The Indian Panorama

Month: June 2014

  • ANGELINA JOLIE CAN’T COMPARE HERSELF TO HER MOTHER

    ANGELINA JOLIE CAN’T COMPARE HERSELF TO HER MOTHER

    Actress Angelina Jolie believes her mother was a far better parent to her than she is to her own children. The “Maleficent” actress, who raises children Maddox, 12, Pax, 10, Zahara, nine, Shiloh, eight, and five-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne with fiance Brad Pitt, says her late mother Marcheline Bertrand is her role model and that she couldn’t have done a better job at bringing up her and her brother James Haven.

    “It’s hard to think I could be as good a mother as she was. Her whole life was motherhood,” contactmusic.com quoted her as saying. The 39-year-old also admits she prefers to home-school her children because she wants them to have “a bigger picture of life”.

  • SIENNA MILLER TO ACT WITH BRADLEY COOPER IN CHEF

    SIENNA MILLER TO ACT WITH BRADLEY COOPER IN CHEF

    Actress Sienna Miller is set to co-star with Bradley Cooper in an upcoming film titled “Chef”. In the John Wells directorial, Cooper will be seen as a top chef who loses his restaurant in Paris and moves to London to revive his career. Miller’s part in the movie is yet to be announced, reports contactmusic.com.

    The project, which has no official production start date, will be penned by Steven Wright and coproduced by Michael Shamberg, Stacey Sher and Erwin Stoff. The actors have just finished filming Clint Eastwood’s “American Sniper”.

  • MIRANDA KERR FLAUNTS HOT-BOD IN SEXY NEW BIKE AD

    MIRANDA KERR FLAUNTS HOT-BOD IN SEXY NEW BIKE AD

    Miranda Kerr wrapped a tight leather jacket around herself for a new motorbike ad photo-shoot, showing her inner biker-chic. The 31-year-old supermodel flaunted her perfect figure while straddling a motorbike in various revealing and skin tight outfits, and had hearts racing as she donned an unzipped swimsuit, revealing her cleavage up to the navel, News.com.au reported.

    In an interview for the shoot, the former Victoria’s Secret Angel model confessed that she doesn’t think of herself as a model, and tells people about her skincare line business when asked about profession.

  • Grace of Monaco

    Grace of Monaco

    STORY: Hollywood actress Grace Kelly marries into royalty. The film looks at how she manages her own identity amidst a political crisis between Monaco and France. REVIEW: The idea of Hollywood screen legend Grace Kelly (Kidman) marrying into European royalty seems like a fairytale come true. As with most things that are too good to be true, however, all is not well in this royal household. There are murmurs of intrigue, shadows of suspicion and dollops of doubt.

    In short, the royal affair seems riven with various undercurrents and enough fodder, seemingly, for a meaty story. Set in the early ’60s and a few years after she gave up her career, Grace has kids and lives the cosseted life of a princess. As she was not born into royalty itself, she faces various difficulties, amidst numerous outfit changes, of reconciling herself with the new life she has chosen. She has people to help her out. There’s a priest called Tucker (Langella) for advice as well as a coach for matters of royal etiquette. Alfred Hitchcock (Griffiths) even tries to lure her back to Hollywood.

    The biggest crisis her husband faces is managing relations with France. France threatens Monaco with sanctions unless certain payments are made. However, Rainier, while looking spiffy in his sharp suits, is not played with enough gravitas by Roth. The close-ups, which are meant to convey a sense of emotion, make some scenes look like a superficial soap opera about European royalty and their various petty familial and political concerns. While Kidman puts in her best shot, the other performances are somewhat boring.

    Visually, the film looks pretty, no doubt. But that cannot hide the fact that there’s barely enough substance to keep a viewer engaged. Under Dahan’s direction, Grace comes across as a mix of a bleeding heart and Princess Diana-like patron saint of her people. Dahan had got it right with 2007’s La Vie En Rose, which was about the singer Edith Piaf. Here, for a movie that attempts to portray such an interesting life, the result is pretty bland.

  • SRI GURU GRANTH SAHIB

    SRI GURU GRANTH SAHIB

    || 3 || I am a song-bird, I am a meek song-bird; I offer my prayer to the Lord. If only I could meet the Guru, meet the Guru, O my Beloved; I dedicate myself to devotional worship of the True Guru. I worship the Lord, Har, Har, and the True Guru; the Lord God has granted His Grace. Without the Guru, I have no other friend. The Guru, the True Guru, is my very breath of life. Says Nanak, the Guru has implanted the Naam within me, the Name of the Lord, Har, Har, the True Name. I am a song-bird, I am a meek song-bird; I offer my prayer to the Lord.

    || 4 || 3 || WADAHANS, FOURTH MEHL: O Lord, grant Your Grace, grant Your Grace, and let me meet the True Guru, the Giver of peace. I go and ask, I go and ask from the True Guru, about the sermon of the Lord. I ask about the sermon of the Lord from the True Guru, who has obtained the treasure of the Naam. I bow at His Feet constantly, and pray to Him; the Guru, the True Guru, has shown me the Way.

    He alone is a devotee, who looks alike upon pleasure and pain; he is imbued with the Name of the Lord, Har, Har. O Lord, grant Your Grace, grant Your Grace, and let me meet the True Guru, the Giver of peace. || 1 || Listen as Gurmukh, listen as Gurmukh, to the Naam, the Name of the Lord; all egotism and sins are eradicated. Chanting the Name of the Lord, Har, Har, chanting the Name of the Lord, Har, Har, the troubles of the world vanish. Those who worship and adore the Name of the Lord, Har, Har, are rid of their suffering and sins.

    The True Guru has placed the sword of spiritual wisdom in my hands; I have overcome and slain the Messenger of Death. The Lord God, the Giver of peace, has granted His Grace; I am rid of pain, sin and disease. Listen as Gurmukh, listen as Gurmukh, to the Naam, the Name of the Lord; all egotism and sins are eradicated. || 2 || Chanting the Name of the Lord, Har, Har, chanting the Name of the Lord, Har, Har, is pleasing to my mind. Speaking as Gurmukh, speaking as Gurmukh, chanting and meditating, all disease is eradicated.

    Chanting and meditating as Gurmukh, all disease is eradicated, and the body becomes free of disease. Night and day, remain absorbed in the intuitive poise of Samaadhi; meditate on the Lord, the profound, unfathomable Lord. Whether of high or low social status, one who meditates on the Naam obtains the supreme treasure. Chanting the Name of the Lord, Har, Har, chanting the Name of the Lord, Har, Har, is pleasing to my mind. || 3 || Grant Your Grace, grant Your Grace, Lord, and save me.

