Out of town till Sunday, February 8, 2009

Have been out of town and now headed out of country! Will start posting after I return ........

The Hindu Crossword No. 9432 Saturday, January 17, 2009

She's getting weirder by the day ................................

Across

 1 To support an alternative note of a film covered by a loud tone conforming in every respect (13) PROPORTIONATE

 8 Some lotus destroyed by grain disease (5,4) LOOSE SMUT

 9 Rate to take each minute particle out at first (5) TEMPO

10 Leave an asylum (7) RETREAT

12 Almost add in to point out a dark area (6) SHADOW

14 Have had enough of an officer in court (3,2) FED UP

16 No doubt America returns the Royal Engineer (4) SURE

19 Half dry an animal in a street car (4) TRAM

20 An account of a celebration covering a Latin bird species (9) TALEGALLA

21 Food prepared in a plate (4) DISH

22 Right to rent back the ridge (4) REEF

25 To follow the heart in a court proceeding (5) CHASE

27 Search for a silk tape (6) FERRET

29 Time to retort around an energetic person (7) TROTTER

32 Habitual practice to trap the holy man (5) USAGE

33 Cannot be heard at home to turn in a notice for one lawyer in the East (9) INAUDIBLE

34 Symbol on a vehicle for a postal worker (6,7) LETTER CARRIER

Down

 2 Go bad to cover the very large queen bird (7) ROOSTER

 3 Published article on non-aggression (5) PIECE

 4 Monarch to go back to return the cat at a point in a lonely place (6) REMOTE

 5 Small amount to oddly sip on tea (4) IOTA

 6 Cut a circle in the Holy Writ in Switzerland (5) NOTCH

 7 Sea pigeon let loose in an undercover activity (9) ESPIONAGE

 8 Birds in the corner of a boat at the side (5) LARKS

11 To damage a large cliff in Thailand (7) AFFLICT

12 An attacker has a long fishing line (7) SPILLER

13 Overheard to modify the place of worship (5) ALTAR

15 Deity taken up in the morning to turn the code of belief (5) DOGMA

17 Common characteristic to convert in valuers (9) UNIVERSAL

18 Liquid solvent, article accepted by the queen (5) ETHER

23 Wholesome food on each desk (7) EATABLE

24 Right in to withstand a comic play (5) FARCE

26 Rats at to chew more than one layer (6) STRATA

28 Former partner has difficulty on Tuesday to make an effort (5) EXERT

30 Start off to join metal pieces advanced in years (5) OLDER

31 Support a dish in hand (4) PIER

The Hindu Crossword No. 9431 Friday, January 16, 2009

Across

 1 Take a nap in an ambience of a new junction at an eating place (10) RESTAURANT

 9 One man to turn tales about a lizard (6) IGUANA

 10 Last month confused a singer coming down (10) DECREASING

11 Sufficient for one to turn in disgust (6) ENOUGH

12 Company side laid back a tonic (7) CORDIAL

16 Introduce some languages initially in the morning religion (5) ISLAM

17 Stone in an operation for almost all (4) OPAL

18 Unattractive looking girl relative (5) GAUNT

19 Bridge players in to talk about a trickster (5) CHEAT

20 The French cover an ancient city of attraction (4) LURE

21 At home to help back a large country (5) INDIA

22 Winding course for the right cleaner (7) SCOURER

27 To attack the morning vehicle in the heart of Bihar (6) AMBUSH

29 Irresistible space for incantation in the capital of Germany (10) ENCHANTING

30 Nothing in to fall upon in a public room (6) LOUNGE

31 Bypass about to be located on foot on an open way (6, 4) RELIEF ROAD

Down

 2 An odd end seen in paradise (4) EDEN

 3 Red-hot to purify after returning the waste matter (6) TORRID

