Postnoon E-Paper for 03 June 2012 by Scribble Media & Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.

BAKU BANKS ON AZERI ALLURE

urovision 2012 ended in Azerbaijan last week and we take a look at the country’s capital city Baku, deeply-rooted in history and endowed with picturesque landscapes, monuments of culture and modern tourist destinations. PG 16&17

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Hyderabad’s first compact afternoon newspaper

JUNE 3, 2012 HYDERABAD

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ON SUNDAY Road No 11 and 12 Banjara Hills, Road No 36 Jubilee Hills, the road opposite Salar Jung and the Himayatnagar road — will have model footpaths in accordance with international standards.

TPATHS

TO PEDESTRIAN FREEDOM

REPORT ON PG 4

THE SARTORIALIST

ancer, fashionista, stylist, costume designer and an entrepreneur-in-the-making, meet the lady of many talents... Pernia PG 10 Qureshi.

CREATING A POSITIVE RACQUET

ge is just a number. Few know it better than these tireless veterans who have decided to lead by example. Meet the sporting members of Aista. PG 11

CITY SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2012

COLOURFUL STRINGS

Library summer camp A library summer camp for parents and faculty of UG and PG students will be held from May 10 onwards. The camp will provide guidance for faculty and final year PG students for National/State lectureship and scholarship test(NET/APSET) for `3,650. Where: Hyderabad library services, Sagar View Complex When: May 10 - June 10, Contact: (040) 2322 2247, 94412 37751

M ANIL KUMAR

Kid’s day out Oxford Bookstore is organising a unique fun-filled workshop ‘A Kid’s Day Out’ for the children. The fiveday workshop will host exciting activities and competitions like baby show, painting, clay moulding. Where: Oxford Bookstore, The Park, Somajiguda When: June 2-June 6, 11am onwards Contact: 91601 48444

The refund This play takes a dig at existing educational system. It shows how systems and practices of education followed all over the world focus more on rote learning and preparing the individual for examinations rather than imparting knowledge. Where: Lamakaan, Banjara Hills, Rd No1 When: June 3, 7.30pm onwards Contact: 96427 31329

Sunday brunch The Square at Novotel is host to an exciting summer brunch. Great food, beverages and games for your family. Where: The Square, Novotel, Hitech City When: Ongoing, Contact: (040) 6682 4422

Brunch sparkles Choose from grills, pastas, Oriental, Continental or Indian and follow it up with a delicious selection of desserts at The Arena’s special brunch. Where: The Arena, Taj Deccan, Rd No 1 When: Every Sunday Contact: (040) 6652 3939

Summer camp Annapurna International School of Film and Media will be holding a Summer Camp program in filmmaking, acting and photography.

CINEMAS

The second batch is from May 28. Where: Annapurna School, Banjara Hills When: Ongoing Contact: (040) 4914 1234

Where: Truffles Cafe, Jubilee Hills, Rd No 36 When: Ongoing, 11am onwards Contact: (040) 2355 0105

Colonial Cousins live

Artistic exhibits

Colonial Cousins — the extremely popular duo of Hariharan and Leslie Lewis will be performing live at Shilpa Kala Vedika to support Sparsh Hospice Care Centre. Where: Shilpa Kala Vedika, Madhapur When: June 3, 6.30pm onwards

On a look out for traditional prints and crafts? Head to an exhibitional of traditional handicrafts and artistic handlooms of Gujarat which has around 10 tribal craftsmen and 10 other artisans from Gujarat. Where: West Marredpally community grounds, Marredpally When: Ongoing, 10am onwards

Italian lunch The Square at Novotel is host to an exciting summer brunch. Great food, beverages and games for your family. Where: Via Milano, Jubilee Hills, Rd No 36 When: June 3, 12pm onwards Contact: (040) 6455 5544

Calligraphic works Head to Truffles Cafe for the calligraphic works of Sri Parameshwar Raju in the exhibition titled Ramayanam.

Madhubani workshop The YMCA Secunderabad is hosting a madhubani painting workshop. The workshopis being fecilitated by an artist from Madhubani. Where: YMCA Secunderabad, West Marredpally When: June 18-June 29 Contact: 98490 07736, 99595 57183

Budding entrepreneurs A unique management and entrepreneurial workshop for stu-

dents of age group 11-17, at ISB Hyderabad from June 4 to June 9. The workshop is open for children in the age group of 11-17. Where: Indian School of Business, Gachibowli When: June 4-June 9, 9am onwards Contact: 98665 61690

Theatre workshop Samahaara is hosting special four week summer acting workshops. The workshops will be held for a duration of four weeks in three different parts of the City. Where: Vidyaranya School, The Terrace, The Actor’s Studio When: Ongoing , Monday-Friday Contact: 83411 20303

Mexican brunch La Cantina, at Novotel presents Sunday brunch, an interesting mexican spread, every Sunday. Where: La Cantina, Novotel, Madhapur When: Every Sunday, 12pm onwards Contact: (040) 6682 4422

Big Cinemas, Ameerpet, 30581470; Cinemax, Banjara Hills, 44565555; Cine Planet , Kompally, 61606060; INOX, Banjara Hills, 44767777, Prasads, Tank Bund Rd, 23448888; PVR, Punjagutta, 8800900009; Talkie Town, Miyapur, 40214175; Tivoli, Secunderabad 27844973

CITY SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2012 M ANIL KUMAR

14 held for gambling

Anna supporters begin fast

ourteen men were arrested on charges of gambling on Saturday night by the Musheerabad police. They were caught red-handed by the cops who had got a tip-off that these men were gambling on the roadside. The cops also seized Rs 43,000 in cash and five sets of playing cards from them. A case has been booked against them under the AP Gambling Act.

Man killed after hit by train

he supporters and activists of Indian Against Corruption and Bharath Swabhiman launched a day-long hunger strike at Indira Park in City today in support of the joint protest programme launched by Anna Hazare and Baba Ramdev. The supporters, who turned up in large number at the Dharna Chowk, raised slogans against the Centre.

Telugu University employee was killed when he was hit by a train while trying to cross the tracks. The incident happened at the Fatehnagar railway station on Saturday morning. The victim, Gopal Reddy, 55, was a resident of IDPL Colony. He was on his way to work at the University when the accident happened.

Tobacco kills housewife

Azad visits State today

Angered by husband’s ultimatum to choose between the family and her addiction to gutka and paan, the mother-of-two set herself ablaze FOR REPRESENTATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY

MOHD SUBHAN

mohd.s@postnoon.com

obacco kills. This statutory warning is ignored by tobacco users, but an incident in the City has proved that cancer is not the only way life can be snuffed out by this intoxicant. A 28-year-old housewife, B Lavanya, addicted to gutkha and paan, immolated herself after her husband B Srinivas Chary chided her for not mending her ways. Uppal SI and investigating officer M Vittal Rao shed light on the sequence of events. Srinivas, a native of Kulkacharla in Ranga Reddy district, married Lavanya, a resident of Masab Tank, 11 years ago. The couple has two children, four-year-old daughter Srija and two-year-old son Saikumar. After marriage the couple shifted to Viveknagar, as Srinivas was working in jewellery showroom in Abids. Within a year Lavanya picked up the habit of chewing gutka and paan and became an addict. This deeply upset Srinivas, as he never used any such intoxicants and would chide Lavanya for her bad habits. The couple used to quarrel often on

this issue. Apart from worrying about her health, Srinivas was angry that Lavanya, instead of being the role model that she should be, consumed these products in the presence of their children. Their disagreement reached a peak and Srinivas along with the children moved to his parents' house. “However, instead of leaving the bad habits, she chose to leave this world,” says Vittal Rao, explaining her

SRINIVAS WAS ANGRY THAT LAVANYA WAS PROVING TO BE A BAD INFLUENCE AS SHE USED THESE PRODUCTS IN THE PRESENCE OF CHILDREN. extreme step. Lavanya poured kerosene on her body and set herself ablaze. The neighbours took her to

Lancer Basti residents live in fear of gang Postnoon News

esidents of First Lancer Basti is having a tough time from a bunch of thugs who enforce their reign of terror in the locality in a filmi style. The gang is headed by one 'Musal' Javed, declared a rowdy-sheeter by the Banjara Hills police, and his associate Amjad – also sharing space on the same list. The duo and two

youths from Sangareddy sit at the basti and consume liquor till late in the night. They use filthy language and create nuisance to the residents. They also misbehave with women and bash up anyone who dares to question their activities. In the latest such incident that occurred on Saturday, the gang was drinking in front of one Abdul Raheem's house and was creating a

ruckus. When Abdul objected they got angry and attacked him with knives and swords. Neighbours rushed a profusely bleeding Abdul to hospital. The incident infuriated the public and the locals lodged a complaint against the attackers at the Humayunnagar police station. Inspector P Madhukar Swamy booked a case and has launched a manhunt for them.

Gandhi Hospital, where she was treated for severe burns. Before succumbing to her injuries on May 22, she told in her dying declaration that it was the stranglehold of gutka and paan that led to this situation. Vittal Rao said the police has booked a case of suspicious death based on the complaint of the victim's mother Ch Geethama but said they have not found anything that would implicate the husband so far.

nion health minister and AICC Andhra Pradesh incharge Gulam Nabi Azad will come to the State today. The main objective of Azad’s tour is to campaign for party candidates contesting in the upcoming by Assembly by-election scheduled to be held on 12 of this month. Azad along with Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy, PCC chief Botsa Satyanarayana, actor-turned-politician and Rajya Sabha member Chiranjeevi will address a public meeting. The victory of the Congress party in Tirupati is seen as paramount for the ruling party as it is located in the home district of the chief minister. The seat fell vacant following the resignation of Chiranjeevi after his elevation to the Upper House of Parliament. Gulam Nabi Azad is considered as a lucky mascot for the Congress in the State as he was instrumental in bringing back the party to power in 2004 General Election. Azad is also scheduled to address another public meeting Nellore Lok Sabha constituency seeking votes for party candidate and former union minister T Subbarami Reddy. After this meeting at Nellore, Azad will also campaign in by poll bound Allagadda, Rayachoti and Ongole Assembly constituencies. Earlier, senior party leader and Union minister Vayalar Ravi was in the State to take stock of the poll preparations and candidates’ prospects.

CITY SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2012

Reverse sexism plagues traffic cops Anubha K.Singh Anubha.k@postnoon.com

ive months back, this newspaper had published an article about women being shown leniency by the traffic policemen. Even now the situation is just the same but the men in uniform maintain that rules apply to the sexes equally. “My sister drives a twowheeler and often she forgets the licence at home in the hurry to reach college on time. In the evening she proudly narrates how the police let her

‘with a word of advice’. However, there is no such treatment for me,” complains BTech student Abhijeet Anand. However the traffic police have their own take. “The word ‘leniency’ is wrong. We aren’t partial to women. As per the Constitution, men and women are supposed to be treated the same. We follow that rule strictly. If a woman is found breaking the rules, she has to face the consequences,” said Jyoti Prakash, assistant commissioner of police, traffic-IV. His colleague, PVS

Ramakrishna, deputy commissioner of police, traffic-I, too says he isn’t aware of such a bias an will need to enquire if such a practice exists. “We take care while talking to women offenders as we can’t treat them the same way we do with men,” he points out. When asked why can’t there be women traffic cops to check women offenders, Ramakrishna says: “During the drunken driving campaigns, or during regular drunk driving checks, there are policewomen to check women drivers for

traces of alcohol. However, during other regular (and petite) checks, there are no women traffic cops available. On the other hand, many women drivers admit that traffic police are a bit lenient towards them. “Once near Jubilee Hills check post, the traffic police caught me jumping signal. I started crying and they allowed me to go with a warning. I am sure if any women cops had caught me, I would have surely been fined” accepts, Keertika Pandey, operations, Axis Bank.

Finally, footpaths to pedestrian freedom

Road No11 and 12 Banjara Hills, Road No 36 Jubilee Hills, the road opposite Salar Jung and the Himayatnagar road — will have model footpaths in accordance with international standards Who foots the bill?

Factors to be considered

The location of sidewalk construction should be based on pedestrian needs, safety and affordability. With limited resources available for construction and maintenance, the municipality needs to optimise available funding to meet the greatest needs in the community. Once a sidewalk has been constructed within the public right-ofway, the municipality assumes the maintenance, rehabilitation, and replacement costs.

Importance of sidewalks Safe, accessible, aesthetically pleasing sidewalks are an important component of the municipality’s urban infrastructure. It is important to provide sidewalk users with safe accessible areas for walking outside of the traffic area. Deteriorating sidewalks can create hazards that affect public safety and liability.

