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Shanthi Bhushan CD Controversy Takes Murkier Turn

Following the CFSL's findings, the Bhushan tape controversy has taken a murkier turn. The Central Forensic Sciences Laboratory report claimed that the "recorded conversation is in continuity... no abrupt changes in speech signal detected". Earlier, forensic tests carried out by the Bhushans through two private laboratories - one in Hyderabad and the other in the United States, had determined that the tape's contents had been spliced. Questions had also been raised by detractors of Mr Shanti Bhushan, co-chairperson of the joint drafting committee on the Lokpal Bill, over his alleged reference to an amount of 4 crores in the recorded conversation. The CD case has now been transferred to the special cell of the Delhi police for further investigation. It is learnt that the Bhushans might be called in for questioning. In the meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh state administration issued a notice to Mr Shanti Bhushan and his three children for allegedly evading stamp duty to the tune of 1.3 crore on purchase of property in a prime locality in the state, has, sent a reminder to the family on the issue. Referring to CFSL report, former Samajwadi leader, Mr Amar Singh said, "That the voice was his... has even been admitted by Shanti Bhushan. In what context was he talking about that amount? This particular remark is lethal and dangerous." The CD and its transcripts were earlier shown to Mr Shanti Bhushan. The police said That it was sealed before him and his signature was also taken. The police is also looking out for the original CD in order to compare it with the copies. Reacting to the CFSL report Mr. Prashanth Bhushan, the lawyer son of Shanthi Bhushan said "Nobody appears to have seen the report yet, if the CFSL has indeed given such a report, it would be obvious that the government is involved in this smear campaign. All of Mulayam Singh's voice in this CD has been lifted from Amar Singh's conversation with Mulayam Singh Yadav, which had been filed by me in the Supreme Court in 2006." Distancing himself with the whole issue, anti-corruption crusader said "the controversy has nothing to do with me."  

Eagle Permits Celestial Marriage of Rama And Seetha

Like in the past 225 years, the eagle has kept its date with Raghunayaka temple at Chadalavada near here. It flew round the temple at 11.02 a.m. on Tuesday as thousands of devotees went into a frenzy watching the spectacle. The bird has been visiting the temple during kalyanotsavam celebrated on "chaitra bahula vidiya" (eight days after Sri Rama Navami) every year for the last 225 years as per records available in the temple. The temple priests claim that every year for the last two centuries the eagle has been circling the temple before the marriage of the deity. This year the marriage was performed at 11.25 am by head priest Sripathi Gopala Krishnamacharyulu amid chanting of "Govinda, Govinda" by devotees, who had come here from across the state to take part in the 226th Kalyanotsavam. Chadalavada is a small sleepy village on the banks of the Gundlakamma on the Ongole-Chirala Road. Many legends surround the village. The temple has a recorded history for the last 1,000 years. According to stone inscriptions found in the temple, it was once called Chaturvatika as Lord Rama had divided the Vanara sena into four parts and directed them to go in four directions searching for Sita. Significantly, the Lord appears in the temple facing the South. He has Sita on his right side and Lakshmana on his left side in the temple. Archakas used to bring water in a vessel from Gundlakamma every day for abhishekam in the temple. Even though the river changed its course and moved away from the temple, archakas still bring water in a vessel every day from a well making the temple unique for its "binde theertham"  told Chandrasekhara Avadhani, Vedic scholar at the temple. Here Garuda Seva is celebrated on 'chaitra pournami' and Seetharamula Kalyanam on 'chaitra bahula vidiya' between 9.30 a.m. and noon when the eagle visits the temple. The event attracts huge crowds all over the state and the neighborhood.  

