Postnoon E-Paper for 02 February 2012 by Scribble Media & Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.

FLASH

IRON EAGLES

SC CANCELS 122 2G LICENCES In a crucial judgement on the 2G spectrum the SC directed the Department of Telecom to cancel 122 licences issued after 2008 during the regime of A Raja. The apex court asked the trial court to decide whether a CBI probe had to be ordered into the alleged role of P Chidamabaram in the 2G scam. P11

India has chosen the Rafale to be at the vanguard of its air superiority arsenal. The Rafale is a proud member of the 4.5 generation of combat aircraft; we take a look at its possible nemeses in the air.

Hyderabad’s first compact afternoon newspaper

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012 HYDERABAD

WWW.POSTNOON.COM

WEATHER: A MIX OF CLOUDY AND CLEAR SKIES; 23°C

32 PAGES

REPORT ON PG 10

GIVE NUPTIAL BLISS A MISS Planning a wedding this summer may not be a good idea with no auspicious dates between March and October this year.

FLASH

P11

FACEBOOK FEVER GRIPS WALL STREET Investors came down with Facebook fever after the social networking titan filed to go public and seek to raise $5 billion in the largest flotation ever by an Internet company on Wall Street. The paperwork filed on Wednesday for the IPO provided the first glimpse of the financial details of the web giant.

FLASH

ANGELO DUNDEE DIES, AGED 90 Angelo Dundee, who is best known for the more than two decades he spent as boxer Muhammad Ali's trainer, died aged 90. Dundee worked with 15 world champions, including Sugar Ray Leonard, George Foreman and Jimmy Ellis but it is his work with Ali that stands out the most. The Miami Herald reported that Dundee died of a heart attack in a rehabilitation centre after initially being admitted to hospital with a blood clot.

ʻKatie Price tried hard to reconcile’ P24

HELL

Page Two

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

Spirit of Twin Cities

PIC: A SUDHEER REDDY

AN UNDERPLAYED TREASURE CIVIC Anubha K Singh anubha.k@postnoon.com

yderabad is a city that is rich in history and offers plenty of places to visit and appreciate. Whether it is museums, historical monuments or parks and gardens, our City has them all. However, many of these tourist attractions do not pull as many visitors as they can due to lack of awareness and official projection. One such place is the Butterfly Garden, located near Marri Chenna Reddy Institute in Jubilee Hills. Innumerable species of plants have been planted in the park leading to butterfly breeding. Many flowering plants were brought from Bengalore, Pune

and Chandigarh. Plants like butterfly bush, candy-tuft, eupatorium, lavender, marjoram, mint, Michaelmas daisy, sweet rocket, marigold, ivy, desert candle, foxglove, lily, petunia, honeysuckle, summer phlox, Mexican daisy,

butterfly weed, roses, passiflora, celosia and verbana can be found blooming in the season, that is, during rainy season. “The garden is open to all but being off season and breeding time for the winged insects, one

can’t see many butterflies now. Soon after the rainy season the garden comes alive with more than 50 to 60 different species of butterfly. Every year we add new species of plants to attract more butterflies”, said, CH Venkataiah,

deputy forest range officer. The flowering plants receive adequate sunlight while rocks and stone walls help the butterflies bask in the morning sun. “The main aim of the garden is to help preserve species of butterfly and plants that are threatened by destruction of their habitat. Many birds which are natural predators of butterflies can be seen in this area. It is easy to increase their number and variety by simply growing plants that they like to feed on,” says Venkataiah. As of now the park is used by morning walkers and joggers. It’s also a regular meeting place for quite a few organisations. The garden is spread over nine acres. The work to beautify the garden is going on and in a few months, one will be able to see large water bodies and greener garden.

Around the city: Your guide to the Twin Cities

Lunch specials

Martini ‘n music

Childhood memory Kites are a childhood memory of carefree life, of cheery sunny days .They have become a metaphor of soaring freedom, of flights sky-high, towering above the humdrum of life. Artkites are such an expression of festivity and creative vision. Where: Iconart, Banjara Hills When: Ongoing Contact: (040) 32411554

Food fiesta Barbeque nation offers a weekend and weekend lunch food fiesta. The buffet costs `475/on weekdays and `575/-on weekends. Where: Barbeque Nation, Banjara Hills When: Ongoing, 7pm onwards Contact: (040) 64566692

Cognac and Cigar

Art creations An art exhibition featuring 15 artists from different genres of art such as photography, painting, sculpting and pottery will be held at Iconart Art Gallery. Where: Iconart, Banjara Hills When: Ongoing, 11am onwards Contact: 9849968797

A suitable lunch Syn presents three lunch offers to suit your various needs. There is a lunch for those always in a hurry, a lunch for the calorie conscious as well as a lunch for those who are planning a great reunion with a friend. Head to Syn and indulge yourself. Where: Taj Deccan, Banjara Hills When: Everyday, 12pm onwards Contact: (040) 66663939

CINEMAS

Enjoy the winter evenings with grey goose martinis and crooner Kelly dishing out your favourite numbers. Where: Taj Krishna, Banjara Hills When: Every Evening Contact: (040) 66662323

The Seasons Bar opens up again as a Cigar and Cognac lounge with a wide selection of cognac, rare whiskies, single malts and cigars. Where: Taj Krishna, Banjara Hills When: Ongoing, 7pm Contact: (040) 66662323

Numaish A childhood favourite of every Hyderabadi, The All India Industrial Exhibition is on. Where: Exhibition Grounds, Nampally When: Ongoing

Eat in the dark Have you ever wondered how it feels to eat in the dark? Come and experience this. Pay `499 to enjoy a 4-course meal worth `1,000 at Dialogue in the Dark. Where: Dialogue in the Dark, Inorbit Mall,

Hitech City When: Ongoing, 12.30pm Contact: (040) 64603341

STANDING TALL

Romancing art PIC: SRINIVAS SETTY

Nautanki Galli offers its expansive lunch buffet. So head to Nautanki Galli and eat to your heart’s content. Where: Nautanki Galli, Madhapur When: Everyday, 12:30 pm onwards Contact: 7893010000

Romancing the Reminiscence an exhibition by Masuram is being held at Daira- Centre for Arts and Crafts. Where: Daira, Banjara Hills When: Ongoing, 11am Contact: (040) 66618628

Cupcake delight Cupcake lovers head to Deli 9 for the cupcake festival. You can select from a variety of cupcakes such as chocolate, vanilla. Where: Deli9, Banjara Hills When: Ongoing Contact: (040) 65506662

Bapu in colours A painting exhibition titled, Bapu-Mohandas Karam Chand Gandhi by Siva Kesara Rao. Where: Marriott hotel & Convention Centre, Tank Bund When: Ongoing, 11am

Fragile City An art exhibition by Srinivas Reddy titled Fragile City is being held at Iconart Art Gallery. Where: Iconart, Banjara Hills When: Ongoing, 11am onwards Contact: 9849968797

Valentines groove A valentines special workshop is being held. The workshop on salsa and theme dancing is being held by Promod Sanghi. Where: Park hotel Somajiguda When: Ongoing

Big Cinemas, Ameerpet, 30581470; Cinemax, Banjara Hills, 44565555; Cine Planet , Kompally, 61606060; INOX, Banjara Hills, 447677770, Prasads, Tank Bund Rd, 23448888; PVR, Punjagutta, 08800900009; Talkie Town, Miyapur, 40214175; Tivoli, Secunderabad 27844973

Hyper Local Mohd Subhan mohd.s@postnoon.com

oneylenders and pawn brokers in the City will now have to take identity proof of those coming to pawn jewellery or take loans. Hyderabad Police Commissioner AK Khan has issued a circular to all five zones to this effect. This follows the increasing number of jewellery snatching cases in the City and pawning

CRIME or selling of such ill-gotten valuables to jewellers. Inspection of scores of pawn brokers scattered all over the City has revealed that they keep a private diary, not proper records of the persons who pawned or sold jewellery. Again, it is not clear if the details given by those taking loans are verified. Deputy commissioner of Police East Zone Y Gangadhar told to Postnoon , â&#x20AC;&#x153;many pawn brokers and financiers are not keeping official records of dealings. This not only encourages shady elements but deprive the government of taxes. We are

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

Campaigns, hard news and spirit of Twin Cities

Police serve pawn brokers with notices serving them notices and warning to adhere to some stipulations.â&#x20AC;? Accordingly, they must keep, and genuine customers must insist on the following: n Two passport size photographs of customers pawning jewellery or taking a loan n ID proof (voter card, ration card,

passport, driving licence) Receipts with all details of the ornamentsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;its weight, type of jewellery) n Conditions of pawn brokers/ financiers Gangadhar said that nearly 25 pawn brokers are in n

the East Zone. He said that even established chain gold loan financiers are being served with notices.

CRIME BRIEF

Woman sets herself ablaze

Shanta, a resident of Rajendra Nagar, was found dead in her residence. She is suspected to have committed suicide by setting herself ablaze following harassment by her husband, the police said. Sai Kiran and Shanta were married for 14 years. The former is said to have had an affair which was causing problems in their marriage. He was also physically harassing Shanta. Fed up, Shanta resorted to the extreme step. The Narsingi police have registered a case and are investigating.

Man arrested for raping a minor

he Miyapur police arrested a youth, Ranjeet, who is charged with the kidnap and rape of a minor girl. Ranjeet is alleged to have kidnapped a 12-year-old girl in December. He reportedly took her to Tandur village where he raped her. The girl later managed to flee and reached home. She told her parents about her ordeal who lodged a police complaint.

Hyper Local

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

Campaigns, hard news and spirit of Twin Cities

Green tax leaves motorists red-faced TRANSPORT

Old rates Green tax on two-wheelers Green tax on cars

U Srinivas srinivas.u@postnoon.com

New rates

Two-wheelers Cars

he State government is set to double the green tax on motor vehicles soon, with Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy reportedly giving his nod. After the rising of fuel prices from time to time and life tax on vehicles, the doubling of green tax will become an additional burden. What’s more? If the tax is not paid in the prescribed time period, the penalty would be 100 per cent. The proposal to hike the green tax has been prepared by the transport department three months ago. During a review on the Budget proposals, the decision on doubling the green tax was taken by the Government.The first notification of RTA levied a token annual tax of `200 on two-wheelers and `500 on personal cars and other four-wheelers that are in use for 15 years and above. Similarly, a tax of `300 per annum would be levied on trans-

port and commercial vehicles such as autorickshaws, taxis, lorries and buses that are more than seven years old. Levying of green tax on motor vehicles was mooted during the TDP regime when the ‘Clean and

Green’ programme was taken up by the then government. But the LPG and CNG vehicles were exempted from this green tax. Two-wheelers and cars have to pay the green tax after 15 years, while the transport vehicles have

to pay the same after 7 years. Whenever the transport and commercial vehicles go for fitness certification to the transport authorities, the green tax is collected. Statistics indicate that there are around 10 lakh motorcycles

`250 `500 `500 `1,000

that are over 15 years old, and more than a lakh of four-wheelers under the non-transport category. About 80,000 heavy and 1.78 lakh light and medium vehicles are plying on the roads under the transport category in the State. Joint transport commissioner B Venkateswarlu said the tax was being levied to promote a clean environment and curb emission levels from vehicles, especially older ones, including non-transport vehicles. The money thus collected would be used for pollution control activities. He said owners of old vehicles would have to pay the green tax along with the fee for fitness certificate when they would renew the registration of vehicles after 15 years in the case of two- and fourwheelers and every year for lorries and buses.

Fasting docs in ICU, surgical wards in coma Inkeshaf Ahmed ahmed.m@postnoon.com

HYDERABAD: Gandhi Hospital, the premier public hospital in the City, which is usually crowded and noisy, now presents an indolent air. The junior doctors on strike have derailed the usual services though the hospital authorities are making a brave attempt to keep the services alive. The medical college hospital used to have about 2,500 patients seeking medical help every day. The number, say hospital sources, has come down to 1,500 in the outpatient wing. “Yes, the strike had its effect on outpatients. But

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

155333 23431178 23431179 MUNICIPAL CORPORATION: Commissioner & Spl Officer 23262266

we are keeping other services normal,” says superintendent of Gandhi Hospital, Dr Mehmood. But, the strike had its worst effect on surgery. There have been no admissions of surgical cases in varied disciplines like ENT, gastroenterology and ophthalmology. The surgical wards are seen almost empty.” As a precautionary measure we have stopped admissions of patients suffering from specific disorders related to eye, ENT etc,” adds Dr Mehmood. The hospital also does not have essential medicines and patients are being asked to buy them from private medical shops. The striking doctors who

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

HEALTH Speaking to Postnoon, Dr Abhilash, convenor of Junior Doctors’ Joint Action Committee, said that the doctors are only demanding proper infrastructure and a hike in stipend. “We’re not asking for the moon. We are being made villains,” he regretted. were visited by Opposition leaders on Wednesday have decided not to suspend emergency services as they had threatened a day before. Speaking to Postnoon, Dr Lokanth Reddy, who is on a hunger strike, said that they would not stop emergency ser-

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 Hospitals, Musheerabad Care Hospital, Sec-bad Kamineni Hospital,

vices at any cost keeping in view of the interests of public. “We will continue to press for our demands in the same manner as we are doing since the last nine days. Six of our colleagues are already in the ICU. Now 12 of us are on strike. If we also get admitted to ICU, others will take our place,” Dr Lokanth said. But he warned the State government that it should not take this stand as their weakness and said that they would not hesitate to stop emergency services if the State resorts to arm-twisting acts. Today, the Opposition delegation is to meet the chief minister to demand government intervention.

LB Nagar 155313 23307328 23313163 27505566 23314095 23390933 24600146 27001134 23607777 30418888 30417777 30419000 30416666

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

39879999 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 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

PIC: N SHIVA KUMAR

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

Hyper Local

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

Campaigns, hard news and spirit of Twin Cities

Inter board ready for practicals With the intermediate practical examinations slated to begin from February 3, the board is undertaking various measures to make sure that the examinations are totally foolproof Flying Squads will also be deployed. If 25 per cent of the candidates of any college secure 100 per cent marks in the practical examinations, the Board of Intermediate (BIE) will take measures for re-verification of the practical answer scripts of those candidates. Appropriate action will be taken, if necessary.

