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ADMIN

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Blog Entries posted by ADMIN

  1. ADMIN
    MS Dhoni’s decision to step down as the captain of the Indian Cricket Team in ODIs and T20s has come out as a bolt from the blue and even as cricket pundits make sense of what it means for the young Indian team, the tributes haven’t stopped coming in since last night. Even as Kohli and company prepare to take on the first challenge against England without Dhoni at the helm, we take a look at some of the greatest cricketing moments our skipper gifted us in his 10 years as chief.
    When he decided to come in to bat ahead of Yuvraj in World Cup Final © Icc
    In one of the finest hours of MS Dhoni’s captaincy, his decision to come up the order and steady the stumbling ship in the world cup final was a masterstroke to say the least. Not only did India go on to win the game, that final six by Dhoni is now remembered as one of the greatest finishing shots of all time.
    The way he handled this reporter who kept on asking him about retirement © Twitter
    Dhoni has had a great relationship with the media during his 10 years at the helm of the Indian cricket team. He likes to answer all queries with a straight bat and that in sense defines his character on-field too. But this time when an Aussie commentator got too nosey and asked Dhoni about his retirement plans, the Indian captain kept his cool like always and delivered the message with bouts of humor. Watch how the events unfolded that night:
    That moment of absolute genius when he gave the ball to Ishant Sharma and won the Champions Trophy © Twitter
    MS Dhoni has a knack for taking decisions on-field which seem peculiar but turn out to be masterstrokes in hindsight. Take, for example, that moment in the Champions trophy final when Dhoni decided to bring on Ishant Sharma with just 20 needed of 15 balls. At that moment, India was down and out and it seemed that Dhoni’s gamble would backfire after Sharma was hit for a six by Morgan. But that’s when things turned around and Sharma took two wickets in two balls to tilt the balance in India’s favor. Dhoni’s Midas touch had once again worked wonders as India lifted the Champions Trophy in England.
    And who can forget that last run-out against Bangladesh © Twitter
    Of all the run-outs and stumpings which MS Dhoni was a part of, this one has to be the most special. With Bangladesh on the verge of knocking India out of the world cup, this run-out by Dhoni has to be the greatest piece of fielding of the last decade and that too under tremendous pressure. Take a look at the athletic piece of fielding by MS Dhoni which shocked Bangladesh into submission.
    Dhoni responsibly accepted the opportunity handed to him before the T20 world cup in 2007 © BCCL
    The story of how Sachin Tendulkar’s recommendation earned Dhoni the captaincy ahead of other senior players in the 2007 T20 world cup has been repeated time and again. This, however, wouldn’t have been possible had Dhoni not been confident to lead the team to a big tournament in South Africa at a time when big match players were rested. He grabbed the opportunity and made a name for himself by winning the T20 world cup for India.
    And we can never forget the gamble which he took after he handed the ball to Joginder Sharma © Twitter
    No matter how you play a final as a captain, giving the ball to a newcomer in a world cup final with a very settled Misbah as the striker’s end would require balls of steel. MS Dhoni didn’t think twice before bringing on Joginder Sharma. And now, the iconic Misbah lob-sweep is a testament to the fact that no one reads the game better than MS Dhoni.
    Or his decision to not accommodate unfit players in the squad after 2011 world cup © Twitter
    India had just won a world cup after 28 long years. Everything seemed fine till Dhoni decided to try other younger players who he thought fit the bill better than some senior players who were quite unfit to carry on till the 2015 world cup. That decision required a lot of gumption and is one of the major reasons why the Indian team today has a problem of plenty despite missing out on the silverware in 2015.
    And how calmly he handled the Jadeja-Anderson mess in England © Twitter
    The Jadeja-Anderson fight proved why a team needs a calm head to lead the team through turbulence because things can go from bad to worse very quickly. If it had not been for MS Dhoni, who is believed to have neutralized Anderson’s aggression while making way to the dressing room, there was a big possibility that flaring tempers could have resulted in a full blown fight detrimental to the spirit of the game. MS Dhoni proved yet again that being aggressive is of no use if it disrespects the very game that you love to play.
    Or when he decided to groom the middle order by pushing himself back in the order © Twitter
    Believe it or not, Dhoni has been a silent guardian for all these middle order batsmen which we see today with fledging India careers. He was selfless to the extent that people started to criticize him for giving a chance to players to finish off games when he himself could have done the job easily. But Dhoni knew that it’s not how you build a team and he carried on with his ways. That philosophy has produced players like Suresh Raina, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.
    He always believed that the team should focus on process rather than results © Twitter
    We have all heard this from Dhoni umpteen number of times, ‘Focus on process and not result’. He is always looking to improve his game and that is one of the things that made him a great leader to follow. He was process oriented leader who asked his team to put in the efforts and not worry about the results. And it worked too, or how else would you explain that trophy cabinet brimming with some incredulous silverware.
    And in the end he sacrificed the captaincy for a better tomorrow under Kohli and Co. © Twitter
    Dhoni always knew it would be difficult to sustain till 2019 without giving up on some things. He left the test team to make way for Virat. And now having seen that Kohli is capable of handling the Indian team on his own, he has left without any power struggle. That this decision will benefit Kohli and coach kumble to chart out a future course of action leading upto the 2019 world cup in England is a no brainer. And Dhoni has once again proved that personal preferences amount to zilch when you are on national duty and he deserves our respect for the same.


  2. ADMIN
    How Things Started

    In the world of trading and investment there is always a search for the “financial holy grail” – to be able to make outsized returns with almost no risk, or returns that are disproportionately large compared to the risk exposure taken. With a host of qualifications in Science, Engineering and Finance and more recently Health, Fitness and Wellness, and 3 decades of work experience, I have been going through a total-body-and-mind proactive-transformation that started about 8 years ago, as I cruised into the 40th year of my life. The purpose of this journey is to achieve and manage the long-term goal – a “wellness holy grail” – to maintain a state as close to my genetic potential with minimum resources (mine or mother earth’s) expended.
    I started off from being the typical Indian male focused on sedentary professional financial pursuits.  Once I decided that I was going to focus on developing my human capital beyond financial gains, the geek in me just had to set a tangible goal. With many years of hard study (a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries, England) and independent research experience (a PhD in Finance from the London Business School) my, primarily physical, goal was to be like “Brad Pitt” but with a focus on science, not hearsay.

    From the early stages in this physical transformation journey, the teachings from the Bible and the Qur’an of “helping others” made me think about expanding the societal pie in parallel with the individualistic focus. So, my own goal was to achieve and maintain peak fitness in ways that were accessible to others with urban lifestyles, and to help them set holistic goals that were achievable. Since the best way to teach is to lead by example, along with attempting to replicate the typical urban life’s constraints, I also developed the necessary toolset (knowledge and skills) in order to reach out to the general public. This ranged from getting certified by the American College of Sports Medicine  to writing freely available blog articles on topics as wide as discipline, performance, fitness, running, nutrition, strength-training, happiness and to mentoring others around the world.  In 2016, I spent over 600 hours on mentoring others individually to better living. This is how my life is now, an effort to be as close to urban yogic living as possible. A very strong focus on self-reliance, living life as close to our natural state and keeping things as simple as possible. 
    Challenges © Facebook, Purnendu Nath
    In terms of resource constraint, money is typically not a roadblock for most city-dwellers, who want to become very fit. So then, the big constraint that one perceives is one of time. As a very busy professional, active father at home, and someone who likes to ensure everything is in balance, figuring out how to solve this problem was an interesting challenge. I decided to have self-imposed constraints like “no more than 30 minutes at the gym” and “always home for breakfast after a run”. By training with these constraints, I managed to figure out how to achieve close to what I call GPF (genetic potential fitness). Because the time being invested was artificially imposed, a natural self-imposed drive to train smart emerged. It is important to note that training, for me, includes all components: the actual details of the workout, the right nutrition for the body and, most important, the quality of rest. And, surrounding all of these is the overarching phenomenon of ‘self-motivation’ without which, most transformations are short-lived. 
    The Path Forward © Facebook, Purnendu Nath
    The broadest goal I am passionate about, unrelated to any financial gains, is overall public physical and mental health. Whether I can reach out on TV (watch the CNBC show), or via promotions (watch this documentary on the SCMM) or continuing to write on topics to be available freely, I balance my life between my passion, and my other professional interests. To be a role model for other men who are reaching 50 or for those who are half my age, or for women (most of my wellness mentees are female from a wide range of backgrounds), and of any nationality or religion (for Islam, see MensXP article, for Judaism see this, for Sikhism see this) would be a great on-going challenge to meet and constantly overcome.


