Indholdsfortegnelse for August 29, 2016 i India Today

CALL HIM A TEFLON PRIME MINISTER, on whom no allegations or charges èver stick, or dismiss it as the good old TINA (there is no alternative) factor. But the india today-Karvy Insights Mood of the Nation (MOTN) poll throws up a curious paradox. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity among the electorate continues to soar to dizzying heights des pite the fact that a majority of the voters are seriously concerned about the precarious state of the country’s economy. Inflation is rising, the number of jobs is plummeting, corruption is seeing a spike in the states. At least in voter perception. Surely it is not the economy, stupid! The MOTN survey reveals that voters blame the Opposition UPA and Rahul Gandhi more than Modi for the state of affairs. Public approval…

45% respondents feel that relations with China have improved since the NDA came to power How have India’s foreign relations fared since the Narendra Modi-led NDA government came to power? How has the NDA government handled relations with Pakistan? 48% respondents feel that relations with China have improved since the NDA came to power respondents feel that relations with the US have significantly improved since the NDA came to power AFTER TWO YEARS OF ACHHE DIN, the Narendra Modi-led NDA government’s primary claim to success appears to be the robust foreign policy espoused by the prime minister. Fifty-seven per cent of respondents to the india today-Karvy Mood of the Nation survey believe that India’s foreign relations have improved. In the past two years, Modi has travelled abroad more than 50…

ANOTHER FAITH *Yearwise conversions to Islam; 76% women under 35 On August 11, the Kerala police arrested two people who were recruiting a 21-yearold girl for an unusual task. She was to go and fight as a foot soldier for the Islamic State in Yemen. Thirty-eight-year-old Sheena Farzana and 28-year-old Naser, volunteers of Sathyasarani, a Muslim charitable trust run by the radical outfit Popular Front of India (PFI), were arrested on charges of abduction of the 21-year-old (name withheld) from Cherpulassery town in Palakkad district. Police say the girl, a Hindu, was ‘influenced’ into converting to Islam while working at a private firm in Perinthalmanna, Malappuram district. Officials say P. Noufal (now in Yemen) of Per inthal manna was her initial handler before Naser, a member of Sathyasarani’s Da’wa squad…

TROLL HOTSPOTS The web forums where users are most likely to be at the receiving end of online harassment viral video Over 6 million enjoyed the video of a father telling his baby daughter that she cannot have a boyfriend Over 3 million admired a man rescuing a woman and her dog during the Louisiana floods Over 2 million were amazed by the video of a Lego plane crashing into a Lego house in slow motion web lol Too Little, Too Late Varsity student Sabryna Salazar claims to have had a match with gold medallist Joseph Schooling on Tinder back in April. She tweeted about ignoring him beyond a few texts, joking that the pairing was ‘her greatest accomplishment’. hashtag hero A Tale of Triumph #FirstSevenJobs has had tweeters indulging…

President and Chief Operating Officer, Kohler Co. Our toilets represent those few moments of personal space everyday when we recharge ourselves before dealing with the world outside. Some of us like retreating with a book while some just want quiet time to introspect. So, whether you’re considering a full-fledged renovation or just looking for elements that can uplift your special space, these top bathroom trends of 2016 will come handy. Take a pick and choose one that fits the character of your home. 1 The White on White Bathroom There is a move toward simplicity in a cleaner, more contemporary way. That's not to say bathrooms are going to completely lose their cosy, rustic charm for all-out glamour, but they will have cleaner lines and more minimalist, modern vibe. A…

Meditative Moments ATMANTAN A sense of calm sweeps over you the moment you pull up into the reception area of Atmantan. Just as you think it’s the crisp monsoon chill, the breathtaking view of the Mulshi Lake or the gushing sound of the waterfall that’s lulling you into a languorous state, general manager Athena Salim lets you in on a secret—the hills around Atmantan have a generous concentration of natural crystals, recognised for their healing and calming properties. So, does that really enhance the experience at a wellness resort? The next few hours ensure that you leave the city stress behind and emerge feeling transformed. After all, what can be more relaxing than yoga sessions amidst the early morning mist, a warm meal whipped up with fresh produce and spa…

IT WAS 2009. AN ASSAM unit Youth Congress worker stood mesmerised in the corner of a packed auditorium where Rahul Gandhi, the then Congress general secretary, was delivering a fiery speech. The 27-year-old felt a new sense of empowerment as Rahul described Youth Congress members as watchdogs of their senior counterparts—they were asked to raise an alarm if they found leaders working against the party’s interests. Three months later, that same youth was penalised for criticising a senior leader at a party platform. In despair, he tried to reach out to Rahul’s office, but got a terse response: “Please settle the issue with your immediate seniors.” The incident is a telling example of why Rahul, now party vice-president, cannot maintain his popularity for long. The Mood of the Nation poll…

