As It Happened: BJP to hold rallies in favor of land bill

BJP's national executive meeting has begun in Bengaluru today. Among the key issues, BJP plans to make the land bill a people's issue and fight the perception "created by the opposition" that it is 'anti-farmer'.

01:23 PM

BJP to hold nationwide rallies in support of land bill, 1st rally to be held in Ranchi on May 6

01:07 PM

Amit Shah at the BJP meet

01:06 PM

Search Rahul not our mistakes, BJP chief Amit Shah takes a dig at Congress

12:51 PM

BJP is a friend of farmers, it's a party of farmers, led by farmers. We worked for farmers & shall always

Prakash Javadekar, BJP

12:50 PM

Modi govt will be in power for the next 10-20 years, we are not going anywhere, Prakash Javadekar says

(ANI photo)

12:32 PM

More focus on 'Clean India' campaign, Javadekar says

12:30 PM

2014 was a year of victory for the BJP

Prakash Javadekar, BJP

12:29 PM

PM Modi wants BJP leaders to engage in activities outside the realm of politics as well

Prakash Javadekar, BJP

12:27 PM

Police detain youth Congress workers as massive protests erupt in Bengaluru

12:24 PM

Prakash Javadekar comments on BJP becoming the largest party

12:09 PM

It has been corruption free 10 months of governance: Amit Shah

12:05 PM

BJP NE will be a futile exercise, unless they decide on fate of people like Giriraj & Sakshi Maharaj

BK Hariprasad, Congress

12:03 PM

Cong's BK Hariprasad comments on BJP's national executive meet venue

11:52 AM

Congress workers protest outside BJP meet venue

11:39 AM

BJP national executive meet in Bengaluru

(ANI photo)

11:24 AM

Amit Shah addresses BJP national executive meet

11:10 AM

It has been corruption free 10 months of governance

Amit Shah

10:43 AM

Cong's PC Chacko comments on BJP's land acquisition policy

10:39 AM

Images from the BJP national executive meet venue

(ANI photo)

10:35 AM

PM Modi at the BJP national executive meet

10:30 AM

BJP's top brass at the national executive meet

10:29 AM

Inside visuals of BJP national meet

10:23 AM

BJP National Executive meeting begins in Bengaluru

10:22 AM

Inside visuals: BJP National Executive meeting underway in Bengaluru

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Court orders Salman to be present on Apr 6 hearing

RELATED KEYWORDS: Salman-Khan|Hit-and-run-case

The author has posted comments on this articleTNN | Apr 1, 2015, 03.41PM IST

Page 1 of 4

Article continues

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Blog: Muslim population myths

At the recently concluded national executive meet at Kochi, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh joint secretary Dattatreya Hosabale called upon Hindus to start having more children. The RSS fear is that Hindus will become a minority in India in the not-too-distant future. This rests on a number of population myths the RSS has assiduously been propagating over the years. These myths are ridiculous to the rational mind but have currency, due to vocal assertion repeated over time and space.

"…in 2035, Muslim will become absolute majority in India (total population: 197.7 crore). Conversion, threatening, rioting, slaughtering, terrorism, intrusion, polygamy, no birth control are being the major tools for Muslim to reach that figure within the said period," says the Sangh Parivar website.

Are Muslims particularly prone to explosive population growth? Countries with the largest Muslim populations show otherwise. But that is rational contestation. How does one address the fear that a man marrying multiple women would lead to a rise in the population (never mind that data shows more polygamous Hindus than Muslims)?

Population growth depends on the number of children each woman has, whether from one man or many. The measure that demographers use for the purpose is the total fertility rate, TFR. It is the number of children that would be born to a woman if she were to live to the end of her childbearing years and bear children in accordance with current age-specific fertility rates.

If a woman has two children over her lifetime, these two would replace herself and her husband when they pass on, neither depleting the population nor adding to it. However, given the likelihood of some children not living to adulthood, the TFR that is required to achieve replacement has to be marginally higher and is generally accepted as 2.1.

Global Trend

As societies become more prosperous, healthy and women gain agencyand more and more control over their own lives, their TFR comes down. This is so, regardless of religion or geography. It used to be thought that Catholics would resist contraception. Devoutly catholic Spain and Italy today have a TFR of 1.2, tying with Hong Kong for the lowest rate among countries.

Poorer regions tend to have higher TFRs. But poverty is not the only determinant of people's decisions on how many children to have. Cultural values and practices matter a lot. But no Muslim country is immune to the larger trend. TFR has been declining in every major Muslim nation. It is below the replacement level in Iran. Indonesia and Bangladesh are fast approaching that level. Bangladesh's TFR of 2.2 in 2011 is significantly lower than India's 2.7. And in India, backward states like Jharkhand, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh still have high TFRs: 3.5, 4.2 and 3.6 respectively.

Goa (1.5), Kerala (1.6), Tamil Nadu (1.6) and Puducherry (1.6) have TFRs significantly below the replacement level. Soon, their populations will stop growing – as past young cohorts enter the reproductive age, population will continue to grow for some time – and they can soon apply for UN funds for endangered species.

Does this mean that Muslim populations will stabilise at the same rate as Hindu ones? It does not. To the extent cultural and religious factors inhibit progress of the global trend for TFR to fall with social development, the pace of change will vary. In Kerala, in Muslim majority Malappuram district, the TFR has dropped only to 2.2 even as it has been coming down. At the same time, in Muslim majority Lakshadweep and several districts of Jammu and Kashmir, the TFR is below the replacement level.

RSS' Irrational Fears

What of the RSS fear of Muslims becoming more than half of India's population by 2035? To make this claim, its number crunchers have to project a total population of 198 crore by 2035. By most estimates, India's population would peak at 154 crore by 2050. The simple extrapolations used for demographic scaremongering have no basis in science.

To the extent social backwardnesshas been identified as the reason for high TFRs, whether in regions or in communities, the need is to investmore in things that create development: skills, awareness, education, healthcare, roads, power, broadband, teledensity. But any move to step up investment in Muslim-majority areas, as the Planning Commission has made, is immediately branded as minority appeasement by the Sangh Parivar.

BJP's Ties to the RSS

India cannot progress as a nation with the Sangh brand of scaremongering about the nation's largest minority moving from the fringes of national consciousness right to the centre. It is the same RSS, which carries on this kind of false and irrational propaganda, that controls and guides the principal Opposition party, the BJP.

And so long as the BJP remains part of the Sangh Parivar, the family of organisations ideologically inspired and controlled by the RSS, its ability to respond to the polity's natural pressure towards the middle ground would remain muted.

DISCLAIMER : Views expressed above are the author's own.

08.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

AAP's promises and performance: Then & now

As AAP completes 49 days in power, below is a comparative glimpse on the party's performance during its present (2015) and previous (2014) stints in the Delhi government.

2.

50% subsidy in power tariff for consumption of up to 400 units. Government announces preparation of white paper on power for which former DERC chairman Bijender Singh is appointed.

3.

Announces free 20,000 litre water per month for each family; benefit also extended to residents of group housing societies this time.

4.

Cabinet clears proposal to revamp anti-corruption helpline which is to be launched on April 5.

5.

Sets in motion process for regularization of unauthorized colonies by starting boundary fixation exercise of all colonies with a ground-mapping survey.

6.

LG Najeeb Jung lays down first policy statement of new government in assembly, stress laid on demand for full statehood, control over police to make women safety a reality.

7.

Planning for Delhi budget 2015-16 to involve people in 5-10 constituencies on experimental basis.

8.

Public grievance redressal platform revamped; timelines fixed for response and resolution of each complaint.

9.

Government reviews existing policy and status of contract employees; directions issued against termination of services of contractual employees till further instructions.

10.

Holds special camps for e-rickshaw drivers to apply for licences.

11.

Announces plan to create computerized information system to register, track and check traders evading tax.

12.

Amends Delhi Value Added Tax Act, 2006 to ease business for traders.

14.

'VIP Raj' gone — use of red beacons on VIP cars done away with, restricted to only vehicles under emergency services.

15.

Sets up committee on regularization of contract labour.

16.

Cabinet clears draft of Jan Lokpal Bill.

17.

A chaotic janta durbar at secretariat followed by creation of public grievance redressal platform to address complaints in time-bound manner.

18.

Launch of anti-corruption helpline; complainants urged to carry out stings and report to Anti-Corruption Branch.

19.

Cabinet clears Swaraj Bill which sought to empower people through mohalla sabhas.

20.

Government announces power subsidy of 50% to users of up to 400 units.

21.

Free 'lifeline' water of up to 20,000 litres to each family every month.

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08.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Blog: Muslim population myths

At the recently concluded national executive meet at Kochi, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh joint secretary Dattatreya Hosabale called upon Hindus to start having more children. The RSS fear is that Hindus will become a minority in India in the not-too-distant future. This rests on a number of population myths the RSS has assiduously been propagating over the years. These myths are ridiculous to the rational mind but have currency, due to vocal assertion repeated over time and space.

"…in 2035, Muslim will become absolute majority in India (total population: 197.7 crore). Conversion, threatening, rioting, slaughtering, terrorism, intrusion, polygamy, no birth control are being the major tools for Muslim to reach that figure within the said period," says the Sangh Parivar website.

