Postnoon E-Paper for 29 january 2013 by Scribble Media & Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2013 HYDERABAD

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32 PAGES

WEATHER: CLEAR WITH CLOUDY PERIODS; 24°C

TELANGANA MPS TO QUIT?

TRAVELLING FOR A CAUSE

Seven of the 12 T MPs held a meeting this morning at Keshava Rao’s residence on their next move. They are likely to forward their resignations to Sonia Gandhi today. It is yet to be decided if they should notify the Speaker.

Travellers across the world are embracing the idea that there can be more to travel than mere sight-seeing. Volunteer Tourism is one of the fastest growing forms of travel and it’s a great way to understand the local culture, communities and humanitarian initiatives.

FLASH

P16&17

HYDERABAD’S FIRST COMPACT AFTERNOON NEWSPAPER

E H T L L A E R WHERE A

GIRL

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED Despite the unfavourable climate in the country over how they function, alternative schools are making an effort to change the way knowledge is transferred.

P8&9

HOPE FOR ECONOMY?

RATES SLASHED

Shedding its 9-month-long hawkish monetary policy stance, the Reserve Bank today slashed its key interest rates by 0.25 per cent and released `18,000 crore additional liquidity into the system to perk growth through reduced cost of borrowing. Repo rate has been cut by 0.25 per cent to 7.75 per cent and cash reserve ratio has been slashed by a similar margin to 4 per cent. While repo rate cut will reduce the cost of borrowing for individuals and corporates, the reduction in CRR will improve the availability of funds.

P10

REPORT ON P3 The City’s gender ratio is increasingly getting loaded against the fairer sex. The gender ratio for Hyderabad as per the electoral rolls has shown an alarming reduction in the last four years.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2013

city events

SAMAHAARA WEEKEND THEATRE WORKSHOP

Samahaara is organising weekend theatre workshops at Lamakaan. I will be conducted by Rathna Shekar Reddy and will include outdoor theatre activities, readings, analysis, discussions, and performances every weekend. It is on February 24 from 11am.

Weather for Hyderabad

Evening

Overnight

25°C

18°C

Clear with cloudy periods.

Clear.

Morning

Afternoon

23°C

30°C

Sunny. Windy at times.

Sunny with cloudy periods.

New Delhi Mumbai Max 23 Max 31 Min 10 Min 20 Mix of sun and cloud.

Chennai Max 30 Min 21

Clear skies.

Bangalore Max 29 Min 16

Clear skies.

AROUND THE CITY: YOUR GUIDE TO THE TWIN CITIES SHOWS

Cafe Classics Month Truffles cafe pays tribute to some selective cafes and restaurants in India and the world. The cafe will be serving some of their special dishes. This weekend started with Britannia restaurant & cafe located in Bombay, with delicious Parsi dishes. Where: Truffles cafe Plot no. 376, Road no. 10, Jubilee Hills, When: Up to February 10 Contact: (040) 2355 0105

Yudh Sai Shree Arts presents Yudh, a Bharathanatyam solo by Savitha Sastry on war. Where: Ravindra Bharathi When: February 19, 7pm to 8:15pm Contact: (040) 2323 1245 Confluence Perfect Harmony Productions and Cisne for Arts bring together Zakir Hussain, Bela Fleck & Edgar M for a trio concert. Where: Shilpa Kala Vedika, Hitec City When: February 8, 6:30pm onwards Contact: (040) 2311 2707

ART Rural Excerpts An exhibition of paintings and sculptures, of village depictions and life in rural areas, by Narsimlu Kandi. The preview is on January 19. Where: Aalankritha Art Gallery When: Up to January 30, 11am to 7pm Contact: www.alankritha.in

DINING Snack Like a King Delicious varieties of snacks and beverages inspired by the Spanish tradition. Where: La Cantina, Hitec City When: Up to January 31 Contact: 9pm onwards

The River Moving Within The River Moving Within is an exhibition of art work by Koeli Mukherjee Ghose. It is inspired by the works of Rumi and 'Narda Bhakti Sutra' and reflects a love for life. Where: Truffles Cafe, Jubilee Hills When: Up to February 8

Just For Women Special W-Lunch for Women on Wednesdays. The menu changes on a weekly basis. Where: Ohri’s Ruci & Idoni, Opp Rainbow Hospital, Banjara Hills When: Every Wednesday 1pm to 3:30pm ENTER THE DRAGON: The colourful dragon swing attracted many visitors at Numaish, who were lining up to ride it. N SHIVA KUMAR Contact: (040) 6535 5018 Kailash Parbat food fest Kailash Parbat, a vegetarian multicuisine restaurant, is organising a Gujarati and Rajasthani food fest, which includes dishes like Ram Commissioner & Spl Officer

Helpline GAS BOOKING IVRS NO HP 9666023456 Indane 9848824365 BSNL Complaints HMWS & SB Complaints

198 155313

POLICE CONTROL ROOM Hyderabad 27852435 Traffic Control Room 27852482 DCP Traffic 23234065, 23243499F Pollution Control Board 23887500 ELECTRICITY General Complaints Breakdown Section

155333 23431178 23431179

MUNICIPAL CORPORATION

23262266 24166666R ENC 23225267 Engineering 23220418 MCH Tankbund 23225397 Emergency MCH Circle I&II 24525842 MCH Circle III 24736912 MCH Circle IV 23326975 MCH Circle V 23326976 MCH Circle VI MCH Complaints 1100 Head Office 23225397 IVRS CUM MANUAL ENQUIRY PHONE NUMBERS (TRAIN & RESERVATION) RAILWAYS Rail Nilayam 27833169, 27824216 Railway Information 131 Reservations 135 Recorded Information 1345 Enquiry (IVRS) 1331, 1332, 1333

Khichdi, Dhokla, Angoori Basundi, and Barfi Choorma. Where: Kailash Parbat, Road No. 36, Jubilee Hills When: Up to February 3 Contact: (040) 2355 8857

WATER SUPPLY Complaint Cell Sewerage Complaint Hyd. Water Supply HOSPITAL General Hospital, Sec-bad Niloufer Hospital, Red Hills NIMS, Director, Punjagutta Osmania General Hospital Railway Hospital, Lalaguda Apollo, Jubilee Hills Care Hospital, Banjara Hills Care Hospital, Nampally Care Hospital, Musheerabad Care Hospital, Sec-bad Kamineni Hospital, LB Nagar

155313 23307328 23313163

27505566 23314095 23390933 24600146 27001134 23607777 30418888 30417777 30419000 30416666 39879999

BLOOD BANKS Blood Bank,Narayanguda Chiranjeevi Blood Bank Blood Bank Mediton Goal Red Cross, Vidyanagar ADRM Blood Bank Mythri Charitable Trust NTR Memorial Trust Care Banjara Hills

Buy Art It is an anniversary art show of affordable art by 30 artists. All artworks are priced between `1,000 to `10,000. Where: Iconart Gallery, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad When: January 18-February 18 11:30am-7pm Contact: www.iconart.in

Fastrack discounts There is a discount on backpacks, totes, hobos, leatherette bags, among other things, in all Fastrack outlets in the City. Where: Fastrack outlets When: Up to February 17 Big Hyper Sale HyperCITY, is having its Hyper Sale at all its stores across India. Customers can get discounts and deals across categories, including fresh produce, home & furniture, electronics, toys and apparels. Where: Inorbit mall, Madhapur When: Up to January 31 The Landmark sale Landmark announces its sale of Up to 70 per cent off. Bestselling books starting at `49, 3 for 2 on the top 500 new releases are just some of the offers. Where: Landmark When: January 25-February 25 Shoppers Stop sale Sale up to 51 per cent off on international and Indian brands across categories at Shoppers Stop, HomeStop and Mothercare outlets with Shoppers Stop. Where: Shoppers Stop outlets When: Ongoing Contact: www.shoppersstop.com

MISCELLANEOUS Numaish Numaish is the 73rd All India Industrial Exhibition is an ongoing event in the City.

27567892 23559555 23226624 27633087 27035588 27550238 30799999 30418296 30417445

AMBULANCES Apollo 23548888, 23607777 Kamineni 24022222 Medwin 23202902, 23204616 Smile Line Dental Hospital 23747979 Red Cross 27627973 Niloufer Hospital 23314095 Gandhi 23320332 AIRLINES

Where: Exhibition Ground, Mukarramjahi Road, Nampally, When: Up to February 15, 4pm to 11pm Contact: (040) 2460 3015

Airport Director 27903785, 27906001 For Air India Flight Information Toll free (from any network) for IC Flights 18001801407 And for All Flights: 1800227722 Air India has revised its flight timings. For more information call (Toll free) 18001801407, 1800227722 from BSNL/MTNL 04023430334 from other lines and mobile Website; www.airindia.in TOURISM OFFICES AP Tourism, Hyd 23262152/53/54 Sec-bad 27893100 Dept of Tourism 23453110 India Tourism 23261360 AP Tourism information Centre (24x7) 23450444, 23455999 UK VISA OFFICE VFS India Pvt Ltd Building, 8-2-542/A, Sunil Chamber, Road No. 7

Beside Meridian School, Banjara Hills34. Working hours are from 8 AM to 1 PM And 2 PM to 3PM. MUSEUMS Salar Jung Museum AP State Museum Nizams Museum

24523211 232431300/7641 24521029

Readers’ views

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

TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2013

City

YESTERDAY’S QUESTION

DO NUMAISH AMUSEMENT RIDES LACK SAFETY MEASURES? 100% 0%

YES (A) NO (B)

TODAY’S QUESTION

DO YOU THINK MORE SHOULD BE DONE TO ENCOURAGE WOMEN VOTERS? A)

YES

To vote visit www.postnoon.com

GENDER RATIO

Where are all the girls? Chandrayangutta tops in female voters and Jubilee Hills figures at the bottom. A lopsided voters’ list strikes a warning note to the tech-savvy Hyderabad. Fact sheet about female voters

Md NIZAMUDDIN nizamuddin.a@postnoon.com

ity’s gender ratio is increasingly going loaded against the fairer sex. At the last General Elections in 2009, the gender ratio for Hyderabad as per the electoral rolls was 938 females against 1,000. It has come down to 907 now. The greatest concern is the privileged part of the City — Jubilee Hills — which continues to be in the bottom of gender ratio, as per the current electoral rolls amongst 15 constituencies of Hyderabad. With its 864 females against 1,000 males, the constituency of Jubilee Hills registered a total of 2,41,168 voters till the Election Commission’s electoral rolls by January 15. The constituency now has 1,29,360 men and 1,11,808 women voters who are registered. A total of 1,12,453 voters were registered by the Election Commission of India in Hyderabad District during the last three months of 2012. As on October 1, 2012, the total number

Per 1000 males

of voters registered were 30,46,778. After the process of registration resumed, several were added to the list, totalling 31,59,231.

Interestingly, Chandrayangutta recorded more females (88,312) than males (87,786). While all other constituencies recorded more than 900, Jubilee

CRIME

864

Karwan

876

Musheerabad

881

Charminar

886

voters. While the gender ratio according to latest census shows 943, it is only 907 as per the electoral rolls, published in January 15. Amongst the 15 constituencies, Charminar is the smallest with 1,55,432 voters registered. Its gender ratio also dropped from 906 in 2009 to 886 in January 2013. Musheerabad (881), Amberpet (893), Khairatabad (894), Karwan (876), Goshamahal (894) are the other constituencies whose gender ratio is below 900 as per the latest Electoral Rolls. The constituencies which top the list in maintaining ratio are Chandrayangutta (947), Secunderabad Cantonment (941) and Yakuthpura (937).

CRIME

Brother-in-law kills man over debt default Mohd SUBHAN mohd.s@postnoon.com

elping his brother-inlaw with cash cost him his life. Y Ravi Yadav, 24, a resident of Rajendranagar worked in a private firm. He had recently sold his house in Rajendranagar for `10 lakh. He had lent `3 lakh to his brotherin-law G Yadaiah on the promise that the money would be repaid in four months. Ravi is said to have visited his brother-in-law many times demanding that he return the money but in vain. After his last visit on January 24, Yadaiah is reported to have hatched a plan

Hills (864) remains a concern. Within a span of three years, the Electoral Rolls reveal that the government needs to take some serious steps to enrol women

Jubilee Hills

with two of his friends to do away with his brother-in-law. On January 25, Yadaiah allegedly invited Ravi to

Anantaiahguda village in RR district on the pretext of returning the money where Yadaiah and friends treated Ravi with a dinner and liquor. After getting drunk Ravi fell unconscious and he was beaten to death. As he screamed for help, people around rushed to the spot but the assailants escaped. The bleeding Ravi was shifted to a hospital where he died yesterday after giving out details of the attack to the police. Shankarpally police have registered a case against Yadaiah and two others, Ramachandraiah and Anandam but have not yet traced the trio.

T-men damage YSR, Indira statues WARANGAL: Apparently, enraged over the UPA government’s failure to deliver its announcement on the formation of separate state by January 28 as promised by Union home minister Sushillumar Shinde, some unidentified Telangana activists vandalised a statue of late chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy on Saturday night. The statue was slightly damaged as the miscreants set fire to it. The police rushed to the spot and put up barbed wire fencing around the pedestal in order to prevent similar attacks in the future. Early on Monday morn-

ing, suspected T protagonists desecrated the statue of former prime minister Indira Gandhi in the Brahmanawada area. They broke one hand, nose and an ear. The police suspect it was the handiwork of the Telangana zealots to register their protest against the Centre’s failure to keep its promise. It may be mentioned here that the Congress high command had gone back on its promise of delivering justice to the aggrieved Telangana people by January 28. With this, the Telangana activists had warned that they would rid the district of the statues of the anti-T leaders. NSS

city TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2013

CIVIC

LAST YEAR... HERE Going soft

ast year, we had reported how even though parties were agitating to counter growing liquor sales, the Kiran Kumar government had given the goahead for two distilleries to bottle 'Splash', a low alcohol content drink aimed at women and youngsters. The rationale was that people could indulge their craving for alcohol without exceeding their limits.

JANUARY 29, 2012

NUMEROLOGY

907

UNION HOLDS CITIZENS TO RANSOM Taking refuge under the T-stir, a GHMC union affiliated to TRS prevented others from working on Monday, leaving aggrieved citizens flat on the mat.

females to 1,000 males: that is the average gender ratio in the City as per the electoral rolls. The wide gap is especially prominent in affluent areas like Jubilee Hills.

We are aware that mainstream society is far from perfect, so why aim at fitting children into it — we want them to make a difference to society, not conform. Indira V, Poorna school founder See page 8-9

GHMEU leader U Gopal was certain that his action (of stopping GHMC work) would add mileage to the Telangana agitation.

THINGS WE 5LEARNT TODAY The column that teaches everyone something new about the way the City functions.

Think out of the box when it comes to education. A gradual shift is being seen when it comes to education. More parents are now opting to send their children to alternative schools, where learning is experiential and more fun.