Telangana Stir Turns to Reddy vs Velama Bout

Curiously Telangana stir is slowly turning in to a Reddy vs Velama community bout to preserve their own domination on the region. Reddys, the predominant community in Telangana is worried that it would be marginalized in the Telangana region if TRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao and his family continue to call the shots in the separate state movement. To counter this, several leaders from this forward community cutting across party lines are rallying together to dilute KCR's hold on the T movement. The Reddys are closing ranks by spreading across the message within the community that it is only the KCR family (including son K T Ramarao and daughter K Kavita) and the Velama community, who would stand to substantially gain as the Telangana movement gathers strength.  In terms of numbers, the Velamas constitute a minor section of the Telangana population while the Reddys are dominant both in numbers and in clout. In order to break KCR's hold on the separate state movement, the strategy is to strengthen the agitation under the political joint action committee (JAC) headed by M Kodandaram. According to sources, when TRS distanced itself from the million march held on March 10, Jaipal Reddy and Sabita Indra Reddy have prevailed upon Kodandaram (a Reddy himself) to ensure that the event was a success. Attempting to use Kodandaram as the front man, Jaipal Reddy is said to be playing a key role in getting together the leaders of his community in the region. That is the reason why the TRS is targeting these two leaders in particular. And Sunday's incident in Ranga Reddy district in which TRS activists hurled eggs at the convoys of Union petroleum minister Jaipal Reddy and home minister Sabita Indra Reddy is said to be an offshoot of this clandestine war going on between the Reddys and the Velama communities to which KCR belongs.

Anna Hazare Letter to Sonia Gandhi

In his letter to UPA chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi, social activist Anna Hazare expressed his doubt that some corrupt forces are trying to derail the process of drafting a new Lok Pal Bill. He wrote, "The developments of the last few days have been a cause for concern. It seems that corrupt forces in the country have united to derail the process of drafting an effective anti corruption law through the joint committee. "Together we have to defeat their designs," he urged Mrs. Gandhi. The letter comes in the wake of controversies surrounding a CD containing a purported telephonic conversation between co-chairman of the joint committee for drafting the Lokpal Bill Shanti Bhushan, Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and former Samajwadi party leader Amar Singh, allegedly about attempting to influence a judge. "One of their strategies is to smear the reputations of the civil society members in the committee. Whereas I am of the view that the people working for public must be subjected to public scrutiny, however, when blatantly false accusations are made, fabricated CDs are planted, then one feels that the purpose is not an honest public scrutiny but to tarnish reputations," Anna Hazare said in his letter. In his two-page letter to Ms. Gandhi, Anna Hazare complained against a party General Secretary, who has been attacking his campaign, of making many statements which were "factually wrong" and asked her whether she approved them. He also referred to an unnamed minister, who is part of the ten-member joint committee on the bill, and charged him with making false statements that the civil society representatives have "succumbed" to government's pressure and "diluted" the law. Obviously, Anna was reffering to Digvijay Singh as the party secretary, who on Sunday made statements questioning the amount raised for Mr. Hazare's fast. Earlier Union Minister and joint committee member Kapil Sibal had expressed some controversial views on the Bill. Anna Hazare wondered what would be the outcome if the government nominees in the committee were subjected to "similar scrutiny or witch hunt". He added, "I would urge you to advise your colleagues not to try to derail the process of drafting the law. The country is in no mood to wait any longer to have strong anti-corruption law. People are very agitated. I fear of the consequences if the process were derailed."  

YS Jagan Mohan Reddy Wealth List

Here's the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy's wealth list, as shown in the affidavit submitted to Kadapa EC along with his nomination papers. As per the affidavit, Jagan is worth at least 500 crores and if elected Lok Sabha, he would be the richest Parliamentarian in the country. He will easily outbeat politicians cum industrialists Lagadapati Rajagopal (Cong) and Nama Nageswara Rao (TDP). According to the affidavit, Jagan has movable assets to the tune of Rs 365.68 crore while his wife Bharati Reddy has Rs 41.33 crore. Of these, he holds shares, debentures and mutual funds to the tune of Rs 359 crore. The remaining are accounted for by cash in bank accounts (Rs 5.52 crore), NSS, postal savings, insurance policies (Rs 7.08 lakh annual premium) and jewelry and other assets (Rs 20.56 lakh). Of the total cash assets of his wife Bharati, shares, debentures and mutual funds account for Rs 36.1 crore, cash in bank accounts Rs 56.46 lakh and jewellry in the form of gold and diamonds worth Rs 3.8 crore. Both Jagan and Bharati declared that they do not possess any vehicles, aircraft, ships etc. Movable assets 365.68 cr, Immovable assets 150 cr Wife Bharati Reddy holds assets worth 41.33 cr. Jaganmohan Reddy's immovable assets including agricultural land, non-agricultural land, commercial land and residential land, all account for Rs 150 crore, the election affidavit filed by the former MP on Friday stated. This includes 42.44 acres of agricultural land in Idupulapaya, and in his wife Bharati's name, 9 acres in Shimoga district of Karnataka, 0.37 acres in Udupi district of Karnataka, 0.95 acres in Pulivendula and 1 acre in Kanchivaripalle, Kadapa. With regard to commercial property, Jagan has total assets worth Rs 24 crore. Of this, inherited property comprised Rs 6.7 crore while self acquired property amounted to Rs 16.77 crore. Jagan said he had inherited 37,415 sft of commercial property on Road No 2, Banjara hills, from his father YSR while the land measuring 4,257 sft in Sagar Society, Road No 2, Banjara Hills, was purchased by him. In 2009, Jagan had declared assets of Rs 77 crore while filing his nomination for the Kadapa LS seat. As per the affidavit, Jagan has liabilities in the form of loans etc, to the tune of Rs 2.4 crore and his wife has a liability of Rs 7.7 crore. In contrast - watch this video to know what Jagan has not shown in the affidavit:    

