A near full house will greet the two teams as they finally get down to cricket after months of diplomacy managed to bring them together in a non-ICC event. When it comes to on-field stuff between the two sides, whose players have normally tended to get along quite well, it is usually how the Indian batting fares against Pakistan's bowling that settles the contest. 

It doesn't look any different this time around even if Dhoni said at the pre-match conference on Monday that 'strength on paper' will not matter and it will be a simple case of which team plays better on the night. In an India-Pakistan match though, with all its attendant pressures, there can be a case of whichever team managing to play less worse, coming away with the right result.

Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit, minister of state for home RPN Singh, Union minister Ajit Singh and Union home secretary RK Singh were present at the Nigambodh Ghat here to pay their last respects. 

Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar and other senior officials from the police department also attended the cremation ceremony. 

Tomar, who suffered serious injuries during violent protests at India Gate on Sunday, died today after battling for life at the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital here. 

Tomar, who was on ventilator since his admission at the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital on Sunday evening, was declared dead at 6.40am. 

Delhi Police, which has described the death of constable Tomar as extremely tragic, has earlier decided that all personnel will donate one day's salary to his family. 

Rajesh Thadani of Multimedia Combines told IANS that "Dabangg 2" has opened "exceptionally well at the box office on Friday" and on Saturday "collected around Rs.17 crore and is going housefull on Sunday".

According to him, it is a record breaking opening and that "Dabangg 2" has broken the record of "Rowdy Rathore" that opened with Rs.15.10 crore.

A sequel to Abhinav Kashyap-directed 2010 blockbuster "Dabangg", the part two, said to be made at a budget of Rs.50 crore, marks Arbaaz Khan's directorial debut and repeated the lead pair of Salman and Sonakshi Sinha, while Prakash Raj replaced Sonu Sood as the villain.

Brijesh Tandon said: "In Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, 'Dabangg 2' has collected around Rs.3.40 crore on Friday which was quite expected from Salman's film. We hope the film gets bigger and better tonight."

A boy and a girl and a traffic policeman were injured as the police directed water jets and opened a volley of teargas shells that pushed them back a little even as some of the protesters braved the chill and waterbottles and shoes at the policemen.

Window panes of a police van were smashed. One of the girls broke the glass window of a bus with her hands.

The police action came as 'negotiations' failed at the Raisina Hill leading to Rashtrapati Bhawan and the protesters, comprising largely young women and men, tried to breach the barricades to push towards the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

The protest spot resembled a battle zone with empty shells and wet roads. The area has been cordoned off and police reinforcements have been rushed to the Hill that divides the North and South Block, which houses the Prime Minister's Office.

"Capital punishment is very important. I suggest that they should be made impotent so they repent every day of their life. It is very important, unless such punishments are meted to the culprits, I don't think women will feel secure in our country," NCW chairperson Mamta Sharma said here.

Sharma, who broke down during the inaugural address at the national consultation on reviewing the strategies to improve the provision of PC and PNDT Act, termed the gang rape of a 23-year-old paramedical student as shameful not only for Delhi but also for the entire country.

"There is a need to strictly work in such cases." The NCW along with its member organisations and NGOs from nine states on Thursday unanimously passed a resolution demanding strict action against the accused.

They also asked for enactment of stringent laws to prohibit such crimes and said mere removal of tinted glass and increase in police patrol won't solve the purpose.

Sharma, however, said just passing a resolution won't be sufficient and the step needs to be backed by strong action.

Scientists have been crying themselves hoarse that December 21, 2012, will come and go, like any other normal date in the history of civilization. But, those who have made up their minds about the Doom's Day prophecies veering around December 21, aren't paying much heed. Ahead of December 21, which marks the conclusion of the 5,125-year "Long Count" Mayan calendar, panic buying of candles and essentials has been reported in China and Russia, along with an explosion in sales of survival shelters in America. In France, many are said to be preparing to converge on a mountain where they believe aliens will rescue them. As this hullabaloo peaks, we ask some of the movers and shakers of the city to reveal their biggest wish, in case of Armageddon... 

In case the world comes to an end (which is not going to happen), my only wish would be to be reborn as the same person all over again - in the same family and in similar atmosphere. I want to go on serving people in my next birth too and have the same destiny. 

