Obsession over Shahrukh and Sachin continues

Bollywood super star Shahrukh Khan and Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar are among the 100 most obsessed-over people on the web. PHOTO: FILE

Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan and Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar are among the 100 most ‘obsessed-over people’ on the web, according to a list compiled byTime magazine. Even though the cricketer retired last year from international cricket, his popularity among the masses still seems intact.

The list is topped by former US president George Bush who has a score of 65.6 points. His successor President Barack Obama comes in at the second spot with 45.3 points. Tendulkar is ranked 68th on the list and has 23.98 points. Khan, however, comes in at the penultimate rank of 99 with a low score of 22.07. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is one rank above Shahrukh with 22.08 points, reported the Deccan Chronicle.

The list was compiled drawing parallels from the magazine’s annual 100 most influential people in the world list. They collected data about all the global leaders and celebrities online and from their Wikipedia pages. Factors that influenced the rankings were the number of links to other Wikipedia pages, number of external links, number of categories the person is in, total number of revisions to the page, number of unique individuals who have edited the page and number of anonymous edits.

The other noted sports personalities in the list are Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic at 61 and Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher at 77, who has been in a medically-induced coma since December 29, when he suffered brain injuries while skiing in the French Alps.

The list also includes singer Madonna, who secured the number three spot followed by Beyonce on number four, former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at number 11, Russian President Vladimir Putin at number 27, Pope Francis at number 70 and talk show host Oprah Winfrey at number 95.

Senior Bachchan to attend acting workshops for Piku

Amitabh Bachchan will be sharing screen space with Irrfan Khan for the first time in the film and Deepika Padukone will be playing his daughter. PHOTO: FILE

MUMBAI: 

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan may be one of the most iconic stars actors of Indian cinema, but that hasn’t stopped him from taking part in acting workshops for Shoojit Sircar’s upcoming film Piku.

In the film, senior Bachchan will be seen with critically acclaimed actor Irrfan Khan for the first time. “This is the first time that Irrfan will be sharing screen space with Big B. He’s understandably excited and challenged. He asked Shoojit to create a comfort level between the two, especially since Big B and Irrfan share very intense dramatic sequences in Piku,” said a source close to the project.

Though Irrfan’s schedule is packed as he’ll be shooting in Mumbai and Los Angeles, he too, has agreed to participate in the acting workshops for the film along with Deepika Padukone and Bengali actor Jisshu Sengupta. Shoojit said it wasn’t easy getting these actors to spare time for the workshops.

“Bachchan sahab, Irrfan, Deepika and Jisshu are all extremely busy actors. But they had absolutely no hesitation in slicing precious meat out of their fat schedules to go through the rehearsals,” he said. The Madras Cafe director believes workshops are critically important forPiku.

“The emotions in the film are not cinematic. The feelings expressed have to be absolutely authentic. Luckily, I have actors who are more than willing to surrender to the project. They have been told that we cannot start shooting unless we do the workshops,” said Shoojit. “They’re all joining me for workshops for a couple of weeks before we begin shooting at the end of July,” he added.

US confrims that an American citizen had carried out suicide bombing in Syria

Abu Hurayra al-Amriki. PHOTO: AFP

WASHINGTON: An American citizen fighting for a hardline militant group had carried out a deadly suicide bombing in Syria, US officials confirmed Friday, in the first such case in the war.

The State Department did not identify the man, said to have been behind a truck bombing on Sunday in the northern province of Idlib, but acknowledged concerns about the flow of foreign fighters into Syria.

“I can confirm that this individual was a US citizen involved in a suicide bombing in Syria. We don’t have further information beyond that to share at this time,” State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki said.

The man went by the alias Abu Hurayra Al-Amriki, which translates as “The American,” she added.

Psaki agreed this is believed to be the first such suicide bombing carried out by an American since 2011, the start of a war in which more than 162,000 people have been killed.

Estimates of the number of foreign fighters who have flooded into Syria in the past three years range from between 9,000 to 11,000, with most believed to have come from neighboring countries.

