Postnoon E-Paper for 08 March 2012 by Scribble Media & Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.

Hyderabad’s first compact afternoon newspaper

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012 HYDERABAD

Today Joseph Kony and his atrocities on children in Uganda were brought front and centre by the group Invisible Children. In what is the viral video event of the year, Kony 2012, uses the Free Web in hope of bringing to justice a heinous criminal. Download it! Like it! Embed it! Forward it! But above all... React to it! Watch the video at: http://kony2012.s3-websiteus-east1.amazonaws.com/sharefilm/ http://www.youtube.com/wat ch?v=Y4MnpzG5Sqc

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NIMBLE-FINGERED CHILDREN ON PROWL Chakri is the quintessential juvenile criminal who represents a burgeoning network of minors picking pockets and snatching purses. P3

FLASH

DRAVID TO RETIRE? Rahul Dravid is likely to announce his retirement on Friday. Dravid, 39, has called a press conference in Bangalore that will also be attended by N Srinivasan, the BCCI president. Dravid is set to be the first of India's senior-most cricketers — including Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman — to quit the game after a season of speculation surrounding their future. His decision follows a poor tour of Australia, though he enjoyed a prolific run through 2011.

WEATHER: A MIX OF CLEAR AND CLOUDY SKIES; 28°C

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Page Two

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

Spirit of Twin Cities

COLOURFUL DREAMS

Reflection of women

SRINIVAS SETTY

Aiana — Reflection of Women, a painting exhibition is being conducted at Kala Bhavan, Saifabad. The exhibition is by Bhavana and Sindoor. Where: Kala Bhavan/ ICCR Art Gallery, Saifabad When: Ongoing, 11am onwards Contact: (040) 2323 6398

Daiquiris and Margaritas Head to Seasons Bar at Taj Krishna for Daiquiris And Margaritas with a variety of flavoured cocktail recipes. Where: Taj Krishna, Banjara Hills, Rd No 1 When: Ongoing, 12 pm Contact: (040) 6666-2323

Rang Barse Holi- The festival of colours is back. Head to Viceroy Gardens and KJR Garden and Marriage Hall, for a fun-filled and colourful Holi bash. Where: Viceroy Gardens and KJR Garden and Marriage Hall, Secunderabad When: March 8, 9 am Contact: (040) 2784-4083

Battle of the Bands Hindi rock and roll band Spunk and Frank Got The Funk will be performing live at Hard Rock Cafe to gain their place in the final of HRC’s Battle of the Bands. Where: Hard Rock Cafe, Banjara Hills, Rd No 1 When: March 8, 8pm Contact: (040) 44767900

Bengali food festival A Bengali food festival is being held at Firdaus, Taj Krishna. Sample a variety of Bengali delicacies. Where: Firdaus, Taj Krishna, Banjara Hills, Rd No1 When: Ongoing, 11.30am onwards Contact: (040) 6666 2323

Voice and Ventriloquy Gallery Space presents Voice and Ventriloquy — a solo show by Subroto Chowdhury. The exhibition is on till March 10. Where: Gallery Space, Banjara Hills, Rd No 12 When: Ongoing, 11am to 7pm Contact: (040) 6554 1836

Kalighat Victoria Memorial and London’s Victoria hall and Albert museum present Kalighat, an exhibition of paintings from Kalighat.The exhibition features 100s of paintings by 15 contemporary artists currently working in rural Bengal. Where: Salarjung Museum, Charminar

CINEMAS

When: Ongoing, 10am Contact: (040) 2452 3211

Midnight Buffet Midnight hunger pangs? Head to Best Western for it’s midnight buffet where you can enjoy Hyderabadi dum biryani and live dosa with chicken curry every night. Where: Best Western Jubilee Hills, Rd No 36 When: Ongoing, 10.30pm - 2.30am Contact: 80083 00373

Chowrasta Catch the painting exhibition Chowrasta featuring artistes such as Natraj S, Thirumala M Thirupathi, Srinivas Mouni and Subodh Singh. Where: Shrishti Art Gallery, Jubilee Hills, Rd No 15 When: Ongoing, 11am Contact: (040) 2354 0023

Momo Cafe Momo Café at the Marriot presents a new A-La-Carte Menu

with delicacies such as Thai, Classic Western, Oriental and South Indian. Where: Hyderabad Marriot, Tank Bund When: Ongoing Contact: (040) 2752 2999

Acting workshop Samahaara — an acting and dancing workshop is being held. The workshop focusses on a variety of topics such as understanding the basics of stage acting, character analysis, stage and rehearsal terms, movement and stage geography. Where: The Actor’s studio, Madhapur When: Ongoing, 7pm to 9pm Contact: 98854 04784

Go Splash Splash lounge is the perfect leisure destination for you to unwind. During the evenings, the atmosphere gets romantic with great music, martinis and aperitifs. Where: The Westin, Mindspace Madhapur

When: Monday - Friday, 5pm - 10.30pm Weekends, 8am - 10.30pm Contact: (040) 6767 6828

Temple Art An exhibition titled, Temple town is on display at Iconart Art Gallery. The exhibition presents art work by Karunakaran & Satheesh Kanna. Where: Iconart Gallery, Banjara Hills, Rd No 12 When: Ongoing, 11am onwards Contact: 98499 6879

Women in India Women changing in India is an exhibition of books and paintings that depict women. The exhibition is being presented by Magnum Photos and Zubaan. Where: Kalakrithi Art Gallery, Banjara Hills, Rd No 10 When: March 10 onwards, 11am Contact: (040) 6656 4466

Big Cinemas, Ameerpet: 30581470; Cinemax, Banjara Hills: 44565555; Cine Planet, Kompally: 61606060; Inox, Banjara Hills: 44767777, Prasads, Tank Bund Rd: 23448888; PVR, Punjagutta: 8800900009; Talkie Town, Miyapur: 40214227; Tivoli, Secunderabad: 27844973

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THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

Nimble-fingered children on prowl Chakri is the quintessential juvenile criminal who represents a burgeoning network of minors picking pockets and snatching purses

CRIME Mohd Subhan mohd.s@postnoon.com

he 11-year-old Chakri’s maiden attempt was a smashing hit — three expensive mobile phones, a passport, four credit cards and wads of cash. The day was Sunday, December 11 last year. The place; Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Shamshabad. His quarry too was special — a middle-rung Tollywood actress. In panic, she had to cancel her trip. Gratified, Chakri’s ustad who trained him, beamed at his disciple, patted his shoulder and asked the other young members of his gang, including a girl, to learn how to be a magician in swiping others’ properties from Chakri. They all felt proud of him. Feeling generous, ustad Durga Rao, presented the boy with a mobile phone and `4,000. It was Chakri’s first handling of big cash. Two mobile phones, passports and cash, Rao kept for himself.

Chakri repeated his ‘artistic skill’ (ustad told his protégés pick pocketing is an ar) several times after the first success. He may not strike gold every time but on most occasions he manages to steal someone’s property with tact and nimble fingers. It turns out, Chakri had run away from his village in search of a job and was roaming aimlessly when Rao spotted him and took him under his wing. But the mobile phone he got as a matter of appreciation from ustad proved to be his nemesis. The cyber cell had been trying to trace the phone for quite some time. As Chakri did not know the techniques of operating it, he had kept it switched off for over two months and then someone told him to use it and taught him. Zing! That was how he was traced. The police traced its IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity). Chakri is now in a Juvenile Home while Durga Rao is said to be on the run. Cyberabad commissioner Ch Dwaraka Tirumala Rao told Postnoon that the City has several gangs, each one under an

Modus operandi

ustad or ustads. Most of the protégés are in their teens and comprise of both boys and girls. Recently, the Cyberabad police special team nabbed an 8-member gang that comprised boys and girls. It had a 13-year-old girl and the others were boys aged between 12-14 years. During interrogation, they revealed that they used to go to crowded gatherings, festivals and weddings where they could harvest well.

Though purses and handbags are the most sought after things, some of them did not mind snatching jewellery once a while. The police were able to seize a large quantity of gold, cash and valuables from the gang. At least 12 cases of thefts were worked out after their arrest. The commissioner said that this gang was led by two labourers, Ravi, 30, and Gajendra, 26, both residents of a basti near

he kids trained in thievery usually target function halls, especially wedding venues, where everybody gets busy. Their main quarry would be children who are close to the bride and the bride-groom. Since the thieves are usually fairly well dressed, they do not evoke any suspicion. They befriend the kids at the venue and manage to wean away whatever valuables they are wearing. Kids from rich homes are easily fooled, the gang members told the police. On other occasions too, they would concentrate on bags, purses and jewellery. Ch Dwaraka Thirumala Rao, commissioner of police, Cyberabad, has cautioned people to be wary of unidentified kids getting chummy with them. Hafeezpet railway station. The duo belonged to Kadiya village, Narasimgarh mandal of the Rajagarh district in Madhya Pradesh.

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SRINIVAS SETTY

UP result no cue, say T men U Srinivas srinivas.u@postnoon.com

CIVIC Inkeshaf Ahmed ahmed.m@postnoon.com

t’s not MetroRail alone that pulverise the public roads. Lack of coordination between various service providers of Hyderabad — GHMC, HMWS&SB and CPDCL (Central Power Distribution Company Limited) — leave the dug up roads unrepaired, causing untold miseries to the travelling public. Damaged roads cause damage to men and machine. Many suffer slipped disc and face punctured tyres. The development works taken up by CPDCL and Water Board to lay new cable lines and pipelines involve cutting of roads at many places. Many busy roads like Miyapur-SR Nagar and Khairatabad-AP Assembly roads have been defaced with many cuttings. As if it was not enough, they dump rock chips and building waste along the road leading to damage to vehicles and accidents. “Few days ago, KPHBAmeerpet road was smooth. But the road is dug up in many

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Ditch this! GHMC puts blame on your apathy Digging up busy public roads at will and leaving them with gaping scars has become order of the day. And official apathy means you suffer. There is no system of intimation: GHMC

‘Residents should be proactive’

HMC agrees there ought to be more coordination between the civic bodies. “Yes, they all take permission for cutting road for laying cables or repairing pipelines. But sometimes there is no system that tells us the completion of the works. It leads to delay of repairs. Sometimes it is the lack of engineering hands that causes the delay,” said GHMC executive engineer D Venugopal.

places now. I am finding it very difficult to travel on this road. My bike got punctured twice due to uneven road,” says V Venkatesh, a resident of KPHB colony who is a regular commuter on the busy

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HMC officials, however do not mind shifting part of blame on the public. “I believe that the residents should bring such problems to our notice. “If the residents of that particular area or locality where these road cutting works are going on bring their problems to our notice. We will immediately respond and undertake these works,” said on official from the GHMC. KPHB-Ameerpet road. Another resident said his bike skidded due to the damaged road on the same stretch. “I was going towards KPHB from Ameerpet and I had not

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expected a sudden cutting which was not there a while ago. I suddenly applied brake but it was too late and my bike skidded and fell. I was lucky that I escaped the accident with minor injuries,” B Srinivasa Rao, a resident of Hydernagar told Postnoon. The authorities concerned agree there was lack of coordination among various departments giving civic services. According to officials of CPDCL, they generally take permissions from GHMC before undertaking any development work,” said CPDCL chairman and managing director G Ananta Ramu. According to him the CPDCL pays road repairing charges to the GHMC. So, naturally it is the job of the GHMC to get it done.

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he sound drubbing of Mayawati, who planned to divide UP into four States for better governance, has cheered up the supporters of united AP who argue that people are not convinced that smaller states are better. Some TDP MLAs too backed this opinion. Maulayam Singh Yadva’s son Akilesh Yadav, the star campaigner for the Samajwadi Party, had made it very clear that the State will be divided if his party was voted to power. However, Telangana leaders refuse to buy this argument. Some of them, talking to the Postnoon, opined that the people of Telangana are determined to vote for the those who support the separate state cause. CPI MLA Ujjini Yadagiri Rao said that according to his assessment the people will vote for the MLAs who have resigned for Telangana and that the situation in UP is different from that of AP. BJP president Kishan Reddy, who is in the thick of campaign at Mahbubnagar, wasn’t as confident. He admitted that the UP verdict will make the struggle for Telangana more challenging but asserted that it was not the end of the road for the movement. “Here the people want Telangana. The verdict might impact the prospects of the Congress but not for the supporters of Telangana,” he said.

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

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Gays still face the music

Sudeshna Koka

RIGHTS

sudeshna.k@postnoon.com

wo years ago when the Delhi High Court decriminalised homosexuality, there was much rejoicing in the LGBT community. But for most homosexuals, there has been little respite. In a recent incident, a case was booked against three people alleged to have engaged in ‘unnatural sex’ in Ongole. The case is now in its final stage of hearing in the Ongole court. According to the police department, the arrest was made when they found two people involved in the act while another stood watch. The case which came to trial before the district court in Ongole in February and again on March 3 has

now been adjourned to April 9. This incident sent shockwaves in the LGBT community who have been fighting for gay rights. For these activists, this incident is a set back to their movement. “This incident makes us realise that we need to work hard to fight for our rights. The Supreme Court is going to give its verdict on March 13 and we hope that this verdict holds good for the whole country unlike the present one which holds good only for Delhi,” fumes Andy Sildeire, Ph.D student at EFLU. Dr L Ramakrishnan, country director, Saathii, an NGO, says, “The two men were adults who

engaged in sexual activity at a private place. I see no reason to arrest them on criminal grounds. This may be a setback, but it also helps strengthen our argument on the need to decriminalise section 377.” Jayati Mathur, real estate professional and board member of Wajood NGO, says that the police department has always been homophobic. “This is a big slap on our face. We have been fighting for years now but unfortunately we forgot to look at smaller towns and villages where the movement has not diffused. It’s time we look back and work in smaller towns and villages where homosexuals are still facing discrimination.” When asked if cops in the City too would react similarly, she says, “Yes, I would not be surprised.” Her guess is not wrong, the police department has the right to arrest anyone indulging in ‘unnatural sex.’ A senior IPS officer told Postnoon, “Until we get an order from the Supreme Court on section 377, we will arrest anyone who is found guilty of it.” According to our Constitution right to equality is one of our fundamental rights and it’s time law enforcers realised that discrimination is the antithesis of equality.

