubin levels. This is a normal consequence of premature delivery. But the children were never in any real danger and they are now resting comfortably at home with their very famous mother and father. The unnamed little boy and girl are with Beyonce, Jay Z and sister Blue Ivy in a mammoth mansion in Malibu.

SCOTT DISICK DENIES DATING BELLA THORNE

When Bella Thorne traveled to Cannes with Scott Disick, she eventually realized that hooking up with a drunk, depressive, 34 year old father of 3 is no way to spend the last year of her teens. Bella Thorne abruptly returned home without Scott Disick, she had seen the light. And when Scott’s Disick friends told the world that Bella Thorne smells bad, Bella was still hooking up with Scott Disick. In fact Scott Disick and Bella Thorne are not dating. But they are hooking up. On the other hand Scott Disick avers, “I am not dating Bella Thorne I am banging her.” That distinction only means that Scott Disick is able to continue spreading his sadness and hooking up with random women all over the globe.

BEN AFFLECK DOESN’T WANT TO BE A BATMAN ANYMORE

When it comes to Ben Affleck, you have to take the good with the bad. The good would be his remarkable career as a multi – Oscar – winning screenwriter & director, coupled with the fact that he’s freakin’ Batman. And the bad would be that his reputation as something of a self – important d -bag seems to have a firm foundation – coupled with the fact that he’s aided and abetted Zach Snyder in somehow making Batman boring as hell. Fortunately, Ben Affleck is more self – aware than your typical A – lister, and it seems that after spending several months in quiet contemplation Ben Affleck has decided that it may be time to bring his caped crusadering career to a close. Ben Affleck is reportedly attempting to wriggle out of his contract with Warner Bros. The rumors began when Ben Affleck decided to step down from directing a standalone DC flick – tentatively and super imaginatively tilted The Batman – in which he would once again portray the title hero. But Ben Affeck avers that he wants to step away from the franchise altogether.

Page3artist: A CASTING & MODELLING AGENCY MAKING WAVES

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Page3Artist

by Faizan & Rizwan

Of late Page3artist, a casting & modeling agency based in Bangalore, owned by Praditya Agarwal (CEO) & Sashi Bansal (COO), is creating a lot of waves for having promoted aspiring male & female models.

Page3artist was launched by Praditya Agarwal & Sashi Bansal in the year 2015. The company specializes in Model grooming, Model Portfolios, Big Screen Casting, Small Screen Casting, Model Bookings & Fashion Shows.

Page3artist also deals in all kinds of commercial photography for shirts, trousers, jackets, shoes, Saree, jewelery, Designer wears including all kinds of apparels & products photography.

Page3artist is also a fully equipped studio. Their rooster of professionals include make – up artists, photographers, image editors, videographers et al for all kinds of photographic & videographic requirements.

At present Page3artist has a data base of more than 50,000 actors & models which includes the aspiring as well as the professional ones, hailing from all over India. The company works effortlessly to place the artists & have been successful in launching many new faces.

Page3artist actors & models have recently got placements in Zee Music, Sony TV, MTV et al while some of them have also been a model for product.

Page3artist is now gearing up to add many more feathers to its illustrious cap and thereby cross many, many milestones in its chequered history.

www.page3artist.com
https://www.facebook.com/PageThreeArtist/
https://www.facebook.com/P3APS/

Pankaj Tripathi Launches Gurgaon Poster

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pankaj_tripathi__gurgaon

Pankaj Tripathi recently launched his poster of Gurgaon, a noir thriller slated for a pan India release on 4th Aug, 2017 where he plays the role of Kehri Singh. The film is produced by JAR Pictures, the makers of award winning & internationally acclaimed films, Liar’s Dice, Killa & Nil Battey Sannata.

Pankaj Tripathi has appeared in some of Bollywood’s movies like Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 1 & 2, Agneepath, Manjhi: The Mountain Man, Singham Returns, Dilwale, Masaan and will also be seen in Newton very soon.