Psaki could not give precise figures of how many Americans may be among them, although the New York Times said about 100 Americans are believed to have traveled to Syria, mainly to join the rebels fighting to oust President Bashar al-Assad.

“We’re engaged in a focused outreach effort with key partner governments regarding our shared concern over the flow of foreign fighters to the Syrian conflict,” Psaki said.

Concerns are mounting among Western powers that — like Afghanistan in the past — Syria is becoming a training ground for a generation of militants, who will return as battle-hardened veterans ready to carry out attacks both at home and abroad.

“We are closely tracking and closely working with our partners and allies about our concern about the growth of foreign fighters and the growth of extremism,” Psaki said, only days after US President Barack Obama unveiled a new $5 billion fund dedicated to the fight against terrorism.

Reports that an American had been involved in the Idlib bombing have been circulating for days. The New York Times, citing law enforcement officials, said he was aged in his 20s, of Middle Eastern descent and from the southern state of Florida.

A Syrian fighter from the Al-Nusra Front told the Times that Abu Hurayra was an Arab-American who spoke only poor Arabic, but was dedicated to the jihadist cause.

“He was a generous, brave, tough man, always on the front lines in battles,” the fighter told the US daily.

“When his turn came up” to carry out a suicide bombing, he “was very happy, because he will meet his God after that,” the fighter, who called himself Abu Abdulrahman, told the Times via Facebook.

A video released by Al-Nusra supporters, which was first reported on by the private terrorism watchdog SITE Intelligence Group, shows a huge explosion and footage of a young, bearded man cradling a cat and identified as the attacker.

Sach Mooch: How to be a diva like Narendra Modi

Memorise what I will tell you because if you want to be a world-class leader in the future, then you gotta be a coolio.

KARACHI: 

If Barack Obama were a republican and Imran Khan were a little ugly, they would be as popular as Narendra Modi. Modi has made conservatism and ethnocentrism hip, yet he looks like an uncle. That is his ‘oomph’ and ‘pizzazz’, as the new prime minister of one of the fastest developing countries of the world and biggest country of the region.

But how did Modi get this far — from selling tea at the railway station to running a whole country? Analysts would like you to believe that it was his political strategy and hard-line policies that got him where he is, but honestly, that’s all bull-crap! It is because he is cool. Write down, memorise and act on what I will tell you now, because if you want to be a world-class leader in the future, then you gotta be a coolio bro/girl!

First of all, Modi wears the most awesome hats. What do hats have to do with becoming a good leader? The Queen begs to differ. I will now showcase the range of hats Modi has worn, as style is very important if you are going to lead. It’s easy to spot the one you are following in a big crowd if he/she is wearing a flamboyant hat. And if the prime minister has style, even Alia Bhatt would know who he is — that’s a big deal, by the way.

Modi chills out with his mom, taking pictures and sharing them on his Facebook account with statuses such as “Chilling with mom, as she feeds me #ThrowBackThursday.” This lets your followers know that you also have a mom, makes them feel like you are one of them or else they might think you are an alien. Plus, moms are cool, especially when they are alive to see their 63-year-old son become the prime minister.

‘Should I be mean to Nawaz Sharif? Should I make fun of Rahul Gandhi? Should I keep a mullet? Wait, let me take a selfie!’ Modi is probably the first ancient and South Asian premier to endorse selfies. This is how he made all the 13 year olds vote for him. Oh wait, 13 year olds can’t vote. Still, got to prepare for the next elections!

Remember how in school there was one kid who was kind of geeky, his name would be long, unconventional and hard to pronounce or had thick glasses, weird hair and body odour or all of the above? This kid was always accepted because he chilled with the cool kids. That way, one did not have to make an effort, yet enjoyed the privileges of the hip crowd. That kid, ladies and gentleman, is Modi!

