International drug cartel busted, heroin from Afpak to India, Lanka

Under the racket, several conduits based in Afghanistan and Pakistan push heroin into India through Punjab border (image for representational purpose)

New Delhi: An international drug cartel was smashed by the Special Cell of Delhi Police with the arrest of three of its members and recovery of nine kg of heroin with street value of Rs 30 crore. According to the police, A Venugopal Reddy (29), a resident of Cuddapah district of Andhra Pradesh, Ragmeet Singh (25) and Shurbir Singh (28), both residents of Delhi were arrested recently.

Under the racket, several conduits based in Afghanistan and Pakistan push heroin into India through Punjab border from where it is carried by road, rail into Delhi and delivered to conduits like Shurbir, Ragmeet and some other Afghani Sikhs From here it is taken to southern part of the country from where Sri Lankan conduits receive it for smuggling into Sri Lanka, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Sanjeev Kumar Yadav. Initially, a tip off was received on Wednesday that Reddy would come to Shankar Road here to collect drugs from suspected suppliers of the syndicate.

"Following the tip off, a trap was laid and Reddy was apprehended and three kg of heroine seized from his possession. By the time he was located, identified and apprehended, the supplier had managed to leave the scene," said Yadav.

During sustained interrogation, he disclosed that he has been into this illegal trade for the last six months along with his associates Gopi, Durra and others, he said. Reddy also revealed that in this month alone, he had received two big consignments from a Sikh man known to him as 'Mr Singh' and one Tamilian known to him as 'Arun', both residents of Delhi.

Venugopal Reddy provided inputs about the identities of two Afghani Sikhs who were coordinating this trade and were living somewhere in the area of Mahabir Nagar. While efforts were afoot to locate the two Afghani Sikhs involved in the trade, on Thursday a team of Punjab Police also arrived in the office of Special Cell and sought assistance in the identification and apprehension of a suspect known to them as Shurbir of Delhi.

This Shurbir was wanted in a case of NDPS Act registered in Punjab and finding the similarities in the suspects being pursued by Special Cell and the Punjab Police, a joint team was formed, police said.

"Sources were put on work and soon, it was learnt that suspects Shurbir Singh and Ragmeet Singh were present in the area of Majnu Ka Tila where they were supposed to meet another courier member of this syndicate for delivering another consignment of heroin. The joint team reached the spot and nabbed the duo. They were found in possession of 6 Kg heroine," said Yadav.

During their preliminary interrogation, the duo allegedly told police that they are members of a large trans-national narcotics racket which is being jointly coordinated by one Ali of Kuwait and one Samiullah of Afghanistan.

"Ali finds customers while the delivery is done by Samiullah who controls production in Afghanistan," said Yadav, adding, from there it istaken to Pakistan and pushed through Punjab border from where it is carried by road and rail to Delhi. In Delhi, the Tamil and Telugu regulators of the syndicate take over and utilise several south Indian conduits to distribute the heroin into the southern part of the country from where Sri Lankan conduits receive it for smuggling into Sri Lanka, he said.

"The accused have disclosed that since January itself, they have, in the manner stated above, received around 125 kgs of heroin which has been pushed down the chain for intending processors as well as bulk and retail consumers," said Yadav. Efforts are on to identify other members of this syndicate and to apprehend them. Further investigation is in progress, police said.

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Need more efforts to create jobs, curb inflation: India Inc

New Delhi: Concurring with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, India Inc today said more efforts are needed for reviving the manufacturing sector, promoting SMEs and removing supply constraints to bring down food prices.

"We agree with the Prime Minister that a turnaround in manufacturing has yet to be achieved while the persistence of inflation continues to be a problem," CII Director General Chandrajit Banerjee said after Singh's press conference.

"Increase in food supplies as also improved marketing and logistic support are crucial to rein in inflation especially pertaining to food prices," he added.

Raed here - Inflation a concern, India heading for better times: PM

Referring to the issue of job creation, Singh said the government had not been able to do as well as it would have liked to and was working "hard" to improve the situation.

"We fully share the PM's concerns that there has not been enough generation of employment in the economy. At the end of the day, we cannot have jobs without growth," Ficci President Sidharth Birla said.

Admitting the government's failure to contain inflation, Singh also said that high prices have helped farmers and asserted that the country was heading for better times.

"Food inflation can be tackled through actions addressing supply-side bottlenecks including through better logistics. The country also requires amendment of APMC Act by all states and at least the UPA-led states can immediately address this," Birla said.

Rupee has first gain in New Year, up 10 paise

Assocham President Rana Kapoor said: "The manufacturing sector could not generate the desired number of jobs. The reason for this was economic slowdown, coupled with lack of determined policies to give a great push to the manufacturing. SMEs hold the key to job creation, which should be encouraged."

On this issue, the Prime Minister had said, "We need a much stronger effort in support of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) which can be a major source of good quality employment. Our manufacturing strategy gives high priority to this objective for the future."

Elaborating on the steps needed to encourage SMEs, PHD Chamber of Commerce President Sharad Jaipuria said: "Efficiency and competitiveness of the MSMEs through continuous technology innovation, quality improvement, easy access to finance, diversification into new markets, better infrastructural facilities and skill up gradation must be addressed".

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International drug cartel busted, heroin from Afpak to India, Lanka

Under the racket, several conduits based in Afghanistan and Pakistan push heroin into India through Punjab border (image for representational purpose)

New Delhi: An international drug cartel was smashed by the Special Cell of Delhi Police with the arrest of three of its members and recovery of nine kg of heroin with street value of Rs 30 crore. According to the police, A Venugopal Reddy (29), a resident of Cuddapah district of Andhra Pradesh, Ragmeet Singh (25) and Shurbir Singh (28), both residents of Delhi were arrested recently.

Under the racket, several conduits based in Afghanistan and Pakistan push heroin into India through Punjab border from where it is carried by road, rail into Delhi and delivered to conduits like Shurbir, Ragmeet and some other Afghani Sikhs From here it is taken to southern part of the country from where Sri Lankan conduits receive it for smuggling into Sri Lanka, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Sanjeev Kumar Yadav. Initially, a tip off was received on Wednesday that Reddy would come to Shankar Road here to collect drugs from suspected suppliers of the syndicate.

"Following the tip off, a trap was laid and Reddy was apprehended and three kg of heroine seized from his possession. By the time he was located, identified and apprehended, the supplier had managed to leave the scene," said Yadav.

During sustained interrogation, he disclosed that he has been into this illegal trade for the last six months along with his associates Gopi, Durra and others, he said. Reddy also revealed that in this month alone, he had received two big consignments from a Sikh man known to him as 'Mr Singh' and one Tamilian known to him as 'Arun', both residents of Delhi.

