Postnoon E-Paper for 16 August 2012 by Scribble Media & Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012 HYDERABAD

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WEATHER: A MIX OF CLOUDY AND CLEAR SKIES; 27°C

32 PAGES

HYDERABAD’S FIRST COMPACT AFTERNOON NEWSPAPER

CHEATING KRISTEN OUT OF SNOW WHITE SEQUEL

OUR

SHAMEFUL

SILENCE!

The exodus of thousands of natives from the North-East following mysterious threats hurled at them by anti-social elements in the City continues as several hundred scramble on to any available train or bus. Last night, a large number left the City by a special train arranged by the railways. The fact that a few neanderthals can hold an entire community to ransom is a scathing indictment of the collective ignorance and apathy, we as a society, suffer from.

REPORT ON P6

Universal has decided to shelf its planned Snow White and the Huntsman sequel and is instead focusing on a solo Huntsman movie starring Chris Hemsworth. Kristen Stewart will not be invited to return if the follow-up goes forward.

P28

PAGE 5

AP HC FINDS DINESH REDDY APPOINTMENT IMPROPER A division bench of AP High Court today upheld the earlier CAT verdict that said the appointment of Dinesh Reddy as chief of the State police was improper and invalid. The bench comprising G Raghuram and MSR Rao, which was hearing the writ petition moved by Reddy and the government, observed that the CAT ruling of Reddy's appointment violating the rules and norm was valid.

WIFE PUTS CROSS-DRESSING HUBBY IN THE DOCK

The tragic tale of a young man who bowed to societal pressure and married a woman only to find that his penchant for cross-dressing would land him in trouble with his bride and see him run afoul of the law.

P3 TRAFFIC FACEBOOK PROVES A HIT It’s been one year since the City’s traffic police launched their Facebook page, and it has proved to be a huge success. Information about traffic was disseminated and many complaints were redressed through this popular medium over the last one year, says a happy traffic chief, CV Anand.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

city events

EXHIBITION AND SALE

Khwaish Exhibition and sale is back again. The sale being held at Taj Krishna, Banjara Hills and is open from 11am to 8pm. The exhibition is on till August 16 and offers a variety of interesting buys for the festive season.

Weather for Hyderabad

Evening

overnight

Morning

Afternoon

25°C

22°C

25°C

23°C

A mix of cloudy and clear

A mix of cloud and sun

New Delhi Mumbai Max 39 Max 31 Min 29 Min 29 Scattered thunderstorms

Chennai Max 36 Min 29

Scattered thunderstorms

Bangalore Max 28 Min 20

A mix of cloud and sun

Cloudy with chances of rain

AROUND THE CITY YOUR GUIDE TO THE TWIN CITIES Peau d’Anne Jacques Demy’s musical fairy tale Peau d’Anne (1970) (Donkey skin) will be shown at Alliance Francaise. Where: Alliance Francaise d’Hyderabad Banjara Hills, Rd No 3 When: August 17, 6.30pm onwards Contact: (040) 2355 4485

DINING Middle Eastern food fest Head to the Dining Room at Park Hyatt for the Middle Eastern Food Festival. It is open for both lunch and dinner. The food festival will be on till August 20. Where: Park Hyatt, Banjara Hills, Rd No 2 When: Ongoing, 12pm onwards and 6pm onwards Contact: (040) 4949 1200 Dosa festival If you love dosas then head to this dosa festival. Idly Dosa People located in Madhapur is hosting a food festival that is offering customers a variety of dosas such as palak dosa, corn dosa etc. Where: IDP, Hitec City When: Ongoing, 11am onwards Contact: (040) 6631 0300

Photography workshop A photography workshop will be held at Iconart Gallery on weekends. Where: Iconart Gallery, Banjara Hills, Rd No 12 When: August 12 onwards Contact: 98499 68797

ART GOLDEN RIDE:People enjoy a speedboat ride at Hussain Sagar Lake on Wednesday evening. Smooth operators Tease Lounge at Vivanta by Taj presents Smooth Operators Night every Friday with DJ Mohit. Where: Tease Bar, Vivanta by Taj, Begumpet When: Every Friday, 7.30pm onwards Contact: (040) 6725 2626

SHOWS Jash-E-Eid-Ul Fitr Break your fast with ITC Kakatiya’s special Iftar buffet which includes flavoured Sherbets, rich Haleem, malai paya, dum biryani and an assortment of Kebabs. Where: Deccan Pavillion, ITC Kakatiya, Begumpet When: August 10-20, 7.30pm onwards Contact: (040) 2340 0132

Commissioner & Spl Officer

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

198 155313

POLICE CONTROL ROOM Hyderabad 27852435 Traffic Control Room 27852482 DCP Traffic 23234065, 23243499F Pollution Control Board 23887500 ELECTRICITY General Complaints Breakdown Section

Cake and bake A cake and bake workshop is being held at Oxford bookstore, The Park. The session offers training in the techniques for cooking a variety of eggless cakes such as blackforest. It will also provide tips on making such cakes. Where: Oxford Bookstore, The Park, Raj Bhavan Road

155333 23431178 23431179

MUNICIPAL CORPORATION

23262266 24166666R ENC 23225267 Engineering 23220418 MCH Tankbund 23225397 Emergency MCH Circle I&II 24525842 MCH Circle III 24736912 MCH Circle IV 23326975 MCH Circle V 23326976 MCH Circle VI MCH Complaints 1100 Head Office 23225397 IVRS CUM MANUAL ENQUIRY PHONE NUMBERS (TRAIN & RESERVATION) RAILWAYS Rail Nilayam 27833169, 27824216 Railway Information 131 Reservations 135 Recorded Information 1345 Enquiry (IVRS) 1331, 1332, 1333

M ANIL KUMAR

When: August 16, 4pm onwards Contact: 91601 48444

10am – 9pm Contact: Taj Krishna (040) 6629 3248 Faluknama (040) 6629 8600

Shreya Ghoshal Live Popular playback singer Shreya Ghoshal will perform live at Shilpa Kala Vedika on August 18. Where: Shilpa Kala Vedika, Hitec City When: August 18, 7.30pm onwards Contact: (040) 2311 2704

Grizzly man Head to Lamakaan to witness a heartrending take on grizzly bear activists Timothy Treadwell and Amie Huguenard in Alaska in 2003. Where: Lamakaan, Banjara Hills, Rd No 1 When: August 17, 7.30pm onwards Contact: 96427 31329

Taj Khazana Sale For six days, there will be a special offer on magnificent collection of sarees, western ensembles, pashminas, hand-picked costume jewellery, men’s garments and much more. Where: Taj Krishna, Banjara Hills Taj Falaknuma, Falaknuma When: August 20-29,

WATER SUPPLY Complaint Cell Sewerage Complaint Hyd. Water Supply HOSPITAL General Hospital, Sec-bad Niloufer Hospital, Red Hills NIMS, Director, Punjagutta Osmania General Hospital Railway Hospital, Lalaguda Apollo, Jubilee Hills Care Hospital, Banjara Hills Care Hospital, Nampally Care Hospital, Musheerabad Care Hospital, Sec-bad Kamineni Hospital, LB Nagar

155313 23307328 23313163

27505566 23314095 23390933 24600146 27001134 23607777 30418888 30417777 30419000 30416666 39879999

BLOOD BANKS Blood Bank,Narayanguda Chiranjeevi Blood Bank Blood Bank Mediton Goal Red Cross, Vidyanagar ADRM Blood Bank Mythri Charitable Trust NTR Memorial Trust Care Banjara Hills

Elegance Artist Snehlatha Prasad presents her interpretation of the Radha and Krishna myth through her canvas. Where: Shrshti Art Gallery, Jubilee Hills, Rd No 15 When: Ongoing, 11am onwards Contact: (040) 2752 2999

Play time The play Birjees Qadar ka Kunbaa will be held at Nift Auditorium on August 24. The play is in Urdu. Where: Nift Campus, Madhapur When: August 24, 7.30pm Contact: (040) 2311 4537

27567892 23559555 23226624 27633087 27035588 27550238 30799999 30418296 30417445

AMBULANCES Apollo 23548888, 23607777 Kamineni 24022222 Medwin 23202902, 23204616 Smile Line Dental Hospital 23747979 Red Cross 27627973 Niloufer Hospital 23314095 Gandhi 23320332 AIRLINES

Invisible lands An exhibition of paintings by Madhuchanda Majumder is being held. Where: Alankritha Art Gallery, Jubilee Hills, Kavuri hills When: 11am onwards Contact: (040)2354 0023

Airport Director 27903785, 27906001 For Air India Flight Information Toll free (from any network) for IC Flights 18001801407 And for All Flights: 1800227722 Air India has revised its flight timings. For more information call (Toll free) 18001801407, 1800227722 from BSNL/MTNL 04023430334 from other lines and mobile Website; www.airindia.in TOURISM OFFICES AP Tourism, Hyd 23262152/53/54 Sec-bad 27893100 Dept of Tourism 23453110 India Tourism 23261360 AP Tourism information Centre (24x7) 23450444, 23455999 UK VISA OFFICE VFS India Pvt Ltd Building, 8-2-542/A, Sunil Chamber, Road No. 7

Beside Meridian School, Banjara Hills34. Working hours are from 8 AM to 1 PM And 2 PM to 3PM. MUSEUMS Salar Jung Museum AP State Museum Nizams Museum

24523211 232431300/7641 24521029

Readers’ views

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

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

City

YESTERDAY’S QUESTION

ON THE 65TH INDEPENDENCE DAY, HAS INDIA MATURED? 28% 72%

YES (A) NO (B)

TODAY’S QUESTION

ARE PEOPLE FROM THE NORTH EAST BEING DISCRIMINATED AGAINST NATIONALLY? A)

YES

To vote visit www.postnoon.com

CRIME

Cross-dressing hubby in dock Tragic saga of a young couple who fell in love and got married. Only, the wife discovered that the man in her life was more effeminate than her. Mohd SUBHAN mohd.s@postnoon.com

young woman who married the man she loved got the shock of her life when she discovered the more feminine side to her husband. At first she was confused as to why he resisted having sex with her for months. But as she soon learnt, her husband had a penchant for cross-dressing. The woman has now filed a criminal complaint of cheating and harassment against him. Ch Sumati (name changed) had married MVP Rao nearly eight months ago after a courtship of almost a year. Rao, a

resident of Changicharla of Medipally is an accountant by profession. Sumati, a resident of Borabanda, too is a graduate and employed. Medipally police sub-inspector Ch Sudhakar who is assigned the case under IPC 420 and 498A told Postnoon that the wife’s petition stated he had cheated her, caused mental agony and insulted her womanhood. According to the police, after marriage, which both the families agreed to, Rao would go on frequent trips outside the City on work or plead that he was busy in a bid to avoid physical contact in the bedroom. While Sumati took it as normal and bore it calmly, she was suspicious that

One day she came home to find him wearing women’s clothes, jewellery and make-up. something was amiss as months passed and he made no move to have sex with her. Slowly, Sumati explained, she began to get some hints about her husband’s tastes. He was fond of women’s clothing and even wore some at home. It was all so discreet that nobody else realised. But one day whens he came home she found him wearing women’s clothes, jewellery

and even make-up. She screamed and that was the day she decided to walk out of the marriage and put him in the dock. She informed her parents and they lodged a complaint. Medipally police found that his parents were not forthright about his orientation. The don’t seem to be clear about his propensity. However, the police are preparing him for a medical checkup to find out the truth. Whether he is gay or simply a cross-dresser with a desire for Eve’s clothes? Last heard, the poor guy is in shambles. He does not want a divorce from Sumati as he loves her and has pleaded with her. However, the woman is firm, the police said.

PIC FOR REPRESENTATIONAL PURPOSE

city THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012 LAST YEAR... HERE Fervour gone cold

ast year when the crusader against corruption, Anna Hazare, had been arrested, the City protested. There were candlelight vigils and protests and people from all walks of life participated in the protests. But a year down the line, the fervour seems to have died down. Hazare might still be continuing with his crusade, but the City has moved on.

AUGUST 16, 2011

NUMEROLOGY

`50K

is the minimum you might have to shell out to own one of the vintage automobiles up on display at the annual Deccan Heritage Automobile Association vintage rally.

We have taken the complaints against the cops accepting money very seriously and have handed over these cases to the DCP and ACP concerned. CV Anand, Addl CP, trafﬁc See page 8

THINGS WE 5LEARNED TODAY The column that teaches everyone something new about the way the City functions.

Check your prospective partner’s orientation. When Sumati married MVP Rao, little did she know what she was in for. She had to walk in on him in women’s clothes and make-up to realise her husband was a cross-dresser.

I-Day speeches is equal to a lot of promises. Right from the CM to the GHMC mayor, everyone is making fancy promises to do a lot for the City and its residents. Let’s see how many are kept.

CIVIC

GHMC wants poverty out The GHMC will be spending `1,033.45 crore in the 2012-13 budget for poverty alleviation programmes. POSTNOON NEWS feedback@postnoon.com

ayor Mohd Majid Hussain, after the flag hoisting at the GHMC headquarters, rededicated the GHMC to the service of the under privileged in the City. Explaining the welfare measures the Corporation has taken for the marginalised people, Majid Hussain said, 19,196 houses were constructed in the past year for the poor and the activity was continuing. Under Rajiv Awas Yojna (RAY), a pilot project in Keshavnagar slum in Serelingampally-1, West Zone, has been taken up recently. This would be expanded to benefit slum

dwellers in other areas. “In furtherance of this objective an allocation of `1 crore has been made for each corporator for development of their respective wards,” he said. The GHMC was also

As part of welfare measures to uplift the downtrodden, particularly those BPL, GHMC has earmarked funds. able to wipe out overdraft to the extent of about `350. The permission by the State government to collect professional tax within GHMC limits will definitely boost the revenues in the future.

