Deccan Post

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RNI No.: APENG/2008/24134 DECCAN POST September 16 - 22, 2012

Hyderabad’s Only English Newsweekly Vol. 5 Issue No. 32

Danger in virtual space...8 September 16 -22, 2012

www.deccanpost.net

16 Pages

Rs.3/-

By Our Political Correspondent

With time running out for the present UPA government at the centre, it appears that Telangana statehood issue has entered into a decisive phase now. Compared to the lull among various pro-Telangana forces in the last few months, suddenly there is a jump of activity in every camp. As the pro-Telangana forces that rallied behind the political joint action committee (T-JAC), which has emerged as an umbrella organization for all of them has given a call for Million March on Sept 30th, time is ticking fast.

Printed, published and owned by V Raghavendra Reddy, printed at Sree Seshasai Enterprises, Plot No.19, IDA, Balanagar, Hyderabad-500 037. Published from H.No. 1-2-606/80/107, LIC Colony, Opp. Indira Park, Hyderabad-500080., Phone No. 040-30 42 43 47 Editor-in-Chief : Dr Goka Sridhar, Editor : V Raghavendra Reddy.

Contd. on page 2 & 3

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Cover Story

DECCAN POST September 16 - 22, 2012

DECCAN POST September 16 - 22, 2012

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Market

Market recovers on foreign fund buying

By V Sundar Raja

t

he Indian stock market has recovered strongly and gained nearly 800 points in the last few trading sessions. Market could recover the earlier losses due to further buying by the FII’s (Foreign Institutional funds), who have been aggressive in the Indian market in the last few months. Though, there has been many negative news flow coming on the macro economic front, FIIs seem to have ignored all these and seems to have investing heavily. This has inspired Indian investors too, and there has been renewed activity in the mid-cap and small-cap stocks.

S

everal political parties are seen taking stock of the emerging situation. The UPA led by Congress is vested with the onus of taking some decision with regard to the state division. The congress high command worst hit by mega scams is visibly caught in a severe logjam. As if that is not enough, it is now venturing into policies like allowing FDI in Retail besides increasing diesel prices and limiting cooking gas consumption. The alliance partners like TMC and SP have already sounded their ultimatum asking the Prime Minister to roll back or face floor test.

In the mist of these political storms, whether, congress has any inclination to resolve the issue of Telangana or not will be clearly known in the coming weeks.

Till now, the congress employing various tactics has used all the time to evade a straight forward decision on granting statehood to Telangana.

Since any further delay can only damage its prospects in all the regions of the state, it appears a definite solution is round the corner. As such there is an increased awareness among Congress leadership that this is indeed the right time to act on Telangana, which has been lying at its door steps for the last three years. The AICC president, Sonia Gandhi convalescing for an undisclosed ailment has recently returned from US after

undergoing medical tests and is said to be in a fit condition to take tough decisions that would steer clear the dilemma haunting the congress led UPA government.

Awareness of Political Parties: A section of Congress high command is of the view that this is the right time to grant Telangana state, without any loss of time. The present situation if continued would only benefit YSRCP led by Jagan Reddy who is all set to sweep the Coastal Andhra and Seema regions. Even in Telangana region, the disenchantment with Congress, TDP and TRS may to some extent benefit the YSR congress party for its anti-congress and anti-TDP stand. In this regard, it is learnt that the TRS is ready to merge with the Congress, if Telangana state is created and in view of these possibilities, the TDP led by Chandra babu Naidu too is gearing up to give a letter to the Centre expressing its willingness to formation of Telangana state immediately. It is well known that the YSR Congress party has been stating that it is the job of the Congress led Centre to take a stand on the statehood issue. Congress high command has seen how the BJP is utilizing this sensitive issue to stage a comeback in Andhra Pradesh. Apart from all these factors, one noticeable thing is that Congress high command is getting battle ready and this combative mood augurs well for resolving Telangana issue either way.

In fact, the Congress led UPA as moved into a fast gear in the last few days.

Accused of policy paralysis, the government steered by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi in the last two-three days has taken some bold decisions like hike in diesel prices, limiting subsidized LPG cylinders to poor at six per year and opening retail and aviation sectors for FDI. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs which met on Friday and has resolved to take up pending economic policy decisions like allowing 51 per cent FDI in retail sector and opening up aviation sector. The PM, knowing fully well that his key ally, Trinamool Congress, is dead against to the FDI in retail sector, has remarked that he was ready to bite the bullet, if he has to.

For political observers, the present

situation resembles that of 2008, when Manmohan Singh insisted on going ahead with the civilian nuclear deal with the US, irrespective of the stubborn opposition from the Left parties who were supporting it from outside at the time.

Then also, the same Manmohan Singh famously remarked that “If the Left parties want to withdraw support to his government on the nuclear deal issue, so be it”. As expectedly, the Left has withdrawn its support to the UPA-1 but the Prime Minister faced the floor test in the Lok Sabha and survived. That the UPA winning the 2009 elections with an increased tally and the Left, especially a section of CPM, repenting its decision to withdraw support to the UPA-1 were all now part of history.

This time too, UPA-2 has a major danger from another West Bengal centric force – Mamata Banarjee who has already served a 72 hour ultimatum to the Prime Minister to take back his decision to open up retail and aviation sectors to FDI. Already, Mamata is angry with the UPA government’s decision to hike diesel prices and cutting down the LPG cylinders subsidy to the common man.

Indications point to a possible withdrawal of support from Mamata by early next week. If Trinamool Congress gives its letter of withdrawal to UPA to President Pranab Mukherjee, then the president will have no other option but to ask Manmohan Singh to prove his majority on the floor of the Lok Sabha within a week or 10 days. Unlike last time, it is

difficult to expect the present UPA regime to survive if Mamta’s TMC and Mulayam’s SP were to attack.

Only Telangana can save UPA Since the UPA is not likely to find enough numbers to save its skin like in 2008, despite Mayawati’s BSP with about 21 MPs in the Lok sabha willingly to rescue of UPA, it has to possibly risk the support of Mulayam Singh’s Samajwadi Party that is showing all signs of going with Mamata this time. Only a few days ago, Mulayam went all the way to woo Mamata and described her as his younger sister, so their bond may continue this time. In such a scenario, only granting Telangana state that is supported by many including BJP and NDA alone can save the life of UPA, as all other decisions taken by it were anti-people. “The Congress is taking all bold, but antipeople decisions recently, so if it wants to gain sympathy of people or bail out of the emerging political crisis at the national level, only granting Telangana is the real solution,” a senior Congress MP, Gutta Sukhender Reddy told Deccan Post.

This congress MP from Nalgonda is probably right. Even otherwise too, the situation is turning dicey for Congress in Seema-Andhra regions as well. Today, Congress is a marginalized force in Telangana in view of its deceitful attitude and has not improved in other two regions despite failure of TDP. This goes to show how congress that is presently

The IIP data (Industrial production data) that was released on 12th September has been discouraging, indicating no major revival in the industrial growth. The inflation too is still maintaining at higher levels, which is now a major cause of concern. The GDP (Economic growth rate) has been low and further slowness is expected in the economy. The American economy growth and European debt crisis still persists, which are all currently seen affecting the Indian stock market.

Now, all eyes are on the RBI (Reserve Bank of India) which is expected to meet on 17th September to review the economic situation and for taking appropriate monetary steps to tackle the major threats that the economy is facing. Market circles are eagerly waiting to see if there would be any cut in the banking lending rates, in which case we can expect a further rally in the stock market.

The top Banking stocks which have been beaten down in the last few weeks are now in a stabilizing trend. They are expected to witness a relief rally, and a favourable monetary policy by RBI could get the bank stocks back into the limelight. The metal stocks that were in a descending trend, in the last few months are now showing signs of an uptrend.The Pharma stocks that have witnessed a strong run-up, is now showing signs of weakness, for the investors to be cautious. There are reports that the Petrol prices could be hiked and it could then add pressure to the current inflation problem.

The precious metal Gold is seen in a

strong uptrend, even-though stock market has recovered. It is now likely to react in the shortterm at the current major resistance of 32,000 levels. Hence Investors have to be cautious at current high levels, and should wait for a decline.

Another precious commodity Silver is now nearer to the 65,000 mark, and is now likely to witness a halt to the current uptrend and get into a short-term correction, for the traders to be cautious.

The global petroleum prices continue to be near 5,400 levels, a gain of about 1000 rupees in the Indian commodity market and a

fresh buy position would be risky for the traders.

Market sentiment indicator Sensex is now at the major psychological barrier of 18,000 levels, where a short-term consolidation is possible. Market has to sustain above this crucial barrier, to indicate a further short-term uptrend. Only in-case of any failure at the major support below at 17,500, then it indicates a short-term correction, for the short-term Investors to be cautious.

DP

mail@deccanpost.net Note - Investors should be aware of risks in the stock market.

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f l Av o u rs

Priyanka is ready for marriage!

P

riyanka Chopra, who is very excited and is eagerly waiting for Saif Ali Khan and Kareena’s wedding, feels that she too is read to dettle down, but is yet to find her dream guy.

When asked weather she feels it’s the right time for her to settle down, she said: “From the age of four I have been waiting to get married. I am ready for it.

My mom, dad are also ready but the only problem is I am not getting Mr. Right. So that is a technical problem.”

Meanwhile, Saif and Kareena are likely to tie the knot Oct 16, Priyanka is very happy for them and she expressed her feelings. Priyanka said: “It is a beautiful thing that she is getting married. I feel it is the most beautiful beginning of a new journey. To me, Saif and Kareena make a wonderful lovable couple. I am looking forward to their marriage.” Hope this hotty will get married soon. Fans don’t break your heart.

DECCAN POST September 16 - 22, 2012

Is Ileana Quitting Tollywood?

A

ffairs and impulsive relationships are part and parcel of the entertainment industry and when it involves a top heroine then the interest element is high. Well, it is heard that something like that has happened with Ileana as well and that is the key reason for her to leave Tollywood and focus on Bollywood.

According to a grapevine, Ileana had paired up with his rugged hero in one film during the making time they both were in love. But after a little while, they quarreled and didn’t see each other. In fact, after that one film Ileana never paired up with that hero once again. And the reason for that was their bitter fight.

Since then, it is heard that Ileana has been very depressed and now she got the opportunity and is moving completely out of Tollywood to get rid of his thoughts. Whether this is true or not, her departure from here is sure painful to the many admirers of Ileana and also the moviemakers.

-DP Desk

DECCAN POST September 16 - 22, 2012 governing the state, runs the risk of being edged out completely. If Jagan Mohan Reddy has gained upper hand in Seemandhra; the TRS that has established itself as a leading force in Telangana, is struggling to retain its strength in view of its perceived proximity with congress high command. So, granting Telangana state alone can save Congress in AP.

2011 and the one that is going to be held on Sept 30th. The by-elections held on March 18th this year to six assembly seats went in favour of those who had resigned for the statehood cause and the outcome of Parakal by-poll held on 12th June too reflects the fact that people of this region will not settle for anything, other than formation of Telangana state.

Weakened KCR?

Now, everything depends on the organizers of the Million March, by the end of this month. The T-JAC which has called for the rally should keep in mind that there are two possibilities before it – either the rally can be a damp squib or a dangerous weapon in the hands of people.

If the T-JAC handles it well, it will be a weapon; otherwise, it may end up as a damp squib.

Therefore, another development that is forcing the hands of Congress to grant Telangana is the weakening of TRS chief KCR in the region. Now T-JAC has emerged as the major force reflecting the aspirations of people of the region, unlike in September 2011, when Telangana employees went on “Sakala Janula Samme” (general strike) for 52 days when the T-JAC was wholly reliant on TRS, now the T-JAC is pursuing its own agitation without any support from the TRS. There is vast difference between the “Million March” that took place in March

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Cover story

It is said that KCR is not wholeheartedly supporting the Million March. In fact, it is well known that he does not want any other party or force to either emerge or exist in Telangana

region, other than his own TRS. But, people of Telangana are not ready to blindly trust him, like they used to some years back. Today, KCR is one among many players in Telangana, he and his TRS is not the sole player, howsoever, he strongly desires.

If Sonia Gandhi is healthy enough to understand the solitary wish of four crore people of Telangana, she would immediately announce the decision of granting statehood to Telangana as promised by her long ago and waiting to be delivered till now. The congress high command has no luxury of the past to dilly-dally on the issue any more, as already its cadres are seen deserting the party in search of better future elsewhere.

Even Chandra Babu Naidu is seen mentally prepared to reiterate his stand once again favouring formation of Telangana state. TDP looks like wanting to survive in its erstwhile stronghold of Tregion rather than perish everywhere with no hopes of gaining in Andhra and Rayalaseema regions. The YSRCP led by Jagan Reddy is supremely confident of everything but at the same time absolutely confused when it comes to decision on Tstate and is covertly worried about the state division but has no strength to openly declare its stand.

In view of the huge political uncertainty, the timing of the proposed March is indeed an excellent opportunity.

The chief minister is inexperienced and also weak in every way. The state government caught in a policy paralysis.

The Governor is increasingly impatient and MLAs belonging to various parties worried about their political future. With Parties like TDP, YSRCP also incapable of opposing any decision on Telangana, the T-JAC which is ambitiously holding this Million March may have to fully utilize this golden opportunity to send out a clear message to the Congress led UPA and the entire nation on what T-people want.

Otherwise, the organizers of the March would be seen as bunch of frustrated people incapable of forcing a legitimate issue that enjoys massive goodwill.

DP

mail@deccanpost.net

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LenS - eye

DECCAN POST September 16 - 22, 2012

APRSCL: Goof-ups galore ...!!!

