The Indian Panorama

Year: 2013

  • BENEFITS OF ALMONDS FOR SKIN, HAIR AND HEALTH

    BENEFITS OF ALMONDS FOR SKIN, HAIR AND HEALTH

    Almonds are a superfood, which are high in vitamin E and good fats, which are beneficial for the hair, skin and the body. Nutritionist, Suman Agarwal who is also a fitness consultant and founder of Selfcare in Mumbai lists the health benefits of almonds for the skin, hair and body.

    Great for hair
    Almonds are a rich source of vitamin D and magnesium and it are used in a variety of cosmetics and creams. Deficiency of magnesium in the body can lead to hair fall. Almond oil applied once in a week can help to moisturise the scalp, improve the hair quality and reduce hair fall.

    Superb for skin
    Almonds can benefit the complexion as they contains a good amount of vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which helps in preventing cell damage and also helps in preventing the damage caused by the sun’s rays. Almond milk is also rich in proteins and vitamins and helps hydrate and soften the skin.

    Marvelous for memory
    Almonds are a rich source of B vitamins and minerals and may help to improve memory. B vitamins also help in improving the communication between the brain cells.

    Good for hangovers
    Almonds are high in fat and will slowdown the absorption of alcohol in the blood and are a good cure for hangovers.

    Fit for weight Loss
    Almonds contain phytosterol and mono unsaturated fatty acids which help in reducing cholesterol and LDL. Raw almonds are a good source of proteins and fibre, which will help curb your appetite, as they make you feel full. What is the best way to eat almonds? Raw, roasted or soaked? Soaked almonds have a lesser amount of phytates and help in promoting good digestion. Whereas, bitter almonds cannot be eaten raw as they contain toxic substances called prussic acid.

  • Patiala Police denies releasing a list of NRIs involved in International Drug Racket

    Patiala Police denies releasing a list of NRIs involved in International Drug Racket

    Harjit Singh Dhesi

    DALLAS (TIP): The arrest of a dismissed Punjab Police officer involved in an international drug racket on November 11near the Haryana-Delhi border has given rise to a variety of news relating to involvement of many NRIs in the racket. The arrested Ex-deputy superintendent of Punjab police Jagdish Bhola is reported to have stated, according to a police officer who requested for anonymity, that the markets spanned up to Britain, Canada and European countries and quite a few well known NRIs were part of the racket. A Canadian newspaper carried the news that Patiala police which had arrested Bhola has identified over 30 non-resident Indians (NRIs), who acted as active and passive couriers for him. There was mention of some of the names in the news report.

    Among those mentioned were John Singh Gill, Jaswinder Choker, and Major Nat who claimed their innocense. According to information available with The Indian Panorama, when Sacramento based journalist representing Ajit of Jalandhar asked the Patiala Police Chief, the Senior Superintendent Hardial Singh Mann whether or not the police had released a list of NRIs supposedly involved in the drug racket, the SSP said that the Police had not released any list carrying the names of persons in question.

    The attorney for John Singh Gill decried such rumors, which he said, were aimed at tarnishing the fair image of his client. A friend of John Singh Gill said it was the handiwork of those who are envious of John Singh Gill who has come to occupy a fair name and position in the community and is known as one of the best promoters of the game of Kabaddi. He added that it is by sheer dint of hard work that Gill, Choker, Nat and people like them came to acquire respectability and commanded admiration of the community. He condemned those who were trying to damage their image by spreading rumors.

  • Federal officials seek $325,000 penalty against Southwest Airlines Co

    Federal officials seek $325,000 penalty against Southwest Airlines Co

    DALLAS (TIP): Federal officials are seeking a $325,000 penalty against Southwest Airlines Co. over a faulty repair job on an AirTran jet in 2011, says an AP report. The Federal Aviation Administration on Monday said the company operated a Boeing 717 on 1,140 flights after maintenance workers improperly installed a switch used to help prevent ice buildup. Dallasbased Southwest, which bought AirTran in 2011, has 30 days to respond.

  • The Dallas-Fort Worth economy has outperformed the Texas economy so far this year: Dallas Fed

    The Dallas-Fort Worth economy has outperformed the Texas economy so far this year: Dallas Fed

    DALLAS (TIP): The North Texas economy has grown at “moderately strong pace” this year through October and is outperforming the state, according to a new report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. The Dallas-Fort Worth Economic Indicators provides a variety of economic data and analysis about the region. The Dallas Fed said it will release the report on the third Thursday of each month. Dallas Fed spokesman Alexander Johnson said the new report is in keeping with the bank’s role in monitoring the regional economy, conducting regional research “vital to the nation’s monetary policy process” and releasing information for public use.

    “We felt we needed to enhance our monitoring of the Dallas-Fort Worth economy because of its growing importance to our region,” he added. Here are some highlights of the report: * EMPLOYMENT: Dallas-Fort Worth employment has grown 2.9 percent, faster that the Texas growth rate of 2.4 percent. Job growth continues to be across many different industry groups, but led by: construction and oil and gas, professional and business services; and financial services. * UNEMPLOYMENT: The October unemployment rate was 6 percent in Fort Worth and 6.1 percent in Dallas. Both were lower than the Texas rate of 6.2 percent and the U.S. rate of 7.3 percent that month.

    * HOME PRICES: Home prices continue to rise as inventories fall. In October, the median price of a home in Dallas was $196,004 and $136,380 in Fort Worth. Dallas-Fort Worth prices surpassed their 2007 peak in April and were up an annualized 10.2 percent as of August, according to the S&P Case-Shiller index. The average U.S. home price is rising at a faster pace – as some hard-hit states catch up – but remains below the pre-recession peak. * INDUSTRIAL AVAILABILITY: Industrial real estate availability rates fell to 10.1 in Fort Worth and 12.7 in Dallas in the second quarter as distribution and logistics companies have increased the demand for space.

    Rental rates have been increasing in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, which is a major trade and distribution hub. * BUSINESS CYCLE INDEX: The Dallas and Fort Worth indices each rose at a 5 percent pace, slightly slower than a year earlier but faster than the state. The indices include employment, the unemployment rate, inflation-adjusted real wages and inflation-adjusted retail sales.