Last October, Flipkart announced its ‘Big Billion Days’ sales from the 13th to the 17th of the month, one of many in the homebred onl ine retailer’s nearly 10 years of existence, during which it has sold hundreds of products at deep discounts. However, much to the company’s embarrassm ent, its app crashed, leaving many buyers redfaced. “Anything you click goes out of stock. Flipkart should stop this flop show,” tweeted Vicky Vohra, an aggrieved customer. Ecommerce gia nts like Flipkart will exercise caution in holding such mega sales blitzes again, especially after the government in March prohibited etailers from offering big discounts on their platforms. The government also capped total sales originating from a group company or one vendor on an ecommerce platform at 25 per cent. The norms…

SHOWERED WITH STYLE ANITHA SHARMA General Manager - Marketing, Hansgrohe India CURRENT TRENDS Showers are getting a lot of attention with large showerheads and rain shower panels in high demand. Multiple spray modes in a single shower are also picking up pace. Bathroom owners prefer installing multiple showers so that they get a feeling of getting drenched in the rain. Showers made of natural materials like glass are also in vogue as they blend seamlessly into cross-generational bathrooms and evoke a sense of elegance and simplicity. GOING GREEN Customers are adapting to the concept of a green bathroom and seeking showers that use less water without hampering their overall experience. Many eco-friendly showers have a flow-limiter and dispense water at a constant minimum flow rate, no matter what the water…

A client interested in simple living, colonial architecture and being close to nature; a home that can only be accessed by a narrow pathway; a design that puts the parking areas away from the front yard; an uneven shaped plot where the rear side of the site has a level difference of three meters. Clearly, 34-year-old architects Vivek PP and Nishan M of Kerala-based firm De Earth had a lot of work cut out for them. To add to this, their design practice is aimed at creating eco-friendly spaces. However, the duo loves a good challenge and within a year they had the 3,255 square foot home ready to move in. A CHALLENGING BRIEF “Our brief was simple to create a space close to nature while integrating the owner's love…

BED AND BEYOND A clean bed means cleaning the sheets, pillows and even the mattress. That's where the new HEPAbased Bed Cleaner from Kent comes handy. Equipped with cyclonic technology and UV disinfectant technology, it is specially designed to effectively clean flat surfaces and eliminate bacteria, virus, dust mites, spores, allergens, dust, and decaying skill cells. It uses a twin mechanism of agitator brush and vacuum suction, with ultraviolet disinfection. PRICE ₹8,000 AT www.kent.co.in WASH OUT FOR THIS Samsung has launched Front Load AddWash washing machines. So what's special about that? The machine comes with a small Add Door that allows the user to add laundry items anytime during the wash cycle. Further, it lets the consumer add hand washed items only for rinsing, or additional softener anytime they want…

A collaboration made in design heaven, French luxury furniture brand, Roche Bobois, has tied up with iconic French luxury fashion house, Maison Christian Lacroix, to create exquisite furniture. Designed by Sacha Walckhoff, Creative Director, Maison Christian Lacroix for Roche Bobois’ Nouveaux Classiques collection, the range is a salute to fashion and French art de vivre. On display are dining tables, chairs, small furniture pieces, lighting and rugs. Featured here is the double sided screen with a 19th century town Arles (close to the heart of Maison Lacroix) on one side and a collage of a fantastical, lush garden on the other. The silk screen printing method has been used to create this one-of-a-kind piece. PRICE on request; AT No 7/1, Ulsoor Road, Opposite Purvankara Head Office, Bangalore…

Born in Cambridge, raised in Delhi, New York and Florence, Pia Sukanya is not exactly what you’d call a Mumbai girl. And yet, it’s this city she chose to pay tribute to with her directorial debut Bombairiya. The film is a dry comedy about a Public Relations manager (Radhika Apte) who is having a terrible day because she loses her cell phone. The young girl finds herself negotiating with the thief (Siddhant Kapoor) and seeking help from a complete stranger (Akshay Oberoi); their varied worlds colliding to create comical situations. “The crazy things that happen in this film would have been absolutely unbelievable if the story had been set elsewhere,” believes the singer-songwriter turned director. TOO SMART FOR TINSEL TOWN Despite never having lived in India, Sukanya gave up her…

Who is best suited to be the next prime minister of India? Narendra Modi bounces back after a slump in the last three polls If there were an Olympic competition akin to being the prime minister of India, it would be the decathlon. The event that determines the world’s best all-round athlete is a test of power, agility, speed and endurance. Held over two days, it consists of 10 track and field disciplines that include the 100 metre sprint, long jump, shot put, high jump and the 400 metre sprint on the first day, followed by 110 metre hurdles, discus throw, pole vault, javelin and a 1,500 metre run on the second day. Points are given for each event, and the competitor with the highest aggregate score wins. Into the…

Which coalition can successfully challenge the NDA government in 2019? AS THE LEADERS OF INDIA’S top political parties set the wheels of their 2019 ambitions in motion—either through rallies in election-bound Uttar Pradesh and Punjab or through photo-ops with Dalits in Gujarat—the key question is this: will the next Lok Sabha elections be fought on a national versus national platform or a national versus regional plank? The answer is crucial in determining the kind of Opposition that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will face two-and-ahalf years from now, and whether he will be able to muster the numbers required for a second term. The latest india today-Karvy Mood of the Nation (MOTN) survey offers some interesting insights into Indian politics and the people at the forefront of it. Broadly, the import…