As part of welfare measures to uplift the downtrodden, particularly those BPL the GHMC has earmarked massive allocation. In this direction, the GHMC will be spending `1,033.45 crore in the 201213 budget for poverty alleviation programmes. This includes `260 crore for housing and another `465 crore from general funds for poverty alleviation. “It has been assessed by the GHMC that unemployment has to be uprooted and employment has to be provided to the people living in the City. For this purpose, we have successfully conducted Job Mela in South Zone and Job Melas in the remaining Zones will be conducted in near future,” he added.

DRINKING WATER

Godavari work to be completed Chief Minister has promised that the State government would soon complete the `3,375 crore Godavari drinking water project to the City in a short while.

he Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy has said that the State government is contemplating to complete the Godavari River Drinking Water project for the City by December this year, with a budget of `3,375 crore. Kiran Kumar Reddy said that the State government is completing the 158 kilometer Outer Ring Road worth `6,800 crore soon. He said that the 71 kilometer Metro Rail Project works in the City was in full swing with `14,150 crore. He also said that the State government has already sanctioned the Krishna Project Phase-III aimed at providing

ernment was hosting the International Bio-Diversity Conference (COP-11), which

The CM sought everyone’s cooperation to make the CBD, which was a prestigious one for the City, a grand success. drinking water to the Hyderabad City and surrounding areas with `1,670 crore from HUDCO funds. He said that the State gov-

was the biggest international conference that India was organising since independence, in October this year in the State. He said that about 8,000 rep-

resentatives were going to attend this conference from 193 nations and presidents of eight to 10 nations were also participating in it. He added that the State government was spending `450 crores for it. He sought everyone’s cooperation to make this International Bio-Diversity Conference, which was a prestigious one for the City, the State and more importantly the Nation, a big success. He said that the State government was also taking measures to organise a ‘World Agricultural Congress’ in November 2013 at Hyderabad. NSS

NEWS BRIEFS

The CM is a multi-tasker. But does it mean efﬁcient? With the CM forced to handle nearly ﬁve extra portfolios, it is putting an unprecedented burden on him.

Mild tension in Old City, police prevent flare up

School teacher found dead in her house

Worker falls from building, dies

Three killed in fire accident in Shadnagar

Stop treating people from NE like aliens. It’s not the ﬁrst time that people from the North East are feeling threatened and ﬂeeing.

Trafﬁc cops can be social and responsible too. One year after trafﬁc cops started their FB page, it’s a huge hit and a great way to redress problems.

ild tension prevailed on Wednesday night at Old City’s Fateh Darwaza that falls under the jurisdiction of the Kamatipura police station on the occasion of "shabbe qadar" where two sects of the Muslim community had an altercation on a spiritual issue. However, immediate police intervention prevented a possible ﬂare-up.

school teacher, E Nandini, a resident of LB Nagar, has allegedly committed suicide for vague reasons. While the LB Nagar police has booked a case of unnatural death the reason quoted was that she had an altercation with a neighbour. Consequently, she was deeply disturbed and took the extreme step. She was a spinster, say the police.

centering worker D John died when he fell from a construction site. The 40-year-old man was a native of Mahbubnagar district and had been working at the site in Nanal Nagar when he accidentally fell down. He was shifted to a nearby hospital when he succumbed to his wounds. The Langer House police have registered a case.

hree people died and 10 others were injured in a ﬁre accident caused by a cylinder blast in the “Stem Core” industries in Shadnagar on Wednesday. While 13 people were seriously injured, three succumbed to injuries. The rest were rushed to Hyderabad for treatment. All the deceased and injured were labourers from Bihar.

city THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

POLITICS

TDP takes a T-gamble After a recent meeting, the TDP is now preparing to take a stand in favour of a separate state Md INKESHAF AHMED Ahmed.m@postnoon.com

fter suffering political loses due to its vacillation on the T-State issue, the TDP is ready to yield a separate Telangana. The issue was seriously discussed at the recent politburo of the party. Though the Telangana legislators and other local leaders of the party had been unofficially batting for a T-state, the party had been riding two horses so far. “Yes, we are inching towards announcing a positive stand on Telangana. During the politburo meeting, our party president gave a positive sign towards supporting the decade-old agitation for Telangana. There was opposition from Andhra and Rayalaseema leaders but Naidu was firm on his decision and did not pay heed to their concerns,” party senior leader and former minister from Telangana S

Devaiah told Postnoon. Quizzed on the issue after the politburo meeting, Naidu said that his party would announce its stand on the Telangana issue in September. Sources point out that the September deadline is a gamble to see if the Centre would

LAW AND ORDER

announce anything on this issue as the TRS chief K Chandrasekhar had claimed. Telugu Desam will write an official letter to Union government extending its support to separate Telangana state. Earlier, the party had handed over a letter of support to the then Union Minister Pranab Mukherjee on the same issue. According to the T-leaders of the party the decision of the party on Telangana would not only boost the morale of party workers from the region but also help them in strengthening the party. “A positive decision on telangana by the party high command would help us in strengthening ourselves. It will also help us in meeting the people who are otherwise unhappy with our unclear stand on Telangana,” Devaiah added. The latest political development in Telugu Desam comes in the wake of its recent declaration for BCs.

POLITICS

Not having a full-time energy minister is one reason for the ongoing power crisis

Cabinet powerless POSTNOON NEWS feedback@postnoon.com

he ongoing power crisis is held aloft by detractors as the example of a Cabinet gone dysfunctional. The corruption issue and

The cabinet has 39 ministers. Crucial portfolios do not have ministers. The CM holds these posts. consequent slur on ministers and bureaucracy have dimmed the spirits of the entire cabinet. The current cabinet has 39 ministers. Crucial portfolios like energy and commercial taxes do not have ministers. All these portfolios are held by the CM himself. These portfolios are in addition to his usual responsibilities like the general administration department and law and order. Apart from opposition parties’ criticism, there is a discontentment

among the ruling party leaders. “The CM is holding five additional portfolios. This will not only burden him but also create governance problems. We have been asking them to expand the cabinet but no concrete measure has been taken,” senior Congress leader and MLC Mohd. Jani said. According to Jani, the CM can avoid opposition’s criticism if he filled up these posts. On the other hand, supporters of the CM claim that the CM, being young, is successfully handling the additional charge. “I think that the portfolios held by CM are more effective in terms of decision making and implementation as there is no hierarchy and delay. It is also a fact that the officers looking after these departments are more effective as they directly report to the CM,” said APCC secretary Abid R Khan According to Khan, the CM is mulling over expanding his cabinet. A decision is likely to be taken after the Indiramma Baata programme.

FLASH MOB

DGP appointment A musical ode to India improper, says HC

Youngsters and schoolchildren took part in a flash mob held at GVK One to celebrate Independence Day and express their love for the country.

The HC observed that the CAT ruling of Reddy’s appointment violating rules was valid POSTNOON NEWS feedback@postnoon.com

division bench of AP High Court today upheld the earlier CAT verdict that said appointment of Dinesh Reddy as chief of the State police was improper and invalid. The bench comprising G Raghuram and MSR Rao, which was hearing the writ petition moved by Reddy and the government, observed that the CAT ruling of Reddy’s appointment violating the rules and norm was valid. The appointment of Reddy as director general of police was therefore not in accordance with the law. CAT verdict, based on senior IPS officer Gautam Kumar, stated that the procedure to be followed involved the State government short listing eligible senior IPS officers for the position of DGP (law and order) to the UPSC. The

UPSC will peruse it and send back a list of three candidates of which one is to be chosen. The State now has the option of either appealing to the Apex Court or going through the motion of the selection procedure for the next few months.

DEEPAK DESHPANDE

Md NIZAMMUDIIN nizammudin.a@postnoon.com

toked with patriotic fervour, it was a fun filled evening for many youngsters. They danced to the tunes of Vande Mataram and many of them learnt the true meaning of individual colours from national flag. Thousands of shoppers watched as more than a hundred youngsters, about half of them school going children took to the floor with their synchronised movements. It was for the first time ‘Independence Day’ was celebrated in a unique fashion in GVK One. In this flash mob where children took part, a medley of patriotic songs by the noted musicians from the Indus Gharana left the audience spell bound. According to the organisers, the objective was to create awareness about the true meaning of the tricolour. Saffron stands for courage and sacrifice; white for light, peace and truth; green for prosperity and fertility, blue chakra

for wheel of law and progress. “We have practical solutions to the problems that we are facing in our day-to-day life in the colours of the tricolor. We planned to take this event to all major cities in the country because the message needs to reach out to a wider audience”, said Sanjeev, founder and CEO of The Rock Works Foundation. The event was aimed at spreading the message of ‘being Indian’. The evening gave the participants and the audience a

chance to express the emotions they felt about their nation. Amit Gupta and his team, had prepared for days for this hour-long event, which was a grand success. “We have conducted several flash mobs, but it was for the first time that children took part,” said Amit, who heads the Dynamic Dance Zone. It was the first time many shoppers were seeing a flash mob, several of them joined in the chorus.

city THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

POSTNOON PROBE

CLASSIFIEDS

‘Probe City Assamese exodus’

HEALTH / CLINIC

Mayor ducks the media, deputy mayor unaware and police evasive. Students are safe...

RAHUL RAMAKRISHNA AND N SHIVA KUMAR feedback@postnoon.com

he exodus of thousands of natives from the North-East following mysterious threats hurled at them by some anti-social elements continues today as several hundreds are scrambling on to any available train or bus. Last night, some 4,500 natives had left the City by a special train arranged by the railways. “The natives from the northeast provide valuable services to the City. They work in security agencies, hotels, restaurants, petrol bunks and shopping malls. Now, there is a manpower crisis as many have left,” said Rakesh Boomihar, manager of a chain of shops. He said that security agencies preferred N-E natives to the locals as they seem to have more perseverance and suavity. The Postnoon team caught up with a group of fleeing Assamese at the Secunderabad railway station on Wednesday. They said they saw posters near their quarters that ask ed them to leave or get killed. “We have been asked to leave the City by August 20 otherwise we will be killed. Also, our families back home in Manipur have been calling us and asking us to return as they fear mob violence will break out in the City. We hope to return to work after things settle down,” said Atul Biren, a 32-year-old Manipuri. Most of them were found to be leaving their belongings behind and were in a hurry to leave the City. Who is threatening them? “No idea,” they said.

I am sad it happens. The police must not just provide protection but find those spreading rumours. Police must probe the issue. Bikshapathi Yadav MLA, Seringampally Rumours about anti-Assamese posters being stuck in Anjaih Nagar and Siddiqui Nagar have further spurred tension. Postnoon checked the areas but the posters have disappeared. Meanwhile, a police piquet has

been deployed in these areas. Some who left the City two days ago told those left behind that the hoodlums who threatened them have political support. Students constitute a major portion of Assamese population within the City. They are unaffected so far. Upasana Gaya, a student at the University of Hyderabad says, “We cannot believe what is happening in the City. Our parents and relatives have been calling us up every few hours, concerned about our safety. However, we are safe within the University and have not been threatened so far.” The Assamese were employed in huge numbers by various security agencies and hotels across the City. Their employers now are in a crisis. Viquar Ahmed, general manager of Sharp Security Agency says, “Over 50 per cent of the Assamese

staff have left their jobs at various agencies. Their lives have been threatened, especially the Hindus and now they have gone. Even if they do come back, how does one expect them to work with us when people from the City treat them this way?” Bikshapathi Yadav, MLA, Seringampally told Postnoon that he was going to some of the areas where they live. “I am sad it happens. The police must not just provide them protection but detect the scare mongers and book them. Police must probe the issue,” he said. People whisper that there is a political party behind the exodus but the police remain evasive on the issue. Even within the police department in the City, there are two perceptions over what has actually led to this state of things. DCP, T Yoganand said, “We have not received any information as to what has happened. But as a preventive measure we have deployed police units to maintain order.” However, Cyberabad commissioner D Tirumala Rao revealed a lot more. “We had received information that Mailal Saiqi, a 27-year-old from Assam was threatened by some locals. Fearing for his life, he left the City. As to how many Assamese are leaving this City or why they are doing this is not known so far. We have filed a case and are investigating the issue. In the meantime, we have deployed three police units in Siddiqui Nagar and Anjaih Nagar,” he said. Meanwhile, mayor Mohd Majid Hussain continued to remain out of touch. All efforts to know what he did on the issue proved futile. Deputy mayor Raj Kumar said, “We don’t have information. Will let you know after confirming.” With inputs from Md Nizamuddin

Assam Sentinel reports from Guwahati Following the violence in Bodoland, incidents of assault on North-Eastern students, particularly Assam, have been reported from various places in the country. In order to ensure the security of students from Assam, the Assam Police has got in touch with the DGPs and home secretaries of AP and Karnataka. Assam DGP JN Choudhury said, “We are in touch with ofﬁcials. Helplines have been set up. We are monitoring the situation.” Sources said that CM Tarun Gogoi had also taken up the issue. Some mischief makers are also trying to create panic by spreading rumours. MPs from the Northeast have also written a letter to Union home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde urging him to ensure the safety of the people.

