Cold wave conditions returns to HP

Shimla, Feb 23 (PTI) Cold wave conditions today returned to Himachal Pradesh with the entire tribal belt and other higher reaches receiving snowfall and widespread rains accompanied by thunderstorm in mid and lower hills. The state capital Shimla was lashed by thunderstorm coupled with 30 mm rain. Tourist resorts of Kufri, Fagu and Narkanda received 15 to 20 cm snow. Manali, which received 5 cm fresh snow accompanied by incessant rains, shivered at -1.0 deg C. Rohtang and Kunzam passes recorded over 100 cm fresh snow, while Keylong and Kalpa in tribal Lahaul and Spiti and Kinnaur districts had 25 cm and 45 cm snow. The minimum temperature dipped to 2.1 deg C in Shimla, while Bhuntar recorded a low of 6.8 deg C. PTI PCL SCY

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One arrested for killing deer

Bikaner(Raj), Feb 23 (PTI) A 35-year-old man was arrested today for allegedly killing a deer in the district. Devi Singh, along with two others, hunted the deer near Khichiya village when some locals informed the police. Police reached at the spot and arrested Singh while his friends managed to give a slip. Uncooked meat was recovered from the spot, the police said, adding, search for Singh's two friends was on. PTI Corr SDA SHS

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Swine Flu claims life in UP

Agra, Feb 23 (PTI) A 25-year-old woman afflicted with the swine flu virus died in Sarojni Naidu Medical College here, a senior health official said today. Gayatri Devi, who belonged to Korai village near Fatehpur Sikri, was admitted to the hospital on February 19, after she was tested positive for for the H1N1 virus, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Nirmala Yadav said. When Gayatri's condition deteriorated, she was shifted to the ICU, where she breathed her last yesterday, the CMO said. Her husband and other family members have been kept under medical supervision, Dr Yadav said. PTI Corr KAS

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ISHRAT-ARRESTS 2 LAST BES26

Parmar's counsel Sanjay Thakkar argued that probe into Parmar's counsel Sanjay Thakkar argued that probe into the case has been going on for two years and he had already been interrogated more than once. Taking into account both the versions, CBI judge A U Jujara rejected the remand application on the ground that the accused had already been interrogated once. The agency's plea seeking 14-day remand of Singhal was also rejected by the court. An SIT, constituted by the Gujarat High Court on the application of Ishrat's mother, had concluded that the teenage girl was killed in a fake encounter. Following the report, the high court handed over the case to the CBI on December 1, 2011 and has been monitoring the investigations. PTI SBC PD NSK VMN BSM

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Somalian, Hyderabad youth held for trying to sneak into Nepal

Sat, Feb 23, 2013 at 22:02

Somalian, Hyderabad youth held for trying to sneak into Nepal

Like this story, share it with millions of investors on M3

Somalian, Hyderabad youth held for trying to sneak into Nepal

Somalian, Hyderabad youth held for trying to sneak into Nepal

Like this story, share it with millions of investors on M3

Somalian, Hyderabad youth held for trying to sneak into Nepal

Somalian, Hyderabad youth held for trying to sneak into Nepal

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Motihari, Feb 23 (PTI) A Somalian and an Indian national were arrested today while trying to sneak into Nepal through a place in Bihar's East Champaran district. Police sources said that a 30 year-old Somalian national Abdullah Umran Makran and his associate Mohammad Adam of Hyderabad were nabbed by Immigration officials with the help of Bihar police in Haraiya village. The Somalian does not have passport and visa. A case has been registered against the two with Raxual police station of the district. A laptop, a mobile, a camera and driving license made in Hyderabad have been seized from the two, the sources said. Preliminary information said that the two had landed in Raxual by train from New Delhi. Superintendent of Police Ganesh Kumar said that the two are being. PTI CORR SNS RG PS

From DJ EU Officials Spain Aid Cap Of 100 Bn Euros 'should Be Enough'

The latest earning numbers FIRST on CNBC-TV18

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Security personnel, cops thrash out anti-Maoist strategy

Sat, Feb 23, 2013 at 22:32

Security personnel, cops thrash out anti-Maoist strategy

Like this story, share it with millions of investors on M3

Security personnel, cops thrash out anti-Maoist strategy

Security personnel, cops thrash out anti-Maoist strategy

Like this story, share it with millions of investors on M3

Security personnel, cops thrash out anti-Maoist strategy

Security personnel, cops thrash out anti-Maoist strategy

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Bhubaneswar, Feb 23 (PTI) Top security officers of CRPF, BSF and Odisha Police today attended the Unified Command meeting for chalking out anti-Maoist operation strategy in the state here today. "We discussed the law and order situation concerning the security of the civilians," Chief Secreatary B K Patnaik told reporters after presiding over the meeting. Patnaik, however, refused to divulge more about the talks. Sources, however, said the unified command felt that there was a need to change the strategy as maoist violence has substantially declined in the state. "The anti-maoist operation will now focus on pockets and specific districts instead of a large areas," said a senior officer. The state has presently deployed eight battalions CRPF, six battalions BSF and one battalion Cobra force besides the state's elie Special Operation Group (SOG) and district police personnel. PTI AAM SUS PS

From DJ EU Officials Spain Aid Cap Of 100 Bn Euros 'should Be Enough'

The latest earning numbers FIRST on CNBC-TV18

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CBI moves HC to cancel bail of three accused in DCI scam

Chennai, Feb 23 (PTI) The CBI has moved the Madras High Court seeking to cancel the bail granted to three persons in connection with the Dental Council of India bribe scam. Special Public Prosecutor for CBI cases N Chandrasekharan submitted that the accused were not only interfering in the investigation by influencing witnesses, but also trying to demoralise the investigating officer by using foul means. CBI had on January 7 last registered a case against Dr S Murukesan, DCI member, for allegedly demanding Rs one crore from Adhiparasakthi Dental College and Hospital at Melmaruvathur near here, for getting the body's approval for the PG course. He had also received Rs 25 lakh as the first instalment, it alleged. S Srilekha, Managing Director of the Trust running the college was earlier released on bail on January 24. K Ramabadran, Administrative Officer of the college and R Karunanidhi, trustee in the Trust, were ordered to be released on bail on February 13, on the condition that they would not tamper with evidence or hamper investigation. CBI also submitted that the conduct of the accused showed that they were influencing witnesses and destroying evidence also. PTI DSJ BN VMN NTR

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Kalam inaugurates three-day science fair at Ghaziabad

Ghaziabad, Feb 23 (PTI) Former President A P J Abdul Kalam today asked students to conserve electricity so that it could be saved for the future and utilised in important projects of the country. In an interaction with students after inaugurating a three-day science fair at Harsaw Police Line here, Kalam stressed upon the need of saving energy for the country's progress. Students can contribute to nation's development by saving energy, he said. Kalam inspected the fair and motivated students to take interest in science. Ghaziabad District Authority vice-chairman Santosh Yadav, SSP Prashant Kumar, Joint Magistrate Amit Singh and other senior officials of the district were present on the occasion. PTI Corr KAS

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Italian election: Will it be a hung parliament?

