Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam's camp has demanded secret ballot on Saturday when the motion of confidence is moved in the assembly, leaders said.

After holding hectic discussions at Panneerselvam's residence on Friday morning, a small group of AIADMK leaders met the Speaker in the Secretariat and demanded secret ballot on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters, S Semmalai, part of the Panneerselvam camp, said they have urged the Speaker for a secret ballot to decide on the motion of confidence.

However, a former MP of AIADMK is of the view that the legislators supporting Panneerselvam should vote against the confidence motion as a logical progression in their revolt.

"Panneerselvam and the legislators supporting him should openly vote against the motion of confidence and to build on the credibility in the people's mind space," K.C. Palaniswamy told IANS on Friday.

On Thursday, Edappadi K. Palaniswami, of the Saskala camp, was sworn in as Chief Minister and 30 ministers also took oath.

The assembly has been convened on Saturday where Palaniswami with 125 legislators in his camp will seek the confidence of the house for his government.

Ranged on the opposite side are the Panneerselvam camp with 10 legislators, DMK with 89 members, Congress – eight, Indian Union Muslim League with one, and one seat is vacant.

An AIADMK leader not wanting to be quoted told IANS: "If it is a voice vote then the lung power would decide."

On the other hand if secret ballot on the confidence motion is allowed and a whip is issued the issue before the Panneerselavam camp is whether to abide by the whip or disobey.

"In case if they disobey whether they could be disqualified as legislators under the anti-defection law is a point to ponder," an AIADMK leader said.

"The party whip has to take orders from the leader before issuing any whip on the way in which legislators are to vote. In AIADMK's case the appointment of Sasikala as General Secretary is under dispute and also the appointments made by her. So that question would have to be decided before any legislator can be disqualified," Palaniswamy said.

Sasikala had recently dismissed Panneerselvam and K. Pandiarajan from the primary membership of the party and both are outside the purview of the anti-defection law.

If there is large number of cross voting — by those supporting Chief Minister Palaniswami voting against him in the assembly – then the dynamics would change, an AIADMK leader said.

On Thursday, MPs belonging to the Panneerselvam camp had met Election Commission officials and petitioned to disqualify Sasikala's appointment as General Secretary.

The MPs should have pursued the complaints lodged with the Election Commission long back on the subject than submitting a new one, said Palaniswamy.

One view is that the government would survive the confidence motion, though DMK General Secretary K. Anbazhagan has predicted to the contrary.

Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam's camp has demanded secret ballot on Saturday when the motion of confidence is moved in the assembly, leaders said.

After holding hectic discussions at Panneerselvam's residence on Friday morning, a small group of AIADMK leaders met the Speaker in the Secretariat and demanded secret ballot on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters, S Semmalai, part of the Panneerselvam camp, said they have urged the Speaker for a secret ballot to decide on the motion of confidence.

However, a former MP of AIADMK is of the view that the legislators supporting Panneerselvam should vote against the confidence motion as a logical progression in their revolt.

"Panneerselvam and the legislators supporting him should openly vote against the motion of confidence and to build on the credibility in the people's mind space," K.C. Palaniswamy told IANS on Friday.

On Thursday, Edappadi K. Palaniswami, of the Saskala camp, was sworn in as Chief Minister and 30 ministers also took oath.

The assembly has been convened on Saturday where Palaniswami with 125 legislators in his camp will seek the confidence of the house for his government.

Ranged on the opposite side are the Panneerselvam camp with 10 legislators, DMK with 89 members, Congress – eight, Indian Union Muslim League with one, and one seat is vacant.

An AIADMK leader not wanting to be quoted told IANS: "If it is a voice vote then the lung power would decide."

On the other hand if secret ballot on the confidence motion is allowed and a whip is issued the issue before the Panneerselavam camp is whether to abide by the whip or disobey.

"In case if they disobey whether they could be disqualified as legislators under the anti-defection law is a point to ponder," an AIADMK leader said.

"The party whip has to take orders from the leader before issuing any whip on the way in which legislators are to vote. In AIADMK's case the appointment of Sasikala as General Secretary is under dispute and also the appointments made by her. So that question would have to be decided before any legislator can be disqualified," Palaniswamy said.

