Postnoon E-Paper for 31 March 2013 by Scribble Media & Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.

TROUBLED PARADISE

arack Obama’s recent visit to Israel has thrown the country into the spotlight once again. Israel has plenty to offer to tourists, even those not interested in its religious overtones. PG 16&17

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WEATHER: SLIGHT CHANCE OF A THUNDERSTORM; 32°C

Hyderabad’s first compact afternoon newspaper

MARCH 31, 2013 HYDERABAD

REPORT ON PG 4

THE COMING

32 PAGES

ON SUNDAY

Summer has not even begun as yet, but the City’s reservoirs are at rock bottom, conjuring a nightmare scenario for the 80 lakh people of Hyderabad. Water levels in the three major reservoirs, Osmansagar, Himayathsagar and Manjira make for horrific reading. Their combined storage capacity in TMC is 8.367 but current readings put water levels at 0.938. Our political leaders are fiddling while Hyderabad burns.

APOCALYPSE

CITY SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013

EASTER CELEBRATIONS

Group painting exhibition An exhibition of paintings by Pradosh Swain and Suchismita Sahoo. Where: Aalankritha Art Gallery When: Up to April 10 Contact: www.alankritha.in

French artist B2Fays Alliance Française of Hyderabad, Kalakriti Art Gallery and Park Hyatt Hyderabad present French artist B2Fays. It is an exhibition of paintings and multimedia installations. Where: Kalakriti Art Gallery When: Up to April 9, 11am to 7pm Contact: (040) 6656 4466

Holi special Aam panna, thandai, assorted pakodas and special chat platters are some of the items on the menu. There will also be tattoo and mehendi artistes, musician and bangle seller at the venue. Where: Kailash Parbat Road no. 36, Jubilee Hills When: March 23-31 Lunch: noon to 3.30pm Snacks: noon to 11.30pm Dinner: 7pm to 11pm Contact: (040) 2355 8856

Daily treats Orange is the fruit of the month at The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace. Dishes include orange blossom cheesecake, orange creme brule and dark chocolate orange tart. Where: Daily Treats, The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace When: Up to March 31 Contact: (040) 6767 6818

The great Oxford sale Discounts on books, magazines, stationery and gift items. Where: Oxford Bookstore, Tresorie, The Park, 22 Raj Bhavan Road When: Up to March 31 Contact: (040) 31002959

Grand Easter brunch The chefs at Avasa have devised a special menu. The brunch will not only have a great choice of food, but also loads of entertainment activities. Where: Pi, Avasa Hotel, Madhapur When: March 31, noon onwards Contact: (040) 6728 2828

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

CINEMAS

People offer their prayers at St Joseph’s church on Sunday morning. Where: Le cafe, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre, Near Hitec City, Hitex Road When: March 25-31 Contact: (040) 6682 4422

Easter weekend special Hot cross buns, chocolate Easter eggs, curry Jamaican goat with flat bread and chocolate gateau and Easter special dessert are some of the items on the menu. Where: Truffles Cafe, Road no 10, Jubilee Hills When: Up to March 31, 8am to 11pm Contact: (040) 2355 0105

It’s Easter! There is a special Easter brunch. Where: Seasonal Tastes, The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace, Raheja IT Park, Hitec city, Madhapur When: March 31, noon to 4pm Contact: (040) 6767 6888

Easter Sunday brunch There is a special brunch, accompanied by live performance by Lokhi

and Reube. Where: Via Milano, 1259/1/A, 4th Floor, Road No 36 , Jubilee Hills When: March 31, noon to 4pm Contact: (040) 6455 5544

Easter brunch The multi-cuisine buffet includes western barbecue, oriental and Hyderabadi specialties, soft beverages and live stations. There are exciting activities for children like egg painting, face painting and treasure hunt. Where: Celeste, Taj Falaknuma Palace When: March 31, 12.30pm to 3.30pm Contact: (040) 6629 8585

Tracing dualities An exhibition of abstract art by artist Suresh Kumar P. Where: ICONART Gallery, 1672 SBI bldg Road no 12 Banjara Hills When: Preview: March 31, 6.30pm onwards Show on till April 13, 11.30am to 7pm Contact: 98499 68797

M ANIL KUMAR

Film-making workshops for children Yavanika Films is conducting unique Film-making workshops during this summer vacation for Children in Hyderabad. Each participant will make their own short film as part of the workshop. 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

Vaishali Bisht's theatre workshop Vaishali Bisht is conducting special Summer Holidays theatre workshops for children between the ages of six and 12. The course consists of 20 classes held Monday to Saturday. Using theatre games and exercises, the workshop helps children use their imagination and explore their own creativity. Where: Road no 7, Banjara Hills When: From April 15, Monday to Saturday, 4.30pm to 6.30pm Contact: 94904 40986

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, MARCH 31, 2013

Bike thefts increase in City

30 illegal water motors seized

he HMWS&SB vigilance team seized 30 illegal water electrical motors which were sucking water from the board’s main pipeline. It also detected one 5HP illegal water electrical motor from the board’s raw water conduit under the Manikonda village gram panchayat limits. The seized motors were sent to HMWS&SB police station, Goshamahal.

ith the mercury soaring this summer, cases of stolen bikes are also increasing. In the City, 15 bikes have been stolen in the past 10 days from different areas of Secunderabad, and not one of the cases has been solved. The police suspect a professional group behind the thefts but are yet to get a definite clue in this regard.

MLCs sworn in

he victorious candidates of teacher MLC seats were sworn in as MLCs this morning. AP legislative council chairman Dr Chakrapani administered oath to the MLCs. The MLCs Gade Srinivasulu Naidu, Paturi Sudhakar Reddy and Poola Ravinder. While P Sudhakar Reddy won the election on TRS party ticket, the remaining two MLCs won as independent candidates.

People and police pin would-be rapist down PIC FOR REPRESENTATIVE PURPOSE ONLY

A cab driver, who attacked two people on a bike and tried to molest a girl, was caught with the help of an alert police and citizens who came forward to help. Mohd SUBHAN

mohd.s@postnoon.com

t goes to prove alert people and a willing police can bring criminals to their knees. On Friday night, a youth named Vikram learnt this hard lesson when his bid to rape a young woman was foiled by another young man and the police. The police report that Vikram, a 26-year-old cabbie, spotted Saluja (name changed), a young woman pillion riding. He chased the bike. She was returning after a medical

check-up at a hospital. In Marredpally, the cab driver saw his opportunity when the bike was passing through a less crowded area. Vikram is said to have raced the car and hit the bike. Saluja’s neighbour, Rithik, was riding the bike. Both bikers were thrown down. Vikram got out and thrashed the youth. Vikram is said to have dragged Saluja to an isolated place but Rithik did not lie helpless. He noted down the car number and screamed for help. The shouting attracted people nearby and they all came running. Seeing the situation going out of hand, Vikram came running back, jumped into his car and sped away,

chased by an angry mob. Meanwhile, Rithik passed on the car number to the Marredpally police. Inspector K Shashank Reddy immediately gave a chase to the car after passing the number to all the police on duty en route. In 20 minutes, he was nabbed, thrashed and taken into custody. Both Rithik and Vikram have sustained injuries. ACP Mahankali division GP Vasu Sena said but for the alert boy and the people around, the crime would have happened and the criminal escaped. He wanted conscious citizens to behave in the same pattern to help the police nab aggressors.

108 tech-upgrades itself to serve better Aleena Alice aleena.t@postnoon.com

ith the traffic increasing every day, most of the ambulances in the City fail to reach the spot of an emergency on time. To bring down the number of such incidents, the GVK Emergency Management Research Institute 108 ambulances have been installed with automatic vehicle location tracker (AVLT) systems. This device has been developed and fitted in all the 108 ambulances in the City. AVLT will help in improving the service by locating the ambulance anywhere in the City and hence save up on the time it takes to reach the required destination. “In the scorching heat, more and more emergency cases have been taking place this summer and the need for ambulances has increased. Earlier, if the ambulance went out for any emergency case, we would not be able to assign it for another emergency till it got back to its destination. However, now with AVLT, we can trace the location of the ambulance and,

Cutting-edge technology is being used to ensure that traffic snarls do not prevent ambulances from reaching patients in time. in case after attending to one case there is any emergency en route, we can direct the ambulance to that particular area within minutes. We can see the movement of the ambulances from the starting point to the emergency scene and then its direction to the hospital from our call centre. This will help us to a large extent in building the efficiency of the emergency cases, and we can save time and the life of the patients in need,” says

Mohamed Rafi, regional manager, GVK EMRI. Every day, nearly 300-500 emergency cases in the City require the service of the 108 ambulances. Fitting of AVLT will also bring down the negligence of ambulance drivers to a large extent. “This would rarely happen, but there were instances when a few drivers misinformed the location to the call centre when there were cases that had to be attended to. However, now such instances will not take place, since the pilot in the ambulance will know that their movements are being monitored,” says one of the pilots of GVK EMRI. This apart, the ambulances also are fitted with tablets and biometric devices. With the tablets, the patient’s details can go on record. The drivers and the paramedic staff have now been trained to feed the data to the tablet so that it reduces the chances of human error with regard to patient details. The biometric device will record the working hours of the staff in the ambulance, thus ensuring that all the staff report on time.

CITY SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013

The water levels in City reservoirs are just on sixth of their capacities — their combined storage capacity in TMC is 8.367 and the current readings are just 0.938 TMC.

RAHUL RAMAKRISHNA

rahul.r@postnoon.com

ummer has not begun in the right earnest yet, but the reservoirs surrounding the City are fast drying up, conjuring up a nightmare scenario for the 80 lakh people of Hyderabad. All the while, the government and Opposition have been shadow boxing on petty issues.

HOW

DANGEROUS ?

Water level readings in the three major reservoirs — Osmansagar, Himayathsagar and Manjira — read far below any expectation. Their combined storage capacity in thousand million cubic feet (TMC) is 8.367 and the current capacity readings in TMC are 0.938. Last year’s readings on this day were better — 2.512 TMC. This year’s levels are almost less than one-sixth of the reservoirs’ capacities. “This has been happening as a slow downslide for the past seven years, but this year’s

reservoir levels have gone down even before summer barely started. This dangerous trend we had seen coming a long time ago. The State government will be forced to initiate other phases of water supply from rivers distant and far off,” says a retired chief engineer of the HMWSS&SB. Currently, the City’s Krishna phase-2 supply is being extended to phase-3, which is expected to be completed by 2014. Then, there will be Godavari phase-1, phase-2 and so on. As discussed at a press conference recently, the State government, in all probability, will initiate Tungabhadra and Ganga phased water supply, when the rivers in the State run dry. Water conservation activists wish this was reason enough to be smug and say, “We told you so!” Jala Jeevam activist Mahider Krishna says, “No one will be spared this summer. It is possible that the harried and disgusted people will drag their policy makers through the drought ridden streets and bring them to book, given the kind of anger it will generate.” In its emergency action plan drafted in case of utter water scarcity, the Water Board will be

This (scarcity of water) has been in the making for several years but the government refuses to see it. a retired chief engineer, HMWSS&B forced to ensure water cuts and keep its supply limited in phases (this, as we should realise, is happening already.)

THE

FUTURE

With unavailability of water, the first service to be hit will be power generation. What are now two hour power cuts, will, in all possibility, be extended to six or eight or even 12 hours. Austerity measures will be imposed and the very lifestyle of the City’s residents will change. “In such a scenario, the entire City will be waking up to the same alarm every day. With no power, all businesses will suffer — revenue collections will scale down drastically even as the State government goes knocking on

its neighbour’s doors for water and power. Some core sectors of the economy might be spared — agriculture and a few industries — till the Khariff season is over. The rest, as they say, will be history,” says Mahider Krishna. All spheres of public life will be absent. The heat, combined with the absence of power, will force people to stay indoors. And during the brief periods of water supply, all hell will break loose. It will be the first such case of a water war. (this, as we know, is already happening in many parts of the City). Postnoon had reported this long back (Liquid trouble stares City, on March 17). With the gradual but grinding halt to the City or the State’s economy, inflation will naturally shoot up. A few joke that our babus and netas will continue to strike against the “government inefficiency to provide water or power” and use it for their political mileage. “Instead of failing to realise our mistakes, in all probability, hunger strikes and protests will be launched against the government. No one will assume

responsibility for the drought,” says SP Narayan Reddy, a political commentator and water conservation activist. Taxes in the form of FSAs will burden the common man’s power and water woes. What few lakes we have conserved and prevented from being encroached upon will be the eye of everybody’s attention. “Some will even think of purifying the Hussain Sagar’s water and putting it to use,” Mahider Krishna says. The agenda of political parties will no more be employment or strengthening of the economy, but promising a basic water supply to its people. Perhaps, only then, will measures for water conservation be taken seriously. Rainwater harvesting, lake and groundwater reserves protection will be given serious attention, but then, the human nature has shown itself to be quite flawed. This may or may not happen, but what is certain is that the summer ahead will only be a taste of the future that is waiting to come.

M ANIL KUMAR

CITY SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013

Sarkar robs GHMC?

And the civic body looks hapless as its promised share of professional tax remains undelivered. Every time it dreams of big money, the government comes along, snatches it and disappears. THE STATE RENEGED ON ITS PLEDGE TO GIVE 95 PER CENT OF PROFES-

Md NIZAMUDDIN

nizamuddin.a@postnoon.com

SIONAL TAX TO THE GHMC, AND FIXED IT’S SHARE AS `100 CRORE AS AGAINST `300 CRORE.

t is a case of the big brother arm-twisting his junior. The State government shocked the GHMC recently when it reneged on its pledge to give 95 per cent of professional tax collected to the civic body, and fixed the corporation’s share as `100 crore as against `300 crore the GHMC was hoping to collect in 2013-14. The civic administration is now looking cross-eyed in dismay at the State government’s insensitivity. What will one say if the government itself violates its pledges and norms? Professional tax is one of the easiest and the least troublesome revenue any civic administration collects. It does not have

to spend much on collection of taxes nor does it have to plough back a single rupee. Since the State knows this, the government wants to put its hands in

the civic revenue bowl and take away the bulk. Interestingly, the professional tax is being collected by the commercial tax department. Even though the GHMC is

ready to collect, there is no clarity over the issue. In the financial year 2011-12, the GHMC had pegged the professional tax at `150 crore but it could get `50 crore only. In 201213, it had hoped to collect `230 crore, but the government provided it with only `60 crore. Similarly, for the new financial year, it was decided at `300 crore but the government budget shows it as `100 crore. GHMC commissioner MT Krishna Babu’s argument that the professional tax should totally belong to the municipal

authority did not hold water with the State bureaucracy that manages the public purse. Apart from this, the government has also laid its hands on the motor vehicle tax. Professional tax and other revenue too have suffered a similar fate, it is said. Even as the GHMC officials were readying themselves for the next financial year by tightening their belts for collecting professional tax, it appears the government does not want lose this. The problem is that for lack of infrastructure, the GHMC is put in the dock first. Keeping in mind the jurisdiction of 625 sq km, with its 7,000-km road structures, the GHMC needs a hefty sum but little is forthcoming. “Why should we labour, only for it to be stolen by them (the State government)?” asked an official of the GHMC finance department. His question is echoing in the civic corridors but there is no answer.

