Mallika Sherawat graces 'Azaan'

Bollywood hottie Mallika Sherawat attended the special screening of the film 'Azaan', recently held in Dubai. The event also saw the presence of actor-turned-director Sohail Khan Besides, the film's lead actors, debutants Sachiin Joshi and South African model Candice, seemed quite excited to be a part of the event. 'Azaan' revolves around the story of a man who acts as an informant working to save the country from the threat of biological warfare. The film also stars Ravi Kisan, Dilip Tahir and Prashant Chadha.

Releases musical tribute:Rishi Kapoor

Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor launched a 5-CD collection of songs picturized on his late uncle, Shammi Kapoor, in Mumbai. The CD collection has been released by the music label 'Saregama' to mark the 80th birth anniversary of the legendary actor. Shammi Kapoor passed away on August 14, 2011, two days before the 34th death anniversary of his icon, Elvis Presley.

Shifted to hospital from jail:Yeddyurappa

Former Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, who was sent to judicial custody on Saturday, has been shifted to a hospital from jail after he complained of chest pain.
68-year-old Yeddyurappa is now Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa,l.
According to sources, he had high blood pressure and vomited a couple of times, which prompted the jail authorities to rush him to hospital.
Yeddyurappa, against whom an arrest warrant was issued in connection with cases regarding alleged irregularities in denotification of government lands, surrendered before the Lokayukta Court in Bangalore on Saturday.
Earlier, the special Lokayukta Court rejected the anticipatory bail and issued an arrest warrant against him.
The court also denied bail to Yeddyurappa's former ministerial colleague S N Krisnaiah Setty, but gave relief to 14 other accused including the former Chief Minister's sons B Y Raghavendra, Lok Sabha MP and B Y Vijayendra, and son-in-law Sohan Kumar.
Former Lokayukta Santosh Hegde's independent inquiry into mining graft in Karnataka, accused Yeddyurappa and other key officials for causing a loss of at least 160 billion rupees to the state exchequer between 2006 and 2010 from illegal mining and a series of abuses.
Yeddyurappa tendered his resignation on July 31 to Governor Hansraj Bhardwaj, following allegations of corruption, that was later accepted.

