Postnoon E-Paper for April 21st 2013 by Scribble Media & Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.

GATEWAY TO PARADISE

e take a look at some of the spectacular places in Venezuela that will take your breath away. PG 16&17 WWW.POSTNOON.COM

WEATHER: A CHANCE OF SHOWERS; 31°C

Hyderabad’s first compact afternoon newspaper

APRIL 21, 2013 HYDERABAD

32 PAGES

ON SUNDAY HEAL THE WORLD

hile slowly, science has been able to thwart many rumours of places with healing properties, there still are places famed for their healing powers. We list a few such. PG 11

DEEPAM LOSES LIGHT

he Deepam scheme, intended to provide LPG connections to women below poverty line, is allegedly being misused, with eligible candidates being sidelined. PG 3

AFTER BOSTON, WORLD GETS RUNNING AGAIN

A PRICELESS EFFORT

hose of us who have looked to help, have heard of Sphoorti, an organisation that genuinely works for children. We talk to Srivyal Vuyyuri, the man behind this name.

The London Marathon takes place today amid a heightened police presence following the Boston Marathon bomb attacks — and a moment of silence to remember those killed and wounded. REPORT ON PG 29

PG 10

CITY SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL

Adopt a desi pup You can adopt and take home an Indian mongrel from this camp which will be held tomorrow. You need to take an ID and address proof. Where: Zoroastrian Club, Beside Yathri Nivas, Secunderabad When: April 21, 8am to 4pm Contact: 91601 90711

ArtInspire This is a workshop for children between the age groups of two and 10. Where: Treasure House, Plot# 21, Road 8, Saptaparni, Banjara Hills When: Tuesdays and Thursdays 4pm to 5pm Contact: (040) 2355 0118

Filmmaking workshop for children Yavanika Films is conducting a unique filmmaking workshops this summer vacation for children. Even a parent and child can register as one student pair to make a short film together. Where: Begumpet When: From April 24, 2pm to 7pm, Daily classes except on weekends Contact: 94901 00404

All about cycling A half day interactive workshop on cycling, the technical considerations, fitness, nutrition, common problems, how to plan a training programme, planning for competition and prevention of injuries. Where: Alliance Franchise, Road no 3, Banjara Hills When: Registration: Ongoing Event: May 4 Contact: (040) 2335 0008

Shareable platters There are various shareable platters that allow you to combine multiple items on the menu at reasonable prices. Where: TGI Friday’s – RK Cineplex When: Ongoing Contact: (040) 4015 1925

CINEMAS

The Andhra Pradesh Mahila Samakhya, in association with AIYF and Shramik Mahila Forum, held a candlelight vigil at Tankbund, protesting against the rape of a five-year-old girl child in the national capital. N SHIVA KUMAR

Reflections and Images An exhibition of paintings by artists including Agacharya, Anand Panchal, Arvind Kolapkar, Datta Bansode, Devyani Parikh, and Kaushik Raha. Where: Kalakriti Art Gallery 468, Road No 10, Banjara Hills When: Up to April 30 Contact: kalakriti.in

IPL Fervor Kailash Parbat has a special offer this IPL season. You can order any four or six items from the menu and get the chat of d day free. Where: Kailash Parbat, Above Ebony Gautier, 2nd floor, Road No 36, Jubilee Hills When: Ongoing Contact: (040) 2355 8856

Three for two Taj Safaris offers guests the option of extending their two-day trip by

giving them a third day complementary stay. Where: Taj Safaris When: Offer is valid from April 15 to June 30 Contact: (022) 660 1 1825

11.30am to 7pm Contact: www.iconart.in

Terracotta jewellery exhibition Harini Rao presents H’earth — Treasures of the Soil, an exhibition cum sale of exquisite hand crafted and hand painted terracotta jewellery. Where: Trendz, Satyasai Nigamagamam, Srinagar Colony When: Up to April 18-20, noon to 8pm

Malvani cuisine Enjoy a scrumptious spread of classic dishes like pandhara kombdiche saar, kale vatana ni gawarchi bhajji and puran poli. Where: Spice Junxion, Taj Deccan, Road No 1, Banjara Hills When: Till April 25 Contact: (040) 6652 3939

The Deviant Digital art on canvas by Aekka Yadagiri Rao. Where: ICONART Gallery, 1672 SBI bldg, Road no 12 Banjara Hills When: Up to May 3,

Sketch-based workshop A modelling workshop for live sketching, painting and photography, which focuses on body-mind integration and active acting among other things. Where: Just Books, Plot # 1130/A, 1st floor, Road no 36, Jubilee Hills When: April 21, noon to 5pm Contact: (040) 2354 0131

2013 Music Day auditions The 32nd Fête de la Musique will emphasise on voice, which may take different forms like tone, colours, chords and accents. Where: Auditions at Alliance Française of Hyderabad. When: Auditions will begin soon Music Day: June 21 Contact: (040) 2355 4485

Big Cinemas, Ameerpet, 30581470; Cinemax, Banjara Hills, 44565555; Cine Planet , Kompally, 61606060; INOX, Banjara Hills, 447677770, Prasads, Tank Bund Rd, 23448888; PVR, Punjagutta, 08800900009; Talkie Town, Miyapur, 40214175; Tivoli, Secunderabad 27844973

CITY SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013 M ANIL KUMAR

MLA Brahmanaiah dies

First year results announced

he first year intermediate public examinations results were released by State intermediate education minister K Prathasarathi this morning. A total of 5.3 lakh students passed the exams, out of 9.85 lakh students who appeared for the exams. Female students outnumbered their male counterparts, with 59 per cent female students securing pass grade.

DP sitting MLA Ambati Brahmanaiah died this morning following a prolonged illness.The 75year-old veteran leader began his political career as a ward member and went on to become a Lok Sabha MP in the 2004 General Elections. He was elected to the Assembly in the 2009 General Elections. Naidu and other party leaders expressed their condolences.

CPI(M) State meet this week

he State committee meeting of Communist Party of India (Marxist) will be held from April 23. The two-day meeting will delve upon contemporary issues pertaining to the State, prominent among them being the party’s ongoing agitation for roll back of recently hiked electricity charges. Leaders will also chalk out a strategy for the local body polls.

Deepam loses light N SHIVA KUMAR

The Deepam scheme, intended to provide LPG connection to women below poverty line, is allegedly being misused, with eligible candidates being sidelined. MD NIZAMUDDIN

nizamuddin.a@postnoon.com

he government of AP launched the Deepam scheme in 1999 for distribution of 10 lakh LP gas connections to women from below poverty line. But with neglect and misuse, the subsidies are now going into the wrong hands. After the ground realities were revealed, this scheme was one of the important discussions at the recent review meetings at the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and District Review Meeting (DRC). A list of eligible beneficiaries of the scheme is prepared by the committee members and given to the urban community development (UCD) wing of the GHMC. After scrutiny, the officials of the wing forward it to the civil supplies officials, who verify the antecedents of the applicants before accepting the applications under the scheme. The Mayor took the addition-

IT IS ALLEGED THAT AS POOR PEOPLE LACK AWARENESS, INELIGIBLE CANDIDATES REAP THE BENEFITS OF THE SCHEME. al commissioner of UCD to task, demanding that the latter hold a meeting with the chief rationing officer (CRO), a task that has been pending for months. The list is prepared by the members of the area and ward committees only after the meetings are held. But there were hardly any meetings in the past several months. While corporators felt that they were not being taken into consideration in the process,

there were also allegations that corporators are diverting the benefits to their kith and kin. At the district level, there are 100 divisions, but proposals for gas connection for poor people have been received only from 88 divisions. A total 12,817 applications were sent to the civil supplies department from these divisions. Of these, only 5,525 proposals from 54 divisions were received and processed, and connections were provided by the department. Applications from the remaining 34 divisions (5,077 proposals) are pending with the CRO. For remaining 12 divisions, the ward and area committee members are yet to identify eligible candidates. Charminar-4, with 25 wards, had received 3,750 proposals, but only 1,372 were sanctioned. Nearly 2,100 proposals are pending. Charminar-5, with 12 wards, received 1,774 proposals, but only 193 were sanctioned and 1,500 are pending. Khairatabad-7 received 2,352 proposals; a total of 1,411 were sanctioned and 300 are pending. In Abids-8, none were sanc-

tioned by the CRO out of the 450 proposals received. In Secunderabad-18, out of 1,470 proposals, 1,028 were sanctioned and only 150 are pending. It is alleged that with lack of awareness among the poor, ineligible candidates are reaping the benefits of the scheme. The scheme has also drawn criticism for alleged corruption at the area and ward committee levels, the involvement of which prevents poor people from direct-

ly interacting with the GHMC officials. “With respect to the improvement in grounding of Deepam connections, the matter is being monitored by the office and problems that have surfaced are being sorted out immediately. We see to it that the beneficiaries do not face any problem,” was the response of the civil supplies department, when MLAs and MLCs from the district raised the question.

TRS gears up for General Elections

Even as other political parties are plagued with internal bickering feuds among leaders, TRS, the separate Telangana agitation champion, is gearing up for the next General Elections, due to be held in 2014. Inkeshaf Ahmed ahmed.m@postnoon.com

espite the fact that the General Elections are almost a year away, TRS has decided to strengthen itself from the grass root level. The idea behind beginning this exercise is to achieve its target of 100 assembly and 15 MP seats in the Telangana region. To achieve this, TRS president K Chandrasekhara Rao had undertaken multiple exercises simultaneously. The first herculean task undertaken recently was the set-

ting up of committees at the grass root levels in the Telangana region. These committees include community and gender-based committees, like BC, SC, ST, minority, women, student and youth committees. The formation of committees will begin at the basthi and colony level and go up to the State level in an ascending order. The second most important task that KCR has undertaken is to constitute the TRS election committee under the chairmanship of former minister and veteran party leader Nayani Narasimha Reddy. The main objec-

KCR HAS CONSTITUTED A TRS ELECTION COMMITTEE TO IDENTIFY WINNING CANDIDATES FOR THE NEXT GENERAL ELECTIONS. tive behind this is to identify winning horses for the next General Elections in all 119 assembly constituencies and 17 parliamentary constituencies of Telangana region and win at least 100 assembly seats much before than any

other political party. Speaking exclusively to Postnoon after his election as the TRS election committee chairman on Saturday, Nayani Narasimha Reddy said that the committee has already begun its work. “The process of identifying winning horses has already begun. We will first receive applications from prospective leaders who wish to contest in the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. Later, a survey will be undertaken to find out the wining chances of the prospective candidates. Based on the survey results, the party will come up with the names of three to four members

and submit a report to party president KCR for the final selection of the contesting candidates. According to Reddy, KCR will announce the names of the contesting candidates after taking all factors into consideration. He further said that the committee has already received a couple of applications from leaders who want to contest in the elections.

LIST

M AY

In the first phase, the election committee has decided to announce the names of 55-60 candidates. Reddy said the list will be released in the last week of May.

CITY SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

Rajiv Gruha Kalpa fails to accommodate beneficiaries Complaining of poor civic infrastructure and other facilities, many allottees are not willing to stay in these flats.The dumpyard at Jawaharnagar near Ahmedguda is another reason why they choose to stay away. SRINIVAS SETTY

ACCORDING TO A CASE STUDY OF THE RGK PROJECT, THE DEMOGRAPHICS OF IT ARE

RAHUL RAMAKRISHNA

rahul.r@postnoon.com

Total cost of project `1,200 cr

elfare schemes intended for the poor in Andhra Pradesh usually tend to turn into welfare scams. And what does the dubious history of these projects teach us? That, ultimately, it’s the poor who are compromised while the State looks elsewhere. Here is an example of what was once cited as a smart mix of economics and vote bank politics.

HISTORY

Cost of infrastructure `120 cr Cost of housing construction ` 780 cr Cost of housing unit `82,500 First installment by beneficiary `8,250

RGK

The Rajiv Gruha Kalpa (RGK) project began in 2006 with the idea of providing pucca housing for the urban poor. This did take off on a high note after the first pilot project received huge appreciation from its beneficiaries whose income just above the poverty line i.e. `24,000 to `36,000 per annum. The housing scheme functioned as a tripartite agreement between the district collectorate, the AP housing board and recipient banks. Official figures indicate that a total of 20,572 tripartite agreements between the bank, the housing board and the beneficiary community were signed by over 40 banks in 2006 right after the pilot project kicked off. Even seven years after initiation of the project, its beneficiaries do not seem too interested in occupying the promised houses.

THE

Cost of land `300 cr

CURRENT SCENARIO

Currently, there are 12 projects under the Rajiv Gruha Kalpa in the City. Among the current 12 projects constructed under the RGK scheme in Hyderabad and RR districts, there are a total of 22,147 houses that have been allotted for the applicants. However, only 16,037 have been occupied. The lowest rate of occupancies has been noticed in Sooraram colony in Qutbullahpur, Kuntloor in Hayatnagar, Ahmedguda in Keesara and Kowkur in Malkajgiri. Each colony comes with its own set of problems, that have left this housing project crippled. At the Ahmedguda Rajiv Gruha Kalpa colony, of the total 4,512 flats constructed, 3,916 units were handed over to beneficiaries but only 2,300 beneficiaries have occupied so far. Residents say that the

Monthly installment `540 Loan interest (90 per cent) 8 per cent Time frame for loan recovery 20 years

Jawaharnagar dumpyard nearby has scared away all prospective buyers and occupants. The Kowkur RGK colony has been stuck without a water pipeline due to a court case. Other schemes seem to attract negative attention because of being very far away from the City. In Ahmedguda and Kowkur, lack of water supply due to dried up borewells and absence of water connections have discouraged occupants. And being quite far away from the City, the transport services to these areas have not picked up in the last five years, residents say. “We were promised rail/bus connectivity during the initial days, when they said APSRTC would extend transport services till here. So far, we still have to change over three buses to get here and rely on share auto rickshaws. Forget rail connectivity, there are no good roads here for vehicles to move,” says Sailesh Kurram, resident of Ahmedguda. Ravula Srinivas Rao, an occupant at Ahmedguda RGK

says, “Nobody wants to live close to a dumpyard. Everything, right from the quality of construction to basic amenities like water and power supply are neglected here. Besides, the dumpyard is a few hundred meters away from this project. There is no way we can ever recover our money, because

nobody would want to live here.”

POLITICAL

ALLEGATIONS

One of the fundamental agendas of this project was five-year ban on transfer of ownership and discouraging beneficiaries from migrating into the City. “As the project was designed for the slum populace in the City,

these agendas were fundamental to sustain the housing scheme. The target group was tenants in slums who paid upto `700 for cramped housing back then,” says a senior official from the AP housing board. Taking advantage of this, many an occupant, who has been handed over the flat/house, has let it be, waiting for the property value to simmer. All of this, with a little help from political circles. According to the residents in Ahmedguda, it was sheer political pressure that arm twisted them to occupy this housing project as their slum establishment was evicted following a court notice.

