Rise of Phoenix

Indian Splendor

2010-02-27T07:48:00.000-08:00

The amazing river Beas which flows through Manali and along the whole approach road from Shimla to Manali.

Looking at it makes you feel heavenly? No, not really, it just makes you feel blessed to be on Earth to witness this beauty."

The world's priciest cellphone

2009-11-30T00:28:00.000-08:00

A designer has come up with the world's most expensive mobile phone, which is priced at 1.92 million pounds.

Stuart Hughes, from Liverpool has designed the iPhone 3GS Supreme that has almost 200 diamonds incised on it.

The casing is embellished with 22-carat solid gold, while the front bezel is adorned with 136 diamonds.

The Apple logo is made from 53 of the same jewels and the front button has a diamond of more than seven carats.

2009-05-25T02:07:00.000-07:00

Why do we spend so much on our computers when all we need is....

2009-05-25T02:06:00.001-07:00

He is short, he is ugly and yet he boasts a huge ego... wanna know why?

2009-05-25T02:03:00.001-07:00

See why this girl is so popular in her college...

2009-05-25T01:59:00.000-07:00

CLICK TO VIEW BETTER....Scientist are burning mid-night oil to devise a technology which will help you in controlling your woman and it looks something like this...

Lingerie

2009-03-15T05:12:00.000-07:00

Former Spice Girl Melanie Brown has shown her raunchy side as a burlesque babe for the latest underwear from lingerie giant Ultimo.

The stunner, aka Scary Spice, stripped off to bra, knickers and stockings to display the new collection.

Keeping in sync with the burlesque theme, the 33-year-old mum posed with vintage props including a fan, elbow-length satin gloves and beaded necklaces.

"Burlesque is all about embracing and celebrating your body. The shoot was fantastic and I felt every inch the burlesque star," The Daily Star quoted her, as saying.

"A girl's gotta have great lingerie, but it's also all about the wink and the tease that goes with it. Modelling lingerie is really empowering and it was fantastic to get in character. The new Ultimo collection is super-feminine, with lashings of elaborate detailing, luscious colours and sexy fabrics. I just love it!" she added.

The shoot even ties in with her new Las Vegas [Images] burlesque extravaganza Peep Show, where she plays mistress of ceremonies Peep Diva.

It kicks off on March 30 at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino.

wardrobe

2009-01-19T13:54:00.000-08:00

Confused what to wear to work? Well, take heart, for fashion gurus have offered some universal dress codes that would take you away from the horror of choosing an outfit for office.

Australian fashion stylist Di Cant has said that there are different dress codes for different workplaces, but a few rules are universal.

While it's easy for men to jump into a suit, women consider a variety of factors.

"You should look like the job you do," News.com.au quotes Cant as saying.

"If you work in a law firm, you should dress in a more formal manner," she adds.

Says Indian fashion designer Anupama Dayal, "Fitted skirts have been 'in' for a while now, but the good news for office-goers is that trousers are back after a gap of nearly five years," she says. "Opt for a high-waisted pair, they're the latest thing and incorporate a little fun element into them -- they can be cropped just a little, for instance, or then full-pleated. Just make sure your outfit fits in at your workplace. And black is definitely back!"

Rihanna!

2008-12-02T01:00:00.000-08:00

R&B singer Rihanna has topped a new poll of the 'Sexiest Celebrity Stomachs in the World'.

The 20-year-old Barbados-born beauty, renowned for her revealing stage outfits, came first in the poll conducted by stomach-flattening supplement AntiBloat, reports China Daily.

Shape ur Cleavage...

2008-09-23T00:15:00.000-07:00

This exercise requires the resistance tube and a chair. Its a good one for the office.

Strap the resistance tube around the back of your chair. Hold each end in in either hand and sit at the edge of your chair. Bend both elbows and raise both wrists to your shoulder. Sit up tall with your abdominals held tight and squeeze your chest muscles, pushing your arms forward, till they are parallel to the floor and in line with your shoulders. Slowly release back to the starting position.

Do 12-16 repetitions, rest and repeat.

How to shape up ur Clevage....

2008-09-23T00:12:00.000-07:00

Lie on your tummy. Raise yourself and place your palms on the floor, in line with your shoulders, elbows bent and fingers facing forwards. Now push yourself up on your knees.

