Postnoon E-Paper for 09 May 2012 by Scribble Media & Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.

pçãÉ=_çåÇë=i~ëí=cçêÉîÉê Dr No, first and arguably the best Bond film, hit the screens almost 50 years back. Here’s a look at the men and their most exciting missions. P16&17 Hyderabad’s first compact afternoon newspaper

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AI MAY MOVE COURT AGAINST PILOT STIR Four international flights of Air India were cancelled as the agitation by a section of pilots entered the second day today. Sources in the national carrier’s top management said the airline was considering the option of moving court against the agitation. P11

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Cannes Film Festival, one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, is all set to open next week. We take a look at some of the best film festivals which you must visit.

LOVE ‘BUG’ STUMPS COPS

East and West Marredpally have grown over the years. The area once known for its serene and scenic ambience, is now facing issues of uncleared garbage and traffic jams. REPORT ON PG 6

The Internet is a mysterious wonder, and we are all beginning to realise it. Many men, chat with girls, not knowing if it is a woman, man or eunuch or even his own wife masquerading as an adventurous young woman, eager to have a nice time ‘when P5 the husband is away’.

Page Two

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2012

Spirit of Twin Cities

MAKE A SPLASH

Library summer camp

N SHIVA KUMAR

A library summer camp for parents and faculty of UG and PG students will be held from May 10 onwards. The camp will provide guidance for faculty and final year PG students for National/State lecturership and scholarship test(NET/APSET) for `3,650. Where: Hyderabad library services, Sagar View Complex When: May 10 - June 10, Contact: (040) 2322 2247, 9441237751

European film festival A European Film Festival organised by A delegation of the European Union and the embassies of the EU Member States in India from May 10 to May 20 will be held at Alliance Francaise. Where: Alliance Francaise, Banjara Hills, Rd No3 When: May 10 onwards, 6pm onwards Contact: (040) 2355 4483

Zedde live Here’s a musical treat for you. Mark your calender as the upcoming band Zedde performing live at Hard rock Cafe, Banjara Hills on May 10. Entry for the event costs `250 per head. Where: Hard Rock Cafe, Banjara Hills, Rd No 1 When: May 10, 9pm onwards Contact: (040) 4476 7900

Etching prints A group exhibition of etching prints by various talented artists such as Anjani Reddy, Atin Basak,Chippa Sudhakar, Hanumantha Rao, Krishna Reddy and Mahesh Prajapathi is being held. This group exhibition will be on display till May 15. Where: Gallery Space, Banjara Hills, Rd No 12 When: Ongoing, 11am onwards Contact: (040) 6554 1836

Yoga Camp The third part of a series of seven days yoga camp will be held by Yoga Healing Foundation in Yousufguda.The last part of the Yoga Camp will be held in Saroornagar from May 20. Where: Krishnakanth Park, Yousufguda When: May 13 onwards, 5.15 am onwards Contact: 98489 92354

The awakening A painting exhibition titled Buddha

CINEMAS

— The awakening will be held at Iconart gallery. The exhibition which was inaugurated on May 6 will be on display . Where: Iconart Gallery, Banjara Hills, Rd No12 When: May 7 onwards, 11.30 am onwards Contact: 98499 68797

Temps D’Arret Temps d’arret, a hip hop contemporary performance by famous french dancer Miguel Nosibor is being held by Alliance Francaise, Hyderabad in collaboration with Andhra Pradesh Tourism on May 9. Where: Taramati Baradari, Gandipet When: May 9, 7.06pm onwards Contact: (040) 2352 0172

Grill festival Head to the grill festival to sample various grilled delicacies. Thats not all. Along with sampling some great food you can avail a 35 per cent off as it is the anniversary of the restaurant. Where: The Grill Room, Banjara Hills, Rd No 1 When: Ongoing Contact: (040) 6557 7722

Theatre workshop Samahaara is hosting special four week summer acting workshops. The workshops will be held for a duration of four weeks. The workshops are being held at three different places in the City. Where: Vidyaranya School,

The Terrace, The Actor’s Studio When: May 14 onwards, Monday-Friday Contact: 83411 20303

Solo painting exhibition Ramakanth’s Solo Painting Exhibition which deals with the loneliness of the long distance runner is being held at Muse Art Gallery, Hyderabad Marriott. Where: Hyderabad Marriott, Tank Bund When: Ongoing, 11am onwards Contact: (040) 2752 2999

Pub lunches Kibbeh Lounge, Begumpet now offers special pub lunches. It’s a combination of great lebanese or Indian food with drinks. Where:Kibbeh Lounge, Begumpet When: Ongoing, 12pm onwards Contact: (040) 3043 1244

Cricket frenzy Mocha and Mocha Express is hosting IPL specials with live screening of the match and various pizzas paying ode to the IPL teams and their spirits. Where: Mocha — Banjara Hills Mocha Express — Inorbit Mall When: Ongoing, 4pm onwards Contact: (040) 23350144

Painting exhibition An exhibition of paintings by Lalu

Shaw is being held at Shrishti Art Gallery. Where: Shrishti Art Gallery, Jubilee Hills, Rd No 15 When: Ongoing, 11am onwards Contact: (040) 2354 0023

Food and cricket Great food and a great game of cricket makes for great news. Head to News Cafe to catch the IPL matches live and exclusive along with some great IPL special food. Where: News Cafe, Inorbit Mall, Madhapur When: Ongoing, 8pm onwards Contact: (040) 4010 1236

Go Splash Splash lounge is the perfect leisure destination for you to unwindr with some great music, martinis and aperitifs. Where: The Westin, Mindspace, Madhapur When: Monday - Friday, 5pm - 10.30pm Weekends, 8am - 10.30pm Contact: (040) 6767 6828

Mothers Day suprise Head to TGIF to give your mum an Mother’s day suprise. With every order on Mother’s day, TGIF is offering mothers a sweet suprise. Where: TGIF, Banjara Hills, Rd No 2 When: May 13 Contact: (040) 4015 1925

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

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Owners cause roadblock In order to ease the traffic, GHMC had laid out a plan to expand various roads. Inspite of approval, opposition from property owners has caused a delay.

GHMC Md Inkeshaf Ahmed ahmed.m@postnoon.com

he famous adage god proposes; man disposes aptly describes the state of affairs of AP’s biggest civic body — Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). The corporation officials proposed to expand various roads months ago in order to ease the growing traffic problems of the City. They also got the approval from standing committee and general body of the corporation for executing work. After getting approvals, the town planning officials of the Roads

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civic body prepared detailed estimates and identified about 250 properties to be removed from these roads to facilitate the road expansion. But this is where the officials got a rude shock. A majority of these property owners approached the court stalling the proposed works of the corporation. This has not only spoiled the plans of the corporation but also led to inordinate delays in expansion of the roads there by multiplying traffic woes

of the residents. It may be emphasised here many of these roads witness high density of traffic. Pushed to a corner with the jolt from the property owners, the officials are mulling over holding discussions with the property owners and local leaders to convince them about the importance of the expansion of roads. The idea of officials is also to offer suitable compensation by offering market value for their properties. "Yes, our plans have

been stalled as some of the residents have approached the court. It is also leading to lot of delay. We are trying to sort out of the problems by holding discussions with the property owners and are trying to convince them for their help,” additional commissioner (planning and projects) K Dhananjay Reddy told Postnoon. In some cases, the efforts of the officials they were successful, as some owners came forward to part with their properties.

Red channel in the offing? POLITICS Postnoon News feedback@postnoon.com

ith most of the political parties having their own TV channels, could the revolutionaries fall behind? The CPI is now toying with the idea of having a TV news channel of its own, it is reported.

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Senior leader Chada Venkat Reddy said that the party did not take an official decision but had

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plans to start a channel in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh — all in regional languages. CPI state secretary Narayana confirmed that they have discussed about setting up of a TV channel in the four southern states but it will take some more time for all the details to be worked out. There are also rumors that the State BJP has also floated the idea of setting up a TV

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channel, but BJP national leader Venkaiah Naidu was of the opinion that they must be in touch with all the TV channels and make use of them for the party publicity rather than setting up a channel for the party. The CPI and its quarreling cousin, CPM, has regional newspapers in the south. However, newspapers have limited reach and are struggling to compete with other newspapers.

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CID raids Kalyan’s colour lab

ID police on Tuesday raided the Balaji Colour Labs of noted film producer C Kalyan, who is facing charges of connivance with Bhanu Kiran, the alleged murderer of Rayalaseema factionist Maddelacheruvu Suri in several settlements in the film industry. CID sleuths reportedly seized several documents from the labs. They were checking all the facts stated by Bhanu Kiran in his confessional statement. They have already seized the documents pertaining to nine properties. Bhanu Kiran confessed to have taken up test firing before murdering Suri at Shamshabad in the presence of Singanamala Ramesh, another producer. Police suspect that Bhanu had done many settlements with the help of Kalyan and Ramesh in the industry. AGENCY

CDM signs Mou with Osmania

ollege of Defence Management, Secunderabad has signed a composite MoU with the Osmania University, Hyderabad at a function cochaired by Prof Satyanarayana, VC, OU and Major General Sandeep Singh, Commandant College of Defence Management. The MoU will cater for conferring Master of Management Science, M Phil and Chair of Excellence PhD programmes from OU to the officers from Armedforces who undergo higher Defence Management Course at CDM. The first MoU was signed in 1994 to provide award of MMS degree to graduates of Higher Defence Management Course at CDM. College of Defence Management established in 1970, has long association with Osmania University in the field of Management Studies. AGENCY

AIRLINES Airport Director 27903785, 27906001 For Air India Flight Information Toll free (from any network) for IC Flights 18001801407 And for All Flights: 1800227722 Air India has revised its flight timings. For more information call (Toll free) 18001801407, 1800227722 from BSNL/MTNL 04023430334 from other lines and mobile Website; www.airindia.in TOURISM OFFICES AP Tourism, Hyd 23262152/53/54 Sec’bad 27893100 Dept of Tourism 23453110 India Tourism 23261360 AP Tourism information Centre (24x7) 23450444, 23455999

UK Visa Office VFS India Pvt Ltd Building, 8-2-542/A, Sunil Chamber, Road No. 7 Beside Meridian School, Banjara Hills34. Working hours are from 8 AM to 1 PM And 2 PM to 3PM. MUSEUMS Salar Jung Museum AP State Museum Nizams Museum

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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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Love ‘bug’ stumps cops Mohd Subhan mohd.s@postnoon.com

he Internet is a mysterious wonder, and we are all beginning to realise it. Many men, chat with girls, not knowing if it is a woman, man or eunuch or even his own wife masquerading as an adventurous young woman, eager to have a nice time ‘when the husband is away’. Babu Rao, 35, a banker, had been chatting with 29-year-old Shaila from Uttarakhand. Both struck up bonhomie and decided to get married. Subsequently, Babu went to her native place where they got married. That was four years ago. Babu initially kept this a secret from his parents, it seems, but had to admit it to all after a while. Meanwhile, the wedlock had developed cracks. It is now known that he used to ill treat her and she had petitioned to the police about it. However, Babu and his parents wanted to give it a try and asked Shaila to come to Hyderabad and live together. Shaila who works with a private firm in her native place

came. But after a few months of staying together she left for her hometown and did not return. She later told him that she wanted a divorce. Consequently, they were legally divorced. That was last year. Recently, Babu while chat-

ting online got in touch with one Sarika. She seemed to be eager to strike a friendship with him and the two became pally and wanted to get married. One day after his continued pleas, she came on webcam and the cat was out. It was Shaila! And Babu was

enraged at the audacity. He felt cheated. Babu approached the Bowenpally police for filing a cheating case against his ex wife. It seems the police were tickled at the story and laughed it off for nothing happened. Dejected Babu moved the Secunderabad magisterial court and filed a petition demanding action against Shaila. He said his exwife deliberately made a fool of him and emotionally blackmailed him. The court asked the police to file a case against the woman. Sub-inpspector Narasimha Reddy said the police have registered a case under several sections of IPC. But, here is the catch. The Bowenpally police too are in the dock. Shaila had filed a domestic violence case against babu in 2010 but the police, as usual, filed it and did nothing. The police are now telling Babu that he too is in soup. Babu is at his wit’s end. But the police too are in a state of discomfort. If the court asks why the police sat on her case, there is hardly a defence for them to put up.

CRIME BRIEFS One held for illegal filling of LPG in auto

he Task Force East Zone team apprehended one Rambabu from Golnaka, Amberpet, who had been illegally filling cooking gas in autorickshaws. Rambabu is an auto driver, who due to financial problems started this business for the last one year. He would take cooking gas from civil supplies as per the government rate and fill it in autorickshaws at higher rates.

Ornaments stolen from marriage hall

aking advantage of the crowd, criminals pinched a bag containing gold ornaments valued at several lakh rupees from a woman attending the marriage of a relative at the Agrasen Hall situated in Begumpet yesterday. The lost valuables comprised necklace, mangal sutra, chains and bangles.

Cops raid gambling club, seize `12,000

he Bowenpally police raided a gambling club last night and arrested 19 people. It is said that one D Laxmikanth Reddy runs the den. He was collecting `200 from every table and the total sum he thus collected came to some `3,000. Police seized `12,000 cash from those arrested.

