SANGAREDDY ERUPTS IN VIOLENCE Sangareddy town erupted in violence last night. Nearly 60 to 70 shops, two places of worship, a hotel, and a police jeep were burnt last night. Police resorted to lathi-charge and the town has been put under curfew.
DIOR’S ICONIC LADY
WELCOME TO THE
The beginning of Christian Dior’s iconic luxury and fashion house was based on giving rise to dreams and fantasies using haute couture. Today we learn about what makes the Lady Dior tick.
MATRIX P16&17
P20&21
P3 Hyderabad’s first compact afternoon newspaper
FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2012 HYDERABAD
WWW.POSTNOON.COM
WEATHER: CLEAR WITH CLOUDY SPELLS; 32°C
BONES, SKELETONS TUMBLE FROM ZAFFER’S CUPBOARD! POLICE AGHAST REPORT ON PG 3
32 PAGES
`2
Page Two
2
FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2012
Spirit of Twin Cities
JAM PACKED
Expat night
M ANIL KUMAR
It’s expat night at Via Milano. Priyesh & Nikhil team up to present you with an interesting mix of music. Where: Via Milano, Jubilee Hills, Rd No 36 When: March 30, 7.30pm Contact: (040) 6455 6677
Annual day Globe Toters will be celebrating it’s annual day on March 31 at Ravindra Bharati. Where: Ravindra Bharati When: March 31, 10 am onwards
Tradition and innovation The exhibition showcases 58 designs which are a combination of tradition and innovation. Where: Salarjung Museum, Afzal Gunj When: Ongoing, 10am onwards Contact: (040) 2452 3211
New conceptualist Catch an exhibition of paintings by Sujatha Basu at Muse Art Gallery Where: Muse Art Gallery, Tank Bund When: Ongoing, 11am onwards Contact: (040) 2752 2999
Sacred Women On the occasion of Shrishti Art Gallery’s 10th anniversary, an exhibition called Women — Sacred and the Temporal is being held. Where: Shrishti Art Gallery, Jubilee Hills, Rd No15 When: Ongoing, 11am onwards Contact: (040) 2354 0023
Ghazal night Md Aziz will perform at Khaan Sahab as a part of Shaam-e-Ghazal. Where: Khaan Sahab,Banjara Hills, Rd No1 When: March 30, 7.00pm Contact: (040) 6776 7111
Unique buffet Yellow Chilli is offering a lunch buffet which is truly different. The Buffet which costs `199 (Monday to-Friday) and `249 (Saturday and Sunday). The dinner buffet costs `299 and `349. Where: Yellow Chilli, Banjara Hills, Rd No 12 When: Ongoing Contact: (040) 2338 3838
Hard Kaur live International rapper Hard Kaur will perform live along with her band at TKR College of Engineering. Where: TKR College of Engineering, Saroornagar
CINEMAS
When: March 30, 6.30pm onwards Contact: (040) 4040 4160
Spanish food festival The Square plays host to a Spanish food festival. Taste a variety of delicacies such as tapas, chorizos and tortillas. The event is on till April 1. Where: The Square, Novotel, Madhapur When: Ongoing, 6.30pm Contact: (040) 6682 4422
Wraps and rolls Rolls — boring did you say? Head to Promenade at Ameerpet for a wide variety of rolls that will suit everyone’s taste. Where: The Promenade, Ameerpet When: Ongoing Contact: (040) 6678 8888
Korean food festival Want to sample some interesting Korean cuisine? Head to Westin at Raheja Mindspace, Madhapur as it is hosting a Korean food festival. Where: Westin, Raheja Mindspace, Madhapur When: Ongoing, 12pm onwards Contact: (040) 3051 2844
Go Splash Splash lounge is the perfect
leisure destination for you to unwind. There is also great music, martinis and aperitifs. Where: The Westin, Mindspace, Madhapur When: Monday - Friday, 5pm - 10.30pm Weekends, 8am - 10.30pm Contact: (040) 6767 6828
Bengali food festival A Bengali food festival is being held at Firdaus, Taj Krishna. Sample a variety of Bengali delicacies. Where: Firdaus, Taj Krishna, Banjara Hills, Rd No1 When: Ongoing, 11.30am onwards Contact: (040) 6666 2323
Daiquiris And Margaritas Head to Seasons Bar for Daiquiris And Margaritas with flavoured cocktail recipes. Where: Taj Krishna, Banjara Hills, Rd No 1 When: Ongoing, 12 pm Contact: (040) 6666 2323
Kebab and grill festival Relish a feast of Kebabs and Grills as chefs from the Indian and continental kitchens take the challenge to serve you a myriad of Indian kebabs and
western grills. Where: Okra, Marriott Hotel and Convention Centre, Tank Bund When: Ongoing, 7pm Contact: (040) 2752 2568
Water colours Iconart is hosting Aquarelle as a part of it’s Buy Art initiative. It features water colour paintings. Where: Iconart Gallery, Banjara Hills, Rd No 12 When: Ongoing, 11.30 am onwards Contact: 98499 6879
Miniature traditions Miniature Traditions — An Artistic Endeavor, will be held at Alankritha Art Gallery. It’s an exhibition of paintings by Mahaveer Swami. Where: Alankritha Art Gallery, Kavuri Hills, Madhapur When: March 24 - April 4, 11 am onwards Contact: (040) 2311 3709
Acting workshop Samahaara — an acting and dancing workshop is being held to help you hone your acting skills. The workshop focusses on theatre related topics. Where: The Actor’s studio, Madhapur When: Ongoing, 7pm to 9pm Contact: 98854 04784
Big Cinemas, Ameerpet: 30581470; Cinemax, Banjara Hills: 44565555; Cine Planet , Kompally: 61606060; INOX, Banjara Hills: 44767777; Prasads, Tank Bund Rd: 23448888; PVR, Punjagutta: 8800900009; Talkie Town, Miyapur: 40214175; Tivoli, Secunderabad: 27844973
Hyper Local
FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2012
Campaigns, hard news and spirit of Twin Cities
3
CUBS ADOPT TIGER
Bones, skeletons tumble from Zaffer’s cupboard! CRIME Mohd Subhan mohd.s@postnoon.com
Students of Nasr School, Gachibowli hand over a cheque of `8,350 to MA Waheed, curator, Nehru Zoo. They’ve adopted a tigress for one month.
S
oft spoken commissioner of police AK Khan was livid with rage yesterday when he learnt the full facts of the now-jailed former corporator Zaffer Pahalwan’s doings. He ordered a thorough search of Zaffer’s house in Yakutpura with three assistant commissioners leading the team, which included detectives and revenue officials. The search that lasted 12 hours last night created a flutter in the locality. People remained awake, probably enjoying the act of police which they believe should have happened a decade ago. And, South Zone Task Force inspector S Mohan Kumar under whose jurisdiction Yakutpura falls also received a dose of homily from the commissioner who wondered why a criminal worked with no fear of laws. The search team seized a cash totaling `74 lakh, a dozen vehicles including two autorickshaws, daggers, swords and a licensed weapon.
Massive Ram Navami, Hanuman Jayanti rallies Anubha K. Singh anubha.k@postnoon.com
File photo of Zaffer Pahalwan (standing) with late Salahuddin Owaisi And more, they were startled to find skeletons and bones. Zaffer and his son-in-law Chota Mohammed were arrested last week for more than one criminal case. After the arrest the police commissioner personally studied the history of the man who was a former policeman removed after he attacked a subinspector. After Zaffer Pahalwan’s arrest, his
close associates and kin Salaam Pahalwan, Bada Mohammed and Imran went underground. But raids were conducted on the residences of Bada Mohammed and Chota Mohammed. Zaffer was elected corporator twice under the banner of MIM and later on he fought the Assembly elections on MBT from the Yakutpura constituency but lost.
Sangareddy erupts in violence lessly outnumbered. The police summoned reinforcement and resorted to lathi charging and lobbing tear gas shells. Sanagreddy police booked a case against Pawan Kumar for hurting the sentiments of a community but he has managed to escape, John said. The SP along with collector Medak, Suresh Kumar, visited the spots and took stock of the situation. They have asked for assessment of loss to commercial establishments and shops. The officials have also asked people to shun rumours.
CRIME Postnoon News feedback@postnoon.com
T
he peaceful Sangareddy town erupted in violence last night. Nearly 60-70 shops, two places of worship, a famous hotel, and a police jeep were burnt in Sangareddy town last night. The police resorted to lathi-charge and a curfew has been imposed on the town. According to reports a local BJP leader Pawan Kumar posted some mischievous remarks about the Prophet on Facebook on Thursday. Word spread and some members of a minority community staged a dharna in the town, They demanded the arrest of Kumar. “The situation would have remained under control had some anti-social elements not stepped in and begun stone throwing,” superintendent of police Medak, P John Victor told Postnoon on phone today. The SP further said that in the ensuing violence seven persons including a TV reporter sustained injuries. Later, the same elements are believed to have torched two places of worship at Gunj Maidan. They targeted a well-known hotel near the bus stand too. The situation went out of control and the police found they were hope-
Alert In Hyderabad
Sangareddy violence toll so far Seriously Injured Minor injuries
7 12
Property damaged/gutted Van Cars Scooter Autorickshaws Pan-flower stalls Police jeep Shops damaged Hotel Places of worships
02 02 01 04 50 01 40 01 02
After the Sangareddy incident, the police chief instructed Hyderabad police to be on a high alert. The police have begun taking precautionary measures. All sensitive areas are being watched and rowdy-sheeters are put under observation. South Zone police are asked to deploy policemen in places of worship. AP Special Police are being summoned to help the local police. The City police are worried about the Sangareddy happenings in view of the impending Ramnavami rally on April 1. Some provocative statements of a few right-wing activists have added to the worries of the police, it is said. Inspector general of police Rajeev Rattan and DIG N Sanjay are camping the area. (A control room has been set up: 08455276505)
T
esting the mettle of the Hyderabad police are two rallies — one Ramnavami and Hanuman Jayanti fall within a span of a week. More than one lakh people are expected to join the Shobha Yatra on Ram Navami. The Shobha Yatra draws added attention this time after a right-wing religious organisation and a corporator have alleged that there was an attempt to ban Ram Navami procession in Hyderabad. TDP corporator Raja Singh who is believed to be behind the master plan said, “Taking Shobha Yatra on Ram Navami day dates back to the time of Nizams. Yes, this time it’s going to be on a bigger scale as many devotees are joining us from Bangalore, Delhi, Karnataka. Surender Jain, All India General Secretary, Vishwa Hindu Parishad will be the chief guest and Sadhvi Prachi Devi is also been invited.”
A 11-foot idol of Lord Ram and 6-foot statue of freedom fighter Rani Avanti Bai are the new attractions this year. The statues will be a part of the procession. Tarun Sagar, a devotional singer has also been invited by Raja Singh, TDP corporator to participate in Ram Navami. Tarun Sagar had sung the controversial song Banayenge Mandir last year. “I am not afraid of police slapping cases on me. If anyone tries to stop the yatra it won’t be tolerated. Shobha Yatra is our right we are performing it since decades and this year also we will perform at any cost,” adds Raja. “However, the City’s old timers believe that the celebrations are no more what they should be; it’s now more of a show of power and less of devotion. The day is celebrated to mark the birth and marriage of Shri Ram and that is how it should be,” said, Narender T, city-based social worker.
Hyper Local
FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2012
Campaigns, hard news and spirit of Twin Cities
Power bill to give you a megawatt shock Some 20 lakh domestic power consumers under the corporation limits are to be slapped with additional burden of `140 crore if the slab system goes as the electricity department recommended MIGUEL
POWER Inkeshaf Ahmed ahmed.m@postnoon.com
R
esidents of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) seem to be in for a fresh bout of rude shock if the recommendations of power distribution utilities to do away with slabs are accepted by the State government. Recently, AP electricity regulatory commissioner had proposed that the existing slab system (Telescopic system) be discontinued. If it gets leave of the government, it will slap an additional burden of over `140 crore on more than 20 lakh domestic consumers of the Greater Hyderabad region. According to the existing tariffs, the domestic consumers, whose monthly usage is between 0-50 units are now paying `1.45 per unit every month. The consumers whose monthly usage is between 50100 units are paying `2.80 per unit. With the abolition of the basic slab, all consumers will have to pay `2.80 per unit. Residents of the Greater Hyderabad region will be hit hard.
Industrial sector to cripple further The fresh burden is not only confined to domestic category, it is going to have its effect on the commercial and industrial sectors as well. The industrial sector which is already facing a lot of problems in the form of power holidays, frequent and unsched-
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
4
Cases will be withdrawn, says CM U Srinivas srinivas.u@postnoon.com
C
hief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy today clarified that the government was seriously pursuing the matter of withdrawing the cases on students pertaining to the general strike and the Telangana agitation. There are only 24 cases according to his information and the government will be looking into these cases also, he stated. The orders have already been issued to this extent and the legal angles were also being looked into, he explained. On the other hand he said that he did not utter anything against the suicides of the youth pertaining to the Telangana. He said that it was a sensitive issue and he understands the gravity of the matter. He also wants the media to observe restraint over the issue concerned with the sentiments of the people in particular.
Rallies to mollify SC, ST
T CONSUMER CATEGORY UNIT for levy of Energy Charges
Rates for 2011-12 HP Charge kVA (`/Month) Charge (`/ Month)
DOMESTIC Slab 1 (0-50) kWh Slab 2 (51-100) kWh Slab 3 (101-200) kWh Slab 4 (201-300) kWh Slab 5 (301-500) kWh Slab 6 (>500) kWh LT II NON-DOMESTIC/COMMERCIAL # LT II(A) GENERAL Slab 1 (0-50) kWh/kVAh Slab 2 (51-100) kWh/kVAh Slab 3 (>100) kWh/kVAh LT II(B) ADVERTISING kWh/kVAh HOARDINGS LT III
Energy Charge (`/unit)
LT I
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
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
1.45 2.80 3.05 4.75 6.00 6.25
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
3.85 6.20 6.50 8.50
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,
uled power cuts, is likely to have a catastrophic impact on more than 40,000 small and medium industries, which are located across 11 industrial areas. The industrial sector has already demanded a rollback. Speaking to Postnoon, chairman and MD of AP Central Power Distribution Company, Anantaramu said that the decision of doing away with slab system has to be taken by the regulatory commission and added that they are awaiting the final decision. “The recommendation was made by the regulatory commission. As per its recommendation, the new system will come into force from next month,” he said.
LB Nagar 155313 23307328 23313163 27505566 23314095 23390933 24600146 27001134 23607777 30418888 30417777 30419000 30416666
BLOOD BANKS: Blood Bank,Narayanguda Chiranjeevi Blood Bank Blood Bank Mediton Goal Red Cross, Vidyanagar ADRM Blood Bank Mythri Charitable Trust NTR Memorial Trust Care Banjara Hills
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
he ruling Congress is trying to gain credit from Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy’s announcement on March 27 in the Assembly that a Cabinet subcommittee would be set up to ensure that the State government would enact a law for implementation of the SC/ST sub-plan. PCC chief Botsa Satyanarayana said that the party would take the government’s decision to the SCs and STs. Botsa said that on March 31 from 10am to 12pm, in all the district headquarters, party leaders would garland the statues of former PMs Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi and Dr BR Ambedkar and Babu Jagjeevan Ram. They would also organise a rally from the statues to the DCC Offices. He appealed to all elected representatives, including ministers belonging to the respective districts to take part in the program.