Venugopal Reddy provided inputs about the identities of two Afghani Sikhs who were coordinating this trade and were living somewhere in the area of Mahabir Nagar. While efforts were afoot to locate the two Afghani Sikhs involved in the trade, on Thursday a team of Punjab Police also arrived in the office of Special Cell and sought assistance in the identification and apprehension of a suspect known to them as Shurbir of Delhi.

This Shurbir was wanted in a case of NDPS Act registered in Punjab and finding the similarities in the suspects being pursued by Special Cell and the Punjab Police, a joint team was formed, police said.

"Sources were put on work and soon, it was learnt that suspects Shurbir Singh and Ragmeet Singh were present in the area of Majnu Ka Tila where they were supposed to meet another courier member of this syndicate for delivering another consignment of heroin. The joint team reached the spot and nabbed the duo. They were found in possession of 6 Kg heroine," said Yadav.

During their preliminary interrogation, the duo allegedly told police that they are members of a large trans-national narcotics racket which is being jointly coordinated by one Ali of Kuwait and one Samiullah of Afghanistan.

"Ali finds customers while the delivery is done by Samiullah who controls production in Afghanistan," said Yadav, adding, from there it istaken to Pakistan and pushed through Punjab border from where it is carried by road and rail to Delhi. In Delhi, the Tamil and Telugu regulators of the syndicate take over and utilise several south Indian conduits to distribute the heroin into the southern part of the country from where Sri Lankan conduits receive it for smuggling into Sri Lanka, he said.

"The accused have disclosed that since January itself, they have, in the manner stated above, received around 125 kgs of heroin which has been pushed down the chain for intending processors as well as bulk and retail consumers," said Yadav. Efforts are on to identify other members of this syndicate and to apprehend them. Further investigation is in progress, police said.

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International drug cartel busted, heroin from Afpak to India, Lanka

Under the racket, several conduits based in Afghanistan and Pakistan push heroin into India through Punjab border (image for representational purpose)

New Delhi: An international drug cartel was smashed by the Special Cell of Delhi Police with the arrest of three of its members and recovery of nine kg of heroin with street value of Rs 30 crore. According to the police, A Venugopal Reddy (29), a resident of Cuddapah district of Andhra Pradesh, Ragmeet Singh (25) and Shurbir Singh (28), both residents of Delhi were arrested recently.

Under the racket, several conduits based in Afghanistan and Pakistan push heroin into India through Punjab border from where it is carried by road, rail into Delhi and delivered to conduits like Shurbir, Ragmeet and some other Afghani Sikhs From here it is taken to southern part of the country from where Sri Lankan conduits receive it for smuggling into Sri Lanka, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Sanjeev Kumar Yadav. Initially, a tip off was received on Wednesday that Reddy would come to Shankar Road here to collect drugs from suspected suppliers of the syndicate.

"Following the tip off, a trap was laid and Reddy was apprehended and three kg of heroine seized from his possession. By the time he was located, identified and apprehended, the supplier had managed to leave the scene," said Yadav.

During sustained interrogation, he disclosed that he has been into this illegal trade for the last six months along with his associates Gopi, Durra and others, he said. Reddy also revealed that in this month alone, he had received two big consignments from a Sikh man known to him as 'Mr Singh' and one Tamilian known to him as 'Arun', both residents of Delhi.

Venugopal Reddy provided inputs about the identities of two Afghani Sikhs who were coordinating this trade and were living somewhere in the area of Mahabir Nagar. While efforts were afoot to locate the two Afghani Sikhs involved in the trade, on Thursday a team of Punjab Police also arrived in the office of Special Cell and sought assistance in the identification and apprehension of a suspect known to them as Shurbir of Delhi.

This Shurbir was wanted in a case of NDPS Act registered in Punjab and finding the similarities in the suspects being pursued by Special Cell and the Punjab Police, a joint team was formed, police said.

"Sources were put on work and soon, it was learnt that suspects Shurbir Singh and Ragmeet Singh were present in the area of Majnu Ka Tila where they were supposed to meet another courier member of this syndicate for delivering another consignment of heroin. The joint team reached the spot and nabbed the duo. They were found in possession of 6 Kg heroine," said Yadav.

During their preliminary interrogation, the duo allegedly told police that they are members of a large trans-national narcotics racket which is being jointly coordinated by one Ali of Kuwait and one Samiullah of Afghanistan.

"Ali finds customers while the delivery is done by Samiullah who controls production in Afghanistan," said Yadav, adding, from there it istaken to Pakistan and pushed through Punjab border from where it is carried by road and rail to Delhi. In Delhi, the Tamil and Telugu regulators of the syndicate take over and utilise several south Indian conduits to distribute the heroin into the southern part of the country from where Sri Lankan conduits receive it for smuggling into Sri Lanka, he said.

"The accused have disclosed that since January itself, they have, in the manner stated above, received around 125 kgs of heroin which has been pushed down the chain for intending processors as well as bulk and retail consumers," said Yadav. Efforts are on to identify other members of this syndicate and to apprehend them. Further investigation is in progress, police said.

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Kallis strikes ton in farewell Test, leaves India battling

South Africa's batsman Jacques Kallis waves his bat as he salutes the fans after he was dismissed for 115 runs on the forth day of their cricket test match against India at Kingsmead stadium in Durban, South Africa, on Sunday.

Durban: Jacques Kallis made his swansong match a memorable one by hitting his 45th Test hundred as India faced a daunting task of batting out the entire fifth day to save the series-deciding second cricket Test against South Africa, here.

Kallis ensured that he left the Test arena in a blaze of glory with a fluent 115 as the home team posted a mammoth 500 in their first innings to take a sizeable 166-run lead.

India vs South Africa, 2nd Test: Match Updates

India lost both the openers Murali Vijay (6) and Shikhar Dhawan (19) before reaching 68 for two on yet another rain-marred day, still needing 98 runs to avoid the ignominy of an innings defeat.

Cheteshwar Pujara (32) and Virat Kohli (11) will resume India's battle tomorrow.

Pujara and Dhawan had batted with caution after paceman Vernon Philander had Vijay caught in the slips. But Faf du Plessis took a spectacular one-handed catch to send back Dhawan, who played uppishly in the mid-wicket region and failed to clear the fielder.

It was yet another waste of a watchful start by Dhawan, who ended this Test series with scores of 13,15, 29 and 19.

With one day left in the match, the visitors have to bat out the final day to share the honours in the two-match series. The first Test in Johannesburg had ended in a thrilling draw.

