Postnoon E-Paper for 15 May 2012

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EAT SMART TO LOSE WEIGHT You hit the gym with all the vigour and determination possible, hoping to be several kilos lighter in a couple of months. But four months down the line and several exhausting workouts later you’re not as light as you’d expected to be. Disappointed? Discouraged? Don’t be. While exercise is important to stay fit and stave off extra P18 kilos, it is also important to supplement this regime with a healthy diet. Hyderabad’s first compact afternoon newspaper

TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2012 HYDERABAD

A JOB TO DO Internships are usually undertaken in order to get credits or experience in a particular course. What do students expect out of an internP15 ship? We find out.

THE UNBREAKABLE GLASS CEILING Despite their immense popularity among the masses, actresses rarely get a chance to call the shots while making a film. We find out more P8 about the status quo.

NANI, AMALA IN BILINGUAL FILM The latest buzz is that Nani has signed to play one of the lead roles in a bilingual film to be directed by Samutharakani. Amala Paul is going to team up with Nani and Jayam Ravi P21 in this film.

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LATEST ADDITION TO LOCKUP: ‘JESUS’ The self-styled ‘Jesus Christ’, Maodud Ahmed Khan, was arrested on Monday by Rajendra Nagar police for creating nuisance in public. He is also charged with making remarks offensive to other faiths. REPORT ON PG 3


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TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2012

Spirit of Twin Cities

WHITE WONDER

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 lectureship and scholarship test(NET/APSET) for `3,650. Where: Hyderabad library services, Sagar View Complex When: May 10 - June 10, Contact: (040) 2322 2247, 94412 37751

The amazing summer shuttle A summer camp for children in the age group of 1-15 and for adults in Thai flowers, stocking flowers and marble painting is being held. Where: Plot-26, Gunrock Enclave, Secunderabad When: 11am-1pm, 11am-5pm Contact:98498 04416, 93921 05310

Etching prints A group exhibition of etching prints by various talented artists is being held. Where: Gallery Space, Banjara Hills, Rd No 12 When: Ongoing, 11am onwards Contact: (040) 6554 1836

Picture perfect A 7-day photography workshop for children with the aim to introduce them to the basics of photography is being held at Treasure House. The workshop is open for children in the age group of 12-18 years. Where: Treasure House, Jubilee Hills, Rd No 36 When: Ongoing, 11am onwards Contact: (040) 2355 0118

Time to think This — a thought provoking comedy by Sharanya Ramprakash deals with four modern thirty-year-olds. The play will be staged on May 19. Where: Nift campus, Madhapur When: May19, 7.30pm onwards Contact: (040) 2311 4537

Metamorpherscense A painting exhibition titled Metamorphescense by Pranatu Khanna is being held at Iconart Gallery. The exhibition is on till May 19. Where: Muse Art Gallery, Tank Bund When: Ongoing, 11am onwards Contact: (040) 2752 2999

CINEMAS

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

Telugu play A Telugu play titled Go To Hell which deals with the conflict between an orthodox father and a modern son will be presented at Lamakaan on May 15. Where: Lamakaan, Banjara Hills, Rd No 1 When: May 15, 7pm onwards Contact: 96427 31329

The awakening A painting exhibition titled Buddha — The awakening will be held at Iconart gallery. The exhibition which

was inaugurated on the occasion of Buddha Purnima 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

Solo exhibition Ramakanth’s Solo Painting Exhibition which deals with loneliness of a long distance runner. Where: Hyderabad Marriott, Tank Bund When: Ongoing, 11am onwards Contact: (040) 2752 2999

Yoga Camp The third part of a series of sevenday yoga camp will be held by Yoga Healing Foundation in Yousufguda. The last part will beheld at Saroornagar from May 20. Where: Krishnakanth Park, Yousufguda When: May13 onwards, 5.15 am onwards Contact: 98489 92354

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 Inorbit Mall When: Ongoing, 4pm onwards

Contact: (040) 2335 0144

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. Where: Alliance Francaise, Banjara Hills, Rd No 3 When: May 10 onwards, 6pm onwards Contact: (040) 2355 4483

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

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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‘Jesus Christ’ held in City CRIME Mohd Subhan mohd.s@postnoon.com

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he self-styled Jesus Christ, Maodud Ahmed Khan alias Essu Masi, was arrested on Monday by Rajendra Nagar police for creating nuisance in public. He is also charged with assault on other faiths. Maodud Ahmed Khan, 42, a resident of Upperpally Old Fort under Rajendra Nagar police station limits was held after people turned their ire at his lecture on the “second coming of Jesus’ at a meeting in Chintalmet area yesterday. Local people caught hold of him and beat him up before summoning the police, Rajendra Nagar inspector S Jayaram told Postnoon. Maodud Ahmed Khan is a graduate who was unsuccessful at business and turned to preaching. For as long as the family and friend remember, he has been a preacher who believes that he is the second Jesus and people are advised to listen to him. He could save them, and in the process,

analyse other religions too which antagonise others. Inspector Jairam said that Maodud shifts his residence often for fear of getting attacked. Wherever he shifts, opposition to him erupts and then he moves out.

Maodud Ahmed Khan is a hard nut, police say. He was charged with the same offences and was arrested earlier too but he remains unfazed and goes on berating sceptics. In all, there are 13 cases including assault against him in different police stations in

Govt to convert SW hostels into residential schools? EDUCATION

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he State Government was contemplating to convert all the social welfare hostels into social welfare residential schools that would increase the number of social welfare(SW) residential schools to nearly 1,000 in the State. Launching the refresher training for principals of social welfare residential institutions in educational administration at MCHRD here, the minister for social welfare Pitani Satyanarayana informed that the state government was contemplating over an idea of upgrading all the social welfare hostels into SW residential schools. Presently 288 social welfare residential schools were running in the State and among them 80 schools have classes up to intermediate level with 1,500 intermediate students studying there. The total number of social welfare residential schools would reach 1,000, if social welfare hostels were converted into residential schools, he added. Stating that `12,000 was being spent for each student of the social welfare residential school as mess charges, the minister disclosed that the government was spending in total (including teaching and non-teaching expenditure) `38,000 per student. The total strength of SW residential schools was 1.5 lakh students in the state, he added. Pointing out that the State government was giving top priority to education and

PRESENTLY 288 SOCIAL WELFARE RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS WERE RUNNING IN THE STATE AND AMONG THEM 80 SCHOOLS HAVE CLASSES UP TO INTERMEDIATE LEVEL WITH 1,500 INTERMEDIATE STUDENTS. welfare, Satyanarayana underlined the need to improve the quality of education in social welfare residential schools in tune with education sector in the world. He exhorted the principals of social welfare residential schools to improve their management skills and strive for betterment of academic system in the residential system. The teachers should also update their knowledge to meet teaching requirements in the changed education system, he added. The SW residential schools should compete with corporate schools in extending quality education and achieving results. Though social welfare residential schools have been setup 28 years back (in 1984), they have still not gained full faith of the people in terms of quality of education, he stated. He urged the principals and teachers to work to improve the quality of education. The principal secretary of social welfare Reymond Pater, Social Welfare Residential Education Institutions Society Secretary T Chiranjeevulu and others were present on the occasion. AGENCY

the City, since 2005. Police believe the man is wellfunded, probably from abroad. The source of his funding is under investigation, it is said. He has tried to convert many to Christianity which in turn generates ill-will and hatred. People from his own community, Muslims, wanted him to be ‘crucified’ as he claims to be Jesus. Sub inspector of Rajendra Nagar Venkateshwarlu, who is investigating this case, said the messiah is married but lives alone. “Jesus” is said to have married or lived in with four women before his current wife. Maodud had started a small chit fund company, but after few months he defaulted, thereby causing loss to many. The police then arrested him in this connection, Venkateshwarlu said. He has uploaded videos of his preaching and send out messages asking people to believe in him or be prepared to be doomed. He was beaten up several times before by the public. In districts he goes and pitches his tent and claims that he has come to ‘save’ the sinners. A Muslim clergy is planning to issue a fatwa against him, it is learnt.

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GLOBE AT A GLANCE FAPCCI job fair in City

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he Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI) will be organising a job fair from June 7 to July 28, 2012 in major cities of the State. In Hyderabad it will be on June 7 and 8.

Man held for assault

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amulu, 45, who used to ill-treat his wife Prameela, 36, in drunken condition was held by the Gopalpuram police on Monday. It is said that Prameela was injured after the man attacked her in a drunken stupor. Hearing the screams, neighbours rushed in and saw her lying in a pool of blood. She was immediately taken to the hospital and the enraged people gave a good thrashing to the man before summoning the police.

Body found in lake

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he body of a youth, by the name of Naresh Kumar, 24, was fished out from the Himayat Sagar Lake. He was allegedly fishing in the lake but fell into it and died. He was an employee of a private firm. Kumar was a resident of Budhwell. The police are investigating the nature of the accident and waiting for the post-mortem report to decide if it was an accident or a case of murder.


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RTI: For some, YSR is still CM! Most government offices either don’t have the public information board or don’t update their officers’ lists, leading to confusion ILLPADRINO

GOVERNANCE Rahul Ramakrishna rahul.r@postnoon.com

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s per the RTI Act of 2005, it is mandatory for every government office or institution to “provide a directory of its employees and officers complete with names, details and contact numbers available to the public.” This rule, the most basic of all rules on citizens’ right to information, is barely adhered to. In addition to the frequent absence of its employees, the Public Information Board is never seen nor heard of in any of the government offices. On enquiry, some are even astounded to know of its existence. At government offices, common sense has always taken the backseat. The HMWS&SB office at Khairatabad is host to at least 3,000 visitors a day. The Board that caters to the water and sew-

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

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erage demands of the capital city has no trace of a Public Information Board that can help you contact your required officer. The PRO at the office said, “We have received complaints in the past and currently we are in the process of setting it up. Until then, people are free to approach us and we will provide them the necessary information.” Although the GHMC head office has shown a great initiative by posting all the details related to Public Information, many of its divisional offices continue to cause confusion, thanks to the absence of a Public Information Board within their premises. The Khairatabad Municipal Corporation office is another prime example of chaos prevailing in government offices. Forget a Public Information Board, there is not even an enquiry desk here, your only guide through the many mazes of the office are the reclusive guards and clerks. Joining the league elsewhere are the postal departments that

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have lagged behind in updating themselves. The contact details on the Public Information Board are absent in the Chandanagar Postal department office. For a while, these boards have been hidden from view and despite repeated complaints, they have not been put up to public attention. A visitor at the post office, Shakeel Ahmed says, “There is no name plate or board that helps us know who we need to approach. Sometimes, it’s impossible to tell if the officer we need to speak to is missing or away from duty.” The district consumer forum is perhaps a highlight in its own way. The Chandravihar building that hosts among others, the consumer forum, is devoid of any sign that indicates the presence of the consumer forum here. More surprisingly, the forum does not have a help desk or an enquiry counter. P Ramakrishna, an RTI activist says, “It is mandatory for any government office or department to put up a Public Information Board. Some of the postal offices in Chandanagar and Serilingampally do not even have a Public Information Officer in-charge. Also, after the scheduled transfers of officials, the boards are not updated and neither are the websites.” He alleges, that many RTIs filed with the HMDA have been forwarded by the PIO to some other concerned officials and within this myriad maze, these requests have not been replied to. Updating websites is also another task that has slipped our civil servants’ attention. Centre for Good Governance site, for instance, has YSR as the CM. Need we say more?

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Schools turn defaulters WATER Inkeshaf Ahmed ahmed.m@postnoon.com

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overnment schools in the City which impart education to thousands of children in Hyderabad, have turned defaulters of drinking water bills. This is not only creating problems for the HMWS&SB, the supplier of drinking water to over 8 lakh consumers, but also mounting its arrears. The official statistics of the board show that the water board has a total arrear of `190 crore till date. A majority of the defaulters include various government departments and over 90 per cent of government schools. “This is a difficult situation for us. Most of the government schools do not pay their monthly drinking water bills. This has resulted in piling up of their arrears and the amount ran into thousands of rupees,” said D Subbaramaiah, joint director of finance wing of HMWS&SB. It was found that many of these schools are unable to pay the dues because of non-availability of funds. “We don’t have funds to pay these bills. This is where the delay starts,” K Surekha, head mistress of Government Girls High School, Nampally defended. Before Surekha took charge, the school had an accumulated arrear of `10,252. However, Surekha cleared the arrears as the school received funds under the Rajiv Vidya Mission Scheme (RVM).

“This (RVM) is a boon for us. The government is sanctioning a specific amount towards payment of electricity and drinking water charges every month under the scheme,” she said. The head master of Government High School, Punjagutta Rd No 1, which is now being run from a premises of Yellareddguda Government High School informs that the school has arrears of `4,000 when it comes to drinking water. “We are planning to pay the bills very soon,” he said. The payment of electricity and drinking water charges under RVM had begun about two years ago, giving a breather to many government school managements.

Demand for free supply Many of these school authorities, raising an interesting point, asked the board to supply drinking water free of cost as they are also rendering a noble service by imparting education. “Why should we pay money for drinking water? We are owned by the government and are doing a noble service. Can’t the board supply drinking water free of cost to us?” questioned Anuradha, principal of Government Junior College Aliya. She informed that they don’t have specific funds to pay utility bills. The head master of the Government High School Punjagutta No 1, J Pitchaiah also expressed similar feelings. Although he said they would clear the dues soon, free supply would help, he added. TIMOTHY RAYANG

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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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It was a test flight, no joyride When asked about the bad track record of Gupta in flying the choppers, and an earlier accident, Ramana agreed that this aspect has to be looked into. On the other hand the CM at present is using private choppers for his election tour as he cannot use the official chopper because of the election code. But there are records to show that the DGP in fact wanted to use the CM’s chopper for making an aerial survey of the Maoist infested areas in the State.

SECURITY U Srinivas srinivas.u@postnoon.com

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here was no breach of security or no friends were taken on a joy ride by Captain Barun Gupta in the CM’s chopper Agusta AW139, according to NV Ramana Reddy special secretary to the government (political and NRI affairs) and director of the protocol. Ramana is also managing director for Aviation Corporation. Talking to Postnoon Ramana Reddy said that It was merely an allegation made by an outsourced employee who was removed from the service for making acts of breach of security twice. He was not an employee of the Aviation Corporation. It was reported that the pilot of the chief minister’s helicopter had the other day given a joy ride to his girl friends. The chief secretary Pankaj Dwivedi had asked for an inquiry.

New chopper for the government?

The preliminary investigation revealed that nothing of that sort had happened. Captain Barun Gupta reported to Ramana Reddy yesterday at the State secretariat in his office and clarified that there was no breach of security or no joy rides were given in the CM’s chopper. The ousted employee had planted the story to spite the pilot,

it was said. Ramana said the technical staff generally goes on a test flight and also landing before the take off happens for a VVIP. Since this chopper is being used by the chief minister, the test flights are very common keeping earlier accidents and other mishaps in mind. Ramana said that even if it is tech-

Winning, not spending, is the criterion this by-election

POLITICS Postnoon News feedback@postnoon.com

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oll expenditure for the forthcoming byelections will skyrocket, agree leaders cutting across the party lines. Multi-cornered contest is one reason for the likely overspending. Little wonder, all the parties have selected candidates with deep pockets. In fact, no one can promise that the election spending will be within

the limits prescribed by the election commission. The chief electoral officer Banwarlal said the limit for a parliamentary constituency now is `40 lakh as against the earlier `25 lakh. The limit for Assembly constituencies is `16 lakh (it was `10 lakh earlier). Kummari Krishna, a Congress leader said that this will be grossly insufficient. “You can’t fight a municipal election with this amount,” she observed. But, spending will not be a constraint as it is a do

or die situation for all the stake holders — the Congress, TDP and the YSRC. This would be the semi-final for the 2014 general elections. TDP leader Varla Ramaiah agreed that one has to spend for winning the election but the TDP cannot be a match to the rich Congress and the YSRC, he said. But leaders cutting across the party lines are of the opinion that the YSR Congress party will be able to win more seats as they were sitting MLAs earlier. For Congress, it is the future of CM Kiran Kumar Reddy and also the party. All the political parties preferred candidates with a sound financial background and support of heavy weights. Chandrababu Naidu had gone on record that it was very difficult for TDP to face the bypolls from time to time. When it comes to Assembly elections Tirupathi, Udayagiri and Ongole are the seats where huge amounts are likely to be spent.

nical staff there will be entries in log book and that cannot be ignored. Every flight or test flight is recorded and no one can escape from the reality. Gupta also met Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy and explained to him on the allegations and about the test flight in March.