By Dr.T.Siva Prasad Reddy-Special Correspondent

A

fter surviving all the APRSCL upheavals primarily involving original allotteesstarting with Arambha-Chandanagar followed by Bandlaguda & others alongside regular exposure of irregularities by Deccan Post supported by state print & electronic media finally the state government decides to show exit door to Shalini Mishra as MDAPRSCL in the midst of raging legal and political controversies. Elected Representatives in whose constituencies APRSCL projects are grounded had to literally run from pillar to the post to get relief on complaints from original allottees as Shalini Misra-the then MD allegedly bulldozed one & all, downsizing even the concerned Minister or Principal Secretaryexofficio Chairman-APRSCL till recently on one pretext or the other, even the CMO being no excuse.

No Mortgage of allottees flats to Banks till today after loans?!

In a major deliberate goof-up, the staff & the then MD, availed the eligible loan amounts of the original allottees without mortgaging the documents of the allottees to the bank?!Can this happen anywhere in the world, as allottees were made to pay EMI’s & also take the wrath of banks for any delay as they had to comprehend paying rents also.

Banks like SBI etc too have become mute witness in such a scenario much against the norms, this proves the manoeuvring skills of top guns at Rajiv Swagruha in coercing the innocent allottees to succumb for no fault of theirs..!? This clearly shows that the former MD-Rajiv Swagruha had total control of the staff including bank representatives.

Her inner coterie have exercised absolute power as they not only advised MD-Shalini Misra but acted as eyes & ears often at the cost of suffering original allottees or directly contributing to the present state of the project.

Their past antecedents are of a particular importance as for instance one particular GMvery close to Shalini Misra was drafted from revenue dept-post retirement till recently and could not get his pension cleared, but still drew a salary of Rupees Fifty Thousand or more with all tertiary benefits..!? Likewise, other influential staff of her should be put to strict scrutiny to ascertain the losses incurred

by APRSCL & various litigations involving it’s own original allottees as they were whole & sole responsible alongside MD. Can the original allottees of Arambh-Chandanagar & other projects get justice & their valid position of the flats?

Bandlaguda Project( then 29 Acres, now 26?!) -a major scam: Once the news spread that senior IAS officer Shalini Misra was forced to exit from APRSCL, many interesting and scandalous allegations began to see the day light. Many have volunteered to speak to Deccan Post to bring out the facts & in that they stated that APRSCL originally bought 29 Acres and the same was reflected in the registered documents of allottees of Bandlaguda project.

When confronted, Joga Rao-GM, Bandlaguda confirmed that the present Bandlaguda project is in only 26 Acres & when further questioned-he feigns ignorance saying that only MD is aware & he is just a catalyst to

implement what ever the MD says.

On further probe, interesting things surfaced as the said land of 29 Acres(now 26 acres) boundaries were willfully altered, reflected in redoing the partial boundary wall of single bed room flats, while the front gate area also appears to be down sized & the sides restricted leading to a spate of complaints including one from the local corporator. Who are the beneficiaries of such largesse by APRSCL? How the neighbouring landlord was allowed a free run alongside single bed room compound wall to have his own roadwhen none existed before? Under what rule?

How could this escape the experienced minds of APRSCL Committee & the Govt? What about Auditing Report?

Why did APRSCL plan to buy such a big area when only 200-300 applied?!

More & more interesting facts surfaced as the probe into Bandlaguda land enlarged. First and the most important aspect of all this is that APRSCL is supposedly a demand driven project, catering to the aspirations of middle classes to provide housing at 25% lesser than the prevailing market price. Then, when only

aspect of all this is buying the land over and above the said govt price in that area & that too from another govt organization, when the project was to provide housing at 25% lesser than the market price. How could this indiscretionary move by APRSCL was supported by the Committee & more so by the Govt then & now? It is still a mystery as to how and why APRSCL was allowed to raise the loans from the banks by mortgaging such land to pay contractors, when the demand was only for 200-300 flats? How could APRSCL explain the excess pricing of Rs-2000/-per Sq Yrd over & above the govt administered price of Rs-4,300/-per Sq Yrd? Who cornered the excess..!?Wasn’t this responsible for exorbitant pricing of the flats forcing the middle classes to turn a blind eye ruling themselves out?

Then, who benefitted out of this pricing & extent of land? Can, the Govt, it’s agencies & APRSCL Committee be mute spectators & witnesses to such a blatant irregularity or misdemeanor?

Failed Promises As a result of failed take over of the entire project on the expected lines & the ever increasing debts (interest over loans & repayments)many mistakes followed leading

& no watchman or security guard as on date throwing security of the allotees to winds. No mesh cover on overhead water tank allowing insects & small animals to enjoy water.

APRSCL promised 2 lifts, but only one is provided. Promised Generator back-up, but not installed till date. Incomplete & repair works still going on forcing the contractor to utilize water, lift etc burdening the occupants.

The inmates/occupants/buyers/allottees brood over the constant, deliberate negligence

by APRSCL in providing the minimum facilities to demand a reasonable maintainance as APRSCL demanded them to pay from November-2011 with 6 months as deposit, only APRSCL can dictate..!?

The another horrifying aspect is that the APRSCL started to sell the vantage open spaces for commercial gains like-1600 sq yrds land in the proximity of main gate to D-Mart to net 2-3 crores at the cost of promised gated community services like-schools, parks, hospitals to name a few. They question the authority of APRSCL officials in selling such a prime location as they have mortgaged 3 Acres & also demand the rule under which they have sacrificed land belonging to Bandlaguda beneficiaries?mHow can APRSCL sell a land ear marked for middle classes & that too when it was mortgaged with banks? Did the committee or govt mandate MD-Shalini Misra to proceed in this manner?

Fudging rates of flats every 6 months to offset losses & to show high value..!?

200-300 have shown interest? Is it because of high pricing with 25% down payment in the beginning (rest got filtered when they came to know that APHB was not grounding the project & the cost was high),then, where was the need for less experienced APRSCL hierarchy to announce a grandiose plan to construct 2700(two thousand & seven hundred)flats acquiring 29 Acres (now pruned to 26 Acres) investing public money? Why did APRSCL under MD-Shalini Misra unilaterally took a decision even after knowing well that only 200-300 would come forward investing 25% down payment? Isn’t that a reality today that inspite of all hungama by way of publicity only 200-300 have bought flats under different categories? Why such large scale construction at a time? Who benefited out of such largesse? What about public money & public land? How could this extravaganza escape the eagle eyes of Govt agencies & the famed APRSCL Committee?

Doesn’t this requires to be probed to bring into open the beneficiaries of such a largesse making a mockery of Govt administered bodies/corporations inviting public money & confidence denting welfare activity of the state.

The most intriguing and

disturbing

to more goof-ups becoming the order of the day for APRSCL in Bandlaguda Project.

Many said promises as per the original commitment began to wane. The more important of them being the interiors in the two bed room apartments followed by single & 2.5 bed rooms. Deviation from the promised like Cheap wood work-cup boards etc, low quality water & electrical appliances profiting the middlemen in APRSCL & the contractors to the extent of a minimum of Rs.5000/- to Rs.10,000/-making them richer

by Rs.10-20 crores in this category alone. God only knows as to what & how much extent this group would ultimately benefit by the time this project is completed & at whose costbeneficiaries-buyers..? APRSCL thought that it would put additional burden on the buyerswho faithed their project by giving a notice to pay a hefty Rs.1.30/-per sq ft as maintainance, which even a high end realtor fears to charge his clientele..? But, the allottee-buyers are resisting the move by charging APRSCL of backtracking on the said promises as maintainance like- No compound wall & failed gated community promise, making it a resting place for dogs etc(photos)& thefts have become a regular feature. No watchman room

An artificial market hype is created by raising the rates of the flats every 6 months.Like the starting price of a double bed room was-Rs.15 Lakhs, raised to Rs.16.10Lakhs,then to Rs.17.20Lakhs & todayRs.18.30 Lakhs-can anyone believe? What additional facilities or quality construction did APRSCL provide over last 6 months? At, what rate the market in Hyderabad & in particular Bandlaguda has increased? The latest fudging of accounts by artificial abnormal increase of flats costs by APRSCL to off stem losses & depreciation on account of borrowed loans & accruing interests alongside burdening establishment costs have become a bane for prospective middle class buyers, for that matter for any serious buyer too..!

This has resulted in yet to be finished structures alongside a limited occupancy-only 250-300 as on day greeting one & all to tell it’s own story-APRSCL? Inspite of recession & mounting T sentiment, how could APRSCL resort to such hike in prices? How many flats have been sold in different categories in the last 6 months inspite of media blitzkrieg? What is the cost or estimate of total Bandlaguda project as on today? How much did govt or APRSCL or Banks invest till date? What are the returns from the allottees? How many flats are occupied & how many are still vacant?

What are the terms of bank loans as they invested public money?

What would APRSCL has to say to all these?How would it’s past & present hierarchy defend it? Will the govt show will and courage to order a enquiry & safeguard public interest and funds? tsprind@gmail.com DP

DECCAN POST September 16 - 22, 2012

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IntervIew

DECCAN POST September 16 - 22, 2012

Be a Dreamer!

F

arooq Chaudhry, producer of Akram Khan Dance Company was in Hyderabad on invitation of British Council and Park New Festival. He spoke to Deccan Post about the challenges in the cultural arena.

Tell us about your dance company and your achievements?

Since 1999, I have worked with dancer and choreographer Akram Khan to develop and produce his work as an artist. Together, we have founded the Akram Khan Company, and over seven years of collaboration Akram has emerged as one of the world's outstanding performers and creators. I am a regular speaker in arts management and cultural entrepreneurship courses around the world. I am the Chair of Dance UK's Board and a member of the Strategic Advisory Committee for Clore Leadership Programme. In February 2011, I have been nominated as honorary artistic advisor to Guangzhou Opera House in China.

How do you see Art as a form of business and your relationship with a sponsor?

One must understand that art and business are not like oil and water. They can go hand in hand. It's all about developing the brand, expanding the audience and having partnership with your sponsor. A sponsor is not someone for whom you just display a logo or give him complimentary tickets. It’s a

You need to love, be a dreamer, be optimistic, purposeful, inspired, creative, ambitious, determined, honest, a good listener, and think positive. Be open, loyal, humble, a good communicator, adventurous, have empathy, instinct and take risk. If you don’t have these qualities, try to find them in people with whom you work.

What have been the key challenges for you as a producer?

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By Nanda K Vura

r

What is the most important partnership focus between the artist and the producer?

Tell us about the key mantra for a stupendous successful one thousand performances of your production company in a short span of three years?

Current AFFAIrs

tough call before it is too late….

partnership for ‘Value’. Negotiation with sponsors is not about money. When you negotiate, remember three things: 1.Value of your reputation. 2. Value of your service. 3.

Success or impact of your reputation and service on the person/sponsor for whom you work. I call this a Win, Win, Win! Situation.

The third ‘win’ is something unexpected but you get it.

Artist can be the inventor, and the producer an innovator. The producer takes the product into the market-place and puts it out into the larger world. The artist has more time and freedom to work on his artistic potential.

DECCAN POST September 16 - 22, 2012

I have to always to build bridges between societies, between cultures, between class and race. It’s not easy to take an actress to a dancer, or a Chinese company to an English audience.

But there is a need to build a bridge between these two different cultures or two different voices. One must seek a source of inspiration, a source of desire, of challenge.

What do you think is very important for a person to grow in the cultural sphere, especially an artist?

Growth leads to change; change means excitement, and something to look forward to.

Someone to love, something to do and something to look forward to, are the three things which will always drive an artiste to the

glory of success.

What is your advice to young minds?

Make it simple. Every decision has a sacrifice. You have to stand by it. It’s a responsibility. Learn from your mistakes.

Learn from people around you. Since you are providing service, you must allow to be judged. Be a better person. Best ideas come when you don’t think hard about them. Ideas come from very small things, may be when you meet someone, when you see something, or from a discussion.

DP

mail@deccanpost.net

- JAYWANT NAIDU

etailing in India is one of the pillars of its economy and accounts for 14 to 15 percent of its GDP. The Indian retail market is estimated to be US$ 450 billion and one of the top five retail markets in the world by economic value. India is one of the fastest growing retail markets in the world, with 1.2 billion people. India's retailing industry is essentially owner manned small shops. Until the 1990s, regulations prevented innovation and entrepreneurship in Indian retailing.

Some retails faced complying with over thirty regulations such as "signboard licenses" and "anti-hoarding measures" before they could open doors. There are taxes for moving goods across the nation; from one state to another as levying tax of various kinds by the state governments are envisaged in the Indian constitution as such. Farmers and producers had to go through middle-men monopolies.

The logistics and infrastructure is still very poor, with losses exceeding 30 percent.

Through the 1990s, India introduced widespread free market reforms, including some related to retail. Between, 2000 to 2010, high income consumers in select Indian cities have gradually begun to experience the quality, choice, convenience and benefits of organized retail industry.

In 2010, larger format convenience stores and super-markets accounted for about 4 percent of the industry, and these were present only in large urban centers. India's retail and logistics industry employs about 40 million Indians (3.3% of Indian population). India has had years of debate and discussions on the risks and prudence of allowing innovation and competition within its retail industry.

Numerous economists repeatedly recommended to the Government of India that legal restrictions on organized retail must be removed, and the retail industry in India must be opened to competition. Thus, in November 2011, congress led UPA (India's federal) government announced retail reforms for both multi-brand stores and single-brand stores. These market reforms paved the way for retail innovation and competition with multi-brand retailers such as Walmart, Carrefour and Tesco, as well as single brand majors such as IKEA, Nike, and Apple. It must be recalled that the announcement sparked intense activism, both in opposition and in support of the reforms. In December 2011, under severe pressure from the opposition, and more so from its own alliance partner (TMC led by West Bengal chief minister), the central government led by reformist Prime Minister Dr Man Mohan Singh chose to place the retail reforms on hold till it reached some form of consensus.

