Sanjay Dutt's wife diagnosed with tumor in liver: Doctor

MUMBAI: As a massive controversy broke out over granting parole to actor Sanjay Dutt on the ground of his wife Manyata's ill health, a doctor who examined her has said she has been diagnosed with a tumor in the liver and a suspected heart ailment. "Manyata has a tumor in the liver. She had chest pain and has lost ten kilos in 15-20 days. We have advised her to undergo certain tests for heart ailment. Once the tests are done then we can decide whether surgery is required or not," Dr Ajay Chaughule told.

Chaughule, a senior heart and cardio thoracic surgeon and heart and lung transplant surgeon at Global Hospital, said she had visited him around a week ago and has been prescribed some medicines. The doctor said Manyata had earlier gone to Lilavati hospital where she was advised to undergo angiography to ascertain the condition of her heart after which she decided to take a second opinion from Chaughule.

Dutt, who is undergoing the remainder of his five-year jail term at Yerawada Central Jail in Pune in connection with the 1993 Mumbai blasts case, was yesterday granted a parole for 30 days on the recommendation of the prison administration. He is, however, yet to be released. Newspapers this morning had photographs of Manyata purportedly attending the screening of a film as also a celebrity birthday party, raising doubts about Dutt's claim regarding her illness.

Sanjay Dutt's wife diagnosed with tumor in liver: Doctor

MUMBAI: As a massive controversy broke out over granting parole to actor Sanjay Dutt on the ground of his wife Manyata's ill health, a doctor who examined her has said she has been diagnosed with a tumor in the liver and a suspected heart ailment. "Manyata has a tumor in the liver. She had chest pain and has lost ten kilos in 15-20 days. We have advised her to undergo certain tests for heart ailment. Once the tests are done then we can decide whether surgery is required or not," Dr Ajay Chaughule told.

Chaughule, a senior heart and cardio thoracic surgeon and heart and lung transplant surgeon at Global Hospital, said she had visited him around a week ago and has been prescribed some medicines. The doctor said Manyata had earlier gone to Lilavati hospital where she was advised to undergo angiography to ascertain the condition of her heart after which she decided to take a second opinion from Chaughule.

Dutt, who is undergoing the remainder of his five-year jail term at Yerawada Central Jail in Pune in connection with the 1993 Mumbai blasts case, was yesterday granted a parole for 30 days on the recommendation of the prison administration. He is, however, yet to be released. Newspapers this morning had photographs of Manyata purportedly attending the screening of a film as also a celebrity birthday party, raising doubts about Dutt's claim regarding her illness.

BJP retains MP, takes over Rajasthan, wrests power in Delhi

NEW DELHI: The BJP has achieved a comfortable victory in the assembly polls held in four states. When the party has retained Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan has been taken over by them from the congress. None of the parties have been able to attain a majority in Delhi.  The ruling party has been pushed to the third position. Opposition BJP was inching towards wresting power in Delhi by leading in 34 seats in the 70-member Assembly while debutant AAP made a strong entry by being ahead in 26 seats.

The AAP is behind the collapse of the congress party in Delhi. The party has secured only 12 seats and is a major setback as it was ruling the city for the past 15 years. The BJP got 143 seats in Madhya Pradesh and this is the biggest win the party has ever achieved. Congress secured only 74 seats. BSP got three seats and others 16. BJP obtained 140 seats in Rajasthan which was in the hands of congress and the party has got only 26 seats.

BJP retains MP, takes over Rajasthan, wrests power in Delhi

NEW DELHI: The BJP has achieved a comfortable victory in the assembly polls held in four states. When the party has retained Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan has been taken over by them from the congress. None of the parties have been able to attain a majority in Delhi.  The ruling party has been pushed to the third position. Opposition BJP was inching towards wresting power in Delhi by leading in 34 seats in the 70-member Assembly while debutant AAP made a strong entry by being ahead in 26 seats.

The AAP is behind the collapse of the congress party in Delhi. The party has secured only 12 seats and is a major setback as it was ruling the city for the past 15 years. The BJP got 143 seats in Madhya Pradesh and this is the biggest win the party has ever achieved. Congress secured only 74 seats. BSP got three seats and others 16. BJP obtained 140 seats in Rajasthan which was in the hands of congress and the party has got only 26 seats.

Married daughters too entitled for job on father's death: HC

MUMBAI: In an important judgement, the Bombay High Court has ruled that a married daughter is equally entitled to a government job on compassionate grounds on father's demise. Giving job to unmarried daughters of government servants but denying the same benefit to married daughters violates the right to equality, equality of opportunity in matters of public employment and right to life which are enshrined in the Constitution, the court said.

The court was hearing a petition filed by 29-year-old Swati Kulkarni against Maharashtra Irrigation Department's decision to reject her claim for a job on compassionate grounds after her father's demise. The department had cited a 1994 Government Resolution (GR) which said that only unmarried daughters would get this benefit. The petitioner's father Ashok Kulkarni died while in service in 2008. Both her mother and younger sister did not wish to take the job, so Kulkarni herself staked claim.

Her name was put on waiting list. But when she got married, the name was struck off. Aggrieved, she moved the High Court challenging the October 1994 GR. The division bench of Justices S C Dharmadhikari and Revati Mohite Dere yesterday quashed the Irrigation Officer's decision and ordered that Kulkarni's name be included in the waiting list. 

