LOS ANGELES ( TIP) A Nasa spacecraft bound for Jupiter will swing by Earth to get the boost it needs to arrive at the giant gas planet in 2016. Using Earth as a gravitational slingshot is a common trick since there isn’t a rocket that’s powerful enough to catapult a spacecraft directly to the outer solar system. Launched in 2011, the Juno spacecraft zipped past the orbit of Mars and fired its engines to put it on course for a momentum-gathering flyby of Earth. During the manoeuvre, Juno will briefly pass into Earth’s shadow and emerge over India’s east coast. At closest approach, Juno will fly within 350 563 kilometres of the Earth’s surface, passing over the ocean off the coast of South Africa shortly before 12.30pm local time. The rendezvous was designed to bump Juno’s speed from 125,500 kmph relative to the sun to 140,000kmph enough power to cruise beyond the asteroid belt toward its destination.
Year: 2013
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A wi-fi music player controlled by teeth
WASHINGTON (TIP): Researchers are developing a wireless music player that fits the ear like earbuds and can be controlled by biting. The music player ‘Split’ eliminates headphone cords and the need for a pocket to keep the music player. Two years under development by a start-up named Greenwing Audio in Miami Beach, Florida, Split consists of a pair of earbuds with little oblongs sticking out of them. Inside a one-inch stainless steel casing is a small circuit board, a button cell battery, a memory chip, a processor and a few other components necessary to play quality digital audio. The Split earbuds are synchronized to act like one music player, according to ‘Endgadget’. Split uses high-precision crystal clocks and a short, nearfield radio signal to sync the earbuds when activating, or when the track or volume are changed. With no buttons or microphone for voice command, Split uses its accelerometers for control. These are designed to respond when the user bites. One bite changes tracks, and two bites changes the volume.
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Giant radio telescope in Chile reaches full power
WASHINGTON (TIP): A giant radio telescope in Chile has received the last piece of its 66-antenna array, marking the beginning of a new era of discoveries in deep space. The final antenna for the Atacama Large Millimetre/submillimetre Array (ALMA) project has just been handed over to the ALMA Observatory by the European AEM Consortium, which also marks the successful delivery of a total of 25 European antennas, 25 North American antennas and 16 Japanese antennas. By the end of 2013, all 66 ultra-precise millimetre/submillimetre wave radio antennas are expected to be working together as one telescope, in an array that will stretch for up to 16 kilometres across the Chajnantor plateau in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile, ALMA said. This delivery of the last antenna completes the ALMA antenna construction phase and provides all 66 antennas for science use, marking the beginning of a new era of discoveries in astronomy. “This is an important milestone for the ALMA observatory since it enables astronomers in Europe and elsewhere to use the complete ALMA telescope, with its full sensitivity and collecting area,” said Wolfgang Wild, the European ALMA project manager in a statement. ALMA helps astronomers answer important questions about our cosmic origins. The telescope observes the Universe using light with millimetre and submillimetre wavelengths, between infrared light and radio waves in the electromagnetic spectrum.
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THE TEMPLE CITY OF KANCHIPURAM
Located on the Bangalore-Chennai highway is a small town Kanchipuram, which you may zip by if you are not the religious kinds and not aware of its spiritual significance. But here is some news for the nonreligious, history connoisseurs.Kanchipuram while being home to thousand plus temples, of all sizes, it boasts of temples more than thousand years old. Ladies, you too are in for good times as Kanchipuram is also synonymous with Kanjeevaram saris, recently made popular by Vidya Balan. So next time you are travelling on this route you can mark it as your go-to destination.
Places of interest
Kanchipuram is one of the seven holy cities in the country that one must visit in order to attain salvation.While the town is said to be home to 1,000 + temples, the prominent temples are primarily four – Ekambareswarar, Kamakshi Amman, Kailasanathar and Varadharaja Perumal temples. Ekambareswarar temple- This is the most famous Lord Shiva temple and dates back 1400 years. Here Lord Shiva is worshipped as Earth, one of the five elements. The temples’ gopuram or entrance gateway is 59 m tall, making it the one of the tallest temple towers in the country. Here in the temple you will find a Shivlingam that is a composite of 108 small lingams.Lord Rama is said to have prayed here when he was at war with Ravana, as told by a priest here.Spanning across the temple compound you will find 1,008 Shivalingas and also located in the temple is a 3,500 year old mango tree under which Goddess Kamakshi is said have done penance and later married Lord Shiva. Hence, the name Ekambareswarar as Eka means one and Amara means Mango tree. It is believed that if a childless woman takes a fruit of this tree she will be blessed with children. Architecturally the temple is beautiful and reminiscent of our rich cultural heritage. The temple is said to be originally built by Pallavas and later reconstructed by Cholas and Vijaynagara rulers.Kamakshi Amman temple-Abode of Goddess Kamakshi, this temple is one of the three Shakti peethas. Built in the 14th century it is one of the main temples dedicated to Goddess Shakti. Adi Shankara is closely associated with this temple and an image of him is worshipped in the temple. Kailasanathar temple- One of the oldest and architecturally beautiful temples is Kailasanathar temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva the temple dates back to Pallava dynasty and was built in the 7th century AD. The temple is made of limestone and is filled with exquisitely carved sculptures. Today it holds the status of an archeological monument conferred by ASI. Little away from the humdrum of the city the temple can be a perfect place to enjoy some history and a moment of peace. Varadharaja Perumal temple- This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is said to be one of his 108 holy abodes. The temple was built by the Cholas. A sprawling complex with beautiful carvings is the other highlight of this temple. While here you can also get a view of the lives of olden times by visiting KanchiKudil, an old house that has been conserved for tourism purposes. Kanchi Kudil- A 90-year-old ancestral house belonging to an agrarian household has been converted into a tourist spot to give people a glimpse into the houses and lifestyle of yester years. The house has a master’s room, a kids’ room and a lady’s room. The dining area with a floor seating, a temple and an old style kitchen and bathroom, complete with a well, are other parts of the house. You can also buy some artefacts and handicrafts here. The house serves some snacks during the day. Entry ticket is Rs. 10/- per head.
How to get there
By road
Kanchipuram is easily accessible by road. It is 280 km from Bangalore enroute to Chennai via NH4, NH7 and NH46.Bangalore -Hosur- Krishnagiri- Vellore -Kanchipuram.It takes approx. 5 hours by road. If going from Chennai it is 72 km. Food Saravana Bhavan and the likes are around to give you a taste of Tamil Nadu cuisine. While we stayed away from it since we were staying at my Chithi’s house we could not resist the street food – Bondas and Dal vadas. So if you do not have weak stomachs do try them out. You can also enjoy Malabar Parottas and Chicken curry. Kanchi or Kudalaiidlis are another famous dish. Shopping If you love silk you can go crazy choosing from a wide variety of colours and designs. Prakash Silks is the shop suggested by my aunt for silk saris and the one from where I got my loot. Nalli Silks and Pachaiyappa’s Silks are two other big names. You can also look out for Silk Pavadais(the South India equivalent of North Indian Lehengas) if you have a little girl to dress up. I ended up picking three for my daughter. Kanchipuram may come across as a nondescript town but it is a must visit place if you love to visit temples, -
DURGA PUJA
Durga Puja – the ceremonial worship of the mother goddess, is one of the most important festivals of India.Apart from being a religious festival for the Hindus, it is also an occasion for reunion and rejuvenation, and a celebration of traditional culture and customs.While the rituals entails ten days of fast, feast and worship, the last four days – Saptami, Ashtami, Navami and Dashami – are celebrated with much gaiety and grandeur in India and abroad, especially in Bengal, where the ten-armed goddess riding the lion is worshipped with great passion and devotion. Durga Puja is celebrated every year in the Hindu month of Ashwin (September-October) and commemorates Prince Rama’s invocation of the goddess before going to war with the demon king Ravana. This autumnal ritual was different from the conventional Durga Puja, which is usually celebrated in the springtime. So, this Puja is also known as ‘akal-bodhan’ or out-of-season (‘akal’) worship (‘bodhan’). Thus goes the story of Lord Rama,who first worshipped the ‘Mahishasura Mardini’ or the slayer of the buffalo-demon, by offering 108 blue lotuses and lighting 108 lamps, at this time of the year.
