India's largest selling Urdu weekly, now also in English
Mumbai: West Indies defeated India by seven wickets in the second semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium here on Thursday to enter the final of the World Twenty20 cricket tournament.
Batting first, India posted a competitive total of 192/2 in 20 overs, thanks to Virat Kohli’s 89.
In reply, star batsmen Lendl Simmons and Johnson Charles struck quickfire half-centuries as Windies chased down the score, posting 196/3 in 19.4 overs.
(IANS)
It was an evening of glitz and glamour in Bengaluru when the women walked the ramp for the coveted Mrs India-Karnataka 2016. Hundreds of contestants from different parts of the state had participated in the event that was dedicated to honour the married women. After various rounds, 28 women were shortlisted for the finale. The finale held on Sunday night turned out to be one of the most exciting and well organised events in the recent times. The finale had everything from the rocking dance performances to stunning cat walks. As the event progressed, the audience were on the edge of the seat waiting as to who would be the proud winner of the event. Finally, six winners; three each from under 45 and under 60 categories were chosen by the panel of judges.
The winners from under-45 category were; Archana, Shubha Shriram and Asha Jois; in 45-60 were; Vajahathunisa Kowser Khan, Chavi Sharma and Usha Rani. The winners of Mrs India-Karnataka 2016 will qualify for the national event to be held at Pune on May 20, 2016. The winners at the nationals will represent India in three different international beauty pageants; MRS ASIA INTERNATIONAL, MRS PLANET and MRS WORLD. MRS INDIA-KARNATAKA 2016 is the first of its kind beauty pageant for married women in Karnataka; providing a platform to women of all age groups to compete and showcase their talents and their hidden potential.
Even the tinsel world stars had descended to cheer for the Mrs Karnataka event. The teams from Kirigoorina Gayyaligalu headed by Suman Kittur and Cinema My Darling headed by Gowrish Akki added glitter to the evening as they shared anecdotes and wished the participants. This time, the beauty pageant had also had a separate category for TV artistes where in the leading artistes from the state participated.
The highlight of the event was the 60 plus category. When the participants walked the ramp, they were welcomed by a thunderous applause. The winners of this category were Radha Ramachandra and Pushpa Swamy while the first runner up was Rajeshwari Patil.
The winners were also adjudged for the following titles; Best Hair, Skin, Smile, Walk, Photogenic, Glamour, Inner Beauty, Eyes, Personality, Intellectual, Healthy and Diva. The chief guests of the event were; former hockey player Ashish Ballal, former cricketer Syed Kirmani.
The following is a statement:
We, Writers/Poets/Play wrights hereby strongly condemn the declaration form issued by NCPUL to give an undertaking by the author who is entitled for monetary assistance by the council should not write anything against the Government policies.
Such declaration Form has been introduced by the ministry of Human Resources Development recently.
So far we had not heard of any such declaration nor we have sign such imposed draconian declaration by the government in a democratic country like India.
Writers across the world, from all languages, have the freedom to criticize the government.
Why should we be made to sign such a declaration?
Why do the Government demand it to be signed by two witnesses?
This is an insult to the writers, and such interference cannot be tolerated by the writers community.
We strongly feel this undemocratic move by the Government is aimed at humiliating a section of the Indian population with preconceived notion that Urdu writers belong to a certain community, they would criticize the Government, and hence should be doubted and would have to keep proving himself/herself a loyal citizen.
As the history goes and everyone knows that Urdu is an Indian language Born and brought up by Indians. (Imbibed or nation) Urdu played a very vital and instrumental role in the freedom movement of India. Freedom fighters such as Bhagat singh Wrote his diary in Urdu before sacrificing his life for the Nation.
Munshi Premchand, Raghupati Sahay (Firaq Gorakhpuri), Brij narayan Chakbast, Jagannath Azad, Ratan nath Sharshar, were the great Urdu writers and poets of our nation.
The Present renowned contemporary writers such as Gopi chand Narang, Gulzar (Sampooran Singh Kalra), Rajesh reddy, are known for their versatility in Urdu prose and poetry.
