TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013 HYDERABAD
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Placing the work of Rembrandt and his contemporaries squarely within the context of modernity’s development is a show titled Rembrandt’s Century in San Fransisco. While the art world is going gaga over the show, we take a look at some of his contemporaries.
MASTERS OF STYLE P16&17
HYDERABAD’S FIRST COMPACT AFTERNOON NEWSPAPER
GOVT PUTS AKBAR TO TEST
Medical team examines Akbaruddin Owaisi who has sought a four-day ‘sick leave’.
REPORT ON P3 DANIEL CRAIG WANTS ADELE TO SING THE THEME OF NEXT BOND FILM
ED ATTACHES JAGAN ASSETS WORTH `143 CR
The Enforcement Directorate has attached properties of YSR Congress chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy — worth `143 crore — in connection with its probe into the disproportionate assets case.
FLASH
Actor Daniel Craig wants multiple Grammy winning singer Adele to sing the theme song for the next Bond film after her global smash hit with Skyfall. The 24-year-old singer would be the first repeat Bond singer since Shirley Bassey sang Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever and Moonraker.
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A HEAVY CROSS TO BEAR
To ensure high pass percentages, some schools are skipping Class IX syllabus to jump straight to Class X books. Who cares about students’ education?
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013
city events
INDIAN CINEMA BOLE THO
Taj Banjara & Moving Images present Indian Cinema Bole Tho? The event involves a panel discussion with Mahesh Bhatt, M K Raghavendra, Meenakshi Shedde, Ramesh Prasad and Elahe Hiptoolah on January 8 at 7pm at Middle Lawns, Taj Banjara.
Weather for Hyderabad
Evening
Overnight
Morning
Afternoon
25°C
19°C
23°C
30°C
Clear with cloudy periods.
A mix of cloudy and clear skies.
A mix of sun and cloud.
Mostly sunny.
New Delhi Mumbai Max 15 Max 30 Min 5 Min 21 Clear skies.
Clear skies.
Chennai Max 30 Min 23
Bangalore Max 30 Min 17
Partly cloudy, mostly clear at night.
Mostly sunny and clear.
AROUND THE CITY: YOUR GUIDE TO THE TWIN CITIES to the superstar. The dance will be choreographed by Mahesh L Munde, who has choreographed national and international performances. Where: Lalitha Kala Thoranam, Public gardens, Hyderabad When: January 27 6pm to 9:30pm Contact: 93965 55888
ART Paintings exhibition Drawing and paintings by Siddhartha, Kappari Kishan & Shivanand Basavanthappa. Where: Shrishti Art Gallery, Jubilee Hills When: Up to January 15 Contact: (040) 2354 0023
MISCELLANEOUS
Chai wallah art show There is an exhibition of paintings by Vijay Gille at the gallery on Chai wallah and other stories. Where: Iconart Gallery, Banjara Hills When: Up to January 12 11:30am to 7pm Contact: www.iconart.in Code Red Countdown Code Red Countdown is an art collection revolving around ecology, by New York based artist Asher Jay. The theme is endangered wildlife. Where: Lalitha Kala Thoranam, Public gardens When: January 27 6pm to 9:30pm Contact: 93965 55888
DINING Makar Sankranti There’s an exquisite signature thali with sweets made of rice, jaggery, green gram and sesame on the occasion of Sankranti. Where: Dakshin, Begumpet When: January 14-15 Contact: (040) 2340 0132
HORSE RIDE: Police officers ride on horses near Nampally exhibition grounds. Punjabi Food Festival There will be a bonfire and Punjabi delicacies like Murgh Tikka Anari, Gosht Ka Saag, Sarson Da Saag, Makki Da Roti and Doodhi Halwa will be served. Where: The Square, Hitec City When: Up to January 20 Contact: (040) 6682 4422 Gloria Jean’s coffee Gloria Jean’s, an international coffee chain, has introduced two new flavours for this season: Creamy Christmas Chocolate and Snowy Christmas Chiller. Gloria Jean’s Coffees will also give all its customers a chance to win exotic holidays in India and Thailand. Where: Lifestyle, first floor, Begumpet and Unit No.G 49 A, Inorbit Mall,
Commissioner & Spl Officer
Helpline GAS BOOKING IVRS NO HP 9666023456 Indane 9848824365 BSNL Complaints HMWS & SB Complaints
198 155313
POLICE CONTROL ROOM Hyderabad 27852435 Traffic Control Room 27852482 DCP Traffic 23234065, 23243499F Pollution Control Board 23887500 ELECTRICITY General Complaints Breakdown Section
Numaish Numaish is the 73rd All India Industrial Exhibition is an ongoing event in the City. Where: Exhibition Ground, Mukarramjahi Road, Nampally, When: Up to February 15, 4pm to 11pm Contact: (040) 2460 3015
155333 23431178 23431179
MUNICIPAL CORPORATION
23262266 24166666R ENC 23225267 Engineering 23220418 MCH Tankbund 23225397 Emergency MCH Circle I&II 24525842 MCH Circle III 24736912 MCH Circle IV 23326975 MCH Circle V 23326976 MCH Circle VI MCH Complaints 1100 Head Office 23225397 IVRS CUM MANUAL ENQUIRY PHONE NUMBERS (TRAIN & RESERVATION) RAILWAYS Rail Nilayam 27833169, 27824216 Railway Information 131 Reservations 135 Recorded Information 1345 Enquiry (IVRS) 1331, 1332, 1333
Madhapur When: Up to January 15 Contact: (040) 4221 9376
SHOWS Bonjour India festival The Bonjour India festival, a celebration of Indo-French cultural exchange, is being held for the second time in India. The cultural calender for the same has been published by Alliance Française of Hyderabad. Where: Contact office for venues and dates When: January-March 9am to 6pm Contact: (040) 2770 0734 The Republic Ride The biggest corporate cycling event at Hyderabad is being organized by The Atlanta Foundation on republic
WATER SUPPLY Complaint Cell Sewerage Complaint Hyd. Water Supply HOSPITAL General Hospital, Sec-bad Niloufer Hospital, Red Hills NIMS, Director, Punjagutta Osmania General Hospital Railway Hospital, Lalaguda Apollo, Jubilee Hills Care Hospital, Banjara Hills Care Hospital, Nampally Care Hospital, Musheerabad Care Hospital, Sec-bad Kamineni Hospital, LB Nagar
155313 23307328 23313163
27505566 23314095 23390933 24600146 27001134 23607777 30418888 30417777 30419000 30416666 39879999
BLOOD BANKS Blood Bank,Narayanguda Chiranjeevi Blood Bank Blood Bank Mediton Goal Red Cross, Vidyanagar ADRM Blood Bank Mythri Charitable Trust NTR Memorial Trust Care Banjara Hills
S BALAKRISHNA
day. The aim is to promote educational programs for underprivileged children. Where: Gachibowli Stadium When: January 26, 6:15am onwards Contact: atlantafoundation.org Krishnakriti festival Krishnakriti Art & Culture festival 2013 is starting on January 7. The inauguration and talk on the first two days will be held at Kalakriti. The time and agenda for the rest of the dates are available with Kalakriti. Where: Kalakriti Art Gallery When: January 7-11 7pm onwards Contact: (040) 6656 4466
Cotton & Silk Mela Lepakshi Handicrafts Emporium is organizing a cotton and silk mela, an exclusive handloom exhibition cum sale. Where: TTD Kalyanmandapam, Himayath Nagar, Liberty X roads When: Up to January 10 11am to 9pm Contact: (040) 2323 5028
Tribute to Rajesh Khanna There will be dance performances on Rajesh Khanna’s songs to pay tribute
27567892 23559555 23226624 27633087 27035588 27550238 30799999 30418296 30417445
AMBULANCES Apollo 23548888, 23607777 Kamineni 24022222 Medwin 23202902, 23204616 Smile Line Dental Hospital 23747979 Red Cross 27627973 Niloufer Hospital 23314095 Gandhi 23320332 AIRLINES
Photo competition Alliance Francaise, Hyderabad, is conducting a photo competition. The theme for the contest is Professions of the world. Where: http://hyderabad.afindia.org When: Up to January 10
Airport Director 27903785, 27906001 For Air India Flight Information Toll free (from any network) for IC Flights 18001801407 And for All Flights: 1800227722 Air India has revised its flight timings. For more information call (Toll free) 18001801407, 1800227722 from BSNL/MTNL 04023430334 from other lines and mobile Website; www.airindia.in TOURISM OFFICES AP Tourism, Hyd 23262152/53/54 Sec-bad 27893100 Dept of Tourism 23453110 India Tourism 23261360 AP Tourism information Centre (24x7) 23450444, 23455999 UK VISA OFFICE VFS India Pvt Ltd Building, 8-2-542/A, Sunil Chamber, Road No. 7
Beside Meridian School, Banjara Hills34. Working hours are from 8 AM to 1 PM And 2 PM to 3PM. MUSEUMS Salar Jung Museum AP State Museum Nizams Museum
24523211 232431300/7641 24521029
Readers’ views
We invite you to write to us comments, suggestions, viewpoint or just about anything to feedback@postnoon.com or #1246, Level 3, Jubilee Casa, Road No 62, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad – 500 033 or even by way of a call on 4067 2222
TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013
City
YESTERDAY’S QUESTION
IS IT RIGHT TO REVEAL VICTIM X’S NAME? 55% 45%
YES (A) NO (B)
TODAY’S QUESTION
SHOULD PARLIAMENT HOLD A SPECIAL SESSION TO DISCUSS WOMEN’S SAFETY BILL? A)
YES
B)
NO
To vote visit www.postnoon.com
CRIME-POLITICS
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Owaisi put to medical test Tension in Old City following reports that Akbaruddin Owaisi may be placed under arrest if the medical panel clears him.
Mohd SUBHAN mohd.s@postnoon.com
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determined government and police today thwarted the attempts of hate-speech suspect and MIM floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi to take refuge in sickness and put him to a panel of three doctors of the government Gandhi Hospital for a thorough examination to verify his claim. Owaisi, facing a dozen or more cases throughout the country for his incendiary speeches inciting minority community, returned home yesterday from abroad where he was holidaying. Since then, he and his party lawyers have made two appeals: Owaisi is sick and wants four more days to appear before the Nirmal police in Adilabad, and that his lawyers want the High Court to quash hate-speech petitions. This morning, Owaisi’s elder brother and party chief Asaduddin Owaisi came to Akbar’s home in Banjara Hills to meet him. Asaduddin’s first ire
fell on the large media corps camping there and he tried to shoo them away. After a while Akbar was driven out to Gandhi Hospital in his car. A bunch of hardcore party workers followed the cavalcade to the hospital, creating traffic jams at several places. At the hospital, Owaisi was taken in, while his followers gathered at the hospital premises and indulged in throaty sloganeering, “CM down, down.” Sources said that if the medical panel clears him of being ill, he will be taken to the Adilabad police station for interrogation. However, it depends on the medical opinion. Currently, he is being put through MRI, ECG, and various blood tests. Meanwhile, the City police, fearing an outbreak of violence in the Old City, have tightened security and stepped up their vigil. The police are in readiness with barricades in many trouble spots. Over 100 mediapersons had been camping before Owaisi’s residence since yesterday morning. The MIM has objected to the ‘pestilence’ of media ‘persecuting’ the party.
N SHIVA KUMAR
BJP activists burn an effigy of MIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi in the City.
CRIME
Man rapes minor sister-in-law
In a cure worse than the disease, a women’s group wants the girl to be married to the rapist as she is unlikely to get a husband with the stigma attached to rape. POSTNOON NEWS feedback@postnoon.com
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rime against women continues unabated. Another story comes from Shamshabad, where a 35-year-old married man and father of a child raped his sister-in-law, aged 16 years. And now, a women’s group is toying with the idea of marrying off the girl to the rapist. K Raghu, charged with molesting and raping the minor, has been arrested and remanded. Inspector K Anjaiah said the man has admitted to the crime. Raghu, a labourer, was married to Narsamma, 21, four years ago. Narsamma had planned a New
Year function at her home and asked Raghu to bring her sister. Narsamma’s parents live in Ibrahimpatnam. Raghu took with him a cousin, Heera Babu, and the two went to Ibrahimpatnam on a bike. They were returning with the girl when Raghu asked Heera to get down on the way, pleading that three on a bike would attract police intervention. The cousin got off at Sanghiguda village. Raghu and the girl continued. After a while, Raghu stopped the bike in a desolate area and molested the girl. When she tried to scream, he allegedly threatened to kill her if she raised the alarm. After raping her, he dropped the
girl home, warning her against telling anybody. The terrified girl kept her silence but it disturbed her mentally, so much so that she fell ill and became unconscious. Her parents and sister repeatedly asked the girl if anything was wrong. Finally, the girl sobbed out the incident. The girl’s parents and sister lodged a complaint. Raghu was arrested immediately. As the girl belongs to a poor family, many wondered what future there was for the girl. According to the police, a women’s group suggested marrying her off to the same man as she may not get a bridegroom. It is said that the hapless family may agree.
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city TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013
CIVIC
LAST YEAR... HERE
Sleepless in Hyderabad
Different strokes
L
ast year we had reported how the traffic police had to deal with two very different drunk drivers. One, an actor, submitted to the test willingly, and admitted his crime. The other, a businessman, ranted and raved and finally had to be arrested. Poor traffic cops who are only doing their duty end up being abused. Any wonder their stress levels are so high?
JANUARY 8, 2012
NUMEROLOGY
300
The number of elephants killed in five years in Orissa alone. Electrocution and rail accidents are among the main reasons for the pachyderm deaths.
Even women in the house tend to find fault with the girl when she complains of being eve teased. They pressurise the girl so much that she begins to feel guilty. Dr Nasirabadi, psychologist See page 5
THINGS WE 5LEARNT TODAY The column that teaches everyone something new about the way the City functions.
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Sharing responsibility for elephant deaths. The railways and electricity department have to be pulled up for elephant deaths along with the forest department, feels a wildlife activist from Orissa, where hundreds of pachyderms die in accidents.
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Support your own gender, women told. In India, sometimes the worst enemies of women are other women. Women seem quicker to point fingers at female victims, leaving them with no support system.
