Activist wants to Sell Condoms at Bus Stops to Promote Women’s Health

Think of a hawker carrying a belly tray at a busy traffic junction, a bus station or in a cricket stadium and peddling not sweets and snacks, but female contraceptives! India may not be ready for it now, but the innovative concept has already sparked huge interest in a number of countries, Beatrijs Janssen, a healthcare expert from the Netherlands, says. "I have already demonstrated it for promotion at conferences in several countries," Janssen says. Being a woman, she knows the importance of female condoms to ward off not just unwanted pregnancies, but also the menace of deadly HIV/AIDS.

Unsurprisingly, she has become the cynosure of hundreds of healthcare experts gathered at the ongoing first Global Health Conference on Social Marketing and Social Franchising, organised by HLFPPT(Hindustan Latex Family Planning Promotion Trust), a not-for-profit trust promoted by the mini-Ratna public sector enterprise HLL Lifecare Ltd, here. Janssen is the Communication Advisor to Universal Access to Female Condoms (UAFC), a joint programme launched in 2009 by four organisations (Oxfam Novib, Rutgers WPF, i+solutions and the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs) with the aim of making female condoms accessible and affordable for all. The Dutch health activist is serious about popularising the novel concept. To promote the idea and create awareness, she, along with other activists, has been working around the globe for the last four month, carrying the belly tray laden with a range of female condoms. India can take pride in the fact that the contraceptives on the tray include the ones manufactured by HLL Lifecare Ltd. "I am not sure about India, but it can soon be a reality as a marketing tool and a way of selling condoms. We have to modify these trays as per the preferences of the local people," Janssen says. "We thought about this idea, just like the system of selling goodies at football stands. The prime focus is to have mobility, instead of a stationary booth to sell condoms. Another key focus is to remove inhibitions about contraceptives. I understand that in India also, people are reluctant to ask for a contraceptive in a drug store." At present, the belly tray is being used for promotions. "But we are also thinking of making it a full-fledged tool to sell condoms at least in countries like Nigeria, Cameroon and Mozambique where we are actively working," she says. Under the UAFC, various organisations have already tried ingenious tools for marketing condoms. They have inducted female hair dressers to sell the condoms as African women spend lot of time for their hair-do. "There is no barrier of communication about condoms in a female beauty parlour," she says.

Honey Diet for Weight loss

Most of us know about the beauty benefits of honey, but did you know that honey is an effective ingredient for weight loss? According to research, you could drop a dress size in about three weeks, simply by taking a spoonful of honey before bed. Sounds too good to be true? Here's why honey works well for weight loss.

What is the honey diet? 

Founder of the honey diet, Mike McInnes, discovered that athletes who ate foods rich in fructose such as honey burnt a lot more fats and had increased stamina levels as well. Honey acts as a fuel to make the liver produce glucose. This glucose keeps the brain sugar levels high and forces it to release fat burning hormones.

To benefit from the honey diet, simply replace your sugar intake with honey, throughout the day. In addition to that you should consume three spoonfuls of honey with hot water every night before bed. Combine this with an exercise regime (try and exercise three times a week) and you will notice a sizeable drop in your weight. The study showed that the mechanism in the brain that caused the sugar craving could be shut down completely with this honey routine.

How it works?

According to McInnes, most of us struggle to lose weight because we consume too much sugar and processed food. When we consume honey before bed, the body begins to burn more fat during those early hours of sleep. When you go a step further and replace all refined sugar from your diet with honey, you rebalance the brain signal that compels you to consume more sweet stuff. The results noticed from the honey diet have been remarkable. But remember to keep these points in mind:

Replace all sugar with honey: Cut out sugar from your diet. This means you will also have to give up on artificial sweeteners. Use honey in your tea, coffee and cereal instead of refined sugar. Keep a check on what you cook too, so that you don't use sugar in there either.

Skip junk food: Junk foods are processed food that contains empty calories. To fully benefit from the honey diet, stop eating junk food.

Opt for unrefined carbs: Refined white flour in white pasta and white rice may cause a spike in blood sugar levels. Opt for wholemeal flour instead as they are good for digestion and will keep you fuller for a longer time.

Consume Proteins: Keep your proteins lean but make sure you consume proteins with every meal as it will keep you full and also avoid a blood sugar rise that leads to cravings. Be careful with your fruits: Fruits are a convenient option while dieting but remember that most fruits are high in sugar levels and can hamper your honey diet. Either reduce your fruit intake or opt for low-carb fruits like berries and rhubarb. No potatoes: Any form of potato can cause your body's insulin level to rise. The honey diet requires you to avoid eating potatoes.

