Postnoon E-Paper for 14 March 2013 by Scribble Media & Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.

HYDERABAD’S FIRST COMPACT AFTERNOON NEWSPAPER

THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013

city events

PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP

The workshop curriculum includes public speaking, body language, voice, diction, fine dining, self grooming and zumba classes, among other things. The event is on March 18, at Panache — The Finishing School, Banjara Hills.

Weather for Hyderabad

Evening

Overnight

Morning

Afternoon

30°C

22°C

28°C

36°C

Clear with cloudy periods.

Mostly sunny.

New Delhi Mumbai Max 30 Max 35 Min 17 Min 25 Partly cloudy.

Chennai Max 32 Min 24

Clear.

Partly cloudy.

Bangalore Max 33 Min 20 Partly cloudy.

AROUND THE CITY: YOUR GUIDE TO THE TWIN CITIES Passage Sowjanya L and Devi Santoshi K are organising a show aligning with International Women’s Day, where paintings and installations about social awareness and violence on woman will be displayed. Where: Rainbow Art Gallery , Paryatak Bhavan, Begumpet When: March 8-14

SHOWS DocuSplash! Barf, 1997 & Sita's Family, 2002, Delhi Mumbai Delhi, 2006 and Naach, 2008, will be screened. Where: Goethe-Zentrum, Hyderabad 20 Journalist Colony, Road no. 3, Banjara Hills When: March 24, 11am onwards Contact: gothe.de/hyderabad

Women in Public Spaces About one month ago GoetheZentrum Hyderabad has called for applications for a group photography exhibition on ‘Women in Public Spaces.’ This is an exhibition of selected entries. Where: Goethe-Zentrum, Hyderabad When: March 15-24, 9.30am to 5.30pm Contact: (040) 2335 0443

Imany World music- jazz and soul. Where: Hyderabad International Convention Centre Novotel & HICC complex When: March 15 Contact: (040) 2355 4486 Manda Hecchula Katha Manda Hecchula Katha (Let the herds multiply) is an evening of folk theatre, with Kadem Sammayya, a Mandechchula Katha artiste, and his troupe from the hinterlands of Warangal district. It is a narrative performance set to rhythmic beats. Where: Lamakaan, Lane Adjacent to CBay, Opposite GVKOne, Road No 1, Banjara Hills When: March 14, 7pm onwards Contact: lamakaan.com/events/298 Sangeet Sandhya Aradhana Karhade presents an evening of Hindustani classical per-

MISCELLANEOUS PROTEST: Andhra Pradesh Textile Traders Association organised a rally against VAT from Mahatma Gandhi Road, N SHIVA KUMAR Secunderabad, to Dharna Chowk, Indira Park, on Tuesday. Where: Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre When: March 25-31

formances. Where: Lamakaan When: March 16, 7pm onwards Contact: 96427 31329 Deccan Voices — Choral Ensemble Hyderabad Western Music Foundation, along with musicians and singers in the City, are celebrating Lamakaan's 3rd anniversary. Where: Lamakaan When: March 15, 7.30pm onwards Contact: 96427 31329

DINING Easter goodies Hot cross buns, Easter Bunnies, and Easter chocolates are part of the special Easter menu.

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

St Patrick’s Day – Brunch Menu includes Irish soda bread, boxty and colcannon. Where: The Square, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre When: from March 17, noon onwards Contact: (040) 6682 4422 Saturday sunset BBQ Bring your family and friends for a fun barbecue evening with grilled specialties, a variety of Kebabs and a whole lot of Asian delights. Where: The Square When: Every Saturday, 7pm onwards Contact: (040) 6682 4422

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

ART Art for children A workshop is being held for children aged 4-6 years to improve their reading and comprehension skills. Where: Treasure House, Banjara Hills When: Every Wednesday and Friday, up to March 29 Contact: (040) 2355 0118 French heritage A photographic voyage of French heritage in India with Anay Mann, Gigi Scaria, Rishi Singhal, Serena Chopra, Isabel Saij along with JeanPierre Dubois. Where: Kalakriti Art Gallery, Banjara Hills When: March 16-21 11am to 7pm Contact: (040) 6656 4466

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

The great Oxford sale Discounts on books, magazines, stationery and gift items. Where: Oxford Bookstore, Tresorie, The Park , 22 Raj Bhavan Road When: Up to March 31, Contact: (040) 31002959 Spring Treasure Sale There is a sale of up to 50 per cent off at Taj Khazana, which showcases artefacts as well as a selection of garments, stoles, shawls and accessories from various Indian designers. Where: Taj Khazana Taj Falaknuma Palace When: March 15-25 Contact: (040) 6629 8600

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013 HYDERABAD

WWW.POSTNOON.COM

WEATHER: A MIX OF CLOUDY AND CLEAR SKIES; 30°C

32 PAGES

P14&15 Soon after the CDC declared emerging antibiotic resistance 'a nightmare', UK's chief medical officer said that resistance was a 'catastrophic threat'. With cool, scientific minds pressing the panic button, Postnoon reviews the threat of superbugs to human society.

HYDERABAD’S FIRST COMPACT AFTERNOON NEWSPAPER

TRS PUTS KIRAN GOVT ON NOTICE But barely an hour after the TRS served the no-confidence motion against the Kiran government, the TDP leadership issued a whip asking its members not to support the notice, thus killing the embryonic notice.

PUSHPAK FAILS TO IMPRESS APSRTC's attempts to make a ride to the airport cheap and efficient are hit by lack of publicity about its Pushpak services.

REPORT ON P4

THE PARISIAN AFFAIR Despite vehicle owners paying hefty taxes they do not get the corresponding service. It is more to do with shoddy work than lack of spending on the works.

CITY MOTORISTS SHORT-CHANGED P5

The Paris shows are all about the spectacle of fashion and with this comes the very best in hair and make-up. We give you some of the highlights.

P20&21

THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013

City

YESTERDAY’S QUESTION

IS TDP’S INDECISIVENESS HELPING KIRAN KUMAR REDDY? 67%

YES (A) NO (B)

33%

TODAY’S QUESTION

SHOULD AP GO FOR NUCLEAR POWER IN VIEW OF POWER CRISIS? A)

YES

To vote visit www.postnoon.com

CIVIC

LAST YEAR... HERE Adult literacy essential

Brand Hyderabad wins 4 awards

ast year we had reported how illiteracy breeds illiteracy in a survey of 44,700 houses spread over 1,000 slums. Nearly 40 per cent of parents who did not educate their children were illiterate themselves. Anjum Baig, a social worker, said it is not an easy feat to curb child labour and that it needs to be curbed at the grassroot level. Children are forced into jobs due to their circumstances. Despite laws against the practice, children were hired across the City.

Most tourist-friendly City:Surprise win for GHMC. Civic managers ecstatic, civil groups pooh-pooh it.

MARCH 14, 2012 The Basheerbagh roads are always bad, and continue to cause traffic jams daily. The streets in Himayathnagar locality are always dug up. Despite the number of complaints, no action has been taken. Umesh Jain, ﬁnancier See page 7

THINGS WE LEARNT TODAY

The column that teaches everyone something new about the way the City functions.

Are parties playing dirty politics? A TDP leader said that YSRC comfortably won the MLC seat despite a shortage of votes, with the help of Congress.

Kiran government may be in the docks. TRS, backed by CPI and BJP, has moved a no-conﬁdence motion notice against the Kiran government.

Who said women cannot play golf? Birdies is an all-women golf club in the City. The Golconda Golf Club sees players in the age group of seven to 70.

Where does the tax payer’s money go? The City collects the highest vehicle tax in the entire State. It was found that the GHMC alone spent `136 crore in the outgoing year while the vehicle revenue amounted to a little over `459 crore.

Hyderabad still not safe for women. A man who sexually assaulted and murdered a physically disabled child has been arrested.

Md NIZAMUDDIN nizamuddin.a@postnoon.com

t is celebration time at the GHMC. While citizens are dumping piles of complaints at its doorsteps, the national tourism awards gave it the much-needed feel-good gift this New Year. Hyderabad won four tourism awards. However, official confirmation is yet to reach the GHMC. The GHMC won the National Tourism Awards (2011-12) in F(x) category (Civic Management of a Tourist Destination in India). Shamshabad International Airport, Apollo Hospitals and HICC are others to be awarded from the City.

colonised area are built with underground duct drainage system and “zero discharge” of industrial pollutants, under AP Pollution Control Board. Around 3,800 metric tons of general waste are converted to “organic manure” and Refuge Derive Fuel through proper treatment every day .

The scoring criteria included overall cleanliness of the tourist destination, use of best waste management practices, encouraging re-use and recycling, efficient traffic management, encouragement to local communities and private enterprises to take pride in their surroundings, care for environment and green practices and improvement of security. Interestingly, the GHMC claims in its application of the awards that 65,000 people (1 per cent of total City population) are engaged in the health and sanitation wing, and that there is a ban on plastic bags of below 40 microns. It claims that more than 95 per cent of the City’s

CIVIL SOCIETY SKEPTICAL Civil society groups insist the awards are managed. They say the GHMC hardly deserves it. “The City which was to host Partnership Summit in 2009 was changed to Chennai at the last moment by the Confederation of Indian Industry while the Telangana issue was boiling,”

says Ch Ramchandraiah, convenor, Citizens for Better Transport in Hyderabad. He believes that there were other deserving cities in India, like Bangalore. “Earlier, the City won ‘Clean & Green City’ for almost four consecutive years during the regime of Chandrababu Naidu. Now no one remembers that.” “It could be a gift from Chiranjeevi,” remarked RK Dave, an engineer working with a large firm in Secunderabad. “As the decision has directly gone from the Secretariat and the award conferred from Central government we are yet to receive formally the details”, says an official of APTDC.

NEWS BRIEFS GHMC widens roads, compensates damage

Ramachandra Reddy to join YSRC

2.78 lakh UIDAI cards returned

Men smuggling liquor arrested

o provide better access to the visitors of Quli Qutub Shahi Tombs and Golconda Fort from Old Bombay Highway, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation has taken up road widening work. Work on 100 feet road was taken up after 28 properties on the way were paid compensation both for structural damage and land value.

ormer minister from Punganuru constituency, Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy, met YSRC president Vijayamma today. He had met the party president Jagan Mohan Reddy in the prison earlier. Reddy, who had quit Congress protesting against the high command keeping Kiran as CM, has decided to join YSRC, it is reported.

ncomplete or wrong addresses, change in addresses, and residences remaining locked for days at a stretch are some of the reasons why the Postal Department is ﬁnding it hard to deliver the Aadhaar cards, K Sandhya Rani, postmaster general, told news agencies. The department has returned 2.78 lakh cards to UIDAI.

he Madanapet police arrested two men, Roopesh and Vikas, both residents of Dhoolpet, on Tuesday, while they allegedly tried to smuggle illicit liquor in an autorickshaw. The two are said to be carriers working for liquor gangs in the City, Madanapet police said. Both the men have been remanded to police custody.

city THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013

CRIME

‘Beast’ rapes and kills disabled child, arrested

A 30-year-old man is held with rape and murder of a six-year-old physically disabled girl. With shocking brutality the man burnt her body after she was killed and fled the scene but was arrested. Mohd SUBHAN mohd.s@postnoon.com

he mystery of a missing six-year-old handicapped girl four days ago from Vivekanandnagar colony in Sanathnagar has been solved with the police taking into custody a labourer, Vijay, 30. On Saturday last, the daughter of a poor couple, was sitting in front of her house whiling away time playing after her cabdriver father and labourer mother had gone to work. Around noon, a young ‘uncle’ walked in with a fake smile and an offered buying her chocolate. The unsuspecting girl accepted the offer not knowing the man’s intention. But soon she

realised she was in trouble. The man led the child out with the promise of a chocolate to a desolate hovel where he is confessed to have sexually assaulted her. Later he gave her sweets and kept her under his control threatening that if she raised voice she would be killed. Vijay went on to repeatedly rape the child for the next two days. Meanwhile, the worried parents on finding their child missing had lodged a police complaint with the Sanathnagar police on the first day itself. However, for four days there was no news of their child. Eventually, someone notified the police that a partially burnt body of a child was seen at a spot not far from the girl’s house.

DANGEROUS HYDERABAD

The worried parents filed a missing complaint with the Sanathnagar police. However, for four days there was no news of their child. The police and parents rushed to the spot and found the body belonged to the girl. Enquiries revealed that some people had seen the labourer going out with the girl four days ago. The police went after him and caught him. Cornered, he confessed. Apparently Vijay’s wife had left him. The police say the man is now addicted to alcohol.

OSMANIA UNIVERSITY

Rule violated in appointment of OU dean It is alleged that the new dean is five years junior to the senior-most professor, who should’ve been made dean.

