Fresh FIR Against Karnataka Home Minister And BSY

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Oct 21: Lokayukta police today filed an FIR against Karnataka Home Minister R Ashok and former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa on the charge of being involved in illegal denotification of government land.

FIR has also been filed against two landowners, according to City Lokayukta SP Shiva Shankar.

The action comes in the wake of Lokayukta court directing Lokayukta police to register a case under Sec 156(3) of CrPC against Ashok, allegedly involved in seeking denotification of government land in violation of rules and purchasing it later.

Lokayukta special court judge N K Sudhindra Rao had also directed Lokayukta SP to investigate the matter and submit a report on the alleged illegal denotification of government land on November 5.

RTI activist Jayakumar Hiremath had filed a complaint accusing Ashok of being involved in illegal denotification of government land causing an estimated Rs 50 crore loss to the state exchequer.

Hiremath alleged that the minister had secured denotification of 9.12 guntas and 14 guntas (a gunta is 1/40 of an acre) of land belonging to Bangalore Development Authority in Lottegollahalli when Yeddyurappa was chief minister.

Yeddyurappa, who is already in judicial custody in connection with a private complaint on alleged denotification of land, is the second accused in the complaint.

Mass transit rail like B'lore metro needed in India: Assocham

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Oct 20: Industry body Assocham today said mass transit rail systems like the Bangalore Metro will become necessary to avert urban vehicular traffic in the country, as the number of cities with more than 10 lakh people will increase in the next two decades.

"Bangalore''s population of 80 lakh is likely to cross 1 crore by 2030," the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) said in a statement.

Mumbai is likely to have 3.3 crore people in the next 20 years, Delhi 2.6 crore, Kolkata 2.3 crore, Chennai 1.1 crore, Bangalore and Pune 1 crore each, Assocham said.
Moreover, Hyderabad is likely to have 98 lakh people in the next 20 years, Ahmedabad 84 lakh, Surat 74 lakh, Jaipur 54 lakh, Nagpur 52 lakh, Kanpur and Vadodra 42 lakh each,it said.
"Cities will account for 69 per cent of the country�s GDP in the next two decades," Assocham Secretary General D S Rawat said.

Delhi Metro since its inception has helped reduction of over 5 lakh vehicles on city roads, leading to fuel savings of Rs 8,000 crore during 2010-11, Rawat said.

"These (numbers) could rise progressively to Rs 20,000 crore by 2020," he added.

Total urban population in India is already 37.7 crore and may exceed the earlier projection of 59 crore by 2030, Rawat said.
India''s urban sprawl is poised to become second largest in the world with more population than in many countries, he said.

The most critical issue in times to come will be efficient transport systems to decongest burgeoning urban vehicular traffic volume, Rawat said.

"Metro Rail has the potential to bring all-round benefits to businesses, the environment and people from all walks of life. It is evolving as an industry on its own and creating space for new services and jobs,� he said.

Cauvery, Tungabhadra cleanest in country: Bhardwaj

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Oct 19: Karnataka Governor H R Bhardwaj today said Cauvery and Tungabhadra are the cleanest rivers flowing in the country.
However, the Ganges and Yamuna were the most polluted rivers in India, he said while addressing the International Humboldt Conference organised by Institute of Social and Economic Change here.
The Governor said Uttar Pradesh and other neighbouring States were facing drinking water problems due to pollution in Ganga and Yamuna rivers.
"It is unfortunate that some of the industrialists were also disturbing the eco-system. They should be stopped from degrading the eco-system," he said.
The Governor added that the Himalayas is among the most ecologically disturbed regions of the world, saying, "Massive deforestation has resulted in less rainfall in the region which has created undue problems for mankind".
Bhardwaj also stressed the need for holding continuous dialogue between India and Germany over the issue of climate change.
The Governor''s demand was echoed by Karnataka Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda, who also stressed the need for continuous cooperation between India and Germany over the issue.
The international conference also saw Juergen Kropp, of the North-South Research Group Postdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, saying said that the glaciers in the Himalayan region were melting fast, which would affect Brahmaputra catchment areas.
"This will affect the Asian water towers", he added.

Bhardwaj Denies Closing Case on Mulayam for Support

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Oct 19: Refuting allegations levelled in a complaint filed by a lawyer against him in a Delhi police station, Karnataka Governor H R Bhardwaj today said he had good relations with all political leaders when he was the Law Minister and nobody could complain against him.

"I had good relations with Mayawati, Mulayam Singh Yadav, Lalu Prasad Yadav, Brinda Karat and BJP leaders when I was the Union Law Minister. Nobody can complain against me," he told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.

The complaint filed by Vishwanath Chaturvedi sought registration of a case against Bharadwaj, former Law Minister, and a few others over the Centre's reported decision to close a case of disproportionate assets against Mulayam Singh Yadav and other members of his family.

Chaturvedi had alleged that the decision was taken to close the case against the Samajwadi Party chief in return for his support to the UPA government in the crucial trust vote in July 2008.

Bhardwaj said he didn't know Chaturvedi, but said he is a "mischievous person".

Denying his role in the reported decision to close the case against Mulayam Singh, Bhardwaj said "you ask Mulayam Singh, why are you asking me?"

The others named in the complaint included the then Minister of State for Personnel Prithviraj Chavan and the then Solicitor General G E Vahanvati among others.

On BJP MP Chandre Gowda's demand for his resignation following the complaint in the Delhi police station, Bhardwaj said: "He is not a senior BJP leader, but a defector. I don't want to comment on his allegations."

He said after assuming charge as Karnataka Governor it was becoming difficult for him to uphold the rule of law. "I have spoken to Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda about Chandre Gowda's comments," he said.

Yeddyurappa surrenders, sent to jail

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Oct 15: Facing imminent arrest, former Karnataka chief minister B S Yeddyurappa on Saturday surrendered before a Lokayukta court here and was sent to jail for a week after he was issued an arrest warrant in connection with alleged land scams.

On a day of high drama, the 68-year-old BJP leader, who resigned as chief minister on 31 July in the wake of his indictment by the Lokayukta in illegal mining scam, turned up in the court even as a team of police officials went to his house for arresting him.

File Photo

File Photo
Yeddyurappa is the first former chief minister of Karnataka to go to jail and the development has come as a major embarrassment to BJP whose leader L K Advani is on a countrywide campaign against corruption.

Significantly, Karnataka, where Yeddyurappa had headed the first government of BJP in the South, does not figure in Advani’s campaign yatra.

Acting on a complaint by two lawyers against Yeddyurappa for alleged irregularities in denotification of lands during his tenure as chief minister, special Lokayukta judge N K Sudhindra Rao rejected his bail application.

The former chief minister had failed to appear before the court while his sons B Y Raghavendra, MP, and B Y Vijendra as also his son-in-law Sohan Kumar appeared in the court and got bail.

Also Read |Court declines bail to Yeddyurappa, issues arrest warrant

The judge remanded Yeddyurappa to judicial custody till 22 October. His lawyer M B Naik had earlier said that they would challenge the Lokayukta court order in the High Court.

Another accused, former minister S N Krishnaiah Setty, was also remanded to judicial custody till 22 October by the judge who also granted bail BJP MLA Hemachandra Sagar and 10 others in the case.

Rejecting the bail pleas of Yeddyurappa and Setty on the grounds of gravity of their offence, the court said the involvement of both in the alleged irregularities in denotification of lands was ‘all-pervading´.

It said since they were powerful and influential people, they could put pressure on the witnesses and tamper with evidence.

Earlier, reading out his order in a packed court, the judge said he has rejected the bail pleas of Yeddyurappa and Setty but allowed those of 14 others.

Shortly after Yeddyurappa surrendered, a Lokayukta police team, headed by its deputy superintendent of Police Prasanna Raju, escorted him to Parappana Agrahara Central Prison on the city outskirts.

The court also rejected the applications moved by Yeddyurappa seeking exemption from personal appearance on grounds that he was suffering from severe back pain and unable to take the stairs.

The judge directed Yeddyurappa’s family members to furnish a bond for Rs. five lakh and Rs. 10 lakh as surety in the two cases for their bail and also submit to the court a chartered accountant-certified copies of bank accounts of Davalagiri Properties and Adarsh Homes Pvt Limited owned by them.

The court directed the remaining accused freed on bail to furnish a bond for Rs. five lakh and slapped conditions that they should not tamper with evidence and not make any attempt to flee the country.

Yeddy's bail plea rejected, sons get relief

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Oct 15: In a major setback to former Karnataka chief minister B S Yeddyurappa, a Lokayukta Court on Saturday rejected his bail plea and issued arrest warrant against him in connection with cases regarding alleged irregularities in denotification of government lands.