Simple Walking Exercise Could Rid You Of Back Pain

A simple aerobic walking program is as effective as clinical therapy in treating lower back pain, a new study suggests.

Dr. Michal Katz-Leurer of Tel Aviv University's Stanley Steyer School of Health Professions at the Sackler Faculty of Medicine and her colleague Ilana Shnayderman, a graduate student at the Department of Physical Therapy and a practicing physiotherapist at Maccabi Health Care, say that their treatment option - that includes walking two to three times a week for a period of 20 to 40 minutes - fits easily into a daily routine and allows those with back pain to be more responsible for their own health. According to Dr. Katz-Leurer, research has shown that when people walk actively, abdominal and back muscles work in much the same way as when they complete exercises that target these areas.

And unlike muscle strengthening programs, which often call for specific equipment and can involve exercises that require expert supervision, walking is a simple activity that can be done alone. For the study, the researchers recruited 52 patients with lower back pain to participate in a randomized control trial. Through questionnaires, they were initially assessed for pain levels, feelings of disability, and avoidance of daily activities, as well as muscle and walking endurance. Then, half of the participants completed a typical clinic-based muscle strengthening program, with two to three exercise sessions a week for six weeks. The other half completed a six-week aerobic walking program, walking two to three times weekly. Participants started with 20 minutes of walking, then progressed to 40 minutes as their endurance improved.

Results showed that both groups improved significantly in all areas of assessment, demonstrating that the walking program was "as effective as treatment that could have been received in the clinic," says Dr. Katz-Leurer. Dr. Katz-Leurer says that the walking program has the additional advantage of encouraging patients to follow a healthier lifestyle overall. In terms of physical fitness, those in the walking group were able to walk an average of 0.05 miles farther during a six-minute walking test at the end of the program compared to the pre-program assessments. She also notes that that regularly active people are less likely to suffer typical aches and pains over their lifetime. Walking, a low-impact activity, also lowers blood pressure, boosts brain and immune system functioning, and reduces stress, she says.

The study has been published in the journal Clinical Rehabilitation.

Femina Festive Showcase 2013 Photos

Kainaat looked stunning in blue top and white jeans while Sushmita looked very traditional in a black and pink kurta with heavy jewellery. Navneet Dhillon walked the ramp looking adorable in a green and yellow lahenga. Navneet Dhillon (Femina Miss India) at the Femina Festive Showcase 2013

Muzaffarnagar Relief Camp Horror 25 Babies Die A Month

After their kin were murdered, homes burnt and women raped before their eyes during the recent communal clashes, thousands of people fled to the safety of makeshift camps in the worst-hit Muzaffarnagar and Shamli districts of Uttar Pradesh. One such camp in Malakpur, 18 kms from Shamli, housed the largest number of such displaced persons until recently. Death has visited this camp almost on a daily basis since. It witnessed the maximum (28) number of deaths in the past one month, 25 of them infants, all under a month old.
Murshida Khatoon, 25, one of many grieving mothers in the camp lost her 20-day-old baby a week ago.
A plastic tent surrounded by filth and human excreta is now her home and the family sleeps on dried grass, without a quilt to protect her other children from cold weather.

“We got a quilt after I lost my child,” said Khatoon. “But what is one quilt for a family of seven?” Another riot survivor, Dilshana Begum, whose five-month-old baby died at the camp, said, “We took loans and sold our motorcycle to collect Rs. 20,000 to pay for the hospital expenses. But even after spending every penny we had, we couldn't save our child.” Stories of deep despair can be heard at other camps. Three other camps— Khurban, Badheri Khurd and Barnabi — have witnessed eight deaths, which include four children aged less than 30 days. Too afraid to take the dead back to the villages that were once home, hurried burials are carried out in graveyards adjacent to the camps. “Newborns and old people are dying of cold. There is a severe lack of warm clothes and toilet facilities in the camps which makes the situation very grim. The last time a medical officer visited any of these camps to treat the inmates was almost a month ago,” says Chaudhary Gulshad, a member of a local committee running the camp.

A number of deaths have been reported from Muzaffarnagar, the epicentre of the bloody clashes. Shahpur and Basi Kalan camps have seen four deaths while Loi, another camp with a large number of displaced people, has witnessed 12 deaths, the last one a day ago. Mohammad Shaqir and his wife, Sabira, rushed to a nearby health centre around midnight after their eight-month-old kid woke up screaming and wheezing. The doctor told them that the boy needs to be administered oxygen, a facility they didn’t have. So, the couple rushed to another hospital. “While we looked for a hospital, I realised that he had stopped breathing,” recalls Shaqir.