In January 2012, India approved reforms for single-brand stores welcoming anyone in the world to innovate in Indian retail market with 100% ownership, but imposed the requirement that the single brand retailer source 30 percent of its goods from India. But Indian government continued the hold on retail reforms for multi-brand stores. In June 2012, IKEA announced it has applied for permission to invest $1.9 billion in India and set up 25 retail stores. Fitch believes that the 30 percent requirement is likely to significantly delay if not prevent most single brand majors from Europe, USA and Japan from opening stores and creating associated

jobs in India. On 14 September 2012, the government of India announced the opening of FDI in multi brand retail, subject to approvals by individual states. This decision has been widely welcomed by economists and the markets; however this policy seems to have caused a massive upheaval in India's delicate governance structure that is now dependent on coalition parties that have mostly regional considerations.

It is well acknowledged fact that most of the shopping across India takes place in open markets or millions of small, independent grocery and retail shops. Access to the shelf or product storage area is limited. The product typically has no price label in these small retail shops; although some products do have a manufactured suggested retail price (MSRP) pre-printed on the packaging. The shopkeeper prices the food staple and household products

arbitrarily, and most often two differing consumers may pay different prices for the same product on the same day. Price is sometimes negotiated between the shopper and shopkeeper. It is probable that many shoppers do not have time to examine the product label, and do not have a choice to make an informed decision between competitive products.

India's retail and logistics industry, organized and unorganized in combination, employs about 40 million Indians. The typical Indian retail shops are very small. Over 14 million outlets operate in the country and only 4% of them being larger than 500 sq ft (46 m2) in size. India is known to have about 11 shop outlets for every 1000 people. Vast majority of the unorganized retail shops in India employ family members, who do not have the means or resources to procure or transport products at high volume wholesale level. Further have several lacunae like having authentic product screening technology besides not having any formal training on safe and hygienic storage, packaging or logistics. The unorganized retail shops source their products from a chain of

middlemen who mark up the product as it moves from farmer or producer to the consumer. The unorganized retail shops typically offer no after-sales support or service.

Finally, most transactions at unorganized retail shops are done with cash, with all sales being final. This also affects the taxable income legitimately due to the state governments from numerous transactions that escape properly being accounted and audited. As there are two sides for every coin, we do have opposing and supporting stands for introducing FDI in retail in India for multi-brands.

Critics of the Indian retail reforms announcement are making one or more of the following points: Independent stores will close, leading to massive job losses. Walmart employs very few people in the United States.

If allowed to expand in India as much as Walmart has expanded in the United States,

few thousand jobs may be created but millions will be lost. Walmart will lower prices to dump goods, get competition out of the way, become a monopoly, then raise prices. “We have seen this in the case of the soft drinks industry.

Pepsi and Coke came in and wiped out all the domestic brands”. India doesn't need foreign retailers, since homegrown companies and traditional markets may be able to do the job.

Work will be done by Indians, profits will go to foreigners. Remember East India Company.

It entered India as a trader and then took over politically. There will be sterile homogeneity and Indian cities will look like cities anywhere else. The government hasn't built consensus.

The brighter side off course is with 51% FDI limit in multi-brand retailers, nearly half of any profits will remain in India. Any profits will be subject to taxes, and such taxes will reduce Indian government budget deficit.

Ultimately, retail companies must earn profits with hard work and by creating value. Indian States have a right to say no to retail FDI within their respective states. They also have the right to add restrictions to the retail policy announced before they implement them.

Thus, they can place limits on number, market share, style, diversity, homogeneity and other factors to suit their cultural preferences.

Actually, in future, Indian states can always introduce regulations and Indian government can change the law to ensure the benefits of retail reforms reach the poorest and weakest segments of Indian society, free and fair retail competition does indeed lead to sharply lower inflation than current levels, small farmers get better prices, jobs created by organized retail pay well, and healthier food becomes available to more households.

Cost-conscious organized retail companies will avoid waste and loss, making food available to the weakest and poorest segment of Indian society, while increasing the income of small farmers. Indian small shops employ workers without proper contracts, making them work long hours.

Many unorganized small shops depend on child labour. A well-regulated retail sector will help curtail some of these abuses. The retail reform would open enormous opportunities and lead to much-needed investment in cold chain, warehousing and contract farming.

Organized retailers will reduce waste by improving logistics, creating cold storage to prevent food spoilage, improve hygiene and product safety, reduce counterfeit trade and tax evasion on expensive item purchases, and create dependable supply chains for secure supply of food staples, fruits and vegetables.

Fresh investment in organized retail, the supporters of retail reform claim will generate 10 million new jobs by 2014, about five to six million of them in logistics alone.

Organized retail will offer the small Indian farmer more competing venues to sell his or her products, and increase income from less spoilage and waste. Unlike the current monopoly of middlemen buyer, retail reforms offer farmers access to more buyers from organized retail. More buyers will compete for farmer’s produce leading to better support for farmers and to better bids. With less spoilage of staples and agricultural produce, global retail companies can find and provide additional markets to Indian farmers. Not only do these losses reduce food security in India, several studies claim that poor farmers and others loose income because of the waste and inefficient retail. Over US$50 billion of additional income can become available to Indian farmers by preventing post-harvest farm losses, improving transport, proper storage and retail. In fact, Amartya Sen, the Indian born Nobel Prize winning economist, in a December 2011 interview claims foreign direct investment in multi brand retail can be good thing or bad thing depending on the nature of the investment. He further remarked “Quite often, FDI is a good thing for India”.

In view of the fact that there is immense growth for the investors, let us not forget and also hope India too will benefit by integrating with the world, rather than isolating itself.

DP

(The author is the President of KMOi; a US based india Market Entry Consulting Company) nandavura@kmointernational.com

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DECCAN POST September 16 - 22, 2012

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Mind SPaCE

DECCAN POST September 16 - 22, 2012

Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam Performed

K

oil Alwar Thirumanjanam’ was performed on Tuesday at the hill temple of Lord Venkateswara amidst religious fervour in connection with the annual salakatla brahmtosavams as a prelude scheduled for September 18th.

As soon as last Friday prayers were over at historic Mecca Masjid, hundreds of youth stormed the streets and raised anti-American slogans and burnt the national flag of the United States of America. City Police have beefed up security in the Old city as well as at the US consulate office in Hyderabad to avert any untoward incidents, keeping in view the protest rallies planned to the office. The youth also burnt the tile of an alleged anti-Islam film.

This or a similarly made video titled “Innocence of Muslims” is stated to be the reason for the attack on the US embassy in Benghazi in Libya this week, coinciding with the anniversary of 9/11 terror attack on the WTC towers in the USA. Hordes of protestors armed with weapons stormed the US embassy and instantaneously killed an envoy and several security guards.

Undoubtedly, certain jingoistic forces in the US were responsible for creation and spreading of myths or material provoking Muslims for whatever has happened in the last

one decade. Unfortunately, some sections of Muslims have been getting provoked to these designs. As such this has become a vicious circle and the violence that engulfs each circle is taking a toll of several innocent lives. In fact, some newspapers based out of the US have tried to term the present crisis as a chain reaction to the freedom of expression from the religious fundamentalists. That means whatever the films or videos made by the US are treated as an extension of freedom of speech or expression and thereby dub violent reaction of extremist Muslims as acts of paranoid fundamentalists. This sort of action and reaction are causing avoidable

d

eccan Post’s last week’s cover story was excellent and it gave a different angle to the circumstances evolving in the state of Andhra Pradesh. People like me feeling hopeless and helpless in electing its representatives. Nobody is trustworthy in any party.

Everyone like KVP is busy in playing tricks and politics every time they get an opportunity be it the death anniversary or the birth anniversary. People are smelling that KVP is showcasing his importance to both the Congress and YSR Congress that he can influence the government and able to gain whatever he desires. Now it seems that it’s the choice and shot of KVP to sail with whom and what he will get by dedicating his

In a world that stands connected by means of Internet which is an offshoot of explosion in communication technology, one thing should be kept in mind at this juncture.

The role of the social media and the Internet has become a centre of controversy repeatedly of late. The virus of viral videos that created havoc in Assam and other parts of India recently is a bitter lesson to us. Thousands of youth have migrated to their homes in the North-East because of these rumours on the social networking sites.

Undoubtedly, the social networking sites on the Internet have done immense help to many indifferent forms. Particularly, the role played by “Facebook” and “Twitter” or “YouTube” are commendable in terms of free speech and expression. But, this freedom should be exercised without causing hurt to others. Deccan Post wishes that those who inhabit these social networking sites should be vigilant at all times in maintaining peace and harmony. The youth everywhere must take leadership of these situations to prevent potential problems that can result in irreparable damages for future generations. Let us prophesize simple harmonious living, that is surely possibly by annihilating hate from our hearts.

Soon, similar attacks were held on the embassies of the US in some Arab and middle-east countries and the security alert was declared across the world over threats made by some known and unknown militant groups. These attacks have invariably triggered political conculsions in the election bound US and the Republicans have attributed them to a weak Obama administration. Apart from the

trick or treat?

controversies. It is high time people of this world realize that in the name freedom of speech, people of one religion must not infringe sentiments of others practicing different faiths. Violence has become a byproduct of many conflicts. It is sad that even ideological differences are taking extreme forms be it in the name of religion, class, caste, racism and regional too.

DP

mail@deccanpost.net

loyalties. It was rightly predicted by the Deccan Post Correspondent that both the UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and the YSR Congress Party Chief and Kadapa MP YS Jagan Mohan Reddy needs KVP for their own needs and necessities.

KVP can be very useful for both these forces to forge an alliance in future if needed and can oblige both the Sonia by gaining the Support of Jagan and helping Jagan to get out of the troubled waters. Definitely, KVP might have got treated or played a trick just to be in the good books of all the concerned.

P Hanumanth Rao, Hyderguda.

City of Civic woes…!!

i

am a new reader of Deccan Post and read it for the first time and find it very impressive. Your last week’s article titled ‘Happening Hyderabad is now a city full of

Civic woes…!! Was really the mirror to the current day happenings of Hyderabad.

Anyone can see the GHMC vehicles carrying garbage on the roads round the clock and the hell like smell is killing the pillion riders like me every day but the dumb GHMC is least bothered about the sufferings of the common man. The flowing of drains, the ill management of rain waters, the pathetic roads and pot-holes are now a common sight in Hyderabad.

The government is very proud in saying that they are going to conduct the Bio-diversity Conference in the city and just focused on the make-up of the roads, premises which are going to be seen by the delegates from all over the world. The government should take proper steps and solve all the civic problems so that Hyderabad will get a good name in the globe.

B Srinivas, NGOs Colony.

Water going down the drain

i

am a regular reader of Deccan Post and I find the articles of Jaywant Naidu very impressive and well written after a deep study. Since few issues Jayawant is writing very well and understanding the subject thoroughly which is enabling him to convey the message to his readers. Coming back to the last week’s edition I find it very informative, educative and unique. I never knew how many irrigation projects are there in our state of Andhra Pradesh and what is their importance. It’s the high time that we should save water because it’s the precious commodity on earth or else the coming generations will suffer a lot. I appeal through Deccan Post to all please do not waste water and save it for our coming generations.

Leelavathi, Alwal Readers are requested to send in their feedback to

mail@deccanpost.net

Sudoku 235

Laugh out loud Bartan ka sawal hai!

Customer: Ek kilo gay ka doodh dena.

Shopkeper: Lekin tumhara bartan toh bahut chhota hai.

Customer: Theek hai toh phir bakri ka de de. * * * * * *

Pretty Women Once a man went to the priest and asked,“Why did God make women so pretty?

The priest replied “So that you will love them”.

The man asked again, “But why did God make them so dumb?”

Priest replied again, “So that they will love you.” * * * * * *

Where you were born Boss: Where were you born ?

Santa: Oye Punjab.

Boss: Which part?

Santa: Oye, Kya which part?

Whole body born in Punjab.

Following this festival, TTD has cancelled Asta Dala Pada Padmaradhana seva in Sri Vari Temple on Tuesday.

row, every vertical column and every 3x 3 box contains the digits 1 to 9, without repeating the numbers in the same row, column or box. You cant change the digits already given in the grid. Every puzzle has one solution.

truth in those allegations of the Republicans, the entire world has witnessed in shock, several attempts made by miscreants to create violence and target innocent civilians in all such attacks. Even as US President Barrack Obama made it clear that the 9/11 or the socalled war on terror that has been going on for the last few years has nothing to do with religions, some sections of public, particularly those who hold radical views in the US haven’t changed.

Later the sarva dashan assumed for pilgrims after 11am. While the cleansing process was underway, the statues including the moolvirat of Lord Venkateswara, Yoganarasimha Swamy, Varadaraja Swamy etc. have been completely closed with white cloth. After the Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam ritual is over, the clothes have been removed and Sarva Darshan commenced.

TTD board chief Sri K.Bapi Raju, members, top brass officials including TTD EO Sri L.V.Subramanyam, JEO Sri K.S.Sreenivasa Raju, CV&SO Sri GVG Ashok Kumar, employees took part in the mass cleansing temple festival which lasted from 6am to 10am. A paste of sandalwood powder mixed with refined camphor and other ingredients were applied to the walls and pillars inside

www.sudoku-puzzles.net

t

he old city of Hyderabad witnessed some violent protests on Friday over an alleged film which depicted Islam and the Prophet in a derogatory sense and that film was going viral rampantly on the social media network for the last few days. Understandably, several Muslim representatives including the leaders of the MIM have urged the police to take prompt action against those who have been spreading the footages of film causing needless disharmony.