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Even as citizens are forced to take law into their own hands against building contractors who work through the night, the GHMC refuses to step up and help aggrieved residents and the police often play a dubious role. SRINIVAS SETTY Md NIZAMUDDIN nizamuddin.a@postnoon.com
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itizens who want repose at night are troubled by construction contractors who make labourers work through the night, violating the rights of neighbours and workers, besides creating a nuisance for commuters. In retaliation, Abhiram (in pic), grandson of Tollywood mogul Ramanaidu, attacked an engineer in Banjara Hills recently. Renovation work was reportedly on at engineer Ravi Teja’s house since many days and the noise troubled Abhiram. Work continued late into the night despite Abhiram asking Teja to stop work at night. On Thursday night, Abhiram lost his cool and went and beat up Teja. Banjara Hills inspector P Muralee Krishna said that Abhiram attacked Teja, and asked him to stop the work. This is no isolated case. A reality check around five roads in Jubilee Hills and Banjara Hills revealed that scores of people have anonymously complained to the police or the GHMC but both shift the responsibility to the other and leave citizens helpless. “I complained of night drilling in my neighbourhood but the GHMC did nothing. The police patrol looks the other way. Obviously, the rich contractors know how to take care of the police,” said a former director of agriculture department on Jubilee Hills Road No 19. And, just in the neighbourhood is Speaker N Manohar’s house, but he seems not perturbed by the noise. There are numerous constructions underway in the City and most of the contractors have no qualms in violating people’s right to sleep. “Rich contractors are arrogant and they have the support of MLAs or MPs,” reasoned a resident of
DANGERS OF THE NIGHT
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nternational Labour Organisation has, in its convention in 1990, said that engaging women at night should not be allowed. It favoured avoidance of night work as it tells on the health of workers and also, the quality of work suffers. For workers, sleep disturbance affects worker performance and there is increased risk of occupational accidents and diseases, including Jubilee Hills Road No18, where a contractor has dumped a mountain of debris right by the roadside. According to observers, one of the reasons for the problems faced by locals in areas like Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills is the existence of rocky terrain, which has to be leveled with heavy duty machinery. Some of
digestive and cardiovascular diseases for night workers. There is also an increased risk of breast cancer for women night workers. Similarly, for employers, night work might bring more administrative costs in compensating workers for accidents and diseases. All this apart, creating noise at night violates the fundamental rights of every citizen to sleep at night. the engineers with big construction groups are resorting to night work. “Construction of apartments is booming. To meet their deadlines, engineers are working overtime. But they should not disturb others in the night,” said Venkatesh, who works in one of the studios in Film Nagar. Neighbours at the scene of
violence are cautious not to cross swords with powerful builders and contractors. “As our house is several meters from that site, it does not cause much trouble to us,” said Anjali, a resident. GHMC officials are not ready to accept any kind of responsibility. “People should take help of police if they have a problem. There is no law that states whether construction can be carried out in the night or not. What can the GHMC do in this case?” asked GV Raghu, chief city planner.
NEWS BRIEFS
Two years to cover a year’s syllabus. Class X is an important educational hurdle, but schools are doing away with Class IX and teaching the Class X syllabus for two years.
One-year-old boy consumes poison, dies
Two held for murder of rowdy-sheeter
Ban gutka, health minister urged
‘Direct cash transfer scheme a scam’
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Congress corporators worry about new floor leader. The outspoken Diddi Rambabu, who contested as an Independent, has corporators concerned.
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Construction work keeps City up at night. Neither the GHMC nor the police are willing to do anything about private construction work at night.
one-year-old boy, Fareed, who accidently consumed poison on Monday, died in Osmania Hospital today. It is said that the toddler was playing at home when he caught hold of a pesticide bottle and drank from it. The child was immediately rushed to Osmania Hospital, where he died while undergoing treatment.
he Bhawani Nagar police have arrested two men — Mohd Abdul Hameed, 24, a resident of Bhawani Nagar and Khurram Hussain, 19, a resident of Akber Nagar — on charges of murdering a rowdy-sheeter, Yaqoob, on a playground while Yaqoob was playing cricket. The rowdy-sheeter died on the spot.
escribing it as the root cause of cancer in many cases, a delegation led by retired Justice Lakshmana Rao met health minister DL Ravindra Reddy and urged him to ban gutka in AP. Pointing out that cancer cases were on the rise because of gutka, the delegation sought its ban as 16 states in the country have already banned it.
enior BJP leader M Venkaiah Naidu slammed the Central government for its much hyped Direct Cash Transfer Scheme which does not have required infrastructure in place. He pointed out that this scheme was aimed at deceiving people. A majority of beneficiaries could not avail the scheme as they do not possess Aadhar cards.
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city TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013
WOMEN AGAINST WOMEN
IS 'SHE' HER WORST ENEMY? This world will be a much better place for women if they supported and stood up for each other. Postnoon looks into the issue.
AMY ROSE THOMAS amyrose.t@postnoon.com
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eing a woman in India is not easy with her fight for survival beginning right from the womb. And it's ironical that she is threatened not just by men but by women too. Most times it is another women who turns out to be her worst enemy and would sometimes go out of her way to belittle and intimidate her. At home it might be her grandmother who had been opposed to her birth just because she was a girl. At work, she might be her boss who couldn't stand to see her subordinate climbing up the corporate ladder faster than she herself had. And on the streets, she is another commuter just like her who prefers to look the other way rather than help her when she falls prey to an eve teaser. Ad man Navroze Dondhy says that he has himself witnessed many fierce fights between women at his work place. “If you were to ask a woman she will say that she would never want a female boss. I have been in many organisations where I have felt the friction between women. Every woman prefers a male boss to a female one. When there is a problem men drink together and forget about it. Women are not like that. If women got along as easily as
men then the world would have been a much better place for them. This is the same case when women step out of their homes. A woman would never stand up for another woman. They merely stand as mute spectators when men support her,” he says. It's a dirty little secret among women that they do not support each other and might even go out of their way to belittle another when given a chance. What is the reason for this animosity between two women? Activist and conservationist Asher Jay attributes this behaviour to insecurity and low self esteem. “In a country like India where women are not nourished by their immediate family this scenario is more vicious. Women tend to not offer support when another female is in trouble. They secretly tend to enjoy the difficult position she is in. The world will treat you the way you treat it. If you are judgmental about other women they are bound to treat you the same way. I think the way out here is to accept the way you are and be open about others' successes,” she says. Women by nature are gossip lovers and it is because of this behaviour that they are generally reluctant to confide in one another when in trouble. This situation is a boon for those who harass women at work place, since they can count on them to not open
up to their female colleagues for the fear of gossip. Psychologist Dr Minhaj Nasirabadi of Apollo Hospital says, “This tendency of women not supporting each other when in trouble is a major cause for concern. In the workplace, even if she faces harassment from her boss she will be reluctant to confide in other female colleagues. This is because the girl is sure that when she turns the other way the other women will bad mouth her. For a wife, her biggest enemy at home is her mother-in-law who does everything in her power to put her in bad light in front of the other family members. This again is due to a psychological reason. The mother-in-law herself might have faced problems as a new bride due to her mother-in-law. As a result she might now want to mete out the same treatment to her daughter-in-law. Even women in the house tend to first find fault with the girl when she complains of being eve teased.
If you were to ask a woman she will say that she would never want a female boss. I have been in many organisations where I have felt the friction between women. Navroze Dondhy ad man
They pressurise the girl so much that she begins to feel guilty. The girl begins to question herself, if she was really was responsible for the incident. And the next time something similar happens, she will avoid telling her family,” he says. In short, the girl is exposed to threats to her very existence right from the time she is conceived. The threat materialises from nowhere inside and outside the privacy of her house — from parents, relatives, friends of parents, siblings etc. Even when she steps out she feels threatened by teachers, drivers, friends etc. And when she turns into an adult then from a boss, friends at work, in-laws and their relatives. A girl’s life is very precarious if you actually analyse the threat perceptions and definitely so much more miserable. And what she needs is the support of other women. The next time you see a girl being victimised on the road, do not look away, it can be you the next day.
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city TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013
POWER TARIFF
POLITICS
Mantris revolt
What’s cooking?
A fierce dissension has sprung among ministers on power tariff hike from April, which they all say will lead to the party’s defeat in the 2014 elections. INKESHAF AHMED ahmed.@postnoon.com
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he issue of power tariff hike from April this year is becoming a contentious issue among the cabinet ministers. Majority of them are worried of its fallout. A day after announcing the steep and unprecedented hike in power tariff, endowments minister C Ramachandraiah created a sensation by dashing off a dissent letter to APCC chief Botsa Satyanarayana, warning him that the decision of the chief minister and State government would lead to the partys defeat in the 2014 general elections. In a fresh development, minister for health Dr DL Ravindra Reddy (pictured), an arch rival of the CM, also joined the bandwagon of unhappy Cabinet ministers. Speaking to Postnoon on
Monday, Ravindra Reddy said that the unprecedented power tariff hike would affect the Congress in an irreparable manner in coming days besides leading its defeat. “In our manifesto of 2009, we have promised the people of the State that we will not raise electricity charges dur-
ing our rule. But we have not kept our promise and hiked it many times. This is nothing but deceiving people. It will definitely have a negative impact on our party,” the minister said. He alleged that the State government is adopting anti-people policies. Citing that the issue of power tariff hike was not put forth for discussion in the State Cabinet, Reddy felt that the Cabinet should have thoroughly discussed the issue before implementing it. “Issues of this nature should be thoroughly discussed in cabinet meetings. But it did not happen in this case. If it was discussed, all the cabinet ministers would have aired their views and suggestions,” he said. The minister also faulted the decision of the State government to implement Non-Telescopic Method after strongly opposing it during the TDP rule.
GHMC
Sharing the spoils
Mantris have no idea what beverage the party chefs are brewing in T-pot. POSTNOON NEWS feedback@postnoon.com
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ecretariat these days is ringing with the word, Telangana. The corridors of power are replete with discussions, debates, and theories on Telangana and what would happen of it. Even the ministerial offices are resounding with discussions on Telangana. There are, of course, pro and anti-T. And, the result is generally broadcast by the office attenders. A round through the offices of civil supplies minister D Sridhar Babu, major and minor industries minister Dr J Geeta Reddy (pictured), BC welfare minister Baswaraju Saraiah and finance minister Anam Ramnarayana Reddy on Monday revealed how hotly the debates are raging. Most of these ministers, however, seem to have no idea what is cooking in Delhi. So their favourite comment for the
time being is, ‘wait and watch.” Taking a cue on what their bosses do, employees contribute to the general din. Office, canteen, corridors and parking lots are all converted into T fora and debates rage on. On Monday, at a calendar release function, the union leaders gave leave to employees to indulge in T talks and while away time. “Until the T issue is solved, there will not be any work,” remarked an official in disgust.
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With the new Congress floor leader, Diddi Rambabu, taking charge at GHMC, other parties are trying to evaluate him as he is known to be smart and outspoken where his predecessor Kaleru was reticent.
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Md NIZAMUDDIN nizamuddin.a@postnoon.com
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he question is not of rule and facilitating developments, the question is how to share and care. The appointment of Diddi Rambabau (pictured) as Congress floor leader has put the cat among the pigeons at the GHMC. Having won as an independent who joined Congress later, Rambabu is less amenable to party diktats but he had the support of Danam Nagender, labour minister which is all that matters. While six other contestants claimed the position Danam is said to have rooted for Diddi and won. But sources said other parties are worried. “It is an open secret that there is a fraternity in Standing Committee on caring and sharing where all must ‘cooperate.’ Diddi is not to be banked on for that,” said a Congress corporator. Kaleru Venkatesh was acceptable to all as he ‘cared and shared.’ Sensing the apprehension in the air about him, Diddi told Postnoon, “I shall be reaching out to all to strengthen the party. The party will focus on public issues.” But according to some senior corporators, it would not be an easy task for
the new floor leader, as both the MIM and TDP wanted a pliable candidate. “There is uneasiness amongst other political parties. I do not know how he would manage with them. But hope that Congress would come out of its slumber under his leadership,” says a senior corporator. TDP floor leader Singireddy Srinivas Reddy said, “I shall directly ask him, what he did as a Standing Committee member and being part of the party when it was in power for two years. Several issues remain unsolved. Now, what difference he will make?” grumbled Singireddy. MIM floor leader Md Nazeeruddin said in a lighter vein, “If he maintains good relations that would be good for his health.”
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classifieds TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013 PENSION
Disabled demand pension hike D
isabled Rights Forum (DRF) demanded that the State government to take immediate steps to hike pension from `500 to `2,000 for the disabled, on par with the state governments of Tamil Nadu, Tripura and Pondicherry. They threatened to organise demonstrations and agitations by end of February, if the government failed to implement GO Ms No 1 of 9-1-2002. Speaking to the media, Kolli Nageswara Rao, State president, demanded the State government to allot three per cent of special budget for the welfare of the handicapped and allot housing for genuine beneficiaries. He also demanded that the government grant seven per cent of political reservations in the local body elections and enact laws to protect the self–respect of the handicapped. He alleged that allotment of funds to handicapped student hostels was less. He added the students were deprived of cosmetic charges since six months. NSS
CLASSIFIEDS HEALTH/ CLINIC
NOTICE
EDUCATION
A heavy cross to bear
To ensure high pass percentages some schools are skipping class IX syllabus to jump straight to class X books. Who cares about the students’ education? ANUBHA K SINGH anubha.k@postnoon.com
PICTURE FOR REPRESENTATIONAL PURPOSE ONLY
N SHIVA KUMAR
W
hat determines the quality of a school? Is it its well rounded approach to a child’s development? Certainly not. It’s all about the numbers. The higher the pass percentage of a school, the better it is considered. But is anybody looking at how this target is achieved? The trick adopted by most corporate schools is very simple, increase the time frame to prepare for the board exam and maximise chances to meet targets. And here comes the worst part of the game, the time frame increased is not just by extending the duration of classes but also by stretching it across a span of two years. Most schools in the City are completely ignoring the class IX syllabus and are rushing students into preparing for the board exams. But when poor quality of education and lack of practical approach in students are considered to be the reason for unemployment, will skipping a year not affect students? This method is being adopted by not just corporate schools but also many government schools, who have
joined the race and opt for shortcuts. Class IX students in these schools are made to study the class X syllabus so that they can score well the following year. However, two months prior to their class IX final exams they are rushed through the original syllabus to help them pass. “As per the latest trend, it is very important to get good scores in class X, not only for the school’s reputation but also for the future of the children. In India getting a good job in corporate companies depends on your class X grades. So there is nothing wrong if children are well
prepared in advance” said, Narender T, a retired government school principal. “When I was principal it was ordered from the director of school education to teach the class X syllabus to class IX students so that they have time to prepare for the boards. Good ranks will also bring good name for schools,” he adds. However, there are many parents who feel it’s an additional burden on students and schools are violating their rights. “Education in our country is now more of a profit earning business, be it a government school or a cor-
porate school. Teachers need to understand that not every child is the same. Not all students can handle the burden of two classes at once. There barely any schools in the City that have not opted for such shortcuts,” said Sunita Singh, whose daughter studies in a corporate school. “There is so much competition today and there’s nothing wrong in opting for alternate ways. If you see the other side of the coin it’s good for the children as they get to learn subjects beforehand. In fact, students are one step ahead. So what’s wrong in that? At the end of the day they are the one’s who are going to get good jobs due to their marks. I don’t think there is anything wrong and in this competitive world it’s the need of the hour,” said Ramani Roy, a teacher at a corporate school. The blame squarely falls on parents as well. “You can’t blame only the teachers. Every parent wants their child to score not less tha 80 or 90 per cent in boards. There are many parents who send their children in schools where the timings are from 8am to 8pm so that the child can spend all his time only on studies,” said, Suneeta Parikh, child psychologist.
