Epaper for 13 December 2011

RUPEE PLUNGES TO

53.40 AGAINST DOLLAR

53.40 50

MUMBAI: The Indian rupee tumbled by 56 paise to an alltime low of Rs 53.40 per US dollar in early trade on the Interbank Foreign Exchange on Tuesday on continued demand for the American currency from banks and importers, coupled with news of negative growth in industrial output in October.

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Hyderabad’s first compact afternoon newspaper

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FLASH

CITY DROWN IN CHEL‘SEA’ Manchester City pressed the

TWO AMRI OFFICIALS ARRESTED KOLKATA: Two senior officials of the AMRI Hospital were arrested on Tuesday in the fire mishap case. S Upadhay, senior vice-president and safety committee chairman, and Sanjiv Pal, administrative officer, of the hospital were arrested, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Damayanti Sen said. The two officials would be produced before a city court later in the day, he said. Nine persons have so far been arrested in the fire mishap case.

self-destruct button and let Chelsea hand them their first defeat of the Barclays Premier League season.

Chelsea hauled themselves right back into the title race with the 2-1 win

LADY GAGA

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According to the Forbes List 2011, Lady Gaga was the Most Powerful Celebrity of the year. The poker-face singer redefined music all around the world and was also a favourite head turner at the Formula 1 circuit in New Delhi recently.

Even before the administration could take a breather after their dogged battle against the canines that rule the streets, another group — with hold in high places, literally — has hit them. When simian troops raid residential neighbourhoods foraging for food, officials are pondering how to tackle the monkey menace, which is back with a vengeance

FLASH

KAB BANEGA CROREPATI? NEW DELHI: Bihar’s Sushil Kumar, who made headlines when he became the first contestant to win `5 crore on Kaun Banega Crorepati 5, hasn’t received his prize money yet. Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, host of the show, says the former’s cheque is ready, but he wants it at the CNN-IBN Award ceremony.

REPORT ON PG 3

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V for Victory Venkatesh celebrates his 52nd birthday today and is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. We take a look at his filmography and reasons that make him one of the most loved stars in Telugu cinema

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Page Two

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2011

Spirit of Twin Cities

2

TRS and Cong gear up for by-polls T U Srinivas

he by-polls in the State are an acid for both the Congress and Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS).

While the fate of 16 MLAs is set to be decided by the Speaker Nadendla Manohar, the lobbying for the 7 vacant seats has already begun. The TRS is aiming at giving top priority to the MLAs who have come for Congress to the TRS. The Congress is making a slow and calculated move. The image of Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy is at stake again as he has not won any of the polls since the Kadapa election. In a meeting with the ministers who are close to him the chief minister, it is learnt, said that winning the no-confidence is not the end and that they have to show their

strength in the by-elections.

We have to win more than half of the seats that go for the by-elections the chief minister is reported to have said. The ministers are on this job in their respective districts.

MLAs who defected to the TRS from the Congress and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) look forward to a contest in the proposed by-elections. Sources in the TRS told Postnoon that they are lobbying with the TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao and also Harish Rao from time to time.

Former minister Jupalli Krishna Rao, MLAs Rajaiah and S Satyanarayana and associate member of the Congress, who joined the TRS recently, are expecting to contest from their respective constituencies.

Gampa Govardhan and Jogu

Ramana are also gearing up for the contest. A Jupalli Krishna Rao was vociferous in his demand for a separate state of Telangana. He participated in a paadayaatra, resigned from the cabinet and then joined the TRS. Jupalli is representing the Kodangal constituency in Mahaboobnagar district.

Vishnuvardhana Reddy, a sympathiser, is in touch with minister DK Aruna and is most likely to contest on the Congress ticket against Jupally. Another MLA who switched sides, Rajaiah of Station Ghanapur in Warangal district, has overcome recent confusion and is all set to contest now.

The Congress is likely to field a former TRS leader to face Rajaiah.

Kadiam Srihari, a former

minister, is a strong candidate of TDP. All of them are staunch supporters of the Telangana cause.

Some Congress MLAs who crossed over to the TRS are of the opinion that the TRS chief Chandrasekhar Rao would prevail upon the high command to reduce the intensity of contest in some areas as part of a longterm understanding.

S Satyanarayana, a TDP leader, had to contest as an independent since TDP had an electoral alliance with TRS and the Ramagundam constituency in Karimnagar district was allocated to the latter. He defeated the TRS candidate and is confident of winning again as the TRS nominee. Jogu Ramanna is also gearing up to contest on the TRS ticket it is reported. More than

the Congress, the TRS and YSR Congress camps are busy with the by-poll scenario. The Congress is moving ahead in a slow-and-steady manner weighing all pros and cons.

Kaushik Hari, who contested on the TRS ticket last time, is being considered as a prospective Congress candidate to oppose Satyanarayana.

There are also reports that the TRS might consider to help some of the Congress MLAs who would contest in the by election, especially supporters of Telangana. Konda Surekha who would be contesting on the YSR Congress ticket may not face much of a contest from the TRS. But there are also people who say it could be very difficult for Surekha to win the contest this time.

Around the city: Your guide to the Twin Cities

A night of ghazals and food

Enjoy live ghazal’s along with authentic Indian dishes at Novotel Shamshabad’s Indian speciality restaurant Haldi.

Where: Novotel, Shamshabad When: Ongoing, 8pm-11pm Contact: (040) 66250000

Have paint, will travel The Corner House Gallery brings to you C Chandrasekhar’s travelling exhibition of graphic prints.

Where: The Corner House Gallery, Jubilee Hills.

When: Ongoing, 7pm to 9pm Contact: 9885288982

Life in the dark An innovative format to experience and understand the daily life of the visually challenged with their trials and tribulations in doing the most simple of tasks.

Get a tour in complete darkness with visually impaired guides as they lead you through situations such as crossing the road and shopping at a supermarket.

Where: Inorbit Mall, Madhapur When: Ongoing, 10am to 8pm Contact: (040) 64603341/42

Christmas treat It’s Christmas time, Novotel Hyderabad’s Le Café celebrates the festive season with a gingerbread house.

View this marvel as well as pick up Christmas goodies such as Christmas Cookies and moulded chocolate that are available at site.

They have also put up a huge eco-friendly Christmas tree which revolves around the concept of recycle décor.

Where: Novotel, Hi Tech City

When: Ongoing, 11 am-11pm Contact: (040) 66824422

When: Ongoing, 11am-7pm Contact: (040) 23113709

Spin 2 Win To get a chance to win deals on your bills and drinks everyday head to Novotel Airport and spin the wheel of fortune.

Where: Novotel Shamshabad When:Ongoing, 6pm-10pm Contact: (040) 66250000

So fresh you can taste it

Myriad Reflections View a collection of paintings by Ramachandra B Pokale at an exhibition titled " Myriad Reflections". Through his paintings he depicts women as glamorous, enticing, alluring and charming.

Where: Alankritha, Jubilee Hills

CINEMAS

Film personalties, among others, display the poster of a short film contest organised by Applause The Theatre People and Cast n Crew; story on Pg3

To experience a typical seafood market, head to the Simply Fishy Food Festival. So head to Marriot to sample food prepared by the chefs using fresh seafood cooked in a variety of marinades and sauces.

Where: Hyderabad Marriott & Convention Centre,

Tank Bund When: Ongoing, 6.30 to 11.30 pm Contact: (040) 27522567

4play at 4 Hard Rock Café’s Happier Hour “4Play at 4”. From Monday – Friday between 4:00-7:00pm provides for enthralling evenings with your friends, family, colleagues or just about anyone with great drinks, groovy music and food.

Where: Hard Rock Cafe, Rd no 1

When: Monday-Friday, 4pm-7pm Contact: : (040) 4476 7900

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

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2011

Campaigns, hard news and spirit of Twin Cities

City under simian siege U Srinivas

E

ven before the City administration could take a breather after their dogged battle against the canines that rule the streets, another group — with hold in high places, literally — has hit them.

When simian troops raid residential neighbourhoods foraging for food, the officials are pondering how to tackle the monkey menace, which is back with a vengeance.

As the urban sprawl keeps expanding, eating into the green pockets which formed their abode, it’s no wonder that the monkeys enter human settlements for food.

As they forage for food everywhere including the garbage bins, it’ only natural that the monkey’s will be carrying a host of pathogens and parasites that is dangerous to humans. This

makes a monkey’s bite is equally dangerous as that of a rabid dog.

The GHMC has been receiving several complaints that the monkeys were ransacking the houses and attacking children for food apart from taking away the cooking utensils with food.

A troop of monkeys numbering about 20 to 30 are moving in Musheerabad area in search of food. Some parts of the Old City are also experiencing this problem. At both these places there have been instances where they attacked people and snatched food items. They are a common sight in some of the City temples.

Minister for municipal administration Maheedhar Reddy has received a petition that the government must take initiative to allocate about 100 acres on the outskirts of Hyderabad for an enclosure for monkeys. These enclosures should have all the facilities so that they do not attack the

MERC MAGIC

COVER STORY human beings and their settlements. At the same time the sterilisation of monkeys can be done in a phased manner, the petition proposes.

The usual practice is that the monkeys are caught and left in

PIC: SRINIVAS SETTY

Nallamala forests from time to time. But it has become a costly proposition to the government. It is learnt that some of the monkeys who got used to City food are coming back from the forests after a period of time.

W

Uniform number for emergency Postnoon News

F

ollowing the Home Ministry's orders to have a uniform number for all emergency services including police, fire brigade, ambulance and municipal corporation, Hyderabad and Cyberabad will implement the pilot project.

The aim is to ensure any emergency situation is atended to in minimum time.

Abhayanand, DGP, Bihar had a meeting with Comissioners AK Khan and Tirumala Rao,on Monday regarding this.

Short film contest launched A

pplause — The Theatre People, a Vizag based theatre group, launched a short film contest in association with Cast n Crew.

Soumya, actress and founder of Applause, said, "We are launching ‘Here's My Story, What's Yours', a short film contest to provide a platform for aspiring filmmakers to showcase their talent."

Thanikella Bharani, Ramesh Puppala, Soumya, Ravi Shankar, Mallik, Surya Kiran and Shireen Khan were present at the official launch.

"Short films are like visiting cards for aspiring filmmakers. I was among the first filmmakers to send my film to film festivals all over the world and I am really glad that there are hundreds of film festivals now," Thanikella Bharani said.

The contest will be held from December 15 to January 15 . Filmmakers can take part in this contest by posting their short films on www.castncrew.in and the length of the short film must be between 2 minutes and 22 minutes.

Monkey menace replaces street dog nightmare It has been estimated that catching a monkey and leaving it in the forest is costing around Rs1000 to the Government.

Finally the yearly expenditure on annual basis is around Rs70 to 80 lakh, according to sources.

The suggestions given to the municipal minister by a team of experts indicated that the same amount can be spent for a monkey enclosure in 100-acre area and the same can be made as tourist spot and the visitors can be charged a nominal fee, which will be used for the maintenance.

The monkeys that are captured from City limits will be sterilised and vaccinated. The project offers the double advantage of protecting people from the monkeys and creates an entertainment spot as well.

One can only hope that the ‘facilities’ will be secure enough and will interest the monkeys enough to keep them off human settlements.

Bankers lament rising defaults on sop loans U Srinivas

Excited schoolchildren gather to take a look at Mercedes sports model at Banjara Hills on Tuesday.

3

hat happens when a populist politician and shrewd bankers, with conflicting interests, share the dais? The result was clear for everyone to see at the State-level Banking committee (SLBC) meeting held at Jubilee Hall in the City.

While the CM wanted the banks to step up lending to popular government schemes, the bank representatives pointed to the massive default by beneficiaries of these schemes. The frauds in the banking sector needs to be prevented and the recovery of dues from farming sector continued to be a cause of concern for the banks said R Ramachandran, president of the SLBC. Ramachandran said that there was a need for the banks and the government to work together for prompt recovery of the loans. He

said that the Central government has advised that the frauds can be prevented by sharing the information of all banks with close co-ordination from time to time. This statement was made by the SLBC chief in the presence of the chief minister.

Many representatives from banks expressed “serious concern” that the crop loans of 2007-08 were not repaid by farmers with the assumption that they will be waived.

Ramchandran refused to give the details of figures on loan recovery. “We are working on it,” he said.

But he made it clear before the CM that the government must help the banks in making the recoveries from time to time. As on June 2011, it was observed that the overdues are mounting under government-sponsored schemes the SLBC chief hinted. The CM wanted more loans to be given, while the SLBC chief suggested of more recovery and for that he sought the help of the Government.

Special Report

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2011

STAR PRESENCE

4

POWERPLAY Police commissioner AK Khan watches a sports event at constables’ prerecruitment training programme at Petlaburg

Actors Simran Kaur Mundi and Sunny Gill at Bonsaii Lifestyle Store For Kids At Road No.12 in Banjara Hills.

PICS: SRINIVAS SETTY

PICS: N SHIVA KUMAR

Aspirants network to bell CAT books, he usually asks back, ‘Who is he, sir? Are you asking for any story?’”

That’s when he came across on Facebook a group called OMET (Other Management Entrance Tests). Sanka, who had been clueless about the course and good colleges, found excellent guidance and solutions to his problems. “This group helped me study and provided me with all the details about MBA courses and preparation. I can now easily combat my MBA test,” says Sanka.

Sanka Ram is one among the

665 members who have benefitted from this facebook group. In less than a month OMET has become the most popular web community amongst MBA aspirants.

This group has everything related to Post-CAT discussion.

They discuss and study for exams like IRMA, IIFT, SNAP, XAT, TISS and other management tests. The group even provides group discussion and personal interview session for members.

“Necessity is the mother of all inventions,” said Aikit Dikshit, the main administrator of the

group, explaining what motivated him to launch it. “This is my fourth attempt to crack CAT. I realized that there is a huge difference in what is being taught in coaching classes and what is actually being asked in the main exam. In order to make up for that, we created this group.”

There weren’t many visitors during the initial days after the group’s launch. But within a week there were over a 100 students visiting this Facebook community. Students post questions, solve questions, attend mock test and help clear each other’s doubts.

This website has become one of the best places to be updated about current affairs.

Students of this FB community make a virtual time table and study accordingly. They also meet up online and have a group discussion session. “At any point in the day, someone or the other remains active and almost all doubts and questions posted on the wall are discussed and answered. The senior faculty and mentors present here are very helpful and knowledgeable,” says Shovik, another member of this community.

It’s a very nice way to not feel guilty of wasting time on Facebook. It might not be my 100% preparation, but it definitely adds a lot of exposure, especially vocabulary and English

I would have been preparing alone sitting in my room but now it’s very interesting. Our doubts are solved within minutes sometimes. Even the notes that a few students put up are of great help.