In Gurgaon, he plays the role of Kehri Singh, a real estate baron, who runs his business Preet Real Estate in his daughter’s name. She is his lucky charm & the apple of his eye. His oldest son Nikki Singh, is often side – lined by him as a brash, insolent & good for nothing, who only brings bad luck.

Gurgaon, is a cautionary tale that reminds us of the famous saying, what goes around, comes around. At his poster launch of Gurgaon, Pankaj Tripathi averred, “Gurgaon is a very special film for me. I always try to bring some kind of positivity in every negative character I play & I’ve kept the same approach to my character Kehri Singh in Gurgaon. It was a beautiful experience to work with such great people like Ajay Rai & Shanker Raman. So, see you guys on 4th Aug,2017 just at the theatres near you. Gurgaon with a tagline – Yahaan Kisi Ki Guarantee Naa Hai.

Ajay G. Rai, the producer of Gurgaon & co – founder of JAR Pictures along with Alan McAlex avers, “Gurgaon is a noir thriller and a very special film for JAR Pictures. This is our 4th film to release after Liar’s Dice, Killa & Nil Battey Sannata & the 1st ever film that we are releasing ourselves. We are really looking forward to the audiences’ response.”

The film is produced by Ajay G. Rai & Alan McAlex of JAR Pictures along with Madhukar R. Musle of M. R. Filmworks, Nisha N. Sujan of Hashtag Film Studios & Abbas Ali Rattansi.

2 dynamic film production professionals with a wide body of experience ranging from independent cinema, to non – mainstream art house films to commercially successful Bollywood hits between them, Ajay G. Rai & Alan McAlex, came together to form JAR Pictures. The company produced Liar’s Dice which was the official entry for Sundance Film Festival 2014, it also played in varied other film festivals, winning numerous awards and followed by India’s official submission for the 2015 Academy Awards. They also produced Killa that was selected at Berlinale Film Festival 2014, winning the Crystal Bear as well as the Special Mention. Their latest feature The New Classmate was lauded at the BFI London Film Festival 2015 and had a very successful theatrical run too.

Mohanlal & Pranav Mohanlal Start Their Projects Together

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Mohanlal Pranav Mohanlal

Mohanlal & Pranav Mohanlal Start Their Projects Together

It was a special day for Mohanlal and his son Pranav Mohanlal. The customary pooja function of Mohanlal’s upcoming movie Odiyan & Pranav Mohanlal’s hero debut Aadhi, directed by Jeethu Joseph were held together at Trivandrum recently. Both the movies are being produced by the same production company, Aashirwad Cinemas, the grand pooja function brought together the teams of Odiyan & Aadhi. Odiyan is being directed by V A Shreekumar Menon, who had also announced the 1000 crore magnum opus based on M T Vasudevan Nair’s Randamoozham. While the recently released 1st look motion poster of Odiyan is already a huge hit on social media, the title & motion poster of Pranav Mohanlal’s hero debut Aadhi was released at the pooja function. Reportedly, both Mohanlal & Pranav Mohanlal have started shooting recently for Odiyan & Aadhi respectively.

Prithviraj’s Unbelievable Transformation For Vimanam

Prithviraj who wrapped up the shoot of Adam Joan recently, has resumed the shoot of his upcoming movie Vimanam helmed by debutante Pradeep M Nair. Months ago, Prithviraj had shot for some portions of the movie and the 2nd leg of shoot has commenced recently. A picture from the shooting location leaked online and his transformation for the character is unbelievable!!! In the movie, Prithviraj will be essaying the role of a deaf & a mute person, who builds an aircraft on his own. As the movie will revolve around the different stages of the protagonist, the actor will be sporting distinct looks. To get into the skin of the character, Prithviraj went on to the extent of shedding a few kilos. The actor will also be undertaking flying classes for the movie. Newbie Durga Krishna is playing the female lead. Produced by Listin Stephen, Vimanam will also feature Anarkali Marikar, Saiju Kurup, Nedumudi Venu, Alencier Ley & Sudheer Karamana in pivotal roles.

