Postnoon E-Paper for 31 December 2012 by Scribble Media & Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012 HYDERABAD

WWW.POSTNOON.COM

WEATHER: CLEAR WITH CLOUDY PERIODS. CHANCE OF A THUNDERSTORM; 25°C

HYDERABAD’S FIRST COMPACT AFTERNOON NEWSPAPER

AP industries face

BLEAK 2013 REPORT ON P10 Power crises, lax administration and infrastructure problems have hit industrial growth in AP hard. This paints a gloomy picture for industry in the new year.

SENSATIONALISE,

BUT SENSIBLY Before we ask for laws to be altered, before we demand justice, and before we blame our leaders and those in authority for everything criminal, we journalists need to look within and modify our ways too.

Postnoon wishes its readers

32 PAGES

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

city events

VENETIAN MASQUERADE

The Venetian Masquerade theme party is on New Year’s Eve at The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace. There is a special New Year’s day brunch on January 1. The event will have international dancers and a wide range of world cuisine to choose from.

Weather for Hyderabad

Evening

Overnight

26°C Partly cloudy. Chances of showers.

New Delhi Mumbai Max 18 Max 31 Min 6 Min 21

Morning

Afternoon

20°C

25°C

32°C

A mix of cloudy and clear skies.

A mix of sun and cloud.

Mostly sunny. Chances of storm.

Partly cloudy.

Chennai Max 29 Min 24

Clear skies.

Partly cloudy.

Bangalore Max 28 Min 18 Mostly clear.

AROUND THE CITY: YOUR GUIDE TO THE TWIN CITIES When: January 1 Contact: (040) 6666 7066

NEW YEAR SPECIAL

SHOWS

Pirates of the Caribbean Hotel Green Park will be set to Pirates of the Caribbean theme this New Year. The package also includes exciting games like lucky draw and treasure hunt, dance performances , stand-up comedy and delicious food. Where: Gardenia, Hotel Green Park, Greenlands, Begumpet, When: December 31, 8pm onwards Contact: (040) 6651 5151

Alexander Jaya Prakash Reddy is performing a 100 minute solo. He plays a retired army officer who wants to help people with their problems by starting a helpline. Where: Ravindra Bharathi, Public Gardens, Nampally, H-01, Abids When: January 6, 7pm to 9pm Contact: (040) 2324 9045

3 Cheers to 2013! Aditya Sarovar has three different packages for you this New Year, from a candle light oriental dinner to live music and buffet. Where: Aditya Sarovar Premiere Hitec city, Gachibowli When: December 31, 7:30pm onwards Contact: (040) 6769 6769

A-Bong Live A-Bong is a group of music enthusiast Bengalis from Hyderabad have formed a band and will be performing live. Where: La Makaan, Lane Adjacent To C-Bay , Banjara Hills. When: January 6 5pm onwards Contact: 93965 55888

Fuse 2013 Aditya Park is has a special late night buffet and three packages, inclusive of food and dance, to choose from. Where: Aditya Park, Aditya Trade Centre, Ameerpet When: December 31, 7:30pm onwards Contact: (040) 6678 8888

ART Inertia Photography Photography exhibition on India by Lona Lohan till December 31. Where: Rajiv Gandhi Airport, Shamshabad When: Up to December 31 11am to 7pm Contact: (040) 6625 0000

X’mas, New Year treat Barbeque Nation is converted into a Christmas village to resemble the

MAKE WAY: A training chopper landing at Secretariat on Sunday. M ANIL KUMAR birthplace of Jesus. An exotic variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes will be served. Where: Barbeque Nation, Banjara Hills & Jubilee Hills When: December 21-January 1 7pm onwards Contact: (040) 6456 6693

Commissioner & Spl Officer

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

198 155313

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

155333 23431178 23431179

MUNICIPAL CORPORATION

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

(040) 6429 2237 Venky’s veg There is a New Yar special lunch and dinner buffet at Venky’s veg, which received the best upcoming veg restaurant of the year award in 2012.. Where: Venky’s Veg, Public Garden road

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

155313 23307328 23313163

27505566 23314095 23390933 24600146 27001134 23607777 30418888 30417777 30419000 30416666 39879999

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

Art exhibition Artist M Narayan’s work is on display. Narayan graduated from the Ken School of Art. He started work in 1991. He has participated in over 30 solo exhibitions . He is known for his rural depictions. Where: Shrishti Art Gallery, Road no. 15, Jubilee Hills When: Up to January 2 Contact: (040) 2354 0023

27567892 23559555 23226624 27633087 27035588 27550238 30799999 30418296 30417445

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

Chai wallah art show This is an upcoming exhibition at Iconart gallery.There is an exhibition of paintings by Vijay Gille at the gallery on Chai wallah and other stories. The preview is on December 27 at 6.30pm. Where: Iconart Gallery, Banjara Hills When: Up to January 12 11:30am to 7pm Contact: www.iconart.in Bulls art exhibition A group exhibition by Avijit Roy, HR Das, Laxman Aelay, Nagesh Goud and Sreekanth Kurva on the animal bull, its nature and characteristics Where: Aalankritha Art Gallery When: Up to January 2 11am to 7pm Contact: www.alankritha.in

MISCELLANEOUS Pochampally IKAT mela Pochampally Handloom Park is organising IKAT Mela, exhibiting handloom products like hand made bed home linen and dress materials. Where: (NSIC) Exhibition Center Radhika Theater Road, Kamalanagar, Kushaiguda When: December 21 to 31 from 10am to 9:30pm Contact: 95429 76567 Photo competition Alliance Francaise, Hyderabad, is conducting a photo competition. The theme for the contest is Professions of the world. Where: http://hyderabad.afindia.org When: December 3 to January 6

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

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

City

YESTERDAY’S QUESTION

WILL THE INDO-PAK CRICKET SERIES HELP IMPROVE TIES? 31% 69%

YES (A) NO (B)

TODAY’S QUESTION

SHOULD POLITICIANS ACCUSED OF RAPE BE DEBARRED? A)

YES

To vote visit www.postnoon.com

CRIME

Police gear up for tonight Police have tightened security in the City to prevent mishaps on New Year’s eve.

Mohd SUBHAN mohd.s@postnoon.com

n the eve of New Year 2013, the police department is taking precautionary measures to stop untoward incidents in the City as well as in Cyberabad. Heavy security arrangements are in place for the common public and owners of pubs and restaurants. Police permission is required to have a DJ or an orchestra in the pub premises and in public places. Liquor is banned in public for the night of December 31 and there will be a special drive against those who drink and drive. “We don’t want to disturb

any citizen and we don’t want any problems on the eve of New Year. That’s why we are appealing to the citizens to maintain law and order,” said Cyberabad

police commissioner Dwarka Tirumal Rao. “If they don’t follow rules and regulations on this night, we will take action against them.”

Outer Ring road, all fly-overs and PVNR expressway will be closed as a precautionary measure from11pm to 5am. Only airport passengers will be allowed to commute on the Outer Ring road. Rao said this is to prevent rash and drunk driving. “For the first time, on New Year’s eve, we have strictly banned nude and vulgar posters in hotels, restaurants and public places. We have warned the management and issued guidelines of rules and regulations. No narcotic substances can be allowed in their premises,” Rao said. “We have formed special teams to catch drug peddlers at hotels, bars and restaurants. We have some specific information about narcotics. That’s why we have appointed special officers

and are starting a drive against this. Policemen will be deployed at important junctions to keep vigil on the same.” Tank Bund will be closed on the eve of New Year and policemen will be posted there and at other important places like Necklace road, secretariat, Lower Tank Bund, Basheer Bagh flyover, Masab tank flyover. These will also be closed for the public. City police commissioner Anurag Sharma has arranged a meeting with all Addl CPs, Jt CPs and concerned zonal DCPs in this connection. Task force officials will be keep watch on trouble makers. Crackers are banned in public places and there will be searches at pubs to ensure no minor is allowed on the eve of New Year.

city MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

POLITICS

LAST YEAR... HERE Police go hi-tech

ast year this time, City police said they were ﬁtting their patrolling vehicles with GPS to reduce response time during emergencies and accidents. Commissioner AK Khan said they were going for tetra communication systems to enable seamless twoway connectivity. Regulatory steps for cyber cafe and security agencies were also being planned. .

DECEMBER 31, 2011

Jostling for Cong floor leader post at its peak The delayed decision is making some of the corporators anxious about what is in store for them in the new year.

NUMEROLOGY

35mn

gallons per day of water will be reduced from the water supply to the City, officials estimate.This is due to acute scarcity of water in the reservoirs.

Many people now don’t feel comfortable carrying diaries in pockets, especially when they have good storage facility in their mobile phones or other gadgets. Suryakant Rao, trader See page 7

THINGS WE LEARNT TODAY

The column that teaches everyone something new about the way the City functions.

City needs to stop barbaric crimes against women. A woman accused of witchcraft and black magic was beaten and forced to drink urine in Pilloniguda village.

Hyderabad has talented masterchefs. Ten women who participated in the Who is the Best Cook contest and came up with innovative dishes have been shortlisted for the ﬁnal round of the contest.

Water will be the new gold next year. Use water sparingly as the ﬁve reservoirs that supply water to the City have been hit by irregular monsoons this year.

TRS refuses to fall for home minister’s promises. The TRS has planned a monthlong agitation to press for a separate T-state, despite Sushilkumar Shinde’s promises.

Time for the media to stop and reﬂect. We can blame politicians and the police all we want, but the media is also equally responsible for a lot of stereotyping.

Md NIZAMUDDIN nizamuddin.a@postnoon.com

ven as the time for deciding the next floor leader elapses, some Congress corporators are strutting around, boasting about their achievements. Interestingly, the leadership is not aware of overweening of their colleagues. It has been almost a week since minister Danam Nagender held a meeting with the deputy mayor and corporators at his residence to decide who would be the next floor leader. But the delayed decision is making some of the corporators anxious about what is in store for them in the new year. While some have already started holding press conferences, some others are investing in their future with the hope that they would be in the race when the current mayor’s term ends in January 2014. While most are still whis-

Interestingly, even the deputy mayor, who leads the party in the corporation, is not aware of the separate press conferences being held. pering, some are becoming bold. On Saturday, when Telanganites were observing a bandh, one of the Congress corporators, who is not listed among the probable candidates, held a press conference. Drawing party leadership to her attention, Ranjana Devi Goel

(pictured bottom left), from Ghansi Bazar asserted that she was in no way lagging behind and was a much better administrator than others. “As I completed three years successfully., it would be the party’s decision whether I am fit to become the floor leader or not,” she said. Some say she was seeking more funds for her ward, but is clear in her claim. Even deputy mayor G Raj Kumar, who leads the party in the corporation, was not aware that Congress corporators started holding separate press conferences. “We shall be taking a deci-

sion before the next general body meeting. As the AICC chief Botsa Satyanarayana and City president Danam Nagender are not here, it may take a few days to reach a decision,” he said. According to him, a floor leader must be a good communicator in the regional language, Telugu, a cri-

teria which is not satisfied in the case of Ranjana Devi Goel. Another senior leader and standing committee member, P Gnaneshwar Goud (pictured bottom right), who was listed as a probable candidate, is backtracking about the delay in the process. Critical of the process adopted during the selection of the deputy mayor a year ago, he does not wish to become the floor leader now. With an eye on the big post of GHMC, when MIM completes its two years, he would be more interested in developing a rapport inside the party. “I am not in the race for floor leader. If I were, I would have talked to the party leader Hanumantha Rao,” he said.