CRIMES AGAINST WOMEN
Gender sensitivity is the key Human Rights Observers say this is the way to curb violence against women. POSTNOON NEWS feedback@postnoon.com
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n an average there is a crime committed against women every three minutes, one rape every 29 minutes and one recorded case of dowry death every 77 minutes, according to statistics. Seaking at a press conference held for “Gender sensitivity and violence against women, in wake of the Delhi gang-rape” Human Rights Observers chairman, Tameem stated that cases of cruelty meted out by husbands and in-laws are seen in every nine minutes in our country. Patriarchal terrorism where one partner uses economic and social power to control
over another human is very common in India and other Asian countries due to the subservient status of women. Reiterating the need to protect women against sexual violence, he urged for some steps to be taken like use the power of media to convey these important messages – such as stop child marriages, not give dowry, make the public aware about the consequences of violence against women. “The bottom line is violence prevails because we allow it to. Speak up – break the silence,” he said. “Every effort of ours counts, so let this rage of violence end once and for all. The right to development is the measure of the respect of
all other human rights,” he added. Speaking on the occasion Justice A Laxmana Rao (Retd Chief Justice ) said, “Women stay on in an abusive relationship (even the most educated
and literate ones) because the fear of leaving is greater than the fear of staying and the fear that she will not be accepted by society if she walks out of a relationship, thus risking her own life. To prevent the children from undergoing the hardships if she separates from the spouse. Also the traditional and orthodox mindset makes them bear the sufferings without any protest.” Justice Laxmana Rao said we need to implement l993 UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women for the first time UN provided a definition of violence, and included psychological violence in the definition.
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WILDLIFE
The deaths that no
I
t was a freezing winter night, just two days before the year would be left behind for a new one. The C h e n n a i - b o u n d Coromandel Express from Howrah was speeding through the Rambha forest area in Orissa at 110kph. “You don't know the chill that night,” says Orissa Chief Wildlife warden, JD Sharma, “but even in that cold our person informed the railway department.” But according to the East Coast Railway (ECoR) the message was delivered a tad late: precisely, just after the train ran over six elephants, which included a calf and a female elephant in advanced stage of pregnancy. This brings the toll of elephants killed by speeding trains in Orissa to 11 last year, of which one was run over in the same area. Reports of elephant deaths from the state that is home to 70 per cent of the elephant population in eastern India have become routine. In a span of five years 300 pachyderms have been killed. The causes include electrocution, which is rampant and occurs when elephants come into contact with electric wires; train accidents; poaching for ivory; and revengeful deaths caused by man-animal conflicts, among others.
According to conservationist Biswajit Mohanty, from the Wildlife Society of Orissa, there is no justice for elephant deaths. Mohanty, who has filed the largest number of Right to Information (RTI) applications in Orissa says that in spite of money and resources no one takes responsibility for these tragedies. “Needless to say, there is no accountability among forest officers in whose areas elephants get killed, there hasn't been a single conviction for poaching in the last two years,” he points out. In every instance only the lowest in the rung is suspended. In the recent train tragedy while the driver of the train was arrested, even the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) must be arrested, he suggests. He cites the example of electrocution, which kills elephants every month and the reason 116 elephants have died between 2001 and 2012 all over the state. “Electrical lines are hanging low and are not fixed. Of the four electricity companies in the state, three are run by Reliance, a big company that is feared.” He says, “Despite demanding that managing directors be prosecuted nothing has been done. The local linesman is suspended and this doesn't solve the problem.” Sharma says that whether it is train accidents or electrocution, the railways and the electricity com-
panies must be pulled up and not just the forest department. “The Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF), has sent advisories to the railways requesting certain norms to be adhered to when trains are passing elephant areas. In last week's case we did inform them that a herd would be crossing the tracks, but apparently they needed to be informed more than two hours prior,” he says. The train was running at a speed of 110kmh and it needs to slow down to 30kmh. “When the railway department is following this procedure of slowing down trains in other elephant-movement areas such as the Rajaji National Park in
Uttarkhand/Uttaranchal, why not Orissa?” he asks. Further defending the forest department, he explains that four segments in Orissa have been identified for trains to slow down in, namely Keonjhar, Athgar, Berhampur and Dhenkanal divisions. “If the railway department follows this, there won't be elephant deaths due to accidents,” he concludes. The ECoR authorities in turn point out the different topography of Rajaji National Park and the stretches in Orissa. As for deaths by electrocution which are rampant, Sharma explains that under rural electrification projects – Rajiv Gandhi Yojana and Biju Gram Jyothi
Yojana — many parts were electrified. Electricity lines are supported by cement poles that elephants rub against and these poles need protection around them. These lines seldom have circuit breakers and many electricity wires sag and are at heights that elephants come in contact with, he says. While elephants continue to die in Orissa, the question remains as to who will pay for the straightening of these high voltage electric lines. The state government of Orissa has been requesting for a grant sanction to use Compensatory Afforestation and Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) funds for
Biswajit Mohanty from Orissa Wildlife society PHOTO: Arabinda Majhi, Wildlife Society of Orissa
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one cares about
A train ran over six elephants recently in Orissa where 300 wild elephants have died in the last five years. But officials just don’t seem to care. Elizabeth Soumya reports.
PROJECT ELEPHANT
P
roject Elephant was launched in 1992 by the Government of India Ministry of Environment and Forests to provide financial and technical support of wildlife management efforts by states for their free ranging populations of wild Asian Elephants. The main goals of the Project are as follows: n Ecological restoration of existing natural habitats and migratory routes of elephants. In 2007, there were a total of 110,000 km2 of elephant habitat of which 24,580 km2 were in 64 protected areas. There were 138 intrastate cor-
the purpose. The latest request was made by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on January 1, 2013 to Jayanthi Natrajan, Union Minister of Environment and Forests. But Mohanty believes that money isn't the problem. “Money is squandered, despite allocation of funds there is no change in the situation. What is needed is enforcement, declaring elephant corridors does not take money and neither does slowing down trains,” he says. Apart from accidental deaths: “You must understand that Orissa is also highly mined and its forests are reducing,” points out Sharma. While Bauxite and coal mining in Orissa may have
Electrical lines hang low and are not fixed. Despite demands that managing directors be prosecuted nothing has been done. The local linesman is suspended and this doesn't solve the problem. JD Sharma Chief wildlife warden
created wealth, it has left elephant habitats depleted. The blasting, light and noise pollution is also disturbing elephants. “Since the mining boom in 2004–5, elephant habitats and corridors have been disturbed and they are moving all over the state,” says Mohanty. Even though this has meant more conflict in newer areas, mining continues. In Keonjhar, an iron ore mining area, Mohanty says that the elephant population that was 115 about seven years ago has dwindled to less than 40 today. Building of irrigation canals in elephant habitats, such as the Rengali project in Dhenkanal also leaves the elephants with no way of crossing the canals and causes
fragmentation of elephant habitats. “While corridors have been identified, they have not been notified,” says Mohanty. The past decade has not only seen deaths of elephants in Orissa, but also death and damage caused by elephants. According to the Orissa Post, Bijoyshree Routray, Forest and Environment Minister, Orissa, said in December 2012 that as many as 569 people were killed in elephant attacks in the State over the last decade; 73,922.66 acres of crop was damaged and the compensation made during this period was `1,134.21 lakh. In 2008, owing to the growing man-animal conflict the state had announced a `53 crore elephant
ridors, 28 inter-state corridors and 17 international corridors. n Development of scientific management planning for conservation of elephant habitats and viable elephant populations in India; n Promotion of measures for mitigation of man elephant conflict in crucial habitats; n Moderating impact of human and domestic stock activities in crucial elephant habitats; n Strengthening of measures for protection of wild elephants from poachers and unnatural causes of death; n Research on Elephant management related issues; n Increase public conservation education and awareness programs about elephants; n Eco-development of elephant habitats; n Provide improved veterinary care for elephants. n To have more tusked elephants. management plan. But Mohanty says that compensation is tardy and hasn't come since 2008–09 in Dhenkanal District, despite demanding it. “This leads to reduced tolerance for crop raiding by elephants which in turn will heighten the ongoing man-elephant conflict,” he says. Retributional deaths by angry human victims through shooting and poisoning of elephants is not uncommon. Mohanty is cynical about the future of elephants in the state and admits it is grim. Asked why Orissa is so unsafe for elephants, Sharma, retorts, “tell me which state is safe”. Maybe indicating our elephants have nowhere to go anyway.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013
Business
IMF TO SEND TEAM TO CAIRO FOR LOAN TALKS
The International Monetary Fund will send a team of experts to Cairo to discuss possible financial support for the Egyptian economy, a senior IMF official said Monday.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Supply chain of success
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US BANKS TO PAY $20 BN
A distribution titan had its beginnings with a capital of `15,000. PRUDHVI RAJU K prudhvi.k@postnoon.com
The business slowly expanded and evolved as C&F agent for entire AP in 1993. “Our role is to distribute these products to our network of stockists and they in turn distribute it to the retailers. We also do research about the market response about a particular product and let the manufacturer know why it is not moving in the market.
M
eera R Joshi started her entrepreneurial journey as a small pharmaceutical distributor with `15,000 in 1988. Over time, she expanded her business, Sri Amruteshwar Agencies, into marketing of ayurvedic medicines and manufacturing of chemicals. Not only did she make her business grow more than 20 per cent (YoY) since inception but also created strong marketing and distribution network through out the State for effective supply of medicines. Meera always wanted to become an entrepreneur. “I did graduation in Chemistry from Karnataka University and then went on doing various diploma and post graduate courses in psychology, export and import and Sanskrit due to my interest in various subjects,” On business idea, she says “I was looking at various business ideas after finishing my education. Then, a multinational pharma company gave a distribution proposal to me. I did not just jump in to that but looked at my feasibility in doing justice to the business, as I also need to fulfil
Growth story Initial investments: `15,000 Revenues growth: 20 per cent (YoY) Network of stockists: 600 Seasonal employees: 15 Permanent employees: 8
my responsibilities as housewife. But, later, I could convince myself that I can do justice to the opportunity. Probably, I might be the first woman in this segment from the City.” About the importance of distribution, she says, “Supply chain is crucial in any kind of business. Distributing the medicines to various retailors and making it available all the time at the shops does depends on the quality of supply chain. Initially, we started as a distributor, where in we supplied products to medical shops and
TECHNOLOGY Samsung profit $8.3 bn SEOUL: Samsung Electronics said Tuesday it expected to post a record operating profit of 8.8 trillion won ($8.3 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2012. The predicted operating profit for October-December represents an 89 per cent rise from a year earlier, and would beat the record of 8.1 trillion won set in the previous quarter. Samsung, the
world’s largest technology firm by revenue, was giving earnings guidance before announcing official results later this month. Fourth-quarter sales were estimated at 56 trillion won, up 18.4 per cent from a year earlier, according to the company, which did not provide figures for each of its business divisions. AFP
collected the money after a stipulated time,” She recalls the challenges, “It was not a smooth journey. I used to work till late night and used manage time between home and business. On professional front, few marketing people forced companies to dump products in to the market to reach their sale targets irrespective of recovery. We refused to dump these products on retailers unless the outstanding credit was cleared. Over time, this would ensure there is no loss for the company,”
Later, we started marketing for ayurvedic companies where the entire distribution and marketing is taken care of by us. The company only manufactures the product. We take these samples to doctors and highlight the product though our network,” Today the company has taken a step ahead and started producing chemicals for research labs. “For success of any product, distribution and marketing plays a crucial role. We promote these chemicals for research laboratories with our existing network.” she adds.
40 bn apps downloaded for Apple gadgets SAN FRANCISCO: Apple on Monday announced that more than 40 billion “apps” have been downloaded for its beloved gadgets, with the California company paying out billions of dollars to developers. Nearly half of those downloads for iPhones, iPads, and iPod touch devices were done last year, with the App Store
seeing a record-setting December in which two billion copies of mini-programs were snatched up. There are more than 500 million active accounts at the App Store, which is stocked with more than 775,000 applications for iPhones, iPads, and iPod touch devices, according to Apple. AFP
for
for
for
for
NUMEROLOGY
3.8
mn
Brazil, the world’s fourth largest car market, sold a record 3.8 million vehicles last year, according to industry data released on Monday.
ALASKA RIG REFLOATED An oil rig which ran aground in Alaska has been refloated and is being towed to a nearby harbor, with no signs of pollution seen, officials said Monday. Salvage experts were on board oil giant Shell’s Kulluk mobile drilling unit when it was pulled back out to sea late Sunday, and was heading for Kiliuda Bay for inspection, they said. “The Kulluk was refloated and the vessel condition assessed. The tow is now ongoing and the vessels are in Kiliuda Bay approaching the anchorage,” said incident commander Sean Churchfield, Shell Alaska’s operation manager. “Once the Kulluk arrives in Kiliuda Bay, a more detailed assessment will take place before any decisions are made regarding the forward plans for the Kulluk,” he added.
BSE 5,973.50 `55.30 5,209.05 DOLLAR`55.14 17,179.95DOLLAR NSEPOUND `86.60 `89.09 POUND BSE NSE GOLD`31,200 10g SILVER `58,500 1kg
24C
GOLD `29,500 10g SILVER `53,000 1kg
Top US banks agreed Monday to pay out $20 billion in fines and compensation as regulators, borrowers and investors extract more payback over the housing and financial crisis. Bank of America endured the most punishment, mainly due to its 2008 takeover of home lender Countrywide Financial, when it agreed to pay mortgage finance giant Fannie Mae $11.6 billion to settle claims that it sold Fannie hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of dud home loans. Many of those loans, packed into securities, plunged into default after the housing bubble crashed in 2006, destroying the value of Fannie’s investments and forcing it into a government bailout. Meanwhile 10 banks, including Bank of America, agreed Monday with regulators to shell out $8.5 billion in cash and assistance to homeowners to settle accusations that they had forced millions into foreclosure while ignoring borrowers’ attempts to make good on their mortgages.
98.90
33.65
Since our country is a union of states, we abide by its federal character and, therefore, are bound by the consensus on the issue, ANAND SHARMA, COMMERCE MINISTER
19,658.99 32.43
ANAND SHARMA, 14.90 COMMERCE MINISTER
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013
nation
DHULE RIOTS TOLL RISES TO FIVE The death toll in communal violence in Dhule, Maharashtra, rose to five Tuesday with another person wounded in police firing succumbing to injuries, police said. CM Chavan said the government would pay for the treatment of the injured, as well as funeral expenses of those killed.
SHRINE ASSETS Shirdi temple jewels worth over `50 crore
NAGPUR: The famous Saibaba temple at Shirdi in Maharashtra, one of the richest shrines in the country, has ornaments and jewellery worth `50,53,17 473 and a total fixed deposits to the tune of ` 6,27,56,97488 as on March 31 last year including investments in Kisan Vikas Patra.
