Postnoon E-Paper forJan 16, 2013 by Scribble Media & Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2013 HYDERABAD

BOEING’S DREAM TURNS INTO NIGHTMARE!

The Dreamliner has suffered more than a week of bad news that has prompted probes by regulators in Japan and the US, although Boeing insists the plane is safe.

WWW.POSTNOON.COM

WEATHER: A MIX OF CLEAR AND CLOUDY SKIES; 24°C

32 PAGES

CITY COURTS TROUBLE TOMORROW?

Pro- and anti-Telangana have braced themselves for a fight tomorrow. Rayala-Andhra leaders meet in the City to discuss T-issue and pro-T forces warn them against it.

P10

HYDERABAD’S FIRST COMPACT AFTERNOON NEWSPAPER

WHY DON’T WE HELP PEOPLE IN NEED ON THE STREET?

REMEMBER IMRAN KHAN! REPORT ON P3

Those bemoaning the apathy towards victims of road accidents and street crime should answer the question raised by the family of Imran Khan — who was brutally killed while trying to save a girl from eve teasers: Does anyone care about the Samaritans?

FLASH

PATTINSON BREAKS-UP WITH STEWART…AGAIN!

Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart's relationship is reportedly over again. The Twilight co-stars originally split up last summer when Stewart admitted to cheating on Pattinson with her married Snow White and the Huntsman director Rupert Sanders. Pattinson told Stewart that he wanted to call time on their relationship once again over the weekend.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2013

city events

HYDERABAD LIT FESTIVAL

As part of the Bonjour India festival, there will be a literature festival, with panel discussion by French author Kenizé Mourad and the Hindu correspondent in France Vaiju Naravane. The event is at Maulana Azad University, from January 18-20.

Weather for Hyderabad

Evening

Overnight

Morning

Afternoon

24°C

16°C

22°C

30°C

A mix of clear and cloudy skies.

Clear with cloudy periods.

Sunny. Windy at times.

New Delhi Mumbai Max 23 Max 28 Min 13 Min 21 Chances of storm.

Mostly sunny.

Chennai Max 29 Min 22

Bangalore Max 27 Min 15

Partly cloudy. Clear at night.

Clear skies.

AROUND THE CITY: YOUR GUIDE TO THE TWIN CITIES Cafe Classics Month Truffles cafe pays tribute to some selective cafes and restaurants in India and the world. The cafe will be serving some of their special dishes. This weekend starts with Britannia restaurant & cafe located in Bombay, with delicious Parsi dishes. Where: Truffles cafe Plot no. 376, Road no. 10, Jubilee Hills, When: Up to February 10 Contact: (040) 2355 0105

ART Diva Divine Deified An exhibition of ceramic and terrakota sculptures by artist Jayaprakash. Where: Iconart Gallery, Banjara Hills When: Ongoing Contact: www.iconart.in Code Red Countdown Code Red Countdown is an art collection revolving around ecology, by New York based artist Asher Jay. The theme is endangered wildlife. Where: Lalitha Kala Thoranam, Public gardens When: January 27 6pm to 9:30pm Contact: 93965 55888

SHOWS The Monsoon Oracle The Monsoon Oracle is a factual film based on ritualistic practices that take places in the country. It revolves around the rituals performed, predicting the arrival of monsoon. Where: NIFT, Madhapur When: January 25, Contact: (040) 2311 4537

DINING Business Lunch A three course menu with Italian cuisine prepared by chef Matteo Gradi at Park Hyatt. Where: Tre-Forni Bar & Restaurant When: Weekdays only 12pm to 3:30pm Contact: (040) 4949 1234

Tribute to Rajesh Khanna There will be dance performances on Rajesh Khanna’s songs to pay tribute to the superstar. The dance will be choreographed by Mahesh L Munde, who has choreographed national and international performances. Where: Lalitha Kala Thoranam, Public gardens When: January 27 6pm to 9:30pm Contact: 93965 55888

Punjabi Food Festival There will be a bonfire and Punjabi delicacies like Murgh Tikka Anari, Gosht Ka Saag, Sarson Da Saag, Makki Da Roti and Doodhi Halwa will be served. Where: The Square, Hitec City When: Up to January 20

MISCELLANEOUS REMEMBER THESE? A man sells coloured paper fans at Necklace road. SRINIVAS SETTY

Contact: (040) 6682 4422 Foie Gras & Asparagus Taj Falaknuma Palace is offering foie gras & asparagus on the menu. Pan seared foie gras with mandarin oranges, dill brioche drizzled with truffle oil and pate de foie gras with Commissioner & Spl Officer

Helpline GAS BOOKING IVRS NO HP 9666023456 Indane 9848824365 BSNL Complaints HMWS & SB Complaints

198 155313

POLICE CONTROL ROOM Hyderabad 27852435 Traffic Control Room 27852482 DCP Traffic 23234065, 23243499F Pollution Control Board 23887500 ELECTRICITY General Complaints Breakdown Section

155333 23431178 23431179

MUNICIPAL CORPORATION

23262266 24166666R ENC 23225267 Engineering 23220418 MCH Tankbund 23225397 Emergency MCH Circle I&II 24525842 MCH Circle III 24736912 MCH Circle IV 23326975 MCH Circle V 23326976 MCH Circle VI MCH Complaints 1100 Head Office 23225397 IVRS CUM MANUAL ENQUIRY PHONE NUMBERS (TRAIN & RESERVATION) RAILWAYS Rail Nilayam 27833169, 27824216 Railway Information 131 Reservations 135 Recorded Information 1345 Enquiry (IVRS) 1331, 1332, 1333

asparagus cream mousse are some of the items on the menu. Where: Celeste, Taj Falaknuma Palace When: Up to January 20 Contact: (040) 6629 8525

WATER SUPPLY Complaint Cell Sewerage Complaint Hyd. Water Supply HOSPITAL General Hospital, Sec-bad Niloufer Hospital, Red Hills NIMS, Director, Punjagutta Osmania General Hospital Railway Hospital, Lalaguda Apollo, Jubilee Hills Care Hospital, Banjara Hills Care Hospital, Nampally Care Hospital, Musheerabad Care Hospital, Sec-bad Kamineni Hospital, LB Nagar

155313 23307328 23313163

27505566 23314095 23390933 24600146 27001134 23607777 30418888 30417777 30419000 30416666 39879999

BLOOD BANKS Blood Bank,Narayanguda Chiranjeevi Blood Bank Blood Bank Mediton Goal Red Cross, Vidyanagar ADRM Blood Bank Mythri Charitable Trust NTR Memorial Trust Care Banjara Hills

Shoppers Stop sale Sale up to 51 per cent off on international and Indian brands across categories at Shoppers Stop, HomeStop and Mothercare outlets with Shoppers Stop. Where: Shoppers Stop outlets When: from January 12 Contact: www.shoppersstop.com The Republic Ride The biggest corporate cycling event at Hyderabad is being organized by The Atlanta Foundation on republic day. The aim is to promote educational programs for underprivileged children. Where: Gachibowli Stadium, Hyderabad When: January 26, 6:15am onwards Contact: atlantafoundation.org Big Hyper Sale HyperCITY, is having its Hyper Sale at all its stores across India. Customers can get discounts and deals across categories, including fresh produce, home & furniture, electronics, toys and apparels. Where: Inorbit mall, Madhapur When: Up to January 31

End of Season Sale Arrow end of season sale is here. This New York fashion with a collection of casual and work wear is available on a discount. You can walk in to any Arrow store and avail discounts up to 40% on apparel and footwear. Where: All Arrow outlets When: Up to January 20 Numaish Numaish is the 73rd All India

27567892 23559555 23226624 27633087 27035588 27550238 30799999 30418296 30417445

AMBULANCES Apollo 23548888, 23607777 Kamineni 24022222 Medwin 23202902, 23204616 Smile Line Dental Hospital 23747979 Red Cross 27627973 Niloufer Hospital 23314095 Gandhi 23320332 AIRLINES

Industrial Exhibition is an ongoing event in the City. Where: Exhibition Ground, Mukarramjahi Road, Nampally, When: Up to February 15, 4pm to 11pm Contact: (040) 2460 3015

Airport Director 27903785, 27906001 For Air India Flight Information Toll free (from any network) for IC Flights 18001801407 And for All Flights: 1800227722 Air India has revised its flight timings. For more information call (Toll free) 18001801407, 1800227722 from BSNL/MTNL 04023430334 from other lines and mobile Website; www.airindia.in TOURISM OFFICES AP Tourism, Hyd 23262152/53/54 Sec-bad 27893100 Dept of Tourism 23453110 India Tourism 23261360 AP Tourism information Centre (24x7) 23450444, 23455999 UK VISA OFFICE VFS India Pvt Ltd Building, 8-2-542/A, Sunil Chamber, Road No. 7

Beside Meridian School, Banjara Hills34. Working hours are from 8 AM to 1 PM And 2 PM to 3PM. MUSEUMS Salar Jung Museum AP State Museum Nizams Museum

24523211 232431300/7641 24521029

Readers’ views

We invite you to write to us comments, suggestions, viewpoint or just about anything to feedback@postnoon.com or #1246, Level 3, Jubilee Casa, Road No 62, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad – 500 033 or even by way of a call on 4067 2222

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2013

City

YESTERDAY’S QUESTION

DO WE NEED STRICTER TRAINING FOR DRIVERS IN AP? 88% 12%

YES (A) NO (B)

TODAY’S QUESTION

IS IT PRACTICAL TO HAVE HYDERABAD AS A DUAL CAPITAL IF THE STATE IS BIFURCATED? A)

YES

To vote visit www.postnoon.com

CRIME

WHERE ARE THE LEADERS?

Mohd SUBHAN mohd.s@postnoon.com

hen the Delhi rape victim and her male friend were lying on the road in a pool of blood, no passersby stopped and helped them, it was reported. How would anybody help in a system where Good Samaritans become victims themselves? Here is a glaring case that shows what a do-gooder gets for intervening on behalf of a woman. A youth who objected to the teasing of a young woman by two ruffians was clubbed to death in August last. The girl escaped unhurt. Her family never bothered to at least empathise with the boy’s family. The MLA ducked the scene, the corporator turned his face away, and finally, it was only the local police inspector who

gave financial support when the youth was in hospital and later arranged for his funeral. The story of Imran Ali Khan, 26, will make every citizen bow his head in shame. Imran and his friend, Asif, were riding home from Golconda Qila after work. At Langer House, Imran, a conscientious youth, was outraged at seeing a hapless girl being harassed in public by three men on a scooter. Imran asked the trio to stop it and go their way. The three turned their ire on the youth and closed in on him. Seeing the scene turning violent, locals gathered and separated the two. Imran and his friend resumed their journey. But the trio followed the youths, overtook them and killed Imran. His friend escaped with minor injuries. The forlorn family — an aged father and mother, a young sister and 12-year-old brother — are

(Top) The family of Imran Khan (inset). Imran was killed when he stopped three men from teasing a woman in August 2012.

left to fend for themselves. “The Owaisis who talk hatred have not raised a finger for the poor family of their own community,” pointed out a provision store owner, referring to the incident. When Postnoon revisited the family at Karvan in Towli Masjid

area on Tuesday, the mother, Bismilla Begum, was still dazed by the tragedy. “Nahi,” said Begum, “Koi nahi aaya. Ek ladki ki abroo bachane mein mera ladla maara gaya. Koi nahi poocha.” Imran’s father is sick and elderly and the children are too

young to bear the burden of the family. “They (MLA, Muslim leaders, local MIM leaders, relatives) all came for a few days and made statements.” But they all disappeared, leaving the family to fend for themselves. The only kindness they received was from the inspector of Kulsumpura station, Karan Kumar Singh, who helped the family in their hour of need. “He was so kind,” said the mother. A social worker, Mohd Abdul Razzak, was another who helped them get records of the youth’s death and submitted them for the chief minister’s relief fund. All others, including the MIM MLA Muqtada Khan, disappeared. “What can we do in this matter?” was the query of the MLA when asked for help. Postnoon’s efforts to talk to the MLA proved futile as he pleaded he was not in the City.

city WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2013

CIVIC

LAST YEAR... HERE Freedom on a string

ast year, we had reported how Makar Sankranti was an opportunity for the LGBT community to relax and ﬂy kites. Rarely do members of the community feel comfortable about gathering in social settings in the City, but the day of the kite-ﬂying festival was an exception. Many local groups working for LGBT rights had organised the fun outing.

JANUARY 16, 2012

NUMEROLOGY

240

The number of new employees to be recruited by the town planning department, which has been long complaining about the lack of staff and manpower.

Considering that the economy has been in the doldrums, people are retooling their yearly pledges, thereby making more financial resolutions to fit the current times. DS Rawat, Assocham See page 8

THINGS WE 5LEARNT TODAY The column that teaches everyone something new about the way the City functions.

City tenses for Telangana standoff. Pro- and anti-Telangana politicians seem set to clash, with leaders pouring in to discuss the issue. With both sides eager to ﬁght for their side, it will be the common man caught in the middle.

Clipping the wings of the RTI Act. Activists are crying foul as the government passes amendments that will, in effect, clip the wings of the RTI Act. What use of the Act if it can’t be used effectively?

More hands on TP deck Town planning department blames increase in illegal structures on lack of staff but in reality, the department hates man-management.

Md NIZAMUDDIN nizamuddin.a@postnoon.com

he town planning (TP) department, which, until now, has been running with only 86 employees, will be getting 240 new employees. But the question many raise is: Will it ever happen? There is little doubt that the department needs more hands. While the corporation sought at least 400 employees for various jobs as against the estimated requirement of 540, it sanctioned 240. The new employees would be for head office as well as zonal offices. “It is half the required strength, but will do for now,” said a senior official. Currently, each assistant city planner (ACP), who should be taking care of one circle is handling at least three to four circles. It is believed that some of the officials who are holding particular positions would be promoted. For instance, section officers may be promoted to ACP and serve at zonal level. But many sceptics believe

Tensions run high

that the appointments will not come through because though the department bemoans lack of hands outwardly, they secretly do not want manpower because that would mean difficult management. “I do not think the appointment would come through.

alpable apprehension could be sensed among town planning employees. No doubt they’d love to have more hands but hate to share. The department has been blaming lack of staff for the increasing building law violations. Now that the government has heeded its request, many are asking, what would be the result when more come up?

There are various provisions wherein the corporation could have brought in employees on deputation from other departments to GHMC. The department could also outsource certain work. They will not do this because it would mean end of their ‘privileges’,” said a critic.