Are Muslims particularly prone to explosive population growth? Countries with the largest Muslim populations show otherwise. But that is rational contestation. How does one address the fear that a man marrying multiple women would lead to a rise in the population (never mind that data shows more polygamous Hindus than Muslims)?

Population growth depends on the number of children each woman has, whether from one man or many. The measure that demographers use for the purpose is the total fertility rate, TFR. It is the number of children that would be born to a woman if she were to live to the end of her childbearing years and bear children in accordance with current age-specific fertility rates.

If a woman has two children over her lifetime, these two would replace herself and her husband when they pass on, neither depleting the population nor adding to it. However, given the likelihood of some children not living to adulthood, the TFR that is required to achieve replacement has to be marginally higher and is generally accepted as 2.1.

Global Trend

As societies become more prosperous, healthy and women gain agencyand more and more control over their own lives, their TFR comes down. This is so, regardless of religion or geography. It used to be thought that Catholics would resist contraception. Devoutly catholic Spain and Italy today have a TFR of 1.2, tying with Hong Kong for the lowest rate among countries.

Poorer regions tend to have higher TFRs. But poverty is not the only determinant of people's decisions on how many children to have. Cultural values and practices matter a lot. But no Muslim country is immune to the larger trend. TFR has been declining in every major Muslim nation. It is below the replacement level in Iran. Indonesia and Bangladesh are fast approaching that level. Bangladesh's TFR of 2.2 in 2011 is significantly lower than India's 2.7. And in India, backward states like Jharkhand, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh still have high TFRs: 3.5, 4.2 and 3.6 respectively.

Goa (1.5), Kerala (1.6), Tamil Nadu (1.6) and Puducherry (1.6) have TFRs significantly below the replacement level. Soon, their populations will stop growing – as past young cohorts enter the reproductive age, population will continue to grow for some time – and they can soon apply for UN funds for endangered species.

Does this mean that Muslim populations will stabilise at the same rate as Hindu ones? It does not. To the extent cultural and religious factors inhibit progress of the global trend for TFR to fall with social development, the pace of change will vary. In Kerala, in Muslim majority Malappuram district, the TFR has dropped only to 2.2 even as it has been coming down. At the same time, in Muslim majority Lakshadweep and several districts of Jammu and Kashmir, the TFR is below the replacement level.

RSS' Irrational Fears

What of the RSS fear of Muslims becoming more than half of India's population by 2035? To make this claim, its number crunchers have to project a total population of 198 crore by 2035. By most estimates, India's population would peak at 154 crore by 2050. The simple extrapolations used for demographic scaremongering have no basis in science.

To the extent social backwardnesshas been identified as the reason for high TFRs, whether in regions or in communities, the need is to investmore in things that create development: skills, awareness, education, healthcare, roads, power, broadband, teledensity. But any move to step up investment in Muslim-majority areas, as the Planning Commission has made, is immediately branded as minority appeasement by the Sangh Parivar.

BJP's Ties to the RSS

India cannot progress as a nation with the Sangh brand of scaremongering about the nation's largest minority moving from the fringes of national consciousness right to the centre. It is the same RSS, which carries on this kind of false and irrational propaganda, that controls and guides the principal Opposition party, the BJP.

And so long as the BJP remains part of the Sangh Parivar, the family of organisations ideologically inspired and controlled by the RSS, its ability to respond to the polity's natural pressure towards the middle ground would remain muted.

DISCLAIMER : Views expressed above are the author's own.

08.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Blog: The nihilism of Arvind Kejriwal

Not many moons ago, an exasperated Arvind Kejriwal had told a probing news anchor, "Yes, I am an anarchist!" It might be time to revisit that phase of Kejriwal's life, the contention being that the AAP convener appears to have traveled from being an anarchist to a nihilist. He seems intent on destroying the one good thing that he with his compatriots had created.

There can be no doubt that, whereas Kejriwal's appeal exists mainly in the megapolis clusters where 60% of Delhi's population lives, and where life is nasty and brutish which in turn dishes out its own variety of social malcontents that form a significant part of the support-base of the former IRS officer, Yogendra Yadav has created a self-image of one of the intellectual heads of the AAP idea. He is the philosopher but, Yogendra's tragedy is he is not the king. For the moment, it's Kejriwal who's the king.

Having said that, what's the objective reality? The objective reality is that while Yogendra wants to turn the king into a 'subedar', the king has a mind of his own, being worked on assiduously by his Ghaziabad friends. They must surely be fine people, but have a somewhat restricted world view. They see any AAP functionary appearing to engage with Kejriwal in a discussion on the way ahead as a threat to their "supremo".

Yogendra, on the other hand, lends dignity to the movement, and a definition. He makes AAP this slightly vague, romantic idea that could possibly harness the energies of the country towards some kind of a social and national renewal.

There might be issues of inadequate formulation and articulation in Yogendra's groupies, but Kejriwal doesn't help either ensconced in a nihilist colony with his Ghaziabad friends – no offence meant in naming the district, this writer too lives in the same neck of the woods.

Trouble is Kejriwal's friends have dinned it into his head that he must stay the sole boss and not suffer the two too-clever-by-half men: Yogendra and Bhushan. Alas, without them, without a few emancipated men to lend Kejriwal some intellectual heft, Kejriwal reduces his stature. He becomes a version of Mamata Banerjee or Lalu Prasad. He is then unable to deal with the expansion of the AAP idea into a nationwide behemoth, because he can't control it any longer.

Obviously, Yogendra and Kejriwal cannot but be opposed to each other. It's a situational tragedy. The ideas are with the man who doesn't have the political power to execute these, and he opposes a man who has absolutely no political idea, but is the chief minister.

From the way their fight is panning out, AAP will split, with Yogendra attempting to take the AAP idea to the national centre-stage. Questions are bound to arise. Will Yogendra succeed? How much support does he really have? How many MLAs does he have? It's known Yogendra has been working in Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab. But is that enough? Also, contesting the Gurgaon Lok Sabha he lost his security deposit. How rooted is he?

Brushing aside his situation, Yogendra perhaps sees the AAP idea striking a chord with the large masses across the country. He would like to believe Delhi is just the first break in the journey. He and his ilk aim to develop a political architecture that, in their mind, is better equipped to address the concerns of the country, in which political corruption is the central issue.

Much will depend on how Yogendra and Bhushan develop the struggle – especially with Kejriwal snapping at them every now and then, simultaneously claiming sole proprietorship of the AAP idea.

That brings one back to the premise on which this piece began. Kejriwal's nihilism.

By refusing to look beyond his nose, Kejriwal has allowed himself to turn putty in the hands of a limited set of minds that make a daily ceremony of eating out of his hands before TV cameras. There's a strange blood-lust they show the moment anybody dares to speak a word against "the incorruptible" – the Indian Robespierre without the faintest idea of what is a revolution.

A bunch of political neophytes constitutes government in Delhi today. Like delinquents, they believe in nothing. Kejriwal is their supremo. His rise is the result of extreme pessimism of the clusters that condemn existence – mainly due to the venality of the established political class. Such people believe in nothing, have no loyalties, and no purpose other than, perhaps, an impulse to destroy. Such people need to be educated, not exploited.

By throwing out the only guys making sense in AAP, and along with them the loftier idea of what AAP might have been, Kejriwal may well have completed his journey from being a self-claimed anarchist to a still-in-denial nihilist.

DISCLAIMER : Views expressed above are the author's own.

08.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Court orders Salman to be present on Apr 6 hearing

RELATED KEYWORDS: Salman-Khan|Hit-and-run-case

The author has posted comments on this articleTNN | Apr 1, 2015, 03.41PM IST

Page 1 of 4

Article continues

Stay updated on the go with Times of India News App. Click here to download it for your device.

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As It Happened: BJP to hold rallies in favor of land bill

BJP's national executive meeting has begun in Bengaluru today. Among the key issues, BJP plans to make the land bill a people's issue and fight the perception "created by the opposition" that it is 'anti-farmer'.

01:23 PM

BJP to hold nationwide rallies in support of land bill, 1st rally to be held in Ranchi on May 6

01:07 PM

Amit Shah at the BJP meet

01:06 PM

Search Rahul not our mistakes, BJP chief Amit Shah takes a dig at Congress

12:51 PM

BJP is a friend of farmers, it's a party of farmers, led by farmers. We worked for farmers & shall always

Prakash Javadekar, BJP

12:50 PM

Modi govt will be in power for the next 10-20 years, we are not going anywhere, Prakash Javadekar says

(ANI photo)

12:32 PM

More focus on 'Clean India' campaign, Javadekar says

12:30 PM

2014 was a year of victory for the BJP

Prakash Javadekar, BJP

12:29 PM

PM Modi wants BJP leaders to engage in activities outside the realm of politics as well

Prakash Javadekar, BJP

12:27 PM

Police detain youth Congress workers as massive protests erupt in Bengaluru

12:24 PM

Prakash Javadekar comments on BJP becoming the largest party

12:09 PM

It has been corruption free 10 months of governance: Amit Shah

12:05 PM

BJP NE will be a futile exercise, unless they decide on fate of people like Giriraj & Sakshi Maharaj

BK Hariprasad, Congress

12:03 PM

Cong's BK Hariprasad comments on BJP's national executive meet venue

11:52 AM

Congress workers protest outside BJP meet venue

11:39 AM

BJP national executive meet in Bengaluru

(ANI photo)

11:24 AM

Amit Shah addresses BJP national executive meet

11:10 AM

It has been corruption free 10 months of governance

Amit Shah

10:43 AM

Cong's PC Chacko comments on BJP's land acquisition policy

10:39 AM

Images from the BJP national executive meet venue

(ANI photo)

10:35 AM

PM Modi at the BJP national executive meet

10:30 AM

BJP's top brass at the national executive meet

10:29 AM

Inside visuals of BJP national meet

10:23 AM

BJP National Executive meeting begins in Bengaluru

10:22 AM

Inside visuals: BJP National Executive meeting underway in Bengaluru

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08.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Court orders Salman to be present on Apr 6 hearing

RELATED KEYWORDS: Salman-Khan|Hit-and-run-case

The author has posted comments on this articleTNN | Apr 1, 2015, 03.41PM IST

Page 1 of 4

Article continues

Stay updated on the go with Times of India News App. Click here to download it for your device.