AIRLINES Airport Director 27903785, 27906001 For Air India Flight Information Toll free (from any network) for IC Flights 18001801407 And for All Flights: 1800227722 Air India has revised its flight timings. For more information call (Toll free) 18001801407, 1800227722 from BSNL/MTNL 04023430334 from other lines and mobile Website; www.airindia.in TOURISM OFFICES AP Tourism, Hyd 23262152/53/54 Sec’bad 27893100 Dept of Tourism 23453110 India Tourism 23261360 AP Tourism information Centre (24x7) 23450444, 23455999
UK Visa Office VFS India Pvt Ltd Building, 8-2-542/A, Sunil Chamber, Road No. 7 Beside Meridian School, Banjara Hills34. Working hours are from 8 AM to 1 PM And 2 PM to 3PM. MUSEUMS Salar Jung Museum AP State Museum Nizams Museum
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
FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2012
Campaigns, hard news and spirit of Twin Cities
Kya hua tera vaada? 4 SEZs generate zero employment COMPANY L and T Hitech City, Krishna district Foot wear, Mambatu- Nellore Brandix apparel, Visakhapatnam Bharatiya leather, Nellore Sri City, Nellore Special projects, Visakha Mas Fabric Lepakshi Hub, Anantapur Brahmani infra, RR district Indu Tech zone, RR district Stargaze properties,RR district
EMPLOYMENT U Srinivas srinivas.u@postnoon.com
T
he report of the comptroller and auditor general of India (CAG) on land allotment for the year 2011-12 has found fault with the Government for government playing Uncle Generous, giving lands to the mighty in the name of Special Economic Zones (SEZs). Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Ltd
LAND GIVEN 30.17 acres 313.57 acres 1000.00 acres 250.59 acres 3798.86 acres 2210.28 acres 714 acres 8844 acres 259 acres 250 acres 250 acres
JOBS PROMISED 10000 15000 60000 10000 175000 6507 31000 150000 45000 45000 45000
(APIIC) has transferred hundreds of acres of precious lands for creation of thee SEZs but the objective remained unachieved the report stated. As APIIC allowed the private developers to utilities government land for furthering their real estate business, the real purpose of developing the infrastructure and employment generation was defeated. APIIC did not safeguard the government interests and permitted the private firms to mortgage sell government land exposing government to financial risk. 11 SEZs had not generated
JOBS GIVEN 210 5000 13298 NIL 5000 2074 NIL NIL NIL NIL NIL
the expected employment. Against the total contemplated employment of 5.93 lakh jobs, four of them generated zero employment and seven had generated only 0.26 lakhs job during the last 5 years. Against the contemplated employment of 5.93 lakh jobs the 4 SEZs which had been alloted 9,594.01 acres of land at concessional rates had generated zero employment while the remaining 7 SEZs tow which 8317.47 acres of land was allotted had generated only 0.26 lakh that is 4 per cent jobs during the last 5 years.
5
CM finally sits with a mountain of files Kiran Kumar Reddy finds time to attend to files which are piling up by the hour. At least 3,000 files are pending with the CMO
POLITICS Postnoon News
C
hief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy on Thursday reviewed the pendency of works and files in his office. The CM was quite busy since last one month with the ongoing Budget Session and also the by-polls. And, with another round of by-elections round the corner, he wants to ensure that he spends enough time with files. The CM discussed with officials at length about his flagship programmes like the one-rupee rice scheme, job scheme, loans to self help groups and farmers in particular. It is learnt that the CM impressed upon the staff for the need to be upright in dealings with public issues. The meeting also discussed the speed at which the CMO was disposing files. Sources said that
the secretaries have indicated to the CM about the huge pendency of files inviting criticism that the government was not functioning. There are more than 3,000 files pending under the CMO and some of them were kept in cold storage and awaiting the nod of the CM. While the CM wanted a tracking and alert system, the officials in the CMO are of the opinion that if the Chief Minister gives some time on daily basis there may not be any pendency in the future. The CM has now decided to clear all the files which are not of controversial nature.
Water charity brings solace to the thirsty Subscribe Today!
CHARITY Anubha K Singh anubha.k@postnoon.com
E
very good act is charity. After all, a man’s true wealth is measured by the good work that he does for his fellow beings. As summer is becoming more and more belligerent, generous people are coming out to help people quench the thirst of those who can’t afford or don’t want to spend money on branded soft drinks. Several hundred water stalls are coming up in many areas of the City. Most of them are arranged by rich and not-sorich who believe giving a glass of water to a thirsty is the noblest act a man can do. “I usually open my stall in April, but this year the summer heat made me start the stall in March itself. My father
was a social worker, he was into charity. I am just carrying forwarding his works. We store pure water in earthen pots as it cools the water naturally and helps in quenching people’s thirst,” said, Manish Agarwal who works his stall at Masab Tank. Despite the presence of several rows of cut fruits and chilled juice stalls near the station premises, a majority of the commuters prefer to drink water supplied in these stalls, worked by volunteers. Seemingly, nothing can beat cool water. “The earthen pot water gives solace to you. The best thing is you don’t need to spend money and can drink how much you want,” said Sainath Kumar, who had installed his near Nampally station. “More than 300 to 400 people drink water from my stall on a single day. I have five volunteers who pour water for the visitors. Whenever there is a scarcity I call a water tanker. I have been doing this from last two years. I believe in charity and nothing else can be better than serving a glass of water to thirsty people. Many people come to my stall and offer me some money for my deeds but I prefer taking their blessings. Many a times, railway or bus passengers fill water in their bottles for their journeys,” he adds. It is not only the people of the city, but NGOs and other communities have voluntarily taken up this initiative to help people reeling under the summer heat.
1 Year
` 349/-
Subscription Offer
6 Months Hyderabad’s first afternoon newspaper
040 - 4067 2222 subscription@postnoon.com
` 199/-
Hyper Local CLASSIFIEDS FABRICATION
FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2012
Campaigns, hard news and spirit of Twin Cities
6
Schools force students to buy branded clothes, shoes Many private schools tell students to buy certain branded clothes and shoes that cost parents a bomb. Parents, bogged down with increasing expenses are tearing their hair in desperation
EDUCATION Sudeshna Koka Sudeshna.k@postnoon.com
T COMPUTERS
he new academic year has started and with the soaring costs of books and other stationery, parents now have a new long list of ‘branded’ expenses to meet. Some schools in the City now have a new few fascination — branded shoes and clothes — that they thrust on students. Schools have asked their students to purchase only the branded shoes and uniforms which are often branded jeans. This new fad started a couple of years ago in the elite schools, but it is fast spreading to other corporate schools mushrooming in the City. This year private schools have joined the bandwagon of wearing global attire. Schools like Pallavi Model School and Bolton School in Secunderabad have made it compulsory for students to wear Reebok shoes and socks. Earlier, parents would spend less than `250 on normal school shoes and less than `200 for physical training shoes but now they have to spend more than `1,250 for shoes and `300 for socks. “This new decision is very taxing on parents. This time of the year we have to spend money on books, bags, uniforms, transport and tuition fees. Asking us or rather forcing us to buy Reebok shoes is very stressful,” says Rajitha Parathapani, a parent. Schools like Bolton have changed their uniform from normal cotton
pants and half pants to jeans. “My children are in class I and at such a young age they are asked to wear jeans. We used to wear half pants till high school; I see no need for them to wear jeans. Secondly, it’s summer and jeans are very uncomfortable and creates irritation to the skin,” laments Ram Tulsi, a parent. More than the financial burden, parents are worried about the psy-
chological impact this move will have on the young minds. “My daughter is demanding a Disney bag and lunch box. Recently, she demanded that I buy only MAD art and craft products for her. She refuses to use the regular products as most of her friends use branded products. Now schools are demanding Reebok shoes and socks. What are we promoting and infusing our children with?” questions M
Madhavi*, an angry parent. Parents complain that schools have left them with no choice but to obey their orders. “Today all schools are following herd mentality. What one school does, others will follow soon. Moreover, today all that the parents want is admission to an elite school. Once they get admission they will follow everything that the school management tells them. Do we really have a choice?” questions Ram Tulsi. Psychologists say that this shift can have a negative impact on students and parents. Prerna Gupta, a psychologist, says, “Students from different economic backgrounds study in these schools and decisions like these will only create a bigger class difference. This can also be very stress full on parents. With the increasing cost of living, the school’s demand can lead to bigger unseen problems.” Schools claim that they have implemented this rule so that the product lasts for a longer duration. Parents on the other hand argue that school children are at a growing age and hence within months they need to buy a new pair of shoes and clothes. “We are not brand conscious. It’s just that we wanted a specific pattern. Reebok came with an offer hence we are asking parents to buy Reebok products. The idea has been implemented keeping long term benefit in mind. Normal shoes tend to wear out in no time. Branded shoes on the other hand last longer, hence we are asking students to wear branded shoes,” says Jaishree Rao, principal, Pallavi Model School.
ICONIC CITY Laad Bazaar, Old City
A
ll Indian woman have a weakness for bangles and there is no better place to shop for them than at Laad Bazaar, Charminar. Once you enter the market you are surrounded by rows and rows of shops on either sides of the road, selling lakhs and lakhs of bangles in different makes, designs and hues. Laad Bazaar is almost as old as Hyderabad and it carries the same old world charm that is associated with the City. Shops range from tiny cubicles to large
Aishwarya Yerra Hyderabad as a City has a lot to offer in terms of heritage and sights. We take a look at the various places that make this City so special
stores each selling an exhaustive variety of bangles. Right from antique bangles to glass ones to pearl bangles are sold here in every shade possible. Most City brides make it a point to head to Laad Bazaar for their pick of bangles ahead of their weddings. After all where else will you get this wide variety? Besides, bangles here are cheaper as they are sold at wholesale rates (one of the few places that does so, not only in Hyderabad but in the entire country) and are made right there by artisans.
N SHIVA KUMAR
Hyper Local
Campaigns, hard news and spirit of Twin Cities
FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2012
7
M ANIL KUMAR
Summer grips the City With the soaring temperatures in the City, Hyderabadis take to cool ways to beat the summer heat.
17,275.40 216.79
5,250.00 71.05
BSE
NSE
Business
10g= `28,500
GOLD
1kg= `57,200
SILVER
`51.18
DOLLAR
Matters of saving and spending
New lease of life for handloom sector LYNNE HADDOCK
U Srinivas
n
State government implemented loan wavier scheme and banks submitted claims. Reimbursements are pending on these claims. n Central government announced revival, reform and restructuring package. n Weavers’ credit card and financial package to be implemented. n Institutional credit is a new component for handloom weavers.
srinivas.u@postnoon.com
T
he officials of the National Agriculture Bank for Rural Development (NABARD) have assured the State government that the revival, reform and restructuring package for the handloom sector announced by the finance minister in the Union Budget will be taken up from this financial year. The Centre sponsored scheme with a total outlay of `3,884 crore would be in place they assured. The required funds will be with NABARD as the implementing agency. According to the officials, this intervention is likely to benefit 15,000 co-operative societies and three lakh weavers across the country. The funds will be provided for repayment of 100 per cent of principal and 25 per cent interest as on date of loan becoming NPA, which is overdue as on 31-3-2010. This will be with respect to poten-
tially viable primary weavers’ cooperative societies and apex societies as well as in respect to individual handloom weavers, master weavers, self help groups (SHGs) and joint liability groups who have take loans for handloom weaving purposes, provided the banks agree to sanction fresh loans. There will be an overall ceiling of `50,000 per individual beneficiary for funding under the
BlackBerry maker posts $125m loss
MONTREAL: BlackBerry maker Research In Motion on Thursday posted a quarterly loss — disappointing first results for the firm’s new chief executive, who moved to shake up the struggling company’s top ranks. The Waterloo, Ontario-based firm, reported a net loss of $125 million for its fiscal fourth quarter to March 3, compared with a profit of $418 million a year earlier. That dragged down the full fiscal 2012 profit to $1.16 billion, down sharply from $3.4 billion a year earlier as RIM battled against Apple’s iPhones and iPads and an onslaught of Android-powered devices. RIM also said Jim Balsillie, a co-founder and co-chief executive until his resignation in January, would step down from
the board, completing his retirement from the company. In addition to the Balsillie departure, RIM said David Yach will be retiring from his role as chief technology officer and Jim Rowan, COO for global operations, “has decided to pursue other interests.” The results provided a rocky start for COO Thorsten Heins, who was named president and CEO after the resignation of Balsillie and co-CEO Mike Lazaridis following months of investor pressure for a change. Heins did not rule out a sale of the company, saying he would be open to hearing purchase offers, and said the group would undertake a “comprehensive review of strategic opportunities.” Share prices have fallen 80 per cent since little more than a year ago, putting market capitalisation at about $7 billion — meaning the company is particularly vulnerable. During the past quarter, RIM shipped some 11.1 million BlackBerry smartphones — down 21 per cent from the previous quarter. AFP
scheme with respect to waiver of over dues of individual weavers. The weavers’ credit card scheme aims at providing adequate assistance from the banking institutions to the weavers to meet credit requirements for investment and also for working capital in a flexible and cost effective manner. This scheme will be for both rural and urban areas. The Central government is tak-
ing up the scheme in 10 clusters while the AP government is working in 24 clusters. The camps are being organised by the weavers service centre, ministry of textiles, handlooms and textiles department. On the other hand the AP Grameena Bank has requested the SLBC to pass a resolution permitting banks to continue the accounts covered under the existing and present status only.
Google plans cheap tab SAN FRANCISCO: Google is teaming with Asia-based hardware makers on a low-priced, 7inch tablet computer to challenge offerings by Amazon.com and Apple, reports said on Thursday. Android software backed by the California Internet giant will power hardware built by partners including Samsung and Asustek to compete with iPad and Kindle devices, according to Digitimes and the Wall Street Journal. An Asustek tablet could be released as early as May with a
price of $199 to make it an option for shoppers considering the Kindle Fire made by Amazon.com, said Digitimes. Google putting its weight behind an economical tablet would likely put pressure on other gadget makers to lower prices. Google did not respond to an AFP request for comment.