 4 Trap the girl with fifty in an African country (6) UGANDA

 5 Put up with a sailor with an identity in the east (5) ABIDE

 6 Even string gear on a large cat (5) TIGER

 7 Not thorough to adorn the dress code (6,4) CASUAL WEAR

 8 Turn back at the church for a remote kind of measuring instrument (10) TACHYMETER

12 Company man in to turn the final letter of rating for the French to be known (10) COGNIZABLE

13 Talk in an indirect way of a traffic circle (10) ROUNDABOUT

14 A great deal to almost use the water lily (5) LOTUS

15 Late sort of seven stories (5) TALES

23 Make a fold on a line marked for the position of the player (6) CREASE

24 Rubber around the way at the rear end of an overcoat (6) ULSTER

25 Clap in the chief direction of the queen (5) CHEER

26 Expressed by an accountant in the book (5) VOCAL

28 Ruler found within caves (4) INCA

The Hindu Crossword No. 9430 Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Across

 4 Cut off the points of a short paragraph note (8) SEPARATE

 8 Take care with the knob (6) HANDLE

 9 An added enthusiasm before the beginning of the day in kiwi country (3,7) NEW ZEALAND

10 Crane arrives within a short distance (4) NEAR

11 Take the burden of an animal (4) BEAR

13 Ask for playing with five information technology head experts (6) INVITE

15 Cats taken are critically involved from within (2,5) AT STAKE

17 Pointed tip on a headdress (4) BARB

18 Haircut for the worker team (4) CREW

19 British change the title to be easily broken (7) BRITTLE

21 An attendant to design a corset (6) ESCORT

22 Eyes the French on a small atoll (4) ISLE

25 Advanced seniority of the Dutch leader (4) AGED

26 Danish unit damaged by an Indian native (10) HINDUSTANI

27 Five held in a downpour at a point in a valley (6) RAVINE

28 A horse on Rhode Island the day before is a cause for complaint (8) AGGRIEVE

Down

 1 Prayer sung by the social worker following the church (5) CHANT

 2 Large tank in that is to have an opening through which liquid is taken within (6) INTAKE

 3 Nest formed at a point stretched tight (5) TENSE

 4 Sheep within an old railway waste pipe (5) SEWER

 5 Group of lions surround the oriental side to gain control (7) PRESIDE

 6 Pertaining to with reference to the French van for the church (9) RELEVANCE

 7 Edward in to instruct about alcohol solutions (9) TINCTURES

12 Cut off the first part of a performer (5) ACTOR

14 Talking about a quiet one being beautiful (9) RAVISHING

15 Graduate turns to the Supreme Court on showing back anger at the fugitive (9) ABSCONDER

16 Large paper birds (5) KITES

19 Fabric bait set in a wrong manner (7) BATISTE

20 Internet Protocol up in a big game bird (6) MAGPIE

22 One rodent last to leave is very angry (5) IRATE

23 Dens in an American city have a right side (5) LAIRS

24 And bide us an odd goodbye! (5) ADIEU

The Hindu Crossword No. 9429 Tuesday, January 13, 2009

On the road .....

ACROSS

1 FLEA
9 PICK UP THE PIECES
10 CASH
11 ERROR
12 ALAS
13 GIRTH (nice clue)
14 MISSILE
16 INFLICT (OK clue)
18 AGILE
22 CAMP
23 SMASH
24 ARID
25 OPPOSITION PARTY (stupid clue)
26 EVEN

DOWN

2 LAKSHMI
3 APPRENTICESHIP (stupid again)
4 CIGAR
5 CHORD
6 SPORTING CHANCE
7 PETAL
8 DEBACLE
15 UNHAPPY
17 LAPTOP
19 LEAKAGE
20 BATIK (nice clue)
21 TINTS

The Hindu Crossword No. 9428 Monday, January 12, 2009

Uh .. oh ... she is back - will be a week full of inane clues !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Across