Married daughters too entitled for job on father's death: HC

MUMBAI: In an important judgement, the Bombay High Court has ruled that a married daughter is equally entitled to a government job on compassionate grounds on father's demise. Giving job to unmarried daughters of government servants but denying the same benefit to married daughters violates the right to equality, equality of opportunity in matters of public employment and right to life which are enshrined in the Constitution, the court said.

The court was hearing a petition filed by 29-year-old Swati Kulkarni against Maharashtra Irrigation Department's decision to reject her claim for a job on compassionate grounds after her father's demise. The department had cited a 1994 Government Resolution (GR) which said that only unmarried daughters would get this benefit. The petitioner's father Ashok Kulkarni died while in service in 2008. Both her mother and younger sister did not wish to take the job, so Kulkarni herself staked claim.

Her name was put on waiting list. But when she got married, the name was struck off. Aggrieved, she moved the High Court challenging the October 1994 GR. The division bench of Justices S C Dharmadhikari and Revati Mohite Dere yesterday quashed the Irrigation Officer's decision and ordered that Kulkarni's name be included in the waiting list. 

Cell phone spotted in Kozhikode jail

KOZHIKODE: A mobile phone was recovered on Saturday from Kozhikode district jail where the accused in the TP murder case are lodged. It was found in a pipeline which connected a septic tank to the latrines used by the accused in the cell. The jail staff came across the device while workers were clearing drainage blocks. However no SIM card was found inside the phone. Earlier, the police could only recover mobile chargers and covers during searches conducted following allegations that TP murder case accused had been using mobile phones from the jail at liberty.   

Cell phone spotted in Kozhikode jail

KOZHIKODE: A mobile phone was recovered on Saturday from Kozhikode district jail where the accused in the TP murder case are lodged. It was found in a pipeline which connected a septic tank to the latrines used by the accused in the cell. The jail staff came across the device while workers were clearing drainage blocks. However no SIM card was found inside the phone. Earlier, the police could only recover mobile chargers and covers during searches conducted following allegations that TP murder case accused had been using mobile phones from the jail at liberty.   

Two killed, three seriously injured in Thrissur

Thrissur: Two persons were killed and three seriously injured when their car collided with a lorry at nearby Kechery, police said today.  The mishap occurred late last night.

Police gave the names of the deceased as Shajan T Varghese (27) and Shins Baby (37) hailing from Ranni and Ponkunnam of Pathaanamthitta district. The injured have been admitted to a private nursing home here. PTI

Two killed, three seriously injured in Thrissur

Thrissur: Two persons were killed and three seriously injured when their car collided with a lorry at nearby Kechery, police said today.  The mishap occurred late last night.

Police gave the names of the deceased as Shajan T Varghese (27) and Shins Baby (37) hailing from Ranni and Ponkunnam of Pathaanamthitta district. The injured have been admitted to a private nursing home here. PTI

Kerala drops in educational development index

New Delhi: Kerala has slipped seven places from seven to 14 in a latest educational index even as Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra have retained their ranks, according to the District Information System for Education (DISE) flash report prepared by National University of Education Planning and Administration (NEUPA).

Another appalling fact the report has revealed is that Gujarat has slipped from ninth position to 18th despite Chief Minister Narendra Modi singing paeans about his state's development model. The State slipped from 12th to 28th position in the primary level and from 8th to 14th rank in the upper primary level.

The composite ranking, taking both the performances in primary and upper primary levels, puts Gujarat at the 18th position in the country, below neighbouring Maharashtra, which retained the 8th rank, and Tamil Nadu, which remains at the third place. Though Gujarat fared well in various indicators, officials said other states matched equally well.

During 2012-13, as many as 1.5 million schools imparting school education were covered for the study and data received from 662 districts spread over 35 states.
Uttar Pradesh was ranked 34th, two places down from the previous ranking and West Bengal at 31, down two places. Delhi also slipped to 11th position from the 6th place recorded in the previous ranking.

The rankings reflects the achievements of the states in the education sector. Variety of indicators presented in the flash statistics revealed improvement in all the components of universal elementary education including average annual drop-out rate and retention at primary level of education. It said more schools now have drinking water and toilet facility and other necessary infrastructure in school than in the previous year.

Lakshadweep took the pole position in the educational development index followed by Puducherry at the next place and Sikkim at the 4th place. Sikkim along with other northeastern states registered good progress as compared to other parts of the country improving their rankings considerable as compared to previous year. Sikkim had secured the 12th position during 2011-12. Manipur went up from 24 to the 9th place and Mizoram from 19th to 10th place.  
PTI

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Kerala drops in educational development index

New Delhi: Kerala has slipped seven places from seven to 14 in a latest educational index even as Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra have retained their ranks, according to the District Information System for Education (DISE) flash report prepared by National University of Education Planning and Administration (NEUPA).

Another appalling fact the report has revealed is that Gujarat has slipped from ninth position to 18th despite Chief Minister Narendra Modi singing paeans about his state's development model. The State slipped from 12th to 28th position in the primary level and from 8th to 14th rank in the upper primary level.

The composite ranking, taking both the performances in primary and upper primary levels, puts Gujarat at the 18th position in the country, below neighbouring Maharashtra, which retained the 8th rank, and Tamil Nadu, which remains at the third place. Though Gujarat fared well in various indicators, officials said other states matched equally well.