Sasikala had recently dismissed Panneerselvam and K. Pandiarajan from the primary membership of the party and both are outside the purview of the anti-defection law.

If there is large number of cross voting — by those supporting Chief Minister Palaniswami voting against him in the assembly – then the dynamics would change, an AIADMK leader said.

On Thursday, MPs belonging to the Panneerselvam camp had met Election Commission officials and petitioned to disqualify Sasikala's appointment as General Secretary.

The MPs should have pursued the complaints lodged with the Election Commission long back on the subject than submitting a new one, said Palaniswamy.

One view is that the government would survive the confidence motion, though DMK General Secretary K. Anbazhagan has predicted to the contrary.

Expressing grave concern over the latest incident of religious sacrilege in the state, Punjab Congress president Captain Amarinder Singh has asked the police to crack down heavily on anti-social elements while urging the people to maintain peace and harmony at all costs.

Referring to the reported defilement of the Sikh religious text in Amritsar, Amarinder called upon the district police to ensure that the culprits are arrested and brought to book without delay in order to prevent aggravation of the tension sparked off by the incident.

The growing incidence of desecration in the state is a cause of serious distress and a sign of the increasing polarisation on communal lines, which the Badal-led Akalis had tried to fan in the run-up to assembly polls in a desperate, though unsuccessful, bid to consolidate the electorate in their favour, Amarinder said.

In a statement issued here on Friday, the Congress chief ministerial candidate reiterated his pre-poll promise to throw behind the bars every single person found involved in all such incidents, beginning with the Bargari sacrilege of 2015, which had led to two innocent people being killed in unprovoked police firing.

Amarinder vowed that, once elected, he would ensure that not a single person found implicated in such cases is spared. He promised to take stringent action against anyone found guilty of involvement, including Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) supremo Parkash Singh Badal, who is known to have manipulated religious sentiment for political gains even on earlier occasions.

Expressing grave concern over the latest incident of religious sacrilege in the state, Punjab Congress president Captain Amarinder Singh has asked the police to crack down heavily on anti-social elements while urging the people to maintain peace and harmony at all costs.

Referring to the reported defilement of the Sikh religious text in Amritsar, Amarinder called upon the district police to ensure that the culprits are arrested and brought to book without delay in order to prevent aggravation of the tension sparked off by the incident.

The growing incidence of desecration in the state is a cause of serious distress and a sign of the increasing polarisation on communal lines, which the Badal-led Akalis had tried to fan in the run-up to assembly polls in a desperate, though unsuccessful, bid to consolidate the electorate in their favour, Amarinder said.

In a statement issued here on Friday, the Congress chief ministerial candidate reiterated his pre-poll promise to throw behind the bars every single person found involved in all such incidents, beginning with the Bargari sacrilege of 2015, which had led to two innocent people being killed in unprovoked police firing.

Amarinder vowed that, once elected, he would ensure that not a single person found implicated in such cases is spared. He promised to take stringent action against anyone found guilty of involvement, including Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) supremo Parkash Singh Badal, who is known to have manipulated religious sentiment for political gains even on earlier occasions.

A common food additive found in chewing gums, chocolates and breads may significantly reduce the ability of small intestine cells to absorb nutrients and block pathogens, a new study has warned.

"Titanium oxide is a common food additive and people have been eating a lot of it for a long time, but we were interested in some of the subtle effects, and we think people should know about them," said Gretchen Mahler, a professor at the Binghamton University in the US.

"There has been previous work on how titanium oxide nanoparticles affects microvilli, but we are looking at much lower concentrations," Mahler said.

"We also extended previous work to show that these nanoparticles alter intestinal function," she said.

Titanium dioxide is generally recognised as safe by the US Food and Drug Administration and ingestion is nearly unavoidable.

The compound is an inert and insoluble material that is commonly used for white pigmentation in paints, paper and plastics.

It is also an active ingredient in mineral-based sunscreens for pigmentation to block ultraviolet light.

