Opening ceremony to usher in World Cup Dhaka, 2011/02/16 14:47:03

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The ICC World Cup returns to the sub continent after 15 years.

The ICC World Cup returns to the sub continent after 15 years.[© AFP]

Cricket World Cup is set to be ushered in with a grand opening ceremony here on Thursday as the game's showpiece event returns to the sub-continent after 15 years.

The Bangladeshi capital, which has spruced up itself for the biggest event in their cricketing history, will take centrestage of the cricketing world with a two-hour spectacle of song, dance and laser shows at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.

Internationally-acclaimed rock star Bryan Adams and Indian singing trio of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy will be among the performers to set the stage for the tournament, reflecting the increasing role the entertainment aspect has started to be associated with the game.

Two days later, Bangladesh and co-hosts India clash in the inaugural game at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium at Mirpur, on Dhaka's outskirts to herald the beginning of 43 days of action spread across 13 venues in three countries.

The other host country Sri Lanka start off their campaign against lowly rated Canada in a Group A encounter in Colombo on Sunday.

The sub-continent had its first date with the World Cup when India and Pakistan hosted it in 1987 before Sri Lanka joined them in 1996.

It is befitting that the World Cup will be held in the sub-continent this time when the region establishes itself as the nerve centre of the game, though 1992 champions Pakistan will not be one of the co-hosts and Bangladesh will be in the party in their silver jubilee year of initiation into one-day cricket.

The tenth edition of cricket's quadrennial showpiece, featuring 14 teams and 49 matches -- 29 in India, a dozen in Sri Lanka and eight in Bangladesh -- was not devoid of controversies.

It had a nightmare of an initial road as Pakistan was stripped of its rights to host 14 matches due to the volatile condition in the country, mainly after attack on the Sri Lankan players in Lahore in early 2009 though it will get its share of revenue even without holding matches.

The reasons for stripping Pakistan of the World Cup matches by the ICC had nothing much to do with the country's cricket board but it could not be said in the case of Indian authorities who failed to prepare the iconic Eden Gardens ready for the February 27 match between India and England.

With any marquee match involving India not scheduled in the Eden after the ICC shifted the India-England match to Bangalore, cricket lovers will not see the stadium in its magnificent best with nearly one lakh people turning up for a World Cup game and it is a pity for a venue of such a fame.

On current form and considering the conditions, India have been billed as the top favourites by cricket experts and it would be a huge celebration for Indian fans if Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men lift the trophy on April 2 at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

It would add to India's aura to its already muscle-flexing power as cricket's financial centre.

A World Cup win by India will also ensure the iconic batsman Sachin Tendulkar the only success that has eluded him in his illustrious over two decade long international career, besides India bringing home the trophy after 28 years.

2G scam probe: CBI examining if Anil Ambani can be chargesheeted

New Delhi:  The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is seeking legal opinion to find out if Anil Ambani can be chargesheeted in the 2G scam case, sources have said.

On Wednesday, the CBI questioned Anil Ambani in connection with his company Reliance Communications being looked at as a beneficiary of 2G spectrum licence. The investigating agency is questioning all telecom players that got licences.

The agency questioned Anil Ambani about Reliance Communications' investment in Swan Telecom. The CBI is also seeking to check if Reliance met all the eligibility norms or if it were favoured by then Telecom Minister A Raja, the sources said.

CBI sources have also told NDTV that A Raja, arrested for his alleged role in the 2G spectrum scam, was confronted with Anil Ambani on Wednesday. The sources added that both Raja and Ambani were questioned together for an hour. They denied any wrongdoing and each stuck to his stand.

Anil Dirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG) had issued a statement on Wednesday that Anil Ambani had merely met CBI officials, during a weekly visit to Delhi, to clarify on "ongoing issues."

The statement sought to underscore that, "neither Reliance Telecom, nor RCOM, nor any Reliance ADA Group individual, company or affiliate held even a SINGLE share in Swan Telecom Ltd., at the time of grant of the 2G license to them in January 2008, or at any time thereafter...Neither Reliance Telecom, nor RCOM, nor any Reliance ADA Group individual, company or affiliate has obtained any monetary gain or other benefit, directly or indirectly, from the grant of 2G license to Swan Telecom in January 2008." 

