The BCCI launched the Indian Premier League (IPL) on the lines of football’s English Premier League and the National Basketball League (NBA) of the US.

The IPL is a professional Twenty20 cricket league created and promoted by the BCCI and backed by the ICC. The Twenty20 league is set to debut in April 2008, with eight teams comprising a minimum of 16 players each. The league will last for 44 days and will involve 59 matches.

The IPL works on a franchise-system based on the American style of hiring players and transfers. These franchises were put for auction, where the highest bidder won the rights to own the team, representing each city.

The auction for the same took place on January 24, 2008 and the total base price for the auction was $400 million. The auction went on to fetch $723.59 million.

The Mumbai franchise owned by Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) was the most expensive franchise – fetching $111.9 million closely followed by Vijay Mallya’s United Breweries which paid $111.6 million for the Bangalore franchise .

Media house Deccan Chronicle won the Hyderabad chapter of the IPL for $107 million, while India Cements’ Chennai franchise cost $91 million.

Bollywood also made its presence felt with two of its leading stars bagging the ownership of their respective teams – Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla’s Red Chillies Entertainment buying out Kolkata for $75.09, while Preity Zinta and her beau Ness Wadia bought the Mohali team for $76 million.

GMR , the infrastructure development group which who are involved in a project for revamping the Delhi airport, bagged the ownership of the Delhi team for $84 million and the Emerging Media , consisting of its CEO Fraser Castellino, Manoj Badale and Lachlan Murdoch and other investors won the rights for the Jaipur franczhise for $67 million.

Amit Singh Kanyal

The Meaning of Red Roses: Romance and Love! 

 The red rose not only carries the deepest meaning among all the rose colors - It is one of the universal symbols of love and affection. This flower’s long, eventful history lends it a breadth of significance. The red rose has been incorporated into many works of art from classical poetry to paintings. It is also the inspiration for many artists and lovers across cultures. Shakespeare made an allusion to roses in Romeo and Juliet, and the poet Robert Burns created a poem on the beauty of the red rose. In the present day, the red rose figures not only in music and media, but also as religious and political symbols. Because of that, the red rose symbolizes courage, respect, and prosperity, making them an appropriate gift when we want to make a dramatic statement. Among all these meanings however, love is what most people associate with this red flower. Any six-year old can tell you that a red rose is the traditional symbol for romance and love. As the practice of exchanging roses and other flowers as signs of affection grew more popular, the red rose became the flower of choice for lovers because it sends the strongest message of love. This tradition still lives on to the present day. Sending someone a bouquet of red roses is still the most popular way to say “I love you.” Red roses make meaningful gifts for expressing emotions during an anniversary, Valentine’s day, or for no apparent reason at all. For new relationships and budding romances, a bouquet of red rosebuds signifies the start of romantic intentions, a message of commitment, and a tentative invitation to bring the relationship to the next level. Even a single, long-stemmed red rose can evoke a powerful response from its recipient. This is a trait no other flower can convey.
By- Nitin Latwal

Jan Lokpal versus Democracy

BY ANKIT GOYLA

Jan Lokpal Bill promises an independent democratic system, like the Election Commission of India, to ensure corruption free government and to ensure that people’s voice reaches the top authorities as soon as possible and gets some justice. ‘Lokpal’ means ‘ombudsman’ in English and so the bill that suggests the creation of a central system for the representation of the public through such a representative or Lokpal is called as the ‘Jan Lokpal Bill’. 

I think that the institution created because of the passing of this bill would have immense power to prosecute bureaucrats and those in power, even if it is the Prime Minister, in case any of them goes on the wrong path. It would definitely control the amount of corruption in the system and also lessen the number of scams budding in the system. It is a very successful arrangement in a lot of Scandinavian countries and this system needs to be created in India to make India a more efficient democracy. The bill also promises a similar system at the state level which will ensure eradicating corruption from its roots.

Activism has always helped the leaders in a democracy to check and correct themselves. Activism also works as a catalyst in sanctioning any pending decision that is for the good of the government. The Jan Lokpal bill has been sitting in the Rajya Sabha for the past forty two years. But after Anna Hazare’s activism along with his supporters all over the country struggling for the bill to be passed, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh recently has promised that the bill would be introduced in 2011 in the monsoon session of the parliament. And so, we can see that activism is playing the role of an effective catalyst in this case.