The all-new Galaxy Grand has a 5-inch WVGA TFT screen and is powered by Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean). This smartphone runs on a dual-core processor clocked at 1.2GHz and has 1GB RAM. Samsung has continued with the design language it introduced in the Galaxy S III in this smartphone as well. 

At the back, the smartphone has an 8MP camera with LED flash, while there is a 2MP snapper on the front. Available only in an 8GB variant, the device's memory capacity can be raised up to 64GB via microSD card. Running on a 2,100mAh battery, the Galaxy Grand has connectivity features like 3G, 2G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, S Voice and microUSB. Other features of the device include Direct Call, Smart Alert, Popup Video and AllShare Play. 

Galaxy Grand Duos shares all the specifications and features but has two slots for sim-cards. The post on Samsung's blog said, "It is possible to receive calls on one sim number while taking a call from the other, ensuring efficient management of personal and work commitments without ever missing a call." 

But with the cosmetic industry growing and with it producing numerous beauty products, it's but natural to get confused on what's the best. When you are spoilt for choice, then it's even more dangerous as some products might not suit your skin type. The best solution under such circumstances is to play safe and opt for tried and tested home remedies. This also helps should you have a sensitive skin. 

- It's cliched, the most popular and common advice that you get from people. Yet, drinking lots of water is perhaps the most workable way to keep skin healthy and glowing. 

- Squeeze half a lemon and add to warm water with honey. Consume this on an empty stomach everyday. Besides other benefits, this also purifies the blood. 

- If you have oily skin, apply a pack of multani mitti mixed with rose water. This not just cleanses the skin but also absorbs excess oil and keeps your skin neat. 

- To remove blemishes/scars on your skin make a pack of tomato pulp, haldi, curd and besan. This acts as a natural scrub. 

- For a natural bleach, rub lemon peel with honey on the skin and wash off after few minutes. 

- Dry orange peel, grind and make a powder. Apply this with water on the face for a glowing skin. 

- A pack of corn flour and curd applied everyday helps keep the skin clean. 

- If you are going out in the sun, make sure you use an umbrella to shield yourself from the harmful effects of the sun rays. 

- If you have a dry skin, massage your face with almond or vitamin e oil to keep your skin nourished 

Dressed in "cute kid stuff," all 20 died when a heavily armed 20-year-old gunman forced his way into their school, Sandy Hook Elementary, and shot them and six women in an act of violence that has shattered their once-tranquil suburban town. 

"They were first-graders," said Connecticut chief medical examiner Dr H Wayne Carver II, before releasing the names of all the victims of the school shootings on Saturday. 

Asked to describe the attack, Carver, who oversaw the autopsies of all the victims and conducted many himself, called it "the worst I have seen." 

The shooter, identified by law enforcement officials as Adam Lanza, killed his mother Nancy on Friday, then drove to the school where he gunned down another 26 people before taking his own life in one of the deadliest mass shootings in US history. 

He fired a rifle, shooting his victims multiple times. Parents identified their children through pictures, a process intended to minimize their shock, Carver said. 

Pakistan's military rushed reinforcements to the scene of the attack, one of the most audacious raids by militants since an attack on an air base in August. 

A health official said at least 26 people had been wounded, and that at least three of the dead were militants. 

"An emergency has been declared in the hospital and all the surgeons have been called," said Umar Ayub, chief executive of the Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar. "All of them suffered bullet injuries and some of the injured are in critical condition." 

"On Dec 27, I am not doing anything. I am not very sure what I am doing that day. On my birthday, I myself might be in court," Salman told IANS.

Salman, who has been summoned by a Jodhpur court to appear before it in February in connection with a 1998 poaching case, says he might have a date with the Mumbai court regarding the hit-and-run case.

"I think they have asked me to come on Dec 27, but if the lawyers say I don't need to go, then I won't go and if the lawyers say, I have to then I will definitely go," he said.

While many A-list actors including Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan and Hrithik Roshan celebrate their birthdays in the presence of the media, Salman says it is something he will never do.

"It will never happen. Woh fraudgiri mujhse nahi hogi (I can't do that fraud with anyone). I can't do that and I am telling this very frankly - When the media is standing outside my house, with OB vans and all, my mother will make sure that their party happens outside.