To Subscribe for Postnoon, call us on 80082 00713 or SMS “Postnoon” to 56161 You can also call 040 4067 2222

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city THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

TRAFFIC POLICE

Traffic Facebook proves a hit Information about traffic was disseminated and many complaints were redressed through this popular medium over the last one year, says a happy traffic chief, CV Anand. August 8. Some 16,668 people involved themselves in the discussion. It was on ‘overcrowded buses’ and failure of traffic cops to check it. Most of them wondered while people were caught of triple riding and autos for over capacity, why buses are left untouched? According to the cops, the buses do not come under their purview; the violation must be checked by the RTA.

Md NIZAMUDDIN nizamuddin.a@postnoon.com

n the world of rapid technological advancements, generating public response through ‘social media’ is the key to success. This idea was successfully captured by the Hyderabad Traffic Police last year. One year on, its Facebook page has turned out to be a very popular medium of mass awareness on traffic issues especially among the young. While accepting open criticism and ideas from the general public, the Facebook page of Hyderabad Traffic Police (HTP) continues to be the most interactive application handled by any authority in the City. With its 10 member team that includes the additional commissioner (Traffic), CV Anand himself the page continues its unique style in ‘informal’ approach devoid of the practice adapted by the traffic police of other Cities. This makes it the most talked about page amongst other traffic police pages throughout the world. On a particular day in July this year it recorded 7,229 people trying to make their point on a particular subject, which no other traffic page has recorded. During its one year journey starting August 3, 2011, the HTP was able to bring to book 379 traffic violations through the postings made by the users online. It even took action

FAN BASE

Most of the fans are youngsters. Nearly 44 per cent who logged in and liked the page were between the age of 18 and 24 while 36 per cent between 25-34 and 5 per cent between 35-44. Overseas fans included: USA (1121), followed by Saudi Arabia (413) and UAE (194). against the cops caught on camera, while accepting money. “We have taken the complaints against the cops very seriously and handed over these cases to the DCP and ACP concerned,” said Anand. Reaching out to the crowd was one of the main objectives of starting the page. “It was not an easy task as you must have the courage to take it on,” says the additional commissioner, under whose guidance the page was launched. On several occasions youngsters also resorted to abusive language but the answers provided by Anand himself were enough

to curtail this trend. According to him, the department was a little hesitant as it had few personnel who could interact fluently in English. However, now after a year, the team is ready to take on any kind of queries, most of which are weird. In the past one year many enthusiastic citizens were able to understand issues that were not under the jurisdiction of the traffic police. The signals was one of the most common issues raised by the people, which was not under the purview of the traffic police. Various aspects of engineering like damaged roads, water clogging was also reported

by the users, for which the HTP was able to clarify. Educational videos, awareness through cartoons and regular traffic diversion alerts are the routine features of the page. With 31,000 fans and 44,13,992 friends of fans, the HTP recorded 5,926 (people talking) on August 14 alone. Comparatively Delhi has 1,29,682 fans but only 3,479 people were found talking about it. The Delhi page is more formal in its approach and does not provide alerts.

MOST TALKED

The ‘most talked’ about subject is one of the weird kinds, posted on

AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS

For awareness the HTP has also included FAQs. It deals with generally asked questions by people. The most frequently asked question is on ‘corruption by the cops’ and ‘auto menace’. Some of the successful campaigns were free left and drunken driving. A Youtube video of an accident in Jan 2012, where a girl was hit by a bus attracted more attention as it was highlighted in a leading daily. The newspaper criticised the HTP for posting the video. But the page received an overwhelming support for this act. Between 2,000 to 3,000 likes were recorded.

VINTAGE WHEELS

A day of the golden oldies SUDESHNA KOKA sudeshna.k@postnoon.com

“N

eighbours’ envy owner’s pride,” is exactly what the owners felt at the 10th Annual Deccan Heritage Automobile Association (DHHA) vintage car and motorcycle rally organised on Independence Day. Since the past 10 years DHHA has been organising this event in Hyderabad on Independence Day and Republic Day. The show attracted many vintage cars, motorcycles, scooters and mopeds from the past. “It has become a tradition.

Proud owners come each year on these days and display their automobiles,” said Ram Kiran, secretary, DHAA. Some of the vintage cars that were displayed were 1920’s baby Austin, 1930’s Chevrolets and Dodge, Ford T Model, Morris Convertibles, Morris Minors and 1950s Fiat 1100s. Under the motorcycle category, some pristine motorcycles consisting of Norton, triumph, BSA, AJS, Royal Enfield were on display. “My dad owned it and now it’s mine. Despite being a zero maintenance car, I cannot use it everyday. This is when I can drive it,” said P Madhav Rao,

owner of the oldest car. Cars that are 25 years old come under the genre of classic; the others between 25 to 50 years come under vintage and catagory above that are antique. Most of the cars displayed were classics and vintage hence arranging for spare parts is a difficult process. Companies like Fiat and Volkswagen act as a middle men who source the spare parts. Interestingly it is the youngsters who are more keen on vintage automobiles. They restore cars and sell them for a good price. Sources says that a vintage car could cost anything between `50,000 to a few lakh.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

focus

PUTIN GOES EASY ON PUSSY RIOTS Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he did not favour a tough punishment in the trial of an all-girl punk band which performed a song against his rule in Moscow’s biggest church. “There is nothing good in what they did,” news agencies quoted Putin as saying about the three Pussy Riot members. “Nevertheless, I do not think that they should be judged too severely for this.”

HUMAN RIGHTS

Between rock and a hard place The three members of all-girl punk band Pussy Riot face the prospect of spending three years in a corrective labour facility for entering a huge Moscow church and denouncing President Vladimir Putin in a raucous song. The verdict comes on Friday.

If guilty, it’s barracks and labour for rockers MOSCOW: If a Moscow judge sends the three young Pussy Riot punk rockers to a corrective labour facility on Friday, they could face the harshest conditions possible for jailed women, sharing barracks with more than 100 others. The state prosecutor said the women deserved “isolation from society” for staging a protest stunt against President Vladimir Putin in a cathedral, saying they should serve three years in a penal colony with a “general regime”.

Timeline n February 21, 2012: Five band mates of the Pussy Riot punk band wearing brightly-coloured balaclavas belt out a song called “Punk Prayer” in Christ the Saviour Cathedral. The song says the Russian Orthodox Church has become too close to the Kremlin and calls on the Virgin Mary to “drive out Putin”. The performers are dragged out by guards. n March 5: Two members of the band — Maria Alekhina, 24, and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, 22 — are detained on a broad hooliganism charge that includes a motive of religious hatred, which carries a jail term of up to seven years. Yekaterina Samutsevich, 30, a third member of the group, is arrested later.

MOSCOW: They studied philosophy in college and read poet Osip Mandelstam — a Stalin critic who died of typhoid in a labour camp in 1938 — for inspiration. Now the three members of allgirl punk band Pussy Riot face the prospect of spending three years in a corrective labour facility for entering a huge Moscow church and denouncing President Vladimir Putin in a raucous song. Most of the song dealt with the marginalised role of women in Russian society and the dominance Putin has established over politics since rising to power 12 years ago. The group also attacked the Church’s backing for Putin and hinted of its tie to the secret police. A judge will start reading her verdict on Friday with both the Kremlin and critical Western governments keeping a close watch. The three punk rockers in their 20s and 30s have apologised for offending the Orthodox faithful but not for their political views. The band was formed in August 2011 and soon grabbed headlines with impromptu performances of political protest songs played on air guitars in busy places such as subway stations and even Red Square. They wore homemade balaclavas with neon dresses over clunky boots for maximum impact and danced with wild abandon. The US pop icon Madonna said she prayed for the three Pussy Riot

women because “they have done something courageous (and) paid the price”.

NADEZHDA TOLOKONNIKOVA, 22 The singer was born in one of the most inhospitable places on Earth — the Norilsk nickel mining city above the Arctic circle that Stalin developed using Soviet prison labour. She studies at Russia’s top-rated Moscow State University and has a daughter with her husband Pyotr Verzilov who has backed the group’s cause.

Most of the song dealt with the marginalised role of women in Russian society and the dominance of Putin. Both are also members of the controversial Voina (War) performance art group that won a prestigious Russian prize for painting a 65-metre (210-foot) phallus opposite a security service building in Putin’s native Saint Petersburg. She compared her hearing to the tribunals Stalin used to conduct his bloody political purges in the 1930s.

MARIA ALYOKHINA, 24 The single mother of a five-year-old son is a Greenpeace member who has campaigned and scuffled with the police in the past during a group

of green activists’ passionate defence of a small forest outside Moscow. The campaign against the road building there proved fertile ground for Russian political activism by developing many of the leaders who spearheaded opposition to Putin’s return to a third presidential term earlier this year. Alyokhina’s software-engineer mother recently revealed that her daughter was also religious and was only protesting against the Church’s open backing for Putin. She said her daughter spent much of her time teaching creative arts to traumatised children at a Moscow psychiatric hospital. Alyokhina’s final court statement condemned Russia as a place where only “so-called freedom” exists.

n April 22: Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill holds an open-air prayer service with thousands of worshippers gathered outside the building, accusing Pussy Riot of desecrating holy relics kept there. n July 20: The trial begins. n August 7: US pop icon Madonna says at a concert in Moscow she prayed for the freedom of Pussy Riot. Other international music stars who have joined a chorus of protest include Sting, the Pet Shop Boys, Who leader Pete Townshend, Bjork, and John Lennon’s artist widow Yoko Ono.

PICK YOUR

YEKATERINA SAMUTSEVICH, 30 The eldest of the three worked on designing computer software for the Nerpa class nuclear submarine after graduating from a Moscow physics institute. She left to study photography and eventually graduated from a Moscow multimedia centre. She joined the Voina performance art group at the same time and was regarded as one of the most active members of a March 2011 campaign to kiss as many policewomen as possible in public. AFP

Across Stores

ities Twin C

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

Business

BRANSON REACHES END OF RAILWAY LINE

Richard Branson signalled Wednesday that he would exit the railway business after Virgin Rail Group lost a long-held deal with the British government to run a major route linking London with Glasgow.

POWER

You can count on sunshine

Opting for a solar inverter will bring huge savings for the customer in the long run and is more reliable during long power cuts. PRUDHVI RAJU K prudhvi.k@postnoon.com

It is always better to buy a solar inverter that can produce more power than actually needed. The inverter need not be replaced even after five years once the efficiency level drops.

re the frequent power cuts irritating you? Do you want to have a reliable power source for your business? Do you want power at your farmhouse where there is no grid power facility? Solar inverters are turning out to be saviours in frequent power cuts for domestic and business purposes. Even though, it takes moderate one-time investment, the less maintenance costs are pushing the customers to look at these inverters as a viable option. It is very suitable for small houses to huge apartment complexes. For instance, it is viable to have solar inverter at apartment complex instead of using conventional current. It may cost around `2.25 lakh for a high quality 1 KW Solar system. It would be nominal investment for each flat holder but each of them can be free from huge monthly electricity bills, said KSS Kumar, proprietor, Sri

Sresti Marketing Solutions. The solar inverters have a switcher, which will use the grid power when there is unavailability of solar power. The solar inverter costs 30-40 per cent more than a normal inverter but can easily be connected to a solar panel according to the need in a later time. Opting for a solar inverter will bring huge savings for the customer in a long run and is more reliable during long power cuts.

It is better to run heavy power sources on grid power, which would help the customer to buy solar inverter with lower capacity, thus reducing initial costs, he said. Talking about the initial costs, he said, buying a solar inverter is a long-term investment. A quality solar panel has a life of more than 25 years, where as the battery (with one-year guarantee) may work for three years.

The battery life can also be substantially increased by systematic usage of battery life enhancer. The inverter has a life of five years after which the efficiency levels start dropping. The customers should go with a branded and reliable company while opting for these inverters and panels. Many of the manufacturers are using altered broken PV cells in solar panels, which are thrown out as waste in China. The international price of single photovoltaic cell is $1.6. However, these cells are sold in India at less

BRIBERY PROBE

More trouble for Walmart Mexico ops A website launched by Twitter co-founders as a publishing platform for stories, memories and news was open Wednesday to members of the hit one-to-many text messaging service. A preview version of Medium.com, launched by Biz Stone and Evan Williams, was live with collections such as “This Happened to Me” stories and “When I Was a Kid” pictures. “We’re rethinking publishing and building a new platform from scratch,” Williams said in a message.

