Pelancong diminta tidak pakai skirt pendek

GAMBAR fail menunjukkan sejumlah pelancong asing menaiki sebuah perahu di Tasik Nagin, Srinagar pada 30 Ogos 2007.

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SRINAGAR, India - Sebuah kumpulan Islam di Kashmir India semalam memberi amaran kepada para pelancong supaya mereka tidak memakai skirt pendek dan pakaian yang mendedahkan tubuh badan di wilayah itu.

Kumpulan tersebut, Jamaat-e-Islami meminta lembaga pelancongan di wilayah itu supaya menyokong pendirian mereka.

Menurutnya, para pelancong perlu diberitahu lebih awal supaya berpakaian sopan ketika berada di Kashmir bagi mengelakkan mereka mencetuskan kemarahan golongan ekstremis agama.

"Sejumlah pelancong, terutamanya warga asing, memakai skirt pendek dan pakaian menjolok mata yang bercanggah dengan etika dan budaya tempatan serta tidak dapat diterima dalam masyarakat yang bertamadun," kata jurucakap Jamaat-e-Islami, Zahid Ali.

Sejumlah pelancong kembali mengunjungi wilayah Kashmir yang ditadbir India sejak dua tahun lalu selepas keganasan antara pihak pemisah Islam semakin berkurangan di rantau berkenaan.

Majoriti penduduk wilayah tersebut terdiri daripada orang Islam.

Kashmir terkenal kerana memiliki panorama yang indah seperti rumat bot, banjaran gunung dan tasik. - AFP

Kelab MU disenarai di Bursa New York

Kelab MU

NEW YORK - Manchester United (MU) telah membuat permohonan untuk membuat penyenaraian di bursa saham Amerika Syarikat (AS) bagi menjana modal AS$100 juta (£64 juta atau RM300 juta).

Dalam dokumen difailkan di Suruhanjaya Sekuriti dan Bursa, gergasi Liga Perdana Inggeris itu menyebut bahawa pihaknya mahu menyenaraikan syarikat kelab ternama ini di Bursa Saham New York.

Sebelum ini kelab itu telah menerokai peluang kemungkinan membuat penyenaraian di Singapura.

Laporan BBC menyebut bahawa MU, antara kelab yang memperoleh sokongan padu di dunia, mahu menggunakan modal yang dijana menerusi penyenaraian untuk membayar balik hutangnya.

Kelab itu dikuasai sejak 2005 oleh keluarga Glazer family.

Bagaimanapun, menurut laporan itu, sejak beberapa tahun kebelakangan ini ia berhadapan dengan masalah hutang yang besar meskipun mengambil pelbagai usaha pemasaran dan promosi di peringkat global.

"Kami berhasrat untuk menggunakan keseluruhan hasil bersih daripada penyenaraian ini untuk mengurangkan (beban) hutang kami," kata MU dalam prospektus, dipetik laporan BBC.

Sehingga April lalu, kelab itu disenaraikan sebagai salah satu daripada 50 pasukan sukan paling bernilai di dunia. Nilainya dianggarkan £1.4 bilion (RM6.9 bilion).

Selepas disenaraikan di Bursa Saham London pada 1991, kelab itu dibeli oleh Malcolm Glazer pada Mei 2005 pada harga £800 juta (RM3.9 bilion).

Sehingga 31 Mac lalu, hutang kelab itu dianggarkan £423.3 juta (sekitar RM2 bilion).

Ikan duyung hanya dongeng

TIADA bukti menunjukkan ikan duyung pernah ditemui.

LOS ANGELES: Persoalan sama ada ikan duyung wujud atau tidak ditamatkan baru-baru ini apabila sebuah agensi saintifik Amerika Syarikat mengesahkan makhluk laut itu tidak wujud.

Pentadbiran Lautan dan Atmosferik Kebangsaan Amerika mengesahkan tidak ada bukti menunjukkan makhluk separuh manusia separuh ikan itu wujud.

Agensi berkenaan mengeluarkan kenyataan minggu lalu untuk menjelaskan bahawa spesies laut itu tidak wujud selepas menerima beberapa panggilan berikutan tayangan oleh saluran Animal Planet berjudul: Mermaid: The Body Found yang mengelirukan beberapa penonton. Selepas siaran rancangan fiksyen itu, yang direka untuk mempunyai format sama dengan sebuah dokumentari, beberapa penonton menelefon agensi berkenaan untuk mengetahui lebih banyak mengenai makhluk itu.

