Postnoon E-Paper for March 9th 2013 by Scribble Media & Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.

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ON SATURDAY Residents cry foul after the Cantonment Board’s decision to hike water tariff. Slums are expected to be the worst hit this summer. REPORT ON PG 4

IN CITY’S

WATER WARS,

THINGS SET TO GET ‘UGLY’

WEATHER: CLEAR; 30°C

PLEASE

32 PAGES

MARCH 9, 2013 HYDERABAD

DON’T

MUTILATE ME

PG 13

Even as tail docking and ear cropping in dogs get a green light from Madras High Court and the Kennel Club of India, City veterinarians call it a ‘barbaric’ way of cutting off expressivity.

PAGE TWO SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2013

WATER SHORTAGE AT ZOO

French heritage A photographic voyage of French heritage in India with Anay Mann, Gigi Scaria, Rishi Singhal, Serena Chopra, Isabel Saij along with JeanPierre Dubois. Where: Kalakriti Art Gallery, Banjara Hills When: March 16 - 21 11am to 7pm Contact: (040) 6656 4466

Tribal art Muse Art Gallery hosts a first-of-itskind tribal art exhibition featuring art from the Gond tribal community. Where: Muse, Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre When: Up to March 11, 11am onwards

Art for children A workshop is being held for children aged 4-6 years to improve their reading and comprehension skills. Where: Treasure House, Banjara Hills When: : Every Wednesday and Friday, up to March 29 Contact: (040) 2355 0118

Easter goodies Hot cross buns, Easter Bunnies, and Easter chocolates are part of the special Easter menu. Where: Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre When: March 25-31

BLU celebrates Women A Women’s Day special Sunday brunch. Where: Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Banjara Hills When: March 10

French classical week Dishes like tournedos rossini, wenier schnitzel, saltimbocca, ossobucco, cordon bleu, a la cheval and diane will be served. Where: Celeste, Taj Faluknama, Engine Bowli When: Up to March 10 Contact: (040) 6629 8585

Imany World music — jazz and soul. Where: Hyderabad International Convention Centre Novotel & HICC complex Near Hitec City When: March 15 Contact: (040) 2355 4486

Pochampally mela There is a 10-day handloom products exhibition. Exclusive handloom products like hand-made bed and home linen, dress materials, silk and cotton saris will be on display.

CINEMAS

Where: YMCA, beside Narayanguda police station When: Up to March 10

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, 10am to 10pm Contact: (040) 3100 2959

The Justice Verma report To bring clarity to the public regarding Verma report on rape laws, Vasudha Nagaraj will give a lecture. Where: Goethe-Zentrum, 20 Journalist Colony, Road no. 3, Banjara Hills When: March 13, 6pm onwards Contact: (040) 2335 0443

German movie night German film Sophie Scholl — The final days will be screened, as part of the Women’s March, with English subtitles. The film was directed by Marc Rothemund. Where: Goethe-Zentrum Hyderabad When: March 12, 6pm onwards Contact: (040) 2335 0443

Women in Public Spaces Group photography exhibition on

‘Women in Public Spaces.’ Where: Goethe-Zentrum, When: March 15-24, 9.30am to 5.30pm Contact: (040) 2335 0443

Katharsis in Forbidden Zones Paintings, sculptures, installation and performance by Dimple B Shah, as part of Women’s March 2013. Where: Kalakriti Art Gallery, Road no 10, Banjara Hills When: Up to March 13, 11am to 7pm Contact: (040) 2355 4485

DocuSplash! Barf, 1997 & Sita's Family, 2002, Delhi Mumbai Delhi, 2006 and Naach, 2008, will be screened. Where: Goethe-Zentrum, When: March 24, 11am onwards Contact: gothe.de/hyderabad

A body that will speak Lamakaan is showcasing films on gender activism or films made by women film makers. This film was made by Sukanya Sen and Pawas Bisht. Where: Lamakaan, Lane Adjacent to CBay, Opposite GVKOne, Road No 1, Banjara Hills

When: March 10, 7pm onwards Contact: 96427 31329

Listening post The listening post is about women who had to struggle in the field of music in the early years of jazz. It also takes a look at women who made it big in jazz. Where: Lamakaan When: March 10, 4pm onwards Contact: 96427 31329

Girl getaway package Tower Club at lebua is a five star executive all-suites, all-club hotel in Bangkok. ‘Lavish Luxury package’ offers a minimum of two nights at lebua’s Tower Club suite. Where: State Tower, Bangrak, Bangkok When: Valid till March 31 Contact: www.lebua.com

Tata Crucible Campus Quiz 2013 Hyderabad regional round is on Sunday (`75,000 and `5 lakh for regional winner and national winners respectively). The quiz will be held at 30 cities across India. Where: Taj Deccan, Banjara Hills When: March 10, Registration: 1pm Prize distribution: 4pm

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 SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2013

Bomb hoax from college

Burglary at RR Nagar

fter the twin blasts, police continue to receive false alerts. A bomb hoax was received from an engineering collage at Kandlakoya village, Medchal, from an anonymous person on Saturday. The police team arrived with sniffer dogs and a bomb squad and searched the entire campus. The information was found to be false and a case has been registered.

ash and five tolas of gold and silver ornaments were stolen from the house of N Krishna Chaitanya, a resident of RR Nagar, Old Bowenpally, on Friday. The inmates had gone out when the burglary took place. They found the lock broken when they returned home. A case has been registered with the police and investigations are on.

Police on tenterhooks

hree anonymous calls about a bomb threat created a flutter in three different places, including Ranga Reddy district court complex in LB Nagar on Friday. However, the calls turned out to be hoax. Earlier, an unidentified woman had created panic with a phone call on Thursday evening saying a powerful explosion would take place in Rajiv Gandhi Airport.

Police push CCTV biz Unwittingly, the police have assumed a new role of speeding up the sales of CCTV cameras in the aftermath of Dilsukhnagar blasts and the City is facing a shortage of the gadget. N SHIVA KUMAR

Mohd SUBHAN

mohd.s@postnoon.com

cloth merchant in Dilsukhnagar, T Ramesh, is willing to swap his ‘sethji’ role for a salaried job if someone is willing to employ him. “Enough of the trouble,” he says, scratching his head. Small retail cloth merchants in the City, who employ five to 10 salespersons, have been lately served a double whammy. On the one hand is the scare created by the blasts and the consequent lack of business, and on the other is the police pressure to set up CCTV, whose cost is to be borne by the merchants. Business has come to a standstill for the last two weeks due to heavy police presence. The Twin Cities have nearly 150 dealers of CCTV cameras,

with 30 distributors and 50 offices, all working to full capacity. “The only business thriving in the City today is that of CCTV,” remarked Rajesh Mouli, a shop owner in Charminar. Mohd Nazeer Ahmed of Masabtank, a camera distribu-

tor, told Postnoon that the City gets cameras from Taiwan, Korea, China and Japan. “Day and night we are supplying cameras that cost between `1400 to `3500, which will cover a radius of up to 20 meters. There are cameras with higher capaci-

ty that costs between `8,000 and `1 lakh.” Nearly 10 to 15 varieties of cameras are available in the market, including local cameras. Abdul Khader Bin Ahmed, a camera service man, said, in one big shop, four cameras are put

up with digital video recording, worth `40,000. “After the blasts we had installed cameras in 20 offices, including the Yadgeer police commissioner’s office and Malakpet petrol pump. Now, schools and colleges too are demanding cameras.” The way police are pushing for CCTV in the pretext of security has given rise to suspicion that the police are getting a ‘cut’ from the business. “Or else, why are they forcing small merchants? How can they bear the extra costs when the market is already down?’ asks a young hardware merchant from Ameerpet. Police are dismissing the charges with disdain. Retired assistant commissioner of police Vazir Khan says cameras are essential today as cops can’t keep an eye on everyone. But the question that remains to be answered is that though cameras are good for tracing a culprits after the disaster, what about preventive measures?

Grandfather held for triple-murder Almost 15 days after the murder of three children at Korvi Ched village, the grandfather of two of the children confessed to the crime and was arrested Wednesday, police said. PIC COURTESY MOHAMMED YAHIYA KHAN

Postnoon News feedback@postnoon.com

hen Busreddy, 70, an agriculturalist, claimed that he was neglected and mentally harassed by his son and daughter-in-law. He said they refused to give him money even for medication. On February 23, Busreddy decided to kill his two grandchildren, Ch Narsimha Reddy, 6, and Mamta, 4. He threw the children in a well in the farm. A neighbour’s son, Mahesh, 4, who was playing with Busreddy’s grandchildren prior to the incident, witnessed the crime. Busreddy drowned him as well, before jumping into the well himself to make it appear like he were saving them. It was initially assumed that

BUSREDDY CLAIMED THAT HE WAS ‘MENTALLY HARASSED’ BY HIS SON AND DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AND DECIDED TO KILL HIS GRANDCHILDREN. THE THIRD VICTIM WAS A 4-YEAR-OLD EYE WITNESS, WHO WAS ALSO DROWNED IN A WELL WITH THE OTHER TWO. the children drowned in an accident. Busreddy was discharged from hospital on March 5. His daughter-in-law, Chandrakala, grew suspicious as he did not seem troubled by the demise of

his grandchildren. She expressed her doubts to her neighbour and Mahesh’s mother, Yadamma, and a complaint was lodged with DSP G Uday Kumar at the Tandur police station. Upon initial interrogation, Busreddy did not reveal anything and was later released. When the villagers started suspecting him too, Busreddy went to the village revenue officer, Venkataiah, and said he felt threatened by the villagers. Venkataiah called the police, who interrogated Busreddy for the second time. Busreddy eventually confessed to his crime. DGP G Uday Kumar said the accused, who was produced before the court on March 7 and sent to prison upon court orders, was arrested a few years ago for the murder of a woman.

CITY SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2013

WATER WOES

Things to get ‘violent, ugly’

Residents cry foul as the Secunderabad Cantonment Board decides to hike the water tariff. Slums get the least priority in water supply and are expected to be worst hit this summer. N SHIVA KUMAR

RAHUL RAMAKRISHNA

rahul.r@postnoon.com

he Secunderabad Cantonment Board’s decision to hike water tariff prices has not gone down well with the residents of the area. They allege that for the scant water supply, they are now being made to pay extra. Residents’ associations and people’s representatives have begun to plan protests. The decision to hike water tariff prices has long been overdue, say Cantonment Board officials. “We run a monthly water bill of `1.06 crore and our revenue stands at a meagre `30 lakh. The last time we had hiked the water tariff in 2008, maintenance charges and power costs for pump houses in Secunderabad shot up. Keeping all this in mind, the decision was taken to hike the water tariff,” says a ward member of the Cantonment Board. The CEO of Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB) S Balakrishna, was unavailable for comment.

Domestic consumers Apartments/buildings For every additional flat Regularisation charges

STATISTICS

Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Board supplies water to SCB. Over 45 lakh gallons of water are supplied to the cantonment every day. The water board had hiked water tariff prices in November 2011, from `6.50 to `13.50 per kiloliter. The water supply is distributed on an

TEXTILE SHOPS SHUT

uneven basis to the 300 residential colonies and the 125 slums situated within the Cantonment Board’s limits. Estimates show that there are over 16,000 legal and 15,000 illegal water connections in the cantonment area.

TARIFF

The revised tariff hikes were

Previous Tariff (in rupees)

Current Tariff (in rupees)

125 1,250 10,000

275 2,815 275 15,000

signed into law on March 5 by a body of elected ward members headed by board president Brigadier Sunil S Bodhe. They will be in effect from April 1.

RESIDENTS

FACE THE HEAT

Krishank Manne, a resident of Marredpally, says, “They should first supply water evenly and

then prove that a water tariff hike is necessary. There is absolutely no logic behind this hike. We will seriously protest this decision soon.” E Nageshwar Rao, resident of Sikh Village, says, “As it is there is scant or zero water supply. What we get is not enough, and to top it all, they have now hiked the prices. How are we expected to overcome this problem? There was no cognitive public opinion taken to hike the tariff in the first place. All our ward members have proved to be sitting ducks, ready to eat from our pockets.” The worst affected will be the slums. And of the 125 slums, Tadbund is going to face a lot of heat this summer. As Postnoon had predicted in its campaign last week, Tadbund continues to be the last in the line for water supply. Raanji Kumar, a resident of Tadbund slum, says, “We have zero water connections and depend on tankers for water once in three days. Our ward members have hiked the tariffs only to skim off money from the top and claim that the board’s expenditure has forced them to do so. Things are only going to get violent and ugly in this slum, this summer.”

Now, it’s BJP’s turn for State-wide campaign Former BJP president M Venkaiah Naidu announced that he will be starting a State-wide campaign, primarily aimed at winning Lok Sabha seats from the State. Md Inkeshaf Ahmed

ahmed.m@postnoon.com

A Textile shops were closed at Madina after the Andhra Pradesh Textile Traders Association called the VAT bandh on Saturday. N SHIVA KUMAR

fter TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu and YSRC president YS Jaganmohan Reddy’s sister YS Sharmila’ padayatra, it’s now the turn of BJP stalwart M Venkaiah Naidu to undertake a State-wide campaign to improve the prospects of the party in the 2014 General Elections. Addressing a press conference here, the former BJP president announced that his Statewide campaign is aimed at primarily winning Lok Sabha seats from the State. The campaign will be undertaken by holding public meetings in all 42 Lok Sabha seats in AP. Naidu

THE CAMPAIGN WILL BE UNDERTAKEN BY HOLDING PUBLIC MEETINGS IN ALL 42 LOK SABHA SEATS IN AP. announced that he would launch his campaign March 16. Stressing on the need to elect BJP to power at the Centre, he called upon the people of the State to vote for the party during the next General Elections. The party, which emerged as a reckoning force after the 1999 General Elections, could not achieve even a single seat in the 2004 and 2009 polls.

