BRASILIA, June 30 (Reuters) - France and Nigeria were drawing 0-0 after a hard-fought first half in their World Cup last-16 match on Monday.
The best chance fell to France midfielder Paul Pogba but his sweetly-struck volley was well saved by Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama. (Reporting by Ed Osmond, editing by Ken Ferris)
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The ignominous chapter of foulspeak in Bengal politics got an infamous addition on Tuesday when a video footage surfaced where Trinamool Congress MP from Krishnanagar, Tapas Pal, purportedly threatened CPI(M) supporters with rape and murder.
A file photo of Tapas Pal, Trinamool Congress MP from Krishnanagar. (PTI photo)
"I will shoot them myself… and let loose my men to rape your women…," Pal is purported to have told his supporters in Choumaha village, around 65km from capital Kolkata.
The authenticity of the footage – which appeared to have been shot with a mobile phone camera – could not be ascertained.
Pal allegedly made the provocative statement on June 14.
He was speaking in the village where he had gone after receiving reports of attack on a woman and a child who were Trinamool supporters. The assaulters were allegedly CPI(M) supporters.
Though television channels played the clip several times, Pal told HT that he could not remember any occasion where he made such remarks.
"I am not from Kolkata. I am from Chandannagar. I carry maal (meaning firearms). If anybody dares to touch our supporters, I will come and shoot them myself. Let them stop me, if they can," Pal was heard saying in the footage.
His party was quick to condemn what the MP had said. "The statements made by Tapas Pal are utterly insensitive. The party does not in any way endorse what he said many weeks ago, which is being played out on TV channels today," party spokesperson Derek O'Brien said in a statement.
State BJP president Rahul Sinha said, "It is the vilest statement one can imagine. However, coming from a Trinamool MP it is not surprising as the chief minister herself wants to settle rape complaints with money".
TMC's bitter rival CPI-M also reacted with indignation.
"The sort of adjectives Pal used are usually heard on the lips of anti-socials. We just can't imagine any man in his senses would utter such words," CPI(M) state secretariat member Rabin Deb said.
During the speech, Pal was heard to repeatedly emphasise that he was not a sober gentleman but a ruffian, who would not think twice about violent retribution if his party supporters were attacked by the CPI(M).
Pal, 58, was elected to the Lok Sabha on a Trinamool Congress ticket for the second time from Krishnanagar. He was elected as an MLA from Alipore in 2001 and 2006.
In 2009, he quit the assembly seat to contest and win the Lok Sabha elections.
Pal was a popular actor in Tollywood and joined Trinamool Congress in the beginning of the last decade.
Over the past few years, the political temperature of Bengal has been rising steadily with numerous incidents of political violence and desperate statements from politicians.
While many CPI(M) leaders made unprintable comments before during 2008-2011 when the party steadily lost ground, over the past couple of years, Trinamool leaders have stepped into their shoes.
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JERUSALEM: Israeli forces found the bodies of three missing teenagers in the occupied West Bank on Monday after a nearly three-week-long search and a sweep against the Islamist Hamas group that Israel says abducted them.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu summoned his security cabinet for a special session that could decide on stronger military moves against Hamas, which has neither confirmed nor denied the Israeli allegations.
"There can be no forgiveness for the killers of children and those who sent them. Now is the time to act," economy minister Naftali Bennett said in a statement.
The kidnapping on June 12 of the three Jewish seminary students near a settlement in the West Bank appalled Israelis who rallied behind the teens' families.
Netanyahu seized on the abduction to demand Western-backed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas abrogate a reconciliation deal he reached with Hamas, his long-time rival, in April that led to a unity Palestinian government on June 2.
The bodies of Gil-Ad Shaer and US-Israeli national Naftali Fraenkel, both 16, and Eyal Yifrah, 19, were found in a field near Hebron, a militant stronghold and the hometown of two Hamas members identified by Israel as the kidnappers and still at large, security officials said.
Three Israeli seminary students (from left to right) Naftali Fraenkel (16) who also holds US citizenship, Gil-Ad Shaer (16) and Eyal Yifrah (19) are seen in this combination picture of undated family handout photos. (Via Reuters)
The teens had apparently been shot soon after having been abducted while hitchhiking, the officials said
Crowds gather outside the home ofEyal Yifrah —one of three missing teenagers — in Elad, central Israel. (AP photo)
"They were under a pile of rocks, in an open field," said Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner, a military spokesman.
Israeli media said the break in the case came after the relatives of the alleged abductors were interrogated. A large number of troops gathered at the spot — in the general area where the teenagers disappeared — to recover the bodies.
Orthodox Jewsgather outside the home ofEyal Yifrah —one of three missing teenagers — in Elad, central Israel. (AP photo)
In tandem with the search over the past 18 days, Israeli forces have raided Palestinian towns and villages, detaining Hamas activists and closing the group's institutions.
Abbas condemned the abduction and pledged the cooperation of his security forces, drawing criticism from Hamas and undercutting his popularity among Palestinians angered by what they saw as his collusion with Israel.
The United States, while condemning the kidnapping, has urged Israel to pursue a measured response.
Hamas, which has maintained security control of the Gaza Strip since the unity deal, is shunned by the west over its refusal to renounce violence. The group has called for Israel's destruction, although various officials have at times indicated a willingness to negotiate a long-term ceasefire.
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Last year, Kia chief designer Peter Schreyer was given a pretty big new responsibility: Oversight of parent company Hyundai’s design strategy, in addition to his role at Kia. He recently told us that he wants to create a signature “Hyundai face” in order to even better emphasize the different characteristics of the two Korean brands.
As Schreyer told us, “It is very important to keep the brands distinct. We need to be recognized as two brands.” He added that “Kia is architectonical, very straight, while Hyundai is curvaceous, sometimes quite spectacular. They have done good work.”
Moving forward, he aims to help Hyundai develop its own styling language, while avoiding extreme, non-functional shapes. It isn’t presently clear whether Schreyer plans to scrap Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture design language or merely hone it, but it seems like he’s leaning toward the former. As proof, we offer into evidence Schreyer himself saying that the Intrado concept car, shown at the Geneva auto show this past March, is a good indication of where the brand could go and what its front graphic signature could look like. Aside from a few 2015 Genesis styling cues, the Intrado doesn’t look like any current Hyundai product.
Speaking of future models, Schreyer emphasized the importance of the B-size (subcompact) SUV segment, especially in places like China and South America. Any potential Hyundai entry—previewed by the aforementioned Intrado—in this arena would take on the likes of Ford’s EcoSport abroad, while if it were to come Stateside, it would battle Jeep’s new Renegade and Chevrolet’s Trax.
Schreyer also said that an upmarket and sporty rear-wheel-drive Kia, inspired by the 2011 GT concept, is all but green-lighted. “Interest was great,” he remarked. We certainly agree—the concept was awesome, and hopefully it’s sportier in execution than the luxo-barge K900.
