Saturday, 16 November 2013
Pindi curfew extended for another 24 hrs
Rawalpindi: Authorities extended curfew for another 24 hours in Rawalpindi in the wake of sectarian tension as it was feared that violence could erupt again after burial of those died yesterday (Friday).
Meanwhile, Punjab government has set up a five-member committee to probe the violent clashes. Law Minsiter Rana Sanaullah will head the committee comprising Chief Secretary, Commissioner Rawalpindi, Interior Secretary and IG Punjab.
The committee will investigate the matter and present its report to the chief minister within three days.
Apart from Rawalpindi, section 144 was also declared in Faisalabad. Moreover, there were reports of violent protests in Multan, Bhawalnagar and other southern cities of Punjab.
Good Bye Sachin
Mumbai: Sachin Tendulkar faded into history on Saturday after a record-breaking career that set new batting standards for 24 years and saw the brilliant Indian batsman leave a legacy to remember.
The ‘Little Master’ finally departed the scene aged 40 after playing a record 200th Test match in front of home fans at Mumbai’s Wankhede stadium where a stand is named after him.
The most influential contemporary cricketer, and the highest run-maker in history, will be remembered as an icon who was consistently brilliant, universally admired and modest to a fault.
“Cricket will go on and records will be broken, but there will never be a player like Sachin again,” India’s first World Cup winning captain Kapil Dev, himself an icon of the sport, told AFP.
“He was truly one in a billion. We should celebrate his retirement, not regret it.”
For more than two decades, Tendulkar grabbed the headlines like no other cricketer and barely put a foot wrong despite years of high-pressure national expectations and fierce media attention.
He remained the smiling, boyish figure he was when he burst onto the world stage in 1989, aged 16, and ended as the world’s leading Test and one-day scorer and the only man to record 100 international centuries.
Tendulkar held almost all coveted batting records except Don Bradman’s career average of 99.94, and Brian Lara’s individual scores of 400 not out in Tests and an unbeaten 501 in first-class cricket.
But ever the team man, Tendulkar said the crowning glory of his career was India’s triumphant campaign in the 50-over World Cup in 2011 when they beat Sri Lanka in the final in Mumbai.
More than his cricketing exploits that earned him demi-god status in India, Tendulkar was revered by fans and team-mates alike for his humility and soft-spoken nature.
Born in a middle-class family in Mumbai to Marathi-language novelist Ramesh and Rajni, Tendulkar was mentored from an early age by elder brother Ajit, himself an enthusiastic cricketer.
Tired of seeing his 11-year-old sibling break window panes while batting in the neighbourhood, Ajit took Sachin to renowned coach Ramakant Achrekar to learn the nuances of the sport.
The extraordinary career was launched with a world record partnership of 664 with close friend Vinod Kambli in schools cricket in 1988 when Tendulkar was just 15.
“Sachin’s quick growth as a cricketer surprised us all,” the usually reclusive Ajit said recently in a rare television interview. “For me, Sachin was a millionaire only when he got a hundred.
“All of us in the family dreamt about his cricket. It will now be a different feeling. He is finishing on a happy note. Most of his dreams have come true. I believe he has also fulfilled the dreams of Indian fans.”
Tendulkar, who preferred to let his bat do the talking, spoke little about the issues surrounding the game. But he remained influential with those that mattered.
It was Tendulkar’s reported opposition to the Decision Review System (DRS) that has made India spurn it. It is also said that current Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni got the job on his recommendation.
In an age of controversial sporting heroes, Tendulkar is a remarkable exception, but he was hauled up for suspected ball tampering on a tour of South Africa in 2001.
Then on a tour of Australia in 2008, he saved Harbhajan Singh from a possible lengthy ban in the ‘Monkeygate’ scandal by convincing the judge that his team-mate was innocent, leaving the Aussies furious.
Tendulkar’s longevity and a string of lucrative commercial endorsements for everything from watches to cement has brought him huge wealth — Forbes estimated his annual earnings at $22 million in a June survey.
He has an insatiable love of fast cars and once owned a Ferrari, but his otherwise humble, family-based approach to life has meant fans still feel a close bond with him.
When he moved into a new luxury house in Mumbai with his wife Anjali, a medical doctor, and two children, in 2011, the news was greeted nationwide with the interest of delighted relatives.
Tendulkar is a nominated member of parliament and has also helped raise funds for numerous causes like the crusade against cancer and the creation of basic facilities, particularly toilets for girls, in 140 government schools across the country.
PCB announces PAK squad for SA series
Lahore: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 17 member squad for three One-day Internationals (ODI) and two Twenty 20 matches against South Africa, say media reports.
According to reports, Mohammad Hafeez will lead the team in T20 series while Misbah-ul-Haq in the ODI series.
Other members of the team are Ahmed Shahzad, Umar Akmal, Umar Amin, Shahid Afridi, Abdur Razzaq, Shoaib Malik, Sohail Tanvir, Anwar Ali, Junaid Khan, Saeed Ajmal, Abdur Rahman, Nasir Jamshed,Asad Shafiq.