Agensi itu mengeluarkan kenyataan menerusi bahagian Fakta Lautan, mengakhiri teori kewujudan ikan duyung.

Kenyataan itu berbunyi: “Adakah ikan duyung wujud? Tidak ada bukti menunjukkan ia pernah ditemui.” Kenyataan itu seterusnya menerangkan bagaimana makhluk feminin itu ditemui pertama kali pada lukisan di gua kira-kira 30,000 tahun lalu.

Agensi terbabit menggabungkan kenyataan itu menerusi maklumat yang sudah sedia diperoleh untuk orang awam kerana ia tidak mempunyai program yang khusus untuk mengkaji ikan duyung, kata jurucakapnya, Carol Kavanagh kepada Perbadanan Penyiaran Britain (BBC).

Kenyataan itu dikeluarkan selepas Pusat Kawalan dan Pencegahan Wabak mengeluarkan kenyataan bulan lalu bahawa zombi tidak wujud.

Pusat berkenaan membuat kenyataan itu berikutan tersebar khabar angin kononnya seorang lelaki, Rudy Eugene, 31, ditembak mati oleh polis ketika mukanya berubah seperti zombi.

Buang badi Chelsea

FERNANDO Torres

FERNANDO Torres mengakui tahun penuh igauan di Chelsea kini berakhir sebaik menjulang anugerah Kasut Emas Euro 2012.

Torres yang juga penyerang Sepanyol yang dibeli dari Liverpool pada harga 50 juta (RM246 juta) kurang mendapat perhatian ketika skuad Blues melengkapkan musim lalu dengan gelaran berganda iaitu Piala FA dan Liga Juara-Juara, Mei lalu.

Pemain itu juga yang berkongsi kedudukan sebagai penjaring terbanyak di Euro tetapi memenanginya menerusi penentuan bantuan jaringan dan tempoh permainan, membantu negaranya untuk meraih tiga kejohanan berturut-turut dalam tempoh empat tahun dan pencapaian itu memberi sinar baru kepadanya.

“Saya akan melupakan pengalaman saya di Chelsea musim ini,” katanya. “Saya akan mengingati tiga gelaran dan final ini, yang begitu bermakna buat pasukan ini, negara dan sesiapa saja yang mengikuti Sepanyol dan saya pasti penyokong Chelsea akan gembira.

“Kini saya mahu berehat dan menikmati kejayaan ini, selain bersedia untuk musim depan yang pastinya penuh dengan detik indah, sekurang-kurangnya saya berfikir seperti itu.

“Bagi saya, ia satu musim yang sukar dijelaskan. Ia tidak bermakna ia sesuatu yang buruk tetapi ia sukar dijelaskan dan saya mengalami detik yang sukar.

“Menyaksikan kegembiraan keluarga saya selepas perlawanan itu, apa saja yang berlaku sepanjang musim tampak berbaloi.”

Selain memenangi tiga gelaran berturut-turut, Torres dan rakan sepasukannya juga menjadi pasukan pertama mempertahankan trofi Kejuaraan Eropah.

Begitupun Torres yang menjaringkan gol kemenangan pada final Euro 2008 dan turut menyumbang dalam kejayaan final Piala Dunia dua tahun lalu berkata banyak yang akan ditunjukkan oleh pasukan itu.

“Banyak lagi yang ingin kami buktikan. Kebanyakan pemain masih muda dan saya boleh katakan banyak yang ingin kami capai nanti.

“Kami mempunyai banyak cita-cita dan matlamat selepas ini. Kami menikmati pencapaian setakat ini dan turut meraikan kemenangan ini tetapi kami sudah pun mengalih perhatian terhadap Piala Konfederasi (di Brazil tahun depan di mana mereka akan berdepan dengan juara setiap zon Fifa) dan Piala Dunia (di Brazil dalam tempoh dua tahun lagi).

“Saya berharap majoriti skuad ini akan berada di sana. Ia bukan sesuatu yang mudah. Memenangi tiga kejohanan berturut-turut tidak pernah berlaku dalam sejarah bola sepak jadi kami perlu menilainya.

“Mujur perjuangan kami masih belum berakhir tetapi sudah tentu saya mahukan lebih lagi, Bila anda menang, sudah tentu anda mahukan lebih lagi.”

Torres memenangi anugerah Kasut Emas menerusi pemutus seri tetapi mungkin menakluki gelaran itu lebih awal jika menjaringkannya sendiri, tanpa melakukan hantaran kepada rakan sepasukannya di Chelsea, Juan Mata untuk menjaringkan gol terakhir Sepanyol.