Service life The average service life of a sidewalk depends on a variety of factors including environmental conditions, materials, design standards, construction quality, and maintenance standards: Concrete - 80 years Interlocking paving stones - 80 years Asphalt - 40 years

Alison Lal

fter facing many years of discomfort, the pedestrians of Hyderabad have a reason to cheer. The GHMC decided last year that five roads —Road No11 and 12 Banjara Hills, Road No 36 Jubilee Hills, the road opposite Salar Jung Museum and the Himayatnagar road — will have model footpaths in accordance with international standards. With the designs and budget in place, the real question is when will the project be completed and become functional. The details are currently being ironed out at present and work has begun on Road No 36 Jubilee Hills. The work has begun on the other five roads as well. While constructing these footpaths, special interest has been given to conserve biodiversity. Attempts have been made to include the flora in the areas

Benefits of good sidewalks

n Attractive and functional sidewalks promote the healthy exercise of walking and reduce reliance on vehicular transportation. n Appropriate design and construction facilitates the use of sidewalks by mobility and visually impaired users. n The use of strollers, and other wheeled family recreational equipment can be comfortably accommodated. n The risk of injury to users is reduced. where the footpaths are being constructed. R Dhan Singh, Engineer in Chief for GHMC, says, “The work has just begun; we are

doing a stretch at a time so that the quality of work will be effective and long-lasting.” Along with the five main roads that are scheduled to get footpaths, the already-existing footpaths are being revamped and all manholes, and other potholes are being smoothened out. Sakina Hamza, a student, says, “It’s a good thing that these footpaths are being made, but what I am curious to see is if the footpaths are going to be used by pedestrians or will hawkers encroach. I guess the only thing is to wait and watch.” Another student, Ravi M, is happy, and says, “I am happy that people will get a proper place to walk, especially in places like Banjara and Jubilee Hills where the traffic does not slow down and give way.” These standard/model footpaths are going to prove a boon to pedestrians of the twin cities and many accidents can be avoided thanks to these footpaths.

n Addition of transit or school bus routes n Providing access for the elderly and persons with disabilities n Continuity of sidewalks (avoid missing sections of sidewalk where possible) n Increased pedestrian volumes n Addition of new facilities including schools, institutions, parks, and sports complexes n The presence of other pedestrian generators (library, community centre, place of worship, hospital, shopping precinct or mall) n Vehicle speed, traffic, and truck volumes n Collision data related to pedestrians n Existing sidewalk on the other side of the street n Weather implications n Type of roadway shoulder and width n Population density n The projects that are likely to come up in the area and their possible impact on sidewalks.

FOCUS SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2012

Champion for mankind

Prometheus was the friend of the human race, the giver of fire, the inventor of the useful arts and an omniscient seer. There is a lot we can learn from him MINI SINGH

feedback@postnoon.com Who Prometheus What Creator of Mankind Son Of Iapetus and Clymene Symbol Fire Invention Mortals — People and Animals

UNIQUE FEATURES

n Prometheus was a Titan, and the brother of Atlas, Epimetheus and Menoetious. n Prometheus’s name means ‘forethought,’ because Prometheus always thought about the future and planned accordingly. His brother, on the other hand, was called Epimetheus or afterthought, because he kept thinking about the past. n Prometheus was responsible for creating mortals and populating the earth with various creatures. He also groomed people to live like, well, people; instead of existing like wild beasts. n He was a champion for mankind, and his devotion to people cost him dearly – he was punished by Zeus for favouring mortals over the gods. n Prometheus was known for his wit, wisdom and intelligence; and was considered the smartest among the Titans. n Prometheus taught people to live like civilised people – he taught them things like cooking, pottery, building houses, extracting ore from the earth and hammering it into shape for utensils and weapons, to tame and domesticate animals. n He was the original rebel

STORY

PROMETHEUS

The two Titan brothers, clever Prometheus and his not-too-clever brother Epimetheus, were spared imprisonment after the war between the Olympians and the Titans because they had stayed neutral. Instead, they were given the task of creating man. Prometheus shaped man out of mud, and Athena breathed life into his clay figure. Prometheus started off his experiments by making simple creatures such as the worm and the snake. He kept man for the last. Then Epimetheus offered to dispense various qualities to the animals and man, and suggested that Prometheus could later inspect his distribution. Prometheus agreed to this arrangement. Epimetheus started off with the animals, to whom he gave the best traits (swiftness, courage, cunning, stealth, wings, claws, fur) and soon found he had nothing left to give man. When Prometheus came in for the inspection and realised the mess that Epimetheus had created

for man. Prometheus realised that man was completely defenceless, and would be quite helpless and worse off than the beasts, since he was naked and shoeless and had no means to protect himself. The deadline for the creations to go ahead and start living was near; and Prometheus could not let man go out into the world so vulnerable. So he gave man the upright posture that had been exclusive to the gods. He felt bad, however, because when man offered sacrifices to the gods, the best portions of the animal were taken by the Olympians, leaving little for the people. Prometheus preferred mankind to the Olympian gods, since the Olympian gods had banished his family to Tartarus – the bowels of the earth. So Prometheus tricked Zeus into choosing one pile of offerings, cleverly disguised to look delicious, but instead hiding fat and bones. Zeus fell for the trick and chose the wrong pile, and from then on humans got to keep the good and tasty parts of the animal offerings, giving to Zeus the useless portions. This offended the King of the Olympians, so he punished Prometheus, who was laughing at him. The angry Zeus took fire away from Man - "Let them eat their meat raw!" he shouted. "Let's see how your Men keep warm in the winter!" It was now Prometheus’s turn to be upset – he was saddened to see men worse off than the animals, shivering and starving and miserable. Being kind, his heart went out to his creation, and he decided to help out. He requested Zeus to return fire to mankind. When Zeus refused, Prometheus decided to steal fire for the people. He did this by lighting a spark from the rising sun in a hollow fennel stalk. He called the shivering men out of their caves and educated them about using fire to cook and keep themselves warm. After that, he taught them thousands of things such as building houses and tools; that helped people to live a civilised life. Zeus was now hopping mad, and decided to show Prometheus who was boss. He had his servants, Force and Violence, seize Prometheus, take him to the Caucasus Mountains, and chain him to a rock with unbreakable adamanite chains. Every day he sent an eagle to peck out and eat the Titan's liver, which grew back again every night. This agony was to last for eternity, or until, first, an immortal would sacrifice his life for Prometheus and, second, a mortal would kill the eagle and unchain Prometheus. Eventually, Chiron the Centaur agreed to die for him and Heracles killed the eagle and unbound him; thus freeing Prometheus of his torture. Food for thought - How come Prometheus could not predict all the horrible things that were going to happen; and why did he not do anything to avert all these problems?

LESSON

Rebellion calls for sacrifices: If you choose to be a rebel, know that you are treading on a rocky path; and will come across tremendous difficulties.

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NATION SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2012

Hydro plans to be reviewed NEW DELHI: Citing possible adverse impact on biodiversity, a government study has suggested a review of 24 proposed hydro power plants in Uttarakhand that together have a capacity of over 2,600 MW. The study was conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) on behalf of the Ministry of Environment and Forests. All the projects are on the Ganga river.

Fire at CRPF headquarters

‘Hike diesel, LPG prices’

NEW DELHI: A fire broke out early

NEW DELHI: Widespread opposition

morning at the CRPF headquarters in the CGO complex here. The fire was reported around 6.45am from the ground floor of the four-storey building and five fire tenders were rushed. Fire officials said that the fire engulfed the public relations section of the force and a many books, documents and other material got destroyed.

notwithstanding, prime minister’s economic advisory council chairman C Rangarajan has strongly favoured an immediate increase in prices of diesel and cooking gas to contain government expenditure. “It (increase in prices of diesel and LPG) should be done, as early as possible... We need to take action... he said in an interview.

Hazare, Ramdev on fast, warn of fight to finish NEW DELHI: Threatening a fight to finish by August, Anna Hazare and yoga guru Ramdev today began their day-long fast, their first joint appearance on a public platform in the past one year, against the UPA on corruption. The one-day fast demanding bringing back black money stashed abroad and against the corruption and corrupt system is also likely to have its echo in the state capitals as well with Ramdev’s Bharat Swabhiman Andolan organising protests. Before their fast, Ramdev said that there will be a fight to finish in August as he is launching a protest programme then. “From today, we are intensifying our protest to bring back black money stashed abroad and want all of the countrymen to be part of the fight to finish by August,” he said. “We will hit the streets not in lakhs but in crores in the coming days demanding that black money be declared a national treasure and measures be taken to bring it back,” he told reporters as he headed to Rajghat from Tikri Kalan on Delhi border after paying trib-

utes to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose at Azad Hind Gram. Hazare said during today’s protest, “we will talk about the course of action and nature of campaigning in the future.”

Ramdev and Hazare separately reached the dharna hotspot Jantar Mantar around 10.10am after visiting the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat this morning.

The Dalai Lama and his love for dal-roti DHARAMSALA: Fifty-three years after he made India his second home, the Dalai Lama has developed a taste for dalroti and has imbibed the virtues of secularism. Recalling his stay here ever since fleeing his homeland in 1959, the Tibetan spiritual leader said the “biggest thing” that he had learnt after coming to India was “how not to be a hypocrite”. The Nobel prize winner said he used to be an active member of the Chinese Communist Party from 1951-59 in Tibet and “like others I also honed my talent in hypocrisy.

But this vice ended only when I came to India”. After coming to India and staying here for so long, he said, had “learnt so many

things from Indian culture and religion”. One of the things which he highlights is developing the taste for north India’s staple food dal-roti. “After living in India for over 50 years, I have developed great taste for Indian food like dal-roti. Whenever I get an opportunity I taste this great Indian dish,” he told PTI here. The exiled leader who, along with thousands of Tibetans, has made Dharamsala their home, described India as a seat of learning and frequently referred to the Nalanda university in Bihar.

While Ramdev was accompanied by his aide Balakrishna, Hazare was seen with former IPS officer Kiran Bedi, RTI activist Arvind Kejriwal and PTI Manish Sisodia.

Govt to check fleecing NEW DELHI: The Delhi government has been asked by a consumer forum here to check the “unfair trade practice” of overcharging diners by restaurants for the mineral water served during meals and to consider prohibiting the same. The forum has also imposed a penalty of `20,000 on restaurant Moti Mahal Deluxe for charging its customer more than the maximum retail price (MRP) for mineral water bottle. The East District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum’s order came on a plea by Delhi resident Raghav Mahajan who had alleged that the restaurant humiliated him before his family and his guests by insisting that he pay the higher price for the mineral water, due to which he had to return one of the bottles. “We agree with the submission of the complainant that in presence of a guest, raising of such issue might have been embarrassing for him. PTI

NGT asks Gujarat not to act against OPG NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal has directed Gujarat authorities not to take any “coercive action” without its permission against OPG Power Gujarat Pvt Ltd for alleged violation of conditions on which the environmental clearance was granted for its 300 MW Bhadreshwar thermal power plant at Mundra. The Tribunal passed the orders on an application by OPG expressing apprehension that “taking advantage of the summer vacation of the Tribunal, the authorities may take coercive action against it (OPG)”. A bench headed by Tribunal’s Acting Chairperson Justice AS Naidu said the

authorities should not take any coercive action against OPG without its prior permission and directed the MoEF to file an action taken report on July 17, the next date of hearing. “Though we are satisfied that no emergent urgency is there, still we feel the ends of justice and equity would be better served if we direct the authorities to complete the exercise as per our order, but not to take any coercive action without obtaining prior permission from this Tribunal. “The MoEF is directed to file the report on the action taken by the authorities on the next date of hearing. List this matter on July 17, 2012,” the bench said. PTI

WORLD SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2012

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US drone strike kills 5 militants in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: A US drone targeted a house in the restive South Waziristan tribal region of Pakistan today, killing five militants in the latest in a series of attacks by the CIA-operated spy planes. The drone struck in Barmal area of South Waziristan Agency, TV news channels quoted officials as saying. Five bodies had been pulled out of the house, which caught fire after several missiles slammed into it. Three persons were injured in the attack and officials were quoted as saying that the death toll could rise. There have been seven drone strikes since May 23. Most of the strikes have been conducted in North Waziristan Agency, described by US and Afghan officials as a safe haven for Taliban and Al Qaeda elements.

ACCRA: A cargo plane crashed into

Saturday in a busy food court at one of Canada’s best known shopping malls, Toronto’s Eaton’s Centre, killing a 25-year-old man and leaving seven others injured, police said. “The nature of the wounds indicate this individual was targeted," said Toronto police. “The others were innocent bystanders," he added.

a minibus near the international airport in Accra on Saturday, killing at least 10 people, authorities said. The accident occurred around 7pm some 10 km from Kotoka International Airport here. The aircraft was preparing to land. All the victims were aboard the minibus, which was carrying about 25 people.

It’s time for royal ride LONDON: Britain’s Queen

MATTING, AUXILIARY LIGHTS, HORNS,CAR INTERIOR CLEANERS, etc

10 killed in Ghana crash

Canada gunman kills 1 MONTREAL: A gunman opened fire

Elizabeth II will sail on a royal barge down the River Thames on Sunday as part of a huge pageant marking her diamond jubilee, in one of the biggest events of its kind in London’s history. The flotilla of more than 1,000 boats is the high water mark of the national celebra-

tions for the 86-year-old monarch’s 60th year on the throne but the event also poses formidable security challenges. More than one million revellers are expected to line the streets to see the the extravaganza of steam boats and tugs, speed boats and historic vessels in the first

pageant on this scale on London’s river since 1662. Dunkirk “little ships” that evacuated British forces from Europe in World War II and a Chinese dragon boat are among the vessels which will accompany the queen and other royals on the 11-kilometre (seven-mile) journey.