The amazing amount of talent and exposure which I have personally come face to face with in this group has not only increased my own preparation to desired levels, but it has also been a fun process.

It’s a platform for all the aspirants appearing for different management entrances other than CAT. The learned mentors have been a great help for the members with their zeal to help and guide throughout.

Raghuveer Nishtala, Hyderabad

Pragnya singh, Delhi

Shovik Shovik Roy, Kolkata

Charu b Bhatele, Bhopal

Sudeshna Koka sudeshna.k@postnoon.com

S

anka Ram, a B. Tech graduate from a small town in Tirunelveli, 80 kms away from Kanyakumari, was having a hard time preparing for management entrance tests.

“In my college there were only 15 out of 900 students wanted to pursue MBA. I did not know who to go to for guidance. I had to travel 150 km to attend a good coaching centre like Time, or IMS (Institute of Management Studies ). Also in my city, books about CAT are hard to get. If I ask a shopkeeper about Arun Sharma

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AIRLINES Airport Director 27903785, 27906001 For Air India Flight Information Toll free (from any network) for IC Flights 18001801407 And for All Flights: 1800227722 Air India has revised its flight timings.

For more information call (Toll free) 18001801407, 1800227722 from BSNL/MTNL 04023430334 from other lines and mobile Website; www.airindia.in TOURISM OFFICES AP Tourism, Hyd 23262152/53/54 Sec’bad 27893100 Dept of Tourism 23453110 India Tourism 23261360 AP Tourism information Centre (24x7) 23450444, 23455999 UK Visa Office

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

Hyper Local

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2011

Campaigns, hard news and spirit of Twin Cities

5

Attendants get bitter pills at NIMS difficult to relieve themselves. So, some relieve themselves against compound walls.

In fact, Postnoon reporters spotted a peon using a toilet in the department of radiology where there was a board that read ‘for patients only’!

Osama Salman, AishwaryaYerra feedback@postnoon.com

T

here seems to be no end to the woes plaguing the premier medical institution in the State, the Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS). Patients have to fend for themselves even for emergency medicines. They have to replenish the stocks used on them.

Attendants of patients lying in emergency condition face pulsating moments in the queues at the ill-quipped pharmacy or cross the road outside to buy medicines.

Paid parking When one comes to hospital, they expect the least to pay for parking their vehicle. The hospital has become so commercial that they want to make money even through parking.

The amount may not be as large, but for the low-income patients that come here, paying even Rs. 5 during a time where they have to shell out money for expensive medical care, the amount seems like extra expenditure on their head.

Attenders need to buy medicines

Only one pharmacy NIMS is a huge medical institution with hundreds of patients admitted every day and they require large amounts of medicines. But NIMS has just one pharmacy. Just a few months back, there were three pharmacies on its premises but due to the conclusion of contracts, two of them have been closed down.

Even the existing lone pharmacy, Hetero Chemists and Druggists, is going to shut down after the end of its contract. NIMS is following a policy where only its own pharmacy will operate and no private store will be allowed to do

business inside.

“There has been only one pharmacy since three months and one can see long queues outside the store with desperate attenders waiting to buy the prescribed medicine for the patients,” said a high placed Union member.

Few toilets There are hardly any toilets for the visitors in the hospital of this stature. Even when one finds a toilet with great difficulty, it is locked because the staff keeps it for their private use, admits an employee.

As a result, many of the attendants are left uncomfortable finding it

NIMS follows a very bizarre policy where a patient has to fend for his own medicines. Every medicine that a patient requires needs to be fetched by the attendants. So even if it is an emergency, the attender of the patient has to rush to the lone pharmacy on the hospital premises or go to the drug stores outside which takes a lot of precious time.

Adding to the problem is that the only medical store in NIMS frequently runs out of stock of a lot of medicines.

However, a highly placed union member defends the hospital saying “We do supply medicines to patients during emergencies. The only reason we ask them to get their own medicines is so that we can compensate for what has been used.”

Red tapism “Right from the peon to the head, everybody is corrupt. Behind closed doors is immense money laundering. The funds are misappropriated and each of them lets no opportunity pass by where they can earn extra cash.” says a former security guard. Money calls the shots in every department whether it is speeding up queues or getting that extra special treatment.

The opening of new block, which will add 500 more beds, was allegedly postponed as funds allocated for it were misused. A close aide to the former director of NIMS said that he used to forcefully extract money from the people.

But this habit seems to have been adopted by almost all the staff.

When Postnoon reporters went to the X-ray waiting room, they encountered Satyam, who was patiently awaiting the results of his X-ray. He had broken his foot the day earlier and in spite of waiting the entire day, he was told to come back the next day. It took him two full days to complete his initial check-up, only because he did not ‘pay’ to speed up the process.

(To be concluded)

Power boost for diesel Md. Inkeshaf Ahmed ahmed.m@postnoon.com

HYDERABAD: Frequent power cuts in Hyderabad and neighbouring areas of Ranga Reddy and Medak districts has led to the increase in sales of diesel. Even after the end of General Strike one and a half month ago, the diesel sales are same as they were during the Strike.

The main cause attributed to this phenomenon is that the thousands of indus-

operations as they too are experiencing two hour scheduled power. Along with increasing their retail activity, the power cuts have been a catalyst in the growth of diesel selling outlets. Speaking to Postnoon, Greater Hyderabad Petrol Diesel Dealers Association President M. Prabhakar Reddy says, “We have recorded an increase of 20-40 per cent in diesel sales due to power cuts over the last three months. This has been the trend for the past three months. However, at the end of

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tries in and around Hyderabad are increasingly using diesel as fuel due to frequent scheduled and unscheduled power cuts. Even after the T-strike, the industrial sector is forced to put up with a four-hour power cut everyday and every week they lose a working day because of 24 hour power cut. With no other option left, these industries, which are significant contributors to State Gross Domestic Product (GSDP), have to fuel their operations by diesel.

Commercial establishments in Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) region have also been depending on diesel to run their

the General Strike, there has been a slight dip in diesel sales.

According to official statistics, Hyderabad has 167 retail fuel outlets and Ranga Reddy district has 300 retail fuel outlets. While the regular consumption in Hyderabad is 600 kilo litres (one kilo litre is equal to 1000 litres), at Ranga Reddy district is 1500 kilo litres per day. With frequent power cuts becoming a norm, the normal consumption increased by 20-40 percent in both these districts. The GHMC has about 1.5 lakh commercial properties in its limits. On an average, every commercial establishment is shelling out Rs 400-1000 for fuel.

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Hyper Local Osama Salman Salman.o@postnoon.com

T

he feeling of nostalgia hits you when the term ‘cable TV connection’ is mentioned. Everybody has lived through watching television in the living room when the favourite sitcom or breaking news was aired. The quality differed from each area individually as did the tariffs. Cable TV operators are now a dying lot, though at a stage, they called the shots. Is this the beginning of the end of cable TV in the city?

There was something special about cable TV connections, says Mahnoor Sahrash, lecturer in St Francis College. “I remember a time where the channels used to flicker time and again and how the grainy picture used to irritate us. While most channels were available, when there was a special on TV, they used to knock-off a particular channel and instead air a different channel. But what I particularly liked was paying a nominal monthly charge of Rs100,” reminisced Mahnoor Sahrash.

Hyderabad is an evolving city and with the recent Direct to Home (D2H) dish connection revolution, the city embraced it with open arms. The cable TV operators are now restricted either to hotels or humble homes. At a point in time, they had monopoly and made even channels like Star Sports (which had hiked their fees in 2002) give in to their demands.

Cable TV operators are strug-

FABRICATION

DTH noose tightens on cable operators

CONSULTANT

gling to survive as even homes of small-income groups are adapting to D2H. “10 years ago before Tata Sky was popular, we used to cater to 1,600 homes. That number has unfortunately come down to a meagre 800. We are trying our every bit to survive, although we know that is only a matter of time when we are phased out,” said Mohammed Shafi, operations manager, City Sound Cable TV that provides

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Campaigns, hard news and spirit of Twin Cities

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brownie points. When we get a call, we send our executive right away. That apart, because we cater to a specific area, we share camaraderie with our customers even on a personal basis. No other D2H provider can do that,” proudly said Satya Narayana, owner of 5 Star Cable Network, Habsiguda.

Cable TV has been blamed for ruining the city ‘scape. Wires running over the roads and in between buildings — they certainly aren’t appealing. “When you can have electrical wires, what difference would cable TV wires make?” defends Varun G, manager of Balaji Cable Network, SR Nagar.

The channel reception is not as bad as perceived to be. Over the years, the operators have improved their quality ten-folds.

While it may not be DVD quality, the picture is still very clear.

Then why are people shifting their loyalties to dish TV? “It is a natural process. People will want to move on to better things,” said Mahnoor.

If you wonder where the remaining cable TV operators are, well, this might interest you.

Travel to the older parts of the city including Nampally, Asif Nagar, Red Hills and Old City, and you will see them well grounded. They might not be as many, but they still dare to challenge a revolution. “Our customers have not decreased over the years. In fact, we still serve the same number as we did 10 years ago. We will survive,” said Malik, owner of Malik Communications in Malakpet.

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India‑View

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2011

India unveiled

IT’S A GALAXY

Constitution bench to examine dam petition NEW DELHI: A five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court will on Tuesday examine the cross applications moved by Tamil Nadu and Kerala seeking the apex courts’ intervention on the fresh row relating to the controversial Mullaperiyar dam.

The matter will be heard by a bench of justices DK Jain, RM Lodha, Deepak Verma, CK Prasad and AR Dave at 3.30 pm.

Besides, the applications by Tamil Nadu and Kerala governments, the application moved by DMK on Monday may also figure

7

on the agenda.

On December 1, Tamil Nadu government had moved the apex court accusing Kerala government of whipping up a “fear psychosis” on Mullaperiyar row and sought the court’s direction to restrain the state from making any controversial statement on the issue.

Tamil Nadu alleged Kerala, despite a status quo order by the apex court, was making public statements on issues of pulling down the century-old dam and constructing a new one in its place.

PTI

BJP lauds Pranab NEW DELHI: The BJP on Tuesday showered praise on finance minister Pranab Mukherjee, who has recently helped beleaguered UPA government resolve impasse in Parliament on FDI in retail.

“We see a section of the leadership ... including ministerial leadership as introvert, making arrogant statements in dealing with States, Opposition and civil society. Let me straightaway concede that you look a very positive exception to all this,” Arun Jaitley told Mukherjee.

Jaitely said this during debate on the Appropriation Bill, moved by the Finance Minister. He said he had attended all-party meetings with Mukherjee. “I rate you as one of the greatest honourable exceptions. Your communication with all of us and other political parties show this.”

While he considers PM Manmohan Singh as an “honourable man” without doubts on his credibility, there were questions on the leadership quality and credibility of the government, he added.

PTI

Actor Dilip Kumar with wife Saira, and Bachchan family members Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan at a photo session during his 89th birthday celebration in Mumbai on Saturday evening.

PTI

Spare First Family: Congress NEW DELHI: The Congress on Monday hit out at Anna Hazare for his attacks on party chief Sonia Gandhi and general secretary Rahul Gandhi, terming the remarks “unfortunate”. The party also alleged that Team Anna’s anti-corruption agitation was being used to further “communal politics.”

Congress spokesperson Renuka Chowdhury, referring to Hazare’s remarks, said they reflected the “sorry state of affairs.”

“It is unfortunate that political opportunism over rules the practice of democracy and personal attacks on individuals are only a sorry state of affairs. We can only pity those who believe that this is the way to establishing their own credibility,” Chowdhury said.

Hazare has attacked Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of pressurising Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to go back on an assurance to include his demands concerning Lokpal bill.

Hazare on Saturday also made a mention of Sonia Gandhi not keeping well and said her “condition may deteriorate if we say anything”.

Asked if the government made

Apex court seeks clarification on Lokpal, Lokayukta powers

a mistake in dealing with Hazare, Chowdhury said the party’s decency had been misinterpreted.

Congress leader Digvijay Singh, who also addressed the media along with Chaudhury, said he had been saying that there was a political agenda to Hazare’s anticorruption movement.

Former union minister Rasheed Masood, who joined the Congress Monday, said the anti-corruption agitation was

being used to further “communal politics”. He said an effort was being made to damage Congress and weaken the country’s democratic foundation.

He said the stance taken by Team Hazare during the Hisar Lok Sabha by-election had fundamentally changed his perception about their agitation.

“They used Hisar election to give a boost to communal forces,” Masood alleged.

IANS

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday sought a clarification from the Central and State governments on whether a Lokpal at the Centre or the Lokayukta in the States would have a bearing on implementing its directions on police reforms.

An apex court special bench of Chief Justice SH Kapadia, Justice Aftab Alam and Justice KS Panicker Radhakrishnan sought the clarification after it felt that some areas of policing activities sought to be covered under the proposed Lokpal Bill may impinge on the directions passed by it on a plea related to police reforms.

“We don’t want that at the end of the day we may not be told that some law has come and our certain directions are covered by it,” the court said.

The apex court directions on police reforms were issued

September 22, 2006 in the wake of a petition by former Uttar Pradesh police chief Prakash Singh.

The seven directions for initiation police reforms involved functional autonomy for the law enforcing agency by making appointments and transfers more transparent, fixed tenures for a group of officials and a grievance redress mechanism.

At the outset of the hearing, the court asked amicus curiae Raju Ramachandran if there were areas in the apex court directions and the Lokpal bill under consideration that are overlapping.

Ramachandran sought to assure the court that there was nothing in the Lokpal bill currently under consideration that would impinge upon any of the directions issued by the apex court in police reforms case.

India‑View

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2011

India unveiled

8

Kab banega crorepati?

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee lights a candle during an allcommunity people’s prayer for AMRI Hospital blaze victims under Gandhi Statue in Kolkata on Monday PTI evening. PTI

Kolkata mourns AMRI fire victims

NEW DELHI: Led by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Kolkata on Monday saw an outpouring of emotion for the AMRI Hospital fire tragedy victims, as grieving citizens held candle light vigils and paid respects at a memorial column erected for those who died.

Banerjee — alongside noted writers, celebrities, politicians, religious leaders, singers and painters — took part in a two-km candle light march from MP Birla Planetarium to the base of Mahatma Gandhi’s statue at the Maidan in the city hub.

Painters Jogen Chowdhury and Suvaprasanna, poet Joy Goswami, actresses Debashree Roy and Sohini Pal, walked with ministers, and common people

carrying garlands and floral offerings through the city’s bustling Chowringhee area as posters and banners sought “peace for the departed souls”. The 1,000 strong procession culminated in an allfaith prayer.

In a subtle message to the police and administration, she called for ensuring there was no recurrence of the hospital fire, the country’s worst, that has so far claimed 93 lives — mostly patients trapped in beds.