September 16 - 22, 2012

the sanctum sanctorum including all the sub-temples inside the temple complex. Besides, the vessels, massive lamps etc. have also been cleansed.

How to play : Fill in the grid so that every horizontal

Let’s restore Harmony

aStro FoCuS

Shava-aSana

A N S W E R S

Sudoku-234

Aries: You will find your reputation on upswing. A vacation is indicated and may prove to be a welcome change during the week. Avoid overeating and drinking for sometime. Getting hoodwinked in a financial transaction needs to be guarded. Theatre personalities will have a very good week as work gets highly appreciated.

Taurus: You will be able to pay back your past dues and begin strengthening the financial position.

Drive carefully as the stars indicate some kind of injury. You will be able to do something outstanding on professional front. You need to go beyond your limitations to finish your projects and appreciation infuses you with more energy to mesmerize the audience.

Gemini: Money gains will not be to your expectations. Be careful while spending, as you end up wasting your hard earned money. Do not be rigid with family as it may mar the peace. Learning and communicating would satisfy your hunger for knowledge.

Cancer: It is another high energy week and unexpected gains are foreseen. Do not get indulge in taking risks for some time. Proper planning and leaving home on proper time will be beneficial in trip. Avoid stress and tension for sometime. You will find comfort in the arms of your beloved. Giving proper love and care to family should be on your list of things.

Leo: Negative people may misguide you at work. If possible avoid them. You need to trust your intuition to take any decision. Do not reveal information that is personal and confidential.

Personal relationship may break due to difference of opinions.

Virgo: Financially you will be very lucky this week in respect to monetary transactions. Some of you will undertake a distant journey which will be hectic but may be highly rewarding. You need to remain vigilant with people behaving extra friendly with you. Use your discretion power in love during the week.

Answer 234 : B. Prabhakar Rao, Meerpet.

L

ie flat on your back with your legs together but not touching, and your arms close to the body with the palms facing up. Keep your eyes The Corpse Posture gently closed with the facial muscles relaxed and breath deeply and slowly through the nostrils.

Starting at the top of the head and working your way down to the feet, bring your attention to each part of your body, consciously relaxing it before proceeding on to the next. Remain in the shava-asana for between 3 and 5 minutes or longer. If you become sleepy while in the shava-asana begin to breathe a bit faster and deeper. While many consider this a simple posture at first, its simplicity eventually proves to be deceiving. The goal of the shava-asana is for the body and minds to be perfectly still and relaxed. Not only should the body be motionless and at ease, but the mind as well should be quiet, like the surface of a still lake. The result will be a deep and stable relaxation that will extend into your meditation or be felt through the activities of your daily circumstances.

It goes without saying that the shava-asana will take some time to perfect.

You will find the simple exercise of focusing your attention on each part of your body and consciously directing the breath there to be a great help with this posture. There are two common obstacles that can prevent you from fully benefitting from this posture: sleepiness and a restless mind. If find yourself getting drowsy while in the shava-asana, increase the rate and depth of your breathing. If your mind is restless or wondering focus your attention on all of the bodily sensations you're experiencing. Bring your mind to the sensation of the floor beneath you or on the rhythm of your breath. While practicing your Yoga-asana routine you should always begin and end each session with the shava-asana.

Libra: All your investments need to be made carefully and with proper consultation to avoid unnecessary losses. Better to take an insurance policy for future benefits. Avoid overeating and visit a health club regularly to stay fit. Make sure you avoid interfering in domestic affairs. You will be quite popular with the opposite sex and friends.

Scorpio: You might be purchasing an expensive gadget for your house. Good returns in real estate are foreseen. Avoid overeating as it may cause an ailment to start. You will have to be a good negotiator to tackle the pressures of a responsible position at professional front. Executing new plans and strategies would contribute to enhancing career prospects.

Sagittarius: Do not make any commitment unless you are sure of honoring it. Focus on weakness now on the professional front. Businessmen will have to recruit professionals who are interested in taking initiatives in their related fields. Even slight careless attitude on your part could increase distance between the two of you. Just try to avoid any kind of argument.

Capricorn: Rise in income would improve financial health. You may find many good things happening at the same time to you during the week. Blood pressure patient need to take special care of self and should avoid tensions. Its high time to be practical, and make efforts to preserve the treasure of love.

Aquarius: Keep yourself away from grudges or dislikes because it could cause differences. A prestigious assignment may come to you. Handle tough situations at professional front carefully and singularly. To keep romantic front moving smoothly, develop a better understanding.

Pisces: Want to buy a property this is the week to go ahead with. A sudden need for money can crop.

Traveling may not be as much fun as you had anticipated. People planning to join armed forces are likely to embark on a wonderful, exciting and adventurous career. Make sure you do have will to make your dreams come true.

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DECCAN POST September 16 - 22, 2012

DECCAN POST September 16 - 22, 2012

7

Focus

What makes Priyanka shy away from politics?

F

ew things are so intriguing, one’s curiosity rides several fantasies but once it feels like lousy reality has dawned; then the entire wait vanishes like a passing cloud. At present, the mood of the congress workers across the nation is something like the above. They have been sold the idea that Rahul Gandhi is their prince in waiting and will eventually take over the reins of power. The youthful elements in the grand old party visualized several dreams for their grandiose role occupying the centre stage of political arena. But, the prince in waiting seems to be a no man in hurry at all. He is bindas with his own self and now and then feels the obligation of making a statement or two about his imminent take over. Take over what? No one knows. But our Prime Minister who completely lacks political knowledge however performs one political role so shrewdly. That of inviting Rahul Gandhi into his cabinet now and then, our PM saab almost convinces all of us, as to how much he is in need of Rahul Gandhi’s services in his cabinet and how Rahul is not obliging making the old

man seethe in pain. But after eight years of all this tamasha, many have come to know that it is all nonsense intended to keep their mutually admiring society intact. Each time, our PM saab talks about RG and his leadership qualities, Dr Manmohan Singh is seen playing the

role of a glorified sycophant. Since our leaders anyway do not care about public perception; there are many top leaders who are vying with each other reiterating the anointment of the yuva neta.

If at all RG wants to become a minister, then what makes him to shy away from taking over as the Prime Minister instead (replacing Dr Singh).

Absolutely nothing prevents our RG from taking over as the PM. But then what is inhibiting him? As far as the congress party is concerned there will be huge celebrations through out the

country. Even the allies in the UPA are obligated to endorse as the numbers of the congress within the UPA far outweighs them. But then why is RG not inclined to take over yet? It’s a mysterious question indeed. If anyone has a solution to resolving this paradox, probably, Sonia Gandhi would gift anything under the sun to know what makes our RG shy away from the centre stage. It appears RG was not groomed properly for the high political office. It also reveals that he is being inhibited by some grave delusions. There are some enemies within the establishment who are playing havoc with the young man’s idiosyncrasies are being exploited by vested interests within the close circles.

RG presents a different picture far away from his famous father who had the natural charming demeanor to sweep the world of its feet. But Rahul in contrast has had a much longer sabbatical from the thick of day to day political activity. Rahul has not made his presence felt at all in the Parliament. It’s a real aberration considering his lineage.

The recent remarks of Priyanka (Gandhi) Vadhera that she is not

By Sridhar Goka

interested in joining politics has come as a huge disappointment to all those who fancy the involvement of a GandhiNehru family member so that their loyalty and services get duly noticed and as such get rewarded. But why did she have to make such a categorical statement that she is not joining politics?

This clarification calls for closer scrutiny to understand the invisible elements of her ambitions and constraints. Priyanka always showed natural propensity to don a significant role in public life. This trait was first spotted in 2004 when she was seen taking a leap into electoral politics; suddenly as if stung by something nasty, Rahul made a dramatic entry into electoral arena reducing Priyanka’s role as the chief campaigner.

Ever since, Priyanka has been seen as some one, who is struggling to convince both her mother and brother to allow her too some space to occupy on the vast canvas of Indian politics. Until and unless there are compelling reasons to prevent Priyanka from entering politics; the congress would be committing a big blunder by confining her to a limited role in Amethi and Rai Bareli. If only Priyanka was given some responsibility, the affairs of the party in the frequent absence of Sonia Gandhi (due to illhealth) would have been much different from the way they are. Surely, Priyanka’s passion for political role is more obvious than what she intended to reveal. It would make a lot of sense to draft Priyanka into politics and assign her some party responsibilities. Until and unless Rahul shows inclination to assume the Prime Minister’s office before the next general elections; it would be absolutely meaningless to expect that Rahul will be able to fight back. It is in this context necessary that Priyanka is not only inducted into active politics right away but also given suitable responsibilities to match her drive and energies. Unfortunately, there is no one in the grand old party who is frank enough to admit that Priynaka could be better bet for the party. But, it looks like she loves her family more than personal political ambitions, which is why she has been shying away.

DP

sridhargoka@gmail.com

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The Danger of Cyber

DECCAN POST September 16 - 22, 2012

DECCAN POST September 16 - 22, 2012

Spoofing

Hacking

Types of Cyber Crime

By JAYWANT NAIDU

Danger in Virtual Space The Oxford Reference Online defines ‘Cyber Crime’ as crime committed over the Internet. The Encyclopedia Britannica defines ‘Cyber Crime’ as any crime that is committed by means of special knowledge or expert use of computer technology.

The Cyber Space is a borderless environment Crimes relating to Cyber space go to the extent of threatening the sovereignty of nations and world order.

Cyber crime in india More than 42 million people in India fell victim to cyber-crimes in the past 12 months, suffering approximately $8 billion (Rs 44,400 crores) in direct financial losses, according to a new report by security firm Symantec. According to the Norton Cybercrime Report 2012, 66% of Indian online adults have been victims of cybercrime in their lifetime. In the past 12 months, 56% of online adults in India have experienced cybercrime; more than 1,15,000 victims of cybercrimes every day, 80 victims per minute and more than 1 per second -- and the average direct financial cost per victim is $ 192 - up 18% over 2011 ($163), according to the 2012 edition of the Norton Cybercrime Report. With findings based on self-reported experiences of more than 13,000 adults across 24 countries, the report calculates the direct costs associated with global consumer cybercrime at $110 billion (Rs 6,10,500 crores) over the past 12 months. Globally, every second, 18 adults become victims of cybercrime, resulting in more than one-and-a-half million cybercrime victims each day. With losses totaling an average of $197 per victim across the world in direct financial costs, an estimated 556 million adults experienced cybercrime in the last 12 months. This figure represents 46% of online adults who have been victims of cybercrime in the past 12 months, similar to the findings from 2011 (45%).

This year’s survey shows an increase in “new” forms of cybercrime, such as those found on social networks or mobile devices. In India, one in three

Cyber stalking Cyber Stalking can be defined as the repeated acts of harassment or threatening behaviour of the cyber criminal towards the victim by using Internet services. A cyber stalker sends harassing or threatening electronic communication to the victim. A typical cyber stalker collects all personal information about the victim such as name, family background, telephone numbers of residence and work place, daily routine of the victim, address of residence and place of work, date of birth etc. If the stalker is the victim’s acquaintances, he/she has easy access to this information. If the stalker is a stranger, he/she collects the information from internet resources such as various profiles, the victim may have filled in while opening chat or e-mail accounts or while signing an account with some website. The stalker may post this information on any website related to sex-services or dating services, posing as if the victim is posting this information and invite the people to call the victim on her telephone numbers to have sexual services. A stalker even uses very filthy and obscene language to invite the interested persons. People of all kind, from every nook and corner of the World, who come across this information, start calling the victim at her residence and/or work place, asking for sexual services or relationships. Some stalkers subscribe the e-mail account of the victim to innumerable pornographic and sex sites, because of which victim starts receiving such kind of unsolicited e-mails. Some stalkers keep on sending repeated e-mails asking for various kinds of favours or threaten the victim.

Denial of service This is an act by a criminal, who floods the bandwidth of the victim’s network or fills his e-mail box with spam mail depriving him of the services he is entitled to access or provide. This act is committed by a

technique called spoofing and buffer overflow. The criminal spoofs the IP address and flood the network of the victim with repeated requests. Since the IP address is fake, the victim machine keeps waiting for response from the criminal’s machine for each request.

This consumes the bandwidth of the network which then fails to serve the legitimate requests and ultimately breaks down.

online adults (32%) has been a victim of either social or mobile cybercrime in the last 12 months, and 51% of social network users have been victims of social cybercrime.

The 2012 Norton Cybercrime Report also reveals that most Internet users take basic steps to protect themselves and their personal information; such as deleting suspicious e-mails and being careful with their personal details online.

However, other core precautions are being ignored: 25% don’t use complex passwords or change their passwords frequently and 38% do not check for the padlock symbol in the browser before entering sensitive personal information, such as banking details, online. Many online adults are unaware how some of the most common forms of cybercrime have evolved over the years and thus have a difficult time recognizing how malware, such as viruses, act on their computer. In fact, 68% of adults do not know that malware can operate in a discreet fashion, making it hard to know if a computer has been compromised, and one third (35%) are not certain that their computer is currently clean and free of viruses. Strong email passwords still hold the key to a good defence. More than half (64%) of online adults in India, report having been notified to change their password for a compromised e-mail account. With people sending, receiving, and storing everything from personal photos (47%) to work-related correspondence and documents (44%) to bank statements (33%) and passwords for other online accounts (23%), those email accounts can be a potential gateway for criminals looking for personal and corporate information.

Hacking in simple terms means illegal intrusion into a computer system without the permission of the computer owner/user. Purposes of hacking could be Greed, Power, Publicity, Revenge, Adventure, Desire to access forbidden information and Destructive mindset. Hackers write or use ready-made computer programs to attack the target computer. They possess the desire to destruct and they get the kick out of such destruction.

