LGBT community in INDIA

Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code criminalises sexual activities 'against the order of nature', including homosexual activities.

Every cloud has a silver lining. The Supreme Court's order that referred the curative plea against Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) to a five-judge constitutional bench gives India's LGBT (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community members a ray of hope. The LGBT group members celebrated the verdict by dancing and singing.

Section 377 of the IPC criminalises sexual activities 'against the order of nature', including homosexual activities.

The Supreme Court, which had in 2014 rejected a review petition, today referred the curative plea to reconsider the ban on gay sex to a 5-judge bench. The petition was filed by NGO Naaz Foundation and others seeking a relook at its verdict upholding the validity of Section 377 of Indian Penal Code that criminalises homosexuality.

From India Today magazine: Vikram Seth on Section 377 and gay rights in India
A bench headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur referred the petition to the five-judge bench.  Senior counsel Kapil Sibal argued in the court that the issue involved a question of far-reaching constitutional importance and must be heard by five judge bench.

In today's prime-time show, News Today, Bollywood actor Manoj Bajpai, who played the role of a gay professor in director Hansal Mehta's film Aligarh, Anjali Gopalan, Rights activist and founder and executive director of NGO Naz Foundation Trust and Christian political activist John Dayal who seeks to protect the rights of Christians, debated if Section 377 should be scrapped in India. Zafaryab Jilani, legal advisor to the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), Gay rights activist Harish Iyer and Pawan Dhall from Kolkata also joined the debate.

Welcoming the apex court verdict, Anjali Gopalan said she hopes that time has come to decriminalise Section 377 of the IPC. "I am so glad the SC verdict still gives us a ray of hope," Anjali said.

Dayal, who is against the idea of scrapping Section 377, said, It is an opportune moment to start understanding them and if required do that...I don't want police men in bedrooms."

However, AIMPLB member Jilani said what is wrong should be banned. "Gay sex and gay marriage is against the order of the nature and the apex court should not take steps to decriminalise gay sex in India..."

Launching a scathing attack on Jilani, Pawan Dhall questioned, "Who decides what is the order of the nature? Any one person's idea can't be imposed on the rest of the people of the country."

Harish also expressed similar views. He said, "Homosexuality is found in 450 species of animals and it has been removed from the list of psychiatric disorders".

Actor Manoj Bajpai also supported gay sex and gay marriage in the country and explained how the release of Aligarh was overwhelmingly supported by thousands of people. 

1. 1.India is one of 75 countries around the world that outlaws homosexuality, according to the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association
2. 2.UK, Ireland, USA, France, Spain, South Africa and Nepal support gay sex
3. 3.In Uganda, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Yeman and Iran gay sex invites death punishment
4. 4.The LGBT debate has been thrown open as SC refers LGBT case to 5-judge bench, the apex court to review ban on homosexuality
5. 5.SC order raises hope for over 2.5 million Indian LGBT community
6. 6.The LGBT law of 1860 law is still valid in 2016

Benefits of Onion

Onions--a prized member of the lily family brings on tears, agreed, but when it comes to fighting multiple diseases, it sure is an ace ally. A must-have for your kitchen shelf, onions have multiple nutritional benefits and healing properties. For a matter of fact, onions were historically taken as preventative medicinal cure to epidemics of cholera and the plague.

While onions have a curative power, the highly acclaimed medicinal plant also packs in a punch by adding oodles of taste to your food. Onion contains natural sugar, vitamins A, B6, C and E, minerals such as sodium, potassium, iron and dietary fibre along with a good source of folic acid.

If consumed in its raw state than when cooked, onions contain a variety of organic sulphur compounds, contained in a volatile oil, that provide various health benefits.

1. 1.Protects you against common cold, allergies and cough: An immediate cure for fever, common cold, cough, sore throat, allergies, etc, onions are great to keep common diseases at bay. When a mixture of onion juice and honey is consumed, it tends to cure cold and cough almost immediately.
2. 2.Helps in digestion: Onions can improve the digestive system as it increases the release of the digestion juices.
3. 3.Takes care of your sleep woes: Onions have the ability to cure insomnia and other such sleeping disorders.
4. 4.Treats diabetes: Onions increase the insulin in the body and also treat diabetes by controlling the sugar levels in the blood.
5. 5.Protects you against ulcers and cancers: Onions search free radicals, thereby reducing your risk of developing gastric ulcers. It also prevent cancers and specifically works against head, neck and colon cancers.
6. 6.Guards the skin: One of the most popular tricks to remove dark patches or pigments on your face is by applying some onion and turmeric juice on that area.