Torres mendedahkan, dia melakukan hantaran kepada Mata kerana tidak mempunnyai peluang untuk bermain sepanjang Euro sebelum diturunkan pada tiga minit terakhir perlawanan itu.

“Kerja berpasukan membawa kami ke sini dan sebab itulah saya menghantar bola kepadanya. Juan berdepan Euro yang sukar. Dia tidak dapat bermain walaupun seminit. Saya bertuah mendapat bola itu untuk melakukan hantaran kepadanya untuk meledakkan jaringan.

“Dia berhak menikmatinya seperti pemain lain dan ini adalah satu daripada perkara paling indah bagi saya iaitu melihatnya ketawa dan gembira selepas melalui detik yang sukar.”

Malaysia destinasi pilihan Qatar Holding

Dr Hussain Ali (kiri), bersama Ng Yen Yen melihat model hotel yang bakal dibangunkan di Bukit Bintang, semalam.

Syarikat labur RM2b buka rangkaian hotel mewah

Kuala Lumpur: Qatar Holding LLC, pemilik rangkaian peruncitan Harrods memilih Kuala Lumpur sebagai dua daripada lokasi pertama rangkaian hotel di bawah jenama mewah itu. Pembangunan hotel itu yang akan dilaksanakannya secara usaha sama dengan syarikat tempatan, Jerantas Sdn Bhd bakal membabitkan pelaburan RM2 bilion.
Naib Pengerusi Qatar Holding, Dr Hussain Ali Al-Abdulla, penerokaan dalam bidang perhotelan itu adalah sebahagian strategi jangka panjang syarikat berkenaan mengembangkan portfolio Harrods selepas mengambil alih rangkaian peruncitan mewah berpangkalan di London itu daripada Mohammed Al Fayed pada 2010.

Beliau berkata, Hotel Harrods Kuala Lumpur itu akan dibangunkan di tapak seluas 2.19 hektar berhadapan pusat membeli-belah Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.

“Kami sudah selesai menjalankan kajian daya maju dan menjangkakan pembinaan hotel tujuh bintang itu akan dimulakan dalam tempoh setahun dari sekarang,” katanya pada sidang media selepas majlis menandatangani memorandum persefahaman antara Qatar Holding dan Jerantas bagi usaha sama itu di Kuala Lumpur semalam.

Hadir sama Menteri Pelancongan, Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.
Hussain Ali berkata, pertumbuhan kukuh ekonomi Malaysia, persekitaran politik yang stabil serta prospek pelancongan yang cerah mendorong Qatar Holding memilih negara ini untuk membangunkan Harrods Hotel.

“Harrods Hotel Malaysia itu akan mempunyai antara 250 hingga 300 bilik berserta apartmen dan ruang niaga,” katanya.

Selain menjadi rakan usaha sama, Jerantas juga akan menjadi pemaju tunggal projek berkenaan.

Three very hungry chicks

Remarkable ... The chicks open their beautiful beaks

THESE may look like pretty flowers nestled in a hay stack, but look closely and you will find the mouths of three very hungry little chicks.

The striking image in very high focus was taken by keen photographer Gabor Pozsgai, 35, who had his camera to hand when he came across the nest on the main Shetland Island off Scotland.

Gabor captured the chicks in perfect timing as they tilted their heads back in the hope of a quick bite to eat, and revealed their beautiful orange and black speckled mouths.

Gabor, an insect ecologist, said: “I took about 1,000 photos that day and this one stood out to me immediately as being something special because of the bright colours.

“Normally these nests are well-hidden and I only happened to notice it because I was looking at the ground trying to take photos of insects.

“I take photographs of lots of different types of birds and insects so as soon as I saw the chicks I knew it would make a great photograph.”

Giant killer crocodile is world's biggest

20.24ft beast is record breaker

Giant ... saltwater crocodile Lolong measures 20.24ft

A GIANT crocodile has officially been declared the largest held in captivity in the world.

Saltwater croc Lolong, who was caught in the southern Philippines last September, measures a whopping 20.24ft (6.17m).

Guinness World Record chiefs confirmed the beast had taken the record from an Australian crocodile, which measured more than 17ft (5m).

Lolong was captured in the remote town of Bunawan following the deaths of a nine-year-old girl and a fisherman.

Locals believed the victims were killed by the crocs and launched a three-week hunt.

About 100 people pulled the crocodile from a creek using a rope and then hoisted it by crane on to a truck.