Mid-term election buzz electrifies State parties Opposition parties in the State are feverishly filling up posts to strengthen their organisational structure. FILE PHOTO

Inkeshaf Ahmed

that all the political parties — TDP, TRS and YSR Congress — have given preference to rich, financially sound musclemen to be in charge of Lok Sabha poll affairs. The main opposition TDP has appointed Kesineni Srinivas alias Nani, a known entrepreneur who is well-known for his massive private transport business, as Vijayawada parliamentary constituency in-charge. Apart from this appointment, other financially sound leaders like PL Srinivas and Vallabhaneni Vamshi have been picked to be party State organising secretaries.

ahmed.m@postnoon.com

he rapid developments taking place at the Centre are having an impact on key political players in the State. Reports of UPA-2 government being reduced to a minority and the likelihood of flash mid-term polls at any time this year as against 2014 has led to feverish activity among State parties. The main Opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and YSR Congress (YSRC) have already plunged into election mode and shifted their focus on strengthening the organisational structure of their parties. In the last 10 days, all these political parties, except the ruling Congress, have filled up various posts at various levels in the party with the sole objective of strengthening the organisational structure. Most of these appointments pertain to appointment of Lok Sabha constituency in-charges as the news of flash polls for Lok Sabha is gaining momentum with each passing day. Commenting on the scramble to

CONGRESS

HOPS ON THE BANDWAGON

appoint leaders, TDP senior leader and former minister E Peddi Reddy said that the continuous news of flash polls at the Central level has forced them to fill vacant positions in the party in order to strengthen it. “With the pulling out of crucial ally DMK from the Central government, the UPA fell into minority status.

The Central government is currently running on the oxygen provided by Samajwadi Party. If SP pulls the plug, then mid-term polls for Lok Sabha would become a necessity. As a key political party, we are gearing up to face the elections,” he said. TRS Politburo member K Prabhakar expressed similar

views. TRS president K Chandrasekhara Rao has filled scores of important positions in the party in the last 10 days, apart from elevating some leaders to politburo member positions.

THE

RICH GET THE HONOUR

Interestingly, a common characteristic of these appointments is

The ruling Congress too seems to have climbed on the bandwagon of preparing itself for the allimportant Lok Sabha elections. APCC president Botsa Satyanarayana has issued directions to all party cadres at district levels to complete the process of filling up organisational posts by April 15. The party high command will then take up the reorganisation of APCC.

LETTERS SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013

IT’S TAXING FOR HONEST TAXPAYERS TOP LETTER

This is no Win `500 joke every week Comedians mostly have to content themselves playing sidekicks or second fiddle to leading guys. But Jim Carrey is different. Here’s what a reader thought about a piece we did on him. very nice analytical article. Comedians are usually taken for granted. But that many of the socalled super stars of the Bollywood religiously try to imitate Jim Carrey speaks volumes of his impact on them. He is truly a legend in his own right and should get his due.

SARATH

This reader is furious that honest taxpayers get no relief while defaulters are offered perks to pay up. Here he vents his spleen.

not get any benefit and those who do not pay taxes are offered cash benefits of almost `1,00,000 to pay up.

HN MURTHY

t’s just not BRS, but property taxes, too. People who pay their taxes regularly and on time do

Via e-mail in response to So it’s

okay to illegally construct buildings in Hyderabad now? (Mar 22) Read at: http://postnoon.com/2013/03/22/s o-its-okay-to-illegally-constructbuildings-now/115507

Did I offend someone? C

Democracy looks good on paper, or that’s how people think of it these days. A person with a clean image is a rarity in politics; instead we have corrupt, dishonest people to represent us. This reader is quite angry at the state of affairs.

rimes against women are on the rise. Isn’t it an irony in a democracy where people have the power to ‘vote-in’ and ‘vote-out’ elect criminals, murderers and rapists over and over. Today’s democracy is all about rights and nothing of

duties. Whoops! Did I offend someone?

M ANOJ DHYANI

Via e-mail

In response to Law or no law; it’s still no country for women (Mar 27) Read at: http://postnoon.com/2013/03/27/lawor-no-law-its-still-no-countryfor-women/116512

For the future A small act of initiative can bring about big changes. This reader doffs his hat to Vidya Shankar, who is involved in rehabilitation solutions for children in distress and in institutional care. s Vidya’s immense contribution has motivated many like me to do our little bit for the future leaders of our country — today’s children.

GV RAMAN

Via e-mail In response to Loving an extended family (Mar 24) Read at: http://postnoon.com/2013/03/24/lovingan-extended-family/115845

Yuck! Yuck!

This reader is thankful that we told her about how ‘uncool’ can a swim be during summers. uck! I really love to de-stress by swimming, but this report discourages me to swim into public pools. I better save to have some private pool. Thank you.

ISABEL

Via e-mail in response to Do you know what you’re swimming with? (Mar 25) Read at: http://postnoon.com/?s=Do+you+know+ what+you%E2%80%99re+swimming+wi th%3F

Via e-mail in response to Start taking him seriously: Top 8 Jim Carrey movies (Mar 25) Read at: http://postnoon.com/ 2013/03/25/starttaking-him-seriously-top-8-jimcarreymovies/116012

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 nos 62, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, 500033. ALSO SEND US YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS.

NATION SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013

`1,300 cr for power security NEW DELHI: Power Grid Corp is

developing an advanced grid security system, worth `1,300 crore, as part of efforts to boost the country’s electricity transmission network and stave off possible cyber attacks. The proposed system is part of larger measures being initiated to prevent recurrence of events like last year’s massive collapse of grids that affected more than half of country.

Modi in top BJP panel

Novartis ruling tomorrow

NEW DELHI: The BJP has inducted

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court will

Gujarat CM Narendra Modi into its Parliamentary Board. Political pundits say that this appointment is an indirect endorsement for the his prime ministerial ambitions. Modi’s confidant Amit Shah, Varun Gandhi and Rajiv Pratap Rudy, have been made general secretaries. Uma Bharti and Smriti Irani have been made vice-presidents.

pronounce tomorrow its verdict on Novartis AG’s plea for getting its blood cancer drug Glivec patented in India and restraining Indian companies from manufacturing generic drugs. Some Indian pharma companies and NGOs had also approached the SC claiming that the firm is making an attempt to “evergreen” its patent right.

Only 5% of cops are women Andhra Pradesh, with just 2,031 women personnel in the 89,325-strong police force, is next only to UP and Bihar.

NEW DELHI: The country has just 5.33 per cent women in police forces despite growing demands for more representation in law enforcement agencies. According to Home Ministry statistics, out of 15,85,117 personnel working in state police forces, only 84,479 or just 5.33 per cent are women. Besides, there are just 499 all-women police stations in the

country out of a total 15,000. The demand for more women in police forces has been growing since the gangrape of a 23-year-old girl in Delhi on December 16. There were also 2,28,650 incidents of crime against women reported in 2011, of which 24,206 were of rape. UP has 2,586 women police personnel which is just 1.49 per

State

Police strength

Women

Uttar Pradesh Bihar Andhra Pradesh Madhya Pradesh Delhi Tamil Nadu Chandigarh Maharashtra

1,73,341 67,964 89,325 76,506 75,169 95,745 7,308 1,34,696

2,586 1,485 2,031 3,010 5,356 10,118 985 20,062

Percentage

1.49% 2.18% 2.27% 3.93% 7.13% 10.57% 13.48% 14.89%

cent of the total 1,73,341 personnel while AP has 2,031 policewomen, just 2.27 per cent of its total 89,325 police personnel. There are 1,485 policewomen (2.18 per cent) in Bihar out of the total 67,964 police personnel. MP, where the highest number of rapes took place in 2011, there are 3,010 policewomen (3.93 per cent) out of the 76,506 personnel. Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Chandigarh have relatively better representation of women in their police forces. Out of the 1,34,696 police personnel in Maharashtra, 20,062 or 14.89 per cent are women while in Tamil Nadu out of the 95,745 police personnel, 10,118 (10.57 per cent) are women and in Chandigarh, 13.48 per cent or 985 are policewomen out of the 7,308 police personnel. There are 5,356 policewomen (7.13 per cent) in Delhi out of 75,169 PTI police personnel.

Lingerie to ‘help’ fight off attackers AHMEDABAD: Three automobile engineers from Chennai have come out with what they claim can check sexual offences in India -- a lingerie laced with modules of GPS and capable of sending alerts to the girl’s parents and police. “The lingerie, laced with modules of global positioning system (GPS), global system for mobile communications (GSM) and also pressure sensors, is capable of sending shock waves of 3,800 kV as well as alerts to the girl’s parents and police,” says Manisha Mohan, codeveloper of the innovative product named Society Harnessing Equipment (SHE). “The shocks can be emitted up to 82 times,” she told PTI, adding it’s an apt device which could get women “freedom from situations faced in bus, public places”, where at times they are reluctant to walk down to lawmakers for help. “A person trying to molest a girl will get the shock of his life the moment pressure sensors get activated, and the GPS and GSM modules would send a SMS on emergency number 100, as well as to parents of the girl,” she describes the functioning process.

Mohan, an engineering student of Sri Ramaswamy Memorial University in Chennai, along with her two colleagues Rimpi Tripathi and Neeladri Basu Pal, developed the proto-type of SHE and are busy fine-tuning the product for commercial roll out in April. The innovative design bagged an award at the Gandhian Young Technology Award-2013 event organised at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A). “We have got a lot of joint venture offer, but nothing has been worked out yet,” Mohan says. “I have approached a friend of mine in National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) to help me find the right kind of fabric for the product so that it can be a washable one,” she says. On being asked what inspired them to design such a product, Mohan says, “After the Delhi gangrape incident, and the rape of a Bangalore BPO worker, I felt women are being tortured in the name of safety. “Henceforth, we decided to come up with something innovative which helps women protect themselves besides not being abandoned PTI in the name of safety.”

CWG: Summons to 3 Swiss firms

Panel seeks info on proposed nuke plant

WB-EC local poll tussle continues

NEW DELHI: CBI has forwarded to the Ministry of

NEW DELHI: A high-powered panel of the Environment Ministry has sought more details from Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd for its proposed `23,502 crore nuclear power plant in Haryana before initiating steps for according it green clearance. The proposal is for setting up a nuclear power park (4x700 MWe), to be implemented in phases at Gorakhpur in Fatehabad district along with township for the project. The first phase will comprise two units of 700 MWe each. The committee, which met in Hisar recently, asked the project proponent to provide more details about the plant site and its surrounding township in the final Environment Impact Assessment and submit it to the ministry for the panel’s consideration.

KOLKATA: The dispute between the West Bengal State Election Commission and state government seemed headed towards a legal fight Saturday with both sides remaining firm on their respective stands on holding rural body (panchayat) polls. The ruling Trinamool Congress launched a virtual tirade against the panel, while the opposition continued to question the state government’s intention to hold the polls. While the poll panel, pitching for the deployment of central paramilitary forces, was reportedly consulting lawyers, the state government shot off another letter to the Commission, saying it did not see reason in spending `40 crore on deploying 800 companies of central paramilitary troopers.

Home Affairs the summons to be served abroad to three officials of Switzerland-based Swiss Timing Limited for their alleged role in a 2010 Commonwealth Games related corruption case. The agency has filed the copy of the March 26 letter sent to the MHA before a Delhi court after it had directed the CBI to submit its status report in connection with the service of summons by March 28. In its forwarding letter sent to MHA, the CBI has given brief details of the case and has annexed copies of summons issued for July 2 this year against Swiss Timing’s general manager Christophe Berthaud, sales and marketing manager S Chianese and Multi Sports events and sales manager J Spiri.

COMMENT SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013

THE FOUR-LETTER F-WORD!

EDITORIALS SO LONG AS MEN can breathe... What’s the problem in believing that Shakespeare was indeed the author of all the works attributed to him? Is it too hard to digest that the son of a glovemaker is capable of writing things of eternal life? Or is it because he did not boast of an education, which then was to be got only from Oxford or Cambridge? Or was he not pretty enough, posh enough or blue-blooded as another who has been touted as the real man behind his works? The debate that Shakespeare did not write his plays has been on for too long that it has become a drag. Since the 1850s, scores of people have been named as the real author of the plays and works attributed to him: Francis Bacon, Edward de Vere – the 17th Earl of Oxford – and Christopher Marlowe are hot favourites… some even believe Queen Elizabeth I. Really? Now a group of 22 top Shakespeare scholars have collaborated on a book that seeks to prove and give evidence that “the Bard really did write his own plays”, reports the Guardian. Nothing could be better to put the lid on this useless jibe when experts on the most popular candidates themselves write essays to show why they thought none of the three could have written what the Bard wrote. The timing is perfect: Shakespeare Beyond Doubt: Evidence, Argument, Controversy comes out on April 18, a couple of days before the Shakespeare birthday celebrations in Stratford-upon-Avon on 20-21 April. This debate based on a pile of piffle has reached its peak when one learns that there are MAs offered which has as part of its programme writing dissertations why the Earl and not Shakespeare was the real Bard. The most monstrous aspect is that dissenters refuse to see the fundamental difference in their styles. “De Vere’s models are of the mid-16th century and earlier, with heavy use of alliteration …and a liking for metrical forms with long lines of 12 or 14 syllables. No Shakespeare poem is written in these metres,” says an expert. There. That seems to settle it. But the sad part is doubters will never disappear. They seem not to see that there can be diamonds in the rough; it can be rare, but they exist.