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08.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Blog: The nihilism of Arvind Kejriwal

Not many moons ago, an exasperated Arvind Kejriwal had told a probing news anchor, "Yes, I am an anarchist!" It might be time to revisit that phase of Kejriwal's life, the contention being that the AAP convener appears to have traveled from being an anarchist to a nihilist. He seems intent on destroying the one good thing that he with his compatriots had created.

There can be no doubt that, whereas Kejriwal's appeal exists mainly in the megapolis clusters where 60% of Delhi's population lives, and where life is nasty and brutish which in turn dishes out its own variety of social malcontents that form a significant part of the support-base of the former IRS officer, Yogendra Yadav has created a self-image of one of the intellectual heads of the AAP idea. He is the philosopher but, Yogendra's tragedy is he is not the king. For the moment, it's Kejriwal who's the king.

Having said that, what's the objective reality? The objective reality is that while Yogendra wants to turn the king into a 'subedar', the king has a mind of his own, being worked on assiduously by his Ghaziabad friends. They must surely be fine people, but have a somewhat restricted world view. They see any AAP functionary appearing to engage with Kejriwal in a discussion on the way ahead as a threat to their "supremo".

Yogendra, on the other hand, lends dignity to the movement, and a definition. He makes AAP this slightly vague, romantic idea that could possibly harness the energies of the country towards some kind of a social and national renewal.

There might be issues of inadequate formulation and articulation in Yogendra's groupies, but Kejriwal doesn't help either ensconced in a nihilist colony with his Ghaziabad friends – no offence meant in naming the district, this writer too lives in the same neck of the woods.

Trouble is Kejriwal's friends have dinned it into his head that he must stay the sole boss and not suffer the two too-clever-by-half men: Yogendra and Bhushan. Alas, without them, without a few emancipated men to lend Kejriwal some intellectual heft, Kejriwal reduces his stature. He becomes a version of Mamata Banerjee or Lalu Prasad. He is then unable to deal with the expansion of the AAP idea into a nationwide behemoth, because he can't control it any longer.

Obviously, Yogendra and Kejriwal cannot but be opposed to each other. It's a situational tragedy. The ideas are with the man who doesn't have the political power to execute these, and he opposes a man who has absolutely no political idea, but is the chief minister.

From the way their fight is panning out, AAP will split, with Yogendra attempting to take the AAP idea to the national centre-stage. Questions are bound to arise. Will Yogendra succeed? How much support does he really have? How many MLAs does he have? It's known Yogendra has been working in Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab. But is that enough? Also, contesting the Gurgaon Lok Sabha he lost his security deposit. How rooted is he?

Brushing aside his situation, Yogendra perhaps sees the AAP idea striking a chord with the large masses across the country. He would like to believe Delhi is just the first break in the journey. He and his ilk aim to develop a political architecture that, in their mind, is better equipped to address the concerns of the country, in which political corruption is the central issue.

Much will depend on how Yogendra and Bhushan develop the struggle – especially with Kejriwal snapping at them every now and then, simultaneously claiming sole proprietorship of the AAP idea.

That brings one back to the premise on which this piece began. Kejriwal's nihilism.

By refusing to look beyond his nose, Kejriwal has allowed himself to turn putty in the hands of a limited set of minds that make a daily ceremony of eating out of his hands before TV cameras. There's a strange blood-lust they show the moment anybody dares to speak a word against "the incorruptible" – the Indian Robespierre without the faintest idea of what is a revolution.

A bunch of political neophytes constitutes government in Delhi today. Like delinquents, they believe in nothing. Kejriwal is their supremo. His rise is the result of extreme pessimism of the clusters that condemn existence – mainly due to the venality of the established political class. Such people believe in nothing, have no loyalties, and no purpose other than, perhaps, an impulse to destroy. Such people need to be educated, not exploited.

By throwing out the only guys making sense in AAP, and along with them the loftier idea of what AAP might have been, Kejriwal may well have completed his journey from being a self-claimed anarchist to a still-in-denial nihilist.

DISCLAIMER : Views expressed above are the author's own.

08.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

In pics: J&K flood alert

/jk-floods/eventshow/46742040.cms

01

Many parts of Sri Nagar were waterlogged after heavy rains lashed the valley on March 29. (AP photo) 

J&K floods

/jk-floods/eventshow/46742047.cms

02

Shopkeepers try to remove water from a footwear shop in Sri Nagar. (AP photo) 

J&K floods

/jk-floods/eventshow/46743321.cms

03

People watch as water breaks an embankment of a stream in Sri Nagar village (Reuters photo). 

J&K floods

/jk-floods/eventshow/46743309.cms

04

People help a ailing woman to safety after rains led to flash floods (Reuters photo). 

J&K floods

/jk-floods/eventshow/46742067.cms

05

Government soon pressed into action and declared it a flood situation. Rescue operations were on as valley is expecting more rains for next two days. (AP photo) 

J&K floods

/jk-floods/eventshow/46742049.cms

06

The situation was no different in one of Sri Nagar's busiest market. (AFP photo) 

J&K floods

/jk-floods/eventshow/46742034.cms

07

Business unusal: People try to remove the water-log after incessant rains disrupted valley's routine. (Reuters photo) 

J&K floods

08.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Have you voted for your favourite sportsperson yet?

The Times of India Sports Award is our tribute to Indian sportspersons.

Endeavour to honour the past, celebrate the present and nurture the future in Indian sports

• One must admit that as a nation we haven't given many sportspersons their due. The truth is that sometimes we have even neglected them.
• The Times of India celebrates the journey of our sports heroes with The Times of India Sports Award.
• Come forward and vote for your favourite players, from the categories listed below, based on the performance in the year 2014.
• TOISA winners will be selected basis a combination of jury and online voting.
• Ten lucky voters get a chance to see their favourite sports stars win at the award ceremony.

08.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Blog: The nihilism of Arvind Kejriwal

Not many moons ago, an exasperated Arvind Kejriwal had told a probing news anchor, "Yes, I am an anarchist!" It might be time to revisit that phase of Kejriwal's life, the contention being that the AAP convener appears to have traveled from being an anarchist to a nihilist. He seems intent on destroying the one good thing that he with his compatriots had created.

There can be no doubt that, whereas Kejriwal's appeal exists mainly in the megapolis clusters where 60% of Delhi's population lives, and where life is nasty and brutish which in turn dishes out its own variety of social malcontents that form a significant part of the support-base of the former IRS officer, Yogendra Yadav has created a self-image of one of the intellectual heads of the AAP idea. He is the philosopher but, Yogendra's tragedy is he is not the king. For the moment, it's Kejriwal who's the king.

Having said that, what's the objective reality? The objective reality is that while Yogendra wants to turn the king into a 'subedar', the king has a mind of his own, being worked on assiduously by his Ghaziabad friends. They must surely be fine people, but have a somewhat restricted world view. They see any AAP functionary appearing to engage with Kejriwal in a discussion on the way ahead as a threat to their "supremo".

Yogendra, on the other hand, lends dignity to the movement, and a definition. He makes AAP this slightly vague, romantic idea that could possibly harness the energies of the country towards some kind of a social and national renewal.

There might be issues of inadequate formulation and articulation in Yogendra's groupies, but Kejriwal doesn't help either ensconced in a nihilist colony with his Ghaziabad friends – no offence meant in naming the district, this writer too lives in the same neck of the woods.

Trouble is Kejriwal's friends have dinned it into his head that he must stay the sole boss and not suffer the two too-clever-by-half men: Yogendra and Bhushan. Alas, without them, without a few emancipated men to lend Kejriwal some intellectual heft, Kejriwal reduces his stature. He becomes a version of Mamata Banerjee or Lalu Prasad. He is then unable to deal with the expansion of the AAP idea into a nationwide behemoth, because he can't control it any longer.

Obviously, Yogendra and Kejriwal cannot but be opposed to each other. It's a situational tragedy. The ideas are with the man who doesn't have the political power to execute these, and he opposes a man who has absolutely no political idea, but is the chief minister.

From the way their fight is panning out, AAP will split, with Yogendra attempting to take the AAP idea to the national centre-stage. Questions are bound to arise. Will Yogendra succeed? How much support does he really have? How many MLAs does he have? It's known Yogendra has been working in Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab. But is that enough? Also, contesting the Gurgaon Lok Sabha he lost his security deposit. How rooted is he?

Brushing aside his situation, Yogendra perhaps sees the AAP idea striking a chord with the large masses across the country. He would like to believe Delhi is just the first break in the journey. He and his ilk aim to develop a political architecture that, in their mind, is better equipped to address the concerns of the country, in which political corruption is the central issue.