Ramana agreed that there was a proposal with the State government to buy a new chopper for the VVIPs. Now the State government has one chopper at its disposal while the old one crashed with the former chief minister YS Rajasekhar Reddy. There is every need for the government to buy a new chopper as a standby chopper is required. But the proposal has been pending since the last three years according to Ramana.

Public sector general insurance cos flay govt policy INSURANCE

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eneral Insurance Employees’ Association, Hyderabad, has demanded that the Central government merges the four Public Sector General Insurance Companies and accord them the status on par with Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC). Speaking to the media on Monday, All India Insurance Employees’ Association joint secretary V Ramesh wanted the Centre to stop disinvestment of Public Sector General Insurance Companies. He alleged that the Central government was conspiring to privatise the four general insurance companies — National

Insurance Co, the New India Assurance Co, the Oriental Insurance Co and United India Insurance Co. Though the four public sector general insurance companies were constantly serving the people and society with dedication and playing their part in strengthening the economy of the country, the earlier NDA government had opened the gates for private players in the general insurance sector in 2000. He alleged that the UPA government was trying to introduce Insurance Amendment Act in the on-going Parliament session, to permit private players into the sector. National Insurance Company Hyderabad DGM D Nadhamuni alleged the Central government was trying to hand over insurance companies to private players. ^dbk`v


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TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2012

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Shopping, homes and much more SAI RAM REDDY

Malkajgiri offers everything that one needs — from independent houses, apartments and shopping malls to hospitals and eateries Sneha M and Bhavneet S feedback@postnoon.com

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alkajgiri is one of the largest stretches of residential areas in the City, it is a combination of independent houses and apartments. The locality is perfect for a middle class person to buy a house. Apart from being an ideal residential area, Malkajgiri has wide roads and literally everything you can ask for, from theatres to shopping malls. Like every other locality in the City, Malkajgiri too has its share of problems. The main issue being the dog menace. Roshan Vijay, a resident of Sai Nagar colony, says, “Whenever I go out in the evening I make sure I carry a stick in my hand to keep myself safe from dog attacks. There are around 50 to 60 stray dogs in my colony”. The other problem is water shortage in summer and the disturbance caused by the drunkards. Avinash Singh, a resident of the same colony, complains, “I'm so scared to send my

Workshop on canine distemper to be held

sister out in the evening because of the drunkards. They pose a severe threat to the colony girls.” The adjacent Anand Bagh neighbourhood is another treat to the eyes. It is divided into two parts — East Anand Bagh and West Anand Bagh. The area consists of picturesque colonies. Aayushi Dalliparthy a resident of East Anand bagh says, “My locality is very beautiful, when I feel low I can just go out for a stroll in the streets. It has a bright and colourful ambience.” The residents’ only complaint about the area is the poor sanitation of the streets. Safilguda is one of the oldest and

most preserved localities of the City, it is a rare combination of residential colonies and commercial complexes. Everything you need is available within the radius of two kilometres. A disturbance to the otherwise calm locality is the railway tracks. The lake park was earlier a popular attraction for the locals. But now the situation is different. The lake is now filled with the waste coming from the neighbouring colonies. BV Sharma a resident of Krupa Complex says, “My locality is a safe place to live in. The only problem in the locality is the power cuts in summer and the disturbance caused by the railway tracks.” When we tried to contact Y Prem Kumar, the corporator of Old Malkajgiri, he refused to comment on the issue. Neredmet cross-roads is an area dedicated to commercial complexes, it is the one stop destination to the residents nearby. It justifies the statement “Shop, eat, celebrate”. It has everything one needs from shopping malls, eateries, theatres and hospitals.

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dog is a man’s companion. Dog needs no charity but love and attention,” says Vileena, member, Animal Rehabilitation and Protection Force (ARPF). The ARPF, Hyderabad, which was awarded ‘The best green group’ by Andhra Pradesh Environment Connect (APEC), aspires to bring the much needed change in our attitude to pet dogs. Project Fighter, an awareness campaign about canine distemper, instituted in the memory of a St Bernard puppy which died of the disease recently will culminate in a workshop on Sunday. Canine distemper is a highly contagious disease in dogs worldwide. This is

not 100 per cent curable but is preventable. “Project Fighter aims at educating dog owners about canine distemper at the root level. Expert veterinarians will help the owners understand the importance of timeous vaccination and proper hygienic conditions for their pet’s longer life. This will be the perfect platform where all the owners concerns regarding pets will be answered,” says Nihar Parulekar, founder, ARPF. “If you care about your pets, spare time to attend Project Fighter. This will help you prevent your pets developing the deadly virus,” Parulekar pleads. It was formed of dedicated and young animal lovers trying to prevent poaching of wildlife and rehabilitate disowned and injured pets. It has 300 members and service-minded veterinarians. ARPF has been facing a shortage of funds and rescue shelters. ARPF has successfully rescued 30 snakes, 4 fawns, 2 squirrels, 12 puppies, 2 peacocks, 2 kites and 1 bat. Space has been a major problem. “Its good to see the youth coming up with such workshops,” says Dr Jacob Mathews, a key member.

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Campaigns, hard news and spirit of Twin Cities

AUTOMOBILES

hen Raveena Tandon had her baby she did it and was closely followed by the likes of Hrithik Roshan, Sanjay Dutt and Mandira Bedi. The latest expectant mother to join the Bollywood bandwagon of parents choosing to bank their child’s stem cells is Shilpa Shetty. In fact, so taken is she by the whole concept that she is even going to endorse a stem cell bank. While news of celebs opting for stem cell banking continue to generate interests, expectant parents in the City too are investing in it. While the whole celebrity angle might be a driving force for some, for others it is personal tragedy that has proved to be an eye-opener. Take for instance Swapnil Jain, a software engineer, who recently had his first child. Only a few years ago Swapnil’s younger sister had a healthy baby. The family was overjoyed at the baby’s birth and all was going great. But the joy was short lived as the baby passed away due to an illness. According to doctors, the baby could have been cured with stem cell

treatment. “We were devastated when the baby died. When my wife and I learnt that we were going to have a baby, we decided to bank the stem cells,” he said. “My baby is now seven months old and by god’s grace he is healthy and fine. But life is unpredictable and I wanted to be prepared for any sort of uncertainties. Stem cell banking is like investing in health insurance. It is expensive, but most stem cell banks have the option of paying through EMIs. At the end of the day it is peace of mind for us,” he added. “When my wife was pregnant, I wasn’t even aware of it till her gynaecologist told us. The cost however was a deterrent. But then I read up a lot about this online and discussed with our family, before finally decided to go ahead with stem cell banking for our baby. At least now we know that our baby is protected,” said Krishna Mogulu, an MNC employee. According to Dr Subhadra Dravida, managing director and CEO Transcell Biologics Pvt Ltd, “Stem cell therapy is gaining lot of popularity. With the cord blood many blood related disorders can be cured and with the cord tissue many neurological diseases can also be addressed. Even conditions like autism and diabetes can be

No of couples opting for stem cell banking: Cost of stem cell banking:

cured. While the science of stem cell therapy is expanding rapidly there is still a lot of awareness required.” For others however, it is just not viable. “My wife is pregnant and wants to opt for it. But I am not prepared as it is expensive and doesn’t really

70 per month `75,000 to `1lakh for 21 years (approx)

help with every ailment. For people with a family history of thalassaemia, leukaemia and blood disorders it might make more sense. I am still confused as it could potentially burn a hole in my pocket,” said Nitin Singh, technical lead in a leading corporate firm.

‘It’s just like other cities, yet so different’ COMMUNITY Ravi Bhanshali feedback@postnoon.com

A

All-party meet to be held on May 17: CEO

C

hief electoral officer Bhanwarlal on Monday informed that an all-party meeting would be organised on May 17, in connection with the by-elections to be held to 18 Assembly Constituencies and one Lok Sabha seat. Bhanwarlal stated that the EC was taking up all required steps to ensure free and fair polls in the by-elections. He was seeking reports and getting CDs of leaders’ speeches when allegations came about violation of model code of conduct. AGENCY

walk down lanes of busy markets in and Charminar will tell us how the City has been home to many migrants. Shantiram Bokadia, migrated to Hyderabad 34-years-ago from his village in Rajasthan in hope of a better future. Hyderabad had not belied his hopes. “I opened a small store where I sold unbranded silver jewellery. Initially the business was very slow but with the passage of time I earned the faith of people and now the business is good,” says Shantiram. Many jewellery stores operating in the Old City are owned and managed by the second generation of migrators from Rajasthan. Not only have they made the City their home but have also contributed to the trade and commerce. “I’ve accepted this as my home. Though I have great affection for my native town, I would still call Hyderabad as home. My children are more Hyderabadi than the neighbourhood children,” laughs Praveen,

owner of a gold jewellery showroom at Patherghat, Charminar. But there some problems which we Rajasthani’s face. One of them is that there is not enough governmental support,” Praveen shares. Aas matrimony is concerned, most Rajasthanis try to get their life partners from their ancestral hometowns . “Though we do not have a problem in settling down anywhere in the world, we like to go back

to our hometown to search for partners and in case we don’t find a suitable mate, we look in other cities. There are agencies and the Samaj also helps,” he added. There are around 1.25 lakh Rajasthanis who live and work in Hyderabad. Maheshwaris and Sikhwals are present in Hyderabad. “Hyderabad is so much like Delhi and Mumbai, yet so different. This has a lot to do with the warm people here,”says Milap Chand . Some of them have occupied high positions such as Prem Singh Rathod (exMLA), Vijay Lakshmi Kabra (ex-corporator) and B Kishanlal Agarwal (ex-mayor). There are associations which organise programmes and help the poor and needy. A very important festival which Rajasthanis celebrate in Hyderabad is Deepavali. “We have meetings every fortnight. During festivals, we celebrate in a traditional way,” says Narayan Das Mundala, president, Maheshwari Samaj Mandal. “We initially had a problem but now are comfortable,” says Ashok jain. “Hyderabad is a home away from home,” he added. “We initially had language problems, but now are fluent in Telugu,” says Nayan Parikh.


Hyper Local

TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2012

Campaigns, hard news and spirit of Twin Cities

8

THE UNBREAKABLE GLASS CEILING Hemanth Kumar hemanth.k@postnoon.com

T

here’s no denying that film industries across the world are dominated by men and it’s all the more evident in our country. Despite its 90 year history, the Telugu film industry has rarely wrested the power to call the shots in the hands of the actresses. In the 50s and 60s, actresses like Bhanumati and Savitri, two of the biggest stars of the era, went on direct a few films, apart from producing a handful of films. Later, Vijaya Nirmala rose to prominence and went on to direct 47 films. Such instances are far and few between. Truth is, actresses almost always end up being at the end of the value chain and don’t have a major say in the creative process. Take a sample of some of the biggest films like Businessman,

Racha, Dhammu, Gabbar Singh or Dookudu, the focus is always on the hero. Right from remuneration to characterisation in films, the differences between actors and actresses are obvious. The remuneration of top league actresses in Tollywood ranges from `1 to 1.5 crore whereas four of the biggest actors charge north of `10 crore. Most of the big budget films are written keeping the star in view, although this doesn’t apply to actresses. Except for a handful of films like Arundhati, Ammoru, Anukokunda Oka Roju and Anasuya, women-centric films hardly sell at the box office. “Most of the times, it doesn’t matter who the heroine is. Producers and directors prefer whoever is good. Sometimes, there’s no character sketch either before deciding who will play the female lead,” says Taapsee. The selection of a heroine is usually

done after finalising the script and cinematographers and other technicians. “As a result, they are on a low budget when it comes to selecting a heroine. If an established actress doesn’t sign the film, the producers opt for a new face. What really surprises me is that their biggest worry is whether an actress looks glamorous rather than her performance,” Taapsee adds. Apart from the producer and the director, actors are also involved in scripting, suggesting who should be on-board a project and even post-production. What happens when an actress wants to add her perspective in this process? “There’s a notion that heroines don’t know anything about cinema. We aren’t even shown films before the release. It’s true that filmmakers don’t take actresses seriously in most cases,” Taapsee replies. Lakshmi Manchu, who took the mantle to produce two films apart from acting in them, adds a new perspective to this debate. “You can’t generalise such things. If an actress doesn’t like the role then she has the choice of not doing it. One must realise that the producer is paying the actors to do what he wants them to do. How a film shapes up also depends on who makes the final call,” she says adding, “Actors are hired to act and they should stick to that. It’s better when everyone lets the director or the writer do his job because it’s ultimately his vision which is more important.” So will the situation ever change? “I believe that a lot of women want to be in the film industry especially as writers, producers and directors. People should follow their dreams,” she says. It’s a long road ahead for actresses to break the glass ceiling and the problem boils down to how much market one has. Neelima Tirumalasetty, producer of Panjaa, says, “I think the reasons for actresses not having a say in creative process are manifold such as the larger than life image of the heroes which attracts the audience and the huge costs of making a movie with big stars. Filmmakers want to keep their risk exposure to the minimum. At the end of the day it’s all about making the movie commercially viable. All said and done, it is time that small budget movies take the first step towards reversing the trend. I would personally love to see a Kahaani in Telugu.” Will the audience patronise such films? Your guess is as good as ours.

Despite their immense popularity among the masses, actresses rarely get a chance to call the shots while making a film. We find out more about the status quo.


16,276.72 60.88

4,920.65 12.85

BSE

NSE

Business

10g= `28,400

GOLD

`53.80

1kg= `53,300

SILVER

DOLLAR

POUND TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2012 9

Matters of saving and spending

Dare to dream big Prudhvi Raju K

SRINIVAS SETTY

prudhvi.k@postnoon.com

John McCain seeks early FTA with India WASHINGTON:

Senior Republican Senator John McCain today made a strong pitch for a free trade agreement with India, as he slammed the Obama administration for failing to aggressively tap America’s trade potential with Asian nations. Speaking at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based thinktank, the lawmakers said the US should have aimed for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India, and emphasised that America’s long-term strategic and economic success requires an ambitious trade strategy in Asia. “India is now negotiating an FTA with the European Union. And yet, we will not even conclude a narrower Bilateral Investment Treaty with India, let alone a full FTA, as we should," said the powerful Republican Senator. He cited a report that had found that as of last year, Asian countries had concluded or were negotiating nearly 300 trade agreements — none of which included the US. He said the launch of the Trans-Pacific Partnership has brightened the picture, but the deal may still be years away and the US should start focussing on bilateral treaties. PTI

Apple ropes in Kaspersky MOSCOW: Computer giant Apple has contracted specialists from Russian anti-virus company Kaspersky Lab to analyse the vulnerabilities of its Mac OS X operating system and improve its security. The OS X security issue became important in early April, when Dr. Web, a Russian computer security company, reported finding botnets — or networks of compromised computers controlled by hackers — that included more than 500,000 infected Macs. It was previously thought

that Apple computers enjoyed better protection from viruses than computers operating on Microsoft Windows. The appearance of this latest threat has forced Apple to address the security issue, RIA Novosti reported citing the computing.co.uk website. “Apple recently invited us to improve its security. We’ve begun an analysis of its vulnerabilities, and the malware targeting it," said Kaspersky chief technology officer Nikolai Grebennikov. AFP

NUMEROLOGY

`565.98

crore

was the net profit of Ashok Leyland last fiscal, compared to `631.30 crore in the previous fiscal. The company had a turnover of `12,841.99 crore last fiscal.