The First Durga Puja in Bengal
The first grand worship of Goddess Durga in recorded history is said to have been celebrated in the late 1500s. Folklores say the landlords or zamindar of Dinajpur and Malda initiated the first Durga Puja in Bengal. According to another source, Raja Kangshanarayan of Taherpur or Bhabananda Mazumdar of Nadiya organized the first Sharadiya or Autumn Durga Puja in Bengal in c 1606.The ‘Baro-Yaari’ Puja and Beginning of Mass Celebration
The origin of the community puja can be credited to the twelve friends of Guptipara in Hoogly,West Bengal, who collaborated and collected contributions from local residents to conduct the first community puja called the ‘baro-yaari’ puja or the ‘twelve-pal’ puja in 1790. The baro-yaari puja was brought to Kolkata in 1832 by Raja Harinath of Cossimbazar,who performed the Durga Puja at his ancestral home in Murshidabad from 1824 to 1831, notes Somendra Chandra Nandy in ‘Durga Puja: A Rational Approach’ published in The Statesman Festival, 1991.Origin of ‘Sarbajanin Durga Puja’ or Community Celebration
“The baro-yaari puja gave way to the sarbajanin or community puja in 1910,when the Sanatan Dharmotsahini Sabha organized the first truly community puja in Baghbazar in Kolkata with full public contribution, public control and public participation. Now the dominant mode of Bengali Durga Puja is the ‘public’ version,” write M.D. Muthukumaraswamy and Molly Kaushal in Folklore, Public Sphere, and Civil Society. The institution of the community Durga Puja in the 18th and the 19th century Bengal contributed vigorously to the development of Hindu Bengali culture.British Involvement in Durga Puja
The research paper further indicates that “high level British officials regularly attend Durga Pujas organized by influential Bengalis and British soldiers actually participate in the pujas, have prasad, and even salute the deity, but ‘the most amazing act of worship was performed by the East India Company itself: in 1765 it offered a thanksgiving Puja, no doubt as a politic act to appease its Hindu subjects, on obtaining the Diwani of Bengal’. (Sukanta Chaudhuri, ed. Calcutta: the Living City,Vol. 1: The Past) And it is reported that even the Company auditor-general John Chips organized Durga Puja at his Birbhum office. In fact, the full official participation of the British in the Durga Puja continued till 1840,when a law was promulgated by the government banning such participation.”Durga Puja Comes to Delhi
In 1911, with the shifting of the capital of British India to Delhi, many Bengalis migrated to the city to work in government offices. The first Durga Puja in Delhi was held in c. 1910, when it was performed by ritually consecrating the ‘mangal kalash,’ symbolizing the deity. This Durga Puja,which celebrates its centennial in 2009, is also known as the Kashmere Gate Durga Puja currently organized by the Delhi Durga Puja Samiti in the lawns of Bengali Senior Secondary School, Alipur Road, Delhi.Evolution of the ‘Pratima’ and the ‘Pandal’
The traditional icon of the goddess worshiped during the Durga Puja is in line with the iconography delineated in the scriptures. In Durga, the Gods bestowed their powers to co-create a beautiful goddess with ten arms, each carrying their most lethal weapon. The tableau of Durga also features her four children – Kartikeya, Ganesha, Saraswati and Lakshmi. Traditional clay image of Durga or pratima made of clay with all five gods and goddesses under one structure is known as ‘ek-chala’ (‘ek’ = one, ‘chala’ = cover). There are two kinds of embellishments that are used on clay – sholar saaj and daker saaj. In the former, the pratima is traditionally decorated with the white core of the shola reed which grows within marshlands. As the devotees grew wealthier, beaten silver (rangta) was used. The silver used to be imported from Germany and was delivered by post (dak). Hence the name daker saaj. The huge temporary canopies – held by a framework of bamboo poles and draped with colorful fabric – that house the icons are called ‘pandals’. Modern pandals are innovative, artistic and decorative at the same time, offering a visual spectacle for the numerous visitors who go ‘pandal-hopping’ during the four days of Durga Puja. -
SRI GURU GRANTH SAHIB
CONTD FROM Vol 7 ISSUE 39 AASAA, FIFTH MEHL, CHHANT, EIGHTH HOUSE: ONE UNIVERSAL CREATOR GOD. BY THE GRACE OF THE TRUE GURU: Maya is the wall of doubt – Maya is the wall of doubt. It is such a powerful and destructive intoxicant; it corrupts and wastes away one’s life. In the terrible, impenetrable world-forest – in the terrible, impenetrable world-forest, the thieves are plundering man’s house in broad daylight; night and day, this life is being consumed. The days of your life are being consumed; they are passing away without God. So meet God, the Merciful Lord. I passed through so many births and deaths; without Union with the Beloved, I did not obtain salvation. I am without the status of high birth, beauty, glory or spiritual wisdom; without You, who is mine, O Mother? With my palms pressed together, O Nanak, I enter the Lord’s Sanctuary; O beloved almighty Lord and Master, please, save me!
|| 1 || Like a fish out of water – like a fish out of water, separated from the Lord, the mind and body perish; how can I live, without my Beloved? Facing the arrow head-on – facing the arrow head-on, the deer surrenders his mind, body and breath of life; he is struck by the hunter’s soothing music. I have enshrined love for my Beloved. In order to meet Him, I have become a renunciate. Cursed is that body which remains without Him, even for an instant. My eyelids do not close, for I am absorbed in the love of my Beloved. Day and night, my mind thinks only of God. Attuned to the Lord, intoxicated with the Naam, fear, doubt and duality have all left me. Bestow Your mercy and compassion, O merciful and perfect Lord, that Nanak may be intoxicated with Your Love. || 2 || The bumble-bee is buzzing – the bumble-bee is buzzing, intoxicated with the honey, the flavor and the fragrance; because of its love for the lotus, it entangles itself. The mind of the sparrowhawk thirsts – the mind of the sparrowhawk thirsts; its mind longs for the beautiful rain-drops from the clouds. Drinking them in, its fever departs. O Destroyer of fever, Remover of pain, please unite me with You. My mind and body have such great love for You. O my beautiful, wise and all-knowing Lord and Master, with what tongue should I chant Your Praises? Take me by the arm, and grant me Your Name. One who is blessed with Your Glance of Grace, has his sins erased. Nanak meditates on the Lord, the Purifier of sinners; beholding His Vision, he suffers no more.