POLITICS

Prez to be given Jagan petition A

delegation of YSR Congress leaders, lead by party honorary president Vijayamma, would be meeting President Pranab Mukherjee (in pic) and submitting a representation with two crore signatures appealing for the release of Kadapa MP YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. Jagan is currently languishing in Chanchalguda Jail in connection with the disproportionate assets case being investigated by the CBI. When the by-elections were

held for 17 Assembly constituencies after Congress legislators resigned in support of Jagan, he could not even canvass for his party nominees and

the burden fell on his mother and sister Sharmila. As expected, all the 17 Assembly seats were won by the YSRC. A number of petitions filed in the Special XBI Court, besides the High Court and even the Supreme Court, could not facilitate Jagan’s release from jail. Since Jagan was cooling his heels behind bars, Sharmila shouldered the responsibility of a walkathon. During this period, Jagan’s supporters launched a signature campaign to request the President to intervene and

release Jagan. YSRC leaders, including all the legislators, are meeting in Hyderabad at an emergency conference to discuss the points they have to make to the President. Since the YSRC delegation, consisting of party legislators and other senior leader, has secured an appointment with the President today evening, the emergency meeting was being held to finalise their strategy. The YSRC delegation is expected to leave for New Delhi by the afternoon flight. NSS

NEWS BRIEFS

Helping their constituents is not a priority for netas. Politicians make grand speeches, but for the family of Imran — who was killed for helping a woman — they just make hollow promises.

Owaisi back in jail after day in court

Chiranjeevi meets Kiran over T-tension

Mayor holds meet for Milad un-Nabi

Guru Gobind Singh fest begins

Bring home stranded Telugus, demand MLAs. Politicians have been asking that the government bring home Telugus stuck in the Gulf.

Money’s on the mind for most this year. A lot more people are making resolutions about personal ﬁnances rather than health this year.

olice produced MIM MLA Akbaruddin before the Nirmal court today after the end of the ﬁve-day police custody. Akbar, facing a dozen hate-speech charges, has been in judicial custody for 14 days. During police interrogation, he reportedly said that the CD containing his purported speech was not his but a doctored one.

nion Minister of State for Tourism Chiranjeevi today met Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy at his camp ofﬁce. He is learnt to have discussed the building up of tempo on Telangana issue and the proposed meetings of AndhraRayala leaders here tomorrow. Tomorrow’s meeting has raised apprehension about law and order.

s part of preparations of Milad un-Nabi on January 25, Mayor Md Majid Hussain conducted a meeting. Apart from GHMC, ofﬁcials from other departments, including health, were present at the meeting held in the morning. The festival, observed as the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammed, is celebrated with much devotion in the City.

he 347th Prakas Utsav of Sri Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th and last Sikh guru and founder of Khalsa Panth, began today. It will conclude on Friday. Vishal Deewaan, a mass congregation, will be held from 10am to 4pm at the Central Gurudwara on Friday. Ragi Jathas are expected to hold recitations of the Gurubani Keerthanas.

city WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2013

POLITICS

City courts trouble tomorrow?

Pro- and anti-Telangana leaders have braced themselves for a fight tomorrow as Rayala-Andhra leaders meet to discuss T-issue. INKESHAF AHMED ahmed.m@postnoon.com

Cabinet minister Srinivasa Rao warned the Congress high command that he would resign from his post if Telangana was created.

s history going to repeat itself? It seems like it. One of the plans of Congress leaders opposed to the bifurcation of the State is to resort to the same strategy they adopted in December 2009 when the then Union Home Minister P Chidambaram officially announced the creation of a separate T-state. The MLAs from these two regions cutting across party lines tendered their resignations en masse and succeeded in forcing the Centre to retract its statement on creation of the separate state. Taking the heat to another level, a section of Congress leaders from Andhra region (ministers and MLAs) have already said that they will resign from their posts if the Centre went ahead with the decision of creating a separate Telangana state. “We will not allow the government to divide the State at any cost. We have been demanding that the UPA government keep the State united. If it went ahead with the decision of dividing the State, I will immediately resign from my MLA post,” Congress MLA Jogi

POLITICS

Ensure return of Telugus in Gulf: TRS

the movement of Seemandhra leaders. The minister already met Union Home Minister SK Shinde a few days ago and submitted a representation to him requesting the Centre not to divide the State. Lagdapati Rajagopal, MP, too has said he would quit politics if Telangana state was created.

PRO-T FORCES WARN Ramesh told Postnoon. A couple of days ago, erstwhile PRP leader and present State cabinet minister Srinivasa Rao made a similar statement and warned the Congress high command that he would resign from his post if the Telangana state was created. Rao expressed confidence that the Centre would not divide the State and keep it united. Another cabinet minister Dr S Sailajanath (pictured) is leading

On the other hand, Pro-Telangana organisations have warned Seemandhra leaders against holding their meeting in Hyderabad. “The Centre is inching towards creation of a separate Telangana state. At this juncture, if the Seemandhra leaders met, it would send out a wrong message to the union government. We will not allow the Seemandhra leaders to hold their meeting in Hyderabad,” OU Students JAC leader G Kishore Kumar said.

POLITICS

Naidu promises milk and honey

elugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu has pledged that he will address hundreds of problems faced by all sections in the State once his party returns to power. Naidu addressed several roadside meetings en route his ongoing Vastunna Meekosam padayatra in Mudigonda mandal on Tuesday as he walked through Kamalapuram, Ayyagaripalli, Vallabhi, and several other villages in Mudigonda mandal as part of his ongoing State-wide yatra. Addressing a meeting at Kamalapuram, Naidu lashed out at the Congress for allegedly ruining the State on all fronts and subjecting people to untold hardship due to its “corruption-ridden” regime. The TDP chief said former CM Dr YS Rajasekhar Reddy was responsible for weakening the Primary Health Centres during his stint at the helm of affairs. YSR derived publicity out of Arogyasri without rendering any benefit to the poor, he charged reiterating that his party was committed to implementing a health insurance scheme for the poor. The henchmen of the people at the helm of affairs misappropriated the Indiramma housing bills, Naidu alleged. Stating that the DSC Teachers Recruitment Tests will be conducted every year once his party takes over, he assured that he would give top priority to education and employment. “NTR Srujala Sravanthi scheme will be implemented to provide drinking water to every village to find a lasting solution to the drinking water woes of the people across the State, after returning to power,” he said. AGENCIES

NEEDS OF INDUSTRIES A Classified Display Feature

RS MLAs met Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy and urged him to take immediate steps to bring the people of Telangana jailed in the Gulf countries illegally, back to India. They also demanded that these people should be provided job security. Party MLAs Jupalli Krishna Rao and Pocharam Srinivas Reddy led a group of MLAs, who met the chief minister in the Secretariat on Tuesday and submitted a memorandum on the issue. They said they requested the government to provide interest free loans of `2 to 3 lakh to those with technical skills and ensure employment. They said about 47,000 people were jailed in the Gulf countries and particularly in Emirates as their visas had expired. Of these, they said, around 22,000 were from the Telangana region. These unfortunate people had gone to the Gulf countries for livelihood, borrowing lakhs of rupees and knew that they were cheated by agents after landing there. NSS

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city WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2013

RTI

RTI may be reduced to a skeleton The governor’s recent amendment to the RTI Act, removing the mandatory presence of a Public Information Officer for hearing, may lead to more pruning of RTI provisions, activists fear.

RAHUL RAMAKRISHNA rahul.r@postnoon.com

ollowing the governorauthorised amendment to the RTI Act of 2005, RTI activists from the City and other parts of the State have come together and decided to represent to the government seeking an explanation for the amendment. The amendment dispenses with the need for the PIO to be present in case of a hearing of an RTI. “An applicant takes all the trouble to get information on an urgent matter because it is not forthcoming through normal channels. Removing the mandatory presence of the PIO makes a mockery of the Act,” said an activist. However, their first bid fell through. Activists who formed the United Forum for RTI Campaign tried to meet the Chief Secretary Minnie Mathew but

failed to get an audience. According to D Rakesh Reddy, RTI activist from the city, “We planned on meeting the chief secretary and finding out as to why the amendment was actually made without prior information or representation. We will however, fax our letter to the chief secretary and wait for a reply and if that does not happen, we will take up intense agitations across the State and the City to drive home the point.” The letter being drafted will be sent to activists from all across the State who will then make representations with the chief secretary. According to Rakesh, if the letter does not fail to help, then activists will take up agitations with the district collectorate offices. “I still believe that it was an error and not a planned move as the government had been proposing to remove the appellate authority from the said rule and not the entire sub clause itself,” says

Rakesh. It has been learnt that the State information commissioner and other information commissioners too were stunned and taken aback by the government’s

CIVIC

Mayor to hold general body meeting next month

Md NIZAMUDDIN nizamuddin.a@postnoon.com

ven as the mayor is bent upon conducting the General Body Meeting in February, the Opposition is not ready to relent to its demand to conduct it in this month. In December, when the meeting was cancelled at the eleventh hour by the mayor, all the political parties including Congress reacted swiftly, while TDP and BJP held separate dharnas. Singireddy Srinivas Reddy, TDP floor leader gave notice to the GHMC commissioner to conduct the meeting, without specific date. Later, the party submitted a letter

demanding the meeting should be conducted on January 10. Despite this, when there was no response from the mayor and the commissioner, the TDP recently handed over a notice demanding the metting be conducted on January 23, signed by almost all the corporators. With the notice on the mayor’s table, who has decided to conduct the meeting in February, is not ready to give in to the opposition’s demands. “We must take into consideration everyone. Discussions are on to convince TDP leaders,” he says. According to the sources, Mayor Md Majid Hussain is trying his best to convince the Opposition, particularly the TDP leadership, that it would better if the GHMC conducts its General Body Meeting on February 6 or 7. But the TDP is not willing to listen. The seriousness of its notice can be pointed out by the fact that it involved most of its corporators for this. “I am not ready to take back the notice. It should be conducted on that date only,” maintains Singi Reddy. However, it appears that Congress party is also supporting the decision of the mayor. According to Deputy Mayor G Raj Kumar, the mayor had already discussed this with him. “It is most likely that the general body will be conducted in February. He has already discussed this with me,” he said.

decision. A senior RTI activist says, “Even Commissioner Jannat Hussain was not happy with the development and they convened a meeting on January 13 to discuss

this issue. I think they too are representing a memorandum seeking clarification.” Other RTI activists allege that it is but only the beginning of the State government’s silent suppression of the RTI Act. “The fact that this move was done in the dark and the chief secretary is playing hard to get is just the beginning. The State government is least bothered about RTI despite dozens of activists being killed or assaulted in the last two years. They are trying to subdue the Act so much so that the information commissioner will be left to do nothing,” says Raoji Brahmanand, a senior RTI activist from Guntur. Whether the chief secretary will take forward the appeal or whether the City and State will witness a full scale RTI activist dharna is yet to be seen. As usual, Commissioner Jannat Hussain was unavailable for comment.

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classifieds WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2013

OPHTHALMOLOGY

ACADEMY

Prez to inaugurate eye doctors’ meet Over 10,000 eye specialists, from both India and abroad, will come to the City to attend a four-day ophthalmology meet. POSTNOON NEWS feedback@postnoon.com

he 28th Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Congress (APAO), in conjunction with the 71st Annual Conference of All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS) is to be held in Hyderabad from January 17. AIOS is the largest association of eye surgeons in India and the second largest in the world, with over 15,000 members. The meet will throw light on the recent advances and latest developments in the field of ophthalmology and provide an opportunity for the participants to interact, discuss and exchange ideas with international ophthalmic experts, said Dr NS Reddy, senior vice presi-

CLASSIFIEDS HOME APPLIANCES

dent, APAO-AIOS 2013. A trade exhibition showcasing modern surgical equipments and instruments will also be held. Over 800 world-renowned guest speakers will address the congress, in which scientific activities will be organised in 20 halls, said Dr Manoj Mathur, addl. organising secretary of the event. The four-day congress from January 17-20 will be held at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) and HITEX, Madhapur. It is expected to be attended by nearly 10,000 national and international delegates.

President Pranab Mukherjee will inaugurate the event, said the APAO-AIOS president Dr Rajvardhan Azad, in a press release. Governor of Andhra Pradesh ESL Narasimhan and Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy will be the guests of honour, he added. Frank Martin, APAO president, Dennis Lam, secretarygeneral, APAO, Dr Clement Than, deputy secretary-general, APAO, among others, will attend the meet. Eye specialists from the City, Dr NS Reddy, Dr Gangadhar Reddy, Dr Pradeep Swarup, Dr Manoj Mathur and Dr Santosh Honavar are the chief local organisers for this event. The AP Opthalmological Society is the local coordinator for the event, which is happening in India after two decades, and for the first time in Hyderabad, said Dr Pradeep Swarup, vice president of the event. The event is coordinated by Alpcord Network Event & Conference Management Company Pvt. Ltd.

103 fire trainees pass out from City POSTNOON NEWS feedback@postnoon.com

ceremonial parade was held on January 15 on the occasion of the ‘Passing Out Parade’ of 103 trainees at the Fire Service Training Institute (FSTI), the training institution of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). Anil Kumar, inspector general, training sector, and director of national industrial academy, CISF was the chief guest. In his address, Kumar recounted the glorious past of CISF and highlighted the role played by CISF fire wing in the growth and development of the country. He stressed upon the contribution made by the fire wing in protecting lives and properties disasters, in areas such as fire and emergency services, disaster management, VIP Security, security of buildings, monuments and vital Installations, Delhi metro security and aviation Security. He told the trainees to uphold the constitution and perform their duties with sincerity, devotion and integrity. Kumar gave away trophies to the trainees who stood first in indoor, outdoor, firing and all-

QUICK FIX?

round best performance among the participants of the 23rd CT/Fire Basic course. He complimented the staff and trainees for the parade. During the training, trainees acquired skills in a wide array of subjects including industrial security, security of buildings, monuments and vital installations, CISF Acts and Rules, definition and classification of fire, chemistry of combustion, basic fire theorems, different types of extinguishing media and their application techniques, different types of fire fighting extinguishers, knowledge on fire fighting equipments (hose and hose fittings, ladder, hydrants) hazardous chemical management, rural fire risk , fixed fire fighting installations, explosives and blasting agents, electricity risk and safety, first aid, artificial respiration and practical firemanship.

MUSIC

A tribute to Bon Jovi POSTNOON NEWS feedback@postnoon.com

hannon Pereira, the youngest artist to be signed by Gibson USA in India, returns to the Hard Rock Cafe stage with his new band, Shannon & The Silent Riot, to pay tribute to Bon Jovi, on January 17. The band was

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‘Mana Biyam’ 1 kg rice scheme kick started at Lalitha Kala Thoranam, Nampally, today. This is the biggest sop from the N SHIVA KUMAR government to cushion the inflationary pressure on the underprivileged.

formed on August 13, 2012. Pereira will be on lead guitar, Michael Fernandes on bass, Partho Dasgupta on rhythm guitar, Joshua Vaz on the drums, with vocal by Prasad Salian. They are inspired by the works of Steve Vai, Michael Jackson, White Snakes, Deep Purple and The Beatles, to name a few.