    I am a sinner, I am a worthless sinner, I am meek, but I am Yours, Lord. I am a worthless sinner, and I am meek, but I am Yours; I seek Your Sanctuary, O Merciful Lord. You are the Destroyer of pain, the Giver of absolute peace; I am a stone – please carry me across and save me. Meeting the True Guru, servant Nanak has obtained the subtle essence of the Lord; through the Naam, the Name of the Lord, he is saved. Grant Your Grace, grant Your Grace, Lord, and save me.

    || 4 || 4 || WADAHANS, FOURTH MEHL, GHOREES ~ THE WEDDING PROCESSION: ONE UNIVERSAL CREATOR GOD. BY THE GRACE OF THE TRUE GURU: This body-horse was created by the Lord. Blessed is human life, which is obtained by virtuous actions. Human life is obtained only by the most virtuous actions; this body is radiant and golden. The Gurmukh is imbued with the deep crimson color of the poppy; he is imbued with the new color of the Lord’s Name, Har, Har, Har. This body is so very beautiful; it chants the Name of the Lord, and it is adorned with the Name of the Lord, Har, Har. By great good fortune, the body is obtained; the Naam, the Name of the Lord, is its companion; O servant Nanak, the Lord has created it.

    || 1 || I place the saddle on the body-horse, the saddle of realization of the Good Lord. Riding this horse, I cross over the treacherous world-ocean. The treacherous world-ocean is rocked by countless waves, but the Gurmukh is carried across. Embarking upon the boat of the Lord, the very fortunate ones cross over; the Guru, the Boatman, carries them across, through the Word of the Shabad. Night and day, imbued with the Lord’s Love, singing the Glorious Praises of the Lord, the Lord’s lover loves the Lord. Servant Nanak has attained the state of Nirvaanaa, the state of ultimate goodness, the state of the Lord.

    || 2 || The Guru has implanted spiritual wisdom within me, as a bridle in my mouth. He has applied the whip of the Lord’s Love to my body. Applying the whip of the Lord’s Love to the body, the Gurmukh conquers the mind, and wins the battle of life. He trains his untrained mind with the Word of the Shabad, and drinks in the rejuvenating essence of the Lord’s Nectar. Listen with your ears to the Word, spoken by the Guru, and attune your body-horse to the Lord’s Love. Servant Nanak has crossed over on the path, the treacherous path.

    || 3 || The body-horse was created by the Lord. Blessed, blessed is that body-horse which meditates on the Lord God. Blessed and acclaimed is that body-horse which meditates on the Lord God; it is obtained by the merits of past actions. Riding the bodyhorse, one crosses over the treacherous world-ocean; the Gurmukh meets the Lord, the embodiment of supreme bliss. The Lord, Har, Har, has perfectly arranged this wedding; the Saints have come together as a wedding party. Servant Nanak has obtained the Lord as his Spouse; joining together, the Saints sing the songs of joy and congratulations.

    || 4 || 1 || 5 || WADAHANS, FOURTH MEHL: The body is the Lord’s horse, imbued with the fresh and new color. From the Guru, I ask for the Lord’s spiritual wisdom. I ask for the Lord’s spiritual wisdom, and the Lord’s sublime sermon; through the Name of the Lord, I have come to know His value and His state. The Creator has made my whole life fruitful; I chant the Name of the Lord. The Lord’s humble servant begs for the Lord’s Name, for the Lord’s Praises, and for devotional worship of the Lord God. Says servant Nanak, listen, O Saints: devotional worship of the Lord, the Lord of the Universe, is good and sublime.

    || 1 || The golden body is adorned with the saddle of gold. It is adorned with the jewel of the Name of the Lord, Har, Har. Adorned with the jewel of the Naam, one obtains the Lord of the Universe; he meets the Lord and sings the Glorious Praises of the Lord, obtaining all sorts of comforts. He obtains the Word of the Guru’s Shabad, and meditates on the Name of the Lord; by great good fortune, he assumes the color of the Lord’s Love. He meets his Lord and Master, the Inner-knower, the Searcher of hearts; His body is ever-new, and His color is everfresh. Nanak chants and realizes the Naam; he begs for the Name of the Lord, the Lord God.

    || 2 || The Guru has placed the reins in the mouth of the body-horse. The mindelephant is overpowered by the Word of the Guru’s Shabad. The bride obtains the supreme status, as her mind is brought under control; she is the beloved of her Husband Lord. Deep within her inner being, she is in love with her Lord. In His home, she is so beautiful – she is the bride of her Lord God. Attuned to the Lord’s Love, she is intuitively absorbed in bliss; she obtains the Lord God, Har, Har. Servant Nanak, the Lord’s slave, says that only the very fortunate meditate on the Lord, Har, Har. || 3 || The body is the horse, which one rides to the Lord.

    Meeting the True Guru, one sings the songs of joy. Sing the songs of joy to the Lord, serve the Name of the Lord, and become the servant of His servants. Go and enter the Mansion of God’s Presence, and lovingly enjoy the Lord’s Love. I sing the Glorious Praises of the Lord, so pleasing to my mind; following the Guru’s Teachings, I meditate on the Lord within my mind. The Lord has showered His Mercy upon servant Nanak; mounting the body-horse, he has found the Lord. || 4 || 2 || 6 || RAAG WADAHANS, FIFTH MEHL, CHHANT, FOURTH HOUSE: ONE UNIVERSAL CREATOR GOD. BY THE GRACE OF THE TRUE GURU: Meeting the Guru, I have found my Beloved Lord.

    I have made this body and mind a sacrifice, a sacrificial offering to the Lord. Dedicating my body and mind, I have crossed over the terrifying world-ocean, and shaken off the fear of death. Drinking in the Ambrosial Nectar, I have become immortal; my comings and goings have ceased. I have found that home of celestial Samaadhi; the Name of the Lord is my only Support. Says Nanak, I enjoy peace and pleasure; I bow in reverence to the Perfect Guru. || 1 || Listen, O my friend and companion – the Guru has given the Mantra of the Shabad, the True Word of God. Meditating on this True Shabad, I sing the songs of joy, and my mind is rid of anxiety. I have found that God, who never leaves; forever and ever, He sits with me. One who is pleasing to God receives true honor.

    The Lord God automatically blesses him with wealth. Says Nanak, I am a sacrifice to such a humble being. O Lord, You bless all with Your bountiful blessings. || 2 || When it pleases You, then I am satisfied and satiated. My mind is soothed and calmed, and all my thirst is quenched. My mind is soothed and calmed, the burning has ceased, and I have found all sorts of treasures. All the Sikhs and servants partake of them; I am a sacrifice to the True Guru.