Your body should be in a straight diagonal line from head, shoulder, hips to knees. Straighten your arms but don't lock your elbows. Then gently bend your elbows and lower your chest towards the floor, all the while maintaining your body in a straight line. The back should not sag downwards. Once you go as low as possible, 'push up' to the start position.

11.2 million % inflation! How is Zimbabwe surviving?

2008-09-18T03:59:00.000-07:00

Zimbabwe's inflation rate has just touched a stratospheric level of 11.2 million per cent! Yes, 11.2 million per cent, the highest in the world's history!

Compare that to the rate of inflation in India -- which is hovering at the 12 per cent level and causing so much turmoil for Indians as the cost of commodities rises sharply -- and perhaps you can put things in proper perspective.

And while the world and its brother-in-law shed tears as the United States slips into a recession and major stock markets across the world plummet, spare a thought for Zimbabwe where money has no value, and hunger, poverty and death are constant companions. So why is Zimbabwe facing such times? Why Zimbabwe is in this situation?

Zimbabwe is in the throes of an unparalleled economic crisis because of over a decade of economic recession, extreme food and fuel shortage, an unemployment rate of over 80 per cent, and lack of political will to do anything about it.

The other reasons also are the government's ban on relief efforts by foreign NGOs, a debilitating drought, and the scourge of the AIDS epidemic.

There are more reasons for Zimbabwe's terrifying condition. . .

So how are Zimbabweans surviving?

Barely.

You can just about buy a loaf of bread for Z$1,000. And if you want a few bananas, you need to pay a bagful of cash.

The economy faces collapse with consumers resorting to barter as inflation and a slump in the Zimbabwe dollar erodes the value of cash.

Cash-strapped people are resorting to bartering fuel coupons for goods, such as household appliances and furniture. Some retailers prefer payment in coupons instead of local currency because of the rapid devaluation of the Zimbabwe dollar, report Zimbabwean newspapers.

i-phone..............

2008-08-20T08:50:00.000-07:00

Indian consumers, who have waited for months to own the iconic 3G-enabled Apple iPhone, will have to pay Rs 31,000($775) for the entry-level 8GB memory mobile phone and Rs 36,100($900) for a model with double the memory.

Both Vodafone and Airtel will be launching the iPhone on August 22 and industry experts say bookings and pre-launch interest suggest that they would be able to sell over 100,000 phones in the next 12 months.

Shilpa Shetty is the boss.............

2008-08-07T14:55:00.000-07:00

Shilpa Shetty ,winner of last season reality show Big Brother,uk is ready to host Indian version of Big Boss,season 2

The world's largest economies

2008-07-29T10:47:00.001-07:00

The Indian economy is the 12th largest in the world. That is, India's gross domestic product stands at $1.171 trillion.

However, in terms of purchasing power parity, India is the world's fourth largest economy. Its GDP in purchasing power parity terms is at $3.092 trillion.

These are the year 2007 figures, recently released by the World Bank.

By definition, purchasing power parity (PPP) is an economic theory that estimates the amount of adjustment needed on the exchange rate between countries in order for the exchange to be equivalent to each currency's purchasing power.

India is the one of the world's fastest growing economies, yet its annual per capita income remains quite low at $950, or about Rs 40,000. That puts India in the 160th spot.

Incidentally, World Bank figures show that the world's GDP is at $54.347 trillion. India accounts for just over 2 per cent of global GDP.

The World's largest Economies

2008-07-29T10:44:00.000-07:00

United States

The American GDP is at $13.812 trillion, making it the world's largest economy. It accounts for more than 25 per cent of the entire world's GDP!

In terms of purchasing power parity too, the United States is the world's leading economy.

However, its per capita income at $46,040, per year, pegs it at the 15th spot in the world.

The world's 2nd largest economies

2008-07-29T10:43:00.000-07:00

2. Japan

Japan, with a GDP of $4.377 trillion, is the world's second largest economy.

However, in terms of purchasing power parity, Japan is ranked third by the World Bank. It's GDP in PPP terms is $4.283 trillion.

Japan's per capita income (annual) is $37,670, making it the 25th highest in the world.

The world's 3rd largest economies

2008-07-29T10:41:00.000-07:00

Germany

Germany is the world's third largest, with its GDP at $3.297 trillion.

But in PPP terms, Germany is the world's fifth largest economy. It's GDP in PPP terms is at $2.752 trillion.