While it’s good to see two closely linked brands try to further set apart their wares, the recent focus on design at Hyundai and Kia has produced some handsome rides that, if we’re honest, are already fairly well-differentiated from one another. The exciting part will be seeing what direction Schreyer ultimately takes Hyundai—and whether or not the GT concept gets off the ground.
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JERUSALEM: Israeli forces found the bodies of three missing teenagers in the occupied West Bank on Monday after a nearly three-week-long search and a sweep against the Islamist Hamas group that Israel says abducted them.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu summoned his security cabinet for a special session that could decide on stronger military moves against Hamas, which has neither confirmed nor denied the Israeli allegations.
"There can be no forgiveness for the killers of children and those who sent them. Now is the time to act," economy minister Naftali Bennett said in a statement.
The kidnapping on June 12 of the three Jewish seminary students near a settlement in the West Bank appalled Israelis who rallied behind the teens' families.
Netanyahu seized on the abduction to demand Western-backed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas abrogate a reconciliation deal he reached with Hamas, his long-time rival, in April that led to a unity Palestinian government on June 2.
The bodies of Gil-Ad Shaer and US-Israeli national Naftali Fraenkel, both 16, and Eyal Yifrah, 19, were found in a field near Hebron, a militant stronghold and the hometown of two Hamas members identified by Israel as the kidnappers and still at large, security officials said.
Three Israeli seminary students (from left to right) Naftali Fraenkel (16) who also holds US citizenship, Gil-Ad Shaer (16) and Eyal Yifrah (19) are seen in this combination picture of undated family handout photos. (Via Reuters)
The teens had apparently been shot soon after having been abducted while hitchhiking, the officials said
Crowds gather outside the home ofEyal Yifrah —one of three missing teenagers — in Elad, central Israel. (AP photo)
"They were under a pile of rocks, in an open field," said Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner, a military spokesman.
Israeli media said the break in the case came after the relatives of the alleged abductors were interrogated. A large number of troops gathered at the spot — in the general area where the teenagers disappeared — to recover the bodies.
Orthodox Jews, family and friends of Israeli Eyal Yifrah, 19, one of three missing teenagers, gather outside of his home in Elad, central Israel. (AP photo)
In tandem with the search over the past 18 days, Israeli forces have raided Palestinian towns and villages, detaining Hamas activists and closing the group's institutions.
Abbas condemned the abduction and pledged the cooperation of his security forces, drawing criticism from Hamas and undercutting his popularity among Palestinians angered by what they saw as his collusion with Israel.
The United States, while condemning the kidnapping, has urged Israel to pursue a measured response.
Hamas, which has maintained security control of the Gaza Strip since the unity deal, is shunned by the west over its refusal to renounce violence. The group has called for Israel's destruction, although various officials have at times indicated a willingness to negotiate a long-term ceasefire.
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Kolkata, Jun 30 (PTI) Political parties today condemned the remarks by Trinamool Congress MP Tapas Pal threatening to kill Opposition CPI-M workers and have their women raped, and urged the Lok Sabha Speaker to take suo muto cognisance of it.
"Several Trinamool Congress leaders have been making such comments in the last three years as part of strategy to terrorise Opposition parties. The comments he has made is unexpected of a parliamentarian.
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GOAAALL!! Yobo own goal means it's France 2-0 - 90 minutes
Valbuena and Benzema just want to run down the clock from the corner, but a low cross comes in anyway and Griezmann is running towards it and tries to divert it into goal, misses, and sees a deflection off Yobo go in. That's 2-0 then and France are into the last eight.
GOAAAAAAAAAALLL!! Pogba! 82 minutes
Corner for France and Pogba is there to head in a loose punch by Enyeama into the net. Expert finishing, the keeper was nowhere. Got to feel bad for the goalie.
Off the post, Cabaye! And another crazy Enyeama save - 80 minutes
The French are sending wave after wave of attack towards the Nigeria goal — Valbuena's cross is cleared a couple of yards from the goal-line and the clearance runs to Cabaye about 30 yards out, his stinging shot hitting the underside of the bar. Seconds later Benzema heads behind a long ball, but Enyeama is there to tip it over.
Victor Moses off the line!!! 70 minutes
Fantastic one-two between Benzema and Griezmann and the Real Madrid striker is through on goal. He tries to slide it under Enyeama's body but the keeper gets down just in time to hamper the ball's trajectory towards the goal where Victor Moses clears the bouncing ball. Goal-line technology is used and it's not a goal.
Oshaniwa with a cracking clearance - 66 minutes
France pressing more urgently now and a botched clearance allows them to ping in a cross from the left. It's bobbing and in Pogba's path with the Juventus player already in his stride to take a volley but Oshaniwa executes a quality karate-style clearance to put it away from danger.
Stretcher comes out second time for Onazi and this time he's off - 60 minutes
Matuidi makes probably one of the worst challenges of the World Cup so far - going studs up straight into Onazi's ankle which sickeningly twisted under the tackle. The stretcher comes out for him again, and this time he will be subbed for Gabriel. Meanwhile, Giroud is off for Griezmann which means Benzema shifts to striker with Griezmann on the left.
Moses tries too much trickery, Varane sees stars - 54 minutes
Victor Moses cuts in from the right and just when it's time to pull the trigger, he tries another silly trick and loses the ball. It ends up on the right where it's crossed in for Emenike but Varane is there to defend and takes a blow to the head for his team. He is up and running but looks a bit dazed.
And after that open but wasteful half, we're up and running again
No changes at HT as both teams sense an opening, the only thing missing is a proper finish or a slice of luck. Nigeria have given France an excellent game. For the Les Bleus, Benzema and Giroud need to be more involved in attacks -- the former has been invisible so far.
Emenike from a tight angle - his zipping shot straight at Lloris who then needs to cope with a rebound with Musa bearing down on him. It's cleared but that quite a scare.
Oh my Debuchy! What a miss - 40 minutes
Matuidi gets forward and lays it off for Debuchy who's running towards the box -- his shot wide from an area where you would hit the target nine out of ten times. That is the miss of the match so far.
Odemwingie chance from outside box - 30 minutes
Emenike and Odemwingie with a quick exchange at the edge of the box but the latter's shot is blocked. That was goal-bound. Nigeria getting into danger areas, looking very confident.
Nigeria taking corners like a toddler on a push scooter.
Pogba drives forward and slips Valbuena through on the right before continuing his run. Valbuena finds him with the return ball and Pogba's acrobatic volley is brilliantly saved by Enyeama.
Musaaaaa -- but he's offside! 20 minutes
Emenike puts in a lovely ball for Musa who's roving around the near post and finishes first time. He is probably in line but it's been given offside. That was a FIFA 14 type of decision -- offside for half an inch.
Two freekicks for Nigeria - both wasted, 17 minutes
Odemwingie gets a freekick from a crossing area on the left and finds a teammate free at the far post, the impending header was woeful though. Another freekick follows from about 20 yards out from a shooting position but Emenike hits it high, wide and not so handsome.