Special

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2013

CORPORATE SCENE POSTNOON NEWS feedback@postnoon.com

inding a new job, reducing debt and spending, thereby building more investments and becoming more organised, are certain top goals executives at India Inc. are likely to set to achieve in 2013, reveals a just concluded survey by apex industry body Assocham. Over half of the corporate workforce is likely to make yearly pledges for the New Year, and interestingly, job and finance rule the list of resolutions this year, unlike the last, when health-related resolutions such as weight loss and quitting the habits of smoking or drinking, reigned on their priorities, highlights a month-long survey conducted by the Assocham Social Development Foundation (ASDF) between November and December, to gauge the plans and goals set by corporates as they look forward to usher in the New Year. “Making a resolution on New Year eve is a universal act reflecting upon the various changes people want to make in the forthcoming year,” said DS Rawat, secretary general of Assocham, while releasing the chamber survey. “The whole idea is to reduce stress and frustrations in life,

Job, finance to the fore in New Year resolutions

thereby focusing on improving relationships, health, career and other things,” said Rawat. “Considering that globally the economy has been in the doldrums for some time now, people are retooling their yearly pledges, thereby making more financial resolutions to fit the current times.” Assocham representatives interacted with about 750 people (almost equal number of males and females) including chairmen, chief executive officers (CEOs), directors and managing directors (MDs) of various organisations in the domains of pharma, banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI), auto, hospitality, fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), manufacturing, energy and infrastructure sectors in about 15 cities (50 in each city) –

With the global economy in the doldrums, more people have made career and finance related resolutions this year as compared to health related ones in the previous year.

Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Chennai, Dehradun, Delhi, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur and Pune. About 600 of the total 750 respondents, ie about 80 per cent of the respondents, together in all the cities, said they have plans to set New Year resolutions. About 110 of the rest said they are not going to make any resolutions as they have not been able to achieve the ones they had set previously, and the remaining said they are too busy with their lives and are content as they have nothing more to achieve. Interestingly, women are ahead of their counterparts in making different resolutions as women constituted about 55

per cent of those who acknowledged setting up of goals for the New Year. Of those who were likely to make a resolution, about 65 per cent, ie 390 of the 600, planned to make finance related resolutions for the New Year, which included reduced spending, paying off the dues, expanding the investment portfolio and building an emergency fund, owing to a slump in the job market. While about 60 of the remaining said they would like to make a shift in their career by pursuing higher studies or changing their job for better growth in the next year, about 150 of the remaining said they would be making health related New Year resolutions to become more physically fit, according to the Assocham survey. About 90 per cent of the respondents who had planned to make a resolution for 2013 said they make New Year resolutions each year. Majority of them said though they take yearly pledges, they don’t even see it through for a month. Just about two per cent of the respondents said they stick with all the resolutions they make each year. Compiled by PK Surendran

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2013

focus

THE NON-FRENCH GUNS

The force, authorised by the UN Security Council, has started to take shape, with Nigeria leading the intervention and providing around 600 soldiers. Burkina Faso, Niger, Senegal and Togo have all pledged about 500 troops.

MALI CONFLICT

France faces long, potentially tough, fight in Mali

DOMINIQUE CHABROL feedback@postnoon.com

rench forces intervening in Mali are facing a determined, experienced and well-armed foe and will not be able to quickly count on the backing of an organised African ground force, analysts said. France launched airstrikes on Friday to back the Malian army in an operation against Islamist rebels who had seized the north of the country and were threatening to advance on the capital Bamako. President Francois Hollande said the move was necessary to protect France's 6,000 citizens in the former colony and prevent Mali's vast desert north from becoming a haven from which extremists could strike at Europe. French troops were arriving in Mali, with newspaper Le Monde reporting that the initial deployment of 550 soldiers would be boosted to 2,500. France announced quick gains in eastern Mali in the offensive, driving the Islamists from key positions, but the rebels launched a counter-offensive and seized control of a town in the government-held south. Sources in the French presidency admitted to being surprised at how well-equipped,

armed and co-ordinated the rebels proved. "These are not novices, they have a good tactical sense, enjoy very strong mobility with 4x4s and have surface-to-air weapons systems," French defence expert Pascal Le Pautremat said. French Rafale fighter jets struck bases used by Al-Qaedalinked fighters in Gao and Kidal, two of the main towns in northern Mali, and rebel stockpiles of munitions and fuel near Kidal, a stronghold of rebel group Ansar Dine (Defenders of the Faith).

Sources in the French presidency admitted to being surprised at how well-equipped, armed and co-ordinated the rebels proved. "Rear bases and logistical points must be hit," Le Pautremat said. "But we can't believe that victory is a given by sticking to the destruction of military targets. It will be necessary to occupy the ground in the long run, so to deploy men and resources." Analysts said France's involvement could be over fairly quickly if the only objective is to stop the Islamists' advance into the south.

But if the goal is to completely retake control of the north, France could be looking at a "long-term operation" in Mali, said Bruno Tertrais of the Paris-based Foundation for Strategic Research. Tertrais said officials had already indicated that French forces could be in for the long haul. "When you say from the outset that it will last 'as long as it takes', that means you are ready for a long-term commitment if necessary," he said. France will be hoping to limit the involvement of its troops by putting the bulk of the on-the-ground burden on a planned west African intervention force. The force, authorised by the UN Security Council, has started to take shape, with Nigeria leading the intervention and providing around 600 soldiers. Burkina Faso, Niger, Senegal and Togo have all pledged about 500 troops. Benin and Ghana have also promised to contribute soldiers. Still, experts said that if the situation on the ground progresses rapidly, it may already be too late for an African force to play an effective role. "It will be difficult for these battalions to be operational before at least three months," said General Jean-Paul Thonier, who commanded the EU's Artemis mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2003. AFP

US takes cautious view of Mali conflict

he US has chosen to play a cautious supporting role to France's military action against Islamist fighters in Mali, after Washington's own attempt to build up the African nation's army backfired badly. While the Pentagon promised transport planes, refueling tanker aircraft and spy planes to back up France's intervention in Mali, officials made clear President Barack Obama was deeply reluctant to plunge America into a fresh war against insurgents. But the French military action also raised questions about a much-touted US policy that hopes to counter terror groups in Africa and elsewhere by bolstering foreign armies with advice from elite American special forces. The US administration had pinned its hopes on shaping a new generation of Malian officers, but some of the units ended up defecting to join insurgent fighters, with weapons and hardware falling into the hands of militants. And in March last year, an officer who had attended several training courses with the US military, Captain Amadou Sanago,

led a coup against the Malian government, prompting the US to suspend its security assistance. The outcome was an embarrassment for Washington, which had held up Mali as an promising model for counter-terrorism efforts in the region. "I was sorely disappointed that a military with whom we had a training relationship participated in the military overthrow of an elected government. I mean, there is no way to characterize that other than wholly unacceptable," said General Carter Ham, head of US Africa Command. After its disastrous experience with the Malian army, the Americans came away chastened and reluctant to back a major military intervention, experts and former officials said. Some inside the administration have been sympathetic to French calls for direct action, including the US Special Operations Command, which has favored targeting senior figures in the militant groups that have seized control in northern Mali, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and Ansar Dine, The New York Times reported. AFP

French soldiers from the 2nd RIMA (French Navy Infantry Regiment), arriving from France, prepare at the 101 military airbase near Bamako on January 14, before their deployment. AFP

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2013

Business

ESSAR OIL REBOUNDS WITH `32 CRORE PROFIT

Essar Oil declared a profit after tax of `32 crore for the third quarter of the current fiscal versus a loss of `362 crore in the same period last year. The company's gross revenues for the quarter at `25,909 crore, was up 86 per cent over that of the third quarter of 2011-12 at `13,897 crore.

AVIATION

Nightmare for Boeing as Japan grounds Dreamliners The Dreamliner has suffered more than a week of bad news that has prompted probes by regulators in Japan and the US, although Boeing insists the plane is safe. TOKYO: Japan’s two biggest airlines on Wednesday grounded all their Dreamliners in the most serious blow yet to Boeing’s troubled next-generation model after an ANA flight was forced into an emergency landing. The 787 Dreamliner has suffered more than a week of bad news that has prompted investigations by aviation regulators in Japan and the United States, although Boeing insists the plane is safe. All Nippon Airways said a battery problem triggered a cockpit error message that forced the

pilots to land the plane in southwestern Japan. Both ANA and its rival Japan Airlines —which together are among biggest customers for the Dreamliner —said they would ground their entire 787 fleets pending safety checks, according to multiple media reports. ANA has 17 Dreamliners in operation and JAL has seven. “We recognise it is a serious incident that could lead to a serious accident,” said Transport Minister Akihiro Ota said, according to national broadcaster NHK. Ota said he was launching an investigation and had dispatched aviation bureau officials. ANA said 129 passengers and eight crew were on board the flight, which was headed from Ube in the far west to Tokyo when it diverted midflight to an airport in Takamatsu, on Japan’s fourth largest island of Shikoku. Police reported several “slight injuries” such as scratches after those aboard evacuated the plane via emergency chutes at Takamatsu, as several airport fire trucks deployed on the ground. ANA would not confirm Japanese media reports that smoke was seen inside the cockpit, but one passenger was quoted by broadcaster NHK as

saying he “smelled something strange” after take-off and feared the plane was going to crash. Last week, there was a battery fire and smoke on an empty Dreamliner flight operated by JAL on the ground in the US city of Boston. JAL said the smoke

Considered a milestone in the aviation industry with its use of lightweight composite materials and electronics instead of aluminium and hydraulics, some 50 of the US aerospace giant’s 787s are in service worldwide. on that flight was traced to a fire from the battery used for the Dreamliner’s auxiliary power unit, located at the rear of the plane. Boeing said it was aware of the incident in Takamatsu. “We will be working with our customers and the appropriate regulatory agencies,” the company said in a statement. The high-profile incidents over the past week are the latest issues to dog the aircraft, after production glitches

delayed delivery of the first plane to ANA by three years to 2011. ANA and JAL have a combined 100-plus planes either already delivered or on order, in deals worth billions of dollars for Boeing. Problems bloomed last week with the fire on the JAL flight after it had landed in Boston from Tokyo. That incident was followed by a fuel leak on another JAL Dreamliner, also in Boston. A cracked cockpit window then forced the cancellation of a Dreamliner flight in Japan before a JAL-operated plane suffered a fuel spill on Sunday at Tokyo’s Narita Airport. On Friday US regulators announced an in-depth safety review of the 787, which was followed on Monday by the announcement of a probe in Japan. But Boeing insists that it has “complete confidence” in the plane. Boeing, which outsourced much of the production to Japanese and other contractors, says the plane’s impressive fuel efficiency represents a revolution in aircraft design. But questions about its safety, and the US and Japanese government reviews, have the potential to affect sales. Boeing has more than 800 Dreamliners on order. AFP

Dreamliner incidents JAN 16: Japan’s All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines grounded their entire Boeing Dreamliner fleets after a 787 made an emergency landing. JANUARY 14: Japan’s transport ministry says it has begun examining the Dreamliner that suffered two fuel leakages in less than a week. JANUARY 13: A Japan Airlines 787 suffers a fuel spill for the second time in a week. JANUARY 11: US regulators announce an in-depth safety review of the Dreamliner after a spate of incidents involving the aircraft. A crack in a cockpit windshield grounds an ANA Dreamliner after a domestic flight in Japan. An ANA Dreamliner, also on a domestic Japanese flight, experiences a delay due to an oil leak. JANUARY 9: ANA cancels a Dreamliner flight because of a brake problem. JANUARY 8: A Japan Airlines 787 flight to Tokyo is grounded in Boston following a fuel spill. JANUARY 7: A fire breaks out aboard an empty Japan Airlines 787 in Boston.

2012 DECEMBER 5: The US Federal Aviation Administration orders inspections of all Dreamliners in service worldwide following reports of fuel leaks. OCTOBER 4: General Electric recommends new inspections of its GEnx engines, used on some Boeing 747 and 787 aircraft, following the failure of an engine on a 747 operated by Air Bridge Cargo in Shanghai on September 11. SEPTEMBER 5: ANA aborts the take-off of a Dreamliner after what appears to be white smoke is seen billowing from the plane’s left engine, believed to be due to a glitch with the hydraulic system. JULY 31: US safety regulators announce an investigation into a GE engine failure on a Dreamliner during testing. JULY 28: A 787 suffers engine failure during testing in South Carolina. JULY 23: ANA says it is having five Dreamliner jets repaired for a defect in their Rolls-Royce engines. FEBRUARY 6: Boeing says it has discovered a manufacturing error that requires repairs in the fuselage section of some 787 Dreamliners.

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DOLLAR `54.76 POUND `87.95

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20,004.00 17.18

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2013

nation

`700-CRORE LAND-GRAB CASE AGAINST ASARAM BAPU

Self-styled godman Asaram Bapu has ran into fresh trouble with the Serious Fraud Investigating Office seeking his prosecution in a `700 crore land grab case in MP. The case pertains to 200 acres of land in Ratlam and the SFIO, which wants to prosecute Asaram and his son.

CROSS-BORDER RAID

BATTLE WITH THE BEAST

Khar slams ‘war-monger’ India Khar also said Pakistan is ‘deeply disappointed’ to hear statements from India that are ‘upping the ante’.

Bull tamers try to control a bull during the bull-taming sport called Jallikattu, in Palamedu on Tuesday. Jallikattu is an ancient heroic sporting event of the Tamils played during the harvest festival of Pongal.

PTI

After slowdown, India set to grow: World Bank WASHINGTON: After a sharp slowdown pushing down its projected growth to 5.4 percent in the fiscal year ending March 2013, the World Bank expects India to grow at 6.4 percent this year, rising to 7.3 percent by 2015. The slowdown in India, South Asia's largest economy, also weakened growth in the region to an estimated 5.4 per cent, said the World Bank's latest Global Economic Prospects.

The slowdown in India weakened growth in the region to an estimated 5.4 per cent in 2012. Regional GDP is projected to grow by 5.7 percent in the 2013 calendar year, and by 6.4 percent and 6.7 percent in 2014 and 2015, respectively, driven by policy reforms in India,

stronger investment activity, normal agricultural production, and improvement in export demand. However, growth in the region remains vulnerable to an uncertain external environment and country-specific factors, the report said suggesting a resumption of financial market tensions in the Euro Area or protracted debt uncertainty in the US would affect the South Asia region. IANS

NEW YORK: Pakistan Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar accused India of engaging in "war-mongering" in the aftermath of clashes and killing of two Indian soldiers at the Line of Control (LoC). Khar also said Pakistan is "deeply disappointed" to hear statements from India that are "upping the ante" and claimed her government is creating a "precedence" of not following war-mongering. India, Pakistan and the South Asian region cannot afford a conflict between the two countries and the doors of dialogue have to remain open, she said, adding her government wants the dialogue process to be "uninterrupted and uninterruptible." The Foreign Minister's comments came close on the heels of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's

stern warning to Pakistan that it cannot be "business as usual" between the neighbours after tension flared up at the LoC following the killing of two soldiers--one of whom was beheaded-by Pakistani troops. "What do we see today. We see three incidents across the LoC. We see war-mongering which puts the last 60 years actively back into our memory. Warmongering coming in from the other side of the border which is, I thought, the thing of yesteryears, thing that we had put behind us," Khar said at an event at the Asia Society here yesterday. "It is deeply disturbing to hear statements which are upping the ante where one politician is competing with the other to give a more hostile statement," she said. PTI

NEWS BRIEFS All-party delegation from Manipur to meet PM

Medical student tries to rob bank to fund book

Chautala, son and 53 others convicted by court

IMPHAL: An all-party delegation from Manipur, led by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, will meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing peace talks with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah. The delegation, comprising members of the state's parties barring Naga People's Front, would also meet Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde. "A delegation of representatives from 14 different political parties would meet the prime minister and home minister to discuss on the outcome of ongoing peace talks between NSCN-IM and the centre," Deputy CM G Gaikhangam said. Rights group United Committee of Manipur had earlier threatened to launch a mass campaign in case the state and central governments acted in a manner that adversely affected the state's people.

