Shah Rukh Khan turns host for 'India Poochega - Sabse Shaana Kaun'

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan returned to the small screen with a bang - he will host "India Poochega - SabseShaanaKaun", a game show adapted from the "Who's Asking?" international format.

The show will air on &TV, a new Hindi general entertainment channel launched by Zee Entertainment Enterprise Limited (ZEEL) on Wednesday night here.

Looking his charming self, Shah Rukh took mediapersons present at the launch through the show's format.

He said: "I like the question and answer format. I do that with my children and family. This show will deal with questions that have been asked by common man and will be answered by the common man himself to win the prize money.

"The questions will be those which people think are easy to answer or sometimes don't even think about it. Many people have different questions to ask. I will just make sure the show has a lot of fun."

The 49-year-old, who sported a dapper, clean-shaven look in a formal blue suit, ensured the audience had a taste of the entertainment in store from the show, at the launch itself. His sense of humour and one-liners did the trick.

Shah Rukh even gave a glimpse into the show's format by playing it live with mediapersons.

"India Poochega - Sabse Shaana Kaun" is produced by Big Synergy and will be aired on &TV in March.

The 49-year-old, who started his showbiz career from TV itself -- via fiction shows like 'Fauji' and 'Circus', has previously hosted reality shows like "Kaun Banega Crorepati", "Kya Aap Paanchvi Paas Se Tez Hain" and "Zor Ka Jhatka". He was also seen as a judge on "Dil Se Naachein Indiawaale", which was brought to TV for the promotion of his film "Happy New Year" last year.

Asked how it feels to be back on TV after becoming the most loved Bollywood actor around the globe, SRK said: "The television industry and film industry understand each other and they work in synergy. I started with TV, but I haven't given such a brilliant performance so far.

"So, I would want to give back to TV. I feel this show will help me in achieving that."

He also feels that the only reason he has been away from TV for sometime is because he likes to work with those who are like family to him.

"I always wait for something like this. I am little spoilt as an actor and as a performer. I like to work with people who are family and take my little bit of unprofessionalism," he quipped.

"I didn't get anything interesting till this show, and also, I was too busy with other projects," he added.

While Shah Rukh was on stage, one scribe asked him who according to him is the most "shaana" (streetsmart) actor or actress.

He smiled and answered, "If I will tell any name, you will make an entire show on that, so let's just skip that."

Apart from roping in King Khan for its game show, &TV has also come up with line-up of other shows like "Razia Sultana, "Begusarai", "Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai!a and "Badii Devrani".

"Begusarai" is set in the hinterland of Bihar and has been produced by Saregama Productions. The channel has roped in filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia to design the first look of the show.

"Razi Sultan" on the other hand is an untold story of the 13th century. It is produced by Swastik Productions.

"Bhabiji..." will bring in the life of lively lanes of Kanpur and will share the journey of two neighbouring couples, whereas "Badiia" will bring out the essence of relationships.

Not only shows, &TVA has also come up with the soulful rendition of "Jashn jeena ka" that has been conceptualised and created by music duo Sachin-Jigar.

"&TV will offer a more substantial viewing experience to an audience that is always seeking fresh and relevant content. The channel extends our Hindi entertainment portfolio under the '&' bouquet and will add to the consolidation of our leading position in the entertainment industry," said Punit Goenka, managing director and CEO, Zee.

Shahid Afridi: Hope to reclaim world record for fastest ODI hundred

Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has said that he would like to reclaim the tag of being the fastest to score a ton in One-Day International (ODI) cricket. The 34-year-old’s record for the fastest ODI hundred was overtaken by Corey Anderson last January when the New Zealand left-hander smashed a 36-ball century against the West Indies in Queenstown. That record was once again beaten by a breathtaking display by AB de Villiers last Sunday when the Proteas captain blasted a hundred off 31 balls versus the same opposition at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.

Afridi, who is set to retire from the 50-over format of the game after World Cup, further said that one can't plan too much while setting these records and if it's your day, they will happen. He also praised de Villiers for his spectacular knock on Sunday.

“He played like a champion to get the record and it was his special day,” Afridi said in an interview.

