It was a big mistake to sign Sara Khan: Producer

Sara Khan, who shot to fame with the TV show 'Bidaai' and stayed in the limelight with a run in various reality shows, is giving the producers of her latest film, 'Midsummer Midnight Mumbai', sleepless nights.

A source told TOI, "Sara has become so difficult that the producers regret signing her." Says the source, "Sara routinely threw tantrums on set and one time, even refused to shoot for a scene in a busy street owing to lack of a vanity van."

READ: Has Sara Khan found love again?

When contacted, director Braj Bhushan confirmed the news. "How can I park a vanity van at a busy traffic junction? A few people laughed at us when we went to the BMC asking for permission."

Watch: Sara Khan and Pratyusha Banerjee in bikini

He alleged that Sara and boyfriend Paras Chhabra, would always come late on the set, delaying the shot. "We had to almost cancel a song sequence because the two didn't turn up at all. While we were at Ratnagiri, they would report at 2 for a 6 am schedule. The budget went haywire."

Braj has somehow managed to complete the film, which is gearing up for a March release, and has vowed to never work with Sara again. "It was a big mistake to sign her," he said. Despite repeated attempts, Sara Khan could not be reached for a comment.

WATCH: Pratyusha Banerjee and Sara Khan's cat fight

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New Year's Eve 2013: Google bids goodbye with an animated doodle

NEW DELHI: Keeping up with its tradition of coming out with doodles to mark important days, Google, on Tuesday, displayed an animated New Year's Eve 2013 doodle on its homepage to bid adieu to the year. It is the last Google doodle for the year 2013.

Today's attractive doodle features the numbers 2,0,1 and 3 partying on a multi-coloured dance floor. The number 4 is also depicted in the doodle, which is interpreted as waiting along the sides to replace 3. In the background, two speakers are seen playing music uniformly.

Additionally, the Google logo is presented in a colourful way with a disco ball that represents the letter 'O'. And if you move the cursor on the doodle then a message 'Happy New Year!' will appear.

Just below the search bar, the search engine displays a caption that reads 'What did the world search for this year? Remember the moments of 2013'. And on clicking the given link, users are redirected to the Google Zeitgeist 2013 page that highlights some of the major and significant events of the year in a 1.31-minute video.

The Times of India also brings you the Top News of the Year 2013 even as we look ahead for a new beginning.

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Manoj Kumar to meet Arvind Kejriwal to get justice!

Manoj Kumar is also looking to the brand new Delhi CM, Arvind Kejriwal, for a solution to his problem.

"I have sought a meeting with him, let me see whether he can get me justice. If my back permits me, I will come myself, else I will send my son," says Manoj Kumar, who's looking to get back about 45 acres of land acquired by the Delhi government in 2005 in Narela.

READ: Manoj Kumar back for Shastri

"Acquired is the wrong word, it was grabbed, using a 1892 British law unjustly. Our whole family used to meet there and I also used to stay there two months in a year. I told the government then that they have made me a refugee again. If they wanted part of it for road widening, or safety purposes, I can understand, lekin yeh kahan ka insaaf hai ke mujhse ek rupaiye mein leke, 100 rupaiye mein ussey builders ko bech do? Also, 90% of the land is still lying unused, even though they said it was needed for urgent development purposes. I have written 6-7 letters to the LG and to the Delhi government, but not one has been answered. Now I want to see what Kejriwal can do," says Manoj, who says he played a role that could fit Arvind Kejriwal to the T in a 1970 film called Yaadgaar.

ALSO READ: 10 interesting facts about Manoj Kumar

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South Africa beat India by 10 wickets in Kallis's final Test, win series 1-0

NEW DELHI: India crashed to a humiliating 10-wicket defeat in the second cricket Test after their young batsmen surrendered meekly to give South Africa a 1-0 series triumph in Jacques Kallis' farewell match, on Monday.

Scorecard

Needing to bat out the entire fifth day's play at the Kingsmead to force a draw, the Indians had the worst possible start by losing Virat Kohli in the very first ball and never really recovered from the jolt to be bundled out for 223.

Ajinkya Rahane stood bravely amidst the ruins with a gutsy 96 and was the last man out. India were pegged back after losing five wickets in the morning session.

Left-arm spinner Robin Peterson (4/74) was pick of the bowler for the hosts with a four-wicket haul while pacemen Dale Steyn (3/47) and Vernon Philander (3/43) scalped three batsmen each.

South Africa then chased down the small 58-run target in 11.4 overs overs as skipper Graeme Smith (27) hit a six and a four off Rohit Sharma to record their first win at Kingsmead. Alviro Petersen remained unbeaten on 31.

The victory was a befitting farewell gift to their retiring hero Kallis, who himself had a memorable match by cracking his 45th Test hundred.

Smith's cover drive to fence triggered off celebrations in the home camp with the players hugging each other and shaking hands while the spectators also cheered the team.

For the Indians, it turned out to be a heart-breaking end to the tour, having been drubbed in the One-day series as well. The loss was all the more disappointing since the team had fought gallantly in the thrilling drawn Test in Johannesburg.

It is the fifth time that India have lost a Test series on South African soil, managing a 1-1 draw only once in 2010-11 rubber. India have never won a series in South Africa and now have lost nine of the last 10 overseas Tests.

Rahane played a fine rearguard innings scoring 96 runs off 157 balls with 11 fours and two sixes, a lone hand with none of the frontline batsmen making an important contribution in order to save the match.

After Steyn and Peterson did the early damage, Philander chipped in and Morne Morkel (0/34) provided able support as the Indians lost five wickets for 105 runs in the morning session.

Starting at 173 for 7 after lunch, all that was left for Rahane and Zaheer Khan to do was delay the inevitable as long as possible. And they did it for nearly 10 overs, as Rahane started farming the strike.

With the Proteas pacers unable to get the breakthrough and the second new ball fast approaching, Peterson was brought on in the 76th over and the move paid off two overs later, with Zaheer being trapped LBW. He scored three runs, but faced 41 balls, and put up 35 runs with Rahane.

Rahane then brought out his shots in order to get to his maiden Test hundred, as he raced to the 90s. At the other end, Steyn got Ishant Sharma (1) in the 85th over and celebrated his 350th Test wicket with vigour. And in the very next over, Rahane was bowled by Philander, a huge swipe gunning for glory missing and the stumps shattered.

Resuming the day on 68 for two, India had their two best batsmen -- Pujara on 32 and Kohli on 11 -- at the crease, and any hopes of seeing the day out rested on their shoulders.

But all of it came to nought as Kohli was out on the first delivery of the day when Steyn bowled a short of length delivery outside the off-stump and the batsman played at it. Kohli, though didn't make contact, the ball seemed to have brushed his shoulder on its way to the keeper and umpire Rod Tucker adjudged him out.

This was his second bad decision after giving Jacques Kallis out LBW off an inside edge in the first Test at Johannesburg.

An irate Kohli walked off, but India's disastrous tale continued as 16 balls later, Steyn bowled a superb delivery to fox Pujara, who thought he had covered the line of the ball. But his off-stump was rocked back as the batting side's hopes were deflated.

Rohit Sharma (25), at the other end, meanwhile was looking to make a first mark on this tour. He was involved in a verbal duel with Steyn, and looked to be in control when he hit a four off him in the 43rd over and then a six off Peterson three overs later. But he innings was cut short by Philander, who trapped him LBW, the ball jagging back off the pitch in the 51st over.

Rahane was joined by skipper MS Dhoni (15) in the middle and they put on 42 runs for the sixth wicket. But just when it looked they could avoid further damage, Dhoni was out caught at midwicket off Peterson.

Ravindra Jadeja (8) played a horrific shot to hole out soon after, even as Rahane looked for some support from the tail-enders. He found that in Zaheer, who stayed on long enough to help him get his second half-century of the match.

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Michael Schumacher undergoes surgery, still 'critical' after ski accident

PARIS: Seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher was in critical condition after undergoing brain surgery following a skiing accident in the French Alps on Sunday, doctors said.

The Grenoble University Hospital Center said the retired racing driver arrived at the clinic in a coma and underwent immediate surgery for a serious head trauma.

Factbox

It was not clear whether the 44-year-old Schumacher was still in a coma but the hospital statement, which was signed by a neurosurgeon, an anaesthesiologist and Marc Penaud, the hospital's deputy director, said "he remains in a critical condition".

Schumacher fell while skiing off-piste in Meribel earlier on Sunday and hit his head on a rock, according to a statement from the resort. Resort managers said he had been wearing a helmet and was conscious when rescuers first responded to the scene.

Earlier in the day, the Meribel resort said Schumacher had been taken to Grenoble for tests and authorities said his life was not in danger.

But the situation began to appear more serious when the resort said that orthopaedic and trauma surgeon Gerard Saillant had travelled from Paris to the hospital in Grenoble to examine Schumacher. German news agency dpa said it was Saillant who operated on Schumacher when he broke his leg during a crash at the Silverstone race course in 1999.

In an email to The Associated Press, Schumacher's manager Sabine Kehm said the champion German driver was on a private skiing trip and "fell on his head".

"We ask for understanding that we cannot give running updates on his condition. He wore a helmet and was not alone," Kehm said. Schumacher's 14-year-old son was skiing with his father when the accident happened, the resort said.

As news of the accident spread, Formula One drivers used social media to wish Schumacher a quick recovery.

His former Ferrari teammate Felipe Massa, who recovered from life-threatening injuries sustained at the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2009, wrote on Instagram: "I am praying for you my brother!! I hope you have a quick recovery!! God bless you Michael."

The Twitter feed of Germany's Adrian Sutil, who drives for Sauber, read: "I hope Michael Schumacher will get well soon! All my best to him and his family." Romain Grosjean of Lotus tweeted: "All our thoughts to Schumi and his family! Hope you will recover soon (hash) legend (hash) Schumi."

Support also came from leading German sports personalities, ranging from the NBA to soccer. Dallas Mavericks power forward Dirk Nowitzki said his thoughts were with Schumacher, while Lukas Podolski, who plays for Arsenal in the English Premier League, tweeted: "Bad news from Switzerland: please get well soon, Michael Schumacher. All the best for you, my friend! (hash) getwellsoon (hash) MichaelSchumacher."

In addition to the crash at Silverstone, Schumacher was hurt seriously in a motorcycling accident in February 2009 in Spain when he suffered neck and spine injuries. He recovered sufficiently from those injuries to make a comeback in F1.