So, I would like to conclude by saying that activism and democratically elected institutions can never be on a collision course because activism is an essential element that ensures that democracy is working according to the true democratic principles. Activism also checks that the democratically elected institutions work efficiently even after the people running the institution are elected in a democratic manner. Therefore just electing the people in power through a democratic process in not enough, certain amount of activism is also essential in ensuring that decisions made by these institutions are not wrong and are in the common interest of the public.

IPL versus World Cup

When we talk about World cup, we talk about cricket playing nations being pitted against each other, national fervor, highly charged emotions and patriotism. On the other hand, IPL is a professional league, wherein the concept of clubs and corporatization of cricket comes into the set-up, and thus involves little element of emotions or patriotism.

World Cup has great social appeal because it involves even those in the game who are not avid cricket followers but still watch the match because their nation’s pride is at stake. People are seen going crazy in the stadium painted in their country’s colors. World Cup also involves country’s finest cricketers leading the team towards a common goal and so cricket fans get to see them work together in a do or die fashion and so it becomes popular amongst cricket enthusiasts. In fact, in India, we experience unofficial ‘Bharat Bandh ’ when a match like India vs. Pakistan is held. Heavy viewership during World Cup matches attracts the sponsorship from mega brands and corporate houses because it provides the right exposure and visibility to them. But, World cup is primarily sports and then business or anything else. Usually only big brands or the brands that can afford such expensive but short slots get to advertise themselves.

IPL, conversely, is more of business, and so even small brands get a platform to gain exposure and visibility. It has introduced the new concept of clubs, cheer leaders and players from different countries coming together in one team which makes it more popular. But even though TRP maybe high for IPL because of the entertainment factor, nothing can compare the kind of viewership for India vs. Pakistan match in world cup or for every time when India made it to the finals in the same. But then, it has less of social appeal because it is pure entertainment masaala and less about emotions or patriotism. 

Conclusively, I think, IPL is a successful venture by the BCCI and has become popular but not as popular as the matches that are played between countries with long history of rivalry in the cricket world. Also, IPL is not as socially binding as the World Cup because of the lack of feeling of patriotism to it. But IPL definitely is all about business and so has more marketing appeal to it than the World Cup. Both the formats are liked by some and disliked by others.

Women Of India

Kalpana in space

P.T. Usha in race

Sushmita in face

Kiran Bedi's endless chase

don't forget Lata's case

Lets bow to the women

of our desh!!!!

by

Nikita Gupta

A MODEST WOMEN

“A modest woman, dressed out in all her finery, is the most tremendous object of the whole creation.”                                                                                                                                                                       

Fashion Industry in India offers the breath-taking beautiful clothes when it comes to women apparels. Women apparels have always been the back bone of the fashion industry world over. Indian women apparels have thousands of years of tradition behind them. Each region of India has its own unique native costume and traditional attire.

Though India is known for its culture and traditions but Indian clothing styles is what makes the nation stand out in the backdrop of world fashion. There are many types of dresses and costumes that are available in India and their variety seems endless. It is said that the fashion and style in India changes with the miles you travel through the country. This is the enormity of the women’s clothing styles in India. In the earlier times Indian women were basically pictured of a person wearing an Indian sari. Then the scenario changed an inch or so during the colonial rule. Later on, towards the end of the 20th century and towards the beginning of the new millennium there was a total turnaround and women started wearing Western outfits in a much more liberal environment. This hence ushered in a new era in Indian fashion.

The women now wear a Kurti along with jeans. This factor widens the scope of women apparels in India. In recent times Indian Kurti is giving tough competition to shirts and teen-shirts. Now young girls want to mix and match beautiful Indian Kurtis with their jeans and trousers. They also have taken to designer fancy sarees with high-heeled footwear.

Whether you believe it shouAld or not, how you dress profoundly affects how people respond to you (this is even more the case in India than in most other countries). Women who dress and act modestly are much more highly regarded than those who flout the cultural norms.

In the end I would just like to say that, “We act the way we dress. Neglected and untidy clothes reflect a neglected and untidy mind.”

Man Who Skydived From Space

On August 16, 1960, Joseph Kittinger parachuted in a pressurized suite from nearly 20 miles above the earth’s surface.Joseph Kittinger dived from 103,000 feet from Stratosphere above the surface of the earth. In the stratosphere there is no atmosphere, no wind, and thus no sensation of speed.