South Africa on the other hand need to take eight wickets on a tricky fifth day track at the Kingsmead to give Kallis a perfect gift in his farewell match.

Beginning at the overnight score of 299 for five, Kallis scored 115 off 316 balls with 13 boundaries while lower-order batsman Robin Peterson played a 61-run cameo before their innings folded for exactly 500.

Left-arm spinner Ravidra Jadeja was the pick of the bowler for India with six wickets for 138 runs while paceman Zaheer Khan took two wickets at the expense of 97 runs.

Hashim Amla leaves the field after the little finger on his right hand was struck whilst fielding on the fourth day of their cricket test match against India at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, on Sunday. Cheteshwar Pujara takes evasive action against a bouncer on the fourth day of their cricket test match against South Africa at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, on Sunday.Shikhar Dhawan, left, rides the bounce to defend a short ball as South Africa's captain Graeme Smith, right, watches on the forth day of their cricket test match at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, on Sunday.Shikhar Dhawan, left, avoids a bouncer as South Africa's bowler Jacques Kallis, right, watches on the fourth day of their cricket test match at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, on Sunday.India's Murali Vijay leaves the field after being dismissed by South Africa's bowler Vernon Philander, for 6 runs on the fourth day of their cricket test match at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, on Sunday.South Africa's batsman Francois du Plessis is run out by India's fielder Rohit Sharma, for 43 runs on the forth day of their cricket test match at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, on Sunday.South Africa's batsman Robin Peterson plays a shot on the forth day of their cricket test match against India at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, on Sunday.South Africa's batsman Robin Peterson, right, plays a shot as India's captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, left, watches on the forth day of their cricket test match against India at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, on Sunday.South Africa's batsman Robin Peterson watches his shot on the forth day of their cricket test match against India at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, on Sunday.South Africa's batsman Jacques Kallis, second from left, walks up the stair to the players pavilion as teammates embrace him after being dismissed for 115 runs on the forth day of their cricket test match against India at Kingsmead stadium in Durban, South Africa, on Sunday.South Africa's batsman Jacques Kallis, second from left, walks up the stair to the players pavilion as teammates embrace him after being dismissed for 115 runs on the forth day of their cricket test match against India at Kingsmead stadium in Durban, South Africa, on SundaySouth Africa's batsman Jacques Kallis waves his bat as he salutes the fans after he was dismissed for 115 runs on the forth day of their cricket test match against India at Kingsmead stadium in Durban, South Africa, on Sunday.South Africa's batsman Jacques Kallis waves his bat as he salutes the fans after dismissed for 115 runs on the forth day of their cricket test match against India at Kingsmead stadium in Durban, South Africa, on Sunday.India's bowler Ravindra Jadeja, left, celebrates as teammate Rohit Sharma, right, watches after dismissing South Africa's batsman Jacques Kallis, for 115 runs on the forth day of their cricket test match against India at Kingsmead stadium in Durban, South Africa, on Sunday.India's bowler Ravindra Jadeja, left, celebrates as teammate Rohit Sharma, right, watches after dismissing South Africa's batsman Jacques Kallis, for 115 runs on the forth day of their cricket test match against India at Kingsmead stadium in Durban, South Africa, on Sunday.South Africa's batsman Jacques Kallis celebrates his century on the forth day of their cricket test match against India at Kingsmead stadium in Durban, South Africa, on Sunday.South Africa's batsman Jacques Kallis celebrates his century on the forth day of their cricket test match against India at Kingsmead stadium in Durban, South Africa, on Sunday.South Africa's batsman Jacques Kallis, left, celebrates his century as India's bowler Ravindra Jadeja, right, watches on the forth day of their cricket test match against India at Kingsmead stadium in Durban, South Africa, on Sunday.South Africa's batsman Jacques Kallis, left, celebrates his century on the forth day of their cricket test match against India at Kingsmead stadium in Durban, South Africa, on Sunday.South Africa's batsman Jacques Kallis, left, celebrates his century with teammate Dale Steyn on the forth day of their cricket test match against India at Kingsmead stadium in Durban, South Africa, on Sunday.South Africa's batsman Dale Steyn plays a shot on the forth day of their cricket test match against India at Kingsmead stadium in Durban, South Africa, on Sunday.South Africa's batsman Jacques Kallis, left, plays a side shot as India's captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, right, on the forth day of their cricket test match at Kingsmead stadium in Durban, South Africa, on Sunday.A cricket fan waves the national team's flag during the third day of their cricket test match against India at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013. - APIndia's bowler Ravindra Jadeja, center, appeals unsuccessfuly for LBW against South Africa's batsman Alviro Petersen, left, during second day of their cricket test match at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013. - APJacques Kallis, right, walks to the field as India's players form a guard of honor on second day of their cricket test match at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013. - APSouth Africa's batsman Abraham Benjamin de Villiers dives home safely after a run out attempt on the third day of their cricket test match against India at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013. - APSouth Africa's batsman Jacques Kallis, left, raises his bat whilst leaving the field with India's players after play had been cut short due to bad light on the third day of their cricket test match against India at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013. - APSouth Africa's bowler Dale Steyn celebrates after dismissing India's captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, for 24 runs during the second day of their cricket test match at Kingsmead stadium, Durban, South Africa, Friday, Dec. 27, 2013. - AP

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International drug cartel busted, heroin from Afpak to India, Lanka

Under the racket, several conduits based in Afghanistan and Pakistan push heroin into India through Punjab border (image for representational purpose)

New Delhi: An international drug cartel was smashed by the Special Cell of Delhi Police with the arrest of three of its members and recovery of nine kg of heroin with street value of Rs 30 crore. According to the police, A Venugopal Reddy (29), a resident of Cuddapah district of Andhra Pradesh, Ragmeet Singh (25) and Shurbir Singh (28), both residents of Delhi were arrested recently.

Under the racket, several conduits based in Afghanistan and Pakistan push heroin into India through Punjab border from where it is carried by road, rail into Delhi and delivered to conduits like Shurbir, Ragmeet and some other Afghani Sikhs From here it is taken to southern part of the country from where Sri Lankan conduits receive it for smuggling into Sri Lanka, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Sanjeev Kumar Yadav. Initially, a tip off was received on Wednesday that Reddy would come to Shankar Road here to collect drugs from suspected suppliers of the syndicate.

"Following the tip off, a trap was laid and Reddy was apprehended and three kg of heroine seized from his possession. By the time he was located, identified and apprehended, the supplier had managed to leave the scene," said Yadav.