However, it can enter the digestive system through toothpastes, as titanium dioxide is used to create abrasion needed for cleaning.

The oxide is also used in some chocolate to give it a smooth texture; in donuts to provide colour; and in skimmed milks for a brighter, more opaque appearance which makes the milk more palatable.

A previous study had tested 89 common food products including gum, Twinkies, and mayonnaise and found that they all contained titanium dioxide.

About five per cent of products in that study contained titanium dioxide as nanoparticles.

"To avoid foods rich in titanium oxide nanoparticles you should avoid processed foods, and especially candy. That is where you see a lot of nanoparticles," Mahler said.

Researchers exposed a small intestinal cell culture model to the physiological equivalent of a meal's worth of titanium oxide nanoparticles – 30 nanometres across – over four hours (acute exposure), or three meal's worth over five days (chronic exposure).

Acute exposures did not have much effect, but chronic exposure diminished the absorptive projections on the surface of intestinal cells called microvilli.

With fewer microvilli, the intestinal barrier was weakened, metabolism slowed and some nutrients – iron, zinc, and fatty acids, specifically – were more difficult to absorb.

Enzyme functions were negatively affected, while inflammation signals increased.

The study was published in the journal NanoImpact.

A common food additive found in chewing gums, chocolates and breads may significantly reduce the ability of small intestine cells to absorb nutrients and block pathogens, a new study has warned.

"Titanium oxide is a common food additive and people have been eating a lot of it for a long time, but we were interested in some of the subtle effects, and we think people should know about them," said Gretchen Mahler, a professor at the Binghamton University in the US.

"There has been previous work on how titanium oxide nanoparticles affects microvilli, but we are looking at much lower concentrations," Mahler said.

"We also extended previous work to show that these nanoparticles alter intestinal function," she said.

Titanium dioxide is generally recognised as safe by the US Food and Drug Administration and ingestion is nearly unavoidable.

The compound is an inert and insoluble material that is commonly used for white pigmentation in paints, paper and plastics.

It is also an active ingredient in mineral-based sunscreens for pigmentation to block ultraviolet light.

However, it can enter the digestive system through toothpastes, as titanium dioxide is used to create abrasion needed for cleaning.

The oxide is also used in some chocolate to give it a smooth texture; in donuts to provide colour; and in skimmed milks for a brighter, more opaque appearance which makes the milk more palatable.

A previous study had tested 89 common food products including gum, Twinkies, and mayonnaise and found that they all contained titanium dioxide.

About five per cent of products in that study contained titanium dioxide as nanoparticles.

"To avoid foods rich in titanium oxide nanoparticles you should avoid processed foods, and especially candy. That is where you see a lot of nanoparticles," Mahler said.

Researchers exposed a small intestinal cell culture model to the physiological equivalent of a meal's worth of titanium oxide nanoparticles – 30 nanometres across – over four hours (acute exposure), or three meal's worth over five days (chronic exposure).

Acute exposures did not have much effect, but chronic exposure diminished the absorptive projections on the surface of intestinal cells called microvilli.

With fewer microvilli, the intestinal barrier was weakened, metabolism slowed and some nutrients – iron, zinc, and fatty acids, specifically – were more difficult to absorb.

Enzyme functions were negatively affected, while inflammation signals increased.

The study was published in the journal NanoImpact.

"It has been an arduous task to keep a check on people collecting invaluable medicinal herbs from Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP). But with concerted efforts, we have been able do it,” said Om Prakash, a forest guard at the park.

Known for rich bio-diversity, the GHNP in Himachal Pradesh has remained a source of income for centuries for locals, who used to collect medicinal herbs. The herbs as wild garlic, Guggal dhoop (Jurinea macrocephala), patish, bheni, morel mushrooms have been an easy source of income for them as these fetches handsome price in the market.

These medicinal herbs are most sought after in national and international markets as they fetch a price between Rs.20,000 to one to Rs.1-1.5 lakh per kilogram.