|| 3 || I focus my consciousness on the Lord – I focus my consciousness upon the Lord; I am helpless – please, keep me under Your Protection. I yearn to meet You, my soul hungers for You. I meditate on Your beautiful body – I meditate on Your beautiful body; my mind is fascinated by Your spiritual wisdom, O Lord of the world. Please, preserve the honor of Your humble servants and beggars. God bestows perfect honor and destroys pain; He has fulfilled all my desires. How very blessed was that day when the Lord embraced me; meeting my Husband Lord, my bed was beautified. When God granted His Grace and met me, all my sins were erased. Prays Nanak, my hopes are fulfilled; I have met the Lord, the Lord of Lakshmi, the treasure of excellence. || 4 || 1 || 14 || ONE UNIVERSAL CREATOR GOD. TRUTH IS THE NAME. CREATIVE BEING PERSONIFIED. NO FEAR. NO HATRED. IMAGE OF THE UNDYING. BEYOND BIRTH. SELF-EXISTENT. BY GURU’S GRACE: AASAA, FIRST MEHL: VAAR WITH SHALOKS, AND SHALOKS WRITTEN BY THE FIRST MEHL. TO BE SUNG TO THE TUNE OF ‘TUNDA-ASRAAJAA’: SHALOK, FIRST MEHL: A hundred times a day, I am a sacrifice to my Guru; He made angels out of men, without delay. || 1 || SECOND MEHL: If a hundred moons were to rise, and a thousand suns appeared, even with such light, there would still be pitch darkness without the Guru.
|| 2 || FIRST MEHL: O Nanak, those who do not think of the Guru, and who think of themselves as clever, shall be left abandoned in the field, like the scattered sesame. They are abandoned in the field, says Nanak, and they have a hundred masters to please. The wretches bear fruit and flower, but within their bodies, they are filled with ashes. || 3 || PAUREE: He Himself created Himself; He Himself assumed His Name. Secondly, He fashioned the creation; seated within the creation, He beholds it with delight. You Yourself are the Giver and the Creator; by Your Pleasure, You bestow Your Mercy. You are the Knower of all; You give life, and take it away again with a word. Seated within the creation, You behold it with delight. || 1 || SHALOK, FIRST MEHL: True are Your worlds, True are Your solar Systems. True are Your realms, True is Your creation. True are Your actions, and all Your deliberations. True is Your Command, and True is Your Court. True is the Command of Your Will, True is Your Order. True is Your Mercy, True is Your Insignia. Hundreds of thousands and millions call You True. In the True Lord is all power, in the True Lord is all might. True is Your Praise, True is Your Adoration. True is Your almighty creative power, True King. O Nanak, true are those who meditate on the True One.
|| 1 || FIRST MEHL: Great is His greatness, as great as His Name. Great is His greatness, as True is His justice. Great is His greatness, as permanent as His Throne. Great is His greatness, as He knows our utterances. Great is His greatness, as He understands all our affections. Great is His greatness, as He gives without being asked. Great is His greatness, as He Himself is all-in-all. O Nanak, His actions cannot be described. Whatever He has done, or will do, is all by His Own Will. || 2 || SECOND MEHL: This world is the room of the True Lord; within it is the dwelling of the True Lord. By His Command, some are merged into Him, and some, by His Command, are destroyed. Some, by the Pleasure of His Will, are lifted up out of Maya, while others are made to dwell within it. No one can say who will be rescued. O Nanak, he alone is known as Gurmukh, unto whom the Lord reveals Himself. || 3 || PAUREE: O Nanak, having created the souls, the Lord installed the Righteous Judge of Dharma to read and record their accounts. There, only the Truth is judged true; the sinners are picked out and separated. The false find no place there, and they go to hell with their faces blackened. Those who are imbued with Your Name win, while the cheaters lose. The Lord installed the Righteous Judge of Dharma to read and record the accounts.
|| 2 || SHALOK, FIRST MEHL: Wonderful is the sound current of the Naad, wonderful is the knowledge of the Vedas.Wonderful are the beings, wonderful are the species.Wonderful are the forms, wonderful are the colors. Wonderful are the beings who wander around naked. Wonderful is the wind, wonderful is the water.Wonderful is fire, which works wonders.Wonderful is the earth, wonderful the sources of creation. Wonderful are the tastes to which mortals are attached.Wonderful is union, and wonderful is separation.Wonderful is hunger, wonderful is satisfaction. Wonderful is His Praise, wonderful is His adoration.Wonderful is the wilderness, wonderful is the path.Wonderful is closeness, wonderful is distance. How wonderful to behold the Lord, ever-present here. Beholding His wonders, I am wonder-struck. O Nanak, those who understand this are blessed with perfect destiny. || 1 || FIRST MEHL: By His Power we see, by His Power we hear; by His Power we have fear, and the essence of happiness. By His Power the nether worlds exist, and the Akaashic ethers; by His Power the entire creation exists. By His Power the Vedas and the Puraanas exist, and the Holy Scriptures of the Jewish, Christian and Islamic religions. By His Power all deliberations exist. By His Power we eat, drink and dress; by His Power all love exists. By His Power come the species of all kinds and colors; by His Power the living beings of the world exist. By His Power virtues exist, and by His Power vices exist. By His Power come honor and dishonor. By His Power wind, water and fire exist; by His Power earth and dust exist.
Everything is in Your Power, Lord; You are the all-powerful Creator. Your Name is the Holiest of the Holy. O Nanak, through the Command of His Will, He beholds and pervades the creation; He is absolutely unrivalled. || 2 || PAUREE: Enjoying his pleasures, one is reduced to a pile of ashes, and the soul passes away. He may be great, but when he dies, the chain is thrown around his neck, and he is led away. There, his good and bad deeds are added up; sitting there, his account is read. He is whipped, but finds no place of rest, and no one hears his cries of pain. The blind man has wasted his life away. || 3 || SHALOK, FIRST MEHL: In the Fear of God, the wind and breezes ever blow. In the Fear of God, thousands of rivers flow. In the Fear of God, fire is forced to labor. In the Fear of God, the earth is crushed under its burden. In the Fear of God, the clouds move across the sky. In the Fear of God, the Righteous Judge of Dharma stands at His Door. In the Fear of God, the sun shines, and in the Fear of God, the moon reflects. They travel millions of miles, endlessly. In the Fear of God, the Siddhas exist, as do the Buddhas, the demi-gods and Yogis. In the Fear of God, the Akaashic ethers are stretched across the sky. In the Fear of God, the warriors and the most powerful heroes exist. In the Fear of God, multitudes come and go. God has inscribed the Inscription of His Fear upon the heads of all. O Nanak, the Fearless Lord, the Formless Lord, the True Lord, is One.
|| 1 || FIRST MEHL: O Nanak, the Lord is fearless and formless; myriads of others, like Rama, are mere dust before Him. There are so many stories of Krishna, so many who reflect over the Vedas. So many beggars dance, spinning around to the beat. The magicians perform their magic in the market place, creating a false illusion.They sing as kings and queens, and speak of this and that. They wear earrings, and necklaces worth thousands of dollars. Those bodies on which they are worn, O Nanak, those bodies turn to ashes. Wisdom cannot be found through mere words. To explain it is as hard as iron. When the Lord bestows His Grace, then alone it is received; other tricks and orders are useless. || 2 || PAUREE: If the Merciful Lord shows His Mercy, then the True Guru is found. This soul wandered through countless incarnations, until the True Guru instructed it in the Word of the Shabad. There is no giver as great as the True Guru; hear this, all you people. Meeting the True Guru, the True Lord is found;
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ADD ROMANCE TO YOUR BEDROOM
This is perhaps the most romantic space in the house, where you spend the maximum time at night and lounge during the day. A little creativity and some ingenuity, and viola — a mundane space can translate into a coffee-table book example of dazzling romantic style.