EDUCATION Sudeshna Koka sudeshna.k@postnoon.com

he intermediate practical examinations are slated to begin from February 3, 2012 and will go on up to February 25. The much anticipated jumbling system will not be implemented this year either. It may be recalled that since these exams are conducted in the studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; respective colleges, there are often claims that teachers help their students during the exam, which is why the jumbling system had been proposed. However, the Intermediate Board of Examination is taking special care this year to ensure that the exams are conducted in a foolproof manner. The district officers are authorised to make alternate arrangements for examiners, in case the contract junior lecturers go on strike from today. To keep a further check on

Timings FN session: 9 am to 12 pm AN session: 2 pm to 5 pm

The examinations will be conducted in four spells students, the officials have arranged for video surveillance during the exams. A high power committee comprising of collector as chairman, SP as vice-chairman,

RJDIE and DVEO as ex-officio members, and one senior principal as member has been constituted. This committee can order an exam to be re-conducted in case malpractice is detected.

Spell -I 03-02-2012 to 08-02-2012 Spell-II 09-02-2012 to 13-02-2012 Spell-III 14-02-2012 to 18-02-2012 Spell-IV 21-02- 2012 to 25-02-2012

Lok Satta cries foul T

he Lok Satta Party today charged that both the Chief Minister and the Leader of the Opposition colluded with each other in packing the State Information Commission mostly with people known for their political affiliation or family ties with leaders or former bureaucrats. In a media statement, Lok Satta Party Working President DVVS Varma said that the way in which full-time commissioners have been chosen after undue delay will undermine implementation of the historic Right to Information Act. He pointed out that the committee which chose the commissioners ignored people who have been striving to promote public awareness about the Act and its decision lacked transparency.

CBI meets Dwivedi, more babus face arrest? GRAFT U Srinivas srinivas.u@postnoon.com

he Central Bureau of Investigation is closing in on some more IAS officials, it is reliably learnt. The CBI joint director Laxminarayana met the chief secretary Pankaj Dwivedi at the State Secretariat and is understood to have informed Dwivedi about the move and sought the governmental cooperation on many issues under the scanner. MGVK Bhanu, the senior IAS official who was very close to the then Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy is said to be on top of the CBI list. According buzz in the Secretariat three

more civil servants and one IPS officer, all of who were close to the YSR regime are in the list. A CBI official is understood to have asked government to extend its cooperation with regard to the Emaar Properties case. So far, 74 people were named in the FIR. The CBI sought helps from the chief secretary to gather information from Revenue, Information Technology, APIIC, Mines, Industries, Major Irrigation and Municipal Administration departments. Earlier, the CBI had seized some files from the Secretariat. According to grapevine some former ministers and current ministers too are on the CBI radar. The then irrigation minister Ponnala Lakshmiah had the Jalayagnam projects under him.

TDP begins pre-poll exercise T

he TDP is determined for an early start. The party, as a prelude to the impending bypolls, will begin with holding youth conferences all over the State. Chandrababu Naidu has stated that the party would hold youth conferences at Visakhapatnam on February 8, at

Vijayawada on February 9, at Tirupati on February 10 and Hyderabad on February 11. There would be demonstrations and rallies on the occasion, he said. Stating that a cleansing operation of corruption has started in the country, he said he welcomed it. Stating that the youth hold key to the nation's future, he urged them to enter politics in a large way. Naidu said there ought to be a law to deal very strictly with corruption in politics.

Hyderabadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first afternoon newspaper

Subscribe Today! 1 Year

` 349/6 Months

` 199/-

040 - 4067 2222

subscription-cir@postnoon.com

Hyper Local

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

Campaigns, hard news and spirit of Twin Cities

PICS: N SHIVA KUMAR

CLASSIFIEDS FABRICATION

Dancing their way to Guinness DANCE

32 cases withdrawn

Anubha K Singh anubha.k@postnoon.com

he State government on Wednesday issued a GO withdrawing cases against some more activists, who were booked during the 2009 agitation in both Telangana and Seemandhra regions. The GO was issued withdrawing cases against 30 agitators in Karimnagar district, one in each Krishna and Warangal district. The collector and district magistrate of these districts have been asked to instruct the Assistant Public Prosecutor to initiate immediate action.

he on-going Rabindra Nrityotsav, a non-stop dance performance to record a unique Guinness feat at Ravindra Bharti, is a visual treat to dance lovers in City. But, the record will be set in the absence of the Guinness team. “The team is in Delhi and to bring them here is a costly affair. The dance is performed by the Sonali Academy of Fine Arts and the academy needs to pay `3.5 lakh which they can’t afford. However, the dance performance is judged by the team of a jury from Manipuri University, Andhra University and Uttkal University from Orissa. After the completion of the dance performance, certification will be given by the jury members which will be sent to the Guinness team with the recorded performance for verification,” said, Md Rafee, PRO, Ravindra Bharathi. The jury members included Dr S Murali Babu, Banaras Hindu University, P Arun Sai Kumar, Andhra University, B Harinath secretary, Sainath Kala Samithi and Annapurna, lecturer, Uttkal University.

The earlier record was set by a group of dance performers in France for 24 hours and one minute. To break the record and make it to the Guinness world record the dancers will perform for 25 hours and two minutes. The Rabindra Nrityotsav will be a landmark event in the history of Hyderabad, as dancers and musicians from across the country and from other nations are aiming to set the record. The dances are being choreographed under the guidance of Prof K Jatindra Singh, former head of department, Fine Arts, Visva Bharati, Santhiniketan and an expert on Rabindra dance. On the first day, plays of Tagore were enacted. “The start has been good and I hope we will make it to the Guinness book. Sonali is my student and when she came to me with the unique idea of marking 150th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, I agreed with her. I got in touch with my former students in different parts of the world and the result is here for you to see,” said, Prof K Jatindra Singh. The Rabindra Nrityotsav is performed by artistes from Sonali Academy of Fine Arts, former students of Visva-Bharathi, Rabindra Bharathi of Shantiniketan, Assam, Agarthala, Manipur, Hyderabad and International artistes from France, Germany, Japan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Ask him out this Valentine’s Aishwarya Yerra aishwarya.y@postnoon.com

t is a common assumption that girls have it easy but it is not always so. Only a girl can understand how frustrating it is to wait and wait for the boy she likes to ask her out. Well, it is the 21st century and the dynamics of wooing and pursuing have changed. Who says only a boy should make the first move and ask the girl out? All you unhappily single girls, this Valentine’s Day let’s learn how to score.

Once you are sure you like the boy enough to want to go out with him, step into the line of action. It is the age of cell phones so use that as your weapon. The basis of any relationship is that the boy and girl should know each other well. So get his number and slowly start messaging him. The key here would be subtlety as coming on too strong would scare him away. Build 12 DAYS TO GO up an easy friendship but make sure you do not seem like just a

buddy. Make interesting conservations and do not forget to compliment him on his shoes or clothes etc. Just two days before Valentine’s day go for the kill. Casually suggest spending the day together. If you are not the messaging kind of person then get to him to know you through regular meetings. Organise group dates

What not to do while asking a guy out nDo not come on too strong nDon’t ask him out on a late night date. Too suggestive. nDon’t be too cheesy. He’s a guy!

where a bunch of other friends will be around and engage in fun stuff like fishing, bowling or just plain hanging out at a coffee shop. Take the opportunity to talk to him and spend considerable time together. If he looks like he is enjoying your company then suggest spending another day together — this time let it be just the two of you. The main thing that a girl should keep in mind when asking out a guy is that it is just a date and there is no need to lose sleep over it. Do not be too nervous and muster up enough courage. After all guys will appreciate that even girls are making the effort and it’s not always them. No one is averse to a refreshing change.

Special status for Sunil Reddy

he CBI Special Court granted anticipatory bail for Thummala Ranga Rao of Stylish Homes on Wednesday. With this, Ranga Rao has become the only accused granted bail in the Emaar case. Fearing arrest, Ranga Rao, who has been giving valuable information to the CBI, applied for anticipatory bail. The CBI also did not oppose the bail. The court, on Wednesday granted special status to Sunil Reddy. He will now join the elite group of prisoners enjoying special status in the Chanchalguda prison along with the likes of Gali Janardana Reddy, Vijaya Sai Reddy and IAS officer Srilakshmi.

Hyper Local

Campaigns, hard news and spirit of Twin Cities

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

Wedding dates tailor made Planning a wedding this summer may not be a good idea with no auspicious dates between March and October this year Sudeshna Koka sudeshna.k@postnoon.com

arriages in Hyderabad are an opulent affair. But this time round the City will witness one of its longest lulls in terms of wedding celebrations. If you’re wondering why then you can lay the blame of the stars. The new Telugu almanac (Panchangam) will officially be released only after Ugadi in March 2012. However, religious pundits say that there are no auspicious days (muhurats) for weddings for the Telugu community between March and October this year. Expectedly, the news has come as a shocker for many prospective brides, grooms and their families. “Usually most Telugu weddings take place in the summer months. But this year we have moodam (inauspicious period) for eight months,” says Ram Mohan Sarama, an almanac expert. This phase lasting eight months has come after 15 years. For people planning a wedding this news calls for immediate action. “We have advanced our wedding date due to this. Earlier, we had planned to get married in

May but now we have moved it to early February,” says Venkat V, a businessman. In a cascading effect, this lack of weddings spells losses for those in the wedding business. Priests, marriage hall owners, wedding planners, bands, florists, transporters, cloth merchants, jewellers, catering firms and others are taking a beating. “We have a few wedding dates booked between March and October. However, it’s not like previous years. We are expecting a few more bookings in the months to come,” says Vinayank Vengal, owner, Sri Rajeshwari Gardens. For a determined few, this lack of aupicious dates is not a deterrent. They are working their way around it by opting for special poojas to ward off any ill-effects. “I have been in the industry for more than two decades now and phases like these occur. These days, the trend is to perform some poojas and carry on with the wedding. I have seen many such cases. In fact, I think this is a way to

Where the wheels do the talking Sudhakar Yadav, Guiness World Record Holder unveiled his creations, the Sofa Set Car (with a 150 cc engine) and a Dining Table Car (with 150 cc Engine) at The Country Club on Wednesday. Sudhakar builds cars with a difference and has several records to his name

PICS: N SHIVA KUMAR

make money — first highlighting a problem and then offering a solution. I don’t have any bookings, but I am sure people will come up with solutions,” says Rajesh Kumar, owner, Leela Gardens. SV Nagesh, an astrologer, believes that this is a money-making gimmick. He says, these days the Panchangam is written keeping personal whims in mind. “These days, we cannot trust the Panchangam. Earlier, it used to be written after several poojas and with a pure mind, but today it is different. When they say there are no auspicious days, then how do they come forth with meeting the requirement of muhurats all of a sudden,” he says. “My family is searching for an auspicious date for my wedding. Earlier, the priest said there were no favourable dates. But now I have learnt that they are getting a santhi pooja and fixing a pettudu muhurtham (a cooked-up auspicious time),” says Krishna Murthy, a software engineer.

Focus

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

The story behind the news

Sukhoi Su-34

F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Country : Manufacturer : Introduction : Number built : Unit cost : Operators : Maximum speed : Combat radius :

Country : Manufacturer : Introduction : Number built : Unit cost : Operators : Maximum speed : Combat radius :

USA Boeing 1999 500 €55 million Australia, USA Mach 1.8 2,346km

Country Manufacturer Introduction Number built Unit cost Operators

Eurofighter Typhoon

: : : : : :

Sweden Saab 1997 264 (approx) $40-60 million Czech Republic 14, Hungary 14, South Africa 26, Sweden 100, Thailand 12 Maximum speed : Mach 2 Combat radius : 800km

Country Manufacturer Introduction Number built Unit cost Operators

Chengdu J-10 Country Manufacturer Introduction Number built Unit cost Operators

Russia Sukhoi 2009 22 $36 million Russia 17 Mach 1.8 1,100km

IRON EAGLES Saab JAS 39 Gripen

Europe Eurofighter GmbH 2003 300 € 90 million Austria 15, Germany 55, Italy 42, Saudi Arabia 22, Spain 28, UK 62 Maximum speed : Mach 2 Combat radius : 2,900km

: : : : : :

China Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation 2005 210 (as of October 2011) $27.84 million China 210, Pakistan 36 on order (as of February 2011) for delivery in 2012, with an eventual requirement for 150 Maximum speed : Mach 2.2 Combat radius : 1,600km (with in-flight refuelling) SOURCES: STRATEGY CENTRE, AVIATION WEEK

: : : : : :

MiG-35 Country : Russia Manufacturer : Mikoyan Introduction : 2007 Number built : 3 known completed by June 2010 Unit cost : not known Operators : Russia Maximum speed: Mach 2.25 Combat radius : 1,000km

India‑View Falak battles for life, 3 arrested NEW DELHI: Battered baby Falak

on Wednesday continued to battle for life with doctors diagnosing blood infection apart from her existing chest and brain infections while police claimed to be closer to cracking the case, arresting the father of the 14-year-old girl, who had brought Falak to AIIMS, and two other people who had forced her into prostitution. “Sandeep, his wife Pooja and Jitendra Kumar Gupta, the father of the teenage girl Mahi who brought Falak to the hospital have been arrested,” additional commissioner of police (southeast) Ajay Chaudhary told reporters here. Pooja is a human trafficker and Sandeep her husband. However, it was not clear if any of them were responsible for grievously injuring the baby as police refused to comment citing that many more people were involved in the case and answering the question might hurt investigations. IANS

SC restores Bihar MP’s seat NEW

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

India unveiled

DELHI: The Supreme

Court on Wednesday set aside a Patna High Court order quashing the election of Janata Dal-United (JD-U) Lok Sabha member Mangani Lal Mandal from Bihar’s Jhanjharpur constituency for not disclosing his first wife’s assets. The apex court bench of Justice RM Lodha and Justice SJ Mukhopadhaya also imposed a cost of `100,000 on petitioner Bishnu Deo Bhandari. Bhandari initiated the petition contending that Mandal had not disclosed the assets of his first wife and her children while filing his nomination. Justice Lodha observed that the HC did not explain how the non-disclosure affected Mandal’s election. IANS

Madam, Behenji go for the jugular in UP

Captain-Jaya honeymoon over CHENNAI: It was all-out war in the Tamil Nadu Assembly Wednesday with Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa and one-time ally A Vijayakant, chief of the DMDK, exchanging bitter words. Vijayakant, whose party fought the April 2011 assembly elections with the AIADMK but parted ways later, and other legislators of his party were evicted from the house following the verbal duel. While Jayalalithaa said she regretted the decision of entering into an alliance with the DMDK, Vijayakant told reporters outside the assembly: “We are not allowed to speak in the house. We will fight the ensuing by-election for Sankarankoil if polls are held under governor rule.” IANS