Md NIZAMUDDIN nizamuddin.a@postnoon.com

NEWS BRIEFS

Shooting off the mouth is the Congress’s style. Sushilkumar Shinde’s promise to solve the T-issue in one month has brought nothing but misery to Andhra Pradesh and its people, say citizens.

closed because of the Telangana issue,” said a dejected P Ramachandra, a resident of Ashok Nagar. Even though some of the employees with solidarity towards the Telangana struggle were supportive of the action, leaders belonging to other unions were not happy with the development. “Do you think it will affect the functioning of the GHMC which hardly works anyway?” asked a union (not GHMEU) leader derisively. The TDP floor leader was critical of suspending work at the GHMC. According to Singireddy Srinivas Reddy, Telangana is not a matter that should affect the functioning of the civic body. “During the Sakalajanula Samme, the employees protested for more than a month. What was the result? They are yet to get salaries for the period. Those who retired in those days had to face losses in lakhs of rupees in pension benefits. The leadership should first fight to help them,” he said. Reddy pointed out that rather than having sumptuous luncheons in the name of Telangana, the T-MPs should go on a hunger strike. “Why involve civic employees in this?” he asked. On the other hand, GHMEU president U Gopal and others celebrated their successful obstruction of GHMC work by burning crackers in front of the office.

fter three nonworking days, citizens who turned up at the GHMC had to swallow a bitter pill. The Telangana issue had eclipsed the functioning of the corporation even as the employ-

ees supporting separation prevented colleagues from working. The first day of the week started off normally but by afternoon, a group of employees of GHMEU (Greater Hyderabad Municipal Employees Union), affiliated to TRS, started visiting various sections inside the GHMC head office. Around 30 employees representing the

union visited all six floors of the building one after the other. Even the lift was stopped, clearly indicating that the office was closed for visitors. Many visitors were surprised to find the GHMC office closed for the day. “I wanted to meet an official in town planning but I was sent back and was told that the office was

Gopal, who visited TRS leaders KCR and Hareesh Rao at Dharna Chowk at Indira Park, expressed optimism that his action would add mileage to the movement. It is likely that if the agitation continues, the zonal offices would also be closed. “I am in constant touch with Hareesh Rao for planning the course of action in the GHMC,” said Gopal.

Bringing the civic bodies to a halt. A pro-T GHMC union threw a spanner in the workings of the corporation by refusing to let the employees work.

ACB traps HoD of NIMS cardiology department

Five-year-old kidnapped in Secunderabad

Two houses burgled in Secunderabad

Slaughter-houses to be shut on January 30

No safety checks in place at Numaish. The rides at Numaish are attracting large crowds, but the lack of proper safety norms is worrying.

CM calls for new Green Revolution. The CM stressed on the need to integrate science and agriculture at the BioAsia 2013 conference.

he Anti-Corruption Bureau caught the head of the department of Cardiology of NIMS red handed. Dr D Seshagiri Rao was held by ACB sleuths while he accepted a bribe of `1.6 lakh as commission for purchasing stents. According to ACB ofﬁcials, he demanded a bribe of `10,000 on each stent.

ﬁve-year-old boy, Satish Jogi, was kidnapped on Monday. The boy was playing with his brother in the foyer of his home in Allagaadabawi, Secunderabad. Two men came on a bike, gave a `10 note to the boy, and said they would buy him chocolate. They took him on the bike and sped away. The boy’s brother informed their parents.

wo houses in Secunderabad were burgled last night. The ﬁrst incident happened at Lalbazaar in Trimulgherry at the house of one G Anuradha. Gold weighing ﬁve tolas and some electronic goods were stolen. The other was reported from Chilkalguda, where the house of one Y Manikantan was burgled and gold stolen.

he GHMC commissioner, MT Krishna Babu, has ordered the closure of Beef & Sheep Slaughter House at Chengicherla and Retail Meat & Beef Shops within the limits of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation on January 30. This order has been passed on account of Mahatma Gandhi’s death anniversary.

city TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2013

ANALYSIS

Shinde mess spreads and stinks Central leaders’ penchant to talk out of turn on Telangana is causing incalculable harm to the people and businesses of Andhra Pradesh. M ANIL KUMAR

PK SURENDRAN surendran.pk@postnoon.com

ome minister Sushilkumar Shinde is known for putting his foot in his mouth. And, it causes tremendous harm to his party. After his uncalled for comments on the right-wing parties fostering ‘terrorism’, he has placed the Congress leadership in an unenviable situation by firmly announcing early this month that the 60-year-old Telangana tangle will be resolved in one month! People viewed with disbelief when he came on TV and convincingly argued that one month is what he said. Media people had no definite question to ask after that. But the Telangana champion, K Chandrasekhar Rao, knew better. He was angry after the all-party meeting and upbraided cheeky queries of the press. This is not the first time the Congress Central leaders (who hardly study the history of Telangana stir) tinkered with the sentiments of the populace of the Telangana region. While one may carp at the manner of some leaders championing the cause of

Telangana, there can be no two opinions on the fact that people of Telangana have done no wrong to deserve the repeated insults. PC Chidambaram, when

he was home minister, did the same. Ghulam Nabi Azad made tizzy remarks on the topic many times. Vayalar Ravi was cautious but hardly made any revelation

beyond saying the Centre is seized of the matter. Now, with Shinde’s surprising announcement, the people of not only Telangana but the rest of the

State are also feeling cheated and abused. If netizens’ anger could be any indication, the Congress has scored a self-goal with Shinde’s brazen declaration. “What are these jokers going to gain from this kind of dilly-dallying?” asked a blogger in consternation. Now, Azad announced that a solution is definitely in sight but it is not within reach. Again, another bout of confabulations is in order, he says. The chief minister and APCC chief would be summoned to the next round. As if they were not consulted in many rounds! All parties, except YSRC, have given their unequivocal stance that says they have no objection to the bifurcation of the State if the region and the government thought it fit. Even the main opposition party, TDP, which has much to lose for its pro-T stance has said it. The only party that wants to have the cake and eat it too is the YSRC, which is making funny noises without committing itself because it has much at stake in coastal Andhra. The Central leaders’ penchant for out-of-the-turn talk is causing huge damage to people and business of AP. When will they learn that, people ask.

POLITICS

T-Cong leaders pull their hair in despair

T-stir leaders take a break

Some T-MPs have decided to quit, while MLAs from the region have no idea what to do. They forecast the doom of Congress in Telangana. INKESHAF AHMED ahmed.m@postnoon.com

he inept handling of the separate Telangana issue by the Centre has thrown mud in the faces of T-ministers and elected representatives. The sudden U-turn of the UPA government and the Congress on the issue has not only dashed their hopes but also placed them in a state of utter shock. “The statements of the Central leaders have doomed us. We were making arrangements to celebrate the creation of the separate state. The party will vanish from the political scene of Telangana if it does not hasten the process of creating the T-state,” a senior minister told Postnoon on Monday.

He said that they have discussed the developments after the statements of Union ministers Ghulam Nabi Azad and Sushilkumar Shinde and decided to chalk out a separate action plan to mount pressure on the party high command. “All the Cabinet ministers from Telangana have decided to prepare an action plan to launch our own struggle for achieving the

separate state. We will not join hands with any pro-Telangana group but fight on our own.” On the other hand, MP from Telangana region, K Rajagopal Reddy, said that even Brahma can’t stop the Congress doom in Telangana region. “The end of Congress has begun in Telangana. It did a grave mistake by adopting the same old tactic of delaying the process. Nobody in the region would believe the Congress anymore,” he said. It may be emphasised that a total of seven Congress MPs from Telangana region on Monday decided to quit their parliament posts. A section of these leaders, however, believe they should have consulted other elected representatives before such a crucial step.

POSTNOON NEWS feedback@postnoon.com

he success of Samara Deeksha on Monday has given a much-needed boost to the Telangana Joint Action Committee (T-JAC), the umbrella organisation of pro-Telangana groups, in the ongoing agitation for a separate state. The activists of these groups were so delighted with the success that they withdrew the call for the proposed Telangana bandh protesting the statement of the Union ministers. The Samara Deeksha is the first major programme organised by T-JAC in 2013 after the grand success of Telangana march on September 30, 2012. “Samara Deeksha has played a pivotal role in bringing together all proTelangana groups and associations. It has also helped us in zeroing in on ruling Congress as our only enemy which is obstructing

the creation of the T-state. We will now march towards ensuring the death of the Congress in Telangana region in coming days,” Telangana Gazetted Officers’ Association president V Srinivas Goud told Postnoon on Monday. He said that their priority would be to see that all the Congress leaders leave their party and join hands with the T-JAC in mounting pressure on the Centre. Goud also said all the Telangana employees are ready to launch a 100-day strike any moment.

LEADERS TAKE A BREAK

The success also gave a break to the T-JAC leaders who have been sweating it out to make arrangements for Samara Deeksha. These leaders have now decided to hold their next steering committee meeting after a recess of a couple of days. The next major agitation of the T-JAC is expected to be held in March when the Assembly session begins.

city TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2013

WILDLIFE

Jungle-look for City zoo soon Nehru Zoological Park may become the first in South India to implement the landscape immersion display which will give a virtual forest ambience to the zoo. ALEENA ALICE aleena.t@postnoon.com

FILE PHOTO

ow this might come as happy news to all animal lovers. The Nehru Zoological Park is planning to implement the “landscape immersion display” at the zoo very soon. With the number of visitors likely to cross 3 million this year, the authorities have decided to give the zoo a makeover to lend it a forest ambience. An immersion exhibit is a naturalistic zoo environment that gives visitors the sense of being in the animals' habitats. Buildings and barriers are hidden. By recreating sights and sounds from natural environments, immersion exhibits provide an indication about how animals

actually live in the wild. Though the zoo already has a natural look and feel akin to a wild life habitat, the authorities have decid-

ed to introduce a fresh way of looking at animals as a vital part of the eco-system. Speaking to Postnoon, the director of the Nehru

POLITICS

Probe Shinde, PC: Court

Zoological Park, T Malikarjuna Rao, said, “We want to give the zoo a very intense jungle look. Not only will the landscape

immersion display give the animals a feel of living in their natural habitat it will give the viewer immense pleasure of being in a jungle. Big trees will be planted and by next summer the zoo will have a greener look,” he said. The chief veterinary doctor of the zoo park, Dr Srinivas said, “Initially animals like rhinos, monkeys and lions will get a feel of the spacious enclosures.” Meanwhile, the zoo authorities also boast of how the number of visitors has increased by 50 per cent within a span of two years. “This year we have had a whopping 27 lakh visitors. By next year we are very sure that the number will cross three million,” said the director Malikarjuna.

Water is safe for consumption Jon Charles Coe, the zoo design guru, said at a workshop in Hyderabad last year: “If the purpose of zoos is to encourage the public to see and understand animals, then we should present animals in ways which lead to learning — not only factual, cognitive learning, but the more motional learning. Landscape immersion or naturalistic animal display evolved with this vision and ﬁeld evaluations show good results.” Coe has done 160 planning and design projects for over 82 zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, theme and nature parks in 13 nations.

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local court on Monday directed the police to look into the allegations whether Union Ministers Sushilkumar Shinde and P Chidambaram "cheated" the people of Telangana region by their statements on the statehood issue. Based on a complaint filed by Telangana Junior Advocates' Association president Naresh Kumar, Second Metropolitan Magistrate Court directed the LB Nagar police to investigate into the matter and file a status report before it by February 14. Kumar, in his petition, has mentioned the statements of Shinde and

Chidambaram on T issue and sought the court's directions to refer the matter to the police under Section 420 of IPC. During the all-party meeting convened by the Centre on Telangana in New Delhi on December 28 last year, Shinde had said the Telangana issue would be resolved within a month. On December 9, 2009, the then Union home minister P Chidambaram had announced on initiating process to create Telangana state. However, on December 23, 2009 Chidambaram modified the statement following an agitation in coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions. AGENCIES

A FRESH NEW POINT OF VIEW You can also call or email us at:

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classifieds TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2013

SAFETY

Visitors risk their necks A new ride at Numaish has been the buzz of the town. But when Postnoon took a ride on the Ranger, we found that safety took a back seat at this bone-chiller.

ANUBHA K SINGH anubha.k@postnoon.com

centre of all the attention. Just a look at this ride is enough to send a chill up your spine. Ranger is a pendulum in which you are seated on one side of the axis and are swirled around this axis with great speed. The first points of inversion is kept still for at least two seconds while you are up in the air, and from the next rotation the swing is in full motion. Goes without saying, take a ride on this mean machine only on an empty stomach! And although the ride can be more scary than fun for many, it keeps you going back for more. “At first it looks thrilling, but once you step in and you are swung in the air it’s very frightening. Your heart starts beating fast and the only thing you can hear is loud screams. I have seen many people vomiting, shivering and also crying after they get off

yderabad’s young and old folk alike have been making a beeline to the Numaish exhibition this year. Popular for its variety of shopping stalls, Numaish also boasts of having Asia’s best amusement park in an exhibition. Be it the giant wheel or the swinging bear, there is something for everyone here. To add to the thrill, many new rides have been added this year. Hyderabadis are an adventurous lot, known for constantly craving something new. Numaish has been satiating this hunger for a long time now and this year thrill has a new name — ‘Ranger’. Earlier, the giant wheel was the most popular ride, but this time around Ranger has been the

CLASSIFIEDS HEALTH/ CLINIC

N SHIVA KUMAR

the ride. But in the end, it’s all fun,” said Ramcharan, a visitor who took the ride twice with his friends. Riders are suspended upside down mid-air at many points during the ride. Hence, safety is

a big concern. On such rides, there must be proper security belts or shoulder guards and cautionary messages must be displayed at the ticket counter about the age limit and other safety tips. But other than the

security belt, there is no other safety measure taken. When questioned, the management denied any negligence. “There is no age limit. In any case, the public is aware of their medical conditions and they should decide if they are fit for the ride. However, we ensure that small children or the elderly don’t go on the ride. But we can’t ask for age proof or medical certificates,” said Rajesh, a member of the amusement team. The same ride in other countries offers many safety options. The actual ride comes with an innovative safety harness. Instead of over-the-shoulder restraints, it uses fully-automated rectangular pads which push against the riders’ stomachs. This, you will not find here. The ride is the same, the riders are the same, but safety is far from satisfactory.