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) had earlier said in a report that Swan Telecom, which got 2G licences, appeared to be acting as a front company for Reliance Telecom, a 100 per cent subsidiary of Reliance Communications or RCom.

As per existing rules, no telecom operator is allowed to hold more than 10 per cent stake in another service provider in the same circle, directly or indirectly. However, in all 13 circles where Swan bagged licences, Reliance was already present. The CAG has calculated that inclusive of preferential shares equivalent to a 0.9 per cent stake, RCom had a 10.71 per cent participating interest in Swan.

Earlier today, Raja was sent to Delhi's Tihar Jail till March 3. Raja will be in judicial custody for the next 14 days. He was arrested by the CBI on February 2 in connection with the 2G spectrum scam. His CBI custody ended today.

2G scam: Oppn demands PM’s response to SC’s ‘silence’ remark

Buoyed by the Supreme Court's observation on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's 'silence' on the spectrum scam, opposition appears set to intensify its campaign in Parliament tomorrow for setting up a probe by a joint parliamentary committee (JPC). "With the entire opposition and supporting parties of the government together on the issue, the government must accept gracefully the demand for a JPC and should not waste the time of Parliament," BJP spokesman Prakash Javadekar said. AIADMK leader in the Rajya Sabha V Maitreyan echoed similar sentiments as also Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena. Maitreyan said that the opposition was awaiting a response from the government and if there was no reply from the government as promised by the Leader of the House in Lok Sabha Pranab Mukherjee yesterday, Parliament would not function. CPI's D Raja said that if the govenment remained indecisive on the issue, the opposition was bound to raise the JPC demand. This was more so when the Supreme Court was asking questions to the PM himself, he said. The Supreme Court on Tuesday  posed some embarrassing questions to the government about the lengthy delay on the part of the Prime Minister in taking a decision on a plea for sanction of prosecution of former Telecom Minister A Raja in the controversial 2G spectrum allocation issue. Congress’s reponse Congress on Wednesday steered clear of comments on the Supreme Court observations over the delay in Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's response to a plea seeking prosecution of then Telecom Minister A Raja in connection with the alleged irregularities in allocation of 2G spectrum. "The Supreme Court has asked the government a question and the government will give an appropriate response tomorrow," Congress spokesman Manish Tewari said in response to a specific query on the apex court's observations. Facing a volley on questions on Singh's "inaction", he asserted that the Prime Minister did take action by securing Telecom Minister A Raja's resignation before the CAG report tabled in Parliament.

Oscar 2011 Best Motion Picture of the year Nominees- List and Trailers

The King's Speech gets 12 Nominations and tops the list. (Click on the Movie titles to see the respective movie trailers)

2011 Best Motion Picture of the year - Nominees

127 Hours

Black Swan

The Fighter

Inception

The Kids Are All Right

The King's Speech

The Social Network

Toy Story 3

True Grit

Winter's Bone

Best Achievement in Directing - Nominees

Darren Aronofsky for Black Swan

Ethan Coen, Joel Coen for True Grit

David Fincher for The Social Network

Tom Hooper for The King's Speech

David O. Russell for The Fighter

Best Foreign Language Film of the Year - Nominees

Biutiful (Mexico)

Kynodontas (Greece) Dogtooth

Hævnen (Denmark)  In a Better World

Incendies (Canada)

Hors-la-loi (Algeria) Outside the Law

Ram Charan as Gang Leader?

Thursday, January 27, 2011  - sree

Mega Star Chiranjeevi’s ‘Gang Leader’ was one of the biggest hits in his film career. It was produced by noted producer Maganti Ravindrath Chowdary. His son Ramjee is now making his debut as producer in Tollywood.

Ramjee is producing the film ‘Mirchi’ with M S Raju’s son Sumanth Ashwin. The young producer at a press meet said that he wants to make his next film with Ram Charan Teja. He said that his father produced the film ‘Gang Leader’ with Mega Star and he intends to produce a film with same title with Chiranjeevi’s son.

As of now, nothing has been confirmed expect the title.