  3. ADMIN
    It seems as though news about demonetisation and the new notes is still not ready to take a back seat, even in 2017. Yet again we have a bizarre update on the new Rs 2000 note! Apparently, a farmer in the Sheopur district of Madhya Pradesh withdrew money from a State Bank of India branch and found that Mahatma Gandhi’s image from all the Rs 2000 notes he received, was missing. 
    © Facebook
    © Facebook
    The farmer was obviously left astonished but the bank officials clarified that the currency was not fake. They instead claimed that the reason is probably a printing error by the RBI. “It is not fake currency, it is a misprint,” was the statement given by RBI officer, R.K Jain, according to an ANI report.
    There was initially news of the new notes leaking color. However, the government clarified this fact saying that the new notes are just like the old ones and owing to the nature of dyes used, they will leak color when immersed in water or rubbed by a wet cloth. But the ‘leaking color’ days are behind us and now Bapu has gone missing from the notes? These new notes just have a way of staying in the news, don’t they?
    “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself….” – Mahatma Gandhi. Let’s be frank, has there never been a more fitting scenario for this quote!


  4. ADMIN
    MS Dhoni’s decision to step down as the Indian cricket team captain and hand over the reins to Virat Kohli has taken the cricketing world by storm. Dhoni, India’s most successful captain, will now play as a member of team India under Virat Kohli. But apart from the many tribute messages flowing in since last night, one of the most heartfelt messages for Dhoni came from none other than Mrs. Dhoni herself.
    Take a look at what Sakshi Dhoni tweeted last night:
    @msdhoni There are no mountains high enough to stop you from climbing.Proud of you !! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
    — Sakshi Singh ??❤️ (@SaakshiSRawat) January 4, 2017 Dhoni will now be able to justify his spot in the squad with his performance rather than the captaincy and that might just be a blessing in disguise for the Indian team. And now, we can’t wait for the first ODI in Pune as the team walks under Kohli’s banner for the first time.



  5. ADMIN
    The Bengaluru mass molestation case has yet again exposed the ugly face of Indian society. While most of the country has unanimously condemned the incident, there have been some people like SP leader Abu Azmi who have laid the blame on women and made derogatory statements like “If there’s sugar somewhere, ants will come.” 
    © BCCL
    While celebrities like Farhan Akhtar, Varun Dhawan and Aamir Khan have openly condemned the shameful act and criticized Abu Azmi’s take on it,
    Women should not dress like westerners b'coz men dressed like westerners are molesters, says the man in the shirt.#oxy(deprived)morons
    — Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) January 3, 2017 Argggh how this angers me.Sir punish the criminals not the victims. Women can wear what they want it's their choice. https://t.co/HSpRjlRq8A
    — Varun Dhawan (@Varun_dvn) January 3, 2017 Narendrabhai the power of the youth is double edged it can go either way. You need to address it immediately @narendramodi @PMOIndia
    — Salim Khan (@luvsalimkhan) January 3, 2017 Its a shame what the youth have done in Bngluru.Such acts are happning rptdly all ovr.We were also young once bt nvr have such things happnd
    — Salim Khan (@luvsalimkhan) January 3, 2017 The most hard-hitting reaction has come from the khiladi of Bollywood himself – Akshay Kumar.
    The Bangalore incident makes me feel we r evolving backwards,from humans to animals,rather beasts coz even animals are better!Truly shameful pic.twitter.com/FJwJ80Mkby
    — Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) January 5, 2017 Akshay’s angry rant drives home the point – it is never the clothes or the time or location that’s responsible for sexual assault. The only thing responsible for an assault is the perpetrator’s intention. Akshay minces no words to express his anger and frustration over the beastly act. Confessing that the news of the mass molestation case made his blood boil, he says, the society that can’t respect its women, has no right to call itself a humane society. He doesn’t hold back when he says there are some people who dare to justify a sexual assault by citing what the woman was wearing or at what time she was out at night.

    Photo © T-Series (Main Image)


  6. ADMIN
    On one hand where people are still struggling with insufficient cash in ATMs and banks, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has announced a reward of Rs. 100 f**king crore from the state government, to scientists from the state who bring home a Nobel Prize. WTF? 
    We understand that the Nobel Prize is a highly coveted and prestigious award, but Rs. 100 crore is like over 15x the amount that is given along with the award. The official payout that is provided to Nobel Prize winners is approximately Rs. 5.96 crore (Swedish kronor 8 million). Where will they get so much money from?
    © Twitter
    This not-so-easy-to-refuse offer was made during the inaugural ceremony of the Children’s Science Congress on account of the 104th session of the Indian Science Congress in Tirupati. In his address, Naidu also sought the advice of Takaaki Kajita, the Japanese Nobel Laureate Professor, on how to win the Nobel Prize. Reportedly, as of now, no other state government has made such a ‘rich’ announcement to the scientists. Well, Delhi, you better not take any inspiration from this!  
    © Flickr/Adam Baker
    Having said that, one thing is for sure, this bait will definitely pump the brain-mills of geniuses, who will now work like guinea pigs to bring home ‘fortune and fame’. Maybe we can even stop the brain drain as well!
    Source: The Economic Times