Some hackers, hack for personal monetary gains, such as to stealing the credit card information, transferring money from various bank accounts to their own account followed by withdrawal of money. They extort money from some corporate giant threatening him to publish the stolen information, which is critical in nature.

Government websites are the hot targets of the hackers due to the press coverage they receive.

Usenet Usenet is a popular means of sharing and distributing information on the web with respect to specific topic or subjects. Possible Criminal Uses of Usenet: Distribution/Sale of pornographic material.

Distribution/Sale of pirated software.

Distribution of Hacking Software. Sale of Stolen credit card numbers. Sale of Stolen Data.

Virus hoaxes

Computer virus:

Any e-mailed warnings about viruses are hoaxes, designed purely to cause concern and disrupt businesses. These warnings may be genuine, so don't take them lightly, but always check the story out by visiting an anti-virus site such as McAfee, Sophos or Symantec before taking any action, including forwarding them to friends and colleagues.

A computer virus is a program that can ‘infect’ other legitimate programs by modifying them to include a possibly ‘evolved’ copy of itselves. Viruses can spread themselves, without the knowledge or permission of the users, to potentially large numbers of programs on many machines. A virus may Erase files, Scramble data on a hard disk, Cause erratic screen behavior, Halt the PC, or just replicate itself.

Child pornography Child pornography is a very unfortunate reality of the Internet. The Internet is being highly used by its abusers to reach and abuse children sexually, world-wide. The Internet is very fast becoming a household commodity in India. Its explosion has made the children a viable victim to the cyber crime. As more homes have access to the Internet, more children would be using the Internet and more are the chances of falling victim to the aggression of pedophiles. “Child pornography” means any visual depiction, including any photograph, film, video, picture, or computer or computergenerated image or picture, of sexually explicit conduct, where the production of such visual depiction involves the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. In physical world, parents know the face of dangers and they know how to avoid and face the problems by following simple rules and accordingly they advice their children to keep away from dangerous things and ways. But in case of cyber world, most of the parents do not themselves know about the basics of the Internet and dangers posed by various services offered over the Internet. Hence the children are left unprotected in the cyber world. Pedophiles take advantage of this situation and lure the children, who are not advised by their parents or by their teachers about what is wrong and what is right for them while browsing the Internet.

Software piracy

Spoof websites Fraudsters create authentic looking websites that are actually nothing but a spoof.

The purpose of these websites is to make the user enter personal information. This information is then used to access business and bank accounts. Fraudsters are increasingly turning to e-mail to generate traffic to these websites. A lot of customers of financial institutions recently received such e-mails. Such e-mails usually contain a link to a spoof website and mislead users to enter User Ids and passwords on the pretence that security details can be updated, or passwords changed.

Spoofing means illegal intrusion, posing as a genuine user.

A hacker logs-in to a computer illegally, using a different identity than his own. He is able to do this by having previously obtained actual password. He creates a new identity by fooling the computer into thinking that he is the genuine system operator. The hacker then takes control of the system. He can commit innumerable number of frauds using this false identity.

Pirated software CDs could do a more harm than good as it aids and abets crime. Theft of software through the illegal copying of genuine programs or the counterfeiting and distribution of products intended to pass for the original is termed as software piracy.

End user copying - Friends loaning disks to each other, or organizations under-reporting the number of software installations they have made.

Hard disk loading – Hard disk vendor’s loads pirated software. Counterfeiting large-scale duplication and distribution of illegally copied software. Illegal downloads from the Internet - By intrusion, cracking serial numbers etc.

Lottery frauds: These are letters or e-mails, which inform the recipient that he/she has won a prize in a lottery.

To get the money, the recipient has to reply. After which another mail is received asking for bank details so that the money can be directly transferred. The e-mail also asks for a processing fee/ handling fee. Of course, the money is never transferred in this case, the processing fee is swindled and the banking details are used for other frauds and scams.

Cyber Crimes are regulated by Cyber Laws or Internet Laws The Government of India introduced some amendments in the existing IT Act and the new Information Technology (Amendment) Act, 2008 has come to give a fillip to the growth of electronic based transactions, to provide legal recognition for e-commerce and etransactions, to facilitate e-governance, to prevent computer-based crimes and ensure security practices and procedures in the context of widest possible use of information technology worldwide. With the proliferation of information technology-enabled services such as egovernance, e-commerce and e-transactions; data security, data privacy and implementation of security practices and procedures relating to these applications of electronic communications have assumed greater importance and they required harmonization with the provisions of the Information Technology Act. Further, protection of Critical Information Infrastructure is pivotal to national security, economy, public health and safety, thus it had become necessary to declare such infrastructure as protected system, so as to restrict unauthorized access.

New forms of crimes like, sending offensive e-mails and multimedia messages, child pornography, cyber terrorism, publishing sexually explicit materials in electronic form, video voyeurism, breach of confidentiality and leakage of data by intermediary, e-commerce frauds like cheating by phishing, identity theft, frauds on online auction sites need to be curbed.

According to the Government of India, penal provisions were required to be included in the Information Technology Act, 2000. The Information Technology (Amendment) Bill, 2006 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 15th, 2006 and it was passed by both the Houses of Parliament on December 23rd, 2008. But statistics still show that we lag behind and people are still not safe in cyber space.

mail@deccanpost.net

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DECCAN POST September 16 - 22, 2012

DECCAN POST September 16 - 22, 2012

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Focus

What makes Priyanka shy away from politics?

F

ew things are so intriguing, one’s curiosity rides several fantasies but once it feels like lousy reality has dawned; then the entire wait vanishes like a passing cloud. At present, the mood of the congress workers across the nation is something like the above. They have been sold the idea that Rahul Gandhi is their prince in waiting and will eventually take over the reins of power. The youthful elements in the grand old party visualized several dreams for their grandiose role occupying the centre stage of political arena. But, the prince in waiting seems to be a no man in hurry at all. He is bindas with his own self and now and then feels the obligation of making a statement or two about his imminent take over. Take over what? No one knows. But our Prime Minister who completely lacks political knowledge however performs one political role so shrewdly. That of inviting Rahul Gandhi into his cabinet now and then, our PM saab almost convinces all of us, as to how much he is in need of Rahul Gandhi’s services in his cabinet and how Rahul is not obliging making the old

man seethe in pain. But after eight years of all this tamasha, many have come to know that it is all nonsense intended to keep their mutually admiring society intact. Each time, our PM saab talks about RG and his leadership qualities, Dr Manmohan Singh is seen playing the

role of a glorified sycophant. Since our leaders anyway do not care about public perception; there are many top leaders who are vying with each other reiterating the anointment of the yuva neta.

If at all RG wants to become a minister, then what makes him to shy away from taking over as the Prime Minister instead (replacing Dr Singh).

Absolutely nothing prevents our RG from taking over as the PM. But then what is inhibiting him? As far as the congress party is concerned there will be huge celebrations through out the

country. Even the allies in the UPA are obligated to endorse as the numbers of the congress within the UPA far outweighs them. But then why is RG not inclined to take over yet? It’s a mysterious question indeed. If anyone has a solution to resolving this paradox, probably, Sonia Gandhi would gift anything under the sun to know what makes our RG shy away from the centre stage. It appears RG was not groomed properly for the high political office. It also reveals that he is being inhibited by some grave delusions. There are some enemies within the establishment who are playing havoc with the young man’s idiosyncrasies are being exploited by vested interests within the close circles.

RG presents a different picture far away from his famous father who had the natural charming demeanor to sweep the world of its feet. But Rahul in contrast has had a much longer sabbatical from the thick of day to day political activity. Rahul has not made his presence felt at all in the Parliament. It’s a real aberration considering his lineage.

The recent remarks of Priyanka (Gandhi) Vadhera that she is not

By Sridhar Goka

interested in joining politics has come as a huge disappointment to all those who fancy the involvement of a GandhiNehru family member so that their loyalty and services get duly noticed and as such get rewarded. But why did she have to make such a categorical statement that she is not joining politics?

This clarification calls for closer scrutiny to understand the invisible elements of her ambitions and constraints. Priyanka always showed natural propensity to don a significant role in public life. This trait was first spotted in 2004 when she was seen taking a leap into electoral politics; suddenly as if stung by something nasty, Rahul made a dramatic entry into electoral arena reducing Priyanka’s role as the chief campaigner.

Ever since, Priyanka has been seen as some one, who is struggling to convince both her mother and brother to allow her too some space to occupy on the vast canvas of Indian politics. Until and unless there are compelling reasons to prevent Priyanka from entering politics; the congress would be committing a big blunder by confining her to a limited role in Amethi and Rai Bareli. If only Priyanka was given some responsibility, the affairs of the party in the frequent absence of Sonia Gandhi (due to illhealth) would have been much different from the way they are. Surely, Priyanka’s passion for political role is more obvious than what she intended to reveal. It would make a lot of sense to draft Priyanka into politics and assign her some party responsibilities. Until and unless Rahul shows inclination to assume the Prime Minister’s office before the next general elections; it would be absolutely meaningless to expect that Rahul will be able to fight back. It is in this context necessary that Priyanka is not only inducted into active politics right away but also given suitable responsibilities to match her drive and energies. Unfortunately, there is no one in the grand old party who is frank enough to admit that Priynaka could be better bet for the party. But, it looks like she loves her family more than personal political ambitions, which is why she has been shying away.

DP

sridhargoka@gmail.com

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DECCAN POST September 16 - 22, 2012

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Mind SPaCE

DECCAN POST September 16 - 22, 2012

Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam Performed

K

oil Alwar Thirumanjanam’ was performed on Tuesday at the hill temple of Lord Venkateswara amidst religious fervour in connection with the annual salakatla brahmtosavams as a prelude scheduled for September 18th.

As soon as last Friday prayers were over at historic Mecca Masjid, hundreds of youth stormed the streets and raised anti-American slogans and burnt the national flag of the United States of America. City Police have beefed up security in the Old city as well as at the US consulate office in Hyderabad to avert any untoward incidents, keeping in view the protest rallies planned to the office. The youth also burnt the tile of an alleged anti-Islam film.

This or a similarly made video titled “Innocence of Muslims” is stated to be the reason for the attack on the US embassy in Benghazi in Libya this week, coinciding with the anniversary of 9/11 terror attack on the WTC towers in the USA. Hordes of protestors armed with weapons stormed the US embassy and instantaneously killed an envoy and several security guards.

Undoubtedly, certain jingoistic forces in the US were responsible for creation and spreading of myths or material provoking Muslims for whatever has happened in the last

one decade. Unfortunately, some sections of Muslims have been getting provoked to these designs. As such this has become a vicious circle and the violence that engulfs each circle is taking a toll of several innocent lives. In fact, some newspapers based out of the US have tried to term the present crisis as a chain reaction to the freedom of expression from the religious fundamentalists. That means whatever the films or videos made by the US are treated as an extension of freedom of speech or expression and thereby dub violent reaction of extremist Muslims as acts of paranoid fundamentalists. This sort of action and reaction are causing avoidable

d

eccan Post’s last week’s cover story was excellent and it gave a different angle to the circumstances evolving in the state of Andhra Pradesh. People like me feeling hopeless and helpless in electing its representatives. Nobody is trustworthy in any party.

Everyone like KVP is busy in playing tricks and politics every time they get an opportunity be it the death anniversary or the birth anniversary. People are smelling that KVP is showcasing his importance to both the Congress and YSR Congress that he can influence the government and able to gain whatever he desires. Now it seems that it’s the choice and shot of KVP to sail with whom and what he will get by dedicating his

In a world that stands connected by means of Internet which is an offshoot of explosion in communication technology, one thing should be kept in mind at this juncture.

The role of the social media and the Internet has become a centre of controversy repeatedly of late. The virus of viral videos that created havoc in Assam and other parts of India recently is a bitter lesson to us. Thousands of youth have migrated to their homes in the North-East because of these rumours on the social networking sites.

Undoubtedly, the social networking sites on the Internet have done immense help to many indifferent forms. Particularly, the role played by “Facebook” and “Twitter” or “YouTube” are commendable in terms of free speech and expression. But, this freedom should be exercised without causing hurt to others. Deccan Post wishes that those who inhabit these social networking sites should be vigilant at all times in maintaining peace and harmony. The youth everywhere must take leadership of these situations to prevent potential problems that can result in irreparable damages for future generations. Let us prophesize simple harmonious living, that is surely possibly by annihilating hate from our hearts.

Soon, similar attacks were held on the embassies of the US in some Arab and middle-east countries and the security alert was declared across the world over threats made by some known and unknown militant groups. These attacks have invariably triggered political conculsions in the election bound US and the Republicans have attributed them to a weak Obama administration. Apart from the

trick or treat?

controversies. It is high time people of this world realize that in the name freedom of speech, people of one religion must not infringe sentiments of others practicing different faiths. Violence has become a byproduct of many conflicts. It is sad that even ideological differences are taking extreme forms be it in the name of religion, class, caste, racism and regional too.

DP

mail@deccanpost.net

loyalties. It was rightly predicted by the Deccan Post Correspondent that both the UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and the YSR Congress Party Chief and Kadapa MP YS Jagan Mohan Reddy needs KVP for their own needs and necessities.

KVP can be very useful for both these forces to forge an alliance in future if needed and can oblige both the Sonia by gaining the Support of Jagan and helping Jagan to get out of the troubled waters. Definitely, KVP might have got treated or played a trick just to be in the good books of all the concerned.

P Hanumanth Rao, Hyderguda.

City of Civic woes…!!

i

am a new reader of Deccan Post and read it for the first time and find it very impressive. Your last week’s article titled ‘Happening Hyderabad is now a city full of

Civic woes…!! Was really the mirror to the current day happenings of Hyderabad.

Anyone can see the GHMC vehicles carrying garbage on the roads round the clock and the hell like smell is killing the pillion riders like me every day but the dumb GHMC is least bothered about the sufferings of the common man. The flowing of drains, the ill management of rain waters, the pathetic roads and pot-holes are now a common sight in Hyderabad.