WHAT

Project Location

Sooraram

Kuntloor

Ahmedguda

Kowkur

Number of flats allotted Number of flats occupied

3,500 1,250

725 455

3,916 2,300

1,085 210

OFFICIALS CLAIM

District project officer J Sreenivas Reddy of the RGK scheme says, “Various factors like distance from the City, court cases and a bad choice of location have affected this. However, since we have a time frame for loan recovery, we have begun to issue notices to the beneficiaries and if the houses are not occupied, we shall cancel their allotments and invite those next in the waiting line to occupy.” But whether this will have any effect on the state of the housing scheme, only time will decide.

READERS’ LETTERS SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

Hub of all issues

Our Living Spaces story on Kukatpally (Prudhvi K Raju’s KPHB Colony: Emerging hub of Hyderabad, April 19) made one reader comment that the place has a lot of issues that makes it a poor choice.

his is the crux of traffic mayhem in Hyderabad. It’s not the hub but the real bottleneck. I think the author is more of a real estate guy than a real citizen of Hyderabad. Kukatpally has the highest per km traffic density (3,750 vehicles) and look at the

water table levels... Yes, it’s a hub for majority of other issues… read news for that.

BHASKAR, Via e-mail

Read the report at http://postnoon.com/2013/04/19 /kphb-colony-emerging-hub-ofhyderabad/120786

lease check on drivers who are halting the bus far away from the stop when traffic is in full swing. How will passengers, especially elderly persons, women and children, board the bus when traffic is passing between them and the bus? Secondly, autos are intentionally driving into the area between the bus and the passenger, so that the person misses the bus, after which the auto driver will offer him a cheap ride. Mr AK Khan, I respectfully offer you some tips. A bus halting point should be marked with road paint. Drivers should be instructed to halt the bus in the marked location. It will be better if it is separated by a railing. No auto should be allowed to halt at least 10m before or after a bus stop. When a bus is at the stop, no bike rider should overtake the bus from the left, as it is a risk for the passengers. Mr Khan, as an ex-cop, you have always been appreciated by the people. I am sure this time too you will please us.

SYED ASHRAF,

Via e-mail Read the report at http://postnoon.com/2013/04/18/apsrtcplanning-to-design-and-build-itsown-buses/120506

Win `500 every week

We are giving `500 to the reader who writes in the best letter every week. So get to work. You can e-mail us at feedback@postnoon.com, or write to us at Postnoon, #1246, Level 3, Jubilee Casa, Rd No 62, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, 500033. ALSO SEND US YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS.

Amy Rose Thomas’s story on animal cruelty (Animal abuse on the rise in Hyderabad, April 19) prompted one reader to ask, what about the rights of pedestrians who are attacked by strays? he animal rights are fine. But if a pet dog bites a person in the street, what about the rights of the human being who was only walking in the street? In the given

instance, it seems the owner left the dog or someone stole the dog. It looks cruel as per the news. But I wonder why she is unaware that the dog is missing.

SRIKANTH,

Via e-mail

Read the report at http://postnoon.com/2013/04/19/animalabuse-on-the-rise-inhyderabad/120731

NOT A BATTLE OF THE SEXES

Stop right there!

A bus passenger offered some tips to AK Khan, MD of APSRTC, after reading Rahul Ramakrishna’s article (APSRTC planning to design and build its own buses, April 18). Seems reasonable. Mr Khan, are you taking notes?

What about the humans?

Cleaning up their act

Stories on gender issues are always hotly debated and Padmini C's A ministry of men (April 15) was no different. While the reporter was only trying to point out that crimes against men seem to pale in comparison to the atrocities women face in this country, several readers took offence and accused the writer of misandry. In light of this, we feel the need to reiterate our and the author's stance: A crime is a crime, no matter against whom it is committed. Everyone deserves a fair hearing. ompared to the plight of millions of women in the country today, there might be few willing to cry them a river. But the question here is not so much the nature of their fight or their gender as it is about their right to a fair hearing and an open trial.” This is such a pivotal point in this debate; I want to thank the author for bringing this up. Because she is right, what we forget is this is not a battle of the sexes. It’s a battle for right and wrong. It’s a battle for justice. Innocents should not be punished, irrespective of whether they are men or women.

“C

KAVITA SWAMY,

Via e-mail Read the report at http://postnoon.com/2013/04/15 /a-ministry-for-men/119847 s the pain of a mother or sisters any less when they lose their son or brother? The author is still not able to come out from misandry and see the truth. By NCRB data of women suicide, they term this country as worse for women, but forget to see the men's suicide. All husband killers are moving free in society. Injustice somewhere is a direct threat to justice everywhere, remember.

STOPABUSEOFMEN,

Via e-mail Read the report at http://postnoon.com/2013/04/15 /a-ministry-for-men/119847 hile the author has made a good attempt to write an article about the suffering of men, however, the language is judgemental, doubtful and suspects men — the very attitude men are seeking to eliminate.

HMDA's plan to make Hussain Sagar Lake's water reusable (Rahul Ramakrishna's Hussain Sagar water will soon be reusable, April 15) was met with some suspicion. Readers wrote in to say that the HMDA should prove the water is good to use, not merely claim so. nd these officials insist that it is not public money that is being spent here but JICA’s loans. Who is going to repay the loan? The public, through more taxes!

RAM,

Via e-mail Read the report at http://postnoon.com/2013/04/15/hussainsagar-lakes-water-will-soon-bereusable/119859

TOP LETTER Moreover, the author should have known better that suicide data is not SIFF’s claims, it’s government data. The author needs to understand that just writing good English doesn’t suffice, one needs to listen with an open mind. I mean what are statements on women doing in a men’s article? Come on, give men a break from women.

VIRAG,

Via e-mail Read the report at http://postnoon.com/2013/04/15 /a-ministry-for-men/119847 n a country that’s deemed absolutely the worst place in the world for women to live in, the very notion of men claiming to be the real victims of the system, to put it kindly, beggars belief.” Are you saying that systemic gender discrimination is,

“I

his is a good story. However, HMDA is not giving the entire picture. Restoration of lakes is important, and not just Hussain Sagar. However, HMDA has been investing lots of crores in this lake alone, without any result. The current phase of ‘clean-up’ is not transparent. So far, HMDA has not revealed effluent characteristics, before and after ‘treatment’. Presence of only cadmium is not believable information. The project management does not include ‘local’ experts in biology, zoology, chemistry and geology, and citizens, which shows lopsided project planning. IAS officers, civil engineers and urban planners cannot be ‘sole’ deciders in such a technical project. HMDA should be fair in giving information. Claims that this water is being used by parks and housing projects need to be verified, even though we are aware of the existing pipelines. Let HMDA prove that Hussain Sagar waters are usable and potable, and not claim through mere press releases.

in fact, a zero sum equation? That there can be only one “real” victim? Are you saying that men can’t simultaneously have issues, alongside women? That some areas of government can’t discriminate against men while others discriminate against men? Or are you suggesting that this group made such a claim, in which case, it should prove difficult for you to state your source. Or are you reacting to men getting some attention, in areas that favour women, because you feel your power is being threatened? Or are these activists just a bunch of woman-hating Neanderthals? Why is it that gender ideologues toss the very arguments they’ve used to justify their positions, and start using the very tactics used against them, as soon as they become inconvenient?

M ARK NEIL,

Via e-mail Read the report at http://postnoon.com/2013/04/15 /a-ministry-for-men/119847

NARASIMHA REDDY DONTHI,

Via e-mail Read the report at http://postnoon.com/2013/04/15/hussainsagar-lakes-water-will-soon-bereusable/119859

NATION SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

Three insurgents arrested

‘Modi seen as strong leader’

Takeover of Tibetan schools

IMPHAL: Three insurgents of Kanglei

BHOPAL: Amid growing clamour to

DHARAMSALA: The Tibetan adminis-

Yawol Kann Lup (KYKL) were arrested by commandos during search operations in Manipur, police said. Commandos launched a combing operation at Kakwa area in Imphal West district and arrested two insurgents identified as Salam Meiraba (19) and Leiphrakpam Ajit Meitei (23). Rakesh Sharma (22) was arrested in another operation.

declare Gujarat CM Narendra Modi as the Prime Ministerial candidate of BJP, party vice-president Uma Bharti today said that people look at him as a strong leader, as they want someone who can tackle issues like terrorism, naxalism. She added Modi was getting support as he has been successful in providing good governance.

Gang-raped teen attempts suicide Upset by TV reports on five-year-old girl’s rape.

‘Improvement needed for women's safety’

s protests against the brutal rape of a fiveyear-old continue, PM Manmohan Singh Sunday said “vast improvement” was needed in the security accorded to women. “The safety, security and status of women in our country is a matter of concern. We have to make vast improvements in this area,” the prime minister said in his address on Civil Services Day in New Delhi.”The gruesome assault on a little child reminds us of the need to work collectively to root out this sort of depravity,” he said. IANS

NEW DELHI: A 13-yearold girl attempted suicide Saturday after being allegedly gang-raped by eight men, four of whom are known to her. She is in ICU in serious condi-

tion, the family said. Three of the accused have been arrested, police said Saturday. The girl, who was abducted March 15 by the men and released after

nine days, consumed an overdose of sleeping pills in the morning at her house in Farsh Bazar area in east Delhi. She is admitted at the Hedgewar Hospital in east Delhi. “She is in serious condition,” her mother told IANS. She said that her daughter was upset after watching TV reports of the brutal rape of the five-year-old girl in east Delhi. The victim's family has complained of police apathy in the case. Police had failed to act on the rape complaint, but were forced to do so on the orders of the Karkardooma court, which the family approached April 9 after police reportedly took no action. Police arrested three accused — Deepak, 21, Ranjeet (20) and Sohan Lal (24) — Saturday, following medical examination of the victim April 15. Police claim that the father but did not file a rape complaint after she IANS returned home.

No second Street protests rape accused continue in Delhi NEW DELHI: Delhi Police Sunday denied searching for a second accused in the abduction and rape of the fiveyear-old girl in east Delhi. The denial came after media reports claimed police were searching for a second suspect in the case, and teams had been sent to Bihar in that connection. In a statement, Delhi Police denied "rumours of arresting a second accused or looking for a second accused in this case". The accused, 22-year-old Manoj Kumar, was arrested from Muzaffarpur in Bihar Saturday.

NEW DELHI: Street protests in the national capital continued for the second day as hundreds of people came out to demonstrate Sunday against the barbaric rape of a five-year-old undergoing treatment here. For the second day, dozens laid siege to the police headquarters at ITO square in the heart of the capital, demanding the sacking of Delhi police commissioner Neeraj Kumar. They also sought the sacking of two erring policemen who delayed investigations into the case, even after the victim's parents complained.

tration in exile is now all set to take over the 71 institutions functioning across the country. The transfer process, which began this month, will take at least three years. The move comes after their Tibetian spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, expressed a desire to impart modern education while preserving Tibetan culture and heritage.

Rape victim stable, undergoes surgery Faces no threat to her life, say AIIMS doctor. NEW DELHI: The five-year-old girl who was brutally raped here is in “stable” condition after undergoing surgery, doctors said Sunday. “She is stable and is responding well to treatment,” DK Sharma, medical superintendent of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), told reporters. “Her vital parameters are ok and she faces no threat to her life. She is alert and spoke to her parents and doctors,” said Sharma, adding that she had “mild fever”. “The child is showing gradual recovery. She slept well during the night. She is responding well to antibiotics,” Dr Sharma added. He said the girl, raped by her 22-year-

old neighbour, had undergone colostomy surgery. This is a procedure to create an alternative route for stool to pass. Asked if the girl understood what she had undergone, the doctor said: “She was perhaps too young to understand what happened. I will not say she is scared, perhaps she is too young to understand the gravity of her condition.” The victim was abducted April 15 and kept hostage in a room in which her attacker lived in Gandhi Nagar. The girl, from whose vaginal orifice doctors recovered pieces of candlesticks and a 200-ml hair oil bottle, is under treatment in Delhi's All India Institute of Medical IANS Sciences (AIIMS).

WORLD SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

2 missile launchers moved SEOUL: North Korea has moved two

Boston bombers had 6 bombs

18 dead from China bird flu

BOSTON: The two Boston Marathon

more missile launchers to its east coast, where preparations are apparently under way for a missile test as tensions simmer on the peninsula, a report said Sunday. Expectations had been high that Pyongyang would carry out a test to coincide with celebrations marking the birth of late founding leader Kim Il-Sung on April 15 but it did not materialise.

BEIJING: The death toll from a new

bombing suspects had at least six bombs — three of which exploded, handguns and a rifle when police officers first confronted them, police said Saturday. One threw an explosive at the officers. They later discovered it was a pressure cooker bomb, similar to the ones used at the Monday’s marathon, where three people were killed.

strain of bird flu in China has reached 18, with dozens infected, state-run media reported, after experts said there is no evidence so far of humanto-human transmission. A 69-year-old man surnamed Xu is the most recent person to die from the H7N9 virus, China’s official news-agency Xinhua said on its website Saturday.

Tough Gaza flotilla compensation talks will test Turkey-Israel ties Fulya Ozerkan AFP

ANKARA: Israeli and Turkish officials will meet on Monday for talks on compensation over a deadly Israeli raid on a Gazabound flotilla, which if successful, could get the two states’ rocky relations back on track. But demands by families of the Turks who lost their lives in the May 2010 assault by Israeli commandos look set to complicate the high-stakes negotiations. Once-solid ties between the Jewish state and Turkey hit an all-time low after nine Turkish nationals were killed in the botched raid on a six-ship flotilla heading for the Gaza Strip. After long refusing Ankara’s demand for a formal apology, Israel last month finally made the gesture at the urging of US President Barack Obama. But for full restoration of ties and re-appointment of its ambassador to Israel, Ankara insists the Jewish state pay compensation for the raid victims and lift its restrictions on Gaza. The two issues will be the sticking points in the talks that begin on Monday, according to lawyers for the victims’ families. “The families place priority on the lifting of both the embargo and the blockade on Gaza,” and want to personally verify that step, lawyer Ramazan Ariturk, representing 430 out of 450 victims’ relatives in Turkey, told AFP. Israel imposed its blockade

on Gaza in 2006 after Gaza militants seized an Israeli soldier, who was eventually freed in 2011 in a trade for 1,000 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. It was strengthened in 2007, when the Islamist Hamas movement took control of Gaza, then eased somewhat following the international outcry over the killing of the Turkish activists.