Italy goes to election on Sunday and Monday with no clear indication of a definite outcome. So, will Italy go the Greece way; will it need a second election, what impact will that have on the Euro Zone and of course on global markets?

Euro looks weak ahead of polls in Italy: StanChart

In an interview to CNBC-TV18, Alessandro Mercuri, Interest Rate Strategist at Lloyds Banking Group shared his outlook on Italy's election.

Further Mercuri said that there is a degree of uncertainty because of two weeks blackout period for opinion polls. 

Outcome of Italy election deeply uncertain

"Most of the markets are working on the assumption that the coalition led by Pier Luigi Bersani with participation of Mario Monti will be formed after the election. There is also a possibility of a hung parliament," he added.

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How to trade your favourite stocks during Budget week?

If the Budget disappoints the market, Nifty may break 5800, says Sudip Bandyopadhyay, MD & CEO, Destimoney Securities. In such an eventuality, he says, the level of 5500-5600 is likely.

Bandyopadhyay helps investors out with their investment queries as part of moneycontrol.com's initiative Know Your Investment.

Below are his answers to questions investors asked us on our Facebook page.

Dr. Jayesh Gaygol: What is a target of Tinplate in six months? Will it cross Rs 55?

A: Tinplate is India's largest indigenous producer of tin coated and tin free steel sheets providing packaging solutions to the food processing industry and also caters to other industries like Chemicals, Paints, Electronics and Defense etc. It enjoys around 35% market share in India. The company reported strong performance in Dec quarter with 65% growth in topline & 33% in bottomline. Since you are looking for a short term horizon - I believe that in the short term it might move upto 55 levels but one should keep a strict stop loss.

Priya Nambiar: What are your views on Cochin Minerals and Rutile ?

A: CMRL's main product is Synthetic Rutile, which finds application as raw material for the Titanium pigment and titanium sponge/metal industry. Other products are by products.  Ferric Chloride has applications as an etching agent and is an effective coagulant for drinking water and effluent treatment. Ferrous Chloride is coagulant for drinking water and effluent treatment. Iron Hydroxide (Cemox) clay used for brick and tile making.

During H1FY12, net profit rose by 224% to Rs35.0 crore on 50% higher sales of Rs138.6 crore. OP and NP margin stood at 39.6% and 25.3% Vs 20.4% and 11.7% respectively in H1FY12. H1FY13 EPS works out to Rs44.9 Vs Rs13.8 in H1FY12."

There has been improvement in the global demand for Synthetic Rutile/and Ferric Chloride in the sea water desalination plant in Gulf countries and for Ferrous chloride in sewage treatment plants in African Countries. It exports more than 80% of its production and in the current scenario where the Rupee is weakening against the USD, the company could benefit out of higher Rupee realization. These give strong visibility to revenue going forward.  At the CMP of Rs267, the share is trading at a P/E of 3.2x on FY13E and 2.8x on FY14E.

Mukesh Lovely Thareja: What is your call on Titan ?

A: Titan is a good buy for medium / long term.  This is fundamentally a very strong company and will continue to deliver excellent results and growth over the next few years.

Santosh Dubey: I am new in market and want to invest in currency and gold. So please suggest me should I wait some more time to buy gold or should I start buying now?

A: If you are a long term investor, you can start buying gold now.  Gold price will keep fluctuating based on multiple factors in the short term.  However, in the long run, we believe that there is a secular up trend.  But it should also be kept in mind that the return from Gold will not be as spectacular as it was during the last few years.  Gold will provide a steady return of 8-12% over the next 12 months.

Varun Bhatia: I have 50 shares of L&T at Rs 1690 a share? What should I do, hold or sell?

A: L&T is an excellent company.  We believe that prospect of L&T is good in medium / long term.   India's infrastructure story will help L&T.  Being efficient and well managed provides it with an edge.

As soon as the investment cycle starts in India, L&T will be the biggest beneficiary.

Prasad Dhodapkar: What is your call L&T Finance ?

A: L&T Finance is a strong candidate for a banking license.  However, this expectation is already factored in by the market and this reflects in the price.  Considering the parentage and it's fundamental strength, we believe that L&T Finance is a good hold for medium / long term.

Chitresh Lunawat: What is your call on Madhucon Projects ?

A: India's GDP growth has clearly slowed down and both infrastructure and capital goods sectors are suffering the most.  The pains points are yet to be removed.  From the value perspective, the infrastructure companies look attractive.  However, we believe that the time for value buying in these sectors haven't yet come.  It is better to avoid Madhucon Project in short / medium term.

Anshuman Chakrapani: What's your view on JP Associates ?

A: JP Associates is a fundamentally strong company.  However, the problem ailing the infrastructure and capital good sectors, may also affect JP Associates.  At current levels, JP Associates can be acquired for a medium / long term.  However, in the short term, till the economic environment improves, JP Associates may continue to struggle.

Nilesh Gala: What your view on TV18 and Mirza International ? Also can you tell me about Shalimar Paints ?

A: TV18 has corrected significantly in the recent past.  At current levels, this looks good. Exposure can be taken in TV18.

Mirza International has improved performance over the last few quarters.  However it is better to stick to established large cap and mid cap stocks.

Shalimar Paints is one of the leading paints manufacturing companies of India, reported its financial results for the quarter ended 30th Dec, 2012. The Third quarter witnesses a healthy increase in overall sales as well as profitability of the company. The company's net profit jumps to Rs.46.90 million against Rs.37.90 million in the corresponding quarter ending of previous year, an increase of 23.75%. Revenue for the quarter increase 14.63 percent.

At the current market price of Rs 136, the stock P/E ratio is at 14.87 x FY13E and 12.99 x FY14E respectively. Earnings per share (EPS) of the company for the earnings for FY13E and FY14E is seen at Rs.9.15 and Rs.10.47 respectively. Net Sales and PAT of the company are expected to grow at a CAGR of 16% and 19% over 2011 to 2014E respectively. On the basis of EV/EBITDA, the stock trades at 6.87 x for FY13E and 6.03 x for FY14E. Price to Book Value of the stock is expected to be at 3.18 x and 2.55 x respectively for FY13E and FY14E. We expect that the company surplus scenario is likely to continue for the next years, will keep its growth story in the coming quarters also.