Make a career out of solving crime

Who was the world’s first known forensic scientist? History says it is Archimedes. A new crown had been made for King Hiero II. Had the goldsmith added some silver or was it solid gold? Who could solve this mystery without dissolving the crown?
It was Archimedes who solved it. He had noticed that water rising whenever he stepped into a bathtub. He solved the problem based on volume of the crown and the amount of displaced water.
But it was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s creation of Sherlock Holmes in the late nineteenth century that popularised the usage of science in solving crimes. It is the scene of the crime that often leads to the culprit. Enter the forensic scientist; it’s his job to collect evidences at the crime scene.
Though the field has existed for years yet, it is still not a career option for many despite being exposed to a TV series like CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) and plethora of detective stories.
But, have you ever thought of exploring the field as a career? Riddhi N. Parekh had the opportunity to participate in ‘Awareness week’ at her college during graduation. She was inspired to enter the world of Forensics for PG studies.
“It is challenging, the non-availability of crime scenes as part of study, being the only sad part,” expresses Riddhi, a second-year student of MSc Forensic Science. But this didn’t stop her from showing up at the scene of a robbery committed near her house, where she helped collect firsthand forensic evidence.
Relevance in real life
Forensic science applies scientific knowledge to aid in the administration of justice, and has no boundaries as far as subjects are concerned; it uses all faculties of science like Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Medicine. “There is hardly anything that can’t be resolved through forensics, starting from a petty theft to paternity disputes in a social sense,” says Dr. M.S. Dahiya, Director, Institute of Forensic Science, GFSU.
The field is divided into three categories:
Forensic medicine includes forensic pathology, psychiatry, psychology, forensic medicine and odontology (dentistry).
Laboratory sciences comprise chemistry, biology, toxicology, ballistics, fingerprints, questioned documents and impressions.
Field sciences include crime scene investigation including fire and explosion scenes and drug laboratories.
There’s nothing casual about this field and one must be very attentive during studies and during the investigations. Here’s why. “At a crime scene you have only one chance to collect evidence and lead the investigation. Even a single mistake on your part may be responsible for justice being denied,” warns Dr. Kewel Krishan, Senior Assistant professor, Dept of Anthropology, Panjab University, Chandigarh.
What to study
Institutes in India offer courses in forensic science at the undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma and certificate levels. You can do some short-term courses as well (view table for list of programmes). Clearing All India entrance exams is mandatory to get entry into a course. The eligibility for a BSc Forensic Science is 10+2 in science.
You need a strong science background, and being good in Maths is an unsaid prerequisite. You need a BSc in any discipline to pursue a two-year MSc in Forensic Science. Punjabi University, Patiala offers a two-year MSc (Forensic Science) with specialisation in forensic biology, forensic serology, forensic chemistry and forensic toxicology. Dr. Hari Singh Gour University, Sagar has MSc. (Forensic Science) as well as a PhD (view list of related options in the table).
You can apply for PG Diploma courses in Forensic Science or Criminology as a graduate. Usually one-year programmes also accept non-science students. The Faculty of Science, Department of Anthropology at the University of Delhi offers a one-year PG Certificate course in Forensic Science (view listing of universities abroad in table).
An MPhil or PhD in Forensic Science is also a path several take, instead of finding a job. “I want to become a Forensic Wildlife scientist. So, a PhD is next,” says Rushabh P. Shah, an MSc Forensic Science student of GFSU. Those who have secured 60% in postgraduation can pursue research. The Bureau of Police Research and Development offers a fellowship (view Box for details).
Scope in India
Though Forensic Toxicology, Forensic Biology and Crime Scene Investigation have always had scope, India is actively moving forward in this field, and keeping up with the technological changes across the world. The Gujarat Forensic Science University was set up exclusively to offer super-specialised post graduate degree courses to address this very need.
Forensic Speech Science deals with recording, analysing voice samples using spectrogram, a machine to help identify the speaker. Voice recordings are permissible as evidence in the court of law in anti-corruption and other criminal offences, something you would already know if you’ve been keeping up with the news. The All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH), Mysore offers courses in Forensic Speech Sciences Forensic accounting is another option, which involves the detection and prevention of financial fraud. Students get exposure to the field by writing research papers as part of their course.
Aptitude and skills for a career
“Technical skill can be developed through the curriculum. But intelligence and aptitude to solving a crime by viewing it from various angles cannot be taught,” believes Dahiya. Good academic skills with thorough knowledge of various fields of science, is necessary.
The field also demands an eye for detail, strong analytical skills and keen observation. The ability to work with experts from other fields like Psychology, Social Science and Statistics is a must. And one must be comfortable working indoors and outdoors.
Job opportunities
These largely depend on one’s area of specialisation. Graduates can work in government and private agencies, hospitals and laboratories. Some corporates hire graduates as document experts. Other areas include anti-terrorist operations, mass disaster management, cyber crime investigation, protection of human rights, environment, consumer and intellectual property rights.
Students find entry into other vocations such as civil services, banks, police, pharmaceutical industry, the paint industry, clinical research, biotechnology and software, too. A student starting out as a lab assistant or technician can expect to get Rs. 20,000 to Rs 25,000 per month initially.
Academics is another avenue where one can teach at a college or university, and earn a minimum of Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 30,000 per month. Forensic Science Laboratories (FSL) across India hires forensic scientists. FSL Bangalore recently recruited 60 scientific assistants, half of them women, who started with Rs. 7,000 as basic salary. However, we advice you not to merely look at these figures but consider all career growth possibilities. Also, salaries vary drastically across sectors.
For instance, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Police departments would offer a higher pay. CBI’s forensic laboratory in Delhi recruits candidates through the Union Public Service Commission exams. Private agencies are another place to start. If you choose to freelance, you need a certification by the state forensics department to practice.
And finally, Dahiya summaries,” Widen your vision. Instead of concentrating on bull’s eye, get a bird’s eye view.” Be open to the world of mystery, science and conquering the unknown.