  7. ADMIN
    Yesterday, Nikhil Chinapa—our very own dance music scene influencer—went on to his Facebook to give his fans, followers and every ardent dance music enthusiast the story of how his team managed to FINALLY get veteran DJ and producer, Eric Prydz to India.
    © GDE
    It’s basically one of the best manifestos an Indian dance music scene regular can read, imbibe and believe.
    And in his note, Chinapa revealed some of his most nostalgic experiences in the international and Indian music scene; about how it has finally come of age in India after 10 years of trying and breaking out of it a read yourself: 
    “The first time I heard the name Eric Prydz, it was off a record Pearl was playing at the time. That record was “Diamond Girl” and this was 2003.
    Back then, whenever we couldn’t travel to buy our records, we listened to the music, on an absurdly slow internet connection, and ordered them online. The vinyls took a few weeks to arrive – and if we were lucky, they survived the journey unscathed. You can imagine just how prized each vinyl was because of this.
    Pearl and I played completely different styles of music back then. 
    We would test these vinyls soon as they arrived and get immersed in the process, with records scattered all across the living room usually. One day, Pearl was testing a new batch of vinyl that had just arrived and she played a track that sounded very different from everything else. I asked her what it was, telling her, “it’ll never work” and Pearl just smiled. She still gives me that smile when I’m a bit clueless. 
    A few weeks later, she was playing at Smirnoff Experience - a massive gig at Kamala Mills that Sasha was headlining. Pearl came on after Sasha and settled into her gritty, driving sound that had slowly become characteristic of her sets. The dancefloor settled into a heaving sweaty mess, heads down, arms working and feet moving rhythmically. Midway through her set, she dropped a tune and I remember that moment vividly. Whatever was unleashed through the speakers sent a huge surge of energy through the floor. The entire dancefloor picked their heads up and moved their feet harder. It was the kind of track that “changes gears” during a set. Curious about this incredible track,  I jogged up to the console to ask her what it was.
    She pulled off her headphones, looked me in the eye and gave me that smile again. “It’s the one you said wouldn’t work.” Then she lightly touched my hand and turned back to her record bag. She does that hand-touching thing when I’ve acted like an idiot, I know I’ve been an idiot – and she doesn’t want me to feel too bad about it. For the record, it happens a lot – me being an idiot.
    The track? It was Pryda – Aftermath. Go listen to it and you’ll understand. After that came RYMD and Armed – two sides of the same record and both, melodic monsters. No better way to put it.
    The next year brought Eric Prydz’s mix of Paulo Mojo – 1983 and it’s safe to say that every single DJ in the world worth their salt was either playing this tune or losing their marbles to it on a dancefloor when some other DJ played it. There’s a great video on Youtube, of Pearl playing it during our Submerge Beach Festival at Zanzibar in Goa in 2007 and all of us going nuts in the sand. 
    By now, everyone in the world had heard of this amazing DJ called Prydz, and everyone also gradually learnt that he really didn’t like planes and flying.
    2007 was also the year I set out to build a new festival in Goa. Submerge had already been building a blueprint for such festivals through our annual Zanzibar events, which by now were drawing 15,000 people to Baga beach over the 5 days between Christmas and New Year’s.
    I named this new festival “Sunburn” and went about booking talent for it. One of the acts I booked for its first edition was a trio you’ve probably heard of called “Above & Beyond”. A&B’s booking agent was a really nice guy called Simon Clarkson, whom I met in London later that year to discuss details about their gig in Goa. India was still an unknown space for DJs to work in and some of those early conversations I had with agents, involved considerable convincing and cajoling ...and the explaining of local conditions.
    Simon also happened to be the booking agent of an artist I was very keen to book, but I knew I probably wouldn’t be able to – Eric Prydz. We all knew Eric didn’t like to fly but Simon dropped an amazing bit of information. Eric had managed to slowly conquer his fears and was beginning to take some flights now. A tour of America was imminent and I told Simon, that when the time was right, I’d love to bring him across to India. I left it that that.
    However, 2008 brought some bad news. Eric’s fears of flying had returned. He had tried to board a flight to Australia but was unable to. Seven dates in Australia and New Zealand were cancelled. When we heard that news in India, we muttered our groans and shrugged our shoulders. We now knew that Eric coming to India was going to remain a long, long shot.
    In 2010 or 2011, if my memory serves me right, I travelled to Ibiza – in an effort to book another DJ for India. On that trip, I went to hear Prydz, who had just announced his residency on the island. He was playing the terrace at Amnesia, with Chase and Status in the other room. It was the first time I’d heard him play and saying that I was blown away is an understatement! It was a phenomenal night, both musically and visually.
    A couple of years passed with me listening to more of his music in Pearl’s sets back home (Europa was a favorite then). People had also begun to recognize another avatar of Eric’s … Cirez D. Pearl introduced me to Mokba and what a monster tune it was! The buzz across the world was that this was an act that wasn’t to be missed. A few years later, I traveled to Tomorrowland to check the festival out and to have my usual meetings. Eric was playing at the festival that year. 
    The DJ playing before Eric was AN21 and he and his manager, Ozgur, had become friends after they’d come and played for me the previous year. I went backstage to say hello to them and Ozgur grabbed me in a bear hug and yelled “come and have some shots”. We crawled unseen behind the DJ console and Ozgur poured out a bunch of Jager shots. He handed one to AN21, gave me one and handed one to someone who had crawled in beside me. It was Eric Prydz.
    If you were ever wondering what the definition of surreal was – that was it. Having shots with Eric Prydz under the console right before his set. I stayed behind that console as Eric started his set and I couldn’t see the dance floor from where I was crouched – but when he dropped his opening track, I heard them.
    The track was his new edit of Personal Jesus and the roar that went up from the floor made my hair stand on end. My buddy Nawed Khan was on the floor when it dropped and he said he’s never seen or heard anything like it. Till today, that set remains one of my favourite sets of Eric’s.
    Backstage at Tomorrowland was the first time I spoke to Eric about India, what we’d been doing here and how many fans he had across the country. Like so many other DJs I’d spoken to over the years, Eric was also surprised that people in India listened to his music and knew who he was.
    Somewhere along the way Eric switched agents and was now being looked after by Cris Hearn – a senior agent from the UK. Every once in a while I’d ping Cris about Eric and he’d humour me (bless him) – but we both knew it wasn’t going to happen. India was too far away and the flights were too daunting.
    Then came the A380. Airbus’ new flying behemoth was so large that their 1st class suites could accommodate a double bed and a shower. Most importantly, flying in one of them didn’t make you feel like you were in a plane at all. They called these suites (and rightly too) – the “apartments”. Eric felt comfortable enough in one of these to fly more often. Fans of Eric in India smiled at this news but shrugged and said “these planes will never come to India man.”
    But a remarkable thing happened – the A380’s started to fly into India! I still remember being bombarded with messages from Prydz fans the day Emirates announced their flights to India, saying “Look! He can come to India now!”. It wasn’t going to be as easy as that though. I spoke to Cris and he said it was still a long way to come and taking flights was still quite difficult.
    Sigh. Move on.
    As luck would have it, around this same time (around 3 years ago), Pearl was offered a slot to play at “Global Gathering” - a large UK festival at an abandoned airfield outside Startford-Upon-Avon. The stage was the Essential Mix stage and the headlining artist of her stage – Eric Prydz. After Eric’s set, we met him backstage and both Pearl and I spoke to him again about the legions of fans he had in India. He also remembered meeting me backstage at Tomorrowland and introduced us to his manager Michael Sershall. Pearl and I told Michael about  the scene in India, how far we’d come as a scene, Eric’s fans here, and how we’d love to see him playing here someday. Michael said, “Send me an email. I’ll be happy to see if we can make it work someday.”
    I never sent that mail. 
    I hadn’t given up, but another piece of the puzzle - Vh1 Supersonic - wasn’t in my life as yet – and without a concrete plan and offer, I didn’t see the point of sending that email. Michael’s a really nice guy and he was just being nice to us – this couple from India, fan-girling over Prydz as people generally do across the world. I did however keep pestering Cris and bless him, he never said “No” outright, he just kept humouring me. We both knew in our hearts that a miracle would be needed for this to happen. Eric was very much in demand globally and India was still too far away and still too hard a flight to take.
    I resigned myself to catching Eric’s sets across the world – at EDC Las Vegas last year, where I again spoke to him backstage, Ultra Music Festival this year (we had another quick chat about India outside his trailer) and more recently at Tomorrowland playing B2B with the Mau5 – where again we met and spoke about India before he started his set. 
    Then out of the blue, the universe started making a miracle.
    The new head of Viacom’s live business – Saugato Bhowmick had taken the decision to relocate our festival Vh1 Supersonic to Pune and as I periodically do, I reached out to Cris to see if Eric was an option. This time, instead of brushing me off, he said, “lets talk.”
    Wait, what?!
    Eric was planning an Australia tour and it happened to be around the new dates of our festival. India was still very far away, but all the chats I’d been having with Eric and Cris over the years, may have finally started to lead to something.
    The situation still was very complicated and needed a ton of planning before things would actually start to take shape. Saugato, Sameet Sharma, Ishaan Ahluwalia and I – all a part of our SuperCrew from Vh1 Supersonic, went to work putting a comprehensive plan together and let me be frank about this – no matter how dogged I was about bringing Prydz to India, this would not have happened in a million years if it wasn’t for the team at Viacom 18 getting behind the idea and putting all the pieces together to make it work. It’s also important to acknowledge that Supersonic wouldn’t have got to where it is today, without the unstinting support of Starlight (Shailesh Shetty, Ashwin Raikar, Sandeep K. Raju, Uday Singh and Raghav Holla)– our friends and festival partners from Goa.
    The next few weeks were filled with endless conversations, discussions and negotiations with Eric’s team. Plans were made, modified, bounced around, rejected, re-edited, tweaked … it seemed like a never-ending process. I’ve lost track of the number of phone calls I made or emails we wrote, working on every tiny aspect of putting this plan together.
    We presented the plan to Eric’s team and while waiting for news, I flew to Hyderabad to play a gig with my buddy Rohit Barker. He’s my closest friend in the whole world and though my head was buzzing with everything that was going on, I couldn’t tell him what was on my mind. I think he sensed it though.
    I landed in Hyderabad and drove to my hotel. I had to record my weekly radio show and when I got to the room, I turned on my laptop and there it was. A mail from Cris telling me we’d managed to get it over the line.
    I called Cris to have a chat and when we finished he said – and I remember this clearly – “Mate, I can’t believe this is happening.”
    “What, Cris?”
    “This. I never thought we could get him to India. I can’t believe we’ve actually done it.” 
    He then started to laugh; I tried, but I couldn’t. I was still a little shell-shocked.
    The first person I called was Pearl.
    I then called Saugato, Sameet and Ishaan and told them. 
    Prydz was finally coming to India.
    From the time I first met Simon Clarkson (Eric’s previous agent) It’s taken us – our little Indian dance music scene - over 10 years to make this happen – 14 years if you count the time when Pearl first started playing his music at a beach shack in Goa - and the greatest joy for us is being able to share his music with friends of ours who could never have traveled to Europe, America or Australia to hear Prydz play. Friends like Basith, who’s heart, body and soul are tuned to Prydz’s music at a cellular level, I kid you not.
    I’m really not sure if he’ll ever be back after this trip and I have this to say – wherever you are in India, please make a plan. Figure out a way to get to Pune from wherever you are. There are trains from every major city in India. Overnight buses from Bangalore, Goa, Ahmedabad and Surat… and Mumbai is literally just a jog a way.
    Pune is filled with hotels, hostels, AirBnB apartments, OYO rooms – the works. Just figure it out and get there. I honestly have no idea when ... and if, this will ever happen again”.


  8. ADMIN
    Name/author: Navdeep Singh Sethi
    Time taken to transform: 10 Months
    I still remember that I was a 120kg fat guy who was 24-years-old but easily looked like a 30-year-old.  Junk food was my life. My diet comprised of burgers, pizzas and sugary aerated drinks. At the age of 24, I had high cholesterol and hypothyroidism. I was very low on confidence and people made fun of the way I looked. That was the time I really wanted to change myself. I wanted to look good and feel better. It was high time that I started loving myself and treating my body right

    Then, I came across my mentor Aminder Singh (Founder of Team_Aminder online training program).  To achieve your goals you need proper guidance, especially when you aim for a 100% natural transformation. Honestly when I started my journey I never had the belief that I will be able to achieve this. Aminder helped me with proper workout schedules, diet charts and the most important thing, motivation. He made me believe that everything is achievable if there’s will power behind it. Building a physique is not a one-time goal. It’s a complete lifestyle change that we thrive for.