Much will depend on how Yogendra and Bhushan develop the struggle – especially with Kejriwal snapping at them every now and then, simultaneously claiming sole proprietorship of the AAP idea.

That brings one back to the premise on which this piece began. Kejriwal's nihilism.

By refusing to look beyond his nose, Kejriwal has allowed himself to turn putty in the hands of a limited set of minds that make a daily ceremony of eating out of his hands before TV cameras. There's a strange blood-lust they show the moment anybody dares to speak a word against "the incorruptible" – the Indian Robespierre without the faintest idea of what is a revolution.

A bunch of political neophytes constitutes government in Delhi today. Like delinquents, they believe in nothing. Kejriwal is their supremo. His rise is the result of extreme pessimism of the clusters that condemn existence – mainly due to the venality of the established political class. Such people believe in nothing, have no loyalties, and no purpose other than, perhaps, an impulse to destroy. Such people need to be educated, not exploited.

By throwing out the only guys making sense in AAP, and along with them the loftier idea of what AAP might have been, Kejriwal may well have completed his journey from being a self-claimed anarchist to a still-in-denial nihilist.

DISCLAIMER : Views expressed above are the author's own.

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In pics: J&K flood alert

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Many parts of Sri Nagar were waterlogged after heavy rains lashed the valley on March 29. (AP photo) 

J&K floods

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Shopkeepers try to remove water from a footwear shop in Sri Nagar. (AP photo) 

J&K floods

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People watch as water breaks an embankment of a stream in Sri Nagar village (Reuters photo). 

J&K floods

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People help a ailing woman to safety after rains led to flash floods (Reuters photo). 

J&K floods

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Government soon pressed into action and declared it a flood situation. Rescue operations were on as valley is expecting more rains for next two days. (AP photo) 

J&K floods

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The situation was no different in one of Sri Nagar's busiest market. (AFP photo) 

J&K floods

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Business unusal: People try to remove the water-log after incessant rains disrupted valley's routine. (Reuters photo) 

J&K floods

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Have you voted for your favourite sportsperson yet?

The Times of India Sports Award is our tribute to Indian sportspersons.

Endeavour to honour the past, celebrate the present and nurture the future in Indian sports

• One must admit that as a nation we haven't given many sportspersons their due. The truth is that sometimes we have even neglected them.
• The Times of India celebrates the journey of our sports heroes with The Times of India Sports Award.
• Come forward and vote for your favourite players, from the categories listed below, based on the performance in the year 2014.
• TOISA winners will be selected basis a combination of jury and online voting.
• Ten lucky voters get a chance to see their favourite sports stars win at the award ceremony.

08.20 | 0 komentar | Read More

Court orders Salman to be present on Apr 6 hearing

Salman Khan has been asked to be present in court in the next hearing of the 2002 hit-and-run case on April 6, 2015. It was on March 30 when Salman's driver Ashok Singh said in the court that it was him and not Salman who was driving the car on the intervening night of September 27-28, 2002, when the accident took place.

READ: Kashmir schedule of Salman Khan's 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' postponed

Khan is accused of culpable homicide not amounting to murder in the hit-and-run case, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison. He has been booked under Section 304 A of the Indian Penal Code (rash and negligent driving), 279 (rash driving), 337 (causing minor injuries), 338 (causing major injuries) and 427 (negligence) in regard to the 2002 case.

His trial began in Bandra Magistrate Court in Maharashtra in 2006. The actor was earlier being tried on the charge of death by negligence which carries a maximum prison term of two years.

For latest Bollywood updates follow TOI Entertain on Twitter >>> @TOIEntertain

For the latest in Bollywood news, like TOI Entertaiment on Facebook >>> TOIEntertain

Listen to Salman Khan songs on Gaana.com

WATCH: Salman Khan Hit-And-Run Case: I Wasn't Driving

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=Salman Khan,Hit-and-run-case

Stay updated on the go with Times of India News App. Click here to download it for your device.

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Scorecard: New Zealand vs Australia, Final

This has been a great World Cup and we enjoyed bringing every bit of it to you. Hope you enjoyed our coverage as well. Looking forward to your company on April 8 for the start of the T20 extravaganza. On behalf of Srivathsa, Pradeep, Akshay, Sidhant, Raju, Krishna, Sriram and Bharath, this is Ramakrishnan saying goodbye for one final time. Take care!

It's a great day for Player of the Series Mitchell Starc and Player of the Match James Faulkner in their young careers.

David Warner's 178. Pakistan's inspiring victory against the Proteas. Bangladesh stunning England and knocking them out at Adelaide. Teams failing to keep the Indian bowlers at bay. Brendan Taylor's goodbye to Zimbabwe. JP Duminy's hat-trick against Sri Lanka. Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara bowing out on a sad note. Wahab Riaz's jaw-dropping spell against Australia. Grant Elliott denying his country of birth in the semi-final. Steven Smith's love affair with India. Daniel Vettori calling time on his international career. These are some of the moments that I could recollect. Phew! What a treat we had.

Let's relive some more moments for one last time. Steven Finn's hat-trick. James Taylor denied a hundred because of an umpiring blunder. A high-profile clash between India and Pakistan. Ireland thumping West Indies and proving that it was right to include the Associates. Tim Southee rattling England. Afghanistan scaring Sri Lanka. Chris Gayle's double-hundred. Samiullah Shenwari's brilliance with the bat. The AB de Villiers assault at the SCG. That insane game at the Eden Park between the Trans-Tasman rivals. Kumar Sangakkara scoring hundreds at will. South Africa becoming the first team to score 400 in successive games.

Although Australia weren't as ruthless as they were before in this World Cup, they managed to grab key moments, which was key to their successful journey. The fact that they managed to win the title despite not playing their perfect game in the entire tournament speaks volumes of the depth they have in their outfit. Mitchell Starc outclassing Mitchell Johnson was a sight to watch. Overall, the Australian boys have given a perfect farewell gift for their captain Michael Clarke, who has hung up his ODI boots.

There were so many moments to savour in this World Cup. Let's begin with today and the two teams that were on show today. Brendon McCullum's courageous captaincy - he was not afraid to have four slips and leave the off-side field open looking for wickets early on. His field placings gave a lot of confidence to Boult and Southee, who were exceptional with the new ball throughout the tournament. Baz himself led from the front in the field with his acrobatic efforts. New Zealand's confidence as a whole unit even under pressure was good to see.

Inside the Australian dressing room, Barry 'Nugget' Rees, a former South Australian player, a close friend of coach Darren Lehmann and an inspirational figure in the Australian team for a number of years, pours beer on the World Cup trophy and kisses the cup. He makes a speech to the team. The Australian players then have a beer.

Let's take a look at some of the best tweets from this game:

@gauravkalra75: australia have now won world cups in asia, europe, africa, north america & australia. only south america & antarctica remain! #CWC15Final

@BrianLara: Well played Australia you were the best team by far and your wins from the quarterfinals onwards were clinical and showed your superiority!

@cricket_U: Back to back World Cup Final wins for the home team. Before 2011, no home team had ever won it. #CWC15Final

@JimmyNeesh: It seems strange to say this in the face of a loss but I've never been prouder to be a New Zealander and a New Zealand cricketer.

@mohanstatsman: In World Cup winning sides, GEOFF MARSH Player 1987 Coach 1999

Darren Lehmann Player 1999 & 2003 Coach #CWC15 #AusvNZ

@bhogleharsha: The best team at the World Cup, the favourites, the most fancied win another World Cup. #Australia #champions

@glennmcgrath11: Congratulations to @MClarke23 & @CricketAus on winning the @cricketworldcup Great win boys, very well deserved #CWC15

The ecstatic Australian players celebrated long and hard after winning the World Cup. As the curtains fell on the mega event, we leave you with all the records that were broken and landmarks that were achieved during the course of the tournament:

Martin Guptill was in supreme touch during the later part of the World Cup and ended up as the highest run-scorer of the tournament with 547 runs.

Kumar Sangakkara, the fulcrum of Sri Lanka's batting line-up, became the first cricketer to notch up four back-to-back tons in ODIs.

Mitchell Starc and Trent Boult were consistently amongst the wickets and ended up as the highest wicket-takers of the tournament with 22 wickets.

Martin Guptill went on to post the highest individual score in World Cups with a rousing innings of 237 not out against the West Indies. Interestingly, Chris Gayle had earlier become the first cricketer to crack a double ton in World Cups, when he achieved that feat against Zimbabwe in Canberra. Guptill now also has the second highest individual score in ODIs to his name.

While compiling a splendid innings of 162 not out against the West Indies in Sydney, AB de Villiers became the fastest to reach 150 in ODIs. He reached that feat in a mere 64 balls.

New Zealand's captain, Brendon McCullum, played with a dash of adventurism against England in Wellington to register the fastest fifty in World Cups. He completed his fifty in just 18 balls.

Australia's monstrous score of 417 for 6 against Afghanistan at the WACA was the highest total in World Cups.

With 37 sixes, Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers now have thwacked most number of sixes in World Cups. Now, 26 of those Gayle's sixes came in this World Cup and that turned out to be a record for most number of sixes smashed in a single World Cup.