Schumacher initially retired from F1 in 2006 after winning five straight titles with Ferrari following two earlier ones with Benetton. He returned to the sport in 2010 and drove for three seasons for Mercedes without much success before retiring again last year.

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AAP government delivers on free water supply promise

GHAZIABAD: Fulfilling its poll promise, the Aam Aadmi Party government on Monday announced 667 litres of free water daily for each household having metered connection in Delhi.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Delhi jal board chaired by chief minister Arvind Kejriwal at his residence here in Kausambi, Ghaziabad.

"All the domestic consumers having metered connection will get 20 kilolitres of water free of cost from January 1. We will not even levy any existing charges such as water cess and sewerage charge," newly-appointed Delhi jal board CEO Vijay Kumar told reporters.

He, however, said if the consumption limit crosses 20 kilolitres, then the consumer will have to pay for the water and other charges.

Kumar was appointed CEO of DJB on Saturday evening in place of Debashree Mukherjee who is understood to have reservation over supplying water free of cost.

In its election manifesto, the Aam Admi Party had announced that 700 litres of free water will be supplied daily to each household if it comes to power.

Last month, Delhi jal board had planned to increase the water tariff by 10 per cent from January to improve its finances.

It is not immediately clear whether government will charge for water being supplied to over 1,600 unauthorised colonies across the city as in most households in these settlements water metres are yet to be installed.

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Over 30,000 Ethiopian maids ran away in Saudi Arabia

(According to official statistics…)

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia registered over 30,000 cases of Ethiopian domestic workers walking out of their jobs over the past year, authorities said.

According to official statistics from the Ministry of Labour, around 31,700 Ethiopian maids ran away from their jobs. Economists estimate that the citizens were left with a heavy financial burden as a result of these cases.

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India's tit-for-tat forces US ambassador Nancy Powell to call off Nepal vacation?

NEW DELHI: US ambassador Nancy Powell had a first-hand experience of India's ire as officials here politely declined to accord her special airport privileges for her Christmas vacation to Nepal.

The government had on December 19 - a week after the arrest of diplomat Devyani Khobragade — withdrawn all special airport passes to the US diplomats that allowed them access to several places at the airport not just while travelling but also for receiving and seeing off guests. It said this was a reciprocal measure as Indian diplomats were not given the same passes in the US.

However, Lee McManis, acting spokesperson for the US embassy, said Powell's "personal holiday plans in Nepal were cancelled to deal with pressing issues", implying that her decision had nothing to do with the withdrawal of special privileges.

After receiving a communication from the US Embassy about Powell's plan to travel to Nepal, the government declined to accord her any special privileges as her airport pass stood withdrawn. The ambassador's special pass came with a photo identity card unlike the "floating passes" reserved for junior diplomats. The withdrawal of the pass means that Powell will have to travel like an ordinary passenger. She will be forced to stand in a queue and also lend herself to routine frisking by security personnel.

Sources said Powell will not get any privilege in India that her Indian counterpart in the US doesn't get. The government justified this saying that Indian ambassador to the US too travels like an ordinary person. Officials cited the example of the then Indian ambassador to the US Meera Shankar, who was subjected to a public pat-down by security officials at Jackson-Evers International Airport in Mississippi in 2010. She was subjected to a secondary screening by security officials despite Shankar having presented her diplomatic credentials. India's envoy to the UN Hardeep Puri was also detained at Houston airport in Texas after he refused to take his turban off.

The special pass given to the US ambassador is given to other heads of diplomatic missions only on a reciprocal basis. Indian officials pointed out that Indian diplomats in the US are forced to approach the state department every time they require special access in any airport. India issues floating passes to diplomats from other countries too but has said this will now be strictly on a reciprocal basis.

In a sign of things to come, the Association of Indian Diplomats (AID), which comprises retired Indian ambassadors, on Friday issued a statement demanding that the government insist on an official apology from the US for the treatment meted out to diplomat Devyani Khobragade and also withdrawal of all charges against her.

The government has already withdrawn several diplomatic and consular privileges accorded earlier to US officials. Putting further pressure on the government to act, AID also demanded that the government raise the issue in all appropriate international bodies to ensure that no diplomat from any country was treated in a similar fashion.

"The Association is dismayed at the specious, inaccurate and bureaucratic arguments that the state department and other US authorities have put forward to try to justify such selective and discriminatory treatment of the Indian diplomat as standard American procedure,'' said AID, adding that there was a clear failure on the part of the US to honour its international commitments under the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic and Consular Relations.

The US continues to seek more time for submitting details sought by India, including salaries paid to all Indian staff employed at the US consulates, citing Christmas and New Year vacations. They have also not filed the details of salaries paid to Indian staff and others in their schools in Delhi and Chennai.

India's new envoy S Jaishankar on Friday met top US officials and sought withdrawal of charges against Khobargade as the state department said it was looking into the issue of full diplomatic immunity which she was entitled to in her capacity as advisor to India's permanent mission to the UN. Immediately after presenting his credentials to the office of chief of protocol, he met under-secretary for political affairs Wendy Sherman and under-secretary for management Patrick F Kennedy of the state department.

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Veteran actor Farooq Sheikh dies due to heart attack in Dubai

DUBAI: Veteran actor Farooq Sheikh, best known for his memorable performances in films like 'Garm Hava', 'Shatranj Ke Khiladi', 'Chashme Buddoor', 'Umrao Jaan' and 'Bazaar', died after suffering a heart attack in Dubai.

"He has passed away," a family member said. The 65-year-old Bollywood actor suffered a fatal heart attack on late Friday night. He was apparently in Dubai with his family for a concert.

His body will be brought to Mumbai later in the day after completing the formalities in Dubai.

Sheikh was born in Amroli in Gujarat's Baroda District. He was active in theatre before making his debut in Bollywood with MS Sathyu's 1973 Partition drama 'Garm Hawa' where he played the youngest son of Balraj Sahni. The movie is considered to be a pioneer of a new wave of Hindi art cinema.

There was no looking back for Sheikh after that as he created a space for himself in active parallel cinema world of that time with his nuanced performances and went on to work with filmmakers like Satyajit Ray, Shyam Benegal, Muzaffar Ali and Hrishikesh Mukherjee.

His most notable films include Ray's 'Shatranj Ke Khiladi', 'Noorie', 'Chashme Buddoor', 'Kissi Se Na Kehna', 'Katha', 'Faasle' and Sagar Sarhadi's 'Bazaar'.

He formed a successful pair with Deepti Naval working with her in 'Chashme Baddoor', 'Kissi Se Na Kehna', 'Katha' and most recently in 'Listen Amaya'.

Later on he acted in fewer films like 'Saas Bahu Aur Sensex', 'Tell Me O Khuda' and 'Lahore' for which he won the 2010 National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performace as a boxing coach.

This year he had three film releases 'Listen Amaya', 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani' and 'Club 60'. He will be seen next in Jacky Bhagnani starrer 'Youngistan'.

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Ind vs SA: India end Day 1 in a dominating position in second Test

DURBAN: Opener Murali Vijay marked his return to form with a fluent unbeaten 91 as India gained early control of the series-deciding second Test against South Africa with a solid batting display on Thursday.

Scorecard | Day 1 in Pics

The 29-year-old Vijay, who had not managed to get a big score for some time now, was just nine runs short of what could be his fourth Test century as the visitors reached a comfortable 181/1 before bad light stopped play at the Kingsmead.

Vijay found an able ally in Cheteshwar Pujara (batting 58) as the duo stitched an unfinished 140-run second wicket partnership to wrest the initiative from the South Africans who toiled hard on an unresponsive pitch.

Electing to bat, the Indians lost Shikar Dhawan (29) early but Vijay and Pujara, who scored 153 in the epic drawn Test in Johannesburg, ensured that they did not suffer any further damage by batting cautiously.

Riding on Vijay and Pujara's exploits, India went into tea on a commanding position at 163/1.

Coming out to bat post tea, the two batsmen had disappointment in store as only eight overs were bowled in the final session of play before bad light interrupted the proceedings, eventually forcing the umpires to call off the remaining day's play.

Earlier, resuming India's innings at 76/1 in the post-lunch session, Vijay and Pujara further increased their 35-run partnership for the second wicket, playing with consummate ease.

Despite the sun hiding behind clouds after the break, there was nothing more than a hint of movement on the bouncy pitch for the South African pace battery.

The two batsmen made good use of the conditions, playing watchfully yet at the same time scoring at a decent pace.

India crossed the 100-run mark in the 30th over. The last 10 overs bowled by the Proteas in the post-lunch session had cost 48 runs without producing a wicket.

It was the highlight of the day as run-scoring became easier once the batsmen had got themselves in, something Vijay did with aplomb in the first session as Pujara just carried on his form from the first Test, where he scored 153 in the second innings.

In the 34th over, Vijay brought up a well-deserved half-century after grinding his way at Johannesburg without scoring too many runs. It was his fourth fifty in 20 Tests, coming off 102 balls, with 11 fours. Notably, he scored at a much better clip than the previous match, outlining the nature of the pitch.

Jacques Kallis (0/23) and Morne Morkel (1/25) bent their backs in the middle phase of the session, trying to get some purchase out of the wicket. But they only had disappointment in store as India raked up 60 runs in the 13 overs bowled in the first hour after lunch.

Vernon Philander (0/39) came back into the attack in the 43rd over, and Vijay greeted him with a sumptuous cover drive that brought up the 100-run partnership for the second wicket.

Pujara, on the other hand, quietly accumulated his runs, as India's 150-run mark came up three overs later.

Just before tea, in the 52nd over, Pujara brought up his fourth fifty of career in just 17 Tests. He used up 97 balls for it, hitting seven fours.

Dale Steyn (0/47) returned to bowl a nagging spell just before the break, beating Vijay's outside edge on more than one occasion, as the ball started doing a bit under overcast conditions. But the batsmen survived and went into the break with their partnership intact.

Robin Peterson (0/28) was the only other bowler used in the session, toiling hard without any reward.

Earlier in the morning session, Kallis, playing in his last Test, led the hosts on to the field, wherein he was given a 10-second head-start by his teammates as the crowd cheered for the all-rounder who acknowledged them with raised hands and a bow with his hat.

Shikhar Dhawan and Vijay then took guard against Steyn and Philander respectively, with the former getting off the mark on the second delivery, punching the ball down the ground for four after India captain won the toss and elected to bat.