  • OLD SMOKERS WHO QUIT REAP HEART BENEFITS FASTER

    OLD SMOKERS WHO QUIT REAP HEART BENEFITS FASTER

    Anew study led by Indian origin researcher has suggested that cigarette smokers who are over 65 years of age may be able to lower their risk of cardiovascular disease-related deaths to the level of never-smokers when they quit faster than previously reported. A study by Ali Ahmed, M.D., M.P.H., senior researcher and professor of cardiovascular disease at the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s School of Medicine, showed that older people who smoked less than 32 “pack years”- 3.2 packs (20 cigarettes per pack) a day for no more than 10 years or less than one pack a day for 30 years – and gave up smoking 15 or fewer years ago lowered their risks of developing heart failure or dying from heart failure, heart attacks and strokes to the same level as those who had never smoked. Previous research showed it may take up to 15 years or more of abstinence for smokers to reach similar cardiovascular death risks as people who never smoke. But many of the people in the study were able to reduce their risk in less than 15 years.

  • 2 million Google, Facebook, Twitter passwords stolen

    2 million Google, Facebook, Twitter passwords stolen

    BOSTON (TIP): Security experts have uncovered a trove of some 2 million stolen passwords to websites including Facebook, Google, Twitter and Yahoo from internet users across the globe. Researchers with Trustwave’s SpiderLabs said they discovered the credentials while investigating a server in the Netherlands that cybercriminals use to control a massive network of compromised computers known as the “Pony botnet.”

    The company said that it has reported its findings to the largest of more than 90,000 websites and internet service providers whose customers’ credentials it had found on the server. The data includes more than 3,26,000 Facebook accounts, some 60,000 Google accounts, more than 59,000 Yahoo accounts and nearly 22,000 Twitter accounts, according to SpiderLabs. Victims’ were from the United States, Germany, Singapore and Thailand, among other countries. Representatives for Facebook and Twitter said the companies have reset the passwords of affected users. A Google spokeswoman declined comment.

    Yahoo representatives could not be reached. SpiderLabs said it has contacted authorities in the Netherlands and asked them to take down the Pony botnet server. An analysis posted on the SpiderLabs blog showed that the most-common password in the set was “123456,” which was used in nearly 16,000 accounts.

    Other commonly used credentials included “password,” “admin,” “123” and “1.” Graham Cluley, an independent security expert, said it is extremely common for people to use such simple passwords and also re-use them on multiple accounts, even though they are extremely easy to crack. “People are using very dumb passwords. They are totally useless,” he said.

  • Narayan Sai caught after two-month cross-country run

    Narayan Sai caught after two-month cross-country run

    NEW DELHI/CHANDIGARH (TIP): After dodging police for nearly two months, godman Asaram Bapu’s son Narayan Sai, accused of rape by two Surat-based sisters, was arrested on Delhi-Chandigarh National Highway-1 after a 72-hour cat-andmouse chase by Delhi Police crime branch. Sai, police said, was disguised as a Sikh when he was caught. He had also stocked utensils and ration in his Ford Eco Sport and a juvenile cook to prepare him food. Sai, who mistook the cops as kidnappers, first tried negotiating a ransom saying he was going to Delhi to sign some legal documents.

    Sai, police said, was hoping to evade cops busy with Delhi elections, which was why he was so close to the national capital. Sai is wanted in connection with a complaint lodged by two sisters of sexual assault,unnatural sex, criminal intimidation and criminal conspiracy at a police station in Surat, Gujarat. He was taken on transit remand to Surat after being produced at Rohini court. Asaram is in Jodhpur jail since his arrest in September for allegedly sexually assaulting a teenager who lodged an FIR with Delhi Police.

    “A team led by DCP Kumar Gyanesh and ACP KPS Malhtora arrested Narayan Sai and two of his associates… Six mobile phones used by all the accused were also recovered along with the Eco Sport in which they were travelling,” said SBK Singh, joint commissioner of police, crime branch. Apart from Sai, his PSO Kaushal Thakur and driver Ramesh Malhotra were also arrested. Sai carried a reward of Rs 5 lakh on information leading to his arrest and his staff Rs 1 lakh. It’s learnt that a close associate of Sai’s driver, Ramesh, played a key role in the arrests.

    There were protests outside crime branch office and Rohini court by Sai’s supporters who lay flowers on the path inside the court and sloganeered in his favour. A team of 22 Delhi policemen camped in Ludhiana for 24 hours. Police said Sai used 32 SIM cards and six cell phones to duck cops. The first batch of 10 cops reached Ludhiana on December 2 in Sarabha Nagar. Sai was hiding in a gaushala owned by electronic goods dealer Pankaj Agnihotri in Model Town area.

    “Out of the past 70 days, he was putting up at this place for almost a month and Agnihotri was his disciple,” said ACP (crime) Ravindra Yadav. During his crosscountry run, Sai used several vehicles like Toyota Camry, Toyota Altis, Toyota Fortuner, Swift Dzire apart from Ford Eco Sport in which he was nabbed.

  • ALWAYS CHECK FOR BLOOD IN URINE

    ALWAYS CHECK FOR BLOOD IN URINE

    Apublic health campaign has warned people that they should contact their doctor if they spot blood even once in their urine. According to Public Health England, the rise of Kidney cancer diagnoses by a third in the past 10 years in England is due to unhealthy lifestyles, such as smoking and obesity, the BBC reported. The death toll has increased by 7 percent, with about 3,500 people dying from kidney cancer in England in 2011.

    Visible blood in the urine is a symptom in more than 80 percent of bladder cancer patients and in most of those with kidney cancer. Kevin Fenton, PHE director of health and wellbeing, said that their message is clear, “as soon as you spot blood in your pee, visit the GP”. Fenton said that though its probably nothing serious, but it could also be a sign of something else that needs treatment, so people shouldn’t ignore the symptom.

  • Exit Polls Indicate BJP Juggernaut & Congress Rout

    Exit Polls Indicate BJP Juggernaut & Congress Rout

    NEW DELHI (TIP): The Congress faces a blank-out in four states that have polled in assembly elections in November-December, while the BJP will certainly win in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, is likely to retain Chhattisgarh and may just grab power in Delhi as well, according to exit polls and postpoll surveys released on December 4. If these polls prove to be accurate, it is very bad news for the Congress which faces a national election five months down the road. Equally, it is a bumper booster shot in the BJP’s arm and its prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi.