Anuj Khatri: IT majors held out during this recent turbulent ride. Should one go ahead n buy or be at sideline and wait for a dip? Also, I bought drowning Tata Steel at Rs 366. Should I wait for a upswing or get out? Please suggest stop-loss, time horizon?

A: Large cap IT companies have been performing well inspite of the global turmoil.  We believe that TCS and HCL will continue to outperform and deliver good results.  Exposure can be taken whenever there is a correction.

Regarding small and mid cap, one needs to be extremely careful.  While opportunities exist in the market place, performances of these companies are not assured.

TATA Steel has probably seen the worst.  We expect that performance will improve hereon.   Domestic production is increasing as a percentage of overall production.  This should significantly help in overall margins.  The long term investor can explore entering or remaining invested TATA Steel at current levels.

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Sheila Dikshit lays foundation for hospital in North Delhi

New Delhi, Feb 16 (PTI) Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today laid the foundation of a 200-beded hospital in Burari area of North Delhi and said the national capital was becoming a hub of medical tourism. Speaking on the occasion, she said government was committed to further improve medical facilities in the city. "Delhi is becoming a medical tourism hub as large number of patients come here for the quality treatment and health services," she said. Currently, Delhi hospitals have a total capacity of 43,000 beds, Dikshit said. "There would be no dearth of funds for expansion of health care services in Delhi as we are committed to further improve the health care facilities in the city," she said. PTI MPB SHS

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One person killed in group clash during idol immersion

Chatra (Jharkhand), Feb 16 (PTI) One person was killed while two others were injured in firing which broke out between two rival groups during immersion of Saraswati idol in Chatra district today, police said. Police also fired to quell the clashing groups and it is not clear whether the casualty had occurred due to shots fired by the police or from the rival factions. Violence broke out while the procession was passing through a lane in Pathalgadha area of the district and the police had to open fire to disperse the clashing groups, Superintendent of Police Anup Birtheray said. Two police vans were also set on fire by the mob, he said. PTI Corr PVR SUS SHL

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Girl killed in celebratory firing, Cong leader booked

Sonipat, Feb 16 (PTI) A teenage girl, who was shot at during celebratory firing at a marriage here, died in a hospital in Rohtak today. A local Congress leader and eight others have been booked for the incident that happened yesterday, said police, adding that they are yet to be arrested. The deceased, Shalu (13) was injured when bullets fired during a marriage procession at Garh Mirkapur village in the district accidentally hit her, police said today. Dilawar (15), who was also injured in the firings, is in a serious condition at a hospital in Delhi. The victims were part of the marriage procession coming from Khedi Manajat village and going to the house of Shyam Singh in Garh Mirkapur village to wed his two daughters, SHO of Rai, Sultan Singh said. While the procession was moving, a guest fired celebratory shots in the air, which accidentally hit Shalu in the neck and Dilawar in the chest, Singh said. The two were rushed to a hospital in Sonipat, from where they were referred to the PGI in Rohtak, he added. Shalu died at Rohtak today while Dilawar has been shifted to Jaipur Golden Hospital in Delhi, where his condition is critical. Shalu's maternal uncle Pawan, lodged a complaint with the police against the youth wing chief of Khedi village Congress Sunil, his brother Rakesh, maternal uncle Jaibeer, one Devendra Sharma and five others, Singh added. PTI Corr SRS SHL

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Del Potro on fire as he downs Dimitrov to reach final

By Theo Ruizenaar

ROTTERDAM (Reuters) - Argentine Juan Martin del Potro is determined to go one step further than his runner-up finish 12 months ago at the World Indoor Tournament as he reached the final with a 6-4 6-4 win over Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov on Saturday.

Following the shock defeat of Roger Federer on Friday, second seed Del Potro is now favourite to add his name to the banner of champions wrapped around the Ahoy Arena by beating either Julien Benneteau or Gilles Simon in Sunday's showdown.

Del Potro has been in devastating form and reached the title match without dropping his serve all week.

From the moment the lanky Argentine broke his Bulgarian opponent's service in the third game, when Dimitrov missed an easy volley, there seemed to be only one winner.

"My serve is really going well and that gives a lot of confidence for the rest of my game plan," Del Potro told reporters.

"I'm satisfied with this win against a player with a great potential who can be top 10 of 20 in the near future."

Despite his favourite status in the final, 2009 U.S. Open champion Del Potro did not want to talk up his chances.

"It was a bit of surprise that Roger went out but it doesn't please me as I don't pay any attention to the other half of the draw before the final," he said.

"It doesn't matter who I play tomorrow, I just have to stick with my game plan and play it hard."

(Reporting by Theo Ruizenaar, editing by Pritha Sarkar)

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Unauthorised offices of political parties razed in Thane

Thane, Feb 16 (PTI) Unauthorised offices of various political parties were today demolished by Thane Municipal Corporation following a directive by the Bombay High Court. Nine out of the 22 illegal offices of different political outfits were razed today in the first phase, the corporation said in a release. The offices belonged to Shiv Sena, Congress, RPI, BJP, NCP, MNS among others. In some cases, party functionaries themselves pulled down the offices. A big posse of policemen including a DCP, 3 ACPs, 12 PIs and PSIs and over 200 police personnel helped in the operation, the corporation said. The High Court had recently asked the corporation to demolish unauthorised offices of political parties in the city while hearing a petition. PTI COR ABC SHS RYS

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Fraser-Pryce upstaged by Ahoure on indoor debut

REUTERS - Olympic sprint champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was upstaged on her indoor debut by Ivory Coast's Murielle Ahoure who took victory over 60 metres at the Birmingham grand prix on Saturday.

Britain's double Olympic champion Mo Farah had a better start to his season with a comfortable victory over 3,000 metres.

The London Games 5,000 and 10,000 gold medallist was untroubled throughout the race but put on a turn of speed over the final lap to the delight of the crowd to win in seven minutes 42 seconds.

Farah, 29, will compete in the New Orleans half marathon next week and then run the first half of April's London marathon as part of his build-up to the world championships in Moscow in August.

"It was brilliant. It was important that I tried to win my only indoor race. Definitely looking forward to the outdoor season," Farah told reporters.

The anticipated 60 metres matchup between two of the world's top sprinters, Jamaican Fraser-Pryce and American Carmelita Jeter, who finished second to her in the Olympic final, failed to materialise as Ahoure pulled away with surprising ease to win in 6.99 seconds.

Fraser-Pryce, whose appearance in the earlier heat had been her first race over the distance, was second in 7.09, with Jeter fourth in 7.18.

"I had a wonderful time, it was a great experience," Fraser-Pryce told the BBC. "The track was really good. I didn't have any problems with anything today."