NUMEROLOGY

$3.6

The congressmen made their claim in a letter WASHINGTON: Two US lawmakers probing bribery allegations against Walmart in Mexico say they have documents suggesting the US retail giant may also have engaged in tax evasion and money laundering. The congressmen, Elijah Cummings and Henry Waxman, made their claim in a letter to Walmart Chief Executive Michael Duke dated Tuesday, urging him to respond to requests for information about allega-

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tions that the company violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. "We have obtained internal company documents, including internal audit reports, from other sources suggesting that Walmart may have had compliance issues relating not only to bribery, but also to 'questionable financial behavior' including tax evasion and money laundering in Mexico," said the letter, dated Tuesday. AFP

BSE

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than a dollar, Kumar said. These substandard solar panels will decrease the power efficiency. Even, the customer could not find out the intensity of power that is generated by these panels. Some manufactures may sell the panels claiming capacity of 100w, but they end up giving only 80w. The quality of panels is also compromised in numerous ways like decreasing the thickness of the glass or by removing the lamination that has to be layered on the panel. Thin glass causes the PV cells to heat up fast and damage solar panel, he said. It is always good decision to buy a solar inverter which can produce more power than actually needed. The customer does not need to replace the inverter even after five years once the efficiency level drops. The solar inverter should be only connected to appropriate battery, which will increase the life of the battery and decrease the maintenance costs of the customer, he added.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

nation

PARLIAMENT ADJOURNED FOR THE DAY Parliament was today adjourned for the day after paying tributes to Vilasrao Deshmukh, who passed away on Tuesday. “We deeply mourn the loss of our friend and I am sure the House would join me in conveying our condolences to the bereaved family,” Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar said.

COMMUNAL CLASHES

SHINDE SLAMS RUMOURS

More violence in Assam

Police fired in the air to disperse the protesters who scattered for some time, only to return again and tension prevails in the area. RANGIYA (ASSAM): Fresh incidents of violence were reported in Assam’s Baksa and Kamrup (Rural) districts where unidentified persons set ablaze a car, a bus and a wooden bridge. Baksa, in lower Assam and under Bodoland Territorial Autonomous District (BTAD), was one of the districts affected in the recent clashes between Bodos and minorities that claimed 77 lives so far. In an incident related to these clashes, a car was set ablaze at Gandhibari in Baksa district last night and its driver, Sahidul Hussain, has been missing since then. The car was returning from Baksa to Rangiya in neighbour-

MISSING CHILDREN

SC notice to Centre, States

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court today issued notice to the Centre and all the state governments on a PIL seeking its direction to them for tracing 55,000 missing children in the country. Agreeing to hear the public interest litigation, a bench headed by Justice Aftab Alam sought response from the Centre and States on the issue of the missing children. The order of the apex court came on a petition filed by an advocate, Sarwa Mitra. “The State police machinery has failed to trace the missing children resulting in total extinction of life of these children. Further there is mutilation or amputation of arms, legs or pulling out of eyes or destruction of any other organ of the body of these children which lead them to spend miserable lives and compel them to engage in begging, flesh trade etc,” Mitra said in his petition. The petitioner also submitted that, “The State police has failed to investigate the cases of kidnapping and had failed to trace the missing children which is a total denial of right to life and liberty of these innocent children. PTI

Shettar convenes high-level meet

s over 5,000 panicstricken people from North Eastern states fled Bangalore after rumours of attacks targeting the community spread, Karnataka CM Jagadish Shettar is holding a high-level meeting today to tackle the situation. However, State DGP Lalrokhuma Pachuau, who himself is from North Eastern state of Manipur, told PTI today that the exact number of people who fled the city was not known as many bound for Guwahati were regular passengers, and not

those leaving following the rumours. A small group of people at the railway station said, “We are expecting the railway authorities to make an announcement of arranging special trains to Guwahati. We want to be with our families in Assam. We have been informed that some people are planning to attack us as our community was attacked in Mumbai and other parts of the country. We do not want to take any risk as nobody comes to our rescue when we are attacked,” they said.

ing Kamrup (Rural) district. After the news reached Rangiya, angry local residents blocked NH-31 at Udiana Chowk under Rangiya police station since early this morning to protest against the incident, sources said today. During the blockade, some people set ablaze a bus going towards Guwahati at Bhatkuchi and a wooden bridge at Kekahati, both under Rangiya police station. Police fired in the air to disperse the protestors who scattered for some time, only to return again and tension prevails in the area, the sources said. Senior police and civil officials have rushed to the spot, sources added. PTI

People from the northeast were safe in Karnataka, Union home minister Sushilkumar Shinde said on Thursday while warning that those spreading rumours would be severely punished. “I request the nation through you, don’t spread such rumours... there is peace, all steps have been taken,” Shinde told reporters outside parliament. “Strict action will be taken against people who spread such rumours,” he added. Home Secretary R.K. Singh echoed his message. “There is no incident in Karnataka, this is just rumour. People need to avoid rumours... There is no incident... full stop... no incident,” Singh said. On reports of mass exodus of people from the north east living in Bangalore, Singh said he had spoken to the Chief Secretary and the DGP and they had informed him that there was no incident of attack on anyone from the region anywhere in the state.

NEWS BRIEFS Five, including four tourists, killed in road mishap PANAJI: Five persons, including four tourists from Gujarat, were killed when their taxi collided with a mini-truck at Goa Velha village near here, police said today. The tourists, in their early 20s and all from Surat in Gujarat, were proceeding to Panaji in a taxi when their vehicle dashed against a mini truck coming from front near Zuari bridge at around 9.19pm, a few metres away from Goa Velha police station.

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GTA peeved with Gurung security, wants more armed guards DARJEELING: Complaining inadequate security provided to its chief executive Bimal Gurung, the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration has demanded more armed personnel for him, his deputy and other officials. “Though A pilot car was given to the chief executive on August 15, that is not enough. He should be given an armed escort too,” a GTA member said.

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One killed, eight injured in lightning strike JAMSHEDPUR: One person was killed and eight others suffered injuries when lightning struck at Dhubil village in Singhbhum district, police today said. The incident occurred when villagers in large number gathered to witness a football match organised on the occasion of Independence day last evening. All the injured have been rushed to SAIL hospital in nearby Kiriburu, where they were undergoing treatment.

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nation THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

HISTORY

CULTURE

Tunes transcend barriers of religion Khechog uses his flute as a bridge across Buddhism, Hinduism and the West

awang Khechog, a nomadic tribal of Tibetan origin, has clung to his wooden flute for the last five decades since his family fled Chinese repression to make Odisha in India its home. Khechog, who has performed with bands such as U2 and was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2000, was only six at the time the family fled Tibet in 1959 — about the time that spiritual leader Dalai Lama also made his escape. But the memories of the flautist are vivid.

Khechog has performed with bands such as U2 and was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2000. A travelling yogi had predicted “bad times ahead for the family and advised them to leave for India”. And the family came to the “warm hospitality that India offered”, Khechog, who now lives in Colorado, US said. Khechog says he has used his flute as a bridge across Buddhism, Hinduism and the West — and a symbol of “spiritual awakening” which eventually led him to study faith with the

Dalai Lama. He has been a practising Buddhist monk for the last 11 years. The musician, who was in India to perform at the World Flute Festival last week, is collaborating with Indian theologians to create a workshop module for Bansi Yoga, a form of music therapy with flute as the healing instrument. The musician said Bansi Yog spiritual calm with music - came to him naturally. “I was playing the flute the way I felt - naturally without any grammar or training. I gradually began to feel spiritual. Buddhist meditation taught me universal love and compassion,” Khechog said. Khechog plays the bamboo, wooden and sometimes the clay flute “known as the ocarina, the ancient version of flute”. The musician, who was nominated for a Grammy Award for “In a Distant Place”, a flute orchestra album with American roots musicians, has been lately connecting to India more intensely than before. “I have recorded some of my father’s songs that he sang 30 years ago. He is a nomadic singer. I told my sound engineer in the US to polish the songs that I had recorded on a cassette years ago. I realised in course of my visits that he was a good musician,” Khechog told IANS.

Islamic treasure trove on display An AD 1237 Quranic manuscript, in Kashmir, is the oldestknown copy of the Islamic scripture prepared in the State.

t is a pageant of rare Quranic manuscripts that not only provides an insight into the glory and richness of Islam but also sets back the clock of the religion’s advent into Kashmir by almost a century. A rare 1237 AD Quranic manuscript calligraphed by Fathullah Kashmiri, displayed at an exhibition here, is the oldest-known copy of the Islamic scripture prepared in Kashmir and reveals Islamic communities were present in the Valley much earlier than generally believed. “This rare manuscript sets the calendar of Islam’s advent in Kashmir back by a century. The manuscript contains Persian translation of the holy verses,” said Khalid Bashir, secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages that organised the exhibition, which ended Tuesday, in the academy’s premises. Khalid said the manuscript is autographed by the calligrapher and clearly depicts the date when it was written. “This proves Muslims existed in Kashmir at least 83 years before they gained political

The manuscripts prove that Muslims were present in the state at least 80 years before current estimates. power here,” he asserted. Most of the rare Quranic manuscripts on display are written on handmade Kashmiri paper. “One of the manuscripts which dates back to 1594 is the only copy of Quran written in saffron ink in the world,” said Khalid who has personally bee supervising the preservation and protection of these rare manuscripts. A huge four feet by four feet, 220-year-old copy of the holy book by local calligrapher Mohi-ud-Din Qureshi, is another marvel of calligraphic excellence. It also has its own wooden case. Besides Quranic manuscripts, the exhibition had rare impressions of Prophet Mohammad’s seal, impressions of the letter he wrote to the ruler of Persia inviting him to embrace Islam, impressions of

the first Quranic verses written on a camel’s bone and a letter written by King Solomon to Queen Sheba. “The entire invaluable collection at display here could in fact be just one percent of what must be lying in homes of many local families. We request them to preserve this invaluable wealth using scientific methods of book preservation. “But more important is the fact that such a national wealth must be shared with others. We are ready to render whatever assistance is needed to preserve these manuscripts,” said Khalid as he conducted visitors to a 1666 Mughal-era Quranic manuscript with ornamental gold plated folio. A rare scroll, 25 feet long and 2.5 inches wide, has 99 attributes of Allah calligraphed on it with selections from the Quran in the background. The certificate of genuineness that accompanies the scroll has been signed by prominent citizens of the period when the scroll was given as a present by Kashmiri saint Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom to local merchant Miram Bazaz. Kashmir has a population of seven million, a majority of them Muslims.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

World

MBEKI: MULTINATIONALS SIPHON $50BN IN AFRICAN CAPITAL Former South African President Thabo Mbeki says multinational corporations are responsible for much of the illegal transfer of money out of Africa that is costing the continent tens of billions annually. Estimates show the amount to be $50billion.

SYRIAN CRISIS

STRONG MESSAGE FROM UK

Rebels warn of seeking Qaeda aid if West fails ‘If Al-Qaeda enters Aleppo, the city will become their base within three months,’ warns an FSA commander. DAMASCUS: With the West still refusing to arm Syria’s opposition in the bloody fight against the regime, rebels in the flashpoint northern city of Aleppo warn that they could turn to Al-Qaeda for help. “We don’t want Al-Qaeda here, but if nobody else helps us, we will make an alliance with them,” said Abu Ammar, a rebel commander in the central Bab al-Nasr district of Aleppo, scene of raging battles for almost a month. “And you can bet if AlQaeda comes here, they will brainwash the people,” he said. “If Al-Qaeda enters Aleppo, the city will become their base within three months.” Syria’s opposition has frequently called on a divided and deadlocked international community to act to halt President Bashar al-Assad’s campaign of repression against a peaceful uprising that is now an armed insurgency. It is pushing for the establishment of a no-fly zone similar to the one the United Nations authorised for Libya last year, or the channelling of weapons to the poorly equipped rebel Free Syrian Army. But the FSA remains massively outweighed by the regular rmy. “May God help us because it is impossible to defeat this regime,” said Abu Ammar. “They have chemical weapons they will possibly use. They

Syria suspended

A jihadist fighter reads the Quran next to the body of a civilian killed during clashes between Free Syrian Army rebels and Syrian regime troops in the center of Aleppo on August 13, 2012.

have tanks, planes, mortars, rockets and we have nothing.” He pleaded: “We want them to give us weapons to defend ourselves or to intervene militarily. We are angry. The Syrian people still like the European countries, but if it continues like this, you end up hating them.” Experts have repeatedly warned that the uprising could take on an increasingly radical flavour, if calls for assistance went unheeded.In recent months, reports of foreign jihadists flocking to Syria via its porous border with Turkey have raised alarm, although fighters and analysts say there is no big Al-Qaeda presence yet.

However, a State Department report last month said the Iraqi branch was believed to be extending its reach into Syria to try to exploit the uprising. The number of Al-Qaeda fighters in Syria was believed to be small, State Department coordinator for counterterrorism, Daniel Benjamin, said. “But there is a larger group of foreign fighters, many of whom are not directly affiliated with AQ, who are either in or headed to Syria. And clearly, this is a matter of concern for all who fear greater violence in Syria and for regional stability.”

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation suspended Syria, saying the Muslim world “can no longer accept a regime that massacres its people”, as 31 people were reported killed in an air strike. Regime forces were also bombarding the key battleground city of Aleppo in the north, activists said, while Damascus was shaken by a bomb attack targeting a military headquarters and a firefight near the prime minister’s office. UN investigators said the Syrian regime had committed crimes against humanity, including the Houla massacre in May.

A Syrian man carries an injured child to a field hospital after an air strike hit homes in the town of Azaz on the outskirts of Aleppo.

AFP

NEWS BRIEFS Oz plans no smoking ban after packet ruling

Another shooting incident in the US

Eight die in terror attack Murder suspects burned on Pakistani airbase to death by mob

SYDNEY: Australia said Thursday it has no plans to ban smoking after a key court ruling allowing cigarettes to be sold in plain packets, describing the health battle against tobacco as “one step at a time.” Tobacco products will have to be sold in drab, uniform packaging with graphic health warnings in Australia from December 1.