CONFERENCE

We need a new green revolution, says Kiran Kumar CM stresses on need for breakthroughs in agro-biotechonology at the BioAsia 2013. POSTNOON NEWS feedback@postnoon.com

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ver 600 delegates from across 45 countries are in the City to attend the BioAsia 2013 conference which took place on Monday. The three day forum will see the participation of some of Asia’s biggest biotechnology, pharma, health care and life sciences companies. Speaking at the inauguration of the event, Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy said that his government was doing its best to sponsor events like this so that it will herald a new wave of thinking in science. Stressing on the challenges of farmers in India today, he said, “The cost of agricultural inputs today has become so expensive that it’s not feasible for farmers. There is less land today and more and more farmers dependant on it, so productivity and yield have become more important than ever.” He further added that there was a need for a new green revolution. “We need a new green revolution, one that will result in rise of productivity and competitive pricing in agri-

culture. So I hope that in the forthcoming days, we’ll work towards these solutions.” Echoing similar sentiments, Shakti Nagappan, CEO BioAsia also expressed hopes that the conference will see some breakthroughs in the industry. “The discussions, debates, developments and decisions during these three days will help in the driving the growth of biotech and life sciences sector.” Also, in the 10th edition of BioAsia, the US-based pharma giant Pfizer Inc and former head of Department of Biotechnology, Dr

The Indian govt announced 3 projects under the Indo-Spanish Joint Programme for Technological Co-operation. MK Bhan were recognised for their extraordinary contribution to the field of science and awarded the Genome Valley Excellence Award. The Indian government also announced three projects to be

funded with its country partner Spain under the Indo-Spanish Joint Programme for Technological Co-operation. Despite it’s economic crisis, Spain will be committed to it’s projects in India, said Velma Olmo, Minister for State R&D, Spain. “The Spanish delegation comprising of leading research institutes, companies and technology centers has firm interest in India at the forefront in diverse fields of biotechnology and its applications and we are confident that BioAsia will offer a great platform to all participants,” she said.

special report TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2013

EDUCATION

THE ROAD

Despite the unfavourable climate in the are making an effort to change the way

ARUNIMA RAJAN arunima.r@postnoon.com

s there only a single model for learning? Can a child learn at his own pace in a regular school? Do we need to compartmentalise children based on their age? Should learning also be based on a child’s interest and experiences? Is continuous evaluation and constant comparison required for good outcomes? Alternative schools use these questions in developing their unique approach to education. Alternative education defies any sort of definition, as there is no single learning approach or one teaching model. Hence, M Srinivasan, principal of Gear International Innovation School, considers alternative education as a model where the need of the time and child is given importance. “The latest ideas in terms of research and best practices are brought together in alternative education,” said the principal of Gear School, a mainstream school which has incorporated principles of non-formal education in its curriculum. “It is not restrained by any system and is driven by ideology.”

HISTORY

The concept of an alternative approach to the way children experience school is not entirely new. Long

before the recent upsurge in alternative schooling, social reformers and thinkers had proposed non-formal modes of education in the country. Prominent thinkers and activists like Rabindranath Tagore, Mahatma Gandhi, Jiddu Krishnamurthy, Sri Aurobindo and Gijubhai Badheka have been proponents of a different form of education that was not regimented. Before the British established the current system of education in the country, knowledge was imparted through village schools like pathshalas, gurukuls and madarasas.

LEARNING APPROACH

Experiential learning is the catch word of several alternative schools. They teach multiple disciplines like pottery, tailoring, gardening, puppetry, dance, martial arts and farming, and the focus is on learning by doing things. Self learning and self assessment are also two important qualities stressed in experiential learning. For example, Gear School uses a learning approach which is based on Project and Activity, as well as Inquiry and Research (PAIR). The school is divided into four modes of learning based on the way learning takes place, how the human brain functions, and various other factors. Exploration mode is for children between the ages of 2.5 to 5.5 years. Formation mode covers 5.5 to 9.5 years, experimentation mode is from 9.5 to 13.5 years and mass mode is 13.5 to 17.5 years. There are nearly 20 students in a section and four sections for each class. At Poorna, an alternative school in Bangalore, learning is personal and meaningful for the children, and teachers try to make learning deeply interesting to children without coercing or stressing them. “We try to co-plan a curriculum that keeps the children's needs and interests at the center. We also want education to help children become caring members of society and develop mutual respect toward each

special report TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2013

LESS TRAVELLED

country over how they function, alternative schools knowledge is transferred.

other regardless of class, caste, or creed. In a nutshell, we want the experience of learning at school to be a joyful one,” said Indira Vijaysimha, founder-trustee of the school.

CLASS STRUCTURE

A class, or learning group, at the school has approximately 15 children of similar age. Children are not grouped according to ability. The evaluation methods for younger children consist primarily of informal assessment of the child's learning ability. Lessons are planned around specific objectives, and teachers keep note of whether these learning objectives are achieved or not. This method is also used for older children who additionally may take examinations twice or thrice in a year. Children are encouraged to fill in self-assessment forms so that they can be partners in charting their academic progress.

INTEGRATION TO SOCIETY

The school authorities claim that students from an alternative school like Poorna are supported in their journey of self development and this makes them both resilient and reflective. “They will not merely fit into mainstream society but will more likely go out there and transform it,” Vijaysimha said. “We are all too aware that mainstream society is far from perfect, so why should we aim at fitting children into it — we want them to make a difference to society, not conform.” Several alternative schools are located in suburbs or rural areas, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. One such school, Vikasana, which is located on Kanakapura Road outside Bangalore, focuses on educating children of migrant workers. The school has 32 students, from various states, between the ages of four and a half and sixteen. The founder of the school, Malathi MC, says that her institution functions on the basis of David Horsburgh’s (considered as the father of non-formal education) theory of non-formal education. “A teacher in an alternative school is just a facilitator. The responsibility of the teacher is to help students discover fun in learning. The emphasis is on doing things. We ensure that our students master the skill and use it in their daily lives. If we teach them how to make dresses, we ensure that they learn how to make dresses which they can then wear or they can sell.”

CHALLENGES

In addition to financial struggles, the schools often have to deal with a lack of trust from the general public. They challenge people to think deeply and not just follow directions and face bureaucratic hurdles in getting registration from the government. “The

Prominent alternative schools in India Andhra Pradesh n Timbaktu Collective n Sumavanam Village School n Rishi Valley Education Centre Gujarat n Anand Niketan n Shreyas Foundation n The Riverside School Karnataka n Gear Innovative International School n Poorna Learning Centre n Centre for Learning Kerala n The Choice School n Sri Atmananda Memorial School n The Gurukul Delhi n Ankur-Society for Alternatives in Education n Saakshar n Lavenir, The Gnostic Centre only thing that at times prevents me from giving up in frustration is a deep conviction and an unwarranted faith in human beings,” said Vijaysimha. There are also institutions like Poorna Pragnya Learning Centre, which had to be shut down due to expansion of a highway. Tara Gopinath, who founded the school as early as 1984, says that children of alternative schools might find it difficult to fit in to competitive society initially, but gradually will learn the rules of the game. “Several of our alumni have succeeded in their respective careers, be it in art, science or academics.”

EXAMINATIONS

In most of the alternative schools, examinations are not just another tool to get feedback about what has been learned or to evaluate the expertise of the teacher. Based on the examination results, those in charge of classes and curriculum may make course corrections and re-think the teaching methodology. Unlike the process in a conventional school, exams are not used as tools to pass judgments on students and declare them pass or fail. Students of alternative schools often take examinations administered by the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS). Teachers who work in alternative schools say that it can be very liberating and exciting to teach in ways that connect with students and to watch the spark of understanding ignite throughout the class. “It can also be frustrating and demanding as we struggle with unruly children, heavy workload and lack of clarity about what the true aims of the school are,” said Vijaysimha. “It can also be frustrating, during parentteacher meetings, when parents unthinkingly expect teachers to fall back on traditional methods, or display little understanding about their child's inner development. One learns to be patient and tolerant and also more forgiving of oneself.”

TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2013

Business

US WATCHDOG BLASTS EXEC PAY AT BAILED-OUT FIRMS

A government auditor on Monday blasted the US Treasury for approving high levels of executive pay at firms the Treasury bailed out in the financial crisis. It said that in 2012 the Treasury ignored its warnings on the "excessive" compensation for the top 25 employees each at these firms.

INVESTMENT

RBI SLASHES RATES

Betting on glitter

Gold ETFs provide an opportunity especially to the retail investor. PRUDHVI RAJU K prudhvi.k@postnoon.com

old, one of the most sought precious metals in India has witnessed one of its record performances in the last few years. The metal, which is considered as a mark of purity among Indians, is loved for its value creation, especially in times of uncertainty. Additionally, being a commodity it also makes as a hedge against inflation when markets register very high increases in prices, said Tapan Trivedi, senior research analyst, Inditrade Derivatives and Commodities On its growth during past years, he said, “Gold has outperformed almost every other commodity and also equity indices globally during past decade. Gold is one of the only few commodities to give positive returns year after year over the last 10-12 years. CAGR return of Spot Gold prices in dollar terms stands over 17 per cent, next only to silver that has produced positive returns of 20 per cent in the same period. Gains in S&P 500 and BSE Sensex come around 5 per cent in last 10 years to 2012.

However, it should also be noted that larger part of these returns have generated in the last couple of years and investors should follow a systematic and risk-based approach for further investment in Gold at these high levels. “With regards to an individual’s portfolio, we suggest maximum 12-15 per cent investment in gold. Though continuously rising gold prices may influence people to invest larger chunk of their saving in bullion, they should also consider the fact most part of the advance in gold prices is backed by the fact that we are running in a multi-year debt and economic crisis globally which supports gold safe

TECHNOLOGY

WhatsApp in privacy row OTTAWA: WhatsApp's mobile messaging service used by hundreds of millions of customers worldwide breached privacy laws in at least two countries, a joint CanadianDutch probe concluded Monday. The California-based mobile app developer violated "certain internationally accepted privacy principles, mainly

in relation to the retention, safeguard, and disclosure of personal data," Canada's privacy commissioner and the Dutch Data Protection Authority (CBP) said in a joint statement. WhatsApp has taken steps to resolve several privacy issues by implementing many of the privacy watchdogs' recommendations. AFP

heaven status. Once global economy gains strength, gold price may enter a long period of ranged prices, as can be witnessed between year 1900 to 2004,” he opined. On some benefits of ETFs as compared to physical gold investment, Tapan says, “Gold ETFs provide an opportunity especially to the retail investor to accumulate gold in small denominations over given period of time. It can be bought in form of units of 1 gm each wherein one can plan the procurement as per their future requirements. In taxation too, Gold ETFs don’t attract any sales tax, VAT, whereas longterm capital gains tax (12 Month

or above) is also nil in India as per current notification from government in India. “Moreover, unlike physical holdings, there is no risk of theft as gold like a form of share/security is stored in the demand account of the investor. It however, contains asset management fee, which normally ranges from 1.5-3 per cent depending on different fund managers. Additional costs are there at the time of buying and selling units in the form of brokerage or commission,” Talking about its growth as compared to other metals, he explained, “Especially during the last three four year since the fallout of the financial and economic crisis in 2008, Gold has been able to produce most stable returns as compared to other metals of the precious metals group. In last 12 quarters in international market, Spot Gold has generated positive returns of 3.75 per cent per quarter as compared to 0.9 per cent for Spot platinum. The high beta, Silver has given returns of 6.4 per cent per quarter on an average, though the only problem with silver is in times of downtick, its losses have been fairly sharp compared to other commodities in the PMG.

TECHNOLOGY Yahoo! in $272 mn profit

SAN FRANCISCO: Yahoo! reported profit of $272 million, an eight percent drop from a year earlier, but the earnings figures were enough to make its stock jump before setting more than three percent above the regular trading day closing price. The first full fiscal quarter overseen by CEO Marissa Mayer show double-digit revenue gain on ads in online

search, where Yahoo! ruled supreme before being overthrown by Mayer's former employer Google. Mayer said, "We've got a lot of work ahead of us, but we are seeing key positive trends." Those trends included ebbing attrition of Yahoo! employees around the world; better talent competing for jobs, and buoyed worker confidence in the future of the company. AFP

10g GOLD`30,700 10g GOLD`31,100 1kg `60,100 1kg SILVER `58,300

24C

forfor

for for

DOLLAR `53.92 `53.79 `85.15 POUND `84.67

The Reserve Bank today trimmed the economic growth projection for the current fiscal to 5.5 per cent, from 5.8 per cent estimated earlier and said it was necessary to arrest the decline in growth as inflation risks moderate. "While the series of policy initiatives by the Government has boosted market sentiment, it will take some time to reverse the investment slowdown and reinvigorate growth. Accordingly, the baseline projection of GDP growth for 2012-13 is revised down from 5.8 per cent to 5.5 per cent," RBI said in its third quarter monetary policy review. The growth estimate of 5.5 per cent is lower than 5.7 per cent projection by the government, which would be the lowest growth recorded in a decade. It had in October lowered the GDP forecast for the current fiscal to 5.8 per cent, from 6.5 per cent in July. "The key to stimulating growth is a vigorous and sustained revival in investment," RBI said, adding that achieving this would require bridging the infrastructure gap, fast tracking project clearances and improving governance. PTI

HIGHLIGHTS

n Repo rate reduced by 0.25% to 7.75% n Reverse repo rate stands adjusted to 6.75%. n Reduces cash reserve ratio by 0.25% to 4%. n Trims growth for fiscal ‘12-13 to 5.5% from 5.8%. n Policy action aimed at aiding growth by encouraging investment and improving liquidity to support credit flow. n Revises downward Marchend inflation projection to 6.8% from 7.5%. n Q3 CAD likely to widen beyond 5.4% of GDP. n Bank rate stands adjusted to 8.75% with immediate effect.

BSE 6,057.70 6,065.10 NSE

20,025.67 20,056.12 44.10 46.24 9.20 9.70

TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2013

nation

CASTE CONTROVERSY

TRIPURA

Cop kills 2 colleagues, escapes AGARTALA: A trooper of the elite Tripura State Rifles (TSR) gunned down two colleagues and shot at three others before fleeing away with his service rifle, police here said Tuesday. “Following a quarrel, TSR rifleman Bijoy Debbarma, 28, suddenly opened fire killing two of his colleagues on the spot. Three other jawans were also critically injured in the abrupt firing at Chawmanu on Monday night,” a police spokesperson told reporters here. The TSR camp, where the incident occurred, was set up recently to deal with the militants. The spot, 180 km north of here, is close to the India-Bangladesh border. Senior TSR and police officials rushed to the spot and launched a combing operation to nab the trooper who had fled with a loaded self loading rifle. All police and BSF posts in the state were put on high alert. In September last year, a rifleman of the TSR kidnapped his senior colleague and a driver at gunpoint before opening indiscriminate fire and later shooting himself with his service weapon. PTI

FIR AGAINST GADKARI FOR THREATENING IT OFFICIALS

Aam Admi Party has filed a case against former BJP president Nitin Gadkari for threatening income tax officials investigating financial irregularities involving his firm Purti group.