"I am in favour of the execution of capital punishment to Afzal Guru," he told reporters at his ancestral town, Raghoharh in Guna district. 

He, however, said that the decision on the execution would only be taken after the disposal of Guru's mercy plea. 

The senior Congress leader accused the BJP of adopting double standards on the issue of capital punishment. 

His extraordinary musical journey took him from the banks of the sacred River Ganges in British India to the legendary Monterey and Woodstock festivals, where he played alongside the likes of Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix. 

At the height of his fame in the 1960s, when he was the darling of the hippie movement, he was described as "the most famous Indian musician on the planet" and his influence on pop music continues through his daughter, American singer Norah Jones. 

Shankar taught Harrison to play the sitar and collaborated with him on several projects, including the groundbreaking charity Concert for Bangladesh in 1971. The Beatles called him "The Godfather of World Music". 

Another collaborator, the violinist Yehudi Menuhin, compared his genius and humanity to Mozart. 

Ravi Shankar was born into a high-caste Bengali family in the Hindu holy city of Varanasi in northern India on April 7, 1920. 

He began his career at a young age, touring Europe with his brother Uday's dance troupe but returned to India in the late 1930s to study the sitar under the renowned musician Allaudin Khan. 

Viji Chandrasekhar, who played Rajini's younger sister in Tamil comedy "Thillu Mullu", a Tamil remake of Hindi blockbuster "Gol Maal", feels it's his ability to treat everybody equally that makes Rajinikanth the icon he is.

"He treats everybody on sets with utmost respect and equal importance. Be it a light boy or a co-star, he doesn't discriminate for any reason," Viji told IANS.

She said a superstar is not someone who is always successful, but is someone who takes success and failure in the same stride and yet remains simple.

"I've learnt to be simple while working with him on the sets of the film. Though he plays a hero in the film, he is simple in real life. Most importantly, he knows how to take success and failure in the same stride," she added.

As the countdown to the date predicted to bring about the end of the world, according to an ancient Mayan calendar picks up speed, more and more people are turning to these professional soothsayers for advice. "So far, nearly 100 people have enquired about December 21 causing a rise in business by at least 20%. They are asking whether this is true and if yes, then how to survive it," said Arvindacharya Dablodker, an astrologer from the city.

According to the prophecy, the world might come to a sudden end on December 21, 2012, at the completion of a 5125-year cycle, known as the "long count" in the Mayan calendar.

People fear that a variety of astronomical threats such as collision with a rogue planet or rare alignment of stars will trigger the destruction of the Earth.

Suddenly, there seems to be only one topic of conversation that's of interest to everyone - 12-12-12. Some say it's the end of the world, some are voting for Bruce Willis as the ideal Apocalypse saviour, while others are lamenting about all the things they haven't done in life. And then there is a section of people who are all geared up to celebrate this day. After all it comes only once in 89 years. From 12-course meals in restaurants, film releases and 'new beginning' parties, Puneites have found another reason to celebrate.

Marathi filmmaker Viraj Raje will release his film Shyamche Vadil on Wednesday, 12-12-12. "Though Fridays are considered lucky for film releases, I have chosen this day as it comes only once in 89 years. We are looking forward to seeing the response the film gets on this day," says Raje. So does the team think the day will prove lucky for their film? Actor Chinmay Udgirkar, who stars in the film, says, "We thought that it is auspicious and went ahead."

City restaurants too have various plans etched out to make the day a memorable one. "We are planning a 12-course meal. What if the world really comes to an end? So, our customers should be treated to a grand feast before that!" says Diganta Deka, chef-manager of a restaurant at Law College Road. Another eatery in Koregaon Park has planned a 'new beginning' party. Patrons will be treated to free desserts. "We don't believe in the end of the world. It is a new beginning for us and we know that all of us will survive. So we are welcoming this new beginning with celebrations," says Imrun Sethi, owner of the restaurant.

The healthy fat can replace butter on popcorn and can even act as a tasty supplement to your daily smoothies. In a recent study, researchers from Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT) in Ireland experimented with plain coconut oil, as well as coconut oil treated with enzymes, to see if it had any effect on tooth decay. It did. 