Nigeria dominate opening exchanges - 8 minutes
Nigeria have tried to string a few more passes than they normally do. One of their crosses from the right finds its way to Odemwingie but an awkward bounce takes it away from him. France have been cautious at the back so far.
And we've kicked off!
France field probably their strongest starting XI and are up against a Nigerial squad boasting of huge talent in the form of Musa, Emenike, Odemwingie and Mikel. These are two counter-attacking teams which love playing open football. Here we go...
7.00 pm: Foreign flags banned as France tightens security for Algeria match
The Riviera city of Nice banned the display of foreign flags Monday as French authorities tightened security ahead of a World Cup match between Germany and Algeria following riots after the last two Algerian fixtures.
Christian Estrosi, the right-wing mayor of Nice, issued a decree temporarily banning what he termed the "ostentatious display of foreign flags" in the centre of the Riviera city, which is home to many people of Algerian heritage.
"Since the start of the World Cup we have sadly seen intolerable behaviour that severely disrupts public peace," Estrosi added. He said the ban would remain in force until the end of the tournament.
Some celebrations of Algeria's historic qualification for the second round of the World Cup spilled over into violence on Thursday with more than 70 people arrested for rioting or looting across France.
That was more than double the 30-odd arrested on June 22 after Algeria's win over South Korea.
The incidents prompted far-right leader Marine Le Pen to call for dual nationality to be revoked on the ground that the fervent support for Algeria reflected a failure to integrate into French society.
Algerians make up France's largest immigrant group, with close to two million people able to trace their roots back to the former colony.
Many hold dual citizenship and attachment to Algeria appears as strong amongst the French-born younger generation as it is amongst older immigrants.
"We are asking everyone to stay calm while celebrating a victory," government minister Harlem Desir said Monday.
"We must not let unruliness spoil what should be a party," he told the LCI television channel, adding that adequate security measures had been put in place to pre-empt a repetition of last week's incidents.
AFP
6.25 pm Uruguay President Jose Mujica slams FIFA leaders as "sons of bitches"
Uruguay's President Jose Mujica has slammed FIFA leaders as "sons of bitches" for banning the country's star striker Luis Suarez over his infamous World Cup bite.
Mujica called the four month ban on all football activity imposed on Suarez for biting Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini "fascist sanctions".
The president made the comments to a state-run TV sports show which asked Mujica his opinion of the World Cup as he welcomed the defeated Uruguayans on their return from Brazil late Sunday.
"Those at FIFA are a gang of old sons of bitches," Mujica said. He gasped and put his hand to his mouth in an I-can't-believe-that-I said-that manner, but smiled.
The journalist asked if he could publish the remark. "For my part, sure," Mujica shrugged.
"I support the president's remarks," added his wife, Senator Lucia Topolansky, who was stood next to him.
"They could have sanctioned him," said Mujica, a 79 year-old ex-guerrila, "but not with fascist sanctions."
AFP
5.45 pm: Greece refuses World Cup bonus
This story is almost too good to be true, but true is appears to be. After Cameroon refused to even head to Brazil without their bonus and Ghana's players forced their association to send $3 million dollars in cash by plane before they took the field for their final game against Portugal, comes some field good stuff from Greece.
Greece were knocked out on penalties by Costa Rica in the round of 16. Reuters
According to the Sport Bible, the team sent a letter to Greek prime minister Antonis Samaras saying they would rather the money be spent on better training facilities.
“We do not want as extra bonus, or money. We only play for Greece and its people," the team said in their letter. "All we want is for you to support our effort to find a land and create a sports centre that will house our National team.”
Given the state of the Greek economy and the hardships the people have suffered thanks to the financial crisis, the team might win over more fans for this move than for reaching the round of 16.
5.00 pm: Another day, another Suarez video
Hey Luis, Don't Bite Me won't be winning any Grammies but as a parody its well worth a watch and a listen.
Meanwhile in Uruguay, Suarez is being defended at the highest levels of power. The country's president, Jose Muigca, told reporters that "We should take sanctions [against Suarez], but not these [FIFA's] fascist sanctions".
He went went on to say that "FIFA are a bunch of old b******s!” and told the reporters they were free to broadcast his remarks.
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Kolkata: The Trinamool Congress Monday sought an explanation from its parliamentarian Tapas Pal for threatening to shoot down CPI-M men and unleashing his 'boys' to rape women.
"Tapas Pal has been asked to provide a written explanation to the party in the next 48 hours (two days) about what is his point of view," the party's national spokesperson Derek O'Brien said.
Derek O'Brien. Image courtesy: Facebook
Telecast by vernacular news channels, a video showed Paul from Krishnanagar Lok Sabha constituency in Nadia district, warning Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) men to be aware of him as he won't spare them and "destroy their entire clan".
"If a CPI-M man dares to touch anybody, Tapas Pal will not spare him. I will take out my gun and shoot him. I always carry a gun... I will destroy his entire clan," Paul was heard telling his party workers in Choumaha village.
"I warn my opponents... If anything happens to my mothers or sisters, my party workers, I will not spare them, I will have the last word. I will make their family pay dearly. I will ask my boys to go there. They will rape them and leave," said Pal, as his supporters cheered his every word.
Pal is heard repeatedly warning his opponents and threatening them with dire consequences.
The comments have been widely slammed and the Congress, BJP and CPI-M have demanded stern action against him, including sacking him from parliament.
IANS
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It’s Monday, and that means it’s time to present this week’s shifter. You’ll have until mid-day Wednesday to identify the make and model of the vehicle whence this shifter came. The first person to respond correctly in the Backfires section below will win a Save the Manuals button and sticker.* Good luck!
(* Offer open to U.S. and Canadian residents only.)
Other Stories You Might Like
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GOAAALL!! Yobo own goal means it's France 2-0 - 90 minutes
Valbuena and Benzema just want to run down the clock from the corner, but a low cross comes in anyway and Griezmann is running towards it and tries to divert it into goal, misses, and sees a deflection off Yobo go in. That's 2-0 then and France are into the last eight.
GOAAAAAAAAAALLL!! Pogba! 82 minutes
Corner for France and Pogba is there to head in a loose punch by Enyeama into the net. Expert finishing, the keeper was nowhere. Got to feel bad for the goalie.
Off the post, Cabaye! And another crazy Enyeama save - 80 minutes
The French are sending wave after wave of attack towards the Nigeria goal — Valbuena's cross is cleared a couple of yards from the goal-line and the clearance runs to Cabaye about 30 yards out, his stinging shot hitting the underside of the bar. Seconds later Benzema heads behind a long ball, but Enyeama is there to tip it over.
Victor Moses off the line!!! 70 minutes
Fantastic one-two between Benzema and Griezmann and the Real Madrid striker is through on goal. He tries to slide it under Enyeama's body but the keeper gets down just in time to hamper the ball's trajectory towards the goal where Victor Moses clears the bouncing ball. Goal-line technology is used and it's not a goal.