NEWS BRIEFS YSRCP will not celebrate New Year

Promote Urdu as well, leaders urge

Traffic restrictions on New Year’s eve

T-JAC meeting on Telangana issue

SR Congress leaders have asked the cadre to keep away from the New Year celebrations in protest against the 'undemocratic' arrest of party president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. “In the wake of this undemocratic arrest and the political vendetta, we shall be intensifying the one crore signature campaign,” said party leaders.

ohammed Abdul Samad, president of Tanzeem Promotion of Urdu Language, Andhra Pradesh, and other leaders have, in a joint statement, hailed the conduct of World Telugu Conference in Tirupathi from December 27-29. They urged the chief minister to also hold an Urdu conference under the auspices of the government.

rafﬁc will be diverted on important stretches in the City on New Year’s Eve to avoid any untoward incident. The trafﬁc will not be allowed in three important stretches — NTR Marg, Necklace road and Upper Tank Bund — from 10pm to 2am for two days. A massive drive against drunk-driving will also be undertaken by the police.

he steering committee meeting of Telangana Joint Action Committee will be held today in the City. Prof Kodandaram will chair the meeting. The meeting is being held to chalk out a strategy regarding continuing the separate Telangana agitation in the wake of the all-party meeting held last week in New Delhi on this issue.

city MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

MEDIA NIDHI BHUSHAN nidhi.b@postnoon.com

his is the story of a young girl who had just finished watching a movie. She was with a friend waiting to get home after a regular day. She boarded a bus, a public transport vehicle. A bus that was supposed to take her home to her family. A bus that would save her from the cold Delhi weather. After boarding, she was harassed by six men on the bus, the only other passengers. When her friend resisted, he was beaten. When the girl intervened, she was beaten. The men then decided to ‘teach her a lesson’. They decided to rape her one by one. Using an iron rod, they repeatedly assaulted her by shoving it in her private parts, rendering her unconscious. That didn’t stop them. Then they threw the girl and her friend out on the street. The girl and her friend lay there helpless, soaked in their blood, naked for more than an hour before being rushed to a hospital. Lying there raped, beaten, exposed, humiliated, violated and damaged, Victim X fought for her life with all her might. A life that was precious to her. A life she had dreams of shaping in her special way. A life that she was going to devote to saving

lives. A life that was not going to be interrupted this way. A life that would not meet its end at 23 years on December 29. This is the story of a girl — of you and me. The incident that has spurred a nation-wide uproar has led to many debates, panel discussions and headlines, including this one. It has become, at least for now, a wake-up call for the otherwise lazy government and even lazier politicians and security forces. But why do we need an incident so heinous to wake us up? As journalists, we have been asking the question repeatedly since the illfated Sunday night of December 16. Yet again, politicians, including our PM, and police forces look like fools by making outrageous statements that lack the least bit of empathy. The outcome: nothing. But is this drill, a sort of choreography, serving any purpose? News networks and newspapers seem to be following a standard formula — a big issue such as this pops up, we debate, we speak to people like Abhijit Mukherji and Shafiqur Rahman for sound bites, we mock their lack of sensitivity, people react to

SENSATIONALISE,

BUT SENSIBLY

the statements and then we wait for another incident. As a journalist, it made me think, does sensationalising or wasting broadcast space on idiotic statements make the country a safer place? Do these comments even deserve to be heard by the citizens of India? And, most of all, do these statements end up empowering women or making their case even weaker? The latter, obviously. It’s easy to condemn politicians for their severely chauvinistic statements, but is it necessary? Don’t these statements damage the spirit of the victim even further? And, worse, aren’t such comments partially responsible for making criminals believe that they can get away with murder? For a change, let’s put ourselves in a criminal’s shoes. A man rapes a woman and moves on to his normal daily routine like nothing happened. Meanwhile, news channels go half-berserk reporting the incident, that then leads to peaceful protests across the nation. For every 10-second footage of the protest, the channels dedicate at least two to three minutes to obnoxious comments. As a rapist, what would you

Before we ask for laws to be altered, before we demand justice, and before we blame our leaders and those in authority for everything criminal, we journalists need to look within and modify our ways too.

understand from it? ‘I can get away with anything because the country’s leaders are on my side. They don’t care about the victim and, in fact, blame her. Even they believe that women deserve it’. The victim, however, would be left wondering endlessly about where she went wrong. My question is, then why can’t we stop emphasising on the useless comments our leaders make in a time of crisis? As journalists, we are told to report things the way they are. We are not supposed to have opinions and we are certainly not expected to judge. But, let’s face it, that code of conduct or ethical rule has long been forgotten. We are biased, we are judgemental and we certainly voice our opinions. Though we may like to pass the blame on to our leaders and police, we are equally responsible for creating the ‘I-can-getaway-with-murder’ mindset among criminals. After all, we are the ones reporting the comments. While these stupid remarks may anger a significant population, they end up boosting confidence among criminals. In a recent panel discussion on a news channels, the anchor

screamed that rapists shouldn’t be granted bail. If we can advice our government about laws that need to be modified, why can’t we work on our ethics too? Why can’t we take a stand and blacklist all politicians and government servants infamous for their notorious comments? By now, we should have a list of the usual suspects, right? Sadly, we need something to sensationalise, something to scream about and something to anger the already angry citizen — after all, we need to kill an hour of news. So, we journalists take the easier path; we approach sexist and delusional leaders who give us our daily dose of a tadakta bhadakta comment. What’s the point, really? Many would argue that people must know what sheer stupidity their leaders are made of. Well, I think we have already crossed that bridge. Citizens know the government is sloppy, least bothered and insensitive. So, where is the sense in beating the same drum case after case? Can’t we, for a change, let citizens speak? The time has come for leaders to sit and listen to what the common man has to say.

city MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

POLITICS

TRS charts fresh action plan The party strongly doubts the claims of the Union home minister, who said he would find a solution to the decades-old separate Telangana issue. INKESHAF AHMED ahmed.m@postnoon.com

he successful conclusion of the all-party meet held by Union home minister Sushilkumar Shinde on the separate state issue has led to drastic political developments in the TRS party. The party had not only called for a bandh protesting the attitude of the Union government on the day after the all-party meet, but also held an emergency politburo meeting to discuss its future course of action. The reason for holding the emergency meeting was that the TRS strongly doubts the claims of the Union home minister, who said he would find a solution to the decades-old separate Telangana issue. “How can he find a solution in a month’s time, when the Congress could not address the problem since it

came to power in 2004? It is nothing but another attempt of the ruling Congress party to deceive four crore people of Telangana,” party floor leader E Rajender told Postnoon while reacting on the issue. Doubting the claims, the party had decided to hold a month-long agitation programme during its politburo meeting held under the chairmanship of party president K Chandrasekhara Rao. “We have decided to hold these programmes to build up pressure on the UPA government to address the separate Telangana issue,” Rajender added. The month-long agitation programmes include bike rallies across the Telangana region on January 4 with more than one lakh activists and pro-Telangana supporters participating. After this programme, the party leadership has decided to

hold rallies and yatras in all Telangana districts. On January 17, the TRS will hold hunger strikes, followed by dharnas at district collectors’ offices and

CRIME

Woman made to drink urine

will hand over special request letters for BR Ambedkar statues on January 23 and 26. Marking the end of the month-long agitation pro-

grammes, the Telangana Rastra Samithi will hold a massive public meeting in Vanaparthi mandal of Mahbubnagar district with lakhs of party activists.

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After a villager fell ill, others accused a 48-year-old woman and her son of practising black magic. Mohd SUBHAN mohd.s@postnoon.com

woman accused of witchcraft was beaten, tonsured and made to drink urine in a ghastly incident reported from Pilloniguda village under Shamshabad police station limits in Hyderabad. The incident that exposes the crass ignorance of laymen has victimised one 48-year-old woman, Ettamma, and her 24-year-old son, Praveen. It is said that many villagers sought their help in curing illness or driving out evils, but some objected to them, saying they symbolised evil. However, what made the situation dangerous was when people began to spread rumours that illness in the village was due to the black magic practised by the woman. Things came to a head last week when one Narsimha Reddy suddenly

fell ill and a relative sought the help of the ‘sorcerer’. But village elders intervened and transported the patient to a nearby hospital. Later, some enraged men ganged up and attacked the house of Ettamma and her son. The woman was tied to a tree and beaten; her head was shaved and she was made to drink urine, before the villagers released her. The mother and son, shamed, are said to have attempted to kill themselves but someone saved them. Inspector C Anjaih of Shamshabad police station said that seven men have been arrested in connection with the atrocity and remanded in judicial custody for two weeks. Some seven more are to be arrested on the charge but they escaped the police net. The seven held (in pic) have been identified as P Chinna Sailu, 64, P Chandraiah, 30, P Srinivas, 22, P Shekhar, 21, P Ramesh, 20, P Venkatiah, 58, and P Raju.

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classifieds MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

WATER SCARCITY

Water supply to the City will be reduced by more than 35 million gallons per day. CLASSIFIEDS HEALTH/ CLINIC

Water shortage hits City

RAHUL RAMAKRISHNA rahul.r@postnoon.com

he severe shortage of water supply in the water reservoirs in and around Hyderabad will mean a severe water scarcity this summer. According to water board officials, water supply will be reduced by more than 35 million gallons per day (MGD). The 340 MGD of water supplied from the five reservoirs will fall to 290 MGD, according to officials from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB). This shortage is expected to come down in a phased manner. “We have prepared a monthwise plan with the estimates of how

much water supply will be reduced in a phase wise manner from February to August 2013. “However, we have some measures of saving the City from being parched, like the emergency pumping system in Osmansagar and Himayathsagar, both of which will have water in dead storage levels in the early weeks of February,” said an official from the water board’s operation wing. This will mean that water will most likely be supplied every alternate day or once in every three days. The HMWS&SB has already invited tenders for erecting and commissioning of the five existing 100 HP pumps to pump water from Himayathsagar to Osmansagar and Singur reservoirs on an emergency

basis. As of now, 37 MGD of water is being supplied to the City from the two reservoirs and this shortfall is expected to come down in a phased manner, after the Krishna water supply is diverted to the many parts of the City that enjoy water supply from Osmansagar and Himayathsagar reservoirs. This plan was taken up after

the five reservoirs — Osmansagar, Himayathsagar, Singur, Manjeera and Akkampally — registered low water reserve levels due to irregular monsoons this year. SRINIVAS SETTY

Current water supply statistics

Name of the Reservoir Osmansagar Himayathsagar Singur Manjeera Akkampally Total

Capacity (TMC*) 0.630 0.553 9.670 1.273 0.935 13.061

Last year’s Capacity (TMC) 1.645 1.219 26.444 0.587 1.339 31.234 *THOUSAND MILLION CUBIC FEET

HOME APPLIANCES

TRADE

Digital devices replace diaries

ANUBHA K SINGH anubha.k@postnoon.com

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N SHIVA KUMAR

ith New Year already here, people are busy buying gifts, greeting cards and sweets. But one item on their shopping list is missing — New Year diaries. Many stationary shops and book stalls that once proudly displayed artistic New Year diaries are dejected this time as not many are eager to buy diaries, thanks to modern mobile phones. “People now look outdated if they use diaries to note down phone numbers and personal information,” said Madhu, who owns a stationary shop in Punjagutta. Suryakant Rao, another trader, agrees with him. “Many people now don’t feel comfortable carrying diaries in pockets, especially when they have good storage facility in their mobile phones or other gadgets which can easily fit in the pocket and are comfortable to carry too. Using diary is now old-

fashioned. Earlier, people used to buy diaries for gifting purposes but unfortunately it is now replaced by many other updated electronic gadgets” “Earlier, we used to sell at least 50 diaries on a single day. Now, it is not more than 15 a week. The main reason is increased dependency and

usage of electronic gadgets. If you use your diaries for jotting down information, people make fun of you,” said Raghvendra Reddy, a shopkeeper at Lakdikapul. However, some wholesalers from Begumbazaar and Osmangunj insist that diaries are still in demand, at least by government and companies which gift them to their employees. “We don’t suffer as much loss as compared to retailers as we always get bulk orders from many organisations. But the orders we used to get four or five years back was four times more from what we are getting in the past one or two years,” said Laxmikanth Reddy, a wholesale dealer in Osmangunj. The need of the hour is to keep yourself updated with the latest additions in the market. No wonder many shopkeepers are in no mood to stock up their shops with New Year diaries in the future. People have chosen to store their memories digitally instead of writing down personally.

city MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

WHO IS THE BEST COOK?

TIME’S UP!

Akruthi Aks’s vegetable biryani with raita Ingredients for biryani

Basmati rice n 1/2 cup carrot n 1/2 cup capsicum and cauliflower n 2 potatoes n 2-3 bay leaves n 2-3 cloves n A pinch of cinnamon n 1/2 tsp ginger n 2 tsp oil n Salt to taste n Mint leaves and coriander for garnishing. Method: Pour 2 tsp oil in the cooking pan. Once hot, add cinnamon, bay leaves, cloves and ginger. Saute them and then add all the vegetables mentioned above and mix well. Leave it for 2-3 minutes. Add the rice and mix. Pour three cups of water and add salt to taste. Leave it for 10 minutes till the rice is cooked. Garnish with mint leaves and coriander. n

Samihita and Samantha’s Sacks of Yumminess Ingredients 1 cup macaroni, Finely chopped onions and capsicum - at least 1/2 a cup each n 1/2 cup finely chopped beans n 1 tsp ajinomoto n 1 tsp black pepper n Garlic flakes n 1 inch piece of ginger n Oil n Salt n 1 tsp red chilli flakes n 1 tsp tomato ketchup n 1 tsp green chilli sauce n 1 tsp soya sauce n Green chillies n 1/4 kg of white flour n 2 tsp butter. Method: Boil the macaroni with a pinch of salt in water. Drain and keep this aside. Boil vegetables, except capsicum and onions, with a pinch of salt in water, drain and keep aside. Now, place a pan on the stove and add four tablespoons of oil. Add finely chopped ginger and garlic to the oil. Add onions and fry. Add all the vegetables and saute. Add macaroni along with chilli flakes, pepper, ajinomoto, soya sauce, tomato ketchup and green chilli sauce and some finely chopped green chillies. Add salt. Fry for five mins. For the sacks: Add two tsp butter and a pinch of salt to the white flour. Add water and prepare the dough. Now wrap the dough in a clean wet cloth and place it aside for 10 mins. Roll the dough into small puris, add one tsp of the macaroni mix on each puri, fold it in the shape of a sack and deep fry till it becomes golden brown. Serve with ketchup. n n

PICS: S BALAKRISHNA

Ten finalists have been shortlisted to participate in Who Is The Best Cook? today. The eagerly awaited finale of the competition will have the City’s best battle it out with their frying pans and ladles. Postnoon reports.