Schedule of the series:
First T20: Nov 20 (Johannesburg).
Second T20: Nov 22 (Cape Town)
First ODI: Nov 24 (Cape Town)
Second ODI: Nov 27 (Port Elizabeth)
Third ODI: Nov 30 (Centurion)
Friday, 15 November 2013
Indian Army put Mirwaiz under house arrest
Srinagar: The Indian army has placed the leader of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, under house arrest on the occasion of Youm-e-Ashur.
Kashmir Media Service said that Mirwaiz Umar Farroq was detained at his residence in Srinagar and he was barred from going anywhere.
Miwaiz Umar Farooq was scheduled to address a congregation at the Jamia Masjid here on the occasion of Youm-e-Ashur.
The spokesperson of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said that the Indian army has barred the people in different areas of the city from participating in the Moharram processions, while the administration has placed barriers and blocked the roads and highways.
Acura Ownership is a Family Affair
For as long as she can remember, Hanan has been the go-to person in her family for car-buying assistance. Her advice is simple: Buy an Acura. It’s really not surprising, considering she’s owned three—a ’91 Integra, a ’99 TL and her most recent acquisition, the 2013 RDX.
After purchasing the RDX, Hanan’s sister liked it so much she purchased one for herself. As it turns out Dad was also in the market for a new car. What did he buy? Let’s just say, the driveway at their next family reunion will look a lot like the RDX section of the local Acura dealership.
“I’ve stayed in the Acura family for three reasons,” Hanan explained matter-of-factly. “Reliability, performance and low maintenance.” It was hard for her to trade in the TL, she told us. After all, it carried her safely and stylishly for over 148,000 miles. “But I love my RDX. The new technology is just incredible. Plus, it sits higher than my TL. I feel safer.”
Hanan’s love story earned her a trip to American Honda Collection Hall—our invitation-only museum in Torrance, CA. Inside, visitors are treated to the milestone cars, motorcycles and racing prototypes that have made Honda and Acura two of automotive history’s most storied and successful brands.
Sound like a great way to spend a few hours? Just submit your Acura owner story with the title “My Historic Acura”. Every quarter we pick 10 people with the most interesting anecdotes to take the guided tour. We think you could be one of them.
10 dead, dozens injured in Ashura chaos
Rawalpindi: According latest updates the death toll of Rawalpindi chaos raised to 10 whereas 100 shops were being burnt during stampede after aerial firing at Ashura procession.
Police sources confirmed that angry mob snatched rifles from police personals and shot rounds of fire on Friday. ”Two rifles have been recovered which were snatched from the policemen,” confirmed police sources.
Chief Minister of Punjab Shahbaz Sharif asked district officials to immediately update him about latest developments.
Moreover, 100 cloth shops near Fawara Chowk area were being burnt. All government hospitals of the city were on emergency alert and Rangers took control of the areas marred by violence.
Insurance: don't leave home without it
There’s nothing like fine print and legal language to put a dampener on a spontaneous adventure, but many argue that if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. They have a point, even though finding the best policy isn’t always easy. Travel insurance exists to protect a traveller’s investment in their journey and ensure they don’t lose out, and get medical help, if things go wrong. Whether you lose your luggage or have it stolen, get Delhi belly or tick-borne encephalitis, you need to know you can get help (without a stiff medical bill at the end of it). And that's where insurers come in.
Choosing a suitable policy will give you peace of mind. At best, it could save your life. So when considering which policy is right for you, it pays to look at the details.
What could it cost me to travel uninsured?
In the event of serious injury or illness, insurance payouts can run into hundreds of thousands of US dollars. An uninsured Australian injured in Alabama will end up at the mercy of the expensive American healthcare system. If you consider a Canadian bitten by a rabid dog in Rwanda or British backpacker needing an airlift out of the Himalaya, the benefits of travel insurance are clear.
High prices don’t always mean the best coverage. List what aspects of a policy are important to you. It’s pointless paying a premium to reduce car rental excess if you can’t drive, or covering your luggage when all you have is a backpack full of dirty socks and a dodgy mp3 player. Removing options or lessening limits often reduces the premium you pay.
What needs to be covered by my travel insurance?
Emergency medical coverage is most important. Insurance policies vary, so read the fine print carefully to see exactly what is covered. Certain pre-existing medical conditions that increase the likelihood of a claim may be excluded. If you have a heart condition or terminal illness, you may need to provide additional information before you can be offered a policy. Sporty people, off-piste skiers and bungee jumpers should check if their activities are covered. And injuries occurring during professional sports are generally not covered.
Insurance premiums are calculated based on your origin, age, destination and duration of travel, with the world divided into different zones. When travelling to countries like the USA, where health insurance is a multi-billion dollar industry, or to less developed countries with a lower standard of healthcare to which you’re accustomed, look for a policy with a high level of cover. Some providers will offer ‘unlimited’ medical coverage for a higher premium, while a cheaper policy might cover up to US$10 million. The highest claims paid globally run into millions of dollars, but not the tens of millions. Usually US$5 million or above is ample.
