Google Chrome To Follow More Improvements As It Receives More Updates

Google Chrome’s latest version is a lot faster and even more secure than the previous one, twenty-eight percent faster to be more exact. Chrome’s v56 build is going to be rolled out within the next couple of weeks and the guys from Google stated that the information when reloading the page has completely changed.

The new behavior will ask for fewer validation requests which will save up in terms of bandwidth and computing power, which are two of the major concerns for those who use the Enterprise version of the browser.

Simple Reload

This feature will be added to validate the main resource and continue with a regular page load. Not only does it come with the maximization of cached resources which will only result in lower latency rates but it also comes as a great improvement in terms of reduced power consumption as well as data usage.

Those who use Google Chrome will not only see a “Not Secure” warning shown in the address bar but the guys from Firefox which partnered with Chrome on the security fix will see the feature introduce on their open-source browser as well. Additionally, the Chrome version will add Web Bluetooth API support for Android, Chrome OS as well as macOS in order for sites to interact with devices which showcase a low Bluetooth energy.

Security wise, the new update will bring 51 different security fixes for Windows, macOS and Linux operating systems to make the browser feel and be safer to use. These fixes will show an important change in which information is collected on certain pages regarding banks and accounts by using the HTTP protocol rather than using the more secure, fast and viable HTTPS protocol.

There are a few changes which clearly put Google Chrome atop the browser hierarchy and considering that Google has a wide array of updates planned for its browsing software, we cannot see the scales tilt the other way anytime soon. Google Chrome has stepped up in terms of security and now people can safely browse the internet and make payments online taking into account that Google Chrome is the most secure browser up to date.

Read us at:

http://www.tnhonline.com/2017/02/14/google-chrome-follow-improvements-receives-updates/

Live Polling begins in U.P., Uttarakhand

7% POLLING IN UTTARAKHAND

Polling begins on a slow start due to low temperatures across the State. By the end of the first hour, the poll percentage remained under 7%.

In the first hour the lowest turnout – 3% – was witnessed in Champawat, and the highest turnout of 7% was witnessed in the districts including Almora and Udham Singh Nagar.

RAWAT TO OFFER PRAYERS

Chief Minister Harish Rawat will offer prayers before casting his vote, today. Mr Rawat is contesting from two seats – Haridwar Rural in Haridwar district, and Kichha in Udham Singh Nagar district.

While the Chief Minister hails from the Kumaon hills, he chose to contest the plain seats. By his own admission, Mr. Rawat chose the seats to attract votes for the Congress in the 11 seats in Haridwar district and in the nine seats in Udham Singh Nagar district.

UTTARAKHAND

About 74 lakh electors will cast votes for 628 candidates today. The polls will be conducted on 69 of the 70 seats, since the polls on the Karnaprayag seat have been postponed to March 9.

While there are 10,685 poll booths across the State, 458 booths have been set up in snow covered regions where, the difficult terrain makes the setting up of a poll booth a challenge for the election commission teams.

In the absence of any third forces the main contest is between the Congress and the BJP. However, the BSP is a challenge, especially for the Congress, in the 20 seats of Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar districts.

PHASE 2 IN U.P.

Polling began this morning in 67 Assembly constituencies spread over 11 districts of western Uttar Pradesh figuring in the second phase of voting.

The districts where polling is on amid tight security arrangements are Saharanpur, Bijnor, Moradabad, Sambhal, Rampur, Bareilly, Amroha, Pilibhit, Kheri, Shahjahanpur and Badaun.

14,771 polling centres and 23,693 polling stations have been set up in the districts of Saharanpur, Bijnor, Moradabad, Sambhal, Rampur, Bareilly, Amroha, Pilibhit, Kheri, Shahjahanpur and Badaun and elaborate security arrangements made to ensure free amd fair polling, election officials said.

The campaign ended on Monday evening for the 67 constituencies of western Uttar Pradesh, where voting will be held on Wednesday. The districts going to the polls in this phase include Saharanpur, Bijnor, Moradabad, Sambhal, Rampur, Bareilly, Amroha, Pilibhit, Kheri, Shahjahanpur and Badaun.

BSP had bagged 18 seats last time, BJP 10, Congress three and others two.

Prominent contestants

Prominent contestants include controversial SP minister Azam Khan and his son Abdullah Azam, who are contesting from Rampur and Swar seats respectively, Saif Ali Naqvi, son of former Congress MP Zafar Ali Naqvi, former central Minister Jitin Prasada from Tilhar (Shahjahanpur), BJP Legislature Party leader Suresh Kumar Khanna from Shahjahanpur city and State Minister Mehboob Ali from Amroha.


Read us at:
http://www.thehindu.com/elections/Live-Assembly-Elections-2017-Uttar-Pradesh-phase-2-Uttarakhand-polling/article17304474.ece

‘Raees’ worldwide box-office collection

Shah Rukh Khan's 'Raees' registered an overseas total of USD 13.50 million after third weekend. The film's worldwide collection stands at Rs 267 crore after 17 days, according to a report on boxofficeindia.com.

