In a fleeting moment of brilliance, Rajpal Singh executed a blinder of a shot — outstanding it was both for its anticipation and deception. The backhander tilted the scales in favour of India in the third Test match against Belgium at the SDAT-Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium here on Monday.
Making the defender look like a kid lost in a park, Rajpal took possession of the ball and turned it around to unleash a reverse flick. The pivotal goal that emerged four minutes before the hooter enabled India edge out the visitor 3-2 and take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
Gritty display
Certainly, it can be argued that Belgium put up a gritty display. Its defence was above board; man-to-man marking made sense. Especially, its interceptions and clearance hardly gave room for India’s skilful forwards an opportunity or breathing space.
Nevertheless, the usual zip associated with the forwards was all evident even early in the first session. Shivender Singh, Gurbaj Singh and Rajpal created the buzz in the forwardline with their speed and dribbles. However, it did look at certain times that the players spent too much time with the ball.
Five minutes into the first half, Charles Vandeweghe took the host by surprise by neatly deflecting a cross from Patrice Houssein, whose work in the midfield was praiseworthy. His passes helped set up quite a few interesting possibilities.
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Monday, January 28, 2008
Friday, January 18, 2008
Ultra portable PCs from HCL
Indians created the world’s cheapest car. Have they also created the cheapest laptop computer?
‘I think we have!’, says Ajai Chowdhry, Chief Executive of HCL Infosystems, unveiling what the company called , ‘the future of computing’ earlier this week, with the launch of two ultra portable, but full-function computing platforms.
‘It looks like it,’ agrees Ramamurthy Sivakumar, Managing Director (Sales and Marketing) of Intel South Asia.
HCL has launched two models, both with 7-inch LCD screens and a full keyboard: the MiLeap X Series touted as the PC platform that will finally take computing to the masses in India, uses a Linux operating system but does away with all moving parts, replacing the conventional hard disk drive with a 2 GB internal Flash module and dispensing with an optical ( that is CD/DVD) drive. However WiFI and LAN ports as well as slots to connect wireless data cards from providers like Tata and Reliance make this a fully functional PC — in spite of an aggressive pricing of Rs. 13,999, said Mr. Chowdhry. The model has been specially ruggedised to make it ‘student’ proof — since a key market segment, in addition to the home and the travelling professional, is school children.
The other model, the MiLeap Y Series, is similarly sized — and much lighter at 960 gm. A better processor allows the machine to port Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, while the storage is a 2.5 inch 80 GB hard drive. The display is a touch screen version that can be swivelled and used like a Tablet PC and incorporates a 1.3 Megapixel camera. The Y Series will sell for just under Rs. 30,000 — but HCL executives claimed at the launch event that even at this price the machine costs about half of comparable ultra compacts sold globally.
Both machines will be available across HCL’s country wide marketing chain from January 26.
The two offerings come almost 30 years to the day when HCL launched India’s first indigenous microcomputer in 1978.
‘I think we have!’, says Ajai Chowdhry, Chief Executive of HCL Infosystems, unveiling what the company called , ‘the future of computing’ earlier this week, with the launch of two ultra portable, but full-function computing platforms.
‘It looks like it,’ agrees Ramamurthy Sivakumar, Managing Director (Sales and Marketing) of Intel South Asia.
HCL has launched two models, both with 7-inch LCD screens and a full keyboard: the MiLeap X Series touted as the PC platform that will finally take computing to the masses in India, uses a Linux operating system but does away with all moving parts, replacing the conventional hard disk drive with a 2 GB internal Flash module and dispensing with an optical ( that is CD/DVD) drive. However WiFI and LAN ports as well as slots to connect wireless data cards from providers like Tata and Reliance make this a fully functional PC — in spite of an aggressive pricing of Rs. 13,999, said Mr. Chowdhry. The model has been specially ruggedised to make it ‘student’ proof — since a key market segment, in addition to the home and the travelling professional, is school children.