By clobbering Zimbabwe's bowlers for 16 sixes in Canberra, Chris Gayle equalled Rohit Sharma's record for most number sixes in an ODI innings.

With as many as 31 sixes being hammered, the quarter-final match between New Zealand and West Indies in Wellington saw the most sixes smashed in a World Cup match.

Maxwell runs behind the advertisement boards near the boundary and does high-fives with the crowd. The Australian players now sing the team song as they walk across the outfield.

ICC Chairman N Srinivasan hands over the World Cup trophy to Michael Clarke and the celebrations begin. They now pose for the cameras. Woo hoos are heard all over. Big smile on every single player of the Australian team and why not. David Warner pours champagne on Shane Watson and Steven Smith. The Australians do a lap of honour with the trophy in their hands. Clarke is seen clapping his hands to the fans. Clarke gets a bit emotional as well. Ah! Darren Lehmann remembered 1999 I guess. He takes the trophy and holds it high. Clarke now poses with the cup as photographers try to capture the moment.

'I might give it back to Warnie (when asked if he would hand his No. 23 jersey to anybody). I haven't thought too much about it to be honest. It's been an honour and a privilege to represent my country in Tests, ODIs and T20Is. The time is right for me to walk away from one-day cricket, but I'll keep playing Test cricket. I don't know I have to think about the number 23 (jersey), but I am honoured to have received it from Shane Warne. I am very proud to wear it and tonight has been extra special. As you can see it has got PH on it (when Mark Nicholas asked him about the black armband he was wearing). I will wear it every game I play for Australia. For everybody in Australian cricket it's been a really tough few months and I am sure I don't speak just for myself. I am sure everybody standing on the stage tonight will say that we played this World Cup with 16 players and tonight is certainly dedicated to Phil Hughes. Hughesy used to party as good as any of them, so we'll make sure that we drink two at a time tonight. One for Hughesy and one for us. We are really proud and it's a wonderful achievement. It's a great thing just to make the World Cup final, but to be able to win in your own backyard in front of your family and friends is extremely special. I can guarantee, we'll celebrate hard tonight.'

Clarke: 'Obviously I am over the moon. What a tournament. Firstly, to Brendon (McCullum) and the New Zealand team, they deserve a lot of credit there. They are always a tough team to beat. It seems in any sporting event, Australia v New Zealand is always an exciting contest and tonight was no different. So to Baz and his team, congratulations on a wonderful tournament mate and well done. Especially personally, you were outstanding throughout the whole tournament. To the Australian fans, to all the fans of the game of cricket, I think it's been an amazing turnout for this tournament. People watching at home on TV and people coming to all the games, to the support that we had throughout the tournament, thanks to every Australian and every cricket supporter out there. Most importantly to our amazing team including support staff that stands over there, I couldn't have asked for anything more. The support I've received since coming back into the team, the way they have stood up and played, they deserve to certainly stand here tonight and hold that trophy up. We have played really well tonight. I said after the semi-final I think the guys were certainly ready for this final mentally. We had to recover physically and it's a great strength of our team. The support staff we have, the medical staff do a great job in getting everybody fit and healthy and the guys were ready for tonight and they played really well once again.'

It's now time for the Australian team to collect their medallions. Big roar from the crowd as Mark Nicholas reads out Michael Clarke's name.

Starc: 'I don't know what words to use. It was an amazing tournament, some outstanding performances, but today to cap it off (was amazing). New Zealand have been a great team throughout the whole tournament. They really set the benchmark, but I think we came hard today and really led to this performance. I wouldn't say that (when asked if he was the best fast bowler in the world at the moment). I've worked really hard at it for a number of months now with Craig McDermott (the bowling coach) in the background. I think a few series ago we sat down and penned down a little plan. To see it come to fruition tonight or through the whole tournament, it's been phenomenal. There was a lot of luck involved I think (referring to the ball to dismiss Brendon McCullum). There was a little plan that Craig and I had going a couple of days ago, to see it get executed really but Brendon has been fantastic throughout the tournament, so I think there was luck involved and I am just happy to get that one. The support from the Australian public and the crowd here has been fantastic through the whole tournament for us. So thank you all. To play in front of this crowd, in front of these many people, is nothing like it. I would like to (when asked if he can go on and produce something like this in all formats), but I am just going to enjoy this one for now.'

Mitchell Starc is the Player of the Tournament. He picked up 22 wickets at an average of 10.18 in 8 innings, Tendulkar gives him the award.

Faulkner: 'It's an amazing feeling, to play in front of 93,000 fans here at the MCG and win a World Cup is amazing. I will try and chip in and play my role for the team but what a performance today. It's been an amazing couple of years as an Australian one-day outfit. We brought our A game today. I suppose I get tossed the ball when the skipper wants me to bowl. Normally it's in the powerplay and I love that job. Today it worked out for us, but it can be tough sometimes. Definitely, I would be lying if I said there wasn't a moment when I thought I wouldn't be here today. But the physios looked after me and amazing, I am here today and it's an amazing feeling. I am not sure, you have to ask the senior members of the team (smiles, when asked what will happen tonight).'

James Faulkner is the Man of the Final for his 3/36 and he receives the award from Sachin Tendulkar.

McCullum: 'It's been one hell of a ride for us. Right throughout the way, we have played some outstanding cricket and we ran into an outstanding Australian team tonight, who continue to set the way in international cricket and full credit to them. They are deserved champions. Michael Clarke as well deserves to bow out as a World Cup champion too. All the best to them. They were outstanding in this World Cup and they thoroughly deserved to win. It was a quick one (referring to the ball Starc bowled to get rid of him). It all sort of unfolded probably not as we had planned, but I still thought we had got ourselves back in the game. 3/150, but as Australia do, they came back at us again and to take 7/33 at the end, obviously put us under a lot of pressure. Still thought 180 we dared to dream. If we had a couple of things go our way, who knows what would have ended up. In the end, we were the second best team on the day. Again, credit to Australia. No regrets. This is the greatest stage that you can ask for as a cricketer. This is what you do your hard work for all the time, avail all the sacrifices that you make. We know we've had the opportunity as a group of guys to go on this ride and we have forged some memories and friendships which will last forever. Obviously we weren't able to lift the trophy, but the brand of cricket and the entertainment that we've been able to give people throughout our country but also throughout the world is something we are immensely proud of. We have no regrets and we walk away from this tournament with our heads held high. It is the greatest time of your life. To be able to represent your country on the international stage with a group of friends and then pit your skills against the world's best, it is the greatest time of our lives and that's how we have tried to play the game. Play with a free spirit and plenty of heart all the way along. It took us so far in this tournament, but obviously we weren't able to get past the final hurdle. As I said, I am immensely proud of all the guys within the team, all the management group and all those who have been a part of this team over the last few years and helped build us into what we are. We've still got some work to do, but I still think we can be very proud of our achievements in this tournament.'

First up, the match officials receive their mementos. The New Zealand players now receive their medallions.

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In pics: Earth hour

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A man attends a candle-lit vigil during the Earth Hour environment campaign at the Jardin Plaza mall in Cali, Valle del Cauca department, Colombia, on March 28, 2015. Millions are expected to take part around the world in the annual event organised by conservation group WWF, with hundreds of well-known sights set to plunge into darkness. (AFP photo) 

Earht hour

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A combination picture shows London Eye before (top) and during the Earth Hour in central London March 28, 2015. Lights go off around the world at 8.30pm. local time in a show of support for renewable energy during Earth Hour, an event organised since 2007 to promote a sustainable future for the planet. (Reuters photo) 

Earth hour

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London Eye is seen during the Earth Hour in central London March 28, 2015. Lights go off around the world at 8.30pm. local time in a show of support for renewable energy during Earth Hour, an event organised since 2007 to promote a sustainable future for the planet. (Reuters photo) 

Earth hour

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A combination picture shows Madrid's Royal Palace before (top) and during (bottom) the Earth Hour in Madrid March 28, 2015. Lights go off around the world at 8.30pm. local time in a show of support for renewable energy during Earth Hour, an event organised since 2007 to promote a sustainable future for the planet. (Reuters photo) 

Earth hour

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A combination picture shows the Acropolis hill before (top) and during (bottom) Earth Hour in Athens March 28, 2015. Lights go off around the world at 8.30pm. local time in a show of support for renewable energy during Earth Hour, an event organised since 2007 to promote a sustainable future for the planet. (Reuters photo) 

Earth hour

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A combination picture shows Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament before (top) and during Earth Hour in central London March 28, 2015. (Reuters photo) 

Earth hour

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A combination picture shows the city hall before (top) and during Earth Hour in Vienna March 28, 2015. Earth Hour, when everyone around the world is asked to turn off lights for an hour from 8.30pm. local time, is meant as a show of support for tougher action to confront climate change. (Reuters photo) 

Earth hour

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A combo picture taken on March 28, 2015 in central London shows the Houses of Parliament being submerged into darkness for the Earth Hour environmental campaign. Millions are expected to take part around the world in the annual event organised by conservation group WWF, with hundreds of well-known sights set to plunge into darkness. (AFP photo) 

Earth hour

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A picture taken on March 28, 2015 in Paris shows the Eiffel Tower being submerged into darkness for the Earth Hour environmental campaign. Millions are expected to take part around the world in the annual event organised by conservation group WWF, with hundreds of well-known sights set to plunge into darkness. (AFP Photo) 

Earth hour

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A picture taken on March 28, 2015 in Paris shows the Eiffel Tower before being submerged into darkness for the Earth Hour environmental campaign. Millions are expected to take part around the world in the annual event organised by conservation group WWF, with hundreds of well-known sights set to plunge into darkness. (AFP photo) 

Earth hour

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As it happened: Australia crush New Zealand to win fifth World Cup title

04:48 PM

The celebrations begin

Australian players raise the trophy as they celebrate victory against New Zealand after their 2015 World Cup final in Melbourne. (AFP Photo)

04:40 PM

Congratulations Australia

04:37 PM

Aussies win their fifth crown

04:33 PM

2015 World Cup brand ambassador Sachin Tendulkar

04:29 PM

Well played New Zealand!