WOMAN IN CONTROL

S Satyavati, who underwent training as an assistant locopilot at Bangalore, made her debut as the first independent driver of a passenger train in SCR marking International N SHIVA KUMAR Women’s Day.

TRS hot favourite in Adilabad U Srinivas srinivas.u@postnoon.com

B Y P OLL BYLAN E S

iling nomination papers on behalf of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) is as good as winning the election, says K Tarakarama Rao (KTR), the star campaigner for the bypolls in the Telangana region. After a hectic campaign in the scorching summer in Adilabad, Tarakarama Rao told Postnoon that the Telangana sentiment here was very strong unlike in the past. Jogu Ramanna, who resigned for the cause of a separate State, is enjoying an edge over all other contestants. The TDP has strategically fielded Payala Shankar to woo the votes of backward classes (BCs). While the BC votes are the deciding factor, the TDP candidate is said to be rich enough to take care of things. With his personal image and also strong support from his own caste, Shankar is giving a tough fight to Jogu Ramanna. The election was necessitated as the TDP MLA resigned and is now contesting on a TRS ticket. But finally the Telangana sentiment overshadowed all other things, said KTR. C Ramachandra Reddy former minister was fielded by the Congress and is dependent on the campaign of Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy and the local ministers’ campaign. But there is no discussion on the Congress candidate here. The fight is mainly between TRS and the TDP.

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Adilabad Main contestants 1. Jogu Ramanna TRS 2. Payala Shankar TDP 3. C Ramachandra Reddy Congress

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CM salutes women on International Women’s Day

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THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

Campaigns, hard news and spirit of Twin Cities

hief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy hailed the women all over the world in general and in the State in particular on the occasion of the International Women’s day. He stated that studies show that when women are supported and empowered, the entire society benefits. He said, “Where ver wom-en are provided with opportunities to stand on their own feet in the political and economic arena, there will always be peace and prosperity.” He added that the State government has initiated many steps for the empowerment of women. AGENCIES

Telugu films snubbed again Tollywood films have been snubbed once again at the National Film Awards and the situation is unlikely to change anytime soon

FILMS Hemanth Kumar hemanth.k@postnoon.com

t’s deja vu all over again for Telugu cinema as far as National Film Awards are concerned. Unlike previous years, where Telugu films managed to bag at least one award, not a single Telugu film won a National Award in any category. As many as 18 Telugu films, including Sri Rama Rajyam and Rajanna which are widely considered as two of the best films of 2011, were in contention in various awards. Did the awards committee snub Telugu films this year? Satish Kasetty, one of the jury members, says emphatically, “The committee did not snub our films. Fact is we don’t make quality films and even the best of our films don’t match the standards set by other award winnings films.” Elucidating further, he adds, “The jury was looking for films which had good content and how well it was dealt with. We weren’t even looking for any message oriented films. Honestly, Telugu filmmakers are caught up in their own world. We are content with the response from our audience and the box-office performance.” Telugu films bagged 27 National Awards in the 80s and since then the number has been dwindling. In the past two years, the situation has become all the more worse indicating a shift in the kind of films being made these days. “Problem with Telugu cinema is, even if someone makes a good film with artistic values, there’s no one to encourage them. I have been watching some wonderful short films and documentaries, but those filmmakers haven’t

National Awards (Feature Film) won 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

1959 1969 1979 1989 1999 2009 2012

been able to find a good platform to showcase their work. Of late, the cost of production has become so high that everyone is thinking about the return on investment. I feel that we may not have great content, but there are several technicians like cinematographers, writers and lyricists who can be serious contenders for national awards,” Gopi

THE FACES OF HYDERABAD Venu, Excavator Driver, Kondapur

s he operates the excavator, one can only look at him and marvel at how well he wells handles the humongous machine with its large arm working as smoothly and synchronised as his own hand. For the past six years Venu has been an excavator driver, working with the HMWS&SB, digging up roadways when drainage pipes have to be laid. Quiz him on what it was that lured him into this profession and he says that ever since he was a child he had been interested in huge machines. It

Aishwarya Yerra A city is defined by the people who live and work in it. Here we take a look at the human threads that make up our urban tapestry

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was this passion that drove him into taking up this profession. He agrees that it is a lot of hard, especially in the summers when there is no respite from the blazing sun. His 10-hour work days often leave his hands sore and aching but he says it is all part of the job. For the most part, his family (which is from an agricultural background) is happy that he has a job that does not depend on the vagaries of nature. But Venu does not rule out the possibility of taking up another job if the opportunity ever comes by.

Mohan, a leading writer, asserts. So why are Telugu films unable to manage a breakthrough on the national level? While some believe that Telugu filmmakers don’t lobby much for awards, everyone agrees that Telugu films are essentially made to entertain the audience. “Unless we make a conscious effort to come up with good content within the framework of our storytelling, I don’t think the situation will change. However, it’s good to see that the audience is slowly accepting some good Tamil films and I hope that in future the mindset of the audience changes to accept different film genres,” says Nandini Reddy, the director of Ala Modalaindi. It’s a pity that the second largest film industry in the country hasn’t been able to make an impact at the national level and the situation is unlikely to change anytime soon. AISHWARYA YERRA

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An imprisoned park awaits release Srinagar Colony park is lying abandoned and locked and is overgrown with foliage CIVIC Osama Salman salman.o@postnoon.com

he meaning of the word ‘abandoned’ appears sharp and stark when you come to the park opposite the HP gas godown in Srinagar Colony. It has been locked up for two years making it practically inaccessible to the residents of the area. But that is the least of the problems of this park maintained by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). This park is roughly 300 square yards and is surrounded by apartments on all three sides. The park, if maintained, could have made the residents happy. Instead, it’s lying abandoned and locked and has around overgrown shrubs and trees, a swing gathering rust and garbage piled around. In fact, there is an overflowing GHMC community bin adjacent to its boundary and invariably, the waste toppled into the

compound. The park was up and running three years ago and in its glorious days saw children from adjoining apartments playing in the park and families spending some quality time. Recalls Nagesh, a tailor whose shop is adjacent to the

PMM square yards the size of Srinagar Colony park in yards. The park is ‘maintained’ by the GHMC

park, “It has been locked up since two years, but a year before the ‘lockout’, it was opened and was visited by a lot of residents in the evenings. It was nice park and it’s unfortunate to see it locked up this way.” Bhaskar Rao, his colleague, shares the sentiment.

“The trees and plants in the park have dried up and since it is used as a dumping ground for garbage. It emits a stench now. It would be nice if the park is maintained, not just for the residents but also because it will reduce pollution and freshen the morning air,” he pointed out. Unlike other parks that are in the same condition, there is no dog menace here primarily because of the park is locked all the time. However, it can’t be cleaned and the garbage rots due to this. “The park stinks a lot. Stench even enters our apartments. This also invites mosquitoes which is a menace in the area. Although I have been living here only for two months, I long to visit the park. But the condition that is in currently, it is best to stay away,” said N Ram, who resides in the apartments opposite the park. Residents say that the park must be opened and maintained so that children have a place to play after school. “A park is vital and the authorities should realise this,” pointed out Nagesh.

HOLI FROLIC

2 bikes put to torch Postnoon News feedback@postnoon.com

wo more bikes were burnt in the Old City on Wednesday night. Around 1am, unidentified criminals put to torch two parked bikes in Farhath Nagar area under the Dabeerpura police station limits. Dabeerpura SI, K Bhaskar Reddy, said the bikes belonged to G Laxmaiah. He had parked his bikes in front of his house and was asleep. He and his family woke with sounds of something bursting outside his home and found his vehicles on fire. Neighbours too woke up by this time. They put out the fire and informed the police. Dabeerpura police booked a case under Section 435 of the IPC on the complaint of Laxmaiah and started investigation. The SI gathered that Laxmaiah had some disputes with a person nearby and the police are questioning him. Reddy said the issue would have taken a communal tinge if the police had not reached the spot immediately and pacified the neighbours.

Children take part in Holi celebrations at Begum Bazar.

N Shiva Kumar

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Trekking that extra metre … The Hyderabad Trekking Club, a group of enthusiasts, is scaling great heights in and around the City

ACTIVITIES Anubha Singh anubha.k@postnoon.com

or all those who thought trekking is done only on the hilly terrains of Himalayas, this is a novel experience. Hyderabad Trekking Club (HTC) gives you an opportunity to explore the various trekking routes in and around the City. The undulating terrain on the outskirts of Hyderabad offers some magnificent and actionpacked trekking routes too. Come summer, many trekking events can be witnessed in the Twin Cities and also outside the capital. The HTC is a not-for-profit organisation and formed by trekking enthusiasts from the City. A user interface (UI) designer by profession, Venkat Reddy, the founder of the club, has more than three years of experience in trekking. “For me trekking is not a parttime job or a time-pass sport. I am passionate about trekking and it refreshes my body and soul,” he said.

Formed on October 4, 2011, the club consists of around 650 members. The motto of HTC is to promote outdoor adventure activities and trekking in Hyderabad and Andhra Pradesh. The members trek hills, forests, beaches, lakes and so on. Places that offer scenic pleasure, or a physical challenge or both, are usually chosen for trekking. There are night treks, day treks, night camping, 3-day treks and much larger versions too. Once you get enough expertise, you can even trek alone or lead a team. “When we connect to nature, we explore picturesque mountains, places of natural beauty, making the environment more beautiful. Discipline, responsibility and intention are combined with team work, friendship and courage in every trek. “From the smallest to the largest, it is not the number of treks that count but it is the way we have done each,” he adds. Hyderabad Trekking Club has vast experience in conducting trekking and mountaineering expeditions all over the country. The membership is free and open to all. Young members in the age group of 12-18 can participate

For me trekking is not a part-time job or a time-pass sport. I am passionate about trekking and it refreshes my body and soul Venkat Reddy Founder with the consent of their parents and those in the 6-12 age group can participate along with their parents. HTC works to create awareness about nature and wildlife and helping society by conducting social visits and treks for the benefit of the poor and underprivileged children.

Business

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

Matters of saving and spending

Joystick ain’t an accessory any longer Prudhvi Raju K Prudhvi.k@postnoon.com

HYDERABAD: Even your kid wants to dabble with your mobile phone. If you switch on your computer, the child waits for his turn to occupy the hot seat to make his nimble fingers dance on the key board. What if you are really hooked on to a gaming computer? You can be sure to get hardly any time to play. This trend of gaming on high-end systems and online contests are happening across the globe. The likes of SVM Mall in Jubilee Hills conduct online game contests as it has several computers packed with high-end gaming software. The high-end gaming desktop market is growing at 23 per cent in the country, against the general desktop market, which is growing at 11 per cent. The desktop sales constitute 60 per cent of basic computers, 30 per cent midend desktops and 10 per cent high-end desktops, which are used for gaming purpose. This is set to change with many gaming companies like EA entering in to the Indian markets. The frequency of organising gaming events witnessed a sharp increase in the recent years. The internet cafes are also transforming into

gaming centres, organising local area network (LAN) gaming, where different users can compete with one another, says Vinay Shetty, Country Head, Asus India. The basic gaming desktops are 20 per cent expensive than basic desktop. The price range starts from `35,000 for a basic gaming machine and can go up to `1,40,000. These desktops have better graphic card, Gaming computers market growing at 23 pc n Price range `35k to `1.48 lakh n Focus age group 20-35 n Exclusive systems for 3D games n

processor and monitor to have real gaming experience. The gamers also do not look for a cheaper option while buying a machine, but look for an effective system that can handle game smoothly. The sellers are not looking for the user requirement in terms of selling gaming machine. The customers also need to explain what kind of games they play with the machine to the retailer. If they want to buy a 3D game, the basic gaming machine cannot handle it, Vinay points out. “With the increase of highend systems (hardware) availability in the country, there

would also be growth in gaming software,” he said. Asus did not launch any basic machine in the Indian markets but is concentrating on mid-end and high-end desktops. They introduced three gaming desktops and also have plans to launch another two in the growing market. Dell Alienware is also offering exclusive gaming and multimedia machines ranging from `69,900 to `1,40,000. “The sales of these gaming machines are growing. Especially, people in 20-35 age group are buying these machines. They are also multimedia users buying these machines for professional and personal purpose,” said Sidhu, store manager, Dell exclusive store, Banjara Hills. The 23 per cent growth would continue with the increase of computer penetration, population, and gaming companies in India. However, sales of gaming desktops are directly proportional to the economic growth of the country. The high-end desktops sales would fall, if there is recession and fall in the GDP growth of the country, said Albert Tung, managing director, Asus, India and SAARC region.

Mukesh Ambani richest among 48 Indian billionaires WASHINGTON: Reliance India chairman Mukesh Ambani with a net worth of $22.3 billion emerged as the world’s richest Indian in the Forbes list of billionaires featuring 48 Indians. India’s top ten included Savitri Jindal and family (world rank 80), Sunil Mittal and family (113), Kumar Birla (116) Anil Ambani (118) Dilip Shanghvi (124) Shashi and Ravi Ruia (133) and Kushal Pal Singh (153). Ambani, despite losing $4.7 billion in the past year, was ranked 19th richest person on the planet with Mexican telecom tycoon Carlos Slim retaining his position at the top for the third year in a row with a fortune estimated at $69 billion. Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates, 56, held on to second spot on the world list

World’s top 10 billionaires Name Carlos Slim Helu and family Bill Gates Warren Buffett Bernard Arnault Amancio Ortega Larry Ellison Eike Batista Stefan Persson Li Ka-shing Karl Albrecht

Networth $69 B $61 B $44 B $41 B $37.5 B $36 B $30 B $26 B $25.5 B $25.4 B

with a net worth of $61 billion. He was followed by US investment guru and head of the Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate Warren Buffett, 81, with a net worth of $44 billion. Over a third of all the world’s billionaires saw their net worth drop last year. India’s steel king La-

Sector telecom Microsoft Berkshire Hathaway LVMH Zara Oracle mining, oil HandM diversified Aldi

Country Mexico US US France Spain US Brazil Sweden Hong Kong Germany

kshmi Mittal, who took the second spot among Indians, was the biggest “loser” from the previous list. The owner of the world’s largest steel company saw his fortune fall by $10.4 billion to $20.7 billion, knocking him out of the top 10 for the first time since 2004. He finished 21st on the world list.