The researchers at AIT found that coconut oil is effective in destroying most strains of the bacteria Streptococcus and especially Streptococcus mutans, a bacterium that produces acid and is a common cause of tooth decay. The enzyme treated coconut oil was very successful in destroying most strains of the bacteria. The treated oil was made to represent the coconut oil after digestion. They also proved that the enzyme treated coconut oil is successful in attacking the yeast. 

It is very important to treat and prevent tooth decay. If the condition goes untreated, it can eventually cause infection and tooth loss. The actual mechanism for tooth decay happens when dental plaque builds up and begins to break down the tooth enamel bit by bit. It is said that tooth decay affects between 60 to 90 percent of children and almost all adults in industrialized counties. The belief is that coconut oil will fight the bacteria in the plaque, preventing the decay. 

He worked hard to get better grades than you in school, tried to win all the girls' attention, compared notes on who took the better holiday, and is now comparing your kid with his. Why are you still friends? Healthy competition between friends keeps both parties motivated. But if the camaraderie is about outdoing each other, your friend is your biggest competitor. So, tell him, ciao.

She missed wishing you on your birthday, failed to turn up when you lost your grand mum. She is almost always busy when you call, and replies to text messages after a week, When you do make plans, she cancels last minute. Let this friend go. Face it; she does not respect your place in her life.

You've become his 'run to' person, yet he won't pop the question. Like it or not, this person is just not that into you. Pursuing a relationship with someone who is taking it nowhere can result in damaged self-esteem. Better save your time and energy for someone who wants to be with you.

At the end of August, Apple seemed on top of the world. Fresh off a resounding $1.05 billion US legal victory over arch-foe Samsung Electronics, the company was gearing up to launch the fifth iteration of its iconic iPhone. Just a week prior, its market value had surpassed Microsoft's and it became the most valuable technology company in history. 

That was then. Since winning a landmark US patent infringement case in August, its stock has dived 18 per cent, wiping $108 billion from its value. But the shares of defeated party Samsung have surged, rising 16 per cent. 

The dramatic reversal has sparked raging market speculation. Some pundits say concerns are growing about the seemingly inexorable advance of Google's Android, the rival software championed by Samsung. Others say fears about higher capital gains taxes have prompted investors made rich by Apple's stock-price growth to sell. 

But it is the Apple-Samsung rivalry that defines a global mobile device industry with a growing list of struggling players. Together, the two mobile juggernauts account for more than 1 in 2 smartphones sold globally. 

Directed by: Ashish R Mohan

Rating: * * *

What can be said about a film where a couple named Mili and Bhagat conspire to bring their employer's empire down? 

Mili? Bhagat? Get it? 

Khiladi 786 is the kind comic orgy done in shades of green orange and pink which doesn't require us to strain our brain. The kicks and grunts, guffaws and chortles, the antics raillery and tomfoolery flow out unstoppered like an uncapped toothpaste tube.

The formula is simple. And stark. Get the audience to laugh at any cost. And some of it does work quite well. Shukriya. 

The Umar Media TTP page, which has nearly 290 likes, has a message posted on November 22 seeking writers for "Ahyah-e-Khilafat", which is described as the "official quarterly magazine" of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan. 

"Dear brothers and sisters, 'Pen is mightier than the sword (sic)'. Now you have a chance to use this mighty weapon," the message says. 

Prospective contributors can write on "on topic of your choice, or on jihadi current affairs, history, Islamic movements, plight of ummah, etc etc", the message adds. 

An earlier message posted in October states that "Umar Media is proud to announce online jobs opportunities (sic)". 

The job "description (sic) is video editing, translations, sharing, uploading, downloading and collection of required data". 

Priyanka, 30, defeated reigning champion Kareena Kapoor and three-times winner Katrina Kaif to claim the crown of sexiest Asian woman on the planet this year. 

"Priyanka Chopra secured top spot with Kareena Kapoor coming second and Katrina Kaif third," Asian weekly Eastern Eye said. 

A permanent fixture in the top three in recent years, the beauty queen turned A-list Bollywood star beat off very tough competition from some of the most stunning women from around the world. 

"It has rounded off a dream year for Priyanka, which included a starring role in super-hit film Agneepath, delivering a superb performance in India's official entry to the Oscars, Barfi! and launching an international pop career alongside chart-topping singer Will.i.am," the release added. 