During sustained interrogation, he disclosed that he has been into this illegal trade for the last six months along with his associates Gopi, Durra and others, he said. Reddy also revealed that in this month alone, he had received two big consignments from a Sikh man known to him as 'Mr Singh' and one Tamilian known to him as 'Arun', both residents of Delhi.

Venugopal Reddy provided inputs about the identities of two Afghani Sikhs who were coordinating this trade and were living somewhere in the area of Mahabir Nagar. While efforts were afoot to locate the two Afghani Sikhs involved in the trade, on Thursday a team of Punjab Police also arrived in the office of Special Cell and sought assistance in the identification and apprehension of a suspect known to them as Shurbir of Delhi.

This Shurbir was wanted in a case of NDPS Act registered in Punjab and finding the similarities in the suspects being pursued by Special Cell and the Punjab Police, a joint team was formed, police said.

"Sources were put on work and soon, it was learnt that suspects Shurbir Singh and Ragmeet Singh were present in the area of Majnu Ka Tila where they were supposed to meet another courier member of this syndicate for delivering another consignment of heroin. The joint team reached the spot and nabbed the duo. They were found in possession of 6 Kg heroine," said Yadav.

During their preliminary interrogation, the duo allegedly told police that they are members of a large trans-national narcotics racket which is being jointly coordinated by one Ali of Kuwait and one Samiullah of Afghanistan.

"Ali finds customers while the delivery is done by Samiullah who controls production in Afghanistan," said Yadav, adding, from there it istaken to Pakistan and pushed through Punjab border from where it is carried by road and rail to Delhi. In Delhi, the Tamil and Telugu regulators of the syndicate take over and utilise several south Indian conduits to distribute the heroin into the southern part of the country from where Sri Lankan conduits receive it for smuggling into Sri Lanka, he said.

"The accused have disclosed that since January itself, they have, in the manner stated above, received around 125 kgs of heroin which has been pushed down the chain for intending processors as well as bulk and retail consumers," said Yadav. Efforts are on to identify other members of this syndicate and to apprehend them. Further investigation is in progress, police said.

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India to be world's 3rd largest economy by 2028 after China, US

New Delhi: India is likely to overtake Japan in 2028 to become the third largest economy in the world after China and United States, according to London-based economic consultancy Cebr.

As per Cebr's World Economic League table report for 2013, India has lost a place in the league table in 2013 to Canada and is now the 11th largest economy in the world."But demographics and economic growth will eventually drive the Indian economy up the table and the forecast for 2028 has India becoming the world's 3rd largest economy overtaking Japan," the report said. The Cebr World Economic League Table (WELT) is an annual calculation by the consultancy. The base data for 2012 is taken from the IMF World Economic Outlook and the GDP forecast draws on Cebr's Global Prospects model to forecast growth, inflation and exchange rates. The report gives an end of year report on GDP in the 30 largest economies in the world and forecasts countries that will be in the 'top thirty' after 5, 10 and 15 years.In the 2013 league table, India is at the 11th place with a GDP of USD 1.7 billion, and by 2018 the country is likely to be at the 9th place with a GDP of USD 2,481 billion, and by 2023 it would be at 4th place, with GDP size of USD 4,124 billion, and it will claim 3rd spot with GDP of USD 6,560 billion by 2028, it said.The 2013 league table shows only two changes in the list of top 20 economies. Firstly, Russia overtook recession- stricken Italy to gain 8th place and Canada overtook India as a result of the collapse of the rupee to retake its position as the second largest economy in the Commonwealth and the 10th largest economy in the world, the report said. By the year 2018, the emerging economies will be "on the move". Russia would be at the 6th place; India 9th, Mexico 12th, Korea 13th and Turkey 17th, it said.By 2023, India and Brazil would be "on the march" and are likely to claim the 4th and 5th place, respectively.By the year 2028, the league table will be reordered. China will move to the number one place, followed by the United States (2nd), India (3rd), Mexico (9th) and Canada (10th).The report further said China's GDP in dollar terms is likely to overtake the US in 2028 – much later than most previous predictions.Meanwhile, the United Kingdom would overtake Germany to become the largest Western European economy 'around 2030', it added.

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Stanislas Wawrinka eyes good start in India

CHENNAI: Swiss world number eight Stanislas Wawrinka will look to extend the good form he showed in 2013 by when he kickstarts the new season at the ATP Chennai Open from Monday.

Wawrinka emerged from the shadows of legendary compatriot Roger Federer with a string of major semi-final appearances that lifted him into the top 10 after starting the year ranked 17th.

The 28-year-old created a sensation at the US Open in September with a quarter-final win over defending champion Andy Murray, before losing to Novak Djokovic in a five-set semi-final thriller.
Wawrinka then qualified for his maiden ATP World Tour Finals in London last month where he reached the semi-finals, before losing once again to Djokovic.

The star hopes a good performance in his sixth appearance in the $450,000-event in Chennai, which he won in 2011, will boost confidence ahead of the Australian Open in mid-January.

"I feel good to be where I am," Wawrinka said in an organisers' media release. "2013 was definitely an outstanding year for me. It showed me how close I am to the top guys and that I have my chances against them."

Wawrinka said his goal in the new year was to be as consistent as the top players like Djokovic, Nadal, Murray and Federer. "I'm confident going into 2014," he said. "Top players are extremely tough to beat and you need to play your best tennis. However, if you work hard and keep fighting everything is possible."

Wawrinka, who enjoyed a 51-23 win record in 2013, faces a tough field in Chennai that includes world number 15 Mikhail Youzhny of Russia, number 16 Fabio Fognini of Italy and the 26th-ranked Benoit Paire of France.

Also in the line-up are Canadian Vasek Pospisil, the Spanish duo of Marcel Granollers and Roberto Bautista-Agut, and Frenchman Edouard Roger-Vasselin. Defending champion Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia withdrew from a seventh appearance at the Chennai Open after failing to recover from a heel injury that has troubled him all through the year.

Youzhny, 31, begins his 15th season on the circuit looking for a good work-out in the season-opener where he won the 2008 title with a stunning 6-0, 6-1 demolition of Nadal in the final.

The Russian veteran, who won two titles in 2013, says he takes great pride in the fact that he and Federer are the only two players to finish in the top 50 every year since 2002. "Its not bad when you share an honour with Federer," Youzhny said.

