Galle, July 19:
Kumar Sangakkara smashed his 49th half-century as Sri Lanka launched a fightback on the fourth day of the first Test against South Africa today.
The prolific left-hander also shared 96 runs for the unbroken second wicket with Kaushal Silva (37) to take Sri Lanka to 110-1 at stumps.
The hosts need 260 runs with nine wickets in hand to pull off a magical come-from-behind win with three full sessions left in the game. “In a situation like this where you have 90 overs to bat, a win is not guaranteed but there is a chance,” Sri Lankan coach Marvan Atapattu said after the day’s play. “It’s a challenging total but we’ve got a team which is willing to fight.”
Sri Lanka had been forced on the backfoot after they were bowled out for 292 to concede a huge 163-run lead in the first innings. But a sporting declaration by new South African skipper Hashim Amla at the tea score of 206-6 turned the game on its head.
Although no team has ever scored more than 300 runs in the final innings at Galle, the 36-year-old Sangakkara made a target of 370 look chaseable.
The star batsman hit seven fours and a six in his 58-run knock that came off 89 deliveries.
South Africa began their defence well, with Dale Steyn once again giving his side the early breakthrough by dismissing opener Upul Tharanga for 14.
But Sangakkara stood like a rock at the other end, once despatching a full-toss from Tahir over the mid-wicket fence for a huge six. He completed his half-century in style, sweeping leg-spinner Imran Tahir through midwicket for a four.
Silva also knocked off some easy runs, smacking part-timer Jean-Paul Duminy for two fours in a row. “Look, they are very much in the contest, there’s no doubt about it. But so are we,” said South African coach Russell Domingo.
“We are set up for a cracker of a day tomorrow (Sunday). If we take two early wickets, we will be right on top of the game.” (Agencies)
Sangakkara keeps alive Sri Lanka victory dream
Raj residents on pilgrimage in J&K, Uttarakhand safe: Govt
JAIPUR, July 19:
Rajasthan Government today assured the Legislative Assembly that all state residents on pilgrimage to Amarnath Shrine in Jammu and Kashmir and Chardham Yatra in Uttarkhand are safe.
The assurance was given by State Rural Development Minister G C Kataria after the issue was raised in the House by MLAs of the ruling BJP.
MLA Gyandeo Ahuja said nearly 100 pilgrims from Ajmer district were stranded on way to Amarnath following violence near the Baltal Base Camp.
Other BJP MLAs Anita Bhadel and Chandrakanta Meghwal also raised concern over the issue during the Zero Hour.
The Minister then collected information from respective authorities and gave a statement in the House, assuring that all Rajasthan natives were safe.
Kataria said he was informed by the J&K DGP and other officials that there was a dispute between people and a fire broke out at the camp due to a cylinder explosion.
He said the Amarnath Yatra has been resumed.
The Minister also assured the House about the safety of state residents on pilgrimage in Uttarakhand.(PTI)
Gandhi to exhibit solo show in Chandigarh
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 19: Eminent artist of the State, KK Gandhi, whose art has been appreciated by every section of society making him one of the finest landscape artists of the Country today, will exhibit his solo show in Chandigarh from July 25 to July 28, 2014.
Showing deep interest and admiration towards the distinct yet popular style of working of Gandhi, Kadamb Art Society for Environment Awareness in association with “Saplings” has invited Gandhi to exhibit his solo show in Chandigarh.
The event will be a small gesture for appreciating, recognizing and admiring the art work of Gandhi, according to the chairperson of the Society.
This forthcoming solo exhibition at Chandigarh will be Gandhi’s 16th solo show. Besides he has participated in more than 40 group shows in India and abroad and 33 national and international camps.
Pertinent to mention here that KK Gandhi has not only carved a niche for himself in the world of art but has also promoted many young and talented artists by organizing many group shows and workshops.
3 yrs imprisonment to tempo driver for causing death
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 19: Chief Judicial Magistrate Reasi, Sunit Gupta today awarded three years imprisonment and fine of Rs 3000 to Pardeep Kumar, a tempo driver, who was facing trial for the last six years for causing death of one Abhi Kumar Sharma due to rash and negligent driving.