During 2012-13, as many as 1.5 million schools imparting school education were covered for the study and data received from 662 districts spread over 35 states.
Uttar Pradesh was ranked 34th, two places down from the previous ranking and West Bengal at 31, down two places. Delhi also slipped to 11th position from the 6th place recorded in the previous ranking.

The rankings reflects the achievements of the states in the education sector. Variety of indicators presented in the flash statistics revealed improvement in all the components of universal elementary education including average annual drop-out rate and retention at primary level of education. It said more schools now have drinking water and toilet facility and other necessary infrastructure in school than in the previous year.

Lakshadweep took the pole position in the educational development index followed by Puducherry at the next place and Sikkim at the 4th place. Sikkim along with other northeastern states registered good progress as compared to other parts of the country improving their rankings considerable as compared to previous year. Sikkim had secured the 12th position during 2011-12. Manipur went up from 24 to the 9th place and Mizoram from 19th to 10th place.  
PTI

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Kerala's ancient drama, dance and rhythm in Dubai

Dubai: The staging of an unabridged Malayalam classic in the colours and drama of Kathakali; the rich repertoire of Koodiyattam, a 2,000-year-old Sanskrit theatre; graceful Mohiniattam; music in the Sopanam style and a percussion ensemble high on energy - this UAE capital saw a five-day-long celebration of ancient Kerala art forms.

The 7th International Koodiyattam and Kathakali Festival (IKKF) saw an impressive line-up of top-notch artistes in different fields. Organised by a fraternity of art lovers working to promote Kerala's performing arts, the festival was held during the UAE'S National Day celebrations ending Monday night.

The mornings began with Ambalapuzha Vijayakumar rendering soulful 'Sopaanasangeetham' or devotional songs rendered at the steps of the sanctum sanctorum of Kerala temples accompanied by the 'idakka' percussion instrument.
'He filled the auditorium with bakhti and bhava (devotion and emotion),' said a music aficionado here.

The highlight of the festival was the staging of the unabridged Malayalam classic 'Nalacharitham', the 18th-century magnum opus of Unnayi Warrier, describing the famed love story of protagonists Nala and Damayanti in the highly stylised Kathakali classical dance-drama style noted for its dramatic make-up and elaborate costumes.

'Nalacharitham was presented in its entirety perhaps for the first time on the same stage on four consecutive nights without omitting any scenes from the original 'aattakatha' (performance text),' Remesan Nambissan, one of the organisers, told IANS.

Nala and Damayanti's marital bliss, separation and reunion were depicted in a very nuanced style with noted artists, including Kalamandalam Shanmukhadas, Peeshappilli Rajeevan, Ettumanoor P Kannan, Kottakkal Devadasan and Sadanam Bhasi donning key roles.

The star performer, however, was Kathakali stalwart Kalamandalam Gopi, who enthralled the audience with his inimitable portrayal of 'Bahukan' in the prescribed striking blue costume and make-up on the concluding day of the festival. Gopi Aashan, as he is fondly known, is acclaimed for his distinct style and a career spanning 40 years.

The Koodiyattam performances were highly enriching. The oldest surviving Sanskrit theatre, Koodiyattam has been proclaimed by Unesco as part of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity and is often considered the precursor of Kathakali.

Margi Sathi and Kalamandalam Sangeeth Chakyar beautifully brought forth the ancient theatre's stylised acting and use of Sanskrit verses as dialogue gestural vocabulary through the plays 'Asokavanikaankam' and 'Parnashalaankam'.

Sathi also displayed her mastery over 'Nangiarkoothu', a women's-only offshoot of Koodiyattam dating 1,500 years through her depiction of 'Kannagicharitham', based on the Tamil epic 'Silapathikaram'. Her enactment of Kannagi's fury that set fire to the city of Madurai captivated audiences.

Mohiniattam danseuse Methil Devika also narrated the story of Kannagi and her transformation to the stature of a goddess worshipped by many in Tamil Nadu and neighbouring Kerala in her own distinct style involving pure dance. She also danced to an unusual composition by Swati Thirunal, the 19th Century composer-king of Travancore, describing the devotion of Bharata towards his elder brother Lord Rama.

Most of the festival nights were brought alive by a power-packed 'thayamabaka', a percussion ensemble featuring the popular Kerala drum called the chenda and cymbals called elathalam. Mattanoor Srikanth and Sreeraj, the sons of the chenda doyen Mattanoor Sankaran Kutty Marar, wove intricate patterns on the drums and stirred the packed auditorium with their complex rhythmic beat cycles. 
The concluding day of the 'Nalacharitham' provided a photo-finish for the festival with as many as nine Kathakali characters on stage, leaving the audience spellbound

Kerala's ancient drama, dance and rhythm in Dubai

Dubai: The staging of an unabridged Malayalam classic in the colours and drama of Kathakali; the rich repertoire of Koodiyattam, a 2,000-year-old Sanskrit theatre; graceful Mohiniattam; music in the Sopanam style and a percussion ensemble high on energy - this UAE capital saw a five-day-long celebration of ancient Kerala art forms.

The 7th International Koodiyattam and Kathakali Festival (IKKF) saw an impressive line-up of top-notch artistes in different fields. Organised by a fraternity of art lovers working to promote Kerala's performing arts, the festival was held during the UAE'S National Day celebrations ending Monday night.

The mornings began with Ambalapuzha Vijayakumar rendering soulful 'Sopaanasangeetham' or devotional songs rendered at the steps of the sanctum sanctorum of Kerala temples accompanied by the 'idakka' percussion instrument.
'He filled the auditorium with bakhti and bhava (devotion and emotion),' said a music aficionado here.