Also Read: 'Jolly LLB 2' box-office collection Day 4

The Rahul Dholakia-directed film has Shah Rukh playing the role of a bootlegger in Gujarat during the Prohibition Era. Pakistani actress Mahira Khan played SRK's love interest while Nawazuddin Siddiqui essayed the role of a tough-as-nails cop who is out to put an end to Raees' criminal activities. While Mahira couldn't take part in the movie's promotions in India, she addressed a press conference via video chat post the success of the film. Sunny Leone also grooved to 'Laila Main Laila' in the film and the dance number was one of the highlights of the movie.

Shah Rukh Khan celebrated the success of 'Raees' with a bang with Sunny Leone and others. A video press conference was held with Raees' leading lady - Pakistani actress Mahira Khan who could not take part in the movie's promotions. The film however, got banned in Pakistan.

Latest CommentI watched the movie and it was too gud.Thanks King Khan for giving such a action packed movie with brilliant dialogues.I respect all the Khans and also watched their movies but King is King but I don... Read MoreK Khan

The makers of the film have released a behind-the-scenes video that shows all that went into the making of the January release. Shah Rukh shared the video on his Twitter account. From Shah Rukh's costumes to the pair of glasses that he wears in the film - the team had extensive discussions before zeroing in on his look. The video also sees SRK in his off-duty avatar as he enjoys a round of gully cricket between shots. While Nawazuddin Siddiqui talks about how he found a perfect balance with SRK, the film's leading lady Mahira Khan too reveals how SRK was one of the best co-stars she could have asked for. Watch Raees making video here ...

Read us at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/box-office/raees-worldwide-box-office-collection/articleshow/57144603.cms

Infosys board is a big letdown: Former CFO V Balakrishnan

It was a very disappointing press conference. If you look at the severance given to the ex-CFO, the key question was when contract says three months’ notice period and Rajiv (Bansal) has served the notice period, where is the need to pay enhanced compensation. 

An October 2015 press release says Rajiv has resigned; he has not been terminated. So, when you have resigned, there is no need for a generous compensation. So the core issue has not been addressed. 

When it came to (former general counsel) David Kennedy, the chairman said there is an employment contract and there is a severance in the contract; then we have to honour the contract. Even with Rajiv’s severance, that is a contract. But you are not honouring that. Why did you stop the payment if that is fine? Even the investigation report (on Bansal’s severance), they should put it out in the public domain. 

That is the highest level of corporate governance. I think they have not addressed the core issues. 

See there is a trust deficit between the board and the top shareholders. These corporate governance issues have been raised over months and they have not been addressed properly. I think there should be accountability. 

If you make a mistake, you should stand up before the public and accept it. Say you made a mistake, fix accountability and move on. 

The accountability for the board lies with the chairman. That is why we have said that the chairman should be replaced. I think the same things they have been saying for long have been said in better English in the press conference. Nothing has been addressed. We don’t know what has happened. 

Any professional board will take the people who were involved in those decisions out of the investigation and give it to a new set of people, who can independently review this and come with a conclusion. 

The board knew about all of this and these allegations are in the public. It is better for the chairman to step down and get a new interim chairman who was not part of the decision at the time — maybe (DN) Prahlad — because Prahlad was not part of these decisions at the time and let him do a proper, independent investigation. Let him do a forensic audit and put everything in the public domain and close it once and for all. 

Read more at:

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/57160314.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

Syria talks delayed due to `technical reasons`: Kazakhstan

Astana: Kazakhstan said on Wednesday a new round of Astana talks on the Syria conflict led by Russia, Turkey, and Iran scheduled to begin February 15 would be delayed by a day due to unexplained "technical reasons".

"The negotiations have been moved to February 16 for technical reasons," a spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told AFP by telephone without elaboration.

A subsequent statement from the foreign ministry said the talks would begin at 0600 GMT on Thursday.

The "closed format" negotiations come after representatives from Damascus and the armed opposition failed to make a breakthrough at indirect talks in the city in January.

The meeting -- pushed by key regime supporter Moscow -- is viewed as a warm-up for UN-led negotiations on the protracted war that are due to begin in Geneva on February 23.

While Kazakh officials said they invited both the Syrian government and rebels for the new talks, several of the regime opponents who took part in the previous Astana talks told AFP that they have not received invitations.

Damascus has confirmed it will be represented again by its ambassador to the UN, Bashar al-Jaafari.

Russia is sending presidential envoy Alexander Lavrentiev while Iran said it is dispatching deputy foreign minister Hossein Jaberi Ansari.

UN envoy on Syria Staffan de Mistura said he would not participate personally in the latest Astana meeting but that his office would be represented by a "technical team".

Jordan will also be represented by a "high level delegation" government spokesman Mohamed Momani said.

The Astana initiative has left the West on the sidelines of the latest push to end the war in Syria that has claimed more than 300,000 lives since 2011.

Moscow has invited the US to participate as an observer but the State Department has yet to confirm Washington will be involved.

Talks are likely to focus on bolstering a shaky ceasefire on the ground after Moscow, Tehran and Ankara agreed to establish a "mechanism" aimed at ensuring the truce.

