Ahmedabad: The Gujarat Police on Wednesday said that the violence that broke out in the Khambat area of Anand district during the Ram Navami procession was a pre-planned conspiracy.According to the police, the boys were brought from outside for stone-pelting and they were assured of all kinds of legal and financial help if they were caught by the authorities. It was decided to pelt stones from cemeteries as stones could be easily found there.A total of nine people have been arrested for their alleged involvement in violence and stone-pelting during the procession."As part of a pre-planned conspiracy, stones were hurled during the Ram Navami procession in Khambhat. The motive of the accused was that once the Ram Navami procession was stoned and threatened, no such religious procession would take place in the future. The accused had started planning for the procession after news broke that the Ram Navmi procession was about to start and the entire conspiracy was hatched in the last three days after the procession got police permission," said Superintendent of Police Ajit Rajiyan of Anand district. The police said that the six accused hatched the conspiracy as part of a need-to-know-based module/sleeper module. He said that Maulvi Razak Patel has been named as the mastermind of the conspiracy and is absconding."These people were in touch with people from outside the district and abroad for the funds to carry out the conspiracy. The responsibility of raising funds was handed over to Matin. An investigation is currently underway into who helped from outside the state and the country for the funds," said the Anand SP. In fact, the way the stones were pelted and the place selected for the pelting of stones, the state intelligence department was suspicious, after which the investigation was started by the state ATS, in which Jamshed Pathan was nabbed and interrogated, he told the security officials about the mastermind, Maulvi Razak Patel," he added.He further said that Mustakin Maulvi had conspired to stop this Ram Navami Rath Yatra. "He prepared Wasim and Wajid to face legal action. The money was managed by Matin Alti and his brothers Mohsin and Azad. Apart from this, the boys were arranged by Chintu Farid, Razzak Patel, Akhtar, Naseer and Zahid to stop the procession. Everyone's names are in the FIR except Alti and his brothers," said SP. Several incidents of stone-pelting between communities were reported in Gujarat's Himmatnagar and Anand districts after which the police fired tear gas shells to disperse the mob.—ANI

 The Gujarat Police on Wednesday said that the violence that broke out in the Khambat area of Anand district during the Ram Navami procession was a pre-planned conspiracy.

Ram Navami Violence Was Pre-Planned: Gujrat Police

Reykjavik: Young Indian Grandmaster (GM) Rameshbabu Praggna-nandhaa added to his growing stature as World's top upcoming chess star by winning the Reykjavik Open chess tournament with a victory against compatriot D Gukesh in the final round.Pragganandhaa, Pragg as he is fondly called, finished the 7.5 points from nine rounds, finishing half-point ahead of four players -- Max Warmerdam of the Netherlands, Mads Andersen of Denmark, Hjorvar Steinn Gretarsson of Sweden and American Abhimanyu Mishra, the world's youngest GM, all of whom finished with 7.0 points.Pragg had a few months back caused a sensation when he defeated World No 1 and reigning World Champion Magnus Carlsen in a rapid game.On Tuesday, the 16-year-old topped the field comprising 245 players -- most of them youngsters like him as the organisers had given a 50% discount on the entry fee for players 16 and under.Praggnanandhaa entered the final round on Tuesday sharing the lead with Warmerdam and Andersen at 6.5 points. The two players from Scandinavian countries played out a 16-move draw on the top board, opening up a chance for the Indian GM from Chennai to win the last round and claim the title.Pragg did just that even though his position in the game against Gukesh deteriorated as they reached the middle game. However, Pragg held on and then eventually reached a winning position thanks to back-to-back blunders by Gukesh. He bagged three points in that game and claimed the title outright.Among the other top Indians in the fray, former World junior champion Abhijeet Gupta finished eighth after he tied with 10 players, including compatriot Gukesh, at 6.5 points. Gukesh finished 17th with six points, International Master Tania Sachdev was 21st with 6 points, former national champion B Adhiban ended 36th with 5.5 points while Soham Das was placed 40th with 5.5 points.—IANS

 Young Indian Grandmaster (GM) Rameshbabu Praggna-nandhaa added to his growing stature as World's top upcoming chess star by winning the Reykjavik Open chess tournament with a victory against compatriot D Gukesh in the final round.