Telangana Dhoom Dham at Lanco Hills

After a lull of about one month, the 'Telangana Dhoom Dham' is gaining momentum, but in a different way. Hitherto, TRS led T-agitation headed by K Chandrasekhar Rao has been taking recourse only in political process for achieving separate Telangana. But what the activists of Telangana United Front led by Vimalakka have done today is very alarming. Nearly 200 activists under the leadership of the front Convenor, Mrs Vimalakka suddenly gate-crashed into the Lanco Hills and raised Jai Telangana slogans. They also pitched flags of Telangana United Front in the land of Lanco Hills. They also held "Telangana Dhoom Dham" there. The Lanco Hills reverberated with "Jai Telangana" slogans, giving clear signals to the andhraites that they are no more welcomed on this land. The reason for choosing Lanco Hills to conduct Dhoom Dham is that Lanco Hills property is owned by Vijayawada MP Lagadapati Rajagopal, who championed United Andhra Pradesh movement. However, on getting information about the incident, the police rushed to the place and arrested all the Telangana activists.  

Sri Rama Pushkara Pattabhishekam - Videos

The rare event of Sri Rama Pushkara Pattabhisheka mahotsavam, concurrent to the ongoing Sri Rama Navami festivities, took place in Mithila Kalyana Mandapam at the temple town of Bhadrachalam today. Earlier, in the wee hours, veda pandits performed the poornaahuthi ritual in the supervision of Tridandi Srimannarayana Ramanuja Chinna Jeeyar Swami. The Hon. Governor of AP Sri ESL Narasimhan attended the event along with his spouse and worshiped Lord Srirama. Here are the videos, watch the rare event that takes place once in a Pushkaram (12 years).     Governor Narasimhan to Bhadrachala Srirama Pushkara Pattabhisheka Mahotsavam     Bhadrachalam wears a festive look For Srirama Pushkara Pattabhishekam   Live Visuals Of Sri Rama Pushkara Pattabhishekam in Bhadrachalam

2011 Sri Seetharamula Kalyanam Videos - Bhadrachalam

With warm festival greetings of Sri Rama Navami, Teluguone.com presents Live Sri Seetharamula Kalyanam 2011 taking place today at Bhadrachalam. Watch the celestial marriage of Lord Rama and Seetha Devi.                                        

Anna Hazare Makes Sibal Eat His Words!

In his own kind of Gandhian humor, the crusader of Lok Pal Bill against corruption, Anna Hazare made the union minister and also a member in the joint drafting committee, Kapil Sibal to eat his own words. While speaking in a public meeting, Union HRD Minister Kapil Sibal, referring to proposed Lok Pal Bill said "I ask this question, if a poor child does not have any means for education, then how will Lokpal Bill help? If a poor man needs help for medical services then he will call up a politician. How will Lokpal Bill help." Reacting sharply on the remarks of the minister, Anna Hazare asked said The HRD minister should immediately resign from the joint committee to draft Lok Pal Bill, if he thinks that nothing will happen out of this Lok Pal institution. The Gandhian Anna Hazare said "If Sibal feels that nothing will happen due to Lok Pal Bill, then he should immediately resign from the joint committee. Why is he wasting our time and his time? He should do other things for the country. Why does he want to be in the committee. If you believe that nothing will happen, you should not be there in the joint committee, he should resign and do some other work." However, Sibal today gave clarification that he was with the Gandhian and that he wanted the Bill to be drafted as early as possible and to be effective in tackling corruption everywhere. Clarifying his earlier remarks, he said what he had meant was that "the scope of the Bill is different. The problems of the common man are different. I said that if you want to educate children, then this has no connection to Lokpal. If there is no convenience of water...Lokpal is only connected to corruption and we will bring a good bill that will stop corruption." He said they would sit with Hazare and bring out a bill so that the objective will be realized.