04:01 PM

The Kodak Moment!

Australia's Steve Smith, left, and teammate Shane Watson celebrate after defeating New Zealand by seven wickets to win the Cricket World Cup final. (AP Photo)

03:55 PM

Good to know when not to lose

03:53 PM

Cheers to World Champions!

03:44 PM

Celebrations begin!

03:43 PM

Australia win ICC World Cup 2015!

03:40 PM

In-form Steven Smith 56 (71) and Shane Watson 2 (5) remain unbeaten for the Aussies

03:38 PM

Australia 5-time World Champions!!!

03:36 PM

Australia chase down the 184-run target in 33.1 overs with 7 wickets to spare

03:35 PM

Steven Smith hits the winning runs as Australia crush New Zealand by 7 wickets to win their fifth World Cup title

03:30 PM

Steven Smith joins the party, scores 7th ODI fifty off 66 balls. Score - AUS 180/3 in 31.5 overs; Target - 184

03:29 PM

Meanwhile, Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel wins Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix

03:28 PM

Shane Watson, right handed bat, comes to the crease

03:27 PM

WICKET! Matt Henry dismisses Michael Clarke (74). Score - AUS 175/3 in 31.1 overs; Target 184

03:26 PM

ODI Captainship record

03:24 PM

Australia need 10 more runs to win from 114 balls

03:23 PM

Record crowd at MCG

03:21 PM

It's about time for the Aussies!

03:19 PM

Michael Clarke (57*) and Steven Smith (47*) power Australia to 157/2 in 30 overs. Target - 184

03:18 PM

Clarke's special on final innings

03:15 PM

150 up for Australia, need 33 more runs to win from 126 balls

03:12 PM

Australia need 38 more runs to win from 130 balls

03:12 PM

Clarke going away on a high!

Australia captain Michael Clarke hits a shot from a delivery from New Zealand's Matt Henry during their Cricket World Cup final. (Reuters Photo)

03:05 PM

It's getting closer & closer for Oz

03:04 PM

Michael Clarke hits 58th ODI fifty off 56 balls to lead the Australian run chase. Score - AUS 138/2 in 26.3 overs; Target - 184

02:58 PM

Michael Clarke (43*) and Steven Smith (34*) take Australia to 130/2 in 25 overs. Target - 184

02:55 PM

Australia need 65 more runs to win from 156 balls

02:55 PM

50 off 68 balls - Australia's 3rd wicket partnership between Steve Smith and Michael Clarke

02:51 PM

Corey Anderson, left-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

02:50 PM

Australia need 72 more runs to win from 162 balls

02:48 PM

Steve Smith (ODIs since January 2014) - Matches: 25; Runs: 1141; Average: 57.05; Strike Rate: 90.1; Best: 105

02:47 PM

After 20.5 overs (Comparison) - New Zealand were 70/3; Australia are 100/2

02:44 PM

Australia on top

02:43 PM

100 up for Australia in 20.5 overs. Steven Smith (26*) and Michael Clarke (22*) - target 184

02:40 PM

Australia need 86 more runs to win from 180 balls

02:40 PM

Michael Clarke vs D Vettori (Head to Head in ODIs) - Innings 21; Runs: 181; Outs: 4; Bat S/R: 59.7

02:39 PM

Steven Smith (25*) and Michael Clarke (21*) take Australia to 98/2 in 20 overs. Target - 184

02:37 PM

Run Rate: 4.43; Required Run 3.29; Target: 184

02:36 PM

Australia need 89 more runs to win from 31 overs

02:36 PM

Last five overs - Runs: 17; Wicket: 1; Run Rate: 3.40; Four: 1; Sixes: 0

02:33 PM

Smith's lucky moment!

02:29 PM

Australia vs New Zealand - Australia have won 14 out of 15 knockout matches vs New Zealand

02:26 PM

Australia need 110 more from 34 overs

02:23 PM

Not a good sign for NZ

02:22 PM

Michael Clarke (33 years) - ODI career: Matches: 245; Runs: 7911; Average: 44.42; Strike Rate: 78.8; Best: 130 vs India in 2007; ICC ODI Ranking: 32nd

02:22 PM

Michael Clarke (as captain) - Matches: 74; Runs: 2675; Average: 45.34; Strike Rate: 76.5; Best: 117

02:22 PM

Next to bat - In at 5: Watson; In at 6: Maxwell; In at 7: Faulkner

02:21 PM

Michael Clarke 4th best win % (70%) for any captain in ODIs (minimum 50 matches)

02:18 PM

Matt Henry Speed (KPH) - Fastest Ball: 142.5; Slowest Ball: 134.8; Average Speed: 139.0

02:18 PM

Fall of wicket - 1st: 2; 2nd: 63

02:17 PM

Australia need 125 more runs to win from 35 overs

02:16 PM

Steven Smith (17*) and Michael Clarke (3*) take Australia to 69/2 in 15 overs. Target - 184

02:15 PM

NZ fans loving it!

02:14 PM

Lucky escape for Smith! He gets an inside edge and the ball rolls back onto the stumps, but the bails do not fall.

02:09 PM

Standing ovation for Clarke

02:07 PM

Australia at home (Last 25 Matches) - Won: 22; Lost: 2; Tie/NR: 0/1; Win %: 92 %

02:07 PM

Michael Clarke, right handed bat, comes to the crease, got a standing ovation from the crowd

02:04 PM

WICKET! Matt Henry gives New Zealand a crucial break, dismisses David Warner (45). Score - AUS 63/2 in 12.2 overs; Target 184

02:01 PM

Trent Boult Speed (KPH) - Fastest Ball: 143.4; Slowest Ball: 132.4; Average Speed: 137.6

01:58 PM

50-run stand for Warner, Smith

01:57 PM

Australia need 126 more runs to win from 39 overs

01:56 PM

Australia (Run Rate during Mandatory Powerplay) - CWC 2015: 6.09; Today: 5.60

01:56 PM

Australia mandatory powerplay - Runs: 56; Wicket: 1

01:56 PM

Australia 2nd wicket partnership: 52 off 48; David Warner: 35 off 28; Steve Smith: 13 off 19

01:53 PM

David Warner (39*) and Steven Smith (13*) take Australia to 56/1 in 10 overs. Target - 184

01:52 PM

David Warner S/R (ICC CWC 2015) - PP: 111.7; Mid Overs: 138.3; Bat PP: 183.3; Final 10: N/A

01:50 PM

David Warner 33* (27) - Dot ball %: 48.1; Four: 5; Sixes: 0; Boundary %: 60.6; S/R: 122.2

01:50 PM

Kiwis now need inspirations from India

01:47 PM

Matt Henry, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

01:43 PM

David Warner - vs Pace: Average: 36.5; Strike rate: 94.8; vs Spin: Average: 33.1; Strike Rate: 72.7

01:41 PM

Kiwis need more Boult strikes

New Zealand fast bowler Trent Boult (C) is congratulated after dismissing Australia's Aaron Finch during the 2015 Cricket World Cup final. (AFP Photo)

01:40 PM

Daniel Vettori, left-arm orthodox, comes into the attack

01:37 PM

Good start for Oz

01:36 PM

Australia (Run Rate during Mandatory Powerplay) - CWC 2015: 6.09; Today: 6.39

01:35 PM

Tim Southee (ODIs in Australia) - Matches: 6; Wickets: 3; Average: 91.33; Economy: 5.75; Best: 1-34

01:34 PM

David Warner (28*) and Steven Smith (1*) take Australia to 33/1 in 5 overs. Target - 184

01:33 PM

Australia (Strike Rate during Mandatory Powerplay) - CWC 2015: 110.4; Today: 105

01:30 PM

Australia need 166 more runs to win from 46 overs

01:28 PM

David Warner (at Melbourne) - Matches: 8; Runs: 140; Average: 20.00; Strike Rate: 85.4; Best: 65

01:26 PM

Fall of wicket - 1st: 2

01:24 PM

Boult's early impact

01:22 PM

In-form Steven Smith, right handed bat, comes to the crease

01:21 PM

Australia opening partnership (ICC CWC 2015) - Innings: 8; Runs: 182; Average: 22.75; 50s/100s: 1/0

01:19 PM

WICKET! Trent Boult strikes early to get rid of Aaron Finch for duck. Score - AUS 2/1 in 1.4 overs; Target 184

01:16 PM

Trent Boult, left-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

01:12 PM

Tim Southee starts the New Zealand attack

01:11 PM

Here we go agian! Aaron Finch and David Warner walk out to start the Australian chase

01:11 PM

Poll:How many overs will Australia take to chase the 184-run target?

