Surya Namaskar is more than weight loss

Surya Namaskar can do to your body what months of dieting cannot. And it can do to your mind what no spiritual discourse can.

Not surprising, the world is going crackers over this ancient yogic tradition of worshipping the rising sun. What with the likes of Jennifer Aniston, Victoria Beckham and Kareena Kapoor endorsing it over gym workouts and bizarre diets.

From improving your posture, strengthening muscles to whittling extra inches around the waist, the benefits of Suryanamaskar are many, provided you adapt it the right way. A set of 12 fixed, cyclic postures define Suryanamaskar which when performed repeatedly at an easy pace can bring a sense of well being, almost immediately. However, those with a heart condition, arthritis or slip-disk, need their doctor's consent before starting the routine. Suryanamaskar's surging popularity notwithstanding, jumpstarting a schedule is most definitely not the best thing to do for a fitness novice. If you have been gravely out of form in a way that you haven't stretched your muscles in ages, first give your body some time to open up, which you can do with some flexibility and stamina-building exercises before embarking on the more arduous 'Suryanamaskar'.

And once your body has registered a certain fitness level, you can begin with a set of three Suryanamaskars in the first instance and increase it to five then ten and more depending on your stamina. Anymore than clocking up numbers, it is important to get each posture right, for the very essence of this yogic ritual lies in perfecting every move. To say the least, it can be an uphill task for beginners. But our expert-backed warm-up exercises are sure to make Suryanamaskar less strenuous and ever so graceful.

1. Neck: Breathe in while you turn your neck to the right and breathe out as you come back to the starting position. Again, breathe in while turning your neck to the left and breathe out in the centre. Repeat this movement thrice. Rotate your neck first clockwise and then anti-clockwise. 
2. Arm and shoulder: Stretch your arms out in front of your chest and move your palms up and down, then sideways. Further on, rotate your fist clockwise and anti-clockwise. To relax your arms, place your palm on your shoulder and move your shoulders first clockwise then anti-clockwise. 
3. Knee: Bend forwards with your palms resting on your knees, join your knees and move forwards and backwards. End the routine by rotating your knees clockwise and anti-clockwise. 
4. Stomach and back: Interlock your fingers over your chest and slowly raise your hands upwards while you breathe in and stand on your toes. Return to Position 1 as you breathe out. Repeat this cycle three times. 
5. Legs and waist: Stretch your legs wide in standing position, touch you left toe with the right hand, then the right toe with the left. Keep your knees straight while you do so. Repeat a few times. 

By now your body is suitably warmed up to begin the Suryanamaskar routine. Here is a step-by-step account of the 12 postures. Don't try this routine on a mat, you are better off on the bare floor or on the grass.

 Posture 1# Stand erect, ideally facing the morning sun. Fold your hands in prayer close to your chest and chant 'Om Suryadevaya Namah' thrice.

Posture 2# With your hands together raise your arms up in the air while you breathe in. Bend over backwards forming an arch from the hands to your feet. The flexibility of the spine is ensured in this posture.

Posture 3# Bring your hands down while you breathe out to touch the floor on either side of your feet. In this posture, it is imperative to keep your knees straight as you bend forward from the waist, and your head as close as possible to the knee. This posture helps melt the excess fat around the stomach by aiding digestion.

Posture 4# While breathing in, put your hands flush with the floor and lower your hips and stretch your left leg back, allowing it to balance on your toes, and your right leg bent in a crouching stance. With your hands firmly on the ground and your arms straight as a die, raise your head upwards to face the sky. This one is for the flexibility of spine and leg muscles, and boosts immunity from diseases.

Posture 5# As you breathe out, let your hands stay firmly on the ground and push your right leg back parallel to the left. Make sure your feet firmly touch the ground and your hip raised high. With your arms and knees straight lower your head to face your navel.

Posture 6# Hold your breath as you bring your hips down while keeping your hands and feet in the same position, and stretch your whole body near the floor. With your face downward, bring your chest and knees to lightly brush the floor, and hold your hips slightly high. At this juncture, 8 points of your body are touching the floor - your palms, forehead, chest, knees and toes.

Posture 7# This posture is a mere extension of Posture 6, in that you breathe in and straighten your arms and lift your chest upward in an arching stance, and your head thrown back facing the sky. Your arms, at this point, carry the weight of your body, with you knees and toes resting on the floor.

Posture 8# Bring your body back to Posture 5 by raising your hips and lowering your chest and head. Keep your arms and knees straight while you do so, and place your feet flush with the floor. Then lower you head to face your navel.

Posture 9# As you breathe in, return to a similar position as Posture 4, only this time you will be crouching on the left knee and stretching back your right leg. Place your hands firmly on the ground, and with the weight of your body on your arms move your chest forward and arch your head up to face the sky.

Posture 10# From here, flow back to Posture 3 while keeping your hands flush with the floor and bringing your right foot side by side with your left one. As you straighten your knee, raise your back to arch in a standing position with your head as close as possible to the knee and your hands on either side of your feet.

Posture 11# Take a deep breathe and raise your arms up in the air as you straighten your back and gradually bend over backwards, akin to Posture 2. Your knees stay straight all the while.

Posture 12# Bring yourself to Posture 1 from here with your hands folded before your chest in prayer, and your spine erect, your knees straight and your eyes shut in meditation.

With Posture 12 you complete one full circle of Suryanamaskar. From here you can flow back to Posture 2 to continue the routine. However, always follow up your Suryanamaskar regime with Savasana, better known as Corpse Pose. In this posture, you lay down on the floor with your legs and arms apart, your palms facing the sky, and eyes deep shut. Breathe in and out heavily and try to focus your thoughts on something happy. Stay on this way for a few minutes and you will feel a sense of calm run down your body like a drug.

Weight loss is just one consequence; you can so much as put your life together with this ancient yogic tradition.

Raageshwari can do 500 crunches

Raageshwari reveals the secrets to her fit and fab body

My exercise regime

I do half-an-hour of Iyengar and Tibetan yoga everyday. And an intense body sculpting circuit training with my personal trainer Roopesh, four times a week.

My diet

Everything in moderation. My breakfast is eggs, dry fruits, fresh fruits and milk. Snacks are dates, walnuts and cheese slices. Lunch is dal or kidney beans, sabzi, curds and salads. Dinner is lentils, sabzi, curds and salads.

My problem areas

My lower abdomen. It is not my problem area but it needs extra love and attention. When I don't give it some stern reverse crunches I end up with a muffin top.

My strengths

I would say I have great strength in my legs due to horse riding. I could be on the treadmill for hours. And I have great strength in my abs and could give a man some jim-jams with my capacity to do over 500 crunches.

My fitness idol

Madonna inspires me for her grit and gumption to defy gravity even at this age. I may not dream of having her animus body but she inspires me that age is nothing but just a number.

My fav celeb body male

Hrithik Roshan and Daniel Craig. To have a sculpted body is only half the battle won but to have great strength, stamina and energy is the other. Hrithik, I have personally witnessed when I toured with him on live shows and Mr Craig displayed his dexterity in the Bond film.

My fav celeb body female

It has to be Jennifer Aniston. She seems supple, flexible and still feminine. Her body is the ideal body.