Anna Hazare Ends Fast: Calls it People's Victory

Social activist Anna Hazare ended his four day old hunger strike jubilantly with government accepting all his demands. He expressed happiness over government issuing the formal order to set up a joint committee for drafting an effective Lokpal Bill. Mr. "Government has accepted all our demands. This is a victory for the entire nation," Hazare said. India's first woman IPS officer Kiran Bedi, who was part of the negotiating team, said "it is a victory of the people of India, a bigger victory than the cricket World Cup". The announcement of a deal came after Anna's emissaries met ministers for a round of talks, third in two days and after some early hiccups. Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee will be the Chairman of the committee that will also include Law Minister Veerappa Moily, Telecom Minister Sibal, Home Minister P. Chidambaram and Water Resources Minister Salman Khurshid as members. Besides Hazare, those representing the civil society in the joint committee will be eminent lawyers Shanti Bhushan, Prasant Bhushan, retired Supreme Court Judge Santosh Hege and RTI activist Arvind Kejriwal. Shanti Bhushan will be the co-Chairman. The government has committed itself to introducing the new Lokpal Bill in the forthcoming monsoon session of Parliament. Moily will be the convenor of the 10-member Joint Drafting Committee that will commence its work forthwith and evolve its own procedures to prepare the proposed legislation. The venue of Hazare's hunger strike resonated with 'Anna Hazare Zindabad',  'Bharat Mata ki Jai', 'Vande Mataram' and 'Inquilab Zindabad' slogans as anti-corruption activists waved tricolours. Terming it the victory of the people, a Jubilant Anna Hazare gave the call to public to join the victory celebrations to be held at 6 PM in evening today.  

Know Your Anna- Anna Biography

Dear NRI Brothers and Sisters, In whichever country you might be living at the moment, you might be remembering your motherland and will be delighted to know what's happening here. Yes, moments of great action is going on here since this great soul Anna Hazare took up hunger strike demanding implementation of a powerful anti-corruption Lok Pal Bill. Here's Anna's biography in brief: 1. Who is Anna Hazare? An ex-army man. Fought 1965 Indo-Pak War 2. What's so special about him? He built a village Ralegaon Siddhi in Ahamad Nagar district, Maharashtra 3. So what? This village is a self-sustained model village. Energy is produced in the village itself from solar power, biofuel and wind mills. In 1975, it used to be a poverty clad village. Now it is one of the richest village in India . It has become a model for self-sustained, eco-friendly & harmonic village. 4. Ok,...? This guy, Anna Hazare was awarded Padma Bhushan and is a known figure for his social activities. He was also conferred with Raman Magsaysay Award in recognition of his outstanding social service. 5. Really, what is he fighting for? He is supporting a cause, the amendment of a law to curb corruption in India . 6. How that can be possible? He is advocating for a Bill, The Lok Pal Bill (The Citizen Ombudsman Bill), that will form an autonomous authority who will make politicians (ministers), beurocrats (IAS/IPS) accountable for their deeds. 8. It's an entirely new thing right..? In 1972, the bill was proposed by then Law minister Mr. Shanti Bhushan. Since then it has been neglected by the politicians and some are trying to change the bill to suit thier theft (corruption). 7. Oh.. He is going on a hunger strike for that whole thing of passing a Bill ! How can that be possible in such a short span of time? The first thing he is asking for is: the government should come forward and announce that the bill is going to be passed. Next, they make a joint committee to DRAFT the LOK PAL BILL. 50% goverment participation and 50% public participation. Because you cant trust the government entirely for making such a bill which does not suit them. 8. Fine, What will happen when this bill is passed? A LokPal will be appointed at the centre. He will have an autonomous charge, say like the Election Commission of India. In each and every state, Lokayukta will be appointed. The job is to bring all alleged party to trial in case of corruptions within 1 year. Within 2 years, the guilty will be punished. Not like, Bofors scam or Bhopal Gas Tragedy case, that has been going for last 25 years without any result. 9. Is he alone? Whoelse is there in the fight with Anna Hazare? Baba Ramdev, Ex. IPS Kiran Bedi, Social Activist Swami Agnivesh, RTI activist Arvind Kejriwal and many more. Prominent personalities like Aamir Khan is supporting his cause. 10. Ok, got it. What can I do? * At least we can spread the message. How?   Putting status message, links, video, changing profile pics. * At least we can support Anna Hazare and the cause for uprooting corruption     from India. * At least we can hope that his Hunger Strike does not go in vain. * At least we can pray for his good health. Good Luck to all of us and our Motherland! Yours Truly, Kamalakar T. Objectone Information Systems Ltd.,    