T WEAVING IN AND OUT

f Hyderabad traffic is unruly, it has a lot to do with the present conditions of the City roads. Not only are most City roads riddled with potholes and encroached by hawkers, making it difficult for motorists to navigate, there are several other problems that drivers face. For instance, a few years ago after most major roads in the City underwent an expansion to ease the flow of traffic and construction of flyovers, several electric poles and trees were cut or relocated. However, despite that their stumps still remain in the middle of the roads. This can be seen at several

spots in the City. Nothing has been done to either cover them up or take them out completely, leave alone place warning signs around them. In the meanwhile, hapless commuters are forced to swerve at the last moment to avoid hitting these stumps. In the picture above, one such electric pole stump exists near the Liberty Circle in Himayathnagar. Commuters are often seeing swerving their bikes at the last moment to avoid losing balance. On occasion there have been instances of pedestrians tripping over this stump and having a bad fall. A stone has been placed on top of it.

he post of the Dean in Osmania University is a statutory position to which the senior most Professor in the respective faculty is appointed as Dean for a period of two years. In violation of the above statutory position, Prof K Srinivasulu, the senior most professor in the faculty of Social Sciences was denied the position of the Dean and in his place Dr V Ravindra Shastry who is five his years junior has been appointed instead. Speaking to the media here on Wednesday, Kancha Illaiah said that he and K Srinivasulu, T Tirupathi Rao and V Ravindra Shastry appeared for the professor’s interview in the department of political science in 2000. While he and Srinivasulu were selected and appointed as professors in the department of political science, T Tirupathi Rao and V Ravindra Shastry were not found qualified and therefore rejected. He said that Tirupathi Rao, Ravindra Shastry appeared for the professor promotion under the career advancement scheme three years later in 2003 and got selected. Thus T Tirupathi Rao and V Ravindra Shastry are junior to Kancha Illaih and K Srinivasulu by five years. He said that the above facts demonstrate

that the principle of seniority was followed in the appointment to the above positions up to 2009 and was violated subsequently in the appointment of the Dean. This violation has happened due to the manipulation of the seniority list in the department of political science. There is evidence to show that the manipulation of the list happened during the tenure of Prof T Tirupathi Rao as vicechancellor of OU. Prof Tirupathi was a beneficiary of this manipulation as he became the Dean, Social Sciences after the completion of his tenure as vice chancellor. NSS

city THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013

POLITICS

Kiran trades seat for loyalty? So says TDP. The leaders are happy YSRC proved an appendage of Congress. YSRC will put up a show of opposition when no-confidence motion is moved with the knowledge that TDP is not interested in NCM. INKESHAF AHMED ahmed.m@postnoon.com

A senior TDP leader said that despite falling short of 10 votes, YSRC could comfortably win the MLC seat, and this is not possible without Congress’s help.

nly the Legislative Assembly will tell where the political parties stand. Yesterday’s governor’s speech and protests by the opposition exposed the YSRC and MIM, which spurn the Congress during the day and court it at night. The two parties’ refusal to join the general protests by the opposition has substantiated the rumour that the two parties are moving in tandem and have struck a deal with the Congress. The deal has much to do with the cases pending against leaders of both the parties. Akbaruddin Owaisi, floor leader of the MIM, who faces scores of hate-speech cases, reacted to Postnoon query as to why his party did not join the opposition clamour.

“Why should we boycott the governor’s address?” he countered. Similar was the response from YSRC leaders. “ We did not boycott the governor’s address. So what? Where is the need for it?” says YSRC MLA G Srikanth

Reddy. Another YSRC leader T Vanita said the same thing. Reacting on the issue, TDP senior leader and MLA Payyavula Keshav alleged that the ruling Congress party helped the YSRC win an MLC seat

ASSEMBLY

TRS puts Kiran govt on notice

N SHIVA KUMAR

No confidence motion is moved in the Assembly. POSTNOON NEWS feedback@postnoon.com

n day-2 of the budget session of the Assembly today, the TRS, backed by the CPI and the BJP, has moved a noconfidence motion against the Kiran government. Soon after, YSRC also preferred a notice. Speaker N Manohar will take up the notices tomorrow. Earlier, when the Assembly was called to order, the pink brigade resorted to slogan shouting, forcing Nadendla Manohar, to adjourn the House. The speaker repeatedly urged them to allow proceedings, suggesting that they could discuss the Telangana

issue during the budget debate or by giving notice for discussion under some other rule. However, TRS members did not pay any heed to the speaker. Unable to take up the listed business, the speaker adjourned the House for one hour. Soon after the House met after adjournment, TRS MLAs moved the noconfidence motion. The TRS has 18, CPI has four and BJP has three members. With YSRC moving the same, the speaker has the choice of clubbing them all and taking up the notice or treat each notice separately. Once the notice is taken up, the motion has to be put to vote within 10 days.

under MLA quota recently and added that the YSRC did not stage the walkout in an attempt to show its support to the ruling Congress. “The YSRC has only 17 MLAs‘ votes and the total number of votes required to win the MLC is 27. “Despite falling short of 10 votes, the YSRC could comfortably win the MLC seat. How can it win without the help of ruling Congress?" he said.

City THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013

City motorists short-changed Despite vehicle owners paying hefty taxes they do not get the corresponding service. It is more to do with shoddy work than lack of spending on the works. RAHUL RAMAKRISHNA rahul.r@postnoon.com

Collections so far

tate’s approach to road infrastructure in the capital city is not bad. If an honest work is done, the State ploughing back more than 25 per cent of the vehicle tax revenue it collects, fares favourably in comparison to other States. But the ever increasing clamour for better roads and public grumblings about the lack of infrastructure happen more because of dishonest execution of works than the lack of resources, experts surmise. But considering the capital pays a lion’s share of vehicle taxes to the State kitty, it is not getting the corresponding reward. Postnoon’s enquiry into the question if vehicle owners get at least part of the money they pay as taxes when they buy a vehicle is answered. Hyderabad being the capital city, it collects the highest vehicle tax in the entire State. It was found that the GHMC alone spent `136 crore in the outgoing year while the vehicle revenue amounted to a little over `459 crore. The pattern of collection and spending remains somewhat similar in the previous years. The table below is a detailed description of the budget allocation and expenditure taken up by the GHMC for road development in the City. Above is also a table on tax collection from vehicles by the Road Transport Authority of Andhra Pradesh. While the tax collections from vehicle registrations in the name of Road Tax, Life Tax and user fees is a gross total of `459.1224 crore by the RTA, the GHMC’s budget allocation for road development was `161.28 crore, with an expenditure of `136.18 crore. Joint commissioner of RTA for Twin Cities, J Panduranga

Rao said, “The revenue collected through tax is sent to the revenue department. And then it gets allocated in the State Budget for various purposes, but the same revenue amount is

Road works taken up in 2011-2012 Description CC Roads/BT Roads/SWD/Sewer Lighting Providing Precast RCC Divider Blocks Raising Height of Central Dividers Junction Improvements Reflective Studs and Cat eyes

Road Signages and Caution Boards Amount in Crore Total

Budget Achieved allocated 149.64 127.19 3.16 1.00

2.41 0.78

1.86

1.60

5.12 0.20 0.30

2.30 0.83 0.15

161.28

REVENUE COLLECTED FROM RTA HYDERABAD ALL CIRCLES (AMOUNT IN LAKH)

ollection data show Hyderabad Central mainly comprising Khairatabad, Punjagutta, Somajiguda, Begumpet, Ameerpet, Banjara Hills collected the highest tax, amounting to `236 crore but there is no system to bestow these localities with corresponding benefits. First of all, there exists no coordinated study on this matter between the GHMC and the RTA. Left hand does not know what the right hand is doing goes true of this situation.

136.18

April 1st 2012 to February 28th 2013 Zone Quarterly Tax Life Tax Fee Hyd- North 757.77 7340.41 632.42 Hyd- Central 2070.73 18768.22 1861.10 Hyd-East 733.11 4105.90 560.82 Hyd-West 753.30 3105.87 363.59 Hyd- South 985.56 1334.25 309.18 Grand Total 5300.48 34654.64 3727.10 Target- `577 crore Achieved- 86.25 per cent

not directly allocated for road development.” Despite the high amounts sanctioned for road development, in addition to the GHMC’s `150 crore sanctioned for CoP-11

The roads in our Begumpet locality are fine but there are some roads that deserve attention in other parts of the City.I cannot judge the quality of the works taken up for the given budget expenditure. However, compared to cities like Bombay or Bangalore, Hyderabad’s roads are far better. Prashant Narayan ﬁlmmaker

User Charges Detection Total 164.83 223.82 9119.24 329.11 604.24 23633.60 140.01 283.75 5823.54 104.50 155.30 4482.56 90.90 133.57 2853.46 829.34 1400.68 45912.24

works last year, many parts of the City continue to suffer from road problems. And by road problems, we include not just laying and maintenance roads but also road expansion, foot-

The roads in the City are in a bad condition. Everybody including the GHMC knows what is wrong with the roads but what they do is a shoe polish work - within a few days roads are damaged again. Our vehicles get damaged and that is an extra expenditure. I do not see any effect of the money being spent on the roads. Suryaprakash Jain businessman

Old City can claim to have no roads at all. There are perennial drainage problems and are given touchups everytime a minister passes by. Begum Bazaar area is one of the worst. Roads are always damaged or dug up and there is no scope for road laying in some lanes. Where all this money is going, the GHMC alone knows. Anand Ginkuntla photographer

path works, street lighting etc. Here are a few voices of what ordinary citizens think about the state of roads and the budgetexpenditure allocations done to take up the works. The roads in Basheerbagh are always bad, and continue to cause traffic jams daily. The streets in Himayathnagar locality are always dug up. And despite the number of complaints, no action has been taken. Hyderguda is always choked with traffic and people have started to develop severe health problems because of the condition of these roads. Umesh Jain ﬁnancier

city THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013

TRANSPORT

Pushpak fails to impress

N SHIVA KUMAR

APSRTC's attempts to make a ride to the airport cheap and efficient are hit by lack of publicity about its Pushpak services. PADMINI C padmini.c@postnoon.com

neha Chitra, an IT employee, on Monday was waiting half an hour at the bus stop near Pension office on Road no 1, Banjara Hills, for the Aero Express to come. Fifteen more minutes later, there was still no sign of an airport liner. Unwilling to wait further, she hailed a cab and reached the airport to find out that she would have most likely missed her flight had it not been delayed. Chitra's is not a lone case. Many people in the City are still unaware that Aero Express buses operated by GMR, stopped services since December 2012 and the airport liner service has been taken over by APSRTC. The newly commissioned AC fleet, branded Pushpak, are the buses to look out for now if you want a cheap ride to the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. “I just moved to Hyderabad six months ago and was advised by my colleagues to take the

GOLF

are out of its budget, given that the 25 Pushpaks have been running on heavy losses in the two and half months since their inception, say officials. "It's true that we didn't spend on advertisements and such but that's because it was not economically feasible considering the lukewarm response to the service. We were making losses of about `4,500 per bus in a day, but now it's come down to `1,500. The occupancy has gone up to 60 per cent. It's picking up. We are close

to breaking even. Even then, we can't afford to spend on publicity,” says Koteshwara Rao, executive director, Pushpak. But since Pushpak runs on the same routes as Aero Express and more, there should not be any confusion to commuters, says Ramaiah, a controller at the RGIA bay. "It's more or less the same as the old service in terms of the frequency and routes. But still, all anyone needs to do is to check our website (apsrtc.gov.in). It has all the information

required. Or, call the toll free number (1800 200 4599). We give pamphlets at the Pushpak bays with schedules and routes. Since buses ply every 30 minutes, there shouldn't be confusion." To further encourage patronage, APSRTC has also recently introduced special round-trip schemes and a monthly pass (costing `2,000) on which one can travel to and fro from the airport any number of times, in addition to travelling free of cost on any City APSRTC bus.

BIRDIES TAKE FLIGHT

RAJESH RAVINDRAN rajesh.r@postnoon.com

Aero Express if I didn't want to spend a bomb on cabs. So I kept looking out for those buses. I was clueless and I don't think even they knew that the service was replaced. Anyway, I was lucky because I still reached on time. Imagine if you missed it because you didn't know,” bemoans Chitra. A paucity of signage, publicity and advertisements marking the transition is the main reason to blame, say citizens. The call center appointed to help with inquiries on routes and timings is also a service little known, they say. “Other than frequent fliers, who else will know about these changes unless there are specific measures and public awareness campaigns to announce that Aero Express is now Pushpak? Why can't they publicise the helpline so it's easier for people like me to find out where to take my bus,” poses an angry commuter. The APSRTC however maintains that it has done all it can to make the move visible. But advertisements and hoardings

ome to think of it — an all women’s golf group? Not that women wielding irons are an anomaly today; women’s golfing on the world scene is big and in India it is catching up. Most golf groups are made up of men and those with a member from the fairer sex, though rare, are there. So, why not an all women’s golf group in the City? This is what some women here thought. Some of them are veterans who boast of more than 20 years of ‘driving’. There are novices gung-ho about the game after epiphanic moments when they get their shots right from the first moment they hold a club: that they are meant to do this. When thoughts trans-

formed to actions, Hyderabad’s first all-women’s golf group, the Birdies took birth. At the Golconda Golf Club on Tuesday, a gathering of women in the age group of seven to 70 plus pledged by the golf gods to stay true to their game. Golf, however, is a curious game — a game of fluctuations, quoting the Oldest Member of

the Marvis Bay Golf and Country Club in the golf world of PG Wodehouse, who is the last word on golf wisdom. Those, irrespective of sex, who reaped and gained leaps in their initial conquest, may find it hard to keep their shots straight. With their luck waning, birdies would be harder to come by, let alone eagles.

But the eagles among the birdies have pearls of wisdom to bestow on them so that the younger lot do not lose heart. Says Vasudha Murthy, 63, “The first two months are crucial because this is the hardest time for a beginner. People are most likely to quit then. If you pull through and pass these stages and play for two years, the

game will have grown on you.” Though Vasudha has been playing for 22 years, she does not assume the airs of an eagle, another wonderful aspect of golf because golf mayhap may be the only game that instills an un-uprootable sense of humility in a player. For one, anything can happen and the least of trifles can play havoc. She says with utmost deference to the game that she is not a great golfer, but a keen one. Another eagle, Sulochana Reddy, 71, has been playing for 25 years. “The beauty of it is when you step out onto the course early in the morning, is the serenity of it all...” She is very enthused about the whole “girl golf gang” idea. She drove a good 40km to attend the launch. The Oldest Member will be happy.