Private sanctuary
Making your bedroom into a cave-like cosseted private sanctuary is treating yourself to intimate moments of recharging your tired batteries in an atmosphere of romance, comfort, passion and that inimitable feeling of being loved and protected. Your bedroom can then become that escape retreat where you would unwind from a rushed, traffic-angst day.Large, thick mattress
The most important accoutrement in a bedroom is of course a large king-size bed or a show stopper four-poster antique bed that is grand and luxurious, with an eighteen inch mattress that allows you to sink into the soothing relief of unwinding away from cares. There is a certain romance in a cosseting deep mattress.Soft cosetting bed-head
Dramatic shapes for bed-heads — artistic, novel, creative, extraordinary, transform this highutility area into a statement of soft romantic mood. The padding and fabric make for a romantic feel.A cosy boudoir
Create a private nook by adding furniture usually considered living room pieces. A light armchair, an under-the-bed upholstered seater on castors that can be pulled out, a lazy boy, an interesting ottoman, sofas, rocking chairs, matching overstuffed loveseats can prop this room up to have a passionate lounge feel.Window seat
A bay window or a cantilevered slab of stone out of the window using brackets beneath, creates an additional window seat or a box window where you could spend time ruminating or even reading a book.Intimate bistro
A round breakfast table of 30″ diameter, set with two chairs, invites private conversations, is great for secret breakfast away from the rest of the home. That post passion morning cup of tea with your lover opposite you, is an inimitable moment that you hold within you through the day.Moving on
Dressing tables, accessorised with crystal and porcelain add romance and bed trays suggest the chance of sexy luxurious breakfast in bed, while soft lighting, candles, essential oils in a diffuser effectively complete the decor.Chiaroscuro lighting
Soft lighting, candles, essential oils in a diffuser contrasted with dark passionate colours effectively complete the drama of the romance in the decor. Room-darkening window coverings also encourage relaxing the nerves and aid in the restoration of your soul so that you are more attuned to love and romance.Art gallery
Surround yourself with photos of love and places that conjure passionate memories, things that bring memories of romance to you, take you into a space of inimitable passion, states of euphoria.Colours for your sanctuary
Romantic colours include fuchsia, crimsons, dark foliage greens, deep blues, pinks, sky blues, sea greens and aubergine. Darker colours juxtaposed with light ones create a sanctuary like relaxation and assist in unwinding and passion.The study
Within the bedroom installing a vintage roll top writing desk accompanied by a comfortable chair, induces old world charm and a nook to write a love note.Mini bar
A small refrigerator to chill the champagne or wine will make you feel as if you can enjoy your time in the bedroom without interruption.Entertainment and verve
A television offers the opportunity to watch your favourite movies and shows.Light it right
Chic chandeliers twinkling in crystal help create the feeling of an oasis. Tropical plants and trees, uplit with special lights, cast exciting romantic shadows.Mirrors
Use mirrors in unusual places, such as the tops of dressers or side tables, to reflect dancing candle light.Shelving
Fashionable shelving with good organisers and smart chunky drawers are important to hide the necessities like stationery, mobile phones, and their bulky chargers. Utilitarian racks, rustic baskets, and medicine chests with multifarious compartments that can be pulled out for easy access. -
JENNIFER EHLE JOINS ‘FIFTY SHADES..’ CAST
Actress Jennifer Ehle has joined the cast of the screen adaptation of ” Fifty Shades of Grey”. She will be seen playing protagonist Anastasia Steele’s mother. Anastasia’s character is played by Dakota Johnson, while Charlie Hunnam will play Christian Grey in the movie adaptation of E.L. James’ erotic novel, reports contactmusic.com. The film will be directed by Sam Taylor- Johnson.
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FAMILY IS ALWAYS THE PRIORITY: PENELOPE CRUZ
Penelope Cruz, who will be seen next in Ridley Scott’s star studded drama ‘The Counselor’, is happy juggling work and motherhood. The Spanish beauty gave birth to her daughter, Luna, three months ago with husband Javier Bardem and Cruz says family will always be a priority to her. “I’ve always been a very family person, since I was a little girl, that?s the way I was raised. So that will always be a priority. But I have to work, like everyone else, so I will find a way to balance,” the actress said. The mother of two wore a red Nina Ricci suit for the London premiere of the film, which also stars Bardem, Brad Pitt, Cameron Diaz and Michael Fassbender. Unfortunately for Bardem, the couple don’t have any scenes together in the movie. ‘The Counselor’ is all set to release on October 25.
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Gravity 3D
STORY: After a space mission goes awry, astronauts drift into space, losing not only their sense of direction, but also hope for survival. REVIEW: Do you regret not taking enough risks in life? Do you often envy those who take the road less traveled? Do you wish you could escape your mundane life and fly into the sky like a free bird to touch the moon and the stars? In case you do, Gravity will change the way you think. It will alter your perception of beauty, fear and freedom. If you wonder how a docu-style film centered on a single character (Sandra Bullock) floating through deep space can be this gripping, the answer lies in Gravity’s aweinspiring technical excellence. Filmmaker Alfonso Cuaron deserves a standing ovation for his film is a visual masterpiece. You know you have watched a film of this caliber when you keep asking yourself throughout, ‘How did they do it’! The four and a half years of production work pay off, as you can tell every frame is painstakingly made.
Tense, unnerving and arresting, every scene of the psychological thriller gives you gooseflesh. The spectacular special effects make you feel like you are a part of the film. For instance, every time Bullock takes a long, deep breath, you can feel yourself doing the same. That’s the impact of Gravity. It’s an experience. A game-changer of sorts, the film is bound to revolutionise special effects in movies. Having said that, Alfonso Cuaron doesn’t let technology overpower the story, which is essentially an emotional journey of its lead character. That sense of detail for things goes beyond technology and this is what we liked the most about the film. George Clooney manages to charm you once again, but it’s Sandra Bullock who puts on the performance of her career. The haunting eeriness of dark space has been impeccably portrayed. The background score is equally fear-inducing and manages to maintain the tension created. Cuaron keeps his film as realistic as it can get. No melodrama, no far-fetched stylised action scenes or convenient plot twists. The film stays unpredictable till the end. To sum it up, there are films and then there’s Gravity. For an edge-of-the-seat-rollercoaster-ride experience, watch it only in IMAX 3D.
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KEEP YOUR EYES HEALTHY
Protect the eyes from the sun. Sunglasses once thought of fashion accessory have now been proven to be essential for good eyesight . Ultraviolet light rays emitted from the especially UV-B is the most damaging to the crystalline lens and causes cataracts, corneal changes, and macular degeneration. Regrettably all sunglasses cannot protect you unless they specifically stipulate UV protection. Especially at risk are people who spend long hours in the sun, who have had cataract surgery or who are taking certain medications such as tranquilizers, tetracycline and diuretics, are more sensitivity to sunlight. During driving sunglasses reduce glare and bright stray light preventing accidents. Regular eye checkup: It is amazing how people will service the car or motorbike regularly but do not think of servicing the eyes. And eye checkup does not refer only to a spectacle number check done casually in an optical shop. It refers to examination on a slit microscope followed by an eye pressure check for glaucoma, with a detailed retinal examination.