“He died in my arms.” Shamli additional district magistrate Pratap Singh has no information of the deaths in the camps in Shamli. Muzaffarnagar ADM Indermani Tripathi said that 11 deaths have taken place in the Loi camp. Clearly unaware of the deaths in the camps, Muzaffarnagar chief medical officer SK Tyagi said only “one or two deaths have taken place” in the camps in the district and he has been looking after medical measures for the camps’ inmates. Rehana Adib, whose organisation Astitva has been involved in the relief work, said many more deaths have gone unreported because the camps lack proper supervision by health officials. More than 60 people died in the riots in Muzaffarnagar and neighbouring districts of Shamli and Meerut, but now, the humanitarian crisis unfolding in these camps has claimed an equal number of lives. Three months after the riots, about 18,000 people are still huddled in camps, 4,500 in the Malakpur camp alone. More than 40,000 people were displaced by the riots.

Women Need To Speak Up Against Sexual Harassment

Silent No More: Speaking Up Against Sexual Harassment

These three reports, among several others that go unnoticed, have brought to the surface the basic problem in the country: those who are in powerful positions — the supposed crusaders of justice — are found violating the law and committing the most heinous of crimes. Yes, the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, which was implemented in April, does promise to protect women, but how can women protect themselves before taking the issue to court?

Law-point
Former assistant solicitor general of India, PS Dinesh Kumar, says, "At the moment, the only functional law for sexual harassment is the Vishaka Guidelines." It states that every institution must have a sexual harassment committee with five members, of which three members should be women, including the chairperson. Based on an oral or written complaint, the committee is supposed to question the accused after examining the witness's accounts, if any, and/or, other evidences provided by the complainant. If the person is found guilty, depending on the degree of harassment, suitable action must be taken.

Having handled many cases of sexual harassment in various institutions, Dinesh adds, "What we ignore is that men too are harassed. I've seen several cases where women, to avenge professional disagreements, have lodged complaints of sexual harassment against righteous men. This is equally disheartening." Suggesting a common solution, he says, "Irrespective of the complainant's gender, we must give everyone a fair hearing, look at the issue objectively and punish severely only after we're sure of all the facts."

Practical issues
A profession where sexual abuse is rampant is the film industry. Actress Nikesha Patel says, "The industry is extremely male dominated and that becomes difficult at times. During the shoot of one of my films, the director asked me to wear an extremely deep-neck blouse. Neither my role nor the plot required it as it was about a traditional village girl, but the director insisted I expose or drop out of the film. Uncomfortable with this request of his, I decided to drop out, but since I was firm about my decision, they gave up and agreed to do the film without any vulgarity. However, many actresses agree to such conditions as they fear losing out on opportunities."

Several women, who face sexual abuse at work, prefer to stay quiet in order to avoid further harassment or getting unwanted attention.

Aarti Nagdeo, an advertising professional, says, "One of my colleagues, who was not even a close friend, commented on my dressing sense saying I should wear things that make me look luscious. I was furious, but ignored this because I did not want to court any trouble at work. But another time I told a colleague, who pinched me every day while greeting me, that it hurt me and asked him not to do it again. I had to say it indirectly in order to avoid straining our professional relationship."

Taking the leap
Malayalam actress Shwetha Menon recently accused the Congress MP Peethambara Kurup of grabbing her with sexual intention. However, the actress did not take the case forward and suddenly kept mum about the whole incident. "Women like her need to speak up and make a difference. I don't understand why she suddenly decided to become quiet about the whole thing," says actress Malavika Avinash.

Stressing on the importance of voicing out such issues, the actress adds, "Women who have been sexually harassed should speak up as it will make a lot more people aware and gather voices of support. All that is required is to make peers, seniors in the institution and friends aware of such instances so that action can be taken against the criminal, collectively."

Echoing Malavika's thoughts is actress and mother Priyanka Upendra. "Women must make their problems known to others. If they suffer in silence, they're only encouraging such men to continue with their crime. In order to end one's own suffering and ensure the wrongdoer realizes it to be an offence, it's important to bring the issue to light."