Several species of herbs have rapidly depleted which include Picrorhiza kurroa, Jurinea macrocephala, Dactylorhiza hatagirea, Aconitum heterophyllum while herbs as Dioscorea deltoidea, Nardostachys grandiflora, Podophyllum hexandrum, Texus wallichiana are already listed as critically endangered. Most of these herbs are used for preparing drugs in allopathic, ayurvedic and Unani medicinal systems.

Locals venture into the thick forests in Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) in groups of 4-5 persons to collect the herbs illegally in the winters. They carry all necessary items for their stay upto a week or so in the jungles and return after gathering the herbs, said an official on the condition of anonymity.

“The major challenge in curbing such activities is the vastness of GHNP area as locals sneak into from unmanned areas. Though we keep a check on such elements and even setup camps in vulnerable areas, yet it’s hard to keep vigil on all routes,” said an official.

Many a time, it has been seen that locals enter the forest area on the pretext of visiting local deities and collect herbs. ““We cannot check their bags as locals consider it a sacrilege if we touch those items, being carried for the deity. It is a highly sensitive issue,” said local forest guard Manoj.

Forest officer Roshan Chaudhary said to curb poaching of wild animals and preserve medicinal herbs, the GHNP authorities have decided to setup trap cameras on routes taken by miscreants.

“We also warn people against carrying out any such activity in the national park. The authorities carry out activities to spread awareness on conservation of flora and fauna in the national park,” Chaudhary said. The activities are gradually bringing results.

According to the forest guard, the locals are being involved in conservation of biodiversity at the park. During winters, many local youth are being employed in the area to protect it from poachers.

“The locals knew about the routes which are usually taken by poachers,” he said.

The administration has already paid Rs.1.8 crore to 369 families to settle their rights. Several others, who did not have such traditional rights but depended on the park for their livelihood, the forest administration began income generation programs particularly ecotourism and self help groups.

The GHNP was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on June 23, 2014 and it is spread over an area of 754 sq kms.

"It has been an arduous task to keep a check on people collecting invaluable medicinal herbs from Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP). But with concerted efforts, we have been able do it,” said Om Prakash, a forest guard at the park.

Known for rich bio-diversity, the GHNP in Himachal Pradesh has remained a source of income for centuries for locals, who used to collect medicinal herbs. The herbs as wild garlic, Guggal dhoop (Jurinea macrocephala), patish, bheni, morel mushrooms have been an easy source of income for them as these fetches handsome price in the market.

These medicinal herbs are most sought after in national and international markets as they fetch a price between Rs.20,000 to one to Rs.1-1.5 lakh per kilogram.

Several species of herbs have rapidly depleted which include Picrorhiza kurroa, Jurinea macrocephala, Dactylorhiza hatagirea, Aconitum heterophyllum while herbs as Dioscorea deltoidea, Nardostachys grandiflora, Podophyllum hexandrum, Texus wallichiana are already listed as critically endangered. Most of these herbs are used for preparing drugs in allopathic, ayurvedic and Unani medicinal systems.

Locals venture into the thick forests in Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) in groups of 4-5 persons to collect the herbs illegally in the winters. They carry all necessary items for their stay upto a week or so in the jungles and return after gathering the herbs, said an official on the condition of anonymity.

“The major challenge in curbing such activities is the vastness of GHNP area as locals sneak into from unmanned areas. Though we keep a check on such elements and even setup camps in vulnerable areas, yet it’s hard to keep vigil on all routes,” said an official.

Many a time, it has been seen that locals enter the forest area on the pretext of visiting local deities and collect herbs. ““We cannot check their bags as locals consider it a sacrilege if we touch those items, being carried for the deity. It is a highly sensitive issue,” said local forest guard Manoj.

Forest officer Roshan Chaudhary said to curb poaching of wild animals and preserve medicinal herbs, the GHNP authorities have decided to setup trap cameras on routes taken by miscreants.

“We also warn people against carrying out any such activity in the national park. The authorities carry out activities to spread awareness on conservation of flora and fauna in the national park,” Chaudhary said. The activities are gradually bringing results.

According to the forest guard, the locals are being involved in conservation of biodiversity at the park. During winters, many local youth are being employed in the area to protect it from poachers.