From the hip

SYED SHOAIB

tarting from midnight today, we need no excuse to take known family or unknown friends for a ride. It could start with just an SMS, so be careful. April 1 is popularly referred to as All Fools’ Day, an official day to have fun at others’ expense or simply observe it as a summer day to remind us that we are all fools. Foolery is taken to such heights that sometimes media jokes have been taken seriously by the audience. Last year, a cover story in a newspaper was taken seriously by fans of Priyanka Chopra who went in thousands to catch a glimpse of her at a shooting site in Nandi Hills, causing law-and-order problems for the local police. The intelligent can rarely suffer fooldom and often, the majority fools declare the winners in democracy. I don’t know if you can call them foolish, but there are many in India’s remote villages who believe that Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi are alive and still vote for the hand symbol. Well, politicians also take us for fools if you are counting the last scam and yet running out of numbers. You can imagine the condition of those unlucky people born on April 1. From rotten tomatoes to other stinking gifts, everything has to be laughed off as a sad coincidence or an awry prank that has to be forgiven without punishment for being born on the ‘wrong’ day. Political April Fools’ Day hoaxes have nearly ousted governments and thrown out politicians across the world. A 2006 prank suggested a red door for 10 Downing Street. The Daily Mail reported that Tony Blair, in a “literally incredible break with decades of tradition,” had decided to paint the door of 10 Downing Street red. “After 270 years, Blair paints No 10 front door socialist red,” it screamed. Also, be careful when you call somebody a fool the next time. It could be the Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society, the magazine of Christian unrest, a herb found in the Dread Wastes, Townlong Steppes and the Jade Forest or just the comic fable by Neil Simon. Alexander Pope declared early in 1709 in his An Essay on Criticism, “For Fools rush in Where Angels fear to tread.” And read this into the various

BY THE WAY, TOMORROW IS ALSO A HOLIDAY FOR THE POSTNOON OFFICE. YOU CAN REPLACE YOUR THINKING CAPS WITH YOUR FOOL CAPS TO KNOW WHY YOUR PAPER DID NOT ARRIVE! paranormal activities the devout face in the spiritual world in the name of different religions. The world’s craziest fools made popular by the BBC has been satirised by various local media channels as bakras on comedy time, sometimes even leading to tragic death like in

the case of Jacintha Saldanha, who committed suicide three days after a hoax call as part of radio programme named Hot30 Countdown impersonating Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles enquiring about the health of the Duchess of Cambridge. So tomorrow when people ask you for a foolscape paper or speak of fooltoss, just call them a cool mule and send them back to school for a basic lesson in foolproof foolhardy English. After all, the April Fools’ Day (the apostrophe depends on whether you are fooling others or vice versa) countdown will end in a few hours from now. Use this as a tool to officially suffer an awfool prank or simply play a wonderfool joke to

shock someone out of the brain they think they are. And as Nancy Hughes declares in her poem April Fools’ Day; humour should never be bitter even if it is on us. The joke should not always be funnier only when it is on others. I’ve been known to act like a fool, not just once but a time or two. So April Fools’ Day suits me to a T It’s a special holiday made just for me! By the way, tomorrow is also a holiday for the Postnoon office. You can replace your thinking caps with your fool caps to know why your paper did not arrive!

BUSINESS SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013

Savers could face 60% loss

Ford rebuffs lawsuit claims

Venezuela devaluates?

Venezuelan government foreign currency auction for local importers has triggered a de facto currency devaluation, the second in less than 50 days, analysts said. Venezuela has had strict currency exchange controls since 2003. Individuals and businesses could obtained limited amounts of foreign currency through the government.

ig savers in Cyprus’s largest bank face losses of up to 60 per cent, far greater than originally feared under the island’s controversial EU-led bailout plan, officials said on Saturday. Cyprus meanwhile launched an investigation into a list published in Greek newspapers of Cypriot politicians who allegedly had loans written off by two banks at the heart of the meltdown.

S automaker Ford, which faces a lawsuit over claims its vehicles accelerate without warning, dismissed the accusations as unscientific. Ford said it had addressed the issue with US regulators, whose work is “far more scientific than work done by personal injury lawyers and their paid experts,” according to an email from a company spokesman to AFP.

SMARTPHONES, IT’S TIME FOR THE SMARTWATCH FORGET

In recent weeks, reports have surfaced about plans for smartwatches from tech giants Apple, Samsung and Google, with launches possible later this year.

Rob Lever

WASHINGTON: Amid much speculation on the future of the “smartwatch,” the consensus is growing: the time is right. In recent weeks, reports have surfaced about plans for smartwatches from tech giants Apple, Samsung and Google, with launches possible later this year. “I think we have reached a tipping point,” said Avi Greengart, analyst on consumer devices at the research firm Current Analysis. Greengart said 2013 may be the year for the smartwatch because “the components have gotten small enough and cheap enough” and a large number of consumers now have smartphones that can connect to a wearable device. The idea of the connected watch has been around for at least a decade: Microsoft had one in 2003. And some devices are already on the market including from Sony, the crowdfunded maker Pebble and Italian-based firm i’m. Up to now, smartwatches have been able to connect to phones wirelessly to give users signals about new messages, and allow some limited Web access. But analysts say once they gain

ABI RESEARCH PREDICTS THAT SMARTWATCHES AND OTHER WEARABLE COMPUTING DEVICES WILL GROW TO 485 MILLION ANNUAL DEVICE SHIPMENTS BY 2018. traction, app developers can come up with new functions, possibly drawing on health and fitness monitoring devices now in use. The likely entry of new heavyweight players like Apple “can catalyse the market,” Greengart said, while noting that any new device has to prove its utility to consumers. “This is a market that needs to be created.” Even though Apple has maintained its customary silence on the subject, that has not stopped speculation on the Internet, including a likely design of a curved glass “iWatch.” ABI Research predicts that smartwatches and other wearable computing devices will “explode in popularity over the next year” and grow to 485 million annual device

shipments by 2018. “Apple’s curved glass-based watch could prove to be a revelation in the wearable technologies market. The major question is whether the digital time piece will act as a complimentary device to the company’s iPhone smartphones or as a standalone product with other functionalities like health or activity tracking capabilities.” Citi analyst Oliver Chen said the smartwatch segment, which now includes devices from Fossil and Movado, could easily evolve into a $6 billion annual business with “higher than average” profit margins. “A successful smartwatch likely needs to create a completely new market and not compete on fashion or luxury brand prestige.” Forrester Research analyst Sarah Rotman Epps noted that “the body is the next frontier for personal computing,” and that “it seems like only a matter of time before Apple enters the market directly.” Epps said that this market could grow because “consumers love their smartphones, and there is some appeal in having an additional touchpoint,” which could allow a user to check messages or use apps AFP from the wrist.

No TM for ‘iPad Mini’

Apple has until July 24 to better explain how the iPad mini is different and unique from the larger-sized iPad. WASHINGTON: The US Patent and Trademark Office has denied Apple’s application for a trademark to safeguard its popular iPad mini tablet, saying the case to own the phrase was too weak. Apple, however, has until July 24 to better explain how the iPad mini is different and unique from the larger-sized iPad to counter the rejection seen as largely a formality. “In this case, both the individual components and the composite result are descriptive of applicant’s goods and do not create a unique, incongruous or non-descriptive meaning in relation to the goods being small handheld mobile devices comprising tablet computers capable of providing Internet access.” It was referring to the components of the device’s name: “I,” “pad” and “mini.”

Unless Apple demonstrates to the USPTO that the “iPad mini” is a distinctive aim, it will be forbidden to “claim exclusive rights to terms or designs that others may need to use to describe or show their goods or services in the marketplace,” the letter said. The USPTO reviewer also criticised Apple for failing to submit a sample tablet computer with its application and providing product website pages instead. AFP

PICK YOUR

Across Stores

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WORLD SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013

Hope fades for miners

Revamp of army begins

opes were fast fading that Chinese search and rescue teams would find survivors two days after a huge landslide crashed down a Tibetan mountain, burying scores of mine workers. Around 3,500 rescuers and 300 pieces of large machinery were searching for survivors, state media reported, with many said to be digging with their bare hands.

Mandela recovering well

he EU begins an ambitious overhaul of Mali’s ragtag army, far from ready to take the place of foreign troops to defend the nation against fresh attacks by Islamist insurgents. As France prepares to withdraw 4,000 troops after routing Al Qaedalinked forces, the first of four Malian battalions begins training with battlehardened European instructors.

elson Mandela was comfortable and breathing without difficulty as the anti-apartheid hero spends a fourth night in hospital after being treated for pneumonia, South Africa’s presidency said. The 94-yearold, one of the towering figures of modern history, was admitted late Wednesday for what was confirmed as “a recurrence of pneumonia".

US rattling spooks North By publicly highlighting its recent deployment of nuclear-capable B-52 and stealth bombers over South Korea, the US has, at times, almost appeared to be purposefully goading an already apoplectic Pyongyang. Giles Hewitt

SEOUL: Soaring tensions on the Korean peninsula have seen dire North Korean threats met with an unusually assertive US response that analysts warn could take a familiar game into dangerous territory. By publicly highlighting its recent deployment of nuclearcapable B-52 and stealth bombers over South Korea, Washington has, at times, almost appeared to be purposefully goading an already apoplectic Pyongyang. “There certainly seems to be an element of ‘let’s show we’re taking the gloves off this time’ about the US stance," said Paul Carroll, program director at the Ploughshares Fund, a US-based security policy think-tank. And the North has responded in kind, declaring on Saturday that it was now in a “state of war” with South Korea. Security crises on the Korean peninsula have come and gone over the decades and have tended to follow a similar pattern of white-knuckle brinkmanship that threatens but finally pulls back from catastrophic conflict. North Korea’s founding leader Kim Il-Sung and his son and successor Kim Jong-Il were both

considered skilled practitioners of this high-stakes game of whoblinks-first diplomacy. And they ensured Pyongyang had enough form to lend its threats credibility, having engineered provocations that ranged from blowing up a South Korean civilian airliner in 1987 to shelling a South Korean island in 2010. The current crisis, with Pyongyang lashing out at a combination of UN sanctions and South Korea-US military exercises, diverges from precedent in terms of the context and the main characters involved. It follows the two landmark

Queen Freddie and Princess Di: What a drag!

MOST ANALYSTS RULE OUT THE PROSPECT OF A FULL-SCALE WAR ON THE GROUNDS THAT NORTH KOREA KNOWS IT WOULD LOSE. events that triggered the UN sanctions and re-drew the strategic balance on the peninsula: The North’s successful longrange rocket launch in December and its third nuclear test in February. Both may have emboldened

North Korea to overplay its hand, while at the same time prompting Washington to decide there was already too much at stake to consider folding. In addition, both North and South Korea have new, untested leaders with a strong domestic motivation to prove their mettle in any showdown. Bruce Klingner, a Korea expert at the conservative Heritage Foundation in Washington, believes the danger of “miscalculation” is especially high from North Korea’s young supremo Kim Jong-Un. Kim was not only emboldened by the successful rocket

LONDON: Queen singer Freddie Mercury disguised the late Princess Diana as a male model and smuggled her into a notorious gay bar, according to a memoir serialised in Britain’s Sunday Times. Comedian Cleo Rocos describes in her book The Power of Positive Drinking how she, Mercury and fellow comedian Kenny Everett dressed Diana in an army jacket, cap and sunglasses for a night out at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, south London, in the late 1980s. “When we walked in... we felt she was obviously Princess Diana and would be discovered at any minute. But people just seemed to blank her. She sort of disappeared. But she loved it," said Rocos, who co-starred

and nuclear tests, but “also by the knowledge that Seoul and Washington have never struck back in any significant way after previous deadly attacks". This time around, however, South Korea has signalled it would respond with interest, and the message sent by the B-52 and stealth bomber flights is that it has the US firmly in its corner. Peter Hayes, who heads the Nautilus Institute, an Asiafocused think tank, points out that the B-52 deployment carried a particular — and potentially dangerous — resonance. Hayes warned that replaying the B-52 threat could prove to be “strategically stupid” by reviving the North’s historic and deep-rooted fear of a US nuclear strike. The B-52 deployment also declares loudly and clearly that they have forced the US to play the game of nuclear war with North Korea," Hayes said. “It tells them it has reached the hallowed status of a nucleararmed state that matters enough to force a simulated nuclear-military response," he added. The possible end-game scenarios to the current crisis are numerous, but none point to an obvious path for defusing the situation peacefully. AFP

in Everett’s television show. She said she did not know whether Diana was propositioned in the bar in her guise as a male model, but added: “She did look like a beautiful young man." The presence of Mercury, Everett and Rocos diverted revellers’ attention and Diana was able to order drinks undetected, Rocos recalled. Diana, the ex-wife of heir to the British throne Prince Charles, lived under the glare of the paparazzi and died in a car crash in Paris in 1997, pursued by photographers. Mercury, loved for his spellbinding live performances and enduring Queen hits including “Bohemian Rhapsody", died in 1991 aged 45 of an AIDS-related illness.

WELLNESS SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013

Night Owls find it very difficult to get up all bright and cheery to greet the next day. Work schedules and routines have become such that most people do not get shut-eye till midnight. But there is a way to change that. Here are some tips to becoming a morning person.

FLEME VARKEY

fleme.v@postnoon.com

THE

Wake

RUNAWAY ALARM

his runaway alarm clock is a blessing for a lot of people. Some intelligent soul built it to combat the routine that most of us follow at the sound of an alarm ringing. The clock runs away once the alarm starts ringing so that you, the owner, has to get up to look for it and shut it. By the time the chasing is done, your sleep will also have left you. So instead of hitting the snooze button, avoid doing it. Start your day with coffee or stretch your body. A little bit of exercise can do wonders to keep the mind and body alert. Vidhwesh B, a techie, says, “I usually keep my alarm clock in the next room, so that I am forced to get up in the morning to shut it. After doing it for a week, I had no problems staying awake or getting up on time.”

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smell the

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CUT DOWN ON TIME racey Marks, MD and author of Master Your Sleep: Proven Methods Simplified, says, “Most people’s internal clock has 24 hrs, but if it’s a little longer, then you will be pulled in the direction of not feeling tired until later and later each evening.” So the best thing to do, as she advises in her book, is to cut evening obligations short. Impose a curfew time and for the first few days, sleep at a regular cut-off time. Soon, you will be habituated to turning in on time. Forget that last episode of Game of Thrones and turn off that bed light. Aneesha Simon, a college student, says, “I study into the night and as a result, often find myself hurrying to college, since I wake up late. But of late, I have started sleeping at 11pm and find myself waking early and rested.”