The narrow minds that have drafted this declaration form are unaware of our history and the Contribution of Urdu to the freedom struggle of our Nation.
A government is not the Nation, criticism of any Government is an important part of a democracy and this right cannot be snatched away from the citizens.
It is disgusting the present government is restoring to these steps because it has no economic, social or political agenda.
This is an undeclared censorship on poetry, literature and theatre.
We the writers community ask the Government of India why are only Urdu writers asked to give such an autocratic declaration?
This clearly indicated that the present Union Government looks at Urdu publications and its writers with an eye of suspicion.
Its an attack on all creative work in society.
We are able and matured enough to understand the objection to content that goes against national interest, but how can they ask us not to criticize Government.
This is nothing but to stifle our creativity and freedom of Speech.
We all the writers, poets and play writes will continue our rightful protest against the move and will continue asserting our demand the HRD ministry withdraw this anti-art and anti-literature dictum which is nothing but sign of fascism. We strongly recommend the government to immediately withdraw the Declaration Form.
Pune: The Bombay High Court today directed Maharashtra government to take pro-active steps for ensuring compliance of law to prevent discrimination against women on entry to places of worship, saying “it is the fundamental right of a woman” and the government should protect it.
The court, which disposed of a PIL challenging the bar on entry of women in the sanctum sanctorum of Shani Shingnapur temple in the state’s Ahmednagar district, said that it can only pass a general direction to the government and cannot go into individual and specific cases.
The Maharashtra government assured the High Court that it is completely against gender discrimination and the provisions of Maharashtra Hindu Place of Worship (Entry Authorisation) Act shall be scrupulously implemented.
“Secretary of Home Department, Maharashtra, will ensure due compliance and enforcement of the provisions of the Act, and in order to ensure that the policy and purpose of the Act is fully carried out, they (Home department) will issue directions to all superintendents of police and collectors in each district of Maharashtra,” a division bench of Chief Justice D H Waghela and Justice M S Sonak said.
“The government shall take all necessary steps to implement the Act,” it further said.
“Ultimately it is the fundamental right of a woman and the government’s fundamental duty to protect their (women) right,” Chief Justice Waghela said.
The state’s acting Advocate General Rohit Deo, in a submission to the high court, said that a circular or a directive shall be issued to all district collectors and Superintendents of Police, making them aware of the provisions of the Act.
The accepted the government’s statement.
The government’s submission was made following high court’s rap to the government on Wednesday on the issue, during the hearing of a PIL challenging the prohibition of entry of women in the Shani Shingnapur temple.
“The acting Advocate General has assured the court that the state government is against gender discrimination and keeping in view Articles 14, 15 and 25 of the Constitution. The government can take pro-active steps to ensure that the fundamental rights are fully realised and not allowed to be encroached upon by any authority,” he observed.
The high court further said that it can only pass a general direction to the government and cannot go into individual and specific cases.
The court said if any person has any grievance that the Act is not being implemented, then he or she can approach local authority with their complaint.
Under the Maharashtra Hindu Place of Worship (Entry Authorisation) Act, 1956, if any temple or person prohibits any person from entering a temple then he or she faces a six-month imprisonment.
The acting AG, however, clarified to HC that if a temple in the state does not allow any person, irrespective of their gender, inside the sanctum sanctorum, then this Act and its provisions will not be of any help.
“However, if a temple allows men in the sanctum sanctorum but prohibits women, then this Act and its provisions can be used,” Deo said.
(PTI)
Deoband: Leading Islamic seminary Darul Uloom Deoband on Friday issued a fatwa asking Muslim community members not to chant ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ as treating any country in this world as a ‘goddess’ is un-Islamic.
The fatwa was issued on March 19 but became viral on social media on Thursday evening. It says that Islam does not allow Idol worship therefore Muslims should restrain themself from chanting ‘ Bharat Mata Ki Jai’.
