Hull City has confirmed the appointment of Portuguese Marco Silva as new coach until the end of the season.

Silva, 39, close to Jose Mourinho, has become Hull's third coach since joining the Premier League last May, after Steve Bruce and Mike Phelan.

"Marco is a young coach who has impressed us with his philosophy and football style," said Tigers vice-chairman Ehab Allam on Thursday, Efe news reported.

The young Portuguese tactician arrives to the Tigers, bottom of the English league, after leading Portugal's Estoril, Sporting Lisboa and Greece's Olympiacos.

"We feel this is a bold and exciting appointment in our aim to retain the Club's Premier League status," Allam added.

Hull City has confirmed the appointment of Portuguese Marco Silva as new coach until the end of the season.

Silva, 39, close to Jose Mourinho, has become Hull's third coach since joining the Premier League last May, after Steve Bruce and Mike Phelan.

"Marco is a young coach who has impressed us with his philosophy and football style," said Tigers vice-chairman Ehab Allam on Thursday, Efe news reported.

The young Portuguese tactician arrives to the Tigers, bottom of the English league, after leading Portugal's Estoril, Sporting Lisboa and Greece's Olympiacos.

"We feel this is a bold and exciting appointment in our aim to retain the Club's Premier League status," Allam added.

The US has forged a "strategic partnership" with India in the eight years of Obama administration which also considerably improved America's standing in the world, US Secretary of State John Kerry has said, two weeks ahead of demitting the office.

"In Asia, we have been standing side by side with our friends, strengthening sanctions on North Korea, improving regional missile defence capabilities, supporting the rule of law in the South China Sea and forging a strategic partnership with India, enhancing our ties with Vietnam and spurring democratic progress in Myanmar where a freely elected parliament has been seated for the first time," Kerry said.

In what was described as Kerry's last press conference in his capacity as Secretary of State, the top American diplomat, while addressing reporters at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department, said because of the policies undertaken by the Obama administration in the last eight years, the US' standing in the world has improved from what it was in 2009.

"We will turn over to our successors a country whose international standing is much improved from 2009 when President (Barack) Obama took office eight years ago. No one should forget the incredible fertility of the global economic crisis as a consequence of the late 2008 early 2009 economic disaster that we faced on a global basis," he said.

Economically, the country has moved from the depths of crisis to robust levels of exports, the longest sustained period of private sector job growth in US history, Kerry said.

"Our overseas alliances in Europe and Asia are vigorous and strong. We have strengthened what we do in Asia, strengthened the relationship between Korea and Japan, strengthened our relationship trilaterally with Korea and Japan, worked effectively with China to try to define a new model of how important powers need to work in the world.

"We have strengthened our alliance with NATO, strengthened our alliance with the frontline states. Our level of security support to a democratic Israel is unprecedented.

Across the globe, we have helped ensure that a child entering the world today is more likely to be born healthy, more likely to receive the necessary vaccinations, more likely to be educated, more likely to live a long life than any previous generation and that is just as true for women and girls as it is for men and boys," Kerry said.

Extending Thursday’s gains amid positive global cues, domestic benchmark indices started last trading session of the week on a higher note. At 9.45 am on Friday, the Sensex at the BSE was trading 80 points up at 26,958 and the Nifty at the NSE was trading 21 points higher at 8,294.

In the broader markets, BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices jumped 0.6 per cent and 0.4% respectively.

Among the BSE sectoral indices, healthcare index jumped the most, up 0.9 per cent, while IT index became the top loser, down 1.3 per cent.

On Thursday, the Sensex had closed 245 points higher at 26,878 and the Nifty had ended 83 points up at 8,274.

Top gainers in the Sensex-30 pack: ONGC (up 2.3 per cent), Gail (up 1.4 per cent), Dr Reddy’s Labs (up 1 per cent), ITC (up 1 per cent) and HDFC (up 0.9 per cent).

Top losers in the Sensex-30 pack: Infosys (down 2 per cent), TCS (down 1.8 per cent), Wipro (down 1.1 per cent), Tata Steel (down 0.6 per cent), and Axis Bank (down 0.4 per cent)

Meanwhile, the Rupee was trading 15 paise higher at 67.81 against the US Dollar.