Apple, Samsung talk peace WASHINGTON: Top executives at Apple and Samsung have met recently about a potential patent settlement, a media report said on Thursday. “Apple CEO Tim Cook does not seem to share his predecessor’s passion about laying all foes to waste. Cook appears to view litigation as a necessary evil, not a vehicle of cosmic revenge,” Xinhua reported quoting the Bloomberg Businessweek. Last April, Apple sued Samsung in a US court, alleging that
the Korean maker’s smartphones and Galaxy line of tablet computers violated Apple’s patent and trademark. Samsung later countersued Apple, pitting against the rival in courts around the world. Besides Samsung, Apple has also been filing suits against other manufacturers like HTC and Motorola Mobility, which are actually proxies for Apple products’ major competitor Android, the operating system Google gives away to device makers. AFP
`81.81
POUND FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2012 8 NUMEROLOGY
`10,000crore worth of government securities will be purchased by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) through open market operations (OMOs) on Friday to ease the current liquidity crisis.
THUS SPAKE “Concerns (on NPA) are there. Banks have to improve their ability to manage NPAs. We have told banks what is their lacuna. They have to improve their information system. But we see that the situation is not alarming. Though this is our concern. Hope banks will be able to manage them,” KC Chakrabarty, deputy governor, RBI SENSEX GAINS The Sensex recovered by over 216 points in early trade on Friday on fresh buying by funds and retailers at attractive lower levels. The 30-share barometer, which had lost almost 200 points in the past two sessions, recovered to 17,275.69. Brokers said emergence of buying by funds and retail investors at existing lower levels amid start of new monthly settlement in the derivatives segment, helped Sensex.
DEBT FIREWALL Eurozone nations are set to clash on Friday over boosting the zone’s “firewall” against its debt crisis, as Spain’s fiscal woes stokes fears that the bloc could yet be pitched into a new emergency. Under huge international pressure, finance ministers from the 17-nation currency zone gather for a two-day meeting in Copenhagen to consider ways to bolster defences against a resurgence of the worst economic crisis in the bloc’s history.
India‑View
10
FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2012
India unveiled
BRICS cement two currency pacts Development banks of the five countries signed an agreement on extending credit facilities in the local currency NEW DELHI: The BRICS grouping of five emerging economic powerhouses — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — on Thursday signed two pacts to spur trade in their local currencies and agreed on a joint working group to set up a development bank that will raise their economic weight globally. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Chinese President Hu Jintao, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and South African President Jacob Zuma concluded their fourth BRICS summit by renewing the pitch for reforming global governance and closer co-ordination on global issues. The development banks of the five countries signed a master agreement on extending credit facilities in the local currency and the BRICS multilateral letter of credit confirmation facility agreement in the presence of their leaders at the Taj Palace Hotel here. The participating banks include the Export Import Bank of India, Banco Nacional de Desenvolimento Economico e Social (BNDES) of Brazil, State Corporation Bank for Development and Foreign Economic Affairs of Russia, China Development Bank and
Heads of the BRICS countries (L to R) President Dilma Rousseff of Brazil, Russian Prez Dmitry Medvedev, Indian PM Manmohan Singh, Chinese Prez Hu Jintao and Prez Jacob Zuma of South Africa pose with copies of the BRICS report at the BRICS summit in New Delhi on Thursday. AFP/ PRAKASH SINGH Development Bank of South Africa. The master agreement is aimed at reducing the demand for fully convertible currencies for transactions among BRICS nations, and thereby help reducing the transaction costs of intra-
BRICS trade. The confirmation facility pact envisages confirmation of lines of credit on receipt of a request from the exporter, the exporter’s bank or the importer’s bank. The pacts are expected to scale up intra-BRICS trade which
has been growing at the rate of 28 per cent over the last few years, but at $230 billion, it remains much below the potential of the five economic powerhouses. BRICS has set a target of $500 billion by 2015. The pacts were finalized after
a meeting of trade ministers of the five countries Wednesday. In an important step that promises to integrate the BRICS economies closely, the five countries considered the possibility of setting up a new development bank. The bank is being envisaged to mobilise “resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging economies and developing countries, to supplement the existing efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global growth and development”, said the BRICS’ Delhi Declaration. The leaders directed their finance ministers “to examine the feasibility and viability of such an initiative, set up a joint working group for further study, and report back to us by the next summit”, said the declaration. The BRICS report on synergies and complementaries between the economies of the five countries, a reference guide for promoting trade and investment, was also released in the presence of the leaders. The report has been prepared by a multinational group of experts led by Kaushik Basu, chief economic advisor to the Indian finance ministry. IANS
‘Lost tribe’ dreams of return to Israel Abhaya Srivastava
CHURACHANDPUR: In a synagogue in northeast India, a group of men pray for the chance to “return home” to a country they have never seen and which their ancestors fled nearly 3,000 years ago. “India is not our country,” says Haniel Reuben, 72, one of the eldest members of a tiny community that claims to have descended from the Manasseh — one of the biblical “lost tribes” of Israel exiled in 720 BC by Assyrian conquerors. “Our forefathers migrated and settled here. Our home is Israel and we will be reunited with our people one day or another,” Reuben said. The Bnei Menashe, as the community is known, comprise around 7,200 members of the Kuki-Chin-Mizo tribe who live in the northeast Indian states of Mizoram and Manipur near the border with Myanmar. Their oral history tells of a centuries-long exodus through Persia, Afghanistan, Tibet and
China, all the while adhering to certain Jewish religious practices, like circumcision. In India they were converted to Christianity by 19th century missionaries and, in reading the bible, recognised stories from
Our forefathers migrated here. Our home is Israel and we will be reunited with our people one day or another. Haniel Reuben their own traditions that convinced them they actually belonged to the Jewish faith. “We are the lost tribe,” insists Reuben, who lives in a ramshackle two-storey wooden home set against a scenic background of the misty, ash-
coloured Manipuri foothills. A lunisolar Jewish calendar hangs on the wall of his living room, while a mezuzah, or parchment, with verses from the Torah is fixed to the front door frame of the house in Manipur’s state capital Imphal. He prays three times a day with his eyes facing west “towards Jerusalem.” Lost and Found The ancestral claims of the Bnei Menashe — rejected by other members of the KukiChin-Mizo — began to draw attention in the 1980s from Jewish organisations dedicated to identifying “lost Jews.” In the late 1990s, groups of Bnei Menashe were brought to Israel where they formally converted and settled. But the real breakthrough came in 2005 when Israel’s Sephardic Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar officially recognised the entire community as “descendants of Israel” — a crucial step in securing their “right of return.” The process was halted by
new Israeli government policy in 2007, but last July the Ministerial Committee on Immigration and Absorption, agreed to the return of the remaining 7,200 Bnei Menashe. “It is a huge project,” said Yochanan Phaltual, the Indian
representative for Shavei Israel, an Israeli-based organisation that reaches out to descendants of Jews around the world. “It is very complicated as it requires the involvement of all government departments,” Phaltual said. AFP
India‑View
11
FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2012
India unveiled
Kejriwal says tirade against MPs justified GHAZIABAD: Striking a defiant note, Arvind Kejriwal on Friday replied to the privilege notices served on him for "insulting" Parliament, saying how can he respect the institution which has MPs with "criminal background". The Team Anna member alleged that all the parties are responsible for bringing Parliament to disrepute as 162 MPs with criminal background have managed to get into it. "There was a Parliament in which Lal Bahadur Shastri resigned (from the post of railway minister) following a train accident. I would like to sacrifice anything for such a Parliament but how will I respect Parliament of present days," Kejriwal said. He said industrialists, who were not known for any public service, have managed to get into Parliament with the help of parties. "They enter Parliament to further their business interest. If this is not misuse of Parliament, if this is not insult to Parliament then what is it?," he asked. Some MPs had served a privilege notice against Kejriwal for calling MPs "rapists, murderers and looters" during an election campaign rally last month. PTI
Badal orders probe into firing deaths AFP
CHANDIGARH:
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today (Friday) ordered a magisterial inquiry into the violence in Gurdaspur, where curfew continued after a youth was killed in police firing following a clash over the fate of Balwant Singh Rajoana, on death row for the 1995 assassination of then chief minister Beant Singh. Curfew had been imposed in Gurdaspur following the violence on Thursday. A district administration official said curfew would continue through Friday and may be relaxed only late in the day. A spokesperson in the chief minister's office said Badal had directed the Gurdaspur Deputy Commissioner Mohinder Singh Kainth to get the magisterial inquiry conducted at the earliest. The inquiry will be conducted by Gurdaspur SubDivisional Magistrate (SDM) Tajinder Pal Singh Sandhu. Badal also appealed to
people to exercise restraint and maintain peace, communal harmony and amity. Jaspal Singh, 18, was killed in Gurdaspur town in the firing by police on Thursday. Another person was shot in the chest. The clash between two groups, one from the Shiv Sena and another involving local Sikh organisations, took place in the presence of police over the hanging of the Babbar Khalsa International
(BKI) terrorist, whose death sentence was stayed by the central government on Wednesday. Police sources said Shiv Sena members wanted to burn an effigy of Rajoana but the other group objected, triggering a clash. Police intervened with canes and then fired in the air. It also opened fire at the mob, resulting in the death of the teenager, police said. IANS
NATION AT A GLANCE Youth shoots at cops inside police station KANPUR: A sub-inspector and a constable of Uttar Pradesh police were shot at and critically wounded inside a police station by a drunken youth here early today (Friday), police said. Sub-inspector Devendra Singh was shot at twice in the head by a youth at the Naubasta police station where he is the station officer. He was rushed to the Regency Hospital where he is battling for life, a police spokesman said. The constable injured in the firing is in serious condition. Police officials told the incident took place around midnight. The youngster, whom Singh had chided after complaints by his father that he used to create a ruckus in the house, barged into the police station and opened fire with a revolver.
On eve of RS polls `2 crore seized RANCHI: Police have seized over
`2 crore from a car on the outskirts of Ranchi. "The car carrying over `2 crore was seized near Namkum. The owner of the car is said to be from a sponge iron factory in Jamshedpur," Senior Superintendent of Police Saket Kumar Singh said. The car was seized during a joint operation by the police and IT sleuths. Asked whether there was any link with the Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for today, the SSP said investigations were on.
Indian tourism upbeat despite tight budget Ravi M Khanna
A
lthough India's latest budget has increased the allocation for tourism by less than 10 per cent, the tourism ministry remains hopeful that it can bring in at least seven million foreign tourists to the country during this fiscal year, an increase of one million when compared to the six million figure of the last year. Some ministry officials hope to go even higher to almost 10 million tourists for 2012. They refer to the UNWTO target of one billion tourists by 2012 and say even if they can bring just one per cent of them to India, they can reach the lofty target of 10 million. They point out that the ministry plans to hold its own National Travel Mart titled Global Travel Mart India in the year 2012-13. Currently, India's tourism ministry has 14 overseas offices, including in Paris, Frankfurt, New York, Toronto and Dubai, and to enhance its reach across the globe, it has decided to appoint marketing representatives in the countries where it does not have tourism offices. But the officials also acknowledge that there is a lot of work to be done for the develop-
NIOPHE
ment of tourism in the country. Besides building modern infrastructure, lowering luxury taxes can be one of the effective steps. The tourism ministry has requested other government departments to work with state governments on this. The ministry has also requested hotels to cut tariffs. It has the support of tour operators, who point to the fact that Indian hotel tariffs remain high compared to most countries. But the hotel industry argues that it is also driven by the market as any other business and some of the hotels that have reduced the rates by 30 per cent are yet to see any improvement. Experts say the approach to attracting more foreign tourists should be two-pronged. One is to bring more foreigners to India for tourism and the second is to keep them coming again and again. That we can do, she says, by exposing them to the top exotic spots of India which they would love to go to but have not visited so far. One expert suggests the ministry should start advertising about those exotic spots in the departure lounges of airports. Like, he says, when foreign tourists end their vacation in Goa and are ready to go home, the question in their minds is where to go on vacation next time.
Policemen today (Friday) detain a Tibetan activist following a protest outside the Oberoi Hotel, where Chinese Premier Hu Jintao is staying in New Delhi. Police detained at least 100 other activists protesting against Chinese President Hu Jintao's arrival in the city. AFP/ STR
Masood case: CBI takes voice samples INDORE: The CBI, probing into RTI activist Shehla Masood murder case, today recorded voice samples of prime accused Zahida Parvez and her accomplice Saba Faruqui. The agency took the voice samples of Zahida and Saba in the district jail where they are under a judicial custody till April 3. Special CBI court judge Shubhra Singh, taking cognisance of the apex investigating agency, on March 26 had allowed the CBI to take voice sample of Zahida and Saba in the district jail. CBI counsel Hemant Shukla had filed a petition in the special CBI court seeking permission to record the voice samples.
Around the World
12
FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2012
Beyond Borders
Spill of the Loonies ‘Angels’ to the rescue Millions in Canadian coins (loonies), candy spill after truck crash
B
etween $3 million and $5 million worth of Canadian coins spilled from a Brinks truck onto a remote northern Ontario highway after a crash on Wednesday, CTV News reported. The truck crossed the centerline before slamming into a rock face, triggering a pileup involving another tractor-trailer carrying candy and a mini-van. “It is rather unique in the fact that such a sizable amount of Canadian currency is strewn about a collision,” police constables Marc Depatie told CTV. “We are going to be using magnets and other less sophisticated means of collecting the cargo.” Police used shovels and rakes to clear the road, while clean-up crews brought in a massive magnet normally seen in scrap yards to speed the efforts.
Canada doesn’t use paper $1 and $2 bills anymore, instead opting for coins called loonies and toonies. The driver’s helpers were both hospitalised with serious injuries, although the van’s driver escaped relatively unharmed. Police say poor visibility and snowy roads may have contributed to the crash, which occurred early Wednesday near Kirkland Lake, Ontario — about seven hours north of Toronto. Police said they closed the highway to prevent anyone from helping themselves, The Toronto Star said. “There is lots of security there now,” Ontario Provincial police inspector Mark Andrews said. The road was expected to be closed until early Thursday. “Armoured vehicles have been involved in collisions before, but they are usually not compromised so that may give you an indication of the severity of the impact,” Andrews said. “We have never had a high value load like this spilled. We have never had a Brinks truck of any nature ever split open on us before.” The second truck was reportedly carrying candy, although there were no reports of that being spilled to the same degree, CBC said. GLOBALPOST
‘Guardian Angels’ to watch over US troops in Afghanistan
An Afghan National Police trainee takes his aim with a mock gun at the PTC (Police Training Centre) shooting range of the German Police Project Team (GPPT) next to Camp Marmal. AFP
“G
uardian angels” will be assigned to watch US troops in Afghanistan while they sleep, as part of far-reaching new protections against rogue killers among their Afghan allies.
Promiscuous queen bees have healthier hives
H
ave you ever wondered where all the bee colonies have gone in the last few decades? Apparently, bee chastity is to blame. Scientists at Wellesley College in Massachusetts have been trying to get to the bottom of the recent dramatic bee colony losses. Bee numbers have been declining by at least 30 per cent every year, according to the US
Department of Agriculture, due to the mysterious Colony Collapse Disorder. The researchers have come to a fascinating conclusion — when you are a queen, you are best off being promiscuous. When queens mate with multiple males their hives end up with greater genetic diversity and more robust communities of symbiotic bacteria living in the bee’s guts.