”We love the country, but we believe only in one God,” Darul Uloom said when it was asked to respond to the ongoing debate on chanting or not chanting ”Bharat Mata Ki Jai”
“Scholars of Darul Ifta had issued fatwa in response to queries of people who sent letters along with portrait of Bharat Mata”, said Ashraf Usmani, spokesperson of the seminary.
He clarified that that idol worship is not permissible in Islam hence in light of the teachings of holy Quran and Hadees followers of Islam can’t say Bharat Mata Ki Jai, which has been portrayed as a ‘goddess’ carrying a trident in one hand and clad in saffron clothes.
It’s worth mentioning here that Darul Uloom Deoband had recently issued a decree asking Muslims to hoist national flag on their houses and establishments on Independence Day.
It had also appealed to them to celebrate the occasion with great spirit of patriotism.
Ashraf Usmani said that “in the struggle for India’s freedom, the Ulemas (Islamic religious leaders) of Darul Uloom have played prominent roles”.
The call for ‘Complete Independence’ was “given by Darul Uloom”, which later turned into the ‘Purna Swaraj’ movement, he said.
“From Hussain Ahmad Madani to Maulvi Ahmadulla Shah, there is a long series of those freedom fighters who laid their lives for the independence of the mother land,” Usmani said.
“Darul Uloom has asked Muslims across the country to hoist the national flag on their houses and other establishments on Independence Day and also to celebrate this day with great spirit of patriotism,” he said.
Reacting to the appeal, a spiritual leader of the seminary, Maulana Arshad Qasmi said, “We have advised all madrassas across the country specially to hoist the Tricolour and celebrate Independence Day and teach students about Indian freedom struggle and the country’s original spirit of unity in diversity.”
(Agencies)
Hyderabad: The city-based IVRCL which was constructing the flyover in Kolkata, a portion of which collapsed yesterday killing 24 people, today described the incident as an “accident”, a day after another official of the company had dubbed it as an “act of God”.
“An act of God was just an expression only to describe that it is under no one’s control”, P Sita, the construction company’s legal team head, told reporters here.
K Panduranga Rao, Group Head (HR & Admin) of the Hyderabad-based company had told reporters yesterday, “it’s nothing but a God’s act. So far in 27 years we have constructed several number of bridges…such thing (collapse) never happened”.
“We are surprised and extremely shocked. We are there to cooperate with investigation, but investigation takes time”, Sita said.
Showing a photograph in a newspaper, she said that it looked like a site of bomb blast. There were various aspects which would be looked into.
Stating that same construction materials were used in building the ongoing flyover, she asked, “why did this happen? We are anxious to know the reasons”.
Regarding the delay, another official of the company said, “78 per cent work of the flyover is over. A number of clearances have not yet come”.
Meanwhile, a four-member police team from West Bengal today arrived in the city as part of its probe to question officials of IVRCL after the flyover it was constructing collapsed in Kolkata.
“They have come and are doing investigation,” a top police official of Hyderabad Police told PTI.
Kolkata Police had yesterday registered a case against the construction firm under sections 304, 308 and 407 of the IPC and sealed the local office of company engaged in the flyover’s construction.
(Agencies)
Mumbai: West Indies skipper Darren Sammy won the toss and decided to bowl against India in the second semi-final of the World Twenty20 cricket tournament at the Wankhede Stadium here on Thursday.
India made two changes to their side. Batsmen Ajinkya Rahane and Manish Pandey came in for Shikhar Dhawan and Yuvraj Singh, who has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury.
Batsmen Chris Gayle and Lendl Simmons return for Evin Lewis and injured Andre Fletcher, who had a hamstring problem against Afghanistan.
The teams:
India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Manish Pandey, Suresh Raina, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Ashish Nehra, Hardik Pandya.
West Indies: Darren Sammy (captain), Chris Gayle, Johnson Charles, Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Bravo, Denesh Ramdin, Andre Russell, Carlos Brathwaite, Sulieman Benn, Samuel Badree.