India's 16-Year-Old Praggnanandhaa Wins Reykjavik Open Chess Tournament

New Delhi / Haridwar: No specific words against any community were uttered during an event held in New Delhi in December last year, the Delhi police has told the Supreme Court which is hearing a plea seeking direction to ensure investigation and action against those who allegedly made hate speeches during two events held in Haridwar and Delhi.<img src="https://im.rediff.com/news/2022/apr/04yati.jpg?w=670&amp;h=900">In a counter-affidavit filed in the apex court, the Delhi police has said the petitioners had not approached them for taking any action in connection with the alleged incident and have directly moved the top court and such a practice must be deprecated.The top court is hearing a petition filed by journalist Qurban Ali and former Patna high court judge and senior advocate Anjana Prakash, who have also sought a direction for an "independent, credible and impartial investigation" by an SIT into the incidents of hate speeches against the Muslim community.In its affidavit, the Delhi police has said that on the same subject matter, some complaints were lodged alleging that hate speech was made at an event organised in New Delhi by the ‘Hindu Yuva Vahini' on December 19 last year and all those complaints were consolidated and an inquiry was initiated.It said after a ”deep enquiry” was conducted and contents of the video were evaluated, the police did not find any substance in the video as per allegation levelled by the complainants.”In the video clip of the Delhi incident, there is no utterance against any particular section/community. Hence, after inquiry and after evaluation of the alleged video clip, it was concluded that the alleged speech did not disclose any hate words against a particular community as alleged or otherwise,” the affidavit said, adding that all complaints were thereafter closed.It said the police, after carrying out preliminary inquiry on the complaints and after examining the video link and attached video in respect of the alleged hate speech delivered at Delhi, found that no such words as mentioned by the complainant in his complaint have been used.”Bare perusal of the complaints made, the statement, which are alleged to be offensive, would divulge that there is no specific words against a particular community or against any community were uttered by the gathering or any other person in that event,” the affidavit said.”There is no use of such words which mean or could be interpreted as ‘open calls for genocide of Muslims in order to achieve ethnic cleansing or an open call for murder of an entire community' in the speech,” the police said.It said no hate was expressed in the event at Delhi against any group, community, ethnicity, religion or faith, the speech was about empowering one's religion to prepare itself to face the evils which could endanger its existence, which is not even remotely connected to a call for genocide of any particular religion.”We must practise tolerance to the views of others. Intolerance is as much dangerous to democracy as to the person himself. That the petitioner is trying to draw an incorrect and absurd inference by isolated passages disregarding the main theme and its message,” it said, adding that the petition, so far it relates to the alleged incident at Delhi, is devoid of any merit and ought to be dismissed with cost.The affidavit further said the petitioners did not choose to follow any of the legally established mechanism for registration of a criminal case and had directly approached the apex court.”This court must deprecate and discourage such practices, else it will open up the floodgates before this court, which is already overburdened,” it said.Ali, who is one of the petitioners in the apex court, said their contentions are "not baseless"."We stand by what we have said in our petition. The matter is before the Supreme Court. We will file an appropriate response before the court," he told PTI.The apex court had on Wednesday asked the Uttarakhand government to file a status report after the state had said that four FIRs have been registered in connection with the alleged hate speeches made in December last year during an event in Haridwar.The top court has listed the plea for hearing on April 22.The apex court had on January 12 issued notice on the plea which has sought direction to ensure investigation and action against those who allegedly made hate speeches during two events held in Haridwar and the national capital.It had asked the Centre, the Delhi police and the Uttarakhand police to respond to the petition.The plea, which specifically referred to the "hate speeches" delivered between the "17th and 19th of December 2021 at Haridwar and Delhi", has also sought compliance of the apex court's guidelines to deal with such speeches.One event was organised in Haridwar by Yati Narsinghanand and the other in Delhi by 'Hindu Yuva Vahini' allegedly "calling for genocide of members" of a community, it has said.The Uttarakhand police had filed an FIR on December 23 last year under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code against some persons including Sant Dharamdas Maharaj, Sadhvi Annapoorna alias Pooja Shakun Pandey, Yati Narsinghanand and Sagar Sindhu Maharaj.A similar complaint was filed with the Delhi police for the second event organised in the national capital.The plea has alleged that no effective steps have been taken by the Uttarakhand and the Delhi police.&nbsp;—PTI

No specific words against any community were uttered during an event held in New Delhi in December last year, the Delhi police has told the Supreme Court which is hearing a plea seeking direction to ensure investigation and action against those who allegedly made hate speeches during two events held in Haridwar and Delhi.