    While Mizoram has also had assembly elections, no exit polls were available for the state and its outcome, in any case, can have little effect on the 2014 elections. While there were only minor differences among the different polls on Rajasthan, MP and Chhattisgarh, the estimates for Delhi varied widely, with two of the four polls predicting a hung assembly, but two others giving the BJP a clear though slim majority.

    One poll even suggested that debutant Aam Aadmi Party would emerge as the single largest party in the new assembly. On Delhi — the election that will be most closely watched as a pointer to the national mood — an ORG survey for Headlines Today suggested the BJP would win 41 seats, giving it a clear majority in the 70-member assembly. It said the Congress would win 20 seats, and AAP just six. The ABP News-AC Nielsen also predicted a BJP win with 37 seats, but predicted that the Congress with 16 and AAP with 15 would finish neck-and-neck.

    The C-Voter poll put the BJP tantalisingly short of a majority with 31 seats, the Congress and 20, AAP at 15 and others with four seats, which could end in a hung house. Today’s Chanakya had a radically different prediction, with AAP projected to win 31 seats, BJP 29 and Congress a mere 10. Obviously, the significant performance of newcomer AAP was seriously testing the science of psephology. The other relatively close contest appears to be in Chhattisgarh.

    Here, ORG and Today’s Chanakya gave BJP a clear majority, C-Voter predicted it would fall just short and the CNN-IBN-CSDS poll gave a range for the party of 45-55 seats in the 90-member house, which means it may or may not have a majority. What they all agreed on was that the Congress would not win, its tally ranging from a minimum of 32 to a maximum of 41 across the four polls. On Madhya Pradesh, there is unanimity that Shivraj Singh Chouhan will win a third term in style. The range of predicted tallies for the BJP in the 230-member is from a minimum of 128 in the C-Voter poll to a maximum of 161 in the poll done by Today’s Chanakya.

    The Congress tally in the state, if the polls are right, could be anywhere between 62 and 92. Rajasthan too is projected to deliver a landslide verdict in favour of the BJP, with its tally projected at 110-147 seats in the 200-member assembly across four different surveys and the Congress predicted to win at best 62 seats and at worst 39.

  • New York City’s ‘Holi Hai’ to launch in Dallas, Washington DC

    New York City’s ‘Holi Hai’ to launch in Dallas, Washington DC

    Pooja Premchandran DALLAS, TX(TIP): The upcoming Holi of 2014 will have the vibrant and highly popular event ‘Holi Hai’ from New York City, extend their festivities in Dallas, Texas andWashingtonD.C. Megha Kalia, Founder and Artistic Director of NYC Bhangra confirmed to The Indian Panorama of its planned ventures. Started by Kalia from her two bedroom apartment in Queens, today the event is the largest celebration of the festival of colors in New York City. As a non-ticketed event, NYC Holi also boasts of the largest number of non-Indian attendees. The journey has been a multitude of colors for her. “Blue, black, red, white! I have faced it all in my journey so far. But it is all totally worth the painstaking effort when I see the celebrants face light up with joy at the event every year.” As part of extending her venture, Megha Kalia has closed in on Dallas and WashingtonDC. With the popularity the event was gaining, it was a natural move for her to push beyond the boundaries and even look far west.


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    colors of Holi

    “I did extensive research and spoke to innumerable people regarding celebrations of Holi as well as promotion of Bhangra in the rest of the country. Only a few engaged and promoted Bhangra to its audience. The dance form of Bhangra is vibrant, fun and colourful, all of which are synonymous to Holi. And I wanted people from these cities to experience the same fun that New York has been having since the past 5 years during Holi, “says Kalia. Besides playing Holi the traditional way (throwing colour at each other), NYC Bhangra’s Holi celebrations also provide a platform to emerging artists (in dance and music) to exhibit their talent to residents of New York City. But the event isn’t fulfilled without the must-have dose of Bhangra. Says Kalia, “Since 2010, we have continued to engage our audiences into Bhangra which is in line with our mission. Naturally, at an environment like that of Holi, Bhangra just goes hand in hand.” Megha sincerely hopes for the same extent of support she received in New York to follow her to DC and Dallas.

    “In the last few year of the event in NYC, we have received inexpressible amount of support from our sponsors such as State Bank of India, Incredible India, Time Warner Cable, Sony TV, Zee TV, etc. We look for similar support and encouragement from DC and Dallas. In terms of our expansion, we sincerely hope to see these cities welcome Bhangra and celebrate Holi with much gusto and spirit as is a must for Holi,” says Kalia. NYC Bhangra is New York City’s group of Bhangra enthusiasts who are engaging people in the Bhangra joy and creating more awareness of the dance through dance showcases and performances. NYC Bhangra was established in 2007 to promote Indian dance forms in New York City. Sponsors can reach NYC Bhangra atinfo@nycbhangra.com or 212-372-8001. Watch this space for more information on the venue and dates of the event.

  • Will Indian bowlers be equal to task?

    Will Indian bowlers be equal to task?

    JOHANNESBURG (TIP): There have been instances in recent past when scores well above 300 have looked vulnerable. The Indian bowling attack has looked listless, especially with the field restrictions coming into play in the back end of the innings and the South Africans know all about it. “India are certainly not the best bowling attack in the world. We won’t be underestimating them, but it’s an area where we can get on top of them,” South African skipper AB de Villiers upped the ante on Tuesday. What has let the Indian skipper MS Dhoni down time and again is the lack of penetration in his pace attack towards the end. The yorkers have been far and few in between, and teams, despite losing wickets, have been able to step on the gas at the death.

    The biggest culprit has been Ishant Sharma, who went for 30 in one over in a game against Australia, and hasn’t played an ODI since. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s lack of pace reduces his efficacy in the slog overs while Umesh Yadav is a little erratic. His only ray of hope is Shami Ahmed, who showed that he can bowl inswinging yorkers in Test matches, but doing it under pressure of ODI death overs is another matter. In such a situation, it becomes crucial for India to pick up early wickets and that’s what the skipper stressed on. “With the two new-ball rule and the conditions in favour of fast bowlers, it’s important how you play the first 10 overs. If a side has wicket in hands, getting a par-plus score in the last 15 is not difficult,” Dhoni said.

