Kohli praises Mustafizur's skill

DHAKA: Indian batting star Virat Kohli said that pacer Mustafizur Rahman will be going to be a big factor for Bangladesh in the Asia Cup T20 and he also said the tournament is a perfect platform to assess his team's strengths, weaknesses and its current standing on the global stage ahead of the big-ticket World Twenty20 next month.

He was talking at a pre-match press conference held on Tuesday at the city's local hotel.

India take on host Bangladesh in the tournament-opener of the Asia Cup T20 tomorrow (Wednesday) at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium at Mirpur, beginning their final phase of preparations for next month's World T20 to be held in India.

Kohli said Mustafiz has been playing tremendous cricket in the last one year and it's really thrilling to see such a young bowler bowling like this .... I think Mustafiz is going to be a big factor for Bangladesh in the Asia Cup T20.

He said they are taking good preparation for the Asia Cup and as Mustafiz has extra ordinary skill they are very cautious to tackle bowling sensation Mustafizur.

The Indian batting sensation Kohli said Asia Cup has always been a challenging tournament ... it's like a mini event as far as the sub-continental teams are concerned. It's an opportunity to test yourself and it's a competitive tournament with different oppositions with different set of skills testing all the time.

Meanwhile, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's availability in the opening game of the tournament remain doubtful after he suffered a muscle spam's injury during a training session.

This has prompted the BCCI to rush Parthiv Patel as a back-up. Kohli however did not clarify on whether Dhoni will sit out of Wednesday's match.
Source: BSS

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Rihanna Beats Michael Jackson's Record

 
Prothom-alo24.com Desk: Rihanna must be seriously chuffed as it is reported that she has beaten music icon Michael Jackson in becoming the artist to chart the third-most US number one records of all time.
The 28-year-old star’s most recent single ‘Work’ has become her 14th release to top the Billboard Hot 100, beating Michael’s 13 chart-topping singles.

RiRi was understandably over-the-moon to have nabbed the prestigious number one spot, tweeting: “#WORK tops Billboard #Hot100!! Navy you killed it this week! #NavyRDie ”.

Billboard confirmed that she’d beaten MJ’s record, explaining: “The song becomes Rihanna’s 14th leader, lifting her past Michael Jackson for the third-most No. 1s all-time.”
Rihanna is still behind Mariah Carey, who has bagged herself eighteen number ones, and The Beatles, who hold the world record with twenty number ones.
Meanwhile, Rihanna has landed in London ahead of tomorrow night’s BRIT Awards - strengthening speculation that she is set to perform, with host Ant saying: “Rihanna’s plane has touched down so we are fairly certain she will be performing.

“She didn’t even get on it last year, so at least she is physically in the country.”
We’ll be keeping our fingers crossed for this one!

Source: Yahoo

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Apple launches payments service in China

 Prothom-alo24.com Desk: Apple on Thursday launched its mobile payments service Apple Pay in China, the company said, pitting the US technology giant against strong domestic players in an already crowded field.

The world's second-largest economy is a crucial market for the California-based firm, and Apple Pay is available in only a handful of other countries including the United States, Britain, Canada and Australia.

"Apple Pay launching in China today. Can't wait for you to try it and see how incredibly easy it is to use!" Apple chief executive officer Tim Cook said in a posting on his verified China microblog.

But unlike most other countries, mobile payment systems are already well- established in China and Apple does not have a first-mover advantage.

Mobile transactions were valued at 9.31 trillion yuan ($1.4 trillion) last year, one industry estimate showed, and according to the state-backed China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC), the country had 359 million online payment users in mid-2015, up almost 18 percent in six months.

The most dominant mobile and online payment providers are e-commerce giant Alibaba with a nearly three-quarters market share followed by Tencent -- operator of the popular messaging app WeChat -- at 17.4 percent, according to Beijing-based BigData Research.

The Apple brand commands a strong following in China, especially among the nouveau riche and emerging middle class, with tales circulating of people selling their kidneys to buy iPhones.