(IANS)
Mr. Malvinder Mohan Singh, Executive Chairman, Fortis Healthcare Limited was conferred with “Entrepreneur of the year Award” at the Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards (APEA 2016) function in Delhi. General (Retired) V K Singh, Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation (Independent Charge), External Affairs and Overseas Indian Affairs, Government of India presented the trophy to Mr Singh. The recognition underscores exemplary leadership and vision, indomitable enterprising spirit, passion for innovation and strong commitment to social responsibilities.
The prestigious Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards (APEA) is a world-class platform recognizing and honoring business leaders who have shown entrepreneurial excellence, innovation, fair practices and growth of business. This particular award was given under a special category to recognize Mr Singh’s leading role in “impacting, touching lives and making a positive difference to society.” The award further recognized Mr Singh as a dynamic, young business leader who has made a mark on the global landscape by combining the twin objectives of business for profit and public good in ways that can positively impact lives. By striving for world class healthcare services, Fortis Healthcare shaped the contours of the healthcare industry. The social initiatives to provide curative and preventive healthcare to the needy section of the society through the Fortis Charitable Foundation (FCF) were highlighted at the award.
The APEA is an initiative of Enterprise Asia, a non-governmental organization in pursuit of entrepreneurship development across the region. It strives to promote fair and equal opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs. Founded by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, the organization is supported by a panel of prominent industry and government leaders who believe in the mission of championing entrepreneurship in Asia.
The APEA is a regional award for outstanding entrepreneurship, and recognizes efforts to continuously innovate and sustain their leadership. It provides a visible platform for companies and governments to recognize and be recognized for entrepreneurial excellence, hence spurring greater innovation, fair practices and growth in entrepreneurship. Over 1200 top business leaders and entrepreneurs have been awarded the prestigious Awards since 2007 in Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, Hong Kong, India and China as part of its continuous efforts to recognize and honour individuals who have shown great entrepreneurship spirit in leading, growing and contributing to their organizations, communities and countries.
Raj Tharun Cast Opposite A Beautiful Actress
Raj Tarun is fast becoming one of the most sought after heroes in Tamil Film Industry. Even as he awaits the release of his full – on comedy of confusion Eedo Rakam – Aado Rakam, in which he shares the screen space with Vishnu, Rajendra Prasad, Heebah Patel & Sonarika, pre – production work on his film with debutante director Nani is fast progressing. He will be paired up with Anisha Ambrose in this flick. The gorgeous diva was recently seen in Sundeep Kishan’s Run. Having acted in Alias Janaki, she has been quite choosy about her films. As for Raj Tarun, he is fast graduating to the next level. In Uyyala Jampala, Cinema Choopistha Maava, Kumari 21F & Seethamma Andalu Ramayya Sitralu, he got either a debutante or a fledgling actress to play the heroine. Even though Anisha is no star heroine, she is the 1st of Raj Tarun’s heroine to have a glamorous image, discounting of course Sonarika of Speedunnodu fame, as Eedo Rakam – Aado Rakam is a solo hero’s film.
Vijay 60 costumer In Vijay Sethupathi’s Next
The shooting of Vijay Sethupathi’s Rekka will commence from the 1st week of May, 2016. That apart the preliminary photo shoot of the film has been conducted with its lead pair VIjay Sethupathi & Lakshmi Menon who pairs up with the versatile star for the 1st time ever. Rekka will be directed by Rathnasiva. This is his 2nd film after Vaa Deal starring Arun Vijay & Karthika which is yet to hit the screens. The lead actors took part in the photo shoot conducted by popular still photographer G. Venkatraman. Sathya who will be designing Ilayathalapathy Vijay’s costumes in Vijay 60 has been roped in for the costumes of Vijay Sethupathi in Rekka. Joy Crizildaa will be designing the costumes for Lakshmi Menon.
A Notable Getup Change For Ajith In Thala 57
Director Siva will team up for the 3rd time with Thala Ajith to direct the star’s 57th film which is expected to go on the floors in Jun, 2016. Siva’s 1st ever film with Ajith was Veeram that released in Jan, 2014. In that film the filmmaker gave a complete makeover for Ajith as a village man wearing a white shirt & veshti throughout the film. In a number of films preceding Veeram, Thala was sporting hi – fi urban costumes & coolers. In last year’s blockbuster Vedalam also Ajith was posing as a lower middle class taxi driver and a local don which was completely different from his previous films.