Gayathri Arun Makes Her Mollywood Debut

Gayathri Arun, popularly known after her serial character named Deepthi IAS, is a household name amongst the Kerala audiences. The mini – screen super police is now all set to make her celluloid silver screen debut with the Anoop Menon starrer upcoming entertainer Sarvopari Palakkaran. In the movie too, the gorgeous actress will be doing a cop’s role named Chandra Sivakumar, Thrissur City Police Commissioner. Along with Gayathri, Anoop Menon will also be playing a cop’s role in the movie. Interestingly, Anoop Menon is someone who came from the mini – screen and made it big in movies. Directed by Venugopan Sarvopari Palakkaran stars Anoop Menon in the lead along with Aparna Balamurali & Anu Sithara. Sarvopari Palakkaran is expected to hit the screens on 21st Jul, 2017.

Dileep’s Movi Ramaleela Has Been. Postponed

One of the reigning celebrities of Malayalam film industry, Dileep has been going through a phase of hurdles in his personal life & career for quite some time now. Much to the disappointment of Dileep’s fans, the release date of the actor’s upcoming movie Ramaleela has been postoned. The movie which was earlier slated to hit the big screens on 7th Jul, 2017, has now been postponed due to the delay in post -production work. The movie’s director Arun Gopy, revealed the reason for postponing the movie through his Facebook handle. Later, he also announced the new release date as 21st Jul, 2017. In the movie, Dileep plays enacts the role of a non – practising lawyer, a common man who one day becomes an MLA named, Ramanunni. Set in the backdrop of political affairs, Ramaleela has Prayaga Martin in the female lead along with Raadhika Sarathkumar playing the role of Dileep’s mother. Apart from Dileep, Prayaga Martin & Raadhika Sarathkumar, the movie also has a large cast that includes Mukesh, Salim Kumar, Siddique, Vijayaraghavan, Suresh Krishna, Renji Panicker & Kalabhavan Shajon in pivotal roles. Scripted by Sachi, the movie’s editing is handled by Vivek Harshan & camera by Shaji Kumar. Produced by Pulimurugan fame Tommichan Mulakupadam, Ramaleela has music by Gopi Sunder.

Fahadh Faasil’s Next Movie Gets A Title

Anwar Rasheed will once again wear the director’s hat with an upcoming Fahadh Faasil starrer movie. There were a lot of speculations regarding the project’s title, and now, the makers have zeroed in on a title for the movie. Fahadh Faasil & Anwar Rasheed’s movie has been titled as Trance and the 1st look poster of the film was released recently. The poster went on to be a huge hit on the social media platforms. Produced under the banner of Anwar Rasheed Entertainments the movie will have its cinematography department handled by Amal Neerad. Oscar Award winner Resul Pookkuutty is also a part of this mega project. Scripted by Vincent Vadakkan, the major portions of the film will be shot in Kanyakumari. Trance is being planned as an Apr, 2018 release.

Trisha Krishna Once Again Plays A Lessie Like Character

Trisha Krishnan will be making her Mollywood debut with the Nivin Pauly starrer Hey Jude directed by Shyamaprasad. As the curiosity surrounding the film is already sky high, the latest is that Trisha Krishnan will be enacting the role of a Christian girl in Hey Jude. It is needless to say, how perfectly she had enacted the role of Jessie, a gorgeous Christian girl in VTV. But in the upcoming romantic movie, Trisha Krishnan will be enactin a similar Christian girl avatar which is equally challenging. It may be noted that earlier Trisha Krishnan had stated that the film has a very strong script and has a lot of scope for performance.