Britons have also planned more than 9,500 street parties for Sunday. A four-day national jubilee holiday kicked off on Saturday with the queen indulging in her love of horse racing at the famed Epsom Derby horse race, where she was greeted by cheering, flagwaving crowds. AFP

A lit up London Bridge, Britons making the best of the four-day holiday and street parties are set to be part of Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. AFP

PTI

DAYS TO GO

P29

Job report hits Obama image

Cops scan Paris for Arabs call for ‘Canadian Psycho’ UN action

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama is

PARIS: French police checked a Paris bar and

perched on a economic and political cliff ’s edge. Dismal jobs data, a slowing economy and fears that Europe’s crisis will darken American skies came as a sickening blow last week to Obama’s campaign. As Romney staggered through a Republican primary race, Washington’s chattering classes saw him as no match for Obama. But the zeitgeist has shifted. Indications that Obama may struggle to reach his 2008 fundraising total of $750 million and a report by the Politico news website that outside groups could spend $1 billion to defeat him have further AFP boosted Romney.

two hotels in their hunt for a Canadian porn star suspected of filming the dismemberment of his boyfriend and mailing the body parts, a police source said on Saturday. Police had carried out “targeted searches” as they looked for Luka Rocco Magnotta, 29, dubbed “Canadian Psycho” by the popular press, amid reports he may be in France, said a police source. Unconfirmed reports on TV news channel LCI late Saturday said the fugitive “met a witness judged to be credible in Paris on May 28" and police carried out another check in Seine-Saint-Denis to the north of the AFP capital.

DAMASCUS: Arab leaders called on Saturday for UN action as at least 39 people were killed in Syria amid growing fears that envoy Kofi Annan’s peace plan is failing and the country is heading for all-out civil war. Annan himself warned of sectarian warfare, singling out Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his regime as the key to resolving the conflict. Washington and Moscow agreed on the need to work together on Syria, a US official said following a phone conversation between US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. AFP

COMMENT SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2012

Roads turning killing fields

E-cars are welcome here

agree with your article on driving schools and the driving in the city. It is chaotic. It’s like a nightmare when you see hooligans showing off cheap tricks on crowded Sunday evenings on the Necklace road. Licenses are being issued without knowing what the end result might be. If this continues to be the case, then roads will become killing fields. Madhumati B Somajiguda

-cars are a good thing to happen to us. Most of us do not opt for this because they are not that powerful, but they definitely insulate you from soaring fuel prices and also help you do your bit to protect the environment. I’m eagerly waiting for the Hybrids to launch in India as they would help us cut down on both pollution and expenses. Majeedulla Khan Shanti Nagar

EDITORIALS 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 040-4067 2222.

Browser war good for us

t’s true that we see a lot of competition in the market these days and same is the case with browsers. And, it is the consumer who will benefit from this. It’s great to see so many new features that make browsing an easier and faster experience all together. My personal pick would be Google Chrome, because it is way ahead of the other browsers. Aysha Srikanth Mehdipatnam

WOJCIECH DZIADOSZ

EDITORIALS MINOR BLIPS in testimony okay A bench of justices HL Dattu and Anil Dave, upheld the life sentences awarded by the Gujarat High Court, of two convicts Kathi Bharat Vajsur and Kathi Ramku Vajsur in a 1984 murder case in the jurisdiction of Gujarat’s Amreli district, setting aside the trial court’s acquittal. ”Minor inconsistencies in witnesses’ testimony can be overlooked if the principal part of the oral and ocular evidence is in conformity with the medical evidence,” the Supreme Court has ruled. It disagreed with the findings of the trial court as having been “hyper-technical” and had primarily concentrated on minor contradictions based on which, it had passed the order of acquittal. In many cases prosecution loses out because of the long-drawn process of the Indian legal system. Witnesses, with time, are unable to give consistent versions due to failing memories. In some cases witnesses would have either been bought out or threatened, or simply want the whole business to get over with. Getting acquittal on technical grounds is the most common grounds that the advocate for the accused searches and most often finds. Now perhaps a trend will set in the Indian legal system where justice will not be denied quoting technical grounds.

WHY WE LOVE... the yellow metal Through the ages people have wished if they had the Midas touch. Those with gold surely have that power today, what with gold crossing the `30,000 mark, making the yellow metal all the more unattainable for some. Those who have been investing in gold have many reasons to smile.

Nitish proves IT’s not the end From the Hip SYED SHOAIB

ne man can make a difference. Yes, once again Bihar CM Nitish Kumar has proved to us diehard sceptics that there can be politics of honesty, hard work and success. That is Bihar today. The once leader of the BIMARU states, today is the leader with an economic growth of 13.1 per cent and per capita income growth of 12 per cent. For long Bihar has been associated with grinding poverty, illiteracy compounded with unbridled crime. It was a nightmare state, and nobody even remotely thought that there would be redemption for the state and certainly not so soon. In steps Nitish Kumar in 2005. When news travelled about his nononsense approach on governance, we stepped back to watch disbelievingly and to see if it was just a few days’ wonder. But the CM came to stay and also prove to the world that

politics can be more about governance, and about delivering rather than real-politik. He intelligently took stock of Bihar’s situation, and, like Roosevelt, pragmatically initiated a series of developmental and construction activities along with giving fillip to education and tackling the law and order situation of Bihar. The bane of Bihar was well known. Only there was no will to tackle it. Long-delayed bridges were built, roads were laid, and the foundation of education, particularly girls’ education was strengthened by appointing 100,000 schoolteachers and introducing the bicycle scheme first for girl students and then boy students. Crime was controlled by ensuring criminal prosecutions through fast-track courts. Bihar’s poor largely used to seek employment as labourers outside their own state, most often in Punjab. When Nitish Kumar in the early years of his tenure invited his people back to Bihar promising them jobs in Bihar, some of us sniggered, some thought the man had gone daft and a few others wondered at his pride. He proved all wrong by keeping his promise. What one learns is that there

are different strokes to development. Bihar has looked inwards for its development and has regenerated it with a government-initiated push to rejuvenate the economy, which in turn feeds economic growth. Conversely Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, both IT hubs recorded a growth rate of 5.5 per cent, lower than India’s GDP growth of 6.5 per cent in 2011-12. This is a cause of concern. We need to look at the reasons for this. Both the states depend on services for their growth and when there is a slump in the corporate investment, the growth rate takes a downward swing. Both states have fallen victim to this. Tamil Nadu with a strong industrial base has shown a growth of 9.4 per cent higher than even that of Gujarat at 9.1. The bureaucracy needs to take a hard look at the sustainability of the service sector as the single push for achieving growth. Whether a multi pronged and more balanced view of growth in traditional sectors such as agriculture, health and education, employment generation and poverty reduction should not be the focus to achieve a higher and inclusive growth of the state.

Agricultural production has been falling. The annual report of the Department of Agriculture and Co-operation, Ministry of Agriculture (GOI) refers to the continuous decline in the share of agriculture in the GDP from 17.4 per cent in 2006-07 to 14.2 per cent in 2010-11 as per advanced estimates at the 2004-05 prices. Though AP’s share of agriculture in gross state domestic product (GSDP) and the percapita value of GSDP from agriculture have always been higher than the national figures, it is a troubled sector today as this advantage is eroding. When 70 per cent of AP’s population has agriculture as its occupation, it is this sector that needs to be enabled, together with strategies to eradicate poverty by generating employment. A well-balanced approach of developing all sectors, rather than concentrating only on the service sector would be a permanent solution, for corporate investment will certainly exhaust as it has happened before and we would also be too open to the vagaries of the international market. The writer works for Postnoon.

BUSINESS SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2012

THY drops acquisition plan

Tintin cover sells for $1.6m

Merkel bats for fiscal pact

ANKARA: Turkish Airlines (THY) has

PARIS: A rare 1932 cover illustration of

BERLIN: A day after Irish voters

abandoned plans to buy LOT Polish Airlines after assessing that the acquisition would contribute little to its targets, local media reported Saturday. Turkey’s flagship carrier had said in January that it was in negotiations to acquire LOT as the Polish airline has a geographically strategic position.

“Tintin in America” by Herge, the artist who dreamed up the boy reporter, on Saturday fetched a record 1.3 million euros ($1.6 million) at an auction in Paris. “The work has been sold at 1,338,509.20 euros, costs included, by a person who wishes to remain anonymous," a spokesman for the auctioneers, Artcurial, told AFP.

backed a European Union fiscal pact, German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday called on her political opponents to do the same so Germany too could ratify the measure. In a speech to her party members, Merkel welcomed the Irish referendum result and said Germany should adopt the fiscal pact before summer holidays.

Global economy: The darkness returns R

emember those dark days of 2008 and 2009? When doom and gloom were the norm? When economic catastrophe seemed imminent? When hope turned to fear, and then fear turned to panic? Well, folks, if you haven’t been closely following events recently then I’ve got some bad news for you: It sure looks like we’re headed for more dark times. And fast. From the world’s largest economy (the US), to the world’s largest economic bloc (the European Union), to the world’s fastest-growing major economy (China) to a former high-flyer (India), the world is a mess right now. The biggest economic report in the world’s biggest economy landed with a thud on Friday. The US added only 69,000 jobs in May — the third straight month of anemic job growth. The US unemployment rate, meanwhile, ticked up to 8.2 per cent, from 8.1 per cent in April. The jobs number is so important, of course, because people don’t spend money if they don’t have money. And consumer spending makes up about twothirds of the giant US economy. So no jobs, no money, no spending, no growth. And that, in turn, puts pressure on company executives, who cut costs by — you guessed it — eliminating jobs or by not hiring more people. So down and down we go, cycling ever deeper into a loop of doom. “In February or March, I thought the labor market had achieved escape velocity,” Patrick J O’Keefe, the director of economic research at JH Cohn, said in the New York Times. “It appears to me now that was a premature call.” This latest report will no doubt play loudly in the ongoing race for the White House, and is likely to sharpen the campaign to the single issue of fixing the US economy. But, of course, there’s very little that any president can do about the rest of the world, and again, if you look outside the US things are just as bad, or worse.

Europe — the world’s largest economic bloc with a combined annual gross domestic product of some $17 trillion — is in the midst of a serious economic decline triggered by the ongoing, and worsening, euro crisis. We also learned that unemployment in the 17-nation euro zone hit 11 per cent in March and April, a record high. This is, of course, tragic for the jobless masses in Spain, where the unemployment rate currently tops 20 per cent. It is also very bad news for struggling people in Italy, Greece, Ireland, France and elsewhere across Europe. And it complicates the gargantuan political problems now facing German Chancellor

Angela Merkel, new French President Francois Holland, and the rest of the EU’s beleaguered leaders. But Europe’s woes don’t stop at its borders. US companies need that giant market, too. So do China’s many exporters. Countries across eastern and central Europe are economically tied to the EU. And, of course, there are the banking problems associated with Europe’s troubles, as the bottom lines of financial institutions worldwide are intimately connected with what eventually plays out there. To make matters worse, China and India, which many economists hoped could help offset economic weakness in the United States and Europe, are

both showing signs of serious trouble. As GlobalPost’s senior correspondent in Hong Kong Ben Carlson reported this week, China is sputtering on almost every count: “The first five months of 2012 have seen a parade of uncharacteristically iffy economic data out of China. First quarter Gross Domestic Product growth was 8.1 per cent, a three-year low. Electricity output slipped. Bank lending slowed. Retail luxury sales dropped. The manufacturing index hit its seventh straight month of contraction in May. And that’s not even counting the doldrums from Europe that are likely contributing to China’s economic troubles." Beijing is now mulling a $315 billion stimulus package to stave off the slowdown, but “capitalism with Chinese characteristics” is clearly showing strains. So, too, is the other economic wunderkind of the past decade. As GlobalPost’s senior correspondent in India Jason Overdorf has been reporting non-stop in his excellent On India blog, India is also in big trouble — from a shocking drop in GDP, to a rapidly sinking rupee, to rising political unrest. And let’s not forget economic powerhouse Japan, which is growing but still struggling with the economic damage caused by last year’s devastating earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster at Fukushima. Then, of course, there are the serious strategic problems now facing the world, each of which has the potential to trigger even more economic damage, such as the escalating conflict in Syria, political confusion and uncertainty in Egypt, simmering anger and frustration in the Palestinian Territories and Israel, to say nothing of the ongoing wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, potential war with Iran and the ever-dangerous situation in a rapidly-deteriorating North Korea. So where’s the good news? GLOBALPOST

Generali CEO gets the boot Mathieu Gorse

MILAN: Top shareholders at Italian insurance giant Generali ousted their CEO with a no-confidence vote Saturday after a public battle over Giovanni Perissinotto’s fate and offered his job to someone else. Shareholders frustrated by the company’s poor performance on the stock market voted to show Perissinotto the exit, and Mario Greco, an executive of the Zurich Insurance Group, was offered his job. “At a meeting today, the Board of Directors of Assicurazioni Generali decided by a majority to revoke the powers conferred on Giovanni Perissinotto as managing director and group CEO," Generali said in a statement. “The board decided to propose to Mario Greco his appointment as General Manager and Group CEO. The appointment will take place following his cooption to the Board of Directors after termination of his employment with the Zurich Insurance Group," it said. In the meantime, the company’s chairman, Gabriele Galateri di Genola, will be acting CEO, the company said. Investment bank Mediobanca — the insurance giant’s largest shareholder with a 13.24 per cent share — had been baying for Perissinotto’s exit. So had Luxottica, which holds 3 per cent, De Agostini publishers with 2.43 per cent and Caltagirone constructors with 2.27 per cent. Luxury leather goods maker Tod’s boss Diego Della Valle, who had backed Perissinotto, said he would resign from the board on Monday, having said the affair risks damaging “our country’s credibility on the international AFP markets."