Wipro chairman Azim Premji with a net worth of $15.9 was named the third richest Indian with a world ranking of 41.

With a total net worth was $4.6 trillion, up $100 billion from last year, they came from 58 countries, with most hailing from the US, followed by the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East and Africa. This year’s list includes 104 women, among them Wal-Mart heiress Christy Walton, the world’s richest woman and No. 11 overall with a net worth of $25.3 billion. Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg, 27, continued his rise up the ranks with a net worth of $17.5 billion, making him the 35th richest person in the world. The most notable people to leave this year’s list were Harry Potter author JK Rowling and Jim Balsillie, former co-chief executive of Research in Motion, the maker of BlackBerry. IANS

India‑View

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

India unveiled

Why Cong has to get along with SP India’s GOP will be forced to please the grappler, whose men will play kingmakers for country’s top posts Prashant Sood

NEW DELHI: The outcome of the Uttar Pradesh elections is likely to push the Congress into having a better equation with the triumphant Samajwadi Party (SP) in view of the presidential polls later this year, political analysts say. And that’s not the only reason. The spectacular success of the SP, which clinched 224 seats in the 403-member assembly and supports the Congress-led central government from outside, has made its position comfortable in the biennial elections to the Rajya Sabha from 10 seats in Uttar Pradesh scheduled for March 30. SP’s victory substantially increases its leeway in the presidential polls, expected in June before President Pratibha Patil’s term ends. The Uttar Pradesh assembly has the largest value of votes among all states, calculated on the basis of population determined by the 1971 census. The electoral college for the presidential polls includes MPs and members of assemblies from 30 states and union territories. Though the SP supports the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government, relations between the two parties have been strained over the past few months. But now the Congress will be mindful after bagging a paltry 28 seats in India’s most politically-crucial state. The Congress-led govern-

ment could face increased pressure from the opposition and some of its allies in the forthcoming budget session due to its poor showing in Uttar Pradesh and

four other states. The Congress may also need the SP’s support in the election to the offices of chairman and deputy chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The Congress

is in a minority in the Rajya Sabha. The term of Vice-President Hamid Ansari, chairman of the upper house, will end in August.

That of Deputy Chairman K Rahman Khan ends in April. Political analyst S Nihal Singh said the Congress could work with the SP in the presidential polls. Nihal Singh told IANS the Congress would have to get together “with the SP to see if there is a common candidate (for the presidential polls)”. Political analyst Aswini K Ray said the Congress will try to arrive at some coalition arrangement with the SP. Ray, a former professor of political science department at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, said a better understanding with the SP will help the Congress in dealing with assertive allies like the Trinamool Congress. “The SP also has national ambitions for which it needs the Congress... an SP and Congress bonhomie is on the cards,” Ray told. He said the Congress will like to push some reforms before the next general elections and support from the SP will be critical. Nisar-ul-Haq, head of the political science department of Jamia Millia University, said the forthcoming budget session of parliament was expected to be stormy. However, he said there will not be a major shift of equilibrium as SP supports the UPA government from outside. “For Mulayam Singh Yadav there is no alternative other than supporting the Congress,” he said.

‘For women, toilets more vital than mobiles’ Shahnawaz Akhtar

BHOPAL: For a woman, a toilet is more important than a mobile phone, but men don’t understand that, feels Anita Narre. She is the 20-year-old tribal whose rebellion not only ensured a toilet in her marital home but ushered in a sanitation revolution in a backward region of Madhya Pradesh. Last year in May, she had left her in-laws’ house in Ratanpur village of Betul district after barely two days of marriage as it did not have a toilet and people used to defecate in the open. She told her husband Shivram Narre — younger to her by two years — that she would return only when there was a toilet in the house. Her husband had to accept her demand and she returned after 10 days. On the eve of International Women’s Day, IANS talked to

Anita about what she went through in those 10 days and how she stuck to her demand despite hailing from a tribal community that has strict social mores. “Because of non-availability of toilets, a woman has to go through a lot. Some don’t drink enough water just to avoid urinating in the open. That can lead to urinary tract problems. But men in rural areas do not understand that,” Anita told on her husband’s mobile phone. The country has some 900 million mobile phone connections, but more than half a billion people in rural India do not have access to latrines, according to some estimates. A union minister had recently said women in rural areas demand mobile phones, not toilets. Anita said, “That is not true. A toilet is more vital in the life of a woman than a mobile because the former gives them dignity. It

It gives them dignity. It is a shame for a country and society when women have to go for open defection. Anita Narre is a shame for a country and society when women have to go for open defection,” said this daughter of a teacher and the eldest of seven children. Anita’s husband, a manual labourer, is a class 12 pass-out. She herself is in her 2nd year BA course. “When I told my in-laws

that I would not go outside for defecation, most people were shocked. According to them, it should not be an issue as most women in the village were living in similar conditions. So I decided to return to my parental home and told my husband that I would not return till he built a toilet,” Anita said. “Those 10 days were not easy on me. I was afraid of things going wrong in my new relationship. However, I also believed that my husband who is educated would understand,” she recalled. She had some idea about the Sampoorana Swachata Abhiyan (SSA), a sanitation programme run by the government under which toilets are constructed in rural areas. Under it, the government takes up part funding of a toilet whereas the rest has to be carried out by the interested party. Anita told her husband about

the scheme and said when the government was ready to help, they could use it to build one at home. “And he did understand. He not only met the sarpanch to help him to make a toilet under the SSA scheme but dug up the tank for the toilet himself to complete it at the earliest,” says Anita on a lighter note. Now her act is a milestone. She has been rewarded `5,00,000 by sanitation the NGO Sulabh International and the administration has made her brand ambassador for its sanitation campaign. So what is the change her act brought to villages? “Now, in 80 per cent of the homes in our village of around 300 houses, toilets are either already there, or are under construction,” she proudly says. Like her father, Anita wants to be a teacher after graduating.

India‑View

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

India unveiled

‘Badal to be chief minister’

NATION AT A GLANCE Curfew imposed in Rajouri town JAMMU: A curfew has been imposed

CHANDIGARH:

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal today (Thursday) said that his father, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, will continue in the top job after the SAD-BJP combine was voted back to power in the assembly elections. Talking to reporters before going for a legislature party meeting of the Akali Dal here in the morning, Sukhbir said that Badal senior is the only choice for being chief minister. “As Akali Dal president, I announce that Badal Sahib (Parkash Singh Badal) will be the next chief minister also,” Sukhbir said here. Badal Sr, who has been chief minister four times earlier in 1970, 1977, 1997 and 2007, is likely to be sworn in as chief minister early next week. His election as leader of the Akali Dal legislative party leader is likely to be a formality after Sukhbir’s announcement. The Akali Dal will have another meeting of its core committee later on Thursday evening followed by a meeting

with alliance partner BJP here on Friday. There has been speculation in Akali Dal and political circles here on whether Parkash Singh Badal, 84, will agree to a record fifth term as chief minister or whether he will ask his son and Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal to take charge. Sukhbir Badal, who is the deputy chief minister in his father’s outgoing government, led the Akali Dal campaign from the front and was the most visible face of the party compared to his ageing father. IANS

New CLP leader to be elected soon in Manipur IMPHAL: A new Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader would be elected in the next few days to pave the way for formation of new Congress-led ministry in Manipur where the party got 42 seats in the 60-member Assembly, party sources said today. The newly-elected party members held the first CLP meeting last evening during which it was

decided to elect the leader through “consensus” in consultation with the party high command. Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, who submitted resignation letter to Governor Gurbachan Jagat yesterday for formation of the new ministry, today left for Delhi along with state party president Gaikhangam to meet AICC chief

Sonia Gandhi and submit report on party’s performance in the January 28 elections. Party sources said AICC general secretary in-charge of Manipur L Faleiro who presided over yesterday’s meeting at state congress Bhavan appealed to the members to accept the CLP leader who would be chosen in consultation with the party high command. PTI

HPCL to resume fuel supply to Kingfisher on payment

Fishermen killing: Italian PM warns Manmohan

NEW DELHI: State-owned Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) on Thursday resumed oil supplies to Kingfisher Airlines after the beleaguered airline agreed to pay for daily fuel off-take. HPCL, which is Kingfisher’s biggest aviation fuel supplier, had stopped refuelling Vijay Mallaya-run airline at around 18.00 hours on Wednesday. It decided to resume supplies after hectic negotiations, a senior company official said. “There is a certain financial discipline we have been following for past two years. And when some payments got delayed without any explanation, we had no option but to stop supplies,” he said.

NEW DELHI: Italian Prime

The two companies had hectic parleys through the night. “Even as we were talking, we decided to selectively refuel Kingfisher flights. So between 9 and 10pm on Wednesday, HPCL refuelled their Mumbai-Hong Kong, Mumbai-Delhi and some other flights,” he said. Kingfisher owes `515-520 crore in fuel bills. PTI

Minister Mario Monti rang up his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh on Wednesday and warned him against setting a “dangerous precedent” with the jailing and prosecution of two Italian naval guards in India. The two leaders, however, agreed to resolve the issue in accordance with “law and spirit of friendship”. “The Italian prime minister condoled the death of two fishermen and expressed regret at the incident,” the external affairs ministry said here. “The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of deepening relations between India and Italy and agreed that the issues that had arisen

following the incident should be resolved amicably in accordance with law and in the spirit of friendship that characterises relations between the two countries,” said the ministry. “The two leaders said that they were looking forward to meeting each other at the forthcoming Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul,” the ministry said. Two Indian fishermen, Ajesh Binki and Gelastine, were mistaken as pirates and shot dead by the security crew of cargo vessel Enrica Lexie on Feb 15. The two Italian Marines were subsequently arrested for the shooting. IANS

AIIMS students suspend relay hunger strike NEW DELHI: Agitating MBBS students at AIIMS here today suspended their indefinite relay hunger strike, called in the wake of the alleged suicide by a first-year student, after the premier medical hospital’s authorities promised to look into some of their demands. “We have decided to sus-

pend our strike as of now. The decision has been taken after the hospital administration gave us a written assurance that they would immediately look into our memorandum of demands,” a representative of the agitating doctors said, after the decision was taken at around 12.30am. Among the demands that

have been promised to be looked into are — a visit to the bereaved family of the student who took the extreme step, a special course for medical students and an association comprising faculty and students’ representatives. The strike started as a mark of protest demanding removal of AIIMS’ Director

following the alleged suicide of Anil Meena (22), hailing from Rajasthan’s Baran district, who was found hanging in his hostel room on Sunday morning. Wearing black ribbons and raising slogans, MBBS students at AIIMS have been demanding resignation of its Director RC Deka. PTI

in the communally sensitive border town of Rajouri following clashes on Wednesday evening, the authorities said. “There were clashes and violence,” a police officer told IANS on phone. “The situation is sensitive and to prevent further worsening of the situation, curfew has been imposed,” he added. The authorities feared a flare-up after Hindi-Muslim relations were strained following a remark by Praveen Togadia, international general secretary of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad on Monday. The remarks were interpreted as “anti-Muslim” by community leaders, who took out protest marches. IANS

Uneasy calm in Haryana’s Hisar district HISAR (HARYANA): An uneasy calm prevailed on Thursday morning in Haryana’s Hisar district, which saw violence during a Jat community agitation over the past two days leaving one youth dead and several injured. Tensions ran high in the district as members of the Jat community, seeking quotas in government jobs, blocked the national highway to Delhi and railway tracks on Wednesday, a day after a youth was killed in police firing. The youth, Sandeep, 20, was killed early on Tuesday as police attempted to remove protesting Jats from the tracks near Ramayan and Mayyar villages. IANS

Two arrested with fake currency KOTA (RAJ): Two persons have been arrested from Jhalarapatan town of Jhalawar district with fake currency worth over `2 lakh, police said here today. Acting on a tip-off, a Special Operation Group team arrested Siraj and Shafik Mohammed on Monday after they were caught selling fake currency of `2.75 lakh, DSP (SOG) Harimohan Sharma said. The duo admitted to have taken the currency from Mahidpur district of Madhya Pradesh, he said, adding, a couple of cases against them had earlier been registered at various police stations. The fake currency is reported to have been printed in Madhya Pradesh. PTI

Former DMK minister’s house raided CHENNAI: DMK leader and former Tamil Nadu minister for information and publicity Parithi Ilamvazhuthi’s house was raided by vigilance officials Thursday on charges of accumulating assets disproportionate to his known sources of income, the agency said. In a statement issued here, the Directorate of Vigilance and AntiCorruption (DVAC) said after discreet enquiries, a case under Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against Ilamvazuthi for acquiring assets — movable and immovable — of `156,20,745 between June 1, 2006 and March 31, 2010. IANS

Around the World

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

Beyond Borders

Fatai Rolling Dollar rolls back at 85 LAGOS: An 85-year-old music legend in Nigeria, known for the ‘highlife’ dance music that once dominated West Africa, Fatai Rolling Dollar has mounted a surprising comeback five decades after his heyday. The octogenarian, who saw his fame and money dwindle when highlife’s popularity faded, is again playing the upbeat sound on guitar to packed venues and remains, despite his age, one of Nigeria’s snappiest dressers. Wearing a yellow-and-blue outfit, canary yellow sunglasses and a military beret, he sits in a popular Lagos bar discussing the highlife music that was born in Ghana in the early 1900s and reached its peak in the region in the 1950s and early 1960s. Highlife features quick, repetitive rhythms driven by electric guitar and wind instruments played beneath a sometimes melancholic chant that typically satirises modern life. In highlife’s golden era, Fatai was a nationally celebrated performer along with Fela Kuti, the legendary afrobeat musician who also boldly campaigned against Nigeria’s military dictators. Although the rise of hip-hop

Fatai Olayiwola Olagunju performs with his guitar in Lagos AFP/ PIUS UTOMI EKPEI has radically changed the music scene in Africa’s most populous nation, Fatai is trying to ensure that highlife does not disappear completely. “We are reviving and reforming highlife,” he told AFP outside his modest Lagos apartment. “Highlife makes people happy.” The beat’s new guardians have also started to emerge.