The court also denied bail to Yeddyurappa's former ministerial colleague S N Krisnaiah Setty but gave relief to 14 other accused including the former chief minister's sons B Y Raghavendra, Lok Sabha MP and B Y Vijayendra, and son-in-law Sohan Kumar.

Pronouncing his orders in a packed court, Judge N K Sudhindra Rao directed those enlarged on bail to furnish a security for Rs five lakh each, not to tamper with evidence and not to leave the country.

The court issued arrest warrant against Yeddyurappa and Setty.

Yeddyurappa skipped the court hearing citing health reasons but his sons and son-in-law were present.

The complaints alleging irregularities in denotification of lands have been filed by advocate Sirajin Basha.

Bosch workers call off 16-day strike

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Oct 13: The agitating workers of Bosch today called off their 16-day ''Tool Down'' strike with the protesters claiming that the state government has conceded to their demand of referring the "outsourcing" issue to a Karnataka Industrial Tribunal.
On the other hand, Bosch claimed that the strike was called off by MEA after the government issued prohibitory orders (on the strike). "This was followed by an unconditional letter to end the strike from MEA to us," it said in a statement.
Work will be resumed from October 14, beginning with the first shift of production, Bosch said.
The workers were on strike since September 28 and later decided to go on fast from October 2 protesting the company''s decision to outsource manufacturing of some products.
"We are satisfied with the state government''s decision to refer the outsourcing issue to Karnataka Industrial Tribunal Judge," MICO Employees Association (MEA) President N M Adayanthaya told PTI here.
The tribunal would also adjudicate on the issues of "illegal" shut down of Adugodi plant by Bosch and employees'' loss of pay during the shutdown, he said.
This was the main demand in two rounds of talks with Bosch management and Karnataka Additional Labour Commissioner, Adayanthaya added.
He alleged the company was guilty of violating terms of agreement signed between the management and MEA under the 2009-2012 wage settlement provisions.
"In two rounds of unsuccessful conciliation meetings we had demanded prosecution of the company for "violating" terms of agreement under 2009-2012 wage settlement provisions," he added.
MEA Executive Committee Member Raghavendra contended that the outsourcing issue was dropped from the discussion of 2009-2012 wage settlement.
"The Bosch management looks forward to MEA�s cooperation and participation in such significant decisions that are imperative for Bosch to stay competitive in the market and meet its commitment to valued customers," Bosch said.

Karnataka Upa Lokayukta resigns

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Oct 12: Justice R Gururajan today resigned as Karnataka's Upa Lokayukta citing family and health problems.

Justice Gururajan, a former Karnataka High Court Judge, has already sent in his resignation to Governor H R Bhardwaj. In his resignation letter, he said there were sudden developments in his family circles and he had some health problems.

"In these circumstances and in consultation with my family members and well-wishers, I have tendered my resignation," he said.

Justice S B Majige is the present Upa Lokayukta and Justice Gururajan was the second Upa Lokayukta appointed in July this year by former Karnataka Lokayukta Shivaraj Patil. His name was recommended by former Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa and the Governor had approved it.

Justice Shivaraj Patil had quit as Lokayukta on September 19 following a controversy over allotment of housing sites for him and his wife allegedly violating rules.

Airtel unveils F1 Race Pack for fans in B'lore

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Oct 12: Bharti Airtel, a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 19 countries across Asia and Africa, on Wednesday announced the launch of its special Formula One Race Pack for F1 fans.

Bharti Airtel is the title sponsor for the 2011 Formula One Airtel Grand Prix of India and has introduced this pack as a prelude to the forthcoming Grand Prix slated to be held in Greater Noida (Uttar Pradesh) on October 30, the company said in a statement.

Any new Airtel pre-paid customer in Bangalore would receive a 30 days trial offer on F1 value-added services like watching free Formula One race clips on mobile TV and playing exciting racing games, it said.

Local Airtel calls are priced at 30 paise per minute and the pack would be valid for 60 days from the date of activation, the company said. Airtel pre-paid mobile customers subscribing to the pack would also get a chance to win 'A-Ticket', an ultimate F1 experience for two, the company said. The pack would also be inclusive of air travel and five-star hotel stay to the Grand Prix on October 28, it added.

Govt to hold second round talks on co-generation power price

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Oct 11: Karnataka Government would hold second round of talks this week with the management of sugar factories to decide on co-generation power price hike.

The management of sugar factories have been demanding increase of bagasse co-generation power price from Rs four to Rs 6.50 per unit. "We will hold second round of talks with sugar factory managements and will discuss the issue of hiking price with Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda in the next four days," Energy Minister Shobha Karandlaje told reporters here.

The government has already met officials of 38 sugar factories on the issue, she added. Of the 450 MW power generated by co-generation plants across the state, Karandlaje said the government would get its share of 150 MW power under the purchase agreement with sugar factories.

"Under the agreement, the government will be purchasing power ranging between Rs 2.80 to Rs 4 per unit," she said. However, the sugar factories are demanding a hike of Rs 6.50 per unit for remaining 250 MW power generated by them, Karandlaje said.

Meanwhile, Karnataka industrialists have agreed to the government's plea for shutting down for a day their units located in seven different industrial estates. The state government has been making efforts to purchase more power from sugar factories to tide over the acute shortage in the wake of short supply of coal to its thermal power plants.

K'taka CM hopeful of managing power crisis

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Oct 11: Expressing confidence about producing 5000 MW power in the next three years, Karnataka Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda today said the power crisis in the state was blown out of proportion by the media.

Though the Telagana agitation has disrupted coal supply to the state, the government was making all efforts to solve the power crisis, he told reporters here on the sidelines of industry body FICCI's National Executive Committee meeting. The state was buying 200 MW from Chhattisgarh, but was not getting the full quota due to technical problems in the transmission line, Gowda said.

The Chhattisgarh Government has promised to provide an additional 100 MW to the state, he said adding alternative arranagements were also being made to get coal from Nagpur. Moreover, the government planned to get power from sugarcane bagasse co-generation plants, he said.

The governnment would take all steps to fix a reasonable selling price for supply of power to the state, Gowda said. The government also plans to set up 2100 MW power plant in Raichur, he added.

Though a joint venture has been signed with L&T for 1600 MW thermal power plant in Chhattisgarh, the state government is yet to obtain clearance for coal linkage, Gowda said.

Moreover of a total share of 1234 MW of power from the central grid, the state was getting just 700 MW power, he rued.

HD Deve Gowda son's disproportionate asset case posted to Oct 26

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Oct 10: A Lokayukta special court Monday adjourned to October 26 the disproportionate asset case against HD Balakrishna Gowda, the eldest son of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, after Lok Ayukta police sought time to file its investigation report.

Judge NK Sudhindra Rao rapped the Lok Ayukta investigating officer for not filing the report and directed him to file the same without fail by October 26.

Gowda is facing charges of possessing Rs70 crore as disproportionate asset to his known sources of income when he took voluntary retirement from the government service. It is currently valued at Rs500 crore.

The Judge on September 24 had directed Lok Ayukta police to investigate the complaint and file a report today.

SN Balakrishna, retired assistant manager of the state run Visveswarayya Iron and Steel in his September 22 complaint, had charged Balakrishna Gowda with possessing wealth disproportionate to his known sources of income and prayed for action under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Gayle and Kohli made the difference: Katich

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Oct 7: New South Wales captain Simon Katich today if not for Royal Challengers Bangalore batsmen Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle, his side could have won the first Champions League Twenty20 semifinal on Friday.

Chasing an imposing 203 for two, Gayle struck a whirlwind 92 while Kohli played a match-winning unbeaten 84-run knock to power RCB to a six-wicket win over NSW.

"Virat was brilliant, Gayle was awesome. We tried different lengths, different paces, it was a big learning experience for the young bowlers, probably a couple of dropped catches cost us today. Earlier on the ball was holding up a bit," a disappointed Katich said after crashing out of the tournament.

His counterpart Daniel Vettori was of the view that 200 was chaseable on the belter Chinnaswamy stadium wicket.

"Its tough for the bowlers but it must be amazing to watch. Two hundred is a par score here. It was tough to be belted over the park but we managed to get home tonight.

He also lauded Gayle and Kohli for their stupendous efforts.

"They (Gayle and Kohli) are confident enough to back their games but you have still to play exceptionally well. It is pure batsmanship and it's enthralling to watch. Some of the bowlers will look forward to not playing here," Vettori said.