 Hollywood star Vin Diesel says he is blessed to know his "xXx: Return of the Xander Cage" co-star Deepika Padukone.

The 49-year-old-actor, who was in Mexico along with the film's entire cast and crew for its promotions, posted special message on Instagram for the actress as she turned 31.

"Happy birthday to a truly amazing soul. So talented, stunning and regal. Blessed to know you and call you a real friend," Diesel wrote alongside Deepika's poster from "xXx: Return of the Xander Cage".

The action-thriller, which is set to hit the Indian theatres on January 14, will mark Deepika's Hollywood debut.

In fact, Diesel will visit India two days before the film's release to promote it along with "Bajirao Mastaani" star.

D J Caruso, who has helmed the movie, also took to the social media to wish Deepika.

"Happy Birthday @deepikapadukone. You embody Lana Turner w/the grace of Audrey Hepburn and u can kick some ass too," he wrote on Twitter.

Thanking all her fans and friends for their wishes, Deepika, who was also in Mexico for the film's promotion, said, "Mexico City+ One of xXx promotions+ Its My Birthday= What A Truly Amazing Day. Thank you all so much for all the love and wishes." 

Deepika donned white-and-green striped maxi dress for the event, while her co-star Diesel opted for white sando and beige colour jacket with denim.

Veteran actor Om Puri passed away at the age of 66  after suffering a massive heart attack on Friday.

Confirming the news, actor Anupam Kher wrote on twitter, "Seeing him lying on his bed looking so calm can’t believe that one of our greatest actors #OmPuri is no more. Deeply saddened & shocked."

Puri was an FTII graduate and has won the National Award for Best Actor for the film 'Arohan' in 1982.He was also known for his acting in films like 'Ardh Satya', 'Akrosh'.

The legendary actor was as an exceptional talent and stars from bollywood paid rich tributes on his demise. 

Bollywood's megastar Amitabh Bachchan condoled the death of the actor saying he is in huge grief after hearing the sad news.

Bachchan worked with Puri in several high-grossing films, including Ghatak, Dev, Baabul, and Lakshya.

"Shocked to learn of OM PURI Ji's passing just now.. a dear friend a lovable colleague and an exceptional talent .. in grief!" Bachchan posted on Twitter.
 

Veteran actor Om Puri passed away at the age of 66  after suffering a massive heart attack on Friday.

Confirming the news, actor Anupam Kher wrote on twitter, "Seeing him lying on his bed looking so calm can’t believe that one of our greatest actors #OmPuri is no more. Deeply saddened & shocked."

Puri was an FTII graduate and has won the National Award for Best Actor for the film 'Arohan' in 1982.He was also known for his acting in films like 'Ardh Satya', 'Akrosh'.

The legendary actor was as an exceptional talent and stars from bollywood paid rich tributes on his demise. 

Bollywood's megastar Amitabh Bachchan condoled the death of the actor saying he is in huge grief after hearing the sad news.

Bachchan worked with Puri in several high-grossing films, including Ghatak, Dev, Baabul, and Lakshya.

"Shocked to learn of OM PURI Ji's passing just now.. a dear friend a lovable colleague and an exceptional talent .. in grief!" Bachchan posted on Twitter.
 

It is said that soulmates may conquer the world with the intensity of their love, but what if the soulmates turn teammates for a task?

Surely, wonders await en route to success!

The story of Rio Olympic Bronze medalist wrestler Sakshi Malik and her fiance Satyavrat Kadian is one such wonder story of sheer togetherness. They are a team in Colors Delhi Sultans, for the ongoing Pro Wrestling League.

thestatesman.com caught up with the pair on the sidelines of their team launch in New Delhi, where they spoke about the league and the life beyond it.

“We know each other, understand each other and understand the training and skills that we carry. We help each other in the training session and make ourselves improve everyday. So, nothing could be better than this,” Sakshi said in an exclusive interview.

Six feet wrestler from Rohtak, Satyavrat won Silver medal in the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, followed by a Gold medal in the 2016 Commonwealth Championships held in Singapore.