SC to decide on Chidamabaram Supporters jubilate as they hold up the party symbol at an election campaign rally of Chief Minister Mayawati in Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh, on Wednesday. AFP LUCKNOW/NEW DELHI: A week before polling begins in Uttar Pradesh, the battle reached a feverish pitch on Wednesday as Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and BSP leader Mayawati crossed swords, calling themselves the saviour of India’s most populous state. Addressing major public rallies in UP where balloting will be staggered February 8 to March 3, Mayawati accused the Central government of starving the State of development funds. Sonia asserted that `100,000 crore given to the State did not reach the poor and linked Mayawati to corruption. An upbeat Mayawati pointed to the large crowds that had gathered to listen to her as a sign

of her invincibility. Asked if she was confident of winning, Mayawati said: “You can judge seeing the crowds.” Mayawati said: “There is need to ensure progress of all communities. Only the BSP can ensure that. “The Centre did not cooperate with us fully,” she charged. Holding her first rally in UP, Gandhi slammed the Mayawati government for “inefficient implementation of centrally funded programmes” and questioned the Dalit leader’s motives behind dismissing 21 of her ministers on the eve of elections. Sonia said that though the UPA government provided `100,000 crore in developmental funds to UP in recent years, it

had not reached the poor because of an “inept” State administration. “The present chief minister dismissed 21 of her ministers on election eve. She was not able to see their corruption in the past five years. I want to ask whether taking resignations has made her government clean? Is this not (a case of) cheating the people?” Sonia charged nonCongress governments of ruining the state since the Congress has been out of power in 1989. The Congress has shown signs of revival in the state. The Congress won only 22 seats in the 403-member state assembly in 2007. But it swept 22 of the Lok Sabha 80 seats in 2009. IANS

NEW DELHI: Three issues related to the 2G case, including home minister P Chidambaram’s alleged role in the scam, are expected to be decided by the Supreme Court on Thursday — the last day in office of Justice A.K. Ganguly who, along with Justice G.S. Singhvi, has been hearing the cases for over one year. The court will pronounce its verdict on Janata Party chief Subramanian Swamy’s plea seeking CBI probe into Chidambaram’s role as the then finance minister in fixing prices for the allocation of 2G licences, along with former communications minister A Raja. The judges are also likely to deliver judgment on a plea by the Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL) seeking the cancellation of 122 licences granted in 2008 to nine telecom companies during Raja’s tenure at 2001 prices and in breach of the first-comefirst-served policy. IANS

Sariska tigers feature in BBC series

Court seeks report on Baba ink attack

NEW DELHI: Life of five endangered tigers in the rugged hills of Rajasthan’s Sariska reserve captured by an Indian cinematographer is being shown in Britain as part of a special BBC series on endangered wildlife. The introductory episodes titled Tiger Dynasty was launched on Wednesday. The documentary, filmed by acclaimed wildlife cinematographer S Nallamuthu, tells the story of five translocated tigers from Ranthambore National Park, also in Rajasthan, to Sariska Tiger Reserve, an expanse of 800 sq km in the picturesque Aravalli range. The extermination of Sariska’s tigers by poachers had come to light in 2004.

NEW DELHI: A Delhi court has asked police to file a report by February 22 on an incident in which a man allegedly hurled black ink at yoga guru Baba Ramdev here last month. Metropolitan Magistrate (MM) Jasjeet Kaur, in an order made available on Wednesday, directed police to file a report on the incident in which a man identified as Kamran Siddiqui, who allegedly hurled black ink on Baba Ramdev, was beaten up by the yoga guru’s supporters. The court direction came on an application filed by Siddiqui seeking prosecution of Ramdev and others for the offence of promoting enmity between different groups and related offences.

Nallamuthu says of the five translocated tigers he is fond of Baghani, a tigress portrayed in the documentary. “I have been filming her with my good friend and field assistant, Hemraj Meena, since she was a cub,” he says. “When the Rajasthan government and the Wild Life Institute of

India decided to translocate her, I wanted to follow her journey. In a sense we both began our journey in a similar fashion — blindfolded,” Nallamuthu said. “Days went by before I even caught a glimpse of this magnificent tigress,” he said of the tigress after her translocation to Sariska.

In 2010, Nallamuthu had made the Tiger Queen, a moving tale of rivalry and betrayal in a tiger family in Ranthambore. It was India’s first full length wildlife film shot in a high definition (HD) format. The film shows Machli, the tigress, who ruled the fort for over a decade, was overthrown in a battle by one of her daughters. Baghani, portrayed in Tiger Dynasty, is one of her daughters. Today, the population of prey animals in Sariska went up in the absence of major predators. Leopards, another key predator in the food chain, began to make a comeback into areas where the tigers had once ruled. They are their main competitors in Sariska today. IANS

Around the World

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

Beyond Borders

74 killed in football violence

GLOBE AT A GLANCE Assange fights to block extradition to Sweden

CAIRO: At least 74 people were killed and hundreds injured when rival fans clashed on Wednesday after a football match in the Egyptian city of Port Said, in what FIFA called a “black day for football.” In one of the deadliest incidents in the sport's history, violence erupted as soon as the referee blew the final whistle in a match which saw home team Al-Masri beat Cairo’s Al-Ahly 3-1. Al-Masri fans flooded the pitch, throwing rocks, bottles and fireworks at Al-Ahly supporters, sparking chaos and panic as Al-Ahly players and fans ran in all directions trying to flee, witnesses said. Photos of bleeding players

LONDON: Wikileaks founder Julian

circulated on the internet. Gunfire was also reported on the main road leading to Port Said from Cairo, and troops were deployed to prevent further clashes. “The death toll has now reached 74, including one policeman, in the unrest after the match between AlAhly and Al-Masri,” the health ministry said.“Most of the people were killed in the crush,” Interior Minister Mohammed Ibrahim added, while medics said some of the deaths were the result of stab wounds. State television said around 1,000 people were injured in the violence but the interior ministry put the number at 248. AFP

Assange has started his latest legal action at the Supreme Court in London to try to block his extradition to Sweden, BBC reported. The appeal is based on whether the Swedish prosecutor who issued the European Arrest Warrant against him had the judicial authority to do so. Assange is wanted by the Swedish authorities for questioning over alleged sex offences.

Blast kills 7, dozens hurt in Colombia Flares are thrown in the stadium during clashes that erupted after a football match. AFP

Romney criticised for ‘poor America’ quote RENO: Republican White House frontrunner Mitt Romney stumbled on Wednesday after his big win in Florida, saying he was not concerned about “very poor” Americans- a gaffe that earned sharp criticism. Having soundly defeated former House speaker Newt Gingrich in the State’s primary, Romney headed to the western battleground of Nevada, but his controversial comments threatened to slow his momentum. “I’m not concerned about the very poor. We have a safety net there. If it needs repair, I’ll fix it,” said Romney, a wealthy busiRepublican presidential candidate, Mitt Romney speaks nessman who last week during a rally. AFP acknowledged earning $20 mil-

Ferry with 350 aboard missing SYDNEY: A ferry is believed to have sunk in bad weather off Papua New Guinea with as many as 350 people on board, its operator said on Wednesday, adding that Australian rescuers were at the scene. Star Ships said that it lost contact with the MV Rabaul Queen at about 6am on Thursday (2000 GMT on Wednesday) while travelling between Kimbe and Lae in the east of the Pacific nation. “Bad weather, I think (it is) believed to have sunk,” Star Ships spokesman John Whitney said confirming reports that there were up to 350 on board. “There are survivors. At the moment rescuers from Australia are at the site. No fatalities have been reported yet.” Australian Associated Press cited PNG's National Maritime Safety Authority as saying the ship sent a distress signal early on Thursday. AFP

lion in 2010. “I’m not concerned about the very rich, they're doing just fine, I’m concerned about the very heart of America, the 90-95 percent of Americans who right now are struggling.” The remarks came as the race for the right to take on Democratic President Barack Obama in November widened. The Democratic National Committee issued a message that said the remarks were his latest dig at the poor and a “shallow attempt to show concern for the middle class.” And Gingrich, who lost to Romney in Florida, seized his chance to get back at his rival. “I am fed up with politicians in

either party dividing Americans against each other. I am running to be president of all the American people and I am concerned about all of the American people,” he said. Romney’s latest gaffe comes amid a fierce debate about widening income disparities. Romney swiftly tried to explain his remarks, “Of course I’m concerned about all Americans... poor, wealthy, middle class, but the focus of my effort will be on middle income families who I think have been most hurt by the Obama economy,” he said later. Meanwhile, Donald Trump said he would make a major announcement" about the presidential race. AFP

Fresh violence as Russia resists UN action on Syria DAMASCUS: Fresh bloodshed swept Syria as the West and Arab League kept up their push for quick UN action to stop the regime’s ‘killing machine,’ but holdout Russia vowed to veto any unacceptable proposal. Wrangling at the United Nations on Wednesday came as fierce clashes across Syria killed 59 people, mostly civilians, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. In New York, Britain’s envoy said some progress had been made in talks to persuade Russia to back a tough UN Security Council resolution condemning the violence. “We have made some progress today,” Britain’s UN ambassador Mark Lyall Grant told reporters after a three-hour meeting of council members. Russia’s envoy Vitaly Churkin said: “We have a much better understanding of what needs to be done to reach a consensus ... I

BOGOTA: Seven people were killed and some 70 wounded when suspected leftist rebels detonated explosives near a police station in the southwestern town of Tumaco on Wednesday, Red Cross officials said. Four police officers and three civilians were killed in the blast, Red Cross Urgent Assistance director told RCN radio.

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff attends a ceremony at a base for Brazilian UN Peacekeepers in Portau-Prince on Wednesday. AFP

Indians held for British sham marriage LONDON: A sham double wedding collapsed when one of the bogus brides was unable to identify the Indian man she was due to marry, Daily Mail reported on Wednesday. The registrar had become suspicious when he was asked to marry two Lithuanian women to two Indian men. All involved in the crime were given prison sentences.

Bush to receive highest Estonian honour MOSCOW: US ex-president George Bush Jr will receive Estonia’s highest state decoration for foreigners for his role in Estonia's 2004 accession to Nato, the Delfi news web portal reported. The Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana is bestowed by the country’s president on foreigners for rendering special services to the Republic of Estonia.

Soldiers carrying the coffins of troops killed in recent fighting. AFP think it was a pretty good session.” US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Security Council members had to decide whether to side with the Syrian people or a brutal dictatorial regime. “Every member of the council has to make a decision: Whose side are you on?” she told reporters in response to a question about Russian opposition to an Arab- and Western-backed resolution. AFP

Protester clash with policemen after protesters of the “Yo No Pago” movement at a subway station in Madrid. AFP

17,371.14 70.56

5,243.70 8.00

BSE

NSE

Business

10g= `28,300

GOLD

1kg= `56,900

Matters of saving and spending

SILVER

`49.17

DOLLAR

`77.91

POUND THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012 11

Facebook comes up with $5bn IPO Chris Lefkow

WASHINGTON: Social networking titan Facebook filed to go public on Wednesday, seeking to raise $5 billion in the largest flotation ever by an Internet company on Wall Street. The paperwork for the initial public offering provided the first glimpse of the financial details of the Web giant launched eight years ago by Mark Zuckerberg from his Harvard University dorm room when he was just 19. Zuckerberg, in a letter to investors, outlined what he said were the core values of Facebook and said it "was not originally created to be a company. "It was built to accomplish a social mission -- to make the world more open and connected," the Facebook chief executive said in the letter accompanying the filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). "There is a huge need and a huge opportunity to get everyone in the world connected, to give everyone a voice and to help transform society for the future," he said. Facebook said it will list on Wall Street as "FB" but did not set a date for when it would begin trading or specify whether it would be on the Nasdaq Stock Market or the New York Stock

Sensex gains MUMBAI: The BSE benchmark Sensex surged by nearly 172 points in early trade today on buying by funds and retail investors, driven by encouraging quarterly earnings by corporates and firming trend on the other Asian bourses. The 30-share BSE index, which had gained over 437 points in the previous two sessions, rose by another 171.72 points, or 0.99 per cent, to 17,472.30, with all sectoral indices gaining up to 1.41 per cent. The wide-based National Stock Exchange Nifty Index moved up by 44.75 points, or 0.85 per cent to 5,280.45 points. Rupee at fresh 3-mth high The rupee today strengthened by 22 paise to trade at a fresh three-month high of Rs 49.05 a dollar on the Interbank Foreign Exchange today. Dealers said increased foreign capital inflows and dollar's loss against the euro in the overseas markets provided support to the rupee.

Mark Zuckerberg

based on investor interest. Initial estimates were Facebook would seek to raise $10 billion and it may still decide to increase the offer. The Palo Alto, Californiabased company reported net income of $668 million last year, up from $372 million the previous year.

World’s top five IPOs Industrial and Commercial Bank of China - $ 19.1 billion – 2006 NTT Mobile Communications Network – $ 18.4 billion – October 1998 Visa International – $ 17.9 billion – March 2008 Enel SpA – $ 16.58 billion – November 1999 Deutsche Telekom AG - $ 12.48 billion – November 1996 Exchange. Gartner technology analyst Michael Gartenberg said he did not expect Facebook's stock market debut to have much of an impact on the average user. But the extra cash would give Facebook a warchest to roll out more features and make it difficult for others to compete, he said. "Facebook going public doesn't have that much implication for the vast majority of Facebook users unless they plan on buying shares -- when they can finally get their hands on

them," Gartenberg said. "Google didn't change for users for the most part when it became public," he said. "It grew. It expanded out to other services." At $5 billion, Facebook's initial public offering would be the largest ever by a technology company, eclipsing the $1.9 billion raised by Internet search giant Google when it went public in 2004 at a valuation of $23 billion. Facebook's $5 billion fundraising target is only preliminary, however, and can be increased

Facebook's revenue of $3.7 billion last year, however, was slightly lower than estimates which had pegged it at $4.27 billion. Facebook, the leading social network in all but six countries, notably China and Russia, said it has over 845 million users including 483 million who log in daily. Facebook's value has been estimated at $75 billion and $100 billion. A market capitalization of

$100 billion would put Facebook on a par with McDonald's ($101 billion), well ahead of Boeing ($55 billion) but behind Apple ($426 billion) and Google ($189 billion). Zuckerberg, whose net worth has been estimated at $17.5 billion by Forbes magazine, is the largest individual shareholder in Facebook and controls 57 percent of voting shares, according to the SEC filing. Gartenberg said Facebook's IPO would be the largest by a technology company in 2012 by far but others contemplating going public will be closely watching how it fares. "There are a lot of other companies on the sidelines that are no doubt sitting and waiting to see just how well the market receives Facebook," he said. AFP

But he was not the highest paid

heryl Sandberg, who was lured away from Google four years ago to serve as Facebook's chief operating officer, made more than $30.5 million last year while vice president of engineering Mark Schroepfer pulled in $24.7 million. Zuckerberg's total package was $1.49 million.