MALIK BATS FOR SRK

Notice to Nandy over Dalit remarks

Jaipur Literature Festival producer Sanjoy Roy is also likely to be questioned by police today. JAIPUR: Jaipur Police today issued a notice to sociologist Ashis Nandy asking him to appear before it in connection with his controversial remarks against SC and STs at the Jaipur Literature Festival. Jaipur Literature Festival producer Sanjoy Roy is also likely to be questioned by poice today. “We served summons to the organiser but he was busy with the event so he could not turn up yesterday but has been called today for further investigation,” a police officer said. “We will also record the statement of the complainant Rajpal Meena,” he said. The officer said notice has been issued to Nandy and police would record his statement. Additional Commissioner of Police Biju George Joseph had said yesterday that the organisers were asked to remain in the city as a probe is going on against Nandy for his comments that people belonging to OBCs, SCs and STs were the most corrupt, remarks over which he has expressed regrets. Roy had said yesterday, “I

WORRY ABOUT YOUR OWN have signed the papers on behalf of the JLF team to comply with the orders.” An FIR was lodged against Nandy and Roy last Saturday by Rajpal Meena, chairperson of the SC/ST Rajasthan Manch, after Nandy stoked a controversy with his comments. However, Nandy got some

backing from various quarters. Dalit author Kancha Ilaiah, said it was “a bad statement with good intentions”. “Prof Ashis Nandy made a bad statement with good intentions, however, as far as I know he was never against reservation. The controversy should end here,” Ilaiah had said in a statement here. PTI

India is capable of securing its citizens, home secretary RK Singh said in response to Pakistan's Interior Minister Rehman Malik's statement that the Indian government should provide security to actor Shah Rukh Khan. "We are quite capable of looking after security of our own citizens... let him (Malik) worry about security of his own," R.K. Singh told reporters here.

HEALTH

HALL OF SHAME

BSF jawan arrested for molesting journalist The victim, though initially shocked, chased the culprit and caught him near a police kiosk. KOLKATA: A BSF trooper was arrested Monday night for allegedly molesting a woman journalist near the busy Shyambazar crossing here, police said. “We have received a complaint that a woman was molested near Shyambazar. One person has been arrested,” said DCP (North) Gaurav Sharma, adding the alleged culprit was BSF trooper Manish Rajinder. The victim, attached to a news channel, said the incident happened when she was entering a restaurant with a companion. “I saw some uni-

The Indian government must provide security to Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, said Interior Minister Rehman Malik. Shah Rukh was born Indian and he would like to remain the same, Malik told reporters Monday at a reception organized by Indian High Commissioner Sharat Sabharwal to mark India’s Republic Day. He said the people of both Pakistan and India love Shah Rukh, reported Geo TV. “Let’s get together and fight against this extremism and terrorism because we are working for betterment and peace in Pakistan and India,” he was qouted as saying. Jamaat-ud Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed has said that Khan can move to Pakistan if he does not feel safe in India.

formed men leaving the restaurant. I later learnt they were BSF jawans. The first jawan made some obscene comments while passing me and also tried to grope me. Initially, I was shocked. But after he left, I chased him and caught hold of him close to a nearby police kiosk. “Hearing the commotion, the public also came and caught him. The police personnel from the kiosk then took him in their custody,” she said. Later, the woman lodged a complaint at the Shyampukur police station. IANS

Man dies of swine flu in Punjab

LUDHIANA: Swine flu scare has gripped this Punjab town as a middle-aged man died of the disease late Monday at a private hospital here, officials said. The deceased identified as Bharpur Singh, who originally hailed from Faridkot district, had come to Ludhiana to attend a family function and fell ill. “Deceased had symptoms of like soar throat, running nose and high fever. We conducted tests and he was positive for H1N1 virus,” said Ludhiana district’s civil surgeon Ajay Sahni. “These days we are getting more number of patients with these symptoms,” Sahni added. Two more swine flu cases have been reported in Ludhiana in the last 24 hours, while three cases have been confirmed in Bathinda district. IANS

PICK YOUR

Across Stores

ities Twin C

TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2013

World THE ‘TOURIST’

DEADLY CHEMICAL LEAK AT SAMSUNG PLANT IN S KOREA A toxic chemical leak at a Samsung Electronics chipmaking plant in South Korea left one worker dead and four injured, the company said Tuesday. The five repair workers were called in Sunday night to stop the leak of diluted hydrofluoric acid at the plant in the city of Hwaseong.

TEMPLES OF DOOM

GILLARD BEAU’S PJ

NK gulags on Google maps The live monkey which a Tehranbased Arab-language channel said Iranian scientists sent up into space in a capsule and later retrieved intact.

SEOUL: Weeks after its chairman Eric Schmidt’s secretive visit to North Korea, Google has rolled out a detailed map of the isolated state that even labels some of its remote and infamous gulags. Until now North Korea was pretty much a blank canvas to users of Google’s “Map Maker",

which creates maps from data that is provided by the public and fact-checked in a similar process to that used by Wikipedia. “For a long time, one of the largest places with limited map data has been North Korea. But today we are changing that," Jayanth Mysore, a senior prod-

uct manager at Google Map Maker said in blog posting on Monday. Mysore said the North Korea section had been completed with the help of a “community of citizen cartographers” working over a period of several years. AFP

FIGHT FOR MALI Britain mulls sending 200 troops LONDON: Britain is considering sending about 200 noncombat troops to help the military operation against Islamist militants in Mali, with a decision expected within days, media reports said Tuesday. This would likely include a small number deployed to Mali itself, as part of an EU training mission. A larger number would help train West African forces in the region to join the battle alongside the French and Malian troops. Prime Minister David Cameron called President Francois Hollande on Sunday to say Britain was “keen” to provide further help to French forces in Mali. But his Downing Street office declined to give more details other than to stress that, as more than a decade of conflict in Afghanistan finally approached its end, Britain would not be deploying combat troops to another war zone.

Timbuktu retaken

French-led forces received a hero’s welcome as they entered Mali’s fabled desert city of Timbuktu. MARC BASTIAN TIMBUKTU: Residents of the ancient city on the edge of the Sahara desert erupted in joy as French and Malian troops entered Monday, an AFP correspondent reported. They waved French and Malian flags and shouted “Mali, Mali, Mali," after months under the Islamists’ brutal rule. As the soldiers received a rapturous welcome, in Paris French President Francois Hollande declared: “We are winning in Mali." And by “we", he added, he meant the Malian army, the Africans supported by the French. “There were no shots fired, no blood split. Not even passive resistance with traps," Colonel Frederic Gout, head of French helicopter operations at the city, told AFP. Residents said many of the Islamist occupiers had left

The partner of Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, whose ﬁery speech against sexism last year made global headlines, apologised Tuesday for making a quip about an “Asian female doctor". Tim Mathieson made the comment during a reception on Monday night attended by members of the Windies cricket team. “We can get a blood test for it but the digital examination is the only true way to get a correct reading on your prostate, so make sure you go and do that. And perhaps look(ing) for a small Asian female doctor is probably the best way.”

NUMEROLOGY

$120

is the amount that Japan said it would give to stabilise the Islamistinfested Sahel region of North Africa, days after 10 Japanese were killed when jihadists stormed an Algerian gas plant.

THE GREAT GAY DEBATE

Children celebrate in Diafouke as Malian and French soldiers entered the historic city of Timbuktu, occupied for 10 months by Islamists who imposed a harsh form of sharia, on January 28, 2013.

several days ago, as French air strikes rained down on their bases across the north. A French military source however spoke of fears they could have dotted the city with mines and said they were in the process of “securing” it. Even as the Franco-

Malian force approached the city however, Malian security and military sources reported that a building housing tens of thousands of manuscripts from the ancient Muslim world and Greece had been set on fire. AFP

NEWS BRIEFS Brazil arrests four as first fire victims buried

12 bodies pulled from Mexico well

Guatemala ex-dictator to be tried for genocide

Congress sends $50 bn Sandy aid bill to Obama

SANTA MARIA: Police in Brazil arrested four suspects Monday after a nightclub ﬁre killed 231, left dozens more clinging to life. Two owners of the Kiss club were arrested, along with a pair of musicians who starred in the pyrotechnic show blamed for sparking Sunday’s tragedy in the university town of Santa Maria.

MONTERREY: The fate of a Colombian-style music band missing in Mexico grew clearer and grimmer Monday after authorities pulled four of their bodies from a well and tried to identify eight more. The 14 musicians and four crew members of Kombo Kolombia were whisked away by gunmen who stormed a party in Hidalgo.

GUATEMALA CITY: A Guatemalan judge on Monday ordered former dictator Efrain Rios Montt to stand trial on charges of genocide for the slaughter of more than 1,750 native Maya people during his 1982-83 regime. The retired general, now 86, sat stoically as Judge Miguel Galvez ordered the opening of a trial.

WASHINGTON: Congress on Monday ﬁnally approved more than $50 billion in emergency disaster aid for victims of Hurricane Sandy, 13 weeks after the superstorm ravaged much of the coastal US northeast and left thousands homeless. The bill, approved earlier this month by the House, comes after a nearly month-long delay.

After months of rancorous debate that has split France down the middle, proposals to allow gay couples to marry and adopt children ﬁnally go before parliament on Tuesday. Recent weeks have seen hundreds of thousands of people taking to the streets to voice either opposition to or support for a reform that has been championed by Socialist President Francois Hollande. With polls having consistently shown that a majority of the French supported allowing same sex couples to marry, Hollande never anticipated that a promise he made in his election manifesto last year would generate such controversy.

In the crowded field of Secretary Clinton’s achievements her work on women’s rights is particularly inspirational. William Hague British Foreign Secretary about Hillary Clinton in an opinion piece for the Hufﬁngton Post.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2013

Technology FUTURE

iPhone 5 is one of the best smartphones around but it wasn’t received with the same enthusiasm as the previous models. So what will the company’s next device be about?

ámÜçåÉ=Rë ïáää=ÄÉ=~Äçìí=ëçÑíï~êÉ NT BALANARAYAN Balanarayan.nt@postnoon.com

pple Inc. released their much touted iPhone 5 back in September, but it has been scaling back on the production of the device after the holiday season. At the same time rumours of the next iPhone have started to pick up and it is expected to match specs offered by Android devices in the market. According to a French tech site that leaked parts up the upcoming device, nowehereelse.fr, the device will have a bigger screen and a better camera. The current device sports a 4inch screen and the upcoming 5s will come with a 4.8-inch screen. The chances of this happening are unlikely as ‘s’ devices do not generally come with such major hardware changes — at least visible ones. That said, it could come with a faster processor and more RAM. As far as mobile phone cameras are concerned, 13 megapixles is slowly becoming a standard in high-end Android phones and 5s is rumoured to have a 12-megapixel camera. There is nothing surprising about the bump in the camera quality as the company is known to improve on this aspect of the phone with every release. Historically, Apple has used the ‘s’ devices to push out great software features, for example, iPhone 4s introduced us to Siri and iPhone 3Gs shipped with FaceTime. Now the question is what will these features be? The company is known to be working on a major update for Siri, so it can help you do more tasks. As of now, the witty personal assistant is capable of doing very basic tasks and is quite slow at processing requests in comparison to Google Now. Maps app could also get a much needed update that will fix many of the bugs that made the service a joke in the technology community. Google launched their Maps service for iOS a couple of months back with turn-byturn navigation among other features. Apart from updates to existing apps and services, the company will also push out an update to the look and feel of the operating system.

They might dial back a little on the faux textures used throughout the OS and its apps and opt for a cleaner look. The rumours of this happening have been around since Jonathan Ive took over responsibility of iOS from Scott Frostall. Going back to the bigger screen, there are talks of Apple removing the only front-facing button in favour of touch ones much like in Android. If the company goes ahead with this move, they will be able to offer a bigger sized screen without increasing the physical size of the device. iPhone however is not the only device that is expected to get a speed-bump in the next few months. Both iPad and its Mini models are expected to get a new look too. The iPad back is expected to sport a more Mini like look, while the smaller device is expected to get a higher display screen. According to 9to5 Mac, the tablets are also expected to get a model with more storage space.

SHUT DOWN Advertising exchange AdBrite is shutting down, after an attempt to find a buyer failed. CEO Hardeep Bindra is telling partners that the company, which has 26 employees, will close by the end of the month, and is selling off its assets. Bindra says he had been trying to sell the firm, but sales talks “unfortunately fell through a couple weeks ago.” It was best known for many years as the creation of Philip Kaplan, who achieved notoriety during the end of the Web 1.0 boom for his F****dCompany site. For years the firm described itself as the “largest independent ad exchange, rivaling Google and Yahoo.”

HOW PINTERESTING...

Pinterest will have a new interface in the next couple of days and it will be initially pushed out to a small set of people for testing. In this update, the company is concentrating on navigation and ways to improve it. Pins are bigger and they’ve added more information related to them, so it’s easier to ﬁnd your interests. For example, on each pin, you’ll see pins from the same board, other boards this pin was pinned to, and a whole slew of related pins. The team is also working on improving the backend so that the site works faster.

GOOD UPDATE The Facebook app for iOS has gotten the ability to record voice and video right in the app, as well as Messenger’s voice messaging support and an improved Nearby tab. Voice messages originally showed up in the iOS and Android versions of Facebook’s Messenger apps, and later VoIP calling was added to those apps in the US and Canada. Now, the voice messaging capabilities have come directly to the main Facebook apps for iOS as well. Sending a message in the app now gives you the ability to record a voice message to send directly to the recipient, and also gives access to the camera to allow for still shots or video clips to be recorded.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2013

Comment Ignorant men don’t know what good they hold in their hands until they’ve flung it away.

THE CURSE OF TERRORISM

JO BIDDLE Feedback@postnoon.com

ith only days left until she steps down as America’s top diplomat, Hillary Clinton left the door open Sunday to a possible future run in the 2016 presidential elections. And, in a rare joint interview with CBS, she appeared to win the endorsement of none other than President Barack Obama, the man who beat her in the 2008 race to be the Democratic Party’s nominee. For months, 65-year-old Clinton has insisted that after more than two decades in the political spotlight she intends to step back into the shadows, catch up on some rest and enjoy some downtime for a change. But with her popularity riding high — at around 65 percent according to a Washington Post-ABC poll last week — many believe she will bounce back to take another shot at being the nation’s first woman president in 2016. “I am still secretary of state. So I’m out of politics,” Clinton told CBS television’s “60 Minutes” carefully, leaving herself the option of reviving her career once she leaves government.A woman who has devoted much of her life to public service, as first lady and as a New York senator, she stressed she still cared “deeply about what’s going to happen for our country in the future.” Clinton said neither Obama nor “I can make predictions about what’s going to happen tomorrow or the next year,” in comments bound to rekindle speculation that she could be preparing a 2016 run. “What we’ve tried to do over the last four years is get up every day, have a clear eyed view of what’s going on in the world.” AFP

PAKISTAN STILL GLOBAL JIHAD HUB

ABOUT OUR NEIGHBOUR Emmanuel Duparcq

Sophocles Greek tragedian

2016: What’s on Hillary mind

HIGH-FLYING THOUGHTS

Iran launches a monkey into space — and fires warning about its ambitions Tehran claims monkey is safe and well after 250km trip into space but animal rights activists hit out at 'cruel' treatment, reports the Guardian. One small space trip for monkey... a giant step for Iran...

akistan is still a major destination for radicalised Muslims bent on a life of jihad, despite hundreds of US drone strikes, the death of Osama bin Laden and the fracturing of Al-Qaeda. New battlegrounds have sprung up in Africa and the Middle East, but the number of foreign recruits smuggled into the northwestern tribal belt is increasing and they come from more diverse countries. Since the 1980s “jihad” to expel Soviet troops from Afghanistan, Muslim fighters from all over the world have lived and trained on the Afghan-Pakistan border, moulded into Al-Qaeda and a host of spin-off militant networks. After US-led forces in late 2001 evicted the Taliban in Kabul for sheltering Al-Qaeda, Afghan Taliban fled across the border into Pakistan. But Washington and NATO will end their combat mission in Afghanistan next year and these days the Taliban say their foreign allies are drawn to other conflicts, despite their support networks in a region outside direct government control.