However in Thala 57 it will be Siva’s turn to showcase Ajith’s uber cool style in urban outfits. As the story of the film reportedly takes place in foreign countries Thala Ajith is expected to roll back to his Billa 2 & Arrambam kind of looks in this film.
Mani Ratnam’s Next With Karthi To Have A Striking Roja Connect
Director Mani Ratnam’s next film that will have Karthi & Sai Pallavi in lead roles was earlier touted to go on floors from Jun, 2016. But now the commencement of the film has been postponed. In fact the Mani Ratnam – Karthi project will now go on the floors from Sept, 2016 in Kashmir. In his career spanning decades, the master filmmaker will be shooting in Kashmir again after the 1992 blockbuster Roja which revolved around the Kashmir border terrorism. Karthi reportedly plays an air pilot while Sai Pallavi of Premam fame plays a doctor in this yet to be titled film. Allah Rakha Rahman will be scoring the music while Ravivarman will handle the cinematography for this much expected film.
P.Susheela Gets A Guinness Entry
Veteran Singer P.Susheela has created a new world record and her name has been entered in the prestigious & most popular Guinness Book of World Records. “Susheela has been singing since the 1960’s and she has recorded a whopping 17, 695 solo. duet and chorus backed songs in as many as 6 Indian languages since the 1960’s” noted the Guinness World Record Certificate given to her. Born in 1935, Susheela recorded her 1st ever film song for the 1952 Tamil film Petra Thai. Since then she has sung thousands of songs in Tamil. Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi and varied other Indian languages. This is really a proud moment for every Indian and every movie buff.
4 Actresses With Bava & Bavamaridi
In the past, 3 actresses were being paired up with Allu Arjun & Ram Charan, the order sometimes gets reversed, in the same year. It all began with Kajal Aggarwal who acted with Ram Charan & Allu Arjun in Magadheera & Arya 2 respectively, in the same year (2009).
Amala Paul Did Much The Same In 2013
Months after being paired up with Cherry in the film Naayak, Amala Paul was cast opposite Bunny in Iddarammayilatho. In 2014, Shruti Haasan repeated this feat by doing a film each with Cherry & Bunny – Yevadu & Race Gurrram, respectively. It’s Rakul Preet Singh’s turn in 2016 to do the same with the two mega heroes. Months after Sarrainodu, her film with Ram Charan, the as yet untitled remake of Thani Oruvan, will be released in Aug, 2016.
After Kalyani, Nithya, It’s Miya
Is it because Malayalam actresses are especially talented that our sensible directors are increasingly preferring them? Nandini Reddy recently averred that Malayalam actresses, in general, act really well. While it was Nithya Menon in Ala Modalaindi, it was Malavika Nair in Kalyana Vaibhogame. Much like Nandini, Kranti Madhav too seems to be thinking on similar lines. If he cast Kalyani in his debut film Onamalu, it was Nithya Menon in Malli Malli Idhi Rani Roju. For his 3rd film, which has Sunil playing the male lead, he has cast a Malayalam heroine, yet again. It’s Miya George.
Looks like Mollywood actresses are going to be the next big thing in Tollywood, especially in roles that are performance-oriented.
Pawan Gets It Done As planned
For the last few months, the team of Sardaar Gabbar Singh have been doing a back -breaking work to complete the film on schedule. Just in the last 2 months of the talkie part or so, about 70% of the film was shot. Even after Pawan whizzed off to Switzerland with his team to shoot for 2 songs, a team here worked to complete the DTS mixing and other post -production works as per schedule. All the dubbing and most pending works but for the editing of 2 songs was scheduled to be completed soon. And the same has been wrapped up. The producers are planning to send the film for Censor procedures soon. Come 8th Apr, 2016, the film will hit the screens in a grand way
Kochi Schedule Of Oppam Wrapped Up
The Kochi schedule of Oppam has been wrapped up. The shooting was on at Kochi for the past few days. Mohanlal & Vimala Raman play the lead roles in the movie. Priyadarshan is directing this thriller. Mohanlal plays a blind man in the movie. Oppam is an investigative thriller. At Kochi, the team had shot for 3 weeks at Thammanam, Thripunithara & Marine Drive. The schedule of Oppam is being scheduled taking into consideration Mohanlal’s commitment for his Telugu flick.
