India’s anti-defection law: Four decades of failure

Collector of talents: Not too long ago, IAS officer Divya S. Iyer, the managing director of the Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited and project director, Kerala Solid Waste Management Project, posted a video of herself performing the traditional Thiruvathirakali dance with colleagues and it went viral. More recently, her unplugged rendition of the trending Malayalam movie song ‘Sthuthi’ also drew significant attention on social media. Divya is a doctor and an author and has even acted in a film, while balancing her demanding bureaucratic career. Those commenting on her videos now wonder, what can she not do? | Illustrations by Jairaj T.G.

Preside, preach, repeat: It is convocation season at universities and Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel is on a wisdom dispensing spree. At one ceremony, she told students to go watch the movie Chandu Champion for inspiration. At another she remarked that the students looked so disinterested that she had to ask one if she was sick. At yet another one, she chided the vice chancellor for giving a speech without substance and then asked why she was invited to inaugurate a half constructed block.

Salutation symmetry: Salutations send a message, believes R.R. Swain, who recently retired as J&K director general of police. While on duty, he was known to insist that his officers use “Jai Hind” instead of colonial greetings like “Good Morning” and “Hello”. The idea, apparently, was to remove any reluctance within the force to use “Jai Hind” and create unity in greetings and meetings.

Flashback mode: Some people jump in joy when they see childhood pictures, while for others it evokes a sense of loss and sadness. For our Piggy Chops, it was a mix of emotions, reflecting on her younger self. She also jocularly “warned” people not to troll her younger self. Sharing the photo on Instagram, Chopra said, “… So wild to think about what puberty and grooming can do to a girl. [That] is me at my awkward pre-teen era with a ‘boy cut’ hairstyle so it wouldn’t be cumbersome at school. (Thanks ma @drmadhuakhourichopra) I went from a ‘katori cut’ [hairstyle] to this. So it was a win.” 
You are a cut above the rest, PC! | AFP

Charan and Rhyme: Telugu superstar Ram Charan’s wax statue at Madame Tussauds in London is going to be a special one—it will be put on view alongside the life-size statue of his beloved dog Rhyme, which, in fact, is a first for Madame Tussauds. 
A recently released video from Madame Tussauds showed Charan arriving at their studio with Rhyme, where every detail was recorded. Rhyme, a French Barbet, is already a social media sensation with his own Instagram page. According to Charan and wife Upasana, Rhyme has taken on the role of big brother to their daughter, Klin Kaara Konidela | Instagram@alwaysrhyme

Back at the crease
: For all Sachin Tendulkar fans who lost interest in the gentleman’s game after his retirement, here is something that could lift your spirits. The icon will play in the inaugural edition of the International Masters League (IML) in November in Mumbai, Lucknow and Raipur. It will have veterans from India, Australia, South Africa, West Indies, England and Sri Lanka. The T20 tournament, which will be held every year, is the creation of Tendulkar and former captain Sunil Gavaskar, the commissioner of the tournament. Said Tendulkar, “…. There is now a strong desire among fans across ages to re-witness age-old battles in newer formats.” 
Couldn’t agree more, little master! | Reuters

Mexican magic: Planning a trip to Mexico anytime soon? Better take a cue from Neha Dhupia! The actor recently visited Mexico for just 48 hours and made the most of it. She went to the shops, tried on Mexican bucket hats, gulped down Mexican cuisine, and, guess what, relished a Mariachi band show—all in two days. She also traversed some of Mexico’s celebrated spots like Hacienda Patron. Neha shared her escapades on Instagram, “Aa chal #Mexico Chaliye!!! 48 hours in Mexico”. 
We are impressed, Neha!

 | AFP

Bobby signs in: King Bobby is on a roll, and it just doesn’t seem to end! He has now been roped in for Vijay’s film, tentatively titled Thalapathy 69. “100 per cent official now, super happy and excited to announce that @iambobbydeol joins the #Thalapathy69 cast,” read a post from the film’s production house. Deol, recently, won the IIFA award for the best performance in a negative role for Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal. And, it appears the list of stone-hearted roles will continue, as he is set to portray glowering characters in Suriya’s Kanguva and Alia Bhatt’s Alpha | AFP