Ahoure, who finished seventh in the London Games final last year, was surprised by her sub-seven second time.

"We didn't really plan to run indoors at all. My goal is the world championships outdoors so I've just been training for the 100. It's great to come here in the middle of training and drop a time like that," she said.

American Michael Rodgers held off fast-finishing Olympic 100 metres relay gold medallist Nesta Carter of Jamaica to win the men's 60 final in 6.53.

Genzebe Dibaba, younger sister of three-times Olympic champion Tirunesh, faded over the final lap to fail in her attempt to break the world 1,500 indoor record.

Dibaba, 22, took over from the pacemaker at the halfway stage and, clear of the field, was inside world-record pace with 200 metres to go. But grimacing down the home straight she clocked 4:00.83, missing Russian Elena Soboleva's world mark of 3:58.28.

Olympic champion Ivan Ukhov had to settle for third in the high jump behind fellow Russian Aleksey Dmitrik, who cleared 2.33 metres for victory.

London pole vault silver medallist Yarisley Silva finished second to Britain's Holly Bleasdale on a countback after both athletes cleared 4.70 metres.

(Writing by Alison Wildey in London; Editing by John Mehaffey)

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Sanjeev Tyagi rubbishes charges of kickbacks

New Delhi, Feb 16 (PTI) Sanjeev Tyagi, a cousin of ex-Air Chief S P Tyagi, today rubbished charges of having received kickbacks in the Rs.3,600 crore VVIP chopper deal, saying it was an "absolute lie" even as he admitted having met one of the middlemen 17 years back on a power sector deal. "Everything started with a lie and it will die with that lie," Sanjeev Tyagi told CNN-IBN in an interview. In a report filed by Italian investigators on the defence deal in Italy, the three Tyagi brothers -- Julie, Docsa and Sanjeev -- are alleged to have received kickbacks from middlemen. Sanjeev said he met Guido Haschke in 1996, who has levelled allegations against him, in connection with some dealings in Power sector as consultants and that he has never ventured into the Defence sector in any way. "It is only logical that he (Haschke) knows that my cousin is Air Chief. So he started on a total wrong premise, a malicious story that he can help AgustaWestland by lowering the heights of the choppers" Sanjeev said. He further added that, "I have never spoken to the Air Chief Marshal in connection with the deal" as they had developed a strained relationship till 2007. However, he said the former Air Chief may have met one of the Carlo Gerosa, named as a middleman, during the wedding of his niece. Stating that he was "painfully surprised" the way his family was maligned, Sanjeev said he was ready to face a CBI probe as "all my transactions are above board". "I have never dealt in the defence sector...I don't know anyone in Agusta....I have been raped daily" with all these allegations against me. "I welcome the inquiry" ordered by the government and the truth will come out." He also refuted reports that he and his two brothers have gone into hiding. "Why should I hide? What wrong have I done? he asked. The issue of bribery in the defence deal resurfaced after the arrest of Finmeccanica CEO Giuseppe Orsi and AgustaWestland CEO Bruno Spagnolini in Italy for paying kickbacks. The investigation report suggests that the former Air Chief had met middlemen more than six to seven times and allegedly briefed them about the developments in the deal.PTI SGI ADS VMN

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Minor girl raped by relative

Suri (WB), Feb 16 (PTI) A minor girl was allegedly raped by her maternal uncle at Nalhati in Birbhum district. The police today said that the victim, a student of class-two, was raped by her maternal uncle Binod Mal last night at Mahulapara village in Nalhati. According to the police, the girl from Hafijpur village went to her relative's house at Mahulapara on the occasion of Saraswati puja where the accused took her away and raped her. She was admitted to Rampurhat hospital where her condition is said to be critical. The accused is absconding and a complaint has been lodged by the victim's grandmother against Mal with Nalhati police station. PTI Corr AMD SHL

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Centre had given all possible help to UP for Kumbh: Jaiswal

Kanpur, Feb 16 (PTI) Urging the state and Union government to work together to avoid any mishap at Kumbh in the future, Union Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal today said that the Centre had extended all possible help for organising the Mela. "The deaths in the stampede at the Allahabad railway station is a sad incident, but this is not the time for the Centre and the state government to blame each other. It is the time for the two to work together to ensure the safety of the devotees at the mela," Jaiswal said at a press conference ahead of the inauguration of the renovated Congress headquarters at the Tilak Hall. The hall will be inaugurated tomorrow by Motilal Bora while the chief of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Nirmal Khatri will preside over the function, said the Congress MP from Kanpur. "The Centre had provided all possible help to the state government for the organisation of the Kumbh Mela," he added. In reply to a query about the alleged helicopter scam, Jaiswal said that the deal was being probed and the government was ready to take the right decision. "Defence Minister A K Antony and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh are very honest leaders," he said. PTI Corr SRS SHL

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PAK-3RDLD BLAST 2 LAST

Security forces cordoned off the area and did not allow Security forces cordoned off the area and did not allow the media to approach the site of the blast. Officials said this was done as terrorists had set off a bigger bomb after a smaller initial blast in recent attacks. No group claimed responsibility for the blast. Similar attacks in the recent past have been blamed on the banned Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, a notorious militant group that often targets Shias. On January 10, a twin suicide attack in Quetta killed 92 Hazara Shias and injured over 100, the highest toll in a single attack on Shias, who make up 20 per cent of Pakistan's population of 180 million. Following the attack, the federal government imposed Governor's Rule in Balochistan. Shia groups and political parties asked people to observe three days of mourning and called for a strike in Quetta tomorrow to protest the killing of members of the minority community. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf condemned the attack and reiterated the government's resolve to continue the fight against militants. Ashraf directed provincial authorities to arrest the perpetrators of the blast. "We will not be intimidated by such cowardly acts and such acts will not deter our resolve to fight terrorism," he said. PTI RHL ASK ASK

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Swiss authorities cannot open graft cases against Zardari:Naek