01:08 PM

Obviously pretty good start by the boys. It's in our hands to chase the runs and if we start well there is no reason why we can't (chase this down). Pretty good MCG wicket really. I thought it was a little bit slow than we are used to, but pretty good all-round wicket. One aspect we have been working hard on is our fielding, another strong performance and hopefully like I said we can start well with the bat and chase this total down. The outfield is pretty standard, maybe a little bit quicker than normal, but the ground is in fantastic condition. It is in our hands now.

James Faulkner

01:03 PM

Will it be one-sided or close?

12:58 PM

Will it be 1983 re-run?

12:55 PM

Fans at fan zone!

12:41 PM

Poll:Can New Zealand defend the 184-run target?

12:40 PM

Mitchell Starc - Overs: 8; Maidens: 0; Runs: 20; Wickets: 2; Economy: 2.5

12:40 PM

Mitchell Johnson - Overs: 9; Maidens: 0; Runs: 30; Wickets: 3; Economy: 3.3

12:40 PM

James Faulkner - Overs: 9; Maidens: 1; Runs: 36; Wickets: 3; Economy: 4.0

12:30 PM

Australia need 184 runs from 50 overs at 3.68 RPO to win the ICC Cricket World Cup

12:30 PM

New Zealand's Fall of wickets - 1st: 1; 2nd: 33; 3rd: 39; 4th: 150; 5th: 150; 6th: 151; 7th: 167; 8th: 171 9th: 182; 10th: 183

12:29 PM

Australia set to chase 184-run target against New Zealand to win their fifth World Cup title.

12:27 PM

WICKET! Tim Southee run out as Australia bundle out New Zealand for 183 in 45 overs.

12:26 PM

Trent Boult, right handed bat, comes to the crease

12:25 PM

WICKET! Mitchell Johnson dismisses Matt Henry for zero. Score - NZ 182/9 in 44.5 overs

12:23 PM

Poll:Will New Zealand last whole 50 overs?

12:22 PM

New Zealand's phase run rate - Mandatory Powerplay: 3.10; Mid Overs: 4.76; Bat PP: 3.00; Final 10: 4.00

12:20 PM

Matt Henry (23 years) - Matches: 10; Runs: 21; Average: 21.0; Strike Rate: 95.5; Best: 20* vs Sri Lanka, in 2015

12:18 PM

New Zealand (Run Rate during final 10 overs) - CWC 2015: 11.49; Today: 4.33

12:17 PM

New Zealand's phase run rate - Mandatory Powerplay: 3.10; Mid Overs: 4.76; Bat PP: 3.00; Final 10: 4.3

12:15 PM

Mitchell Johnson - Overs: 7; Maidens: 0; Runs: 27; Wickets: 2; Economy: 3.7

12:15 PM

Oz in driver's seat

12:13 PM

Australia in overs 41-50 - Best Economy Rate 4.75 for any team this World Cup

12:13 PM

Last 37 balls - Runs: 21; Wickets: 2; Run Rate: 4.06; Fours: 3; Sixes: 0

12:13 PM

Matt Henry, right handed bat, comes to the crease

12:12 PM

WICKET! New Zealand in deep trouble as James Faulkner dismisses Grant Elliott (83). Score - NZ 171/8 in 41.5 overs

12:09 PM

Tim Southee, right handed bat, comes to the crease

12:07 PM

WICKET! Mitchell Johnson clean bowls Daniel Vettori (9) as New Zealand struggle. Score - NZ 167/7 in 41 overs

12:05 PM

Mitchell Starc - 55% of his wickets are bowled in ICC CWC 2015

12:03 PM

Grant Elliott S/R (This match) - PP: N/A; Mid Overs: 104.3; Bat PP: 120.0

12:03 PM

Grant Elliott 78* (74) - Dot Ball %: 39.2; Fours: 6; Sixes: 1; Boundary %: 38.5; S/R: 105.4

12:02 PM

Poll:Will New Zealand cross 200 from here?

12:02 PM

End of batting powerplay - Grant Elliott (78*) and Daniel Vettori (8*) take New Zealand to 165/6 in 40 overs.

11:59 AM

James Faulkner has taken 30% of his wickets bowling in the batting PP

11:56 AM

Starc Economy (ICC CWC 2015) - PP: 3.67; Mid Overs: 3.18; Bat PP: 3.81: Final 10: 3.63

11:55 AM

New Zealand's phase run rate - Mandatory Powerplay: 3.10; Mid Overs: 4.76; Bat PP: 0.75

11:51 AM

Crowd approves Haddin's special

11:50 AM

Oz fans loving it!

11:49 AM

Luke Ronchi (Last five innings) - Runs: 44; Average: 8.8; S/R: 112.8; 50/100: 0/0; Best: 12

11:49 AM

Ross Taylor 40 (72) c Haddin b Faulkner; strike rate: 55.6; Fours: 2; Sixes: 0

11:48 AM

Fall of wickets - 1st: 1; 2nd: 33; 3rd: 39; 4th: 150; 5th: 150; 6th: 151

11:47 AM

Daniel Vettori, left handed bat, comes to the crease

11:44 AM

WICKET! Mitchell Starc dismisses Luke Ronchi (0) to dent New Zealand innings. Score - NZ 151/6 in 36.2 overs

11:42 AM

New Zealand in batting PP - Best run rate for any team (7.1) since October 2012

11:41 AM

Luke Ronchi, right handed bat, comes to the crease

11:40 AM

New Zealand's phase run rate - Mandatory Powerplay: 3.10; Mid Overs: 4.76

11:40 AM

New Zealand Balls Per Fifty - 1st: 93; 2nd:65; 3rd: 51

11:39 AM

WICKET! James Faulkner strikes again to get rid of Corey Anderson for duck. Score - NZ 150/5 in 35.3 overs

11:37 AM

Key to success for New Zealand - New Zealand win 84% matches outside Asia when they have at least one 100+ partnership

11:36 AM

WICKET! Brad Haddin takes a brilliant catch as James Faulkner dismisses Ross Taylor (40). Score - NZ 150/4 in 35.1 overs

11:32 AM

Josh Hazlewood - Overs:7; Maidens: 2; Runs: 22; Wickets: 0; Economy: 3.14

11:31 AM

Grant Elliott (72*) and Ross Taylor (40*) take New Zealand to 150/3 in 35 overs.

11:28 AM

Crucial stand for the Kiwis

11:25 AM

Important 100-run stand off 128 balls for the 4th wicket by Grant Elliott (67*) and Ross Taylor (35*). Score - NZ 139/3 in 33.2 overs

11:24 AM

Ross Taylor (Strike Rate in Phases) - Overs 11-40: 76.1; Overs 41-50: 149.8

11:23 AM

Last 5 overs (NZ) - Runs: 11; Wickets: 0; Run Rate: 3.67; Fours: 0; Sixes: 0

11:18 AM

New Zealand 4th wicket partnership - 82 off 107 balls; Ross Taylor: 24 off 48; Grant Elliott: 54 off 57

11:16 AM

New Zealand's phase run rate - Mandatory Powerplay: 3.10; Mid Overs: 4.54

11:12 AM

Ross Taylor vs Mitchell Johnson (Head to Head in ODIs) - Innings 14; Runs: 92; Outs: 5; Bat S/R: 69.7

11:10 AM

Grant Elliott 50* (51) - Dot Ball %: 45.1; Fours: 3; Sixes: 1; Boundary %: 36.0; S/R: 98.0

11:09 AM

Grant Elliott (54*) and Ross Taylor (30*) take New Zealand to 121/3 in 30 overs.

11:02 AM

Grant Elliott slams 9th ODI fifty off 51 balls to lead New Zealand's revival with Ross Taylor (29*). Score - 115/3 in 28 overs

11:00 AM

Ross Taylor vs Shane Watson (Head to Head in ODIs) - Innings 6; Runs: 45; Outs: 4; Bat S/R: 54.9

10:59 AM

New Zealand Balls Per Fifty - 1st: 93; 2nd:65

10:58 AM

James Faulkner (Speeds KPH) - Fastest Ball: 136.4; Slowest Ball: 123.9; Average: 132.6

10:58 AM

Elliott, Taylor revive NZ innings

New Zealand batsmen Ross Taylor (L) and Grant Elliott take a run during the 2015 Cricket World Cup final against Australia in Melbourne. (AFP Photo)

10:55 AM

100 up for New Zealand in 26.2 overs. Grant Elliott (45*) and Ross Taylor (21*)

10:51 AM

New Zealand's phase run rate - Mandatory Powerplay: 3.10; Mid Overs: 4.15

10:51 AM

Grant Elliott (39*) and Ross Taylor (20*) take New Zealand to 93/3 in 25 overs.

10:50 AM

New Zealand 4th wicket partnership - 50 off 69; Ross Taylor: 14 off 34; Grant Elliott: 35 off 35

10:49 AM

New Zealand in ICC CWC 2015 (Run Rate during mid overs) - CWC 2015: 5.09; Today: 3.93

10:48 AM

Shane Watson, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

10:47 AM

50-run stand for Grant Elliott (35*) and Ross Taylor (20*) off 69 balls. Score - NZ 89/3 in 23.5 overs

10:45 AM

Grant Elliott (ODIs in Australia) - Innings: 6; Runs: 234 Average: 58.50; S/R: 81.3; Best: 115

10:44 AM

Poll:How far will New Zealand go from here?