"You never plan out to set such records. It just happens when you have a very special day and your confidence is sky high. If everything works out for me and it is my special day then I will try to improve the record set by Ab de Villiers in New Zealand or in the World Cup,” he added.

It was my day at Nairobi: Afridi

Talking about his own hundred against Kenya in Nairobi in 1996, Afridi said that everything he did on the day came off spectacularly and that he hopes to play a similar kind of innings despite batting at No.6 in the batting order before he retires.

"It just happened that day it was my special day and everything clicked. I hope I get another special day in the coming World Cup if it can happen I will try to get back the record of which I was always proud.

"But realistically speaking I know that at the number I come to bat at these days one can score a half century but it is really difficult to get a hundred but you never know it could my special day," he said.

ODI rules heavily loaded in the favour of batsmen: Afridi

The Pakistani also felt that with the rules in the limited-overs format being heavily loaded in favour of the batsmen, the day isn’t far when totals in the range of 350-400 will be chased down by the team batting second.

"After the rule changes in 50 overs cricket and with the popularity of T20 cricket things are now tilted in the favor of batsmen and in coming days we could see even totals of 400 go down easily,” he said.

"Limited overs cricket has really changed dramatically in the last couple of years."

Originally published on Sportskeeda.com here

Gauri Khan to design Satya Paul's 30th anniversary line

Mumbai, Jan 21 (IANS) Fashionista Gauri Khan, entrepreneur and wife of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, will lend her creativity to Satya Paul to mark the fashion brand's 30th anniversary. She says it will reflect her personal style.

"My signature line of clothing for Satya Paul will showcase a distinctive aspect of my own personal style. Co-creating and endorsing a line for one of India's finest brands will be a new experience for me," Gauri, whom is also a successful interior designer, said in a statement.

Her debut clothing and accessories collection for Satya Paul is called 'A Tropical Wonder'.

Gauri will put together must-have pieces inspired by her signature style as a part of the collaboration, which is slated to launch with a Spring-Summer 2015 line to be retailed across Satya Paul flagship stores, starting February.

The offerings in her line are inspired by an exotic holiday, and the creations explore lush prints rendered on casual and occasional wear separates like sheer tunics, flowing kaftans, shift dresses and saris.

The colour pallete is a mix of aquatics, pastels and fresh citrus interpreted in the brand's signature style of abstract line art and digital painting.

Gauri's collection is shaping up to be a celebration of all things luxurious and chic, says Sanjay Kapoor, managing director of Genesis Colors, the holding company for Satya Paul.

"It has been extremely exciting to involve Gauri Khan in this project, something completely different from what we have done before. She has a distinct aesthetic, apart from being a veritable fashion icon," he added.

The line by the mother of three -- sons Aryan and AbRam and daughter Suhana, is targeted at the young Indian woman.

Bengaluru rated most liveable city in India

Bengaluru, Jan 22 (IANS) A leading international rating agency has certified Bengaluru as the most liveable location in India, followed by Mumbai and Chennai.

Though Bengaluru is ranked 171 in the global liveability index, the tech hub has scored favourably over metros and other cities across the country in terms of overall quality of living, while New Delhi has been rated as the least liveable, with worst air quality.

"In India, Bangalore (Bengaluru), which is ranked 171 globally, scores most favourably followed by Mumbai and Chennai both ranked 182. New Delhi, ranked 204, is the least liveable, with worst score for air quality like Beijing is in the world," ECA International said in a statement Thursday from London.

As the leading provider of knowledge, information and technology for the management and assignment of employees the world over, ECA rated Singapore as the most liveable location in Asia and globally, followed by Sydney and Adelaide in Australia.

"Good air quality, solid infrastructure, decent medical facilities, low crime and health risks contributed to Singapore maintaining its top position in the global ranking for quality of living for Asian assignees," ECA regional (Asia) director Lee Quane said in the statement.

The agency's annual location rating system evaluates multiple factors to assess the quality of living in 450 locations worldwide for enabling global firms fix allowances to their employees.

Factors for the assessment include climate, availability of health services, housing and utilities, political tensions and air quality.

In the Indian sub-continent, Pakistani cities like Islamabad and Karachi, ranked at 261 and 269 in the survey, have the region's worst scores for personal security and social-political tensions.