    My journey started with a 4 month muscle building program where I learnt the correct posture and technique of lifting weights. Learning the basics was imperative to reach my goal. Proper learning ensured that I trained injury free and stayed on track with my workout schedules. I personally needed a lot of motivation to get through it. It was a challenge for me to get used to the muscle soreness after intense workouts and I felt a lot of discomfort in my knees while running but I had my mind set in stone. I didn’t only lose weight but also gained some lean muscle mass. My overall body weight loss was 10 kilograms but there was a drastic composition change in my body as the muscle weight started replacing fat weight. 

    After that, my 6 month weight loss program started. Honestly, this was one of the most difficult phases of my transformation. I had to be precise about the diet to achieve the results I wanted. I curbed all my sugar cravings and got rid of all the unhealthy food I hogged on. I started this journey with a body weight of 120kgs (43 kg muscle and 37% body fat) and ended up reaching 90kgs (43kg muscle and fat 18% body fat). The best part of this transformation was that I lost 30 kg of fat weight and there was no muscle weight loss. Now I feel very confident about myself and I am happy to inspire a lot of obese people out there. Many people end up depressed because of obesity and some try unnatural supplements out of frustration. I can proudly say that my transformation was 100% natural (no analbolics, no fat burners). My coach and I worked hard to turn my body into a fat-burner itself through proper diet, a strict workout routine, lots of motivation and patience. Now, working out has become a lifestyle for me. Only my goals change periodically but the journey is never ending.


  9. ADMIN
    World Cup winning Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni stepped down today as the skipper of the Indian ODI and T20 teams with immediate effect. The confirmation tweet was posted by BCCI this evening at 8.55 PM. 
    NEWS ALERT - Mahendra Singh #Dhoni steps down as #Captain of #TeamIndia. He will be available for selection for ODIs & T20Is vs England pic.twitter.com/2xM0eisdjq
    — BCCI (@BCCI) January 4, 2017 Dhoni, who has led India for 60 tests, 199 ODIs and 72 T20Is is the most successful captain in Indian cricket history with a shining trophy cabinet to his name. Despite stepping down, Dhoni will be available for selection for the upcoming England ODI and T20 series starting January 15.
    What this means is that the Indian ODI team will most definitely play under the leadership of Virat Kohli. With the World Cup just two years away now and the Champions Trophy scheduled to start from 1st June this year, Kohli will have to chart down the future course of action for the young ODI squad along with Anil Kumble in time for big tournaments.

    Dhoni will now play under a different captain after 2007 when he was anointed as the skipper of the Indian team. The first ODI against England is scheduled to be played in Pune on January 15 and the voice behind the stumps will no longer be calling the shots on the field.


  10. ADMIN
    We’re constantly on the lookout for new music to give us eargasms. And, to be honest, some of our homegrown artists come up with some of the most incredible tunes that, over recent times have even found regard in international charts. So, here’s a list of the 14 albums, EPs and music videos recently released by Indian contemporary musicians that you should definitely listen to.    
    1. Ankur Tewari  2. Dualist Inquiry  3. Nucleya  4. Sandunes 
    5. Sickflip 
    6. Sid Vashi 
    7. Naezy  8. The F16s
    9. Sapta <a href="http://livesapta.bandcamp.com/album/sapta" mce_href="http://livesapta.bandcamp.com/album/sapta">Sapta by Sapta</a>
    10. The Ganesh Talkies 11. Prabh Deep 12. Dhruv Visvanath  13. Nanok 14. Ritviz


  11. ADMIN
    Some took immense pride in his ability to galvanise a side, while others swore that he was God on the off-side. Sourav Ganguly will arguably be remembered as India's most successful skipper who forged a winning unit from a bunch of talented, but directionless, individuals after match-fixing exposes in 2000.
    Despite hanging his boots up in 2008, Ganguly's passion for Indian cricket never faded away. Whether it's him speaking his mind in the commentary box or implementing his constructive ideas at the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), no one can argue Ganguly's contributions to the sport over the years.
    Today, he is one of the most influential cricket administrators in the country and his tenure as the CAB president has thoroughly highlighted his administrative prowess. Such has been Ganguly's success at the CAB that he is now been looked up as a worthy successor to former BCCI chief Anurag Thakur.
    The Supreme Court ruling, on Monday, saw Thakur and BCCI Secretary Ajay Shirke removed from office, leaving the Indian cricket board in a state of panic. While office-bearers contemplate the potential candidates for the role of BCCI president, Ganguly's unmatched patriotism and tactical acumen sets him apart from others.
    As the Indian cricket board gears up to appoint a new president, here's why Ganguly is probably the best man for the job:
    Stint as BCCI's Technical committee chairman © BCCL
    After retiring from international cricket, Ganguly made quite a name for himself as an honest and frank commentator. Not one to shy away from expressing himself, Ganguly gave credit where it was due and ridiculed, even Indian cricketers and poor performances.
    But, during the BCCI's annual general meeting in 2015, when he was asked to choose between commentary and the role of a Chairman with the Indian cricket board's Technical committee, Ganguly didn't hesitate to draw curtains on his lucrative and more glamorous role as a commentator.
    The former Indian skipper decided to become the chairman of the BCCI's Technical committee in a bid to develop cricket in the country. For a man who is expected to run cricket in India, this experience will definitely come in handy.
    Tenure as CAB president © BCCL
    Ganguly's appointment as the president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) in September 2015 was hailed as a success by fans and cricket pundits alike. In a bid to take Bengal cricket forward, the Prince of Kolkata roped in former Indian batsman VVS Laxman to bolster the region's Ranji team.
    The CAB scaled new heights ever since he took over the chief role. He was instrumental in hosting the India vs Pakistan World T20 clash at the Eden Gardens in 2016. At a time when local talent was only restricted to Kolkata and other suburban areas in Bengal, Ganguly expanded the horizon by targeting district cricket to find potential talent.
    On the financial front, Ganguly roped in IDBI Federal Life Insurance as Bengal's title sponsor for two seasons.
    Inspiring the youth of Bengal © BCCL
    In a bid to nurture entrepreneurial talent, Sourav Ganguly was roped in by the West Bengal government to host a business reality show 'Egiye Bangla'. The show aimed at helping young entrepreneurs to achieve their dreams.
    "Our very own Sourav Ganguly has come forward to be the face of the show. The show will target young entrepreneurs, with unique business ideas and help them to achieve their dreams," West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said in 2015.
    Vision 2020 programme © BCCL
    Bengal has always been in the upper-middle tier of the domestic setup in Indian cricket, but never serious contenders for the Ranji Trophy. Serial underachievers with the occasional moment of sparkle thrown in, the Bengal cricket team needed a major boost and Ganguly came to the fore.
    Ganguly's active interest in the state's cricket development saw him start the Vision 2020 programme to make Bengal the top domestic cricket team. The former Indian captain used his rapport to bring in the likes of Waqar Younis and Muttiah Muralitharan to nurture local talent.
    In the first phase of the camp, at the Jadavpur University campus in Salt Lake, they shortlisted players from a pool of 200 bowlers picked across 97 local clubs. The programme is poised to be a bedrock of emerging talent in the state.
    Passion for sports © BCCL
    United by cricket, divided by football! The rivalry between local football clubs Mohun Bagan and East Bengal often segregates Bengal's population. During the Bengal derby, friends turned into foes as they rallied behind their favourite club. But, Ganguly, an ardent football fan, found a way to bring people together.
    Along with Harshavardhan Neotia, Sanjiv Goenka, Utsav Parekh and Spanish club Atletico de Madrid, Ganguly became the co-owner of Atletico de Kolkata (ATK) - a football franchise of the Indian Super League (ISL). Ever since the advent of the ISL in 2014, ATK has won two seasons, so far.
    The emergence of ATK as a prominent football club reunited the football fans (from both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal) in Bengal.
    Rapport with Virat Kohli © BCCL
    Over the years, Indian cricket has witnessed some close relationships between the national team captains and board presidents. Ganguly shared one with Jagmohan Dalmiya, while MS Dhoni and N Srinivasan also shared such a relationship. The association between the skipper of the national team and Indian cricket board president is crucial for the growth and performance of the side.
    And, that is exactly why Ganguly's appointment as BCCI's new president is furthermore important. With Dhoni looking to hand over his captaincy to Virat Kohli, the Delhi lad is the new golden boy in Indian cricket. But, more importantly, Kohli's leadership skills in his role as India's Test captain so far reminds us of Ganguly's golden days.
    On the other hand, Ganguly was also instrumental in the appointment of Anil Kumble as Team India's head coach. He had a closed door meeting with the former BCCI president Anurag Thakur to discuss Kumble's case. Thus, the appointment of Ganguly as the new BCCI president could do wonders for Indian cricket.