Despite the Turkish demands, hopes are high that compensation will not be a stumbling block in normalising ties between the two predominantly non-Arab countries, both of which have the growing chaos of Syria on their doorsteps. Observers say that the fact that the prime ministers of both countries are directly involved

in the process is a reason for optimism. But Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc, who will head the delegation at the compensation meeting in Ankara, said earlier this month that an agreement may not be reached if some of the families refused to accept a possible deal between the two governments. “Compensation would be the last thing we would ask for,” said Ismail Bilgen, a son of one of the victims, calling for the removal of the “brutal Israeli blockade on Gaza”. “We want this case to set a precedent, so that Israel will never dare to take such action in the future,” he added. At Monday’s talks, the Israeli team is expected to be headed by Yaakov Amidror, the prime minister’s national security advisor, and the premier’s special envoy Joseph Ciechanover. Turkish officials said the exact amount Israel would pay would be clarified during the negotiations. Abdullah Demirel, a lawyer for Mehmet Tunc, a proPalestinian activist who was injured on board the lead convoy ship, said that if his client did not get as much as he expected, “he would pursue another court case and if necessary claim his right at international courts.” Tunc would donate the compensation to Hamas or to jihadist organisations, according to his lawyer. Lawyers are studying inter-

national cases for guidance, including the 1988 bomb attack that blew up a PanAm plane over the Scottish town of Lockerbie, killing all of its 250 passengers and crew and 11 more on the ground. Libya, which took responsibility for the Lockerbie bombing, ended up paying relatives of the victims a total $2.7 billion (2.1 billion euros) in compensation. Despite the compensation negotiations, pro-Palestinian activists in Turkey say they will not withdraw a lawsuit against

OBSERVERS SAY THAT THE FACT THAT THE PRIME MINISTERS OF BOTH COUNTRIES ARE DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS IS A REASON FOR OPTIMISM. four top Israeli military chiefs over the fatal 2010 raid. The next hearing is scheduled for May 20. Some analysts say Ankara may be using that case as leverage against Israel in the compensation negotiations. Deputy Prime Minister Arinc has said that “if Israel pays the compensation... then the lawsuits should be withdrawn”. He told the families: “You either accept the compensation, or if you don’t you wait for the court decision.”

6.1 quake hits off Armed mob gang-rapes Sichuan N-power Japan’s coast facilities safe US academic in PNG TOKYO: A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the south coast of Japan’s main Honshu island on Sunday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said, but no tsunami warning was issued. The quake hit at 12.22 pm (0322 GMT), 644 kilometres (400 miles) south of Tokyo, at a depth of 424 kilometres, the United States Geological Survey said. Japan’s Meteorological Agency also confirmed there is no risk of a tsunami. Tokyo and its suburban Kanto region felt minor tremors on Sunday but there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage, a spokesman for the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department said. The area is prone to earthquakes and tsunamis.

PORT MORESBY: A US academic has been gang-raped by an armed mob in Papua New Guinea, barely a week after an Australian was killed and his friend sexually assaulted by a group of men. The white academic told AFP that she was attacked on Friday while conducting research on birds and the impact of climate change in a remote forest on Karkar Island in Madang province. The 32-year-old was walking along a bush track with her husband and a guide when nine men armed with rifles and knives ambushed them, stripping the husband and guide naked and tying them up, she said. They then stripped her, bound her hands, cut off her blonde hair to the scalp and gang-raped her for about 20 minutes before they ran away.

BEIJING: Sichuan-based nuclear power facilities are safe and no abnormalities have been detected in environmental radiation monitoring following the 7.0-magnitude quake, Chinese authorities assured citizens on Saturday. According to the Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP), it has sent a team to the epicentre to direct works of screening environmental hazards and emergency monitoring after the quake hit Ya’an in the quake-hit province Saturday, Xinhua reported. It said local drinking water had not been contaminated so far and there were no chemical plants or other environmentally hazardous facilities in Lushan county of Ya’an.

COMMENT SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

EDITORIALS BOSTON BLASTS: But why? Boston blasts must be the fastest solved terror case, ever. Of the two terror suspects, one has been shot dead and the other taken alive. Yet there are questions galore that have no answers. That one of them could be taken alive will serve the efforts in decoding the motive behind the tragedy. But as the US President Barack Obama wondered, why must young men brought up among Americans and who reaped the benefits of the American way of life ever resort to violence against those who took them in and sheltered them? That is the most important question. The older of the Tsarnaev brothers, who were Chechans who immigrated to the US, said he never understood Americans nor had a single American friend. Tamerlan Tsarnaev, who had ambitions to become an Olympic boxer once, said unless Chechnya gets independence he would rather box for America rather than have to represent Russia. So why must he become the agent of death to the country that might have accorded him that chance? Emerging information about the brothers say both were deeply committed to the Chechan cause. But how would planning and executing bomb blasts targeting unsuspecting civilians help it, presuming that they did this for whatever cause? Attacks like these only make life hell for thousands of immigrants who wish to settle and become Americans. They would have trouble belonging and the natives would be confused and unsure of accepting them.

IS DEATH THE solution? The latest case of rape reported in Delhi, that of a fiveyear-old, has set off talks about whether death should be the punishment for rapists. Won’t it be too easy a way out for these perverse beasts? Ending their ignominy at the end of a rope would be doing them a favour. So, what other options do lawmakers have? How about lifechoking gulags where their days from dawn to dusk are stretches of bone-cracking labour and their nights in cells where they cannot stand or lie down straight, thus awake and thinking on their sin?

Fantastically yours For a country full of youth and short of icons to follow, Aamir is a good role model to emulate.

From the hip SYED SHOAIB

ctor Aamir Khan and finance minister P Chidambaram were named by Time magazine among the 100 most influential people in the world in its annual list of global achievers that also includes teenaged Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai and US President Barack Obama. Noting that Chidambaram’s experience is unsurpassed, the magazine said, as commerce minister in the 1990s, he played an important role as India opened its economy while as finance minister he presented a pathbreaking budget in 1997. Like most Indians, I don’t think highly of politicians even if they come with a law background and sometimes become victorious by a wafer-thin majority in general elections. However, in this Khancrazy world of cinemas, Aamir has shown how he can make it to a list of world achievers without a Dabangg or IPL victory.

THE MAN, WHO REFUSES TO ATTEND POPULAR AWARD FUNCTIONS, FEELS THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS PERFECTION IN A CREATIVE FIELD LIKE CINEMA. Aamir, who created an international presence with his 2012 TV series Satyamev Jayate, is named as a ‘pioneer’ on the list. In a profile of Khan written by Academy award-winning musician AR Rahman, the 48-year-old actor has been described as a “straightforward” man and a “man of his word” in a “world of false diplomacy and evasiveness”. Rahman said Khan’s movies are commercial successes but they also display a sense of social responsibility by tackling important themes like poverty and education. His TV show, Satyamev Jayate, is “part journalism and part talk show” and confronted India’s deepest social ills, from sexual abuse to caste discrimination. “By showing the courage to ask those questions, Aamir has started a movement that will help change the world in which

Indians live. Jai Ho,” Rahman wrote. Aamir also features on one of the seven special edition covers of the 2013 Time 100 issue. Khan was the star of the Oscar-nominated film Lagaan in 2001. This Khan who made a great drag queen in a cabaret number Dole Dole Dil Dole in the 1995 film Baazi, complete with high heels, a feathered boa and slinky black dress is back to his feminine look. Aamir’s many characters for the Tata Sky commercials also included a female one, with a long swinging plait and a Punjabi-kitsch outfit. Lessons to be learnt from the perfectionist who started acting at the age of eight is the art of choosing one thing at a time and inching deep into the role till success dawns high. Since 1996 Aamir Khan has only starred in 15 movies and most of them have been the biggest hits in the film industry. He turned producer for his film Lagaan in 2005. The movie went on to become one of the best movies of the year also earning him the National Award for his role. Two other films of his, Rang De Basanti and Taare Zameen Par, were India’s official entries for the Oscars. Aamir Khan was reportedly paid `3 crore per episode to host Satyamev Jayate, and it makes him the highest paid host in Indian television industry. The show is dubbed as one of biggest hits on Indian television after Ramayan. And now for Rajkumar Hirani’s Peekay, Aamir has got himself one of the oldest radios from Chor Bazaar in Rajasthan after insisting on it, the precise one which the team found after much research. Aamir, who started his production house with the Bollywood classic Lagaan and went on to deliver blockbusters like Rang De Basanti and Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, is known to have rejected 200 scripts in the last one year, including some from top directors. The dedication of the versatile showman can be seen in the sheer range of roles and conviction of character he takes by switching lifestyles, some risky, for the character. The man, who refuses to attend popular award functions, feels there is no such thing as perfection in a creative field like cinema. That’s a lesson in humility from a legend in diverse departments of Bollywood. For a country full of youth and short of icons to follow, Aamir is a good role model to emulate.

BUSINESS SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

Russia, Turkey to boost trade

ussia and Turkey are committed to expand mutual investment and cooperation, aiming to bring bilateral trade to $100 billion, the Russian and Turkish energy ministers said Saturday. Yildiz said there is good potential to increase the volume of trade from the current $34 billion to $100 billion. He said Turkish-Russian cooperation could continue in third countries.

Lamborghini tractors

ffluent Indians will soon get a chance to plough fields with Lamborghini tractors with Italian farm equipment maker Same Deutz-Fahr (SDF) Group planning to introduce the product here. “Introduction of Lamborghini tractors in India is definitely on our plans and it is a project we are working on," SDF India MD and CEO Bhanu Sharma said.

Tourism sector makeover

ndia’s tourism and hospitality sector needs an urgent makeover, which includes extending visa-on-arrival to tourists from more nations and better safety, industry body CII said today. The employment generation in tourism and hospitality sector is many times more than manufacturing sector, CII northern region Chairman Jayant Davar said.

World Bank sets ‘expiration date’ on poverty “This is it. This is the global target to end poverty,” said World Bank President Jim Yong Kim, visibly pleased after the International Monetary Fund and the Bank endorsed the poverty offensive. Veronica Smith AFP

WASHINGTON: The World Bank gathered the might of the international community Saturday behind its audacious plan to eradicate extreme poverty within a generation. “This is it. This is the global target to end poverty,” said World Bank president Jim Yong Kim, visibly pleased after the International Monetary Fund and the Bank endorsed the poverty offensive. “For the first time in history, we have committed to setting a target to end poverty. We are no longer dreaming of a world free of poverty,” Kim said at a news conference. “We have set an expiration date for extreme poverty. With commitment, co-operation, and the vision of leaders from around the world, we have great faith

World Bank president Jim Young Kim and International Monetary Fund (IMF) managing director Christine Lagarde depart the final press conference of the 2013 AFP PHOTO/NICHOLAS KAMM World Bank/IMF Spring meetings in Washington. that we can make it happen.” Kim, a US physician and global health activist who became head of the Bank last July, announced only two weeks ago the plan to eradicate extreme poverty — defined as living on less than $1.25 a day — to three per cent or less of the world’s population by 2030. The plan also aims at raising the incomes of the poorest 40 per cent in each country, so that prosperity is more fairly shared. “This will be hard work. The target of 2030 is closer than you think — just 17 years away,” he warned. To reach the 2030 goal, the international community must halve global poverty once, then halve it again, and then nearly halve it a third time, Kim explained. According to World Bank data released this week, there are still 1.2 billion people, or one

TO REACH THE 2030 GOAL, THE WORLD MUST HALVE GLOBAL POVERTY ONCE, THEN HALVE IT AGAIN, AND THEN NEARLY HALVE IT A THIRD TIME fifth of the world’s population, living in extreme poverty, despite significant strides in poverty reduction, in part due to China’s economic growth. Over 25 years, the rate of extreme poverty has fallen from 42 per cent to 21 per cent in 2010. Kim said the World Bank every year would report, country by country, on the rate of extreme poverty and the changes in the income of the bottom 40 per cent. “We will learn every year where we are making progress

and where we are not.” Calling the initiative a “historic opportunity” to make a difference, the Development Committee, representing the IMF and the Bank on development issues, announced its endorsement. But the 25-member committee said the goals must be achieved without jeopardising the environment, increasing economic debt or excluding vulnerable people. Kim welcomed the endorsement as “an important step”. “I have no doubt that the world can end extreme poverty within a generation. But it’s not a given and we cannot do it alone. It requires focus, innovation and commitment from everyone,” he said. Kim had made adoption of the poverty agenda his top priority for the IMF and World Bank spring meetings in Washington. He had pledged that if it won

the endorsement, the Bank would present, for the first time in its 66-year history, an integrated strategic plan for the group. The Development Committee, in its statement, said that achieving the goal would take strong growth across the developing world, and an unprecedented translation of growth into poverty reduction in many low-income countries. The panel also noted institutional and governance challenges would have to be overcome and investments in infrastructure and agricultural productivity would be needed. “Ministers unequivocally supported Dr Kim’s vision and stated that we can count on the World Bank Group as a partner in the endeavour of ending extreme poverty and boosting shared prosperity,” Marek Belka, the chairman of the Development Committee, said.

INTERVIEW SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

Those of us who have looked to help, have heard of Sphoorti, an organisation that genuinely works for children. We talk to Srivyal Vuyyuri, the man behind this name.

A priceless effort KANCHAN AGARWAL

kanchan.a@postnoon.com

he man behind Sphoorti, Srivyal Vuyyuri was 28 when he returned from Ohio University with a degree in MA Economics. He could have had the stereotypical life of comfort but he went ahead and took the responsibility of educating many underprivileged children instead. Sphoorti is now six years old, catering to over 160 children. Postnoon asks Srivyal more about his work.

Q. What prompted you to start the NGO? I always had an ambition to work full time for the not-so-fortunate children. My original plan was to start a school for underprivileged children in the neighbourhood. The idea was to provide access to quality education at affordable or zero cost. Somehow, things did not work to plan. Then I decided to take care of children without parents and send them to schools in the vicinity.

Q. What gave you the impetus to

choose this over a job that may have paid you very well, letting you have the luxurious life every one dreams of? "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." That is my idea of luxury, choosing to be happy every moment. I get an emotional high every now and then seeing my children grow up, kids who joined Sphoorti as very young children passing out of school, a 150 children waving hands saying hi when I meet and bye when I leave. What more can I ask for. I am wealthy as I have an abundance of what I value, care and love.

Q. It must have been very challenging to let parents send their children to you. After 10 years, is it any better? Initially, people were apprehensive about our intentions and ability. We started with three children on day one. As we began to support more children, we got exposure in the media and the word spread among the local community. Since then, we have been getting a lot of requests for admitting children in Sphoorti. The fact that we have 160+ kids now, demonstrates that we enjoy the confidence of all our stakeholders. When people from outside walk in, they do not feel that they

Let us discover our core strengths and exploit them in a manner that contributes to the greater good of society and does not cause harm to anyone. Srivyal Vuyyuri

are walking into an 'orphanage'. Most often, they notice a glow in the children's eyes and the discipline.

Q. People have the good heart to help but many of us lack the emotional intelligence and maturity to do a good job. How do you think a person can serve the society better? Martin Seligman defines good life as "using your signature strengths every day to produce authentic happiness and abundant gratification". Let us discover our core strengths and exploit them in a manner that contributes to the greater good of society and does not cause harm to anyone. Also remember, people do not have to be emotionally intelligent or mature to extend help. By nature, most people are kind. They just need us to provide them an opportunity to help and win their trust.

Q. People who want to do their bit for the society do not have the courage to step out of their comfort zone. Although, they may perform small acts of kindness on a daily basis. What do you have to say to them? I think people should continue to do what they are best at. Society

needs growth engines to generate wealth. People like us are around to distribute it. Sphoorti survives on the generous acts of hundreds of people who have a busy work/life schedule and still take time to think about fellow human beings in need. We will definitely appreciate if some of them would like to join us full time. For us, finding people to work is more difficult than finding sponsors.