A typical Sunday for him includes having coffee with Amitabh Bachchan, sharing Rajnikanth jokes with Rajnikanth and ending the day with kite-flying lessons from Salman Khan, where Sallu heals Modi tenderly. By the way, what the hell is up with Rajnikanth? He looks like an old crazy chacha. Does he get a face job every time he prepares for a film?

Coming back to the topic, Sarah Palin, John F Kennedy and Imran Khan are some of the examples of good-looking leaders who gain extra attention simply because they are beautiful/handsome. This is not to undermine their leadership skills, but being easy on the eyes helps — that’s just how humans perceive other people.

You can call it the halo effect or that our perception of a perfect leader is that of a healthy and heroic-looking person. But the fact that Modi, despite being none of that, has made it… that, my friends, is swag! (Look up the term if you are too uncool to know it.)

Karzai welcomes, Taliban oppose Obama’s decision of keeping US troops till 2016

A file photo of ISAF soldier in Afghanistan. PHOTO: AFP

ISLAMABAD: President Barack Obama’s announcement this week that 9,800 US troops would remain in Afghanistan until 2016 only if the Afghan government signs the bilateral security agreement has been hailed by the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan both.

The Taliban, however, have condemned President Obama’s plan and termed it an “aggressive move for the religious, national and human rights of freedom-loving Afghans”.

Reacting quickly to the American president’s revelation, the Taliban issued a statement saying their armed struggle would continue till the last US soldier leaves the country.

“We consider the White House comments stating they would extend the invasion till 2016 as a shameful act and all nations that favour independence must strongly condemn it,” the statement read.

“The stance of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has always been clear and we reiterate that Jihad is obligatory against US troops till the time they are on our land,” it stated further.

President Hamid Karzai, who refused to meet Obama during his visit to the country this week on Memorial Day, has welcomed the news.

“The United States announced that, within a schedule, it will reduce to zero the number of its combat troops in Afghanistan. The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan welcomes this decision,” read a statement from Karzai’s palace hours after Obama’s announcement.

“The end to US military presence and the takeover by Afghan forces of all security responsibilities was the main desire of the president, the government and the people of Afghanistan,” it stated.

President Karzai called on the “government’s armed opponents” to avail this historic opportunity made possible by immense efforts of the Afghan government and put an end to the war so the country can move towards peace and prosperity.

The government of Pakistan, badly affected by the war in Afghanistan, has also praised the US president’s decision.

“We have always advocated that a measured and planned drawdown would be far more favourable in ensuring peace and stability in Afghanistan rather than a hasty, unplanned exit as was done decades ago,” said Tariq Fatemi, the premier’s special assistant on foreign affairs, when asked to react on President Obama’s announcement.

Pakistani analysts believe President Obama is merely keeping the promise he made during his election campaign of pulling out of the war in Afghanistan.

“I think with a president who committed to his voters that he will get America out of two wars, Obama is standing by his pledge. He got troops out of Iraq and now he has provided Americans with a timeline of withdrawing from Afghanistan,” said Dr Maleeha Lodhi, Pakistan’s former ambassador to Washington, while talking to The Express Tribune in Islamabad.

“It shouldn’t come as a surprise for anyone as the decision reflects wishes of the American public. The US Congress, government and the public all feel that America’s longest war has cost the country in many ways and what has been achieved is all the US could have done,” she explained.

Afghanistan’s key presidential hopeful, Dr Abdullah Abdullah, came up with a cautious response to the announcement and called for a “responsible” exit strategy.

“What is important for Afghanistan is the continuation of cooperation. Some details of the plan still have to be made clear,” he told FRANCE 24 in an interview shortly after President Obama’s announcement.

President Obama’s statement comes at a time when Afghans, in a couple of weeks, will be voting in the presidential election runoff between Abdullah and Dr Ashraf Ghani.

As Afghan forces become completely responsible for securing the country, it would be difficult if the Taliban do not come to the negotiation table. Many Afghans also believe the ‘Jihad’ would be weakened if the Taliban continue to fight against the government following the withdrawal of US troops.