    I have become fearless, imbued with the Love of my Lord and Master; I have shaken off the fear of death. Slave Nanak, Your humble servant, lovingly embraces Your meditation; O Lord, please be with me always. || 3 || My hopes and desires have been fulfilled, O my Lord. I am worthless, without virtue; all virtues are Yours, O Lord. All virtues are Yours, O my Lord and Master; with what mouth should I praise You? You did not consider my merits and demerits; you forgave me in an instant.

    I have obtained the nine treasures, congratulations are pouring in, and the unstruck melody resounds. Says Nanak, I have found my Husband Lord within my own home, and all my anxiety is forgotten. || 4 || 1 || SHALOK: Why do you listen to falsehood? It shall vanish like a gust of wind. O Nanak, those ears are acceptable, which listen to the True Master. || 1 || CHHANT: I am a sacrifice to those who listen to the Lord God with their ears. Intuitively embellished are those, who with their tongues chant the Name of the Lord, Har, Har. They are intuitively embellished with priceless virtues; they have come to save the world. God’s Feet are the boat, which carries many across the terrifying world-ocean.

    Those who are blessed with the favor of my Lord and Master are not asked to render their account. Says Nanak, I am a sacrifice to those who listen to God with their ears. || 1 || SHALOK: With my eyes, I have seen the Light, but my immense thirst is not quenched. O Nanak, those eyes are different, which behold my Husband Lord. || 1 || CHHANT: I am a sacrifice to those who have seen the Lord God. In the True Court of the Lord, they are approved. They are approved by their Lord and Master, and acclaimed as supreme; they are attuned to the Lord’s Love.

  • YOUNG RAMA AND SAGE VISHWAMITRA

    YOUNG RAMA AND SAGE VISHWAMITRA

    Rama and his three brothers received a very privileged upbringing, as deemed fit for princes. They received extensive training in warfare and became scholars in Vedic knowledge. They were valiant and at the same time interested in the welfare of the world and its people. Right from childhood, Rama & Lakshmana developed a close bond and became inseparable. Time passed by fast as the princes grew up together, delighting King Dasharatha. When Rama was about 16 years old, sage Vishwamitra came to visit Dasharatha in search of help against rakshsas (demons), who were disturbing his Vedic rituals.

    He asked King Dasharatha to send Rama for protection against two powerful demons called Maareecha and Subaahu. Considering Rama’s age, King Dasharatha became very upset at the sage’s request and refused to send him. Sage Vishwamitra became very angry but was finally pacified by the intervention of Vasishtha. He convinced Dasharatha to send Rama with Vishwamitra, ensuring him that Vishwamitra’s powers and Rama’s own capabilities would make him successful. Finally, Dasharatha agreed, and Rama and Lakshmana were dispatched with Vishwamitra.

    In their course of travel, Vishwamitra imparted a secret knowledge to the young princes called ‘Bala Atibala Vidya’, the practice of which would always keep them vigorous and full of vitality. Rama also received many weapons, after successfully killing the demoness Tataka on the orders of Sage Vishwamitra. Finally, they reached the place where Vishwamitra was to perform his sacred ritual. The young princes safeguarded the ritual for six days and nights. On the last night, the demons Maareecha and Subaahu appeared to foil the ritual.

    But Rama deftly hit Mareecha, banishing him, and killed Subaahu. After that, the ritual was completed successfully without any problems. With the completion of the ritual, Sage Vishwamitra traveled to the kingdom of Mithila to attend a ritual and also to see the auspicious bow of Shiva that was being worshipped in the palace of King Janaka from ages. Rama and Lakshmana accompanied Vishwamitra on this journey.

    Upon reaching the precincts of Mithila, they visited the hermitage of Sage Gautama. Vishwamitra told them about the legend of Ahalya, Gautama’s wife. According to the legend, Indra was infatuated with Ahalya and desired a union with her. She complied with Indra’s desire but Sage Gautama caught them unawares and cursed them both. Ahalya was relegated to a lonely life in the hermitage where she would remain unseen and invisible. Only when Rama entered the hermitage, she was freed from her curse and emerged back into her divine form. After Ahalya’s redemption, Sage Vishwamitra, along with Rama and Lakshmana reached Mithila and entered the court of King Janaka.

  • Predictions for Scorpio

    Predictions for Scorpio

    You are able to sort out all misgivings and arguments by sweet talking your way through the situation. There could be international travel and new interests. You may delve into metaphysics and spirituality. You may also take to gardening and nature walks. The money position is strong and so you have time for leisure. Your prestige has risen in the community and you turn your thoughts and efforts to helping others. You reach out to people and places.

  • ADD YELLOW TO YOUR HOME DECOR

    ADD YELLOW TO YOUR HOME DECOR

    Make your home a happier place with the help of this colour palette When you want to jazz up your home, the easiest way to do it, is to introduce some colour into your decor scheme. Yellow and its family of bright colours, is just right to liven up your home in a jiffy. This seems like a happy and sunny hue that can give your room an image makeover in an instant. Yellow is a very cheerful colour that can instantly lift your mood and the mood at home. This colour defines happy, and you can use it in a setting associated with work — like in your study area, a balcony, kitchen and even your children’s room.

    It is the hardest colour to miss and will not just grab eyeballs and attention, but will also make a perfect accent for your neutrals. Yellow is said to bring out the warmth of the grays and browns and that is how it perks up the dark schemes. It also brightens up colours — right from pastel shades to other deeper hues. However, refrain from getting an overdose of it. Too much of a deep or neon yellow won’t work at home and will have a very overwhelming effect. Use it in small doses and make your home a happier place.

  • BEAUTY BENEFITS OF ROSE PETALS

    BEAUTY BENEFITS OF ROSE PETALS

    Who said a rose can only be used to woo your beloved? Women have been using rose petals since centuries to soothe their mind and body. In fact, it is said that ancient Greeks and Romans used rose petals to perfume their baths. Here’s looking at the beauty benefits of this fragrant flower and how you can include rose water, rose oil and rose petals in your skin and hair care routine. Skin toner: Rose water is considered to be a natural toner for your skin. Once you return home from work, take a swab of cotton dipped in rose water and gently wipe your face in a circular motion. This will help get rid of the dirt as well as makeup.