Ray Zhao, an internet industry analyst at Guotai Junan Securities, told AFP: "There is still a chance for Apple Pay to grab some market share. Some loyal Apple users may prefer using it instead of other payment tools.

"But the space for Apple Pay is still small," he added.

One new Apple Pay user said he looked forward to putting the service to the test -- to buy his midday meal.

"The process of adding a (bank) card is a bit slow, maybe because it was just launched," said university student Li Xiang. "I'm planning to eat at McDonald's for lunch and try it out."

Source: BSS/AFP

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Samsung, LG improve smartphone cameras, turn to virtual reality

Prothom-alo24.com Desk: South Korean tech giants Samsung Electronics and LG unveiled Sunday new smartphones with better cameras and turned to virtual reality to boost interest in their headsets at a time of slowing sales.

Samsung launched two versions of its flagship phone, the flat screen Galaxy S7 and the curved screen Galaxy S7 edge, with cameras that can take better pictures under low-light conditions.

The company, the world's number one smartphone maker, also debuted its first 360 degree camera, the Gear 360, in Barcelona where the mobile industry is gathered for the start of the Mobile World Congress on Monday, in its latest attempt to remain ahead of Apple.

The camera is designed to make it easy to take all-around photos and videos that can be uploaded to Facebook and YouTube, or viewed as immersive experiences on Samsung's virtual reality Gear VR headsets which went on sale in November.

"User generated 360 degree photos and films are going to see rapid growth in 2016. Numerous 360 degree cameras are being launched and users will want to get access to this content," said Ben Wood, chief of research at CCS Insight.

"Although it can be viewed on a standard smartphone or PC screen, the most impactful way of looking at this content is with a VR headset -- this is undoubtedly going to drive sales of these products."

Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg made a surprise appearance at the Samsung press conference to announce a partnership with the South Korean firm to promote the use of virtual reality on the social network.

"We want to make Facebook the best video platform for virtual reality and Samsung is the only company in the world that can provide a good experience in terms of virtual reality," he said.

Rival South Korean tech firm LG sought to steal Samsung's thunder by unveiling its new premium handset, the G5, its first modular smartphone which is made using different components that can be independently upgraded or replaced such as a removable battery.

The G5 comes with several accessories such as a sound system developed by Danish firm Bang & Olufsen and a virtual reality headset which will allow it to compete with a headset launched by Samsung late last year.

- Focus on accessories -

The focus on accessories comes with the smartphone market beginning to slow as it becomes increasingly saturated.

LG's parent company LG Electronics' net profit halved last year on the back of a global economic slowdown and increased competition in the mobile sector while Samsung was only able to boost its market share moderately.

Apple, which will not be present at the congress in Barcelona, saw iPhone sales fall for the first time on an annual basis in the final quarter of last year, according to Gartner.

The market research firm said that the 9.7 percent increase in smartphone sales in the final quarter of last year over the same period in 2014 takes the industry all the way back to 2008 when the global economy was in crisis.

"All of these additional devices, whether it is a virtual reality goggle, whether it is a camera, whether it is a smartwatch, they are all ways of generating additional profits," said Ian Fogg, the head mobile and technology analyst at IHS Technology.

Analysts said handset makers face a tough choice. Focus on the low-price segment, where sales volumes are large but margins become thin. Or focus on features which can differentiate their phones.

"We are moving towards a logic of segmentation and improvement, with a better camera or more autonomy for example, maybe some advances in virtual reality, but there will unlikely be any major innovation," said Thomas Husson, an analyst at Forrester.

Source: BSS/AFP

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Victoria's Secret reveals its newest Angel

 Congrats, Josephine Skriver!

The 22-year-old Danish model was named Victoria's Secret's newest Angel, it was announced Friday.

Skriver could hardly contain her excitement on Instagram, writing, "It's has happened!! I'm literally living my dream right now! Can't believe I get to share with you today that I'm #NewestAngel for @victoriassecret thanks to everyone that has helped to get me here! So humble and proud to be apart of such an amazing legacy!! THAAAAANK YOU from the bottom of my heart to everyone who believed in me!!"