JHARKHAND CRISIS
The ornaments and jewellery worth has increased by `11,04,50,335 as compared to figures of year ended on March 31, 2011 which was total of `39,48,67,138. Similarly, the total value of fixed deposits, investments in Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) is of `23,34,00,000 at end of last fiscal year against `40,84,00,000 (KVP) of previous year (March 31, 2011), according to the annual report of the Sai Baba Trust, Shridi which was constituted by the Government of Maharashtra for smooth functioning of activities in 2004. The fixed deposits with various nationalised banks have increased by `1,38,06,28,921 during the financial year of 2011-12, the yearly report, which was tabled during the Winter Session of State Legislature in late December 2012. PTI
Man falls to death at mall
NOIDA: A B.Tech student fell to his death from the third floor of a mall here, police said today. Shashank, 24, a student of Galgotia College in Greater Noida, had come to the GIP Mall last evening along with his three friends for a party. While returning from the party, he accidentally fell
from the railing, they said. He was rushed to Kailash Hospital where he was declared brought dead. The body has been sent for post mortem and police is investigating all possible angles including foul play. Police said his family, which is in Patna, has been informed of the death. PTI
THREE FOUND DEAD
Cabinet for dissolution of Assembly
RANCHI: Jharkhand Cabinet today decided to recommend dissolution of the state assembly to prevent any “horse trading-like situation”, a day after the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha withdrew its support to the BJP-led government. “Seven ministers (of the coalition government) were present during the Cabinet meeting, and it has decided to recommend dissolution of the state assembly,” Chief Minister Arjun Munda told PTI here. He said the decision was taken as no national party had openly come forward to provide an alternative government
in the wake of the JMM’s announcement to pull out of the government. “We have sought time from Governor Syed Ahmed at 11.30 AM to inform him about the Cabinet decision,” Munda said. Meanwhile, Raj Bhavan sources said the JMM has submitted its letter of withdrawal of support to the Arjun Mundaled BJP government. JMM leader and Deputy CM Hemant Soren had said yesterday that the decision to withdraw support was taken at the party’s executive committee meeting after talking to several BJP leaders, including its Jharkhand affairs in-charge Dharmendra Pradhan. In the 82-member state assembly, BJP and JMM have 18 members each and the Munda government enjoys the support of six members of All Jharkhand Students’ Union, two of JD (U), two independents and one nominated member who has voting right in trial of strength. Opposition Congress has a total 13, Jharkhand Vikas Morcha(P)11 and RJD 5 members.
NEWS BRIEFS Mercury dips further in Uttar Pradesh
`2 lakh reward on runaway Himachal MLA
Third accused arrested in Noida murder case
Teenage girls commit suicide over scolding
LUCKNOW: The meteorological department in UP Tuesday predicted heavy frosting during the night even as temperatures across the state fell to a new low. In state capital Lucknow, the minimum temperature was 1.4 degree Celsius. Met officials have predicted a harsher spell of cold, with icy winds compounding the problems.
CHANDIGARH: The Haryana Police Monday announced a reward of `2 lakh on a newly-elected Himachal Pradesh legislator, wanted in the murder case of a 24-year-old woman. Congress legislator Ram Kumar Chaudhary, who was elected from the Doon assembly seat, has been absconding ever since his name figured in the murder case.
NOIDA: Noida Police has arrested the third accused in the murder of a 21-year-old woman factory worker here even as two policemen were sent to police lines for allegedly not acting on the complaint of the victim in the past. “The third accused Udeyveer was arrested last night and will be produced before court,” a senior police officer said today.
SALEM: Upset over ther parents’ scolding them for poor marks,two teenage girls allegedly committed suicide by consuming poison near here, police said today. Their bodies were found in the Mariamman temple last night, police said. The girls did not do well in the half-yearly exams and their parents, who are labourers, had scolded them.
Pick
at the
Three members of a family, including a four-year-old, were found dead under mysterious circumstances in a house in New Delhi while three others were unconscious, police said Monday. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem to determine the cause of death. "The incident happened at Rajendra Park Extension at Nangloi in west Delhi when a neighbour found the six unconscious in their house," said a police officer.
STRIKE IN KERALA Functioning of government offices and schools were partially hit as proLeft government employees and teachers in Kerala today began an indefinite stir in protest against UDF government’s decision to implement Contributory Pension Scheme for its staff from this April. The proBJP Federation of Employees and Teachers Organisations (FETO) has also joined the strike. Expressing solidarity with the staff and teachers, employees of Kerala State Road Transport Corporation also observed a day-long strike, which hit operation of bus services across the state.
We urge both sides to take steps to end exchanges of fire and to resume normal trade and travel across the line of control.
airport,
Victoria Nuland US spokesperson
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013
World US COLLEGE SHOOTINGS
US-Korean ruled ‘unfit’ to stand trial LOS ANGELES: A US judge has declared a Korean-American man mentally unfit to stand trial over a shooting rampage that left seven dead at a religious college in California, reports said. Former nursing student One Goh had pleaded not guilty to murdering seven and wounding three in April’s execution-style shootings at the Oikos University, a small Christian school in Oakland, near San Francisco. Two court-appointed psychiatrists found Goh incompetent due to paranoid schizophrenia, according to Goh’s attorney David Klaus, cited by the San Francisco Chronicle. The 44-year-old appeared in Alameda County Superior Court before Judge Carrie Panetta, who ordered Goh to return in three weeks for placement in an institution, the newspaper reported. Neither Klaus nor court officials immediately returned requests for comment. Law enforcement officials said Goh, a US citizen originally from South Korea, was angry about a denied tuition refund when he arrived at his former school with a .45-calibre gun and four loaded magazines of ammunition. Apparently unsuccessful in locating the administrator he sought, Goh opened fire and “essentially executed” seven people and wounded three others, prosecutors said earlier. PTI
NAZI REGIME HISTORIAN VON KLEMPERER DIES IN US Klemens Wilhelm von Klemperer, a German refugee who wrote extensively about the rise and fall of the Nazi regime has died in Massachusetts. He was 96. Von Klemperer was an emeritus professor of history at Smith College in Northampton.
AUSTRALIA
SIGNS FROM SPACE
Officials warn of highest-risk fire days The greatest risk is in the Shoalhaven, Illawarra and southern ranges south of Sydney. SYDNEY: Bushfires raged across Australia’s most populous state Tuesday, fanned by intense heat and high winds in “catastrophic” conditions which have forced hasty evacuations and are threatening homes. Authorities warned New South Wales state faced one of the highest-risk fire days in its history, and temperatures rapidly climbed above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees
A photo released on January 4, 2013 of Comet 2011 L4 (PanSTARRS) observed on 2012 August 9 by David Asher (Armagh Observatory) and student James Hadnett (Royal School Armagh) using the 2-m diameter Faulkes Telescope South at Siding Spring, Australia. Astronomers are gearing for a series of thrills this year when Earth gets buzzed by two rogue asteroids and two comets, including a wanderer that last returned before Man walked the Earth, race across the skies.
NUMEROLOGY
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A total fire ban is in place throughout the state, while all national parks are closed, with temperatures forecast to peak at 45 degrees. Fahrenheit). “We’ve got 100 fires on the books, we are now dealing with just over 20 fires that remain uncontained,” New South Wales Rural Fire Service commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons told reporters in Sydney. The greatest risk is in the Shoalhaven, Illawarra and southern ranges south of Sydney, popular summer holiday locations, with Shoalhaven mayor Joanna Gash saying the area was a “tinderbox”. Authorities have warned that an out-of-control grass fire was encroaching properties in Brogo, about 160 kilometres (100 miles) south of the national capital Canberra, and also in the
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Egyptians are languishing in UAE jails over charges of spying for the Muslim Brotherhood. Relations between both nations have worsened after the UAE refused to set them free following Egypt’s request.
‘COME OUT FOR CHAVEZ’ Fire fighters battle a grass fire in Oura, near Wagga Wagga in New South Wales on Tuesday. Bushfires raged across Australia’s most populous state, fanned by intense heat and high winds in “catastrophic” conditions. AFP
Kybeyan Valley in southern NSW. “We just looked at each other and said ‘We’re leaving’,” Brogo resident Hallie Fernandez-Markov told AFP from the town of Cobargo, where she was staying with friends after evacuating her guest house. “It’s high winds now, it’s really blowy,” she said of conditions, adding that temperatures were searing as she drove out along the heavily forested road as firetrucks rushed in to
counter the blaze. A total fire ban is in place throughout the state, while all national parks are closed, with temperatures forecast to peak at 45 degrees. Sydney was by early afternoon sweltering in 42degree heat. Fitzsimmons said forecasts of hot, windy conditions were proving to be correct. “You don’t get conditions worse than this, we are at the catastrophic level and clearly in those areas leaving early is your safest option,” he said. AFP
NEWS BRIEFS Stray dogs kill three people, baby in Mexico
Flag riots enter Day 5 as US lottery winner died cops use plastic bullets from cyanide poisoning
ISAF soldier killed in Afghan ‘insider attack’
MEXICO CITY: Mexico City police has rounded up stray dogs in an ecological reserve after a pack of them apparently killed four people, including a mother and her baby, in recent days, authorities said. The bodies of the mother and child were discovered with bite marks on December 29, while a man and woman were found on January 5.
BELFAST: Police officers in Northern Ireland fired plastic bullets and used water cannon after having coming under attack from rioters for a fifth consecutive night. Intermittent disorder has blighted Belfast since the city council’s decision on December 3 to limit the number of days it flies the British flag, above the City Hall.
KABUL: A soldier serving with the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan was shot dead by a man in Afghan army uniform, the latest in a series of “insider” attacks, the alliance said today. More than 60 ISAF troops were killed in 2011 in a surge of insider attacks that have shaken relations between the alliance and Kabul.
CHICAGO: The sudden death of a Chicago man just as he was about to collect nearly $425,000 in lottery winnings was initially ruled a result of natural causes. Nearly six months later, authorities have a mystery on their hands after medical examinersfound that Urooj Khan, 46, died shortly after ingesting a lethal dose of cyanide.
Venezuela’s leftist leadership has called for a massive show of support for ailing President Hugo Chavez in Caracas on January 10, the day he is supposed to be sworn in to a new six year term. The request yesterday came as the government faced a rising storm of criticism over plans to indefinitely delay Chavez’s inauguration if the cancer-stricken leader, still in hospital in Havana. “All of Venezuela will come here in front of the Miraflores presidential palace, the people supporting our president,” said National Assembly speaker Diosdado Cabello.
“I believe his experience, his judgment and his deep understanding of the security issues facing this country make him the right choice to be the next secretary of defence. Leon Panetta US Defence Secretary about Chuck Hagel
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013
Technology IT’S RAINING GADGETS NT BALANARAYAN balanarayan.nt@postnoon.com
4K TVS
3
D TVs were the most talked about thing last year, but this around most companies are bringing out TVs that can display at 4K resolution. 4K or 4,000 refers to the number of horizontal pixels displayed on a screen. Currently 1080 is the standard and 4K is expected to become the norm in a couple of years.
The superbowl of tech shows is being organised in Last Vegas this week and here's what you can expect to see at the show.
YAHOO! BOHOO
T
PHABLETS
he success of Galaxy Note and its successor Note II has motivated all mobile phone companies to come up with XXXL size phones that are almost tablets. LG, Sony, HTC and other mobile phone manufacturers will display their 5-6” phones at the event, though it needs to be seen if they will be able to replicate the success of Note.
SHOWSTOPPERS ULTRABOOKS
L ANDROID AND MIRRORLESS CAMERAS
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icro two-thirds and mirrorless cameras are gaining popularity across the world so we can expect to see newer lines of the same at this year’s CES. There will also be plenty of connected-cameras like Samsung’s Galaxy camera that runs on Android. Polaroid is rumored to be releasing the first Android interchangeable lens camera at the show.
aptop manufacturers will showcase newer ultrabooks that are more powerful than the ones presented last year and most of them might come with touchscreens. Microsoft’s Windows 8 operating system is built with touch interactions in mind and OEMs are slowly catching up to it. They are also expected to showcase non-touch ultrabooks that are cheaper than last years offering.
C
SELF-DRIVING CARS
ar companies will be demoing their own versions of self-driving cars at CES 2013. While some of these features will be incremental such as cruise control, others are expected to be full-fledged cars that can drive themselves without human intervention. However, laws pertaining to self-driving cars are pretty vague in most countries, so most of the products demoed will be prototypes.
Yahoo! ids of thousands of users were compromised over the last day by hackers who used a DOMbased XSS vulnerability. According to TheNextWeb, the attack was carried out by a lone hacker by the name Shahin Ramezany. He has uploaded a video to YouTube demonstrating how to compromise a Yahoo account by leveraging a DOMbased XSS vulnerability that is exploitable in all major browsers. The technique shown off is very simple, can be performed in just a few minutes, and seems to be very easy to automate. He promises the full details of his method will be posted after Yahoo plugs the security hole.
GOING DOWN
HTC posted operating income that was lower than analysts’ estimates as a lack of new models and this has prompted a loss of market share. Q4 operating income for the period was $21 million. Apple’s iPhone 5 and new Galaxy models from Samsung took market share away from HTC, which lacked new offerings. HTC’s stock dropped 40 per cent last year and the company replaced its CMO after its global share in smartphones dropped by more than half. They are also planning a few aggressive marketing strategies this year.
Is that you S IV? A photo of what is alleged to be the Galaxy S IV was leaked yesterday and it looks very similar to S III. Considering that Samsung already has a bigger device in the form of Note, S IV might just be an S III with better internals. The only obvious difference is the lack of a physical button, which means it has a bigger screen now. This also means that Samsung has finally moved on to using soft menu buttons like in stock Android. The photo was posted by SamMobile and it allegedly came from highly reliable sources. The device is expected to become available to the public later this year, around March or April.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013
Comment Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt. William Shakespeare Playwright
Egypt stares at its own ‘cliff’ CHRISTOPHE DE ROQUEFEUIL Agence France-Presse
A
rising budget deficit, falling foreign exchange reserves and a sliding currency are adding to the woes of Egypt’s fragile government even as it battles a raft of political and social problems. It is against this background that Cairo resumed talks on Monday with the International Monetary Fund for a $4.8 billion loan, which many see as a prerequisite for the country’s recovery. Islamist President Mohamed Morsi has set a tough task for his government, headed by Prime Minister Hisham Qandil, which he fine-tuned in a Sunday reshuffle that saw the appointment of 10 new ministers including that of finance. The government must “accelerate efforts to revive the economy and growth, attract investment, strengthen exports, promote tourism, create new jobs and improve public services,” Morsi said last month. Egypt’s economic indicators however paint an “alarming picture”, said economist Ahmed el-Naggar of the Al-Ahram Centre for Studies. “Previously tourism brought $13 billion every year, now it is around $8.8 billion.” Egypt’s unemployment has grown to 12 percent in two years, he said, adding that official estimates are far less than the actual figures in a country where 40 percent of the population lives on $2 or less per day. And the latest sign of concern is the fall in Egyptian pound which has dropped to around 6.4 pounds to the dollar. The central bank has acknowledged that its foreign exchange reserves have reached a “critical minimum” level.
HIGH-FLYING THOUGHTS
Greeks may be down and out with the nation struggling to make both ends meet. However, when in such times, succour comes in the form of art and sport. Redolent of the beautiful goal of Argentina in 2006 world cup, AO Giannina, a team of Greek children, has recreated the magic with a 20-pass goal, outsmarting their rivals thoroughly. Don’t be surprised if the next Messi is a Greek.
SEX EDUCATION?
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Hyno enchants Myanmar CLOSE LOOK
Shwe Yinn Mar Oo
W
ith its glossy pages of pouting models and racy romance tips, Myanmar’s first sex education magazine has got the usually demure nation hot under the collar as it cashes in on new-found cultural freedom. “Hyno” has sparked fevered debate since hitting Myanmar’s bookstores in November, where it has become a must-read among the young and curious, just a few months after the end of direct censorship in the former junta-ruled nation. Perhaps tame by western standards, Hyno’s photo spreads of semi-clad women and columns espousing “bedroom secrets” and “the benefits of cuddling” — to the more cryptic “modern lies before marriage” — have raised eyebrows in conservative Myanmar, earning it an adult-rating. But its editor brushes off accusations that the monthly publication is too risque for the country, or in any way as salacious as “Playboy” magazine as critics have claimed on Facebook. “This magazine is a combination of sex education and entertainment,” Ko Oo Swe told AFP, saying the red label on the front page warning it is for over 18s has stirred the unfavourable comparisons.