PANAJI: "I wanted to rob a bank to raise money to publish a book," a medical student, who was caught robbing a bank at knife-point a few days ago, told a trial court here. The student Mayur Gupta, who belongs to Agra, was granted bail Tuesday. Mayur, a third year MBBS student at the state governmentrun Medical College and hospital, was caught Saturday, after his failed attempt to rob a nationalised bank in Bambolim, on the outskirts of the capital. In his statement to the trial court here, Mayur has said he was "forced to resort" to rob a bank to fund a book he was going to publish. He, however, gave no clear details about the book he was aiming to send to the publishers. Wearing a helmet, the audacious Gupta had tried to rob a woman at knife point. But when her colleagues attacked him, he ﬂed.

NEW DELHI: Former Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala, his MLAson Ajay Chautala and 53 others were today convicted by a Delhi court for the illegal recruitment of over 3000 junior basic trained (JBT) teachers in the state. After the court pronounced its judgement, all the convicts were taken into judicial custody. The court has ﬁxed January 22 for pronouncing the quantum of sentence. Special CBI Judge Vinod Kumar held Chautala, his son and others guilty of offences under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA). Apart from the Chautalas, Sanjiv Kumar, the then Director of Primary Education, Chautala's former Ofﬁcer on Special Duty Vidya Dhar and Sher Singh Badshami, political advisor to the then Haryana CM were convicted by the court in the case.

PICK YOUR

Across Stores

ities Twin C

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2013

‘STEP UP TO SAVE STEPPE ANTELOPE SAIGA’

World

Though the brunt of the conservation effort in Russia is focused on tigers and leopards, it is the steppe antelope saiga that qualifies for the country's most endangered big animal, a UN official said.

AFRICA

Mission Mali hots up

KELLY’S WISH GRANTED

Malian and French troops in armoured vehicles were headed to Diabaly with Nigerian troops expected to arrive on Wednesday. SERGE DANIEL Agence France-Presse BAMAKO: French soldiers drove out for their first ground offensive against Islamic insurgents in Mali, with Nigerian troops for the multinational African intervention force expected to arrive Wednesday. Witnesses said hundreds of Malian and French troops in armoured vehicles were headed to Diabaly, a town 400 kilometres (250 miles) north of the capital that was seized by the rebels on Monday. Another convoy was seen leaving Bamako in a northerly direction. A security source announced plans to "take back Diabaly with the French". French fighter jets have launched strikes on Diabaly, but a regional security source said the insurgents were still there. France's deployment of ground forces came as defence sources said the country would triple its force in Mali to 2,500. Speaking in Dubai, President Francois Hollande said French troops were not in Mali for good but would stay until security had been restored and the "terrorists" eliminated. West African army chiefs meanwhile met in Bamako to plan the roll-out of the UN-mandated, 3,300-strong regional intervention force in the former French colony.

The art of war n n n

n n n n

Some 800 French troops in Mali, 900 troops involved elsewhere in Africa French Mirage and Rafale jets, Gazelle helicopters Nigeria to send 900 troops; Senegal, Burkina Faso, Niger and Togo expected to send 500 each, and Benin 300 Ghana, Guinea and Chad also to send troops UK providing two C17 cargo planes for French effort Belgium and Denmark also sending transport planes US to provide communications help

Islamists have claimed that they have made a tactical withdrawal from these area following French air strikes.

The MalianFrench troops are headed to this town which the Islamists had captured on Monday.

Gao Konna Douentza

Diabaly

This is the capital city where the French troops have been stationed.

One participant told AFP their talks would resume Wednesday. Nigeria, which is leading the regional force, said its total commitment would be 900 troops: 300 more than previously announced. A first contingent would have been deployed by Wednesday, said Nigerian defence spokesman Colonel Mohammed Yerima. Benin, Ghana, Niger, Senegal, Burkina Faso and Togo have also pledged

Reports were that Konna had been retaken, but the French have denied it.

troops. French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian conceded that the Malian forces around Diabaly were struggling. But he added: "Our presence has strengthened them." Le Drian also confirmed reports that the insurgents were still present in the central town of Konna, despite claims from Malian officers late Saturday that they had recaptured it.

NEWS BRIEFS US warns N Korea against nuke test

Australia: N Korea for reopening embassy

Campus blasts kill 82 in Syria's Aleppo

Taiwan births hit 9-year high in Year of Dragon

SEOUL: The top US diplomat for

SYDNEY: North Korea is seeking

DAMASCUS: Twin blasts ripped

TAIPEI: Taiwan said Wednesday

East Asian affairs warned North Korea on Wednesday against any "provocative" act, as concerns grow that Pyongyang might be preparing a nuclear test. "We are very clear in our position that provocative steps are to be discouraged," Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell told reporters in Seoul.

to reopen its embassy in Australia, Foreign Minister Bob Carr said, adding he would welcome the move because it could focus attention on "catastrophic" rights abuses. The approach from Pyongyang, which closed its Canberra mission in 2008, is part of Kim Jong-Un’s "radical turnabout" over economy.

through university buildings in Syria's second city Aleppo on Tuesday killing at least 82 people and wounding scores more, on the ﬁrst day of exams for students. Regime forces and rebels blamed each other for the carnage, in a government-controlled area of the battleground northern city.

that the number of newborns reached a nine-year high of 234,599 last year during the auspicious Year of the Dragon. The government had forecast 230,000 births for 2012 but a series of childcare incentives helped boost the island's birth rate, which has been among one of the world's lowest.

Legendary Australian outlaw Ned Kelly will ﬁnally be laid to rest beside his mother in line with his ﬁnal wishes at a plot not far from the site of his last stand, reports said Wednesday. Descendants of the infamous bushranger, who was hanged at Old Melbourne Gaol in 1880 after he murdered three policemen, said they would lay Kelly to rest beside his mother Ellen in a private burial on Sunday.

NUMEROLOGY

2,500

is the number to which France says it will raise its troop numbers in Mali, where they are helping Mali oust Islamist insurgents.

CHINESE RIPPER South Korea's top court on Wednesday rejected arguments for reinstating the death sentence imposed on a Chinese national convicted of a gruesome murder that shocked the country. Wu Yuanchun, an ethnic Korean, was originally sentenced to death for the rape, murder and dismemberment of a 28year-old woman in the southern city of Suwon in April, 2012. Wu, a migrant worker, spent six hours cutting the body into 365 pieces and individually wrapping each one in plastic. In June, a district court sentenced Wu to death.

Are the president's kids more important than yours? An NRA narrator asks in a 35-second video released on its website. The National Riﬂe Association slammed the duplicity of ‘protection for their kids, and gun-free zones for ours’ and calling him an ‘elitist hypocrite’.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2013

Technology GATHERING STORM?

THAT’S NOT GOOD... Apple slashes iPhone 5 component orders after demand for iPhones falls below company’s expectations

pple has reportedly slimmed down orders for iPhone components amidst sluggish demand, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. Citing “people familiar with the situation,” the Journal said that orders for iPhone 5 screens have been halved, while the the orders for other parts were also reduced. The Journal pointed to increased competition from Samsung and other Android device manufacturers as Samsung emerged as the biggest phone maker of 2012, surpassing Nokia for the first time in more than 14 years. The sharp decline in the demand for iPhone screen could have something to do with lacklusture demand for the new iPod Touch, that is priced higher than previous generations. The new Touch has the same screen size and the hike in its price had put off a lot of people from buying the device. Apple cut orders from Asia-based LCD panel suppliers Sharp, LG Display, and Japan Display, according to the paper. The report found that Apple planned to order 65 million units, but according to its sources that figure has now been cut in half due to weaker than expected demand. In addition to the panel orders, the report also claimed that orders for other iPhone 5 components from Japan’s Seiko Epson, Murata Manufacturing, and TDK have also been reduced. One iPhone parts manufacturer is quoted as saying, “Since this month, iPhone-related orders have shrunken by half.” iPhone is currently the second most sold smartphone globally, just behind devices by Samsung. The

company’s iOS platform also came in second on the smartphone front, capturing 35 per cent of the market. Meanwhile, sales of Samsung’s Galaxy S series have reached 100 million in under three years — faster than Apple’s iPhone, which took nearly four years. Apple’s share price has tumbled by a quarter since September when iPhone 5 debuted. In contrast, Samsung’s shares powered to a new record last week.

GLASSY MOVE GOOGLE Google today invited the people who signed up for the $1,500 developer edition of its Project Glass wearable computing device to a set of developer events in San Francisco and New York City. The company didn’t give a terrific amount of notice; the events are at the end of January and beginning of February, respectively. But developers will “have a device to use while on-site,” which is the real attraction. The company said each Glass Foundry event will include “two days of full-on hacking” for people who have already signed up for the Glass Explorer Edition. There’s still no release date for that device, nor a later product for the general public.

ACER LAUNCHES TABLET

iPhone 5

n sold out 20 times faster than the 4 and 4S models n 2 million orders in first 24 hours n first device from Apple with a 4-inch screen Apple has dominated the smartphone market with iPhone since its launch in 2007, but Samsung has caught up in recent years, following the launch of the Galaxy S series in May 2010. Last year, the latest model, the Galaxy S III, helped the South Korean firm to leapfrog its US rival to become the world’s top-selling smartphone manufacturer. After the news of Apple slashing component orders hit the web, its stock slipped below $500 for the first time in 11 months.

Acer has launched its 7-inch Iconia B1 tablet in India that runs on Android Jelly Bean. The device is powered by a dual core 1.2 Ghz processor and weighs 320 grams. It has a screen resolution of 1024x600 and 8GB of internal storage. This can be expanded further up to 32GB with an SD card. It also has a front facing camera for video calls, but none at the back. The tablet has WiFi and GPS antennas, but lacks 3G support. It is priced at `7,999 and will be available in the market very soon.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2013

Comment I know where I’m going and I know the truth, and I don’t have to be what you want me to be. I’m free to be what I want.

WHO WILL BENEFIT?

NASIR JAFFRY Agence France-Presse

ears roll down Mohammad Zubair’s cheeks as he speaks about the misery of being jobless in Pakistan, cursing the ruling elite and pinning his hopes for a better future on a populist cleric. “I have travelled to Islamabad from a far-flung village, with empty pockets in the hope that the bad days are over,” Zubair told AFP, shivering without warm winter clothing in the capital, set in the foothills of the Himalayas. An estimated 25,000 to 50,000 people have poured into Islamabad from across the country, devoted followers of moderate preacher Tahir-ul Qadri who is calling for the government to step down and radical reforms. It is the largest protest in the capital since the Pakistan People’s Party won elections in 2008, ending a decade of military rule and forming what in March will be the country’s first civilian government to complete a term in office. But the protesters see that as no achievement. In the last five years the economy has flagged, the energy crisis has deteriorated, a Taliban-led insurgency has killed thousands and sectarian violence has worsened. Coming from all walks of life, but mostly the disenfranchised, they bat aside conspiracy theories that Qadri is a pawn of the military to wrest back power and believe wholeheartedly that the government is to blame for the problems. “I see a ray of hope in Qadri... he can wipe my tears and put balm on the nation’s wounds,” said Zubair, sipping a hot cup of tea, given to him by one of his fellow protestors. Like millions in Pakistan’s emerging middle class, he graduated from college but has struggled to find a job.

ONLY GENERALS GAIN FROM INDO-PAK WAR FUSILLADE

Muhammad Ali Boxing great

‘Pak’ing a punch for change

HIGH-FLYING THOUGHTS

Disgraced cyclist has talked openly over his use of performance-enhancing drugs, according to Oprah Winfrey. How does that make him clean? What’s the point of it now? This comes too late; and that your miraculous story won’t keep you in good stead.

Arun Koshy Philip

here is much tension in the air since the Pakistani cross-border raid at the Line of Control (LoC) killed two Indian soldiers. Media is full of emotionally-charged statements. A bunch of news anchors have literally declared war on Pakistan and calls from the likes of Sushma Swaraj to bring “10 Pakistani heads” only add to the existing tensions. Calls by a section of media for surgical strikes and war make it sound like a cakewalk. Pakistan military is no pushover and is competent enough to give us a bloody nose if any hastilyplanned cross-border adventure is initiated. Their forces are wellentrenched and are trained to stave off attacks from its eastern neighbour. American military aid in return for support role in the ‘war on terror’ has added some lethal firepower to Pakistan’s forces — not to mention the massive supply of military hardware it keeps receiving from China. There is no doubt that Indian armed forces enjoy numerical superiority and possess better equipment.

However, there is no guarantee of keeping the battles theatrespecific and short of the threshold that would provoke use of nuclear weapons. More than anyone else (even more that news anchors who deliver what ‘THE NATION WANTS TO KNOW’ at top decibel) it is the generals of India and Pakistan who desperately need a war. The image of Pakistan’s military has taken a serious beating in the last few years. An American SEAL team sneaked into their territory and bumped of Osama bin Laden and waltzed out before GHQ bosses in Rawalpindi could bat an eyelid. CIA drones operate in Pakistani airspace with impunity. Death of civilians when drone strikes go wrong has created a strong public resentment against the government and the ‘incompetent’ military. Several incidents of military bases being targeted with ease by militants have caused the security establishment to lose their face. The military is also losing hundreds of soldiers in battles with Islamic militants — a situation into which it was arm-twisted by Uncle Sam. They are desperate for a diversion; something that would repose the faith of public in them as defenders of Pakistan; and nothing like a war to get this done.

Their Indian counterparts are much better off in terms of internal security. However, the uniform has lost much sheen after the Kargil conflict — thanks to scams involving highranking officials. From corruption in supply of rations to illegal sale of military land, a series of scams have seen generals being indicted and cashiered. The birth certificate controversy involving the previous army chief saw some serious lows in civilian-military relations. General VK Singh’s outbursts about the shabby state of India’s military preparedness, quality of ammunition (and lack of it) and offer of bribes have caused the military’s image to hit a nadir. Therefore, the tough talk and pressure for cross-border strikes are only natural.

The LoC ceasefire that has been in place from 2003 has survived relatively unscathed despite several attempts by hawks among state and nonstate actors on both sides of the border. This has helped us divert resources for development and allowed us to stand tall when the rest of the world faced recession. It also allowed security forces to deploy more effectively and combat militancy in disturbed areas. A war would change all of this. The sanctity of our borders must be safeguarded through appropriate mechanisms at each level. A local incident should not be allowed to hijack our national agenda and push the countries into a war that they can’t afford to fight.