Ingredients for raita 1 cup curd Salt n Carrots n Cucumber n Green chilli. Method: Whip the curd until it becomes a thick creamy paste. Add salt, carrot, cucumber to the paste. Season the raita with lightly fried oil and green chilli. n n

Ingredients for thepla 2 large spoons of besan 1 cup flour n Mint leaves n Coriander leaves n Methi leaves n Garlic paste n Red chilli power n Salt Method: Mix besan and flour. Add mint leaves, coriander, methi, garlic paste, red chilli powder and salt. Mix them all into a dough and leave it for half an hour. Cook it like roti. n n

NIDHI BHUSHAN nidhi.b@postnoon.com

he last Sunday for shortlisting participants for Who Is The Best Cook, organised by www.studentmug.com, kicked off on an enthusiastic note with more than 12 people participating. Like all the other Sundays of December have been, this one too rocked in its own special way. Women — young and old — came prepared with their magic ingredients to create something special for the judges at Mayuri Apartments in Begumpet. While many residents gathered around to fill their registration forms, others cheered them on. Though there were a variety of dishes — from sweet to snacks — the preparations happened to be all vegetarian. From bondas to halwas, women in the lunch round sure knew how to impress the judges. But it was the building’s Akruthi Aks who took the

prize with her vegetable biryani and raita and thepla. She will be joining nine other participants in the competition today. The finale that will decide who, in fact, is the best cook in Hyderabad was held at South Park restaurant on Monday. Because the organisers had cancelled one of the previous dinner rounds, they incorporated a third round on Sunday to arrive at a total of 10 finalists. And, thanks to women and their undying love for cooking everything delicious, the round was a huge success. Held at the Romanceque Apartments in Begumpet, the competition was more like an outing for the residents. Participants gave their very best, by making everything from Maggi to pineapple halwa. But it was Jahnvi’s gulab jamuns that stole the show. The third round, held at Brindavan Apartments in the same area, could not gather a huge crowd because of a slight delay in organising. Moreover,

strong winds were a deterrent for those interested in cooking something elaborate. Ultimately, five women participated. The winners of the dinner round were Samihita and Samantha, who prepared a unique snack called Sacks of Yumminess. Indeed, it was yummy. Will return with the final results next year!

Jahnvi’s gulab jamun Ingredients 10 tsp milk powder 2 tsp white flour n 1 pinch of salt n 1 tsp of room temperature butter n 1 pinch of baking powder. Method: Mix all the ingredients and knead it with cold milk. Make balls of the dough and deep fry them in ghee or vegetable oil till they become golden-brown. For Gulab jamun syrup: Boil two cups of sugar in two cups of water and add cardamom powder for flavour. Add the balls to this and boil it for 10 minutes with the lid closed. n n

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

focus EDUCATION

Giving every kid a ‘super’ start Heroes always emerge from adversities, feels the founder of Super 30, a coaching class with a difference. A product of the Ramanujan School, this institute aims at giving students from economically backward sections an equal opportunity to succeed. ARUNIMA RAJAN arunima.r@postnoon.com

n the ever-expanding market of coaching institutes, Anand Kumar’s (in pic) Super 30 is an anomaly. For the past eight years, students of Super 30 — an education programme for students from economically backward sections run by Ramanujan School of Mathematics — have consistently performed well in the joint entrance examination for the Indian Institutes of Technology. Kumar, an architect of the programme, tells Postnoon about their expansion plans, trends, challenges and skewed gender ratio at his institute, which has often been considered as one of the most innovative schools in Asia. n You had an opportunity to study at Cambridge but could not pursue it due to financial constraints. Do you think about what you could have achieved if you had studied there? I don’t think of what I missed out on. Maybe god had willed it this way and I am happy with what I have achieved. In Cambridge, I might have achieved success for myself, but now I see success in the smiles of my students.

n What are the kinds of problems you face in running this school? The problems were there in the beginning when coaching ‘mafias’ were unhappy with the concept. They attacked me and my people. Some people even tried to defame me by starting different coaching institutes with a prefix or suffix of ‘super 30’ to their institute’s name and received huge amounts as donation from government and private agencies. n How does Super 30 sustain itself? Are you financially supported by the government or other external agencies? I do not accept funds from the government or any private institution. Super 30 is solely run on the income generated from the Ramanujan School of Mathematics, where we offer tuition for school students for a modest fee. n What is the selection process for Super 30? Students are selected on the basis of their performance in a screening test. Preference is given to poor students, irrespective of caste or creed. n Why are there such few girls at the institute? I guess it has something to do

with a social structure in which more attention is devoted to sons than daughters. But things are gradually changing now. The government and society is laying more and more emphasis on the girl child’s education. In the years to come, you will probably get to see many more girls here. n What is your take on the Promotion Quota Bill? Should reservation be given for the economically backward or backward castes? This is a sensitive issue which is best left to politicians. But yes, I feel that even the most backward people can climb the ladder with merit if they get the right opportunity. n Is the new format of IIT-JEE fair? No, it is heavily tilted against the urban elite, and more importantly, it is still not clear if the JEE board is itself convinced with it.

Who knows, we can get back to subjective type questions once again, at least for the Mains examination. n Is there a dip in the success rate of Super 30? Super 30 does not work for success or failure. I think we are a success if we are able to shape the life of just one poor student. If the rate is 30 out of 30 — as it happened for three years — then it is a bonus. I was happy with 28 out of 30 and 24 out of 30 because those who miss the IIT bus end up in other good institutions or crack it the next time around. n Who is the star of this year's Super 30? For me, all 30 are stars. Luck and opportunities make stars. At Super 30, there is equal love for all and they all respond equally with hard work. n What are your expansion plans? I hope to double the intake to meet the growing demand within two years. But more importantly, I want to set up a school from Class I to Class XII so that I can groom the poorest of students into successful citizens. This will have a lasting impact. n Though Bihar is an underdeveloped state, a big chunk of

students clear competitive examinations from there every year. What do you think is the reason for this success? Heroes always emerge from adversities. Here, students excel because they have the passion to excel. They want to shed their painful past and start a new journey. Talent wise, they are second to none. Once they have the opportunities, they make it doubly count. n There have been reports about how Bihar has started developing at a faster rate in the last 10 years. How fast is the education sector in the State improving? The government has definitely done good work, but in the education sector, there is no magic wand. If one invests in the education sector today, the results will show only 15-20 years later. The government is developing infrastructure and is looking for good teachers. The intent is there and this shows as enrolment rates have improved. Now is the time to sustain and consolidate it. n Recently, People magazine picked you as the people's hero. How do you see these accolades? This is a recognition that inspires me to work harder.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

Business

CHINA COMMISSIONS LONGEST GAS PIPELINE

China's west to east gas pipeline, the world's longest line, turned fully operational, the country's largest oil and gas producer announced. CNPC said the 8,704-km pipeline will carry natural gas from central Asia to as far as Shanghai in east China and Guangzhou in south China.

INFRASTRUCTURE 2012

ABE TO GO NUCLEAR

State in the throes of an economic emergency? The power crisis, lax administration and infrastructure problems have hit industrial growth in AP hard. This paints a gloomy picture for the industry in the new year. PRUDHVI RAJU K prudhvi.k@postnoon.com

hat does 2013 have in store for the industrial sector in the State? In the past, Andhra Pradesh consistently managed a better growth percentage than the country’s average. But in the past few years, this trend has taken a blow. So do we have something to look forward to in the coming year? “There won’t be much change in the industrial atmosphere in the coming year. Earlier, the State administration was one of the best in the country and managed to grow more than 12 per cent when the country was attaining nine per cent growth. Post 2008, the State has fallen behind and is struggling to deliver a growth rate at par with the country’s GDP growth. Power crisis and government approvals act as impediments for the growth of the industry and the State,” says Y Harish Chandra Prasad, chairman of Malaxmi group. Adding to the woes is the infrastructure industry. Banks are in trouble with increasing NPAs and private equity investors are not interested in any of the sectors. Taking up an infrastructure project is a difficult in the current economic scenario. Availability of fuel is another major issue for power sector, according to Prasad. Manufacturing and infrastructure sectors play a crucial role in attaining sustainable growth. However, the country’s growth is mostly dependent on the service industry and the

Japan's new prime minister Shinzo Abe has voiced his willingness to build new nuclear reactors, reports said Monday, despite widespread public opposition to atomic energy in light of the Fukushima crisis. During an interview Sunday with television network TBS, Abe remarked that new reactors would be different to those at Fukushima which were crippled by the earthquake-tsunami, according to major news outlets including the Nikkei business daily and Kyodo News.It was the first time that Abe has clearly declared his wish to build new reactors since he officially took office on Wednesday."New reactors will be totally different from the ones built 40 years ago — those at the Fukushima Daiichi plant that caused the crisis," Abe said in the interview, according to the Mainichi Shimbun newspaper. "We will be building them while earning understanding of the public as to how different they are," he said.

NUMEROLOGY

8.6%

vagaries of monsoon. If the monsoons are on time it attributes to another 1-2 per cent growth; otherwise it pulls down the growth. The service sector also depends on the financial condition of Europe and USA. So, neither of the sectors that we are dependent on can be controlled by us. In contrast, China has consistently shown 10 per cent growth over the last 20 years mostly in the manufacturing and infrastructure sectors. On the contrary, Andhra Pradesh — which was growing at the rate of 12 per cent — has come down to around 6 per cent. The real challenge is to attain sustainable growth, which will create employment and fulfil the aspirations of students. For instance, there are

Y Harish Chandra Prasad, chairman of Malaxmi group.

around one lakh engineering students graduating ever year and we have barely 20,000 jobs

in the State. This means that the growth of State can only fulfil the aspirations of 20 per cent of the graduates. The solution, according to Prasad, is simple. “The State should solve the power crisis and provide a strong and able administration. We should declare economic emergency and bring in many task forces, making the industry a part of it. None of the sectors can be looked in isolation. The industrial environment has become a maze and no single individual can take a decision. There is a need to bring in experts from various fields in these task forces and find ways for sustainable growth. It is time to accept reality and rebuild the State from scratch rather than live with false hopes,” he says.

for

DOLLAR DOWN The dollar weakened against the euro in Asia Monday with traders fleeing the US currency as hopes faded that a deal could be reached to avert the fiscal cliff in the United States, analysts said. The euro advanced to $1.3227 in early Asian trade from $1.3217 in late US trade Friday. The dollar also lost ground against the yen, slipping to 85.88 yen. Traders were pessimistic a deal could be reached to avoid the fiscal cliff of tax hikes and spending cuts before a January 1 deadline, with negotiations appearing deadlocked, said Yang Weiming, premium client manager for IG Markets Singapore. Analysts fear that if a deal is not reached to prevent the US going over the fiscal cliff, the American economy could be tipped into recession.

BSE 5,908.60 `54.78 5,209.05 DOLLAR`55.14 17,179.95DOLLAR NSEPOUND `86.60 `88.48 POUND BSE NSE GOLD`31,000 10g SILVER `58,100 1kg

24C

GOLD `29,500 10g SILVER `53,000 1kg

is the growth rate of China’s economy, as per the prevailing conditions, as predicted by Qu Hongbin, HSBC's chief economist for China.

98.90

33.65

Since our country is a union of states, we abide by its federal character and, therefore, are bound by the consensus on the issue, ANAND SHARMA, COMMERCE MINISTER

19,448.35 3.51

ANAND SHARMA, 1.00 COMMERCE MINISTER

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

nation

‘RANGANATHANANDA DREW ME TO JINNAH'S SPEECH’

Nearly seven years after courting a controversy by praising Mohammed Ali Jinnah, senior BJP leader LK Advani today said it was a prominent Swami of the Ramakrishna Mission, who had drawn his attention to the Pakistan founder's desire for a secular state.

DELHI PROTESTS

RACE TO THE FINISH

Victim's family want killers executed

wife Kavitha is a software engineer and they have a son. When Venkat Reddy did not return home Saturday night, his wife tried to contact him on his mobile phone. She grew anxious as her husband was not picking up the phone. She along with her neighbour then reached the supermarket only to find Venkat Reddy in a pool of blood.

NEW DELHI: The family of a murdered Indian gang-rape victim will not rest until her killers are hanged, her brother said in an interview published on Monday. "The fight has just begun. We want all the accused hanged, and we will fight for that, till the end," the brother told the Indian Express. Six men are facing murder charges after allegedly luring the 23-year-old onto a bus in New Delhi on December 16 and then taking it in turns to rape her before throwing her out of the moving vehicle. The young woman's father spoke of the impact of the tragedy on the family, saying her mother is consumed by grief. "My wife had hardly eaten in the last two weeks," said the father. The father said he too was struggling to accept the news. "It is too painful. I have not gone inside her room. She was born in this house. Her books, clothes they are all here," he said. "It is hard to believe I will never hear her voice again, she will never read books to me in English again."