“Issues about sex remain hidden in Myanmar. Our society is becoming more open but I think sex education is still weak,” he added. Hyno — which translates as “enchant” or “hypnotise” — is the first magazine of its kind and is proving very popular despite the relatively-expensive $3 cover price at bookstores and street stalls. Its debut follows the abolition in August of Myanmar’s stringent pre-publication censorship which had seen officials scrupulously flag photos or articles deemed distasteful to public morality, as well as stifling dissent. But since censorship was scrapped, fashion and lifestyle magazines have started to push the boundaries with their content — so far without sanction. Hyno has raised the stakes, so much so that some bookshops refuse to stock the magazine, saying its aim is to titillate rather than educate.
Ominously, the Ministry of Information sent a letter to the interim press council registering its unhappiness with the “unethical” lifestyle magazine. The ministry accuses Hyno of breaching its licence as a fashion publication by printing “sex-related articles and photos that are not appropriate for Myanmar’s culture.” “I even saw some comments on the Internet saying how shameless the editor is to print such magazine,” said Ko Oo Swe, urging people to avoid criticism until they have read it and seen how he has “stuck to the cultural rules.” Despite the uproar, Hyno’s young readers believe it could play a major role in raising awareness of sexually transmitted diseases and, in the longer term, shifting rigid social mores as Myanmar edges out of decades of isolation. “For those who are quite old-fashioned it (sex education) is a very shameful thing,” said
Yoon Lae Khin, a 20-year-old student, who is also a volunteer for the Myanmar Medical Association (MMA). “My mother understands there are things we need to know, but it is difficult to talk about sex in front of my father and siblings. So we need to get this awareness from magazines.” Medical professionals have joined Hyno’s corner saying it is high time the country talked about sex. “Young people do not have enough knowledge so problems such as underage pregnancy, pregnancy before marriage and infection with HIV/AIDS and venereal disease occur,” said Khine Soe Win, a project officer for a youth development programme with the MMA. “Old-fashioned people turn their noses up in disapproval” of sex education, he added, criticising them for judging the issue by the yardstick of “a culture they don’t understand.” His comments were echoed by Ne Win, a doctor working for the United Nations Population Fund in Myanmar, who believes a modern, progressive media can fill the void left by the nation’s reluctance to promote sex education. “Our activities are not as strong as media coverage which can reach hundreds of readers in a short time,” Ne Win said. While its editor says Hyno is here to stay, a battle is brewing with those who see it as a threat to decency in hitherto modest Myanmar.
EDITORIALS Deal with Akbar with a firm hand
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he drama unfolding around hate-speech suspect Akbaruddin Owaisi has a sense of déjà vu. It has often been the case with many in the past. The moment they face inquiry they fall sick and claim to be a heart patient. The list is too long to mention here. But what one sees in this game is how our law and justice system are sought to be twisted and bent by those in power. While this safety measure is not available to the common criminal when he is picked up at midnight and put through the third-degree method, the high and mighty gets the kid glove treatment. We should see it as what it is: a disdain for law and justice and should deal with them as such. Demeaning politics by essentially dangerous inflammatory speeches is irresponsible and one fraught with dangers. The AP government who erred by ignoring his repeated scandalous talks should at least now wake up and deal with this case with a firm hand to restore people’s faith in law and justice.
READERS’ VIEWS
Kindly shut up, your holiness
P
lease excuse this humble mortal if he appears a bit blunt, but Maharaj Asaram Bapu, you should refrain from shooting your mouth off. In what world would things like a woman asking a man, who is forcing himself upon her, to stop by calling him her brother? Your ideas are quite radical — however, too radical for this world, and pardon the commoners if they find fault with you. This nation makes space for everyone and their views, but you are stretching it.
We invite you to write to us comments, suggestions, viewpoint or just about anything to feedback@postnoon.com or #1246, Level 3, Jubilee Casa, Road No 62, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad – 500 033 or even by way of a call on 4067 2222. Editor: Dean Williams
AFP
TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013
workplace
LACK OF CONFIDENCE
A survey by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has revealed that business confidence in India worsened during the October-December quarter, due to high interest rates and infrastructure bottlenecks.
NOT ON THE SCHEDULE
LIVING IT UP
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KNOW YOUR COMPANY
As a respite from their hectic lives and stressful schedules, young professionals in the city are taking the time to live their passions. PADMINI C padmini.c@postnoon.com
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ven a couple of years ago, going trekking up the hills, camping in the woods, embarking on photography tours, belonging to book clubs, were wistful ideas conjured by burned out professionals looking to break free from their cubicle nations. They are not just ideas anymore. Bored and jaded with pubs and clubs, yuppies are now setting out to live their passions through various social and community clubs in the city. A UI designer by profession, Y Venkata Reddy started the Hyderabad Trekking Club in October 2011, sensing the need for a common platform for the adventure community in the city. By the end of that month, 200 people had signed up. Now, the group has over 1,800 members. “Over the last year, the interest levels and the aware-
A majority of the members of the Hyderabad Trekking Club are from 18 to 30, of which many are corporate employees. These activities help them face challenges head on and face difficulties in life. ness about adventure in the city has grown by leaps and bounds. A majority of our members are from 18 to 30, of which many are corporate employees. Other than their love for trekking and outdoors, they also realise that these activities help them face challenges head on and overcome difficulties in their personal as well as professional lives.” If for some, it's about pursuing their passions, for others its about networking with like-
minded individuals, making new friends and learning new skills. The Toastmasters community, for instance, is a popular favourite for working professionals in the city. Sudha Ramani of the Hyderabad Toastmasters says, “Even in the last year, we've seen a phenomenal increase in the number of youngsters at our events. People looking to further their careers or improve interpersonal communication skills tend to gain a lot from the programme and the mentors. It's essential self-help at its best. People realise this and therefore the rise in numbers. ” Ravi Kiran and Vikram Jammula, members of various clubs in the city, and both engineers by profession say that their lives have changed after they made the decision to pursue their passions. Vikram came from the US and joined TCS as project leader here. Bored, with few friends in the city he was
looking for an activity, when he chanced upon the Hyderabad Weekend Shots, a meet up group for aspiring shutterbugs. “I've learned so much from the group and made so many friends. But most importantly, it's been a great platform to showcase my work,” says Vikram who recently held his first photography exhibition in the city. Ravi was a test engineer at Verizon when he learned about Great Hyderabad Adventure Club and there was no turning back. Sharing his experience, he says,“When we have our project releases, we work for months at an end. The stress and the schedules are killing. But then we go on a great trek for a few days, and come back up entirely refreshed and geared up to take on the next project.” But it has also brought a big change in his personal life. “I made hundreds of friends here and learned so much. I started in the adventure club and then joined the photography club and then progressed to the short-film making club. I've brought my friends to the clubs too and they're having the time of their lives. I think everyone should at least have something like this in their lives.”
MphasiS This is an IT services company owned by Hewlett-Packard and headquartered in Bangalore. MphasiS is ranked #7 in India IT companies and overall #165 by Fortune India 500 in 2011 with more than 40,000 employees as of 2012. It consistently delivers applications services, Infrastructure services, and Business Process Outsourcing services globally through a combination of technology knowhow, domain and process expertise.
DID YOU KNOW...
$241 bn
is the amount by which the richest people on the planet got even richer in 2012. The survey result is according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, a daily ranking of the world’s 100 wealthiest individuals. The aggregate net worth of the world’s top moguls stood at $1.9 trillion at the market close on December 31, according to the index.
PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Performance reviews are a waste of time, but in reality it can provide a wealth of helpful information — if you ask for it. “A good review should be a conversation about your job and how it relates to the goals of the department and the company,” says Lisa Orndorff, manager of employee relations and training at the Society for Human Resource Management.
The annual review will determine your raise. In reality, even if your raise is based on performance, it’s probably set in stone long before the review. Some companies have budget parameters, and some managers — say, in government organisations — don’t set your pay rate at all. But you can still use the review to learn how (or if) much you can get next year.
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013
spotlight
ICECREAM CRAVINGS
The Berry Berry delicious Strawberry Fest is back. Sink your teeth into tasty Strawberry cheesecake, Strawberry vacherin and Strawberry charlotte. Head to Le Cafe, Hitech City if you want part of this treat.
SRINIVAS SETTY
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
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DOING IT IN STYLE
LITTLE PRINCESS
It was nothing short of royality. The reception of Loveraj and Rasika at Chowmahalla Palace saw a gathering of friends and family who had come to wish the newly-weds. With the kind of ambiance the palace provided, the event was truly magical.
1 Maha & Faria 2 Laxmi Devaraj 3 Prithi 5 Ambika
4 Bindya
6 Prasanna Reddy
7 Nikithan, Jairaj, Loveraj, Rasika,
Leena, Shriya, Dr Charuvas
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Birthday girl Hunnar could not have asked for a better celebration than what her parents Sunny and Suchita held for her at their residence in Jubilee Hills. She was seen enjoying every moment of it. 1 Navdeep & Sonali
2 Neha 3 Anchal 4 Archna & Stuthi 5 Gurleen, Satpreeth 6 Suchita, Neeru, Harish, Ruchika & Avnish
7 Moghini, Mubena 8 Simran
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FILL UP YOUR SHOPPING BAGS
The Cotton Silk Weavers Welfare Association is organising The Silk and Cotton Fab of India from January 8-13. Several silk products from different states such as Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh will be on display. The exhibition will be held at Kamma Sangham Hall, Ameerpet Main Road, from 11am-9pm.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013
health
RASPBERRY SUPPLEMENT MAY HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT Raspberry ketones can help you lose weight and boost levels of a metabolismregulating hormone, a report has claimed. Raspberry ketones are fragrant compounds that occur naturally in raspberries and other fruits. The compounds can boost levels of adiponectin hormone, which regulates metabolism.
SHED THE PHOBIA
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It’s not safe outside Can you imagine being shut in a room, without seeing sunlight for days? Can you imagine not stepping out into the open? But doing just that can cause panic attacks and induce extreme fear in some. DEEPASHRI V
deepashri.v@postnoon.com
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hobias are caused due to deep seated incidents that occur during childhood. They usually occur with one object and later develop to general things,” Dr Ajay Saxena, senior consultant psychiatrist at Asha hospital said. “Things which do not affect 99 per cent of the people affect one per cent.” There are always two reasons why you develop a phobia, said Srilakshmi Pingali, psychiatrist at Roshni counselling centre. “Either it is genetic, they have a family history and are prone to it, or it is environmentally induced.” Agoraphobia is the fear of going outdoors. It could stem from a fear of open spaces, or the fear of social interaction or being embarrassed by others. Phengophobia, on the other hand, is the fear of sunlight. While these phobias could develop due to life experiences, certain biological factors, like deficient neuro transmitters, also contribute to fear.
Dr Srilakshmi said she has treated many patients with agoraphobia. “They are afraid to be alone in open speace. They feel something may happen to them and nobody will be there to help them.” She said software engineers who are afraid to travel alone by bus come to her. They can’t go anywhere without a companion, someone who is a constant support. Dr Saxena, who also runs his own private clinic, recalled a peculiar case of Agoraphobia, where a patient was afraid of dark clouds. Once the patient had a panic attack under dark clouds, and it later became a conditional response. Similarly, fear of sunlight could be related to some incident that causes them to panic in daylight. According to fearofstuff.com, phengophobia could also be due to social fear (also associated to open spaces) or bright lights. “Fear response is an avoiding response,” Dr Saxena said. “If a child fears exams, and avoids it to avoid the fear, the fear becomes permanent.” Dr Srilakshmi said that amedical management and therapy is used to treat patients. People learn to identify their misconceptions and face their fears.
Fact file n Phengophobia, or the fear of sunlight, could be due to traumatic incidents in the past, or may stem as a result of other fears the patient has. n People with Agoraphobia,
ANEWS PP-LYBRIEFS YOURSELF
HOUSECALL
on the other hand, fear stepping out. This could be due to a fear of open spaces or the fear of socialising, among other things. n Patients are given a combination of medication and
DID YOU KNOW?
behavioural therapy to help them overcome their fears. n Patients are made to face their fears, either in their imagination or in reality, to help them get over it.
PIONEERS
Gorilla Workout
Measles
Iron-rich spinach a myth
Dr Greenberg
This app is like having your own personal trainer in the privacy of home. It details more than 40 body-weight exercises that can be done easily in small spaces, without the need for bulky exercise equipment. Each workout is designed to target specific muscle groups to help you strengthen and tone.
Measles is an infectious disease, caused by a virus. It is passed on in tiny drops of water when people breathe. People with measles have a sore throat, a fever, a cough, red eyes and a runny nose. They also have a bumpy red rash all over their body. These rashes will cause itching. Measles is very infectious, which means it is easy to catch. If someone in a house has measles, it is very likely that others will also get it.
The myth that spinach is extremely rich in iron, is the result of a printing error. Many decades ago, a table indicating nutritional values of certain food types, put the decimal point, indicating the iron content of spinach, one position too far to the right. Despite the mistake being rectified, perception still has not followed.
The company Second Sight was formed by Dr Greenberg along with medical device entrepreneur, Alfred E. Mann, to develop a chronically implantable retinal prosthesis. Their first generation implant had 16 electrodes and was implanted in 6 subjects between 2002 and 2004. These subjects, who were all completely blind prior to implantation, could perform a surprising array of tasks using the device.
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health TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013
RESEARCH
STUDY
Now, a daily 'tomato pill' to cut heart attack risk Cambridge University researchers in trials of the pill found that it boosted blood flow and improved the lining of vessels in patients with pre-existing heart conditions.
LONDON: Scientists have created a daily 'tomato pill' which they claim boosts blood flow and increases the flexibility of arteries by 50 per cent in heart patients. The Ateronon capsule contains a chemical called lycopene which makes tomatoes red and is known to break down fatty deposits in the arteries. Cambridge University researchers in trials of the pill found it boosted blood flow and improved the lining of vessels in patients with pre-existing heart conditions. It also increased the flexibility of their arteries by 50 per cent, the 'Daily Mail' reported.