 2 Initially, a sign to have medicine again for a respiratory disorder (6) ASTHMA

 7 To suspend a gymnastic exercise (4) HANG

 9 Missing the first bonus is a difficult concern (4) ONUS

10 Agnostic? Goner, mixed-up in these groups! (13) CONGREGATIONS

12 Type of vessel (7) STEAMER

13 Mixture of gases at the lowest part of a military landing field (7) AIRBASE

15 Leave out even dirt (4) OMIT

17 Hot beverage for senior turned back with water in one’s eyes (5) TEARS

18 Left article on a ship for a young girl (4) LASS

19 With thousand Romans in heist of a shop selling drugs (7) CHEMIST

21 Permit to break silence (7) LICENSE

23 Feeling of satisfaction for head girl to sanction formally (13) GRATIFICATION

27 Held in concept for one time only (4) ONCE

28 Gold given to a vehicle (4) AUTO

29 Small break in an alcove (6) RECESS

Down

 1 Symbolic figure found in Christmas cottage (6) MASCOT

 2 Get a maiden alter one of the points to be considered (6,4) AGENDA ITEM

 3 Rubber on wheel in one of a series of rows, overheard (4) TIER

 4 Cut off the French from the imperial dynasty of China (4) MING

 5 Oddly stop lion all alone (4) SOLO

 6 Supports oneself over bus for sister in back street (8) SUBSISTS

 8 Initially, look after two hard inmates with a heavy stick (5) LATHI

11 A sincere way of down payment (7) EARNEST

13 A cry left one with a synthetic fabric (7) ACRYLIC

14 Female dancers in a social gathering for the queen fashionable like (10) BALLERINAS

16 A hog inside many tropical timber trees (8) MAHOGANY

20 Article for virtuous person in street (5) SAINT

22 Turn back tin in to say being mentally healthy (6) SANITY

24 Copies small primates (4) APES

25 Start off the passageway to an island (4) ISLE

26 A kiss for the wheel shaft to the French (4) AXLE

The Hindu Crossword No. 2516 Sunday, January 11, 2009

Across

1 Author looking exhausted andunwell (7) HAGGARD

5 Stands by sponsor with drink (5,2) BACKS UP

9 Having equal cost and income in holiday flat (5,4) BREAK EVEN

10 Loud? Piece for piano is, yes (5) NOISY

11 Loose-limbed, Italian male after end of drill (5) LITHE

12,13 Uneventful, a holiday not worth a postcard? (7,2,5,4,5) NOTHING TO WRITE HOME ABOUT