Heather Mattila, an ecologist at Wellesley College, found significantly more gut bacteria in bees from hives where the queens partnered with multiple males. Researchers tested the effects of multiple mates on genetic diversity and bacteria by developing 22 experimentally controlled colonies of honey bees divided into two categories. Twelve benefited from a queen inseminated with a mix of 15 male bee’s sperm. The other 10 had a chaste queen with only one mate. Queen honey bees only mate once in their lives, so clearly, they need to maximise the action. In the experiment, the initial artificial insemination was enough to last one queen a lifetime. The promiscuous hives hosted 1,105 species of microbes with 40 per cent more beneficial bacteria than the other group, Discovery News reports. The monogamous queens’ hives had only 781, as well as 127 percent more potential pathogens. GLOBALPOST
Marine General John Allen, the top US commander in Afghanistan, ordered the added protections — including roundthe-clock watch duties at joint US-NATO bases, the St Louis Daily cited a senior military official as saying.
Some of the changes ordered by Allen in recent weeks have been subtle, others less so. Americans working in several Afghan ministries are now allowed to carry weapons, and they have been instructed to rearrange their office desks there to face the door. The changes come after a spike in attacks on coalition forces by Afghans, prompted by the burning of Qurans by US personnel near Bagram air base in Afghanistan several weeks ago. The increased security was ordered specifically in response to a February incident in which two American officers were gunned down at the Ministry of Interior in Kabul, the AP wrote. And at least 16 NATO service members have been killed by Afghan soldiers and policemen — or militants disguised in uniforms — this year, US officials say. “We have taken steps necessary on our side to protect ourselves with respect to, in fact, sleeping arrangements, internal defenses associated with those small bases in which we operate,” Allen said, adding that now someone is “always overwatching our forces.” GLOBALPOST
SPARE THE CHAIN
A Cambodian boy was chained to a power pole in Battambang province by his irate father to punish him for skipping school to play online games, police said. The 40-year-old father, who works as a motorbike taxi driver, fled the scene after the AFP incident and is now wanted on child abuse charges.
Around the World
13
FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2012
Beyond Borders
Images reveal N Korea’s rocket launch plan
Members of North Korea Peace Group release balloons in March 27, during the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit. AFP
Ousted prez Nasheed to hold talks WASHINGTON: The United States said that senior officials will meet on Friday with the ousted leader of Maldives and urged restraint from all sides after he appealed for stronger US support. Mohamed Nasheed, in the United States for a new film on his battle against climate change, voiced dismay at US policy as he made an unusual appearance Wednesday on the widely watched Late Show with David Letterman. The State department said that the under secretary for political affairs, would meet Nasheed in Washington on Friday. Nasheed said that he was shocked by initial US statements of recognition for the government after his resignation. Nasheed acknowledged that the US backtracked from its initial acceptance of the new government, but said: “We hope that they would more assist us in trying to get the elections done.” The administration of President Waheed says an early vote is not possible unless all agree to amend the constitution. AFP
SEOUL: North Korea has begun preparing for a rocket launch next month despite international condemnation, satellite images show, as Japan vowed on Friday to shoot down the projectile if it poses a threat. The images taken on Thursday show that work to prepare the launch pad appears to be under way, according to the 38 North website, which published several images taken by private US firm DigitalGlobe. The nuclear-armed North insists it will go ahead with what it calls the peaceful launch of a scientific satellite from its Tongchangri site in the far northwest. The United States and other nations say the exercise is a disguised longrange missile test, in breach of UN resolutions and of a US-North Korean deal. The website, a project of
the US-Korea Institute at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced and International Studies, said the detailed images show the mobile launch pad on tracks next to the gantry tower. At the two largest propellant storage buildings to the right of the pad, containing tanks to supply the Unha-3 rocket's first stage, trucks could be seen delivering fuel and oxidiser, it said. 38 North said preparation “seems to be progressing on schedule” and the next step would be moving the first stage to the pad, probably on March 30 or 31. The North has said it will launch the satellite some time in the morning between April 12-16 to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of founding president Kim Il-Sung. It says it will estimate crop yields and collect
weather data, among other missions, and rejects strong criticism from leaders. Japan fears the flight path may take it over its southern island chain of Okinawa. Defence Minister Naoki Tanaka said that he has ordered troops to shoot it down if it threatens Japanese territory. South Korea has also said it will shoot down the rocket if it strays over its territory. The United States has suspended plans to start sending 240,000 tonnes of food aid to the North, which in return agreed last month to a partial nuclear freeze and a missile test moratorium. Pyongyang insists it is not a missile test, a stance rejected by other countries. South Korea, which has icy relations with the North, says the launch is to test technology that could deliver a nuclear warhead. AFP
Assad backs peace plan DAMASCUS:President Bashar al-Assad has vowed to work to make a success of envoy Kofi Annan’s peace plan, state news agency SANA said, as Arab leaders on Thursday urged dialogue to end Syria’s crackdown on dissent. On the ground, monitors reported that 36 people were killed in violence across the country. Assad stressed the UN-Arab League envoy’s plan would succeed only if “terrorist acts” backed by foreign powers stopped across the country, SANA reported. “President Assad has informed Annan that Syria approves the plan (the envoy) submitted but had made remarks about it,” and pledged he would “spare no effort” to make it work, the agency said. Annan’s plan calls for a halt to violence, daily two-hour humanitarian truce, media access to areas of fighting, for political dialogue, the right to demonstrate and the release of detainees. The United States was unimpressed by Assad's comments. “We’ve seen absolutely nothing on the ground that indicates that they're adhering to its calls for Syrian artillery and heavy weaponry to go back to barracks and for a ceasefire,” said State Department
President Assad talking to local residents of the Baba Amr neighbourhood. AFP spokesman Mark Toner. “We want to see an end to the violence as soon as possible so that we can get humanitarian assistance in to the beleaguered Syrian people,” he said. His remarks came as a UN spokesman said at the end of a Syrian government-led assessment mission to the country that least one million Syrians needed humanitarian assistance. Eight UN experts and three from the Organisation of Islamic
Cooperation (OIC) took part in the tour which ended on Monday. “The joint analysis of the OIC and UN indicates that at least one million Syrians are in need of humanitarian assistance,” said deputy UN spokesman Eduardo del Buey. At a summit in Baghdad, Arab leaders approved a resolution calling for an end to Syria’s brutal crackdown, for the opposition to unite and for parties to the conflict to launch a “serious national dialogue.” A warning from Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki against arming the parties to the conflict highlighted the split in the 22-member Arab League, from which Syria has been suspended because of the violence. While hardliners Qatar and Saudi Arabia have called for Assad to step down and for rebels opposing his regime to be supplied with weapons, others including Iraq have been pushing for a political reconciliation. “Based on our experience in Iraq, the option to arm either side will lead to a regional and international proxy war in Syria,” Maliki warned in his speech to Arab leaders. UN chief Ban Ki-moon urged the Syria to start implementing Annan’s plan. AFP
GLOBE AT A GLANCE US drone strike kills 4 militants in Pakistan MIRANSHAH:A US drone launched a missile attack on a militant compound in Pakistan's northwestern tribal region near the Afghan border early on Friday, killing four insurgents, security officials said. The missiles targeted a house in a market area of Miranshah, the main town in North Waziristan, known as a stronghold of Taliban and Al-Qaeda-linked militants, they said.
20 dead in Hondurus prison fire TEGUCIGALAPA:Twenty inmates of a jail in northern Honduras died on Thursday when fights broke out over control of the prison cells.One of the victims was decapitated and his head was tossed over the wall of the jail in San Pedro Sula city, coordinator of the public prosecutor’s office Marely Banegas said.
Visitors look at a 1:48 scale, 18foot-long model of the Titanic at the Titanic: 100 Year Obsession AFP show in Washington, DC.
Gaddafi assets worth $1.4bn seized by Italy ROME:Assets worth $1.1 billion euros (about $1.4 billion) belonging to Libya’s Gaddafi family were seized by the Italian police. Then Libyan leader Gaddafi had cozied up to the Italian government and business leaders. All deals between the two countries were off when Italy joined its NATO allies in bombing Gaddafi’s military in support of a rebel movement.
Bush endorses ‘good man’ Mitt Romney CHICAGO: Former US president George Bush called on Republicans on Thursday to rally behind Romney and wrap up the party’s presidential nominating process. ”We’ve known Mitt for a long time and he’s the man to do this job,” Bush told reporters gathered in his Houston office, with his wife Barbara and Romney at his side.
Venezuelan President Chavez in Caracas on March 29, 2012, He returned after the first phase of a radiotherapy treatment. AFP
Comment
FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2012
Fair, free and forthright
Editorials TIME FOR BRICS to assert themselves
T
he five-nation alliance comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa has put its foot down on the EU-US alliance which is spearheading the sanctions on Iran to curtail its nuclear programme. The bloc members, especially India and China, have firmly told their Western counterparts that they will not stop or reduce import of Iranian crude. With Indian and Chinese money flowing in uninterrupted and the continuing bilateral trade, Iran will get enough manoeuvring room to tackle the sanctions. The US and its allies have a long history of using unequal criteria to rate human rights and conformity with international rule according to their convenience — deafening silence on Israeli nuclear weapons. While the Syrian regime slaughtering its civilians is massive human rights abuse, the response to decades-long suppression of Palestinians in their homeland is barely more than lip service. Over the years, it has come to a stage where there is no credible alternative to the economic and military might of the United States. With a weakened US no longer able to play the unchallenged superpower role, it’s time the economic powerhouses assert themselves to carve out a new world order. The BRICS decision is a step in the right direction as it is sending a powerful message to the US-led bloc that it will be their national interests and not politics across the Atlantic that will determine their policies. Uncle Sam won’t give up easily and it will require a never-seenbefore amount of concerted action to realign the picture.
Hear this! A wedding? My advice: Skip it
HARIKUL
The Anonymous Alien
I
love the ornate invitations. I love the exquisite outfits the bride and groom wear, the amazing food and glorious desserts, and perhaps mostly, the contagious energy. Indian weddings are truly spectacular, and I make a point to... well... NEVER go. Never, ever, never. At the last Indian wedding I was at — a relatively tame affair, by Indian standards — I pulled out my handy-dandy iPhone, opened a free decibel-measuring app and checked the decibel level volume of the music... 105 decibels was the LOW reading. At 105 decibels, PERMANENT hearing loss can occur in about 5 minutes. Did that sink in? At 105 decibels, permanent hearing loss can occur in about 5 minutes... and I’m sure the music played at that volume for hours! I read the meter, and then sat there for about one minute watching little kids dance and play, knowing that everyone of them was — in real time — risking lifelong damage to their hearing. It was all too much for me; these innocent kids, permanently handicapping themselves... their parents, clueless of the damage they were allowing to happen to their prodigy. I looked at a couple with three young kids hanging all over them, wondering what words I could conjure up that might inspire them to act to spare their kids this fate. “Hey, your kids are going deaf!” I blurted out. “Get them out of here!” They looked at me like I was a crazy man, and moved nervously to another table. I turned my attention to another couple, with two more kids, but got the same response. I approached the sound mixer, to try to get him to lower the volume for everyone, but he either couldn’t hear me, understand me or just didn’t care. I then scooped up my kids before the damage was permanent with them, and headed home. *** About four years ago, I was in a famous
Kind policemen
Treat pet like family
Your Postnoon special on the boy living in the police station was really commendable. I have been reading your paper off and on and I must confess that every time I read it, I am surprised by the amount of topics you cover. Most of it is not covered in other papers, and this is really commendable. There are many children like Ranjith who are brought to the city on some pretext or the other and left in the lurch. Luckily for Ranjith, someone turned him in to the police station and did not left him at his mercy. Kudos to the Ramgopalpet police as well.
The more I think of it, the more I feel sorry about our behaviour. Leave alone humans, not even animals are safe in our company. The incident of the St Bernard puppy Fighter was heartwrenching to say the least. The other day when I went to get my sister a dog as a gift for her birthday, a very knowledgeable pet seller told me that only if I were able to care of the puppy as my own child should I buy it and not just to satisfy status requirements or my fascination. He then showed me your paper and that is where I read about Fighter. I was appalled. Dinesh Jain Banjara Hills
Nusrat Jehan MLA Colony
14
hospital in Mumbai getting a physical checkup. Near the end of the exam, my hearing was checked... all good news, in fact, great news; my hearing was excellent. “Well, that’s good news,” I said to the doctor. “Most of my ex-Pat patients measure out around where you do,” said my Indian doctor, matter-of-factly. “It’s my Indian patients that are in trouble.” “Why’s that?” I asked. “Music. Too loud. At night clubs. Indian theatres. Weddings,” he sighed. “I try to warn people, but nobody listens.” Probably because they’re already halfdeaf. *** You can’t see the damage done from blasting music. It’s invisible, like radiation, and therefore easy to ignore. But don’t kid yourself... one Indian wedding is enough to permanently damage you and your kids’ hearing.
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
So do yourself... do your children... a favour. Go into the app store on your smartphone, and type ‘decibel meter’. There are dozens of them, some free. Grab one of them. Then, go here: http://www.dangerousdecibels.org/education/information-center/decibel-exposure-time-guidelines/ and print out the page. Keep it in your purse or wallet. It tells you how long you can endure various sound levels before permanent damage might set in. The rest of what you need to do will be obvious. In the end, if you choose to stand there and destroy your hearing, that’s your choice (not mine!). But if you choose to stand there and destroy your kids’ hearing... well, that’s something entirely different. Are you listening to me??? (A foreigner’s observations on living, working, surviving and thriving in India.)
Keep good work going
Boys not all that bad
I have been reading Postnoon regularly and I would like say that your paper is not like the others that we have in our city right now. I love the way you have different elements on the page and how the page looks so colourful and newsy without being boring. The selection of stories also is good. The news about Fighter, the puppy and more recently the boy who is living in the police station made for interesting reading. I wish you all the best for your further editions and keep up the good work.
The Knowledge Central page on the Bad boys of Bollywood is something we should not be very proud of. While they make names for themselves as actors they can never make a name for themselves as humanitarians or good human beings. I would like to point out that when these stars actually do something good, they are written off as publicity stunts for their next film. They should be given credit for whatever good they do, when one can heap brickbats on them when they do something wrong. Preeti Shukla Journalist Colony
Aman Kumar Secunderabad
Rhythm Nation
FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2012
n n n n
n n n n
What: Bonnaroo Where: Manchester, Tennessee, USA When: 7 to 10 June, 2012 Why go: Now this festival seems to have a bit of something for everyone as it embraces different styles of music ranging from electronic to pop and rap to country. This year's lineup includes the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Skrillex, The Roots, Foster the People and others. At the festival, you will find stalls and exhibitions where craftsmen and artisans sell products not intrinsically related to music.