"We all know how tragic and horrific the incident was. Such an incident should never ever recur.

We need to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated," said Banerjee, in the presence of the city police commissioner, chief secretary, ministers and other top

Watch out for Geminid meteor shower today

bureaucrats and officials.

Hundreds of people which included celebrated writers Nabanita Deb Sen and Sunil Gangopadhyay and painters Wasim Kapoor and Sameer Aich took out another candle light march from Golpark to Dhakuria.

Meanwhile, a State government expert team inspected the AMRI Hospital basement — where the fire had started predawn Friday — and said radiotherapy instruments kept there were “badly affected” in the blaze but there was no fear of radiation.

The newly constituted five member probe panel headed by a senior fire official, a forensic team, and a high-level police investigation party also visited the hospital.

IANS

NEW DELHI: Sky gazers can look forward to an exhibition of celestial fireworks as the night sky will be lit up by Geminid meteor showers that are expected to peak on Wednesday.

A rare celestial event, the Geminid meteor shower will be visible across India and people can see over 60 shooting stars every hour for the next couple of nights with the largest number early Wednesday.

“People can watch out for the meteor showers from late Tuesday to dawn on Wednesday morning. There will

NEW DELHI: Bihar’s Sushil Kumar, who made headlines when he became the first contestant to win `5 crore on Kaun Banega Crorepati 5, hasn’t received his prize money yet.

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, host of the show, says the former’s cheque is ready, but he wants it at the CNN-IBN Award ceremony.

“People asking why Sushil Kumar not paid his KBC win... cheque ready, but he wants it at CNN-IBN Award ceremony in Delhi on 16th ..,” tweeted Big B. “Also as per terms and conditions of Sony, they have to pay within 60 days of on air broadcast... So still time for expiry!” he further posted.

The episode, in which the lady luck smiled on the simpleton, was telecast on November 2.

Sushil Kumar reportedly told a tabloid that people have been constantly approaching him for finan-

cial aids ever since he emerged victorious on the reality game show.

However, he isn’t able to offer any help as he hasn’t received a single penny of the jackpot money he won.

“I haven’t received a single paisa yet. Nor have I got any intimation or call from the channel as to when the money will reach me. I don’t even know how much I’ll get after tax deduction, etc. Basically, I am being flooded with requests to share the fund that I don’t even have,” the tabloid quoted him saying.

Ever since the news flashed, people have flooded the microblogging site Twitter with queries.

Before his big win on KBC, Sushil Kumar used to work as a computer operator and tutor, earning a meagre `6,000 per month. The 27-year-old is married and lives in a big joint family with five brothers, five nieces and a nephew in East Champaran district in Bihar.

IANS

MATCHING MOVES Artistes perform goupua dance at an event at Raj Bhavan in Ranchi on Monday.

PIC: PTI

be fireballs in the sky,” said Science Popularisation Association of Communicators and Educators (SPACE) director CB Devgun.

Explaining the method to observe the meteorites, Devgun said: “Look up at the sky between 10pm and 4am and you could see beautiful fireworks in the sky but as this time it is happening three days after full moon, so visibility is likely to be hampered.”

“You need a simple telescope to watch the meteor showers. People in the capital should move to the outskirts to

have a clear look as the morning sky these days is covered with fog,” he said.

A meteor shower occurs when the earth passes through debris left behind by a passing comet or asteroid. In the present case, it is an asteroid named 3200 Phaethon. As the earth moves around the sun, the debris get pulled by the earth’s gravitational force and fall with long bright tails visible to the naked eye.

The celestial phenomenon is called Geminid showers as they seem to emanate from the Gemini constellation.

IANS

Around the World

Delegates agreed to start negotiations — Durban Platform for Enhanced Action — for a new legally binding treaty to be decided by 2015 and to come into force by 2020.

The process for doing so, called the, would "develop a new protocol, another legal instrument or agreed outcome with legal force that will be applicable to all Parties to the UN climate convention," under a working group.

The exact nature of what "legal instrument" or "agreed outcome" has not yet been decided.

AMBITION The delegates agreed to launch a work plan to identify options for closing the "ambition gap" between countries' current emissions reduction pledges for 2020 and the goal of keeping global warming below 2 degrees Celsius.

TRANSPARENCY The Durban Package brings into operation new arrangements for making more transparent the actions taken by both developed and developing countries to address their emissions. This is a key measure for building trust between parties.

GREEN GOAL FUNDS FOR POORER NATIONS The Durban talks made progress on agreeing on the design of Green Climate Fund to channel up to $100 billion a year by 2020 to poorer nations; but failed to clarify how the fund would be raised.

The key measures:

n A second commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol; n The design of a Green Climate Fund; n A mandate to get all countries in 2015 to sign a deal that would force them to cut emissions no later than 2020; n A work plan for next year.

5,000

Emitted to Atmosphere n Projected Use 2005-2100 (Mean of all Baseline Scenarios) n Cumulatoric Use

2,500

0

In the ground/Recoverble n Unconventional resources recoverable with technological progress n Conventional resousrces (remaining to be discoverd, high estimate n Unconventional reserves Identified n Conventional resousrces Identified

2,500

5,000

7,500

9,850

Technical Advancements in RE: For instance growth in size of typical commercial wind turbines

DECONSTRUCTING DURBAN

The World Climate Conference 2011 — that ended on Sunday in Durban, South Africa — has paved the path for a comprehensive global treaty on climate change for the first time. Here’s all you need to know about the talks DAMPENERS The Durban meeting failed to revive Kyoto's Joint Implementation (JI) mechanism, as negotiators once again dodged a decision on whether to allow emission reduction projects to earn carbon credits under the scheme beyond 2012.

The current global energy system is dominated by fossil fuels Coal 28.4% Gas 22.1%

Nuclear Energy 2.0%

RE 12.9%

The Durban negotiations did not manage to extend the emissions cut pledges made in both Copenhagen in 2009 and 2010 in Cancun.

Integrated Renewable Energy District Heating & Cooling System

Utilising Renewable Energy Resources — An integrated RE-based energy plant supplying commercial and domestic buildings

Direct Solar Energy 0.1% Ocean Energy 0.002% Wind Energy 0.2% Hydropower 2.3%

Oil 34.6%

CARBON CAPTURE AND STORAGE The Durban talks ended six years of debate over whether and how the technology of carbon capture and storage could qualify for carbon offsets under the Clean Development Mechanism.

The new rules force project developers to put five per cent of the carbon credits earned in a reserve, to be awarded to them only after site monitors have proved that no carbon dioxide has leaked from the underground store 20 years after the end of the crediting period.

Bio-energy 10.2%

LEGAL FORM

Breakthrough Earlier, the US had not ratified Kyoto as it had exempted India and China, developing countries from emission restrictions.

These three countries and the EU, after a last-ditch huddle in the conference centre at Durban, agreed to a wording that commits them to a pact with legal force, though it is unclear what form it will take.

In the Atmosphere

Sunday's deal extends Kyoto, whose first phase of emissions cuts began from 2008 and ends in 2012. The second commitment period will start from 1 January 2013 till 2017.

Carbon Stocks [GT CO2]

EXTENSION OF THE KYOTO PROTOCOL

9

What’s the Durban Deal?

About 190 countries agreed on a package of measures early on Sunday in Durban, South Africa, that would force all the world’s polluters to legally binding action to slow global warming.

In the Ground

MEASURES IN DETAIL

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2011

Beyond Borders

Geothermal Energy 0.1%

NEW MARKET MECHANISMS Talks agreed to define new market mechanisms under a successor treaty to Kyoto, but this won’t happen until next year.

Delegates decided the mechanisms would operate under the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties and "bear in mind different circumstances of developed and developing countries."

The EU wants any new market mechanisms to cut greenhouse gas emissions outside of Kyoto anchored in international law, in order to avoid fragmentation of the international carbon market.

The recommendations for the framework of the mechanisms would be presented at a summit in Qatar at the end of 2012. The rules are expected to protect environmental integrity of new markets.

Around the World

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2011

Beyond borders

Russia’s third richest man to challenge Putin in polls

R

ussia’s third richest man has said that he would seek to challenge Vladimir Putin for the presidency, prompting speculation that the surprise move could be part of a Kremlin attempt to channel growing middle class opposition to Putin’s regime.

US demands that Iran return downed drone

“I have made a decision, probably the most serious decision of my life,” the oligarch Mikhail Prokhorov told journalists during a hastily called press conference on Monday. “I am going to run in the presidential election.”

Prokhorov said he would seek to appeal to the disenchanted middle class with his candidacy and made sure to avoid direct criticism of Putin, who has drawn the ire of a growing protest movement hoping to challenge his authoritarian rule.

But the announcement appeared to some analysts to be a Kremlin attempt to redirect protesters’ ire from the streets, organised by the unauthorised opposition, into a liberal project controlled by the corridors of power.

Prokhorov presented his statement as a challenge to the Putin era. “Society is waking up, whether you want it or not,” he said.

“If the powers, in the widest sense of the word, don’t carry out a dialogue with the protesters, then those powers will soon have to go.” However, his presidential bid presents a total about-face regarding Putin’s handling of the government. Just last week, as the first signs of the protest movement

“We have PUT in our votes” chant Kremlin supporters

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama acknowledged for the first time on Monday that a US drone was in Iranian hands and said the United States has asked Tehran to return the sophisticated spycraft.

“We’ve asked for it back. We’ll see how the Iranians respond,” Obama said at a news conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri alMaliki.

It was the first open confirmation by the Obama administration that Iran was in possession of the drone, which Tehran says it brought down as the plane was flying over its territory.

Obama, however, shed no further light on the plane’s mission was or why it failed to return.

began to emerge, he took to his blog to say: “Whether you like it or not, Putin is so far the only one who can somehow manage this ineffective government machine.”

Prokhorov has survived a series of scandals to build a fortune of an estimated £11.5bn. He was forced to sell his stake in the metals giant Norilsk Nickel on the eve of the financial crisis in 2008, after becoming embroiled in a prostitution scandal in France. He now owns part of a major gold producer and the New Jersey Nets basketball team in the US. The 6ft 8in billionaire has tried his hand at politics before. He spent a brief four months as head of the pro-business Right Cause party, until he was kicked out in September – something he blamed on the Kremlin’s chief strategist and ideologist Vladislav Surkov. The project was a failed attempt to garner liberal support ahead of the parliamentary elections earlier this month, and was apparently derailed by the Kremlin once it got too popular.

When asked what was missing from Russia’s political scene in a rare interview last week, Surkov answered: “A mass liberal party.”

Supporters of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin take part in a rally

AFP

MOSCOW: More than 25,000 supporters of President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin gathered outside the Kremlin Monday in response to the biggest opposition demonstration in Moscow in years, police said. Members of the country’s proKremlin youth movements chanted pro-gov-

ernment slogans and brandished banners including “We PUT IN our Votes!”, “We have voted! We have won!”

The demonstration comes two days after the biggest anti-government rally. Tens of thousands of people gathered in downtown Bolotnaya Square Saturday to condemn alleged vote-rigging in favour of Putin’s ruling United Russia party in the Dec 4 parliamentary election and demanded a re-run. Smaller rallies were also held in St. Petersburg and dozens of other cities. United Russia managed to hang onto its parliamentary majority but opponents claim its real figures were much lower.

The party, however, denied the rally was in response to Saturday’s protest, saying it was to celebrate Russia’s Constitution Day.”In a Facebook post Sunday night, President Medvedev promised to investigate reports of fraud but did not agree with “the slogans or statements heard at the rallies.”

10

GLOBE AT A GLANCE TRAINING MISSION IN IRAQ TO END: NATO CHIEF BRUSSELS: NATO will wrap up its training mission in Iraq by year-end, its secretary general, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, said on Monday. “Agreement on the extension of this successful programme did not prove possible despite negotiations conducted over several weeks,” Xinhua quoted Rasmussen as saying, NATO would continue to strengthen partnership and political relationship with Iraq through the existing framework.

PENTAGON POLICY CHIEF TO STEP DOWN WASHINGTON: US Under Secretary of Defence for Policy Michele Flournoy has decided to quit the job, the Pentagon said on Monday.”Flournoy has today announced her intention to step down and return to private life. In her discussions with me, Michele made clear that her decision to leave is motivated by personal and family considerations,” Defence Secretary Leon Panetta said.

Japan’s H-IIA rocket lifts off from the the Tanegashima space centre in Japan AFP

ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING LAW APPROVED DHAKA: The Bangladeshi cabinet Monday approved a new anti-human trafficking law which includes a provision for death penalty for traffickers. The approval came at the regular cabinet meeting presided over by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The anti-human trafficking law will help in preventing human trafficking, which is also of international concern.

PAK PARLIAMENT PASSES BILL FOR PROTECTION OF WOMEN

P

Canada withdraws from Kyoto Protocol

akistani parliament’s upper house, the Senate on Monday unanimously passed two landmark bills meant to protect women from negative customs and traditions and seeking severe punishments for violators, the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported.

The Anti-Women Practices bill, consisting of five clauses, seeks to penalise evils such as the marriage with the holy Quran, forced marriage and depriving women from inheritance.

OTTAWA: Canada on Monday became the first country to formally withdraw from the Kyoto Protocol, saying that the pact on cutting carbon emissions was preventing the world from effectively tackling climate change. “We are invoking Canada’s legal right to formally withdraw from Kyoto,” Environment Minister Peter Kent said following a marathon UN climate conference in South Africa, at which nations

A decorated Christmas Tree at Julien’s Auctions preview of art and furnishings AFP from Michael Jackson home

agreed to a new roadmap for worldwide action.

The landmark pact reached in 1997 is the only global treaty that sets down targeted curbs in global emissions.But those curbs apply only to rich countries, excluding the United States, which has refused to ratify the accord.

“Kyoto is not the path forward for a global solution to climate change,” Kent said. “We believe that a new agreement

with legally binding commitments for all major emitters that allows us as a country to continue to generate jobs and economic growth represents the path forward.”

Canada agreed under the Kyoto Protocol to reduce CO2 emissions by 2012, but its emishave instead increased.

Canada can now avoid paying penalties of up to CAN$14 bil- Canadian Minister of Environmlion (US$13.6 billion) for miss- ent Affairs Peter Kent at the ing its targets.

AFP COP17 Conference

Business

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2011

Matters of saving and spending

‘Google wanted us to test food quality’ B

akers Inn, a popular baker and confectioner in the city, is celebrating its 21st anniversary on Tuesday. The bakery, promoted by Vijay Bhaskar Reddy, an alumnus of the University of Agriculture Sciences, Bangalore, has made rapid strides in business and he tells K Prudhvi Raju of Postnoon that the business is expanding into franchisee model.

How did you start Bakers Inn? What are the challenges that you faced in creating it as a brand?