He hurtled through space and sky at over 600 miles per hour.

It took 13 minutes and 45 seconds for him to finally reach the ground.

Joe is a former command pilot and a career military officer in the United States AirForce.He holds the record for having the heightest, fastest and longest skydive, from a height of 13 kms and being the first man to make a solo crossing of the atlantic ocean in a gas baloon.  No One has ever attempted such a jump and his record still stands after more than 50 years.

Love Never Dies...♥♥♥♥♥.......

 When U Were 15 Yrs Old, I Said I Love U...

 U Blushed.. U Look Down And Smile.. 

 When U Were 20 Yrs Old, I Said I Love U...

 U Put Ur Head On My Shoulder And Hold My Hand... 

 Afraid That I Might Disappear...

 When U Were 25 Yrs Old, I Said I Love U...

 U Prepare Breakfast And Serve It In Front Of Me, 

 And Kiss My Forhead 

 N Said :"U Better Be Quick, Is's Gonna Be Late.."

 When U Were 30 Yrs Old, I Said I Love U...

 U Said: "If U Really Love Me, Please Come Back Early After Work.."

 When U Were 40 Yrs Old, I Said I Love U...

 U Were Cleaning The Dining Table And Said: "Ok Dear, 

 But It's Time For 

 U To Help Our Child With His/Her Revision.." 

 When U Were 50 Yrs Old, I Said I Love U..

 U Were Knitting And U Laugh At Me...

 When U Were 60 Yrs Old, I Said I Love U...

 U Smile At Me.. 

 When U Were 70 Yrs Old. I Said I Love U...

 We Sitting On The Rocking Chair With Our Glasses On.. 

 I'M Reading Your Love Letter That U Sent To Me 50 Yrs Ago..

 With Our Hand Crossing Together.. 

 When U Were 80 Yrs Old, U Said U Love Me!

 I Didn't Say Anything But Cried...

 That Day Must Be The Happiest Day Of My Life!

 Because U Said U Love Me !!!

 Please Appreciate Your Loved Ones.. Say "I Love You"

 To Them When U Have The Chance Now !!!♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ .....

Heavy School Bags Could Be Dangerous

We all believe & know that children are the future. Thus the children should be groomed and educated properly. Indians are unto the mark when it comes to educating their children. Everyone wants their children to go to the best schools they can afford and have the best of education. Each and every one of Indian parents want their child to be the topper. To achieve this they pressurize their child right from the preschool stage . Schools on their part put pressure on these children so that they can boast to have the best result records to show to the world and advertise it for their gains.

Today many children face psychological problems. Few of the parents come to know about the problem of their child in the form of a disturbed child or angry child but mostly problems of a child goes unnoticed. Apart from this an Indian child is also facing a severe problem of physical burden in the form of carrying heavy school bags every day of their life. By rule a child can only carry 10 to 15 percent of his\her body weight. But it seems that they carry much more then that in the form of their school bags everyday to their schools.  In a recent article written in The Times Of India it was stated that most of the school students carried around 30 percent of their body weight in these school bags everyday.

If a child is regularly forced to bear such burden they will have many kinds of problems. The child will be facing problems like backache, headache, ligament tear. Heavy bags tend to put pressure on discs between vertebrae which causes back-pain. Constant load on spine among with a bad standing posture can cause lower back-pain is what the doctor says. How can you expect a child to stand in a correct posture when he or she is carrying such a burden every day of his or her schooling life. In the article of The Times Of India, orthopaedic surgeons Dr Tejal Patel and Dr Dinesh Agarwal have stated that repeated load on the neck, or cervical area can lead to headache and giddiness. Many doctors all over the world have stated that carrying heavy burden in the form of school bags can turn these children into humpbacks.

Child should carry only 3.5 kg. in class 1 & 2. In class 7 & 8 a child should carry about 9kg. weight at most. According to the rule at any given time child should be carrying only 10 to 15 percent of his or her body weight. After these facts came to my knowledge I was very disturbed. In our country there is a law against child labor. I think the law of against child labor has been around for quite a while but the schools are making the child carry very heavy school bags everyday. Isn’t this a sophisticated kind of child labor. The big question is why are the parents allowing it. I think they want to make a winner out of their children at any cost [ even at the cost their child becoming a humpback].

