India’s first methanol cooking fuel debuts in Assam
Ritu Bordoloi of Namrup never thought she would create history. On Tuesday, she became India’s first owner and user of a cooking stove fuelled by methanol.The homemaker, 50, was aware that she had added a chapter to an area that has had many industrial firsts in India as well as Asia. Namrup, in eastern Assam’s Dibrugarh district, is not far from where the commercial journey of the team began, the first oil well was struck, and the first refinery was set up.Ms. Bordoloi was one of 500 people who were handed over a stove with two 1.2-litre canisters of methanol on Friday, as part of a pilot project by the Namrup-based Assam Petrochemicals Limited (APL), India’s first public sector producer of methanol and formalin from natural gas as feedstock.The project has been promoted by NITI Aayog.“APL has taken a huge step towards reducing India’s oil imports and tap into pollution-free methanol as fuel for cooking and transportation. It is apt that the project has begun with cooking fuel that mostly impacts women in India,” V.K. Saraswat, Member, NITI Aayog, said before handing over the first few methanol stoves.Can replace LPGDr. Saraswat said methanol is the future of fuel in India, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi keen on reducing oil imports that set the country back by $86 billion every year. “We are looking at conversion of coal, petroleum and natural gas to methanol so that LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) consumption is reduced,” he said.About 80% of LPG consumed in India is imported, Dr. Saraswat said.According to alternative fuel expert Prashanth Guru Srinivas, APL’s experience in producing methanol for 30 years gave NITI Ayog the confidence to go ahead with the cooking fuel project.“There are 5.5 lakh people in Africa and 8 million in China who use methanol as cooking fuel. But India is the first country where the focus is on replacing LPG. This is why much of the world is looking at how our cooking fuel project is working out,” he said.About 5% of 70 million metric tonnes of methanol used in China is for cooking, and the resultant market turnover there is $2 billion now, Mr. Srinivas said. “Methanol can be a major market in India, besides helping us reduce oil imports by 20%,” he added.In terms of heat value, a 14 kg LPG cylinder is equivalent to about 20 kg of methanol. But methanol works out 30% cheaper, and the saving on an equivalent quantity of LPG is expected to be up to ₹350.Target NortheastAPL Chairman Jagadish Bhuyan said the company would become the largest producer of methanol in the country by 2019-end after it expands its capacity from 100 MMT to 600 MMT. The expansion project is worth ₹1,337 crore.“After expansion, our target is to feed methanol to the Northeast and then to the rest of India,” Mr. Bhuyan said.APL Managing Director Ratul Bordoloi said the company is now planning to produce methanol from biomass, municipal waste and flare gas from refineries and oil wells. “Methanol is not only a clean fuel, it is light and can be easily carried to hilly areas,” he said.
Sited in the heart of old Pune, the prestigious Kasba Peth Assembly seat a BJP stronghold for three decades, will witness a tussle between two Pune civic body stalwarts — the mayor Mukta Tilak, (BJP-Sena candidate) and Arvind Shinde of the Congress.The constituency, which comprises a significant part of Peshwa-era Pune with its rickety wadas, was until recently senior BJP leader Girish Bapat’s virtual fiefdom with him winning the seat in consecutive elections since 1995 before vacating it to contest – and win – the Pune Lok Sabha seat in the general elections this year.The city, with its legendary Ganesha mandals, also forms the heart of Pune’s old trading community with a significant proportion of small traders from the Gujarati and Jain communities.The Congress has been able to wrest the Kasba Assembly seat only twice from the BJP since 1980 — in 1985 and in the 1991 by-election.The problem of crumbling old wadas (traditional dwellings) and their long-pending redevelopment, traffic congestion in the narrow, bustling lanes and lack of potable water in several places are among the key issues in this segment. While the situation has remained unchanged, two fresh candidates from the major contenders have raised hopes that some of the burning civic problems may be redressed. “The BJP won the Pune Municipal Corporation polls by a thumping majority. Yet, the problems of Kasba Peth, including that of water have not only persisted but have multiplied,” alleged Mr. Shinde, a three-time corporator who was one of the frontrunners for the candidacy of the Pune Lok Sabha constituency.He faces an extremely tough competitor in Ms. Tilak — a scion of the Bal Gangadhar Tilak family — who is also Mayor of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).A veteran party hand, Ms. Tilak has a strong base in the Old Pune area, having been the BJP’s leader in the PMC since 2009.“This constituency which also includes Narayan Peth and Sadashiv Peth has veered towards the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the BJP as it has been the hotbed of Hindu nationalism,” says city-based political analyst Rajendra Pandharpure. He observes that the BJP has always had firm adherents in this part of the city through its network of educational institutes and other think tanks like the Rambhau Mhalgi Prabhodini that propagates the Sangh’s ideology.“The Brahmin voters here have always sided with the BJP. This is an area whose political clime has been charged with its strongly religious fervour favouring radical Hindutva outfits like the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). In contrast, the Congress and the NCP party structures here have remained weak,” says Mr. Pandharpure.However, he also said that things could change this time around owing to new areas being added after the delimitation of 2008.Observers say that while the dice may be loaded in Ms. Tilak’s favour, the BJP campaign machinery will be heavily engaged in the Kothrud Assembly seat, where BJP State chief Chandrakant Patil faces a prestige battle.While the BJP had been winning the past elections owing to a divided opposition, observers point out that this time the saffron alliance faces a possible vote fragmentation due to the intense disaffection prevailing among the Shiv Sena in Pune.“Moreover, the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have come together in the battle for the Kasba segment. This is bound to favour Mr. Shinde,” opined Mr. Pandharpure.The city’s Sena leaders are disappointed by the fact that their bigger ally has not left even a single seat (out of the eight Assembly seats) for them in the city — the birthplace of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray.Sena leader and former corporator Vishal Dhanawade, has already filed his nomination to contest as an Independent.“The Sena’s membership has increased drastically since 2009. The BJP’s decision of not letting us contest on even a single seat is unjust. I am confident of support from my followers,” said Mr. Dhanawade.