Mahesh Babu, Samantha ‘Dookudu’ in Hyderabad

Thursday, January 27, 2011  - sree

Prince Mahesh, Samantha Ruth Prabhu starrer ‘Dookudu’ shooting is currently progressing in Hyderabad. It will take place till 28th of this month. In this schedule, some important scenes are being shot on Mahesh Babu, Samantha and Sonia. After this, the film unit will shift to Ahmedabad and completes the next schedule. Later, filmmakers will complete the final schedule in Hyderabad.

Dookudu is said to be action-packed entertainer. It is learnt that Mahesh Babu is essaying the role of a police officer in the film.

Entertaining Director Srinu Vytla is directing the film while Anil Sunkara, Achanta Gopinath and Achanta Ram are jointly producing it on the banner of 14reels Entertainment  Pvt Ltd. Krishna Productions is presenting it.

Prakash Raj, Sonu Sood, Brahmanandam, Sayaji Shinde, Nazar and Vennela Kishore includes among the other cast members.

Thaman has scored the music for the film. M R Verma engaged in editing works while Prasad Murella handles cinematography.

Ravi Teja’s Veera to Release in May

It is known that Ravi Teja is doing a film ‘Veera’ in the direction of Ramesh Varma, who earlier directed Ride. Kajal Agarwal and Taapsee Pannu are the leading ladies in the film. It is being produced by Ganesh Indukuri under the banner of Sanvi Productions. Currently, film shooting is progressing in Hyderabad.

Speaking about the film director Ramesh Varma said ‘Veera is going to be mass-oriented film with all commercial elements. Ravi Teja is playing the character which will have two variations. Kajal is playing in a mass character called Kabaddi Chitti while Taapsee Pannnu portraying the role of an IT Student. Ravi Teja will be seen in such a powerful role after ‘Vikramarkudu’. The film will have eight action sequences which will be highlight to it. It has seven songs in which six songs recording has been completed’.

‘Veera is going to be highest budget film in Ravi Teja’s career and we planning to release it in May’ said Ganesh Indukuri.

Shyam (Kick fame) is essaying the role of a police officer in the film while Sridevi will play opposite to him. Naga Babu will be seen in an important role.

Srikanth in Pawan Kalyan’s Gabbar Singh?

It is well aware that Power Star Pawan Kalyan is all set to act and produce the film ‘Gabbar Singh’. Mirapakai fame Harish Shankar is going to direct it. First look of the film is already out and it is creating much hype among the moviebuffs. It is the remake of Bollywood Blockbuster ‘Dabangg’ which stars Salman Khan and Sonakshi Sinha in lead roles. Earlier, it was reported that Arbaaz Khan (producer of Dabangg) did not sold remake rights to anyone.

But now the latest news is that Arbaaz Khan has confirmed selling off the Telugu remake rights. He added that he is so happy that the movie has gone to the right person- Pawan Kalyan. He also revealed that he is happy and excited about the remake.

Also, the buzz is that Srikanth would be playing as brother to Pawan Kalyan in the film. As per reports, Srikanth has readily accepted this offer. Arbaaz Khan played this character in the original version. Kajal Agarwal or Anushka Shetty is likely to play the lead female role in the film.

Govt. should not scrap YSR schemes : JP

Dr. JP demanded that the Government honor its commitments on fee reimbursement to poor students pursuing higher education. He recalled that it was the Lok Satta Party which had incorporated irrevocable guarantees on education and social security in its 50-point election manifesto.
According to the Lok Satta Party, no student irrespective of his caste or religion should be denied an opportunity to pursue higher education provided he or she is desirous and deserving.  It also advocated institution of a program to help the poor stand on their own feet through financial assistance and earn pension through a contributory scheme. That was why the Lok Satta welcomed the fee reimbursement and abhaya hastam schemes ushered in by late Chief Minister Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy. The Government which rode to power on such promises should not go back on them now, Dr. JP said.
Dr. JP said that provision of educational opportunities was essential but not enough.  There are today tens of thousands of educated unemployed in the State. They should be imparted job-oriented skills and provided livelihood opportunities. Imparting skills to a million people for periods ranging from three months to a year would not cost more than Rs.2500 crore a year. The Government would earn Rs.3000 crore to Rs. 4000 crore  by way of revenue once the trained youth boost manufacturing by Rs.25000 crore after landingjobs.