Its per capita income is the 23rd highest in the world, at $38,860.

The world's 4th largest economies

2008-07-29T10:39:00.000-07:00

China

China, the Asian giant, is the world's fourth largest economy with a GDP of $3.281 trillion; but in purchasing power parity terms it ranks second at $7.055 trillion.

It is the world's fastest growing major economy and its giant strides have taken the world by a storm. Economists predict that over the next few decades, it could topple the US as the world's largest economy.

China's per capita income, however, is still low at $2,630 per year.

Army Dare Devils break world record............

2008-07-25T00:44:00.001-07:00

For the fifth time, Indian Army's 'Dare Devil' motorcycle display team has found a place in the prestigious Guinness Book of World Records.

Known for its stunning feats, the team from the Army's Signal Corps made it to the record book on June 11 this year when it successfully displayed its skill to carry 251 men on 11 motorcycles for a record-breaking distance of 240 metres.

Calcutta Calling.....................

2008-07-22T10:32:00.000-07:00

No friends, this is not the title of the latest Balaji K-serial. It is just an arbitrary account of my recent visit to the City of Joy which I felt like sharing with you readers.

I have been longing to visit Kolkata for a long time now but it was only recently that I finally visited this remarkable city. Being the daughter of a naval officer I have had the opportunity to travel to a number of places around the country, thanks to the recurrent transfers, but Kolkata did not feature on the shoreline hence the longing to see this metropolis.

A genial Sardarji acquaintance (my husband met him on a trip to the US last year) was instrumental for it all. He owns a flourishing garment business in Kolkata and it was at his behest that we found ourselves there. We were absolutely overwhelmed by the warm hospitality of this fabulous family (whom we were meeting for the first time). Where else but in India can one come across such large-hearted people, I wondered.

Why India might overtake China.........

2008-07-17T23:48:00.001-07:00

It has only been a few years since Asia bulls have been touting the arrival of the Chinese Century, citing that nation's enormous potential.

Now, get ready for predictions of the India Century.

That, in fact, was the title of a recent white paper by the Chicago-based consultancy Keystone-India, founded by a group of top economists from Ernst & Young who believe that India is on track to surpass China in growth. "We believe this is India's moment," declares Keystone Chief Economist William T Wilson.

China has a two decade-long track record of 9.5% average annual growth, exports 10 times as much as India, and dwarfs India as a magnet for foreign investment.

By contrast, India has achieved an annual growth rate of 7% or higher only seven times in the past two decades. And largely because of its unruly politics and stifling bureaucracy, it wasn't long ago that economists bemoaned the "Hindu growth rate," implying the nation is simply culturally incapable of achieving high growth.

Even under Keystone's projections, India wouldn't match China's current hypergrowth rates for at least another 15 years. And even by 2050, China's economy would be bigger measured in US dollars.

But longer term, Keystone contends India will be in a stronger position. It projects that China's average annual growth will peak at 8.8 per cent over the next five years, and then gradually trend downward to under 7 per cent in the 2020s and around 4% by the 2040s.

India's annual growth is projected to rise to around 7.3 per cent by 2010 and stay over 7 per cent until the mid-2030s, and still be in the 6% range until 2050.

What's more, Wilson contends that Keystone's forecasts are conservative.Why is Keystone so bullish? Some of the key reasons:

Demographics

The biggest reason India has more long-term growth potential is simply that its population is younger and is growing more quickly than China's. Currently, China has 300 million more people than India.

But because of its very low birth rate, largely due to the one-child policy, China's population is expected to peak at around 1.45 billion by 2030.

India's population is expected to increase by 350 million by 2030, more new people than the US, Western Europe, and China combined. India will have 200 million more people than China by midcentury.

What's more, China's population is aging rapidly. As a result, the number of working-age Chinese is projected to peak in 2020 and start declining steadily thereafter, while India's workforce will keep growing for at least four more decades.

However, India's fertility rate also is declining, meaning future families will have fewer children to support and more to spend on consumption.

Development experts call this combination of a growing workforce and declining fertility a 'demographic dividend,' which helped power explosive economic growth in East Asia's Tiger economies from the 1960s through the early 1990s.

Capital Efficiency

The big driver of China's economic growth has been massive investment, equal to 40% to 45% of gross domestic product a year, an extraordinarily high rate on world standards�and twice the percentage of India's.