Q. How does it feel to provide these not-so-fortunate children better lives? It is the same feeling a pilot flying a plane with hundreds of passengers has â&#x20AC;&#x201D; excitement and anxiety. Excitement that we have a chance to shape so many futures, anxiety because these kids have reposed so much faith in us. But excitement far exceeds anxiety as we now have enough trust in ourselves.

Q. What are the future plans of Sphoorti now? We want to construct permanent structuresâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;hostel blocks and a school in our own land. Someday, I hope to see 1,000 kids in our campus full of smiles and confidence, though my friends say I am not dreaming big enough. We want to be one of the best organisations in the City in this field.

WELLNESS SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

HEAL THE WORLD How much ever advanced we may claim we are, there are still many facts that remain unaccounted for. While slowly, science and technology have been able to thwart many rumours of places with healing properties. There are places which are still famed for their healing powers. We list a few such sites. Tamagawa Onsen, Japan

Machu Picchu

ome believe no less than a cure for cancer lies in the bubbling waters of this hot spring in the town of Tazawako. The acidity level is the highest of any spring in Japan, and the crystalized minerals known as “hokuto-seki” are found only one other place in the world. The reports of visitors shrinking cancerous tumors and prolonging terminal diagnoses keep reservations at the resort that encompasses the springs in constant demand by both the ill and the greedy. People from both camps have taken crystals from the spring in the hopes of either healing themselves or selling the treasures as medical aids. People also come to lie on the bedrocks to relax and enjoy the supposed benefit of a boosted metabolism.

ew Age practitioners flock to Machu Picchu, nestled in the Andes Plateau of Peru, believing that it sits upon a major chakra capable of healing visitors and the planet itself. Some shops catering to that community sell oils distilled from orchids found on or near the ancient village, and many shamans and alternative doctors with a heavy spiritual bent prescribe visits to facilitate overall wellness. Many even host their own pilgrimages, bringing along patients desiring to quell their own illness or pray for the health and safety of Earth and all its inhabitants.

Naag Mandir, Fiji

his sacred temple is named for Naag, the Hindu snake god. Its walls contain a special stone shaped like a cobra that devotees claim is growing. In fact, when it was found by an old man over a century ago, it was only two feet tall, they say. But as the stone began to grow, a builder tried to destroy the stone because it was blocking a planned road. It is said after failing to destroy it, the man died that very night, and the worship of the stone quickly spread. A temple was erected around it, but it grew so fast the ceiling had to be raised twice and the supplicants had to feverishly pray to it that it would stop growing. Today visitors who have not consumed meat or alcohol that day may come and bring their offerings of incense and flowers and pray to the giant rock for fertility or healing.

Stonehenge

n 2008, this iconic site in Wiltshire in Britain made headlines around the world with the news that two archeologists had determined the purpose of the arrangement of the giant stones. They said some of the rocks known as “bluestones” had been brought 250 miles from Wales because of the builders’ belief in their healing power. They based their conclusion on their excavations of a number of skeletons with severe injuries or diseases and the fact that many of the bluestones had been chipped away at as visitors came and took back a piece of the magical rocks. Still today, there are those who believe in the restorative power of bluestones and there are even schools where bluestone healing is taught.

Men-an-tol, Cornwall, UK Milk River, Jamaica

he story goes that the first person to experience the amazing healing power of this Jamaican hot spring was a slave. After being severely beaten, the man escaped his chains and fled into the jungle, only to return just days later (for some reason), completely healed of his wounds. The slave owner subsequently bought the land that held the spring, and thus began the Milk River Baths in 1794. Today the creamy waters are believed to treat a host of medical issues, including arthritis, sciatica, migraines, and even whiplash. There have even been claims of lost sight recovered and the wheelchair-bound walking after a dip in the springs.

Pick

at the

veryone has heard of Stonehenge, but this collection of standing stones 200 miles to the southwest near Madron enjoys far less publicity outside the United Kingdom. Here between two 3-feet standing stones rests the Men-an-tol, or “hole stone,” so named because it is shaped like a giant gray donut. Folklore abounds about the healing powers of this rock. Children are said to be healed of rickets when passed through the hole, and barren women will become pregnant if they move through the hole seven times backwards. Researchers have documented the rocks’ alignment with the moon and stars on important pagan festival dates, and, once again, elevated levels of radiation.

airport,

ART AND CULTURE SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

Jewish museum in Warsaw

ight galleries, including the reconstructed roof of a 17th-century wooden synagogue, will tell the story of 1,000 years of Jewish presence in Poland. The Warsaw Museum is due to hold a preview opening on April 19, the 70th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. Around 90 per cent of the Polish Jews were murdered during the Holocaust.

Album artist dies

Will.I.Am in the Louvre

torm Thorgerson, the British graphic designer behind some of the most memorable album covers of all time, including Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon, has died aged 69. The designer, who also created artwork for bands and musicians including Led Zeppelin, Peter Gabriel and Muse over his 40-year career, died peacefully after having been ill with cancer.

rammy award winning US musician Will.I.Am, star of The Voice, was allowed into Paris's Louvre museum at two in the morning to record part of a song entitled Smile Mona Lisa in front of the famed painting by Leonardo da Vinci. The Black Eyed Peas singer told reporters in Paris that the song will appear on his next album and he wanted to capture the ambience.

MYSTIC JOURNEY

Kumbh: Native Realm, A Search of the True Self is an exhibition of photographs by Joydeep Mitra.

NOT HIGH FALUTIN

An underground visual art movement that flourished in Los Angeles, lowbrow art gives voice to alternative art.

owbrow, or lowbrow art, describes an underground visual art movement that arose in the Los Angeles, California, area in the late 1970s. It is a populist art movement with its cultural roots in underground comics, punk music, and hot-rod cultures of the street. It is also often known by the name pop surrealism. Lowbrow art

often has a sense of humour – sometimes the humour is gleeful, sometimes impish, and sometimes it is a sarcastic comment. Most lowbrow artworks are paintings, but there are also toys, digital art, and sculpture. The name ‘lowbrow art’ is credited to underground cartoonist Robert Williams. He stated that in 1979, Gilbert Shelton of the publisher Rip-Off Press

decided to produce a book featuring Willams’ paintings. Williams said he decided to give the book the self-deprecating title, The Lowbrow Art of Robt. Williams, since no authorised art institution would recognise his type of art. ‘Lowbrow’ was thus used by Williams in opposition to ‘highbrow’. He said the name then stuck, even though he now feels it is inappropriate. Williams

hrough 40 frames on display at Iconart Gallery, Joydeep Mitra, who hails from Kolkata, attempts to capture the first auspicious day of the “shahi snan” on the morning of Makar Sankranti. “Kumbh, a holy congregation of ascetics and devotees like no other known to man. Millions seeking opportune ablution… what started as an impromptu… photographic journey into this mystic realm, ended as a set of snapshots of myriad complexity — capturing the life and times of the ‘Naga Sadhu’ — and through observation of their words and actions, a reflection of one’s true self… and purpose,” Joydeep Mitra says.

ART FOR DUMMIES

prefers to call the movement “cartoon-tainted abstract surrealism”. Some origins of lowbrow's approach can be traced to art movements of the early 20th century, specifically the works of the Dadaists and the leading proponents of the American Regionalism movement (artists such as Marcel Duchamp and Thomas Hart Benton, respectively) in which such art movements have questioned the distinctions between high and low art, fine art and folk art, and popular culture and high-art culture. Some popular lowbrow artists include Mark Ryden, Robert Williams, Joe Coleman, Stacy Lande and Camille Rose Garcia. Source: www.wikipedia.com

ENVIRONMENT SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

A cause for concern

Vineyards create challenges

he largest recorded earthquake in Oklahoma history was likely triggered by the injection of wastewater from oil production into wells deep beneath the earth, according to a study published Tuesday in the scientific journal Geology. The magnitude 5.7 earthquake, which struck in 2011 near Prague in central Oklahoma, scientists have tied to wastewater injection.

hanging climate may well redraw the familiar map of world wine production, making it harder to grow grapes in some traditional regions while opening up new frontiers for vineyards. But satisfying our thirst for wine in a warmer world could take a toll on biodiversity, a new study suggests, if vineyard changes aren’t managed carefully.

More bumpier flights

y 2050, airplanes could see a doubling in instances of moderate-intensity turbulence over the North Atlantic Ocean — one of the world’s busiest flight corridors — due to shifts in the jet stream as a result of global warming, according to a new study. Those bumps could also become stronger due to the intensification of conditions that lead to a type of turbulence.

Indonesia to approve deforestation plan Rights groups’ activists are up in arms against the government’s plan to clear swathes of protected virgin rainforest on Sumatra island for commercial purposes.

he Indonesian government has said it aims to approve within a month a plan that would free up vast swathes of protected virgin rainforest on Sumatra island for commercial exploitation. Rights groups reacted with outrage at the news that the plan, which also needs to be passed by the Aceh provincial parliament, was making progress, saying it would only benefit huge foreign companies and not the area’s people. But Canadian mining company East Asia Minerals, which conducts gold exploration in Aceh, hailed the progress as “positive news for mineral extraction in the area". The government aimed to approve the plan “in up to a month", senior forestry ministry official Hadi Daryanto said late Thursday. Rights groups say it will free up around 1.2 million hectares (three million acres) to be cleared. The head of the Aceh parliamentary committee overseeing the project, Tengku Anwar, said it had a lot of support in the legislature. “We hope it will go through

as soon as possible," he said. Approval of the plan would open up the forest, on the northern tip of Sumatra province and home to critically endangered orangutans, rhinos, and elephants, for mining, paper and

palm oil plantations. The Aceh government banned the granting of new logging permits six years ago to protect the forest, but a new administration that came in last year is in favour of allowing logging again.

East Asia Minerals’ chief executive Edward Rochette said the company was “very pleased” at the progress because if the plan was approved, it would help the group’s gold exploration activities.

“These new developments are good progress and positive news for mineral extraction in the area," Rochette said in a statement. The company said it was working with government officials, and company representatives on the ground in Aceh province were pushing for the forest to be reclassified from “protected forest” to “production forest". But Friends of the Earth Indonesia campaigner Dedi Ratih said the plan must be “immediately rejected". The plan “is being developed via a highly unhealthy process, in which foreign corporations are intervening and driving local policy", he said. Ian Singleton, who works in Aceh for the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme, said the East Asia Minerals’ statement was “amazing” and that it was “shooting itself in the foot". “The Aceh government has repeatedly claimed this plan is to benefit the people of Aceh, but this shows that’s clearly not the AFP case," he said.

Maintaining the ecological balance T o mark the first Anniversary of Planet 21 (The sustainable development program launched by Accor Group last year) Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & HICC is planning to celebrate the occasion with their stakeholders and patrons and spread the message of energy conservation and resource optimisation. As a part of the Anniversary celebrations NHCC employees and guests will undertake environmental activities to protect and save the natural surroundings. Accor has undertaken this initiative to commemorate World Earth Day with the launch of

Planet 21 in India last year. World Earth Day which was founded by United States Senator Gaylord Nelson is intended to inspire awareness and appreciation for our natural environment. There is much more planned for Planet 21 day. A special environment friendly brunch is being held on April 21. The entire menu for the brunch will be prepared by using local produce and natural ingredients. Be there at the Square for the fun begins at noon. Novotel is known for its initiatives to facilitate the making up of an ecological balance. Their efforts can be seen in the wellmanicured lawns and beautifully

Doing their bit for the environment, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & HICC will be celebrating the first anniversary of Planet 21 in a green manner.

maintained gardens. As a result Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre, Madhapur recently bagged the Best Maintained Hotel Garden award instituted by the ministry of horticulture, and it has been fourth time in a row. The first prize has been granted to Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre for its continuous focus on adopting and following the best practices in maintaining landscape and horticulture. The hotel takes special initiative to ensure greenery is maintained beautifully at the property. The landscaping is done keeping in mind the environment aesthetics and sustainable development.

FOOD SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

Not fruitful enough Previous studies and surveys have shown that kids love to eat fruit in ready-to-eat bite-sized pieces, yet in most school settings, the fruit is served whole, which could be the cause that children are taking fruits but not eating them. Most people believe that children avoid fruit because of the taste and allure of alternative packaged snacks.

Beetroot lowers blood pressure

Power crisis hits tuna industry

A cup of beetroot juice a day may help reduce your blood pressure, according to a small study in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension. People with high blood pressure who drank about eight ounces of beetroot juice experienced a decrease in blood pressure of about 10 mm Hg. But the preliminary findings don't yet suggest that beetroot juice benefits your health.

The Philippine fish processing industry has been crippled by huge power cuts in the south of the country. One party leader in the country has said that 50,000 people could lose their jobs as a result of the crisis. Daily power cuts lasting up to eight hours mean that seven tuna canneries in General Santos City and Southern Cotobato are losing up to PHP2 million every day.

Along the coast It may be a relatively unknown place in the Konkan belt but Malvan and its cuisine definitely racks up some points for its uniqueness and charm. The speciality of Malvani food is its delicately balanced punch. FLEME VARKEY

fleme.v@postnoon.com

alvan is a small, relatively unknown place on the Konkan belt. Tucked away in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra, it is dotted by coconut trees and estuaries but this fisherman’s village has a cuisine that will excite many a food lover. Taj Deccan’s Malvani food festival has brought the coastal cuisine to the City and needless to say, it has been wellreceived. The dishes are usually spicy, tangy and coconutbased. Although an independent cuisine in its own right, it overlaps Maharashtrian and Goan cuisines. Predominantly non-vegetarian, it does boast of some vegetarian delicacies but

seafood dishes dominate the cuisine. Executive Chef Sajesh Nair explained to us the finer details, “Coconut in various forms such as grated, dry grated, fried, coconut paste and coconut milk is liberally used in most dishes. Malvani masala also plays an important role in imparting its explicit flavours and aroma to the various delicacies. The special Malvani masala which we have made here includes badi elaichi, pathar ka phool, taranus, cloves, cinnamon and more. Another masala, the Goda masala, slightly wet, is made with dry coconut and poppy seeds. Peanut paste also forms a base for a lot of food.” The menu as Chef Sajesh told us has been kept simple, yet, enough to give one a comprehensive taste of the best the cuisine has to offer. For starters you have the ubiquitous Maharashtrian delicacies the vada paav, sabudana vade,

Name: Malvani food festival Place: Spice Junxion, Taj Deccan Time: 7.30pm onwards till April 30 Price: Approx. `1,000 + taxes for two chicken soup with coconut milk and the maharashtrian tomato soup. Solkadhi, a pink-coloured appetiser drink made from the kokam fruit and coconut milk, tempered with curry leaves and topped with a slice of lemon was the starter for our meal. A must-have for its unique taste. The sabudane vade were crispy and easy to eat. Then came the major highlights of the meal — the stuffed bangara