Anna Hazare's Crusade Reaches Day 4

Yesterday, the 3rd day of social activist Anna Hazare's on going fast unto death at Delhi, has been a very promising one for the activists. Two rounds of negotiations between HRD minister Kapil Sibal and Swami Agnivesh and Arvind Kejriwal took place yesterday, that resulted in government agreeing to the demand for a joint committee with 50:50 representation of civil society and government. However the government was reluctant on agreeing to the other demand that Hazare should head the joint committee. Today, on the 4th day, there are indications that out of the two outstanding issues - government issuing a notification of constituting a joint committee - would be agreed upon. The government is still reluctant on agreeing to the other demand that Hazare should head the joint committee. Government is also dilly-dallying in accepting the demand for a fixed time line to finalize the Lokpal Bill. The fastting crusader Anna Hazare has come down by 2 kgs. weight and looks a bit weak and tired. But otherwise, he's quite hale and healthy, as reported by the doctors who check up Hazare twice a day.

Mohan Babu Joins Anna Hazare Crusade

Famous Telugu cinema actor Mohan Babu joined social activist Anna Hazare's crusade against corruption by expressing his solidarity with the movement. Apart from Mohan Babu, Movie Artistes Association (MAA) president Murali Mohan and famous young director Sekhar Kammula also declared their full support to the fasting Anna Hazare. Speaking at Tirupathi, Mohan Babu told the media that he would take out a silent rally by the students of Sri Vidya Nikethan Educational institutions at Tirupathi in support of Anna Hazare's 'Deeksha' and appealed to the people of Tirupathi to join the rally. At Hyderabad, Lok Satta Party's Telangana region leaders took up relay hunger strike near Indira Park in solidarity with Mr. Anna Hazare. People from all sections of life are coming forward in support of Anna Hazare and demanding for a stronger Lok Pal Bill.  

Lok Pal Bill: Sibal Meets Swamy Agnivesh

Union Human Resources Development Minister Kapil Sibal today met social activists Swamy Agnivesh and Arvind Kejriwal to find ways to bridge differences on the anti-corruption Lok Pal Bill. The talks between the Government and the activists came as Mr Hazare's fast entered the third day and support for his crusade gathered momentum across the country. After the meeting, Sibal told reporters that the trio had a 'constructive dialogue' and are trying to find out solutions. "The broad parameters generally agreed upon, the formalities not yet. We want to deal with corruption. We want to get rid of corruption. We want civil society to participate in this effort. We do not have any problem with that," said the minister. Mr. Sibal also asserted "We want Anna Hazare to give up the fast, we believe that the object must be that civil society and government should sit together and deal with the problem of corruption through an effective legislation." Swami Agnivesh and Kejriwal are part of the movement started by veteran Anna Hazare, who is on his third day of indefinite hunger strike demanding a role for civil society members in the drafting of the Lokpal Bill. Swamy Agnivesh said that the meeting is going on in a positive and constructive way.  

Anna Hazare's Hunger Strike Reaches Day 3

Social activist Anna Hazare's indefinite hunger strike entered the third day in New Delhi even as a large number of people from various walks of life continued to extend support to the crusader for a stronger anti-corruption Lok Pal Bill. Hundreds of supporters including politicians, students, activist, and professionals have joined Hazare at Jantar Mantar in one of the biggest mass movements in the recent times. The social networks like Twitter, Face book were abuzz with expressions of support from the common man for Anna's crusade for a more empowering anti-corruption legislation. The India Gate witnessed a large candlelight procession in which people from all walks of life participated to show their support. From Bollywood too, many a celebrity including Aamir Khan have tweeted in support of Anna's crusade. Though the social activists welcomed support from all sections of people, several eager politicians who tried to grab limelight yesterday by seeking to express solidarity with the on-going movement were chased away. Among the politicians who had to leave after being prevented from reaching the fasting activist on the dais were the former BJP leader, Ms Uma Bharti, the RLD leader, Mr Ajit Singh, and the INLD leader and former Haryana CM, Mr Om Prakash Chautala. Anna's drive against corruption has already forced Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar to resign from the Group of Ministers (GoM) on corruption. The government is likely to send Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal to discuss issues with Anna Hazare. However, Hazare has said that he wants either Prime Minister Manmohan Singh or Congress president Sonia Gandhi to come forward for a discussion. On asking about Anna's health, one of his aides said "The fast is still on. Anna is in perfect health." Doctors are checking Mr. Hazare twice a day to keep a tab on his health.  