Kitchen tricks to expose food adulteration

You can try these kitchen tricks to expose adulteration in your everyday ingredients

In a country where official systems set for food safety and prevention are constantly outdone by a booming adulteration business, the onus of safeguarding one's family against contaminaed food, unfortunately falls on citizens themselves. From loose packed ground spices, to wet produce such as milk, khoya, paneer, to dry spices and grains, almost everything you can buy has a potential of being adulterated, if purchased from an unauthorized vendor in a box unmarked and tested by either Agmark or ISI. While some of these could be less harmful, such as water or bran, chemicals and colouring agents such as Metanil Yellow, Lead Chromate, Sudan Red III, are known to be carcinogenic. The chairman of the Consumer Guidence Society of India, Dr Sitaram Dixit lists a few commonly used food items, and suggests simple home tests to check for their most common adulterants. In case the test asks for the presence of an acid, you could use common toilet-cleaning acid, or easily found citric acid or even lemon juice.

1. Turmeric, dals and pulses such as moong or channa
Metanil Yellow and Kesari Dal (Added to enhance the yellow colour of a food substance)
Dissolve half a spoon full of besan or turmeric powder in 20 ml of lukewarm water. Add a few drops of hydrochloric acid or any commonly available acid at home. If the water turns pink, violet or purple, it shows the presence of Metanil yellow.
Harmful effects
It's highly carcinogenic and if consumed over a continuous period of time it can also cause stomach disorders.

2. Green chillies, green peas and other vegetables
Malachite Green (To accentuate the bright, glowing green colour of the vegetable)
Take a small portion of the sample and place it over a moistened white blotting paper. Coloured impressions on the blotting paper indicate the presence of Malachite green.
Harmful effects
It's a coloured dye that has proven to be carcinogenic for humans if consumed over a long period of time.

3. Mustard seeds and mustard oil
Argemone seeds (used to add bulk and weight)
When pressed or crushed, argemone seeds are white inside and have a rough outer surface whereas mustard seeds are smooth on the outside and are yellow on the inside.
Harmful effects
The consumption of these could cause epidemic dropsy and severe glaucoma. Young children and senior citizens with poor immunity are more susceptible this.

4. Paneer, khoya, condensed milk and milk
Starch (used to give it a thick, rich texture)
Take a small sample of the product in a test tube, add 20 ml of water and bring to a boil. Cool to room temperature and add a drop or two of iodine solution. If the solution turns blue, it marks the presence of starch.
Harmful effects
Unhygienic, unprocessed water and starch can cause stomach disorders. Starch greatly reduces the nutritional value of the ingredient.

5. Ice cream
Washing powder (used to add a bright white sheen and lightness of flavour)
Squeeze a few drops of lemon juice on the ice cream. If it starts to froth and bubble, it marks the presence of washing powder.
Harmful effects
It can cause severe stomach and liver disorders

6. Black pepper
Papaya seeds (used to add bulk)
Float the sample in alcohol. Mature black pepper corns will sink where as papaya seeds will float to the surface.
Harmful effects
Papaya seeds can cause serious liver problems and stomach disorders.


7. Coffee powder
Tamarind seeds, chicory powder (used to add bulk and colour)
Gently sprinkle coffee powder on the surface of water in a glass. The coffee will float whereas chicory will start to sink within a few seconds. Also, the falling chicory powder will leave a trail of colour behind due to the large amounts of caramel it contains.
Harmful effects
These can cause diarrhea, stomach disorders, giddiness and severe joint pains.

Catch the adulterer
According to the directives by the FDA, if a packed product with an ISI or an AGMARK tests positive for adulteration, you can take the sample to the Agmark head office on the Tulsi Pipe road, between Matunga Road and Mahim railway station, and register an official complaint. The agencies then conduct their own tests, and if confirmed, raid their premises and take legal action against erring companies.

I don't mind taking my shirt off: Ali Zafar

Pakistan singer Ali Zafar, who's known for his chocolate boy image on screen, is all set to shed that tag and join the league of the sexiest men in Bollywood with his upcoming film London, Paris, New York.

Ali, who will be baring his torso in the film, says, "I don't mind taking my shirt off but I have to be convinced that it's a creative requirement. The purpose is not to show off, but to get the show going in accordance with the demands of the story and the character." The singer certainly didn't mind giving us an exclusive sneak preview of his abs. All he said was, "as long as my guitar is with me". He admitted, "The scene for which it was required comes as a pre-climax in Paris.  It's an intense scene, and so it was physically and emotionally draining, but that's the fun of filmmaking. You live through your characters. And I want each of my characters to look different from the last, so I had to work a lot on my look. I had to undergo training and was on a special diet for 10 days."

How did it feel to join the brigade of shirtless heroes? He smiles and says, "It's not the first time I've taken off my shirt on screen. I have done it before for my music video, " Ek Pal".

Ali, who will make his debut as a music composer in "LPNY", was in Delhi to launch the film's music on Monday. "I feel honoured to be given this opportunity to compose, sing and write for the film," he told us excitedly, adding. "It was an exciting opportunity for me to explore new talents like Aditi Rao, who is also the lead actress of the movie. I made her sing two tracks." Ali recently performed at the 57th Idea Filmfare Awards and shared his experience, "It was a great moment for me to share the stage with such legendary actors. I also sang a song from my music album "Jhoom". The crowd's response will be etched in my memory forever." Ali , who will be leaving for Pakistan on Thursday to visit his family, will unfortunately not be able to celebrate Valentine's Day with his wife, Ayesha, as he'll be back on February 9. He said, "I don't think you need a reason to celebrate love. Love can be celebrated everyday.

I’m Virgin No 1, says Ranbir Kapoor

Yeah dearies, that's what the Kapoor boy is claiming these days. But we know better than to trust him on this one.

At a recent award show, while joking about one of his telecom brand endorsements, Ranbir said that he was Virgin No 1. He even shouted out to the audience and asked if Mr. David Dhawan was listening and whether he would be interested in continuing with his 'No 1' series with this new edition.

We'd love to see this film if it ever gets made... and we'd die to know who will be the lovely lady for this one. C'mon Mr Dhawan, think about it, this could be a blockbuster in the making.

I’m done with dumb roles: Sameera Reddy

Actor Sameera Reddy, who was in the city recently, says she's tired of playing ditzy girls onscreen

Sameera Reddy has reason to smile. The actor has had a good start this year, with her last Tamil film opposite Madhavan raking in the moolah at the BO. Moreover, the director of her upcoming film Tezz, Priyadarshan, has been conferred with the fourth highest civilian award of the country, the Padma Shri. "I told Priyadarshan sir that he should receive one of those titles. He would say, 'I feel humbled, but that's a great achievement and beyond my expectations.' Both Shabana Azmiji (who won the Padma Bhushan) and Priyadarshan sir are close to me. So when their names were announced, I called them up. 'We are so humbled,' is what they both said to me," says Sameera.

The actor also says that she's going to be more picky about the roles she chooses. "I want to play more performance-oriented characters. I'm done playing dumb, good-looking girl roles," she says. Ask Sameera if she is hinting at the lukewarm response to Vedi, her Tamil outing with Vishal in which she played exactly that kind of role, and she says, "I cannot pinpoint one particular film. After Vaaranam Aayiram, I did few roles that required me to look and act in a certain way. I became synonymous with such characters. That's why for my film with Maddy, I told director Lingusamy that I would play the role of a village girl. I want to do what Simran and Jyothika did in Kollywood."