Nothing Objectionable Said In Dharma Sansad, Delhi Police Tells Court

Rishikesh: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will leave on a three-day visit to Uttarakhand on Tuesday during which he will visit his native village Panchoor in Yamkeshwar block of Pauri Garhwal district and meet his mother and other close relatives. Adityanath's mother Savitri Devi, elder brother Manvendra and younger brother Mahendra live in Panchoor with their families. The Uttar Pradesh CM had last visited his native village in February 2017. He had not gone to his village even when his father Anand Singh Bisht had passed away. Adityanath will also inaugurate a tourist guest house in Haridwar built by Uttar Pradesh, on May 5. Uttarakhand's Education and Health Minister Dr Dhan Singh Rawat said that Yogi Adityanath will arrive in Uttarakhand on Tuesday and take part in a programme to be held at the Guru Gorakhnath Degree College in Bithyani village of Yamkeshwar on Wednesday.—IANS

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will leave on a three-day visit to Uttarakhand on Tuesday during which he will visit his native village Panchoor in Yamkeshwar block of Pauri Garhwal district and meet his mother and other close relatives.

Adityanath to Visit his Native Village in Uttarakhand May 3

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will leave on a three-day visit to Uttarakhand on Tuesday during which he will visit his native village Panchoor in Yamkeshwar block of Pauri Garhwal district and meet his mother and other close relatives.






Guwahati: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Tuesday said that efforts by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah has led to peace being restored across the country.He appealed to those still engaged in armed movements to return to the mainstream for ensuring peace and prosperity for the future generations.Speaking at a public rally here to mark first anniversary of the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led BJP government in Assam, Sonowal said, From Jammu and Kashmir to Assam and across the country, there is peace everywhere now due to the efforts of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Amit Shah.Sonowal, the union minister for ports, shipping and waterways and AYUSH, also appreciated the efforts towards establishing permanent peace, especially in Assam and other NE states.Sonowal said, Assam was earlier known as a disturbed' area. Development was very slow. Even after being in power for over 60 years, Congress couldn't do anything to resolve the problems.But after Narendra Modi came to power in 2014, he has achieved much success in resolving most of the problems, he added.Appealing to the militants to abjure violence and return to the mainstream, he said, Violence doesn't solve anything, it breeds counter-violence. I appeal to all to come for peace talks so that we can ensure development and prosperity for our future generations.Sonowal, who had headed the first BJP-led government here before being replaced by Sarma when the saffron party returned to power in 2021, also congratulated the incumbent government on completing its first year.Assam has been witnessing continued progress in the last one year under Himanta Biswa Sarma and Team Assam'. I am confident they will continue to work for the people, he added.—PTI

 Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Tuesday said that efforts by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah has led to peace being restored across the country.

Peace in country due to efforts of Modi, Shah: Sonowal

Delhi: India's chess legend Viswanathan Anand would become the deputy president of the world chess federation (FIDE) if the incumbent Arkady Dvorkovich is re-elected as the president in the elections scheduled during the 44th Chess Olympiad in Chennai in July-August.Five-time World champion Anand has been nominated by Dvorkovich as part of his team to fight the forthcoming elections."Hope to be part of a brighter and better future for Chess. #SayChess #DvorkovichTeam2022," Anand tweeted after the announcement of Dvorkovich's presidential team.Making the announcement about his team, Dvorkovich said, "Dear Colleagues and Chess Friends, On the way to FIDE Presidential elections, I am happy to present my team: Arkady Dvorkovich - President; Viswanathan Anand- Deputy President; Zhu Chen - Treasurer; Joran Aulin-Jansson - Vice President; Mahir Mammedov - Vice President."During a media interaction in New Delhi last month, Anand had said that he would be actively supporting Dvorkovich's re-election bid. He had also indicated that he would be working closely with Dvorkovich's team.Anand, who has opted out of playing the forthcoming Olympiad in his home city and instead would be mentoring the Indian teams, will be taking part in the Grand Chess Tour event in Warsaw from May 17 to 24.Alongside the chess Olympiad, the 94th FIDE Congress would be organised in Chennai as would the FIDE elections.—PTI

India's chess legend Viswanathan Anand would become the deputy president of the world chess federation (FIDE) if the incumbent Arkady Dvorkovich is re-elected as the president in the elections scheduled during the 44th Chess Olympiad in Chennai in July-August.