Trial court to decide on CBI probe against PC

SC cancels 122 2G licences

NEWDELHI: In a crucial judgement on the allocation of 2G spectrum, the Supreme Court on Thursday cancelled 122 licences given after 2008, during the regime of A Raja as the Union Telecom Minister. The apex court left it to the trial court to decide whether a CBI probe should be ordered into the role of Home Minister P Chidambaram in the 2G scam. It gave two weeks of time for the trial court to decide on Chidambaram. The court levied a fine of Rs. 5 crore each on companies that secured the licences illegally, The Supreme Court asked Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to make fresh recommendation on grant of 2G licences. Allocation of spectrum would be done through auction

within four months. The CBI was asked to give status report on investigation to the central vigilance commission (CVC). Former Union Minister Subramanian Swamy said: “2G is a big scam and it is a collective failure of the government

and this is the best judgement that could be possible. The country can be justifiably proud of Supreme Court.” The apex court asked the Department of Telecom to cancel 122 radiowave licences granted during the tenure of A

Raja. A bench consisting of justices G S Singhvi and A K Ganguly, which had reserved the judgement on the petition seeking probe against Chidambaram and for cancellation of licences of spectrum on October 10 and March 17 respectively last year, pronounced the judgement on Thursday. The petitions on these issues were filed by an NGO, Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL), and Janata Party chief Subramanian Swamy. The petitioners in their plea informed the Supreme Court that there was ample evidence to prove the role of Chidambaram in the 2G scam that the decisions on the pricing of spectrum was taken jointly by him and also A. Raja.

Comment

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

Fair, free and forthright

Editorials KUDOS TO TASLIMA publishers’ courage

he organisers of Kolkata Book Fair cancelled the launch of Taslima Nasrin’s Nirbasan (exile) amid fears of protests and disruptions. However, some publishers showed that all don’t go weak in their knees when confronted with threats of fundamentalists and released the book at their own stall in the presence of a few authors and rights activists. India has once again proven to the world that bigotry triumphs over fundamental rights in the world’s most populous democracy. Barely has the shame over the Rushdie episode faded before the new one on Taslima unfolded. Be it the atheist communists or the fire-breathing Trinamool supremo Mamata Banerjee, none have the courage to risk alienating the massive minority vote bank by taking on the fundamentalists. When fundamentalists, regardless of community or region, are able to suppress dissenting or differing voices, it means there is something seriously flawed with our implementation of democracy.

Rich in wealth, poor in heart

WHY WE LOVE Wislawa Szymborska

he Polish poet died last night, aged 88. Though she may be gone, her words live on...here they are: One day, perhaps some idle tongue mentions your name by accident: I feel as if a rose were flung into the room, all hue and scent. The next day, though you're here with me, I can't help looking at the clock: A rose? A rose? What could that be? Is it a flower or a rock?

Hard talk PK Surendran

“I

’ve had all this good fortune. It starts with being born in this country. It starts with being born a male in 1930.” Waiting to know which Indian celebrity said this? Don’t. These are words of the world’s third richest man, Warren Buffett of the US. He donated 99 per cent of his $45 billion for charity. Warren Buffet had a worthy model to follow — Bill Gates — the Microsoft man who donated all his $58 billion fortune to charity

More info on LICH

Robin Hood story rocks

Your article about LICH was good but not so informative. As a reader, I wanted to know where they meet up occasionally, who to get in touch with, what are the timings, etc, since I would like to be a part of the club as well. Is there any way that we could get one of your reporters to do a story on the different clubs in Hyderabad that we can be a part of. I am not from Hyderabad and after work and on weekends, I am free. I would like to spend my evenings doing something productive. Please give information in the paper about groups or clubs in Hyderabad. Arun Dayal Kondapur

Today's story on Robin Hood was simply superb. It felt like Robin Hood was asked to write for your paper, and he agreed to rise from his grave! It was such a fun read, and my friends who read it along with me couldn't agree more. The line that talked about him not actually wearing tights, but would have preferred to wear them was hilarious. Your paper offers a potent mix of serious and spicy stuff. I suggest you keep it that way. More cheers, and more fun to your light-hearted stories. I so look forward to reading them. Anjana Harivanam Saifabad

rather than to his children. The two are the world’s first and true revolutionary-duo who have set a benchmark in philosophy of living — you made it from the society; give it back after you have enjoyed it. Then followed a series of Pledge Giving including Facebook founders Mark Zuckerberg and Dustin Moskovitz, who have committed to donate the majority of their wealth. The US has 403 billionaires according to Forbes, the world had 1210 in 2011 and India 57. Doesn’t it sound grotesque that India with barely 2 per cent of the world’s GDP houses nearly 7 per cent of the world’s billionaires? More ironical is the fact that India with 30 per cent of its 1.20 billion people in poverty saw its millionaires doubling in the recent past, from 70,000 in 2005 to 1.26 lakh

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

in 2010 (World Wealth Report). Internet, where all the intellectuals and the arm-chair revolutionaries have migrated to, is full of discussions on why the land of Buddha sees growing billionaires who stick to their wealth like leeches. Have we lost all the ancient Indian catholicity? Most voices say, yes, we lost it. Not by a jarful. We may lack a Gates or a Buffett but we have hundreds and hundreds of people whose life and living do not attract the flashbulb. They are unsung, undemanding and silent. Only, we must have the will to see their innate good and imbibe their spirits. I have seen in Gujarat and in Nagpur millionaire merchants serving travellers with buttermilk by themselves. They personally serve food near a temple or a mosque once a week to the poor. When I asked one of them why food and why not money, he said one of the greatest truths, “Because food is the only thing a man will ever say, “enough, I’ve had my fill, no more please.” Nothing else in the world is enough for man — weather it is wealth or comfort or sex. And, if you want to find how stark honesty still prevails in the home ground, visit one of the Rythu Bazaars here. Those poor women and men who bring home-grown vegetable can’t be persuaded to take an extra rupee. They sell cheap and yet will not accept a few paise more. They are what the poet called, poor in wealth and rich in heart. Thus there’s hope yet. While there are said to be 4,000 deposits of ill-gotten money by Indians in foreign banks, there are also some Azim Premjis, GM Raos, Shiv Nadars and Chittilappillys. Azim Premji made the single largest philanthropic gift in India in recent memory — a share transfer of $2 billion to the Azim Premji Foundation. But he did it with great care. Premji travelled extensively to organisations and places where actual work is being done, from Mumbai's slums to the interiors of Andhra Pradesh. GMR pledged `1,540 crore to the GMR Foundation, Shiv Nadar gave `580 crore to the SN Foundation, while Chittilappilly, worth `700 crore, donated something far more valuable than money — his healthy kidney to a poor man. Studies have proved that people who have made money by their hard work and luck are more willing to give away than those who inherited it. Now, there are those who ask whom should they give to. They would not give to the governments, the robber barons. Then to whom? Well, if that is stopping you, here’s a solution: GiveIndia, a platform that provides donors a choice, has put up a list of 200 NGOs that have been screened for transparency and credibility and are absolutely trustworthy.

Scary cabbies

Sex workers

The story on cabbies being con artists deserves a mention. I myself have noticed this trend. Techies are very careless, especially the new ‘joinees’, who think flaunting their gadgets will get them attention. Yes, it does get them attention but from the wrong quarters. Surely, thieving thrives on the existence of such people. However, since this is the case, the police should make sure that they have a record of such dubious characters and should cancel their driver’s licence. Then this will lessen repeats of such incidents. Ritika Mahato Gachibowli

The article on sex workers in Hyderabad was an eye-opener for me. It made me furious to know initially that some women voluntarily went into this profession, but later when I understood the helplessness of the woman, I was placated. However, I still cannot come to terms with the fact that when God has given you enough skills, why should one take to this shunned profession. Cooking and washing cannot be the only skills a woman knows surely? These women definitely need some counselling, so that more women do not end up in brothels. Abhishek Kujur Begumpet

H‑Factor

h c a e R T

U O

Ranjani Rajendra ranjani.r@postnoon.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

Holistic view of mind, body and soul

ho do you turn to every time you are upset or going through a rough patch? A friend who will patiently hear you out, offer you a shoulder to cry on and probably give you some well-meaning advice to help you cope with the situation. Imagine a person who has been told out of the blue that he/she has cancer and now has a long rigorous round of treatment ahead of him/her? Caught completely unawares, the patient is bound to be at a loss to understand how he/she can cope with the disease, whether he/she will survive at all, the side effects that they now have to deal with and a lot more. It is at times like these that cancer support groups step in like those much needed friends. Usually comprising of a doctor, cancer patients undergoing treatment and cancer survivors, the cancer support groups in the City meet up a couple of times a month where the members share their experiences, tips and anecdotes. And believe it or not, these group meetings motivate patients undergoing treatment.

C NO EVIL

Don’t share prescription medication

Dealing with cancer and its repercussions is never easy. This is where cancer support groups step in to help ease the pain and instil confidence in patients

Says Mrs Krishnan, a cancer patient, “When I was told I would have to undergo chemotherapy, I was shattered. I was just not prepared for the kind of hair loss it involved and I was petrified that my hair would never regrow. Of course, I was worried about other things as well, for instance, after all the effort would I even survive this ordeal? But attending these support group meetings instilled a lot of confidence in me. Listening to cancer survivors helped me believe that I too could beat this disease.” Recently, a young lady who

was diagnosed with ovarian cancer was extremely upset when the doctor broke the news to her. She was inconsolable and refused all treatment options assuming she would die anyway. It was only after the doctor put her in touch with another individual who had dealt with cancer, did she calm down and begin to hope for the best. While doctors do their best to counsel patients, their assurances never seem to have the same effect. “It is very hard for a doctor to convince patients that cancer is curable. Most patients think that we are making empty

promises to them. For ages they’ve been made to believe that cancer is fatal (through films and society). But when they attend these group meetings and interact with others who’ve dealt with and survived cancer, it gives them the confidence to face the situation head on,” says Dr Vijay Anand Reddy, director Apollo Cancer Hospital. He goes on to add, “When a patient is diagnosed with cancer he/she is shattered and emotionally tortured. For them it’s like the tolling of the death knell. So fear of death and then fear of the side effects of the treatment like hair loss in chemotherapy, drastic changes in the body due to the disease, surgery etc can be rather traumatic for them. It is at times like these that the support groups step in as messiahs.” Interactions apart, these support groups are also a source of knowledge for cancer patients. “We conduct seminars on the benefits of exercise and yoga for patients. We also have workshops for the patients to partake in. Group meetings also address topics like the ideal diet to be followed. The objective of these groups is to instil confidence in patients and help them to stay positive. The best way to beat cancer is with a positive attitude,” says P Ushalakshmi, chairman KIMS-Ushalakshmi Breast Cancer Foundation.

Dr Divya T Sudarshan

A friend who has PCOD has been prescribed metformin tablets for weight loss. Can I take them too? I don’t have PCOD though. Is it safe? h! The ever sharing Indian. We share our food, our homes our knowledge and our prescriptions too. This can happen only in India because our laws regarding drugs and medications even though very well written and of epic proportions, have zero implementation. Thus, medicines of even a dangerous nature can be bought and used like instant noodles. All medicatons are written with a particular person’s name on top. So they are for that individual, in that condition, at that time. Even for the same person we advise that they don’t try and save on a doctor’s visit and re-start an old prescription, as all medications have side effects and duration of therapy. Please understand, your friend has been prescribed metformin in PCOD due to a hormonal effect called insulin resistance, which makes the patient bulk up. These patients even otherwise are more prone to Type 2 Diabetes. Thus, metformin hits two birds with one stone — helping weight loss and delaying diabetes. But you, my friend, have no such problems. So if you were to take the tablet your sugar levels would probably drop drastically, you may feel light headed or dizzy, the medication could cause you to faint, palpitations, panic attacks, sudden sweating, electrolyte imbalances and very rarely hypoglyceamic coma. So I would suggest you meet a doctor and dietician to help with your weight loss. And maybe you would discover a few things which would help you understand your weight gain too!

(The doctor is a gynaecologist and obstetrician practising at Happy Women Clinic. You can write in to her at happywomenclinic@gmail.com)

H‑Factor

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

Holistic view of mind, body and soul

Mother’s love triggers

bigger brain growth WASHINGTON: School children whose mothers nurtured them lovingly have a larger hippocampus, a key brain area vital for learning, memory and response to stress. Research by the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, is the first to show that changes in this critical region of children’s brain anatomy are linked to a mother’s nurturing. “This study validates something that seems to be intuitive, which is just how important nurturing parents are to creating adaptive human beings,” says study co-author Joan L. Luby, the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Early Edition reports. For the current study, researchers conducted brain scans on 92 school children who had had symptoms of depression or were mentally healthy when they were preschoolers, according to a Washington School of Medicine statement. The imaging revealed that children without depression who had been lovingly nurtured had a hippocampus almost 10 percent larger that children whose mothers were not as nurturing. “But most of those studies have looked at psychosocial

factors or school performance. This study, to my knowledge, is the first that actually shows an anatomical change in the brain. Having a hippocampus that’s almost 10 percent larger just provides concrete evidence of nurturing’s powerful effect,” Luby concluded.

HEALTH TIPS

Health benefits of drinking water

ince childhood we have been told about the need to drink at least eight glasses of water everyday. If you’ve ever wondered why the whole fuss over water then read on for some of its health benefits n Ph balance Our body requires a good Ph balance to function properly. The balance can be maintained with the help of drinking enough water. n Healthy heart According to a study by the Loma Linda University in California, those who drank enough water in a day were less likely to suffer from a heart attack. n Good skin Drinking the right amount of water every day is enough to give your skin a natural glow. For long term benefits, one should drink water regularly. n Prevents dehydration

It is important to keep your body hydrated. For this one should drink sufficient amounts of water. Being well hydrated helps give us more energy and also makes us feel refreshed. n Removes toxins Water helps to clear the body of toxins. It is said that water is one of the best cleansers. It is also beneficial to the health of your kidney. n Metabolism Water is said to improve our metabolism which in turn helps in weight loss. n Transporting nutrients Water helps our body transport nutrients from one part of the body to another. n For pregnant women Water is said to be important for pregnant women as it helps keep infections away.

Telly Tales

Small screen, big idea

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

The Accented Meanie

The 'Wild' Card

Simon Cowell, American Idol t was American Idol judge Simon

American TV is brimming with talent competitions, but the actual stars that these shows throw up are the judges themselves

Cowell who first made abrasive, harsh and extremely honest comments a trend. His comments were heavily featured in commercials before the show's debut, and were enough for a viewer to tune into the show to watch him tear contestants to pieces. For 11 long seasons, he was consistently honest with his comments, but became repetitive with his insults. Even though, his exit from the show questioned the show's popularity last year, he still remains an important cast member.