The Geneva negotiations are expected to be wider-ranging, focussing on the key issues that divide the government and rebel sides, including the fate of President Bashar al-Assad.

Russia and Iran have helped turn the tables on the ground with their military backing for Assad, while Turkey has supported rebels fighting to oust the strongman.

Isro sets history, launches 104 satellites in one go

SRIHARIKOTA: India scripted a new chapter in the history of space exploration on Wednesday with the successful launch of a record 104 satellites by Isro's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) in a single mission.

PSLV-C37 carrying the 104 satellites lifted off from the first launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 9.28am. It was PSLV's 39th flight.

Seventeen minutes later, the rocket started placing the satellites into orbit, one by one with a time-frame of about 11 minutes.

Out of the total 104 satellites placed in orbit, 101 satellites belonged to six foreign countries. They included 96 from the US and one each from Israel, the UAE, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Kazakhstan.

PSLV first injected its main payload Cartosat- 2 series, India's indigenously built earth observation satellite. It was followed by two other nanosatellites of Isro ---- INS-1A and INS-1B.

It then took less than 10 minutes for the rocket to spew out 101 passengers, which are all foreign nanosatellites, as it travelled up in altitude reaching the polar sun synchronous orbit.

Russian Space Agency held a record of launching 37 satellites in one go during its mission in June 2014. India previously launched 23 satellites in a single mission in June 2015.

Satellites

Equipped with panchromatic and multispectral cameras, the 664kg Cartosat -2 will provide remote sensing services similar to that of its predecessors.

Images from the satellite will be used for cartographic applications, urban and rural applications, coastal land use and regulation, utility management like road network monitoring, water distribution, creation of land use maps, change detection to bring out geographical and manmade features and various other land information system (LIS) and geographical information system (GSI) applications.

Read us at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/isro-sets-history-launches-104-satellites-in-one-go/articleshow/57159734.cms

YouTube App Now Allows You to Go Back or Forward in Videos by Double Tapping

YouTube seems to be focused on needs of mobile users as after introducing higher resolution video options on its iPhone app last month, it has now made it easier for mobile users to navigate through videos. Now, users can move 10 seconds forward or backward in any video, irrespective of whether the app is in full-screen mode or not, by tapping twice on the right or left side of the screen respectively.

While the feature has been reported by several Redditors on iOS as well as Android version of the app, it is still not available for everyone as of now, as per a report by The Next Web. Even though it is not clear when exactly this feature was introduced to the app, it is likely that it came along with the latest update last week. YouTube app's version 12.04 update on iOS further allows users to control videos from the lock screen while casting to Chromecast devices, smart TVs, game consoles, or any other living room devices with the app.

YouTube for iOS users also get Play/Pause, Prev/Next and volume controls on the lock screen and Control Center as well with the latest update. If the feature has not shown up for you, make sure that you update your app to the latest version from respective app store.

We can say from personal experience that till now, navigating through videos on YouTube's mobile app was a complex and cumbersome task that required a delicate touch on the video timeline, especially on small-screen devices. This new navigation method is likely to come as a respite for most users who had to struggle while browsing through their favourite videos until now.

Air Force declines to share details on Rafale deal

Details of the agreement signed between Indian and French authorities regarding supply of 36 Rafale aircraft cannot be disclosed as they are confidential in nature, the Air Force has said.

An Inter-Governmental Agreement was signed between the governments of India and France on September 23, 2016 for supply of the Rafale aircraft, initial consignment of weapons, long-term maintenance support through performance-based logistics, simulators with annual maintenance and associated equipment.

Replying to an RTI query, the Air Force said the details are held by it in fiduciary capacity.

The information sought is confidential in nature and public revelation of the same may lead to its subsequent availability to our adversaries, it said.

"Further, the information sought is also held in fiduciary capacity and no larger public interest is served by disclosure of such information. Hence, the same is denied," the Air Force said in reply to the application filed by

Read us at:

http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report-air-force-declines-to-share-details-on-rafale-deal-2312526

Ankasamudra Lake is now a bird reserve

BENGALURU: A haven for thousands of migratory birds and hundreds of species, Ankasamudra Lake, just 1 km away from the Tungabhadra backwaters, has been declared a ‘Birds Conservation Reserve’ as per Section 36 A of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. This will be the first such reserve in the Hyderabad-Karnataka region.

As per the government order dated January 31, the Ankasamudra Birds Conservation Reserve will be located in Ankasamudra village, Hagaribommanahalli taluk in Ballari. Spread across 244 acres, it will comprise the entire tank bund area in Survey no. 203 in this village but excludes enclosures and patta lands.

What makes it a reserve?

This has been declared as a reserve for its ecologicy, fauna, flora and geo-morphologic importance and for the purpose of protecting, propagating and developing wildlife or its environment and to protect the important breeding habitats of migratory birds and other local species.

The tank bund area is a unique habitat of migratory birds and other species which are listed in various schedules of Wildlife Protection Act. The order says the birds are under threat of poaching, destruction of nests and eggs and so there is a need to protect the habitats of both resident and migratory species.