    The bowlers did that quite consistently during the Champions Trophy in England in June and de Villiers, despite the jibe, was on the guard. “The batsmen sometimes think they can get on top of this attack very easily and that’s when these guys tend to take a lot of wickets,” the skipper said. The one crucial component of the Indian attack that isn’t getting too much attention in the context of the pacer-friendly tracks of South Africa is spin. But Dhoni, deep down, feels that his spinners are better off in ODIs abroad than they are at home. “They struggle when there’s dew in the ground,” the skipper said, hinting at daynight ODIs in India. He is probably taking hope from R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja’s record on tracks where there has been some bounce.

  • Nadal to return to Buenos Aires event after nine years

    Nadal to return to Buenos Aires event after nine years

    BUENOS AIRES (TIP): World number one Rafael Nadal will play in the Buenos Aires ATP tournament in February for the first time since 2005, the Spaniard said on December 3. The tournament to be held at the Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club from February 10 to 16 is part of the Latin American swing of claycourt events which also includes tournaments in Chile, Brazil and Mexico. “After a time when I was unable to go, this year I’m going to return to the Buenos Aires tournament and I’m excited to play the Copa Claro again,” Nadal said in a video shown at a news conference. Nadal lost to Argentine Gaston Gaudio, the 2004 French Open champion, in the quarterfinal of the 2005 Buenos Aires tournament at the start of a glittering career that has included 13 Grand Slam titles, eight at Roland Garros.

    “We’re very happy to have Rafa, to have a world number one playing for the points in Argentina,” said tournament director Martin Jaite, who is also his country’s Davis Cup captain. Nadal made his comeback from a long injury layoff at the Vina del Mar tournament in Chile last February, launching a comeback that took him back to the top of the rankings last month. He was in Argentina last month for exhibition matches against world number two Novak Djokovic and retired Argentine former number three David Nalbandian’s farewell to tennis. Buenos Aires champion David Ferrer will not be defending his title.

  • EVA LONGORIA DATING MEXICAN BUSINESSMAN

    EVA LONGORIA DATING MEXICAN BUSINESSMAN

    Eva Longoria is dating Mexican businessman, Jose Antonio Baston, after splitting from her on-off boyfriend Eduardo Cruz, it has been revealed. The couple recently walked the red carpet together at the Museo Jumex Opening dinner at Case De La Bola in Mexico. A source told People Magazine that Baston, 45, has been sweeping the former ‘Desperate Housewives’ star off her feet and courting her like a proper gentleman.

    Another source had previously told the publication that the 38-yearold actress is very happy with her new beau and he’s absolutely crazy about her. Baston’s the president of Latin America’s largest media company Televisa.

  • WOULD LOVE TO BE IN A HINDI MOVIE: SHARON STONE

    WOULD LOVE TO BE IN A HINDI MOVIE: SHARON STONE

    American actressproducer Sharon Stone, currently in Mumbai for a fund-raising event, says she would love to be in a Hindi movie. “I’d love to be in one of the Hindi movies and, of course, I have seen many films. The language is different, but I like it,” Stone told reporters during the gala event organised by international organisation amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, in Mumbai.

    Asked if she had learnt any Hindi, Stone said: “I have learnt to say ‘Namaste’.” “I love Indian food, I love spicy food. It’s fantastic. I got up today morning at 4 and went for a walk, it’s a moment that you feel. Its a whole different feeling — I went to a temple, it was great,” the actress said.

  • Insidious Chapter 2

    Insidious Chapter 2

    STORY: The Lambert family continues to get haunted by evil spirits as they rediscover the past and regret their unsolicited paranormal connect with the dead. REVIEW: The ‘king of horror’ James Wan is back with Insidious Chapter 2 and if you don’t expect every horror film to be The Conjuring, you’ll find this one quite entertaining. However, since the sequel is clearly made with an intention to cash in on the success of its much more superior prequel, be prepared to find the scares a tad unimaginative, especially if you love the genre.

    The film picks up right where the previous one (Insidious 2010) ended. After battling evil spirits from the dark side or ‘The Further’, where father Josh Lambert ( Patrick Wilson) himself travels, to get the soul of his son back, he returns with him safe but something changes. The Lambert family is haunted once again and there’s a massive backstory to explain ‘how it all started’. While the execution and some scare sequences are super-creepy, the whole unraveling the puzzle that comprises the backstory, gets too convoluted for a horror film.

    The family is looking for answers throughout and while they are at it, you wonder where this whole investigative drama is headed, as opposed to the prequel, where the spook quotient was higher. No wonder Wan declared that he would move on to making other genres post this one for he must have clearly sensed the dangers of overindulgence. The cast has been repeated and it’s perfect. All actors manage to send shivers down your spine with their performance.

    The setting of Josh’s old house in particular gives you the chills; dark rooms, lonely nights, whispers in the corridors and sudden screams…Wan knows what it takes to unsettle you. Insidious Chapter 2 is tense and intriguing. If you haven’t seen the previous film, this might work better for you. Also, for the fainthearted, if you analyze your dreams way too much or face sleep disorders, stay away.

  • Ram-Leela

    Ram-Leela

    STORY: Boy and girl from warring factions love one another. Do they live happily ever after? REVIEW: What new can a filmmaker do with William Shakespeare’s classic love story Romeo and Juliet? The answer is, if you are Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who is technically sound and artistically astute as far as art and craft go, you just become impudent, set the story in Gujarat, sign Bollywood’s currently best actress Deepika Padukone (Leela), team her up with `I’ve-got-fire-in-myloins’ actor Ranveer Singh (Ram) and then let them loose on one another. So there’s the Sanada clan girl Leela who falls in love, or for the most part lust, with her enemy Ram, a Rajadi.

    Their clans have been at war for 500 years and the exaggeratedly trigger-happy lot that these turbanwearing folk have been portrayed as clearly underlines that no matter what one Ram or Leela feel, the rest of the clan only believe in mutiny. So bullets fly, blood flows and bahus become victims of evil design. In between this warfare, Deepika and Ranveer touch, feel, kiss and cuddle and ensure you can feel their stirring. Quite unabashedly, the filmmaker uses his lead pair’s real and reel chemistry, fuses it with sexual tension and makes it compelling for you to partake in their love-hate relationship.