17 Holiday-maker, one wanting R and R, we hear, after parking (8-6) PLEASURE-SEEKER

19 Sofia cop nervous about onset of trial (by the very nature of the case) (4,5) IPSO FACTO

21 Bar, stifling to staff (5) BATON

22 Discipline in class (5) ORDER

23 Enid cooked hot food over in capital (9) EDINBURGH

24 Ray in submarine at sea, not right one! (7) SUNBEAM

25 Governing body of mine might (2,5) IN POWER

Down

1 Astronomer in centre bowled over the Parisian (6) HUBBLE

2 Good army unit capturing a rocky height, a headland in Wales (5,4) GREAT ORME

3 An animal mounted in joint (5) ANKLE

4 County's best delicacy (10,5) DEVONSHIRE CREAM

5 Dictator destroyed unionist's mobile (6,9) BENITO MUSSOLINI

6 Job-seeker is frank at end of tˆte-…-tˆte (9) CANDIDATE

7 Smart and carefully planned undercover operation (5) STING

8 Carry on opening port (8) PLYMOUTH

14 Time to request to speak to Church of England working party (4,5) TASK FORCE

15 Extra run perhaps, may cause defeat (9) OVERTHROW

16 Fruit crop - it's varied after start of August (8) APRICOT

18 An endless task for presenter (6) ANCHOR

20 Irishman entertaining daughter in saloon (5) SEDAN

21 Live dance music (5) BEBOP

The Hindu Crossword No. 9427 Saturday, January 10, 2009

Across

 1 Fighting force captures our weapon store (7) ARMOURY

 5 Itinerant salesmen who spread out around start of Lent (7) DEALERS

10 An unholy business combine! (6) CARTEL

11 Branch of science using which, in ICU genes get modified (8) EUGENICS

12 It would turn litmus blue (6) ALKALI

13 Sunday best! (4,4) GLAD RAGS

14 A buyer at Christie’s, say (6) BIDDER

15 Simplon, for one (6) TUNNEL

18 Spy on the way to cause sexual harassment (6) COHERE

20 Conspiracy of silence in which a roomer takes part (6) OMERTA

23 Turtle that Penny found in some ground (8) TERRAPIN

25 A big achievement, dropping leaders of public health in court (6) ATRIUM

26 Tall, slender person, engineer with a new staff (8) BEANPOLE

27 Order young Ronald received from the king of fairies (6) OBERON

28 Good men contain growth in roads (7) STREETS

29 Military wing worker is a predatory creature (4,3) ARMY ANT

Down

 2 In truth genuine lady loses heart (6) REALLY

 3 Send one to Coventry (9) OSTRACISE

 4 Artist f’fibbed but recovered (7) RALLIED

 6 Insert directions on corruption (7) ENGRAFT

 7 One who shuns company brings unity between two sides (5) LONER

 8 He may be seen to frequent Mahalaxmi perhaps (8) RACEGOER

 9 Instrument to measure radiation with a trigger EU once distributed (6,7) GEIGER COUNTER

16 Not the kind of recognition that a decent person wants (9) NOTORIETY

17 It might as well not have happened (3-5) NON-EVENT

19 Milk the base of a plant food store (7) EXPLOIT

21 Our exam ruined by former lover (2-5) EX-AMOUR

22 Induce perjury by distributing bonus? Right! (6) SUBORN

24 Washing lightly with some water in seclusion (5) RINSE

The Hindu Crossword No. 9426 Friday, January 09, 2009

Across

 1 A celestial protector leading Anurag astray? (8,5) GUARDIAN ANGEL

10 What 1 is believed to do for one (5,4) WATCH OVER

11 Old artist who caused business decay (5) COROT

12 A pulse beat both right — and wrong! (5) THROB

13 Repeat the test (2-7) RE-EXAMINE

14 An owl in the car? (6) HOOTER

16 Raise a trivial objection to little Victoria entering American state (5) CAVIL

19 Business friend, one used in making varnish (5) COPAL