Man-of-the-match Kohli said he was content to play the waiting game as long as Gayle was at the crease and did not go for big hits from the word go.

"I said it happens once in a while, but we have done it again. I went in with a mindset to play myself in, I was not desperate to score but I got the right cricket shots," he said.

"Chris (Gayle) has the ability to give a 25-run over. The other day I made a mistake trying to go for a six off the strike bowler ( Shaun Tait). This time I decided to play two dot balls. That (game against South Australia) will still be the best, this can be second-best I think," he added.

Darshan walks free high court grants bail

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Oct 7 (PTI) Popular Kannada actor Darshan, arrested on charge of attempting to murder his wife, walked out of jail today after being granted bail by the Karnataka High Court.

Darshan, who spent 28 days in judicial custody following his arrest on a complaint by his wife Vijaylakshmi alleging physical torture and threat to her life, was granted bail by Justice B V Pinto on furnishing a Rs 25,000 personal bond.

Justice Pinto, while enlarging Darshan on bail, summoned the actor and his wife to his chamber on October 13 to "arrive at a suitable conclusion" through negotiations, if it's possible, leading to the couple having "harmonious relationship".

Opposing his bail plea, the public prosecutor said Darshan has a "history of assaulting" his wife and caused injuries to her, including fracture. He had even used "burning cigarettes" on her and her safety would be in peril if he was released, he argued.

Some of Darshan's well-wishers in the Kannada film industry had earlier tried to bring about a patch-up to end the legal battle and had persuaded Vijayalakshmi to withdraw the case. But the lower court did not accept her plea. Darshan, who has a good following in Karnataka, was arrested on September 9 based on his wife's complaint that he had allegedly assaulted and threatened her with a revolver.

Police had a tough time in controlling Darshan's fans outside the jail and resorted to mild caning. Darshan had approached the high court after the the lower court rejected his bail plea.

Kannada actor Darshan gets bail

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Oct 6: Kannada film actor Darshan was on Friday granted conditional bail by the Karnataka high court. Darshan was under judicial custody for allegedly assaulting and threatening to kill his wife Vijayalakshmi.

The Karnataka high court asked Darshan and his wife Vijaylakshmi to appear before it on October 13.

After hearing counsel for Darshan and public prosecutor, Justice B V Pinto granted bail to the actor on furnishing a Rs 25,000 personal bond, PTI Reported.

The judge ordered the actor and his wife, along with his counsel and public prosecutor, to be present in his chamber on October 13 to "arrive at a suitable conclusion" through negotiations, if it's possible, leading to the couple having "harmonious relationship".

Holding that he could not continue to keep a celebrity actor locked up in jail and "demoralise" him, Justice Pinto said the actor, along with his film career, needs balancing his family life as well.

Opposing the bail plea, the public prosecutor said Darshan has a "history of assaulting" his wife and had caused injuries to her, including fracture. He had even used "burning cigarettes" on her and her safety would be in peril if he was released, he argued.

He also wanted an order setting "suitable conditions" on the actor and an undertaking by him to the court.

Darshan's counsel argued that the offences against him are not "punishable for life".

Earlier, a sessions court had rejected Darshan's bail plea on grounds that the actor was influential and could bring pressure on the complainant (his wife,Vijaylakshmi), witnesses and tamper with evidence.

Vijayalakshmi had appeared before the magisterial court earlier seeking to withdraw her complaint, but the court did not accept it and rejected Darshan's bail plea on the ground that the crime committed under IPC section 307 (attempt to murder) did not fall under its jurisdiction.

Vijayalakshmi had told the court that she sustained head injuries during a fall in the bathroom. This ran contrary to her allegations in a police complaint on September 8 that Darshan had assaulted her and threatened her with a revolver.

Darshan was arrested on Sept 9 following the complaint.

Sanskrit Scholar Mathoor Krishnamurthi Dead

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Oct 6: Noted Sanskrit scholar and a former director of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Mathoor Krishnamurthi (82) passed away after a brief illness at a hospital here today.

Krishnamurthi, a Padma Shri awardee, was admitted to the hospital at 2.30 am after he complained of chest pain. He breathed his last at 5.30 am, Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan Director (Programmes and Projects) H N Suresh said.

His body has been kept at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan here for people to pay their last respects, he said.

Krishnamurthi's funeral would be conducted at his native village Mathoor in Shimoga District tomorrow, Suresh said.

Born on August 8, 1929 in a Brahmin family, Krishnamurthi grew up to become a multifaceted personality.

He had worked as a reporter and sub-editor in Kannada daily Samyukta Karnataka, a release said.

Krishnamurthi joined Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in 1969 and was instrumental in setting up Bhavan's London Kendra, it added.

Apart from receiving Doctor of Literature from Kuvempu University, Krishnamurthi was a recipient of the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, the release said.

Keen battle on cards as RCB face NSW Blues

B D Narayankar

Bangalore, Oct 6: Just who will reap the rich harvest for the all the hard labour put in, will be unravelled on Friday when a charged-up Royal Challengers Bangalore take on New South Wales Blues in the first semifinal of the Champions League Twenty20 at the M Chinnaswamy stadium.

The Royal Challengers are on a high after sensational back-to-back victories. They showed how competitive they can be to distance themselves from their rivals.

After a stunning last-ball win over South Australia Redbacks on Wednesday, RCB will run into another strong Australian opponents and Group A toppers New South Wales in what could turn out to be a cracker of a contest.

Having languished at the bottom of the table till the fag end of the league, Daniel Vettori's men transformed themselves from a beleaguered outfit to fierce fighters, posting tournament high totals in successive matches.

They set Somerset a highest target of 206 and then rewrote their own record on Wednesday, chasing a tournament-high 215 against the Redbacks.

RCB's batting will revolve around Chris Gayle. The Jamaican has been amongst the runs, providing breezy starts. He took Bangalore by storm with a 46-ball 86 against Somerset and another powerful show by him can carry RCB into the final.

Asserting Gayle's importance in the side, Virat Kohli said, "Gayle is a wonderful impact player for us. I always have believed since IPL that if he doesn't get the runs we would struggle. If he doesn't fire, I have to step up and Tillakaratne Dilshan has to take the mantle."

RCB's Sri Lankan import, Dilshan sizzled against the Redbacks, silencing his critics with a well crafted 47-ball 76 that helped RCB pull off a stunning win.

Kohli, who has turned out to be Mr Dependable for RCB, will keen to continue with his run-scoring spree.

Further down, RCB can rely on Mayank Agarwal, Saurabh Tiwary, Daniel Vettori and wicketkeeper-batsman Arun Karthik, who sealed the last-four berth with a towering last-ball six.

However, RCB's bowling has been pretty ordinary so far. When rival batsmen have got going, the bowlers, except Vettori and Syed Mohammad, have been at sea.

RCB would be hoping that the bowlers get their act right in the crucial game against the Aussie outfit.

NSW, who won the inaugural edition of the tournament in South Africa, are on a high and will be determined to regain the title.

David Warner has been in destructive form, reflected in his belligerent unbeaten 135, the highest individual score so far, against Chennai Super Kings.

Simon Katich's men have put up good performances and have worked as a team, recovering splendidly after losing to Cobras in their opening game. They have won three games on the trot.

NSW made a tremendous fightback by smashing 16 runs in the final over before defeating Trinidad and Tobago via the Super Over Eliminator in a dramatic league game in Chennai.

They have also shown that they have the capability to recover from any situation. Despite tottering at 28/5, they went on to overcome Mumbai Indians' 101. Then they beat Chennai by 46 runs.

Another victory on Wednesday could well make them strong contenders for the title.

Teams (from):

Royal Challengers Bangalore: Daniel Vettori (Capt.), Mayank Agarwal, Sreenath Aravind, Arun Karthik, Raju Bhatkal, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Chris Gayle, Mohammad Kaif, Virat Kohli, Abhimanyu Mithun, Dirk Nannes, Asad Pathan, Jamaluddin Syed Mohammad, Saurabh Tiwary.

New South Wales: Simon Katich (Capt.), Stuart Clark, Pat Cummins, Nathan Hauritz, Josh Hazlewood, Moises Henriques, Phillip Hughes, Nic Maddinson, Steve O'Keefe, Ben Rohrer, Daniel Smith, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Shane Watson.

Statistical highlights of Royal Challengers Bangalore-South Australia Redbacks CLT20 match

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Oct 6: Statistical highlights of the Champions League Twenty20 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and South Australia Redbacks today.

