The special court of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has issued a ‘contempt of court’ notice to three RJD leaders, including the son of Lalu Prasad Yadav, and Congress leader Manish Tiwari.

Leader of the Opposition in Bihar Assembly Tejashwi Yadav, party vice-president Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, RJD leader Shivanand Tiwari, and Congress spokesperson Manish Tiwari were issued notices for making comments against the 23 December verdict on of the fodder scam cases by the court.

All four have been issued notices as the court found their comments on the verdict as contemptuous, said Prabhat Kumal legal counsel for Lalu Yadav.

On Wednesday, the CBI court in Ranchi deferred the quantum of punishment for RJD Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and 15 other convicts in one of the fodder scam cases for Thursday.

The court deferred the matter in wake of demise of advocate Vindeshwari Parsad.

The special CBI court had convicted Lalu on December 23 but co-accused and former Bihar Chief Minister Jagannath Mishra was let off in the case pertaining to embezzlement of over Rs. 85 lakh from the Deoghar Treasury between 1991 and 1994.

Also read: All you need to know about fodder scam and its Lalu Yadav link

The former Bihar Chief Minister, is lodged in Ranchi’s Birsa Munda Central Jail.

A total of 17 accused including Lalu were pronounced guilty by the court while six were let off.

The RJD chief Lalu Yadav has already been convicted in another fodder scam case pertaining to the fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 37.70 crore from the Chaibasa district treasury when Bihar was an undivided state.

The conviction cost Lalu his Lok Sabha seat and he was disqualified him from contesting elections. The Supreme Court granted him bail in December 2013.

Hearing of one of the cases in the multi-million fodder scam case was completed on December 13 in a special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court of Ranchi.

In all, there were 34 accused in the case, out of which 11 died during the course of the trial, while one turned CBI approver and admitted the crime.

In a bid to take on Chinese smartphone manufacturers in New Year, Samsung India is set to launch a new “Galaxy On” device in the third week of January.

Industry sources told IANS that the latest device will be priced at around Rs. 15,000 – a key mid-price segment in the highly-competitive Indian market.

“Galaxy On” will come in two variants — both with 4GB RAM, the sources added. The new device is expected to be an Amazon India exclusive, with a focus on design, performance and photography elements.

In 2017, Samsung India launched “Galaxy On Max” for Rs. 16,900. The device was equipped with a best-in-class camera tailor-made for low-light photography, enabled by its flagship f/1.7 aperture. With 5.7-inch full HD display, the device was powered by a 2.39GHZ, 1.69GHz Octa-Core processor, 4GB RAM and has 32GB internal memory expandable up to 256GB via micro-SD card. The “Galaxy On Max” sports 13MP rear and front camera with LED flash.

With the new “Galaxy On”, Samsung will look to strengthen its mid-range segment where it has witnessed strong competition from Chinese brands.

After registering a 27 per cent growth in mobile business revenue for the financial year 2016-17 – touching a mammoth Rs. 34,300 crore – Samsung has become the undisputed leader in the highly competitive and price-sensitive domestic smartphone market.

With this kind of growth, Samsung has eclipsed the sales of key Chinese brands such as Xiaomi, OPPO, Vivo, Lenovo and even the Cupertino-based giant Apple.

The South Korean giant had 60 per cent market share (by value) in the premium segment for the August-September-October period, according to German market research firm GfK.

For the overall smartphone market, Samsung had over 45 percent market share (by value) from October to December 2017. “Every third smartphone sold in India is a Galaxy J series smartphone,” the company said.

With the Middle East, which was once the dream of many a Keralite, no longer that attractive on account of falling oil prices and with no proper records of the actual number of returnees, a new diaspora study covering 25,000 households has been launched to find out what the actual scenario is.

The study aims to not only analyse not the present trends in migration but also the medium and long-term consequences of important developments like the global financial crisis of 2009, the drop in oil prices and the stricter immigration policies increasingly followed by countries worldwide and its impact on Kerala’s economy.