CITY SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2013

Students left shortchanged in JNTU tug-o-war With engineering colleges failing to pay dues to JNTU, the apex institution has been holding back provisional certificates, leaving students in the lurch. Lokayukta raps JNTU, wants strong steps

ALEENA ALICE

eanwhile the Lokayukta has stated that the JNTU is the apex institution and the colleges cannot be given the option either to conduct viva voce or send the requisite papers for issuance of provisional certificates at their own whims and fancies. JNTU is directed to take stern steps and if necessary coercive steps also against the defaulting colleges to send the requisite papers enabling the JNTU to distribute the Provisional certificates. A time up to 2-4-2013 has been given to the JNTU to comply with the order.

aleena.t@postnoon.com

fter paying lakhs of rupees for an engineering degree and an MBA not being rewarded with a provisional certificate is surely frustrating. Well, this has been the case of students since a few years who have been passing out of colleges affiliated to JNTU. Recently a complaint was lodged with Lokayukta by a few students against JNTU for not providing certificates to the students on time. JNTU however, states that nearly 100 to 150 colleges have failed to pay the University a common service fee of `26 crore. The JNTU management states that since the past five years colleges have been failing to pay them the fees despite several reminders and now with the audit objections things are blowing out of proportion. “Every year at the time of admission, the college collects `1,500 from students under the common service fee. However, even with the academic year coming to a close, the colleges fail to pay the University despite several official reminders and complaints,” said the registrar of JNTU, Prof Ramana Rao. According to official sources, many top notch colleges in the City have been seeing a lean

intake of students, which is the reason for the shortage of funds. “Since there are so many engineering and MBA colleges, for some of the well established colleges the strength of intake has dropped, so even they are facing a crunch when it comes to repaying the University dues,” said a management member at the University. Meanwhile, the colleges that are affiliated to JNTU blame the State government for delaying the fee reimbursement that is leading to this issue of non-

IN HIGH SPIRITS

payment of dues. “At the time of admission, the State government takes the tuition fee from the students and is supposed to pay it to the college. However, we do not receive the money for nearly six months, and even after that we are given the amount in dribs and drabs. When we do not receive the money, how can we pay the University on time,” questions a principal of a leading engineering college in the City. In the whole process the worse affected are the students,

manage till they are handed their original certificates. To avoid all this, JNTU has now decided not to send the names of the defaulting colleges at the time of counseling during admissions and will also not renew their affiliation with the University. “We do not want to get students into trouble. Hence, we will be removing their names from the list at the time of counseling. Only then will the colleges ensure that they pay the University on time,” added Prof Ramana Rao.

Cong leaders throng Delhi

Fashion designing students celebrate Women’s Day OU campus on M ANIL KUMAR Friday.

who are forced to run from pillar to post to get their provisional certificates. “The university not issuing us the provisional certificates is costing us opportunities for our further education. We cannot apply for competitive exams either,” said Krishna Kumar, a student. If that was not it, the delay in issuing provisional certificates is also leading to a lot of under the table business. Many students, who are in a hurry to apply for jobs, are left with no option but to pay bribes and

nce again New Delhi is besieged by Congress leaders from the State exposing their unabashed clamour for political power. Till recently, the Congress leaders were frequently shuttling between Hyderabad and New Delhi in connection with the Telangana issue. Now they are camping in the national capital to secure party nominations for contesting the upcoming MLC elections. Surprisingly, the Telangana issue has been relegated to the background. Elections for 10 MLC seats, which will fall vacant by monthend, are slated for March 21. The ruling Congress will easily bag five seats under the Assembly

quota and also another four under Governor’s quota. As many as 200 aspirants from the Congress for the five seats are now moving heaven and earth to get party nomination. Even the Union ministers and MPs are using their good offices to get the party tickets for their favourites. Lunch and dinner diplomacies have become the order of the day where the ways and means to pull strings are being worked out. CM N Kiran Kumar Reddy, Deputy CM Damodar Raja Narasimha (pictured) and APCC chief Botsa Satyanarayana too landed in New Delhi on Friday. NSS

NATION SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2013

5 killed in mishap

4 convicted for rape

local court today convicted and sentenced four persons to 10 years in prison for raping a woman two years ago. The court also slapped a fine of `18,000 on the main accused while a penalty of `10,000 was levied on each of the rest. Gulfam Mohammad and Dilshad gave lift to the woman on August 12, 2011, and raped her.

ive 'kanwarias' were killed and five others injured when a speeding truck hit them on the Meerut-Mumbai National Highway in Dholpur district this morning. A group of kanwarias (devotees of Lord Shiva) were walking in a line when the truck hit them from behind, police said. Police, with the help of locals, rushed the kanwarias to a government hospital in Sakatpur village where five of them were declared brought dead.

Three die in LPG explosion

wo children and one of their relatives died tonight after an LPG cylinder exploded in Howrah district, police said. The two siblings Neha and Vishal Yadav, aged between 3 and 5, were in their house in Liluah when the cylinder exploded in the kitchen during cooking. A relative, Ghanshyam Yadav, also died in hospital after sustaining severe burn injuries.

Drug haul: Boxer Ram Singh summoned

Rape convict Bitti Mohanty in custody KANNUR (KER): Bitti Mohanty, the absconding son of former Odisha DGP BB Mohanty, who was sentenced to seven years imprisonment for raping a 26-year-old German national in 2006, has been taken into custody by Kerala Police here. According to police sources, Bitti was working in a public sector bank in the district impersonating as a recruit from Andhra Pradesh. Police were tipped off about the presence of Bitti here after an anonymous letter was received by the bank branch authorities expressing suspicion that the man claiming to be from Andhra Pradesh could be Bitti. What exposed Bitti was that his photo was among the pictures of accused in various sex crimes shown by

television channels and floated on the Internet in the wake of the Delhi gangrape incident, the sources said. Bitti was convicted for raping a German woman at Alwar in Rajasthan in 2006 and had been absconding after his release on parole the same year. Kerala police has intimated Rajasthan Police of the matter. A team of Rajasthan police is expected to arrive here this afternoon to confirm the identity of the absconder, after which the arrest would be recorded, sources said. Former DGP BB Mohanty was suspended for allegedly helping his son jump parole, only to be reinstated by the Odisha government in May 2009. A year later he retired with all benefits â&#x20AC;&#x201D; maintaining that his escaped son might be dead. PTI

Indians at Harvard

Trust is the key: Khar

WASHINGTON: Top Indian politicians, economists and corporate executives will deliver keynote addresses at the two-day Harvard India conference on country's growth story and the way ahead. Ajay Maken, Union minister; Sam Pitroda, advisor to PM; Ashok Alexander, former India country director of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Siddharth Roy Kapur, Disney UTV, CEO are among the invitees who will deliver keynote addresses at the two-day conference.

ISLAMABAD: On the eve of Prime Minister Raja Parvez Ashraf's visit to Ajmer Sharif, Pakistan today said the only way to overcome problems in its relations with India is through "building trust and confidence". Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar spoke about Indo-Pak ties while addressing the passing out ceremony of officers of the Foreign Service. Talking about Pakistan's foreign policy objectives, she said the country has been focussing on improving ties with immediate neighbours.

FATEHGARH SAHIB (PUNJAB): The Punjab police Saturday summoned boxer Ram Singh for questioning in a drug haul case, a police official here said. Ram Singh was undergoing training at the National Institute of Sports in Punjab's Patiala town when he was summoned to Fategarh Sahib for questioning. He had joined the police probe late Friday. The names of boxers Vijender Singh and Ram Singh cropped up after Anoop Singh Kahlon, an NRI, was arrested with 26 kg of heroin in a raid late Thursday. Kahlon told the police that both the boxers were regular clients. Police also found a car registered in Vijender's wife Archana's name outside Khalon's house, from where the drugs were recovered. "This vehicle was used by Ram Singh to drop Vijender at the Chandigarh airport on

Police arrested NRI Anup Singh Kahlon.

PTI

Wednesday. Now we have to find out how this vehicle reached outside the house of an international drug peddler. Ram Singh has admitted that he knew Kahlon, but said he never bought any drugs from him. We will question him today (Saturday)," said a senior official of Punjab police, who did not IANS wish to be named.

WORLD SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2013

9 fishermen killed

ine people died after jumping off a fishing boat that caught fire off South Korea's west coast early Saturday, with efforts underway to rescue one missing crew member, a report said. The 20-ton vessel caught fire off the port city of Gunsan, forcing 11 crew to plunge into freezing sea waters to avoid flames and smoke, Yonhap news agency said.

N Korea stays undaunted

Suu Kyi for unity

orth Korea said Saturday that UN sanctions would only make its nuclear and missile programmes stronger, with the foreign ministry hinting at further nuclear tests to come. The ministry said the latest sanctions had reinforced Pyongyang's status "as a nuclear weapons state.

yanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Saturday called for her once-banned party to unify amid concerns that internal squabbles could undermine its push for power at historic polls in 2015. Suu Kyi urged a revival of the "spirit of fraternity" which saw it build a huge base during iron-fisted junta rule.

n More on the issue on Page 11

Nicolas Maduro takes charge CARACAS: Venezuela's Nicolas

Maduro took over as acting president late Friday in a ceremony rejected by the opposition after a tearful farewell to Hugo Chavez during a rousing state funeral for the firebrand leftist. More than 30 heads of state paid tribute to Chavez as his body lay in state in a flag-covered coffin at a military academy, bringing the curtain down on a 14-year reign that divided his oil-rich nation. "There you are, undefeated, pure, transparent, unique, true, alive forever," Maduro said as his voice rose and cracked in a eulogy that both praised his mentor and railed against his opponents. "Mission accomplished comandante! The struggle goes on," he exclaimed as the guests, ranging from Cuban leader Raul Castro to Hollywood star Sean Penn, applauded in a raucous ceremony filled with music, cheers and chants for Chavez. Maduro was later sworn in as acting president at the National Assembly and named Chavez's son-in-law Jorge Arreaza vice president before urging election authorities to "immediately" convene elections. Maduro donned the presidential sash, his voice breaking as he declared: "Sorry for these tears but this presidency belongs to our comandante." The assembly burst into chants of "Chavez I swear, my vote is for Maduro!" The main opposition coalition boycotted the inauguration, saying that it was unconstitutional. The ceremony set the stage for a bitter election campaign that must be called within

Nicolas Maduro n Born in Caracas in 1962 n Former bus driver who began political career as a trade unionist n Campaigned for Hugo Chavez's release from prison in 1994 n Speaker of the National Assembly from 20052006 n 2006 becomes foreign minister n 2012 appointed vicepresident n Has long-standing ties with Cuba where he trained as a union organiser n Described as a wily operator and a skilled negotiator

The President of the National Assembly, Diosdado Cabello (L) putting the presidential sash on Venezuelan Vice President Nicolas Maduro after he was sworn in as acting President during a ceremony in Caracas, on March 8, 2013. 30 days, five months after Chavez beat a stronger challenger than he had been used to — Henrique Capriles, who will now likely face his former vice president. "Nicolas, nobody elected you president. The people didn't vote for you, kid," Capriles said. The opposition has argued that the constitution calls for the National Assembly speaker to take over as interim leader. Before the political battle began, the state funeral opened with Venezuelan conductor and Los Angeles Philharmonic maestro Gustavo Dudamel leading

There you are, undefeated, pure, transparent, unique, true, alive forever. Nicolas Maduro Acting President

an orchestral rendition of the national anthem. Maduro placed a replica of the golden sword of South American independence hero Simon Bolivar on his mentor's wooden casket and then handed it to his family at the end of the funeral. Presidents Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran and Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus sat next to each other, wiping away tears as a band played one of Chavez's favorite sentimental songs. "We have lost a great leader, a great man," Ahmadinejad said after the ceremony. "Hugo came

from the people and he served the people." Several Latin American leaders, including Cuba's Castro, were invited to stand in an honor guard around the coffin, which was closed and covered in the yellow, blue and red colors of Venezuela. Chavez's body will lie in state for seven more days and officials said it will be embalmed and preserved "like Lenin" to rest in a glass casket in the military barracks where he plotted a failed coup in 1992. Venezuela is giving Chavez a long farewell, with hundreds of thousands of people filing past his open casket nonstop since Wednesday, one day after Chavez lost his twoyear battle with cancer at age 58. AFP

63 people fall ill after Noma meal

Manila keeps hopes high in hostage row

Taliban greets Hagel with blast

YANGON: Danish food safety officials ordered a

MANILA: The Philippines still expects its 21 UN peace-

KABUL: A large suicide bomb exploded outside the

cleanup and better food handling at Noma, one of the world’s top restaurants, after more than 60 people fell ill with viral gastroenteritis from eating at the twostar Michelin eatery that has also hit top spot three times in the world’s best restaurants list in Restaurant magazine. The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration said Friday it had investigated the popular, waterfront restaurant in Copenhagen after complaints from customers who had dined there during a week in February. It was not immediately clear what food had caused the infection. Agency spokesman Morten Lisby described the outbreak that caused vomiting and diarrhea as “massive.”

keepers held hostage in the Golan Heights to be freed despite shelling by Syrian forces that scuttled a handover, a military spokesman said Saturday. A UN convoy that entered the Syrian village of Jamla on Friday to pick up the Filipinos abducted by rebels pulled out when the Syrian army shelled the area, according to a human rights watchdog. Philippine Army spokesman Colonel Randolph Cabangbang said in Manila that the shelling had since stopped and the UN negotiators had resumed planning another arrangement with the rebels for the hostage handover. "After the shelling the two parties (UN and the rebels) resumed coordinating the arrangements for their release," Cabangbang told AFP.

defence ministry in central Kabul during a visit to the Afghan capital on Saturday by new US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. A spokesman for the Afghan defence ministry said that there were civilian casualties but he did not give any further details. "A suicide attacker has detonated himself within 30 metres (100 feet) of the defence ministry gate, there have been casualties among civilians, but defence ministry personnel have not suffered any casualties," Zahir Azimi told AFP. One soldier covered in blood at the scene said he had helped carry five people from the attack site. Gunfire erupted after the loud explosion was heard across the city.

COMMENT SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2013

EDITORIALS ARE WE EQUAL? No, we aren’t Are we equal? That is the question that Judi Dench asks as Daniel Craig saunters into view dressed immaculately as Bond in a drag that’s made on the occasion of the International’s Women’s Day. There cannot be a more powerful statement made. In that powerful voice of the Dame, we get a damning review of the current situation of women in the world. There is improvement; but not much, not enough that we may take a break and sigh looking back at our efforts to get till here. The stats that Dame Dench lists are revealing of the real state of affairs in supposedly one of the better-off places for women in the world. Women still being underpaid than men doing the same job, women losing their jobs when they become pregnant, the huge difference in occupancy of men and women in the higher echelons of the corporate world, lesser women in the key political positions... women being bludgeoned to death by their ex-es, sexual and other forms of harassment that women face... the issues are numerous... We may take relief that things are considerably better in western countries. Imagine how it must be in other parts of the world that are yet to wake up to this infernal disparity between the sexes and do something about it. Let’s not start the namingblaming games, but we all know who we are referring to: despite our strides in science and technology and our better understanding of our natures and mind, there are nations yet that believe that it is right that women be oppressed and remain so as that is the will of the gods. It’s all right for men to be promiscuous but when women cross the line, there’s hell to pay. They must cover their heads, not make eye contact with men, may not roam about in public and must keep themselves cooped up and give birth to children and serve her master. And if she deviates from the path laid out by clerics and bigots, all of them men incapable of understanding women, she would be flogged in public, may turn victims to acid attacks and what not. When this is how the world is, we cannot claim that men and women are equal: that would be the greatest lie ever told.