IANS

AFP

A competitor takes part in the Kambala Buffalo race near Mangalore on Sunday. PTI

THIEF TURNS MURDERER

Indian shot dead in US HYDERABAD: A businessman from Andhra Pradesh is suspected to have been shot dead by burglars in a supermarket in Cincinnati, Ohio, US. G Venkat Reddy was found dead in the supermarket he used to run, the businessman's family in Karimnagar town was informed late Sunday. He was allegedly attacked by the burglars. Venkat Reddy, 48, had gone to the US 12 years ago. His

People shout slogans during a candle-lit vigil to mourn the death of a gang rape victim in New Delhi on Sunday. PTI

Minor molested in bus was raped by brother NEW DELHI: Fresh facts have emerged in the case of a minor girl molested in a bus here with police arresting her teenaged brother for allegedly raping her six months ago and molesting her thereafter. The tragic story of the girl unfolded yesterday after the 16-year-old girl recorded her statement with police. Her brother Nazakkat Ali, 19, was arrested following her complaint. The girl was molested on Saturday night

allegedly by a conductor when she had ran away from her house following harassment by her family. The conductor Ranjit Singh was arrested in connection with the case, which comes close on the heels of the brutal gangrape of a girl in a moving bus in south Delhi. Police went to her house in west Delhi's Khyala yesterday to record her statement during which she told investigators about her ordeal. PTI

NEWS BRIEFS Two women seriously injured in acid attack

MUZAFFARNAGAR: Crimes against women seem to be on the rise even as the nation is protesting against the Delhi gang-rape incident and demand better safety measures for women in the country. In a shocking incident, a nurse and a teacher were seriously injured when a youth threw acid on them at Aryapuri locality here, police said today. Usha Sharma, 35, a nurse, and Bobby, 45, a teacher, were returning home in a rickshaw when the youth threw acid on Usha yesterday. They were rushed to the hospital in a serious condition. The accused Pawan Kumar has been arrested. According to the police, Usha, who is married, and Pawan were involved in a relationship. However, Pawan was planning to get married to another girl which had upset Usha. Following this the accused took the extreme step.

Minor rape victim stable after suicide attempt

AHMEDABAD: The condition of a minor girl, who tried to commit suicide following a gang-rape three weeks ago, was now stable, resident medical officer of V S Hospital here said today. "She is stable now. She was on a ventilator yesterday, but now she has been put on stand-by ventilator," resident medical officer of the hospital told PTI. According to the police, the 14year-old was kidnapped by two persons who were in a car in Dholka town on December 6, and raped. The accused were identified as Prakash Devipujak and Mohit Devipujak. Her relatives lodged a complaint on December 14. Both the accused are absconding. Unable to bear a pain in her stomach, the girl drank poison yesterday.

Trawler sinks after collision, two die

CANNING (WB): Two people drowned when a trawler carrying them collided with another and sank at Kakdwip of South 24 Parganas district, the police said today. Bodies of betel leaf (paan) farmers Subimal Maji, 60, and Usha Kanji, 70, were ﬁshed out late last night after the cargo trawler, MV Maa Ganga, sank in Kalnagini river near Boumari Ghat in Kakdwip. About 30 betel leaf farmers of Pathar Pratima had hired the cargo trawler to bring their wares at Kakdwip 'paan bazar' yesterday and were returning home when the trawler collided head on with a ﬁshing trawler, MV Shikha, they said. Low visibility due to dense fog was the reason behind the accident which occurred shortly after 10 PM, they said, adding other farmers and crew of MV Maa Ganga either swam to safety or picked up from the river by the other trawler.

PICK YOUR

Across Stores

ities Twin C

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

World

IRAQI DEPUTY PM SURVIVES ASSASSINATION BID Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Saleh al-Mutlak Sunday survived an attempt on his life, Xinhua reported. Al-Mutlak was participating in a protest in Anbar province, about 100 km from Baghdad, when the attack took place. Several of his bodyguards were wounded.

CLINTON HEALTH SCARE

CHAVEZ SUFFERS SETBACK

Clinton in hospital with blood clot

The latest health scare for the diplomat will keep her out of the public eye a bit longer, just as she prepares to step down after four years. NEW YORK: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was hospitalised Sunday when doctors discovered a blood clot caused after she fainted and suffered concussion earlier this month, her top aide said. The latest health scare for the globe-trotting Clinton will likely keep her out of the public eye a bit longer, just as she prepares to step down after four years as America’s top diplomat. Clinton, 65, fell ill with a stomach bug on her return from a trip to Europe earlier this month that caused the former first lady to become severely dehydrated and faint, suffering a concussion. “In the course of a follow-up exam today, Secretary Clinton’s doctors discovered a blood clot had formed, stemming from the concussion she sustained several weeks ago,” her aide Philippe Reines said in a statement. “She is being treated with anti-coagulants and is at New York Presbyterian Hospital so that they can monitor the medication over the next 48 hours,” he said. “Her doctors will continue to assess her condition, including other issues associated with her concussion. They will determine if any further action is required,” he added. Reines did not elaborate further on her condition, and would not specify where the clot had formed. And the streets

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has been hospitalised after suffering a blood clot following an accident several weeks ago. AFP PHOTO

outside the hospital in Clinton’s home state were deserted late Sunday on a cold December night. Previously in 1998, when she was first lady in the White House of her husband and thenpresident Bill Clinton, Clinton suffered a blood clot in her leg that she has described as “the

most significant health scare I’ve ever had.” “That was scary because you have to treat it immediately — you don’t want to take the risk that it will break lose and travel to your brain, or your heart or your lungs,” she told the New York Daily News in 2007.

Clinton has been off work since her return from her last foreign trip on December 7, although her staff has said she has been working from home. Only a few days ago, Reines said she was expected back in Washington this week. Her rare and lengthy absence from public life had sparked claims from some of her fiercer critics that she was trying to avoid testifying before lawmakers investigating a deadly attack on a US mission in Libya. The American media has also been rife with speculation and rumors about her whereabouts and her condition, but it is not believed to be life-threatening. Clinton’s doctors said she had become severely dehydrated due to the effects of the stomach bug and fainted, suffering a concussion. They recommended she stay off work, and ordered her not to fly until at least midJanuary. Clinton has flown almost a million miles since taking office four years ago, visited 112 countries and spent some 400 days in a plane. She has been hugely popular as secretary of state, and has the highest ratings of any cabinet member. Many believe she will try to run again for the White House in 2016, after she was narrowly defeated to the Democratic Party nomination by Barack Obama in 2008. AFP

NEWS BRIEFS Quake rattles Peru tourist region

Woman hurt in acid attack in Germany

Bomb found under N.Ireland cop’s car

Libya church blast kills two Egyptians: Embassy

LIMA: A magnitude 5.2 earthquake shook Peru’s tourist region of Cusco, home to the Inca site Machu Picchu, though there were no immediate reports of damage, seismologists said. The quake struck 129 kilometers east-northeast of the city of Cusco at 3:49 pm (02:19 IST) yesterday, according to the US Geological Survey.

BERLIN: German police arrested two suspects after a young woman of Turkish origin suffered serious burns in an acid attack in western Germany, police said. The 20-yearold victim opened the door of her home in the town of Hilden early Saturday when one of the suspects doused her with sulphuric acid from a tin can, police said yesterday.

LONDON: A bomb hidden under an off-duty policeman’s car parked on a major road in Northern Ireland was discovered before it could explode today, police said. The booby-trap device was detected on the vehicle, parked in east Belfast, police said. It was “clearly intended to kill the ofﬁcer,” assistant chief constable George Hamilton said.

TRIPOLI: An explosion rocked a Coptic church near the Libyan city of Misrata, killing two people and wounding two, all of them Egyptians, a diplomat said. “Two men were killed and two others wounded,” said the diplomat at the Egyptian embassy, adding that it took place late yesterday but the embassy was only informed today.

Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez has suffered a new setback after cancer surgery in Cuba, raising new fears about his political future, Vice President Nicolas Maduro said. “We have been informed of new complications that arose as a consequence of the respiratory infection,” Maduro said on state TV and radio yesterday from Havana. Cuba is Chavez’s closest regional ally. “President Chavez’s condition is still delicate,” Maduro added.

NUMEROLOGY

$4.6

million

worth of jewellery and another USD 33,000 in cash were stolen from a house in an exclusive Uruguayan resort town, police said. The theft took place in Barra, near Punta del Este.

MERKEL STEELS GERMANS Chancellor Angela Merkel warned Germans that the economy, Europe’s biggest, would experience a harder time next year than in 2012 and cautioned too that the eurozone debt crisis was far from over. In her annual New Year address published today, Merkel said: “In fact, the economic environment next year will not be easier, but more difﬁcult”, adding: “The crisis is a long way from being beaten.” Although top exporter Germany has managed to hold up to the crisis fairly well, growth has slowed here as well since the beginning of the year.

As peacekeepers depart, we look forward to a new phase in this relationship focusing on social and economic development. Finn Reske-Nielsen UNMIT chief

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

Technology DESTINATION NEXT

The next Silicon Valley? So far China’s Chengdu has attracted about 29,000 companies to its 130-square-kilometre ‘hi-tech development zone’. SEBASTIEN BLANC feedback@postnoon.com CHENGDU: Entrepreneurs in China’s southwest are dreaming of turning the city of Chengdu into the world’s next Silicon Valley as the government encourages more investment outside the booming coastal regions. Small startups as well as big-name western companies have flocked to the metropolis of 14 million people, attracted by cheap labour costs and favourable government investment policies and hoping to tap into China’s rapidly expanding consumer market. And the Silicon Valley dream is becoming reality as the city, already a hi-tech manufacturing hub, seeks increasingly to become a magnet for software development and innovation. Between one-third to onehalf of the iPads sold worldwide are assembled in Chengdu, while computer giant Intel makes up to half of its chips in the city.

Far from the booming coastal regions, Chengdu can offer perks through the government’s “Go West” development programme, with incentives for startups such as one-year interest-free loans. So far it has attracted about 29,000 companies to its 130square-kilometre (50-squaremile) “hi-tech development zone”, including about 1,000 foreign enterprises. Chengdu is also developing a nearby “Software Park” as the city aims to go beyond manufacturing and become a centre of innovation. At Chinese startup GoodTeam, a software engineer shows off his latest creation: a game in which players try to place a bottle into the mouth of a baby. The application is being developed for pre-schoolers between one and three years old, the age at which children in Chengdu begin to toy with computer technology. Founded in 2009, the startup employs 32 people and has seen strong growth in the gaming market, with most of its applications

Companies have flocked to the metropolis of 14 million people attracted by cheap labour costs and favourable government policies used on mobile telephones. “In July 2009 we had about five downloads a day, today we have more than 100,000 a day for each game. We are confident in the market,” Liu Jia, a GoodTeam manager said. “Since we started we have survived three crises but it has been the hi-tech zone that has sustained us by allowing us to borrow money.” With five nearby universities focusing on science and technology, cafes and restaurants around the development zone have become networking hotspots for software programmers. “The best reason (to come to Chengdu) is the education

environment. The region has great universities,” Xiong Jie, the director of Thoughtworks, which runs an Internet site for a group of Australian insurance companies said. “Only China and India have this talent pool. We have grown very fast, we started with zero people in April and now we have 50.” The company plans to add at least 30 more workers in 2013 and all will likely be aged under 30, he said. The zone boasts Chinese technology companies like Lenovo, Huawei, ZTE and the Taiwan electronics giant Foxconn, as well as Internet portals Tencent and Alibaba. Foreign companies include Texas Instruments, Intel, Fujitsu, IBM, Hewlett Packard, Microsoft, Sun, SAP, Ubisoft, Siemens, Motorola, Nokia, Ericsson, Alcatel and Dell. Chengdu highlights the changing nature of the technology scene in China, where Beijing, Shanghai and the metropolis of Shenzhen near Hong Kong have long been the centre for the country’s IT industry.

BAN UNBAN Pakistan government is confused whether to ban YouTube or not. Pakistan lifted the 103-day ban on YouTube on Saturday only to impose it again within a couple of hours as some television channels began reporting that the blasphemous content — which had invited the proscription in the first place — was still available on the website. Pakistan banned YouTube on September 17 amid a rising tide of protests against the film Innocence of Muslims. Since then there has been a persistent demand for lifting the ban on YouTube, which in Pakistan doubles up as a key platform for musicians to launch their new songs.

SHUT DOWNS CONTINUE Zynga is in a lot of trouble with its revenues and user engagement falling over the past few months. In November Zynga had announced that it will shut down or stop accepting new players to eleven games, with some turning off today. The gaming giant will reallocate resources to more successful titles as well as creating new ones. The list of games that will be sut down today includes PetVille and Mafia Wars 2, much to the disappointment of many gamers.