Dileep States That He Is Confident

The actress kidnapping case has seen dramatic turnarounds during the past few days, especially after Dileep & his friend Nadhirshah revealed that the key accused Pulsar Suni had blackmailed the hero. Dileep said while going inside the Police Club at Aluva for questioning at 12.30 pm on 28th Jun, 2017 that he was there to give a statement regarding his complaint. However, the media had to wait till 1 pm in the night when Dileep, Nadhirshah & Dileep’s manager Appunni came out. Dileep was seen totally relaxed and he said that he is confident. He also confirmed that he will attend the scheduled AMMA general body meeting.

Fahadh Faasil To Star In Anwar Rasheed’s Trance

Anwar Rasheed, who has directed Rajamanikyam, Chotta Mumbai, Annan Thambi, Ustad Hotel & 2 short films in the anthologies Kerala Café & 5 Sundarikal, has announced his new film. Titled Trance, the film has Fahadh Faasil in the lead. Trance is being produced under the banner of Anwar Rasheed Entertainment. Anwar Rasheed has earlier produced Bangalore Days, Premam & Comrade in America. Amal Neerad is the cinematographer & Oscar winner Resul Pookkutty is in charge of the sound design.

Prabhakar To Star In Mammootty’s Parole

In director Sharrath Sandith’s Parole, Mammootty is said to be playing a prisoner. Meanwhile, there are some reports that suggest that Mammootty is in fact playing an investigative officer as well. Though that has not been confirmed, Parole is a realistic thriller based on some actual incidents. Telugu actress Pallavi & Miya George are the heroines. Also in the cast is actor Prabhakar, who played the role of Kaalakeya in Baahubali. Sharrath Sandit has earlier directed Mammootty’s ad films for a bank. The shooting of the film has started in Bengaluru. The success of The Great Father early this year has been significant for Mammootty and the actor is busy with quite a number of new projects at varied stages of completion.

Mohanlal Also Stars in Tiyaan

Mohanlal is also part of the Prithviraj – Indrajit starrer Tiyaan, releasing this week. But his presence in the film will be as a narrator. Tiyaan, directed by Jiyen Krishnakumar, has been an eagerly awaited movie ever since the well – made trailer of the movie came out. Jiyen Krishnakumar has earlier directed Kaanchi. The presence of Mohanlal was announced by scenarist Murali Gopy & Prithviraj. Interestingly, Prithviraj’s debut as a director, Lucifer, is being written by Murali Gopy and has Mohanlal in the title role. Tiyaan, produced by Haneef Mohammed, has hit the screens on 29th Jun, 2017.

Mamta Mohandas Teams Up With Dhyan Sreenivasan

Mamta Mohandas who was last seen in Mammootty’s Thoppil Joppan, is all set for her next titled Goodalochana. Directed by Jamna Pyari fame Thomas Sebastian, Goodalochana marks the debut of Dhyan Sreenivasan as a scenarist. Mamta Mohandas will be seen essaying a cameo role in this Dhyan Sreenivasan starrer, which also has Aju Varghese, Sreenath Bhasi, Hareesh Perumanna, Oru Mexican Aparatha fame Vishnu Govindan et al, in equally important roles. Niranjana Anoop will appear in the female lead. The movie which promises to be a fun – filled youth – centric movie is currently shaping up at a brisk pace in Kozhikode. Meanwhile, Mamta Mohandas will be seen essaying an important role in Manju Warrier’s upcoming film Udhaharanam Sujatha, which is in post – production stage. The gorgeous actress will also be seen in debutant Nirmal Sahadev’s Detroit Crossing sharin screen space with Prithviraj & Venu’s new directorial Carbon opposite Fahadh Faasil.

Anjali Menon’s Next Movie Is With Nazriya & Prithviraj!!!

Many online news forums have been reporting that filmmaker Anjali Menon has roped in Nazriya & Prithviraj to play the lead roles in her next directorial. Responding to the reports in a recent interview, Anjali clarified that the cast & the crew of her next are yet to be finalized. Anjali said that she is currently finalizing the cast & the crew and will soon officially announce on her next. If the rumoured project with Nazriya & Prithviraj materializes, it would be the best comeback for Nazriya, who has been away from movies post her marriage with Fahadh Faasil in 2014. It is worth mentioning that in a recent interview, Fahadh had revealed that Nazriya is awaiting a good script to mark her re – launch.