WASHINGTON: A gunman shot and wounded a male security guard Wednesday at the Washington HQ of a Christian conservative lobbying group. Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney said he was “appalled” by the shooting at the ofﬁces of the Family Research Council, in the heart of the US capital.

ISLAMABAD: Six militants and two security personnel were killed when heavily armed terrorists Thursday morning mounted a brazen attack on an airbase in Pakistan’s Punjab province, military said. At about 2 am, Thursday, six heavily armed militants launched the attack on PAF Kamra airbase in Attock district.

LA PAZ: Two Brazilians arrested in Bolivia on suspicion of murder were pulled from a jail cell and burned to death by a mob, Bolivian media said. The suspects were detained following a triple-homicide in San Matias. Hundreds of residents ﬁlled the streets of San Matias to demand vengeance.

Ecuador has accused the UK of making a “threat” to enter its embassy in London to arrest Wikileaks’ Julian Assange. Mr Assange took refuge at the embassy in June to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he faces questioning over assault and rape claims. Ecuador’s foreign minister said a decision on his political asylum would be announced later. The Foreign Ofﬁce says it can lift the embassy’s diplomatic status to fulﬁl a “legal obligation” to extradite him.

NUMEROLOGY

32,

300

people have died in landslides, according to a study by Durham University, which found landslides kill up to 10 times more people across the world than previously thought.

TYCHOON GETS JAIL The head of one of South Korea’s biggest business groups was sentenced to four years in prison on Thursday for diverting company funds to repay the debts of ﬁrms he had run under false names. The Seoul Western District Court ordered Hanwha Group chairman Kim Seung-Youn to be jailed immediately, even though a group spokesman said he would appeal. The move was rare in South Korea, where offending tycoons typically receive suspended prison terms on the grounds that their companies are crucial to the economy.

We’re happy to see countries like China and Russia, who are not colonisers or deal with people like colonisers. This is a very different stance from the West. Bouthaina Shaaban Syrian ofﬁcial

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

Comment A man’s character may be learned from the adjectives which he habitually uses in conversation. Mark Twain Author

Merkel 1, Caravaggio 0

he splendid Palazzo Barberini houses one of Rome’s great Renaissance collections. But on a sweltering Sunday afternoon, its masterpieces by Raphael and Caravaggio were off limits to frustrated art lovers. “Closed for lack of staff,” explained a Xeroxed sign taped to the gift shop door. Questions about why such a major attraction had insufficient staff at the height of the summer tourist season were met with shrugs and silence until an important-looking official in a dark suit emerged to deal with mounting complaints. “Why? Why? Because La Merkel won’t let us stay open,” he elaborated with an exasperated smile. Although German Chancellor Angela Merkel almost certainly didn’t order it, the Barberini’s closure is a symptom of how German-mandated austerity budgets are biting into cultural funding across Europe, an easy target for governments struggling to find cash for schools and hospitals. Italy has cut official spending on culture by more than a third in recent years. Likewise, the Greek arts budget has fallen 35 percent, and the once powerful culture ministry has been relegated to become an offshoot of the education ministry.Cuts in Spain could lead to the loss of 60,000 jobs in the culture sector over the next four years, according to a recent study by the Fundacion Ideas, a Madrid think-tank. Spanish artists have taken to the streets to protest government plans to hike sales taxes on theater, movie and concert tickets, which they fear may deal a death blow to hundreds of venues from cinemas to bullrings a move which actor Javier Bardem, calls “the final straw.” GLOBAL POST

HIGH-FLYING THOUGHTS Tomorrow we’ll see if there is yet hope for Russia, for tomorrow comes the verdict in the case against the Pussy Riots for their anti-Putin protest. Bye the bye, the firebrand girls are planning new protest performances against President Vladimir Putin and urged other women to don balaclavas and stage demonstrations. That’s the spirit, gals. Don’t give up!

SMALL TALK, BIG NEED

CUP HOLDER n

BUT... SERIOUSLY

Ajay Hotchandani n

ometimes the food is as much a part of the meal as the main course itself. With several meals I find the taste is amplified by a soft drink. Often times I find that when dining on the street side I don’t finish my drink so the natural thing to do would be to take it along for the ride. Earlier today I got the car back to working condition and was taking it out for a nice evening drive. I stopped off at a street vendor where I devoured some tacos and exchanged pleasantries with a young latin girl who was curious about the car. Upon finishing up I proceeded back to my car with half a bottle of Coke. I sat down put the key in the ignition and was looking to place the bottle down in a secure place when I realised there just wasn’t any place to do that. I lifted up the centre console and wedged the bottle in there, using the tension to hold it in place. On the drive home I contemplated as to where can you fit a cupholder in this already tiny car? Then it dawned on me, I have the perfect cup holder for this car.

CUPHOLDER SPECIFICATIONS n

Cheap to acquire and easy to find, as there tends to be at least one lying around the house making excessive noise. Can hold up to two drinks at any given time.

n n

Adjustable to hold almost any size cup or bottle. Universal fit for any car, truck, boats, RV, horses, and even motorcycle. Can entertain you at red lights and stop signs. Can hold other objects like cell phones, make up kit, small food containers. Easily installed and removed for portable use. Available in different shapes, sizes, colors and varying degrees of ‘cuteness’. Made of tough water resistant polycarbon blend.

THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR (DEPENDING ON MODEL) n n n n n n n

Liquid content may consumed by cup holder. Shakes excessively and may lead to spills. Cannot tolerate extreme temperatures (so luke warm coffee). May repeatedly ask “How much longer do I have to hold this?” Drink container constantly being shifted around. Occupies large space. Has a NO RETURN policy. You can always get another one, but you can’t get rid of this one.

DIFFERENT MODELS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE Executive Model Indian Imported Model n Economic Model n “Girlfriend/Wife” Model was recalled and discontinued due to the “Excessive Nagging Defect”. Available at all fine retail store, daycare centre and in front of the TV. n n

EDITORIALS Thus spoke the Speaker It’s a Catch-22 situation for AP Congress

he government may not have expected this from Speaker Meira Kumar. It came out of the blue when she said ministers should not use the pretext of national security to parry questions asked in the House. On most occasions the government would conveniently use such methods to not answer questions. Kumar said to a national daily that there are issues of sensitive nature, some of which pertain to national security. “But let’s keep it at that,” said she. She has made a correct observation, as there are sensitive issues that call for measures like withholding information, but on the whole, everything must be transparent as can be. In a democracy, transparency is very important, it is one of the main aspects that infuse trust in citizens about the system. Speaker Kumar has spoken and has spoken well.

READERS’ VIEWS

o ruling party in any state is in such an unenviable situation as the Congress in Andhra Pradesh is today. The slur cast on six ministers and five bureaucrats on their complicity in passing impugned orders during the YSR rule and their impending arrests have put the Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy in a quandary. Should the government give them up or defend them? It is not the question a CM can decide, especially a ‘nominated’ CM. It is therefore unjust to put him on the dock and ask for his resignation.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

tELEVISION

BLAKE JENNER WINNER OF THE GLEE PROJECT Ryan Murphy had three very different, talented performers in the final episode of The Glee Project Season 2. But he promised to pick just one winner this year for a seven-episode arc on "Glee." And the winner is Blake Jenner.

FAN FOLLOWING

CLASSIC TV

Friends forever

Fans of television series Friends, which ended with the 10th season, are bringing the legendary characters back to life by scripting the 11th season Seinfeld

AMY ROSE THOMAS amyrose.t@postnoon.com

Seinfeld is an American television sitcom that originally aired on NBC from July 5, 1989, to May 14, 1998, lasting nine seasons. It was created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld, the latter starring as a ﬁctionalised version of himself. Set predominantly in an apartment block on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, the show features a host of Jerry’s friends and acquaintances, in particular best friend George Costanza, former girlfriend Elaine Benes, and neighbour across the hall Cosmo Kramer. A critical favourite, the show led the Nielsen ratings and ﬁnished among the top two. In 2002, TV Guide named Seinfeld the greatest television programme of all time.

ix people who visited our living rooms time and again – making us laugh and cry with the same fervor – one fine day, decide to disappear from our lives forever. These six fictional characters Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Ross, Chandler and Joey of television series Friends ruled the hearts of millions for ten years. The television series came to an end in 2004. Thus began the incessant search for a replacement for this classic. Now, after many similar television shows later, fans have come a full circle and are back to their obsession with Friends. While there are few who accepted the end of Friends and cherished the moments in the 10 seasons, there are few who thought otherwise. The F.R.I.E.N.D.S group on Facebook has scripted their version of the 11th season and the group is not alone in their quest. There are many others who have scripted and brought these legendary characters back to life. “I am one of those who have grown up watching Friends and was heartbroken when it ended. I have been yearning for the 11th season of Friends or a movie ever since. That’s when I came across the 11th season of Friends scripted by F.R.I.E.N.D.S and have been religiously following the

DID YOU KNOW? episodes. It definitely doesn’t come close to the original version of Friends but I read them nonetheless as these episodes bring back these characters into our lives again. The writer has done justice to the mannerisms of each of the characters in the script,” a fan Elisha Jose says. While another fan Rahul Aneja is living in the hope that these scripts and the interest the fans share about the 11th season would prompt the makers to come up with the next season. “I am sure that these scripts will not come up to the original

“It doesn’t come close to the original version but I read it nonetheless as it brings these characters back into our lives again.” versions but at least they will encourage the producers to make the 11th season or the movie. I have seen each episode of Friends at least five times, so it is a welcome change when I get to read versions written by fans,” he says.

On the other hand, there is another group of fans who think that Friends legacy is best left alone and that fans shouldn’t attempt making spoofs since they will fail in doing justice to the characters and the storyline. “I might read these scripts out of curiosity but I would never follow them. There was a reason why they ended the series and it was done in a good note. I don’t think 11th season or a movie can do justice to the series,” Nivedita Murthy says.

Malgudi Days It is an Indian television series based on the works of R.K. Narayan. His brother and acclaimed cartoonist R. K. Laxman was the sketch artist. The series was made in 1986 by film producer T. S. Narasimhan with Anant Nag as the lead actor.

QUOTABLE QUOTES

Life after friends Rachel Green

Chandler Bing

ennifer Aniston is set to walk down the aisle with screenwriter Justin Theroux, who popped the question on his 41st birthday.

att LeBlanc plays a version of himself in 'Episodes'. The character he plays is like the public's perception of a celebrity.

atthew Perry's new comedy Go On was unveiled. Perry plays a widower sportscaster in courtmandated group therapy.

Joey Tribbiani

Ross Geller avid Schwimmer lent his voice for the hypochondriac Melman the Giraffe in the Madagascar series.

Monica Geller

ourteney Cox reportedly earns $175,000 per episode of Cougar Town and she is one of the highest paid tv actresses.

Phoebe Buffay

isa Kudrow is starring in Web Therapy, an improvised online and television series, as a therapist Fiona Wallice.

"I was just thinking about the life of a pumpkin. Grow up in the sun, happily entwined with others, and then someone comes along, cuts you open, and rips your guts out."

A long time ago, all people had four legs and two heads. Gods split everyone into two. But the separation left a desperate yearning to be reunited, because they shared the same soul.

Buffy, Gabriele, Buffy the Vampire Xena the Warrior Slayer Princess

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

spotlight

MUSICAL NIGHT

Susmit Sen, lead guitarist of the Indian Ocean band is just back from attending, the very niche Guitare en Scene — one of the world’s premiere Guitar festivals that’s held in Geneva in July every year. Watch him perform at Hard Rock Cafe today, 9pm onwards.

SHOPPING SPREE

Desires fulfilled

Ladies made a beeline to Taj Krishna where the Khwaish exhibition and sale was held. ACTION HEROES Actor Sylvester Stallone (C) poses with US Olympic gold medalThey turned up in their colour- ist Ryan Lochte (R) and Conor Dwyer (L) at the premiere of The Expendables 2 at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, ful best and were seen filling up California on August 15. (Below) Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger (C) arrived with his sons Christopher (L) and Patrick (R). their shopping bags. Spotted were actress Nikitha and others. 2

1 Nikitha Naryana

3 Bhargavi

2 Neha

4 Sridevi

STAR POWER

(Clockwise from top) Actors Jessica Biel, Kate Beckinsale and Colin Farrell pose during a photocall in Berlin to promote their new ﬁlm Total Recall. The movie will premiere in German cinemas on August 23.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

health

STUDY FINDS NEW DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT An international team of scientists discovered a new way to treat drug addiction called (+)-naloxone. A University of Adelaide press release said yesterday that researchers had “proven that addiction to morphine and heroin can be blocked, while at the same time increasing pain relief.”

CELLULITIS

Red, hot and painful They’re angry red and very painful. Cellulitis, a skin infection, can often leave the patient in immense pain and might at times pose serious complications.

RANJANI RAJENDRA

ranjani.r@postnoon.com

Cellulitis happens due to n Insect bites n Cracked feet

hen Neha noticed a reddish patch on her leg, she didn’t pay much attention to it. But when it turned a shade of angry red, made her skin unnaturally glossy and stretched looking, she knew it was more than just another rash. Worse still, it left her feeling uncomfortable and with a fever. When she approached a doctor, she was diagnosed with cellulitis.