BBM gets videochat BlackBerry 10 will make the devices from RIM a little less boring. The new operating system will let users videochat with friends over BBM according to latest leaked screenshots. According to RIM, BlackBerry 10 is slated for its ofﬁcial launch on January 30 and the company will also reveal three handsets that run on the OS. BlackBerry has been struggling in the market because of the rise of Android and Apple devices. This shift is evident even in enterprise sector where RIM devices used to sell well and this has been blamed mostly on Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy adopted by most companies.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

Comment May the New Year bring you courage to break your resolutions early! My own plan is to swear off every kind of virtue, so that I triumph even when I fall! Aleister Crowley Occultist

For Auld Lang Syne THE HUMAN CONDITION Dean Williams

nd so 2012 draws to a close. It’s been a great year for some, a mediocre one for others, and for few, a disaster. But such is the nature of time and its constant ebb and flow against life. But as we begin our countdown to 2013 it behoves us to spend some time and reflect on the year that has seen tumult and triumph in equal measure. Take a minute to remember Victim X and the family that survives her. Don’t pray, just remember. Look at those around you and know that while you may be surrounded by those who love you, there are many in the world spending New Year’s Eve in old age homes, prisons, and hospitals, alone. Let your thoughts be their companions this night. And after you’ve rung in 2013 sing the words that have heralded a new dawn while taking a look at the past for centuries. Sing it loud for Auld Lang Syne (Old Times’ sake): Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind ? Should old acquaintance be forgot, and old lang syne ? CHORUS For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, we’ll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne. And surely you’ll buy your pint cup ! and surely I’ll buy mine ! And we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld lang syne. CHORUS From all of us here at Postnoon, have an epic New Year.

HIGH-FLYING THOUGHTS

While the rest of the country is busy ringing in the new year, we at HFT have decided to celebrate Hogmanay instead. We’ve already bought our copies of Rabby Burns’s poems and like any good Viking, a whole lotta grog. Huzzah!

THE YEAR GONE BY

2012: YOUR YEAR

THE HUMAN ANGLE Syed Shoaib

he year is ending today as the world did not end on December 21. It’s now time to renew our interest in prophecies amidst the risks of the real world. Some will scurry to the most common Western sun sign predictions, the more revered will stick to the Vedic system of moon signs and the varied might see what the change from the Dragon to Snake Year in Chinese astrology stands to offer them. The old year ends on a working Monday. The next year begins on promise and optimism. 2012, a year with February 29, was traditionally believed to be the only day when women could propose to men. It leaped our faith in India with rape ruling as the crime persona of all other rising eventualities — gang-rape, rape of toddlers, infants and children, senior citizens, nieces, wives, girlfriends and of daughters! Politics and sports were marked with various incidents that touched a new low. Politicians going to jail and corruption deals unearthed by the day left the citizen cynical. Dope deals and match fixing only got stronger. In the film world, reel antics of stars beating up people, attempting suicide, brawls, cross marriages and rape allegations were clicked in the real. Fanatic bigotry world over

only got more skewed with cases of religious books being burnt and inflammatory movies leading to unprecedented violence. Mass shootings ruled. On the positive front, Curiosity landed on Mars, India marked a year with no new polio cases, launched the successful 5,000km-range Agni missile, personnel in the armed forces made loud noises, India’s Airtel became the world’s fourth-largest operator and Manisha Koirala underwent a surgery for ovarian cancer. A tsunami of protests whether in Kundakulam over the proposed nuke plant, Delhi, over a brutal gang-rape, airline strikes, bandhs over fuel price hike and jal satygraha by MP farmers showed how people power if positively channelised can achieve tangible results. The untimely deaths of Indians Savita Halappanavar changed abortion laws in Ireland and made us take a serious look at mockery media shows in the case of Jacintha Saldanha in London, who could not digest an RJ prank. Two sets of Indian parents in Norway drew attention for abuse of their children. Violence against children remained the focus back home too. The deaths of abused baby Falak and Afreen in India drew debates on child rights. Many notable people died in the year gone by — singer Whitney Houston, Shiv Sena chief Balasaheb Thackeray, astronaut Neil Armstrong, former PM IK Gujaral, satirist Jaspal Bhatti, filmmaker Yash Chopra, milkman of India

Verghese Kurien, Union minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, actor Rajesh Khanna, Oscar winner Ernest Borgnine and sitarist Ravi Shankar among others. In 2012, the notable made it to the headlines for the right or wrong reasons — in India and internationally. In India, sixth richest in the world, the last nizam of Hyderabad Osman Ali Khan, sedition accused cartoonist Aseem Trivedi, on second space mission Sunita Williams, richest Indian Mukesh Ambani, hanged terrorist Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab, sixth most powerful woman in the world Sonia Gandhi, cancer-free Yuvraj Singh, MC Mary Kom and six others with the August Olympic haul, controversy creator Mamata Banerjee, anti-corruption crusaders Anna Hazare and Arvind Kejriwal, Satyamev

Jayate trumped Amir Khan, bowed out Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, comeback queen Sridevi, thriceelect Narendra Modi and FDIenabling PM Manmohan Singh were the happening faces. Post mortems are rarely positive. But that should not stop us from being forthcoming and forthright in our expectations of the upcoming year, represented by four different digits. With just a year away for the general elections in India, let’s scrutinise the person we vote for like the innumerable gizmos we purchase regularly, before switching to the updated version. Yet, it is only people and purpose that can make or break the yearning for a yielding year. Wishing you a youngish, yummy, yippy and youthful yonder!

EDITORIALS An ode to Hillary Protest across the nation

here are few women in the world as stoic as US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The news that she has been admitted to hospital in New York with a blood clot will cast a pall over the country and much of the world going into 2013. Clinton, along with Angela Merkel, has been at the vanguard of a movement that has seen women more than just hold their own in a male-dominated political world, but blaze a path where they have risen as moral pillars of a globe teetering on the brink of economic and social anarchy. That Clinton is a role model is an understatement of gargantuan proportions. She is so much more than that, and the prospect of her running for president in 2016 has ﬁlled global citizens with a sense of joy unseen since Obama made history in 2008. We wish her a speedy recovery so that she might once again be the beacon she has always been.

READERS’ VIEWS

here are more protests being planned in Delhi against the government’s and police’s incompetence when it comes to making sure women are safe. But why only Delhi? These protests should be held across the length and breadth of the country, in villages, towns and cities. The women of India deserve a lot more than localised protests (welcome though they may be), and it’s high time the inadequacies so rife at the Centre and across the states are revealed and done away with. So tonight let’s take to the streets in a peaceful protest and force those who would have us turn the other cheek to look us in the eye and admit they have been wrong all this time.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

campus

ACTORS ALL Samahaara Weekend Theatre Workshop will be organised on January 5 at Lamakaan. This is the perfect remedy to conquer your stage fear. So, head to Lamakaan and become an actor.

LOOKING BACK

This year on campus From the online game Temple Run to college fests, much caught collegians’ fancy this year. We bring you some that turned out to be the talk of the campus.

MALHAR This is one of the biggest college fest in Mumbai. The intercollegiate festival is conducted usually in the ﬁrst week of August at St. Xavier’s college. Almost all the colleges in Mumbai participate in the fest. Performing arts, literary arts and ﬁne arts events are organised.

COLLEGE OF THE WEEK They displayed their creations and some of them launched their individual labels.

FEST THAT ROCKED POSTNOON TEAM feedback@postnoon.com

ARTHASHASTRA

SPECTRUM Spectrum 2012, the annual fest of NIFT, saw events like fashion show, cultural night, band performance being organised. The fest had NIFT students turning designers and models.

The audience got treated to a bigger and better version of Arthashastra this year. Arthashastra by St Francis College is one of the most awaited inter-collegiate festivals in the City. The theme this year was youth. Cultural events, food, music, dance as

well as events ranging from Mr and Ms CEO, Biz-Whiz, Mock Stock Exchange to Tshirt designing, Junkyard, Ad Mad and Amazed were organised during the fest.

FELICITY Felicity is a celebration not just for the IIIT students but for all techies from across the State. And this year was no different. The events organised during the fest saw participants

Draw Something

Flip flops

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last year, you have been part of the Draw Something craze. It works by having one person draw while the other person guesses what that drawing is.

Thanks to celebrities who love flaunting their trendy, colourful flip-flops, these V-shaped slippers never seem to go out of style. College students were seen wearing them to colleges and to parties.

Temple Run This year, collegians were busy trying to outdo each other’s score on Temple Run. In this game, the player takes the role of an explorer attempting to steal an idol from a temple and is chased by “demonic” monkeys.

No other word can lure in youngsters faster than the word ‘free’. Whatsapp is free and allows users to message each other. Needless to say, this application is a rage among the collegians.

Instagram The Instagram craze hit youngsters full force this year. ‘Are you on Instagram?’ was the most common question that collegians asked each other. Instagram allows you to apply various filters and effects on photos.

from colleges in Vizag and Vijayawada coming to the City and participating in the event.

CALANTHA Another fest that made waves in the City was Calantha, organised by the Hamstech Institute of Fashion & Interior Design. The fest, organised by the third-year students of the institute, saw the future trendsetters in the country showcasing their designs.

FASHION FADS

RAGING APPS

COLLEGE FEST

Ballet shoes Blame it on Natalie Portman and her movie Black Swan, ballet flats remain a fashion stable among girls. They are the perfect accessory for mid calf-length

Sophia

College For Women is an undergraduate women’s college established in 1941 by Society of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is affiliated to the University of Mumbai. The governing body of The Society for the Higher Education of Women in India runs the college. The Religious Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and lay staff form the staff of the college.

TIPS TO LOOK FRESH Parties are a real menace when it comes to looking fresh the next day. We give you two tips that will help you look fresh even after partying hard the previous night.

skirts and jeans.

Coloured denims Colleges became all the more colourful this year thanks to colourful denims. These jeans are available in practically every colour under the sun, but pink and green were the hottest colour this year.

Printed tshirts This year was all about bringing new life to your wardrobe with cartoon prints. Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck or Bugs Bunny belonged to the collegians this year.

After a night of partying and dancing, when you wake up the next morning, the last thing you will want to do is have breakfast. But, eating right makes a huge difference. Make sure you don’t miss your breakfast the next morning and avoid having anything oily, or too heavy. Eat healthy like cereals with juice or a glass of milk.

The puffy look underneath the eyes is a big spoil sport. So to keep away from that, massage your temples with pine oil. That will help you remove the pufﬁness. Drinking a double espresso won’t help under-eye bags, but applying caffeine topically can. You can place cool, moist black tea bags on your eyes for ﬁve minutes or just use an eye cream that contains caffeine.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

spotlight

RING IN THE YEAR

New Year Eve celebration is a perfect way to round up an eventful year especially if it means a treat at Taj Falaknuma Palace! The evening will come alive with traditional Sufi Qawalli to soul stirring Jazz to high energy DJ music. The finale of the evening welcomes the New Year with extravagant fireworks. Price per person: `10000 + taxes.

Worth a listen

LITTLE DELIGHTS

The audio launch of the much-awaited Kamal Hassan starrer Viswaroopam was held at the HICC Novotel on Sunday.

CALENDAR STARS Tender Years, the kids calendar 2013 by Aqua art works and Leo magic photography was launched by actress Madhavi Latha at Hotel Royal Reve, Secunderabad on Sunday.

1 Rachna

6 Neha Gandhi

2 Handro, Priya

7 Nikitha, Nirmesh

3 Sakina

8 Ceema

4 Sonal

9 Kashish, Sunny

5 Sonia

10 Madhavi Latha

8 S BALAKRISHNA

SAY IT WITH FLOWERS

Popular ďŹ&#x201A;orist chain Ferns N Petals have opened another store in the City.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

health LOOKING BACK

DEEPASHRI V

deepashri.v@postnoon.com

The past year saw several diet trends, which either worked wonders or proved disastrous, simply because not everything suits everybody. Will these trends die or are they here to stay? Postnoon find out.

YOGA CAN TACKLE PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS

Researchers at the Dev Sanskriti University, Haridwar, say that a holistic way involving yoga and herbal medicines can combat psychological disorders. The researchers subjected 60 patients of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) to a combination of yoga, pranayama and herbal medicines.

DIET TRENDS OF 2012 SUPERFOODS

FLEXITARIANSIM

A RAW FOODISM

raw food diet, as the name suggests, includes uncooked food, largely consisting of sprouts, vegetables, fruits, nuts, etcetera. According to WebMd, “Depending on the source, a raw food diet is either a path to perfect health or to serious undernourishment.” Although many nutritionists say raw food is easy to digest, and should be included in every day meals, eating only raw food has been declared the worst health trend of 2012 on Fitbie, msn.com. Some experts say eating only raw food could lead to deficiency of nutrients in the body.

s the name suggests, flexitarians do not strictly avoid eating meat. They mostly stick to a vegetarian diet, with occasional meat consumption. The Vegetarian Food Forum in about.com quotes a PETA spokesman as saying, “If two people cut their meat in half it helps as much as one person going completely vegetarian.” This flexible trend, which reaches out to many people, helps them reap the benefits of lowered meat consumption, if not completely avoid it.