Robredo: True leaders perform well despite having ‘uninspiring’ boss PLAY LIST 02:49Robredo: True leaders perform well despite having ‘uninspiring’ boss02:42PH underwater hockey team aims to make waves in SEA Games01:44Philippines marks anniversary of massacre with calls for justice01:19Fire erupts in Barangay Tatalon in Quezon City01:07Trump talks impeachment while meeting NCAA athletes02:49World-class track facilities installed at NCC for SEA Games Edward Dixon made the most of the extended garbage time and poured 19 of his 27 points in the second half, to go with five rebounds, while Clement Leutcheu got 13 markers and 20 boards in the defeat.The Blazers suffered their fifth straight loss to go down to 2-9.The Scores:LYCEUM 83 – Perez 14, Ayaay 12, Nzeusseu 10, Caduyac 9, Pretta 9, Jc. Marcelino 7, Baltazar 7, Jv. Marcelino 6, Tansingco 5, Ibanez 2, Marata 2, Cinco 0, Liwag 0, Serrano 0.ST. BENILDE 69 – Dixon 27, Leutcheu 13, Belgica 10, Domingo 6, Johnson 5, Sta. Maria 4, Castor 2, Naboa 2, Pili 0, San Juan 0.ADVERTISEMENT Cameroonian big man Mike Nzeusseu also chimed in a double-double of 10 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks in the win, as Lyceum remained unbeaten after 11 games.“Every game, our mindset is we don’t look at the standings because we’re already battling our own race. It’s already about us at this point,” said deputy coach Jeff Perlas, who came in the press room for coach Topex Robinson.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSSEA Games: Biñan football stadium stands out in preparedness, completionSPORTSPrivate companies step in to help SEA Games hostingSPORTSBoxers Pacquiao, Petecio torchbearers for SEA Games openingThough the Pirates led by as high as 21, their 23 turnovers helped the Blazers catch up and trim the lead to just 14 to finish the game, something which Perlas raised as a remaining concern for the team.“We’re far from being satisfied because of our turnovers. We have to take care of the ball. The effort of the team is always there, but we have to acknowledge that teams have started to catch up on us. We have to find a way to adjust to their adjustments,” he said. Ethel Booba on hotel’s clarification that ‘kikiam’ is ‘chicken sausage’: ‘Kung di pa pansinin, baka isipin nila ok lang’ LATEST STORIES Lacson: SEA Games fund put in foundation like ‘Napoles case’ Super letdown: Patriots routed in 2nd half, Chiefs win 42-27 For the complete collegiate sports coverage including scores, schedules and stories, visit Inquirer Varsity. MOST READ CJ Perez. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.netLyceum ran roughshod of St. Benilde for an 83-69 victory Friday in the NCAA Season 93 men’s basketball tournament at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.CJ Perez commandeered the fight for the Pirates as he scattered 14 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and two steals, while MJ Ayaay got 12 markers, four boards, and two assists.ADVERTISEMENT Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next
Trump signs bills in support of Hong Kong protesters Celebrity chef Gary Rhodes dies at 59 with wife by his side NATO’s aging eye in the sky to get a last overhaul Robredo should’ve resigned as drug czar after lack of trust issue – Panelo Hotel says PH coach apologized for ‘kikiam for breakfast’ claim Quarters: 23-10, 46-30, 66-53, 83-69. Celebrity chef Gary Rhodes dies at 59 with wife by his side Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. View comments
The Symbiosis School of Sports Sciences, Pune has released an admission notification inviting applications from interested, eligible candidates to apply for its full time Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme offered in Sports Management for the academic session 2017. The duration of the course will be of two years.Eligibility criteriaEducational qualification:Candidates interested in applying for this programme must be graduates from any statutory university, with a minimum of 50 per cent marks (45 per cent for SC/ ST), at graduation level. Those appearing for final year examinations are also eligible to apply, but their admission will be subject to obtaining a minimum of 50 per cent marks (45 per cent for SC/ ST) at the qualifying examination.Selection procedure:Candidates will be selected on the basis of their SNAP scores. They will then be called for group exercise (GE), personal interview (PI) and written ability test (WAT) at SSSS, Pune.How to apply:Candidates are required to apply at the official website: www.ssss.edu.in .(Read: IIST Thiruvananthapuram admissions 2017: Apply for PhD courses)Important dates:The last date to make payment registration for SSSS is December 17.SNAP will be conducted on December 18.SNAP test result will be declared on January 9, 2017.Group exercise and personal interaction at SSSS Pune will be conducted from February 15 to 19, 2017.About SIU:Symbiosis International University (SIU) is a private coeducational, multi-institutional university located in Pune, Maharashtra, India. It has been given official recognition by the UGC and the AICTE. The National Assessment and Accreditation Council has conferred an ‘A’ grade to the university.advertisementRead: FIIB admissions open for PGDM courses: Apply before Nov 30 For information on more courses and admissions, click here.