The highlight of the festival was the staging of the unabridged Malayalam classic 'Nalacharitham', the 18th-century magnum opus of Unnayi Warrier, describing the famed love story of protagonists Nala and Damayanti in the highly stylised Kathakali classical dance-drama style noted for its dramatic make-up and elaborate costumes.

'Nalacharitham was presented in its entirety perhaps for the first time on the same stage on four consecutive nights without omitting any scenes from the original 'aattakatha' (performance text),' Remesan Nambissan, one of the organisers, told IANS.

Nala and Damayanti's marital bliss, separation and reunion were depicted in a very nuanced style with noted artists, including Kalamandalam Shanmukhadas, Peeshappilli Rajeevan, Ettumanoor P Kannan, Kottakkal Devadasan and Sadanam Bhasi donning key roles.

The star performer, however, was Kathakali stalwart Kalamandalam Gopi, who enthralled the audience with his inimitable portrayal of 'Bahukan' in the prescribed striking blue costume and make-up on the concluding day of the festival. Gopi Aashan, as he is fondly known, is acclaimed for his distinct style and a career spanning 40 years.

The Koodiyattam performances were highly enriching. The oldest surviving Sanskrit theatre, Koodiyattam has been proclaimed by Unesco as part of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity and is often considered the precursor of Kathakali.

Margi Sathi and Kalamandalam Sangeeth Chakyar beautifully brought forth the ancient theatre's stylised acting and use of Sanskrit verses as dialogue gestural vocabulary through the plays 'Asokavanikaankam' and 'Parnashalaankam'.

Sathi also displayed her mastery over 'Nangiarkoothu', a women's-only offshoot of Koodiyattam dating 1,500 years through her depiction of 'Kannagicharitham', based on the Tamil epic 'Silapathikaram'. Her enactment of Kannagi's fury that set fire to the city of Madurai captivated audiences.

Mohiniattam danseuse Methil Devika also narrated the story of Kannagi and her transformation to the stature of a goddess worshipped by many in Tamil Nadu and neighbouring Kerala in her own distinct style involving pure dance. She also danced to an unusual composition by Swati Thirunal, the 19th Century composer-king of Travancore, describing the devotion of Bharata towards his elder brother Lord Rama.

Most of the festival nights were brought alive by a power-packed 'thayamabaka', a percussion ensemble featuring the popular Kerala drum called the chenda and cymbals called elathalam. Mattanoor Srikanth and Sreeraj, the sons of the chenda doyen Mattanoor Sankaran Kutty Marar, wove intricate patterns on the drums and stirred the packed auditorium with their complex rhythmic beat cycles. 
The concluding day of the 'Nalacharitham' provided a photo-finish for the festival with as many as nine Kathakali characters on stage, leaving the audience spellbound

DubaiSat-2 successfully deployed in orbit

Dubai: The Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST) has announced that the recently launched DubaiSat-2 earth observation satellite has successfully been deployed in its orbit and all systems have been tested successfully.

'The launch of DubaiSat-2 marks a milestone for EIAST. Our team has participated in the design and development of 50 percent of this mission and it has taken over five years of development. It is a very proud moment for us,' Salem Al Marri, assistant director general for scientific and technical affairs, EIAST, said.

The first communication with DubaiSat-2 was established just over an hour after separation from the Dnepr rocket and the mission critical telescope successfully captured the first image just 24 hours after launch. The area captured was of Seer Bani Yas island in Abu Dhabi.

The satellite, which provides images with one metre resolution, is a joint effort between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and South Korea. It weighs 300 kg and is two metre in height and one metre wide.

DubaiSat-2 was launched into space from the Yasny Launch Base in Russia on board the Dnepr space launch vehicle Nov 21.

DubaiSat-2 successfully deployed in orbit

Dubai: The Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST) has announced that the recently launched DubaiSat-2 earth observation satellite has successfully been deployed in its orbit and all systems have been tested successfully.

'The launch of DubaiSat-2 marks a milestone for EIAST. Our team has participated in the design and development of 50 percent of this mission and it has taken over five years of development. It is a very proud moment for us,' Salem Al Marri, assistant director general for scientific and technical affairs, EIAST, said.

The first communication with DubaiSat-2 was established just over an hour after separation from the Dnepr rocket and the mission critical telescope successfully captured the first image just 24 hours after launch. The area captured was of Seer Bani Yas island in Abu Dhabi.

The satellite, which provides images with one metre resolution, is a joint effort between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and South Korea. It weighs 300 kg and is two metre in height and one metre wide.

DubaiSat-2 was launched into space from the Yasny Launch Base in Russia on board the Dnepr space launch vehicle Nov 21.

Anti-apartheid icon Mandela dies at 95 J

Johannesburg: South Africa's first black president and anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela has died, President Jacob Zuma announced here late Thursday. The Nobel laureate was 95.

Mandela had been receiving intense home-based medical care for a lung infection after three months in hospital. He led South Africa's transition from white-minority rule in the 1990s, after having spent 27 years in prison, BBC reported.