Chijioke Enebechi, a saxophone player and front man of the Highlife Africa Heritage band sees Fatai as “a kind of inspiration.” “Despite his age, he’s still playing, and... he advises us to make sure that we don’t let this music die off,” he said. While Fatai claims he is 85, the date of birth printed on the sleeve of one of his albums puts him at 83. Regardless of the exact figure, the salt-and-pepper goateed artist seems unbothered by his advancing years. Money, or his lack of it, is a more pressing worry. With his talent ignored and his fame forgotten, he lived in poverty from the 1970s until luck smiled on him in the late 1990s. Nigeria’s Jazzhole Records released the album “Fatai Rolling Dollar Returns” and the German Goethe Institute funded a concert — marking his grand return from the musical wilderness. That reignited his passion for music, and now he is working on a new album. He hopes to set up a music school for young artists with no opportunity to develop their talents. AFP

Delegates designer gear earns public ire BEIJING: The annual gathering of China’s parliament is traditionally a chance for delegates to show off their finery, but this year some have found their designer gear under scrutiny from a web-savvy public. Images on China’s weibos — popular microblogs similar to Twitter — of delegates in expensive branded clothes have created a storm of criticism in a country where millions still live on less than $1 a day. “Can those delegates really represent the people — has our country really become rich?” posted one user next to a photograph of Li Xiaolin — daughter of former premier Li Peng — in a pink Pucci suit said to cost nearly $2,000. “Is this a People’s Congress meeting or a luxury brand meeting?” Li is a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), an advisory body that meets alongside the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s parliament, and includes television stars and wealthy entrepreneurs. Another accused CPPCC delegates of hypocrisy for parading their “branded clothes and bags

House beats French president’s prime time debate

PARIS: Around 2.5 million more French people watched an instalment of US series House on Tuesday than a prime time televised debate by President Nicolas Sar-

kozy, figures said on Wednesday. Around 5.6 million people watched Sarkozy’s two-and-ahalf hour appearance on France 2, the Mediametrie institute sa-

id, while 8.1 million people watched the medical drama starring British actor Hugh Laurie. Sarkozy’s main rival in the April-May two-round presiden-

tial election, Socialist Francois Hollande, appeared on the same programme in January and was watched by around 5.5 million viewers, Mediametrie said. AFP

worth tens or even hundreds of thousands of yuan” in front of the Great Hall of the People in the capital. Yang Lan, a well-known talkshow host and businesswoman nicknamed China’s Oprah Winfrey, was snapped carrying a Marc Jacobs handbag, attracting criticism both for extravagance and for being behind the times — the bag, apparently, was several seasons old. “Are these representatives of two meetings, or elites showing off their wealth?” posted one user of Sina’s weibo, using the popular name for the NPC and CPPCC gatherings being held in Beijing this week. “Who will safeguard the rights and benefits of the poor?” China’s government is struggling to maintain what it calls a “harmonious” society amid an unprecedented economic boom that has brought huge income disparities and rampant corruption. On Monday, China’s Premier Wen Jiabao promised to focus on raising the incomes of ordinary people as he opened this year’s NPC session with a speech laying out the government’s priorities for the year. AFP

Japanese zoo tries to spruce up alligators’ sex life TOKYO: A Japanese zoo has turned to rhythmical banging on traditional drums in a bid to encourage some enthusiasm for sex among lust-lacking alligators. Zookeepers said on Wednesday that they hoped the low booming sound produced by large Japanese ‘taiko’ drums would spur lethargic Chinese alligators to begin mating because of its similarity to the animals’ natural precoital cry. “After listening to the drum performance, the female alligator Susu cried a few times but the male, Yoyo, appeared not to be interested,” said Hideaki Yamamoto from Sapporo’s Mar uyama Zoo. “We believe the drumming was effective. We hope to try again in the future, during the alligator’s mating season from February through March,” he said. The zoo has succeeded in breeding the species in the past by knocking on the glass of their enclosure, but renovations mean this is no longer possible. “The new enclosure built last year has a thick acrylic screen, so it doesn’t emit the right sound,” Yamamoto said. AFP

Around the World

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

Beyond Borders

AFP/YOUTUBE

Romney rivals spurn calls to quit

P An image grab taken from a YouTube video shows Syria’s deputy oil minister Abdo Hussameddin announcing his resignation.

Syrian deputy oil minister joins rebels DAMASCUS: Syria’s deputy oil minister resigned on Thursday, becoming the most senior official to join the rebel ranks, as Washington revealed it is mulling non-lethal aid to the insurgency. Abdo Hussameddin announced his resignation in a video posted by activists on YouTube, saying he was joining the revolt. “I, the engineer Abdo Hussameddin, the deputy oil minister... announce my defection from the regime and my resignation,” he said in the video. “I am joining the revolution of the people who reject injustice and the brutal campaign of the regime, which is seeking to crush the people’s demand for freedom and dignity,” he added. The resigning minister said he had served in the Syrian government for 33 years and did not wish to end his life “serving a criminal regime”. Hussameddin thus becomes the highest-ranking Syrian official to resign from the

regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad, who has been battling a year-long revolt. The news of the ministerial resignation came hours after US defense secretary Leon Panetta said Washington was looking at delivering non-lethal aid to Syria’s rebels, hinting at the first direct US assistance to the forces seeking Assad’s downfall. While outraged at the killing of civilians in Syria, the US government is opposed to taking unilateral military action and favours pursuing diplomacy to force Assad to step down, Panetta told the Senate Armed Services Committee. “We are reviewing all possible additional steps that can be taken with our international partners to support efforts to protect the Syrian people, end the violence and ensure regional stability, including potential military options if necessary,” Panetta stressed. AFP

residential candidate Mitt Romney’s campaign says his rivals cannot catch him in the race for the Republican nomination after Super Tuesday. A Romney adviser said the other contenders were ignoring “the basic principles of math” and simply helping Barack Obama. But Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich said they were in for the long haul. Romney told CNBC on Wednesday that his campaign had “the time and the resources and a plan to get all the delegates” and would do so before the Republican convention. Gingrich won Georgia on Tuesday but did not achieve the sweep of Southern states that he had hoped for. The former House of Representatives Speaker said he would not quit as he did not think Santorum could win. “If I thought he was a slam dunk to beat Romney and to beat Obama, I would really consider getting out,” Gingrich said in a radio appearance on Wednesday. “I don’t.” Texas congressman Ron Paul, who focused on Western caucus states but came away without a win on Super Tuesday, has not shown any sign of dropping out of the presidential race either. But analysts say the next crop of votes in Kansas, Alabama, Mississippi and

This image obtained from NASA shows one of the largest solar flares of this solar cycle on Tuesday at 7PM ET. would impact both the Earth and Mars as well as some key space agency satellites. The fuss began late on

Sunday at an active region on the Sun known as 1429, with a big solar flare that was associated with a burst of solar wind

KABUL: Six British soldiers were killed when a massive explosion hit their armoured vehicle in Afghanistan, the military said on Wednesday, taking the British toll in the war against Taliban insurgents to more than 400. The soldiers were on patrol in the restive southern province of Helmand when the blast hit their heavilyarmoured and tank-tracked Warrior fighting vehicle on Tuesday.

EU offers Haiti another 100 mn euros in aid PORT-AU-PRINCE: EU Development Republican Presidential hopeful Rick Santorum. AFP Hawaii may not do Romney any favours. However, the Santorum campaign, in Kansas and Mississippi on Wednesday, rejected the Romney team’s hint to stand aside. “He wants us out so he can stop talking about conservatism,” said Santorum spokesman Hogan Gidley. “There’s a whole game to be played here. There are 28 states left. They are going to get a chance to voice their opinion in this race, too.” Santorum, a former Pennsylvania senator, says his wins in Tennessee, Oklahoma and North Dakota on Tuesday make him the true conservative alternative to Romney. A pro-Santorum independent committee supporting, the Red White and Blue Fund, called for Gingrich to step down.

Space storm to hit Earth today WASHINGTON: The biggest space weather storm in five years is hurtling toward Earth, threatening to disrupt power grids, GPS systems, satellites and airline flights, experts say. The brunt of the storm is expected to strike early on Thursday and last through Friday, possibly garbling some of Earthlings’ most prized gadgets but also giving viewers in parts of Central Asia a prime look at the aurora borealis, or northern lights, when darkness falls on Thursday. “Space weather has gotten very interesting over the past 24 hours,” said Joseph Kunches, a space weather scientist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), on Wednesday. Meanwhile, NASA warned of a “severe” storm event that

GLOBE AT A GLANCE Six British soldiers killed in Afghan blast

and plasma known as a coronal mass ejection (CME) that thrust toward the Earth at some 6.4 million kilometers per hour. A pair of solar flares and a CME followed overnight on Tuesday-Wednesday, setting off a strong geomagnetic and solar radiation storm registering at level three on a five-step scale. NASA said the first of the two flares on March 6-7 — classified in the potent X class and facing directly at the Earth — was the biggest this year and one of the largest of this cycle known as the solar minimum, which began in early 2007. In fact, it was second only to a stronger one that erupted in August, and the leading edge of the CME it sparked is expected to reach Earth at 5.25am GMT on March 8, plus or minus seven hours. AFP

Commissioner Andris Piebalgs on Wednesday wrapped up a visit to Haiti, during which the European Union offered the quake-hit Caribbean nation another 100 million euros in aid. The country is still struggling to recover from a devastating 2010 earthquake that left 250,000 people dead.

Presidents of Venezuela, Colombia and Cuba — Hugo Chavez, Juan Manuel Santo and Raul Castro are seen speaking in Havana, Cuba. AFP

50 North Korean orphans flee to China SEOUL: Some 50 North Korean orphans are hiding in China after fleeing their impoverished homeland, a South Korean legislator involved in a high-profile campaign to help such refugees said on Thursday. The children from an orphanage in the north-eastern border city of Hyesan crossed the border on February 29. There is now news of them being caught.

Texas man put to death for double murder WASHINGTON: A 52-year-old man was put to death on Wednesday in the US state of Texas for murdering his estranged wife and her boyfriend in 2001 while his young son looked on. Keith Thurmond, who died by lethal injection after a decade on death row, proclaimed his innocence to the end, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice said.

A car drives through water lying on a road in Sydney as heavy rain falls today. Severe wet weather has caused storm damage and flooding.AFP

Comment

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

Fair, free and forthright

KONY 2012, IT BEGINS NOW! I

ernmental voices who say that the curbing of ‘spurious’ content on the Internet is in your best interest. It is not. What starts as a ‘curb’ will swiftly turn into mass censorship. If that happens, then organisations like Invisible Children will have no free outlets left. They will be forced to go through channels watched over by sentinels from whose loins have come Joseph Kony and other monstrosities. The Internet is essentially apolitical, but it also harbours and nurtures a muchneeded streak of anarchy. It is this necessary nihilism that so shakes the foundations of power. It is by shaking these very pillars that we can achieve the one thing that we desire the most... total and complete freedom. Anything less is a gilded yoke. So show the powers-thatbe you will not be restrained. Support the Kony 2012 movement. Talk about it, shout about it... but above all, remember the medium that brought it to you. Keep the Web free and let’s make sure Kony’s days are numbered.

Dean Williams

gnore for a minute that Kony 2012, a viral video by Invisible Children is endorsed by Kim Kardashian, and watch the glorious Internet at work. Joseph Kony, leader of the LRA, is a thug that makes Caligula look like a boy scout in comparison. His atrocities on children in Uganda are well-documented, but as usual the international community has dragged its feet like a Frankenstein monster in search of the good doctor to explain to him why he’s such a hideous beast. Two decades ago not only would Kony have ridden roughshod over international concerns, he would probably have been elected president and hobnobbed with global leaders (think Mugabe, Pinochet, et al). The Internet has changed the power equation, and no matter what ignoramuses like Kapil Sibal, the US State Department, and an autocratic Chinese government has to say about it, it is the most powerful voice human beings have in an increasingly cynical world. Don’t be led by gov-

The butcher of Uganda must be brought down Padmini C

othing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come... whose time is now. Thus starts the video of Kony 2012... before you know it you can't take your eyes off the screen. The partdocumentary, part-film on Lord’s Resistance Army's Joseph's Kony’s atrocities in Uganda is ambitious and inspiring. We hear, talk, read about the plight of children in Africa all the time. Especially,

the increasingly alarmingly reports of tens of thousands of children being abducted from their homes to be used as soldiers by the Ugandan rebel forces. The Kony video lets us see it. Filmmaker Jason Russell takes us into Uganda and tells us the story of Jacob, a north Ugandan boy whose brother was killed by Kony’s army and who fears the same fate. He cleverly juxtaposes these images with that of his obviously privileged son in the US. The moral is clear to anyone

Keep women safe

Facelift needed

It’s ironic that while Sonia Gandhi is the most powerful person in the country, the lot of Indian women has barely improved in rural areas. Women are still subject to medieval attitudes in a society that is run by ignorant men. From spousal abuse to dowry deaths crimes against women have become endemic in this country. It is high time we woke up and realised that women are the vital gears in our social machinery, and if we allow them to rust then our future will be bleak indeed. Swathi S Ameerpet

I have been particularly fond of your faces section. However, in the recent past I have been disappointed with the choice of people. I think the USP of the column has been projection of commoners at the grassroots level and I feel it should continue that way. There are a lot more interesting people in our beautiful city; cover them in this column and retain its appeal. I don’t want to be too caustic. Overall, I love your paper, but was just making suggestions to make it better.

Ravindra Reddy Afzalgunj

who sees it, “Where you live should not decide whether or not you have a right to live.” But that's only a part of it. The film's objective — to make Kony famous and bring him to justice by the year's end. Their target, celebrities and policy makers. But more importantly, it’s for you and me. The video is a call-to-arms to the Facebook generation worldwide. It’s not just about the African children in the video or the group behind the video, the

TALK BACK 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

Invisible Children. It's about each of us. By talking, sharing, contributing, donating and making Kony famous, they say we can force American intervention, help the Ugandan government take down the rebel forces, and therefore change the course of human history. Kony 2012 implores us to collectively change the “conversations of our culture.” and they say 2012 is going is the year to do it. Their conviction makes you believe it.