SHAKE IT UP!

here is a huge demand for protein shakes and diet supplements, especially among people who work out rigorously and those who skip meals. With so many varieties of protein powders — whey, soy, pea, to name a few — and with different products from different companies hitting the market every day, how do people know what is good for them? Vani Hari, a food activist, writes in a food website 100daysofrealfood, that “it is very important to double and triple check the ingredient list and check with the manufacturer to see how they process their protein.” While the trend is here to stay, watch what you buy!

uperfoods are foods that are rich in nutrients such as spinach, aloe and acai berry. Many experts say superfoods are a healthy trend that is here to stay. According to WebMd, acai berries are rich in antioxidants and flavonoids that help reduce the risk of many diseases. The website also lists 10 superfoods for busy people, such as leafy greens, sweet potatoes, hummus, yogurt, whole wheat bread, nuts and seeds.

GLUTEN FREE FOOD

n article published by Fox News in October this year estimates the gluten-free food industry to be worth $4.2 billion. Glutenfree foods are those that are devoid of gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, malts, barley. This trend received widespread media attention, attributing it to tennis champion Novak Djokovic’s success.

ANEWS PP-LYBRIEFS YOURSELF

HOUSECALL

AIDSinfo

Malaria

People living with HIV/AIDS, and their families, now have a mobile glossary from the Department of Health and Human Services that explains the disease in simple language. It contains more than 850 complex terms defined in English and Spanish. The iPhone and iPad app is a useful

Malaria is an infectious disease caused by parasites. The parasite causes a deadly infection which kills many people each year. The parasite that causes malaria is a protozoan called People usually get malaria from the Anopheles or Culex mosquitoes. The mosquito's saliva injects an anticoagulant into the person to prevent their blood from clotting. The person is then infected with Plasmodium as a by-product.

DID YOU KNOW? Black coffee does not sober you up Black coffee does not sober up an intoxicated person. In fact, it makes it harder for people to realise they are under the influence of alcohol. It will only wake one up, but will not change the alcohol levels in the bloodstream. It is better to drink fruit juice and water.

PIONEERS Aristides Patrinos Dr Aristides Patrinos has been instrumental in advancing the scientific and policy framework underpinning key environmental initiatives. He played a historic role in the Human Genome Project, the founding of the DOE Joint Genome Institute and the design and launch of the DOE’s Genomes to Life Program, a research programme dedicated to developing technologies to use microbes for innovative solutions.

health MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

FIGHT THE FLAB

STUDY

Chew each mouthful for 30 seconds to shed flab

Volunteers who chewed their lunch in this way during a study carried out by psychologists ate half as many snacks in the afternoon as those who ate normally. LONDON: Want to get rid of your flab? Just chew each mouthful for 30 seconds! Fighting the flab might not be down to what you eat, but how you eat it, according to new research. Scientists say the secret to beating a bulging seasonal waistline is to chew your food for 30 seconds before swallowing, the ‘Daily Mail’ reported. Research shows this has a powerful effect on appetite, as it curbs the desire for the chocolates, sweets and snacks that can pile on the pounds. Volunteers who chewed their lunch in this way during a study carried out by psychologists at the University of Birmingham, ate half as many snacks in the afternoon as those who ate normally. Although previous studies have shown chewing for longer curbs calorie intake during a meal, researchers wanted to assess how chewing for longer at lunchtime affected “grazing” habits later in the day. They recruited 43 students, mostly female, and asked them to refrain from eating for two hours before the test. Each student was then presented with a plate of smoked ham and cheese sandwiches, all identical in size and shape. A third of the students were told to eat as they normally would, another third to pause for ten seconds between swallowing each mouthful and the last group to chew each bite for 30 seconds before swallowing. Two hours after the experiment, the students were handed a small bowl of Skittles - chewy,

One reason it works may be that, by concentrating so much on the process of eating, the brain remembers lunch for longer that it normally would. fruit flavoured sweets - and a bowl of Minstrels, the candy-coated chocolate treats. The results showed students who ate at their normal speed and those who stopped for ten seconds between bites ate the same amount of sweets. However, those who chewed each mouthful of lunch for 30 seconds ate half as many. “Participants in the prolonged chewing group were less happy after lunch and had reduced ratings of lunch enjoyment, and pleasantness of the texture of lunch, compared with others,” researchers said. “These effects may be due to the novelty of prolonged chewing, or reduced palatability of the food.” One reason it works may be that, by concentrating so much on the process of eating, the brain “remembers” lunch for longer and is less likely to signal the need for more food so soon afterwards, the report said. PTI

Botox jabs treat severe depression? LONDON: Botox has long been recognised for its wrinkle-busting properties; however, scientists now believe the jab could also treat mental illness. According to a study conducted by Dr Eric Finzi, medical director at the Chevy Chase Cosmetic Centre, in Maryland, physical expressions of emotion influence our feelings. Finzi believes that smoothing out frown lines using Botox can improve the mood of clinically depressed people, the ‘Daily Mail’ reported. He notes that forcing a frown can cause a depressed mood, while deliberately smiling can temporarily increase happiness. He first proposed the theory that by preventing frowning, the toxin is interrupting signals to the brain that indicate the body is under stress or cannot cope. Finzi worked with 84 people with severe depression that lasted for an average of two years and which had not fully responded to treatment. All the patients received either Botox treatment to smooth out frown lines, or a placebo injection into the same facial region. They were then assessed three and six weeks later. AS many as 27 per cent of those receiving Botox reported nearly complete remission of their depression compared to just 7 per cent of those who received the placebo. “This trial shows that inhibition of frowning can lead to remission in depression,” Finzi said. Botox is a well-known cosmetic treatment for age-related wrinkles around the eyes and forehead, the report said. The powerful toxin, however, also has a wide range of medical applications, and is used to treat stroke victims’ muscle spasms, can ease migraine and even helps people with Parkinson’s disease control their movements, it said. PTI

BREAKTHROUGH

‘Scientists solve mystery behind human itching’

NEW YORK: Scientists have discovered nerve cells that deal solely with itching sensations in humans, a breakthrough which can lead to effective treatments for pain relief. The new findings are also important because they provide a target for new gen-next anti-itch medications. According to the study, certain nerve cells are specialised

to detect itchy sensations, and those receptors don’t detect painful sensations. Researchers have pinpointed the responsible nerve fibers, which could be silenced to develop better anti-itch treatments, said Ethan Lerner, a neuroscientist at Harvard University. “This is a very convincing piece of work. Scientists can perhaps target

this particular type of nerve as a means of treating itch, but still allow you to experience the protective aspect of pain.” For decades, why people itch has been a mystery. While some pain nerves have been found to fire in response to itchy stimulants, nerves that responded solely to itch proved elusive. Some researchers even wondered whether itch and

pain were always processed by the same nerve fibers, but interpreted by the brain differently, said study co-author Xinzhong Dong, a neuroscientist at Johns Hopkins University. To identify cells that sense itch, researchers genetically engineered mice whose nerve cells glowed fluorescent green when firing.They then exposed the mice to irritating com-

pounds, such as histamine and the active ingredient in itching powder, and looked for nerves that fired (and glowed green) as a result. When researchers burned out the nerves that lit up, the mice scratched a lot less, suggesting they were less itchy. The newly discovered itch nerves sit inside the spine, near the spinal cord. PTI

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

Entertainment TRENDSETTER OF 2012

CINE BYTES

A break up love story...

2012 has been a mixed bag for Tollywood with quite a few hits and unfortunate incidents hogging the limelight. We take a trip down memory lane to spot the trends, new talent and economics that have emerged.

A reason to smile...

012 has been an exceptional year for Telugu film industry. The success rate jumped to more than 10% this year and as many as 15 films were declared as either blockbusters or superhits. Among the big stars Mahesh Babu, Ram Charan, Pawan Kalyan and Allu Arjun had a fabulous year with Businessman, Racha, Gabbar Singh and Julayi raking in huge moolah at box office. SS Rajamouli walked away with more honours, thanks to Eega. Moreover, actors like Nithin, Vishnu Manchu and Siddharth who haven’t had big hits to their credit for a long time broke the jinx. NTR starrer Dhammu and Nagarjuna, Anushka starrer Dhamarukam registered respectable figures at box office.

HEMANTH KUMAR Hemanth.k@postnoon.com

he Year hat Was...

Dubbed films fail to click

onfusion over release dates dampened the spirits of the audience especially in the latter half of the year. After much dilly dallying, films like Endhukante Premanta and Eega managed to release in June and July respectively, but the biggest newsmaker in this category was Dhamarukam. The film’s release date had to be postponed thrice and this confusion in turn delayed the release of several other films in November and December. Moreover, quite a few films had to face financial woes before they could hit the theatres. Couple of films which were expected to release in December have been pushed to January because of lack of buyers despite being ready for release.

iProtest...

nlike 2011, not a single Tamil film which was dubbed in Telugu made waves in Andhra Pradesh this year. Right from Shankar’s Snehitudu to KV Anand’s eagerly awaited film Brothers, none of the Tamil films set the box office on fire. Dhanush, Shruti Haasan starrer 3, which banked on the superhit song Kolaveri Di, fizzled out at box office. Even Karthi, who has quite a fan following in the state, failed to score a hit despite two releases. The only exception was Vijay, Kajal starrer Thuppaki which was an above average grosser post its release in November. Incidentally, most of the big budget Tamil films, except Thuppakki failed to click in Tamil Nadu as well.

Delays and more delays

F A new mantra for success

he emergence of digital cinema was another noticeable trend of 2012. Films like Ee Rojullo, Avunu and Oka Romantic Crime Katha were made with a budget of less than `1 crore and all these films garnered staggering profits at box office. Maruthi scored two consecutive hits and he was undoubtedly one of the most talked about new directors this year. Films like Bus Stop, Love Failure, Ishq were a major hit with their target audience.

ilm industry became a punching bag in 2012. Perhaps the most unfortunate trend of the year was how easily several groups took offence to so many things in films. Right from posters to the depiction of a certain community, everything drew the ire of protestors. Maa Manobhavalu Debbathinnayi (Our feelings are hurt) was the most commonly repeated catchphrase of the year. While some of these protests happened for a good reason, it also raised several questions on the creative liberty that filmmakers can take. The situation got so much out of control when several writers and filmmakers lamented that such groups at times needlessly blow things out of proportion which affects their films drastically.

he principal shooting of Madhura Sreedhar’s upcoming film Back Bench Student has been wrapped up and it took just 55 days. Mahat Raghavendra, Piaa Bajpai and Archana Kavi have played the lead roles in this rom-com. MVK Reddy has produced the film. Sunil Kashyap is the music director and Prasad GK is the cinematographer.

Vishwaroopam’s songs are out

he audio of Kamal Haasan’s upcoming film Vishwaroopam was launched last night at Novotel, Hyderabad. Kamal Haasan, Pooja Kumar, Andrea Jeremiah and Rahul Bose have played the lead roles in this action drama. Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy have composed the music.

Priyamani’s new film launched

riyamani’s upcoming thriller film titled Angulika was launched yesterday in Annapurna Studios. Prem Aryan is going to direct the film and Deepak is playing the lead role opposite Priyamani. The film reportedly is based on Sun God and how an evil spirit wrecks havoc in the lives of a couple. The film’s regular shooting will commence on January 7.

Entertainment MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

COURT PLAYS SPOILSPORT

COURT

SUMMONS

SPOILS W

SALMAN KHAN'S BIRTHDAY

hile birthday boy and Bollywood star Salman Khan remained cheerful and ebullient all through the evening before his birthday December 27, his family and friends lost the spirit of celebration once the court summons was served on Salman. The party spirit dissipated thereafter. While Salman remained cheerful his family did not feel like celebrating at all. A source close to the Khan family said: "No one was finally invited. Whoever turned up did

so on their own. It was just close family friends like Sajid Nadiadwala, David Dhawan and Rumi Jaffery who showed up to wish Salman. No invitations were sent out. How could they, when everyone knew Salman had to be in court on his birthday the next morning at 11 a.m.?" Salman was against a birthday party. "Salman felt it wouldn't be appropriate to celebrate at a time when the Delhi gang-rape victim had died. Only close friends were going to be invited,” a source said. IANS

CINE BYTES I'm sorry I'm a man: SRK

“I

am so sorry that I am a part of this society and culture", and "I am so sorry that I am a man", Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan said following the death of a 23-year-old trainee physiotherapist who was brutally gang-raped and tortured in the national capital. "(1) We couldn't save you but what a big voice you have, you brave little girl. That voice is telling us that rape is not an aberration, not a mistake," Shah Rukh tweeted. IAN S

Madhuri enjoys snorkeling

adhuri Dixit is having a blast on a family holiday abroad. The actress experienced a "different world" when she went snorkeling. "Snorkeling is great fun... great to see corals and ﬁsh... a different world," Madhuri tweeted. She is on a holiday with husband Sriram Nene. IANS

Rupali Ganguly's 2013 resolution learn to sing!

ctress Rupali Ganguly has a new year resolution — she wants to learn how to sing. Rupali, who plays the role of Pinky in Sony TV's Parvarrish, wants to take out time from her career as an actor to give singing a shot. IANS

Entertainment MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

ON A MISSION

CINE BYTES

ANNE HATHAWAY

worried all with her weight loss T

here has been much talk about Anne Hathaway’s weight loss to play the prostitute Fantine in Les Miserables, including when the film was being made by director Tom Hooper. “To be honest, I thought she was going further than she should, and I tried to discourage her,” he told the Los Angeles Times, about Anne’s weight loss of 25 pounds. The actress said losing so much weight from her regularly slender frame prompted a concerned reaction on the set of the movie musical. “Tom didn’t like what I was doing, but he understood why I was doing it,” the actress told the Los Angeles Times, in a new interview. “No one liked what I was doing. By the end, people were hugging me and they would get emotional because I felt so frail.”