In the first 10 overs, India were nearly going along at four runs an over even as South Africa introduced Morkel into the attack as early as in the eighth over.

In the first hour of play, 41 runs came in 13 overs as both batsmen looked comfortable and set for a big outing.

But the drinks break worked against Dhawan, who was out first ball afterwards, playing a loose shot off Morkel, caught at third slip by Alviro Petersen. Dhawan scored 29 runs off 49 balls, with four fours.

But Vijay and new batsman Pujara then negotiated the remainder of the session ably without any overtly troublesome moments, picking runs almost at will.

India made one change in their playing eleven and surprisingly dropped off-spinner R Ashwin for Ravindra Jadeja. South Africa too made one change to the side from Johannesburg, with left-arm spinner Robin Peterson coming in for leggie Imran Tahir.

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How did Hrithik react when he faced Sussanne after split?

Since Hrithik Roshan announced that the love of his life and his wife Sussanne has decided to split after 17 years of relationship, media has been abuzz with speculation if it will be a bitter separation. However, the star and his gorgeous wife disappointed gossipmongers when they came face to face after their split.

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Woman raped, dumped, abducted again and gang-raped in Karaikal

KARAIKAL: On Christmas eve, a 20-year-old woman was abducted by three men and raped by one of them in Karaikal in the Union territory of Puducherry. Within minutes after she was let off by them, another group of seven men abducted her and six of them took turns to rape her. Police rescued the woman following a tip off from her friend and arrested 10 people.

Police said Smitha, working in a computer firm in Tamil Nadu, had accompanied her friend Rani to Karaikal to meet the latter's boyfriend on December 24.

A 17-year-old boy known to Rani joined them when they went sight seeing. Rani complained of uneasiness and her boyfriend took them to a friend's house in the town. Smitha suggested that they refresh themselves and return home soon.

She told the police that a gang of three men, who were watching them, abducted her on finding her alone. They took her to a secluded place and one of them raped her. They let her off later.

Smitha made desperate attempts to contact her friend, and the youth and the minor managed to locate her. When they were escorting her to a safe place, another gang of seven men assaulted the two and abducted her. After taking her to another secluded place, six of them took took turns to rape her.

The youth and minor boy along with their local friends launched a hunt for the abducted woman. Their friends managed to spot a member of the second gang and attacked him. On learning that their aide had been attacked, the gang reached the spot and soon a group clash broke out. A local resident alerted the police. A team reached the spot and managed to detain three of the men and later arrested seven more. A few of the men are absconding.

Senior superintendent of police (Karaikal) Monika Bahardwaj, who took the statement from the victim, said police have launched a full-fledged investigation to ascertain the veracity of her claims. Sub-inspector Venkatachalapathy and head constable Sabapathy have been suspended for lapses in handling the incident.

Police have identified 13 people and arrested 10 of them. Jaganathan, Manikandan, Faisal and one more unidentified man were absconding.

Three of the arrested 10 people were the victim's friends, who were booked on charges of not alerting police about the crime. The other arrested were identified as Irfan, Nasir, Amir, Akbar, Iqbal, Kasim and Yusuf.

Police registered cases against 14 people under IPC sections 341 (punishment for wrongful restraint), 365 (kidnapping or abducting with intent secretly and wrongfully to confine person), 376 - 2 (g) (punishment for rape - commits rape during communal or sectarian violence), 202 (intentional omission to give information of offence by person bound to inform) and 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation).

(Names have been changed to protect identity)

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Dhoom 3 on record breaking spree: Rs 313 crores!

With its silver run at the box office in less than a week, 'Dhoom 3' has beaten the year's highest grossers behind. The Aamir Khan starrer has amassed moolah worth Rs 313 crores so far and with it broken box office records.

According to Koimoi, on day six, the film's total worldwide collections is Rs 313 crores. While the domestic box office reports stand as tall as Rs 173 crores, on the overseas front 'Dhoom 3' managed to gross Rs 84 crores.

READ: Dhoom 3 breaks the record of Chennai Express

The film not only has got overwhelming footfalls in India but in Pakistan 'Dhoom 3' is living up to its name. It has broken box office records in Pakistan with multiplexes running five consecutive shows of the film. In Karachi alone the film earned Rs 20 million and broke the record of 'Waar' that was released last month.

The Christmas holiday falling in the middle of the week (Wednesday) resulted in good business for the makers as they earned approximately Rs 23.75 crores that day according to Koimoi.

READ: Aamir Khan gets positive response!

The top grossing films so far have been 'Chennai Express', ' 3 Idiots', 'Krrish 3' and 'Ek Tha Tiger'.

ALSO WATCH: Dhoom 3 breaks Chennai Express's record

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Prabhu Dheva offers Sridevi her house back

In a gesture of magnanimity, Prabhu Dheva, who has been renting Sridevi's apartment in Andheri because she moved to a bungalow, has offered the Kapoors their earlier residence back.

READ: ​What Sridevi lost in the fire?

Prabhu was truly upset that Sri and her family were inconvenienced because of the fire. He realised that the Kapoors had to stay apart -- Sri and Boney at a five-star hotel, the children with the Santoshis and Boney's mother at Sanjay Kapoor's.

ALSO READ: Sridevi's bungalow not insured against fire

He felt it was easier for him to rent another apartment and so, the curly-haired director decided he will do exactly that. He has now requested Sri to return to her own home.

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How did Hrithik react when he faced Sussanne after split?

Since Hrithik Roshan announced that the love of his life and his wife Sussanne has decided to split after 17 years of relationship, media has been abuzz with speculation if it will be a bitter separation. However, the star and his gorgeous wife disappointed gossipmongers when they came face to face after their split.

ALSO READ: Second marriage on cards for Hrithik?

Both of them met recently for their sons' annual day event. Rather than giving each other the cold shoulder or awkward silent treatment, Hrithik and Sussanne were very cordial with each other. They even hugged each other and sat next to each other for the whole evening.

In fact at her store launch, Sussanne was very forthright about her separation and said that though Hrithik and she are separating, they will not let their children be effected by their split and carry on the responsibility of parents perfectly.

ALSO READ: Sussanne once said: can't imagine life without Hrithik

Well, it's always good to see parents taking responsibility. But we sincerely wish that both of them reconcile.

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All you want to know about Arvind Kejriwal

(Arvind Kejriwal is likely…)

NEW DELHI: Arvind Kejriwal, the firebrand activist who has successfully upset the uneasy balance of power in Delhi's political scene, is all set to become the national capital's chief minister.

Here's looking at what makes the AAP chief 'Kejriwall'

Kejriwal the man

Born: August 16, 1968 in Hisar, Haryana

Father: Gobind Ram Kejriwal, electrical engineer from Mesra's Birla Institute of Technology

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Sridevi will always be my dad’s wife: Arjun Kapoor

When newbie Arjun Kapoor shared the couch with Ranveer Singh on 'Koffee With Karan', there was bound to be gossip and revelations. While Ranveer spoke about his alleged girlfriend Deepika Padukone, Arjun spoke about his relationship with his step mother Sridevi.

ALSO READ: Boney walks out of son Arjun Kapoor's film

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Devyani Khobragade case: India tightens screws, withdraws privileges for US consular officials

NEW DELHI: In a perceptible hardening of stand against the US, India on Christmas eve rejected the American embassy's request for an extension on IDs for its consulate officials. With the deadline for surrender of these cards ending on Monday, India withdrew all identity cards of US consulate officials.

The move to issue fresh IDs came days after the arrest of senior Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade on visa fraud charges involving her domestic staff, Sangeeta Richard.

In a related development Kuoni Business Travels, a popular travel agent in Delhi, will face action from the government for issuing tax-free air tickets to the Richards family — Philip, Jennifer and Jatin — bought by the US embassy. The 'tax-exemption' applies only to diplomats and not to Indian citizens, and there was no doubt that the Richards are Indian citizens.

The Richards' ticket — PNR number H1XJ3 — was paid for by MasterCard. The endorsement of the ticket reads "JNTAXEXEMPTEDUSEMBASSY". Sources said there would be action against the travel agency. The US embassy spirited away the Richards in a way that has incensed the Indian government.

Sources said US diplomats in consular posts (US has four consulates in India) would get a new set of cards that are an exact replica of the cards issued to Indian diplomats in the US. The cards, which would be given to consulate officials and not their families, (unlike earlier) reflects the reciprocity India has been insisting on. The cards will say on the reverse that consulate officials have no immunity against felony charges.

The hardening of stand by the government is contrary to the almost conciliatory tone taken by foreign minister Salman Khurshid in his interactions with journalists. Sources said the US government was trying to stall or delay the actions that they had to take.

Meanwhile, keeping security considerations in mind, the government has changed some traffic movement patterns near the US embassy. Sources said, "All US diplomatic and consular officials are being provided security as before. No changes have been made in security status of US embassy in New Delhi and the security personnel remain deployed at check posts there."

There are a couple of steps left to be achieved in this case. First, the US state department has to issue an ID card to Khobragade which will seal her immunity status. The next step would be to negotiate with the department of justice and the state department to drop criminal charges against her, which will enable the government to bring her back easily.

Further down the road, both Khobragade and Sangeeta Richard would have to come to some understanding about the charges filed by the maid. Richard has a non-bailable warrant on her which means she can never return without being arrested at the airport.

In a larger context, India and the US would need to have a deeper dialogue on the rules of the game regarding their diplomats and what privileges they can enjoy in each other's country.

"The US system really needs to understand two things. First, Khobragade, or any Indian diplomat, is not an ordinary citizen on an ordinary visa. They have been sent by the government of India to work for the government. Their actions are governed by government of India rules. The same goes for IBDAs like Sangeeta Richard who go on official passports and their passage and salaries are paid for by the government," sources said.

Earlier, US consulate officials had it easy: they could import their requirements at any time during their three-year period of tenure in India. All that stops from Christmas day. US officials in consular posts will now have to import their requirements within the first six months after their arrival. Refuting media reports, officials said there was no clearance for duty-free goods since the freeze was imposed.

Officials said they had received the data on US schools in India which was being analysed. The government has started a scrutiny of whether US diplomats' families are engaged in tax-free employment which they are not entitled to.

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Ranbir, Katrina finally make their relationship public

It seems Bollywood's hottest couple Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif have finally decided to throw caution to the wind and have decided to make their relationship status public.