Organizational measures
Sure, women have to muster up the courage to speak out against the crime, but on a more organizational level, the right foundation must be laid for a safe and secure work environment. Sexuality activist Shaibya Saldanha says, "The 2013 act for sexual harassment has clearly specified every function and requirement the committee is supposed carry out, which is great. However, the organizations should ensure the committee is set up according to the act much earlier and not when a case crops up." She adds, "Also, there must be an orientation session for men and women on what constitutes sexual harassment. Once the committee is established, with trustworthy people on the panel, these must be periodic discussions on gender issues. Since the process of lodging a complaint might be scary for many women, the members of the committee must make themselves approachable to the employees at all times and talk to them about their issues before starting the formal procedure."

- An employee of a popular news magazine accused her editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal of sexual assault
- Recently, a young lawyer alleged that a Supreme Court judge sexually harassed her
- Also, a student of a reputed Indian university accused a senior government official of harassing her

“India A Dangerous Place To be A Woman” 

‘Stop Aarushi’s character assassination’ 

Blogger may face EQC court case costs

The blogger who leaked thousands of confidential client details may have to pay the Earthquake Commission its court costs after the High Court found he was in breach of confidence. In early April, Marc Krieger, a former EQC employee, leaked a confidential spreadsheet detailing client and claim information for 83,000 EQC clients. He then published that information on a website called EQC truths. EQC brought a civil lawsuit against him for breach of confidence. In his decision, Justice Collins said he concluded that the information contained in the spreadsheet that Krieger published was confidential.

He said Krieger acknowledged that he received the spreadsheet from a "disgruntled EQC employee" and must have known that he  was not authorised to receive it. That employee has never been identified. Justice Collins said Krieger believed he was acting with a clear conscience when he disclosed the information about the costs of repairing individual claims. However, he said those affected by EQC's decision who had a "legitimate interest" in knowing how their claims were being assessed by EQC had the option to apply for the information through the Official Information Act. "It was not for Mr Krieger to take it upon himself to tell the world at large about the details of individual claims." Justice Collins said the information also had "genuine" commercial interest that needed to be kept confidential to allow EQC to undertake its responsibilities in a "fiscally prudent manner".

Krieger had suggested that the information was in the public interest. Justice Collins said the real public interest was in preserving private information of those dealing with EQC. "Those who negotiate with or provide information to EQC should be able to do so freely and frankly, unhindered by the prospect that their private information will become publicly available." Limits on Krieger's freedom of expression only related to the contents of the spreadsheet and would not prevent him expressing opinions about EQC or the Government. Justice Collins granted a declaration that Krieger's disclosure of the information was a breach of his obligation to keep it confidential.

He also issued a permanent injunction on the information and opened the door for EQC to seek costs against Krieger. EQC chief executive Ian Simpson welcomed the court's decision.

source      

Signature International Fashion Weekend 2013 Pictures And Video

Sonam Kapoor Walks The Ramp at Signature International Fashion Weekend 2013

Fashionista and brand ambassador Sonam Kapoor was seen scorching the ramp on Day 1 of the Signature International Fashion Weekend.

 Signature International Fashion Weekend 2013 Day 2  At Mumbai, Sarah Jane Dias, Nargis Fakhri, Lisa Haydon, Diana Penty, Atul Kasbekar, Drashta Sarvaiya, Nachiket Barve.

Pakistani Actress and Model Amna Ilyas Biography, Stills

Pakistani Model Amna Ilyas Biography

Amna Ilyas is a Pakistani Actress and model. She was born in city of Lahore,.
Born: February 20, 1991 (age 22), Lahore, Pakistan
Amna Ilyas: The mysterious beauty of the fashion industry
Ilyas may not yet be a household name but she is being titled as ‘Pakistan’s Couture Queen.’

Movie career
In the movie Zinda Bhaag -2013 , she is the leading lady; and she is playing the role of Rubina.

Modeling career
When we talk about some of the renowned top models in Pakistan, then we talk about the young model, Amna Ilyas. She has been named in the list of those models that have gained back maximum success and fame in just minimum time scale. This Pakistani model, Amna Ilyas has so far walked on many fashion shows and ramps on national and international level as well. Her confidence in front of the camera and bold attitude has made her much prominent amongst the other models. She entered inside the fashion planet in a very young age. She is known for her slim body figure along with her very hot beauty looks. In the beginning of her career she kept herself as simple and elegant looking but suddenly she transform her personality into sexy looking diva that grabs the attention of many people. we would like to mention the few brand names who worked with this model such as HSY, Karma, Khaadi Khass, ChenOne and so on. In year 2012, she won the award for Model of the Year(Female) in 11th Lux Style Awards

Model Amna Ilyas Stills 

Model Amna Ilyas

Jewelery : Alisons

Photography & Styling by Mudassir Dossal @ Dossal's The Photographer

Make-up Huma & Zara's

Designer Wajahat Mansoor

Coordination Syed Zakir Hussain

Co Photographer Yaqoob Charlies

In life every closed door of success and favor can easily be open with an open mind toward achieving your goals.