WHAT

GOES INTO THE STOMACH ? t has been said a number of times that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and surely it is. Ask any doctor and they will say that since the body has been resting through the night, it needs something to re-energise it in the morning. Replace that cup of coffee and bits of chips with something healthy. A bowl of cornflakes, poha, or even idli and dosa will be enough to keep you going till lunch. Fruits are also a good alternative.

PREPARED o as much as you can to prepare for the next day — select clothes or prepare lunch boxes so you’re not rushing around in a panic in the morning, and you can go to sleep with a relaxed mind. Create a soothing bedtime routine — meditate, take a bath, moisturise, listen to music... put together a to-do list — a list that, at the outset at least, doesn’t demand so much that it frustrates you, and still allows you to be functional and productive before you have to leave for work.

FEEL

THAT SUN SHINING orning people know something about the morning that nocturnal people don’t, and that is that there’s something special in the morning air, a real renewal, that can’t be mistaken for any other time of the day. The last step in becoming a morning person is to expose yourself to that early morning air. Kreethika Dewan, a student of art says, “As soon as I wake up I open the windows and feel the sun’s rays. I look around, breathe the fresh air and by that time, my body is awake and alert.”

ART AND CULTURE SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013

Illustrating childhood

Caravaggio and controversy

controversial Caravaggio that belonged to the late collector and scholar Denis Mahon is due to be unveiled in April at the Museum of the Order of St John in London. Although the rest of Mahon’s 58 Italian Baroque paintings have been bequeathed to UK public collections, the long-term future of The Cardsharps is uncertain, because of the question of attribution.

rgentine illustrator and writer Marisol Misenta, better known as Isol, won the 5 million kronor ($780,000) Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award for children's literature on Tues-zday for picture books that "vibrate with energy and explosive emotions," the jury said. Isol has written and illustrated 10 children's books, starting with her 1997 debut Vida de Perros (A Dog's Life).

Picasso in demand

edge fund manager Steven Cohen has bought a famous Picasso painting from casino mogul Steve Wynn for a record price, according to a report in the New York Post. Cohen, who runs SAC Capital Advisors, purchased Le Rêve, a 1932 oil painting of Picasso's mistress, for $155 million, the New York Post said, citing an unnamed source.

Via Presence by French artist B2Fays is a beautiful juxtaposition of multimedia installation and paintings which can be experienced and looked upon for hours together. Brought together by Kalakriti Art Gallery and Alliance Francaise, the artwork can now be seen at the Kalakriti Art Gallery.

Making a connect KANCHAN AGARWAL

kanchan.a@postnoon.com

n the periphery of the room were myriad hand paintings. There were faces that you see every day, know so well yet cannot. The backdrop of the paintings had little Indian stories. One could spot the movie banners of old times or random words probably written by a child. And there was the haphazard arrangement of white boards on which scenes of Indian life were being played. The highlight of the display, of course, was the head screen which by itself showed a globe, what looked like an old movie poster and some other images that induced an uncommon sense of beauty. But to complete the installation, visitors’ participation is called for. All you had to do is stand across the screen.

BACK TO NATURE Out in the open and far from the stuffy galleries and museums, Earth art celebrates the natural world, artistically.

arth art is an art movement in which landscape and the work of art are inextricably linked. It is also an art form that is created in nature, using natural materials such as soil, rock (bed rock, boulders, stones), organic media (logs, branches, leaves), and water with introduced materials such as concrete, metal, asphalt, or mineral pigments. Sculptures are not

placed in the landscape, rather, the landscape is the means of their creation. The works frequently exist in the open, located well away from civilization, left to change and erode under natural conditions. Many of the first works, created in the deserts of Nevada, New Mexico, Utah or Arizona were ephemeral in nature and now only exist as video record-

ings or photographic documents. They also pioneered a category of art called site-specific sculpture, designed for a particular outdoor location. Land art is to be understood as an artistic protest against the perceived artificiality, plastic aesthetics and ruthless commercialization of art at the end of the 1960s in America. Land art was inspired by minimal art and

Your silhouette, full of colourful images, would become the starting point of this form of art. Sway a bit, swish your hands and move about, and a whole new world of images captured by B2Fays would open up. B2Fays is only a short and easy version of her name Beatrice de Fays. She was 17, and in France when she decided she did not want to learn art from a school and commenced learning on her own. “They were all teaching and learning the same thing. So I began with mastering art using computers. People liked my work. They were surprised that technology could produce such art. They were ready to spend money on my work,” she reminisces. After 10 years of having done digital

ART FOR DUMMIES

art, she went back to the medium of painting. Today, her style is a connection between the two mediums. One cannot miss the heavy influence of India in her work. She says “I have been in India for long. I shuttle between France and India. Earlier, I was staying there longer, now I stay here longer. I am not very good at speaking English, so sometimes, when we are in a group, I cannot participate much. I end up standing out and observing. I observe a lot. Since India has an influence on my work, I hope my work, too, has an influence on India”. Is she trying to say something through her work or is it one of those pieces which are not meant to be understood, just felt, I ask. And she asks me what I took from it. “A sense of beauty,” I say. “I am trying to show that beauty does not exist independently. It exists in connection and totality,” adds B2Fays, who says without art, life has no meaning for her. “I understand everything through art”.

Conceptual art but also by modern movements such as De Stijl, cubism, minimalism and the work of Constantin Brâncu i and Joseph Beuys. The movement began in October 1968 with the group exhibition "Earth Works" in New York. The artists included were Walter De Maria, Jan Dibbets, Hans Haacke, Michael Heizer, Neil Jenney, Richard Long, David Medalla, Robert Morris, Dennis Oppenheim, Robert Smithson, and Gunther Uecker. 'Land Artists' have tended to be American, with other prominent artists in this field including, Carl Andre, Alice Aycock, Walter De Maria and Hans Haacke. Source: www.wikipedia.org

ENVIRONMENT SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013

Sea ice melting dangerous

Hope for endangered frogs

Clues from seismic signals

limate scientists have linked the masndangered amphibians such as the sive snowstorms and bitter spring limosa harlequin frog now have a weather now being experienced across tiny bit of hope to cling to thanks to a Britain and large parts of Europe and captive breeding program run by a colNorth America to the dramatic loss of laboration between conservation Arctic sea ice. According to a growing groups. For the first time, researchers body of other researchers, the Arctic ice with the captive breeding project have loss adds heat to the ocean and atmomanaged to raise nine limosa harlequin sphere which shifts the position of the frogs from one mating pair, and they jet stream that steers storm systems. have hundreds of tadpoles on hand.

new technique that can identify catastrophic landslides based on their seismic signals could one day lead to a global system for identifying regions at particular risk. In a paper published in Science last week, EkstrĂśm and his Columbia colleague Colin Stark say they have found a way of distinguishing the 'surface waves' associated with giant landslides from the background noise.

Vineyards feeling the heat

s new frontiers for grape growing open up, the viability of some traditional production areas is under threat from scorching temperatures and prolonged droughts. And in between the two extremes, some long-established styles are being transformed. Some whites once renowned for being light and crisp are getting fatter and more floral while mediumbodied reds are morphing into heavyweight bruisers. "Some people are alarmists, I prefer to be an optimist," says Fernando Zamora, oenology researcher and professor at Rovira i Virgili University in Tarragona, Spain. "I have no doubt that we will still have vineyards in traditional regions, but we have to think of new strategies. And we will also have new zones for vineyards. That's for sure. Already in Germany they are making fine red wine where it used to be very difficult. And in Denmark, now they've started making wine." Climatologists working with the wine industry around the planet predict temperatures will rise by one to two degrees Celsius from now until 2050, a trend that is expected to be accompanied by an increase in the incidence of

extreme weather events. "Can any region continue to grow the exact same varieties and make the exact same style of wines? If what we know today is correct, that is highly unlikely," said Gregory Jones, oenology professor at Southern Oregon University. New vineyard projects in northern Europe will be risky given the increased unpredictability of the weather and the potential for one cold snap to destroy an entire crop. So it may be that the biggest change will come in the range of wines produced in areas that, until recently, have struggled to ripen some varieties. Tasmania, parts of New Zealand, southern Chile, Ontario and other parts of Canada, England and the Mosel and Rhine areas in Germany are among the regions that could benefit. "You can look anywhere in the world where there are relatively cool climate regions that today are much more suitable than they were 30, 40, 50 years ago, because the climates were too cold then. People couldn't ripen fruit," added Jones. An international committee for the agriculture and forestry climate change programme (ACCAF) run by France's research institute INRA has

It's circa 2050 and shoppers are stopping off at Ikea to buy fine wine made in Sweden. A Nordic fantasy? Not according to climate experts who say the Earth's warming phase is already driving a wave of change through the world of wine.

been tasked with formulating strategies for helping everything from the plant to legislators cope with climate change. While wine grapes might not be necessary to feed people, the grape vine is more sensitive to climate than plants like rice, corn and soyabeans, which could provide valuable insight for essential future food supplies. Vitis vinifera, the plant that gives us fine wine grape varieties, is a prolific wanderer that has a fine-tuned sense of the right place to take root and grow perfect grapes.

PROBLEMS ABOUND BUT SOLUTIONS ARE OUT THERE Water stress, temperature change, inopportune downpours and frosts are just a few of the variables that have profound effects on the balance of sugar and acidity, the ripeness of tannins, and the palette of aromas. "In Alsace (northeastern France), climate change is already a problem, because it's changing the aromatic profile, the balance of sugar and acidity. If the consumers accept the changes, it's not a problem. If they don't, it is," said Jean-Marc Touzard, a co-coordinator of ACCAF. Producers of Beaujolais meanwhile see

warmer weather improving the quality of their product in a region where winemakers have sometimes had to add sugar to bolster alcohol levels in their quaffable reds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In 2003 (when France suffered a severe summer heatwave), our wines tasted more like Cote du Rhone," said Jean Bourjade. "Beaujolais has seen that they can make better wine in a warmer climate, so there is a benefit. But is there a limit to that benefit? Does it go on forever?" said Jones. "For ten years, they'll be happy. Then they'll have problems," predicted Touzard. The Languedoc region around the Mediterranean already faces these problems. Hotter, dryer weather is making the area's already-robust wines more full-bodied and more alcoholic, at the expense, some say, of finesse. But all is far from lost. Another solution is to change the grape varieties legally allowed under Europe's strict appellation laws, sourcing the indigenous varieties from hot weather climes like Sicily, Greece, Spain and Portugal. Researchers also say that once these grapes have been genetically decoded, they could be used for plant breeding. AFP

FOOD SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013

Cookie Man’s new range

No junk food for school canteens

Subway becomes bigger

Cookie Man, a leading cookie chain, has introduced a new range of muffins in its stores across the country. According to a press release by the company, the offerings include Double Chocó Chip Muffins, Banana-Walnut Muffins, Coconut Lemon Muffin, Butter Scotch & Coconut Muffin, and Orange Muffin, Butterscotch Oatmeal, Choco Chip Muffin and Black Currant.

The ministry of health and family welfare, Government of India has requested the chief ministers, the health ministers of all states and Union Territories and the minister of human resources development to issue directions to schools and colleges to withdraw junk food and carbonated beverages from their canteens, and promote healthy eating habits to make children aware of the benefits of vegetables.

Subway has surpassed McDonald’s to become the largest restaurant chain on the planet and is now spread out more globally than McDonald’s. The sandwich chain surpassed McDs in terms of number of stores in the US in 2002 and now it has taken the global lead. One of these locations is in China, since the company views this country as one of the greatest consumer markets on the globe.

RAJASTHAN ON A PLATE A vegetarian thali that is bound to leave you licking your fingers, that’s what awaits diners at the Rajdhani thali restaurant. It leaves you satisfied and looking forward to your next meal here.

Fleme Varkey fleme.v@postnoon.com

fter months of tasting and trying different cuisines, I was looking for something closer to home. Not because the food I had been having was not good but because I was craving for good and authentic Indian food. Among the number of cuisines available in India, I am particularly fond of Rajasthani and Gujarati cuisines. For a South Indian or a non-Rajasthani, a sample of this cuisine is more often than not associated with places like Chowkidhani in Jaipur, the Rajasthani food stall in Dilli Haat, New Delhi and the Rajdhani thali restaurant. Five star hotels are big on decor, music, the show, the variety of dishes and exquisite concoctions that they can rustle up. But that’s where Rajdhani beats the competition. Situated in Banjara Hills, on Road no 3, it faces competition from a number of restaurants on that road but succeeds. Ajit Nair, Vice President,

F&B Division, Mirah Hospitality explains, “Other restaurants on the road are not a competition to Rajdhani. We serve authentic, fresh, slow cooked Rajasthani and Gujarati cuisine. At Rajdhani, the customer is made to feel like a king and at any point of time, a customer can enter the Rajdhani kitchens.” At Rajdhani, it is a vegetarian’s paradise but that did not stop me, a carnivore, from relishing the wonderful lunch I had here. The food is tasty and well cooked, and priced just right for the variety it serves. We were promptly shown to a table and awaiting us there was a big thali set with tiny steel bowls. Almost immediately, a battery of waiters appeared and our plates were full soon. The pampering starts with a bearer bringing you a vessel to wash your hands in. This is followed by the onslaught of the numerous starters, each of which can be asked for at any point of time in the

Name: Rajdhani Thali restaurant Place: Level 1, Uptown Banjara, Opposite Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Road No.3, Banjara Hills, Cost: Approx `600 for two Timings: Lunch and Dinner, 11am to 3.30pm, 7.30pm to 11pm

meal. Rajdhani cuts out the elaborate process of scanning an extensive menu and yet not coming up with what to eat. This is the best part, you are offered a wide variety and you can choose whether to have it on your plate or not. For starters, there was dhokla, masala papad and sevpuri. Our glasses were filled with chhaas (buttermilk) and the other with a refreshing cool kesarflavoured drink. The next few minutes were spent trying to see what went into our plates. The servers even mention what they are putting in your plate, so you are not left clueless as to what you just had. The service is quick and efficient. Servers roam about carrying containers of daal (lentil), vegetables, rotis, rice and sweets and a slight nod in their direction will leave your plate replenished with the desired item. Often there were times when we had to say ‘no’, not

because the food isn’t good, but because there’s just too much for that one little stomach to take in and couple that with dollops of ghee. But the moment they say, ‘thoda aur lijiye’ (a bit more) all resistance crumbles and you end up with another roti on your plate. Rajdhani deserves full marks for its hospitality. The special items at Rajdhani are Dal Baati, Churma, Gatte Ki subzi, the meethi daal, undhiyu, ker sangria and kathiyawadi khichdi to name a few. For us the highlights of the meal were the chaas, malpua, lauki ka halwa, the daal baati and the daals. Ajit tells us the restaurant maharaja does the cooking at the restaurant. He is assisted by the Farsan maharaj and a team of 10 others. The unit maharaj is further guided and trained by their six corporate maharajas who also do the creation and research for new recipes. A meal at Rajdhani is an experience that all must definitely have. It’s simple and satisfaction is guaranteed.