In the PWL, Delhi will face Jaipur Ninja in their first match, who started their PWL campaign with a win. However, Satyavrat feels his team is strong enough to make a thumping start in the league.

“We saw their (Jaipur’s) matches closely and studied what skills they applied for their victory. Our coaches will make strategy for every match, every opponent. We are training hard and we'll try to put our best foot forward,” Satyavrat, who competes in the 97 kg category, added.

Sakshi completed the words of Satyavrat, saying: “We are very confident for the opening match. We'll try to give our best to ensure Delhi win the title this year.”

After winning the Bronze medal for India in the Rio Olympics, expectations with Sakshi have gone up.

Talking about the pressure to live up to those expectations, the 24-year-old said, “The pressure is mounting as expectations have rose after Rio Olympics. I'll be in the spotlight every moment, but my motive will be to perform well, sidelining all the pressure.”

Sakshi emerged as a guardian angel for India at Olympics as she brought the first smile, winning the first medal for India in the edition.

“The feeling can't be explained in words. I always dreamt of representing India in Olympics and I won a medal in it. It was all like a fairytale,” Sakshi said, recalling the big moment.

Sakshi believes that the state of women wrestling in India is improving and the upcoming generations are coming up to opt the wrestling sport.

“First, Geeta qualified in the Olympics, then we three qualified this time. India's women wrestling is definitely on the rise and we'll see an increase in medal tally in future events.”

Watching the success of Dangal, the biopic based on Commonwealth Games Gold medalist wrestler Geeta Phogat, Sakshi said such movies inspire aspiring sports persons.

“Yeah, they should make a movie on both of us,” Sakshi said, with Satyavrat joining in: "Our work is to play and make our country proud. Filmmakers should decide in this direction.”

Looking at the New Year 2017, the pair revealed their New Year resolutions. “We'll put our full focus on the tournaments to come. Even after marriage, we'll be devoted to the wrestling sport,” Satyavrat said.

Sakshi concluded with her New Year resolution: “One dream has been fulfilled but a lot is need to be done. I want to pay my sport back and even if I retire, I would love to teach wrestling to the coming generations.”

It is said that soulmates may conquer the world with the intensity of their love, but what if the soulmates turn teammates for a task?

Surely, wonders await en route to success!

The story of Rio Olympic Bronze medalist wrestler Sakshi Malik and her fiance Satyavrat Kadian is one such wonder story of sheer togetherness. They are a team in Colors Delhi Sultans, for the ongoing Pro Wrestling League.

thestatesman.com caught up with the pair on the sidelines of their team launch in New Delhi, where they spoke about the league and the life beyond it.

“We know each other, understand each other and understand the training and skills that we carry. We help each other in the training session and make ourselves improve everyday. So, nothing could be better than this,” Sakshi said in an exclusive interview.

Six feet wrestler from Rohtak, Satyavrat won Silver medal in the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, followed by a Gold medal in the 2016 Commonwealth Championships held in Singapore.

In the PWL, Delhi will face Jaipur Ninja in their first match, who started their PWL campaign with a win. However, Satyavrat feels his team is strong enough to make a thumping start in the league.

“We saw their (Jaipur’s) matches closely and studied what skills they applied for their victory. Our coaches will make strategy for every match, every opponent. We are training hard and we'll try to put our best foot forward,” Satyavrat, who competes in the 97 kg category, added.

Sakshi completed the words of Satyavrat, saying: “We are very confident for the opening match. We'll try to give our best to ensure Delhi win the title this year.”

After winning the Bronze medal for India in the Rio Olympics, expectations with Sakshi have gone up.

Talking about the pressure to live up to those expectations, the 24-year-old said, “The pressure is mounting as expectations have rose after Rio Olympics. I'll be in the spotlight every moment, but my motive will be to perform well, sidelining all the pressure.”

Sakshi emerged as a guardian angel for India at Olympics as she brought the first smile, winning the first medal for India in the edition.

“The feeling can't be explained in words. I always dreamt of representing India in Olympics and I won a medal in it. It was all like a fairytale,” Sakshi said, recalling the big moment.

Sakshi believes that the state of women wrestling in India is improving and the upcoming generations are coming up to opt the wrestling sport.