WHAT IS CELLULITIS? “Cellulitis is an infection of the soft tissue, skin and can sometimes even involve the underlying layer of fat. The affected area turns red and is extremely painful. Cellulitis can occur anywhere on the body, but most commonly occurs on the hands and legs,” says Dr Sunitha Sekhar Reddy, dermatologist, ADI clinics. Like in most ailments, early treatment is a good idea when it comes to cellulitis. The infection could by caused either by a number of factors including staphylococcus, streptococcus bacteria.

CAUSES While normally, the skin has several types of bacteria living on it, the real problem occurs when there is a break in the skin. Some of the risk factors for cellulitis include cracked or peeling skin, injury, insect bites, corticosteroid medications, wound from a recent

ANEWS PP-LYBRIEFS YOURSELF

HOUSECALL

IBrush

Dupuytren contracture

Brush your teeth well! iBrush is a health application that teaches you how to effectively and properly brush your teeth. This interactive app gives you 60 seconds to clean as many dirty spots as possible. You can increase your score by cleaning the dirty spots and see the teeth go from yellow to white.

This refers to the thickening and contracture of tissue beneath the skin on the palm of the hand and ﬁngers.It is said that the exact cause of Dupuytren's contracture is not known but family history of diabetes, high cholesterol, alcohol dependence, epilepsy and liver cirrhosis have been seen. In most cases there is not exact reason for it’s existence. Lifestyle and behaviour are usually not considered causes.

DID YOU KNOW? Bodies paralysed during sleep Ever wondered why we don’t fall off the bed during the night (at least most of us)? When we go to sleep and enter REM (Rapid Eye Movement), our bodies become completely paralysed as areas of the brain that control movement are de-activated. This stops us from falling out of our bed.

n Injury or cut n Cracks in toes n Use of certain corticosteroid drugs n Diabetes

surgery etc. “Cellulitis also affects people who are immunocompromised. Say they have diabetes or HIV and their immune systems are not at their fighting best,” says Dr Reddy.

SYMPTOMS “Some of the most common symptoms of cellulitis are redness of the skin, increased temperature of the afflicted area, rapid spreading of the infection and symptoms of a high grade fever,” says Dr Reddy. Other symptoms include; pain or tenderness, swelling, hair loss at the site of infection and nausea.

TREATMENT Diagnosis of the condition is made based on clinical findings. “If the condition is detected in the early stages then application of topical anti-bacterial creams helps take care of it. If the infection is found to be spreading and the symptom of fever rises then oral anti-bacterials are prescribed. It is also to treat the underlying cause like diabetes, to prevent recurrence of the problem,” explains Dr Reddy.

PIONEERS Micheal Servatus Micheal Servatus was a Spanish theologian, physician, cartographer, and humanist. He was the first European to correctly describe the function of pulmonary circulation. He is renowned in the history of several of these fields, particularly medicine and theology. Servetus also contributed to medicine with other works related to the field, such as his Complete Explanation of Syrups and his study on syphilis.

health THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

VACCINE

HEART HEALTH

Intake of egg yolks can block arteries

A heart disease vaccine in the future? Researchers at the La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology said that findings may bolster the possibility of developing a vaccine against the disease that blocks the inflammatory response. ALEXANDER BESANT ew research suggests that heart disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the inflammation response in the body is triggered. Researchers at the La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology said that findings may bolster the possibility of developing a vaccine against the disease that blocks the inflammatory response. According to North County Times, most research on heart disease, or arteriosclerosis, has focused on the role of cholesterol in hardening the arteries and increasing the heart attack

risk. This study adds to mounting evidence that heart disease is actually an autoimmune response. Researchers said that they found a specific cell that is responsible for the attack on the artery wall using the deadly combination of inflammation and plaque. The CD4 T cells begin to attack the wall when they sense a build-up of plaque, reported NBC San Diego. Discovering how this mechanism works brings researchers many steps closer to developing a vaccine that could stop that reaction by making antigen-presenting

Study authors said that a vaccine would take years to develop but that the current results offer a big leap forward. cells unrecognisable. This would in turn stop the inflammation response that might lead to a heart attack. Study authors said that a vaccine would take years to develop but that the current results offer a big leap forward. “If successful, a tolerogenic vaccine could stop the inflammation component of heart

disease,” study leader Klaus Ley said in a statement. “This could probably be used in conjunction with the statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs) that have already taken a significant chunk out of the numbers of people with heart disease.” With a combination of treatments, the researchers also believe that, people could one day significantly reduce their risk of developing any type of heart disease. Heart disease till today remains the number one killer in the developed world. The study was published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. GLOBAL POST

TORONTO: Egg yolks are just as bad as smoking for atherosclerosis, thanks to accumulation of fat and cholesterol which causes the hardening of arteries by plaques within its walls. Surveying 1,231 patients, David Spence, professor of neurology at Western University, Canada, found regular consumption of egg yolks is about twothirds as bad as smoking regarding increased build-up of plaque, a risk factor for stroke and heart attack. The study looked at data from men and women, with a mean age of 61.5 years, attending vascular prevention clinics at London Health Sciences Centre’s University Hospital, the journal Atherosclerosis reports.

The study also found those eating three or more yolks a week had more plaque area than those who ate two or fewer yolks per week. Ultrasound was used to establish a measurement of total plaque area and questionnaires were filled out regarding their lifestyle and medications including pack-years of smoking (number of packs per day of cigarettes times the number of years), and the number of egg yolks consumed per week times the number of years consumed (egg yolkyears). The study also found those eating three or more yolks a week had significantly more plaque area than those who ate two or fewer yolks per week, according to a statement. “The mantra ‘eggs can be part of a healthy diet for healthy people’ has confused the issue. It has been known for a long time that a high cholesterol intake increases the risk of cardiovascular events, and egg yolks have a very high cholesterol content. In diabetics, an egg a day increases coronary risk by two to fivefold,” says Spence. IANS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

Entertainment

DALAM SHOOTING IN HYDERABAD

Naveen Chandra and Piaa Bajpai’s upcoming bilingual film Dalam is currently being shot in Hyderabad. Jeevan Reddy is directing this movie and will be filmed in Hyderabad and Vizag.

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

CINE BYTES

Needs divine help Devudu Chesina Manushulu is a farce of divine proportions, but it’s the superficial treatment that completely kills the the film HEMANTH KUMAR hemanth.k@postnoon.com

Movie: Devudu Chesina Manushulu Cast: Ravi Teja, Ileana, Prakash Raj, Subbaraju Directed by: Puri Jagannadh Rating:

ou are not supposed to take Puri Jagannadh’s films seriously because that’s not why he makes films. He takes this notion of ‘my films are only meant to entertain the audience’, to a whole new level in Devudu Chesina Manushulu. The film starring Ravi Teja, Ileana, Prakash Raj and Subbaraju is a divine farce which boasts of a first-of-its-kind screenplay in Telugu cinema. Lord Vishnu tells the story of four people on Earth to entertain Lakshmi devi. The film consists of two versions of the same story and each one explains how the four characters — Ravi Teja, Ileana, Subbaraju and Prakash Raj — meet under different circumstances. Ravi Teja is a Hyderabad based broker who is an expert in solving issues between people. Ileana is an orphan, just like Ravi Teja, and she grows up in Bangkok, where she works as a taxi-driver. Prakash Raj is a mafia don who suffers from short term memory loss and Subbaraju is a cop who wants to nab Prakash Raj. How these characters meet forms the

ajal Aggarwal is all set to join the cast of Ram Charan’s upcoming action film Yevadu. Vamshi Paidipally, with whom Kajal had earlier worked in Brindavanam, says, “It’s more than just a cameo. Kajal is playing a very important role in my film.” Ram Charan, Samantha and Amy Jackson are playing the lead roles and Allu Arjun is making a cameo. Dil Raju is producing the film.

rest of the story. Like most other Puri Jagannadh’s films, Devudu Chesina Manushulu is loud and doesn’t let you empathise with the characters. However, it’s the superficial treatment of the whole story which kills whatever excitement the film’s first half brings. Yes, everything is on a lighter note, but since the same story is rehashed with hardly any changes to the characterisation of its important characters, the film turns out to be a big bore. Ravi Teja’s exuberance is the only silver lining in the film. Most of the songs end up as speed breakers to the film’s narration, although some of them have been shot well. It’s still a million dollar question why Puri Jagannadh never gives the characters in his films enough depth and this is one such film where even Puri’s dialogues don’t save the day. Two thumbs down.

Samantha is back!

fter a long hiatus, Samantha is finally back . For the past three months, she had been missing from action after a series of infections weakened her immune system. A couple of days ago, she joined the sets of Nandini Reddy’s upcoming film in Hyderabad for a trial shoot. Siddharth is playing the lead role in this film.

THE TIGER ROARS

A dabangg performance Salman Khan gives his fans another dashing and daring performance. It truly lives up to the tag of being one of the most-awaited entertainers of the year.

ocumentary filmmaker Kabir Khan has once again forayed into dangerous territory but has come out unscathed, thanks to his tiger. The film Ek tha Tiger revolves around Tiger, a rugged, handsome bachelor, played by Salman, who is a Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) officer. He is sent on a mission to Dublin, Ireland, to observe an Indian origin scientist who is suspected of being a traitor. Unsuccessful in meet-

Kajal joins Yevadu’s cast

Movie: Ek Tha Tiger Cast: Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Ranvir Shorey, Girish Karnad, Roshan Seth Directed by: Kabir Khan ing the scientist, he then tries to befriend the scientist’s parttime home caretaker, Zoya (Katrina). What ensues is a love affair which involves battling the dark world of intelligence that forbids its soldiers

from falling in love. It is a delight to see actors like Girish Karnad back on the screen after a long time. Salman as usual gives a paisa-vasool performance, and Katrina too pitches in and acts too. The film is high on action as is expected of the Khan. Surprisingly the story is also one of the positives of the movie. The music passes muster, but whose complaining when you are getting to see the former lovebirds on screen.

Rana shoots for Ajith’s film in Mumbai

ana Daggubati’s long awaited debut in Tamil is all set to come true this year. He flew to Mumbai yesterday to begin shooting for Ajith’s upcoming Tamil film. Vishnu Vardhan is directing this film and Rana is playing a cameo. Apart from this film, Rana’s Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum is also being made in Tamil as Ongaram.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

fashion

ROBBIE GOES LUXURY

SELFRIDGES has become the first luxury department store to snap up Robbie Williams' fashion label, Farrell.The Take That star announced news of his fashion label in July last year, after he was inspired by the style of his late grandfather - Jack Farrell - who the brand was named after.

WHAT WOMEN WANT SURABHI CHAUHAN

feedback@postnoon.com

Sailex

nspired by the pin-up girls from 1950s, Sailex NG highlighted the womanly curves with the use of clever designs and tailoring he is known for. Nipped waists, flowing skirts, cleavage highlighting, shoulders accentuating, this collection aimed to put the wearer in front and the centre of attention. Without making it blatantly revealing, Sailex’s pieces could be added to your wardrobe staple festive and evening wear with ease. The winning pieces were the metallic jackets that were tailored beautifully to be worn with dresses, saris, or basic t-shirt and jeans. Speaking of saris, the designer introduced Indianwear to his collection paired with a silver choli and a longsleeved peterpan collar blouse.

Kallol Datta 1955

hosen as the finale designer for the Mumbai-based fashion week, Kallol had a big crowd to support him through this big accomplishment. Inspired by the sponsor’s theme of ‘monochromes’ the collection was predominantly black and white. But in a Kallol Datta rebellious style, there were more than a couple of coloured garments in blue, camel, green, and silver. Prints of snails mating, melting faces and bats & birds left the audience intrigued. The construction of the garments was signature Kallol Datta 1955 style with further editing and cleaner lines from last season. A surprisingly new development was when Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor walked hand in hand with the designer in his garment to take a bow.

VICTORIA’S SECRET

OLYMPIC gold medallist Victoria Pendleton would love to do a fashion campaign— with Burberry as her top choice. The cyclist, who won both gold and silver medals at this year's London 2012 Games, has decided to retire from competitive sports - so, she now has more time on her hands to explore fashion prospects.

From last week we continue to highlight the designers and brands that stole the limelight at the Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2012. Bodice by Ruchika Sachdev

oung designer Ruchika is another testament to Lakme Fashion Week for bringing up new and young talents into the limelight. Brand BODICE has in a short while defined their forte in tailoredmenswear-inspired womenswear– spilling out into easy jackets, trousers, and shirtdresses. The detailing is unexpected and separates her from other labels trying to do similar androgynous urban collections. This collection is inspired by the Indian Maharaja and the Sadhu Bodice, combining the two contrasting themes with sharply cut garments. Shades of maroon, burnt orange, olive and mustard were used as hand woven pure cotton denim, crepe, wool and tulle formed the base. An obvious brand extension was to diversify into menswear. Easy separates with shapes this time inspired by womenswear, looked extremely wearable by men.

Drashta

xtremely feminine Drashta Sarvaiya always showcases something that the modern women would want to wear. This collection was a season ahead of the official season that the Lakme Fashion Week endorses. Drashta Spring Summer 2013 collection is a pastel shade card dream of lightweight dresses, skirts and trousers. With draping used on most of her fabrics, she managed to keep the looks light, airy and non-fussy. Fabrics like lightweight brocade with flower motifs, double georgettes and crepe were used. Crystal embroidery and raffia added to the charm. The winning looks were the white silk-layered crepe tunic and trousers that highlighted the clever construction and tailoring clearly.