  12. ADMIN
    PV Sindhu and Carolina Marin’s games are slowly growing into badminton’s most engrossing rivalries and their recent games are a testament to that fact. Take for example this 52 shot rally in PBL where PV Sindhu and Marin played against each other. 
    It was great to watch each of them attack and counter-attack while moving up and down the baseline. Here’s the video of that amazing 52 shot rally:

    Marin eventually won the game 11-8, 12-14, 11-2 and reversed the Dubai loss to Sindhu. The game, however, had some brilliant moments for which the local crowd had packed the stadium. The main highlight of the game which set the tempo for the rest of the tournament was the 52 shot rally which saw the top two players of badminton bring out their lethal combos.
    One of the stronger suits of the Spanish champion has been her net play and this game too showed why she has bettered Sindhu on more occasions than her. Sindhu, nonetheless, having lost steam after the 52 shot rally tried to cling on but could not. 
    PBL is now slowly turning into a hub for international talent to prove themselves in just its second season. And now, all we want is Saina Nehwal to regain fitness and face Sindhu in a mouth watering clash. I would pay to watch that clash.



  13. ADMIN
    There is a mystical charm about dressing up, going to the most hip and happening place and doing sheesha; that is, smoking the hookah, with friends. Here are the ten best sheesha lounges with a great view in Mumbai serving up some (good) smokes:
    Café Mojo © Cafe Mojo
    Café Mojo is India’s first E Beer pub. The best part about the place is its upper deck for hookah zone. It stays open until 3am, and is a perfect hidden gem in the city for you to enjoy some great Sheeshas along-with lip-smacking food like Peri Peri Chicken, signature cocktails like Chocolate Syrup. 
    Price of Sheesha starts from: Rs. 700
    Address: Goldfinch Hotel, Plot No.34/21, Central Road, MIDC, Andheri (E)
    Zulu Terrace © Zulu
    With upbeat music and great vibes it is perfect for an affordable Sheesha place. Unlike most sheesha lounges, Zulu Terrace has a strong focus on food spoiling you with a diverse range of dishes spanning Italian, Continental, North Indian, Tex-Mex, Chinese, and Thai cuisines. You must try their Over the top nachos, along-with a Kiwi flavored Sheesha.
    Price of Sheesha starts from: Rs. 500 
    Address: Above Doolally’s Taproom, Near Fun Republic, Off New Link Road, Andheri (W)
    Hideout Café & Bar © Hideout
    The ultimate hideaway bustled in one of the buildings of High Street Phoenix’s compound. It has a separate outside section only for you to enjoy their exotic Sheeshas. You will love their signature cocktails like Siamese Twins and Hummus with Pita, Cheesy Chicken for food. You must try their Exotic double flavored full size Sheesha.
    Price of Sheesha starts from: Rs. 450
    Address: Unit 9&10, Block 16, High Street Phoenix, Opposite Sky Zone, Lower Parel.
    Koyla © Koyla
    Koyla recently opened in Versova, with the breath-taking view of the setting sun, they have a separate legitimate smoking zone to enjoy some Sheesha. Must try their Exotic blends such as Royal Cigar, Brain Freezer etc. 
    Price of Sheesha starts from: Rs. 550
    Address: Koyla, Opposite Chai Coffi, J.P.Road, Aram Nagar, Versova, Andheri (W)
    Mediterra © Mediterra
    It is a rooftop eating place which is elegantly painted and offers a lavish alfresco seating on the outside for Sheesha lovers. The view is amazing. Try their Basil Garlic Paneer, with some Whisky Sour.
    Price of Sheesha starts from: Rs. 600
    Address: 55, Hotel Metro Palace, Opp. Globus Mall, Hill Road, Bandra (W)
    Khaleesi © Khaleesi
    As the name signifies, (PS. has nothing to with GoT) is the ‘Queen of the Middle-East’ will remind you of the journey of one such queen who travelled with the bedouins around the Arab Peninsula. An alfresco terrace on the second level is perfect for your illusion of the moon and stars. The fruit-based Sheeshas are a must along-with the Mezze Platter, Zataar Bread.
    Price of Sheesha starts from: Rs. 1000
    Address: Above Mirabella, Veera Desai Road, Near Remi Bizcort, Andheri (W)
    Fuel Pump Elixir © Fuel Pump Elixir
    This one is a huge and spacious one, in Malad made especially for you to gorge on some delicious food and enjoy great Sheeshas. The most fun you will have is in a group. Must-try their Chinese food.
    Price of Sheesha starts from: Rs. 500
    Address: 1st Floor, 209 - 210, Near Inorbit Mall, Link Road, Malad (W)
    Sky View Café  © Sky View Cafe
    Spread over two floors, this place dwells. Ambience is dim and less lit, music not very loud. But the view is really great! Their Sheeshas are affordably priced. It’s a vegetarian place, with some nice quick eats.
    Price of Sheesha starts from: Rs. 300
    Address: 3rd Floor, Trade View Building, Gate 4, Kamla Mills, Lower Parel.
    Ottoman Café © Ottoman Cafe
    With a quirky ambience, with swing seating, pool tables and more, this one is known to stay open up to the wee hours in morning. Sometimes you might even have to wait for a table around 3am. The Sheeshas are very affordable, with some games to play too!
    Price of Sheesha starts from: Rs.500
    Address: Above Countries Connection, Near. Infiniti Mall, Andheri (W)
    Lazeez © Lazeez
    Yet another one that stays open until 5am, and is known for their quirky presentation and shaped Hookahs like Ice Bucket etc. Their food is also a favorite among the college go-ers.
    Price of Sheesha starts from: Rs.500
    Address: Shop 8-9, Rizvi Palace, Next to Bata Showroom, Hill Road, Bandra (W)


  14. ADMIN
    On the New Year’s Eve, women were molested on the busiest streets of Bangalore by a bunch of monsters under the supervision of 1500 policemen who were deployed to ensure the safety of people.
    © BCCL
    It resulted in a ‘stampede’ with girls being groped, molested and pawed at.
    © BCCL
    It was just another stark reminder that India is far, far away from being a safe place for women. We lost the battle for women's safety that we’d been fighting for decades right there.
    © BCCL
    Now, a video of a girl getting molested that night has surfaced and while it’s very, very disturbing, it’s important to be shown to everybody in this country. Because being ignorant is not an option anymore. Because it’s time India gets a much needed reminder about how ‘normal’ sexual assault has become.
    She was walking home at 2.40 am when the incident happened.
    Watch her struggle as the two men molest and assault her, throw her on the ground and drive off. Because that’s how much of a daily occurrence this has become. Watch this and feel ashamed of being a part of this country.


  15. ADMIN
    In the year 2014, Jeremy Meeks, became an internet sensation and the world’s hottest criminal after the Stockton Police Department released his mugshot on their Facebook page. Within no time, people started taking notice, girls went crazy and he even got himself a modeling contract.   
    #happy4th
    A photo posted by JEREMY MEEKS (@jmeeksofficial) on Jul 1, 2016 at 4:54pm PDT
    Jeremy now has nearly 683k followers on his Instagram page, which only goes on to show how his life has turned for better. Recently, he posted a picture with his £120,000 Maserati, posing in front of a mansion with a caption that read ‘Good to be home.’
    Good to be home
    A photo posted by JEREMY MEEKS (@jmeeksofficial) on Nov 2, 2016 at 4:52pm PDT
    What’s more, he shared another picture where he is standing in front of his HUGE mansion with the caption ‘God is good’ and looking at freaking f**king house, we couldn’t agree more.
    God is good
    A photo posted by JEREMY MEEKS (@jmeeksofficial) on Sep 27, 2016 at 4:58pm PDT
    Jeremy is reportedly earning millions, thanks to his modeling career, post prison. 
    #squad
    A photo posted by JEREMY MEEKS (@jmeeksofficial) on Dec 12, 2016 at 5:03pm PST
    According to a report in Time magazine, Jeremy was sentenced to prison for illegal gun possession. Ever since his photo started circulating on social media, his popularity and fortune has sky-rocketed and the above pictures only prove the same. Had we been in his place, the best thing that could have happened would be to get featured in a Crime Patrol or CID episode. Well, at least for him second chance turned out to be a once in a lifetime opportunity. 
    Source: The Lad Bible