What: Coachella Where: Coachella Valley, Indio, California When: Two weekends – 13 -15 and 20-22nd April, 2012 Why go: This artsy music festival has been featuring some of the biggest names in music, regularly. This year's line up consists of acts like Kaiser Chiefs, Florence and the Machine, Gotye, Santigold, among others. Coachella is known for their popular Carpoolchella system which aims to reduce the number of vehicles at the venue. Under this system, one must write Carpoolchella on a large piece of paper, and place it visibly on one's car. Secret spotters comb the crowd and if your car is one of the very few to be spotted, you are entitled to VIP tickets to Coachella for life. Ain't that a sweet deal?
n n n n
Grab your sun hats and book your tickets for yet another year of music festivals complete with legendary names and the freshest talent on the world music scene
SUMMER MUSE S
ummer is here and everyone around is gearing up for a trip out. While some of you may opt for London, Paris or New York, others may take
time off to cool in the Alps or take a quiet sail down the Turkish coast. Instead of the routine vacations, why don't you go for something different. A good music festival
15
What: Lollapalooza Where: Grant Park, Chicago, Illinois When: August 3-5, 2012 Why go: An annual music festival featuring popular, alternative rock, heavy metal, punk rock and hip hop bands along with dance and comic performances, it serves as a platform for non-profit and political groups. The festival plays host to more than 160,000 people over a three day period. The line-up for this year's festival is yet to be announced.
is the coolest place to unwind, revel and meet people while watching your dream playlist come alive in front of you. Check out our recommendations:
Compiled by Sana Mirza
n n n n
What: Creamfields When: 24-26 August, 2012 Where: Daresbury, Cheshire, England Why go: It has now become the capital of electronic dance music and is one of the biggest music festivals featuring some of the best DJs and live acts. This year's lineup includes Deadmau5, Tiesto, David Guetta, Avicii, Skrillex, Calvin Harris, Abov and Beyond among many more. Other Creamfields festivals are held in Abu Dhabi, Buenos Aires, Istanbul, Moscow and Australia which was added to the list in 2010.
n n n n
iTUNES Top 10 Gotye
1. Boyfriend Justin Bieber 2. We Are Young (feat Janelle Monae) Fun 3. Somebody That I Used To
Bollywood Top 10
Billboard Top 10
Know(feat Kimbra) 4. Call Me Maybe Carly Rae Jepsen 5. Wild Ones(feat Sia) Flo Rida 6. What Makes You Beautiful One Direction 7. Glad You Came The Wanted 8. Eyes Open Taylor Swift 9. Stronger(What Doesn't Kill You) Kelly Clarkson 10. Drive By Train
1. We are Young fun. Featuring Janelle Monae 2. Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger) Kelly Clarkson 3. Glad You Came
The Wanted 4. Set Fire To The Rain Adele 5. Somebody That I Used To Know Gotye featuring Kimbra 6. Starships Nicki Minaj 7. Turn Me On David Guetta featuring Nicki Minaj 8. Take Care Drake featuring Rihanna 9. Wild Ones Flo Rida featuring Sia 10. Part Of Me Katy Perry
What: Fuji Rock Where: Naeba Ski Resort, Niigata, Japan When: 27-29 July, 2012 Why go: One of Asia's biggest music festivals, the Fuji Rock is a premier music festival with over 200 performances by popular bands from around the world. It also attracts fans not only from across the continent but from all over the world. This year's line-up includes Radiohead and The Stone Roses. A few other bands are slated to confirm soon.
3. Pungi
1. Raabta Agent Vinod 2. Tore Bina Kahaani
Agent Vinod 4. Piya Tu Kahe Rootha Re Kahaani 5. Mann Jaage Bittoo Boss 6. I Will Do The Talking Tonight Agent Vinod 7. Kaun Kenda Bittoo Boss 8. Thehree Si Zindagi London Paris New York 9. O'Saiyyan Agneepath 10. Hosanna Ek Deewana Tha
H‑Factor
FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2012
Holistic view of mind, body and soul
TAME THE SUN
Hair
W
e all want beautiful, healthy hair, but summers can play spoilsport. Keep your hair safe with simple measures such as tying a scarf or wearing a hat which can be a great style statement too. Hair tends to get burnt in the summer so try using products that have SPF in them. Avoid hair dryers this season. Don’t shampoo your hair too often or use a milder shampoo to avoid drying your scalp. For those who love to swim protect your hair and wash your hair with water immediately before and after a swim as the chlorine along with the UV rays can harm your hair.
Get set for
Skin
T
he first thing everyone is concerned about in the summers is skin darkening. So out come the sunscreens, gloves and scarves. But skin darkening is just one of the few problems. Prolonged exposure to the sun could also lead to pigmentation, heat rashes, fungal and bacterial rashes. Nobody wants to spend the summer covering angry red rashes or scabs. So ensure you cover exposed parts of the body, keep some aloe gel handy for sunburns, use antibacterial or antifungal creams and soaps, bathe twice and of course drink gallons of water for radiant skin.
Eyes
W
hat could be better than fishing out those stylish shades this summer? Not only they look chic they also protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays that could potentially damage your eyes. Prolonged exposure to the sun may lead to the early onset of cataracts, retinal damage, macular degeneration, skin cancer near the eye, photokeratitis (sunburn of the cornea) and other eye problems. So pick good quality shades that will protect your eyes. Also rinse your eyes with clean water after a long day out in the sun. You could also use artificial tears to clear your eyes of that gritty feeling.
SUMMER We’ve given you a lowdown on all that could possibly go wrong in the summer. Here’s a roundup of things you could do for a happy healthy vacation Postnoon News feedback@postnoon.com
Children
C
ome summers and children are all gung-ho about vacations, lazy mornings, followed by long afternoons spent playing with pals. Picnics, gully cricket, tag, football are all part of the plan. But they are also accompanied by heat strokes, dehydration and rashes. Ensure your child drinks sufficient
water and juices to stay hydrated. Organise fun indoor activities so they avoid stepping out during the peak heat hours (12pm to 4pm), dab some water on their heads when they’re out too long. And of course give them cool cotton clothes to wear to let their skin breathe.
18
Start young for good habits
Dr Kiran Krishnamurti
Heatstroke
D
ehydration and sunstroke are common problems in summer. Keep yourself protected this summer by drinking plenty of water and if possible avoid stepping out in the afternoons. Excessive heat can cause these problems. Be cautious of symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, high fever, excessive tiredness, dryness in the mouth and skin. ORS or a simple water, salt and sugar mixture is a great solution to relieve dehydration. Drinking plenty of water is the most important, so keep a bottle of water handy always.
Food
S
ummer is when we need to keep our body hydrated and avoid food that dehydrates your body. Seasonal fruits like watermelons, grapes and oranges are the best option. Apart from that one should also avoid eating food that is too spicy or oily. Summers need not mean that you stop eating your favourite non-vegetarian treats. Just avoid excess oil and spice and make sure the meat is fresh as proteins are more prone to bacterial infections. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables and limit those cold drinks as they just add to the calories and don’t really quench thirst.
My son is only nine months old but I am very keen that when he grows up he should be a voracious reader. I read a lot and so does my husband but we see kids around us who hardly read. What can I do at an early age to ensure that my son grows up to love reading? I’m glad you are thinking so far ahead. You could start right away by reading to your child. At nine months of age they may not understand ALL that you are saying but they definitely absorb all of it. Keep it very simple by just showing him big pictures and describing them in your own words. As he grows older you could build stories around these pictures, or even family photo albums. After one year of age you can read to him from books which have a few words per page. Never force your child to read when he is not in the mood to read. And do not always choose books that you think are ‘good for him’ you must also pay attention to his likes and dislikes. Since you and your husband love reading, your son is already at an advantage to be in a home surrounded by books. (The writer is a paediatrician practicing at Andromeda centre, Somajiguda. You can write in to her at kiran_krishnamurti@hotmail.com)
H‑Factor
FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2012
Holistic view of mind, body and soul
19
Chocolate helps stay slim? Eating chocolate more frequently is linked to a lower body mass index (BMI), a US study has found
E
matters for determining their ultimate impact on weight.” The connection remained even when other factors, like how much exercise individuals did, were taken into account, BBC wrote. Eating chocolate, particularly dark chocolate in the past has been linked to favourable health outcomes, such as lower blood pressure and cholesterol. However, because of its high fat and calorie content, chocolate is not usually recommended by health experts. Australia’s ABC cited experts as urging moderation. “Before you start eating a chocolate bar a day to keep the doctor away, remember that a chocolate bar can contain over 200 calories which mostly come from saturated fats and sugar,” Nancy Copperman, director of Public Health Initiatives at the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System in New York, reportedly said. “Consider limiting your chocolate fix to a one ounce (28 grams) portion of dark chocolate or adding cocoa powder which is very low in fat to your food once a day.” GLOBAL POST
ating chocolate more frequently is linked to a lower body mass index (BMI), a new study has found. The effect of eating chocolate a few times a week, rather than just occasionally, is modest but greater than can be explained by chance,the Guardian quotes researchers from the University of California at San Diego as reporting. The study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, put out by the Journal of the American Medical Association, involved more than 1,000 healthy men and women. It found adults that adults who ate chocolate a few times a week were, on average, slimmer than those who consumed it occasionally. Even though chocolate is loaded with calories, it contains ingredients that may favor weight loss rather than fat synthesis, scientists believe, according to the BBC . The BBC quoted lead author Dr Beatrice Golomb as saying, “Our findings appear to add to a body of information suggesting that the composition of calories, not just the number of them,
Rubbing toothpaste on gums protects against cavities LONDON: Brushing your teeth twice daily may be sensible advice, but rubbing toothpaste on your gums after lunch also hugely lowers the risk of developing cavities. “Rubbing toothpaste on to your teeth (and gums) increases the flouride protection by 400 pe r cent,” said Anna Nordstrom from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden who led the study. “This massage method proved to be at least as effective as a third brushing in increasing the amount of fluoride in the mouth,” added Nordstrom. Gothenburg researchers were testing the effect of a high-fluoride toothpaste sold over the counter in
Sweden. They asked volunteers to brush various numbers of times a day and also tested out the ‘finger rubbing’ technique, the Daily Mail reports.
“Rubbing the front of your teeth with toothpaste can be an easy way of giving your teeth a third ‘shot’ of fluoride during the day, after lunch for example,” said Nordstrom. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that prevents decay by strengthening the protective enamel coating on teeth. IANS
Flu shot hastens sleeping disorder LONDON: Children vaccinated with the pandemic H1N1 swine flu shot were 13 times more likely to develop narcolepsy, a condition characterised by excessive sleepiness, even during daytime. Finnish researchers found that between 2002 and 2009, before the swine flu pandemic struck, the rate of narcolepsy in children under 17 years was 0.31 per 100,000. In 2010 this was about 17 times higher at 5.3 per 100,000 while the narcolepsy rate remained the same in adults, the journal Public Library of Sciences One reports. Markku Partinen of the Helsinki Sleep Clinic and Hanna Nohynek of the National Institute for Health and Welfare in Finland, also collected vaccination and childhood narcolepsy data for children born between January 1991 and December 2005. They found that the rate of narcolepsy in those who were vaccinated was nine per 100,000 compared to 0.7 per 100,000 in unvaccinated children, or 13 times lower. Pandemrix was the main vaccine used in the UK against the swine flu epidemic in which six million people were vaccinated. It was formulated specifically for the swine flu pandemic virus and is no longer in use. The World Health Organisation has conducted an investigation after the link was first suggested in Finland and Sweden two years ago and found no other countries experienced a increase in narcolepsy rates during or after the pandemic.
F‑Folio
Because you are what you wear
DIOR’S T he beginning of Christian Dior’s iconic luxury and fashion house was based on giving rise to dreams and fantasies using haute couture, which continues even today. Dior was widely credited with making Paris ‘the fashion capital of the world’ in the 1950s. Today we learn about the Lady Dior
Surabhi Chauhan feedback@postnoon.com
C
hristian Dior was a couturier known for feminine creations. Clothes that flattered the woman’s body and all that appealed to the romantic and luxurious notions of women post World War II. In Fashion Designers the book by Pamela Golbin, there is a quote by the designer Christian Dior which reads: “As a result of wartime uniforms, women still looked and dressed like Amazons. But I designed clothes for flower-like women, clothes with rounded shoulders, full feminine busts, and willowy waists above enormous spreading skirts. Such a fragile air can be achieved only by solid construction…a technique quite different from the methods then in use.” The beginning of this iconic luxury and fashion house was based on providing dreams and fantasies using haute couture, which continues even today. Dior was widely credited with making Paris ‘the fashion capital of the world’ in the 1950s. Women who associate with the
brand desire to connect with the beauty and nature of the woman that Dior helped coin with his designs. Today the brand has forayed into leather goods, ready-towear, menswear, perfume, beauty, timepieces, jewellery and also continues with haute couture. With boutiques all across the globe, leather goods and readyto-wear collections are being sold from exclusive Dior boutiques in Delhi and Mumbai as well. Amongst the seasonal collections what has become the new iconic, besides what was created by Monsieur Dior, is the ‘Lady Dior’ handbag. With many variations, the bag has a curious story behind its inception and name. In September 1995, the Paul Cezanne exhibition at the Grand Palais in Paris (sponsored by LVMH and Christian Dior) hosted Princess Diana at the inauguration dinner. As a welcome present for the Princess of Wales, Madame Bernadette Chirac, the Paris mayor’s wife, asked Dior for an exclusive and special gift. Dior’s designers looked for new ideas to update an already existing handbag made out of ‘cannage’. The new declination in leather of the bag used all the codes of the House of Dior. The design of the leather
‘cannage’ pattern was inspired by the Napoleon III style and the Louis XV chairs (which were used during Monsieur Dior fashion shows during 1947), the Dior letters inspired the lucky charms jewellery. Lady Di took a strong liking to this one-of-a-kind handbag and carried it to most events in Great Britain. Her images carrying the handbag whilst visiting the children’s hospital and other public appearances were splashed all over the press. The black Dior handbag, which would soon be named ‘Lady Dior’ for obvious reasons, garnered media attention which the princess was well accustomed to. When the bag finally appeared in the Dior boutiques in January 1996, the Dior House asked the Princess to name the bag: "Lady Dior". This gave birth to an iconic bag which is today sold from Dior boutiques world over. Celebrities like Marion Cotillard, Dita Von Teese, Leighton Meester, Monica Bellucci, Frida Pinto, Kangna Ranaut, Carla Bruni, Diane Kruger, have all been spotted with their Lady Diors. The handbag has also made appearance in films and television shows like Sonam Kapoor starrer Aisha, HBO series
FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2012
20&21
ICONIC LADY Sex and the City, teen drama show The Gossip Girl and Woody Allen’s latest ‘Midnight in Paris’. This handbag has transcended cultures, generations and popular mediums. Epitomising the dream of the founder, Lady Dior handbag now comes in different sizes, textures and colours to cater to the women of the world. The bag though boxy in shape has a unique feminine appeal with its curved rigid handles, the ‘cannage’ cushioned stitching and the minimal visible branding in form of the hardware letters ‘D-I-O-R’ dangling from the mouth of the handbag. Another reason why the original handbag gathered a wide audience was due to its sim-
plistic nature as it could be paired with an existing wardrobe. The Lady Dior can be worn to an Indian wedding when paired with a sari and stands out equally well in a meeting in a business suit. Going back to the history of the brand, Christian Dior before foraying into fashion and couture was sent to political-science school by his parents. He also served in the military after which he opened an art gallery with Jacques Bonjean, where they exhibited works by their friends (and soon to become renowned artists) Christian Berard, Raoul Dufy, Giorgio de Chirico, and Jean Cocteau. Christian Dior who had dreamed of going to art school remained close to artists throughout his life. It was this collision of art and fashion that the house recently translated into the ‘As seen by’ exhibition presenting more than 50 creations from International contemporary artists giving their own vision of the icon-
ic Lady Dior bag. The foundation of the Dior identity — this love of art today fuels the vibrant dialogue between the Dior icon that is the Lady Dior and the works of talented artists. Each season new versions are created by the creative team at the Dior House spearheaded by Dior’s successors: Giafranco Ferre (1989-1996), John Galliano (1996- 2011) and now Bill Gaytten. With a versatile appeal and strong heritage such as of Lady Dior, it is not hard to find the one just right for your taste. The Lady Dior micro mini starts at `1,35,000 and it could go till `2,45,000 for the Lady Dior shopper. The exotic skins version can go up to `5,60,000.