Seedings:
1. Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI)
2. Mikhail Youzhny (RUS)
3. Fabio Fognini (ITA)
4. Benoit Paire (FRA)
5. Vasek Pospisil (CAN)
6. Marcel Granollers (ESP)
7. Edouard Roger-Vasselin (FRA)
8. Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP)

Murray hopes to follow Nadal's recovery

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India vs South Africa, 2nd Test: Highlights in pictures

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India looks to Somdev, Yuki as Chennai Open begins tomorrow

Somdev Devvarman. (Photo Courtesy: AFP)

Chennai: Somdev Devvarman would be India's best bet while Yuki Bhambri is expected to carry his good form into the new season which is full of new challenges for the Indian players as ATP Aircel Chennai Open begins, here tomorrow.

India have three players in the singles main draw, which has world number eight and 2011 champion Stanislas Wawrinka as the top seed apart from 2008 champion and Russian second seed Mikhail Youzhny.

Wawrinka is coming into the season-opener on the back of his best career season and the Swiss will be the player to watch.

His stunning show in late 2013 season, when he stretched world number one Novak Djokovic in the US Open semifinals and also presented a stiff challenge to other top players, makes him a favourite in this tournament.

Wawrinka is two wins away from 300 in his career (298-198). Three other Swiss players have reached the 300-wins plateau in their career, Roger Federer (923), Marc Rosset (433) and Jakob Hlasek (432).

From Indian point of view, the local fans would hope that Somdev, who reached the final in 2009, does well. He had a terrific 2013 season and in his quest to break into top-50, he would eye a strong start to the season.

The job is not easy but he got a good draw as he will have a qualfier as his opening rival. The slow courts are of Somdev's liking as he likes to play from the baseline.

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International drug cartel busted, heroin from Afpak to India, Lanka

Under the racket, several conduits based in Afghanistan and Pakistan push heroin into India through Punjab border (image for representational purpose)

New Delhi: An international drug cartel was smashed by the Special Cell of Delhi Police with the arrest of three of its members and recovery of nine kg of heroin with street value of Rs 30 crore. According to the police, A Venugopal Reddy (29), a resident of Cuddapah district of Andhra Pradesh, Ragmeet Singh (25) and Shurbir Singh (28), both residents of Delhi were arrested recently.

Under the racket, several conduits based in Afghanistan and Pakistan push heroin into India through Punjab border from where it is carried by road, rail into Delhi and delivered to conduits like Shurbir, Ragmeet and some other Afghani Sikhs From here it is taken to southern part of the country from where Sri Lankan conduits receive it for smuggling into Sri Lanka, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Sanjeev Kumar Yadav. Initially, a tip off was received on Wednesday that Reddy would come to Shankar Road here to collect drugs from suspected suppliers of the syndicate.

"Following the tip off, a trap was laid and Reddy was apprehended and three kg of heroine seized from his possession. By the time he was located, identified and apprehended, the supplier had managed to leave the scene," said Yadav.

During sustained interrogation, he disclosed that he has been into this illegal trade for the last six months along with his associates Gopi, Durra and others, he said. Reddy also revealed that in this month alone, he had received two big consignments from a Sikh man known to him as 'Mr Singh' and one Tamilian known to him as 'Arun', both residents of Delhi.

Venugopal Reddy provided inputs about the identities of two Afghani Sikhs who were coordinating this trade and were living somewhere in the area of Mahabir Nagar. While efforts were afoot to locate the two Afghani Sikhs involved in the trade, on Thursday a team of Punjab Police also arrived in the office of Special Cell and sought assistance in the identification and apprehension of a suspect known to them as Shurbir of Delhi.

This Shurbir was wanted in a case of NDPS Act registered in Punjab and finding the similarities in the suspects being pursued by Special Cell and the Punjab Police, a joint team was formed, police said.

"Sources were put on work and soon, it was learnt that suspects Shurbir Singh and Ragmeet Singh were present in the area of Majnu Ka Tila where they were supposed to meet another courier member of this syndicate for delivering another consignment of heroin. The joint team reached the spot and nabbed the duo. They were found in possession of 6 Kg heroine," said Yadav.

During their preliminary interrogation, the duo allegedly told police that they are members of a large trans-national narcotics racket which is being jointly coordinated by one Ali of Kuwait and one Samiullah of Afghanistan.

"Ali finds customers while the delivery is done by Samiullah who controls production in Afghanistan," said Yadav, adding, from there it istaken to Pakistan and pushed through Punjab border from where it is carried by road and rail to Delhi. In Delhi, the Tamil and Telugu regulators of the syndicate take over and utilise several south Indian conduits to distribute the heroin into the southern part of the country from where Sri Lankan conduits receive it for smuggling into Sri Lanka, he said.

"The accused have disclosed that since January itself, they have, in the manner stated above, received around 125 kgs of heroin which has been pushed down the chain for intending processors as well as bulk and retail consumers," said Yadav. Efforts are on to identify other members of this syndicate and to apprehend them. Further investigation is in progress, police said.

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India will get back its 'golden age' in ten years: Arvind Kejriwal

New Delhi: Holding out the promise of a "new beginning" in Indian politics, Arvind Kejriwal, who was sworn in as Delhi Chief Minister on Monday, said that in coming ten years India's "golden age" will be "restored".

"In coming ten years, the country will once again live up to its moniker of the golden bird (aane wale das saalon mein desh wapas sone ki chidiya kehlaiga)," Kejriwal said here.

Taking reins of power on Aam Aadmi plank, the new government in Delhi decided to shed vestiges of VIP culture by dispensing with security and red beacon cars for ministers and officials and promising action on free water supply and cutting down of power rates in the next few days. 

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who met officials of various departments shortly after taking oath of office and secrecy, also promised to get back on the issue of the steep increase in the price of compressed and piped natural gas effected on Thursday. He also promised there will be no witch-hunt against officials who work honestly and in people's interest. "No minister or official in Delhi government will be allowed to use red beacon," Kejriwal said after chairing the first cabinet meeting. The cabinet also decided that no Personal Security Officer and escort vehicle will be be provided to any official. "Security is to be allowed based on threat perception," he said.

In a stirring 20-minute speech Kejriwal, who was sworn in on Monday as Chief Minister, asked the people, politicians and bureaucrats to "work together for a greater collective future of the country".

"People of Delhi will have to show it to the people that if we can come together, if all politicians come together and if all officials come together, then there is nothing that we cannot achieve," Kejriwal said drawing a resounding applause.

Wrapped in his usual 'aam aadmi' dress, , Kejriwal in his speech promised to the people a "corruption-free government" and "new style" of governance without "arrogance of power".

No minister or official in Delhi governement will use red beacon, decided Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on his first cabinet meeting.