In a statement on South African national TV, Zuma said Mandela had 'departed' and was at peace. 'Our nation has lost its greatest son.' Mandela would receive a full state funeral, and flags would be flown at half-mast, the president added. According to BBC, Mandela's body will be moved to a mortuary in Pretoria, and the funeral is likely to take place next Saturday.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner was one of the world's most revered statesmen. He had rarely been seen in public since officially retiring in 2004. He made his last public appearance in 2010, at the football World Cup in South Africa

'What made Nelson Mandela great was precisely what made him human. We saw in him what we seek in ourselves,' Zuma said. 'Fellow South Africans, Nelson Mandela brought us together and it is together that we will bid him farewell.'

Nelson Mandela was a true Gandhian: Manmohan Singh

New Delhi : 'A giant among men has passed away. He was a true Gandhian,' said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Nelson Mandela's death Friday. He paid rich tributes to the former South African president and anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela who died Thursday night at the age of 95.

The prime minister in a statement said: 'An unknown poet has said, 'Here and there, and now and then, God makes a giant among men.' President Mandela was one such giant amongst men. Not only did he represent the conscience of the world, he also remained a beacon of hope for those struggling against oppression and injustice long after he had led his own people to victory over such ills.'

'This is as much India's loss as South Africa's,' the prime minister said. 'His life and work will remain a source of eternal inspiration for generations to come. I join all those who are praying for his soul,' he said. The prime minister said Nelson Mandela endured 'great personal hardship so that others could be provided with dignity, equality and opportunity'.

'He fought discrimination and inhuman exclusion, but rose above bitter divisions to heal and reconcile a fractured nation,' he said. 'His life and work made him a citizen of the world. India, in particular, had great affection and regard for him,' he said. In a statement on South African national TV, President Jacob Zuma had announced that Mandela had 'departed' and was at peace. 'Our nation has lost its greatest son.'

Anti-apartheid icon Mandela dies at 95 J

Johannesburg: South Africa's first black president and anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela has died, President Jacob Zuma announced here late Thursday. The Nobel laureate was 95.

Mandela had been receiving intense home-based medical care for a lung infection after three months in hospital. He led South Africa's transition from white-minority rule in the 1990s, after having spent 27 years in prison, BBC reported.

In a statement on South African national TV, Zuma said Mandela had 'departed' and was at peace. 'Our nation has lost its greatest son.' Mandela would receive a full state funeral, and flags would be flown at half-mast, the president added. According to BBC, Mandela's body will be moved to a mortuary in Pretoria, and the funeral is likely to take place next Saturday.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner was one of the world's most revered statesmen. He had rarely been seen in public since officially retiring in 2004. He made his last public appearance in 2010, at the football World Cup in South Africa

'What made Nelson Mandela great was precisely what made him human. We saw in him what we seek in ourselves,' Zuma said. 'Fellow South Africans, Nelson Mandela brought us together and it is together that we will bid him farewell.'

Nelson Mandela was a true Gandhian: Manmohan Singh

New Delhi : 'A giant among men has passed away. He was a true Gandhian,' said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Nelson Mandela's death Friday. He paid rich tributes to the former South African president and anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela who died Thursday night at the age of 95.

The prime minister in a statement said: 'An unknown poet has said, 'Here and there, and now and then, God makes a giant among men.' President Mandela was one such giant amongst men. Not only did he represent the conscience of the world, he also remained a beacon of hope for those struggling against oppression and injustice long after he had led his own people to victory over such ills.'

'This is as much India's loss as South Africa's,' the prime minister said. 'His life and work will remain a source of eternal inspiration for generations to come. I join all those who are praying for his soul,' he said. The prime minister said Nelson Mandela endured 'great personal hardship so that others could be provided with dignity, equality and opportunity'.

'He fought discrimination and inhuman exclusion, but rose above bitter divisions to heal and reconcile a fractured nation,' he said. 'His life and work made him a citizen of the world. India, in particular, had great affection and regard for him,' he said. In a statement on South African national TV, President Jacob Zuma had announced that Mandela had 'departed' and was at peace. 'Our nation has lost its greatest son.'

Women have a higher pain threshold than men

Half of the men are being struck down with illnesses that women wouldn't even mention, says a new research that also revealed that men are more likely to moan about coughs and colds, showing that women have a higher pain threshold.The study of 2,000 adults found women generally suffer in silence when struck down by bugs or viruses, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

On the other hand, men are far more vocal and often use dramatic language to describe their condition such as "absolute agony", "unbearable" and even "killing me." According to the research by Superdrug’s Health and Pharmacy, a company that delivers health care products, just under half of the women who took part in the study said they didn’t believe their partner when he claimed to be ill.
Similarly, 52 per cent of women believe their other half is frequently struck down by illnesses or injuries they themselves wouldn’t think of mentioning.
-IANS

Women have a higher pain threshold than men

Half of the men are being struck down with illnesses that women wouldn't even mention, says a new research that also revealed that men are more likely to moan about coughs and colds, showing that women have a higher pain threshold.The study of 2,000 adults found women generally suffer in silence when struck down by bugs or viruses, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

On the other hand, men are far more vocal and often use dramatic language to describe their condition such as "absolute agony", "unbearable" and even "killing me." According to the research by Superdrug’s Health and Pharmacy, a company that delivers health care products, just under half of the women who took part in the study said they didn’t believe their partner when he claimed to be ill.
Similarly, 52 per cent of women believe their other half is frequently struck down by illnesses or injuries they themselves wouldn’t think of mentioning.
-IANS

Want shinning teeth? Eat apple, chew gum

New Delhi: Teeth whitening treatment has become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to modern lifestyle. But it is now possible to achieve one at home. Eating apple on daily basis and chewing gum is beneficial when it comes to maintaining white pearlies.

