|
|
|
|
|
Advantage,
sarkar raj
When was the last time did you heard someone in your circle show interest in and opt for a government job? Well, you might just hear it more now.
Might sound strange, but recession is possibly doing one good thing: It has made the civil services more attractive than it ever was. Waiting for the market to recover from recession is not a great idea; it is better to grab whichever job is available. And if the civil services could get you a secure and high-profile ‘portfolio’, who wouldn’t be game for it. People working in the private sector sure are.
Holiday happy A government job is always a secondary option with many youngsters. So much so, some would never have thought of going for one. However, the scene is
chnaging. People find government jobs better than the vate sector any day. Here’s why:
F
Official accommodation. The sudden spurt in the number of people appearing in the Civil Services (CS) exams from the private sector is indicative of the fact that a stable and secure job is certainly the need of the hour. We catch up with some people from the private world who are burning the midnight oil for the Civils. Shankar works on contract with the Census Department, but he has recently discovered a new goal for himself. He is preparing for the civil services and you bet, he has a valid reason behind this. “The Sixth Pay Commission has raised government salaries, almost on par with the private sector. Besides, security in any job is something which every youngster wants today,” he says. “If I get through the exams, I know I have a secured career and life for times to come. Not to forget the perks, allowances, and tremendous power that comes with it.” Security is ‘the’ word and everyone wants one in his or her life. Harpreet Singh, production manager at a private concern that manufactures chilled cast iron rolls in Panchkula, is on leave and preparing for the IAS exams. Even when he strongly feels that a capable person should not fear recession, he cannot ignore the fact that the demon is biting into the jobs of many people. “I am pretty satisfied in my job, but what if….”, he ponders. “A government job at least promises security for the present and the future in the form of pension, something that you cannot expect in private sector.” Even as the private sector comes with a lot of perks and jhatpat promotions (depending on your proficiency, of course), appearing for the CS exams comes across as a safe bet. Subash Singh, who works with the administrative department of Abhimanyu’s IAS study group, Sector-24, tells us about the marked rise in the number of people from the financial or private sector preparing for the civil services. “The recession has come as a blessing in disguise for those who once wanted to sit for the competitive exams, but could not due to time restraint,” he smiles. “At the same time, there is an increase in the number enquiries regarding IAS coaching from private and corporate sectors,” he adds. Komal Rai, who works as a counsellor with the women’s cell of the police, is pretty satisfied with her job. Then again, she cannot ignore the much talked about ‘recession’, which has damaged many a successful career. Appearing for the CS in this scenario seems like a better option. “Job security and power, what else can one dream of,” smiles
Komal. Rising in recession
As per reports, the number of applicants for the UPSC examination this year has seen a rise of 42 per cent, up from last year’s figure of 2.8 lakh to a little over 4
lakh. |
|
Couple of crowns
Slumdog Millionaire actor Freida Pinto and Dev Patel have added another feather to their already laden cap by featuring in People magazine's list of 100 most beautiful people, which was topped by Christina Applegate.
Pinto, a former model, who became an overnight sensation thanks to her turn in the Oscar-winning film has already featured in a similar list, compiled by Vanity Fair magazine. The 24-year-old Indian beauty who is currently in Israel shooting for her second film Miral, was previously feted as one of the world's best-dressed woman by fashion bible Vogue. While the list was topped by 37-year-old Applegate, Oscar-winning actor and new mother Halle Berry came in second. Another 'yummy mummy' on the list was Christina Aguilera who bagged the sixth spot, one place ahead of Pinto who occupied the seventh slot. Angelina Jolie was the last name on the list, which also featured Michelle Obama. The list, which was dominated by women, also had a few male beauties thrown in like High School Musical star Zac Effron, British actor Robert Pattinson and Channing Tatum. Meanwhile, rumours are abuzz that Patel and Pinto are dating each other. The reports were further confirmed when the pair was recently caught enjoying an intimate lunch date in Israel, where Pinto, 24, is filming on location. Also, Patel's mum has confirmed her son's off-screen romance with Pinto. |
|
No Problem
