Superstition Or Superscience?
Amid accusations of having saffronised higher education of the country, the Centre approves the teaching of astrology in universities.
Is the Government promoting a
science or a sham?

Science Or Sham?
Even as stargazers claim their knowledge has an empirical basis, scientists debunk it as mumbo-jumbo.

PM's Point Man
Sidelined two years ago, he has bounced back to become one of the most powerful ministers in the NDA.

Diverging Tracks
The Gormu-Lhasa railway line will significantly improve China's military logistics capability and exert strategic pressure on India.

Plane Pique
The Gujarat Government resents the CAG indictment for the purchase of an aircraft.

METROSCAPE

Model Michelle Innes, grim right down to her strappy stilettoes, is wearing an outfit by Ravi Bajaj. It's a (take your pick) sherwani/open tunic/morning coat, wrought with muddy blue and oxidised gold florals worn over a lace-edged blood-red cocktail dress. This dress, along with Bajaj's entire Fall/Winter stockpile of 85, was paraded at a show at Delhi's Grand Hyatt last week to underline the designer's verse-like motto: "Creativity, wearability and affordability". In menswear Bajaj claims that he has revived needle work and embroidery in a singularly "brave manner". Anyone up to the challenge?

Calm Pose

The year has had a sobering effect on designer Hemant Trevedi. His latest line "Divisional Paradox", created for the Collection Premiere Dusseldorf (CPD) and presented last week at Mumbai's Sheetal Design Studio, "clears the palate" to unveil laces, brocades and weaves in sedate shades of white and ivory. Trevedi, the lone Asian at the CPD, says the response in Germany was good, but business was slow-buyers were apparently hesitant to trade with an Indian. Of course, things would have been different if Trevedi was selling chicken curry.

—Himanshi Dhawan

A Ramp Too Far

The evening's theme-blue-seemed to have pervaded the mood of the audience. "Ladies and gentlemen, if you don't clap for our synchronised swimming team the Fairytale Co, they will not return," emcee Nafisa Joseph exhorted the unenthusiastic crowd. They had turned out at Taj Palace hotel in Delhi last week to watch a Russian team of aquabats perform their liquid stage in celebration of the Samsung Blue I mobile phone. The swimmers should have been grateful for whatever little applause they drew. The mini collections presented by designers Rina Dhaka (left), Sangeeta Chopra, Rocky S and others didn't even get that. Maybe it was the still, warm air. Maybe it was because the entire length of the swimming pool stretched between the audience and the ramp. Or maybe we're just being kind.

MetroScape

Looking Glass

Chennai Restaurant:
Beijing Blues

Delhi Contemporary Crafts: The Craft Workshop

Delhi Restro-bar: 4S