FOOD SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013

In high spirits

NT BALANARAYAN

With a view of the Hussain Sagar Lake and the City skyline, Altitude Lounge Bar at the Marriott is a great place to unwind. Postnoon reviews.

Ande kheeme ke kebab

Egg and minced meat sandwiched to make tasty kebabs. Noor’s Kitchen NOOR JAFRI

NIDHI BHUSHAN

nidhi.b@postnoon.com

H EE R

try to create new `2,200 per 30ml. things for our cusFrom the tomers to ensure cocktails menu, they have a good the Flaming time. We also have Lamborghini is a range of a must-have. A flavoured homecombination of O made alcohol which is IM five different shots, AG quite popular among OOD T this flaming drink is the crowd,” says Jomy sure to leave you asking Abraham, food and beverage for more (see the picture manager at the hotel. above). Another aspect that The variety of single works for Altitude is the malts includes the popular upbeat music — house, R&B Glenfiddich and Glenlivet (12 and hip hop. And, unlike years) and the blended other bars, you can actually whiskies (regular, premium have a conversation with your and deluxe) range from Black friends even with it on! Label to Whyte and Mackay No drinking session (22 years). The price for the is complete without fingersame ranges from as low as licking snacks and no one `225 per 30ml to as high as realises that more than the

n the eighth floor of the Marriott Hotel and Convention Centre, the Altitude Lounge Bar has the promise of a great evening the moment you step foot in it. A walk through the candlelit passage and the classy decor of the lounge are enough to get you grooving. The simple, yet stylish ambience at Altitude is also worth mentioning. While the bar is great for hanging out with friends and colleagues, it is also suitable for those who enjoy their drinks alone at the bar. In fact, the bar has a significant percentage of people who waltz in to drink at the bar. Altitude boasts an interesting selection of whiskies, single malts and wines; however, its USP is the variety of cocktails. From the regular Cosmopolitan to creative mojitos (like the cranberry flavoured one), the bar has many options. “We constantly

Bottoms up Where: Altitude Lounge Bar, Marriott Hotel and Convention Centre Must-have: Flaming Lamborghini Marriott Hotel and Convention Centre. Crumbfried Ravioli (with mushroom and gruyere cheese), Calamari Fritters (deep fried squid rings with tangy tomato dip and garlic mayo) and Grandma Style Chicken with Chillies (aka Guntur kodi koora) are must-haves. And, yes, Altitude delivers its promise of a good evening! We’re definitely going again.

DINING WITH THE MASTERS

A MEATY PREPARATION METHOD n Peel and slice the onion. Boil until transparent, wash in running water and make a fine paste. n Wash and boil cashew nuts until soft. Refresh in running water and make a fine paste. Wash ginger and garlic and make a fine paste. n Finely chop the coriander reserving the roots on side. Wash both of them thoroughly. Whisk the yoghurt until

NALLI KI KALIYAN

Vivek Bhatt, Executive Chef, Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre gives us a lamb recipe homogenised. n Grate the khoya (unsweetened condensed milk cakes) and leave aside. Wash and slit the green chillies and leave aside. toast and soak the saffron in water n Marinate the lamb shanks with salt, turmeric, cumin and coriander powder, along with ginger and garlic paste and leave aside for at least half and hour. n Heat ghee to the smoking point and add whole spices, and strain immediately in a container. Reserve the ghee

and discard the whole spices. n Heat the tempered ghee, add boiled onion paste and sauté the paste on medium heat until the onion becomes translucent and the fat starts floating on top. n Add the lamb shanks to the pot and sauté on high heat, until the shanks are seared. Add the cashew nut paste along with slit green chillies and continue cooking on slow flame to prevent the scorching of the gravy. Keep adding a little stock to provide moisture and continue cooking with the pot covered. n When the meat is 3/4th cooked add the beaten yoghurt and continue cooking. n When the lamb shank is cooked, add the grated khoya, and cook until the khoya dissolves in the gravy. Finish with cream, garam masala, coriander and saffron.

INGREDIENTS Lamb shanks Ghee Cardamom green Cardamom black Clove Bay leaf White onion Cashew nut Yoghurt Khoya Green chilly Turmeric Coriander powder Cumin powder Garam masala Salt Ginger Garlic Cream (optional) Lamb stock (optional) Coriander fresh Saffron

1 kg 300 Gms 20 Gms 10 Gms 10 Gms 5 Gms 300 Gms 150 Gms 150 Gms 200 gms 30 Gms 10 Gms 20 Gms 20 Gms 10 Gms a pinch 30 Gms 30 Gms 50 Gms 3 liters 50 Gms 1 gm

Ingredients Quantity n Lamb kheema 300 gms n Eggs beaten 3 n Ginger garlic paste 2 tsp n Green chillies (chopped finely) 3 to 4 n Onions (chopped finely) 3 medium sized n Haldi powder 1 tsp n Black pepper powder 1/2 tsp n Dhania powder 2 tsp n Garam masala powder 1/2 tsp n Salt to taste n Ghee or refined oil 2 tbsp n Cornflour powder 2 tbsp n Red ripe tomatoes (medium sized) 2 (sliced) n Green coriander leaves (chopped) for garnishing Procedure n Heat ghee and fry the chopped onions till soft. n Add ginger garlic paste, haldi and fry till the ghee or oil separates. n Wash and drain water from the kheema; n Add it to the fried onions, with chopped chillies, and salt to taste. n Cook till tender and dry. n Sprinkle masala powder and mix well. n Let it cool. n Dissolve cornflour in water to a pouring consistency. n Line a wide mouth vessel with ghee, warm it and pour the cornflour mixture so that it forms a thin layer on the base. n Cool it again. n Arrange the tomato slices at the base and pour evenly half of the beaten egg mixture. n Cover this with kheema and then with the remaining egg mixture. n Put the lid over it and it can be baked or slow cooked till the eggs are nicely brown and the mixture is all set. n Cut it into squares or kebab like form, sprinkle with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot. Chef’s Note: n Rich in proteins, the dish can be served as a any time meal or snack.

Contact us @ Noor kitchen Mobile + 91 9441282318 Residence + 91 40 23356947 Like us @ https://www.facebook.com/Noorkitchen

HISTORY SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013

April 1

April 2

April 3

1984: Motown legend Marvin Gaye is shot dead by his own father. After struggling with depression, debt and drug abuse, Marvin had moved into his parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; home, even though he had long-standing disputes with his abusive father.

2001: Laws that permit marriage for samesex couples and grant same-sex couples adoption rights in the Netherlands come into effect, the first country to allow it. Four same-sex couples were married at the stroke of midnight by the mayor of Amsterdam.

2005: Pope John Paul II, a pope who was known for travelling widely and for being the first non-Italian to hold the post since the 16th century, dies in the Vatican at the age of 85. He was chosen to be pope in 1978, making him the youngest pope in 132 years.

1895: Trial of the libel case against renowned author Oscar Wilde begins, eventually resulting in his imprisonment on charges of homosexuality. After two more trials, he was convicted and imprisoned for two years hard labour.

April 4 1968: Martin Luther King Jr, Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading civil rights activist, is shot dead at a hotel in Memphis. His assassin was James Earl Ray, a career criminal who most believe was paid to murder King.

April 6 1896: The first modern Olympic Games are held in Athens, Greece, after a gap of 1,500 years. Athletes from 13 countries participated in the Games.

April 5 1994: Grunge rocker and lead singer of Nirvana Kurt Cobain commits suicide in his Seattle home. He died from a self-inflicted shotgun wound to the head. His body was found three days later by an electrician.

April 7 1994: Civil war erupts in Rwanda. In three months, Hutu extremists murdered an estimated 500,000 to 1 million civilian Tutsis and moderate Hutus in the worst episode of ethnic genocide since World War II.

April 2 1974: Construction of the CN Tower is completed in Toronto. In 1995, the CN Tower was declared one of the modern Seven Wonders of the World.

SPOTLIGHT SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013

S BALAKRISHNA

Lifestyle central

Actor Ayushmaan Khurana of Vicky Donor fame was in the City to launch Akriti Elite, an exhibition for fashion and lifestyle, at The Park, Somajiguda. S BALAKRISHNA

HEALING ART

Muse Art Gallery and Sanjeevini Women Healthcare raised awareness about cervical cancer through art.

1 Khusboo 2 Anchal 3 Laila 4 Rummy 5 Raashi

1 Ruchika

3 Adarsh

2 Usha

4 Ramakrishna, the artist

S BALAKRISHNA

An ‘eggciting’ Easter

Junior masterchefs took over the kitchen at The Park hotel on Saturday, learning the art of cooking from chef Mandaar Sukhantaar on the eve of Easter.

CINEMA SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013

Allari Naresh is on a roll

llari Naresh is on a roll these days. Two of his upcoming films — Kevvu Keka and Action 3D are slated for release in the next couple of months and the latest buzz is that he’s going to team up with director Ravi Babu for a comedy thriller after nearly seven years. Allari Naresh had made his debut as an actor in Ravi Babu’s Allari, which was a big hit back in 2002. Later, the duo teamed up with Ravi Babu again in 2006 for a comedy film titled Party, which failed to click at the box office. Their upcoming film is said to be quite a big project and it’s likely to take off in May this year.

There’s also a buzz that Allari Naresh would soon team up with Krishnavamsi. Meanwhile, Allari Naresh is currently busy wrapping up the shooting of Kevvu Keka. Devi Prasad is directing the film and this is his second film with Allari Naresh after Blade Babji. Kannada actress Sharmila Mandre is making her debut in Telugu. “We shot the film in Bangkok, Pollachi and Hyderabad. The final schedule is underway and we are going to wrap up the entire film on April 16,” Boppanna Chandrasekhar, the producer of the film said. Chinni Charan and Bheems are scoring the music.

NATHALIA KAUR to play a princess

athalia Kaur has finally managed to make a crossover to acting roles, thanks to director Gunasekhar. The Brazilian model turned actress came to India few years ago to try her luck in Bollywood. A chance meeting with Puri Jagannadh led her to RGV who roped her in for an item number in Department and since then she has been tagged as RGV’s find. Post Department, she was reportedly in talks for a film with RGV in which she was supposed to play the lead role opposite Rana Daggubati and the two even did a photoshoot; however, the film hasn’t taken off till date. After that, she bagged two more offers for item numbers in films such as Dalam and Nagarjuna starrer Bhai. Although neither of these two films has released in theatres, Nathalia Kaur has been roped in to play the role of a princess named Annambika. In a recent interview, Nathalia confessed that she’s done with item numbers and that she wants to concentrate more on her acting. “I've enjoyed my time dancing to different songs and I feel it is time for me to prove my acting prowess,” she said. She also stated that the item number in Nagarjuna starrer Bhai will be her last one. Earlier this month, she met director Gunasekhar and after a photoshoot, we hear that Gunasekhar was so thrilled that he offered her a role in Rudramadevi. The film will also star Hamsa Nandini, who’s playing the role of a princess named Mandakini. Rudramadevi will, however, not be Nathalia’s debut as an actress. She had played one of the lead roles in a Kannada film titled Dev S/O Mudde Gowda which released in April 2012. The principal shooting of Rudramadevi is expected to begin from April 18 onwards. Anushka is playing the titular role and Rana Daggubati will be playing Prince Veerabhadra of the Chalukyan dynasty. Both of them have been undergoing training in sword fighting and horse riding for Rudramadevi and SS Rajamouli’s Baahubali, which is also expected to take off in April. The film’s pre-production is in final stages and Gunasekhar had been working on the project relentlessly for the past few months. Since the film is going

to take off soon, Gunasekhar has roped in some big names to play important roles in this historical drama film. “Apart from Anushka and Rana Daggubati, there are quite a few top actors who’ll be playing important roles in Rudramadevi. Rebel star Krishnam Raju will be playing Ganapathi Deva Chakravarthy and Prakash Raj will be playing the role of Prime Minister Siva Devayya. Ajay, Ravi Babu, Nathalia Kaur, Hamsa Nandini and Prabha will be portraying other important roles,” Gunasekhar said. According to the historical facts, Ganapathi Deva was the ruler of the Kakatiya Dynasty in 13th century AD and he appointed his daughter Rudrama Devi to rule the kingdom, upon the advice of his Prime Minister Siva Devayya. This is the first time that Anushka and Krishnam Raju will be seen as daughter and father, although the duo had previously worked together in Billa. A lavish set, replicating the Kakatiya architecture, worth crores of rupees has been designed by art director Thota Tharani near Gopanapalli. “We are going to build eleven such lavish sets to depict the grandeur of Kakatiyas,” Gunasekhar said. Incidentally, Rudramadevi is being touted as India’s first historical drama film to be shot in 3D. Several German technicians are going to work on the film and Gunasekhar has even decided to use their expertise on the field throughout the film’s shooting. Ajay Vincent is the cinematographer and Neeta Lulla, award winning costume designer who had designed costumes of Jodha Akbar, is part of the team. Ilayaraja has scored the music for this epic film.

Madhubala makes a comeback

ooks like it’s the season of major comebacks. Recently, yesteryear actress Nadia made her comeback in Telugu as Prabhas’ mother in Mirchi and now we hear that Madhubala is going to play an important role in Sumanth Ashwin’s upcoming film. Madhubala became a heartthrob in South in the early 90s after she acted in Mani Ratnam’s Roja, Shankar’s Gentleman and K Raghavendra Rao’s Allari Priyudu. However, she soon took a long break from her career and had been living in Mumbai all these years with her family. Madhubala is going to play Sumanth Ashwin’s mother in a film titled Anthaku Mundhu..Aa Taruvathaa. The film is going to be directed by Indraganti Mohankrishna and it’s going to go on the floors later this year.