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Development, but at what cost? East and West Marredpally have grown over the years. An area once known for its serene and scenic ambience, is now facing issues of uncleared garbage and traffic jams. Sudeshna Koka Sudeshna.k@postnoon.com

hen one part of Secunderabad was growing vertically East and the West Marredpally chose to grow horizontally. Individual houses, huge trees, schools, temples, churches and a district court add lustre to Marredpally. Several residential colonies have been constructed in the area. Marredpally has a combination of both independent houses and apartments, though row houses and single homes reigned. However, over the years, West Marredpally has seen a sea of change. The demography and geography of the area has changed by leaps and bounds. Once an area dominated by Tamilians, it has now become a cosmopolitan area with a culturally diverse population. Perhaps, it is one the colonies in Hyderabad which has uniformly

well-educated citizens. Today most of the small independent houses have been replaced by huge apartments and multi-speciality clinics. Several schools and super markets have also mushroomed in the area. Though Marredpally is one of the best planned area is the City,

it lacks adequate civic maintenance. Over-flowing drainage, bad roads and improper garbage disposal are major problems. “I live in Banjara Hills but would often come to Marredpally to meet my friends. We loved the area, today the roads are in a pathetic condition. Each time I visit it gets worst, now I avoid

going there,” says Shrikanth N, software professional. The roads are the biggest problem. They are constantly ‘under repair’. The road repair work begins and the GHMC take several months to finish it. This traffic jams and congestion. Secunderabad’s top schools and colleges are located in close proximity to Marredpally and in the morning and evening there is

huge traffic jam due to bad roads. “Traffic poses a severe problem in front of schools. Auto-rickshaws, cars, school buses, motorcycles, and vans come from all directions choking the roads. Every morning and evening, the traffic congestion appears as if it would explode any moment. My daughters’ school is less than 5 kms away but it take more than 40 minutes,” laments Sukesh K, a

businessman. Marredpally which is one of the oldest areas in the City is home to several politicians and MLAs. J Geeta Reddy, minister for major industries; Telugu Desam leader TA Srinivas Yadav, and parliamentarians Sarve Satya Narayana and Venkat Swami reside here. Not only the politicians but retired film moguls, film stars, businessmen and doctors also stay in the colony. Still, the area is in a bad shape. There are also several wine shops and kallu compounds. Families face several problems due to them. “We don’t take the direct route home as the roads are bad, now on the alternative route there are kallu compounds where at any point there are drunk men,” complaints Sherin A, a media professional. The area corporator was unavailable for comments. Not just development but sustenance is the key, which is lacking in Secunderabad’s oldest colony.

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Confusion causing pile-up

ivision of territory is another major reason for several problems in Marredpally area. Half the area comes under the purview of GHMC and the other half under the Secunderabad Cantonment Board. Garbage collection suffers due to this problem. Few garbage bins are left unattended due to the confusion of which board has to clear it. There are two garbage bins located next to the community park and opposite to Kotwal School which are not cleaned on a regular basis and the waste is constantly over flowing. The popular Secunderabad Nursing Home is right next to the garbage pile. Resident’s complain that the hospital waste is also being dumped in the open garbage bin and this could pose as a threat

to those visiting the park. “The condition of our area has now become pathetic. The garbage bin is forever over flowing. I was shocked when I saw that the hospital waste was being dumped into the GHMC bin. We have stopped going to the park only because we fear that we might get infected by some disease,” says Sarah Swaroop, a media professional. These two small dustbins have now turned into a mini land fill. The Nehru Nagar Park is one of the most popular parks in the area. In the morning and evening more than 60 to 70 people visit the park. The garbage is definitely a health threat. Not just this one spot, there are several other spots where garbage is left unattended on several days.

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HEALTH Millennium Dental Clinic, film nagar main road, opp: cafe melange, jubilee hills, HydPh: 040-31000889

Stench in secretariat, babus unmindful Kiran is in a quandary

‘First shut the mouth of DL, Shankar Rao’

EDUCATION

ongress MLC SV Mohan Reddy, who was served a notice under the Anti Defection Law, alleging that he was hobnobbing with YSRC and working against the party, has denied the charge. He wanted the party leaders to check many loudmouths in the party before blaming him. The explanation given to chairman of the Legislative Council A Chakrapani said he had neither joined YSRC nor talked against the Congress government or CM. He, however, admitted that Jagan Mohan Reddy had helped him get elected to the Council, which was why he had a friendly relationship with the Kadapa MP. Pointing out that DL Ravindra Reddy and P Shankar Rao were criticising the CM, Mohan asked whether their allegations do not amount to antiparty activities. AGENCY

Postnoon News feedback@postnoon.com

T HYGIENE U Srinivas srinivas.u@postnoon.com

f environment reflects the people’s behavioural pattern in and around, the State secretariat premises amply show it. Four canteens, the most popular rendezvous of the babus and visitors, on the southern part of the premises used to have a clean surrounding, seniors recall. The appetizing aroma of sambar, ginger tea and fried onion used to greet people. No longer so. The overwhelming smell now is a nauseating odour, and that is because of the growing pile of wastes, debris and overflowing

drains. For over a week the overflowing and leaky sewer makes people pack food and escape. One can see open drains in front of the canteen with unused asbestos, iron rods, bricks and what not. It has become a dumping yard for the secretariat. The contractors running the AP secretariat cooperative canteens said that they have reported about the growing dirt and garbage to the authorities concerned, but nothing is happening.

Even on the other side of the C block that is the Chief Minister’s office, the debris remaining after construction remain in heaps. Earlier, new places of worship had been constructed within the secretariat premises. The employees outsourced for the sanitation here told Postnoon that the debris have to be removed in lorries and they are here for just sweeping and mopping. The way leading to the publicity cell is also blocked with buckets of garbage and waste paper, apart from unused furniture lying in the way. Employees wish Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy takes some time for a surprise visit like the TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu used to do earlier to ensure cleanliness.

he Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy is in a dilemma if he should protect the IAS Babus or allow them to be prosecuted. The CM had a meeting with top officials yesterday on whether the government should allow for the prosecution of the IAS officers alleged to be involved in various scams in the State. He was reminded by an official to look into the matter as the file should be sent to the Centre. Citing his busy election schedule as a reason, the CM is said to have again postponed the decision. He has suggested that the decision be taken in a week’s time. Meanwhile, he has also suggested that the legal experts to suggest if he must allow the officers to be prosecuted or not. The IAS officers on the other hand, have already given in writing to the CM that they alone must not be made scape goats as they had done everything based on the instructions of ministers and the CM himself. Once the Chief Minister reaches a decision in this regard the file will be sent to the Centre for approval. The CBI has already scanned officials like Ratnaprabha, Samuel, CVSK Sarma, Syambob, Adityanath, Parthasarathy and Manmohan Singh. Some more officials are in the CBI drag net it is reported.

The move has come too late: jewellers Anubha K Singh anubha.k@postnoon.com

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he Finance Minister, Pranab Mukherjee may have rolled back the excise duty on gold on Monday but many gold traders in the City are still unhappy. While most of the jewellers across the City welcomed the government’s decision, many felt the government should have also withdrawn custom duty to make it more effective. “We are happy with the decision on rollback of the excise duty but on the other hand the higher customs duty will give rise to smuggling in the trade which may be a problem for the gov-

ernment. The hike in customs duty will directly burden the customer’s pocket as they will ultimately need to pay four per cent tax to the government. The finance minister should have rolled back the custom duty too,” said Praveen

Kumar, general secretary, Twin City Jewellers Association. “The customs duty is not going to affect the industry, but the government in the future might lose out on revenue due to illegal activities. As of now

the gold price is `29,000 per 10 gms and in addition to that the customer needs to pay four per cent tax to the government. It’s time the customers raised their voices against the customs duty which will affect them more, not the traders,” said Md Ahmed, MK Jewellers, Mangalhat. On the other hand many jewellers in the City feel that the decision came very late. “If the decision would have come earlier it would have given us a chance to recover the huge losses that we suffered during the 21-day strike. Sales are very thin as of now, whereas the strike period (wedding season) was when we would have

seen maximum business. But now that the wedding season has ended and there are no auspicious days, it makes no difference. People in the South prefer buying gold only on auspicious days like Akshaya Tritiya and for weddings”, said, Deepak Kumar, SB jewellery, Abids. It maybe recalled that the jewellers went on a nationwide strike for 21 days protesting against the excise duty of 1 per cent on unbranded jewellery. However, the strike was later withdrawn after the Finance Minister assured that their demand would be considered during the Parliament session in May.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2012 M ANIL KUMAR

SOMETHING FISHY The City has another attraction in its kitty â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the Go Goa Aquarium at Peddamberpet. The aquarium, which showcases a variety of aquatic creatures like starfish, angel fish and others, was inaugurated by Manohar Parikar, the chief minister of Goa, recently.

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Opening gates to comfort clo=obmobpbkq^qflk^i=mromlpb=lkiv

Prudhvi Raju K prudhvi.k@postnoon.com

one are the days when gated community projects are only for highnet-worth individuals (HNIs). Increasingly, middle class and upper middle class are also becoming part of the gated communities. Developers also foresee the future of the development catering for these sections would be a gated community development with the demand increasing from the buyers. “It won’t be an overstatement to say that the first question a prospect buyer is posing when inquiring about a project is ‘Is it a gated community?’ The demand for gated communities is consistent and almost 90 per cent of the projects undertaken by premium developers these days account to gated communities,” says Mallik, general manager, sales and marketing, Ramky Estates & Farms. Earlier, the target buyers for the gated communities were HNI. Many developers are trying to bring gated communities at affordable housing making the middle class also the part of the growth story. “HNIs have been the core target group for luxury and premium gated communities. However, with the increasing demand for middle and affordable class housing, there is a drift amongst developers and the focus is more towards gated communities which cater to middle and upper middle class segments,” he said. However, affordable gated communities usually offer the

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much needed amenities like swimming pool, kids play area, multipurpose hall and basic power backup and in contrast, high end gated communities in addition offering a fully functional clubhouse with indoor and outdoor sport facilities, guest rooms, sauna/jacuzzi facilities and gym/health centre among many others. Depending on these amenities, the developer charges an additional price from the buyer. While there would be minimal or no cost difference for the core apartment, the differential factor

would be the one time price paid towards amenities, which may range from `3-10 lakh depending on the magnitude of amenities offered, he said. Even though, there is not much of price difference between buying a gated community and stand alone project, there would considerable difference in maintenance costs. Developers say the maintenance costs are ignorable compared to the value the customer gets living in it. The benefits of staying in a gated community are much more than maintenance costs. Security

is the key element in gated communities. They are more difficult to access in comparison to standard communities and hence a reduced level of criminal activity is observed in these areas, said PV Ravindra Kumar, CEO, Vasathi Housing. The differential maintenance costs for a standalone apartment vis-à-vis gated community would be an addition of 50 per cent or more. However, in terms of value proposition, there would be savings on the opportunity costs. For instance, an hour of swimming pool usage at any ‘pay and use’ facility costs about `1,500 per month where as it costs less than `200 per month in a gated community, said Mallik. All the gated communities provide 24X7 security maintained by registered security agencies. There would be a visitor screening and some gated communities also provide CCTV surveillance in common areas. Some developers are providing access controlled entry for apartments. The level of security for gated communities is much higher compared to standalone apartment complexes, he said. Even Non Resident Indians are increasingly buying gated community flats as there is rental management service controlled by the society or developer and the value addition in terms of security. Buyer’s outlook for a home is no longer defined by four walls and is expecting a community in their vicinity. There definitely would be a spurt in the demand for gated communities, added Mallik.

Nooyi in Fortune top women list WASHINGTON: Soft drink major Pepsico's India born CEO Indra Nooyi is one of the 18 women who have shattered the glass ceiling to lead America's 500 largest corporations, according to Fortune magazine's latest ranking. Nooyi, who leads the 41st biggest company in America, is listed fourth among top women executives by the leading US business magazine. She "has overseen a shift in focus from soft drinks into less profitable, albeit healthier, snack foods market in recent years," Others on the list that includes more women CEOs than ever before are Meg Whitman of Hewlett-Packard (10th) and Ginni Rometty of IBM (19th), both of whom start-

Indira Nooyi ed within the last year. Also on the list are Patricia Woertz of agricultural processors Archer Daniels Midland, Irene Rosenfeld who heads up

`86.41

Kraft Foods and Ursula Burns who is CEO at Xerox and Sherilyn McCoy at Avon. Rometty is IBM's first female CEO and Xerox chief Ursula Burns is the first AfricanAmerican woman to head a Fortune 500 company. The top five female CEOs on the list all held positions in strategic planning before being appointed. There are an additional 21 female CEOs in the Fortune 5011000, some managing steel, oil and energy companies.About 10 percent of the top 500 US companies, and almost 40 percent of Canada's 500 largest companies have no women on their boards, according to Catalyst, a nonprofit research organization advocating for more women in business. f^kp

NUMEROLOGY

`79

crore

is the net profit for 2011-12 reported by Asia's largest integrated coffee plantation firm Tata Coffee Ltd. This is a 43 per cent increase year-on-year from `55 crore in 2010-11.

THUS SPAKE “The fresher's hiring trend this year looks upbeat with IT majors recruiting more compared to last year. The fresher's recruitment market had seen growth in terms of number of hiring and salary," Rajesh Kumar, CEO, MyHiringClub.

GREEN CALL Microsoft today vowed it would be carbon neutral in the fiscal year starting July. The plan to zero-out the overall amount of climatechanging gas spewed while running data centers, software labs, and offices and even during work-related travel included charging departments a fee for carbon produced.

AI PILOTS SACKED National carrier Air India has terminated the services of 10 pilots on Tuesday who went on mass sick leave protesting against the airline providing Boeing 787 training to pilots from the erstwhile Indian Airlines and derecognised the Indian Pilots Guild (IPG). Air India has said in a statement, that management continued to maintain a dialogue with the IPG till May 7 and continued to look at the issues raised by the IPG in right earnest. However, with the decision of pilots to deliberately damage the image of the company by proceeding on massive sick leave on evening of May 7 disrupting flight schedule and causing inconvenience to the passengers has been viewed seriously by the company to take this drastic but unavoidable step.