Kali Is A Aage
Easter release Kali has turned out to be a rage with audiences accepting the movie wholeheartedly. The movie is doing well everywhere. A contemporary relationship drama, this Samir Thahir movie stars Dulquer Salmaan & Sai Pallavi in the lead roles.
Kali’ is all about how Dulquer’s character Siddarth deals with his excessive rage. Helping him tide over his bursts of anger is his wife Anjali played by Sai Pallavi. Viewers find the pair awesome and many are watching the movie just to catch their sizzling on screen chemistry.’
Babruvahana In New Style
One of the unforgettable mythological films in the career of Dr Rajakumar Babruvaahana in which he played Arjuna & Babruvahana is all set to release after 39 years again with 7.1 sound technologies. It is adding DI & DTS technology in addition to new sound system. The new technical additions to Babruvahana is releasing on 24th April Dr Rajakumar’s birth anniversary. One of the epoch making films of Kannada film history Babruvaahana in Hunasooru Krishnamurthy direction and screenplay has lyrics & dialogue from Chi Udayashanker, TG Lingappa has scored most memorable tunes forever. Bhaktavatsalam editing and Shivaiah stunts are technical best in the film. Babruvaahana was released in 1977 from Raj Kamal Arts. KCN Gowda of Doddaballapura produced this mythological film. Mumbai based Reliance Company has brought in the new effects to this film. 22nd April, 2016 the film is releasing. Dr B Saroja Devi, Kanchana, Jayamala, Toogudeepa Srinivas, Vajramuni, Shakthiprasad, Rajanand, Ramakrishna and others are in the cast. Ninna Kanna Notadalle…..
Yaaru Tiliyaru Ninna Parakrama…..a wordy duel between Arjun & Babruvahana, Aradhisuve Madanaari…..are impeccable songs of this film.
Harshika Dilpasand
At the recent Srilankan tussle in Bengaluru one Kannada heroine who was brimming with happiness after seeing top player Dilshan was Harshika Poonachcha. Not just meeting Dilshan but having dinner with the player. As a matter of fact Harshika is a brand ambassador for a company. This particular company hosted dinner for the Srilankan team. Harshika felt happy appearing for photographs with Dilshan. It is not 1st time Harshika Poonacha met the team members of Srilankan team. She took part in the previous T 20 cricket tournament dinner part. Harshika Poonacha ascertained from Dilshan that her wife Manjula Thilini is also popular actress in Sinhalese language. She is more famous than me in my home country explained Dilshan. Harshika Poonachcha bubbli actress is also well qualified with engineering graduation. Speaking to high profile persons is a very easy task for this actress.
Ghaziabad: A minor Dalit girl who set herself on fire after being raped in Ghaziabad is battling for life with 50 percent burns in a hospital here.
Police said Babloo Yadav, an MBA student here, barged into the victim’s house on Wednesday when she was alone and raped her. His accomplice, Rencho Yadav, stood guard outside.
The victim’s brother who returned home then tried the catch the two but they escaped after threatening him with a pistol. Her parents also reached the house and identified the two.
In the meantime, the girl bolted herself inside the house and set herself on fire by pouring kerosene over her clothes.
The parents broke open the door and rushed her to a hospital, from where she was taken to the government-run MMG Hospital where doctors said her condition was critical.
Superintendent of Police Salman Taj Patil said one of the two culprits had been arrested and a hunt was on for the other.
“I have asked the inspector to refer the victim to Delhi since her condition is grave and the family is not in a position to take her to Delhi,” Patil said.
(IANS)