CINEMA SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013

Devgn in demand for film on land grab

ndian cinema had always enjoyed linkages with literature, says Abhishek Kapoor, citing the Apu Trilogy and Guide. The "glorification of mediocrity" impeded this creativity, but the trend is back, says the actor-turned-director, who has adapted The 3 Mistakes of My Life into the hit movie Kai Po Che. Out of the three films that you have directed so far, Kai Po Che! was the first one based upon a book. Was it challenging? Cinema speaks a different language from literature. That's why adaptation is a skill-blending the art and the science of writing the narrative. The visual imagery is the easier part. Exercising economy of characters and situations while retaining the essence, and then adding further flourishes in terms of layers to embellish the flow, was the tough part. No pain, no gain. All credit to the writing team for retaining their tenacity and good humour during the process.

irector Vivek Agnihotri is keen to work with Ajay Devgn in Awwal, a satire on land acquisition. “I have a wish list for Awwal. I want to work with Ajay Devgn. I need an entertainer, a big star as this is a big film. I feel Ajay will be suitable for the film. He can seriously carry a comic role,” Agnihotri said in an interview. The film will go on floors next year. Currently, Agnihotri is looking forward to the release of his socio-political drama PTI Freedom.

Most of the Oscar-nominated works are inspired by literary work. India is rich in literature, but very few filmmakers take the initiative. Why's this so? Indian cinema has always enjoyed linkages with our literature. The grand masters like Satyajit Ray, Bimal Roy, Vijay Anand , among others, married the two mediums with remarkable soul and pride. But our popular leaning towards god-like figures, who induce hero-worship, spawned a subsequent culture of heroics on cinema that transcended reality and became lifeforms of their own.

My son is ready to enter films: Sunny Deol A

ctor Sunny Deol says his son Kunal, who is making his debut as an assistant director with Yamla Pagla Deewana 2, is ready to make his Bollywood debut as an actor. The 56-year-old said that his son is reading through some scripts and is waiting for the right opportunity. “He is soon going to work in films. He has done a few courses in acting. He has assisted the director in YPD, he raps, he writes. I tell him that there are no shortcuts to success,” says Sunny, who was in Delhi PTI to promote YPD2.

Indian cinema back to adapting classic writings:

Abhishek Kapoor

When you made Rock On!!, the film got attention because successful director Farhan Akhtar was making his debut in it, and Kai Po Che! was promoted as Chetan Bhagat's book's adaptation. Do you feel any identity crisis? None at all. This is the kind of stuff non-spiritual beings may feel like, but I crossed that bridge a long time ago having raised from my early failures. People can take away your credit, but they can't take away your talent. A director's work is a director's work after all in all its uniqueness. There's more to me than meets the "I", and I would like to keep it that way. All the world needs to know about me is best expressed through the work I do. What about acting again? My doors are open. Let's see who knocks first. With my life trajectory, I feel I am equipped to deliver with substance and depth. I've been reviewing a few scripts; let's wait to see what comes out of this process. IANS

CINEMA SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013

Working with family is always fun

Hope to share screen space with

ollywood actor Bobby Deol, busy promoting his forthcoming film, Sangeeth Sivan's comedy drama Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 (YPD)— a sequel to the original, says working with father Dharmendra gives him a chance to be friends with him. "It's always fun working with the family. It gives me a chance to be friends with dad. Otherwise, we share a typical father-son relationship. Since it's a comedy film, we get a chance to make fun of each other, crack jokes on the set or have a friendly conversation," Bobby said. The 46-year-old last worked with Dharmendra and brother Sunny in Yamla Pagla Deewana (2011) and Apne (2007). The actor who has performed in hits like Barsaat, Gupt and Ajnabee said that because he was the youngest in the family, he always got away with things easily. "We were in England for three months for the shoot of YPD. Dad and Sunny were coordinating and managing most of the things. I didn't have to worry much. I have always been pampered by everyone at home," he IANS said.

SRK one more time: Hrishitaa H

rishitaa Bhatt, who did a small role opposite superstar Shah Rukh Khan in Asoka, wants to share screen space with him one more time. "I really hope so, because Shah Rukh has been one of my favourite actors, co-star, a wonderful human being. I think he will always be my favourite and I would surely want to share screen space one more time with him," the 31year-old said Friday at the

fashion show Shahnaai. Meanwhile, the actress confesses she has always dreamt of becoming a pilot and hopes to learn flying soon. "Being a pilot is still on my mind and I have a lot of time and age on my side. With the grace of god I should surely learn to fly," said Hrishitaa. Hrishitaa has featured in films like Dil Vil Pyar Vyar, Shararat, Out of Control, Haasil, and Charas: A Joint IANS Operation.

Yami Gautam inks a new deal Y

ami Gautam has singed a new endorsement deal and she’s going to be the brand ambassador of Cornetto ice-cream. “It’s fun to be associated with a brand,which m sure we all have loved since our childhood (sic),” Yami Gautam posted on Twitter. The

brand was previously endorsed by Shruti Haasan. Yami Gautam is currently in London where she’s shooting for E Niwas’ upcoming film Aman Ki Aasha. Ali Zafar is playing the lead role. Yami will also be seen in couple of Telugu films Gauravam and Courier Boy Kalyan.

The Old Chashme Buddoor still charms

eteran actress Deepti Naval, who is all set to release the digitally restored version of the original Chashme Buddoor has never felt that the film faded away from the viewers' mind. "I feel that the old Chashme Buddoor never died down. People have gone on watching it as it's repeatedly shown on TV. It never died out," she said at the launch of the promo of the restored film Friday. Excited to see the fresh print, she said: "It is rare that a film gets restored. It has

brought all of us together once again." Directed by Sai Paranjpye, the 1981 buddy film also had Farooque Shaikh, Rakesh Bedi and Ravi Baswani, among others. Talking about her memories of shooting the film, she said she never felt they were "shooting" or "acting". "I just remembered that we used to have fun... we were in such a comfort zone with each other. I didn't even know the ABC of acting at that time. But no one made me feel that I was just one-film-old," she IANS added.

CINEMA SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013

wayne Johnson had nothing but great things to say about co-star Channing Tatum at the GI Joe: Retaliation premiere last night in Los Angeles. The Rock— who plays the Joes' second in command, Roadblock, in the upcoming blockbuster— told E! News that the 32-year-old thesp more than deserved the honour of being named People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive. “Channing's like a brother to me. I love him. I'm so happy for his success. He's very sexy by the way, according to People magazine,” said the 40-year-old prowrestling legend turned Hollywood star. As for himself ? “I’m confident in my manhood,” Johnson added.

DWAYNE JOHNSON

PRAISES CHANNING TATUM

Scorsese to make 'Gangs of New York' TV series

egendary US filmmaker Martin Scorsese is to make a television series of Gangs of New York, the epic story he brought to the big screen in an Oscar-nominated 2002 movie. Scorsese is teaming up with

film and TV studio Miramax to make the small screen series, about fighting between newly-arrived Irish immigrants and local ‘natives’ in New York at the turn of the 20th century. Scorsese made the film — which

was nominated for 10 Oscars including best picture, best director and best actor for Daniel Day-Lewis — after reading the book of the same name by Herbert Asbury. “He had always envisioned this story to be an

American epic and will now get to see it more fully realised,” said a joint statement by Miramax and Scorsese. The filmmaker added: “This time and era of America's history and heritage is rich with characters and stories that we could not fully explore in a twohour film. A television series allows us the time and creative freedom to bring this colourful world to life. I am excited to partner with Miramax in telling these stories,” added Scorsese. The film focused on rival gangs in New York in the mid to late 1800s. The series will draw on events surrounding gangs at the turn of the 20th century and shortly thereafter not only in New York, but also in other cities such as Chicago and New Orleans, as well as the birth of organised crime in America, the joint statement said. Miramax chairman Richard Nanula praised Scorsese's filmmaking skills. “His dedication to quality and the art of storytelling continues to excite everyone that works with him and watches his films and television programs. We could not think of a better partner for this project than the creator of the wonderful film on which it is based,” he said, according to industry journal Variety. Gangs of New York grossed $77.8 million in the United States and another $116 million worldwide. Despite being nominated in 10 categories, it disappointingly AFP won no Academy Awards.

Marvel To Issue China-Only ‘Iron Man 3’ Version T he big news today is that Marvel Studios is releasing two versions of Iron Man 3. The Chinese version is destined to be a hot collectors’ item while fanboys will have a field day dissecting every frame that’s different from the Hollywood version of the Robert

Downey Jr film. This third installment of the billiondollar franchise is scheduled to be released in the US and China on May 3, 2013. It will be distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures in almost all territories worldwide except

China where it will be distributed by Chinese distributor Dmg Entertainment. Here’s the statement: Marvel Studios and Dmg announced that a Chinese version of Iron Man 3 will be released in China on a date to be announced in the near future.

CHAI TIME SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013

SUNDAY CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Bauxite giant 6 Larceny 11 Daunt 16 Many spouses 21 Feasts with poi 22 Broadcast again 23 Behavior pattern 24 Raise spirits 25 — cotta 26 Emcee’s remarks 27 Pass, as a bill 28 Raj headquarters 29 Way back when 30 Trim the tree 32 Grassy areas 34 Mo. with no holidays 36 Part of ITT 37 Breaks in 39 Sharif and Khayyam 41 Paid informants 43 Aromatic woods 45 Filly’s footfalls 47 Prepare dough 49 Chooser’s word 51 Value 54 “Star Wars” honcho 55 Sigh loudly 56 Carry on 60 Voice regret 61 Parcel out 62 Andes ruminant 64 Where tigers pace 65 Pop singer — Mann 66 Where Asia begins 67 Bops on the head 68 Moving about 70 Give — — rest! 71 Changes the length 73 Hymn singers 74 Most reticent 75 File folder label 77 Pale-green moth 78 Shore show on FOX 79 Forces 80 Musical drama 82 100 kopecks 83 Swiss miss 84 Endurance 87 Life-jacket stuffing 88 Grade 89 Bohemian 93 Heavy-duty envelope 94 Romero or Chavez 95 Most peeved 97 Suffix for “forfeit” 98 City near Syracuse 99 Running mates 100 First-magnitude star 101 Inventor — Howe 103 Sleep phenom 104 Ruffled 106 Gave in, slangily 107 Without delay (2 wds.) 108 Keg-party site 110 Wide sts. 111 Tunnel makers 112 Wakes up 113 Petal extract 115 Femme fatale 116 Wall covering 117 Place for a frog 120 Bond statistic 122 Great embarrassment 124 Unkempt one

128 Want-ad letters 129 Strong alkali 131 Thick of things 133 In a hostile manner 135 Outcry 136 Gourmet mushroom 138 River or wine 140 Cut at an angle 142 Gather together 144 Moon position 145 Prospectors’ dreams 146 Outboard motor locale 147 Squander 148 More clearheaded 149 Discharge 150 Desperado’s fear 151 Minimum DOWN 1 Bachelor’s last stop 2 “Hasta —!” 3 Imitation chocolate 4 Not just my 5 Cousin of PDQ 6 Be victorious 7 Salon tints 8 Cafe customer 9 Balsam — 10 Priam was its king 11 Himalayan guides

12 Outspoken 13 Humiliate 14 Rocker — Ocasek 15 Sundance Kid’s girl 16 Jams in tightly 17 Fiesta cheer 18 Republic near Italy 19 Clear sky 20 Sedaka and Diamond 31 Branch, often 33 What a standee would like (2 wds.) 35 Storrs coll. 38 Landslide debris 40 Pirate flag emblems 42 Thickset 44 Berlin article 46 Eye enhancer 48 Two-stripers 50 Herr’s dwelling 51 Collect, as luggage 52 Cuba neighbor 53 Peel and Bovary 54 Burro alternative 55 Fresh-tasting 57 Montezuma subject 58 Rock music, to some 59 Legal wrongs 61 Hippodrome 62 Curtain material 63 Oohed and —

66 Lieutenant under Kirk 67 Seal the tub 69 Where Damascus is 72 Helen, in Madrid 73 Cabinet post 74 Growing mediums 76 Kind of relief 78 Cocoon dwellers 79 “People” person 81 Kebab bed 82 Harsh-sounding 83 Put on the payroll 84 Blue toon 85 Spud 86 Jung’s inner self 87 Dirigible bottoms 88 Sharpens 90 Archaeological sites 91 Copy a drawing 92 Toadies’ responses 94 Appetizer stick 95 Frequent dice rolls 96 Wyoming range 99 Brando’s “— Zapata!” 100 Cartoon chipmunk 102 Oafs 105 Tattered 106 Firewood quantities 107 Prospero’s servant 109 Chinese “way” 111 Blandest

126 Supplants 112 Pooh’s creator 127 Attack on all sides 114 More lofty 130 Perry’s penner 115 Trawler nets 132 Recipe amt. 116 Indiana five 134 Sailing vessel 117 Office subs 137 Vane dir. 118 Ruckus (hyph.) 139 Keep it all 119 Broadcasted again 141 DDE’s command 121 Ammonia compound 143 Sultry — West 123 Honey factories 125 Buddhist sacred city PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

CHAI TIME SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013

STAR POWER Date 1-4-2013

As per Hindu panchang

THIRUVAIKUMAR

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

TAURUS

GEMINI

Financial position will be more than satisfactory. Those in search of new jobs will get favorable news soon. Sudden journey and more expenses are likely to make you upset.

Misunderstanding with blood relatives and expenses due to children might make you upset. Employees will get recognition for their sincere and hard work.

Vehicle which was giving trouble on a continuous basis will be exchanged with a new one. Govt. works are likely to end favorably without any delay. You will take bold and wise decisions.

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

Misunderstanding with blood relatives are likely to disappear. Treat your mother with due respect and accept her good suggestions, else there are chance of misunderstanding.

Some have bright chance to buy a house of their own taste. Some are likely to leave for abroad for accepting a prosperous job. Marriage talks will progress well and end successfully.

Your stock is set to pile up. Works which were held up due to some reasons will resume and now and get completed successfully. Financial position will be comfortable.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

Your expenses are likely to go up but they will be only towards performing good events at home only. Sudden journey is likely to be undertaken. Self confidence levels are high.

Health problem and minor hurdles are likely in the works undertaken. Long pending wishes will get fulfilled. Money you loaned will be returned which will enhance your financial position.

Govt. works will end with a delay. Your creativity will increase. Friends and relatives who were against you will realize their mistake and come back to your fold.

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Your shrewd approach will attract many. Administrative capacities also are likely to be appreciated by everyone at the workplace. Businessmen are likely to get Govt. sops.

You will succeed in selling the old plot for expected price to purchase a new house. Avoid having inferiority complex and work with a confidence to achieve success all around.

Avoid interfering or advising others in their personal affairs as you will land in trouble. Businessmen are advised to be careful before making any new investments or signing new contracts.