Theenmaar talkie part completed

Theenmaar talkie part completed

Pawan Kalyan’s THEENMAAR movie talkie part shooting is completed and now only 3 songs are left to be shot.
Audio of this movie is planned to be released in a grand function on march 4th at Silpakala vedika in hyderabad.
Audio CDs will hit market on march 5th morning.
Movie is planned to be released in april 2nd week.
Gemini TV has bought the satellite rights of Theenmaar for whopping Rs.5.5 crores.

Prajarajyam – Congress complete merger in April 1st week

Chiranjeevi will merge his Prajarajyam party into congress party at a public meeting which will be organised in Guntur.
This will happen in first week of April, confirmed PRP MLA Ganta Srinivasa rao.
Rahul Gandhi or Sonia Gandhi will attend this meeting and chiru will announce official merger in front of public.
Chiranjeevi is meeting few leaders from his party today and also feedback from cadre in different districts will be taken into account on conditions for merging and cadre’s position in congress party.
Chiranjeevi is trying to make sure that his MLAs, along with himself should get enough importance in congress party.

Buzz on Allu Arjun’s Badrinath

Buzz on Allu Arjun’s Badrinath

Stylish Star Allu Arjun, Successful director V.V.Vinayak’s combo Badrinath is currently in its final leg of filming. Meanwhile, Allu Arjun started giving his dubbing today at Shabdhalaya Studios. This heavy budget film is being produced by Allu Arvaind in his Geeta Arts banner.

Tamannah is playing the female lead role in the film. As per the sources buzz, Allu Aravind is planning to release the film in Telugu and Hindi versions and filmnagar circles are at buzz that Allu Aravind is planning to rope in Bollywood actor Imran Khan in a guest role to gain the craze for the Hindi version of Badrinath.

Well, let’s wait for the official confirmation of the news from the film-makers.

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Sarve faces Telangana heat at JAC-led all-party meet

The all-party meeting convened by Telangana political JAC to seek support for the non-cooperation movement from Thursday led to heated exchanges and fisticuffs between the supporters of Congress MP Sarve Satyanrayana, and the employees and TRS supporters.The trouble began when the MP resorted to showering praises on AICC president Sonia Gandhi and felt that since the Centre had already made a statement in “favour” of separate Telangana on December 9, there was no need for any agitation. He also added that T state would be formed by December 9, 2011.
The employee union leaders, including the TNGO president K Swamy Goud, interrupted him and said that they had not come to hear political lectures and the meeting was convened to seek the support of people’s representatives for the non-cooperation movement that would begin on Thursday.But the MP did not relent and said that instead of such movement, the employees should mount pressure on TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao to meet Sonia Gandhi and ask her to bifurcate the state. If Sonia refuses to do so then the Congress MPs will quit the party and will work with the TRS, he said.
At this stage, TRS floor leader E Rajender and Nayini Narsimha Reddy retorted saying that they do not need his suggestion on how to get Telangana state. This led to shouting of slogans by the employees against the MP. They also demanded that the MP leave the venue. Taken aback, the MP shouted back saying that he would not join them or extend his support to the non-cooperation movement. The situation returned to normalcy only after the JAC leaders intervened and pacified both the groups. The MP, however, left the place.Meanwhile, TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao, addressing Telangana electricity employees JAC, called upon the people to participate in the non-cooperation movement untill the Centre introduces a bill in Parliament to bifurcate the state.

'Teen Maar' on 'Chaar Mar'!

Every minute detail about ‘teen maar’ will be like a celebration for Power Star Fans. Being a cool and composed love story from Pawan Kalyan all the way after super duper hit ‘Khushi,’ expectations are reaching very high (obviously that happens for every movie of Power Star). The first celebration of ‘teen maar’ before the actual movie release would be audio release.

Yes, Fans are eager to know about the possible audio release date. Here comes the news from ‘teen maar’ sources that audio of the movie could be out into the market on March 4 with a grand release event planned. Once again Mani Sharma is known to have offered spectacular tunes to celebrate the love of Pawan Kalyan. 