And finally, has Sameera been in touch with celebrity television anchor Oprah Winfrey, whom she recently met in Mumbai? "Since Oprah loved the sari I was wearing at the do at which I met her, I sent her a similar one as a gift. I consider the souvenir a representation of our country and I hope it will be one of her memories of her India visit," says Sameera.

Karan Johar explored my talent: Priyanka

Priyanka's come a long way from playing Dostana's sizzling sari-clad desi girl in Miami to the damsel from Dongri in her latest film.

The success of her recent hit aside, she is all praise for Hrithik, and producer Karan Johar, who "has given me ample space and explored my talent from Dostana to our latest film together," she revealed in an exclusive chat with zoOm PC's next is about time travel and period love stories, but we think she has already travelled places.

For exclusive interviews, B-Town parties & events, watch B Tonite from Mon-Fri at 10 pm, only on zoOm - India's No 1 Bollwood channel.

Switch to olive oil for better health

Indian households should completely switch to olive oil as a cooking medium as its nutritional value is very high, it is rich in monounsaturated 'good' fats and, when used daily, can bring instant and easy wellness to a family's diet, celebrity chef and noted cookery expert Nita Mehta says.

"Even though we have such a wide range of olive oils in our market, people don't seem to use them because of their mental block that the flavour of olive oil doesn't gel with Indian flavors," Mehta said at the launch here Satuday her latest book, "Indian Cooking With Olive Oil".

"This is, in fact, a misconception because there is a grade known as olive pomace oil which is neutral in taste and so does not affect the spices and flavouring that Indian cooking is all about," she added.

"Moreover, olive pomace oil is resistant to heat for long periods of time, so this is the grade to use when we need to cook masalas for long as the other olive grades do not have a very high smoking point and so 'break' and ruin the taste of food. Olive pomace oil gels well with tandoori dishes as well as curries. Paranthas and biryanis cooked in olive oil are mouth watering. Even frying in olive pomace oil gives crisp, non-oily food," Mehta noted.

The book was jointly released by V.N. Dalmia, chairman of Dalmia Continental, which owns Leonardo Olive Oil, the No.1 brand of olive oil in India in the edible segment and Ugo Astuto, the Italian embassy's deputy chief of mission.

Published by SNAB Publishers, the cookbook features many exciting recipes, from innovative broccoli peanut kebabs to traditional bhagaare baingan, from healthy Zucchini oat crunches to the decadent gulab jamun, all made healthier with olive oil.

"Most recipes in this book use pomace but since contemporary Indian cooking has so many varied flavours and aromas, we can also use the intermediate grade of olive oil, called "pure olive oil", for light sauteing. This gives a different dimension to the food," Mehta said.

Olive oil is universally acknowledged as the healthiest cooking medium and, increasingly, Indian kitchens too are switching over completely to this medium.

"It's high time this happened, since lifestyle disease in India is fast becoming a national emergency. India ranks No.1 in the world for number of cardiac patients. Thirty-one percent of urban Indians are either overweight or obese. One hundred million people in India have high blood pressure. Over 40 per cent of urban Indians have high lipid levels. India is the diabetic capital of the world," Dalmia noted.

"The greatest benefit of olive oil is that it fights coronary heart disease. Olive oil has the highest content of monounsaturated "good" fats (no less than 80 per cent) amongst all edible oils, which reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides.

"At only 10 percent, it has amongst the lowest percentage of saturated 'bad' fats, which increase bad cholesterol. High MUFA content in olive oil has been found to prevent high cholesterol, fight heart disease, and help in the prevention of diabetes as well as cancer," he added.

Mehta has published over 400 cookbooks and sold over 6 million copies, making her one of the largest selling cookbook authors in Asia. Her books have been bestsellers in countries all over the world and she has won several international awards, including the Best Asian Cookbook Award at the World Cookbook Fair in Paris in 1999 for her book Flavours of Indian Cooking.

Her chain of cooking institutes has now been running successfully for over 25 years and she will soon be unveiling a chain of restaurants under her banner.

Launched in 2003, Leonardo Olive Oil pioneered the use of olive oil for Indian cooking.

6 Low-cal foods for your cravings

Choose foods that are heavy on the stomach but are low in fat. The ones that fall low on the glycemic index are said to stave off hunger for longer periods of time.

Know what these are and win over your urges.

Soup
A bowl or two of broth-based soup rather than higher-calorie cream soups works well. Add your favourite cut-up veggies, plus a protein such as beans, chicken, or fish, so you have all the elements of an energy-dense, satisfying meal. Due to its thick consistency, soup takes longer to absorb keeping your tummy full for a longer time.

Smoothies and cottage cheese
If smoothies are made with low-fat yogurt and loads of fruit, you're getting protein, fibre, and calcium. A glass of apple or banana smoothie will surely gratify your hunger for a while. Low fat dairy products, like natural yoghurt, low-fat milk and cottage cheese supply rich amounts of protein and calcium. They have a mild impact on your blood sugar levels that helps delay hunger cues and enhances weight loss.


Popcorn and puffed rice
Popcorn has the volume effect. If you have a tub of air-popped popcorn and don't add fats (caramel or butter) to it, you can consume it without any guilt. Moreover, it gives you a lot of sensory satisfaction. You can also munch on baked or roasted snacks such as khakra (crisp roti) and kurmura (puffed rice) without worrying about adding additional calories.

Raw fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are lower in calories per gram compared to denser foods. To increase satiation, consume a cup of chopped water-rich fruits and vegetables, such as berries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, kiwi, celery, cucumbers, bell peppers, leafy greens and water chestnuts. If you don't like it plain, prepare a fruit or veggies salad by adding a few drops of vinegar and low-fat salad dressing to it. Also, whole wheat pasta with your favourite sauteed veggies provide higher satiety.

Whole grains
As whole grains contain all the nutritious part of the grain, they digest slower and more efficiently than refined grains, such as white flour. As fibre-rich, low-glycemic foods, whole grains also help manage hunger pangs. Go for fibre-rich whole grain foods like steel-cut oats, long-grain brown rice, pearled barley and whole wheat bread. When purchasing breads, cereals and pasta, check ingredients lists to ensure that whole grains are listed as main ingredients.

Legumes
Legumes, such as split peas, lentils and beans, contain a unique blend of protein and fibre. One cup serving of cooked split peas or lentils provides up to twice as much fibre as other fibre-rich foods, such as barley, whole wheat pasta, raspberries and pears. Naturally low-fat and cholesterol-free, legumes are heart-healthy. Nutritious legume-based dishes include lentil soup, split-pea soup, chilled bean salads and dals.

I haven’t called anyone: Salman Khan

Salman Khan clarifies that he did not speak to Shirish Kunder after the latter's fight with SRK

On Tuesday, a media report claimed that a concerned Salman Khan, who is shooting in Cuba, called Shirish Kunder to show his support after SRK bashed him. That night Salman heard about his so-called concern for the film director. What's surprising is that, he was clueless about the whole fight at Dutt's party. He wasn't happy about being dragged into a fight between two people, especially because he wasn't at the party. And not even in the country!