The writer is a fashion blogger (www.lovestruckcow.blogspot.com) who attempts to bridge the gap between creator and consumer. As a fashion writer, she hopes to promote Indian fashion among Indians and on a global level too.
The making of a Lady Dior is displayed on the top of the page. (From left: Princess Diana, Sonam Kapoor, Freida Pinto and Kangna Ranaut with their Lady Diors
Spotlight
FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2012
Tollywood stars came in large numbers to attend the audio launch of Jr NTR, Trisha and Karthika starrer Dammu. The event took place at Shilpakala Vedika.
Lakshmi Pranathi & Jr NTR
Actor Shraddha Das and Princess 2012 Nikita Sharma(below) at the launch of the Overseas gallery furniture Mall on Thursday at Road no 3 Banjara Hills.
Trisha
Boyapati Srinu
SS Rajamouli
Raghavendra Rao
MM Keeravani
Karthika
Srinu Vaitla DEEPAK DESHPANDE
Ringing in the weekend early, youngsters gathered at 10D, in Begumpet on Thursday night and danced the night away.
Opening new avenues DEEPAK DESHPANDE
In the best of spirits
Sumana & Nazeera
Stylish comfort at home SRINVAS SETTY
A grand unveiling
22
Meenu
Minister Vatti Vasanth Kumar and Sandeep Sultania at the inauguration of the APTDC information and reservation office on Thursday.
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
The glamour behind the glitz
FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2012
23
Magic Screen
The glamour behind the glitz
FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2012
24
e
ib r c s Sub
! y a Tod
6 Months
` 199/-
1 Year
` 349/-
Contact us on : 040 4067 2222
Magic Screen
FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2012
The glamour behind the glitz
Sneha Ullal’s video goes viral
S
neha Ullal is making waves once again. Although she has been missing from action for quite along time, she recently made a big splash thanks to the video titled Lick. Buoyed by the media attention and the response on the Internet, she has come up with another video which she has named as Love Lock Down. Less than three days after she posted the teaser of the video on You Tube, it went viral and got more than 80,000 hits. She is planning to unveil the full video later this week. After a long time, she has signed Anil Sunkara’s upcoming 3D film titled Action where she will soon be seen with Allari Naresh, Vaibhav, Raju Sundaram, Shaam, Kanma Jethmalani and Vimala Raman.
25
T-TOWN TWEETIES
@tashu_02 A very gudmorning to all... Its a beautiful morning today with very pleasant weather... hope we get blessed to have a beautiful day ahead too!
@Actor_Siddharth You go in expecting to have your mind blown and despite all those expectations you still get your socks blown off...’downton abbey’! Wow!!!!
@vennelakishore Update about vennela 1 1/2: A reputed production company has bought the movie(bulk rights) and are planning for a wide release in summer...
@shraddhadas43
Prakash Raj is back in SVSC
P Trivikram directs NTR A
part from being one of the most sought after writers and directors, Trivikram has also earned the reputation as the go-to guy to direct ads featuring top Telugu film stars for national brands. In the past, he had directed ads for brands like Santoor, Jos Alukkas featuring Mahesh Babu and another ad for Pepsi with Ram Charan Tej. Now, Trivikram Srinivas and NTR have teamed up for the first time, although it’s just for a TV commercial. We hear that Trivikram Srinivas has directed an ad featuring NTR for Navratna hair oil for which NTR is the brand ambassador. The TV commercial has already been shot and it’ll be aired shortly. In his career spanning more than 10 years, NTR has never worked with Trivikram Srinivas. Now that the two teamed up for a TV commercial,the only thing on everyone’s mind is when will they team up for a film.
rakash Raj is going to join the sets of Srikanth Addala’s Seethamma Vaakitlo Sirimalle Chettu in April. Back in February, when the film unit went to Kutralam, Tamil Nadu to shoot some major episodes, Prakash Raj did not join them. There were even rumours that he had opted out of the film due to some differences with Dil Raju, the producer of the film. Later, Srikanth Addala and Dil Raju even approached other actors like Sathyaraj and Anupam Kher to play this important role in the film, but they couldn’t find a suitable replacement. Now we hear that Dil Raju and Prakash Raj have decided to put aside their differences and Prakash Raj will begin shooting for the film from next month. For the past few days, the film is being shot in Hyderabad.
Oh my God just spoke to the Sushmita Sen! She recognised me from dil toh baccha hai ji n said her daughter n she loved me! Yipppeeeeeeeeeee.
@bsoumya26 Guys finally! In 6 long yrs tat I started drinking a diet coke this is the 1st tin I ve drunk completely.
@RGVzoomin “@pranavreddy4RGV: Its stupid to die for your beliefs because your beliefs cud be wrong.”
@devakatta Lost voice screaming for 2 days, action is tough... need to join @ssrajamouli as an AD for a couple of months... :)
@trishtrashers Helloo tweeps,yes will be attending the DAMMU audio function this evening... Looking fwd 2 seeing u all there :)
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
FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2012
Take a shot at the brain game while sipping your cuppa
26
QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Pole used in rigging 5 Pt of NAACP 9 Held for a time 12 Felt crummy 14 No longer in the docks 15 Whine and whimper 16 Early keyboard instrument 18 ‘Fifteen Miles on the ___ Canal’ 19 Calm 20 Gas choice 22 Porterhouse specification 24 Device that keeps motors and generators running together 25 Editorial page feature 29 Steel-mill refuse 30 ___, amas, amat 31 Botanical support 33 Grow accustomed (to) 36 ___ truly 39 About 2 o'clock, on a compass 40 Alternative to picking, as a guitar 41 Tea-producing region of India 42 Canyon perimeters 44 Lower, as lights 45 Allowed to improve, as cheeses 47 ‘One wife at a time’ practice 50 Type of mobility 52 Skyrocket 53 Thing shaped like Earth 55 Just Plains folks? 59 Heckelphone's woodwind cousin 60 Italian violinmaker 62 Like some farewells 63 For fellows only 64 ___ stone (unchangeable) 65 Dumbstruck reaction 66 You may make it walk the dog 67 ‘Be with you in a coupla ___’
DOWN 1 Anatomical pouches 2 Atomic reactor part 3 Banned apple spray 4 Return to a former condition 5 ‘Hmm, don't think so’ 6 Not worth ___ (worthless) 7 Birds resembling gulls 8 Big dippers? 9 Barrel organ 10 Visitor from outer space 11 Real estate document 13 Washington who sang the blues 15 Lowly laborer 17 The largest asteroid in the solar system 21 Designer Perry 23 ‘Peter, Peter, pumpkin ___’
25 Poet Angelou 26 ‘Famous’ cookie name 27 Brass wind instrument 28 Blue-jeans material 32 Break-room notices 34 Wrack partner 35 Small-screen award 37 Hay fever cause 38 Apply lipstick unsteadily 43 Hairnet 46 Full of impurities 48 Sahara filling station 49 Cemetery excavations 50 ‘V’ for a violinist 51 ‘I think so, too!’
SUDOKU
53 Chesterfield, eg 54 Mule-drawn vehicle 56 Yard entrance 57 Idle of Monty Python 58 Confessional admissions 61 ‘It was 20 years ___ today ...’ PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER
THOUGHT OF THE DAY The best thing about humour is that it shows people they are not alone. – Sid Caesar
Chai Time STAR POWER
FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2012
Your tomorrow today̶Star Power and Tarot THIRUVAIKUMAR
As per Hindu panchang
FOR 31-3-2012
thiruvaikumar@yahoo.co.in 040-27177230 / 9177596118
TAURUS
GEMINI
You will act smart and get work execut‑ ed with perfection. You will change the residence according to your taste. Fin‑ ancial position looks satisfactory. Avoid anger, travel and wasteful expenditure.
You will accept challenges and succeed in them easily. Daughter's marriage gets settled with a good match. Govt work will end favourably. You will look attractive. Wasteful expenditure likely.
Your administrative capabilities will increase. Couples will be cordial and lead a happy life. Children will act with responsibility and support you well. Relatives will appreciate your approach.
CANCER
LEO
VIRGO
You will plan and implement new effor‑ ts. Renovation of house and repairing of vehicle likely. You will fulfill long‑time wishes of your children. Influx of rela‑ tives will make you and family happy.
You have the fire in your belly to achi‑ eve all that you wish. Income through ancestral property likely. You will solve old problems with new approach and succeed. You will guide children well.
Existing worries will get over and hen‑ ce you feel relaxed. Renovation of hou‑ se will be taken up. Children will be‑ have as per your expectations. Unwan‑ ted tension over property issue likely.
LIBRA
SCORPIO
SAGITTARIUS
Your stock is set to pile up. Health looks fine. Certain work might get delayed but will end successfully though. Wor‑ ries will come and go. Businessmen will expand their horizon with investments.
Laziness that existed in you will disap‑ pear and you will work very actively. Pay advance to buy an asset. Specu‑ lative transactions will bring gains. Tra‑ vel because of children is a possibility.
Daughter will get a job in a firm as expected. Some have bright chances to buy a plot or house. Son's marriage will be finalised with a bride of his choice. Businessmen will effect drastic changes.
CAPRICORN
AQUARIUS
PISCES
All new efforts will yield good results. Kids will make you proud. Employees might be overburdened. Be careful in ex‑ pressing opinions as blame likely on you. Businessmen can expect hube profits.
You feel fresh and work with smartness. Spouse will be more affectionate towar‑ ds you. Help from expected sources will come. Be careful in financial transacti‑ ons and avoid standing guarantee.
All your expectations will get fulfilled. Real‑estate deals will take place without obstacles. You will reduce expenses by consulting and discussing with spouse. Businessmen will plan and expand.
SUMAA TEKUR
FOR 31-3-2012
tarotreadhyd@gmail.com
ARIES
TAURUS
GEMINI
Four of Swords – You need time away for some quiet contempl‑ ation. You need to th‑ ink about why some‑ thing is not working. You need to change tack, probably.
Two of Wands – You often need to wait upon events to hap‑ pen as per your wish. The waiting period is equally important for you to plan your next course of action.
Five of Wands – The‑ reʼs confusion becau‑ se you havenʼt been given the full infor‑ mation. Donʼt make hasty decisions or major changes. Wait for confusion to clear.
CANCER
LEO
VIRGO
The Fool – Youʼre ready to jump into a new situation even though you have little experience in that area. It will be a great learning experience. Go with the flow.
The Devil – Resist the temptation to go down the illegal path. Greasing an officialʼs palms may seem necessary but is avoidable. Do what feels right to you.
The Emperor – You‑ ʼre a born leader and your leadership skills will be put to the test today when subordi‑ nates question a dec‑ ision. You will handle it with confidence.
LIBRA
SCORPIO
SAGITTARIUS
Ten of Swords – Bad advice has caused you to make deci‑ sions that lead to some kind of loss. Be prepared for change. Youʼll get up and fight.
Four of Cups – You get another job oppo‑ rtunity just when you were finalising on one. Donʼt be in a rush to decide. Look through all options carefully before choosing.
Queen of Swords – You have a sharp focus and all deci‑ sions are drawn by that objective you wish to achieve. You may have to give up much along the way.
CAPRICORN
AQUARIUS
PISCES
Four of Wands – A social gathering will open up your mind about a person or a subject. You are like‑ ly to come away feel‑ ing more introspec‑ tive and pensive.
Knight of Wands – Pay attention to de‑ tails – whether you are cooking some‑ thing new for the first time or dealing with something unfa‑ miliar at work.
For Better or for Worse Stone soup
Strength – You have it in you to face the obstacles and come out a winner. Donʼt give up or give in. Stick to your stand and itʼll fall in place.