If there are any symptoms of irritation, poking, visual changes, seeing spots, or even tiredness, it merits a detailed exam. EYE STRAIN DURING READING: The book should be well lighted , but the area surrounding the book should also be well lit . Reading in a dark room leads to eye strain. Ideally the light should come over your left shoulder. When you concentrate hard , the blink rate of the eye drops significantly. This leads to blurring and defused vision. Blink frequently when you study for long periods of time. Computer care: Position the computer screen/ laptop so that you are not looking at the screen straight on. Eyes are designed to work in a position of depressed convergence, ( ie looking down and in. ). The top of the screen should not be higher than your eyes. The brightness of the screen should be the same intensity of the lighting of the surroundings.
Try and scheduled your study sessions early morning rather than late night it induces far less strain. And remember to take a 5 min break after every 40 min of reading. CONTACT LENS CARE: If you are into contact lenses which is perfectly okay, be sure to select a good manufacturer.Clean lenses twice a day with the advised solutions regularly. Adhere to your lens schedules . A monthly wear disposable is to be “disposed “in a month. If there is any redness or poking see your eye professional immediately AVOID SMOKING It can lead to cataracts , increases risk of macular degeneration. And can , if combined with alcohol, lead to optic nerve disorders,. DIABETES? EXTRA CAUTION: If you have diabetes, if untended can lead to the retina being damged with the chance of a retinal vessels leakage, bleeding and even, if left uncontrolled, retinal detachment and blindness. Irrespective of your age, 4 monthly checkups are mandatory. Eat antioxidant-rich foods Nutrients like Vitamin A, are essential for good retinal health and aid in both color and night vision. Lutein and zeaxanthin, both carotenoid nutrients, help in preventing macular degeneration. Omega-3 fatty acids were shown to help prevent recurrent eye infections and improve dry eye symptoms.
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YOU SHOULD WALK WHEN YOU TALK
Pacing the room while on your cell can protect you from Metabolic Syndrome & heart disease Not just a group of American researchers, Mumbai’s doctors too are in the mood to junk your fancy gym membership. Short bouts of physical activity that add up to 30 minutes a day are just as effective as half hour on the treadmill to keep blood pressure and cholesterol in check, and prevent Metabolic Syndrome (MS). MS is a complex web of metabolic factors associated with a two-fold risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and five-fold risk of diabetes. Epidemiologists have been waving the red flag for CVD, estimating that by 2020 it will be the largest cause of disability and death in India. The sedentary lifestyle and junk eating habits of Mumbaikars makes them a favourite of MS. In a survey of 560 subjects conducted by PD Hinduja National Hospital & Medical Research Centre last year, a high incidence of MS, especially among 41-60 age group (double in males as compared to females) was discovered.
Experts now advocate the ‘movement lifestyle’ approach over the ‘structured exercise’ one, encouraging people to meet the 30-minute aerobic exercise a day guideline by cycling or walking to the supermarket instead of driving, doing bicep curls while watching TV or pacing the room during a phone conversation. The study conducted by Dr Paul Loprinzi and Brad Cardinal in Oregon revealed that subjects belonging to the ‘short bouts’ exercise group showed positive results in areas of BP, cholesterol, MS, and waist circumference. Dr Shashank Joshi, endocrinologist at Lilavati Hospital and president, Indian Academy of Diabetes, says the study confirms the findings of similar research conducted earlier among Mumbaikars. “We discovered that Mumbaikars had no time to exercise or walk. So we suggested that Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT) — the energy spent through daily activities — be tapped to keep you fit,” he explains, adding that NEAT is more relevant than ever when desk jobs are the norm and leisure time is defined by long hours of TV viewing or Internet surfing. Nature, say doctors, designed human beings to walk. In the last 200 years, we seem to have grown habituated to sitting.
Walking more, and moving around is a ‘natural’ way to exercise. Rather than not exercise at all, movement-based physical activity is a realistic option for most urban Indians. Dr Anoop Misra, Chairman of Fortis-C-DOC Centre of Excellence for Diabetes, Metabolic Diseases and Endocrinology, feels the Oregon State University research is interesting for those who may not have a consolidated 45 minutes free to workout but can take out 10 minutes four times a day. If you can, choose the desk farthest from the printer and loo. At home, try skipping rope or on-the-spot jogging (during a TV commercial break), hand flaps (anytime, anywhere), exercising with small weights (1- 2 kg) for five minutes (while perusing news on the laptop). Sitting before a TV for four hours burns 50 kcal. Instead, if you were to groom your terrace garden or turn out all the cupboards, the energy expenditure would be 100-150 kcal/hour (adding up to 500-600 kcal over the evening). Building movement into the day also helps develop core strength, says Dr Misra. “Regular aerobic, musclestrengthening and bonestrengthening physical activity of a moderatelyintense level, like brisk walking, can slow the loss of bone density associated with age, and reduce the risk of falling.”
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DON’T SPECULATE ABOUT SECOND CHILD, SAYS AISHWARYA
Actress Aishwarya Rai has urged everyone not to speculate about her second child after Aaradhya. She said that when such a moment comes she will make it known. The actress was at an event to announce her association with a stem cell banking brand. Asked if she will opt for stem cell banking a second time, Aishwarya said: “I know what are you trying to ask. Whenever such a moment comes, you all will get to know. But please don’t speculate till then. The actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan said that becoming a mother has been a blessing for her. “Change is constant in life. Every experience contributes to change and growth, making you hopefully a better human being. Becoming a mother has been a blessing and I cherish this gift from god,” Aishwarya said. “Aaradhya (her daughter) is a wonderful blessing in our lives and she is very special and it is a loving fulfilment. I am grateful for this experience,” she said. Aishwarya said she had opted for banking her daughter’s stem cells. “I was aware about stem cell banking as a development probably out of my interest in the medical field as most of my friends are doctors. I have been aware of this way before I got married. I was always fascinated by it.
Any research and development in general let alone in science and healthcare has always been of interest to me,” she said. “The beauty of this association fulfils the wish of social encouragement. It is addressing a mindset that is fairly new to our country at large. I am happy to contribute, educate and make people aware about this scientific development,” she added. For Aishwarya, it has been busy time professionally as she has lots of advertising and promotional work. Aishwarya refused to divulge anything, when she was asked about the plans to celebrate her father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan’s birthday on October 11. “You will know the plans. For us festivities begin from October to November, besides festivals like Navratri and Dusshera there are lot many birthdays in our family that come in this period. It is a busy and special time for us,” she said. “With respect and love we wish paa and other family members a happy birthday. Also, we wish everybody happy festival period,” she added.
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KAREENA LIKELY TO STAR OPPOSITE AKSHAY IN ‘GABBAR’
The makers of ‘Gabbar’, the Hindi version of Tamil blockbuster ‘Ramanaa’, are reportedly considering actress Kareena Kapoor to be cast opposite Akshay Kumar in the film. Telugu filmmaker Krish will direct Gabbar, which will be produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. “Kareena’s name has come up for the role of the leading lady. She hasn’t been approached yet, but she is likely to be signed on for the role. She is expected to play Akshay’s wife in the film, which will also feature another heroine,” a source told media. In case Kareena joins the project, she will essay the role originally played by Simran – she did a special appearance in Ramanaa. Ashima Bhalla was the other heroine in the film. “We haven’t confirmed the heroine yet. Currently, we are busy with the pre-production work and when we zero in on the leading lady, we’ll announce it. It’s too early to confirm anything at this stage,” Krish told media. Ramanaa, helmed by A.R. Murugadoss, was an action movie where the protagonist embarks on a journey to make the society corruption free. It also featured Vijayakanth, Vijayan, Yugi Sethu, Riyaz Khan and Ravichandran in important roles. The film was also remade in Telugu as Tagore with megastar Chiranjeevi in the lead.