ARIES

Nine of Swords Nightmares, restless sleep and anxiety are all taking a toll on you. You feel scared and unsure of what's to come. Talk to someone about it.

SUMAA TEKUR

tarotreadhyd@gmail. com

TAURUS

Three of Cups - All of your hard work is paying off. You may just have to wait a little longer to truly get what you deserve. Enjoy this time.

GEMINI

The Empress - There are no rules on how you should lead your life. Yet, you get the strong feeling that going to a self-help book or consultant will help.

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

The Moon - Mood swings are likely today. You feel strangely upbeat one minute and very low the very second minute. Just stay with it.

Ten of Wands - You feel burdened by your own expectations. You have set very high standards for yourself and it hurts that it's difficult to meet them.

Judgment - The time has come for all your hard work to be recognised. You will get your due very shortly. A complete U-turn on a decision is likely.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

Five of Cups - Some loss is indicated. It may be that you held someone in very high esteem and they have let you down by exposing their chinks.

Knight of Pentacles Money's on your mind. You want to focus mainly on making more money. It gives you a goal, but it may not make you very happy.

Five of Swords - You are in conflict with your inner self. You feel deeply about a principle and yet you cannot let go of your ego. Something's got to give.

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Nine of Pentacles Don't ignore aches and pains, even if they don't come in the way of your daily work. Consult a doctor. You never know what it might be.

Eight of Swords Your intellectual capabilities are heightened and you feel as though you are thinking fast and people are finding it difficult to keep up.

Ace of Pentacles There are times when you feel disconnected with the work that you do - simply because you're looking at it purely from the monetary angle.

NON SEQUITUR PEARLS BEFORE SWINE POOCH CAFE

STRIP TEASE

AGNES

ARIES

TAROT READ Date 1-4-2013

Now what do we tell them for Christmas? An elderly man in Phoenix calls his son in New York and says, "I hate to ruin your day, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are getting divorced; forty-five years of misery is enough. "Pop, what are you talking about?" the son screams. "We can't stand the sight of each other any longer," the old man says. "We're sick of each other, and I'm sick of talking about this, so you call your sister in Chicago and tell her," and he hangs up. Frantic, the son calls his sister, who explodes on the phone. "Like heck they're getting

divorced," she shouts, "I'll take care of this." She calls her dad immediately, and screams at the old man, "You are NOT getting divorced. Don't do a single thing until I get there. I'm calling my brother back, and we'll both be there tomorrow. Until then, don't do a thing, DO YOU HEAR ME?" and hangs up. The old man hangs up his phone and turns to his wife. "Okay," he says, "They're coming for Thanksgiving and paying their own fares ... Now what do we tell them for Christmas?

Vol: 2, No 254 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, MARCH 31, 2013

Red carpet not Lawrence's comfort zone A

ctress Jennifer Lawrence does not feel very confident when she walks the red carpet. “I am afraid I’m going to go my whole life being scared like a chihuahua,” dailystar.co.uk quoted Lawrence as saying. “It’s not my comfort zone. When you put me on a red carpet or on a stage, I turn into chihuahua Jennifer,” she added. The 22-year-old had tripped at the 85th Academy Awards this year when she was on her way to receive the award for best actress for her performance in Silver Linings Playbook.

IANS

Swift to star in sitcom

Gerard Butler took world trip to beat stress

ctor Gerard Butler says he felt so stressed out after filming his new movie Olympus Has Fallen that he stepped out of the spotlight and embarked on a round-the-world trip.

The 43-year-old actor said the pressure of producing and acting in the thriller got too much for him, and he felt overwhelmed, reported Daily Star. “I have to tell you that sometimes, when you are producing

and you feel that weight, it’s tough. A couple of people were reminding me while we were in the middle of making it of how crazy I got. I would go, ‘Oh yeah, so I did’,” he said. “I’ve been making Olympus

for a long time, so I thought it was time for a break. I decided to travel. In the past six or seven weeks, I have been to Scotland, England, Italy, Switzerland, Thailand, Mexico, Columbia— all for different rea-

inger Taylor Swift will reportedly star in television show New Girl.Swift, 23, will be seen in scenes with Zooey Deschanel’s character Jess as Season two draws to a close. The star will be on the set next week to shoot her part, according to Entertainment Weekly. Taylor will play a character called Elaine as an important guest at Jess’ best friend Cece’s wedding. This is not the first time that the singer will be seen acting. She was a part of the 2010 movie Valentine's Day, in which she had teamed up with Taylor IANS Lautner.

sons... But, mostly for travelling, just going to places and seeing friends... But, the real highlight for me was in Thailand, becoming a monk. I was hiding out in temples a PTI lot,” Butler said.

SPORTS SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013

Siem eyes maiden Masters

Mavericks go past the Bulls

Ishida knocked-out

ermany's Marcel Siem extended his Trophee Hassan II lead to four shots on Saturday as a third round 69 also kept alive his hopes of making a maiden Masters appearance. The 32-year-old Siem, who needs to win on Sunday to climb into the world's top 50 and earn a ticket to Augusta, finished the day on 15 under par, a round boosted by four birdies in six holes around the turn at the Golf du Palais Royal.

irk Nowitzki scored the go-ahead three pointer with 2.9 seconds remaining to lift the Dallas Mavericks to a 100-98 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Saturday. Nowitzki scored a season-high 35 points on 14-of-17 shooting from the field for the Mavericks, who closed the match on a 15-1 run. Nowitzki, who shot five-of-six from beyond the arc, scored Dallas' final eight points. "We came back from double-digit deficits three times," Rick Carlisle said.

apan's Nobuhiro Ishida was knocked out in the third round of his WBA middleweight title fight against Gennady Golovkin of Kazakhstan on Saturday. Ishida, 37, suffered his ninth career defeat while defending champion Golovkin, seven years the Osaka fighter's junior, celebrated his 26th win and 23rd by knockout. The damage was done courtesy of a huge right hand in the third round of the scheduled 12 as Ishida suffered a third straight loss.

‘Mercedes can challenge Red Bull’ Hamilton believes Mercedes is Red Bull’s closest challenger, and are capable of mounting a sustained bid for F1 glory.

LONDON: Lewis Hamilton

believes his Mercedes team is now Red Bull’s closest challenger and will be capable of mounting a sustained bid for Formula One glory this year. In the wake of last weekend’s Malaysian Grand Prix in which champions Red Bull were split by Sebastian Vettel’s decision to ignore team orders and pass team-mate Mark Webber to win, the 2008 champion has pointed to the potential of his outfit. In the same race, Hamilton’s team-mate and friend Nico Rosberg was asked to finish fourth behind him and obeyed. Hamilton said: “We are the second best team... To be that close - I was competing with the Red Bulls at some stages in the race - and to be in that position is a great feeling.”

Dhoni talks about pressure with bikers MS Dhoni shared his mantra of handling pressure with his Supersport team riders Kenan Sofuoglu and Fabien Foret. GREATER NOIDA: India cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni shared his mantra of handling pressure with his Supersport team riders Kenan Sofuoglu and Fabien Foret, asking them not to worry about results. Sofuoglu and Foret met Dhoni, the owner of the Mahi Racing Team India, yesterday and had a first look at the Buddh International Circuit today, where they will compete in the season-finale in November. They were driven around the BIC track as competition rules do not permit them to ride on the track they would race in the season. Dhoni, who had formed Mahi Racing Team India in 2012, spent over three hours with his two riders, talking about bikes, strategy to win races and cricket. The two riders were surprised by Indian cricket skipper’s knowledge about bikes. “I follow the progress of the

team very keenly and want to see more and more Indian youths take to Superbikes in the future,” said Dhoni. Sofuoglu was extremely happy with the meeting. “It was a great evening. We were supposed to meet for about 15 minutes but once we got talk-

ing about bikes, strategy to win races and of course cricket, time just flew,” said Sofuoglu after their meeting with Dhoni. While the talk between Dhoni and the two riders revolved mostly around the racing team, the Indian captain also explained them the nuances of cricket and even how bats are manufactured and how the players test them. Foret, who is a Frenchman and hasn’t followed cricket before, said that more than the technical details of cricket we were keen to know how cricketers, and especially Dhoni, handle the pressure of expectations. “He explained to us how he follows his passion of playing cricket and not get baulked down by the pressure of getting results,” said Foret adding that he and Sofuoglu have started following a bit of cricket after their last meeting with Dhoni during PTI the team launch.

He said that the result might have been different if Mercedes had not been forced to save fuel for most of the contest. “Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough fuel in the car, more so my side,” he added. “I was fuel-saving from lap 25 and it was very much an impossible task to challenge those up ahead. “I was fuel saving at the end like you would not believe: I was coasting everywhere. I’m sure if we were all on the same fuel it would have been a different situation, so I’m confident about that.” Hamilton thinks the form shown by Mercedes is proof that the team is now in a position to win races. “Definitely,” he said. “I think this (Malaysia) proves that if we keep going in the direction we are heading, then there’s a possi-

bility that we could win a race at some stage this year.” While Hamilton was full of optimism, Rosberg was praised by the team’s new motorsport boss Toto Wolff for setting aside his personal interests for the good of the team. “As a racing driver, deep inside him (Rosberg) is not happy about it,” said Wolff. “But he understands why that call was made. We are all grown ups and they are grown up. “They are professional sportsmen and they understand that sometimes there can be a certain controversy in a certain situation. “Obviously as a race driver you are not happy because you could have gone faster, but you also have to bear in mind that it is about the team also, and where the team came from. AFP

Tanmay named captain HYDERABAD: Tanmay Agarwal has been named the captain for the under-19 team (blue) for the selections to be conducted by the Hyderabad Cricket Association from 7-12 April. Squad: Tanmay Agarwal(

Captain), Abhishek Ashok, Mallikarjun, Chaitanya Krioshna, Yatin Reddy, K.S.K. Chaitanya (wk), C.V.Milind, Yeshwanth Reddy, Vidharth, Charan Sai Teja, Shaikh Saleem Pasha, Bhargava Rayudu.

Depleted Rockets beat Clippers HOUSTON, TEXAS: The Houston Rockets shrugged off the absence of leading scorer James Harden to post a 98-81 NBA victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday. Omer Asik had a doubledouble with 13 points and 12 rebounds with point guard Jeremy Lin, forward Chandler Parsons and reserve guard Francisco Garcia chipping in 15 points apiece as Houston snapped a five-game skid against the Clippers. The all-around offensive effort saw the Rockets overcome the absence of Harden, who sat out the contest with soreness in his right foot, which has bothered him intermittently for several weeks.

Carlos Delfino added 11 points for the Rockets, who insured the Clippers would wait at least one more game for a club-record 50th win of the season. Chris Paul led the Clippers with 19 points. Jamal Crawford added 15 and Blake Griffin scored 12. The Rockets, seventh in the Western Conference and determined to strengthen their hold on a playoff spot, were in control throughout against the Pacific Division-leading Clippers, who are assured of a playoff spot. The Rockets led 55-50 at halftime, and pulled away from the Clippers as they outscored Los Angeles 30-13 in AFP the third quarter.

SPORTS SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013

Serena records sixth title Serena Williams rallied to defeat Maria Sharapova 4-6, 6-3, 6-0 in the WTA Miami final, winning the event for a record sixth time to claim her 48th career tour title.

Serena Williams of the USA poses with the winners trophy at Crandon Park beach after defeating Maria Sharapova of Russia after the Womens Final match of the Sony Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center on Saturday in Key Biscayne, Florida. AFP/ AL BELLO

MIAMI: World No. 1 Serena Williams rallied to defeat world No. 2 Maria Sharapova 4-6, 6-3, 6-0 on Saturday in the WTA Miami final, winning the event for a record sixth time to claim her 48th career tour title. Williams, who had shared the all-time Miami women’s title mark with Steffi Graf, won the last 10 games in adding to a trophy haul that included crowns in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007 and 2008 and runner-up efforts in 1999 and 2009. “It’s so good to win number six,” Williams said. “Start of the tournament, I definitely didn’t feel like I would be here, not with the way I was playing. But it definitely feels good to go through everything.” It was the 11th match victory in a row for Williams over Sharapova, coming in their first meeting as the top two players in the world rankings, and gave the 31-year-old American a 12-2 edge in their all-time rivalry. “She definitely pushed me,” Williams said. “I definitely look forward to our next matches.” Sharapova took a set off Williams for the first time since 2008 and was up a break in the second set before the reigning Olympic, Wimbledon and US Open champion roared back to break the Russian in her last five service games. “I certainly put myself in a much better position today,” Sharapova said. “I had my chances. There’s no reason why I couldn’t win the match. I was playing, not well enough to win the match, obviously, but it was a step in the

Finalists pleased ahead of French Open MIAMI: Maria Sharapova is pleased with the state of her game as she prepares to begin her clay-court preparations for defending the French Open title, even though the Russian star still has no title at Miami. World No. 2 Sharapova led by a set and a break before world No. 1 Serena Williams battled back, capturing the final 10 games on her way to a 4-6, 6-3, 6-0 victory in Saturday’s WTA Miami hardcourt final. Williams has beaten Sharapova 11 times in a row and leads their overall rivalry 12-2. But after running off 11 match wins in a row overall before the loss, including a victory at Indian Wells without Williams in the field, Sharapova has greater confidence in her game and her chances to defend at Roland Garros. AFP right direction and there’s no doubt that we’ll be playing many more times. “There’s no doubt I’ll be able to beat her.” Williams became only the fourth woman in the modern era to win the same event six times, joining Graf, Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova.

“I’m happy to be here holding the championship,” Williams said. “It’s definitely not my best tournament but the moments that count is when you can go and do the best you can and still come out on top and always try to improve.” Williams, a 15-time Grand Slam singles champion, also became the oldest women’s champion in Miami history, four months older than Evert when the legend won here in 1986 at 31 years and two months of age. “It’s really cool,” Williams said. “I’m really happy to have something going right now, so it’s exciting.” Sharapova, 25, suffered her fifth championship-match loss at Miami and still looks for her first Miami title after having been denied a 29th career WTA triumph. The $8.5 million hardcourt event, which also includes an ATP Masters tournament, concludes Sunday with Britain’s Andy Murray facing Spaniard David Ferrer in the men’s final. Four-time Grand Slam title winner Sharapova had won 11 matches in a row without dropping a set since losing to Williams in a Doha semi-final, including a title earlier this month at Indian Wells. Sharapova missed a chance to match Graf and Kim Clijsters as the only women to win at Indian Wells and Miami in the same year. “It has been a really nice month,” Sharapova said. “I’m disappointed to end it like this but Serena played a really great match. I’m sure we will be playing a few more times AFP this year.”