Saying it like it is Soul Curry SUMAA TEKUR

sn’t it an idea that we fall in love with? And when we come across someone who tantalises our eyes, we attribute all those characters to their physical form and get attached to that idea: A figment of our imagination that we begin to live with, dream and aspire for and build an existence around. One of the top stories this week was that Andrew Mason, the CEO of Groupon, the darling of online social buying, was fired. But as the week went by, what became a bigger story than his being asked to leave was his goodbye letter to his employees. Hailed by many as the best resignation letter ever and critiqued by some as too brutally honest and not in keeping with corporate culture, the letter became the centre of a debate on leadership communication styles. Many leading newspapers and media websites reproduced the letter in full, simply because it was fascinating to read an

honest letter from a company boss. Mason starts his letter like this: “After four and a half intense and wonderful years as CEO of Groupon, I’ve decided that I’d like to spend more time with my family. Just kidding — I was fired today. If you’re wondering why … you haven’ been paying attention.” There’s humour, honesty and authenticity in his letter, which makes it refreshing in an environment where B-schools teach executives to uphold the corporate structure and ensure that all communication protects them and the CEO who is leaving. When a company’s top boss is fired, rarely is it publicly admitted. It is in the interest of both the leaving CEO and the company to stoically maintain that the executive is leaving to “pursue other opportunities” or “spend time with family” or “medical reasons”. It’s interesting how Mason uses that very peg to start his letter and pokes fun at the expected leadership communication style. On the other hand, we have our political leaders in India, including the Gandhi family scion Rahul Gandhi, who hesitates to give media interviews or talk to the masses in the country.

THERE’S HUMOUR,

HONESTY AND AUTHENTICITY IN HIS LETTER, WHICH MAKES IT REFRESHING IN AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE B-SCHOOLS TEACH EXECUTIVES TO UPHOLD THE CORPORATE STRUCTURE AND ENSURE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION PROTECTS THEM AND THE CEO WHO IS LEAVING. I was watching a mid-week TV debate a day after Gandhi’s decision to not marry made national headlines. The TV show panelists tried to decode the mystique and mystery of the Gandhi family. The very reason they’re able to hold on to that mystery is because they communicate so less with the masses. So it’s difficult to tell what their stand is on various issues of social, economic and national importance. While Mason’s honest letter to his employees comes as a breath of fresh air in a corpo-

rate world full of doublespeak, will employees always look up to a leader who is an honest, inspiring and motivating communicator? More importantly, is this enough for a leader to bring out the best in his employees? What employees really want is for their leaders to help them connect with each other to work better within the company. Although communication style matters to a large extent in achieving this, it does not, alone, determine employee mood and performance. Open and honest communication has a refreshing ring to it. It has the ability to take the masks off, get out of the role we’ve been given in the office, even if only for a brief period. But if all communication were this honest and straightforward, would a system function as efficiently? B-schools teach certain communication styles in order to maintain hierarchy, uphold the organisation’s values, respect its structure, and ensure equilibrium. A different communication style ruffles feathers and prompts corporates to work harder at protecting its structure. Perhaps, this didn’t matter to Mason, who found relief in his letter to employees.

COMMENT SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2013

Women who power my world My World SHRADDHA JAHAGIRDAR-SAXENA

VISWAPRASAD RAJU

Urban sketches

Summer

hen the Ides of March arrive, the month brings with it a day that is globally celebrated as International Women’s Day. So celebrated since the beginning of the 20th century, this is one day when the world and its aunt raises a hurrah for women across the globe. Speeches are made, forums are fixed, discussions are aired on how important women are – and who are the special women who have raised the bar and stretched the envelope in their unique ways. Over the years I have interacted with several women from different fields – some known, others far from the limelight. Professionally, time and again, I have through my articles lauded the achievements of women who have powered their lives, surmounting all odds, taking their legacy ahead and making those that loved them proud. In my personal space too there are many such women but most of them would not like to be named and hence in this space am only underlining their importance in my life. And I am sure, that like me, all of you, will have many like these who form the fabric of support that keeps you going. My maternal grandmother,

Shalini, or as her grandkids called her ‘Aji’ was perhaps the first – if I rank in order of seniority – woman who gave my life guidance. Married in her teens to my grandfather, she, though not possessed of a higher degree in education, stood side by side with her husband who rose to become the chief justice of India in the early 1960s. Her elder daughter — my mom — seamlessly juggled her work responsibilities with domestic ones, even though her career as a leading gynaecologist and obstetrician in Mumbai demanded longer and more intense hours of work than we put in even today. She was – and

still is – the emotional rock of my life as she faced all slings and arrows of fortune with a smile. Today, in her 80s she continues to impart her values to me, urging me to be a softer, gentler and better person. Skipping a generation (me) and moving on to a ‘Little Woman’ – my daughter who is my first born and whose arrival changed my life. Today, independent minded, confident of thought and action she has morphed into a friend who lends a listening ear when I want it. And lest I forget – my nieces, and many of my daughters’ friends who form an essential part of my life – The Gen Next

‘ladies’ who keeps me rooted and connected to their world. My count of women would falter if I did not doff my hat to my teachers (remarkably all women) in school and college who inculcated in me a love for English with its wonderful world of words and letters. Women who brought the literary world so alive to me that I could not think of doing anything but playing with words when I was growing up. While I was growing up, sheltered at home, I was nurtured by my close family. Today, there are many like-minded women in my extended family – cousins, sisters-in-law, aunts and more – who

have proved to be valuable friends to me over the years. This one is for them! Speaking of friends, my gal pals have breathed oxygen into my life time and again. Knocked commonsense into my brain when I most needed it, rushed to help when they felt I was at a loose end…and of course, joined in my celebrations with the most heart-felt wishes to raise a hurrah! Where do I begin? With the women who people my work space today? Or with the young girl with whom I grew through college who matured into a wise and gentle lady, someone I wish I could turn into? Or with a woman who has tried to ‘teach’ and talk me through life as our kids grew up together? Or with the many others who at a phone call’s notice take time out from their lives to be a part of mine? Or with a co-mom who prays equally fervently for my kids’ success as she does for her own! Or even with the girl (now in her mid 50s) who worked in our home and helped raise me when I was a child and still has the same affection for me and mine? Or the women whom I saw on a local train, cutting vegetables on their way back home, making most of the time they have to meet their families’ needs? I am blessed to have them around me. And these and many more like them are the women who power my world. Shraddha JahagirdarSaxena is currently Executive Editor, Verve.

Global edits The Independent (UK)

Kenya, an election not marred by violence

iven the confusion that has dogged Kenya’s hotly contested presidential election for days on end, much bloodshed might have been expected. The race always a close one, pitting the Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, against his rival, and deputy Prime Minister, Uhuru Kenyatta. And the last presidential vote – in 2007 – was followed by appalling tribal violence that left more than 1,000 dead. There were grim predictions this time, too. Campaigning was intense and largely along ethnic lines; rumours of militias hoarding weapons abounded in the run-up to the poll, and local-language radio was ratchetting up tribal enmities. For technical problems then to beset the vote only added to the escalating tensions. First, as the vote began on Monday, the voter-identification system failed, leaving officials reliant on paper records. Then counting system also crashed, but not before – possibly – multiplying the number of rejected ballots. Amid the chaos, there has been

mudslinging aplenty. Mr Kenyatta’s Jubilee Alliance accused the British high commissioner of “shadowy and suspicious” meddling (a charge vociferously denied) and Mr Odinga’s proposed deputy claimed that results were being doctored. For all the warm words, however, there were no crowds in the streets and no violent protests. In fact, the fallout is being discussed in wholly legal terms. Kenya is widely held to be the bellwether of democracy in Africa. As such, its vote has drawn global attention. Last night, the Kenyan electoral commission confirmed that it is reviewing the votes counted so far, frustrating hopes of an imminent conclusion. Mr Kenyatta retains a strong lead, though. And with both he and his running mate due to stand trial in the Hague in July – charged with crimes against humanity during the atrocities of 2007 – such a victory poses considerable problems for both the International Criminal Court itself and also for the international community that backs it. Meanwhile, the botched election has stretched the credibility of the outcome almost to breaking point. But neither caveat, however grave, detracts from the signal progress that is the calm on Kenya’s streets.

BUSINESS SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2013

Qantas defends itself

Google’s star rises

oogle has retaken the role of superstar of the tech sector with a stunning stock rally as rival Apple flounders. Google has hit fresh all-time highs in recent weeks, and closed Friday at $831.52, capping a nearly tenfold rise from its public offering price in 2004 of $85. Apple, which traded as high as $700 last year, has slumped more than 35 per cent.

Fitch downgrades Italy

ustralia’s Qantas Saturday said it took all reasonable precautions in selling aircraft after a report revealed that a jumbo jet once owned by it had ended up in Iran despite sanctions. The Boeing 747-300 was one of three aircraft sold in August 2010 in the US to leasing company Sayegh Aviation Group. “We met all of our legal obligations and took all reasonable precautions in respect of the sale to Sayegh Group,” a spokesman said.

he international ratings agency Fitch said Friday it had downgraded Italy’s sovereign debt rating by one notch to “BBB+”. Fitch pointed in particular to “the inconclusive results of the Italian parliamentary elections on 24-25 February” which “make it unlikely that a stable new government can be formed in the next few weeks.”

A holistic approach to MBBS A doctor himself, Neeraj Raj, decided to change the way medicine was taught. What began as a small idea has now grown into a global game-changer. PRUDHVI RAJU K

prudhvi.k@postnoon.com

hat could be better than introducing e-learning content in medical education? After all the course is long and hard and often takes a lot out of students. But if this very syllabus is taught with the help of visual aids, how much more interesting and easier would it get? That is exactly what Dr Neeraj Raj, an MBBS gold medallist from Osmania Medical College initiated through his company, MEdRC (http://www.smarteach.com/medrc/ default.html). The company was started in 1993 with an intention to help doctors professionalise learning and teaching medicine by making teaching and learning material.It could successfully cater to the teaching needs of over 2,500 doctors. In 2007 Neeraj began to create quality, comprehensible medical education with e-learning technologies for students across the country. Over time, friends and fellow doctors, moved by Neeraj’s passion and commitment, began helping him develop e-learning medical content. Today, after six years of hard work, they’ve completed 70 per cent of the medicine syllabus. Neeraj says, “I was always interested in art and I combined this love to illustrate notes and my exam answers – leading to gold medals in subjects like Anatomy and Pathology. When I was awarded the best outgoing

student, I thought ‘Did I know more about the subject than peers?’ The answer was no.” I realised that I could explain medicine better through art. When computer graphics evolved between 1988 and 1993, I found the medium could create high quality audio-visual aids. The evolution included setting up and running a very successful multimedia company followed by a world-class animation facility before the healthcare e-learning venture.” On the industry front, he says, “According to reports in 2011, there was a shortage of over six lakh doctors (currently 10 lakh doctors) and one lakh nurses. This also further pushed the shortage of faculty in medical and dental colleges. Even if there was faculty, there was no uniform teaching quality. Add to that, colleges are unevenly distributed across the country making very few doctors available to certain regions along with the urban and rural divide.” E-learning content can also be a solution for providing uniform quality across the country with the best of doctors’ lessons and act as a supplement for effective and meaningful understanding of concept.” The idea has got huge support from senior doctors across the country. Neeraj says, “Doctors like Dr Hariprasad Chegu, Dr Kakarla Subba Rao, Dr Soma Raju and Dr Vinod Shah gave immense support to our project. Some doctors even gave valuable material, that they have collected over years, to us. For instance, Dr Rao captured 10,000 Xrays of some of his most interesting cases and gave these to us.” Around 750 medical teachers and practicing doctors contributed to 4,000 hours of peer reviewed elearning content towards different medical subjects, curricula and also for continuing education. MCI’s academic council endorsed this product last year after evaluation. Talking about the content, Neeraj says, “A student can navigate through various topics and find relevant content according to his subject. Producing content from the lectures of great doctors is not all. It is equally important to create animation, and 3D graphics and synchronise this with their teaching to make learning effective and interactive. Students can also bookmark

Tariff for colleges with 100 medical students intake: `2.5- `3 crore for a five year term. For individuals: `24,000- `30,000 per year. Number of enrolled students online: 800

Future plans

y September 2013, the following will be achieved n Mobile delivery on iOS and Android smart phones and tablets n 20 centres of vocational skills spread across the country n 6 centres of excellence topics for future reference and can have their questions addressed by experts.” The company has paid great attention to even minute details. For instance, students can even compare respiration sounds between healthy and asthma patients. The company repurposed the content to offer courses even to specialities like dental and paramedical. However, Neeraj’s vision without significant backing of investments would have been just a dream. Investors like P Narendra of Pragati Art Printers and Technology Development Board, Dept of Science and Technology and government of India backed this project. Talking about the support, he says, “There are many people who directly and indirectly made this happen. My family did take on a lot... followed by an extended family of employees and friends who stood by us through ups and downs of the journey.” The company has invested around `30 crore in the last six years to develop e-learning content and will be able to get an operational breakeven this fiscal. The company is confident that it can manage to raise investments, and the project can get a breakeven in the next fiscal.