KL Rahul’s sensational run in Test cricket has helped him cement his position at the top of the order.The 25-year-old is now India’s first-choice opener from a lot that includes Shikhar Dhawan, Murali Vijay and Abhinav Mukund.Rahul, often plagued by injuries, is on a roll now, having smashed a world record-equalling seven fifties on the trot in Test cricket. And by the end of the 3-0 whitewash over Sri Lanka, Rahul had stormed into the top 10 of the ICC’s rankings for Test batsmen .However, scoring fifties is not Rahul’s only specialty. He has worked hard on improving his Playstation skills and is now a preferred candidate for forward short-leg, even though he insists Cheteshwar Pujara is far more accomplished in that position: “It’s just the senior-junior thing is still prevalent. The seniors are abusing juniors like me,” joked Rahul in a candid interview with Pujara for bcci.tv.Bonding and banter session ??? #FifaMode pic.twitter.com/lpGpAyBxAH- cheteshwar pujara (@cheteshwar1) July 30, 2017But Rahul was all business-like when Pujara asked him about his style quotient. A Karnataka lad, born and bred in Bangalore, Rahul epitomises style and fashion like few other India cricketers. (Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul spill the beans on ‘Daddy D’ Shikhar Dhawan)Years ago, it was Rahul Dravid, who held sway with his easy charm and ready smile. So what is it with Karnataka players? How come they are always so cool?”It came very naturally to me. Staying in a city like Bangalore, you learn fashion because if you are not well-dressed and well-spoken, people often make fun of you or look down upon you.advertisement”The rest of the boys have to put in a lot of effort but to me it was very natural. Like I said, everybody over the last four or five years, has been looking up to me or drawing fashion inspiration from me. That’s why you see all the cool dudes coming from Bangalore,” Rahul said.Rahul made a terrific start to his Test career, hammering a classy 110 in only his second Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground in January, 2015. In 2016, he smashed a hundred on debut before clobbering an unbeaten 110 in only his fourth T20 International.
From a bad end to a worse beginning, AJ Styles’ luck is going nowhere at the moment.Styles is currently sandwiched in between the cold war between SmackDown Live General Manager Daniel Bryan and Chief Commissioner Shane McMahon and it keeps getting bad for the Phenomenal One.To end 2017, he lost to Kevin Owens after an interference from Sami Zayn turned his head and it went worse when Shane came out, completely distracting him and allowing Ownes to pick up the victory.WATCHAnd to begin 2018, he was put in a match with Zayn and Owens was supposed to be at ringside which prompted Shane to announce himself at the champions corner and Bryan soon followed suit. The match was going fine until the referee was pushed out of the ring. Styles made an attempt to pin fall but Owens didn’t allow the ref to go in, thus allowing Zayn to recover and kick out at 2 later. Seeing that, Shane attacked Owens and he went to ground the referee barred him from ringside. Bryan was unimpressed with this and asked Shane to leave too and Zayn in the meantime pushed Styles to the corner, hit him with a Helluva Kick to pick up the victory to leave Styles and Shane unimpressed.Styles being himself, couldn’t bear that and lashed out at the GM and the duo, asking them to come in the ring and compete. But Daniel was taking none of that and he soon announced that Styles will defend his WWE Championship in a 2-on-1 handicap match against Owens and Zayn at Royal Rumble to add to Styles’ misery.advertisement#WWEChampion @AJStylesOrg’s words may have just come back to haunt him… #SDLive pic.twitter.com/3stUvx5Qud- WWE (@WWE) January 3, 2018It’s sad for ‘The Man who built the house’ has fallen in between Shane and Daniel’s ego tussle — that is going on since Shane’s match with Owens at Hell in a Cell. Zayn helped his friend to everyone’s surprise and allowed him to win the match following which they have been on feud with Shane throughout.Some said that Shane is being vindictive towards them and constantly trying to punish them by putting their jobs in the line. Bryan came in following all that and his actions have come out as the complete opposite.As time goes on, it will be interesting to see what Shane and AJ does next week in reply to Bryan and Owens’ actions on January 3 edition of SmackDown Live but one thing is for sure — this gives the writers enough scope to bring back Bryan into the frame if he is fit to wrestle.ALSO WATCH:
London, Sep 22 (AFP) World heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua may have proclaimed himself “the best in the division” ahead of putting his titles on the line against Russia’s Alexander Povetkin at Wembley Stadium but he also stressed a defeat would not signal the end of his career. The 28-year-old British boxer has won all 21 of his fights since entering the paid ranks, with 20 by way of knockout, although his last title defence, against New Zealand’s Joseph Parker in Cardiff in March, saw him go the distance for the first time as a professional before he secured a unanimous points decision. But Joshua, citing the example of many great boxers, insisted a reverse in front of his home crowd on Saturday would not see him bow out of boxing. – ‘Who am I to go undefeated?’ – “That fear of losing is always there,” Joshua, the International Boxing Federation, World Boxing Association and World Boxing Organisation champion, told reporters at Wembley. “Sugar Ray Robinson, the best fighter of all time, can lose. Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns, Roberto, Duran, Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, (all lost). “So who am I to go undefeated?…I have lost before as an amateur and that didn’t deter me from getting where I am today,” added the London 2012 Olympic champion. When it was put to Joshua that losing would not end his career, he replied: “One hundred percent and I know that it could happen because I know how tough this sport is.” “That’s what I say in boxing, there’s no league one, league two…You are either the best or you’re not.”advertisement Joshua has a significant height and reach advantage of several inches over Povetkin, the 2004 Olympic champion. Friday’s weigh-in also confirmed a significant size difference, with Joshua tipping the scales at 17 stone 8 pounds (111.5 kilogrammes) compared to the 39-year-old Povetkin’s 15st 12lbs. This fight sees Joshua returning to the scene of arguably his greatest triumph, an 11th-round stoppage of former champion Wladimir Klitschko last year. Klitschko is the only man to have inflicted a blemish on Povetkin’s 35-fight record, with a points win back in 2013. Povetkin, however, served notice of his formidable punching power with a sickening knockout of Britain’s David Price on the Joshua-Parker undercard at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium. Nevertheless, Joshua had no doubt his best would be good enough to defeat Povetkin. “Yeah 100 percent,” he said. “I am the best in the division. There is no doubt about it. It’s been proven. There hasn’t been a time in boxing since I’ve been an amateur that I haven’t been on top,” added Joshua, whose management have yet to secure a heavyweight unification fight with World Boxing Council champion Deontay Wilder. – ‘Well is deep’ – Joshua though insisted he was fully focused on the challenge posed by Povetkin. “I’m up against one of the best fighters in the world, he’s a top three fighter in the world, so I have got to be on my A game,” he explained. But Joshua believes the fact he won a gruelling contest against Klitschko would stand him in good stead on Saturday. “Povetkin says he is not the same fighter he was when he lost to Klitschko, he’s stronger,” said Joshua. “I can reflect and say I’m the same. When I fought Klitschko, I thought we would have a good boxing match. You know, two tall guys jab, one-two, one-two hook and I’m probably going to knock him out like I did the rest of the fighters. It turned out to be a completely different kind of night. “Klitschko at the end of his career, he was 39, wanted his hands on the championship belts and he said he was obsessed. “He was probably in good condition, because most fighters are if they train, but he was obsessed. Povetkin, same thing. Back at Wembley at the end of his career, same age, wants his hands on the belts so I have got to be prepared to go through hell and back. “Without that Klitschko fight, I wouldn’t be as prepared as I am now,” Joshua explained. “I think my well is deep, my heart can definitely go through hell and back.” (AFP) AH
London, Oct 7 (IANS) Ryder Cup winning Captain Thomas Bjorn and a member of his European team Thorbjorn Olesen have confirmed as the final two names to join four others including Justin Rose for the action-packed Hero Challenge golf tournament, taking place in Londons iconic Canary Wharf on October 9.The thrilling one-hole shootout will be the prelude to the Sky Sports British Masters at Walton Heath Golf Club and hosted by World Number Two Rose.Joining Bjorn, Olesen and Rose in Canary Wharf will be English duo Andrew Johnston and Matt Wallace as well as the Irish star Paul Dunne.In July, Matt Kuchar triumphed at the last Hero Challenge in the historic setting of Edinburgh Castle on the eve of the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open.Bjorn, who led Team Europe to a stunning 17 – 10 victory at Le Golf National last week, will return to the golf course in a playing capacity for the British Masters and will be making his debut at the Hero Challenge.”The last week has been an incredible one, and a busy one, after The Ryder Cup but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” said Bjorn. “I’m now looking forward to playing again and the Hero Challenge will be a nice way to ease into the week and have some fun before getting back to the business of competing at the Sky Sports British Masters,” he added.This will be the third successive season in which the British Masters will be preceded by the Hero Challenge, the innovative event having made its debut in 2016 at The Grove, won by Alex Levy, before 2017 tournament host Lee Westwood emerged victorious at Close House last year.advertisementWith the support of Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, a further three editions were played in 2017, at the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open, the British Masters and the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai, won by American Patrick Reed, Englishman Lee Westwood and China’s Haotong Li respectively.–IANSKrishnaswamy/kk/sed