INTERVIEW SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2012

The Sartorialist Dancer, fashionista, stylist, costume designer and an entrepreneur-in-the-making, meet the lady of many talents...Pernia Qureshi. PADMINI COPPARAPU

padmini.c@postnoon.com

n a virtual world that’s swarming with online shopping stores, one more would have quietly sunk into oblivion, had it not come from the name best known for having created the uber glamourous Aisha — a movie that’s credited for having ushered in a new era of sartorial sensibilities in Bollywood. Her new online store Pernia Pop-up already has an impressive array of Indian designers offering top-of-range collections. And is making waves in the industry. We catch up with lawyer, dancer, stylist, designer — a woman that’s fast becoming a brand to reckon with—Pernia Qureshi.

How did the store come about? Despite the number of stores there exist in the market, most of them seem to offer heavily discounted out-of-the-market stuff. I saw there was a huge gap for fine quality, well curated, true fashion. Which is what I think I bring to the table with the Pop-Up Store.

What’s keeping you busy at the moment? The store’s only two months old. So we are working on stabilising it, working out the details. Making it more userfriendly, introducing new sections that are more interactive — chic speak, look of the week, celebrity closet and more. Oh, and we are going to be updating the collections with my own line and a lot more designers.

How much work actually goes into setting up a store like this? I’m working all day and all night. Since it’s your own business, you take full ownership. I’m not saying it’s easy but you never stop working because you are really enjoying it.

While most stores pride themselves on bringing global fashion to Indian shores, you seem to be doing quite the opposite. Is that your USP, so to speak? The aim of our store is to make available the best of Indian designers, both to Indians here and people everywhere in the world.

So, is Indian fashion finally coming-of-age? Definitely. More and more Indian designers are going back to Indian roots and fabrics. Even as the creations are contemporary, they are ethnically inspired. People everywhere are looking forward to Indian creations.

Considering the uncertainties of online shopping, is cost an issue? I think that with my site, because people know me either because of the movie industry perhaps, there’s a definite trust factor. They know that they are guaranteed the highest quality product and ‘designer wear’ actually means designer wear. So there’s a lot of credibility. We also take pains to ensure the highest quality control. A customer can be rest assured that they will get exactly what they want. So no, its not a risk.

After Aisha, did you have a lot of offers? Is Bollywood still on the table? Yeah, there were a lot of offers, even some plum ones. But not any that really excited me. I

don’t like doing things for the sake of doing them. I want to do it justice. Taking up a project would leave me with no time even to breathe. So I’m going to be concentrating on the store for now.

How important is dance to you? Everyone should have something in their life that makes them happy. Dance is that for me. When I dance, I’m happier, more productive, I eat healthier, I’m less grumpy. Dance is my devotion and my therapy. Law, dance, fashion, business... you seem intent on conquering everything you step in to. What’s your mantra? I don’t think I’m qualified to give a mantra. But I do whatever makes me happy. No compromises. When I connect to something, I have to give it my one hundred per cent. Also, I don’t believe in sticking to one thing. I think you should explore and do a lot of different things.

Where do you see yourself say five years from now? I hope to be a better dancer, do interesting films, art, make Pernia Pop-Up store the go-to place for girls from all over the world for Indian fashion.

GOLDEN YEARS SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2012

Creating a positive racquet Age is just a number. Few know it better than these tireless veterans who have decided to lead by example. Meet the sporting members of Aista.

FAUSTINA JOHNSON

feedback@postnoon.com

ix o clock and P Somalingam is already up, readying himself to go out. He heads off to the local sports club, settling into a comfortable routine, not even having to remember the way. At sixty nine, he now has a lot of time on his hands after retiring from his post as Director of physical education in Osmania Unversity. So you think he's old? Wait till you see what he can do on a tennis court. Ranked fourteen in the country in senior league tennis, he can easily beat the amateur likes of you and me. We stand no chance against against this member of the All India Senior Tennis Association (AISTA). The AISTA was established 12 years ago by GVK Group. Every year, the Association organizes national level Tennis tournaments which are held in series of six between October to April. They attract players from across the country. The last series started off in Delhi, and continued to Bombay, Hyderabad, Vizag and Guntur, ending in Bhimavaram. The Hyderabad games were held at

the tennis club in Public Gardens. The games are held in three batches based on age. The first, for ages 45 and above has about 120 participants. The second is for members of ages 55 and above, and the third, for 65 and above. Both of these have about 100 players each. Although I'm told that the tournaments are ‘not too serious’, the winners are awarded attractive cash prizes. “It is common for participants to stay back in a city. It is a chance to get together and explore the place”, Somalingam says, “It is all quite interesting.” It is also a great way to meet new friends. Every year, mem-

THESE ACTIVE MEN ARE ALSO TECH SAVVY. EVERY YEAR, THE DATES AND VENUES FOR THE TOURNAMENTS ARE POSTED ON THE ORGANIZATION’S WEBSITE AND ANYONE CAN REGISTER. bers from the batches pass on to the next as they age, while new members also join in. The members come from a mixture of career backgrounds. Some were businessmen, some government employees, and yet others teach-

ers. The oldest player, P Raju is an astonishing 82 years old. These active men are also tech savvy. Every year, the dates and venues for the tournaments are posted on the organization's website and anyone interested can register. The tournaments are usually sponsored by GVK, but the members sometimes raise funds locally. Tennis is an intense sport which requires a lot of stamina. How do they keep up? “There is no special diet or regime as such. We go for long walks everyday and try to keep ourselves busy through the day” Somalingam says. Meanwhile, in another quiet corner of the city, a group of six men gather every morning for their daily walk. As they exercise their bodies, their minds are occupied too, as they discuss their lives and the world around them. After a rigorous hour, they head home to their families and the duties of the day. At six in the evening, they are back, this time at the Kakatiya Club in Habsiguda. They are here for their daily game of tennis. They play for an hour and a half, each of them alternately resting and taking turns. Conversation flows. Laughter laces the speech. These men are playing tennis too, but it is much more than just a game to these veterans. “They are always

debating anything from politics to sport”, Seshu Prasad, Secretary of the club, tells me. Stripped of the breakneck competition of professional tennis, the game offers a chance to mingle with people of the same age group. The conversation guarantees constant intellectual stimulation. This is recreation at its best. This is also their way of keeping up with the world. It helps them stay physically active and mentally fit. They have reached that point in life where all their responsibilities have been dispensed with. Years of of free time to pursue whatever they wish to now await them. What better way to use some of that time than pursing a sport? The evening game for this batch in the tennis facility was designed to suit their needs. It is a cozy affair, a leisure time game, there is no pressure. As they play, they improve in the sport. “We even conduct sport competitions once a year where we give out a cup,” Seshu says. The oldest player, a former assistant conservator of forests, is 79. Life and age may have forced them out of their physical best and snuffed out their career, but at their mellow wholesomeness, these spirited men are filled with an alacrity to live, and live well.

ART AND CULTURE SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2012

Danube cavemen flutists?

Daniel Buren’s Monumenta

arly modern humans could have spent their evenings sitting around the fire, playing bone flutes and singing songs 40,000 years ago. The bone flutes push back the date researchers think human creativity evolved. Researchers were studying a modern human settlement called Geißenklösterle, in southern Germany, when they came across the bone flutes.

aniel Buren’s installation at the Grand Palais in Paris isn’t going to alter his reputation. For some people, he is a master of conceptual art. The artist transformed the hall of the Grand Palais into a forest of sunshades — 350 Plexiglas discs of different diameters in different colours.The artist’s latest work is grandly and should we say aptly titled Monumenta.

Ballpen warrior

e is 37 and a warrior in a wheelchair with a sword that etches his imagination on paper. Physically-challenged CV Surendran’s sword is the humble ballpoint pen, a tool that doubles as the paint brush and pencil for his intricate drawings. Surendran, a native of Kerala, is perhaps the only known artist in India who paints complex landscapes with ballpoint pens.

Rhythm Divine

The concert bridged the many genres of Indian classical music while touching lightly upon the West and its music — jazz, pop and blues

RAHUL RAMAKRISHNA

rahul.r@postnoon.com

“T

he Percussion Fantasy lived up to its name. Led by Dr. ‘Ghatam’ S. Karthick, the drum-percussionstring ensemble thrilled audience with renditions and improvisations of famous Carnatic and Hindustani raagas. Part of the Hydourite festival celebrating the spirit of Hyderabad, the concert bridged the many spaces of Indian classical music while touching lightly upon the West and its influ-

ences — jazz, pop and blues. Accompanying Dr. Karthick were Prakash Sontakke on Hawaiin guitars, Karthik Mani on world percussion, U.P Raju with the mandolin, Amrit N on kanjira and mridangam, N. Sundar with tabla and moorsing, Manjunath on drums and Harsha Vardhan Raj on the keyboard. Their invocations to the elephant god with the energetic Hamsadhwani raaga marked the beginning of the concert. With a light framework of mandolin and Hawaiin guitars, supplemented by keyboard synth, their rendition of the famous kriti was intricate and joyous. Following this was a Hindustaniblues version of the Kalyani raaga, played by Prakash Sontakke whose soundscape,

DR. GHATAM KARTHICK TREATED HIS AUDIENCE TO AN EXTRAVAGANT AFFAIR OF RHYTHM AND VOCALS

clean mandolin tones were keenly backed by chimes, darbuka and djembe by Karthik Mani. What stood out most prominently from their setlist was their version of Pariyachakama an ancient kriti by saint

Rebel for Art

Bringing back the funk in non-objective art

unk Art was known as an anti-establishment movement as it began to paint subject matter, rather than playing with the non-figurative, abstract forms that abstract expressionists were depicting. The name of the movement was derived from the jazz musical term’ funky’ which can be described as passionate, sensuous and quirky. Back in the 1920s jazz was thought of as a very

unsophisticated music. The term ‘funk’ also has negative connotations because the word suggests foul odour. Funk Art was a popular form throughout the 1960s and 1970s, mainly in the Bay Area of California, USA. During the 1960s, the Bay Area, specifically San Francisco, was a free and spiritual environment due to its beatnik art culture and the youth political activism reacting against the

Vietnam War . Jess was one of the earliest and most influential Funk artists. Although Funk art is regarded as a cohesive movement, funk artists did not associate themselves with any collective art style or group. This was primarily because they shared the same attitudes and therefore, ended up creating similar works but were not working in the same art schools.

Thyagaraja that swept the audience back into the golden era of temple town Tanjavur. Not forgetting the Rajasthani folk-jamsong or the fast paced Raghuvamsa Sudha, which Dr. Karthick remarked as a “metaphor for the fast paced city life. “ Taking the audience by surprise was an impromptu jam session that saw Dr. Karthick, Karthik Mani and Manjunath on konnakol, djemebe, cajon and

drums. Konnakol is the art of vocal percussion and Dr. Ghatam Karthick treated his audience to an extravagant affair of rhythm and vocals. Prakash Sontakke and N. Sundar indulged the audience with their Hindustani influences, pairing the Hawaiian slide guitar with the tabla and the moorsing. Their last song on the set, Pulse was inspired by a very old raaga Jagathjanani in the simple Aadi taalam. True to its name, the song pitched the evening’s spirit into the hearts of the audiences ending grandly with a thunderous applause and standing ovation. Altogether, it was a fine performance, a fond memory in the many musical sojourns whose echoes refuse to die down.

ART FOR DUMMIES

ENVIRONMENT SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2012

Earth’s recovery time

Earth’s oldest life smothered

t took some 10 million years for Earth to recover from the greatest mass extinction of all time, latest research has revealed. Life was nearly wiped out 250 million years ago, with only 10 per cent of plants and animals surviving. The event being described, the endPermian crisis, followed a series of sudden, negative events that impacted the environment.

he Sierra Nevada forest that is home to the biggest and oldest living things on earth — the giant Sequoia redwoods — also suffers a dubious distinction. It has the worst air pollution of any national park in the country. Mountaintops that should offer awe-inspiring views of California’s geologic grandeur often are muddled by a disorienting gray soup of smog.

Rare Sumatran rabbit seen Using camera traps, wildlife researchers including doctoral candidate Jennifer McCarthy and environmental conservation professor Todd Fuller of the University of Massachusetts Amherst recently captured photographs of one of the rarest animals on earth, the Sumatran striped rabbit. They say it may now be found only in two remote national parks on the Indonesian island.