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Girls were sent to Asaram’s quarter, former aide tells court
Jodhpur/Ahmedabad (TIP): There is no end to troubles for self-styled godman Asaram and his son Narayan Sai. A former Asaram aide Ajay Kumar has now deposed before a Jodhpur judge and has brought out more shocking details against the ‘godman’. He has told the court that when he was working at Asaram’s ashram in 1995, girls used to be brought routinely to the ashram and sent to Asaram’s quarters. He also told court that two workers died under suspicious circumstances after they fell out with Asaram. The revelation came even as Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi summoned the state DGP on Wednesday asking him for an update on the investigation into the second case of sexual assault. The Gujarat Police is looking to get the custody of Asaram who is facing trial in Rajasthan. If the custody is granted, Asaram will then be brought to Gujarat where he will be questioned. Two sisters filed a sexual assault against him and his son Narayan Sai in Gujarat. The lawyers of Narayan Sai have released an advertisement in local newspapers in Gujarat claiming that their client is not absconding. In the ad they have claimed that Narayan Sai is innocent and that the case lodged against him is false. The ad published in Gujarati claims that Narayan Sai will seek legal recourse.
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ASARAM, SON MOVE GUJARAT HC SEEKING QUASHING OF SEXUAL ASSAULT CASES
JODHPUR (TIP): A petition has been filed by self-styled godman Asaram and his son Narayan Sai in the Gujarat High Court seeking quashing of the complaints of sexual assault filed against them by two Surat-based sisters. “We have filed a petition seeking quashing of complaints filed against Asaram Bapu and son Narayan Sai,” said their lawyer advocate Yatin Oza. The petition is likely to come up for hearing in a few days. Asaram, 72, is currently lodged in Jodhpur jail in connection with another sexual assault case while the whereabouts of Sai are not known. Surat police had recently registered two complaints – one against Asaram and another against son Narayan Sai – of rape, sexual assault, illegal confinement and other charges. The elder of the two sisters has accused Asaram of repeated sexual assaults between 1997 and 2006 when she was living in his ashram. The younger sister has accused Sai of repeated sexual assaults between 2002 and 2005 when she was living in Asaram’s Surat ashram. City police have approached a Jodhpur court to seek custody for Asaram in the present case while Surat police have issued a lookout notice for Narayan Sai.
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JAGAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY AS TELANGANA LOGJAM CONTINUES
HYDERABAD (TIP): YSR Congress party president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, who was on indefinite fast for five days to protest the central government’s decision to bifurcate Andhra Pradesh, was forcibly shifted by to a hospital after the police took him into preventive custody here on October 9 night. As the condition of the Kadapa MP deteriorated, police took him from hunger strike camp in front of his Lotus Pond residence to Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS). Jagan Mohan Reddy and his supporters resisted police attempts to shift the MP but policemen bodily lifted him to a waiting ambulance and took him to hospital, eye witnesses said. The young leader was suffering from dehydration and fever and his blood sugar had come down. As doctors had warned that if the fast continued, he may slip into coma, police swung into action. Electricity employees continued their strike for the fourth consecutive day Wednesday, plunging Seemandhra into chaos.
Over six lakh other government employees struck work to protest the decision to divide Andhra Pradesh and create a Telangana state. A majority of 13 districts of Seemandhra (Rayalaseema and coastal Andhra) faced severe hardships, with a prolonged spell of no electricity. Medical services were worst-hit, with many government and private hospitals putting off surgeries. Doctors at government hospitals joined the strike, adding to the woes of patients. Industrial production came to a standstill, while airports at Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada were running on back-up power. Movement of trains was affected. About 4,000 MW generation has come to a halt, as employees at all major thermal and hydel power plants struck work. The sprawling region with a population of over five crore saw work at government offices and educational institutions grind to a halt. Buses of the state-owned road transport corporation have been off the roads for nearly two months.
Talks between Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy and leaders of the striking employees Wednesday failed to reach a solution, as employees refused to call off the strike till a clear assurance was offered that the state would not be divided. Kiran Reddy appealed to employees to end the strike in view of the hardships caused to common people, and said the state would remain united. He said the Telangana bill would be defeated in the assembly. However, employees insisted on an assurance from the centre and all political parties that the state would stay united. During the talks with the chief minister Tuesday night, the Joint Action Committee of Seemandhra electricity employees refused to end the strike without a firm assurance that the state would not be divided. Protests against the centre’s decision to form a new state of Telangana continued in Seemandhra for the 71st day Wednesday. Protestors included government employees, teachers and students. There were rallies, human chains, hunger strikes and sit-ins to demand that the centre keep the state united.
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Apply death penalty norms in dowry cases: SC
NEW DELHI (TIP): In a fresh set of guidelines, the Supreme Court has asked trial courts and high courts to apply the principle of aggravating and mitigating factors — meant for commuting or upholding the death penalty — in dowry death cases which attract only imprisonment, ranging from a minimum of seven years to a maximum of life term under Section 304-B IPC. The guidelines are part of the effort to evolve standardised jurisprudential principles to replace the “highly individualised and judge-centric” sentencing, thereby minimising the “uncertainty” over the quantum of punishment, a Bench comprising Justices SJ Mukhopadhaya and Ranjan Gogoi explained. Applying the new principles, the Bench reduced the life sentence awarded to one Sunil Dutt Sharma in a case of dowry death which had happened in Delhi in May 1992 within two years of his marriage.
Under the fresh guidelines, the Bench has advised the judiciary to first apply the principle of seven aggravating and five mitigating factors evolved by the Supreme Court over the years and culled out in a recent verdict — Shankar Kisanrao Khade vs State of Maharashtra. The Bench said it saw no reason as to why the principles of sentencing evolved by the Supreme Court in death penalty cases would not be applicable to cases involving lesser sentences extending from a single day to life term, particularly in the absence of sentencing guidelines in the statute. Unlike in some foreign jurisdictions where such principles were part the law, in India, it was left to the judiciary to evolve the principles, it noted. Second, the quantum of sentence should not be guided by the necessity to combat the menace of demand for dowry or to prevent atrocities on women and other social evils or to maintain the purity of social conscience as such factors were equally applicable to other crimes as well, the Supreme Court said. “The search for principles to satisfy the crime test in an offence under Section 304-B IPC must therefore lie elsewhere,” it explained.
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J&K HOUSE TO SUMMON FORMER ARMY CHIEF VK SINGH
SRINAGAR (TIP): Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Speaker Mubarak Gul on October 9 said he would summon former Army Chief General VK Singh (retd) to explain allegations that the Army’s secret fund was being used to pay mainstream political leaders of the state since 1947. Amid uproar, the Speaker said VK Singh would be summoned to appear before the House and, if need arises, a special session would be convened to discuss the matter. The Speaker, however, did not fix a timeframe to summoning Singh, who had alleged money was being paid to ministers in the state for getting certain jobs done. “I will not give any time-frame for summoning him, but it can happen very soon,” he said as legislators of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), BJP and Panthers Party shouted slogans seeking summoning of the Army ex-chief in the House, which was adjourned twice over the issue. Earlier in the day, the Speaker said he had decided to write to VK Singh to explain his position. The ruling National Conference had moved a privilege motion in the Assembly against the former Army Chief on September 30. “I will give the former Army Chief an opportunity to explain his position,” Gul said. As the Speaker announced this, PDP legislators demanded that VK Singh should be summoned to the House. State Law Minister Mir Saiffullah, too, intervened and requested the Speaker to summon the former Army Chief.