EDITORIALS Man up, O leader: own up!

hat are the desired qualities in a leader? There are many, but the one thing anyone would like in their leader is honesty. He would not back away from owning up his actions and words, no matter if the consequence of these be death. Naturally, it shows a lot about the man or woman, of the stuff they are made and strength, both theirs and of their convictions. There passed several such before us, but as time has passed, that trait seems to be diminishing. There is amongst us a leader who seems to lack that in full. He showed he can whip up the fervour of division based on religion, trying to crush that feeling of oneness that is one of the prime pillars upon which this nation was envisaged, though which over the years has

READERS’ VIEWS

taken a severe beating and looks very shaky, and the recent rant of our leader seems to have helped in shaking it further. His claims were very tall and insulting to this nation that comprises not just him and his ilk, but many an Indian from a different religion, caste and economic background. The voices in response from the hundreds he addressed to the poison he spewed were of faith and belief, but now he claims the image of the man in the incriminating video is his, but the voice isn’t. Now to those hundreds who were there and to the thousands who were not, what has he to say? That he did not mean them? That he got carried away? The least you can do is man up and own up if you want to show that face when election time comes.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2013

Cinema

SINGING AND ACTING

Lady Gaga is reportedly taking acting lessons in the hope of making the transition from singer to actress. The 26-year-old reportedly wants to follow in the footsteps of fellow musicians Justin Timberlake and Rihanna who have successfully made the transition to the silver screen.

HE’S GOT WHAT IT TAKES

Driving Mr Gosling DRIVE

No lead actor has said so little but made such an impact as Ryan Gosling did in Drive. The 2011 film had Gosling play a mechanic who moonlights as a getaway car driver, whose life is turned upside down when he gets involved with his neighbour, Irene (Carey Mulligan). Critics and viewers cried foul when the movie and Gosling were overlooked for the Oscars and other awards, and it is still considered among the best films in the actor's oeuvre.

HALF NELSON

You might think this is just another movie about a white teacher who changes the lives of his black and Hispanic students, but Gosling's character has problems of his own. While his students love him, his personal life is in shambles, and he's battling a drug habit that he refuses to get treatment for. One of his troubled students, Drey (Shareeka Epps) finds him completely stoned one day, and an unusual friendship begins. Gosling was nominated for an Oscar for his role, the first Canadian actor to be nominated in over 50 years.

Ryan Gosling might have all the girls drooling over him in Gangster Squad, but the hot Canadian is so much more than just eye candy. Postnoon lists some of the best movies of everyone's favourite brooding hero.

THE IDES OF MARCH

Starring as a campaign manager in this political thriller, Gosling ably held his own against veterans like George Clooney and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Gosling shows off his acting chops as Stephen Meyers, the idealistic campaign manager whose professional life gets increasingly more complicated as he questions the ethics of his boss, is offered a job with the opponent and falls for a young campaign intern. Leonardo DiCaprio was first considered for the job, but opted out, paving the way for Gosling to step in. The young actor went on to get a Golden Globe nomination for best actor for his role.

CRAZY, STUPID, LOVE.

Only one of the several intersecting stories in Crazy, Stupid, Love, Gosling still managed to grab eyeballs in his role as the smoothtalking yet vulnerable playboy, Jacob Palmer. He picked up yet another Golden Globe nomination for best actor for his role. Probably his hottest role ever, most remember Gosling for his Dirty Dancing move when he's trying to impress Hannah (Emma Stone). The actor provides the perfect counterfoil to Cal Weaver (Steve Carrell), who is a cuckolded, sloppy middle-aged man, and the story is as much about their friendship as it is about the various love stories.

SCREEN POOPERS

Many films, one role

BLUE VALENTINE

Blue Valentine cemented Gosling's reputation as a fine romantic actor. The 2010 movie starred Gosling and Michelle Williams as a young couple and charts their relationship over the years. The troubled couple struggle with unpaid bills, a young child and domestic quarrels while trying to stay together. A lot of the dialogues were improvised on the request of the director, giving a touch of realism to their fights. With a Golden Globe nomination for Gosling and an Oscar nod for Williams, the movie was critically and commercially successful.

When Anushka Sharma ﬁrst played the bubbly, conﬁdent girl in Band Baaja Baraat, it clicked. That does not mean we don’t want to see her do any other role. The thin line between “extremely energetic” and “over action” was crossed in Jab Tak Hai Jaan. So please, we really need a break from the “I am over enthusiastic and all over the place” image. Hope to see some good acting after the same old same old in Matru...

Thou shall not wither! While we wish to see Anushka Sharma do different roles, we want Vishal Bhardwaj to stick to what he does best — Shakespeare adaptations. His last ﬁlm Saat Khoon Maaf didn't click at the Box Ofﬁce and with his latest matru... receiving mixed reviews by the janta, one can only hope he isn't going the RGV way. Fingers crossed!

TRENDING...

Ben Afﬂeck, whose thriller movie Argo clinched two top honours at the 70th Golden Globe awards, thanked his wife Jennifer Garner for her constant support. "I want to thank my wife who is the reason why I'm standing here," Afﬂeck said on stage, reports dailymail.co.uk. "I adore you. I love you so much. Thanks for sitting through this. You are my everything," he added.

The Delhi High Court on Monday declined to hear filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt's plea to quash a notification that all films will have to screen a mandatory "health message" in the beginning and middle of the films showing use of tobacco products.The notification also involves the requirement of strong editorial justification for any film displaying tobacco.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2013

spotlight

LATE-NIGHT REVELRY

The place to be for the party peeps on a Wednesday night is 10 Downing Street. So, head to the pub for a night of dancing and fun.

BLING ALERT 5

1 Khushboo 2 Jhrana 3 Richa 4 Sarika, Monika 5 Varshita, Sanjay 6 Ankit, Payal 7 Rina, Hareesh 8 Kshitij, Kalpa 9 Kamalesh with his wife 10 Pinky, Jinal 11 Prisha

A BIG BASH

The sangeet ceremony of Varshita and Sanjay organised at Marigold Hotel was a gala affair. Friends and relatives made a beeline to the hotel to partake in the festivities. 6

DIVAS ON DISPLAY

The inauguration of Diva Divine DeiďŹ ed, exhibition of ceramic and terracotta sculptures by Jayaprakash, was organised at Iconart Gallery with much fanfare.

STARRY PRESENCE

Tollywood star Mahesh Babu launched the Idea's new 3G initiative at Taj Krishna on Tuesday.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2013

health

RED WINE WARDS OFF CHOLESTEROL Drinking red wine can ward-off cholesterol build-up resulting from eating red meat, say scientists. Harmful compounds from red meat form in the bloodstream, creating "bad" cholesterol that heightens cardiac risks. Researchers showed that anti-oxidants in the wine known as polyphenols prevented these compounds from being absorbed into the bloodstream.

SUPER FOODS

The doctor ordered: A dose of ‘super foods’ Many ailments suffered by professionals such as neck pain and exhaustion can simply be cured with the right nutrition. A Bangalorebased clinic helps youngsters change lives… one vitamin at a time! ARUNIMA RAJAN

arunima.r@postnoon.com

“L

et food be thy medicine and let medicine be thy food,” said Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine. Yet, eating healthy today with our fast-paced lifestyles is becoming an increasingly difficult task. When most office-goers survive on convenience food like instant noodles and fast foods, eating multiple portions of vegetables is often not possible for many. Lack of nutrition coupled with high stress is a recipe for disaster. This is why nutrition therapists have been gaining significance in turning around the lives of

young professionals. Experts at Qua Nutrition Clinic, a Bangalore based startup, believe that most of our health problems are due to the food we eat and can be corrected by simply changing our eating habits. The nutrition therapists here look to transform fast food lovers into health food connoisseurs. They also guide youngsters who have a history of diabetes and cholesterol in their family and teach them how to eat right. This is done by offering tailor-made nutrition programmes based on the lifestyle and requirements of the clients. Rashmi Cherian, one of the qualified dieticians at the clinic, believes that investing in nutrition is an investment for a lifetime and claims that many people have benefited from the clin-

ANEWS PP-LYBRIEFS YOURSELF

Tips for eating healthy n n

n n n

Snack on fruits and nuts Avoid tea and coffee along with breakfast. Leave a gap of 30 minutes. Tea or coffee will inhibit absorption of nutrients Include a fruit rich in vitamin C in your diet every day Drink plenty of water Include calcium rich food like milk and yogurt in your diet

ic’s diet plans. “We conduct a series of tests like blood sugar, vitamin, kidney function and then create an elaborate nutritional chart,” she says. The clinic also follows up with their customers and tweaks their diet charts based on the feedback. At Qua Nutrition Clinic,

HOUSECALL

clients can choose from a series of packages designed specifically for weight gain, weight loss, weddings, pregnancy, children and even for acne. “Majority of the people who come to our clinic suffer from vitamin B12 and vitamin D deficiency. Many of their problems like neck pain and exhaustion drastically reduce by simply giving them vitamin supplements,” says Rashmi. So, while a couple of IIM graduates started the clinic in 2011, today Qua Nutrition Clinic boasts of clients including Kannada film stars like Puneet Rajkumar and Ramya as well as noted sports personalities. The clinic also has corporate tie-ups with companies like Goldman Sachs and provides consultations to their employees. Anandini Swaminathan reveals

DID YOU KNOW?

that one of her clients lost 10 kgs in just over two months. Anupreet Kaur, 24, another dietician the clinic says the increased awareness about what to eat is a revolutionary trend. “Compared to few years ago, youngsters today are taking nutrition much more seriously. Portion sizes and the amount of nutrients in a dish have become much more important for people,” says Anupreet. She also recalls that including ‘super food’ like beetroot in the diet of a 10-year-old athlete improved the performance of the young sports star. Some of the common diet mistakes committed by people, according to dieticians, are giving long gaps between meals, taking big portion sizes and being ignorant about pre and post workout nutrition.

PIONEERS

Fitness Library

Ménière's disease

Body cleans up fast

Barry J Marshall

Fitness library is a collection of a number of exercises for almost every part of the human body. The exercises in Fitness Library are categorised according to the parts of body and also according to the equipments required for exercises. A number of exercises are given in the Fitness Library and user can also download a lot from the server.

Ménière's disease is a disorder of the inner ear that can affect hearing and balance to a varying degree. It is characterised by episodes of vertigo, lowpitched tinnitus, and hearing loss. The hearing loss is ﬂuctuating rather than permanent, meaning that it comes and goes, alternating between ears for some time, then becomes permanent with no return to normal function. It is named after a French physician.

When you quit a bad habit, your body’s cleaning/repair crew moves in within minutes. We’ve all heard the beneﬁts of stopping smoking–what happens at one minute, one hour, one day, etc. We can all give thanks that there’s no delayed gratiﬁcation when it comes to your body’s repair-work. All the more reason to give quitting a try.

Australian physician Barry J Marshall studied a spiral-shaped bacteria found in the stomach lining of patients with ulcers. Along with fellow scientist J Robin Warren, he discovered that this bacteria, Helicobacter pylori, was responsible for ulcers and gastritis, so they could be successfully treated with antibiotics. Marshall and Warren won a Nobel Prize in 2005 for this research.

health WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2013

STUDY

BREAKTHROUGH

FAST FOOD

linked to child asthma: Study

Researchers asked half a million teenagers aged 13-14 and children aged six and seven about their eating habits and whether they had experienced wheezing, eczema or an itchy, blocked nose.

PARIS: Children who frequently eat fast food are far likelier to have severe asthma compared to counterparts who tuck into fruit, a large international study published on Monday said. Researchers asked nearly half a million teenagers aged 1314 and children aged six and seven about their eating habits and whether in the previous year they had experienced wheezing, eczema or an itchy, blocked nose when they did not have cold or flu. The questionnaires were distributed in scores of countries. It marks the latest phase in a long-running collaborative pro-

Three or more weekly servings of fast food were associated with a 39-per cent increase in the risk of severe asthma among teens. gramme, the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC), which was launched in 1991. The investigators filtered out factors that could skew results, such as maternal smoking during pregnancy, sedentary

lifestyle and body-mass index, in order to focus purely on diet. They found that fast food was the only food type that could be clearly linked to asthma severity. Three or more weekly servings of fast food were associated with a 39-per cent increase in the risk of severe asthma among teens and a 27-per cent increase among younger children. It also added to the risk of eczema and severe rhinitis. In contrast, eating three or more weekly portions of fruit led to a reduction in symptom severity of between 11 and 14 per cent, respectively.

The study, which appears in the British Medical Association journal Thorax, noted that to prove an association is not to prove a cause â&#x20AC;&#x201D; but argued that a further inquiry was clearly needed. "If the associations (are) causal, then the findings have major public health significance, owing to the rising consumption of fast foods globally," the authors said. Previous research has found that the saturated and "trans" fatty acids trigger an inflammatory response from the immune system, the paper noted. AFP

Milkshake that helps fight Alzheimer's

LONDON: A milkshake said to contain "memory boosting" nutrients that reduce symptoms of early Alzheimer's went on sale in Britain Monday. The drink contains nutrients like those found in breast milk, the Daily Mail reported. The milkshake came after a decade of research into a formula said to improve the brain function of people in the early stages of the disease. Taken 125 ml once a day, the drink "Souvenaid" has ingredients that work together to boost brain cells important for memory. It contains omega 3 fatty acids, the nutrient found in fish which is known to be good for the brain. It also contains two other compounds normally present in blood â&#x20AC;&#x201D; uridine, produced by liver and kidneys and found in breast milk, and choline found in meat, nuts and eggs â&#x20AC;&#x201D; along with B vitamins. Studies carried out by researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology suggest it helps improve memory performance after six months in people with mild Alzheimer's who are not taking drugs. IANS

RESEARCH

Nursing slashes ovarian cancer risk LONDON: Breastfeeding wallops ovarian cancer into submission, slashing the mother's risk of the disease by nearly two-thirds, says a finding. Ovarian cancer is known as the 'silent killer' because symptoms for many sufferers, such as feeling bloated, are non-specific and remains undiagnosed until the fairly advanced stages.

Australian researchers conducted a study involving 493 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer and compared them with 472 healthy volunteers of similar age. Each was asked how many children they had and for how long they breastfed each one, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reports. The results showed those who breastfed a child for at least 13

months were 63 per cent less likely to develop a tumour than those who did so for less than seven months. Mothers who had three children and breastfed for a total of 31 months or more were found to cut their chances of ovarian tumours by 91 per cent. This was compared to those feeding naturally for a total of under 10 months.

More than 6,000 patients in the UK are diagnosed with ovarian cancer annually, and the illness accounts for about five per cent of cancer deaths in women. Breastfeeding is thought to help as it delays ovulation, when eggs are released and the ovaries are exposed to high levels of oestrogen-rich fluid. IANS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2013

Entertainment BAAHUBALI BUZZ

CINE BYTES

SS Rajamouli, Prabhas’ film titled

BAAHUBALI?

Trisha is on a high

risha has begun her year with a big bang. Her recent Tamil film Samar was one of the most talked about Tamil films last week and the actress is elated with the good response the film has been getting. She’s currently shooting for Jayam Ravi’s Boologam and she’ll join the sets of MS Raju’s RUM later this year.