Read more: Congress, BJP, Left congratulate CM Kejriwal

"Our aim was not to get power, to become CM or ministers but to hand the governance back into the hands of the people Kejriwal asked his minsters and partymen to shun arrogance. "We were born to remove the arrogance of big parties. We should be careful that no other party has to take birth to dismantle us," he said.

Minutes after assuming the reins of power, the 45-year-old Magsaysay award-winner laid out a preliminary roadmap for his government in his speech before holding the first cabinet meet later. 

Chief Minister Kejriwal also asked everyone present at the venue to take a pledge to never indulge in corruption and concluded his speech with a Manna Dey song from the film 'Paigam'.

"Let us all take a pledge from this day to neither take nor give any bribe," he said. "And if anybody asks you for a bribe, don't give it.

Report it to us so that we can catch them red-handed. We will make India corruption-free," he added. 

Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal arrives at Koshambi metro station. Kejriwal boarded the metro on Monday to take oath as Delhi Chief Minister at the Ramlila Maidan in the national capital as hundreds of people jostled with each other to board the train with him. There was no place to stand in the Metro premises and people were falling over each other as Kejriwal arrived to board the train. Kejriwal waits for the train at Koshambi station. Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and other AAP supporters took the metro train around 11 a.m. Before boarding the train, Kejriwal said, "It is a beginning. The second fight for independence. Till this country gets freedom from corruption, famine and injustice, this fight will continue. It is the victory of the common man."Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung with Arvind Kejriwal and other cabinet ministers at a procession before oath ceremony at Ramlila maidan in New Delhi. "We will start our work the moment our swearing in ceremony is finished", said Kejriwal.Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung administers the oath of office and secrecy to Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi's seventh CM, who is Delhi's youngest CM too, at Ramlila maidan in New Delhi. 45-year-old Kejriwal, a former revenue service official, who scored a stunning debut in electoral politics winning 28 of the 70 seats promises a corruption-free govt and new style of governance without arrogance of power.Kejriwal speaks after taking oath as Delhi Chief Minister. "We were born to remove the arrogance of big parties. We should be wary that no other party has to take birth to dismantle us". On the confidence motion on the floor of Delhi Assembly next week, Kejirwal said his party was not bothered about its fate as "we are not here to grab power".Kejriwal after taking oath as Delhi Chief Minister. "It is not Kejriwal who took oath today but it is the common man. It is the victory of the common man," he said, adding "the road to truth is not easy but full of thorns and we will face all future challenges". Kejriwal during the oath taking ceremony in New Delhi. In his 20 minutes long speech, Kejriwal said, "We don't have solutions to all problems. We don't have a magic wand to solve problems immediately. The fight is very long and we will need the support of people to end corruption in the capital and the country. The main problems in the country arise due to dirty politics and we have to clean it."Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung administers the oath of office and secrecy to AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal as Delhi Chief Minister and party leaders Manish Sisodia, Somnath Bharti, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Girish Soni, Rakhi Birla and Satyendra Jain as cabinet ministers during the oath-taking ceremony at Ramlila maidan in New Delhi.Kejriwal with cabinet ministers Manish Sisodia, Somnath Bharti, Rakhi Birla, Satyendra Jain, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Girish Soni waves after they took oath as ministers administered by Lt Governor Najeeb Jung. "Whether we pass or fail in the test of confidence motion, we are ready to face elections, if we fail. The people will vote us with a huge majority," Kejriwal said to the a huge crowd at the Ramlila Maidan.Arvind Kejriwal signs a document after being sworn-in as Delhi Chief Minister, at Ramlila maidan in New Delhi. Kejriwal had said that AAP's fight is not over till the country is free of corruption.Arvind Kejriwal, center, pays respect at the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi after being sworn in as the chief minister of Delhi, in New Delhi. Tens of thousands of people cheered as the anti-corruption crusader who heads a new political party vowing to uproot graft from Indian politics was sworn in as the chief minister of India's capital.Arvind Kejriwal pays his respect at the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi after being sworn in as the CM of Delhi. "I don't believe that all bureaucrats are corrupt. I will not hesitate in admitting that most officers are honest. It is also a challenge before the bureaucracy to deliver a corruption free regime," Kejriwal said.Arvind Kejriwal, center, leaves after paying respect at the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. "We had lost all hope and thought that politics is hooliganism and corruption. But in Delhi Assembly elections, people have proved that politics can be done with honesty, elections can be fought and won with honesty," Kejriwal said.A supporter holds a broom, the party symbol of Aam Aadmi Party and greets Arvind Kejriwal, inside car, after the latter was sworn in as the chief minister of Delhi. "I used to suggest Anna Hazare that if we want to clean the system, then we will have to get down in this 'dirty politics'. Hazare was opposed to entering into politics. I told him that we will have to enter it to clean it", said Kejriwal.Arvind Kejriwal addresses the media after assuming the office of the Chief Minister of Delhi in New Delhi. As per decision of first meeting of the cabinet presided by CM Arvind Kejriwal, no minister or official in Delhi Government are allowed to use red beacon, or personal security or escort car. Security to be allowed based on threat perception, Delhi cabinet decides.Arvind Kejriwal talks on a phone as he is seated to assume the office of the Chief Minister of Delhi in New Delhi.Arvind Kejriwal drinks water as he sits to assume the office of the Chief Minister of Delhi in New Delhi.Delhi CM Kejriwal with cabinet ministers before the start of the cabinet meeting at Delhi Secretariat in New Delhi.

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India will get back its 'golden age' in ten years: Arvind Kejriwal

New Delhi: Holding out the promise of a "new beginning" in Indian politics, Arvind Kejriwal, who was sworn in as Delhi Chief Minister on Monday, said that in coming ten years India's "golden age" will be "restored".

"In coming ten years, the country will once again live up to its moniker of the golden bird (aane wale das saalon mein desh wapas sone ki chidiya kehlaiga)," Kejriwal said here.

Taking reins of power on Aam Aadmi plank, the new government in Delhi decided to shed vestiges of VIP culture by dispensing with security and red beacon cars for ministers and officials and promising action on free water supply and cutting down of power rates in the next few days. 

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who met officials of various departments shortly after taking oath of office and secrecy, also promised to get back on the issue of the steep increase in the price of compressed and piped natural gas effected on Thursday. He also promised there will be no witch-hunt against officials who work honestly and in people's interest. "No minister or official in Delhi government will be allowed to use red beacon," Kejriwal said after chairing the first cabinet meeting. The cabinet also decided that no Personal Security Officer and escort vehicle will be be provided to any official. "Security is to be allowed based on threat perception," he said.