SOLUTIONS
Boggle SEOUL ATHENS ATLANTA MONTREAL
Number game
Suduko
Scrabble
Ink pen
COMICS
Fred Basset
ARIES
TAROT READ
27
Vol: 1, No 257 RNI No: APENG/2011/39337 Published for the proprietors, Scribble Media and Entertainment Pvt Ltd, by V Harshavardhan Reddy, at #1246, Level 3, Jubilee Casa, Road No 62, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad – 500033 and printed by him at Jagati Publications Ltd, Plot No D-75&E-52, APIE Industrial Estate, Balanagar, Ranga Reddy Dist, Hyderabad – 500037, Editor: Dean Williams – Responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. For feedback, please write to: feedback@postnoon.com and for subscription, please call 040-4067 2222, Fax: 040-4067 2211
Chai Time 1400 Naadi Aadajanme 1430 Pavitra 1500 Movie 1800 Kodala Kodala Koduku Pellama 1830 Vasantha Kokila 1900 Chinnari Pelli Kuturu 1930 Anna Chellelu 2000 Missamma 2030 Edureetha 2100 Dammu 2200 CID 2300 Challenge 0730 Maa Punyakshetralu 0800 Ayurvedam 0830 Real City 0900 Movie 1200 Movie
1400 Kannavaari Kalalu 1430 Maavichiguru 1500 Sumangali 1530 Movie 1800 Jai Shri Krishna 1830 Shraavani Subramaniam 1900 Mandhara 1930 Auto Bharthi 2000 Swathi 2030 Mogali Rekulu 2100 Aparanji 2130 Devatha 2200 Mamathala Kovela 2230 Nippu Special 2300 Gemini Vaarthalu 0700 News 0730 Subhalagnam - Live 0800 Gemini Talkies 0830 Special Programmes 0930 Movie 1130 Adhi Matter 1200 Movie
1400 Abhishekam 1430 Aadade Aadharam 1500 Antahpuram 1530 Aakasa Ganga 1600 Prema Mandiram 1630 Jagadeeswari 1700 Paduta Teeyaga 1800 Devimahathyam 1830 Puttadi Bomma 1900 Kumkuma Rekha 1930 Manasu Mamata 2000 Chandra Mukhi 2030 Bharyamani 2100 Etv News 2130 Wow 2245 Movie 0700 Etv News 0730 Subhamastu 0800 Jeevana Jyothi 0830 Tollywood Time 0900 Movie 1130 Abhiruchi
1400 Ardhangi 1430 Movie 1800 Meera 1830 Kalavari Kodallu 1900 Chinna Kodalu 1930 Pasupukunkuma 2000 Muddu Bidda 2030 Radha Kalyanam 2100 Kanyadanam 2130 Baghyalakshmi Bumper Offer 2230 Shree 2300 Chitrapuri 2330 Latest Songs 0800 Subhamastu 0830 Bhakti Samacharam 0900 Movie 1230 Mee Inti Vanta 1300 Movie
1440 Whacked Out Sports 1510 Face Off 1605 Wipeout 1700 Supernatural 1800 Chuck 1900 Most Daring 2000 Whacked Out Sports 2030 E Buzz 2100 24 2200 Movie - The Whistleblower 0700 Sky Teleshopping 0800 Infomercial/30 Min 0830 Sky Teleshopping 0900 Breaking The Magician's Code - Magic's Biggest Secrets Finally Revealed 1000 Most Daring 1240 Movie - The Whistleblower
‘The Whistleblower’ at 2200 Hrs on AXN
‘Dwarkadheesh’ at 2000 Hrs on IMAGINE 1400 Haar Jeet 1430 Jamuna Paar 1500 Baba Aiso Var Dhoondo 1600 Mi Aaji Aur Saheb 1630 Jamuna Paar 1700 Mi Aaji Aur Saheb 1730 Saware Sabke Sapne Preeto 1800 Jamuna Paar 1830 Mi Aaji Aur Saheb 1900 Haar Jeet 1930 Gyaan Guru 2000 Dwarkadheesh - Bhagwan Shri Krishna 2030 Saware Sabke Sapne Preeto 2100 Jamuna Paar 2130 Mi Aaji Aur Saheb 2200 Baba Aiso Var Dhoondo 2230 Haar Jeet 2300 Jamuna Paar
‘[V] D3 Dil Dosti Dance’ at 1900 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 10 PM 2230 E Now 2300 News Now At 11 2330 News Now Overnight 0900 News Now 0930 The Hidden Truth 1000 News Now
‘The Newshour’ at 2100 Hrs only on TIMES NOW
‘Top 10 At 10’ at 2200 Hrs only on ET NOW 1400 The F And O Show 1430 Closing Trades 1600 Business Day 1730 Your Trades 1800 Rush Hour 1830 Tee Time With Shaili Chopra 1900 Global Business Report 1930 Business Express 2000 Business First 2030 Your Trades 2100 Business Tonight 2200 Top 10 At 10 2230 Et Insight 2300 Et Interview 2330 Your Trades 0700 Starting Up 0730 Et Insight 0800 Tee Time With Shaili Chopra 0830 The Market Makers 0900 Your Trades 0930 Investor's Guide 1000 Talking Technicals
1400 Parichay - Nayee Zindagi Kay Sapno Ka 1500 Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha 1530 Uttaran 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 Chhal Sheh Aur Maat 2130 Parichay - Nayee Zindagi Kay Sapno Ka 2200 Uttaran 2230 Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha 2300 Na Aana Is Des Laado
‘Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha’ 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 Choti Bahu 1600 Pavitra Rishta 1630 Hitler Didi 1830 Punar Vivaah 1900 Afsar Bitiya 1930 Choti Bahu 2000 Hitler Didi 2030 Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 2100 Pavitra Rishta 2130 Ram Milaayi Jodi 2200 Mrs. Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuein 2230 Punar Vivaah 2300 Afsar Bitiya 2330 Hitler Didi
1400 Saas Bina Sasuraal 1430 Bade Achhe Lagte Hai 1500 Kuch Toh Log Kahenge 1530 Crime Patrol - Dastak 1930 Shubh Vivah 2000 Kuch Toh Log Kahenge 2030 Dekha Ek Khwaab 2100 Saas Bina Sasuraal 2130 Parvarrish - Kuchh Khatti Kuchh Meethi 2200 CID 2300 Crime Patrol - Dastak 2330 Kuch Toh Log Kahenge 0700 Telebrands 0730 Sky Star Advertising 0900 Movie - One Man Army 1230 Bade Achhe Lagte Hai
‘One Man Army’ at 0900 Hrs on SONY
28
‘Ruk Jana Nahi’ at 1830 Hrs on STAR PLUS 1400 Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hain 1500 Navya 1530 Diya Aur Baati Hum 1600 Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hain 1630 Sasural Genda Phool 1700 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 1730 Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon? 1800 Navya 1830 Ruk Jana Nahi 1900 Saath Nibhana Saathiya 1930 Sasural Genda Phool 2000 Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon? 2030 Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hain 2100 Diya Aur Baati Hum 2130 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 2200 Sajda Tere Pyar Mein 2230 Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya 2300 Maryaada ... Lekin Kab Tak?
MOVIES OF THE DAY AND OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
1450 300 1655 Lethal Weapon 2 1905 Rush Hour 2100 Saw 2300 Saw II 0805 Friends 0830 Looney Tunes - Back In Action 1015 Antz 1310 Two Weeks Notice 1430 [V] D3 Dil Dosti Dance 1500 [V] Humse Hai Life 1530 [V] Suvreen Guggal 1600 [V] Trailers 1630 [V] Zabardast Hits 1830 [V] Suvreen Guggal 1900 [V] D3 Dil Dosti Dance 1930 [V] Humse Hai Life 2000 [V] Suvreen Guggal 2030 Indian Princess 2100 [V] Vignettes 2130 [V] Trailers 2155 [V] Fresh Songs 2200 [V] Vignettes 2230 [V] Humse Hai Life 2300 [V] Suvreen Guggal 2330 [V] D3 Dil Dosti Dance 0700 [V] Trailers 0730 [V] Zabardast Hits 0800 [V] Mind Blasting Mornings 1100 [V] Fresh Songs 1200 [V] Suvreen Guggal
FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2012
Telly sitcoms, news and movie listings
1410 Daylight 1635 Rocky III 1840 Cop Out 2100 Due Date 2305 Devil 0800 Connor Undercover - Ed Lite 0830 Connor Undercover - Password Protect 0900 Arthur 3 - The War Of The Two Worlds 1120 Happy Feet
‘Wild Discovery’ at 1800 Hrs on DISCOVERY
1400 My Kitchen Rules 1500 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 1530 America's Funniest Home Videos 1600 Cougar Town 1630 My Wife And Kids 1700 Haven 1800 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 1900 Cougar Town 1930 My Wife And Kids 2000 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 2030 America's Funniest Home Videos 2100 My Kitchen Rules 2200 Haven 2300 Cougar Town 2330 My Wife And Kids 0900 America's Funniest Home Videos 1000 Criss Angel 1100 The Big Bang Theory
1400 Man Vs Wild 1500 Breaking Point 1600 The Survivors 1700 Food Detectives 1800 Wild Discovery 1900 I Almost Got Away With It? 2000 Man Vs Wild 2100 East To West 2200 Dual Survival 2300 Desire & Pleasure Decoded 1000 Wildest India 1100 Rebuilding Japan 1130 Destroyed In Seconds 1200 Dual Survival
‘My Wife And Kids’ at 2330 Hrs on ZEE CAFE
Gyaan Guru
Balika Vadhu
Storyline - Watch Bharati & Vihaan From Baba Aiso Var Dhoondo and Shashi & Shrikant from Mi Aaji Aur Saheb test their knowledge on Indian Culture.
Storyline - Anandi misses Jagya after he has left for Mumbai. She confides in Gehna that she is missing Jagya. Meanwhile, in Mumbai, Jagya and Gauri have a huge fight and Jagya storms out of the house.
‘Gyaan Guru’ at 1930 Hrs on IMAGINE
‘Criminal Minds’ at 2200 Hrs on STAR WORLD 1400 Supernatural 1500 Touch 1600 The Big Bang Theory 1630 The Simpsons 1700 Unforgettable 1800 Supernatural 1900 Desperate Housewives 2000 Two And A Half Men 2030 The Simpsons 2100 Supernatural 2200 Criminal Minds 2300 Joey 2330 Two And A Half Men 0700 Dexter 0800 Person Of Interest 0900 Castle 1000 Pan Am 1100 Friends 1200 The Big Bang Theory
‘Balika Vadhu’ at 2000 Hrs on COLORS
1400 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah 1430 R. K. Laxman Ki Duniya 1500 Lapataganj 1530 F.I.R 1600 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah 1630 I Luv My India 1700 Gutur Gu 1730 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah 1900 Chidiyaghar 1930 Movers And Shakers 2000 I Luv My India 2030 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah 2100 Chidiyaghar 2130 R. K. Laxman Ki Duniya 2200 Lapataganj - Sharad Joshi Ki Kahaniyon Ka Pata 2230 Movers And Shakers 2300 F.I.R 2330 Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah 0800 Teleshopping 0830 Religious Slot 0900 Tarak Mehta Bhootni Track
‘Movers And Shakers’ at 2230 Hrs on SAB TV
‘Planet Bollywood’ at 1900 Hrs on ZOOM 1200 Planet Bollywood 1230 Movie 1600 Let'z Go! 1700 Telly Talk 1730 Star Bonanza 1800 Let'z Go! 1900 Planet Bollywood 1930 The Zoom Review Show 2000 Let'z Go! 2100 Telly Talk 2130 The Zoom Review Show 2200 B - Tonite 2230 Link'd 2300 Bollywood Bonanza 0700 Let'z Go! 0800 Red Carpet 0805 Let'z Go! 1100 Your Likes 1200 Garama Garam 1230 Bollywood Big Story 1300 Zabar 10 1330 Telly Talk
‘Due Date’ at 2100 Hrs on HBO
1400 Megascience 1430 Extreme Engineering 1530 Discovery Science Classics 1630 The Indestructibles 1700 Million 2 One 1730 Modern Sniper 1930 How The Universe Works 2030 Heavy Metal Taskforce 2130 Greatest Ever 2230 Heavy Metal Task Force 2330 Industrial Revelations 1030 The Indestructibles 1100 Million 2 One 1130 Extreme Engineering 1330 How The Universe Works
‘Heavy Metal Taskforce’ at 2030 Hrs on DISCOVERY SCIENCE
‘Lucha Libre’ at 2200 Hrs on BIG CBS PRIME 1400 Frasier 1430 Jerry Springer 1530 Aspire 1600 Galileo Extreme 1700 Survivor 1800 Entertainment Tonight 1830 Galileo Extreme 1930 Frasier 2000 Entertainment Tonight 2030 Galileo Extreme 2100 Hawaii 5.0 2200 Lucha Libre 2300 Jerry Springer 0700 Aspire 0730 Galileo Extreme 0800 Survivor 1000 Lucha Libre 1100 Galileo Extreme 1130 Big Wheels 1200 Aspire 1230 Galileo Extreme 1300 Movie
Playing Field
FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2012
The games people play
29
Djokovic downs Ferrer MIAMI: Defending champion Novak Djokovic booked a semifinal match with Juan Monaco at the Miami Masters on Thursday, holding off a determined David Ferrer of Spain to win 6-2, 7-6 (7/1). The Serbian world number one started the match playing superb tennis, dictating the rallies and giving fifth-seed Ferrer few chances to gain a foothold. He took the first set in just 32 minutes and broke Ferrer in the first game of the second, but the tenacious Spaniard refused to go down without a fight. Ferrer regained the early break and was holding his own until a loose service effort from the Spaniard saw Djokovic break for a 5-4 lead and a chance to serve out the match. Ferrer denied him and the set then went to a tie-break. Djokovic claimed an early advantage as Ferrer swatted an ill-judged forehand into the net to fall behind on his serve on the first point. Djokovic, 24, was firmly in control during the tie-break as he advanced to a meeting with Monaco, who celebrated his 28th birthday by surprising eighth-seeded American Mardy Fish 6-1, 6-3. “It’s always going to be tough against David. He’s one of the greatest competitors on the circuit,” said Djokovic, the winner of the past three Grand Slams. “I didn’t want to get to the third set because physically he’s always there.” “I had a fantastic first set,
Men Quarter-finals Juan Monaco (ARG x21) bt Mardy Fish (USA x8) 6-1, 6-3 Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) bt David Ferrer (ESP x5) 6-2, 7-6 (7/1)
Women Semi-finals Maria Sharapova (RUS x2) bt Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x4) 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 Agnieszka Radwanska (POL x5) bt Marion Bartoli (FRA x7) 6-4, 6-2
Novak Djokovic of Serbia greets David Ferrer of Spain after defeating him during Day 11 at Crandon Park Tennis Center at the Sony Ericsson Open on Thursday in Key Biscayne, Florida. AL BELLO/GETTY IMAGES/AFP
break up in the second twice, serving for the match, and then in some moments, you know, I allowed him to take control in the rallies,” Djokovic said. “Luckily for me, it was decided in a tie-break,” he added. In the other quarter-final, Fish broke Monaco in the sixth game of the second set to make it 3-3 but Monaco responded by
winning three straight games, closing it out on the first of three match points with a backhand drop shot. It is Monaco’s ninth appearance in Miami but the first time he has reached the semis. “I can’t believe it,” said Monaco, the 21st seed. “I have a lot of emotions. It is good to celebrate this way, playing unbeliev-
able tennis on my birthday. “Every shot I wanted to play I did. It was a perfect match for me. I returned well and then I served very, very good.” Fish said Monaco’s all-around game was too much for him. “He did a lot of things well and I think more than anything else, he shrunk the court extremely well with his move-
Strauss and team under scrutiny GALLE: England captain Andrew Strauss faces close scrutiny of his batting and leadership skills as he attempts to keep his spinshattered team on top of the world Test rankings. England, who toppled India from the mantle with a memorable 4-0 whitewash on seaming wickets at home last year, have come unstuck on the spinner-friendly tracks of Asia over the last three months. The 75-run defeat to Sri Lanka in the first Test in Galle on Thursday was England’s fourth consecutive loss, following the embarrassing 3-0 hammering by Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates. If Saeed Ajmal and Abdur Rehman wrecked England in the UAE with a combined haul of 43 wickets in the series, Sri Lanka’s Rangana Herath and Suraj Randiv
grabbed 18 of in Galle. England assured of $175,000
the 20 wickets are already a bonus of from the
STRAUSS’ MEN WILL SLIP TO THE NUMBER TWO POSITION, BEHIND SOUTH AFRICA IF THEY FAIL TO WIN THE SECOND AND FINAL TEST IN COLOMBO FROM TUESDAY AND LOSE THE SERIES. International Cricket Council as the number one side on the cut-off date of April 1, but their future at the top remains uncertain. Strauss’ men will slip to number two behind South Africa if they fail to win the
second and final Test in Colombo from Tuesday and lose the series. Rankings will change over the next 12 months, but a greater concern for the tourists is the form of their captain. Strauss has now gone 23 innings without adding to his 19 Test centuries, averaging a poor 28.52, and has managed just one three-figure knock in his last 48 innings. He made 26 and 27 in Galle, falling both times to Herath, but the left-hander was determined to change his — and the team’s — fortunes in the next Test at the P. Sara Oval in the Sri Lankan capital. “I feel in good form, but you’re judged on your performances and I have not performed well enough,” the 35year-old admitted. “My job in the side is to
score runs, the same as any other batsman, and I have not scored as many as I would have liked in the last 12 months or so. “That’s very frustrating, but hopefully I will put it right next week.” Strauss admitted his team’s inability to put runs on the board had proved costly, both against Pakistan and Sri Lanka. “We have not got scores on the board,” he said. “You’re not going to win too many Test matches if that’s the case.” The Galle Test was a tale of missed opportunities for England. The tourists had Sri Lanka on the ropes at 15-3 in the first four overs of the match and again at 191-7, but allowed them to make 318 on the back of a brilliant 180 from skipper Mahela Jayawardene. AFP
ment and that’s why I think you saw a ton of errors from me,” the American said. “I was pressing a lot just because he wasn’t giving me anything.” Friday’s other semi-final will pit second-seeded Spaniard Rafael Nadal against British fourth seed Andy Murray. Meanwhile, World number four Agnieszka Radwanska beat French seventh seed Marion Bartoli 6-4, 6-2 on Thursday to reach the women’s final of the Miami hardcourt tennis tournament. Poland’s Radwanska, who shrugged off a power outtage that halted the match for more than 30 minutes to wrap up the victory, will face world number two Maria Sharapova in the championship match on Saturday. Radwanska ended an impressive run by Bartoli, who had handed world number one Victoria Azarenka her first defeat of 2012 in the quarter-finals.