Anand nominated as part of team to fight FIDE elections

New Delhi: While the fire-tenders allegedly reached the Mundka fire incident site late, a crane driver proved a saviour for over 50 people, mostly women, by rescuing them while the building was engulfed in razing fire. Dayanand Tiwari was driving the crane along with the owner of the vehicle when he approached the ill-fated four-storey building caught in fire, with fire-tenders allegedly not in sight on May 13.The fire incident claimed 27 lives while a number of people are reported to be missing. Tiwari managed to save more than 50 lives with the help of the crane and the local bystanders. He, however, was saddened for not saving more people as the razing fire had spread quickly. “I was coming from Mundka Udyog Nagar when I saw the fire in the building. With the help of the crane, we rescued over 50 people, mostly women,” he said Tiwari, who had the crane owner and a helper on his aide, recalled the horrific incident and said that the fire tenders had reached the spot after one and a half hours. “Later, the fire turned huge and we could not rescue others. Our crane owner and helper were also present during the rescue operation. It was a very frightening sight,” he said.On Sunday, two forensic science teams reached the site of the fire mishap to assist the Delhi Police in the investigation of the Mundka fire incident. The charred remains of the victims have also been found at the site. The police have said that a forensic DNA examination would be carried out to identify the identities of the deceased. “Our two teams, including senior experts, are working at the spot currently. They will identify the remains, and lift samples for the purpose of identification. The experts from FSL will be assisting police in identifying and lifting samples from the spot which will be later handed over to the Investigating Officer,” said Deepa Verma, Director, Forensic Science Laboratory in an official statement.Meanwhile, SK Gupta, who is heading the forensic operations, said that body remains at fire-related crime scenes are very difficult to detect, collect and handle.“Burned exhibits like body tissues at the scene are often modified to a similar appearance, and bones, in particular, become discoloured, brittle, and highly fragmented,” Gupta said. Rajnish Singh, Assistant Public Relations Officer of the FSL, said that the impact of the fire is severe on all the floors of the building and the body remains are disturbed, altered, and destroyed. “It is very challenging for our experts to identify and collect these exhibits at the crime scene, however, a detailed inspection of the crime fire site is going on and whatever exhibits we have collected will be handed over to Investigating Officer. Since it is a large area, a complete examination of the scene will take time,” he added. A total of 27 people died and several people were injured in the fire incident near Mundka Metro station on May 13. A total of 50 people have been rescued, according to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outer District), Sameer Sharma. Of the 27 retrieved bodies, only seven have been identified till Saturday afternoon.—ANI

 While the fire-tenders allegedly reached the Mundka fire incident site late, a crane driver proved a saviour for over 50 people, mostly women, by rescuing them while the building was engulfed in razing fire.

Mundka Fire: Crane driver proves saviour for over 50 people trapped in ill-fated building

Mumbai: Over 50 years after its release, Hrishikesh Mukherjee's cult classic "Anand" is headed for a remake. Sameer Raj Sippy, grandson of N C Sippy, the producer of the 1971 hit, is working on a new version of the film along with producer Vikram Khakhar. Regarded as one of the finest films in Hindi cinema, Mukherjee's "Anand" featured the late superstar Rajesh Khanna in the title role of a terminally ill cancer patient and megastar Amitabh Bachchan as Dr Bhaskar, fondly called 'Babumoshai' by Khanna's character. According to the makers, the project is in the scripting stage and a director is yet tobe finalised. Sameer Raj Sippy said stories like "Anand" need to be narrated to the new generation."Keeping in mind the sensibilities of the original film and the emotions attached, I felt the current generation needs to be retold the many stories that are so relevant today and especially when there is a great appetite for good content," the producer said in a statement on Thursday. Khakhar, who has produced films such as "Main Aur Charles", said the COVID-19 pandemic has made people more aware about the fickle nature of life and the story of "Anand", originally co-written by Mukherjee, Bimal Dutt, D N Mukherjee and Gulzar, will resonate with them. "Digging into our own classics, we will find invaluable gems rather than scouting for stories, internationally or regionally," he added. The film, which completed 50 years last year, is hailed for its taut storytelling, memorable dialogues by Gulzar, evergreen music by Salil Chowdhary, and reflective lyrics by Gulzar and Yogesh. All six songs of Anand -- Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli', Kahin Door Jab' (male and female version), Maine Tere Liye', Na Jiya Lage Na' and the poem Maut Tu Ek Kavita Hai', narrated by Bachchan, enjoy a great recall value even today.—PTI