“The locals knew about the routes which are usually taken by poachers,” he said.

The administration has already paid Rs.1.8 crore to 369 families to settle their rights. Several others, who did not have such traditional rights but depended on the park for their livelihood, the forest administration began income generation programs particularly ecotourism and self help groups.

The GHNP was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on June 23, 2014 and it is spread over an area of 754 sq kms.

After the great success of Commando: A One Man Army, Vidyut Jamwal is all set to step into the shoes of James Bond. Trademarked for complex action and chase sequences, a desi twist to one of the most popular spy characters will be seen on Commando 2 as Vidyut Jamwal will be seen in top notch action sequences in the sequel.

The makers have released a unique title track of Commando 2 where Vidyut can be seen in the middle of action sequences. A peppy number, full of energy, the song features only action sequences, a first for Bollywood.

Today, the makers release a unique title track of Commando 2,featuring Vidyut doing only action sequences.

The film's trailer has already been creating waves with its thrilling visuals.

Vipul Amrutlal Shah's Commando 2, directed by Deven Bhojani, is all set to release on 3rd March, 2017.

Commando 2 is presented by Reliance Entertainment and Jayantilal Gada (PEN) in association with Sunshine Pictures Pvt. Ltd.

After the great success of Commando: A One Man Army, Vidyut Jamwal is all set to step into the shoes of James Bond. Trademarked for complex action and chase sequences, a desi twist to one of the most popular spy characters will be seen on Commando 2 as Vidyut Jamwal will be seen in top notch action sequences in the sequel.

The makers have released a unique title track of Commando 2 where Vidyut can be seen in the middle of action sequences. A peppy number, full of energy, the song features only action sequences, a first for Bollywood.

Today, the makers release a unique title track of Commando 2,featuring Vidyut doing only action sequences.

The film's trailer has already been creating waves with its thrilling visuals.

Vipul Amrutlal Shah's Commando 2, directed by Deven Bhojani, is all set to release on 3rd March, 2017.

Commando 2 is presented by Reliance Entertainment and Jayantilal Gada (PEN) in association with Sunshine Pictures Pvt. Ltd.

Late Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Kalikho Pul's wife on Friday demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe to find the actual reasons behind her husband's suicide.

"We want a central investigation agency – the CBI or the National Investigation Agency – to investigate the case," said Dangwimsai Pul addressing the media here.

She also alleged that the state government did not probe the death of Pul properly, despite an FIR by the family.

Kalikho Pul allegedly committed suicide on August 9, 2016, at his official residence.

The 47-year-old leader was found hanging from a ceiling fan, weeks after being unseated as chief minister by a ruling of the Supreme Court.

Dangwimsai Pul said the family has also appealed to the Chief Justice of India against the four judges whose names were mentioned in Pul's suicide letter alleging corruption.

She said the current state government was threatening the family for demanding a CBI probe.

The Arunachal Police had found a 60-page letter written by Kaliko Pul near his body. Titled 'Mere Vichar' (My Views), the letter mentioned several "deliberate irregularities" by state leaders and Supreme Court judges over the years.

Pul had become chief minister on February 19, 2016, after he along with 29 (19 Congress and 11 BJP) MLAs had defected to the People's Party of Arunachal Pradesh (PPA) – a state outfit – to form a new government, bringing down the existing Congress government led by Chief Minister Nabam Tuki.

However, the Supreme Court reinstated the Tuki government on July 13, 2016, following which Pul and his supporters returned to the Congress and supported Pema Khandu as the chief minister.

Though Khandu became chief minister on July 16 last year, Pul was yet to vacate the official residence at the time of his death.

Late Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Kalikho Pul's wife on Friday demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe to find the actual reasons behind her husband's suicide.

"We want a central investigation agency – the CBI or the National Investigation Agency – to investigate the case," said Dangwimsai Pul addressing the media here.

She also alleged that the state government did not probe the death of Pul properly, despite an FIR by the family.

Kalikho Pul allegedly committed suicide on August 9, 2016, at his official residence.