AGE OF THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013

A PAGE DEDICATED TO THE TRIUMPHS AND TRIBULATIONS OF GEN Z AMY ROSE THOMAS

amyrose.t@postnoon.com

ll of 20, Bhargav Krishna has already travelled half the country and tried out many of the adventure sports activities. Studying in TKR College of Engineering, he has been juggling studies and his passion for as long as he was with Great Hyderabad Adventure club. “I don’t want to neglect my studies so I indulge in trekking and travelling during the weekends. Two months before exams, I shut myself out from them and concentrate on studies only. After exams, I am back to backpacking trips and adventure sports,” he says. Bhargav Krishna is not alone in this quest to travel, explore and engage with new cultures. There are many who dream of travelling around the world. And for many, it remains just that, a dream. Blame it on the money, time and responsibilities; many hesitate to take the final leap. However, unlike their predecessors, the younger generation is up for taking risks and braving the consequences. Many youngsters are embracing their passion, travelling and fulfilling their dreams. “My dream is to travel to 160 countries. I don’t mind if I will have to travel alone but I just want to travel. I have already covered 70 per cent of the country and now I am up for travelling abroad. Next month I will be travelling to Singapore and Malaysia. I started travelling when I was a kid. I used to go on small treks with my uncle and brothers. Later, I got seriously involved in travelling after my intermediate studies. While trekking, the feeling after

Unlike their predecessors, the younger generation is up for taking risks and braving the consequences. Many youngsters are embracing their passion for travelling and fulfilling their dreams.

WORLD IS THEIR

you reach your destination is irreplaceable – after the fatigue wears off you feel pleasant, relaxed and more importantly, you feel like a winner. It’s my stressbuster. I have tried around 40 to 50 adventure sports activities,” P Sairam says. Many of these youngsters are not banking on their parents for their travel expense. For instance, Bhargav Krishna volunteers at different conferences to raise money for

OYSTER

his travel. “These expeditions do not cost much since we go for the cheapest options. I raise money by volunteering at international conferences that are organised in the City,” Bhargav Krishna says. Twenty two-year-old Rajeev R, who have already travelled to places like Delhi, Malali, Agra, Chennai, Assam, Meghalaya, Guwahati and Sikkim, heavily relied on travelling by trains to reduce costs. “I started travelling when I had taken a year off after my school. We were short on cash since I was travelling with the pocket money that my parents give. I never shopped but roamed

Gap years were once only in the West. But now parents here too are warming up to the idea of their kids taking a year off to travel. around, explored and saw new places with friends,” he says. While there is also a small section of youngsters staying away from home that see travelling as a way to trace their roots. “My parents are originally from Kerala but they have been staying in Delhi for more than 25 years. I rarely visit Kerala since

my parents are not very much in touch with our relatives. I have always heard of stories from my parents about where they went to school and how they met. I always felt the need to visit these places and that is the reason why I planned an extensive trip to Kerala,” Angela Thomas says. Gap years were once only the privilege of people in the West. But now parents here too are warming up to the idea of their kids taking a year off to travel, explore and experience new things. So, with their support or without, the Generation Z is taking the leap when their predecessors are still contemplating on the idea.

THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013

Business

IBERIA STRIKE CALLED OFF AFTER DEAL

Workers of Spanish airline Iberia called off a third five-day strike in a dispute over thousands of job cuts after unions accepted a mediation plan, the company said on Wednesday. Ground and flight staff had threatened to strike from March 18 to 22.

PERSONAL FINANCE

APPLE CEO TO TESTIFY

Qualified advice pays

A survey shows that a substantial chunk of India’s salaried class are under-prepared for future financial requirements and don’t plan savings investments early enough.

POSTNOON NEWS feedback@postnoon.com

ndian salaried class is alarmingly under-prepared for their future financial needs like retirement and emergency fund. Tracking spendings, savings on tax and professional advice were also not given priority by many employees. Only 6.75 per cent of employees are financially ready to face challenges in life, reports a recent survey conducted by ArthaYantra, an integrated online personal financial service company. “Based on the current personal financial habits of the employees surveyed, only 18.64 per cent can afford to retire at the age of 60. This also means that the probability of extending the retirement age is higher for the remaining employees owing to lack of enough retirement corpuses. Even for people who can retire at 60, quality of retirement would be sub-par to required standards,” it says. In general, employees are

only thinking and investing for their retirement after their 10 years of work experience. The survey reveals that out of the employees with work experience less than five years, only 9.29 per cent have started investing in a retirement plan other than Provident Fund or other such mandatory retirement related options provided by their organisations. Out of employees with a work experience of 6 – 10 years, only 19.23 per cent have planned for their retirement and 29.63 per cent of the employees with work experience over 10 years started investing for their retirement. Even most of the employees are undermining the importance of saving money for emergencies. The current state of the employees would push them to encash their existing investments or assets in order to fund their emergencies. The scientific practice of personal finance advices an emergency fund which accounts for 3-6 months of expenses. Managing an effective emergen-

Personal finance tips Efficiently track cash flows Cut down unnecessary spending by tracking Saving Tax by various investments Planning the investments for future needs Investing for comfortable retirement phase Planning for unforeseen events

cy fund stands out as one of major risk management techniques. As per the survey, 14.22 per cent of professionals with a work experience of less than 5 years have an emergency fund which can account for the expenses worth 3 or more than 3 months. About 44 per cent of employees with a work experience of 6-10 years have and emergency fund that is more than their three months expenses. Between the age of 30 to 45 years, an individual faces an

average of three emergencies and possibility if him/her undergoing financial distress is very high. The critical step of saving process is identifying the spending patterns. Once the patterns are identified, it is easy to determine the areas which need attention. However, based on the survey conducted, only 26.26 per cent of the employees are maintaining a healthy frequent track of all their expenses. Only 10.61 per cent of the employees review their expenses frequently. The majority (42.93 per cent) review their expenses occasionally and 20.20 per cent review them rarely. Most of the investment mistakes made can be attributed to lack of proper research before investing. Often employees are making their investment based on the advice of friends and colleagues and also by feedback back by parents. Only 4.2 per cent of the employees are seeking financial advice from an expert before making any investment.

Rinehart offered daughter $306 million SYDNEY: Australian billionaire Gina Rinehart offered her estranged daughter Hope $306 million in a bid to end a sordid feud over the family fortune, according to emails published on Thursday. The revelations come a day after media reported that her son had sought a Aus$15 million “sorry payment” from his mother for the way she treated him. Hope Welker, John Hancock and their sister Bianca have been embroiled in a legal battle with their mother — Australia’s richest person —

over control of a family trust worth a reported Aus$4 billion. Trustee Rinehart has sought to block a huge payout, that was due to be made to her children in 2011, until 2068. The three took her to court in an attempt to gain access to the trust. Welker, who pulled out of the legal battle on Tuesday, begged her younger sister Ginia — the sole sibling to remain loyal to their mother — for help to pay her bills in 2011, emails submitted to the New South Wales Supreme

Court, which were obtained by a newspaper, revealed. She also threatened to go to the media as she could not afford her rent and school fees, the mails showed. “Why the hell don’t you just take the $300 million dollars mum has repeatedly offered you and walk away,” Ginia blasted. “Not that you deserve a penny as you have never worked a day in your life but if you cannot live with 300 million dollars for doing absolutely nothing then you really are disgusting.”

The trust, set up by Rinehart’s father, the late Lang Hancock, in 1988, had his four grandchildren as beneficiaries. Gina was to run the trust, which holds a 23.4 per cent slice of her company Hancock Prospecting, until the youngest grandchild turned 25 in 2011. Just days before, however, she sought to delay the payout until 2068 saying it would avoid a huge tax bill. John, Hope and Bianca took Gina to court over her handling of the trust, alleging breach of trust. AFP

10g GOLD `29,800 10g GOLD`31,100 1kg `60,100 1kg SILVER `54,900

24C 24C

for for

DOLLAR `54.47 `53.79 `85.15 POUND POUND `81.32

Apple CEO to testify A judge on Wednesday ordered Apple’s chief executive Tim Cook to testify in a case brought by the US government accusing the tech giant of conspiring to raise e-book prices. Federal Judge Denise Cote issued the order after a teleconference with attorneys from Apple and the US Justice Department. She said the government may take a deposition from Cook, which could be used in a trial, overruling objections from the company. The order said Cook must testify “for the reasons stated on the record at the teleconference,” without elaborating.

NUMEROLOGY

$6.48

is the amount Ireland raised on Wednesday on returning to the 10year bond market for the first time since the 2010 bailout.

KINDLE PRICE SLASHED Amazon.com on Wednesday ramped up its challenge to Apple’s iPads by trimming the price of its large-screen Kindle Fire and making the tablets available in Japan and Europe. The online retailer cut $100 from the price of the Kindle Fire HD with 8.9-inch screens and connectivity to the latestgeneration wireless telecom networks, giving the tablets a starting price of $399. A version of the Kindle Fire HD that connects to the Internet using Wi-Fi hotspots was given a starting price of $269. Full-sized iPads start at $499 while Apple’s iPad mini has a starting price of $329.

THUS SPAKE There is merit in initiating deeper bilateral trade integration between India and the US as a framework for giving recognition to the broader strategic imperative of closer cooperation between the two. ARVIND SUBRAMANIAN, ECONOMIST

BSE 6,057.70 5,836.15 NSE

20,025.67 19,328.11 44.10 34.44 9.20 15.05

THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013

nation

60 FISHERMEN ARRESTED BY LANKAN NAVY At least 60 fishermen from Tamil Nadu were arrested by Sri Lankan Navy personnel while fishing near Katchatheevu today, an official from fishermen association said. The fishermen were taken to Neduntheevu police station in Sri Lanka and their 11 boats were also seized

FISHERMEN KILLING

SC ‘stays’ Italian ambassador Action likely against Daniele Mancini, says Khurshid after meeting PM. Parliament stalled over marines’ issue and Kashmir attack. NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court today issued notice to the Italian Ambassador and restrained him from leaving the country without its permission, taking exception to Italian government’s refusal to send back marines charged with the killing of two fishermen. A bench headed by Chief Justice Altamas Kabir also issued notice to the two marines, Massimiliano Lattore and Salvatore Girone, who were allowed by the apex court to go to Italy to cast their vote in the elections there after Italian Ambassador Daniele Mancini had given an assurance to send them back. The bench passed the order after it was brought to its notice that Italy has reneged on its assurance given to the court. Attorney General GE Vahanvati brought the issue before the bench, saying that “its a breach of undertaking given to the highest court of the land and the government is extremely concerned about it". After hearing the AG’s submission, the bench issued notices

NEWS BRIEFS Gangrape victim’s family turns down offer of fee refund DEHRADUN: The family of the Delhi bus gangrape victim turned down an offer from the city’s Sai Institute to return the fees charged from her, saying the amount should be used to help poor and needy students who struggle to raise funds.

Insurgent arrested in Manipur combing operation IMPHAL: An insurgent of the banned People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak was arrested by a combined team of Manipur police and Assam Riﬂes personnel in the interior Thoubal district, police said today. A pistol was recovered from him.

to the Ambassador and the two marines and asked them to file their response by March 18. The bench further said that if notice is not served to the marines, who are right now in Italy, then it will be served through the Italian Ambassador. The bench posted the matter for further hearing on coming Monday after the AG pleaded for an urgent hearing on this issue. As speculation grew about India’s mext move, external affairs minister Salman Khurshid today met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh after which he indicated action will be taken against the Italian Ambassador here. Khurshid said everything will be done to ensure that “dignity and primacy” of India in this matter is preserved after Italy reneged on its assurance given to the Supreme Court. Asked by reporters if the Government will take action against Ambassador Daniele Mancini, Khurshid said, “We will. As we take steps will let you know. We have to take steps and there is no question that we

Fishermen community burns effigy of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during a protest in Thiruvananthapuram. PTI

won’t take steps." Khurshid said government will have to work in coordination with whatever happens in the Supreme Court and it will need to factor that into any decisions taken. “We need to keep the court informed about all decisions," he said, adding, “the matter will be treated with greatest urgency." PTI

Italian ministry website removes solidarity ribbon ROME: Italy’s defence ministry has announced it was removing from its website a banner bearing a symbolic yellow ribbon wrapped around the regimental badge of the two marines at the centre of a diplomatic row with India. “The yellow ribbon

wrapped around the insignia of the San Marco Regiment Lion, and symbol of the solidarity to the two riflemen Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone, who were detained in India by local judicial authorities... will be removed," read a message.

KASHMIR MILITANT ATTACK

DGP to conduct probe SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir government has asked state Director General of Police Ashok Prasad to conduct a detailed inquiry into the suicide attack on a CRPF camp and killing of a youth in alleged firing by security forces yesterday. “The DGP, who is camping in Srinagar, will be making a detailed inquiry into the happenings," an official spokesman said after a high-level meeting chaired by CMOmar Abdullah late last night. Five jawans of CRPF were killed and 10 other persons including four civilians were injured in a suicide attack by two militants on their camp.