From Rezaul H Laskar Islamabad, Feb 9 (PTI) Swiss authorities have informed the Pakistan government that they cannot open graft cases against President Asif Ali Zardari in line with an order from the Supreme Court, Law Minister Farooq Naek said today. The Swiss authorities had conveyed their position in an official letter sent to the Pakistan government this week, Naek was quoted as saying by TV news channels. Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira, a close aide of Zardari, said the decision of the Swiss authorities had endorsed the stance adopted by the Pakistan government. Giving in to pressure from the Supreme Court, the Pakistan government had sent a letter seeking the reopening of the graft cases to the Swiss authorities last November. However, the letter had made it clear that the cases could be revived with the condition that the President enjoyed immunity under the Constitution and Pakistani and international laws. The standoff between the government and the apex court over approaching the Swiss authorities over the graft cases had cost former premier Yousuf Raza Gilani his job last year. The court disqualified Gilani after convicting him for contempt for refusing to revive the cases. Gilani's successor Raja Pervez Ashraf agreed to implement the apex court's orders in November after he was charged with contempt. The Supreme Court has been pressuring the Pakistan People's Party-led government to revive the graft cases against Zardari since December 2009, when it struck down a graft amnesty issued by former military ruler Pervez Musharraf. The National Reconciliation Ordinance, which was part of a secret deal between Musharraf and slain former premier Benazir Bhutto, benefited Zardari and over 8,000 others. Soon after the NRO was promulgated, former Attorney General Malik Qayyum had asked Swiss authorities to close the graft cases against Zardari. PTI RHL ZH

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Indian tennis players end Davis Cup boycott

By Sudipto Ganguly

MUMBAI (Reuters) - Disgruntled Indian tennis players made themselves available on Saturday for a Davis Cup tie against Indonesia, ending an embarrassing row with the All India Tennis Association (AITA) over demands for better playing conditions.

Eleven frontline players, excluding 13-times grand slam doubles champion Leander Paes, pulled out of the regional first round tie against South Korea in New Delhi last week, which India lost 4-1.

On Thursday, the AITA agreed to most of the players' demands paving the way for the players, including multiple doubles grand slam champion Mahesh Bhupathi, Somdev Devvarman and Rohan Bopanna, to commit to play in the April 5-7 team event.

"We have confirmed to the AITA our availability to play in the Davis Cup tie against Indonesia, subject to all of the conditions and commitments in the AITA's letter being unconditionally complied with by the AITA," the players said in a statement.

"Given that a number of the concerns that we have raised remain unresolved, our confirmation of availability is limited only to the tie against Indonesia.

"Going forward, we are hopeful that a reasonable and comprehensive long-term understanding will be formally documented after a consultative and collaborative process involving us as players."

The AITA agreed to demands for a new coach, a higher share of prize money, the players' involvement in choice of venues for ties and business class airfares for all members of the squad.

The governing body, however, rejected their request to change the captain and snubbed the players' choice of support staff for the team.

"We are happy that the players have made themselves available," AITA chief executive Hironmoy Chatterjee told Reuters by phone. "We are willing to open discussions with them for a long-term understanding." (Reporting by Sudipto Ganguly; Editing by John Mehaffey)

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ANERT plans 10,000 roof-top solar panels in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 9 (PTI) State-owned Agency for Non-conventional Energy and Rural Technology (ANERT) is planning to set up 10,000 solar roof-top panels in houses across Kerala. The project was being carried out in view of the severe power crisis in the state, a statement said. More than 6,000 persons had already registered for the scheme. Around Rs 93,000 would be made available to beneficiaries by the Central and state governments for the scheme, which costs Rs 1,90,000. Solar panels with 1 KW capacity would be installed atop houses. The entire project could create 10 MW of power in the state. Power generated during the day can be reused by house owners with the help of batteries as per their requirements. A 12 square metre space is required to set up the panels and more than 100 units of power could be generated with this in a month, the release said. With the new facility, bulbs, fans, televisions and computers could be operated without the help of inverters being used in homes at present which consumes a lot of power. PTI MVG APR PMS SS

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Tunisian Islamists rally to show 'power of street'

By Tarek Amara and Alistair Lyon

TUNIS (Reuters) - Thousands of Islamists marched in Tunis on Saturday in a show of strength, a day after the funeral of an assassinated secular politician drew the biggest crowds seen on the streets since Tunisia's uprising two years ago.

About 6,000 supporters of the ruling Ennahda movement rallied to back their leader Rachid al-Ghannouchi, who was the target of angry slogans raised by mourners at Friday's mass funeral of Chokri Belaid, a rights lawyer and opposition leader.

"The people want Ennahda again," the Islamists chanted, waving Tunisian and party flags as they marched towards the Interior Ministry on Habib Bourguiba Avenue in the city centre.

The demonstration was dwarfed by the tens of thousands who had turned out in Tunis and other cities to honour Belaid and to protest against the Islamist-led government the day before, shouting slogans that included "We want a new revolution".

Belaid's killing by an unidentified gunman on Wednesday, Tunisia's first such political assassination in decades, has shaken a nation still seeking stability after the overthrow of veteran strongman Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali in January 2011.

The family of the slain politician has accused Ennahda of responsibility for his killing. The party denies any hand in it.

"We are here to support legitimacy, but if you prefer the power of the street, look at the streets today, we have this power," Lotfi Zitoun, an Ennahda leader, said in a speech to the Islamist demonstrators in Tunis.

Tunisia's political transition has been more peaceful than those in other Arab nations such as Egypt, Libya and Syria, but tensions are running high between Islamists elected to power and liberals who fear the loss of hard-won liberties.

FREEDOMS THREATENED

"We have gained things - the freedom of expression, the freedom to meet, to form organisations, parties, to work in the open," said Radhi Nasraoui, a veteran human rights campaigner.

"The problem is that these freedoms are still threatened, and there are attempts (by Islamists) to touch the gains of women," she told Reuters.

After Belaid's death, Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali promised to form a non-partisan, technocratic cabinet to run the country until an election could take place, despite complaints from within his own Ennahda party and its two junior non-Islamist coalition partners that he had failed to consult them.

Jebali told France 24 television on Saturday that he would resign if political parties refused to support his proposal, which he said was intended to "save the country from chaos".

The state news agency TAP said the prime minister would unveil his new government next week.

Secular groups have accused the Islamist-led government of a lax response to attacks by ultra-orthodox Salafi Islamists on cinemas, theatres, bars and individuals in recent months.

Prolonged political uncertainty and street unrest could damage an economy that relies on tourism. Unemployment and other economic grievances fuelled the revolt against Ben Ali in 2011.

Tunisia's stock exchange has fallen 3.32 percent since Belaid's assassination.

France, the former colonial power, ordered its schools in Tunis to stay closed on Friday and Saturday, warning its nationals to stay clear of potential flashpoints in the capital.

Some of the Islamist demonstrators shouted "France, out", in response to remarks by French Interior Minister Manuel Valls which were rejected by Jebali, the prime minister, on Friday.

"We must support all those who fight to maintain values and remain aware of the dangers of despotism, of Islamism that threatened those values today through obscurantism," Valls had said on Europe 1 radio on Thursday in comments on Tunisia.

"There is an Islamic fascism which is on the rise in many places."

Tunisian Foreign Minister Rafik Abdessalem described Valls's remarks as "worrying and unfriendly".