Other things to consider
Will a provider airlift you home? Do they have doctors on the staff of their emergency hotline? Will they pay to fly your family to you if you’re unable to be moved? Read the fine print and choose what suits your needs.
Reciprocal healthcare agreements
Some countries have reciprocal healthcare agreements with others, meaning that if you’re from a participating country and travelling in another, you’ll be entitled to free or subsidised public healthcare to the same standard enjoyed by residents. Participating countries include (but are not limited to) Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Ireland; Sweden, Norway and Finland; Italy and The Netherlands. Refer to your government’s traveller information homepage for details, noting that any reciprocal coverage will not be at the same level as facilitated by travel insurance. And if you're an EU citizen, don't forget to carry a European Health Insurance Card to entitle you to cut-price or free state-provided healthcare in EEA countries and Switzerland.
Are your belongings covered?
Next, confirm how your luggage is covered, particularly for theft or damage. Are there individual item limits? What are they? Are electronic included? Is theft from inside a car excluded? What if your iPod falls in the Trevi Fountain? If anything is unclear, phone your provider – insurers are legally obliged to unravel the fine print in simple terms.
Important inclusions for your policy
The other essential heavyweight inclusions to investigate are:
- Cancellation. You can often nominate the amount of coverage in the event that something prevents you from travelling - this should equal the full cost of your trip and any extras, but the higher the amount, the more expensive the policy becomes.
- Travel delay. Count on at least US$250 per day, and look for exclusions relating to strikes, natural disasters, war and terrorism. But don't expect to be showered with cash for a couple of hours spent sweating on a grounded aircraft: you are unlikely to be covered for delays less than 24 hours if it's the airline's fault.
- Airline and end supplier insolvency. If the people who took your money go bust, ensured you're covered by US$10,000 and then some. This is a relatively new addition to some policies, so you might have to shop around for this one.
- Personal liability. In case someone trips on your carelessly placed luggage, injures themselves and sues you for damages, you'll need to be covered. Up to US$2 million is a reasonable figure.
- Car rental. Travel insurance usually won’t cover the full cost if you’re in an accident in a rental car, even if it’s not your fault. It can help with the excess (the amount you’re liable to pay), but you will need to take out the compulsory insurances provided by the car rental company too. Look out for the excess and if you can reduce it (US$5,000), damage (US$50,000-plus) and liability (US$1 million) in the rental insurance and compare this with the limits and what’s covered under your travel insurance policy so you won’t be out of pocket. Something to keep in mind – the travel insurance cover for personal liability usually excludes motor vehicle usage, so make sure you’ve got the right cover with your car rental company for third party liability.
If accidents happen
When travelling, keep the emergency number close. If you need medical help, seek treatment urgently. If you can’t call for help, someone will find the number on your person so make sure you keep a copy of your Certificate of Insurance on you, just in case. If your situation is not medical in nature, it’s always best to phone the provider anyway, and they’ll advise their protocol.
Making a claim back home is generally straightforward - you’ll need to submit some forms, so keep receipts, get police reports, evidence - everything you can to support your claim. If the claim is investigated and accepted, you should normally be reimbursed within a few weeks. If not, an appeals process is always available.
With some careful investigation, travel insurance doesn’t need to cost the earth. Shop around, get insured, keep your details close at hand, and hopefully you'll never need them. But if you twist your ankle in a Barcelona ballroom or get bitten by a Bornean snake, you'll be very glad to be covered.
Lexus CT200h
The Lexus CT200h is an appealing luxury hybrid hatch that’s spoiled by misjudged chassis settings
The most pleasing aspect of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive isn’t its economy but the relaxing lack of noise at low speed. In short, the Lexus CT200h is one seriously hushed car. Using electric power only, there’s barely a whine from the electric motor, while road and wind disturbance are negligible, courtesy of commendable cabin insulation.
Not only is the Lexus CT200h the world’s first full-hybrid entrant in the ‘compact premium’ car category, but it is also Lexus’s first compact model. It was previewed by the LF-Ch concept shown at Frankfurt in 2009.
The CT200h’s petrol-electric parallel hybrid powertrain has already seen service in the third-generation of Toyota’s environmental poster boy, the Prius It also inherits a great deal of proven reliability from the two generations of Prius before that, stretching back to 1997.
Even so, it’s not enough just to be different in a class oozing with impressive models. To be taken seriously in the premium hatchback pack, a car needs to drive like aBMW, be built like an Audi and have plenty of kerbside appeal. Not an easy task.
The CT200h’s engine/electric motor set-up produces a combined 134bhp, which isn’t a huge amount in a car weighing more than 1600kgs (a portly passenger more than an Audi A3 Sportback) but even so, Lexus claims an impressive 68.9mpg on the combined cycle. Straight-line performance is less than sparkling, though, with an official 10.3sec 0-62mph time being touted by Lexus.