"They are the hardest locations surveyed in Asia for expatriates to adapt to living and working in," Lee said.

While Hong Kong is ranked high as a place for Asian expats to live, the ECA survey revealed that its attractiveness has dropped.

"The unrest in recent months and restrictions on movement of people due to socio-political factors worsened living conditions in Hong Kong," Lee recalled.

Martial law declaration led to a worsening in socio-political scores for ranking locations in Thailand.

While Malaysian locations fell in the global ranking, its capital Kuala Lumpur slipped to 118 from the previous rank of 115.

Shanghai, ranked 110 globally, is rated as China's most liveable city followed by Beijing at 122.

Denmark capital Copenhagen, ranked seventh globally, is the European city that offers the best quality of living for Asian assignees followed by Swiss city of Bern.

In North America, Vancouver at 24 is the most liveable location followed by San Francisco at 40.

Dubai, ranked at 109, is the location in the Gulf region which requires the least adjustment for Asian assignees overall.

For Asian assignees going to Africa, Port Louis, Mauritius, (118) affords the best quality of living followed by Cape Town (133).

Uber restarts cab service in New Delhi after ban

By By Aditya Kalra

NEW DELHI: U.S. taxi-hailing app maker Uber Technologies Inc has restarted services in India's capital, after its three apps were banned following allegations of rape by one of its drivers.

Uber's apps were working in New Delhi on Friday after the company agreed to apply for a radio taxi licence, a spokesman said. The company previously said the licence did not apply to a technology company that connects passengers with drivers.

Uber also said it would introduce additional safety measures including more stringent driver checks, an in-app emergency button and a dedicated incident response team.

"We are setting an even higher standard than current industry requirements," Uber said in a statement. "Our commitment to make transportation safe in Indian cities has never been more absolute."

Delhi's government banned Uber from operating in the city last month after the alleged attack.

The case triggered protests and reignited debate about the safety of women in Asia's third-largest economy, especially in New Delhi, which has been widely dubbed India's rape capital.

Public outrage was further fuelled when authorities revealed the suspect was on bail for sexual assault, and after Uber acknowledged that it did not carry out background checks on drivers in India.

The U.S. company, which was valued at $40 billion last month, has been dogged by clashes with local governments and concerns about safety.

Uber restarts cab service in New Delhi after ban

By By Aditya Kalra

NEW DELHI: U.S. taxi-hailing app maker Uber Technologies Inc has restarted services in India's capital, after its three apps were banned following allegations of rape by one of its drivers.

Uber's apps were working in New Delhi on Friday after the company agreed to apply for a radio taxi licence, a spokesman said. The company previously said the licence did not apply to a technology company that connects passengers with drivers.

Uber also said it would introduce additional safety measures including more stringent driver checks, an in-app emergency button and a dedicated incident response team.

"We are setting an even higher standard than current industry requirements," Uber said in a statement. "Our commitment to make transportation safe in Indian cities has never been more absolute."

Delhi's government banned Uber from operating in the city last month after the alleged attack.

The case triggered protests and reignited debate about the safety of women in Asia's third-largest economy, especially in New Delhi, which has been widely dubbed India's rape capital.

Public outrage was further fuelled when authorities revealed the suspect was on bail for sexual assault, and after Uber acknowledged that it did not carry out background checks on drivers in India.

The U.S. company, which was valued at $40 billion last month, has been dogged by clashes with local governments and concerns about safety.

Confident of running Delhi govt for next 5 years: Arwind Kejriwal

NEW DELHI: AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal is confident that the voters of Delhi will give a clear verdict in this elections.

Kejriwal, who answered a range of questions from readers on TOI Hangout, said that his party has a 7-point action plan for Delhi once they are voted to power.

In an hour-long session, AAP chief responded to questions on several issues, and expressed confidence that AAP will be able to run government in Delhi for the next five years.

Kejriwal dubbed his aide-turned-political rival, Kiran Bedi, the challenger in these elections, and said she should be the one to fight from his constituency.

Responding to a question on why he is not taking on Kiran Bedi, the AAP chief said, "In last elections, Sheila Dikshit was the CM and I had come from outside and so I was the challenger. This time, Kiran Bedi has come from outside so she is the challenger and should come and fight against me."