Over 50 years after its release, Hrishikesh Mukherjee's cult classic "Anand" is headed for a remake.

Hrishikesh Mukherjee's 'Anand' to get a remake

New Delhi: India's 16-year-old Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu stunned World Champion Magnus Carlsen for the second time in just three months as he got better of the Norwegian in the fifth round of the Chessable Masters online rapid chess tournament on Friday. The fifth round match of the tournament was headed towards a draw but a one-move blunder from the world champion Magnus Carlsen resulted in his defeat. Despite the victory, the 16-year-old GM was not happy. "I do not want to win that way!" said R Praggnanandhaa after Magnus Carlsen blundered.With this win, the Indian GM now is placed in the fifth spot on the leaderboard. Carlsen is in the third spot with 12 points and China's Wei Yi is on top with 18 points at the end of Day 2 of the tournament. Earlier, Praggnanandhaa had gotten the better of Carlsen in Airthings Masters online rapid tournament in February this year.—ANI

India's 16-year-old Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu stunned World Champion Magnus Carlsen for the second time in just three months as he got better of the Norwegian in the fifth round of the Chessable Masters online rapid chess tournament on Friday.

Praggnanandhaa stuns Magnus Carlsen for the second time

Mumbai: &nbsp;As Kangana Ranaut and R. Madhavan's film 'Tanu Weds Manu Returns' has completed seven years of its release on Sunday. The film's director Aanand L. Rai feels great that the movie has amazing re-watch.Speaking about the film completing seven years, maverick filmmaker Rai said: "It's great to see that Tanu Weds Manu Returns has amazing re-watch value! I'm humbled and grateful for all the love that this film has continued to receive through the years!" 'Tanu Weds Manu Returns' released in 2015 it is a sequel to the 2011 film 'Tanu Weds Manu'. Kangana Ranaut, R. Madhavan, Jimmy Sheirgill, Deepak Dobriyal, Swara Bhaskar and Eijaz Khan reprise their roles from the original film. Kangana also portrays the additional role of a Haryanvi athlete in it. Rai is currently busy with his next production 'An Action Hero' starring Ayushmann Khurrana.—IANS

As Kangana Ranaut and R. Madhavan's film 'Tanu Weds Manu Returns' has completed seven years of its release on Sunday. The film's director Aanand L. Rai feels great that the movie has amazing re-watch. 

Aanand L. Rai elated over Tanu Weds Manu Returns' re-watch value

As Kangana Ranaut and R. Madhavan's film 'Tanu Weds Manu Returns' has completed seven years of its release on Sunday. The film's director Aanand L. Rai feels great that the movie has amazing re-watch.

Chennai: Young Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa defeated compatriot and GM Vidit Gujrathi to book a spot in the quarterfinals of the Meltwater Champions Chess Tour Chessable Masters 2022 online tournament. The win in the 15th and final round of the preliminaries late on Sunday saw the teenage GM knock Gujrathi out of contention. The 16-year-old Praggnanandhaa will take on Wei Yi of China in the quarterfinals.Praggnanandhaa, who created a stir by beating world No.1 Magnus Carlsen of Norway earlier in the sixth round, scored 25 points to finish fourth behind Anish Giri (the Netherlands, 29 points), Carlsen (28 points) and Ding Liren (China, 25 points). He had beaten the Norwegian in an online tournament a few months ago for the first time. The two other Indian players, P Harikrishna and Gujrathi in the 16-player field, finished outside the top 8 and failed to cut the knockout bracket.While the experienced Harikrishna took ninth place with 18 points, Gujrathi (17 points) ended up 11th. Praggnanandhaa scored an impressive win over American Abhimanyu Mishra, the world's youngest Grandmaster, in 41 moves before settling for a draw against another US player Sam Shankland in rounds 13 and 14 respectively. In the game against Gujrathi, the teenage GM capitalized on an error on the 35th move to force a win. Fast-improving Dutch GM Jorden Van Foreest and Eric Hansen were among Praggnanandhaa's other scalps in the preliminary rounds. He finished with eight wins, four defeats, and three draws.—PTI