In 2004, investment in China was equal to half of its $1.5 trillion in GDP. In that context, China's 9.5% growth rate that year shouldn't be too surprising.

"It is staggering how much investment was needed to power Chinese growth in recent years," Wilson notes. "Any nation investing half of GDP in fixed-capital income looks a lot like pre-crisis Asia."

India, however, gets much more bang for the rupee. It has achieved 6% average growth with an investment rate half that of China's, around 22% to 23% a year.

Osama Dead!!

2008-07-02T13:54:00.000-07:00

Osama bin Laden is on his death bed! If the US Central Intelligence Agency is to be believed, the notorious international terrorist is suffering from terminal kidney disease.

A report released recently by the agency indicates at the possibility of the Osama surviving for not more six to nine months.

However, the CIA has denied the report. 'I have found no one here familiar with this alleged report or the analytic line it supposedly conveys,' Time magazine, which carried the report, quoted CIA spokesman Paul Gimigliano as saying.

'The fact that anonymous sources attribute views to the CIA is not, by itself, reason to believe the agency actually holds those views,' he added.

2008-07-02T13:53:00.000-07:00

It may be noted that Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf had, in the past, stated that the Al Qaeda supreme had been suffering from a kidney problem.

'Osama bin Laden is most likely dead, because he has not been able to get treatment for his kidney disease. I think now, frankly, he is dead,' Musharraf had been quoted by CNN in January 2002.

Similar reports kept hitting global headlines over the years.

Image: Match boxes and currency notes, offering a reward of $5 million for information about Osama, have been doing the rounds for some years now.

2008-07-02T13:50:00.000-07:00

In September 2006, the French newspaper L'Est Republicain quoted a report from the French secret service stating that bin Laden had succumbed to typhoid in Pakistan. Apparently, the disease paralyzed his lower limbs.

The report was dumped later when a video, allegedly from the dreaded terrorist, who masterminded the September 11 bombings in New York, surfaced.

Only time can tell whether Osama is indeed on his death bed.

Image: The 9/11 bombings -- one of the deadliest attacks masterminded by the deaded terrorist.

The world's first moving skyscraper!

2008-07-02T10:13:00.000-07:00

A building which actually moves, changes shape and yet manages to stay erect? Exactly!! You have probably been to many revolving restaurants, but a building that revolves floor, by floor? Yes that's exactly what David Fisher, the visionary architect and creator of the Dynamic Tower has in mind.

"Today's life is dynamic, so the space we are living in should be dynamic as well, adjustable to our needs that change continuously, to our concept of design and to our mood.

"Buildings will follow the rhythms of nature. They will change direction and shape from spring to summer, from sunrise to sunset, and even adjust themselves to the weather. In other words, buildings will be alive", said Fisher while unveiling his plan to the media in New York recently.

"From now on, buildings will have four dimensions. The fourth dimension is 'time', to be made part of architecture," Fisher further said, adding, "Buildings in motion will shape the landscape. Whether they are tall or small, residential buildings, office towers or hotels, each room will have a view."

By combining motion, green energy and efficient construction, the Dynamic Tower will change architecture as we know it, and herald a new era of 'dynamic living'.

Why Bill Gates likes India........

2008-06-27T05:18:00.000-07:00

Gates bats for India

For Bill Gates, India is a must-visit place. In his words, "a place that is valuable to me for both business and personal reasons".

Besides being an important market for the software giant, Gates is besotted by the immense talent in India. India is also an ideal base for his magnanimous philanthropic activities.

Microsoft India is the fastest growing subsidiary for Microsoft and Gates sees huge potential in India.

"In countries like India, where you have so much talent and potential for future breakthroughs, economic growth will be driven by jobs and revenue from companies that are building businesses around commercial software. Microsoft's role is to make sure that our partners have the best tools and knowledge to make this happen," Gates said during his 2005 visit.

Carefree Casanova:Different Denim Style

2008-06-18T01:39:00.001-07:00

Guys, go for the I-just-fell-out-of-bed look with a pair of boot-cuts, flip flops and summery shirt.

From casual to corporate: Different denim styles

2008-06-18T01:35:00.001-07:00

It's time to work those jeans -- people are wearing denims all the time and even to the office. Here's how to style your look to suit a casual date, a business environment and a night on town.