The other model, the MiLeap Y Series, is similarly sized — and much lighter at 960 gm. A better processor allows the machine to port Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, while the storage is a 2.5 inch 80 GB hard drive. The display is a touch screen version that can be swivelled and used like a Tablet PC and incorporates a 1.3 Megapixel camera. The Y Series will sell for just under Rs. 30,000 — but HCL executives claimed at the launch event that even at this price the machine costs about half of comparable ultra compacts sold globally.
Both machines will be available across HCL’s country wide marketing chain from January 26.
The two offerings come almost 30 years to the day when HCL launched India’s first indigenous microcomputer in 1978.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Nano as taxi? Mumbai drivers all geared up
Think Mumbai, think black and yellow Fiat taxis. For decades now, the trusted Fiat has helped Mumbai get around be it day or night, with the friendly taximan always just a wave away.
But the cabbies now want a change for the better. With the Premier Padminis no longer being manufactured, they are looking forward to the Tata Nano hitting the roads.
"Majority of them (drivers) are anxious and have enquired about this vehicle because there's no other viable option," says President, Mumbai Taximen Union, A L Quadrose.
The drivers are more than happy. "It's cheap, it looks good. Who wouldn't want it?" says a driver N P Singh
But the Nano may not be viable just as it is. The taximen want few changes for it to become their ideal run-about.
"Petrol is not viable for us. We have to be able to convert it to CNG. We're trying to work it out," says Quadrose.
Drivers too have their set of demands. Says a taxi driver Rajendra Kumar Tiwari, "We need a carrier and more space. Then it will be great."
But even with those modifications, there are doubts being raised.
"It (Nano) can only work for very short distances. if I want to go from city to suburbs and back it will not work. They need a sturdy car," says Chairman, Western India Automobile Association, Nitin Dossa.
The Taximen Union says it's meeting Tata later this month to figure how the Nano can be a viable alternative for the Premier Padmini.
But the cabbies now want a change for the better. With the Premier Padminis no longer being manufactured, they are looking forward to the Tata Nano hitting the roads.
"Majority of them (drivers) are anxious and have enquired about this vehicle because there's no other viable option," says President, Mumbai Taximen Union, A L Quadrose.
The drivers are more than happy. "It's cheap, it looks good. Who wouldn't want it?" says a driver N P Singh
But the Nano may not be viable just as it is. The taximen want few changes for it to become their ideal run-about.
"Petrol is not viable for us. We have to be able to convert it to CNG. We're trying to work it out," says Quadrose.
Drivers too have their set of demands. Says a taxi driver Rajendra Kumar Tiwari, "We need a carrier and more space. Then it will be great."
But even with those modifications, there are doubts being raised.
"It (Nano) can only work for very short distances. if I want to go from city to suburbs and back it will not work. They need a sturdy car," says Chairman, Western India Automobile Association, Nitin Dossa.
The Taximen Union says it's meeting Tata later this month to figure how the Nano can be a viable alternative for the Premier Padmini.
Jallikattu held amidst tight security at Palamedu
Hours after the Supreme Court cleared the conduct of jallikattu in Tamil Nadu, the event was held amidst tight security at Palamedu in Madurai district.
Eighty-three persons were injured, 14 of them seriously, in the six-hour-long native sport in which unarmed men attempted to tame raging bulls. The entire event was videographed by the police, the district administration and animal rights activists, as directed by the court.
Thousands of people, including foreign nationals, thronged the venue to witness the traditional event that is part of the Pongal celebrations. Those injured critically were referred to the Government Rajaji Hospital here. A woman spectator, Chinna Ponnu (40), was injured as a bull ran helter-skelter on being chased by a huge mob. The Primary Health Centre in Palamedu was overflowing with patients late in the evening.
Besides Inspector-General of Police (South Zone) Sanjeev Kumar, Madurai Collector S.S. Jawahar and Superintendent of Police T.S. Anbu, representatives from the Animal Welfare Board of India and Blue Cross were present. For the first time, cameras mounted on large cranes swung across the arena to capture the events.
A total of 397 bulls and 339 registered tamers participated in the event. Fourteen bulls were rejected on medical grounds.
Eighty-three persons were injured, 14 of them seriously, in the six-hour-long native sport in which unarmed men attempted to tame raging bulls. The entire event was videographed by the police, the district administration and animal rights activists, as directed by the court.