Young Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa defeated compatriot and GM Vidit Gujrathi to book a spot in the quarterfinals of the Meltwater Champions Chess Tour Chessable Masters 2022 online tournament.

Praggnanandhaa secures quarterfinal spot in Chessable Masters

Warsaw: Former world champion Viswanathan Anand had a moderate run on the second day of the Blitz section to finish overall joint second in the Superbet Rapid and Blitz Poland chess tournament in Warsaw on Monday.He posted three wins on Monday over Radoslaw Wojtaszek (Poland) in the 27th and final round, Richard Rapport (Hungary) and Kirill Shevchenko (Ukraine) to go with three draws but as many defeats hurt his chances of winning the overall title. Polish star Jan-Kryzstof Duda emerged overall winner with 24 points while Anand and Levon Aronian finished equal second with 23.5 points followed by Fabiano Caruana (USA) on 23 points.Duda scored a dramatic win from a losing position against Kirill Shevchenko to take the top prize.The Indian ace had earlier on Saturday won the Rapid section comfortably with a round to spare.The veteran Indian GM, who won three matches, drew four and lost two on day one of the Blitz competition, had a bad start on Monday, losing to Duda in round 19. He had beaten the Pole when the duo had met on Sunday.He lost in the next round to Anton Korobov in 26 moves in a Sicillian variation game before drawing with David Gavrilescu in round 21. A win over Kirill Shevchenko in the 22nd round was followed by a defeat at the hands of Aronian.In round 24, he held Wesley So, another American to a draw in a 26-move affair. In the subsequent round, he managed a draw against the highly-rated Caruana before scoring a win over an inconsistent Richard Rapport in the 26th and penultimate round.—PTI

Former world champion Viswanathan Anand had a moderate run on the second day of the Blitz section to finish overall joint second in the Superbet Rapid and Blitz Poland chess tournament in Warsaw on Monday.

Superbet Poland chess: Anand finishes overall joint second

New Delhi: Young Grandmaster R&nbsp;Praggnanandhaa&nbsp;became the first Indian player to reach the final of the Meltwater Champions Chess Tour Chessable Masters tournament after he held his nerve to outwit Dutch GM Anish Giri 3.5-2.5 on Wednesday.The Indian chess star defeated the highly-rated Giri, pipping the Dutchman in the tiebreak after the four-game rapid online semifinal match ended in a 2-2 stalemate. For the top prize,&nbsp;Praggnanandhaa&nbsp;will take on world No.2 Ding Liren of China, who shocked world No.1 Magnus Carlsen 2.5-1.5 in the other semi-final clash.The opening game of the semi-final ended in a tame draw before the 16-year-old&nbsp;Praggnanandhaa&nbsp;pulled off a win in the second to hand Giri his first defeat of the tournament.In the third game, the experienced Dutch player looked to have seized the upper-hand but Praggnanandhaa, as he is known in chess circles, fought hard to force a draw to go 2-1 up.Staring defeat in the face, Giri hit back to win the fourth game to send the semi-final clash into the tie-break.The Dutchman faltered in the first blitz game and surrendered it in 33 moves in an Italian Opening encounter.In the second tie-break game, Giri managed to gain an advantage but the Indian held firm and a draw ensued sending the teenage ace into the summit clash.The match ended late at night after which Praggnandhaa said, "I have to be at school around 8.45 AM, and now it is 2 AM!"Meanwhile, his coach R B Ramesh, a GM himself, said "Congratulations @rpragchess for the victory over Anish in the semifinal of #ChessableMasters ! The ability to beat strong players despite having a bad score in the past is amazing. Proud of you kutti."Praggnanandhaa has been in splendid touch in the tournament. He had defeated Carlsen in the preliminary phase in which he finished fourth.—PTI

Young Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa became the first Indian player to reach the final of the Meltwater Champions Chess Tour Chessable Masters tournament after he held his nerve to outwit Dutch GM Anish Giri 3.5-2.5 on Wednesday.