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THE LEGEND:SACHIN TENDULKAR
I LOOK FORWARD TO PLAYING MY 200TH TEST MATCH ON HOME SOIL, AS I CALL IT A DAY -Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar famously known as Little Master or Master Blaster is one of the greatest cricketer to have ever played the game. He is the leading run scorer and century maker in both formats of the game. Tendulkar is the only player to be in top 10 ICC Batsmen ranking for 10 years in Tests and in 2002, Wisden ranked Sachin as second greatest Test batsman of all time next only to legendary Sir Donald Bradman and the second greatest ODI batsman behind West Indies great Sir Vivian Richards. A normal person can be a specialist in one thing he does the best but Sachin is one man in this world who defies these laws and is a specialist in everything he does. Whether it is batting, bowling or fielding, this man will give everything to help India win. Sachin Tendulkar is one person capable of bringing his country to a standstill. Whenever Sachin strides into the middle, the crowd goes berserk, TRP ratings and TV volume go through the roof, tension levels hit all time high and expectations increase to unprecedented levels. From a child to an 80-year-old man, all have their sights set on Sachin.
If one has to describe Sachin Tendulkar as a player, he would soon run out of adjectives; words like awesome, brilliant, magnificent are certain to cross your mind, though. He is a genius, with God given talent no doubt. He stands at the crease, with such wonderful balance and poise and at the same time intimidating the bowlers. His footwork is near perfect and he is the nearest thing to Bradman there’s ever been. At 5’5, Tendulkar was not the most colossal player to stride on to the field but he bows out as a giant, who ruled cricket for 24 years and gave his legion of fans mesmerizing and emotionally overwhelming memories. With a mountain of runs, Tendulkar’s retirement creates a void so big that one can safely say cricket would never be the same again. His journey started way back in 1989 at the tender age of 16. A disarming smile, curly locks, resolute eyes and abundant talent, this was Sachin who first stepped on to Test cricket against a fiery Pakistani bowling attack boasting of that deadly combination of Imran Khan, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. Tendulkar has niched out a career out of innovation and adaptability. No bowler has single handedly dominated the master. In his glorified two decade journey, Sachin has won almost every award associated with cricket. He also owns the highest number of Man-of-the-Match (62) and Man-of-the-Series awards (26) along with 50,000 in every format of the game.
Sachin got the better of every bowling attack. With wickets falling around, he always decided to take the fight to the opposition and single handedly won India several matches. Sachin has been a part six World Cups, a record jointly held by Pakistan’s Javed Miandad. He has scored more than 2000 runs in the competition which is the highest by any batsman. The talent and genius of Sachin was best summed up by Bradman when he said Tendulkar’s batting reminded him of his own. Tendulkar was the first cricketer to have scored a double century in ODI cricket, the feet he reached at Gwalior on February 25th 2010 against South Africa, at 37 years of age. During the later half of the ’90s, Tendulkar dominated both ODI and Test cricket at will producing memorable innings all across the globe, including the famous ‘Desert Storm’ against Australia which are arguably two of the best ODI knocks ever played. Sachin’s tremendous performances soon elevated him to the most challenging task of captaining the Indian side. But sadly, the pressure of Captaincy took it’s toll on Sachin as his batting form dipped and many criticized Sachin for not leading from the front. Much has been said about the characteristics of a great batsman by many pundits over the year. But when Tendulkar produced what many believe “the most awe-inspiring innings” at Sydney in January 2004 against the might Aussies, he redifined greatness.
After being repeatedly dismissed playing shots on the off-side, Tendulkar did not attempt even a single off-side stroke until he was a good 150 not out and went to score 241 in that innings. More recently, he was woefully out of form during India’s Test and ODI whitewash at the hands of England last year and carried the weight of expectations to what turned out to be a horror tour of Australia. But eventually, the best batsman of the modern era dug in deep and ensured that he went out on his own terms. His impact resonated much beyond the cricket field as he accomplished a rare feat by becoming a Rajya Sabha member last year. “Beneath the helmet, under that unruly curly hair, inside the cranium, there is something we don’t know, something beyond scientific measure. Something that allows him to soar, to roam a territory of sport that, forget us, even those who are gifted enough to play alongside him cannot even fathom. When he goes out to bat, people switch on their television sets and switch off their lives- BBC Sports, on Sachin Tendulkar.”
Achievements
1994: Sandeepreddy Award Recipient for achievements in cricket 1997: Tendulkar was one of the five cricketers selected as Wisden Cricketer of the Year 1997/98: India’s highest sporting honour – Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna 1999: Padma Shri – India’s fourth highest civilian award 2008: Padma Vibhushan – India’s second highest civilian award 2010: ICC Cricketer of the year – Highest award in the ICC listings 2010: LG People’s Choice Award ICC World Test XI: 2009, 2010, 2011 ICC World ODI XI: 2004, 2007, 2010 Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World 1997, 2010, 2012. -
YUVRAJ BLINDER OVERCOMES CHASE OF 202
RAJKOT (TIP): In his second comeback after recovering from cancer, a leaner and fitter Yuvraj Singh was called upon to do a job he has done numerous times for India in ODIs – revive a floundering chase, with MS Dhoni for company, and only the lower order to follow. Only, this was a T20 and Yuvraj did not have the luxury of building his innings before accelerating. He duly cut out the building part, and unleashed trademark pick-up sixes and lofted drives to haul in the target of 202 with two deliveries remaining. India were facing an asking-rate of nearly 12 at 100 for 4 in the 12th over, but Yuvraj’s response was so forceful, that all Dhoni needed to do was give him the strike. By the end, the partnership was 102 at exactly two runs a ball, Yuvraj’s 77 off 35 showing his dominance. Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina and Virat Kohli had all failed to kick on from starts and India’s innings was in danger of going Australia’s way, who had lost too many wickets in maintaining a frenetic pace of scoring, and had run out of steam at the death.
Aaron Finch seemed set to carry Australia way over 200 but his exit in the 17th over for 89 off 52 helped India keep the visitors to 201, as only 29 came off the final four. India themselves needed 49 off the final four, but Yuvraj was in such flow that the big shot was always at hand. Yuvraj first took 18 off Clint McKay in the 14th over, and then, when the pressure escalated again, carted James Faulkner for successive sixes in the 17th. The timing on the boundaries was vintage Yuvraj, as was the effortlessness and grace. George Bailey’s preferred field of three men in the ring around point worked to Yuvraj’s advantage, as did the fact that Australia bowled too full to him. Dhoni did his bit, constantly scampering twos and ones as he does in ODI chases, and coming up with the crucial boundary, a typical stretch-and-club to cover, when it came down to six needed off four. Yuvraj’s cool assault meant Finch’s innings, and Australia’s electric start, were in vain. After being put in, Finch and debutant Nic Maddinson had kickstarted the innings with a 56-run partnership inside five overs. It was the manner in which the openers attacked the offspin of R Ashwin that stood out.