S. Irudayarajan, who heads the study by the Migration Unit at the Centre for Development Studies here said its single purpose is to examine ground realities and not to go by unfounded reports that there is a mass exodus from the Middle East.

“This new survey has been titled Kerala Migration Study-KMS@20. It is the eighth a series that begain in 1998. The study would be done in 25,000 Kerala households spread over all the 14 districts and the first results would emerge in April,” Irudayarajan told IANS.

KMS is widely regarded as a reliable and authentic source of data for researchers and policymakers. Following the success of the Kerala model, similar initiatives have been launched in Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Goa and Gujarat, from where large numbers of people have spread out across the globe.

Irudayarajan pointed out that structural changes in the global oil market and the consequent fall in oil prices have posed fresh challenges to the oil-producing countries in the Middle East in the last few years.

“The repercussions are being felt in Kerala’s economy and society which has been a consistent supplier of workers and a receiver of large amounts of remittances. Additionally, the governments in Gulf countries have been progressively evolving institutional arrangements and programmes aimed at promoting the employment of their own nationals,” Irudayarajan said.

He also pointed out that the things are not rosy was pointed out in the KMS-2016 study, when for the first time a decline was noticed in number of Kerala emigrants abroad from 2.4 million in 2014 to 2.24 million in 2016 — a drop of 160,000 lakh.

The state had 1.36 million emigrants when the first KMS was conducted in 1998. The figure rose to 1.83 million in 2003, 2.19 million in 2008, 2.28 million in 2011 and peaked at 2.4 million in 2014.

He added that once the results are out later in the year, the state government can evolve appropriate interventions in education, employment and skill development of prospective emigrants as well as the re-integration of returnees into Kerala’s economy and society.

Irudayarajan pointed out that it was wrong to come to conclusions only based on the arrivals and departures from the three Kerala airports as this will only give a lop- sided picture.

“The figures from the airports are only numbers and do not differentiate between workers and others, as they include women and children. Besides, there are a good number of Keralites who goe for holidays to the Middle East. Our 2016 survey had already showed that there was a decline and now in a few months from now, we will bring out the actual picture,” Irudayarajan added.

Remittances from migrants have been instrumental in sustaining Kerala’s economy, constituting 36.3 per cent of the state’s net domestic product. It is now widely accepted that migration has played a significant role in poverty alleviation and in raising the living standards of about one-third of Malayali households.

“Moreover, it is postulated that an additional one-third of the population is indirectly benefitted from the economic opportunities created by remittances from abroad,” Irudayarajan explained.

According to the figures released by the State Level Bankers Committee, the rate of growth of NRI deposits has come down of late. If one looks at the deposits at the 6,339 branches of various commercial, scheduled and private banks, they stood at Rs 117,349 crore in June 2015, grew to Rs 142,668 crore in June 2016 and at Rs 154,252 crore in June 2017.

Hockey India on Tuesday named 33 players for the women’s  national camp starting in Bengaluru’s Sports Authority of India campus on January 3.

The 21-day camp that concludes on January 24 will lay the foundation for a crucial year for the women who will take part in the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in April, 5th Women’s Asians Champions Trophy in Korea in May, where they will defend their title followed by an exposure tour to Spain in June ahead of the Women’s World Cup, London starting in July and the 18th Asian Games, Jakarta in August which is also an Olympic Qualifying event.

“It is an extremely important year for us. While it was a satisfying 2017, ending the year with a career high world ranking of No.10 the team has that self-belief of achieving bigger goals. The girls know they are capable of doing well against higher ranked teams and getting good results against these teams will be one of our top priorities going into a new season. It is important to play these major tournaments in 2018 with the fittest team,” said Harendra Singh chief coach of the Indian women’s hockey team.