Pakistan, whose role is considered important in encouraging the Taliban to end the war and announce a ceasefire, would also be under pressure to play an active role to push the peace process.

Taliban releases US solider in exchange for five Afghan detainees

The US soldier Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl disappeared from his unit on Jun 30th, 2009. PHOTO: AFP

WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama said Saturday that an American soldier held for nearly half a decade in Afghanistan has been freed, in what officials indicated was a swap for five Guantanamo detainees.

“Today the American people are pleased that we will be able to welcome home Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, held captive for nearly five years,” said Obama, announcing the release of the army sergeant.

Bergdahl disappeared in June 2009 from a base in Afghanistan’s eastern Paktika province, with the Taliban later saying they had captured him.

The Idaho native was the only American soldier held captive by the militants.

“On behalf of the American people, I was honored to call his parents to express our joy that they can expect his safe return, mindful of their courage and sacrifice throughout this ordeal,” Obama said.

The US leader expressed his “deepest appreciation” to the Emir of Qatar “for his assistance in helping to secure our soldier’s return.”

“The Emir’s personal commitment to this effort is a testament to the partnership between our two countries,” he said.

Obama’s announcement came as Pentagon chief Chuck Hagel released a statement saying he had informed the US Congress of a decision to transfer five Guantanamo detainees to Qatar.

“The United States has coordinated closely with Qatar to ensure that security measures are in place and the national security of the United States will not be compromised,” Hagel said.

He also thanked the Emir of Qatar, praising him for his “instrumental role in facilitating the return of Sgt Bergdahl.”

Hagel said Bergdahl was “now under the care of the US military after being handed over by his captors in Afghanistan.”

A senior administration official confirmed that, “in connection” with Bergdahl’s return, the United States had transferred five Afghan Guantanamo detainees to Qatar.

“We have viewed Sgt Bergdahl’s release through diplomatic means as a vital goal in its own right because of our historic commitment to leave no soldier behind on the battlefield,” the official said.

Since his capture, Bergdahl has appeared in several Taliban videos.

In January, the United States obtained a “proof of life” video of the soldier — the first concrete evidence in more than three years that he was still alive.

In his statement, Obama said “Sergeant Bergdahl’s recovery is a reminder of America’s unwavering commitment to leave no man or woman in uniform behind on the battlefield.”

“And as we find relief in Bowe’s recovery, our thoughts and prayers are with those other Americans whose release we continue to pursue,” he added.

Secretary of State John Kerry meanwhile said he had spoken with Afghan President Hamid Karzai to brief him on the development.

Rationalisation required: ICCI calls for reduced banking spread

ICCI President Shaban Khalid said that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of any economy, but the banking spread in Pakistan is hampering growth. CREATIVE COMMONS

ISLAMABAD: 

Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has called upon the government to reduce high banking spread as it is impeding the growth of business activities in the country.

ICCI President Shaban Khalid said that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of any economy, but the banking spread in Pakistan is hampering growth in the private sector, especially the SMEs. The government should ensure rationalisation of banking spread based on the current market conditions.

According to a World Bank report, banking spread is more than 6% in Pakistan while it was 1.3% in Bangladesh, 3% in China, 0.9% in Japan, 1.8% in Malaysia and 4.6% in Sri Lanka in 2012.

“About 60 per cent deposits of businessmen are lying in current accounts as they believe in interest free banking, which means such deposits are free of cost to the banks as they have to pay no interest on them,” said Khalid. “However, banks are investing these and other deposits in risk free government securities and other instruments and earning huge profits.”

He said investment in any country depends on easy credit facility as low lending rates enable investors to borrow easily for expanding existing business or starting a new business.

High banking spread also prevents businesses from investing in new plants and technology up-gradation to produce world standards quality products. Thus, high interest rates coupled with high markup rates retards the growth of SMEs as it leads to higher cost of capital and reduces investment and business development. Khalid said the high banking spread also pushes up the cost of production, making our products uncompetitive and hurting exports.