Y

ou have to dream before your dreams can come true,” said Abdul Kalam. This is what as a young girl, Durga Bhavani did. She dreamt of becoming an entrepreneur. To pursue her dream, she studied charted accountancy and never worked for any company and patiently waited to start business of her own, Universal Medical Corporation in 1994, which supplies medical equipment and chemicals to diagnostics and hospitals. “I was 32 and children started going to school. I felt that was the right time to start business. I did not want to start in a big way and take risk as children were growing. I got `1.5 lakh from my father as an investment and later repaid him. UMC works as a dealer for various lab equipment and chemical manufactures,” she said. She has a dream and the management skills to turn it in to reality. “I don’t have any knowledge in the pharmaceutical or medical field. Neither do I know the proper spellings of the chemicals. But I know how to manage and run the operations of the company. I used to go to the hospitals and diagnostic centres for orders. There were not any many major challenges. The company broke even in two years and has reached revenues of `4crore in 2006,” UMC got an unexpected hit the same year. She says, “The company from where we sourced our chemicals and equipment was closed down due to internal issues. As part of the policy, we pay money in advance for the stock and it got stuck with the company. We lost

`86.70

THUS SPAKE

Durga Bhavani, founder, Universal Medical Corporation Company started: Number of clients: Number of employees: Revenues last fiscal: `2.5 Revenue target this fiscal: `4

1994 60 6 crore crore

around `15 lakh but did not lose our morale,” “In no time, we got offer from other company as we have good client base and name in the industry. Not only that, our good will and discipline helps us even if there is a late payment at times,” she says. UMC has revived from the turmoil and has reached `2.5 crore in revenues last fiscal. When asked why the company had not grown exponentially. She says, “I deliberately did not let grow the company. When you want to grow rapidly, there are

many risks. I have to tie up with unknown clients and companies to do business. We are quiet choosy with the companies and clientèle. Unless, they are notable and trusted, we don’t want to involve with them. I may also lose the precious time that I have, which I am spending on various activities,” Durga Bhavani did not forget her childhood dream even after 40 years. Not only she realised her dream, but want to do contribute to whatever possible for the people who are passionate of similar dreams. She devotes time, when ever needed at Association of lady Entrepreneurs of Andhra Pradesh (ALEAP). “I served in various positions at ALEAP and became active part of entrepreneurship development program (EDP). If my business fulfils the financial needs, ALEAP satisfies me on personal front,”she says.

Wozniak warns Zuckerberg on dangers of going public SYDNEY: Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak has warned Mark Zuckerberg about the dangers of going public as Facebook counts down to its eagerly awaited share offering. The world’s leading social network is expected to start trading on the techheavy Nasdaq on Friday, although the timetable has not been confirmed. Apple went public in 1980 and Wozniak, who is visiting Australia, said being exposed to

the demands of shareholders was a tough lesson. “All of a sudden you have shareholders that are directing the company and demanding answers and getting upset if things aren’t going as well as they hoped," he told the Australian Financial Review on Tuesday. “Once you go post-IPO, all of a sudden Mark Zuckerberg can be more at the mercy of the owners. AFP

The whole point was, even if you’re smart, you can make mistakes and since these banks are insured backed up by taxpayers, we don’t want you taking risks where eventually we might end up having to bail you out again. Barack Obama, US President

TOUGH CALL Moody’s slashed its credit ratings by up to four notches for 26 Italian banks on Monday, including UniCredit and Intesa Sanpaolo, citing their vulnerability to Italy’s recession and more trouble in the eurozone. “The ratings for Italian banks are now amongst the lowest within advanced European countries, reflecting these banks’ susceptibility to the adverse operating environments in Italy and Europe," Moody’s said.

JOINT VENTURE Japan’s cash-bleeding electronics giants Sony and Panasonic are looking to join forces to produce next generation televisions in a bid to claw back market from South Korean rivals, a report said on Tuesday. The firms want to speed up the development of large-screen organic electroluminescence (OEL) televisions, which consume less power and offer a sharper picture than conventional flat panels. OEL is widely expected to be the dominant technology in the next generation of televisions. Both companies are aiming to commercialise OEL TVs by fiscal 2015.


India‑View

10

TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2012

India unveiled

War of words gets uglier

Disability failed to hold back this youth

CHENNAI/MADURAI: The war of words between controversial Karnataka-based spiritual leader Nithyananda and those opposing his anointment as the 293rd pontiff of the over 1500year-old Madurai Aadheenam Mutt late last month is turning murkier by the day. The latest is the decision of actor Ranjitha Menon to file a defamation suit against the Hindu seer Kanchi Sankaracharya Jayendra Saraswathi for his comments on the selection of Nithyananda as junior pontiff of the Madurai Mutt, a leading monastery of the Shaivite order. The Kanchi seer, who is opposed to Nithyananda’s anointment, told reporters that the tradition of the Madurai Aadheenam is for its seers to tonsure their heads and wear a rudraksha, but a woman by the name of Ranjitha was with Nithyananda. “Jayendra has said a woman by the name of Ranjitha seems to be with Nithyananda. This comment is certainly unwarranted in the context of his opposition to the choice of Nithyananda as the junior pontiff of Madurai Aadheenam. His comment defames my client and hence the suit,” Murugaiyan Babu, the lawyer for Menon, told IANS. Reacting to the Kanchi seer’s views, Nithyananda said Jayendra Saraswathi has no locus standi in the matter as he himself is facing murder charges. The Kanchi seer is facing charges in the 2004 murder of Sankararaman, a Kanchi mutt

KOLKATA: Asperger’s syndrome has never been a disability for Shashank Agarwal. The 20year-old has invented a light sensitive alarm to monitor tigers, a vertical-axis windmill that can withstand strong winds and an aeroponic structure to grow plants sans soil. Now the teenager is going to New Zealand to do a degree in environmental management. “Once I get my degree and the requisite experience, I plan to start a company and introduce technologies for ecological conservation and provide employment opportunities to others,” Shashank told IANS. However, future looked not this bright some time back. Asperger’s syndrome is a form of autism. Those suffering from it find it more difficult to communicate and interact, which can lead to high levels of anxiety and confusion. Suffering from a mild form of Asperger’s since his childhood,

temple manager. Those in Jayendra Saraswathi’s camp are calling Ranjitha’s suit a publicity stunt. Valasai K Jayaraman, spokesperson for the Kanchi Mutt, told IANS “Nithyananda needs publicity now. He could have simply said Ranjitha is just his disciple and the matter would have ended there and then. We will face the defamation case.” Ranjitha’s decision has angered Hindu outfits, which are already seething with rage at Nithyananda’s appointment as the junior pontiff. S Jaisankar, founder president of the Vijaya Bharatha Makkal Katchi, told IANS “There is nothing defamatory in what the Kanchi seer has said. It is just an advice to Nithyananda citing the

tradition of the Madurai Mutt.” Two years ago, a video clipping showing Nithyananda in a compromising position with Menon was telecast by television channels. Soon after, Nithyananda was on the run and was arrested in Himachal Pradesh and released on bail later. Recently Nithyananda had challenged the heads of other mutts to install cameras in their bedroom and said he was willing to set an example. Madurai Aadheenam is said to be over 1,500 years old. It acquired a halo when it was patronised by the seventh century Shaivaite saint Thirugnana Sambandar, one of the 63 ‘nayanmars’. Sambandar was instrumental in the revival of

Hinduism in Tamil Nadu where the popular faiths were Jainism and Buddhism. According to legend, Sambandar brought the Jain Pandya King Koon Pandya into the Hindu fold. The Madurai Aadheenam is said to own properties worth several crores of rupees though no clear estimation is available. According to Arjun Sampath, president of the Hindu Makkal Katchi, Nithyananda had stayed at the Madurai Aadheenam two weeks prior to his anointment as the junior pontiff. “At that time we were told that Nithyananda was there to discuss the Shaivaite philosophy. Later the head of the Madurai Mutt went to Nithyananda’s Dhyanapeetam international headquarters in Karnataka,” Sampath said. On April 27, Sri Arunagirinatha Gnanasamb anda Desika Paramacharya, the 292nd pontiff of Madurai Aadhe enam, declared Nithyan anda as his successor at a ceremony held there. Two days later a similar event was held in Madurai. While the current head of the Madurai Aadheenam stressed his right to choose his successor, Nithyananda termed the ones opposing him as land mafia who were busy enjoying its properties. Nithyananda also termed the raids by the Income Tax Department at the Madurai Aadheenam office as instigated by the DMK, an allegation which the latter has dismissed. IANS

Elite Dalhousie school in trouble DALHOUSIE/SHIMLA: The 40-year-old chapter of academic excellence being run by Dalhousie Public School (DPS) may be slammed shut, with a one-man commission of the Himachal Pradesh government recommending vesting of the entire school land located in picturesque Dalhousie, about 350 km from Shimla. The commission, headed by Justice DP Sood, former judge of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, has made recommendations after finding glaring violations by the school authorities in property transactions and original lease deed. Vesting of the school would mean acquiring the entire premises. The judicial commission, set up on the recommendation of the state assembly, probed illegal land transactions carried out across the state from 2003 to March 2011. DPS, established in 1970,

attracts NRIs and prominent people from the region. It also has students from foreign countries, including the US, Canada, Britain and several other European nations. The commission, probing lease deeds relating to the school land, says the school got the land from the government on a lease of 99 years in 1937,

with a condition of its renewal after 30 years. The commission also picks hole in the purchase of 27 hectares land by school authorities Jan 28, 2010. The report says DPS constituted an educational society, headed by Charanjit Kaur, and purchased land on the basis of the society being an agricultur-

alist. The school in its reply to the commission says it’s competent to purchase the properties on the basis of an agriculturalist certificate given by the competent government authority Jan 23, 2010. Sood observes that “the certificate of agriculturalist so issued was in itself an illegality as mere entry in the name of the head of the institution, who is in possession of the property so purchased, does not make the owner in possession an agriculturalist”. The report says in view of the original ‘patta’ of 1937, the school building so built could not have been erected nor the original building could be sold in view of the terms of the original lease deed. Thus the occupation/sale of the entire premises is illegal and in violation of Section 118 of the Himachal Pradesh Tenancy and Land Reforms Act of 1972. IANS

SHASHANK IS AN EXPERT IN RECYCLING AND TRANSFORMING MAGAZINE PAGES, PEN REFILLS, CARDBOARDS INTO MODELS THAT STORE SOLAR POWER, SOME OF WHICH ADORN THE PRINCIPAL’S ROOM. Shashank was not ready to study in a mainstream school. His parents put him in Akshar School here, set up for mentally challenged children. Shashank’s autism type makes social interaction difficult and creates repetitive behaviour and interests. However, linguistic and cognitive matters develop normally in the affected child. Shashank left the school after matriculation and cleared his higher secondary exam in humanities from The Heritage School in 2011. “He had an aptitude for science from the beginning. We put him in charge of the school’s science fests which he executed brilliantly. Although he has passed out, he is participating in this year’s fest too,” said The Heritage School principal Seema Sapru. Shashank is an expert in recycling and transforming magazine pages, pen refills, cardboards into models that store solar power, some of which adorn the principal’s room. His expertise even impressed the authorities of the New Zealand’s Southern Institute of Technology who decided to forgo the mandatory International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination for Shashank. Shashank said his pet project is a portable solar torch. IANS


India‑View

11

TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2012

India unveiled

7 Indian nurses rescued in Saudi Arabia

NATION AT A GLANCE

DUBAI: Seven Indian nurses

UNITED NATIONS: UN leader Ban Ki-moon said today he has asked UN human rights chief Navi Pillay to stay on for an extra two years. Pillay’s four-year term as head of the UN human rights monitoring operation ends this year. Ban’s office said he had proposed that the UN General Assembly to vote the extension for the former S African judge.

stranded in Saudi Arabia without proper documents have been rescued and repatriated following intervention by the Indian Embassy. The nurses were stranded in two separate cases without papers, an official working with the labour section of the Indian Embassy said. “In the first case, four Indian female nurses — Ashley, Bindu, Aasha and Shely — came to the Kingdom five years ago to work in Aghsan Aliwy Hospital in Hafr AlBatin,” M Aleem said. “The sponsor neither renewed the residence permits (Iqamas) of the workers nor did he allow the nurses to leave during vacations as per the provisions of the work agreements,” he said. Once alerted, the Indian Embassy established communication with the hospital officials and involved some local Indian community leaders. “But, all pleas fell on the deaf ears of the sponsor, which finally led me to decide on a stronger course of action,” Aleem was quoted by Arab News as saying. According to Aleem, he then took the case to the Hafr Al-Batin deputy governor and the director general of health Mutlak AlKhemyali, who extended full support in rescuing the nurses. Al-Khemyali raised the issue with the directors of the Passport Department and Labour Office. He then called the Saudi sponsor to endorse the final exit visa and pay the air fares for the nurses. “And thanks to the efforts of the Saudi officials, especially AlKhemyali, that these nurses were finally repatriated to India last week,” Aleem said. In the other case, three nurses — Saramma Varghese, Subadhra Omana Kuttan and Sree Latha Vasudevan Nair — were rescued. These nurses were allegedly stranded after the new owner of a clinic closed down the organisation without giving any prior notice.

Pillay term extended as UN rights chief

6 injured as storm lashes Nalbari

Air India aircraft are parked near the Mumbai International Airport on Monday .

PTI

10 AI flights cancelled, pilots refuse to work MUMBAI: As the stir by over 200 Air India pilots entered the eighth day today leading to cancellation of 10 international flights, the government said the DGCA will take action against those who have falsely reported sick and not joined work. Air India cancelled around 10 international flights from Delhi and Mumbai this morning. “We have, as part of our contingency plan, operated Delhi-Toronto, Delhi-New York routes, and hope to operate more flights tonight,” an Air India spokesperson said. With a medical summary issued by the aviation ministry stating that most of the AI pilots, who called in sick, were neither found at home by doctors sent by the airline nor reported to doctors empanelled by the carrier, civil aviation minister Ajit Singh said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will take action against them. “If they have reported sick

DISAPPOINTED OVER THE MANAGEMENT’S ATTITUDE, SOME 100 ODD PILOTS HAVE ALREADY JOIN THE AGITATION AND THE GUILD EXPECTS THE NUMBER TO SWELL TO 250-300 BY TOMORROW, THEY HAD SAID, INDICATING THE FLIGHTS OPERATIONS COULD BE HIT SEVERELY.

but were found fit or not found at their houses as reported in the aviation ministry’s medical summary, then the DGCA will take necessary action against them,” Singh told reporters. According to the medical summary, about 48 out of the 53 Delhi-based pilots who reported sick were not found at home. Their residences were found

locked and their mobiles unreachable. Nine out of 18 outstation pilots, who were staying at Hotel Hyatt, complained of bad stomach and backache but doctors found them medically fit. Of the 53 homes visited by doctors, 12 were found locked. When doors were opened, the medical teams were given unclear information. The minister said the pilots have the right to go on strike, as employees may have some grievances. “They should have discussed with us, why have they chosen to go on a strike during the peak vacation season.” Meanwhile, seven Air India unions in a letter to Singh have sought an end to the standoff between pilots and the management. Seeking Singh’s intervention, the AI unions of engineers, cabin crew, commercial staff, ground staff have blamed the merger for the ongoing crises.