The 47-year-old leader was found hanging from a ceiling fan, weeks after being unseated as chief minister by a ruling of the Supreme Court.

Dangwimsai Pul said the family has also appealed to the Chief Justice of India against the four judges whose names were mentioned in Pul's suicide letter alleging corruption.

She said the current state government was threatening the family for demanding a CBI probe.

The Arunachal Police had found a 60-page letter written by Kaliko Pul near his body. Titled 'Mere Vichar' (My Views), the letter mentioned several "deliberate irregularities" by state leaders and Supreme Court judges over the years.

Pul had become chief minister on February 19, 2016, after he along with 29 (19 Congress and 11 BJP) MLAs had defected to the People's Party of Arunachal Pradesh (PPA) – a state outfit – to form a new government, bringing down the existing Congress government led by Chief Minister Nabam Tuki.

However, the Supreme Court reinstated the Tuki government on July 13, 2016, following which Pul and his supporters returned to the Congress and supported Pema Khandu as the chief minister.

Though Khandu became chief minister on July 16 last year, Pul was yet to vacate the official residence at the time of his death.

Members from the O Panneerselvam faction on Friday met Speaker P Dhanapal, a day ahead of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami's floor test.

The team of members which included K Pandiarajan, S Semmalai and Shanmuganthan (all MLAs) and senior leader C Ponnaiyan, however, did not reveal to the waiting media details of their meeting.

The meeting assumes significance ahead of Saturday's floor test. The Panneerselvam camp has 10 MLAs on its side, including the former Chief Minister.

In his first test, Sasikala loyalist Palaniswami will seek the vote of confidence in the state Assembly.

While inviting him to form the government yesterday, Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao had asked Palaniswami to seek the vote of confidence in the next 15 days.

The government had later in the day announced that the vote of confidence would be held at 11 AM tomorrow.

As part of efforts to further empower stock exchanges, Sebi has allowed bourses to penalise listed companies in case they violate securities law.

Sebi has amended Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements (ICDR) regulations that will enable stock exchanges to take actions such as imposition of fines and suspension of trading.

"If the listed entity fails to pay any fine imposed on it by the recognised stock exchange(s), within the period as specified from time to time, the stock exchange may initiate such other action in accordance with law, after giving a notice in writing," Sebi said in a notification.

The move will help in reducing cost of undertaking adjudication or quasi-judicial actions in case of minor violations for the listed entities.

Earlier, these provisions are available for exchanges only under the Sebi LODR (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations.

Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements (ICDR) norms pertain to companies raising funds through public, rights, preferential or bonus issue of securities.

Indian cricket team coach Anil Kumble on Thursday heaped praised on Virat Kohli saying the transformation of the current India skipper from a 19-year-old to the present time has been brilliant.

"Virat Kohli, brilliance. I think one word is very difficult (to describe him). I have seen him develop from a 19-year-old, who walked into Royal Challengers (Bangalore) first time after he won the (U-19) World Cup as a captain, to the transformation that you see now, it's been brilliant. To see someone that passionate, that kind of motivation and dedication he has," Kumble said, addressing the annual NILF at suburban Vakola.

The legendary leg-spinner, who has grabbed over 600 Test wickets, also lauded Mahendra Singh Dhoni for his leadership qualities, saying he has won two World Cups and Champions Trophy.

"And similarly with M S (Dhoni), coming from Ranchi, nobody expected that someone from Ranchi would be leading the country. And the way he has led the (team), 10 years as a captain, it's extremely difficult. But to be Indian captain for 10 years is something unheard of and hats off to the way he conducted himself as a captain of the team. He was perfect ambassador for the sport," said Kumble.

"And I don't think anything ruffled him. You could really figure out what he was thinking even when one ball six runs to go or if the opposition needed two runs to win and you still have an over to go. You did not know what he was thinking, he would always go with his gut. It was amazing to win two World Cups, Champions Trophy and No. 1 in Test, you can't ask for more," the former Karnataka player added.

Kumble also said the most difficult job as a coach was to tell a player that 'you are not playing or you are not in the squad'.

"But you have to take those hard decisions," he quipped.