Bakery items used to be sold in grocery stores. There were only a couple of high-end bakeries in star hotels which were unaffordable to general public. Cities like Mumbai and Bangalore already had standalone bakeries by then.

I thought Hyderabad needs one.

As I did not have the expertise to start off the business, I underwent practical training from University of Agriculture in Bangalore. There were also restrictions in place to import technology then. After a year, I started the first see-through bakery with imported equipment in Somajiguda.

What are is the USP for the success of Bakers’ Inn? Quality and customer sat-

isfaction are the main reasons.

Creating a brand is easy, but to retain that image is the real challenge. We constantly strive to give the same quality product and service and try to maintain the brand image.

Do you do any lab testing?

Initially, we were dependent on outside agencies for testing the food products.

Google requested us to establish a lab and to check the quality regularly. They were willing to pay the premium, provided we give them the quality. That pushed us to develop our own lab. From then, we do the testing of raw material and product shelf life at different levels for all products. We are on our way for ISO certification with all these standards.

How many hotels and software companies have you tied up with for the supply of bakery items?

We have 18 counters to serve ready-to-eat food to software companies and we supply for 22 hotels.

Why did you set up ‘Cakes n More’ when you already have Bakers Inn? We launched ‘Cakes n More’ to offer exclusive, exotic cakes and desserts in premium locations and malls. Initially, we offered only cakes, but later added a wide range of snacks following the requests from software professionals. ‘Cakes n More’ will expand further in premium locations and other areas will have Bakers Inn stores.

How are the growth rate and profit margins?

We did not increase the prices of food products even when the costs of labour and raw material have increased.

Profit margins are low. In addition, regular bandhs have decreased the footfall into the stores. For the last few months, things are falling in place as there is peace in the city. We achieved 30 per cent growth consecutively in last two years.

We may not reach that mark this year.

What are your expansion plans?

We want to add another five outlets and 10 express outlets in software companies to our chain.

How do you meet the health concerns of the people?

Earlier, we used to use butter for making cream. Now, trans fat-free margarine is used in place of butter which are easily digestible. Top international cream companies have started their business in India and supplying us the finest quality of cream which is made of vegetable oils.

Even though, you are eating cream, there is no fat content.

What are your signature products?

For a long time, cheese starter and chocolate cake were our signature products. We recently introduced garlic chips, which can be served with tea. This also has got a good response.

What are you future plans?

We are working on online shopping and effective delivery.

There is no one in the market who is selling exclusive bakery items online.This will happen

by March 2012.

11

Madhucon to setup new power plant in Indonesia

Postnoon News

HYDERABAD: Madhucon Projects, Infrastructure Company Ltd has received a letter of intent to setup a Mine mouth coal wired power plant of 300MW capacity at Sumatra Islands, Indonesia.

The power plant is coming up very near to the existing site, PT Madhucon in Dawas, Indonesia. A separate special purpose vehicle will be formed with Madhucon Projects holding 65 per cent stake and the remaining 35 per cent stake will be held by Madhucon Group of companies. The special purpose vehicle shall be entering in to Power purchase agreement with PT.PLN(PERSEO), Government company for 25 years.

GMR adds 384MW to AP Grid Postnoon News

SBI branch in Qatar Postnoon news

HYDERABAD: State Bank of India has commenced operations in Qatar recently with the opening of a branch in Qatar Financial Centre, Doha.

The branch was formally inaugurated on December 12, 2011 by Minister of State for External Affairs E. Ahamed.

Hemant Contractor, MD & GE (International Banking), SBI, said, “The branch at Doha will cater to business customers like corporate clients and aims at contributing to the growth of bilateral trade between Qatar and India in addition to extending a bouquet of banking services to corporates in Qatar by offering them project finance, syndication, trade finance among other products.”

Rupee hits rock bottom MUMBAI: The Indian rupee tanked by 56 paise to a historic low of Rs 53.40 per US dollar in early trade on Tuesday due to persistent demand for the American currency from banks and importers on the back of a higher dollar in overseas markets and weak domestic equity markets.

The rupee resumed lower at Rs 53.10/11 per dollar on the Interbank Foreign Exchange, as against its previous close of Rs 52.84/85 per dollar, and dropped further to an all-time low of Rs 53.40 per dollar before quoting at Rs 53.27/28 per dollar at 10.30 hours.

Sustained dollar demand from banks and importers in view of a stronger dollar in overseas markets and foreign capital outflows affected the rupee value against the dollar, a forex dealer said.

plunged 5.1 per cent from the same month a year earlier, far worse than expected.

The euro also plumbed two-month lows in Asia while the Australian dollar sank closer to parity as rising disappointment over the European Union’s summit prompted investors to position for possible downgrades of euro zone sovereign credit ratings.

HYDERABAD: The first unit of GMR Rajahmundry Energy Limited combined cycle power plant at Vemagiri, Andhra Pradesh was synchronised on Sunday night, adding 384 MW capacity to the Andhra Pradesh grid. The GMR group is setting up the 2 X 384 MW capacity combined cycle power plant adjacent to its existing plant in Vemagiri.

The first unit is already commissioned and the second one is expected to be commissioned by February 2012. The GMR project was also shortlisted for the gas allocation by the Government of India.

Sensex quiet The US dollar gained against major currency rivals in the New York market yesterday, while the euro fell to its lowest level in two weeks amid renewed concerns that European leaders aren’t doing enough to contain the region’s sovereign debt crisis.

During trade on Monday it had hit 52.87 after India’s industrial output index for October

The BSE benchmark Sensex was down by 12 points in early trade today, while the broad-based NSE Nifty index shed 6.70 points amid weak global cues.

The 30-share Sensex resumed lower at 15,778.62 points and hovered in a range between 15,944.50 and 15,771.59 before quoting at 15,858.52 at 1015 hours, a net loss of 11.83 points.

BSE – 15,845.91624.44 , NSE – 4,762.5062.10, Gold 24k(10g)– `29,200, Silver (1kg)–56,700, Dollar $ – `53.56, Pound £ – `83.32

Playing Field

C

ity were in cruise control midway through the first half at wet and windy Stamford Bridge, looking every inch champions elect as they tormented their opponents.

Mario Balotelli scored inside two minutes and they should have been 2-0 up — seeing a decent penalty appeal turned down in the process — before simply losing their way.

That allowed Raul Meireles to equalise before half-time after which City simply lost the plot, Gael Clichy picking up two yellow cards in 11 minutes and Joleon Lescott handling in his own box, allowing substitute Frank Lampard to net the winner from the penalty spot.

The result ended Andre Villas-Boas’ run of defeats against other big teams and propelled his side to third place, seven points behind their opponents. Victory capped a week to remember for Chelsea — who beat Valencia to progress in the Champions League — while defeat sealed a week to forget for City, who crashed out of the same competition.

The opening goal owed everything to the brilliance of Sergio Aguero and a slip from Branislav Ivanovic. Aguero received the ball on the right with his back to goal, carried it inside from the right and played in Balotelli, who shrugged off the wrong-footed Ivanovic, rounded Petr Cech and nonchalantly stroked the ball home.

City were tearing into Chelsea, forcing errors in their opponents’ half, and although the hosts looked to have got a grip when Meireles’ drive was deflected over in the 10th minute, they should immediately have been 2-0 down. Ashley Cole conceded possession, allowing Aguero to race goal-ward and leave Jose Bosingwa in a heap before drilling wide.

Bosingwa got away with dan-

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2011

The games people play

City drown in Chel‘sea’

12

Santos blow for Arsenal A

Manchester City pressed the self-destruct button and let Chelsea hand them their first defeat of the Barclays Premier League season. Chelsea hauled themselves right back into the title race with the 2-1 win gling his leg in the box, prompting David Silva to go down, with referee Mark Clattenburg waving away the appeals. Clattenburg also failed to spot an altercation between Yaya Toure and Juan Mata which might have seen either player carded, before Didier Drogba forced the first save of note from Joe Hart in the 25th minute.

City’s work-rate dipped and paid the price when Daniel Sturridge brilliantly laid on

Chelsea’s equaliser. The ball was sprayed to the forward out on the right and he tricked his way past Clichy and crossed for the arriving Meireles to crash into the net on the volley. No one ran to the bench to celebrate, putting paid to suggestions Chelsea’s players had been asked to. Clattenburg’s yellow card was soon out, with Meireles and Vincent Kompany both booked before half-time and Clichy just after for hauling back Sturridge. The left-back saw red

two minutes before the hour mark, fouling Ramires.

Chelsea introduced Lampard for Meireles in the 73rd minute shortly before Ramires became the latest player to see yellow for an ugly tackle on Balotelli. The hosts eventually made the breakthrough seven minutes from time, after Lescott handballed.

Lampard smashed the penalty straight down the middle and sent Stamford Bridge into ecstasy.

EVENING STANDARD

rsenal defender Andre Santos has been ruled out for around three months with an injury to his right ankle.

The left-back sustained the problem in last week’s 3-1 Champions League defeat against Olympiacos in Greece.

A statement on the club’s official website, www.arsenal.com, read: “We can confirm that, following investigations and subsequent medical opinions by club specialists, left-back Andre Santos will have surgery to repair ligament damage in his right ankle sustained in the game against Olympiacos last week.”

The statement continued: “Andre will have surgery in Brazil this week and is expected to be out for around three months. Everyone at the club wishes him well.”

The 28-year-old Brazilian joined the club in August and has made 14 appearances, scoring in the 5-3 Barclays Premier League win at Chelsea and the 21 home defeat of Olympiacos in north London.

ES

We want Didier Drogba next, say Shanghai Shenhua

C

hinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua have set their sights on Didier Drogba after signing his Chelsea strike partner Nicolas Anelka.

Anelka has agreed to a twoyear contract worth £175,000 a week having been told he is no longer wanted by Chelsea coach Andre Villas-Boas and will move

when the transfer window opens next month.

It looks increasingly likely Drogba, who is expected to start against Premier League leaders Manchester City at Stamford Bridge tonight, will also leave at the end of the season.

Drogba’s deal runs out in the summer and talks over an extension have broken down because

he has been offered only a 12month contract when he wants double that.

Shenhua are backed by wealthy businessman Zhou Jun, who believes he can take advantage of the fall-out.

Zhou, also the director of Shanghai Shenhua, said, “Drogba, is a very excellent player. If these big-name players are willing to

come to China, we are willing to have warm negotiations and communications with them.”

The tycoon said that a lot of clubs are chasing Drogba. “From our perspective, we also have to see what Drogba wants. So from our club’s perspective, we have this to say: If he is willing to come, we will definitely welcome him”, he added.

ES

Playing Field

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2011

The games people play

13

Cricket telecast in trouble as BCCI scraps contract T

he BCCI has terminated its contract with Nimbus Communications, the rights holders for cricket in India, reports ESPNcricinfo. The contract, which was to run till 2014, had recently run into issues regarding payments.

“They have defaulted,” IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla, who is also a BCCI vice-president, said. “They have not made the 50 per cent advance payment for both the England and the West Indies series and the board had no choice but to terminate the deal.”

The decision is believed to have been taken at the BCCI’s working committee meeting in New Delhi on Monday but there was no customary post-meeting media release till midnight.

However, the story received widespread media coverage through out the day but Nimbus’ Harish Thawani, when contacted said, “We have no official word from BCCI regarding the rumour in a section of the media hence will not be issuing any statement today.”

On October 14, broadcast of the One-day international between India and England in

Hyderabad began only after three overs had already been bowled, as a result of a dispute over the pay-

ment of a bank guarantee from Neo Sports, Nimbus’ channel, to Prasar Bharati, the government

agency responsible for up-linking live telecasts out of India.

More recently, Nimbus had

reportedly asked the BCCI for an extension on their payment deadline. The board turned down the request and decided to scrap their deal instead. The board has also claimed Nimbus’ `2,000-crore (approx $380 million) bank guarantee as a penalty along with the termination of the contract.

Nimbus, one of India’s leading television marketing companies, had been awarded the rights for four years in January 2010, its second consecutive four-year deal with the Indian board. The agreement was valued at approximately `2,000 crore (then $436 million) for a minimum of 64 international matches and 312 days of domestic cricket until 2014.

Nimbus also held the broadcasting rights for the previous four years, for which it paid $612 million — subsequently negotiated to $549 million — in February 2006.

While India’s domestic international engagements have concluded for the next ten-odd months, its first-class season has just hit its stride and the Ranji Trophy is entering its crucial phase. However, the latest round began with the broadcast of one match on Tuesday morning.

Thieves vandalise Bhajji’s car, steal laptop, passport

Warne to spin in T20 despite burned hand

Kumble quits as NCA chief over conflict of interests

HARYANA: Thieves broke into cricketer Harbhajan Singh’s car while he had stopped by at a popular cafe near Karnal town on Monday evening and took away his laptop and other belongings, police said.

The thieves broke the window panes of Harbhajan Singh’s Ford Endeavour sports utility vehicle (SUV) on the busy National Highway No. 1 (NH-1) near Karnal town in Haryana, 130 km from state capital Chandigarh, police said.

They are said to have taken away his laptop, passport and a bag containing credit cards and other documents.

The incident took place around 6 p.m. Monday outside Cafe Coffee Day outlet at Madhuban near here.

Harbhajan was inside the cafe when the SUV was vandalized by the thieves.

IANS

MELBOURNE: Shane Warne said on Tuesday he was almost certain to make his comeback in Australia’s revamped Twenty20 competition as planned, despite burning his hand badly while cooking.

Sporting a heavily bandaged hand, the former Test champion gave himself a “95 per cent chance” of playing in the opening match for the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League against the Sydney Thunder in Melbourne on Saturday night.

“It should be fine by Saturday,” he told reporters.

Warne’s kitchen accident left his bowling hand and fingers with blisters, including “a couple of awkward ones on the spinning fingers”.

He brushed off suggestions he could wear bandages or a glove to stop the wounds ripping open during the match.

NEW DELHI: In a surprise development, former India captain Anil Kumble on Monday resigned from his position as National Cricket Academy (NCA) chairman, claiming that his proposals were repeatedly ignored by the BCCI and other committee members.

Almost two months after a controversy broke out over an apparent conflict of interest, Kumble on Monday stepped down and his resignation was accepted by the BCCI’s Working Committee, which met here on Monday.

Punjab Cricket Association’s general secretary MP Pandove will be the caretaker chairman of the NCA till a full-time appointment is made. There was, however, no official word from BCCI regarding the issue.

Initially, Kumble had given “lack of time” as the official reason behind his decision.

PTI

AFP

Wacky World

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2011

Fun and frolic in a flat world

14

‘Clean sweep’! Janitor discovers ancient coins

A

German janitor who decided to take a peek in a box she had walked past a hundred times, discovered more than 170 ancient coins worth millions of euros.