20 It goes down the drain in three directions, taking a long time (6) SEWAGE

25 In a stupor, Rau turns ecstatic (9) RAPTUROUS

26 Xmas entertainment for worker in post office (5) PANTO

27 Sacred mount seen in temples, and in Northern Ireland (5) NANDI

28 Ready for use, like a villa Abe built (9) AVAILABLE

29 U.S. spy, not alone, dances without prompting (13) SPONTANEOUSLY

Down

 2 Such a motive is not apparent (8) ULTERIOR

 3 Treatment for an addict in a rare habitat (5) REHAB

 4 Upset victory in sluggish setting (6) INVERT

 5 Courage with foolish talk can be poisonous stuff (5,3) NERVE GAS

 6 Fruit that makes a drink for the gods in the east (9) NECTARINE

 7 Creature found in or near wigwam (6) EARWIG

 8 An electrical device for change (6) SWITCH

 9 Rising sharply, like prices in high inflation? (5) STEEP

15 Notice Lou developing the art of public speaking (9) ELOCUTION

17 All-round view of operations research in Central American state (8) PANORAMA

18 Dog-eating dog, say (8) CANNIBAL

21 Journalist, swallowing a speck of dust, showed exaggerated feeling (6) EMOTED

22 Physician performing with ecstasy and a deep hum (5) DRONE

23 Talk freely about work covering writer, upper-class (4,2) OPEN UP

24 Kind of valve that opens under pressure (6) ESCAPE

26 Part of a sari visible to everyone on the outskirts of Palamau (5) PALLU

The Hindu Crossword No. 9425 Thursday, January 08, 2009

Across

 1 A vegetable sack for a cushion (4,3) BEAN BAG

 5 What a persistent caller does? (7) REDIALS

 9 High law officer who must have energy or a talent for reform (8,7) ATTORNEY GENERAL

10 Bargain with some nomadic kerb-vendors (6) DICKER

11 One master shown to have made progress (8) IMPROVED

13 Kind of steps a doctor takes (8) REMEDIAL

15 One man’s meat perhaps, proverbially deadly stuff (6) POISON

18 Splendour that is like fire around the north (5) FINERY (should be 6 letters)

19 Midday meal, formal version (8) LUNCHEON

22 A tack and a tool for manicure (8) NAILFILE

24 Race on skis — on a small round course? (6) SLALOM

27 Enthusiastic response that gets the audience on their feet (8,7) STANDING OVATION

28 Beg for a bit of frozen treated fruit (7) ENTREAT

29 Mark the French make on a foot pedal (7) TREADLE

Down

 1 Student who lives in, for bread or otherwise (7) BOARDER

 2 Room at the top! (5) ATTIC

 3 He dispenses drinks — to finish off a title-holder? (9) BARTENDER

 4 German general displays great delight (4) GLEE

 5 Emigré’s interpretation of a system of government (6) REGIME

 6 A benefactor at the entrance admitting Pole (5) DONOR

 7 Reach around the first unscrupulous, ambitious one (9) ARRIVISTE

 8 Old sultan who found a boy steeped in wrongdoing (7) SALADIN

12 Catch up with prohibition (3) BAN (NAB)

14 Begging for a masculine finish? I am unable to (9) MENDICANT

16 Let social changes swing back and forth (9) OSCILLATE

17 Signal for action used in billiards (3) CUE

18 Tact and poise shown in grief in essence (7) FINESSE

20 One appointed to act for another (7) NOMINEE

21 Scheme an alien made for Jupiter, say (6) PLANET

23 The toffee to avoid (5) FUDGE

25 Estate owner finds atmosphere in the environs of Lynwood (5) LAIRD

26 Army officer, first to train a horse (4) COLT

The Hindu Crossword No. 9424 Wednesday, January 07, 2009

For Shuchi - the "right" one and for Chaturvasi Sir - the "correct" one!

Loved the clues for 22ac and 27 ac ........................