Clashes in Kashmir on Burhan Wani’s death anniversary

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Thousands of security forces were deployed to Kashmir ahead of the anniversary [EPA]

Thousands of security forces were deployed to Kashmir ahead of the anniversary [EPA]

Srinagar: Authorities clamped curfew in three towns including Tral in Kashmir and imposed restrictions on the movement of people in the rest of the valley to foil the separatists’ plan to hold a rally on Saturday to mark the first anniversary of the killing of militant commander Burhan Wani

Police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed in strength across Kashmir to handle any security challenges. Curfew was imposed in Tral, the native town of Wani, in Pulwama district as a precautionary measure to maintain peace in the valley, a senior police official said

The joint separatist camp, including Hurriyat Conference factions led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik-led JKLF, has asked the people to march to Tral to pay tributes to Wani, who was killed in an encounter with security forces on this day last year.

The official said curfew had also been imposed in Shopian town of South Kashmir and Trehgam in North Kashmir’s Kupwara district. “Elsewhere in the valley, restrictions on the movement of people are being strictly enforced,” he added. All the examinations scheduled for Saturday have been postponed by universities

Normal life came to a standstill in the valley due to a strike call given by the separatists and the curfew-like restrictions imposed by the authorities. Shops and business establishments remained closed while vehicles remained off the roads, the official said, adding that the situation was peaceful so far.

(Agencies)

US and Russia agree new Syria ceasefire deal

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First meeting between Trump and Putin wrapped up with the announcement of a truce deal covering southwestern Syria.

The deal was reached during Trump and Putin's meeting in Hamburg [Reuters]

The deal was reached during Trump and Putin’s meeting in Hamburg [Reuters]

by Al Jazeera

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump have agreed on a ceasefire deal covering southwestern Syria, during talks at the G20 summit, officials from both countries said.

The deal was reached during the two leaders’ meeting in Hamburg on Friday on the sidelines of the G20 summit of industrialised and developing nations.

“Russian, American and Jordanian experts … agreed on a memorandum of understanding to create a de-escalation zone” in the regions of Daraa, Quneitra and Suweida, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday.

“There will be a ceasefire in this zone from midday Damascus time [9:00 GMT] on July 9,” he added.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson confirmed the agreement, saying that it showed that the US and Russia were able to work together in Syria and that they would continue to do so.

“We had a very lengthy discussion regarding other areas in Syria that we can continue to work together on to de-escalate the areas and the violence, once we defeat ISIS,” he said, using an acronym for the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group.

‘Resident feel unsafe’

Previous ceasefires in Syria have collapsed or failed to reduce violence for long, and it was unclear whether this deal would fare any better.

Al Jazeera’s Natasha Ghoneim, reporting from Gaziantep, Turkey, said that despite such announcements of ceasefires, fighting continues and residents feel unsafe.

“This week there were peace talks in Astana and ahead of those talks, a ceasefire was announced, but in the west of the country, rebels are in a fierce battle with the Syrian forces who are trying to regain control and along the southern border there is sporadic fighting going on, the Syrian opposition is in control for the most part along the border with Jordan, but clearly fighting continues despite these ceasefires,” she said.

“We have spoken to residents in the southwest portion of Syria and they say that despite a ceasefire, they don’t feel safe and humanitarian aid doesn’t reach them.”

The Syrian conflict has killed nearly half a million people, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, and forced millions of others to flee the country.

Russia is one of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s most important backers and the survival of his regime is critical to maintaining Russian interests there. The US has argued that Assad’s regime must be toppled and backs “moderate” rebels fighting Syria government forces.