Oshaniwa with a cracking clearance - 66 minutes
France pressing more urgently now and a botched clearance allows them to ping in a cross from the left. It's bobbing and in Pogba's path with the Juventus player already in his stride to take a volley but Oshaniwa executes a quality karate-style clearance to put it away from danger.
Stretcher comes out second time for Onazi and this time he's off - 60 minutes
Matuidi makes probably one of the worst challenges of the World Cup so far - going studs up straight into Onazi's ankle which sickeningly twisted under the tackle. The stretcher comes out for him again, and this time he will be subbed for Gabriel. Meanwhile, Giroud is off for Griezmann which means Benzema shifts to striker with Griezmann on the left.
Moses tries too much trickery, Varane sees stars - 54 minutes
Victor Moses cuts in from the right and just when it's time to pull the trigger, he tries another silly trick and loses the ball. It ends up on the right where it's crossed in for Emenike but Varane is there to defend and takes a blow to the head for his team. He is up and running but looks a bit dazed.
And after that open but wasteful half, we're up and running again
No changes at HT as both teams sense an opening, the only thing missing is a proper finish or a slice of luck. Nigeria have given France an excellent game. For the Les Bleus, Benzema and Giroud need to be more involved in attacks -- the former has been invisible so far.
Emenike from a tight angle - his zipping shot straight at Lloris who then needs to cope with a rebound with Musa bearing down on him. It's cleared but that quite a scare.
Oh my Debuchy! What a miss - 40 minutes
Matuidi gets forward and lays it off for Debuchy who's running towards the box -- his shot wide from an area where you would hit the target nine out of ten times. That is the miss of the match so far.
Odemwingie chance from outside box - 30 minutes
Emenike and Odemwingie with a quick exchange at the edge of the box but the latter's shot is blocked. That was goal-bound. Nigeria getting into danger areas, looking very confident.
Nigeria taking corners like a toddler on a push scooter.
Pogba drives forward and slips Valbuena through on the right before continuing his run. Valbuena finds him with the return ball and Pogba's acrobatic volley is brilliantly saved by Enyeama.
Musaaaaa -- but he's offside! 20 minutes
Emenike puts in a lovely ball for Musa who's roving around the near post and finishes first time. He is probably in line but it's been given offside. That was a FIFA 14 type of decision -- offside for half an inch.
Two freekicks for Nigeria - both wasted, 17 minutes
Odemwingie gets a freekick from a crossing area on the left and finds a teammate free at the far post, the impending header was woeful though. Another freekick follows from about 20 yards out from a shooting position but Emenike hits it high, wide and not so handsome.
Nigeria dominate opening exchanges - 8 minutes
Nigeria have tried to string a few more passes than they normally do. One of their crosses from the right finds its way to Odemwingie but an awkward bounce takes it away from him. France have been cautious at the back so far.
And we've kicked off!
France field probably their strongest starting XI and are up against a Nigerial squad boasting of huge talent in the form of Musa, Emenike, Odemwingie and Mikel. These are two counter-attacking teams which love playing open football. Here we go...
7.00 pm: Foreign flags banned as France tightens security for Algeria match
The Riviera city of Nice banned the display of foreign flags Monday as French authorities tightened security ahead of a World Cup match between Germany and Algeria following riots after the last two Algerian fixtures.
Christian Estrosi, the right-wing mayor of Nice, issued a decree temporarily banning what he termed the "ostentatious display of foreign flags" in the centre of the Riviera city, which is home to many people of Algerian heritage.
"Since the start of the World Cup we have sadly seen intolerable behaviour that severely disrupts public peace," Estrosi added. He said the ban would remain in force until the end of the tournament.
Some celebrations of Algeria's historic qualification for the second round of the World Cup spilled over into violence on Thursday with more than 70 people arrested for rioting or looting across France.
That was more than double the 30-odd arrested on June 22 after Algeria's win over South Korea.
The incidents prompted far-right leader Marine Le Pen to call for dual nationality to be revoked on the ground that the fervent support for Algeria reflected a failure to integrate into French society.
Algerians make up France's largest immigrant group, with close to two million people able to trace their roots back to the former colony.
Many hold dual citizenship and attachment to Algeria appears as strong amongst the French-born younger generation as it is amongst older immigrants.
"We are asking everyone to stay calm while celebrating a victory," government minister Harlem Desir said Monday.
"We must not let unruliness spoil what should be a party," he told the LCI television channel, adding that adequate security measures had been put in place to pre-empt a repetition of last week's incidents.
AFP
6.25 pm Uruguay President Jose Mujica slams FIFA leaders as "sons of bitches"
Uruguay's President Jose Mujica has slammed FIFA leaders as "sons of bitches" for banning the country's star striker Luis Suarez over his infamous World Cup bite.
Mujica called the four month ban on all football activity imposed on Suarez for biting Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini "fascist sanctions".
The president made the comments to a state-run TV sports show which asked Mujica his opinion of the World Cup as he welcomed the defeated Uruguayans on their return from Brazil late Sunday.
"Those at FIFA are a gang of old sons of bitches," Mujica said. He gasped and put his hand to his mouth in an I-can't-believe-that-I said-that manner, but smiled.
The journalist asked if he could publish the remark. "For my part, sure," Mujica shrugged.
"I support the president's remarks," added his wife, Senator Lucia Topolansky, who was stood next to him.
"They could have sanctioned him," said Mujica, a 79 year-old ex-guerrila, "but not with fascist sanctions."
AFP
5.45 pm: Greece refuses World Cup bonus
This story is almost too good to be true, but true is appears to be. After Cameroon refused to even head to Brazil without their bonus and Ghana's players forced their association to send $3 million dollars in cash by plane before they took the field for their final game against Portugal, comes some field good stuff from Greece.
Greece were knocked out on penalties by Costa Rica in the round of 16. Reuters
According to the Sport Bible, the team sent a letter to Greek prime minister Antonis Samaras saying they would rather the money be spent on better training facilities.
“We do not want as extra bonus, or money. We only play for Greece and its people," the team said in their letter. "All we want is for you to support our effort to find a land and create a sports centre that will house our National team.”
Given the state of the Greek economy and the hardships the people have suffered thanks to the financial crisis, the team might win over more fans for this move than for reaching the round of 16.
5.00 pm: Another day, another Suarez video
Hey Luis, Don't Bite Me won't be winning any Grammies but as a parody its well worth a watch and a listen.
Meanwhile in Uruguay, Suarez is being defended at the highest levels of power. The country's president, Jose Muigca, told reporters that "We should take sanctions [against Suarez], but not these [FIFA's] fascist sanctions".
He went went on to say that "FIFA are a bunch of old b******s!” and told the reporters they were free to broadcast his remarks.