Anna Hazare Fast Unto Death Reaches Day 2

Renowned social activist Anna Hazare proceeded on fast unto death at Delhi yesterday demanding the government to bring in a stronger Lokpal Bill to tackle corruption. Mr. Hazare is supported by a large number of people from all walks of life. Two political parties BJP and JD(U) are also backing Anna Hazare in putting pressure on the government. On the second day, today, of his indefinite hunger strike, the social activist reiterated that he would continue with his fast until the government gives in to the demand for a committee half of which comprises officials and the remaining citizens and intellectuals for drafting the Jan Lokpal Bill. While there is no official statement from the government yet, the party spokesman Mr. Manish Tiwari said "PM has already constituted a sub-committee headed by Antony... When the process was already on, then adopting such a path is perhaps not appropriate, probably unnecessary. We respect Hazare very much ... The path he has adopted is premature." The indefinite fast by Anna Hazare is likely to continue further as there is lot of support pouring in from all sections of the society. In cities across India, people are gathering to support activist Anna Hazare. Young students, housewives and office executives grouped in cities like Mumbai and Hyderabad in support of Anna's crusade against corruption.

Telu'godu' Laments Million March Vandalism

Tourists from all over the world as well as Telugu people residing out of Hyderabad will certainly ask themselves - "Who Destroyed Statues on Tank Bund during Million March, and Why?" The awe inspiring beautiful statues of Nannaya, Pothana, Vemana, Jhansi Laxmibai, Rudrama Devi and several other great people were vandalized during the 'Million March' conducted by Telangana protagonists at Hussan Sagar Tank Bund, Hyderabad on 10 March 2011. Here's an heart touching elegy to the great souls, whose statues fell victim to the mindless sacrilege. The lyrics are penned by Sira Sri and sung by twice Guinness World Record holder Ghazal Maestro Dr. Ghazal Srinivas.

World Cup Cricket Final Match Updates-LIVE

02 April, 2011 - World Cup Cricket Final Match  - India vs Sri Lanka - Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai   * Sri Lanka wins the toss and elected to bat. * India brings in Sreeshanth in place of injured Ashish Nehra. Latest score at 4.00 PM :    63 for 2  in  17 Overs   4.24 PM - 82 for 2  - 20 Overs   4.30 - 94 for 2  - 22 Overs             4.40  - 105 for 2  - 25 Overs   4.50  PM     SL- 114-2 -        27   overs - Harbhajan's 7th over Sangakkara - Jayawardena partenership at 41 & 32   Sri Lanka loses 3rd Wicket  - Samaraweera in  -122 -3   4.57 PM - 29th over in progress  - Srishanth bowling -127-3 - 28.5 overs               5.19PM  - 148-3  - 33 overs  - Jayawardena - Samaraweera playing - Sachin bowling   5.23 PM - 155-3  - 34 overs - Mahela Jayawardena completes 50                     5.41 PM   - 179-3  - 38 overs             5.54 PM SL loses 4th wicket at 179 - Samaraweera out (21)   SL loses 5th wicket  - kapugethara out - 187-5  - 41.1 overs   6.23 PM - 220-5  - 46 overs - Run Rate 4.78             6.32 PM - 248-5  - 47.5 overs  - Run Rate - 5.18 Mahela Jayawardena completes magnificient 100             6.38 PM - 256-6 - Kulasekhara out - 49 overs - Run Rate - 5.22   6.42 PM - With a magnificient six by Periera Sri Lanka closes its innings at 274-6 in 50 overs India needs 275 runs to win the World Cup.   India starts innings with a target of 275 runs. 7.05 PM - Sehawag Duck out - IND- 0-1 - 0.2 overs  - IND Target - 275   7.18 PM - Sachin and Gambhir in the crease - Gambhir batting - 10-1 in 2.1 overs  7.22 PM - 15-1  - 3 overs - Required Run Rate 5.55 7.25 PM - First four of the IND innings - by Sachin - 22-1 in 3.2 overs   7.35 PM - Big blow to India - Tendulkar out for 18 in Malinga's bowling 31-2 - 6.1 0vers 8.03 PM - Gambhir raises Indian hopes - 56-2 in 11.4 0vers               8.13 PM - Suraj Randiv starts bowling - IND - 68-2 in 13 overs.   8.27 PM - IND 86-2 in 16 overs 8.40 PM - IND 100-2  in 19.3 overs 8.54 PM - IND loses 3rd wicket - Virat is out - 120-3 in 23.3 0vers 9.07 PM - IND 134-3 from 27 overs 9.18 PM - IND 150-3   - To win IND needs 125 runs out of 121 balls             9.46 PM - IND 191-3  - To win - 85 runs - Balls - 87             9.57 PM - Dhoni completes 50 - IND 204-3 - needs 71 runs out of 72 balls             10.10 PM - IND 221-3 - needs 54 runs from 60 balls.               10.16 PM - IND loses 4th wicket - Gambhir  b Perera out at 97              10.44 PM - IND 253-4  - needs 22 runs in 22 balls   10.55 PM - Jai Ho India - India lifts World Cup with a magnificient finishing touch by Dhoni hitting a fabulous six - IND 277 -  India Beats Sri Lanka by 6 wickets.