    For the most part, Ram-Leela, SLB’s most commercial work till date, has nice doses of raunch and ras (juice). Since the plot is Shakespearan, the maker has the arduous task of telling you this story on an opulent scale. Vintage palaces and daunting deserts are fitted in with precision, giving you truly awe moments. The music and picturisation of ‘Tattad tattad’, ‘Lahu munh lag gaya’ and ‘Nagada sang dhol’ enrich your cinematic experience. Deepika is breathtaking and in top form. Ranveer displays his six packs and histrionics with fair ease. This could be the start of his journey into superstardom. You have to also applaud Richa Chadda and Supriya Pathak Kapur for being the talent they are.

  • IS ALIA BHATT THE NEXT KAREENA KAPOOR?

    IS ALIA BHATT THE NEXT KAREENA KAPOOR?

    Those who are close to Kareena Kapoor Khan know that the actress is blunt and very choosey when it comes to praising others. She also considers herself as the best in her field and feels that no one can be compared to her. However, if sources are to be believed the actress has taken a liking towards Alia Bhatt.

    A Mid-Day report says that Kareena is very fond of Alia and has been openly praising her. She feels that not only is Alia very talented but she has the same spunk and attitude that Kareena had when she joined the industry. The report quotes a source close to the senior actress and says that she feels Alia is her younger version and she will be the next Kareena. Apparently Alia is also very fond of Kareena and considers her a role model.

  • KATRINA SAYS PICS WITH RANBIR WAS OF A PRIVATE MOMENT

    KATRINA SAYS PICS WITH RANBIR WAS OF A PRIVATE MOMENT

    Actress Katrina Kaif, who was angry after her holiday pictures with “rumored” beau Ranbir Kapoor went viral in media, calls them “a private moment”. She had written a letter to the media afterwards and said she was upset, distressed and felt media invaded her privacy. “I saw the photos and reacted from heart at that moment. I was upset, hurt, angry. I feel it was a private moment (with Ranbir)…so privacy was expected,” Katrina said.

    “The pictures were taken while I was on holiday by someone who, in an act of cowardice, has shot without permission and then used the pictures for commercial gain,” Katrina had written in the letter. In the pictures, she is seen in a bikini along with Ranbir at a beach in Spain. “Next time when you all plan to take pictures give me a notice. Red doesn’t look good with white (regarding the colour of her bikini)… I will wear matching next,” she added, on a lighter note. “Nothing like this happened in nine years. I felt it was done with a mean moment. What they (media) did was right and the way I reacted was also right as that time I was hurt,” Katrina said

  • KASHMIR ON A PLATTER

    KASHMIR ON A PLATTER

    This winter, get handcuffed in the mystifying beauty and mouthwatering cuisines of Kashmir The beauty, the serenity and the calmness are the not the only factors which make Kashmir the most desired vacation destination by those who love to live out of their back-packs. This epitome of natural beauty, which is also considered as the most scenic summer getaway across Asia and has left several poets trapped in between their poetic lines (describing Kashmir’s beauty). Also this hilly region boasts not one, but of having at least 10 beautiful holiday destinations within it which makes it the most preferred summer destination for travellers.

    The most visited locals in the district are Shrinagar, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Yousmarg, Patnitop, Leh, Zangla, Zanskar, Ladakh and Pahalgam. What makes Shrinagar a must visit for all the Kashmir bound travellers is its connectivity to the rest of the nation and not to overlook, its breathtaking beauty. It’s beauty is considered undisputable as the famous Dal and Nagin lakes landscape it and enhance its picturesque settings. While the changing play of the seasons and the nourishing climate ensures that the city is equally attractive to visitors around the year.

    What to do
    Apart from doing the regular skiing and skating activities, Kashmir offers a unique opportunity to play golf in invigorating surroundings, where the wind whispers through enormous trees of chinar and stately pine. In the verdant golf courses at Srinagar and Gulmarg, you will be able to play for longer hours than in the plains because of the lower temperatures.


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    And delightfully, even during winters, the courses in Srinagar not closed until the city is snowbound. Also staying in the houseboats in the lakes of Kashmir is another attraction for many tourists and is sure to be a memorable experience for you to cherish. The other tourist attractions in the surrounding areas include the Bahu Fort, Hazrat Bal Shrine, Amar Mahal Palace, wildlife sanctuaries, fishing, bungee jumping and safaris. Shopping can be another attraction as people purchase the hand woven carpets and shawls to take back with them.


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    Must eat
    The Kashmiri food can be the simple meal of a family, or a 36-course wedding banquet called wazawan. Made with rich and redolent flavour of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and saffron, the cuisine is a foodies delight. What is most commonly available here, even in the distant dhabas is steamed rice. When in Kashmir, try the authentic kahwa (Persian tea), which is served after a lavish meal.

    Also while eating the traditional Kashmiri murg, opt for the traditional breads like tsot, tshochwar and bakerkhani. In terms of Kashmiri cuisine mutton, chicken or fish are of prime importance. However, the vegetarians too have a share to relish. The Kashmiri dum-aloo is the best one has ever had in the country.


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    Places to visit
    Srinagar
    The city best known for its lush gardens, serene lakes, and chameleonic landscape, Srinagar is best visited during the summer season. Relish a shikhara ride on Dal or Nagin Lake, or snap to your heart’s delight with the snow-clad Hari parbat hill in the backdrop. Things to see and do : Dal & Nageen Lakes, Mughal Gardens, Shankaracharya Hill, Old City monumnents (Dastgir Sahib, Jama Masjid, Khanqah, and Rozabal Shrine).

    Pahalgam
    The undulated hilly area of Pahalgam is famous for its fertile region and rich vegetation, of which conifer forests make for a large part. Engage in various adventure sports like horseback riding, trekking, canoeing, water rafting, etc. The placid surrounding of Pahalgam with its breathtaking meadows and natural landscape is the perfect tourist destination for anyone looking to get away from the bustles of the city. Things to see and do : Baisarn & Tulian lakes, Betab & Aru valleys.

    Gulmarg
    Literally translated ‘Meadow of Flowers’, Gulmarg is a picturesque hill station with vibrant flowers contrasted against the backdrop of snow-capped mountain peaks. A popular picnic spot, Gulmarg has much to offer in terms of beautiful natural beauty, and is also renowned for the highest and longest cable car system in the entire Asian continent. Things to see and do : Gondola rides up the mountain, leisure walks through the meadows, and skiing.