Selena Gomez with the Grinch

ven as New Year's approaches, Selena Gomez is still in a Christmas mood. The starlet posted a picture of herself with her young cousin and members of the cast of Grinchmas, a holiday show playing at Universal Studios Hollywood. "Perfect ending to the holidays taking my cousin Sophie to see #grinchmas @unistudios #family," she tweeted.

Brandy Norwood shows off engagement bling

ust a few days after Ryan Press popped the question, Brandy Norwood and her music-exec beau headed to Instagram to show off her stunning engagement sparkler. Wearing a red ﬂower in her hair and a bathing suit cover up, the singer posed next to her ﬁancé, revealing her massive rock while she was at it.

Paltrow to release second cookbook

ctress Gwyneth Paltrow is set to release her second cookbook, a collection of her healthy recipes. The Shakespeare In Love star, an avid cook, will help readers improve their diets with It's All Good: Delicious, Easy Recipes That Will Make You Look Good and Feel Great. Paltrow's ﬁrst book cookbook, My Father's Daughter, which featured her favourite family recipes, was launched in 2011. IANS

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

Chai Time

Play & Win

Please send in your filled-in entries to Postnoon, #1246, Level 3, Jubilee Casa, Road No 62, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad – 500033. The winners will be announced on this page in Sunday’s edition.

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 refer-

QUICK CROSSWORD enced 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.

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ACROSS

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SUDOKU

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

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1 Whiskey fermenter 5 Arctic ice mass 9 Lesson taught by a fable 14 Involved with, as a hobby 15 Happy as a ___ 16 Fertilized item 17 “___ the Explorer” (kids’ show) 18 Second word of many limericks 19 Spay or neuter 20 They may say, “Going, going, gone!” 23 “‘___ death do us part” 24 Press into service 25 Bearlike 28 Beauty parlor 30 Adjust space between letters, in printing 32 Feel ill 33 Ant 36 Word on a left turn sign, perhaps 37 They say the same thing as 20-Across 39 River blockers 41 Perfume 42 “What was ___ think?” 43 Cubicle fixture 44 Basket willow

48 Burrowing pet 50 Afghan money 52 Prompt 53 They may ask for your credit card number 57 Money in Nigeria 59 Opera solo 60 Conical woodwind 61 Composer of “Carmen” 62 Fractions of mins. 63 Open the mouth wide 64 King Minos’ realm 65 “For Pete’s ___” 66 Grew older and wiser

DOWN

1 Central positions 2 Sightlessness 3 Memory lane walk 4 Cold coating 5 Clean with string 6 Knight’s weapon 7 Two-hued sea predator 8 Marginally makes (with “out”) 9 Not old-school 10 CBer’s sign-offs 11 Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky, e.g. 12 Word that can follow pale, brown or cask 13 Comics villain

Luthor 21 It was chic for an ancient Greek 22 Covered serving dish 26 Zilch 27 Cambridgeshire cathedral city 29 Composer’s work 30 Mall stand 31 Coastal flier 34 TV’s Remington 35 Yearn to see again 36 Smelter materials 37 Write off gradually 38 French school 39 Use a shovel 40 Noshed on 43 Become wider, as pupils 45 Sore ankle application 46 Land west of the Urals 47 Tend to, as a bad lawn 49 Artist’s stereotypical topper 50 Thorn mishap 51 Imperial decree 54 Sunday event 55 Word with “high pressure” 56 It was chic for an ancient Roman 57 Seinfeld’s old network 58 Broadcast

Chai Time MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012 Thiruvaikumar

STAR POWER for 1-1-2013

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

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

You will not get into unwanted disputes and march ahead in your own way to achieve goals. Your mind will be very clear. Delayed works will resume and end successfully. Misunderstanding with your neighbour will be over.

STRIP TEASE AGNES

You are a sure shot winner due to your own efforts and unrelenting hard work. Peaceful situation will prevail with the family. You will take correct decisions on your own without depending or consulting anyone.

Good maturity is seen in your speech and actions. Money will come from expected sources. Your patience will increase to an unexpected level. But you also need to keep away from supporting others openly in certain controversial issues.

You are more conscious about your self respect and hence, hesitate to interfere in others’ matters. Minor accidents are not ruled out and hence you need to be very careful while driving. Be careful while handling valuable objects at home.

Heat-related ailments likely. Avoid giving commitments to anyone for anything. Your tough talk might hurt a few and hence, be advised to be careful before expressing your views. Reduce harshness and try to be polite in your talks.

You will be more responsible. Your creativity will increase and bring you fame. You will complete many important assignments. Financially, a healthy situation is likely to keep you cheerful. Children will make you happy with their decisions.

You are generous in forgiving those who committed mistakes. Plans to purchase a house or land will end smoothly and as per expectations. Blood relatives will extend financial help in time. Sops likely for the businessmen.

You will shock enemies with your unexpected and timely actions. You will talk and act with stubbornness. Some couple have bright chance to welcome an offspring. Children will try and increase their educational qualifications.

You are generous but at the same time, don’t compromise on any challenge that is undertaken. You will be worried about your future, but it is unwarranted. Misunderstanding with friends will be over.

TAROT READ

Sumaa Tekur

tarotreadhyd@gmail. com

ARIES:

GEMINI:

Queen of Cups – You’re thinking with your heart and going with the flow. It’s like the rush of first love. Be careful that you’re not hurting anyone.

LEO:

Four of Wands – Today seems like it will move very fast. You’ll be in the mood to relax and not worry about anything too much. It’s a good idea.

LIBRA:

PEARLS BEFORE SWINE

King of Swords – You trust your intellect to come to the rescue; the best part is that it does not let you down. You may come across to people as insensitive.

SAGITTARIUS:

King of Cups – You have a strange dichotomy to deal with – the fact that you’re in control and that circumstances expect you to break structures and work.

TAURUS:

Eight of Wands – This is the card of good fortune. Everything you’ve worked toward till now is coming together and your dreams are close to getting realized.

CANCER:

Six of Wands – A raise or promotion is likely. Your bosses like your professionalism and will possibly make you an offer you cannot resist. Think about it carefully.

VIRGO:

Four of Pentacles – Financial stability is very important to you. You make every possible arrangement to ensure you have enough and more for a rainy day.

SCORPIO:

Ten of Wands – You may be feeling burdened by the expectation to deliver some high results. The expectations may also be coming from within you.

CAPRICORN:

Ace of Cups – Your intuition is heightened. If you feel something very strongly, trust that feeling. Logic may not always be working in your favour.

PREVIOUS SOLUTIONS

PISCES:

Eight of Cups – Though your needs are fulfilled, you’re feeling like there’s something missing. If it’s a fulfilling relationship, you may be stopping it from happening.

NUMBER GAME

Love is in the air. You’re in the role of nurturer and emotional lover, who provides support and the much needed love and care for your partner.

SCRABBLE

AQUARIUS: The Empress –

POOCH CAFE

Those who are benefited by you might neglect you, but don’t worry. You are a good achiever and shouldn’t get bogged down by such minor issues. Take care of your spouse’s health. Avoid taking emotional decisions.

for 1-1-2013

Strength – You need to draw from your own inner strength to get through this time. You will be expected to stand up to difficult circumstances by karma.

NON SEQUITUR

You will not be tired or lazy anymore. You will cheerfully get involved in new and innovative efforts which will yield desired results. Real estate deals will end in gain. Those trying for a new job can expect favourable news.

SUDOKU

You will complete challenging tasks with ease. Financial position looks very strong. Sudden trips likely. Daughter’s marriage will be fixed. Misunderstanding between couples will disappear. Employees will have increased work burden.

Boggle PAIRS LISBON BERLIN MADRID WARSAW Vol: 2, No 165 RNI No: APENG/2011/39337 Published for the proprietors, Scribble Media and Entertainment Pvt Ltd, by V Harshavardhan Reddy, at #1246, Level 3, Jubilee Casa, Road No 62, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad – 500033 and printed by him at Jagati Publications Ltd, Plot No D-75&E-52, APIE Industrial Estate, Balanagar, Ranga Reddy Dist, Hyderabad – 500037, Editor: Dean Williams – Responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. For feedback, please write to: feedback@postnoon. com and for subscription, please call 040-4067 2222, Fax: 040-4067 2211

Entertainment MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

BOMBSHELL TAG

SCARLETT

TALKS ABOUT

BEING CURVY

carlett Johansson has said that her “bombshell” persona is a result of the way curvy women are portrayed. The actress, who stars as Janet Leigh in

upcoming biopic Hitchcock, appeared in a photo shoot for Elle UK's February issue and spoke out about how her figure has earned her a reputation. Johansson said: “I think any woman who is curvy and wears a gown to an

event is, like, super-sexualised.” Johansson said despite her age, her shape earned her comments in the media from the outset of her career. “I mean, at the time I was 18, 19. I was young,” she explained. “I’ve always

been curvy. It runs in the family. Throw on an evening frock and it’s like all of a sudden you have boobs and everyone is like, ‘Bombshell!’” She added: “Instantly, it was ‘The New Marilyn’.”

CINE BYTES Ewan McGregor to be honoured by the Queen

ctor Ewan McGregor, singer Kate Bush and fashion designer Stella McCartney are among the high-profile names from the world of entertainment to feature on Queen Elizabeth II's New Year Honors list. The list contains many athletes who won at the 2012 Olympics. However, Danny Boyle, who orchestrated the grand opening ceremony, is not on the list.

Deschanel forced to look good

The Hobbit crosses $200 million

he Hobbit held the top spot at the beginning of the final weekend of 2012, though Django Unchained and Les Miserables weren’t far behind. The first movie of the trilogy earned an estimated $10.73 million on Friday, pushing its total past $200 million.

ctress Zooey Deschanel feels pressure to look perfect. The 32-yearold agrees that actors have to look good as part of her job but wishes she had the confidence to appear in public in her sweatpants with no make-up on, reports showbiz spy.com. IANS

entertainment MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

JUNK FOOD AND TV ADDICT

JENNIFER LAWRENCE

likes to stay at home

ennifer Lawrence might be the “most desirable woman” in Hollywood, but the actress credits junk food and Keeping Up With the Kardashians for her incredible physique.That’s right. The Silver Linings Playbook star admits she’s a couch potato, saying she’d much rather lounge all day than head to the gym or go out partying with friends.”I don’t like going out that much. I’m kind of an old lady,” Lawrence, 22, tells the January issue of Marie Claire South Africa of her social life. “After it’s 11, I’m like, ‘Don’t these kids ever get tired?’ When I’m out, I think about my couch. Like, ‘It would be awesome to be on it right now. I bet there’s an episode of Dance Moms on. Am I missing a new episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians? “I’m just stressed by the idea of missing them.”Not only that, Lawrence admits she loves to have gatherings in her twobedroom apartment in Los Angeles, California, where she serves up bowls of junk food.”I like people to come over to my place,” the Golden Globe-nominated actress confesses. “It’s like a reality TV show cave. I just learned how to work TiVO. That changed my life. Reality TV is my silver lining,” Lawrence jokes. “At the end of the day, there’s probably nothing that makes me feel better than junk food and reality TV.”

CINE BYTES

Elijah Wood to play homicidal maniac

n a remake of a 1980 slasher ﬂick, Elijah Wood plays a disturbed man with a penchant for innocent women and their scalps. He plays the title character in Franck Khalfoun’s remake of Maniac. His forever-young face is here a sign of a man-child emotionally interrupted, as he stalks down women and removes their scalps in a rampage.

LiLo staying home on New Year’s Eve?

indsay Lohan will be one of the few people not getting sloshed this New Year’s Eve ... telling friends she’s choosing to stay in instead. According to sources, LiLo is hell bent on starting the year off right — and making a good impression on the judge hearing her case — which means no parties and deﬁnitely no drinking on the last night of 2012.