Adah Sharma signs Nara Rohit’s film

dah Sharma is all set to make her Tollywood debut. She has been signed to play one of the lead roles in Nara Rohit’s upcoming ﬁlm Lover. Being directed by Karthikeya, the ﬁlm also stars Monal Gajjar and is being shot in Ramoji Film City. Adah Sharma had earlier acted in Vikram Bhatt’s 1920.

Ongole Githa’s audio launch today

he audio of Ram, Kriti Kharbanda starrer Ongole Githa is going to be launched later today in Annapurna Seven Acres Studios in Hyderabad. A song is being canned in the same location on the lead pair. Bhaskar is directing the ﬁlm and BVSN Prasad is producing it. The entire ﬁlm’s shooting will be wrapped up later this week. GV Prakash has scored the music.

S Rajamouli’s upcoming film, starring Prabhas, has already become a hot topic in the industry. Baahubali is the film’s working title and the buzz in the industry is that Anushka and Rana Daggubati

have been cast in lead roles in this action adventure. Shobu Yarlagadda and Prasad are producing the film under the Arka Media Works banner. Since the film is going to be made on an epic scale in Telugu, Tamil and Hindi,

Rajamouli has decided to cast scores of new actors to bring in authenticity. In a televised promo, he said, “We are looking forward to cast several new actors who have a passion for acting. There’s no bar on who can audition, but if you

are tall, have a great body and can speak Telugu or Tamil or Hindi, it’ll be an added advantage. Although Baahubali is not a historical film, it’ll be a big budget action adventure.” MM Keeravani is going to score the music.

Entertainment WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2013

‘STAGES’ OF ACTING

CINE BYTES

People disrespected theatre in Mumbai:

Pankaj Kapur

No dialogues for Milind in David

ejoy Nambiar’s forthcoming film David will see modelactor Milind Soman playing a devout Muslim. But there’s something unusual about his role - he doesn’t have a single dialogue. “Milind will only be seen praying throughout the film. His character in the film requires him to do so,” said a source. David was simultaneously shot in Hindi and Telugu. It also features actors Neil Nitin Mukesh and Isha Sharvani and southern star Vikram. IANS

eteran actor Pankaj Kapur says he tried to establish theatre in Mumbai, but stopped his attempt after seeing that people hardly came forward to be a part of it. He says they ran after TV instead. Before heading to Mumbai years back, the 58-year-old pursued theatre in the capital. “When I was doing theatre in Mumbai, actors won’t come because they had television. For many years, I did theatre religiously and in Mumbai, I saw people disrespecting it and it hurt me very badly,” Pankaj said. “I decided I will not do it until another opportunity comes my way and people respect this art called theatre,” added the actor, who has even had a successful TV career with shows like Karamchand, Zabaan Sambhalke and Office Office. The actor is now more into films, and has even turned director. But when asked to give some tips to aspiring theatre artists, he said: “Every actor must go through the process of learning and not just be in a hurry to become famous. They should learn to live in small amounts and not to try and copy others. If you continue working hard and be honest towards your work, then success will come. Persistence in terms of acquiring finesse in one’s work is what’s required.” Pankaj’s latest film release was Vishal Bhardwaj’s Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola, which hit the screens on January 11. IANS

Farhan Akhtar to perform live in Goa

arhan Akhtar is returning to the live stage after a gap of almost two years to perform for Channel V’s Nokia Indiafest in Goa. “I did get invited to perform earlier but because I was working on various ﬁlms, it was impossible. But now I have a little bit of time. I want to explore the musical front a little more,” Farhan said. PTI

Lata Mangeshkar launches her music label

fter seven decades of a luminous career, legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar has launched her LM MUSIC label in an effort to create music that inspires her. The ﬂagship label was launched in Mumbai by the melody queen herself, alongwith veteran musician Pt Jasraj, Neeta Ambani and Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan. PTI

Entertainment WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2013

LOCKED AND LOADED

CINE BYTES

FEELING

The Need For Speed

ith two leading men (Aaron Paul and Dominic Cooper) and one leading lady (Imogen Poots) in place, DreamWorks is shoving Need For Speed into a new gear, locking down some of the remaining cast members for Scott Waugh’s video game adaptation. The new arrivals include Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi, Ramon Rodriguez, Rami Malek and Harrison Gilbertson. Need finds Paul as central character Tobey Marshall, a veteran driver who is filled with vengeful fire when a friend is killed and he’s framed for the death. Racing at top speed from New York to Los Angeles, he deals with the world of custom cars and dangerous driving to find the man really responsible. Cooper’s playing Dino, a former NASCAR driver who is deep in the world of modifying supercars for wealthy clients, while Poots is an exotic car dealer. Mescudi, who has mostly worked as a music contributor for other DreamWorks titles including Fright Night, is set to be Paul’s friend, which makes us wonder if he’ll be the one to meet a nasty end. Though he’s still known more for his song writing and producing work, “Kid Cudi” has been making the leap to acting, appearing in shots and this year’s indie comedy Two Night Stand. There’s no word yet on who Rodriguez, Malek and Gilbertson are playing. With Waugh directing a script by George and John Gatins, Need For Speed is set to start shooting next this year for an early 2014 release.

Steven Spielberg donates Lincoln props to charity

scar-winning ﬁlmmaker Steven Spielberg has donated a number of props fromhis movie Lincoln to lead actor Daniel DayLewis’s favourite charity. The ﬁlmmaker has handed over a set of gloves and miniature soldiers featured in the movie, as well as Lincoln’s handmade knife, for Ireland’s Wicklow Hospice Foundation upcoming charity auction, reported Daily Express. PTI

Arnold defends movie violence

ommando actor Arnold Schwarzenegger has waded into the movie violence debate a month after the Connecticut massacre, which has been linked to cinema shoot-outs. He is promoting his new ﬁlm The Last Stand and insisted people “know the difference” between movie and real-life violence, reported USA Today. PTI

House of Lies books Matt Damon as guest star

ctor Matt Damon will lend his star power to House of Lies as he will guest star in the show. Damon, 42, will play himself in an upcoming episode of the comedy series and enlist the help of Marty and the gang to start a charitable organisation, reported Ace Showbiz. PTI

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2013

Chai Time

Play & Win

Please send in your filled-in entries to Postnoon, #1246, Level 3, Jubilee Casa, Road No 62, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad – 500033. The winners will be announced on this page in Sunday’s edition.

KAKURO How to play kakuro Kakuro is a popular game similar to sudoku in some ways. But is also suitably different. The key question: ‘How do you play kakuro?’, well here are the rules of kakuro. The answer: The kakuro grid, unlike in sudoku, can be of any size. It has rows and columns, and dark cells like in a crossword. And, just like in a crossword, some of the dark cells will contain numbers. Some cells will contain two numbers. However, in a crossword the numbers reference clues. In a kakuro, the numbers are all you get! They denote the total of the digits in the row or column refer-

QUICK CROSSWORD enced by the number. Within each collection of cells — called a run — any of the numbers 1 to 9 may be used but, like sudoku, each number may only be used once.Let’s have an example to explain this concept more clearly: In the image above, which shows a section of a kakuro puzzle, you will see the numbers ‘26’ and ‘14’ in the top row. Look at the 14. This means that the total of the three cells underneath must sum to 14. Therefore 9, 4, 1 could be the answer, or perhaps 7, 4, 3 and so

on... So, how do you work out the actual combination? Well, this is done through elimination and cross-referencing. For instance, as you work out the answers for other kakuro clues, this will naturally limit the valid combinations, and hence the answer for this particular run. Note the second cell in row two — it contains two numbers, 30 and 11. The 30 refers to the vertical run underneath the number 30 and the 11 refers to the two cells to the right, horizontally, of the number 11.

Play & Win

voucher from VENKEY’S VEG Restaurant, Nampally

ACROSS

SCRIBBLING PAD

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SUDOKU

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

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1 Important name in fairy tales 6 Rose to one's feet 11 Possesses 14 Boredom 15 Inner circle 16 Sort 17 Outside property managers? 19 Word before "little" or "late" 20 Like cobs and toms 21 Turkish bigshot 23 Helper on a drive 27 By the sea 29 On dry land 30 Containing neither sugar nor spice? 31 Bit of celery 32 Winner's victim 33 Tiny unit of work 36 Ben Franklin's flier 37 Russian composer Tchaikovsky 38 Right Guard's target 39 Paulo or Tiago leadin 40 Cuban dance 41 ___ donna 42 In the neighborhood 44 Become enraged 45 Orchestra leader

47 "War and Peace" author 48 Having wings 49 Nut with caffeine 50 "Neither" companion 51 Skeet targets 58 Trapeze artist's safeguard 59 Bride's walkway 60 The best imaginable 61 Remains of a blaze 62 Little Chinese dogs, for short 63 Trite, joke-wise

DOWN 1 Toothpaste option 2 Cytoplasm substance 3 Pay-to-stay place 4 Strong coffee, in slang 5 Price incorrectly 6 Heat to just short of boiling 7 Sprinter's target 8 Emotion-filled poem 9 Hockey legend Bobby 10 Bad thing to sink into 11 Dives for cover 12 Wailuku welcome 13 "Prosit!" alternative 18 Mobility improver 22 Wild donkey 23 Wine barrels 24 Port city of ancient

Rome 25 "Do my eyes deceive me?" 26 Darner's focus 27 The coast, to a Spaniard 28 Open court hearing, in law 30 Word with "trap" or "prize" 32 State of uncertainty 34 Juliet's love 35 "Sanford and Son" spin-off 37 Cat or engine sound 38 Metals in rocks 40 Ceiling on insurance increases 41 Living in the open sea 43 Contractor's fig. 44 Many recital pieces 45 Exodus miracle food 46 Lotion botanicals 47 Drinks to excess 49 MacLachlan of "Twin Peaks" 52 Untruth 53 Pose a question 54 Former name of Tokyo 55 Not 'neath 56 Bert Bobbsey's sister 57 Sneaky and smart

Chai Time WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2013 Thiruvaikumar

STAR POWER for 17-1-2013

As per Hindu panchang thiruvaikumar@yahoo. co. in, 040-27177230 / 9177596118

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Employees need not hesitate to accept if they are given any transfers and promotions. Good news from close circle or from abroad on the cards. Avoid unwanted arguments and petty clashes with relatives. Keep friendly ties with kin.

STRIP TEASE AGNES

Enemies will be very active against you. Be alert and counter them without any let up from your side. Never entrust your important works to others as they will not be done in a better way than if you handle directly.

Expenses need to be monitored and kept under control. Businessmen will see a steady growth. They need to involve directly in signing the contracts to avoid any loss of investments.Be careful with new friends.

Family members will look cheerful due to the influx of visitors. Transfers and additional reposnsibilities may come the way of employees, but don’t fret, as they will keep you in good stead for better prospects in the future.

Your non stop and sincere efforts will yield desired results. Try and keep away the anger and laziness in you which alone will spoil your prospects. Employees need to work with involvement and don't entrust your works to others.

All the toughest problems faced at office will start reducing hereafter. There will be happiest moments at family. Govt. officials will be honoured with additional and powerful posts. Give proper respect to the elders of the family.

Unwanted blame likely and hence be careful in expressing your opinions as well in helping others voluntarily. Children will make you proud and happy. While purchasing land or house, be sure to study all the documents in detail.

Held up good events will resume and end without any hastles further. Good growth is assured for the businessmen. If proper and necessary efforts are put in, all the bank loans applied will get sanctioned.

If you are asked to go abroad on official reasons, blindly accept and don't refuse. It will give you good scope for your bright future. Hurdles in the way of performing good events will disappear. Your approach should be flexible.

TAROT READ

Sumaa Tekur

tarotreadhyd@gmail. com

ARIES:

GEMINI:

Ten of Pentacles – Finances are in focus. You will be determined to meet all your financial goals this year and get that raise you have been eyeing.

LEO:

The Moon – Your mother’s on your mind. You’re also moody and want to be left alone. These mood swings will push people away.

LIBRA:

PEARLS BEFORE SWINE

Nine of Pentacles – You’re happy in the world that you’ve created for yourself, surrounded by things that you like – movies, music, art, pets, hobbies, etc.

SAGITTARIUS:

The Wheel of Fortune – Life is all about ups and downs. You are not going to feel happy all the time. Take it in your stride and go with the flow.

TAURUS:

The Chariot – Travel is indicated. You may travel for work or pleasure. Either way, it will be an important journey, in which you meet new people.

CANCER:

Strength – You find tremendous inner strength to manage a difficult situation. You understand yourself better by knowing how you have tackled trouble.

VIRGO:

Seven of Cups – Material possessions are your main focus. But you also need to clear your mind and get clarity in other areas of your life.

SCORPIO:

Two of Swords – Don’t get into the trap of taking the sides of extremes all the time. There is also a middle path and a compromise can be struck.

CAPRICORN:

The Emperor – You’re in control and are feeling confident about the choices you’ve made so far. You also have empathy.

PREVIOUS SOLUTIONS

PISCES:

Ace of Cups – Emotions run high. This is a good day for beginnings. Start that project you have been thinking of all these days. It’ll go well.

NUMBER GAME

You have it in you to change situations to your advantage. With a combination of emotions and intellect, you can attract success.

SCRABBLE

AQUARIUS: King of Cups –

POOCH CAFE

Avoid friends who boast about you in front of you and talk bad about you in your back. Take care of your spouse health. Avoid calling a third person to mediate in between you for petty clashes. Solve your problems with a cool head.

for 17-1-2013

King of Wands – You have new ideas and your creativity quotient is high. Your confidence should run high today. Trust yourself and you will gain acceptance.

NON SEQUITUR

Works which are very important should be handled by you directly. Slow and steady approach is advised for the time being. Cheerful atmosphere will prevail at home. Hurdles in the way of performing good events will go.

SUDUKO

Ego clashes faced with the spouse will disappear. Happy events to take place at family. Some have bright chances to buy a house or land. Avoid wasteful expenditure and extravagance so that you can start saving for the future.

Boggle BED SOFA DESK HUTCH CHAIR Vol: 2, No 180 RNI No: APENG/2011/39337 Published for the proprietors, Scribble Media and Entertainment Pvt Ltd, by V Harshavardhan Reddy, at #1246, Level 3, Jubilee Casa, Road No 62, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad – 500033 and printed by him at Jagati Publications Ltd, Plot No D-75&E-52, APIE Industrial Estate, Balanagar, Ranga Reddy Dist, Hyderabad – 500037, Editor: Dean Williams – Responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. For feedback, please write to: feedback@postnoon. com and for subscription, please call 040-4067 2222, Fax: 040-4067 2211

Entertainment WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2013

AND THE ‘BILL’ GOES TO...