Adam Levine, The Voice

Judging THE

Judges

e is one entertainer to watch as he gears for a fight to death with the other three judges for the people he wants on the show The Voice. The Maroon 5 singer, Adam Levine is not only fun to watch but is extremely hilarious too. Nicknamed the Wild Card by fellow judge Cee Lo Green, Levine is competitive, arrogant and eager to stir things up. Unlike other shows, The Voice has coaches, not judges, but with looks like Levine's, who cares about semantics.

Sana Mirza sana.m@postnoon.com

Unhinged and in-control Mary Murphy, So You Think You Can Dance

hey took away Paula Abdul's rarely critical babbling and typically meaningless platitudes and in place filled it with the ear-piercing screams of delight from Mary Murphy. She fills the void of crazy, as she shifts between moments of deafening shrieks followed by smart critiques. She's a ballroom dancing expert and is able to critique the Latin dances really well. In addition, she tends to be crazy in a fun sort of way, exuding positive energy and seems never in danger of bursting into tears or falling asleep, unlike how Paula was known to be.

hile we like to get back to some shows because of what it has to offer in terms of content, seven times out of 10, we stay loyal to a show because of the judges. Whether it's Steven Tyler or J Lo on American Idol, Simon Cowell's dedicated search for a winner on X Factor USA or The Voice's all-star panel of Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton, together with the contestants, the judges too make headlines. They are remembered far more often, long after the shows' respective winners are awarded their prize money. Not every show with an assembled panel of three, with a few minutes at hand, suits the role of a judge. Some of the greatest judges on television are a mix of both personality and expertise. There are different types of judges who have grabbed our attention; so here are our top five picks.

The Tap-dancing Softie Adam Garcia, Got to Dance he Coyote Ugly star is a charmer

who tends to bring a smile to your face with his tap-dancing antics. He stars alongside judges Ashley Banjo, Pussycat Doll and Kimberly Wyatt on the UK dance show, Got to Dance. This fellow knows just how to express himself on and off the dance floor. With all the right moves and all the right words, Garcia has captured the hearts of many a woman with his optimistic, kind and supportive comments and understated good looks.

The Food Guru

Gail Simmons, Top Chef

deally, a reality show judge is expected to be knowledgeable regarding the show's subject. There are too few judges who fall into that category but Food and Wine's Gail Simmons personifies everything a reality TV judge should be. An alumna of the McGill University — the Canadian Harvard — Simmons attended New York's Institute of Culinary Education. She lends her culinary expertise to Top Chef and hosts its spin-off Top Chef: Just Desserts. She believes in not alienating anyone and praises a contestant's work with the most sensible of comments.

This cupid talks of splitting hearts

inding love is one secret ambition that almost everyone harbours. This exact sentiment was echoed by Splitsvilla the reality show on MTV, when it started. Although the journey of finding love has been gruelling and tiring. All tests and tasks given to the contestants are bizarre. Just imagine, the only tool a girl has to impress the men around her is raunchy belly dancing or the only way the man can win over the girl is by flexing his six packs. Is this really how you find or sustain love? Although the first season's winners

Reality Bites Shiba Minai

Shraddha and Vishal, who appeared to be genuinely in love won, the seasons after that went from bad to worse. Right from breaking up existing happy couples to reducing women to the status of mere eye-candy, this show, sometimes tends to veer

towards soft porn. In spite of the excessive criticism and flak that it has received it continues to be one of the most popular shows on television. The show is adapted from the English series Flavour of Love, which is quite bland compared to the spicy Indian version. All said and done, whether we love it or hate it, the bitchiness, mud-slinging, cat-fights, humiliation and more is here for keeps. And let’s admit it, we enjoy it, don’t we? Splitsvilla’s season 5 will begin in a week’s time. Let’s wait and watch.

STAR OF THE WEEK – MEDHA BAHRI

edha Bahri of Chakravakam tells Postnoon about her life and acting career after being 'discovered' by Manjula Naidu

You were born and brought up in Amritsar, Punjab. How did you end up acting in Telugu TV serials? My family moved to Hyderabad when I was seven. So I am not that new to Hyderabad, although I must confess that I can't speak Telugu. While studying in Kasturba Gandhi College, I got into modelling. I did more than 150 ads for leading local brands like Chandana Brothers, JC Brothers and I was even featured on BSNL's calendar. One of my ads, where I modelled for Vijay Textiles, caught Manjula Naidu's attention and she called me for an audition for Chakravakam. That's how I got into TV serials. l Was it tough acting in a Telugu TV serial since you couldn't speak Telugu? It was tough initially. But then I made it a point to try speaking to everyone in Telugu and learn the language. In fact, a couple of days ago, I dubbed for myself for the first time in my career. The dubbing artist backed out at the last minute saying that the one of the scenes in Aparanji was quite emotional and intense. I think I did pretty well. l What serial is your claim to fame? And what are the current shows? Chakravakam. And then I was also part of Mogali Rekulu after which I took a break for a year. Now, I am back again with two serials — Anna Chellelu and Aparanji. l The TV industry has become competitive in recent years. Have you ever felt insecure? I believe that once you make a mark with the audience, then there's no need to feel insecure. However, it is important to choose your work carefully and continue to be part of good projects. l What's the toughest part of acting in TV serials? I wouldn't call anything tough once you understand what you are supposed to do, but it does get monotonous at times. l Most memorable experience? I remember on the last day of Chakravakam, we had all become very emotional. We were shooting till 4am and everyone had gone quiet. I had tears in my eyes and went and hugged Manjula Naidu, the director of the TV serial and then everyone started hugging each other. My character Vennela is very close to my life and it really meant a lot to me, even though most of us were teaming up again for another TV serial. l Any plans of acting in films? I love watching films but I don't think I am made for films. I want to keep acting in more TV serials and it has become my passion. BY HEMANTH KUMAR l

F‑Folio

Because you are what you wear

Designer Krishna Mehta is known for her use of natural and khaki fabrics and also for being one of the first women to design for men. Today she lays down her rules of Being style for women yourself is

the first rule of fashion. Never try to imitate anyone, keep your style individualistic and that will make you stand out.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

Keep it minimal STYLE RULES

2 3

Don’t match everything you wear; it is the easiest way to make a fashion faux pas. It makes sense to mix up styles.

Keep your make-up minimalistic. Slapping layer after layer on the face makes it look made up; try and keep it natural.

Highlight any one aspect of your features in terms of make-up, like you could wear a red lipstick and you are sorted for a party. Highlighting more than one feature only adds to the confusion.

Accessories should be in sync with what you are wearing and should not draw a lot of attention. Accessories are there to enhance your beauty and the outfit you wear.

Your clothes should always be well-fitted, which means don’t wear too tight or too loose clothes.

Wear shoes as per your attire; for example, wear nice wedges with cropped trousers and tunics; see to it that they are well maintained.

One of the musts of fashion is to have neat nails; so make sure to have regular pedicures and manicures to maintain them.

Top 10 must-haves Blue denims White shirt

9 10

It is important to smell good all the time; so make sure to invest in a great perfume, which suits your personality.

Don’t forget to check the mirror and have a complete look at yourself before leaving the house; sometimes last-minute checks can do wonders! As told to Taniya Talukdar

Red lipstick High wedges Vintage jewellery A watch for all occasions A sturdy bag A solitaire ring A handcrafted sari A Hermes scarf

Spotlight

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

PICS: SRINIVAS SETTY

A night to remember With DJ Kanna in the house, it’s definitely going to be fun and this is just what the youngsters had last night at the Kismet pub in Somajiguda. Neha, Saroja and Rohit

Daffin

Kabeer, Heena

Vishu

Pooja, Jasmine and Gabby

Saroja

Nimisha PICS: DIMITRIOS KAMBOURIS/AFP

A GIGANTIC EVENT Michael’s on 55th Street in New York City is usually a busy place but on Wednesday it was packed with all the big names in media. The occasion was the New York Giants Super Bowl Pep Rally Luncheon.

Ankita

Hoda Kotb and Piers Morgan

Regis Philbin and Kathy Lee Gifford

Brian Williams and Katie Couric

Magic Screen

The glamour behind the glitz

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

Three years after making his debut, Chaitanya Krishna confesses that acting in films has been more challenging than he had imagined. And he’s quite kicked about his upcoming film Vennela 1½, which promises to be a laugh riot

SUCCESS

matters more than talent

Hemanth Kumar hemanth.k@postnoon.com

ost newcomers in the film industry would confess that being idle can be excruciatingly difficult to deal with. The morale takes a beating and seeing light at the end of the tunnel fade out is the knockout punch one wouldn’t want to take. “One thing I have realised here is that success matters more than talent,” says Chaitanya Krishna. After completing his engineering from SRKR Engineering College in Bheemavaram, Chaitanya began working with a software firm. However, his passion for acting led him to resign from his job and take part in a talent hunt on MAA TV. “You know, I was supposed to play the lead role in Teja’s Keka; however, that didn’t happen,” he confess-

es recalling the incident that happened three years ago. Soon, he participated in a dance reality show Dhee, which opened more doors for him in the industry. Sneha Geetham, Ninnu Kalisaka, Ala Modalaindi and Roudram happened within a gap of a few months. Quiz him about why he disappears midway in the Telugu version of Roudram, and he replies, “I had a bigger role in the Tamil version, but then a lot of my scenes were chopped off in the Telugu version since the producers felt that the audience wouldn’t tolerate the heroine being killed on-screen.” What’s the toughest thing to deal with for an actor? “Idleness,” he says, adding, “We hardly get work for 10 days per month and then your look has to be consistent, which means you can’t sign other films. And there’s also a case of

dates clashing with other projects. No one wants to compromise.” So has he missed any films? “Oh, yes. I couldn’t sign any film for more than nine months because I had to sport a beard in Roudram. Recently, I had an offer to act in Deva Katta’s Autonagar Surya, but then those dates clashed with Vennela 1½.” Since he gets plenty of time for himself in between his films, he ended up acting in short films and one of them, Vesham even won an award at a film festival. “I took up an internship at a consulting firm, did a course in event management and completed my diploma in psychology. I have been quite busy as you may see,” he chuckles. His tryst with idleness might just come to an end; if the promos of his upcoming film Vennela 1 ½ are anything to go by. Directed by Vennela Kishore, the film has Chaitanya Krishna and Monal in lead roles. “The film is a laugh riot. I play a love guru in the film,” Chaitanya says, refusing to divulge details. The entire film was shot in Bangkok and since they had to adhere to a schedule, it even landed them in big trouble. “We were supposed to shoot on an island and it began raining quite heavily that day. We were asked to wrap up the song’s shooting by 4pm, but it went on till 5.30pm. When we started, one of the boats failed and 18 people got onboard another boat, which had sea water leaking in. People were shivering in the rain and some of them got sea sick. Finally, a rescue boat came looking for us at 1.30am,” Chaitanya reveals. After all that boredom, idleness and a neardeath experience, we wonder what keeps him going. “It’s the recognition. People love films so much that they always have something good to say or maybe even suggest ways on how an actor can improve. It’s the biggest motivating factor for any actor,” saying so he signs off.

Magic Screen

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

The glamour behind the glitz

Mahesh Babu, Sukumar’s

T-TOWN TWEETIES

@LakshmiManchu Saw another movie today. Thalanoppi. Not going to mention the name. Too many people I know in the film. Need a pill.

film to be launched on Feb 12

month after Busine ssman’ s release, Mahesh Babu’s next film is going to be launched on February 12. Sukumar is going to direct the film and Gopichand, Achanta Ram and Anil Sunkara are going to produce the film under the 14 Reels Entertainment banner. The trio had earlier produced Mahesh Babu, Samantha starrer Dookudu, which was a blockbuster. Buzz is that Mahesh Babu is going to be seen as a lecturer in this untitled film which is touted to be a romantic entertainer. Sukumar’s favourite composer Devi Sri Prasad is going to compose music for this film as well. The film might go on the floors in April this year and in the mean time, Mahesh Babu will continue shooting for Srikanth Addala’s Seethamma Vaakitlo Sirimalle Chettu, which has Venkatesh, Mahesh Babu, Anjali and Samantha in lead roles.

Ram Charan’s wedding date fixed

am Charan Tej and Upasana Kamineni’s will tie the knot on June 13 and the wedding will be held at a private resort in Hyderabad. The duo got engaged in December 2011 and there were rumours that they might get married sometime in March; however, we hear that the plans had to be altered due to Ram Charan Tej’s professional commitments. Over the past

@prakashraaj Gearing up for DHONI’ s Telugu audio release on 3rd Feb. In theatres on 10th feb. Cheerssss!!!

@pnavdeep26 “Marriage is a relationship in which one person is always right and the other is the husband.” amen!! Lol

@_Hansika Wohooooooo 1Lhk ++++++++ yayayayaay thank u tweeps, keep it going ..love u all ,watt ever i m is becz of y'all mwahh <3.

@actor_nithiin Best moment of ISHQ... after v shot a song P.C Sreeram sir tellin that tis is d best song of his career!!

few weeks, fans of Ram Charan Tej and Chiranjeevi had been requesting to hold the reception in Tirupathi and Dr C Pratap Reddy, grandfather of Upasana obliged to the request. Now that the wedding date has been finalised, preparations are on full swing for the big day, which might very well be the most spectacular wedding Tollywood has seen in recent years.

@actressanjjanaa Been on d run 2day, with meetings and work back to back :-) what's up wid u all :-)

Pawan Kalyan to grace Ishq’s audio launch N

ithin, a self-confessed Pawan Kalyan fan has every reason to be on cloud nine. A couple of days ago, Nithin dropped in on the sets of Pawan Kalyan, Shruti Haasan starrer Gabbar Singh and invited Pawan Kalyan to be the chief guest of the audio launch to which the latter immediately agreed. The audio is going to be launched later today in Shilparamam. Nithya Menen has played the lead role in the film and B Vikram Kumar has directed the film. Anup Rubens has composed the music and PC Sreeram is the film’s cinematographer. Incidentally, Pawan Kalyan had worked with PC Sreeram back in 2001 with Khushi.

@Actor_Siddharth Some jazz on my LP player, and a good meal is the way to end this long day...Ben Webster & Coltrane kicking off proceedings :) bliss!!!

@taapsee N finally v finished d song late yesterday! Some pretty colourful costumes n peppy song is what kept me going. Now back to work. Talkie time!