Lady Gaga’s tour will offer free counseling

he next leg of Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Ball tour will feature a pre-show “tailgating experience” aboard the BornBrave Bus, which will provide food, games and therapists to help fans work through their issues. “BornBrave Bus Is a place where mental health + depression are taken seriously w/ no judgement, FREE real help available to all,” wrote Gaga on her Fb page.

sports

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

ATP TENNIS

Gasquet says he is Grand Slam stuff RICHARD EATON Agence France-Presse DOHA: Richard Gasquet (right), the world top ten’s biggest enigma, is seeking a platform during the next six days for the Grand Slam success that his undoubted ability warrants in the new season which starts here on Monday. Following the late withdrawal of Rafael Nadal, the 26-year-old Switzerland-based Frenchman is seeded to reach the final of the Qatar Open and sees that as an important platform for a flying

start to 2013. Gasquet’s two-thirds match winning ratio of last year is a respectable but not a fulfilling statistic for a man with such a sublimely gifted game at his best - and that is an assessment with which he appears to agree. “I want to play better in Grand Slams. I did fourth rounds this year, so I’m sure I can do better again,” said Gasquet who hopes to make at least the quarterfinals of the 2013 Australian Open which begins in Melbourne in two weeks time. It is one of the tour’s curiosi-

ties that it is fully five and half years since Gasquet’s best Grand Slam performance, a semi-final on the grass at Wimbledon. Asked why this was so, he said, “I think I can play on every surface, every court. Last year I played well in Wimbledon too. “As I said, a lot of fourth rounds last year, lost to Murray, against the best player in the world. This year I want to play better against those guys, and why not to win them and go farther in Grand Slam?” One evident way by which

SWIMMING AGAINST THE TIDE

Hackett sues lawyers over pre-nup: report SYDNEY: Australian swimming great Grant Hackett (right) is suing his lawyers over a costly pre-nuptial agreement after his marriage ended with a drunken rampage, reports revealed on Monday. After five years, Hackett and Candice Alley split in May. He had trashed his apartment the previous October in an alcohol-fuelled blowout, prompting his wife to call the police. Police photographs of the damage were published after which Hackett was dumped as an ambassador for a children’s anti-violence charity. He had upended a piano and furniture, smashed a door and put holes in the walls. The 1,500m freestyle champion at both the 2000 and 2004 Olympics and dominant force

in the event for a decade now accuses his former solicitors of drawing up a “defective” prenuptial agreement. “As a result of the breaches... the Plaintiff (Hackett) has suffered loss including legal costs,” legal documents lodged by Hackett in the Supreme Court of

Victoria said, according to News Limited newspapers. The newspapers said Hackett’s personal fortune was estimated at some Aus$8 million (US$8.3 million) and he was seeking a finding of negligence against his solicitors along with compensation. In June, Hackett said he was working to restore his reputation and did not blame alcohol for his actions. “I will be defined by my actions moving forward and I hope people take the time to judge me on that and I’m very, very determined to turn that around,” he said. “I was drunk, I think the alcohol exaggerated or exacerbated the emotions of that night and made it worse. But I don’t blame that, I blame myself.” AFP

Gasquet has for some time been trying to do that is controlling and re-directing the strong emotions which both fuels and sometimes erodes his classically fluent style.

NBA

Bucks burn Heat despite Wade

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN: Brandon Jennings (right) scored 25 points and Cameroon’s Luc Richard Mbah a Moute added 19 for Milwaukee Saturday in a 10485 victory over reigning NBA champions the Miami Heat. Jennings added seven assists and four steals, while Mbah a Moute grabbed seven rebounds for a Bucks team that has won three of their last four games. Mike Dunleavy added 18 points, nine rebounds and six assists for Milwaukee, while Larry Sanders scored 16 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. The defeat marked just the second time this season the Heat have dropped back-to-back games. On Friday, the NBA champions fell 109-99 in front of a sell-out crowd in Detroit. Wade missed that game, serving a one-game suspension

for a kick that caught Charlotte guard Ramon Sessions in the groin earlier in the week. Prior to the game Wade said he just wanted to “move on” after the suspension. He scored 24 points with six rebounds, while teammate LeBron James led all scorers with 26 points. AFP

ATROCITY AT AIRPORT

Farah quizzed by customs US officials

The double gold medal winner, who was awarded a CBE in the New Year’s honours list, said he was hauled before guards while entering the country for a holiday this Christmas. LONDON: British Olympic hero Mo Farah (right) has claimed that he was quizzed by United States border officials on suspicion of being a terrorist. The 29-year-old runner told The Sun that border guards questioned him because of his ‘Somalia origin’. The athlete even resorted to showing his Olympic medals in an effort to prove who he was. Farah said that he gets detained every time he enters

the US because of his ‘Somali origin’. He said that he was pulled aside by officials while visiting Portland, Oregon, with his family this Christmas. He said on a previous visit to the country, he was asked to leave before receiving a letter explaining that he was ‘under investigation as a terrorist threat’. Farah moved to the UK with his British-born father when aged only eight. “I couldn’t believe it.

Because of my Somali origin I get detained every time I come through US Customs,” he said. Farah, whose triumphs in the 5,000 metre and 10,000 metre races provided two of the most exciting moments of London 2012, trains in the US. After failing to qualify for the 2008 Olympics, he moved his wife Tania and daughter Rihanna to Portland to work with legendary coach Alberto Salazar at Nike’s headquarters. PTI

sports

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

PAKISTAN IN INDIA

CHANGE OF GUARD

Pak win as India top order collapses Dhoni played a captain’s knock with an unbeaten 113, his 8th ODI century, to script a brilliant Indian recovery after left-arm pacer Junaid Khan (4/43) ripped through the top order. R ESWAR CHENNAI: Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s (right) heroic unbeaten century under pressure went in vain as arch rivals Pakistan held their nerve to clinch the first one day international with a comfortable sixwicket victory in a low-scoring contest here today. India posted 227 for six after recovering from a precarious 29 for five one stage but that turned out to be insufficient for the Pakistanis who rode on Nasir Jamshed’s unbeaten century to overhaul the target with 11 balls to spare and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Kohli doubtful starter for 2nd ODI

Brief Scores India 227/6 in 50 overs (MS Dhoni 113no, S Raina 43, R Ashwin 31, Junaid Khan 4 for 43) lose to Pakistan 228/4 in 48.1 overs (Nasir Jamshed 101no, Younis Khan 58, Shoib Malik 34no B Kumar 2 for 27 Junaid Khan (4/43) exploited the overcast conditions to rip through the top-order and leave the hosts gasping for breath within the first 10 overs. The Indian captain found an able ally in Suresh Raina (43) first and then Ravichandran Ashwin (31 not out) to take the score beyond the 200-run mark which looked doubtful at one stage following the top-order

collapse. Dhoni and Ashwin put on a record seventh wicket partnership of 121 runs but the Indian captain’s superlative knock off 125 balls lost much of its value as the Pakistani batsmen went about the task of chasing down the target without taking too many risks. Younis Khan (58) and Shoaib Malik (34 not out) were the other notable performers

for Pakistan. The Pakistani innings started on a disastrous note as ODI debutant Bhuvneshwar Kumar produced a beauty to get rid of Mohammed Hafeez with the very first delivery of the Pakistan innings. The ball came back sharply after pitching as Hafeez didn’t offer a stroke only to find his offstump knocked back. PTI

CHENNAI: Indian batsman Virat Kohli was today rendered a doubtful starter for the second ODI against Pakistan to be held in Kolkata on Thursday after he suffered a foot injury in the first match here. Kohli suffered the injury while bowling the 41st over of Pakistan’s run chase. His backfoot slipped in the delivery stride and he landed on his knees. He limped off the field and Suresh Raina finished off the last ball of the over. The BCCI said Kohli’s condition will be monitored and a decision on his availability for the second ODI will be taken over the next couple of days. “Virat Kohli, who sustained a foot injury while bowling in the first AIRTEL ODI against Pakistan at Chennai earlier today, underwent an MRI scan after the game,” BCCI Secretary Sanjay Jagdale said in a release. “All his major ligaments are fine. There is minimal injury fluid in his knee. He will recover after treatment. His condition will be monitored over the next two days,” the release said. PTI

Ganguly in favour of Indian coach CHENNAI: With Duncan Fletcher’s two-year tenure as India coach nearing its end, former captain Sourav Ganguly (above) has pitched in for a homegrown person to take charge of the team next year, saying that the country has enough talent for an Indian to become a coach. “We need to have an Indian coach and I am dead sure we have enough talent in the country to find an Indian coach,” Ganguly said. “It is not about individuals but I feel time has come for an Indian coach to take over,” Ganguly said at a panel discussion after the launch of inaugural Wisden India Almanack magazine here last night. Fletcher’s two-year tenure ends in March next year and it is widely believed that his contract will not be extended by the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) given the team’s string of poor performances under him. Under Fletcher, India had lost Test series away and home against England. PTI

INDO-PAK HOCKEY

‘Bilateral ties will improve performance’

KARACHI: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has said that resumption of bilateral ties with India will help both the countries improve their hockey set-up and also boost the performance of the national teams. PHF secretary, Asif Bajwa signed an agreement with his counterpart, Narendra Batra, secretary of Hockey India, on Saturday under which Pakistan will send its team to India in March 2013 and then India will pay a visit to Pakistan in April. Bajwa confirmed both series will comprise five matches each. “Hockey is a sport facing

challenges in the sub-continent as such there is nothing like regular bilateral Indo-Pak matches to revive interest of the people in the sport and also help improve hockey standards,” Bajwa said. PHF president Qasim Zia also expressed hope that the agreement would help both the countries to come close to each other, besides helping in honing the skills of the players. Narinder Batra said the agreement would be the start of a new chapter in Indo-Pak sporting relations. “It is not just about hockey we are hoping the series will also

Narendra Batra

Asif Bajwa

help bring the people of both countries closer to each other and improve ties,” he told reporters in Lahore. He said the participation of Pakistani players in the Indian Hockey League was also a positive development and would improve ties between the countries. Pakistan recently beat India in the final of the Asian Champions Trophy in Doha, Qatar to add the title to its Asian Games hockey title it presently holds. Bajwa said the federations would sit down and finalise the venues for the home and away matches soon. PTI

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

sports

MARADONA SPECULATION ENDS, SHAKIR IRAQ COACH

Hakeem Shakir has been promoted to full-time head coach of the Iraqi national team, the Asian Football Confederation said. Shakir was given a caretaker role after Brazilian Zico resigned in late November, and Argentina great Diego Maradona had shown interest in the job.

PREMIER LEAGUE

Liverpool crush QPR Liverpool delivered the perfect 'get well soon' message to absent manager Brendan Rodgers with a comfortable 3-0 victory.

LONDON: Liverpool ended a difficult year in promising style by winning 3-0 at Queens Park Rangers on Sunday to leave Harry Redknapp’s hapless side eight points adrift at the foot of the Premier League. Liverpool have never previously lost as many league matches in a calendar year — 17 — but a Luis Suarez (right) brace and a Daniel Agger header in the first half mean they will start 2013 in ninth place in the top flight. Illness meant that Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was not present to witness the game, but Redknapp may have wished that he, too, had stayed away after his 600th Premier League game ended in chastening defeat. The QPR manager elected to

United summon stamina for title

nutmegging Clint Hill, but Julio Cesar was equal to his effort.

CHELSEA UP TO THIRD

replace Rob Green with Julio Cesar in goal and the former Brazil goalkeeper quickly found himself udner assault at Loftus Road. Suarez got his first sight of goal in the third minute after

Frank Lampard provided a timely reminder of his value to Chelsea by scoring twice as his side reclaimed third place in the Premier League by coming from behind to win 2-1 at Everton. The 34-year-old England midfielder, whose contract expires at the end of the season, cancelled out Steven Pienaar's opener shortly before half-time and then claimed the winner with 18 minutes remaining at Goodison Park. Victory moved Rafael Benitez's side above Tottenham Hotspur into third place, four points behind second-place Manchester City. AFP

TOM WILLIAMS Agence France-Presse LONDON: Premier League leaders Manchester United begin the year 2013 at Wigan Athletic on Tuesday, with manager Alex Ferguson (above) hoping they can muster enough stamina to keep Manchester City at arm’s length. United overcame West Brom 2-0 at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Table ahead of New Year’s Day matches (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points): Man Utd 20 16 1 3 50 28 49 Man City 20 12 6 23 8 19 42 Chelsea 19 11 5 3 39 18 38 Tottenham 20 11 3 6 36 26 36 Arsenal 19 9 6 4 39 21 33 Everton 20 8 9 3 33 25 33 West Brom 20 10 3 7 28 25 33 Stoke 20 6 11 3 21 17 29 Liverpool 20 7 7 6 31 26 28 Swansea 20 7 7 6 29 24 28 Norwich 20 6 7 7 23 32 25 West Ham 19 6 5 8 22 23 23 Sunderland 20 5 7 8 21 26 22 Fulham 20 5 6 9 30 36 21 Newcastle 20 5 5 10 26 37 20 Wigan 20 5 3 12 22 35 18 Aston Villa 20 4 6 10 15 39 18 Southampton 19 4 5 10 26 37 17 Reading 20 2 7 11 22 37 13 QPR 20 1 7 12 16 36 10