Unhealthy farming, lifestyle lead to obesity

Obesity is the developing world’s new burden. Along with changes in lifestyle, youngsters also remain unaware of how food is grown. Disassociation with agriculture could be the cause and the effects are serious. reform could bring. As World Environment Day approaches, it is important to appreciate the P K SURENDRAN linkages between technology, culture, and agriculture, and pksurendran@gmail.com how they can alleviate hunger and poverty. he world is facing an “Access to food is one of the unforeseen problem: the first and most fundamental of young is getting all human rights,” says Guido increasingly disassociBarilla, Chairman of the Barilla ated with agriculture Group. “Where food is lacking, it and the knowledge of how the becomes impossible to live with food is grown. The new generadignity, and the rights to a tion has little idea on the need to healthy life and peaceful coexispractice sustainable agriculture tence are undermined.” and the need to keep a healthy “The study’s conclusions diet. Growing obesity is the represent a major step toward result of this disconnection and ensuring that agriculture conit has emerged as the biggest tributes to health, environmenthreat to the human race. tal sustainability, income generThis is truer of the fast deveation, and food security,” said loping Asian countries like India Nourishing the Planet project than the West. In the Indian condirector Danielle Nierenberg. text it is not just the alienation “The ingredients will vary by of the young generation from country and region, but there agriculture but the fraudulent are some key components that way the rich snatch farm lands will lead to healthier food sysfrom unorganised farmers that tems everywhere.” constitutes a bigger probThe report is divided lem.Worldwide, 30 per cent into four sections: Food of food is wasted, 1 billion for All, Food for people go to bed hungry Sustainable Growth, Env each night while another Food for Health, and ir 1 billion suffer from Food for Culture. health problems related Food for All: to obesity, and agriculAgriculture directly June 5 ture contributes to a contributes to food third of global greensecurity among the house gas emissions. world’s poorest populaIn response to these tions, and reforms to the problems, the Barilla sector are badly needed to Center for Food & Nutrition reduce both poverty and (BCFN) is releasing a report, hunger. These include reinEating Planet, highlighting the forcing the mechanisms of globchallenges faced by today’s food al governance, such as curbing and agricultural system, as well the trade of food-related stocks as the myriad benefits that to lessen price volatility; encour-

m on

ent Da y

Worl d

aging the use of new approaches and tools to measure and promote well-being, in part by shifting away from Gross Domestic Product as a primary indicator of national development; and fostering eating habits that are healthier for humans and have a lower environmental impact. Food for Sustainable Growth: While many agricultural activities, such as artificial fertiliser application or heavy pesticide use, may boost food production in the short term, they create serious obstacles to feeding the world over the long term. Environmental degradation, including water scarcity, soil depletion, and deforestation, are all results of the industrialised agricultural system, and these problems seriously compromise future generations’ prospects of well-being. Part of achieving sustainable well-being

THE NEW GENERATION HAS LITTLE IDEA ON THE NEED TO PRACTICE SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND THE NEED TO KEEP A HEALTHY DIET. involves an understanding of the environmental impacts of different types of foods. To facilitate this understanding, the BCFN has devised the Double Food and Environmental Pyramid. This pyramid, a new take on the traditional food pyramid, links the nutritional aspects of different types of food with their environmental impacts, to promote environmentally conscious and responsible food choices. Food for Health: The global

food system also affects issues of human health, including incidences of disease, malnutrition, obesity, and diabetes. The report notes several unhealthy changes in dietary and lifestyle patterns, including an increase in calories consumed, a lack of balance and diversity in diets, a lack of education about health and nutrition early in life, and a significant reduction in the amount of time dedicated to physical activity. Food for Culture: The report emphasises the need to reconnect people with producing, obtaining, preparing, and eating their food. This involves the transfer of knowledge from older to younger generations about the production and preparation of food, the return to a healthy relationship with and appreciation of the land on which they are living.

FOOD SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2012

Obesity genes affect choices

lame it on your genes? Researchers from The Miriam Hospital’s Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center say individuals with variations in certain “obesity genes” tend to eat more meals and snacks, consume more calories per day and often choose the same types of high fat, sugary foods.

Energy drink Notty launched

Hazelnut Oil as designer fat

otty, a fruit-flavoured energy drink, has just been launched in India. It is enriched with vegetable Docosahexaenoic acid and Vitamin A, C and E. The formulation does not contain any kind of synthetic ingredients or stimulants like caffeine, olestra, etc., and is a very rich source of dietary fibre.

cientists are reporting development of a healthy “designer fat” that, when added to infant formula, provides a key nutrient that premature babies need in high quantities, but isn’t available in large enough amounts in their mothers’ milk. The new nutrient, based on hazelnut oil, also could boost nutrition for babies who are bottle-fed for other reasons.

SRINIVAS SETTY

SIDDHARTH TSS

feedback@postnoon.com

C o d un o o

Next on our list is Dimmy’s Paan Shop. Betel leaf lovers thrive on their paans. Try their ladoo paan, chocolate paan and the tiranga paan. Along with paan there a lot of tiny shops that have mushroomed here and together they are called Dimmy’s. The chaat shop serves some really delicious chaat and that’s not it, a must try at Dimmy’s is their grilled sandwiches and aloo toasts. Before you even finish licking your fingers dry, one can spot the crushed-ice vendor (for ice-golas) that sits opposite Dimmy’s. Come summer and the crowd over here has to be seen to be believed. While we are on the topic of desserts, you could even try the delicious Kulfi at Celebrations near Food World. It boasts of more than 80 varieties of kulfis. If you want to stay off the street food, which as a matter-offact is quite difficult to do, you can head to Roti Shotti, on PG Road, opposite Heritage Fresh. Roti Shotti boasts of not just being one of the bigger vegetarian

restaurants in the twin cities but the biggest and most happening vegetarian restaurants in town. The menu is composed of delectable items that will excite the taste buds of even the most discerning food lover. Appetisers like Tiranga Paneer Tikka, Potato and Spinach Honey Chilli and Pepper Chilli Corn are worth trying. The main course has a huge choice for paneer lovers. It is not very expensive with a full course meal coming up to no more than Rs 600. A popular hangout for the youngsters here is Pizza Den. Outside of the chains like Dominos and Pizza Hut, Pizza Den offers some of the best and fresh pizzas in town. Economical and tasty, what they have on offer is their famous Italian pizza, topped with capsicumtomato-cheese and sprinkled with oregano. While other favourites include Mexican, vegetarian cheese, plain cheese pizzas, desi masala pizza, mushroom veggie, spicy paneer and babycorn supreme. Pizza Den also serves softy ice-creams. While we may run out of place to list the places Sindhi Colony has to offer, we have to say one thing — the prices on this street is a blessing for every food enthusiast in the city.

very nook and cranny of Sindhi Colony has something to satisfy a food lover. Almost like a food festival that goes on 365 days of the year. Innovative menus and novel taste are the reasons why this place resembles a massive food court in the evenings. We start our journey with Idly Dosa People, great on ambience, it serves a five course meal which sits light on the pocket. Once there you must try the Chocolate Dosa, Masala Idli and the Spring Roll Dosas. Never knew something so innovative could be done with dosas.

Sindhi Colony is Secunderabad’s source of joy and pride. And, why not, it’s a haven for foodies, and a dream destination for vegetarians. Have you discovered it yet?

FOOD SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2012 DEEPAK DESHPANDE

The Grill, at The Vivanta by Taj, is an impressive sight. Set by the poolside, its calm and serenity is embracing, offering an easy and sumptuous escape from that hustle and bustle of city life.

Noor’s Kitchen NOOR JAFRI Chicken cooked in Hyderabadi pickle masala Ingredients

Grilled & lovin’ it INDIRA ATLURI

indira.a@postnoon.com

s one enters the opulent Vivanta building one sees cascading waterfalls on the walls both inside and on the outside and a dazzling chandelier. The brilliance and the soothing ambience here all vouch for the fact that the Taj group always stays true to its promise of offering the best. The Vivanta promises ‘The thrill of the grill like never before’ and keeping in mind this claim, I walked onto the second floor for dinner at their newly opened restaurant The Grill. It’s an impressive sight. With an ele-

Achari Murgh

gant poolside, its calm and serenity is embracing, an easy escape from that hustle and bustle of city life. I probably could not have chosen a better evening to have this experience as the weather which was hot and sultry the whole of the morning, changed to a breezy and pleasant one. I took the best possible seat near the poolside, and let the water mist fan blow the cool moisture-laden air to me. I had not recovered from this welcome than the chef came to greet me at the table. As we discussed and dissected the menu, it was time for the chef to prove his gourmet supremacy, and for me to sharpen my foodtasting skills. The menu is an eclectic selection of masterful recipes from around the world. Seeing the assortment of delicacies and the range of

cuisines on offer, I decided my pick for the evening. First came the red wine, soon followed by a medium done steak with an assortment of vegetables and mustardflavoured jus. Soft and tender, the steak, glazed with the jus seemed to dance on my palette. Occasionally broken by the taste of wine, the evening seemed just perfect. As I savoured the ambience and the crystal clear pool waters, it was time for dessert — the lemongrass flavoured Crème Brule. A beautiful, fragrant, therapeutic dessert which is hard to capture in words. Just simple subtle flavours, combining elegantly. One spoon of this masterpiece, and the world and all its worries will be forgotten. Ah, and to come back to the real world, the dessert was glazed to perfection, it just melted in my mouth. It was tough to keep myself

1. Boneless chicken (Medium sized pieces) - 300 gms 2. Chilli powder - 1 teaspoon 3. Ginger garlic paste - 1 teaspoon 4. Turmeric powder - 1/2 a teaspoon 5. Red whole dry chillies - 3 to 4 6. Mustard & fenugreek seeds - a pinch 7. Red paste ** - 1 table spoon 8. Tomato (Chopped) - 1 9. Curry leaves - 4 to 5 10. Green chillies (Slit) - 2 to 3 11. Salt to taste 12. Oil - 50 ml **Red Paste n (Two teaspoon tamarind pulp, one tomato chopped, half a tea spoon chilli powder, two clubs of garlic, half a teaspoon of chopped ginger, two teaspoons of hot oil, grind all these into a fine paste. )

Procedure 1. Heat oil in a pan, and add green

Name: The Grill Cuisine type: Italian, Moroccan, Greek, Lebanese, Indian and Tapas Bar (Shaslik, Rotisserie & Brochette Styled Grills) Address: Vivanta by Taj, Begumpet

chillies, onion seeds, mustard seeds, and fenugreek seeds, let them crackle and add the chicken. 2. Fry it well, and add ginger garlic paste, chilli powder, turmeric powder and salt, cook it for a while. 3. Add the chopped tomatoes, and red paste and simmer it for some time. 4. For serving it, season it with curry leaves and slit green chillies. Chef’s note: It’s hot and sour chicken masala, cooked in achari style, can be served with hot rice or paratha, moderate caloric value.

Meal for two: `2,400 exclusive of taxes away from it. For a minute, I did wish for all the attending staff to vanish for me to be able to lick off the bowl, leaving no trace of the Brule whatsoever, but I was forced by the demands of etiquette. If the dessert does not sound tempting enough, then I am sure what follows will. Also on their menu is an assortment of spiced prawns, Shashlik, Rotisserie and Brochettes. For those who dig sea food, their menu is quite impressive. Not to forget salads with shavings of parmesan, baked potatoes and their barbeque sauces, among many others. My only gripe was that I could not savour more. But from the things we had, The Grill is a combination of splendid, simple dishes with efficient, friendly service in a pleasant setting.

Contact n Noor’s Kitchen n Mobile: 91-9441282318 n Residence: 91-40-23356947

And now like us on :

https://www.facebook.com/ Noorkitchen

HISTORY SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2012

June 3

1932 - Lou Gehrig set a major league baseball record when he hit four consecutive home runs.

June 6

June 7

June 3

1970 - Har Gobind Khorana and colleagues announced the first synthesis of a gene from chemical components.

June 4

1989- Tiananmen Square massacre takes place.

June 5

1974 - Patti Smith recorded her first song. It was her version of Hey Joe.

June 6

1674 - Sivaji crowned himself King of India.

1984- Indian army storms Golden Temple. It was called Operation Bluestar and was a military operation ordered to remove Sikh separatists hiding in the temple.

1893- Gandhi's first act of civil disobedience

June 7

1903 - Professor Pierre Curie revealed the discovery of Polonium.

June 8

1984 - Ghostbusters released

June 8

0452 - Italy was invaded by Attila the Hun.

June 9

1934 - Donald Duck made his debut in the Silly Symphonies cartoon The Wise Little Hen.

SPOTLIGHT SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2012

Party Starters

Collection elite

At Kismet, the ladies were at their stylish best. Some caught up with friends while others danced the night away.