Tanja Höls told The Local that she was doing her normal rounds of storerooms in the Passau state library in Bavaria when she decided to open up the inlaid wooden box and see what was inside.

“The box itself was fairly unspectacular, it looked like a big jewellery box, with lots of little drawers inside,” she said.

“So I pulled open one of the drawers and there were some coins in it. And I pulled a couple more open, and there were

more coins – lots of different ones, different sizes and different metals.”

Höls, whose duties include basics such as making sure the library’s electricity supply works and the rubbish is collected regularly, was often in the store rooms to return books which had been loaned, to their storage places.

“I thought my boss Dr Wennerhold might be interested to know what I had found in the box,” she said. He was more than interested – Markus Wennerhold, head of the library, told The Local he was delighted.

“There are coins there from ancient Rome and Greece, as well as from the Byzantine era,

Decking up for X’mas

as well as medals from the Baroque period and Napoleonic times.”

The coins – silver, bronze and brass - were worth millions, he said. “We looked for similar ones online, and found that some which were the same but in much worse condition had been sold for considerable sums. Then there were coins that we have that are not recorded elsewhere.”

He said the coins had simply been forgotten about. “Noone currently working at the museum knew they were there,” he said.

“They were hidden in 1803 during the secularisation in Germany, when all books and coins were taken from the monasteries and cloisters and put in state hands. The most valuable things were supposed to be taken to Munich, according to the archives, but someone here in Passau decided to keep some of them here and hid some treasures – including these coins.”

Wennerhold said they had been in the wooden box in the storeroom ever since, simply overseen for two centuries.

“Next year we have our 400th anniversary and plan a new exhibition to mark that date – these coins will go on display for the first time. It fits perfectly,” he said.

A

them up all year round. She said: “I’ve got some little fairy lights in the corners of the room, on the hearth and out in the conservatory - but the balls on the ceiling are the main feature.

“It’s just nice and cosy for Christmas.” Sylvia’s most memorable bauble buying experience was when she visited Macy’s in New York and was overwhelmed with the choice on offer. On that trip she walked away with 30 new decorations and even had to buy a new bag to carry them.

P

ockets Warhol is a monkey who lives in a sanctuary near Uxbridge, Toronto. The monkey was named after American pop artist Andy Warhol, whom he resembles, But that’s not what he’s famous for. Pockets has a little art scene of his own going on.

His paintings sell for as much as $300, and he even has a Facebook page.

The teenage monkey has been living in the sanctuary since his owner gave him up due to ill health.

He was put in a rehab programme that introduced him to non-toxic children’s paint, in order to keep him occupied.

Volunteer Charmaine Quinn never realized that his work would one day become famous.

She says that Pockets has the attention span of a 3-year-

old, so it’s not always easy to get him to concentrate on a paint-

ing. But when he gets going, each piece sells for a minimum of $25.

He loves working with bright colours, and the unique aspect of his work is that he doesn’t make use of a painting brush.

Instead, he uses his bushy tail, furry butt, hands, feet and even tongue as tools. The paintings themselves are quite abstract, with colours splattered all over the canvas.

Chefs create a ‘festive’ world record

T Swansea woman is decking out the ceiling of her living room with an incredible 1,700 Christmas baubles.

Sylvia Pope, 68, started decorating her home at the end of September and doesn’t expect to finish until Christmas Day. Her bauble collection has been brought from all around the world - and each year she spends £100 on new decorations. To save the effort of pinning up the baubles and then taking them down again after Christmas, Sylvia is now considering leaving

No monkey business

he cake, measuring exactly 1,068 metres (3,504 feet), was created at the Pudong Shangri-la Hotel.

The busy chefs designed baked and sweetened the cake across a period of seven days.

A staggering 904 organic eggs, 1045kg (2,304 pounds) of flour, 209kg (461 pounds) of sugar, 401kg (884 pounds) of bitter chocolate and an impressive 34 kilograms (75 pounds) of Tahitian vanilla were all mixed together to create the one-of-a-kind dessert.

“We make the sponge, we bake and then, when it’s cooled down, we make our vanilla cream, which is inside, we roll it up, and we make our very secret recipe of chocolate frosting,” explained pastry chef Yusuf Yaran.

“We put it all over the cake, and then we have our candy decorations and some icing sugar on the top.’ The final presentation saw 150 staff put the finished touches to the cake, helping to place it out on 156 tables during an intense 24-hour peri-

od. Initially the team of cooks aimed to create a cake at a length of 888 metres (2,913 feet), but only upon the cake being measured did they realise the scale of their achievement.

After celebrating the success of the long cake, the hotel began to slice it to sell to the public, with all proceeds going to support chemotherapy treatment of four children in Shanghai. The previous record holders for the world’s longest cake were the French with a 207 metre effort.

Brave New World

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2011

From the world of science & research

15

Tapping the brain orchestra This may lead to considerable steps forward in terms of interpreting, for example EEG measurements, making diagnoses and treatment of various brain illnesses

Typical neurons Torunn Moe

R

esearchers at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (UMB) have developed a new method for detailed analyses of electrical activity in the brain.

The method, published in Neuron, can help doctors and researcher to better interpret brain cell signals.

Researchers and doctors have been measuring and interpreting electrical activity generated by brain cells since 1875.

Doctors have over the years acquired considerable practical skills in relating signal shapes to different brain illnesses such as epilepsy. However, doctors have so far had little knowledge on how these signals are formed in the network of nerve cells.

“Based on methods from physics, mathematics and informatics, as well as computational power from the Stallo supercomputer in Tromsø, we have developed detailed mathe-

matical models revealing the connection between nerve cell activity and the electrical signal recorded by an electrode,” says Professor Gaute Einevoll at the Department of Mathematical Sciences and Technology (IMT) at UMB.

Microphone in crowd The problem of interpreting electrical signals measured by electrodes in the brain is similar to that of interpreting sound signals measures by a microphone in a crowd of people. Just like people sometimes all talk at once, nerve cells are also sending signals “on top of each other”.

The electrode records the sounds from the whole orchestra of nerve cells surrounding it and there are numerous contributors. One cubic millimetre can contain as many as 100,000 nerve cells.

Treble and bass Similar to bass and treble in a soundtrack, high and low fre-

quency electrical signals are distinguished in the brain.

“This project has focused on the bass - the low frequency signals called “local field potential” or simply LFP. We have found that if nerve cells are babbling randomly on top of each other and out of sync, the electrode’s reach is narrow so that it can only receive signals from nerve cells less than about 0.3 millimetres away. However, when nerve cells are speaking simultaneously and in sync, the range can be much wider,” Einevoll says.

Large treatment potential Better understanding of the electrical brain signals may directly influence diagnosing and treatment of illnesses such as epilepsy.

“Electrodes are already being used to measure brain cell activity related to seizures in epilepsy patients, as well as planning surgical procedures.

In the future, LFP signals measured by implanted electrodes could detect an impending epilepsy seizure and stop it by injecting a suitable electrical current,” Einevoll says.

“A similar technique is being used on many Parkinson’s patients, who have had electrodes surgically implanted to prevent trembling,” researcher Klas Pettersen at UMB adds.

Einevoll and Pettersen also outline treatment of patients paralysed by spinal cord fracture as another potential area where the method can be used.

“When a patient is paralysed, nerve cells in the cerebral cortex continue to send out signals, but the signals do not reach the muscles, and the patient is thus unable to move arms or legs. By monitoring the right nerve cells and forwarding these signals to for example a robot arm, the patient may be able to steer by his or her thoughts alone,” Einevoll says.

The Computational Neuroscience Group at UMB has already established contacts with clinical research groups in the USA and Europe for further research on using the approach in patient treatment.

Alcohol can lead to unsafe sex A

new study has found that alcohol consumption directly impacts a person’s intention to have unsafe sex. In other words, the more you drink, the stronger becomes your intention to engage in unsafe sex.

Unsafe sex is the most important pathway to HIV infection, and it is a main risk factor for the global burden of disease. Despite this knowledge, and substantial efforts to prevent unsafe sex, HIV incidence in most high income countries (such as the US or the UK) has not changed over the past decade. In some cases, it has even increased. Finding better ways to prevent unsafe sex is thus a major goal of public health efforts for HIV/AIDS prevention.

Alcohol consumption, especially heavy drinking, has long been associated with HIV incidence.

However, there have been doubts about the cause-andeffect relationship.

Researchers weren’t sure if alcohol consumption caused HIV via unsafe sex, or whether certain personality traits in

individuals, such as sensationseeking or a disposition to risky behaviour in general, would lead to both alcohol use and unsafe sex. The study, published in the January issue of the journal Addiction, summarises the results of 12 experiments that tested this cause-and-effect relationship in a systematic way.

After pooling the results, the researchers found that alcohol consumption affects decisionmaking, and that this impact rises with the amount of alcohol consumed. The more alcohol that participants consumed, the higher their willingness to engage in unsafe sex.

In these experiments, study participants were randomly allocated to one of two groups in which they either consumed alcohol or did not. Then their intention to engage in unsafe sex was measured. An increase in blood alcohol level of 0.1 mg/ml resulted in an increase of 5.0% (95% CI: 2.8% — 7.1%) in the indicated likelihood of engaging in unprotected sex.

This result remained stable in sensitivity analyses aimed to correct for a potential publication bias.

H‑Factor

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2011

Holistic view of mind, body and soul

Cognitive issues of breast cancer survivors A

new analysis has found that breast cancer survivors may experience problems with certain mental abilities several years after treatment, regardless of whether they were treated with chemotherapy plus radiation or radiation only.

Published early online in CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, the study indicates that there may be common and treatment-specific ways that cancer therapies negatively affect cancer survivors’ mental abilities.

Previous research suggests that chemotherapy can cause problems with memory and concentration in breast cancer survivors.

To compare the effects of different types of cancer treatment on such mental abilities, Paul Jacobsen, PhD, of the Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute in Tampa, and his colleagues examined 62 breast cancer patients treated with chemotherapy plus radiation, 67 patients treated with radiation only, and 184 women with no history of cancer.

Study participants completed neuropsychological assessments six months after completing treatment and again 36 months later, which is further out from the end of treatment than most previous studies of this type.

The study confirmed that chemotherapy can cause cognitive problems in breast cancer survivors that persist for three years after

A

Hail oncoplastic breast surgery

Dr P Raghu Ram

What is oncoplastic breast surgery?

Oncoplastic breast surgery is one of the most interesting and challenging new developments of the last 20 years. The aims of oncoplastic surgery are wide local excision of the cancer coupled with partial reconstruction of the defect in the breast to achieve a cosmetically acceptable result. Avoidance of mastectomy, consequent reduction of psychological morbidity and patient satisfaction are the principal goals in the development of various oncoplastic techniques.

Oncoplastic surgery allows large areas of the breast to be removed in carefully selected patients without the need for the patient to undergo a mastectomy.

In the United States, breast reconstruction is primarily done by plastic surgeons. However, in the United Kingdom, there are dedicated fellowships that allow breast surgeons to be trained in doing reconstructive and oncoplastic breast surgery n Is breast reconstruction and oncoplastic breast surgery one and the same?

Oncoplastic surgery should not be either identified or confused with breast reconstruction done after mastectomy. Whereas it is possible for a breast surgeon to perform a mastectomy and then allow the plastic surgeon to carry out the reconstruction, this is not feasible in oncoplastic breast conservative surgery, as it requires knowledge both of oncological and plastic surgery combined in one person for a good oncological and cosmetic outcome. n Which option is the best?

This is a decision that must be taken by the patient in consultation with the doctor. It might be helpful to talk the choices through with the specialist and discuss how each would affect the individual patient and impact their personal life. n

they finish treatment.

In addition, the investigators found that breast cancer survivors who had been treated with radiation (and not chemotherapy) often experienced problems similar to those in breast cancer survivors treated with both chemotherapy and radiation. They did not find that hormonal therapy (such as tamoxifen) caused cognitive difficulties.

“These findings suggest that the problems some breast cancer survivors have with their mental abilities are not due just to the administration of chemotherapy,” said Dr. Jacobsen.

“Our findings also provide a more complete picture of the impact of cancer treatment on mental abilities than studies that did not follow patients as long or look at mental abilities in breast cancer survivors who had not been treated with chemotherapy,” he added.

Genetic disorder provides clues to pancreas growth rare genetic disorder has given researchers at the University of Exeter a surprising insight into how the pancreas develops. The finding provides a clue to how it may be possible to ‘programme’ stem cells — master cells in the body that can develop into specialised cells — to become pancreatic cells.

Pancreatic agenesis is a rare condition in which the body is unable to produce a pancreas.

The pancreas plays an essential role in regulating levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. It does this by the release of the hormone insulin, which is generated and released by cells known as pancreatic beta cells. It also produces enzymes to help digest and absorb food.

Rare mutations in the genes

18

PDX1 and PTF1A have previously been shown to cause pancreatic agenesis, but have only been identified in a handful of families affected by the condition. Until now, the underlying causes of most cases have been unknown.

In a paper published today in Nature Genetics, an international team of researchers led by scientists from the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Exeter report a mutation in the gene GATA6 found in fifteen out of twenty-seven individuals with pancreatic agenesis. The study, funded by organisations including the Wellcome Trust, Diabetes UK and the National Institute for Health Research, establishes a key role for GATA6 in the development of pancreatic cells.

The finding was surprising as switching off the GATA6 gene in mouse models appeared to make no difference to the development of the pancreas.

Professor Andrew Hattersley from the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry, said, “This rare genetic condition has provided us with a surprising insight into how the pancreas develops. What is it that programmes cells to become pancreatic beta cells? Our study suggests that GATA6 plays a very important role in this process and we hope this will help the crucial work to try and make beta-cells for patients with type 1 diabetes.”

Whilst pancreatic agenesis is an extreme form of pancreatic dysfunction, far more common is diabetes.

(The writer is the director and consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon at Kims-Ushalakshmi Centre for Breast Diseases, Hyderabad)

F‑Folio

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2011

Because you are what you wear

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Knot an easy affair Wear 'em long or tie them short Make them loose or fix them tight Wear it right and be a man And earn yourself another fan Indira Atluri Indira.a@postnoon.com

T

hank the Croatians, dear men, for giving you that little piece of cloth to tie around your necks — the cravat, the forerunner of the nowfamous neck-tie. The changing fashion trends have included the ties making them one of the top contenders for fashion-statement makers. What once were a show of formality and discipline have now become the toast of the party. With a slight change in the way you wear your ties, you can change your mood, and we show you how.

Wear them in silk or wool, tie them in the Oriental, Plattsburg, or the Windson style, ties are every man’s ultimate fashion deal.

Justin Timberlake, Brad Pitt, and our very own Ranbir Kapoor have flaunted their ties on various occasions in perfect style. And if you are one who loves to be written

about in your next office event or a party, you need to get your basics right.