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Kolkata: Political parties on Monday condemned the remarks by Trinamool Congress MP Tapas Pal threatening to kill Opposition CPI-M workers and have their women raped, and urged the Lok Sabha Speaker to take suo muto cognisance of it.
"Several Trinamool Congress leaders have been making such comments in the last three years as part of strategy to terrorise Opposition parties. The comments he has made is unexpected of a parliamentarian. I request the Lok Sabha Speaker to take suo-motu cognisance because people look up to Lok Sabha MPs," CPI(M) MP Mohammed Salim said.
The police administration should take cognisance of the remarks made by the TMC MP, he said.
"If the police don't take cognisance then it means it is aiding such terror tactics.
The comment is an addition to the long list of TMC leaders who have been making such comments in the recent past," said Salim.
The BJP leadership also condemned the statement and asked Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to look into the matter.
"It is really heart wrenching to hear such comments from Tapas Pal. He has said he was speaking in a fit of rage. But in a fit of rage, MPs should try to restrain themselves from making such comments," BJP MP Babul Supriyo said.
"Actually Trinamool leaders are in competition as the top leadership of the party is also making such derogatory comments every day. Let's see what action our CM takes or else the people will give them a fitting reply," he said.
Pal threatened to kill Opposition CPI-M workers and have their women raped if a single Trinamool Congress worker was attacked at Choumaha village in Nadia district.
Later Pal, denied that he spoke about rape. "What I said was I will tell my workers to 'raid'," he claimed.
Trinamool national spokesperson Derek O'Brien said the party doest not endorse Pal's statement which was "insensitive" whatever be the provocation.
IANS
First Published: Tuesday, July 01, 2014, 00:05
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Didier Deschamps's France will now await the winners of Monday's other last-16 tie between Germany and Algeria, who they will meet at the Maracana on July 4.
A Paul Pogba header and a Joseph Yobo own goal saw France edge a hard-fought contest with Nigeria 2-0 in Brasilia on Monday to reach the World Cup quarter-finals.
Pogba broke the deadlock in the 79th minute, heading into an empty net after Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, who plays for French club Lille, failed to collect a corner.
It was a cruel moment for Enyeama, but rewarded a barrage of French pressure sparked by the introduction of Antoine Griezmann, who forced Yobo to put through his own goal in injury time.
Didier Deschamps's France will now await the winners of Monday's other last-16 tie between Germany and Algeria, who they will meet at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro on July 4.
African champions Nigeria, meanwhile, must wait to sample the last eight at a World Cup, following defeat in their first knockout-phase match at the tournament since the 1998 competition in France.
Stephen Keshi's side nonetheless departed to the sound of warm applause from the fans crammed into the cavernous Mane Garrincha National Stadium, who allied themselves with Nigeria's cause from the kick-off.
While France, who showed six changes, started purposefully, their final ball frequently let them down, which handed Nigeria opportunities to use their pace on the counter-attack.
Emmanuel Emenike thought he had put Nigeria ahead in the 19th minute when he deftly prodded in an in-swinging cross from Ahmed Musa, but the offside flag allowed French heart rates to return to normal.
France looked more threatening when they were able to bring the recalled Mathieu Valbuena into the game.
When the Marseille midfielder teed up Pogba for a vicious volley mid-way through the first half, it took a stunning reflex save from Enyeama to keep the game scoreless.
Onazi stretchered off
Another intelligent pass from Valbuena then gave Mathieu Debuchy a sight of goal, but the Newcastle United right-back drilled wide.
Late in the first half Emenike took aim from range, but Hugo Lloris was able to parry.
Nigeria suffered a blow early in the second period when Lazio midfielder Ogenyi Onazi had to be stretchered off after an ugly, ankle-high challenge by Blaise Matuidi, who escaped with only a caution.
Faced with growing Nigeria pressure, Deschamps introduced Griezmann in place of Olivier Giroud with half an hour to play and the move quickly paid immediate dividends.
After Lloris had saved from Peter Odemwingie, a one-two between Karim Benzema and Griezmann set the Real Madrid man clear, but although he squeezed the ball past Enyeama, Victor Moses was on hand to hook clear.
It was to prove a temporary reprieve. Yohan Cabaye, back from suspension, saw a 20-yard half-volley crash back off the bar before Enyeama had to produce a finger-tip save to touch a Benzema header over the bar.
It was the second fine stop of the match from the 31-year-old, but seconds later his failure to claim Valbuena's left-wing corner allowed Juventus midfielder Pogba to head in at the back post.
Enyeama then palmed a shot from Griezmann over the bar, but France made it 2-0 at the death when Yobo, under pressure from Griezmann, inadvertently steered Valbuena's drilled cross into his own net.
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Kolkata: The Trinamool Congress Monday sought an explanation from its parliamentarian Tapas Pal for threatening to shoot down CPI-M men and unleashing his 'boys' to rape women.
"Tapas Pal has been asked to provide a written explanation to the party in the next 48 hours (two days) about what is his point of view," the party's national spokesperson Derek O'Brien said.
Derek O'Brien. Image courtesy: Facebook
Telecast by vernacular news channels, a video showed Paul from Krishnanagar Lok Sabha constituency in Nadia district, warning Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) men to be aware of him as he won't spare them and "destroy their entire clan".
"If a CPI-M man dares to touch anybody, Tapas Pal will not spare him. I will take out my gun and shoot him. I always carry a gun... I will destroy his entire clan," Paul was heard telling his party workers in Choumaha village.
"I warn my opponents... If anything happens to my mothers or sisters, my party workers, I will not spare them, I will have the last word. I will make their family pay dearly. I will ask my boys to go there. They will rape them and leave," said Pal, as his supporters cheered his every word.
Pal is heard repeatedly warning his opponents and threatening them with dire consequences.
The comments have been widely slammed and the Congress, BJP and CPI-M have demanded stern action against him, including sacking him from parliament.
IANS
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Laurent Fabius is the first foreign minister of a western country to visit India since the new government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office on 26 May. Photo: AP
New Delhi: French foreign minister Laurent Fabius on Monday said he was “pretty optimistic” that the $20 billion (around Rs.1.2 trillion) deal to supply India with 126 Rafale fighter jets would be clinched early—something he said would open the doors for further defence cooperation with India.
Fabius, the first foreign minister of a western country to visit India since the new government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office on 26 May, said he was carrying an invitation from President Francois Hollande for Modi to visit France in September. Fabius is scheduled to meet Modi on Tuesday.
“France has high ambition for this (India-France) partnership and this ambition is shared by the new Indian government,” the French foreign minister told reporters in New Delhi.
In talks with foreign minister Sushma Swaraj, Fabius discussed a wide range of bilateral and international issues including the promotion of tourism, boosting the number of Indian students studying in France, cooperation on space and climate change, ways to increase two-way trade and investment, and the situation in Iraq.
On the long-pending sale of Rafale fighter aircraft to India, Fabius said: “I am pretty optimistic, things are developing smoothly.”