Says a source close to the family, "It's really strange how bhai's name has gotten dragged into this. He hasn't called anyone. Salman doesn't even have network where he shoots. We haven't been speaking to him often also. He wasn't even aware of the fight... how can he call Shirish to offer support? When we called the newspaper to check about their source, we were told that Shirish told them about Salman's call to him. But shouldn't they have checked with him or someone from his side? Salim uncle is very upset about Salman's name being used in this fight."

BT tried contacting Salman but his phone was not reachable. Finally we managed to reach his manager Reshma Shetty who is also in Cuba. The line was bad and got disconnected a few times before we got through. She asked us to call later and put the actor on line. He said, "I am filming in Cuba. I am not using my phone here. I haven't called anyone and no one has called me. If you are printing this also say hello to my mom and dad." And the line went dead.

Goa, Kerala best states in which to be born in India

NEW DELHI: Goa and Kerala seem to be the best place to be born in India, while Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha are the worst.

According to the latest Union health ministry data, Goa recorded the lowest infant mortality rate - 10 infant deaths per 1,000 live births, followed by Kerala at 13. MP recorded the highest IMR at 62, followed by UP (61) and Odisha (61).

MP, which has the highest IMR, also recorded the largest dip along with Himachal Pradesh, by five points between 2009 and 2010. According to the latest Sample Registration System (SRS) data, the figures augur well for the entire country.

IMR has dropped further by three points from 50 to 47 infants deaths per 1,000 live births during 2010.

The IMR for rural areas has dropped by four points from 55 to 51 infant deaths per 1,000 live births, while the urban rate stands at 31 from the previous 34/1,000.

Urban IMR was the highest in Chhattisgarh and UP - 44 infant deaths per 1,000 births.

States like Assam with an IMR of 58, Bihar (48), Chhattisgarh (51), Haryana (48), Madhya Pradesh (62), Odisha (61), Rajasthan (55) and Meghalaya (55) still have IMRs more than the national average of 47.

In Maharashtra, 28 children died per 1,000 live births, whereas Delhi's IMR stood at 30. West Bengal's IMR was recorded at 31 (as against 33 in 2009) and Tamil Nadu's at 24 (28 in 2009).

Around 11 states have shown decline of more than the national average decline (dip of more than 3 points). These include Bihar (from IMR of 52 in 2009 to 48), Gujarat (48 to 44), MP (67 to 62), Odisha (65 to 61), Punjab (38 to 34), Rajasthan (59 to 55), Tamil Nadu (28 to 24), Himachal Pradesh (45 to 40), Meghalaya (59 to 55), Sikkim (34 to 30) and Tripura (31 to 27).

Dr Ajay Khera, deputy commissioner child health and immunization, said, "One of the main reasons for this dip in overall IMR is the attention states have given to neonatal health. Another factor has been the setting up of 340 sick and new born child units (SNCUs) and 9800 newborn care corners."

According to the Union ministry's plans, all district hospitals will have a SNCU to handle critical neonatal cases over the next five years. They will mainly cater to children born at full term with low birth weight.

Low-birth weight babies have a greater risk for developing respiratory symptoms, including wheezing, coughing and pulmonary infections that increases their chances of mortality.

Of the 2.6-crore births in India annually, 23% of the babies are low weight (below 2.5kg). Survival rates of low-weight babies are as high as 85%, if brought to a SNCU "on time".

Union health secretary P K Pradhan told TOI that this year alone 100 SNCUs would be put in place - almost double of last year.

In 2006-07, 36 SNCUs were set up, followed by 39 in 2007-08 and 2008-09 and another 38 in 2009-10. Rajasthan has 36 SNCUs, MP (33), Gujarat (31), Karnataka (29) and Tamil Nadu (41).

SNCUs will target critical neonatal cases, and the poorest among poor will be able to access them. The facilities will be equipped with latest machines for pediatric care, including radiant warmers, oxygen concentrator, infusion pump, apnea monitor and electronic weighing machines, treating acute cases like birth asphyxia, premature birth, neonatal jaundice, neonatal septicemia, complications of low and extreme low birth weights.

"Each SNCU will have an ICU complete with 12-16 beds, 16 trained nurses and three pediatricians working in eight hour shifts. It will cost Rs 40 lakh to set up each unit," Pradhan said.

Neonatal (NMR) deaths are one of India's major health challenges. The ministry has also started a home-based newborn scheme to reduce the high NMR, where Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) will visit the homes of new mothers six times in 42 days to encourage safe newborn care practices and early detection and free referral of sick babies.

Like CPM, Mamata also soft on fundamentalists, says Taslima Nasrin

KOLKATA: Before the storm over Salman Rushdie's absence from the Jaipur Literature Festival could abate, a fresh one started on Wednesday after the Kolkata Book Fair cancelled exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasrin's book release, saying the government had warned of security problems. But organizers cited problems with the auditorium as the official reason for calling off the event to launch Taslima's latest book, 'Nirbashan' (Exile).

Writers and book lovers were taken aback, more so because the gag on Rushdie at Jaipur was the main buzz at this year's Kolkata mela. The publishers then released the book at their own stall amid a small gathering of writers and rights activists.

The author of 'Lajja' (Shame), who lives in exile under state protection in India, was scathing in her reaction. Fundamentalists had been emboldened by their success in keeping Rushdie away from Jaipur, she told TOI over phone. "The mullahs scored a victory by preventing Rushdie from coming to Jaipur. They celebrated by not allowing my book to be launched in Kolkata. What next?"

The Bangladeshi author said that hopes of a better Bengal under Mamata Banerjee had been dashed after Kolkata Book Fair cancelled her book release.

"Like the CPM, Mamata is also soft on fundamentalists. All parties are scared of fanatics. That encourages fundamentalists." Mamata is also the state's home minister.

Taslima claimed on Twitter that Kolkata Police had arm-twisted book fair organizers to cancel the launch. The Publishers and Booksellers' Guild first claimed the auditorium was not ready, but later clarified that they feared the release could have been a security threat.

"Kolkata, a city of progressive! A book release even w/o my presence not possible! All political parties, all orgs afraid of fanatics! But how long...They banned me, a writer, a person. They do not need to know the content of the book...Some religious fanatics don't want it to happen," she said on Twitter.

The All India Minority Forum had sent delegations to the Kolkata Police and the guild warning that celebrating Taslima's book could provoke strong reactions. And, when the publishers did a smaller release at their stall, a group of protesters from the minority forum tried to disrupt it. Violent protests led by the Forum in November 2007 had forced Taslima out of Kolkata.

"Nasrin has written against Islam repeatedly. She is doing this at the insistence of the US. She will not be allowed here," said Abdul Aziz of the forum. The chairman of the ruling Trinamool Congress's minority cell Idris Ali was among the protesters at the book fest.

"We are upset that her publisher has ceremoniously organized the release of her book. It was done deliberately to insult our community," Aziz said.

"I could not risk this. We were told by this group that the release might cause trouble inside the fair. We also discussed the matter with Kolkata Police who said that the group had met senior officers at Lalbazar (Kolkata police headquarters) and vented similar apprehensions," said guild general secretary Tridib Chatterjee.

