The austerity drive seems to be affecting one and all.

After political leaders making flighty statements by going for economy class instead of business class, it was time Commonwealth Games made some noise.

In news for lagging behind the scheduled time for the completion of Games project, the Organising Committee tried to project a positive image by cancelling AR Rahman show as an austerity measure.

Kalmadi said the OC have decided to "cut down the frills" and some events in the run up to the Games would be cancelled.

"We have cancelled the AR Rahman show to be held next month at the India Gate to mark the 'one year to go event' as well as the cultural programme at the Trafalgar Square after the Queens Baton Relay handing over ceremony at Buckingham Palace in London on October 29. We are also going to travel by economy class," he said.