The crucial first 15 overs, and mysterious Misbah

As it turned out, almost all the experts read the wicket wrong. MS Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar admitted as much in the post-match presentation, and from the scores it's obvious that run-making was a lot more difficult on this Mohali pitch than it was expected to be. The team composition and the early overs suggested a score of around 300 would be a par total, but later events showed it was another subcontinent track on which run-scoring against the hard new ball was much easier. In that context, the difference between the two teams was the runs they scored in the first 15 overs, when the ball was new. Pakistan's top three played useful cameos too, but none of them exploded in the manner that Virender Sehwag had. Sehwag's 25-ball 38 allowed India to rack up 99 in the first 15 overs, compared to Pakistan's 70. The difference of 29 was exactly the margin by which Pakistan lost the match, which means in the remaining 35 overs, the two teams scored exactly the same number of runs. Of course, the approaches of the two teams at the start were obviously different since Pakistan knew the target in front of them, but Pakistan struggled as much as India did in the middle overs. What made their case worse was the fact that they got no reciprocal help from the Indian fielders, or from the dew which was expected to set in later in the evening. Misbah's mystery innings Misbah-ul-Haq's strike rate at the end of his innings was 73.68; Tendulkar's rate for his 85 was 73.91. That, perhaps, is as good an example as any to illustrate the fact that stats without context is meaningless. Misbah's inexplicable go-slow through the first half of his innings resulted in the asking rate climbing to unmanageable proportions, and it also forced the other batsmen to take risks that might otherwise have been unnecessary. He tried to make up for it later, but apart from helping him reach a personal landmark and improving his strike-rate, his late hits counted for little. Overall, Misbah played out 42 dot balls, which was the most among Pakistan's batsmen. In his first 42 balls, he scored only 17 and played 27 dots. During this period, Pakistan's asking rate went up from 6.07 to 8.45. Younis Khan's sluggish innings didn't help either - add his 13 from 32 balls to Misbah's 17 in his first 42, and Pakistan have every reason to feel their two most experienced batsmen didn't serve them well: in those 74 balls, the two batsmen got a grand total of 30 runs, with no boundaries. Even with the power-hitters to follow, that was a bridge too far. A spell to remember The batsmen's poor effort ensured that a wonderful bowling performance by Wahab Riaz went in vain. He became only the second bowler, after Venkatesh Prasad, to take a five-for in an India-Pakistan World Cup match. He joins eight other Pakistan bowlers to have taken a five-for in an ODI against India. More stats This is India's first World Cup semi-final win at home in three attempts. They'd lost to England in 1987, and to Sri Lanka in 1996. However, they've won both their World Cup semi-final matches away from home (in 1983 and 2003). Tendulkar has won nine Man-of-the-Match awards in World Cups, which is easily the highest. Three of those have been against Pakistan: he'd also won the prize against them in 1992 and in 2003. Sehwag and Dhoni joined five other Indian batsmen to score 1000 ODI runs against Pakistan. Tendulkar leads with 2474 runs at an average of 39.90. It was only the second time in his ODI career that Yuvraj Singh was dismissed for a golden duck - the first instance was against Kenya nearly ten years ago.