    Soothes skin: The natural oils found in roses help retain moisture in the skin. This results in your skin feeling smooth and soft. The sugars in rose petals especially benefit those with sensitive skin. Acts as sunscreen: A rich source of vitamin C, rose petals act as an excellent sunblock. Make a lotion by mixing cucumber juice, glycerin and rose water and apply it on your skin before heading out in the sun. Helps fight acne: The anti-bacterial properties found in rose makes it amazing for fighting acne and breakouts. Rose water can also help soothe irritated skin and reduce its redness.

    It is also known to heal skin ailments like eczema and psoriasis. Prevent dark circles: Soak thin swabs of cotton in rose water and put them on your eyes to prevent dark circles. Moodlifting properties: In a bad mood or feel the stress? Known as a powerful mood enhancer, add rose petals to a warm bath will help you get rid of feelings of anxiety. Apart from being a detox for your body, it will also help you sleep better. Nourishes scalp: Rose water is great for your hair as heals the itchy and flaky areas of your scalp. Moreover, it helps increase blood flow to the hair follicles, promoting hair growth.

  • SLEEP LIKE A BABY

    SLEEP LIKE A BABY

    In today’s world, when there is so much stress and people are hardpressed for time, there isn’t enough time to relax. Hence, sleeping disorders are commonplace. Like a balanced diet and exercise are important to stay healthy, sleep ensures that your body gets proper rest and is rejuvenated. Here are some ways to get a good night’s sleep…

    Sleep at a fixed time

    It is important to go to sleep at a fixed time. This doesn’t mean just going to bed at the same time every day, but actually falling asleep at that time.Ensure that you follow this strictly

    Don’t go to bed right after dinner

    Apart from keep your dinner light, make sure that you give a gap of at least two hours between dinner and bedtime. Chances are that you will keep tossing and turning if your stomach is full before going to bed.

    Wash your face and feet

    Taking a shower is a good idea before going to bed, since it helps you relax, but if this is too much of a hassle, then make sure that you wash your face and feet before hitting the sack. This way, the day’s stress will literally get washed away.

    Wake up at the same time

    Just like you sleep at a fixed time, you must wake up at the same time each day as well. If you sleep well, then you don’t need an alarm to get up at the same time every day . Try to maintain this over the weekend as well.

    Workout in the evenings

    While it is advisable to start your day with a workout, it also makes sense to work out in the evening. This way, you can shake the stress of the day away and burn a good number of calories. This is bound to tire you out, thereby ensuring that you sleep well.

    Don’t carry a book to bed

    Many people are of the habit of reading before going to sleep, but this can keep you up longer than you would want. Finish reading on the couch or chair and don’t take your book to bed.

    Sleep in a dark room

    If you are someone who needs to have a light on at night, break this habit. You can instead switch on a night bulb in another room. Your bedroom should be devoid of any light as this helps you sleep better.

    Keep noise at bay

    Just like you should keep books away from your bed, ensure that your iPod isn’t with you in bed. Apart from tampering with your sleep, listening to music while in bed is also an unhealthy practice.

    De-clutter your bed

    The number of items on your bed are also responsible for the quality of your sleep. Make sure that your bed is comfortable and only has the things that are required, such as pillows, sheets and blankets.

  • WALK 6,000 STEPS A DAY TO KEEP OSTEOARTHRITIS AT BAY

    WALK 6,000 STEPS A DAY TO KEEP OSTEOARTHRITIS AT BAY

    Researchers have found that walking 6,000 or more steps per day helps in minimizing the risk of knee osteoarthritis (OA). While walking is a common daily physical activity for older adults, medical evidence reports that two-thirds of US adults with arthritis walk less than 90 minutes each week. Daniel White, PT, ScD, from Sargent College at Boston University in Massachusetts said that the study examines if more walking equates with better functioning, and if so, how much daily walking is needed to minimize risk of developing problems with mobility in people with knee OA. The researchers measured daily steps taken by 1788 people with or at risk for knee OA, who were part of the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study.

    Walking was measured with a monitor over seven days and functional limitation evaluated two years later, defined as a slow walking speed and a Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) physical function score greater than 28 out of 68. Walking an additional 1,000 steps each was associated with between a 16 percent to 18 percent reduction in incident functional limitation two years later, while walking less than 6,000 steps daily was the best threshold for identifying those who developed functional limitation. Dr. White concluded that people who have or are at risk of knee OA, should walk at least 3,000 or more steps each day, and ultimately progress to 6,000 steps daily to minimize the risk of developing difficulty with mobility.

  • FAT-LOSS SUPERFOODS THAT REALLY WORK

    FAT-LOSS SUPERFOODS THAT REALLY WORK

    Every day, we come across people discussing the health benefits of colourful vegetables and fruits, but not all are backed by strong research. Green tea, raspberries and coconut milk are some of the time-tested and research-proven food items that can be trusted. Here’s a list of nutrient-rich food items that are beneficial to the body Coconut milk: The healthy saturated fat in coconut comes from medium-chain triglycerides, a fatty acid your body prefers to burn rather than store.

    Raspberries

    Blueberries hog the spotlight, but raspberries are actually higher in fibre. One cup provides a whopping 8 grams. Experts say you probably get about half the fibre you should, and on a lower-carbohydrate diet, even less. Benefits include balanced blood sugar levels and reduced cravings.

    Green tea

    The popular beverage’s fat-burning benefits are well known. But balance it with a healthy diet and exercise for better results. It also helps reduce stress.

    Avocado

    It is high in healthy mono-unsaturated fat and fibre and improves overall diet quality, nutrient intake, and reduced risk of metabolic syndrome. One cup contains 10 grams of appetite-curbing fibre — the perfect food to top salads and burgers as a snack.

  • AVOCADO DIET CUTS HEART RISK IN OBESE

    AVOCADO DIET CUTS HEART RISK IN OBESE

    Researchers are exploring the potential effects of Hass avocado consumption on emerging cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. The research was based on a clinical study that investigated whether eating one Hass avocado every day as part of a moderate fat diet (34 percent fat) had a beneficial effect on risk factors for CVD among healthy overweight and obese subjects, compared to a similar moderate fat diet without avocados, and a lower fat diet.

    The researchers, Li Wang, PhD Candidate, Pennsylvania State University, and primary investigator, Penny Kris Etherton, PhD, RD, found that relative to baseline, although all three diets lowered LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), only the avocado diet significantly decreased low density lipoprotein particle number (LDL-P); there was no significant change in LDL-P with the moderate fat diet without avocado or the low fat diet. Researchers also observed that the avocado diet significantly lowered small, dense LDL cholesterol (a more atherogenic subclass of LDL) and oxidized LDL (atherogenic modified LDL particle).