“Al-Qaeda is shifting its focus to Syria, Libya, Iraq or Mali,” one member of the Afghan Taliban told AFP on condition of anonymity in northwest Pakistan. Local officials estimate the number of Arab fighters has fallen by more than a half or two thirds in the last 10 years, to below 1,000. In the last two years, some Al-Qaeda Arabs, particularly Libyans and Syrians, left to take part in the civil war in Syria and the violent uprising that overthrew Libya’s dictator Moamer Khadhafi in 2011. Others migrated to Iraq in 2003, and others to Somalia and Yemen. But Saifullah Khan Mehsud, executive director of the FATA Research Center, a think-tank focused on the tribal belt, says uprisings in the Middle East have had a minimal effect on the Arab presence in Pakistan. “Arab fighters are not leaving in big numbers,” he told AFP. “They have been there for 30 years and it continues,” he added. The number of fighters from other countries is also rising, say witnesses in Miranshah, the main town of North Waziristan - the district with the largest concentration of Taliban and AlQaeda fighters. “The overall number of foreign jihadis has increased in the last two years. Every week we

see new faces,” says one regular visitor. There could be around 2,000 to 3,500 foreign fighters in the border areas from around 30 different countries. During the 1980s, the number was also estimated to have been several thousand.

MORE NATIONALITIES, SAME PROBLEMS

Most of the current crop are Turkmens and Uzbeks, numbering between 1,000 and 3,000 fighters according to local offi-

cials, who have fled authoritarian secular regimes in their home countries to set up their own groups. The Islamic Jihad Union, which splintered from the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, is based in Pakistan’s border areas. It is committed to toppling the government in Uzbekistan, and fights alongside insurgents in Afghanistan. It has also plotted an attack in Germany, which was foiled.

EDITORIALS The modern North Korea Kudos to HC

he Independent reports that the impoverished people in North Korea have taken to cannibalism. Reports emerge of fathers killing their own children... a man digging up the grave of his grandchild and eats her remains... there are more. And ‘justly’, action has been taken against them. A man who killed his child for meat was shot by a ﬁring squad. Well done, only prompt action will curb such barbarism. But who is truly at fault here? There’s no doubt about the culprit here. The whole blame rests on that demon family and it’s coterie of cronies. There’s no saying what a man might do when he suffers extreme hunger. We have heard of lions making meals of their cubs; cannibalism has been reported among the human race, too, but making meals of their own children, rare if not very rare. That this happens which is not bereft of civilisation is what’s truly awful. And Kim Jong un is doing exactly what his father does... doing dumb rounds of state-run facilities, riding horses, drinking champagne, threatening its neighbour and the US with missile and nuke tests... Beware, you may be your people’s meal one day.

READERS’ VIEWS

he AP High Court has come to the rescue of the besieged citizens with its order allowing OU students taking out samara deekhsa. Now the onus of maintaining peace will be on students rather than on police. The OU campus has been astir for the past two days with police and students engaged in a ding-dong battle and the permission to take out procession deﬂates the built-up tension. Police need not take every protest form as a challenge, rather, they should allow them so far as the protests remain peaceful.

AFP

TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2013

workplace

RECESSION IMPACT

According to the latest Workplace Employment Relations Study, the recession has had a profound impact on Britain's workplaces. In many workplaces, managers have responded with changes in their staffing practices, with one third of employees seeing their wages frozen or cut and 29 per cent seeing their workload increased.

WHERE TO DRAW THE LINE?

COMPANY AT HOME

CHARITY DRIVE

Having no obligations, especially among colleagues, ensures a better working environment. So how do you decide who gets to come home?

KANCHAN AGARWAL kanchan.a@postnoon.com

t is your first marriage anniversary party. You have been working with the same company for the past couple of years. You are good friends with a few, you have very formal conversations with some others and the rest, you just know by face and exchange greetings only when your paths cross. The party is significant for obvious reasons. You want to share your happiness with people close to you. But should you invite the acquaintances, the seniors, the juniors, the interns, the peons and the maids — everyone who has been nice to you all these years, or just those whom you mostly hang out with? We find out what the new rules of workplace obligations are. Recently turned 30, Akash Verma* who has been working with a travel and hospitality organisation for over three years, had only two out of 30 colleagues invited by his family for his surprise birthday party. To be married later this year, he already knows who will feature on his guest list. A private wedding with family and very close friends, and

Should you invite acquaintances, the seniors, the juniors, the interns, the peons and the maids for your personal events? a reception for which he will invite everyone he knows, including all his colleagues. “People invited to the reception maybe my good friends or just acquaintances,” says Akash. How do you decide which of the events in your life call for an obligation to invite your colleagues too? “Weddings are more socially inclusive than birthdays. Birthdays can be celebrated even by yourself. But this is not the case with weddings,” explains Akash. If your colleagues are of your age group, you end up socialising outside office more often than not. These are mostly to fulfill the need to bond with those around you but when you are invited to one of their family celebrations, how compelled are you to attend?

“My team is a socially active one. We get along well, we share bits of our personal lives and manage to have a merry time at office. Almost always the entire team is invited on anyone’s birthday. But I think it would be awkward to join them in their celebration unless it’s exclusively for colleagues. I feel compelled to go and invite them back for any of my personal events too,” says Arjun Kapoor*, a 21-year-old employee at a digital marketing company. If you are gregarious, meeting these obligations come easy to you. But if you are choosy about who you are friends with, do you really mind not being a part of camaraderie among colleagues? “I have been asked to join my colleagues for drinks or dinner several times but I have refused mostly because I do not connect with them. Although I am socially awkward, I have tagged along few times. The consequences of not meeting these obligations have really not been of much concern to me,” says Ramesh Kumar*, 28, a former Google employee. If you are at a senior designation, it is expected to make you a part of all important events of an employee’s life.

Or is it? “I don’t think it is mandatory to invite me. It is their call, always. When I don’t share a good rapport with them, I will not be upset if I am not invited,” says Akash. Such an understanding comes easily if the work environment is relaxed. Certain work cultures go beyond addressing obligations. “During my birthday, my wedding and when my father passed away, I received calls even from colleagues whom I have been connected with only virtually. Every colleague of mine, without being a close friend has always called me to congratulate me on happy occasions or to extend condolences and any kind of support in difficult times,” beams Ajuli Tulsyan, a PR Consultant at LinOpinion. Having fewer obligations in any form, especially among colleagues ensures a better working environment. Not only are you less stressed, you make friends at your natural pace. But ensuring this comes from taking less social burden and striking a balance between maintaining professional and personal equations with your colleagues. *Names changed on request

FactSet Members of the FactSet Charity team distributed 3,000 kgs of groceries among the needy as a gesture of solidarity with the issue of hunger on India’s 64th Republic Day. The team visited ﬁve NGOs across Secunderabad, Kukatpally, Malkajgiri, Dilsukhnagar and Mehdipatnam. The Grocery Distribution programme provided 400 residents of orphanages, old-age homes and shelters for the destitute with rice, pulses and cooking oil.

CAUTION...

Bitdefender

cautions office employees that they require being watchful of e-mails, which seemingly contain one confidential message meant for them alone. These e-mails have been crafted for disseminating certain malware that filches user passwords. Bearing the caption "To all Employees — Confidential Message," the fake electronic mails look like they're dispatched through DocuSign.

COMPANY NEWS

Leading engineering and construction conglomerate Shapoorji Pallonji International has appointed a veteran urban designer and planner Steven Miller to its chief business development position in Dubai, as the company moves ahead. He has been tasked with the job of pursuing the ﬁrm's opportunities in the Middle East and Africa regions, as part of a growing worldwide practice.

Expanding its presence in Europe, UK-based global conglomerate Hinduja Group has signed a deal to acquire Belgian media company Alfacam, which provides TV services to broadcasters and production houses. Alfacam is best known for its broadcasting vehicles for ﬁlming and broadcasting of major sports and entertainment events.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2013

spotlight

ART IN THE CITY

Head to an exhibition of paintings by KR Santhana Krishnan at Shrishti Art Gallery, Road no 15, Jubilee Hills. The exhibition will be on from 11am7pm, till January 30.

FRIENDS NIGHT OUT 1

SRINIVAS SETTY

ENJOYING THE LAST DANCES 6

Fashion Designer Abhiramâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bachelor party was held at the Liquids pub on Monday. The soon-to-be married designer was seen enjoying with friends. 7 1 Sahil Gulati, Abhiram 2 Sabrina, Sharon 3 Bupin 4 Divya, Smita 5 Neha 6 Laila, Firoz 7 Kashish & Sunny

BIOTECH AND BUSINESS

The 10th edition of annual biotechnology and life sciences platform BioAsia was inaugurated at HICC Novotel on Monday. Over 600 delegates besides 2,000 visitors from around 45 foreign countries are expected to take part in the three-day BioAsia-2013.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2013

health

GENETIC DISPARITY MARKS MALE, FEMALE HEARTS Even though healthy men and women have similarly structured hearts, the US researchers have discovered genetic differences in diseased hearts. The new genetic differences found by researchers from Washington University in St. Louis in diseased hearts could pave the way to personalised treatment of various heart ailments.

OSTEOARTHRITIS

Of a degenerative kind

Osteoarthritis affects many people. But there are many misconceptions associated with the condition. We get experts to throw more light on the issue. RANJANI RAJENDRA

ranjani.r@postnoon.com

hekhar had always been an active person. Apart from his regular gymming schedule, he would also participate in marathons and cycling rallies. Needless to say, he was also a stickler for a healthy diet. However, as he approached his 50s, he began to notice that he couldn’t be as agile as earlier, and no this was no age-related slow down. His knees were beginning to bother him and one day the pain got so bad that he finally agreed to see a doctor. A series of tests later he was diagnosed with osteoarthritis. “Osteoarthritis is a degenerative process. A normal person injures his cartilage

Fact file n n n n n n n n

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is also referred to as wear-and-tear arthritis and degenerative arthritis. Weightbearing joints are the joints which are most commonly affected by osteoarthritis. Most osteoarthritis patients have increased joint pain during activity, which is relieved with rest. Osteoarthritis affects people of all ages but the disease is more prevalent among older people. More women than men have osteoarthritis. Early diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis is important for successful management of the disease. Osteoarthritis treatment options focus on controlling pain, preserving function, and slowing disease progression. Source: www.about.com

in his day-to-day activities. However, the body can repair this damage. But in people with osetoarthritis the body’s ability to repair this cartilage damage is defective. It is one of the commonest forms of arthritis,” explains Dr KJ Reddy, senior orthopaedic consultant and knee specialist. Osteoarthritis is generally seen in middle-aged people. According to Dr Reddy there are two types of osteoarthritis — primary and secondary. “The primary kind occurs later in life, usually after the age of 50. The secondary kind, as the name suggests, is secondary to a preexisting condition. For instance, an accident that damages the knee joint is likely to result in osteoarthritis. Or for that matter an infection in the joints, deformity due to rickets, fluorosis or abnormal weight bearing on the joints can all lead to osteoarthritis,” he says. Osteoarthritis usually presents with pain, stiffness and swelling around the joints. As the ailment progresses it can lead to complete stiffness of the joints. A person with osteoarthritis will have decreased mobility and climbing stairs or sitting on the floor will be rather difficult for them. “There are four stages of this ailment. While stage 1 can be treated with medication and physiotherapy, stages 2 and 3 can be treated with stem cell therapy or joint fluid injections. An arthroscopic surgery (endoscopic) can be done to preserve the knee and repair it. However, in stage 4 the damage is complete and a knee replacement surgery is required,” says Dr Reddy. While the condition cannot be reversed, its progression can be slowed down, says Dr Reddy. “Research is still on to find a way to reverse the condition. However, physiotherapy is of key importance in the treatment as it helps build muscle strength. This way the load can be borne by the muscles and not the joints alone.” (More on Physiotherapy tomorrow)

ANEWS PP-LYBRIEFS YOURSELF

HOUSECALL

iVibe Massager Lite

Molluscum contagiosum

Vibration has been proven to stimulate hair growth, treat cellulite, and wrinkles. Full version has four different vibrational modes, all of which come complete with mesmerizing graphics. iVibe Massager Lite makes great use of the iPhone’s internal vibrating function turning your phone into a personal vibrating massager.

Molluscum contagiosum is a common, mild viral infection that causes small, pearly white papules or lumps to form on the skin. It's easily picked up by direct skin contact from another child or from the environment. Many children develop molluscum contagiosum at some point, usually between the ages of two and ﬁve.

DID YOU KNOW?

PIONEERS

Snore Loudness

Ernest O Lawrence

By 60 years of age, 60per cent of men and 40per cent of women will snore. While snores average around 60 decibels, the noise level of normal speech, they can reach more than 80 decibels. That is as loud as the sound of a pneumatic drill breaking up concrete. Noise levels over 85 decibels are considered hazardous to human ear.

Ernest O Lawrence ﬁrst conceived the idea for the cyclotron in 1929. One of his students undertook the project and succeeded in building a device that accelerated hydrogen ions (protons) to an energy of 13,000 electron volts (eV). Lawrence then set out to build a second cyclotron; when completed, it accelerated protons fast enough energy to cause nuclear disintegration.Cyclotrons can be used in particle therapy to treat cancer.

health TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2013

RESEARCH

DISCOVERY COULD HELP OVERCOME POOR SLEEP

BREAKTHROUGH

New drug to combat auto immune diseases

WASHINGTON: US scientists have linked poor sleep with memory loss and cognitive deterioration as we age, opening the door to therapies for better sleep and recall capacity. University of California-Berkeley neuroscientists have found that the slow brain waves during the deep, restorative sleep typically experienced in youth play a key role in transferring memories from the hippocampus — the short-term storage for memories — to the prefrontal cortex's longer term "hard drive." "When we are young, we have deep sleep that helps the brain store and retain new facts and information. But as we get older, the quality of our sleep deteriorates and prevents those memories from being saved by the brain at night," says sleep researcher Matthew Walker, associate professor of psychology and neuroscience and study coauthor at Berkeley. "What we have discovered is a dysfunctional pathway that helps explain the relationship between brain deterioration, sleep disruption and memory loss as we get older — and with that, a potentially new treatment avenue," adds Walker, the journal Nature Neuroscience reports. Healthy adults typically spend one-quarter of the night in deep, non-rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep. Slow waves are generated by the brain's middle frontal lobe. Deterioration of this frontal region of the brain in elderly people is linked to their failure to generate deep sleep, the study found, according to a California statement. The discovery that slow waves in the frontal brain help strengthen memories paves the way for therapeutic treatments for memory loss in the elderly. For example, in an earlier study, neuroscientists in Germany successfully used electrical stimulation of the brain in young adults to enhance deep sleep and doubled their overnight memory. "Can you jumpstart slow wave sleep and help people remember their lives and memories better? It's an exciting possibility," said Bryce Mander, post-doctoral fellow in psychology at Berkeley, who led the study.