The government is very proud in saying that they are going to conduct the Bio-diversity Conference in the city and just focused on the make-up of the roads, premises which are going to be seen by the delegates from all over the world. The government should take proper steps and solve all the civic problems so that Hyderabad will get a good name in the globe.

B Srinivas, NGOs Colony.

Water going down the drain

i

am a regular reader of Deccan Post and I find the articles of Jaywant Naidu very impressive and well written after a deep study. Since few issues Jayawant is writing very well and understanding the subject thoroughly which is enabling him to convey the message to his readers. Coming back to the last week’s edition I find it very informative, educative and unique. I never knew how many irrigation projects are there in our state of Andhra Pradesh and what is their importance. It’s the high time that we should save water because it’s the precious commodity on earth or else the coming generations will suffer a lot. I appeal through Deccan Post to all please do not waste water and save it for our coming generations.

Leelavathi, Alwal Readers are requested to send in their feedback to

mail@deccanpost.net

Sudoku 235

Laugh out loud Bartan ka sawal hai!

Customer: Ek kilo gay ka doodh dena.

Shopkeper: Lekin tumhara bartan toh bahut chhota hai.

Customer: Theek hai toh phir bakri ka de de. * * * * * *

Pretty Women Once a man went to the priest and asked,“Why did God make women so pretty?

The priest replied “So that you will love them”.

The man asked again, “But why did God make them so dumb?”

Priest replied again, “So that they will love you.” * * * * * *

Where you were born Boss: Where were you born ?

Santa: Oye Punjab.

Boss: Which part?

Santa: Oye, Kya which part?

Whole body born in Punjab.

Following this festival, TTD has cancelled Asta Dala Pada Padmaradhana seva in Sri Vari Temple on Tuesday.

row, every vertical column and every 3x 3 box contains the digits 1 to 9, without repeating the numbers in the same row, column or box. You cant change the digits already given in the grid. Every puzzle has one solution.

truth in those allegations of the Republicans, the entire world has witnessed in shock, several attempts made by miscreants to create violence and target innocent civilians in all such attacks. Even as US President Barrack Obama made it clear that the 9/11 or the socalled war on terror that has been going on for the last few years has nothing to do with religions, some sections of public, particularly those who hold radical views in the US haven’t changed.

Later the sarva dashan assumed for pilgrims after 11am. While the cleansing process was underway, the statues including the moolvirat of Lord Venkateswara, Yoganarasimha Swamy, Varadaraja Swamy etc. have been completely closed with white cloth. After the Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam ritual is over, the clothes have been removed and Sarva Darshan commenced.

TTD board chief Sri K.Bapi Raju, members, top brass officials including TTD EO Sri L.V.Subramanyam, JEO Sri K.S.Sreenivasa Raju, CV&SO Sri GVG Ashok Kumar, employees took part in the mass cleansing temple festival which lasted from 6am to 10am. A paste of sandalwood powder mixed with refined camphor and other ingredients were applied to the walls and pillars inside

www.sudoku-puzzles.net

t

he old city of Hyderabad witnessed some violent protests on Friday over an alleged film which depicted Islam and the Prophet in a derogatory sense and that film was going viral rampantly on the social media network for the last few days. Understandably, several Muslim representatives including the leaders of the MIM have urged the police to take prompt action against those who have been spreading the footages of film causing needless disharmony.

September 16 - 22, 2012

the sanctum sanctorum including all the sub-temples inside the temple complex. Besides, the vessels, massive lamps etc. have also been cleansed.

How to play : Fill in the grid so that every horizontal

Let’s restore Harmony

aStro FoCuS

Shava-aSana

A N S W E R S

Sudoku-234

Aries: You will find your reputation on upswing. A vacation is indicated and may prove to be a welcome change during the week. Avoid overeating and drinking for sometime. Getting hoodwinked in a financial transaction needs to be guarded. Theatre personalities will have a very good week as work gets highly appreciated.

Taurus: You will be able to pay back your past dues and begin strengthening the financial position.

Drive carefully as the stars indicate some kind of injury. You will be able to do something outstanding on professional front. You need to go beyond your limitations to finish your projects and appreciation infuses you with more energy to mesmerize the audience.

Gemini: Money gains will not be to your expectations. Be careful while spending, as you end up wasting your hard earned money. Do not be rigid with family as it may mar the peace. Learning and communicating would satisfy your hunger for knowledge.

Cancer: It is another high energy week and unexpected gains are foreseen. Do not get indulge in taking risks for some time. Proper planning and leaving home on proper time will be beneficial in trip. Avoid stress and tension for sometime. You will find comfort in the arms of your beloved. Giving proper love and care to family should be on your list of things.

Leo: Negative people may misguide you at work. If possible avoid them. You need to trust your intuition to take any decision. Do not reveal information that is personal and confidential.

Personal relationship may break due to difference of opinions.

Virgo: Financially you will be very lucky this week in respect to monetary transactions. Some of you will undertake a distant journey which will be hectic but may be highly rewarding. You need to remain vigilant with people behaving extra friendly with you. Use your discretion power in love during the week.

Answer 234 : B. Prabhakar Rao, Meerpet.

L

ie flat on your back with your legs together but not touching, and your arms close to the body with the palms facing up. Keep your eyes The Corpse Posture gently closed with the facial muscles relaxed and breath deeply and slowly through the nostrils.

Starting at the top of the head and working your way down to the feet, bring your attention to each part of your body, consciously relaxing it before proceeding on to the next. Remain in the shava-asana for between 3 and 5 minutes or longer. If you become sleepy while in the shava-asana begin to breathe a bit faster and deeper. While many consider this a simple posture at first, its simplicity eventually proves to be deceiving. The goal of the shava-asana is for the body and minds to be perfectly still and relaxed. Not only should the body be motionless and at ease, but the mind as well should be quiet, like the surface of a still lake. The result will be a deep and stable relaxation that will extend into your meditation or be felt through the activities of your daily circumstances.

It goes without saying that the shava-asana will take some time to perfect.

You will find the simple exercise of focusing your attention on each part of your body and consciously directing the breath there to be a great help with this posture. There are two common obstacles that can prevent you from fully benefitting from this posture: sleepiness and a restless mind. If find yourself getting drowsy while in the shava-asana, increase the rate and depth of your breathing. If your mind is restless or wondering focus your attention on all of the bodily sensations you're experiencing. Bring your mind to the sensation of the floor beneath you or on the rhythm of your breath. While practicing your Yoga-asana routine you should always begin and end each session with the shava-asana.

Libra: All your investments need to be made carefully and with proper consultation to avoid unnecessary losses. Better to take an insurance policy for future benefits. Avoid overeating and visit a health club regularly to stay fit. Make sure you avoid interfering in domestic affairs. You will be quite popular with the opposite sex and friends.

Scorpio: You might be purchasing an expensive gadget for your house. Good returns in real estate are foreseen. Avoid overeating as it may cause an ailment to start. You will have to be a good negotiator to tackle the pressures of a responsible position at professional front. Executing new plans and strategies would contribute to enhancing career prospects.

Sagittarius: Do not make any commitment unless you are sure of honoring it. Focus on weakness now on the professional front. Businessmen will have to recruit professionals who are interested in taking initiatives in their related fields. Even slight careless attitude on your part could increase distance between the two of you. Just try to avoid any kind of argument.

Capricorn: Rise in income would improve financial health. You may find many good things happening at the same time to you during the week. Blood pressure patient need to take special care of self and should avoid tensions. Its high time to be practical, and make efforts to preserve the treasure of love.

Aquarius: Keep yourself away from grudges or dislikes because it could cause differences. A prestigious assignment may come to you. Handle tough situations at professional front carefully and singularly. To keep romantic front moving smoothly, develop a better understanding.

Pisces: Want to buy a property this is the week to go ahead with. A sudden need for money can crop.

Traveling may not be as much fun as you had anticipated. People planning to join armed forces are likely to embark on a wonderful, exciting and adventurous career. Make sure you do have will to make your dreams come true.

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IntervIew

DECCAN POST September 16 - 22, 2012

Be a Dreamer!

F

arooq Chaudhry, producer of Akram Khan Dance Company was in Hyderabad on invitation of British Council and Park New Festival. He spoke to Deccan Post about the challenges in the cultural arena.

Tell us about your dance company and your achievements?

Since 1999, I have worked with dancer and choreographer Akram Khan to develop and produce his work as an artist. Together, we have founded the Akram Khan Company, and over seven years of collaboration Akram has emerged as one of the world's outstanding performers and creators. I am a regular speaker in arts management and cultural entrepreneurship courses around the world. I am the Chair of Dance UK's Board and a member of the Strategic Advisory Committee for Clore Leadership Programme. In February 2011, I have been nominated as honorary artistic advisor to Guangzhou Opera House in China.

How do you see Art as a form of business and your relationship with a sponsor?

One must understand that art and business are not like oil and water. They can go hand in hand. It's all about developing the brand, expanding the audience and having partnership with your sponsor. A sponsor is not someone for whom you just display a logo or give him complimentary tickets. It’s a

You need to love, be a dreamer, be optimistic, purposeful, inspired, creative, ambitious, determined, honest, a good listener, and think positive. Be open, loyal, humble, a good communicator, adventurous, have empathy, instinct and take risk. If you don’t have these qualities, try to find them in people with whom you work.

What have been the key challenges for you as a producer?

5

By Nanda K Vura

r

What is the most important partnership focus between the artist and the producer?

Tell us about the key mantra for a stupendous successful one thousand performances of your production company in a short span of three years?

Current AFFAIrs

tough call before it is too late….

partnership for ‘Value’. Negotiation with sponsors is not about money. When you negotiate, remember three things: 1.Value of your reputation. 2. Value of your service. 3.

Success or impact of your reputation and service on the person/sponsor for whom you work. I call this a Win, Win, Win! Situation.

The third ‘win’ is something unexpected but you get it.

Artist can be the inventor, and the producer an innovator. The producer takes the product into the market-place and puts it out into the larger world. The artist has more time and freedom to work on his artistic potential.

DECCAN POST September 16 - 22, 2012

I have to always to build bridges between societies, between cultures, between class and race. It’s not easy to take an actress to a dancer, or a Chinese company to an English audience.

But there is a need to build a bridge between these two different cultures or two different voices. One must seek a source of inspiration, a source of desire, of challenge.

What do you think is very important for a person to grow in the cultural sphere, especially an artist?

Growth leads to change; change means excitement, and something to look forward to.

Someone to love, something to do and something to look forward to, are the three things which will always drive an artiste to the

glory of success.

What is your advice to young minds?

Make it simple. Every decision has a sacrifice. You have to stand by it. It’s a responsibility. Learn from your mistakes.

Learn from people around you. Since you are providing service, you must allow to be judged. Be a better person. Best ideas come when you don’t think hard about them. Ideas come from very small things, may be when you meet someone, when you see something, or from a discussion.

DP

mail@deccanpost.net

- JAYWANT NAIDU

etailing in India is one of the pillars of its economy and accounts for 14 to 15 percent of its GDP. The Indian retail market is estimated to be US$ 450 billion and one of the top five retail markets in the world by economic value. India is one of the fastest growing retail markets in the world, with 1.2 billion people. India's retailing industry is essentially owner manned small shops. Until the 1990s, regulations prevented innovation and entrepreneurship in Indian retailing.

Some retails faced complying with over thirty regulations such as "signboard licenses" and "anti-hoarding measures" before they could open doors. There are taxes for moving goods across the nation; from one state to another as levying tax of various kinds by the state governments are envisaged in the Indian constitution as such. Farmers and producers had to go through middle-men monopolies.

The logistics and infrastructure is still very poor, with losses exceeding 30 percent.

Through the 1990s, India introduced widespread free market reforms, including some related to retail. Between, 2000 to 2010, high income consumers in select Indian cities have gradually begun to experience the quality, choice, convenience and benefits of organized retail industry.

In 2010, larger format convenience stores and super-markets accounted for about 4 percent of the industry, and these were present only in large urban centers. India's retail and logistics industry employs about 40 million Indians (3.3% of Indian population). India has had years of debate and discussions on the risks and prudence of allowing innovation and competition within its retail industry.

Numerous economists repeatedly recommended to the Government of India that legal restrictions on organized retail must be removed, and the retail industry in India must be opened to competition. Thus, in November 2011, congress led UPA (India's federal) government announced retail reforms for both multi-brand stores and single-brand stores. These market reforms paved the way for retail innovation and competition with multi-brand retailers such as Walmart, Carrefour and Tesco, as well as single brand majors such as IKEA, Nike, and Apple. It must be recalled that the announcement sparked intense activism, both in opposition and in support of the reforms. In December 2011, under severe pressure from the opposition, and more so from its own alliance partner (TMC led by West Bengal chief minister), the central government led by reformist Prime Minister Dr Man Mohan Singh chose to place the retail reforms on hold till it reached some form of consensus.

In January 2012, India approved reforms for single-brand stores welcoming anyone in the world to innovate in Indian retail market with 100% ownership, but imposed the requirement that the single brand retailer source 30 percent of its goods from India. But Indian government continued the hold on retail reforms for multi-brand stores. In June 2012, IKEA announced it has applied for permission to invest $1.9 billion in India and set up 25 retail stores. Fitch believes that the 30 percent requirement is likely to significantly delay if not prevent most single brand majors from Europe, USA and Japan from opening stores and creating associated

jobs in India. On 14 September 2012, the government of India announced the opening of FDI in multi brand retail, subject to approvals by individual states. This decision has been widely welcomed by economists and the markets; however this policy seems to have caused a massive upheaval in India's delicate governance structure that is now dependent on coalition parties that have mostly regional considerations.