After hearing CPO DP Singh for the State, CJM Reasi observed, “from the evidence on record it is established that the accused was grossly negligent in driving the vehicle which resulted into death of 11 year old child”, adding “the accused does not deserve leniency”.
Accordingly, court awarded 3 years imprisonment and fine of Rs 3000.
Modi writes to Malaysian PM, says outrage is justifiable
NEW DELHI, July 19: Expressing solidarity with Malaysia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today wrote to his Malaysian counterpart saying the global outrage over the shooting down of aircraft MH17 was “justifiable” and India supports efforts to establish the exact circumstances of the incident.
In a letter to Mohammad Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak, Modi expressed his condolences on the loss of lives on board MH17.
Modi said there is “justifiable outrage across the world and India fully supports efforts for an investigation that can help establish the exact circumstances” in which the incident took place, a PMO statement said.
The aircraft was shot down while flying over Ukraine two days back, killing all 298 people on board and triggering a blame-game between Russia and the West.
Modi also referred to the tragedy that befell Malaysian Airlines Flight 370 some months ago, saying there is “still no closure” on that incident.
The aircraft MH370 disappeared during a flight and there is still no concrete information about its whereabouts. (PTI)
G D Goenka celebrates Birth Anniversary of Nelson Mandela
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, July 19: The staff and students of G D Goenka Public School, Jammu governed by Om Prakash Bansal Charitable Trust in collaboration with Gandhi Peace Foundation, New Delhi celebrated the 96th Birth Anniversary of Nelson Mandela, the Nobel Peace Prize Winner and the first Black President of South Africa to pay respect to the great leader of 21st Century, who tirelessly worked for Apartheid against racial discrimination.
A special morning assembly was organized in his honour followed by rich tributes paid by class IInd students to the great leader.
The tiny tots sung the melodious and enchanting songs to remember Gandhi Ji, who was an inspiration for Mr Mandela.
The song presented was “Mere Liye Mangvade Amma, Choti Dhoti Khadi Ki, Jise Pahenke Nakal Karunga, Pyare Bapu Gandhi Ki”.
The students of Class Vth saw a documentary on President Nelson Mandela and learnt about Apartheid – Racial discrimination suffered by the citizens of South Africa and the manner in which President Mandela fought against the injustice – with his strong will power and Non Violence, the path advocated and followed by the Father of the Nation- Mahatma Gandhi.
Various departments like Literary, Music, Art, Sports etc celebrated the great leader’s Birth Anniversary.
The excitement was pretty palpable amongst the students of the Senior School, who too participated in a Sketch Making Competition of the dynamic and self motivated leader of the masses.
The students were also told about the similarities between the two great leaders who freed their respective countries from the cruelty and the insensitivity prevalent in the society, poverty, racial discrimination and cruelty.
The students enthralled every one present with the song “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram, Patit Pavan Sita Ram..”, taught to them by Music Teacher, Shaveta Bakshi.
The Principal of the School, Dr R P Singh while addressing threw light on the contribution of Mr Mandela, his peace policy and racial discrimination.
IDA organizes lecture, hands-on prog
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 19: Indian Dental Association (IDA), Jammu branch in association with Indira Gandhi Government Dental College and Coltene India organized a lecture and hands-on programme.
The programme started with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the Principal of the College Dr Romesh Singh.
On the occasition, Dr Rajiv Verma, World renowned dentist, was the resource person, who delivered lecture on Prosthetic Dentistry and also provided hands on training to participants.
Dr Gautam Sharma, general secretary, IDA Jammu branch highlighted the achievements of Dr Rajiv Verma, whereas Dr Ritesh Gupta, president of IDA presented a Kashmiri shawl to Dr Verma.
Dr Rajiv Mengi and Dr Bhupinder Singh, office bearers of IDA were also present on the occasion.
Ansari asks new MPs to avoid disruptions of Par proceedings
NEW DELHI, July 19: At a time when Parliament is facing repeated disruptions in the Budget session, Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari today said that passage of any bill in the din is “failure of Parliament” and trooping into the well of the House is an expression of anger, not dissent.
Addressing an orientation programme for the new members of the Upper House, Ansari exhorted them to discharge their duties with due seriousness and raise the level of their performance to global standards.