FOCUS SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2013

Sanctions don’t scare N Korea

For sanctions to get enough teeth to bite and hurt Pyongyang regime, China needs to co-operate in letter and spirit — something which analysts are skeptical of. Giles Hewitt feedback@postnoon.com

he UN Security Council may have sharpened the teeth of its sanctions regime on North Korea, but analysts doubt it has the bite to put an increasingly belligerent Pyongyang off its nuclear programme. Thursday’s adoption of a sanctions resolution by the 15member council was almost drowned out by the North’s vitriolic rhetoric, which threatened nuclear strikes against the US and the scrapping of peace pacts with South Korea. The resolution, drafted in response to North Korea’s third nuclear test last month, sought to disrupt Pyongyang’s financial lifelines by targeting banking, trade and shipping activities. It made some existing measures mandatory and put a spotlight on North Korean diplomats long suspected of ferrying around suitcases packed with cash to circumvent economic sanctions. Although US ambassador Susan Rice predicted the new measures would “bite hard”, analysts said it would largely depend on who was doing the biting. “Beijing is the key actor with regard to all the banking and trans-shipping issues,” said Marcus Noland, a North Korea expert at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington. It is in China that militaryconnected North Korean entities have established banks or other institutions to intermediate the financial flows associated with its nuclear development and proliferation pro-

gramme. “If the Chinese choose to enforce the resolution rigorously, it could seriously disrupt if not end North Korea’s proliferation activities. Unfortunately, if past behaviour is any guide, this is unlikely to happen,” Noland said. China, which is North Korea’s sole major ally, has often been criticised for displaying a less-than-enthusiastic commitment to implementing existing sanctions and shielding Pyongyang from harsh new ones. While few doubt Beijing’s opposition to the North’s nuclear tests, China’s priority is seen as staving off any regime collapse that might result in a reunified Korea under the control of a US-allied South. Much has been made of the fact that China was involved in drafting the latest

UN resolution, thus lending it more weight and credibility. But analysts like Victor Cha, who holds the Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, were underwhelmed. “We have been socialised into expecting so little from China that there’s excitement when China shows even a bit of sternness,” Cha said. “The real test of China’s commitment will be in the follow-through. Will it not just sign on to sanctions, but will it enforce them with vigour? “In the past, China-North Korea trade has increased in the aftermath of UN sanctions,” he added. Some hawkish observers had hoped the Security Council resolution might invoke Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, which allows for the use of military force in

Pick

enforcing sanctions. As it stands, Noland noted that the provisions contained what amounted to a “credible information” clause that could provide a loophole for UN members wary of cracking down on illicit North Korean activities. “A government which does not want to enforce them can say that they lack credible information, or that the information that they were provided did not meet the standard of ‘reasonable grounds’,” Noland said. “Given the modesty of this package and North Korea’s apparent determination to build its nuclear and missile programmes, (the resolution) is unlikely to have a great effect,” he said. In terms of resolving the North Korean proliferation challenge, “sanctions alone can

at the

only buy time”, he added. North Korea’s furious response to the resolution and its threats of nuclear Armageddon have largely been dismissed as bluster, but their shock value plays into the hands of those stressing the need to calm tensions and engage Pyongyang. Paik Hak-Soon, a North Korean analyst at the Sejong Institute in Seoul, predicted that Pyongyang would do whatever it took to keep the alarm bells of the international community ringing. “It’s cornered more than ever in the international community and will keep pushing ahead with even more confrontational moves militarily,” Paik told AFP. AFP

airport,

TECHNOLOGY SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2013

WEBSITE OF THE WEEK www.cafemom.com ccording to CafeMom, the "Cafe" in its name stands for conversation, advice, friendship and entertainment. That may be a backronym, but it's also a good summary of the site's appeal.

MOBILE GAME REVIEW

APP OF THE WEEK

FROGGER JUMP

AppGarden Lite

he interface looks dated, but AppGarden Lite is a lightweight, backwards-compatible container with dozens of useful utilities, from conversion charts to a barcode scanner to a password generator.

our job is to guide five frogs, one at a time, across two lanes of moving things. Sometimes those things are logs, sometimes they're cars, and other times they're elephants. If you're desperate for some painfully hard arcade action, it's worth a punt.

Gaming crisis

Have you played Crysis 2? Well, think of that game with better graphics, shorter gameplay, a few changes in gameplay mechanics and you get Crysis 3.

NT BALANARAYAN

balanarayan.nt@postnoon.com

rytek was expected to do something truly radical in the third installment of the franchise, but it feels more like an incremental improvement. That said, the game is still good, letting you play stealthily using the powers of the nano suit or go rambo, gunning down everything that comes your way. The game puts you in the shoes of Prophet, a super soldier powered by Nano-suit that is built on alien DNA and continues the storyline from the previous games. There is a mini recap

at the beginning for those who haven’t played the past games and there is also a small tutorial for those who haven’t played the game earlier. The best weapon in the game is a bow and there are various types of charged arrows to boot— regular carbon impact, stun, electro and super-thermite tip. Each of these arrows have specific use cases and can help you progress through the missions fast. The bow and all the other weapons (you know.. good old fully automatics and sniper rifles) can be customised on the fly depending on the range, rate of fire and other factors. The best part of using the bow is that you can use it while in stealth mode without being detected and since being a silent yet lethal killer is the most fun method to

Good n Visuals n Gameplay n Weapons and combat system Bad n Multiplayer issues n Storyline is too short n Verdict: Buy play the game, you should stick to them as much as possible. The gameplay is quite good though the enemies seem to have become weaker in the difficulty modes. You will have to amp it up to the most difficult setting if you have played the past Crysis games. Apart from firing arrows and bullets you also have the option to hacking

enemy turrets so they turn against their own and that is the best way to kill of bulk of the enemies through the game. This is quite easy in some of the corridor levels in the game, but in slightly open maps it’ll be a challenge to figure out how to get the turrets without being detected. The Nano-suit may help you cloak and sneak up behind enemies, but like most cool things these days it runs on a battery that runs out very fast. To improve the amount of battery taken up by suit powers you need to grab upgrade packs that are littered through the game. These kits can be used to enhance that power of the suit you use the most. Visually Crysis 3 is one of the best games out there. Even

on a current-generation console that has outdated specs by today’s PC standards, the game looks gorgeous. It would be awesome if Crytek, the developers, ports the game for next-generation consoles at launch so gamers can see the difference a few extra gigs of RAM and graphics could make. The multiplayer is a hit or miss. I had a lot of connectivity issues though I have a 20Mbps connection; the game lagged and connection drops were also quite frequent. The problem of Crysis 3 is same as that of all sequels; it’s better than the previous one but offers nothing extraordinary. This is a great game that almost everyone will enjoy, but it’s not iconic and that is its biggest weakness.

ANIMAL KINGDOM SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2013

PET NEWS Lions to disappear?

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Shield of cold air

early half of all of Africa's lion populations could face extinction in the next 40 years if conservation measures aren't changed, according to a new study in the journal Ecology Letters.

White Shepherd

mperor penguins “wear” an invisible shield of cold air that helps to prevent body heat loss, allowing the flightless birds to survive the sub-zero temps of Antarctica, a new study finds.

he White Shepherd Dog (previously called the White Canadian Shepherd) emerged from white coat lines of the German Shepherd Dog. The White Shepherd has a distinct personality marked by self-confidence.

CATS AND DOGS The Animal Care Clinic 040-2335 2474 Pet’s World Dog Clinic 98856 46259 Blue Cross of Hyderabad 040-3298 9858, 23544355/ 5523 Vet-N-Pet 040-6553 9535, 93463 05890 Bluplus Pet Clinic 040-2712 1739, 2716 2636 Sri Sai Pet Clinic

040-2779 7458, 9848645350 Claws & Paws 98662 82772 All Creatures Animals Clinic 040-2773 0885 BIRDS Govt Veterinary Hospital 040-2331 9656, 2753 5755 Bird Watcher’s Society 040-2355 6166 Friends of Birds9391048315 SNAKES Friends of Snakes 8374233366

To cut a long ‘tail’ short Even as tail docking and ear cropping in dogs get a green signal from the High Court, some call it a ‘barbaric’ way of cutting off expressivity.

A ‘cruel cosmetic surgery’ Excerpts from the notice issued on September 8, 2011, by the Animal Welfare Board of India: “…pups belonging to certain breeds such as Doberman, Cocker Spaniel, Great Danes, Boxers, etc. are

being subjected to avoidable and unnecessary cruel cosmetic surgery such as docking the tails and cropping of the ears by practicing veterinary surgeons and some quacks all over the

DEEPASHRI V

deepashri.v@postnoon.com

“I

have seen puppies where they (owners) put a rubber band around the tail and wait for it to wither off. It is very painful. Little puppies die of septicaemia,” said Dr Kadambari Venkatraman, consultant surgeon at Animal Care Clinic, Hyderabad. In February 2013, the Madras High Court ruled that tail docking and ear cropping cannot be treated as cruelty to animals. “That is just to favour the pedigree breed dog trade. And cutting off an animal’s expressivity is barbaric,” said Dr MB Krishna, a conservationist from Bangalore.

THE

LEGAL BATTLE

In September 2011, the Animal Welfare Board of India had issued a notice, stating tail docking and ear cropping “cause mutilation and amount to cruelty to animals as per the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and is therefore a punishable offence.”

IN A DOG, THE EARS AND THE TAIL ARE USED TO EXPRESS EMOTIONS (INSTINCTS ARE MANIFESTED AS EMOTIONS), LIKE LOVE, ANGER, FEAR, ETC. The Kennel Club of India (KCI), which claims to organise nearly 120 dog shows every year, had filed a petition with the Madras High Court to “quash the same and direct the respondents (animal welfare board and veterinary council) to refrain from interfering with the practice of ear cropping and tail

docking in canine pups by medical procedure through qualified veterinarians.” The KCI contended that if this is banned, then circumcision, piercing of ears / nose, etc. should also be banned. The court ruled in its favour, with Justice D Hariparanthaman ruling that this does not amount to mutila-

tion of animal, adding that AWBI has no authority to prohibit the same.

‘PURELY

COSMETIC PURPOSE ’

Some owners do not even take their puppies to a vet. They try and do it themselves. Busting myths that tail docking and ear cropping reduce the

country on request from their owners, which is contrary to law. This is being done just to make them look ‘aesthetically’ pleasing. The pups undergo immense pain and suffering and discomfort…” risk of infections, Dr Venkatraman said that they have observed an increase in number of dogs with infections where the owners have left too short a stump around the tail. “It is just like any other surgery,” said Dr Muralidharan from Dr Dogs. “It is only cosmetic.” Beauty Without CrueltyIndia, an international charitable trust for animal rights, describes these procedures as “frequent torturous practices inflicted upon puppies by socalled dog lovers.” “In a dog, the ears and the tail are used to express emotions (instincts are manifested as emotions), like love, anger, fear, etc. So I wonder how such a verdict was given,” Dr Krishna said. According to anti-dockingalliance.com (Anti-docking Alliance was formed in 2000 to prevent non-therapeutic docking of dog tails), the procedure involves cutting through muscles, tendons and several connecting nerves and cartilage. It also says the tail performs a “counter balance” function when a dog moves at high speed or takes a sharp turn. Cutting the tail off impairs these activities as well as communication (as dogs use tails as a primary body language for communicating).

BOOKS SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2013

SHORT READS Title: Lean In Author: Sheryl Sandberg Publisher: Knopf COO of Facebook Sheryl Sandberg's book isn't even out but the buzz it has made in literary, business and women's circles is deafening. Sandberg's tips for women in corporate offices focuses more on what women can do rather than what they can't do.

Title: Requiem Author: Lauren Oliver Publisher: HarperCollins The Delirium trilogy comes to a thrilling end in Requiem. A dystopian young adults trilogy, the first and second book focus on Lena, a young woman who joins the resistance. Things get more complicated with the reappearance of Alex, her first love, who she thought was dead.

Title: Salt Sugar Fat Author: Michael Moss Publisher: Random House Renowned investigative journalist Michael Moss reveals processed food for what it is — salt, sugar and fat. How the industry manipulates us into thinking we're eating healthy while actually encouraging unhealthy eating habits is shown in this crisply written book.

Title: Ghana Must Go Author: Taiye Selasi Publisher: Penguin Group When renowned surgeon Kwaku Sai dies suddenly, his family, scattered across the globe, comes home to Ghana. A brilliant portrayal of relatives who haven't met each other in years and a sweeping narrative that spans from London to Africa makes this an exceptional read.

Memories of an island torn Sri Lanka's past few decades have been tumultuous and brutal. But instead of dipping her pen in the red of blood, Nayomi Munaweera chooses the calmer tones of lush forest green and ocean blue to weave a touching story of an island torn.

JYOTSNA NAMBIAR

jyotsna.n@postnoon.com

unaweera makes a confident début with Island of a Thousand Mirrors, tackling the terrible civil war through a softer lens, that of family. The protagonist, Yasodhara Rajasinghe, begins her narrative in 1948, as the British leave Sri Lanka, with the image of her father gambolling in the sea as a young boy. She traces the

“What do you want from life? Are you on the right track?”... another self-help book worming its way to the charts? But when the answer is f?@k knows! then you know the author is as clueless as you are. Fleme Varkey fleme.v@postnoon.com

?@k Knows! is the premise and title of uber-successful entrepreneur, Shailendra Singh, co-founder of Percept and

trajectory by which her father falls in love with her mother, a delicate highly born woman who has lived all her life in a city and whose heart still belongs to the Tamil boy who lives upstairs. The Tamil family upstairs continues to be tied with the Rajasinghe family's fortunes, with Shiva, the son of her mother's former lover, becoming the favourite companion of Yasodhara and her sister, Lanka. But the days of living in harmony come to an end abruptly; Shiva's family is forced to flee and the Rajasinghes decide to make a fresh start in the US.

On another part of the island, a young Tamil girl is negotiating school and family in a war-torn zone. The Tigers have already claimed three of her brothers. She dreams of being a teacher, but keeps it to herself; to dream in such uncertain times would be a folly. Her journey, from the villages of the north to the crowds of Colombo, is the other major stream that carries the book forward. The subject and scope of Munaweera's novel are ambitious, but her easy narrative style and richly descriptive paragraphs make for pleasurable reading.

Violence rips through the lives of the characters, but in the end, it is the sights and sounds of the island that truly gives this novel its colour. It's easy to imagine that verdant island, redolent with the scents of spices and jasmine, and mourn the loss of its innocence.

Name Island of A Thousand Mirrors Author Nayomi Munaweera Pages 225 Publisher Hachette India

Some f?@kin’ good work inceptor of Sunburn. Let's put away the title first F?@k Knows!...that's not what you expect from a self-help book. A reader asked him this question, to which Singh replied, “To be able to articulate and represent the thought of the unknown, I couldn't think of a better title than this. In the early ‘90s, just about anybody who was my influencer in life had used the phrase ‘God knows’ to death.” Singh in a very witty way lays bare the things we are scared to confront. A heart attack at the age of 45 changed his perception towards life. He then realised that, though uber-successful, it was not his dreams that he had

been following all along. He tells the readers not to repeat the same mistakes. In many words, Singh makes an example of his life and his experiences to tell us why not to f ?@k up. The book advises you to follow your heart, achieve your goals, find yourself and live life to the fullest. Nothing different from the

Name F?@ck Knows Author Shailendra Singh Pages 256 Publisher Rupa Publications

numerous self-help books before this. But the way he presents it is different. The expletive has been generously used over the pages adding to the whacky humour. Interestingly, it also reminds one of Osho's famous discourse with the word. The author covers a lot of topics including body, mind, relationships, sex, right and wrong, etc... in words that you will have no problems understanding. Much better than the spiel doled out by self-help gurus, who as he rightfully says, just take a quote from a famous thinker break it into many convoluted sentences. This could be one of the few self-help books one could be persuaded to pick up. I would recommend it if you are looking for gyaan and a good laugh. Will this book be the next bestseller? Well... f ?@k knows!