There are many articles being written in Newspapers in an effort to bring this problem to light. Many doctors also trying to make the parents realize what problems their child are facing. But the big question is do we all [ parents, teachers, institutes,schools and citizens ] as a society care to acknowledge this problem and try to rectify it.

Relationships

Relationship is that bond which makes two person connected by their mind,heart & soul....

Most of the problems emanate from the family itself. The trend of time is such that people prefer nuclear families and the women are mostly job-oriented. The complexities of life leave little or no time with the parents for their children. The school remains the only institution on this front. But unfortunately most of them have become commercial rather that education oriented. The youth experience the latest fashion and celebrate newer festivals like Valentine’s Day, mother’s day, father’s day etc. Which has never been a part of our country? Our own culture and tradition has already so colourful and worth living with, then what is the need for introducing these western trends in our lifestyle. Let’s not forget, that we are the ones who have to strengthen the roots of our culture and traditions and hence the roots of our values and character. The grim reality is that there is a vast ocean of temptations. It has to be a package of to enjoy them but still side by side struggle and work hard in order to ensure a bright future, financial stability, too thereby a sound settlement in life.

many time i have seen that relationship exist for spectacle.sometime teenagers in relationship acts like an adult & pose restriction for their partners as if they have married & time has changed so badly that many times people tries to suicide if their relationship comes to break up.I just ask those people that how can u think of suicide this shows that  you give more importance to that peson whom u know for limited time rather than your parents & family who brought you in this earth.teenagers often use love for their partners,but does anyone knows the proper defination of love.@ the time of teenagae, love has small part to play because @ this age infactuation is the super player.so its very important for all the youngsters that we should take help of our guardian before any commitment otherwise amicable enviornment is more appropriate...

"My name is KHAN and I am not a terrorist"

“My name is Khan and I m not a terrorist” this is true. Nor every Muslim is a terrorist. I am not here to favor Muslims, I respect all the religions but over the past few years, there has been a growing tendency to dub Muslims as terrorists which makes it difficult for innocent Muslims to live proudly in a society.

People say that Muslims are spreading terror all over the world in the way of suicide bombing, which all of the non Muslims have named as "JIHAD" but they don't know the real meaning of "JIHAD". It means "holy war". Jihad is fighting for rights and religion. We are the follower of prophet HAZRAT MOHEMMED (S.A.W.) who was the most loving & honest person the world has ever had, so how can be their followers could be terrorists?  

Muslims are not the follower of terrorism. They are the true follower of Islam which is a religion of peace. It never teaches any Muslim the chapter of terrorism, it teaches the most peaceful way of living life. People call Islam, a religion of cruelty and violence but they don’t actually know what Islam is all about. Islam is also one of the most peaceful religions followed.  A real Muslim can never be a terrorist and he cannot go against this fact that Islam teaches us that the murder of an innocent person is the murder of humanity as a whole.

Not every Muslim is bad, not even every Muslim is connected to terrorism but people think this because they hear "bad" stories about them and automatically think that everyone who is a Muslim is bad.This is the only reason that Muslims face problems in a society. Many prefer people of other religions everywhere than Muslims.

After 9/11, many boys of my class started calling me a terrorist just because I am a “Khan”, a true Muslim, a true follower of Islam. They used to say that Muslims are terrorists and so even you. And one day I questioned them- Who are Chandra Shekhar Azaad and APJ Abdul Kalam who did a lot for our country? Who are Zeenat Amaan, Shabana Azmi, Javed Akhtar,  Salman Khan and Shahrukh Khan whose movies you and your family enjoy to watch? Are they connected to Terrorism?

Terrorism comprises of Muslims but is it right to call every Muslim a terrorist? If a person follows terrorism then this doesn’t mean that his brother also follows terrorism.  Muslims are not criminals. Nowadays, who is not a criminal? There are so many crimes happening every hour every day. Are all these done by Muslims?

Although we follow one religion but we should respect all religions. It’s not about favoring Islamic religion or any other but it’s about changing the perceptions that Islam is not about violence, it is not about terrorism. 

Incredible India!

"We owe lot to the Indians,who taught how to count,without which no scientific discovery could have been made".The famous quote was given by Albert Einstein,an American Scientist to India.
Aryabhatta, a well known mathematician gave 0 to the world without which no scientific discovery could have been possible.India not only gave 0 but also discovered decimals which is very useful in mathematics.