The book was released by Bengali author Nabarun Bhattacharya, the son of writer and human rights activist Mahasveta Devi, in the presence of writer Ranjan Bandopadhyay and rights activist Sujato Bhadra. "All this while we were condemning the Salman Rushdie episode and now we are not allowing the release of a book by another world acclaimed writer. I condemn this move by the guild," Bhattacharya said.

"This is a gross violation of human rights. When Nasrin's book was banned earlier, I fought legally to get the ban lifted. Nasrin has not only been banned from the state, now her pen has also been banished," Bhadra said.

The book launch was scheduled for 3pm but the guild called up the publishers, People's Book Society, around 1pm to cancel the booking.

Nasrin said her anger over Rushdie being barred from Jaipur was compounded with hurt when her publisher, Prasanto Roy of the People's Book Society, called to say the launch of the seventh volume of her autobiography had been called off.

The sixth volume of her autobiography, Nei Kichu Nei (There's Nothing, Nothing At All), was launched by economist Amlan Dutta at the Kolkata Book Fair in 2010. "But there were no protests then. So, why now? I urge rational and liberal people of India to think. It's not a personal issue. It involves a larger question of rights and freedom of expression in a democracy," she said.

Hrithik-Gauri's latest twitpic

Kolkata Book Fair cancels release of Taslima Nasreen's book

KOLKATA: After Salman Rushdie, its Taslima Nasreen. If Rushdie's video conference was not allowed to be held at the Jaipur Literature Festival, the Kolkata Book Fair cancelled the release of Nasreen's latest book, Nirbashan (exile), which was scheduled at 3 pm at the airconditioned auditorium.

The organisers of the fair, Publishers and Booksellers Guild, apparently telephoned the publisher of the book, People's Book Society, to summarily cancel the booking of the auditorium.

"We were told that since the Kolkata Literary Meet ended late last night, the hall could not be prepared for our programme. But unofficially we have been told that since the book is Taslima's, and she is a banned author, it was blacked out," said Shibani Mukherjee, publisher. The book was however released at the stall a little while later by the publisher, ignoring the "insult meted out to us by the Guild."

The book was released by author Nabarun Bhattacharyan son of writer cum human rights activist, Mahasweta Devi. Among the others present were, writer Ranjan Bandopadhyay and human rights activist, Sujato Bhadra.

"All this while we were condemning the Salman Rushdie episode and now we are not allowing the release of a book by another world acclaimed writer. I condemn this move by the Guild," Bhattacharya said.

A similar sentiment was expressed by Ranjan Bandopadhyay. "I am here to express solidarity with the publisher," he said.

"I think this is gross violation of human rights. When Nasrin's book was earlier banned, I fought legally and the ban was lifted. Nasrin has not only been banned from the state, now her pen has also been banished!" Bhadra said.

Immediately after the release, a group of activists belonging to the All India Minority Forum, marched to the spot and started protesting against the release. A heated altercation happened between the publishers of the book and the demonstrators.

"Nasrin has written against Islam repeatedly. She is doing this at the insistence of the US. She will not be allowed here. We are upset that her publisher has ceremoniously organised release of her book. Such ceremony has been deliberately organised to insult our community," said Abdul Aziz, of the forum. He was accompanied by Idris Ali.

The Guild clarified its stand in the evening by saying that it had taken the decision to cancel the release firstly because the hall was not ready and also because the release might have affected security of the thousands of visitors at the fair.

"I could not risk this. We were told by this group that the release might cause trouble inside the fair. We also discussed the matter with Kolkata Police who said that the group had met senior cops at Lalbazar and vented similar apprehensions."

Will urge India to reconsider Dassault Rafale fighter deal: British Prime Minister David Cameron

LONDON: British Prime Minister David Cameron said on Wednesday that India's decision to choose France's Dassault Aviation over Eurofighter as preferred bidder for a $15 billion war plane contract was disappointing and he would urge India to reconsider.

"Of course I will do everything I can, as I have already, to encourage the Indians to look at Typhoon (Eurofighter) because I think it is such a good aircraft," Cameron told parliament.

"The decision is obviously disappointing but it is about who the Indians have assessed as making the lowest bid and therefore asked to enter into further negotiations. They have not yet awarded the contract," he added.

He said he did not expect any job losses in Britain as a result of the decision and said "it doesn't rule out Typhoon for India."

"We must go on making the case. This (Eurofighter) is a superb aircraft with far better capabilities than Rafale and we will try and encourage the Indians to take that view," he added.

Rafale, made by Dassault, emerged on Tuesday as preferred bidder in the contest to supply India with 126 warplanes.

While exclusive talks are not a guarantee of sale, they deal a probable knockout blow to Rafale's chief rival in India, the Eurofighter Typhoon, a fighter plane developed by a consortium of four European aviation companies --the German and Spanish branches of EADS, Britain's BAE Systems and Italy's Finmeccanica.

Cameron's spokesman said Britain would look very carefully at why India took the decision to make Dassault the preferred bidder. "We will want to learn from that," he told reporters.

Talks between France and India over the fighter jet sale should be wrapped up within six to nine months, French government spokeswoman Valerie Pecresse said on Wednesday.

Kangana Ranaut replaces Vidya Balan on Ekta Kapoor's list

Ekta Kapoor was considering her blue-eyed girl Vidya Balan for their next big project 'Shootout at Wadala'. But after much delay and deliberation she is finally replaced by Kangana Ranaut in the film.

The underworld film to be directed by Sanjay Gupta has John Abraham, Anil Kapoor and Tusshar Kapoor in lead roles. "For quite some time, Vidya Balan was being considered for the female lead, to be paired opposite John Abraham. John plays the character of the notorious gangster Manya Surve and Vidya was to play his girlfriend", says a source closely associated with Balaji Films.

However it seems like Ekta Kapoor herself was responsible for making Vidya so big with the success of The Dirty Picture that the actress wasn't sure whether she would want to do this role in the male-centric underworld drama. "So she opted out of the project but on a very amicable note and there is absolutely no bad-blood", adds the source. So the makers replaced Vidya by their other favourite - Kangana Ranaut who worked with Balaji in Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai.

Apparently Kangana Ranaut's role is based on a real-life character and much against the glamourous roles we have seen her in the past, she has a performance-oriented part in this shootout saga. "The fresh pairing of John and Kangana should add to the merit".

Filmmaking is not a business: Abhinay Deo

Delhi Belly director Abhinay Deo rejects film offers from three leading production houses to concentrate on the Indian version of American TV series 24

Filmmaker Abhinay Deo, after a successful 2011 with Aamir Khan Productions' Delhi Belly has decided to concentrate on one thing at a time. Mumbai Mirror has learnt that Abhinay, despite being offered a lot of film deals by leading production houses, has decided to concentrate on Anil Kapoor's television series 24. In fact, the filmmaker has turned down offers from at least three leading producers in the Hindi cinema industry.

Confirming that a lot of films have indeed come his way after the successful Delhi Belly, Abhinay said, "Big offers are not something that you want to say 'no' to. However, the script is also important. If a film doesn't work, people will blame the director for taking up the project."

Also, Abhinay revealed that he isn't one to work on numbers. "I believe in what Aamir had once told me: Filmmaking is not a business. A good script is very important," added the director.