  16. ADMIN
    Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither is a thick and muscular back. A well developed back speaks for itself. If you have been lifting for a considerable time and still don’t look the part, you need to work more on your shoulders and especially the back. Here are 5 back 
    workouts that not many dudes do but are the ones that will give you great results. I won`t be talking about traditional pulldowns, cable rows that you have already been doing for a long time.
    1. Deadlifts © Thinkstock/Getty Images
    The Deadlift is the king of all exercises for Back Development. Yes, you knew that but may have never tried it. I can`t tell you how many times I have heard guys saying that they don`t Deadlift because “their back can get hurt and that they aren`t power lifters”. To cut the story short, whether you are a bodybuilder or a regular fitness enthusiast, you should be Deadlifting! It’s a basic functional movement which targets plenty of your muscle groups in one go.
    2. Meadows Rows (One arm bent over Long-Bar row) © Thinkstock/Getty Images
    • Step 1: Put weight on one end only of an Olympic barbell. The other end of the barbell can either be placed in the corner of two walls. A T-Bar set up can also be used and it is available in most gyms for this particular exercise.
    • Step 2: Lean forward so that your torso is as close to parallel with the floor as you can manage. Keep your knees slightly bent.
    • Step 3: Grab the bar with one arm behind the plates on the end where the weight is positioned. Put your other hand on your knee. This is the starting point for the exercise.
    • Step 4: Pull the bar up with your elbow until the plates come into contact with your lower chest. Squeeze your back muscles as you lift up. Hold for a second once you reach the top of the movement. Tip: Do not allow for any swinging of the torso. Only the arm should move.
    • Step 5: Slowly bring the bar back to the starting position. The plates should not touch the floor
    3. J Pull-down With Rope © YouTube
    This is like a regular pull-down except for 2 main points:-
    a) You will be kneeling down on floor.
    b) Using a rope
    Tip:-Create slight arch in the back. Don’t round your back and don’t slouch the shoulders and simply pull the rope downwards till you feel a nice stretch in your lats.
    4. Lat Pull-ins © YouTube
     Credit for developing this exercise goes to bodybuilding trainer, Doug Brignole. This exercise can be done either by holding a D-handle attachment in both hands together or one by one.
    1) Place a bench a few feet away from a cable machine and set a single pulley attachment as high up as you can.
    2) Extend your arm directly to your side at roughly a 45 degree angle and grab the attachment using an underhand grip.
    3) Tilt your upper body slightly in the direction of the machine and then pull the resistance inward toward your side until you feel a strong contraction in your lats.
    5. Dumbbell Incline Rows © YouTube
    Most gyms lack the ‘chest supported row-bench’. No problem if that’s the case with your gym as well. All you need is an adjustable bench. This exercise can be done either with dumbbells or attaching D-bar to both ends on a Double Cable Station.
    1. Using a neutral grip, lean into an incline bench.
    2. Take a dumbbell in each hand with a neutral grip, beginning with the arms straight. This will be your starting position.
    3. Retract the shoulder blades and flex the elbows to row the dumbbells to your side.
    4. Pause at the top of the motion, and then return to the starting position.
    The best part about this exercise is that you can`t cheat and it will take your lower back out of the movement. So, it works great for those who have lower back issues.


  17. ADMIN
    Varun Dhawan is a true blue Bollywood star. He is very fit, can dance his butt off and act (very well) and maybe, sing too. In terms of style, Dhawan Jr. has a soft corner for towels, tailored suits and all-things-atleisure—grey sweatpants to be precise! Recently he was spotted at the airport, in what could easily be, one of the best off-duty looks ever! 
    © Viral Bhayan
    The 'Main Tera Hero' actor paired a baby-blue denim shirt with a tank top (obviously!), gray distressed jeans and white trainers. Looks like a quintessential look for a young Bollywood actor? Look, again! 
    © Viral Bhayan
    Varun added a pinch of luxury to his boy-next-door look with this beyond cool backpack by Louis Vuitton menswear. This graphite canvas backpack that features a leather trim and rope detail is definitely a statement piece. And absolutely elevates Varun’s look. 


  18. ADMIN
    Shooting is as much a precision sport as it is a test of character because you can train hard and prepare but one false shot can ruin your whole game. Shapath Bharadwaj in that sense is breaking barriers and showing that age is just an irrelevant number if you have the correct skill and talent in double trap shooting.
    The 14-year-old shooter from Meerut created history in the national shooting championship where he stunned everyone with his impressive temperament to score 136/150 in November. That score of 136 was a junior national record and Shapath thereby qualified for the selection trials of the national team. In Patiala, at the trials, Shapath continued with his impressive form and scored 122/150 and 136/150 in two rounds of trials. He will now represent the Indian team at the World Cups in New Delhi, Mexico and Cyprus.
    © Twitter
    But this was an eventuality that Shapath had been trained for. The class 9 student of St. Mary’s Academy in Meerut had been a top performer in the 13th International Grand Prix at Porpetto, Italy held in July. His score of 139/150 earned him an individual and team Gold. He topped the qualification with scores of 27, 29, 27, 29 and 27.
    Yogendra Pal Singh, Shapath’s coach and himself an international shooter, is the man behind all his success. Even Shapath acknowledges the same, “I followed the technique taught by my coach.” He is one of the strongest players, mentally, to have ever come out of India. The same is reflected in the results that he has achieved till now in a field of accomplished shooters like Ronjan Singh Sodhi and Ankur Mittal.
    Through proper international conditioning and exposure the young crop of India Shooters can reenergize the sport which has been too dependent on the old guards and lead a better campaign leading up to Tokyo 2020. Till then, however, they will have to be properly monitored and incentivized for good performances.


  19. ADMIN
    As Bangaloreans gathered at MG Road and Brigade Road to celebrate the arrival of 2017, unruly mobs of men eve teased, molested and attacked women in full public view. Hundreds of people saw, nobody spoke a word. 1500 police officers were deployed in the area to ensure safety and yet, not one complaint was registered.
    BCCL
    No, you don’t quite get it yet. These are personal accounts of eye witnesses.
    "Everyone was drunk and pushing each other, people behaved indecently. They did not leave a single girl.”
    “They grabbed women's hair and pulled at their clothes. I saw a woman weeping. She was bleeding and had scratches. It was very scary.”
    BCCL
    Even after years of protesting and fighting for women's safety, this was one stark reminder that India hasn’t learnt its lesson still. The question is why. Why were those women molested in Bangalore, on the busiest street of the city on the busiest night? Why is it that a night of celebration turned into a ‘stampede’ (in the words of an eye witness) of men pouncing on and pawing at women? Why is it that women were at the mercy of men around to escape out of that dreadful street?
    BCCL
    The real reason behind why they got molested was because Indian men are conditioned to think women are at their disposal. That it is okay for them to assume authority over a woman’s lifestyle choices and decisions. That it is for a man to decide what a woman should be wearing, doing, not doing. That women are objects that can be used by a man for pleasure, whenever the **** he wants, wherever the **** he wants. And this happens when you tell your daughter to cover herself up and come back home before it’s dark instead of teaching your son that being born with a ***** does not entitle him to a woman’s attention or body. That happens when we expect our women to take precautions because ‘men will be men’. That happens when every time we blame a rape victim and suggest that she ‘asked for it’. That happens when Indian men grow up seeing women live their lives with a man’s approval – the husband, the father, the brother. That happens when a woman is slut-shamed for doing the same things a man is celebrated for. That happens when Indian men are told their masculinity can only be proven by exercising their dominance over women.
    BCCL
    Leaders like the Samajwadi leader Abu Azmi justifying rapes is the reason. "If a girl celebrates after dark she should go with her husband, father and not with strangers. There should be strict action against those going against our culture. It is wrong to expect them to treat her with respect...if there is sugar somewhere, ants will come." He said.
    “Unfortunately, what is happening is that on days like New Years, Brigade Road, Commercial Street, or MG road, a large number of youngsters gather. And youngsters were almost like westerners. They tried to copy the westerners, not only in their mindset but even in their dressing. So some disturbance, some girls are harassed, these kind of things do happen.” Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameswara indulged in serious victim blaming too.
    Just to put things in perspective, here are some more statements by the leaders of our country.
    “Ladke hain… galti ho jati hai” Mulayam Singh Yadav
    "To my understanding, consumption of fast food contributes to such incidents (rape). Chowmein leads to hormonal imbalance evoking an urge to indulge in such acts." Jitender Chhatar
    "One should not be adventurous being a woman." Sheila Dixit
    Leaders like these getting away with such ridiculous statements are only a preface to the scum that’s rotting this country. People running this country justify rape as a means of showing women ‘their place’ and normalizing sexual assault, molestation and rapes is the reason why India still struggles with women's safety. 
    BCCL
    Everyday sexism is the reason. The fact that a lot of us don’t think twice before reinforcing it in each other’s minds with our jokes or comments on women by calling them ‘bitches’ and ‘sluts’ and ‘whores’ is the reason. The fact that we fight for women's rights online but not once call out bullshit on men around us when they make sexist remarks on women is the reason. The fact that we make everyday sexism NORMAL AND ACCEPTABLE is the reason. The very fact that sexism is just a funny joke, despite all the women in our lives being subjected to the not-so-funny reality of it is the reason. A very troublesome reason. Rapists and molesters aren’t always illiterate. Rape victims aren’t always wearing short skirts. Rapes don’t always happen in dimly lit streets and isolated areas. These women were molested on the busiest street of Bangalore with thousands of people around, FFS!
    Molestation and rape isn’t always about ***. It’s about power. It’s knowing you have the right to someone else’s body. It’s knowing that you can violate someone’s consent and privacy and get away with it. Can we stop looking for stupid excuses that justify rape when the real reason is staring us right in the eye? 
    BCCL
    Oh, and if you’re going to start with your #NotAllMen rant, save yourself the trouble please. I’m going to save myself some too. I couldn’t have said it better than this woman here, anyway.
    Ah, of course the replies to this are #notallmen. Yes, that's what's important here. *slow clap* https://t.co/8BdJXR2GgD
    — Kapoor Neha (@PWNeha) January 2, 2017  
    Stop telling women that #notallmen. You think we don't fucking know that? Stop diluting the issue.
    — Kapoor Neha (@PWNeha) January 2, 2017  