One arrested for raping teenage girl

Australian tourist alleges rape

NEW DELHI: A man was arrested for rap-

tourist staying in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu Valley Monday lodged a complaint that she was raped by a fellow tourist, an Indian from Chandigarh, police said. The 22-year-old tourist , who also met senior police officers, claimed that she knew the accused and they had been in touch on social networking site Facebook. Superintendent of police Ashok Kumar told IANS the police have got a

ing a teenage girl from east Delhi and a search is on for the main culprit, police said Monday. The girl’s parents, residents of Gokal Puri area, had reported her abduction on March 25. The girl returned home almost a month later on April 23. According to the girl, she was abducted by her cousin, Shoaib, who took her to a friend, Rashid’s place, where the two raped her repeatedly, a police official said. “Following the girl’s story, we nabbed Rashid on Friday,” he added. The main accused, Shoaib, however, is absconding and a search is on. PTI

SHIMLA: An Australian

medical examination of the girl done but the report was awaited. “The investigations are going on and we have recorded the statement of the victim and she claims that accused was a Chandigarh resident, and had fled after the incident as both had also stayed in a hotel at Kasol, 42 km from Kullu town. The foreigner had met the accused Sami Sardana only two days back at a fes-

tival in Kasol. The tourist told the police that she had a severe headache and eventually got a room booked at a hotel. She fell unconscious after having some medicine given by the accused. Next morning, she found herself naked in a hotel room and Sardana had already fled. Kumar said police teams have been sent to different places to search for the accused. IANS

NALBARI (ASSAM): Six persons were injured when a severe hailstorm lashed Ghograpar area in Nalbari district of lower Assam late last night. The storm damaged more than a 100 houses, besides school buildings in a number of villages, including Allia and Barajhol.

Actor Soumitra Chatterjee was conferred with ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ by author Buddhadeb Guha PTI

5 killed in ambulance-truck collision AMBALA: Five persons, including a day-old baby, were killed when the ambulance they were travelling in collided head-on with a truck on Ambala-Hissar road in the wee hours today. They said the ambulance was ferrying the seriously ill baby to PGIMER at Chandigarh when the mishap took place.

Bomb recovered near Imphal IMPHAL: A powerful bomb weighing 10 kg has been recovered from Baruni hill area in Imphal along with battery and remote-controlled device, official sources said today. The bomb might have been planted by militants to attack security and police personnel passing through the area, the sources said.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee with actress Juhi Chawla during their meeting in Kolkata on Monday. PTI


Around the World

12

TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2012

Beyond Borders

S KOREA: WHERE SARCASM CAN GET YOU INTO JAIL SEOUL: Attacks on basic freedoms are nothing new on the Korean peninsula. Material considered a threat to state security is routinely deleted, and citizens who openly criticize the government find themselves ostracized, and sometimes imprisoned. For once, though, the discussion does not center on North Korea, where the brutal quashing of dissent is the stock in trade of the Pyongyang regime. This time, the focal point is on free and democratic South Korea, where the government stands accused of using the law to silence dissenters 25 years after the country emerged from decades of military dictatorship. Park Jeong Keun apparently had no idea anything was amiss when he entertained his Twitter followers with satirical sideswipes at North Korea. But the humorous intent behind his retweets of self-evidently ludicrous missives from the regime’s own Twitter account was lost on the authorities in the South. The 23-year-old photographer, who was indicted in February, now faces a possible prison sentence after being charged with “praising and supporting an enemy of the state” under a law introduced more than six decades ago to protect the new South Korea from communist infiltration. “This is not a national security case; It’s a sad case of the South

Korean authorities’ complete failure to understand sarcasm,” Sam Zarifi, Asia-Pacific director of Amnesty International, said after Park’s arrest earlier this year. “Imprisoning anyone for peaceful expression of their opinions violates international law but in this case, the charges against Park are simply ludicrous and should be dropped immediately.” Park, a member of the Korean Socialist Party, was charged under the National Security Law, introduced when South Korea was founded in 1948 to protect the fledgling state against espionage and insurrection from groups sympathetic to the country’s communist neighbour. The law is still frequently

OUCH, IT DOESN’T HURT THOUGH AFP

used to investigate those who “praise, disseminate or cooperate with anti-state groups,” but, critics say, it is also being enlisted in the biggest official assault on free speech since South Korea became a democracy in 1987. South Korea’s conservative president, Lee Myung Bak, defended the law, which he said was needed to address the threat from North Korean spies and sympathizers. “If you consider that fact, and if you are someone living in such a country every day, then you will understand the need to have such laws that will allow us to maintain our way of life,” he said in an interview with National Public Radio. But Park Jeong Keun’s case is typical of how easily the law can

be abused, says Amnesty’s Park. “The point here is not whether the charges stand up, but how the government is using the law to control public discourse and make people think twice before expressing an opinion. It’s creating a climate of fear. “Many people don’t even know the law still exists until they are charged with something. In the past it applied only to proNorth Korean groups, but now individuals are being targeted.” Early attempts to abolish the law failed due to anti-North Korean sentiment fomented by the 1950-53 Korean War, and again in 2007, when the threat from the North’s missile and nuclear programs was deemed serious enough to keep it on the statute books. The number of cases has risen dramatically under the Lee administration. In 2007, the year he became president, police interrogated 39 people on suspicion of violating the national security law; in 2010 the number had risen to 151. Legal actions against people who post “pro-North Korean” material on line have soared, from just five in 2008 to 82 in 2010, according to the government. That has coincided with a dramatic rise in the number of deletions of online posts deemed to be supportive of the Pyongyang regime. GLOBALPOST

Human magneto

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ew Jersey tattoo artist Dave Hurban just couldn’t stand the thought of being away from his music, so he implanted four magnets into his arm to hold his iPod Nano in place without a strap. To attach the iPod to his skin, Hurban took the end of the magnets and attached them to the end of the iPod, which clicked in place with the magnets implanted into his skin. Hurban said, getting the four magnets under his skin that hold the iPod in place was a fairly typical process in the body piercing world. “Those magnets are actually called micro-dermal anchors,” Hurban told Digital Trends, “and in body piercing they are very common. The tops are actually just 5 millimeter magnetic tops.” Hurban documented his entire piercing experience as part of his iDermal project. Hurban said the magnets are so strong that the Nano actually stays in place while he is jogging. GLOBALPOST

Taiwan’s innocent killers

Buddhists accidentally killing millions of animals during “mercy releases”

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A South Korean boy gets his head shaved during a “Children Becoming Buddhist monks” ceremony in Seoul. 9 children will stay at the temple to learn about Buddhism for 20 days ahead of celebrations for Buddha’s birthday on May 28 this year.

aiwanese Buddhists trying to improve their karma are being accused of killing tens of millions of animals during so-called “mercy releases”. AFP reports that the problem is so widespread that Taiwan’s government is now planning to ban the practice. An official from the government’s Council of Agriculture, Lin Kuo-chang, reportedly told the news agency that some groups had accepted the ban, but negotiations are ongoing. About 200 million animals are released each year, with most dying from a lack of food or natural habitat. The Humane Society International says that the animals can “sustain injuries from nets or snares, suffocate or starve in transit, or become easy prey on release”. It adds that once released “they can spread disease, compete for food and territory, or threaten gene pools by mating with native species.” The issue has been highlighted by the Environment and Animal Society of Taiwan, which has raised the issue in the past, according to Asiamag. The Commissioner of Miaoli County in western Taiwan Liu Cheng-hung has been accused of “setting a bad example” by “taking the lead in the

destruction of a river habitat”, says the Taipei Times. Lui oversaw the release of up to 14,000 bighead carp and grass carp spawn into a local creek as part of efforts to maintain river ecosystems and diversify the fishery business. However academics and environmental protection groups have complained that the fish are not indigenous to the area, arguing that “people should not release foreign fish into rivers” because it could affect the well-being of other fish. GLOBALPOST


Around the World

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TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2012

Beyond Borders

Time for real business

Hollande to swear in as president and dash to Berlin for negotiations PARIS:

Socialist Francois Hollande was to be sworn in as France’s president on Tuesday before naming a prime minister and dashing to Germany to battle with Berlin over how to tackle Europe’s debt crisis. Nine days after he defeated right-winger Nicolas Sarkozy in a fierce campaign, Hollande, 57, was to be inaugurated at the Elysee Palace and only hours later head to Germany for his first foreign visit as president. He was also set to make the much-anticipated announcement of who will lead his government as prime minister, with Jean-Marc Ayrault, the head of the Socialists’ parliamentary bloc, tipped as frontrunner. Hollande is expected to be sworn in shortly after meeting Sarkozy at the Elysee at around 10am (0800 GMT). The ceremony itself will be relatively simple — with no other heads of state invited — and Hollande will then take an open-topped ride in a Citroen up the Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe, waving to the crowd. In separate ceremonies, he will then pay tribute to 19thcentury educational reformer

Greece eyes Technocrat govt ATHENS: Greece will try again today to form a government, aiming for a technocrat solution to resolve a crisis which risks forcing it into new elections and out of the eurozone. Leaders from all political parties, except the far right, which won seats in inconclusive polls on May 6 will meet at 1100 GMT today in a lastgasp effort to get the country “out of a dead end," according to Socialist Pasok party head Evangelos Venizelos. Jules Ferry — father of France’s free, secular education system. At 1400 GMT Hollande will fly to Berlin, where he faces an uncertain reception from Chancellor Angela Merkel, a Sarkozy ally and the main backer of the European Union’s fiscal austerity drive. Hollande has vowed to refocus European economic policy on growth by re-opening talks on a fiscal pact agreed in March

that aims to control European debt by enshrining greater budget discipline. The deal was Merkel’s brainchild and she has repeatedly insisted since Hollande’s election that the pact, signed by 25 of the 27 EU countries and already ratified in some, is not open to renegotiation. But observers say there is room for compromise, with Hollande likely to agree to addi-

tional stimulus measures without a rewrite of the pact. And with political paralysis in Greece raising the spectre of the country being forced from the eurozone, the heads of Europe’s two largest economies will be keen to reassure worried markets they can work together. Before he heads to Berlin, Hollande’s first order of business will be to nominate a prime minister, who will be tasked with forming a government before a first cabinet session likely on Thursday. The Socialists have been careful to let nothing slip, but Ayrault, a 62-year-old longtime Hollande ally, is considered first in line for the job. Other contenders include Socialist Party leader and former labour minister Martine Aubry, Hollande’s communications director during the campaign, Manuel Valls, and his campaign and transition chief Pierre Moscovici. Once the cabinet is named, the focus will move to the Socialists’ campaign to win a parliamentary majority in June’s legislative elections — a key test for the party after Hollande’s win. AFP

GLOBE AT A GLANCE Russian charged with selling missile secrets MOSCOW: An employee at a Russian defence firm has been accused of passing secrets on the Bulava intercontinental missile to a foreign intelligence service. The secrets concern the missile’s guidance and control system, the Kommersant daily reported citing a law enforcement source. “There is conclusive evidence of his guilt," the source said. The details of the case have not been disclosed.

Pak leaders to discuss Nato supplies blockade ISLAMABAD: Top Pakistani leaders will on Tuesday discuss ending a blockade of foreign military supply routes into Afghanistan and repairing US relations, signalling a rapprochement ahead of a NATO summit. Islamabad shut its Afghan border to NATO supplies after US air strikes killed 24 soldiers in November.

Soyuz spacecraft with International Space Station astronauts aboard blasts off from Baikonur cosmodrome on Tuesday.

Klutzy Moon

WWF’s survey spells trouble

China accuses Dalai Lama of deceit

GENEVA: The spiralling glob-

NEW YORK: UN Secretary-

al population and over-consumption are threatening the future health of the planet, conservation group WWF warned on Tuesday. The demand on natural resources has become unsustainable and is putting “tremendous” pressure on the planet’s biodiversity, the body said. In its latest survey of the Earth’s health, WWF named Qatar as the country with the largest ecological footprint, followed by its Middle Eastern neighbours Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. Denmark and the United States made up the remaining top five, calculated by comparing the renewable resources consumed against the earth’s regenerative capacity. The Living Planet Report found that high-income countries have an ecological footprint on average five times that of low-income ones. Across the globe the footprint has doubled since 1966. “We are living as if we have an extra planet at our disposal,” said Jim Leape, WWF International director general. “We are using 50 per cent more resources that the Earth

Lama of “deceiving the world” after Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader said he was warned of a plot by Chinese agents to assassinate him. He made the allegation in an interview with Sunday Telegraph, saying he had been told that agents were planning to poison him using Tibetan women posing as devotees seeking his blessing.

General Ban Ki-moon suffered a fracture in his left hand while playing in the UN diplomats’ spring soccer tournament and now has his arm in a sling, UN spokesman Martin Nesirky said. The 67-year-old Ban “has to wear a cast for the next six weeks", Xinhua quoted Nesirky as saying at a daily news briefing. “He’s otherwise absolutely fine and in great spirits," the spokesman said. The secretary-general fell to the ground on Saturday in the tournament at the Bel Aire Farm estate in New York. He was back in office at the UN Headquarters on Monday. “Sport has become a world language, a common denominator that breaks down all the walls, all the barriers," Ban said at the 2nd International Forum on Sport, Peace and Development in Geneva in May last year. “It is a worldwide industry whose practices can have widespread impact. Most of all, it is a powerful tool for progress and for development,” he said. AFP

BEIJING: China has accused the Dalai

11 Pak peacekeepers injured in DR Congo BUKAVU: Angry villagers surrounded a

The giant panda is one of the endangered species. According to estimates only 1,590 are living in the wild. can sustainably produce and unless we change course, that number will grow fast — by 2030 even two planets will not be enough.” The survey, compiled every two years, reported an average 30 percent decrease in biodiversity since 1970, rising to 60 per cent in the hardest-hit tropical regions. The decline has been most rapid in lower income countries, “demonstrating how the poorest and most vulnerable nations are subsidising the lifestyles of wealthier coun-

tries,” said WWF. Globally, around 13 million hectares of forest were lost each year between 2000 and 2010. The report comes ahead of June’s Rio+20 gathering, the fourth major summit on sustainable development since 1972. French President-elect Francois Hollande have confirmed they will be among 100 global leaders at the summit seeking to outline a path towards an economy that can balance economic growth, poverty eradication and protection of the environment.

UN peacekeeping base in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Monday and opened fire and hurled stones injuring at least 11 Pakistani peacekeepers, officials said. The villagers had apparently been angry because they were not protected against attacks by militias. But UN Security Council strongly condemned the attack.

US President Barack Obama, accompanied by Barnard College President Debora Spar acknowledge applause at Barnard College.


Comment

TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2012

Fair, free and forthright

Live by your wits, you poor chump!