Magic Screen

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

The glamour behind the glitz

Shah Rukh A Bollywood

B-TOWN TWEETIES

mum over patch up

sangeet all the way

@RGVzoomin

At Siddhardha engineering college the first benchers studied subjects... Last benchers like me studied life.

hough all’s well between Shah Rukh Khan and filmmaker Shirish Kunder after an ugly spat, the superstar still refuses to speak about either the fight or the patch up. “Did I tell you that there was a fight..no...so I will not tell anything about the patch up also,” Shah Rukh told reporters at a pre-nuptial ceremony of Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D’Souza. The actor reached the function in the wee hours of Wednesday. However, he took to microblogging site Twitter to talk about his exciting day, revealing the best part was to meet friends at home. “Long satisfying day...dancing at filmfare...shoot with prabhuda..dinner with riteish and genelia at 5am. Best was to meet friends at home again,” he wrote on his Twitter page. Shah Rukh was embroiled in a scuffle with Shirish, husband of Farah Khan, at a party organised by Sanjay Dutt to celebrate the success of Agneepath. The truce was initiated by Farah’s brother Sajid Khan and Sajid Nadiadwala. IANS

rom Sanjay Dutt, Gauri Khan to Karan Johar and Abhishek Bachchan — the who’s who of Bollywood gathered for the sangeet ceremony of Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D’Souza at the Taj Lands End . Genelia looked gorgeous in a white lehenga with peach embellishments, while detailed stone work on her lehenga and chunni added elegance to her attire. Her beau Riteish looked striking in a royal blue Sherwani. Before going for the ceremony on Tuesday, Riteish told reporters that his “brother and his family members will perform,” adding that “I would love to dance with Genelia if she says yes.” The couple are all set to tie the knot on February 3. At the ceremony the family members of both Riteish and Genelia let their hair down. Among friends and colleagues, Arshad Warsi and Jacky Bhagnani were the first ones to arrive at the venue in Bandra. When asked Arshad who does he feel should settle down next, pat came the reply, “Salman should get married now.” Jacky, who has worked with Riteish, said, “I am here from the boy’s side. Riteish is my close friend.” IANS

@sonakshisinha Aaj mere yaar ki shaadi hai! MASSIVE congratulations to the cutest couple on the block @Riteishd And Genelia.. And even bigger apologies for not being there!

@bipsluvurself Playing Jab main tumhare saath hoon, Darmiyaan n Mujhko teri zaroorat hain frm #JodiBreakers n getting ready 2 go to location. Feeling good:)

@SrBachchan T 642 - Mumbai roads at 6 in the morning are divine ... Then as the Sun rises all divinity eases away ..

@iamsrk

After item number, it’s daredevil stunts for Katrina

atrina Kaif is shooting in Havana for Kabir Khan’s Ek Tha Tiger and Hollywood action director Conrad Palmisano is making the actress do daring stunts like free-falls. Katrina, under the protective eye of co-star and friend Salman Khan, is doing what one member of Cuban unit describes as “the real thing”. “These are stunts that any macho hero would think twice before daring. Katrina is really pushing the envelope as far as the female machismo is concerned. She is doing free-falls with Salman by her side. We hear Kareena in Agent Vinod and Kangna Ranaut in Krrish 2 would also be attempting the hi-jinks...,” said the unit member. When asked about her daredevil act, Katrina said, “Yeah, it’s scary but great fun. I’ve only done very feminine delicate roles so far. This is a new challenge for me. I guess that’s what I’m looking for at this stage of my career.” IANS

My daughter got a scholarship for studies cos of her writing. I am so damn proud...grinning like a Cheshire cat...end to end..yippee!!!

@AnupamPkher My play Kucch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai is based on my life’s failures & I laugh at them. In the process it took away d fear of failure out of me. :)

@shahidkapoor Great to see the IAF pick up the twin engine multifunction French beauty RAFALE by Dassault.

@priyankachopra Love music... Has such an amazing effect on me... Thunder road Bruce Springsteen... Secret garden...love his voice...

Magic Screen

D I S P L A YA

D S RATE ` 150 sq. cm

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

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

Magic Screen

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

The glamour behind the glitz

Katie Price tried hard to reconcile: Andre

inger Peter Andre says his ex-wife Katie Price tried her best to reconcile last year but he turned her down. The former couple, who raised four children together, divorced in 2009. However, they decided to maintain an amicable relationship for their children. “We decided to bury the hatchet and I was so happy we were talking about putting the kids first. But sadly it only lasted about a month. I don’t think it can ever happen again. I can’t be friends with her. It’s sad that three years on, the bitterness is still there,” a

It’s fun working with Anthony: Jennifer Lopez

ctress Jennifer Lopez believes it is “fun” working with estranged husband Marc Anthony on television show Q’Viva! The Chosen. The pair are working together on a TV show and despite the fact that they are set to divorce, the 42-year-old told Late Show host David Letterman that she still enjoys getting the oppor-

tunity to work together. “You know, it’s fun, because we know each other so well and we really work well together. But it has its moments...” a website quoted Lopez as saying. Lopez, who has three-year-old twins Max and Emma with Anthony, recently revealed there was “real love” between the pair because they were really good friends before they got together.

Katy Perry

in talks for a 3D movie

aramount has initiated talks with Perry’s camp, as well as Imagine Entertainm ent, to create a documentary-style 3D film centered on the powerhouse singer-

songwriter. The deal making is still in the early stages, and no director is officially on board yet. But both sides are eager to make the details work, and insiders say it’s just a matter of

working out the logistics. A source close to the dealing says Paramount wants to use the model it employed for its successful concert film featuring Justin Bieber, Justin Bieber: Never Say Never.

website quoted the 38year-old as saying. “Stories of us getting back are false. I won’t ever go back,” he added.

Magic Screen

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

The glamour behind the glitz

Natalie Portman turns TV producer A

BC is moving forward with its adaptation of Scruples, a 1978 best-selling novel by Judith Krantz. The one-hour drama, which counts her son Tony Krantz as an executive producer, is being billed as an on-brand sexy soap set in the late 1970s. It centers on a socialite who, following the death of her husband, seeks to open a fashion forward boutique called Scruples in the heart of Beverly Hills. Adding to the projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s allure is first-time TV producer Natalie Portman, who will serve as an executive producer with former CAA agent Krantz and Annette Savitch.

Miley Cyrus cracks her tailbone M

iley Cyrus' upcoming movie might be called LOL, but here's something that's anything but funny. Much like her pal Kelly Osbourne, the 19-year-old teen sensation has fallen victim to her own klutziness. "Cracked my tail bone doing a front flip... on to the couch," tweeted Miley on Monday night. "thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like when I tripped over a pillow and broke my arm."

Radcliffe comfortable with nudity

arry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe, set to go naked for his new film Kill Your Darlings, says he is comfortable with nudity. The actor first stripped off for psychological drama Equus on the West End stage. "I'm comfortable with my body," Radcliffe told Heat magazine. However, the actor also admits he will never be able to compete with Harry Potter co-star Rupert Grint's muscular body. "I'm

not going to try to compete with Rupert on the arms front. His dad is a big guy, so if anyone was going to get the proper muscleman build, it was Rupert. "You'd have to search pretty hard to find a more handsome ginger. He's also a dude. I wish I could be that calm. I'm lucky to have found an industry where this level of hyperactivity is encouraged. Otherwise I'd just be a f****** nuisance," he added.

Ford to be honoured by Society of Cinematographers H

ollywood star Harrison Ford will be honoured for his career at the upcoming American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) gala. The 69-year-old will receive the coveted Board of Governors award at the 26th Annual ASC Outstanding Achievement awards in Hollywood on February 12, reports a website. The prestigious honour recognises movie stars and directors who advance the art and craft of filmmaking. Previous recipients include Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg, as well as screen stars Julia Roberts, Warren Beatty and Sally Field.

Chai Time

KAKURO

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

SCRIBBLING PAD

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

Take a shot at the brain game while sipping your cuppa

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Yarn irregularity 5"I called it!" 9 Highlander with land 14 Become ho-hum 15 "Ditto," in footnotes 16 "Duke of Earl," for one 17 Peak near Paterno 18 "... as they shouted out with ___" ("Rudolph" lyric) 19 It's spun to find countries 20 Trio brought back to TV in 2011 23 Part of a volleyball court 24 "The Man Who Fell to Earth" director Nicolas 25 Jabbed in the ribs, e.g. 28 Diminutive whirlwind 33 "If you ___ knew" 34 Cain, to Eve 35 Medicine-cabinet item 36 Mile High Center architect 37 Blast-furnace product 39 34th U.S. pres. 40 Baker's need 42 Sunbather's desire 43 Reader of the future 44 Colorful aquarium swimmer 46 Sticky stuff 47 They'll never get off the ground 48 Poetic homage 49 One who argues for the sake of arguing 56 City of Light 57 Meat-inspecting grp. 58 A user clicks on it 59 Checker's dance 60 And others (Latin) 61 Flower through Florence 62 Egyptian symbols of life 63 Simon's verb 64 Relay-race sections DOWN 1 A freelancer may work on it

2 Backing for plaster 3 Armbone 4 Famous Irish stone 5 ZIP code unit 6 Not scheduled to play 7 Hive population 8 Defames 9 Entered a name and password 10 Asserted without proof 11 "American ___" (TV show) 12 Barbecue choice 13 "A Raisin in the Sun" star Ruby 21 Took by the hand 22 Fanciful idea 25 Momma's partner 26 ___ a million 27 Movie-set light

28 Westminster winner 29 College credits 30 Audio's counterpart 31 Back-of-book feature 32 Suspicious 34 Wicked 37 They read lines 38 "Go get 'em!" 41 Easily irritated 43 Not just one of the crowd 45 Debate subjects 46 Tokyo, formerly 48 Deformed circles? 49 Beginning of the day

SUDOKU

50 Satie or Estrada 51 "The Thin Man" pooch 52 June 6, 1944 53 Real-estate measure 54 Chinese secret society 55 Adam's grandson 56 After-hours school grp. PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

THOUGHT OF THE DAY War doesn't determine who's right. War determines who's left. – Anonymous

Chai Time STAR POWER

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

Your tomorrow today̶Star Power and Tarot

Date 3-2-2012

THIRUVAIKUMAR

As per Hindu panchang

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

TAURUS

GEMINI

Businessmen will see a favourable trend. Transactions will take place smoothly. Schemes to attract customers will yield desired results. Farmers will have a bu‑ mper harvest. Politicians will succeed.

Business partners will be very co‑opera‑ tive. They will accept your suggestions and give nod for implementation. Farm‑ ers will work hard and derive desired results. Legal issues upset some persons.

Politicians will not get the favour and full support from high command. Avoid magni‑ fying issues and avoid any fresh efforts. Far‑ mers will completely sell their produce with a decent gain. They will act accordingly.

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

Politicians will successfully complete all assignments undertaken, which will make the high command appreciate them. Far‑ mers will see cut throat competition, hence they need to struggle hard.

Businessmen will get new customers and do a roaring business. This will inspire them to implement new and different schemes to increase proﬁts. Farmers will get good margin by selling their produce.

Businessmen will have to face very tough competition. Hence advised to avoid fresh investments. Happy events to take place at home. Farmers will see a bumper har‑ vest, which make them ﬁnancially strong.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

Businessmen get opportunities to deal in export trade. Friends will support you as expected. Farmers will see good gains due to bumper crop. They will hire fresh lands for cultivation.

Businessmen need to understand needs of their customers and act accordingly. This is important to retain customers in their fold. Politicians to avoid rigidness in cer‑ tain issues and avoid giving suggestions.

Artists will have a good time. New con‑ tracts signed by them will give gains. Politicians should avoid creating ene‑ mies because of their own acts. Travels will beneﬁt. Women to care of health.

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Proﬁt is set to soar for businessmen. They will act with shrewdness and be successful. They can expand their hori‑ zon without much investments. Farmers will see a decreased margin of proﬁt.

Businessmen will see a phenomenal gr‑ owth. Though partners are not fully su‑ pportive, you will use your skills and at‑ tain success. Farmers will see good gain. They will manage competition very well.

Businessmen will take bold decisions and succeed in solving their problems. They will get desired results that match their hard efforts. Students need to con‑ centrate. Artists have a favourable trend.

SUMAA TEKUR

tarotreadhyd@gmail.com

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

The Lovers – Decision time! The decision may or may not have to do with a relationship. The cards are telling you that you need to pre‑ pare to take a call.

Two of Wands – You may feel as though everything has come to a standstill, and that nothing is mov‑ ing. Do not worry about the stagnation period. It will pass.

Queen of Wands – Youʼre in a creative phase when good ide‑ as come to you. You have qualities of car‑ ing and nurturing that make it interesting to pursue your goals.

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

Ace of Swords – You may be talking extremes a little too harshly. Itʼs all or nothing for you at the moment. But life is never so cut and dried.

The Sun – You donʼt lack options, you only need to make a decision ‑‑ and that is the difﬁcult part for you right now. Sit with pen and pa‑ per and make a list.

Knight of Cups – Yo‑ uʼre an emotional person and feel str‑ ongly about things that matter to you. This may or may not mean youʼre in touch with your emotions.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

Seven of Cups – Material possessions are your main focus. Also, there is a lot of confusion in your head about the right decisions to make right now.

The Emperor – This is the card of control and also of love. You juggle the two sides very well. Power gives you the conﬁ‑ dence to go through with your decisions.

Death – There will be some unexpected changes in your life and outlook. Youʼll be seeing life from a whole new perspec‑ tive. Prepare for a fruitful time.

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

The Magician – Everything that you thought of magically ﬁts into place, and you wonder if plans really work out with‑ out that magic touch of synchronicity.

Five of Cups – Some form of loss is indicat‑ ed. Something may not have quite worked to your expectation. Get over it and move on. Thereʼs more to life.

Page of Pentacles – Youʼre feeling adven‑ turous, and are in the mood to try somethi‑ ng new to make money. New business ventures may work at this time.