    #NotAllMen? Indeed. But yes all women. ALL women have been molested or assaulted or groped or catcalled at least once. #YESALLWOMEN
    — Kapoor Neha (@PWNeha) January 2, 2017  

    When you tell a woman that not all men rape, you're simply saying you have never raped. THAT'S NOT IMPORTANT.
    — Kapoor Neha (@PWNeha) January 2, 2017  
    Dear men, either become an ally to us women and call out the bullshit of your fellow men. OR SHUT THE **** UP. Don't say #notallmen.
    — Kapoor Neha (@PWNeha) January 2, 2017  
    We are fucking angry. Instead of worrying about our safety, we should be worrying about not hurting male egos and say #Notallmen? GTFO
    — Kapoor Neha (@PWNeha) January 2, 2017  
    It's really sad that instead of joining the conversation about women's safety, men are more concerned about their image. Please stop.
    — Kapoor Neha (@PWNeha) January 2, 2017  
    "I'm a man and never harassed anyone". Do you want a fucking medal for being a decent human being?
    — Kapoor Neha (@PWNeha) January 2, 2017  
    Molestation is NOT a man's default behavior. If you've never molested anyone, why do you expect to be lauded?
    — Kapoor Neha (@PWNeha) January 2, 2017  


  20. ADMIN
    Samsung has been known to copy Apple’s iPhone for quite some time now and there is no real evidence to contest that. The proof is in the pudding, or in this case, the design of the phones. In fact, the company actually published a 132-page guide on how to copy the iPhone! Samsung’s engineers used this guide to rework their Android design to imitate Apple’s flagship phone. However, in the past couple of years, the company has since innovated and went about doing its own thing in terms of design aesthetics. And, that proved to be way more profitable for the company than the cheap tactics implemented earlier. 
    Samsung’s Galaxy S and Galaxy Note smartphones have been pushing the envelope as they both have features that are almost exclusive to those phones and are still unique at the same time. And, since we are talking about cutting edge features, this latest leak regarding the Galaxy S8 shows that it might have some new functions that may never be seen on an iPhone. 
    The upcoming Galaxy S8 might include something that Microsoft introduced to Windows not so long ago. They built a feature called ‘Continuum’ that would allow a Windows phone to connect to a dock and enable a full desktop experience, effectively acting as a mobile PC. 
    © Twitter
    'All About the Windows Phone' published the above picture taken from an internal Samsung presentation that showcased the upcoming Galaxy S8. From the slide, we can just about see that the Galaxy S8 has the capability to connect to a monitor, keyboard and mouse to fire up a desktop experience. Of course, Samsung will be using Android to replicate this feature and it feels like it might be a reality very soon. 
    If this rumour is true, Samsung could have a very interesting and innovative Galaxy S phone in store for us this year.


  21. ADMIN
    When it comes to witty, funny and smart ads, the first thing that comes to our minds is the Amul girl. Whether it is the 2016 Olympics or the country mourning the death of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, the Amul girl has won many a ton of hearts over with her cute style and clever one liners.  
    © Amul
    Talking about awesome old school advertisements, print ads these days just aren’t as interesting as they were a few decades ago. Old vintage ads were a sheer delight, not only in terms of content but also in terms of design, concept and artwork. In short, they were truly masterpieces of an art style that has all but disappeared. So, we dug deep into the vault of old school advertisements and found these brilliant ads from Air India that show us what awesome art and style was all about. 
    © Imgur
    As far as wit is concerned, this one is as witty as it gets. 
    © Imgur
    The creativity around the concept is clear and easy to comprehend.  
    © Imgur
    © Imgur
    There is an Air about India. 
    © Imgur
    “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”. Well, a picture is definitely worth a 1000 words. 
    © Imgur
    Here are some other classic pieces of art that you could actually print out and hang on your walls. 
    © Imgur
    © Imgur
    © Imgur
    © Imgur
    © Imgur
    © Imgur
    © Imgur
    © Imgur


  22. ADMIN
    Whenever we go to a new place, we plan to make memories with our loved ones…cutting a long story short, we take a lot of selfies and pictures. But guys, no matter how adventurous you are, there is fine and ultra thin line between being brave and being stupid. Taking close shots of animals is bravery to some extent but clicking selfies with them is outright dangerous and stupid and you are the one who will be hurt. 
    © Twitter
    Well, it seems that most people didn’t learn any lessons from incidents like the death of Harambe, the gorilla and continue creating problems for themselves as well as the animals. That’s exactly what happened with a 41-year-old French woman, Muriel Benetulier, who was bitten by a crocodile while posing for a selfie in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand. WTF? Was she expecting the crocodile to smile or strike a pose? Or maybe the crocodile bit her because the selfie wasn’t up to the mark?  
    According to the National Park’s authorities, Benetulier was trying to take a photo so she moved closer to the ferocious reptile, but as she stood up; she lost balance and tipped on one side. That’s when the crocodile was startled and bit her left leg. “She wanted to take a selfie with the crocodile who was lying down near a stream,” a park official said. Benetulier came to the park with her husband. 
    © Twitter
    The officials further added that the particular area has been home to two dangerous Siamese crocodiles for years and there are warning signs laid out as well. What’s more, the tourists had been requested to stay on the set path with staff members stationed along the route to assist them. 
    The woman was immediately rushed to the hospital and is expected to recover from the gruesome bite. She was seen being carried on a stretcher with a thick bandage wrapped around her knee, by a park ranger dressed in camouflage. While we totally sympathise with the woman’s pain, but we still can’t support her because she was responsible for putting herself in danger.     
    So children, what lesson do we learn from this? This isn’t any selfie challenge and you should definitely not get too excited around dangerous animals.  Or just stop taking stupid selfies instead.
    Source: NDTV 


  23. ADMIN
    Has anyone ever been stood up on a date? We imagine it must feel horrific. But check this out, you have already met your date, been with her for a while and then she goes to the bathroom and doesn’t return! Imagine what it would do to your self esteem. Well, this is exactly what happened with this guy from Texas. 
    © Instagram
    He took his date for a movie, the movie being, ‘Rogue One’. Sometime into the movie, the girl excuses herself to go to the bathroom and doesn’t return for few minutes. After a few minutes the guy gets this insane text-
    © Twitter
    Not only does she say he isn’t good looking but also shamelessly admits that she wants to be around someone better looking. She also ends the message by saying that he has a great heart and someone will surely appreciate that. Yeah, because a good heart is totally going to get you laid, huh? Well, everyone appreciates honesty but surely not at this level. The guy was a total trooper and took it like a champ. His reply was beyond epic!
    Has anything similar happened to you? Let us know in the comments below!