CURFEW IN SRINAGAR A curfew was today imposed in Srinagar district following the death

PICK YOUR

@ of a youth in CRPF firing in Zoonimar area of the city. A 22-year-old youth was killed yesterday when CRPF personnel allegedly opened fire after coming under attack by a group of stone pelters in the Zoonimar area. The vehicle of CRPF personnel was on its way to SKIMS hospital, where the victims of Bemina terror attack were admitted, when it came under attack, sources said. PTI

Across Stores

ities Twin C

THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013

World RAPE IN US ARMY

Victims decry US Army justice

WASHINGTON: Former US troops who were raped during their time in uniform recounted their traumatic experiences at a Senate hearing and demanded changes to the military’s justice system. Four victims, three women and a man, told lawmakers Wednesday in poignant testimony how they had been sexually assaulted and harassed, that their attackers had escaped punishment and that they suffered retaliation and intimidation under a legal code that offered them little recourse. “The military criminal justice system is broken,” Rebekah Havrilla, a former Army sergeant, told lawmakers. Havrilla said she was raped by a member of her unit at the end of her tour in Afghanistan in 2007, where she served as a bomb disposal specialist. Her rapist later posted photos of her online taken at the time of the assault, prompting her to report the crime to military authorities. But despite having to describe her ordeal through hours of uncomfortable questioning by investigators, her attacker was never punished. At one point, she sought out help from an Army chaplain. But the chaplain “told me, among other things, that the rape was God’s will and that God was trying to get my attention so that I would go back to church,” she said.

SOROLLA PAINTING TO BE AUCTIONED Japan and other pro-shark fishing nations on Thursday lost a bid to overturn a landmark deal to offer international trade protection for several species of the ocean’s oldest predator. The decision to restrict exports in the oceanic whitetip shark, the porbeagle, three types of hammerheads and the manta ray won final approval by the 178member Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

CHINA

SUU KYI FACES PROTEST

Xi Jinping named President of China Xi’s government appointment was effectively guaranteed by his party position. Xi Facts Birth date: June 1953 Birth place: Fuping County, Shaanxi Province, China (some sources say Beijing) Birth name: Xi Jinping Father: Xi Zhongxun, revolutionary and vice premier Mother: Qi Xin Marriages: Peng Liyuan (1987-present); Ke Lingling (divorced) Children: with Peng Liyuan: Xi Mingze (daughter) Education: Tsinghua University, Chemical Engineering, 1979; Tsinghua University, LLD, 2002 Other Facts: Is considered to be a “princeling,” the son or daughter of a revolutionary veteran. His wife, Peng Liyuan, is a famous folk singer in China. BEIJING: China’s parliament named Xi Jinping as president Thursday, four months after he took charge of the Communist Party with pledges of reform that have raised hopes but so far yielded little change. Top officials of the world’s most populous nation, including Xi himself, took part in a leadership vote at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, taking turns to place red papers into ballot boxes, but the outcome was never in doubt. “Now I announce comrade Xi Jinping is selected as president of the People’s Republic of China,” said Liu Yunshan, a top official of the ruling party who chaired the session at the National People’s Congress, the

rubber-stamp parliament. To loud applause, Xi, 59, stood up and bowed to the delegates and the platform, before shaking hands with other officials and walking off the stage. Li Yuanchao, a member of the Communist Party’s Politburo but not of its top seven-member Standing Committee, and who is seen as having reformist leanings, was named as vice-president, a largely symbolic post. Xi’s government appointment was effectively guaranteed by his party position. He formally takes the reins of the world’s second-largest economy with Li Keqiang, who is due to be anointed as premier on Friday, marking the final

NUMEROLOGY

71,500

people in Australia found employment in February. The figure shattered the forcast of a rise of 10,000, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. step in the nation’s once-in-adecade power handover. The party leadership is the real source of authority in China, but the title of head of state will increase Xi’s public and international role. Since he took the top Communist post in November, Xi has pledged to preserve the ruling party’s supremacy, as well as improve livelihoods, implement economic reforms, and crack down on corruption, which incenses popular opinion. In the months since Xi’s promotion a parade of lower-level officials have been exposed for graft in efforts that have been lauded in state media as proof of a crackdown.

NEWS BRIEFS CJ Khil Raj Regmi sworn Ex-Khmer Rouge in Nepal Prime Minister minister dies

Celebs charged with propofol abuse

Man dies in morgue freezer in Russia

KATHMANDU: Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi was today sworn-in as Nepal’s new Prime Minister to head an interim government that will hold elections in three months, ending a long political deadlock in the country. Regmi, 63, was sworn in as the head of interim election government as a part of the elevenpoint deal.

SEOUL: South Korean prosecutors said Thursday they had charged four TV celebrities with illegal use of propofol, a short-acting sedative and anaesthetic blamed in the death of US pop legend Michael Jackson. Park Si-Yeon, Lee SeungYeon, Jang Mi-In-Ae and Hyun Young were charged with taking the drug for “non-medical purposes”.

MOSCOW: A man froze to death in Russia’s Pskov region, having been put in a morgue freezer alive after the staff confused his body with another corpse, ofﬁcials said. Doctors discovered a 57-year-old man in his apartment in February and said he had to be taken to the morgue after pronouncing him dead, where he was put in a freezer.

PHNOM PENH: Former Khmer Rouge minister Ieng Sary, who was on trial for genocide and war crimes, died Thursday, the UNbacked court said, denying Cambodians a verdict over his role in the brutal regime. The death of the former student radical, who as Khmer Rouge foreign minister was one of the regime’s few public faces.

The Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has faced scores of protesters at a Chinese-backed copper mine in north-western Burma – the site of a violent police crackdown against opponents last year – where she defended a government recommendation that the controversial $1bn project should continue. Aung San Suu Kyi’s visit to Monywa came just one day after a government-backed investigation commission – which she chaired – admitted that the project lacked environmental protection.

CHAVEZ LIKE LENIN: TOO LATE Venezuela’s acting president Nicolas Maduro acknowledged Wednesday that it could be too late to have president Hugo Chavez embalmed “like Lenin” so that his body could be on view permanently. “We have welcomed top-level scientists, the best in the world, from Russia and Germany... The scientiﬁc reports and opinions we are getting are that it is going to be quite difﬁcult” to arrange special embalming that would enable permanent viewing, Maduro said at an event carried on state television.

I think it would be quite appropriate to recall the positive experience of past decades when the socalled GTO, Ready for Labour and Defence, was in use in our country. Vladmir Putin urging Russia to get ﬁt

THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013

Technology INTERACTIVE APPLICATIONS

Video chat for the ridiculously rich

THE END? Google Reader user? Say goodbye. Google has announced the service is closing on July 1. The news came today in a “Spring Cleaning” blog post from Google, where the company said: “We launched Google Reader in 2005 in an effort to make it easy for people to discover and keep tabs on their favorite websites. While the product has a loyal following, over the years usage has declined. So, on July 1, 2013, we will retire Google Reader. Users and developers interested in RSS alternatives can export their data, including their subscriptions, with Google Takeout over the course of the next four months.”

Video conference robot Beam walks the walk at SXSW ROBERT MACPHERSON feedback@postnoon.com AUSTIN: After a long day at the South by Southwest (SXSW) interactive trade show, Susie Kim and her colleagues took a leisurely two-block stroll back to their hotel in downtown Austin. Except that Kim never left her office in southern California, on the other side of the country. Nor did her other colleagues at Suitable Technologies who virtually attended SXSW via Beam, a remote-controlled videoconference robot that not only talks the talk, but walks the walk. The “remote presence device," as its manufacturer likes to call it, has been a breakthrough hit at this year’s SXSW. Using the cursor keys, users can twist and move a Beam in any direction they like — enabling them to just roll up to someone and say hello, or walk alongside people while keeping up a conversation. “People loved it. They took pictures. We chatted," Kim said via Beam on Tuesday, recalling the walk back to the Hyatt the night before with Suitable Technologies CEO Scott Hassan, the only Beam team member physically at SXSW. “You don’t see a robot walking and navigating itself every day. It’s kind of fun” — although Kim acknowledged, that once at the hotel, Hassan “obviously had to help me press buttons for the elevator." Fewer than 100 Beams have been made since manufacturing began in California in November, and they don’t come cheap — $16,000 each, or the price of a compact car in the United States, plus $3,200 for service and support. But Hassan, part of the team that developed a search engine at Stanford University that came to be known as Google, sees big potential for the useful gadget that stands a humanly five feet two inchestall. “Basically any time you need to have a face-toface meeting with someone, or

TWITTER’S GOT MUSIC

where physicality is important, you can substitute a Beam for it and then you can be there," he said. All that’s required is an Internet or mobile data connection. The Beam itself is battery powered and comes with a custom docking station. So in lieu of traveling halfway around the world, a designer in New York or London, for instance, can use a Beam to zip around a factory floor in China to inspect an assembly line in real time and talk to colleagues on the spot. “We think this is a good way

Beams cost $16,000 each, or the price of a compact car in the United States, plus $3,200 for service and support. to lower health costs all around the world," said Hassan, adding that Beam is working on a new model with a high-definition zoom camera especially suited for precise medical applications. In time, depending on demand, “we might build a unit

for the consumer market," he said, raising the prospect of using a Beam to go to a family reunion without, er, actually going. Basketball legend turned tech tycoon Shaquille O’Neal came up with yet another mission for Beam when he discovered it at SXSW over the weekend and expressed interest in supporting the venture. Instead of making a personal appearance for, say, a store opening, celebrities can just turn up on a Beam and interact with their fans, without leaving their home or movie set, said Kim, recalling her conversation with him. For now, however, the target market for Beam are businesses that operate in several countries and looking to improve on existing videoconference technology. With Beam, said Kim, “you’re not just on a computer screen. I can walk and talk with you from the conference room to your desk and then go with you to the kitchen and have coffee. You get more of that cultural interaction with each office — and I think people really love interaction." AFP

Twitter acquired the music discovery service We Are Hunted last year and is using its technology to build a standalone music app, CNET has learned. The app, to be called Twitter Music, could be released on iOS by the end of this month, according to a person familiar with the matter. Twitter Music suggests artists and songs to listen to based on a variety of signals, and is personalized based on which accounts a user follows on Twitter. Songs are streamed to the app via SoundCloud.

Change ahead Andy Rubin has stepped down as the executive in charge of Google's Android operating system for smartphones and tablet computers, ending a seven-year reign that reshaped the technology industry. The unexpected change may raise new questions about Android's direction as Google duels with Apple Inc., Microsoft Corp. and a long list of other companies in the increasingly important mobile computing market. Google is replacing Rubin with Sundar Pichai, an executive in charge of the company's Chrome Web browser and OS for lightweight laptop computers. That move may heighten recurring speculation that the Chrome operating system eventually will supplant Android.

THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013

Comment Hateful to me as the gates of Hades is that man who hides one thing in his heart and speaks another.

SEASON’S WISHES

BEN SHEPPARD Agence France-Presse

s he contemplates retirement next year, Afghan President Hamid Karzai appears to have one over-riding ambition — to ensure that his people do not remember him as a puppet of the United States. Karzai will stand down after elections in April 2014, and his final year in office promises to be turbulent as he launches strident criticism of the US government, which has backed him since the fall of the Taliban in 2001. In the latest of a series of verbal attacks, this week he accused the United States of colluding with Taliban militants to justify the presence of 100,000 international troops in Afghanistan. Karzai has a record of inflammatory outbursts which his detractors say are evidence that he is unstable, unreliable and prone to off-the-cuff remarks that make little sense and cause serious damage. But others say his words are carefully chosen and speak directly to Afghanistan’s young, often illiterate and poorly educated population. One independent observer with a recent insight into Karzai’s state of mind is British historian William Dalrymple, who spent 90 minutes discussing his new book with the president at a private audience in Kabul last week. “I was in Pakistan beforehand, and everyone there from the foreign ministry downwards told me he was a nutter and off his trolley,” Dalrymple told said. “British diplomats told me that he was at best ‘emotional’. My own impression was that he is a charismatic, and erudite.”

I’m a bit late with my Diwali greetings BUT... SERIOUSLY

Homer Poet

Karzai out to prove he’s no puppet

HIGH-FLYING THOUGHTS

Putin’s 60 and is going strong. He wants the nation to follow suit and get fit. Along with Steven Seagal he visited a martial arts school and exhorted the youngsters to get strong. Can we imagine that here who is fit and strong not just in words, but action and self?