While curly hair is beautiful to look at, it is in no way low-maintenance. If there is one word that fills every curly-haired girl with dread, it has to be frizz. Glycerin draws moisture from the air into the hair shaft. It works well as a conditioner since curly hair tends to get drier than other hair types because of the shape of the hair shaft.

Glycerin moisturises and helps skin cells mature. This does not mean it helps you age, rather it means healthy and mature cells are important for people with conditions like psoriasis. Glycerin accelerates the healing process, reduces bruising and promotes tissues and cells to repair themselves.

Bangalore is where I began my journey as an actor. My first film Saugandh was shot here. I've shot for many of my films from the 90s here. So when I returned to shoot for Rowdy Rathore, for a day, it brought back many memories. I love this city, my best friend lives here. The only thing that has changed is the traffic. In the 90s, it used to be so peaceful. Today, the traffic is worse than Mumbai's. But, if one discounts the traffic, Bangalore is the best city in India.

Yes, I'm working with (AR) Murugadoss. I like working with south Indian directors because they are very disciplined. They visualize their entire story and screenplay in their heads even before they start shooting, which I respect. They finish their work on time. Being a disciplinarian myself, this suits my style. I still remember, during my early days, that I had to wait for a producer at his office for over 45 minutes. I didn't wait to meet him, I just left from there.

According to the Tokyo Reporter, the wall behind the counter is adorned with dozens of colorful sex toys.

Megumi Nakagawa, the bar's proprietor, explains that typically a bar will have bottles of alcohol lining the wall. The appearance of vibrators, however, provides women with more confidence in speaking about spanking.

"Once they take a seat, customers are able to experience a pleasant place in which they can openly discuss masturbation," Nakagawa said.

"Since most people view female masturbation as something of a mystery or taboo, it is not a usual topic at typical bars," she added.

According to Nasdaq: "Facebook Inc will become a component of the Nasdaq-100 Index, the Nasdaq-100 Equal Weighted Index, and the Nasdaq-100 Technology Sector Index prior to market open on Wednesday, December 12, 2012". 

Facebook will replace Infosys Ltd on the index. The Facebook stock has lost a significant value since its much hyped public listing on May this year. 

Facebook, Inc headquartered in Menlo Park, California currently has a market capitalisation of around USD 29.7 billion (Rs 1,62,000 crore). However, when the company went public, its market value was about USD 104 billion. 

Meanwhile, Bangalore headquartered Infosys Ltd has a market capitalisation of Rs 1,37,327 crore. 

Mobile phone companies have opposed the government's plans to do away with roaming charges, which accounts for about 10% of their revenues, and have warned they would be forced to increase tariffs to offset this loss. 

According to an internal DoT note (dated November 23) reviewed by ET, the department has listed this consumer-friendly move amongst 'key initiatives to be completed within the next three months'. 

By March, the department also wants to expand the mobile number portability (MNP) provision and allow consumers to retain their numbers when they move to a new city or any location in the country without having to pay roaming charges. At present, MNP, the facility that allows customers to retain their number while switching operators, is restricted to a circle. For instance, a Delhi customer can switch to any operator within the metro, as this is considered to be the 'base circle' for that number. 

The Cellular Operators Association of India, the body representing mobile phone companies on the GSM platform such as Vodafone and Bharti Airtel, has criticised the government's plans to abolish roaming charges, and has maintained that the DoT must first sort out a slew of policy-related issues, including migration to the unified licence, before asking telcos to do away with this charge. 

While condemning the demolition of the temple, Pakistan's former federal minister for Human Rights Ansar Burney has demanded strict action against the builder and safety for the Hindu minority community of Pakistan. 

While talking to TOI over phone from Karachi on Sunday Burney informed that a builder allegedly demolished a century-old Sri Rama Pir Mandir situated at Soldier Bazar in Karachi and also razed down couple of adjoining houses due to which about three dozen people were rendered homeless. 

Burney, however, said the builder not only demolished the temple but in a blasphemous act, his workers also showed disrespect to the idols of Hindu deities placed inside the temple. 

Larry Young and Brian Alexander, authors of "The chemistry between us: love, sex, and the science of attraction", believe it is due to a hormone released during nursing.