  24. ADMIN
    It’s another New Year and by God, it sure does seem like a pretty happening one so far; what with 10 of these extremely exciting and coveted music, art and culture festivals happening just within the next two months…
    I can’t wait for this to start already!
    1. TaalBelia © Taalbelia
    What: It’s a four-day long festival that infuses music, art & crafts, adventure into the majestic environs of Mandawa, a quaint Shekhawati town adorned with frescoes, tales and bearings of a regal era gone by.
    The festival seeks to reinvent the wheel, as far as destination music festivals go with a wider range of delectable music genres that usually don’t find a spot in the current crop of festivals. Four days, 3 stages and more than 30 acts promise the ideal combination of the comforts of a vacation immersed in music, arts & crafts, along with adventure, royal hospitality and gastronomic delights, unique to the belt.
    When: 26th – 29th January 2017
    Where: Mandawa, Rajasthan
    2. Kochi-Muziris Biennale © Kochi-Muziris Biennale
    What: The Kochi-Muziris Biennale is India's first biennale for contemporary art being held in Kochi, Kerala. The exhibition will be set in spaces across Kochi, Muziris region and surrounding islands. There will be shows in existing galleries and halls, and site-specific installations in public spaces, heritage buildings and disused structures.
    Through the celebration of contemporary art from around the world, The Kochi-Muziris Biennale seeks to invoke the historic cosmopolitan legacy of the modern metropolis of Kochi, and its mythical predecessor, the ancient port of Muziris.
    When: All of Jan & Feb 2017
    Where: Kochi, Kerala
    3. Jaipur Lit Fest © Zee Jaipur Literature Festival
    What: Easily one of the greatest literary shows the country has to its name and it turns 10 this year which marks a turning point for the festival as well as the attendees this time around. The 2017 edition of the Festival will bring together a dizzying array of voices and cerebral conversations.
    The Festival has hosted some of the best regarded and loved names, ranging from Nobel Laureates and Man Booker Prize winners to debut writers including Amish Tripathi, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Eleanor Catton, Hanif Kureishi, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Ian McEwan, JM Coetzee, Mohammed Hanif, Oprah Winfrey, Orhan Pamuk, Pico Iyer, Salman Rushdie, Stephen Fry, Thomas Piketty, Vikram Seth and Wole Soyinka, as well as renowned Indian language writers such as Girish Karnad, Gulzar, Javed Akhtar, MT Vasudevan Nair, Uday Prakash as well as the late Mahasweta Devi and UR Ananthamurthy.
    When: 19th – 23rd January 2017
    Where: Jaipur, Rajasthan
    4. Vh1 Supersonic © Vh1 Supersonic
    What: Vh1 Supersonic, one of the biggest dance music festivals in India is all set to unite all music lovers this February, yet again, for the fourth time around. Only this time, we’re moving out of Goa and in to the hills of Pune. 
    The music festival that has brought to India some of the greats from the international world of EDM such as Skrillex, Axwell, Zedd, W&W, Steve Aoki Paul Van Dyk, Above & Beyond, The Chainsmokers, Dash Berlin and many more, just announced its first headlining artist for the season to be the legendary Eric Prydz. That in itself is enough reason for most EDM lovers to head to the festival.
    When: 10, 11 & 12th February, 2017
    Where: Pune, Maharashtra
    5. Riders Music Festival © Riders Music Festival
    What: Rider’s Music Festival emerges from the fusion of elements that give joy to the heart. The celebration of the spirit of bikes, music and brotherhood. A combination that makes the soul rejoice. A festival that unites riders and helps them experience a journey of melodies and bikes.
    The festival is a careful curation of all things close to a biker’s heart. It extends as a communion where bikers can bond, exchange their stories and knowledge with people who share their passion. Featuring people from Delhi-NCR and major cities close by, who ride Harleys to Triumphs to Royal Enfields to Honda CBRs showcasing their bikes as a part of the extravaganza.
    When: 18th & 19th February 2017
    Where: New Delhi
    6. SulaFest © SulaFest
    What: India’s most awaited world gourmet music festival hosted by Sula at the gorgeous Sula Vineyards’ open air amphitheater and rolling hills in Nasik promises to be bigger and better than ever before.
    Back in its 10th year, revelries at the country’s most eagerly awaited festival will now be extended to three wonderful days of exotic gourmet, world music and wines and spirits from across the globe, all under one roof at the Sula Vineyards. With over 125 artists from near and far, three arenas of music varying from electronic dance music, techno, house, jazz, funk, fusion and more, there is something for everyone.
    When: 3, 4 & 5th February 2017
    Where: Nashik, Maharashtra
    7. The Lost Party © The Lost Party
    What: A three-day multi-genre festival built by the music, tech and visual & performing arts community. It's a unique opportunity for people to participate on the colonization of the uninhabited settlement to celebrate the nomadic lifestyle, cross limits, dance all day/night and explore the pure beauty of the The Lost Party and its citizens where we learn to share and care, to express and connect, to create and heal, to unify and beautify the world around us and in us.
    The Lost Party was created in order to bring out the ‘gypsy at heart’ in you.
    When: 24th – 27th February 2017
    Where: Another Lost part of The Universe
    8. Udaipur World Music Festival © Seher India
    What: After the success it garnered in its first year, the Udaipur World Music Festival is all set to enthrall its attendees in its second edition, yet again, with talks of artists coming in from exotic Spain.
    The festival that is organized by Seher, is set to be held at three different venues in Udaipur this time around, bringing together an amalgamation of global artists and acts to one city. Last year, the festival featured performances from top artists like Papon and East India Company, Raghu Dixit and Carminho, amongst various others.
    When: 10, 11 & 12th February 2017
    Where: Udaipur, Rajasthan
    9. India Art Fair © India Art Fair
    What: South Asia’s leading platform for modern and contemporary art and portal to the region’s cultural landscape is back this time around at the NSIC Exhibition grounds in the capital city of New Delhi for art lovers, connoisseurs and enthusiasts, alike to indulge in.
    When: 02nd – o5th February 2017
    Where: New Delhi
    10. Desert Festival Of Jaisalmer © Tourism of India
    What: The Jaisalmer Desert Festival is an annual event organized by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation each February at the beautiful Golden Desert City of Jaisalmer.
    The festival is celebrated amidst the beautiful dunes of the Thar Desert in the Sam dunes (45 kilometers from Jaisalmer). Romantic, remote and unspoiled, the location comes to life during the three day extravaganza of the delights of the desert.
    When: 08th – 10th February 2017
    Where: Jaisalmer, Rajasthan


  25. ADMIN
    The recent case of mass molestation In Bengaluru has left the country shaken and angry, at least we hope it has. Women were groped and assaulted by drunken revelers who were out celebrating New Year’s Eve on the famous MG Road. The 1500 policemen deployed in the area couldn’t do anything to prevent the horrific incident that left the women traumatized. 
    © The Tribune
    As if the sheer horror of the incident wasn’t enough, Samajwadi leader Abu Azmi’s comments are downright embarrassing and point out to a very problematic attitude towards women in the country. The politician, who also happens to be the father-in-law of actress Ayesha Takia, has squarely blamed the women for the unfortunate incident. He said that nudity has become fashion today, and such an incident was bound to happen considering women roam around exposing skin these days. "If a girl celebrates after dark she should go with her husband, father and not with strangers. There should be strict action against those going against our culture," he says. 
    He goes on to say that if women roam around with men other than their fathers or husbands, then "it is wrong to expect them to treat her with respect...if there is sugar somewhere, ants will come."
    © BCCL
    Abu Azmi is not new to this. In the past too, he has made statements so shameful and regressive that his daughter-in-law Ayesha Takia, married to his son Farhan, had to take to social media to apologise and distance themselves from his line of thought. Talking to Mid-Day, he said, "Rape is punishable by hanging in Islam. But here, nothing happens to women, only to men. Even the woman is guilty.” 
    Speaking just a few weeks after the Nirbhaya case, the SP leader had said, "If you keep petrol and fire together then it will burn. There should be a law to ensure that there should be no 'nangapan' (nudity). Those who wear less clothes should also be banned." 
    You know there’s something really rotten in the society where a man gets away with this kind of comment and continues to enjoy a senior position in a political party. The hideous comments caused Ayeshia Takia to tweet against his stand. 
    We surely do nottt share this mindset...its disrespectful to women.if these statements r true then its sad.
    — Ayesha Takia Azmi♡ (@Ayeshatakia) April 11, 2014 if wot im reading about my father in laws statements r true then me and Farhan are deeply embarrassed n ashamed...
    — Ayesha Takia Azmi♡ (@Ayeshatakia) April 11, 2014
    Azmi’s remarks are downright regressive and shameful, and have, of course, incited everybody who can think sensibly. Now they might belong to one individual who has a history of making misogynist comments in the past too. But what is terrible know is that probably a lot of people in India secretly and silently agree with him. Educated or not, living in cities or villages, men or women – caste, region, education has nothing to do with it. 
    The perpetrators of the crime probably share this view, which is why they saw no problem with committing the crime in the first place. The perception that a woman is asking for it when she wears a short dress or goes out with men to party is utterly ridiculous – people need this to be told a hundred times that a woman’s body is her own and it is NEVER acceptable to violate it no matter what, not even if she walks nude on the street.
    © BCCL
    We Indians are an intelligent lot, and we are hard-working too. Our country is rich in natural resources, enjoys a varied climate, has a fertile terrain, cultural diversity and huge mass of labour force – with such massive resources aplenty, why are we still struggling to become a super power? There are many reasons – from corruption to brain drain – but one of the main things that have prevented us from hurtling towards development is the attitude towards women. When half the country’s population (48.16 % to be precise), spends its time trying to rise above the restrictions and shackles put by the other half, progress is the last thing that happens. 
    When females are killed at birth, or married at a young age, condemned to a lifetime of spending their days in the kitchen or in the bedroom, the onus of development falls on the other half of the population – which is never enough, because success is always a collective effort. Think about it. 
    © Thinkstock Photos/Getty Images
    We are a men’s magazine, which is why it becomes all the more imperative for us to condemn such a regressive attitude towards women. It’s true that not all men share it, but enough men do to make it a living hell for women. As men, it is our duty to stand up for what’s wrong. Most of us will find Abu Azmi’s comments obnoxious, but there are some who probably share his view point. It is to them that we appeal when we say, women form one half of mankind and they deserve as many rights and respect as men do. Their bodies as theirs, just as our bodies are ours.


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