Our country not only showed excellency in mathematics,science and astrology but is also rich in its culture and heritage.It's a land of mix culture and heritage.Here,the guests are treated as the God by the people.A well written quote"Atithi Devo Bhavah" which means guests are our God and we welcome them with open heart.Due to this unique culture and tradition India has created its own  identity in the world.

This is the world of Digitalization

Around the world, countries are welcoming the new digital era at various speeds. There is an overwhelming growth in awareness of the internet and its capabilities. The world is becoming digital. In this digital world, internet is fitting in to people’s lives across the countries. People spend half of their leisure time online. With the increase in internet penetration, more and more people are integrating this medium in their daily lives. Internet usage whether through mobile phones or computer systems, is becoming a major part of our life.

Internet is not only about being active on social networking sites but it is also about using search engines, online banking, researching for a product or service, paying bills and many more. There is a very interesting use of internet that now anyone can sell something online. This is a very new thing that has been introduced in the era of internet. But I personally think that before buying a product, we prefer to see, touch and smell it.

It is also encouraging people to connect to internet through their mobile handsets. There was a time of commerce which also came as E- commerce which is known as electronic commerce but now something new has introduced which is M-Commerce. Few years back nobody thought that they will be able to transact through computers but now the technology has become so advanced that now there is M-Commerce too and people can transact through their mobile phones.

Although internet has become an important part of our lives but still we haven’t reached the point where our digital communications have taken over our preference for face-to-face interaction. There is something very interesting that now also ‘traditional’ forms of communication prevail when people are in contact with family members (including parents).

There are still certain people across the globe people who no longer see the internet as an important tool for communication but there are some people who think that it is a vital tool for communication. The nature of its relationship to the user may change from person to person, but what’s consistent, is that it has become an inseparable part of our lives.

Finest Delicacy all Around

New Delhi is one of the famous cities of India. It is referred as the third largest city of the world. Delhi is one of the oldest cities known by most of the people living on earth. It is visited by many tourists every year. Who so ever has visited Delhi it stays in their hearts forever. There are many travelling agencies in Delhi which help travellers to guide them through it. It also provides a lot of facilities for travellers such as city sighting and excursion tours. There are many historical places which are often visited by the travellers. The perplexity of selecting the best hotel for them to stay often prevails in the mind of first time visitors. Luxury travellers often look for opulent facilities and great comfort in accommodation they are looking for. Following hotels in Delhi may help you choose the best one if you are one of these visitors to Delhi.

Maurya Sheraton

This is a stunning five star hotel in located right in the heart of Diplomatic Enclave. Suitable for business and leisure travellers, this hotel offers an easy access to various attractions like including India Gate, Rajpath and Rashtrapati Bhawan (President’s Estate).

The hotel offers stunning accommodation in all its well appointed luxury rooms. The Towers is ideal for business visitors offering a unique concept of “hotel within a hotel”. This section of the hotel is equipped with Library Bar, Towers club and private boardrooms. EVA floor is dedicated to women needs in Tower block.

Bukhara is a world famous restaurant in the hotel premise and offers rustic aura for the foodie guests.Other options for fine dining include Dum-Pukht, West View, My Humble house and Uppercrust (offering pool side ambience)

The Claridges

This hotel lies only in a distance of 5km from central Delhi. Delhi’s local attractions of tourists such as National Museum, Lodhi Gardens, Jantar Mantar and Parliament of India are not so far from the hotel.

The hotel provides a full maintained room which includes coffee/tea maker, flat screen TV, en-suite bathrooms, hair dryer, internet access and others. Shopping arcade and health club are some of the exclusive facilities in the hotel.

Shaba offers a truly authentic North Indian cuisine to relish for international as well as local visitors. Sevilla and Jade are dining options. The Vodka Bar offers 75 brands of vodkas.

Le Meridien

It is situated two kilometres away from Rashtrapati Bhawan, the Presidential Estate. This is one of the much talked about hotels in Delhi, and allures travellers for its ideal location. The hotel lies close to various landmarks like Parliament House and Connaught Place.

All rooms are luxuriously designed with state of the art decor and facilities. Some rooms offer stunning views of the city. The guests can rejuvenate themselves at the spa (Amatrra) that offers unique treatments from Ayurveda and Astroscience.

Monsoon Restaurant offers Indian delicacies. The guests can have a great dining experience with multiple choices of cuisines at different in-hotel restaurants like Le Belvedere, The One and Henri’s Bar.

kyun??