# Shaun Tait (5/32) has registered his best bowling figures in Twenty20 - his first instance of five wickets in an innings.
Ads by Google

# Tait has become the first bowler to bag five wickets in an innings for South Australia in Twenty20. He is the first bowler to capture five wickets in an innings in the Champions League Twenty20, surpassing Ravi Rampaul's 4 for 14 for Trinidad & Tobago against Leicestershire at Hyderabad on September 20, 2011.

# Virat Kohli (70 off 36 balls) has posted his first fifty in the Champions League Twenty20 - his 9th in Twenty20.

# Kohli is the first batsman to make 300 runs for Bangalore in the Champions League Twenty20, totalling 329 in 13 matches at an average of 32.90.

# Kohli has justifiably been adjudged the Man of the Match - his second award in the CL Twenty20.

# Daniel Harris (108 not out off 61 balls) has posted his career-best innings - his maiden century in Twenty20.

# Harris became the first batsman to register a century for South Australia in Twenty20, eclipsing the 98 off 62 balls against Victoria at Melbourne on January 2, 2009.

# Harris is the third player after Andrew Puttick and David Warner to record a hundred in the Champions League Twenty20.

# Bangalore (215/8) have posted the highest total in the Champions League Twenty20 - their highest in Twenty20, bettering the 206 for six against Somerset at Bangalore on October 3, 2011.

# South Australia (214/2) have posted the second highest total in the Champions League Twenty20. The said total is also their highest in Twenty20, outstripping the 202 for seven against Victoria at Adelaide on January 7, 2010.

# Bangalore, with their thrilling two-wicket victory, have equalled their narrowest victory margin in terms of wickets in Twenty20. They had won by two wickets against Chennai at Durban on May 14, 2009.

# For the first time, Bangalore have posted a victory off the last ball in Twenty20. The said win is the fifth highest successful chase in Twenty20 - the highest in the CL T20.

# The aforesaid instance is the fifth when a side has won off the last ball in the Champions League Twenty20.
Ads by Google

# The match has produced 429 runs - a record in the Champions League Twenty20, bettering the 402 for nine between Eagles and Trinidad & Tobago at Hyderabad on October 18, 2009.

# Ferguson (70 off 43 balls) has recorded his fifth fifty in Twenty20. He is the top run-getter for South Australia in the Champions League T20, totalling 347 in nine games at an average of 57. 83, including four fifties.

# Sreenath Aravind (4-0-69-0) has recorded the second worst figures in the history of Twenty20 - the worst is 4-0-81-0 by Sarmad Anwar for Sialkot Stallions against Lahore Lions at Faisalabad on June 25, 2011.

# Harris and Ferguson were involved in a second wicket stand of 114 - South Australia's highest in the Champions League Twenty20.

# Chris Gayle took his sixes' tally to 147. David Hussey (167) and Ross Taylor (164) are the only two players to have recorded more sixes than Gayle in Twenty20.

# Kohli and Dilshan have shared a stand of 100 - Bangalore's highest stand for any wicket in the Champions League Twenty20, bettering the 93 between Rahul Dravid and Ross Taylor against Delhi at Bangalore on October 17, 2009.

# Dilshan (74 off 47 balls) has recorded his first fifty in the Champions League Twenty20 - his 15th in Twenty20.

With last-ball six, RCB powers through to semi-final

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Oct 5: Young K B Arun Karthik turned out to be an unlikely hero hitting a stunning six off the last delivery of the match to power Royal Challengers Bangalore to the semi-final of the Champions League Twenty20 beating South Australia Redbacks by two wickets.

RCB joins Mumbai Indians, New South Wales Blues and Somerset in the last four.

The Redbacks had scored a commanding 214 for two in 20 overs, which the RCB chased down with two wickets in hand.

RCB celebrates after a thrilling last-ball finish against South Australia Redbacks to squeak through to the semis.

With six needed of fthe last delivery, Daniel Christian bowled a slower one just outside the off-stump and Karthik, who plays Ranji Trophy for Tamil Nadu, waited for the delivery and swung it over mid-wicket as Redbacks players looked stunned.

It’s not everyday that a team that has a batsman who scored a century (Daniel Harris) and a bowler who has taken a five-wicket haul (Shaun Tait) end up on the losing side.

A swashbuckling century by Daniel Harris and a smashing 70 from Callum Ferguson powered South Australia Redbacks to 214 for two in 20 overs.

It looked like an imposing total, but RCB gave a fitting reply courtesy Tillekaratne Dilshan (74 off 47 balls) and Virat Kohli (70 off 36 balls) who added 100 runs in 8.5 overs before Tait came back to bowl an inspiring second spell.

In the penultimate over of the match, Tait swung it in Redbacks’ favour taking three wickets to end with spectacular figures of five for 31 in a match that was dominated by batsemen.

However, the match was still in the balance – with seven required of the last two balls. Sreenath Aravind got one off the second last ball before Karthik got into the act.

The seeds of victory were, however, sown by Kohli and Dilshan, expecially the former who played one of his best T20 knocks. He hit four boundaries and six sixes, most of which were proper cricketing shot. Dilshan hit a few lusty blows mixed with cheeky shots in between.

For the Australian side, the “Doctor was on call” as Harris (a qualified medical practitioner) was the star of the innings.

The right hander took charge right from the start with his audacious strokes that stunned the RCB bowlers. His magnificent innings was laced with 17 hits to the fence and two sixes one of which was the one which helped him reach his maiden T20 ton.

Ferguson was equally brilliant at the other end, scoring a 43-ball 70, studded with four boundaries and three sixes.

After losing skipper Michael Klinger (7), Harris joined hands with Ferguson as the second wicket pair stitched a belligerent century partnership of 114 runs coming off only 75 balls.

Harris showed no respect to RCB’s left arm seamer Dirk Nannes, hitting him for four consecutive boundaries taking 18 runs in the process. He was particularly severe on Arvind, creaming 28 runs in two overs.

For RCB, Syed Mohammad and Rajoo Bhatkal claimed a wicket apiece.

Kohli sustains minor injury on his left thumb

B D Narayankar

Press Trus of India

Bangalore, Oct 5: India batsman Virat Kohli hurt his left thumb while fielding but there was no sign of pain as he guided Royal Challengers Bangalore to the semi-final with 36-ball 70 against South Australia Redbacks on Wednesday.

Kohli made a diving effort while trying to save a boundary in the 17th over of South Australia's innings. He failed to stop the ball, hit by Daniel Harris off the bowling of Dirk Nannes, and in the process injured his left thumb.

Kohli, who has been named in the squad for India's five-match home ODI series against England starting October 14, left the field and was seen getting some ice treatment on his swollen left thumb from coach Ray Jennings at the sidelines.

Several top players, including Sachin Tendulkar, have been omitted from the Indian squad for the ODI series against England due to injuries.

Never played such an exciting T20 game in my life: Kohli

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Oct 5: On his admission, Virat Kohli has never played such an exciting game of Twenty20 in his career.

"Never been in such an exciting T20 match all my life," an ecstatic Kohli said at the post-match presentation ceremony after receiving his man-of-the-match award.

Asked to relive the moment when KB Arun Karthik hit that stunning six, he said, "I had my eyes closed on the last ball. I was talking to our coach when two balls were left. Thought if we could get boundary and a two so that scores are tied."

Kohli said that the team management relied a lot on the start that Chris Gayle and Tillekaratne Dilshan provided.

"We thought if Chris and Dilshan could bat five or six overs, we had a fair chance."

About his own batting he said, "I was calm and relaxed, but of course you can't stay assured chasing a target such as 215."

Kohli's skipper Daniel Vettori was equally at loss of words after the match.

"Pretty amazing game of cricket. One thing about this ground is you can chase anything here. The last five overs that we bowled were really poor. Harris and Callum and Dan Christian batted extremely well."

Vettori said that dew did become a factor. "The dew does change this wicket. The new ball turns a bit, but once it becomes soft, it's really difficult. However, the class of the batsmanship coupled with the wicket was amazing."

Stand-in captain for Redbacks skipper Callum Ferguson admitted that it was disappointing not to defend 214.

"Obviously, it's disappointing to not defend 214. Dan Harris and Dan Christian batted well, Tait came back with the ball and went bang bang bang, but Virat and Dilshan batted beautifully. We were backing our bowlers to execute despite the dew, disappointed not to do that," Ferguson conceded.

Somerset win toss, elect to bat against Warriors

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Oct 5: Somerset Skipper Alfonso Thomas won the toss and elected to bat against Warriors in their crucial Champions League Twenty20 match at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.