Desperate BJP Playing Communal Tactics in Karnataka: Siddaramaiah

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Siddaramaiah

Mangaluru: Desperate BJP playing communal tactics in Karnataka for political gain as it is very likely to be defeated by Congress party in next state assembly elections, said Karnataka Chief Minister, Congress party leader Siddaramaiah speaking in a party convention held at outskirts of Mangaluru city on Friday. Congress workers, leaders, candidates who contested in the elections and other from Kodagu, Dakshina kannada and Udupi districts gathered at Adyar garden near Mangaluru city.

Siddaramaiah asked his party workers not to allow BJP to win next assembly elections in 2018 and Lok Sabha elections scheduled to be held in 2019. Congress party led state government has fulfilled 95% of assurances made prior to the last state assembly elections and would continue with its same trend in the future also, he added.

All India Congress Committee General Secretary KC Venugopal, KPCC President Dr G Parameshwara, Congress Leader UT Khader and others were present in the convention.

(Agencies)

FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 draw throws up intriguing ties

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FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017

The Official Draw for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, which will be played in six venues across India between 6 and 28 October 2017, took place on Friday in Mumbai.

The draw revealed that hosts India will take on USA in their opening match of the competition in New Delhi. Group A also includes Colombia and Ghana, who will also clash as part of the first day’s action.

Perhaps the most intriguing quartet of teams can be found in Group D, where FIFA tournament debutants Niger were drawn with Korea DPR, Brazil, and Spain.

The draw ceremony was held in the presence of Sunil Gulati, FIFA Council member, Praful Patel, President of the All India Football Federation and Vijay Goel, Indian Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports. Assisting in the draw ceremony were FIFA Legends Esteban Cambiasso and Nwankwo Kanu, as well as Indian national team legend Sunil Chhetri and Indian badminton star Pusarla Venkata Sindhu.

One of the highlights of the ceremony was the performance of the tournament’s Official Song. Pritam and Babul Supriyo revealed ‘Kar Ke Dikhla De Goal’ for the first time, much to the delight of the assembled audience.

FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 Draw
Group A: India, USA, Colombia, Ghana
Group B: Paraguay, Mali, New Zealand, Turkey
Group C: Iran, Guinea, Germany, Costa Rica
Group D: Korea DPR, Niger, Brazil, Spain
Group E: Honduras, Japan, New Caledonia, France
Group F: Iraq, Mexico, Chile, England

‘Phase II’ Tickets are now on sale. The phase will exclusively be available for Visa cardholders between 7 and 21 July. Fans will be able to buy tickets at all six venues – New Delhi, Navi Mumbai, Guwahati, Goa, Kolkata and Kochi – after knowing the teams that will play at the respective Host City.

Further information on the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 is available on FIFA.com.

Moo! Maharashtra police get beef detection kits, result in 30 minutes

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mob assam cow death

Mumbai: It is just the size of a pregnancy detection kit and can help police detect the most contentious contraband in the country – beef.

Maharashtra Police have confirmed they ordered 45 of these beef detection kits to be carried around in mobile vans to sniff out cow meat.

“The kit will detect the proteins in the meat and give a result in 30 minutes. If the detector shows a change in colour, then the test is positive,” said Maharashtra forensics science laboratary director Krishna Kulkarni.

The samples which test positive will be taken to labs for further analysis, he said adding the kit will help police register an FIR based on a prima facie report.

The Maharashtra lab hit upon the idea has several cases on possession of beef were getting stuck in courts because of backlogs in labs.

The Shiv Sena has criticised the move. “This is not the job of the police,” Shiv Sena leader Neelam Gorhe said.

“All this violence surrounding this issue is very sad and disturbing. Shiv Sena has taken a clear stand this,” she added.

About 100 police personnel will be taught how to operate these kits of which the first batch of 25 have already started training. The anti-beef unit will be selected on the basis of their educational qualifications.”Constables and officers with a degree in the field of science will be selected,” Kulkarni said.

(Agencies)

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