In their previous camp, the team’s focus was on improving their strength and fitness, agility and speed apart from skill-driven training. “It was a grueling camp and apart from these aspects we also worked a lot on mental conditioning. In this camp too we will continue with our fitness program along with tactical training, creating goal opportunities, fast rotation of the ball and improving defensive skills will be our main focus,” he added .

The core group features goalkeepers Savita, Rajani Etimarpu and Swati, defenders Deep Grace Ekka, P Sushila Chanu, Sunita Lakra, Gurjit Kaur, Hnialum Lal Ruat Feli, Navdeep Kaur, Rashmita Minz, Neelu Dadiya.

Midfielders are Namita Toppo, Nikki Pradhan, Deepika, Karishma Yadav, Renuka Yadav, Navjot Kaur, Monika, Lilima Minz, Neha Goyal, Udita, M Lily Chanu, Nilanjali Rai.

While the forwards named in the core group are Rani, Vandana Katariya, Preeti Dubey, Reena Khokhar, Anupa Barla, Sonika, Lalremsiami, Poonam Rani, Navneet Kaur and Navpreet Kaur.

The 17- year-old daughter of superstar Shah Rukh Khan stole the hearts of many fashionista at a family wedding. The pictures went viral on social media platforms.

Suhana Khan – the new generation beauty 🎀 .. .. .. .. #celebratingvivaha#cvinspire#celebration#wedding#indianwedding#weddingcelebration#weddingshopping#brides#jewellery#weddingjewellery#suhanakhan#goals#ethnicgoals#beautiful#classic#lehanga#shoppingevents#shoppingexhibition#pink

A post shared by Celebrating Vivaha (@celebrating_vivaha) on Jan 2, 2018 at 8:29pm PST

She was spotted in sage green, pink and maroon lehengas in different events of the marriage.

King Khan with daughter Suhana khan✌✌✌✌✌✌✌✌✌✌✌ Do Follow @mysharepost ♥ • • • • #mashaAllah #srk #abram #abramkhan #jabharrymetsejal #jhms #kingkhan #shahrukh #shahrukhkhan #kingofbollywood #badshah #picoftheday #swag #suhanakhan #fathersongoals #srkbiggestfansfromindonesia #srk #srkajolforever💫💓 #srkthebiggeststarofalltime #srk_story_of_the_struggle_and_success #srklove #srklovers #srklover #shahrukhkhanlovers #shahsofsunset #shahrukhkhanfans #shahrukhkhanclub #shahrukhkhanfanclub

A post shared by Big Bollywood (@bigbollywoodpage) on Jan 2, 2018 at 9:02am PST

The 17-year-old was seen flaunting her ethnic fashion in sage green lehenga by Monisha Jaising, who is known for hand-embroidered silken threads and crystals.

It was a Delhi function where Suhana, Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan were spotted enjoying the family affair.

In an earlier interview, Shah Rukh Khan had said, “Suhana is more theatre-oriented and has been doing plays in college. The best part is that she doesn’t want to learn (acting) from me. She wants to be an actor in her own right.”

Father and Daughter ❤❤❤ Follow 👉@MoviezHouse #suhanakhan #shahrukhkhan #gaurikhan #priyankachopra #sonamkapoor #ameeshapatel #dishapatani #aliabhatt #anushkasharma #sonakshisinha #sunnyleone #deepikapadukone #shenaztreasury #katrinakaif #malaikaarorakhan #kareenakapoor #sapnavyaspatel #ileanadcruz #rihanna #poonampandey #kritisanon #urvashirautela #evelynsharma #jacquelinefernandez #bollywoodhot #bollywood #eshagupta #miakhalifa #moviezhouse #bollywoodactress

A post shared by MoviezHouse (@moviezhouse) on Jan 2, 2018 at 10:55am PST

Suhana attended all the events and donned traditional outfits. She looked absolutely stunning in the photos.

#repost @manav.manglani #GauriKhan #SuhanaKhan #KajalAnand #at #weddingparty #closefriend

A post shared by Nor Anifah (@srkkjj1) on Jan 2, 2018 at 12:53pm PST

Suhana’s fashion quotient can’t be missed out!