India‑View

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2012

India unveiled

River erosion upsets BSF

Sujit Chakraborty

AGARTALA/ SILCHAR: River erosion has made the job of Border Security Force (BSF) guards increasingly difficult and dangerous along the IndiaBangladesh border, says a senior BSF official. “The erosion of river banks along the border has led to the collapse of the barbed wire fence, and damaged roads and border lines in many areas,” the official told IANS. “The situation is critical in southern Assam where erosion caused by the Kushiara river (in Karimganj district) has made border patrolling very risky,” he said. Five states — West Bengal, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Assam and Tripura — share a 4,096-km border with Bangladesh, of which 2,980-km lies on land while 1,116km is riverside. Barring West Bengal, the other four states lie in India’s northeast and share a 1,880km border with Bangladesh. “Seasonal floods and heavy rains have made the border fence collapse and damaged border roads in many areas in the past couple of years, creating difficulty for foot and vehicular patrolling along these stretches,” the official pointed out. According to the official, porous border areas along the rivers are hotbeds of crime, including smuggling and illegal infiltration. “The collapse of border fencing and roads has allowed perpetrators to have a free run of unlawful activities,” he said. “Large stretches of unfenced border areas have added to the difficulties of BSF troops,” the official pointed out.

Endangered pheasant count swells Vishal Gulati

Land for families who gave land for Indo-Bangla border fencing SILCHAR: A total of 178 families, who lost their land due to fencing along the Indo-Bangladesh border, would be given land in Cachar district of Assam. 89 bighas of land will be distributed among the families and the process of distribution has

To overcome these problems, India and Bangladesh have agreed to construct embankment on their sides of the bor-

already started, official sources said here today. The families, residents along the Surama river, became landless due to fencing work in Katigorah area and their land was given the status of “no mans land”. PTI

der. However, construction work has not yet started. “Delay in visits by the joint technical teams of India and

Bangladesh and acquisition of land has again created trouble in the construction of embankment,” the BSF official said. He said the Indian side sometimes with the help of the public works and water resources departments of states placed cemented blocks along the riverside areas. But Bangladesh had been laying stones on their side, causing further erosion on the Indian side. “As the two countries share 54 common rivers, the riverside boundaries are a major headache for the BSF,” he said. IANS

ullu (Himachal Pradesh): The presence of the highly endangered, elusive western tragopan can now be felt more clearly in the Great Himalayan National Park in Himachal Pradesh, with its numbers multiplying. Park authorities say the population of this brilliantly coloured pheasant species in the park has gone up and so has its sighting. “The density of the western tragopan in the park was 6.5 birds per sq km (in this year’s census). Last year, it was six birds per sq km, while it was just five birds in 2010,” Park Director Ajay Srivastav told IANS. For population estimation, the western tragopan, like other pheasant species, needs specialised techniques. One of the standard census techniques is recording their call counts at a specified time and location. Srivastav said that estimation was done at 18 locations. “This exercise is now part of regular monitoring protocol being followed in the park to ascertain the status of population dynamics of the western tragopan.” As per the figures of the last two-three years, it is clear that the population of the western tragopan is on the rise.

50 plus population to double by ’50 Lalit K Jha

WASHINGTON: India’s population aged 50 and over is expected to double by 2050 when nearly one-third of its total population would fall in this age group, according to a US census. As per 2010 census, 19,18,53,000 people in India were of 50 years and above, which made about 16.4 per cent of the total population. According to the US Census Bureau, this is projected to increase to 20 per cent (26,49,13,000) in 2020 and 24.3 per cent (35,55,96,000) in 2030; 28.5 per cent (44,82,23,000) in 2040 and 32.6 per cent (54,04,24,000) in 2050. The Bureau in its first-ever

report to use data from the Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE) said health levels varied greatly among people 50 and older in China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia and South Africa, but hypertension and arthritis were the two most common chronic conditions in all six countries. The wide range of health levels is evident when looking at the prevalence of disability. The percentage of people 50 and older in SAGE countries reporting a disability ranged from 68 per cent in China to 93 per cent in India, the report said. According to the report, high levels of risky health behaviours often continued into older ages, particularly for men.

For instance, more than half of older Chinese and Indian men still smoked tobacco and the majority of older Ghanaian, Mexican and Russian men reported daily moderate or heavy alcohol consumption. The report said two notably different patterns of health care payment emerged from the SAGE statistics – in Mexico, Russia and South Africa, health care to a large extent was free; in contrast, in China, Ghana and India, the bulk of the cost of medical care was borne by the patients themselves or their families. “Most older Indians had insufficient fruit and vegetable intake, and older South Africans had low levels of physical activity,” it said. PTI

India‑View

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2012

India unveiled

Air India may move court MUMBAI/NEW DELHI: Four international flights of Air India were cancelled from here and Delhi as the agitation by a section of pilots entered the second day today, even as the management was mulling the option to move court against the agitation. "Four flights have been cancelled today, two each from Delhi and Mumbai," Air India spokesperson said here. All other international flights are operating, as a contingency plan has been put in place with the available pilots, he said. Around 200 Air India pilots owing allegiance to Indian Pilots Guild (IPG) had reported sick yesterday resulting in cancellation of at least 13 international flights. The pilots have been protesting against rescheduling of Boeing 787 Dreamliner training. Air India management had yesterday terminated the services of 10 office-bearers of the

Indian Pilots' Guild, which is spearheading the strike, besides de-recognising the guild. "The management is also mulling the option of approaching the court against the pilots' agitation," airline

sources said. The Air India passengers, who are suffering due to the ongoing agitation, had heated exchanges with the airline staff in Delhi alleging that they were neither cooperating nor providing any information about their

flight or any alternate flights. Terming the agitation by the pilots as "illegal", Civil Aviation minister Ajit Singh said the pilots should consider what the result of their action would be. "Government is trying to bail out and giving lot of money. But part of that bailout is with (strings) that they have to perform. For the last three months Air India was doing better. Now with this action, they should consider what the result would be," he said. "It is an illegal strike because every employee under rules is allowed to go on strike. They have... they give notice first, they should talk also. They should know Dharmadhikari report has looked at all these problems. Indian Airlines pilots, Air India pilots. The difference, the progression and those discussions before implementing we will discuss with them. Because without cooperation it would not work," he said. PTI

HURRAY, WE MADE IT!

Nurses toss their caps as they celebrate their commissioning into the military nursing service in New PTI Delhi on Tuesday.

Apple urged to go green BANGALORE: Greenpeace India activists on Tuesday urged global computer maker Apple to use renewable energy to power its data centres worldwide instead of fossil fuels like coal for protecting the fragile ecology. As part of the worldwide protest against the multinational for burning tonnes of coal to run its data centres, local activists of the green organisation roped in its customers to ask Apple go for a cleaner cloud.

Similar protests are being staged at Apple stores (iCloud) in six countries across the world, including Austria, Brazil, China, Germany, South Africa and the US. "We have put up a billboard in front of Apple's India head office at UB City here with 'Clean our Cloud' message to its chief executive and submitted petitions signed by thousands of its customers across the country to one of its officials," Greenpeace campaigner

Mrinmoy Chattaraj told reporters here. Global technology firms like Google, Facebook and Yahoo have taken measures to use renewable energy for their cloud computing at massive data centres worldwide. Globally, over 200,000 people have signed Greenpeace's petition calling on Apple to commit to power its iCloud with clean energy and over 100,000people have viewed its 'Apple — introducing iCoal' video spoofing the company's iCloud. IANS

TTD temple could be protected monument HYDERABAD: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is considering a proposal to recommend recognition of the famous Lord Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati as a monument of national importance in view of its archaeological, epigraphical and historical background and cultural significance. The proposal is being considered by the ASI and it is likely to make the recommendation to the Union Ministry of Culture, KK Sharma, Deputy Superintending Archaeologist of ASI, told PTI. He, however, said a timeframe cannot be put on when the proposal is likely to be made formally to the government as the process takes time. Declaring the ancient temple, located atop the Tirumala hills, as a protected monument by the ASI would go a long way in conserving its archaeological value and heritage, Sharma said. The matter could be expedited if the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), agrees to the proposal.

NATION AT A GLANCE Aamir Khan to meet Gehlot over foeticide JAIPUR: Bollywood actor Aamir Khan is to meet Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot Wednesday in connection with female foeticide cases highlighted by the TV reality show Satyamev Jayate. "Aamir had expressed desire to meet the CM on May 9. The CM has agreed to meet him at his official residence at 5pm today (Wednesday)," said a senior official of the CM’s office.

Cops not to use titles on networking sites THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Policemen in Kerala can no longer use their designation when they express their opinions on social networking sites, Home minister T Radhakrishnan said on Tuesday. "This cannot be done because police officers have to follow discipline, and expressing opinions on issues is against police rules,” he said.

Children form a cross on World Red Cross Day in Moradabad on Tuesday. PTI

Man poisons wife, two children to death BANKA: A man poisoned to death his wife and two children at Orai village in Banka district suspecting the wife of having an illicit relationship with his cousin, a police officer said today. The man, identified as Dhananjaya Mandal alias Naresh Mandal, poisoned his wife Sarita Devi and two children Kalpana (10) and Ramesh Kumar (7) to death last night.

Couple injurd in leopard attack CHANDRAPUR: Two persons, including a woman, were today seriously injured when a leopard attacked them at Adyal forests, an official said. The big cat pounced on Sheela Ude (45) and her husband Waman Ude (65), Sanjay Thakre, general manager of Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra, said.

Rajya Sabha MP Jaya Bachchan greets a group of visitors at the Parliament in New Delhi on Tuesday. PTI

Around the World

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2012

Beyond Borders

Orange sells for $86.9 million A

200 war criminals roam British streets LONDON: There are over 200 suspected war criminals roaming around the streets of Britain, statistics have revealed. The authorities, however, cannot sent back these people, some of the responsible for atrocities such as mass murder and rape, to their home countries because of EU human rights laws, The Sun reported. These fugitives — many of them asylum seekers — are mainly from Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Iraq, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe. The UK Border Agency has recommended action against 207 suspects in last 18 months. Only 12 have been deported. Campaigners are calling on Scotland Yard for setting up a war crimes unit after the figures have been released under Freedom of Information rules. London-based pressure group Redress has said more robust action is required to stop war criminals “treating the UK as a safe haven”.

Mark Rothko’s Orange, Red, Yellow, on display at Christie’s in New York during a preview of the Post War and Contemporary Art sale. AFP

DROPS OF CHANGE

large-scale, sunset-colored painting by Mark Rothko fetched $86.9 million at auction on Tuesday, setting a new record for any contemporary work of art, and headlining a stunningly lucrative night for Christie’s in New York. Orange, red, yellow was as hot on the Christie’s block as the colours on the bold abstract canvas. A thicket of hands shot up to catch the attention of auctioneer Christopher Burge, bids leaping in increments of a million, sometimes two million dollars. The hammer finally fell at nearly $87 million, including final commission, easily breaking the previous record for

Rothko’s most expensive work of $72.84 million and in the process becoming the most expensive contemporary work of art ever at auction, Christie’s said. Collectors were in full cry all evening, knocking 14 artists’ records down and repeatedly meeting or exceeding pre-sale high estimates. Total takings of $388.5 million were the highest ever for a contemporary art auction, a record last set in 2007, Christie’s said. Among the other stars was the spectacular FC1 by Yves Klein, which depicts the X-ray-like outlines of two nude models captured on canvas through a mixture of paint, water and flames.

82 and still counting Volunteer sperm donor has fathered 82 children till date

A picture in Marseille, France, shows a drop of water that reflected the campaign poster of newly elected president AFP/GERARD JULIEN Francois Hollande and a map of France.

ccording to his own meticulous record-keeping, Ed Houden has an 80 per cent success rate in impregnating women. That’s not the only procreation-related qualification he gladly publicizes. His website advertising his “private sperm donor services” also lists that he is HIV-negative and does not have chlamydia. His sperm count is more than 100 million per milliliter of ejaculate, which is — according to him — what makes him such a successful donor, he told Spiegel Online. He admits he was a bit of a sexual “late bloomer.” He lost his virginity at 34, but has since more than made up for it, if fathering 82 children counts for anything (with 10 more on the way). Simply put, Houden has found his inner purpose: spreading his seed to as many women as possible. At 42, he is too old to donate sperm through clinics by the “official route,” which means clinics would use his sperm for insemination and IVF. So he sticks to the old-fashioned way: he knocks them up. Here’s how it works: Houden finds women “interested in having a baby without a father involved” online through the sperm-donation site sper-

It had been estimated to fetch up to $40 million. Although the hammer came down at the relatively flat $36.5 million, including commission, that smashed Klein’s previous $23.6 million record. One of the most exciting bidding wars was for Gerhard Richter’s Abstraktes Bild, which sold for $21.8 million, easily beyond the $18 million high estimate, and also a record high for the artist. Burge was at his best, cajoling, humoring and squeezing the superwealthy players for every spare million. “Absolutely not,” he scoffed, when one bidder suggested a modest increase of just $50,000.