Bird conservationist Vijay Ittigi who has been documenting them for the last 4-5 years, said, “There are 175 species (of bird)and even 11 species from the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List in and around Ankasamudra. Unfortunately, trees are being cut. Further, encroachment in the upstream areas of the lake results in drying up of the lake. There is a need to put a 250 hp motor to draw water from the Venkavadoota Yeta Neeravari so that the lake has water for birds.”

Big step for bird conservation

Speaking to Express, Takhat Singh Ranawat, Ballari deputy conservator of forests, said the notification of the bird reserve is a big step in the protection of migratory birds as the tank bund area has a good growth of trees and an excellent site for breeding and roosting.

He added, “It is a safe sanctuary for many species. We will now work towards providing a safe habitat. The only challenge will be during the drought years as the tank dries up. We will look for alternatives so that the birds can get on with their nesting and roosting activities.”

Read us at:

http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2017/feb/05/ankasamudra-lake-is-now-a-bird-reserve-1567162.html

ICC Board To Pass Structural Changes Despite BCCI Opposition

New Delhi:


The majority of the ICC Board members on Saturday voted in favour of restructured revenue sharing model despite vehement opposition from the BCCI representative Vikram Limaye. According to highly placed sources, India only got support from Sri Lanka while Zimbabwe abstained when the matter was put to floor test. Pakistan, New Zealand, South Africa, West Indies, England and Australia all voted in favour of change in revenue distribution as well as change in governance structure.

The ICC Board on Saturday met to discuss the changes pertaining to revenue model where India, England and Australia were supposed to get the major share of revenue as the 'Big Three' -- a move that was opposed by other Test playing nations, and also by England and Australia themselves.

On Saturday, Limaye who had the first look at the official 'base document', expressed his apprehension terming it a model based on "faith and equity".

"I had clearly told BOARD that I cannot support the official base document which is based on faith and equity. The members and chairman were sympathetic that we have just taken charge and I would need time to study the document," Limaye told PTI from Dubai.

"The chairman Mr (Shashank) Manohar said that they have been waiting for months. The matter was put to vote and I have voted against these changes. It has been recorded in the minutes. It won't be appropriate for me to say who all voted in favour," Limaye said.

The ICC will pass the resolution during it's April Board meeting.

While the BCCI is expected to still gain more than Rs. 2000 crore, it can be surely said that commercial hub of cricket faced stiff opposition from the majority of the board members.

While seasoned investment banker Limaye in between now and April can spot the anomalies in official base document, it is unlikely that the ICC Board led by Manohar would accept those changes.

The ICC also issued a statement confirming the "in principle" agreement to the constitutional and financial changes to the world body.

The Chief Executives Committee agreed to a consistent use of DRS in all international cricket, including during the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, and to use the review system in World T20s going ahead (one review per side).

A full implementation plan on the use of DRS will be considered by the ICC Cricket Committee in May before approval in June 2017 for roll-out from October 2017.

Read us at:

https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/icc-board-to-pass-structural-changes-despite-bcci-opposition-1656079

Personal I-T base must widen before corporate tax is cut, says Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia

Citing the constraint of Budget, Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia said that a reduction in corporate tax is a challenge and cannot be done unless there is an increase in share of personal income tax. “We said we would love to do it for everyone. But we have the constraint of Budget,” he said, adding that the challenge is to get the resources.

“Unless we increase our spread of personal income tax, unless we have more people coming forward and filing the exact detail of income, it’s a challenge for us. That’s what we are trying to do,” Adhia said at a post-Budget interaction held by FICCI.

The biggest challenge is to increase the share of the personal income tax in the total kitty. “It is abysmally low. If you take the share of GDP, it is only coming to 2 per cent. This would probably be the lowest in the world. 2 per cent of GDP coming from PIT is very very surprising,” Adhia said.

A 1 per cent cut in corporate income tax rate from the current 30 per cent will cost Rs 18,000-19,000 crore in revenues, Adhia said.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, in his Budget speech in February 2015, had announced reduction of the corporate tax rate to 25 per cent from 30 per cent in a phased manner over the next four years starting 2015-16, accompanied by fewer exemptions. He further said that the profile of personal income tax payments does not match with the consumption profile.

“How is it possible that out of only 76 lakh people showing income of more than Rs 5 lakh in the country, 56 lakh are salaried people? We need to do something about it and it’s a big challenge for us,” he said.

To attract companies to set up new manufacturing units, last year’s Budget had reduced tax rate for such companies to 25 per cent.

Industry representatives raised concerns about the applicability of the Budget announcement of 5 percentage point cut in corporate tax to 25 per cent for businesses with a turnover of up to Rs 50 crore for new companies formed last year. Adhia said that the department may need to examine the wordings of the law, though new companies of last year are likely to be accorded the benefit.

On the other Budget proposal regarding levying of a penalty for delay in filing bill of entry by importers, Adhia said a relaxation could be given for a certain time frame after examining the suggestion.