After a string of films where she portrayed a troubled woman, Kangana Ranaut is all set to change audience perception about her with a comedy film No Problem and she thanks Anil Kapoor, who is producing the comedy, for giving her the opportunity. "I had decided whenever I do my first comedy it would have to be either with Anees Bazmee or David Dhawan. Everyone thought I was wrong for the part in No Problem. No one was convinced I could do comedy, not after playing all those traumatised roles. But Anilji convinced everyone that I could," Kangana said. The film is being directed by Anees Bazmee and also stars Sushmita Sen. "So far I've never had fun on the sets. All the characters I've played have been introverted and troubled. So I've been in my shell. During Fashion Madhur Bhandarkar used to scold me for being in a shell all the time. But if I play insecure, paranoid characters, I can't be laughing and playing around. But it was the nature of the characters. "For Anees Bazmi's film I'm changing completely. I'm going to organise parties on the sets, constantly crack Santa-Banta jokes and, most important of all, I will bond with Sushmita (Sen). Hopefully our bonding will last beyond one film," she said. After signing a film together, Sushmita has taken the lovely Kangana under her wings. Always known to be warm towards her co-stars, Sushmita has taken a special fancy to Kangana because of her facial resemblance to Sushmita's daughter Renee. "On the first day that we met, we struck a special chord in each other's hearts. I was standing at a premiere and she came up to me. She held my face in her hands and said I've hair exactly like her daughter. And that whenever she saw me she was reminded of her daughter. "From that moment onwards we bonded. Luckily, I play Sushmita's sister in the film that we're doing together. I love calling her didi," said the actor who won best supporting actress Filmfare award for her performance in Fashion. Kangana, who starred in films like Woh Lamhe and Gangster - A Love Story, is pleased to be finally doing comedy. "I was really hurt when people said I was destined only to play tragic roles. I wanted to do comedy for the longest time. And that I've Sushmita playing my sister in the film is an added bonus. We'll have a ball playing sisters," she said. — IANS
|
|
Trademark win
Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan has received the best brand ambassador of the year award at NDTV Techlife Awards 2009 for the IDEA and Motorola campaigns. "It is a great honour to win the title of best brand ambassador for the IDEA and Motorola campaigns," Abhishek said in a statement. "The IDEA campaign carries a socially relevant message in today's commercial environment and the brilliant concept of encouraging two way communication between the government and people has connected with millions across India," he added. Given away Wednesday night, the awards acknowledge lifestyle products, gadgets and best technologies that have made a difference. — IANS
|
|
Right time, right place
Resul Pookutty, Oscar winner for best sound mixing of Slumdog Millionaire said if someone is given the right opportunity, success in the film industry could follow on its own. "We have great potential. If right opportunity is being given to (right) people they will come up like the way me and Rahman (A.R Rahman) had come up. We knew Rahman is a great guy and he is someone who deserves as Oscar. But someone has to give an opportunity," Pokutty said during the audio release function of a Malayalam film Pajhassi Raja. Pookutty, who hails from Kollam district of Kerala, shared the Sound Mixing Oscar with Ian Tapp and Richard Pryke for his work in the Danny Boyle's film Slumdog Millionaire. Together A.R Rahman and Resul Pookutty won three Oscars for India as the Slumdog Millionaire swept the annual Hollywood awards this year. Pajhassi Raja is Pookutty's first Malayalam film since winning the golden trophy. Pookutty got his big break in Bollywood with the critically acclaimed Bollywood film Black directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. — ANI
|
|
Day in, day out
The fans usually just look at the fame and interesting lifestyle that the film stars have and tend to overlook the hard work put in by them. Recently Kareena Kapoor, one of the most successful actors in filmdom, had to shoot for 36 hours without a break. The actor has a chock-a-block schedule thanks to films like Kambakkht Ishq, 3 Idiots, Agent Vinod, Mr. and Mrs. Khanna and an untitled movie by Rensil D'silva in her kitty. She just went rushing from one set to another. Kareena shot continuously without complaining about tiredness or any lack of sleep. Onlookers said that this is what stars are made of and it was a really good gesture from the actor to shoot without any complaints. — ANI
|
|
Bodylicious
Rani Mukerji hit the gym with a vengeance for a toned look for Hadippa with Shahid Kapur. The actor is quite happy with the outcome and feels that, like Aamir Khan, she will also set the screen on fire with her new avatar. "She is not believing that it is her body. She even jokes and calls herself the female version of Aamir (Khan) in Ghajini now. She was even telling me that like his body set the screen on fire, her looks in Hadippa will leave no stone unturned," celebrity trainer Satyadev Satya Chaurasia said. Hadippa is the 31-year-old star's only release this year and she is trying to keep her new look cloaked from the paparazzi before the movie promotions. "Rani is very committed towards her body and her dedication has resulted in mind-blowing results. I felt so happy and proud after seeing the first rushes of Hadippa. She is looking outstanding and I can undoubtedly say she has the best body in Bollywood now," said Satyadev. Hadippa is slated to release in July. — IANS
|
|
Melting moments