Doctors’ Corner
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30-year-old man was admitted to the hospital after falling on his right side, when his bike hit a ditch on the road. He noticed that he was unable to lift his right arm after the injury. Myself (M): Did you lose consciousness after the accident? Patient (P): No M: Any pain anywhere? P: No On further examination, we discovered that he had a
of 67, were presented at a meeting of the American Heart Association. The results showed that the pill improved the function of the endothelium – the layer of cells lining blood vessels. It also boosted their sensitivity to nitric oxide, the gas which triggers the dilation of the arteries in response to exercise. "These results are potentially very significant, but we need more trials to see if they translate into fewer heart attacks and strokes," Ian Wilkinson, of Cambridge University's clinical trials unit, said. "It is too early to come to firm conclusions, but the results from this trial are far better than
Scientists believe the pill could not only limit the damage caused by heart disease but also benefit those with arthritis, diabetes and even slow the progress of cancer. Each pill provides the equivalent of eating around 2.7 kg of ripe tomatoes. Studies have shown eating a Mediterranean-style diet rich in tomatoes, fish, vegetables, nuts and olive oil can significantly reduce cholesterol and help prevent cardiovascular disease. Preliminary results from a two-month trial, in which the pill was given to 36 heart disease patients and 36 healthy volunteers with an average age
anything we could have hoped for," Peter Kirkpatrick, a leading neurosurgeon and medical adviser to CamNutra, which has developed Ateronon, said. Further studies are planned, with researchers hoping it could offer an alternative to statins for heart disease sufferers who cannot take the cholesterol-lowering drugs. "Although this showed lycopene improved blood flow in people with heart disease, that's a long way from demonstrating that taking it could improve outcomes for people with heart disease," Mike Knapton of the British Heart Foundation said. PTI
Dr Ganesh Chunduri
INJURIES YOU CANNOT SEE complete loss of sensation and power in the entire arm. Suddenly I noticed that his right eye lid was drooping slightly compared to the left side. I checked his pupils, which was smaller on the right compared to left. I realised that this is related to the injury in the spine, where the sympathetic system is damaged along with
the nerves in the right arm. Medically, it is called Horner’s Syndrome, which in this case, shows the level of division of nerves in the spine. We ordered an urgent MRI scan of the spine, which confirmed that the patient had avulsion of all the nerves supplying his right arm. The prognosis is quite
bad in this case and the chances of recovery is small in such cases. Even though there were no injuries on the body and no fractures, one can get such severe injuries which need recognising. The writer is a consultant orthopaedist at Oxygen Hospitals, Vikrampuri. You can contact him on 7702446000.
Mums say breastfeed for remedies WASHINGTON: Using cabbage leaves and tea bags to ease pain in breastfeeding are some folk remedies quite popular with new mothers. Drinking beer to produce more milk, for instance, is a folk tradition that singer Mariah Carey followed. She was accused of endangering her twins with that practice. Jonathan Schaffir, obstetrician at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Centre, recently surveyed lactations specialists to see how often they pass along this folklore to breastfeeding mothers, the journal Breastfeeding Medicine reports. The online survey of 124 lactation consultants affiliated with US medical centers in 29 states found that 69 per cent reported hearing of folk remedies, and 65 per cent had recommended at least one of these methods, according to a Wexner statement. Respondents were asked to provide examples of advice they had heard of, as well as advice they routinely passed on to breastfeeding mothers. Advice was broken into five categories: Recommendations to promote lactation, to initiate breastfeeding, to treat pain associated with breastfeeding, to assist with weaning, and about substances to avoid for the baby's sake. The survey found that certain folk remedies are widely discussed among experts, particularly herbal remedies to increase milk production and cabbage leaves to ease pain from breastfeeding. They suggest that recommending folk remedies that are outside of the medical mainstream is a common practice among lactation consultants who advise women about breastfeeding. "With the attention given to these remedies, this survey may spur future research to objectively measure whether such recommendations are actually safe and effective, rather than relying solely on anecdotal evidence," Schaffir said. IANS
TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013
Entertainment A LOOK BACK
R
am Charan’s upcoming film Nayak is all set for its worldwide release tomorrow. Directed by VV Vinayak, the film is an action entertainer in which Ram Charan will be seen in dual roles. Talking about the film, VV Vinayak said, “Ram Charan reminds me so much of his father Chiranjeevi. Even while shooting his scenes, I would end up using almost similar camera angles which I had used for Chiranjeevi. Nayak will be a treat for the audience.” The film also stars Kajal and Amala Paul. SS Thaman has scored the music. The film is releasing in over 1,200 theatres across the state.
CHARAN REMINDED ME OF
CHIRANJEEVI: V V VINAYAK
CINE BYTES
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D for Dopidi to release in mid-Feb
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undeep Kishan, Varun Sandesh and Melanie Kannokada starrer D for Dopidi is expected to hit the screens in mid February. Siraaj Kalla has directed the film which revolves around a bank robbery. Raj & DK have produced the film. Dopidi is currently in post production and the music, scored by Mahesh Shankar, will be launched later this month. This is Raj & DK’s first production in Telugu.
Balupu’s teams returns to Hyderabad
T
he principal shooting of Ravi Teja’s upcoming film Balupu has shifted to Hyderabad after almost a month. Shruti Haasan is playing the lead role and Anjali is also part of the cast. Few scenes featuring Ravi Teja and Shruti Haasan are being shot in this schedule. Gopichand Malineni is directing the film and Prasad V Potluri is producing it.
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Entertainment TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013
IN A SWEET MOOD
B
RANBIR HAILS SINGERS, SAYS THEY
CONTRIBUTE A LOT
ollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor, who has been roped in to play the main lead in a biopic on legendary performer Kishore Kumar, feels that a singer must be given due credit as he plays a very important role in an actor's life. "Kishore Kumar has sung for my father so many times. While doing Bachna Ae Haseeno, I got an opportunity to sing a few lines of his (Kishore Kumar) song too. A singer contributes a lot in an actor's life and must be given credit for that," he said.
Being a huge fan of the singer, Ranbir, 30, said: "Whenever we talk of Kishore Kumar, all we can say is that he used to sing from his heart." "It is a great opportunity for me to act in a biopic of Kishore Kumar on screen. The script is not ready at the moment and we are waiting for Anurag Basu to complete it. It is my duty as an actor that I do full justice to it," said Ranbir. Ranbir will not be singing in the film, but "I will try my best to look and act like him". IANS
CINE BYTES
‘Kai Po Che!’ actors behind the scenes
A
ctors Sushant Singh Rajput, Rajkumar Yadav and Amit Sadh of Kai Po Che! have directed some behind-the-scenes footage, which will be shared with viewers in the DVD of the film. "All the three boys became very good friends during the shoot and they decided to shoot some behindthe-scenes footage about their camaraderie. These boys are multi-faceted," director Abhishek Kapoor said. IANS
Rajeev says no to daily soaps
A
lthough he became popular with his role in hit television series Kahiin...To Hoga, now Rajeev Khandelwal is not interested in TV soaps. "I don't mind doing television if something path-breaking and exciting comes my way, but won't do a daily soap now," Rajeev said. He also hosted two seasons of reality show Sacch Ka Saamna. IANS
Three actresses vying to be face of ‘Ek Thi Daayan’
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upernatural thriller Ek Thi Daayan, which was reportedly turned down by Rani Mukerji, now stars three heroines and interestingly they are comfortable representing the film. Co-produced by Ekta Kapoor and Vishal Bhardwaj, Ek Thi Daayan features Kalki Koechlin, Huma Qureshi and Konkona Sen Sharma in the female lead roles, while Emraan Hashmi plays the male lead. IANS
Entertainment TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013
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Entertainment TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013
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Entertainment TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013
ADELE FOR AN ENCORE
CINE BYTES
DANIEL CRAIG WANTS ADELE TO SING THE THEME OF NEXT BOND FILM
Bieber ‘badly influenced’ by rapper Lil Twist?
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ustin Bieber’s association with rapper Lil Twist is reportedly causing concern for the teen popstar’s closest friends. Twist, a protégé of rapper Lil Wayne, was driving Bieber’s white Ferrari when a 29-year-old paparazzo died while trying to snap pictures of the vehicle. Bieber recently became embroiled in controversy after photos of him allegedly smoking marijuana leaked online.
Bono’s eye condition getting worse
U
2 lead frontman Bono’s eye condition is getting worse, according to his close pal and rockstar Julian Lennon. “Bono actually has a condition with his eyes. I don’t know the exact issue but the brightness of the sun hurts them and it’s a deteriorating issue,” Julian Lennon, son of late Beatles legend John Lennon, said. PTI
Seyfried desperate for Les Miserables role
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ctor Daniel Craig wants multiple Grammy winning singer Adele to sing the theme song for the next Bond film after her global smash with Skyfall. The 24-year-old singer would be the first repeat Bond singer since Shirley Bassey sang Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever and Moonraker, reported Daily Mirror online. Craig, 44, has also reportedly pushed bosses at MGM to sign up Skyfall director Sam Mendes for the next film. “Daniel wants to keep the winning team. He loved Adele and wants her back alongwith director Sam Mendes,” a source said. Adele’s Skyfall track is predicted to score a nomination for Best Original Song at the 85th annual Academy Awards. Adele, who gave birth to a son last October, will reportedly make her first public appearance at the award ceremony in February. PTI
ctress Amanda Seyfried has been obsessed with the musical Les Miserables since even before she was a teenager, and is proud to have landed the role of orphan Cosette. “I was only 11 when I first saw it, and ever since I’ve been hoping to be a part of it. Playing Cosette is proof that life has a way of making things come full circle if you want something badly enough,”she said. IANS
TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013
Chai Time
Play & Win
Please send in your filled-in entries to Postnoon, #1246, Level 3, Jubilee Casa, Road No 62, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad – 500033. The winners will be announced on this page in Sunday’s edition.
KAKURO How to play kakuro Kakuro is a popular game similar to sudoku in some ways. But is also suitably different. The key question: ‘How do you play kakuro?’, well here are the rules of kakuro. The answer: The kakuro grid, unlike in sudoku, can be of any size. It has rows and columns, and dark cells like in a crossword. And, just like in a crossword, some of the dark cells will contain numbers. Some cells will contain two numbers. However, in a crossword the numbers reference clues. In a kakuro, the numbers are all you get! They denote the total of the digits in the row or column refer-
QUICK CROSSWORD enced by the number. Within each collection of cells — called a run — any of the numbers 1 to 9 may be used but, like sudoku, each number may only be used once.Let’s have an example to explain this concept more clearly: In the image above, which shows a section of a kakuro puzzle, you will see the numbers ‘26’ and ‘14’ in the top row. Look at the 14. This means that the total of the three cells underneath must sum to 14. Therefore 9, 4, 1 could be the answer, or perhaps 7, 4, 3 and so
on... So, how do you work out the actual combination? Well, this is done through elimination and cross-referencing. For instance, as you work out the answers for other kakuro clues, this will naturally limit the valid combinations, and hence the answer for this particular run. Note the second cell in row two — it contains two numbers, 30 and 11. The 30 refers to the vertical run underneath the number 30 and the 11 refers to the two cells to the right, horizontally, of the number 11.
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SUDOKU
PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER
26
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1 Kind of salts 6 Faculty title (Abbr) 10 Cheese lovers 14 Wavelike fabric pattern 15 Change the decor 16 Ones, in Madrid 17 Keeper or leaker of confidential information 20 ‘Told you!’ 21 Hoods' guns 22 Bruce Wayne's butler 23 Underlying idea 25 ‘No ___, no glory’ 26 Fluid parts of blood 28 Draw into an argument 32 Sitter in a eucalyptus tree 34 Mathematician /philosopher Descartes 35 Shock jock's overseer, for short 38 Acceptable for the masses, say 42 Seek an answer 43 Without much slack 44 Burn slightly 45 Forage crop 48 Estate of a feudal lord 49 Gave a whirl 51 Residences for
cardinals 53 Ideal place 55 Heart of the matter 56 Polloi preceder 59 Prey for some big corporations 62 State firmly 63 Port between Buffalo and Cleveland 64 It lasts 30 days 65 Basil or sage 66 Fax or FedEx 67 Outlaw hunters
DOWN 1 Grounded big birds 2 Cornmeal bread 3 Distract from the main subject 4 Vein material 5 On-ramp sign 6 For the time being 7 Races, as an engine 8 Dedicatory poem 9 Thrown ___ loop 10 Coffee amount, perhaps 11 Chemically nonreactive 12 Cotton-candy holders 13 Cornerstone abbr 18 Answered a summons 19 Casbah setting 24 Saintly ring
26 Antarctic bird 27 Years and years and years 29 Slurpable soup 30 A pastor, perhaps (Abbr) 31 ___-in-a-million 33 The merchant of Venice 35 Some cement workers 36 Hamster home 37 Music symbol 39 Subject of a cigarette rating 40 One may be slangily overhead or literally underfoot 41 Strain, as flour 45 Exceptionally good 46 Delta competitor 47 Flatland 49 ___ off (forestall) 50 Hand-raising activity? 52 Subway dangler 53 Home to five national parks 54 Parade rtes, sometimes 55 Toothy look 57 He gave us a lift 58 Key in the water 60 Stanza writer's ‘before’ 61 US federal documents producer
Chai Time TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013 Thiruvaikumar
STAR POWER for 9-1-2013
27
As per Hindu panchang thiruvaikumar@yahoo. co. in, 040-27177230 / 9177596118
ARIES
TAURUS
GEMINI
CANCER
LEO
VIRGO
LIBRA
SCORPIO
SAGITTARIUS
CAPRICORN
AQUARIUS
PISCES
Your charisma will increase. Chances of buying more movable and immovable assets. Your self-confidence and good skills will help you achieve set goals. A journey will prove beneficial. Avoid hurting parent's genuine wishes.
STRIP TEASE AGNES
You will reap the benefits for good things done in the past. Family will be in happy atmosphere thus letting you relax. Financial situation will look up gradually. Tension and depression will be over. Avoid unwanted apprehensions in the mind.
Health problem likely; take proper care. Couples advised not to magnify minor issues and get into misunderstanding. Some get a good opportunity to go abroad. Friends' circle will expand. Expenses will be under control.
Good news on the cards. Artists will get good opportunities and earn name and fame with improvement in financial situation. Blood relatives will be benefitted by you. Employees might be upset as their hard work did not get proper recognition.
Be prepared to go abroad as opportunity is expected at any moment. Employees will relax as problems faced by them at workplace will disappear. Friends and wellwishers will extend their support. Avoid anger and emotional decisions.
Children will make you proud and happy. Happy events taking place at home will bring cheer to all family members. Held-up good events will resume and take place without further hurdles. Businessmen will earn a steady profit.
Regarding matters related to foreign trip, don't act in a hurry. Your speed alone does not work as matters are related to a govt office. Family members will support you well. Those longing for a child after marriage will be blessed.
Romance will gain importance but be careful about future consequences and take an appropriate decision. Encourage children and support them for them to achieve their goals. Couples will be more affectionate towards each other.
Postpone efforts to go for a new job for sometime as time is not favourable. You will become more active and complete all work well within the scheduled time. Employees advised to work with involvement so as to earn a good name.
TAROT READ
Sumaa Tekur
tarotreadhyd@gmail. com
ARIES:
GEMINI:
Six of Swords – An overseas trip is in the offing. You may be attending a conference overseas, where you’ll meet interesting people. A romance may also work.
LEO:
Page of Pentacles – Ensure that you’re doing enough to learn along the way. Approaching any situation with the attitude that you know it all is going to harm you.
LIBRA:
PEARLS BEFORE SWINE
Ace of Wands – You’re at your creative best. Good ideas come to you from as if out of the blue. Think of ways to use these ideas well.
SAGITTARIUS:
The Star – There are clouds of confusion around you, but there is also a ray of hope. You need to find the strength to identify the silver lining.
TAURUS:
The Magician – Use your intuition to get things done. Your solutions may not be formulaic but they get you where you want to be. Trust carefully.