What that number doesn’t tell you is that to get to hit that speed is a pretty noisy affair, although once there, and cruising, it delivers more on its promise of the ‘silent revolution’.
Those looking for a posh, smallish hybrid could easily overlook the slightly wooden steering, but it’s harder to forgive the harsh ride – even if it does corner far better than you’d expect.
What the Lexus certainly has on its side is appealing cost of ownership for company car drivers. Although it wears a premium badge, a huge amount of equipment means buyers don’t need to bump up their P11D value by diving into the options list. And CO2 emissions of 94g/km mean a 10 per cent benefit-in-kind rating, plus it avoids the diesel surcharge.
So is this the car that will finally make the compact hybrid truly desirable, or is it just an overpriced, over-equipped and predictably compromised economy car?
Lexus CT200h design
In light of the Prius’s hero status, it’s understandable that the Lexus CT200h should have a conventional five-door hatchback silhouette instead of a more aerodynamically efficient profile. It’s vital that this car has its own visual identity, and that it’s accepted into a class full of two-box hatchbacks such as the BMW 1-series and Audi A3.
The Lexus looks contemporary, although not especially handsome to our eyes (its mission, remember, is to attract a more youthful customer to the brand), and it still sports a low drag coefficient of 0.29.
A power bulge in the bonnet is more than a little unnecessary on a 134bhp hybrid, but it’s one of the styling flourishes intended to attract younger clientele to the Lexus brand. The muscular rear haunches emphasise the CT200h’s broad stance on the road and have a similar aim.The front wings have wheelarch liners and side protectors to reduce the road and engine noise that enters the cabin, while a dynamic noise damper positioned inside the tailgate reduces the transmission of road noise into the cabin via the boot floor. These features contribute to the impressive levels of mechanical refinement at low and medium speeds.
On performance cars, exhaust styling is usually an evocative feature, but the Lexus’s designers have deliberately disguised the exhaust on the CT200h. Unless you peer under the valance, you wouldn’t know it had one.
Most of the models in the range look broadly the save, save for the F Sport, which gets a fairly subtle set of body tweaks, including bumpers, grille and gunmetal-coloured alloy wheels.
Standard wheels are 17-inch alloys, but you can specify softer-riding 16s with more sidewall as an option. For reasons of ride and comfort we’d recommend that you do.
Lexus CT200h interior
If there’s one thing Lexus can do well, it’s design and equip a cabin. Considering the price tag, the Lexus CT200h is hugely impressive. The leathers are tactile and beautifully finished, the plastics soft and substantial.
Lexus claims a price advantage over a BMW 1-series and Audi A3 Sportback once you adjust for equipment – that’s not including the ambience of richness and quality that comes as standard.
If you have a model with the sat-nav fitted, you’ll be unlucky enough to encounter Lexus’s Remote Touch multi-function controller. It’s supposed to operate like a computer mouse, but is fiddly to use and requires far too many commands to perform even the simplest of functions. BMW’s iDrive is a million times easier to use.Lexus generosity isn’t unbounded, though. Sat-nav and a DAB radio on mid-spec cars are extra and, because it comes bundled with a pre-crash safety system, adaptive cruise control is an expensive option even on a top-spec model.
The driving position is low and comfortable, with plenty of adjustment and room for your extremities. The rear seats aren’t quite as impressive, however. While about as roomy as rivals' rear seats, it’ll be tight for adults or kids, while fitting a child seat will be extremely tricky. However, the CT200h’s nickel-metal-hydride battery pack is cleverly packaged between the rear wheels, so it doesn’t take up much boot space. A full 375 litres of load bay with the seats raised is more than in a 1-series, but that’s including the underfloor storage box.
Lexus CT200h performance and engineering
The most pleasing aspect of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive isn’t its economy but the relaxing lack of noise at low speed. In short, the Lexus CT200h is one seriously hushed car. Using electric power only, there’s barely a whine from the electric motor, while road and wind disturbance are negligible, courtesy of commendable cabin insulation.
Our noise meter shows the CT200h to be quieter than a 2011 Range Rover TDV8 at 30mph, and within four decibels of a Rolls-Royce Ghost.
The hybrid powertrain doesn’t produce spectacular acceleration, however. Lexus claims 0-62mph in 10.3sec, but our two-way average to 60mph was 11.1sec.When you call for more power, the car’s piston engine starts, barely perceptibly at first. Open the throttle wide, however, and you’ll certainly notice as it spins busily up to peak power to propel the Lexus’s 1450kg.
The CT200h can be reasonably responsive, though. Select Sport mode and you get additional boost from the electric motor, as well as sharper throttle response. That done, you’ll find the Lexus has enough urge for relaxed overtaking below 70mph, provided there’s charge in its batteries.
The biggest problem with the car’s performance isn’t a shortage of outright power. It’s more that it’s delivered in a way that makes you feel only in vague control of either engine, and that makes you work doubly hard to gain and maintain speed.