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Sebi chief for changes in RGESS to make it more appealing

SEBI chairman UK Sinha on Saturday said there was a need to make the Rajiv Gandhi Equity Savings Scheme (RGESS) more appealing for middle-income investors. "We have to relook at the scheme from the point of view of further modifying it, so as to make it more sustainable and more beneficial in the long run for the same class of middle-income investors," he said.

Also Read: Chidambaram promises to make equity scheme RGESS attractive

Speaking in the presence of Union finance minister P Chidambaram at an event to launch the RGESS logo and awareness drive, Sinha said SEBI is in dialogue with the government to modify the scheme, announced by Chidambaram's predecessor, Pranab Mukherjee, in his Budget speech for 2012-13.

He also welcomed the changes brought in by the government since the announcement, such as allowing mutual funds to participate through dedicated products. Sinha, however, didn't specify the changes SEBI wants.
Responding to this, Chidambaram announced that the finance ministry will bring in the necessary changes in the coming Budget.

Speaking at the event, which also marked the launch of five products by various fund-houses under the RGESS, Association of Mutual Funds of India chief executive HN Sinor said five more offerings have been cleared by SEBI and will be launched shortly. "In all, seven fund houses have 11 schemes which conform to the requirements of the RGESS," he said.

RGESS aims to channel middle-class money into the capital markets by giving tax benefits to the retail investors. A maximum of Rs 50,000 investment is eligible for tax benefits for the first year of investment. PTI

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Naga CS, ACS go on leave as son contesting polls

Sat, Feb 09, 2013 at 23:00

Naga CS, ACS go on leave as son contesting polls

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Naga CS, ACS go on leave as son contesting polls

Naga CS, ACS go on leave as son contesting polls

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Naga CS, ACS go on leave as son contesting polls

Naga CS, ACS go on leave as son contesting polls

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Kohima, Feb 9 (PTI) Nagaland Chief Secretary Alemtemshi Jamir and Additional Chief Secretary Banuo Z Jamir have gone on leave as their son is contesting the February 23 assembly election, state Chief Electoral Officer J Alam said today. The EC has accepted the leave application of Alemtemshi Jamir and his wife Banuo Z Jamir, also Commissioner Nagaland, since February 7 on the grounds that their son Merentoshi R Jamir was a candidate in the election. Merentoshi is contesting on Naga People's Party (NPF) ticket from Mongoya constituency in Mokokchung district against incumbent minister and Congress candidate Ngangshi K Ao. Alam said the two would be on leave till the completion of the election in the state. He said the EC has also approved the names of two Additional Chief Secretaries – Toshi Aier and H K Khulu -- to take the charge of Chief Secretary and Commissioner Nagaland respectively till the entire election process is over. PTI NBS NN PMS

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Modi unlikely to attend Maha Kumbh

Ahmedabad, Feb 9 (PTI) Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to attend the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad on February 12, apparently due to "security reasons", sources said today. Earlier, sources had indicated that Modi will be travelling to Allahabad on February 12 to take a holy dip at the ongoing religious congregation. "There is a question mark on the visit of the Chief Minister to Allahabad now. It seems that the rethink is due to security reasons," they said. PTI ADT VKB PD NSK PAL

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Suspended VC quits

Fatehgarh Sahib, Feb 9 (PTI) Jasbir Singh Ahluwalia, suspended Vice Chancellor of SGPC-run Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, today submitted his resignation to SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar, the Chancellor of the varsity. Dr Ahluwalia told reporters here that he had sent-in his resignation to Makkar. Makkar had constituted a five-member committee to take legal advice on the matter, University sources said. A final decision on Ahluwalia's resignation would be taken after receiving the committee's report which is likely to be submitted in a week, they said. The Punjab and Haryana High Court recently dismissed Ahluwalia's petition challenging his suspension. Ahluwalia was suspended on July 31 last year following allegations of irregularities against him. PTI CORR RKC RKC

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Suspected swine flu cases toll rises to 37 in Faridabad

Faridabad, Feb 9 (PTI) Two new suspected swine flu cases have been registered in ESI hospital here taking the number of persons affected with the virus to 37 across the district. Among such cases, 11 of them has been declared positive by the Health Department. One youth has died of swine flu in the district so far. "Taking the situation into consideration, all Employees State Insurance (ESI) hospitals and dispensaries have been put on alert," said Mukesh Kanswal, civil surgeon, ESI health care centre. As a special precautionary measure, the hospital authorities has created a special four-bed isolation ward for swine flu cases, Kanswal said. PTI Corr SJS DBR

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Russian opposition leader put under house arrest

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Prominent Russian opposition leader Sergei Udaltsov, charged with plotting mass disorder in protests last year, was placed under house arrest by a Moscow court on Saturday.

The leftist was among several opposition figures charged with riots and violence against police during a protest against President Vladimir Putin last May on the eve of his inauguration for a third presidential term.

The Federal Investigative Committee, which answers only to Putin, had barred Udaltsov from travelling freely but said on Friday that he was not complying with that.

The court put Udaltsov under house arrest until April 6.

The shaven-headed Udaltsov has been repeatedly detained during opposition protests, in what his supporters say is a tactic intended to hamper his activism.

On Thursday, another opposition activist was arrested over the May protests. That brought to 12 the total number of people detained and awaiting trial. One person has already been convicted over the May unrest. (Reporting by Nikolai Isayev and Maria Kiselyova; Editing by Matthew Tostevin)

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Prashanth, Mayur enter final at All-India Ranking Meet

Sat, Feb 02, 2013 at 23:02

Prashanth, Mayur enter final at All-India Ranking Meet

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Prashanth, Mayur enter final at All-India Ranking Meet

Prashanth, Mayur enter final at All-India Ranking Meet

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Prashanth, Mayur enter final at All-India Ranking Meet

Prashanth, Mayur enter final at All-India Ranking Meet

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Mumbai, Feb 2 (PTI) Second seed Vijay Sundar Prashanth benefited from third seed Rohan Gide's misfortune to reach the final of the Rs 12-lakh prize money Omkar All India ranking men's and women's tennis championship at the Juhu Vile Parle Gymkhana Club here today. Gide sustained a dislocated left shoulder at a point when he was well on course to make the final which eventually led him to retire. He had taken the first set 6-3 and was serving at 3-2 with a break in the second when he got injured. The left-hander bravely attempted to play on after receiving immediate treatment from the tournament physios but had little choice but to pull out at the conclusion of the second set which finished 6-3 in favour of Prashanth. Prashanth, winner in 2010, will tackle rising youngster Mohit Mayur for the men's crown and will now have a chance to complete a treble tomorrow, having already sealed the mixed doubles crown while also booking his place in the men's doubles final. Mayur continued his splendid run in the tournament by knocking out defending champion A S Suresh Krishna in straight sets 6-3 6-4. In the mixed doubles final, Prashanth and Sharmada Balu upset the top-seeded pairing of Vishnu Vardhan and Sonia Dayal 6-1 2-6 10-8. Other results: Men's doubles semi-finals: 3-Mohit Mayur/Ajai Selvaraj bt 2-Rohan Gajjar/Aditya Madkekar 7-6 (6) 4-6, 10-8; Women's doubles semi-finals: 1-Sharmada Balu/Sowjanya Bavisetti bt 3-Namita Bal/Tarrannum Handa 6-2 6-0 2-Natasha Palha/Treta Bhattacharyya bt 4-Nupur Kaul/Sagarika Phadke 6-0 6-2. PTI SSR ABC KHS KHS SNK