Ajay Hotchandani

t was that time of year again, where everyone breaks out their best greeting card and emails everyone HAPPY DIWALI. Now I’ve been pondering the entire concept behind Diwali. There are many interpretations/explanations of how Diwali came about, but for most of us now it’s nothing more than a reason to eat more sweets than we should, drink the good ol Johnny Walker whisky when we are way to drunk to even find the bar, and for the ladies (take out the diamonds from safety deposit box). And for the kids, touch the feet of as many elders to collect money. But this isn’t to far from the basis of Diwali, which is to celebrate. However, I think it is necessary to educate most of you on a common mistake that is often made during Diwali. Almost everyone uses this day to make a “resolution”. Resolutions like, “I will take better care of my health”, “make more money”, “stop wearing women’s clothing” (what, am I the only that made this resolution! :) This “resolution making initiative” is reserved for New Year’s. I’ve consulted with the New Year’s

Committee and they feel that it is best not to double up on resolution since it might lead to confusion due to the close proximity between New Years and Diwali. Also, people might divide the attention between two or more resolutions leading to a greater chance of failure due to lack of attention. They did clarify for me, that if you want to use this day to re-state a pre-existing resolution, that it is not a problem. Another confusing aspect of Diwali occurs during the pooja (prayer) ceremony. As a child, I could never figure out which God(s) we were praying to and why we picked them. Again, I consulted higher powers about this matter, however they never

returned my calls or email. So I’m going to supply you with my theory. During exam time I found my religious belief to be proportional to the certainty I was going to fail, the more I thought I was going to fail, the more religious I became. I found myself making promises and pledges to anyone from Buddha to Jesus and anyone in between if they provided me with a miracle and made me pass my exams. This pattern is reflected in the Diwali pooja, the more we are grateful for what we have the more we thank the God(s), OR, the more we want equals to the more God(s) we pray for. Again, this is my theory, but then again, as big as a sinner as I

am, I wouldn’t advise listening to me :) One of the reasons is that Diwali is celebrated as a symbol of the triumph of good over evil. Another view of Diwali is that it marks the beginning of a new year. Then there are those who believe in it because they will get a holiday for it. Whatever the reason may be, I hope you celebrate it and have an amazing time like I did! In closing, may you be blessed with 40 monkeys, 115 bees, 77 pounds of cheese (or tofu), a toyota corolla, an iPhone and a winning lotto ticket! Your Brown Friend Ajay

EDITORIALS Opposition soap opera in Assembly

he Opposition spectacle in the AP Assembly is at best a comedy stuff. The way the disparate Opposition parties go about crowing about themselves and their performance in the House are two different things that keep people of the State amused. Now, when the TRS moved a no conﬁdence motion in the Assembly today, many Opposition parties including the TDP are keeping their cards close to their chest. Last time when the TDP moved a no conﬁdence motion, many including the YSRC played Brutus and it is now the turn of the TDP to play that role. TRS’ effort, it is clear, is a strategy to expose the Opposition ranks rather than upstaging the ruling Congress as it knows it does not have the required strength to even move a notice of NCM motion. While the NCM will not serve its purpose, it will surely put the parties like MIM in a spot by exposing where they stand. Whatever, the people of the State are rather losers as they pay for the gimmicks and get nothing in return. Sad. When will we learn?

READERS’ VIEWS

So, what next?

hose around the world who have heard about the Italian Marine ﬁasco in India would be having a hearty laugh about the way India botched up the whole case. Another wonderful instance where our diplomatic acumen have gone wrong completely. Now that those accused of claming the lives of ﬁshermen are safe at home, what’s the point of railing and whining. We should have forseen this. But we have a propensity to never learn from our mistakes.

THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013

tELEVISION

CAMEO IN NEW GIRL

New Girl fans will soon see Jess (Zooey Deschanel) go to prom, and she might be doing it with style. Or should we say, with Stiles. Dylan O’Brien, who stars as Stiles on MTV’s Teen Wolf, will guest-star in an upcoming episode of the Fox comedy, the network has confirmed.

ENTERTAINMENT UNLIMITED

Professor, theatre artiste and actor, Benjamin Gilani is back on Indian television and this time he takes on the role of a quizmaster with Disney Q — The Family Mastermind. He talks to Postnoon about his latest venture. FLEME VARKEY fleme.v@postnoon.com n How did your role as anchor on this show come about? What are you expecting out of the show? An opportunity to host a show like Disney Q — The Family Mastermind does not come one’s way quite often. The fact I liked about Disney Q — The Family Mastermind was that the show, unlike a lot of other shows in the same genre, is entirely dependent on the concept and not the personality of the host. A show can only be called a good show only when it relies solely on its concept and Disney Q is one such show. I was intrigued by the concept of having families participate as a single unit and brave difficult and challenging questions to win the title of ‘India’s Smartest Family’. I am expecting the show to have some great family dynamics at play and at the same time educate and entertain the audiences. n There have been a large number of family centric reality shows in the past how does your show differ? As I mentioned, Disney Q — The Family Mastermind relies solely on its content and the audiences will see family dynamics at play. However, despite the fact that families will participate in the show as a single unit, it will be the kid who will lead the team! n Is it a conscious decision to do only serious films and theatre?

NEW SERIES

Raju Bhai and Ekta

IN THE HOT SEAT

Rajesh Joshi, fondly known as Raju Bhai in the television industry has been associated with many successful shows of Balaji Teleﬁlms starting from Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kasautii Zindagi Kay, Kkusum, Bandini, Tere Liye, Pavitra Rishta and Parichay. And now, the ace writer is going to be a part of Ekta Kapoor’s magnum-opus historical for Zee TV, Jodhaa Akbar. We hear that the writer after being part of various successful social genres ﬁnds it a new challenge to pen for the historical show.

ing with families, I had to ensure that they were comfortable. Most families participating in the show haven’t faced the camera ever before, so it is quite natural for them to feel intimidated with the setting. That is where I step in and make them feel at ease encouraging them to perform well and work towards winning the title of ‘India’s Smartest Family’.

Gossip Girl

I have always done work that has excited me. I have never been the kind to do everything that is offered to me. It is important for me to know about my part in the project. If that is stimulating enough, I do it. I was doing a show for Doordarshan and now I am happy to be a part of Disney Q — The Family Mastermind. n The brand Mastermind was very popular with the masses, how does this family show seek to live up to the name? This show takes the format a step further by including families who battle it out as a single unit to win the coveted title. This is for the first time that the format has been tweaked in such a manner. The novelty factor involved with the concept and the fact that Disney Channel India as a brand is loved by families and kids alike should ensure that the show will be equally loved by the audiences. n Which is the genre you enjoy the most and why? I do not stick to a particular genre. As long as the script and my role are good, I enjoy the genre — be it hosting, drama, comedy or anything else. n What is your preparation for this show? I have hosted a show in the early ’80s as well. Hosting gives me the freedom to be myself. However, considering Disney Q is a serious form of quizzing, it was essential to keep the tone in check and at the same time, since I was work-

n Understandably, theatre has been your choice of profession, forming the Motley group. What was that like? It was our shared (Naseeruddin Shah) passion for the stage that led to the founding of Motley in 1979; I continue to be driven by the same passion. Entertainment is a part of it but the aim is to try and make the audience think about something. Motley is one of the few groups in the country that has found the sweet spot where undying love for theatre, captivating performances and evocative scripts meet commerce. Thirty years since its founding, it continues to take its plays to various parts of the country. We do human interest stories and our choice of script is very personal, we try not to overly underline political interests but we do like to ensure that our plays are for education, to make people think and show them different perspectives. We also try to bring out the richness of the spoken word, never once exploiting the language but giving vast importance to the way it is delivered. n What is your opinion about

serials and cinema these days? I don’t see too many films but it is heartening to see the variety of films being made in India today — from big-budget films to small budget films. What’s even more exciting is that audiences today do not differentiate between big and small films. Recent times have seen talented directors like Anurag Basu, Anurag Kashyap, Raj Kumar Hirani, Farhan Akhtar among others. Television, also I believe, is in a budding stage and as a medium, it has a tremendous potential for growth. We are going to see the medium move ahead in a big way. n What are your views on present day theatre? Theatre, as a medium has grown immensely in the recent times and it is heartening to see new talent come up and even more heartening to see the audiences willing to accept new and different stories. All I can say is that there is a vast potential for growth in theatre. n You have always been in the company of such prolific actors, did their obsession for acting ever rub on to you? There is something to learn from everyone you work with. I have been fortunate to work with some of the best names of the industry and equally fortunate to continue working with extremely gifted youngsters. The show is currently being aired on Disney Channel, Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm.

DID YOU KNOW...

The series has become so popular that a tour of Gossip Girl sites has been created in New York City, by the same people who created the Sex and the City Tour.

TRENDING...

HBO is going into business with Cate Blanchett to adapt Marisa Acocella Marchetto's memoir Cancer Vixen: A True Story, The Hollywood Reporter has conﬁrmed.The book revolves around a cartoonist in the city plotting her wedding who is diagnosed with breast cancer and tells Marchetto's story of her 11month battle with breast cancer.

After a stint on NBC’s The Ofﬁce, Spader will once again team up with the Peacock Network when he takes on a role in the thriller pilot The Blacklist. Spader will play Raymond “Red” Reddington, a former Army intelligence ofﬁcerturned-wanted criminal who turns himself in with the intention of giving up all his fellow accomplices.

THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013

spotlight

DANCE THROUGH THE NIGHT

DJ's Siddie boy and DJ Gani will make you dance till you sweat with their latest collection of EDM, House and Commercial tracks. If it’s Thursday 10Lounge is the place to be all you party people.

S BALAKRISHNA

DESIGNER CREATES

Art & aesthetics

Radhika Agarwal launched D' or’ a designer creation of aesthetic and utilitarian lifestyle products. The exhibition is currently being held at Coffee Affairs, Banjara Hills, Road no 10. 5

1 Radhika Agarwal 2 Neetu, Akanksha,

Sweta, Seema 3 Sonia

4 Bina Mehata 5 Neha

6 Sarita 7 Tarab Khan

SHOP TILL YOU DROP

India’s ﬁrst social shopping platform for women LimeRoad.com launched recently bringing a whole new experience online. This platform is owned and led by Suchi Mukherjee.The unique shopping experience allows you to shop-by-city, shop-by-brand, or shop-by-ﬂagship store.

ENCOURAGING TALENT

Young Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs and Holy Mary Group of Institutions inked a pact to promote entrepreneurship among young women recently.

8 Sonal 9 Shalini

THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013

health

GHANIAN FIRMS MARKETING FAKE DRUGS FROM INDIA? At a time the Indian pharmaceutical industry is attempting to brand itself to counter allegations of exporting counterfeit drugs, Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has accused three local companies of distributing fake drugs from India.

PROGERIA

It was made famous by Amitabh Bachchan, when he played Auro in Paa. Progeria is a rare genetic disorder that causes children to age rapidly, barely giving them a chance to reach adulthood.

Snuffed out before they

BLOOM RANJANI RAJENDRA

ranjani.r@postnoon.com

lmost all of us appreciated Amitabh Bachchan’s performance as Auro in Paa. His role as a young boy dealing with life as cheerfully as possible despite suffering from progeria, touched many hearts. But what the film also did was bring to light the plight of children suffering from this rare genetic disease. Progeria is a rare genetic condition that causes rapid aging in children. What sets it apart is the fact its symptoms are of normal human aging, except at an accelerated pace. For instance, a 10year-old would age like a 50-year-old. It is usually passed down in families. However, in several cases progeria is not seen in siblings of the affected children. In extremely rare cases more than one child in the same family are affected by the condition. Symptoms of the disease include growth failure during the first year of life, narrow, shrunken or wrinkled face, baldness, loss of eyebrows and eyelashes, short stature, large head, open soft spot (fontanelle), small jaw, dry, scaly, thin skin, limited range

ANEWS PP-LYBRIEFS YOURSELF

HOUSECALL

Zentopia

Obstetric cholestasis

Use Zentopia to meditate using Meditation Chime and Meditation Gong from the app. You can take a deep breath, listen to the chimes and focus on the chime as the sound dies down. Keep your attention on the sound as long as possible and you can repeat this if you desire. This app helps in stress management.

Itchy skin is common during pregnancy and usually harmless, but it may be a sign of the liver condition obstetric cholestasis (also known as intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy) that can occur during the second or third trimester. There is an increased risk of premature birth and foetal distress, but with good modern obstetric care, obstetric cholestasis should no longer result in an increased risk of stillbirth.

DID YOU KNOW? Sugar can help your wounds heal Not by eating it, but rather by sprinkling it directly on the wound. Sugar is hygroscopic, which means it absorbs water that bacteria need to survive. This method has been popular among healers in Africa for generations, and it is reportedly useful for bed sores, leg ulcers, and more.

of motion and delayed or absent teeth. However, the condition is extremely rare and according to medicalnewstoday.com at present there are 53 known cases of Progeria around the world. The reported incidence of progeria is approximately one in 8 million newborns. And both boys and girls are at equal risk of this genetic condition. Children who suffer from progeria are susceptible to premature heart disease. In fact, children with progeria experience cardiovascular problems, such as hypertension (high blood pressure), stroke, angina, enlarged heart and heart failure — conditions linked to the normal aging process. Research is on to find a cure for progeria. Most children with progeria have a mutation gene that make the nucleus unstable. In normal conditions this gene hold the nucleus of the cell together. But this instability leads to premature aging. Since progeria is rapid aging, treatment is symptomatic. Initially, a paediatrician monitors the child. However, eventually a cardiologist, pulmonologist, gastroenterologist etc are roped in since the child suffers from age-related ailments like heart disease. Children with progeria usually survive till their teens before succumbing to heart disease.