Kyun dil dukhaye baitha hai

Kyun Palke jhukhae baitha hai

Hona tha jo vo ho gaya hai

Kyun  khud ko rulaye baitha hai

Chalta tha jis raste pe khushi se

Kyun us raste ko chupaye baitha hai

Yaad kar vo din jo the hasi ke

Kyun khushi chupaye baitha hai

Karte the jo pyaar tujhse

Kyun un sabko sataye baitha hai

Tere rukne se nahi ruke gi ye dunia

Kyun ye sach jhuklaye baitha hai

Milega vo sab jo tu chahta hai

Kyun ye sapne sajaye baitha hai

Paise se tujhe milegi khushi

Kyun ye khud ko jataye baitha hai

Bhool ja jo hua hai tere saath

Kyun khud ko vahaan phasaye baitha hai

aane de phir vo khushi k baadal

kyun unhe dabaye baitha hai

Har din hai naya har raat hai nayi

Phir kyun isse gavaye baitha hai

Khud pe yakin ho to udd chal vahaan

Jahaan ye dil chupaye baitha hai

Kyun dil dukhaye baitha hai

Kyun Palke jhukhae baitha hai

Hona tha jo vo ho gaya hai

Kyun  khud ko rulaye baitha hai

Top Communication Skills Needed in India

India is renowned for its diversity all over the globe. However, it has been always believed that the intimacy and warmth carried by Indian is unsurpassed. With such an assortment of culture and language, it is often wondered that how does communication take place in such places. In the recent years, there has been a tremendous change in the way Indians communicate among themselves as well as with visitors from all across the world.

Unfortunately, a considerably low percentage of professionals realise the actual level of communication required to compete with those staying overseas consequently demanded because of globalisation.  Here are a few key skills required to take your communication skills on a level where classic and contemporary worlds meet.

Confidence:

Confidence or believing in oneself is one of the primary keys towards success. An effective communication comes from a confident speech and trustworthy words. In a country like India, where relationships are valued largely, it becomes really important to win confidence of others. If you are not confident for yourself, why will others trust you? This is where your trust on yourself plays a significant role.

Knowledge:

Before you start communicating on a particular note, it is very important to have a thorough knowledge of the discussion you are about to own. Confidence is directly proportional to knowledge. The more your have knowledge, the better will be your confidence level.  Here in India, we have a strong appetite for appreciation and applause. This is the reason that as your share your knowledge with people around you, you get appreciated even if it is just in the form of a simple gesture. 

Relationship Management:

True is the fact that a great depends on the relationships in India. Indians carry deep-rooted morals and values. Dignity plays a very important role in maintain the relationships at the same time. Art of relationship Management is a prominent factor that determines your success in India. Even if it is a corporate cause, a polite and humble relationship can lead to the success of almost anything in India.

Optimism:

 The fear of rejection and failure often doesn’t help in achieving goals. Your communication greatly depends on the attitude you carry while dealing with people. It is true that Indian citizens have faced a lot of ups and downs in their economy as well as society. This is the reason it is not easy for them to accept things as they come in life. However, a person approaching with optimistic thoughts often energizes and motivates them. Positive attitude in your communication not only helps in breaking the ice easily but at the same time it leaves an everlasting impression on your clients and delegates or anyone you are in terms with.

Appearance:

If it is the face-to-face communication, appearance of an individual is another significant factor. Your presentation influences your discussions to a great extent. A smart and good-looking appearance will add to your confidence and in turn lead to a better communication process.

All the above skills are sure to enhance the way you communicate with Indian people.

Keywords: Communication skills improvement, improvement in communication skills

Master blaster !

Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar created yet another record in his glorious career when he scored his 100^th international ton during the fourth Asia Cup match against Bangladesh at Mirpur.

Tendulkar became the first ever batsman in world cricket to achieve the feat. He has scored 51 centuries in Test cricket and 49 in One-Day Internationals.

Australia batting great Ricky Ponting, who is also the third highest run-getter in Test cricket, is at the second place in context of number of centuries scored -- 41 in Tests and 30 in ODIs.

South Africa cricket star Jacques Kallis is at the third place in most number of international hundreds, 59 overall which includes 42 in Tests and 17 in ODIs.

By Bhumika Malhotra.