Priyanka Chopra to present an award at Oscars 2016

Indian stars are ruling the international scene: Even as Deepika Padukone prepares for her role opposite Vin Diesel in xXx: The Return of Xander Cage, Priyanka Chopra, who has been in news for her American sitcom Quantico, is all set to present an award at the 88th Oscars.

The actor recently presented an award at the 2016 SAG awards and also bagged top honours the People’s Choice Awards.

Priyanka will be India’s sole representative at this year’s Oscar ceremony. The country’s official entry in the best foreign film category for the Oscars 2016, Court could not make it to the final five.

The 33-year-old actor, who is currently working on the second part of Quantico, will present an award at the 2016 Oscars along with international stars like Quincy Jones, Reese Witherspoon, Steve Carell, JK Simmons and Jared Leto. Comedian-actor Chris Rock will host the Oscar ceremony this year.

Footballers In The World For The 2015-2016 Season

The new season across Europe’s major leagues is nearly here, with both the Premier League and Ligue 1 getting underway this weekend. Off the back of a historic, record-breaking season for Barcelona and their trio of attacking stars, and with the European Championships upcoming next summer, it promises to be a campaign to remember in which a number of players will be staking their claim to be among the world’s best.

Here’s a look at the top 50 individuals heading into the start of the new season.

1. Lionel Messi (Barcelona, Argentina)

After a couple of years of looking just a little short of his previous brilliance, there were fears that the best of Messi may already have been behind him. Instead, the Argentinean has bounced back spectacularly in 2015, producing some magical performances while adapting to a new role and finishing the season with 58 goals and 31 assists as Barcelona lifted a treble.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid, Portugal)

It was still another phenomenal season for the Ballon d’Or winner of the past two years, plundering 48 goals in La Liga to claim the European Golden Show and a further 10 to finish joint top scorer in the Champions League. The goals came as the Portuguese star increasingly moved from the wing to a clinical one-touch finishing striker.

3. Luis Suárez  (Barcelona, Uruguay)

The Uruguayan faced plenty of challenges at the start of the season, moving to a huge club, attempting to fit into a team featuring the world’s brightest star in Messi, and all while having to miss the first two months due to a suspension. But after an initial adaption period, Suarez has been brilliant, his movement and unselfishness helping both himself and Messi.

4. Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich, Netherlands)

Robben’s antics on the pitch mean he isn’t exactly everyone’s favorite, but his ability is undeniable and continues to improve even at the age of 31. The Dutch winger scored 17 goals in just 21 Bundesliga appearances, while adding seven assists last season. And his more direct complement to Bayern’s possession game was sorely missed by the German champions as he sat out the climax of the season through injury.

5. Neymar (Barcelona, Brazil)

The third member of Barcelona’s incredible forward trio that fired 122 goals in all competitions. Neymar’s achievements were often overlooked alongside those of Messi and Suarez, but his individual tally of 39 goals was deserving of plenty of acclaim and his more individualist style provided a fine balance to Barcelona’s attack.

6. Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich, Germany)
The World Cup winner continues to stands apart as the standard-bearer for modern-day goalkeepers. Not only phenomenal with his hands, the 29-year-old’s ability with his feet and anticipation coming from his goal almost gives Bayern Munich and Germany an extra outfield player.

7. Eden Hazard (Chelsea, Belgium)

The undoubted top player of the season in the Premier League, Hazard was the only attacker who consistently delivered for Chelsea throughout the campaign. The Belgian continues to become a more efficient player, delivering 14 goals and nine assists in the Premier League this season.

8. Paul Pogba (Juventus, France)
Given how good he is already, it's a scary thought for midfielders around the world that the 22-year-old still has so much scope for improvement. Pogba has everything the modern midfielder, and indeed the modern player, could want -- technique, power and speed -- in abundance. Manchester United must curse every day the fact that they allowed him to leave.

9. James Rodríguez (Real Madrid, Colombia)

After becoming a breakout star at last year’s World Cup, the Colombian faced a big challenge going into Real Madrid with a massive price tag over his head and having to adapt to a position with much more defensive responsibility. But the 23-year-old thrived, firing 17 goals and 18 assists.

10. Sergio Agüero  (Manchester City, Argentina)

Niggling injuries continue to prevent Aguero from fully realizing his full abilities, but he showed how good he can be with a run of games toward the end of the campaign to finish as the Premier League’s top scorer on 26 goals. His fitness is likely to be crucial to City’s hopes of regaining the Premier League title. 