ALSO READ: Ranbir skips family lunch for Katrina?

An IBN report says that both Ranbir and Katrina were spotted watching the special screening of The Wolf Of The Wall Street together in Mumbai. The couple, who usually avoid getting clicked together, did not shy away from the cameras. Interestingly, this is perhaps the first time that they let the media click their photos in the same frame.

ALSO SEE: Katrina being gifted wedding gown this X'MAS?

This has led to gossipmongers wondering if they are going to make their relationship public. With Ranbir's cousin sister Kareena spilling the beans about their relationship in a talk show, we sure hope they are considering tying the nuptial knot soon.

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AAP-Congress tie-up undemocratic: Prashant Bhushan

BANGALORE: Aam Aadmi Pary (AAP) leader Prashant Bhushan on Sunday said his party had no choice but to form a government in Delhi with the Congress's support.

The Supreme Court advocate, however, termed the tie-up undemocratic. He said the BJP, despite wining the highest number of seats, will be left out of the government, "which is not democratic".

Speaking at a conference on electoral reforms, Bhushan defended AAP's agreement with the Congress, claiming his party is acting on the people's will. "We had a referendum in Delhi and 70% of the people wanted us to form the government. In this situation, which has been created by the existing system, we needed support from another party. The Congress has agreed to support us from outside," he said.

He said AAP was conscious of the fact that the Congress support might not last long. "We know they want to prove that we cannot run a state, they will be waiting to show us in a bad light, and their support might be withdrawn. But at this juncture, we will form the government," he said.

Bhushan said a proportional representation (PR) system would eliminate scenarios like the one in Delhi, since it does away with a need for a majority to form the government. "Last elections, the Congress garnered only 12% of the votes in the country, but they have been, with the help of small parties, ruling the country. In a PR system, such undemocratic practices will end and a truly diverse representation will been seen in the parliament," he said.

Former Chief Justice of India M N Venkatachaliah, who set the tone for the conference, criticized dynasty politics in India and argued there needs to be a systemic change in the country, directing people towards transparency and efficiency.

Karnataka Legislative Council chairperson D H Shankaramurthy argued in favour of state funding for elections, which will help in doing away with money power.

How AAP escaped ideology trap

AAP clicked in Delhi because the party was conscious about not picking up any particular ideology, Prashant Bhushan said on Sunday. "We should know that the more positions we take based on ideologies, the smaller our support base will become. But if you take up issues that are popular (affecting a majority), like corruption or institution reforms, the support will be bigger," he said. He said the party went to the elections with an advantage of being an anti-corruption movement, which had seen great support.

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After security, Arvind Kejriwal says no to CM bungalow

NEW DELHI: Arvind Kejriwal, who will be Delhi's new chief minister, has turned down a government bungalow that comes with his new role.

Kejriwal formally rejected the official accommodation - one of the biggest perks of a government post - when Delhi chief secretary came to him with the offer on Tuesday morning.

The chief secretary of Delhi has reportedly met Kejriwal, to finalize arrangements for the swearing-in ceremony as well as the names of the members of the state cabinet.

Kejriwal has also appointed IAS officer Rajendra Kumar as his principal secretary.

Meanwhile, Pranab Mukherjee has cleared the decks for the appointment of Arvind Kejriwal as the 7th chief minister of Delhi.

According to television reports, President Pranab Mukherjee has forwarded the letter of appointment to a joint secretary level officer of ministry of home affairs.

The Aam Aadmi Party on Monday had staked claim to form the government in the national capital, and are meeting on Tuesday to finalize the Cabinet.

Kejriwal on Monday refused the high security cover provided by Delhi Police, saying "God is his biggest security.

In his letter to Delhi Police, Kejriwal said "Thank you for offering me security. But as I have already informed earlier, I don't need any security, I don't need any escort or PSO. God is my biggest security."

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Shocked that South Africa didn't go for win: Kohli

JOHANNESBURG: Young Indian batsman Virat Kohli on Sunday said the Indian team was 'shocked' that the hosts did not go for victory in the dying moments of the match, which ended in an exciting draw.

The Proteas fell short by eight runs in a pulsating Test match, finishing at 450 for seven, while chasing 458 for victory at Wanderers.

"Everyone was pretty shocked honestly, we didn't think that they would stop going for the score because with eight runs an over and with Philander striking the ball pretty well and he can bat, we have seen that in the past," Kohli, who was adjudged Man-of-the-match for scoring 215 runs in two innings, said.

"I don't know what happened. We had our plans and that was going for the wickets but to see them not going for that score was pretty surprising for all of us.

"In the end, it was a very enjoyable Test match. It was a fair finish for this Test match. The way this match has been played over the last four days, pretty competitive with both teams coming back pretty strongly in one session or the other, it was a fair finish," Kohli added, outlining team India's happiness at the draw achieved.

India were denied by Faf du Plessis and AB de Villiers as they shared a 205 run partnership for the fifth wicket. Both batsmen went on to complete their respective hundreds as South Africa edged closer to the win. But their dismissal changed the match.

"It was a weird situation in today's play from the beginning. There were a lot of ups and downs throughout the day. Early on we got two quick wickets in the first session and we thought that another couple of wickets in the second session would have been perfect for us but AB and Faf batted brilliantly, especially Faf not having scored runs in the first innings. To bat under pressure like that shows so much character. Of course AB has always been a world-class player and there is no doubt about it."

"Both of them batted brilliantly and AB's dismissal just opened up things for us and then when we got JP (Duminy) out, we thought we will win the game. Then Vernon (Philander) came and struck a few boundaries and then we thought that we are on the back-foot again. When we ran out Faf we thought we will win again and it was just too much going on in the end," said Kohli, describing the emotional roller-coaster that was the final day's play.

"We showed great character to come back taking three wickets in the end. This team never backs off. Obviously you are playing against the number one team in the world and you can expect that from them. It is not easy to defeat them in a Test match and they keep coming back. But to come back that way and get those wickets in that last session is commendable," he added.

Team India's hopes were really dashed when the post-lunch session was played out by du Plessis and de Villiers. That proved to be the difference in the end, as the latter few wickets fell quickly once those two got out.

"It was a pretty tough situation to be in and I feel sorry for the captain who is in that sort of situation and you know MS Dhoni was pretty good in handling that and that's his biggest quality, his calmness in those situations. He never let the guys believe that the things are going into a desperate mode. He kept the guys pretty calm and we knew one or two mistakes are going to open up things and we came back beautifully," he said.

Ultimately, in a see-saw Test match, India were able to come out on top after being ahead of the game and their opponents for the majority of this game. Perhaps it will give the team a lot of confidence going into the second Test at Durban, starting December 26, especially after they were written-off before the series.

"The kind of team that we have now, with a lot of young players in this team, we can be proud of how we played this Test match. The guys have showed character all through-out and if you see the first innings, we showed character when we batted and then with the ball.

We played brilliant in the second innings and dominated four days of the Test match. Every single person in this team is hungry to go out there and win a game for their country and their team and that is the biggest factor that has changed the way we played in the last one year. We are a group of inexperienced cricketers, but smart cricketers, and we are very desperate to perform," he signed off.

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'Ranveer was annoying at Deepika's party'

On Saturday night, Worli was the new Juhu as an army of B'town A-listers descended on the lawns of a plush 5-star property as Deepika Padukone raised a toast to herself.

The high of five straight blockbusters was reflected in Deepika's golden Gucci gown. She walked in just before midnight with parents Ujjala and Prakash Padukone and immediately announced, "It's a party not for me, but for the film fraternity who made this extraordinary year possible. I hope there aren't many catfights inside."

Vidhu Vinod Chopra and wife Anupama were the first guests to arrive. Abhay Deol and girlfriend Preeti Desai were the centre of attention till Ranveer Singh entered wearing a rather flashy gold-embroidered tuxedo. Instantly, the press abandoned Abhay for some Ranveer Leela. Fresh from his Paris sojourn, Sanjay Leela Bhansali walked in with Rohit Shetty, while Milan Luthria came faceto-face with Imran Khan and wife Avantika Malik. Bipasha Basu, predictably arrived with beau Harman Baweja who was dumbstruck to be bombarded with questions about why he had disappeared from the big screen. Bips soon disappeared inside, alone!

READ: Deepika, Kapil honoured with Indian of the Year awards

Farah Khan chose gold too and unabashedly announced that her favorite Dippy act was undoubtedly 'Om Shanti Om'. Karan Johar followed, solo, while Sooraj Barjatya made a rare appearance, but dashed off in a few minutes.

A drowsy Aamir Khan arrived at 1.30 am. Wife Kiran Rao said goodnight around 3 am, so did Gauri Khan. But their husbands, Shah Rukh and Aamir, partied till morning. SRK got into his Mercedes with an unidentified woman around 5 am. Farhan Akhtar also left around 5.30 am, with wife Adhuna.

The interiors matched the gold-and-black theme with large candles on the walls. The menu was multi-cusine and a Dutch DJ played house music. However, the party really took off around 5 am when vintage Bollywood chartbusters started to play.

After attending to her guests all night, Deepika finally let her hair down and along with SRK, Farah, Alia Bhatt, Punit Malhotra, Ranveer Singh, Arjun Kapoor danced to vintage hits like 'My Name is Lakhan', 'Ek Do Teen', 'Khaike Paan Banaraswala', 'Jumma Chumma De De' and 'Mehbooba O Mehbooba'.

ALSO READ: Is Deepika Padukone Bollywood's new hero?

Ranveer Singh was his usual boisterous self. A fellow partygoer complained, "He was over-energetic and after a point, it got a little annoying." Randeep Hooda hung out with Rahul Bose and after a while escorted inebriated female guests out to their cars. Shahid Kapoor too was a gallant knight on duty till he left with Shabina Khan.

Deepika, we were told, left around 7.30 am. Before that we caught an upcoming star who comes from a well-known film family and a sexy star wife known for her item numbers, exchange a lingering kiss, before she zoomed off to party at another night club and he went inside to discuss movies with his director friend.

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Marks & Spencer apologizes after saying Muslim staff may refuse to serve customers pork and alcohol

LONDON: Marks & Spencer appeared to backtrack on Sunday night by issuing an apology after a Muslim member of staff refused to serve a customer trying to buy champagne.

Previously the supermarket said Muslim staff can refuse to serve customers who are trying to buy pork or alcohol.