BOOKS SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2013

The story of a perfect gent Imran Ahmed's story could be any immigrant's, but what's wonderful is how it's told: with humour and good taste. RAJESH RAVINDRAN

rajesh.r@postnoon.com

here is a little boy's picture dressed in a suit on the front cover of The Perfect Gentlemen: A Muslim boy meets the West. That dashing nipper is the author, Imran Ahmed, himself, dressed for the Bonnie Boy contest once upon a time in Pakistan. Can't really say what's going on in dashing nipper's cute head then: it could be confusion. He definitely does not look happy, for he could only become second in the contest, losing to the son of one of the organisers: first of the many small setbacks he would face in his life. Check out the back cover: there is a mug of the Imran Ahmed in present times, with a big smile. The

Perfect Gentleman is about the story of the journey of the boy on the front cover to become the smiling man of now. Ahmed's story can be any immigrant's story: the initial hardships when his parents land there in London, the struggle to belong in a foreign environment in spite of the huge cultural and religious divide, sometimes being subject to hostility manifested in the form of racism which was worsened by fears spreading among natives that immigrants are the cause of all their problems. Yet, Ahmed's family endures, prevails and thrives, like most families from Asia do. What's spectacular is that Ahmed is funny and has the capability to see the immigration issue from the natives' point of view. Ahmed's struggle to fit in is amusing. He dresses immaculately, his accent he hones to 'posh perfection', does well in school with perfect marksheets

of 'A', and always tries to be a good boy. He looks down upon the scruffy natives, despises their northern accent and tries to feel superior. Ahmed warns that no one dare say "hopefully" before him, which is sticklers for proper usage say is wrong. Apart from these what harried Ahmed several times when he was growing up was doubts if his faith was the true one. The similarities between Islam and Christianity Ahmed found mind boggling. And with evangelical

Christian friends about him, constantly warning him that if he does not convert, he shall go to hell, life was not very pleasant for him at times. Also amusing are passages that describe his efforts to woo

Name The Perfect Gentleman: A Muslim boy meets the West Author Imran Ahmed Pages 333 Published by Hachette India

girls in school and college which don't succeed at all. In his daydreaming sessions he is James Bond and Simon Templar who have no trouble having fast cars and gorgeous women. However, Ahmed's quite a disaster in the wooing business though he says he has black hair, straight, long nose and is well-dressed at all times like Bond. It should be even more difficult now that the current Bond is blonde. As life goes on Ahmed resolves his spiritual struggles. He realises the essence of the Sufi teachings that there are various paths to reaching God; once he thought this was grossly wrong. According to Milton, Ahmed's college friend, Ahmed remains "narrow-minded and quite unpleasant when the main part of the book ends." "There's more explaining required about what made you change so much," he says. But that's another story.

WHAT’S SELLING Walden’s best in fiction

Walden’s best in fiction

New York Times’ best in fiction

n Oath Of The Vayuputras by Amish Tripati

n Accidental India by Shankar Aiyar

n Alex Cross Run by James Patterson

n Return of a King by William Dalrymple

n A week in winter by Maeve Binchy

n Accidental Apprentice by Vikas Swarup n Racketeer by John Grisham

n Durbar by Tavleen Singh

n Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

n India Grows At Night by Gurcharan Das

n A memory of light by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson

n Fifty Shades Of Grey by EL James

n Land of the Seven Rivers by Sanjeev Sanyal

n Guilt by Jonathan Kellerman

New York Times’ best in non-fiction n American Sniper by Chris Kyle with Scott McEwen and Jim DeFelice n The Soundtrack of my Life by Clive Davis with Anthony DeCurtis n My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor n Killing Kennedy by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard n Killing Lincoln by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard

WOMEN SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2013

WEBSITES OF THE WEEK iMedix: Although social networking sites are everywhere, many are focused on little worth talking about. iMedix (in beta), however, helps people form communities around their health issues (cancer, depression, and so on).

Kayak: Here's the online travel agent du jour. Punch in your dates and destinations, and Kayak brings back price quotes from most of the major airlines; it also checks in with other aggregators (Orbitz, Expedia, Travelocity) to capture the best deals they have.

eSnips: At this centre for social file sharing, you can store cool content, from documents to music tracks, online, and then easily access your "snips" at a later date and share the content with other users.

Making the wheels turn The term ‘superwoman’ definitely fits entrepreneur Shubhra Bhardwaj, who quite early on in life, made headlines thanks to her efficient handling of Ferriswheel Entertainment, which promotes cross-cultural understanding. keep the team connected, we bring in consultants once in a while and also do retreats as a team to restructure, refresh and upgrade our systems. In this way, we stay in touch with each other and also do solve problems or issues which may be weighing down an individual or a team.” Like the efficient support system she has at work , at the homefront too, she has support in the form of her grandmother and mother. But not everything is rosy about her job and there are moments when she too has her bad days. “I don’t doubt my abilities but sometimes, one does feel low if there are episodes of cheating or there is bad press or a difficult client.

FLEME VARKEY

fleme.v@postnoon.com

ntrepreneur, poet, artistic director and founder of Ferriswheel Entertainment Pvt Ltd... so many different hats to wear and done so effortlessly by Shubhra Bhardwaj. Her secret? “I never planned it that way. I kept doing what I felt like as and when I wanted. I am driven by my instincts and that’s how my career graph got charted out. Actually, many things run parallel. I write poetry as I work on a show, we bid for shows and I

Quick Questions

EVEN A NEGATIVE CLIENT WITH UNETHICAL BUSINESS PRACTICES IS POSITIVE BECAUSE ‘I WILL NEVER RUN MY BUSINESS LIKE HE DOES’, SHE SAYS. direct them so these roles are complimentary to each other in a way,” says Shubhra quite casually, making it all sound so simple. She credits this go-getter attitude to the encouragement she found at home. “I have grown up in a very encouraging environment. I give credit to my family to have reached here; even as a child, every idea that I had was given full support.We were never discouraged or demoralised. My parents infused confidence in us to be whatever we wanted to be.” On the inspiration behind her current baby, she explains, “The idea of Ferriswheel came from working in the industry and seeing everyone accept any kind of work because other agencies seem to be making money on those businesses. I wanted to have a niche, so once Ferriswheel was formed, I was very clear that we would be a technology-driven, creative and

n Inspiration in life: My grandmum n Motto in life: Start where you are, use what you have and do what you can. n Latest book you read: Life of Pi n Last movie seen: Silver Linings Playbook

artistic content-based event company specialising in large scale public events.” Before Ferriswheel, which started in 2009, her maiden venture was Rangpuhar, a creative ad agency. On her journey from Rangpuhar to making the wheels turn, she says, “It has been a long journey, exciting, tiring, exhausting and one which has given me experience, friends and goodwill. Sometimes, when I look back, it feels like it has all happened in a blink of an eye. The process of doing work is an ongoing journey and not a destination. So

the journey so far has been good but in no way do me or my team feel a sense of accomplishment as of now.What we feel is that we have built ourselves a strong foundation to grow.” Shubhra’s team shares her enthusiasm for work and for optimising resources, so much so that they have done away with an HR department in their company. A surprise for many, but Shubhra says, “It’s not always easy managing as there are overlaps and sometimes it does get a bit overwhelming. But because the intention is to

Even though it is part of the game, it feels bad.” But there are moments of elation as well. “The first time Ferriswheel won the tender for the South Asian winter games and the opening night of Ticket to Bollywood, and when we got a standing ovation from 8,000 people at the world expo in Shanghai,” she remembers. Finding the positives in life, she says her grandmum and Steve Jobs are the most positive influences in her life and even a negative client with unethical business practices is positive because ‘I will never run my business like he does’. Her advice to other enterprising young women is, “Ships are safe in the harbour but that’s not what they are built for. Don’t give up on your dreams for any reason. If you get support, be glad and go on; if you don’t, be brave and still go on.”

Advertising stereotypes All About Eve

NIDHI BHUSHAN

edicating ads to women and making them heroes just on International Women’s Day is hardly flattering. It’s just patronising. And, frankly, we don’t need advertisers to feel the obligation to ‘do’ something for us on our day when they do nothing more than stereotype us all year round. Refrigerators, cooking oil, dishwashing liquids, detergents… you name the household product and there you have the typical saree-clad woman telling you how good and economical it is. However, things have changed slightly — some of the homemakers in ads are wearing kurtis and white pants. Wow! It’s a pity that advertisers continue to cater to urban Indian women in their typical traditional manner. None of the ads of household products shows a man cooking or washing dishes or even washing his children’s clothes. It does happen in reality, you know. Men do pitch in their share of household work on a daily basis — though they may act like typical ‘men’ when their parents visit. Even in advertisements of analgesic ointments, women always end up with a backache because of working at home while the men are injured while running on race tracks. I understand that mindsets cannot be changed overnight and we cannot throw away our years of conditioning, but can’t we take baby steps to anchor a possible change? For example, instead of showing a man rubbing his wife’s broken back after she has finished washing and cleaning (and let’s not forget…cooking), can’t we start showing the man helping her in the first place? Then again, there’s the big question of that backache. Well, can’t the woman be in pain because of office work? Another Women’s Day ‘gesture’ came from SRK, who says he would allow the heroine’s name to appear before his. Get off your high horse SRK, let’s start with an equal paycheck!

SPOTLIGHT SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2013 2

3 N SHIVAKUMAR

O WOMANIYA

S BALAKRISHNA

Ladies were seen having a field day at Secunderabad Club where Women's Day celebrations were held. Spotted were Rummy, Ruchika and others. 5

1 Tanya, Tanvi

5 Ekta, Tanisha, Nishchala

2 Ruchika, Niharika 3 Kavitha, Kamya

6 Shiresha, Avantika 7 Vaishnavi

4 Rummy, Laila

8 Hansani, Naina

Dancing up a storm School students put up a grand show at Ravindra Bharathi on the occasion of International Women's Day.

Bling on

Models displayed the new collection of pattu sarees launched by Chandana Brothers, Madhapur on Friday. SRINIVAS SETTY

Little wonders Wife of deputy chief minister C Padmini launched a campaign against gender discrimination by flagging off Gift vehicle which distributed gifts to every mother of a girl child born on March 8th.

Foundation of youth

S BALAKRISHNA

Beauty chain Image Skincare's first outlet in India was launched in the City.

Questions & Answers Dr C Raghu, Director, Prime Hospitals released his book 100 Questions and Answers about Chronic Total Occlusion at The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace.

RELATIONSHIPS SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2013

I AM ALL EARS

am 28. I have been married for three years now. Ours was an arranged marriage. Of late there has been a lot of stress at my workplace and as a result,I often end up venting my anger on my wife. She was quite taken aback and says she is now scared of me. What do I do to win her trust back?

n addition to struggling in school, many learning disabled children are known to face social and emotional challenges including depression, anxiety, and isolation. For these youngsters, more positive relationships with the significant adults in their lives — including parents and teachers — can improve learning and "socioemotional" experiences, says Dr Michal Al-Yagon of Tel Aviv University.

Dear angry husband, It’s important to recognise that there are ups and downs in every relationship. You won’t always be on the same page. Fighting like this might initially feel like a release, but it slowly poisons your relationship. Find other ways to vent your anger and frustration. For penance make sure you are there for her and treat her like a queen for the rest of your life, do the housework and explain that your anger got the better of you.

It is never too late

The honeymoon period in a marriage lasts only so long. If you were dating for long before tying the knot, the chances of there being no spark are very high. Familiarity breeds boredom. Zainab Mohammed Lehry, a psychological counsellor, gives some tips to keep the flame alive.

DON’T

STOP DATING

A marriage should not be all about running the house, fixing meals, being parents and paying bills. A marriage is about enjoying each other. Just because you have so many responsibilities, it should not mean you can’t date anymore. Go on dates. Arrange to meet at a favourite restaurant, go on short trips, do activities that you both enjoy, write love letters, try new food, places, games, and most importantly, take care of how you look and smell. Although it is sweet that your spouse accepts you the way you look without a shave or makeup, good presentation always goes a long way.

SPEND

QUALITY TIME

n No matter how hectic work is, understand that your marriage is a priority you cannot take for granted. Make time for each other, indulge in heart-toheart conversations and be present with absolute attention instead of answering urgent mails on your smartphone. n Go down the memory lane. Talk of the good old days you had or go through photo

albums together. Memory of the spark you had will remind you why you got married.

GIVE

SPACE

n For your spouse is to be a great spouse, he/she first has to be a good person. ‘Me’ time is very important as it gives you the space and time to contemplate and grow as a person. Ask for your space and respect it when your spouse is on it, too. n It’s okay if you don’t do everything together. The world will not end if you do your own things in your own time. In fact, such a culture will give you more things to talk about.

KEEP

THINGS EXCITING

Your marriage works in proportion to how well you do in bed, and more than you would like to admit. If your act of making love has the same routine, it is foolish to complain about the lack of heat in bed. Surprise your partner, take them off the guard now and then, find out each other’s fantasies and play them out. Other than the ultimate act of consummation, it is great to just “be there” exclusively for your spouse.

COMMUNICATE

It is very important to understand each other's thought processes which will help you ease out issues. If there are issues between the two families, it is important to be fair and not waste energy in blaming each other. Take responsibility for your actions and when you can do that, you form a healthy relationship.

SHOW

AFFECTION

n Don’t take it for granted that your love is always felt and known of. Letting your loved one know how you love them and the simple fact that you still do love

them is very important. Say ‘I love you’ often. Say it in person or leave notes or text messages. Send a mail from work saying nothing but ‘I love you’. You will be surprised how magical it can get. n Be affectionate in obvious ways by holding hands or kissing randomly. Hug more often. It is a nice kind of warmth which should be felt very frequently.

RESPECT YOUR RELATIONSHIP AND YOUR SPOUSE n Whether you believe it was your fault or not, be open to apologising if your spouse has been hurt. And when you are being apologised to, see that your spouse is willing to mend ways for your benefit. Help them understand you by forgiving genuinely and by stating your viewpoint clearly. n The worst a couple can ever do to itself is by putting out their dirty linen. Don’t make your issues public. Don’t insult your spouse, even as a joke in public. And understand your marriage is bigger than whatever problem you have. Find it in you, as a couple, to pause and play your fights. n It is the most basic necessity of any kind of relationship and easiest to fail at. Please listen to each other before drawing rash judgements and prejudices. And don’t pretend to listen. Listen with utmost interest and a genial eye contact. The empathy that the act of listening can bring is exactly all your marriage needs to flourish. All these steps are of no use if you just can’t let go of your big fat ego. Let it go and think of your spouse’s needs as much as you tend to think of your own. As told to Kanchan Agarwal

CINEMA SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2013

KAJAL TEAMS UP WITH VIJAY, AGAIN!