CANCER:
Knight of Pentacles – You’re determined and focused. But don’t stress yourself out so much that you lose sight of your goal itself. Watch your diet. Don’t stress-eat.
VIRGO:
Five of Cups – Some form of loss is indicated. Do not cry over spilt milk. What’s over is over. Move on with what’s left and look ahead positively.
SCORPIO:
Six of Cups – Memories from the recent past are demanding your attention. Avoid getting too emotional about what you cannot change. Take it lightly.
CAPRICORN:
Five of Pentacles – Some form of loss is indicated. There is no avoiding this. The best way to deal with it is to accept it fully and move on.
PREVIOUS SOLUTIONS
PISCES:
Eight of Swords – You may not be sleeping very well. Are you anxious or depressed? Find out the cause and work towards remedying it.
NUMBER GAME
ds – There is a creative streak in you, which needs to find the right outlet. Try experimenting with unfamiliar art forms to allow creativity to blossom.
SCRABBLE
AQUARIUS: Page of Wan-
POOCH CAFE
Applied loan will get sanctioned. Unexpected fortune likely. Things that work out fast and successful beyond expectations will surprise you. Postpone plan to buy a vehicle for some time. Avoid standing guarantee for anyone.
for 9-1-2013
Page of Swords – You’re young, adventurous and have that streak of doing the new. However, there is an intellectual side that is holding you from being impulsive.
NON SEQUITUR
Businessmen will prosper well. Be flexible and adjust with blood relatives. Be careful while expressing opinions and never hurt anyone. Avoid unwanted arguments. Couples advised to adjust with each other and be cordial. Children bring cheer.
SUDUKO
You might come to know about your son or daughter's love affair. Avoid anger and analyse pros and cons before taking a decision. Take care of your health too by not getting overemotional. Journey undertaken will bring grand success.
Boggle JUNE OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER Vol: 2, No 173 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
28
Entertainment TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013 CINE BYTES M.I.As album delayed
M
.I.A., the most feel-good musician to ever flip off the Super Bowl halftime show and tweet out a journalist's phone number, has seen her Matangi album delayed from December to April due to high levels of positivity. "I finished it and then I handed the record in, like a couple of months ago ... At the moment, I've been told it's too positive. So we're having a bit of an issue at the label. They're like 'You need to like darken it up a bit.'"
Texas Chainsaw 3D slashes The Hobbit
Six new series heading to Oprah's network
T
he Own Network is bulking up with a half-dozen new originals. The channel's first scripted series — drama The Have and the Have Nots and comedy Love Thy Neighbor — both come from Tyler Perry. Also forthcoming are reality shows Blackboard Wars , Raising Whitley, Dogfellas and Golden Sisters.
A DIFFERENT TAKE
BRADLEY COOPER IS T ALL PRAISES FOR HIS DIRECTOR
he tables were turned for Silver Linings Playbook director David O. Russell and his star Bradley Cooper at Saturday’s Variety Indie Impact brunch at the Parker hotel in Palm Springs, CA. David presented Bradley with the Palm Springs International Film Festival’s Desert Palm Achievement award for acting, but the next day Bradley honoured David with an Indie Impact award for his directing work, calling his experience working with David “magical.” Bradley said: “We shot Silver Linings Playbook in 33 days. Many directors would be hospitalized upon just hearing the schedule.” All joking aside, the project has been a critical success. Bradley has been racking up nomination after nomination for his role in the film, including nods from the Golden Globes and SAG Awards, and David has been earning plenty of accolades of his own for his behindthe-camera work.
T
he Hobbit's box office dominance was short-lived. It earned just $17.5 million this weekend, well below newcomer slasher flick Texas Chainsaw 3D, which pulled in $23 million. Next in the lineup: Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained, which earned $20 million, proving that a little controversy is never a bad thing.
sports
29
TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013
DAKAR RALLY
Al-Attiyah wins third stage The 42-year-old driver – winner in 2011 – moved to second in the overall standings behind Peterhansel. NAZCA, PERU: Qatari ace Nasser Al-Attiyah won the Dakar Rally third stage here on Monday to make it three stages from three for his Red Bull Buggy team. “The sand was very soft today and I decided not to go flat out because the car’s very new and we still don’t know how far it can go. No problems so far,” said Al-Attiyah, who won Olympic bronze last year in the shooting competition. Peterhansel - who had started
the day in the overall lead only for Al-Attiyah’s team-mate and 2010 champion Carlos Sainz to be reinstated over a technical fault the previous day - finished third in the stage while American veteran Robby Gordon was second. Peterhansel was delighted with the day’s work. “Yet another nice stage on the attack, just like we need to, without any navigational mistakes thanks to Jean-Paul (Cottret his navigator),” said the 47-year-old,
who has won the race six times on a motorbike and four times in the car discipline. “He was perfect even in those devilishly complicated places with motorcycle tracks in every direction... But we found our way and, all of a sudden, Carlos’ tracks disappeared before us, so we assumed he’d stopped due to technical problems.” The technical problems that have affected the Buggy team hit Al-Attiyah at one point during the stage. AFP
LEAGUE CRICKET AB Colony lose to Manchester A2-3 Two Days League Championships Raju CC 181 (Babu 64, Akshay 4 for 32, Mansoor 4 for 18) Lost to Ours 182 for 4 (Abdul Rehman 37, Sourav Kumar 39no, Vedanand 31no, Chaitanya 3 for 37) Continental 377 for 8 (Rohit Reddy 163, Rahul Budhi 49, Praneeth Reddy 67, Srujain 4 for 90) Beat Osmaina 124 (Srujain 50no, Praneeth Reddy 4 for 20, Harish 3 for 20) A4-11 One Day League Championships S Raymonds 123 (Rohit 43, Nadeem 3 for 35, Balasubrahim 4 for 38) Lost to SK Blues 125 for 5 (Hariyankar 31, Vasu 3 for 28) Youth 162 for 8 (Moqueeth 42, Arun 30, Aniketh 31, Mukesh 30no, Sandeep Kumar 4 for 30, Dheeraj 3 for 26) Beat Navjeevan Friends 157 (Anil Verma 75, Sarab 30, Moqueeth 7 for 31, Kiran
Yadav 3 for 35) Apex 305 for 9 (Abdul Rehman 32, Syed Pash Ali 69, Mohammed Zehar Ali 39, Nitish 3 for 47) Beat MP Sporting 262 for 9 (Rama 33, Sameer 57, Naveen 61, Syed Hasham 6 for 59) Sacred Hearts 235 for 6 (Lesty Anthony 85, Harry Gerard 37) Beat United CC 108 (Berard George 4 for 53, Lesty Anthony 3 for 39) St Marys 98 (Syed Ali Hasim 34, Dayasagar Reddy 3 for 27, Bhargav Prasad 5 for 20) Lost to Gagan Mahal 102 for 2 (Manna Singh 34no) AB Colony 165 (Akshay 34, P Chandrashekar 4 for 40) Lost to Manchester 166 for 5 (Prabhu 58) Team Kun 184 (Ashish 31, Bharat Teja 55, Md Imran Khan 5 for 43) Lost to Hyd Patriots 185 for 4 (Mohammed Imran 40, Mohammed Mahmood Ali 68, Lavakush 3 for 65)
Sutton 113 for 9 (Vardhan 30, SS Aziz Quadri 3 for 36, Mohammednoman Afsar 3 for 28) Lost to Boys Town 115 for 2 (Abdul Khaled Quershi 49no, SS Aziz Quadri 30) Consult 197 for 8 (G Narayana 70) Beat Young Citizen 125 (Narsimha 58, Sanjeet Goud 5 for 26, Mohammed Hamid 5 for 18) Manikumar 206 for 8 (Rashad 59, Ishtiaque 45, Irfan 3 for 58) Beat Sunshine 186 for 8 (Pradeeep 65, Rajesh 30, Rashad 4 for 56) Universal 216 for 8 (Vikas 31, Prathik 51, Gaurav 37, Shiv 39) Beat Hyd Districts 189 (Kaustur Gupta 54, Deepak Dixit 4 for 40, Gaurav Reddy 3 for 31) PKCC 179 for 8 (Manikanth 83, Vijay Konda 30) Beat Adams XI 119 for 8 (Jalram Singh 33, Sumith Joshi 5 for 27, Rahul 3 for 4)
HCCL and Hyderabad House lost in close games in the fourth round of the Zinda Tilismath Cup. Worldview from beat HCCL and now three teams are tied with six points each. Pete Transformers is now the only unbeaten team in the tournament after they beat Hyderabad House. Worldview beat HCCL by 10 runs — Rahul 40, Sagar Rayaprolu 54, Bilal Azam 23 and 3 for 21 Value Labs beat Monarch Infotech by 31 runs — Sharan Pal Singh 66, Raghav Sethi 58, Hemanth K 37 Tata Advanced Systems beat Mane India by 42 runs — Mahesh Ekal 42, Sarvottam 5 for 18 Zonah beat Deccan Rangers by 97 runs — Atif Hyder 63, Vikram 3 for 2, Uzair Sherza 2 for 2 Phoenix beat Avengers by 9 wickets — Uzair Siddiqui 51, Fiyazuddin Amer 23 Pete Transformers beat Hyderabad House by 5 runs — Praveen Kumar 77, Layeeq Ahmed 33and 4 for 24, Santosh 4 for 19
HYDERABAD TRACK WORK
Decathlon shows fine form Decathlon, Ashwa Shakti, Equalizer, Lots Of Love and Rainbow In The Sky pleased when horses were exercised at the Malakpet racecourse in the City.
Sand track 800 metres Riverdale (Christopher) Rio Grande (Kuldeep Singh) 59, 600/44 They finished together. Greek Fire (C Henrique) 57, 600/43 Moved well. Vijaysheel (Ravinder Singh) 58, 600/44 Moved freely. Decathlon (Joshi) 52, 600/39 Caught the eye. Jamie (Alikhan) 1-0, 600/45 Moved freely. Okai Okai Okai (rb) 56.5, 600/42.5 Moved well. Wendy (Deep Shanker) Natalia (Trainer) 1-0, 600/45 They finished together. Ice Lolly (Kuldeep Singh) 1-3, 600/47 Easy. Big Move (Sreekant) 1-2.5 600 in 46 Easy. The Best Man (Anil) 1-1, 600/45 Easy. One One One (app) 57, 600/43 Moved well. Spanish Conquest (P Venkat) 1-2.5, 600/48 Easy. Rainbow In The Sky (Alikhan) 59, 600/45 moved freely. Lioness Heart (rb) Nasheeta (Sreekant) 1-0,
600/45.5 They moved freely. Wunderbar (Nitin Singh) 58.5, 600/44 Unextended. Rise Of Emerald (rb) 1-3, 600/47 Easy. Golconda King (N.Rawal) Deccan Queen (Sai Kumar) 1-0, 600/44 They moved together. Drayton (Imran Khan) 1-2, 600/46 Easy. Rohini Star (P.Venkat) 57, 600/43 Moved well. Equalizer (Uday Kiran) 56, 600/41.5 Pushed in the lat part. Komo Komo Komo (Anil) 1-0, 600/45 Easy. All Pepper (Kiran Naidu) 1-0, 600/45 Moved freely. Paying Guest (app) 1-3.5, 600/47 They moved freely. Midnight In Paris (K Alam) 58, 600/42.5 Moved well. Stamp Of Class (app) 1-3, 600/47 Easy.
14, 800/59, 600/44 They finished together. Enrapture (Kiran Naidu) Light Blue Sky (Imran Khan) 1-13.5, 800/57, 600/43 Latter pushed and finished together. Aphrodisiac (rb) 1-15, 800/59, 600/44 Easy. Ashwa Shakti (Tograllu) 1-14, 800/57.5, 600/44 Moved well.
Sand track 1000 metres Lumier Blanche (Deep Shankr) Racing Tycoon (Harinder Singh) 1-
Noted on Monday — Sand track 800 metres Saravagnya (rb) 1-2, 600/46 Easy.
Sand track 1200 metres King Cruise (rb) Sincara (Imran Khan) 1-33, 1000/1-16, 800/1-0, 600/45 They finished together. Lots of Love (Imran Khan) Tico Tico (Kiran Naidu) 1-28, 1000/1-13, 800/56.5, 600/42 They finished together. Itsy Bitsy (Sreekant) 133.5, 1000/1-18, 800/1-2.5, 600/47 Easy.
Shimmering Ice (Anil) Manipulator (app) 1-3, 600/47 They moved freely. Sherman Oaks (rb) Par Excellence (Kuldeep Singh) 1-0, 600/44 They moved together. Ben Hur (Chary) 1-2, 600/45.5 Easy. Paying Guest (Anil) 1-3, 600/47 Easy. Over Look (app) Deal Maker (Anil) 1-3, 600/48 They moved freely. Sand track 1000 metres Rose Queen (Herqiue) 1-14, 800/57.5, 600/43.5 Moved well. Spirited (rb) 1-17, 800/1-2, 600/46 Easy. Mock race 1200 metres Jewel In The Crown (Sai Vamshi) Nano Pride (N Rawal) Kohinoor Angel (Kunal) City of Dreams (MF Alikhan) Bold Brigade (Nitin Singh) Wolverton (K Alam) 1-15, 1000/1-2,
800/50, 600/38 Bold Brigade slowly off and Wolverton refused to gallop soon after the jump. Noted on Sunday — Sand track 800 metres 3y. Danehill Star/Lenavi (Kuldeep Sigh) Concours (app ) 1-12, 600/47 They moved freely. Staminoizd (app ) 1-1, 600/46 Easy. Ice Barrier (app) Flip Side (Anil) 1-3, 600/48 They finished together. Grace Land (rb) 1-3, 600/47 Easy. Cold Smile (Anil) 59, 600/44 Urged. Sand track 1000 metres Zorro The Legend (rb) Ein Ein Ein (rb) 1-17, 800/1-0, 600/45 Moved together. Euphonic (rb) Kings Cruise (Sreekant) 1-18, 800/1-2, 600/46 They moved freely. Apprise (rb) Sincara (Sreekant) 1-16, 800/11, 600/46 They finished together.
30
sports TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013
SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL
AUSTRALIAN OPEN
Stars ‘sweat’ it out
Radwanska said it was ‘too hot to play tennis’ and Li Na said it was like a sauna as the tournament was hit by a searing heatwave on Tuesday. SYDNEY: World number four Agnieszka Radwanska (right) said it was “too hot to play tennis” and China’s Li Na said it was like a sauna as the Sydney International was hit by a searing heatwave on Tuesday. Poland’s Radwanska, who reached last year’s Wimbledon final, battled fearsome temperatures topping 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) at the Olympic Park complex to brush past Japanese veteran Kimiko Date-Krumm 6-4, 6-3. While Radwanska reached the last eight, the major talking point was not the standard of play but the blistering heat ahead of next week’s first Grand Slam event of the year at the Australian Open in Melbourne. “I think this is too hot to play tennis,” said Radwanska. “Even for players, for ball kids, for the people sitting out there, I think it’s just too hot.
“I think I would prefer to go on court at 11:00 pm and play a match.” The temperature climbed to 41.4 Celsius (106.5 Fahrenheit) in the early afternoon at the tournament, with readings expected to rise further.