The average time for filing a bill of entry is 2-3 days by an importer, as per government estimates, S. Ramesh, member, central excise and service tax, ministry of finance, said. He added that importers could file advance bill of entry for imports to avoid clogging at ports.

Ruling out rollback of the proposal to restrict tax incentive for second home to Rs 2 lakh per annum, Adhia said there is no point in subsidising purchase of second property by those who have surplus funds.

He said it is prudent to subsidise first-time buyer and not the second property owner who is not staying in that but earning income from the second unit.

The Finance Bill, 2017, proposes to restrict such set-off of house property loss to Rs 2,00,000 per annum only. Balance loss, if any, will be carried forward to be set off against house property income of subsequent 8 years.

Under the present dispensation, there is no such limit for set-off of loss from house property, which is mainly the difference between the rental income and interest on home loan.

“Government resources are very very limited. The question is should the government be subsidising first-time homeowners who are occupying own house or should the government be subsidising the second acquisition of the property by people who have got surplus money to invest in real estate,” Adhia said.

Android 7.1.2 Nougat Will Let You Decide Where to Set a Live Wallpaper

Android 7.1.2, Google's latest maintenance release for Android Nougat, was released to compatible devices merely few days back and new features from the new build are slowly being reported. The latest in the series is a feature that many Android users have been waiting for years to arrive. With Android 7.1.2, Android users will be able to opt where they want to put the live wallpaper, as in, on the home screen or on both the home screen and lock screen. Unfortunately, earlier Android versions by default applied live wallpapers to both home screen and lock screen. The new feature was first reported by Droid-Life.

A recent report said that Android 7.1.2 also introduced the fingerprint 'swipe for notifications' gesture to Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P smartphones. The feature was first available only on Pixel devices. The new feature for the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P can be found in the Settings menu under Moves and can be enabled. The swipe for notifications gesture lets you open the notification panel just by swiping down on the fingerprint sensor at the back.

Google recently released the public beta of the Android 7.1.2 Nougat update to eligible devices enrolled in the Android Beta Program. The company claimed that the update is focused on fixing a number of bugs and also brings optimisations. The latest Android 7.1.2 Nougat update will be initially available to Pixel and Pixel XL, Nexus 5X, Nexus Player, and Pixel C devices while the company has confirmed that an update for Nexus 6P can be expected to be released soon. The final release of the Android 7.1.2 Nougat is expected to be made available in a couple of months. Same as the beta update, the final release will be available to Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player, and Pixel C devices.

Read us at:

http://gadgets.ndtv.com/mobiles/news/android-7-1-2-nougat-will-let-you-decide-where-to-set-a-live-wallpaper-1655744

Voting begins: All of Punjab, Goa today

Fighting for a third term and versus first-time AAP, Akalis have back to the wall

“WE HAVE always been Akalis, and will remain Akalis,” said a man outside a store as Congress workers streamed past for a rally that AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhi was coming to address in this village on Thursday.

Sitting next to him, his friend smiled enigmatically, before others in the group pointed to him and said: “He is a Congressman.” A young man cut in: “Let them say whatever they want. Chalna tau jhadoo hi hai (AAP’s symbol broom will hold sway).”

In Akali stalwart Parkash Singh Badal’s fiefdom, where Punjab Congress leader Amarinder Singh is taking on the Chief Minister in a contest billed as Saturday’s “mahayuddh”, this casual exchange between Lambi village.

Even a few hours before Punjab starts voting Saturday in the 117-seat Vidhan Sabha election, the race, the first three-cornered one in the state — between the SAD-BJP alliance, the Congress and new entrant AAP — is proving tough even for pollsters to predict.

Voter resentment against the ruling alliance is high and, despite every effort by SAD president and Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal to ensure a “hat trick”, their return to power for a third term seems unlikely.

Even here in Lambi, which Chief Minister Badal has nurtured over so many years, Amarinder is putting up a tough fight, and AAP’s Jarnail Singh has made inroads.

Many homes in the village are flying Congress flags. “The Akalis have destroyed my son, he is a drug addict. He will vote for Akali. But many of us women in Lambi have decided to vote for Congress,” said Sharmeet Kaur.

Her daughter-in-law is a qualified teacher, but did not get a government job. “We had to start a tuition centre at home so she wouldn’t waste her qualification,” said Sharmeet.

The easy availability of narcotic drugs, widespread addiction and unemployment have been the big issues this election. Corruption, the government’s failure to solve the incidents of desecration of the Guru Granth Sahib, a perceived breakdown of law and order, agrarian distress, and the “Badalisation” of Akali Dal have also created an anti-incumbent sentiment.

Read us at:

http://indianexpress.com/elections/punjab-assembly-elections-2017/voting-begins-punjab-elections-goa-polls-congress-bjp-aap-sad-bjp-4506909/

Social Trade scam: How 7 lakh people duped of Rs 3,700 crore by Noida-based firm in online fraud

NOIDA: UP Special Task Force has busted a gang of fraudsters, who through an online portal ‘socialtrade.biz’ allegedly duped nearly 7 lakh people of Rs 3,700 crore. The people were cheated under a scheme named Social Trade.