"So overwhelmed with every happy emotion right now! I don't even know how to be in my own body! It still feels so insane the day is finally here," she wrote in another post. "Thank you so much to the incredible team of @victoriassecret @ed_razek @nikibaratta @michellepriano and all the rest! Thank you for making me part of the VS Family!!! Flying on happiness right now!"

View photos

 

"Josephine Skriver is a stunning young woman and a delightful person," Ed Razek, the brand's Chief Marketing Officer said in a statement. "She is so special and we are enormously happy to welcome her to the most exclusive club in the history of modeling, The Victoria's Secret Angels."

Skriver has worked with Victoria's Secret for the past few years and walked in the 2015 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. She was recently featured cover of the swim catalogue.

View photos

It seems that Skriver has already been getting to know her co-Angels! She shared a pic from a Super Bowl viewing party with several Victoria's Secret models, writing, "It's super bowl time with my angels."

Other random facts about Skriver: She loves to swim.

Enjoy this, Angel Jo!

Meanwhile, in December, Kendall Jenner was so overwhelmed at the prospect in walking in the Victoria's Secret fashion show.

Source: Yahoo

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Katrina Kaif: I Have Had My Share of Tough Times and Hardships...

Katrina and Ranbir have reportedly broken-up

Prothom-alo24.com Desk: Katrina Kaif and Aditya Roy Kapur talk about dance, live-in relationships and publicity gimmicks as they get set for their next film Fitoor, a crucial film for their respective careers. (Also Read: Things Salman Khan Said: Marriage Doubtful. Want Kids. Katrina a Majdoor)

Q. The Pashmina song has created a lot of buzz for the choreography. Looks like a intense practice went into it...

Katrina: It was a last minute addition. The choreographer, Bosco, was in Bangkok at that time and we had to start practicing the lyrical contemporary dance. But when he returned, he didn't like what we had prepared and we had to start from scratch. Shooting had to start in three days.

Aditya: Not even three days. We had two days. So, it was all in God's hands.

Katrina: But I left it in Aditya's hands (laughs).

Aditya: And luckily I didn't drop her!

Q. Dancing must have been a challenge for you since you haven't danced earlier...

Aditya: It was. And this dance form can easily look wrong on a guy. So, to find balance was a challenge. But sometimes it happens that you have limited time and you bring the best in yourself.

Q. What kind of prep did you do for the film?

Aditya: First, I had to physically change myself to look the part, at least the way Gattu (director Abhishek Kapoor) had imagined. I took the prep seriously as I had to lose weight after Daawat-E-Ishq (2014). It was not easy and I took nine to 10 months to lose 18 kgs. But it mentally centered me. I became calm, single minded, which was needed for this character. I went to Kashmir for a recce with Gattu to meet the locals, observe them and their mannerism. I also took art classes since I play an artist.

Q. This is a crucial phase of your career. There is pressure on you both to deliver a hit. Is it getting to you?

Aditya: If I had to think of it as a crucial stage, I would be thinking too seriously about the repercussions and even taking pressures which is unhealthy. I don't want to look too much into the future. Of course, I have great expectations from this movie and it is important as it is, after all, a business. Everyone should make money and be happy. Definitely, I am hungry to deliver a successful film. But, I never felt that it is going to be the end of the world if it doesn't.

Katrina: I think I have been passionate for most part of my career. Every film is crucial and there are times when you realise that a particular film hasn't quite shaped up the way everyone hoped. In such situations, you learn to step over it. But, of course, Fitoor is not one of those films. Also, I had large gaps between my last few releases, so getting acclaimed by the audience gives peace, reaffirmation, solace and contentment. One hopes and prays for that and you just have to hold your breath and wait. If it happens, it will give peace and contentment and if doesn't, try again. Every time I see a movie of mine, I feel like shooting it all over again. There are exceptions like Dhoom:3 because I rehearsed a lot for it.

Aditya: But sometimes it is important to pat yourself on your back and say 'well done'.

Katrina: No, I want to give my best and feel like 'Jo main kar sakti thi wo kar liya'.