Across

 1 Insurgent, but an accomplished leader (9) ANARCHIST

 5 Seafood, uncooked, kept in empty pan (5) PRAWN

 8 Wing of defence that may broadcast violence (3,5) AIR FORCE

 9 A less than exact summary (6) PRECIS

11 In Africa, it is where a nut is cured (5) TUNIS

12 High command gives a formidable task (4,5) TALL ORDER

13 Scientist whose name was included in a medal to note his significant contributions (6) DALTON

14 Considering everything makes Allan ill, unfortunately (3,2,3) ALL IN ALL

16 Constituent of a fall (8) RAINDROP

18 Endlessly talk about an event in athletics (6) DISCUS

22 One claiming to be wise is unwise (9) IMPRUDENT

23 Everyone at home is exhausted (3,2) ALL IN

24 The third prize (6) BRONZE

25 Notes are important in his work (8) MUSICIAN

26 A question of location (5) WHERE

27 Dress that a troubled Medical Officer changes (6-3) CHEONG-SAM

Down

 1 Penny, in article made to seem old, but made adjustments (7) ADAPTED

 2 Rana led astray by the location of a gland (7) ADRENAL

 3 Would solving it produce an angry expression and cause perplexity? (9,6) CROSSWORD PUZZLE

 4 Provoke Indian sailors on sight, say (6) INCITE

 5 Embodiment of a crazy pacifier’s notion (15) PERSONIFICATION

 6 Help a conservative artist set up in an ancient part of Greece (7) ARCADIA

 7 Vital airway for a human (7) NOSTRIL

10 Girl goes after first of stars in a secretive way (5) SLILY

15 A bugbear for old actor Humphrey (5) BOGEY

16 Spectral display on the firmament (7) RAINBOW

17 Beg for important, collective wisdom (7) IMPLORE

19 He gave the measure of temperature (7) CELSIUS

20 What brain-power is to intelligence? (7) SYNONYM

21 Prepare for a bit of music including a suggestion of tremolo (6) ATTUNE

The Hindu Crossword No. 9423 Tuesday, January 06, 2009

Across

 1 A river flowing into another is a rarity but possible (9) TRIBUTARY

 5 Concentrate on a centre of attention (5) FOCUS

 8 He distributes parts of a film (6) CASTER

 9 Racial SS treatment for a girl (8) CLARISSA

11 A master in a bachelor dormitory (4) LORD

12 Behaviour of French harbour people beginning to travel (10) DEPORTMENT

14 Damp, thin fog envelops one (5) MOIST

15 Jute fabric from German state (7) HESSIAN

16 They help fliers take off (7) RUNWAYS

17 Beef and venison, say, at hunter’s assemblies (5) MEETS

19 Copper-plated ID broken down and exactly copied (10) DUPLICATED

20 Overmodest Penny on edge (4) PRIM

22 Back at home in 8 for a container (8) CANISTER

23 Persuasive “business-man” (6) COGENT

24 Havelock was one (5) ELLIS

25 Twain’s adventurous boy (3,6) TOM SAWYER

Down

 1 One way to provoke laughter (6) TICKLE

 2 On a dashboard, it is a crazy, permanent insult (10,5) INSTRUMENT PANEL

 3 American journalist gets exploited (4) USED

 4 Timid auctioneer’s tool, a large bird (12) YELLOWHAMMER

 5 Prior experiences of what is in store — fate’s surprises (10) FORETASTES

 6 Theatre work for an improved appearance! (8,7) COSMETIC SURGERY

 7 Self-denying skill in the distance (7) SPARTAN

10 Part of the Holy Book (3,9) NEW TESTAMENT

13 Disease that ails Arif is mysterious (10) FILARIASIS

16 A part of a plant embryo relating to the root reportedly (7) RADICLE

18 Little creature in an empty samovar, a killer (6) SMITER

21 For an army officer, a drink (4) COLA

The Hindu Crossword No. 9422 Monday, January 05, 2009

Across

 1 The preferred wear of former star Esther Williams! (7,7) BATHING COSTUME

 8 Time to get tangled up in a journey (6) TRAVEL

 9 By-product of processing a soft hoof (8) OFFSHOOT

11 Get going — in a board game, maybe (4,1,4) MAKE A MOVE

12 A sinister accomplice for a girl (5) SALLY

13 But not necessarily poor in the past (3,4) NOW RICH

15 One itching to shoot is happy with it (7) TRIGGER

17 Good enamel, treated, yields a mixture (7) MELANGE

19 Each one to pay his own bill — in the Netherlands? (2,5) GO DUTCH

21 Fanatical artist on offer (5) RABID

23 Slavery for master following 60 minutes in extravagant party (9) THRALLDOM

25 Croon about an eminence, get money (8) SHILLING

26  “___ we stand, divided we fall” (Aesop) (6) UNITED

27 Leader of a cause, he carries the flag (8,6) STANDARD BEARER

Down

 1 Cricketer, a comic character, swallows a drop of sherbet (7) BATSMAN

 2 Follow a song on the disc (5) TRACK

 3 One trait I trash is repeating something (9) ITERATION