Come summers and how can we not make mention of a sinful delight— ice cream. More than a pleasure, almost a wonder drug, ice cream is the perfect way to beat the summer heat. But in this calorie conscious time, where everyone is trying to loose an extra inch, who wants to savour the creamy cream—ice cream. However if ice cream is made from low fat or fat free milk products plus fresh fruits or nuts, sans artificial sweeteners then who minds some scoops of sinful indulgence. Having started the concept of Gelato ice cream in city, Monica Sood from Monica’s and owner of Gelatos’ in Sector 8 says, “People are more than health conscious these days. And catering to the need of the consumer, I introduced Gelato’s, some two years back in the city.” Ask her about the concept and the goodness of the ice cream and she says, “Gelato is basically an Italian ice cream which in comparison to ordinary ice cream contains low fat, and fruit flavours are water-based, containing less than one per cent fat. Also, it is produced daily to ensure the product is always fresh, unlike normal ice cream, which is manufactured and stored for long periods. That’s not all, Gelato has no gelatin and is without air too.” Well, that is some healthy news. Adding some healthier options to the existing list she says, “Apart from this we have Sorbets that are absolutely fat free and are made from fruit pulp. We also serve sugar free ice-creams for diabetics and have flavours like jamun and strawberry, they are absolutely wonderful for people suffering from diabetics.” About Sorbets we would say, they were the first iced desserts; ice cream came much later, almost in the 18 century. Light and usually non-fat, Sorbet is a perfect dessert for someone watching diet. Hitting the health jackpot, food brands like Nirula too have chosen the healthy option. Says Sudipta SenGupta, senior vice president, marketing and sales, Nirula, “Biolite range of frozen food was launched last year in May as a part of the company’s sundae fundae promotion. Apart from the 21 flavours of normal ice cream we have the Biolite, which is a fat free ice cream. For the health conscious this icy delight is 33 per cent less fat and 100 per cent sugar free ice cream and is available in strawberry and vanilla flavours.” About their target consumers he says, “Most corporates and young professionals form part of Biolite customers.”Not readily available, we wonder why don’t we see much of fat free variety. Monica answers, “People are aware about the fat-free variety, but it is wee expensive than the rehriwallas kulfi or chocolate ice cream, so one says why waste money. But I bet Gelato is definitely a healthier option as it has natural and pure ingredients.” Planning to introduce the low fat and sugar free variety, Raj, manager operations, Baskin Robbins, North says, “We are in the process to introduce certain low-fat and sugar free ice creams, as they are in demand.” And Sudipta SenGupta too agrees, “Since we launched the Biolite, the demand has definitely increased.” Well, now we can say cheers to a scoop!
|
|
French wine on Indian thali
Fusion assures variety. It scores over the original, for it has the quality to cater to a large number of people. Fusion of music, art and culture has been doing it since years and now food will follow the league. At the Flambe Sizzler Festival at Moti Mahal-17, we will get to see something similar, where in, the Indian food will be marinated with French herbs and wines before being cooked in a continental way. The seven-day fest will have on the platter more than 20 dishes of sizzlers. A.K. Sagar, general manager, Moti Mahal talks about the steaming cuisine, “The food type can be consumed as an appetizer and also as the main course.” About the fusion part, he adds, “It is an effort to encourage people to experiment with their taste buds. We hope this fusion of two food types, Indian and French, will offer people a delectable treat”
The food here is marinated with French wines, which Sagar says is also the only major change, “We are aware that on a regular basis people in the city still prefer Punjabi food over any another cuisine. Here we haven’t changed the basic ingredients of any dish but have experimented with the marination and serving style of the same dish.” Vegetarians can have their share of nine dishes of sizzlers. He cites the example of Jhinga Nawabi kebab that is prawns marinated with French English wine, Rosemary, yogurt and an assortment of Indian herbs. But he then suggests foodies to go for a family sizzeler, “It’s a paisa vasool dish comprising of a little from eight different sizzlers. One can get to taste Chicken Tikka, Nawabi Tikka, Seekh Tikka, Boti Kebab in this one
dish.” ashima@tribunemail.com
|
|
Appetit Fabulous fried rice Kandla Nijhowne Fried rice is one of those lovely comforting foods that everyone in the world seems to like. It makes a complete, quick and easy, all-in-one meal, combining an array of vegetables or meats of your choice. The resulting colourful medley is a visual treat and it’s also a perfect ploy for serving bits of leftovers in disguise! When it comes to the Indian avatar, I’m afraid I’m a shameless traitor. I absolutely adore the South Indian version, preferring it over our own, simply because I’m partial to curry patta, heeng, mustard seeds and the robust depth lent by smoked, dried red chillies. In Chinese cuisine, the flavour is enhanced with soy sauce and vinegar. A true Chinese chef would consider it blasphemy to even allow ajino moto near his kitchen counter! The secret to good fried rice is that the plain cooked rice you use should be cold, so it’s a good idea to shove it in the fridge, several hours prior to preparing the dish. It’s best to use slightly undercooked long grain rice. If you use short grain rice then make sure that the cooked rice is not sticky.