Aditya: Maybe, the other way is to just let go because you have already done well and gotten so far and you have not done anything wrong.

Katrina: Someone has said complacency is the death of creativity.

Aditya: She sets such high standards for herself that she is never happy.

Q. Katrina, it is said that you get involved with the marketing of a film. The road trip for Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011) was your idea. Now, with Fitoor promotions...

Katrina: Not with Fitoor. There have been some films where I have been involved. Mere Brother Ki Dulhan director (Ali Abbas Zafar) is my best friend and he had said, 'You guys sit with the marketing team and do whatever you feel like'. Of course, he knew we would be respectful to the film. So, if the director wants me to be involved then I think it's the best way. I was involved with ZNMD. The road trip was somebody else's idea but I jumped at it and said if nobody is going with Zoya (Akhtar, director) even then I am coming.

Aditya: She has a brilliant sense of marketing. When and how something will translate, what will work and what will not work.

Katrina: But where I have contributed, I will take credit and where I have not, I won't.

Aditya: It not just comes from experience but also because she is interested in it.

Katrina: I think from the time of Namastey London (2007), I started taking interest.

Q. Was revealing the cost of your hair colouring for Fitoor a publicity stunt?

Katrina: I don't believe in gimmicky publicity stunts. I hate them and that's one thing that the marketing people argue with me about. It does not work.

Aditya: Maybe it does. This was obviously a fake story, but it was everywhere. My non-filmy friends are asking me if it is true. Does this help?

Katrina: But it does nothing.

Q. But all such information comes from the PR team.

Katrina: You know there are many people in a film team, but not everyone has the facts right. Actors and directors never give information that are untrue.

Q. Aditya, your next film is about live-in relationships. What's your take on live-ins?

Aditya: To each his own. If it works for a couple then it's a lovely thing. I haven't been in a live-in relationship yet, so

I can't talk from experience. But I have friends who have been into it and found it a great way to know the other person. When you live with someone, you are going to learn a lot about them.

Q. What would you say about such relationships, Katrina? You lived with Ranbir Kapoor.

Katrina: According to whom? I never talk about my personal life. I am not playing a cat and mouse game. I am not going to be that juvenile. I am just trying to maintain privacy. I have had my share of tough times and hardships, and great times as well. We all need to find that balance of what works for you.

Source: NDTV

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Sultan Makers to Recreate Historic Sports Tournaments

 Prothom-alo24 Desk: One of the most anticipated films of 2016, Salman Khan-starrer Sultan will have the actor playing a professional wrestler and we hear the makers will recreate some major events from sports history for the film. The 2010 Asian Games in China, 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, 2012 Olympics in London and 2013 Wrestling World Championships in Hungary will be re-enacted.

Says a source, "The film's plot features real sports tournaments that have a critical influence on its characters. To build authenticity and add credibility, immaculate efforts have been taken by the makers to recreate major sports events."

Ali Abbas Zafar director of Sultan confirms the news and says, "You can say we have put in enough time for research of the sport. We met real life wrestlers and then incorporated that in the script; travelled extensively through Haryana and Delhi for two months and toured the akhadas (wrestling hubs) as part of our research." (Also Read: Meet the Man Behind Salman Khan's Muscles in Sultan)

Source: NDTV

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Smartphone is now only $3.60!!!

Prothom-alo24 Desk: India's Ringing Bells has unveiled its latest smartphone, the Freedom 251. As the name suggests, the phone is set to retail in the country for ₹251, which comes out to the equivalent of $3.60. For that price, you're getting a phone with a 4-inch qHD (960 x 540) display, 1.3GHz quad-core CPU, 1GB of RAM, 8GB internal memory, microSD slot, 3.2MP camera, 0.3MP front shooter, 3G connectivity, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth, GPS, and a 1450mAh battery. On the software front, you'll get Android 5.1 Lollipop. It is remarkable how low the phone is priced, considering that it offers fairly decent specs. The cost of manufacturing is likely subsidized, as the phone is being offered with support from the Indian.

Source: yahoo

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