But a spokesperson for M&S last night said: "Where we have an employee whose religious beliefs restrict food or drink they can handle, we work closely with our member of staff to place them in suitable role, such as in our clothing department or bakery in foods.

"As a secular business we have an inclusive policy that welcomes all religious beliefs, whether across our customer or employee base ... We apologize that this policy was not followed in the case reported."

The issue arose after an unnamed customer told the Telegraph they were "taken aback" when "I had one bottle of champagne, and the lady, who was wearing a headscarf, was very apologetic but said she could not serve me".

It has highlighted a split amongst the major supermarkets, between those who will and those who will not excuse staff from certain tasks for religious reasons.

Morrisons said it had a great deal of experience dealing with the issue because it is based in Bradford, where there is a large Muslim community.

It said it would "respect and work around anyone's wishes not to handle specific products for religious or cultural reasons".

Sainsbury's, meanwhile, has issued its official policy on the matter in the form of a pamphlet called "The Little Book of Faith". It said it had come up with the guidance following research conducted with religious groups, and had concluded that just because a person was not able to eat pork or drink alcohol didn't mean they should be allowed to avoid handling them altogether.

Asda and Tesco both said they were unlikely to employ a person on the tills who could not handle some goods - though the latter said they dealt with the issue on a case-by-case basis.

An M&S spokesperson had told the Telegraph: "We recognize that some of our employees practice religions that restrict the food or drink they can handle, or that mean they cannot work at certain times.

"M&S promotes an environment free from discrimination and so, where specific requests are made, we will always make reasonable adjustments to accommodate them, whilst ensuring high levels of customer service."

The policy appeared to anger the biologist and author of The God Delusion, Richard Dawkins, however. He wrote on Twitter: "So, can followers of the Flying Spaghetti Monster refuse to sell pasta? Could I refuse to sell baseball caps?

"These Marks & Spencer tweets may seem frivolous. But they are serious examples of the kind of RIDICULE religious discrimination deserves."

The outspoken former Apprentice candidate Katie Hopkins tweeted on the subject: "It is not a myth. M&S hoping to attract Saudi investment I wonder?"

Yet others supported the retailer, with Channel 4 journalist Fatima Manji writing: "Note how it says they accommodate all religious belief on case by case basis, but people fixated by the Muslim bit."

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'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' a completely fake film: Naseeruddin Shah

Seasoned Indian actor Naseeruddin Shah says he didn't like 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' and feels it was a completely fake film.

"It's a completely fake film. Farhan has no doubt worked very hard but building up muscles and growing your hair is not exactly working hard on your acting.

ALSO READ: Movie review of Bhaag Milkha Bhaag

"At least he should have tried to look like Milkha. Milkha is mighty pleased by him and he imagines that this was his life, he imagined he looked like that. Doesn't he have photographs of himself from 1960s Olympics," Naseer told media.

"Bhaag Milkha... was a biopic on the life of former athlete Milkha Singh, portrayed by actor Farhan Akhtar. Released July 5 this year, the film did a whopping business of over Rs.100 crore and also found acceptance from the audience of all age groups and strata.

ALSO READ: How Farhan Akhtar became Milkha Singh

Naseer however feels that "Farhan was made to look like Rocky and not Milkha".

"All the girls screamed for him when he appeared and so on which is lovely. He looked terrific but he did not look like Milkha. It's was just too fake a film. Yes it was very beautifully shot which makes it technically an excellent film," said the actor.

Naseer will next be seen in Dedh Ishqiya that also features Madhuri Dixit and Huma Qureshi. The film is set to release Jan 10.

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Smugglers smile as NRI carriers bring gold into country legally

CHENNAI: Faced with curbs on gold imports and crash in international prices leaving it cheaper in other countries, gold houses and smugglers are turning to NRIs to bring in the yellow metal legally after paying duty. Any NRI, who has stayed abroad for more than six months, is allowed to bring in 1kg gold.

It was evident last week when almost every passenger on a flight from Dubai to Calicut was found carrying 1kg of gold, totalling up to 80kg (worth about Rs 24 crore). At Chennai airport, 13 passengers brought the legally permitted quantity of gold in the past one week.

"It's not illegal. But the 80kg gold that landed in Calicut surprised us. We soon got information that two smugglers in Dubai and their links in Calicut were behind this operation, offering free tickets to several passengers," said an official. The passengers were mostly Indian labourers in Dubai, used as carriers by people who were otherwise looking at illegal means, he said. "We have started tracing the origin and route of gold after intelligence pointed to the role of smugglers," he said.

Reports from Kerala said passengers from Dubai have brought more than 1,000kg of gold in the last three weeks. People who pay a duty of Rs 2.7 lakh per kg in Dubai still stand to gain at least Rs 75,000 per kg, owing to the price difference in the two countries. Gold dealers in Kerala say most of this gold goes to jewellery makers in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

Revenue intelligence sources said it was but natural for operators in the Gulf to take advantage of the situation and approach potential carriers. "There is always a steady stream of Indian labourers from the Gulf visiting Kerala, and they form an attractive target for these dealers. Since there is no risk involved, and some incentives thrown in, many of them are eager to carry someone else's gold," said an official.

The World Gold Council notes that India is the world's biggest gold consumer with a 20% share of global demand. Within the country, south Indian states account for 60% of gold sales. "Import duty on gold in India has increased from 2% to 15% between January 2012 and September 2013. Moreover, the Reserve Bank of India in June ruled out any credit transaction for imports, unless they were intended to make jewellery for export. This has reduced import of gold, forcing gold merchants to depend on smuggled gold," said the official.

These government measures to control the current account deficit did not reduce the demand for gold in the market. "RBI tried to discourage gold purchases because it doesn't have the utility of other commodities like oil or copper. It mostly sits there in lockers. But when the gold imports through proper channels have come down, merchants have started depending on illegal channels to meet the demand from consumers," he said.

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1st Test: South Africa 138/2 at stumps on Day 4 against India

JOHANNESBURG: The first Test between India and South Africa seemed headed for an exciting finish with the hosts needing to score 320 runs with eight wickets remaining on a tricky last day to pull off a record-breaking victory.

Scorecard | Day 4 in Pics

Set a stiff target of 458 for victory after India scored 421 in their second innings, the hosts put up a better batting display to reach 138 for two at close on the penultimate day on Saturday on a Wanderers track which seemed to have eased out quite a bit.

Alviro Petersen (76 batting) and Faf du Plessis (10 batting) were at the crease at stumps on another absorbing day's play which has set the stage for a thrilling finish with all three results a possibility.

A South African victory looks remote at this stage as no team has ever successfully chased down a target of 458 in Test history so far. The highest successful run chase in Test cricket has been achieved by West Indies who scored 418 for seven to beat Australia in St Johns in 2003.

With the pitch showing no signs of any rapid deterioration, the Indians may find the going tough to push for a 1-0 series lead on the final day's play on Sunday, considering that the Proteas have a strong batting line-up.

The Proteas, on the other hand, will look to bat out the entire day to avoid the embarrassment of a defeat at home.

Resuming at the overnight score of 284 for two, the Indians rode on the marathon 222-run partnership between Cheteshwar Pujara (153) and Virat Kohli (96) for the third wicket to take a substantial lead.

The 222-run partnership was the highest stand for third wicket in a Test match second innings overseas. They bettered the long-standing record of 211 runs for the third wicket between Vinoo Mankad and Vijay Hazare at the Lord's in 1952.

Kohli was unlucky to miss out on a twin century as he was out for 96 in the opening session after hitting 119 in India's first innings.

South Africa's paceman Morne Morkel had twisted his ankle on Day three and it's doubtful if he will bat on Sunday, if at all required.

Earlier, after India were all out for 421 in the post-lunch session, captain Graeme Smith (44) and Peterson carefully negotiated the opening salvo from visiting bowlers for an hour to take the home side to 38 for no loss at tea.

Smith was nearly out in the third over of the innings, playing Zaheer off his pads towards leg gully where Virat Kohli nearly held on to a tough chance, getting his fingers to the ball. The South African captain was on one at that time.

Smith and Petersen batted in the same resolute manner after tea also, watching the incoming balls carefully and scoring runs whenever the bowlers strayed onto their pads.

To the Indian bowlers' credit, they bowled a lot better line than their counterparts managed all day. The trio of Zaheer Khan (9-0-29-0), Ishant Sharma (9-0-28-0) and Mohammed Shami (8-1-30-1) went past their bats on numerous occasions, unlucky to get a breakthrough in the first hour of play in the final session.

The two South African openers added 54 runs, with Petersen completing his half century in the 18th over. He contributed the majority of runs in the first-wicket partnership as Smith slowly built his innings. He was definitely more edgy of the two batsmen, with R Ashwin (16-3-40-0) nearly bowling him in the 23rd over and then Zaheer almost getting an edge in the 26th.

Notably, Ashwin bowled 16 out of the 45 overs sent down in the final session, pointing to the fact that the pitch may have something on the final day on Sunday.

In the 30th over, they reached the 100-run mark with worrisome faces on the Indian team. But Ajinkya Rahane eased their tensions when he ran out Smith with a direct hit in the next over. Smith hit six boundaries in his 73-ball innings.

Ten runs later, their number three batsman, Hashim Amla (4) was out just like in the first innings, out-bowled leaving a delivery from Shami, when he should have been playing at it.

Du Plessis was sent ahead of Jacques Kallis, owing to his lack of runs. It became cloudy thereafter and the Indians tried every trick to keep the opposition batting, with Murali Vijay (1-0-3-0) and skipper Dhoni (2-0-4-0) coming on to bowl, as Virat Kohli kept wickets. Dhoni even kept wickets without his protective pads to hurry the overs in.

Earlier in the opening session, Pujara slammed 153 while Kohli missed out on an opportunity to score centuries in both innings by four runs.

The two batsmen put on 222 runs for the third wicket to set the hosts a daunting fourth innings' target of 458 runs for a win at the Wanderers stadium.

The 222-run partnership for the third wicket between Pujara and Kohli was the highest stand for third wicket for India in a Test second innings overseas. They beat the long standing record of Vinoo Mankad and Vijay Hazare, 211 versus England at Lord's in 1952.

Pujara and Kohli began the day on individual scores of 135 and 77, and team score of 284 for 2. The Proteas immediately took the new ball when it became due and the run-scoring did slow down as a result, but the milestones never stopped.