What not to expect Woman finds cocaine in discount tampon box

maspender.de, according to Spiegel Online. He already has three children in Berlin. The remaining 79 live in other cities and countries, including Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Spain. Houben has entered their names, dates of birth and genders into an Excel table at home. The oldest child is almost nine, while the youngest is only 2 months old. In short, Houben, a historian from Maastricht, volunteers his services to help women who lack time, money or opportunity to take the “official route” to becoming pregnant. What he is doing isn’t technically illegal. There are no limits on how many children someone can have, or rules on how a child is fathered. But still, he could potentially get in trouble. GLOBALPOST

Utah woman says she has buyer’s remorse after finding cocaine in a box of recently purchased tampons. Cindy Davidson, 39, told Salt Lake City police she bought the box of Boots tampons from NPS, a discount store that sells misdirected or damaged freight products. However, when she opened the sealed box she said two of the 16 tampons were replaced with a white powder wrapped in cellophane. “I started getting nervous because I thought it might have been a terrorist attack,” she told Salt Lake City TV station KSL. “I called my sister first and said I was going to call the manufacturer the next day and she told me to call the police.” According to KUTV, police tested the substance and confirmed that it was cocaine. NPS officials said they purchase their items from auctions and that they have no clue where the cocaine could have come from. Davidson said the whole situation is crazy, and that she still can’t believe it.

Around the World

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2012

Beyond Borders

LEFT VOWS TO REJECT EU TERMS radical left-wing Syriza party said on Tuesday his cabinet will reject all austerity measures imposed under an EU-IMF loan deal, if he manages to form a new government. “The public verdict has clearly nullified the loan agreement and (pledges) sent to Europe and the IMF,” Alexis Tsipras said in a televised address. The country’s youngest political leader at 37, Tsipras was earlier given three days to form a government by the head of state, President Carolos Papoulias, after a similar attempt by the first-ranked conservative New Democracy party failed. General elections on Sunday did not produce a clear winner but gave an overwhelming boost to Syriza which now has 52 deputies in parliament, making it the second biggest party. The main parties that have pledged to continue deficit-cutting reforms, New Democracy and socialist Pasok, now only send a combined 149 MPs to the 300-seat parliament, not enough for a re-run of the outgoing coalition led by technocrat Lucas Papademos. Tsipras called on the leaders of Pasok and New Democracy to renege on their pledges to international creditors, vowing to form an anti-austerity coalition with other leftist parties and abolish a spate of labour

Lugar forced to bid adieu WASHINGTON: Long-serving Republican Senator Richard Lugar was routed in Tuesday’s Indiana primary, marking the demise of a gracious moderate at the hands of a conservative who deemed him too willing to compromise. Even as Richard Mourdock, the state’s tea party-backed treasurer, celebrated his stunning victory before ecstatic supporters, Democrats expressed hope that Lugar’s defeat could help them snatch the seat in November. Lugar was first elected to the Senate in 1976 and twice served as chairman of the chamber’s powerful Foreign Relations Committee. The six-term incumbent was left flat-footed in his home state, losing his party’s primary to a more conservative alternative by 61-39 per cent. Defeat of the man who shared the role of longest-serving Republican currently in the Senate overshadowed a three-state sweep by Mitt Romney, who marched closer to officially clinching the Republican Party nomination.

AFP/LOUISA GOULIAMAKI

ATHENS: The head of Greece’s

Radical Left (Syriza) coalition, Alexis Tsipras speaks during a press conference at the Greek parliament in Athens. laws demanded by Greece’s creditors to improve competitiveness. “Citizens have crushingly voted against the barbaric policy of loan agreements. They put an end to plans for 77 new austerity measures in June, plans to lay off 150,000 civil servants, and to additional measures worth 11.5 billion euros ($15 billion),” he said in his address. Even assuming that Syriza and other anti-bailout parties could overcome their gaping differences, they can only muster 151 votes, enough for

just a razor-thin majority in parliament. The Communist party, which has 26 seats, refused to cooperate on Tuesday. Some constitutional experts have argued that a government could theoretically be backed by just 120 lawmakers depending on the number of deputies present on the day of the confidence vote in parliament. Tsipras, who will probably not seek the prime minister’s post for himself, said that banks should be placed under “national control” and a “mora-

torium” applied on loan repayments. Syriza spokesman Panos Skourletis said the party would seek an understanding with Greece’s EU peers on making the country’s huge debt of over 350 billion euros sustainable. A new government has to be formed by May 17 or new elections will be called. The only option to forestall new elections, noted prosocialist Ethnos daily, is for Syriza and the smaller Democratic Left party to settle on a joint candidate for prime minister which the third-seeded socialist Pasok party could support. The political developments in Greece and also France, after presidential elections there on Sunday, stoked anxiety about the fate of the EU’s tough fiscal pact adopted in March to end the eurozone’s crippling debt crisis. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the chief proponent of austerity as the main way out of the crisis, said Monday it was “of utmost importance” that Greece stuck to its reform path, while conceding this was “difficult”. A European Commission spokeswoman said Brussels “hopes and expects” that the future government of Greece will respect its commitments. Market analysts saw the verdict as added evidence that Greece will soon be exiting the euro. AFP

Bomber was double agent? WASHINGTON: The man sent by Al-Qaeda’s branch in Yemen to blow up a USbound airliner was a double agent who infiltrated the group and volunteered for the suicide attack, the New York Times reported on Tuesday, citing US and foreign officials. Pulling off a stunning intelligence coup, the agent managed to exit Yemen, travelling via the United Arab Emirates, and delivered the explosive for the attack and information on the group’s leaders to the CIA, Saudi intelligence and other spy agencies, the Times wrote. The agent spent weeks with Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and then handed over pivotal information that allowed the CIA to order an air raid on Sunday that killed Fahd al-Quso, a senior figure who was wanted for the 2000 bombing of the USS Cole in Yemen. The explosive for the plot had been designed by AQAP’s master bomb maker to avoid detection at airports, the paper said.

GLOBE AT A GLANCE 3 killed, 5 missing in Indonesian floods JAKARTA: Three people were killed and five missing on Wednesday after floods carrying volcanic debris swept through a town in eastern Indonesia, a government official said. Two people were also injured as the floodwaters rampaged, damaging at least 20 homes in Ternate City in North Maluku province and forcing evacuations to government offices and schools, he added.

Vote in N Carolina bans gay marriages WASHINGTON: Voters in North Carolina approved a state constitutional amendment explicitly forbidding gay marriages, civil unions and domestic partnerships. The measure was passed by 61 percent against 39 percent as of 0230 GMT, according to preliminary results from the North Carolina State Board of Elections.

A new recruit receives instruction as he and fellow recruits prepare to join the ranks of the Free Syrian Army in Qusayr on Tuesday. AFP

Diplomat charged with domestic abuse in US LOS ANGELES: A Japanese diplomat posted in California has been charged with domestic violence against his wife and could face up to 20 years in jail. Yoshiaki Nagaya, vice-consul at Japan’s consulate in San Francisco, is accused of 17 felony offences, 14 of domestic violence and three of assault including stabbing her with a screwdriver and knocking a tooth out.

Libya ex-rebels raid government HQ TRIPOLI: One man was killed and four The remains of the underwear with the explosive worn by alleged bomber Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab. Officials did not divulge the agent’s identity, nationality, or the intelligence service that recruited him, though they said it was not the CIA, according to the report. The spy is now safely in Saudi Arabia and the bomb plot was kept secret for weeks by US and other intelligence agencies out of fear of retaliation against the agent and his family, it said. Officials told the Times that risk had been “mitigated,” apparently by moving both the agent and his relatives to safe locations. A senior US official told

that a bomb for the attack was sewn into “custom fit” underwear that would have been difficult to detect even in a careful pat-down at an airport. Unlike the device used in the failed December 2009 plot by AQAP to blow up an airliner en route to Detroit, this explosive could have been detonated in two ways, in case one failed, the unnamed official was quoted as saying. The main charge was a high-grade military explosive that “undoubtedly would have brought down an aircraft,” the official said. AFP

people wounded as Libyan security forces on Tuesday repelled armed demonstrators who attacked government headquarters in Tripoli. The country’s interim prime minister Abdel Rahim al-Kib read out a statement on television denouncing the violence and vowing not to give way to “outlaws” making demands at the end of a gun.

An Israeli journalist is arrested by the police during a rally against the coalition between Likud Party and Kadima Party in Tel Aviv. AFP

Comment

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2012

Fair, free and forthright

Talk back Drainage concern Everything looks good till now, but I’m sure that once it starts raining, our city will become a miserable on to live in. The drainage system that we currently have is very sad, and every year we are just promised that it will improve next year. Monsoons are not very far away, and I hope the few showers that we have had will serve as a wakeup call to the authorities before it’s too late and we pay the price again. Amit Verma Jubilee Hills

Baba controversy Looks like Postnoon has not covered the Nirmal Baba issue. But here’s what I would like to say about him. This person is totally random. There is absolutely no connection between what he says and what he does. And still people follow him. It is disheartening to see this, especially when we boast of an increased education among the masses. The current state of us Indians is still so bad that we are easily exploited. Authorities concerned have to take up these issues, expose these exploiters and get blind believers back on track. Nalini Setty Mangalghat

Pat for police It’s great to see that the police Andhra Pradesh, particularly that of Hyderabad is doing so much. The article about the crime SMS alerts shows how willing the police are to make the city a better place to live in. Its success in Madhapur is a huge thing and I congratulate the police for it. Hope the system comes up in the entire city, and it becomes much safer for mobile phone users, which, I must say, is a big population. Shubha Rao Madhapur

Sound city Your coverage of the less-talked about half of Hyderabad is welcome. This part of town that started off as a cantonment area has grown into a mature city without the hassles that come with exaggerated pomp you normally see happening to many cities. Yes, Secunderabad is a no-nonsense, affordable city. Ranjita West Marredpally

Exchequer needn’t foot bill for salvation

KEEGSMEISTER

Fusillade Arun Koshy Philip

he ruling by a two-judge bench of the Supreme Court that the Central government phase out the Haj subsidy (currently about `600 crore per annum) in 10 years has drawn bouquets and brickbats alike. The Haj subsidy is being handed out since 1954 and around 1 lakh people avail it every year to travel to Mecca to fulfil the requirement laid out by Islam. India is the only country to offer this subsidy. The flights carrying the pilgrims to Jeddah are usually chartered ones because they return empty, and naturally the fare is two to three times higher than the usual flight charges in the same route. The subsidy was introduced to allow the pilgrims some cushion in this regard. Some Islamic scholars are of the opinion that Sharia prohibits a pilgrim from availing aid in any form to travel to the Holy Land. “A Haj is undertaken only if you have the money, are in good health, and have performed all your duties towards your family. Going on a Haj with money you borrowed from someone is absolutely prohibited,” says Shahi Imam of Delh’s Fatehpuri Masjid Mukarram Ahmed. While some agree, others beg to differ. According to them, the withdrawal of the subsidy will take away from the poor faithful the only opportunity to undertake the pilgrimage. The subsidies are not just confined to Haj alone, the Centre plays an active role in facilitating Amarnath and Kailas Manasarovar yatras. Hundreds of crores of rupees are spent indirectly in maintaining infrastructure and providing security to the pilgrims. There are a few states that subsidise Christian pilgrimages to Israel and Palestine. Subsidies for various communities and their religious activities are nothing more than a time-tested tactic of vote bank politics. The political leadership wants to be seen as the ‘providers’ who will cater to the spiritual and material interests of the masses. When humanity was taking baby steps towards political organisations, the tribal

Editorials

chieftains and kings came up with their ‘divine origin’ theory where the ruler was the representative of god on earth and his authority was unquestionable. Over the millennia, the spheres spiritual and temporal became separated (at least in the democracies) but the ability to swing public support through favouring religious affairs never lost its popularity among ruling classes. The preamble of our Constitution clearly states the India is a secular state. The addition of ‘secularism was made 26 years after the Constitution came into effect, through the 42nd Amendment in 1976. The government must not favour or discriminate against any religion. So the government policy of subsidising religious activities is in contravention of the constitutional provisions. Instead of following the pattern of separating religion and state, we have been following a policy of appeasement of communities. Governments of all hues have shied away from taking bold decisions on social reform for fear of backlash from one vote bank or the other. The absence of a Uniform Civil Code allows each community to force their primi-

tive justice system on their members. Most of the times, it is the judiciary that has thrown the light of rational wisdom into the labyrinths where the stranglehold of religious leadership keep the faithful in medieval darkness. Pressure from religious hawks kept the LGBT community under state-sponsored persecution under the draconian Section 377 of the IPC. Even under sharp criticism from courts, the government took several years to acknowledge that consensual sex between adults belonging to the same sex is not illegal. The more the state dabbles in religious affairs, the more problems it will create. There will always be discontent and charges of bias. We have plenty of material problems such as poverty, unemployment, social evils, illiteracy, inadequate housing and infrastructure, social justice and corruption that need all the attention and resources of the government. Religion is each citizen’s personal matter and its pursuit should be left to them. It’s not fair to ask the people to foot bills of those in search of salvation. The writer works for Postnoon.

AL-JAZEERA SHOWS QUALITY JOURNALISM is not a Western preserve

hina’s decision to expel Al-Jazeera correspondent Melissa Chan has drawn flak from global media community. This is not the first time the communist country has expelled a journalist, but the kneejerk reaction has shown that the network has been recognised as a force to reckon with. Though owned by Qatar’s rulers, who are not the greatest supporters of freedom of expression, the Doha-based network has done some outstanding work in covering news across the world. Initially dismissed by its western counterparts as being a puppet for the regime, it proved them wrong by quality coverage of political turbulence, especially in West Asia. Daredevil Al-Jazeera reporters braved bullets and bombs in conflict zones and brought out stories that their media counterparts from the West could only admire with envy. The channel made itself dear to regional audiences by airing views of dissent, at the risk of being shut down. Even US secretary of state Hillary Clinton had to grudgingly admit that Al-Jazeera was doing a better job in the region than the US networks who tout their ‘champions of rights’ credentials.