(mackerel) with prawns mixture, the whole pomfret coated with semolina and prawns deep-fried in semolina with a puffed rice coating. Though the word spice is not what I appreciate too much but surprisingly I seemed to be enjoying the flavour of the masalas in the fish. It was not hard on the throat, but tempered right to allow one to soak in the taste. Compared with Andhra Pradesh, the spice is less. It only comes in the form of masalas used. There is no predominant taste of chillies to scare you away. The following item on our plates was something unique to the Malvan cuisine — Kombdi vade and Amboli. Kombdi is chicken curry served with puri, made of besan, wheat flour and urad dal. Also famous is Amboli, a Maharashtrian dosa, made of asafetida, puffed rice and jeera. For the vegetarians, there are some really healthy options

like Pavta batata — lima beans and potatoes cooked and tempered with masalas, Kale Vatana ni gawarchi bhaji— black grams and cluster beans cooked to perfection, Bharieli Vaangi —baby brinjals cooked in tangy coconut-based gravy with goda masala and then there is the Vatanyachi Ussal — white peas cooked in Maharashtrian style. For rice, you have Masala Bhat and Kolmi nu bhat (rice with prawns). But also getting full marks is the dessert platter that consisted of tender coconut ice cream, puran poli and gulab jamun stuffed with jaggery and coconut (prepared at the hotel itself). Our vote is for the gulab jamun. Though the decor does not resemble a Malvan village, the food and the music definitely will take you there. So, if you are one of those who love food... you have got to be here. S BALAKRISHNA

FOOD SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

LOBBYING FOR THE BAR

Bar 41 at the Radisson Blu is the ideal place for a quiet, uninterrupted evening, especially with business associates.

nidhi.b@postnoon.com

‘W

customers with innovative drinks, are more than happy to customise cocktails and blend them to individual tastes. For instance, a mango Mojito is a must-have at Bar 41 — it’s summery, refreshing and smooth. Another kind of cocktails that the staff is excited about and seems to be promoting like crazy is their selection of tea cocktails. “Most of us have a very primitive outlook towards tea. There are so many kinds of teas yet not many of us bother finding out more about them. With our tea cocktails, we are trying to educate people about the dif-

ferent kinds of teas available. It’s not just black, green or the one with milk,” says Varma. Among the tea cocktails, the green-tea cocktail with a hint of cinnamon is a must-have. Cognac-based, it will actually force you to perceive tea differently after the first sip. Coming to the bites, the Mediterranean Platter comprising crispy peta bread, feta cheese, tabouleh and artichoke bruschettas are worth trying. The other short eat, innovative and ‘exclusive to this bar’, is the Watermelon and Feta Cheese snack. The usual suspects like Chicken Tikka, Mutton Seekh and Tandoori Chicken don’t hurt either. The best part about Bar 41 is its affordable pricing of cocktails. So, here’s a bar where you can enjoy a guilt-free indulgence. Cheers!

EER

OOD

TIM

NT BALANARAYAN

hy is Bar 41 so called?’ That’s the first thing that hits you when you enter the lobby bar at Radisson Blu. I hoped the drinks would be priced at `41 — at best `410 — but that was just a case of wishful thinking, I guess. Anyway, coming back to the real reason the bar is called Bar 41 — well, they have a selection of 41 wines to boast. From Indian to international, mainly new-world wines, Bar 41 is quite a pull for those interested in some wine and cheese, especially those from the expatriate community. “Though we have a variety of imported wines on the menu, we like to focus on wines available in India. From what I’ve observed, most people have pre-conceived notions about Indian wines. Most think they aren’t as good. At Bar 41, we are trying to change this thinking. Grover and Sula wines, for instance, are good wines produced in India. There’s no reason one shouldn’t indulge in them,” says Tarun Varma, director of food and beverage at the hotel. The décor of the bar, not too in-your-face and blending with the ambiance of the

Where: Bar 41, Radisson Blu Must-have: Mango Mojito

NIDHI BHUSHAN

hotel lobby, is simple yet classy to say the least. Cushy chairs with low tables at the bar give a sense of comfort to those fond of drinking to relax and having a jolly time. The bar at Bar 41 also keeps the relaxed tone intact with its chandelier-like design. With shiny glasses and liquor bottles, the bar may tempt even those who don’t like to drink! Another great aspect of the placing of the tables and chairs is that even though they appear quite close to one-another, eavesdropping is not common. With Buddha barish music in the background, people are delivered a quiet and peaceful time. In the cocktail section of the menu, the usual Long Island Iced Teas and Bloody Marys are given their fair space. However, the waiters, enthusiastic to surprise the

MANGALOREAN DELIGHT If you’re in the mood to explore the vast Mangalorean cuisine this summer, a visit to Seasonal Tastes at the Westin hotel is a great way to quiet your cravings. Nidhi Bhushan

nidhi.b@postnoon.com

n spite of being hidden away in the vast buffet at Seasonal Tastes, the authentic Mangalorean dishes on the menu have what it takes to pull you toward them. The two-week festival from April 15 to 30, which has already covered more than 30 authentic dishes from the coast is the best way to explore the cuisine almost to its entirety. Coconut, spicy and curry are the three key words the hotel uses to lure its customers and the basic ingredients of most Mangalorean dishes. Apart from the starters and the main course, the Mangalorean food ‘feastival’ at the Westin also includes some

refreshing drinks from the coastal land. I began my Mangalorean tryst with the very popular and flavourful Kokam Sherbat — a musthave. However, if Kokam, ideal for the summer, isn’t your thing, you can always choose the good ol’ butter milk or shikanji from the menu. Coming back to the food spread, rich with the regular buffet at the hotel, is set up tastefully with a touch of S BALAKRISHNA

Mangalorean culture. The brown rice that is stored in a basket for years in typical Mangalorean style to the rock salt famous in the region, the food spread gives the customers a true picture on how the cuisine is relished. Among the variety of chutneys on display, the spicy tomato and the sweet tamarind chutneys are musthaves. Plus, they blend well with curd rice, another not-tomiss dish in the spread. Even the pickles — the Mangalorean Kochala Lonche and the Mangalorean Lime pickle are a treat for those who don’t mind it spicy. From the starters and main course section, Pork Bafat (pork cooked with fresh chilli, ginger and

Where: Seasonal Tastes, Westin What: Mangalorean Food Festival Mangalorean spices), Mutton Masala (lamb cooked with onion and tomato), Banana Fry, Kempu Gojju (lentil tempered with curry leaves and mustard), Sorekai gassi (Mangalorean style bottle gourd curry) with Kori Roti are essential to complete your flavourful indulgence. And, you can always end the treat on a sweet note with desserts like Semiya payasam. You have time till April 30 to be treated in true Mangalorean style, we say — Go for it!

Chugur Gosht Tender leaves of tamarind cooked with lamb. Noor’s Kitchen NOOR JAFRI Ingredients Quantity n Curry cut pieces of lamb breast 300 gms n Chugar (tamarind) leaves 400 gms n Onions 300 gms n Oil 120 ml n Ginger-garlic 2 tsp n Chilli powder 2 tsp n Dhania powder 1 tsp n Haldi powder 1/2 tsp n Garam masala powder 1 tsp n Salt to taste Procedure n Heat the vessel with oil, add sliced onions, lamb pieces, ginger-garlic paste. n Keep cooking till slightly tender. n Add the remaining masalas with little water to the lamb and cook till completely soft and tender. n Meanwhile, wash and clean tamarind leaves, steam them with a pinch of salt and haldi powder and make a rough paste out of them. n Add this chugur paste to the cooked lamb and with a sprinkle of water, slow cook it till the two are nicely cooked together. n When the oil separates out, switch off the gas. Chef’s note: n It’s a very Hyderabadi seasonal preparation with tender tamarind leaves. n It’s a sour, hot and spicy curry and can be served with hot steaming rice. Contact us @ Noor kitchen Mobile + 91 9441282318 Residence + 91 40 23356947 Like us @ https://www.facebook.com/Noorkitchen

HISTORY SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

April 22

April 23

April 24

1954: Senator Joseph McCarthy begins hearings investigating the United States Army, which he charges with being "soft" on communism.

1945: After learning that Soviet forces have taken Eberswalde without a fight, Adolf Hitler admits defeat in his underground bunker and states that suicide is his only recourse.

1564: William Shakespeare is born. His exact date of birth is not known, but was calculated according to the date of his baptism. He died on April 23, 1616.

1955: The Bandung Conference, where 29 non-aligned nations of Asia and Africa met to condemn colonialism, racism, and the Cold War, ends.

The Irish Republican Brotherhood led by nationalists Patrick Pearse, James Connolly, and Joseph Plunkett starts the Easter in Rebellion in Ireland.

April 28

2001: Millionaire Dennis Tito becomes the world's first space tourist. He spent nearly eight days in orbit as a crew member of ISS EP-1, a visiting mission to the International Space Station.

April 25

April 26

April 27

April 28

2003: The Human Genome Project comes to an end two and a half years earlier than expected. A complete draft of the human genome was released in 2003, but more detailed analysis continues to be published.

1986: A nuclear reactor accident occurs at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in the Soviet Union (now Ukraine), creating the world's worst nuclear disaster.

1978: Afghanistan president Sardar Mohammed Daoud is overthrown and murdered in a coup led by procommunist rebels. The brutal action marked the beginning of political upheaval in Afghanistan.

1945: "Il Duce" Benito Mussolini, and his mistress, Clara Petacci, are shot by Italian partisans who had captured the couple as they attempted to flee to Switzerland.

1916: Italian industrialist Ferruccio Lamborghini, who founded a luxury car company that produced some of the fastest, most expensive, and sought-after sports cars in the world, was born.

SPOTLIGHT SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

Glitzy extravaganza Tollywoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s elite turned up in their glamorous best at the TSR-RV9 film awards organised at Shilpakala Vedika on Saturday. Also present at the occasion were Bollywood actors Anil Kapoor, Sridevi, Rani Mukherjee, Amisha Patel, Neha Dhupia, Dia Mirza and others.

CINEMA SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

A tribute to KRR in Action 3D

llari Naresh’s upcoming film Action 3D is gearing up for release in May and we hear that there’s a song in the film which is ‘inspired’ from dozens of songs shot by veteran Telugu director K Raghavendra Rao. Talking about this song, director Anil Sunkara said, “K Raghavendra Rao had his signature style when it came to shooting songs and we have tried to adapt all his techniques to shoot one of the songs in the film. We took several references from K Raghavendra Rao’s career for this

Hrithik Roshan is my inspiration BISHNU ADHIKARI

song.” This retro song was shot on Allari Naresh and Neelam Upadhyaya. The film also has a remix of Swathi Muthyapu Jallulo, a popular song from Nagarjuna, Amala starrer Prema Yuddham. Tamil actors Simbu and Santhanam are making a cameo in Action 3D. The film also stars Shaam, Vaibhav Reddy, Raju Sundaram, Sudeep, Sneha Ullal, Kamna Jethmalani, Ritu Barmecha, Brahmanadam and MS Narayana. Bappa Lahiri and Bappi Lahiri have scored the music.

First Look-NTR’s

Ramayya Vasthavaya

ishnu Adhikari might very well be a superhero in a parallel universe, especially with those ripped muscles which are to die for among fitness enthusiast. Ask him what exactly he did to get this kind of look, he reveals, “I wasn’t like this few years ago. I worked really hard on my physique as I wasn’t genetically gifted and it took me years to achieve this. Hrithik Roshan is my inspiration and so is Sylvester Stallone. Ever since I saw Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai, I became a big fan of Hrithik Roshan and I must say he’s a role model for a lot of fitness enthusiasts like me.” Born and brought up in Hyderabad, Bishnu reveals that he always wanted to become an actor, but it wasn’t until he returned from the US after graduating with a Masters degree in Civil Engineering that he began pursuing his dreams seriously. “I don’t have a filmy background and initially I couldn’t convince my parents about my dream of becoming an actor. After I returned from the US, I made it very clear to my parents that I want to be an actor. I guess when you really want something, certain forces work in your favour to make your dreams come true,” he says. Bishnu will soon be seen in an action film titled EK Being Human. The film has been under production for quite some time and it’s finally slated for release later this summer. “The film deals with mafia, terrorism, suicide bombing among other things; however, it fundamentally deals with the concept of karma. There are lot of variations in my characterisation,” he says. Ask him what he thinks his USP is and pat comes the reply, “It has to be my physique. I have pushed myself to the limit and I have reached a stage where I can stay lean and muscular at the same time.” He has recently launched a fitness workout DVD, which he says, is a complete guide to how to get into shape within a short span of time. “This concept is new in India, but it has been in vogue in the US for several years. There’s a specific workout plan if you want to achieve Brad Pitt’s look from Fight Club and so on. A lot of my friends had been asking me how I managed to build my muscles and also what diet they need to follow. This fitness workout DVD has all that information. I am just using the movie as a platform to spread the message about being fit and stand as an inspiration,” he signs off.

TR’s upcoming film in Harish Shankar’s direction has finally been titled as Ramayya Vasthavayya. Ever since the film went on floors earlier this year, there have been several rumours about the title and Harish Shankar had been vehemently denying all the rumours and he officially unveiled the logo and the first look of the film yesterday on Twitter. Dil Raju is producing the film and it’s his second film with NTR after Brindavanam. Samantha and Shruti Haasan are playing the lead roles in this action and romantic entertainer. Talking about the film, Dil Raju said, “We are aware of the expectations on the film and we are confident that the film will impress everyone. The film’s shooting is currently going on in Hyderabad and everyone is quite pleased with how the film is shaping up.” Recently, a song was picturised on NTR and Samantha whereas Shruti Haasan is expected to join the sets soon. SS Thaman is scoring the music. The film is expected to release on August 9. Incidentally, Shruti Haasan’s upcoming Hindi film with Girish Taurani is also titled as Ramayya Vastavayya.

CINEMA SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

I’m returning to fiction after nine years:

Mandira Bedi

TV viewers loved her as Shanti and they even loved to hate her as the Mandira of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. After staying away from fiction shows for nine years, actress Mandira Bedi is set to make a comeback. At 41, she is glad she won’t be playing a mother on screen.

“I

’m coming back to fiction shortly, after nine years,” Mandira said. The actress, who ruled the small screen with her popular fiction show Shanti in the 1990s, was confident her new show will be a “game-changer”. Without divulging any details about her comeback vehicle, she said it is “simply the project” that lured her back. “I can’t say anything about it because I haven’t signed the contract yet. All I can tell you is that it is going to be a game-changer for Indian television. It had to be something special for me to come back because all these years, I have been away from fiction and, yes, this is not even a daily soap,” she added. The multi-faceted actress, who has been in plays, TV soaps, films and live shows — and featured in two IPL telecasts — is also kicked about turning anchor for music reality show Indian Idol Junior. But her joy of returning to the fiction space reflected in her voice. Mandira then gave out a bit more on the show. “All my contemporaries are playing mums on screen, I am not playing a mother in this one. I have been able to dodge that bullet so far. I’ve been in this business for 19 years, and so if I’ve managed to dodge the bullet for that long, I hope to do that for some time more,” she said excitedly. Mother of a son who is yet to turn two, Mandira admits there were reasons why she was away from the fiction space all this while.