When she tied the knot at the age of 18, Rupali Nagapure had no regrets about settling down so early in life. Her husband Sandeep was a farmer, who grew soyabean and tur (pigeon pea) on the two acres of farmland he owned at Dongargaon in Maharashtra’s Akola district. They had their own house, and after the birth of their son, Shivam, five years ago, Rupali and Sandeep thought they had everything they could ever want. They were not rich, but they led a comfortable life. Events took a bleak turn four years ago. First, a weak monsoon destroyed their crop. Sandeep took a loan of Rs 35,000 to get through the year. The next year’s monsoon was no better, leading to another crop failure. Frustrated—and now in debt—Sandeep decided…

Bold & Blossoming The D’Decor Store has unveiled their all new Fantastique collection for the Autumn/ Winter season. It is an elegant range of refined floral accents and fresh pastels. Bold patterns in bright colours look picturesque as the designs reflect the outdoors; ideal for curtains, upholstery and wall panels. PRICE on request; AT No 67, Ground Floor, Ring Road, Lajpat Nagar 3, New Delhi Tel 011-4143 6677 Luxe Linen Luxury home linen store Anna Simona has launched two new collections, Ellis and Gazaala. Featured here is the Ellis Collection with sophisticated damask and trellis patterns in dramatic fern gold hues. The quilted damask surface adds layers of dimension, while the sequinned accents with chording complete the opulent ensemble. PRICE on request; AT www.annasimona.com The New Tile Style H&R Johnson…

If there is one thing that defines a bathroom, it is the WC. Gone are the days when a hole in the ground doubled up as the toilet. Today, the market is full of interesting, innovative and intelligent options to choose from. Here's a round-up of the latest high tech WCs available. THE DIGITAL EDITION It seems out of a sci-fi movie, but Roca’s new collection of E-Toilets are an electronic delight. The best part? They come with a wide selection of hands free functions. Other features include rear and front cleaning, adjustable pressure, temperature functionalities, oscillating and pulsating massage and dryer function. Some even come with auto-open/close and auto flush mechanism. Part of the collection, are the ALBA E-toilets, the Inspira range and the Khromaclin Smart Toilet (featured here).…

Fancy designing a home for an unknown owner? This is exactly what architects Monarch Champaneri, Nilesh Patel and Niralee Champaneri of OpenIdeas were asked to do for Le Jardin, the first residential project in Law Garden, Ahmedabad by the Advance Group. “They wanted us to infuse new aesthetic sensibility in the real estate market of the city and gave us a free hand in designing the interior of the show apartment. Our only brief was to design elegant and lively livable spaces,” says Niralee. For those not in the know, OpenIdeas is a design firm that believes to showcase architecture for what it is, ‘an intelligent and innovative response to local constraints’. Their repertoire includes community housing, private residences and urban development projects. This 3,500 square feet apartment is a…

Art and craft are blurring boundaries. A good example is phulkari. The bright and beautiful embroidered pieces from Punjab have gone beyond dupattas and suits. From cushions and tablecloths to canopies, wall hangings and bedcovers, phulkari decor items are a good way to jazz up your living spaces. TRACING ITS PAST The word phulkari, can be broken in to two words, phul meaning flower and kari meaning work. Many historians have traced the origin of phulkari to Central Asia from where this craft was brought by the Gujar nomads to Punjab. Traditionally, phulkari was done on thick cotton fabric, which was home spun called khaddar. There were four basic colours used for the base, white, red, blue and black. White was used by older women or widows, red by the…

Defiance and Definition SOFIA ASHRAF, 29 From Being known as ‘The Burqa Rapper’ in college to becoming an advocate of important social and environmental issues, Sofia Ashraf believes she's a writer first and rapper second. “It was only after activist and journalist Nityanand Jayaraman told me that I could use my words to put out a strong social message as well, that I started looking for issues that truly resonated with my values,” says Ashraf. This has probably fuelled Ashraf’s intense and relentless activism against corporate giants and government projects that flout environmental laws and don’t own up. She carries this out as part of ‘Justice Rocks’–a rock movement much like “Woodstock, but with a message,” in Ashraf’s own words. Most recently, her work with Justice Rocks led her to…

Niche is a big word these days and foodies are in constant search for something new, something they haven’t experienced before. Hamsa, the vegetarian fine-dining restaurant in Adyar, offers such an indulgence to every discerning eater. Walk into the restaurant and you will see ornate brass lamps hanging from the ceiling, walls adorned in exclusive artwork and fine silverware used to serve an extravagant fare. The menu is expansive and everything in it, rich. Try the Bhagirathi Mehar paneer— cottage cheese cooked with reduced milk and dried plums or the Urulai roast—roasted baby potatoes in Chettinad spices— a classic rendered perfectly. The anar aur hari meeri ka chawal—with pomegranate and green peppercorn is as aromatic as it is flavoursome. The desserts here must be devoured with a hearty appetite. For…