Celebrity fashion designer Vijay Rana showcased an elite collection by designer Aarti Vijay Gupta at his studio on Saturday Eera & Sonia

Sirisha

DEEPAK DESHPANDE

Shin

Megha & Kavita DEEPAK DESHPANDE

Sarah

Mohini

Farah

Cranking up the volume No matter what day of the week it is, 10D is always seen brimming with people who know just how to have fun

Anjali

Gauthami

Rahul

Nivedita

Aishwarya

Veena & Dipika

CINEMA SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2012

T-TOWN TWEETIES @tashu_02

@snehaullalheart

@RanaDaggubati

@pnavdeep26

A very gudmorning.... Rise n shine... Have a blessed day ahead.... Keep smiling :-)

Good Morning twitter..what’s the sunday plans?

“@WilI_Smith: 10 year olds have a Blackberry, an iPad, a laptop, and a Facebook... When I was 10, I felt cool with my new markers.”

Got dis msg....FREE EDUCATION & HOSTEL for HANDICAPPED children.Ph:+919966559131.. ..

@me_sushanth

@shrutihaasan

@Actor_Siddharth

@actor_nithiin

Catch the trendy, stylish Karishma Naina on “I Love Style” on big CBS LOVE! Weeknights 10pm. Rock it my friend @KarishmaNaina

What an amazing visit to Sandhya theatre !! Thankyou for all the love!! Overwhelmed beyond words

My guru and my god share a birthday. May they continue to show us the way. Many happy returns Mani sir and Raja sir.

proud to say that IshQ is the only film to complete 100days in d maintheatre hyd without deficit in d last 3 4years!!yay!

Endhukante Premanta gets a clean ‘U’ certificate

fter a lot of confusion over the release date, Ram, Tamannaah starrer Endhukante Premanta is finally set to release on June 8. “#ENDUKANTEPREMANATA gets a “Clean U” certificate with absolutely “NO Cuts”!! Everybody can watch! (sic)” Ram posted on Twitter. A Karunakaran has directed the film and Sravanthi Ravi Kishore has produced the film. Few days ago, Ram told the media, “Endhukante Premanta is my dream project and I must thank Sravanthi Ravi Kishore for this. It’s also going to be my debut film in Tamil. I am glad that I finally got the chance to work with an extremely talented director like A Karunakaran.” GV Prakash has composed the music and Andrew is the cinematographer. Kona Venkat has played an important role in the film apart from penning the script.

Julaayi’s audio launch on June 10

he audio of Allu Arjun, Ileana starrer Julaayi will be launched on June 10. Trivikram Srinivas is directing the film and this is the first time he has collaborated with Allu Arjun. Except for couple of songs, the rest of the film’s shooting has been wrapped up. Currently, Allu Arjun and Ileana are shooting for a song at Ramoji Film City. Radhakrishna has produced the film and he’s quite confident that Trivikram’s dialogues and Allu Arjun, Ileana’s onscreen chemistry will work wonders for the film. The cast also includes Rajendra Prasad and Brahmanandam in important roles. Devi Sri Prasad has composed the music. Julaayi is expected to hit the screens early next month.

First look: Ravi Teja’s DCM

he first look of Puri Jagannadh’s upcoming film Devudu Chesina Manushulu starring Ravi Teja and Ileana is out. Ravi Teja and Ileana are teaming up for the third time after Khatarnak and Kick and if the first look is anything to go by, Devudu Chesina Manushulu seems to be yet another promising entertainer. Sources say that the film is a satire on God. BVSN Prasad is producing the film and Raghu Kunche has composed the music. The film’s principal shooting has already been wrapped up and it’s going to hit the screens in July.

CINEMA SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2012

B-TOWN TWEETIES @bipsluvurself

@sonakshisinha

@SrBachchan

@NeilNMukesh

View frm my balcony in Colombo! Gorgeous!Love the sound of the sea! http://pic.twitter.com/Ee8i7 OwJ

The birthday ended on another surprise dinner with the Sinha's, Kumars and the Rowdies!! Thank u @akshaykumar; http://say.ly/TSJ3siK

T 762 - Anthony Goveas !! Wishing you a speedy recovery ... get well soon ... love and prayers !!

Good morning ppl :D. Need match sticks to keep my eye lids open! Yawn !

@sonusood18

@DuttaLara

@MallikaLA

Wanted to share one of the looks of "MAXIMUM".....29th june Release..Loved shooting for it :-)

Schools,Colleges starting up soon! Used to love the 1st week of a new school year!Always felt good going back after the holidays:-)

Had a Long unending shoot day for Kismet Luv Paisa Dili,just wrapped !

@udaychopra I wanna die before I hit 40… wait! Prayers answered… December 21st world ends!! Thanks God! U da best

Ranbir recalls sweet memories of Raj Kapoor R anbir Kapoor was all of six when his legendary grandfather, Bollywood actor-filmmaker Raj Kapoor passed away in 1988. On the latter’s 24th death anniversary on Saturday, the young actor shared vivid memories of being pampered by him with toffees. “Raj Kapoorji passed away when I was very young. I was six years old. My favourite film of his is Shree 420,” Ranbir said here. Ranbir has some ‘sweet’ tales to tell of his experiences with his grandpa, who held sway over the Hindi film industry producing, directing and acting in successful movies like Barsaat (1949), Awaara (1951) and Chori Chori (1956). “I still remember he used to call us to his room... including me. All my cousins — Kareena and others from Delhi — used to come,” the

29-year-old said. He used to call us to the room and he used to have all the toffees with him. We all used to sit down and he used to ask us to perform. And getting that one toffee was a very big deal,” he added. Raj Kapoor died of complications related to asthIANS ma at the age of 63.

Good work matters, not the surname

ilmmaker Boney Kapoor’s son Arjun, whose debut film Ishaqzaade has received acclaim from audiences and critics alike, believes that a star surname is not the criteria for success. “You are as good as what you do in front of the camera. Nothing else matters, your surname, from where you come or where you will go ... The audience is very intelligent. It gauges you

and knows if they want to see you or not," the 26-year-old said. Arjun made his point by citing Band Baaja Baaraat actor Ranveer Singh’s example. “Ranveer (Singh) is a prime example of that. Somebody like him came out of nowhere. It just shows the audience wants to see good films and good work. Nothing else matters eventually," IANS he said.

Bollywood on television

he small screen is going big. Making the transition from the big screen, mainstream Bollywood producers Vipul Amrutlal Shah, Ritesh Sidhwani and Sanjay Leela Bhansali are planning a bouquet of television shows while Aamir Khan has already set TRPs soaring with Satyamev Jayate. Before that, of course, stars such as Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan have discovered the reach of television. Now, increasingly, big production houses are walking the television path. Shah, who is making a comeback on TV after a long gap, explained the movement saying: “Whenever there is a platform, which is strong and powerful, everyone wants to work on that." “I think everybody recognises that TV is a very strong medium and has grown multifold. Its increasing popularity is the reason why people from silver screen are coming on TV," Shah said. IANS

CINEMA SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2012

Chashme Buddoor set for monsoon release

he much-talked about Chashme Buddoor remake, directed by David Dhawan, will release on August 31. The original came out in 1981. Directed by Sai Paranjape, the light-hearted drama starred Farooque Sheikh, Deepti Naval, Rakesh Bedi and Ravi Baswani who

gave stellar performances in the film, which entertains movie buffs even today. Dhawan has roped Pakistani actor Ali Zafar, Siddharth and Divyendu Sharma, who was seen in Pyaar Ka Punchnama and southern beauty Tapasee in the remake. IANS

IIFA to showcase excerpts of

esides the premiere of Dibakar Banerjee’s political thriller Shanghai, the 13th annual IIFA awards will also showcase excerpts from Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s upcoming film Ferrari Ki Sawari. Directed by Rajesh Mapuskar and dialogues by acclaimed director, Rajkumar Hirani, the film is a moving story about how the pursuit of an Indian cricket legend’s

Ferrari makes a young boy’s dreams of playing cricket at Lords a reality. Ferrari Ki Sawari stars Sharman Joshi in a lead role. Actors Boman Irani and Ritwik Sahore also have prominent roles in the film. Actress Vidya Balan has done a lavani item number in the film, which is already creating ripples in the social media. Ferrari Ki Sawari will hit the theatres on June 15 PTI worldwide.

Priyanka adopts a lioness

s making headlines and how! With her upcoming film, alongside , PC is certainly drawing all the media attention. However, there’s more to her besides her movies and glamour. The ‘Junglee Billi’ of Don, has adopted a 15-year-old lioness named Sundari from the Birsa Zoological Park in Ranchi. However, the lioness that has been adopted will be under PC’s care for just one year. Interestingly, this will not be the first time that PC will be adopting a wild cat. Earlier, in May 2011, she had adopted a tigress Durga, for a year.

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CINEMA SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2012

Emma Stone will guest on iCarly A

fter she steals Peter Parker’s heart in the upcoming Amazing SpiderMan, Emma Stone will pay a visit to Nick’s iCarly. In the episode, Stone will play a screaming super-fan who crosses paths with her idol, Carly (Miranda Cosgrove), EW reports. Perhaps she’ll use her time at Comic-Con as research. The episode will air sometime later this year. The final season of iCarly will finish up in November (the series finale will lens in June), and the show has had plenty of high-profile guest stars to send it out on a high note. In addition to Stone, the comedy has featured Michelle Obama, One Direction, and Big Bang Theory’s Jim Parsons, with upcoming guests including Jimmy Fallon.

Christina to star with Will Ferrell in new film

JB sings from his balcony in Paris J

ustin Bieber serenaded the streets of Paris on Friday (June 1). Despite suffering a concussion on Thursday evening (May 31), the 18-year-old invited his French fans to see him sing from the balcony of Universal Music’s office in the French capital city. Bieber tweeted about the off-the-cuff performance shortly before it took place: “about to head over to 20-22, rue des Fossés Saint-Jacques here in PARIS! who is coming to sing with me and & #WithDanKanter (sic)”. Once he got there, he performed Boyfriend and One Time with the aid of a megaphone, much to his fans’ delight. Earlier this week, Bieber nearly caused a state of emergency in Norway after fans overran the opera house where the singer was scheduled to perform. Bieber recently revealed that he is rooting for Bridesmaids to win at the 2012 MTV Movie Awards.

espite Champ Kind’s heated protest “It’s anchorMAN, not anchorLADY!,” Christina Applegate will reprise her role as feisty anchorlady Veronica Corningstone in the upcoming Anchorman 2, according to Celebuzz. We knew that the original’s male principals -Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, David Koechner and Paul Rudd -- were all on board, but Applegate’s participation was still a question mark until her reps confirmed the news earlier this week. Anchorman 2 reportedly takes place at the dawn of the 24-hour news channel, offering brand new obstacles for Ron Burgundy (Ferrell) and his Channel 4 news team to conquer. Director Adam McKay (Talladega Nights, the upcoming The Campaign) is also returning, and the film will be released sometime in 2013. Applegate currently stars on the NBC comedy Up All Night.

CHAI TIME SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2012

SUNDAY CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Kipling story locale 6 Forest clearing 11 Piccolo kin 16 Toast spread 21 Categorizes 22 Ran a fever 23 Walking — — 24 Not silently 25 Originated 26 "Gigi" composer 27 Animal with one horn 28 Sailors' tales 29 I love (Lat.) 30 — -garde 32 Concrete reinforcer 34 Planting crops 36 Salary limits 38 "Do — — a Waltz?" 40 Bannister or Coe 42 Glass squares 43 Go biking 45 Battery terminal 47 Rousseau novel 49 Tended the horse 52 Decrees 53 Be gracious 54 — choy 57 Baroque style 58 Chain-link — 59 Bug off 60 "— Krishna!" 61 One of the Astaires 62 Fish basket 63 Restrains 64 Domineering 65 Potpie veggie 66 In a weird way 68 Movers and shakers 69 Market "piggy" (2 wds.) 70 Beep 72 Antarctic explorer 73 Hull bottom 74 Feign 75 Boat made of skins 77 Type of shrimp 78 Deli crepes 79 Ten-dollar bill 82 Come from behind 83 Were rivals 84 Saga 88 Gentle hills 89 Singer — Vinton 90 Breeding ground 92 Mauna — 93 Normal 94 Some hermits 95 — cuisine 96 Civil disturbances 98 Filmmaker — Riefenstahl 99 Valerie Harper TV role 100 Coach — Lombardi 101 Malt-shop delight 102 Attorney's deg. 103 Tabby talk 104 — corgi 105 "Clair de Lune" composer 106 Walks haltingly 107 Deal with (2 wds.) 108 Soft drink choice 109 Video-game name 111 Cafe customer 113 Orange Bowl city 115 Forum attire 119 Trial locales 121 Like bubble bath

123 Darth Vader attire 125 "— Girls" 126 Pack animal 127 "Goodfellas" Oscar winner 129 Depth charge target (hyph.) 131 Topple 133 Furry swimmer 134 Briskly 135 Surgical knife 136 Ms. Witherspoon 137 Prepares apples 138 Town official 139 Soothed 140 Greasy spoon DOWN 1 Physicist — Newton 2 Opera by Bellini 3 Sag 4 — about time! 5 Between ports 6 Grail seeker 7 Big name in model trains 8 Comic-strip queen 9 Natural moisture 10 Kassel's river 11 Outlaws 12 Draw a breath