Long time ago, ties that were a different shade of the shirt were in vogue. But today, this is considered a dated look, and now, ties of different colours are in.

However, one must keep in mind that the colours should not drastically vary from the colours of the shirt. Stripes and polka dotted ties are always in fashion, and complement an otherwise plain look.

Many men shy away from wearing ties, as they remind them of the workplace or are basically cumbersome to tie. Keeping this in mind, the good old boring ties have metamorphosed to suit the metamorphosis of the working man to the party animal.

Can a tie make a man?

Sure it can. We give some varieties you can sport.

Top tie-tying tip

1

3

2

4

MEN ONLY

1 2 3 4

Begin with the wide end on your right and extending about a foot below the narrow end of your tie.

Bring the wide end of the tie over the narrow (right side to left side).

Bring the wide end underneath the narrow end (left side to right side).

Bring the wide end of the tie over the narrow again (right side to left side).

Solid Ties

Skinny Ties

hese are usually wide and plain in colour and can be teemed up with any kind of outfit, but are mostly associated with the workplace.

kinny ties have become a fashion statement on almost every other red-carpet event. With beginnings as early as the 1950s, the skinny ties were made popular by The Beatles. Although available in a variety of fabrics, skinny ties are best made in silk and satin. And who wears them? If you are a young, tall, fashionconscious turk, a musician or a celebrity who loves to flaunt his individuality, go ahead get one for yourself.

T

S

Striped Ties

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gain remind you of the workplace, but are striped, and break the monotony of a plain suit.

Club Ties

T

hese are the ones that are the focus of nocturnal beings. Printed in different logos, symbols and pictures, these ties are much slimmer and are worn loose with two or even three buttons left open.

The standard motto of every fashion-conscious man 'When in doubt, wear black,' applies to ties too.

A must-have in every man's wardrobe is a black tie — for the simple reason that black ties complement every shirt and can be worn on any occasion.

Four-in-hand knot

5 6

5

6

7 8

7

8

Bring the wide end of the tie through the back of the loop (left side to centre).

Hold the front of the knot loose with your index finger; pass the wide end down through the loop (created in step 4) in front.

Remove your finger and tighten the knot.

Hold the narrow end of the tie and slide the knot up to the collar.

Music

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2011

LADY GAGA

ADELE

ccording to the Forbes List 2011, Lady Gaga was the Most Powerful Celebrity of the year. The poker-face singer redefined music all around the world and was also a favourite head turner at the Formula 1 circuit in New Delhi recently. With her absurd costumes and thoughtful hairdos, Lady Gaga definitely has ruled the charts with songs like Born This Way, Judas and The Edge of Glory, which have gone on to become major hits.

rit Singer Adele started her career in 2006 and is the first female singer in Billboard history to be named top artist, have the top album with 21 and score the top single with Rolling in the Deep all in one year.

Blessed with a magical voice coupled with the right songs, Adele stands out from her competitors because of her raw talent and possesses the ability to turn the ears of millions of people and keep them interested.

A

Q Sana Mirza

sana.m@postnoon.com

A Slow Ride down memory lane

T K

KATY PERRY:

ueens of Rhythm NICKI MINAJ

arbados beauty, Rihanna established her dance-pop credentials in the summer of 2005 with her hit single, Pon de Replay and followed it with other hit songs like Umbrella and Disturbia and most recently with Love The Way You Lie, a song for which she collaborated with rapper Eminem, which shot to number one on the charts. Her album Rated R released in 2009 set the tone for the singer's new, dark direction.

nfluenced by the unpredictable rhymes of Missy Elliot along with sexually charged attitudes of Lil' Kim, Nicki Minaj first shot to fame in the year 2007 through her mixed tape titled Playtime is Over. She was honoured recently at the Billboard's with the Women in Music Rising Star award. She is the first woman to earn the Top Rap Artist accolade since Missy Elliott took the crown in 2000. Eleven years later, Nicki has successfully painted the rap crown pink in honour of the ladies.

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I

iTUNES Top 10

2 We Found Love (feat. Calvin Harris) Rihanna 3 Good Feeling Flo Rida 4 It Will Rain Bruno Mars

WITH ANIMAL

5 The One That Got Away Katy Perry 6 We Are Young (Glee Cast Version) Glee Cast 7 Someone Like You ADELE 8 Red Solo Cup TobyKeith 9 5 O'Clock (feat.

Wiz Khalifa & Lily Allen) T Pain 10 T-Pain Moves Like Jagger(Studio Recording from The Voice Performance) [feat.

Christina Aguilera] Maroon 5

he year 1975 will forever be known as the year Saigon fell, bringing the Vietnam War to an end. It was also the year Volkswagen released the iconic Golf. But while the American war machine was crumbling and VW was taking over the motoring world, a British band was releasing one of the greatest rock anthems ever. On December 12, when Foghat gave the world Slow Ride, their star was

aty Perry, a former Christian artist, re-branded herself as a larger than life pop icon and rose to prominence in the summer of 2008. Her list of hit songs include I Kissed a Girl, Teenage Dream and California Gurls, and the list keeps on increasing by the day. With her crazy behaviour and outrageous fashion choices as her music itself, Katy Perry was ranked 7th in Rolling Stone's global Queen of pop poll in July 2011.

RIHANNA

1 Sexy and I Know It LMFAO

Simply classic

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In terms of music, 2011 has been a great year with quite a few hit singles and many an album topping the Billboard charts.

This year saw a lot of female singers top the charts with songs guaranteed to make you move

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Billboard Top 10 1

2 3

Christmas Michael Buble

21 Adele Under The Mistletoe

Justin Bieber Take Care Drake 5 Here And Now Nickelback 6 My Life II... The Journey Con...

Mary J Blige 7 Talk That Talk Rihanna 8 Concerto: One Night In Central Park Andrea Bocelli 9 NOW 40 Various Artists 10 Own The Night Lady Antebellum 4

at its zenith, and the world bowed before the boogie-rock masters. Slow Ride was so much more than a song, it epitomised the sexuality of the ‘70s, that period of debauch and decadence felled by the arrival of HIV and AIDS. While Foghat would soon find themselves slipping slowly into oblivion, Slow Ride was a gift... and one that keeps on giving.

While the track was eventually overshadowed as a radio and club staple by the advent of Disco and Punk’s nihilistic charge, it remained close to the hearts of discerning listeners. At over eight-minutes long, Slow Ride upheld a tradition of classic, if at times indulgent, arena standards. Like its illustrious predecessors: Outlaws’ Green Grass and High Tides, and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Freebird, Slow Ride combined achingly memorable hooks with rough and tumble electric duel.

Thirty-six years after its release, Slow Ride remains a musical benchmark, for its musicality and the fact that it was the last gasp of a band drowning in its own fame. But what a gasp it was.

Bollywood Top 10 1 Aadat Se Majboor Ladies vs Ricky Bahl

2 Thug Le Ladies vs Ricky Bahl 3 Ooh La La The Dirty Picture 4 Zaraa Dil Ko Thaam Lo Don 2 5 Tum Ho Rockstar 6 Twinkle Twinkle The Dirty Picture 7 Jis Jagah Pe Khatam Players 8 Subha Hone Na De Desi Boyz 9 Haawa Haawa Rockstar 10 Sadda Haq Rockstar

Magic Screen

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2011

The glamour behind the glitz

Maneesh

understands me best

Back with his second release after a year’s gap, actor Ranveer Singh, has once again wowed the audience with his latest film Ladies vs Ricky Bahl

Taniya Talukdar taniya.t@postnoon.com

I

t was in 2010 December when Yashraj Films introduced Ranveer Singh to audiences across the world. It was a dream debut for the talented actor in Band Baaja Baaraat. His Delhibased character called Bittu Sharma won the hearts of millions and he became an overnight success. Since then the actor has pretty much remained in the news and it was only recently that his second film Ladies vs Ricky Bahl was released.

“I feel on top of the world and I was hoping for the best as the movie has shaped up fantastically.

Maneesh has worked very hard on the film and has made an extremely engaging and engrossing product,” shares Ranveer about the film. Though his acting prowess has been much spoken about, Ranveer himself isn’t so confident about it, “I hate my performances, I am over critical of them, though I receive positive response from others,” admits the honest actor timidly.

Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl is about a charming conman who dupes women for a living. “The character I play in the film identifies his target in a particular city and appears in front of them in an avatar that the woman finds attractive,” explains Ranveer. In order to do justice to his role as a conman Ranveer had to don different getups as he moved across different cities in his various avatars. “For me it was important to break the image that I had created in my first film,” says Ranveer, going on to add, “Not everyone believed that I could speak English but in LVRB, I got to play this suave busi-

nessman and that did away with that image. The film gave me a platter of different things to do; I got to play four to five characters in the film and that is what attracted me the most.”

While the script is definitely important for any actor to sign a film, excitement is what keeps most of them going and Ranveer is no exception to the rule.

“Excitement definitely works for me. When I did Band Baaja Baaraat, I had nothing to lose and hence there was no pressure. Post its success, there is a question of credibility and people expect a certain quality of work from me,” offers Ranveer.

It is interesting that the man behind the actor’s debut success also happens to be the one behind his second release. Director Maneesh Sharma is one person with whom Ranveer shares a great equation. Talking about his experience, Ranveer exclaims, “It was amazing!” He goes on to add, “No one understands me better as an actor than him. I am almost transparent to him. He knows my potential as an actor and I try to learn from him and the best comes out from us. He happens to be my first and second director and now I understand his instructions and he knows how to handle me. We share a wonderful relationship and I give full credit to him as he is good with his actors and is a stickler for perfection.”

With just two releases in one full year, Ranveer does come across as quite a choosy actor to which he replies, “I am being extra careful. I am here for the long run and want to play long term. I am conscious of my career graph, which I am working on meticulously. I want to build a good body

of work. I don’t want to sign big films just because I have that option. A role has to hit me in my gut only then will I do it.”

Though news is rife that Ranveer is all set to direct a film, quiz him about it and pat comes the reply, “The issue was blown out of proportion. The script I am working on is far from ready. I had just narrated it to a few industry professionals and they liked it. I will write it and be part of the creative process. It’s an idea that I have had for three years now. I really can’t direct a film right now as I am too caught up with acting.”

Amongst many other things, Ranveer has also been criticised for his arrogant behaviour. Ask him about it and the actor defends himself saying, “There has been no change in my attitude. If anything, I have become much more humble. The kind of adulation that has come my way is unprecedented and I consider myself lucky. I am doing what I love for a living, so there is no reason for me to change my attitude. I am thankful to God for that. Tabloids that need readership write negative things about me. I have no PR person working for me, instead I prefer to focus on work. I don’t have time for image building. People can write what they want.”

21

Magic Screen

‘Cinema is offering new literature’

I

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2011

The glamour behind the glitz

ndian cinema today offers a lot to reflect upon and the cinematic content fills a gap in literature in modern society, according to VJ turnedactor Vinay Pathak.

“I think we are making many more movies than what we used to. I feel today in our industry, we have different storytellers, different kinds of filmmakers and different kinds of visionaries. It is a wonderful time for new storytellers to come up and tell their stories in different ways,” Pathak said.

In his career of over a decade and a half, Vinay has made a mark for himself with off-beat films like Khosla ka Ghosla, Bheja Fry and Dasvidaniya and won accolades for his distinctive performances.

“Considering the wonderful nation that we are, we don’t have much in the name of modern literature. Nobody is writing contemporary literature. The last of the writers that I remember were Kamleshwar, Rajendra Awasthi or Manohar Shyam Joshi,” Vinay said.

“It’s not that we don’t have litterateurs, but every generation has had its own literature. Keeping that in mind, our cinema is the closest to having a literature for this nation today. What happened in the 1970s in French cinema, I think that is happening in today’s Indian cinema,” he added.

He considers himself lucky to be part of what he calls the ‘metamorphosis’ of new age cinema.

IANS

Kareena is Imran’s new ‘target’

I

mran Khan is a huge Kareena Kapoor fan and while working together in Ek Main Aur Ek Tu he took photographs of the actress.

Producer Karan Johar has now apparently suggested an exhibition of these pictures.

There are now about a 100 pictures Imran personally took of Kareena.

“I find Kareena one of the most beautiful actresses that we have.

When I was looking at her through the viewfinder, I realised that the camera loves her. People who have seen these pictures keep saying that I am a good photographer, but actually it is her beauty and versatility of her face, which is doing the trick,” said Imran. Directed by first-timer Shakun Batra,the film is expected to come out around Valentine’s Day. The exhibition of Kareena’s photos is now being planned.

IANS

A

B-TOWN TWEETIES

@DuttaLara Had the best baby shower!So much love and lots of blessings! Thank u all as well for all your wishes.

@NeilNMukesh Alright movie time. Best time of the day when my ipad and movies and I r together :) have an early day tomor for interviews for PLAYERS.

@Sonamakapoor sum1 just put me onto ths forum whr ppl w/ a lot of time R spewing so much h8 on every celebrity! Its sad & so hilarious.The1st & last time I’m visiting that!

@Riteishd Chickni Chameli from AGNEEPATH- is just outstanding-I have never seen an actress dance like KATRINA does- she raises the bar to another lvl.

@TheShilpaShetty

Rajkumar teams up with Emraan to make comedy fter serious movies like Aamir and No One Killed Jessica, filmmaker Rajkumar Gupta now moves on to a lighter subject with Ghanchakkar and has teamed up with Emraan Hashmi for the urban comedy.

The film is being produced

by UTV Motion Pictures and this is Emraan’s first film with the production house, while Gupta is glad to be back with the banner for his third film.

Gupta is also looking forward to working with Emraan, who has been receiving compliments galore for his work in The Dirty Picture.

“I am very excited to have Emraan on board and glad to be taking forward my association with Ronnie (Screwvala) and his amazing team at UTV after Aamir and No One... We made the audience cry in Aamir and No One.., and with Ghanchakkar, we’re going to make them laugh,” said Gupta.

22

Giving a sneak peek into the film, he said, “Ghanchakkar is a quasi-realistic urban comedy — thriller highlighting the absurdity of certain real human situations.” The film is written by Pervez Shaikh and Raj Kumar Gupta.

IANS

Want to thank each one of u fr all ure beautiful heartfelt wishes,Really touched:)Went thru each one of them. Thanku thanku sooooo much xxx

@SrBachchan T 588 -Shanouk, my Piranna Great Dane feeling left out and sulking ever since the baby has arrived .. spending time with him now more often.

@reddysameera 2 more days to my birthday! damn im clueless how to celebrate! :P happy to have all sisters here in Mumbai! thats the best Bday gift 4 me!

@juniorbachchan Wow! And our crew grows past 900,000. Welcome to all the new ones. Lots of love guys, and play something LOUD!!