THE AVENGERS come good

he Avengers film has broken all records on its way to showbiz history. But more importantly it has proved that superhero films can be good. And with Dark Knight Rises releasing soon, it’s going to be a fanboy bonanza. We’re predicting that The Avengers will dethrone Avatar, as the biggest film ever.

Hyper Local Cinema Paradiso

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2012

Campaigns, hard news and spirit of Twin Cities

Hemanth Kumar, hemanth.k@postnoon.com

`fkbj^

Cannes Film Festival

Toronto International Film Festival

Venice Film Festival

annes Film Festival, which is held annually in France, is the world’s most prestigious film festival. It began in 1939 and is held every year in May. It is believed that the film which wins the Palme d’Or, the highest prize awarded at Cannes, has bright chances to shine at various award ceremonies like BAFTA, Golden Globe and Oscars. This year, the 65th Cannes Film Festival will be held from May 16 to May 27.

oronto Film Festival has emerged as the second most high profile film festival in the world after Cannes. Since 1976, it is being held every year in September in Toronto, Canada and the film festival is regarded as the best platform to generate Oscar buzz. Unlike other film festivals, there’s no jury to select the best film at this film festival. Instead the best film which is voted by the public is given the People’s Choice Award.

Berlin Film Festival erlin Film Festival officially began in

1951 and it is held every year in February. It has also emerged as an important destination for producers and distributors across the world to meet at the European Film Market (EFM) to negotiate film rights. Golden Bear is the highest prize awarded here.

ounded by Giuseppe Volpi in 1932, it is the oldest film festival in the world and every year it’s held in late August or early September. Although Cannes and Berlin film festivals have overtaken Venice in terms of popularity, it’s still rated the third most prestigious film festival in the world. Golden Lion is the top prize awarded at the Venice Film Festival.

Locarno Film Festival ocarno Film Festival, which started in

1946, is held annually in August in the city of Locarno, Switzerland. Piazza Grande, where films are screened, is one of the largest open air screens in the world and it accommodates as many as 8000 spectators. Golden Leopard is the highest prize awarded at this film festival.

Cannes Film Festival, one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, is all set to open its doors for thousands of filmmakers, actors, producers and film enthusiasts from next week. We take a look at some of the best film festivals in the world which you must visit

H‑Factor

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2012

Holistic view of mind, body and soul

Heart ailments are not restricted to the aged. 7 in 1,000 children suffer from, and are fighting with, various congenital heart defects

Awareness key to manage MI

Dr Sunil Kapoor

MATTERS OF THE HEART Symptoms Anishaa Kumar anishaa.k@postnoon.com

hen Priya was told that her unborn child was suffering from a heart defect, her world crashed down. “How can someone so young have such an ailment? Will my child survive?” she was terrified. “Congenital heart defects refer to any anomalies in the heart by birth. These anomalies are usually structural defects,” says Dr Anil SR, paediatric cardiologist and consultant, Apollo Hospital. These anomalies may either obstruct the blood flow or cause an improper flow pattern.

Types of heart defects Congenital heart defects can be of various kinds. “These defects can be in different parts of the heart such as the muscle, valves, chamber and septa,” says Dr Y Suman Vyas, consultant paediatric cardiologist, Star Hospitals. “Congenital heart defects are of two types, the first is known as blue babies and the other the non-blue babies which is the more common one and includes ailments such as hole in the heart, PDA, ASD and VSD,” says Dr Nitin Rao, consultant paediatric cardiologist, Star Hospitals.

The symptoms of CHD depend upon the type of defects. In many cases it is said that the problem shows no symptoms till very late. “The symptoms for congenital heart defects could include fever, cough, bluish discolouration,” says Dr Anil. Dr Nitin says, “Children with heart defects may have a problem in feeding such that they may have an irregular feeding pattern with breaks to breathe every half a minute. Such children will also show a failure to gain weight due to this reason itself. They may also be prone to repeated infections.”

Prevention

lthough CHD cannot be prevented, certain precautions can be taken. Dr Suman says, “If a pregnant woman is diabetic she needs to take special care so that she does not develop infections. Expectant mothers should also avoid medication, smoking, alcohol and should follow a nutritious diet. If a woman who has a family history of CHD than she may be advised to take folic acid capsules, six weeks before even planning to conceive a child. These methods are not 100 per cent effective but may reduce the chances.”

According to Dr Suman the other symptoms could include increased respiratory rate, excessive sweat during feeding and respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia.

Causes “Only in 10 per cent of the cases can the cause be found. The reasons could be genetic or due to marrying close relatives or a general family history. The other causes could include infections during pregnancy and also certain drugs. If a pregnant woman is suffering from fits then she is given medication which might be a cause,” says Dr Nitin. Dr Suman adds that apart from these regular reasons, pollution, chemical reactions could also be a responsible.

Detection “CHD can be detected in the foetal stage itself through a foetal echo that can be done in the fourth or the fifth month. Only if it is a major defect can it be seen at that time,” says Dr Nitin. Dr Suman adds that although not much can be done at that point of time, the parents and doctors can be better prepared and look out for a hospital and provisions where in the paediatric services available are much better so that the treatment can begin once the

child is born.

Treatment Dr Nitin says, “In cases where the problem is minor, treatment may not be required. If the problem is major surgery may also be suggested.” Surgery for CHD is done by a paediatric cardiological surgeon. “In most cases where treatment is provided or surgery is conducted the result is often good. If the problem is just a hole in the heart than the recovery is said to be good. It depends on case to case. In some cases the hole closes on the own and in some other cases they don’t. The doctors may depending on the case even ask the patient to come after some time, but is there is no proper follow up than chances of serious problems are there,” says Dr Suman. The recovery of a child depends on the case and treatment. Dr Nitin says that if the procedure is simple the child may recover faster but blue babies may take a longer time to recover. It also depends on their resistance. Nowadays there are many non-surgical methods also being employed for treatment in the form of devices. Once a child is provided treatment, in most cases they can lead a normal life apart from the regular follow ups.

How long does it to recover from a myocardial infarction? Recovery: After a myocardial infarction has been treated and the patient is ready to go home from the hospital, the physician may recommend that the patient enrol in a cardiac rehabilitation program. These programs help patients who have suffered from a myocardial infarction make and commit to the medication and lifestyle changes that can enhance the effects of medical treatment and help prevent further myocardial infarctions. They also oversee a gradual resumption of physical activity, and can be a valuable source of information and support for patients and their families. Myocardial infarction is a serious medical event, and it often requires substantial changes in a patient’s life in order to prevent future myocardial infarctions. Often, patients may become ‘blue’ or depressed during the weeks and months following a myocardial infarction. If this occurs, it is important to discuss these feelings with a physician to ensure that they do not interfere with taking the necessary steps to prevent future myocardial infarctions. Although myocardial infarctions are serious conditions, many therapies are available to minimise heart damage, prevent future myocardial infarctions, and ensure a long and healthy life. In order to achieve these goals, patients and families should educate themselves about cardiac health, work with their physicians, and adhere to all prescribed medication and lifestyle therapies. Sex after a Heart Attack: Many patients who have had a myocardial infarction are concerned about whether sexual activity endangers their heart. Contrary to a popular belief, sexual activity does not cause myocardial infarctions. As a general rule, most people can resume sexual activity within two weeks after being treated for a heart attack. However, patients should discuss resuming sexual activity with their physician before doing so. (The writer is a senior consultant cardiologist practising at Care Hospital, Hyderabad)

H‑Factor

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2012

Holistic view of mind, body and soul

A breakthrough in Alzhemier’s or Parkinson’s treatment?

mä~óáåÖ=Ä~ëâÉíÄ~ääI= soccer staves off Osteoporosis STOCKHOLM: Young men who play load bearing games such as volleyball and basketball for four hours a week or more increase bone mass, which may ensure protection from osteoporosis later in life, says a study. The study, the largest scale investigation of its kind, discovered that young men who actively resisted the urge to adopt a “couch-potato” lifestyle in their late twenties seemed to gain the biggest bone benefit. Load bearing sports are those that involve jumping, including soccer, basketball, volleyball and tennis, that increase

the load on the body’s bones. “Men who increased their load-bearing activity from age 19 to 24 not only developed more bone, but also had larger bones compared to men who were sedentary during the same period,” senior study co-author Mattias Lorentzon, University of Gothenburg, Sweden, was quoted as saying in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. Bigger bones with more mass are thought to offer a shield against osteoporosis, a disease that affects men and women alike, in which bones become porous and weak over time and start to fracture by age

50 or later, according to a university statement. “Osteoporosis actually seems to get its start by age 25 when bones start to lose tissue. So this study sends an important message to young men,” Lorentzon said. “The more you move, the more bone you build.” Lorentzon and colleagues found that basketball and volleyball seemed the best kinds of activities for building bone mass, followed by soccer and tennis. Such load-bearing sports seem to push the body to form new bone tissue. Activities that do not put an

increased load on the bones, like swimming and bicycling did not seem tied to the building of bigger bones or more bone mass, even though they offer other health benefits. Osteoporosis affects more than 200 million people worldwide yet many are unaware that they are at risk. The disease has been called the silent epidemic because bone loss occurs without symptoms and the disease often is first diagnosed after a fracture. Osteoporosis is more common in women, but men also develop it usually after age 65. IANS

LONDON: Injecting a protein into the brain could protect its nerve cells from prion disease, a condition which causes the brain to wither away, says a new study. Because the process by which prion disease affects mice brains is similar to some degenerative brain conditions in humans, scientists are hoping that the findings could be a breakthrough in the treatment of Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. In each case, brain cell death is linked to the build-up of misshapen proteins, forming plaques in the brains of Alzheimer’s sufferers and lewy bodies in the nerve cells of those with Parkinson’s, the journal Nature reports. In the mice with prion disease, researchers found that when the faulty proteins begin to accumulate, their cells activated a defence mechanism which halted the production of such proteins, according to the Telegraph. The halt ought to be temporary, but in the diseased mice the production of proteins, crucial to cell survival, did not start up again. Scientists found that by injecting a different protein which prevents the supply from being “switched off”, they could protect the mice’s brain cells for longer and extend their lives. Giovanna Mallucci, professor at Leicester University, who led the research, said that it could provide a “way forward in how we treat other disorders.” Roger Morris, professor at the School of Biomedical Sciences at King’s College London, described the findings as a “major breakthrough” and said there were “good reasons” for thinking it could also apply to Alzheimer’s. But Eric Karran, of Alzheimer’s Research UK, warned that the research on the prion protein was in its “early stages” and added: “We would need to see the same results confirmed in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s to really strengthen the evidence.” IANS

HOUSECALL

APP-LY YOURSELF

DID YOU KNOW?

Alopecia

Sleep Cycle

Moderation is reality

lopecia areata (AA) is a medical condition in which hair is lost from some or all areas of the body, usually from the scalp. Because it causes bald spots on the scalp, especially in the first stages, it is sometimes called spot baldness. In 1 to 2 per cent of cases, the condition can spread to the entire scalp (Alopecia totalis) or to the entire epidermis (Alopecia universalis). Conditions resembling AA, and having a similar cause, occur also in other species. Hairstyling routines such as tight ponytails or braids may induce Traction alopecia. In some cases, alopecia is due to underlying conditions, such as iron deficiency.

ow often have you been rudely awakened by that shrill alarm going off just when you’d begun to enjoy your beauty sleep? Now there’s an app that helps you get the most out of your sleep. The Sleep Cycle doubles as a sleep analyser and an alarm clock and has been programmed to wake you when you are in your lightest phase of sleep. This way you wake up feeling refreshed and relaxed. Since you move differently in bed during the different phases, Sleep Cycle uses the accelerometer in your iPhone to monitor your movement to determine which sleep phase you are in.

oderate drinkers tend to have better health and live longer than those who are either abstainers or heavy drinkers. In addition to having fewer heart attacks and strokes, moderate consumers of alcoholic beverages (beer, wine and distilled spirits or liquor) are generally less likely to suffer strokes, diabetes, arthritis, enlarged prostate, dementia (including Alzheimer's disease), and several major cancers. So go ahead and grab your favourite cocktail. But do remember the keyword here is ‘moderation’, so don’t use this as an excuse to drink like a sponge.

Spotlight

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2012

Tuesday night drew the beautiful people out of their homes into Cuba Libre which reverberated with the sounds of youth, fun and high spirits

When the sun goes down DEEPAK DESHPANDE

Ankitha & Anjali

Nisha & Karthik

Swathi

Aachan & Ekon

Naina

Pragathi

N SHIVA KUMAR

Mango Fest

Tollywood director Teja with the cast of Neeku Naaku Dash Dash were spotted at the Mango Fest at Hotel Golconda on Tuesday.

The King of Good Times

UBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest offering Kingfisher Ultra, an addition to their beer range, was launched in the city last evening.

Magic Screen Gabbar Singh

set to release on May 11

awan Kalyan, Shruti Haasan starrer Gabbar Singh is all set to hit screens on May 11. The film has been given a U/A certificate by the censor board, although getting the film censored was no cakewalk for Ganesh Babu, the producer of the film. The film was supposed to be censored on Monday and after watching the entire film, we hear that the Censor board Examining officer refused to give the certificate since Ganesh Babu had forgotten to submit a document from the animal welfare board. As a result, the entire process got delayed by a day and now Ganesh Babu and his team are working overtime to ensure that all the prints are shipped on time for the film’s worldwide release on May 11. Harish Shankar has directed the film and Devi Sri Prasad has composed the music. The film is the official remake of Dabangg and it marks the return of Pawan Kalyan to a full-fledged mass entertainer after a long gap.