During the interaction, the former leggie also narrated anecdotes about his famous 10-wicket haul against Pakistan and the prize wicket of Brian Lara during the Antigua Test against the West Indies, when he bowled with a broken jaw.

Film: The Lego Batman Movie

Director: Chris Mckay

Cast: Will Arnett, Zach Galifianakis, Michael Cera, Rosario Dawson and Ralph Fiennes

Genre: Action-Comedy, Fantasy, Animated

Let’s get this straight. 
Any film that has the Caped Crusader aka Batman in it has some impossible expectations to deliver upon. 
Why you ask? Well for starters, he is arguably the most bad-ass character from the entire DC Comics roster (It’s a mighty big one too!) and almost every man has dreamt of donning that famous cowl and fighting crime at some stage of their adolescent life (for others who didn’t grow up, the dream remains).

And after The Lego Movie (2014) surprised many and set the bar very high for future instalments of the brick-toy’s future feature length commercials (Let’s be honest, The Lego Movies are brilliant commercials at the end of it), The Lego Batman Movie somehow manages to raise it.

We are introduced to the Dark Knight (Will Arnett) as he packs off the latest mass breakout from Arkham Asylum, masterminded by his ‘arch-nemesis’ the Joker (Zach Galifianakis), without breaking a sweat. While the Clown Prince of Crime escapes, Gotham raises a toast to their hero for finally clearing the streets, after 80-plus years of (read: self depreciating humour) toil with scant reward.

Does Gotham City need the Batman with all the super-powered crazies locked up?

And, more importantly, what will Bruce Wayne do with all the spare time at his hands? For sure as hell, he hasn't contemplated life post-crime fighting. 

With an impossibly-peppy Robin (Michael Cera) for company, the least-liked member of the Justice League (An awkward situation with them is arguably the funniest scene in the film!) sets about setting the record straight about his lone-ranger attitude. His relationship with undoubtably his most famous side-kick Richard Grayson aka Dick is among the highlights of the film, as the dark, brooding hero finds balance in life when a fellow orphan jumps along for the ride.

Make no mistake, despite the obvious facade of bravado, Bruce Wayne is a lonely man (An extremely wealthy but also lonely man). Who, despite having all the Lobster Thermidor’s in the world, keeps himself busy by fine-tuning his expensive gadgets and working out the kinks in his perfectly-chiseled body.

With plenty of subtle (and some not so-subtle) tributes to the previous Batman films (Yes, even the disasters!), The Lego Batman Movie has plenty going for it. Not least the Batman-Joker dynamic which is given a rib-tickling new dimension while carefully keeping in place the old. The Joker just wants Bats to admit he is his arch-enemy, not Superman (Yes, we go there as well!) and will bring cataclysm to Gotham to prove it.

And as wizards-who-must-not-be-named and giant gorillas turn the crime-riddled city into Mordor, we are treated to an over-the-top final act as the Dark Knight comes in his matte-black armour to save the day. 

The Lego Batman Movie is a silly take on the most grim superhero out there and its attempt to caricaturise the Caped Crusader turns into a two-hour laugh-a-thon, with plenty of highs among very few lows.

Calling all dads to take a fun jaunt back to your childhood days and enjoy a film as much as your young ‘uns will, ala Hakuna Matata style.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Friday expanded her cabinet by inducting senior PDP leader Syed Altaf Bukhari, who was dropped when she formed the government 10 months ago after the death of her father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.

Bukhari is the legislator from Amira Kadal constituency in Srinagar.

The oath of office was administered to Bukhari at a function in Raj Bhawan in Jammu by Governor N N Vohra.

Mehbooba Mufti and her ministerial colleagues were present during the swearing in ceremony.

Bukhari was the Roads and Buildings Minister in the Mufti Mohammad Sayeed-led Peoples Democratic Party-Bharatiya Janata Party coalition in 2015.

With Bukhari's re-induction into the cabinet, the total strength of the council has gone up to 24.

Under the state constitution, Jammu and Kashmir can have a 25-member strong council of ministers.

Bukhari's portfolio is expected to be announced later on Friday.