"People of New Delhi constituency have showered a lot of love on me and I am not going to leave them," he added.

On a reader's query as to what plans he had for Delhi, Kejriwal elaborated the seven points:

1. We will end corruption in Delhi, only AAP has the medicine for this. 2. We will reduce prices of essential commodities 3. We will ensure cheap electricity 4. We will provide water supply to every household 5. we will work for quality education in govt schools and open 20 new colleges in Delhi 6. We will provide cheap and efficient health services 7. We will ensure women's safety, which is our top priority. And put Delhi under surveillance by fitting CCTV cameras all across

To a reader's query about only six AAP tickets for women, Kejriwal agreed that the number was too less, but assured that the party is working toward esnuring greater political participation of women.

Upon being asked about bringing all the political parties within the purview of the RTI, Kejriwal answered by saying that we are the only party to have transparent funding.

"Everything is there on our party website. Congress and BJP hide their donations, but media does not ask them," Kejriwal added.

On tranport system, Kejriwal promised to integrate all available resources to provide an smoother and efficient ride for each Delhiite.

One of the questions dealt with the high attrition rate within AAP.

On this, Arvind blamed the media for always targeting the party. He added, "it's not just within AAP where people have left the party, this has happened with Congress and BJP as well, but media never creates a hype about it."

When questioned about the reported allegations regarding sale and purchase of assembly tickets, Kejriwal said, "I have made it clear that any AAP candidate caught dealing in money will be removed from party. I have asked volunteers to keep a strict eye on candidates."

During the course of the discussion, Arvind Kejriwal also talked about his plans to make Delhi the No.1 educational hub. He said that his government will open 20 new colleges and make outer Delhi a hub for education. "Villagers are ready to give their land, we just need an action plan," Kejriwal said.

Talking about the Delhi government's control over Delhi Police, the AAP chief expressed his confidence over the BJP government that it will give Delhi full statehood as PM Modi has promised.

The session started with a reader questioning the AAP chief on his alleged inaction against former CM Sheila Dikshit.

Kejriwal strongly denied the charges and said that his government had filed an FIR against Sheila Dikshit but was voted out of power soon after.

He said this question should be asked to BJP as to why they did not act further on those FIRs over the last seven months.

Delhiites frequently face severe shortage of water, especially during summers. In light of this, Kejriwal assured that effective plans would be made to conserve water so that there is no water scarcity, if they are voted to power.

The readers also questioned Kejriwal about AAP's energy policy. To this, Kejriwal responded by saying that Delhi has surplus power, but there is no control over companies that are producing and distributing electricity.

He said AAP plans to exploit solar energy on a large scale.

Courtsy by Times of India

Fourth International Bloggers Conference concluded in Bhutan

trend Today News Network

• More than 30 bloggers and litterateurs from across the world felicitated

• Five books and Parikalpana Samay Monthly Magazine  along with Parikalpana Kosh Website launched

• Open discussion held on the topic ‘Society of margins on blog’  by South Asian bloggers

Thimpu (Bhutan, 16th Jan. 2015): Preview of Hindi blogging is not limited to India only, but is spreading fast in other countries also. Mr. Krishna Kumar Yadav, well known blogger from Uttar Pradesh and presently Director Postal Service, Allahabad Region, Mrs. Sampat Devi Murarka from Hydrabad, Telangana and Mr. Lalit Sharma from Raipur, Chattisgarh have been awarded with apex ‘Parikalpana SAARC Summit Awards’ during the four days long ‘International Bloggers Confrence’ held at Bhutan’s capital Thimpu and cultural capital Paro from 15 January to 18 January, 2015. Under this award all awardees were felicitated with rupees 25000/- cash prize, Commendation certificate, memento, and Aṅgavastra. Similarily, Hindi Blogger Sunita Prem Yadav, from Aurangabad, Maharastra was felicitated with Parikalpana SAARC Award. Under this award she was awarded with rupees five thousand cash prize, Commendation certificate, memento, and Aṅgavastra.