Try to drive this car keenly, though, and the CT200h’s throttle may as well be a switch. You’re perpetually either flat out, waiting for the drivetrain to translate those high crank speeds into forward thrust, or off the accelerator completely, waiting for the batteries to regenerate.
Unless you’re happy to use lots of revs and throttle at motorway speeds and on cross-country roads, it’s actually frustratingly easy to lose your hard-earned speed up inclines and around corners.
Lexus CT200h ride and handling
This section of our review is all about compromise, and the Lexus CT200h is at sixes and sevens in the balance between chassis comfort and composure. The attention to detail the firm has employed in developing an all-new chassis for this car is laudable, but much of that effort is undone by a chassis tune that allows for scant compliance and makes for a fidgety ride on typically uneven UK roads.
You would hope a car configured for efficiency and class-leading mechanical refinement would be tuned to deliver a supple, absorptive ride. Not this one. Higher than typical spring and damper rates and stiff anti-roll bars combine to make the car’s primary ride choppy and restless on the motorway, and borderline uncomfortable on a B-road. The F Sport model exacerbates this, with firmer suspension.
There is a trade-off. All that chassis stiffness gives the CT200h body control that’s beyond the grip of its tyres and the performance potential of its powertrain. In smooth, flowing corners it turns in quickly. It’s affected by almost no roll-steer and has steering precision to match, with well judged weight and even a little feel.Our review car’s secondary ride was better: on optional 16in wheels, it deals with smaller lumps and bumps reasonably quietly, and without harshness. That’s little consolation, though, when its body is diverted so frequently by bigger disturbances.
A particularly stiff rear suspension tune makes for a chassis balance that’s quite neutral and responsive to line adjustments mid-corner. All of which would make the Lexus quite a compelling car to drive if it weren’t for its lack of outright performance and often frustrating power delivery.
As it is, the CT200h drives like a car with a chip on its shoulder. It’s desperate to convince you that it’s youthful and sporty, when actually all you’re really looking for from it is peace and quiet.
Lexus CT200h MPG
Vastly more important than the CT200h’s entry-level price is that its CO2 emissions of just 94g/km free it from road tax and the London congestion charge, and qualify it for the Government’s 10 per cent benefit-in-kind company car tax band.
Because it emits less than 110g/km of CO2, fleet managers can also write down 100 per cent of the car’s value against corporation tax – an advantage that many employers are now passing on to drivers in part, with larger company car allowances for sub-110g vehicles. Plus, it escapes the 10 per cent surcharge applied to diesel vehicles.
So considering contract hire and company car tax together, a CT200h could be even cheaper for a fleet driver to run than a 1.4-litre turbocharged Vauxhall Astra – even though the Astra is several thousand pounds cheaper at list price.By choosing the Lexus instead of a less-efficient rival, company car drivers who pay 40 per cent income tax could save more than £1000 a year on their tax bill.
Where the CT200h probably won’t save so much is at the pump. During our test, it returned just over 45mpg overall, and 51.8mpg on our touring route. That’s about average for a car of this size with a 2.0-litre diesel engine, but sufficiently far from Lexus’s 68.9mpg official claim to be disappointing.
Residual values are a little disappointing, too, hovering in the low 40 per cents after three years and an average mileage. BMWs and Audis do better.
On the flipside, the standard kit list is generous on all models (as is quality), while Lexus’s position as a consistent leader in the JD Power satisfaction survey shows that you shouldn’t experience any problems, but if you do, you’ll be royally looked after by your Lexus dealer.
Lexus CT200h verdict
Having given the Toyota Prius a glowing review, you may be wondering why the better-appointed Lexus CT200h - with its broadly similar price - receives less praise. Well, buyers of premium cars have loftier expectations and Lexus has fundamentally misjudged what they really want from a car like the CT200h.
This compact luxury hatchback has many of the refinements of an appealing executive option, and its credentials as a business car are undeniable. Put simply it will save the user and their company a great deal of money compared to a similarly expensive executive hatch.
Ultimately, however, its drivetrain will be too one-dimensional for many used to the flexibility of modern premium diesel technology.You’ll also enjoy a handsomely appointed cabin and plenty of kit, although even the more upmarket models suffer with Lexus’s infuriating Remote Touch multi-function controller.
Our main criticism, though, is the over-firm, unsettled ride that’s at odds with the general nature of the car. As a refreshing alternative to the BMW 1-series and Audi A3, the CT200h should take advantage of its sumptuous cabin and refined drivetrain to offer something away from the norm.
Instead, in its desire to make the CT200h sporty, it has created something of a mishmash – a car that handles well, but without the power to make the most of it.
If Lexus’s objective was to make the CT200h drive differently from a Prius, it has succeeded, but it has failed to produce a car with a coherent or harmonious driving experience.
‘Pakistan ready to work with Modi'
New Delhi: Sartaj Aziz has said that Pakistan has no favourites for the Indian elections due by next May, however, should rightwing candidate Narendra Modi become the next prime minister, Islamabad would be ready to work with him, Dawn News reports.