If one English ground was designed to test the backbone of the Australian cricket team it is ‘fortress Edgbaston’ where the visitors will be offered a red-hot welcome on Thursday.Raucous Edgbaston is about as far removed from the refined surrounds of Lord’s as it can get — especially the notorious Eric Hollies stand, the spiritual home of England’s vociferous Barmy Army.Australian batsman David Warner, Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft will be assured of some ‘special treatment’ as they return to the test fold after their parts in the sandpaper-gate scandal which resulted in bans.”The one thing that really stands out for Edgbaston is that it can get very loud, very raucous,” Ian Bell, whose home ground is Edgbaston and who played in seven Ashes series, told the Daily Telegraph. “Out of all the grounds that we have, Edgbaston can be quite an intimidating atmosphere for away teams.”Having spoken to some of the Aussies in the past, that it is the one ground that they seem to cop it a little bit more in terms of abuse from the boundary.”It makes it very intimidating for them but brilliant for England.”While Edgbaston’s conditions are tailor-made for England’s swing bowlers, the bearpit atmosphere is perhaps just as an important factor why Australia have not won an Ashes test there since 2001 and why England are unbeaten in their last 11 matches in the leafy part of Birmingham.Chris Millard, managing director of the Barmy Army, believes they are like a 12th man.advertisement”Anything we can do to help the England team succeed, that’s our duty really,” he said, although he does not condone the ritual booing of Warner and Smith during the World Cup.”We never try to step over the line,” he said. “We think we can be witty and funny without that. It’s always about supporting the England team and if we can get under the nerves of the Aussies then we sure will.”Their current favourite song, directed at Australian opener Warner is one sung to the tune of Pink Floyd’s ‘Another Brick in the Wall’ and which goes:”He still needs some educationHe still needs some self controlNo gold sandpaper in his pocketWarner, leave those balls aloneHey, Warner, leave those balls aloneAll in all he’s just another cheat like them all…”Warner is unlikely to flinch and it could actually drive him on to ram the words down the throats of his tormentors.Former England spinner Graeme Swann believes he will not be sledged over the ball-tampering scandal by England’s players.”Listen to the crowd and the singing which will be aimed at Steve Smith and David Warner, it will be raucous, but actually I predict the players in the middle will barely say a word,” Swann, an ambassador for Betfair, said on Wednesday.”Warner is a key wicket but his record is very poor in the Ashes in England. There really isn’t a lot of chirp in international cricket — no matter what people like to think — but if I was bowling, I might whisper his average in this country to him every now and then.”Also Read | Jofra Archer misses out as England announce squad for opening Ashes testAlso Read | Ashes 2019 England vs Australia, Edgbaston Weather Forecast: Will rain play a spoilsport in first Test?Also See:
Neymar ‘What happens on the field is the most important’ – Emery defends Neymar Omnisport Last updated 1 year ago 23:53 11/16/17 FacebookTwitterRedditcopy Comments(0) 
Getty Images Neymar PSG PSG v Nantes Nantes Ligue 1 The Brazil international attacker’s attitude has been criticised by many in the media, but the coach wants to striker to be given a break Paris Saint-Germain head coach Unai Emery insists that the speculation surrounding Neymar should not distract from the Brazilian’s performances on the pitch.The 25-year-old has scored 11 goals in 12 appearances since his world record move from Barcelona, but his time in France has been plagued by speculation that he does not get on with Emery and, more recently, that he could make a move to Real Madrid .Neymar 13/2 to be CL top scorer Article continues below Editors’ Picks Lyon treble & England heartbreak: The full story behind Lucy Bronze’s dramatic 2019 Liverpool v Man City is now the league’s biggest rivalry and the bitterness is growing Megan Rapinoe: Born & brilliant in the U.S.A. A Liverpool legend in the making: Behind Virgil van Dijk’s remarkable rise to world’s best player Neymar was brought to tears at a press conference last week when Brazil boss Tite launched a staunch defence of his superstar striker after speculation over his relationship with Emery was once again brought up.Speaking at his press conference ahead of Saturday’s visit of Nantes, the PSG coach admits that Neymar is still adjusting to life in a new country and that he should be allowed to focus on delivering on the pitch for his new club.”It’s the same for all players who arrive in a new club, with a new staff, new players,” Emery said. “It’s a process and everyone in the club has to make this process easier. With Neymar and the other players, we talk. pic.twitter.com/KJAIuzaQHC — Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) November 6, 2017 “It’s better and, for me, what happens on the field is the most important thing. We are happy, the team is better. All that goes on outside is not the most important. What is important is what happens on the pitch.”He especially wants to be on the pitch. He’s happy when he plays, and I’m the same. We want him to be good with us, to play as he knows how to do, and we all go forward to achieve our goals with him.”When asked if a return to Spain with Real Madrid is likely, Emery responded in emphatic fashion, declaring: “We all want him to stay in Paris and he will stay here.”