Khaadi Pret - Black and White Collection #2013. Shape your life the way you have always dreamt, work toward your success with your strength to reach your aim in life. Make it happen sky is your limit!

May Your Plate of Life Be Always Full Of Sweet Siwaiyan

Topped With The Nuts Of Happiness.

With Best Eid Wishes, May You Have A Happy Eid

Female RJs of AIR Sexually Harassed: Centre to Delhi HC

The Centre on Wednesday told the Delhi high court that there have been instances of sexual harassment against women radio presenters working with FM Gold channel of All India Radio (AIR) and appropriate action has been taken against the erring people. AIR in its affidavit, filed before a bench of Chief Justice NV Ramana and Justice Manmohan, denied the allegations against it that Vishaka guidelines have not been implemented by it and said it is "alive to its responsibility of ensuring that no act of sexual harassment at work place takes place".

The submissions were contained in the reports, filed before the court, of two committees formed by the Information and Broadcasting (I&B) ministry and AIR to look into the allegation that some women presenters of AIR were sexually harassed and exploited by their senior officials. The reports were filed in the court and a copy was given to the petitioner who was given time till December 11 to file a response after going through the findings of the committees.

The committees formed by the ministry as well as AIR had given their findings after going through the statements made by the individual complainant as well as other women radio jockeys of FM Gold as well as submissions of the senior officials who had been accused of sexually harassing them. The ministry's committee in its report of April 2013 has observed that "casual presenters at FM Gold and FM Rainbow seem to be in a vulnerable position because of the casual nature of their engagement" and recommended that AIR replace system of grading by duty officers and put in place a comprehensive Performance Appraisal System.

The panel also recommended installation of closed circuit TV monitors at key places as well as surprise checks on staff present on duty to act as deterrents against sexual harassment of women. The court was hearing a PIL filed by social worker Meera Mishra through advocate Sugriva Dubey against the alleged sexual harassment and exploitation of women radio presenters of AIR.

Miss Universe 2013 Gabriela Isler shows off million dollar swimsuit Video

The new Miss Universe, Gabriela Isler from Venezuela, got to start her reign in a rather memorable way Sunday (November 10), by modeling a $1 million swimsuit. What else would you expect from someone representing the entire universe?

 Isler wore the white swimsuit, featuring diamonds, rubies and an emerald pendant, along with a fur boa, as the new face of Yamamay, an Italian lingerie company. "It's very simple but very elegant, so it's like me," she said of the piece, according to the AFP. Should Isler feel like she should take the swimsuit and run, Miss Universe organization president Paula Shugart jokes, "We do have armed guards, so don't get any ideas."

Newly-Crowned Miss Universe Poses In A Million-Dollar Swimsuit

Miss Universe 2013 Maria Gabriela Isler from Venezuela posed in a million-dollar bathing suit and spoke about the secret of her beauty on Sunday (November 10) morning, hours after she was pronounced the most beautiful woman in the world. "Well, first of all I feel very happy to share my first day as Miss Universe with all of us and I feel honoured that I can wear this million-dollar swimsuit because its 0very simple and at the same way it's very elegant, so I feel very proud and very honoured that I can wear it," said Isler to media after posing for cameras in a million-dollar suit made by the Italian underwear brand Yamamay.

The hand-made swimsuit was decorated with diamonds, emeralds and rubies. At a brief news conference following the swimsuit presentation Isler revealed the secret of her beauty. "I can tell you some .... I am a simple woman, I am a very normal, always with smile, with my family, with my dogs. The last year I've spent being Miss Venezuela and I had a lot to do in my country, but I am a simple girl, I just come to have fun, to enjoy the moment and here I am. And I have to tell you a secret of my beauty, I learned that the best secret is a smile with your heart, when you remember all... your childhood, you smile with your heart and your eyes, so this is the best secret, the best accessory that the woman has is the smile," Isler said.

Isler has won over 85 other contestants from all over the world in a grand show which included swimsuit and evening gown competitions and interviews. More than one billion people watched the annual broadcast which marked its 62 anniversary this year.