“First, Geeta qualified in the Olympics, then we three qualified this time. India's women wrestling is definitely on the rise and we'll see an increase in medal tally in future events.”

Watching the success of Dangal, the biopic based on Commonwealth Games Gold medalist wrestler Geeta Phogat, Sakshi said such movies inspire aspiring sports persons.

“Yeah, they should make a movie on both of us,” Sakshi said, with Satyavrat joining in: "Our work is to play and make our country proud. Filmmakers should decide in this direction.”

Looking at the New Year 2017, the pair revealed their New Year resolutions. “We'll put our full focus on the tournaments to come. Even after marriage, we'll be devoted to the wrestling sport,” Satyavrat said.

Sakshi concluded with her New Year resolution: “One dream has been fulfilled but a lot is need to be done. I want to pay my sport back and even if I retire, I would love to teach wrestling to the coming generations.”

A top commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit was killed in a gunfight with security forces in Kashmir's Badgam district.

According to police, the security forces launched an operation on Friday morning following an information about the presence of a wanted LeT commander hiding in Gulzarpora village.

"The security forces were fired upon after they closed on the house where Muzaffar Ahmad Naiku ali alias Muza Molvi was hiding," the police said.

"The militant was killed in the encounter which has ended now.

"Searches are still going on in the area."

The police said the slain commander was one of the longest surviving militants and the most wanted guerrilla in Jammu and Kashmir.

A top commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit was killed in a gunfight with security forces in Kashmir's Badgam district.

According to police, the security forces launched an operation on Friday morning following an information about the presence of a wanted LeT commander hiding in Gulzarpora village.

"The security forces were fired upon after they closed on the house where Muzaffar Ahmad Naiku ali alias Muza Molvi was hiding," the police said.

"The militant was killed in the encounter which has ended now.

"Searches are still going on in the area."

The police said the slain commander was one of the longest surviving militants and the most wanted guerrilla in Jammu and Kashmir.

Lt General Sarath Chand is set to be the next Vice Chief of Army and likely to assume office later this month, sources said.

An official announcement on the decision is yet to be made.

Lt General Chand is the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Jaipur-based South Western Command. He will be replacing General Bipin Rawat, who took over as the Army Chief.

Lt Gen Sarath Chand was commissioned into the Garhwal Rifles in June 1979.

In a military career spanning almost 37 years, he has participated in many active combat leadership roles at every stage of command in the Army.

Lt General Sarath Chand is set to be the next Vice Chief of Army and likely to assume office later this month, sources said.

An official announcement on the decision is yet to be made.

Lt General Chand is the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Jaipur-based South Western Command. He will be replacing General Bipin Rawat, who took over as the Army Chief.

Lt Gen Sarath Chand was commissioned into the Garhwal Rifles in June 1979.

In a military career spanning almost 37 years, he has participated in many active combat leadership roles at every stage of command in the Army.

The US Director of National Intelligence James Clapper has said Russia staged cyber attacks to try to interfere in the November 8 presidential election.

A report containing declassified information on the Russian hacking operation would be released next week, Clapper said during an appearance before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday, Efe news reported.

"We stand more resolutely on that statement than we did on the seventh of October," he said, referring to the intelligence community's earlier assertion that Russia was behind the disclosure by WikiLeaks of e-mails from the Democratic National Committee and from the chairman of Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign, John Podesta.

The content of those e-mails caused some embarrassment to the DNC and to Clinton, who ended up losing the November 8 election to Republican Donald Trump.

The forthcoming report would "ascribe a motivation" to Russian President Vladimir Putin for the ostensible interference in the US election, Clapper said, while declining to offer an opinion on whether the activities had any impact on the outcome of the contest.

Clapper, who would step down when the Obama administration leaves office on January 20, had to apologise to Congress in 2013 after statements he made under oath to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence turned out to be false.

"Russia is a full-scope cyber actor that poses a major threat to US government, military, diplomatic, commercial and critical infrastructure," according to a joint statement submitted to the committee by Clapper, Marcel Lettre, the under secretary of defense for intelligence; and Adm. Michael S. Rogers, director of the National Security Agency.