Magic Screen

A M E N I C

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2011

23

Magic Screen

D I S P L A YA

D S RATE ` 150 sq. cm

For Further Details Please Contact Abhinay 9989399972 Nandlal 9951467988 Ravi Chander 8106039919

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2011

24

Magic Screen

Justin Bieber and the Band Perry entertain Obama T

he Obamas celebrated the holiday season with musical stars Justin Bieber, Cee Lo Green, Jennifer Hudson, Victoria Justice and the Band Perry at the 30th annual Christmas in Washington concert on Sunday night.

President Barack

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2011

The glamour behind the glitz

Obama, his wife Michelle, daughters Malia and Sasha, and mother-in-law Marian Robinson attended the concert to benefit the Children’s National Medical Center. The concert of Christmas carols and songs — which took place at the National Building Museum — was hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien.

Kim and the baby dilemma

25

Jones planning sixmonth music study

A

ctress Rashida Jones is putting off plans to launch a music career, because she wants to spend time honing her performances to ensure her producer father Quincy Jones is ‘proud’ of her.

The Social Network star is

waiting until she has a long period off from making movies so she can ‘devote’ herself to singing.

She tells US talk show host Piers Morgan, “It’s something that I love to do. But I feel so strongly that I want to be so good at it, and I want to know music in and out. And I want to

W

know theory.

“I want to lock myself in a room for six months and just know it — you know, know music in and out, and feel comfortable with it. But unless I could devote my soul to it, I wouldn’t want to do it, because I would want to make him proud.”

ill Kim and Kris have a baby?

There may be drama, but it’s not exactly suspenseful. It’s a strange situation, watching a reality show, when you already know the outcome.

That’s not to say that most reality shows are pure and unscripted but it really does take some oomph out of the stakes

when it comes to the fights between Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries on Kourtney & Kim Take New York.

The pair seem to go on and on, about where they will live, and when they will start having kids.

Obviously, the answers to those questions are clear today: in separate places, and never, respectively.

Magic Screen

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2011

The glamour behind the glitz

Murphy for Marion Barry?

H

e may have stepped away from hosting the Oscars and, even while he was promoting that gig he talked about taking things easier, but it definitely looks like Eddie Murphy’s ready to move on from family-friendly fare. He’s currently attached to a biopic of controversial Washington mayor Marion Barry, which Spike Lee is developing.

John Ridley, who wrote Red Tails and has worked on the likes of Three Kings and Steve McQueen’s next film, Twelve Years A Slave, is on script

Bridesmaids meet The Help on AFI’s Top 10 list

duties for the project, being backed

by HBO Films.

He’s drawing on several items of source material, including a 1994 book about Barry called Dream City. Barry served as mayor of the city between 1979 and 1991 and then again between 1995 and 1999, with the two terms broken up by a six-month jail term after he was videotaped smoking crack cocaine.

To this day, he’s still a member of the Council of the District of Columbia, elected.

C

ould Kristen Wiig be planning a trip to the Oscars? The funny lady's Bridesmaids was named one of the best pictures of the year by the American Film Institute, which released its annual Top 10 list of films and TV on Monday.

Other films that made the cut include The Help and

26

Antonio Banderas gets code-name Zorro

A

ntonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith were assigned code names by the US Secret Service during President Barack Obama's recent fundraising trip to Los Angeles, which included a Latino gala at the Banderas/Griffith estate in Hancock Park, Banderas said. While in London promoting his film Puss in Boots, Banderas told a UK talk show host Graham Norton that the Secret Service agents nicknamed him Zorro, in reference to his 1998 role in The Mask of Zorro. He said,"We received the President in our home. It makes me happy because it is not something you do everyday. We all had, in the family, code names for security. I was Zorro." He deadpanned: "It could have been worse. I could have been Puss."

The Descendants, which also nabbed LA critics’ top nod!

But what about Harry Potter?

Relax, Potter fans, your beloved series is getting the accolades it deserves. While Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 didn't make the Top 10 list, the series as a whole is receiving an AFI Special

Award, which is given to outstanding achievements in the moving image that do not quite match AFI's standard criteria.

Joining The Descendants, The Help and Bridesmaids on the Top 10 list are The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Hugo, J. Edgar, Midnight in Paris, Moneyball, The Tree of Life and War Horse.

V

Magic Screen

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2011

The glamour behind the glitz

Hemanth Kumar

hemanth.k@postnoon.com

A

handsome young man from the Daggubati family made his on-screen debut in K Raghavendra Rao’s Kaliyuga Pandavalu in 1986 and the rest, as they say, is history.

Venkatesh’s breakthrough performance in the film got him his first Nandi Award. Little did he expect that he would start taking acting so seriously after graduating with an MBA from Monterey Institute of Internatio-

27

nal Studies, USA, in the early ‘80s. Twenty-five years later, as one looks back at Venkatesh’s career, one cannot help but notice the smart choices he has made as an actor. Victory became synonymous with his name and he’s popularly known as Victory Venkatesh. Today, he’s a very content man. His family means the world to him and a conversation with him reveals his spiritual side, which has transformed him completely over the years. Here are some of the films that catapulted him to fame and how he justifies the epithet Victory Venkatesh given to him by the movie loving audience.

Venkatesh celebrates his 52nd birthday today and showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. We take a look at his filmography and reasons that make him one of the most loved stars in Telugu cinema

Swarna Kamalam

T

wo years after Venkatesh made his debut in Kaliyuga Pandavulu, he acted in K Vishwanath’s Swarna Kamalam where he played the role of a painter. He plays an important role in inspiring Meenakshi (Bhanupriya), a dancer to realise her full potential.

Venkatesh got a Nandi Special Jury award for his performance and it was one of the first films that showcased his potential as an actor.

Prema

Bobbili Raja

for Victory

B

obbili Raja was Venkatesh’s first blockbuster film, which brought him a mass image. Directed by B Gopal, the film starred Venkatesh, Divya Bharati and Vanisree in lead roles. This film, which released in 1990, marked the beginning of a glorious phase in Venkatesh’s career. A year later, he starred in films like Coolie No 1, Shatruvu and Kshana Kshanam that cemented his place among the top stars of Tollywood.

Dharma Chakram

A

fter Sundarakanda, which released in 1992, Venkatesh didn’t have a single hit till 1996. Till Venkatesh teamed up with Suresh Krishna for a revenge drama titled Dharma Chakram that is. Venkatesh’s portrayal of a lawyer who is torn between his duty and hatred towards his father was nothing short of brilliant. It’s ranked among one of his finest performances and once again he won both the Nandi and Filmfare awards for this film.

Preminchukundam Raa

Chanti

R

D

irected by Suresh Krishna, Prema is still ranked among the best romantic films made in Telugu cinema. Venkatesh and Revathi starred in this melodrama, which had some great mellifluous soundtracks by Ilayaraja. Venkatesh bagged both the Nandi and Filmfare awards for his performance.

avi Raja Pinisetty’s Chanti had a long lasting impact on Venkatesh’s career. He became a darling of the family audience, especially women with this tearjerker drama.

The film was later remade in Hindi as Anari in which Venkatesh and Karishma Kapoor played the lead roles. Post the success of Chanti, Venkatesh has been part of numerous family dramas and considering how well he has captivated the family audience over the years, he’s probably the king of this genre.

T

he film marked the beginning of factionism in Telugu cinema but Jayanth C Paranjee, the director of the film, chose to concentrate more on Venkatesh’s on-screen chemistry with the actress, Anjala Zaveri. The film was one of the biggest hits of Venkatesh’s career and it also started the ‘Raa’ sentiment. At one point of time, it was believed that adding Raa in the end of a film title brings good luck.

Ganesh

are still popular among movie buffs.

The trio teamed up once again for Malleswari that was also a huge hit.

Adavari Matalaku Ardhale Verule

O

ne of Venkatesh’s dialogues in the film Any centre, single hand became a catchphrase for a long time post the release of this action drama about corruption in hospitals. The film brought out the angry young man in him after a long time.

Raja

A

nother important aspect of Venkatesh’s films is sacrifice and Muppalaneni Shiva’s Raja was one such film that had enough emotional content to make the audience cry.

Venkatesh and Soundarya played lead roles in the film. This was yet another film that proved that Venkatesh can make the audience empathise with his roles with great ease.

Nuvvu Naaku Nacchav

V

enkatesh’s comic timing in his films needs no introduction and Nuvvu Naaku Nacchav was among the finest comedy films made in recent times. Vijay Bhaskar and Trivikram Srinivas teamed up with Venkatesh for this film and the dialogues

T

he film had almost everything.

Drama, love, sentiment, comedy which are all necessary for a typical Venkatesh’s film. Directed by Selvaraghavan, the film had Venkatesh and Trisha in lead roles.

Another good performance that got him yet another Nandi award.

In our story Comeback Queens of 2011, published in yesterday’s edition (December 12), we had published Lakshmi Rai’s picture instead of Kriti Kharbanda’s picture.

The error is regretted.

Ram Charan’s

Magic Screen

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2011

The glamour behind the glitz

Rachcha to release in February?

T-TOWN TWEETIES

@Actor_Siddharth December is flying full steam ahead...love the drama of the last 2 weeks of the year.

R

am Charan Tej’s upcoming film Rachcha is in the last stages of filming.

Directed by Sampath Nandi, the film stars Ram Charan and Tamannaah in the lead roles. Recently, the film was shot in China and the entire shooting of the film is expected to be wrapped up by the end of the month. The latest news about the film is that it might hit the screens in February; however, it remains to be seen if producers NV Prasad and Paras Jain push the date of release to late March, which marks the beginning of summer releases. Interestingly, the film will be released in Tamil and Malayalam simultaneously along with the Telugu version. Ram Charan’s earlier film Magadheera was dubbed in both Tamil and Malayalam and had a decent run at the box-office.

@LakshmiManchu Leaving to India today. Don’t feel like leaving the babies. The Manchu Munchkins are too adorable.

@actressanjjanaa An optimist c an opurtunity in d tinyest rays of light,a pessimist feels lik a looser even in bright light,let go of al ur fears n b +ve :-)

Anjali Lavania

is on cloud nine

A

njali Lavania, who recently made her debut in Panjaa, is on cloud nine these days. Although she had a small role in the film, Pawan Kalyan’s fans seem to have paid her a lot of attention and scores of people began complimenting her on Twitter.

The model-turned-actress was all smiles when people told her that they loved the on-screen chemistry she shared with Pawan Kalyan in a couple of scenes. Directed by Vishnu Vardhan, Panjaa stars Pawan Kalyan, Sarah Jane Dias and Anjali Lavania in the lead roles.

Sri Rama Rajyam to be dubbed in Tamil

B

apu’s recent mythological film Sri Rama Rajyam is going to be dubbed in Tamil. Balakrishna, Nayanthara, Akkineni Nageshwara Rao and Srikanth played the lead roles in this film, which is a recreation of NTR’s, Anjali Devi starrer Luva Kusha, which released in 1963. Recently, the film was screened at the 42nd International Film Festival of India in Goa and it won rave

reviews. Although the film wasn’t a commercial success at the box-office in Andhra Pradesh, Yalamanchali Sai Babu, the producer of the film, has decided to dub the film in Tamil. The dubbing process has already begun and popular singer and dubbing artist, Chinmayi has lent her voice to Nayanthara.

The film is likely to generate a lot of curiosity since it’s touted to be Nayanthara’s last film.

28

@trishtrashers Hope everybody had a good weekend..And yes I will be attending ‘Bodyguard’ audio release tomm...Goodluck 2 the team :))

@sneha_ullal Salman is such a darling.

Always calls to check on me no matter how busy he is..Love u and can never thank u enuf.

@actor_nithiin Centenary Anniversary!!!...its been a 100 years since Delhi has been India’s capital.

@shrutihaasan Tweeps I am not active on Facebook!!that’s not me! Fake shruti boo hiss to you!

@me_sushanth ‘His way is the highway’ :-) Happy Rajnikanth day to everyone!

Chai Time 1400 Naadi Aadajanme 1430 Pavitra 1500 Movie 1800 Sri Shanidevuni Mahimalu 1830 Vasantha Kokila 1900 Chinnari Pelli Kuturu 1930 Anna Chellelu 2000 Pellipandiri 2030 Edureetha 2100 Bhale Chancele 2200 CID 2300 Vasantha Kokila 2330 Alajadi 0700 Silver Screen 0730 Just For Fun 0800 Ayurvedam 0830 Chaganti Nava Vidha Bhakti 0900 Bhale Chancele

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‘[V] D3 Dil Dosti Dance’ at 1900 Hrs on CHANNEL [V]

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‘The Newshour’ at 2100 Hrs only on TIMES NOW

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2011

Telly sitcoms, news and movie listings

1400 Abhishekam 1430 Aadade Aadharam 1500 Antahpuram 1530 Aakasa Ganga 1600 Prema Mandiram 1630 Jagadeeswari 1700 Super 1800 Devimahathyam 1830 Puttadi Bomma 1900 Kumkuma Rekha 1930 Manasu Mamata 2000 Chandra Mukhi 2030 Bharyamani 2100 Etv News 2130 Ali 369 2245 Movie 0800 Jeevana Jyothi 0830 Tollywood Time 0900 Movie 1130 Abhiruchi 1230 Star Mahila

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‘Business Tonight’ at 2100 Hrs only on ET NOW 1400 The F And O Show 1430 Closing Trades 1530 Tomorrow's Trades 1600 Business Day 1730 Markets Tomorrow 1800 Rush Hour 1830 Brand Equity Special 1900 Global Business Report 1930 Business Express 2000 Business First 2030 Markets Tomorrow 2100 Business Tonight 2200 Top 10 At10 2230 Leaders Of Tomorrow 2300 Starting Up 0900 First Trades 1000 Hot Stocks 1100 Buy Now Sell Now - The Stock Game 1130 Buy Now Sell Now 1200 Market Sense 1300 Business Day 1330 Markets Now

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1415 Csi - Crime Scene Investigation 1510 Wipeout 1605 Chef Academy 1700 Top Chef Masters 1800 Wipeout 1900 India's Minute To Win It 2000 Guinness World Records Smashed 2100 Minute To Win It 2200 Wipeout 2300 Breaking The Magician's Code 0905 Sky Teleshopping 0930 Whacked Out Sports 0955 Infomercial/5 Min 1000 Whacked Out Sports 1030 Top Chef Masters 1130 Guinness World Records Smashed 1225 India's Minute To Win It

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‘Balika Vadhu’ at 2000 Hrs on COLORS

‘Ek Nayi Choti Si Zindagi’ at 1900 Hrs on ZEE TV 1400 Hitler Didi 1430 Mrs. Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuein 1500 Bhagonwali 1530 Yahaaan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 1600 Pavitra Rishta 1630 Shobha Somnath Ki 1730 Ram Milaye Jodi 1830 Mrs. Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuein 1900 Ek Nayi Choti Si Zindagi 1930 Choti Bahu 2 2000 Hitler Didi 2030 Yahaaan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 2100 Pavitra Rishta 2130 Ram Milaye Jodi 2200 Mrs. Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuein 2230 Bhagonwali 2300 Pavitra Rishta

1400 Saas Bina Sasuraal 1430 Bade Achhe Lagte Hai 1500 Kuch Toh Log Kahenge 1600 CID 1800 Saas Bina Sasuraal 1830 Bade Achhe Lagte Hai 1900 Crime Patrol - Dastak 2000 Kuch Toh Log Kahenge 2045 Dekha Ek Khwaab 2130 Parvarrish - Kuchh Khatti Kuchh Meethi 2200 Saas Bina Sasuraal 2230 Bade Achhe Lagte Hai 2300 Kuch Toh Log Kahenge 0900 Adaalat 1000 Crime Patrol - 1 1200 Kuch Toh Log Kahenge 1245 Dekha Ek Khwaab 1330 Parvarrish - Kuchh Khatti Kuchh Meethi

‘Kuch Toh Log Kahenge’ at 2000 Hrs on SONY

29

‘Sasuraal Genda Phool’ at 1930 Hrs on STAR PLUS 1400 Sapnon Se Bharey Naina 1500 Navya 1530 Diya Aur Bati Hum 1600 Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behnaa Hai 1630 Sasuraal Genda Phool 1700 Saath Nibhaana Saathiya 1730 Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon 1800 Mann Ki Awaaz… Pratigya 1900 Saath Nibhaana Saathiya 1930 Sasuraal Genda Phool 2000 Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon 2030 Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behnaa Hai 2100 Diya Aur Bati Hum 2130 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 2200 Navya 2230 Mann Ki Awaaz… Pratigya 2300 Maryaada ... Lekin Kab Tak?