This was stated by Pakistan’s foreign policy adviser Sartaj Aziz in an interview published here on Thursday.
He told The Economic Times in Delhi that a delayed meeting of the directors general of military operations (DGMOs) of the two countries was finally expected to be scheduled when they have their weekly hotline contact on Tuesday.
They should be able to fix the issues on the Line of Control in Kashmir that had led to a breach of the ceasefire. One of the breaches occurred on Aug 6, which had seriously set back prospects of any progress.
Peace with India was Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s poll plank and he launched his peace mission immediately after becoming the prime minister, Mr Aziz said.
“There were positive results in the initial six weeks. Sharif and Dr Manmohan Singh spoke with each other twice over telephone. Thereafter, back-channel talks were launched between Shahryar Khan and S.K. Lambah. One round was held in Delhi and the other in Dubai.”
Mr Aziz met Indian External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid in Brunei and decided on six working groups to improve ties.
“However, the unfortunate incident of Aug 6 along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir was a big setback. This has affected bilateral relations. In my opinion it got entangled with India’s election process.”
He said Pakistan desired an independent inquiry into the Aug 6 incident and other incidents along the LoC this year.
“We also lost 11 soldiers last January. It is difficult to hold anyone responsible for firing at LoC at this stage without a thorough probe. It is important to hold on the ceasefire along LoC reached in 2003.”
Did he feel the Indian government lacked political capital to engage boldly with Pakistan with elections approaching?
“Both countries hope to maintain momentum in the run-up to Indian elections,” Mr Aziz said.
“From now on, till elections in your country, the focus could be on trade and purchase of power from India.”
Mr Modi has been widely seen as a Pakistan-baiter. Would Pakistan be comfortable working with him if he wins?
“Elections in India are a great experiment in democracy, which we monitor and follow closely. It is prerogative of the Indian people to elect whom they consider right for their future and we cannot comment on your electoral process. We do not have any favourites,” Mr Aziz said. “We will be ready to work with Narendra Modi if he is elected the prime minister of India. Or for that matter we will be ready to work with anyone who is voted to power.”
Stunned silence as Tendulkar misses century in final Test
MUMBAI: Sachin Tendulkar was dismissed for 74 in the first innings of his 200th and final Test match on Friday, shattering the hopes
of a billion Indians praying that the legendary batsman would bow out with a century.
In what may have been his last-ever innings for India, the record-breaking cricketer was caught in the slips on the second morning of play at Mumbai's Wankhede stadium, television footage showed.
He took to the crease to resume against the West Indies to a deafening roar from the crowd and with Indians across the country praying that he could end his glittering career on a high.
The 40-year-old, the world's leading scorer in both Test and one-day
cricket and the only batsman to score 100 international centuries, is bowing out after a 24-year career.
Friday morning's innings would be his last if the Indian team do not bat a second time in the match in his hometown of Mumbai, where thousands of fans have gathered to cheer on his emotional farewell.
The end of his innings was met with a stunned silence from the crowd, which turned into a standing ovation as he left the pitch, raising his bat in acknowledgement of the overwhelming support.
Lengthy queues of fans, with painted faces and Indian flags, had snaked
down south Mumbai's famed Marine Drive boulevard on Friday morning in hope of catching their idol's final moments of glory.
Within 45 minutes of play he had notched up more than a half century from his overnight score of 38, with each run greeted with frenzied applause, Indian television broadcasts showed.
With many offices and schools closed for the Muslim festival Muharram on
Friday, fans across the country gathered around television sets to watch a national hero acclaimed for his off-pitch humility and sporting skills.
"On 38, with a billion prayers," a Hindustan Times headline read ahead of the second day's play. "India waits for the big one," said the Asian Age.
Tendulkar has now gone 40 innings without a Test ton, with the last of his 51 Test centuries nearly two years ago in January 2011 against South Africa. Since then he has had eight 50-plus scores, including 91 against England at the Oval in August 2011 and 94 versus the West Indies in Mumbai three months later.
His waning powers in recent years had led some to suggest he should have
retired earlier, but his god-like popularity in cricket-mad India has remained constant.
Tendulkar had walked in to bat late on Thursday to an ecstatic welcome from the stands, entering through a guard of honour created by his West Indian opponents, television pictures showed.
The batsman's wheelchair-bound mother, Rajni, watched her son bat for the first time after a special ramp was built for her at the stadium. She had previously worried her presence may bring her son bad luck.
Along with Indian politicians, businessmen and Bollywood stars, cricketing greats Brian Lara and Shane Warne flew in for the game at Wankhede, where a huge security force has been deployed.
Due to an ongoing dispute between media groups and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Agence France-Presse is unable to provide coverage of the match.
INDIA : BJP leaders charged for communal riots
New Delhi: A special investigation team has filed its first charge sheet in the Muzaffarnagar riots case against 11 accused, including two legislators Suresh Rana and Bhartendu Singh.
Bhartia Janta Party (BJP)’s MLAs were charged for allegedly violating prohibitory orders, among other offences.