10:41 AM

Highest wicket-takers so far

10:39 AM

Grant Elliott vs off-spinners - Innings: 33; Runs: 294; Dismissals: 2; Average: 147; S/R: 84

10:39 AM

First boundary scored: 58 balls; 43 minutes

10:39 AM

New Zealand's phase run rate - Mandatory Powerplay: 3.10; Mid Overs: 3.85

10:37 AM

New Zealand's Innings - Since last boundary: 56 balls; 42 minutes

10:33 AM

Elliott survives after he decided to review umpire Dharmasena's lbw decision

10:31 AM

Ross Taylor (18*) and Grant Elliott (15*) take New Zealand to 66/3 in 20 overs.

10:29 AM

James Faulkner in ICC CWC 2015 - Five out of his seven wickets have been off the slower ball

10:26 AM

Grant Elliott vs off-spinners - Innings: 33; Runs: 294; Dismissals: 2; Average: 147; S/R: 88

10:19 AM

James Faulkner, comes into the attack for the Aussies

10:17 AM

Keys to success for Oz

10:15 AM

New Zealand's Innings Run Rate - 3.23; Last Five Overs: 3.78

10:12 AM

50 up for New Zealand in 15.3 overs

10:11 AM

Ross Taylor (10*) and Grant Elliott (4*) take New Zealand to 47/3 in 15 overs.

10:10 AM

Protest before the finale

A policeman tackles a protester before the start of the Cricket World Cup final match between Australia and New Zealand at the MCG. (Reuters Photo)

10:08 AM

Ross Taylor (ICC CWC 2015) - Matches: 9; Runs: 188; Average: 31.33; Strike Rate: 63.1; Best: 56

10:07 AM

Ross Taylor (31 years) - Matches: 159; Runs: 5094; Average: 41.41; Strike Rate: 81.7; Best: 131* vs Pakistan in 2011; ICC ODI Ranking: 11th

10:04 AM

Glenn Maxwell (ODIs since January 2014) - Matches: 30; Wickets: 27; Average: 29.07; Economy: 5.30; Best: 4-46

10:03 AM

Ross Taylor vs Mitchell Johnson (Head to Head in ODIs) - Innings 14; Runs: 92; Outs: 5; Bat S/R: 69.7

10:02 AM

Key for Kiwis' success

10:00 AM

Fall of wickets: 1st: 1; 2nd: 33; 3rd: 39

10:00 AM

New Zealand's phase run rate - Mandatory Powerplay: 3.10; Mid Overs: 3.50

10:00 AM

Grant Elliott, right handed bat, comes to the crease

09:58 AM

WICKET! Mitchell Johnson joins the party, dismisses Kane Williamson (12). Score - NZ 39/3 in 12.2 overs

09:56 AM

Fall of wickets - 1st: 1; 2nd: 33

09:56 AM

Martin Guptill 15(34) bowled Maxwell; Strike Rate: 44.1; Fours: 1; Sixes: 1

09:55 AM

Ross Taylor, right handed bat, comes to the crease

09:54 AM

WICKET! Glenn Maxwell gets rid of Martin Guptill (15). Score - NZ 33/2 in 11.2 overs

09:53 AM

Glenn Maxwell, right-arm off break, comes into the attack

09:46 AM

New Zealand in ICC CWC 2015 (Run Rate during powerplay) - CWC 2015: 7.70; Today: 3.10

09:46 AM

Martin Guptill vs Mitchell Johnson (Head to Head in ODIs) - Innings 11; Runs: 95; Outs: 2; Bat S/R: 72.0

09:45 AM

Mitchell Johnson (ICC CWC 2015) - Matches: 8; Wickets: 12; Average: 24.67; Economy: 5.37; Best: 4-22

09:45 AM

Martin Guptill (14*) and Kane Williamson (11*) take New Zealand to 31/1 in 10 overs.

09:38 AM

Mitchell Johnson, comes into the attack

09:35 AM

Martin Guptill vs Left-Arm Seamers (Since 2011) - Innings: 20; Runs: 210; Dismissals: 10; Average: 21; S/R: 73.4

09:34 AM

Poll:How many wickets will Mitchell Starc take today?

09:33 AM

New Zealand in ICC CWC 2015 (Run Rate during powerplay) - CWC 2015: 7.70; Today: 3.64

09:28 AM

Clean bowled!

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum is bowled for no score by Australia's Mitchell Starc during the Cricket World Cup final. (AP Photo)

09:24 AM

Martin Guptill (13*) and Kane Williamson (1*) take New Zealand to 18/1 in 5 overs.

09:23 AM

Martin Guptill (ICC CWC 2015) - Matches: 9; Runs: 538; Average: 76.86; Strike Rate: 108.5; Best: 237*

09:22 AM

Starc's early roar!

Australia's Mitchell Starc celebrates after taking the wicket of New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum for no score during the World Cup final. (AP Photo)

09:18 AM

Mitchell Starc (ICC CWC 2015) - Matches: 8; Wickets: 21; Average: 9.76; Economy: 3.58; Best: 6-28

09:12 AM

Missing the defending champions!

09:10 AM

Josh Hazlewood, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack for Australia

09:09 AM

Kane Williamson, right handed bat, comes to the crease

09:07 AM

WICKET! Mitchell Starc strikes in the very first over to dismiss Brendon McCullum (0). Score - NZ 1/1 in 0.5 overs

09:04 AM

Mitchell Starc starts the Australian attack

09:03 AM

Brendon McCullum

09:01 AM

Here it goes! Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptill walk out to the field to start the New Zealand innings

08:58 AM

Poll:What will be New Zealand's score today?

08:56 AM

Australia vs New Zealand - Number Game

08:52 AM

Today's dangermen!

08:50 AM

Australia's best bat - Steve Smith

Steve Smith's last 12 ODI innings in Australia have produced 812 runs at an average of 81.2 and a strike rate of 96.4.

08:47 AM

Clarke's last hurrah in ODIs

08:40 AM

It's a special game. I would have batted first. The wicket looks fantastic so the toss doesn't matter I guess. Same XI for us. Need to play good cricket. The boys are mentally ready to go. The Australian public have been so supportive. Hopefully we can play some entertaining cricket for them today.

Michael Clarke

08:39 AM

It's been great, tremendous semi-final the other day, it's been a great tournament so far. We will bat first. The wicket looks outstanding, so put the runs on the board. We've got the same team. We are really happy and we know we will play well today. We need to stay pretty stable emotionally. We've been very fortunate to have a lot of support from back home. It's going to be a great final.

Brendon McCullum

08:34 AM

Australia (Playing XI): Aaron Finch, David Warner, Steven Smith, Michael Clarke(c), Shane Watson, Glenn Maxwell, Brad Haddin(w), James Faulkner, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood

08:33 AM

New Zealand (Playing XI): Brendon McCullum(c), Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Grant Elliott, Corey Anderson, Luke Ronchi(w), Daniel Vettori, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Trent Boult

08:32 AM

New Zealand win toss and decide to bat first against Australia in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 final

08:31 AM

'Boult' the man for Kiwis

15 of Trent Boult's 21 wickets in the tournament have been batsmen batting at numbers 1-4; this percentage of 71.4% is the highest of anyone taking at least 10 wickets.

08:29 AM

The Black Caps are attempting to record their 300th ODI victory. They have lost 339 and tied six.

08:29 AM

Australia have lost the toss in six of their last seven completed ODIs against New Zealand on home soil, but have won five of these seven meetings.

08:23 AM

It's probably no secret that most of the other teams around the world would probably fair New Zealand to win over Australia.

Brendon McCullum

08:20 AM

I believe if we play our best, we can beat New Zealand

Michael Clarke

08:09 AM

TEAM OUTLOOK

AUSTRALIA: Expectant. Everyone wants them to pull off a grand swansong for Clarke and prove their credentials as the best around, so there will be pressure too. How they go about stifling New Zealand's flair will hold the key. Like New Zealand, they are likely to field an unchanged side.

08:08 AM

Oz warming up at MCG

08:06 AM

TEAM OUTLOOK

NEW ZEALAND: Having the time of their lives, as McCullum has said. While all the spotlight is on Clarke, their own senior statesman Daniel Vettori too, in all likelihood, will be playing his last game. They have already announced an unchanged side for the final.

08:04 AM

Poll:Which team are you supporting today?

08:03 AM

Huge crowd at fan zone!

07:58 AM

Unbeaten New Zealand are playing outside home for the first time in this World Cup

07:55 AM

X-Factor: Australia vs New Zealand

The pacemen, who dictated the course of their league encounter. If there is even a hint of swing, Trent Boult and Tim Southee will be a handful for the Aussies. But then The Aussies have Mitchell Starc and Johnson, who raised his game against India in the semifinal. Boult's 21 wickets in 8 games, incidentally, is just one more than Starc's tally.

07:51 AM

Australia's journey so far in the World Cup

07:50 AM

It is the ultimate Trans-Tasman clash on a sporting field and another World Cup final featuring the co-hosts, after India vs Sri Lanka in the last edition in 2011.

07:48 AM

Australia are four-time champions. New Zealand are in their first final and looking to step out of the shadow of their more successful neighbours.

07:48 AM

Unbeaten New Zealand face their toughest challenge in hosts Australia in their quest to win their maiden World Cup title.

07:44 AM

Hello and welcome to the live coverage of the mega final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.

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