MOVIES OF THE DAY AND OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

1415 Madagascar 1550 Harry Potter And The Order Of Thephoenix 1835 Lethal Weapon 3 2100 Ocean's Eleven 2325 Tekken 0750 Friends 0820 Good Morning, Miami 0850 Friends 0920 New Adventures Of Old Christine 0950 Nikita 1040 Executive Decision

1440 Supershark 1630 Repo Men 1850 Chill Factor 2100 Turistas 2245 The Final Destination 0910 Taking Woodstock 1125 Chill Factor 1335 The Final Destination

1400 $H*! My Dad Says 1430 Better With You 1500 The Real Housewives Of New Jersey 1600 Body Of Proof 1700 $H*! My Dad Says 1730 Better With You 1800 E News 1900 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 2000 $H*! My Dad Says 2030 America's Funniest Home Videos 2100 The Real Housewives Of New Jersey 2200 Body Of Proof 2300 $H*! My Dad Says 2330 Better With You 0800 The Real Housewives Of New Jersey 0900 Body Of Proof 1000 $H*! My Dad Says 1030 Just For Laughs 1100 The Real Housewives Of New Jersey

‘$H*! My Dad Says’ at 2000 Hrs on ZEE CAFE

Two And A Maryaada ...

Lekin Kab Tak? Half Men Storyline - Verma comes to Shubhankar and ask him to take his case, he will give him double money, Shubhankar agrees.

Storyline - Alan convinces Charlie that he needs to date more respectable women and sets him up with a judge called Linda.

‘Maryaada ... Lekin Kab Tak?’ at 2300 Hrs on STAR PLUS

‘Two And A Half Men’ at 2000 Hrs on STAR WORLD ‘Ocean's Eleven’ at 2100 Hrs on WB

‘The Big Bang Theory’ at 2300 Hrs on STAR WORLD 1400 Masterchef USA 1500 Necessary Roughness 1600 The Big Bang Theory 1630 The Simpsons 1700 The Sheild 1800 Masterchef USA 1900 Love2 Hate U 2000 Two And A Half Men 2030 The Simpsons 2100 Masterchef USA 2200 The Sheild 2300 The Big Bang Theory 2330 Home Improvement 0700 The Big Bang Theory 0730 Home Improvement 0800 Rules Of Engagement 0830 The Simpsons 0900 Masterchef USA 1000 The Sheild 1100 Love2 Hate U 1200 Terra Nova 1300 The Big Bang Theory 1330 Friends

1400 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 1430 Don't Worry Chachu !!!

1500 Lapataganj 1530 Fir 1600 Chintu Chinky Aur Ek Badi Si Love Story 1630 Don't Worry Chachu !!!

1700 Ring Wrong Ring 1730 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 1900 Lapataganj 1930 Don't Worry Chachu !!!

2000 Chintu Chinky Aur Ek Badi Si Love Story 2030 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 2100 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 2130 Mrs. Tendulkar 2200 Lapataganj 2230 Fir 2300 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 2330 Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo 0800 Teleshopping 0900 Don't Worry Chachu !!!

1000 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma

‘Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo’ at 2100 Hrs on SAB‘

‘Dev D’ at 1400 Hrs on ZOOM 1400 Movie - Dev D 1730 Star Bonanza 1800 Letz Go! 1900 Planet Bollywood News 1930 Link'D 2000 Style Strip 2030 Letz Go! 2100 Golds Gym Ms.Fat & Fab 2200 B - Tonite 2230 Page 3 2300 Bollywood Bonanza 0700 Fresh Mornings 0800 Red Carpet 0805 20 - 20 Songs 0825 Fresh Mornings 1100 Zoom Box 1200 Garma Garam 1300 Planet Bollywood News 1330 Tentalize

1400 Connections 2 1430 Mummy Autopsy 1530 Megascience 1630 Food Detectives 1700 Deconstructed 1730 Industrial Revelations Best Of British Engineering 1830 Best Of Discovery Science 1930 Catalyst 10 2000 Junkies 2030 Industrial Junkie 2100 Innovation Nation 2130 Mythbusters 2230 Machines!

2300 Industrial Junkie 2330 The New Inventors 0930 Machines!

1000 Industrial Junkie 1030 Sci Fi Science 1100 Innovation Nation 1130 Mythbusters 1330 UFO

‘Innovation Nation’ at 2100 Hrs on DISCOVERY SCIENCE

‘Jerry Springer’ at 2200 Hrs on BIG CBS PRIME 1430 Jerry Springer 1530 Big Wheels 1600 Survivor 1700 Bellator 1800 Galileo Extreme 1900 The Defenders 2000 Entertainment Tonight 2030 Galileo Extreme 2100 The Defenders 2200 Jerry Springer 2300 CSI - Crime Scene Investigation 0700 Big Wheels 0730 Aspire 0800 Galileo Extreme 0900 CSI - Crime Scene Investigation 1000 Bellator 1100 Jerry Springer 1200 Big Wheels 1230 How To Be A Gentleman 1300 Galileo Extreme 1330 The Defenders

Chai Time

KAKURO

How to Play Kakuro Kakuro is a popular game similar to sudoku in some ways. But is also suitably different. The key question: “How do you play Kakuro?”, well here are the rules of kakuro. The answer: The kakuro grid, unlike in sudoku, can be of any size. It has rows and columns, and dark cells like in a crossword. And, just like in a crossword, some of the dark cells will contain numbers. Some cells will contain two numbers.

However, in a crossword the numbers reference clues. In a kakuro, the numbers are all you get! They denote the total of the digits in the row or column 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.

SCRIBBLING PAD

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2011

Take a shot at the brain game while sipping your cuppa

30

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 FBI agents 5 Arm or leg 9 Hiccup’s cause 14 Longest river in Switzerland 15 End-of-the-roster abbr.

16 More than prompt 17 Start of a slacker’s quip 20 Like some hams or salmon 21 Bible’s first grandkid 22 ___ loss for words 23 Window frame 25 Dits’ counterparts, in Morse code 27 “What else?”

30 Lion’s den sound 32 Head ___ (big boss) 36 Croat’s neighbor 38 Applications 40 More uncommon 41 Middle of a slacker’s quip 44 Use the delete key 45 Light gas?

46 Fluids 47 In a discourteous fashion 49 Respiratory rattle 51 Let one’s god DOWN? 52 Parrot’s morsel 54 Vatican City monetary unit, once 56 Throw on the floor?

59 Drug cop 61 Warning signals 65 End of a slacker’s quip 68 Metric volume 69 Actress Falco 70 Norse god 71 Rippling with muscles 72 Foxx of TV and film 73 Corduroy rib DOWN 1 Spaces between teeth 2 Schoolhouse figure 3 Ending for “switch” or

“buck” 4 Head-shoulder connectors 5 Escorts to the exit 6 “___ Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” 7 Spouse 8 Hunter’s hideaway 9 Coast 10 Square on toast 11 Opera solo 12 Coin destination, sometimes 13 Talking bird 18 Rise up on the hind legs 19 Biblical mariner 24 Is wearing 26 Loses it 27 September bloom 28 Indian statesman 29 Hate the thought of

31 Send to another doctor 33 Sobs 34 Painter Matisse 35 Ballpark instrument 37 Barracks sites 39 “Cheers!”

42 Gave in 43 Joined the military 48 Slangy approval 50 View from Huron, Ohio 53 Laundry apparatus 55 Bow partner 56 What stainless steel doesn’t do 57 Words before “the minute” or “no good”

SUDOKU

58 Pop rocker Stefani 60 Turn over 62 Icelandic classic 63 Ammunition for a carpenter’s gun 64 “Auld Lang ___” 66 Anger 67 Comical Caesar PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

THOUGHT OF THE DAY Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.

– Cicero

Chai Time STAR POWER

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2011

Your tomorrow today̶Star Power and Tarot THIRUVAIKUMAR

Date 14-12-2011

ARIES

thiruvaikumar@yahoo.co.in 040-27177230 / 9177596118

March 20 – April 18 You have to keep patience. Works, which you thought may not happen, will definitely happen with the help of your friends. You will have to struggle hard. Income will look up gradually.

TAURUS

April 19 – May 19 Good news will come by. Religious thoughts will occupy your mind, which will make you cheerful. Your sugges‑ tions will be accepted by all. Financial position looks very sound.

GEMINI

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

June 21 – July 21

July 22 – August 21

May 20 – June 20

All planned work will get completed. You will take bold decisions. Relatives who hesi‑ tated to mingle with you will now become close. Your values will increase with family members. Court verdicts will go in favour.

Apprehensions in your mind will disappear.

Your hard work will get you due recognition and a good position. You will extend help to your colleagues. Family will look peaceful.

You will purchase household items.

Worries will disappear and you look cheerful. Businessmen will have a smooth going. Indirect enemies will vanish. You will fulfill commitments given by you to all. You will spend for happy events.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS November 21 – Dec 20

October 23 – November 20

You will focus on the planned work and get them completed. Finances from expected source will come by. Your wise approach will result in getting good support from blood relatives.

You will do all possible to help others and feel happy. Your administrative skills will get sharpened. You will act swiftly and com‑ plete even the toughest jobs. Financial posi‑ tion is good. Avoid sharing family secrets

A cheerful day. Jobs will get completed as per your expectations. Health looks very fine. Some have bright chances to buy a vehicle. Businessmen are having a good time. Avoid investing by borrowing.

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

January 20 – February 18 Your stock is set to pile up. Happy e‑ vents to take place at home. Avoid ap‑ prehensions and divert your mind in religious activities. Old debts will get cleared. Carefully express yourself.

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

Four of Swords – Work is stalling and youʼre feeling exhausted, tired and frustrated. Things will take their own time to move ahead.

Your pushing it will not help.

Five of Cups – Donʼt cry over spilt milk.

Thereʼs nothing much you can do about whatʼs gone. But you can certainly control how you react to it.

Think positive.

Ten of Cups – This is the season to spend more time with family members. They may have felt ignored by you in the past few months. Perfect time to make up for it.

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

Six of Pentacles – An elderly person, either within the extended family or in your work place, will guide you in the right direction and tell you what your next move should be.

Ace of Cups – Great ideas come your way and you feel empow‑ ered to make them work as well. Youʼre on a roll! Maintain the tempo but also donʼt push yourself.

Nine of Cups – Wish carefully. For, it is about to come true.

This card is a caution to be careful what we wish for. Do you know this is exactly what you want?

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

Three of Cups – Bring on the bubbly and cel‑ ebrate your success.

Itʼs important to cele‑ brate when the times are good. You release the right vibes into the cosmos.

Eight of Wands – Lady luck is smiling down on you. House renovation work will keep you busy. Long pending tasks will finally get your attention.

King of Pentacles – Youʼre in control of situations at the work place. Clients love you for your practi‑ cality. Youʼre likely to make more money through a raise.

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Queen of Pentacles – A dramatic increase in income is in the offing.

But this may mean giv‑ ing up the peace and the lovely work sur‑ roundings you had cre‑ ated for yourself.

Page of Cups – Youʼre being impulsive. Stop, step back, and take a good look at the big picture. Do you really want to go down that road?

Knight of Cups – Youʼre being emotional but may not be necessarily sensitive to other peo‑ pleʼs emotions. Take care to respect other peopleʼs time. Review your finances.

February 19 – March 19

Need to exercise caution in all work you undertake. Slow‑and‑steady policy will bring you success. Confusion that existed with friends will disappear. Comforts will increase, which will make family happy.

For Better or for Worse Stone soup

SOLUTIONS

Boggle ANGOLA AUSTRIA ALGERIA AUSTRALIA ARGENTINA

Number game

Suduko

Scrabble

Ink pen

COMICS

Fred Basset

Dec 21 – January 19 Jobs will get completed with satisfaction.

Your calibre is set to improve. Blood rel‑ atives will extend their co‑operation.

Worries will vanish gradually. Income will be satisfactory. Savings will grow.

SUMAA TEKUR

tarotreadhyd@gmail.com

August 22 – September21

Your self‑confidence is set to increase. Lots of surprising good news in the offing. Be adjustable with blood relatives. Hand loans given to others will come back. Health looks fine. Children will obey your words.

September 22 – October 22

TAROT READ

31

Vol: 1, No. 150 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

Spotlight

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2011

32

PICS: SRINIVAS SETTY

Movie masala

Going glam retro style It was a night of style and fun and competition.

Gathered at the Rain, on Monday, in Banjara Hills were aspiring models from the city. The theme for the model hunt was retro and the ladies sure brought the fun-loving days back.

Neha and Vishal

Sonia

Neha

To the first year of togetherness Owner of Deccan Jewellers Jibran Sharief and wife Maha celebrate their first marriage anniversary in style on Monday.

Ali Bilgrami and Esam

Jibran and Maha

Mahima

Actors Sunny Gill and Simran Kaur Mundi, cast of Jo Hum Chahein at Isda Thai on Monday.