Teams:

Somerset: Alfonso Thomas (captain), Peter Trego, Craig Kieswetter, Roelof van der Merwe, James Hildreth, Jos Buttler, Nick Compton, Arul Suppiah, Adam Dibble, Steve Kirby, Murali Kartik.

Warriors: Johan Botha (captain), Jon-Jon Smuts, Ashwell Prince, Colin Ingram, Craig Thyssen, Kelly Smuts, Athenkosi Dyili, Nicky Boje, Wayne Parnell, Rusty Theron, Lonwabo Tsotsobe.

Relay strike at Bosch plant enters 4th day

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore Oct 5: The relay strike by Bosch's Adugodi plant workers continued for the fourth day today.

"At yesterday's conciliatory meeting, Additional Labour Commissioner Gurudas Bhatt requested us to join the management for performing Ayudh Pooja. But we decided against it as we were disappointed with his decision for bilateral talks to find solution to our strike," MICO Employees Association (MEA) Executive Committee Member Raghavendra said.

MEA had yesterday also demanded prosecution of the company for "violating" the terms of agreement signed between the management and the association under the provisions of 2009-2012 wage settlement.

It had also announced the intention to intensify its agitation from Friday.

The workers have been on relay hunger strike since October 2 in protest against the company's decision to outsource manufacturing of some products.

Raghavendra contended that the outsourcing issue was dropped from the discussion of 2009-2012 wage settlement.

Bosch had in a statement termed the strike as illegal and in violation of agreement signed in October 2010.

Statistical highlights of Somerset-Warriors CLT20 clash

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Oct 5: Statistical highlights of the Champions League Twenty20 match between Somerset and Warriors on Wednesday.

# Somerset's 12-run triumph is their second narrowest in terms of runs in the Champions League Twenty20 - the lowest being 11-run win over Kolkata at Hyderabad on September 21, 2011.

# Murali Kartik (2/23) has registered his best bowling performance in the present tournament.

# Alfonso Thomas (2/16) has deservingly got a Man of the Match award - his fifth in Twenty20.

# Thomas has bagged 13 wickets (avg. 17.38) in 10 games in the Champions League Twenty20 - the most for Somerset.

# Rusty Theron has captured six wickets at an average of 14.50 in four matches - the most for Warriors in the current competition.

# Peter Trego has recorded his seventh duck in Twenty20. # Wayne Parnell has registered his second duck in Twenty20.

# Craig Kieswetter (56 off 52 balls) has recorded his tenth fifty in Twenty20. The said knock is his first fifty in the Champions League Twenty20.

# Somerset became the third team after New South Wales and Mumbai Indians to qualify for the semis. With twelve-run victory, they are placed at the top with five points in Group B.

# Jon-Jon Trevor Smuts (38 off 39 balls) took his run-aggregate to 184 (ave.46.00) in four matches - the most for Warriors in the present tournament.

# Kieswetter and Buttler were associated in a stand of 60 for the fourth wicket - Somerset's highest in the Champions League Twenty20.

Somerset beat Warriors to book semifinal berth

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Oct 5: Somerset made a remarkable fightback with a superb bowling show after Craig Kieswetter shone with the bat as they defeated Warriors by 12 runs to qualify for the semifinals in the Champions League Twenty20 in Bangalore today.

Electing to bat, Somerset scored 146 for four with opener Kieswetter carrying the bat with a gritty unbeaten 56 and the bowlers then came up with a disciplined display by coming back strongly after it looked like that match had gone out of their grasp.

Chasing 147 for a win, Warriors were comfortably placed at 71 for one at the halfway mark but some tight bowling and quick wickets saw the match tilting to Somerset's favour.

Warriors needed 37 from the last three overs with five wickets in hand but they could score just 24 runs to end at 134 for eight and hand Somerset a 12-run victory in the Pool B match at M A Chinnaswamy Stadium.

For Somerset, captain Alfonso Thomas, Steve Kirby and Murali Kartik bagged two wickets apiece while Adam Dibble and Roelof van der Merwe chipped in with a wicket apiece.

With the win today, Somerset collected five points from four matches and booked a berth in the semifinals from Pool B.

Warriors, however, started their run chase on a strong note with openers Ashwell Prince and Jon-Jon Smuts finding the boundaries early on.

The duo took 13 runs from the third over of the innings bowled by Dibble with Smuts hitting two fours and Prince one. Prince was, however, out soon in the next over off the bowling of Kirby with Alfonso Thomas taking a running catch.

Warriors were comfortably placed at 71 for one at the halfway mark but were pegged back after losing two quick wickets in the 12th and 13th overs.

First Ingram was dismissed by Dibble while trying to play a pull shot off a slower short ball only to get the top edge and for Nick Compton take an easy catch at deep square leg.

Ingram's 31 came from 25 balls and had one four and two sixes in it.

MEA strike illegal, says Bosch

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Oct 4: Auto components major Bosch today termed the "tool down" strike by its employee union MICO Employee’s Association (MEA) as illegal.

"This act by MEA is a gross violation of terms of agreement signed between the company and the union in the last wage settlement in October 2010 which protects continuity of all rights, obligations and privileges of either party signed in previous agreements," the company said in a statement.

MEA had declared "tool down" strike from September 28 against outsourcing of certain non-core activities for modernisation and cost competitiveness.

Bosch said the decision of ancillarisation and outsourcing of non-core manufacturing processes was imperative for modernisation in order to stay globally competitive.

It contended that outsourcing and ancillarisation followed were in accordance with its previous wage settlement and had already become a part of its service condition.

"Besides, workmen are given one increment and one promotion. This move has in no way resulted in job loss, retrenchment or reduced remuneration and incentives for workmen in last two decades," Bosch said.

"Average remuneration of Rs 50,000 pm to its workmen is one of the highest in the region and industry, and is a testament to the significance Bosch assigns to employee betterment and welfare," the company said.

Sustaining and further extending such benefits will largely depend on the competitive edge of the company in a globally competitive market, Bosch said.

Bosch said its plant was not shut down and some minimum production was being managed by officers as a stop gap arrangement including all essential services which are intact and unaffected.

"Dispatches to customers across the country are made through the available stocks," the company added.

Actor Darshan's bail plea adjourned to October 7

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Oct 4: The vacation bench of Karnataka High Court today adjourned the hearing on the bail applicationof Kannada actor Darshan, who was arrested for allegedly assaulting and threatening his wife, till October 7.

Justice B V Pinto adjourned the arguments on the bail pleaafter directing Special Public Prosecutor Vijay Kumar Majjigeto file his objection against Darshan's bail plea on the nextdate of hearing.

Darshan, is presently lodged in Parappana Agrahara centralprison.
From alleged tax evasion to criminal intimidation to spousal abuse, these southern stars have each created quite a stir in the recent times to book their name in the hall of infamy.

Actress Sona alleged recently that singer S P Charan misbehaved with her and demanded an apology.
IBNLive

The Court had on September 22 adjourned the hearing on hisbail plea by two weeks after Darshan's counsel moved the court for an early hearing.

The actor moved the High Court after both the magistrate andsessions court rejected his bail petitions.

The sessions court had rejected his bail plea on the groundhe was influential and could bring pressure on the complainant (his wife, Vijaylakshmi), witnesses and tamper with evidence.

The magisterial court did not accept Vijayalakshmi's pleato withdraw her complaint and rejected Darshan's bail plea onthe ground that the crime committed under IPC section 307(attempt to murder) did not fall under the ambit of its jurisdiction.

Vijaylakshmi had told the court she sustained head injuries during a fall in the bathroom. This ran contrary to her allegations in a police complaint on September 8 that Darshan had assaulted and threatened her with a revolver.

Darshan was on September 21 taken back to prison after discharge from state-run Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases where he was being treated for asthma and jaundice since September 10.

Darshan was arrested on September 9 following the complaint.

Bangalore clash with Redbacks in do-or-die match

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Oct 4: A buoyant Royal Challengers Bangalore will cross swords with South Australian Redbacks on Wednesday as the race for the semifinal spots in the Champions League Twenty20 intensifies.

RCB, who clinched their first win of the tournament defeating Somerset on Monday, are at the bottom of Group B with two points while Redbacks (three) are placed third.

Assuming that Warriors (four points from three matches) defeat Somerset (three from three) on Wednesday, RCB could qualify for the semifinals if they overcome Redbacks challenge.

Thanks to the 51-run win against Somerset on Monday, Daniel Vettori's RCB have a healthy net run rate of + 0.438.

However, rain can also decide the fate of the teams. An abandonment of Wednesday's matches will mean that Kolkata Knight Riders with four points will make it to the semis along with Warriors.