Ingredients 2 large eggs, beaten 2 medium onions, peeled 3 cloves garlic, peeled 2 small chillies, seeded and diced 2 tablespoons oil 2 cups finely chopped or shredded vegetables, such as yellow bell pepper, cabbage and broccoli100 gm prawns or chicken- optional 1 red bell pepper- optional 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons kecap manis (see Note) 4 cups cooked and cooled rice 1 medium tomato, sliced 1 small cucumber, sliced Method Lightly coat a non-stick pan with oil and heat over medium-high heat. Pour in eggs; reduce heat to medium-low and cook until set. Slide out of the pan onto a clean cutting board. When cool enough to handle, cut into wide ribbons. Keep aside. Place roughly chopped onions, garlic and chillies in a food processor. Process to a thick paste. Heat one-tablespoon oil in a wok or kadhaai over medium-high heat. Add the paste and cook until fragrant, (about 2 minutes). Transfer to a small bowl. Heat the remaining one-tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add prawns or shredded chicken if using. After 3-4 minutes, tip in the vegetables and cook, stirring, until tender, but crisp (another 2 minutes). Add the pureed paste, soy sauce, kecap manis and rice and stir briefly until combined and heated through. Transfer the Nasi Goreng to a platter. Top with the strips of egg. Arrange tomato and cucumber slices around the edges. Garnish with a shrimp or a few strips of red bell peppers. (Note: Kecap manis is a thick, palm sugar-sweetened soy sauce. As a substitute, combine 1 tbsp of thick shakkar syrup with 1 tbsp of soy sauce.) Chinese Fried Rice Ingredients 2 green onion, chopped into little pieces 2 cups rice, cooked and cooled 2 tbsp of oil 150 gm tofu A handful each of spring onion, corn, bell peppers, sprouts, peas, baby corn and carrots Sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, pepper and salt to taste Method Heat a kadhaai and stir fry triangles of tofu in a little oil. Drain and keep aside. Reserve one carrot for making some pretty flowers as shown in the picture, and thinly slice the rest along with the spring onions, bell peppers and baby corn. Add more oil if necessary and briefly stir all the vegetables, aiming at retaining a bright colour and a crisp texture. Add the rice, soy sauce, salt, pepper and a pinch of sugar. The rice must only get tinted a pale brown. Toss in the tofu, reserving some bits for garnishing. Drizzle a little sesame oil over the lot, only after turning off the heat. Dish out into a bowl and garnish with carrot flowers and bell pepper strips.
|
|
Seedhi baat
Sprite launches its latest consumer initiative during the DLF IPL, and rolls out a special edition ‘Sprite Kolkata Knight Riders’ bottle. They have also launched “Kholega Toh Milega’ digital initiative in association with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Nokia to leverage the key passions of consumers - Cricket & Mobile phones. As part of the initiative, consumers just need to drink Sprite and look out for a unique 9 digit code under the crown / behind the label and SMS the code to 58558. Additionally consumers also have the option to Call 186 0233 2233 and register the unique code through an Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS). Lucky consumers get once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet Shahrukh Khan and members of the Kolkata Knight Riders team. In addition, consumers also get a chance to win a Nokia mobile phone every hour till June 19 ‘09. The entire initiative is applicable on 200 ml, 300 ml returnable glass bottles (RGB) and also on all PET packs of Sprite. The limited edition Sprite PET bottles will be available with insignia of key players of the KKR team, choices include—Saurav Ganguly, Ishant Sharma and David Hussey or Saurav Ganguly, Brendon Mc Cullum and Murli Kartik. —TNS
|
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
Nasi goreng(Indonesian)