Led by G Sathiyan , nine Indian  paddlers  have moved up in the  World  Table Tennis rankings, as per the  IITF release on Tuesday.

Sathiyan, has moved to  world No. 49 slot  pushing A. Sharath Kamal to the second spot at No. 51. They are followed by Soumyajit Ghosh (58), Harmeet Desai (60), Sanil Shetty (68) and Anthony Amalraj (87).

As for the women paddlers, Manika Batra is topping the world chart among Indians at 62, while Mouma Das (74) and Madhurika Patkar (81) trailing the leader.

In under-18 boys, Manav Thakkar at 18 is followed by Manush Shah at 47 while Snehit Surravajjula is placed 64. In the girls’ section, three Indians—Archana Kamath (34), Selenadeepthi Selvakumar (95) and Yashini Sivashankar (99) —are in top 100.

In junior Boys, Jeho Himnakulhpuingheta is placed at No. 52. He is followed by Payas Jain (74) and Yashansh Malik 85) while in Junior Girls Diya at 21 way ahead of the two compatriots Anusha Kutumbale (63) and Vanshika Bhargava (70).

The IITF rankings have been decided as per  the new system which provides  for a more dynamic world ranking based on paddlers’ performance and results during the entire year.

In addition, the system also encourages players to participate in more and more events rather than being inactive, affecting the individual’s rankings.

Jake Gyllenhaal says he has spent a lot of time making excuses for the “absurdity” surrounding Hollywood, which was unmasked in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein sexual harassment scandal.

The 37-year-old actor termed the expose as an insight into the “apparent sickness” of the international entertainment industry following the fall of the disgraced media mogul.

“I have spent a lot of time in my career making excuses for the absurdity of our world – Hollywood – and all of its confusion, apparent sickness over the past few months that we’ve discovered, the complications, the vanity,” Gyllenhaal said on The Hollywood Reporter’s ‘Awards Chatter’ podcast.

Citing his film, Brokeback Mountain as an example, the actor said despite witnessing the dark side of showbiz, he continues to have faith in the “power of movies”.

“You know, you think about ‘Brokeback’ – I’ve had people come up to me over the years and say how that movie changed their life or how it made them realise something…

“But what I will never accept is anyone telling me that movies aren’t an extraordinarily powerful tool for communication and ultimately, in a small way, for change. And sometimes in a big way,” he said.

South Africa coach Ottis Gibson has warned his team that India may prove to be tough opponents during the upcoming three-match Test series.

“They are currently ranked number one and they’ve got a lot of world class players and world class players aren’t just world class in their own back yards,” Gibson told the media here.

“They’re a very good team and I think they will travel a lot better now. We know for sure that it is going to be a tough series. I don’t think you’re going to see them fold as much as they may have done in the past,” he added.

The wicket for the first Test — which begins here on January 5 — showing a distinct green tinge and fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel set to take the field for South Africa, Gibson hoped that the hosts will be able to enjoy the upper hand.

“I’m not expecting it to change too much between now and Friday,” the Proteas coach said when asked about the wicket.

Russell Brand has undergone ear treatment after the actor-comic suffered an injury during his jiu jitsu class.

The 42-year-old actor posted a two-minute-long video on Instagram, where he described the martial art session that went wrong.

Brand said he was left with a “cauliflower ear” and filmed the entire process of getting his ear drained for its “entertainment” value.

“Russell Brand here, as you know I’m a jiu jitsu expert. Part of the reason for filming it, I’m sure it will make great entertainment, but also I’m keen to see it come out,” he said in the clip.

Brand showed off his white headdress and tagged his trainer, Chris Cleere in the post.