KALKI KOECHLIN WON’T DIRECT FILMS A ctress Kalki Koechlin, who is married to filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, says she would not mind directing plays, but is not interested in going behind the camera for a commercial film. “I don’t think I have the knowledge of technicality. But certainly in future, I would direct for theatre, but I am not looking to turn director for commercial films. I don’t see myself directing films,” Kalki said. “Theatre is something I enjoy the most, so certainly I will

“Shanti was a very aspirational character. Then in between, Indian television went through this phase when soaps got into regressive kind of characters. The sole motive of the protagonists would be to keep peace between family members and the greatest obstacle would be to overcome a tough motherin-law,” said Mandira, who is married to filmmaker Raj Kaushal. “I have been a part of a show like that as well, playing a negative character in Kyunki.... But that’s the last of fiction I did. So many years on, all this while there is nothing that appealed to me,” she said. Nevertheless, she pointed out a show like Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin, which she felt was “positive” and “out-of-the-box”. By then, she was caught in the midst of everything to do with anchoring! “After I started hosting cricket shows, people just got so caught up with me being an anchor that they didn’t look at me in any other way. And honestly, I didn’t see myself giving 25 days a month to a daily soap. “I hosted big TV shows after every little while, and I kept myself busy hosting corporate shows. I kept the actor in me alive through theatre. I didn’t see myself getting into the daily soap business,” she said. Meanwhile, she is enjoying motherhood, watching the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) and every bit of being in her 40s! IANS “Why not,” she asked.

Prabhu Deva’s film’s first look out

direct for it, but I don’t know when. Let’s see how things fall in place,” she added. She has studied theatre in the past, and she even featured in several plays before foraying into filmdom. Her latest Bollywood film is Ek Thi Daayan, which hit the screens Friday. At a time when Bollywood is witnessing remake after remake, the actress says she would like to be part of remakes of movies like Pyaasa or Mirch Masala. IANS

fter directing films like Wanted and Rowdy Rathore, choreographer Prabhu Deva has once again wielded the megaphone for Ramaiya Vastavaiya, starring Girish Taurani and Shruti Haasan. Unlike Prabhu’s previous hits, Ramaiya Vastavaiya is a love drama with a good dosage of action, comedy and romance. The first look of the film was launched yesterday.

CINEMA SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

DIBAKAR BANERJEE’S

IT WAS

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

FILM WITH YRF GOES ON FLOORS

WITH SRIDEVI: BONEY KAPOOR

or Boney Kapoor it was love at first sight when he saw Sridevi on-screen and his dream moment came on the sets of Mr India when she spoke to him in her “broken Hindi and English”. The couple tied the knot in 1996, almost a decade after the much-acclaimed superhero film was released. Recalling his romance with the screen diva, Boney, 57, said that he still enjoys talking about his love story. “First time I saw her on-screen was in late 70s in a Tamil film and I decided to cast her in my next film. We were planning a film with Rishi Kapoor those days. Since, Rishi didn’t have time, I thought I should check with the

HASEE TOH PHASEE SHOOT BEGINS

ilmmaker Dibakar Banerjee, who recently signed a three-film deal with Yash Raj Films, says that the first movie from the bouquet is already on the roll. “It’s a co-production deal. The first film has gone on the floors as of now,” he said and added: “It is being shot in Delhi right now. But I can’t talk about anything else.” Even though, Banerjee will be working with such a big production house, he is assured of the fact that he will not have to compromise on his filmmaking ideologies. “I won’t have to compromise on anything. If my ideas had to be compromised, they would have been till now. Now I have become very set with my ideas,” he said. Known for films like Khosla Ka Ghosla and LSD: Love, Sex Aur Dhokha, the director is currently looking forward to the release of, Bombay Talkies, a bouquet of four films, a tribute to 100 years of Indian cinema. Apart from Banerjee, Anurag Kashyap, Karan Johar and Zoya Akhtar have contributed to Bombay Talkies. IANS

actress once and travelled all the way to Chennai. “I got to know that she was shooting in Singapore but she never got off my mind,” Boney told the curious gathering, as Sridevi blushed and tried to interrupt him for “sharing too many details”. He also recalled that the English Vinglish star was one of the highest paid actresses of Indian cinema and shared how he inked the deal with her mother to get Sridevi on board for Mr India. “I again travelled to Chennai to meet her mother because that time Sridevi’s commercial decisions were taken by her. She quoted `10 lakh for her daughter but since I was bowled over by her beauty, I fixed the deal at `11 lakh. Her mother must have thought I am a mad producer from Bombay,” he said. “With every meeting I was more and more affected by her. I was married then and confessed to my wife that I am in love with her. I couldn’t hold myself back. Every given opportunity I got I made sure that she feels there is somebody who is concerned about every bit of thing she desired and asked for,” he said. Sridevi, 49, and Boney have two daughters — Jhanvi and PTI Khushi.

tudent Of The Year actor Sidharth Malhotra has started shooting for Karan Johar’s next production Hasee Toh Phasee, in which he stars opposite Parineeti Chopra. He is excited. “Hey guys today (Thursday) is day one of ‘Hasee Toh Phasee’, feels great to be back on set again. Excited to work with this team, wish us luck, big love,” tweeted Sidharth. Karan’s Dharma Productions is co-producing the film with Phantom Production, and Vinil Matthew is directing it. Not to be outdone, Parineeti too took to the microblogging website to let her fans know that she has joined the fun and work too. On Saturday, she tweeted a picture of her with Siddharth on Twitter.

CINEMA SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

JUSTIN BIEBER, SELENA GOMEZ

REKINDLING ROMANCE IN NORWAY?

inger-actress Selena Gomez has reportedly jetted to Norway where her ex-boyfriend Justin Bieber performed a concert recently. This is said to be the estranged couple’s second reunion since their split earlier this year, reported Us Magazine. “Gomez touched down in the country’s capital, Oslo, shortly before Bieber

TOM HIDDLESTON TO STAR IN THE CROW?

om Hiddleston may be flying from super villain to superhero, as The Avengers star is in early discussions to play Eric Draven in Relativity Media’s reimagining of The Crow, individuals close to the project have told TheWrap. Based on the James O’Barr comic book series that was previously adapted as a 1994 Miramax movie starring Brandon Lee, The Crow follows a man who returns from beyond the grave to avenge his death. Hiddleston recently had dinner with producers and sent them a makeup test that he did on his own in London. He will undergo a proper makeup test in the coming days, as the character’s appearance is important to fans of the franchise, who should be delighted with the casting of a major member of the Marvel universe. He is also attached to play photographer Robert Capa in an upcoming biopic.

hit the stage. There’s no word yet on why she’s there — but if it is to see her ex, this would not be the couple’s first reunion since their split earlier this year,” a source said. Last month, Bieber, 19, was spotted at the Spring Breakers actress’ home in Los Angeles before he headed to Munich for another tour PTI stop.

WILL’S AFTER EARTH MOVES UP A WEEK

reating more distance from the Superman pic Man of Steel, Sony is moving up the release of the Will Smith sci-fi tentpole After Earth from June 7 to May 31. M Night Shyamalan directed the movie, which stars Smith opposite his son Jaden Smith. The two play father and son, who crash-land on Earth years after the planet has been destroyed. After Earth now will have two weeks of play, instead of one, before Warner Bros. rolls out Man of Steel on June 14. In its old slot, After Earth would have opened opposite Shawn Levy’s broad comedy The Internship, starring Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson. The Fox film now has the June 7 to 9 weekend to itself. As for After Earth, it now opens opposite Universal’s thriller The Purge and Lionsgate’s Now You See Me, also a thriller.

CHAI TIME SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

SUNDAY CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Sphere 6 Chieftain’s plaid 10 Bar legally 15 Make — — for oneself 20 Defended one’s title 21 Sun, in combos 22 Courtyards 23 Actress Ina — 24 Big occasion 25 Jung’s inner self 26 Racetrack boundaries 27 Cake decoration 28 Hot cookies 30 Salon offering (2 wds) 32 Took the dais 33 Wk day 35 Sandwich cookie 36 Whiskey grains 39 — Paese cheese 40 US gymnast — Raisman 41 Pd athlete 42 Hourglass filler 46 Dinghy’s need 47 Uncles and nephews 48 — May Clampett 51 Dough raiser 53 Custodian’s need 54 Pocketed 56 Manitoba tribe 57 Something extra 59 Blazing 61 Showbiz org 62 Move slightly 63 Lagoon protector 64 Revises 65 Pompous sort 67 Fanatic’s feeling 68 Fergie’s daughter 69 Aloha tokens 72 Onassis’ nickname 73 Sheriffs’ badges 76 Behind, on a ship 80 Explorer — Helen Johnson 81 Engine stats 82 Once and for — 83 Overhead 85 Romance 86 Gymnast’s horse 88 Norma Jean 92 ‘To a Skylark,’ eg 93 Forest ruminant 94 Virtuoso 95 Hoedown honeys 96 Shorten 99 Gaps 102 Kind of pudding 103 Gone up 104 Pack animal 108 Legends 109 — up (got in shape) 110 Endangered trees 111 Nordiques’ onetime home 112 Victorian, eg 113 Covert operation 115 Furtive sound 116 Prompter’s hint 117 Baseball great Mel 118 Veep’s boss 120 Egyptian god of pleasure 121 I-90 123 China’s Chou En — 124 Totally amazes 125 Layer 127 Furniture protectors

129 Deep-red gem 131 ISS experience (2 wds) 135 Chinese anesthesia 140 Kudu cousin 141 Druids 142 Brief upturns 143 Fatty compound 144 ‘— when?’ 145 Genuflected 146 Wild West show 147 Moving right — 148 Already occupied 149 Fries and slaw 150 Watched carefully 151 Cronyn’s mate DOWN 1 LeMond or Louganis 2 Strauss of jeans 3 ‘Zoolander’ actor — Wilson 4 Twin drums 5 Register 6 AKC word 7 Trojan War saga 8 Like wet noodles 9 Clink glasses 10 Scolding 11 Like cloudless nights 12 Musical combos 13 Old masters

14 Rustic 15 Stay 16 Cheesy snacks 17 Et — (and others) 18 Kind of van 19 Amtrak driver 21 Expedite 29 Foaming at the mouth 31 Mythical archer 34 Dried clover 36 Santa —, Calif 37 Fishtails 38 Ambler or Clapton 41 Booty 43 Quite similar 44 Bookish type 45 Changes color 47 French military hat 48 Wagner’s earth goddess 49 Pantyhose brand 50 Marvin or Majors 51 Street sign 52 Least feral 55 Ferret feet 56 Picasso genre 57 Voluntarily 58 Not phony 60 Exploit 62 House ad abbr 64 Degraded 66 Port near Pompeii

67 Belly dance clackers 69 Trim off 70 That, in Tijuana 71 ‘— — the Walrus’ 74 Flagged down 75 Sports page data 77 Meadow browser 78 Caviar, actually 79 Swed neighbor 81 Alcove 84 Norse Zeus 87 Kitchen spice 89 Winery process 90 Rev the engine 91 Does perfectly 93 Edit out 97 Cellar, briefly 98 Stamp backing 99 Ladder rung 100 Henry VIII’s last wife 101 Botanist’s wings 102 Howard and Perlman 103 Legal matter 105 What the cast takes (2 wds) 106 Give out sparingly 107 Circus routines 109 Men’s pins (2 wds) 111 Zorba portrayer 114 Ski tow (hyph) 115 Energy 116 Tenor Enrico —

119 Wall fixture 121 Fluster 122 Rendezvous 123 Sloshed 124 Hun leader 126 Poet — Nash 127 Like some floors 128 Buffalo NHLer 129 Steer 130 Brilliance

131 Piquancy 132 Essay byline 133 Foul-smelling 134 I came, to Caesar 136 Sate 137 Hit — (discover) 138 Marmalade chunk 139 Nervous PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

CHAI TIME SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

STAR POWER Date 22-4-2013

As per Hindu panchang

THIRUVAIKUMAR

thiruvaikumar@yahoo. co. in 040-27177230 / 9949870449

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

Transfer and promotion on the cards for employees. Self-employed businessmen will get sanction of the assistance applied with a finance institution. Existing businessmen will be successful.

Businessmen likely to face a dull trend and partners may try to take advantage. Good opportunities await artists. Software professionals might face a troubled atmosphere but need not worry.

Good turning point likely, which will cheer you. Employees can be sure of getting recognition and rewards for their hard work. All bad effects faced by you all these days will disappear.

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

Misunderstanding with relatives will be over. You clear a major portion of the haunting old debts and feel relaxed. Delayed loan sanction will now be sanctioned and construction will start.

Debt issues might resurface; handle them with a cool mind. Transfer and promotion on cards for employees with superior’s favour. Family members will be in a very cheerful atmosphere.

Employees feel very comfortable at workplace. Women take care of family problems wisely and ensure peace at home. Those planning to start own business advised not to partner anyone.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

Your plans might hit a roadblock but you manage the issue wisely and achieve your goals. Blood relatives will extend strong support. Employees will focus well and complete all work in time.

A strong financial position is likely to keep you cheerful. Mother’s health could be a cause for concern; take care. Govt officials, contractors and VIPs will benefit. Couples will be affectionate.

You are likely to purchase new immovable assets. Problems in ancestral property will disappear. Haunting debt problems will end. Children achieve in a big way, which will cheer you up.

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Some of you might be forced to sell ancestral property. You take bold decisions that yield results. Due to misunderstanding with partners, businessmen will be upset. Sudden trips likely.

Taking hurried decisions will make you face loss and hence caution is needed. Avoid being alone as you might feel confused and deserted. Encouragement by the spouse will work wonders.

You need to understand characters of others before associating with anyone. You undertake a trip with your family. Court verdict will go in your favour. Income expected from multiple sources.

TAROT READ Date 22-4-2013

SUMAA TEKUR

tarotreadhyd@gmail. com

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

Ace of Cups – life can be so much more simpler if you took stock of the expectations others had of you, and decided how far you would or wouldn’t go.

Six of Pentacles – If you stopped feeling distressed and helpless, you can achieve more. How you think about your situation makes all the difference. Be confident.

Three of Pentacles – You have the fear of losing an account or something going wrong when there is no real need to fear. Talk to one who knows the real picture.

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

The Magician – You need some silence. Take time off and get away for a holiday to a place where you can do things that you like. Don’t let stress get to you.

Page of Wands – You get in touch with your spiritual side thanks to new meditation someone has taught you. It refreshes you and you feel great.

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

The Devil – Catch up with friends over the weekend to up the ante in your social life. No point brooding over how bored you are. Do something about it.

NON SEQUITUR PEARLS BEFORE SWINE POOCH CAFE

STRIP TEASE

AGNES

LIBRA

King of Cups – You need to keep calm in the face of trouble. More you panic the more you increase chances of ruining things. Do what needs to be done.

Ten of Pentacles – Seek clarification if you are unsure of something. Sticking on to something based on what you believe to be right may lead to losses.

Page of Swords – Focus on what you need at this point. You may be paying attention to others’ needs all the time, and now your body is calling for time.

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Nine of Wands – Take time out from routine or do things differently just go take a break. There is need to change the way you operate to prevent fatigue.

Knight of Pentacles – The wait is over and the results are just about out. You may have put brakes on your normal routine in anticipation of something impt.

Ace of Wands – Celebration time! An important decision has been made and the results are out. You get what you were expecting. Thinking positive.