Shivan & Narresh

oung and famous resort wear designers Shivan & Narresh designed a collection based on their show sponsor DHL’s tag line of ‘Speed’. The designers cleverly adapted the brand’s theme into a non-cliché depiction titled Equus – Latin for horses. The shiny fabrics used for the ‘Festive 2012’ collection resembled the sheen of a horse’s skin translated into one-piece swimsuits and cover-ups. The detailing of the braiding of fabric, cut outs to resemble the mane of Equus, prints of horses onto garments, Swarovski tassels hanging from the back, took the inspiration forward. Collection of maillot, bikini, dress, gown, sari, tankini, trikini, jumpsuits and shirts as well as the duo’s newest addition after their bikini sari and Kaftan sari the “Kafsuit” comprised the collection.

22&23

Entertainment THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

Chai Time

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

People who ask our advice almost never take it. Yet we should never refuse to give it, upon request, for it often helps us to see our own way more clearly. Brendan Francis

KAKURO

QUICK CROSSWORD

SUDOKU 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.

ACROSS

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

SCRIBBLING PAD

1 Plaster of Paris preparation 6 Debilitating guilt 11 Cookout disposable 14 Cool and distant 15 From that day forward 16 Eggs, to a biologist 17 Fabricate 19 Oscar-winning director Gibson 20 Hellenic ‘H’ 21 Ghost’s greetings 22 Free a prisoner, as from ropes 24 Genesis villain 26 Basement’s opposite 27 ‘Norma ___’ (1979 movie) 28 Queensland’s capital 31 Celestial streaker 34 Easy to stick a needle in 35 Appliance setting 36 Playing on the road 37 What this crossword’s theme is? 38 ‘Do it or ___!’ 39 The start of the four theme entries, collectively 40 Office records 41 One working a trade 42 Puts a fence around 44 Be visibly disconsolate 45 Egyptian bird god 46 Pay for, as a project 50 Fries in a bit of butter 52 Dryer outlet 53 Savings plan for later yrs 54 Need to be corrected 55 Lords’ places 58 Hawaiian shirt accessory 59 How to do it until you get it right 60 Address the crowd 61 Air traffic control org 62 Can’t survive without 63 WXYZ phone buttons

DOWN

1 ‘Let the ___ begin!’ 2 Bring delight to 3 Aid in finding the Titanic 4 Small French coin, once 5 Quirky 6 Yachtsman’s neckwear 7 Tiny lice 8 Up-to-date antelope? 9 Careful examination 10 Itty-bitty (Var.) 11 In a funny manner 12 Kind of thermometer 13 Follicly challenged 18 ‘... in ___-horse open sleigh’ 23 Apparel for a very young diner 25 Hunted ones 26 Seed coverings 28 Elaine’s surname on ‘Seinfeld’ 29 Cyrano’s famous feature 30 Wide-spouted mantel pitcher 31 Attended 32 ‘Closer’ Oscar nominee Clive 33 Film candidate’s home? 34 Hollows between hills 37 Mrs. Malaprop’s problem 38 Site of exile for Napoleon 40 Boxer with a grill 41 Float that supports a bridge 43 Paramount workplace 44 Hyperbolic function 46 Boston and Christmas 47 Month after Adar 48 Greek island in the Mediterranean 49 Applies less pressure (with ‘up’) 50 Word with ‘centered’ or ‘portrait’ 51 ___ code (three-digit number) 52 Declare invalid 56 Refusal from Groundskeeper Willie 57 William Tell’s birthplace

Chai Time THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012 Thiruvaikumar

STAR POWER for 17-8-2012

As per Hindu panchang thiruvaikumar@yahoo.co.in, 040-27177230 / 9177596118

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

You need to adopt slow-andsteady policy as time is not favourable. Avoid arguments and commitments to anyone of any type. You might raise a loan for an important and essential requirement. Spouse will be upset due to large influx of visitors.

Problems will be over as money will come from all the expected sources. Tensions of women will disappear. Good news from daughter regarding her pregnancy will make you happy. Son's marriage talks will progress well and finalise.

To complete a work you have to travel several times and put in a lot of struggle. Father's advise will be beneficial and hence accepting and implementing it will be a wise decision. Court verdict will go in your favour. Chances of changes in trip.

QUICK CROSSWORD FRED BASSET

Good turning points likely. You will take perfect decisions, which will yield desired results. Financial position looks strong. News about promotion on the cards for employees. Businessmen can expect sanction of their loans applied in a bank.

Written off old dues will get collected to your surprise. All wishes will get fulfilled. House renovation expenses will increase. Those planning to go abroad will be busy with the arrangements and they will not face any difficulty.

Influx of close relatives will make cheer family members. Newlyweds can expect their offspring soon. Old-, long-pending debts will get cleared; make you cheerful. Misunderstanding with blood relatives will be over. Business will improve.

Drastic changes to take place in your life. Real-estate deals will take place without any difficulties. You will fulfill wishes of your children. Those staying abroad likely to visit their native places in India. Businessmen are likely to get new orders.

Tensions, travel and expenses likely, which will upset you. But you will act with courage, take bold decisions and come out wiser. Those who wrote certifying exams in interviews for jobs will be successful. Also their getting job is almost certain.

Worries and tension will be over. Employees will have a favourable atmosphere. Some are entrusted with new responsibilities and by completing them successfully will be suitably rewarded. You will be clearing an old debt.

TAROT READ

Sumaa Tekur

tarotreadhyd@gmail.com

ARIES:

GEMINI:

Seven of Wands – You have abundant talent. You only have to make time to practice and stay focused on improving your skills. Pay attention to your needs.

LEO:

King of Wands – Do not waste time thinking of the past when you should actually be spending this time planning for the future and making room for your growth.

LIBRA:

STONE SOUP

Three of Pentacles – Pay attention to the features of a person you may be getting close to. This person will give you hints on what they are actually like.

SAGITTARIUS:

Seven of Swords – You will gain tremendous insight when in a museum or any place which is a storehouse of culture and information. Open your mind.

TAURUS:

Page of Wands – A bonus is on the way. It may be a reward for your hard work or the result of some smart investment moves. Enjoy the fruits of your labour.

CANCER:

Six of Wands – There is someone in your office or your team, who is uncomfortable with anyone entering what they believe is his/ her territory.

VIRGO:

The Lovers – In a competition, you win. You will be in a position to advise on how to move forward. This is a profitable time, one that makes you feel worthwhile.

SCORPIO:

King of Swords – You need to listen more and speak less. Most of the miscommunication is happening because you are not paying attention to what others say.

CAPRICORN:

Eight of Wands – You find someone’s behaviour appalling but it bothers you that you cannot say anything because it is too late to pick faults now.

SOLUTIONS

PISCES:

Nine of Swords – You look for cheap deals when out shopping. Let this not cloud your judgment on quality. Make room for a sensible and practical buy.

NUMBER GAME

cles – You are spending too much time on the mobile phone. This may be affecting your person-to-person interaction. Live in the real world, too.

SCRABBLE

AQUARIUS: Nine of Penta-

INK PEN

Your influence is set to increase. Those in search of a new job will be successful in their efforts. Dull trend faced by businessmen will be over. You will release pledged valuable objects. Some employees might be forced to go out of station.

for 17-8-2012

Ace of Wands – Someone is dominating you and you have to stand up for your rights in order to be heard. Do not take this lightly. Carve your own space.

FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE

You will face ups and downs but no need to worry, as soon, stable position likely. Be careful while expressing opinions as you might get blamed and humiliated. New efforts will get favourable results. Working women might face troubles.

SUDUKO

Businessmen get their wish fulfilled to invest further in business as unexpected friend will join and help. Business will gain momentum, travel will reduce and profits will increase. Family will see a peaceful atmosphere. Employees do well.

Boggle IRAN INDIA ANGOLA UGANDA ARGENTINA Vol: 2, No 30 RNI No: APENG/2011/39337 Published for the proprietors, Scribble Media and Entertainment Pvt Ltd, by V Harshavardhan Reddy, at #1246, Level 3, Jubilee Casa, Road No 62, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad – 500033 and printed by him at Jagati Publications Ltd, Plot No D-75&E-52, APIE Industrial Estate, Balanagar, Ranga Reddy Dist, Hyderabad – 500037, Editor: Dean Williams – Responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. For feedback, please write to: feedback@postnoon.com and for subscription, please call 040-4067 2222, Fax: 040-4067 2211

Entertainment THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

IN OR OUT?

Kristen out of Snow White sequel

niversal has decided to shelf its planned Snow White and the Huntsman sequel and is instead focusing on a solo Huntsman movie starring Chris Hemsworth. Kristen Stewart will not be invited to return if the follow-up goes forward. Sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that the sequel to June's Snow White, which starred Stewart, Hemsworth and Charlize Theron, is being reconceived as a spinoff movie. It's unclear whether director Rupert Sanders will return, though one source with ties to the production says he will. But other reports suggest that Stewart has not been dropped from the sequel because the concept is being retooled to focus on Chris Hemsworth's Huntsman. Rather, she was never officially attached to one to begin with.

CINE BYTES

Travolta to be awarded at Zurich film festival

he Zurich Film Festival will honour John Travolta with its lifetime achievement award, the Golden Eye, this year. Travolta will receive the honour on opening night, September 20, ahead of the Gala Premiere of Oliver Stone's Savages, in which Travolta Stars alongside Taylor Kitsch, Aaron Johnson and Blake Lively. Zurich is also honouring producer Jerry Weintraub with a Golden Eye award on September 26.

Dark locks look pretty good on Naomi Watts.

he actress, who is portraying the late Princess Diana, showed off the new 'do while on the Diana set in London. The dramatic transformation was for a scene showing Princess Di's romantic meeting with Hasnat Khan (Naveen Andrews), a doctor whom the royal was secretly dating. And that's where the brown hair comes in. In order to keep the relationship discreet, Diana would change hair colour to throw off all the paparazzi around her.

Tobey Maguire Named For 'Z For Zachariah'

obey Maguire is preparing for the apocalypse.The former (and forever) Spider-Man is set to star in and produce the screen adaptation of Robert C O'Brien's acclaimed science ďŹ ction novel, Z For Zachariah, according to Variety. Z For Zachariah follows a Midwestern teenager who lives alone and maintains a farm in the only valley with breathable air in the wake of a nuclear war.

sports

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

RISING ‘CRICKET’ STAR

Blake likely to follow Bolt Sydney Sixers are hoping to lure Yohan Blake to play in Australia’s domestic T20 Big Bash League after fellow sprint star Usain Bolt said he wanted to turn out for the Melbourne Stars. SYDNEY: The Sydney Sixers are hoping to lure Yohan Blake to play in Australia’s domestic Twenty20 Big Bash League after fellow sprint star Usain Bolt said he wanted to turn out for the Melbourne Stars. Like Bolt, Blake is from Jamaica and cricket-mad, and Sixers chief executive Stuart Clark said he was keen on setting up a showdown between the world’s two fastest men on the cricket field. “For one he is a great athlete, and yes he would be a marketer’s dream, but from all reports he can actually play cricket and that’s better than anything else,” Clark told the Sydney Daily Telegraph. “If he can do what he says he can do, and I have no reason to disbelieve him, Yohan would be a marquee player for me to sign.

Worrell, Michael Holding, Courtney Walsh and Chris Gayle. According to the Telegraph, Blake has recently expressed his desire to play cricket, listing it as his first love above athletics. “I will need to see some footage of him bowling, but he has been saying he can bowl 90 miles per hour (145 kph), very few people in the world can do that,” said Clark. “Usain Bolt is a great showman and entertainer, but he can’t play cricket as far as I’m aware, to the standard necessary. Yohan Blake can, it seems.” The newspaper said Australian agent Tony Connelly was brokering the deal between Blake and the eight-team Big Bash, which was launched last year to attract a new youthful audience to cricket. AFP

I would definitely be considering it.” Earlier this week, Shane Warne revealed he was leading a campaign to bring Bolt to Melbourne, with negotiations underway with the Melbourne Stars, the Australian former Test leg-spinner’s club. Bolt played junior cricket before turning to the track and has long voiced a love for the game. “He (Warne) contacted me and asked me about if I am serious and if I really want to do it, then he can put in a few words that should get it done,” Bolt told Australian television. “So we will see if I get the time off. I will try.” Cricket is hugely popular in Jamaica’s gold mealists Usain Bolt and Jamaica’s Yohan Blake (L) pose on the the West Indies with Jamaica podium after winning the men’s 4X100 relay final at the athletics event during one of its strongest teams, prothe London 2012 Olympic Games in London. AFP/JOHANNES EISELE ducing greats such as Frank

SOUTH AFRICA IN ENGLAND

FINAL FIFTEEN

Oz name squad for T20 WC

Captain Smith denies Proteas’ T role in Pietersen axe Smith has said that his side leaking text messages from KP, are rubbish JULIAN GUYER LONDON: South Africa captain Graeme Smith has said suggestions his side deliberately leaked text messages from Kevin Pietersen are “the biggest load of rubbish I have heard”. England will go into Thursday’s third Test at Lord’s without their star batsman after South Africa-born Pietersen was dropped last weekend, despite scoring 149 in the drawn second Test in Leeds, for failing to reveal the contents of those text messages, some of which were said to contain criticisms of England captain Andrew Strauss. Pietersen apologised on Wednesday for the “provocative” texts but it was too late to win back his place in the team for a match starting Thursday where the tourists only need to avoid defeat to replace England as the world’s number one Test side. Clearly, South Africa’s task is easier if England’s leading

Kevin waits for T20 call

ngland batsman Kevin Pietersen will discover by Saturday if his apology for sending “provocative texts” to South African players has come in time to salvage his hopes of playing in the World Twenty20. Throughout months of escalating tension with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) hierarchy, Pietersen has always expressed the wish to help England defend the trophy they won in the Caribbean two years ago when he was named man of the tournament.

batsman is not playing but Smith, who has had plenty of run-ins with Pietersen in the past, insisted his team had not initiated the row, although the awkward question of how the texts got into the public arena remains. “For us to be dragged into this has been disappointing,” Smith said at Lord’s on Wednesday.