11. Alexis Sánchez  (Arsenal, Chile)

The Chilean struggled to impose himself at Barcelona, but has shown just how good a player he is since making the move to Arsenal. It is not just his ability on the ball that stood out as he carried Arsenal through the early months of last season, but his tireless work without the ball. And Sanchez capped a fine year by helping Chile to their first international title at the Copa America this summer.

12. Gareth Bale (Real Madrid, Wales)

In comparison to his first season at Real Madrid, which ended with vital goals in the finals of the Champions League and Copa del Rey, it was a far less satisfying campaign for the world’s most expensive player last time out. There is no doubt that his effectiveness is diminished playing on the same team as Ronaldo, but his game-changing ability could be given more license to shine under Rafa Benitez.

13. Sergio Busquets (Barcelona, Spain)

He rarely gets the headlines, but Busquets’ contribution to Barcelona’s success continues to be sizable. It is perhaps when he is absent that it becomes most apparent just how vital his presence in front of the defense, swiftly moving the ball around and constantly alert to danger, truly is.

14. Thomas Müller (Bayern Munich, Germany)

One of the most hard-to-define star players in recent memory continues to be unerringly effective for both club and country. The ungainly forward with a brilliant understanding of the game and his own limitations scored 21 goals in all competitions for Bayern Munich while adding 18 assists.

15. Andres Iniesta (Barcelona, Spain)

He may have amazingly failed to get a single goal in either La Liga or the Champions League last season, but the 31-year-old showed how influential he still is by providing the assist for the opening goal in the Champions League final, and putting in a man-of-the-match performance. Heading into the season as Barcelona’s new captain, he will still have a major part to play in Barcelona’s attempt to become the first club to retain the Champions League.

16. Luka Modric (Real Madrid, Croatia)

Injury restricted the Croatian midfielder to starts in less than half of Real Madrid’s matches in La Liga and the Champions League last season. Had he played more, there is every reason to believe Madrid would have gotten at least closer to delivering both titles. Modric’s tenacity, passing and running meant he was the player most responsible for helping an unbalanced team function.

17. Gerard Pique (Barcelona, Spain)

Pique’s slump in recent seasons had been a big part of Barcelona’s defensive issues, and his return to form last campaign contributed hugely to their improvement. While the Catalans’ forwards grabbed the headlines, Pique put in some commanding performances at the back when the team needed it most, and will be key again if that success is to be repeated.

18. Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich, Germany)

After winning the World Cup and retiring from international duty with Germany, Lahm endured a season hampered by injury. But, whether at right-back, in the center of midfield or out wide, he continued to be a hugely dependable presence for Pep Guardiola and Bayern Munich.

19. Javier Mascherano (Barcelona, Argentina)

Whether as a center-back or a holding midfielder, Mascherano has adjusted outstandingly. Often going largely unnoticed among the stars around him for club and country, he has become a crucially influential figure for both.

20. Diego Godín  (Atletico Madrid, Uruguay)

If you were building a team from the ground up, you might very well be wise to start with the uncompromising Uruguayan. Ridiculously left off the FIFA team of the year, Godin is a rock at the heart of defense for Atletico and Uruguay.

21. Toni Kroos (Real Madrid, Germany)

It was a tough first season for Kroos and at times he certainly struggled with the demands on him to play almost every minute this season in a far more defensive role than he has previously been accustomed to. But the Germany international still acquitted himself admirably, continuing to shine as one of Europe’s best midfielders.

22. Arturo Vidal (Bayern Munich, Chile)

It was a tough start to the season for Vidal as he continued to recover from a knee injury and dealt with incessant speculation over a move to Manchester United. But the Chilean began to get back to his best toward the end of the campaign, again showing himself to be one of the world’s very best all-round midfielders. Could be a key figure for Bayern following his transfer from Juventus.

23. Karim Benzema (Real Madrid, France)
Perhaps it will be only if and when he leaves Real Madrid that Benzema is fully appreciated. Alongside Ronaldo, the France striker’s supreme technique and wonderful link-up play too often goes unnoticed. Should Real Madrid decide to cash in before the close of the transfer window, there will be plenty of suitors.

24. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Paris Saint-Germain, Sweden)

At the age of 33, Ibrahimovic’s physical abilities may now be on the wane, but his unique set of talents mean he remains a joy to watch and a sizable influence on any team he represents. And 28 goals in 35 appearances for PSG last season showed there is plenty of life left in the charismatic Swede yet.

25. Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus, Italy)

Not long ago it appeared that Buffon might be losing some of his legendary goalkeeping prowess, but, at the age of 37, he is coming off a season in which he has been a vital last line of defense for a team that came within one game of winning a treble. His outrageous save in the Champions League final showed his reflexes are as good as ever.

Indian Cricketer of the Year At BCCI Awards

Former stumper Syed Kirmani was bestowed with the prestigious Col. CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to Indian cricket, while Test captain Virat Kohli bagged the Polly Umrigar Trophy for Cricketer of the Year in the BCCI awards night in Mumbai.

The 66-year-old former India cricketer and member of the 1983 World Cup-winning squad was presented the award by BCCI president president Shashank Manohar at the Cricket Board's annual awards (2014-15 season) ceremony.

The coveted Polly Umrigar award was also handed over to Kohli by Manohar. The Indian Test skipper, who has won two consecutive bilateral series against Sri Lanka and South Africa, took to twitter to express his happiness.

Kirmani, who was also given the award of citation, trophy and Rs 25 lakh, took a mild dig at modern wicketkeepers when asked about the difference from his time to the present day.

"These days it's not about wicket keeping techniques but just about producing results. Dhoni has been able to do it," he said before praising the limited overs skipper, who was in the audience and grinning: "Good job, Dhoni."

"The only thing in my mind when playing was to do well and keep the tri colour flying. I thank the BCCI for honouring me with the C K Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award."

Kirmani, who was understudy to Farokh Engineer on successive visits to England in 1971 and 1974 before taking over as the no.1 gloveman, effected 198 dismissals in 88 Tests during the latter period of the famous Indian spin quartet.

"I am proud to have kept wickets to the three spin legends - Erapalli Prasanna, B S Chandrasekar and Bishen Bedi," he remarked over his career.

Kohli said that the greatest moment of his career so far is the Test series in Australia, which India lost 0-2, but not before giving a tough fight to the hosts.

"It is important to start the year well and we were able to do so in Australia. I compliment the entire team. It was the greatest moment of my career so far and would probably remain so," he said.

Referring to the great chase the team made in Adelaide before falling short narrowly, Kohli said, "Some days you bat like a man possessed. All I had in my head was the target of 367," he said.

Talking about the knock of 107 against Pakistan in the subsequent World Cup, the Delhi stalwart said that on the morning of the match when he woke up he saw 3000 people on the bridge that connected the hotel to the stadium with musical instruments and flags.

"There was such a frenzy and it struck me that I am going to play in front of these guys in three hours. I challenged myself to do it and I was able to do it," Kohli remarked.

Kirmani appeared in 49 ODIs and played a crucial role in the do-or-die World Cup match against Zimbabwe at Turnbridge Wells by putting on a century partnership with captain Kapil Dev to rescue the team from a precarious 17 for five.

After his playing career, Kirmani served as chief selector and was a vice-president of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA).

Karnataka State Cricket Association won the best state association of the year honour for achieving the treble of winning the Ranji Trophy, Irani Cup and Vijay Hazare Trophy in the 2014-15 season.

Complete list of the BCCI annual award winners:

Col. C K Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award: Syed Kirmani

Polly Umrigar Award (for Cricketer of the Year): Virat Kohli

Lala Amarnath Awards:

Best all-rounder in the Ranji trophy, 2014-15: Jalaj Saxena, Madhya Pradesh (583 runs and 17 wickets from 8 games)

Best all-rounder in domestic limited-overs competitions, 2014-15: Deepak Hooda, Baroda

Madhavrao Scindia Awards for feats in Ranji Trophy, 2014-15:

Highest run-getter: Robin Uthappa, Karnataka (912 runs from 11 games)

Highest wicket-takers: R Vinay Kumar, Karnataka (48 wickets from 10 games and Shardul Thakur, Mumbai (48 wickets from 10 games)

M A Chidambaram Trophy awards for 2014-15:

Best under-23 cricketer: Almas Shaukat, Uttar Pradesh

Best under-19 cricketer: Anmolpreet Singh, Punjab

Best under-16 cricketer: Shubman Gill, Punjab

Best senior woman cricketer: Mithali Raj, Railways

Best junior woman cricketer: Devika Vaidya, Maharashtra

Best umpire in domestic cricket in 2014-15: O Nandan, Karnataka.

Best overall performance in 2014-15: Karnataka State Cricket Association - 14 points.