Talking about his Best debutant award victory at Filmfare on January 29, Abhinay added, "30th of January is my father's birthday. In my family, we make it a point of calling the birthday boy or girl at 12 o' clock sharp. And believe it or not, my award was announced at 12 o'clock sharp. At the time, I was talking to my father over the phone. It was the best moment of my life."

Needless to say, the filmmaker after winning the award is looking forward to keep up with his last success. And thus, Abhinay is leaving no stone unturned to make Anil Kapoor's Indian 24 a success.

"The venture is still at a nascent stage. Anilji has just acquired the rights. Work on it is still going on," revealed the filmmaker.

Though the project is yet to take off, Abhinay is ready to take on the challenge to recreate the popular American TV series for the Indian audience. "As a filmmaker, making 24 for India is a challenge. But then again, there nothing that Hollywood can and we can't. The way 24 was accepted in the country reaffirms the fact that the series can indeed be recreated for the Indian audience."

"The television industry has still not entered the zone where the audience would accept Hollywood storylines as is. It has to be Indianised. The tastes and sentiments of the Indian audience have to be kept mind while recreating 24," added the filmmaker.

Salman Khan’s peace pact with Anees Bazmee

Salman Khan has put aside his personal equations to move ahead professionally.

Mumbai Mirror has learnt that the actor who had a tiff with filmmaker Anees Bazmee during the making of Ready, has finally decided to allot dates for Bazmee's next venture No Entry Mein Entry.

Happy to have finally convinced Salman for his project, Anees said, "I met Salman. He liked the idea. We also discussed some changes. But finally, we decided to go ahead with the original idea of having double roles for all three heroes."

A source close to the project informed Mumbai Mirror, "Just before Salman left for Cuba for the Ek Tha Tiger schedule, he met Anees on producer Boney Kapoor's request. Since he did not have time on his hands, instead of a full narration, he asked for a brief summary."

"He was kicked about the idea of doing a double role after Judwaa. He gave his own suggestions about how to make the two Salmans look different. Anees will be more than happy to incorporate the changes," added our source.

The source revealed that though most other details for the project have been worked out, Salman's dates are still to be finalised. In fact, Salman will try to accommodate Anees' project in his already choc-a-bloc 2012 calendar. The actor will in all probability allot dates for No Entry Mein Entry between his brother Arbaaz's Dabangg 2 and Sohail's Sher Khan.

"As soon as Salman returns from Cuba we'll work out his dates," confirmed Anees.

I can't expect Shah Rukh to say sorry: Shirish

Though all's well between Shah Rukh Khan and filmmaker Shirish Kunder after an ugly spat, the superstar still refuses to speak about either the fight or the patch up.

"Did I tell you that there was a fight..no...so I will not tell anything about the patch up also," Shah Rukh told reporters at a pre-nuptial ceremony of Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D'Souza. The actor reached the function in the wee hours of Wednesday.

However, he took to microblogging site Twitter to talk about his exciting day, revealing the best part was to meet friends at home.

"Long satisfying day...dancing at filmfare...shoot with prabhuda..dinner with riteish and genelia at 5am. Best was to meet friends at home again," he wrote on his Twitter page.

Shah Rukh was embroiled in a scuffle with Shirish, husband of choreographer-turned-director Farah Khan, at a party organised by Sanjay Dutt to celebrate the success of "Agneepath".

The truce was intiated by Farah's brother Sajid Khan and filmmaker Sajid Nadiadwala. Shirish along with Farah, brother-in-law Sajid and producer Nadiadwala had arranged the meeting at Shah Rukh's house Mannat, where all of them sat together to sort out the issue.

After the patch up, Shirish had told IANS that their frienship has become stronger than ever.

"It was a mutual thing and was not about saying sorry to each other. Since I am younger I can't expect Shah Rukh to say sorry. We kept our egos aside and were gracious enough about it. Being the younger, I should have not reacted like this. Our relationship has become stronger like never before. Everything that was said has been cleared face to face now," he said.

Ind vs Aus: India remain winless in Australia with T20 defeat

SYDNEY: India have still to win on their Australia tour after losing the first of two Twenty20 internationals by 31 runs to the home side at the Sydney Olympic stadium on Wednesday.

Match Scorecard 

Before the biggest crowd for a single day's cricket in Sydney of almost 60,000, Australia rattled up 171 for four off their 20 overs after being sent into bat and reduced India to 140 for six.

India were hoping to bounce back to form in the shorter version after being thrashed 4-0 in their Test series against Michael Clarke's Australians.

Matthew Wade, who is keeping wicketkeeper Brad Haddin out of Australia's T20 and one-day teams, justified his selection with a man-of-the-match performance with 72 off 43 balls and slick glovework behind the stumps.

Wade smashed three sixes and five fours opening the innings with David Warner, who made 25 off 14 balls before he was the first wicket down.

Warner, coming off Australia's Test series win over India, thrilled the large crowd with an audacious six as he switched from his normal left handed grip to right hand to send the ball careering over deep extra cover into the stands.

Warner hit two sixes and took 19 off Ravi Ashwin's second over before he was out when he skied Vinay Kumar to Suresh Raina at extra cover.

Wade raced to 70 before a rain delay affected his concentration and he was out two runs later after the restart in play.

David Hussey cracked 42 off 30 balls with three sixes and a four before he was out attempting a big slog only to be bowled by Rahul Sharma on the penultimate delivery of the innings.

India again started disastrously, losing Virender Sehwag on the third ball of Brett Lee's opening over for four and he was followed by a steady procession of teammates back to the dressing room.

Opening partner Gautam Gambhir made 20 off 14 balls and Virat Kohli was splendidly caught near the boundary ropes by Warner for 22 giving 40-year-old leg spinner Brad Hogg his first wicket for Australia in four years.

Rohit Sharma, who has waited all tour for a chance to bat for India in the Test series, was bowled for a first ball duck by David Hussey and Raina scored 14 off 15 balls before he was bowled by Dan Christian.

Only skipper MS Dhoni showed any resistance with three sixes and a four in an unbeaten 48 off 43 balls, while Ashwin remained 15 not out.

Christian and Hussey finished with two wickets each for Australia.

The crowd of 59,659 broke the previous record of 58,446 set 83 years ago when Australia played England in a Test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground on December 15, 1928.

The second T20 match takes place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday.

Kareena Kapoor: The Heart Doesn’t Grow Wiser At Any Age

What does the term ‘heroine’ mean to you?
'Heroine’ doesn’t just mean the glamorous me on magazine covers. There’s much more to me than that. People use the word ‘heroine’ dismissively as if we’re some objects. But we’re very much human and normal. At least, I am.
The film Heroine had first come to you, then it went to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and is now back with you…
Heroine was always my film. Madhur Bhandarkar and I had been planning to work together since Page 3. He had offered me Page 3 and Fashion, both of which I couldn’t do due to date problems. Finally, we’re doing this mega project. Somewhere, I believe I was born to play this role. Since childhood, I’ve always wanted to be an actress.