With Christmas and New Year approaching, everyone wants to look and feel their best. Keeping this in mind, Peta Leigh, a teeth whitening expert, offers tips for achieving a bright white smile, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

- Eat your way to whiter teeth: Foods that are firm or crisp are known to help clean teeth as they're eaten. Apples are considered to be ‘nature's toothbrush’ and are a great way of cleaning teeth on the go or at lunch time when you are at work and unable to brush your teeth. Other choices include raw carrots, celery, and popcorn.

- Get a calcium boost: This may come as a surprise to many but cheese is also known for helping to maintain healthy white teeth. Although very fattening, cheese speeds the neutralization of acid and remineralisation of enamel. 

- Wash away the stains: Water is not only essential for overall wellbeing, it is also vital for great oral health. Water acts as a natural cleaner and has the power to wash away bacteria and residue left on the teeth after eating. So be sure to drink a glass of water after every meal.

- Neutralise acid: Chewing gum is also very beneficial when it comes to maintaining a white smile. Chewing gum helps to clean teeth mechanically by removing debris, and it stimulates production of saliva, which increases your saliva’s ability to neutralise acid and remineralise your enamel. This ultimately strengthens teeth.

- Quit smoking: Lifestyle choices can also influence a natural white smile with smoking being one of the biggest causes of teeth decay and discolouration. The nicotine and tar in the cigarette result in teeth darkening, losing their natural white. 

- The little extras: Flossing removes some of the staining between teeth, making your smile instantly look whiter. Try to floss several times a week as this will not only improve the health of your gums, you will also notice your smile looking brighter.

- See the light: Dark coloured foods are also notorious for causing discolouration in the naturally white teeth enamel. The best thing to do is try to avoid these foods and drinks such as coffee, balsamic vinegar and red wine, but if you do want to treat yourself, drink a glass of water after as this will help minimise staining.
-IANS

Want shinning teeth? Eat apple, chew gum

New Delhi: Teeth whitening treatment has become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to modern lifestyle. But it is now possible to achieve one at home. Eating apple on daily basis and chewing gum is beneficial when it comes to maintaining white pearlies.

With Christmas and New Year approaching, everyone wants to look and feel their best. Keeping this in mind, Peta Leigh, a teeth whitening expert, offers tips for achieving a bright white smile, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

- Eat your way to whiter teeth: Foods that are firm or crisp are known to help clean teeth as they're eaten. Apples are considered to be ‘nature's toothbrush’ and are a great way of cleaning teeth on the go or at lunch time when you are at work and unable to brush your teeth. Other choices include raw carrots, celery, and popcorn.

- Get a calcium boost: This may come as a surprise to many but cheese is also known for helping to maintain healthy white teeth. Although very fattening, cheese speeds the neutralization of acid and remineralisation of enamel. 

- Wash away the stains: Water is not only essential for overall wellbeing, it is also vital for great oral health. Water acts as a natural cleaner and has the power to wash away bacteria and residue left on the teeth after eating. So be sure to drink a glass of water after every meal.

- Neutralise acid: Chewing gum is also very beneficial when it comes to maintaining a white smile. Chewing gum helps to clean teeth mechanically by removing debris, and it stimulates production of saliva, which increases your saliva’s ability to neutralise acid and remineralise your enamel. This ultimately strengthens teeth.

- Quit smoking: Lifestyle choices can also influence a natural white smile with smoking being one of the biggest causes of teeth decay and discolouration. The nicotine and tar in the cigarette result in teeth darkening, losing their natural white. 

- The little extras: Flossing removes some of the staining between teeth, making your smile instantly look whiter. Try to floss several times a week as this will not only improve the health of your gums, you will also notice your smile looking brighter.

- See the light: Dark coloured foods are also notorious for causing discolouration in the naturally white teeth enamel. The best thing to do is try to avoid these foods and drinks such as coffee, balsamic vinegar and red wine, but if you do want to treat yourself, drink a glass of water after as this will help minimise staining.
-IANS

10 killed, 61 injured in Iraq attacks

Baghdad:At least 10 people were killed and 61 wounded in separate bomb attacks, including a coordinated suicide bombing, in Iraq Wednesday, police said. The deadliest attack occurred in northern Iraq, where gunmen and suicide bombers attacked a police intelligence office in Kirkuk city, about 250 km from Baghdad. At least five people were killed and 53 wounded, many of them security members, Xinhua reported citing a police source.

Earlier in the day, a bomb detonated inside a civilian car carrying four men on a main road near the Kirkuk city, killing one of them and wounding the other three, the source said, adding that the security forces arrested the wounded, who appeared to be members of an insurgent cell.

Elsewhere, Iraqi security forces killed a local Al Qaeda leader and his aide in an overnight operation in Fallujah city, some 50 km from Baghdad, an Interior Ministry spokesperson said in a statement. 
"This criminal has been sentenced to death seven times and is also one of the fugitives from the Abu Ghraib prison, and is responsible for a range of terrorist acts and assassinations against civilians in Fallujah and other areas," Brigadier General Sa'ad Ma'an said.

Separately, a soldier was killed and four others wounded in a roadside bomb explosion near their patrol in the city of al-Qaim, some 330 km northwest of Baghdad, a police source said. Meanwhile, a policeman was killed and another wounded when a roadside bomb struck a police patrol in Fallujah city, police said. According to the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq, almost 7, 650 Iraqis were killed and over 17,370 injured from January to November this year. 