Talk back A human gesture Apropos Mass marriages are a community affair in your paper dated May 14, I have a few observations of my own to add. My family came from a small town to Hyderabad one year ago, because it was difficult to make two ends meet in our hometown. We had heard of stories of big opportunities in this happening city. During my stay here, I have happened to attend one wedding of a friend’s friend. Believe me, the kind of money spent on marriages here borders on vulgarity. Instead of spending so much money on just one couple’s wedding, it makes so much more humanity sense to conduct weddings of many people simultaneously... in the same amount. Shyamshiva Reddy Krishna Nagar

Patrolling by police What else can one expect from the police? Instead of being vigilant and apprehending criminals who brazenly rob automatic teller machines, the police are asking the bank management to be more careful, ensure the act is recorded on video cameras and so on. What are the policemen doing? They have been provided motorcycles, jeeps and personnel to monitor wrong doings in the city. But they seem to be everywhere else but where crime is taking place. And their petrol consumption and vehicle maintenance is spiralling upwards. Which part of the city are they patrolling? Mohammed Riyaz Ismail Sainikpuri

Will plans become real? Mayor Mohd Majid Hussain’s plans for the city are welcome. To create employment opportunities is a fantastic means of progress. Unemployment is such a bane that it leaves traces of its ill-effects all around. Not being able to earn a descent living drives many youth into bad ways. There is less likelihood of drifting for people if they are kept engaged. Better roads in the Old City sounds like a dream. Let’s hope that the enthusiasm our young mayor is showing converts into reality. Smiti Rao Somajiguda

Hard Talk PK Surendran

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he guiding motto of a government is protecting the weak from the strong; the weak both in social and economic spheres. I am sure 9 out of 10 MPs and ministers do not know this driving dictum. Let us just take a cursory glance at the way our government has ‘protected’ the weak in the past 60 years. Election: The pivotal principle of democratic rule is now taken far away from the weak. No common man, even fairly rich, can contest a municipal election, forget the Parliamentary election. The running cost of fighting a municipal election, experience shows, is somewhere between `1 crore and `3 crore. As for the Assembly or Parliamentary election, it is your guess. Education: This fundamental right of every citizen is beyond an honest earner. While primary education in government schools can be afforded, higher education is a mirage. A technical degree costs Rs.6 lakh upwards. A medical education, well, let us skip it or we will have apoplexy. Health: The reason for an increasing number of believers in the world is because of the loss of faith in humanity. If you fall seriously sick, God alone can help, for no hospitalisation is within the means of an ordinary citizen. Even the government hospitals have no drugs and you have to buy from outside. After suffering all the ignominy of queuing up for hours, what you get is nothing to speak of. If, by ill-luck, you are compelled to get admitted to a private hospital, consider yourself lucky if you escape without another infection and with your innerwear on, for the rest of the clothes go along with your selfrespect and money. Shelter: Owning a home is a robber’s fantasy. The financiers and banks would take the joy out of your home for you can never sleep in piece with the Shylocks always at the door. No salaried person or ordinary man can dream of owning a decent home. The cost runs into lakhs of rupees. The other day when I asked

Plan progress well While it cannot be denied that we cannot live stuck in the history, unplanned growth is not to be accepted either. A little bit of concern and thought in planning goes a long way in ensuring that a balance between heritage and development is struck. Qutub Mehidipatnam

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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Editorials

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the price of a 3-bedroom apartment, the salesman coolly replied, “Only 1.10C sir.” And, the mobile fell from my hand. Justice: On paper, justice is free and it costs little to seek justice. Try that, and tell me the tale. Anyone who has had the misfortune to fight a case, due mainly to government folly, through the lower court to the Supreme Court will advise even his enemies against it. By the time you are through with the courts, you are not only pauper but also a highly disillusioned man. The robed helping hands, the babus in the system, the endless adjournments will take the wind out of you. Dal and roti: God, you have reached this level! In a Bollywood movie of the ‘seventies there is a meaningful popular number that says, Dal roti khao prabhu ke gun gao (Be happy with dal rotti and sing the paeans of the Lord), but you know by now that dal and roti, the humble food of common man, is one of the most expensive foods on a hotel menu. Need we go any further? Not necessary. So much for the government’s “protection of the weak from the strong” after 60 years of Independence.

MESSIAH OF THE POOR is drowned in worldly pleasures

here is no end to maya that unveils in erstwhile Mayaland ie Uttar Pradesh. Close on the heels of the `86 crore she lavished on the renovation of her abode, comes news of a `60-crore scam of elephant statues — all this while masquerading as the messiah of the poor. The episode makes one wonder which way democracy is going and where this is leading us to. We are happy with the developments in the MiddleEast where authoritarian regimes which plunder the populations and live in luxury are being deposed by people but there is little relief from the anarchy that is happening in our backyard. The tendency of political leaders to forget the purpose of them being elected to ‘represent’ people has become more pronounced as they indulge themselves in the luxuries of power-wealth combinations. The aam admi who is being taken for a ride by alliance after alliance and parties of all hues have little respite from the pressing problems to survive in the world’s largest democracy. Three cheers to the system.

Solution: Discounting armed struggle, the most effective way to make any change is to vote judiciously; not by caste, creed, faith or other consideration, but for innate good of a party and its candidate. Wait, I know you say all are bad, but let us look around for relatively good, if not real good ones. Tailend: Paying money, booze and sari for vote is passé; buying a colour TV, fridge or laptop is now in the realm of the thugs. But now politicians know that voters have become crafty. A communist leader of Kerala in the ‘90s advised his flocks to accept whatever anybody offered, for money or goods are useful, much like Gandhi kept the paper-pin and threw away the questionnaire presented to him by a foreign correspondent. “But,” he told them, “You know who to vote for.” That is probably a sound advice. Because the ill-gotten wealth of the politically ambitious needs to be redistributed, and what better way than this to achieve it? The writer works for Postnoon.

WHY WE LOVE... Virat Kohli

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his guy seems to possess it all that it takes to being a winner — talent, aggression and composure. A rightful blend of these only adds to the flavour. It takes a lot of character for someone to control an ugly situation on the playfield, especially when you are preoccupied with the pangs of defeat. Character and maturity... at 23!


At the workplace

TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2012

15

Diplomacy always wins HR speaks Deepak Karamungikar

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A JOB TO DO I Bhavneet Singh

feedback@postnoon.com

nternships for students are like insights into the future. They expect to get a sneakpeek into their future. It’s a time when one gets to decide whether one wants to take a particular career. And if the internship is a paid one then there is nothing like it. Often students can’t wait to get to start earning, but, is the grass as green as it looks? Or is it just an illusion? We spoke to a few interns from various fields and this is what they had to say. “I got whatever I wanted!” says Vaishnavi Gopalakrishnan, a PR intern. “PR is a field where academics cannot teach you much. Field exposure is the only way that we can gain some knowledge and understanding. And luckily, my internship is giving me everything I want,” she Vaishnavi adds. Krishitha Gunti, an intern at an event management company has a different story to tell. “It certainly is not what I had expected it to be. When I joined as an intern, I was expected to

assist people on how to organise an event. But two weeks into it, all I’ve done is picked up papers, and got coffee for my seniors. Now, it’s just become a certificate thing for me rather than an experience,” she says. Krishitha’s statement does sum up Krishitha what other interns are facing. However, Amrit Kosaraju, a journalism intern says, “It’s not how I imagined it to be. That doesn’t mean it’s not good. I came here expecting to do a lot of interviews and reports, but I Amrit realised it’s too early for me. I do small reports and I’m happy with it. I am looking forward to make the best of this opportunity.” Bhavdeep Singh, an intern with an insurance company has similar views. “It’s not as easy as it looks. It takes a toll on your health. The work pressure is immense. And it’s tough to digest that I am still an

Internships are usually undertaken in order to get credits or experience in a particular course. What do students expect out of an internship? We find out intern,” says Bhavdeep. “The future somehow would be better as I would be paid for my work unlike now,” he says Bhavdeep hopefully. For Ayushi Khandelwal, her internship will help her decide if she wants to make her career in photography. “I’m using this as an opportunity to decide if I have to take up photography in the future or not,” she says. “I am learning more about this field by jumping into it. If it suits me, then I will take it up in the future otherwise, the world is full of career options,” Ayushi adds. For Anjana, a law Ayushi intern, her internship was filled with a lot of ups and downs. She says, “I interned with various law firms. Being new to this field, I got to learn a lot. At the beginning you remain clueless about what’s going around you, I had to do a lot of homework to understand what’s going on, let alone, working for them. Those were times

when I had to do clerical tasks like taking printouts of documents, arrange them in chronological order, etc. But then again, I got to learn the filing procedures needed for work. Things got simpler once I was familiarised with the procedures. No more bringing coffee. In fact, then it was like a privileged internship, when you get served coffee twice a day, and get to sit in an air-conditioned room. I’m quite happy with all my experiences. It gets bad only when I have to stay for long hours doing nothAnjana ing.” For all graduating students, internships is a great learning experience. It helps you get acquainted with the career of your choice. Though they are not paid for it, they do get a chance to learn from the best in the business which is totally worth it. Like everything, it has its crests and troughs, but at the end of the day, the interns have nothing to lose. It’s an experience which helps them gain a lot, and that itself is the essence of internship. With inputs from Sneha Mashetty and Sameena Kenaz

orkplace politics is a harsh reality in India. When you take up a new role at a well-established organisation, the first few days seem fine. The smiles on everyone’s faces deceive you into believing that all is well. But a few days later, the cracks appear and a few months into it, you find yourself entangled in a labyrinth of power games. You end up taking sides and become a part of the vicious system. But that’s a very unhealthy position to be in. Although there is no cure for it, one thing can keep you clean and distinctly respectable — diplomacy. Diplomacy is the art of saying no and making it sound like yes. To maintain a clean image, sound positive. Avoid speaking in the negative. If you are unhappy about anything, it is best to keep it to yourself rather than indulge in gossip. Another important aspect is managing your anger. Never ever send an email or request for a meeting when you are angry. Sometimes, your impulsive angry responses may damage things permanently. When angry, take a walk around the office, grab a coffee or simply read something interesting online. If you have a problem with someone or something, never disclose it in public. Speak to your boss behind closed doors and get it solved. You must also be aware of people who sugarcoat everything they say and praise you unconditionally. These are usually the ones that can put you down when the time comes. The trick is to respond selectively to their comments and keep them at a safe distance. If you are in a role that requires interaction with many other departments, it is all the more important for you to maintain diplomacy because you end up listening to stories from all the sides and each group treats you as a member. In such cases, never take sides. Employ only your ears and smile. By doing so you are most likely to gain a reputation of being someone who doesn’t interfere with anyone’s affairs. That is what makes you different. All said, at the end of the day, the diplomat is the winner.




H‑Factor

TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2012

Holistic view of mind, body and soul

Eggs

Apples

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ating a couple of eggs for breakfast might actually work wonders for your weight loss regime. No longer thought to be a cholesterol-booster, eggs are a concentrated form of animal protein without the added fat that comes with meat. Studies have shown that when people eat an egg every morning they lose twice as much weight than those who don’t. Eggs are packed with a variety of nutrients including protein, zinc, iron and vitamins A, D, E and B12, but contain just 85 calories each. But do avoid fried eggs.

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Oats

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f you’re the kind who fights hunger pangs a couple of hours after breakfast you should try switching to oats. Oats are a whole grain and make you feel full. Not only that, they’re also high in soluble fibre, so they cut cholesterol and blood fat. Besides, it takes longer for the body to digest oats, so they don’t raise your blood sugar and they keep you feeling filled up well into the late morning. So go ahead and experiment. Be it an oatmeal porridge, muffin, cookies or simple oatmeal cereal, try making the switch. You’ll see what we mean.

he adage an apple a day keeps the doctor away could be modified to an apple before a meal keeps the kilos away. Studies have shown that eating an apple 30 minutes before a meal cuts the calories of the meal. Why? The fibre in the apple makes you feel full, so you eat less. Recent research suggests eating apples has other benefits, too; the antioxidants in apples prevent metabolic syndrome, the combination of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and prediabetes that tends to accompany thickening around the waist. Also, apples are high in pectin, which binds with water and limits the amount of fat your cells can absorb.

Ranjani Rajendra ranjani.r@postnoon.com

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ou hit the gym with all the vigour and determination possible, hoping to be

also important to supplement this regime with a healthy diet. We’re not suggesting that you survive on just fruits or raw vegetables. What we’re saying is smarten up. Know what foods help you shed the flab and include them in your everyday diet while kicking out some of

the fattening stuff. And if you’re good and stick to your healthy diet then treat yourself to your favourite foods once in a while (say once in a week or fortnight). Here are few foods you might want to load up on, simply because they’ll do wonders for that waistline.

Salad

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Beans

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eans for quite some time now have been considered the poor man’s meat. Rich in proteins and whole host of nutrients, this wonder food also aids weight loss. One cup of cooked beans provides a 12 grams of fibre and this provides you with close to one-half the fibre you require daily. When eaten, beans make you feel fuller longer. Also you’ve probably never heard of cholecystokinin, but it’s one of your best weight-loss pals. This digestive hormone is a natural appetite suppressant. There’s also evidence that beans keep blood sugar on an even keel, so you can stave off hunger longer. High-fiber beans can lower your cholesterol. So grab those bags of black beans, kidney beans and lima beans.

Infrared light stops eye damage

SYDNEY: Treating eyes with gentle

EAT SMART TO LOSE WEIGHT several kilos lighter in a couple of months. But four months down the line and several exhausting work outs later you’re not as light as you’d expected to be. Disappointed? Discouraged? Don’t be. While exercise is important to stay fit and stave off extra kilos, it is

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f there’s a delicious spread before you, overeating is inevitable — unless of course you have incredible self control. What you could do instead is eat a large bowl of salad before your meal (keep off the creamy dressing though). The salad, apart from being healthy and nutritious will also fill you up, resulting in you eating less. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that people who ate one salad a day with dressing had higher levels of vitamins C and E, folic acid, lycopene, and carotenoids-all disease fighters-than those who didn’t add salad to their daily menu. We say, go experiment with different veggies and dressings.