For Better or for Worse Stone soup

SOLUTIONS

Boggle CUBA MALTA CYPRUS MADAGASCAR

Number game

Suduko

Scrabble

Ink pen

COMICS

Fred Basset

ARIES

TAROT READ

Vol: 1, No. 200 RNI No: APENG/2011/39337 Published for the proprietors, Scribble Media and Entertainment Pvt Ltd, by V Harshavardhan Reddy, at #1246, Level 3, Jubilee Casa, Road No. 62, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad–500033 and printed by him at Jagati Publications Ltd, Plot No D-75&E-52, APIE Industrial Estate, Balanagar, Ranga Reddy Dist, Hyderabad–500037, Editor: Dean Williams – Responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. For feedback, please write to: feedback@postnoon.com and for subscription, please call 040-40672222, Fax: 040-40672211

Chai Time 1400 Naadi Aadajanme 1430 Pavitra 1500 Movie 1800 Sri Shanidevuni Mahimalu 1830 Vasantha Kokila 1900 Chinnari Pelli Kuturu 1930 Anna Chellelu 2000 Missamma 2030 Edureetha 2100 Challenge 2200 CID 2300 Challenge 0700 Silver Screen 0730 Maa Shakti 0800 Ayurvedam 0830 Chaganti Nava Vidha Bhakti 0900 Money Money 1000 Chinnari Pelli Kuturu

1400 Kannavaari Kalalu 1430 Maavichiguru 1500 Sumangali 1530 Movie 1800 Jai Shri Krishna 1830 Shraavani Subramaniam 1900 Mandhara 1930 Auto Bharthi 2000 No. 23, Mahalakshmi Nivasam 2030 Mogali Rekulu 2100 Aparanji 2130 Devatha 2200 Mamathala Kovela 2230 Anveshana 2300 Gemini Vaarthalu 0800 Gemini Talkies 0830 Movie 1130 Aha Emi Ruchi 1200 Jeevitha Chakram 1230 Maa Inti Aada Paduchu 1300 Chittemmaa 1330 Gorintaku

1400 [V] Dare 2 Date 1430 [V] D3 Dil Dosti Dance 1500 [V] Humse Hai Life 1530 [V] Trailers 1600 [V] Zabardast Hits 1800 [V] Fresh Songs 1830 [V] Humse Hai Life 1900 [V] D3 Dil Dosti Dance 1930 [V] Humse Hai Life 2000 [V] Steal Ur Girlfriend 2100 [V] Vignettes 2130 [V] Trailers 2200 [V] My Big Decision 2300 [V] Humse Hai Life 2330 [V] D3 Dil Dosti Dance 0700 [V] Trailers 0730 [V] Zabardast Hits 0800 [V] Mind Blasting Mornings 1100 [V] Fresh Songs 1200 [V] D3 Dil Dosti Dance 1230 [V] Humse Hai Life

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

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

‘The Newshour’ at 2100 Hrs only on TIMES NOW

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

Telly sitcoms, news and movie listings

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

1400 Ardhangi 1430 Movie 1800 Veera Naari Jhansi Laxmi Bhai 1830 Kalavari Kodallu 1900 Chinna Kodalu 1930 Pasupukunkuma 2000 Muddu Bidda 2030 Radha Kalyanam 2100 Kanyadanam 2130 Luckku Kickku 2230 Shree 2300 Bindas 0800 Gopuram 0830 Bhakti Samacharam 0900 Sri Raghavendra Vybhavam 0930 Ayurveda Jeevana Vignanam 1000 Bindass 1030 Gadasariatta Sogasarikodalu

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

‘Time Warp’ at 2100 Hrs on DISCOVERY CHANNEL 1400 Rampage 1600 Swords 1700 Discovery Showcase 1800 Wild Discovery 1900 Man Woman Wild 2000 Wildest India 2100 Time Warp 2200 Swords 2300 Desire & Pleasure Decoded 1000 Equator 1100 Stephen Hawkings Special 1200 I Should'nt Be Alive 1300 Wild Discovery

1415 CSI - Crime Scene Investigation 1510 Wipeout 1605 The Real Housewives Of New York City 1700 Got To Dance 1800 Criss Angel Mindfreak 1900 Breaking The Magician's Code - Magic's Biggest Secrets Finally Revealed 2000 The Challenger Muaythai 2100 Minute To Win It 2200 Wipeout 2300 Criss Angel Mindfreak 0900 Sky Teleshopping 0930 Criss Angel Mindfreak 1030 The Challenger Muaythai 1130 Breaking The Magician's Code - Magic's Biggest Secrets Finally Revealed 1225 Got To Dance

‘Wipeout’ at 2100 Hrs on AXN

‘Baba Aisa Varr Dhoondo’ at 2200 Hrs on IMAGINE 1400 Haar Jeet 1500 Baba Aisa Varr Dhoondo 1600 Haar Jeet 1630 Dwarkadheesh 1700 Haar Jeet 1800 Beendh Banuga Ghodi Chadhunga 1830 Baba Aisa Varr Dhoondo 1900 Haar Jeet 1930 Gyaan Guru 2000 Dwarkadheesh 2030 Sawaare Sabke Sapne – Preeto 2100 Beendh Banuga Ghodi Chadhunga 2130 Dharampatni 2200 Baba Aisa Varr Dhoondo 2230 Haar Jeet 2300 Gyaan Guru 2330 Sawaare Sabke Sapne – Preeto

1400 Parichay 1430 Balika Vadhu 1500 Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha 1530 Uttaran 1600 Phulwa 1630 Parichay 1700 Sasural Simar Ka 1730 Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha 1800 Uttaran 1830 Balika Vadhu 1900 Hawan 1930 Sasural Simar Ka 2000 Balika Vadhu 2030 Veer Shivaji 2100 Phulwa 2130 Parichay 2200 Uttaran 2230 Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha 2300 Na Aana Is Des Laado 2330 Balika Vadhu

‘Phulwa’ at 2100 Hrs on COLORS

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

1400 Saas Bina Sasuraal 1430 Bade Achhe Lagte Hai 1500 Kuch Toh Log Kahenge 1530 Kyaa Hua Tera Vaada 1600 CID 1800 Saas Bina Sasuraal 1830 Bade Achhe Lagte Hai 1900 Crime Patrol - Dastak 2000 Kuch Toh Log Kahenge 2030 Dekha Ek Khwaab 2100 Saas Bina Sasural 2130 Parvarrish - Kuchh Khatti Kuchh Meethi 2200 Kyaa Hua Tera Vaada 2230 Bade Achhe Lagte Hai 2300 Kuch Toh Log Kahenge 2330 Crime Patrol - Dastak 0700 Telebrands 0900 Kyaa Hua Tera Vaada 1200 Kuch Toh Log Kahenge 1230 Dekha Ek Khwaab

‘Parvarrish’ at 2130 Hrs on SONY

‘I P K K N D’ at 2000 Hrs on STAR PLUS 1400 Sapnon Se Bharey Naina 1500 Navya 1600 Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behnaa Hai 1630 Sasuraal Genda Phool 1700 Saath Nibhaana Saathiya 1730 Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon 1800 Mann Ki Awaaz… Pratigya 1830 Ruk Jana Nahin 1900 Saath Nibhaana Saathiya 1930 Sasuraal Genda Phool 2000 Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon 2030 Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behnaa Hai 2100 Diya Aur Bati Hum 2130 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 2200 Navya 2230 Mann Ki Awaaz… Pratigya 2300 Maryaada ... Lekin Kab Tak? 2330 Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon

MOVIES OF THE DAY AND OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

1434 Executive Decision 1705 Star Trek - First Contact 1910 License To Wed 2100 Deep Blue Sea 2300 10,000 BC 0805 Friends 0905 Superman II 1130 New York Minute 1315 Cradle 2 The Grave

Maryaada ... Supernatural Lekin Kab Tak? Storyline - Sam and Dean

1425 Tekken 1620 Bruce Lee, My Brother 1905 Knockaround Guys 2100 Thorne - Sleepyhead 2335 Rocky II 0840 Dragon - The Bruce Lee Story 1120 Knockaround Guys 1315 Rocky II

1400 Outsourced 1430 Scrubs 1500 In Plain Sight 1600 Parenthood 1700 Outsourced 1730 Scrubs 1800 E News 1900 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 2000 Outsourced 2030 America's Funniest Home Videos 2100 In Plain Sight 2200 Parenthood 2300 Outsourced 2330 Scrubs 0800 In Plain Sight 0900 Parenthood 1000 Outsourced 1030 America's Funniest Home Videos 1100 In Plain Sight 1200 Parenthood 1330 America's Funniest Home Videos

‘Parenthood’ at 2200 Hrs on ZEE CAFE

Storyline - Priya tells Aditya that she is leaving the house forever, Aditya is shocked to hear this. ‘Maryaada ... Lekin Kab Tak?’ at 2300 Hrs on STAR PLUS

‘The Big Bang Theory’ at 2300 Hrs on STAR WORLD 1400 Supernatural 1500 Charlie’s Angels 1600 The Big Bang Theory 1630 The Simpsons 1700 The Shield 1800 Supernatural 1900 Desperate Housewives 2000 Two And A Half Men 2030 The Simpsons 2100 Supernatural 2200 The Shield 2300 The Big Bang Theory 2330 Two And A Half Men 0700 The Shield 0800 Las Vegas 0900 Achievers' Club 1000 The Shield 1100 Desperate Housewives 1200 Two And A Half Men 1230 The Simpsons 1300 The Big Bang Theory 1330 Friends

meet up with America's first serial killer, while Jo lies to her mother about going to Vegas and joins Sam and Dean to help them on their hunt. ‘Supernatural’ at 2100 Hrs on STAR WORLD ‘Deep Blue Sea’ at 2100 Hrs on WB

1400 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah 1430 R. K. Laxman Ki Duniya 1500 Lapataganj 1530 F.I.R. 1600 Chidiya Ghar 1630 Gutur Gu 1700 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah 1830 R. K. Laxman Ki Duniya 1900 Chidiya Ghar 1930 Lapataganj 2000 Chintu Chinky Aur Ek Badi Si Love Story 2030 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah 2100 Chidiya Ghar 2130 R. K. Laxman Ki Duniya 2200 Lapataganj 2230 F.I.R. 2300 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah 2330 Chidiya Ghar 0830 Religious Programmes 0900 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah 0945 Gutur Gu 1100 Chidiya Ghar

‘Chintu Chinky Aur Ek Badi Si Love Story’ at 2000 Hrs on SAB

‘Planet Bollywood News’ at 1900 Hrs on ZOOM 1400 Movie 1730 Star Bonanza 1800 Letz Go! 1900 Planet Bollywood News 1930 Link'D 2000 Tentalize 2030 The Times 50 Most Desirable People 2011 Men 2100 Style Strip 2130 India Kids Fashion Week 2200 B - Tonite 2230 Shine On With Gitanjali 2300 Bollywood Bonanza 0700 Fresh Mornings 0800 Red Carpet 0805 Fresh Mornings 1100 Zoom Box 1200 Garma Garam 1230 Telly Talk 1300 Planet Bollywood News

1430 Food Detectives 1500 Deconstructed 1530 Discovery Science Classics 1630 Rising - Rebuilding Ground Zero 1730 Heavy Metal Task Force 1830 Best Of Discovery Science 1930 Paleoworld 2000 Megascience 2030 Sports Science 2130 What You Can't See 2230 Surviving The Cut 2330 Industrial Revelations 1030 Rising - Rebuilding Ground Zero 1130 Food Detectives 1200 Deconstructed 1230 Best Of Discovery Science 1330 Paleoworld

‘Megascience’ at 2000 Hrs on DISCOVERY SCIENCE

‘The Defenders’ at 2300 Hrs on BIG CBS PRIME 1430 Jerry Springer 1530 Big Wheels 1600 Bellator 1700 Survivor 1800 Entertainment Tonight 1830 Galileo Extreme 1930 Frasier 2000 Entertainment Tonight 2030 Galileo Extreme 2100 Survivor 2200 Jerry Springer 2300 Dead Zone 0700 Big Wheels 0730 Aspire 0800 Galileo Extreme 0900 Survivor 1000 Bellator 1100 Jerry Springer 1200 Big Wheels 1230 Entertainment Tonight 1300 Galileo Extreme 1330 Dead Zone

Playing Field

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

The games people play

Thunder down Mavericks

Giants look to stamp out the Brady effect Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots answers questions from the media during Media Day ahead of Super Bowl XLVI against the New York Giants at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. ANDY LYONS/GETTY IMAGES/AFP Jim Slater

INDIANAPOLIS: New York Giants defenders know they must overpower New England blockers and disrupt Patriots quarterback Tom Brady with pressure to have the best chance of winning Sunday’s Super Bowl 46. “Up front, somebody has to do something against somebody if we’re going to get to Tom,” Giants defensive end Justin Tuck said on Wednesday. “You have to hit these guys. You can’t allow time to stand and look upfield the whole game. “You can’t let him be comfortable. It’s like pounding away at a rock. Eventually it’s going to break. We haven’t gotten Brady to the breaking point yet.” Brady, capping the greatest passing season of his career, is trying to lead the Patriots to

their fourth NFL title in 11 seasons. He would match the record for quarterback Super Bowl wins shared by Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw. But first, he must stay upright long enough to connect with his receivers. “It wouldn’t be the Super Bowl if they weren’t talking about coming after me and knocking me down and knocking me out,” Brady said. “Our offensive line gets paid too and they do a great job of protecting me.” Patriots coach Bill Belichick has milked the most of uncertainty about key blockers with injuries, including tackles Matt Light and Sebastian Vollmer and tight end Rob Gronkowski, a major receiving threat as well as a tough lineman. All said they were well on Wednesday, although Gronkowski missed practice

again and has not worked out since his injury 10 days ago. All are waiting to hear their status for Sunday. “I don’t really pay much attention to that,” said Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora. “Everybody is going to be them-

selves on Sunday. They’re going to be ready to play. “We’re going to have to disrupt (Brady). That’s pretty much it. If we’re able to get to the quarterback, we’re going to have a good chance of winning.” Belichick likes Light’s chances of blocking for Brady as he has for longer than any current tackle-quarterback combination in the NFL. “I’m sure Tom has a lot of confidence working behind Matt as he always has,” Belichick said. “He’s tough. He’s smart. He has real good technique with his hands and footwork.” The Patriots also figure to run some early screen plays and run off fake pass plays to try to keep Giants defenders from charging full speed at Brady. “He’s going to do something early to try to get us out of our rhythm,” Tuck said.

DALLAS: The Oklahoma City Thunder won the battle of the two Western Conference giants by beating the Dallas Mavericks 95-86 behind Russell Westbrook’s brilliant 33-point performance Wednesday. Westbrook drained a key three pointer with 32.2 seconds left in the fourth quarter to give the Thunder a seven point lead, 92-85. Westbrook then helped ice the win by making one of two free throws with 19.6 seconds left. Kevin Durant finished with 23 points and 13 rebounds and Serge Ibaka had 11 rebounds for the Thunder who have a NBAbest 17 wins and four losses. Jason Terry scored 25 points and Shawn Marion finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Mavericks who had their modest three-game win streak snapped. Marion had 11 of his points in the first half as Dallas led 52-49 heading into the third quarter. The Thunder led 71-66 at the end of the third but the Mavericks fought back to tie the score in the fourth before Oklahoma City closed it out with a 10-1 run. Dallas dropped to 14-9 on the season as their star forward Dirk Nowitzki had an off night, shooting just two of 15 from the field and finishing with eight points and eight rebounds. It was Nowitzki’s third game back after sitting out four games to rest a balky knee. Mavericks veteran point guard Jason Kidd missed his third consecutive game with a strained right calf. Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle was ejected from the game in the second half after he knocked the ball into the stands in frustration, hitting a spectator. Carlisle walked over to where the fan was sitting an apologised before heading to the dressing room.