'I have to be at school around 8.45 AM, and now it is 2 AM!'

New Delhi: Chinese World No.2 Ding Liren seized the advantage against India's teenaged Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa in the final of Meltwater Champions Chess Tour Chessable Masters online tournament, taking a 2.5-1.5 lead after the opening day of the match early on Thursday. The 16-year-old Praggnanandhaa, who lost the opening game of the all-Asian final, bounced back strongly to level the first match when he won game two.Liren then showed why he is rated so highly by taking the lead, outwitting his young Indian opponent, who had on Wednesday appeared for his standard XI examination, in the third game.The fourth game saw the two players sign peace in 39 moves as Liren took a one- point advantage into day two of the summit clash. The second day of the final will also feature four games and the tie-break if required. Praggnanandhaa has been in good form during the tournament and had created a flutter in the preliminary phase by beating World No.1 Magnus Carlsen in the sixth round. He had finished fourth in the preliminaries behind Anish Giri, Carlsen and Liren.—PTI

Chinese World No.2 Ding Liren seized the advantage against India's teenaged Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa in the final of Meltwater Champions Chess Tour Chessable Masters online tournament, taking a 2.5-1.5 lead after the opening day of the match early on Thursday.

Chessable Masters final: Liren seizes advantage against Praggnanandhaa

New Delhi: Young Indian Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa went down fighting to World No. 2 Ding Liren in the tie-break of the Meltwater Champions Chess Tour Chessable Masters 2022 online tournament final on Friday. The 16-year-old from Chennai fought back to win the second set after having lost the opener. But then lost the two-game blitz tie-breaker.The Indian GM, who had lost the first set 1.5-2.5, hit back to win the second 2.5-1.5 and force the blitz tie-break.The 29-year old Liren used his experience to trump Praggnanandhaa in the second of the tie-break games. After the first blitz game ended in stalemate, the Chinese player won the next in 49 moves to dash the Indian teenager's hopes. Earlier in the second set which he needed to win to force a tie-break, Praggnanandhaa got the all-important victory in the second game in 79 moves.The next game saw the two dish out a 106-move draw before another stalemate meant the title would be decided by the tie-breaker. After the final, the Indian prodigy's coach R B Ramesh praised his ward's efforts. "Congratulations Ding for beating both Pragg AND the mosquitoes! Proud of you @rpragchess, showed good nerves and character overall in tough situations," he tweeted.The Indian GM had defeated the highly-rated Dutchman Anish Giri in the semi-final to become the first Indian player to reach the final of a Meltwater Champions Chess Tour event.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He had beaten World No.1 Magnus Carlsen for a second time during the preliminary phase in which he finished fourth and got past Wei Yi of China in the quarter-finals.—PTI

Young Indian Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa went down fighting to World No. 2 Ding Liren in the tie-break of the Meltwater Champions Chess Tour Chessable Masters 2022 online tournament final on Friday.

Chessable Masters final: Praggnanandhaa loses in final

New Delhi: India's chess ace Viswanathan Anand defeated world champion Magnus Carlsen in round seven of the blitz event of the Norway Chess on the way to a fourth-place finish. The former World champion, however, suffered defeats to Anish Giri (the Netherlands) and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (France) in the fourth and ninth round respectively to finish with five points in the 10-player blitz event on Tuesday.The Indian GM started with a win over Aryan Tari (Norway) in the blitz before drawing with Wesley So in round two. He posted a victory over veteran Veselin Topalov in the third round before sharing the point with Teimur Radjabov.After a loss to Giri and a draw with Hao Wang (China), Anand scored over Carlsen. However, the draw against Shakhriyar Mamedyarov followed by the loss to Vachier-Lagrave put paid to his chances of a high finish after having started with 2.5 points from the first three rounds.Anand's win over Carlsen comes close on the heels of compatriot and teen sensation Rameshbabu Praggnandhaa defeating the Norwegian World champion in an online blitz tournament recently.American So finished on top of the Blitz standings with 6.5 points, one clear of Carlsen while Giri took the third spot. He thus earned the right to pick his starting number for the classical event.The 10 players will play a classical event, starting later on Tuesday.Anand begins his campaign in the Classical event with a game against Vachier-Lagrave.—PTI

India's chess ace Viswanathan Anand defeated world champion Magnus Carlsen in round seven of the blitz event of the Norway Chess on the way to a fourth-place finish.