Bellamkonda Suresh lands in soup

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2012

The glamour behind the glitz

ellamkonda Suresh has landed in soup once again. In the past, he had several altercations with actors like Ravi Teja, Ram and Samantha. Couple of days ago, he got into trouble when director Santosh Srinivas lodged a complaint with the Andhra Pradesh Director’s Association that Bellamkonda Suresh had manhandled him and also threatened to kill him and his family. Incidentally, Santosh Srinivas’ debut film Kandireega was produced by Bellamkonda Suresh and they had teamed up for another film with Ram in the lead. “Santosh Srinivas and Bellamkonda Suresh had differences earlier on as well. But this time the situation got out of control. Two days ago, the two were discussing the script of their upcoming film and they had a heated argument over the script which led to a bitter war of words,” a source said. In a meeting headed by Sagar, the director’s association has decided to take stern action on Bellamkonda Suresh after hearing his version of the story.

Mahesh Babu, Rajamouli’s film announced

he much hyped Mahesh Babu, S S Rajamouli’s film is finally taking shape. The duo had met a year ago over casual dinner and decided to work together at a future point in time. Few months ago, Rajamouli hinted about the project at the audio launch of Businessman. K L Narayana has officially announced that he’s going to produce Mahesh Babu, S S Rajamouli’s film under Durga Arts banner and we hear that it will go on floors later this year. K L Narayana has reportedly paid a bomb to Mahesh Babu and Rajamouli for this project. Currently, Mahesh Babu is acting in Sukumar’s upcoming film and also Srikanth Addala’s Seethamma Vaakitlo Sirimalle Chettu. Meanwhile, S S Rajamouli is yet to confirm when this film will take off since he had already announced that he would be doing a film with Prabhas in the lead.

T-TOWN TWEETIES

@Actor_Siddharth My uncle Mr Govindarajan, an amazing exponent of ghatam and my first inspiration to play percussion passed away yesterday. RIP Govind mama.

@shraddhadas43 Off to Hyderabad now... got my 1st USA visa embassy interview for ‘rey’ shoot tom morning! All set.

@tashu_02 Kinda tanned after shooting in the sun for entire day....but m happy that it was a super productive day at work... !!

@me_sushanth Annapurnamma’s mango pickle magic lives on! She had dictated the recipe to Thatha, and mom supervised this year’s making. Lots of demand :)

@sundeepkishan Thanks for all the wishes guys...making it a point to thank every1 individually...pls pardon me incase I miss replying to anyone :)

@actressanjjanaa Packed up, eating bhel puri, masala puri, Pani Puri wid masala pepsi @ gulus chat in my car!! Nostalgia!! Yum, Bliss, Small happinesses.

@LakshmiManchu Tired today. I wish somebody wud carry me to my room and tuck me in bed. Good night dearests.

@actor_nithiin 75th ISHQFUL DAY... running towards 100days in all main centres... supa happy!!Yay!!

Magic Screen

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2012

The glamour behind the glitz

Delhi Belly set for Hong Kong release D

Thackeray dictates Karnataka government

hiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray Tuesday asked the Karnataka government to allow the telecast of Bollywood star Aamir Khan’s maiden television show Satyameva Jayate. While hitting out at the BJP government in Karnataka, Thackeray lavishly praised Aamir’s show which went on air last Sunday and secured thumbs up around the country. In an editorial in the Sena mouthpiece Saamna Tuesday, Thackeray said that Karnataka’s decision on grounds that the show was unacceptable to Kannada film makers showed that parochialism had overtaken patriotism. “The point is Aamir Khan is

not like Shah Rukh Khan or other Khans who found nothing wrong in Pakistan cricketers playing in India,” he said. “(Aamir’s) programmes and movies always dwell on patriotism and love for the country. They always inspire the youth. “This show must not be tied up in parochial chains or barred from the public. This is our view,” Thackeray said, urging the Karnataka government to permit its telecast. He took the opportunity to hit out at Karnataka for its attempts to gag the Marathis in the state even as a long-pending boundary dispute with Maharashtra awaits a solution. IANS

irector Abhinay Deo’s adult comedy Delhi Belly is set for a commercial release in Hong Kong Thursday. Co-produced by UTV and Aamir Khan Productions, the film featuring Imran Khan, Vir Das and Kunaal Roy Kapoor is a bold, youth-centric drama. It will release across eight screens with Cantonese subtitles, said a press statement. “It’s a very proud moment for us to have our film ‘Delhi Belly’ release in Hong Kong. Hong Kong has a large young local and expat population and ‘Delhi Belly’ has done superb business in cities like London, Singapore, Dubai, New York, Sydney and Melbourne. We hope it resonates with the audiences in Hong Kong,” said Amrita Pandey, senior vice president (International Distribution and Syndication), UTV Motion Pictures. “After the phenomenal success of ‘3 Idiots’ in Hong Kong, there is a huge fan following for Aamir, and correspondingly for ‘Delhi Belly’ since it is produced by him,” added Pandey. Written by Akshat Verma, the 2011 film was a hit and its music by Ram Sampath was a runaway success too. IANS

The Marigold Hotel opens to full house in US The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, the all-star comedy set in India’s Rajasthan state, generated a strong opening in North America as it debuted in limited release. Its estimated earning of $750,000 from only 27 theaters for a per theatre average of $27,789 was second best among all films after “The Avengers”. The movie stars Judi Dench and Dev Patel and directed by the Oscarnominated filmmaker John Madden (“Shakespeare in Love”), the international hit film played to packed houses in a dozen major cities in the US and Canada and will now expand to additional cities on May 11 and beyond. Hotel ranks among the Top 15 at the North American box office, despite other films playing in thousands of theatres, and has won critical acclaim with Roger Ebert calling it “a charming, funny and heartwarming movie.” IANS

B-TOWN TWEETIES

@GulPanag 2 dear friends — both lean recently got diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Lived on stress & junk (refined food) & now figuring glycemic index :(

@NeilNMukesh The correct temperature at home is maintained by ‘Warm Hearts’ and ‘Cool Heads’. Not by good ventilation, fans & air conditioners!

@TheShilpaShetty Yipppppeeeeeeee RR is back in the top 4. A convincing win. Tait,Binny, Both were fab... Watsons been a star! Rahul take a bow, gr8 team effort.

@SrBachchan T 736 — A good deed for the day can be the most satisfying experience ever... I got satisfaction today... Not saying why and how !!

@bipsluvurself It’s amazing sometimes 2 just leave d city n reach a quiet quaint place whr ppl dnt knw u n dnt even spk d same lang well, yet r so friendly!

@priyankachopra What doesn’t kill u makes u stronger... I just love the way Kelly Clarkson has sung that song!!!

@kjohar25 Have to say that #satyamevjayate is the most credible Indian television that exists!!! More power to Aamir and the team at star!!

@realpreityzinta Yeah! Finally the Red Lions roared in Hyderabad ! Phew !!! Am so proud of the #KXIP boyz ! Good job with the bat, ball and in the field !

Magic Screen

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

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2012

Magic Screen

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2012

Host of Jeopardy’ to retire

fter 28 years as the host of Jeopardy, Alex Trebek is contemplating a question whose answer he doesn’t know – for sure, anyway. Speaking to Fox News host Chris Wallace, Trebek couldn’t answer definitively whether or not he would be retiring before he reaches a 30-year milestone as host of the popular game show. “Yes, I have been thinking about retiring,” the 71-yearold said in an interview. “I’m torn because I enjoy doing the show so much.” Trebek revealed to Wallace that confidantes and friends have suggested he stick it out two more years, when he’ll have spent 30 years hosting the show. “A lot of people have been telling me, Alex, you’ve got to go for at least 30,” he said. “At least do two more. So that has a nice ring to it. Put in your 30 and go help people.” Despite the effortlessness with which he still dispenses answers to the show’s questions, Trebek insisted that he’s not as sharp as he used to be. “A good 30-year-old would clean my clock,” he said.

Katie and Suri flea K

atie Holmes and Suri Cruise seemed to enjoy a laid-back morning at a flea market in Milford, Conn., on Sunday. The motherdaughter duo arrived at 11:30 a.m., making it just before closing with a woman who appeared to be a nanny. “They were really cute together,” an onlooker tells PEOPLE. “Suri was pointing things out, saying, ‘Look at this, mommy,’ and Katie said, ‘Oh, yes, that’s great!’ They seemed really happy.” Holmes, who looked just like any other mom casually strolling around the market, was dressed down and “seemed very relaxed,” the source says, adding that she picked up a picture frame from a vendor and was showing it to the woman who accompanied them.

Magic Screen

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2012

The glamour behind the glitz

Gene Kelly honoured T

he AMPAS is set to honor Gene Kelly, the icon of the golden age of the elaborate Hollywood musical, in a two-night celebration hosted by his widow, Patricia Ward Kelly. The event will feature film clips, personal remembrances and a look at the radical impact Kelly had on the way dance was filmed. Kelly is remembered for his indelible self-directed performances in films such as An American in Paris and Singin’ in the Rain, and his innovative use of settings such as rain-soaked sidewalks and props ranging from umbrellas to mops to sheets of newspaper and roller skates invigorated the expansive musi-

cals of the day. Kelly wanted to bring his dancing to the streets and in doing so he extolled the idea that even the most average, most modest of American lives is ultimately filled with wonder. Kelly was presented with an honorary Oscar in 1951 for “his versatility as an actor, singer, director and dancer, and specifically for his brilliant achievements in the art of choreography on film.” A Centennial Tribute to Gene Kelly will take place on Thursday, May 17, at 7:30pm at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills.

TEMPERS SOAR ON DANCING WITH THE STARS

ith tensions running high, a double elimination a day away and the finale two weeks from now, certain contestants were getting an overshare of verbal abuse from their partners. There’s no doubt most of the words out of Maksim Chmerkovskiy’s mouth during rehearsal this past week had to be bleeped out. It was more than a little shocking to see a professional acting

this way. Although Melissa defended him and Maks apologized on Monday night’s show for his abrasive behaviour, it was hard to know if it was truly genuine. Maks explained that his apologies go further than just what you see on TV. “[The apology tonight] was public. In private, there were apologies too,” Maks told us. “Look, it is what it is. It’s the good with the bad. Nobody is

perfect. You put two people together 24 hours a day for the past 15 weeks, you’re bound to see things you don’t want to. We’ve got each others back and I just try to give herself to fight with. Regardless of the scores, regardless of the comments, we’re going to give our fans something they can point their fingers at and say ‘That’s why I voted for them.’ And that puts a lot of pressure on us” he said.

Rebecca Black’s

New Single Out I

t’s a brand-new day for Rebecca Black. The YouTube sensation is back, just in time to make your summer jams playlist, and E! News sat down with the singer and got the exclusive first look at the brand-new video for her latest tune, Sing It. Black talked to Kristina Guerrero about her latest music video and sudden rise to fame. “It’s totally weird to me. Two years ago, I was dreaming. I wouldn’t even dare to dream of something like this… it’s weird, but great!” After the huge success of Friday, she made

some high-profile fans, including the Jonas Brothers, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga to name a few. “[Having] someone I’ve looked up to singing my song and letting me be in her video is unimaginable. I’m so thankful she even knows my name,” says Black about Perry. Black even opened up about her celebrity crush! So who is it? “I just love Josh Hutcherson,” she said. In her new ode to enjoying life, Black encourages everyone out there to sing from the heart because “it’s all right.” Not a bad message heading into the dog days of summer, right?

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

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2012

Take a shot at the brain game while sipping your cuppa

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Letters on a PC key 4 Make a mistake 10 All set for slumbering 14 Hemingway title word 15 Philippine capital 16 Rich or elegant 17 Wallet holders 19 Mine entrance 20 Screwball 21 Pitcher part 23 Shenanigans 25 Steel-mill refuse 27 ‘___ got high hopes ...’ (song lyric) 28 Carryall bags 29 ‘Do you get it?’ 30 Rake over the coals 32 Candid conclusion? 33 It may be held in battle 35 It's used for interlocking looped stitches 40 Field for Cubs 41 Sash for a kimono 43 Saint in Brazil? 46 Bard's’always’ 47 Council of Trent, eg 49 Dada co-founder Jean 50 Supplements 52 ‘Morning Train’ singer Easton 53 American elk 55 Male versions of 53Across 56 Bibliography notation 57 Closing, as a crime scene 62 Three hours before noon 63 Rhythmic, as a drumbeat 64 Ready for a commitment? 65 Comic's stock in trade 66 Cool' sopposite 67 Timeline portion DOWN 1 Fireplace remains 2 Hawaiian welcome token 3 Cheap Perrier alternative 4 Art class garb 5 Is deficient in 6 One ‘Pac-Man’ ghost 7 Lemon meringue, for one

8 Farthest or highest (Abbr) 9 Eastern title 10 Severus Snape portrayer Rickman 11 Asian religious figure 12 Ones banned from their homes 13 What de class don't like? 18 Glass square 22 Come to terms 23 Back-to-school night org 24 Campus mil grp 25 Concludes a contract negotiation 26 Near-perfect horseshoe pitch 29 Encircled and attacked 31 Aged 33 Fraternity letter 34 Susan of ‘The Partridge Family’ 36 Nocturnal creature

37 Zagreb resident 38 Like the road in a classic ballad 39 Black, in poetry 42 Sweet-as-apple-cider girl 43 Handling clumsily 44 ‘Aladdin’ setting 45 Raising (the ante) 47 Ramshackle digs 48 Criminal with a safe job? 51 Frisbees, eg 52 Undercover operation 54 Caesar's fateful day 55 ‘Call of the Wild’ vehicle 58 Refuel, in a

SUDOKU

way 59 ‘And now, without further ___ ...’ 60 Where overachievers go? 61 Agcy that approves medicines PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

THOUGHT OF THE DAY I’d rather live with a good question than a bad answer.