The highly-rated Maddinson, 21, calmly stepped out to Ashwin’s first delivery and lofted it cleanly over extra cover for four. Finch set about cutting and lofting with intent, and Ashwin’s first over cost India 17. Maddinson made 34 before missing a slog to be bowled. Vinay Kumar got both Shane Watson and George Bailey in the eighth over. Finch, meanwhile, kept battering boundaries, generating immense power and finding gaps consistently. He was swift and brutal on the cut, played the lofted drive repeatedly and when he went to cow corner, it was more timing and placement than slogging. Glenn Maxwell showed Australia were in no mood to relent even momentarily, swinging Ashwin for three sixes in the tenth over as the score zoomed to 114 for 3 at the halfway stage of the innings. Ashwin’s figures read 2-0-41-0, and Dhoni was forced to turn to Virat Kohli’s mediums for a couple of costly overs. Australia stalled after Finch clubbed a high full toss straight to Vinay. The blow split the webbing on the bowler’s left hand, but did not deter him from sending down a couple of tight overs. A last-ball six from Faulkner took the score past 200, but Yuvraj hunted it down with the calm of old.
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Raja Bhaiya re-inducted as minister in UP cabinet
LUCKNOW (TIP): In an apparent bid to woo the Thakur community, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav on October 11 expanded his council of ministers and reinducted controversial leader Raghuraj Pratap Singh alias Raja Bhaiya as a cabinet minister. Governor BL Joshi administered the oath of office and secrecy to Raja Bhaiya at Raj Bhawan at about 10.15am. Raja Bhaiya, an independent MLA from Kunda in Pratapgarh district, had resigned from the state cabinet on March 4, 2013, following the murder of Kunda deputy superintendent of police Zia ul-Haq, a village pradhan, Nanhe Yadav, and his brother, Suresh Yadav at Balipur village in Pratapgarh. On March 2, the police officer had gone to Nanhe’s house on getting the news of his killing at the village market place. But when he reached there, a rampaging mob led by Suresh overpowered him and beat him up to death. Suresh got killed after being hit by a bullet from his own rifle that went off accidently. The police officer’s wife had accused Raja Bhaiya of conspiring in the murder of her husband. Succumbing to the pressure mounted by opposition parties, he had resigned as minister till the investigation was completed. The state government recommended a CBI probe to ensure a fair inquiry. Besides interrogating Raja Bhaiya, the CBI had also conducted a narco test on him. The investigation agency gave Raja Bhaiya a clean chit in August 2013, and speculations were rife that he would be re-inducted in the cabinet. Minister for parliamentary affairs Mohammad Azam Khan had also early this week met Raja Bhaiya, apparently to convey to him that the SP leadership was open to take him back into the Cabinet.
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India progressing well on ASEAN partnership
JAKARTA (TIP): India has made significant progress on its proposed plan of action for expanding partnership with the 10-nation ASEAN grouping in areas of economic, political, security and socio-cultural cooperation, and the two sides are on track to meet $100 billion trade by 2015. The assessment has been made in an executive report on the progress in the implementation of the projects and activities under the Plan of Action to Implement the ‘ASEANIndia Partnership for Peace, Progress and Shared Prosperity (2010-15)’. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh last night arrived here in Indonesia, a key ASEAN country, for a bilateral visit after attending ASEAN summits in another South East Asian nation Brunei from October 9-10. Besides attending the ASEAN and East Asia Summits, Singh also held bilateral meetings with various government leaders on the sidelines in Brunei and would hold bilateral talks with Indonesian leaders here. The key members of ASEAN block include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam. Singh also announced that India would set up a separate mission for ASEAN with a full time ambassador, who would be based in Jakarta where the ASEAN Secretariat is also located.
The report highlighted that the past three years have “witnessed remarkable progress” in the implementation of the Plan of Action. “The successful conduct of a large number of activities and collaborative projects in a range of sectors covering all three pillars — political security, economic and sociocultural — was made possible through concerted efforts by both ASEAN Member States and India, and efficient coordination by Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, and the ASEAN Secretariat,” it said. The Mid-Term review would be undertaken by the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN and the Ambassador of India to ASEAN. On the economic front, volume of trade and investment flows between ASEAN and India has increased considerably, but remains relatively low compared with other dialogue partners of ASEAN. The bilateral trade grew by 4.6 per cent from $68.4 billion in 2011 to USD 71.6 billion in 2012. ASEAN’s exports were valued at $43.84 billion and imports from India amounted to $27.72 billion in 2012. The target has been set at $100 billion by 2015 for ASEAN-India trade.
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Rahul-for-PM clamour resurfaces in Congress
NEW DELHI (TIP): Congress echoed with calls on October 10 that Rahul Gandhi lead the next government, putting back on centrestage the demand that the party vice-president be declared the PM candidate for 2014 elections. A day after Rahul announced that the party would form a government of youth after the next Lok Sabha elections, Congress said it was the collective wish of workers that he take charge. AICC spokesman P C Chacko said, “We hope he will lead the party in the elections and take up the reins of the administration after elections.” The stance diverged from the Congress leadership’s reluctance to pitch Rahul in the prime ministerial contest that would pit him in a direct contest with the BJP candidate for the top job, Narendra Modi. The reluctance has been attributed as much to the desire to avoid a clash of personalities in the 2014 polls as to deal with an unclear mandate in which heading a coalition may require an experienced hand.
That is where Rahul’s comments in Rampur are seen as a big leap, indicating a willingness to be seen as the PM in the next government. On Thursday, Rahul told a rally, “The 2014 elections are coming. Once again, a government of the common man and the poor will be formed. Listen to me carefully. A government of the youth will be formed in 2014, which will transform this country.” It was enough for Congress leaders to raise the Rahulfor- PM clamour. Home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said, “I welcome Rahul’s statement. Very rightly, he has said that the leadership should go into the hands of the youth. And our desire is that Rahul should become the PM of this great country.” Asked about the prime ministership, Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit said, “I would like to, and I know a lot of young people would like to, see him (Rahul) take a much bigger role. He is playing a bigger role and he will come to it gradually. Things happen in Congress politics when the moment comes.”
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Low growth, high inflation likely to persist in India
NEW DELHI (TIP): Economic data in coming days will likely offer further evidence of weak growth and high inflation, complicating the Reserve Bank of India’s mission of cooling prices without worsening the slowdown and adding to the government’s difficulties as it heads into an election season. Asia’s third-largest economy has been caught in a situation which some analysts define as akin to stagflation for the past three quarters – with economic growth stuck below 5 percent and prices rising at a fast clip. Industrial output data due later on Friday and inflation numbers to be released on Monday will show the same trend, two Reuters polls of economists showed. That’s a worry for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s Congress party as it campaigns for five state elections starting in November, a warm up for national elections due by next May.
The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party has gained momentum in recent months thanks in part to the weak economic performance of Singh, a veteran economist and reformer. The government is hopeful the economy will start to recover by the end of the year on higher farm output and exports. But Friday’s data will likely add to Singh’s woes, showing production from mines and factories grew by just an annual 2 percent in August, slower than July’s 2.6 percent rise, according to one of the surveys. Output contracted 0.2 percent between April and July, the first four months of the fiscal year 2013/14. More pain is expected on Monday, when another set of data is likely to show wholesale prices rose 6 percent in September, a tad below a six-month high of 6.1 percent in August. Consumer inflation, also due on Monday, probably quickened to 9.60 percent last month from 9.52 percent in August, the poll showed. The government will release the data on wholesale prices around 06:30 GMT. Consumer price data is due at 1200 GMT. “India is likely to face low growth and high inflation for some time,” said Daniel Martin, Asia Economist at Capital Economics in Singapore, who expects the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to increase its repo rate by another 25 basis points later this month.