Stick for the blind wins award

Shantanu Gangwar, a Class 12 student, was pained to see his blind friends bump into walls, furniture and other objects. So he invented a smart walking stick that gives early warning of an obstacle.
The cheap and easy-to-use stick, which will cost around Rs.800, has bagged him the Council for Scientific and Industrial research (CSIR) Diamond Jubilee Invention Award for School Children 2010.
The award was created by the ministry of science and technology to enhance creativity among children.
A student of Delhi Public School here, Shantanu, 17, has shared the award with Ankit Kumar Mittal, another Class 12 student, from Barnala in Punjab. Ankit has invented a modified zip.
'I used to feel bad seeing visually-impaired students in my school bump into walls and furniture. I thought of developing something that warns them about obstacles,' Shantanu told IANS.
He proposed the idea to his electronics teacher who was all for it. 'It took me six months to develop the stick.
'It has infra-red sensors. The sensors are connected to a motor. When infra-red rays are reflected, the stick starts vibrating, giving warning about obstacles ahead,' said the lean and tall boy who wants to be an engineer.
The equipment can be fitted on conventional stick.
'It can detect an obstacle within one feet. Now I plan to increase the range to 2-3 metres. I have been approached by some companies to market the invention,' he says, with a tinge of pride.
Ankit's invention is equally interesting. He modified zip locks which used in travel bags, kit bags and jackets.
Normally it is difficult to change a defective zip lock. The traditional ones are in one piece. After seeing my father struggle to fix the zip lock of his jacket, I thought of developing a two-piece lock,' Ankit, who want to be a scientist, told IANS.
According to CSIR Director General Sameer Brahmchari, the two inventions were chosen out of 353 proposals received for various categories of prizes to be given away.

No Koffee With Karan Johar

Filmmaker and television host Karan Johar who has made almost all the big Bollywood stars to reveal their startling secrets on his TV show, was all set to can a special episode of Koffee with Karan with the world famous heiress and fashion icon Paris Hilton. But now news is coming that he has backed out of his commitment to go ahead with the interview, which was an exception by the filmmaker, as the fourth season of the show has been already wrapped up. According to a source, The stage was set for the famous Karan-Paris television face-off. However Paris media team reportedly laid down too many conditions. Karan was allegedly told that he could not ask Paris any personal questions especially those pertaining to drug use, her jail term or sex tapes.