Cauliflower Salad Preparation

Cauliflower Salad

Ingredients

    1 cauliflower, broken into florets
    2 tbsp olive oil
    1 red onion, thinly sliced
    3 tbsp sherry vinegar
    1½ tbsp honey
    3 tbsp raisins
    small bunch dill, snipped
    3 tbsp toasted, flaked almonds
    50g baby spinach

Preparation

    Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Toss the cauliflower with the olive oil, season and roast for 15 mins. Stir in the red onion and carry on roasting for 15-20 mins more until tender.
    While the cauliflower is roasting, mix the vinegar, honey and raisins with some seasoning.
    When the cauliflower is done, stir in the dressing, dill, almonds and spinach, and serve

BSP MP's Hotheaded Dentist Wife Allegedly Tortured Second Maid With Iron Press

BSP MP Dhananjay Singh was arrested for destruction of evidence while his wife Jagriti was charged with murder of their maid.

A day after Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MP Dhananjay Singh's wife Jagriti was arrested for the murder of her domestic help Rakhi Bhadra, the police have found that the couple inflicted similar torture and physical abuse on another maid. However, to remove evidence and cover all the tracks after Rakhi's death, they sent 37-year-old Meena to the house of the MP's brother-in-law. The police on Wednesday traced Meena and admitted her to a hospital. "She had marks of iron press on her buttocks and injuries all over her body and head. We found her in a disoriented state. She could not sit or walk," said New Delhi's deputy commissioner of police SPS Tyagi.

Meena, who is from West Bengal, has been working at Jagriti's residence at South Avenue since November 2012. Jagriti, a dental surgeon at RML Hospital, has not shown any signs of remorse so far. She broke down once during her day-long interrogation, but said she hit her staff because they would not listen to her.

When asked why she did not admit Rakhi to hospital, Jagriti said she did not find the injuries fatal and thought of treating Rakhi herself. Dhananjay had filed for divorce from Jagriti a few months ago, allegedly on the grounds that he could not deal with her temper. She is reportedly undergoing treatment for anger management. The couple were remanded to five days' police custody by a Delhi court on Wednesday. Metropolitan Magistrate Dheeraj Mittal said their "alleged offences are of serious nature".

Transgender Beauty Contest Of Pattaya In Pics

OFFICIAL RESULTS
Miss International Queen 2013 - Brazil - Marcela Ohio
1st runner-up - United States - Shantell D'Marco
2nd runner-up - Thailand - Netnapada Kanrayanon



 Marcelo Ohio of Brazil (C), is congratulated by the two runners-up Nethnapada Kanrayanon(L) from Thailand, and Brazil Shantell Dmarco from U.S. (R), after winning the crown at the Miss International Queen 2013 transgender beauty pageant in Pattaya, southeastern Thailand Friday, Nov. 1, 2013.
Marceki Ohio of Brazil, left, is congratulated by Miss International Queen 2012 Kevin Balot of the Philippines, right, after winning the Miss International Queen 2013 transvestite beauty pageant in Pattaya, southeastern Thailand Friday, Nov. 1, 2013

 Patricia Asyeera Wong, a contestant from Malaysia, is reflected in mirror before the start of the final show of Miss International Queen 2013 transgender/transsexual beauty pageant in Pattaya November 1, 2013. Some 25 contestants from 16 countries, all of them born male, compete in the week-long event for the crown of Miss International Queen 2013.

 Marcelo Ohio of Brazil waves after winning the International Queen 2013 Transexual beauty contest in Pattaya on November 1, 2013. Twenty-five contestants from 17 countries competed in Pattaya for the Miss International Queen title.

Marcelo Ohio, a contestant from Brazil, has her hair straightened before the final show during which she was announced winner of the Miss International Queen 2013 transgender/transsexual beauty pageant in Pattaya November 1, 2013. Some 25 contestants from 16 countries, all of them born male, competed in the week-long event for the crown of Miss International Queen 2013.

Contestants pose during the International Queen 2013 Transexual beauty contest in Pattaya on November 1, 2013. Twenty-five contestants from 17 countries competed in Pattaya for the Miss International Queen title. 

Contestants pose during the International Queen 2013 Transexual beauty contest in Pattaya on November 1, 2013. Twenty-five contestants from 17 countries competed in Pattaya for the Miss International Queen title.

Tanya Muang, a first ever contestant from Myanmar, gets ready for the final night of Miss International Queen 2013 transgender/transsexual beauty pageant in Pattaya November 1, 2013. Some 25 contestants from 16 countries, all of them born male, compete in the week-long event for the crown of Miss International Queen 2013.