After a poor start to the tournament with two back-to-back defeats, RCB are back in contention, thanks to the Chris Gayle-inspired runaway win over Somerset.

The RCB batting has gained momentum with the top order coming to the party while posting a tournament-high total of 206 against Alfonso Thomas's gladiators.

Gayle took a rain-ravaged Bangalore by storm with a dominating show that saw the Jamaican smashing a 46-ball 86 that had the opposition bowlers scurrying for cover.

Tillakaratne Dilshan, Virat Kohli, Saurabh Tiwary and Mayank Agarwal played the supporting role as Gayle cut loose at the square.

Given the comfort of defending an intimidating total of 206, Sreenath Arvind and Daniel Vettori did most of the damage as Somerset crumbled under pressure.

But RCB cannot expect the game against Redbacks to be a lark in the park. Led by Michael Klinger the South Australians are a well-balanced side.

Callum Ferguson will be the man to watch from Redbacks' camp as the right-hander has been in smashing form, manifested in his unbeaten 70 against Kolkata Knight Riders.

Klinger, Cameron Borgas, Daniel Christian, Daniel Harris and Tom Cooper are others who can savage any attack on their day.

Redbacks have a trump card in express fast bowler Shaun Tait. If Tait could remove the dangerous Gayle at the start of the innings, the going will be tough for RCB.

Teams:

Royal Challengers Bangalore: Daniel Vettori, Mayank Agarwal, Sreenath Aravind, Arun Karthik, Raju Bhatkal, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Chris Gayle, Mohammad Kaif, Virat Kohli, Abhimanyu Mithun, Dirk Nannes, Asad Pathan, Jamaluddin Syed Mohammad, Saurabh Tiwary and AB de Villiers.

South Australian Redbacks: Michael Klinger, Cameron Borgas, Daniel Christian, Tom Cooper, Callum Ferguson, Daniel Harris, Tim Ludeman, Nathan Lyon, Aaron O'Brien, Gary Putland, Adil Rashid, Kane Richardson, Chadd Sayers, James Smith and Shaun Tait.

Warriors and Somerset clash with semifinal berth at stake

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Oct 3: With a semifinal spot at stake, South Africa's Warriors and England's Somerset will clash in a make-or-break Champions League Twenty20 cricket match, in Bangalore on Wednesday.

After three matches, Warriors are leading the table with four points while Somerset have three.

The winner of tomorrow's contest will emerge as the leader of group, provided South Australia Redbacks lose to Royal Challengers Bangalore in the second encounter of the day.

Redbacks have three points while RCB have two with the sides vying for the second semi-final spot.

However, rain intervention can change the calculations. An abandonment of the games on Wednesday will mean that Kolkata Knight Riders with four points will go through to the semis along with Warriors.

Led by Johan Botha, the Warriors are just a win away from sealing their semis berth after two wins and one defeat while Somerset, after having lost poorly to RCB on Monday, will have to play to their strength to beat their robust opponents.

Warriors were on song, but their winning run came to a halt in a rain-truncated contest against Kolkata that saw Gautam Gambhir's men winning by 22 runs via D/L method.

Warriors will hope that their top oder comes good again. Jon Jon Smuts and Collin Ingram have been amongst the runs. The middle-order batsmen too have chipped in with useful contributions.

Ashwell Prince, who impressed with a belligerent 74 against RCB in their opener, will be hoping to be back amongst the runs after two failures.

Warriors have a strong bowling line-up with Lonwobo Tsotsobe and Wayne Parnell forming an effective fast-medium pair. Johan Botha has easily been one of the best spinners in limited overs cricket.


After a dismal show against RCB, Somerset will be seeking to get their act together. Somerset has a very experienced bowling line-up in skipper Alfonso Thomas and Steve Kirby sharing the new ball. Murli Kartik and Roelof van der Merwe could pose problems with the left arm spin.

George Dockrell and Peter Trego, who turned out to be expensive against RCB, will be aiming to bowl in the right areas to keep the Warriors batsmen on a tight leash.

Trego, who conceded 21 runs in an over to Gayle, made up for his disappointment with a fine half century against RCB. Dockrell did reasonable well before Gayle took 19 runs in one over. But tomorrow could be their under the arc lights.

Teams From:

Somerset: Alfonso Thomas, Alex Barrow, Jos Buttler, Nick Compton, Adam Dibble, George Dockrell, George Dockrell, Lewis Gregory, James Hildreth, Chris Jones, Murali Kartik, Craig Kieswetter, Steve Kirby, Steve Snell, Arul Suppiah, Peter Trego, Roelof van der Merwe, Gemaal Hussain, Craig Meschede

Warriors: Johan Botha, Andrew Birch, Nicky Boje, Mark Boucher, Colin Ingram, Justin Kreusch, Lyall Meyer, Makhaya Ntini, Wayne Parnell, Ashwell Prince, JJ Smuts, Kelly Smuts, Rusty Theron, Craig Thyssen, Lonwabo Tsotsobe.

Statistical highlights of Royal Challengers Bangalore-Somerset CLT20 match

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Oct 3: Statistical highlights of the Champions League Twenty20 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Somerset on Monday:

# In Bangalore's innings, 14 sixes were hit - a record in the Champions League, surpassing the 13 by Trinidad & Tobago against Eagles at Hyderabad on October 18, 2009.

# The match produced 20 sixes, equalling the Champions League record. The Trinidad vs Eagles encounter at Hyderabad on October 18, 2009 had registered 20 sixes.

# Peter Trego (58) has recorded his sixth fifty in Twenty20. He became the first Somerset batsman to register two fifties in the Champions League Twenty20.

# Trego is the first Somerset batsman to complete 200 runs in the Champions League, managing 202 at an average of 25.25 in nine matches.

# Royal Challengers Bangalore (206/6) registered the second highest total in the Champions League - the highest is 213 for four by Trinidad & Tobago against Eagles at Hyderabad (Deccan) on October 18, 2009.

# Apart from Bangalore and Trinidad, Chennai Super Kings is the only other team to have recorded 200 in the Champions League - 200/3 against Wayamba at Centurion on September 15, 2010

# Bangalore's 206/6 is their highest in Twenty20, eclipsing their 205/6 against Punjab at Bangalore on May 6, 2011.

# Chris Gayle's excellent 86 off 46 balls is the highest individual innings for Bangalore in the CLT20, outstripping the 73 not out by Jacques Kallis against Otago at Bangalore on October 12, 2009.

# During his knock, Gayle recorded eight sixes - the second highest in the Champions League Twenty20. Kieron Pollard hit nine sixes during his unbeaten 72 off 30 balls for Mumbai against Guyana at Durban on September 16, 2010.

# Gayle has now 144 sixes to his credit in Twenty20, emulating Kieron Pollard's tally. Only David Hussey (167) and Ross Taylor (164) have posted more sixes than Gayle.

# Gayle posted his 14th fifty in Twenty20. He enjoys an excellent record for Bangalore in Twenty20, totalling 742 runs (ave.61.83) in 15 matches, including two centuries and four fifties.

# Alfonso Thomas has taken his wickets tally to 133 at an average of 20.31 in 112 matches in Twenty20, surpassing Albie Morkel's tally of 131 wickets (ave.27.40) in 157 matches. Only Nannes has claimed more wickets than Thomas - 154 (ave.20.25) in T20 matches.

# Thomas has become the leading wicket-taker for Somerset in the Champions League - 11 at an average of 19.09 in nine matches.

# Virat Kohli became the leading run-getter for Bangalore in the Champions League 2011, aggregating 259 (ave.28.77) in 12 matches.

# Royal Challengers Bangalore's 51-run win is their fifth in 12 matches (lost seven) in the Champions League Twenty20 - success % 41.66.

# Bangalore's victory is their second biggest by runs margin in the Champions League Twenty20, next only to the 80-run triumph over Otago at Bangalore on October 12, 2009.

# Gayle has got his 13th Man of the Match award in Twenty20. Only Shahid Afridi and Brad Hodge have received more awards (14) in Twenty20.

It was difficult to bat on initially, says Gayle

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Oct 3: After guiding Royal Challengers Bangalore to a crushing victory, Chris Gayle revealed that he found it difficult to get going during the initial part of his knock of 86 off 46 balls against Somerset on Monday.

"I am very happy with my performance. It was a key game for us. It wasn't the best of starts, it was a bit difficult to bat on initially. In the end, I got close to 20 overs which was good for me," the big-bodied Jamaican said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

Gayle said that the general discussions were regarding one of the top batsmen trying to bat as many overs as possible.