Ladies, follow Hollywood starlet Tara Reid's lead and choose a relaxed fit if you want to look super-casual. Wear a tee that shows off your midriff and accessorise with a cute carry-all and comfy footwear.

Tank it up

2008-06-18T01:32:00.000-07:00

A tank top and fitted denims make a great team if you're headed out on a casual date.

The boy next door

2008-06-18T01:31:00.000-07:00

If you show up at work in jeans, make sure to keep things crisp, even if they are casual -- a sweater worn over a shirt and formal shoes will carry off the style.

PS -- Avoid baggies at all costs!

Corporate chic

2008-06-18T01:29:00.001-07:00

So denims are permitted in your office? Make the most of the liberal dress code with nice tunic tops, shirts and straight-cut jeans.

Jessica Alba...........indian outfit

2008-06-06T10:58:00.000-07:00

Hmm, just another new item girl, right?

Wrong!

The gorgeous Jessica Alba , one of Hollywood's reigning queens of hotness, is set to sizzle in a sari for the upcoming film, The Love Guru, where she'll star alongside comedy heavyweight Mike Myers.

In the film, a comedy co-written by Myers, Pitka (Myers) is an American raised at an ashram in India. He becomes a self-help and spiritual guru, famous the world over for his speciality in settling relationship issues between couples.

Jane Bullard (Alba), who owns a professional ice hockey team, seeks Pitka's help when her star player becomes estranged from his wife, who is dating a member of the rival team. It's unknown why Alba appears in a sari, leaving us to speculate!

Alba was recently married to Cash Warren in May; the couple are expecting their first child.

World's costliest and cheapest Petrol.............

2008-06-04T10:57:00.000-07:00

Turkey: Rs 113.30 per litre

In Turkey, the prices of petrol are the highest in the world. Petrol costs a whopping $2.68 or about Rs 113.30 per litre here. Guess, it's not a place one would want to drive in.

Norway (Oslo): Rs 112 per litre

In Norway (Oslo), petrol prices are amongst the highest in the world and a shade lower than those in Turkey. In Olso petrol costs $2.65 or about Rs 112 per litre.

United Kingdom: Rs 95.50 per litre

In United Kingdom, too, the cost of petrol is shockingly high. Petrol costs $2.26 or about Rs 95.50 per litre here.

Hong Kong: Rs 84.10 per litre

In Hong Kong, petrol prices are a bit lower than in European nations, but it still boasts of the most expensive oil in Asia. Petrol costs $1.99 or about Rs 84.10 per litre in Hong Kong.

Brazil (Sao Paolo): Rs 66 per litre

In Brazil (Sao Paolo), the price of petrol is much higher than in India and costs $1.56 or approximately Rs 66 per litre.

Canada: Rs 57 per litre

In Canada, petrol costs $1.35 or about Rs 57 per litre, slightly more than the price in India or the United States.

Pakistan: Rs 44.80 per litre

In Pakistan, petrol costs less than it does in India. At $1.06 or about Rs 44.80 per litre, petrol is still affordable here.

The United States: Rs 44.25 per litre

In United States, petrol costs $1.047 or about Rs 44.25 per litre. And this is the price after a recent increase. Even this led to a huge uproar in the nation and reports said that many Americans are now looking to drive fuel-efficient small cars.

Russia (Moscow): Rs 42.275 per litre

In Russia (Moscow), petrol costs $1 or about Rs 42.275 per litre. Russia, of course, also has huge oil reserves.

China: Rs 31.30 per litre

In China, petrol costs $0.74 or about Rs 31.30 per litre. That is almost half of what it costs in India.

United Arab Emirates: Rs 15.65 per litre In the United Arab Emirates, petrol costs $0.37 or about Rs 15.65 per litre

Saudi Arabia (Riyadh): Rs 5 per litre

In Saudi Arabia (Riyadh), petrol costs $0.12 or about Rs 5 per litre. That's 10 per cent of what it costs in India! Petrol costs are phenomenally cheap in Riyadh, but not the cheapest in the world.

Venezuela (Caracas): Rs 2.12 per litre

In Venezuela (Caracas) petrol costs the least in the world. It is priced at $0.05 or Rs 2.12 per litre!

The country subsidises fuel prices for its citizens from the money it makes from selling crude oil to other nations. Venezuela is a major oil-producing nation.