    Sonmarg
    Sonmarg or ‘Meadow of Gold’ is situated a few kms before the Zoji La pass, and is also a popular route to traverse to Ladakh. Abundant with beautiful flowers in an array of colors, Sonmarg is famous for its undulated and far-reaching trekking routes, which pass through many other tourist spots such as Vishansar and Gangabal lakes. A number of lakes and rivers have their confluence at Sonmarg, Nilagard where a small stream meets with River Sind is another major attraction.

    Vishansar Lake, located at an altitude of 4048 meters above sea level is the most popular of all the lakes in Sonmarg, and is one of the breathtaking views from the very top of the meadow. Things to see and do : Thajiwas glacier, leisure walks through the meadows, trekking.

  • ALL TOO EASY FOR INDIA IN THE DECIDER

    ALL TOO EASY FOR INDIA IN THE DECIDER

    KANPUR (TIP): India have been masterful while chasing in ODIs this year, and against a moderate total and a mediocre West Indies attack, they ambled to victory in the seriesdeciding third ODI in Kanpur. Shikhar Dhawan hit his fifth ODI hundred of his magical year and the struggling Yuvraj Singh hit his first ODI half-century in 11 innings as India cruised to their sixth successive oneday series win of the year. With a 9am start on a hazy winter morning, the talk at the toss was about how the first hour would be a challenge for the batsmen.

    West Indies negotiated that phase well losing only one wicket, and halfcenturies from Kieran Powell and Marlon Samuels took them to a strong 164 for 2 when the batting Powerplay was taken. Perfectly placed then for the power-hitters to come; they nearly squandered that advantage by losing three quick wickets, but Darren Sammy and Darren Bravo provided the late flourish to lift them to 263. That proved too little, especially as only Ravi Rampaul and Sunil Narine posed any threat with the ball. Jason Holder had a disappointing day, with Dhawan feasting on the poor lines to take five fours in his first two overs to propel India along early.

    Dwayne Bravo and Sammy were tame, and midway through the chase – when Dhawan and Yuvraj were killing off the chase – West Indies had turned to the innocuous duo of Veerasammy Permaul and Lendl Simmons. There was briefly some hope for West Indies early on, when Rampaul dismissed two of India’s red-hot top three early. He couldn’t get the wicket of Dhawan, though, and Dhawan scored big. As usual, the innings was studded with breathtaking cuts and drives through the off, and without really seeming to make the effort, he had 20 fours to his name was scoring at over a run a ball. While it was Dhawan’s innings that made the game safe, Yuvraj’s will gladden Indian fans.

    A destructive batsman with a penchant for the big stage, Yuvraj hasn’t been among the runs in recent months, even during the Australia series which was a bowlers’ bloodbath. Australia turned to Mitchell Johnson to dismiss him early several times, and West Indies hoped Narine would have a similar impact. Yuvraj wasn’t comfortable against Narine today either, misreading him several times, but he managed to ride out that difficult phase and cashed in against the lesser threats in the attack.

    Even though Dhawan and Yuvraj were dismissed with India just under 50 away from the target, it only afforded the chance for India’s other out-of-form batsman, Suresh Raina, to play a pressure-free cameo on his birthday, with the result never in doubt. It was far easier batting in the evening than in the first hour. India’s new-ball bowlers posed plenty of questions for West Indies’ openers, who were regularly beaten by the movement. Even as late as the 12th over, India had three slips in place.

    Powell had grabbed the chance offered by Chris Gayle’s absence with a half-century in Visakhapatnam, and built on that with another solid score. He was a bit loose outside off early on but settled in as the innings progressed, showing off his driving skills, with a square drive off Mohit Sharma in the sixth over a highlight. He had reached 70 by the 30th over, but miscued a sweep off R Ashwin – the fifth time in a row that the opener has gone past 40 without reaching triple figures.

    His 117-run partnership with Samuels had set West Indies up for a strong total. Samuels was nervy early on, extremely reluctant to get on the front foot against the fast bowlers, and played and missed often. After his initial struggles, he was more at ease against the spinners, stepping out to launch Ashwin onto the temporary roof in the stands beyond long-on. He was reprieved on 60 when Virat Kohli put down a chance at first slip, but was bowled soon after by Ashwin. That was in the first over of the batting Powerplay, and with Simmons and Dwayne Bravo failing, West Indies had suddenly slipped to 196 for 5. However, Darren Bravo made his third consecutive half-century and Darren Sammy’s all-power game worked again this time as they threw the bat around to put on 67 in little over eight overs. It proved to be too little against India’s formidable batting though.

  • Zaheer returns to India Test squad

    Zaheer returns to India Test squad

    MUMBAI (TIP): Zaheer Khan has been recalled to the India Test squad for the forthcoming tour of South Africa. Zaheer is one of five fast bowlers for the two-Test series, and the only newcomer to the 17- member squad is the batsman Ambati Rayudu. However, there was no place for the opener Gautam Gambhir, who scored a century for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy days before the selection meeting.

    It is learnt that the team management indicated to the selectors that they did not want Gambhir in the squad. Zaheer, who last played for India during the home Tests against England last December, was recently omitted from the list of centrally contracted players for the current season. The injury-prone left-arm seamer made a return to the longer format this season with 13 wickets in three Ranji games for Mumbai, including a five-wicket haul. However, he was not considered for the one-day squad.

    Virender Sehwag and Harbhajan Singh – two other players who were not handed central contracts – have been left out of both squads. The Test squad also has Wriddhiman Saha as the backup wicketkeeper for MS Dhoni, the captain. Saha last played for India during the Adelaide Test of 2012. Ravindra Jadeja, the allrounder, returns after sitting out the West Indies Tests to rest his injured shoulder. He is the third spinner in the squad after R Ashwin and Pragyan Ojha. Rayudu, 28, made his international debut during the one-day tour of Zimbabwe in August, where he scored one fifty.

    Amit Mishra, the legspinner, remains in the oneday team but was not included for the Tests. The surprise inclusion in the one-day squad is the fast bowler Ishant Sharma, who was expensive during the seven-match ODI series against Australia recently. Ishant leaked 189 runs in three matches and was dropped after he conceded a whopping 30 runs in one over, which cost India the Mohali ODI. Ishant was part of the Test squad against West Indies but lost his place to the impressive Mohammed Shami, playing his first Test series. Ishant and fast bowler Umesh Yadav were included in the one-day squad in place of seamers Jaydev Unadkat and Vinay Kumar.