"No one got a 50 in the first two games. We had a discussion. So whosoever got in this game, try to play a bit longer. Hopefully we can win the next one with a big margin as well."

RCB skipper Daniel Vettori said that this win was exactly what the doctor ordered.

"It's what we needed to do. We needed a big one to give ourselves a chance. Gayle showed what a good player he is during the IPL, and again today. We were still battling however with the way Somerset started," Vettori said.

Although he wasn't happy with his bowlers' performance during the KKR game, he said that today it was "satisfactory."

"I thought 185 was par-score on this track and we got above that. We knew that chasing this target would be tough."

Somerset skipper Alfonso Thomas said that they could have gone with an off-spinner rather than going with three left-arm spinners which made their attack look predictable.

"We could have done with an off-spinner, but taking nothing away from Chris, he paced his innings nicely," he said.

Somerset win toss, invite RCB to bat

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Oct 3 (PTI) Somerset skipper Alfonso Thomas won the toss and opted to bowl against Royal Challengers Bangalore in their Group B Champions League Twenty20 cricket match at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, here today.

Bangalore have left out Mohammed Kaif and brought in Arun Karthik. Teams: Royal Challengers Bangalore: Daniel Vettori (C), Chris Gayle, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Mayank Agarwal, Virat Kohli, Saurabh Tiwary, Arun Karthik, Raju Bhatkal, J Syed Mohammad, Dirk Nannes and Sreenath Aravind. Somerset: Alfonso Thomas (C), Craig Kieswetter, Peter Trego, Roelof van der Merwe, James Hildreth, Nick Compton, Jos Buttler, Arul Suppiah, George Dockrell, Steve Kirby, and Murali Kartik.

India to be among top 10 e-commerce hubs by 2015: eBay

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Oct 4: India will be among the top 10 e-commerce hubs in the world by 2015, eBay India Head (Partnerships and Pop Culture) Deepa Thomas said today.

"India definitely will be among the Top 10 e-commerce hubs of the world by 2015 as it is the fourth largest internet users in the world," Deepa Thomas said.

She said though India is witnessing many changes in 3G and broadband, there are issues with connectivity. "India is still not as connected as it should be. Connectivity beyond metros needs to be better," she said.

However, broadband penetration in countries like the Philippines and Malaysia is good. "Hence there is scope for e-commerce or online transactions," Thomas said.

Even so, Bangalore has tremendous potential to become number one e-commerce centre in the country. The city had been in the top five list of e-commerce states until now. "It has jumped to top three. Bangalore has immense potential as it is active on all fronts like e-commerce, imports and exports," she said.

Thomas however expressed reservation over Bangalore giving competition to Mumbai and Delhi this year as those cities have larger number of internet users.

Sceptical about the growth of online group buying in India, Thomas said the space was already saturated.

Bloggers and small e-commerce sites are no threats to companies like eBay, she said. "In fact these small sites wish to occupy space on our site to build credibility in the market ... we actually encourage bloggers to share deals," she said.

eBay has been on acquisition spree on regular basis for gaining technical competence and entering a market. One of the biggest acquisitions this year was GSI Commerce which gives platform to set up their own e-commerce sites, she said.

"Definitely there are acquisitions that have happened, but there are no acquisitions right now on our radar," Thomas said.


Links

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/India-to-be-among-worlds-top-10-e-commerce-hubs-by-2015-eBay/articleshow/10230949.cms

http://c4commerce.com/2011/10/india-to-be-among-worlds-top-10-e-commerce-hubs-by-2015-ebay-economic-times/

http://www.jhnews.co.in/news.php?id=1594

http://www.moneylife.in/article/india-to-be-among-worlds-top-e-commerce-hubs-by-2015-ebay/20326.html

http://www.mybangalore.com/news/india-to-be-among-worlds-top-10-e-commerce-hubs-by-2015-ebay.html

http://www.domain-b.com/infotech/ebusiness/20111004_deepa_thomas.html

http://www.allvoices.com/news/10517334-india-to-be-among-worlds-top-10-ecommerce-hubs-by-2015-ebay

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/----India-to-be-among-top-10-e-commerce-hubs----/855696/

http://ibeamtech.in/news/2011/10/india-worlds-top-10-e-commerce-hubs-2015-ebay/

http://www.mydigitalfc.com/article-comments/96204

Actor Darshan's bail plea adjourned to October 7

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Oct 4: The vacation bench of Karnataka High Court today adjourned to October 7 the bail application of Kannada actor Darshan, who was arrested for allegedly assaulting and threatening his wife.

Justice B V Pinto adjourned the bail plea after directing Special Public Prosecutor Vijay Kumar Majjige to file his objection against Darshan's bail plea by October 7. Darshan, presently lodged in Parappana Agrahara central prison, will be produced before the magistrate today.

The Court had on Sept 22 adjourned his bail plea by two weeks after Darshan's counsel moved the court for an early hearing. The actor moved the High Court after both the magistrate and sessions court rejected his bail petition.

The sessions court had rejected his bail plea on the ground he was influential and could bring pressure on the complainant (his wife,Vijaylakshmi), witnesses and tamper with evidence.

The magisterial court did not accept Vijayalakshmi's prayer to withdraw her complaint and rejected Darshan's bail plea on the ground that the crime committed under IPC section 307 (attempt to murder) did not fall under its jurisdiction.

Vijaylakshmi had told the court she sustained head injuries during a fall in the bathroom. This ran contrary to her allegations in a police complaint on Sept 8 that Darshan had assaulted and threatened her with a revolver. Darshan was on Sept 21 taken back to prison after discharge from state-run Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases where he was being treated for asthma and jaundice since Sep 10.

Darshan was arrested on Sept 9 following the complaint.


Links

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/195640/actor-darshans-bail-plea-adjourned.html

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/actor-darshans-bail-plea-adjourned-to-oct-7/855685/

http://www.asianage.com/india/actor-darshans-bail-plea-adjourned-october-7-776

http://www.ndtv.com/article/regional/actor-darshans-bail-plea-adjourned-to-oct-7-138552

http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=737211

http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/BAN-actor-darshans-bail-plea-adjourned-to-oct-7-2478784.html?PRV=

http://news.chennaionline.com/South/Actor-Darshan-s-bail-plea-adjourned/15d0e3a7-d151-4e9a-9458-e4b19de0f46d.col

http://www.newzstreet.tv/ns/node/44827

CBI continues raids in connection with illegal mining

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bellary, Oct 4: Continuing their raids for the second consecutive day, CBI conducted searches on Kudligi BJP MLA V. Nagendra’s mining company, another in Hospet and Bellary in connection with alleged illegal mining.

The agency also raided the Regional transport office here, sources said.

CBI claimed they had seized some documents from Nagappa’s company and ILC Somasekhar Mining Trade in Hospet and also raided Yogendranath Mining Company in Bellary.

They also sought some information from officials at Jindal Steel Works, which was raided yesterday. JSW had however denied that such raids had taken place.

Sources said the agency had yesterday seized computer hard discs and a gun, besides some documents pertaining to mining transactions from Mr. Nagendra’s residence.

Meanwhile, police in Bellary today filed an FIR against Mr. Nagendra in connection with possessing an unlicensed gun.

Earlier, police suspended Mr. Nagendra’s gunman for dereliction of duty as he had allegedly kept the gun in the legislator’s house, which was seized by CBI in yesterday’s raids, sources said.

Links

http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/karnataka/article2512196.ece

http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/cbi-continues-raidsconnectionillegal-mining_593857.html

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/illegal-mining-cbi-continues-raids-for-second-day/855722/

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Illegal-mining-CBI-continues-raids-for-second-day/855722/

http://www.indianewsz.com/business-news/latest-business-news/45925-CBI-continues-raids-in-connection-with-illegal-mining

http://www.uttrakhand.co.in/india/karnataka/cbi-continues-raids-in-connection-with-illegal-mining/

http://www.facebook.com/TheHindu/posts/10150313536507218

http://www.andhrawishesh.com/home/23-usa-news/27341-cbi-continues-raids-in-illegal-mining-case-in-ktaka.html

Bosch workers' relay hunger strike enters 2nd day

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Oct 3: The relay fast by Bosch workers at Adugodi plant, protesting against the decision of the company to outsource manufacturing of some products, entered the second day on Monday.

Members of MICO Employees' Association on Monday met Union Labour Minister Mallikarjun Kharge and appraised him about outsourcing issue and "illegal" shutdown of the company, MEA Executive Committee Member Raghavendra said.