10 killed, 61 injured in Iraq attacks

Baghdad:At least 10 people were killed and 61 wounded in separate bomb attacks, including a coordinated suicide bombing, in Iraq Wednesday, police said. The deadliest attack occurred in northern Iraq, where gunmen and suicide bombers attacked a police intelligence office in Kirkuk city, about 250 km from Baghdad. At least five people were killed and 53 wounded, many of them security members, Xinhua reported citing a police source.

Earlier in the day, a bomb detonated inside a civilian car carrying four men on a main road near the Kirkuk city, killing one of them and wounding the other three, the source said, adding that the security forces arrested the wounded, who appeared to be members of an insurgent cell.

Elsewhere, Iraqi security forces killed a local Al Qaeda leader and his aide in an overnight operation in Fallujah city, some 50 km from Baghdad, an Interior Ministry spokesperson said in a statement. 
"This criminal has been sentenced to death seven times and is also one of the fugitives from the Abu Ghraib prison, and is responsible for a range of terrorist acts and assassinations against civilians in Fallujah and other areas," Brigadier General Sa'ad Ma'an said.

Separately, a soldier was killed and four others wounded in a roadside bomb explosion near their patrol in the city of al-Qaim, some 330 km northwest of Baghdad, a police source said. Meanwhile, a policeman was killed and another wounded when a roadside bomb struck a police patrol in Fallujah city, police said. According to the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq, almost 7, 650 Iraqis were killed and over 17,370 injured from January to November this year. 

Kerala film fest from tomorrow, Shabana Azmi chief guest

Thiruvananthapuram: Eminent actor Shabana Azmi will be the chief guest of 18th edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala, beginning here tomorrow with the screening of Israeli movie 'Ana Arabia' (Me, the Arab) by Amos Gitai, a film shot in 85-minute-long single sequence. 

IFFK, one of India's leading regional movie galas which attracts viewers from towns and villages alike, will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy at Nishagandhi open air auditorium in the heart of the city.  Spanish Filmmaker Carlos Saura will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the inaugural ceremony of the 8-day-long festival. 

As many as 211 films from 64 countries under various categories like 'Competition Section', 'World Cinema', 'Indo-German Connection Section', 'Samurai Film Section', 'Retrospective Section' and 'Homage Section' will be screened during the festival.  A total of 14 movies from Asia, Africa and Latin America have been selected for the Competition Section, while the World Cinema segment has 79 movies. 

Seven films including those of noted Japanese directors like Kon Ichikawa and Kenji Mizoguchi will comprise the Samurai Film section.  Seeking to mark the centenary celebrations of Indian cinema, a special section titled "Original Glory: 100 Years of Indian Cinema" has been included. It includes Indian classics like Satyajit Ray's "Charulata" and "Bhuvan Shome" of Mrinal Sen. 

The country focus segment has seven Nigerian movies, Kerala Film Academy, the organisers of the event, said. Veteran Mexican filmmaker Arturo Ripstein will chair the jury panel of the Competition Section, which also comprises Thai film maker Aditya Assarat, South African director Khalo Matabane and south Indian actor Gautami. 

Around 9000 delegates are expected to participate in the eight-day event, against the 7500 participants in the last year, they said.  Elaborate arrangements have been made at 11 theatres here for the screening of the movies.  Various cultural programmes and interactions with global film personalities will be the added feature of the annual event.  The festival will conclude with a grand valedictory ceremony on December 13. 

Kerala film fest from tomorrow, Shabana Azmi chief guest

Thiruvananthapuram: Eminent actor Shabana Azmi will be the chief guest of 18th edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala, beginning here tomorrow with the screening of Israeli movie 'Ana Arabia' (Me, the Arab) by Amos Gitai, a film shot in 85-minute-long single sequence. 

IFFK, one of India's leading regional movie galas which attracts viewers from towns and villages alike, will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy at Nishagandhi open air auditorium in the heart of the city.  Spanish Filmmaker Carlos Saura will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the inaugural ceremony of the 8-day-long festival. 

As many as 211 films from 64 countries under various categories like 'Competition Section', 'World Cinema', 'Indo-German Connection Section', 'Samurai Film Section', 'Retrospective Section' and 'Homage Section' will be screened during the festival.  A total of 14 movies from Asia, Africa and Latin America have been selected for the Competition Section, while the World Cinema segment has 79 movies. 

Seven films including those of noted Japanese directors like Kon Ichikawa and Kenji Mizoguchi will comprise the Samurai Film section.  Seeking to mark the centenary celebrations of Indian cinema, a special section titled "Original Glory: 100 Years of Indian Cinema" has been included. It includes Indian classics like Satyajit Ray's "Charulata" and "Bhuvan Shome" of Mrinal Sen. 

The country focus segment has seven Nigerian movies, Kerala Film Academy, the organisers of the event, said. Veteran Mexican filmmaker Arturo Ripstein will chair the jury panel of the Competition Section, which also comprises Thai film maker Aditya Assarat, South African director Khalo Matabane and south Indian actor Gautami. 

Around 9000 delegates are expected to participate in the eight-day event, against the 7500 participants in the last year, they said.  Elaborate arrangements have been made at 11 theatres here for the screening of the movies.  Various cultural programmes and interactions with global film personalities will be the added feature of the annual event.  The festival will conclude with a grand valedictory ceremony on December 13. 