Anand beats Carlsen in blitz event of Norway Chess

New Delhi: Indian chess ace Viswanathan Anand defeated Maxime Vachier-Lagrave in 40 moves in the first round of the classical section of the Norway Chess tournament in Stavenger, Norway. American Wesley So beat Teimur Rajdabov in the first round to be level with Anand, while Magnus Carlsen had to settle for a draw with China's Wang Had.In the blitz event played prior to the Classical, Anand had shocked world champion Carlsen in round seven on the way to a fourth-place finish.The former world champion, however, suffered defeats to Anish Giri (the Netherlands) and Vachier-Lagrave in the fourth and ninth round respectively to finish with 5 points in the 10-player blitz event. Anand finished on top of the Blitz standings with 6.5 points, one clear of Carlsen while Giri took the third spot. He thus earned the right to pick his starting number for the classical event.In the classical event, the players would play an Armeggedon (sudden death) game in case of a draw.—PTI

Indian chess ace Viswanathan Anand defeated Maxime Vachier-Lagrave in 40 moves in the first round of the classical section of the Norway Chess tournament in Stavenger, Norway.

Anand beats Vachier-Lagrave in Norway Chess tourney

Indian Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand posted his second win on the trot, defeating Bulgarian Veselin Topalov in the Classical section to take the lead at the Norway Chess tournament in Stavanger.

Norway Chess: Anand leads after second straight win

India's legend Viswanathan Anand continued his winning run in the Classical section of the Norway Chess tournament in Stavanger as he defeated China's Wang Hao in the third round to remain on top of the standings.

Norway Chess: No stopping Vishy Anand after third win in a row

Varanasi: A disciple of Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati on June 2 announced that he and his followers will offer prayers at a ‘<a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/secure-shivling-area-do-not-restrict-namaaz-in-gyanvyapi-mosque-sc/article65423554.ece" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(59, 89, 153);">Shivling', which was claimed to be found in the Gyanvapi complex</a>&nbsp;during a court-monitored survey of the premises, on June 4.Swami Avimukteshwaranand also said if the administration stops them from offering prayers, he would inform the Shankaracharya and follow his instructions. Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati is the Shankaracharya of Dwarka Sharada Peetham in Gujarat and the Jyotir Math in Badrinath."The decision of the Dharmacharya is final on the matter of Dharma (religion). As the Supreme Court defines law, dharma is defined by 'Dharmacharya'. In Sanatan Dharma, Shankaracharya is the biggest 'acharya' and Swaroopanand is the senior-most," Swami told reporters here."In Gyanvapi, 'Vishwanath Ji' (Lord Shiva) has been found and we are gathering material for prayers on behalf of Hindu community," Swami told reporters here."We are not political Hindus but the real one," Swami said, adding the prayers will be held on Saturday.This comes in the wake of claims by Hindu litigants in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/explained-gyanvapi-and-the-places-of-worship-act/article65423048.ece" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(59, 89, 153);">Shringar Gauri-Gyanvapi Mosque case</a>&nbsp;that a ‘Shivling’ was found in the complex during a court-mandated survey of the premises last month.However, the Muslim side has maintained that the object was part of the water fountain mechanism at the “wazoo khana”, where namazis (faithfuls) carry out ablutions before offering the namaz. A court here had ordered the videographic survey of the Gyanvapi complex on a plea by five Hindu women that they be allowed to worship Hindu deities whose idols are installed on the outer wall of the mosque.The case is listed for next round of hearing on July 4.—PTI

A disciple of Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati on June 2 announced that he and his followers will offer prayers at a ‘Shivling', which was claimed to be found in the Gyanvapi complex during a court-monitored survey of the premises, on June 4.

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