SYDNEY: A newly-developed drug could kill rebellious immune cells, which prey on the tissues instead of defending them, causing auto-immune diseases such as type-1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. The absence of two proteins Bax and Bak from certain immune cells permits them to override apoptosis, a process that ensures cellular death after they have outlived their utility. Consequently, these cells turn against the body, with adverse health outcomes. Lorraine O’Reilly from Australia’s Walter and Eliza Hall Institute and colleagues said that some immune cells that lacked the proteins Bax and Bak turned against healthy tissues in many organs. “Normally, these ‘self-reactive’ immune cells are deleted during development,” O’Reilly said, the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reports. The research shows that Bax and Bak activity can be regenerated by a new class of potential anti-cancer agents, called BH3mimetics, which are undergoing clinical trials for certain types of leukaemia, O’Reilly said, according to a Walter and Eliza Hall statement. “Our findings suggest that BH3-mimetics might be an exciting new option for treatment for autoimmune conditions by activating Bax and Bak and making the self-reactive immune cells which are causing the autoimmune disease to die,” she said. Kylie Mason, Daniel Gray, Andreas Strasser and David Huang from the Walter and Eliza Hall and Paul Waring from the University of Melbourne were part of the research team.

IANS

The discovery that slow waves in the frontal brain help strengthen memories paves the way for therapeutic treatments for memory loss in the elderly.

Doctors’ Corner

was asked to see a 50 year old female patient’s MRI films of spine as she had difficulty in walking. The test had been ordered by another orthopaedic surgeon. I was told that the patient was obese with blood pressure and would find it difficult to see me personally. I was also told that she had difficulty using her right upperlimb. I refused to see the MRI films as it is the patient we are treating and not the films. Due

Dr Ganesh Chunduri

WHAT MEETS THE EYE IS NOT ALWAYS TRUE

to my insisting, the patient was brought to the hospital that evening. Myself(M): When were you walking well? Patient(P): Three days ago, I had a fall and then had difficulty walking. An X-ray of the foot was taken which showed a fracture of the bone and was splinted. Since two days, it is difficult to use my right leg and since one day I’m finding it

difficult to use my right arm. M: Did you lose consciousness and any vomiting? P: Two days ago while getting up from bed in the morning, I had an episode of drowsiness and was disoriented for a while. No vomiting. On examination, she was conscious and had weakness of her right arm and right leg with little power. All nerves of face were working well.

I was again asked to see the MRI films of the spine which the patient brought with her. I refused to see them and told the patient’s relatives that the problem is in the brain and not in the spine. They were shocked and agreed to get an MRI of the brain. The scan showed a bleeding in the brain (haemorrhage) on the left side which was the cause of her weak arm and leg.

This needed urgent medical attention to resolve the problem. I thought that if I would have agreed to see the MRI films and not the patient in the beginning, the whole diagnosis would have been missed and the patient would have died. The writer is a consultant orthopaedist at Oxygen Hospitals, Vikrampuri. You can contact him on 7702446000.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2013

Entertainment NEW CHARACTER DESIGN

enkatesh’s upcoming film Shadow marks his comeback to a full-fledged action entertainer. In the past, he had acted in films like Gharshana, Lakshmi and Thulasi which showcased him in an action-packed avatar and now the onus is on director Meher Ramesh to present Venkatesh once again in such a character. Most part of the film’s shooting has already been wrapped up. Talking about the film, Venkatesh said, “We need a good team to make a commercial film and luckily everything fell into place for Shadow. Meher Ramesh has worked really hard for this film and he’s keen on designing my character in a new matter. That’s going to be the USP of the film. Although Shadow is an action entertainer, there’s plenty of drama which will impress all sections of the audience. After a feel good film like Seethamma Vaakitlo Sirimalle Chettu, Shadow will be a totally different and fresh experience for the audience.”Taapsee is the lead actress and Srikanth has played the role of a police officer. Kona Venkat and Gopi Mohan have written the script and SS Thaman has scored the music. Parachuri Shivaram Prasad has produced the film. Shadow is expected to release on March 27.

AFTER SVSC, SHADOW WILL BE A FRESH EXPERIENCE: VENKATESH

CINE BYTES RUM’s shoot begins

he principal shooting of MS Raju’s upcoming film RUM (Rambha Urvashi Menaka) began yesterday in Muscat. Trisha, Nikesha Patel and Isha Chawla are playing the lead roles in this female centric action drama. Incidentally, Isha Chawla has reportedly replaced Poorna, who was earlier roped in to play one of the lead roles.

Jabardasth’s audio launch on February 1

he audio of Siddharth, Samantha and Nithya Menen starrer Jabardasth is going to be launched on February 1. The film’s first look and teasers of some songs that were recently launched have received great response.

Vijaybhaskar to direct BB’s remake

ijaybhaskar has been roped in direct the remake of Bol Bachchan. Venkatesh and Ram are going to play the lead roles in this comedy film. Incidentally, Vijaybhaskar had earlier directed Venkatesh starrer Nuvvu Naaku Nacchav almost a decade ago and it was a hit.

Entertainment TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2013

THE MORAL OF THE STORY

CINE BYTES

Lara Dutta nostalgic about 'David'

ormer beauty queen Lara Dutta, who is looking forward to David’s release, recalls the time when she shot for the film. She says her daughter was just five months old at that time. "(Director) Bejoy Nambiar's David is out on February 1. Have a 'iity bitty' (small) part in it. Filmed it when Saira was five months old. Fun to be part of it," Lara tweeted. IANS

Tusshar looking forward to next film

ollywood actor Tusshar Kapoor is looking forward to start shooting for Chalo Dilli fame director Shashant Shah's next film. "There is a film by Shashant Shah, who made Chalo Dilli last year... we will start shooting for that soon," he said. "It's a revenge comedy and is slightly realistic as well. The entire film is based in Delhi,” Tusshar said. IANS

Live audience most satisfying: Shruti Seth

ctress Shruti Seth, who often hosts TV shows as well as award functions, admits she loves anchoring. She says there isn't anything more satisfactory than to interact with a live audience. "The best part about anchoring is that I get to be me as opposed to playing a character in a show or ﬁlm," Shruti said. The 35-year-old has hosted different seasons of humour-based show Comedy Circus, and she has earlier worked as a video jockey too. IANS

INITIALLY, AKSHAY

DIDN'T UNDERSTAND

'SPECIAL

CHABBIS' A

kshay Kumar says it took him almost four months to say yes to Special Chabbis because initially he did not understand the script, which carries an important message too. “It took me around threefour months. The first time I read the script, I didn't understand. Sometimes you don't understand a script till somebody narrates it to you. That was the only thing,” the 45year-old said. Akshay said Special Chabbis is based on a real-life incident that happened in the 1980s. "My role is of a very simple man and how his life is shaken up. What happens to a common man and to what limit can he go? The film is based on that and on a real story, this happened in 1986-87," he said. Directed by Neeraj Pandey, Special Chabbis also stars Manoj Bajpayee, Anupam Kher, Jimmy Shergill and Kajal Aggarwal and is slated for a February 8 release. The film is about a group of 26 men who rob rich businessmen and industrialists by posing as CBI and income tax officials. Akshay says the film carries a small message for the audiences. "Through this film, we want to tell everyone to be very careful and alert. There are huge posters of bogus police at Juhu. When you hire a housemaid or servant, you should know about them to avoid being conned or being taken for a ride. This is the small moral of the story," Akshay said. IANS

Entertainment TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2013

CLEARING THE AIR

BRADLEY COOPER SLAMS LANCE ARMSTRONG MOVIE RUMOURS: ‘SO NUTS!’

espite reports that Bradley Cooper is in talks to play disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong in an upcoming JJ Abrams-directed biopic, the Silver Linings Playbook star tells Access Hollywood otherwise. “No,” he said with a massive laugh. “Oh my God, that’s so nuts!” he continued. Speculation swirled following an interview with BBC last

week, where Bradley was asked about playing the athlete and said, “I would be interested in that. I think he’s fascinating. What a fascinating character.” “I was in Manchester, doing the BBC morning show… I had no idea what [the interviewer] was talking about,” the actor explained. “I didn’t even know that JJ has the rights, I had no idea.” Adding, “I don’t know anything about it.”

CINE BYTES Britney’s family worried about her move

ritney Spears's family is reportedly anxious about the singer's impending move to Las Vegas because of city's wild partying culture. The 31-year-old is reportedly close to signing a five-year concert residency in the city worth $100 million per year. Britney's father Jamie wants to make sure she doesn't get caught up in the wild lifestyle. IANS

Miley Cyrus calls Liam her “hubby”

he Hannah Montana star dished on her fiancé (or “hubby” as she called him) along with her upcoming record, and about which part of her life is the most satisfying. “Number one is my relationship with Liam,” Cyrus said.

“I want a chance to defend myself”

merican actor Mark Salling maintained his innocence when asked about being sued by a woman who’s accusing him of sexual battery. “Until it happens to you and you want the legal process to happen as fast as possible, but just... It takes time. I just want the chance to defend myself—and I will, vigorously.”

TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2013

Chai Time

Play & Win

Please send in your filled-in entries to Postnoon, #1246, Level 3, Jubilee Casa, Road No 62, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad – 500033. The winners will be announced on this page in Sunday’s edition.

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 refer-

QUICK CROSSWORD enced 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.

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SUDOKU

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

Play & Win voucher from VENKEY’S VEG Restaurant, Nampally

1 Bagpiper’s cap 4 White wading bird 9 Group of eight 14 Genetic cell material 15 A bouquet has one 16 ___ Jean, aka Marilyn 17 Lend a hand to 18 Kind of campus protest 19 Honor system’s basis 20 Thing you may be dared to cross 23 Car bomb? 24 Prepare to fire 25 Worn-down pencil 28 Auto damage 32 Tear a stripe off 34 Dadaist pioneer 37 Ticket entitlements 39 Bloke from Stoke-on-Trent 40 Spectacular football play 44 Enjoy the Appalachian trail 45 A deadly sin 46 Is down with, as a disease 47 E, to Einstein 50 Rough wool cloth 52 ‘... neither the time ___ the place’ 53 What a doctor might ask you to say 55 Feature of old

quarters 59 Make a decision 64 Below, to a bard 66 Clint’s ‘High Plains Drifter’ co-star 67 Shout of disgust 68 Washing machine phase 69 Archie’s better half 70 Alphabet concluder 71 Motion-picture spools 72 Los ___ (‘La Bamba’ band) 73 Slip up

DOWN 1 Breadcrumbs, in a children’s story 2 Japanese cartoons 3 Title for a lady 4 Freedom from hardship 5 Big smile 6 Vatican tribunal 7 Middle East leader 8 Country music’s Tucker 9 Not delayed 10 It is measured in ears 11 Straight up, on a compass 12 German spa Bad ___ 13 Bit of body art, for short 21 Part of TGIF

22 Hamper part 26 Upstate New York city 27 Second Hebrew letters 29 It divides the court 30 Sailors 31 Clown’s heightenhancer 33 Wharton conferral 34 Drained of color 35 African lumberer 36 Asset at the card table 38 Winter precipitation 41 Bard’s ‘always’ 42 Telecom giant 43 Fleet cats 48 The may be left in stitches 49 Cry of derision 51 Apply makeup 54 Dumpy digs 56 Surgical dressing 57 Hybrid whose father is a lion 58 Upper regions of space, figuratively 60 ‘___ be over soon’ 61 Alter the appearance of 62 Bed in a nursery 63 ‘Do ___ others ...’ 64 Big mfr of point-ofsale terminals 65 Get a good look at

Chai Time TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2013 Thiruvaikumar

STAR POWER for 30-1-2013

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

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Delayed jobs will resume and end successfully. Misunderstanding between couples will be over and happy atmosphere will prevail. Some have a bright chance to buy property or vehicle. Do not give up when faced with hurdles; determination wins.

STRIP TEASE AGNES

You emerge a sure-shot winner with efforts and unrelenting hard work. Your decisions will yield desired results; continue taking bold and wise decisions, as this keeps your cheerful. A happy and peaceful situation will prevail at home.

Politicians advised to stay away from internal issues and avoid expressing opinions, on controversial issues, in the open. You show maturity in your talk and execution of works. You need to work with patience and follow the slow-and-steady policy.

You are conscious about selfrespect and hence, hesitate to interfere in others’ issues. A minor accident is likely while driving; be careful and alert. Be careful while handling valuable articles at home. Vehicle maintenance expense will increase.

Avoid giving false commitments to anyone. Health problem is likely and hence take good care of yourself. Avoid harsh talks as it might hurt those whom you are likely to need in future. Your politeness in approach promises a good future.

Responsibilities likely to increase for employees. Your creativity is well accepted by all and you achieve recognition for the same. You complete most important assignments successfully with shrewdness. Financially, a healthy situation.

Try and forgive those who commit mistakes and take decisions that will bring you results. Plans to purchase a house or land will end smoothly and bring gains. Blood relatives will extend financial help and support in the time of your need.

You sideline your enemies with smart action. Your stubbornness and bold decision will yield good results. Newlyweds can get ready to welcome their offspring. Avoid bad company as they will land you in trouble. Children will make you happy.

Do not compromise while getting your work done by govt officials. Avoid worrying about future which is not at all necessary as your plans will materialise without. Sudden trips likely, and some have a bright chance to go on pilgrimage.

TAROT READ

Sumaa Tekur

tarotreadhyd@gmail. com

ARIES:

GEMINI:

The Lovers - You will be expected to make an important decision today. Weigh all pros and cons well. But you will eventually go with your gut feel.

LEO:

Nine of Wands - You have planned your future course of action well. But you meet with a few obstacles along the way and need to tackle them without worrying.

LIBRA:

PEARLS BEFORE SWINE

Two of Wands - You often need to wait upon events to happen as per your wish. The waiting period is equally important for you to plan your next course of action.

SAGITTARIUS:

Page of Cups - Matters of the heart are in focus today. If you have been putting off some relationship-based decision, today may be a good day to decide.