“If we can take something from this, that is a giant step for mankind,” Darvish wrote. “Since we are living in such a wonderful world, let’s stay positive and move forward instead of focusing on anger. I’m counting on everyone’s big love.”Gurriel has played in Japan and expressed his remorse after the game. “I did not mean it to be offensive at any point,” Gurriel said. “Quite the opposite. I have always had a lot of respect [for Japan] … I’ve never had anything against Darvish. For me, he’s always been one of the best pitchers. I never had any luck against him. If I offended him, I apologize. It was not my intention.”As for the action on the field, if this lacked the see-saw drama of the Houston Astros’ extra-innings, extraordinary 7-6 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday, the zany tenor made the trip from California to Texas, as the visitors’ sure thing on the mound dissolved into a shambles in what was to be a decisive second inning.Acquired in a trade from the Texas Rangers in July precisely so he could dazzle on nights such as this, Darvish entered the night with a 4-1 career record at Minute Maid Park. He struck out 14 batters and gave up only two runs in 11.1 innings against the Chicago Cubs and Arizona Diamondbacks this month, both wins. And he was rested, having not pitched since 17 October. Perhaps too rested.It was, MLB.com reported, the shortest start of his Major League Baseball career and generated a solitary swing-and-miss in 49 pitches. By the time he trudged off, after one and two-thirds innings, Houston held a four-run advantage that proved enough, just about, for them to take a 2-1 series lead.The warning signs were flashing from the bottom of the first inning, when a George Springer lead-off double was followed by a Jose Altuve fly ball caught on the warning track. Share on Facebook Deadspin (@Deadspin)Yuli Gurriel under fire after gesture made in dugout after homering off Yu Darvish: https://t.co/CoY4gEYRDG pic.twitter.com/TmF1HJNUToOctober 28, 2017 Share via Email US sports World Series 2017 Game 3: Los Angeles Dodgers 3-5 Houston Astros – as it happened Support The Guardian Josh Reddick scorched a daisy-cutting double in the same direction as Gurriel’s homer later in the second inning. A walk to Evan Gattis ensued on a pitch so wayward it threatened to brush the designated hitter’s lumberjack beard. “It looked like he was out of sorts,” Hinch said of Darvish. “He had a hard time landing his slider … when you essentially disregard a pitch, that will go as an advantage to the hitter.” Hinch also credited his own hitters for continuing the momentum after the Game 2 slugfest. “The quality of our at-bats tonight was incredible. That’s more of our identity, that’s more what we’re about,” he said. With a player as accomplished as Darvish struggling so unexpectedly, a sense of misrule enveloped the inning; a mischievous mood of subversion. Every pitch was eminently hittable. Marwin Gonzalez, the home run hero who tied the previous game in the ninth inning, went to bunt after – on the previous pitch – mistiming a swing so mighty that, had he connected, only the stadium’s roof would have stopped the ball from landing somewhere near San Antonio. Gonzalez dispatched a pitch off the centre field wall and Reddick scored; Brian McCann singled to score Gattis, then Gonzalez crossed home plate via an Alex Bregman sacrifice fly. When Altuve came close to another home run, making it six hits on the young night, Darvish was done.In his place, Kenta Maeda muffled the Astros. But a 42-pitch appearance puts his availability in doubt for Saturday’s Game 4, adding pressure to a Los Angeles bullpen that went from automatic to haywire in Game 2. Maeda was one of six pitchers used by LA on Friday.Starting for the Astros, Lance McCullers was solid if touchable; he was a one-man accidental Dodgers rally in the top of the third inning, walking the bases loaded but miraculously only giving up one run after Corey Seager hit into a finely-executed double play.The Astros added another run in the fifth, but McCullers again gave the visitors immediate hope by issuing a lead-off walk to Seager, who would score on a groundout from Yasiel Puig off the relief pitching of Brad Peacock. Justin Turner scored on a wild pitch to Chase Utley, making the score 5-3. Houston loaded the bases in the seventh inning but were unable to extend their lead. With the scores still 5-3 in the top of the night, Hinch made a big call: carry on with Peacock rather than ask Ken Giles, the closer who imploded in Game 2, to come in. It was the right decision: Peacock struck out Puig, removed Utley with ease and then Yasmani Grandal with some difficulty to confirm the victory. Since you’re here… … we have a small favour to ask. More people, like you, are reading and supporting the Guardian’s independent, investigative journalism than ever before. And unlike many news organisations, we made the choice to keep our reporting open for all, regardless of where they live or what they can afford to pay.The Guardian will engage with the most critical issues of our time – from the escalating climate catastrophe to widespread inequality to the influence of big tech on our lives. At a time when factual information is a necessity, we believe that each of us, around the world, deserves access to accurate reporting with integrity at its heart.Our editorial independence means we set our own agenda and voice our own opinions. Guardian journalism is free from commercial and political bias and not influenced by billionaire owners or shareholders. This means we can give a voice to those less heard, explore where others turn away, and rigorously challenge those in power.We hope you will consider supporting us today. We need your support to keep delivering quality journalism that’s open and independent. Every reader contribution, however big or small, is so valuable. Support The Guardian from as little as $1 – and it only takes a minute. Thank you. match reports Topics ダルビッシュ有(Yu Darvish) (@faridyu)pic.twitter.com/2e2JJLg821October 28, 2017 The Japan-born 31-year-old escaped, but Gurriel began the second inning by launching a fastball into the Crawford Boxes above left field. 