Playing Field
FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2012
The games people play
30
Yang seizes lead at Kraft Nabisco
Amy Yang of South Korea hits a shot during the first round of the Kraft Nabisco Championship on Thursday. AFP/STEPHEN DUNN
RANCHO MIRAGE:South Korean Amy Yang fired a six-under 66 Thursday to take a one-shot lead over Australian Lindsey Wright after one round of the LPGA Kraft Nabisco Championship. Breathing down their necks was world number one Yani Tseng of Taiwan, who was third after a first-round 68 in the first major championship of the women’s golf season. Tseng is a five-time major champion who has won two straight LPGA tournaments and three of her five LPGA events this season, while Yang and Wright are both seeking a first LPGA Tour title. Yang, 22, nabbed five birdies in the span of seven holes from the fifth at Mission Hills, in the California desert east of Los Angeles. She also chipped in for birdie from the fringe at 13. Overall she had eight birdies and two bogeys. A former teenage sensation, three years removed from a win on the Ladies European Tour, Yang has five top-10 finishes in major championships but hasn’t been able to claim an LPGA title. “Everything was working well,” Yang said. “I think especially my
putting was better than other tournaments. I had a couple of shots that went into the trees, and it was hard to play, but I had some good par saves and good birdie putts.” Wright’s 67 included six birdies and just one bogey. Three of those birdies came in a batch at the first, second and third holes, and she added two more at eight and nine. Her performance is another step in a comeback from depression and anxiety that saw the 32year-old step away from golf for the last four months of 2011. She returned with a victory in the New Zealand Women’s Open last month. “It wasn’t a great time, and I just couldn’t really get through it,” Wright said. “It’s hard to explain other than from a physical standpoint. People think, ‘Depression, oh, just get over it.’ It really impacts you physically, and playing on this tour, grinding it out each week when you’re not sleeping and you can’t concentrate or focus, it just gets you down, and it’s a bit of a nightmare.” Tseng had acknowledged she was feeling tired during practice rounds after driving to Rancho
Mirage from Carlsbad, near San Diego, after her victory in the Kia Classic on Sunday. She lacked spark on Thursday. “I was really disappointed today,” said Tseng, whose card included a bogey at eight where she hit a weak chip out of the greenside rough. She regrouped to birdie four of the next six, but it wasn’t the form she has shown in dominating the LPGA tour over the past year. “I don’t hit many good shots, and I don’t leave myself lots of birdie chances out there,” she said. Seven players shared fourth on 69, including England’s Jodi Ewart, Aussie Katherine Hull, Americans Nicole Castrale and Paula Creamer, and South Koreans Hee Kyung Seo, Sun Young Yoo and Haeji Kang. Defending champion Stacy Lewis struggled to a 74 that included four straight bogeys from the sixth. After missing a par putt at eight she smacked the head of her putter in irritation. “People were cheering me around the whole day,” she said. “I just couldn’t quite get things going.” AFP
Angel, Carl set pace on rain-hit day HOUSTON: Angel Cabrera and Carl Pettersson were home and dry in the clubhouse on seven-under 65 Thursday, heading the leaderboard as thunderstorms stopped play at the US PGA Tour Houston Open. Only 51 players completed their rounds before the inclement weather brought play to a halt at Redstone, the first such delay for the event since 2009. Defending champion Phil Mickelson, Fred Couples and South African Ernie Els — who needs a victory to qualify for next week’s Masters — had yet to make the turn when play was suspended. The first round will resume Friday morning, with officials hopeful of getting the event back on schedule by Saturday. Tournament director Steve Timms said more than an inch of rain in a matter of hours had left spots in several fairways submerged. “You just can’t play under the rules
of golf with that much casual water,” Timms said. However, Timms said he believed the course would be playable on Friday morning. “Let it drain overnight, and I think it will be just fine,” he said. With the Masters — the first major of the season — starting at Augusta National in a week, Timms said the goal remains to have the Houston event finished by Sunday evening. “We do everything we can operationally to hit that window,” Timms said. Ricky Barnes and Jeff Maggert both completed rounds of 66 to lie one off the pace. Brian Harman was at sixunder on the course, with three holes to play. Pettersson made the most of the morning’s sunny, calm weather. The Swede birdied four of his first six holes, and got to five-under with a birdie at the par-five eighth.
He added birdies at 11 and 15 before a bogey at 17. Pettersson, who said poor iron play contributed to missed cuts the past two weeks, changed his set-up on the range on Tuesday. “I felt c o n fi d e n t with that, but that doesn’t always relate to good play,” he said. “But I felt like I was striking the ball well again, and I told myself just to play aggressive and shoot at the pins and see what happens.” Two-time major champion Cabrera birdied three of Redstone’s four parfives, and drained a 22-foot downhill birdie putt at 18. “The course is perfect,” Cabrera said before the storm. “It’s really spectacular and it’s right for making a good score.” AFP
Angel Cabrera hits a shot during the Shell Houston Open on Thursday. AFP/SCOTT HALLERAN
Playing Field
FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2012
The games people play
Phelps has lots of room for improvement INDIANAPOLIS: Michael Phelps won the 100m butterfly and was runner-up in the 100m freestyle at the Indianapolis Grand Prix on Thursday, but the Olympic swim star did not impress coach Bob Bowman. Nathan Adrian managed to ignore his torn swimsuit to hold off hard-charging Phelps in the 100m free final, winning in 48.62sec. Phelps was second in 48.74. Phelps bounced back with his 100m fly victory in 52.23, but Bowman said the 14-time Olympic gold medallist was not paying enough attention to the details. Bowman said Phelps’s seventh-fastest qualifying time in the freestyle was due to lack of mental preparation. And he was unhappy with Phelps’s glide to the finish in the fly final, ahead of Poland’s Marcin Tarczynski (52.92). “I can’t stand those finishes like that. He’s got to start making that important,” Bowman said. “We’re at a point now where the details are important and you can’t just keep blowing them off till later. It is later.” Phelps, who reigned over the Beijing Olympic pool with an unprecedented eight gold medals and plans to end his Olympic career in London this year, acknowledged his fly final left much to be desired. AFP
31
HEAT END LOSING STREAK
LeBron James of the Miami Heat drives to the basket during a game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Arena on Thursday. AFP/MIKE EHRMANN
The Miami Heat MIAMI: shrugged off back-to-back road defeats on Thursday to post a decisive 106-85 victory against the Dallas Mavericks, the team that beat them in last season’s NBA championship series. The Heat, with their star trio of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh leading a balanced attack, surged to a 13-point lead in the third quarter, adding another victory over the Mavericks to the win they posted in Dallas when the lockout-shortened season opened on Christmas Day. Not only was it a satisfying win over the team that denied them the NBA crown last season, it helped erase the taste of road defeats to the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indian Pacers. Those losses marked Miami’s first back-to-back double-digit losses since James, Wade and Bosh became Heat teammates in July of 2010. Bosh and James scored 19 each and Wade added 16. “It was a collective response to how we’ve been playing,” said Heat coach Erik Spoelstra.
Dirk Nowitzki kept the Mavericks in it with 16 points in the first half on 8-of-10 shooting. The Mavericks’ German star finished with 25, his output dropping off in the second half as the Mavericks struggled to score. Dallas missed 14 of their first 16 shot attempts of the fourth quarter. The Heat ended the game on a 162 scoring run to reach a somewhat deceptively lopsided score. “They stepped up their pressure at both ends of the floor,” Nowitzki said. “In the first half, everything came a little too easy for us. You got to give them credit. They had us going both ways all night. D-Wade and LeBron were getting theirs. And everybody else was getting theirs, too. Defensively, we just weren’t sharp enough.” Mavs coach Rick Carlisle added: “We had trouble getting the ball in the basket. “That was one thing that hurt us. Second-chance points hurt us. And then they hit a flurry of transition points at an inopportune time for us. Tough loss.” AFP
Maria rallies her way to final MIAMI, Three-time runner-up Maria Sharapova booked her second straight Miami final Thursday, rallying to beat disgruntled Caroline Wozniacki and set up a title clash with Agnieszka Radwanska. Sharapova clinched a 4-6, 62, 6-4 semi-final victory over the Dane after two hours, 34 minutes, the match ending in acrimony as Wozniacki objected to the chair umpire’s overrule of a call to Sharapova’s benefit on match point. World number four Radwanska’s 6-4, 6-2 victory over Marion Bartoli was more straightforward, but included an
injury to the seventh-seeded French player as well as a power outage that held up proceedings in the second set. “For sure one of the weirdest matches, especially the lights,” said Poland’s Radwanska, who led 4-2 in the second set when the court went dark. “You’re really focused on the match and really want to finish in two sets. Suddenly, the lights go off.” She kept her concentration and returned to finish off Bartoli, who reached the semi-finals by handing world number one Victoria Azarenka her first defeat of 2012.
A day after that triumph, Bartoli was hindered by a left thigh injury and had 35 unforced errors, failing to hold serve once. Radwanska’s reward was a meeting with Sharapova, who has won seven of their eight encounters. “I’m just going to try to play aggressive and mix everything,” Radwanska said. “We’ll see what’s going to work.” Sharapova was serving for the match and up 40-30 when her second serve was called long — a call overruled by the chair umpire, who ordered the point replayed. Wozniacki did not like it, but was out of video challenges. AFP
Playing Field
FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2012
The games people play
32
Arsenal poised for glory
LONDON: Arsenal striker Gervinho claims the foundations are in place for the club to win trophies in coming seasons as they attempt to pile on the misery for struggling Queens Park Rangers on Saturday. Arsenal have gone on a winning streak of seven games, which has seen them overtake Tottenham and move into third spot in the Premier League. While there is no prospect of ending their seven-year wait for a trophy this year — they are 15 points behind leaders Manchester United with eight games to play — their hopes of
a Champions League spot are firmly in their own hands. The buoyant mood at the Emirates Stadium is in stark contrast to that at QPR, who are fighting to avoid immediate relegation from the Premier League. Ahead of Saturday’s trip across London, Gervinho pointed to the youthful nature of the Arsenal squad and tipped them to blossom in the near future. “We can still win lots of trophies and we can do great things in the future,” the Ivory Coast international
said. “We have a bright future because this is a good club. “We are all still young, we have got some good players here, a good group. We have been through a lot of difficult times this season, lots of people have wavered in their belief of us. “They have said this and they have said that, but we have returned to form and now we are going to try to finish the season well." Gervinho pointed to the form of striker Robin van Persie for Arsenal’s resurgence after a shaky start to the Premier League campaign. Van Persie has scored 33 goals this season, including 25 in the Premier League and Gervinho added: “The standout player for me this year has been Robin. “You can see his class with his finishing, how he leads the group, and with his experience. “He is a player who has grown in to the role of captain and is the sort of player you need during the hard times.” Meanwhile at Loftus Road, things are looking bleak. QPR are a point shy of safety with an extremely difficult run-in to come. And star striker Djibril Cisse is banned for the next four games following his sending-off last Saturday at Sunderland - his second dismissal since signing for the club in January. QPR chief executive Philip Beard made an embarrassing slip of the tongue while speaking at the Soccerex European Forum in Manchester on Thursday by stating “when we go down” before hastily correcting himself to say “if”. But with games against Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City to come as well as a trip to Swansea, where Arsenal and City both lost, Beard’s mistake was understandable. And Joey Barton spelled their plight out in no uncertain terms when he claimed the players are playing for their livelihoods. “We’re as desperate for the points as they are - for totally different reasons obviously," Barton said. AFP
Real to open academy BEIJING: European giants Real Madrid are to open a football academy in southern China next year in a tieup with Super League leaders Guangzhou Evergrande, the Chinese club’s owner said on its website. Madrid, who have been champions of Europe a record nine times, are striving to promote their brand in fast-developing China, as are a host of other top European sides.The academy in the southern city of Guangzhou will take in over 3,000 promising players in its first year and use the same training techniques as those used by Real
We will send a high-profile coaching team and build up the selection, training and evaluation systems as we use in Spain Fernando Cipitria, technical director
Madrid in Spain according to Chinese property giant Evergrande. The Spanish club’s youth team coach Fernando Sanchez Cipitria has been appointed technical director. “We will send a high-profile coaching team here and build up selection, training and evaluation systems, and a competition mechanism of the same standard as we use in Spain. We’ll also train Chinese coaches at schools and select some outstanding players and coaches for a comprehensive training at Real Madrid," the China Daily quoted Cipitria. AFP
Madrid set to take on Osasuna MADRID: Having steadied the ship following two consecutive draws with commanding wins in La Liga and in Europe, Real Madrid begin a crucial run of games with a tricky trip to Pamplona to face Osasuna on Saturday. After Barcelona beat Sevilla, Barca coach Pep Guardiola declared that there was no way his side could beat Madrid to the league title. But then two late free-kicks from Santi
Cazorla and Marcos Senna, for Malaga and Villarreal respectively, saw their sides draw against Real. A sense of trepidation at the Bernabeu was eased by a 5-1 thrashing of Real Sociedad and then Karim Benzema hit his second brace in a matter of days as Jose Mourinho’s side took a big step towards qualifying for the Champions League semifinals. AFP