Pure Romance Is Lost Somewhere

Sonam Kapoor would any day go for handwritten love letters - never mind if she belongs to the tech- savvy generation. The young actress, who takes failures in her stride, feels pure romance has disappeared not only from movies but also from real life.
The 26-year-old believes her latest film, 'Mausam', will help rediscover the old world charm of romance.
'Pure romance is lost somewhere and that's why we are trying to get that back. I know people will connect to it because someone like me, who lives in this generation, wonders why there aren't more romantic films,' Sonam told IANS in an interview.
The daughter of actor Anil Kapoor, Sonam entered Bollywood four years ago with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Saawariya' and 'Mausam' will be her sixth release.
'I have grown as a person and have developed better relationships with people in these four years, but I have a really long way to go.
'I can be a better actor, a better dancer and a better orator. I think it is all a growth process. I know I can improve and hopefully with each film I have improved,' said Sonam.
After playing an uptown girl in 'Aisha', she will etch the role of a traditional Kashmiri girl who falls in love with a Punjabi boy, played by Shahid Kapoor in 'Mausam' directed by Pankaj Kapoor.
'I think in this world where there is terror, political unrest, corruption and even nature is going against us - everything seems to be going wrong. I think there is one thing that is positive and that is love, it's the only thing that can change people,' she added.
Through Sonam and Shahid's character, the essence of romance that perhaps dates back to the 1960s or 1970s era is recreated -- the film shows how they meet and fall in love and how social, political situations play villain and separate the lovers.
Set for a Sep 16 release, the film is made in a time when youngsters are hooked to mobile phones and prefer expressing themselves through SMS or social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. But in 'Mausam', Sonam and Shahid express their feelings through handwritten love letters.
Sonam, who has also done films like 'Delhi 6', 'I Hate Luv Storys' and 'Thank You', feels writing one's feelings on a piece of paper is the most 'charming' and 'personal' way of expressing love.
'Today people express their feelings on mails and SMSs. Although technology is cool, it is so impersonal. Even though we are connected to each and everyone, we are so distant at the same time; there is so much dichotomy. It is so superficial.'
'I find it really charming where people can connect on a personal level with you through a handwritten paper. I feel that the bond that gets formed is not only personal, it also gets deeper. Obviously that connect is missing today,' added the 25-year-old.
Sonam has had her share of heartbreaks when her films have failed to create magic at the box office, but the actress is undeterred.
'I don't consider things as good and bad. It's about working hard and hoping for the best. If things do not happen for the best, may be it is karma or destiny or it is something that you deserve,' she said.
'I am not bitter about anything. Everybody says you are always so happy and cheerful; this is because I am not affected by what is happening around me. All I want to do is to work. I never fear failure because if you don't fail you will never know the secret of success,' she added.
However, Sonam admits she still has a 'lot of inhibitions about doing certain kind of films, but then I feel I am an actor and should be able to do anything and everything. I am slowly overcoming my inhibitions. It'll take time but I know I can'.

Biblical Movie

A Jewish rights group has urged Hollywood studio bosses to axe actor Mel Gibson from a proposed biblical drama about Jewish hero Judah Maccabee.
Contactmusic.com reports that the Anti-Defamation League feels Gibson does not have 'respect and sensitivity for other people's religious views'.
'As a hero of the Jewish people and a universal hero in the struggle for religious liberty, Judah Maccabee deserves better,' the group said.
'It would be a travesty to have the story of the Maccabees told by one who has no respect and sensitivity for other people's religious views.'
Gibson, 55, is collaborating with screenwriter Joe Eszterhas to tell the story of the Jewish warrior who defeated the Greek-Syrian armies in the 2nd century BC and inspired the Hanukkah celebration.

Catches Box Bffice Lead

"Contagion" gripped filmgoers as the thriller about the race to contain a deadly virus took hold of the top spot at the domestic box office and knocked hit drama "The Help" to second place.

"Contagion" brought in an estimated $23.1 million at U.S. and Canadian theaters over its first three days, distributor Warner Bros. said on Sunday. Six international markets added another $2.1 million.
Directed by Steven Soderbergh, the film tells the story of a fast-spreading killer virus and scientists' efforts to stop it as the body count rises. The movie features an all-star cast that includes Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, Laurence Fishburne and Jude Law.
The film beat studio expectations by telling "a tough story in a provocative way. There is nothing more icky than this," said Jeff Goldstein, executive vice president of domestic distribution for Warner Bros.
Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the movie a B- rating on average.
"The Help," a critics and audience favorite about black maids who speak out about white employers in civil rights-era Mississippi, slipped to second place after three straight weeks as the box-office leader. The film soaked up $8.7 million, pushing up its domestic receipts to $137.1 million since the book adaptation hit theaters five weeks ago.
"Warrior," a new drama about two brothers who battle for victory and redemption in a mixed-martial arts tournament, finished third with a disappointing $5.6 million. The brothers, a war veteran played by Tom Hardy and a high-school teacher and father played by Joel Edgerton, face wounds from the past as their estranged father, portrayed Nick Nolte, works as one of their coaches.
The film earned an A from audiences polled by CinemaScore and positive reviews from critics.
"We're going to continue to fight. The film is an underdog story and this is an underdog movie," said David Spitz, head of domestic distribution for Lionsgate, the studio that released the film.
'BUCKY LARSON' FLOPS
The No. 4 movie domestically was spy thriller "The Debt" with $4.9 million over its second weekend. Action movie "Colombiana," starring Zoe Saldana as an assassin seeking revenge, landed fifth with $4.0 million.
Comedy "Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star" was a box-office bomb. Panned by critics, the film about a Midwestern kid who moves to Hollywood to become a porn star brought in $1.5 million in North American receipts and failed to crack the weekend's top 10. "While the movie was made on a very modest budget, it didn't work out the way we hoped," Sony spokesman Steve Elzer said.
Warner Bros., a unit of Time Warner Inc, released "Contagion." Sony Corp unit Columbia Pictures released "Colombiana" and "Bucky Larson."
"The Help" was produced by DreamWorks and distributed by Walt Disney Co. Focus Features, a unit of Comcast Corp's Universal Pictures, released "The Debt."