– Aryeh Frimer

Chai Time STAR POWER

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2012

Your tomorrow today̶Star Power and Tarot THIRUVAIKUMAR

As per Hindu panchang

FOR 10-5-2012

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

TAURUS

GEMINI

Family members, friends and relatives will be more affectionate towards you. A peaceful atmosphere will prevail at workplace too. Try to be careful while expressing your opinion.

You will meet old friends after a long time and enjoy being in their company. Also, you will get a chance to meet close relatives after a long gap in a mar‑ riage or any other get‑together.

Change in planetary situations might create tensions and also you need to act with caution, as the changes are not so favourable. Increased expenses might upset your ﬁnancial position.

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

Children's adamancy might upset you but at the same time you will feel hap‑ py to speak about their achievements. Also you might purchase new assets in their name. Existing problems will go.

Work burden will increase. Be careful while driving. Ancestral property will bring beneﬁts. Employees are favoured with a promotion and pay hike. Busines‑ smen will achieve proﬁts as per plans.

Expenses are likely to increase. Avoid buying luxurious items and control the expenses with a stubborn mind. In cer‑ tain issues you may have to review your approach to achieve success.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

You will act swiftly and complete the undertaken work as fast as possible. Chances of certain confusion in the family. Deal with the situation with a clear cut idea to avoid embarrassments.

Friends and relatives will extend sup‑ port wholeheartedly. Happy events to take place in the family. New friends will bring you beneﬁts. You will plan to save for future by monitoring expenses.

Businessmen are advised not to take major investment decisions by believing others' ideas and advises as one of your close associates might back stab you. Be careful. Women friends will help you.

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Employees might be entrusted with new responsibilities; transfer likely with ele‑ vation. Those deprived of a child since a long time will be blessed with an off‑ spring. Kids will come out of bad habits.

Chances that you have to meet a big expense but the ultimate result will be more favourable to you. Your appro‑ ach will be so good that all work unde‑ rtaken will get completed smoothly.

Change of residence likely for some. Misunderstanding with mother will go. Talks will do good not only to you but also to all family members. Inﬂux of vis‑ itors will keep the atmosphere charged.

SUMAA TEKUR

FOR 10-5-2012

tarotreadhyd@gmail.com

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

Ten of Cups – You g‑ et extremely emotio‑ nal about something that a family mem‑ ber said. It will hurt you. But you need to learn to let go and think of moving on.

Nine of Wands – Th‑ is is a time to impro‑ ve your general knowledge and get into intellectual dis‑ cussions. It will up your status in social meetings, too.

Knight of Pentacles – An argument with a peer can get into tro‑ uble. You may need that personʼs help m‑ uch more than he/ she needs you. So be practical.

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

Six of Cups – if you have any important appointments, make sure to reach on time. You may need to keep a buffer of a few min‑ utes to beat trafﬁc, etc.

Judgment – You may be running the risk of upsetting some‑ one close to you because of the way an issue turned out. Donʼt take things too seriously.

Nine of Cups – Today goes like clockwork. Everything you plan‑ ned will ﬁt into place and you will be relie‑ ved that all your org‑ anising skills are bei‑ ng put to good use.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

Page of Swords – Yo‑ u make amends with an old friend you ha‑ d fallen out with. You realise that nothing is permanent in life. People come and go, so do emotions.

King of Pentacles – Finances are in focus. A windfall, in the form of an inheri‑ tance or a smart investment move, will force you to plan fur‑ ther. All will go well.

Ten of Wands – You are feeling burdened by the emotions of someone close to you. You two, either a part‑ ner or sibling, have a karmic connection. Ju‑ st live those emotions.

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

The World – You are about to embark on a wonderful journey of discovery. Till now, you have come across people who taught you about life. You will use that learning.

The Lovers – Decision time! You may need to be harsh on someone. Youʼll be expected to take a tough call, which may not be the best for someone you love.

The Hierophant – This card tells you that you need to make things work if you want change to happen. It is in your hands to allow posi‑ tive things to work.

For Better or for Worse Stone soup

SOLUTIONS

Boggle ITALY SPAIN POLAND FRANCE ENGLAND

Number game

Suduko

Scrabble

Ink pen

COMICS

Fred Basset

ARIES

TAROT READ

Vol: 1, No 297 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

Playing Field

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2012

The games people play

M ANIL KUMAR

Rohan, Vamshi in semis R Rajesh Ravindran

rajesh.r@postnoon.com

ohan K Reddy set up a semifinal date with Vamshi Krishna in the under-12 section of the Sinnet Super series by beating Shashank Theerta 6-1, 6-1. Rohan said the game was not an easy one though the score suggests otherwise. “It was not easy at all. He played as well as I did in the initial stages. But then I just kept my calm and beat him.” If Rohan had a relatively easy match, Vamshi Krishna had to survive a first set scare to clinch the next two sets and finish the match 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. “I was getting increasingly frustrated. That I was 4-3 at one stage just ate me up and lost it.” Vamshi said he played slow in the beginning and that’s what cost him momentum and then the set. From the second set, Vamshi changed tact. He started playing aggressive tennis. “That’swhat saved me the match.” Another player who made it to the under-12 semifinal is Sreevathsa Ratakonda. He beat Dheeraj Dhanvi 6-4, 6-3. Another interesting match was the under-16 pre-quarter between eighth seeded Bindiya Khanwani and Saranya Nagpal on Tuesday. Saranya took lead first 2-0. Then Bindiya caught up and took lead at 3-2. Bindiya held on with a slender lead at 4-3. But from this point Saranya got her rhythm and fought back and led 7-4 only to have it cut down to 7-6 by Bindiya in the following sets. But Saranya put her foot down and went on to win 9-6.

AGAINST THE WALL

Players from Deccan CC and SCF Reds came to blows before the commencement of their match as a player from the Super Cat side was playing for SCF during the onSRINIVAS SETTY going 13th Boston Cup cricket tournament

CA deny links with Starc’s deporting SYDNEY: May 9, 2012 (AFP) Cricket Australia Wednesday denied having anything to do with Mitchell Starc being thrown out of Britain, as the fast bowler attempted to play down the visa problems that saw him deported. The left-armer was due to leave London Tuesday evening with his English side Yorkshire, coached by former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie, blaming either Cricket Australia or Starc's agent for problems with his paperwork. The 22-year-old arrived at Heathrow Airport at the weekend and was initially cleared to remain, but will not now make his Yorkshire debut against Gloucestershire on Wednesday. Cricket Australia said the issue had nothing to do with them. "Mitchell is on annual leave and decided to organise a shortterm contract with Yorkshire. It has absolutely nothing to do with us," a spokesman said. "We have sent plenty of people to England and know all the requirements. Saying that, we have made it clear that if Mitchell needs our help, we are happy to do that." While Cricket Australia have been blamed by some, Yorkshire chairman Colin Graves has also fingered Starc's agent for the "fiasco", according to the Guardian newspaper. Starc was keen to play down the embarrassment as he prepared to fly out of Britain. AFP

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN

Hyderabd Sporting defeated Slaught FC 3-0 in their Peter Thangraj Memorial quarterfinal match on Tuesday. Zahidh scored two goals; one in the 11th minute and the other in the last few minutes of the second half.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2012

METRE

6 481

Chris Gayle (RCB)

31 4S 1354

Ajinkya Rahane (RR)

HIGHEST SCORE

103*

Ajinkya Rahane (RR), Kevin Pietersen (RCB)

BEST BOWLER

5-16

Ravindra Jadeja (CSK)

Revenge time for Mumbai I thought the difference was the bowling in the first four overs. It was a two-paced wicket and we bowled too short on a wicket that still had something in it for the bowlers. Kumar Sangakkara DC Captain

Virender Sehwag (DD) 468 runs

M Morkel (DD), L Malinga (MI), 20 wickets

RCB still undecided on captain R

oyal Challengers Bangalore are yet to decide on whether Daniel Vettori or Virat Kohli would lead the team today against Mumbai Indians in their IPL match at the Wankhede Stadium, said Tillakaratne Dilshan. "We will take a call on the captain tomorrow. It will be either (regular captain, Daniel) Vettori or (Virat) Kohli. We have not taken a decision yet," said the Sri Lankan batsman. Dilshan felt his teammates needed to be at their best against a keyed up Mumbai Indians, who rediscovered their winning touch, having won three of their last four games, including a sensational last-ball victory over Chennai Super Kings on Sunday. PTI

KKR DD MI RR KXIP CSK RCB PWI DC

P 12 11 11 12 12 12 11 13 12

W 8 8 7 6 6 5 5 4 2

L N/T PT NRR 3 1 17 0.600 3 0 16 0.880 4 0 14 -0.143 6 0 12 0.265 6 0 12 -0.309 6 1 11 0.013 5 1 11 -0.333 9 0 8 -0.238 9 1 5 -0.621

P-played; W-win; L-lost; N/T-no result/tie;NRR-net run rate; PT-points

G Aparna Sai feedback@postnoon.com

umbai Indians are set to clash with Royal Challengers Bangalore for the first time this season when both the teams meet today in Mumbai. While MI are presently ranked third with 14 points, the Challengers will have to clinch a few more victories before they find a position among the top four teams. Mumbai have fared reasonably well in the recent past. Touted as tournament favourites, MI began the tournament with a bang having thrashed defending champions, Chennai Super Kings, in the inaugural match but they soon lost steam. Their star player, Sachin Tendulkar's absence for a few matches seemed to dent their confidence. Also, Lasith Malinga's injury did not help their cause. But currently, with both back in the side, it looks like they have found

their confidence and are back to their threatening ways. Meanwhile, Dwayne Smith is the new find for MI. His heroics against CSK would be remembered for a long time to come. The Challengers, on the other hand, will have to get back to winning ways. Their victory against Deccan Chargers has certainly uplifted their morale. Although Chirs Gayle does not seem as threatening as he earlier did, yet RCB do not have much to worry about with the likes of AB de Villiers and Tillakaratne Dilshan chipping in. Bowling could be a cause for worry for the Bangalore side. If skipper Daniel Vettori sits out like he did in the tie against the Chargers, then it would be difficult to curb the opposition from scoring well. Adding to the woes, Zaheer Khan, no longer seems to be a threat to the rival batsmen. Having lost to RCB in last year's second qualifying final, Mumbai would hope to seek revenge and draw first blood in this edition.

SCORECARD PUNE WARRIORS VS RAJASTHAN ROYALS Pune Warriors innings (20 overs) S Ganguly c Chavan b Tait 14 M Clarke lbw b Binny 16 R Uthappa c Yagnik b Tait 13 AP Majumdar b Botha 30 S Smith not out 18 A Mathews run out (Shah) 11 M Manhas b Tait 11 WD Parnell not out 2 Extras (lb 7, w 3) 10 Total (6 wickets; 20 overs) 125 Bowling O M R W Econ A Chavan 2 0 20 0 10.00 S Tait 4 0 13 3 3.25 S Watson 4 0 28 0 7.00 J Botha 4 0 25 1 6.25 S Binny 3 0 12 1 4.00 SK Trivedi 3 0 20 0 6.66 Rajasthan Royals innings (target: 126 runs from 20 overs) R Dravid c Clarke b Parnell 14 A Rahane c Smith b Kumar 0 S Watson not out 90 AL Menaria c Manhas b Clarke 18 O Shah not out 4 Extras 0 Total (3 wickets; 16.2 overs) 126 Bowling O M R W Econ WD Parnell 2 0 12 1 6.00 B Kumar 3 0 17 1 5.66 M Kartik 3 0 32 0 10.66 A Nehra 3 0 33 0 11.00 A Mathews 3 0 15 0 5.00 M Clarke 2 0 12 1 6.00 S Smith 0.2 0 5 0 15.00

KINGS XI PUNJAB VS DECCAN CHARGERS Kings XI Punjab innings (20 overs) Mandeep Singh b Ashish Reddy 75 SE Marsh b Dhawan 22 N Saini lbw b Ashish Reddy 2 DJ Hussey c Harris b Pratap Singh 16 Azhar Mahmood run out (Ashish Reddy/Theron) 14 DA Miller not out 28 SD Chitnis not out 6 Extras (b 1, lb 1, w 5) 7 Total (5 wickets; 20 overs) 170 Bowling O M R W Econ Jhunjhunwala 2 0 12 0 6.00 Pratap Singh 4 0 45 1 11.25 J Theron 4 0 29 0 7.25 S Dhawan 2 0 8 1 4.00 Ashish Reddy 4 0 39 2 9.75 A Mishra 2 0 20 0 10.00 DJ Harris 2 0 15 0 7.50 Deccan Chargers innings (target: 171 runs from 20 overs) DJ Harris c Awana b Hussey 30 S Dhawan c Azhar Mahmood b Kumar 8 P Patel b Awana 17 C White c Marsh b Hussey 8 K Sangakkara c Saini b Kumar 4 PA Reddy st Saini b Chawla 24 A Jhunjhunwala run out (Marsh) 19 A Ashish Reddy c Marsh b Awana 8 J Theron not out 7 A Mishra not out 8 Extras (b 4, lb 1, w 7) 12 Total (8 wickets; 20 overs) 145 Bowling O M R W Econ R Powar 3 0 32 0 10.66 P Kumar 4 0 15 2 3.75 P Chawla 4 0 33 1 8.25 P Awana 4 0 27 2 6.75 A Mahmood 4 0 31 0 7.75 D Hussey 1 0 2 2 2.00

Rajasthan Royals won by 7 wickets

Kings XI Punjab won by 25 runs

MI VS RCB AT 8 PM ON SET MAX

SWING AND A MISS

Deccan Chargersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Parthiv Patel is bowled out by Kings XI Punjabâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Parvinder Awana (unseen) during their IPL match at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Tuesday. AFP/NOAH SEELAM

77 DAYS TO GO

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2012

OK Ladies, the gloves are on Peter Simpson

Flame to be lit on Thursday ATHENS:

The Olympic flame for this summer’s London Games will be lit on Thursday in Ancient Olympia, the Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC) announced on Tuesday. The Flame will be lit “with every solemnity, according to the traditional way,” the HOC said in a statement. Ceremonies at the site where the first Olympics were held some 2,800 years ago will be attended by International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Jacques Rogge, London 2012 Olympics Organising Committee President Lord Sebastian Coe as well as other IOC members, British and Greek officials. “The High Priestess Ino Menegaki will light the Olympic flame directly from the sunrays and then, after the ritual prepared by choreographer Artemis Ignatiou, the sacred light will be handed over to the first torchbearer, Greek world champion swimmer Spyros Gianniotis,” the HOC said. Gianniotis will then pass the torch to Alexander Loukos, a British boxer whose father moved to the UK from Greece. An eight-day torch relay covering 2,900km around Greece will follow, taking in archaeological sites and ending on May 17 with the arrival of the flame at the old Athens Olympic Stadium where the first modern Games were held in 1896.