Bunawan Mayor Edwin Cox Elorde says villagers still fear that more mammoth crocs could be lurking in the water where locals fish.

He said of Lolong's world record: “We’re really proud because it proves the rich biodiversity of our place but at the same time, there are fears that Lolong may not be alone.”

Killer croc ... villagers capture Lolong after fears he attacked girl and fisherman

Revealed: Qatar prime minister spends $100 MILLION on New York's most expensive penthouse

The prime minister of Qatar has been revealed as the mystery buyer who spent almost $100 million to purchase New York City’s most expensive penthouse.

Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber al-Thani brought the luxurious two-story apartment spread over 10,923 square feet in the One57 building back in May.

Furthermore, the billionaire sheikh, who has two wives and 15 children, is reportedly also in discussions about buying four separate, full-floor condos in the exclusive Midtown building, which would bring the total cost to an incredible $250 million.

Revealed: The prime minister of Qatar has been revealed as the mystery buyer who spent almost $100 million to purchase New York City's most expensive penthouse back in May

City living: The sheik's new property boasts 10,923 square foot of space opposite Carnegie Hall and provides breathtaking views of the city skyline

The One57 building’s developer, Extell’s Gary Barnett, confirmed on May 18 that the apartment had been brought but would only say that a ‘very nice family’ had snapped it up.

Mr Barnett said previously that the buyer, now known to be Al-Thani, was also looking at buying the Winter Garden unit - a duplex featuring a solarium totaling 13,500ft and another floor to create a 20,000 square feet space.

If he does make these further purchases that will likely more than double his spending - bringing it up to a staggering $250 million.

Al-Thani laid down between $90million and $100million for the penthouse after his $31.5 million bid for a couple of Fifth Avenue apartments, owned by the late copper heiress Huguette Clark, was rejected.

And he brought the One57 penthouse before he could even see it completed, as the building is currently in development and only due to be finished next year.

The astronomical fee of the penthouse apartment eclipses the $88million forked out by Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev on a penthouse for his daughter last winter at 15 Central Park West.

King of the Castle: Views from the castle in the sky will be unparalleled over all of Manhattan, the outer boroughs and beyond; the Sheik brought the property before even seeing it as it is not yet completed

No doubt the owners will be able to afford good window treatments if they want to block out the incredible lights visible from the master bedroom in order to sleep

The One57 building is across the street from Carnegie Hall and a stone’s throw from Central Park.

The penthouse, on the 89th and 90th floors, boasts a ‘grand salon’, at least five bedrooms, four fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling windows and a large mezzanine, the New York Post reported.

As well as staggering views over the Manhattan skyline and beyond, the property also features impressive 23-foot ceilings.

Al-Thani shelled out on the Midtown penthouse after his bid for two Fifth Avenue apartments, owned by the famously reclusive Huguette Clark, was refused.

'He decided to buy the One57 penthouse after the Huguette Clark rejection,' a source told the New York Post.

Despite offering $500,000 over the asking price, the powerful PM’s bid was refused with the building’s co-op board even refusing the sheikh an interview.

Rejected: Al-Thani initially hoped to buy a couple of Fifth Avenue apartments, owned by the late copper heiress Huguette Clark, for $31.5 million but his bid was rejected by the co-op board

It is thought the board stonewalled his offer after it was revealed he planned to knock the two eight floor apartments into one.

It was also reported that al-Thani's huge family – and the entourage of staff who travel with them – also caused concerns for the co-op board.

Other reasons cited for the rejection were concerns about where his money was coming from and the fact that the Sheikh is a foreign head of state with diplomatic immunity.

Situated on 157 West 57th street One57 will become the tallest residential building in the city when it is finished next year.

High above the rest: Residents in the penthouse of the shimmering glass tower will look down on their neighbors

Reaching for the skies: Construction is expected to finally be finished in 2013. When finished the building the building will appear as at right

Sharap-over! It's sweet revenge for Lisicki as Russia ace crashes out

A quick flick through the record books and Maria Sharapova might have known she was going to be in trouble on Monday against Sabine Lisicki.

‘I’ve beaten the French Open champion three times here,’ said Lisicki, still wearing the smile that had lit up Court No 1 since early afternoon.

‘In 2009 I beat Svetlana Kuznetsova, last year Na Li, and this year Maria. I guess they shouldn’t be in my part of the draw.’