Houston Astros Baseball Share on Twitter Share on Messenger Yu Darvish came into the contest with one run conceded in each of his previous two postseason starts and a track record of dominance in Houston. On Friday, things went a lot worse – not only did he have a rough time on the mound, he was also the subject to a racist gesture from the Houston Astros’ Yuli Gurriel.The incident came after Gurriel homered off Darvish, who was born in Osaka to a Japanese mother, in the second inning. Television pictures caught Gurriel making what appeared to be a “slant eye” gesture in the dug-out. Astros manager AJ Hinch said he had been briefed about the incident. “I know he’s remorseful but other than that I don’t know a lot,” he said.On Saturday MLB said Gurriel would be suspended for five games for his actions, but would not serve his ban until the start of next season.Darvish called the gesture “disrespectful”. After the game, he said: “I’m sure the Astros have Asian fans too … He made a mistake. He’ll learn from it. We’re all human beings.” He later tweeted that people should learn from the incident rather than blame Gurriel. Share on WhatsApp Share on Pinterest Reuse this content Los Angeles Dodgers World Series Share on LinkedIn Read more
zoomIllustration. Image Courtesy: Pexels under CC0 Creative Commons license Tanker operator Tsakos Energy Navigation (TEN) has confirmed its plans to construct two new Aframax tankers.The order, placed following the end of the first quarter of 2018, is a part of long-term contracts signed with an undisclosed oil major.TEN informed that the time charter equivalent income of the two new Aframax tankers, over the minimum charter period, equates to about USD 82 million.The company unveiled the order as part of its financial report for the for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018.TEN delivered a net loss of USD 11.9 million for the period, compared to a net income of USD 17.4 million reported in the first quarter of 2017. The company’s voyage revenues were at USD 125.7 million, decreasing from USD 138.2 million seen a year earlier.With 80% of the fleet employed during the first quarter on secured revenue contracts, TEN said it was able “to successfully manage the impact of an exceptionally poor spot market, in which rates, in all categories of vessels, reached historic lows.”“Navigating one of the weakest quarters in recent memory, TEN’s operating strategy of keeping the majority of the fleet on long term contracts significantly benefited our revenues and protected us from the pressure the markets were applying on companies with heavy exposure to the spot market,” George Saroglou, COO of TEN, said.
One of the crew members from the sunken anchor handler tug supply (AHTS) vessel Bourbon Rhode has been confirmed as deceased, according to the latest update from French offshore vessel owner Bourbon.The body of the missing seafarer was located by one of the aircraft involved in the search and has been recovered by one of the five vessels that came to assist. The seafarer’s family was immediately notified and they requested that the identity not be disclosed, the company added.Rescue operations are continuing to find the other 10 crew members, with significant maritime and air search resources deployed by the French and American authorities.“We remain fully mobilized on search operations to find the other missing seafarers,” Gaël Bodénès, Chief Executive Officer of BOURBON Corporation, said.Bourbon Rhode sank in the Atlantic Ocean after developing a water ingress in the rear part when it was hit by a category four hurricane. At the time, the ship was some 1,200 nautical miles off Martinique Island and 60 nautical miles south-south east from the eye of the hurricane Lorenzo in the Atlantic Ocean.Mobilized rescue teams earlier recovered a lifeboat with 3 crew members inside. At the time of the incident there were a total of 14 seafarers aboard Bourbon Rhode.