K SHADOW’S

TITLE TRACK LAUNCHED

he title track of Venkatesh, Taapsee starrer Shadow was launched recently in Ramanaidu Studios, Hyderabad. VV Vinayak launched the title track and talking about Venkatesh, he said, “Venkatesh is one of my favourite people in the industry. He gives more importance to the script than anything else, which explains his excellent success rate. Meher Ramesh is extremely good when it comes to making stylish films. The only thing I told Meher was

ajal Aggarwal is going to team up with Tamil actor Vijay once again. The duo had last teamed up for AR Murugadoss’ Thuppaki which was a blockbuster in Tamil. Her upcoming film with Vijay has been titled as Jilla and it is going to be directed by Nesan. The film also stars Mohanlal and Mahat Raghavendra in lead roles. Jilla is going to be launched in a grand way on March 11. On the other hand, Kajal will soon join the sets of Karthi’s upcoming film All in All Azaghu Raja. Her upcoming film in Telugu, Baadshah is almost complete. It surely is turning out to be quite a busy year for Kajal.

to listen to everything which Venkatesh would ask him and clarify his doubts.” Venkatesh praised music director Thaman and said, “The title track is my favourite song in the album and I am eager to see how the audience responds to the song. Thaman has given good music for the film. I am very happy with the way the film has shaped up.” Srikanth has played an important role. The audio will be launched on March 15. Meher Ramesh has directed the film.

Movie: Gundello Godaari Cast: Lakshmi Manchu, Taapsee, Aadhi, Sundeep Kishan Directed by: Kumar Nagendra Rating:

ilms like Gundello Godaari are rare to find in Telugu cinema these days. Not only has it been adapted from a book titled Godavari Kathalu, written by BVS Rama Rao, but also the story is set in 1986 in the Godavari region just before the region was struck by a flood. The first 15 minutes of the film is unlike anything we have seen in recent times. There’s chaos in the air soon after the villagers are warned about an impending flood. Two strangers have just got married and before they get to know each other, they are on the verge of being washed away in the flood. Malli (Aadhi) desperately tries to rescue his wife Chitra (Lakshmi Manchu) and after much struggle, they climb on top of a floating haystack. Their death seems imminent, but in those brief moments, the two decide to talk about their lives. So we are told that Malli is a fisherman who dreams of buying a boat. One day, he meets Sarala (Taapsee), the daughter of the local fish contractor under whom he works. Sarala likes Malli and tries to seduce him, but things go terribly wrong soon. On the other hand, Chitra tells Malli about her childhood sweetheart Suri (Sundeep Kishan) whom she wanted to marry. The beauty of Gundello Godaari lies in its scripting. Kumar Nagendra, who wrote the script and directed the film, does a fabulous job in terms of etching out the characterisations for all the four lead actors. Cinematographer Palani Kumar captures the beauty of the region quite well and Ilayaraja’s music strikes the right chord. The casting is good and among the actors, Taapsee sizzles in her role. Despite all these flashes of brilliance, the film doesn’t quite match up to its initial promise. The first half of the film pans out quite well, but the second half is a big let down. It’s hard to empathise with the characters despite watching the relationship of Chitra and Suri go through major upheavals. Gundello Godaari is an ambitious film, but the beauty of its script doesn’t quite translate on to the big screen.

HEMANTH KUMAR

hemanth.k@postnoon.com

A whirlpool of emotions

Gundello Godaari is an ambitious film, which, unfortunately, doesn’t match up to the beauty of its script, despite some flashes of brilliance.

CINEMA SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2013

SBAGR — vivid and vibrant I Subhash K Jha

n what could be regarded as a sequence of subliminal comic relief, a little-known actor Rajeev Gupta gives this film, suffused in powerhouse performances, its best performance as a slimy politician caught watching porn on his laptop in his office by a goon masquerading as a journalist. The sequence is hilarious and at the same time sobering. While the self-important buffoonish politician's predicament raises laughter, his hypocrisy also raises issues about a parliamentary crisis that is anything but funny. Like God and the Devil, the characters in Tigmanshu Dhulia's sequel to the highly acclaimed Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster work in mysterious often bizarre and inexplicable ways. Each of the main characters in Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns (SBAGR) is stricken by a self-destructive passion bordering on an all-consuming neurosis. Frozen in a feudal mindset these dislocated creatures of an aristocratic Diaspora struggle to get out of a world that has abandoned them, by trying desperately to enter the bizarre world of politics. In this process of straddling two worlds, one in the past and the other in a state of ferocious flux, Dhulia's people end up hurling into a dead-end from a height where the world looks deceptively enticing and inviting. Torn between desire and selfloathing, the characters populating and copulating in SBGR are emptied-out by their own ambitions. Like the first film, the second one end with a shocking death and an ironic twist to the drama of the damned and the doomed. Right at the start we meet Irrfan as Raja Bhaiyya, a small town hoodlum-politician with feudal antecedents who chases a press photographer down the narrow gullies of a Madhya Pradesh backwater city and thrashes the hell out of the cowering lensman for cutting his face out of a newspaper report on a political rally. Irrfan plays the upstartish outsider with such in-house

cockiness, warmth and humour that we don't miss Randeep Hooda who seduced the biwi in the first film. Mahie Gill as the neglected ravenous biwi again stumbles (literally) on to a role that gives her enough meat to chew on. She savours and embraces her character's immorality, with Soha's angelic bride-act performing an arresting counterpoint. Indeed the sequel to Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster moves far ahead in its packaging and technical finesse. The politics and dynamics of relationships trapped in an eerie game of oneupmanship are brought to flickering life in this scintillating sequel that mischievously secretes alcoves of unexpected temptations. Dhulia on an unreserved high after Paan Singh Tomar here achieves a more intense emotional depth than the first Saheb Biwi... The plot unfolds like an intricate jigsaw — each puzzle falling into place with a thunderous impact. The doddering aspirations of the depraved politicians form the backbone of the supple sequel where the men are

‘US honour for A Nirbhaya will keep the incident fresh’

often caught with their pants down... and the women don't seem to mind it! Converging on Irrfan's character, the script clamps down on the mofussil mindset on politics, woman, power and family values- all these aspects of Indian life come together in a hurl of hectic machinations. Dhulia spares us the verbal

Movie: "Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns" Cast: Irrfan, Mahie Gill, Jimmy Sheirgill, Soha Ali Khan and Raj Babbar; Directed by: Tigmanshu Dhulia Rating: vulgarity. Admirably the characters trade outrageous insults without abusing mothers and sisters in the process. At one point when the bankrupt zamindar Aditya Pratap Singh (Jimmy) is repulsed by his inebriated wife's sexual advances, he tells her, "Your seduction is so

ctress Sonam Kapoor got emotional while talking about Nirbhaya, the gangrape victim who will be honoured by US first lady Michelle Obama. She said the honour will not allow people to forget the incident soon. "Every time I talk about it, I get teary-eyed. It becomes very difficult for me to talk about it. Doing something like this to any man, woman or animal is deplorable. To honour someone, who was courageous and fought a battle, is brilliant,” she says.

cheap I feel like paying for it. But I don't have the chillar (loose coins) to do so." The khanak of loose coins for the 'loose' woman reverberates across this delicious drama where every character is playing a game with others and self. Jimmy as the landlord on the skids puts in an exceptionally fine-tuned performance to offset Mahie's here-there-everywhere drunken act. Indeed Mahie pulls out all stops once again to play the kind of slutty royalty-wife whose cravings are so apparent they shame anger and embarrass even bystanders, as we witness when in her politician's cabin a subordinate offers her spendingmoney assuring her he would "take it back from her husband". Dignity is at the lowest ebb and desire at an all-time high as Thakur Aditya Pratap Singh resolves to remarry. He chooses as his bride the vulnerable and pretty Ranjana (Soha). Once Ranjana enters the crumbling corrupted palace, Dhulia's plot lets the politics of oneup-womanship between the rejected wife and the new bride take over. You almost wish there was more con-

flict between Mahie and Soha's characters to justify the corkscrew finale. Though stubbornly economical, Dhulia's narrative is never short of breath as the characters move towards a perverse nemesis. SBAGR has its flaws, oh yes! The "raj-neeti" of the second-half melts into a kind of uneasy sexual tension. We don't know whether to laugh or cry in a sequence like the one where Mahie, after inviting the cheesy Irrfan character into a posh hotel room for an afternoon of drunken pleasures, suddenly sobs, "I don't have any friends". The characters, in fact, are so savagely tragic that they end up looking comical in their selfappointed positions of septic ambitions. You really can't like any of the people in Dhulia's world of sex, politics and crime. Ask them if they care! SBAGR is a vivid, vibrant, dramatic, savagely tragic and unexpectedly humorous sequel with gutsy passionate performances. This is not a film you can fall in love with. Its drama of dreadful disenchantment doesn't allow you the luxury of affecIANS tion.

CINEMA SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2013

Weisz would love to play a Bond villain

atch out, Daniel Craig, your wife might be your next target. Rachel Weisz snagged the April cover of Esquire UK, which hit newsstands recently, and was very straightforward about whether or not she would take on the role of a 007 villain if it were offered to her. “I’d like to! I wouldn’t say no. I’m not a snob about entertainment,” Weisz told the mag. How amazing would it be to see her and hubby Craig onscreen, fighting it out?! Weisz, who happens to play a wicked witch in her latest film, Oz the Great and Powerful, went on to explain the types of parts she’s usually interested in. And apparently she’s quite passionate on the subject: the Oscar winner punctuated her sentiment with an F-bomb! “Some of the material I’m attracted to is not...it’s just not commercial. Which means it’s really f--king interesting, you know? It’s off-center. It doesn’t fit in a genre.”

Stand-alone Hulk film not in the works, says Mark Ruffalo I

t’s only fair that Mark Ruffalo gets his own Hulk movie, right? Well, maybe, but that won’t be happening any time soon. As much as fans may wish to see the actor take on his Marvel character solo on the big screen (and he would, too!), for now, they’ll just have to wait to see him with the whole crew in Avengers 2. “A lot of folks have been asking about the Next Hulk. The next time you see my Hulk it will be in the Avengers2. No plans for stand alone,” Ruffalo

tweeted recently. “I am not giving up on another stand alone HULK. But it’s not in the works right now. One never knows what the future will bring,” he continued. But don’t lose hope just yet, as the actor reassured his followers that there’s still a chance for a stand alone film at some point. “Just to be totally clear. I did not say there was not going to ever be a stand alone Hulk film. I said there wasn’t one in the works now,” the actor tweeted.

Sights of awe and wonder

o movie ever can, or will, replace 1939’s The Wizard Of Oz, but taken on its own terms, this eye-filling fantasy is an entertaining riff on how the Wizard of that immortal film found his way to Oz. Like the stage musical Wicked, it assumes that its audience knows the story told in The Wizard of Oz. Yet even for people who (for some reason) haven’t seen the other movie, I suspect this will play as a stand-alone piece; it just won’t have the same resonance. The production pays homage to the 1939 movie by opening in black and white, in the old-fashioned Academy screen ratio, then expanding and turning into vivid colour

once the magician named Oz (short for Oscar) arrives in the faraway land that bears his name. I was a bit skeptical about the casting of James Franco in this role, as a smalltime carnival magician, but he is thoroughly engaging as a struggling con man and charmer. The screenplay, by Mitchell Kapner and David LindsayAbaire (based on Kapner’s screen story and, of course, the works of L Frank Baum), offers a sturdy and relatable through-line. Our roguish hero flees Kansas in a hot-air balloon during a tornado and winds up in Oz. The citizens, who are under the control of a wicked witch, welcome him, as he appears to be the wizard

Movie: Oz: The Great and Powerful Cast: James Franco, Rachel Weisz, Mila Kunis, Michelle Williams, Zach Braff Directed by: Sam Raimi whose arrival has been prophesied. He tries to explain that he isn’t a wizard at all, but after being smitten by a beautiful witch named Theodora (Mila Kunis) and dazzled by the golden treasure he will acquire, he decides to play along. The relationship between Kunis, her sister

Evanora (Rachel Weisz), and the good witch Glinda (Michelle Williams) propels much of the story that follows. (You’ll get no spoilers from me.) At its core is the question of whether or not Oz can summon the bravado to become the leader the people of Oz need and deserve. Zach Braff and Joey King appear briefly at the beginning of the movie, then morph into Franco’s colourful companions, a flying monkey and a porcelain china doll. To pull this off, Oz The Great and Powerful is played straight; its sincerity should win over younger viewers completely. It isn’t overplayed (thank goodness), so grownups can engage with it, too. And, in the tradition of the 1939 clas-

sic, director Sam Raimi and his team fill the screen with sights of awe and wonder, beginning with a dazzling title sequence designed by Garson yU of yU+co. It’s difficult to rouse an audience with something new and different these days, but Raimi and company have pulled it off, and much of the credit goes to production designer Robert Stromberg, who won Oscars for his work on Avatar and the 2010 Alice in Wonderland. Is this an Oz for the ages? That’s not for me to predict, but I do think it gives audiences of 2013 a satisfying bigscreen experience. It doesn’t eclipse The Wizard of Oz, but it fills the bill as a modern-day companion piece.

CHAI TIME SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2013

SUDOKU

THOUGHT OF THE DAY A man can only do what he can do. But if he does that each day he can sleep at night and do it again the next day. – Albert Schweitzer

KAKURO

How to play kakuro

SCRIBBLING PAD

Kakuro is a popular game similar to sudoku in some ways. But is also suitably different. The key question: ‘How do you play kakuro?’, well here are the rules of kakuro. The answer: The kakuro grid, unlike in sudoku, can be of any size. It has rows and columns, and dark cells like in a crossword. And, just like in a crossword, some of the dark cells will contain numbers. Some cells will contain two numbers. However, in a crossword the numbers reference clues. In a kakuro, the numbers are all you get! They denote the total of the digits in the row or column referenced by the number. Within each collection of cells — called a run — any of the numbers 1 to 9 may be used but, like sudoku, each number may only be used once. Let’s have an example to explain this concept more clearly: In the image above, which shows a section of a kakuro puzzle, you will see the numbers ‘26’ and ‘14’ in the top row. Look at the 14. This means that the total of the three cells underneath must sum to 14. Therefore 9, 4, 1 could be the answer, or perhaps 7, 4, 3 and so on... So, how do you work out the actual combination? Well, this is done through elimination and cross-referencing. For instance, as you work out the answers for other kakuro clues, this will naturally limit the valid combinations, and hence the answer for this particular run. Note the second cell in row two — it contains two numbers, 30 and 11. The 30 refers to the vertical run underneath the number 30 and the 11 refers to the two cells to the right, horizontally, of the number 11.