British or American?

Defend self-defence

I would want to compliment your team for the great work done on the weekend edition. And I would like to respond to the editor’s letter — I think sticking to British English is the best thing to be doing. It’s like asking, is it alright to use Andhra's dialect of Malyalam, instead of using the original Malayalam dialect from Kerala? While, I don’t think usage of American English is wrong, but if you had to follow decorum it has to be the original. Anything else would sound pseudo.

The article Think twice before you pull the trigger made for an interesting read. I have been following Pistol Patel's story from the beginning. Only your paper has been with him all along. I too support his claim of shooting in selfdefence. The attacker/ intruder obviously was not known to him, which clearly points to his wrong intentions. It is not surprising that the startled old man shot the intruder in fear that he might be attacked. Anyone in his place would have done the same. I hope justice is done to him. Himmat S Patel Yousufguda

Supraja Sharma Attapur

Telly Tales

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

At one time patriarchy was reinforced through television serials, now it is being used as a mouthpiece to voice the achievements and problems of women. On International Women’s Day , Isha Mukoo looks at some women on television who have chosen to do things differently

Reflecting the

woman’s World

Ekta Kapoor

Priya Tendulkar

n actor, social activist and writer, this woman was role model for many women in the 80s. She portrayed the role of a feminist in the TV series Rajani and later in Gulzar’s Swayamsiddha. She even had a role to play in Ekta Kapoor’s Hum Paanch where she played the dead mother’s ghost who is always instigating her girls to break away from stereotypes. Priya did not limit herself to television series when it came to injustice. Known as Priya aka Rajani, she came up with chat shows like The Priya Tendulkar Talk Show and Zimmedar Kaun where people could voice their problems. This fearless voice went silent on September 19, 2002 when she succumbed to a heart attack.

he is one woman who can be credited with changing the face of Indian television in recent times. Not only that, most of her serials have women playing the pivotal or title role. Ekta started out with a comedy serial Hum Paanch produced by her home production banner Balaji telefilms. It soon became the most popular show on TV. After a break she came back with the saas-bahu serials and then there was no stopping her. Ekta’s serials Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki showed women and their relationships, they showcased empowered women, achievers and do-gooders. They were wives and mothers. Giving the much needed facelift to the television industry as well as her home production, her serials found a place in the drawing rooms of every household with women relating to the characters on screen.

Smriti Irani

Mandira Bedi

he was first seen as a strong and independent woman in a serial called Shanti and then in Aurat. And then she ventured into a territory that no woman had tried to venture into —cricket. Cricket is considered a male bastion, but she broke all stereotypes and entered as a host for the Cricket Champion series which took all by surprise. Initially she was written off, criticised for her dressing sense but she stood strong in the face of criticism and did not let anybody write her off. She learnt the hard way but came back stronger. And now thanks to her other women in the country have also taken the plunge into this field.

Rakhi Sawant

oud and proud — the two words that define this woman at her best. First seen in the item song, Mohabbat hai Mirchi, Rakhi Sawant didn’t look back after that. She soon went on to do a lot of albums and raunchy dance numbers earning the tag of the item girl apart from a whole others. Trying different ways to be in the news, her guts and brazen attitude was disliked by many women and men, but it is this very same attitude that she uses to hold her own among the males, often overshadowing them when she is on screen. Nicknamed as controversy queen, she acted in a lot of reality shows and has been bold and brash in whatever she does. Her rise to fame opened the gates for many aspiring small-time actors.

er claim to fame was her role as Tulsi Virani in Ekta Kapoor’s epic series Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. She played the role for seven years. For all her viewers she came to symbolise the modern woman. Women looked up to her and related to her strong personality. Eventually stepping into politics, she gained a strong foothold, given her presence in every household as the famous bahu.

Bade Acche Lagte Hain? Not exactly! Reality Bites Shiba Minai

was under the impression that soaps and serials are passé until my friends mother, an ardent follower of Bade Acche

Lagte Hain on Sony, recommended that I watch it. I did watch one episode and realised that this serial was not so bad, to be honest it was interesting when it started. I remember once when Ekta Kapoor was on a chat show, she was asked, does she feel the ‘serial phase’ would die out and she said, “It will never die, I never will let it die”. True to

her words she continues to churn out soaps that become a craze. This show had a promising start, but has now come back to what has always existed — ‘Ekta’ kind of soaps. A lot of parallel sub-plots, skeletons in every character’s cupboards, plotting and scheming people, a larger than life lifestyle, and of course the con-

niving relatives, in this case the hero Ram Kapoor’s mum. The concept was refreshing, and the chemistry of this mature couple was interesting to watch. I personally feel Priya (played by Sakshi Tanwar) could have been portrayed in a much classier way. While their story of how they begin to fall in love after marriage is interesting, too much empha-

sis on sub-plots like on Ram’s friend Vikram and his wife Neha, are beginning to dilute the interest of the audience. As of now, the serial is on a waxing and waning phase, where sometimes it’s absorbing and at times, forces you to switch channels. Let’s hope, Ekta is listening to us and gets the message, at least this time!

H‑Factor

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

Holistic view of mind, body and soul

Biological clock is ticking On International Women’s Day, Dr Y Savitha Devi shares with us the importance of women’s health and the results of a delayed pregnancy Ranjani Rajendra ranjani.r@postnoon.com

hen most people are ready to hang up their boots and enjoy a peaceful retired life, 64-year-old Dr Y Savitha Devi is rearing to go — and all for the cause of women’s health. She firmly believes that a woman is the pillar of society and it is extremely important that she takes care of her health, a factor most women neglect. It is with this in mind that she conducts various educational programmes, lectures and workshops on the importance of women’s health, warns them about impending health hazards and preventive measures that can be taken. A gynaecologist who set up Swapna Healthcare, a nursing home dedicated to speciality healthcare for women, Dr Savitha has over three decades of experience and a long list of celebrity clientele. Her list of patients boast of several Tollywood bigwigs and the City’s who’s who. Despite this, she continues to remain a person with an unassuming demeanour and a ready smile. What keeps her ticking is advocating the importance of women’s health. How important is a woman’s health and why? A woman is an integral part of society. It is she who ensures a family’s good health and future, which in turn play a role in society. With the numerous roles she juggles, it is important that she sets aside time for herself. What do you think of a woman’s changing role in society? Women today achieve

great things. They juggle a home and career with elan. But when it comes to a solid support system it is missing. While families are now open to their women earning a living, she is still expected to multitask without the proper paraphernalia for it, unlike in the West. Here we lack good day care centres, agencies that help women with domestic help. What is worse is, she receives little help at home. In such a scenario, it is all the more important for her to learn to delegate chores and look after her health. What can a woman do to be able to juggle all these roles then? Good planning. It is the key to manage her day-to-day activities. And whenever required she should ask for help, she is human. Time management is another important factor. No matter how hectic her day, she should take some time out for herself doing whatever it is that she likes. That apart she shouldn’t neglect her diet and health. She should ensure she tries and includes some kind of exercise regime in her schedule.

International Women’s Day What kind of diet should she follow? A good breakfast is a must, followed by a nutritious lunch, a working lunch will do too. But when it comes to dinner it should be early, with at least a two hour gap between dinner and bedtime. She should ensure that she gets her daily dose of proteins, vitamins and iron which are readily available in fresh fruits and vegetables. Following the small, frequent meals plan works well too as it keeps blood glucose levels stable. So carrying along a fruit, some sprouts or even a vegetable sandwich can help. What are some of the common mistakes women make when it comes to their health? For starters, they neglect their health. Despite being edu-

cated and aware they miss out on their annual health checks which include tests for hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Often we see patients come to us when it is too late. Once a woman is menopausal she should watch out for bone health as well, very few women do so. Most women evade visiting a doctor saying they’re fine. They don’t realise that they need to see their doctor when they’re fine so they can prevent any future problems. Also the career-minded woman ends up delaying pregnancy. They forget that there is a biological clock that is ticking and after 30 fertility levels drop. What are the kind of health problems women face these days as opposed to earlier? Hormonal imbalance is a common problem these days. Conditions like PCOD are common. This is primarily due to lifestyle changes and rising obesity. Delayed pregnancies also give rise to fertility issues like endometriosis, fibroids etc. Hence keeping a watch on their weight and diet is necessary. Ideally, a woman should have her first child by age 30. On a personal level how do you like to unwind and strike a balance? I love spending time with my grandkids and experimenting in the kitchen, whipping up new dishes for them, taking them to the park etc. Music is a passion and I love listening to classical and old songs. I used to learn music but discontinued after marriage. I am now planning to join my grandkids in learning music. Despite my schedule, I try and incorporate some form of exercise at least four times a week; be it using the treadmill or going for walks.

DEEPAK DESHPANDE

Stem cells are the new saviours

Dr Divya T Sudershan

ndians have always been very averse to the period and in fact, are considered to be unclean and avoid temples and ceremonies due to that sentiment. If only we knew, menstrual blood contains a large number of self-renewing stem cells that multiply rapidly and can differentiate into many other types of cells such as neural, cardiac, bone, fat, cartilage and possibly others, demonstrating great potential for cell therapy, statesman reported quoting the recent research. Every month during a woman’s menstrual period the uterine lining, endometrium, is shed. This lining contains a large number of mesenchymal stem cells and several thousand fold high concentration of cell growth factors. These cells are unique because they have many properties similar to bone marrow and embryonic stem cells. Although menstrual stem cell technology has not yet been utilised to date in human therapies, the collective body of ongoing research may potentially change the types of therapies used to diagnose or treat a host of significant medical conditions in the future affecting hundreds of millions worldwide like Alzheimer’s, diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson’s, osteoarthritis and many others. In India one company has already launched the collection of menstrual blood stem cells, and it won’t be long before others do. All it would involve is collecting the sample, which is sent to their lab for processing. The stem cells are then harvested. Any new idea has always been laughed at, but it takes a bit of courage and confidence to be open minded. It may need a bit of effort, a little financial commitment, and is almost an insurance for a future that no one can predict! (The writer is a gynaecologist and obstetrician practising at Happy Women Clinic. You can write in to her at happywomenclinic@gmail.com)

H‑Factor

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

Holistic view of mind, body and soul

Cancer denial

KILLING THOUSANDS IN BRITAIN It’s not always the disease that leads to fatalities. Denial of a disease can do much more harm, reveals a survey LONDON: Thousands of people in Britain are dying “unnecessarily” because they are too scared to mention early symptoms of cancer to their doctor, according to the BBC. A survey of 2,000 people for Cancer Research UK said 40 percent might delay getting symptoms checked out by doctors because they are worried what they might find. The report said that 11,500 deaths due to cancer could be avoided every year in the country. The poll findings suggested that a quarter of patients might delay seeing their doctor with symptoms because they fear they could be wasting their doctor’s time. And many people do not

recognise which symptoms may suggest cancer. More than three-quarters of people asked to list possible warning signs and symptoms of cancer failed to mention pain, coughing or problems with bowels or bladder. And more than two-thirds also failed to list bleeding. “Our report highlights just how much more we have to do to raise awareness about the early signs of cancer,” said Peter Johnson of Cancer Research UK. “If patients are diagnosed when the cancer is still in its early stages before it has had a chance to spread to other parts of the body it is more likely that treatment will be successful. That is why it is so important for people

to be aware of things that might be early signs of cancer.” “Of course we are all frightened of hearing that we may have cancer. But people need to know that catching the disease early

gives them much better odds of surviving it,” he said. “The best precaution anyone can take is to be on the lookout for any changes in their bodies that seem unusual for them and to get

them checked by a doctor. We know that in many cases these things won’t turn out to be cancer. But don’t take the gamble of missing out on early diagnosis,” he said. IANS

Cheese, milk could make you smart You’ve always been told that drinking milk’s good for you, now there’s proof. A study reveals how it can improve your mental ability LONDON: Dairy food could be essential for a healthy brain, a new study suggests. The study, by US and Australian researchers, involving 1,000 adults, found those who regularly have dairy products such as milk, cheese and yoghurt score better on tests of mental ability than people who never, or rarely, consume dairy products, the Daily Mail reported. Although the research, published in the International Dairy Journal, needs following-up, as it did not conclusively establish the link between dairy and fatty diets and brain power, it highlights an intriguing line of research. It follows another US study, involving 104 pensioners, where

OUR BRAIN IS COMPOSED OF 60 PER CENT FAT. THE MYELIN FAT WHICH INSULATES OUR BRAIN NEEDS TO BE CONSTANTLY REPLACED. STUDIES HAVE REVEALED HOW OUR MENTAL FUNCTIONS ARE HEAVILY DEPENDENT ON A GOOD SUPPLY OF FAT.

scientists found older people with higher levels of beneficial fats in their blood had less brain shrinkage typical of Alzheimer’s disease.