Going home: Maria Sharapova has been knocked out by Sabine Lisicki

Contrasting emotions: Sharapova and Lisicki react at the conclusion of their match

It was all, of course, blurted out through a cheeky giggle. And why not? The German 22-year-old had just beaten the world No 1 6-4, 6-3, an exact reverse of last year’s semi-final defeat by the same opponent.

She deserved it, too, her huge serve and thundering groundstrokes bullying the Russian out of the game.

The favourite for the tournament, Sharapova never looked like winning, despite a brief upturn at the end of the first set.

Instead she wore a look of distress and by the end even her shrieking had a depressing tone to it.

This defeat not only leaves her heading home but toppled from the world No 1 position she has held for just a few weeks, with Victoria Azarenka or Agnieszka Radwanska ready to grasp the often poisoned chalice at the top of the women’s game.

Sharapova’s loss means only six of the past 36 women’s Grand Slams have been won by the No 1 seed. ‘I had chances but I didn’t take them,’ said a philosophical Sharapova, who did what many would not and stopped to sign autographs on her way off court.

Victory: Sabine Lisicki marches on

‘But she played extremely well. You just have to hand it to her. If she serves as well as she did today and is as aggressive as she was, there’s no doubt she has a lot of potential.’

These women could not have come into Wimbledon with more contrasting fortunes.

Sharapova completed her Grand Slam set by winning the French Open and regaining the world No 1 spot while Lisicki arrived in SW19 having lost in the first round at her last four tournaments. Not that you would have known it. After taking the initiative by breaking Lisicki in the opening game of the match, Sharapova struggled to assert her authority, losing her next two service games and struggling with her movement.

On Lisicki’s serve, she struggled sometimes to even get into the point as the German sent down balls at up to 118mph.

Li Na was half-joking last year when she said Lisicki served like a man. Sharapova was not laughing, breaking back at 5-3 down only to lose her serve - and the set - in the next game.

The second set was barely a contest, Lisicki breaking for 4-2 and never looking back.

She had smiled for almost every minute of the match but swapped it for tears as her second serve ace sealed the win. Court No 1 roared - they had been on her side from the start. It was sweet revenge for Lisicki, not only for last year but for her two other defeats by the Russian.

Shake on it: Sharapova (right) congratulates her opponent

‘It was revenge for all three of them,’ said Lisicki afterwards, relishing being back on the grass where her serve is so effective.

Her enthusiasm captivated the Court No 1 crowd and the press room. ‘I enjoy the sport. I just love playing tennis and I love being out there, especially at my favourite tournament.

‘I just have fun out there. I smile because even if I miss a shot by a little, I was going for the right one, so there’s nothing to be mad about.

‘I felt great. As soon as I stepped on the court I also felt like I was playing very well, so I was feeling very confident.’ For Sharapova, there is now the agony of seeing someone else win the trophy she claimed in 2004. For Lisicki, there is a derby against fellow German Angelique Kerber and the real hope of a second consecutive Wimbledon semi-final.

Not that she is getting carried away. ‘I’ve been playing better with each match and better each year, so we’ll see where I end up,’ she added.

The twinkle in her eye suggested she fancies her chances a fair bit more than that.

Fab news for Queens Park Rangers as United defender joins on season-long loan

Queens Park Rangers have completed the signing of Manchester United full-back Fabio on a season-long loan.

The Brazilian, who joined United in 2008, will meet up with his new team-mates next Monday.

'I'm so happy to be here,' said Fabio, who made only five Barclays Premier League appearances last season.

Welcome to Loftus Road: The youngster has agreed a loan deal at QPR

'This loan is so important for me in terms of my career. I want to play as many games as possible here. I want to play well and win games as well. It's a good move for my career and for my confidence.

'Sir Alex Ferguson said that I'd enjoy it here and told me to play as many games as I can.'

He added: 'I know that QPR is a club with great history. I read about the history and that's why I'm here.

'I also came here because I'm ambitious. I want to help QPR progress up the Premier League.

On the move: Fabio has joined Queens Park Rangers on a season-long loan

'Hopefully the fans will enjoy watching me in action, because I'll do my best.'

Fabio joined United from Fluminense alongside twin brother Rafael - who today penned a new four-year deal at Old Trafford.

Manager Mark Hughes is confident the 21-year-old will be a hit at Loftus Road next term.

Speaking to the club's website, Hughes said: 'It's a great opportunity for us to loan a good, young player, who has decent experience of playing for a top club like Manchester United.

'He's played a lot of senior games for United, so it shows the quality he's got.

'I know they think very highly of him and we believe he has all the attributes to be a success here next season.'