According to SIT sources, the chargesheet was filed in the court against the 11 accused under sections 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) and 341 (punishment for wrongful restraint) of the IPC, besides seven criminal acts here on Wednesday.
The district authorities had banned the meeting held in Nagla on August 31.
Former block Pramukh Virender Singh, local BJP leader Subhash Baliyan, Umesh, Malik, Yogender, Sachin, Ravinder Kala and two others were also named in the chargesheet.
The SIT is investigating over 500 riot cases in the district that left 62 people dead and thousands homeless.
Youm-e-Ashur being observed today
KARACHI: The day is being observed throughout the country to pay homage to Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS)and his companions.
Ashura‚ the 10th of Moharramul Haram is being observed today with due solemnity and sanctity to pay homage to Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS)and his companions who laid down their lives to preserve the uprightness of Islam in Karbala.
Zuljinah and Taazia processions have been taken out in all cities and small towns.
Majalis are being held all across the country where ulema and zakreen highlighting the philosophy of Karbala incident and paying tributes to the martyrs of Karbala.
Meanwhile, in Karachi‚ the main procession has been taken out from Nishtar Park. Overall seven hundred big and small processions are being taken out from various parts of the city.
In Lahore‚ the main Zuljinnah procession was taken out from Nisar Hawaili at midnight last night. It would terminate at the Karbala Gamay Shah this evening after passing through its traditional routes.
In Peshawar‚ the main procession will be taken out from Imambargah Qissa Khawani Bazar after Zohar prayers. It will terminate at the same point after passing through its traditional routes.
And in Quetta‚ the main procession of Youm-e-Ashoor will be taken out from Imambargah Alamdar road today and will terminate at the same point.
Meanwhile‚ the Federal and Provincial governments have taken strict security measures to maintain law and order on the occasion. The law enforcement agencies have been put on high alert throughout the country to deal with any eventuality. Pillion riding has been banned and cell phone service suspended in more than eighty cities. Close circuit cameras have also been installed at sensitive points to keep watch on Majalis and processions.
Thursday, 14 November 2013
A Guide to Private Medical Insurance
PRIVATE Healthcare is needed by the people of the UK when the State is not able to satisfy all of its users. Approximately one million people are on a NHS waiting list, 25 per cent of whom are on the list for longer than one year.
Private Medical Insurance (PMI) is a benefit that may be called upon to settle medical bills many times in the policyholder's lifetime. About 11 per cent of the UK population - 6.5 million people - are covered by PMI, the majority through employer-provided schemes.
Who provides Private Medical Insurance?
What needs to be taken into consideration when taking out PMI?
What is included in a PMI plan?
The benefits of Private Medical Insurance
Low-cost plans
What do the PMI providers want to know?
How to claim
Who provides Private Medical Insurance?
There are over 25 PMI providers in the UK, controlling an industry worth approximately £2 billion a year at present and growing at a rate of over 10 per cent every year. Bupa's lion's share of the market is reducing, allowing PPP, WPA, BCWA and the HealthCare arms of Norwich Union, Standard Life and Legal & General to take a larger share.
The increasing size of the industry allows the PMI providers to influence control over the costs charged by hospitals and consultants. The largest PMI providers have hospital networks which clients are encouraged to use.
The popularity of TV medical soaps such as Casualty, ER and Chicago Hope may drive home the complexity of even the more straightforward operations, but they provide no guide to the increasing costs involved. This is monitored by what is known as medical inflation, and PMI premiums are currently increasing by about 11 per cent a year. These rising costs have been attributed to advances in medical technology, people living longer and the proliferation of private hospitals.
What needs to taken into consideration when taking out PMI?
However, cost should not be the primary consideration when selecting a PMI product. In a time of claim, if you have cut the cost to a core, you may find that you are not covered when you thought you were.
What is included in a PMI plan?
Apart from the treatment you would expect to be privately provided when you need specialist medical care - such as cover for the three most common causes for hospital admission: cancer, digestive problems and circulatory diseases - added benefits that may be attractive are becoming more commonplace.
As prevention is often better than cure, providers of PMI have become more interested in the ongoing health of their clients. Telephone-based information services, often manned by qualified medical personnel answering clients' questions, are often provided. Access to health screens, annual eye tests, routine dentistry, spectacles, private maternity provision and complimentary medicine such as homeopathic treatment can be made available through PMI.
Do check what the PMI provider is actually providing for your premium, before you complete a PMI application.
The benefits of Private Medical Insurance
Low-cost plans
Low-cost PMI plans may be the answer for some, but you need to be aware of the limitations. Low-cost plans often exclude outpatient consultations and treatment and restrict the number of hospitals which may be used. Some will pay out only if there is already an NHS waiting list for the treatment required over a stated period.
What do the PMI providers want to know?
When completing a PMI application, be careful to disclose all relevant information to the insurer. Pre-existing conditions will be excluded for a period of time, and your GP may be contacted to confirm your state of health. It is very important that specific information on the pre-existing condition you have, or had, is given.