Saeed Anwar stunned the entire cricket world when he scored 194 runs just in 146 balls against Indian squad in the year 1997. With his knock, one thing was clear that hitting a double century in the game of fame is not a fantasy but it can be done. And when the ‘God of Cricket’ Sachin Tendulkar scored a sensational double ton against South Africa in 2010 soon other batsman followed.

Currently, cricket great Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Chris Gayle, Martin Guptill and Rohit Sharma held the record of hitting a double century in One Day International. But in all the above-given players no one has scored more double century than explosive Indian opener Rohit Sharma. Not once or twice but ‘hit man’ Rohit Sharma has achieved this landmark thrice. Sharma also holds the record of hitting maximum run (264 runs) in an inning by any batter in ODI.

Recently in an interview, while talking to the Times of India, Rohit Sharma on the possibility of hitting a triple ton in ODIs said, “Anything is possible on a day when things go your way.”

“I was asked after scoring 264 was if I could’ve touched 300. In T20s too, you score a hundred and the question is if a 200 is possible. I want to keep telling them, ‘guys please relax’. Only 36 runs separate a 264 and 300, so what’s the big deal? That’s how it’s seen. In my mind, I can understand where they’re coming from. But, on a personal front, I never think like that,” Rohit said.

“If you’re playing on a good (batting) pitch, take advantage. If you’re playing on a challenging track, take your time. Simple. The only difference is that because I’ve done it thrice (200+), I know how to do it also. If you are a top order batsman and you continue to bat with the mindset that you’ve got to stay there for the entire 50 overs, anything is possible on a day when things go your way,” he added.

Award-winning composer Alexandre Desplat, who has worked with Guillermo Del Toro on The Shape of Water, has praised the filmmaker for his sensitivity towards music.

In an interview with Variety, Desplat said, “He’s a passionate, generous filmmaker. He’s a very sensitive man, he’s full of emotions, and when the music you play to him is right, you immediately can feel the feedback.

“He’s moved, he’s excited, he’s precise in his comments when something can be adjusted. It’s been a dream working with Guillermo. This movie has been one of my more beautiful collaborations through the years, and I think this movie is in the top, top list of the movies I loved working on, and I’m proud of.”

Set in 1962, The Shape of Water follows a mute, isolated woman named Elisa (Sally Hawkins), who works as a janitor in a government laboratory but her life changes forever when she discovers the lab’s classified secret is an amphibious creature known as The Asset (Doug Jones) and develops a unique bond with it.

The sentencing of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav in a case of fodder scam is likely to take place on Thursday, officials said.

“The quantum of punishment for RJD chief Lalu Prasad and 15 others convicts in fodder scam case is likely to be announced tomorrow (Thursday),” the CBI advocate said.

According to reports, the special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) judge Shivpal Singh arrived in the court at around 11 am. However, the sentencing was not pronounced due to a condolence meet for advocate Vindeshwari Prasad.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief, who was lodged in the Birsa Munda jail in Ranchi after being convicted on December 23, was brought to the court in the morning and was present inside when the hearing was on.

He was taken away at around 12 noon.

The former Bihar chief minister’s lawyer had on Tuesday said that they would urge the court for minimum punishment owing to the RJD chief’s age.

Lalu is likely to get three to seven years’ punishment, as per reports. If he is awarded three years’ sentence, he will be able to get bail soon.

His co-accused and former Bihar Chief Minister Jagannath Mishra was let off in the case pertaining to embezzlement of over Rs. 85 lakh from the Deoghar Treasury between 1991 and 1994.

A total of 17 accused including Lalu were pronounced guilty by the court while six were let off.

The RJD chief has already been convicted in another fodder scam case that cost him his Lok Sabha seat and disqualified him from contesting elections. Both Lalu and Jagannath Mishra are out on bail in the case.

Hearing in the multi-million fodder scam case was completed on December 13 in a special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court of Ranchi.

In all, there were 34 accused in the case, out of which 11 died during the course of the trial, while one turned CBI approver and admitted the crime.