Thousands of people, including foreign nationals, thronged the venue to witness the traditional event that is part of the Pongal celebrations. Those injured critically were referred to the Government Rajaji Hospital here. A woman spectator, Chinna Ponnu (40), was injured as a bull ran helter-skelter on being chased by a huge mob. The Primary Health Centre in Palamedu was overflowing with patients late in the evening.
Besides Inspector-General of Police (South Zone) Sanjeev Kumar, Madurai Collector S.S. Jawahar and Superintendent of Police T.S. Anbu, representatives from the Animal Welfare Board of India and Blue Cross were present. For the first time, cameras mounted on large cranes swung across the arena to capture the events.
A total of 397 bulls and 339 registered tamers participated in the event. Fourteen bulls were rejected on medical grounds.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Traffic violations double on city roads
Traffic violators paid Rs 9.58 crore in fines in 2007 against Rs 4.67 crore in 2006, said Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Sunil Kumar on Sunday.
Mr. Sunil Kumar told The Hindu that the police registered 30 cases involving deaths in road accidents on East Coast Road (ECR) during 2007 against 51 cases in 2006 and 72 in 2005.
Periodic counselling to follow road rules by student volunteers and traffic police had resulted in sizable decline in fatal accidents on ECR, he said.
The total number of fatal cases registered in the city during 2007 stood at 1,110 against 1,112 in 2006 and 1,166 in 2005.
Though the difference in the number of fatal cases between 2007 and 2006 was negligible, the number of new vehicles that had come to the roads increased, he said.
Apart from rash driving, offences such as drunken driving, jumping signals and lanes and failing to comply with helmet rule also doubled in 2007 compared with the previous year, he said.
It had come to light that 58,000 violators who were issued notices for various offences last year did not pay fine.
Mr. Sunil Kumar told The Hindu that the police registered 30 cases involving deaths in road accidents on East Coast Road (ECR) during 2007 against 51 cases in 2006 and 72 in 2005.
Periodic counselling to follow road rules by student volunteers and traffic police had resulted in sizable decline in fatal accidents on ECR, he said.
The total number of fatal cases registered in the city during 2007 stood at 1,110 against 1,112 in 2006 and 1,166 in 2005.
Though the difference in the number of fatal cases between 2007 and 2006 was negligible, the number of new vehicles that had come to the roads increased, he said.
Apart from rash driving, offences such as drunken driving, jumping signals and lanes and failing to comply with helmet rule also doubled in 2007 compared with the previous year, he said.
It had come to light that 58,000 violators who were issued notices for various offences last year did not pay fine.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Tata Motors unveils bargain car Rs 1 lakh($2500)
Tata Motors has unveiled the world's cheapest motor car at India's biggest car show in the capital Delhi.
The vehicle, called the Tata Nano, will sell for 100,000 rupees or $2,500 (£1,277) and enable those in developing countries to move to four wheels.
The four-door five-seater car, which goes on sale later this year, has a 33bhp, 624cc, engine at the rear.
It has no air conditioning, no electric windows and no power steering, but two deluxe models will be on offer.
Its release comes as India's domestic car market is predicted to soar in the coming years on the back of the country's fast-growing economy and increased consumer wealth.
'People's car'
Indian car sales are predicted to more than quadruple to $145bn by 2016.
Company chairman Ratan Tata said the launch of the Nano was a landmark in the history of transportation.
He said the car was "a safe, affordable and all weather transport - a people's car, designed to meet all safety standards and emissions laws and accessible to all".
Environmental critics have said that the car will lead to mounting air and pollution problems on India's already clogged roads.
But Tata said the car had passed emission standards and would average about 50 miles to the gallon, or 20 kilometres to the litre.
The firm also said it would introduce a diesel version of the Nano at a later date.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Bajaj unveils concept car
Bajaj Auto on Tuesday unveiled its new premium scooter ‘Blade’, two motorcycles — sports bike Sprint and new Discover DTS-I — and two models of ‘Lite’ four-wheel concept vehicle — all of which will be displayed at the Auto Expo starting on Thursday. It also announced plans to launch its small car project in collaboration with Renault and Nissan within four years.