CINE BYTES

LEONARDO DICAPRIO

wins date with Bill Clinton

eonardo DiCaprio may be an A-list celeb, but there are famous people even he wants to rub elbows with. The Django Unchained star bid on a date with former President Bill Clinton at a charity auction on Saturday night in Los Angeles for Sean Penn’s JP/HRO Haitian Relief Organisation. DiCaprio initially bid $100,000 to spend the day with the former president. After he was outbid, DiCaprio suggested that he and the two rival contenders combine their contributions of $400,000 total and make the occasion into a party of four, according to starpulse.com. The Help Haiti Home gala in Los Angeles, held on the three-year anniversary of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti, raised $4 million for Penn’s relief organisation, the news outlet reports. Following the dinner, Penn addressed his guests and described his passion towards the cause that he’s adopted since the natural disaster, according to Yahoo News.

Pamela dating her dancing show co-star

ctress Pamela Anderson is dating her Dancing on Ice partner Matt Evers. The 45-yearold was eliminated from the show with her pro-skater partner earlier this month but the pair have been secretly dating since New Year's Eve. The couple intend to go public with their romance in March when Pamela, 45, returns to Britain for the show's ﬁnal, reports contactmusic.com. IANS

Coroner’s report on Natalie Wood

atalie Wood, the legendary actress who drowned in 1981, may not have died an accidental death. This is the news gathered from a new Los Angeles County Coroner's report released on Monday. Although the new report still does not allege foul play, it does note that some of her injuries are more consistent with an assault.

Gosling would have been part of Backstreet Boys?

yan Gosling was once considered for a spot in the Backstreet Boys, according to Aj McLean. The Drive actor missed out on the chance, which McLean told TMZ he regrets. McLean admitted that Gosling, who was his childhood neighbour, believed that the Backstreet Boys would not be successful. When the group began to top the charts, Gosling reached out to McLean, but didn't hear back.

sports

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2013

DAKAR RALLY

Terranova breaks new ground

Terranova delighted the home crowd becoming the first Argentinian driver to win a stage of the Dakar Rally. LA RIOJA, ARGENTINA: Orlando Terranova delighted the home crowd on Tuesday by becoming the first Argentinian driver to win a stage of the Dakar Rally. The 33-year-old BMW driver - competing in his seventh Dakar Rally - came home 2min 07sec ahead of Monday’s stage winner Nani Roma in a Mini and the latter’s team-mate and defending champion Stephane Peterhansel was third another 12sec adrift. Terranova was delighted with his victory and said that it had been a really smooth drive.

“We took the stage very easily, to not make a mistake because it was very narrow and it was possible to burst a tyre or break some piece of the car,” he said. “We want to continue like we have done. We are having a good race without mistakes.” Peterhansel, seeking his 11th win after six in the motorbike section and four in the cars category, extended his overall lead to 52min 38sec over South African Giniel de Villiers. The 47-year-old Frenchman’s chances of winning the title

again grew immeasurably when closest rival, Qatar’s 2011 champion Nasser al-Attiyah had to pull out of the race after suffering mechanical problems on Monday’s stage. Peterhansel admitted that he had vchanged his strategy now that Al-Attiyah had been forced out and conceded that it did not make for a great spectacle. “For the race, for the show, it’s no good, for the suspense, it’s not really good, but for me it’s not so bad and it’s more comfortable,” he said. AFP

SUPER SERIES

Big cash draws Chinese stars PERTH, AUSTRALIA: Teenage Chinese Olympic sensation Ye Shiwen (in pic) headlines the field for the inaugural Super Series, billed as the world’s richest swim meet, which starts Friday in Perth. The dual Olympic gold medallist is part of a powerful Chinese team facing on Australia and South Africa in the unique tri-nation event, with $500,000 in prize money paid by a wealthy mining corporation for both individual and relay events over two days. The 16-year-old won Olympic gold medals in the 400 metres and 200 metres individual medley at London 2012, setting an astonishing world record in the 400m event and an Olympic record in the 200m. London 200m butterfly champion Jiao Liuyang and 2008 gold medallist Liu Zige will also be competing in the Super Series as China seek to continue their emergence as a swimming power to rival the United States. The Chinese claimed five gold medals in London, second only to the USA, and their Super Series team includes four current world record holders. Host nation Australia will be looking to reclaim some of the ground lost in London, where their reputation as one of the strongest swimming nations took a battering. They won just a single gold,

LEAGUE CRICKET

A division one-day

Southern Stars 314 (Anwar Ahmed 42, Md Khaja Nizamuddin 103, Sultan Ahmed 57, Aleemuddin 51, Yashpal 4/74) bt SN Group 51 (Aleemuddin 4/27, Naveed 4/20). St Patricks High School 266/9 (R Madhavan 55, P Abhishek Reddy 56, Daniel Sampath 77, N Anirudh 30) bt HCA Academy 254/5 (Taha Sheikh 117, Ashish 59, Sreekar 30). Hyd Wonderers 162 (Afzal 52, A Farhan 57 n.o., Abrar 5/23) bt Lucky

BMW’s Orlando Terranova of Agrentina competes during the Stage 10 of the Dakar 2013 on Tuesday. AFP/FRANCK FIFE

HYDERABAD TRACK WORK

Ek Ek Ek impresses Silver Crown, Noble Honour, Corvette, Rahul’s Diamond, Ek Ek Ek, August Kranti and Black Bolt impressed when the horses were excercised here this morning.

in the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay. Much of the attention for the Australians will centre on James Magnussen, the high-profile sprint freestyler nicknamed “The Missile”. As the reigning world champion, Magnussen was the favourite for the 100m freestyle heading into the London Olympics, but finished second to American Nathan Adrian by a hundredth of a second and failed to reach the final of the 50m freestyle. One of the highlights of the Super Series in the Swan River capital of Western Australia will be the clash between Ye and Australian Alicia Coutts, who claimed the silver medal in the 200m individual medley in London.

XI 92 (Bhavesh Rawa 3/28, Junaid Sheikh 3/19). Abhinav Colts 149 (Berard George 4/45, Lesty Anthony 4/33) bt Sacred Hearts 81 (James Anthony 33 n.o., K Srikanth 5/19). Team Kun 142 (Niranjan 37, Srikanth 3/34, Prakash 4/64) lost to Imperial 145/3 (Srinath 59 n.o.). Mahaveer 215/8 (Srikanth 42, Mannan 34, Vijender 32, Raghavender 3/44) bt Sutton 146 (Bhuvanenderaj 37, Yeshwanth Reddy 51, Jitender Shah 3/32, Deepak Kumar 3/4 ).

Sand track 800 Metres: Ice Lolly (Kuldeep Singh) 1-3, 600/47 Easy. Nano Desire (C.Henrique) 59, 600/43.5 Moved freely. Okai Okai Okai (rb) 1-2, 600/46 Easy. Queens Craft (app) 59, 600/44 Moved freely. Superb (C.Henrique) Moment Of Roses (app) 58, 600/41.5 Former finished 5 lengths in front. Bound for Glory (Tograllu) 57.5, 600/44 Easy. Victorous Sally (rb) 1-1, 600/45 Easy. Apology For Love (rb) Maid For Love (rb) 1-0, 600/43 Former finished in front. Major Luck (K.Alam) 1-2, 600/46 Easy. Staminoizd (Ramana) Fashionista (app) 1-0, 600/46 Former finished in front. Swift Arrow (K.Alam) Glorious View (N.S. Parmar) 57, 600/43 Former finished in front. Commanding Heights (rb) 57, 600/41.5 Moved attractively. Amber Sultan (K.Alam) 58, 600/43 Moved well. Sand Track 1000 Metres: Rainbow In The Sky (N.S.Parmar) Betty Prior (Alikhan) 1-14, 800/54.5, 600/40 Former impressed while finishing 4 lengths in front. Corvette (rb) 1-9.5, 800/54.5, 600/40.5 Caught the eye. Silver Crown (N.S.Parmar) Noble Honour (Alikhan) 1-9, 800/52, 600/39 Former finished in front. Speedtosucceed (rb) 114, 800/58, 60/44 Moved freely. Rahuls Diamond (K.Anil) 1-10.5, 800/56.5, 600/41.5 Pleased. Baba’s Gift (Ravinder Singh) Silver Arnage (Nitin Singh) 1-14, 800/56, 600/42.5 Former finished in front. Ek Ek Ek (rb) 1-12.5, 800/57, 600/41.5 Moved well. Palace Affairs (Ajit Kumar) 1-12, 800/57, 600/44 Urged. Sand Track 1200 Metres: Kanasas City Mac (Ajit Kumar) 1-28.5, 1000/1-12.5, 800/56.5, 600/43 Pushed in the last part. Outer Winter Race Grass 800 Metres:

3y.Princely Heir /Equal Right (Ajit Kumar) 54, 600/40 Moved well. Outer Winter Race Grass 1000 Metres: Great Guns (app) Macintosh (M.Mark) 116, 800/59, 600/43.5 Former finished in front. Sweet Child O Mine (Sreekant) Galaxy Princess (K Alam) 1-15, 800/59, 600/42.5 They moved freely. Home Town Hero (N.Rawal) Star Sensation (Sai Vamshi) 1-9, 800/52, 600/37 They finished together. Outer Winter Race Grass 1400 Metres: Sabareen Princess (Uday Kiran) Amazon Princess (Chary) 1-39, 1200/1-22, 1000/1-5, 800/51.5, 600/38.5 They finished together. Gate Practice 1200 Metres: Caladium (C.Henrique) Zero Tolerance (rb) Kathakali (rb) Apprise (Imran Khan) Tamanna (Sreekant) 1-20, 1000/1-6, 800/52.5, 600/40.5 They jumped out well and finished in the same order. Maths Professor (Uday Kiran) Meri Merzi (app) Deal Maker (Anil) 1-21, 1000/1-6.5, 800/53.5, 600/40 They took a level jump. Royal Bird (Sai Vamshi) La Buena (Ajit Kumar) Riverdale (S.Nayak) Sun Strikes (Christopher) 1-17.5, 1000/1-3.5, 800/51.5, 600/39.5 Sun Strikes slowly off. Max Baby (app) Any Given Day (rb) Lookig For Love (Ravinder Singh) Royal Sword (Ramana) 1-20, 1000/1-6, 800/53, 600/41 They jumped out well. August Kranti (Harinder Singh) Black Bolt (Deep Shanker) Merry Maid (B.Shinde) Lips Locking (Nitin Singh) 1-17, 1000/1-3, 800/5, 600/39.5 They jumped out well. Original Gladiator (app) Aventus (K.Alam) 1-18, 1000/1-4, 800/51.5, 600/39 They jumped out well. Whats Up (Deep Shanker) Vijays Victory (Harinder Singh) 1-37 They jumped out and eased up.

sports

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2013

AUSTRALIAN OPEN

Serena scare as Fedex coasts Serena’s bid for a historic GS hit an injury hurdle as Roger Federer and Andy Murray coasted to victory. TALEK HARRIS Agence France-Presse MELBOURNE: Serena Williams’ bid for a historic Grand Slam hit an injury hurdle at the Australian Open Tuesday, as Roger Federer and Andy Murray coasted and a landmark for Chinese tennis proved short-lived. Federer and Murray opened their accounts with superlative wins on a sun-drenched Rod Laver Arena, as they joined Novak Djokovic in the second round and stayed on course to meet in the semis. As the tennis world reeled from news that ATP chief Brad Drewett was stepping down after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease, Wu Di became the first Chinese man to play a Grand

Slam match, losing in four sets. And there was drama when Williams, gunning for the first sweep of all four major titles in the same year since 1988, was on court for only 19 minutes against Edina Gallovits-Hall before going over heavily on her right ankle. However, after medical treatment and despite hobbling around the court, the 15time Grand Slam-winner astonishingly won 6-0, 6-0 in just 54 minutes as she belted every winner in sight to keep her running to a minimum. She said she felt pain and swelling and may need an Xray, but pledged to soldier on in her quest for a sixth title at the year’s first Grand Slam. “Oh, I’ll be out there. I mean, unless something fatal

happens to me, there’s no way I’m not going to be competing,” she said. “I’m alive. My heart’s beating. I’ll be fine.” Any lasting injury to the hot favourite could throw the women’s draw wide open and may benefit defending champion Victoria Azarenka, who is scheduled to meet Williams in the semi-finals. She beat Romania’s Monica Niculescu, but had to come from 3-0 down in the second set before winning 61, 6-4. Caroline Wozniacki, last year’s top seed and now ranked at 10, also had to dig deep before reeling off six third-set games in a row to beat Germany’s Sabine Lisicki. Former Wimbledon cham-

Li reaches third round

MELBOURNE: China’s top player Li Na (in pic) battled into the third round of the Australian Open on Wednesday but she was put through her paces by Olga Govortsova before clinching a straight-sets victory. The former French Open winner, among the leading contenders at Melbourne Park, rallied past the Belarusian 6-2, 7-5 in 82 minutes and next plays either Czech Kristyna Pliskova or Romania’s Sorana Cirstea. If Li gets through that encounter she faces a potential fourth round clash with local hope and ninth seed Samantha Stosur. Li came out of the blocks with gritty determination, smashing through her opening service game then breaking her

58th-ranked opponent to seize control and establish a 3-0 lead. It went with serve before Li broke again to take the set. But a wild Li forehand smash on game point handed the Czech an early break in an erratic second set. The Chinese star immedi-

ately bounced back to level, but again threw it away with a sloppy next game to be 2-1 behind. Govortsova, who has failed to go beyond the second round at Melbourne in six attempts, pulled into a 5-3 lead and the tie looked to be going into three sets before Li knuckled down to claw back four games in a row for victory. The 30-year-old Li has been in impressive form this year as she searches for her second Grand Slam title, winning the inaugural Shenzhen Open and reaching the semi-finals of the Sydney International. The plexicushion courts seem to suit her style of play and she made the final at Melbourne Park in 2011, losing to Kim Clijsters, and was a semi-finalist in 2010. AFP

pion Petra Kvitova also won but Italy’s seventh seed Sara Errani became the biggest casualty so far. AFP

Wu, Kimika make history

MELBOURNE: Wu Di (in pic) enhanced China’s growing stature with a historic appearance and Japan’s Kimiko DateKrumm enjoyed a record-breaking victory at the Australian Open on Tuesday. Wu, the 21-year-old world number 186, went down to Croatia’s Ivan Dodig but he exited with his head held high as the first Chinese man to play a Grand Slam match. “I’m really happy, but I lost,” smiled Wu, when asked if he was pleased with the way he played, revealing that a motivational text message from women’s star Li Na had helped him prepare for the match. “The night before when I was going to bed, I got a text message from her. She told me, ‘don’t be nervous and don’t think about tennis. Just go to bed’,” said Wu. “’Your answer in the match

will come tomorrow, not tonight. You will get your answer on the court’. “I was happy with the way I played, but not happy that I lost,” he added. China is increasingly in focus on the tennis circuit with the Women’s Tennis Association replacing Japan’s premier tournament with a new event in Wuhan next year — one of five on Chinese territory. AFP