In a stirring 20-minute speech Kejriwal, who was sworn in on Monday as Chief Minister, asked the people, politicians and bureaucrats to "work together for a greater collective future of the country".

"People of Delhi will have to show it to the people that if we can come together, if all politicians come together and if all officials come together, then there is nothing that we cannot achieve," Kejriwal said drawing a resounding applause.

Wrapped in his usual 'aam aadmi' dress, , Kejriwal in his speech promised to the people a "corruption-free government" and "new style" of governance without "arrogance of power".

No minister or official in Delhi governement will use red beacon, decided Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on his first cabinet meeting.

Read more: Congress, BJP, Left congratulate CM Kejriwal

"Our aim was not to get power, to become CM or ministers but to hand the governance back into the hands of the people Kejriwal asked his minsters and partymen to shun arrogance. "We were born to remove the arrogance of big parties. We should be careful that no other party has to take birth to dismantle us," he said.

Minutes after assuming the reins of power, the 45-year-old Magsaysay award-winner laid out a preliminary roadmap for his government in his speech before holding the first cabinet meet later. 

Chief Minister Kejriwal also asked everyone present at the venue to take a pledge to never indulge in corruption and concluded his speech with a Manna Dey song from the film 'Paigam'.

"Let us all take a pledge from this day to neither take nor give any bribe," he said. "And if anybody asks you for a bribe, don't give it.

Report it to us so that we can catch them red-handed. We will make India corruption-free," he added. 

Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal arrives at Koshambi metro station. Kejriwal boarded the metro on Monday to take oath as Delhi Chief Minister at the Ramlila Maidan in the national capital as hundreds of people jostled with each other to board the train with him. There was no place to stand in the Metro premises and people were falling over each other as Kejriwal arrived to board the train. Kejriwal waits for the train at Koshambi station. Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and other AAP supporters took the metro train around 11 a.m. Before boarding the train, Kejriwal said, "It is a beginning. The second fight for independence. Till this country gets freedom from corruption, famine and injustice, this fight will continue. It is the victory of the common man."Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung with Arvind Kejriwal and other cabinet ministers at a procession before oath ceremony at Ramlila maidan in New Delhi. "We will start our work the moment our swearing in ceremony is finished", said Kejriwal.Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung administers the oath of office and secrecy to Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi's seventh CM, who is Delhi's youngest CM too, at Ramlila maidan in New Delhi. 45-year-old Kejriwal, a former revenue service official, who scored a stunning debut in electoral politics winning 28 of the 70 seats promises a corruption-free govt and new style of governance without arrogance of power.Kejriwal speaks after taking oath as Delhi Chief Minister. "We were born to remove the arrogance of big parties. We should be wary that no other party has to take birth to dismantle us". On the confidence motion on the floor of Delhi Assembly next week, Kejirwal said his party was not bothered about its fate as "we are not here to grab power".Kejriwal after taking oath as Delhi Chief Minister. "It is not Kejriwal who took oath today but it is the common man. It is the victory of the common man," he said, adding "the road to truth is not easy but full of thorns and we will face all future challenges". Kejriwal during the oath taking ceremony in New Delhi. In his 20 minutes long speech, Kejriwal said, "We don't have solutions to all problems. We don't have a magic wand to solve problems immediately. The fight is very long and we will need the support of people to end corruption in the capital and the country. The main problems in the country arise due to dirty politics and we have to clean it."Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung administers the oath of office and secrecy to AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal as Delhi Chief Minister and party leaders Manish Sisodia, Somnath Bharti, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Girish Soni, Rakhi Birla and Satyendra Jain as cabinet ministers during the oath-taking ceremony at Ramlila maidan in New Delhi.Kejriwal with cabinet ministers Manish Sisodia, Somnath Bharti, Rakhi Birla, Satyendra Jain, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Girish Soni waves after they took oath as ministers administered by Lt Governor Najeeb Jung. "Whether we pass or fail in the test of confidence motion, we are ready to face elections, if we fail. The people will vote us with a huge majority," Kejriwal said to the a huge crowd at the Ramlila Maidan.Arvind Kejriwal signs a document after being sworn-in as Delhi Chief Minister, at Ramlila maidan in New Delhi. Kejriwal had said that AAP's fight is not over till the country is free of corruption.Arvind Kejriwal, center, pays respect at the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi after being sworn in as the chief minister of Delhi, in New Delhi. Tens of thousands of people cheered as the anti-corruption crusader who heads a new political party vowing to uproot graft from Indian politics was sworn in as the chief minister of India's capital.Arvind Kejriwal pays his respect at the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi after being sworn in as the CM of Delhi. "I don't believe that all bureaucrats are corrupt. I will not hesitate in admitting that most officers are honest. It is also a challenge before the bureaucracy to deliver a corruption free regime," Kejriwal said.Arvind Kejriwal, center, leaves after paying respect at the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. "We had lost all hope and thought that politics is hooliganism and corruption. But in Delhi Assembly elections, people have proved that politics can be done with honesty, elections can be fought and won with honesty," Kejriwal said.A supporter holds a broom, the party symbol of Aam Aadmi Party and greets Arvind Kejriwal, inside car, after the latter was sworn in as the chief minister of Delhi. "I used to suggest Anna Hazare that if we want to clean the system, then we will have to get down in this 'dirty politics'. Hazare was opposed to entering into politics. I told him that we will have to enter it to clean it", said Kejriwal.Arvind Kejriwal addresses the media after assuming the office of the Chief Minister of Delhi in New Delhi. As per decision of first meeting of the cabinet presided by CM Arvind Kejriwal, no minister or official in Delhi Government are allowed to use red beacon, or personal security or escort car. Security to be allowed based on threat perception, Delhi cabinet decides.Arvind Kejriwal talks on a phone as he is seated to assume the office of the Chief Minister of Delhi in New Delhi.Arvind Kejriwal drinks water as he sits to assume the office of the Chief Minister of Delhi in New Delhi.Delhi CM Kejriwal with cabinet ministers before the start of the cabinet meeting at Delhi Secretariat in New Delhi.

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India will get back its 'golden age' in ten years: Arvind Kejriwal

New Delhi: Holding out the promise of a "new beginning" in Indian politics, Arvind Kejriwal, who was sworn in as Delhi Chief Minister on Monday, said that in coming ten years India's "golden age" will be "restored".

"In coming ten years, the country will once again live up to its moniker of the golden bird (aane wale das saalon mein desh wapas sone ki chidiya kehlaiga)," Kejriwal said here.

Taking reins of power on Aam Aadmi plank, the new government in Delhi decided to shed vestiges of VIP culture by dispensing with security and red beacon cars for ministers and officials and promising action on free water supply and cutting down of power rates in the next few days. 