The hormone helps to forge the powerful bond between mother and baby, and also creates a drive for a strong nurturing bond between lovers, the Daily Mail reported Wednesday.

"Men are the only male mammals fascinated by breasts in a sexual context," said Young.

"And women are the only female mammals whose breasts become enlarged at puberty, independent of pregnancy.

Salman Khan's Dabangg 2 is valued at 180 cr. Bollywood trade pundits are still reeling under the prices this film is being marked at, per territory. Eros International hold the overseas and home video rights, while a general entertainment channel has paid a whopping 45 cr for the satellite rights.

The lion's share of the territories — Mumbai, Delhi-UP, East Punjab, CP-CI and Rajasthan — are with Salim Khan and he has several sub-distributors queuing up.

Trade consultant Amod Mehra says, "This is the highest valuation for a Bollywood film till date. Obviously, it is the Salman Khan factor, the success of the earlier Dabangg,the rise in satellite prices and the increased number of cinema halls playing Hindi films across the globe, that gives the sequel an edge."

Also Salman's last release Ek Tha Tiger did business of approximately 187 cr. So, obviously, this valuation seems to make business sense.

The study suggests that interventions aimed at improving parent-child interaction in the early post-natal period may be beneficial to the child's behaviour later on in life. 

Behavioural disorders are the commonest psychological problem affecting children. They are associated with a wide range of problems in adolescence and adult life, including academic failure, delinquency, peer rejection and poor psychiatric and physical health. 

Research suggests that the roots of enduring behavioural problems often extend back into the preschool years. 

Epidemiological studies have identified a number of risk factors for the onset and continuity of behavioural problems. Amongst these, parenting characteristics and patterns of parent-child interaction appear to be particularly important. 

Researchers at the University of Oxford studied 192 families recruited from two maternity units in the UK to see whether there was a link between father-child interactions in the early postnatal period and the child's behaviour. 

An amendment to India's Information Technology Act in 2009, which was championed by minister Kapil Sibal, makes it illegal to make "grossly offensive" comments online, a measure seen by critics as a draconian limit on free speech. 

Two girls were arrested earlier this month by police in the commercial capital Mumbai over comments on Facebook which questioned the shutdown of the city for the funeral of local hardline politician Bal Thackeray. 

The personal website of Sibal, who has promised to review some sections of the law, was out of order on Friday and the hackers, thought to be from the Anonymous India collective, also defaced the site. 

The "About" section of the website described Sibal as "Born with a below-60 IQ he thought he could mess with the Internet and let the elite of his party suppress freedom of speech," India's Computer World magazine reported. 

Gujral, 92, breathed his last at 3.27pm in a private hospital after a multi-organ failure. He was admitted to the hospital on November 19 with a lung infection, family sources said. 

The former Prime Minister, who was ventilator support, had been unwell for sometime. He was on dialysis for over a year and suffered a serious chest infection some days ago. 

He will be cremated in nearby Delhi on Saturday. 

Gujral, who migrated from Pakistan after partition, rose to become the Prime Minister with a big slice of luck after he came up through the ranks - starting as vice-president in NDMC in the '50s to later become a Union minister and then India's ambassador to the USSR. 

According to Metrological Department, weather is likely to improve on Friday.  

Officials said Pahalgam hill resort received two inches of snow. They said Gurez and adjoining areas including Kazalwan and Tulail in Bandipora district recorded nearly one feet of snow, while Machil, Karnah, Keran and Tangdhar near the LoC in Kupwara district experienced seven to nine inches of snow till last reports were received.

Snowfall prompted authorities to suspend traffic on the roads connecting the border towns of Gurez, Machil, Karnah, Tangdhar and Keran. However, the Srinagar-Jammu highway remained open for traffic.  

Manisha was in Kathmandu from the beginning of November because she was doing up her new home in Nepal. A few days ago she took ill. She mentioned being down with a bout of food poisoning on a social networking platform. Post this, she fell unconscious and that's when an alarm bell is said to have gone off. And, she was immediately flown to Mumbai for further tests. Manisha's mother Sushma is by her bedside. Her father Prakash and brother Siddharth were expected to arrive in Mumbai late last night.