    The study was supported by the Hass Avocado Board (HAB) and was also nominated as one of five finalists for the Clinical Emerging Leader Award Competition. “As new research is published on CVD risk factors, we’re learning that it may not simply be the level of LDL cholesterol that matters, but rather the particle number, size, density and especially oxidative modification of the LDL particles,” said Penny Kris- Etherton, Distinguished Professor of Nutrition at the Pennsylvania State University.

    “Research is beginning to show that small, dense LDL particles, in particular, may be more likely to be oxidized and form plaques in the arteries compared to large, buoyant LDL particles.” Wang said that their findings show that there is something unique about the avocado beyond its MUFA content that helped to specifically decrease small, dense LDL in healthy overweight and obese adults.

  • BABA BANDA SINGH BAHADUR THE FIRST SIKH GENERAL

    BABA BANDA SINGH BAHADUR THE FIRST SIKH GENERAL

    He was born in October 1670 in a Rajput family doing farming in village Rajouri, district Punch, State of Kashmir. He was named Lachman Dev. As a child he was very fond of horse riding, martial art, hunting and was expert in use of bow and arrow and other weapons used in wars at that time. At the age of 15 years while hunting a she-deer and tearing the belly of the deer, he saw twin unborn off springs writhing in pain and dying in front of his eyes. He was so much moved of this happening that he left hunting and became an ascetic.

    His father was a kind religious person and used to give free food and shelter to the visiting saints, sadhus and holy persons. Lachman Dev’s attention turned towards them. He became follower of Sadhu Ram Daas of Ram Thamman near Lahore (now in Pakistan). After some time he followed Janaki Daas. His name was changed to Madho Daas. While moving from place to place, he reached Punchvati near Nasik in Maharashtra and became follower Sadhu Aughhar Nath. Madho Daas served Aughhar Nath with full devotion for 5 years. Aughhar Nath pleased with his services, bestowed him with all his virtues, occult powers and even his own created holy book. Aughhar Nath expired in 1691.

    Thus at the age of 21 years, Madho Daas, the Rajput youth attained miraculous powers and reached Nander to set up his own Ashram. Thus living at Nander since the last 16 years, in the year 1708, a the age of 38 years, Madho Daas with lot of miraculous powers and fame was a master of a big Ashram and was very proud of his wisdom, meditation, occult powers and fame. He started insulting, putting down all saints, sadhus, intellectuals, faquirs etc. who so ever came to his Dera.

    Banda’s march towards Punjab

    In Oct. 1708, at Nander, Guru Gobind Singh sent Banda Singh to Punjab and advised him to:

    1. Put a stop to the cruelty of Punjab rulers.

    2. Punish the guilty and cruel misrulers.

    3. To fight for human rights,uplift and strengthen the poor, the low and slave like people who could not even imagine freedom.

    The Guru blessed him with:
    1. Guru’s order to Sikh Sangats.
    2. Five arrows.
    3. A double Edged sword (Khanda).
    4. A big leather mounted drum (Nagaara).
    He sent with him five Sikhs for counseling:
    1. Bhai Daya Singh
    2. Bhai Binod Singh
    3. Bhai Kahan Singh
    4. Bhai Bijay Singh
    5. Bhai Ran Singh

    The main aim for the Sikhs was Sarhind and its Nawab Wazir Khan. This war took place in May 1710 at the field of “Chhappar Chiri” 15 miles away from Sarhind. Wazir Hkan lost his life. The Mugal army ran away from the field. The Sikhs entered the city of Sarhind. Most of the high officials and administrators were killed. Their buildings were destroyed and looted. Even in war, Banda Bahadur had instructed not to harm any Mosque, Madrassa and Makbras (Graves). Irrespective of their religion, the old, women and children were protected from any harm. Sheikh Ahmed Sirhindi was the main conspirator for the death of Guru Arjan dev ji.

    Even his grave was not destroyed. All attempts were made to avoid to give any religious colour to these wars. As and when an area was conquered Banda Singh appointed one of his trusted lieutenants to govern these places and who in turn appointed other local people for administration. Keeping continuous the wave of attacks on other areas, in 1710 itself he took over other Northeren Areas in between rivers of Jamuna and Ganga such as Saharan Pur, Shamli, Muzzafar Nagar etc. Banda Singh established his capital at Mukhlis Garh, a place situated in the base of hills and away from the main highway and central areas from security point of view.

    He repaired the fort of Mukhlis Garh and renamed it as Loh Garh. He even started a mint to make coins and stamps in the name of Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh and established Khalsa Kingdom. Seeing such a rise of Banda Singh, The Mugal Emperor at Delhi, Bahadur Shah became nervous and furious. He could least think of such a situation. To take back his lost areas, he started chasing Banda Singh with all his forces. Viewing the situation, Banda Singh and his forces returned to the fort of Loh Garh in Dec 1710.

    The Mugal forces surrounded the fort and cut off all supplies. In one of pitch dark nights, Banda Singh and his men forced their way through the Mughal army and moved towards upper hill areas. Punishing various kings of hills who were part of the Mughal forces against Guru Gobind Singh, he moved towards Jammu. Bahadar Shah reached Lahore in Aug.1711. His attempts to kill or capture Banda Singh were on. In Feb 1712 Bahadur Shah died out of illness. For one year there was fight for the Throne of Delhi among his sons. To take gain of the situation Banda Singh collected his forces and again conquered Batala , Kalanaour, Sarhind, Muzaffar Nagar and other areas in 1712 and ruled till 1715.

    In Delhi, Farukh Seyer son of Azimu-Shaan became king of Hindustan in Feb 1713. It was for the first time that Banda Singh broke the believe of Mugals that they could not be conquered by any one. He established a democratic rule. The poor and down trodden got a sense if living with dignity. Those who tilled the land became its owners. He had power of devils but heart of saints. He protected the poor and low, did not harm those who surrendered. Clear example is the army of Afgan fighters who did not want to fight Banda Singh and accepted his leadership.

    In June 1716, Banda Singh and his 26 companions were moved in the streets of old Delhi in the form of a procession and then taken to the Makbra (Grave) of Khawaza Kutub-ud-deen Bakhitiyar Kaki near Kutub Minar. 26 sikhs were beheaded in the presence of Banda Singh, hoping that he may still ask for mercy. Now it was the turn of Banda Singh. He was asked to accept Islam or face death. He accepted death.

    Execution of Banda Singh Bahadar

    Banda Singh’s four-year-old son was seated on his lap. A dagger was given to Banda Singh and ordered to cut his own son. He refused. The executioner pierced the chest of his son, took out the violently vibrating heart and tried to push into the mouth of Banda Singh. Though shackled, Banda Singh refused furiously. After this his flesh was notched out with pliers, hot sharp rods were inserted into his flesh.

    His eyes were notched out, hands and feet were chopped off. Thus when he became unconscious, his head was chopped off. This black day of the rulers was on 9th June 1716. Whosoever, a Muslim, Hindu or Christian, saw this felt that the souls of those, who sacrificed their lives had miraculous powers that did not allow them to accept defeat.

    It was a strange incidence in the life of Banda Singh that when at the age of 15 years he saw dying two infants of a deer, which altogether changed his life and now at the age of 46, the beating heart of his own son was being pushed into his own mouth. The English historian Conningham wrote that it was inhumane, unsocial and forest ruled activity of the victorious Mugals for having treated the sikhs in such ill manners. Such dreadful were the scenes, perhaps no body except those who saw could believe.

    Farakh-Seyer, who tortured and killed Banda Singh and his men in June 1716, met with the same fate just after three years at the hands of his own men. There was a revolt against him. He hid himself in the dark rooms of Red Fort. He was chased, and his eyes similarly notched off. And then killed. Banda Singh Bahadur ruled only for 6 to 7 years, when sikhs were like salt in flour. This broke the yoke of 700 years rule of the invading forces from the Arab countries.

  • Sebi bid to boost retail participation

    Sebi bid to boost retail participation

    MUMBAI (TIP): In an attempt to increase retail participation in the capital markets, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has brought a host of changes that include a 10 % reservation for retail investors in an offer for sale (OFS) and permission for buying of shares for employee stock option schemes from the secondary market. OFS is akin to selling shares on the bourses through auction. The stock exchanges would offer a separate window for such share sales that are open during normal trading hours. The Sebi board after a meeting on Thursday said that a minimum 10% of the issue size should be reserved for retail investors i.e. investors bidding for amounts less than Rs 2 lakh under OFS.

    “In case this percentage is not fully utilized, the unutilized portion may be offered to other investors,” it said. This is being done to encourage retail participation in OFS and enable all large shareholders including nonpromoter shareholders to use the OFS mechanism, Sebi said. The OFS mechanism would be made available for shareholders of top-200 companies by market capitalisation. Until now the OFS route was restricted to top-100 companies. “Non-promoter shareholders having shareholding of more than 10% or such percentage as specified by Sebi from time to time shall be eligible to use OFS.”

    This move paves the way for the government to divest its residual stake in Hindustan Zinc Ltd. The Cabinet had in January cleared the selling of the residual stake in HZL. As for Employee stock option schemes and employee stock purchase schemes, Sebi said companies would be permitted to acquire shares from the secondary market under certain conditions to avoid forced dilution of capital. The move is in line with international practices but would require shareholders’ approval through special resolution.

    The regulator has put in place safeguards that include at least a six month holding period for shares acquired from the secondary market. Besides, SEBI has also said that the minimum dilution to the public in an initial public offer (IPO) should be 25% or Rs. 400 crore, whichever is lower, for companies with post-capitalisation of less than Rs. 4000 crore.

    “This will remove the anomaly that a company just short of Rs 4000 crore market capitalisation, was required to dilute about Rs. 1000 crore while another company at Rs. 4000 crore market capitalisation was required to dilute only Rs. 400 crore,” Sebi said. Companies with a post-capitalisation of above Rs. 4000 crore are required to dilute only 10% in an IPO. “Though much more needs to be done to bring the retail investors back, if good large companies make an IPO by diluting 10% but at reasonable valuations, it will be attractive for retail investors,” said Dara J Kalyaniwala, vice president—investment banking, PL Capital Markets.

  • Cement demand may increase by up to 7% in southern region

    Cement demand may increase by up to 7% in southern region

    MUMBAI (TIP): The demand for cement in southern region is expected to rise by 5-7 per cent in FY’15 as compared to 1 per cent year-on-year growth in FY’14, a report said. Cement plant utilisation trend in southern states is expected to pick up in the current fiscal as compared with the previous year, and overall demand in the region should go up by 5-7 per cent in FY 2014-15, as against 1 per cent year-on-year growth a year ago, Karvy Broking said in its report. This along with limited capacity expansion in south should boost plant utilisation in the region, Karvy Broking Analyst Rajesh Kumar Ravi said.

    Among southern states, Andhra Pradesh market demand is 21 million tonnes per annum and it is expected to grow at 10-12 per cent this fiscal, as against 6 per cent yo- y in the previous financial year. The demand in Tamil Nadu is 20 million tonnes per annum and is expected to grow at 4-5 per cent in FY’15, as compared to 4 per cent decline in the previous year. Karnataka’s demand stands at 16 million tonnes per annum and is likely to increase by 3-5 per cent in FY’15.

    The cement demand in Kerala is 10 million tonnes per annum and expected to grow at 8-10 per cent in the current financial year, as compared with 5 per cent growth a year ago. The expert highlighted that demand recovery in the southern region initially will be from infrastructure projects as political stability has set in the Andhra Pradesh region. Both pending and new infrastructure projects in AP (combined) should boost double digit demand growth in the state. Post the bifurcation of the AP, Vizag, Vijayawada and Tirupati would emerge as key cities, Ravi said. He expects Vizag to emerge as the main hub while Vijayawada and Tirupati would become commercial and IT hubs respectively. These should boost cement demand from pick up in both housing and infrastructure activities in these regions.

  • Poor sales force VW group to scale down India market share target

    Poor sales force VW group to scale down India market share target

    PUNE (TIP): Europe’ s top carmaker Volkswagen group has scaled down its India market share target to 7-8% by 2018 against the 20% projected earlier as it struggles to make headway in the highly-competitive market dominated by heavyweights like Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai. The company said that environment in India is “challenging” and it is a “struggle to find the right product and right cost structures” to make a deep cut. “It is a challenge … (and) not an easy market,” Mahesh Kodumudi, president and managing director of Volkswagen India, told TOI here. The group operates five car brands in India — mainline makers VW and Skoda and luxury brands Audi, Porsche and Lamborghini.

    Out of these, only Audi has been able to have a strong say in its target segment, though the volumes in the luxury market are limited as the overall market size is small. said that against the initial expectations, the VW brand failed to get a flying start in India due to heavy competition from costeffective players like Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai. ” Perhaps we made a big splash when we entered and the expectations were that we would come and conquer the market. That has definitely not happened.”

    Interestingly, the VW group is the biggest automaker in China with annual sales of 3.19 million in 2013, which is more than the size of the overall Indian market. At the time of the India entry of VW brand in 2010, the company had sounded an ambitious note with global CEO Martin Winterkorn announcing a target of 20% share for the group by 2018. The group’s sales fell nearly 19% in 2013 to 92,529 units against 1,14,045 units in 2012. The situation has been grave for VW and Skoda, the brands that were supposed to be the volume drivers.

    As per fiscal-year numbers reported to industry body Siam, VW’s volumes have been on a constant decline since 2011-12. For Skoda, the volumes have been on a downward spiral and the brand finished FY14 with volumes that were lower than numbers achieved in FY11. Kodumudi said the group has a lot of groundwork to do to find a firm footing in the market.. The group is now working at increasing localization in India, while it also looks at new product launches. It has lined up investments of Rs 1,500 crore for the localization efforts as well as working on variants for existing products.

    Vento sedan and Polo hatchback are the main cars for VW, while for Skoda, the crucial cars are Rapid and Superb sedans. Skoda has made an exit from the hatchback segment where it was selling Fabia compact as the model failed to make any notable headway in its category. The poor run, however, has not made the group pessimistic on the Indian market’s long-term potential. “India remains a key strategic market for the Volkswagen group,” Kodumudi said, adding that it will not shy away from making further investments in new products and capacity expansion.

  • NOW, YOU CAN SEND ‘SCENTED’ TEXT MESSAGES TO YOUR LOVED ONES

    NOW, YOU CAN SEND ‘SCENTED’ TEXT MESSAGES TO YOUR LOVED ONES

    WASHINGTON (TIP): Harvard engineering professor David Edwards has invented a new device along with his former student, Rachel Field, that can send ‘aromas’ through mobile messages. Paris-based Vapor Communications, the startup behind the scent-based messaging system, launched an Indiegogo campaign for the setup.

    The device called oPhone DUO, consists of small cartridges called oChips, which are similar to ink cartridges but for scents, which help in the transfer of scent-based messages between two oPhones, CNet reported. People can use the free iPhone app oSnap to click a picture their food, and choose from the app’s combination of more than 300,000 aroma to capture your scent, and send the message through “oNote” app.

  • COFFEE WASTE MAY FUEL YOUR CAR NOW

    COFFEE WASTE MAY FUEL YOUR CAR NOW

    Scientists have created a new biofuel to get the cars running using ground coffee. The study by University of Bath found that different varieties of coffee, including Robusta and Arabica, have reasonably standard composition and relevant physical properties of fuel, suggesting that all coffee waste could be a “viable” way of producing biodiesel.

    Chris Chuck, a research fellow at the university, said that around eight million tonnes of coffee are produced globally each year, and ground waste coffee contains up to 20% oil per unit weight. This oil also has similar properties to current feedstocks used to make biofuels. Spent coffee grounds are waste and there’s a real potential to produce a truly sustainable biofuel using these, he added.

  • Soon, astronauts to enjoy freshly brewed coffee at ISS

    Soon, astronauts to enjoy freshly brewed coffee at ISS

    The ISS will soon get an espresso machine, allowing astronauts to enjoy hot, freshly brewed coffee in space. A pair of Italian companies in cooperation with the Italian Space Agency have announced plans to send an espresso machine to the ISS by November, which they are calling the ISSpresso machine. Lavazza has joined forces with Italian aerospace engineering company to design an espresso machine.

    The new machine will use a capsule system instead of a full ground system and will be capable of making not just espresso, but several other hot beverages. The plastic tube that usually conveys hot water inside a normal espresso machine has been replaced by steel tube, making the unit capable of withstanding very high pressure. They also added multiple redundant systems to ensure continued service for many years to come. The liquid product made by the machine is dispensed into a plastic bag.

  • SILICON-BASED CHIP SOON THING OF THE PAST

    SILICON-BASED CHIP SOON THING OF THE PAST

    NEW YORK (TIP): The dominance of silicon in electronics may soon be over as researchers have now developed a flexible, energy-efficient hybrid circuit combining carbon nanotube thin film transistors with other thin film transistors. Since carbon nanotubes are more transparent and flexible and can be processed at a lower cost, this hybrid could take the place of silicon as the traditional transistor material used in electronic chips.

    Researchers developed this energyefficient circuit by integrating carbon nanotube (CNT) thin film transistors (TFT) with thin film transistors comprised of indium, gallium and zinc oxide (IGZO). “It is like a perfect marriage,” said Chongwu Zhou, an electrical engineering professor at University of Southern California (USC) in the US. “We are very excited about this idea of hybrid integration and believe there is a lot of potential for it,” Zhou added. Carbon nanotubes are so small that they can only be viewed through a scanning electron microscope.

    This hybridisation of carbon nanotube thin films and IGZO thin films was achieved by combining their types, p-type and n-type, respectively, to create circuits that can operate complimentarily, reducing power loss and increasing efficiency. The inclusion of IGZO thin film transistors was necessary to provide power efficiency to increase battery life. “This gives us further proof that we can make larger integrations so we can make more complicated circuits for computers and circuits,” added Haitian Chen, research assistant at USC’s Viterbi school of engineering. The findings appeared in the journal Nature Communications.

  • Scientists develop sensor that can embedded in the eye

    Scientists develop sensor that can embedded in the eye

    LONDON (TIP): Your eyes could soon become a high-tech information centre that tracks changes and tells you when it’s time to see an eye doctor. Scientists from the University of Washington have designed a lowpower sensor that could be placed permanently in a person’s eye to track hard-to-measure changes in eye pressure. The sensor would be embedded with an artificial lens during cataract surgery and would detect pressure changes instantaneously and then transmit the data wirelessly using radio frequency waves.

    “No one has ever put electronics inside the lens of the eye, so this is a little more radical,” said Karl Bohringer, a UW professor of electrical engineering and of bioengineering. “We have shown this is possible in principle. If you can fit this sensor device into an intraocular lens implant during cataract surgery, it won’t require any further surgery for patients.” Scientists were looking to keep a close watch over eye pressure for management of glaucoma, one of the major reasons for blindness across the globe. It is a group of diseases that damage the eye’s optic nerve and can cause blindness.

    Right now there are two ways to check eye pressure, but both require a visit to the ophthalmologist. But if ophthalmologists could insert a pressure monitoring system during cataract surgery – now a common procedure performed on 3 million to 4 million people each year to remove blurry vision or glare caused by a hazy lens – that could save patients from a second surgery and essentially make their replacement lens “smarter” and more functional. The UW engineering team built a prototype that uses radio frequency for wireless power and data transfer.

    A thin, circular antenna spans the perimeter of the device – roughly tracing a person’s iris – and harnesses enough energy from the surrounding field to power a small pressure sensor chip. The chip communicates with a close-by receiver about any shifts in frequency which signifies a change in pressure. Actual pressure is then calculated and those changes are tracked and recorded in real-time. The current prototype is larger than it would need to be to fit into an artificial lens, but the research team is confident it can be downscaled through more engineering.

  • Soon, decayed tooth may repair itself

    Soon, decayed tooth may repair itself

    LONDON (TIP): British scientists have discovered a technique which can make a decayed tooth repair itself. The technique, developed at King’s College, London, effectively reverses decay by using electrical currents to boost the tooth’s natural repair process. This path-breaking treatment could be available in three years, according to the British researchers who created it.

    The two-step method developed first prepares the damaged part of the enamel outer layer of the tooth and then uses a tiny electric current to ‘push’ minerals into the tooth to repair the damaged site. The defect is remineralised in a painless process that requires no drills, no injections and no filling materials. Electric currents are already used by dentists to check the pulp or nerve of a tooth; the new device uses a far smaller current than that currently used on patients and which cannot be felt by the patient.

    The technique is known as Electrically Accelerated and Enhanced Remineralisation. The researchers said, “Dentists could soon be giving your teeth a mild ‘time warp’ to encourage them to self-repair . It aims to take the pain out of tooth decay treatment by electrically reversing the process to help teeth ‘remineralise’ .” Nigel Pitts from the Dental Institute at King’s College London said, “The way we treat teeth today is not ideal – when we repair a tooth by putting in a filling, that tooth enters a cycle of drilling and refilling as, ultimately, each “repair” fails.

  • I have proved a point: LUIS SUAREZ

    I have proved a point: LUIS SUAREZ

    SAO PAULO (TIP): Controversial striker Luis Suarez said he was delighted to prove a point after scoring two goals to see Uruguay to a 2-1 win over England on Thursday, revealing he had taken time to console Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard. The 27-year-old forward has regularly made the headlines for all the wrong reasons since he joined the English Premier League giants in 2011.

    He started last season completing a 10- game ban for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic — a punishment that came a year after he received an eight-game suspension for racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra. Even before he joined Liverpool, Suarez was dubbed “the cannibal of Ajax” when he bit an opponent’s shoulder and was handed a seven-game ban. “I’m very happy about this victory.

    I wanted to help the team, try to get three important points, but it’s not the final word,” said Suarez, who was voted player of the season by his peers in England. “It was a dream afternoon because we won, because of the way we won, and for what the rival meant to me, for everything that was said, the doubts, and this was a way to demonstrate everything I wanted to prove.” Suarez, back in action just four weeks after knee surgery, put Uruguay ahead with a 39th-minute header before Wayne Rooney equalised.

    But the Uruguayan had the final say when he latched on to a long ball and smashed home the winner five minutes from time after Gerrard mistimed a header in midfield. Suarez, who missed Uruguay’s opening defeat to Costa Rica, said he was delighted to prove to his doubters he was playing at a “world-class level” despite speculation over his fitness. And asked what he told Gerrard after the game, he said: “I said keep going and forget about this game.”

    England boss Roy Hodgson raised the stakes ahead of Thursday’s match in Sao Paulo by insisting Suarez has yet to prove he’s a world class striker. Speaking about Hodgson, Suarez said: “He sees me all year long over there. He knows what I’m worth as a player, as a person, and these things help to build courage and character going forward.” “It’s a very important victory that we wanted, that we needed because we knew it was a crucial and vital game for us,” he added. “We won but we haven’t qualified yet. We need to keep our feet to the ground because we have another game against Italy.”

  • Suarez scores brace as Uruguay beat England 2-1

    Suarez scores brace as Uruguay beat England 2-1

    SAO PAULO (TIP): As promised, the Luis Suarez threat proved real and potent for hapless England. Returning to full fitness, right in time for this fixture, the Liverpool striker – voted Player of the Year in England — came up the goal when it was needed the most.

    It destroyed England who had just been rejuvenated by their late equalizer. This one by Suarez, after his superb first half opening goal to put the South Americans ahead. It was all so sickening familiar for the English – they are not even sure if they stay or leave, having to wait for the outcome of the other games in the group to learn of their fate. Staring at a World Cup ouster, plucky England had managed to turn the tide and extend their stay in Brazil. Wayne Rooney finally got his first World Cup goal, and Uruguay for all their swashbuckling ways in freezing conditions in Sao Paolo on Friday, suddenly looked to be the ones hanging by a thread in this Group of Death.

    As things stood, with the possibility of England beating Costa Rica greater than Uruguay quelling the Italian challenge in the last fixture of the group, it looked like curtains for Oscar Tabarez’s side despite being on top of proceedings here. Then, as always, out of nowhere, Suarez arrived to take Uruguay to safety with him. It had promised an equal, physical game at the early exchanges all pointed towards that. Quarter of an hour gone and the burly Cristian Rodriguez forced a close save off Joe Hart.

    It immediately showed intent of the Uruguayans, who, it was clear would not sit back and wait for things to happen in this make or break Group D tie. While England stayed on even keel during the game – not giving up the fight — Uruguay’s technical superiority, depth and the presence of Suarez and Cavani upfront looked to them in good stead. There was a clear Atletico Madrid accent on the Uruguayan lineup with three first-choice Atleti players – captain Diego Godin, striker Cristian Rodriguez and defender Jose Gimenez – making Oascar Tabarez’s team on Thursday.

    On the other hand, England, probably after North Korea at the last World Cup, was a line-up comprising wholly homebased players. Make of that what you will. At the half-hour, Rooney’s header off a Steven Gerrard fee kick rocked Fernando Muslera’s bar. England were growing stronger with the two Danny’s – Wellbeck and Sturridge showing great movement. They forced the Uruguayan defenders to resort to their famous physical game. But whatever promise, they were gaining with their in-your-face performance, they had not accounted for the innate footballing intelligence and invention of the aptly-named Edinson Cavani.

    A few before the minutes before Rooney came so agonizingly close to putting England ahead, Cavani had showed us glimpse of the danger he presented, alone and even more so, when combining with the nakedly-wily Suarez. A corner from the right taken by Suarez had Cavani unmarked, seemingly stranded at the far past. Then suddenly, unnoticed he cut inside, but instead of heading towards the melee at the goalmouth, he cut a wide arc along the edge of the box and met the low corner to turn it first-time towards Joe Hart’s goal. It was a close call, but gave a glimpse of what could unfold.