Tasty treats and unforgettable sights will headline another exciting weekend at Highland Village Museum. Highland Village Museum in Iona, Victora Co., will be holding its codfish supper on Saturday, July 19. Enjoy a traditional Cape Breton codfish meal with all the trimmings, including potatoes, curds, chow, bacon scraps, tea, coffee, biscuits and cookies. The dinner is $15 for adults and $8 for children. Hot dogs are available upon request for $2. The supper will take place from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., rain or shine, in the tuning room. Arrive early and experience the outdoor display of Gaelic life in Nova Scotia. Explore period buildings, visit with costumed interpreters, witness re-enactments of the Gael’s day-to-day activities and enjoy the breathtaking view the Bras d’Or Lakes. For more information on this event or other programs call 902-725-2272 , e-mail highlandvillage@gov.ns.ca, or visit the website at http://highlandvillage.museum.gov.ns.ca .
New Delhi: Claiming that the people are praising the Delhi government for providing free electricity, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party on Wednesday said the opposition BJP is troubled with the popularity of the AAP and its ‘I love Kejriwal’ campaign. Speaking during a public meeting, AAP leader Gopal Rai said the more BJP will oppose the Arvind Kejriwal government, the more people will love Kejriwal. “The statements of the BJP shows that they are troubled with the popularity of AAP and Kejriwal. The ‘I love Kejriwal’ campaign was started by the people. The BJP leaders are troubled that the campaign is becoming popular,” Rai said. He also said that people are happy with the waiver of water bills and also free electricity. “Delhi is with Kejriwal as the people are happy with his work,” Rai added.
SOOKE, B.C. — One teenager has died and another is in critical but stable condition after a tree fell on at least one of them at a camp near the Vancouver Island community of Sooke, B.C.Officials with the Otter Point Volunteer Fire Department say they were called to Camp Barnard after a report that a boy was trapped under a tree.One person was seen being transported by ambulance while rescuers attempted CPR on another person on a nearby river bank.Crews battling a nearby brush fire say winds hit 80 km/h around Sooke.An ambulance helicopter was sent to the area near a hatchery and the BC Coroners Service has been contacted.Camp Barnard offers wilderness camping and a variety of programs for children and young adults. (CTV) The Canadian Press
VANCOUVER — Two southern resident killer whales haven’t been seen for a few months leaving experts worried, not just about the fates of both creatures, but for the future of the entire family of orcas.Just over 70 southern resident killer whales form the single group of exclusively salmon-eating orcas identified as J clan and the family is further divided into three groups, or pods, known as J, K and L. The Centre for Whale Research said in a post that while all other killer whales from the J and K pods have been seen, one member from each pod is missing.“We will continue to look for J17 and K25 in upcoming encounters but the chances of finding them are starting to look a little grim,” the post said.J17 is a female born in 1977 and K25 is a male born in 1991.Martin Haulena, head veterinarian at the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, worries that the failure to spot the two whales underscores the challenges facing all southern resident orcas.“I haven’t lost all hope but things are not looking good right now,” he said.Scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the United States released photos in May taken by a drone that showed J17 had deteriorated in health since she was assessed last fall.She was showing the condition known as “peanut-head,” which indicates a significant loss of fat, or blubber, around the head, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said.Haulena agreed the population is in “huge trouble.” “We’ve been working for a long time now with a number of different partners trying to figure out how we can turn around some of this.”Researchers understand the basic threats to the killer whale population, which include lack of chinook salmon that they depend on, boat noise and noise in general that interferes with their ability to forage, as well as pollution that interferes with their ability to reproduce and fight off disease, Haulena said.“But the actual individual causes of death are probably quite complicated and we’re down to the point where each of these individuals is so, so important. This population is in big trouble for sure.”The possible loss of J17, a 42-year-old female, is especially devastating because females are crucial in the “matriarchal kind” of killer whale society where pods depend on older females for foraging, Haulena said.“A whale from 1977 would be approaching the latter third of a normal, long life. They probably live 60-80 years if things are ideal but still, to lose one of those females that’s older like that would mean a whole lot to younger females,” he said.A new female calf, J56, was reported a few weeks ago but right now there are more animals being lost than being born, he said, adding that calf mortality for cetaceans can be as high as 50 per cent.The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has announced several rules to protect southern resident killer whales off British Columbia’s coast, including requiring ships to stay 400 metres away from whales, closing some salmon fisheries, and implementing initiatives to support habitat protection and restoration of chinook salmon.The killer whale population stands at 73 or 74 because of a couple of births, Haulena said.He believes humans share a bond with orcas because they are air breathing mammals that are social, intelligent and live in families.“I think we relate to them very, very closely,” he said.“Losing something like that, losing an iconic species like that, brings home the whole idea of our entire planet including our oceans being at a tipping point.” Hina Alam, The Canadian Press
Iman Kassam APTN National NewsA group of Dene women is heading out to the resistance camp in North Dakota.They left Thursday morning and hope to be at the Standing Rock camp Saturday.Why the long journey?ikassam@aptn.ca