The 300 for India, in this second innings, came in the 85th over, while Pujara completed his 150 two overs later. This was the fourth time in his 16-Test career so far that he had gone past this individual score in an innings. He looked good for a bigger one, but the need to get runs quickly meant that he played an uncharacteristic cut stroke off a Jacques Kallis delivery, which was close to his body.

Kohli, meanwhile, carried on, even as Rohit Sharma (6) suffered another failure. He was bowled by Kallis in the 94th over, off an in-swinging delivery that stayed low. The big wicket for South Africa came when Kohli went on the backfoot for a cut off Duminy, in the 99th over of the innings, and was out caught behind. He was flustered with his dismissal, even so walked off to a standing ovation.

Dhoni then Ajinkya Rahane to muster some quick runs. They added 31 runs for the sixth wicket. But Rahane (15) fell at the stroke of lunch, out caught at slip off Duminy. India went to lunch with a hearty lead, placed at 358 for 6.

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Mika kisses Sunny Leone, calls her 'honey'

Making headlines after kissing Rakhi Sawant, Mika pulls a similar stunt with Sunny Leone. Not just that, he calls her 'honey' and dedicates a song to her.

Mika who has sung for Sunny's films such as ' Jackpot' and ' Shootout At Wadala' puckered up and kissed the former adult film actress at a stage show in Gurgaon. However, Mika's PDA was minus the drama this time.

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Ind vs SA: Centurion Pujara powers India to 284/2, lead South Africa by 320 runs

JOHANNESBURG: Cheteshwar Pujara slammed a sparkling unbeaten 135 as India gained firm control of the first Test against South Africa with the top-order showing remarkable application to give the visitors a substantial overall lead of 320 on Friday.

Scorecard | Day 3 in Pics

The Indians first bundled out the hosts for 244 for a slender first innings lead of 36 runs and then batted with purpose and maturity to reach 284 for two at close on an eventful third day's play with Pujara again showing his apetite for a big score with an unbeaten knock of 135.

The 25-year-old Pujara notched up his sixth Test century while the in-form Virat Kohli is looking good for another big score as he is batting on 77.

The duo put on 191 runs for the unbroken third-wicket stand in only 44.1 overs as South Africa were dealt with a telling blow of Morne Morkel being ruled out of the match due to a ligament tear in his ankle while fielding.

Pujara, who was dropped on 51 by leggie Imran Tahir off his own bowling, made full use of the reprieve as he hit 18 boundaries in 221 balls. Unlike first innings, Kohli played the second fiddle hitting eight fours off 132 balls as South African captain Graeme Smith couldn't devise a strategy to get the duo out.

With two full days left in the game, the visitors will now try to extend the lead further by piling up some quick runs and then hope to dismiss the Proteas who will have to bat last on a deteriorating Wanderers track.

In the morning, veteran Zaheer Khan (4-88) took three of the remaining four wickets as South Africa could add only 31 runs to their overnight score of 213 for six.

Zaheer now has 299 wickets in Test matches and will need only one more to become the fourth Indian bowler after Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh to enter the '300-club'.

Ishant Sharma also picked up a wicket on Friday to end up with impressive figures of four for 79.

For Pujara, this was his first Test century away from home and his sequence of scores in the last four first-class matches (including this one) reads 113 (vs West Indies), 102, 9, 269 (in Ranji Trophy) and 135 batting in this game.

Having missed out on a big score after being set in the first innings, Pujara brought up his 50 in the 46th over before Tahir spilled the return catch. India duly crossed the 150-run mark in the 49th over, and the lead swelled to 200 runs in the 53rd.

The runs came at a fast clip as both Pujara and Kohli didn't miss out on punishing the loose deliveries.

In the 61st over, after drinks, Pujara drove Steyn to the boundary and completed his sixth Test hundred.

The ball was changed in the 67th over, as the Indian batsmen had beaten the previous one out of shape, while India's 250 runs came up the next over. Finally, the 300-run lead came in the 74th over, as the two batsmen looked to play for the close.

Earlier in the day, a 70-run stand between Murali Vijay (39) and Cheteshwar Pujara for the second wicket, saw India to 109 for 2 at the stroke of tea.

Vijay was the star of the one and a half sessions that India batted in their second innings before tea, taking the shine off the new ball with his patient and watchful approach.

He rotated strike with Pujara whenever possible, and then punished the fuller deliveries. The duo brought up the India's 50 in the second innings in the 23rd over.

With drinks break coming up, Tahir came up to bowl and was taken for nine runs immediately. He didn't bowl another over in the whole session, but in the one he bowled, India's lead went past the 100-run mark as well as 50 came up for the Vijay-Pujara partnership.

Vijay was dismissed in the 34th over, edging Kallis down leg side, his hard work going waste once again. He scored 39 runs off 94 balls, with five fours.

In the first session, Shikhar Dhawan (15) was the only man dismissed as he became Vernon Philander's 100th Test wicket edging one to Jacques Kallis in the slip cordon.

However Vijay was more watchful in the second innings as he was prepared to leave a lot of deliveries outside the off-stump.

Along with Pujara, Vijay blunted the new-ball attack of the Proteas. The fact that Morkel was out of equation after bowling only two overs also worked in the favour of the Indians. Dale Steyn (0-64 in 21 overs) was not in his element as the Indians hardly faced any problems in negotiating him.

Philander went one better of countryman Dale Steyn, who reached his milestone in 20 Tests.

Earlier, Zaheer and Ishant made short work of the South African tail in the morning session.

They picked up the last four wickets for just 31 runs, as the Proteas crashed from their overnight score of 213/6 to be bowled out for 244 runs in less than an hour of the opening session on day three.

Vernon Philander and Faf du Plessis started over their 67-run partnership, looking to extend India's time on the field.

Philander started the day with a boundary off the first ball, driving him through the covers and bringing up his 50.

But he couldn't go on for long, edging Zaheer to first slip to Ashwin. Philander was out for 59 runs, facing 86 balls, hitting seven fours.

At the other end, Ishant accounted for Dale Steyn, with Rohit Sharma too held an easy catch at third slip.

Du Plessis scored 20 runs off 77 balls before Zaheer removed him with one that held its line and then finished the innings off by cleaning up Morne Morkel.

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AAP ready to form government, run it better than others: Arvind Kejriwal

NEW DELHI: Strongly indicating that Delhi's wait for a government could be over soon, Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal said auditing of power companies and legislating the Jan Lokpal bill would be top priorities for the new city government.

Though he added the proviso that a formal announcement on government formation will await till a referendum AAP is conducting is over, Kejriwal asserted AAP would do a much better job than traditional parties like BJP and Congress if it assumed office.

AAP has to take a formal decision on whether it is accepting the outside support of eight Congress MLAs that will take its numbers in the 70-member Delhi assembly to the halfway mark of 36.

Dismissing the view aired in Congress and BJP circles that AAP will find running a government a challenging task, Kejriwal said, "Sarkar chala ke dikhayenge, inse achchi chala ke dikhayenge aur thok baja kar chala kar dikhayenge (We will run a government, we will do a better job and do so with elan)."

The confident AAP leader looked set to become Delhi's next chief minister, saying the apprehension that the party will stumble once in office is not a valid assessment. "I just want to say that political parties should stop challenging us. First they said they (AAP) won't get candidates, then they said we can't get elected. Now we have won 28 seats."

Kejriwal said mainstream parties continue to underestimate AAP. "I want to tell them: stop challenging the power of the aam aadmi. They have no idea how powerful the aam aadmi is. They have made it appear we will not be able to run the government. Governance is not like going to the moon. We will run the government better than them."

On the ongoing referendum, Kejriwal was non-committal. "We have received both points of view, some who feel we should stay away from politics and have nothing to do with it and there are others who feel that we should form government. There is nothing unethical in either. It is a political decision. We will completely go by public opinion," he said.

But senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia indicated where the ongoing referendum is headed, saying, "We are receiving overwhelming support for our decision to form the government. There is no reason not to form government." The party is expected to make an announcement by Monday.

Kejriwal, who is gearing up for two days of jan sabhas across the city, also dismissed sceptics who criticized the party's manifesto as a pie in the sky.

Asked how promises like auditing of power companies or provision of 700 litres of water for every household will be fulfilled, he said, "Our manifesto has been carefully thought out after public consultation. It is practical and implementable. Congress has not been able to fulfill its 1998 manifesto so why are they are challenging us? It is our priority and we will achieve it."

He asserted that if Congress or BJP withdrew support on a bill, the parties will risk being exposed. "The public does not expect the moon. They will understand that if we bring a bill and Congress and BJP do not support us, it is these parties who will be exposed. The government is being made on issue-based support," he said.

Having decided to step up to the table, AAP's pitch for the 2014 polls seems underway. The referendum, Kejriwal said had made their party a talking point even among those who had not supported them earlier.

He added, "It is important to realize that we are redefining democracy. People are already talking about our party and feeling empowered. The process is important for us."

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Bigg Boss: 'Don't like Tanishaa anymore'

One of the most popular faces of small screen, Sanaya Irani, who will soon be seen in Colors' new TV show Rang Rasiya is a huge fan of the controversial reality show Bigg Boss 7 and wants Gauahar Khan to win the show.

"I don't have any favorites in Bigg Boss 7 as I think they are all sane people gone insane in the house. However, I like Gauahar. A lot of people don't like her and they wonder why I like her. But I think she's fair, smart and intelligent. When there is a task going on she's very fair what is wrong is wrong and what is right is right and she will say it."

READ: Andy is my late night friend says Kamya

Sanaya, who is dating TV actor Mohit Sehgal prefers watching the reality show over his boyfriend's show Qubool Hai, "I don't get time to watch Qubool Hai as Bigg Boss airs at the same time slot and I love watching Bigg Boss."

When asked about Kushal and Gauahar's growing fights in the house, Sanaya says, "Which couple doesn't fight with each other. We all do, it's normal. I mean if you look at Tanishaa with Armaan and you look at Gauahar with Kushal you will know the difference. I initially liked Tanishaa but I don't like her anymore."

ALSO READ: Tears and secrets to come out as Rajat Sharma enters Bigg Boss 7

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Arvind Kejriwal bites the bullet, to form government

NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party, which has created a nationwide stir by winning 28 of the 70 seats in Delhi in a stunning debut, is likely to form the government next week. AAP, which is carrying out a referendum to get "a sense of what the people want", is expected to announce its decision on Monday.