PIONEERS William Harvey William Harvey, physician to two consecutive kings, studied blood circulation, and his Anatomical Exercise on the Motion of the Heart and Blood in Animals (1628) recorded his ﬁndings. Though Harvey understood that the heart pumped blood into the circulatory system, he had no knowledge of the inﬂuence of oxygen in the blood nor knowledge of the existence of capillaries.

health THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013

WORLD KIDNEY DAY

BREAKTHROUGH

Protein supplements lead to kidney disease? NEW DELHI: Young people in their 20s are increasingly becoming prone to kidney ailments, not only due to unhealthy diets, smoking and drinking, but also due to a new threat: Downing protein supplements without proper advice, doctors warn. “Excessive consumption of protein can have unwanted side effects on the kidney. Since kidney disease often goes undiagnosed, one should not take additional protein supplements without proper consultation. But many skip this, which leads to chronic kidney disease," said Ravi Bansal, senior consultant in PSRI hospital. Nephrologists warn that high doses of protein powder over a long period of time causes stress on kidneys. “Kidneys process and break down proteins. An excessively increased amount of protein intake causes the organ to work harder to compensate. Overuse of protein powders can lead to developing kidney stones and kidney failure," said Ajay Choudhary, nephrologist. He said that in India about 40 per cent of youngsters suffer from hypertension, obesity or diabetes or are smokers — all of which lead to kidney stones, infection and diabetic kidney disease. Many add to their health condition by taking protein supplements without proper advice, which could be dangerous. “Many young men take

protein supplements like protein shakes, protein pills and anabolic steroids, as it gives them biceps and six packs in a short duration. But this leads gradually to kidney failure. Kidney disease hardly shows any symptoms until it has progressed to such an extent that dialysis remains the only option," Harsha Jauhari, chairman, renal surgery at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said. Advanced kidney damage (up to 70 per cent) leads to impotency. “Kidney disease will result in a buildup of waste products in the body, thus affecting sperm quality and fertility. People with minor problems need not worry. Only if the kidney is damaged beyond 60 percent. Just because a person has kidney disease does not mean a man will not able to father a child; even after transplants, many are normal," Bansal said. Those who frequently urinate in the night, have joint disorders or swelling in the feet and face should also get screened once in six months. “Simple routine tests of urine, blood and blood pressure can show up early signs of kidney problems. Youngsters should take protein supplements only after prior advice," Bansal added. The National Kidney Foundation of India estimates around 90,000 kidney transplants are required annually in India. IANS

doctor’s column I have never been a proponent of Women’s Day. I find it segregating and patronising. One would always wondered why in accidents they would say 18 people dead, with four women. I was irritated by the fact that women were not people enough. But any assigned day probably brings things to the forefront and women have been long overshadowed and need the attention. So I have

Doctors say excessive consumption of protein can have unwanted side effects on the kidney.

Bitter gourd juice destroys pancreatic cancer cells LOS ANGELES: A University of Colorado cancer study published this week in the journal Carcinogenesis shows that bitter gourd juice restricts the ability of pancreatic cancer cells to metabolise glucose, thus cutting the cells’ energy source and eventually killing them. “Three years ago, researchers showed the effect of bitter gourd extract on breast cancer cells only in a petri dish. We used the juice," says Rajesh Agarwal, PhD, co-programme leader of Cancer Prevention and Control at the CU Cancer Center and professor at the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Diabetes tends to presage pancreatic cancer and bitter gourd has been shown to control type-II diabetes. Agarwal and colleagues wondered what would happen if they closed out the middle man of diabetes and directly explored the link between bitter gourd and pancreatic cancer, reports Science Daily. The result, Agarwal says, is, “alteration in metabolic events in pancreatic cancer cells and an activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase, an enzyme that indicates low energy levels in the cells". Bitter gourd also regulates insulin secretion by pancreatic beta cells. The group showed that mouse models of pancreatic cancer that were fed bitter melon juice were 60 per cent less likely to develop the disease than controls. IANS

Dr Divya T Sudarshan

WATCH YOUR MUM AND LEARN

learned to live with it. What would I, as a doctor, say to my gender on Women’s Day? Look at your mother. That is you in the next three decades. Start taking steps to correct the mistakes she and nature made. Nature is in your genes. So if you have a family history of

diabetes, hypertension, cardiac problems or thyroid, get those checked. Ask your mum how her periods and menopause, and those of your aunts were; if she had any problems like excessive bleeding, fibroids or early or late cycles, keep your mind open to the fact it can happen to you.

If she is obese, then be realistic. This is how your body will be if you let yourself go; so start watching your diet. Start exercising. If she has knee pain or arthritis, better know it can run in the family. So watch your own gait, body pains and your shoes. Try taking calcium supplements and meet a doctor if

you feel less than comfortable. Early detection is early cure. Watch your mother, and make sure your daughter picks up on it even earlier. The writer is a gynaecologist and obstetrician at Happy Women Clinic. You can write in to her at happywomenclinic@gmail.com or call her on 9959729444/ 9581952485.

THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013

Entertainment CINE BYTES

Deva Katta teams up with Gopichand

eva Katta has officially announced his next project. He's going to direct an action entertainer with Gopichand in lead role. The film is expected to hit the floors in May. On the other hand, Gopichand is busy wrapping up Chandrasekhar Yeleti's Sahasam and he'll soon begin shooting for B Gopal's next film.

Baadshah gets a release muhurtam

TR, Kajal starrer Baadshah is gearing up for release on April 5 and now producer Bandla Ganesh has zeroed upon a specific time to officially release the film. The morning shows will commence from 5:23 am on April 5. Sreenu Vaitla has directed the film.

A risky shot!

ani and Amala Paul, who'll soon be seen in Jenda Pai Kapiraju, shocked the crew when they completed a risky scene without hestiation. Director Samuthirakani, for one of the scenes, wanted both of them to jump into a sewage canal and Nani ended up shooting for the scene for nearly 30 minutes.

THE FUTURE BECKONS HEMANTH KUMAR hemanth.k@postnoon.com

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I

was only 13 years old when I made my debut in films and today, I am 24. Quite frankly, I am living my dream and I was fortunate enough that I started out at a very young age. Most people find their true calling when they are 22," Charmee says, when we quiz her if things happened to her far too quickly. In her decade long career, she has come a long way indeed. From playing a young housewife in Nee Thodu Kavali back to 2002 to grooving to item numbers in Damarukam and Nayak in recent times, the vast range of roles she has essayed cannot go unnoticed despite quite a few flops. And then there has been endless gossip about her. Ask her if she has any regrets about how things have shaped up in her career, pat comes the reply, "I am quite spontaneous about what I want to do. Be it films or otherwise, I don't overthink. I do learn from my mistakes from the past, but the point is, I did things which seemed right at that point of time. I was a different person 10 years ago compared to what I am today." Of late, she has been doing a handful of item numbers and she contends that the recognition she has got from songs like Sakkubai in Damarukam and Nellore ae in Naayak is on par with a film. "Such songs have played an

important role in my career. I am glad that most of my special songs have been received quite well. I have always experimented with the kind of films and songs I take up and I'll continue to do so in future," she says. In her upcoming film Prema Oka Maikam, she's playing the role of a call girl and in M S Raju's RUM, she's playing one of the lead roles. "It's too early to talk about RUM, but Prema Oka Maikam is one film I'm eagerly looking forward to," she admits. Wasn't it a risky proposition to play a call girl? After all people get judgemental so easily. "I did give it a thought, but I'm an artiste which means I should be able to pull of anything if I can convince myself to take it up," she says. For the past few weeks, she had been busy juggling between the shooting of RUM and her role as a brand ambassador for Telugu Warriors team in CCL. "I'm not particularly fond of cricket," she says, adding, "But everyone in the Telugu Warriors team and Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) in general are good friends. I'm emotionally attached to the Telugu Warriors team and I completely get involved when a match is going on. It's fun at the end of the day." Her second Hindi film Zilla Ghaziabad had released last month and she says that it has been received well. So is Bollywood on cards? "My

first film Buddah Hoga Tera Baap happened by chance. When Puri Jagannadh offered a role to me, I took it up without a second thought and Zilla Ghaziabad happened in a similar way. I hadn't taken it seriously so far, but I would definitely want to more films in Hindi," she says. A long time ago, she had played a wonderful role in Chandrasekhar Yeleti's Anukokunda Oka Roju. Will we see that Charmee ever again? "I am not the sort of person who lives in the past. I still have a long way to go and I'll be more than happy if people appreciate my current work than talk about my past," she signs off.

I still have a long way to go :

CHARMEE

It's been more than a decade since Charmee began acting in films and she says that she's pushing herself all the more now to take up different roles.

THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013

fashion M

HARRODS AND CHRISTIAN DIOR

HARRODS is partnering with Christian Dior on a huge-scale store takeover this spring. The famed department store will become a tribute to the French fashion house - featuring never-before-seen exhibitions, displays and in-store activity.

RICK OWENS

inimally treated skin (foundation was only applied to conceal the odd spot or dark circle, not carve out or contour non-existent features) was the chosen canvas this season on which lids were set aglow and cheeks aflush.

CHANEL

or autumn/winter 2012 just gone Chanel gave models embellished brows, next autumn/winter the glitzy add-ons have dropped down to the lids.

KENZO

CHRISTIAN DIOR

right pink lipstick in winter? If Dior says so... Love the silver details around the eyes.

he glossy look, a real star of the coming season. A thin line of highlighter is drawn straight down the T-zone to attract light to the centre of the face and contrast the heavy black eyeliner. This three dimensional look is complimented by perfectly powdered skin.

MAKE-UP At the Paris Fashion Week, there was no make-up, and there were made up faces. But there were some looks that stood out for their simplicity and beauty.

The Paris shows are all about the spectacle of fashion and with this comes the very best in hair and make-up. We give you some of the highlights.

GIAMBATTISTA VALLI

ake-up artist Val Garland was inspired by women today when she created this barely-there, yet beautiful make-up look. At the corner of each eye Garland used a flat, square brush to paint on a graphic slick of pearlescent, translucent shimmer that caught in the light.

HAIDER ACKERMANN

sing streaks of gloss to create points of light was the order of the day at Haider Ackermann, adding an extra dimension to the face, without covering it under layers of make-up. Slicked over the eyelashes and the parts of the face that catch the light, this gloss gives an almost transparent look to the face, which is especially noticeable on the catwalk.

20&21

LILY ALDRIDGEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEW COLLECTION

LILY ALDRIDGE has designed her first clothing collection in collaboration with Velvet by Graham & Spencer. Described as "laid-back luxe", the 13-piece collection combines the brand's staple contemporary basics with the Victoria's Secret model's "mix of boho rock-and-roll.

JEAN PAUL GAULTIER

he hair at Jean Paul Gaultier reflected the collection's rock'n'roll edge. Models sported sharply chopped mullet wigs, which resembled mohawks on top.

HAIR T

GIVENCHY

he hair at Givenchy was a standout look, with hair stylists pinning coiled, brightly coloured locks to the models heads in a short cap style.

From waves and braids to twists and buns Paris Fashion Week dealt us a veritable feast of hairstyling ideas.

ISSEY MIYAKE

messy bun was what models wore to the ramp and at Issey Miyake these dishevelled topknots came with matching scarves.

THE PARISIAN AFFAIR COMPILED

BY FLEME VARKEY

MANISH ARORA

e brought onto the ramp soft oversized curls. Cyril Laloue took inspiration from the Indian turban and the hairstyles of the 1920s.

SLEEK FRONTS

Seen at: Giambattista Valli, Balmain and Alexis Mabille Clean elegance was prevalent during the Parisian shows, hair was worn pulled back off the face to highlight clothing with collar and neckline details. The look is slightly androgynous but incredibly elegant and fuss-free.

Entertainment THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013

THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013

Chai Time

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

The career of a writer is comparable to that of a woman of easy virtue. You write first for pleasure, later for the pleasure of others and finally for money. Marcel Achard

KAKURO

QUICK CROSSWORD

SUDOKU 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 referenced 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.

ACROSS

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

SCRIBBLING PAD

1 Mop decks 5 Words of clarification 10 Spirited party 14 Hack’s vehicle 15 Formal edict 16 Common cookie 17 Seed coating 18 Fountain treats 19 Pear-shaped instrument of old 20 Grab a stool and have a drink 23 “___ Navidad!” 24 Ph.D. preceders 25 “Little Women” novelist 28 White House “no” 30 Place for a pie 31 Malicious feeling 33 Kind of horse or monkey 36 Woolgatherer’s state 40 Slangy “yes” 41 Fermented honey drinks 42 Like the ocean 43 Help a weightlifter 44 Decorates 46 5-1/2 point type 49 Not dormant 51 Handle a big burden 57 Complain 58 Dote on 59 Basin partner 60 “Beetle Bailey” bulldog 61 Plains grazers 62 Word from a Doris Day song 63 Old Russian despot 64 Dance components 65 Name-dropping sort

DOWN

1 Brief try 2 Suffix with “soft” or “glass” 3 Leaf-to-branch angle

4 Where to find ones 5 Uproar 6 African ruminant 7 Chopin work 8 Words represented by a colon, in mathematics 9 License prerequisite, often 10 Spanish dance with quick turns 11 One of the Netherlands Antilles 12 Bristlelike 13 Farmers, at times 21 “The best is ___ to come!” 22 Park Place enhancer 25 Blanched 26 Stead 27 Thunder sound 28 Is a contender 29 Series shortener 31 On the double, in the O.R. 32 Dr.’s wall hanging 33 Litigious type 34 Adam and Eve’s home 35 Once-sacred coilers 37 Force along 38 Classical opening? 39 Like radon 43 A drunk may lie in one 44 Capital of Greece 45 Game cube 46 Fancy tie 47 Either of two Indian mountain ranges 48 Blood carrier from the heart 49 Came about 50 Barbershop band 52 Little touches, as of paint 53 Ready for publication 54 Apt name for a guy in debt? 55 Prefix with “dynamic” 56 Dull-colored

Chai Time THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013 Thiruvaikumar

STAR POWER for 15-3-2013

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

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

All the new efforts will be successful and yield expected results. Avoid taking major and vital decisions with the advice of inexperienced friends. Money will come by from all the expected sources which will come in handy.

STRIP TEASE AGNES

Avoid taking harsh decisions as the good suggestions proposed by you will draw flak and might get strong opposition. Court issue will go smoothly and verdict will go in your favour. You will be in search of genunine.

You will complete the purchase of the asset for which an advance has been paid already. Employees will have a favorable trend at the work place. Health problems existed all along will be over. However you need to eat more fruits and vegetables.

Those deprived of child since long time will get favorable news. Children will make you feel happy and proud. New plans and innovative steps will be implemented successfully. You will accomplish whatever goals you had set.

Businessmen are likely to gain sops from the Government. Speculative deals are likely to bring you decent gains. You will not hesitate to punish those who take a wrong path to achieve their goals. Politicians will be in limelight.