It is well acknowledged fact that most of the shopping across India takes place in open markets or millions of small, independent grocery and retail shops. Access to the shelf or product storage area is limited. The product typically has no price label in these small retail shops; although some products do have a manufactured suggested retail price (MSRP) pre-printed on the packaging. The shopkeeper prices the food staple and household products

arbitrarily, and most often two differing consumers may pay different prices for the same product on the same day. Price is sometimes negotiated between the shopper and shopkeeper. It is probable that many shoppers do not have time to examine the product label, and do not have a choice to make an informed decision between competitive products.

India's retail and logistics industry, organized and unorganized in combination, employs about 40 million Indians. The typical Indian retail shops are very small. Over 14 million outlets operate in the country and only 4% of them being larger than 500 sq ft (46 m2) in size. India is known to have about 11 shop outlets for every 1000 people. Vast majority of the unorganized retail shops in India employ family members, who do not have the means or resources to procure or transport products at high volume wholesale level. Further have several lacunae like having authentic product screening technology besides not having any formal training on safe and hygienic storage, packaging or logistics. The unorganized retail shops source their products from a chain of

middlemen who mark up the product as it moves from farmer or producer to the consumer. The unorganized retail shops typically offer no after-sales support or service.

Finally, most transactions at unorganized retail shops are done with cash, with all sales being final. This also affects the taxable income legitimately due to the state governments from numerous transactions that escape properly being accounted and audited. As there are two sides for every coin, we do have opposing and supporting stands for introducing FDI in retail in India for multi-brands.

Critics of the Indian retail reforms announcement are making one or more of the following points: Independent stores will close, leading to massive job losses. Walmart employs very few people in the United States.

If allowed to expand in India as much as Walmart has expanded in the United States,

few thousand jobs may be created but millions will be lost. Walmart will lower prices to dump goods, get competition out of the way, become a monopoly, then raise prices. “We have seen this in the case of the soft drinks industry.

Pepsi and Coke came in and wiped out all the domestic brands”. India doesn't need foreign retailers, since homegrown companies and traditional markets may be able to do the job.

Work will be done by Indians, profits will go to foreigners. Remember East India Company.

It entered India as a trader and then took over politically. There will be sterile homogeneity and Indian cities will look like cities anywhere else. The government hasn't built consensus.

The brighter side off course is with 51% FDI limit in multi-brand retailers, nearly half of any profits will remain in India. Any profits will be subject to taxes, and such taxes will reduce Indian government budget deficit.

Ultimately, retail companies must earn profits with hard work and by creating value. Indian States have a right to say no to retail FDI within their respective states. They also have the right to add restrictions to the retail policy announced before they implement them.

Thus, they can place limits on number, market share, style, diversity, homogeneity and other factors to suit their cultural preferences.

Actually, in future, Indian states can always introduce regulations and Indian government can change the law to ensure the benefits of retail reforms reach the poorest and weakest segments of Indian society, free and fair retail competition does indeed lead to sharply lower inflation than current levels, small farmers get better prices, jobs created by organized retail pay well, and healthier food becomes available to more households.

Cost-conscious organized retail companies will avoid waste and loss, making food available to the weakest and poorest segment of Indian society, while increasing the income of small farmers. Indian small shops employ workers without proper contracts, making them work long hours.

Many unorganized small shops depend on child labour. A well-regulated retail sector will help curtail some of these abuses. The retail reform would open enormous opportunities and lead to much-needed investment in cold chain, warehousing and contract farming.

Organized retailers will reduce waste by improving logistics, creating cold storage to prevent food spoilage, improve hygiene and product safety, reduce counterfeit trade and tax evasion on expensive item purchases, and create dependable supply chains for secure supply of food staples, fruits and vegetables.

Fresh investment in organized retail, the supporters of retail reform claim will generate 10 million new jobs by 2014, about five to six million of them in logistics alone.

Organized retail will offer the small Indian farmer more competing venues to sell his or her products, and increase income from less spoilage and waste. Unlike the current monopoly of middlemen buyer, retail reforms offer farmers access to more buyers from organized retail. More buyers will compete for farmer’s produce leading to better support for farmers and to better bids. With less spoilage of staples and agricultural produce, global retail companies can find and provide additional markets to Indian farmers. Not only do these losses reduce food security in India, several studies claim that poor farmers and others loose income because of the waste and inefficient retail. Over US$50 billion of additional income can become available to Indian farmers by preventing post-harvest farm losses, improving transport, proper storage and retail. In fact, Amartya Sen, the Indian born Nobel Prize winning economist, in a December 2011 interview claims foreign direct investment in multi brand retail can be good thing or bad thing depending on the nature of the investment. He further remarked “Quite often, FDI is a good thing for India”.

In view of the fact that there is immense growth for the investors, let us not forget and also hope India too will benefit by integrating with the world, rather than isolating itself.

DP

(The author is the President of KMOi; a US based india Market Entry Consulting Company) nandavura@kmointernational.com

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DECCAN POST September 16 - 22, 2012

APRSCL: Goof-ups galore ...!!!

By Dr.T.Siva Prasad Reddy-Special Correspondent

A

fter surviving all the APRSCL upheavals primarily involving original allotteesstarting with Arambha-Chandanagar followed by Bandlaguda & others alongside regular exposure of irregularities by Deccan Post supported by state print & electronic media finally the state government decides to show exit door to Shalini Mishra as MDAPRSCL in the midst of raging legal and political controversies. Elected Representatives in whose constituencies APRSCL projects are grounded had to literally run from pillar to the post to get relief on complaints from original allottees as Shalini Misra-the then MD allegedly bulldozed one & all, downsizing even the concerned Minister or Principal Secretaryexofficio Chairman-APRSCL till recently on one pretext or the other, even the CMO being no excuse.

No Mortgage of allottees flats to Banks till today after loans?!

In a major deliberate goof-up, the staff & the then MD, availed the eligible loan amounts of the original allottees without mortgaging the documents of the allottees to the bank?!Can this happen anywhere in the world, as allottees were made to pay EMI’s & also take the wrath of banks for any delay as they had to comprehend paying rents also.

Banks like SBI etc too have become mute witness in such a scenario much against the norms, this proves the manoeuvring skills of top guns at Rajiv Swagruha in coercing the innocent allottees to succumb for no fault of theirs..!? This clearly shows that the former MD-Rajiv Swagruha had total control of the staff including bank representatives.

Her inner coterie have exercised absolute power as they not only advised MD-Shalini Misra but acted as eyes & ears often at the cost of suffering original allottees or directly contributing to the present state of the project.

Their past antecedents are of a particular importance as for instance one particular GMvery close to Shalini Misra was drafted from revenue dept-post retirement till recently and could not get his pension cleared, but still drew a salary of Rupees Fifty Thousand or more with all tertiary benefits..!? Likewise, other influential staff of her should be put to strict scrutiny to ascertain the losses incurred

by APRSCL & various litigations involving it’s own original allottees as they were whole & sole responsible alongside MD. Can the original allottees of Arambh-Chandanagar & other projects get justice & their valid position of the flats?

Bandlaguda Project( then 29 Acres, now 26?!) -a major scam: Once the news spread that senior IAS officer Shalini Misra was forced to exit from APRSCL, many interesting and scandalous allegations began to see the day light. Many have volunteered to speak to Deccan Post to bring out the facts & in that they stated that APRSCL originally bought 29 Acres and the same was reflected in the registered documents of allottees of Bandlaguda project.

When confronted, Joga Rao-GM, Bandlaguda confirmed that the present Bandlaguda project is in only 26 Acres & when further questioned-he feigns ignorance saying that only MD is aware & he is just a catalyst to

implement what ever the MD says.

On further probe, interesting things surfaced as the said land of 29 Acres(now 26 acres) boundaries were willfully altered, reflected in redoing the partial boundary wall of single bed room flats, while the front gate area also appears to be down sized & the sides restricted leading to a spate of complaints including one from the local corporator. Who are the beneficiaries of such largesse by APRSCL? How the neighbouring landlord was allowed a free run alongside single bed room compound wall to have his own roadwhen none existed before? Under what rule?

How could this escape the experienced minds of APRSCL Committee & the Govt? What about Auditing Report?

Why did APRSCL plan to buy such a big area when only 200-300 applied?!

More & more interesting facts surfaced as the probe into Bandlaguda land enlarged. First and the most important aspect of all this is that APRSCL is supposedly a demand driven project, catering to the aspirations of middle classes to provide housing at 25% lesser than the prevailing market price. Then, when only

aspect of all this is buying the land over and above the said govt price in that area & that too from another govt organization, when the project was to provide housing at 25% lesser than the market price. How could this indiscretionary move by APRSCL was supported by the Committee & more so by the Govt then & now? It is still a mystery as to how and why APRSCL was allowed to raise the loans from the banks by mortgaging such land to pay contractors, when the demand was only for 200-300 flats? How could APRSCL explain the excess pricing of Rs-2000/-per Sq Yrd over & above the govt administered price of Rs-4,300/-per Sq Yrd? Who cornered the excess..!?Wasn’t this responsible for exorbitant pricing of the flats forcing the middle classes to turn a blind eye ruling themselves out?

Then, who benefitted out of this pricing & extent of land? Can, the Govt, it’s agencies & APRSCL Committee be mute spectators & witnesses to such a blatant irregularity or misdemeanor?

Failed Promises As a result of failed take over of the entire project on the expected lines & the ever increasing debts (interest over loans & repayments)many mistakes followed leading

& no watchman or security guard as on date throwing security of the allotees to winds. No mesh cover on overhead water tank allowing insects & small animals to enjoy water.

APRSCL promised 2 lifts, but only one is provided. Promised Generator back-up, but not installed till date. Incomplete & repair works still going on forcing the contractor to utilize water, lift etc burdening the occupants.

The inmates/occupants/buyers/allottees brood over the constant, deliberate negligence

by APRSCL in providing the minimum facilities to demand a reasonable maintainance as APRSCL demanded them to pay from November-2011 with 6 months as deposit, only APRSCL can dictate..!?

The another horrifying aspect is that the APRSCL started to sell the vantage open spaces for commercial gains like-1600 sq yrds land in the proximity of main gate to D-Mart to net 2-3 crores at the cost of promised gated community services like-schools, parks, hospitals to name a few. They question the authority of APRSCL officials in selling such a prime location as they have mortgaged 3 Acres & also demand the rule under which they have sacrificed land belonging to Bandlaguda beneficiaries?mHow can APRSCL sell a land ear marked for middle classes & that too when it was mortgaged with banks? Did the committee or govt mandate MD-Shalini Misra to proceed in this manner?

Fudging rates of flats every 6 months to offset losses & to show high value..!?

200-300 have shown interest? Is it because of high pricing with 25% down payment in the beginning (rest got filtered when they came to know that APHB was not grounding the project & the cost was high),then, where was the need for less experienced APRSCL hierarchy to announce a grandiose plan to construct 2700(two thousand & seven hundred)flats acquiring 29 Acres (now pruned to 26 Acres) investing public money? Why did APRSCL under MD-Shalini Misra unilaterally took a decision even after knowing well that only 200-300 would come forward investing 25% down payment? Isn’t that a reality today that inspite of all hungama by way of publicity only 200-300 have bought flats under different categories? Why such large scale construction at a time? Who benefited out of such largesse? What about public money & public land? How could this extravaganza escape the eagle eyes of Govt agencies & the famed APRSCL Committee?

Doesn’t this requires to be probed to bring into open the beneficiaries of such a largesse making a mockery of Govt administered bodies/corporations inviting public money & confidence denting welfare activity of the state.

The most intriguing and

disturbing

to more goof-ups becoming the order of the day for APRSCL in Bandlaguda Project.

Many said promises as per the original commitment began to wane. The more important of them being the interiors in the two bed room apartments followed by single & 2.5 bed rooms. Deviation from the promised like Cheap wood work-cup boards etc, low quality water & electrical appliances profiting the middlemen in APRSCL & the contractors to the extent of a minimum of Rs.5000/- to Rs.10,000/-making them richer

by Rs.10-20 crores in this category alone. God only knows as to what & how much extent this group would ultimately benefit by the time this project is completed & at whose costbeneficiaries-buyers..? APRSCL thought that it would put additional burden on the buyerswho faithed their project by giving a notice to pay a hefty Rs.1.30/-per sq ft as maintainance, which even a high end realtor fears to charge his clientele..? But, the allottee-buyers are resisting the move by charging APRSCL of backtracking on the said promises as maintainance like- No compound wall & failed gated community promise, making it a resting place for dogs etc(photos)& thefts have become a regular feature. No watchman room

An artificial market hype is created by raising the rates of the flats every 6 months.Like the starting price of a double bed room was-Rs.15 Lakhs, raised to Rs.16.10Lakhs,then to Rs.17.20Lakhs & todayRs.18.30 Lakhs-can anyone believe? What additional facilities or quality construction did APRSCL provide over last 6 months? At, what rate the market in Hyderabad & in particular Bandlaguda has increased? The latest fudging of accounts by artificial abnormal increase of flats costs by APRSCL to off stem losses & depreciation on account of borrowed loans & accruing interests alongside burdening establishment costs have become a bane for prospective middle class buyers, for that matter for any serious buyer too..!

This has resulted in yet to be finished structures alongside a limited occupancy-only 250-300 as on day greeting one & all to tell it’s own story-APRSCL? Inspite of recession & mounting T sentiment, how could APRSCL resort to such hike in prices? How many flats have been sold in different categories in the last 6 months inspite of media blitzkrieg? What is the cost or estimate of total Bandlaguda project as on today? How much did govt or APRSCL or Banks invest till date? What are the returns from the allottees? How many flats are occupied & how many are still vacant?