Its assertive founder Arvind Kejriwal, credited with changing the political discourse in the country, told ET that "the people want us to deliver" and providing "effective governance is no rocket science".

The decision to form a minority government backed by Congress, which has eight MLAs, is driven by the overwhelming response from people who want AAP to assume power in Delhi and deliver effective governance. Kejriwal said more than 75% of people in the Capital want AAP to assume office. "Forming the government and delivering on our promises will reap huge benefits for AAP in Lok Sabha polls."

Asked if his party would form the government in Delhi now that Congress has extended unconditional support, Kejriwal said: "We will take a final call after our ward meetings through the weekend, but there is an overwhelming support and pressure from people."

Kejriwal added that his party, in all likelihood, will take up the challenge and form the government. Although Kejriwal personally is averse to joining hands with Congress or BJP, he said recent developments - Congress' unconditional support for AAP initiatives and surging popular demand - have forced a rethink. "The stand taken by Congress will be tracked by voters in the months to come in case it retracts," he said.

Some senior AAP members have voiced apprehension that forming the government could take up all their energy and resources, leaving them little time for the general elections. Kejriwal, however, said it would be a challenge that may throw up pleasant surprises for the fledgling party in the 2014 elections.

"I may not be able to travel as much once I assume office, but the actions of our government in Delhi will reverberate in other states, bringing greater support for AAP and its politics," he said. Asked if he is daunted by the responsibility of governing, given that most party MLAs are first-timers, Kejriwal said running an effective government needs political will.

"I have been a part of the government and have seen from close quarters how bureaucrats and politicians deliver when they wish to. It is no rocket science," he said.

Delhi is yet to get a government as it threw up a fractured mandate where BJP fell four short of majority at 32 seats and AAP came in a close second at 28.

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Dhoom 3

Story: Chicago is hit by a mysterious thief targeting one bank - can Mumbai cop Jai Dixit catch the shadowy chor?

Review: Straight up, Dhoom 3 makes you laugh, gasp - even sniffle. The most emotional of the Dhoom series yet, this is Aamir Khan's show all the way. As revengeful circus star Sahir, whose father Iqbal (Shroff) dies after losing his beloved Great Indian Circus to a stony-hearted Chicago bank, Khan is terrific. The Dhoom series usually showcases brawn on bikes but in this one, mind meets machinery, Khan's brain almost visibly ticking behind his eyes, calculating every second before he vrroooms off on a bike - across a wire stretched high between buildings, beneath a mega-truck, even underwater.

Chicago forms a super backdrop for Sahir's stunts, the grainy stone of its buildings the perfect texture against which those bikes purr past with velveteen growls. Scrawling 'Teri aisi ki taisi' on its vaults and scattering the bank's money across Chicago's skies, Sahir makes the local police look as intelligent as turkeys. But things change when Mumbai cop ACP Jai Dixit (Bachchan), with bike-and-babe-mad subordinate Ali (Chopra), arrive and figure out why - and how - Sahir is breaking the bank.

Dhoom 3 rests on Khan's magnetism, his actor's eyes and jaw-line, his abs playing a part too. But the film is powered by its action. With WOL (whistle-out-loud) moments, this is super-slick and on an extravagant scale, using Chicago's skyscrapers like sexy statues arching into the sky. Alongside, Dhoom 3 features the franchise's tongue-in-cheek cheekiness, Ali, fida over blonde policewoman Victoria (as in 'secret'), Jai telling him to focus not on Kamasutra but kaam. As circus star Alia, Kaif provides soft romance, her fitness and innate grace redefining sexiness, making even potentially risque sequences - she lands her job following a speedy striptease - look delicately sensuous. Alia's charming beauty stops our protagonist in his tracks - but for how long?

Clocking in at nearly three hours, Dhoom 3 is slightly extensive. But it holds advantages, the first, that sizzling Dhoom tune, all leather, boots and electric guitars, which straightens sagging scenes. The second - sharp performances by Khan, Bachchan (an underrated actor, whose ability to drawl languid lines with intense looks stands out) and Chopra, who sprinkles lightness and fun. And the third - Dhoom 3's story with a twist wrapped around it, like the ribbon around a Christmas gift. Merrily unwrap - flying out of the Great Indian Circus, Dhoom 3 is great fun.

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Arvind Kejriwal admits division within AAP on Delhi govt formation

(AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal…)

NEW DELHI: In an exclusive interview to Times Now, Arvind Kejriwal laid bare his point of view regarding his political agenda, divisions within the AAP on the issue of government formation in Delhi, his relationship with Anna Hazare and finally the Delhi deadlock which is baffling all.

Speaking about the possibility of forming a coalition government, Kejriwal said that the letter sent to Congress highlighting the eighteen points, which will form the foundation of the government, was actually an effort from his side to arrive at political consensus. He also mentioned that on a personal level, he remains uncomfortable at the idea of forming a coalition government. He went on to admit that there is division within the party when it comes to government formation with some supporters wary of an alliance between AAP and Congress. He, however, went on to announce that the final decision on forming a government in Delhi will be arrived at on Sunday night.

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John Kerry calls Shivshankar Menon to express regret about Devyani's treatment; defends US laws

WASHINGTON: The United States moved quickly on Wednesday to defuse the tangled diplomatic spat with India by having secretary of state John Kerry telephone India's national security adviser Shivshankar Menon to express regret about the incident in which diplomat Devyani Khobragade was treated harshly by US law enforcement authorities.

"As a father of two daughters about the same age as Devyani Khobragade, the secretary empathizes with the sensitivities we are hearing from India about the events that unfolded after Ms Khobragade's arrest," state department spokeswoman Marie Harf said in a written statement, adding, "In his conversation with Menon, he expressed his regret, as well as his concern that we not allow this unfortunate public issue to hurt our close and vital relationship with India," Harf added.

However, the US administration made it clear that it stands by the reasons behind the arrest, and the regrets expressed was only in relation to the treatment. "The secretary understands very deeply the importance of enforcing our laws and protecting victims, and, like all officials in positions of responsibility inside the US. government, expects that laws will be followed by everyone here in our country. It is also particularly important to secretary Kerry that foreign diplomats serving in the United States are accorded respect and dignity just as we expect our own diplomats should receive overseas, " the statement said.

Meanwhile, the beleaguered Indian foreign service official was transferred on Wednesday to India's UN mission in New York to allow her full diplomatic immunity as both New Delhi and Washington moved to cover legal bases and arrive at a creative solution in a full-blown spat that has become increasingly messy and complicated.

The move is aimed at giving the mid-level official, who was attached to the Indian consulate in New York and enjoyed limited immunity therein, complete protection from prosecution. However, for that to happen, Khobragade will have to be issued new credentials by the United Nations, a process where the US state department has a nominal role.

If Washington is bloody-minded and insistent on prosecuting Khobragade for her alleged infractions, it could put a spanner in the works. However, New Delhi is hoping that this "creative opening" that has been conceived to protect the diplomat will be honored by Washington so that she is spared further travails in an incident arising from episodic and spotty US implementation of its laws and India's dodgy acceptance of it.

Earlier, Indian anger mounted on Wednesday when it transpired that Washington literally sprang the husband and two children of the housekeeper Sangeeta Richard from New Delhi by giving them expedited visas to travel to the US two days before the state department's Bureau of Diplomatic Security and the justice department acted in concert to swoop down and arrest Devyani Khobragade on visa fraud charges.

Reports from Delhi also spoke of Sangeeta's in-laws working for the American embassy in New Delhi, which would suggest that contacts within the US diplomatic community would have come into play in her battle against the Indian diplomat.

In what some Indian officials view as a tight, narrow, and mean-spirited interpretation of US minimum wage laws and consular immunity, the diplomat was subjected to indignities such as cavity searches that are sanctioned by US courts and meant primarily for drug smugglers and common criminals, after being slapped with charges of visa fraud and misrepresentation.

What role the US embassy in Delhi played in protecting a family member of its Indian staff, and whether it consequently resulted in harsh treatment of the Indian diplomat is something that might emerge in the coming days.

The state department has promised to investigate how and why such methods were used on a diplomat who was so obviously not in that category. But the US marshals service, which subjected the diplomat to the treatment, stood its ground, suggesting that insofar as it was concerned, once the state department's Diplomatic Security Service signed off on the arrestee as having no immunity, "standard procedure" kicked in.

In other words, it is not to be blamed for the fiasco; it was just doing its job by the book.

The question now arises as to why role did the state department's Bureau of Diplomatic Security — which also takes care of US security interests at its missions in India — play in initiating this extreme step, who signed off on it, and why there was no effort to defuse the situation in Washington DC.

As reported on Tuesday, US officials told ToI that the state department alerted the Indian embassy in writing in September to the imminent action against the diplomat on the basis of the housekeeper's complaint. However, Indian officials countered that it was part of an ongoing correspondence on resolving the matter in which the legal systems of both countries had kicked in.

Both sides are now reviewing the timeline and sequence of events to determine where the screw-up occurred and how to get around it.

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Tejas: A Rs 50,000 crore bird for India

NEW DELHI: When the Tejas light combat aircraft tears into the sky over Bangalore on Friday, its sonic boom will finally herald a major milestone in the long, tortuous developmental saga of the homegrown supersonic fighter.

Having clocked almost 2,420 flight tests since its prototype first flew in January 2011, the lightweight multirole Tejas fighter will finally zoom past the initial operational clearance (IOC) mark on Friday. For long wary of the fighter being prematurely thrust down its throat, even the IAF will clap this time.

"This Tejas Mark-I is much better than a MiG-21 'Bison' on several counts, including weapon-carrying capability and range. But the fighter's full capabilities will emerge only in the Tejas Mark-II version, with a more powerful engine, radar and weapons, which is slated to be ready by December 2018," said a top IAF officer.

But that is in the future. Friday will mark the actual IOC - which basically signifies the fighter is fully airworthy in different conditions, from extremely low temperatures of high-altitude areas to the searing heat of deserts - of the Tejas Mark-I. It will not be the specious one that the combine of Defence Research and Development Organization ( DRDO), Aeronautical Development Agency ( ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd ( HAL) passed off as IOC-I in January 2011.

The Tejas Mark-I fighter, however, will be ready to go to battle only in 2015 once it gets the final operational clearance (FOC), after integration of all weapons and other systems to ensure it can fi re 23mm guns, rockets and BVR (beyond visual range) missiles as well as undergo air-to-air refuelling. As of now, the Tejas can let loose only close-range R-73 air-to-air missiles and air-to-ground laser and unguided bombs.