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Cong using CBI, other agencies against opponents: Venkaiah

Hyderabad, Feb 2 (PTI) Senior BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu today accused the ruling Congress of misusing Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and other agencies to malign its opponents. "The UPA government led by Congress has been misusing the institutions of CBI, Income Tax Department, Enforcement Directorate, CVC (Central Vigilance Commission) to tarnish the image of its political opponents," Naidu alleged at a press conference. The ruling party was using the Income Tax Department to harass former BJP president Nitin Gadkari, he alleged. "The Congress is using this type of tactic to keep its allies under its control," he also claimed. The former BJP chief described the Lokpal Bill, which was accepted by the union cabinet, as "very weak". PTI GDK NP AVT SNK

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Railway staff booked for misbehaving with MLA

Patna, Feb 2 (PTI) Two Railway employees were booked today for allegedly misbehaving with an MLA and his wife on Danapur-Howrah Express. According to Railway police sources, BJP MLA Shivesh Kumar and his wife, who travelled in the train yesterday, complained that ticket checker Pankaj Kumar and Saurabh Sinha misbehaved with them. On the basis of their statement, an FIR was lodged with Government Railway Police in Patna. They said that as soon as the train left Patna, around a dozen Railway staff boarded the train in AC two tier compartment and misbehaved with the MLA and his wife, of whom two have been booked. PTI SNS AMD AVT

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Pong Dam lake registers decline in number of winged visitors

Dharamsala (HP), Feb 2 (PTI) The number of migratory birds flocking the Pong Dam lake near here has significantly come down by 9,000 birds this year, a latest census has found. The number of winged visitors this year stood at 1,23,000 against last year's 1,32,000 birds, a state government official said. The number of species visiting the lake, however, went up from last year's 95 to stand at 113. "The census found that birds belonging to the species like Bar-Headed Goose, Northern Pintail, Common Pochard and Little Corromrant arrived to the lake this winter," Chief Conservator of Forests Sanjeeva Pandey said, adding a pair of Whooper Swan was seen in the Pong Dam lake after gap of 113 years. The last time the bird was spotted in the country was in the year 1900, when it was seen near Talwara in Punjab. She said ornithologists from institutions like Bombay Natural History Society, Wildlife Institute of India and Zoological Survey of India, besides 150 bird watchers took part in the two-day exercise on January 31 and February 1. Bird watchers from the Delhi Bird Club, Chandigarh Bird Club and Pong Birding Society also took part in the census. The migratory birds from trans-Himalayan Tibet region, Central Asia, Russia and Siberia head towards the Pong Dam lake, a Ramsar Convention site, for their winter sojourn. PTI corr PY AGL AGL

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Non Congress govts have cheated farmers in UP: Sachin Pilot

Greater Noida, Feb 2 (PTI) The non Congress governments in Uttar Pradesh have cheated farmers by acquiring their lands at "low" rates and failed to provide them a rehabilitation plan, Union Minister Sachin Pilot said today. Farmers are getting landless due to the poor policies of non Congress governments and they had even failed to feed their families, Corporate Affairs Minister Sachin Pilot said while addressing a public rally at Surajpur here. No rehabilitation plan is provided to the farmers, whose lands are being acquired, he said. The Union government wants that the farmers of Uttar Pradesh get the due price for their land and are provided with employment opportunities, the Minister said. The amended Land Acquisition Bill has been placed before the Parliament which will be passed soon, he said adding, it will help provide the proper land price to farmers along with rehabilitation package. He assured the farmers to extend his support to their struggle for justice and due land compensation. PTI Corr KAS

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Censor board clearance should be treated as final: Anupam Kher

Nagpur, Feb 2 (PTI) No one should have "the moral authority" to impose a ban on a film once it is duly cleared by the Censor Board, veteran actor Anupam Kher said here today. Kher, a former Censor board chairman, was here along with Akshay Kumar, Manoj Vajpayee and Kajal Agarwal to promote the upcoming film `Special 26' due for release on February 8. He was replying to a question about the controversy surrounding Kamal Hasan-starrer `Vishwaroopam'. Kher noted that barring a few places, the film has been released and the issue is nearly over. Akshay Kumar said `Special 26' was based on a real incident which took place in 1986-87. PTI JOE KRK PAL SNK

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Chelsea crash to late defeat at Newcastle

By Martyn Herman

LONDON (Reuters) - Chelsea surrendered another three points in their quest for a top-four Premier League finish as Newcastle United's new signing Moussa Sissoko struck in the last minute to grab a 3-2 win that left Rafa Benitez's side reeling.

It was another late horror show for third-placed Chelsea, who had led 2-1 with goals from Frank Lampard and Juan Mata before capitulating for the second time in a week, having conceded twice in the dying minutes at Reading on Wednesday.

With fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur in action on Sunday, Everton had the chance to move above them but drew 3-3 at home to struggling Aston Villa, who led 3-1 before Marouane Fellaini's double spared Everton's blushes.

Lukas Podolski scored in the 78th minute to hand Arsenal a 1-0 victory at home to Stoke City, a result that helped the Gunners close in on the Champions League qualification places.

Leaders Manchester United were aiming to move 10 points clear of Manchester City when they met Fulham in the late kickoff.

Any thoughts of the title race are long gone for Chelsea, who have now managed just one win from their last six games in all competitions - a run that will increase the pressure on Benitez.

Worryingly for Chelsea, they are leaking goals, and that was the case again on Saturday as Sissoko turned the match on its head after Chelsea seized control.

Jonas Gutierrez gave Newcastle the lead after 41 minutes with a header but Chelsea replied after the break with Lampard's fierce shot and a curler from Mata.

Former Toulouse midfielder Sissoko, one of several French signings for Newcastle during January, tapped in an equaliser after 68 minutes after Petr Cech had parried Papiss Cisse's shot.