Aarakshan

The governments of three states have banned the screening of the film 'Aarakshan' for two months and this has saddened Amitabh Bachchan, who is playing an important role in it. He is wondering how this restriction will solve the problem after two months.
'UP (Uttar Pradesh), Punjab and today Andhra Pradesh have given notice to ban the film and not allow it to be projected for another two months - a provision given administratively to each government,' Big B posted on his blog bigb.bigadda.com.
'After that period is over, the film can have exhibition and ... the producer is not obliged to carry out any changes that the administration in governance may have found, because the film technically and legally has found certification without a single cut,' Big B posted on his blog bigb.bigadda.com.
'What good will two months do then in the law and order situation - the reason given for the non-showing of this product ! So the same film is a law and order problem now and today, but shall not be a problem after two months?
'You will destroy the commerce of the producer and all those that have invested time, blood, tears and money into this film, when even after waiting for 2 months there cannot be any change that will be accepted to be done!,' he added.
The film, also starring Deepika Padukone, Saif Ali Khan, Manoj Bajpayee and Prateik in pivotal roles, released in the rest of the country Friday.
'Aarakshan' deals with the sensitive issue of reservation and it landed in trouble after facing protests from the Republican Party of India (RPI) and several groups expressing concern over its content in anticipation of anti-Dalit comment.
Even though Prakash Jha, the director, agreed to make 'appropriate cuts' in the movie, the two-month ban still continues on the film in the three states.
The Supreme Court Friday will also hear a petition by Jha seeking the lifting of the ban on his film in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.
The series of events has also put a question mark on the clearance given by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to any movie and the 68-year-old megastar feels such bans bring only disrespect to the body.
'What is the need then of the Censor Board, a statutory body instituted by you, the legislatures and Parliamentarians that govern this land. You nominate what you believe, to disbelieve what you nominate!! Better to remove it altogether then rather than give it disrespect,' he posted.

Black Magick

lack Magick is sometimes also called dark magic. Black Magick  - The term "Magick" spelt with a "k" was coined by the notorious Black Magician Aleiser Crowley. Black Magick was used as a term to differentiate Western Ceremonial practices and its aims from stage magic, conjuring or parlor tricks. Crowley also had some Kabbalistic reasons related to Gamatria (Kabbalistic word games) for justifying this. Black Magick is usually now defined as the branch of magic and sorcery that is used to perform evil acts or the powers used to summon malevolent spirits. Black magic (Magick) sides with the powers of darkness symbolised by the Left-Hand Path. White magic has no evil intent and is used by practitioners used only for good purposes. Since the Inquisition when the Christians persecuted witches and warlocks there has remained a great deal of prejudice against practitioners of all forms of magic. Not everything that is called magic has malevolent intentions behind it. Craig"Stage magicians and conjurers are of course illusionists, not magicians in the historical context of the word. Many of these entertainers such as Houdini in the past and James Randi today despise all forms of psychic, mystical, magic and mediumistic claims and yet continue to hijack the word 'magician' for their stage shows. Surely if they were sincere in their beliefs they would call themselves illusionists rather than piggy back on genres that they consider to be immoral"