He described the combat aircraft, built by Dassault Aviation as “the best that can be conceived from a technical viewpoint...It would be very important because, stemming from this contract, we can develop a large partnership in the domain of defence. Apart from Rafale, we have prospects in the domain of missiles, in the domain of submarines, in the domain of helicopters and it will make it possible to have really complete partnership between Indian industry and French industry,” Fabius said.
India has been looking for a fighter jet for its Air Force for more than a decade and, in 2012, chose the Rafale over three others, including the Eurofighter Typhoon manufactured by the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co., which was earlier this year rebranded as Airbus Group NV. The Rafale deal accommodates key Indian demands on transfer of technology, offsets under which Dassault Aviation will have to plough back 50% of the contract value into India and a partnership with the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) for co-production.
Arun Jaitley, the finance minister, who also holds the defence portfolio, raised hopes of speedy defence procurement last week when he criticised the “slow pace of acquisition” and said there was a “good case for these processes to be expedited”.
Briefing reporters on the talks, Indian foreign ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin said the “comprehensive” discussions spread over three hours covered civil nuclear cooperation. France has been seeking clarifications on how India’s nuclear liability law would be implemented and the consequences of any possible nuclear accident. In 2010, state-run Nuclear Power Corp. of India Ltd signed a pact with France’s Areva SA to buy two European Pressurised Reactors (EPR), each with a capacity to produce 1,650MW of electricity, and uranium supply for a period of 25 years for the Jaitapur nuclear power plant in Maharashtra. These units are the first of six that will be constructed at Jaitapur for commissioning by 2018. The complex will have an overall capacity of 10,000MW. “Both sides reiterated their commitment to proceed with the Jaitapur nuclear power plant,” the spokesman added.
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Kolkata: In a brazen, ludicrous and insensitive statement, Trinamool Congress MP Tapas Pal has been caught on camera openly threatening to send 'his boys' and get women of Opposition party raped. He is also heard saying that if need be he will not hesitate to use guns against his opponents.
“If anyone from the Opposition dares to touch any woman then I will send my boys and get women of CPI(M) raped,” Pal told a gathering reportedly in his constituency Krishnanagar.
He also says that he roams around with 'maal' (revolver) and will not hesitate to use it on his opponents.
Pal does not stop here. Without any shame he boasts that he is a 'goonda' (hooligan).
The speech shown in the video is apparently six to seven weeks old.
This is not the first time that the TMC MP has made such an audacious comment. Last year Pal, while addressing a rally at Tehatta, had asked party activists to beat up CPI(M) workers with shoes.
Though TMC has officially condemned the statement, no action has been taken as far as the MP is concerned.
Party spokesperson and MP Derek O'Brien said that TMC did not endorse what Tapas had said and that it was insensitive statement.
He posted on the micro-blogging site Twitter - “Sensitive use of language is an obligation for role models in culture, politics and society. If that code is breached, public trust is lost.”
Sensitive use of language is an obligation for role models in culture, politics and society. If that code is breached, public trust is lost
He also said, “Whatever provocation or perceived provocation, people in public life have to be extra-careful in what they say. Can't shoot your mouth off.”
Whatever provocation or perceived provocation, people in public life have to be extra-careful in what they say. Can't shoot your mouth off
Meanwhile, even as West Bengal Chief Mamata Banerjee continues to look the other way, the Opposition, CPI(M) and the BJP, have demanded action against him.
CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat, while talking exclusively to Zee News said, “What action will the TMC take? The message that has gone to the people, what about it? If any MP says something like this then he is insulting womanhood. Action against him is must."
And BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain told a news agency that "TMC leader and state CM is a woman. Action must be taken against Tapas Pal for his comment."
Preposterous and outrageous statements by TMC leaders are nothing new. Infact some would say that it has become a norm.
Last year in July, West Bengal Transport Minister Madan Mitra had threatened to take on his rivals and give them a befitting reply by bullets, bombs and thrashing.
And before that Manirul Islam, TMC MLA from Labhpur, while addressing a party rally had said that if district Congress leader Sabyasachi Dutta did not mend his ways then his head would be cut off.
The list is long. Again last year, on July 17, TMC Birbhum district president Anubrata Mondal had supposedly asked partymen to attack policemen with bombs and burn houses of Independent candidates.
First Published: Monday, June 30, 2014, 19:55
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Laurent Fabius is the first foreign minister of a western country to visit India since the new government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office on 26 May. Photo: AP
New Delhi: French foreign minister Laurent Fabius on Monday said he was “pretty optimistic” that the $20 billion (around Rs.1.2 trillion) deal to supply India with 126 Rafale fighter jets would be clinched early—something he said would open the doors for further defence cooperation with India.
Fabius, the first foreign minister of a western country to visit India since the new government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office on 26 May, said he was carrying an invitation from President Francois Hollande for Modi to visit France in September. Fabius is scheduled to meet Modi on Tuesday.
“France has high ambition for this (India-France) partnership and this ambition is shared by the new Indian government,” the French foreign minister told reporters in New Delhi.
In talks with foreign minister Sushma Swaraj, Fabius discussed a wide range of bilateral and international issues including the promotion of tourism, boosting the number of Indian students studying in France, cooperation on space and climate change, ways to increase two-way trade and investment, and the situation in Iraq.
On the long-pending sale of Rafale fighter aircraft to India, Fabius said: “I am pretty optimistic, things are developing smoothly.”
He described the combat aircraft, built by Dassault Aviation as “the best that can be conceived from a technical viewpoint...It would be very important because, stemming from this contract, we can develop a large partnership in the domain of defence. Apart from Rafale, we have prospects in the domain of missiles, in the domain of submarines, in the domain of helicopters and it will make it possible to have really complete partnership between Indian industry and French industry,” Fabius said.
India has been looking for a fighter jet for its Air Force for more than a decade and, in 2012, chose the Rafale over three others, including the Eurofighter Typhoon manufactured by the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co., which was earlier this year rebranded as Airbus Group NV. The Rafale deal accommodates key Indian demands on transfer of technology, offsets under which Dassault Aviation will have to plough back 50% of the contract value into India and a partnership with the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) for co-production.
Arun Jaitley, the finance minister, who also holds the defence portfolio, raised hopes of speedy defence procurement last week when he criticised the “slow pace of acquisition” and said there was a “good case for these processes to be expedited”.
Briefing reporters on the talks, Indian foreign ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin said the “comprehensive” discussions spread over three hours covered civil nuclear cooperation. France has been seeking clarifications on how India’s nuclear liability law would be implemented and the consequences of any possible nuclear accident. In 2010, state-run Nuclear Power Corp. of India Ltd signed a pact with France’s Areva SA to buy two European Pressurised Reactors (EPR), each with a capacity to produce 1,650MW of electricity, and uranium supply for a period of 25 years for the Jaitapur nuclear power plant in Maharashtra. These units are the first of six that will be constructed at Jaitapur for commissioning by 2018. The complex will have an overall capacity of 10,000MW. “Both sides reiterated their commitment to proceed with the Jaitapur nuclear power plant,” the spokesman added.