 Marcelo Ohio of Brazil waves after winning the Miss International Queen 2013 transvestite beauty pageant in Pattaya, southeastern Thailand, Friday, Nov. 1, 2013

Marcelo Ohio of Brazil (L) poses after winning the International Queen 2013 Transexual beauty contest in Pattaya on November 1, 2013. Twenty-five contestants from 17 countries competed in Pattaya for the Miss International Queen title.

Marceki Ohio of Brazil, center, is congratulated by the two runners-up from Thailand Nethnapada Kanrayanon, left, and Shantell D'Marco of the US, right, after winning the crown at the Miss International Queen 2013 transvestite beauty pageant in Pattaya, southeastern Thailand Friday, Nov. 1, 2013.

Marceki Ohio of Brazil, center, poses with the runners-up Shantell D'Marco of the US, right, after winning the crown at the Miss International Queen 2013 transvestite beauty pageant, in Pattaya, southeastern Thailand Friday, Nov. 1, 2013.

Marcelo Ohio of Brazil (C) waves next to first runner up Shantell D' Marco of US (R) after winning the International Queen 2013 Transexual beauty contest in Pattaya on November 1, 2013. Twenty-five contestants from 17 countries competed in Pattaya for the Miss International Queen title.

Marcelo Ohio (L), a contestant from Brazil, is crowned after winning the Miss International Queen 2013 transgender/transsexual beauty pageant in Pattaya November 1, 2013. Some 25 contestants from 16 countries, all of them born male, compete in the week-long event for the crown of Miss International Queen 2013.

Marcelo Ohio of Brazil competes in the evening gown competition at the Miss International Queen 2013 transvestite beauty pageant in Pattaya, Thailand, Friday, Nov. 1, 2013.

Marcelo Ohio of Brazil, right, competes in the evening gown competition with contestant Nethnapada Kanrayanon, in the foreground, at the Miss International Queen 2013 transvestite beauty pageant in Pattaya, Thailand Friday, Nov. 1, 2013.

Marcelo Ohio of Brazil celebrate with the trophy after winning the International Queen 2013 Transexual beauty contest in Pattaya on November 1, 2013. Twenty-five contestants from 17 countries competed in Pattaya for the Miss International Queen title.


Marcelo Ohio, a contestant from Brazil, smiles after she was crowned winner at the Miss International Queen 2013 transgender/transsexual beauty pageant in Pattaya November 1, 2013. Some 25 contestants from 16 countries, all of them born male, compete in the week-long event for the crown of Miss International Queen 2013.

Anastasia, a contestant from the South Africa, focuses before the start of the final show of Miss International Queen 2013 transgender/transsexual beauty pageant in Pattaya November 1, 2013. Some 25 contestants from 16 countries, all of them born male, compete in the week-long event for the crown of Miss International Queen 2013.

Annabel Yu of Japan poses during a backstage photo session at the Miss International Queen 2013 transvestite beauty pageant in Pattaya, southeastern Thailand Friday, Nov. 1, 2013. Twenty-five contestants from 17 countries participate in this year's pageant which has been held for nine respective years.

Miss International Queen 2013 transvestite beauty pageant participants, from left; Nethnapada Kanrayanon of Thailand, Marcelo Ohio of Brazil, Satsuki Nishiyama of Japan, Kristina Cassandra Ybarra of the Philippines and Tanya Maung of Myanmar pose during a backstage photo at the Miss International Queen 2013 transvestite beauty pageant in Pattaya, southeastern Thailand Friday, Nov. 1, 2013. Twenty-five contestants from 17 countries participate in this year's pageant which has been held for nine respective years. 

A contestant poses in front mirror at backstage during the Miss International Queen 2013 beauty contest in Pattaya resort on November 1, 2013. Twenty-five contestants from 17 countries are to compete in Pattaya for the crown of Miss International Queen since 2004.

Satsuki Nishihara of Japan poses backstage at the Miss International Queen 2013 transvestite beauty pageant in Pattaya, southeastern Thailand Friday, Nov. 1, 2013. Twenty-five contestants from 17 countries participate at this year Miss International Queen which has been held for nine respective years

 Marcelo Ohio of Brazil waves after winning the International Queen 2013 Transexual beauty contest in Pattaya on November 1, 2013. Twenty-five contestants from 17 countries competed in Pattaya for the Miss International Queen title.