These beneficial fats - omega3 essential fats — are found in foods such as oily fish. The study, published in Neurology, the journal of the American Academy of Neurology, measured the levels of different fats in people’s blood, rather than simply relying on their reports of what they tended regularly to eat. It’s now well established from brain-tissue studies that our mental functions depend heavily on a good supply of fat, the Mail said Tuesday. Our brain is composed of 60 percent fat. The brain cells are insulated by sheaths of myelin composed of 75 per cent fat. This myelin fat needs to be replaced constantly. IANS

F‑Folio

Because you are what you wear

Surabhi Chauhan

Gucci

ver since Frida Giannini took over as the head designer at Gucci from the long prolific tenure of Tom Ford, she has slowly tried to give the fashion house a new identity which is closer to her style. Giannini has brought a change whilst keeping in mind the house’s original aesthetics. This collection further reinforced the sexy, dark, and alluring feeling that a Gucci show leaves its audience with. More dark this time, the palette was mostly black with the addition of dark shades of green, maroon, purple. Layered looks with a mix of masculine and feminine silhouettes made it the perfect pairing option for the modern day woman. Billowy sleeved blouses, pants tucked into equestrian style knee-length boots, capes, long jackets, maxi dresses and tailored suits all formed a cohesive collection effortlessly. Techniques of velvet appliqué and prints were seen on the clothes as well. The show closed with a line of evening gowns in sheer black material and floral appliqué details.

feedback@postnoon.com

Milan is a landmark location for the biannual ready-to-wear fashion week cycle. From February 22 to 27, Milan Fashion Week showcased its trends for Fall Winter 2012-13. We take a look at who made the strongest impact

Casual Fendi

endi is a house that takes pride in reinventing traditional luxurious materials like fur and leather, season after season. In the past they had invented 24K fur where each fur hair was dipped in actual gold. For the fall-winter collection, the house went all out with the most exotic fabrics, furs and leather in varied earthy tones of brown, yellow, blue, red and grey. One could see big handbags in shaggy fur, box-like handbags in patent leather, sleek ankle boots and shift dresses made of crocodile skin. It seemed that Karl Lagerfeld was creating garments for the ultimate fashion loving mountain girl. And accessories designer Silvia Fendi took us from the wilderness to city life in an instant by giving us the handbags, sunglasses, belts and shoes which will soon be the must-have accessories for next winter.

Roberto Cavalli

ith the runway designed over a large animal skin cutout, it was a giveaway for this Italian house to showcase some heavy animal prints and skins collection. The first look was a sparkling short dress with a fur skirt. The girls walked down the runway in the casual manner, the Cavalli girl has lately been known for. Though the collection comprised of short dresses, the look was a more constrained one. Arm leather gloves, bib-collar neckpieces, and jewelled closed toe heel footwear — a different collection from the brand’s fringed sling bags and accessories of the previous seasons. Shades of teal, purple, mustard, set the evening wear theme. Prints of leopard and reptile skin were juxtaposed with the jacket, trouser, and blouse. The look though severe is easy to wear due to its silhouettes of men’s style inspired jackets, easy shift dresses and no figure hugging belted waists.

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

20&21

Dolce and Gabbana

esigner duo Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana took us through a cultural voyage through the rich history of Sicily, Italy with this show. Baroque ruled the collection with black and gold elemental in almost all the pieces. Bejewelled elegant handbags, head bands and necklaces made the designs look even more opulent. The silhouettes consisted of shift dresses, capes, jackets, knickers, pencil skirts, and ruffled blouses which further emphasised the theme of romance. The cross-stitched rose patterns used in the handbags, dresses and shoes highlighted the handcrafted detailing involved. No Dolce & Gabbana collection is complete without their signature sexiness, which was communicated with the see-through fabrics used to give the peek-a-boo effect.

& Georgio Armani

brand which is headed by its founder still, Giorgio Armani designs this line with the recurring elements being classy, luxurious and neat. With a signature style in mind, this collection had the Armani classic suits, short dresses, long gowns but with the addition of some bright tones like fuchsia, orange and cobalt blue. In his previous shows the palette had stuck to the classic black, navy or grays. This was definitely a more playful collection for the designer. Tuxedo jackets, fur wrap shawls, long coats, menswear inspired trousers and even shorts comprised the collection. Although it was the short dresses which left a strong impression with the easily wearable silhouettes and light fabrics that made it perfect for day-time wear.

chic Italian houses like Prada, Versace, Armani, Gucci, and Fendi have established Milan as one of the key areas where the coming trends of the seasons are projected onto the runway. In Milan, fashion is bold and no good collection is complete without the seasonal â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bag. For winter trends, the fashion week takes pride in showing luxurious jackets, coats, woollens that will keep the most fashion conscious girls warm in the harshest European sub-zero temperatures.

The writer is a fashion blogger (www.lovestruckcow.blogspot.com) who attempts to bridge the gap between creator and consumer. As a fashion writer, she hopes to promote Indian fashion among Indians and on a global level too.

Spotlight

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

DEEPAK DESHPANDE

AUDI salutes woman power Audi Hyderabad, organised a Women’s Charity Drive on Wednesday to celebrate International Women’s Day. The event, which was organised at the Westin, was flagged off by fitness expert Dinaz Vervatwala

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The glamour behind the glitz

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

Magic Screen

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

The glamour behind the glitz

Why Tina skipped Lohan’s SNL performance L indsay Lohan got her big-screen break with Tina Fey’s Mean Girls” back in 2004, but her much-anticipated return to the small screen wasn’t enough to lure the former Saturday Night Live head writer back to her old set. It wasn’t an intentional snub, though: The New York Daily News reports that Fey had been planning on coming to cheer on LiLo at 30 Rock — and even whipped up a draft for a co-monologue—but had to cancel because of her family. “Tina was committed to doing the monologue with Lindsay but both of her children got sick,” a rep for Fey told the paper. “She was unable to participate as planned.” Lohan received mixed reviews for her performance on SNL, which drew a high number of viewers and was the second-highest-rated episode of the season.

Affleck couldn’t be a prouder dad H

aving a baby boy may be new territory for Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck – but they’re overjoyed to be parents for the third time. “Jen is feeling good,” a source tells People “She’s so thrilled to have a little boy, and the girls already love him so much.” Their son Samuel joins big sisters Seraphina, 3, and Violet, 6. While the actor told Ellen DeGeneres that “it would be so weird to have a boy,” Garner

seems to be taking it all in stride. “Jen is such a natural mother,” says a source close to the couple. The proud parents, both 39, have always put family first”He couldn’t be happier,” Affleck’s friend tells People. “He loves his wife. He loves his family and he’s proud – he’s legitimately proud – you can just see it.” As for Affleck, who has been acting less to focus on directing lately, his most important role is being a father.

Tebow denies role in The Bachelor T

im Tebow has dismissed rumours that he is taking part in The Bachelor. The Denver Broncos quarterback was believed to have signed up for the matchmaking reality TV series, but announced on his Twitter page that the reports are not true. Tebow wrote on the microblogging website: “Haha rumors can be crazy! Even though I’ve watched the show before, I’m definitely not gonna be on The Bachelor.”

Chai Time

KAKURO

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

SCRIBBLING PAD

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

Take a shot at the brain game while sipping your cuppa

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Fiber-___ cable 6 Fairy-tale figure 11 Tub-safety item 14 Sao ___, Brazil 15 Golden calf crafter 16 ____ Lilly and Company 17 “Captain Blood” star Flynn 18 It brings bad luck? 20 One of the Bobbsey twins 21 Sneaker ties 23 Related to the kidneys 24 Opposite of comedy 26 Get hot under the collar 27 It brings good luck? 31 Hole for an anchor cable 32 Defeat resoundingly 33 Trendy 36 Bone in the arm 37 Attach with a string 39 Undeserving of a padded cell 40 Negative responses 41 Biting comment 42 “___ minute, Mr. Postman...” 43 It brings bad luck? 46 Type of fruit that’s high in vitamin C 49 Like charged particles 50 Hunter with a long belt 51 ___ up (confessed) 53 Make up one’s mind 56 It brings good luck? 58 Home under the midnight sun 60 Small digit 61 Opposite of “‘tis” 62 Loop at the end of a rope 63 Tilde’s shape, loosely 64 Like bars in old films 65 Injured in the bullring DOWN 1 Sign on a store’s door 2 Beginning for “legal” 3 Rejections 4 UN body dealing with workers’ rights

5 Assemble for binding 6 Mower owner’s buy 7 What a scarf covers 8 “... ___ it Memorex?” 9 Gretchen of “Finding Graceland” 10 Pray 11 Should have said 12 Deity of Islam 13 Book spine info 19 Oracle 22 “___ making myself clear?” 25 Civil rights pioneer Parks 26 Blow out of the water 27 Steer clear of 28 Angel’s topper 29 Aquatic bird similar to a loon 30 Michigan’s ____ Locks 33 Ash blond, e.g. 34 Enthralled by

35 Lute-shaped fruit 37 New Mexico artists’ colony 38 Annoy 39 Dress along the Ganges 41 Blonds’ counterparts (Var.) 42 Twisty, as a road 43 Sis’ counterparts 44 A ripe old age 45 Curly’s smacker 46 Small Pacific salmon 47 Golf clubs 48 Foursome for a Ford 51 Akron’s home 52 Bookworm,

SUDOKU

in slang 54 What people often do for pictures 55 Word with “steel” or “pigeon” 57 America’s Uncle 59 Baby’s word PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

THOUGHT OF THE DAY Brigands demand your money or your life; women require both. – Samuel Butler

Chai Time STAR POWER

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

Your tomorrow today̶Star Power and Tarot THIRUVAIKUMAR

As per Hindu panchang

FOR 9-3-2012

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

TAURUS

GEMINI

Success is yours in all work undertaken. A court case that was held up will resu‑ me and end in your favour. Problems faced by son will come to an end and you will heave a sigh of relief.

Confusions will come to an end and a clearcut path will come before you. You will take certain bold decisions and put an end to age‑old problems. Some have bright chances to buy house or land.

All plans will get implemented success‑ fully. Friendship with VIPs likely, which will benefit you enormously. Your talks will reflect your level of self‑confidence. Your old plot will sell for expected price.

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

Financially, a comfortable position is seen. Your actions will pick up speed and end successfully. Unexpected ﬁnancial assis‑ tance likely, which will be of great help. Renovation of ancestral property likely.

Held up marriage talk will resume and end favourably. Tasks undertaken will complete successfully. Friendship with persons of powerful position likely. Ancestral property will come through.

You will face hurdles with courage and march forward with a determination. Held‑up construction work will resume and will get completed successfully, as expected ﬁnancial assistance is received.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

You will take important decisions. A str‑ ong ﬁnancial position likely. Real‑estate deals will be proﬁtable. Debt problems will be under control. Maternal relatives will extend help and support.

Some will change their place of residen‑ ce. You will execute work faster than in the normal situation. Expected ﬁnancial helps will come. Travel will be beneﬁcial. You will have a free talk with relatives.

Longtime expectations will be fulﬁlled. Happy events to take place at home. Your respect will increase as children will make you proud with good actions. Government works will end favourably.

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

A peaceful atmosphere will prevail at home. Home loan will get sanctioned with which held up work will resume. Relatives will extend their help and sup‑ port, though money ﬂow is comfortable.

You will plan everything afresh and implement them perfectly. Expected money will come. You will meet old friends and spend happy time with them. A major problem will be solved.

Planned work get completed without deviation. Daughter's delayed mar‑ riage will take place soon. Deficit fin‑ ancial position will be overcome and purchase of asset will be completed.

SUMAA TEKUR

FOR 9-3-2012

tarotreadhyd@gmail.com

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

Three of Wands – Try a different exercise routine if the current one is boring you. W‑ hy not try a Bolly‑ wood dance, salsa, hip hop or bhangra aerobics classes?

Five of Swords – Avoid conﬂict and confrontation. Itʼll only confuse matters. Thereʼs competition for your position, and it may have nothing to do with you, really.

Eight of Wands – Fin‑ ances are looking go‑ od and your forethou‑ ght and planning have paid off. Expect a win‑ dfall. Saving for a rai‑ ny day is good but al‑ so learn to live a little.

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

Two of Pentacles – Only a balancing act will save your life from getting out of control this week. Both family and work need you equally. You will have to manage.

The Wheel of Fortune – Bad times eventual‑ ly give way to good times. Bosses change; the projects you work on change. Learn fro‑ m the current experi‑ ence and move on.

Death – A new world is opening up for you and you realise that your age‑old belief systems may have no place in this new wo‑ rld. Go with the ﬂow.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

For Better or for Worse Stone soup

The Tower – You per‑ ceive the world diffe‑ rently; stop judging people for who they are or what they do. If you donʼt, life will force you to by push‑ ing you to a corner.

The World – Everyt‑ hingʼs going very well. The investments are clicking and the moneyʼs looking good. Donʼt be afraid to make major changes to your lifestyle.

The Magician – Your intuition is taking you places. You donʼt know how, but the ideas are just pop‑ ping up and youʼre doing a swell job of making them work.

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Two of Swords – Your mood swings will get you in trouble. Extremes in emotions are causing you to feel restless and impatient. You get over‑emotional.

Ten of Wands – Youʼre probably tak‑ ing on too much work and need to relax a bit. Delegate as much as you can and plan your time well.

Page of Swords – A combination of youthful energy yet sharp focus is what will achieve desired results for you, whe‑ ther it is at work or in your love life.