    Batsman Ajinkya Rahane has been included in both squads. Yadav said he was pleased with Zaheer’s return to the Test squad, as the latter’s experience was invaluable to the young pacers in the team. “Zaheer has had a great influence on youngsters with his ability to guide us through the bump and grind of international cricket,” Yadav aid. “I have got a lot of valuable tips on fast bowling and there is no better exponent of reverse swing than Zak. He is like a mentor to us and it is an honour to play international cricket alongside him. Zaheer’s advice in match situations is invaluable as he is a brilliant reader of opposition batsmen.” The tour gets underway with the first of three ODIs starting December 5, followed by the two Tests.

    Test squad: MS Dhoni (capt & wk), M Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, R Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Ravindra Jadeja, Zaheer Khan, Ambati Rayudu, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Ishant Sharma, Pragyan Ojha ODI squad: MS Dhoni (capt & wk), Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Yuvraj Singh, R Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Ambati Rayudu, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Mohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, Amit Mishra

  • AHOBILAM: THE ABODE OF NINE FOMS OF LORD NARASIMHA

    AHOBILAM: THE ABODE OF NINE FOMS OF LORD NARASIMHA

    Ugram Veeram Maha Vishnum Jwalantam Sarvathomukham
    | Narasimham Bheshanam Badram Mruthyor Mruthyum Namamyaham ||

    Bow to thee, Lord Narasimha, ferocious, chivalrous, Maha Vishnu, radiant faced,
    omnipresent, bestower of auspiciousness and remover of birth and death cycles

    Ahobilam is located in Karnool district of Andhra Pradesh in the hills of the eastern ghats, about 400 KM northwest of Chennai. It is one such holy place, where the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna appeared as Lord Narasimha, the half manhalf lion descent. The Ahobilam temples are maintained by the Ahobilam mutt, an important Sri Vaishnava religious institution established about 600 years ago. It is the place where the Lord killed Hiranyakasipu and saved Prahalada. Mahalakshmi took avatar as Senjulakshmi among the Senju, tribal hunters of the hills, and married the Lord.

    Aho is an exclamation word. Bhilam (bhilam means cave). It is equivalent of ‘oh the mighty cave’ and thus aho-bhilam of lord Narasimha swamy. It is stated that the Devas (Gods), while witnessing the terrific aspect (Ugra Kala), the lord took on in order to tear to pieces Hiranyakasipu sung in His praise as ‘Ahobala’ (the strength). Hence this place has come to be known as Ahobilam or Ahobalam. It is also said that Garuda wished for a vision of Lord Nrisimha in the form of the Avatara. To fulfill his wish, the Lord settled in the hills around Ahobilam in the midst of dense forests in nine different forms. For this reason this hill came to be known as Garudadri, Garudachalam, and Garudasailam.

    The temple consists of nine shrines to Lord Nrisimha located around a 5 KM circle. In addition to the nine shrines, there is a temple for Prahaladavarada Varadhan in the foothills of the mountain. Due to security reasons and the difficulty in performing daily worship, many of the utsava vigrahas of the nine shrines are kept in this temple.


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    Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple :
    This Temple is situatd in lower Ahobilam. It is also called Prahalada Varadan and Santa Narasimha . The temple is built in south Indian style with grand architectural design and the sculptures in the pillars and walls.

    The Nine Temples
    Although the Deity of Lord Narasimha is fierce-looking with His tooth and jaws open in a mood to kill the demon, a devotee knows the merciful & protective nature of the Lord and he approaches Him in a mood of humility. Ahobilam consists of nine forms of Lord Narasimha located around a 5 km circle.

    1) Kroda (Varaha) Narasimha
    This is a temple cave in upper Ahobilam. In this temple the Lord takes the form of a boar and so He is called as Kroda or Varaha Narasimha Swami. Varaha, the boar incarnation of Lord Krishna, killed Hiranyakasipu’s younger brother, Hiranyaksha, thus incurring the wrath and hatred of Hiranyakasipu. The two forms of the Lord, Narasimha and Varaha, responsible for destroying the two demon-brothers, have been installed together in this temple. This shrine is situated at the foot of the Vedadri mountain with the river Bhavanasini flowing besides it.

    This river water flows from the Jwala Narasimha just beside the Ugra Sthambam and is believed to have medicinal properties as it flows over many herbs amidst the forest. It is said that to lessen or calm down the anger of Ugra Narasimha, Akashaganga (Goddess Ganga) descended and flowed like ‘Antarvahini’ of Bhavanashini River. Most of the devotees have a dip in the water as it is considered sacred.

    2) Bhargava-Narasimha:
    Bhargava is another name of Parasurama, the warrior incarnation of the Lord who had performed penance near Ahobila.

    3) Chatravada-Narasimha:
    The Deity is installed under a peepal tree surrounded by thorny bushes.

    4) Yogananda-Narasimha (Lord in Meditation)

    5) Karanja-Narasimha:
    Named after a fruit bearing tree, growing next to the temple.

    6) Ugra-Narasimha:
    Ferocious form of the Lord inside a cave between two mountains. The Lord here appears in his fierce aspect, called Ugra Narasimha, who is the presiding deity of the temple and is known as Ahobila Nrisimha Swamy. It is firmly believed the Lord Narasimha was ‘Svayambhu’ (self-manifest) here.

    7) Jvala-Narasimha:
    The exact place where the Lord killed the demon King Hiranyakasipu. Next to this temple is a large stream – and at the spot where the Lord washed His hands after killing the demon the water flows blood-red even now and so it is called Rakta-kund/bloody lake.

    8) Malola-Narasimha (Beloved of Goddess Lakshmi)

    9) Paavan-Narasimha (The Lord on the bank of river Paavan or Bhavanashini) The Historic Pillar (Ugra Stamba):

    This large stone pillar is said to be the actual pillar from which Lord Narasimha appeared. The demoniac king Hiranyakasipu was very much disturbed seeing his son Prahlad always Krishna conscious. Failing in his numerous attempts to stop his son from his Krishna conscious activities and even to kill him, the atheistic king once angrily challenged his son whether His God existed within the pillars of his palace. Prahlada confidently replied that since the Lord is everywhere, He’s also present in the pillars.

