Creating History
Aamir Khan steers away from mushy romance in lush locations in his first production, Lagaan. The formula-busting period film on colonial arrogance, backed by good acting, promises to give Indian cinema a classy makeover.

Governance On
The Hold
Absent ministers, coalition politics and an unwell prime minister paralyse all decision making at the Centre. With business sentiments diving and industrial growth rate receding, the alarm bells have begun to ring.

Super Clinic Inc.
Patients will be treated as customers with some companies hoping to revolutionise the Rs 60,000-crore private healthcare market. They are setting up a chain of neighbourhood health clinics that will provide quality medical care.

Fostering Ill-will
The arrest of Jayalalitha's foster son may be linked
to the sour relationship.

Crescent Classroom
An organisation has given madarsa education in the state a communal slant.

HEALTH: ADDICTION

Legal Hooks

Anti-anxiety drugs and sedatives like diazepam (Calmpose), alprazolam (Alprex), nitrizepam (Nitravet) are easy to pop in times of stress, but can be addictive in 2-3 weeks. Withdrawal symptoms include cramps, nausea, even delirium.

Antihistamines like Benadryl have a potent sedative effect on their own or taken together with opiates. Insomnia, anxiety and difficulty in concentrating are some of the withdrawal symptoms.

Opioids generally used in anaesthesia such as buprenorphine and Spasmo Proxivon are more addictive than heroin, especially when injected as a "cocktail" with Avil and diazepam. Withdrawal symptoms include severe pain and delirium.

Cough Syrups like Corex and Phensedyl in large amounts give a feeling of sleepy detachment. These are often used by heroin addict as substitute when they cannot get their main source of "high". Ingredients include an opiate, a sedative and an anti-histamine.

Anti-depressants like Prozac are psychotropic drugs that have a calming effect. Taken without prescription, within weeks it can be a habit difficult to break. Withdrawal symptoms include mood swings.

Fat busting drugs like femfluramine can, inappropriately used, make weight loss an interesting experience. These drugs resemble amphetamines and give the same buzzy, energetic feeling that "speed" does.

Just About Anyone Can Get Addicted

Addicts are not always people who take drugs for a "high". There are also many who become addicts accidentally and then find themselves unable to kick the habit.

GENESIS: Trivial anxieties lead patients to prescription drugs-stress of coping alone while husband is away, stress of not being able to hold on to jobs, or acute pains. Instead of dealing with the underlying problem, doctors often prescribe anti-anxiety pills or sedatives like Calmpose and Alprex. This, taken for more than 2-3 weeks, becomes a habit. Patients then self-prescribe leading to addiction.

GROWTH: While on the drugs, the patient feels calm, but soon the body gets used to it. A higher dose is required to maintain the same effect. While prescribed doses are safe, higher doses can lead to liver damage. They also lead to memory loss and cross-tolerance of other drugs. With alcohol, overdose can be fatal.

PROGNOSIS: Withdrawal symptoms begin when these drugs are stopped abruptly. These can range from insomnia, anxiety, loss of appetite, nausea, pains, even slurring of speech. These are similar to the initial symptoms, so the patient thinks the original problems are back, and takes more drugs.

CURE: Those addicted should be weaned off gradually. Psychiatrists should be consulted if the problem is serious. Complete rehabilitation packages may be needed in extreme cases. Denial that there is an addiction is usual, so it is important that medical advice is sought.

MetroScape

Pak Unplugged
Fresh-faced youngsters were cheering through qawwalis, pop songs and poetry reading at India Habitat Centre, Delhi. The occasion? A week-long workshop, "Rehumanizing the Other", was all about promoting neighbourly feelings in a period of bad press.
more...

Looking Glass

Mumbai Exhibition:
"Potters in Peril"

Chennai Coffee Bar: Barista

Bangalore Resort: Angsana Oasis Spa and Resort

The Delhi Government's campaign to clean up the Yamuna was impressive but needs to backed up by measures that can weed out the root causes of the pollution. INDIA TODAY's Special Correspondent Sayantan Chakravarty reports in Long Drive