Chillies

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s Indians we have a palate for spicy food. But biting into that chilly does more than just spice up your dish — it can help you lose weight too. This is because capsaicin, the chemical that gives chillies and chilli-based spices their characteristic pungency, stimulates a natural process whereby some of the food we eat is converted immediately to heat. This is good news for weight watchers, because this means we burn up calories faster and don’t store them.

infrared light can help prevent damage caused by subsequent exposure to bright light, says a study. A breakthrough by The Vision Centre at the Australian National University can protect the vision of people exposed to bright sunlight or artificial lights, namely construction workers, sportspeople, fishermen, farmers, welders, actors, entertainers and others. Krisztina Valter and doctoral researcher Rizalyn Albarracin at The Vision Centre have shown that pretreatment with near infrared light (NIR) prevents a build-up of scar tissue in the retina causing subsequent harm to sight, the journal Photochemistry and Photobiology reported. “There’s a group of cells that look after our vision and work behind the scenes called Muller cells,” said Albarracin. “They act to protect the retina by clearing toxins and inducing healing whenever there is injury to the vision cells.” “However, their protection is a double-edge sword for the eyes. When the retina comes under extreme stress, as when it is exposed to intensely bright light and loses a large number of vision cells, the Muller cells can over-react by multiplying and forming scar tissue behind the retina,” she said, according to a university statement. “When this occurs, two things happen: first, the vision cells close to where the scar tissue forms will stop working. Secondly, the scar tissue blocks the blood supply to the outer retina, so that other vision cells are starved of oxygen, glucose and other nutrients vital to their survival,” said Albarracin. “As a result more vision cells die, which in turn provokes Muller cells to work even harder, forming more scar tissues and setting up a vicious cycle,” added Albarracin. “We found that the treatment with mild NIR successfully inhibits the Muller cells from multiplying and forming scar tissue,” said team leader Valter. Researchers used an array of small LEDs (light emitting diodes) that have been tuned to produce near infrared light at a specific wavelength — 670 nanometres. IANS


H‑Factor

TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2012

Holistic view of mind, body and soul

AWAKE DURING SURGERY? BLAME YOUR GENES: STUDY Freya Petersen

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ome patients are more likely to remain conscious during operations because of a genetic resistance to anaesthesia, according to a New Zealand expert. Jamie Sleigh of Auckland University has embarked on the world’s first study examining the genes of people who reported awareness during anaesthesia, reported the Australian Associated Press. Sleigh told the Australian and New Zealand College of Anesthetists (ANZCA) conference in Perth that about one in 1,000 patients recall conversations and sounds from the operating theater while under anesthetic. “You do get some people who remember stuff during operations and apparently received pretty generous amounts of anesthetic,” he said according to an AAP reported. “Normally, anaesthesia is an incredibly effective treatment. That’s why you get the feeling there is something in the genetic way that person has been built.” The suspicion that this resistance could be genetically based is supported by reports of a family history of awareness during anaesthesia. The study, a collaboration between the University of Auckland, Waikato Hospital and Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital, aims to recruit about 100 people who have reported awareness during anaesthesia. It would examine their DNA for genes believed to interact with the drugs. Separately, a New Zealand

A

psychiatrist told the conference that hypnosis could be more widely used for pain relief, including in major surgery, for people who had adverse reactions to anaesthesia. Auckland regional pain service pain specialist Bob Large, cited by Australia’s ABC , said that in some parts of the world, hypnosis had been used prior to major surgery. He said that some people could even have surgery under hypnosis. “Some people are capable of very, very impressive anaesthesia and analgesia with hypnosis,” he said. “There are case reports of

people having major surgery under hypnosis going way back.” Large said that being hypnotised before an operation had advantages as opposed to using

SLEIGH TOLD THE AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND COLLEGE OF ANESTHETISTS CONFERENCE THAT ABOUT ONE IN 1,000 PATIENTS RECALL CONVERSATIONS, SOUNDS FROM THE OPERATING THEATER WHILE UNDER ANESTHETIC.

gas or a needle. “I think in the first instance it helps them feel less apprehensive about the process,” he said. “And within the procedure itself it doesn’t negate the possibility of using chemical anaesthesia, but it reduces the dosages that are required and that’s pretty useful as well. “Women who use hypnosis for childbirth are able to be much more comfortable through the whole process, they have a good time, the baby comes out less sedated because you’ve not used as much morphine or other analgesia along the way.” GLOBAL POST

Wise eating helps lower carbon footprint? LONDON: Some 360,000 tonnes of milk poured down kitchen sinks in Britain creates a carbon footprint equivalent to exhaust emissions of 20,000 cars annually, a study says. The study conducted at the University of Edinburgh, UK, identifies ways that consumers could also help curb greenhouse gas emissions — by reducing the amount of food they buy, serve and waste. They also suggest the food industry could reduce emissions by seeking more efficient ways to use fertilisers. For instance, halving the amount of chicken consumed in the UK and other developed countries to levels eaten in Japan could cut greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking 10 million cars off the road, the journal Nature Climate Change reports. “Eating less meat and wasting less food can play a big part in helping to keep a lid on greenhouse gas emissions as the world’s population increases,” said David Reay from Edinburgh’s School of GeoSciences, who led the study. Figures show that if average chicken consumption in developed countries fell from the current level to the Japanese average by 2020, global emissions from poultry would fall below current levels, despite increased output from the developing world. This would cut the predicted global output of nitrous oxide, a key greenhouse gas, by almost 20 per cent, based on current growth rates. Demand for food, particularly meat, is expected to increase over the next few decades as the world’s population continues to grow. Agriculture is the biggest source of nitrous oxide, a powerful greenhouse gas that is emitted by soil and fertilisers. Producing meat produces more emissions than growing crops. Researchers arrived at their findings by examining data for global agricultural production of greenhouse gases together with consumption of food in various regions of the world. IANS

HOUSECALL

APP-LY YOURSELF

DID YOU KNOW?

Appendicitis

Isabel

Bright is healthy

ppendicitis is basically an inflammation of the appendix due to an infection. The appendix is an extension of the large bowel which helps break down vegetable matter. The appendix is said to not play a major role in the same as after it is removed a person can still live a healthy normal life. Although appendicitis is said to occur mostly in children, adults may also suffer from the same. A person suffering from appendicitis may display symptoms such as pain in the centre of the abdomen, vomiting, diarrhoea and fever. If the infection is serious than surgery to remove the appendix is advised else they may be given certain antibiotics and IV fluids. The child recovers within a few days of the surgery. If a child shows symptoms of appendicitis then it is advised that the child should not be fed anything and you should call your doctor immediately.

H

ave some symptoms been bothering you since the last few days? Isabel healthcare launched the health app called Isabel to prevent misdiagnosis. The mobile app provides the user with possible diagnosis and its concerned treatment or medications based on the symptoms provided by the user. The application meant for use by healthcare professionals only helps provide these professionals with a possible list of diagnosis. The application which helps provide a more specific diagnosis through age, gender and travel history filters also provides the user to a large database of the symptoms and their treatment. The application can be downloaded free of cost.

W

19

e have always been told that food with anti-oxidants are good for us as these anti-oxidants help protect the cells in our body against free radicals that can damage them and cause cancer, heart disease and other ailments. According to a study, the brighter the colour of the produce, the better its antioxidant content is for us. Various bright coloured berries such as blueberries, strawberries, red cabbage, and eggplant are some of the few foods with good antioxidant content. In a study, it was found that these produce not only stopped tumours from growing, but also killed about 20% of tumour cells.


Spotlight

TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2012

20

The Deccan Chargers team knows more than just cricket. Kingfisher, on Monday, organised the Kingfisher Livewire Entertainment at the Rain Lounge where some of the cricketers played DJs for the night and played to the crowd.

Charging up

Cameron White, Kumar Sangakkara, Dale Steyn and another player

SRINIVAS SETTY

Cheergirls posing for the lensmen

At the movies

Lavrenti, Melanie, Sri, Chandra Pemmaraju and Chaitanya Chitta

Love Lies and Seeta, an urban romantic comedy about three best friends who fall in love with the same girl during their summer in New York. A premiere of the film was held at Cinemax on Monday.

Adivi Sesh


Magic Screen

TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2012

The glamour behind the glitz

NANI, AMALA PAUL FOR A BILINGUAL FILM Eega to release on May 30

S

S Rajamouli’s upcoming film Eega is on track for release on May 30. For the past few days, there were rumours in the industry that the film might be pushed to mid June since Rajamouli’s team wanted more time for the post production activities. However, sources close to the film say that Rajamouli is not in a mood to push the film’s release any further as there are plenty of other big starrers lined up for release in June and July. Moreover, Eega was originally planned for release in April and pushing its release date any further would jeopardise the incredible buzz surrounding the film. “Gearing up to get eega censored on 21st.. Hoping to get a U certification like Maryadaramanna . (sic)” S S Rajamouli posted on Twitter hinting that there won’t be any delay in the film’s release date.

N

ani is on a roll these days. After scoring back to back hits like Ala Modalaindi and Pilla Zamindar last year, he’s acting in S S Rajamouli’s Eega, Gautham Menon’s Eto Vellipoyindhi Manasu and Krishna Vamsi’s next. The latest buzz in Kollywood is that he has signed to play one of the lead roles in a bilingual film to be directed by Samutharakani. Amala Paul is going to team up with Nani and Jayam Ravi in this film. This untitled film is expected to go on floors in June. With three back to back bilingual films to his credit, Nani is slowly emerging as one of the most bankable stars in Telugu and Tamil. Meanwhile, we hear that Amala Paul has opted out of

21

T-TOWN TWEETIES

@Actor_Siddharth Last ball 6! Game of the tournament... pressure cooker delivers!!! CSK still in it! Should have had a camera around my mom for this one;)

@shraddhadas43 two projects to be part of this bilingual film. Earlier this summer, Amala Paul was in talks with Radhamohan and Parasuram to play lead roles in Gauravam and Saar Vastaru; however, she didn’t sign both these films due to lack of dates. For now, she’s only part of V V Vinayak, Ram Charan’s upcoming film in Telugu.

SORRY works when a mistake is made, but SORRY doesnt work when TRUST is broken, so in life, make mistakes but never break TRUST...

@HEROMANOJ1 Hey guys :) audio postponed to an other date :) wil let u all know once confirmed :)) love u all:)

@actressanjjanaa Meet my new character meenakshi d solo protagonist of my new film “mahanadhi, shooting in Ankola by d beach side.

@LakshmiManchu Saw #Gabbarsingh first day. Died laughing. Director Harish adapted it beautifully. Congrats to the entire team. Next on list #Ishaqzaade :)

Shankar’s next based on cash for votes?

S

hankar’s penchant for dabbling with themes like politics and corruption is well known. In the past, he has made films like Gentleman, Bharatheeyudu, Oke Okkadu and Shivaji which had one man taking a stand against the system to bring a change. His next film tentatively titled Therdhal starring Vikram is reportedly based on election commission and also cash for votes scam which rocked the country few years ago. Shankar has already begun working on the film’s script and the film is likely to go on floors after September. A Bollywood heroine is likely to be cast in the film and more details will be announced soon. PC Sriram is likely to be the cinematographer and AR Rahman might compose the music.

@shrutihaasan Omg I think I just saw John cryers(Alan from 2 and a half men ) indian doppelgänger lol

@tashu_02 So the 1st schedule of @AnnumInnumEnnum comes to an end.. Time to pack my bags n fly back to Mumbai...

@snehaullalheart On road... Lonavla baby... going to read a killer script today for my Hindi comeback. first half is ready and I’m gonna try n improvise.


Magic Screen

TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2012

The glamour behind the glitz

Life outside the small screen A

cting is their passion, but the profession doesn’t guarantee longterm stability. So a bevy of actors, including Ronit Roy, Hiten Tejwani and Rakshanda Khan, have ventured into alternate businesses to have a secure future. Hiten, who rose to fame as Karan in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, owns a restaurant named Barcode O53 and says acting cannot guarantee a lifelong source of income. “My idea of opening a restaurant was important. The whole point is that I couldn’t have been totally dependent on acting for my income...even though I want to remain in the field of entertainment forever,” Hiten said. “It’s great to have something to fall back on. I don’t come from a business family; so I thought of starting something so that my kids have some backing in future,” he added. Hiten is not the only one! Kushal Punjabi owns nightclub Ye ‘ole Watering Hole in the entertainment capital, while Mohit Mallik is the owner of a chain of restaurants along with a health store. Pawan Shankar, currently seen as a man who is having an extramarital affair in “Kyaa Hua Tera Vaada, runs a company that organises lifestyle exhibitions across the country.

Rakshanda Khan And the actor admits his business helps him choose good work on screen. Pawan said: “I have my company — Fashionista. I started it in 2008 and all my free time goes into building the company. By god’s grace money has never been an issue. We organise lifestyle and fashion exhibitions across the country where designers showcase their creativity. “It is true that actors don’t have any sustainability. I am glad that my business gives me the leeway to choose the kind of roles that I am comfortable doing,” he added. Apart from being an actor, Anuj Saxena, a qualified doctor, is juggling many roles and responsibilities. He is a producer, a

restaurateur and the managing director of pharmaceutical company Elder Health Care Ltd. Actor-brothers Ronit and Rohit Roy have their own businesses. While Ronit runs Ace Security and Protection that provides personal security to top Bollywood stars like Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, his sibling Rohit has launched a film and TV production company. Other actors who have their own production houses are Chetan Hansraj and Sumeet Raghavan. Karan Kundra, who rose to fame with Kitni Mohabbat Hai, has established a call centre in Jalandhar, while Shaleen Bhanot has Graphic Machinery Company,

which concentrates on exporting machinery all over India. Sachin Shroff runs a business that supplies construction steel. If male actors are happily focussing on their acting as well as business, women are not far behind. Actresses Rakshanda Khan and Pooja Ghai have their own event management firms, while Riva Bubber has a dog grooming salon. Rupali Ganguly runs an advertising agency. Sara Khan, Achint Kaur and Sanjeeda Sheikh have their own beauty salons. Rashmi Desai along with husband Nandish Sandhu are also set to launch a production house. But actor Arjun Bijlani feels that business cannot be a backup plan for his passion, which is acting. He owns a wine shop in Mumbai. “For me, business is not a backup plan. Sachin Tendulkar is a cricket player and that’s his passion. But he also has a restaurant... I don’t think it is his backup plan,” said the actor seen in Miley Jab Hum Tum and Left Right Left. “Likewise, there are many people into acting, but side by side they’ve started their business. I have my own business, I’ve a wine shop in Andheri and acting is my passion. I want to grow as an actor,” he added. IANS

22

B-TOWN TWEETIES

@sonamakapoor RT @GreatestQuotes: “The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon, but that we wait so long to begin it.” — W.M. Lewis

@SrBachchan T 744 — Just reading that Tarini Sachdev the girl child artist in Paa, has perished in Nepal plane crash... please God may this not be true.

@AnupamPkher On my way to Singapore for the launch of my book “The Best Thing About You is YOU”. The book is in its 8th edition in five months. Jai Ho.:)

@RGVzoomin Rowdy Rathore cmng frm the maker of Devdas, Saawariya nd Guzaarish either says smthg about the film or smthng about the maker.

@bipsluvurself Heading to the @IIFAAwards2012 Press Conf. Excited to be performing at the IIFA Awards night on 9th June at Singapore.

@FarOutAkhtar Goa. As crowded, hot or over developed you may be... There’s still that magic in the air. Bye for now... Shall return soon.

@DuttaLara So my Pre-Natal DvD hits the market tomorrow! :-). Worked hard on it with the Saregama team! All to be mommies, especially for you!:-)

@shahidkapoor Just caught aamir khans #satyamevjayate... Had missed seeing it as was a lil unwell... Hats off to him for taking up such a sensitive show bringing such huge issues to light ....

Hiten Tejwani

Achint Kaur

Kushal Punjabi


Magic Screen

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

TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2012

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Magic Screen

The glamour behind the glitz

TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2012

24

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Magic Screen

TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2012

The glamour behind the glitz

Robert Pattinson

Adam Garcia

CELEBRATES 26TH BIRTHDAY

LIKES TO DRINK DIAL

R

A

obert Pattinson celebrated his 26th birthday at Claridge’s hotel in London on Sunday evening. He played host to friends like Hugh Jackman and a pregnant Sienna Miller. It was back to the city for Robert after he spent the weekend with Kristen Stewart in the English countryside, where she was busy with press duties for Snow White and the Huntsman. The duo stayed together at the Bailiffscourt Hotel in West Sussex, England, a spot just 15 minutes from Kristen’s work duties at Arundel Castle. The last week has been extra busy for Kristen. She jetted to Paris for a round of interviews on behalf of her new movie, which is out on June 1, before moving on to the UK.

Lovato joins X Factor USA

25

T

he X Factor will be housing two former Disney pop princesses at its judging table in season two! Teen idol Demi Lovato has officially joined the Fox hit reality series as the fourth and final judge, sources confirm to E! News. Lovato is set to join Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid and fellow newbie judge Britney Spears when the show returns in September. While Fox isn’t commenting on Lovato’s hiring, the 19-year-old singer is expected to make an appearance tomorrow at the network’s upfront presentation in New York City. Spears is also expected to appear at the event where a formal announcement about the duo joining the show will be made

ustralian actor Adam Garcia often phones up girls when he is drunk, as alcohol gives him the confidence to share his true feelings. The Coyote Ugly star ‘drink dials’ frequently, but admits calling women when he is tipsy often lands him in embarrassing situations. He tells Closer magazine, “Well, it’s hard to remember who, but I drunk dial a lot! I was seeing this girl recently and used to call her up saying I missed her. I can’t help it after a few drinks!” Luckily one person Garcia hasn’t called while intoxicated is his former co-star Lindsay Lohan, who remains a close pal after they worked on a movie project together. He adds, “We starred in Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen together in 2004 and we’ve stayed in touch. She’s a great girl and whenever I’m in L.A., we meet up for coffee.”