13 Laissez- — 14 "Ich bin — Berliner" 15 B'way postings of yore 16 Cross at risk 17 Seinfeld pal 18 Ben on "Bonanza" 19 Gill alternatives 20 NFL stats 31 Audio partner 33 Wax theatrical 35 Hazard a guess 37 Thread purchase 39 Old blues singer Ma — 41 Renovates 44 Leno or Letterman 46 Table salt in the lab 48 Dallas hoopsters (abbr.) 49 Pie chart 50 Cowboy meet 51 Vast expanse 52 Knows somehow 53 Pied-a- — 54 Tack 55 Mork's superior 56 Entered data 58 Check a suspect 59 Hasta —, amigo! 60 Render helpless 62 Barely speak

63 Mild cheese 64 Good, in Guatemala 67 Sevareid and Heiden 68 Vaguely 69 Wedding-cake doll 71 Genghis' grandson 73 Fall plantings 74 Annapolis frosh 76 Think over 77 "Star Wars" thug 78 Please, to Fritz 79 "Hamlet" prop 80 Photographer — Adams 81 Snaked around 82 Lines on a map 83 Give assurance 85 Trudges 86 Specks 87 Mudville slugger 89 Graze 90 Horse-drawn carriage 91 Trounces 94 Karate blow 95 Sword part 97 Mukluk wearer 99 Pay by mail 100 Swerves 101 Brownish pigment 103 Closet door hangings 104 More overgrown

105 Busted 106 Victor's wreath 107 Wall finishing 108 Fairy-tale abode 109 Sharp, as hearing 110 Nut cake 112 Test, as ore 114 Click-on items 116 Sportscaster Merlin —

117 Migratory flocks 118 Purplish flower 120 Unwanted e-mail 122 Gift-giving time 124 Northern Iraqi 126 "Be- — -A-Lula" 128 PCB regulator 130 Meadow murmur 132 Architect I.M. — PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

CHAI TIME SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2012

STAR POWER Date 4-6-2012

As per Hindu panchang

THIRUVAIKUMAR

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

TAURUS

GEMINI

Chances of good effects will reduce. Also, there will be delays in your efforts and hence you might get frustrated. But avoid getting irritated, keep patience and continue to work with zest.

Travel will increase. Your wishes may not be fulfilled as expected. However, some important efforts will yield success. Hence, implement your efforts without any hesitation.

Businessmen will find solutions to many of their problems. New friends will be of great help and support. Also, you will receive a strong support from a source which is a surprise to you.

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

No hurdles are faced in getting wishes fulfilled. Opposition will disappear. Court verdicts will go in your favour. You will be successful in new efforts. Blood relatives will extend their support.

Works which are planned well before implementation will be successful. However, overall you will experience mixed results. Your usual soft natured approach will help you achieve plenty.

Though there will be a few disappointments, major good effects only will be seen. You will become more active and work will pick up speed. Minor health problems likely; please take care.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

VIPs will become friends unexpectedly. Good turning point likely. Continue efforts without getting vexed over minor disappointments so that success will be yours. Employees will get support.

Artists will see their efforts succeeding. Businessmen will see a consistant growth opportunity and increase in profits. Issue related to ancestral property will come to an end. Some will buy a house.

Businessmen can plan to expend their horizon as time is ripe for the same. Govt sops also likely to come through. Be careful while applying for financial assistance as it could spell trouble.

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Good things are about to take place. Though you might face problems in certain issues, you will be able to solve them with the help of wellwishers and friends. Business will look up gradually.

Peaceful atmosphere will prevail. Your skills will be exposed in each and every work you handle and you will be appreciated. All efforts will succeed. A satisfactory financial situation likely.

Good and bad effects will take place in a mixed way. Try to act with patience. Employees are advised not to expect any promotion or transfer. Govt officials will extend help. Some will go abroad.

SUMAA TEKUR

tarotreadhyd@gmail.com

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

Queen of Cups – You are capable of making a difference in your line of work. Be confident about your ideas and don’t get emotional about feedback you get.

Two of Pentacles – You are likely to be intimidated by the sheer weight of expectations people have of you. Try not to get bogged down.

Four of Cups – A job offer will confuse matters for you than resolve them. You are in demand, and that’s the good news. How you make use of this time is important.

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

Justice – No point sticking to old, traditional rules in the name of culture when they no longer are practical or applicable. Time to break old views.

Four of Wands – There are some simple ideas floating around, which can simplify your life to a great extent. They may be unconventional ideas.

The Chariot – You may be feeling demotivated at work. Although it is your manager’s duty to do something about it, you also have to make the effort.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

Page of Cups – You feel stuck in a rut and want to get out. It could be a job or a relationship. You want freedom but don’t know what to do with this freedom.

Seven of Pentacles – Playing the blame game is not going to work. There will be times when you feel you did nothing wrong but that may not be entirely true.

The Hermit – Add more interest and interaction at work place. You’re feeling bored and you may be to blame. You’re feeling stuck in a rut and should get out.

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

The Magician – Plan the future in a way that you feel mentally at peace. Planning is everything. You need to spend some time organising your finances.

Temperance – Seniors in your group at the work place or in the nighbourhood have some very useful words of wisdom. Listen in and don’t dismiss experience.

Ace of Cups – You need inspiration to jump into something you’re not very familiar with. You can get inspiration from even a rock, if you mind.

For Better or for Worse Stone soup

Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson

Ink pen

COMICS

Fred Basset

ARIES

TAROT READ Date 4-6-2012

herlock Holmes and Dr Watson go on a camping trip. After a good dinner and a bottle of wine, they retire for the night, and go to sleep. Some hours later, Holmes wakes up and nudges his faithful friend. “Watson, look up at the sky and tell me what you see.” “I see millions and millions of stars, Holmes” replies Watson. “And what do you deduce from that?” Watson ponders for a minute. “Well, Astronomically, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets.

Astrologically, I observe that Saturn is in Leo. Horologically, I deduce that the time is approximately a quarter past three. Meteorologically, I suspect that we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. Theologically, I can see that God is all powerful, and that we are a small and insignificant part of the universe.” “But what does it tell you, Holmes?” Holmes is silent for a moment. “Watson, you idiot!” he says. “Someone has stolen our tent!”

Vol: 1, No 322 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

WACKY WORLD SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2012

Burgled and clean

ue Warren decided she wasn’t going to sit around and wait for clients to call her house cleaning business. Instead, she took the initiative and started breaking into people’s houses, cleaning them and leaving the bill. The 53-year-old woman from Ohio was apprehended last week, after she broke into a house did some light cleaning and left a bill for $75, on a napkin.

World’s most expensive burger

A chilled-out prison

ust days after NY’’s Serendipity 3 restaurant claimed the Guinness Record for the world’s most expensive burger, with its $295 Le Burger Extravagant, another challenger appears. Presenting the Douche Burger — the delicacy costs $666 and consists of a burger filled and topped with Kobe beef patty (wrapped in gold leaf), foie gras, caviar, lobster, truffles, imported aged and Gruyére cheese (melted with champagne steam).

orway is famous for its liberal prison system, but not even the most optimistic criminal would ever hope to end up in a place like Bastoy Island. It’s quite simply paradise on Earth for serious offenders looking for some time off from crime. Located on a scenic island accessible by ferry, the kind of freedom and resort-like leisure these prisoners enjoy is hard to believe.

MARRIAGE CARRIAGE

AFP/ CHRISTOF STACHE

A Chinese bride and a man in typical Bavarian clothes pose in front of horse-drawn vehicle after their re-enacted wedding in Fuessen, southern Germany, on May 31. Fifteen Chinese couples who already got married in China, spent their vacation in Germany and repeat their promise of marriage at King Ludwig’s Neuschwanstein Castle.

Welcome to China’s Pigville

Self-portraits made out of blood

Vice Lolly: Holy water and absinthe!

n an attempt to make their pigs more comfortable, the people of Zhangpu Village, in China, have built a residential complex for them, made up of 600 small concrete houses. Most pigs spend all their lives locked up in pens, just waiting to be slaughtered, but the lucky swine of Zhangpu are living the good life. At first, the idea of moving the animals didn’t appeal to the locals, primarily because of the $1,230 price tag but critics were put to rest once everyone noticed how happy the pigs were and how fast they started growing.

ack in 1991, Marc Quinn started one of the most bizarre art projects in history – making detailed self-portraits from his own frozen blood. He has been making a new one every five year or so, since then. Yes, they’re creepy, but think of it this way – it must be reassuring for Mark to know that if he ever needs a transfusion, he’s got a few gallons of blood he can use.

he Vice Lolly is the latest frozen treat created by controversial ice-cream shop, Icecreamists, in London. The gun-shaped lolly is made from holy water from a sacred spring in Lourdes, France, alcohol absinthe and sugar. A year after he shocked the world with the ice-cream made from breast milk, Icecreamists owner, Mark O’Connor, has launched a new outrageous frozen dessert called the Vice Lolly. Priced at £18.58 ($28.5), Vive Lolly is a green gun-shaped treat.

52 DAYS TO GO SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2012

Mo’s ready with steady 10K feat EUGENE, OREGON: Great Britain’s Mo Farah says he is targetting the 10,000 metres at the London Olympics and will wait to see how he feels before deciding whether to go for a double in the 5,000. “I am going to run the 10,000 for sure because it is the first race,” Farah said after winning the 5,000 at the Diamond League’s Prefontaine Classic on Saturday. “I will see how I feel after that. It depends how I come off in the 10,000. I would like to be fresh and not have any niggles.” Last year Farah doubled at the World Championships in Daegu, winning gold in the 5,000m and silver in the 10,000m. Both races were determined by sprints to the finish in the home straight. Farah showed Saturday that he has the fitness to maintain a quick pace, winning in a time of 12min 56.98secs in front of a crowd of more than 12,000 at Hayward Field. Isaiah Kiplangat Koech of Kenya was second in 12:57.63 and American Galen Rupp finished third in 12:58.90. Reigning Olympic gold medalist and world record holder Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia finished fourth in 13:01.48. “The crowd got behind me. I was really pleased. It was awe-

Unions to get Games bonus

AFP

KARACHI: The

some,” the 29-year-old Farah said. “It was kind of an up and down pace. I started reasonably good then slowed down in the middle and then towards the end I picked it up again. “The conditions were a little windy today so I wasn’t as perfect as what I wanted. But at the end of the day, I think the most important thing was to get a win under my belt.” It is going to be a whirlwind summer for Farah. Not only will he compete in the Olympics in August but his wife is expecting twins in midSeptember. “It has been tough on my wife but I have to do what I do. I am looking forward to the twins,” Farah said. He declined to say whether the twins are identical or what sex they were. Farah, who now trains in nearby Portland, said being the British favourite on home soil will spur him on, rather than make him nervous. “It gives me a good advantage,” he said. “But everybody else will be showing up early to try and get used to everything. “I am more of a positive person than a negative one,” Farah said. “I like to have a crowd behind me.” AFP

Oz top rower retires

LONDON: Britain’s union bosses have won one-off bonuses for thousands of transport workers after threats of embarrassing strike action during the London Olympics -- but bus drivers’ demands have so far stalled. Thousands of staff on the London Underground train network, or Tube, have won individual payments of £850 ($1,316, 1,062 euros) for an expected heavier workload during the Games which take place between July 27 and August 12. Tube drivers may receive as much as £1,000 following negotiations involving the RMT union’s militant leader Bob Crow. John Kelly, professor of Industrial Relations at London’s Birkbeck university, said unions representing Tube staff had taken advantage of a lack of competition on the Underground.

Pak get summons from IOC

SYDNEY: Australia’s four-time Olympian Duncan Free has announced his retirement from rowing after succumbing to a long-term rib injury, Rowing Australia said on Sunday. The 2008 Olympic gold medallist in the men’s pair was attempting to compete at his

fifth Games in London next month but has been troubled by the ongoing rib cartilage issue. Free, 39, who was hit by a car while cycling last year, said although it was a tough decision to quit he was bowing out proud of his rowing career. “I am quite proud that I

was able to come back from the accident and trial for the Olympic Team, as 12 months ago I was unsure if I would ever be able to row again,” Free said in a statement from the Australian Institute of Sport’s European Training Centre in Italy. “I gave it my best crack and hung in there for as long as I could, but the body couldn’t keep up as we were running out of time.” Free was on course to compete in London until he was hit by a car while cycling on Queensland’s Gold Coast, sustaining a fractured right leg and resulting in longer term complications to his ribs. Free made his Olympic debut at Atlanta in 1996 in the men’s quad scull, winning a bronze medal. He also competed in 10 world championships, winning two gold and two bronze medals. AFP

International Olympic Committee has summoned Pakistani sports officials to resolve a row over alleged government interference that could jeopardise the country’s attendance at the London Games. Pakistan Olympic Association president Syed Arif Hasan said Saturday his country might face a ban if a stand-off with the Pakistan Sports Board is not resolved. Under Pakistani sports policy, no national sports federation head can have more than two tenures and the Pakistan Sports Board wants the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) to follow suit. But Hasan insisted the POA was a autonomous body that would only follow IOC rules. “The IOC has summoned both the parties on Monday to make clear that any government interference is unacceptable in Olympic association matters, but things can go wrong,” said Hasan. “Under the IOC charter, political and government interference is not acceptable and it can lead to the cancellation of IOC membership and in turn an Olympic ban,” Hasan, who won a third term as POA head in February this year told AFP. “It is a very dangerous scenario.” The two sides have been summoned to appear before the IOC in Switzerland on Monday. In its letter to the POA, the IOC said government interference was “unacceptable.” “As the London Games are fast approaching, your National Olympic Committee and the Olympic movement in your country must be in a position to work in a serene and peaceful atmosphere in order to prepare your athletes and your delegation to the London Games in the best possible manner,” the letter said. AFP

SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2012

ALL

BEAUTY

YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

Best EURO performance: 1992 semifinals Coach: Erik Hamren Leading scorer: : all-time – Sven Rydell (49); current – Zlatan Ibrahimović (30)

SWEDEN

THE BEST

S WEDEN ’ S

Most appearances: all-time – Thomas Ravelli (143); current – Anders Svensson (126) Association formed: 1904 Nickname: Blågult (Blue-Yellow)

A point to prove Having failed to reach the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Euro 2012 is an important tournament for Sweden to prove they have overcome that setback.