What are the terms of bank loans as they invested public money?

What would APRSCL has to say to all these?How would it’s past & present hierarchy defend it? Will the govt show will and courage to order a enquiry & safeguard public interest and funds? tsprind@gmail.com DP

DECCAN POST September 16 - 22, 2012

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f l Av o u rs

Priyanka is ready for marriage!

P

riyanka Chopra, who is very excited and is eagerly waiting for Saif Ali Khan and Kareena’s wedding, feels that she too is read to dettle down, but is yet to find her dream guy.

When asked weather she feels it’s the right time for her to settle down, she said: “From the age of four I have been waiting to get married. I am ready for it.

My mom, dad are also ready but the only problem is I am not getting Mr. Right. So that is a technical problem.”

Meanwhile, Saif and Kareena are likely to tie the knot Oct 16, Priyanka is very happy for them and she expressed her feelings. Priyanka said: “It is a beautiful thing that she is getting married. I feel it is the most beautiful beginning of a new journey. To me, Saif and Kareena make a wonderful lovable couple. I am looking forward to their marriage.” Hope this hotty will get married soon. Fans don’t break your heart.

DECCAN POST September 16 - 22, 2012

Is Ileana Quitting Tollywood?

A

ffairs and impulsive relationships are part and parcel of the entertainment industry and when it involves a top heroine then the interest element is high. Well, it is heard that something like that has happened with Ileana as well and that is the key reason for her to leave Tollywood and focus on Bollywood.

According to a grapevine, Ileana had paired up with his rugged hero in one film during the making time they both were in love. But after a little while, they quarreled and didn’t see each other. In fact, after that one film Ileana never paired up with that hero once again. And the reason for that was their bitter fight.

Since then, it is heard that Ileana has been very depressed and now she got the opportunity and is moving completely out of Tollywood to get rid of his thoughts. Whether this is true or not, her departure from here is sure painful to the many admirers of Ileana and also the moviemakers.

-DP Desk

DECCAN POST September 16 - 22, 2012 governing the state, runs the risk of being edged out completely. If Jagan Mohan Reddy has gained upper hand in Seemandhra; the TRS that has established itself as a leading force in Telangana, is struggling to retain its strength in view of its perceived proximity with congress high command. So, granting Telangana state alone can save Congress in AP.

2011 and the one that is going to be held on Sept 30th. The by-elections held on March 18th this year to six assembly seats went in favour of those who had resigned for the statehood cause and the outcome of Parakal by-poll held on 12th June too reflects the fact that people of this region will not settle for anything, other than formation of Telangana state.

Weakened KCR?

Now, everything depends on the organizers of the Million March, by the end of this month. The T-JAC which has called for the rally should keep in mind that there are two possibilities before it – either the rally can be a damp squib or a dangerous weapon in the hands of people.

If the T-JAC handles it well, it will be a weapon; otherwise, it may end up as a damp squib.

Therefore, another development that is forcing the hands of Congress to grant Telangana is the weakening of TRS chief KCR in the region. Now T-JAC has emerged as the major force reflecting the aspirations of people of the region, unlike in September 2011, when Telangana employees went on “Sakala Janula Samme” (general strike) for 52 days when the T-JAC was wholly reliant on TRS, now the T-JAC is pursuing its own agitation without any support from the TRS. There is vast difference between the “Million March” that took place in March

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Cover story

It is said that KCR is not wholeheartedly supporting the Million March. In fact, it is well known that he does not want any other party or force to either emerge or exist in Telangana

region, other than his own TRS. But, people of Telangana are not ready to blindly trust him, like they used to some years back. Today, KCR is one among many players in Telangana, he and his TRS is not the sole player, howsoever, he strongly desires.

If Sonia Gandhi is healthy enough to understand the solitary wish of four crore people of Telangana, she would immediately announce the decision of granting statehood to Telangana as promised by her long ago and waiting to be delivered till now. The congress high command has no luxury of the past to dilly-dally on the issue any more, as already its cadres are seen deserting the party in search of better future elsewhere.

Even Chandra Babu Naidu is seen mentally prepared to reiterate his stand once again favouring formation of Telangana state. TDP looks like wanting to survive in its erstwhile stronghold of Tregion rather than perish everywhere with no hopes of gaining in Andhra and Rayalaseema regions. The YSRCP led by Jagan Reddy is supremely confident of everything but at the same time absolutely confused when it comes to decision on Tstate and is covertly worried about the state division but has no strength to openly declare its stand.

In view of the huge political uncertainty, the timing of the proposed March is indeed an excellent opportunity.

The chief minister is inexperienced and also weak in every way. The state government caught in a policy paralysis.

The Governor is increasingly impatient and MLAs belonging to various parties worried about their political future. With Parties like TDP, YSRCP also incapable of opposing any decision on Telangana, the T-JAC which is ambitiously holding this Million March may have to fully utilize this golden opportunity to send out a clear message to the Congress led UPA and the entire nation on what T-people want.

Otherwise, the organizers of the March would be seen as bunch of frustrated people incapable of forcing a legitimate issue that enjoys massive goodwill.

DP

mail@deccanpost.net

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DECCAN POST September 16 - 22, 2012

DECCAN POST September 16 - 22, 2012

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Market

Market recovers on foreign fund buying

By V Sundar Raja

t

he Indian stock market has recovered strongly and gained nearly 800 points in the last few trading sessions. Market could recover the earlier losses due to further buying by the FII’s (Foreign Institutional funds), who have been aggressive in the Indian market in the last few months. Though, there has been many negative news flow coming on the macro economic front, FIIs seem to have ignored all these and seems to have investing heavily. This has inspired Indian investors too, and there has been renewed activity in the mid-cap and small-cap stocks.

S

everal political parties are seen taking stock of the emerging situation. The UPA led by Congress is vested with the onus of taking some decision with regard to the state division. The congress high command worst hit by mega scams is visibly caught in a severe logjam. As if that is not enough, it is now venturing into policies like allowing FDI in Retail besides increasing diesel prices and limiting cooking gas consumption. The alliance partners like TMC and SP have already sounded their ultimatum asking the Prime Minister to roll back or face floor test.

In the mist of these political storms, whether, congress has any inclination to resolve the issue of Telangana or not will be clearly known in the coming weeks.

Till now, the congress employing various tactics has used all the time to evade a straight forward decision on granting statehood to Telangana.

Since any further delay can only damage its prospects in all the regions of the state, it appears a definite solution is round the corner. As such there is an increased awareness among Congress leadership that this is indeed the right time to act on Telangana, which has been lying at its door steps for the last three years. The AICC president, Sonia Gandhi convalescing for an undisclosed ailment has recently returned from US after

undergoing medical tests and is said to be in a fit condition to take tough decisions that would steer clear the dilemma haunting the congress led UPA government.

Awareness of Political Parties: A section of Congress high command is of the view that this is the right time to grant Telangana state, without any loss of time. The present situation if continued would only benefit YSRCP led by Jagan Reddy who is all set to sweep the Coastal Andhra and Seema regions. Even in Telangana region, the disenchantment with Congress, TDP and TRS may to some extent benefit the YSR congress party for its anti-congress and anti-TDP stand. In this regard, it is learnt that the TRS is ready to merge with the Congress, if Telangana state is created and in view of these possibilities, the TDP led by Chandra babu Naidu too is gearing up to give a letter to the Centre expressing its willingness to formation of Telangana state immediately. It is well known that the YSR Congress party has been stating that it is the job of the Congress led Centre to take a stand on the statehood issue. Congress high command has seen how the BJP is utilizing this sensitive issue to stage a comeback in Andhra Pradesh. Apart from all these factors, one noticeable thing is that Congress high command is getting battle ready and this combative mood augurs well for resolving Telangana issue either way.

In fact, the Congress led UPA as moved into a fast gear in the last few days.

Accused of policy paralysis, the government steered by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi in the last two-three days has taken some bold decisions like hike in diesel prices, limiting subsidized LPG cylinders to poor at six per year and opening retail and aviation sectors for FDI. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs which met on Friday and has resolved to take up pending economic policy decisions like allowing 51 per cent FDI in retail sector and opening up aviation sector. The PM, knowing fully well that his key ally, Trinamool Congress, is dead against to the FDI in retail sector, has remarked that he was ready to bite the bullet, if he has to.

For political observers, the present

situation resembles that of 2008, when Manmohan Singh insisted on going ahead with the civilian nuclear deal with the US, irrespective of the stubborn opposition from the Left parties who were supporting it from outside at the time.

Then also, the same Manmohan Singh famously remarked that “If the Left parties want to withdraw support to his government on the nuclear deal issue, so be it”. As expectedly, the Left has withdrawn its support to the UPA-1 but the Prime Minister faced the floor test in the Lok Sabha and survived. That the UPA winning the 2009 elections with an increased tally and the Left, especially a section of CPM, repenting its decision to withdraw support to the UPA-1 were all now part of history.

This time too, UPA-2 has a major danger from another West Bengal centric force – Mamata Banarjee who has already served a 72 hour ultimatum to the Prime Minister to take back his decision to open up retail and aviation sectors to FDI. Already, Mamata is angry with the UPA government’s decision to hike diesel prices and cutting down the LPG cylinders subsidy to the common man.

Indications point to a possible withdrawal of support from Mamata by early next week. If Trinamool Congress gives its letter of withdrawal to UPA to President Pranab Mukherjee, then the president will have no other option but to ask Manmohan Singh to prove his majority on the floor of the Lok Sabha within a week or 10 days. Unlike last time, it is

difficult to expect the present UPA regime to survive if Mamta’s TMC and Mulayam’s SP were to attack.

Only Telangana can save UPA Since the UPA is not likely to find enough numbers to save its skin like in 2008, despite Mayawati’s BSP with about 21 MPs in the Lok sabha willingly to rescue of UPA, it has to possibly risk the support of Mulayam Singh’s Samajwadi Party that is showing all signs of going with Mamata this time. Only a few days ago, Mulayam went all the way to woo Mamata and described her as his younger sister, so their bond may continue this time. In such a scenario, only granting Telangana state that is supported by many including BJP and NDA alone can save the life of UPA, as all other decisions taken by it were anti-people. “The Congress is taking all bold, but antipeople decisions recently, so if it wants to gain sympathy of people or bail out of the emerging political crisis at the national level, only granting Telangana is the real solution,” a senior Congress MP, Gutta Sukhender Reddy told Deccan Post.

This congress MP from Nalgonda is probably right. Even otherwise too, the situation is turning dicey for Congress in Seema-Andhra regions as well. Today, Congress is a marginalized force in Telangana in view of its deceitful attitude and has not improved in other two regions despite failure of TDP. This goes to show how congress that is presently

The IIP data (Industrial production data) that was released on 12th September has been discouraging, indicating no major revival in the industrial growth. The inflation too is still maintaining at higher levels, which is now a major cause of concern. The GDP (Economic growth rate) has been low and further slowness is expected in the economy. The American economy growth and European debt crisis still persists, which are all currently seen affecting the Indian stock market.

Now, all eyes are on the RBI (Reserve Bank of India) which is expected to meet on 17th September to review the economic situation and for taking appropriate monetary steps to tackle the major threats that the economy is facing. Market circles are eagerly waiting to see if there would be any cut in the banking lending rates, in which case we can expect a further rally in the stock market.

The top Banking stocks which have been beaten down in the last few weeks are now in a stabilizing trend. They are expected to witness a relief rally, and a favourable monetary policy by RBI could get the bank stocks back into the limelight. The metal stocks that were in a descending trend, in the last few months are now showing signs of an uptrend.The Pharma stocks that have witnessed a strong run-up, is now showing signs of weakness, for the investors to be cautious. There are reports that the Petrol prices could be hiked and it could then add pressure to the current inflation problem.

The precious metal Gold is seen in a

strong uptrend, even-though stock market has recovered. It is now likely to react in the shortterm at the current major resistance of 32,000 levels. Hence Investors have to be cautious at current high levels, and should wait for a decline.

Another precious commodity Silver is now nearer to the 65,000 mark, and is now likely to witness a halt to the current uptrend and get into a short-term correction, for the traders to be cautious.

The global petroleum prices continue to be near 5,400 levels, a gain of about 1000 rupees in the Indian commodity market and a

fresh buy position would be risky for the traders.

Market sentiment indicator Sensex is now at the major psychological barrier of 18,000 levels, where a short-term consolidation is possible. Market has to sustain above this crucial barrier, to indicate a further short-term uptrend. Only in-case of any failure at the major support below at 17,500, then it indicates a short-term correction, for the short-term Investors to be cautious.

DP

mail@deccanpost.net Note - Investors should be aware of risks in the stock market.

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RNI No.: APENG/2008/24134 DECCAN POST September 16 - 22, 2012

Hyderabad’s Only English Newsweekly Vol. 5 Issue No. 32

Danger in virtual space...8 September 16 -22, 2012

www.deccanpost.net

16 Pages

Rs.3/-

By Our Political Correspondent

With time running out for the present UPA government at the centre, it appears that Telangana statehood issue has entered into a decisive phase now. Compared to the lull among various pro-Telangana forces in the last few months, suddenly there is a jump of activity in every camp. As the pro-Telangana forces that rallied behind the political joint action committee (T-JAC), which has emerged as an umbrella organization for all of them has given a call for Million March on Sept 30th, time is ticking fast.

Printed, published and owned by V Raghavendra Reddy, printed at Sree Seshasai Enterprises, Plot No.19, IDA, Balanagar, Hyderabad-500 037. Published from H.No. 1-2-606/80/107, LIC Colony, Opp. Indira Park, Hyderabad-500080., Phone No. 040-30 42 43 47 Editor-in-Chief : Dr Goka Sridhar, Editor : V Raghavendra Reddy.

Contd. on page 2 & 3