    When Hiranyakasipu heard this philosophy from his young son, he derided him and out of great anger forcefully struck the pillarwith his fist. Immediately, with great tumultuous sound, the Lord appeared in His wonderful avatar as Narasimha, half lion and half man. So, this pillar is very significant. The pillar is named Ugra Stambha indicating the Lord’s mood of anger towards the enemy of His devotee.It consists of imprints of Narasimhar’s patham (foot) on a stone.

    Prahlad’s school:
    This is the place where 5-year old Prahlad educated his friends about the messages of Krishna Consciousness (Prahlad’s instructions). Although Prahlad was born in a demoniac family, he was a devotee of Lord Krishna. He was most compassionate and didn’t waste a moment. He taught all his friends the importance of God-realization. This place has Sanskrit writings on the walls dating from the days of Prahlad’s studies here. There is a small cave, where a deity of Prahlad is installed.

  • CHECK OUT, YOUR WARDROBE IS MAKING YOU ILL

    CHECK OUT, YOUR WARDROBE IS MAKING YOU ILL

    Flip flops can leave you with an inflamed sole and sexy thongs with cystitis. But it’s not just too-tight undies to watch out for — the swimwear, sandals and sexy dresses we squeeze ourselves into can also play havoc with our health. Here’s our top-to-toe guide to make sure your style isn’t sabotaging your health.

    Sunglasses
    The damage: Figures from the British Osteopathic Association show one fifth of Brits endured pain from sunglasses causing pressure around their heads. Overly tight sunglasses could cause headaches and neck pain. Solution: Buy from — or take your favourite sunnies to — a registered optician, who can fit them properly around your ears and nose, so they don’t cause any discomfort.

    Pendants and bangles
    The damage: With attractive and affordable metallic jewellery strewn roadside stalls, it’s tempting to update your wardrobe with new trinkets each season. But cut-price jewellery is often made from metals containing nickel, a common allergen, and wearing it daily can cause a nickel allergy, leading to rashes, itching and redness.

    Solution: The best way to avoid allergic reactions is to choose hypoallergenic jewellery made from metals such as stainless. German silver (cheaper than real silver) is good too. Or go for budget — and skin-friendly — summery alternatives to metal such as leather or plastic beads.

    Body-con dresses
    The damage: They may give you a sexy, hourglass figure, but wearing a restrictive body-con or bandage-style dress around your middle interferes with breathing, which is why corsetwearing Victorian women were always fainting! Plus, a constant pushing on the stomach — known as intragastric pressure — can force stomach acid back up through the oesophagus, causing a nasty bout of heartburn. Solution: Limit your body-con time to a few hours on a night out. Stick to looser shapes that don’t restrict the body.

    Thongs
    The damage: They’re the best pants for avoiding a VPL under clothes, but thongs also help to spread bacteria from your bottom to the urethra and vaginal area, which can trigger thrush or cystitis.Solution: Buy good quality cotton undies and ensure they’re the correct size. If you’re prone to infections, avoid thongs altogether.

    Flip-flops
    The damage: They’re a staple for many of us, especially during the rains, but research has linked daily use of flip-flops to painful plantar fascitis — an inflammation of the foot sole that causes severe heel pain — because they don’t support the arch of the foot. Solution: Choose more supportive trainers for walking around in during the day — especially on hard surfaces. And when the sun’s out, don’t forget to rub some SPF on your tootsies too.

    Skinny jeans and capri pants
    The damage: A few years back, Canada’s Dr Malvinder Parmar was one of the first experts to note that tight trousers can squeeze a sensory nerve under the hip bone, causing a tingling, burning sensation to shoot down the leg, something called meralgia paresthetica. Solution: Opt for baggier, boyfriend-style jeans, or highwaisted trousers that don’t squeeze the hips. Wear skinnies only occasionally.

  • HOME REMEDIES TO TREAT ACIDITY

    HOME REMEDIES TO TREAT ACIDITY

    We have all suffered from acidity at some point in our lives. With our busy work schedules, we sometimes fail to eat anything throughout the day. Sometimes we only eat two meals a day, and at other times we simply skip these meals. But, our bad eating habits can cause acidity. Your stomach normally secretes acid that is essential for the digestive process. This acid helps in breaking down the food during digestion.

    Your stomach keeps secreting juices to digest food and when it does not get any food to act on it acts on the stomach lining, which causes acidity. Shreya Brahme, Dietician and Nutritionist and blogger at Dietician Shreya, helps us understand more about this common problem and ways to treat it.

    Some common causes of acidity are:
    Eating fast food regularly
    Addiction to caffeine
    Smoking
    Too much alcohol consumption
    Leaving too much of a gap in-between meals

    Some easy remedies:
    Have a glass of lukewarm water every day. Jaggery (gur), lemon, banana, almonds and yogurt (curd) are all known to give you instant relief from acidity. Nariyal paani is known to soothe the system if you suffer from acidity. Boil some mint or basil (tulsi) leaves in water and have a glass of this after meals. Include bananas, watermelons and cucumbers in your daily diet. Sucking on a piece of clove is another effective remedy. Besides, trying to correct the cause, avoid excessive intake of caffeine and alcohol.

  • HEALTH DANGERS THAT EACH SHOE CARRIES

    HEALTH DANGERS THAT EACH SHOE CARRIES

    If stilettos harm feet, flat shoes can also be dangerous. Find out how these pretty shoes can be hazardous to health. Jacqueline Sutera, a doctor of podiatric medicine and surgery, and Neal Blitz, Chief of Foot Surgery and Associate Chairman of Orthopedics at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital, share the dangers of our favourite shoes, reports a website.

    Running sneakers
    Too much cushion is not the best thing. When you have a lot of cushion, you’re not getting the foot-brain feedback that allows you to sense the ground. These shoes are ideal for forward motion like running, walking, jogging (not hiking, dancing, cycling, etc). Wearing these shoes can cause chronic stress injuries, particularly to the heel.

    Flip-flops
    Most flip-flops are too flat, too thin and too open. This exposes the foot to the environment and doesn’t provide arch support or cushioning. The thong between your toes is also dangerous as it forces your toe muscles to over-grip. Wearing these shoes can cause inflammation, heel pain, strains and fractures.

    Stilettos
    Wearing heels for long hours shifts your weight to the balls of your feet, which puts pressure on your foot. The sky-high heels can cause ankle sprains, midfoot fractures, neuromas (benign nerve tumours).