Man kills wife, cuts body into three pieces

Thane (Maha) : A 30-year-old woman was murdered allegedly by her husband who chopped her body into three pieces inside their flat in Bhayander in the district. The murder took place in the high-profile Golden Nest apartment in Bhayander yesterday and the accused - Girish Pote (29) -- was arrested at night, Thane Rural Police said today.

Pote and his wife Madhuwanti used to have frequent quarrels over several issues, including financial matters, API Satish Shivarkar of the Navghar police station said. On Tuesday, after a heated argument with his wife, the accused stabbed her and then cut her body into three pieces
inside their flat.

The cousin of the accused and the residents in the apartment alerted the police, who rushed to the spot and recovered the severed body, which was sent for post-mortem. Based on a complaint filed by his cousin, a case was filed against Girish and he was later arrested, police added. The accused has been charged under sections 302 (murder) and 201 (destruction of evidence), police said.

 PTI

Man kills wife, cuts body into three pieces

Thane (Maha) : A 30-year-old woman was murdered allegedly by her husband who chopped her body into three pieces inside their flat in Bhayander in the district. The murder took place in the high-profile Golden Nest apartment in Bhayander yesterday and the accused - Girish Pote (29) -- was arrested at night, Thane Rural Police said today.

Pote and his wife Madhuwanti used to have frequent quarrels over several issues, including financial matters, API Satish Shivarkar of the Navghar police station said. On Tuesday, after a heated argument with his wife, the accused stabbed her and then cut her body into three pieces
inside their flat.

The cousin of the accused and the residents in the apartment alerted the police, who rushed to the spot and recovered the severed body, which was sent for post-mortem. Based on a complaint filed by his cousin, a case was filed against Girish and he was later arrested, police added. The accused has been charged under sections 302 (murder) and 201 (destruction of evidence), police said.

 PTI

Increase taxes on tobacco, alcohol to save lives: Report

London: A group of global health experts and economists Tuesday called for increased investment in health research and development of vaccines and drugs to combat killer diseases and suggested that alcohol and sugar could be taxed more.

'Health disparities between nations could be eliminated within a generation' if around $60 billion a year was injected into healthcare systems, 25 leading health experts and economists from across the globe said in a report 'Global Health 2035: A World Converging Within a Generation'.

The report said global health equality remains within reach if all countries increased investment over the next 20 years. The Lancet Commission report said the world's poorest nations could also boost growth by almost a quarter and attain health standards and life expectancies comparable to those achieved by the middle income '4C' countries -- Chile, China, Costa Rica and Cuba.

'What all the 4Cs show us is that a grand convergence between different countries, in terms of health disparities, is possible if there's a focus on preventable infections as well as the health of mothers and children,' said Larry Summers, former US treasury secretary and chief economist at the World Bank who is chairing a new Commission on Investing in Health .

The report recommended taking bold preventative steps in public health such as increasing taxes on tobacco and other substances that can be harmful like alcohol and sugar. 'Our report emphasises that tobacco taxation is the single most important public health intervention,' said Summers.

He said that governments and donors could create 'a grand convergence' and prevent 10 million avoidable deaths per year by 2035. The report was prompted by the 20th anniversary of the 1993 World Development Report.

The commission points to the possibility of achieving dramatic gains in global health by 2035 through a grand convergence around infections, maternal and child mortality, major reductions in the incidence and consequences of non-communicable diseases and injuries and the promise of universal health coverage.

To achieve health equality by 2035, low income countries will have to invest between $23bn and $27bn annually while lower middle income countries would have to invest between $38bn and $53bn annually, the commission estimates.

Increase taxes on tobacco, alcohol to save lives: Report

London: A group of global health experts and economists Tuesday called for increased investment in health research and development of vaccines and drugs to combat killer diseases and suggested that alcohol and sugar could be taxed more.

'Health disparities between nations could be eliminated within a generation' if around $60 billion a year was injected into healthcare systems, 25 leading health experts and economists from across the globe said in a report 'Global Health 2035: A World Converging Within a Generation'.

The report said global health equality remains within reach if all countries increased investment over the next 20 years. The Lancet Commission report said the world's poorest nations could also boost growth by almost a quarter and attain health standards and life expectancies comparable to those achieved by the middle income '4C' countries -- Chile, China, Costa Rica and Cuba.

'What all the 4Cs show us is that a grand convergence between different countries, in terms of health disparities, is possible if there's a focus on preventable infections as well as the health of mothers and children,' said Larry Summers, former US treasury secretary and chief economist at the World Bank who is chairing a new Commission on Investing in Health .

The report recommended taking bold preventative steps in public health such as increasing taxes on tobacco and other substances that can be harmful like alcohol and sugar. 'Our report emphasises that tobacco taxation is the single most important public health intervention,' said Summers.

He said that governments and donors could create 'a grand convergence' and prevent 10 million avoidable deaths per year by 2035. The report was prompted by the 20th anniversary of the 1993 World Development Report.

The commission points to the possibility of achieving dramatic gains in global health by 2035 through a grand convergence around infections, maternal and child mortality, major reductions in the incidence and consequences of non-communicable diseases and injuries and the promise of universal health coverage.

To achieve health equality by 2035, low income countries will have to invest between $23bn and $27bn annually while lower middle income countries would have to invest between $38bn and $53bn annually, the commission estimates.