For instance, don't put something as obscure as 'back pain', as it is likely that all back conditions will be excluded. Localise where the pain is - such as lower or upper back.
You may even be asked whether paramedics may visit you to check your general state of health.
Some insurers offer three or four bands of cover. Band A might be equivalent to a luxury hotel accommodation while band D might provide paybeds in a hospital ward. Other providers use postcodes instead to assess the cost and to determine which hospitals may be used.
How to claim
In the event of a claim, inform your insurer immediately and check that you are covered for the specific treatment before private treatment starts. A written response from the insurer pre-certifying that you are covered is useful.
Surgery, including anesthetists' and consultants' fees, private beds and post operative care as an in- or out-patient, can cost thousands of pounds. Make sure you are covered before you commit yourself.
It is highly likely that you will make at least one claim at some stage of the plan, and the increasing costs of medical provision mean that premiums are often relatively high. Those taking out a new PMI plan will, no doubt, be influenced by cost, but it pays to check all the details and look at the exclusions before making your choice.
PML-N not interested to topple PTI in KPK
Islamabad: Information Minister Pervaiz Rasheed has said that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) not planning to destabilize Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa’s government as now it has lost key coalition party.
Pervez Rashid was talking to media representatives on Thursday evening when he said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI)’s government in KPK should survive.
He said, PML-N will not become the part of any attempt to destabilize any provincial government.
“Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had a clear stance that everyone should be taken on board. PML-N had supported democratic process in the past and would continue to do so. PML-N’s policy was clear in this regard and there was no ambiguity,” he added.
Pervaiz Rasheed made it clear that his party had not become part to remove Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
‘Deal’ with Iran will lead to war: Israel
Tel Aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that lifting sanctions on Iran will only encourage Tehran on its path to nuclear armament and lead to future conflict.
Tehran has been negotiating sanction relief in Geneva with the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Russia, and China, in exchange for assurances that it will not develop a nuclear weapon. Exact terms on offer from both sides have not been made public, but no agreement was made over the weekend. The sides will sit down for a new round of talks on November 20.
“On Iran, there aren’t only two options – a bad deal or war. There is a third option: Continuing to exert pressure through sanctions,” Netanyahu told parliament on Wednesday.
“I would even say that a bad deal could lead to the second, unwanted result.”
Israel has been lobbying hard against appeasement, with Netanyahu himself claiming that Iran is about to clinch “the deal of the century.”
Despite the avowed secrecy of the negotiations, Netanyahu’s chief Iran expert, Strategic Affairs Minister Yuval Steinitz, produced estimates of the benefits of the current sanctions.
Banking, equipment, and oil export restrictions currently cost the Iranian economy about US$100 billion a year – around a quarter of its domestic output.
“The sanctions relief directly will reduce between $15 to $20 billion out of this amount,” Steinitz told the Jerusalem Press Club on Wednesday.
The minister believes the relief will have a multiplier effect, therefore making it harder to enforce other restrictions.
“The damage to the overall sanctions, we believe, will be something between $20 billion and maybe up to $40 billion. This is very significant. It’s not all the sanctions. It’s not the core sanctions about oil exports and the banking system, but it’s very significant relief for the Iranians,” said Steinitz.
The US has insisted that any loosening of the blockade of the Iranian economy will be “targeted and reversible.”
US Secretary of State John Kerry has warned that if Congress imposes any new sanctions against Tehran, it could torpedo the talks. ”The risk is that if Congress were to unilaterally move to raise sanctions it could break faith in those negotiations and actually stop them and break them apart,” Kerry told reporters before meeting with US senators on the matter on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Tehran continues to insist – as it has throughout the past decade – that it is developing nuclear energy solely for peaceful purposes.
Yukiya Amano, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) – the UN’s nuclear watchdog – has been in Tehran this week to iron out a deal on international supervision of the country’s nuclear program. The main issues involve site access for UN inspectors and assurances that nuclear materials – such as enriched uranium – that could be used as potential weapons ingredients are not being manufactured.
A cooperation deal was struck between the IAEA and Iran on Monday. But speaking to Reuters on Wednesday, Amano struck a more cautious note.
“I can say that enrichment activities are ongoing…no radical change is reported to me,” he said.
“Activities which are not allowed [under UN Security Council resolutions calling on Iran to suspend all enrichment] are continuing,” Amano added.
Speaking on Wednesday, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah – a close ally of Tehran – stated that failure to reach a deal over Iran’s nuclear program could lead to a war in the Middle East.
“What is the alternative to a deal with Iran and the countries of the world,” he asked in a rare pulic appearance. “The alternative is war in the region.”
Nasrallah pointed the finger at Israel and accused some Arab countries of siding with Tel Aviv on the issue.
“Israel does not want any accord that would avert war in the region. It is regrettable that some Arab countries take the Israeli side in its murderous choices. It is regrettable that Netanyahu is the spokesman for some Arab countries,” he said.
This seemed to be in reference to Iran’s archrivals – Sunni Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
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