POSTNOON PREDICTION

STOCKHOLM: Prior to the 1990s, Sweden’s qualification record for big tournaments was patchy to say the least. Although they had qualified for seven out of 12 World Cups from 1934 to 1986, they had never made it to a European Championship finals before hosting the competition in 1992. But since then they have been regulars at both major events, missing out only twice on World Cup qualification and once at the Euros since 1990. They have become something of a steady but unspectacular presence at most international events. Their qualification for this tournament was quite impressive considering they missed out on the 2010 World Cup. They pipped Portugal and Croatia as the best second placed team in qualifying thanks to a 3-2 win over the Netherlands in their last group game. That ended the Dutch team’s 17 match group stage winning run and proved that Sweden are capable of mixing it with the big guns. Their best Euros result came when they hosted the event in 1992 when they reached the semi-finals but this is a competition that has not always been won by the favourites. Denmark’s victory in 1992 and Greece’s in 2004 are testament to the surprises the Euros can produce. Sweden are built around a solid and Erik Hamren’s boys make a balanced and technically sound side. But, despite having Zlatan Ibrahimovic as captain, Sweden may struggle against the formidable England and France.

organised defence looking to launch quick counter-attacks, something similar to tactics Greece used to great success in 2004. A lot depends on Sweden’s talisman, AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Outside of his homeland and Italy he is often considered to be someone who looks a genuis against minnows but fails to produce the goods when the going gets tough. That is perhaps a little harsh as it is naturally tougher to find space and be effective against better teams but Ibrahimovic still has a lot to prove. He was his team’s top scorer in the group stages but his role is more than just finishing things off in the box. He is a focal point for bringing the likes of Kim Kallstrom, Sebastian Larsson and Johan Elmander into the game.

FIXTURES

Monday 11 June: Ukraine v Sweden, 20.45CET, Kyiv Friday 15 June: Sweden v England, 20.45CET, Kyiv Tuesday 19 June: Sweden v France, 20.45CET, Kyiv

E URO

30 STATS

MATCHES PLAYED Overall: P106 W52 D25 L29 F174 A109 Final tournament: P14 W4 D5 L5 F19 A16 Qualifying: P92 W48 D20 L24 F155 A93

PLAYER TO WATCH

Ibrahimovic: Sweden’s talisman KIEV: When we think of the Swedish national team, most of us picture Zlatan Ibrahimovic and 10 others. Sweden’s national team actually has a number of talented and capable players—Kim Kallstrom, Sebastian Larsson, etc.—but Ibrahimovic is clearly a cut above his teammates. At first glance Ibrahimovic’s 29 goals in 75 appearances for Sweden may not look very impressive. However, there is an opinion that

SWEDEN GROUP D At a glance English fans particularly remember Sweden’s finest hour, when Thomas Brolin inspired them to a semi-final berth on home soil in 1992. Since then two group stage appearances in 2000 and 2008 sandwiched a run to the quarters in 2004, when the Swedes were unfortunate to lose 5-4 on penalties to Holland in a nail-biter. Sweden bounced back from their friendly defeat at Wembley last November with an excellent 3-1 win away to Croatia, demonstrating their mettle.

Ibrahimovic has never been able to guide his team to success, and being surrounded by players not good enough to compete with the best national teams has limited his goal-scoring. Also, Ibrahimovic had boycotted international duty and retired temporarily when the national team failed to qualify for the 2010 World Cup. Club-wise, though, Ibrahimovic has been a much more dangerous striker, and this year was his best career year, even though it ended without silverware. Ibrahimovic scored five goals in Euro 2012 qualifying, but those five goals came in only two of the 10 qualifying matches of Sweden, indicating that Ibrahimovic still very much blows hot and cold for his national team.

SPORTS SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2012

San Antonio Spurs ‘Thunder’struck

CAMELOT HO!

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA:

Horse ‘Camelot’ ridden by jockey Joseph O’Brien finishes first in the Derby race on Derby Day, the second day of the Epsom Derby horse racing festival, at Epsom in Surrey, southern England, on Saturday, June 2, the first official day of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. AFP PHOTO

Santa Cruz crushes veteran Malinga LOS ANGELES: Mexico’s Leo Santa Cruz won a 12-round unanimous decision over South African veteran Vusi Malinga on Saturday to capture the vacant International Boxing Federation bantamweight world title. Santa Cruz, 23, remained unbeaten, improving to 20-0 with one drawn and 11 knockouts as he punished southpaw Malinga with an array of punches, notably his left hook to the body. Two of the ringside judges awarded the bout to Santa Cruz 120-108, while the third saw it 119-109. Santa Cruz set the tone in the opening round, getting right to work at a fast pace. Malinga, 32 stayed in front of Santa Cruz, but he couldn’t

hurt the younger fighter with his punches. Gradually Malinga slowed and in the seventh he was hurt by yet another Santa Cruz left hook to the body, which the California-based Mexican followed up with a combination to the head. The eighth round offered more of the same, as Malinga refused to go away but couldn’t find a way to turn the tide. Malinga came into the bout after a 19-month layoff since a unanimous 12-round decision over Filipino Michael Domingo that assured him a title shot. The title was vacated by Abner Mares, who stepped up in weight to claim the World Boxing Council super bantamweight title.

Kevin Durant scored half of his 36 points in the fourth quarter Saturday as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the San Antonio Spurs 109-103 to tie the NBA Western Conference Finals at two games apiece. Defensive stalwart Serge Ibaka contributed some unexpected offence, scoring 26 points on perfect 11-for-11 shooting for the Thunder, who improved to 7-0 at home this post-season. San Antonio, who won the first two games at home to stretch their winning streak to 20 straight contests before losing game three on Thursday, will try to reassert themselves when they host game five on Monday. The winners of the best-ofseven series advance to the NBA

Finals, where they will play either Miami or Boston for the championship. Durant made seven of his nine attempts from the floor in the final quarter. In one five-minute span he scored all 16 of Oklahoma City’s points -- helping them hold off a tenacious Spurs team that trailed by as many as 15 points but had closed the gap to four midway through the fourth. Kendrick Perkins added 15 points with nine rebounds for Oklahoma City, helping make up for a lackluster night for Russell Westbrook, who scored just seven points on 2-for-10 shooting. “He opened up the defense by making passes. That’s what our guys did tonight, finding the bigs for open shots,” Thunder coach Scott Brooks said of Durant.

Levin leads, Tiger in woods

DUBLIN, OHIO: Spencer Levin defied difficult windy conditions to post a three-under par 69 on Saturday to take the third-round lead of the USPGA Tour’s $6.2 million Memorial tournament. Levin, seeking a first tour victory, had a 54-hole total of eight-under par 208, one shot in front of overnight leader Rory Sabbatini, who posted a oneunder par 71 for 209. Rickie Fowler carded a threeunder 69 to rise to third on 211, with 14-time major champion Tiger Woods alone in fourth after a one-over 73 for 212. Woods got off to a solid start, with two birdies on the front nine at Muirfield Village. But Woods struggled coming in, making the last of his four bogeys at the par-four 18th. “I got a little tired at the end, but so be it,” Woods said. “I had my opportunities to move up that board and I didn’t do it. “I’m still in the ballgame,” added Woods, a four-time Memorial winner. “I need to grind it out and obviously post a good number (on Sunday).” Japan’s Ryo Ishikawa carded a 71 to lead a trio on 213 that also included Sweden’s Henrik

Stenson (71) and Jonathan Byrd (72). Ishikawa used a local caddie and nabbed four birdies on the back nine, including three in a row from the 12th, to climb up the leaderboard. Veteran Vijay Singh of Fiji had the other 69 and was in a group at 214. Levin chipped in for an eagle at the par-five fifth and for a

birdie, as he posted one of just three rounds in the 60s in the blustery weather. His round put him in position to challenge again for his first tour title. He had a six-shot lead after three rounds in Phoenix earlier this year but carded a final-round 75 to finish third behind winner Kyle Stanley. AFP

SPORTS SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2012

Nadal leads Spanish surge PARIS: Rafael Nadal tightened a Spanish stranglehold on the bottom half of the French Open draw on Saturday, while Andy Murray set up a last 16 round clash with Richard Gasquet. The defending champion coasted into the fourth round with a lop-sided 6-1, 6-3, 6-4 win over qualifier Eduardo Schwank of Argentina. Earlier sixth-seeded David Ferrer flattened Russia’s Mikhail Youzhny 6-0, 6-2, 6-2 in just 101 minutes, whilst 12th seed Nicolas Almagro saw off the challenge of Argentina’s Leonardo Mayer 6-4, 61, 6-2. Marcel Granollers then edged a hard-fought 6-4, 6-4, 1-6, 46, 6-1 win over French wildcard Paul-Henri Mathieu to ensure that half of the qualifiers for the last 16 in the bottom half of the draw were from Spain. In contrast, there were no Spaniards through in the top half of the draw. Murray looked to be over the lower back problems that beset him in the previous round as he defeated Santiago Giraldo of Colombia 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. Nadal, who turns 26 on Sunday, had Schwank on the defensive from the start, jumping out into a 4-0 lead that set the tone for the entire match. He conceded just eight games, taking his total in three matches to a meagre 17. The Spaniard is set on winning the French Open for a record seventh time in eight years, having first played at Roland Garros in 2005 as an 18-year-old. With a match record of 48-1 in his favour Nadal next goes up against Juan Monaco of Argentina who defeated Milos Raonic of Canada 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-4.

AFP

Wayne backs Welbeck LONDON: Wayne Rooney has backed Manchester United team-mate Danny Welbeck to fire England’s attack in his absence at Euro 2012. Rooney is suspended for England’s first two group matches against France and Sweden and Welbeck made a convincing case to deputise for the United star as he bagged his first senior international goal to seal a 1-0 win over Belgium in Saturday’s friendly at Wembley. Welbeck hadn’t played for club or country since suffering a bruised ankle playing against Manchester City on April 30 and is currently taking antibiotics for a stomach complaint, but he still showed enough glimpses of his vast potential to suggest he is a more potent threat than Andy Carroll, who is his main rival for the targetman role in Roy Hodgson’s side. The 21-year-old underlined all his qualities in both the build-up to and the eventual conversion of his goal. When Belgian midfielder Dries Mertens dwelt on the ball in his own half, Welbeck showed he is willing to work for the team as he nipped in to clip the ball towards Steven Gerrard, who moved possession on to Ashley Young.

man 3rd rd David Ferrer (ESP x6) bt Mikhail Youzhny (RUS x27) 6-0, 6-2, 6-2 Marcel Granollers (ESP x20) bt Paul-Henri Mathieu (FRA) 6-4, 6-4, 1-6, 4-6, 6-1 Richard Gasquet (FRA x17) bt Tommy Haas (GER) 6-7 (3/7), 6-3, 6-0, 6-0 Andy Murray (GBR x4) bt Santiago Giraldo (COL) 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 Janko Tipsarevic (SRB x8) bt Julien Benneteau (FRA x29) 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 Nicolas Almagro (ESP x12) bt Leonardo Mayer (ARG) 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 Juan Monaco (ARG x13) bt Milos Raonic (CAN x19) 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-4 Rafael Nadal (ESP x2) bt Eduardo Schwank (ARG) 6-1, 6-3, 6-4

Women 3rd rd Li Na (CHN x7) bt Christina McHale (USA) 3-6, 6-2, 6-1 Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ) bt Carla Suarez Navarro (ESP) 6-4, 7-5 Varvara Lepchenko (USA) bt Francesca Schiavone (ITA x14) 3-6, 6-3, 8-6 Petra Kvitova (CZE x4) bt Nina Bratchikova (RUS) 6-2, 4-6, 6-1 Arantxa Rus (NED) bt Julia Goerges (GER x25) 7-6 (7/5), 2-6, 6-2 Kaia Kanepi (EST x23) bt Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x9) 6-1, 6-7 (3/7), 6-3 Klara Zakopalova (CZE) bt Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS x22) 6-3, 7-5 Maria Sharapova (RUS x2) bt Peng Shuai (CHN x28) 6-2, 6-1