WTA WORLD RANKINGS
Serena Williams closing in on top spot
Radwanska said she was trying not to alter her game in the conditions but admitted she had more of a battle with the heat than her opponent. “I think the first main thing is just to stay calm and trying to survive,” she said.
Li Na, who beat Japanese qualifier Ayumi Morita 6-1, 6-0, said she was reaching for the ice towels at each changeover. “I was feeling like playing in a sauna. At the first changeover I didn’t use an ice towel. I was feeling the heat was coming and I was like, ‘What’s going on’?” Li said. “At the next changeover I was like, ‘OK, I need an ice towel every changeover, otherwise I don’t know how to play on the court’. “It’s too hot, but I’m still in the tournament, so it’s good news.” The tournament has an extreme heat policy but it only comes into effect at the discretion of the tournament referee. Tennis officials apply a complex formula factoring in heat, humidity, and wind to determine when on-court conditions become too stressful for the players. AFP
Djokovic, Azarenka top seed SYDNEY: World number ones Novak Djokovic and Victoria Azarenka were named the top seeds on Monday for next week’s Australian Open in Melbourne. Djokovic, who beat Rafael Nadal in five sets in last year’s final, will be bidding for his third successive Australian Open title at Melbourne Park. Roger Federer, who has a record 17 grand slam titles in 24 finals, is the second seed ahead of US Open champion Andy Murray and Spain’s David Ferrer. Nadal will miss the yearopening grand slam as he is suffering from a stomach virus. Defending women’s singles champion Azarenka is seeded ahead of last year’s finalist, Russian Maria Sharapova, five-time winner Serena Williams and Poland’s Wimbledon finalist Agnieszka Radwanska. AFP
THE NAWAB MOIN UD DOWLA TROPHY
will be top seed at the year’s first Grand Slam, has 10,595 points, 450 points ahead of Maria Sharapova and 845 points clear of Williams.
WTA top rankings
PARIS: Serena Williams is poised to regain the WTA World No.1 ranking she lost in October, 2010, following her win in Brisbane at the weekend. The American was named WTA World Player of the Year last year for winning the Wimbledon and US Open titles as well as Olympic gold in London, but that was still not enough for her to overtake Victoria Azarenka and Maria Sharapova ahead of her. But she is close on their heels and, having being knocked out early at last year’s Australian Open, is well placed to pick up big ranking points in Melbourne later this month. Azarenka, who
1
Victoria Azarenka (BLR) 10,595 pts
2
Maria Sharapova (RUS) 10,045
3
Serena Williams (USA) 9750
4
Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) 7505
5
Angelique Kerber (GER) 5550
6
Li Na (CHN) 5255
7
Sara Errani (ITA) 5100
8
Petra Kvitova (CZE) 5085
9
Samantha Stosur (AUS) 4135
10
Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 3765
11
Marion Bartoli (FRA) 3740
12
Nadia Petrova (RUS) 3040
13
Ana Ivanovic (SRB) 2841
14
Maria Kirilenko (RUS) 2540
15
Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) 2495
16
Roberta Vinci (ITA) 2475
17
Lucie Safarova (CZE) 2125
18
Julia Goerges (GER) 1965
19
Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) 1841
20
Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) 1840
Sharmada Balu (R) and Sowjanya Bavisetti win their first round against M Sehrawat and T Hunda 6-0, 6-3 in the Secunderabad Club on Monday playing the Bheema Cements Secunderabad Club Open doubles. SRINIVAS SETTY
HEINEKEN OPEN
Janowicz fails in Auckland
AUCKLAND: Jerzy Janowicz’s fairytale rise through the tennis ranks was dealt a blow at the Heineken Open in Auckland on Monday when the Polish fifth seed lost in the opening round to US journeyman Brian Baker. In his first outing since a breakthrough run to reach the final of the Paris Masters last November, Janowicz was defeated 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 after an erratic display in the tourna-
ment, a warm-up event for the Australian Open. While he showed glimpses of the giant-killing form that downed five top 20 players in Paris, including Andy Murray, Janowicz committed 51 unforced errors and 10 double faults to hand the match to Baker. He took the first set comfortably but lost concentration early in the second, finally rallying at 5-1 down in the third, when it
was too late to stop Baker. “It seemed like he flicked a switch,” the American said. “I don’t know how many points he won in a row but it seemed like about 15. “Luckily I was able to close it out at the end.” Last year’s beaten finalist Olivier Rochus of Belgium defeated Spain’s Albert Ramos 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 in blustery conditions that he described as the toughest he had ever played in.
31
sports TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013
INDIA VS PAKISTAN
Ex players criticise Akmal Pakistan’s Umar Akmal has drawn flak from former players and critics for his below-par performance during the just-concluded tour of India. KARACHI: Pakistan’s young batsman Umar Akmal has drawn flak from former players and critics for his below-par performance during the just-concluded tour of India. Even Pakistan’s former captain Wasim Akram singled out Umar for criticism after the third and final onedayer in Delhi on Sunday. “When will Umar learn to play responsibly. He has been around in international cricket now for a considerable time. He really needs to think about his game now,” Wasim said. Umar, the younger brother of wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal, got out at a crucial time in the match with Pakistan chasing a low total of 167 set by India. Pakistan’s former captain Rashid Latif was more forthright in his views about Umar and the match. “I think it is about time Umar is told by the selectors he is not needed in the national team until he changes his approach and attitude towards the game,”
Latif said. “Umar has to be sent back to domestic cricket until the selectors see a visible change in his approach and attitude. He has got too many opportunities to realise his talent. But he is not finishing games,” Latif said. Umar was also in the eye of the storm before the Indian tour when his department, Sui Gas, which includes Mohammad Hafeez and Misbah-ul-Haq, sidelined him after he missed some games in the President’s Trophy due to the wedding of his brother Adnan. Moin Khan also felt that Umar was not doing justice to his enormous talent. “He is talented no doubt about it but he needs to learn that all this talent is useless until it results in good results for his team. He is just not showing the approach of a finisher which is sad,” Moin said. Umar is expected to be axed for the forthcoming South African tour as the selectors have more confidence in Haris Sohail. PTI
Zaka mum about meeting with BCCI KARACHI: The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Zaka Ashraf on Monday declined to comment on the discussions he had held with his counterpart from BCCI on the future course of Indo-Pak bilateral cricket relations. “I don’t want to share anything with the media on this subject until discussions and talks are underway with them,” Ashraf told reporters here. The BCCI has been reported
to have said that that there was no chance of the Indian team touring Pakistan in August due to security reasons nor would any such series be played at any neutral venue. Pakistani television channels quoted the Indian media reports that the BCCI had also made their stance clear to Ashraf that until security situation in Pakistan was not 100 per cent restored for international cricket, they wouldn’t send their team.PTI
‘Success due to Wasim, Gambhir’ NEW DELHI: Pacer Shami Ahmed on Monday attributed his success to the tips he received from former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram and India opener Gautam Gambhir. The 22-year-old from Bengal made a promising debut, against Pakistan, in the third and final ODI at the Ferozeshah Kotla on Sunday. “The small things that he’s (Akram) taught me have made me a better bowler. Things like bowling with the old ball, reversing it and maintaining it, which line to bowl when you’re trying to reverse-swing the ball. He’s taught me a lot when it comes to using the white ball,” Shami said of the Pakistan legend. Akram’s tips proved to be handy as Shami bowled a crucial 48th over, helping India win the match by 10 runs. About Gambhir, Shami said the left-hander explained to him the importance of bowling the right line and length to an opening batsman. “As an opening batsman, Gauti Bhai (Gambhir) keeps telling me what a new ball should do to trouble the batsman. Every time I bowl to him in the nets (at KKR) he doesn’t only concentrate on his batting. He makes it a point to give me honest feedback on every delivery, which helps me improve,” Shami was quoted as saying by ‘BCCI.tv’. The bowler finished with impressive figures of one for 23 in nine overs. PTI
Nasir forgets trophy KARACHI: Nasir Jamshed, who tormented the Indian bowlers in the just concluded series, has forgotten to carry his manof-the-series trophy with him. Jamshed, who scored centuries in the first two ODIs in the series, and the victorious Pakistan team was accorded a warm welcome here on Monday. “In the rush to get to the airport I forget my trophy but the team management says I will get it soon,” Jamshed said. “But the welcome we have got today is really out of this world and it shows just how important it
was for us to win this series for the people.” Jamshed said the two centuries he had made in the series had given him lot of confidence and self belief. “But I will be talking to Inzamam-ul-Haq and Saeed Anwar again to get tips from them on how to further improve my batting,” the opener said. Youngsters carrying Pakistani flags, posters of their favourite players and banners danced and showered rose petals on the players as they came out of the terminal. PTI
TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS
Johnson jumps into lead
MAUI, HAWAII: The US PGA Tour’s 2013 campaign finally got going on Monday, with Dustin Johnson jumping to a three-shot lead as 30 golfers played the first two rounds of the Tournament of Champions. High winds prevented any rounds from being completed from Friday through Sunday.
The tourney, reduced to 54 holes, is slated to end on Tuesday. Johnson emerged from the marathon on 11-under par 135 after posting rounds of 69 and 66. He ended the day on a high, with an eagle on the par-five 18th in the second round. Steve Stricker carded a 71 and 67 for sole possession of
second place on eight-under 138. Bubba Watson was a further shot back on 139 after a 70 and 69. Keegan Bradley and Brandt Snedeker shared fourth on six-under 140. Johnson has a bit of history on his side. He won the last two US PGA Tour events played over just 54 holes. AFP
TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013
sports
COMMENTATOR RAPPED OVER SUAREZ ‘CHEAT’ CLAIM A British television commentator who labelled Luis Suarez “a cheat” following his controversial goal in Liverpool’s FA Cup win at Mansfield on Sunday, has been spoken to by his employer. Jon Champion made his views clear while working live for satellite station ESPN.
FA CUP
Everton rout Cheltenham With 67 places between the clubs in the English league system it was hardly surprising to see Everton take charge right from the kick-off.
CHELTENHAM, UK: Everton swept into the FA Cup fourth round with a 5-1 rout of League Two minnows Cheltenham on Monday. Although Everton are flying high in the Premier League and harbour genuine ambitions of qualifying for the Champions League, Toffees boss David Moyes refused to rest his key players and sent out a strong side at Whaddon Road to guard against a potential third round giant-killing. And his senior stars proved too hot for fourth-tier Cheltenham to handle as Nikica Jelavic’s early goal and a Leighton Baines penalty put the result beyond doubt within 21 minutes. Leon Osman added Everton’s third goal soon after half-time and although Russell Penn got one back for
4th round main ties n Oldham Vs Liverpool n Macclesfield Vs Wigan or Bournemouth n Millwall Vs Aston Villa n Leeds or Birmingham Vs Tottenham n Brighton Vs Swansea or Arsenal n Crystal Palace or Stoke Vs Manchester City n West Ham or Manchester United Vs Fulham or Blackpool
Cheltenham there was never any chance of a comeback. Seamus Coleman and Marouane Fellaini rounded off the scoring to ensure Everton, beaten by Liverpool in the semifinals last season, earned a last 32 clash with Bolton or Sunderland later this month. “The manager wants to win
the FA Cup and I think that is a sign with the team he picked,” Everton captain Phil Neville told ESPN. “He could have rotated the team because we have a game a week until the end of the season. But I think he wanted to keep the momentum going. We are on a good run.”
n Southend or Brentford Vs Chelsea n Reading Vs Sheffield United
32
BALLON D’OR
Wambach wins Player of Year ZURICH: US football veteran Abby Wambach (below), 32, won FIFA’s coveted Women’s Player of the Year award for the first time on Monday. The forward’s five goals in the London Olympics helped the United States win gold. The Americans capped their London campaign with a 2-1 victory over Japan in the final, a win that was particularly meaningful after they lost to Japan in the 2011 Women’s World Cup final. Wambach is the first American to win the award since Mia Hamm in 2002. Wambach bested Brazil’s Marta and her US teammate Alex Morgan in the voting, which is decided by a poll of captains, national team coaches and inter-
n QPR or West Bromwich Albion Vs Sheffield Wednesday or Milton Keynes Dons n Bolton or Sunderland Vs Everton
BALLON D’OR
Messi takes his seat among greats ZURICH: Lionel Messi’s record fourth consecutive Ballon d’Or win Monday was as expected as it was justified after an incredible year saw him break German legend Gerd Mueller’s 40-yearold record for the most goals in a calendar year. And yet despite this latest accolade the 25-year-old from Rosario, who ended 2012 with an astonishing 91 goals in all competitions, indicated even before picking up the trophy that his own summary of the year was ‘must do better’ after Barcelona allowed Real Madrid
Iniesta says Messi will be back for more ZURICH: Spain’s Andres Iniesta shrugged off the disappointment of failing to dislodge favourite Lionel Messi as the Argentinian won a record fourth Ballon d’Or on Monday by predicting his Barcelona teammate would be back for more next year. “Leo, if he continues in this vein, won’t let a fifth straight Ballon d’Or title slip,” he said.
to win La Liga and also missed out in Europe. “I don’t think it was my best year as I always say that titles you win with the team are more important,” said Messi, noting Barca merely netted the Spanish Cup in 2012. “The Spanish league, Spanish Cup or Champions League is more important than any personal records,” Messi also stressed and with Barca and himself setting their individual and collective sights stratospherically high last year was something of a disappointment. AFP
BRIEFS Ba says Torres still Chelsea’s main man
Guardiola eyes return to coaching
Owen too old, say Perth Glory
Italy pledges action on football racists
LONDON: Demba Ba insists his arrival at Chelsea has done nothing to affect Fernando Torres’s position as the main striker at Stamford Bridge. Ba made the perfect start to his Blues career following his £7.5 million ($12 million) move from Newcastle United, scoring twice in the 5-1 FA Cup third round victory at Southampton.
ZURICH: Former Barcelona coach Josep Guardiola, currently on a one-year sabbatical, said Monday he was already thinking about a return to coaching but stressed he didn’t know at which club. “I want to coach,” said Guardiola, who left the Nou Camp last summer. “I’m young, I’m only 41 years old. Now I have another type of life.”
SYDNEY: Australian A-League club Perth Glory Tuesday ruled out signing former England international Michael Owen because they want someone younger. Owen, 33, who scored 40 goals in 89 internationals for England and had stints with Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester United, is currently playing for Stoke City in the English Premier League.
MILAN: Italian interior minister Annamaria Cancellieri on Monday called for “more incisive” action to be taken to end the abuse of nonwhite players by racist fans. Cancellieri was speaking after AC Milan’s Kevin-Prince Boateng last week responded to racist chants by a small group of fans during a friendly against fourth division side Pro Patria.
national media. Wambach earned 20.67 percent of the votes to 13.50 for Marta and 10.87 for Alex Morgan. “Most importantly, winning any individual award is a total product of the team that you play for,” the striker said. “I’ve never scored a goal without receiving a pass from my teammates. Thanks to all the fans out there who continue to inspire me and the rest of the team to win as many games as we can.” Wambach began international play in 2001 when she was chosen for the under-21 national team. She also played with Hamm on the Washington Freedom during the short-lived US women’s football league. With 152 international goals, Wambach is closing in on Hamm’s record of 158. Argentine legend Lionel Messi won the prestigious award for the men’s side. It was his record fourth win. AFP