He also recalled some of the quality debates held in the Rajya Sabha in the past, especially on the impeachment of a High Court Judge.
“In a democracy, freedom to agitate and to debate is important but the two must not be confused. Privileges and responsibilities of a member go together….If a Bill is passed in the din, then it is a failure of Parliament,” the Rajya Sabha Chairman said.
While lauding the success of India’s electoral democracy as a model for other democracies, he emphasised the need to make the country a functional democracy for which Parliament’s performance is paramount.
He also chose the occassion to emphasise the sanctity of Question Hour. Referring to dissent as a form of protest, he mentioned that walkout is the real form of dissent.
“Walking into the well of the House and slogan-shouting is an expression of anger but not dissent,” he said.
He said that time management in the House is very important and advised the Members to adhere to the time allotted while speaking in the House.
Ansari also advised the members to come fully prepared before speaking in the House and avoid reading from written texts saying this would enable them to become good parliamentarians.
Secretary-General of the Rajya Sabha Shumsher K. Sheriff presented a copy of a book to Ansari and Deputy Chairman P J Kurien on statistical information regarding works done by the Rajya Sabha from 1952 to 2013, published for the first time by the Rajya Sabha Secretariat.
The Secretary-General also gave an overview of the functioning of the Secretariat. CPI-M member P Rajeeve apprised the new MPs regarding raising matters of public importance through questions and other devices, while BJP MP Balbir Punj spoke about the issue of Parliamentary privileges.
Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar deliberated upon the role and contribution of Rajya Sabha in Indian polity.
The two-day orientation programme being held in Parliament House Annexe will conclude tomorrow.
The programme inaugurated by Ansari today has lectures on various topics like ‘Rajya Sabha: Its Role and Contribution to Indian Polity’.
The other topics are lawmaking process, parliamentary privileges, committee system, raising of matters of public importance through questions and other devices, role of the Leader of the House and Leader of the Opposition, ethics in politics and Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS). (PTI)
Ruthvika upsets Reshma to enter final
Mumbai, July 19:
Hyderabad’s tenth seed Ruthvika Shivani G shocked Air India’s top seed Reshma Karthik in the semi-finals of the girls under-19 singles at the 3rd Gautam Thakkar Memorial All India Junior Badminton Tournament here today.
The 16-year-old Gopichand Academy trainee was dominant from the start and in total control against the no. 1 seed and entered the final following a comprehensive 21-6 21-5 victory at the Bombay Gymkhana courts.
With her opponent Reshma not her best and unable to find her touch, the 12th standard student from Hyderabad was on a roll winning points comfortably.
She will meet fourth seed Shika Gautam of Karnataka in the final tomorrow. The latter got the better of Maharashtra’s second seed Revati Devasthale 21-18 10-21 21-17 in the other semi final.
The girls under-17 singles semi-finals witnessed one-sided contests.
Air India’s top seed Shriyanshi Pardeshi sidelined sixth seed Sai Uttejitha Rao of Andhra Pradesh 21-12 21-10, while third seed Vrushali G of AP got the better of second seed Shikha Gautam of Karnataka 21-11 21-6.
In boys under-17 singles action, Andhra Pradesh’s third seed Rahul Yadav was taken the distance before getting the better of fifth seed Siril Varma 21-16 5-21 21-16.
Second seed Kanishq M, also from AP, had things under control while packing off fourth seed Kaustubh Rawat of Uttarakhand 21-13 21-10. (PTI)
Indian women finish 8th in World Cadet Wrestling
Chandigarh, July 19:
India finished eighth with 28 points in the Cadet Wrestling World Championships being held in Humenne (Slovakia). Japan clinched the team championship by logging 77 points while Russia were runners-up with 65 points and Ukraine were ranked third with 62 points.
Indian women remained medalless. The best performance for India was given by Reena who got 7th position in 52 kg category.
Srishti (40 kg) and Manju (46 kg) were placed eighth in their respective categories. Manisha (60 kg), Samiksha Malik (65 kg) and Divya Kakran (70 kg) received 12th positions in their respective sections. Sangeeta was 10th in 56 kg category. (UNI)