It's a no-brainer that India needs to have its own indigenous fighter in an era where the supremacy of airpower in shaping modern-day battles is unquestioned, and foreign imports can be choked in times of emergencies.

But the way the LCA project has meandered over the years, since it was fi rst approved in August 1983 at a paltry cost of Rs 560 crore to replace the ageing MiG-21s, has tested everyone's patience. So much so that TOI in April 2003, just before then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee named it "Tejas", had suggested it be christened "Jet-Ayu" - 'Ayu' being the Hindi word for age, and 'Jatayu', the bird king who fought Ravana in vain to prevent him from abducting Sita.

Down to just 34 fighter squadrons, IAF is of course still fl ying the obsolete MiG-21s. Due to the huge delay in the LCA project, it still has around 250 MiG-21s in its combat fleet, having further staggered their already long-delayed retirement by at least another five years. Not only has the LCA been in the making for 30 years, with deadlines being missed time and again, its overall developmental cost has also zoomed up to Rs 17,269 crore. This includes the Kaveri aero engine, sanctioned in 1989 at a cost of Rs 2,839 crore, which flopped miserably.

Consequently, while the first lot of Tejas will be powered by the American GE-404 engines, the Mark-II ones will have the more powerful GE F-414 engines. Over and above the developmental cost, each Tejas will cost around Rs 210-250 crore. So, the induction of 160 Tejas - 120 for IAF, 40 for Navy - will cost another Rs 35,000 crore.

However, defence scientists pooh-pooh all this talk of high costs.

"A fourth-generation-plus fighter, Tejas will still be among the cheapest fighters in its class in the world. It's not easy to develop a digital fl y-by-wire supersonic fighter from scratch, especially when India faced international sanctions for several years after the Pokhran-II nuclear tests," said a scientist.

Though late in coming, the Tejas is certainly critical for the IAF to meet its lightweight fighter requirements. While the heavyweight fighter category is taken care of by the Sukhoi-30MKIs, the medium range is to be met by the proposed almost $20 billion MMRCA (medium multirole combat aircraft) project to acquire 126 Rafale fighters.

"The MMRCA and Tejas squadrons are very critical for us to maintain our deterrence capability. Otherwise, our force levels will go down rapidly," says IAF chief Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne.

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Handcuffed and strip-searched, I broke down several times: Devyani Khobragade

NEW DELHI: US authorities subjected Devyani Khobragade to treatment reserved for hardened criminals. On Tuesday the government was spurred into action by an email she wrote to her IFS colleagues. She was not just handcuffed but subjected to strip-search, DNA swabbing and cavity searches, she wrote.

On Tuesday, the IFS Officers' Association met to ramp up pressure on the government to consider further retaliatory action if Washington did not offer an unconditional apology.

In her email, Khobragade implored the government to ensure her and her children's safety and preserve the dignity of the IFS, which was "unquestionably under siege". She said she broke down several times but tried to maintain her dignity and composure as she was representing her country.

"While I was going through it, although I must admit that I broke down many times as the indignities of repeated handcuffing, stripping and cavity searches, swabbing, in a holdup with common criminals and drug addicts were all being imposed upon me despite my incessant assertions of immunity, I got the strength to regain composure and remain dignified thinking that I must represent all of my colleagues and my country with confidence and pride," she said. TOI had reported on Tuesday that Khobragade had been strip-searched and her DNA swab taken. The Association believes the US authorities paid no attention to the fact that she was a senior consular officer and that India should treat her American counterparts here in the same manner.

India has been angered by the US state department response which insists that Khobragade does not have immunity under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (VCCR). India has pointed to Article 41 of the VCCR which says that if proceedings have to be carried out against a consular official, it must be "with the respect due to him by reason of his official position".

The state department reiterated that under VCCR, the Indian deputy consul general enjoyed immunity from US courts only "with respect to acts performed in the exercise of consular functions."

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Armaan Kohli: Bashed up girlfriends, hit-and-run case, now molestation?

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Armaan Kohli's angry outbursts in the Bigg Boss house reached a tipping point when he was arrested on Monday following an FIR filed by British singer and actress Sofia Hayat accusing him of molestation. The police arrested Armaan after watching a clip that was not aired on the show, but was the basis of the complaint. The actor was granted bail yesterday. While TOI is not privy to what actually transpired, we spoke to people who have known Armaan in the past and his temper issues. Only time will tell whether Sofia was justified or not in this case, but one thing is for sure that many villain roles in Bollywood await Armaan when he is out of the house.

ALSO READ: Armaan Kohli gets bail in Sofia Hayat assault case

If a woman has filed a complaint against him, then I am sure it is true: Ayesha Jhulka Bollywood actress Ayesha Jhulka, who was dating Armaan in the 90s, had also acted with him in a few films, but she doesn't want to associate herself with him now. She says, "I watch the show for Salman Khan. But I would never like to associate myself with a man like Armaan. He is history now and if a woman has filed a complaint against him for such a behaviour then I am sure it is true. Everyone knows him and what kind of a person he is, so my saying anything about him does not work."

He has been a girlfriend beater: Dolly Bindra
Apart from a hit-and-run case against Armaan in December 2002, there was another police case against him filed in 2008 in Mauritius by Dolly Bindra. She says, "He has been a girlfriend-beater. I had filed a case against him in Mauritius on behalf of his then girlfriend Moon Banerjee. I was adamant on taking it forward, but Moon did a volte face for reasons best known to her. Sofia has done the right thing. I am surprised why he is still inside the house. He should have been thrown out after he abused Kamya Punjabi. Kisi ladki ke muh tak kaise jaa sakte ho. I stand strongly against not just Armaan, but all men who misbehave with women. I hope Sofia doesn't get bogged down by pressure of any kind."

ALSO READ: Armaan Kohli arrested, to be back in soon?

Don't blame Armaan, Bigg Boss provokes you to such aggressive behaviour: Raja
Raja Chaudhary, who was one of the inmates in the second season of the show, says, "Every individual has a different tolerance level to react to someone's comments. This show is such that it pushes you to take extreme steps. In that limited space, you have been living without your loved ones for such a long time and then people provoke you to say something; obviously you will lose control."On the arrest, he says, "I'm surprised about the arrest because whatever happened was part of the show. Armaan might have an anger problem, but he seems to be a soft-hearted guy."

Hurling abuses is unacceptable: Shilpa
Shilpa Saklani, who was evicted some time back from the ongoing season, says, "I stopped watching the show since Apoorva came out of the house. There is no denying that Armaan has a temper issue. Losing your temper during a task is one thing, but not being able to keep your anger in check and hurling abuses at fellow inmates on a day-to-day basis is something else altogether. I won't be able to comment if it's right on Sofia's part to file a case; it's entirely her prerogative."

Article continues

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Sofia Hayat's publicity stunt: Viveik
Viveik Mishra, nude yoga guru, who was also seen in the house this season says, "Sofia's accusation isn't justified. Nobody can physically assault anybody inside the house, as he'd get evicted. It's just a publicity stunt. Armaan has a short temper. When I spoke to Tanishaa about him, she told me that she doesn't see a future with him, as she wants someone who treats her as an equal. They grew closer after they were secluded by other inmates."
(With inputs from Seema Sinha)

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Bigg Boss mid week eviction: Kushal Tandon eliminated

The series of surprises seems to be never ending on Bigg Boss season 7. After Kamya Punjabi's shocking elimination, Armaan Kohli's arrest and his return to the Bigg Boss house, the latest news is that TV heartthrob Kushal Tandon has been evicted from the Bigg Boss 7 house.

Sources inform that the Bigg Boss season 7 grand finale is inching closer so as part of mid-week evictions, Kushal Tandon was eliminated from the show in the wee hours of Wednesday (18 December 2013).

READ: Bigg Boss 7: Top 5 fights of Armaan Kohli

Bigg Boss called Gauahar Khan and Kushal Tandon and informed that out of both of them, it was Kushal, who has got fewer votes and told him to leave the house.

READ: Bigg Boss 7: Gauahar, Kushal not on talking terms

Well, with Kushal's exit we have more shocking twists in the most controversial show on the small screen.

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India retaliates, Delhi Police remove barricades from outside US embassy

NEW DELHI: (PTI) India on Tuesday retaliated strongly to the arrest of its deputy consul general in New York by initiating series of steps to strip US diplomats and their families of privileges including withdrawing all airport passes and stopping import clearances for the embassy. Delhi police on Tuesday removed barricades from outside the US embassy to protest against the arrest of Indian envoy in US.

Asking all Consulate personnel and their families to turn in their ID cards immediately, the government has also sought key information such as salaries paid to all Indian staff employed at the Consulates and by Consulate officers and families including as domestic helps.

"The government has asked for all US Consulate personnel's ID cards and that of their families immediately. These will now be downgraded on par with with what the US provides to our Consulates in US," sources said.

The government has asked the US to provide it with visa information and other details of all teachers at US schools and pay and bank accounts of Indians in these schools.

Apart from these measures, government has stopped all import clearances for the US embassy including for liquor.

Also, the traffic barricades near the US embassy on Nyaya Marg here will be lifted except the picket.

India has reacted sharply to the arrest of Deputy Consul General Devyani Khobragade, who was handcuffed in public in New York on visa fraud charges last week. Earlier, Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh summoned US Ambassador Nancy Powell and issued a demarche in this regard.

The displeasure was also evident among leaders and officials of Indian government who cancelled their meetings with visiting US Congressional delegation. Home minister Sushilkumar Shinde on Tuesday cancelled his meeting with the US team ostensibly as a mark of protest against the treatment meted out to Khobragade.

On Monday, Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar had cancelled her meeting with a senior US Congressional delegation due to the same reason.

National security advisor Shiv Shankar Menon, who also had a scheduled meeting with the five-member US team, did not meet them, apparently for the same reason.

The delegation comprised Congressmen George Holding (Republican - North Carolina), Pete Olson (Republican - Texas) David Schweikert (Republican - Arizona), Robert Woodall (Republican - Georgia), Madeleine Bordallo (Democrat - Guam).

39-year-old Khobragade, a 1999-batch IFS officer, was taken into custody last week on visa fraud charges on a street in New York as she was dropping her daughter to school before being released on a $250,000 bond after pleading not guilty in court.

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