BRIEFS Nishikori overcomes Berlocq

MELBOURNE: Japan’s Kei Nishikori wore down Argentina’s Carlos Berlocq to reach the third round of the Australian Open on Wednesday. The 16th seed surged home after being taken to a first set tiebreaker to oust the 68th-ranked Berlocq, 7-6 (7/4), 6-4, 6-1 in 2hr 18min. Nishikori, flying the flag for the Asian men at the yearopening Grand Slam, dominated with his forehand and court speed as he reeled off 47 winners and six service breaks to take his place in the last 32. The Japanese star, who reached the quarter-finals of last year’s Australian Open in the best ever Grand Slam performance by a Japanese man, had a battle in a 69-minute opening set. But once he got the initial edge he proceeded to take charge, and grabbed three service breaks in the second set and another two in the final set to win easily. AFP

Radwanska storms into third round

MELBOURNE: Fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska stormed to her 11th straight win of the year at the Australian Open on Wednesday as the Pole built on her sizzling start to the season. Radwanska won lead-up events to the opening Grand Slam of 2013 in Auckland and Sydney and has carried her red-hot form into Melbourne, completing a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Romania’s Irina-Camelia Begu in 86 minutes. She next faces either Kazak Ksenia Pervak or Britain’s Heather Watson as she aims to improve on her three quarter-final appearances in Melbourne. The world number four started slowly and was broken by Begu in her first service game before rattling off five games in a row to be 5-1. Begu rallied but lost the set in 46 minutes. The Romanian, who has never gone further than the second round in eight Grand Slam appearances, needed a medical timeout ahead of the second set for a problem with her right shoulder, her service arm. AFP

Nadal’s camp confirms Brazil return

SAO PAULO: Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal, out of action since the middle of last season because of injury, will return at next month’s ATP Brazil Open in Sao Paulo, his press spokesman confirmed on Tuesday. “Rafa (Nadal) will play in the Sao Paulo tournament in Brazil,” Benito Perez-Barbadillo told AFP in an email sent to AFP in Madrid. A statement earlier on Tuesday from tournament sponsors DGW Comunicacion, which recently was involved with a Roger Federer exhibition appearance in Brazil, said the event which runs from February 11 to 17 will “mark the return to the circuit of one of world tennis’ top stars”. Nadal, currently ranked four in the world, has won 11 Grand Slams but injuries have dogged him and the 26-yearold Spaniard hasn’t played since June. He had to miss the Australian Open because of a stomach virus while a succession of knee injuries have plagued his career. AFP

sports

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2013

DOPING TROUBLE

‘Lance came clean’

Lance Armstrong ‘came clean’ to Oprah Winfrey during an interview on his use of banned drugs, the talk show host said on Tuesday. ROBERT MACPHERSON Agence France-Presse WASHINGTON: Lance Armstrong “came clean” to Oprah Winfrey on his use of banned drugs, the talk show host said on Tuesday, as anticipation built for the telecast of her interview with the shamed cyclist. Winfrey told “CBS This Morning” that her OWN cable network will broadcast the two-and-a-half-hour interview unedited over two nights from Thursday. Originally, a shorter broadcast was planned for one night only. “I didn’t get all the questions asked, but I think the most important questions and the answers that people around the world have been waiting to hear were answered,” Winfrey said.

This photo received on Tuesday, courtesy Oprah Winfrey Network, shows Oprah Winfrey’s exclusive interview with shamed cyclist Lance Armstrong. AFP/HARPO STUDIOS, INC/GEORGE BURNS

“I would say he did not come clean in the manner that I expected,” she added. “It was surprising to me. I would say that for myself, my team, all of us in the room, we were mesmerized and riveted by some

of his answers.” But even before Armstrong’s mea culpa had been seen, critics were questioning his choice of forum, saying an interview with Winfrey lacked the rigor of tes-

timony under oath before antidoping authorities. “While WADA encourages all athletes to come clean about any doping activities they have been involved with or know about, these details must be passed on to the relevant anti-doping authorities,” said David Howman, director general of the World AntiDoping Agency. The Swiss-based International Cycling Union also called for Armstrong to give evidence to its ongoing investigation into widespread doping in the sport it governs. Legal analysts meanwhile said that the US government could potentially prosecute Armstrong for fraud related to his receiving government sponsorship while riding for the US Postal team from 19982004. AFP

ENGLAND’S TOUR OF INDIA

Jadeja guides India to victory KOCHI: India on Tuesday finally found its winning touch with a thumping win over England in the second ODI, but captain MS Dhoni conceded that his side did not possess the firepower of the past when they whitewashed the visitors in the last two series at home. India had defeated England 5-0 both in 2008 and 2011 ODI series at home but Dhoni said his side would not be that dominant now as they lacked firepower. “It has happened in the past, but it does not mean it will happen in this series also. We have our own things to

worry about. Yes, last time we played well as a batting unit, our bowlers were more experienced, who knew what to do in the powerplays and death overs, how to use the new balls,” he said. PTI

Brief Scores: India 285/6 in 50 overs (MS Dhoni 72; R Jadeja 61 n.o., S Finn 2/51) bt England 158 all out in 36 overs (Kevin Pietersen 42, J Root 36; B Kumar 3/29, R Ashwin 3/39).

Here are five memorable sports confessions TIGER WOODS (GOLF)

Woods’s carefully stage-managed good-guy image was shattered for ever thanks to a car crash outside his Florida home in November 2009. That led to a string of scandalous revelations over his private life which revealed him to have been a serial cheat with a bevy of actresses, strippers and waitresses. Woods apologised to wife, Elin, and his mother, Kultida.

ANDRE AGASSI (TENNIS)

Agassi retired in 2006 but in 2009 stunned tennis by using his autobiography to confess to having taken the drug crystal meth. Equally shocking was his revelation that he had escaped a ban by convincing the ATP that he had taken it accidentally. Agassi also admitted that he secretly hated playing the sport which brought him untold fame and fortune.

HANSIE CRONJE (CRICKET)

Cronje admitted to accepting bribes from illegal bookmakers to influence matches when he appeared at the King Commission probing corruption in cricket. He was banned from the game for life in October 2000. Two years later, on June 1, 2002, he was dead when a light plane in which he was travelling crashed into mountains.

MARION JONES (ATHLETICS)

‘Dhoni’s hits made the difference’

KOCHI: India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s big hits at the death overs made all the difference which helped the hosts score almost 110 runs in last ten overs, said his English counterpart Alastair Cook. “It’s too many, last ten overs saw them score almost 110 runs which does hurt. It’s very tough when you’ve got people like Dhoni at the end. You get exposed when you don’t quite get the skills right,” Cook told reporters at the post match press conference. PTI

In 2008, five-time Olympic medallist Jones appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show having served a six-month jail sentence for lying to federal investigators about her drug use and her part in a cheque fraud. In a tearful performance, the American, caught up in the BALCO scandal, insisted she had no idea she was being given a performance-enhancing drug by her coach, maintaining she thought it was just a supplement.

DAVID MILLAR (CYCLING)

Millar, once banned for two years for using the banned blood booster erythropoetin (EPO), has since become a vocal anti-doping campaigner. In his autobiography, “Racing in the Dark”, wrote: “The moment I was caught I was fired and they didn’t bat an eyelid. I was so very unimportant in the big scheme of things.”

SPORTS BRIEFS Delhi-Mumbai to lock horns

NEW DELHI: With Pakistani players being sent back home due to cross-border tension, the HIL match between Delhi Waveriders and Mumbai Magicians scheduled tomorrow will certainly lose some of its sheen. After protests by Shiv Sena and other right-wing outfits disrupted the training and the first match of the league following the killing of two Indian soldiers by the Pakistan Army on January 8, the Hockey India today decided to send back all the nine Pakistani players taking part in its much-hyped league. Mumbai Magicians would be worst affected by the decision as they had maximum number of Pakistani players in their line-up — Mahmood Rashid, Fareed Ahmed, Muhammad Tousiq and Imran Butt. Waveriders also had to let go Mohammed Rizwan Sr. and Mohammed Rizwan Jr. as the tournament is all set to become poorer by their non-participation.

Punjab Warriors look to make amends

JALANDHAR: Having suffered a defeat in their opening game of the India League, Jaypee Punjab Warriors would look to get their act together when they take on Ranchi Rhinos here today. Warriors fought well against Delhi Waveriders on Monday, but their forward-line failed to create enough goalscoring opportunities, and that is something that the team think tank would be looking at. The likes of SV Sunil, Shivendra Singh would have to play a more attacking hockey, if the Warriors want to do better in the upcoming games. Warriors skipper Jamie Dwyer admitted after yesterday’s game that the team needed to combine a bit better. “We didn’t start the game well. I think, as a team, we still need to combine a bit better. Hopefully, we would start doing that in the next few games,” the Aussie had said. Although Warriors lost the match, there was one outstanding performer on their side — goalkeeper Jaap Stockmann of Netherlands. PTI

PCB writes to ICC for increased security

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board has sought renewed security measures for its women’s team when it participates in the ICC World Cup in Mumbai from January 25. The PCB today wrote a letter to the ICC asking it to shift matches of the Pakistan team to some other venue if the cricket’s governing body feels that the step is necessary in view of security issues. “Naturally, we are concerned with the security of our players after the unfortunate incident involving our hockey players in Mumbai,” PCB official Nadeem Sarwar told PTI. “We have written to the ICC and requested them to review all the security arrangements for our players for the World Cup. We just want to be sure about the safety of our players when they play in the World Cup. This (relocate matches of the Pakistan team) is entirely up to the ICC and organisers but we have given them this option,” Sarwar added. PTI

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2013

sports

MILAN, BOATENG GIVEN ALL CLEAR FOR WALK-OFF

Italian league officials on Tuesday decided not to sanction Kevin-Prince Boateng or AC Milan after the Ghanaian midfielder led his side off the pitch during a recent friendly to protest at being racially abused.

FA CUP

ITALIAN CUP

Sunderland bows out, as Fulham, QPR keep going Fulham will now meet either Manchester United or West Ham United, who lock horns in a replay at Old Trafford on Wednesday. TOM WILLIAMS Agencie France-Presse LONDON: Sunderland went out of the FA Cup to second-tier Bolton Wanderers after losing their third-round replay 2-0 on Tuesday, while Fulham celebrated the narrowest of narrow escapes against Blackpool. Sunderland have enjoyed an upsurge in Premier League fortunes in recent weeks, moving six points clear of the relegation zone, but they joined north-east rivals Newcastle United in falling at the first hurdle in the cup. Fulham were on the verge of elimination to Bolton’s Championship rivals Blackpool after on-loan Aston Villa forward Nathan Delfouneso put the hosts 1-0 up in the 82nd minute at Bloomfield Road. However, a stunning 25yard strike by Kieran Richardson in the last minute took the game to extra time and Fulham skipper Brede Hangeland scored the winner with four minutes left to secure a 2-1 win. Fulham will now meet either

Blackpool goalkeeper Matthew Gilks (L) intercepts a cross in front of the waiting Fulham's Ashkan Dejagah (2R) during the English FA Cup third round replay. AFP/HOWARD WALKER

Manchester United or West Ham United, who lock horns in a replay at Old Trafford on Wednesday. Jon Walters went some way towards atoning for his horror show in Stoke City’s 4-0 loss to

Chelsea at the weekend by scoring twice as Tony Pulis’ side saw off Championship club Crystal Palace 4-1 after extra time. Walters scored two own goals and missed a penalty in Saturday’s game but he netted

SPANISH CUP

Real Madrid thump Valencia

MADRID: Real Madrid took a big step towards the Spanish Cup semi-finals on Tuesday as they beat Valencia 2-0 in their quarter-final first leg clash at the Bernabeu. Goals by Karim Benzema and an own goal by Mexican defender Andres Guardado gave the hosts a much-needed boost and kept alive their hopes of some domestic silverware this season as in the league they are third and trail bitter rivals Barcelona by 18 points. However, it was far from an assured performance by Jose Mourinho’s side and but for some poor Valencia finishing they could have been travelling to Valencia for the second leg on level terms.

Goals by Benzema and an own goal by Mexican defender Andres Guardado gave the hosts a much-needed boost.

Benzema, though, steadied their nerves eight minutes before half-time as the France international striker showed some kind of return to form as he slotted home after being set up by Sami Khedira in a move started by Michael Essien. The hosts second came in the 73rd minute from a counter attack just after Valencia’s Brazilian striker Jonas had missed a terrific opportunity to equalise. Guardado put the ball into his own net from Fabio Coentrao’s centre and the damage could have been greater for the visitors had not Vicente Guaita made two point blank saves from Cristiano Ronaldo in a matter of minutes.

twice in extra time on his return to the Britannia Stadium, after Glenn Murray’s 87th-minute penalty for Palace cancelled out Kenwyne Jones’ opener. Cameron Jerome claimed a late fourth for Stoke, who will tackle English champions Manchester City for a place in round five in what is a repeat of the 2011 final which City won. Chelsea, meanwhile, will face a trip to third-tier Brentford in the fourth round after the League One outfit saw off Southend United 2-1. In the only all-Premier League encounter of the evening, Queens Park Rangers put their relegation fears to one side to win 1-0 at West Bromwich Albion through a 75th-minute header by Jay Bothroyd. Wigan Athletic avoided an upset with a 1-0 win away to third-tier Bournemouth. Former Senegal star El-Hadji Diouf celebrated his 32nd birthday by scoring the decisive goal from the penalty spot as Leeds United won 2-1 at Birmingham City to set up a home tie with Tottenham Hotspur.

Inter scrape through Inter will now meet either Juventus, Lazio or the winner between Fiorentina and Roma, who play Wednesday. MILAN: Andrea Ranocchia scored a dramatic winner in the final minute of extra time to send Inter Milan into the semifinals of the Italian Cup Tuesday with a 3-2 win over plucky Bologna. Freddy Guarin and Rodrigo Palacio scored one apiece in regulation time to give Inter Milan a 2-0 lead with 23 minutes to play. However playmaker Alessandro Diamanti reduced arrears in the 80th minute to spark an unlikely combeack for Bologna, who levelled four minutes later thanks to on-loan Juventus striker Manolo Gabbiadini. It went to extra time, and just as penalties seemed inevitable Ranocchia rose and got his head to a floated corner from Guarin to send a looping header over the helpless Federico Agliardi and into the net. Inter, who have won the Cup seven times most recently in 2011, will now meet either Serie A champions Juventus, Lazio or the winner between Fiorentina and Roma, who play Wednesday.

JANUARY TRANSFERS Redknapp closes on Remy LONDON: Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp confirmed that his club are close to signing Marseille striker Loic Remy and are also interested in Rennes midfielder Yann M’Vila. Redknapp previously scouted Remy during his time as Tottenham Hotspur manager and says the France international could complete a move to QPR on Wednesday after undergoing a medical examination on Monday. The fee for the transfer is reported to be around £8 million

($12.8 million, 9.6 million euros). “Remy had a medical today (Tuesday) and the personal stuff is all sorted,” said Redknapp after his side’s 1-0 win at West Bromwich Albion in the FA Cup. “I watched him so many times when I was at Tottenham. The fee then was around about £20 million. He’s a good buy for us. “It’s all done, all sorted. I didn’t think we’d get him. I went to see him at Marseille last week and he wasn’t keen but the chairman Tony Fernandes worked ever so hard.”