In response to a question from the committee, Clapper described the ostensible Russian interference as "multifaceted".

"The hacking was only one part of it. And it also entailed classical propaganda, disinformation, fake news," he said.

President Barack Obama, who last week imposed economic sanctions on several Russian intelligence agencies and private firms and expelled 35 Russian diplomats in reprisal for the alleged electoral interference, is to receive the classified report on the issue later Thursday.

Trump, who has voiced skepticism over the accusations against Moscow, is scheduled to be briefed on the matter Friday by Clapper and the heads of the CIA and FBI.

The US Director of National Intelligence James Clapper has said Russia staged cyber attacks to try to interfere in the November 8 presidential election.

A report containing declassified information on the Russian hacking operation would be released next week, Clapper said during an appearance before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday, Efe news reported.

"We stand more resolutely on that statement than we did on the seventh of October," he said, referring to the intelligence community's earlier assertion that Russia was behind the disclosure by WikiLeaks of e-mails from the Democratic National Committee and from the chairman of Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign, John Podesta.

The content of those e-mails caused some embarrassment to the DNC and to Clinton, who ended up losing the November 8 election to Republican Donald Trump.

The forthcoming report would "ascribe a motivation" to Russian President Vladimir Putin for the ostensible interference in the US election, Clapper said, while declining to offer an opinion on whether the activities had any impact on the outcome of the contest.

Clapper, who would step down when the Obama administration leaves office on January 20, had to apologise to Congress in 2013 after statements he made under oath to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence turned out to be false.

"Russia is a full-scope cyber actor that poses a major threat to US government, military, diplomatic, commercial and critical infrastructure," according to a joint statement submitted to the committee by Clapper, Marcel Lettre, the under secretary of defense for intelligence; and Adm. Michael S. Rogers, director of the National Security Agency.

In response to a question from the committee, Clapper described the ostensible Russian interference as "multifaceted".

"The hacking was only one part of it. And it also entailed classical propaganda, disinformation, fake news," he said.

President Barack Obama, who last week imposed economic sanctions on several Russian intelligence agencies and private firms and expelled 35 Russian diplomats in reprisal for the alleged electoral interference, is to receive the classified report on the issue later Thursday.

Trump, who has voiced skepticism over the accusations against Moscow, is scheduled to be briefed on the matter Friday by Clapper and the heads of the CIA and FBI.

US First Lady Michelle Obama has selected 16-year-old Indian-American Swetha Prabakaran to serve in the inaugural Student Advisory Board of an education campaign which seeks to provide educational opportunities for teenagers in America.

Swetha, whose parents immigrated from Tamil Nadu's Tirunelveli in 1998, was chosen for 'Better Make Room' campaign's Student Advisory Board in recognition of her efforts to educate youth in the field of computer sciences.

The board members will be traveling to the White House today to attend Michelle's School Counselor of the Year Ceremony.

Born in Indianapolis, she is among seventeen students selected by the White House to serve on 'Better Make Room' Student Advisory Board. The inaugural Board has 12 high school students and five college students.

Swetha, a senior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Virginia, is the founder and CEO of Everybody Code Now!, a non-profit body working to empower the next generation of youth to become engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs.

She is the only Indian-American in the list.

Two-thirds of the Board members are, or will be, the first in their families to attain a postsecondary degree.

"As proven leaders, organisers, changemakers, and innovators, these students will help the country achieve President (Barack) Obama's North Star goal, that our nation will once again lead the world in college completion rates," Better Make Room said in a statement.

Founded by Michelle, the board will work to create a college-going, college-persisting and college-graduating culture at their schools while connecting fellow students for any information and resources they need.

"I am deeply honoured to be able to serve on this board.

Creating a college-going and college-graduating culture among youth is something we have worked to encourage through Everybody Code Now!, and I am extremely excited to share this passion with even more students.

"I look forward to working with The First Lady's Reach Higher Initiative and my fellow Better Make Room Student Advisory members to encourage more students to pursue higher education," Swetha said.

Also a trained Bharatanatyam dancer, Swetha was honoured as a 2015 White House Champion of Change. She was also named to the International Literacy Association's 2016 '30 Under 30'.