Thoughts worth pondering over * If you can still do at 60 what you did at 20, it means you weren't doing much at 20. * Life is like photography... we use the negatives to develop. * Live so the preacher won't have to tell lies at your funeral. * Nothing is worse than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong. * Q: What's brown and sticky? A: A stick. * Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment. * Silence is often misinterpret-

ed, but never misquoted. * Some drink from the fountain of knowledge. Other just rinse and spit. * Sometimes I get the feeling the whole world is against me, but deep down I know that's not true. Some smaller countries are neutral. * The late worm misses the early bird. * The second mouse gets the cheese. * There's nothing more optimistic than a dog under the dinner table. * Tomorrow is just a future yesterday.

Vol: 2, No 275 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

CINEMA SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013 Troy Ribeiro

t is a tale that exposes the yields of fear and curiosity along with the joys and pangs, risks and rewards of evolving. It's a story of an overprotective father doing his best for his family given his limited beliefs and worries. The Croods; father — Grug (Nicolas Cage), mother — Ugga (Catherine Keener), older son — Thunk (Clarke Duke), teenage daughter — Epp (Emma Stone), younger son — Sandy (Randy Thom) and Gran (Cloris Leachman) are a family that lived in the prehistoric era where just about everything around them is a potential threat. Papa Crood — Grug with his belief, "fear keeps us alive and anything new is dangerous and fun is bad," lays down strict rules to ensure that his family stays alive. His solution to this problem is to lead a very cautious and protected life. And this is done by spending most of their time hurdled in a dark cave, coming out only at times only to get food. But Eep, his rebellious teenage daughter is a curious about the world and wants to explore more of life. One night, after seeing a light outside their cave, Eep sneaks out to investigate and ends up meeting Guy (Ryan Reynolds), an evolved human who enlightens and charms her with his knowledge and lifestyle.

Eep wants to follow her heart, but her wary father just won't let her have her way. Their cave gets destroyed as predicted by Guy. And Grug decides to find a new cave, but the entire family decides for a change. They want to be with Guy and "follow the Sun to a better place called Tomorrow." Things go from bad to worse, but then with Guy's help, the Croods conquer their fear of the outside world and discover that they have exactly what it takes to survive — each other. The terrain the Croods and Guy traverse, is utterly new and spectacular, filled with creatures you will find familiar and foreign at the same time and so also the dangers that they have to overcome. Co-directors and co-writers Kirk DeMicco and Chris Sanders have ensured that the content is fresh and good-natured, except for a few mother-in-law gags which seems routine in this family. Witty, clever, original, and very well made; The Croods dazzlingly combines beautiful visual effects with a simple enough story for a child to follow, but in a world pulsating and attractive for adults. It sends a great message and displays a great example of positive family values and team building. Adults can appreciate the humour even though it's geared towards kids. Overall, it's defIANS initely worth watching.

THE CROODS

Fantastic animated family entertainer

Scary Movie V

worst in the series If you are weak-hearted, then this film is for you! No it will neither make your heart stronger nor help you get rid of your troubles, but it will surely keep you in splits. Troy Riberio

or the un-initiated, the Scary Movie series is supposed to be a comedy series. So there is nothing scary about this film. Scary Movie V is a spoofy comedy that makes a mockery of chillers and other great films. The scenes are direct rip-offs from films released not so long ago. The central plotline and characters of the film are taken from Mama, a movie that hit theatres barely three months back. And the other list of films include: Sinister, The Planet of the Apes, Black Swan, Inception, Insidious, Snoop Dogg and Mac Miller, again as Paranormal Activity, The Help...and the themselves, walk in the woods, there list continues. they find an abandoned cabin and hit The film begins with a take-off from upon Charlie's three feral kids. The kids Paranormal Activity. Charlie Sheen and are handed over to Charlie's "brother Lindsay Lohan appearing as themselves and sister-in law", Dan (Simon Rex) and are in Charlie's bedroom. There are camJody (Ashkey Tisdale). What follows is a eras capturing every activity in the series of slapstick comedy and more room as Charlie feels there Paranormal Activity. is a supernatural entity To complete this jamMovie: lurking around. His routine boree, there is the Mexican Scary Movie V comical sex-romp comes to Maid, an Exorcist, a gang of Cast: an end one fine day when Apes, four bright kids enactthe supernatural entity ing a horror massacre, a balCharlie Sheen, rams him into a wall. let performance which is a Regina Hall, Lindsay Just like in Paranormal take from Black Swan, a Lohan, Simon Rex, Activity, an on-screen subtiwhoring Santa showing his Ashley Tisdale and tle mentions "Charlie's body raw butt. Snoop Dogg was discovered on May 15th Scary Movie V is for the Directed by: and his corpse didn't stop no-brainers to laugh out at partying until May 23." situational instances. It is the Malcolm D Lee What follows is a spoof worst in the series. Rating: IANS on Mama.

The Croods is a simple 3D animated comedy adventure film that offers clean light-hearted entertainment beyond expectation. For kids and accompanying adults, the movie is an excellent way to begin their summer vacations.

Movie: The Croods Directed by: Chris Sanders and Kirk De Micco

Voices by: Nicolas Cage, Ryan Reynolds, Cloris Leachman, Randy Thom, Emma Stone, Catherine Keener, Clark Duke and Chris Sanders (III) Rating:

SPORTS SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

Alvarez hands Trout 1st loss

Marquez seizes MotoGP pole

Franchitti claims pole

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS: Saul “Canelo”

AUSTIN, TEXAS: Spain’s Marc Marquez

LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA: Dario

Alvarez notched a 12-round unanimous decision victory over Austin Trout Saturday to unify the World Boxing Council and World Boxing Association light middleweight titles. Mexico’s Alvarez remained unbeaten, improving to 42-0-1 with 30 knockouts as he retained his WBC title and handed Trout the first defeat of his career to capture the American’s WBA belt.

put his Honda on pole position for Sunday’s MotoGP Grand Prix of the Americas, topping the qualifying times Saturday in just his second MotoGP weekend. Marquez, fastest in three of four practice sessions on the new Circuit of the Americas, will start from the front row alongside compatriots Dani Pedrosa and Jorge Lorenzo winner of the season-opening race at Qatar two weeks ago.

Franchitti captured pole position for the IndyCar Long Beach Grand Prix on Saturday, the first bright spot in a so-far disappointing season for the Scot. Franchitti, a four-time IndyCar series champion, had finished 25th in each of the first two races to lie last in the points standings. He lapped the Long Beach street circuit in 1min 7.2379sec to claim the 30th pole position of his IndyCar career but his first since last July in Toronto.

Anthony shines as Knicks beat Celtics Carmelo shot 13-of-29 from the field and added a half-dozen rebounds.

NEW YORK: Carmelo Anthony (#7 in pic) carried his late-season scoring assault into the post-season Saturday, netting 36 points in the New York Knicks’ 85-78 victory over Boston in the opener of their first-round series. The game was the first of two Eastern Conference contests on the opening day of the playoffs, with the Brooklyn Nets also hosting the Chicago Bulls. “This was a big game for us. We had to protect our home court. But we haven’t done anything yet,” said Anthony, vowing another victory on Tuesday when the Knicks host game two of the best-of-seven series. The Knicks clamped down on defence in the second half as they forced the Celtics to make eight turnovers in the fourth quarter. The Celtics were also held to just eight points in the fourth and 25 overall in the second half. Boston shot 25.9 percent in the second half. J.R. Smith netted 15 points, while Raymond Felton added 13 points and six assists for the Knicks who held a 10-4 advantage in offensive rebounds and a 12-6 edge in second-chance points. New York scored 20 points off Boston’s 21 turnovers in the

Knicks, Nets open playoffs with victories NEW YORK: Carmelo Anthony carried his lateseason scoring assault into the NBA playoffs Saturday, netting 36 points in the New York Knicks’ 85-78 victory over the Boston Celtics in the opener of their first-round series. The Knicks weren’t the only New York team to win on the first day of the post-season as the Brooklyn Nets dominated the Chicago Bulls en route to a 106-89 victory.

contest. “We kept our composure,” Anthony said. “We stayed with it, corrected our mistakes and made the shots at the end.” Boston’s Jeff Green scored 20 of his 26 points in the first half and Paul Pierce finished

with 21 points and seven assists in the defeat. The Celtics even wore a special patch on their jerseys in response to the attacks which left three dead and over 180 injured. Anthony said that even as

the Knicks battle the Celtics, they and everyone in the league recognize that the city of Boston is going through a tough time in the aftermath of the deadly bombings at the Boston marathon. “We know what Boston is going through,” he said. “This is the USA, one nation, one country and we’ve got to support each other.” The Celtics took their largest lead of the game in the third after Pierce drained a three-point shot to make it 70-63 with 1:20 left in the quarter. AFP

Cleverly retains WBO title Nick PARKINSON

LONDON: Nathan Cleverly (above) made a fifth defence of his World Boxing Organisation (WBO) light-heavyweight title with a unanimous points win over Robin Krasniqi on Saturday. The unbeaten Welshman stayed on course for a lucrative world title unification clash with Bernard Hopkins with a 120-108, 120-108 and 119-109 win at Wembley Arena. Cleverly, 26, was denied a stoppage by the stubborn resistance of German Krasniqi, who refused to go down despite taking some heavy blows and was awarded only one round by the three judges. Cleverly, who has a degree in mathematics from Cardiff University, can now look forward to facing Hopkins, boxing’s oldest ever world champion at 48 and holder of the International Boxing Federation (IBF) belt. Kosovo-born Germany-based Krasniqi, 26, suffered the third defeat of his career which ended a 38-fight winning streak, while Cleverly improved to 26 wins. Krasniqi was under incessant pressure in the opening round and hardly threw a punch.

Security beefed up for marathon Robin MILLARD

LONDON: The London Marathon takes place Sunday amid a heightened police presence following the Boston Marathon bomb attacks — and a moment of silence to remember those killed and wounded. World-class athletes and fun-runners alike are to stand in silence for 30 seconds at 10:00am (0900 GMT) before the starter’s flag drops on the elite men’s and mass races. Scotland Yard police head-

quarters decided to boost the number of officers by 40 percent — no numbers have been given — following the Boston attacks on Monday. And they have decided to stick with the new plan despite the death and capture of the two suspects. Scotland Yard hopes the reinforced security along the route will reassure the 36,000 runners and tens of thousands of spectators. Besides the extra officers, police search dogs will also be deployed.

Prince Harry, third in line to the throne, is set to present the medals. His office said they have not been notified of any changes to the plan following the Boston bombings. Runners have been encouraged to wear black ribbons and organisers have announced that £2 ($3, 2.30 euros) for every finisher will be donated to a fund for victims of the Boston attacks. The silence will be observed at all three marathon starts in Greenwich Park and Blackheath.

SPORTS SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

Slovakia, Italy on top in Fed Cup PARIS: Slovakia and Italy edged closer to a Fed Cup final showdown on Saturday after sweeping into 2-0 leads over fading Russia and defending champions Czech Republic respectively. Slovakia, whose only Fed Cup title came back in 2002, saw Dominika Cibulkova battle back from a set down to beat Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 5-7, 6-1, 6-4 in Moscow. Then Fed Cup veteran Daniela Hantuchova, three days shy of her 30th birthday and who made her debut 14 years ago, made it 2-0 by beating Maria Kirilenko 6-2, 6-4 despite languishing 62 places beneath the Russian number one in the AFP world rankings.

US level with Sweden

DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA:

World No. 1 Serena Williams cruised past Johanna Larson 62, 6-2 on Saturday to pull the United States level with Sweden at 1-1 in their Fed Cup World Group playoff. The visitors had taken a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five match tie when Sofia Arvidsson downed Sloane Stephens 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 on the outdoor hardcourt at Delray Beach Tennis Center. Arvidsson blasted three aces, hammered 28 winners and won 63 percent of her firstserve points in the two-hour match. Stephens, who is ranked 16th in the world, had five double faults, won just 40 percent of her second serves and made 74 unforced errors. However, a rain delay before the second singles was the only thing that could slow Williams’

bid to get the tie back on level terms. The reigning Wimbledon and US Open champion subdued Larsson in 66 minutes,

Pettersen downs Salas, claims title KAPOLEI, HAWAII: Norway’s Suzann Pettersen (in pic) two-putted for par on the first playoff hole Saturday to beat American Lizette Salas in the LPGA Lotte Championship. Pettersen bogeyed the final hole of regulation in a five-under 67. Salas saw a birdie attempt at the last lip out, but closed with a course-record 10-under 62 at Ko Olina to join Pettersen on 19-under par 269. They shattered the tournament’s 72-hole scoring record of 276 set by Japan’s Ai Miyazato when she won last year. “I played great,” Pettersen said. “I hit one bad tee shot. I’m really happy. I tried to stay aggressive. I didn’t really look behind and I didn’t really look at the board. “Lizette played outstanding,” Pettersen added. “That’s what you’ve got to

win tournaments. She kept pressing me, which kept me on my fifth gear.” Pettersen and Salas went back to the 18th tee for the playoff and both were in the fairway off the tee. Pettersen’s approach was some 20 feet left of the pin. Salas, playing in her first LPGA Tour playoff, hit

her second shot into the water. She hit her fourth to 15 feet. Pettersen left her birdie attempt two feet short. Salas’s putt for bogey was left and after she tapped in for a doublebogey Pettersen calmly made her par putt to secure her 11th LPGA title. “My only bad shot of the day was that chunk in the playoff,” said Salas, whose round included nine birdies and an eagle at the par-four 10th. “A chunk was not bad, but there’s water. “I played my behind off today. After that eagle on 10, I kept the momentum going. I’m very proud of myself and I’m almost there for my first win.” Pettersen, already a winner this year on the Ladies European Tour, earned $255,000 for the victory and is projected to rise one place to fifth in the AFP world rankings.

Djoker, Nadal to clash in final

Hoffman grabs two-shot lead

MONTE-CARLO: Rafael Nadal and Novak

HILTON HEAD: Charley Hoffman, seeking

Djokovic on Saturday set up their third Monte Carlo Masters final meeting, with the Serb top seed the last obstacle to the Spaniard's pursuit of a ninth title. Nadal is one win away from a record triumph at the Mediterranean venue and has already defeated world number one Djokovic in the tournament in 2009 and in 2012. Djokovic had a stress-free semi-final win over Italian Fabio Fognini, crushing the outsider 6-2, 6-1 in 52 minutes. Earlier, Nadal survived a storming comeback attempt from Jo-Wilfried AFP Tsonga before finally winning 6-3, 7-6 (7/3).

his first US PGA Tour win in three years, fired a five-under par 66 on Saturday to seize a twoshot lead after three rounds of the Heritage tournament. Hoffman played without a bogey to build a 54-hole total of 11-under 202. He was two shots in front of fellow American Webb Simpson, who carded a 65 for 204. Hoffman, Steve LeBrun and Kevin Streelman had shared the 36-hole lead in the $5.8 million event after the rain-disrupted second round concluded on Saturday morning. AFP

extending her perfect record in Fed Cup singles to 9-0. “I just try to fight and do the best I can,” said Williams, who blasted five aces and 31 winners

and converted four of her five break chances. “I’m here for the team. Even though I don’t feel pressure, I’m here to give 100 percent. If I don’t feel 100 percent, I’m still going to try to give that.” In Sunday’s reverse singles, Williams will play Arvidsson and Stephens will take on Larsson. The fifth rubber would be a doubles encounter with Arvidsson and Larsson teaming against the American tandem of Venus Williams and Varvara Lepchenko. Serena and her former topranked sister Venus are playing Fed Cup together for the first time in 14 months. The US team is trying to avoid relegation to World Group II after losing their 2013 firstround tie 3-2 to Italy in AFP February.