 4 Cricket side exhausted? Unusual! (7) OFFBEAT

 5 Jobs to enquire about in a back street (5) TASKS

 6 Take on a second job, to work at night maybe (9) MOONLIGHT

 7 Not a quitter, he (6) STAYER

10 Nonsense is a part of Subroto’s humour (4) TOSH

14 Strong and large is what you and I erected, accepting two pounds (4,5) WELL BUILT

16 Laziness means a decline, no kidding (9) INDOLENCE

17 After a short time, girl is sullen (6) MOROSE

18 European state where a note is distributed (7) ESTONIA

19 Clothing to show off when upset (4) GARB

20 It keeps tobacco moist, golden (7) HUMIDOR

22 American singer who displayed some trendy language (5) DYLAN

24 Try to prevent grass coming up around base of tower (5) DETER

The Hindu Crossword No. 2516 Sunday, January 04, 2009

Across

 1 Completely defeat Nathaniel, unexpectedly holding one (10) ANNIHILATE

 6 Celebrity, half-naked (4) STAR

 9 Ben is mistaken for a dramatist (5) IBSEN

10 One who cheats a fair deal? (4,5) CARD SHARP

12 Agriculturist (English) in French town (5) TULLE

13 Judges in El Salvador, bent at times (9) ESTIMATES

14 Embarrassed about blunder by one who has a last drink (6-7) SHERRY-COBBLER

18 A horrible mess follows quickly after interval (4,9) DOGS BREAKFAST

20 Eight runs batting? A certainty (4,5) SURE THING

22 Suffer at home, remedy falling short (5) INCUR

24 Any number during telecast put out feelers (9) TENTACLES

25 Thai cooked one in a Caribbean country (5) HAITI

26 The same flat (4) EVEN

27 You’ll have to think of a better tale than that was and hit town afresh (2,4,4) IT WON'T WASH

Down

 1 Crucial appraisal dictates changes (4,4) ACID TEST

 2 Space agency, first to lie about the nose (5) NASAL

 3 Sporting festival that may be elegant and hearty combined (6,7) HENLEY REGATTA

 4 Entice round clubs offering money (5) LUCRE

 5 Move round to move part of record player (9) TURNTABLE

 7 Pie brought over to one entertained by artist in restaurant (9) TRATTORIA

 8 Rest in peace (6) REPOSE

11 Film me wearing this tie - look flash? (4,4,2,3) SOME LIKE IT HOT

15 English trained nun cared for patient suffering (9) ENDURANCE

16 Taxi permit required round port for a horse-drawn carriage (9) CABRIOLET

17 Sea creature has first to be gutted (8) STARFISH

19 Fly - set off with crew aboard (6) TSETSE

21 Doofer US soldiers and army medic wanted (5) GISMO

23 Mate from Norwic Norwich, in advertising (5) CHINA

The Hindu Crossword No. 9421 Saturday, January 03, 2009

Kicking off 2009 - Happy New year!

Across

 1 Regalia thrown out by republic (7) ALGERIA

 5 Keeps a nastier mixture (7) RETAINS

 9 He granted Salome’s request, but not for dancing (7) ANTIPAS

10 A sombre, angry man (7) AMBROSE

11 Get up wage demand (5) ARISE

12 Soft grain, inferior but still of much value (9) PRICELESS

13 Switched off as it happened (6,3) TURNED OUT

15 It’s a sin for a bachelor to go berserk in a dock (5) BASIN

16 Happen to procure produce (5) BEGET

18 Deft clue I manipulated being crafty (9) DECEITFUL

21 Without company or aid (2,4,3) ON ONE'S OWN

24 Throughout together in company (5) ALONG

25 Verify that fraudster has joined the business (7) CONFIRM

26 Jack backs Ron and French for British hereditary title (7) BARONET

27 Sudden increase of power on a ship’s doctor (7) SURGEON

28 Chlorophyll producer in Switzerland (7) LUCERNE

Down

 1 Hard material presents a barrier to worker (7) ADAMANT

 2 Becomes more violent burst of passion (7) GUTSIER

 3 Act as agent and put the show on again (9) REPRESENT

 4 Fabulous moralist takes a retrospective pose (5) AESOP

 5 The odd article is true to life (9) REALISTIC

 6 Keep a tag on the French furniture (5) TABLE

 7 Substances with sis has more atomic nucleus as another but different energy state (7) ISOMERS

 8 Walks over a member of the family (7) STEPSON

14 Strange fellow included patient chap who does casual work (3-3,3) ODD-JOB MAN

15 The collection of curios may appear barbaric to many (4-1-4) BRIC-A-BRAC

16 Old boy to scorn any arrangement for wild horses (7) BRONCOS

17 One complains with anger or excitement (7) GROANER

19 Father confessor is one who makes headlines (7) FROWNER

20 Envoy takes note that he’s the beneficiary (7) LEGATEE

22 Tie the French to a select group (5) ELITE

23 He instituted prizes in various activities like medicine, physics, etc. (5) NOBEL