Miss International Queen 2013 - Crowning Moment Video

Miss International Queen pageant offers great opportunities for transgender from around the world to present their individual beauty and intelligence in a friendly atmosphere.

The 9th edition of the annual Miss International Queen beauty pageant was held on November 1 of this year at Tiffany's Show Theater, Pattaya City, Chonburi, Thailand. 25 contestants from all over the world competed for the most coveted international title and crown.

At the end of the night Marcela Ohio from Brazil was crowned as "Miss International Queen 2013" by last year winner Kevin Balot from the Philippines.

TOP 10
Japan - Seri FujinomiyaSouth Africa - Anastasia
Japan - Satsuki Nishihara
Brazil - Roberta Holanda
Philippines - Kristina Cassandra Ybarra
Malaysia - Nur Sajat
Germany - Renata Ferreira

SPECIAL AWARDS
Best Evening Gown - Marcela Ohio - Brazil
Miss Photogenic - Netnapada Kanrayanon - Thailand
Miss Congeniality - Carolina Medina - Spain
Miss National Costume - Arisa - South Korea
The Angel Talent Competition - Nur Sajat - Malaysia
Miss Ripley's Popular Vote - Anne Patricia Lee - Singapore

COURTESY OF MISS INTERNATIONAL QUEEN ORGANIZATION 

Srishti RanaSrishti Rana Biography, InterviewSrishti RanaSrishti Rana

Srishti Rana Miss Asia Pacific World 2013

Biography

The graceful and stylish Srishti Rana is a model, who has won Indian Beauty Peagent title. This 21 years young diva has won Miss Asia Pacific World 2013. After Dia Mirza, she has won the title and made India proud. Her father Mr. Anand Rana is feeling very happy for her daughter's achievement.
Stunning beauty Srishti Rana is the daughter of Anand Rana and Suman Rana. She hails from the Jat tribe from the city of Faridabad in Haryana state. She has completed her schooling from Modern Vidya Niketan in Faridabad. Later she attended Manav Rachna International University. She has special interest over Painting, Music and hanging out with friends. In the recently held beauty contest, she was crowned as Pond's Femina Miss India Delhi 2013 second runner up. Currently, she is the winner of Miss Asia Pacific World 2013.

Personal Profile
Name : Srishti Rana
Birth place : Faridabad, Haryana
Date of Birth : 1992
Age : 21 years
Height : 5'7"
Occupation : Model
Title : Miss Asia Pacific World 2013
 Interests: Painting, Music and hanging out with my friends

Srishti Rana Miss Asia Pacific World 2013
Gorgeous young diva Srishti Rana has won the great title of Miss Asia Pacific World 2013. Previously this title is won by Zeenat Aman in 1970, followed by Tara Anne Fonseca in 1973, Diya Mirza in 2000 and Himangini Singh Yadu in 2012. She has also won the National Costume Award in an outfit depicting the national Bird of India, Peacock. Her parents are feeling proud and wonderful for her success. She was trained by the best experts and partners from the fashion and glamour industry. She was trained by the expertise choreographer Shiamak Davar for her talent round, where she was seen dancing to the tunes of a Bollywood medley.

Awards/Titles
Miss Asia Pacific World Super Talent 2013
Miss India Asia Pacific World 2013
Indian Diva Delhi 2013
Pond's Femina Miss India 2013
Pond's Femina Miss India Delhi 2013

Srishti Rana Interview

A quote or saying that has had a profound impact on you
The only disability in life is a bad attitude

One law you would like to break
Girls moving to her husbands' house post marriage

If you win Miss India, what would be your first big splurge?
I would probably buy a luxury car

Best pick up line you ever heard?
All were cheesy

Rate in order of priority the three qualities every woman must possess
Self belief
Intelligence
Desirable

One achievement that will make you feel your life was a huge success!
Winning Miss India, making people proud, helping as many underprivileged people as I can and feeling content and happy with my achievements

The last movie that made you cry?
Hachiko

Rate in order of personal preference the three qualities you admire in a man
Respect for women
Understanding
Good Sense of humour

What is the craziest rumour you have heard about yourself?
That I have given up eating!

With which celebrity would you like to go on vacation?
Taylor Lautner

If you were to give one bit of advice to the youth today, what would that be?
Believe in yourself and stand for yourself, your family, and people who deserve justice.

Your body to you means
It gives me my identity, it's what I worship.

Favourite Actor
Tom Cruise, Aishwarya Rai

Favourite Movies
3 Idiots, A Walk to Remember

Love is
A beautiful feeling