Cink, Haas share PGA lead HOUSTON: Rory McIlroy struggled again Saturday, his chance to win and overtake Tiger Woods for World No. 1 dwindling as Americans Stewart Cink and Bill Haas shared the PGA Houston Open lead. Haas fired a five-under par 67 while Cink, who has not won since defeating Tom Watson in a playoff at the 2009 British Open, shot a 68 to stand atop the leaderboard on 11-under 205, both nine strokes ahead of World No. 2 McIlroy. Woods, a 14-time major champion chasing the all-time record of 18 majors won by Jack Nicklaus, won his third event of the year last week at Bay Hill to pass McIlroy and take the top spot in the rankings for the fist time since 2010. McIlroy, who has played only 11 competitive rounds this year, could reclaim the top spot with a victory this week but he only made the cut on the number and

stumbled late on his way to a 71 on Saturday. The Northern Irish standout, a two-time major winner, birdied the par-4 second, the par-3 seventh and par-5 eighth. Another birdie at the 12th had him lurking within reach of the lead pack. But McIlroy followed with bogeys at the par-5 13th and par3 14th and closed with another bogey to finish in a share of 48th, showing no sign of making the astonishing climb it would take for victory on Sunday. Even though he made little headway on the leaderboard, McIlroy was pleased with his round. “I hit the ball really well,” he said. “It’s the best I’ve hit it on the golf course this week. So I take a lot of positives from it. “Obviously the finish wasn’t what I wanted. Just some silly mistakes from rustiness, I guess. I think with a little more com-

Bill Haas makes birdie on the 16th hole during the third round of the Shell Houston Open at the Redstone Golf Club on March 30, 2013 in Humble, Texas. AFP/SCOTT HALLERAN

petitive play, I’ll eradicate that.” McIlroy has made sure he’ll get more play before the Masters by adding next week’s Texas Open in San Antonio to his schedule. He committed to the tournament on Friday afternoon. “I think it’s a good decision, and I’m obviously looking forward to getting a few more rounds under our belt going into Augusta,” he added. Haas did make a move, shrugging off a bogey at the third with a run of three birdies in a row ending at the eighth followed by a birdie-birdie start to the back nine. After a bogey at 13, Haas responded with birdies at the par-3 14th and 16th holes. Cink had back-to-back birdies at the seventh and eighth and again at the 11th and 12th holes and answered his lone stumble of the round, a bogey at the 14th, AFP with a birdie at the 15th.

SPORTS SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013

I’ve learnt my lessons: Trivedi

Chandimal rejects IPL offer

JAIPUR: Rajasthan Royals paceman Sidharth Trivedi today said he has become more watchful after last year’s controversy and admitted that that it has put him under a lot of pressure. A TV Channel through a sting operation had claimed that Trivedi agreed to pass on information about Rajasthan players, who wanted to switch team. “It was unfortunate that I was dragged into such a controversy when I had done nothing wrong. I am thankful to Rajasthan Royals who trusted me and allowed me to continue with them. This incident has made me more watchful. My focus would be on cricket and nothing else. But it is true that such incidents create pressure on you,” said Trivedi, who has been with Rajasthan Royals since first edition of the IPL. Confident of a good showing, Trivedi said

COLOMBO: Dinesh Chandimal, Sri Lanka’s T20 international skipper and has rejected offers to play in IPL’s sixth edition, cricket board sources claimed. Chandimal was not among the 13 Sri Lankan players originally contracted to play in the IPL auction. He is said to have rejected offers from Pune Warriors to fill in the void of the injured Australian captain Michael Clarke and from Delhi Daredevils to replace English batsman Kevin Pietersen, who is also injured. His rejection came amidst controversy over the Sri Lanka players’ participation in the Chennai PTI matches of the IPL.

Muralitharan joins RCB camp BANGALORE: Amidst controversy over Sri Lankan players’ participation in Chennai matches of the IPL,spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan today joined RoyalChallengers Bangalore’s conditioning camp at the National Cricket Academy for the Twenty20 league, starting April 3. The 40year-old off-spinner, who retired from international cricket in 2011, bowled in tandem with left-arm spinner Murali Karthik in the nets. Muralitharan looked unfazed by the controversy and gave some tips to Tamil Nadu lad Karthik during the net session. Muralitharan did not try anything unusual and concentrated on line and length. He surprised some RCB batsmen with his famous doosara. Muralitharan appeared friendly and jovial, making younger team-mates feel comfortable. Mahendra Singh Dhoni look-alike Saurabh Tiwary also joined the training camp, first loosening his muscles and then going in for fielding and catching drills. Later, he sweat it out with his bat in the nets. RCB spearhead Zaheer Khan, who took part in some sprinting yesterday, did not attend the PTI session on Saturday.

they have a well-knit unit. “We have been preparing well. Off late I was shouldered with the responsibility of keeping up the pressure in the middle overs. The death overs were a little bit of problem but we have worked upon it. We have quality bowling in a fit S Sreesanth, Phil Edwards, Shaun Tait and Faullkner. We all gel very well. I had a good domestic season and that would help me in the IPL-6,” he said. Dishant Yagnik praised skipper Rahul Dravid for infusing confidence in the team. “He speaks with everyone and makes all feel that each player was equally important for team. Skipper Rahul Dravid is instrumental in team bonding. He has split us into groups and backs each one of us. He understands our backgrounds and motivates PTI us,” he said.

Cricketers win charity clash NEW DELHI: It was a different ball game altogether when Indian cricketers took on movie stars at the floodlit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in a maiden charity football match here. The cricketers emerged victorious by a scoreline of 4-3 last night but they were given a run for their money by the All Star team led by Abhishek Bachchan. The funds raised from the match went to the Magic Bus Organisation, which works for charity for underprivileged children. Virat Kohli launched the team for his foundation ‘All Heart Football Club’ against the All Stars Football Club. With ‘RK’ emblazoned on his back and the loudest cheers from the crowd every time he had the ball, the ‘Barfi’ star Ranbir Kapoor stole the show. He dribbled past defenders at ease, outpaced the cricketers, made numerous attempts at goal and capped off his night with a blistering strike from the edge of the penalty box. The only blip was a missed

Ranbir Kapoor (8) and cricketer ManoJ Tiwari (10) vie for the ball during a celebrity football match organised by Virat Kohli charity foundation All heart football club at JLN stadium in New Delhi on Saturday. PTI/VIJAY VERMA penalty, which however he made up for by winning another one for his team. Earlier, the cricketers dressed in

red and black, showed their prowess with the ball at their feat by smashing three goals in the first half. PTI

Fit-again Gambhir set to join KKR team mates today KOLKATA: Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Gautam Gambhir has recovered from jaundice and is set to join the side today, three days ahead of the IPL-six opener against Delhi Daredevils. “He has recovered really fast. He will be fine once he lands in Kolkata tomorrow. He is looking forward to play the first match,” KKR assistant coach Vijay Dahiya said on Saturday. Windies mystery spinner Sunil Narine will also join the squad today. Being the champions, KKR will host the opening ceremony and the final will also be held in Kolkata. “We have earned it (by winning IPL V) for the people of Kolkata. We have set high standards. Having done that, we all are looking forward to doing it again,” Dahiya said. Former Aussie pacer Brett Lee will double up as mentor in absence of Wasim Akram.

KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS SKIPPER GAUTAM GAMBHIR, WHO HAS RECOVERED FROM JAUNDICE, IS SET TO JOIN THE SIDE TODAY

Kolkata: Kolkata Knight Riders’ players during a practice session for the IPL match at Eden Garden in Kolkata on (PTI3_30_2013_000075A) Saturday. PTI Photo by Swapan Mahapatra

“It’s difficult to replace somebody of the stature of Akram. Lee is a fantastic bowler and his first role will be that of a player. Of course his experience will be helpful,” Dahiya said. Meanwhile, Kolkata Police Commissioner Surajit Purkayastha expressed satisfaction after a recce of the stadium. “He was satisfied with the inspection. He suggested that a technical official should be posted near the 17 newly-installed turnstiles at Eden Gardens,” a CAB official said.

SPORTS SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013

Wenger all praise for Gervinho Ed Aarons

LONDON: Arsene Wenger praised Gervinho’s dazzling performance after the Ivorian forward inspired Arsenal’s 4-1 demolition of struggling Reading. Starting for the first time since December 8, the 25year-old scored in the first half at the Emirates Stadium before turning provider after the break for Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud. A Mikel Arteta penalty after Hal Robson-Kanu had pulled one back for the visitors rounded off the win for fifth placed Arsenal to leave them just two points behind Chelsea and four behind Tottenham.

Messi scores, but Barça held Kieran Canning

MADRID: Lionel Messi notched up another goal-scoring record — but Barcelona’s cruise towards a 22nd title was halted when Borja Oubina hit a late equaliser which handed Celta Vigo a deserved 2-2 draw. The visitors were without a number of first-team regulars and were punished for a slow start when Natxo Insa prodded home from close range to put Celta in front seven minutes before halftime. The lead only lasted five minutes though as Messi released Cristian Tello to curl home a fine equaliser and the roles were reversed.

Mancini calls for final flourish MANCHESTER: Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini believes that injuries and international commitments have cost his team their Premier League title, but he is adamant that they will end the campaign in style. A 4-0 victory over Newcastle United provided one of this season’s rare examples of City scaling the heights that won them last season’s league title. The performance coincided with the return of club captain Vincent Kompany. Not only did Kompany help the Premier League’s best defence keep another clean sheet, but he also claimed one of City’s four goals.

Nine-star Bayern on brink One point from their remaining seven matches and the Bavarians will be crowned champions, ending two years of Dortmund domination. BERLIN: Bayern Munich must wait another week before wrapping up the Bundesliga title, but even though the champagne remained on ice, the team were fizzing Saturday as a sparkling showing brought a 9-2 humbling of Hamburg. Second-placed Borussia Dortmund won 2-1 at Stuttgart to delay the inevitable but Bayern rammed home their superiority by swamping a Hamburg side which had surrendered by halftime, at which point the northerners were 5-0 down. One point from their remaining seven matches and the Bavarians — who have managed 10 wins on a roll — will be crowned champions, ending two years of Dortmund domination. Bayern refused to show their one-time great rivals — Hamburg were European champions in 1983 but have since slumped into mediocrity — any mercy after the interval, slamming home another four goals as veteran Peruvian striker Claudio Pizarro helped himself to a personal tally of four. Swiss midfielder Kherdan Shaqiri bagged the first with a precise strike on five minutes before Bastian Schweinsteiger headed home a Shaqiri cross

after 19 minutes. Pizarro then snatched his first from close range on the half hour before a one-two with Arjen Robben saw the Dutch flier make it four on 33 minutes. On the stroke of half-time, Pizarro picked up the pieces after Shaqiri had hit the post to leave Hamburg punch drunk. Eight minutes after the restart, Pizarro was at it again with a neat flick to make it six and he then fed Robben, who gratefully accepted number seven. Thomas Mueller, on for Shaqiri, fed Pizarro for the 34year-old’s fourth, the “Andes Bomber” netting his 164th Bundesliga goal having been given a rare start ahead of the two Marios, Mandzukic and Gomez. That tally made him the 10thhighest scorer in Bundesliga history — overtaking by just two strikes former Bayern star and current chief executive, Karl Heinz Rummenigge. Although Jeffrey Bruma headed in to make it 8-1, Franck Ribery, on for Robben, drove in the hosts’ ninth moments later. With four minutes left Heiko Westermann headed in a second Hamburg consolation.

Everton still in the hunt

LIVERPOOL: Everton remain in the hunt for a Champions League place after a superb solo goal from Kevin Mirallas clinched a 1-0 win over Stoke on Saturday. Thanks to Mirallas’s moment of inspiration in the first half at Goodison Park, David Moyes’ sixth placed team are only four points behind fourth placed Chelsea in the battle to qualify for Europe’s elite club competition. “We’re the big underdogs, we need results to go for us as

well as for us to win our games," Moyes said of Everton’s top four chances. “But we’ve got to play teams above us, so we’re in there and it’s a great thing to say we’re actually having a chance to get into the Champions League. That’s good for us, we deserve to be there for the way we’ve played." After spending much of the season comfortably in midtable, Stoke are now only four points above the relegation

zone. Stoke’s ability to trouble teams from long throws is well documented, but Everton still seemed unprepared as an early panicked clearance fell to Robert Huth. The German’s header was well saved by Tim Howard and Stoke’s luck was out as Jon Walters saw his follow-up come back off the crossbar. Everton appealed in vain for a penalty when Leon Osman’s shot struck Marc Wilson on the arm.

Rafa clings on to hope The loss at St Mary’s allowed Spurs to move above Benitez’s side. SOUTHAMPTON: Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez remains confident his side will finish in the Premier League’s top four and deliver silverware to Stamford Bridge despite their unexpected 2-1 defeat at Southampton. Saturday’s loss at St Mary’s allowed Tottenham Hotspur to move above Benitez’s side into third place, while fifth-place Arsenal’s victory over Reading leaves them just two points adrift of the Blues. With eight league games remaining — seven in the case

of Tottenham — the battle to secure a place in the Champions League is set to intensify. However, for Chelsea, attention immediately turned to

Monday’s FA Cup sixth-round replay with Manchester United and the Europa League tie with Rubin Kazan, which precede a return to league action against Sunderland. And while the demands of the fixture list will stretch Benitez’s squad to the limit the interim manager insists they can deliver success. “Three points would have made things easier, but we have a game in hand," said Benitez. “We have to carry on and concentrate on Monday, then think about Thursday (Rubin Kazan).”

Sun’land sack O’Neill after loss LONDON: Sunderland on Saturday sacked manager Martin O’Neill, just hours after a 1-0 defeat to Premier League leaders Manchester United pushed them closer to the relegation trapdoor. “Sunderland AFC has announced that it has parted company with manager Martin O’Neill this evening," said a club statement. “The club would like to place on record its thanks to Martin and wishes him well for the future. An announcement will be made in the coming days regarding a successor." The 61-year-old Northern Irishman was in charge at the Stadium of Light for just 16 months having succeeded Steve Bruce in December 2011. But Saturday’s home loss to United left Sunderland just two places and only one point above the relegation zone. Sunderland have now gone eight games without a win, picking up just two points in the process. “I’m as buoyant as I’ve always been," said O’Neill in the immediate aftermath of the loss.