Brunel looks to send Azzurri on the attack Barnaby Chesterman

ROME: While predecessor Nick Mallett concentrated on building a solid and competitive team, Jacques Brunel is hoping to develop a more attacking Italy this season. The Azzurri begin their Six Nations campaign with a trip to Paris to face France on Saturday and already the players can feel a new wave sweeping through the team. Frenchman Brunel has a reputation for getting the most out of sometimes limited resources, having guided Perpignan to the Top 14 title in 2009 and little Colomiers to European Challenge Cup success in 1998. In order to fulfil his assertion that Italy will be a top six team in

the world within four years, he intends to start attacking opponents. And that includes favourites and World Cup finalists France in their own back yard. “What’s true is that the French team is strong and will fight to win the tournament, that’s their aim every time,” said Brunel. “We have a different objective which is to find cohesion between the new staff and the team. “We want to play in a different way (to the past) and to have different ambitions.” Brunel’s new approach has not been lost on the players, despite the short time he’s had to work with them. “There’s a big difference although it’s still early to say

because it’s only been two weeks,” said scrum-half Edoardo Gori. “Already the training is different with two training sessions a day; one in the morning, then a pause for the team meeting to study our opponents, and then training in the afternoon. “Our style of play is very different and we’re trying to learn Jacques’s concept and then put that into practice on the pitch. “It will be very difficult to show everything against France but we’ll try. “Mallett was very concentrated on defence, which of course was one of our strengths last year, but without an attack you can’t win so Jacques is concentrating more on attack. “We’ll see how it goes.”

Playing Field

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

The games people play

AAMER OUT OF JAIL, BUT PITCH FAR OFF Julian Guyer

LONDON: Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Aamer was released on Wednesday from a British jail after serving half of a six-month sentence for his part in a spot-fixing scam. The 19-year-old was freed from Portland Prison in Dorset, south-west England. Aamer, then a rising star of world cricket, was one of three Pakistan players jailed by a judge in London in November

over their roles in a plan to bowl deliberate no-balls during a Test against England at Lord’s in August 2010. However, he cannot immediately return to cricket as he is serving a five-year ban from the sport imposed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for his role in the scandal. Aamer’s mentor Asif Bajwa said he was in good spirits. “What has happened is beyond Aamer and when I talked to him on the phone he

was in high spirits,” Bajwa told AFP in Rawalpindi. “He will stay in England for the next two weeks to discuss an appeal against the ICC ban.” It remains to be seen whether Aamer can pursue his appeal against the ICC ban in the Switzerland based Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) or not after pleading guilty during last year’s criminal case. Aamer’s family is anxiously waiting for his return.

O’Brien awaits his fate as Bangalore decides LONDON: Ireland’s Kevin O’Brien will hope for more good news from Bangalore when the Indian Premier League players’ auction takes place in the southern Indian city on Saturday. It was in Bangalore last year where O’Brien scored the fastest World Cup century of all time during Ireland’s sensational win over England. O’Brien got to three figures in just 50 balls and finished with 113, including six sixes and 13 fours, in a magnificent display of clean hitting as Ireland won by three wickets with seven balls to spare. And he proved that innings was no one-off by scoring a 44ball hundred for Gloucestershire against Middlesex in a Twenty20 match — the same format as used in the lucrative IPL. Having not registered in the auction for last year’s IPL only to find out Kochi were interested in having him in their side, O’Brien made sure his name was on the list for the fifth edition. “It’s an exciting time, waiting for Saturday,” O’Brien told AFP on Wednesday. Understandably, the memory of his stunning hundred is still vivid for the 27-year-old, also a useful medium-pacer, and O’Brien hopes it has also remained fresh for this weekend’s bidders as well. “It’s still close to the front of my mind,” he said. “Hopefully,

with the auction being in Bangalore, it will help other people remember it too.” O’Brien is one of 144 cricketers from around the world hoping for an IPL contract in the 2012 IPL, which takes place from April 4 to May 27. While his base price of $50,000, could make him a tempting target in an auction where the likes of New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum and England’s Graeme Swann have reserves of $400,000, O’Brien was keen to stress that he’d improved as a player since his World Cup heroics. “My five months with Gloucestershire were tremendously

important. I think I am a better cr icketer now and I’m physic a l l y much fitter now than I was. “The IPL is a great tournament. For six weeks, you get to play with and against the best players in the world. “As an Irishman, coming from a country with a small pool of players, that’s very special,” added O’Brien, whose wicketkeeper broth-

er Niall is also involved in the auction. Ireland’s performances at the last two World Cups — they famously knocked Pakistan out of the 2007 tournament in the Caribbean — have raised the profile of the sport in O’Brien’s homeland. And with Cricket Ireland chief executive Warren Deutrom recently outlining a plan to achieve Test status by 2020, O’Brien believes Irish cricket can only improve in the coming years.

“We are happy at his release,” said elder brother Ejaz. “He talked to mother and other members of the family and was very happy at his release.” Along with Aamer former Pakistan Test captain Salman Butt, 27, was sentenced to two and a half years for his role as the “orchestrator” of the scam while seamer Mohammad Asif, 28, received a 12-month prison term for bowling a fraudulent no-ball.

Knights to chart battle plans today KOLKATA: Bollywood superstar and owner of IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Shah Rukh Khan said the team management will sit for a discussion on Thursday to chalk out the strategy for the upcoming cricket season. “We are having a new coach as Trevor (Trevor Bayliss), because we were not aware whether our old coach would have been able to stay with us. I will be meeting him tomorrow (Thursday) at Mumbai. The cricketing decisions will be taken by captain Gautam (Gambhir), coach and other cricketing heads. We will start our preparations from tomorrow (Thursday) night,” said Shah Rukh while addressing a programme in Kolkata. King Khan was hopeful was filling up the spaces where the team is lacking right now. “In that meeting we will have the technical details about how many players we can take or not. Hopefully we will try and gets the players that we need. If we can fill up the spaces where we lack then it would be wonderful,” Shah Rukh also expressed his satisfaction over the team’s performance last year. “We are in touch with Gautam from Australia. Hopefully tomorrow we will starting and hope to taker positions which will strengthen the team. Our last year’s performance was much better than last few years,” said Shah Rukh. KKR, which was in a much better position in the IPL 2011 season, had fared badly in the earlier three editions.

Playing Field

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

The games people play

Big 4 set for Wild Weekend

LIBREVILLE: Zambia, Ivory Coast, Gabon and Ghana appear the likely winners of the 2012 Cup of Nations quarter-finals across central Africa this weekend. The football feast begins Saturday with two fixtures in Equatorial Guinea — Zambia and Sudan in mainland port city Bata followed by the co-hosts and Ivory Coast in island capital Malabo. Gabon stages both Sunday showdowns with the co-hosts playing Mali in coastal capital Libreville before Ghana tackle Tunisia in south-eastern city Franceville.

Fixtures Saturday n At Bata, Equatorial Guinea n Zambia v Sudan n At Malabo, Equatorial Guinea n Ivory Coast v Equatorial Guinea Sunday n At Libreville, Gabon n Gabon v Mali n At Franceville, Gabon n Ghana v Tunisia

Barcelona’s captain Carles Puyol (L) vies with Valencia’s forward Aritz Aduriz during the Spanish cup semi-final match at the Mestalla stadium in Valencia.

Second-string Barça manage draw Ghana have won the biennial African football showpiece four times and Ivory Coast, Sudan and Tunisia once, Zambia and Mali were runners-up, Gabon reached the last eight once before and Equatorial Guinea never. While title co-favourites Ivory Coast and Ghana are still on course for the February 12 final, Morocco and Senegal failed to match expectations that they would go far and were the biggest first-round casualties. Equatorial Guinea provided the biggest surprise, defeating Libya and Senegal to secure a knockout place despite changing coaches less than three weeks

before the tournament began, and lacking any big-name footballers. Few pundits or bookmakers gave Sudan much chance either, but the Jediane Falcons have shown gradual improvement with a narrow loss to Ivory Coast followed by a draw with Angola and a victory over Burkina Faso. Gabon, whose only previous last-eight appearance came 16 years ago, are revelling in the fanatical support of the central African nation. Host nations have won two of the last four Cup of Nations tournaments and another finished third so Gabon going all the way is not beyond the bounds of possibility.

MADRID: A header from Barcelona veteran central defender Carles Puyol saw the Spanish champions come from behind to draw 1-1 with Valencia in their Spanish Cup semi-final first leg match on Wednesday. Barcelona — beaten finalists last year — could have won it in the second-half by Lionel Messi’s penalty was well saved by Diego Alves in the 55th minute. Valencia — seven times Cup winners — had taken a well deserved lead in the 27th minute thanks to Brazilian forward Jonas’s well taken-shot from just inside the box.

However, Barcelona were back on level terms eight minutes later as the talismanic Puyol leapt highest at the back post to head into the net and give his side what could be an invaluable away goal for next week’s second leg. It was all the more creditable as coach Pep Guardiola had to do without a quintet of first choice players because of injury including Pedro Rodriguez and Andres Iniesta. Tuesday’s semi-final had seen top tier Athletic Bilbao take a 2-1 advantage into next week’s second leg after beating third division Mirandes away.

Milan slip up, Juve don’t Barnaby Chesterman

ROME:

AC Milan handed Juventus the advantage in the Serie A title race as they lost 2-0 at Lazio on Wednesday, with Inter Milan held to a draw in an eightgoal thriller against Palermo. Milan trail Juve by a point at the top but the Old Lady of Turin have a game in hand after their match at Parma on Tuesday night was called off due to snow. Third-placed Udinese closed the gap to the leaders to three points with a 2-1 win at home to Lecce while fourth-placed Lazio are now just two points behind that.

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri denied his side have made their title rivals’ life easy. “We played badly but there’s still a long way to go, the road is not clear for Juve,” he said. “But I’m sure that this defeat will do us good. Even in recent games when we won we didn’t always play well so this will serve us well.” Lazio coach Edy Reja was delighted with his team, who were missing several forwards. “We had to keep things tight because Milan are good at breaking from deep,” he said. “We played well and gave away few chances. I’ve very satis-

fied with the lads who showed great determination in an emergency.” Antonio Nocerino had the best chance of the first half but his close range header was saved by Federico Marchetti. But 14 minutes from time Tommaso Rocchi’s clever dummy put Hernanes in and he hooked his shot across the Milan goalkeeper. Hernanes could have put the match to bed after that but his shot from the edge of the box whizzed just past the post. But Rocchi then made the points safe five minutes from time as he clipped home a cross from Senad Lulic.

Inter Milan’s Argentine forward Milito (L) kicks and scores in front of Palermo’s goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano during the Serie A match at the San Siro Stadium in Milan on Wednesday.

Playing Field

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2012

The games people play

Toons move up, as Gunners stumble

Julian Guyer

LONDON: Newcastle moved up into fifth place in the English Premier League with a 2-0 win away to strugglers Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday as Arsenal lost ground in their bid for a top four finish. Victory at Ewood Park saw the Magpies leapfrog both Liverpool and Arsenal, held to a goalless draw away to strugglers Bolton Wanderers on Wednesday. Newcastle took a 12th minute lead when Blackburn’s Scott Dann deflected a 25-yard shot from Ryan Taylor past stranded Rovers goalkeeper Paul Robinson. Blackburn, who remain in the bottom three, had a gilt-edged chance to equalise before the break but David Dunn’s penalty was saved by Tim Krul and the Newcastle keeper blocked Gael Givet’s follow-up. Rovers’ failure to convert several second half chances was compounded when Gabriel

Obertan made it 2-0 to Newcastle in the closing seconds. At the Reebok Stadium, visitors Arsenal dominated possession but, with star striker Robin van Persie off-target, dropped down into seventh place. Sunderland’s revival under Martin O’Neill continued as they beat promoted Norwich 3-0 with a convincing victory at the Stadium of Light that took the north-east side into eighth spot. Frazier Campbell smashed home a 21st minute opener and seven minutes later he provided the cross for Stephane Sessegnon to head in the home side’s second. Sunderland’s sixth win in nine league matches under O’Neill was completed when Norwich defend-

er Daniel Ayala deflected in a Phil Bardsley cross in the 54th minute. Elsewhere Djibril Cisse marked his return to English football by scoring on his Queens Park Rangers debut in a 2-2 draw away to Aston Villa. The 30-year-old French striker, thrust into the side a day after completing a transfer deadline day move from Italian side Lazio on Tuesday, took just 12 minutes to open his Rangers account. Cisse, who had previous spells in England with Liverpool and Sunderland, struck a fierce shot past Shay Given before celebrating with a somersault. Rangers went 2-0 up when Villa defender Stephen Warnock headed a cross from Taye Taiwo into his own net in the 29th minute when under no pressure at all. But Villa pulled one back on half-time when striker Darren Bent turned in an Alan Hutton cross for his 100th Premier League goal. And the resurgent hosts equalised 11 minutes from time when Charles N’Zogbia volleyed in a Stiliyan Petrov cross. However, the draw saw QPR inch further away from the relegation zone, with Rangers now three points above the bottom three. In London, West Brom manager Roy Hodgson saw his side come from behind to draw 1-1 with one of his former clubs Fulham. Hodgson saw his current side fall behind to a 69th minute goal from Fulham’s United States striker Clint Dempsey. But West Brom equalised eight minutes from time through substitute Somen Tchoyi.

Nelsen heading for Tottenham WELLINGTON: New Zealand captain Ryan Nelsen said on Thursday he was delighted with a pending move to high-flying Tottenham after seven years at Premier League rivals Blackburn Rovers. Nelsen, 34, said the switch to the London club, arranged on the final day of the January transfer window, was an “absolute no-brainer”. “It’s just an exciting opportunity at this stage of my career,” he told the Christchurch Press. “I’ve loved my time at Blackburn but it’s something I just couldn’t turn down.” Nelsen said Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp had offered him a six-month contract with a one-year option because he wanted experienced

defensive cover at Spurs, who are third on the Premier League table. The New Zealander, who has been sidelined for much of the season with a knee injury, said he had some minor visa issues to finalise but the deal was “pretty much done”. Nelsen captained New Zealand at the 2010 World Cup, where the All Whites were the only team to remain undefeated in the pool stage but still failed to advance to the knockout phase. The Blackburn Rovers website confirmed Nelsen had been released after the player and club agreed to terminate his contract, describing him as a firm favourite with fans during his time at Ewood Park.