Your financial position will be better. You will clear old debts and feel relaxed. Loan for the construction of your house will be received without delay. Tension and embarrassing situations caused by children likely. Deal with patience.

New plans and efforts will be successful. Marriage talks will progress well and finalization is almost certain. You will gain success in all the challenging tasks that were undertaken. You will make friends of your foes.

Financial position will improve considerably. Some have bright chance to purchase new and valuable movable assets. Plans to construct a new house also will materialize as loan applied will get a green signal from the financial institution.

Family will be in a cheerful atmosphere as happy events are likely to take place in line. Recently married can get ready to welcome their offspring. You will surrender to those who will show good affection towards you.

TAROT READ

Sumaa Tekur

tarotreadhyd@gmail. com

ARIES:

GEMINI:

Four of Pentacles - The financial stability is making it seem worth it despite the lack of challenge you feel in your current position.

LEO:

Three of Swords Some loss or disappointment is possible. Heartbreak is also possible. Something that you really hoped for may not be panning out as per plan.

LIBRA:

PEARLS BEFORE SWINE

The Tower - Big changes are on the way. It may be related to the job and may even bring about changes in your living situation. Keen an open mind.

SAGITTARIUS:

Two of Pentacles - Work-life balance will put you in a difficult spot and you’ll have to make some tough decisions. It’s not impossible if you keep an open mind.

TAURUS:

Seven of Swords - There’s some secrecy and conspiracy involved in a project. You’re not being told the entire truth and that is hindering your ability to judge.

CANCER:

The World - The world is at your feet and all your plans are working perfectly. If there are any minor glitches, you have it in you to manage them.

VIRGO:

Six of Pentacles Finances are in focus. You need to manage your money better. Help is at hand. You need to ask for it and you’ll get the right advice.

SCORPIO:

King of Cups You’re deliberately being put in a position where you need to make some tough decisions. You cannot escape the situation.

CAPRICORN:

Queen of Pentacles - Take up a hobby, such as painting or gardening, to achieve greater work-life balance. Take your mind off all the serious work.

PREVIOUS SOLUTIONS

PISCES:

Five of Swords There are too many people trying to get a piece of the pie and it bothers you that you cannot even bail out right now.

NUMBER GAME

Knight of Wands - You’re feeling youthful, adventurous and ready to take on the world with your new and creative ideas. Romance is in the air.

SCRABBLE

AQUARIUS:

POOCH CAFE

You will be able to raise the income through multiple channels. Real estate matters will bring you decent gains. VIP friends will help you in important tasks and make you successful. You will be bold and successful in your ventures.

for 15-3-2013

The Moon - Pay attention to what your mother is saying. She may seem confused and may not be making sense. But there are subtle messages that help you.

NON SEQUITUR

Your stock is set to pile up. Couple who were living apart all these days might come together again and lead a happy life hereafter. You will struggle hard with determination to make your dreams come true.

SUDUKO

Expenses and tension due to children are inevitable but will be resolved soon. Good help and support extended by friends and relatives will make you cheerful. You will not depressed by disappointments you face.

Boggle NEON RADON HELIUM HYDROGEN NITROGEN Vol: 2, No 237 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 THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013

DRUNK AT WORK

OLIVIA WILDE

livia Wilde was drinking on the job — and no one cared.

No, the gorgeous gal doesn't need an intervention. In Drinking Buddies, she and Jake Johnson play coworkers at a brewery. “She can throw them back," Johnson laughed when we caught up with the cast at their SXSW movie premiere. “I don't know if that's a compliment," Wilde butted in before adding, “I have a hollow leg, as my dad would say!" Anna Kendrick also did some boozin'.

“I did some accidental onset drinking actually," Kendrick dished. “They've been handing me fake beers for the past couple of scenes and then I did a scene with Jake Johnson where we played a little card game, drinking game and I didn't realise that they had handed me real beer. “So I kept losing this game," she continued. “I had essentially shot-gunned two beers in a row and I'm very small. Did I look up and go ‘Wait, um, is this real beer? Yeah, I'm drunk at work.' I guess it really wasn't my fault.”

Drank a lot while making Drinking Buddies CINE BYTES

Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler reunite

years after the release of The Wedding Singer and nine years following the release of 50 First Dates, Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore are joining forces for yet another rom-com. The duo, both suffering from a bit of a downswing in their respective movie careers, are set to co-star in a new untitled comedy.

Rihanna still sick, cancels show

reak out the umbrella, because Rihanna is still under the weather. The pop star, who's battling the ﬂu and laryngitis, has been forced to cancel tonight's tour stop at Baltimore's 1st Mariner Arena. Rihanna's Diamonds World Tour just kicked off in Buffalo, NY but she was unable to take the stage Sunday due to illness.

Lady Gaga recovers in gold wheelchair

eave it to Lady Gaga to refuse to let an injury cramp her style! After undergoing hip surgery last month, the singer turned to designer Ken Borochov of luxury label Mordekai to create a custom wheelchair. And Borochov certainly didn't disappoint, creating a head-turning 24-karat gold plated chair that will have Gaga riding out her recovery in style!

sports

THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013

WORLD FIGURE SKATING CHAMPIONSHIPS

CYCLING CLASSICS

Chan leads with record score

The 22-year-old Canadian was rewarded with a score of 98.37, the highest ever recorded for the opening round. LAURIE NEALIN Agence France-Presse LONDON, CANADA: Patrick Chan is well on his way to defending his title after producing one of the greatest short programmes of his career at the World Figure Skating Championships on Wednesday. The 22-year-old Canadian was rewarded Wednesday night with a score of 98.37, the highest ever recorded for the opening round.

The twice world champion delivered a rock solid quadrupletriple jump combination and picture perfect triple Axel in a sublime performance that had the crowd at the Budweiser Gardens on its feet as he wound down his final spin. “It was so inspirational to be out there. I got into my last spin and there was a rush through my whole body. It was tingling,” said Chan. Chan struggled with shaky performances on the Grand Prix

circuit last fall, raising questions about his chances to win again here. Grabbing second place (91.56) was unheralded Denis Ten, of Kazakhstan, who opened with a beautiful quadruple toeloop and delivered a flawless, yet less technically difficult, programme than Chan. Canada’s number two, Kevin Reynolds, who scored an upset with his recent win at the Four Continents Championship, posted 85.16 points to sit third.

Sagan eyes historic win JUSTIN DAVIS Agence France-Presse MILAN: Slovakian Peter Sagan will be among the big names to watch when Milan-SanRemo kicks off the season of major cycling classics this weekend. Although only 23 years old, Sagan is already regarded as one of cycling’s next big stars and could take his stock further with a maiden, historic history in “La Primavera” on Sunday. The Slovakian highlighted his form with two stage victories in the Tirreno-Adriatico

race last week when his former Liquigas teammate Vincenzo Nibali, now at Astana, triumphed for the second year in succession. After a fourth place finish last year, when Australian Simon Gerrans pipped Swiss star Fabian Cancellara at the line, Sagan went on to win three stages and the sprinters’ green jersey at the Tour de France. Having beaten BMark Cavendish in last week’s outing at Tirreno, Sagan is confident in his chances.

NBA

Bryant out with injury

CANADA, LONDON: Patrick Chan of Canada performs in the Men’s Short Program during the 2013 World Figure Skating Championships in London, Ontario, Canada on Wednesday. AFP PHOTO / BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI

UHG CORPORATE TROPHY UHG DEFEAT E-11

‘United Health Group (UHG)’ 185/3 (Ibrahim 99) beat ‘E-11’ 171/9 (Ramesh 53) MoM: Ibrahim 99(60) & 1-36 ‘Team Oxford’ 156/4 (Chandu 62) beat ‘Kony Labs’ 155/6 (Bharadwaj 42) MoM: Chandu 62(49) ‘Ybrant Digital’ 113/5 (Mahesh 50; 3-14) beat ‘Nisum Technologies’ 112 (Harsha 59) MoM: Mahesh 50(22) & 3-14 ‘D.E.Shaw’ 147/6 (Jamsheed 67) beat ‘VSoft’ 102/8 (Sandeep 22) MoM: Jammy 67*(58) ‘Cox & Kings’ 152/6 (Rafif 66) beat ‘MyHome’ 145/7 (Abhinav 44) MoM: Rafif 66(53) ‘Victory Hunters’ 169/7 (Venkat 50) bt ‘iGREEN’ 144/9 (Chanti 47) MoM: Venkat 50(32)

ATLANTA: Kobe Bryant severely sprained his left ankle in the last minute of Wednesday night’s 96-92 loss to the Atlanta Hawks and is out indefinitely, the Los Angeles Lakers announced. Bryant tried to tie the game on a baseline jumper when he came down on Dahntay Jones’ foot. The 15-time NBA all-star Bryant missed the shot and dropped to the court in pain. He eventually got up and walked off under his own power. X-rays proved to be negative. Bryant shot 11-of-33 from the field against the Hawks and finished with 31 points on the night.

SREENIDHI TENNIS TOURNAMENT Kalva beats Frlicka Women’s singles Prarthana G Thombare (IND) (7) bt Anushka Bhargava (IND) - 6-1, 6- 0 Bhuvana Kalva (IND) bt Michaela Frlicka (GER) - 6-3, 6-4 Ankita Raina (IND) (3) bt Napatsakorn Sankaew (THA) - 6-2, 61 Rishika Sunkara (IND) (1) bt Sowjanya Bavisetti (IND) - 6-3, 6-1 Barbara Luz (POR) bt Shweta Rana (IND) (8) - 6-3, 6-2 Varunya Womgteanchai (THA) bt Sai Samhitha Chamarthi (IND) - 6-1, 6-2 Prerna Bhambri (IND) (2) bt Eetee

Maheta (IND) - 6-2, 6-2 Nidhi Chilumula (IND) (5) bt Sanae Ohta (JPN) - 6-3, 6-2 Women’s doubles Michaela Frlicka (GER) (3) / Tereza Malikova (CZE) bt Anushka Bhargava (IND) / Sharon Sanchana Paul (IND) – 6-4, 62 Sanae Ohta (JPN) / Ho Ching Wu (HKG) bt Ankita Raina (IND) (2) / Napatsakorn Sankaew (THA) – 6-2, 3-6, 10-7 Sharmada Balu (IND) / Sowjanya Bavisetti (IND) (4) bt Natasha Palha (IND) / Prarthana G. Thombare (IND) – 7-5, 7-6 (2)

Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers falls to the floor after missing the game-tying basket in the final seconds of their 96-92 loss to the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on Wednesday. AFP/KEVIN C. COX

After the game, Bryant blasted the referees saying on his Twitter feed that shooters need to be protected better. AFP

LEAGUE CRICKET BOYS TOWN REACH QUARTERS

Kishan Prasad HCA one-day Quarter finals Boys Town 216/8 (Md Abrar 47, Abdul Ela Al Qureshi 94, Srikanth E 4/28) bt MP Youngman 89 (Uday Kumar 36, Abood Bafanna 4/18, Abdul Ela Al Qureshi 3/9) Southern Stars 224/9 (Sultan Ahmed 36, Aleemuddin Khan 70, Azharuddin Khan 51, Yousuf 3/45, Syed Aslam Akbar Hussaini 3/22, Md Kaleemuddin 3/28) bt Col CK Acrylic 198 (Syed Azhar Alam 55 n.o., Md Bilal Ahmed 60 n.o., Aleemuddin Khan 5/45, Azharuddin Khan 3/26)

sports

THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013

INDIAN WELLS MASTERS AND WTA EVENT

Kirilenko topples Petra Kirilenko, playing her first tournament since retiring with a right shoulder injury in the first round at Doha, defeated the 2011 Wimbledon champion Kvitova 4-6, 6-4, 6-3. INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA: Maria Kirilenko added another upset to her Indian Wells resume on Wednesday as she toppled fifth-seeded Petra Kvitova in three sets to reach the semi-finals of the combined ATP Masters and WTA event. Russia’s Kirilenko, playing her first tournament since retiring with a right shoulder injury in the first round at Doha, defeated the 2011 Wimbledon champion Kvitova 4-6, 6-4, 6-3. She improved to 6-0 in threeset matches this year and reached the Indian Wells semi-finals for the first time in 10 appearances. She benefitted from a poor service game by Kvitova in the final game of the second set. Roger Federer of Switzerland serves against compatriot Stanislas Wawrinka during their fourth round match at Indian Wells, California on Wednesday. AFP/FREDERIC J. BROWN

Murray, Nadal in last eight

Maria Kirilenko of Russia celebrates after winning match point against Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic during day 8 of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on Wednesday in Indian Wells, California. STEPHEN DUNN/GETTY IMAGES/AFP

INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA: Eighth-seeded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga reached the quarter-finals at Indian Wells on Wednesday with a three-set victory over Milos Raonic in a rematch of their record-breaking Olympic tussle. France’s Tsonga needed one hour and 54 minutes to get past the Canadian 4-6, 7-5, 6-4, moving through when Raonic, known for his booming serve, delivered a double-fault on the first match point. The two met in the first round at the London Olympics, with Tsonga winning 6-3, 3-6, 25-23 -- the third set the longest recorded in Games history. Raonic’s serve also deserted him at the crucial moment of the second set. AFP

Federer battles into quarters INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA: Defending champion Roger Federer battled past fellow Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka 6-3, 6-7 (4/7), 7-5 on Wednesday to reach the quarter-finals of the Indian Wells Masters. Federer, seeded second behind Novak Djokovic and chasing his first title since Cincinnati last August, has gotten a quarter-final clash with his great rival Rafael

FOUNDERS CUP TOURNAMENT

Nadal, who was to play Latvian qualifier Ernests Gulbis in the fourth round later Wednesday. Federer improved to 13-1 against Wawrinka, but he had to labor two hours and 20 minutes to do so. Serving for the match at 54 in the second set he was broken at love. Unable to convert two break points in the following game he surrendered the set on a tiebreaker when

Defending champion Roger Federer battled past fellow Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka 6-3, 6-7 (4/7), 7-5 on Wednesday to reach the quarter-finals of the Indian Wells Masters.

he double faulted on set point. Wawrinka then gained the upper hand with a break in the third set, but Federer, owner of 17 Grand Slam titles broke back in the next game and earned the decisive break in the final game as Wawrinka smacked a volley into the net. “I definitely got a bit lucky out here tonight,” Federer said. “Stan’s an amazing player and a good friend — I’m happy to get through.”