SOLUTIONS

Boggle NILE RHINE CONGO GANGES DANUBE

Number game

Suduko

Scrabble

Ink pen

COMICS

Fred Basset

ARIES

TAROT READ

Vol: 1, No 235 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

Chai Time 1400 Naadi Aadajanme 1430 Pavitra 1500 Movie 1800 Kodala Kodala Koduku Pellama 1830 Vasantha Kokila 1900 Chinnari Pelli Kuturu 1930 Anna Chellelu 2000 Missamma 2030 Edureetha 2100 Challenge 2200 CID 2300 Challenge 0730 Maa Shakti 0800 Ayurvedam 0830 Chaganti Sanatana Dharmam 0900 Money Money 1000 Chinnari Pelli Kuturu

1400 Kannavaari Kalalu 1430 Maavichiguru 1500 Sumangali 1530 Movie 1800 Jai Shri Krishna 1830 Shraavani Subramaniam 1900 Mandhara 1930 Auto Bharthi 2000 Swathi 2030 Mogali Rekulu 2100 Aparanji 2130 Devatha 2200 Mamathala Kovela 2230 Nippu Special 2300 Gemini Vaarthalu 0800 Gemini Talkies 0830 Movie 1130 Aha Emi Ruchi 1200 Jeevitha Chakram 1230 Maa Inti Aada Paduchu 1300 Chittemmaa 1330 Gorintaku

1400 [V] Vignettes 1430 [V] D3 Dil Dosti Dance 1500 [V] Humse Hai Life 1530 [V] Trailers 1600 [V] Steal UR Girlfriend 1700 [V] Zabardast Hits 1800 [V] Fresh Songs 1830 [V] Humse Hai Life 1900 [V] D3 Dil Dosti Dance 1930 [V] Humse Hai Life 2000 [V] Steal UR Girlfriend 2100 [V] Vignettes 2130 [V] Trailers 2200 [V] Steal UR Girlfriend 2300 [V] Humse Hai Life 2330 [V] D3 Dil Dosti Dance 0700 [V] Trailers 0730 [V] Zabardast Hits 0800 [V] Mind Blasting Mornings 1100 [V] Fresh Songs 1200 [V] D3 Dil Dosti Dance

‘[V] Humse Hai Life’ at 1930 Hrs on CHANNEL [V]

1300 News Now at 1 1330 News Now 1800 6 PM 1830 Live Report 1900 Primetime 1930 The Game 2000 News Now at 8 2030 Live Report 2100 The Newshour 2200 The Newshour - Plus 2230 E Now 2300 News Now at 11 0800 The Morning News 0900 News Now 1200 Live Report 1230 News Now

‘The Newshour’ at 2100 Hrs only on TIMES NOW

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

Telly sitcoms, news and movie listings

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

1400 Nagani 1430 Movie 1800 Meera 1830 Kalavari Kodallu 1900 Chinna Kodalu 1930 Pasupukunkuma 2000 Muddu Bidda 2030 Radha Kalyanam 2100 Kanyadanam 2130 Luckku Kickku 2230 Shree 2300 Bindass 2330 Latest Songs 0800 Subhamastu 0830 Bhakti Samacharam 0900 Sri Raghavendra Vybhavam 0930 Mahadevi 1000 Bindass 1030 Chittam Chittam Prayaschittam 1130 Jeevana Vignanam 1200 Mee Inti Vanta

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

‘Wildest India’ at 2000 Hrs on DISCOVERY CHANNEL 1400 Feast India 1500 Chadar - The Ice Trail 1600 Swamp Brothers 1630 Factory Made 1700 Man Vs Wild 1800 Wild Discovery 1900 I Almost Got Away With It? 2000 Wildest India 2100 Breaking Point 2200 Dual Survival 2300 Tattoo Hunter 1000 Deception With Keith Barry 1100 How Do They Do It?

1415 CSI - NY 1510 Wipeout 1605 The Challenger Muaythai 1700 Supernatural 1800 Chuck 1900 Wipeout 2000 Supernatural 2100 Minute To Win It 2200 Fear Factor 2300 Top 20 Countdown 0700 Infomercial/30 Min 0730 Sky Teleshopping 0830 Infomercial/30 Min 0900 Sky Teleshopping 0930 Whacked Out Sports 1000 Dating In The Dark 1100 Minute To Win It 1200 Breaking The Magician's Code 1250 The Voice 2

‘Supernatural’ at 2000 Hrs on AXN

‘S S S – P’ at 2030 Hrs on IMAGINE 1400 Haar Jeet 1500 Baba Aisa Varr Dhoondo 1530 Sawaare Sabke Sapne – Preeto 1600 Mi Aaji Aur Saheb 1630 Jamuna Paar 1700 Mi Aaji Aur Saheb 1730 Sawaare Sabke Sapne – Preeto 1800 Jamuna Paar 1830 Mi Aaji Aur Saheb 1900 Haar Jeet 1930 Gyaan Guru 2000 Dwarkadheesh - Bhagwan Shri Krishn 2030 Sawaare Sabke Sapne – Preeto 2100 Jamuna Paar 2130 Mi Aaji Aur Saheb 2200 Baba Aisa Varr Dhoondo 2230 Haar Jeet 2300 Jamuna Paar

1400 Parichay 1430 Balika Vadhu 1500 Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha 1530 Uttaran 1600 Phulwa 1630 Parichay 1700 Sasural Simar Ka 1730 Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha 1800 Uttaran 1830 Balika Vadhu 1900 Hawan 1930 Sasural Simar Ka 2000 Balika Vadhu 2030 Veer Shivaji 2100 Phulwa 2130 Parichay - Nayee Zindagi Kay Sapno Ka 2200 Uttaran 2230 Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha 2300 Na Aana Is Des Laado

‘Uttaran’ at 2200 Hrs on COLORS

‘M K K P B’ at 2200 Hrs on ZEE TV 1400 Hitler Didi 1430 Mrs. Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuein 1500 Afsar Bitiya 1530 Chhoti Bahu 2 1600 Pavitra Rishta 1630 Dance India Dance 1800 Hitler Didi 1830 Punarvivah 1900 Afsar Bitiya 1930 Chhoti Bahu 2 2000 Hitler Didi 2030 Yahaaan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 2100 Pavitra Rishta 2130 Ram Milaye Jodi 2200 Mrs. Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuein 2230 Punarvivah 2300 Afsar Bitiya 0900 Punarvivah

1400 Saas Bina Sasuraal 1430 Bade Achhe Lagte Hai 1500 Kuch Toh Log Kahenge 1530 Crime Patrol - 4 1630 Crime Patrol - 3 1900 Crime Patrol - 2 1930 Shubh Vivah 2000 Kuch Toh Log Kahenge 2030 Dekha Ek Khwaab 2100 Saas Bina Sasuraal 2130 Parvarrish - Kuchh Khatti Kuchh Meethi 2200 Kyaa Hua Tera Vaada 2230 Bade Achhe Lagte Hai 2300 Kuch Toh Log Kahenge 2330 Crime Patrol - Dastak 0700 Telebrands 0730 Sky Star Advertising 0900 Kahani Comedy Circus Ki 1030 CID 1200 Shubh Vivah 1300 Kyaa Hua Tera Vaada

‘Parvarrish’ at 2130 Hrs on SONY

‘E H M M B H’ at 2030 Hrs on STAR PLUS 1400 Sajda Tere Pyaar Mein 1500 Navya 1530 Diya Aur Bati Hum 1600 Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behnaa Hai 1630 Sasuraal Genda Phool 1700 Saath Nibhaana Saathiya 1730 Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon 1800 Navya 1830 Ruk Jana Nahin 1900 Saath Nibhaana Saathiya 1930 Sasuraal Genda Phool 2000 Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon 2030 Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behnaa Hai 2100 Diya Aur Bati Hum 2130 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 2200 Sajda Tere Pyaar Mein 2230 Mann Ki Awaaz… Pratigya 2300 Maryaada ... Lekin Kab Tak?

MOVIES OF THE DAY AND OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

1415 The Lord Of The Rings - The Two Towers 1740 The Midnight Meat Train 1920 Tactical Force 2100 Star Trek - Nemesis 2320 Journey To The Center Of The Earth 0810 Friends 0840 Nikita1 0930 Star Trek - Nemesis 1150 Batman Forever

1320 Ace Ventura - Pet Detective 1510 Speedy Singhs 1725 Jonah Hex 1910 Cats & Dogs - The Revenge Of Kitty Galore 2100 Open Water 2250 2 Fast 2 Furious 0900 Robocop 1100 Ace Ventura - Pet Detective 1250 Dinocroc Vs. Supergator

1400 My Kitchen Rules 1500 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 1530 America's Funniest Home Videos 1600 My Wife And Kids 1630 The Big Bang Theory 1700 Rookie Blue 1800 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 1900 Outsourced 1930 The Big Bang Theory 2000 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 2030 America's Funniest Home Videos 2100 My Kitchen Rules 2200 Rookie Blue 2300 Outsourced 2330 My Wife And Kids 0900 America's Funniest Home Videos 1000 Outsourced 1100 My Kitchen Rules

‘Keeping Up With The Kardashians’ at 2000 Hrs on ZEE CAFE

Balika Vadhu Storyline - Jiji suggests to send Anandi to Mumbai with Jagya. Further in the episode we will see, Gauri calls Jagya, Jagya does not answer, Gauri gets worried, her parents console her. ‘Balika Vadhu’ at 2000 Hrs on COLORS

‘Necessary Roughness’ at 1400 Hrs on STAR WORLD 1400 Necessary Roughness 1900 Desperate Housewives 2000 Two And A Half Men 2030 The Simpsons 2100 Supernatural 2200 Unforgettable 2300 The Big Bang Theory 2330 Two And A Half Men 0700 Unforgettable 0800 Las Vegas 0900 The River 1000 Unforgettable 1100 Desperate Housewives 1200 Two And A Half Men 1230 The Simpsons 1300 The Big Bang Theory 1330 Friends

Ruk Jana Nahin Storyline - In desperation takes Sanchi in an empty classroom and physically man handles her and threatens her that she has no choice but to say a yes to his proposal. ‘Ruk Jana Nahin’ at 1830 Hrs on STAR PLUS

1400 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah 1430 R. K. Laxman Ki Duniya 1500 Lapataganj 1530 F.I.R 1600 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah 1630 I Luv My India 1700 Gutur Gu 1730 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah 1900 R. K. Laxman Ki Duniya 1930 Lapataganj 2000 I Luv My India 2030 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah 2100 Chidiyaghar 2130 R. K. Laxman Ki Duniya 2200 Lapataganj 2230 F.I.R 2300 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah 2330 Chidiyaghar 0900 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah 1030 I Luv My India

‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’ at 2030 Hrs on SAB

‘Delhi-6’ at 1230 Hrs on ZOOM 1230 Movie - Delhi-6 1600 Letz Go! 1700 Zabar 10 1730 Star Bonanza 1800 Letz Go! 1900 Planet Bollywood News 1930 Link'd 2000 Tentalize 2030 Letz Go! 2100 Zooming In With Omar 2130 Link'd 2200 B - Tonite 2230 Link'd 2300 Bollywood Bonanza 0700 Fresh Mornings 0800 Red Carpet 0805 Fresh Mornings 1100 Your Likes 1200 Planet Bollywood News

‘Star Trek - Nemesis’ at 2100 Hrs on WB

1430 Food Detectives 1500 Deconstructed 1530 Discovery Science Classics 1630 Rising - Rebuilding Ground Zero 1730 Showdown - Aircombat 1930 Paleoworld 2000 Megascience 2030 Heavy Metal Taskforce 2130 Extreme Engineering 2230 Surviving The Cut 2330 Industrial Revelations 1030 Rising - Rebuilding Ground Zero 1130 Life On The Line 1200 Deconstructed 1330 Paleoworld

‘Extreme Engineering’ at 2130 Hrs on DISCOVERY SCIENCE

‘Hawaii 5.0’ at 2100 Hrs on BIG CBS PRIME 1400 Frasier 1430 Jerry Springer 1530 Big Wheels 1600 Galileo Extreme 1700 Survivor 1800 Entertainment Tonight 1830 Galileo Extreme 1930 Frasier 2000 Entertainment Tonight 2030 Galileo Extreme 2100 Hawaii 5.0 2200 Jerry Springer 2300 Survivor 0700 Big Wheels 0730 Aspire 0800 Galileo Extreme 0900 Survivor 1000 Bellator 1100 Jerry Springer 1200 Big Wheels 1230 Entertainment Tonight 1300 Galileo Extreme

Playing Field

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

The games people play

GLOBE AT A GLANCE Hawks succumb to James and Heat MIAMI: LeBron James and the Miami Heat turned up the temperature in the third quarter on Wednesday, rallying from a 10-point deficit and going on to beat Atlanta 89-86 and take their NBA record to 30-9. “That was ugly there for a while,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said of his team’s struggle to get their offence firing. “We certainly weren’t in a great flow offensively. “But we were able to push through, grind out the game and make the finishing plays.”James led the way with 31 points and 11 rebounds. Dwyane Wade, who missed the second half of Tuesday’s victory over New Jersey with a sore right ankle, made just one of seven attempts from the field in the first half, but finished with 18 points, nine rebounds and six assists for the Heat. Josh Smith did what he could, leading the Hawks with 23 points. Even the Heat’s surge late in the third only tied the game heading into the final period at 68-68. Smith capped a 9-0 Hawks spurt with a three-pointer to give Atlanta an 80-77 lead with 3:29 to play. But Miami responded with baskets by Chris Bosh, Wade and Udonis Haslem to edge ahead 83-80. The Heat led 85-81 when they gave up a threepoint play, fouling Hawks guard Jannero Pargo as he drove for a layup.

Agnieszka Radwanska (left) of Poland and Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark share a laugh at a round table discussion during the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on Wednesday at Indian Wells, California. AFP PHOTO/JEFF GROSS

Date-krumm, King win INDIAN WELLS: Japanese veteran Kimiko Date-Krumm and Vania King of the United States won their opening matches at the WTA Tour’s Indian Wells tournament on Wednesday. Date-Krumm breezed past Pauline Parmentier of France 6-

Kimiko Date-Krumm pumps her fist after winning a point against Pauline Parmentier. AFP PHOTO/JEFF GROSS

1, 6-3 and American Vania King surprised world number 31 Sara Errani of Italy 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 as the women’s draw of the WTA and ATP Masters joint tournament got underway on Wednesday. The 96-player men’s draw begins on Thursday. At age 41, Date-Krumm is the oldest player in the women’s field and was giving away 15 years to the 26-year-old Parmentier on Wednesday. Date-Krumm won 79 percent of her first-serve points and 57 of 92 total points in the onehour match. Parmentier had four aces but also committed four double faults and won just 35 percent of her first-serve points. Date-Krumm moves to the second round to battle Czech Klara Zakopalova who routed Laura Pous-Tio of Spain 6-1, 6-1. King levelled her career match record at 1-1 against Errani who was fresh off winning her third WTA title at Acapulco last week. King won 60 percent of her first-serve points and had just one double fault in the one hour, 48 minute match. She advances to the second round where she will face 13thranked Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia. In other first round matches,

Fedex heads for Indian Wells focused INDIAN WELLS: Roger Federer heads for the Indian Wells tournament riding a modest win streak and hoping to recapture the magic that saw him win three straight in the California desert from 20042006. The 16-time Grand Slam winner has already clinched a pair of titles in 2012, winning the last two tournaments he has entered in Rotterdam and last week in Dubai. “For me it has been good, my body has been taking a beating but it is holding up well,” said Federer Wednesday as he prepared for his opening match in the Indian Wells men’s draw which begins Thursday. “I don’t think I have over-played, but I have played enough. I have to be careful I do everything right not to get injured.” Mona Barthel, of Germany, beat American Jill Craybas 6-1, 6-2. Barthel hammered four aces and won 86 percent of her first serve points as she needed just 48 minutes to oust Craybas. Barthel will next face top seed and world number one

Federer clinched his fifth Dubai Open title and 72nd career ATP Tour crown Saturday with an impressive 7-5, 6-4 win over Andy Murray. “I have been feeling really good out there and it is nice going on to the court on the big points and knowing exactly what you want to do and what you can do and what you can’t do.” Federer said. “If you don’t play enough you forget all those things. It can be a bit of a blur.” The world No. 3 turned 30 last August and says with age comes wisdom and the realization that you can’t go full speed off the court if you want to remain at the top of the rankings. “I used to do skiing, playing tennis, squash and soccer and you are like ‘I can’t believe I just did that and now my knee hurts.” Victoria Azarenka, who is riding a perfect 17-0 win streak in 2012. Also, Jamie Hampton, of the United States, defeated Polona Hercog, of Slovenia, 6-0, 6-1, and Sorana Cirstea, of Romania, outlasted Czech Iveta Benesova 4-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7/5).