Writers from various Districts of Uttar Pradesh were awarded with various awards, such as Mr. Ram Bahadur Mishra, from Sultanpur with Parikalpana Sahitya Bhushan Award; Advocate Mr. Randheer Singh Suman and Dr. Vinay Das from Barabanki were respectively awarded with Parikalpana Social Media Awards and Parikalpana Katha Samman; Mrs. Kusum Verma from Lucknow with Parikalpana Lok Sankriti Award, Dr. Ashok Gulshan from Bahraich with Parikalpana Hindi Gaurav Award, Surya Prasad Sharma from Raebareilly with Parikalpana Sahitya Award and Om Prakash Jayant and Vishnu Sharma from Haidargarh were respectively awarded with Parikalpana Sahitya Shree Award and Parikalpana Srijan Shri Award and Vishambharnath Awasthi from Unnao with Parikalpana Citizen Award. Other than these about 30 bloggers from across the world including Prakash Hindustani from Indore, Girish Pankaj, Alpana Deshpandey, Aditi Deshpandey from Raipur, Sarjana Sharma and Nisha Singh from Delhi, Alok Bhardwaj from Mumbai, Dr. Shubhadra Pandey from Silchar were awarded with Parikalpana Awards for their contribution in various fields.

These awards were conferred by Mr. Foob Shring, General Secretary of Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. On this occasion vice General Secretary of Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Chandra Kshetri, Chairman of SAARC summits women;s wing and International School of Bhutan Mrs. Thinle Lamha, President of Language Sciences Department of Assam University, Silchar Mr. Nityanand Pandey, Director Postal Services of Allahabad Region Mr. Krishna Kumar Yadav and Senior Hindi satirist Mr. Girish Pankaj were present as special guests. This information was provided by Chief Editor of Parikalpana Samay and organizer of ‘International Bloggers Conference’ Mr. Ravindra Prabhat.

During the conference study of Hindi in global perspective specially in SAARC countries, its propagation, various dimensions of blogging and role of social media in changing times were discussed. Chief Guest of the programme Mr. Foob Shring, General Secretary of Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that in this era of globalization, the literature, culture and environment of other countries can be spread through social media and blogging. Mentioning the recent Bhutan visit of Indian Prime Minister and President, he said that this conference is also an effort in the same direction. President of SAARC summit Women’s wing Mrs. Thinle Lham said that Women empowerment is being discussed all over the world today, but watching the presence of women bloggers from across the SAARC countries is a pleasant feeling.

Mr. Krishna Kumar Yadav, Director Postal Services, Allahabad Region said that blogging not only diminishes the distance between countries and languages but it also facilitates viewing of ideas of different people working in various fields in an integrated form. Discussing the social interests of blogging and social media, he said they have the potential to connect remote areas. Prof. Nityanand Pandey from Assam University, Silchar said that blogging has a very important role in enrichment of Hindi, and people across the world are connecting to Hindi through blogging. In his address, Senior Hindi satirist Mr. Girish Pankaj said that there’s a need to record Hindi blogging as books.

Organizer of the conference, Mr. Ravindra Prabhat said that the aim of organizing International Bloggers Conference in Bhutan is to bring Indian culture closer to Bhutanese culture and establish Hindi in Bhutanese global environment. He said that the main object of the conference is to promote blogging in South Asia, propagation of Hindi, promote language harmony and provide chance for cultural study and tourism.

On this occasion five books namely Sampat Devi Murarka’s Yatra Vritt third part; Kusum Verma’s Hriday Kanwal; Surya Prakash Sharma Nishihar’s Sangharshon Ka Khel; Vishnu Kumar Shrma’s Dohawali; Ashok Gulshan’s Kya kanhu kisase kanhu; and Parikalpana Samay’s monthly magazines January issue and Parikalpana Kosh Website were also launched. Exhibition of artworks of Alpana Deshpandey and Aditi Deshpandey of Raipur, Chattisgarh were also on display. Awadhi folklore by Kusum Verma of Lucknow was another attraction of the conference. Kavya Sandhya conducted by Dr. Ram Bahadur Mishra and open discussion were also organized, which was attended by more than a dozen bloggers from India and Bhutan. The programme were conducted by Smt. Sunita Prem Yadav of Aurangabad, Maharastra.

By Staff Reporter