TAMPA BAY CHAMPIONSHIP

Luke looks to defend title

Gulbis withdraws from LPGA event PHOENIX, ARIZONA: The LPGA Tour has stepped up its healthcare services for players and caddies taking part in this week’s Founders Cup tournament, following Natalie Gulbis’ withdrawal Wednesday due to malaria. The American pulled out of the tournament after becoming ill while playing in a LPGA Tour event two weeks ago in Singapore. “Natalie originally became ill in Singapore,” the LPGA Tour said in a statement. “Natalie continues to be treated at home and is expected to be at full strength in three weeks.

INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA:World No. 3 Andy Murray punched his ticket to the quarterfinals of the Indian Wells Masters on Wednesday with a 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 victory over unseeded Argentinian Carlos Berlocq while Rafael Nadal fought his way to a 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 victory over streaking Latvian Ernests Gulbis and set up a blockbuster quarter-final against Roger Federer . Murray next faces either Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina or Germany’s Tommy Haas.

Tsonga edges Raonic in marathon

“Steps continue to be taken to ensure the well-being of Natalie and all the players on the LPGA Tour now and for future events.” AFP

TAMPA, FLORIDA: Luke Donald (right), whose victory last year propelled him to top spot in the world rankings, returns to the Copperhead course this week to defend his title at the PGA Tour’s Tampa Bay Championship. Donald is part of a group that includes two other former winners, Jim Furyk (2010) and South Korea’s KJ Choi (2002, 2006). “I am excited to be back here. Obviously some good memories from last year,” England’s Donald said. Donald beat third round co-leader Furyk, South Korea’s Bae Sang-moon and Robert Garrigus in a four-man playoff last year. Donald closed with a five-

under 66 to join Bae (68), Garrigus (64) and American Jim Furyk (69) at 13-under 271. In the playoff, the foursome returned to the 18th, where they all hit the green with their

approach shots with Donald being the closest. Donald then converted a six-foot birdie putt for the win after the other three all missed on their first putts. AFP

sports

THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013

AUSTRALIA’S TOUR OF INDIA

WEST INDIES VS ZIM

Rain delays start of Test

Unseasonal rain early in the morning soaked the outfield at the PCA delaying the start of the third Test between Australia and India. Botham mocks Oz 'hilarious' woes

SYED SHOIAB In Mohali

WELLINGTON: England great Ian Botham revealed Thursday he was relishing Australia's woes in India after four players were suspended for indiscipline, mocking the "wellness reports" they are forced to complete. The former swashbuckling all-rounder was referring to the daily reports Australia's players are required to fill out every morning while on tour, including details such as how much they slept the night before. Australia coach Mickey Arthur said a team culture including unacceptable "backchat" and "attitude" forced him to controversially axe the players for the third Test. "I'm finding it hilarious, I've got to say," Botham said in New Zealand, where he is commentating on the Test series between England and the Black Caps for Sky TV. "The wellness report? I wonder how mine would have read? How many hours' sleep did you have last night — none — the night before — two — before that — none." Former England captain Michael Atherton was more circumspect but he said he could scarcely believe the news coming out of the Australian camp. Australia's vice-captain Shane Watson, James Pattinson, Usman Khawaja and Mitchell Johnson were suspended after failing to submit a feedback on how to improve their game. AFP

MOHALI: Scheduling the third cricket Test match in the fourTest series against Australia in this part of the year that boasts of the best climate in the structured city of Chandigarh backfired for the organisers. With winter on its way out and summer not yet setting in, a lot of thought in hosting

Oz are likely to be worst hit because of bad weather. A delayed start and such conditions during the rest of the Test, increases the probability of a no-result. the Baggy Green caps to more than just a cricket match had gone in. Nature had its own plans and stayed one up. A light, but match-delaying rain pelting from 3am, played trout early on Thursday to give the grounds-men enough and more to sweat over. Overcast conditions added to their woes, for all the sweeping and sopping or even super-sopping they did produced insufficient results in the absence of the sun. Australia, it is, who are likely to be worst hit because of the

inclement weather. A delayed start today and more such conditions on and off during the rest of the Test, increases the probability of a no-result. With India having won the first two Tests at Chennai and Hyderabad, it is the guests who would hope for a complete game and one that would produce a result here. The wicket, too, at Mohali is expected to be the most favourable one for them, making this their best chance to redeem some respect and give them a chance to square the series. This

aspect, though, could only increase for them. Overcast conditions only enhance seaming prospects. Even a depleted Aussie attack scores above that of India in this department. Sitting pretty as they are with a 2-0 lead in the series, India have reason to believe that their chance of clinching the series in style is diminished. Having lost to the Australians 4-0 the last time the two teams met down under, India was nurturing hopes of repaying them in the same coin.

Sammy puts Zimbabwe on rack BRIDGETOWN: West Indies looked on course to win the first Test against Zimbabwe after an impressive second day which saw them bowled out for 307 in their first innings and then reduce the tourists to 41-3 in their second innings here on Wednesday. It leaves the Zimbabweans requiring another 55 runs to get the hosts to even bat again. West Indies captain Darren Sammy led from the front topscoring with 73, before taking two smart catches. He came to the crease just after lunch with his team labouring at 151 for six in reply to the visitors' first innings total of 211, but then he dominated a 106run seventh-wicket partnership with Denesh Ramdin (62) to tilt the balance of play in his side's favour. Kyle Jarvis' five for 54 limited the home side to a total of 307 and a lead of 96. However worse was to follow for the Zimbabweans in the 14 overs they faced to the close of play as tearaway fast bowler Shannon Gabriel removed Tino Mawoyo. Shane Shillingford also snared two wickets in two overs to have the visitors praying desperately to get off the pitch and to the safety of the pavilion.

ENGLAND IN NEW ZEALAND

Visitors comfortably placed

WELLINGTON:England reached 267 for two at stumps on the opening day of the second Test against New Zealand at Wellington's Basin Reserve on Thursday. Jonathan Trott was unbeaten on 121 and Kevin Pietersen 18 not out, as New Zealand bowlers Neil Wagner and Bruce Martin ended the day with one wicket apiece. Earlier, half centuries by Nick Compton and Jonathan Trott put England in a dominant position at tea. The tourists were 162 for one at the break, with Nick Compton unbeaten on 73 and Jonathan Trott 68 not out after New Zealand failed to take a wicket in the second session. Black Caps skipper Brendon

Scoreboard

England's Kevin Pietersen runs in safely as New Zealand's Trent Boult dives for the ball during day one of the second Test on Thursday. AFP/MARTY MELVILLE

McCullum was left to regret his decision to send England into bat after winning the toss, as the pair racked up a 136-run partnership after Alastair Cook's dismissal

for 17 in the first hour of play. The Basin Reserve pitch failed to provide the bounce and movement that McCullum was looking for. Overcast conditions

England, first innings Cook c Fulton b Wagner 17 Compton c Taylor b Martin 100 J. Trott not out 121 K.Pietersen not out 18 Extras (w5, lb3, nb3) 11 Total (2 wkts, 90 overs) 267 Fall of wickets: 1-26, 2-236 Bowling: Southee 19-4-44-0, Boult 20-4-78-0, Wagner 22-570-1, Martin 27-9-58-1, Williamson 2-0-14-0

gave way to blue skies, offering little for the bowlers as Trott and Compton prospered. Determined not to repeat the mistakes of the drawn first Test

in Dunedin, when England were bowled out for 167 in the first innings, the tourists were content to make steady progress on the docile surface. Cook's dismissal was the only blemish, with the England captain misjudging an inswinging delivery from Neil Wagner and scooping the ball to Peter Fulton at mid-on. After reaching 75 for one at lunch, Compton and Trott went on the attack, taking 40 off six overs. Compton, who scored his maiden Test century in Dunedin, looked full of confidence and brought up his half-century off 103 balls including six fours, consolidating his opening spot, which had been under pressure from Joe Root. AFP

THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013

sports

TEVEZ CHARGED WITH DRIVING WHILE DISQUALIFIED

Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez has been charged with driving while disqualified and driving without insurance, British police said on Wednesday.

FA CUP

Milwall through to FA Cup semi-final Shittu, the Millwall captain, struck shortly before half-time to settle the quarter-final tie. BLACKBURN: A first-half header from Nigerian centre-back Danny Shittu gave Millwall a 1-0 win at Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday that set up an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley against Wigan Athletic. Shittu, the Millwall captain, struck shortly before half-time to settle the quarter-final tie, three

days on from the hard-fought 0-0 draw between the Championship rivals at the Den on Sunday. “Words can’t really describe it," Shittu told ESPN. “We just wanted to come here today and win. To have got the goal, it means so much. I’m just happy for the lads and for the gaffer (manager)."

Millwall are the last non-Premier League side left in the competition and are bidding to emulate their run to the final in 2004, when they lost 3-0 to Manchester United. United are due to face Chelsea in the second quarterfinal replay on April 1, with the winners in line to meet Manchester City.

A disappointing crowd of under 9,000 witnessed the home side procure the first sight of goal at Ewood Park, but Leon Best’s low shot was comfortably saved by David Forde. Rovers coach Michael Appleton introduced Portuguese veteran striker Nuno Gomes at half-time, but the hosts had to

wait almost 20 minutes to fashion a chance. “We huffed, and we puffed, but it just didn’t drop for us on the evening," said Appleton. “We’ve had to make a lot of changes in personnel, but it’s not an excuse. Millwall came here and did a good job, so good luck to them."

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

GUNNERS FIRE, BUT TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE

Malaga keep dream alive

Arsenal took the fight to their German hosts with striker Olivier Giroud giving the Gunners an early lead before centre-back Laurent Koscielny netted with 86 minutes gone to set up a frantic finish. RYLAND JAMES Agence France-Presse MUNICH: Arsenal became the last English club to bow out of the Champions League on Wednesday despite a 2-0 second-leg win at Bayern Munich as the Gunners lost their last-16 tie on away goals. Having beaten Arsenal 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg in London three weeks ago, Bayern had been odds on favourites to finish the Gunners off in the Bavarian capital to go into Friday’s quarter-final draw. But Arsenal took the fight to their German hosts with striker Olivier Giroud giving the Gunners an early lead before centre-back Laurent Koscielny netted with 86 minutes gone to set up a frantic finish. Bayern held on and the 3-3 aggregate

score saw them sneak through. “We went close, I am very proud of the performance of the team," said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. “I am disappointed for everyone who supports Arsenal that we couldn’t get that third goal. Qualifying is over 180 minutes and we weren’t at our best in the first 90 minutes." Much had been made in the build-up of Arsenal’s “Mission Impossible in Munich” with the Gunners needing three goals at Bayern’s fortress-like Allianz Arena, but the guests quickly dismissed any notion this tie was already decided. “We hadn’t reckoned on conceding an early goal and we allowed them to get into the game," admitted veteran Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes. “They gave us a bit of a black eye tonight."

English clubs feel the European heat This is the first season since 1995-96 in which no English teams have reached the QF. TOM WILLIAMS Agence France-Presse LONDON: Arsenal’s elimination at the hands of Bayern Munich in the Champions League means this is the first season since 1995-96 in which no English teams hav-

e reached the quarter-finals. After an ignominious group phase, when Manchester City finished bottom of their pool and Chelsea became the first defending champions to fall at the first hurdle, the English challenge vanished amid the

first flowerings of the European spring. “It’s a massive disappointment for English football. It is a massive wake-up call for us," said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. It appears to represent a startling fall from grace for a

country that has produced finalists in seven of the last eight seasons, and which supplied three of the semifinalists in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Since then, only two teams have reached the last four — United, in 2011, and Chelsea, in 2012.

MALAGA: Malaga’s remarkable Champions League campaign continued on Wednesday when they beat Porto 2-0 to progress to the quarter-finals 2-1 on aggregate. Trailing 1-0 after the first leg in Portugal, Malaga levelled the tie on aggregate when Isco scored with a stunning strike just before half-time. If that gave the Spanish club confidence, they were left in an even stronger position when Porto had Steven Defour sent off for a second booking shortly after the restart. And substitute Roque Santa Cruz scored the crucial goal, heading home with 13 minutes left, as Malaga become the third club from La Liga in the quarter-final draw, along with Real Madrid and Barcelona. Still unbeaten in their domestic league this season, and leading thanks to Joao Moutinho’s solitary strike in the first leg last month, Porto would have been confident of seeing off the challenge of Malaga at La Rosaleda. Vitor Pereira’s side started strongly, too, despite the hostile atmosphere. Malaga had not won a domestic game since losing the first leg in Portugal, and they took their time to come into the contest, but a strong finish to the first period saw them come right back into the tie.