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Drum major’s stick 6 Chanel fragrance 10 Wood or iron 14 ‘Humble’ place to live 15 Egg 16 Engage one’s services 17 Quip for those tired of waiting (Part 1) 19 Gymnastics legend Korbut 20 Wifey (with ‘the’) 21 Yemeni seaport 22 Butt of many jokes 24 With resolve 26 Gnus group 27 Maiden name intro 28 Quip for those tired of waiting (Part 2) 32 Caustic 35 Tenth anniversary gift 36 Await in terror 37 Mob enforcer 38 ‘... at the ___ ball game!’ 39 High on the Mohs scale 40 Great ruckus 42 CTRL, eg 43 Email command 44 Quip for those tired of waiting (Part 3) 46 It can be feathery or scaly 47 Niven’s ‘Casino Royale’ role 48 Elate 52 Morning prayer 55 Stepped heavily 56 Vein contents 57 Touch on 58 Quip for those tired of waiting (Part 4) 61 Rose that had spikes 62 Saintly 63 ‘Ripley’s Believe It ___’ 64 It may be found behind a wall 65 Court partitions 66 Shot in the dark

DOWN 1 Healing ointments 2 Call off, at Cape Canaveral 3 Trunk of the human body 4 Unusual 5 Vetoed 6 Partridge flock 7 It may clean itself 8 Magna ___ laude 9 Breakfast or brunch order 10 Numbskull 11 Funny Tomlin 12 Egg on 13 Den denizen 18 Out of action 23 Lacking water 25 Unrestrained 26 Useful 28 In a stack 29 Tide type 30 A Wilson of The

Beach Boys aquatic critters 31 Bathtub swirl 52 Props for TV 32 Turkish title (Var) weathermen 33 Masked mammal, 53 Assist in wrongdoing informally 54 Bishop Desmond 34 Original cross word 55 Horse pace 35 Tipped at the casino 59 Nursery ‘piggy’ 41 Many a lit author 60 Play about Capote 43 One who PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER won’t let you pass 45 Pulver’s rank 46 E-musing? 48 Components of crosswords 49 ‘No man is an island’ poet 50 Switch followers? 51 Red-spotted, semi-

CHAI TIME SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2013

Aries

Taurus

Gemini

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

Four of Swords

Four of Wands

Seven of Pentacles

Eight of Cups

Queen of Cups

The High Priestess

ork – You may be offered a promotion but think if you really want it because it may require you to work longer hours and travel more. Romance – Evaluate your current love life and take steps to improve it. You may want to opt out. Whichever way, think carefully. Health – Don’t ignore seemingly minor illnesses, even if it’s a recurring headache. Avoid popping pills. Take medical advice. Money – Your earnings will increase and it will give you more room to play the markets or increase the premium insurance pay. Tarot message – Time to take stock. This is when you need to sit with yourself and decide where to head and how to manage your life here on.

ork – You feel like you’ve been there, done that. This feeling of déjà vu may be because you’re not getting any exciting new work. Romance – Though the relationship is a perfect match in the eyes of society, it may be giving you little in terms of emotional satisfaction. Health – Add lots of fruits and veggies to your diet. Watch out for the samosas with excessive oil. Eat right and you get healthy. Money – Be mindful of over-spending in the holidays. Keep track of all your bills and manage them correctly. Tarot message – You may be feeling like you’re missing something. You feel an emotional void. Don’t be in a hurry to fill it.

ork –Expect lots of changes in the coming year. This means that you may have to be prepared to work in new teams with a new role. Romance – Matters of the heart are going fine. It provided the much needed stability for you to focus on other aspects of your life. Health – The routine of exercise and the intake of fibre foods is doing you a world of good. Just keep at it. Don’t binge during the holidays. Money – You’ve locked enough money in the bank to make it possible to play with some amount in the markets. Tarot message – You’ve achieved a good balance between stability and change. You know which aspects of life to keep stable.

ork – Your work involves a physical move to another city or state to handle another project. It may be the result of a new job opportunity as well. Romance – Your commitment deepens. You have the important conversation about marriage, or, if married, having a baby. Health – You decide to take matters into your own hands and go the healthy way to create your own good health. Think alternative lifestyles and organic food. Money – Think of how you’re going to invest all the money you’ve been making. Hire a good finance consultant to show you the way. Tarot message – Your firm beliefs and solid foundation in sound principles will take you a long way.

ork – You come across as too emotional and this may be a problem at the work place where you’re expected to show a higher EQ. Romance – This is a great time for romance. Wooing, candlelight dinners, long drives and chats late into the night make you rediscover the passion with a loved one. Health – Don’t get over-excited about anything. Take all new information coming your way with a pinch of salt. Exercise regularly. Money – Finances are looking fine because you have made your investments well and that’s how much you can do. Don’t worry about losing money. Tarot message – You make decisions based on how you feel and not so much on what you (or others) think.

SUMAA TEKUR tarotreadhyd@gmail.com

Libra

Scorpio

Eight of Pentacles

Strength

ork – You’re in a strong position to request a raise or a promotion. Your seniors at work cannot refuse you considering the hard work you’ve put in. Romance – You meet someone through common friends and the chemistry is instant and intense. You hit it off well. Health – Your fears and concerns were unfounded. Medical tests show that you’re in good health and all you need is good company and laughter. Money – If some money was owed to you for a long time, they get paid out and all the dues are cleared. You’re in a comfortable place, financially. Tarot message – Your immense willpower and determination take you places and you overcome all odds to come out stronger.

ork – Your boss trusts you with a new job and although you have little experience in it, you do extremely well. Romance – It’s the small things that matter in a relationship. Bring your partner flowers, cook for them or woo them again if it improves your chemistry. Health – You’re feeling slightly off balance given the demands of every other area of life. You haven’t been paying attention to your health. Money – Your loan is approved or you are able to arrange the finances you needed to start a dream project. Now, there’s no looking back. Tarot message – Live in the moment and enjoy what you do. Your choices will not feel like a burden.

Sagittarius Page of Cups

ork –Don’t get into sticky situations with your boss. Avoid heated arguments, at least where the whole office can see you. Discuss in private. Romance – Your partner may be giving you a tough time. He/she is confused about how to take this forward. Be patient. Health – You may be taking your exercise routine a little too seriously. Chill out on yourself. You need to live a little. Money – Your finances are in control, mostly because you’re very aware of where you’ve put the monies and know what to expect from it. Tarot message – Live one day at a time. There will be the temptation to dream big and expect more – but be careful.

Capricorn

Date 10-3-2013

Aquarius

Ace of Wands

Ace of Cups

ork – You’ve been chosen for a coveted assignment at the office, one that requires you to be creative and think differently. Romance – A new relationship enters your life or you find a fresh spark in an existing relationship. Go with the flow. Health – You may consider starting a new health regimen, veering towards the alternative therapies. It works well for you. Money – A new job opportunity presents itself giving you the options to choose from. It may even be a freelance opportunity through which to increase your finances. Tarot message – You probably perceive the world around you differently, which is making you accept situations more readily than before.

ork – Avoid gossip and don’t believe everything you hear at the smoking zone or near the water cooler. The gossip monger also has much to hide. Romance – Your partner may not be giving you full details and this may cause you to build unfair expectations. Health – Accept nothing at face value. You need a second opinion. Be brave while making decisions about your health. Money – Read the fine print. Don’t sign financial documents before checking out the pros and cons from every possible angle. Tarot message – There’s an air of secrecy around you. The only way to overcome it is by following your instinct and doing what feels right.

ork – Your mind is brimming with new ideas. The task will be to sit your boss down, get her/his full attention and get your ideas passed. Romance – Time is ripe for romance. You will be wined and dined. There will be surprises in store. In short, great time for love. Health – You have been managing to stick to the fitness routine and the results are showing on your body and also your mental outlook. Money – Work is directly related to how much money you make. Entrepreneurship is a strong possibility. Tarot message – Fertile time for the imagination. Make use of this time and enjoy the creativity that flows through you.

Pisces Ten of Cups

ork – Group effort will make the most impossible tasks possible. Now the only trouble will be to manage your boss who thinks it’s fine to give you more work. Romance – Those married are thinking of a baby. Singles will be looking for long-term relationships and not just a one-off fling. Health – Health is closely related to happiness and this is coming from your friends and family who look after you and your likes and dislikes. Money – Creative plans work well and even bring in some extra cash. You make money from freelance projects. Tarot message – You realise the importance of having a strong foundation in family and the need for stable relationships.

Vol: 2, No 232 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 040-40672222, Fax: 040-40672211

THE SATURDAY QUIZ SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2013

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

IN THE NEWS

7. What type of bird is a Goldeneye? 8. How many cards are there in a tarot pack? 9. How many lines are there in a sonnet? 10. Which 2 letters have a value of ten in a game of scrabble? 11. What type of creature is a

Kalong? 12. Which fruit often tagged as the foulest smelling fruit in the world, has been described as having the aroma of human faeces? 13. Which part of the body is being dissected in Rembrandt's painting of an anatomy lesson?

Answers

names for who? 4. What is the name of the Dog in Wizard Of Oz? 5. Which film company uses a woman holding a torch aloft as its logo? 6. The Intelligence and espionage agency of the British Government is known as what?

1.Because at the time the game was conceived there was swine flu going on 2. The Hunger Games 3.Satan 4. Toto 5. Columbia 6. MI6 7. Medium-sized diving duck 8. 78 9. 14 10. Q, Z 11. Bat 12. Durian 13. Left forearm

TEST YOURSELF

IDENTIFY THESE ANIMALS

CURRENT AFFAIRS 1

1 2 3

The Obama administrationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drone has confirmed to hit the target in three different countries. Name them.

Joltinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Joe, The Yankee Clipper Mother

Napoleon of India

Daniel Day-Lewis became the first man to win three lead acting Oscars but he needs one more to equal the record for any person. Who holds that honour?

Maid of Orleans El Nino

Mario Balotelli has commissioned a life-size statue to immortalise himself. What quality has he asked the artist to evoke?

Goldenballs

Beefy, The Guy Gorilla

1. Pakistna, Yemen, Somalia 2. Newborns 3. Katherine Hepburn 4. Defiance 5. STRaND-1

Answers: 1.Slow Loris 2. Red ruffed Lemur 3. Gopher 4. Badger with Santosh Ghule Have you got the eye to pick up the object in this illusion-sketch? A cheetah is silhouetted against its abode, a cave!

Answer for 56:

Researchers from Norway, South Africa, Britain and Germany, in the last week of February 2013 discovered a sunken and small continent beneath the Indian Ocean. What is the name of this newly found lost continent?

PICTURE PUZZLE 57

WHO AM I? I am the Chief Minister of a prosperous state in India. Some people even say I harbour ambitions of becoming the PM. Recently the Wharton India Economic Forum cancelled my invitation.

Answer : Narendra Modi

Answers Seven oceanographic study satellite were launched successfully by Isro's PSLV-C20 rocket on February 25, 2013 from the spaceport at Sriharikota. What is the name of the Indo-French oceanographic study satellite?

Pistol Pete

The Pelvis

KNOW YOUR COUNTRY

Audi

Answers:

The Surrey Space Centre (SSC) of the University of Surrey on 26 February 2013 announced that a nano-satellite carrying a smartphone was launched successfully into space from India. What is the name of this nano-satellite?

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Iron Mike

Dolce & Gabbana were in the news this week for developing a $45 fragrance catering to which segment of customers?

4 5

Do you know who are they?

1. Iron Mike 2. Joe Di Maggio 3. Mother Teresa 4. Samudra Gupta 5. Joan of Arc 6. Sergio Garcia 7. David Beckham 8. Mark Waugh 9. Ian Botham 10. Pete Sampras 11. Elvis Presley

1. In the game of Angry Birds why are the villains pigs? 2. Which Hollywood film was conceived as its maker watched blurring lines of a reality show and snapshots of the Iraq War on television? 3. Prince of Darkness and Beelzebub are alternative

1. Saral 2. Mauritia

Answers

SPORTS SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2013

Williams sets 3-point record

Ogier leads Mexico Rally

NEW YORK: Deron Williams scored

Romero clings to lead

LEON, MEXICO: Frenchman

42 points and set an NBA record by making nine 3-point shots in the first half to lead the Brooklyn Nets over the Washington Wizards 95-78 on Friday. Williams made 15-of-24 shots from the field, including his first eight 3-point attempts of the game, and finished 11of-16 from 3-point range as the Nets improved to 36-26.

RIO GRANDE, PUERTO RICO:

Sebastien Ogier leads following the first 11 specials after the first full day of the Rally of Mexico, the third leg of the world championships, here on Friday. The winner of the last Rally of Sweden leads Norway’s Mads Ostberg by 29.49sec with Mikko Hirvonen of Finland in third at 37.3sec.

Argentina’s Andres Romero fired his second consecutive seven-under-par 65 on Friday to grab a one-stroke lead after the second round of the $3.5 million US PGA Tour Puerto Rico Open. Romero, whose only PGA title came in 2008 at New Orleans, was on 14-under 130 after 36 holes, one shot ahead of American Scott Brown.

Tiger reaches birdie milestone Tiger Woods fired eight birdies on Friday to complete a personal-best PGA run of 17 birdies in his first 36 holes and seize a two-stroke lead at the Miami event. MIAMI: World No 2 Tiger Woods (right), seeking his 17th WGC victory and 76th career triumph, fired a seven-under-par 65 in the second round to stand on 13under 131 after the second round of the $8.5 million event at Doral’s Blue Monster course. Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell fired a 67 to finish 36 bogey-free holes on 133, one stroke ahead of Americans Phil Mickelson and Steve Stricker with Sweden’s Fredrik Jacobson and reigning Masters champion Bubba Watson on 135. While Woods has produced lower scores over his first 36 holes at a PGA event, he has

WOODS, WHO WON EARLIER THIS YEAR AT TORREY PINES, SHOWED THE FORM THAT HAS MADE HIM A 14-TIME MAJOR CHAMPION. never fired so many birdies in the first two PGA rounds. Woods, who won earlier this year at Torrey Pines, showed the form that has made him a 14time major champion with his next chance to close the gap on the record 18 majors of Jack

Nicklaus only a month away at the Masters. “I probably hit the ball better at Torrey but I’m putting better here,” said Woods. “With forecasts of wind on Sunday, hopefully I can feel my way around and get it done.” Woods has three career triumphs at Doral and six in this WGC event which has been hosted by several courses, but he has not won a WGC event in his past 10 attempts. After nine birdies and three birdies in Thursday’s first round of 66, Woods shared the lead with four rivals. But as the second round wore on, no one could

match Woods for putting consistency or approaches that put him within 10 feet. “I played better today,” Woods said. “The first couple of holes weren’t very good at all. My first good shot was at four. Once I hit that shot at four, I felt pretty good about it.” Woods put his tee shot at the par-3 fourth two feet from the cup to set up a birdie and followed with a birdie at five, then followed with two more back-toback birdies at the par-4 seventh and par-5 eighth and par-5 10th AFP and par-4 11th.

SPEARHEAD FOR MUMBAI FEATURE

S Attoallahi-trained Spearhead will be fancied in The CN Wadia Gold Cup, the featuere event of Sunday afternoon races at Mumbai. The first race will start at 1-30pm.