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

TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2012

Take a shot at the brain game while sipping your cuppa

26

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Eat in style 5 Petting-zoo animal 11 Major network 14 Frankenstein's flunky 15 Parent or scared horse 16 "7 Faces of Doctor ___" 17 Clock radio feature 19 "What was ___ think?" 20 Part of MIA 21 Member of a wedding party 23 Was nourished 24 Flashy trinket 26 Greet by hand 27 "In 25 words or ___ ..." 29 Years and years and years 32 About which the earth turns 33 Deadly snake 36 Course activity 38 "I hate to ___ and run" 39 "Beddy-bye" 42 Top gun 44 Apartment listing datum 45 Zee preceder 46 Painted metalware 48 Poem of everyday life 50 After-bath powder 54 Put on board 55 Stitched up 58 Road surface, often 59 South-of-the-border salamander 63 Heading on Santa's list 65 Wine glass part 66 It's needed to look good in the morning 68 Four qts. 69 Prayer 70 Pt. of MIT 71 Tarzan portrayer Ron 72 Cover,as with concrete 73 Swings for the fences DOWN 1 Gloomy 2 Put a match to

3 Lasso parts 4 Winged god of love 5 Place of action 6 Word with "little" or "major" 7 Chum 8 Omani or Yemeni 9 Parrot's beak part 10 Octopod's octet 11 Culminations 12 Former name of Jakarta 13 Happening first 18 Zag' scounterpart 22 Airline Howard Hughes once controlled 25 Sultry summer stretches 28 Witnessed 30 "... see hide ___ hair of" 31 1977 Triple Crown champion Seattle ___

34 Shark's milieu 35 "Frasier" actress Gilpin 37 Wray of "King Kong" 39 Once in a blue moon 40 Red Sox legendWilliams 41 Was introduced to 42 As a whole 43 Type of TV cable 47 Wriggler in the water 49 Slow musical passages 51 Goddess of wisdom 52 Most current 53 Vaults in Westminister Abbey 56 "The Shootist" star

SUDOKU

57 Greek letters 60 Woodwind 61 Fork-tailed shore bird 62 Of the congregation 64 Fast-talking 67 NATO founding member PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

THOUGHT OF THE DAY I’ve looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times. God knows I will do this and forgives me. – Jimmy Carter


Chai Time STAR POWER

TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2012

Your tomorrow today̶Star Power and Tarot THIRUVAIKUMAR

As per Hindu panchang

FOR 16-5-2012

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

TAURUS

GEMINI

Employees need to concentrate and execute their work to gain the good‑ will of the superiors. Businessmen might experience ups and downs. Politicians will prosper. Avoid journeys.

There will be hurdles and delays in financial transactions. But don't be upset for that and keep working in your own way so that you will come out of the problems soon.

Businessmen will see increased profits. Employees will see mixed results. Though there will be a comfortable sit‑ uation at workplace, non co‑operation from the colleagues might upset you.

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

Plans might nor progress as per your expectations. Reduce anger and adjust with all in a flexible manner. Employees need to work without mak‑ ing the superiors feel dissatisfied.

Most of your fresh efforts will ensure success to you but minor hurdles are also not ruled out. Govternment con‑ tractors and partnership business will experience good opportunities.

With your hardwork, you will com‑ plete a lot of good work. Friends will extend their support. Your efforts will yield the desired results. Businessmen will handle tough competition well.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

Businessmen will see improvement in margins; especially, the individual businessmen will flourish well. Women will keep the family away from ten‑ sions which may spoil the atmosphere.

Opportunity for growth is seen. Donʼt worry about minor problems. Businessmen will see a good growth If there are any problems with the staff resolve the same amicably.

Politicians will gain good name and win the confidence of leadership. You will easily manage increasing expenses. Employees will earn good name from their superiors.

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

A patient approach is required while dealing with debt. Chances of litiga‑ tions over property likely. Politicians will get support and favour from lead‑ ership. Lawyers will make good name.

Some problems will be faced but you will not be affected. Slow and steady policy will ensure you success. Employees must maintain cordial rela‑ tionship with superiors.

Be cautious in your work. Plan well in advance. Family atmosphere will remain in a happy state due to the intelligent stand taken by the women.

SUMAA TEKUR

FOR 16-5-2012

tarotreadhyd@gmail.com

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

Knight of Wands ‑ Youʼre feeling youth‑ ful, adventurous and ready to take on the world with your new and creative ideas. Romance is in the air. An old flame returns.

The World ‑ The world is at your feet and all your plans are working perfect‑ ly. If there are any minor glitches, you have it in you to manage them.

Four of Pentacles ‑ The financial stabili‑ ty is making it seem worth it despite the lack of challenge in your current position. Youʼll stick on despite the boredom.

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

The Sun ‑ Youʼre bright and cheerful and this happy dispo‑ sition wins you many friends. People even come to you for advice because you seem so practical.

Three of Cups ‑ Celebration time! Bring out the bubbly and celebrate your success. Itʼs impor‑ tant to do so to attract more positive energy into your life.

Eight of Swords ‑ You feel restless and on the edge. You havenʼt been sleep‑ ing well and itʼs showing on your health. Take time off and rest well.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

The Chariot ‑ Travel is on the cards. This will be an important journey when you meet interesting people who make an impact on your future life course.

Nine of swords ‑ Nightmares, restless sleep and anxiety are taking a toll on your health. Take time off and get away for a few days. Rejuvenate and refresh.

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

For Better or for Worse Stone soup

Seven of Wands ‑ Youʼre feeling tired and need to rest. Use some time by your‑ self to look back, review your decisions and plan ahead for the weeks to come.

Knight of Wands ‑ You have the youth‑ ful energy and raw enthusiasm to try out the new. This is a lucky phase. Make the most of it and use your positivity.

Nine of Wands ‑ Youʼre reaching the end of a prestigious project and youʼve put in a lot of hard work. Itʼs showing and the bosses are extremely happy.

PISCES

Temperance ‑ Be patient about your work situation. Things will improve. Youʼre getting anx‑ ious about the sacri‑ fices youʼve made in order to get here.

SOLUTIONS

Boggle LUTE CELLO BANJO GUITAR VIOLIN

Number game

Suduko

Scrabble

Ink pen

COMICS

Fred Basset

ARIES

TAROT READ

27

Vol: 1, No. 303 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 040-40672222, Fax: 040-40672211


Playing Field

TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2012

The games people play

28

A surprise awaits big shot Nicol

w

CAN ENGLAND RETAIN THEIR CROWN? Twelfth Man Babu Kalyanpur

E

ngland’s credibility is on the line as they take on West Indies in the first Test at Lord’s on Thursday. The heavy defeats in the Middle East and the Sub-Continent over the last few months have raised a lot of questions over whether England can sustain their No 1 ranking in the long run. They managed to hold on to it despite South Africa’s charge to wrest it off them. The series against the West Indies has added significance, as South Africa are set to tour England in the second half of the summer. England will not wish for a straight fight for the top ranking. They will be hoping that they can overcome the resurgent West Indies and hold on to the crown. They have a good chance too. The first half of the summer will

certainly help England. The usual rain and clouds may well spell heavy weather for the inexperienced West Indians. The seaming conditions may as well help the West Indian fast men. But England are the better batting side and their players are well equipped to counter the conditions. The series will also be a reality check for the West Indies. Take away Shivnaraine Chanderpaul’s contributions and the batting is pathetic to say the least; Darren Bravo has promise but needs to stay longer and score bigger. Mar-

ENGLAND WILL NOT WISH FOR A STRAIGHT FIGHT FOR THE TOP RANKING. THEY WILL BE HOPING THAT THEY CAN OVERCOME THE RESURGENT WEST INDIES AND HOLD ON TO THE CROWN.

lon Samuels has been indifferent

on his comeback and will need to show consistency to prove that he fits in. The repeated omission of Ramnaresh Sarwan seems mystifying. He is the victim of the socalled new culture of the West Indies team. All this talk of culture is utter rubbish. The West Indies always played their best cricket when they were unconventional and erratic. One couldn’t get a Brian Lara to toe the line or for that matter a Desmond Haynes or a Gordon Greenidge. The West Indies build their reputation on aggressive cricket. They had the geniuses who would make zero on one day and smash 200 on another. This sedate approach will make them at best good opponents but nothing more. The saving grace for the West Indies are the bowlers. Kemar Roach, Fidel Edwards and Ravi Rampaul are fine bowlers and getting better by the day. England will feel good that skipper Andrew Strauss has got among the runs for his county Middlesex. Strauss should be left

alone by the critics, as he is still one of England’s best opening batsmen. Kevin Pietersen has found his golden touch once again. He was in prime form in the IPL and this has continued in the county matches. The big question mark will be Ian Bell’s form. But Bell has a very good technique and he will return to top gear sooner than later. England will bank on the bowlers on conditions which are tailor-made for them. James Anderson is deadly on English wickets and he may well be the key to England’s resurgence. The focus will once again fall on the two captains. Darren Sammy is a useful cricketer and an enthusiastic and positive captain. But he will need to raise his game to justify his presence in the side. Srauss has been much maligned for nothing. The good thing is that Strauss is a fighter to the core. His redemption could well be in this series. If Strauss clicks, then the sunny days of English cricket may well be back in the gloom of early summer.

orld number one Nicol David will have a surprising first round opponent when she begins her campaign to win back the British Open title here on Tuesday. The legendary Malaysian will take on Maria Toor Pakay who became the first Pakistan-born woman ever to reach a British Open main draw after upsetting the seedings in the qualifying competition. The 21-year-old left-hander from Peshawar overcame Emily Whitlock, the European junior champion, by 11-5, 4-11, 8-11, 116, 11-7 in 46 minutes which ended in the English player’s first defeat in any competition since January. It followed another lengthy Pakay tussle on Sunday when she also went the full distance, on that occasion with Lucie Fialova of the Czech republic, before scraping past 11-6, 6-11, 8-11, 11-3, 11-4. Pakay, who was named as the young player of the year on the women’s tour in 2007 and received the Salaam Pakistan Award from the President Pervez Musharraf in the same year, will now play the biggest match of her life in the O2 arena, the world’s most popular entertainment venue. Carla Khan, another Pakistan international, also played in the British Open main draw, but unlike Pakay, was born in England and earlier represented England. The granddaughter of the legendary Azam Khan, four times British Open champion, Khan changed loyalties to Pakistan in 1999. Earlier three of the Egyptian front-runners, Amr Shabana, the four-times world champion, Ramy Ashour, another former world champion, and Mohamed El Shorbagy, the former world junior champion, all came through after hard first round tussles in the men’s event. Shabana, who attributes his attitude and desire to delay retirement to his three- and four-year-old daughters, fought to beat Tarek Momen 11-7, 7-11, 6-11, 11-3, 11-6.

Most extreme golf in the world KABUL: “Welcome to the most extreme golf in the world,” says the European Union ambassador to Afghanistan, as half-a-dozen heavily armed bodyguards fan out around him and scan the Kabul Golf Club course. But Vygaudas Usackas is not talking about security threats facing golfers in a war zone — he’s talking about the course. It is one big hazard, with unfair fairways of rock and thistles, sand-and-oil “greens” and the chance of falling into a ditch

making even the most wicked of traditional sand traps and water hazards seem benign. But in a country where guns far outnumber golf clubs and diplomats live in compounds set deep behind blast walls and razor wire, Usackas revels in the chance to “get out and get some fresh air”. The air at Afghanistan’s only golf course — a half-hour drive out of Kabul — is certainly easier to breathe than the dust and pollution of the chaotic capital, but golfers accustomed to the

eye-soothing sight of immaculate lawns would be in for a shock. And they can leave the fancy two-tone spiked shoes behind, being well-advised to don army style boots to cope with the terrain. As for clubs, forget about the state-of-the-art Titanium driver that cost a few hundred dollars and choose, like anybody else, from a dusty collection of bags containing ancient woods and irons in the spartan, single-room “clubhouse”.


29

TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2012

METRE

S

6 600

Chris Gayle (RCB)

44 4S1614

Ajinkya Rahane (RR)

70

HIGHEST SCORE

109*

Rohit Sharma (MI)

BEST BOWLER

4-13

A Chandila (RR)

A devil of a job for Kings It was a very simple equation. We needed four to tie and five to win. So definitely boundary was the option, and I myself well.

G Aparna Sai feedback@postnoon.com

T

Dwayne Bravo Chennai Super Kings

Chris Gayle (RCB) 578 runs

Morne Morkel (DD) 21 wickets

Rayadu, Patel fined for spat M

umbai Indians’ Ambati Rayudu and Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Harshal Patel have been fined for breaching the Code of Coduct after an ugly spat occurred between the two during an Indian Premier League match. While Rayudu was fined 100 per cent of his match fee, Patel has been reprimanded and fined 25 per cent of his earning for their showdown after the end of the game at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium yesterday. Rayudu has been fined for using obscene and abusive language towards Patel - a Level 2 offence under Article 2.2.8 of IPL Code of Conduct. Patel, meanwhile, has been reprimanded and fined for bringing the game into disrepute by his aggressive reaction.