Raghavendra also said he had a meeting with Karnataka Law Minister S Suresh Kumar and Labour Minister B N Bache Gowda and held discussions on the issue. "Both ministers and Kharge have promised to look into the matter," he said.

MEA is likely to intensify the strike if nothing fructifies in a conciliation meet scheduled to be held on Tuesday between Karnataka Labour Commissioner, Bosch Management and employees association, Raghavendra said.

Earlier MEA had decided to intensify the strike after the management failed to attend a meeting convened last Friday between Karnataka Labour Commissioner, Bosch management and the employees association.

Raghavendra said five workers would observe fast on each day demanding stoppage of outsourcing. If the management failed to solve the issue, the workers would go on a 'mass hunger strike', he added.

Links

http://profit.ndtv.com/news/show/bosch-workers-relay-hunger-strike-enters-2nd-day-181193

Spring Air launches 2nd plant, aims Rs 100 cr biz in 3 years

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Oct 3: Spring Air, a leading manufacturer
of bedding products in the world, today launched its second
factory in the country at Betta Hosapura near Kolar.
"Since we were facing transportation and delivery problems,
we decided to set up a plant near Kolar," company Director
Ashok Sharma told reporters here.
The company, which already has a plant in Noida, had
earlier planned to set up its plant in Mumbai, but decided for
Betta Hosapura as Spring Air products received overwhelming
response in South India, Sharma said.
The unit has all the latest technology and manpower to
ensure the higest international standards for matress, Sharma
said adding the company planned to hire 100 people for it.
He said Spring Air targeted middle and premium segments.
"We don't have any intention to foray into lower segments of
the market even in future," Sharma said.
As against Rs 16 crore business this year, the company
plans to achieve a target of Rs 100 crore turnover in the next
three years, he said. "This will make us a market leader in
middle and premium segments of the market."
"We have done a business of Rs 16 crore from our Noida
plant this year. In our first year of operations, we have done
a business of Rs 7 crore," he said.
On expansion plans, he said the company aimed at setting
up four plants in Mumbai and Kolkata by 2013 end with an
approximate investment of Rs 60 crore and open 200 exclusive
showrooms for its products.
In next seven years, the company aims to go public
with over 1000 dealers, Abhishek Sharma, another Director of
the company, said.
Spring Air Bedding Company is jointly promoted by
Oman-based W J Towell and Ashok Sharma, an experienced bedding
industry professional in Middle East and India.

CBI conducts raids in Ktk, books cases against 2 mining firms

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore/Bellary, Oct 3 (PTI) CBI today registered cases against two mining firms including Associated Mining Company owned by arrested former minister G Janardhana Reddy's wife Aruna Lakshmi, and conducted searches in Bellary, Bangalore and Davanagere in connection with illegal mining.

Raids were also conducted on the premises of Kudligi MLA B Nagendra while a case was booked against Deccan Mining Company, which has business links with AMC, highly placed CBI sources told PTI in Bangalore.

The cases were filed consequent to orders of the Supreme Court, which directed CBI to investigate illegal mining in Karnataka on basis of a Central Empowered Committee report.

CBI is already investigating illegal mining in Andhra Pradesh. Janardhana and his brother-in-law, the Managing Director of Obulapuram Mining Corporation (OMC) were arrested on August 5 from Bellary and have been lodged in Chanchalaguda prison in Hyderbad since then.

CBI teams led by Superintendent Subramanay Rao conducted searches at offices of AMC and Jindal Steel Works in Bellary.

They also raided the premises of Kudligi MLA B Nagendra, a close associate of Janardhana Reddy, offices of Deccan Mining Syndicate Company in Bangalore and the residence of Davanagere Zilla Panchayat CEO Muthaiah, who was earlier Deputy Conservator of Forest in Bellary.

The authorities brought under the scanner bank accounts of Muthaiah, who has been facing allegations of aiding illegal mining by Reddy brothers.Muthaiah is one of key officials indicted by the Lokayukta report on illegal mining.Sources said several documents were seized during the searches.


Links

http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/cbi-conducts-raids-in-ktk-books-cases-against-2-mining-firms/844305.html

http://www.indiatvnews.com/news/India/Ilelgal_Iron_Mining_CBI_Raids-11152.html

http://www.samachar.com/CBI-conducts-raids-in-Ktk-books-cases-against-2-mining-firms-lkhxL7ccdig.html?utm_source=sify&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=publication_page

Vayalar Ravi inspects runway at Mangalore airport

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Mangalore, Oct 2: Union Civil Aviation Minister Vayalar Ravi today inspected the runway and safety area works at the Mangalore airport.

He was accompanied by AICC general secretary Oscar Fernandes, former Union Minister B Janardhan Poojary and Airports Authority of India Regional Executive Director D
Devaraj, Mangalore Airport Director M R Vasudev said.

Ravi, who spent nearly an hour at the airport, expressed satisfaction at the work being carried out, the airport director said.

Bosch workers go on hunger strike

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Oct 2: Workers of Bosch's plant commenced an indefinite relay hunger strike from today protesting against the company's decision to outsource manufacturing of certain products at its Adugodi facility here.

Employees association sources said five workers would observe fast on each day demanding to stop the outsourcing. If the management fail to solve the issue, the wokers would go for mass hunger strike, the sources said

The workers were on 'tool down' strike for the last four days. The decision to intensify the strike was taken after the management failed to attend a meeting convened on Friday between Karnataka Labour Commissioner, Bosch management and the employees association.

The meeting has been rescheduled for October 4, the sources said.

Links

http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-10-02/news/30235224_1_hunger-strike-tool-down-strike-bosch

http://www.financialexpress.com/news/bosch-workers-go-on-hunger-strike/854630/

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/195269/bosch-workers-go-hunger-strike.html

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/article2506186.ece

Decision on new stadium on Oct 13: Ramdas

Mysore, Oct 2 (PTI) District Minister S A Ramdas today said the state government would finalise the selection of one of the three plots identified to build an international cricket stadium in the city on October 13. "The matter will be finalised in a meeting between officials and Karnataka State Cricket Association office-bearers on October 13 in Bangalore," he said. The meeting will be attended by KSCA Chairman Anil Kumble, he added. Earlier, KSCA had sought a 30-acre plot of land for the international stadium.

Links

http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/decision-on-new-stadium-on-oct-13-ramdas/843527.html

http://www.mybangalore.com/news/decision-on-new-stadium-on-oct-13-ramdas.html

HCL inks partnership with CAST

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Sep 30: IT services firm HCL Technologies (HCL) today announced a partnership with CAST, a software analysis and measurement company, to further strengthen its Software Assessment Services ''ASSESS-SMART''.

"We are confident that CAST suite of tools will augment our capabilities to deliver quality and cost-effectiveness of application development and maintenance initiatives to our customers," HCL Senior Corporate Vice President Rajiv Sodhi said in a statement.

The CAST AIP along with HCL''s own proprietary IPs in this space will ensure a substantially reduced risk of high impact business disruptions, the company said.

"We have got orders from the Indian Army to supply our snowmobiles," Polaris Industries Managing Director Pankaj Dubey told reporters after unveiling a series of off-road vehicles here today.

He declined to reveal the value of the order and the quantity of vehicles they would supply and said, they would supply their "snowmobiles".
The company formally forayed in India in August, aiming to clock revenues of up to USD 400 million by 2016.

To a query, he said they may set up an assembling facility following product sales. Till then the company would bring the vehicles as completely built units (CBU) from USA.

On future plans, Dubey said they would appoint 25 dealers across India by 2012 end. "This year end we will have 10 dealers. By next year-end we plan to have 25 dealers."


Links

http://news.in.msn.com/business/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5479092

http://m.mydigitalfc.com/news/hcl-inks-partnership-cast-029

Two buildings of shoe factory gutted, no casualties

B D Narayankar

Press Trust of India

Bangalore, Sep 30 (PTI): Bangalore, Sep 30 (PTI): Two buildings of Paragon Polymer Shoe Factory at Peenya here were gutted in a fire but there were no casualties, police said.

They said crores of Rupees worth polymer material stored in the buildings was completely destroyed.

The blaze was reported around 3.30 PM after which more than 25 fire tenders rushed to the spot and brought the flames under control, fire brigade sources said.

The cause of fire is yet to be ascertained, they said.

Links

http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/two-buildings-of-shoe-factory-gutted-no-casualties/842171.html

http://nimmabengaluru.nbtvlive.com/latest-news-fire%20in%20shoe%20factory;%20no%20casualties-accident-30-sep-2011-bangalore-press%20trust%20of%20india-56606.html