The online fraud was unearthed when a team of STF raided the office of a Noida-based 3W Digital Private Limited in sector 63 on Wednesday.

The company’s Director Anubhav Mittal and his two accomplices –Shridhar Prasad and Mahesh Dayal, were arrested by a UP Police’s Special Task Force (STF) after complaints were registered against the company at Noida Phase 3 and Surajpur police stations in Greater Noida.

According to police, the accused duped people on pretext of providing digital marketing solutions and had collected money from as many as 7 lakh people under this ponzi scheme.

The accused used to run a portal ‘socialtrade.biz’ under which an investor had to pay anything between Rs 5,750 to Rs 57,500 in the company’s account to become the member and earn Rs 5 per click.

The portal was launched in August 2015 and offered four different ‘packages’ to the investors to earn money.

After paying the money to the company, the investors were asked to like pages and click on the links they were sent.

The company claimed it earned Rs 6 for every click and gave Rs 5 of it to the investors. However, the links sent by the company were fake, police said.

The firm was registered under the name of Ablaze Info Solutions Pvt Ltd. in Noida and the accused used to constantly change the portal’s name.

Anubhav Mittal, who is said to be the kingpin, holds a B.Tech degree and hails from Ghaziabad. Prasad is from Visakhapatnam and Dayal is from Mathura in Uttar Pradesh.

It's official: Apple will make iPhones in India at Bengaluru facility

Bengaluru: It's official. Apple will soon have `Made in India' iPhones, and they will come out of a factory in Bengaluru. The Karnataka government on Thursday issued a release welcoming Apple's proposal "to commence initial manufacturing operations" in the state. TOI was the first to report, in December, that Apple had finalized Bengaluru as the assembling location, but officials in neither Apple nor the government were then willing to confirm the development.

The release, signed by state IT minister Priyank Kharge, said Apple's intentions to manufacture in Bengaluru "will foster cutting edge technology ecosystem and supply chain development in the state, which are critical for India to compete globally." Though it did not provide a timeline, production is expected to begin in June.

India will be only the third country globally to assemble iPhones, an indication of how important the country has become for one of the world's most valued companies.

The release said state ministers and officials had met with several senior Apple executives including Cupertino-based Priya Balasubramaniam, VP - iPhone operations, Dheeraj Chugh, director - iPhone operations, and Ali Khanafer, senior manager - government affairs (India and Middle East).

Taiwanese company Wistron, an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of Apple, will make the iPhones out of its facility in the city's industrial hub of Peenya. In December, Apple had published job openings on its portal for several positions at its OEM in Bengaluru, including an iPhone operations program manager whose responsibility would involve leading the OEM operations team, managing component readiness, ensuring parts availability, quality and collaborating with cross-functional supply chain teams.

The government said discussions are on with Apple for collaborations in other areas too. It did not specify what these areas are, but the government is said to be pushing for manufacture of some phone components too, so as to create a manufacturing ecosystem in the city.

In May, Apple had announced a design and development accelerator in the city to grow the iOS developer community and also guide Indian developers to leverage Apple's programming language Swift and build apps for Apple TV and Apple Watch.

"We made concerted efforts to reach out to Apple directly. We want to create a conducive environment for global majors like Apple so that we emerge as their preferred partner in their India growth story," Kharge told TOI. Gujarat, Maharasthra and Telangana too were competing for the Apple facility.

Apple uses a fairly complex supply chain. The parts for the iPhone, iPad, iPod and Mac are manufactured, mostly by third parties, across 28 countries. It has 766 suppliers, of which 346 are based in China, 126 in Japan, and 69 in the US. There is one in India, a unit of Flextronics in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu.

"There is no component ecosystem in the country besides what Samsung has done in India. With Apple's China sales slowing down, it's opportunity India, and Apple might look at a different SKU, distribution and sourcing model to make it affordable to millions of aspiring customers," said Navkendar Singh, senior research manager - mobile devices research, India and South Asia, in research firm IDC.

Vishal Tripathi, research director in Gartner, said the move to assemble in Bengaluru is a good starting point that positions India as a strong alternative site to China and Taiwan that have been strongholds in manufacturing. "It has put India in a different stead," he said.

Read us at:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/its-official-apple-will-make-iphones-in-india-at-bengaluru-facility/articleshow/56944302.cms

Rupee opens 2 paise higher at 67.35 against dollar

NEW DELHI: The rupee advanced for the eighth straight session and opened 2 paise higher at 67.35 against dollar on Friday. Sustained selling of American currency by banks and exporters supported the currency this week.

Meanwhile, the domestic equity market opened on a flat note on Friday following mixed global cues. The 30-share BSE Sensex opened 44.06 per cent, or 0.16 points, up at 28,270.67, while NSE Nifty opened 0.90 points, or 0.01 per cent, up at 8,735.15.

Nirmal Bang Commodities in a research note said, “Rupee is expected to trade with a sideways movement later in the day on Friday. Trading in the expected intraday range of 67.45 – 67.70 is recommended.”