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June 30, 2014 at 1:00 pm by Andrew Wendler | Photography by Michael Simari and the Manufacturer
We’ve known a diesel-powered Focus was a sure thing for months, and when the 2015 Ford Focus ST debuted at Goodwood yesterday, it slipped its compression-ignition doppelganger into the mix. We—and several sharp-eyed Backfires members—immediately noticed that the tachometer in some of the images of the ST’s dash had a rather diesel-like redline of around 5200 rpm. Although the maker still hasn’t announced if the oil-burning hot hatch will make the trip stateside, we figured sharing its vital stats is the least we can do.
Producing 182 horsepower and a whopping 295 lb-ft of twist from a supercharged 2.0-liter four, the diesel gives up 70 horses to its 2.0-liter gasoline EcoBoost counterpart, but betters it in the torque department by a sound 25 lb-ft. All 295 lb-ft are present and accounted for at a subterranean-like 2000 rpm, and stick around in full force until 2750. Like the gasoline Focus ST, the torque-meister diesel comes paired with a six-speed manual transmission, although the gear ratios have been shuffled to maximize the oil-burner’s unique power curve. The ST version is tuned for a 23 percent boost over the base Focus 2.0-liter diesel, the power coming by way of electronic calibration, a revised air intake system, and a new sports-tuned exhaust. Ford is claiming a top speed of 135 mph.
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Google’s new infotainment system will debut on several 2015 models later this year as Silicon Valley battles to own your car’s touch-screen display.
Six months after announcing plans to counter Apple CarPlay with its Open Automotive Alliance, Google is releasing Android Auto with its next software update that lets Android devices override the car’s infotainment system with Google’s own interface and voice controls. Like CarPlay and Microsoft’s upcoming Windows Phone system, Android Auto mirrors Google-specific navigation, music, text messaging, voice commands, and certain smartphone apps (chosen by the manufacturer) directly on the touch screen.
If you’ve worked an Android smartphone, the interface—including alerts, reminders, and other bits found on the home screen—is nearly identical. Because the software lives entirely on the phone, Android Auto works only when the device is both plugged into a USB port and paired via Bluetooth. And inasmuch as this is Google, Android Auto will track your driving habits and offer route suggestions for your commute before you even set out. Likely, that’s not the last of its many tricks.
While Google counts 28 car brands pledging to embrace Android Auto, just three have made concrete plans. Hyundai will offer Android Auto on several 2015 models (likely the Sonata, which carries Hyundai’s latest infotainment system) and Volvo is bringing it for the portrait-oriented display in the new XC90. Audi won’t carry Android until 2015. Many of the automakers have also committed to Apple CarPlay, but some big players are missing. Mercedes-Benz and Ferrari—among the first to green light CarPlay—aren’t standing with Google, and neither is BMW, which was one of the first automakers to integrate iPods. Tesla (which runs Google Maps on its own proprietary software) and Cadillac (which really wants CUE to take off) haven’t signed up with either tech giant.
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Bengal's ignominous chapter of foulspeak got an infamous addition on Tuesday when a video footage surfaced where Trinamool Congress MP from Krishnanagar, Tapas Pal, purportedly threatened CPI(M) supporters with rape and murder.
A file photo of Tapas Pal, Trinamool Congress MP from Krishnanagar. (PTI photo)
"I will shoot them myself… and let loose my men to rape your women…," Pal is purported to have told his supporters in Choumaha village.
The authenticity of the footage – which appeared to have been shot with a mobile phone camera – could not be ascertained.
Pal allegedly made the provocative statement on June 14.
He was speaking in the village where he had gone after receiving reports of attack on a woman and a child who were Trinamool supporters. The assaulters were allegedly CPI(M) supporters.
Though television channels played the clip several times, Pal told HT that he could not remember any occasion where he made such remarks.
"I am not from Kolkata. I am from Chandannagar. I carry maal (meaning firearms). If anybody dares to touch our supporters, I will come and shoot them myself. Let them stop me, if they can," Pal was heard saying in the footage.
His party was quick to condemn what the MP had said. "The statements made by Tapas Pal are utterly insensitive. The party does not in any way endorse what he said many weeks ago, which is being played out on TV channels today," party spokesperson Derek O'Brien said in a statement.
State BJP president Rahul Sinha said, "It is the vilest statement one can imagine. However, coming from a Trinamool MP it is not surprising as the chief minister herself wants to settle rape complaints with money".
TMC's bitter rival CPI-M also reacted with indignation.
"The sort of adjectives Pal used are usually heard on the lips of anti-socials. We just can't imagine any man in his senses would utter such words," CPI(M) state secretariat member Rabin Deb said.
During the speech, Pal was heard to repeatedly emphasise that he was not a sober gentleman but a ruffian, who would not think twice about violent retribution if his party supporters were attacked by the CPI(M).
Pal, 58, was elected to the Lok Sabha on a Trinamool Congress ticket for the second time from Krishnanagar. He was elected as an MLA from Alipore in 2001 and 2006.
In 2009, he quit the assembly seat to contest and win the Lok Sabha elections.
Pal was a popular actor in Tollywood and joined Trinamool Congress in the beginning of the last decade.
Over the past few years, the political temperature of Bengal has been rising steadily with numerous incidents of political violence and desperate statements from politicians.
While many CPI(M) leaders made unprintable comments before during 2008-2011 when the party steadily lost ground, over the past couple of years, Trinamool leaders have stepped into their shoes.
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France Monday pushed for a larger defence partnership with India as its Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius Monday touched base with the new Indian government and voiced confidence that the $20 billion deal for the purchase of 126 Rafale combat jets would be inked soon.
Fabius, who held talks with his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj and later Defence Minister Arun Jaitley, said he was "very confident" of the Rafale deal being sealed.
He said the status of negotiations on the medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) deal to acquire 126 of the French fighter jets "were very positive" and he was "very confident of the final outcome".
The French minister said France shares the "notion of efficiency" of the new Narendra Modi government, which he said would help both sides in rapidly implementing the decisions taken.
"(The) notion of efficiency by the new government is completely shared by us," he said at a press conference after talks with Sushma Swaraj.
Fabius, the first European minister to reach out to the new Indian government, said France was also keen on a larger defence partnership with India, encompassing the areas of missiles, submarines and helicopters.
Fabius, who will be meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday, said he would be extending an invite from President Francois Hollande to the Indian prime minister to visit France.
The prime minister's official visit to France could be in September, when Modi visits New York for the UN General Assembly, Fabius said.
Fabius said France has "high ambition of the partnership" from the new Indian government.
He said he also discussed the situation in violence-hit Iraq with Sushma Swaraj.
India had announced its choice of Rafale in January 2012, but negotiations had subsequently stalled over the offsets clause, the transfer of technology and the role of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL), which will be manufacturing the jets.