TAURUS:

Ace of Pentacles - Power lies in your ability to shower faith. This intangible becomes a strength and you achieve the impossible. Meditate for a better perspective.

CANCER:

Four of Wands You’re making a deeper commitment to an important relationship. It may be a marriage or a crucial business partnership. You feel more secure.

VIRGO:

Justice - Some important decision is putting the brakes on current living situation. Unless that decision is made, you feel restless and are unable to get going.

SCORPIO:

Temperance You have to wait for the right partner to come your way. If you’re committed, you need time to settle down in this relationship. Be patient.

CAPRICORN:

Ace of Swords - You bring in ideas to replace outdated modes of working. Innovation and creativity along with intellectual energy make a great combo.

PREVIOUS SOLUTIONS

PISCES:

Knight of Wands - Ensure you have a buy-in from all parties involved when you are taking important decisions. Leaving out a key partner may put you in trouble.

NUMBER GAME

Partnerships of all kinds are in focus today. A romantic partner will want to take the relationship to the next level. Take it up seriously.

SCRABBLE

AQUARIUS: Two of Cups -

POOCH CAFE

Never give up while implementing plans even if you face minor setbacks. Be stubborn and proceed with a push so that you will end up successfully. Persons benefitted by you might not support you at the time of your need; ignore them.

for 30-1-2013

The Hanged Man You achieve higher spiritual awareness and are able to control emotions. You begin to see the world differently. Your perception changes.

NON SEQUITUR

You will cheerfully involve in new and innovative efforts that will bring good success to you. Real-estate deals will be gainful and go smoothly. Those trying for a job can expect favourable news. Delayed marriage talk will resume and end favourably.

SUDUKO

You will complete all undertaken tasks without any difficulty. Financial position looks very strong and sudden trips likely to be undertaken. Misunderstanding between couples will end. Misunderstanding with father likely; avoid this situation.

Boggle UTAH OHIO MAINE MONTANA Vol: 2, No 193 RNI No: APENG/2011/39337 Published for the proprietors, Scribble Media and Entertainment Pvt Ltd, by V Harshavardhan Reddy, at #1246, Level 3, Jubilee Casa, Road No 62, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad – 500033 and printed by him at Jagati Publications Ltd, Plot No D-75&E-52, APIE Industrial Estate, Balanagar, Ranga Reddy Dist, Hyderabad – 500037, Editor: Dean Williams – Responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. For feedback, please write to: feedback@postnoon. com and for subscription, please call 040-4067 2222, Fax: 040-4067 2211

Entertainment TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2013

IT’S JUST A LITTLE CRUSH

BEN AFFLECK raves about crush BRAD PITT J

ennifer Garner may be stunningly attractive, but her husband, Ben Affleck, recently admitted she’s got some competition — in the form of Brad Pitt. Access Hollywood caught up with the Argo star/director at the 2013 Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday to get details on his “crush” on Brad. “I love Brad Pitt. I think he’s amazing,” Ben told Access’ Shaun Robinson on the SAG Awards red carpet.

And his admiration for Brad isn’t strictly confined to the World War Z actor’s professional talents. “I love the way he looks, I’m not going to lie! I think he’s awesome,” Ben raved. “If I could be somebody, it’d definitely be Brad Pitt.” All joking aside, Ben — whose Argo ensemble took home the award for Outstanding Performance by a Motion Picture Cast at the SAG event — said he was thrilled to be at the awards with his gorgeous, helpful wife.

CINE BYTES Claire Danes says son Cyrus is 'getting fat!'

ctresses don't usually like to talk about weight gain, but Claire Danes was more than happy to. Of course, the topic of discussion was her six-week-old son Cyrus Michael Christopher. "He's six weeks and getting fat. It's very exciting," the Homeland star, 33, told Giuliana Rancic on E!'s Live from the Red Carpet at the SAG Awards.

Norah Jones to sing 'Ted' song at Oscars

orah Jones will perform the Best Original Song nominee Everybody Needs a Best Friend from Ted during the Oscars. The song has music by Walter Murphy and lyrics by Seth MacFarlane, and the performance will be the Grammywinner Jones' ﬁrst at the Oscars.

'Hansel & Gretel' storm weekend box office

eremy Renner's action movie Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters topped the weekend box ofﬁce by debuting with $19 million. The modern update of the classic fairytale by Brothers Grimm features Renner and co-star Gemma Arterton as grown-up versions of the title characters violently battling witches.

sports

TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2013

NBA

‘Hey mama, I made it to White House’

LeBron said when Miami Heat stopped by the White House and were honoured by President Barack Obama. WASHINGTON: Basketballloving President Barack Obama joined LeBron James and the Miami Heat in putting on a gushing show of mutual admiration Monday as the reigning NBA champions were lauded at the White House. Obama, a fervent pick-up player and coach of his daughters’ teams, praised the Heat as part of the US president’s ceremonial duty of honoring top professional and collegiate sports teams. “I know this is the first trip for some of these players, but a few of them were here a couple of years ago for a pickup game on my birthday,” Obama said. “Now, I’m not trying to take all the credit... but I think that it’s clear that going up against me prepared them... it sharpened their skills. It gave them the competitive edge that they needed. “Part of the reason they came back today is they want another shot at the old guy.” Obama was surrounded by players such as Dwyane Wade, Mike Miller, Shane Battier and James, the youngest player in NBA history to score 20,000 career points, as he praised the Heat for burying egos in their 2012 championship run.

HOCKEY INDIA LEAGUE Mumbai team is improving but yet to win: Coach RANCHI: They suffered their seventh defeat in as many matches in the Hockey India League last night after going down 1-2 to Ranchi Rhinos but Mumbai Magicians coach Richard Charlesworth tried to stay positive and said his team is improving with each game.

“Although we have been trying really hard, we lose our games by a 1 or 2 goal margin. Our defence in tonight’s game was much better and the team held the opposition at bay for a long period before they could break into our D,” Charlesworth told reporters here. PTI

LEAGUE CRICKET

City to hold national deaf T-20 tourney

US President Barack Obama (R) poses with LeBron James as he welcomes the NBA Champion Miami Heat to the White House to honour the team and their 2012 NBA Championship victory on Monday. AFP/ JIM WATSON

James grabbed the microphone at the end of the event and, for all his wealth and success, seemed to be pinching himself to be at the White House. “We just want to thank you... for

allowing us to be, I mean, in the White House. I mean, we’re in the White House,” he said. “We’re kids from Chicago and Dallas, Texas and Michigan and Ohio,” he added. AFP

HYDERABAD: The first National Deaf Twenty-20 cricket championship will be conducted jointly by the Deaf Cricket Association and the Hyderabad Cricket Association here from January 29. Fifteen states, including Jammu and Kashmir and Pondicherry, have confirmed participation. A1 & A2 one-day knockout tournament, Semi-final Deccan Chronicle 271 for 7 in 50 overs (Nimeesh Reddy 55, Sandeep Rajan 63, Praneet Kumar 47) beat Andhra Bank 254 in 48.4 overs (GH Vihari 43, Naveen Reddy 110, Amol Shinde 32, CV Milind 3 for 49) A2 & A3 two-day league tournament Megacity 119 (M Rohit 4 for 62, Surendar 4 for 16) Lost to Visaka 120 for 7 A Division one-day league championship Safilguda 95 (C Narender 3 for 36) lost to Cosmos 96 for 5 (B Guru Prasad 31, Sai 3 for 6)

Ameerpet 114 for 8 (Kabir 4 for 26) bt SUCC 61 (Amer 6 for 20, Santosh 3 for 25) Mahboob C 164 (Vignan Reddy 32, Vinay Uttan 57, Trishank 3 for 54, Farhan 3 for 18) bt Hyderabad Wanderers 131 (P Agarwal 46, Farhan 39, Vinay Uttam 3 for 37) Mahmood CC 120 (Vivek 31, Vivek 3 for 30, Om Prakash 3 for 20) lost to Elegant CC 121 for 3 (Manohar 35, Radhang 37) Shalimar CC 245 for 9 (Amatya 74no, Md Shafi 41, E Sanketh 5 for 69) bt Reliance CC 171 for 9 (G Ganesh 5 for 48) Universal 187 for 2 (Siddhanth 59no, Gaurav 50, Anil 60) bt Lucky XI 109 (Deepak 4 for 10, Anil 3 for 12) Zonah to take on HCCL in final HCCL won a close game against Pete Transformers and Zonah recorded a strong victory against former champions Hyderabad House to proceed to the final of the Zinda Tilismath cup.

HYDERABAD TRACK WORK

Combined Force shows fine form

HYDERABAD: Combined Force, Elzaam, Equalizer, Khalis Gold, Rustic Gal and Flying Spur pleased when horses exercised at the Malakpet racecourse here this (Tuesday) morning. Sand track 800 metres Architect (Nitin Singh) Chayanandan (rb) 58, 600/43 Former finished in front. Equalizer (Chary) 57.5, 600/42 Pleased. El Paso (S Nayak) 58, 600/43 Urged. Royal Shaan (rb) 58, 600/43 Moved well. Moghul Emperor (Trainer) 1-1.5, 600/46 Easy. Coral Springs (S Nayak) Santa Monica (Kuldeep Singh) 59, 600/43 Former finished in front. Over Taker (Nitin Singh) Smashing Beauty (rb) 59, 600/44 Former finished in front. Rustic Gal (Imran Khan) 58,

600/43 Moved well. Ponte Verdi (S Nayak) 59, 600/44 Unextended. Handsome Hunk (Deep Shanker) 1-2, 600/47 Easy. Graceland (Parmar) Goldie (S.Nayak) 58.5, 600/43 They finished together. Combined Force (app) 54.5, 600/41 Impressed. Just Once (rb) 1-3, 600/47 Easy. Anares (Joshi) 58, 600/44 Moved freely. Baazigar (app) 1-0, 600/45 Handy. Flying Spur (Imran Khan) 57, 600/43 Moved freely. Cristiano (Imran Khan) 59, 600/44 Easy. Westminister (Ajit Kumar) 1-3, 600/47 Easy. Sand track 1000 metres Young Power (app) 1-13.5, 800/57.5, 600/44 Moved well. Rajkumari (rb) 1-14.5, 800/58, 600/44 Moved on the bit. Elenor (Sreekant) Rajkumar

(app) 1-15, 800/59, 600/44 They moved together. Roma Rouge (C Henrique) 1-16.5, 800/1-1, 600/46 Easy. Khalis Gold (M Mark) 1-14, 800/57.5, 600/42.5 Moved well. Sand track 1200 metres Romantic Champ (rb) Amicable Advisory (Kuldeep Singh) 1-33, 1000/1-16, 800/59 600/44 Former finished in front. Enrapture (Chary) Light Blue Sky (Imran Khan) 1-30, 1000/113, 800/57, 600/43 Former finished in front. Galiat (Sreekant) Daniella (rb) 1-33, 1000/1-16, 800/1-0, 600/45 They moved together. Sand track 1400 metres Elzaam (Trainer) 1-46.5, 1200/129, 1000/1-12, 800/56, 600/41 Pleased. Sand track 1600 metres

Energetic Lass (C Henrique) 2-1, 1400/1-45, 1200/1-28.5, 1000/112.5, 800/58, 600/44 Moved freely.

NOTED ON MONDAY

Sand track 800 metres Stolen Date (rb) 1-2, 600/46 Easy. Lioness Heart (rb) 1-3, 600/47 Moved freely. Toli Toli Toli (rb) 59, 600/43 Un-extended. Golden Phantom (rb) 1-2, 600/47 Easy. Sand track 1000 metres Rajkumar (rb) 1-15, 800/59, 600/43 Moved well. Classic Wish (rb) 1-14, 800/59, 600/44 Moved freely. Cascading Glory (rb) 1-14, 800/59, 600/43 Moved well. Home Town (rb) 115 , 800/59, 600/45 Un-extended. Wedding Gift (rb) 1-14, 800/58, 600/44 Handy.

Mock race 1200 metres Silver Cruise (Sreekat) Sun Strikes (Chirstopher) Sprint Saloni (Kaushik) 1-15.5, 1000/12, 800/49, 600/36.5 Silver Cruise finished in front and to be noted.

NOTED ON SUNDAY

Sand track 800 metres 3yMulti Dimensional/ Cacophony (rb) Half Moon Bay (Kuldeep Singh) 1-1, 600/45 They moved together. Bound For Glory (Tograllu) 1-3, 600/46 Easy. Sand track 1200 metres Handsome Hunk (Anil) 1-28.5, 1000/1-13, 800/57, 600/43.5 Moved well. Surya Lakshmi (Ravinder Singh) 1-27, 1000/111, 800/56, 600/43 Moved on the bit.

sports TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2013

PARIS OPEN

PATTAYA OPEN

Craving for success French number one Marion Bartoli is aiming to go one step further at this week’s Paris Open in her quest for a maiden title on home soil. MARTYN WOOD Agence France-Presse PARIS: French number one Marion Bartoli is aiming to go one step further at this week’s Paris Open in her quest for a maiden title on home soil. Bartoli was defeated by Angelique Kerber in last year’s final — a result that served as a catalyst for the German’s breakthrough 2012 campaign. But even with Kerber not defending her crown this year, Bartoli, whose last of seven WTA titles came in Osaka in October 2011, was guarded in her expectations. “I don’t know if it’s a good year or not, it’s a loaded draw. There are still two other top 10 (women) in the field and lots of dangerous players,” she said. “There is a long way to go before thinking about winning,” added Bartoli, the tournament’s third seed. Bartoli, who suffered a disappoint-

ing third-round exit against Ekaterina Makarova at the Australian Open, insisted the Grand Slam tournaments remained the focal points of her season but admitted success in the French capital also rated highly among her

priorities. “I want to base my season around the Grand Slam tournaments with the hope of getting closer to the top five in the world. But above all I would really like to win the title here because I want to play well in France.”

Su-Wei Hsieh disappoints PATTAYA, THAILAND: Third seeded Su-Wei Hsieh tumbled out of the Pattaya Open 6-2, 6-2 to unfancied New Zealander Marina Erakovic on Monday as the women’s tour resumed normal business after the Australian Open. Looking to bounce back from a poor Open, the Taiwanese world number 25 failed to make a match of it as the unseeded Erakovic cruised to victory on the opening day of the competition proper in Pattaya. Thai wildcard Varatchaya Wongteanchai delighted the home crowd with a 6-3,6-3 win over Germany’s Annika Beck, while Alexandra Panova also advanced to the second round after Romanian Irina-Camelia Begu retired a set down and trailing in the second. In the last first round match of the day, France’s Mathilde Johansson dispatched Taiwan’s Kai-Chen Chang 6-4, 6-3. The big names join the event on Tuesday with two-time champion Daniela Hantuchova, drafted in at the last minute due to a withdrawal, looking to start her title defence strongly against Russian minnow Olga Puchkova. Former world number one and tournament top seed Ana Ivanovic will take on Japan’s Ayumi Morita, hoping the extra day recovery from a disappointing Australian Open will translate into a long-awaited return to form. AFP

WORLD WBO

BOXING Injured Garcia postpones fight

Abraham to take on Robert

NEW YORK: A rib injury sustained during training has forced undefeated champion Danny Garcia to postpone his scheduled February 9 title defense against Zab Judah to April 27, promoters announced on Sunday. Garcia, 25-0 with 16 knockouts, was to have defended his World Boxing Council and World Boxing Association junior welterweight crowns against 35-year-old Judah, 42-7 with 29 knockouts, in an all-American showdown. The fight card will remain at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, Judah’s hometown. Garcia beat Mexico’s Erik Morales in a unanimous 12-round decision last March to claim the WBC crown, then took the WBA title from England’s Amir Khan with a fourth-round stoppage last July. In November, Garcia knocked out Morales in the fourth round in a rematch in the first boxing card at the new Brooklyn arena to keep both his titles and set up the Judah bout.