BEIJING: Women’s boxing is preparing to punch its way into the history books when the world championships, doubling as the sport’s first ever Olympic qualifying event, take to the ring in China this week. The AIBA World Women’s Championships will see medal-hungry boxers compete to secure one of 24 berths in the three London 2012 weight categories: 48-51 kg flyweight, 57-60 kg lightweight, and 69-75 kg middleweight. Ireland’s reigning world champion lightweight and gold medal hope Katie Taylor (right) will be in search of her fourth consecutive world title at the Olympic Stadium in Qinhuangdao, on China’s east coast. But attention will also focus on Afghanistan’s Sadaf Rahimi, a 17-yearold flyweight who trains at the Kabul stadium where the Taliban, which banned women from playing all sports, staged public executions. Rahimi, who was inspired to box after meeting Muhammad Ali’s daughter, Laila, has recently been honing her combinations and footwork in Britain

as she bids for one of the eight spots available in her category. Hosts China are also fielding one of the strongest teams, including 51kg flyweight world champion Ren Cancan and Yang Yanzi, the 57kg lightweight silver-medallist at the last edition in 2010. World number three 75kg fighter Li Jinzi will be competing for a middleweight Olympic place. Meanwhile the hopes of India lie in the quick and powerful hands of ‘Magnificent Mary’ Kom, a five-time world champion and the mother of twin boys who is tipped to secure flyweight qualification in Qinhuangdao. Olympics hosts Britain will be hoping current world number two flyweight Nicola Adams will secure her right to challenge for gold in front of her home crowd. Several organisations now represent the women’s discipline at both professional and amateur level and fights are staged in more than 100 countries worldwide. The world championships in China are the seventh edition since AIBA debuted the event in the United States in 2001. In 2009, the IOC approved the discipline’s inclusion in this year’s Games.

Turkey told to choose between Olympics and Euro 2020 LAUSANNE: Turkey will have to withdraw its bid to host the 2020 European football championships if Istanbul is awarded the Olympic Games in the same year, the president of the International Olympic Committee told AFP on Tuesday. Jacques Rogge said in an interview that IOC rules state that a Games host country cannot hold another major sports event in the same year. “Initially they will be judged on their technical capacity on May 23 in Quebec City,” said Rogge, referring to the IOC members’ vote on the short-list for the 2020 Games.

“On September 7 next year in Buenos Aires, if Istanbul is elected we will respectfully ask them not to host the European hampionships. Ultimately, it will be for the government to make their mind up but I would say the elec-

tion would be conditional on not organising another competition.” Istanbul, who were considered a leading candidate to host the Games after several failed bids, were dealt a huge blow when Turkey unexpectedly declared their candidacy for Euro 2020. Until then, bid organisers had understood that the government’s priority was the hosting of the Games. Turkey’s bid for the Euro is largely seen as being motivated by enthusiastic soundings from UEFA president Michel Platini, who believes there are few countries capable of hosting the showpiece tournament.

9,000 tickets to go on sale LONDON: An extra 900,000 tickets for the London Olympic Games go on sale on Friday to previously unsuccessful applicants, with people who have missed out twice getting first priority. “Tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis, exclusively to the one million or so people who applied in previous rounds of Olympic ticket sales and were not successful,” Games organisers LOCOG said in a statement. “First priority will be given to the 20,000 people who were unsuccessful in the initial Olympic ballot application.”

Playing Field

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2012

The games people play

Hello sailor! Ukraine’s British football roots Viktor Branyisky

KIEV: When the final of the European Championship kicks off in Kiev on July 1, it will be the high point in the history of Ukrainian football, more than a century after it was introduced to the country by a group of British sailors. The sailors established the first football side in the southern port city of Odessa where they worked. Locals looking on learned the game, paving the way for a string of famous teams now known the world over. The capital’s Dynamo Kiev — whose players were involved in the notorious ‘Death Match’ against Nazi forces in the 1940s — and Shakhtar Donetsk from the eastern industrial belt are among Ukraine’s strongest calling cards. But today’s teams have also seen borders shift and empires die, with the Russian, Habsburg and Soviet empires as well as Poland all ruling part or all of modern Ukraine in the last century. Team OBAK (Odessa’s British Athletics Club), founded in 1878, consisted only of British citizens and used any suitable ground in the city for practices and playing. In 1884 the first football pitch was constructed in

Odessa, where the matches were held on a regular basis and quickly became popular among locals. Almost at the same time, football appeared in the Habsburg Empire’s Galicia region — much of which is now western Ukraine — where it became popular among the largely Polishspeaking members of local gymnastics society Sokol. The match between the teams of Sokol Lviv and the visiting side from Krakow,

played on July 14, 1894, was later recognised by Ukraine’s Football Federation as the country’s first ever football match. After World War I and the Bolshevik revolution that established the Soviet Union, football teams were organised in Ukraine’s biggest cities like Kiev, Odessa, Dnepropetrovsk and Kharkiv. Kharkiv teams dominated Ukraine’s football in the 1920s but it was Dynamo Kiev who represented Ukraine in the

first Soviet championship in 1936, finishing second in the the new league. Meanwhile, in the west of today’s Ukraine football was catching on. Pogon Lviv won the Polish championship four times in the 1920s. But they and Lviv’s other Polish clubs were wound up when the city and its surrounding region became Soviet territory after the 1939 Nazi-Soviet pact. The Nazis turned against the Soviets in 1941, and western Ukraine had its own league until 1944, when the Red Army drove out the Germans. It was Dynamo Kiev players who in 1942 played the notorious ‘Death Match’ against an elite team from the occupying Nazi forces, beating them and then having much of the team arrested by the Gestapo. Football in independent Ukraine after the collapse of the Soviet Union was dominated by Dynamo Kiev, who won nine consecutive titles before Shakhtar Donetsk interrupted their impressive run in 2002. Since then that rivalry has been at the heart of Ukrainian football. The national side enters the 2012 championships’ with former Soviet star striker Oleg Blokhin at the helm to write another chapter in Ukrainian football.

Pacers into second round LOS ANGELES: Danny Granger scored 25 points as the Indiana Pacers punched their ticket to the second round of the NBA playoffs by beating Orlando 105-87 in game five of their Eastern Conference series. The Pacers advanced past the first round for the first time since 2005, winning the best of seven series 4-1. “We feel like this is just the beginning of a big run. We’re excited about where we’re at as a basketball team,” Pacers head coach Frank Vogel said. The NBA postseason could shift dramatically Tuesday night as the Pacers were one of four teams in action holding 3-1 series leads. Phila-

delphia and the Western Conference’s Los Angeles Lakers were hoping to join them in the next round. The Atlanta Hawks avoided elimination Tuesday by beating Boston 8786 to cut the Celtics series lead to three games to two. The Orlando Magic elimination marked the first time in his NBA career that a team coached by Stan Van Gundy had won the first game and not gone on to win the series. The last time the Indiana Pacers lost the opening game in the NBA and then came back to capture the series was in the 2005 postseason against Boston.

SPORT SNIPPETS Joker slams blue clay Novak Djokovic scraped and slid to an opening victory at the Madrid Masters on Tuesday, then let loose with a blistering appraisal of the event’s controversial blue clay courts. “That was not tennis, either I need football shoes or some advice on how to play on this court,” said the Serb top seed after beating Spain’s number 137 Daniel Gimeno-Traver 62, 2-6, 6-3. “We need serious discussion about the future of this blue clay.”

Tennis

“

If he didn’t have a good chin he would be blasted out in first round. This means I will give him a nice, slow, concussive beating.

Boxer David Haye on Dereck Chisora a controversial July grudge match between the British fighters was confirmed

Marathon Man barred A Japanese comedian has been barred from representing Cambodia in the men’s marathon at the Olympics, after the athletics world governing body said he was ineligible. Kuniaki Takizaki, a TV star renowned for his quirky cat impressions under the stage name Neko Hiroshi, has not been a Cambodian citizen long enough to compete internationally, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) said in an email Tuesday.

Olympics

¡NTKT=

Is the rumoured amount Arsenal are set to pay for Rennes midfielder M’Vila, who has long been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium. The amount will be a club record. Should the deal go through M’Vila would be Wenger’s second signing following the arrival of Lukas Podolski.

Hamilton slams 4 homers Baseball Josh Hamilton tied a major

league record with four homers and drove in eight runs as the Texas Rangers crushed the Baltimore Orioles 10-3 Tuesday at Camden Yards ballpark in Baltimore. Hamilton became the 16th player in Major League Baseball history to accomplish the feat and first since Carlos Delgado in 2003. He is the sixth in the American League to do so. Hamilton leads the American League with 14 home runs and 35 RBI. He is batting .406.

Playing Field

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2012

The games people play

For Liverpool, it’s child’s play

Liverpool's Uruguayan forward Luis Suaez with his daughter waves to the crowd after the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield. AFP/PAUL ELLIS

LONDON: Chelsea will have to win the Champions League final if they are to compete in next season’s edition after a 4-1 defeat by Liverpool on Tuesday ended their hopes of a top four Premier League finish. Just three days after beating Liverpool 2-1 in the FA Cup final at Wembley, Chelsea were 3-0 behind inside half an hour at Anfield following an own-goal from Michael Essien and goals from Jordan Henderson and Daniel Agger. Ramires scored for Chelsea early in the second half before Jonjo Shelvey ended any hope of a comeback with his first Premier League goal. England’s top four clubs will enter next term’s Champions League unless Chelsea beat

Venky’s was warned of impending fowl play LONDON: Blackburn Rovers’ deputy chief executive wanted manager Steve Kean sacked in December, a leaked letter he sent to the club’s Indian owners has revealed a day after the side were relegated from the Premier League. Paul Hunt’s letter, obtained by the Sporting Intelligence website, also revealed his concerns about the club’s financial position and the growing mood of supporter unrest at Ewood Park following the takeover of the club by Indian poultry firm Venky’s in November 2010. So concerned was Hunt by what he saw

as a worsening situation and the threat of relegation he asked Venky’s chairman Anuradha Desai to allow him greater control of the north-west side. In his 2,500 word letter, Hunt, the most senior official at Ewood Park since the departure of former chairman John Williams more than a year ago, wrote: “We are losing fans/customers at an alarming rate. I am very concerned that fans are voting with their feet and not attending, not purchasing and not engaging with the club.” Venky’s ducked the media in India and Britain on Tuesday.

A Chicken is put on the pitch by Blackburn fans in protest of the Venkey's ownership of the club during the match between Blackburn Rovers and Wigan Athletic at Ewood Park. AFP/ANDREW YATES

Bayern Munich at the German club’s ground in the final on May 19. If Chelsea win, it will deprive the team in fourth of a place in the preliminary round. This defeat meant the top four was beyond the reach of Chelsea, who will now finish in sixth spot, as it left them five points behind fourth-placed Tottenham with just three on offer for beating already relegated Blackburn in their final league match of the season on Sunday. Chelsea’s interim manager Roberto di Matteo defended his decision to make eight changes from the team that ran out at Wembley by saying: “We’ve come so far because we’ve used the energy and players we have in the squad.

Matteo sweats over Luiz, Cahill Neil Johnston

LIVERPOOL: Roberto di Matteo has admitted he is still unsure whether defenders Gary Cahill and David Luiz will be available for Chelsea’s Champions League final with Bayern Munich on May 19. Cahill has missed the last four matches with a damaged hamstring while Luiz has not featured since April 15 because of a similar injury. Both players were missing as an under-strength Chelsea side lost 4-1 at Liverpool in the Premier League on Tuesday in a re-run of last Saturday’s FA Cup final at Wembley, which Chelsea won 2-1. Di Matteo said he was unsure whether the duo would be available to feature at Bayern’s Allianz Arena later this month. “I don’t know, we’ll see,” said di Matteo.