Sissoko then crowned a superb home debut when he crashed home a 90th-minute winner after a cut-back from Davide Santon.

Chelsea remain in third place with 46 points from 25 games, with Tottenham in fourth spot on 42 points from a game less.

Everton also have 42 with Arsenal in sixth on 41.

At the bottom of the table a missed penalty from Adel Taarabt cost relegation-threatened Queens Park Rangers victory against Norwich City as they drew 0-0 at Loftus Road.

QPR's fourth league draw in a row meant they are now six points from safety after Reading beat Sunderland 2-1.

Southampton drew 2-2 at Wigan Athletic, meaning none of the six sides at the bottom of the table before kickoff lost.

West Ham United beat Swansea City 1-0 thanks to a goal from on-loan Liverpool striker Andy Carroll.

(Reporting by Martyn Herman, editing by Stephen Wood)

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Whatmore praises "incredible pace bowling" by South Africa

By Nick Said

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Pakistan coach Dav Whatmore believes an onslaught by the South African pace bowlers in the morning session on day two of the second test at the Wanderers on Saturday was the best he has ever seen.

Dale Steyn took six for eight as Pakistan collapsed to their lowest test score of 49. He was ably supported by Jacques Kallis, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel in what Whatmore said was a mixture of pace and skill.

"I have never seen two hours of such relentless attack, it was incredible pace bowling," Whatmore, who was born in Sri Lanka and represented Australia, told a news conference.

"Most of our batsman were out to terrific balls. I think we scored something like 34 runs in the first session? It is unheard of."

Whatmore had special praise for Steyn, who he said was nearly unplayable.

"His pace and skill on this pitch is what makes him so special. I am obviously unhappy with the result of today, but there were reasons for it. It was incredible bowling," he said.

South Africa were 207 for three at the close, a lead of 411.

Steyn played down his performance, saying the whole team had responded to a dressing-down from captain Graeme Smith after they were bowled out for 253 on Friday.

"Graeme sat the guys down this morning and said he wanted a 100 percent day from us. He felt we didn't give that yesterday," Steyn said. "We don't have to have many of these chats so I think it had a hand in our performance."

The world's number one fast bowler said after his initial success in removing three of Pakistan's top order, he returned to find he could extract even more out of the pitch to clean up the tail.

"I think the ball actually swung a bit more as it got older, and the wicket assisted it also. It was a great effort from all the bowlers, even Morne, who didn't get a wicket, was hitting the gloves and bowling really well," he said.

Steyn said Smith's decision to bat again instead of enforcing the follow-on had nothing to do with giving the bowlers a rest.

"We just felt we wanted to put Pakistan completely out of the game. The pitch is easier to bat on in the afternoons so we wanted to take advantage of that," he said.

(Editing by John Mehaffey)

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Myanmar to hold peace talks in China with Kachin rebels

YANGON (Reuters) - The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) said on Saturday it had agreed to hold talks with Myanmar's government in China next week, to try to end stubborn conflict with the military that has intensified in the past two months.

The KIA said in a statement the Chinese government "will take a role as a witness and mediate during the meeting" adding that it urged "the Kachin community, our friends and supporters around the world to pray for our leaders."

The meeting will be held on Monday in the Chinese border town of Ruili, which has hosted three rounds of talks since a 17-year ceasefire broke down in June 2011. The two sides have met at least eight times but have failed to agree on terms for a permanent truce.

The talks could reduce tensions in a conflict that has displaced tens of thousands of civilians and seen an unprecedented use of fighter jets and helicopter gunships, an escalation that has worried China, which borders Myanmar.

A lasting truce could be hard to reach, however, and would require at least one party to soften its stance. The government first wants a ceasefire deal signed, which the KIA has refused to do until concrete terms of a political deal are offered.

The fighting has also cast doubts over whether President Thein Sein, a former general, has full control over the country's military. He has issued repeated calls for troops not to attack the KIA, which the rebels, witnesses and independent journalists say the army has not heeded.

In an announcement on state-owned MRTV on Friday, the government said it was preparing to hold talks with the KIA and its political arm, the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO). Other ethnic minority groups that had already agreed truces would help facilitate dialogue.

Since late 2011, Myanmar has agreed ceasefires with 10 rebel groups, including the Karen National Union (KNU), which had fought the central government since 1949 in what was the world's longest-running separatist insurgency. The conflict with the KIA is the only one yet to be halted.

Representatives of two of those groups would assist in Monday's talks, a government negotiator told Reuters, requesting anonymity. He would not identify which groups they were.

(Reporting by Aung Hla Tun; Writing by Amy Sawitta Lefevre; Editing by Stephen Powell)

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Wakaso double helps Ghana end Cape Verde fairytale

By Mike Collett

PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa (Reuters) - Substitute Mubarak Wakaso hit two goals as four-times champions Ghana ended the fairytale run of Cape Verde Islands with a 2-0 African Nations Cup quarter-final victory on Saturday.

Wakaso struck twice in the second half, once from the penalty spot, as Ghana clinched a semi-final meeting with Burkina Faso or Togo.

Ghana were fortunate to break the deadlock after 54 minutes at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Referee Rajinjapasad Seechurn of Mauritius harshly ruled against Cape Verde defender Carlitos as he and Asamoah Gyan went for the ball and the Ghanaian went tumbling to the ground.

Wakaso, who had replaced Albert Adomah seven minutes earlier, made no mistake from the spot as he lashed the ball down the middle while goalkeeper Vozinha leapt to his left.

Cape Verde had a chance to equalise within a minute but Heldon's shot went narrowly wide.

Platini also went close for the islanders when he was denied by an acrobatic save from Fatau Dauda who then did even better to deny Djaniny in the closing minutes.

Wakaso added the second goal from a Ghana breakaway in the last minute when he slotted the ball into an empty net after Vozinha had gone up for a set piece at the other end.

Earlier, there was nothing to choose between the teams in a first half in which both sides played some good football in midfield without producing a single shot on target.

Cape Verde, making their debut appearance in the Nations Cup finals, were far from overawed in the biggest game in their relatively brief international history.

The islanders had two excellent opportunities to take the lead in the opening 22 minutes.

Heldon, who scored the winner in the 2-1 victory over Angola on Sunday, fired high and wide from the first and then thumped another chance way over the bar after some good build-up play.

Ghana, despite looking sharper on the ball and weaving some nice flowing patterns around the Cape Verde defence, lacked any incisive threat with the usually dangerous Gyan too much on the periphery.

That changed in the second half when Wakaso came into the midfield and livened things up.

His two goals kept alive Ghana's dreams of a fifth title, 31 years after their last triumph in 1982. (Editing by Tony Jimenez)

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