Do you believe you’ll get work when you’re older?
(Smiles) I hope so. I have the talent and I have proved it. I don’t think anyone else could do what Meryl Streep did in The Devil Wears Prada. At 64, she has done a splendid job. I wish when I’m that old, someone will write such a role for me. Your sister Karisma Kapoor has not had a smooth marriage. How do you feel when you see her go through trying times? Lolo has always been an epitome of strength. She has the dignity not many people have. She’s been successful in her own right and the roadblock she’s overcome is commendable. I don’t think even I could have done that. Things are fine now and I’m happy she has overcome the pain. She has come out a winner and it’s not as much a public thing as it could’ve been. One of the main reasons for that is the way Lolo has conducted herself. She has always been quiet and doesn’t talk too much. But that doesn’t mean she’s weak. Also, that’s why people love her. She’s stronger than me.

News is you’re getting married early this year (to Saif Ali Khan). True?
(Sighs) People have already decided when and where the marriage is going to happen, including what’s on the menu. Let’s put it this way, marriage is a commitment and I’m committed already. (Smiles) I’m in love. I’ve managed to balance my personal and professional life through the years, and managed to maintain my position at the box office. Whenever I was seeing someone, I never hid the fact. I could never understand why people asked me to keep my relationship with Saif under wraps. They thought it would affect my career but it didn’t and look where I am. Saif is in my life and nothing’s changed. Similarly, when my marriage date gets locked, I won’t hide it. And I’ll definitely continue to act. Why should anything change that?

Is it different being in a relationship at 30 than it was when you were 21? Does age make you more equipped to handle heartache?
(Thinks hard) I don’t think one is equipped to deal with heartache at any age. The heart doesn’t grow wiser, it’s the mind. You can never get accustomed to pain. But the way you approach it is different. In my 20s, I was irresponsible. I didn’t care about anything. I did all the things a 21-year-old would do. At 30, I behave my age. I’m happy, mature and content.

In what ways do you connect with Saif?
We both are suckers for love. And we both love the same things. I like to work and then cut off from the industry. He likes doing the same. We love to travel, we love the same kind of places, the same food and the same television shows. The only area where we differ is in the kind of movies we like. He likes Kill Bill and Star Wars and I love The Bridges of Madison County. (Laughs) I cry easily while watching a film and he can’t understand why. And when he watches Star Wars, he’s completely lost. Nothing can take him away from a Tarantino film. But we balance that. He sometimes watches the movies I like. He loves to read, I don’t. But there are a lot of things he’s exposed me to. He loves hunting and talks a lot about it. It has broadened my horizons. He’s an outdoor person. He always suggests that the dinner table be laid out in the open when we’re on a holiday. He’s used to open spaces while I’m familiar with the ‘building’ concept.

What’s the most important thing about this bond?
There has to be a comfortable bond between two people. Fortunately, for me and Saif, that sense of connection came in very early. We’re connected at a deep level. Thanks to this bond, I can stay without Saif, even when he’s shooting outdoors.


Does he bore you at times? 
(Smiles) He’s very entertaining. I’m very entertaining too. I’m talkative. And when I start, he has no choice but to listen. So, where’s the question of boring each other?

Does the 10-year age gap with Saif bother you?
No. Ours is a mental connect. Age can never be a problem. There should be a strong bond and feelings of love and care. We know that we’re there for each other. (Smiles) I would’ve loved him even if he were 10 years younger to me. He has a beautiful mind.


Saif’s daughter Sara has entered her teens. How is your equation with her?
I’m very, very fond of her. She’s intelligent. Whenever we meet, she chats candidly with me. She’s dignified, correct and well-mannered. I buy her lots of clothes. Obviously, she doesn’t wear my stuff as the teens have their preferences. My cupboard is full of pyjamas, torn jeans, chappals and trashy clothes. (Laughs) People believe that an actress’ wardrobe would have all kinds of sexy clothes and gowns but it’s nothing like that.

What about Saif’s son Ibrahim?
He’s much younger. It will take time to fully connect with him. Both kids bond deeply with their father and that’s what gives them a sense of solidarity. They have a wonderful mom (Amrita Singh) who has nurtured them well.

You come from a broken home. Does that make you extra sensitive to Saif’s children?
Yes. I tell Saif that it’s important to spend time with the kids. My parents’ (Randhir Kapoor and Babita) separation did not affect my personality negatively because my father has been a wonderful friend. He may not be physically present all the time but he’s always there for me emotionally.

Saif became a father at a young age. Would you call him a more responsible father now?
I didn’t know him then. But since the last four years, right from the time we did Tashan, he has become a great father. Somewhere, he’s also more settled. The restlessness is gone. I’ve brought calm in his life. And when he’s calm, he can think well. He has a fantastic relationship with his daughter, which I wish I shared with my father. They talk about everything under the sun. She calls up to share everything with him.

Just like your presence has made him calmer, what has he brought into your life?
(Smiles) I’m just happier. I’m ready to face life in a better way. He has exposed me to much more, things which I never knew I’d like. Now, I’ve figured out what I like and what I don’t in life. If I could have some friends like Saif, it would be great.


Is he like a mentor to you?
No, not a mentor. But his biggest quality is that he lets me do what I want. Of course, I don’t stop him either. I’ve never asked Saif not to work with anyone. Instead, I always insist he work with new people.


Apparently, he wasn’t keen on you working with Hrithik Roshan and Shahid Kapoor...
Saif will always tell me what he feels and he’s never said any such thing. Even in the case of bold scenes, he understands I’m an actress and am just playing a character. He doesn’t even ask where I’m shooting.

Is Saif a reluctant actor? He doesn’t do too many films….
(Frowns) I know! Aamir Khan and Saif are the best we have. They take to their characters so beautifully. Saif does less work. He doesn’t always like what he’s offered. Agent Vinod, which he’s producing, has taken a toll on him.

Were you comfortable working with Saif as an actor-producer on Agent Vinod?
(Frowns) No man! As a producer, he’s always so stressed. I love working with Saif when he’s just acting. Frankly speaking, when I don’t like the place we’re shooting at and I say, ‘Listen, why are we shooting here?’ then it gets a little personal for him, as he’s also the producer of the film. One has to be careful about what one says or how one behaves. He involves himself in the creative aspects of the film too. If you have other aspects to look into, obviously your focus will blur and you tend to get irritated.

Ritesh-Genelia's Sangeet Ceremony Photos

BCCI says it is selectors' job to pick new Test captain

NEW DELHI: Reacting to Indian skipper MS Dhoni's pre-match press conference comments that he is willing to quit Test captaincy if there is any suitable candidate, the Indian cricket board (BCCI) made it clear that picking the new Test captain or retaining the current captain is the job of the selectors, and that suggesting names of candidates to the selectors was the job of the working committee.

The bigwigs of board - who have already endorsed their views on split captaincy in Test and ODIs - are ready to have a detailed discussion in the working committee meeting if the members raise the issue. A section of the working committee was even of the view that Dhoni's utterances felt that the skipper may have given up the fight to try and hang on to his position.

Dhoni reportedly said that the selectors seldom gave him the team he wanted. If that was the case, a section of the selectors felt that the Indian skipper should have given the selectors credit after the World Cup win, which Dhoni didn't. Clearly, it's a war out in the open and it may just go out of hand.

"If Dhoni gives credit to the selectors for the World Cup win, then even the selectors are ready to share the blame," a selector told TOI, adding that the chairman of the committee Krish Srikkanth has already taken the blame for the disastrous series.