Bring home a friend

Dogs are believed to be man's best friend. They would never betray you or make you cry like most of your human friends might do. All that these voiceless creatures need is love! And I feel there's no other special way to help them and let them be a part of your family! 


In India the number of stray puppies and dogs is in millions. Most of them are either born stray or abandoned by the owners unwilling to take their responsibility. Some people think that stray animals are responsible for making the environment dirty to live and cause various diseases which encourage activities like dog-killing programmes to take place.

But thanks to hundreds  of NGO's such as Friendicoes and PFA(People For Animals) working for the well being and protection of strays. But we too as humans ought to come forward and help them by actually adopting the stray puppies and provide them a better life :) 


The adoption procedure for a puppy or dog requires as much care as the adoption of a child. It can be done from an NGO, animal welfare shelter or even from your neighborhood if u find a helpless puppy who you feel urgently needs a home. Let’s help out these beautiful creatures who can't speak for themselves! Be humane to the strays.


Ritika Bisht

The Unkindest Cut!

What punishment do you want to give to a Rapist? Either a 7-year long jail term or an extreme punishment of Castration!  With the incidents of rape increasing day by day in our country, is this 7 year jail term is sufficient or should we support the suggestion of Justice Kamini Lau for an alternative punishment castration of rapists?

A Thomson Reuters Foundation global poll reveals a shocking fact that India is the fourth most dangerous place in the world for women and the main reasons for such low scoring were female foeticide, infanticide and human trafficking. It is an irony for a country where first person of the country  is a woman, President Pratibha Patil. More over four major states in India, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and West Bengal are ruled by women chief ministers J Jayalalitha, Mayawati, Sheila Dikshit and Mamata Banerjee respectively. In addition to this, the ruling congress chief (Sonia Gandhi) and the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha (Sushma Swaraj) are also women.

Justice Lau expressed her dismay over the absence of a law allowing courts to punish rapists and molesters with castration. Castration of Rapist is an idea that has been stirring the conscience of lawmakers and upsetting human rights activists around the world. The comments of Additional Sessions Judge Kamini Lau while awarding a 10-year prison term to Dinesh Yadav, who had repeatedly raped his 15-year-old stepdaughter shouldn’t be ignored.

Surabhi Raut

Blackberry Vs Android- The War is On

RIM with Blackberry and Google with Android are two of the leading smart phone providers. In some ways, there seems to be a battle going on between these two. Meanwhile, Blackberry has a strong lead in the business sector, Google has entered this battle with its Android OS.

Starting out as a business device, the Blackberry brand appeals to a large consumer audience. Blackberry has the best email platform and is a runaway leader in smart phone.

Android is the latest OS but it isn’t as refined as the Blackberry OS. Blackberry is ‘business centric’ whereas Android is more ‘app centric’.

Facing competition from smart phone makers like Samsung and Nokia, Blackberry-maker has planned out aggressive aim for increasing its footprint all over the India, besides launching new devices and latest Operation System 10. The Blackberry maker has a presence in almost all the cities in the country now and is keen to tap the growing demand for smart phones here.

The Android is a user friendly, multitasking and easily customizable device whereas Blackberry is an unbeatable email platform. Blackberry devices are for someone who uses a lot of email and relies more on a QWERTY keyboard, though Blackberry has its touch screen segment also. Its simple navigation, synchronized calendars and lesser applications attract many users. In contrast, Android is primarily developed for touch screen interfaces. Android is for someone who does not rely much on mails and prefers a personalized phone that offers a bunch of applications.

Many people don’t consider Blackberry as a smart phone because it’s little sophisticated whereas Android phones are easy to use. In Android, there’s an app for almost every situation.  Proud owners of BlackBerry devices are always up to date when it comes to messaging.  BlackBerry easily integrates push email technology in a breeze, allowing you to instantly receive messages as soon as they start showing up in your inbox. Blackberry app store lacked decent amount of applications and it failed to attract developers with its poor interfaced leading to its demise.

The OS 10 of blackberry is now available. The new operating system could be RIM’s answer to other OS’ like Windows Phone, Android, iOS and Samsung’s Bada. BlackBerry devices continue to be popular, especially the BlackBerry Messenger service. The broad areas of focus in blackberry phones are innovation, building brand association, effective go to market channels and customer satisfaction.

Therefore those who want a secure and manageable smart phone device should look at getting a Blackberry, the winner of our Android vs. BlackBerry comparison because me too is a Blackberry user.