Foreign portfolio investors stood net buyerRs in domestic equity market on Thursday as they bought shares worth Rs 74.78 crore with gross purchases and gross sales of Rs 5,476.36 crore and Rs 5,401.58 crore, respectively, according to depository NSDL.

The local currency on Thursday closed 10 paise higher at 67.37 against dollar.

According to ICICIDirect.com, the rupee posted yet another session of gains on Thursday supported by a lower than-expected populist Union budget for FY18. Domestic equity markets continued to post higher gains supporting the rupee amid a soft dollar against major currencies.

Government bonds ended higher on Thursday, as the government aimed to maintain fiscal consolidation, outlined in the Union Budget, triggered by hopes of a rate cut by the Monetary Policy Committee next week. The benchmark 6.97% 2026 bond yield fell to 6.40 per cent from 6.43 per cent the previous day.

Read us at:

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/forex/rupee-opens-2-paise-higher-at-67-35-against-dollar/articleshow/56947308.cms

Karnataka Announces 'Initial Manufacturing Operations' of Apple in India but No Deal Yet

The government of Karnataka said on Thursday it welcomed a proposal from Apple tobegin initial manufacturing operations in the state, in a sign the tech company is slowly moving forward with plans to assemble iPhones in the country.

"Apple's intentions to manufacture in Bengaluru will foster cutting edge technology eco system and supply chain development in the state, which are critical for India to compete globally," the government of the south Indian state said in a statement.

"Apple's decision on initial manufacturing in Bengaluru has further enhanced the reputation of Bengaluru as the most preferred destination for foreign investment and further validation of the State Government Policies aimed at fostering manufacturing, innovation and investments in Karnataka," the statement added.

Late on Thursday evening, Priyank Kharge, Information and Technology Minister for Karnataka, said on Twitter, "Glad to announce initial manufacturing operations of the world's most valued company: Apple, in Karnataka". However, by Friday morning, the minister had deleted the said tweet.

Read us at:

http://gadgets.ndtv.com/mobiles/news/karnataka-announces-initial-manufacturing-operations-of-apple-in-india-but-no-deal-yet-1655568

How to download Fire Emblem Heroes on Android and iOS

        Release day for Nintendo’s Fire Emblem Heroes arrived this week in an odd array of countries – the United States not included. As luck would have it, though, we’ve been able to download and load the game – and play the game – on our Android smartphone this afternoon. This is regardless of its Google Play Store status – but we’re still waiting on the first release for iTunes for iOS devices.

          This is one of the first (of many) big moves by Nintendo to make the year 2017 a successful run. Alongside this release is the recent reveal of Super Mario Run, a game that allows only part of it’s self to be played without cash. Lucky us, the game Fire Emblem Heroes for Android and iOS is a free game – just so long as we’re OK with being able to purchase new heroes down the line.

That is to say – the game is free, the levels and battles are free. The game’s “Shop” allows users to Purchase Orbs, Upgrade Castle, Restore Stamina, Restore Dueling Swords, and Expand Barracks. Similar to Clash Royale, this game lets those addicted to playing to play non-stop forever, for cash. Without cash, there’s a little waiting involved.

        That’s the “Stamina” coming in to play. And just like Clash Royale, the game is so extremely entertaining to play, it’s difficult to avoid the WANT part of this equation. Something about using swords and bows and arrows to fight tiny chibi cuties against one another – that’s what does it.

In addition to restoring one’s ability to play continuously, users are able to purchase Orbs which allow users to advance their team of fighters. Orbs summon Heroes, stone colors show hero type, and summoning more Heroes gives the user the ability to get more orbs. It’s a vicious cycle.

         For iOS users, head to the iTunes App Store right now to see whether the game is available for iPhone and/or iPad. As of publishing time for this article, the game is still restricted to several countries outside of the USA. That link to the iTunes App Store will be the one true place to get the game when the time comes.

        For Android users, head over to APK Mirror to download. We do not and can not hold responsibility for the download and loading of this app outside of Google Play. That said, I’ve personally tested this APK to load the game on a Google Pixel XL – and it works fantastic.

Read us at:
https://www.slashgear.com/how-to-download-fire-emblem-heroes-on-android-and-ios-02473666/

Amazon warns of lower operating income

Amazon.com Inc. forecast an unexpected dip in operating profit for the current quarter, sending shares down more than 4 percent due to concerns about the costs of investments including new warehouses and video content.

The world’s largest online retailer also reported lower-than-expected fourth-quarter revenue and missed Wall Street targets for its closely watched cloud computing unit.

The Seattle-based company is spending heavily to take greater control of its delivery systems as well as expanding its video service around the world. Key to its plan is to entice sign-ups for Amazon Prime, its $99-per-year shopping club, which has led to users buying more goods, more often.

“The story is an investment story,” said Amazon Chief Financial Officer Brian Olsavsky on a conference call with reporters, noting “stepped-up” spending levels have continued into 2017.

That pace of investment has sometimes concerned investors.