BERLIN: World WBO super middleweight champion Arthur Abraham (right) will defend his title with a rematch against his German compatriot Robert Stieglitz on March 23. Abraham, 32, won a unanimous decision victory over Stieglitz in Berlin last August and has offered Stieglitz a rematch in his home city of Magdeburg, central Germany. “For me it is a question of honour”, said Berlin-resident Abraham. “Robert was brave enough to face me in my backyard. Now I am travelling to Magdeburg to face him in his.” Stieglitz earned a rematch with a third-round knock-out of Poland’s Michal Nieroda in Barcelona on Saturday and is now focused on winning back his title.

“Somehow I wasn’t able to fight to my full potential during my first fight against Arthur,” said the 31-year-old. “After I suffered cuts, I couldn’t

get back into it. It just was not my day. But that will not happen again,” he went on to add. AFP

AFP

SPORTS BRIEFS Lotus eye top three finish

Susie Wolff to test drive new Williams

Doctor on trial in Spain doping scandal

LONDON: Lotus have set their sights on a top-three finish in this year’s Formula One world championship after becoming the first team to unveil their car for the forthcoming campaign. Lotus driver Kimi Raikkonen and team bosses gathered at their headquarters in Enstone, Oxfordshire on Monday to reveal a car they believe is capable of making a significant impact on the track this year. With few significant changes to the regulations for 2013, the E21 bears what technical director James Allison described as a “family resemblance” to last year’s model but with some key improvements. AFP

LONDON: Susie Wolff is set to be the first driver behind the wheel of the new Williams car ahead of the 2013 Formula One season as part of an enhanced role with the British team. Wolff, whose husband Toto quit Williams’ board of directors last week to join Mercedes, was appointed development driver 10 months ago by the team, who are based in the Oxfordshire town of Grove, south-east England. The 30-year-old Scot will now be the first person to drive the new FW35 during testing at Idiada test circuit in Spain next month ahead of its official launch in Barcelona on February 19. AFP

MADRID: A doctor accused of masterminding a vast doping network that snared dozens of cyclists went on trial in Spain on Monday along with four alleged conspirators. Trial witnesses include Alberto Contador, the Tour de France winner in 2007 and 2009, who returned to competition last year after a two-year ban for a separate case in which he denied doping. The trial in Madrid will do little to boost the credentials of a sport reeling from US rider Lance Armstrong’s admission that he doped his way to a record seven Tour de France wins. AFP

sports TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2013

US PGA FARMERS INSURANCE OPEN

Tiger claims 75th crown Woods captured his 75th career title with a victory on Monday. LA JOLLA, CALIFORNIA: World No. 2 Tiger Woods captured his 75th career title on Monday, winning the US PGA Farmers Insurance Open by four strokes for his record-setting eighth career triumph at Torrey Pines. Despite struggling in windy conditions, Woods showed flashes of the form that has brought him 14 major titles, four shy of the all-time record of 18 won by Jack Nicklaus. Woods won his most recent major crown at the 2008 US Open at Torrey Pines and has also won the PGA event

staged at Torrey Pines seven times. No other PGA player has won so many times on a single course. Woods, who also has won PGA events seven times at Bay Hill and Firestone, moved closer to the all-time record of 82 triumphs set by the late Sam Snead. A fog delay that wiped out almost all play on Saturday led to the Monday finish, with darkness halting Woods’ final round on Sunday after seven holes. His 11 holes on Monday in the wind took four hours and disrupted his game. “In the end I just started

losing my patience,” Woods said. “It was so slow out there.” Woods completed a finalround par 72 Monday despite going three-over in the closing stretch, finishing 72 holes on 14-under par 274. Fellow Americans Brandt Snedeker, the 2012 winner, and Josh Teater shared second on 278. Woods had two bogeys and a double bogey between the 14th and 17th holes, but the 37-year-old golf legend managed a par at the par-5 18th to close out the victory. “It got a little ugly toward

the end,” Woods said. “I started losing my patience with slow play and lost my concentration there a little bit.” After missing the cut in his season opener at Abu Dhabi, Woods collected his first victory since last July at the US PGA National at Congressional. Taking the $1.08 million top prize at the $6.1 million event is a good omen for Woods. In all six prior years when Woods won the PGA event at Torrey Pines, he won at least four tournaments that year. In five of those six years, he won a major title that year. AFP

Tiger Woods hits a tee shot on the fourth hole during the final round of the Farmers Insurance Open at at Torrey Pines South Golf Course on Monday in La Jolla, California. AFP/JEFF GROSS

SRI LANKA’S TOUR OF AUSTRALIA

Oz, Sri Lanka make peace MELBOURNE: Australian and Sri Lankan players officially made peace following a fiery end to their final Twenty20 international won by the tourists off the last ball, Cricket Australia said on Tuesday. They also sought to play down the angry exchanges as the two sides walked off the pitch after Sri Lanka won by two runs under the Duckworth-Lewis method. CA admitted the rain-hit match finished with “ugly scenes” but stressed “both teams apologised”. Trouble erupted when all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, needing four runs from the final ball to clinch victory for Australia, told the Sri Lankans, in no uncertain terms, to get on with it. Mahela Jayawardene, who earlier hit an unbeaten 61, yelled back at Maxwell. After the last ball was finally delivered the pair jostled in an angry face-to-face exchange. Wicketkeeper Matthew Wade and captain George Bailey also bickered with Jayawardene and Thisara Perera

Australian and Sri Lankan players confront each other after the final ball in their T20 match played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Monday. AFP/WILLIAM WEST

during the on-field handshakes. “I went into the Sri Lankan rooms after and they apologised for going over the top. All good,” Maxwell said on Twitter.

CRICKET BRIEFS

He also admitted Tuesday he too had been at fault. “Just to clarify... I apologised to Mahela and SL players as well. I have a good friendship with Mahela, and it’s gonna stay that way!”

ARMSTRONG SCANDAL

Independent commission disbanded LONDON: The International Cycling Union (UCI) announced Monday it had disbanded the independent commission it had set up to investigate alleged involvement by the global governing body in the Lance Armstrong doping scandal. The UCI said it was shutting down the commission, which only met in public for the first time on Friday, because both the World AntiDoping Agency (WADA) and the United States Doping Agency (USADA) had refused to co-operate with its investigations and thus any report it produced would be dismissed “as not being complete or credible”. UCI president Pat McQuaid, who attended Friday’s hearing in London, said they had been left with little choice but to disband the commission after WADA labelled it a “useless exercise”. “Over the weekend I spoke to John Fahey, president of WADA,” McQuaid said in a statement on Monday. “He confirmed WADA’s willingness to help the UCI establish a truth and reconciliation commission (TRC), as well as saying that WADA had no confidence in the existing independent commission process...We have therefore decided to disband the independent commission with immediate effect.” AFP

Warne calls Australia chiefs ‘muppets’

Agarkar attributes success to team effort

Pakistan team practice amid tight security

SYDNEY: Spin legend Shane Warne has branded Cricket Australia “muppets” and called its policy of rotating players “absolute rubbish” following Australia’s T20 series defeat by Sri Lanka. The outspoken Warne vented his anger on Twitter in his latest run-in with the CA, which has attracted stinging criticism from other greats of the game for rotating players in a bid to reduce injuries. The spin-bowling maestro appeared to single out exWallaby rugby star Pat Howard, CA’s high-performance chief, who oversees the controversial rotation policy. Warne, 43, a friend of Test and one-day captain Michael Clarke, complained late Monday that sports fans were being deprived of seeing the world’s leading batsman in action.

MUMBAI: Skipper Ajit Agarkar on Monday attributed Mumbai’s innings and 125-run victory over Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy final to combined team effort and said lifting the title for a record 40th time makes it even more special. “Everyone has chipped in at different times in the season. We’ve had eight or nine guys who have had exceptional seasons and that’s why we’re here today,” said Agarkar, who combined forces with Dhawal Kulkarni to knock the daylights out of Saurashtra in their second innings. “Dhawal is one of the guys who has done well. He’s been our stand-out performer for four or five seasons now. (Aditya) Tare has had a great season, as has Hiken (Shah). Sachin (Tendulkar) has played a crucial role, (while) Jaffer has done well as has Ankeet (Chavan). PTI

CUTTACK: With no signs of fear in their eyes despite protests from several quarters, Pakistan’s women cricketers today took to their first net practice amid tight security at the Barabati Stadium here, one of the venues for the upcoming World Cup. They practised for four hours even as a small group of agitators staged a demonstration outside the fortified venue. “Barabati stadium and its arrangements are more like in Pakistan. We are happy with the facilities provided to us by the organisers,” Pakistan team manager Ayesha Ashhar told reporters after the session. Coach Basit Ali echoed similar feelings and said his team will have an edge over others as it would be practising and playing in the same ground. PTI

TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2013

sports

SCHALKE’S HOLTBY COMPLETES SPURS MOVE Germany Under-21 captain Lewis Holtby on Monday quit Bundesliga side Schalke 04 to join PL team Tottenham Hotspur, the north London club confirmed. “We are delighted to announce that we have reached an agreement with Schalke for the transfer of Lewis Holtby,” said Spurs in a statement.

PREMIER LEAGUE PREVIEW

Javier pain for Fergie Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is unsure if he should take Mexican striker Hernandez to Southampton. CHRIS MCKENNA Agence France-Presse MANCHESTER, UK: Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has revealed Javier Hernandez is leaving him with a dilemma as to whether he drop the Mexican striker for the visit of Southampton on Wednesday. Hernandez (right), 24, has scored 14 goals so far this season despite not being a regular starter for the Premier League leaders. But he has had to battle with Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck for a place in United’s line-up. Hernandez scored two goals as United knocked Fulham out of the FA Cup on Saturday but may find himself on the bench when the Saints come to Old Trafford, with van Persie likely to return for the Premier

Man Utd valued at $3.3 billion: Forbes NEW YORK: Manchester United have become the world’s first sports team to be valued at more than $3 billion, according to Forbes magazine. A recent surge in the stock price of the English Premier League outfit has boosted the team’s value to $3.3 billion, a story posted on the magazine’s website reported. Manchester United’s most recent quarterly report four months ago listed their long-term outstanding debt at $560 million. Shares of the team were offered to the public last August at $14 but are just under $17, boosting the wealth of the Glazer family, which has voting control of almost all of the team.

Cahill urges Chelsea to keep playing for Rafa

League fixture. The Dutchman was rested for the Cup tie but Ferguson cannot be expected to leave the league’s top scorer out of a match where United’s lead at the top might be cut to two points by kick-off if champions Manchester City beat bottomof-the-table QPR on Tuesday. “He got a break in the summer, got the little rest and shown the benefit,” Ferguson said of Hernandez. “It’s a terrible dilemma when I’ve got that lad there. Sometimes I leave him out to bring in Robin van Persie, but as I explain to him, we regard him so highly. “He’s a fantastic professional,” he added.

IAN WINROW Agence France-Presse

ROAD TO 2014 WORLD CUP

Officials stress safety in Brazil

BRASILIA: Senior sports officials insisted on Monday that safety would be a priority at Brazil’s upcoming football World Cup and Olympics, in the wake of a nightclub fire here that killed 231 people. “What happened is the most horrible thing that can happen,” Jerome Valcke, secretary general of football’s governing body FIFA, told

reporters in Brazil after Sunday’s deadly inferno in the southern town of Santa Maria. “However, it has nothing to do with the security within the stadiums,” he said, ahead of the FIFA Confederations Cup to be held in Brazil June 15 to 30 and the FIFA 2014 World Cup to be staged here next year. “We have an emergency plan in place to evacuate a full

stadium within eight minutes,” he added. While expressing his condolences to the families of those who perished in the tragedy, Valcke underscored his faith in organizers of both events. “We have full confidence in the local organisational committee and the authorities. We are just sad for the families of the victims.” AFP

FOOTBALL BRIEFS Mali recover to hold DR Congo and qualify

Rodgers wants Liverpool Stars shine to reach rally after Cup calamity Africa Cup last eight

Injured ex-Socceroo Grella retires

DURBAN, SA: Mali recovered from conceding an early goal to draw 1-1 against the Democratic Republic of Congo Monday and book an Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final date with hosts South Africa. Dieumerci Mbokani converted an early penalty as the Congolese made a dream start only for Mahamadou Samassa to level.

LIVERPOOL, UK: Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has called on his players to bounce back from their humiliating defeat by Oldham and keep their slim hopes of making the top four alive by beating Arsenal in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday. The Reds were knocked out of the FA Cup Oldham on Sunday.

SYDNEY: Former Blackburn Rovers midfielder Vince Grella has announced his retirement from football after injury cut short his long-awaited debut in Australia’s A-League following more than a decade in Europe. Grella returned to Australia this year to play with Melbourne Heart, a major signing for his hometown side.

PORT ELIZABETH, SA: Ghana qualified in style for the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations with a convincing 3-0 win over Niger here on Monday. The Black Stars thus finished top of Group B with seven points from three matches and will be joined by Mali, who were second on four points, in the knockout stage of the contest.

LONDON: Gary Cahill (above) believes Chelsea’s second-half fight-back in the weekend FA Cup draw at Brentford confirmed Rafael Benitez has the full backing of the dressing room. Benitez’s side will attempt to close the gap on second-placed Manchester City when they return to Premier League action at Reading on Wednesday following two frustrating cup fixtures. Their failure to beat League One Brentford came after Chelsea’s League Cup semi-final exit at Swansea. Cahill acknowledges the tension among between manager and supporters but insists the way the side rallied after trailing Brentford at the break underscores the unity in the squad. “There is a lot of pressure from the fans but we needed to just try to do the job,” the centreback said. “In the end, we grafted it out on a horrible day and we now need to show our quality at home. “It was the character we needed to dig in and just get the result we needed,” Cahill added.

There is a lot of pressure from the fans but we needed to just try to do the job. We grafted it out on a horrible day and we now need to show our quality at home. Gary Cahill Chelsea defender