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who met officials of various departments shortly after taking oath of office and secrecy, also promised to get back on the issue of the steep increase in the price of compressed and piped natural gas effected on Thursday. He also promised there will be no witch-hunt against officials who work honestly and in people's interest. "No minister or official in Delhi government will be allowed to use red beacon," Kejriwal said after chairing the first cabinet meeting. The cabinet also decided that no Personal Security Officer and escort vehicle will be be provided to any official. "Security is to be allowed based on threat perception," he said.

In a stirring 20-minute speech Kejriwal, who was sworn in on Monday as Chief Minister, asked the people, politicians and bureaucrats to "work together for a greater collective future of the country".

"People of Delhi will have to show it to the people that if we can come together, if all politicians come together and if all officials come together, then there is nothing that we cannot achieve," Kejriwal said drawing a resounding applause.

Wrapped in his usual 'aam aadmi' dress, , Kejriwal in his speech promised to the people a "corruption-free government" and "new style" of governance without "arrogance of power".

No minister or official in Delhi governement will use red beacon, decided Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on his first cabinet meeting.

Read more: Congress, BJP, Left congratulate CM Kejriwal

"Our aim was not to get power, to become CM or ministers but to hand the governance back into the hands of the people Kejriwal asked his minsters and partymen to shun arrogance. "We were born to remove the arrogance of big parties. We should be careful that no other party has to take birth to dismantle us," he said.

Minutes after assuming the reins of power, the 45-year-old Magsaysay award-winner laid out a preliminary roadmap for his government in his speech before holding the first cabinet meet later. 

Chief Minister Kejriwal also asked everyone present at the venue to take a pledge to never indulge in corruption and concluded his speech with a Manna Dey song from the film 'Paigam'.

"Let us all take a pledge from this day to neither take nor give any bribe," he said. "And if anybody asks you for a bribe, don't give it.

Report it to us so that we can catch them red-handed. We will make India corruption-free," he added. 

Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal arrives at Koshambi metro station. Kejriwal boarded the metro on Monday to take oath as Delhi Chief Minister at the Ramlila Maidan in the national capital as hundreds of people jostled with each other to board the train with him. There was no place to stand in the Metro premises and people were falling over each other as Kejriwal arrived to board the train. Kejriwal waits for the train at Koshambi station. Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and other AAP supporters took the metro train around 11 a.m. Before boarding the train, Kejriwal said, "It is a beginning. The second fight for independence. Till this country gets freedom from corruption, famine and injustice, this fight will continue. It is the victory of the common man."Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung with Arvind Kejriwal and other cabinet ministers at a procession before oath ceremony at Ramlila maidan in New Delhi. "We will start our work the moment our swearing in ceremony is finished", said Kejriwal.Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung administers the oath of office and secrecy to Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi's seventh CM, who is Delhi's youngest CM too, at Ramlila maidan in New Delhi. 45-year-old Kejriwal, a former revenue service official, who scored a stunning debut in electoral politics winning 28 of the 70 seats promises a corruption-free govt and new style of governance without arrogance of power.Kejriwal speaks after taking oath as Delhi Chief Minister. "We were born to remove the arrogance of big parties. We should be wary that no other party has to take birth to dismantle us". On the confidence motion on the floor of Delhi Assembly next week, Kejirwal said his party was not bothered about its fate as "we are not here to grab power".Kejriwal after taking oath as Delhi Chief Minister. "It is not Kejriwal who took oath today but it is the common man. It is the victory of the common man," he said, adding "the road to truth is not easy but full of thorns and we will face all future challenges". Kejriwal during the oath taking ceremony in New Delhi. In his 20 minutes long speech, Kejriwal said, "We don't have solutions to all problems. We don't have a magic wand to solve problems immediately. The fight is very long and we will need the support of people to end corruption in the capital and the country. The main problems in the country arise due to dirty politics and we have to clean it."Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung administers the oath of office and secrecy to AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal as Delhi Chief Minister and party leaders Manish Sisodia, Somnath Bharti, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Girish Soni, Rakhi Birla and Satyendra Jain as cabinet ministers during the oath-taking ceremony at Ramlila maidan in New Delhi.Kejriwal with cabinet ministers Manish Sisodia, Somnath Bharti, Rakhi Birla, Satyendra Jain, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Girish Soni waves after they took oath as ministers administered by Lt Governor Najeeb Jung. "Whether we pass or fail in the test of confidence motion, we are ready to face elections, if we fail. The people will vote us with a huge majority," Kejriwal said to the a huge crowd at the Ramlila Maidan.Arvind Kejriwal signs a document after being sworn-in as Delhi Chief Minister, at Ramlila maidan in New Delhi. Kejriwal had said that AAP's fight is not over till the country is free of corruption.Arvind Kejriwal, center, pays respect at the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi after being sworn in as the chief minister of Delhi, in New Delhi. Tens of thousands of people cheered as the anti-corruption crusader who heads a new political party vowing to uproot graft from Indian politics was sworn in as the chief minister of India's capital.Arvind Kejriwal pays his respect at the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi after being sworn in as the CM of Delhi. "I don't believe that all bureaucrats are corrupt. I will not hesitate in admitting that most officers are honest. It is also a challenge before the bureaucracy to deliver a corruption free regime," Kejriwal said.Arvind Kejriwal, center, leaves after paying respect at the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. "We had lost all hope and thought that politics is hooliganism and corruption. But in Delhi Assembly elections, people have proved that politics can be done with honesty, elections can be fought and won with honesty," Kejriwal said.A supporter holds a broom, the party symbol of Aam Aadmi Party and greets Arvind Kejriwal, inside car, after the latter was sworn in as the chief minister of Delhi. "I used to suggest Anna Hazare that if we want to clean the system, then we will have to get down in this 'dirty politics'. Hazare was opposed to entering into politics. I told him that we will have to enter it to clean it", said Kejriwal.Arvind Kejriwal addresses the media after assuming the office of the Chief Minister of Delhi in New Delhi. As per decision of first meeting of the cabinet presided by CM Arvind Kejriwal, no minister or official in Delhi Government are allowed to use red beacon, or personal security or escort car. Security to be allowed based on threat perception, Delhi cabinet decides.Arvind Kejriwal talks on a phone as he is seated to assume the office of the Chief Minister of Delhi in New Delhi.Arvind Kejriwal drinks water as he sits to assume the office of the Chief Minister of Delhi in New Delhi.Delhi CM Kejriwal with cabinet ministers before the start of the cabinet meeting at Delhi Secretariat in New Delhi.

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