“Low cost and fast delivery are a fundamental part of Amazon’s appeal to consumers. However, they are also its Achilles’ heel,” said GlobalData Retail analyst Anthony Riva in a note, warning of potential “profit erosion” this year.

Sales in the first quarter will have a tough comparison to the year prior, he added, when foreign exchange rates were more favorable and the Feb. 29 leap day gave shoppers an extra 24 hours to spend.

The just-ended holiday season was Amazon’s best-ever, the company has said. It was a heavily promotional period for Amazon, Olsavsky said, though he did not comment on how discounts compared with prior years.

Net sales for Amazon rose 22.4 percent to $43.74-billion (U.S.) in the fourth quarter, compared with the average analyst estimate of $44.68-billion, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

India vs England, 3rd T20I: Yuzvendra Chahal's wily leg spin left visitors with no answers

There is no place that is more synonymous with cricketing carnage than the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore. It was here that Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers scored 229 runs in 16 overs at last year’s IPL. It was here in 2013 that Chris Gayle scored a world record 175 not out from 66 balls. But before Wednesday’s match, there had not been a score in excess of 200 in international T20s on the ground. India put that right as they made their way to 202 for six, a total that they reached without too much trouble.

But the damage wasn’t done with the bat in Bengaluru this time, the real chaos was caused by Yuzvendra Chahal who claimed the third best bowling figures in the history of T20 internationals. He finished his four overs with 6 for 25, which in itself is pretty remarkable, but that wasn’t the most extraordinary thing about England’s innings.

The game was in the balance, England were looking pretty good at 119 for two with Joe Root and Eoin Morgan well set in the 14th over. They required around 12 an over, a rate that was tough but very achievable. From there, they lost eight wickets for eight runs, five of those falling to Chahal who tied England into knots with his wily leg spin.

It was a risky move to play both Chahal and Amit Mishra on a ground that has been brutal on spinners in the past, but it was those two men that turned the course of this match. Captain Kohli introduced Suresh Raina into the attack for the 12th over and he was pummelled for 22 runs to give England the upper hand. It was from there that Chahal and Mishra turned the match for India and then ripped it forcibly from England’s grasp.

First, Mishra bowled an over that went for just three runs and should have brought about the wicket of Root had a simple chance not been put down at backward point by Yuvraj Singh. Then Chahal took the wickets of both Root and Morgan in the space of two balls, Morgan with a googly and Root with a ball that came out of the front of the hand and pinned him lbw. Chahal’s variations were well chosen and brilliantly executed and England had no answers.

Much will be made or Root’s innings. At the Chinnaswamy chasing 203 to win making 42 from 37 balls is a poor effort. Combined with his prosaic run-a-ball innings of 38 in the last match there are some that suggest Root does not have the power for T20. This is not the case. At the World T20 in India last year Root scored at a strike rate of 146, the same as Kohli managed at that event. But he lost his way in the last two games, almost seeming to want to over hit the ball, rather than relying on his great strength — timing.

The real reason for England’s defeat was not Root scoring too slowly, it was that they came up against their greatest enemy, a leg-spinner in Asian conditions. Once Chahal had them in his thrall the game was over. England went down swinging, which with the run rate raising was perhaps understandable, but it was embarrassing and comedic.

While 202 was a decent score, and as it turned out a winning one, India looked set for an even bigger total when KL Rahul started showing the form that saw him make a match-winning 71 in the previous match. He had made 22 when he was bowled by Ben Stokes when he went for a big shot into the legside.

So much of the coverage between the last match and this has been about poor umpiring. Chettithody Shamshuddin had a tough game when he officiated in Nagpur on Sunday, with the England team very disappointed with his decision to give Joe Root out lbw in the final over when the ball had clearly come off the inside edge. Shamshuddin withdrew himself from the firing line, citing fitness issues, but the issue of umpiring errors still lingering in the air when this match got underway. With that in mind it was all the more disappointing when the umpires missed a clear no ball from Stokes for the Rahul wicket.

Some bitter-sweet memories of the Chennai Super Kings were brought to mind during the partnership between Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni. The CSK stalwarts put on 55 for the third wicket, not the highest stand but the one that had the most impact in pushing India on towards 200, as both men went on to half centuries.

Samsung to create new C series of premium smartphones in India

KOLKATA:
Samsung is going to create new series of premium smartphones in India which will be christened as the C series which industry analysts said will help it to consolidate its market share in the premium segment over rival Apple and also ward off the growing Chinese competition.

The country's largest mobile phone marker on Wednesday announced its entry into the C series smartphones which will be hardware rich and operates at Rs 30,000 plus positioned between the flagship S series and mid segment A series. It will launch the first model,C9 Pro in February, the second market after china where it is going to be launched, said Samsung India vice president Manu Sharma said.

Industry executives said Samsung and Apple are the two dominant leaders in the Rs. 30,000
plus smartphones segment and keenly contest for leadership in the Indian market. They said the C series will help Samsung to gain an edge over Apple. As per estimates, the 30,000 plus handset segment accounts for 25% of the Indian smartphone market by value and around 5-6% by volume.

Read more at:
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/56649099.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst