The Indian Panorama

Month: May 2015

  • 11 Year-Old Indian American Boy Graduates From College

    11 Year-Old Indian American Boy Graduates From College

    Los Angeles:  An Indian-American home-schooled boy has surprised one and all by graduating from a US college at the age of 11 with three associate degrees in mathematics, science and foreign language studies.

    Tanishq Abraham, a native of Sacramento, California, graduated from American River College in Sacramento (ARC), California, alongside 1,800 students.

    Abraham is the youngest person to graduate from American River College this year.

    “The assumption is that he’s the all-time youngest,” American River College spokesman Scott Crow told NBC News.

    Abraham, last year, became one of the youngest ever in the US to graduate high school.

    Home-schooled since the age of 7, Abraham passed a state exam in March last year that certified he had met the appropriate academic standards to receive his high school diploma. His achievement last year had earned the attention of President Barack Obama — who had sent Tanishq a congratulatory letter.

    Abraham joined MENSA, the prominent high IQ society, when he was only four-years-old.

    Abraham told a local TV station that the milestone of graduating from college was not “much of a big thing for me.”

    His mother, Taji Abraham, said he has always been ahead of the class.

    “Even in kindergarten he was pretty ahead, a few years ahead – and then it just went from there,” she told KCRA-TV.

    Abraham said some of the students at the college “were intimidated” by him but a lot of others “were really happy” to have a kid in their classes. He graduated with three associate degrees from the college.

    On his college graduation cap, Abraham wore his favourite “Toy Story” quote: “2 Infinity and Beyond.”

    As for what comes next for the child prodigy, Abraham said: “I want to become a doctor, but I also want to become a medical researcher, and also the president of the United States.”

    “I like to learn. So I just followed my passion of learning, and that’s how I ended up here,” he told Fox News.

  • Dog Flu Spreading: Number Of Canine Flu Cases Escalates

    Dog Flu Spreading: Number Of Canine Flu Cases Escalates

    Several cases of the dog flu spreading around the nation continues to rise. As Inquisitr wrote last month, over a 1,000 cases were reported in Chicago, and the first case of it happened in Texas last week. Now more incidences of the canine flu are hitting animals, with one in Atlanta and another in Ohio testing positive this week, CNN reports.

    Cornell University says that the dog flu spreading is happening in Iowa, Indiana, Massachusetts, and New York.

    The dog flu consists of two viruses called H3N8 and A H3N2. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say it only affects animals, not humans.

    Some signs of dog flu are similar symptoms seen in humans when they get the flu — fever, coughing, feeling lethargic, runny nose, and lost appetite.

    Since this is a viral disease, there’s no real cure for it. What can be done, however, is getting dogs the right care to help “boost” their immunity. Antibiotics can be prescribed if a secondary bacterial infection is diagnosed. A vaccine in the U.S. only treats H3N8. The latest outbreak of dog flu spreading is H3N2 and it’s unknown how effective the H3N8 vaccine works for this.

    USA Today further reports that the dog flu has spread in other parts of the country, such as Alabama, California, Wisconsin, Michigan, New Jersey, Iowa, and Indiana. The news source received an email from Keith Poulsen, a professor of veterinary medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He reveals that it’s estimated several thousand dogs have been affected by the virus, but that number isn’t over 10,000 at this point.

    Poulsen is working with the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and Cornell University — and others — to study H3N2. They’ve also formed a group called National Canine Influenza Task Force.

    Poulsen said in spite of the dog flu spreading, only two to three percent of canines affected have died from it. This is the “short-term” answer for now, he cautions. He adds that pet owners should be concerned about the health of their dogs regarding the flu, but not excessively more than usual when it comes to their well-being. Dogs that tend to go to boarding facilities, dog parks, or other areas where they’re around multiple dogs have the highest risk of catching the dog flu; they should definitely be vaccinated. Other tips in preventing the dog flu from spreading more is to keep dogs on a leash, away from sick dogs, and keep dogs in epidemic areas at home.

    [Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images]

  • FBI cracks down ‘Islamic State’ in Orange County, California

    FBI cracks down ‘Islamic State’ in Orange County, California

    Two men accused of plotting to provide material support to “Islamic State” (IS) appeared before a court in California on Friday. The prosecutors charged Anaheim residents Muhanad Badawi and Nader Elhuzayel, both 24, after investigators tracked their communications on social media and found messages claiming their support for IS.

    According to court documents, on May 7 Elhuzayel used Badawi’s credit card to purchase a ticket to Tel Aviv, Israel, via Istanbul, Turkey. Police arrested Elhuzayel at Los Angeles International Airport on May 21 as he prepared to depart and Badawi in Anaheim, the home to Disneyland, on the same day. Badawi suggested that he, too, eventually planned to go to the region to join the fight, the Justice Department reported.

    Elhuzayel told authorities that he had planned on getting off the plane in Turkey and traveling to fight with IS in Syria, according to the complaint. However, his father, Salem Elhuzayel, told the Orange County Register that he had dropped his son off for the Israel-bound flight so that he could visit Palestinian aunts and cousins.

    “I think they’re looking for a victim,” he said. “He’s an innocent human being.” Officials searched the motel room where the family has lived since their eviction from their home, Salem Elhuzayel said.

    On Friday, IS claimed responsibility for a deadly mosque attack in Saudi Arabia.
    mkg/rc (Reuters, AFP, AP,DW)

  • Aap ki sarkar 100 Days – Kejriwal hits out at Centre, police & media

    Aap ki sarkar 100 Days – Kejriwal hits out at Centre, police & media

    NEW DELHI: It was on Valentine’s Day this year that Arvind Kejriwal took oath with an overwhelming mandate of 67 MLAs in a house of 70. But what should have been a prolonged honeymoon has turned out to be a troubled marriage as his government completes hundred days this Sunday. From dousing the fire within his own party to stoking a confrontation with the Centre (read LG), the CM has followed an agenda that has kept the pot boiling.

    He is the angry young man in the Amitabh mould. He has taken on the BJP-ruled corporations and Delhi Police in asserting his historic mandate and pushing his demand for full statehood. The media, he rages, has got a `supari’ or contract to kill his government. He has, however, taken care to keep his core constituency happy with slashed bills, subsidies and even with questionable decisions like giving the autorickshaws a virtual free run of the city.

    The corrupt have also been reined in somewhat, a hallmark of his previous stint too. The aam aadmi government got cocooned in the secretariat quite early, trying to keep away nosey journalists.Its intolerance of any criticism has put it at odds with the very media which had once championed the party’s ioned the party’s cause. In fact, the media has been condemned and sentenced. The chief minister, who is without a portfolio and working for “systemic change”, stays away from the limelight, leaving his deputy , Manish Sisodia, to field questions. He is, how ever, spotted at the Janata Durbars at his Civil Lines house. Ironically, for a party like AAP or what it had portrayed itself to be, Kejriwal is the high command.

    AAP’s delivery on its 70-point agenda in these 100 days is a matter of process and still waiting outcomes. While there are meetings and plans in process, these are mostly welfare and relief measures like subsidized power and compensations. Even the budget consulta tions with people got a lukewarm response. The middle class is once again feeling disconnected. The city’s transport system and roads are in a shambles, no major infrastructure project has been announced, and major decisions, like scrapping the BRT, are forever pending.

    While the promise of bring ing down power tariff will have to wait till the CAG audit of discoms is over, a subsidy has been introduced. The government is also giving every home a monthly quota of 700 litres of free water.

    To fight corruption – while the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) is under revamp – Kejriwal armed the common man with a helpline, 1031, on which people can complain about officers taking bribes, give evidence and seek action. However, the issue that became controversial in the 49 days of AAP – Jan Lokpal Bill – is under careful scrutiny this time. The chief minister said recently it will be first sent to the Centre for its views and then table it in the Delhi assembly .

    This is likely to be another flashpoint.

    Kejriwal’s political focus is on re-defining Centre-state relations. The battle for full statehood is now full blown with the Centre coming out with a notification that overrules Kejriwal’s writ in favour of LG and goes a step ahead to prevent the ACB from acting against any official – from the IAS to DANICS and the cops. This could be the beginning of another confrontation with the Centre.

    Kejriwal had taken over on February 14 as CM on a non-confrontationist note, promising “systemic change, good governance and cooperation with the Centre” to all those who felt betrayed by the chaotic protests of those 49 days of AAP . He had made the point even in a preelection interview with TOI. Peace did not prevail for long. The CM, in his first assembly session in February , raised the demand for full statehood and gradually entered into a full-fledged battle, throwing his interpretation of the law at Delhi Police, LG and then the Centre through letters to the union home minister and a letter to prime minister Narendra Modi whom he has repeatedly accused of “trying to run the city directly through LG”.

    The matter finally landed at the doorstep of the President. Now, with the Centre choosing to re ject Kejriwal’s interpretation of the Constitution, the issue is far from settled.

  • Indian American Man Among 3 Charged With Fraud in NY

    Indian American Man Among 3 Charged With Fraud in NY

    NEW YORK:  An Indian is among three men arrested here and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud for tricking distressed homeowners to sell their homes and reaping millions of dollars through the scheme.

    Rajesh Maddiwar, Mario Alvarenga and Amir Meiri were presented in Manhattan federal court before US Magistrate Judge Kevin Fox on Thursday.

    The three were each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison.
    Manhattan US Attorney Preet Bharara said, “In what is alleged to be a brazen fraud, these defendants manipulated and took advantage of vulnerable people, and in some cases even tricked individuals into losing their homes.”

    According to the allegations in the complaint, since 2013 the three men defrauded distressed homeowners throughout the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens neighbourhood.

    They falsely represented to these homeowners some of whom were elderly or in poor health that they could assist them with a loan modification or similar relief from foreclosure that would allow the homeowners to save their homes.

    Instead, they deceived them into selling their homes to a for-profit real estate company the three were affiliated with.

    The three lured victims through the Homeowners Assistance Service of New York (HASNY), which purported to provide assistance to homeowners who were seeking to avoid foreclosure of their homes.

    When a homeowner arrived at the HASNY office, he or she met with Mr Alvarenga, who typically advised the homeowner that HASNY could assist him or her with a loan modification.

    At the closing, a homeowner who had been led to believe that he or she was about to receive a loan modification or transfer his or her property to a trusted relative was encouraged to sign documents presented by Maddiwar, which in some cases were blank.

    The homeowners were however not aware that by signing the documents, they were selling to the defendants the homes they had hoped to save.

    Homeowners often were then forced to vacate their homes soon thereafter.

  • Indians Second-Largest Migrant Group in UK

    Indians Second-Largest Migrant Group in UK

    LONDON:  Indians are the second-largest group of migrants coming to the UK after Chinese, according to latest figures.

    In 2013, 46,000 Chinese migrants entered Britain for study and work reasons followed by 33,000 Indians.

    India is tied at second place along with Spanish migrants from within the European Union, also at 33,000, according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS) International Passenger Survey (INS).

    Around 29,000 migrants came from Australia, 27,000 from Poland, 22,000 from France and 20,000 from the US.

    Three-quarters of immigrants to the UK are people migrating to work or study, ONS found as part of a research on long-term international immigration.

    On the reverse side, most British expats who had emigrated out of the country are also coming back to the UK for work-related reasons, with 46,000 doing so last year.

    “Generally, immigration of British citizens remains relatively stable, both in terms of the overall level and the main reasons for immigrating,” the ONS notes.

    The flow of immigrants into Britain is set to remain an emotive issue in the UK as Prime Minister David Cameron’s Conservative-led government struggles to control the figures.

    He had reiterated his determination to not “cave in” on tough immigration targets as part of a speech yesterday when ONS figures revealed that net migration rose by 50 per cent to 318,000 last year with a total of 641,000 people moving to the UK in 2014.

    The Conservatives had pledged before the 2010 election to reduce numbers to less than 100,000, a target they acknowledge they have failed to meet.

    “There is the approach of just give up, cave in and forget about it. But that’s not my approach,” he said as he pledged tougher rules to crack down on illegal workers in the country.

  • SKIPPING MEALS CAN INCREASE BELLY FAT

    SKIPPING MEALS CAN INCREASE BELLY FAT

    If you are dieting with a size zero figure in mind, think again!Researchers have found that skipping meals can ultimately result in abdominal weight gain.

    “This does support the notion that small meals throughout the day can be helpful for weight loss, though that may not be practical for many people,” said senior author of the study Martha Belury, professor of human nutrition at The Ohio State University in the US.

    “But you definitely do not want to skip meals to save calories because it sets your body up for larger fluctuations in insulin and glucose and could be setting you up for more fat gain instead of fat loss,” Belury explained.

    In the study, mice that ate all of their food as a single meal and fasted the rest of the day developed insulin resistance in their livers.

    When the liver does not respond to insulin signals telling it to stop producing glucose, that extra sugar in the blood is stored as fat.

    These mice initially were put on a restricted diet and lost weight compared to controls that had unlimited access to food.

    The restricted-diet mice regained weight as calories were added back into their diets and nearly caught up to controls by the study’s end.

    But fat around their middles – the equivalent to human belly fat – weighed more in the restricted-diet mice than in mice that were free to nibble all day long.

    An excess of that kind of fat is associated with insulin resistance and risk for Type-2 diabetes and heart disease

  • DAIRY DIET BEFORE EXERCISE REDUCES RISK OF BONE BREAKS: STUDY

    DAIRY DIET BEFORE EXERCISE REDUCES RISK OF BONE BREAKS: STUDY

    A pre-exercise dairy diet may reduce the risk of bone breaks, according to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).

    The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported on Tuesday the AIS had found a dairy-rich meal around two hours before exercise could counter calcium lost during exercise.

    Athletes in low-impact sports, such as cycling, rowing and swimming, lose calcium through sweating which can weaken the bones and lead to osteoporosis later in life.

    Head of sports nutrition at the AIS, Louise Burke, said the research backed by Dairy Australia showed the body, when seeking calcium for blood sweat, used the digesting food rather than bones, Xinhua news agency reported.

    “It stops your bones from having to dissolve a little bit, to put the calcium back into the blood stream, as to being lost from the blood sweat,” said Burke.

    “Your body is doing that to keep blood calcium levels stable.”

    “So any time it feels that a little bit is going down, it has to rush to the nearest available calcium source to get it back into the blood stream.”

    High-impact exercise like running stimulates bone growth and the opposite is true for low-impact exercise, where the lack of weight bearing activity leads to low bone mineral density.

    The AIS suggested athletes consume three standard dairy serves before exercise.

    “In one case, we have had the team chef create some breakfast recipes including cheese omelettes, bircher muesli and smoothies with milk and yoghurt to help athletes meet this target,” Burke said.

    Burke said weekend cyclists could benefit by considering what to drink after their morning rides.

    “All cyclists could think about their choice of pre-ride breakfast or, when they stop at a cafe on a weekend ride, consider ordering a latte or hot chocolate rather than a short black.”

  • EYECARE with Dr. Raju

    EYECARE with Dr. Raju

    As our humble effort at providing our readers tips on healthcare, we are starting a new series-HEALTHCARE- with one of the most vital organs of human body-the EYE.

    Internationally known eye surgeon Dr. V. K. Raju who is based in West Virginia, USA, has very kindly agreed to contribute to the column.

    Dr. Raju is passionately committed to help world keep vision and has been holding eye camps in India to provide the much needed eye care. He has made a valuable contribution to preventing blindness and restoring vision among children in India.

    Readers may send in questions for Dr. Raju to editor@theindianpanorama.news and both the questions and Dr. Raju’s answers will be published in The Indian Panorama.

    We begin the series with one of the leading causes of blindness- GLAUCOMA.

    Glaucoma

    Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States and in the World. It is a disease of the optic nerve, which is the part of the eye that carries the images we see from the eye to the brain. Glaucoma can damage nerve fibers, causing blind spots in our vision.

    Glaucoma affects the pressure inside the eye, or intraocular pressure (IOP). Aqueous humor is a clear liquid that normally flows in and out of the eye. When this liquid cannot drain properly, pressure builds up in the eye. The resulting increase in IOP can damage the optic nerve.

    The most important risk factors for glaucoma include:

     

    Age; Family History of glaucoma; Diabetes; Past eye injuries.

    The only sure way to detect glaucoma is with a complete eye examination. Symptoms of glaucoma are not noticeable until much damage has already occurred. Early diagnosis and treatment is the key to preventing blindness.

    Your ophthalmologist can determine if you have glaucoma after examining the pressure in your eye, your optic nerve, and your peripheral (side) vision.

    Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent blindness.

    (Adopted from American Academy of Ophthalmology -Eye MD Association.)

  • WHAT YOUR BODY DOES WHEN YOU ARE ASLEEP?

    Not many of us are aware of how our body functions in sleep mode. We suggest a few interesting facts.

    Your body temperature goes down 

    Since you are active all through the day, your body burns calories. So, when you are sleeping, your body goes into a hibernation mode, wherein the temperature of your body goes down.

    Your body releases toxins 

    Well, one of the most interesting facts is that your body releases toxins while you are sleeping as well. This happens because your mind and body is at rest and thus gets rejuvenated at this time.

    Body’s immune system is at a high 

    Even when you are sleeping, your body’s immune system is functioning. It protects you against cold and flu or fever. It is said that only when you are chronically sleep deprived, you are susceptible to getting infected.

  • THE BEST OIL FOR YOUR BODY

    THE BEST OIL FOR YOUR BODY

    Arelaxing massage also gives body’s immune system a boost, say experts.

    Our ancient medicine and sciences hold the most spellbinding rejuvenation therapies. The magical healing properties of herbs and oils in Ayurveda, in fact, always told what research worth millions now only confirms – the oh-so-heavenly massage actually boosts your immune system.

    Researchers in Cedars-Sinai’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences have found that people who go for massage experience measureable changes in their body’s immune and endocrine response.

    Yes, this research indicates that massage doesn’t only feel good, it also may be good for your overall well-being. The study found that people who got a massage experienced significant changes in lymphocyte numbers and percentages white blood cells that play a large role in defending the body from disease.

    It also caused a large decrease in Arginine Vasopressin (AVP) a hormone believed to play a role in aggressive behavior. It also indicated a decrease in levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

    Though preliminary, so encouraging are the results that researchers suggest that a single massage may deliver a measurable benefit.Dr Meghna Dixit, who practices Ayurvedic medicine explains the basis of these conclusions, “A massage helps in the lymphatic drainage. It leads the toxins and the waste products from the blood and the serum from the lumph nodes to the kidney and through it throws it out of the body. Thus the blood and the body overall is purified.”

    She says it also increases the basic metabolism rate, and activates the cells to perform the best, and thus give a boost to one’s immunity.

    Physiotherapist Dr Aijaz Ashai, who specializes in sports physiotherapy, says a massage has a two-fold benefit, “It relives both mental and physical stress.” He explains how muscular tension is relieved. “A nice rub facilitates the release of lactic acid accumulation, but,” he cautions, “It’s very important to differentiate between stiffness from lactic acid accumulation and spasmodic condition.” In the later, rest is need, he says.

    According to Dr Dixit, when a complete body massage isn’t possible, one should at least massage the feet, leg and the back. “Chandan bala lakshadi tel can do wonders for cough, cold and asthma attacks and boost one’s immunity,” she says. And for those who are regular with massages, sesame oil is good, she says. However, it may be interesting to note that city neurologists do not endorse a similar opinion on the benefits of a massage. Though Dr Mayank Pandya says that a massage raises the level of endomorphin, it can’t be attributed to healing. “Each case is different, and most of the times, the local relief is due to what we call ‘counter irritation’. For instance when you apply a balm, the relief is due to the burning sensation that takes over and last only that long.”

    More on oil therapy

    To be able to enjoy a massage and reap maximum benefits, the choice of the oil is very important. While at a spa, you are more likely to be treated to a blend of aromatic oils, if you are planning to get yourself the soothing treatment at home, here’s are the options you can pick from:

    Sweet almond oil

    It’s one of the most popular massage oils even among massage therapists. Pale yellow in color, it’s absorbed fairly quickly, thus not making you feel greasy.

    Apricot kernel oil

    Rich in Vitamin E, it is a good alternative to sweet almond oil for people with nut allergies. However, it’s slightly costlier than almond oil.

    Jojoba oil

    Jojoba is actually a wax extracted from the seed of the jojoba plant. It’s a good option for most people prone to back acne because it is thought to have antibacterial properties and contains long chain wax esters that closely resembles skin sebum. One drawback: jojoba oil is so silky and quickly absorbed, you may need to reapply it often or mix it with other oils.

    Fractionated coconut oil

    Although you may think of coconut oil as being a thick, white solid oil, but fractionated coconut oil is actually a light, non-greasy, liquid oil, and completely affordable. But perhaps the top feature of fractionated coconut oil is that it tends not to stain sheets, a problem with most massage oils.

    Sunflower Oil

    The oil, extracted from sunflower seeds, is rich in the essential fatty acid linoleic acid, as well as palmitic acid and stearic acid, all components required for a healthy skin. But sunflower oil can go rancid quickly, so it should be purchased in small quantities and stored in a dark cool area. Squeezing one or two capsules of pure vitamin E oil into the bottle may help to extend the shelf life.

  • GANGTOK: A FRIENDLY HILL STATION

    GANGTOK: A FRIENDLY HILL STATION

    Wreathed in clouds, Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim is located on a ridge at a height of 5500 feet. With a spectacular view of the Khangchendzonga, the town provides the perfect base for travel through the state. Once an important transit point for traders traveling between Tibet and India, it is today a busy administrative and business centre and presents an interesting mix of cultures and communities.

    Gangtok is a cosmopolitan town which offers the tourist all possible amenities. Hotels are available in a range of prices along with a variety of eateries serving cuisine for all tastes. Shopping complexes, cyber cafes, night clubs and pool parlours abound for those so inclined.

    MG Marg, the main street of Gangtok town is a great place to chill out. The countrys first litter and spit free zone, no vehicular traffic is allowed into the marg. You can sit at the Titanic Park or at the various benches stretched across the mall and take in the carnival like atmosphere, especially during the tourist season. The Mall is lined with shops on both sides of the road so shopping becomes an added pleasure.

    MG Marg is also the venue for the annual Gangtok Food and Culture festival held in December each year when Sikkims multi-cultural cuisine, along with music and dance performances are showcased. This event attracts a large number of locals and tourists each year.

    GANGTOK - Travel TramFor a birds eye view of Gangtok take a ride on the bi-cable Zig-back ropeway. The one kilometre ride from Deorali to Tashiling Secretariat costs Rs. 30 one way and is completed in 7 minutes. Each cabin has the capacity to ferry 25 people at a time. The ropeway has been fitted with fully computerized modern safety mechanism of international standards. On clear weather the ride offers a great view of the Khangchendzonga range apart from an overview of Gangtok town and the valley below. After you get off at Tashiling Secretariat you can walk to the Ridge Park and soak in the beautiful surroundings as well as visit the ongoing Flower Festival held just below the park.

    For a view of Gangtok and all its surrounding, one can got to Ganest Tok situated on a ridge at a distance of 7 kms from Gangtok. From this Spot one can get a view of sprawling Gangtok town, while across the hills Mt. Khang-chen-Dzonga and Mt. Siniolchu loom over the horizon. A cafeteria serves hot tea, coffee and snacks. The view from here is truly breathtaking with snow peaks providing the perfect backdrop for a panoramic view of Gangtok town.

    GANGTOK - Travel Hill Spot

    Hanuman Tok, a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, is situated at an altitude of 7200 feet at a distance of about nine kilometres uphill from Gangtok on a blissfully calm and quiet hilltop. The location is completely free from the pollution of city life. Apart from the clear view of the peaks surrounding Mount Khangchendzonga, some portions of Gangtok town, one also gets a bird’s eye view of the Selep water works, which supplies drinking water to Gangtok. Adjacent to this area is Lukshyama, the royal cremation ground having stupas and chortens. Here the mortal remains of the erst-while royal family members of Sikkim are cremated.

    Namgyal Research Institute of Tibetology is the most prestigious research institute of its kind in the world, NIT is a treasure of vast collection of rare Lepcha, Tibetan and Sanskrit manuscripts, statues and rare Thankas (colourful tapestries used in Buddhist liturgy). Apart from an attractive museum, it has over 200 Buddhist icons and other prized objects of art. As far as its collections are concerned, it is only next to an institute in Tibet. Today it is renowned world wide centre for study of Buddhist philosophy and religion. The institute was established in 1958 to promote serious study and research on Buddhism.

  • SOFIA VERGARA TO HAVE BABY WITH JOE MANGANIELLO

    SOFIA VERGARA TO HAVE BABY WITH JOE MANGANIELLO

    Actress Sofia Vergara says she wants to have children with partner Joe Manganiello.

    The 42-year-old actress, who has a son with her high-school sweetheart Joe Gonzalez, said she would to like to have an early baby, reported E!Online.

    “Joe is younger than me. He’s 38. He’s never had kids. How am I going to say no? I tell him if we’re going to do this, we have to do it, like, now, because I don’t want to be 50 with a baby,” she said.

    Vergara said life has never been better since she met Manganiello last year. “I finally realized that relationships don’t need to be so much work. Ever since we met, it’s been so easy. I’m very suspicious. I’m like, ‘It’s not normal that we’ve been together for nine months and we haven’t had a big fight or anything,’” she added.

  • PAMELA ANDERSON SHEDS CLOTHES FOR PETA’S PSYCHO SHOWER AD

    PAMELA ANDERSON SHEDS CLOTHES FOR PETA’S PSYCHO SHOWER AD

    Pamela Anderson stripped naked to shoot PETA’s psycho shower ad recently.

    The scene depicts that meat and dairy farms drain half of the country’s water supply.

    The former ‘Baywatch’ star said that making a splash for the environment didn’t just mean shorter showers, for one should also go vegan as producing 1 pound of beef took up as much water as about 6 months of shower, E! Online reported.

    The Animal Rights Organisation’s latest Psycho-inspired ad, which was photographed by by David LaChapelle, aims to motivate people to cut down long-showers, as well as meat-eating to save water.

  • Mad Max: Fury Road – MOVIE REVIEW

    Mad Max: Fury Road – MOVIE REVIEW

    STORY: In a bleak, sun-scorched future where the water supply is controlled by a warlord and vegetation is non-existent, the feisty Furiosa (Theron, fantastic) hopes to find redemption in her promised land, beyond the dusty dunes. She finds a partner of sorts in Max Rockatansky, more capable than mad and tougher than ever before.

    REVIEW: Fury Road is a relentless, action-packed assault, with not a seeming nanosecond to spare when it comes to crash-and-burn chases involving vehicles that look like they were forged in the Devil’s own backyard.

    In this post-apocalyptic fable of reconstruction, Immortan (Byrne) rules from an HQ that looks like a steampunk junkie’s dream dominion. Immortan’s lackeys (War Boys) resemble zombies and are slavishly devoted to him. Max has been captured by them and is used as a blood donor for these War Boys. Furiosa, while in Immortan’s employ, goes renegade one day when she drives a supply truck to his HQ containing fuel and some ‘genetically pure’ handmaidens who are in Immortan’s harem. Two of these – Whiteley as The Splendid Angharad and Eaton as Cheedo the Fragile – are very effective. Max and Furiosa meet when an infuriated Immortan subsequently gives chase, with revenge on his mind.

    Tom Hardy carries on the legacy of the character famously played by Mel Gibson – the lone wolf who hallucinates about his daughter and wife. The scriptwriters would have had it easy here – there’s precious little dialogue. After all, why waste words when you can make things blow up in spectacular style?

    The cinematography puts you in front and centre, almost feeling every crazy twist and turn in a chase as characters scramble and fight over, under, above and in front of flat-out weirdly pimped out vehicles. Some scenes are just flat-out bizarre. However, the attention to detail is fantastic. On the flip side, the constant barrage on the senses will polarize viewers – you’ll either not like it at all or you’ll love it. So there you have it. If you want your big screen thrill ride this summer, this might just be the ticket.

  • Sonakshi Sinha goes Shotgun on Dubsmash

    Sonakshi Sinha goes Shotgun on Dubsmash

    Bollywood stars are catching up with Dubsmash. The latest to join the club is Dabangg girl Sonakshi Sinha.

    The actress recently posted a video of her enacting a scene from her father’s movie Mere Apne.She tagged the picture with the caption, “Found one of dads dialogues this is too cool!!!!!

    A #dubsmash a day , keeps the boredom away …And you entertained ??

    The actress, who made a roaring debut in Tamil films opposite superstar Rajinikanth last year in Lingaa, is now working with AR Murugadoss in Akira. The film is said to be heroine-centric and would see Sonakshi do a lot of action sequences. The film also has Raai Laxmi and Anurag Kashyap in pivotal roles. This is her second outing with Murugadoss after Holiday, where she starred opposite Akshay Kumar.

  • TANU WEDS MANU RETURNS WILL BE A WINNER: B-TOWN

    TANU WEDS MANU RETURNS WILL BE A WINNER: B-TOWN

    Bollywood celebrities have loved National Award winner Kangana Ranaut’s performance in Tanu Weds Manu Returns and can’t stop raving about her. At a special screening of the film organised here on Tuesday, a number of celebrities including filmmakers like Rajkumar Hirani, Anurag Kashyap, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Vishal Bhardwaj, Farah Khan and Gauri Shinde, came to watch it.

    They not only heaped praises for Kangana’s endearing act in the film, but also praised the “great and well-directed film”. For them, Kangana and Tanu Weds Manu Returns are a winner this year. “It’s a fantastic film. It’s a great story and very well-directed. You just watch it. It’s a great film,” Hirani said here. Kashyap, whose Bombay Velvet failed to elicit a response he may have desired, said “Tanu Weds Manu Returns is an outstanding film. The sequel is so much better than the prequel.” Talking about Kangana’s twin character Datto, he said “it is one of the finest characters I have ever seen”. “All performances were very good. I never laughed so much. This film will make you go ‘mad’,” Kashyap added.

  • Bombay Velvet – MOVIE REVIEW

    Bombay Velvet – MOVIE REVIEW

    STORY: Johnny Balraj fixes big deals in 1960s Bombay – but what happens when Johnny becomes a thorn for the city’s smoothest powers?

    REVIEW: It’s 1969 in a Bombay of Prohibition but no inhibition, with money in the sea breeze, land sharks cutting deals and gangsters carving up competition. Ambitious Johnny Balraj (Ranbir), dreaming of becoming a big shot, is used by ruthless magnate Kaizaad Khambata (Karan) to fix business and settle scores. Johnny adores jazz singer Rosie (Anushka) and with buddy Chiman (Satyadeep), manages Kaizaad’s Bombay Velvet nightclub where Rosie performs.

    What happens when Rosie turns out to be a pawn of Jimmy Mistry (Manish), Khambata’s foe? And when the Mayor of Bombay (Siddharth) decides Johnny’s getting in his way?

    Bombay Velvet is one of the most stylish-looking Hindi films, its glowing cinematography and sharp detailing presenting a heady, greedy city, full of nightmares and dreams. Its performances create an eye-catching vintage world – where Ranbir Kapoor smashes it as a Raj Kapoor-like Johnny Balraj. Ranbir’s melting eyes and goofy grin stay with you, as does his supple energy and suddenly steely jaw. Anushka impresses as Rosie, her wide-eyed, brittle sadness evoking Audrey Hepburn, wandering through Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

    Karan Johar is fun as wicked Khambata, giggling at Johnny’s English, responding to a union leader quoting ‘siddhant’ with a carelessly stylish “Who’s he?”, asking Johnny deadpan, “Rosie mein aisa kya dekha jo mujhmein nahin?” Kay Kay has a cool cop cameo while Vivaan Shah’s likeable as jolly chauffeur Tony.

    The drama’s further enhanced by fabulous sound design, gorgeous jazz layered pulsatingly onto scenes of violence and love.

    But Bombay Velvet has rough edges too. The film is so intensely stylized, it misses emotional pull. Certain sequences – like Johnny’s prize-fighting – feel stretched. At times, the editing simply races, without letting you feel anything, from Khambata’s jeers to Rosie’s tears, deeply enough.

    The plot also wobbles between love story, crime saga, urban legend and corruption drama. Between lovers’ fights, gun-battles and newspaper wars, you’re thinking The. Godfather, Casablanca, Chicago – but you want to feel Bombay Velvet more.

    Its cinematography and performances, particularly Ranbir’s edgy ‘big shot’, merit an extra half-star. But while Bombay Velvet is stylish, this fabric could have been smoother.

  • No clarity on Ravi Shastri, new Team India coach

    No clarity on Ravi Shastri, new Team India coach

    NEW DELHI (TIP): BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur on May 20 said that a committee will be convened shortly to look into the appointment of the new India coach. However, he did not clarify whether Ravi Shastri would remain the team’s director of cricket for India’s tour to Bangladesh.

    “Regarding the coach, I would say that good things come to those who wait. We are in the process of finalising the coach of the team. It may take some time, but we want to pick the right person who can deliver for the Indian team in the coming years,” said Thakur.

    “We are in the process of finalising the cricket advisory committee and also shortlisting the name of the coaches who are available for India. Once that process is complete we will be in a position to take a final call.We are looking at all the positions whether it is that of the main coach or the support staff,” he added.

    Thakur reiterated the Board’s decision to invite former captains Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly as advisors to guide Indian cricket in the near future. “I think we are very clear that we want to utilise the services of former cricketers, who can give BCCI some time for the promotion of the game. They can share ideas and opinion, they can be advisors to the Board, and we want to involve them to improve the standard of domestic cricket and to improve our performance overseas,” Thakur said.

    Asked about the status of the Indo-Pak series that’s been a topic of hot discussion recently, Thakur said: “The Pakistan board chief (Shahryar Khan) came to India and met me in Delhi. He then went to Kolkata and met Mr Dalmiya (BCCI president). Thereafter, he met me again in Delhi. We are supposed to play a series in December as per the Future Tours Programme (FTP), but we are still at the discussion stage. There are many things to be decided. Once it’s all decided we will let you know.”

  • Serena and Sharapova set for Paris showdown

    Serena and Sharapova set for Paris showdown

    PARIS (TIP): The two biggest names and highest earners in women’s sport will set off on another collision course when the French Open gets underway at Roland Garros on May 18.

    Serena Williams is a 19-time Grand Slam winner, at 33 still the undisputed queen of tennis and the top seed.

    Maria Sharapova has won two out of the last three titles in Paris, including last year, and at 28 is in the prime of her glittering career.

    Should the seedings hold firm and the American plays the Russian in the final on June 6, however, past experience points to there being only one winner.

    Williams has not lost to Sharapova since 2004 and leads their head-to-heads by an astounding 17-2, the last of these coming in the Australian Open final at the start of the year.

    The outcome was the same in 2013 when the pair met for the first, and to date only time, in the French Open final leaving Sharapova no doubt hoping that someone can do her a huge favour by downing Williams in the early rounds as did Spain’s Garbine Muguruza last year.

    Still, Sharapova believes she is hitting form at the right time and fancies her chances on clay, Williams’ least-favourite surface

    “I feel I’m in a much better spot to where I was physically. I am prepared enough to be ready,” she said after her win in Rome at the weekend.

    “I’ve definitely progressed on clay, that’s no secret. It wasn’t an overnight success for sure. It was a lot of work, physical and mental to get to that stage.”

    An upset for Williams is not out of the question as she has been vulnerable in the past on the Paris clay and, after losing her 27-match unbeaten run in the semi-finals of the Madrid Open earlier this month, she subsequently withdrew from the Italian Open with a sore elbow.

    Asked then if her decision could harm her chances in Paris, where she crashed out at the first round last year having triumphed in Rome, Williams said: “I don’t think it will. If I continue to play it could get worse and I could have a situation on my hands.”

    Williams will have motivation in full as her win in Melbourne was her 19th Grand Slam singles title, just three shy of the Open-era record of 22 set by Steffi Graf.

    It would also leave her halfway to becoming just the fourth woman to achieve the fabled calendar-year Grand Slam after Graf (1988), Margaret Court (1970) and Maureen Connolly (1953).

    Williams and Sharapova will start as strong favourites to reach the final, but there are players in the draw who could derail them. Romanian Simona Halep made the final last year and took Sharapova all the way, Petra Kvitova is the reigning Wimbledon champion who is returning to form after a bout of exhaustion and Caroline Wozniacki is enjoying a return to form that followed on from her run into the US Open final last September.

    There is also much interest in the performances of two former golden girls — Victoria Azarenka and Eugenie Bouchard. Belarusian Azarenka was seen as the heir apparent to Williams in 2013 when she won her second Australian Open title and took the world number one spot.

    But all that ground to a halt last year when her form collapsed due to injury and a bout of depression and she has gradually been clawing her way back up the world rankings this year.

  • India thrash Japan 4-0, win hockey Test series 3-0

    India thrash Japan 4-0, win hockey Test series 3-0

    BHUBANESWAR (TIP): Akashdeep Singh struck twice as India completed a dominating 4-0 win over Japan in the last and fourth match to clinch the hockey Test series 3-0 on May 16.

    Apart from Akashdeep, VR Raghunath and Dharamvir Singh scored India even as no goal was scored in the first quarter of the game.

    Halfway into the first quarter, Japan had a real chance as Daichi Kurogawa passed the ball to Ippei Fujimoto in the D, put the later missed the target and losing out on the opportunity score the initial goal.

    Seconds left into the game Yuvraj Walmiki slapped the ball into the D to SV Sunil but unfortunately for India Sunil could not connect and lost the opportunity, resulting in the quarter being a dry run.

    Halfway into the second quarter India had their first chance on penalty corner but unfortunately for India, Rupinder Pal Singh hit off target resulting in missing out on the crucial opportunity.

    In the 26th minute, India had their second chance on the penalty corner but this time Raghunath took the flick and he committed no mistake in finding the nets, giving India 1-0 lead. Next minute India broke the shackles of the defence again and Akashdeep Singh scored a brilliant field goal to make the scoreline 2-0.

    The third quarter started again in India’s favour as they maintain the attack and the pressure on Japan. In the 36th minute India added the third goal when SV Sunil passed the ball to Dharamvir Singh who entered the D with the ball and slapped it past the goalkeeper giving no chance to the opponents to react.

    Post that Japan had yet another chance to score as Hiroki Sakamoto slapped the ball but Sreejesh saved yet again for India.

    Immediately into the last quarter, Japan had their first chance on the penalty corner and a chance to score their first goal but unfortunately the ball was hit wide of the goal.

    After that India upped the ante of their attack and was seen completely dominating the match thereon. In the 52nd minute, India had another chance as Ramandeep Singh had a clear chance to put the ball into the nets but unfortunately he hit directly at the Japan goalie and losing on converting.

  • Sania Mirza-Martina Hingis lose Rome Masters final

    Sania Mirza-Martina Hingis lose Rome Masters final

    ROME (TIP): Indo-Swiss tennis combine of Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis did not live up to expectations as the top seeds were upset by Hungarian-French pair of Timea Babos and Kristina Mladenovic in straight sets in the women’s doubles final of the $2,428,490 Rome Masters on Sunday.

    The third seeds took just an hour and 13 minutes to come out on top with a 6-4, 6-3 win on the outdoor clay courts of Foro Italico in the first ever match between the two pairs.

    This was Sania and Martina’s, ranked World No.1 and 2 respectively, fourth final together, having won at Indian Wells, Miami and Charleston earlier in the year.

    The match did not go in favour of the top seeds right from the start as Sania and Martina were shocked in the fifth game of the first set when Timea and Kristina broke them and held serve to extend the lead to 4-2.

    Sania and Martina finally earned two breakpoints for the first time in the match when the third seeds were looking to close the set on their service game at 5-4. However, both opportunities were wasted as Timea and Kristina won the set to take the lead in the match in only 38 minutes.

    The third seeds took the momentum into the second set as they immediately broke their opponents.

  • Saina Nehwal regains top spot in world rankings

    Saina Nehwal regains top spot in world rankings

    HYDERABAD (TIP): Star Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal regained the number one spot in the latest BWF world rankings released on May 21.

    Saina, who secured the numero uno spot for the first time early last month, slipped from the coveted position subsequently.

    The Olympic bronze medallist, however, climbed to the number one ranking today once again ahead of the Australian Open, starting on May 26.

    Defending champion in the Australian Open Super Series, Saina would be taking on a qualifier in her campaign opener.

    Meanwhile, P V Sindhu lost a position to be on 12th place.

    In men’s singles, K Srikanth has retained his fourth place. Even P Kashyap and H S Parnnoy also maintained their 13th and 15th positions, respectively.

  • REBIRTH OF GOD

    REBIRTH OF GOD

    This summer is a time of great excitement in Odisha. The rituals by which Jagannatha, the presiding deity of Puri, will die and be reborn along with his sister Subhadra and his elder brother Balabhadra and his weapon, the Sudarshana, have begun. It is a process that lasts for over three months, and is called Navakalebara. According to recorded history, Navakalebara has been taking place for the past 400 years. Every 14 or 19 years, when there is adhik maas or an extra month in Ashadh according to the traditional calendar, the rituals are performed. This year is one such year. The last one was in 1996.

    Jagannatha is a form of Krishna worshipped in the grand temple complex located in Puri on the eastern shores of India. It is one of the four major centres of Vaishnava culture, the other three being Badrinath, Rameshwaram and Dwarka. Devotees believe that Krishna meditates in Badrinath, bathes in Rameshwaram, eats in Puri and rules in Dwarka.

    Soul-substance

    The temple is famous for its annual Ratha Yatra, chariot festival, around the world. It was the place where Jayadeva wrote his famous Gita Govinda that introduced Radha to the world. The images of the deities are unique because they are made of wood, unlike most temples, where the idols are made of stone or metal; hence the need to replace them from time to time.

    The process involves finding the right neem tree, the daru-Brahma, with special marks: absence of nests, presence of ant hill, snake and symbols of Vishnu. Once found, the tree will be cut and transported to Puri and carved secretly, according to prescribed rituals.

    The new idols will be placed next to the old ones, in a few weeks’ time, at the height of summer. And on a special night, when even the government declares a total blackout in the city, special priests will enter the temple premises blindfolded, with their hands wrapped in cloth to transfer something called Brahma-padartha or soul substance, from the old image of Jagannatha to the new one. No one knows what that is, but speculations range from the relics of Krishna himself, to the relics of Buddha to a sacred jewel, a rare kind of saligrama or fossil, and a tantrik yantra. With this transfer, the old body is discarded and the new one claimed. The old images are buried in a special enclosure called koili vaikuntha — sacred burial ground — next to the main temple. The new body will be seen for the first time during the great premonsoon chariot festival.

    Syncretic Past

    What is amazing about the temple is its syncretic past. There is a probable mention of the sacred log of wood in Rig Veda. It has roots in tribal (Savara) lore and there is much to suggest early Buddhist influence. But currently, it is primarily a Vaishnava shrine where the sister and brother of Krishna embody the Shakta and Shaiva aspects of Hinduism.

    The priests who perform various rituals belong to various castes. For example, the daitya patis who serve the deity are not brahmins. Those who carve the images of the gods and build the chariots are from the community of craftsmen or maharana. Yet, this temple does not allow entry to non-Hindus. Poet-saints like Salabega, whose father was Muslim, had to wait outside the gate singing songs, and the story goes that Jagannatha himself came out as Patita Pavana, purifier of the impure, even though the orthodox priests did not let him in.

    Also amazing is the temple’s resilience. Renowned for its wealth, its devadasis who were highly skilled in dance and music and its patronage of art and culture, the temple has been plundered nearly 18 times, mostly between the 14th and 19th century, which necessitated the deity — or at least the inner Brahma-padartha — to be shifted to safety in caves such as the ones at Patali Srikshetra.

  • FIRST HIDDEN, REAL-TIME, SCREEN-CAMERA COMMUNICATION CREATED

    FIRST HIDDEN, REAL-TIME, SCREEN-CAMERA COMMUNICATION CREATED

    WASHINGTON (TIP): Scientists have developed the first form of real-time communication that allows screens of electronic devices, such as TVs and laptops, and cameras to ‘talk’ to each other without the user knowing it.

    Using off-the-shelf smart devices, the new system supports an unobtrusive, flexible and lightweight communication channel between screens and cameras.

    The system, called HiLight, will enable new context-aware applications for smart devices, researchers said.

    Such applications include smart glasses communicating with screens to realise augmented reality or acquire personalised information without affecting the content that users are currently viewing.

    The system also provides far-reaching implications for new security and graphics applications.

    The idea is simple: information is encoded into a visual frame shown on a screen, and any camera-equipped device can turn to the screen and immediately fetch the information, researchers said.

    Operating on the visible light spectrum band, screen-camera communication is free of electromagnetic interference, offering a promising alternative for acquiring short-range information.

    But these efforts commonly require displaying visible coded images, which interfere with the content the screen is playing and create unpleasant viewing experiences.

    The team at Dartmouth College studied how to enable screens and cameras to communicate without the need to show any coded images like QR code, a mobile phone readable barcode.

    In the HiLight system, screens display content as they normally do and the content can change as users interact with the screens.

    At the same time, screens transmit dynamic data instantaneously to any devices equipped with cameras behind the scene, unobtrusively, in real time.

    HiLight supports communication atop any screen content, such as an image, movie, video clip, game, web page or any other application window, so that camera-equipped devices can fetch the data by turning their cameras to the screen.

    HiLight leverages the alpha channel, a well-known concept in computer graphics, to encode bits into the pixel translucency change.

    HiLight overcomes the key bottleneck of existing designs by removing the need to directly modify pixel colour values. It decouples communication and screen content image layers.

    “Our work provides an additional way for devices to communicate with one another without sacrificing their original functionality,” said senior author Xia Zhou, an assistant professor of computer science and co-director of the DartNets (Dartmouth Networking and Ubiquitous Systems) Lab.

    “It works on off-the-shelf smart devices. Existing screen-camera work either requires showing coded images obtrusively or cannot support arbitrary screen content that can be generated on the fly. Our work advances the state-of-the-art by pushing screen-camera communication to the maximal flexibility,” said Zhou.