There are also members in the board who feel that Virat Kohli is the future captain. "Even Dhoni was made captain at a very early age," a BCCI official said.

Man United join beaten City at Premier League summit

MANCHESTER: Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov each claimed a penalty as Manchester United's 2-0 victory over Stoke drew them level with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.

With injury and illness to Anders Lindegaard and David de Gea, respectively, forcing United to hand a league debut to 21-year-old deputy Ben Amos, the penalty decisions ensured the defending Premier League champions enjoyed a comfortable evening.

United took the lead after 38 minutes when Jermaine Pennant was judged to have tripped United's South Korean international midfielder Park Ji-Sung in the area.

In the absence of regular penalty taker Wayne Rooney, who has failed on four of his last eight attempts, Hernandez strode up and calmly beat Thomas Sorensen with a shot into the bottom left-hand corner.

Seven minutes into the second half, Antonio Valencia surged into the area with Jon Walters tugging at him from behind, a move which referee Mike Jones instantly deemed worthy of a penalty.

This time, surprisingly given Hernandez's earlier success, Berbatov strode up to the mark and scored just as convincingly as his team mate had, low into the bottom right.

The opening goal was inevitable in a game in which Stoke's primary aim appeared to be to test United's rookie goalkeeper with long-range shots.

Walters chanced his arm from 25 yards and Kenwyne Jones volleyed wide from outside the box inside the opening 10 minutes.

But the bulk of the first period was spent with United patiently trying to break down Stoke's dogged resistance.

Paul Scholes teed up Michael Carrick for a promising early shot which was charged down by Ryan Shawcross and another Carrick strike won a 21st minute corner.

That resulted in Scholes shooting from outside the area sending a fierce strike just wide of the post and into the advertising hoardings.

Patrice Evra appealed in vain for a penalty after his run into the area was halted by slight contact from Dean Whitehead and Berbatov's telling pass then freed Valencia down the right but his cross was too close to Sorensen who parried the ball to safety.

Carrick then linked intelligently with Park and Berbatov before rolling a left-foot shot inches wide, a miss followed moments later by the opening goal.

Even after taking the lead from the penalty, United might have had a second spotkick when a Hernandez cross struck Shawcross's hand although referee Jones clearly viewed the infringement as accidental.

After Chris Smalling created an early second half opening for Berbatov, which was charged down by the visiting defence, Jones finally decided United merited a second penalty and, thereafter, the game looked well beyond Stoke.

Pennant's free-kick almost presented Jones with a chance and the Stoke winger also crossed well for substitute Cameron Jerome whose header was first fumbled, then saved on the line, by Amos.

Amazingly, it appeared that United should have had a third penalty decision after Evra appeared to be brought down by Whitehead after 70 minutes following another flowing passage of play.

If kept out of IPL 5, we will seek stay on the tournament: Kochi Tuskers Kerala

MUMBAI: Cricket suffered a setback in God's Own Country last September when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sacked the IPL franchise, Kochi Tuskers Kerala, citing "irreparable differences" and leaving the state out of the Twenty20 fold.

However, the Tuskers are still breathing and looking to get back on their feet. They insist that the board has been adequately paid - by way of hefty bank guarantees - and the co-owners are willing to pay for the coming year too. All they want is that the franchise should be reinstated and if not, they are "already seeking legal options".

"If we are kept out of IPL 5, we will go to court and seek a stay on the tournament," says one of the team's co-owners in an email reply to a TOI questionnaire.

On Monday, the beleaguered franchise received a shot in the arm when Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy stepped forward to lend his support. "I will try my best to retain the Kerala IPL team. I will also talk to the BCCI president and see if the issue can be amicably resolved," Chandy said even as the franchise co-owners spent the last couple of weeks planning their way ahead.

The co-owners have already sent a notice to the BCCI seeking arbitration, which was reported by TOI last week. However, the board is yet to respond to the notice and the franchise is waiting before asserting its next move.

"At no point we want to be a hindrance for players and their careers. Therefore, we will not do anything that may put the February 4 auction in jeopardy. All we want to say is that the way we've been treated is unfair and the team should be reinstated," says an investor in the franchise.

The co-owners also go on to cite the income that BCCI received by way of having the Kochi Tuskers on board. "Our one year's installment (Rs 156 crore) is equal to what the least costly franchise is scheduled to pay over 10 years. It is equal to the installments of what four to five franchises pay each year," claims the investor.

It is learnt that the chief minister met up with officials of the Rendezvous Sports World (RSW) and assured them his support. "At no point of time have we intended to offend the BCCI. We won the bid fair and square, so the point is why do they want us out?" asks another franchise official.

The franchise makes it very clear that if the BCCI does not allow Kochi Tuskers Kerala to play in IPL 5, then the owners will have no choice than approach the courts and seek a stay on the tournament. The BCCI, which is already neck deep in legal tangles, certainly won't be looking to add another one to the growing list.

The BCCI encashed bank guarantees to the tune of Rs 156 crore after terminating the Kochi contract. The co-owners are willing to deposit the same amount once again before a deadline given by BCCI if they're allowed to play.

Ind vs Aus: Australia set 172 run target for India in 1st T20I

NEW DELHI: Matthew Wade's 72 and David Hussey's 42 powered Australia to post 171/4 in the first Twenty20 international of the two-match series against India at Sydney.

Match Scorecard 

Wade has been the star of Australian innings whose swashbuckling knock came in just 43 balls that included five boundaries and three huge sixes. Part time bowler Suresh Raina ended Wade's blistering innings to give India vital breakthrough.

David Hussey also played useful knock, scored 42 runs in 30 balls with the help of one four and three sixes.

Australia lost Wade early when the play resumed after the rain has stopped play when the hosts reached 131/2 in 14.4 overs. 

Matthew Wade reached his maiden Twenty20 international half-century with a six that also brought up Australia's hundred in the 13th over.

R Ashwin had Travis Birt caught by Suresh Raina in the covers as Australia lost their second wicket in the tenth over in the first match of the two-match series.

R Vinay Kumar gave India the first breakthrough when he had David Warner caught by Raina in the covers.

Vinay bowled a fullish length delivery angling into the batsman, at 128.4 kph, Warner hopped back a bit to the leg side for the heave across the line but got a top edge. It flew high in the air and Raina took a regulation catch at covers.

Warner smashed two sixes and a four in his 14-ball 25.

The breakthrough came after Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the toss and chose to bowl.

After winning the toss, Dhoni said that the pitch looked like a good wicket and it was good to know the target.

Australian skipper George Bailey said that he would have batted anyways and added that they are a very balanced side. Three debutants for Australia - Bailey, James Faulkner and Xavier Doherty.

The Indians would look to turn the table in their favour after a mediocre Test series and Dhoni has a talented pool of youngsters at his disposal.

Dhoni would be hoping for lady luck to smile on him in the first of the two T20 matches ahead of the tri-series, featuring hosts Australia and Sri Lanka.

Teams: 

India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Capt.), Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, Rahul Sharma, Ravichandran Ashwin, R Vinay Kumar, Praveen Kumar.

Australia: George Bailey (Capt.), David Warner, Matthew Wade, Travis Birt, David Hussey, Mitchell Marsh, Daniel Christian, James Faulkner, Brad Hogg, Brett Lee, Xavier Doherty.