1ST RACE:

The Flareon Plate 1200 M Horses Rated 1 to 26 Selections: 1 Absolute Star 2 Arabian Gold 3 Pepe Senior

2ND RACE:

The Indian Navy Trophy 1400 M Horses Rated 60 to 86 Selections: 1 Storm Tracker 2 Manyatta

3RD RACE:

The Jasdanwalla Trophy Div-2 1200 M Horses Rated 40 to 66 / 5 years old and over Selections: 1 Fantasdy Royal 2 Unknown Rebel 3 Aliyana

4TH RACE:

The Mulraj Goculdas Trophy 1200 M Horses Rated 80 and upward Selections: 1 Neona 2 Ishpingo 3 Star Trainer

5TH RACE:

The Y.M. Chaudhry Memorial

Sagan claims 3rd stage ROME: Slovakian star Peter Sagan (in pic) held off sprint ace Mark Cavendish to win the third stage of the TirrenoAdriatico over 190km from Indicatore to Narni Scalo on Friday. With former world champion Cavendish on his wheel, Sagan attacked from well back and reeled in Andre Greipel to claim the victory.

Race leader Cavendish left his attack too late while a fading Greipel took third on the stage. Sagan praised his team’s tactics on the stage. “We made the stage hard to wear out the sprinters. My teammates were great on the final climb and the contenders paid for their efforts on the final straight,” he said.

Trophy 1400 M Maiden Indian Horses 3 years old only Selections: 1 Amistad 2 Set Soil 3 Ghanghorr

6TH RACE:

The C.N. Wadia Gold Cup (Gr.2) 2400 M Terms Race / 4 years old and over Selections: 1 Spearhead 2 Invictus 3 Nadia

7TH RACE:

The Jayaramdas Patel Gold Trophy 2000 M Horses Rated 20 to 46

Selections: 1 Starring 2 Roswald 3 Act of War

8TH RACE:

The Ranjit V. Bhat Memorial Gold Cup 1000 M Maiden Indian Horses 3 years old only Selections: 1 Amelia 2 Remember Me 3 Blue Bay

9TH RACE:

The Jasdanwalla Trophy Div-1 1200 M Horses Rated 40 to 66 / 5 years old and over Selections: 1 Matilda 2 Theology 3

Augustus Days Best: Amistad FIRST JACKPOT POOL RACES 3,4,5,6,7 SECOND JACKPOT POOL RACES 5,6,7,8,9 FIRST TREBLE POOL RACES 2,3,4 SECOND TREBLE POOL RACES 6,7,8 THIRD TREBLE POOL RACES 7,8,9 Tanala pool will operate on all races where there are five or more starters.

LeBron leads Heat over 76ers MIAMI: LeBron James scored 25 points and the Miami Heat’s club-record win streak reached 17 games, matching the longest in the NBA this season, with a 102-93 home victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday. Dwyane Wade scored 22 points while Chris Bosh contributed 16 and Ray Allen added 12 for the defending NBA champion Heat, who improved the best record in the Eastern Conference to 46-14 while dropping the 76ers to 23-38.

LeBron James (#6) of the Miami Heat shoots a layup against Spencer Hawes (#00) and Thaddeus Young (#21) of the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday. AFP PHOTO

The Heat pulled even with an early season run by the Los Angeles Clippers for the season’s longest win streak and can seize the mark for themselves alone with a home victory Sunday against Indiana. James, the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player, also contributed 10 rebounds and five assists for the Heat. Thaddeus Young scored 25 points in a losing cause as Philadelphia lost for the fourth AFP game in a row.

SPORTS SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2013

Scoreboard England, 1st innings 167 New Zealand, first innings (402/7 overnight) Fulton c Prior b Anderson 55 H Rutherford c sub (Woakes) b Anderson 171 K Williamson b Panesar 24 R Taylor c Trott b Anderson 31 D Brownlie b Anderson 27 B McCullum c Anderson b Broad 74 BJ Watling b Broad 0 T Southee b Broad 25 B Martin c Prior b Finn 41 N Wagner not out 4 Extras (lb8) 8 Total (9 wickets dec) 460 Bowling: Anderson 33-2-137-4, Finn 264-3-102-1, Broad 28-3118-3, Panesar 22-2-83-1, Trott 2-0-4-0, Root 5-1-8-0 England, second innings A Cook out 116 N Compton not out 102 Extras (b 6, lb 8, nb 1) 15 Total: (for 0 wickets) 234

England 234 for one at stumps

DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND:

England were 234 for one in their second innings at stumps on the fourth day of the first cricket Test at University oval on Saturday, requiring 59 runs to make New Zealand bat again. Alastair Cook made 116 and Nick Compton was not out 102. New Zealand resumed the day at 402 for seven and declared at 460 for nine to hold a convincing 293-run lead. In a whirlwind opening session, New Zealand cracked 58 runs in less than nine overs as Brendon McCullum raced from 44 to 74 and Bruce Martin advanced from 17 to 41. McCullum declared after the

England’s captain Alastair Cook bats during day four of the first Test match against New Zealand at the University Oval in Dunedin on Friday. AFP/ MARTY MELVILLE

dismissal of the overnight pair to give his bowlers more than an hour before lunch to attack the England line up who had folded for 167 in their first innings. But the conditions were weighted heavily in favour of the batsmen who progressed cautiously to 58 in 22 overs before lunch and then added a further 81 runs in 32 overs during the middle session. Their only moment of concern came when Compton flicked at a Tim Southee delivery heading down the legside, sparking a confident appeal from the New Zealanders. However, both the appeal and the subsequent AFP review were turned down.

Sharapova licks Sugarpova Sharapova enjoys sweet taste of Sugarpova success. INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA: Maria

Nehwal nearer All-Eng dream

Sharapova says her business ventures have provided the education which her tennis career never allowed time to achieve. And Sharapova, one of only two women on Forbes Magazine’s 2012 list of the world’s 100 highest-paid athletes, said no venture has offered as steep or satisfying a learning curve as her Sugarpova candy brand that debuted last year. “One of the things that I have really picked up over the many years I have worked with different brands and people is that I never really had a solid

Sharapova reaches Indian Wells 3rd round

econd-seeded Maria Sharapova launched her Indian Wells campaign on Friday with a crisp 6-2, 6-1 second-round WTA victory over Francesca Schiavone. Russia’s Sharapova won the title in 2006.

Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic hits a return to Olga Govortsova of Belarus during day 3 of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on Friday in Indian Wells, California. AFP/ STEPHEN DUNN

education in my career, but I have always liked to listen and I have liked to learn,” Sharapova said Friday after booking her third round berth at the WTA’s BNP Paribas Open.

Djoker feels momentum building Rebecca Bryan

INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA: No 1 Novak Djokovic doesn’t want to make any predictions, but a third Australian Open title and a 13-match winning streak have 2013 feeling a lot like his landmark 2011 season. “Well, it feels the same, in a way, the way I started the year,” said Djokovic, whose season so far also includes a fourth Dubai Open title. That’s good news for Djokovic, since his 2011 campaign was one for the ages. The Serb won three Grand Slam titles that year, five ATP Masters crowns and pulled in a record cash haul of $12.6 million. His win-loss record of 706 included a 43-match winning run in the first half of the season, a surge that brought him the Australian Open title and was only ended by Roger Federer’s semi-final victory over him at the Roland Garros.

Ambitious Lee wants to forget his win

Richard Eaton

BIRMINGHAM, UK: Saina

BIRMINGHAM, UK: Lee

Nehwal (above) took a step nearer becoming the first Indian woman ever to win the AllEngland title when she reached the semi-finals after a long drawn-out battle with a former champion. Her 23-21, 19-21, 21-16 win over Wang Shixian, the 2011 winner from China, was a long, fluctuating and tense affair, in which mistakes were mixed with well constructed rallies, with Nehwal chiselling out a matchwinning lead after the interval in the third game. Always bearing a heavy burden of expectation from the world’s second most populous nation, Nehwal also has extra pressure of expectations from being the highest seed left in her event. The top-seeded titleholder Li Xuerui was beaten on the first day.

Chong Wei (right) moved to within two wins of regaining the men’s singles title at the All-England Open, but was so disappointed with the quality of the success which got him there that he claimed he would forget it. The world number one from Malaysia was never in

difficulties in a 21-17, 21-19 win over Tienh Min Nguyen, the seventh-seeded Vietnamese player, but shook his head at how much he felt his performance fell below its usual very high standards. There were some moments of exceptional brilliance from Lee, sometimes with agile defence, sometimes with airborne attack, and twice with spectacularly dismissive

Baun closer to big farewell

Richard Eaton

BIRMINGHAM, UK: Former world number one Tine Baun remained on course for a big farewell when she reached the semi-finals of the All-England Open in the last week of her unusual career. Baun, a late starter at the top level but the only woman to deny China a singles title in

the past decade, was often at her commanding, emotionally intense best during a 21-7, 2113 against Lindaweni Fanetri, the world number 19 from Indonesia. The weight of her smashing and the power of her presence in an arena where she has won two All-England titles made it difficult for a young opponent.

brushed kills at the net. However, he appeared oddly distracted at others, notably when he let slip four match points in a row, before concluding a superb attackdefence-attack combination on the fifth with a flying jump smash. “I made some simple mistakes,” he said, shaking his head. “I just have to forget about it and move on.”

Anti-doping law proposed

MADRID: The Spanish gov-

ernment has announced plans for new legislation that will introduce stricter penalties for doping violations. The plans were announced just 10 days before the International Olympic Committee visit Madrid to make their evaluation of the city’s bid to host the 2020 Olympic Games.

Should the legislation be passed by parliament, a new agency for the protection of health in sport will replace the current state anti-doping agency and carry a much wider range of powers. Fines for those caught doping will be raised to $521,000 and anti-doping controls will be permitted between 2300 and 0600 hours.

SPORTS SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2013

Maradona negotiations soon

Tevez arrested, faces jail

Beckham in line for start

MONTPELLIER, FRANCE:

LONDON: Manchester City striker

PARIS: Paris Saint-Germain coach

Carlos Tevez has been arrested for allegedly driving while disqualified and is now waiting to hear whether he could face a charge that could bring a possible prison sentence of up to six months. Tevez, 29, was arrested on Thursday in Cheshire, where he lives. He was banned from driving for six months on January 16.

Carlo Ancelotti on Friday hinted that David Beckham will start Saturday’s Ligue 1 match against Nancy at the Parc des Princes. The veteran Englishman was left on the bench for the entirety of Wednesday’s Champions League last 16, second leg, against Valencia, when a 1-1 draw took the French giants through to the quarters.

MANCHESTER, UK: Wayne Rooney (above) will hope to prove his worth to Manchester United when they bid to put their Champions League heartache behind them against Chelsea in Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final. The England striker was dropped to the bench for United’s 2-1 loss to Real Madrid on Tuesday, sparking speculation that he could be set to leave the club he joined from Everton in 2004. However, United manager Alex Ferguson has branded those reports “rubbish” and revealed that the 27-year-old will play a part at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Greek player in German move to help sick son

Mancini not interested in Rooney

anchester City manager Roberto Mancini has rejected speculation linking the club with a move for United striker Wayne Rooney. Rooney’s future at United has been thrown into the spotlight after he started the 2-1 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid on the bench.

Though he stopped short of confirming that Rooney would start the game, Ferguson defended his right to keep his team

selections under wraps. “He’ll be involved on Sunday,” the United manager said. “(But) I’m not prepared to give away my team. Why should I? Why should I help anyone? We don’t do that.” Ferguson was nonetheless prepared to reveal that Ryan Giggs will play no part against Chelsea after putting in a superb 90minute shift against Madrid in what was his 1,000th senior appearance. “Ryan Giggs won’t play (against Chelsea) on Sunday. Why? He was the best player we had (on Tuesday),” said Ferguson. “We know how to control him and get Ryan prepared for certain games. He has done his bit for us. Next

ATHENS: A Greek football player has given up playing in the top flight Super League and joined a fifth division German squad in order to be near his sick son, Athens sports daily Goal News revealed on Friday. Levadiakos defender Giannis Alexiou, 28, has switched to KFC Uerdingen 05 after his new-born son Thanos was diagnosed with a rare lung disease and had to be taken to a children’s hospital in Athens. Months of therapy in Athens and Thessaloniki failed to cure the child, prompting Alexiou to take his son to Germany.

SOLUTIONS Scrabble

Tom WILLIAMS

week, yes; different game, another bit of rest. “Wayne understood exactly what we were doing. I explained to him before we announced the team.” Ferguson was so angered by his side’s loss to Madrid, which turned on the controversial 56thminute dismissal of United winger Nani, that he refused to speak to media after the game. He will nonetheless have found solace in United’s 12-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table, as well as the possibility of reaching a first FA Cup final since 2007. Chelsea’s situation is rather less comfortable. Winners of the FA Cup in four of the last six seasons, Chelsea’s recent form suggests the trophy may represent their only chance of finishing the season with some silverware. The Blues currently sit in fourth place in the Premier League and suffered a shock 1-0 loss at Steaua Bucharest in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday. However, goalkeeper Petr Cech believes the trip to Old Trafford provides a perfect opportunity to draw a line beneath their own European disappointment. “It’s the best way to forget about this defeat,” Cech told Chelsea TV. “The games are coming thick and fast. We won’t have much time to prepare, but we’ll get a little bit of rest and hopefully we’ll have a good performance on Sunday.

Emmanuel Barranguet

ROME: Mario Balotelli (below) grabbed the headlines as 10-man AC Milan consolidated their grip on third place in Serie A with a 2-0 win on Friday at lowly Genoa which extended their unbeaten league run to 10 games. Balotelli, who started on the bench, scored the clinching second after his replacement, Giampaolo Pazzini, had notched the opener. But the result was marred by an ugly second half incident as Guinea full-back Kevin Constant was sent-off for a sustained attempt to confront Genoa’s Cesare Bovo 25 minutes from time. Despite receiving first a second yellow from the referee, and eventually the subsequent red, Constant refused to leave the field as he persistently attempted to approach Bovo. It was several minutes before a gaggle of teammates managed to usher him from the pitch. But that did not stop Milan from continuing their recent unbeaten run which has taken them to within two points of secondplaced Napoli ahead of the weekend games.

Boggle

RAMS JETS BEARS LIONS EAGLES GIANTS

Suduko

All eyes on Rooney as United await Chelsea

Balotelli helps Milan go 10 unbeaten

Number game

Outspoken Montpellier president Louis Nicollin told AFP on Friday that he hopes to speak to Argentine legend Diego Maradona about taking over as coach at the club next season. The French side, who won the Ligue 1 title last season for the first time in their history, are on the lookout for somebody to replace Rene Girard.