While the motorcycles and the new scooter will be launched in 2008, the ‘Lite’ range of vehicles will be available by 2009. The company plans to launch a ‘Lite’ passenger carrier and a ‘Lite’ commercial vehicle that will provide economical and environment-friendly transportation solutions for personal as well as goods movement at low costs.
While the motorcycles and the new scooter will be launched in 2008, the ‘Lite’ range of vehicles will be available by 2009. The company plans to launch a ‘Lite’ passenger carrier and a ‘Lite’ commercial vehicle that will provide economical and environment-friendly transportation solutions for personal as well as goods movement at low costs.
I will keep fighting to become No.1: Nadal
Rafael Nadal gnawed at his fingers, as a group of journalists threw questions at him. The Spaniard was graciously spared of post mortems on his embarrassing final loss to Mikhail Youzhny, and questioned instead on the Australian Open, Roger Federer, and a few things more.
Excerpts:
On 2007 and this year’s Australian Open:
I’ve always played pretty good there. I made it to the third round in the past and also had a fourth-round match against Hewitt (Lleyton) before. Last time I made it to the quarterfinals (lost to finalist Fernando Gonzalez). Maybe I did not play great in that match, but it was not a bad result. I just try to play 100 per cent to my potential. I had a good 2007. I won Indian Wells and some important tournaments. I have a chance for a very good tournament (Australian Open)
On his chances of winning Wimbledon over Roger Federer’s of winning Roland Garros:
I think Roger has more chances to win Roland Garros than I have to win Wimbledon. He has made it to two finals, and has played very well on clay and won so many titles. Grass is a short season, so it’s difficult. You have just one chance to try and do well on it, and there is no time to practice. I don’t know what’s going to happen this year, but I will keep fighting and giving my best.
Excerpts:
On 2007 and this year’s Australian Open:
I’ve always played pretty good there. I made it to the third round in the past and also had a fourth-round match against Hewitt (Lleyton) before. Last time I made it to the quarterfinals (lost to finalist Fernando Gonzalez). Maybe I did not play great in that match, but it was not a bad result. I just try to play 100 per cent to my potential. I had a good 2007. I won Indian Wells and some important tournaments. I have a chance for a very good tournament (Australian Open)
On his chances of winning Wimbledon over Roger Federer’s of winning Roland Garros:
I think Roger has more chances to win Roland Garros than I have to win Wimbledon. He has made it to two finals, and has played very well on clay and won so many titles. Grass is a short season, so it’s difficult. You have just one chance to try and do well on it, and there is no time to practice. I don’t know what’s going to happen this year, but I will keep fighting and giving my best.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Youzhny blows away Nadal
In a disappointing 58-minute final, fourth-seeded Mikhail Youzhny thrashed World No. 2 Rafael Nadal in straight sets to win the Chennai Open title on Sunday
Watching Rafael Nadal win just a solitary game in a match is painful, more than anything else. The Spaniard’s image can sometimes consume him.
Playing less than 24 hours after an emotional, intense all-consuming four-hour marathon can take everything out of a man, but Nadal is expected to defy the norm. Almost out of right, the fist pumps, the tireless legs and the demonic forehands are in demand; but even a man of Nadal’s will and tenacity can sometimes succumb to exhaustion.
The top-seed looked completely out of sorts on Sunday. Mikhail Youzhny, by his own admission, had just to keep his game together, to win the Chennai Open final. The fourth seeded Youzhny beat Nadal 6-0, 6-1 in the final of the Chennai Open ATP tennis championship, at the Nungambakkam Tennis Stadium, on Sunday. Nadal had on Saturday beaten Carlos Moya 6-7(3), 7-6(8), 7-6(1) in the semifinals.
The Russian should be applauded for keeping his game together. Playing a tired, exhausted, quality player with nothing but pride driving him could have proved tricky. To the Russian’s credit, he pulled off his shots impeccably. The backhand, which had been lethal all along, was outstanding. He used it to change pace, direction, and pull off difficult slices.
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