DD MI K KR CSK RCB RR KXIP PW DC

P 13 14 14 15 14 14 13 15 14

W L 9 4 9 5 8 5 8 6 7 6 7 7 7 6 4 11 2 11

N/T PT NRR 0 18 +0.729 0 18 -0.056 1 17 +0.390 1 17 +0.214 1 15 -0.072 0 14 +0.335 0 14 -0.270 0 8 -0.477 1 5 -0.680

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

DD VS KXIP AT 8 PM ON SET MAX

SCORECARD ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE VS MUMBAI INDIANS RC Bangalore innings (20 overs) CH Gayle b Patel 6 TM Dilshan b Singh 47 V Kohli* run out (Gibbs) 3 Tiwary hit wicket b Harbhajan Singh 21 AB de Villiers† c Malinga b Pollard 14 MA Agarwal not out 64 Vinay Kumar run out (Smith/†Karthik) 1 Z Khan not out 1 Extras (lb 2, w 9, nb 3) 14 Total (6 wickets; 20 overs) 171 Bowling O M R W Econ MM Patel 4 0 54 1 13.50 RP Singh 4 0 23 1 5.75 SL Malinga 4 0 29 0 7.25 Harbhajan 3 0 33 1 11.00 KA Pollard 3 0 20 1 6.66 DR Smith 2 0 10 0 5.00 Mumbai Indians innings (target: 172 runs from 20 overs) Gibbsrun out (Appanna/Tiwary) 2 SR Tendulkar c Kohli b Khan 0 RG Sharma c & b Vinay Kumar 5 KD Karthik† c Patel b Muralitharan 16 AT Rayudu not out 81 DR Smith c Dilshan b Patel 6 KA Pollard not out 52 Extras (lb 4, w 7) 11 Total (5 wickets; 19.4 overs) 173 Bowling O M R W Econ Z Khan 4 0 34 1 8.50 R Vinay Kumar 4 0 36 1 9.00 HV Patel 4 0 25 1 6.25 Muralitharan 4 0 16 1 4.00 KP Appanna 1 0 19 0 19.00 CH Gayle 2.4 0 39 0 14.62 Mumbai Indians won by 5 wickets

KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS VS CHENNAI SUPER KINGS Kolkata Knight Riders innings (20 overs) G Gambhir* b Jakati 62 McCullum† run out (Anirudha/†Dhoni) 37 JH Kallis c Ashwin b Jakati 4 MK Tiwary c Bravo b Jadeja 12 YK Pathan c Bravo b Ashwin 11 DB Das not out 19 LR Shukla c Raina b Hilfenhaus 9 R Bhatia not out 1 Extras (lb 2, w 1) 3 Total (6 wickets; 20 overs) 158 Bowling O M R W Econ SB Jakati 4 0 26 2 6.50 BW Hilfenhaus3 0 26 1 8.66 R Ashwin 4 0 26 1 6.50 SK Raina 2 0 17 0 8.50 RA Jadeja 4 0 39 1 9.75 DJ Bravo 3 0 22 0 7.33 Chennai Super Kings innings (target: 159 runs from 20 overs) MEK Hussey c Bhatia b Narine 56 M Vijay b Narine 36 SK Raina run out (Bhatia) 8 F du Plessis c Tiwary b Bhatia 13 MS Dhoni*† b Bhatia 28 DJ Bravo not out 11 RA Jadeja not out 3 Extras (lb 4, w 1) 5 Total (5 wickets; 20 overs) 160 Bowling O M R W Econ M de Lange 3 0 37 0 12.33 L Balaji 4 0 33 0 8.25 SP Narine 4 0 14 2 3.50 JH Kallis 3 0 25 0 8.33 R Bhatia 4 0 33 2 8.25 YK Pathan 2 0 14 0 7.00 Chennai Super Kings won by 5 wickets

able-toppers, Delhi Daredevils had a miserable outing when they played defending champions, Chennai Super Kings on Saturday. Taking first strike, DD could not get beyond 114, a target which the Kings reached comfortably in just 15.2 overs. Looking at their performance in this season’s IPL, the Daredevils’ show against CSK was totally unexpected. Their dismal batting display left one and all baffled. Their bowlers could not be blamed as defending such a small total was always going to be an uphill task. DD are set to clash with the Kings from Punjab today on their home turf. While Delhi would look to regain their lost form, Punjab, fresh

from their victory against the Deccan Chargers, will have to win the match against the Daredevils to keep their play-offs’ hopes alive. This victory has tightened the points table making it tough to assume which teams would make it to the next round. Stand-in skipper, David Hussey, in the absence of captain Adam Gilchrist, has led from the front. He has been the perfect leader, encouraging his players all the way and contributing to the team’s performance in the best possible manner. He has been supported well by his team-mates; Mandeep Singh, Azhar Mahmood, Gurkeerat Singh and Shaun Marsh have risen on many occasions. While it can be safely assumed that the Daredevils would qualify for the play-offs no matter what the outcome of this match would be, the Kings would hope to clinch victory and improve their chances to make it to the next round.

A very strange coincidence

I

t might be a mere coincidence but it seems that the top teams’ standing on the points table matches the telephone code of cities from where they hail and that too in order. Delhi Daredevil are top and Delhi’s phone code is 01. Mumbai Indians are second and their tele-

Shalabh to sue channel

A

sting operation by a TV news channel has caught a few domestic cricketers claiming that IPL franchises pay them more money than they are entitled to as per the BCCI rules, to retain or lure them from other teams. Shalabh Srivastava, a medium pacer from Uttar Pradesh who is contracted with Kings XI Punjab, is shown alleging that most teams pay players the extra money in black. However, Shalabh Srivastava has denied the spot-fixing charge and said that the audio clip a TV channel is playing is doctored and also threatened to sue the channel. “I fail to understand whatever is being said about spot-fixing,” he said.

phone code is 02; Kolkata Knight Riders are third and Kolkata’s code is 03; and Chennai Super Kings are fourth and Chennai code is 04. Also, the four cities are metros and all the four zones are represented. Delhi represents north, Mumbai west, Kolkata east and Chennai South. Strange, eh?


71 DAYS TO GO

30

TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2012

Green Games an oxymoron LONDON: London has pledged to host the greenest Olympic Games ever staged, but it could take years before the promises start to flower. The pledge was made seven years ago by then-prime minister Tony Blair when London won the right to host the 2012 Olympics. Bigger, more beautiful, cleaner: all Olympic Games make the same promises. But what becomes of the concrete infrastructure, the miles of new roads and the tonnes of waste? “It’s a slight oxymoron, the idea of the Olympic Games being sustainable,” said John Sauven, the executive director of the UK branch of environmental organisation Greenpeace. “When you put on any event that lasts a weekend or a fortnight, it’s very hard to make it sustainable in nature, because it’s a very short-term event.

BIGGER, MORE BEAUTIFUL, CLEANER: ALL OLYMPIC GAMES MAKE THE SAME PROMISES. BUT WHAT BECOMES OF THE CONCRETE INFRASTRUCTURE, THE MILES OF NEW ROADS AND THE TONNES OF WASTE?

“You’re going to have an awful lot of people flying in for a very short period of time, consuming a huge amount of resources, and flying out again.” However, the London Games

Olympic fan Michelle says, ‘Let’s move!’ DALLAS, USA: US First Lady Michelle Obama is teaming up with the US Olympic Committee to introduce more than 1.7 million children to an array of sports as part of her “Let’s Move!” youth fitness campaign. Obama, who will lead the US delegation to the London Olympics in July, was flanked by dozens of Olympians and Olympic hopefuls as she spoke for about 10 minutes at the

USOC’s pre-London Olympic Summit on Monday. She and USOC chief executive Scott Blackmun announced an initiative in which the USOC and several of the national governing bodies under its umbrella will introduce children across the country to to their sports. “I am beyond proud to be leading the US delegation to the opening ceremonies in London this summer,” Obama said. “And I want you to know that I’ll be doing so both as a First Lady honored to be representing my country and as a lifelong Olympic fan.” Obama recalled being “awed and inspired” by Olympic competitors that she watched the Games on television as a youngster. But it was 12-time Olympic swimming medallist Natalie Coughlin who was briefly tongue-tied as she introduced the First Lady.

do not measure up badly, he explained, because of the transformation they have brought about in Stratford, east London, and the legacy they will leave once the Olympic flame is extin-

guished on August 12. “This was a fairly polluted industrial site,” Sauven said of what is now the Olympic Park. “It has been restored, obviously a massive regeneration programme has been going on and it will be integrated into the fabric of the city, so it’s not like the 2004 Athens Olympics where a lot of the facilities are just abandoned ruins now.” David Stubbs, the head of

GRAND HONOUR

Two-time Olympic fencing champion Laura Flessel will be France’s flag-bearer at this summer’s Olympic Games in London.

sustainability at the London Games organisers LOCOG, said: “From the beginning, sustainability was part of the project.” Some two million tonnes of polluted soil has been cleaned up and re-used on the site and rainwater is stored and re-used. Construction materials with low carbon content were given priority in building the stadia on the Olympic Park, with the aim of reducing carbon dioxide missions by half compared with normal construction standards. While they acknowledge the effort, Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth regret “missed opportunities” such as the scrapping of a wind turbine project on the site. The decision made the percentage of renewable energy used on the park drop from the original target of 20 percent to 12 percent. AFP

Bolt will race in Zurich leg of the Diamond league ZURICH: Double Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt will race in the Zurich leg of the Diamond League on August 30, organisers announced on Monday. Bolt, also the world record holder over the 100 and 200m, kicked off his season on home soil last week, winning the Jamaica International Invitational in a world-leading 9.82 seconds. He is scheduled to run the 100m in Ostrava, Czech Republic, on May 25, and will also race the 100m at the Diamond League meetings in Rome on May 31 and Oslo on June 7. His final race before the July 27-August 12 London Olympic Games will be over 200m at the Monaco Diamond League meeting on July 20. “Zurich is often called the one-day Olympics and I expect this year to be a very special meeting 18 days after the London Games,” said Bolt.


Playing Field

TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2012

The games people play

31

SPORT SNIPPETS

RED HILLS IN SEMIFINAL

Ventoso wins Giro 9th stage Spain’s Francisco Ventoso (Movistar) claimed victory in the ninth stage of the Giro d’Italia in a sprint finish on Monday, with Canada’s Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin) holding onto the leader’s pink jersey. British world champion Mark Cavendish (Sky) was unable to take part in the sprint after being involved in a crash on the last bend in which Italy’s Filippo Pozzato collided with the Australian Matt Goss (GreenEdge) with 400 metres remaining.

Cycling

Red Hills defeated Gymkhana Rangers 1-0 on Monday to enter the semifinal of the Peter Thangaraj Memorial Football Tournament. Red Hills took the lead in the very first minute of the match through Zubair, who converted a pass from Syed Nadeem. This is the quickest goal of the tournament.

But we’ll see how I feel over the next few days. I still have a couple of days to see how I feel and take it from there Roger Federer about playing Rome Masters

Evan help Philadelphia win Evan Turner scored the goahead layup and drained a couple of key free throws down the stretch as Philadelphia held on for a 82-81 win over Boston to even their Eastern Conference playoff series at 1-1. Turner drove to the basket, got knocked down but still made the layup as he was falling under the basket to give the upstart Sixers a 76-75 lead 40 seconds left in the fourth.

NBA

Cool Hami’s grace ASKNã= impresses Whitmarsh M

cLaren’s underfuelling fiasco may have ruined L e w i s Hamilton’s Spanish Grand Prix but it appears to have strengthened his position within the team, reports the Guardian. The McLaren team principal, Martin Whitmarsh, has been impressed by the way Hamilton responded to the devastating punishment of being flung from pole position to the back of the grid after running out of fuel during Saturday’s qualifying

session; cars must be able to give a sample of one litre. Hamilton, whose contract is up for renewal at the end of the season, then

drove heroically to finish eighth, using only a twostop strategy, and was as high as fourth at one stage. Whitmarsh said of

Hamilton: “I have to say he had some greatness I had not seen before. By the end of our chat he was consoling me. To say I was disappointed is a modest expression of what I felt. “He was saying we win and lose as a team. He was a great, great driver this weekend. To be a great driver like Fangio you need greatness in handling setbacks, challenges off the track, and he has excelled in that. My affection and admiration for Lewis have been enhanced by events this weekend.”

is the prize money of the Greenbrier Classic that Tiger Woods will play for the first time as a tune up for the British Open. The July 5-8 event will be staged on the Old White TPC course. The decision marks the third unusual event on Woods’ schedule in nine months.

All Blacks’ Kahui injured All Blacks winger Richard Kahui will miss next month’s three-Test series against Ireland with a shoulder injury, his Super 15 team the Waikato Chiefs said Tuesday. Kahui’s absence throws a potential lifeline to Zac Guildford or Hosea Gear, both of whom were omitted from New Zealand’s 35-man training squad for the series named on Monday. The 27-year-old dislocated his shoulder in the Chiefs’ loss to the Queensland Reds on Sunday.

Rugby


Playing Field

TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2012

The games people play

32

City apologise for ‘RIP Fergie’ placard Scholes extends Utd tenure

P

aul Scholes has signed a one-year contract extension with Manchester United, with Sir Alex Ferguson hinting that Ryan Giggs may follow the midfielder into retirement at the end of next season, reported the Guardian. The United manager told MUTV: “It has been done. [Scholes] is staying. Obviously next season will definitely be Ryan Giggs’ and Paul Scholes’ last season.” However, Ferguson spoke with hope that he was not sure about Ryan because he defies age. “But for Paul it will probably be his last year.”

Manchester City’s Argentinian forward Sergio Aguero (2R) and Manchester City’s Romanian goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon hold the trophy on an open topped bus as they celebrate becoming English Premier League champions in a parade in Manchester City.

‘We invest in youth, not on proven goods’ MANCHESTER, ENGLAND: Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said on Monday he wasn’t concerned by rivals and newly-crowned Premier League champions Manchester City’s ability to out bid them in the transfer market. However, Ferguson said that he was not going to be forced into a change of transfer policy because of losing out to their city rivals and would stick to investing in young talent while Abu Dhabi-owned City spent huge amounts on established players. “We know City are going to spend fortunes, pay stupid money and silly salaries. We know that hap-

pens. We can’t do anything about that,” the 70-year-old told MUTV at the United player of the year dinner. “We are not like other clubs who can spend fortunes on proven goods.”

MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM: Carlos Tevez landed himself in fresh controversy on Monday when he was pictured waving a mocked-up tombstone for Sir Alex Ferguson during Manchester City’s Premier League title celebrations. The 28-year-old Argentina striker held up a banner designed to look like a gravestone and bearing the words ‘RIP Fergie’ as City celebrated their title triumph over Manchester United during an open-top bus parade. Manchester City later released a statement apologising to Ferguson and criticised Tevez while the player - who it is believed took the banner from a fan - also said he “didn`t mean any disrespect”. “The creation of the tasteless material is in itself

reprehensible and in accepting and brandishing it, Carlos has made a significant error of judgement,” said a City spokeswoman. “The club wishes to express its sincerest apologies to Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United Football Club for any offence or distress caused.” Tevez for his part said he had just got carried away. “I certainly didn’t mean any disrespect to Sir Alex Ferguson, who I admire as a man and a manager,” he said. There was speculation it could have been a reference to a comment made by Ferguson in 2009 when he was asked whether United would ever be underdogs to their city rivals. “Not in my lifetime,” the United manager had said then.

Sergio: This is just the start

S

ergio Agüero believes Manchester City’s first title since 1968 is the start of “big things” for the club. He has also urged Mario Balotelli, who created the last-gasp, championship-clinching winner against Queens Park Rangers on Sunday, and Edin Dzeko, the scorer of the equaliser, to stay at City. “It’s all about City now, not United,” said the Argentine. “What we’ve done there is manage to pull it out of the fire and win it at the very last minute and hopefully it’s the start of big things.”

When silky Dutch gets steely THE HAGUE: Bert van Marwijk may have led the Netherlands to the 2010 World Cup final but his methods were not to the taste of the man who embodies the country’s lauded football culture. “Spain, a replica of Barcelona, are the best advert for football,” wrote Johan Cruyff of Holland’s opponents on the eve of the World Cup final in Johannesburg. “Who am I supporting? I am Dutch but I support the football that Spain are playing.” Cruyff would congratulate van Marwijk for his achievements after Spain prevailed in the final but the damage had already been inflicted: the team had come close to glory — but it had not been done the Dutch way. In the days that followed the

final, the Netherlands found themselves pilloried for the aggressive way they had attempted to shake the Spanish out of their stride. Their approach was typified by a chest-high foul on Xabi Alonso by Nigel de Jong that escaped punishment by referee Howard Webb but which has come to resonate as an example of the steely pragmatism injected into the team by their coach. The Netherlands have become a byword for underachievement in international football — three World Cup final defeats, 24 years since their last major trophy — and van Marwijk appears determined to end their reputation for style over substance. “From day one, van Marwijk

has said, ‘I don’t want that again. I want our team to win even on a bad day,’” said his biographer, Edwin Schoon, in an interview with Radio Netherlands Worldwide. “So he put winning before attractive play, and he’s hammered it home to his players, step by step, and incorporated it in his tactics by shoring up the defence.” The Dutch team that appeared at the World Cup may have been the antithesis of the side that capitivated the world with Total Football at the 1974 tournament. But two years on from South Africa, they are a far more crowd-pleasing prospect. They scored more goals in qualifying for Euro 2012 (37) than

any other side, and in Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben, Rafael van der Vaart, Robin van Persie and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, possess some of the most talented forwards in the game.

For all his pragmatism as a coach, van Marwijk was a daring winger in his playing days, amassing 393 appearances in the Dutch Eredivisie with four different clubs.


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