As Pawan and Jayant being ardent music lovers, no wonders that ‘teen maar’ could be one such audio from Mani Sharma which can come out roaring. Stay tuned to CJ as we are trying to get our viewers the list of songs. So, ‘teen maar’ is going to rock for March Fourth that is ‘Chaar Mar.’

DL dares Jagan for open debate

The minister for medical and health, Dr D.L. Ravindra Reddy, alleged that the former chief minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, was responsible for the state government’s bankruptcy as he had introduced some useless welfare schemes.He addressed the gathering after inaugurating a tobacco factory in Khajipeta on Wednesday.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Ravindra Reddy alleged that the former MP, Mr Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy was eyeing the chief minister post to loot the state.He demanded that Mr Jagan disclose how he amassed crores of rupees by investing only Rs 9 lakh in his vernacular newspaper.He accused Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy of acquiring illegal wealth when his father Dr Rajasekhar Reddy was alive.He challenged Jagan to participate in an open debate over his blatant corruption.
He said that Mr Jagan’s media channel had no moral values as it was highlighting his and the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson, Ms Sonia Gandhi’s involvement for every incident in the state.The minister for medical and health warned Mr Jagan’s media channel that he would not tolerate distorted and fake news against him as well as Ms Sonia Gandhi.

Allu arjun's badrinath dubbing started

Stylish star Allu Arjun’s upcoming film “Badrinath” comes to end of its shooting part. Mean while Allu Arjun was started dubbing for this film after the Pooja ceremony held on yesterday (Feb 16th) at Shabdhalaya Studios. Tamannah is playing the female lead role in this film.

TRS leaders attack JP in Assembly premises

In a sensational development, Lok Satta Party president and former bureaucrat Dr Jayaprakash Narayan was attacked by the irate Telangana Rasthra Samithi leaders on the Assembly premises on Thursday.
JP, who came to the media point to address the media, made a scathing attack on the Telangana MLAs for stalling the speech of Governor E S L Narasimhan as part of their protest against delay in granting separate Telangana state. He described it as a black day in the history of the assembly and accused the agitating MLAs of killing the democracy and insulting the constitution of India. He demanded that the Governor dismiss the assembly and impose President’s Rule in the state.Even as JP was continuing his comments, irate TRS legislators Aravind Reddy, Harish Rao and others tried to obstruct him and raised slogans against him.
As he was getting down from the dais to make way for Congress senior leader Paladugu Venkat Rao, the TRS workers swooped on him and attacked him. While one person wearing pink khanduwa (believed to be Aravind Reddy) hit him hard on his head, another TRS leader bashed him on his back and pushed him. In the melee, Paladugu also slipped from the place and almost fell down. The police rescued both of them and took them away. The marshals also pushed down Harish Rao.Later, JP and Paladugu lodged a complaint with the Deputy Speaker. The TRS legislators said they would not tolerate if anybody tries to make humiliating comments against the Telangana movement.

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PR cadre in despair over political future

The Praja Rajyam leaders and activists are in despair over their political future, following the decision to merge their party with the Congress.Second-rung leaders of major political parties such as the Telugu Desam and the Congress joined the PR with a hope that they would emerge as formidable challengers to other parties in the state.
The PR president, Mr K. Chiranjeevi’s sudden merger move has created confusion among the party workers. PR leaders who are vexed with internal rivalries, are apprehensive about their future in the Congress as several senior leaders dominate this party and cadre in the district.The PR district president, Mr Masoolu Srinivas, the state secretary, Mr Kadapala Srikanth Reddy and another leader, Mr T.J. Prakash, are planning to unite under the leadership of Chiranjeevi by continuing in the Congress.
But some leaders are seeking the Congress senior legislator, Mr J.C. Diwakar Reddy’s support. Mr Srinivas said that PR cadre would not join in any other group in the district as the Congress high command has assured that it will give importance to PR cadre even in villages, and Mr Chiranjeevi has also promised that he would do justice to those who stood by the party in tough times.Meanwhile, the PR activists are expecting posts in the Congress, presuming that a strong community in the district will join the new political party to be floated by the former MP, Mr Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, and the Congress will unavoidably depend on PR cadre. Some others are contemplating to return to their previous political parties.