Indian women’s cricket team created a buzz on the internet with their unique and exceptional performance in the Women’s World Cup 2017. From Harmanpreet Kaur’s sensational knock in the semi-finals against Australia women’s cricket team to the Indian skipper Mithali Raj becoming the highest run-getter in One Day International (In women’s), the World Cup saw the best of Indian players.

For Indian cricket fans, the WWC2017 was full of excitement because they found their new national crush in explosive Indian opener Smriti Mandhana. Even though the Indian squad was not able to lift the World Cup trophy, yet they returned as stars to their home and got a wonderful reception at home.

Soon, Indian skipper Mithali Raj will be seen on a Television show named TED Talks India: Nayi Soch, along with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. In the show, Mithali revealed that she read books before any big match to stay in focus.

“When you are on the field, and everyone is looking up to you and the entire team to bring back the trophy, (then) it is not just about the game. So, it is necessary for us to stay focused… and we all have our own ways to ensure we give our best on the field. I read books to get rid of pressure during a match. It does help me to keep calm and encourage a good performance,” said Mithali Raj.

King Khan of Bollywood was all praises for Mithali Raj and he even confessed that someday he wants to see Mithal as the coach of Indian men squad,

“I want to see you (Mithali) as the coach of the men’s cricket team one day,” said SRK to which Mithali was quick to reply that, “I always want to give my best.”

Former manager of Girls Aloud, Louis Walsh, says the band could reform if all five members get back on the same page.

The X Factor judge helped create the girl group in 2002, which featured Sarah Harding, Cheryl Tweedy, Nadine Coyle, Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh, reported Contactmusic.

“It needs to be the five of them. They’d do really, really well. If Bananarama could do it, why can’t Girls Aloud do it?” he said.

The band played their final concert back in March 2013 after celebrating their 10th anniversary.

Louis, 65, said the group would do well because they had hits such as Biology, The promise and I’ll stand by you to their credit.

“There would be a huge market for a Girls Aloud reunion. They need to delay it for a while but they had great songs, brilliant, brilliant songs – some of the best songs for a long time. And they all look good,” he added.

Acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Nolan will be coming to India in a month, according to Hindi movie star Amitabh Bachchan.

Big B, via his blog, revealed that Kodak will open its facility here by March.

“It is all about to change yet again Kodak, that largest name for film, is coming back. Many in the world of direction and production are finding values in the product done on film to be the more liked subject. So, like ‘Dunkirk’, the film by that renowned Christopher Nolan (who) uses only film for his picture.

“And in a month or so, the man himself Mr Nolan is coming to India to inaugurate or at least lend support to a few matters,” Amitabh wrote.

The cine icon, 75, is upbeat about the development as just last month, he was contemplating on why the movie world is still referred to as the “film industry” in the digital age. Hollywood, he says, is getting back to film, again.

“Firstly, the archival of films, their repairs and preservation, and secondly to support the Kodak world all over again. I believe that Los Angeles, Hollywood is already all back to film again. They say the quality and feel and colour of film is unmatched, so what happens to digital… It shall exist, it shall co-exist and film shot on celluloid shall be sent to the lab for its development, but all post-production work shall be digital.

“I mean what kind of times are we living in,” Big B questioned.

Amitabh also tweeted his excitement on Kodak film’s comeback to India.

“News! Don’t know if it deserves the tag ‘breaking’ but celluloid film is back. Kodak is to open its facility again fresh and productive in Mumbai soon by March 2018! Hollywood is apparently switching back to film. Hai hai apni digital film ka kya hoga (What will happen to our digital film)” he tweeted.

T 2580 – NEWS !! don’t know if it deserves the Tag BREAKING !! but Celluloid film is back .. KODAK is to open its facility again fresh and productive in Mumbai soon … by March 2018 .. !! Hollywood is apparently switching back to film .. hai hai apni digitel film ka kya hoga pic.x.com/oNXO781DbE

— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) January 2, 2018