Sharapova begins French Open build-up STUTTGART, GERMANY: World number two Maria Sharapova returns to the Stuttgart tournament as titleholder as the Russian number one begins her claycourt preparations ahead of her defence of the French Open. The 26-year-old has made a bright start to 2013 having reached January’s Australian Open semi-finals and picking up her 28th WTA title in March when she beat Caroline Wozniacki in Indian Wells. Last year, she defeated Victoria Azarenka 6-1, 6-4 in the final on her debut at Stuttgart’s indoor tournament. The French Open victory which was to follow gave Maria the full set of Grand Slam titles, eight years after she won Wimbledon as a 17-year-old. The Russian said the foundation of last year’s Roland Garros win was laid in Stuttgart, having once famously compared her movement on clay to “a cow on ice”. “Looking back, I think it was a really important win for me,” she said.

“It ultimately led to my win at the French Open. “For me, to get a win on clay at one of the toughest tournaments of the year, gave me huge confidence.” Last year she beat Australia’s Sam Stosur and the Czech Republic’s Petra Kvitova on her way to the final and similar confident performances would give her plenty of belief ahead of Roland Garros. Sharapova said she was looking forward to the Stuttgart tournament where China’s Li Na, who lost this year’s Australia Open final to Azarenka, is the second seed. “It is always great coming back to a city and tournament where you have had success,” said Sharapova. “You have those special memories when you step back on the court where you were holding the trophy. And, of course, there is always room for another Porsche,” she added in reference to the gleaming sports car which accompanies the winAFP ner’s cheque.

IPL 6

BATTLE OF THE TITANS

METRE

6 S 187

In terms of winning away games I think it is going to be important as the tournament goes on. We have played well at home by winning all games. We have won a game away but lost two. Rahul Dravid RR captain

Virat Kohli (RCB) 322 runs

Vinay Kumar (RCB) 12 wickets

‘Sir’ Jadeja developing as a big player

hennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming today hailed ‘Sir’ Ravindra Jadeja and said the all-rounder was developing as a big match player after he guided the visitors to a four-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders in a Pepsi Indian Premier League match here. Jadeja claimed three wickets for 20 with the ball and scored an unbeaten 36 off just 14 deliveries to steer Chennai to the four-wicket win. “He is really developing, both in the changing room and obviously as a player. He is gaining a lot of confidence, he is becoming more confident with his peers. When you have the Indian captain and some key players that make a big difference within the side. It’s no doubt he turned the PTI match today,” Fleming said.

T PT

RCB

10 +0.470

SRH

10 -0.104

CSK

8 +0.729

8 +0.714

6 +0.050

KXIP

4 +0.210

KKR

4 +0.021

PWI

4 -0.788

0 -1.274

P-played; W-win; L-lost; T-tie; NR-net run rate; PT-points

Chris Gayle (RCB)

17 4S 692

Virat Kohli (RCB), Gautam Gambhir (KKR)

HIGHEST SCORE

SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

93*

Virat Kohli (RCB)

BEST BOWLER

4-13

Sunil Narine (KKR)

DD yet to break the norm G APARNA SAI

aparna.s@postnoon.com

elhi Daredevils, although touted at the beginning of the tournament as one of the favourites to win this IPL season, have put up a completely contrasting display this edition. They have already played six games but have not secured a victory in any of them, leaving them staggering at the bottom of the points table and reducing their chances of qualifying for the play-offs, drastically. Though the side boasts of big names like Virender Sehwag, David Warner, Mahela Jayawardene and Irfan Pathan, none have been able to come up with a match winning performance. Their performance has drawn criticism from different quarters of the game and there have been many who believe that the absence of Kevin Pietersen looks to be making the whole difference. Delhi take on Mumbai

Indians today on the former’s home turf, but playing at home also, did not seem to give them the required respite. On the other hand, the Mumbai Indians side comes across as a formidable team, in comparison to their opponents. They have three victories from five matches and in the past, have managed to post big totals. Although Sachin Tendulkar, a name to reckon

DD VS MI AT 4PM ON SET MAX with, has not yet displayed his really batting powers, the other members of the team have risen to the occasion on more instances than one. Delhi Daredevils and Mumbai Indians have earlier clashed this season and Mumbai went on to comfortably win the match by 44 runs. While Mumbai would eye another victory today, it remains to be seen if Delhi manage to grab their first win or will they diminish their qualifying chances further.

SCORECARD KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS VS CHENNAI SUPER KINGS Kolkata Knight Riders innings (20 overs maximum) G Gambhir* c Hussey b Morris 25(27) YK Pathan run out (Bravo/†Dhoni) 25(40) JH Kallis run out (Badrinath) 0(2) EJG Morgan c Jadeja b Bravo 2(7) MK Tiwary c Sharma b Ashwin 13(26) DB Das† lbw b Ashwin 19(18) R Bhatia c & b Jadeja 1(9) LR Shukla lbw b Jadeja 1(17) SMSM Senanayake not out 7(19) SP Narine c Sharma b Jadeja 13(5) L Balaji not out 9(9) Extras (lb 3, w 1) 4 Total (9 wickets; 20 overs) 119 Bowling O M R W Econ JA Morkel 4 0 36 0 9.00 MM Sharma 3 0 13 0 4.33 CH Morris 3 0 12 1 4.00 DJ Bravo 2 0 14 1 7.00 R Ashwin 4 1 21 2 5.25 RA Jadeja 4 0 20 3 5.00 Chennai Super Kings innings (target: 120 runs from 20 overs) MEK Hussey c Pathan b Balaji 40(51) R Ashwin c Senanayake b Narine 11(13) M Vijay lbw b Senanayake 2(5) SK Raina c Narine b Pathan 7(8) MS Dhoni*† run out (Morgan) 9(7) S Badrinath b Kallis 6(13) RA Jadeja not out 36(14) DJ Bravo not out 7(4) Extras (b 1, lb 4, w 1) 6 Total (6 wickets; 19.1 overs) 124 Bowling O M R W Econ L Balaji 4 0 28 1 7.00 SMSM Senanayake 4 0 18 1 4.50 SP Narine 4 0 20 1 5.00 YK Pathan 1.1 0 9 1 7.71 R Bhatia 2 0 12 0 6.00 JH Kallis 4 0 32 1 8.00

ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE VS RAJASTHAN ROYALS Rajasthan Royals innings (20 overs maximum) SR Watson c Kartik b Rampaul 6(9) AM Rahane c Dilshan b Unadkat14(13) R Dravid* c Rampaul b Kartik 35(31) STR Binny c †A Karthik b V Kumar 33(20) BJ Hodge c †A Karthik b V Kumar 13(17) DH Yagnik† c Rampaul b Singh 5(4) JP Faulkner c Rampaul b Singh 3(7) A Chandila not out 4(6) S Sreesanth lbw b Vinay Kumar 0(2) SW Tait b Singh 1(3) SK Trivedi c Singh b Rampaul 3(6) Extras 0 Total (all out; 19.4 overs) 117 Bowling O M R W Econ R Rampaul 3.4 1 19 2 5.18 RP Singh 4 0 13 3 3.25 JD Unadkat 4 0 32 1 8.00 R Vinay Kumar 4 0 18 3 4.50 M Kartik 4 0 35 1 8.75 Royal Challengers Bangalore innings (target: 118 runs from 20 overs) TM Dilshan c †Yagnik b Watson25(22) CH Gayle not out 49(44) V Kohli* b Faulkner 1(4) AB de Villiers c Chandila b Watson 7(8) SS Tiwary not out 25(29) Extras (lb 5, w 11) 16 Total (3 wickets; 17.5 overs) 123 Bowling O M R W Econ A Chandila 4 0 21 0 5.25 S Sreesanth 1 0 9 0 9.00 SW Tait 3 0 30 0 10.00 JP Faulkner 4 0 21 1 5.25 SR Watson 2 0 11 2 5.50 SK Trivedi 3.5 0 26 0 6.78

CSK won by 4 wickets

RCB won by 7 wickets

PWI to clash with Kings Syed Shoaib shoaib.s@postnoon.com

keenly fought match always makes for an interesting watch. And that is what the match between Kings XI Punjab and Pune Warriors India promises to be. Because it is going to be a contest between two equals, even if they are under-achievers. Till the last season of the IPL, by and large it has been the batsmen who have carved victories for their sides. This season, however, has had bowlers (and even spinners, at that) winning matches. This is where both these teams seem to have lost the plot. The Kings rely heavily on out-of-for m Adam Gilchrist and the Warriors on out-of-sorts Robin Uthappa. For both teams, the fact that their big-hitting openers have

KXIP VS PWI AT 8PM ON SET MAX not fired is what is proving to be their downfall. The brave show Gilchrist is putting up is simply not enough. Either he is not as quick in picking the ball as he used to be or disappoints of the recent past are weighing heavily on him, which in any of the two cases is only going to increase. It is funny what confidence can do to a batsman, especially the power-hitting ones. It is lack of confidence than anything else that has reduced Virender Sehwag, Gilchrist, Uthappa and Yousuf Pathan to white elephants for their franchises. A lone-ploughing Bhuvneshwar Kumar or a Manpreet Singh Gony cameo have just not been enough.

SPORTS SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

Di Natale sinks sorry Lazio Justin DAVIS

MILAN, ITALY: A superb first-half volley from veteran Udinese striker Antonio Di Natale (below) secured a precious 1-0 win over Lazio and dented the Biancocelesti’s hopes of European football next season. With only three points separating the sides and a place in Europe within sight, there was plenty of incentive for Udinese especially against a Lazio side which had won only twice in their past 12 league games. Udinese coach Francesco Guidolin suggested Lazio’s recent endeavours in the Europa League had perhaps made the difference. “I’m really happy with the way the team played, we played good football thanks to quick and complex passing,” he said. “We came into this game with plenty in reserve and that allowed us to press them constantly.” Lazio are now sixth, one place outside of Europe, but on the same points (51) as seventh-placed Udinese. Coach Vladimir Petkovic looked forlorn at the final whistle and could only concede: “Congratulations Udinese, they were efficient and disciplined. “For it’s a negative phase results-wise, we have to analyse what went wrong and try to be more concrete and cynical in these kinds of games.” Udinese were rewarded for a positive start with Di Natale’s opener on 19 minutes.

Villa out to halt United’s title run

BERLIN: Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (right) said Bayern Munich’s 6-1 Bundesliga rout of Hanover was the perfect preparation for Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final, first leg against Barcelona. “We wanted to prepare well for the match against Barca, and we succeeded,” said Neuer, as only Andre Hoffmann’s late header for Hanover denied Bayern a Bundesliga record 20th clean sheet.

Kieran CANNING

MADRID: Barcelona Real Madrid laboured to victories over Real Betis and Levante respectively on Saturday as they warmed-up for their Champions League semi-finals in midweek. Barca’s 1-0 win moved them to within two victories of mathematically sealing the title, but without the injured Lionel Messi they struggled to break down a resolute Levante until Cesc Fabregas stroked home the winner eight minutes from time. “It was important to win this game, despite some people wanting to make it look like the league doesn’t matter,” Fabregas told reporters. “We know that we are working to win it and we know it is very hard work. We are going to continue fighting until the end to win it.” Eric Abidal started for the hosts for the first time in 14 months following his liver transplant as Tito Vilanova rested a number of key players with Tuesday’s clash with Bayern Munich in mind.

Tom WILLIAMS

LONDON: Manchester United can move to within three points of the Premier League title by beating Aston Villa on Monday and could even finish the game as champions if results go their way this weekend. Alex Ferguson’s side currently hold a 13-point lead over second-place Manchester City and if their nearest rivals were to lose at Champions League-chasing Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, United would need just three points to secure the English crown. However, although it seems inevitable that United will succeed City as champions, they are not surging towards the finish line in a blaze of glory.

VILLA WILL TRAVEL TO OLD TRAFFORD BUOYED BY A RUN OF FORM IN WHICH THEY HAVE TAKEN 10 POINTS FROM A POSSIBLE 15. Their last home game saw them beaten 2-1 by City and at West Ham United on Wednesday, the visitors had to come from behind twice and needed a 77th-minute goal from Robin van Persie to escape Upton Park with a 2-2 draw. Villa will travel to Old Trafford buoyed by a run of form in which they have taken 10 points from a possible 15 and knowing that a sur-

prise victory would have huge ramifications at the bottom of the table. If the visitors were to win, both Reading and Queens Park Rangers would be relegated and third-bottom Wigan Athletic would be cut six points adrift of safety. Villa have beaten Stoke City 3-1 and drawn 1-1 at home to Fulham in their last two outings and United manager Ferguson says their recent performances prove they have the stomach for the relegation fight. "A lot of teams in that situation may pick a team to get something out of the game. Paul Lambert (above) picked a team to win." Ferguson has a full squad to select from and must decide whether or not to persevere with Wayne Rooney.

‘6-goal rout perfect boost’ Ryland JAMES

Barça, Real labour to victories

“We’ve played well, and especially in the first half, it was a convincing performance.” Bayern are bidding to reach their third Champions League final in four years and for the second match running, they smashed six goals past hapless opponents. The rout at Hanover followed on the heels of last Wednesday’s 6-1 drubbing of Wolfsburg in the German Cup semi-final. With first-choice striker

Mario Mandzukic suspended for Tuesday’s clash at Munich’s Allianz Arena, back-up strikers Mario Gomez and Claudio Pizarro both scored two each in a new-look line-up. Despite coach Jupp Heynckes resting several stars, newlook Bayern, with a traditional 4-4-2 system in favour of their usual 4-2-3-1 line-up, ran riot to claim three Bundesliga records. Victory gave Bayern a Bundesliga-record 26th victory this season, a record ninth consecutive away win.

Madrid’s 3-1 victory over Betis earlier in the day was slightly more routine, but also came at a cost as Marcelo and Luka Modric limped off with muscular injuries and are now serious doubts for the first-leg of their Champions League semi-final with Dortmund. After a slow opening by the hosts they went ahead just before half-time when Mesut Ozil latched onto Karim Benzema’s (above) through ball to slot home at the near post. Benzema then made it two in similar fashion as he took advantage of Cristiano Ronaldo’s pass to beat Betis keeper Adrian, but Jorge Molina’s penalty halved the deficit for the visitors after Ruben Castro had been brought down by Nacho. Castro then came within inches of stealing a draw for Betis as he hit the bar two minutes from time before Ozil settled Madrid’s nerves with a third goal in stoppage time. Afterwards Madrid defender Pepe recognised that the absence of Marcelo and Modric could be a big blow for the nine-time European champs.