“I heard (former England captain) Mike Atherton wrote a column about it saying we did it on purpose. That’s the biggest load of rubbish I have heard — I can’t believe it has got to that point. “I think the notion that we have tried to ‘nail’ Kevin or put things out in the media is just ridiculous.” South Africa’s manage-

ment have described the texts as “banter” and opening batsman Smith was at a loss to understand how the issue had escalated to the stage of England dropping Pietersen. “I have personally seen nothing (damaging in the texts),” said Smith. “I find it quite amazing that it’s still going on and that it has reached this point. “In our dressing room, it’s something that’s hardly been discussed — except the amount of time and coverage that it’s getting. “But obviously Kevin feels that he’s done something wrong and he has apologised for that. “From our perspective it’s just been so overboard really. I can’t believe it’s still carrying on.” Smith, who on Thursday is set to break Australia great Allan Border’s record of 93 Tests as captain by leading the Proteas for the 94th time, said England would struggle to fill the gap vacated by Pietersen.

he Australia’s selectors have sprung no surprises when naming the squad for the upcoming ICC World Twenty20 as they prefered selecting the same 15 players they named for the T20s to be played against Pakistan in UAE. Glenn Maxwell is the only uncapped member of the squad, which also includes spinner Brad Hogg, who originally retired from international cricket four years ago, before storming back into contention through the Big Bash League last summer, as reported on the website, cricinfo.com. They will form a three-man spin contingent. The Squad: George Bailey (capt), Dan Christian, Patrick Cummins, Xavier Doherty, Ben Hilfenhaus, Brad Hogg, David Hussey, Mike Hussey, Glenn Maxwell, Clint McKay, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Shane Watson (vc), Cameron White

League Cricket A Division Three Day League Championship R Dayanand 261 vs Andhra Bank 356/6 (Abhinav Kumar 149, Naveen Reddy 39, Neeraj Bist 104) BDL 162 & 238/8 (Paramveer Singh 64, K Sumanth 103 n.o.) vs Ensconse 150 (Paramveer Singh 5/41) A 2 & 3 Divisions Two Days League Championship (Day 1) Kosaraju 253/8 (Charan Sai Teja 65, Sai Raju 86, Nand Kumar 4/76) vs AOC

sports

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

PARALYMPIC GAMES

Torch relay by scouts

Groups of young disabled and non-disabled scouts will be given the honour of striking the firestarting rods that will spark flames on Scafell Pike, Snowdon, Ben Nevis and Slieve Donard.

our Paralympic flames will be created on the summits of the highest peaks of the home nations, London 2012 have announced, reported The Guardian. Groups of young disabled and non-disabled scouts will be given the honour of striking the fire-starting rods that will spark the flames on Scafell Pike in England, Snowdon in Wales, Ben Nevis in Scotland and Northern Ireland’s Slieve Donard on 22 August. The flames will then be united at Stoke Mandeville, the spiritual home of the Paralympic movement, during a special ceremony on 28 August. The result of that ceremony — the London 2012 Paralympic Flame — will then be carried on a 24-hour, 92-mile relay by 580 torchbearers working in teams of five from Stoke Mandeville to the

show their support for the Paralympic Torch Relay, whether it’s taking lanterns along to a Flame Festival or Celebration, supporting a Torchbearer or getting together to line the route of the 24-hour relay and help us

Olympic Stadium. The London 2012 chairman Lord Coe said, “We have created a unique identity for the Paralympic Torch Relay which will be a celebration

of courage, determination, inspiration and equality that every Paralympian represents. “By creating the four flames through human endeavour at the

four highest peaks in the UK we will ensure that the spirit of each home nation is represented in the Paralympic Flame. “Today we invite people to

FORMULA ONE

GOLF

Hami likely to sign new contract Lewis is close to signing a new contract with McLaren, according to Jonathan Neale.

ewis Hamilton is close to signing a new contract with McLaren, according to the Formula One team’s managing director, Jonathan Neale, according to The Guardian. Hamilton has been linked with various possible moves away from McLaren, including to Ferrari, but Neale has said he is likely to stay on for at least another season. He also believes the Englishman can still win the drivers’ championship despite being 47 points adrift of Fernando Alonso. Neale said both McLaren and Hamilton were hopeful of reaching an agreement. “We are closer and of course we are in dialogue,” he told. “For obvious reasons I can’t speculate more at the moment. We are working very hard to find a common ground.” Hamilton is fourth

lead the way to the Paralympic Games.” The Beatles’ Abbey Road crossing, Lord’s, London Zoo and Tower Bridge are some of the landmarks that will be visited during the overnight relay, which will work its way through Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire before hitting London.

and it doesn’t take much to switch those,” he said. “We have a quick car. It was in better shape than Ferrari at the last race. Lewis is a fighter, he loves

Hamilton is fourth behind Alonso but Neale believes that, with nine races to go, there is enough time to chase the Ferrari driver.

behind Alonso but Neale believes that, with nine races to go, there is still enough time to

chase down the Ferrari driver. “Mathematically it is still possible with 25 points for a win

a challenge. He just needs a sniff of it and to feel that the team is behind him and pushing. “And I think that, if he feels we are pushing and bringing in the upgrades and dealing with the issues as they arise, then he will be fighting for the title at the end of the season.”

Playoff spots on the line at Wyndham Championship NORTH CAROLINA: FedEx Cup playoff and Ryder Cup spots are on the line at the Wyndham Championship which begins Thursday at the Sedgefield Country Club course. American Ryder Cup captain Davis Love has just a few weeks left to finalize his roster while others in the field will be trying to improve their standing in the FedEx Cup playoff points race. “It is on your mind the whole time,” said Jhonattan Vegas, who is No. 124 on the points list. The top 125 qualify for The Barclays cup, the first playoff event. This is the sixth straight year the Wyndham Championship has served as the final PGA Tour tournament going into the start of the playoffs. AFP

sports

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

CINCINNATI MASTERS

Federer, Djoker, in round 3

Federer won the trophy here in 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2010 and is bidding for personal Masters 1000 history as he chases a fifth title, while Djokovic was not impressed with his own form. CINCINNATI: Four-time champion Roger Federer (right) crushed Alex Bogomolov, Russia, 6-3, 6-2 on Wednesday as he led his fellow elites into the third round of the Cincinnati Masters. The Swiss world number one was untouchable against his modest Russian proposition, with the Swiss who has reached the semi-finals or better at 11 of the last 12 ATP events he has played setting up a match with Australian Bernard Tomic. The match lasted just an hour as Federer dominated. He did need two match points and faced — and saved — his only break point of the match in the final moments of play. “It was a good match for me,” said the 17-time grand slam champion. “It was a good win. I don’t know his game that well, but we played a good match. The switch from grass to hardcourt is difficult. This court is faster than Wimbledon and the bounce is really high. It was a good first round for me. It may have gone quickly and there were hardly any rallies, but I was pleased to close it out.” Second seed Novak Djokovic made a scratchy start while Andy Murray motored through

MOTOGP

Roger expected Nadal US open withdrawal

Roger Federer of Switzerland serves to Alex Bogomolov of Russia during the Western & Southern Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center on Wednesday in Mason, Ohio. AFP/ GETTY IMAGES/ MATTHEW STOCKMAN

as the pair of seeds won opening matches after byes. Djokovic did not even have the chance to hit on the showcase court after arriving in the midwest US from his post-Olympic

title in Toronto at the weekend. But the Serb toughed out a defeat of Italian Andreas Seppi 7-6 (7/4), 6-2. Murray, the Olympic gold medallist who played one match

last week in Toronto and then quit with a sore knee, showed no sign of injury as he efficiently handled American Sam Querrey 6-2, 6-4, taking just 83 minutes to get his game into shape. AFP

NEW YORK: Elite players led by world number one Roger Federer at the Cincinnati Masters expressed their concern on Wednesday that Rafael Nadal will be forced to miss the US Open due to left knee tendinitis. “It’s not a surprise, because I wrote him and he told me it wasn’t looking good at all,” said top seeded Federer. “But obviously when it’s official it’s disappointing for tennis. “I would love to have him in the draw. With 12 days before the Open you figure he might still have time to fix what he has to fix to get ready. There is obviously the whole debate going on if he is going come back for this year. Those sentiments were echoed by world ranked number two Novak Djokovic and fourth-ranked Olympic gold medalist Andy Murray. “He’s a great competitor,” Djokovic said. “I’m sure that if he was able to perform he would come,” he said.

Indy track ready to hum The Indianapolis Speedway is the world’s largest spectator sporting facility. INDIANAPOLIS: The MotoGP circuit returns to action this week as the second of two races on US soil this season takes place at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “It is always a pleasure to visit Indianapolis as the motorsport culture here is very strong and the whole city gets behind the Grand Prix with many events taking place over the weekend,” said Hiroshi Yamada, manager of Bridgestone’s

Motorsport Department. “The venue itself is quite unique with elements of three different eras incorporated into the circuit and it is a challenge for both riders and tyres. “Perhaps due to its particular layout, Indy is a race where the result is always hard to predict.” There have been four different winners and seven different riders reaching the podium since the race was added to the calendar four years ago.

Jorge Lorenzo won the race in 2009 and did it in style, sporting his customised ‘Captain America’ helmet. He finished fourth in 2011, the only year he has not placed on the podium in the premier class. American Ben Spies has had some strong performances in front of his home crowd, taking the pole position in 2010 and converting it into his first ever MotoGP podium with a second place finish. AFP

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

sports

WINDFALL FOR VIJAY KUMAR UNABATED

After being conferred with the Himachal Gaurav Samman and a cash prize of `1 crore by Himachal Pradesh, London Olympics silver medallist shooter Vijay Kumar has been promoted by the Indian Army as Subedar Major.

PREMIER LEAGUE PREVIEW

FRIENDLY OPPONENTS

Man United poach Arsenal’s Van Persie LONDON: Manchester United said on Wednesday they had agreed a deal to sign Dutch striker Robin Van Persie (left) from Premier League rivals Arsenal. “Manchester United is pleased to announce it has reached agreement with Arsenal Football Club for the transfer of Robin Van Persie,” said a club statement. “The deal is subject to a medical and the agreement of personal terms. A further announcement will be made in due course.” Van Persie stunned Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger when he declared immediately after Euro 2012 that he wanted to

FOOTBALL FRIENDLIES

England trump Italy, as Argentina swat Germany of June’s Euro 2012 quarter-final defeat on penalties to the same opponents. In Frankfurt, Argentina, whose World Cup ambitions died in a four-goal thumping at German hands two years ago in South Africa, turned the tables with a 31 win, despite Lionel Messi mising a penalty. The hosts ended up with 10 men and were struggling once they lost inexperienced goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler after he upended the onrushing Jose Sosa. AFP PARIS: England pulled off their first victory over Italy in 15 years in a friendly on Wednesday, while visiting South American giants Argentina and Brazil notched up comfortable victories over Germany and Sweden. A Jermaine Defoe (above) strike 10 minutes from time handed Roy Hodgson’s England a 2-1 win, their first over the Italians since a 2-0 friendly victory in 1997 although it may not make up for the pain

USA upsets Mexico 1-0 MEXICO CITY: Michael Orozco Fiscal scored in the 80th minute and goalkeeper Tim Howard played brilliantly as the USA upset Mexico 1-0 in a friendly, giving the Americans their first-ever win on Mexican soil. USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann hailed the “huge” upset at Azteca Stadium.

FOOTBALL FALLOUT Owen won’t take kids to watch game LONDON: Former England striker Michael Owen (right) said on Wednesday he wouldn’t take his children to watch a football match, contrasting the atmosphere at Premier League grounds with that of the London Olympics. The sporting spirit of fans and athletes during the Games

threw a harsh light on the hostility common to many major English football fixtures as evidenced by Sunday’s Charity Shield clash between Manchester City and Chelsea. “In my opinion, the whole culture of football must change if the Olympics is going to be the guiding light,” told Owen.

leave the north London team because he felt the club’s ambitions did not match his own. That came after a superb season where the forward scored 37 goals in all competitions, a tally that led him to being voted player of the year by both his fellow professionals in England and the country’s Football Writers’ Association. Van Persie’s announcement sparked interest from Premier League champions Manchester City, as well as Italian giants Juventus, but it is United manager Alex Ferguson who has won the race for the striker’s coveted signature. AFP

Messi: Ronaldo rivalry is media construct BUENOS AIRES: Argentina star Lionel Messi (right) has blamed the media for creating an apparent rivalry with Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, insisting the pair had never crossed swords. “It’s only the media, the press, who wants us to be at loggerheads but I’ve never fought with Cristiano,” the Barcelona forward was quoted as saying by sports daily Ole. Messi called the Real Madrid talisman “a great player.” AFP