Kiwis stirred by Sheep-shearing Worlds MASTERTON: , March 8, 2012 (AFP) As a boisterous 1,800-strong crowd looks on, Englishman Adam Berry wrestles a wriggling, kicking sheep to the floor and begins shearing intently. Within 60 seconds, the puzzled-looking sheep is stripped of its luxurious fleece, bundled to the back of the stage and Berry is ready for another one, quickly checking on the progress of rival competitors as he grabs the animal. This is the 15th world shearing championships in Masterton, New Zealand, the equivalent of the Olympics for shearers such as Berry, who trained for months to challenge his renowned Kiwi counterparts on their home turf. “To get the Golden Shears in New Zealand (would be) a lifetime ambition, it doesn’t get any better,” said Berry, who finished sixth in the overall standings at the event, which concluded last weekend. What began as friendly rivalry in the remote shearing sheds of Australia and New Zealand has become a fully fledged sport in the past 30 years, attracting teams from 25 countries to the 2012 championships in the North Island town. The New Zealand Farming Federation has even called for shearing to become an Olympic demonstration sport, saying the athleticism and skill of the competitors deserves wider recognition.

Playing Field

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

The games people play

GOT HIM!

Clarke out of Windies tour

Imran Tahir of South Africa celebrates catching out Brendon McCullum of New Zealand during day two of their first Test match at the University Oval in Dunedin on Wednesday. New Zealand five runs ahead of South Africa's 238, with a wicket in hand. AFP PHOTO/MARTY MELVILLE

SYDNEY: Injured captain Michael Clarke will miss Australia's one-day international series in the West Indies later this month, Cricket Australia said on Thursday. Clarke will stay behind when the Australia team leaves on Friday for the Caribbean tour to have further treatment on an injured hamstring, CA said. The Australia skipper did not play in Thursday's third and final tri-series ODI against Sri Lanka in Adelaide after straining his left hamstring in Tuesday's ODI loss to the Sri Lankans. Clarke had a scan on the troublesome hamstring on Wednesday and CA said he would stay at home for further treatment and miss the five ODIs against the West Indies from March 16-25. "He will take part in an intensive rehabilitation programme in Sydney and we expect that he will recover in time to take part in the Test portion of the West Indies tour," team physio Alex Kountouris said in a statement. The first of three Tests against the West Indies gets under way in

Probe into Stanfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trust HOUSTON: A "Baby Mama Trust" set up by financier Allen Stanford as US regulators closed in on his $7 billion Ponzi scheme is among the $300 million in assets US prosecutors hoped to recover at a forfeiture hearing Wednesday. The Texan was convicted of 13 fraud, money laundering, conspiracy and obstruction of justice charges Tuesday. The same jury is tasked with determining what assets he should forfeit in order to begin repaying his victims. Postal inspector Clayton Gerber described to jurors how the government tracked down 29

Stanford accounts funded by money stolen from 30,000 investors from more than 100 countries who were tricked by bogus investments with Stanford International Bank. Following Gerber's testimony, prosecutor Andrew Warren reminded jurors: "This money may have changed hands and forms, from cash to real estate and back to cash again, but proceeds remain proceeds. "All that matters is that the money in these accounts is directly traceable to CD depositor funds from Stanford International

Bank." "That's the Baby Mama Trust," Gerber said as prosecutors pointed to a colored graph illustrating the flow of funds among various Stanford accounts. "It was funded by a transfer of money from the sale of 38 Grand Bay Estates in Key Biscayne, Florida." Rebecca Reeves-Stanford, the mother of Stanford's children, is the only signatory to the documents used to set up the Baby Mama Trust, and is the one who transferred the funds out of the trust into two annuities. Prosecutors did not specifical-

ly say who set up the Baby Mama Trust. "There's nothing wrong with having money in the Cook Islands," countered defense attorney Ali Fazel, referencing the location of the Baby Mama Trust. "They (the prosecutors) want you to assume that all the money in these accounts is CD money; don't do it." While Stanford bought the house for his Rebecca Reeves-Stanford and their two children in August 2005, Gerber said he was able to trace the funds used to buy the house directly back to investors who bought the bogus investments.

Barbados on April 7. Clarke only returned to action last weekend after a strain to his right hamstring, which sidelined him for three tri-series ODIs. Vice-captain Shane Watson will lead the team in Clarke's absence in the ODI series in the Caribbean, CA said. Pace bowler James Pattinson, who also missed play in Thursday's third tri-series final with a strained left buttock, will travel with the Australia team. Kountouris said Pattinson will have further treatment in the West Indies over the next week in an attempt to be fit for the ODI series, Kountouris said. AFP

Playing Field

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

The games people play

Arsenal get Podolski for £10.9m

ottenham Hotspur’s English striker Jermain Defoe (left) celebrates scoring the third goal with Dutch midfielder Rafael van der Vaart during their FA Cup fifth round replay football match against Stevenage at White Hart Lane, London, England, on Wednesday. AFP PHOTO/GLYN KIRK

Defoe double saves Spurs LONDON: Jermain Defoe scored twice as Tottenham Hotspur came from behind to book an FA Cup quarter-final spot with a 3-1 fifth round replay win at home to third tier Stevenage at White Hart Lane here on Wednesday. Joel Byrom opened the scoring for the visitors and the League One side sensed a famous victory, only for England striker Defoe to level before the break. Emmanuel Adebayor edged Spurs in front with a penalty before Defoe added his 15th goal of the season in the 75th minute to give eight-times FA Cup winners Tottenham a home quarterfinal against Premier League strugglers Bolton. “I’ve felt sharp all season and, playing in a team like ours, you’ll always get chances to score," said Defoe. “I’d love to play in the summer for England (at Euro 2012) but obviously I have to get a run in the Spurs team first."

Stevenage manager Gary Smith added: “We gave a terrific account of ourselves tonight, but some big moments didn’t go our way. “In the end, some great finishing by Jermain Defoe has finished us off. But we can have a lot of pride in ourselves." Only two Spurs players remained from the team defeated by English champions Manchester United last time out but Tottenham, third in the Premier League, appeared to have a strongenough team to face lower-league opposition. Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp also had Gareth Bale and Rafael van der Vaart returning from injury and Scott Parker back from suspension, with the trio of key senior players starting. But within four minutes they were trailing after Byrom surged into the penalty area and went over on the challenge of New Zealand’s Ryan Nelsen. Spurs players protested that

In the end, some great finishing by Jermain Defoe has finished us off. But we can have a lot of pride in ourselves. Gary Smith Stevenage manager the ball would have gone out of play if Byrom stayed on his feet. But referee Michael Oliver pointed to the spot and the Stevenage midfielder scored the penalty himself, sending Carlo Cudicini the wrong way. It got worse for Spurs when Michael Dawson was carried off on a stretcher after appearing to injure his right knee, with Kyle Walker coming off the bench to

replace him. Stevenage were looking for a second goal and Jon Ashton headed just over from a free-kick in the 26th minute, only for Spurs to level seconds later. Cudicini’s punt down field found Defoe, who took a touch to speed away from Ashton and then drove into the bottom corner. Defoe almost added a second goal just before the half-hour when Chris Day fumbled a cross from Aaron Lennon, but the goalkeeper was up sharply to block the shot. It was Lennon’s last action as he was taken off before the break with an apparent hamstring injury, and Adebayor was brought on. Early in the second half, Italian shot-stopper Cudicini made a stunning close range save to deny Mark Roberts a goal. Defoe added his second goal of the evening when he ran onto Bale’s huge throw and cut inside before finding the bottom corner.

SYDNEY: Lukas Podolski is poised to join Arsenal from Köln at the end of the season after the clubs reached an agreement in principle on a £10.9m transfer. The Germany striker is expected to sign a four-year contract worth £100,000 a week, according to sources in Germany. According to The Guardian, Arsène Wenger has been under pressure to bolster his attacking options because the cover behind Robin van Persie, the captain, has looked thin, with neither Marouane Chamakh or Park Ju-young having convinced. Van Persie, who is close to the final 12 months of his Arsenal deal and has placed new contract talks on hold until the summer, must also be persuaded about the club's ambition. Podolski's arrival would represent a coup and it reinforces Wenger's shift in transfer policy towards more established players. Still only 26, the Poland-born forward has played at the highest level since his late teens, when he broke into the Germany squad. He has enjoyed a positive season, with 16 Bundesliga goals so far, but he has grown disillusioned at Köln's direction. They languish just above the relegation places, with 25 points from 24 games. Podolski, who was at Bayern Munich from 2006 to 2009 before rejoining his former club, has been quiet about his possible move to Arsenal but the Köln manager, Stale Solbakken, admitted last month that he feared he was set to lose the forward to the London club. Lokomotiv Moscow and Anzhi Makhachkala were also understood to have been chasing Podolski, and could have offered bigger money, but he said recently his move would not be determined by the highest bidder. "Money is not the most important thing for me," he told Sport-Bild. "What is crucial is the development of my game."

Playing Field

THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

The games people play

Goal machine LIONEL MESSI BETTERED HIS RECORD OF FOUR AGAINST ARSENAL TWO SEASONS AGO. THE ARGENTINE HAS NOW 12 GOALS FROM SEVEN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCHES THIS SEASON AFTER HELPING HIS TEAM ROUT BAYER LEVERKUSEN

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi scores a goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg football match against Bayern Leverkusen on Wednesday at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona. AFP/LLUIS GENE

Tim Hanlon

BARCELONA: Lionel Messi’s record five-goal haul in the 7-1 Champions League rout of Bayer Leverkusen prompted Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola to hail the Argentine master as the game’s greatest talent. Guardiola was not alone in his admiration after the defending champions sailed into the quarter-finals on a 10-2 aggregate. Robin Dutt, the coach of the

vanquished Germans, insisted that Messi made Barcelona look as if they came from “another galaxy” while England striker Wayne Rooney took to Twitter to anoint the superstar as “the best ever”. “I am fortunate to have Messi in the team and all I can do is try and create the conditions so that he plays his best football,” said Guardiola. “You won’t see anyone else like him. People said that Di Stefano, Maradona and Cruyff

were the best when they were playing and now it is the same for Messi. He is on the throne and it is down to him how long he stays there.” Messi bettered his previous record of four against Arsenal two seasons ago and now has 12 goals from seven Champions League matches this season after a majestic attacking performance from the World Player of the Year. Trailing 3-1 from the first leg, it was always going to be a tough

APOEL make history NICOSIA: APOEL became the first Cypriot side to reach the Champions League quarter-finals Wednesday when they beat Lyon 4-3 on penalties after their last 16 tie was level 1-1 on aggregate following extra time. Goalkeeper Dionisis Chiotis was the hero of the night after saving penalties from Alexandre Lacazette and Michel Bastos. “Without doubt, this is a very big night for APOEL and Cypriot football, it’s something fantastic,” said APOEL’s Serb coach Ivan Jovanovic, whose team had triumphed 1-0 on the night after losing by the same score in France. He added that when starting out in the competition last summer “we didn’t dream of coming this far” and attributed the victory to “incredible effort, decisiveness and organisation” while the team “played a “perfect game”.

Lyon coach Remi Garde said there were “no excuses” but avoided criticising his penalty flops. “We win as a team and lose as a team,” he told reporters. “This is a big disappointment, we didn’t have control of the game, we had some good chances but that’s how it goes.” A nail-biting 30 minutes of extra time saw APOEL reduced to 10 men and substitute Ivan Trickovski shooting high and wide from the edge of area on 114 minutes. Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, unfancied APOEL got off to a perfect start when Brazilian midfielder Gustavo Manduca slotted home from close range after only nine minutes. But Manduca’s night ended in red when receiving his second yellow deep in extra time although he was still given a standing ovation. AFP

task for Leverkusen with Barca unbeaten in 13 European home games. Messi struck twice before the break and then hit a further three after the restart while youngster Cristian Tello also grabbed a brace. “This time Messi got five. Maybe the next time he will get six. These are only figures but he will always keep trying to get another goal because that is his personality,” said Guardiola. Messi, as always, preferred the under-statement to superlatives. “I’m happy, it’s great to score a five, but the important thing tonight was the win and to qualify for the quarter-finals. Now, no matter who we meet, it’s going to

be very complicated, there are only good sides left in,” he said. “We know it’s hard for us in the Liga (10 points behind Real Madrid), but we want to defend our Champions League title and we are also keeping in our minds on the Spanish Cup.” Dutt did not hold back in his praise for Barca and their guiding force. “There are no words to describe this performance from them, it was extraordinary, there is no doubt,” said Dutt. “Without Messi, they are still the best but with him they are from another galaxy.” Barca teammate Cesc Fabregas insisted no-one should be surprised by Messi’s latest landmark. “You can expect anything from Leo,” said Fabregas. “He is the best player in history, we have never seen anyone like him. “He didn’t play at the weekend (Messi was suspended) and he wanted to do well. He enjoys being on the pitch and we are happy to have him.” Rooney, whose Manchester United side failed to make the last 16, insisted he had witnessed a genius at work. “Messi is a joke. For me, the best ever,” he tweeted. AFP