Under the MMRCA project, the first 18 jets are to come in "fly-away condition" from manufacturer Dassault while HAL will manufacture 108 fighters in India over six years.
Fabius said France had "no particular concerns" about the Indian civil nuclear liability law.
External affairs ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said at a press briefing that India and France had reiterated their commitment to proceed with the Jaitapur nuclear power plant project in Maharashtra.
He said France was keen to push trade with India to take it beyond the present $18 billion and also push bilateral investment.
"Trust and partnership" he said were two words signifying the bilateral relations between India and France.
To push tourism between the two countries, from Jan 3, 2015, France will be putting in place a new visa issuing procedure that will ensure visa in less than two days.
"This is an important step to strengthen tourism and exchanges between people," said Fabius, who also looks after the tourism and trade portfolio.
He said his visit has come at a time when India's PSLV rocket launched a French satellite into space from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C23) was carrying the 714-kg French Earth Observation Satellite 'SPOT-7' as the main payload besides satellites from Germany, Singapore and Canada.
Fabius said France, which is to host the 21st session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in December 2015, has pinned its hopes on Modi's commitment to fight climate change.
He said France will be providing one billion euros for sustainable infrastructure and urban development to India.
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CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa on Monday requested the Centre to review the hike in petrol and diesel prices.
The Centre on Monday raised petrol and diesel prices by Rs 1.69 and 50 paise respectively.
In a statement, the chief minister said, "People overthrew the Congress-led government for its wrong fuel policy and gave a mandate to the BJP to rule. But the latest hike will cause immense harm to the common man due to increase in the prices of essential commodities."
The oil companies have cited strife in Iraq and the depreciation of the rupee as reasons for the hike in oil prices. These are temporary in nature and the government should reconsider its decision to hike fuel prices, she said.
The chief minister demanded a new fuel pricing policy after taking into consideration the import cost of fuel, refining and other costs. "The Prime Minister should intervene and reduce the prices of diesel and petrol," Jayalalithaa said.
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June 30, 2014 at 12:23 pm by Jens Meiners | Photography by Aaron Robinson and the Manufacturer
The Alfa Romeo 4C sports car is just now arriving on our shores, yet parent-company Fiat’s R&D chief Harald Wester is already thinking about higher-powered derivatives. He recently told us that the 4C’s off-the-shelf 237-hp, turbocharged 1.75-liter four-cylinder engine has more potential: “We are only at 136 horsepower per liter, so there is space.”
We’d never argue against more power, especially when it’s added to a sweet-driving ride like the 4C. Reassuringly, Wester also confirmed that the car’s structure could handle more power: “The stiffness is very high. The first adjustment would be the brakes.”
Sadly, neither Europeans nor Americans will be able to get a manual transmission: “It messes up the entire architecture, and it would ruin the monocoque.” Wester also said that the decision to go for the dual-clutch automatic was triggered both by packaging and strategic considerations.
The R&D chief also elaborated on the 4C’s required preparations for U.S. sales, a process that apparently required significant adjustments. As Wester puts it, “the monocoque and the front and rear frames are different, the suspension has been reinforced, and suspension tuning has been changed.”
Some changes were marketing related: “The base car in the U.S. has richer equipment” because Americans like their comfort, and “Europeans are more willing to have a naked driving machine.” Clothed or otherwise, we’re just glad the Alfa 4C is coming here at all—and we’ll be awaiting the higher-output version with rich anticipation.
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Bengal's ignominous chapter of foulspeak got an infamous addition on Tuesday when a video footage surfaced where Trinamool Congress MP from Krishnanagar, Tapas Pal, purportedly threatened CPI(M) supporters with rape and murder.
A file photo of Tapas Pal, Trinamool Congress MP from Krishnanagar. (PTI photo)
"I will shoot them myself… and let loose my men to rape your women…," Pal is purported to have told his supporters in Choumaha village.
The authenticity of the footage – which appeared to have been shot with a mobile phone camera – could not be ascertained.
Pal allegedly made the provocative statement on June 14.
He was speaking in the village where he had gone after receiving reports of attack on a woman and a child who were Trinamool supporters. The assaulters were allegedly CPI(M) supporters.
Though television channels played the clip several times, Pal told HT that he could not remember any occasion where he made such remarks.
"I am not from Kolkata. I am from Chandannagar. I carry maal (meaning firearms). If anybody dares to touch our supporters, I will come and shoot them myself. Let them stop me, if they can," Pal was heard saying in the footage.
His party was quick to condemn what the MP had said. "The statements made by Tapas Pal are utterly insensitive. The party does not in any way endorse what he said many weeks ago, which is being played out on TV channels today," party spokesperson Derek O'Brien said in a statement.
State BJP president Rahul Sinha said, "It is the vilest statement one can imagine. However, coming from a Trinamool MP it is not surprising as the chief minister herself wants to settle rape complaints with money".
TMC's bitter rival CPI-M also reacted with indignation.
"The sort of adjectives Pal used are usually heard on the lips of anti-socials. We just can't imagine any man in his senses would utter such words," CPI(M) state secretariat member Rabin Deb said.
During the speech, Pal was heard to repeatedly emphasise that he was not a sober gentleman but a ruffian, who would not think twice about violent retribution if his party supporters were attacked by the CPI(M).
Pal, 58, was elected to the Lok Sabha on a Trinamool Congress ticket for the second time from Krishnanagar. He was elected as an MLA from Alipore in 2001 and 2006.
In 2009, he quit the assembly seat to contest and win the Lok Sabha elections.
Pal was a popular actor in Tollywood and joined Trinamool Congress in the beginning of the last decade.
Over the past few years, the political temperature of Bengal has been rising steadily with numerous incidents of political violence and desperate statements from politicians.
While many CPI(M) leaders made unprintable comments before during 2008-2011 when the party steadily lost ground, over the past couple of years, Trinamool leaders have stepped into their shoes.
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The gap in monsoon rains shrank for the week ended 25 June, recovering a little after a poor start. Photo: HT
New Delhi: India’s monsoon rainfall was 43% below average in June, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Monday, the weakest first month of the season in five years.
Rains were 34% above average a year earlier, as the monsoon arrived on the normal date of 1 June and covered half the country by mid-June, two days ahead of schedule.
“We expect the monsoon to recover in next three to four days as signs of revival are visible over the Bay of Bengal,” said B.P. Yadav, head of the National Weather Forecasting Centre at the IMD.
He said a deficiency in the first month does not mean that the four-month-long rainy season would be a failure.
In 1926, the monsoon recorded its worst first-month shortfall at 48% below average in June, but the season ended at 7% above average, due to a late revival.
This year, the monsoon covered half of the country four days behind schedule following a late onset over the southern Kerala coast.
The progress of the monsoon towards the grain bowl belt of northwest India is late by up to 10 days.
In 2009, the June-September monsoon season was the driest in 37 years with the first month posting a 47% below-average rainfall. Reuters
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