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

MALLS HANDICAP DIFFERENTLY ABLED

Except for a handful of shopping complexes and malls in the City, special facilities for the physically challenged are a rarity — forcing them to avoid public places and turn to online shopping portals and other e-facilities.

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FLASH

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2012 HYDERABAD

BATTLING CYBER CROOKS Cyber crimes can prove to be killers too, at times. While the number of cyber crimes being reported grew by 100 per cent, the awareness went up by a whopping 300 per cent. REPORT ON PG 3

Paris Hilton to record with Snoop Dogg P25

HELMETLESS TRAVEL KILLS STUDENT P3 A B Tech student, E Shashank, was killed and his friend Sanjeev injured in a road mishap on Monday night in the Tadbund area under the Bowenpally police station limits.

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HONCHO’S KILLERS FOUND The Yanam police identified the accused in the killing of KC Chandrasekhar, president (operations) of Regency Ceramics in Yanam and registered a murder case against them. They would aoon be arrested, said DIG ID Shukla.

Page Two

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2012

Spirit of Twin Cities

A fitting rendition to the legend The City is ready to kick off celebrations to mark the 150th birth anniversary Rabindranath Tagore with a dance record

DANCE Anubha K Singh anubha.k@postnoon.com

fter the 108-hour-long ‘Akhanda Sahasra Sankeer thana’ it’s now Rabindra Nrityotsav which is all set to create another Guinness record. Ravindra Bharati is celebrating the two-day Rabindra Nrityotsav, a dancing event marking the 150th birth anniversary celebrations and to pay a tribute to the timeless legend Rabindranath Tagore. The event is aimed to set a world record for the longest nonstop dance performance on Rabindranath Tagore’s composi-

tions. One-twenty-five artists from seven countries will be staging dance dramas on 150 musical compositions in 12 languages, portrayed in nine different dance forms. Starting at 5pm on February 1, the feat will end at 6pm on February 2. “Saluting the bard who believed in picking the best from various art forms and creating new modes, we are trying to bring a beautiful rendition of Ravindra Nritya. The artists will give a scintillating performance, dancing to six songs of Tagore. It’s a spectacular two day dance festival” said, Sonali Acharjee, programme in charge. Sonali is the epitome of devotion. She has participated and won accolades for her spectacular performances in national and

international dance festivals. Her passion for Rabindra Nritya has inspired her to attempt creating a Guinness Record feat, as a tribute to her idol.

In association with the Andhra Pradesh State Cultural Association, Department of Culture, Shilparamam, South Zone Cultural Centre, Thanjore

and Nagpur, Sonali Academy of Fine Arts, an Odissi Dance Institute from the City is organising the event. On February 1, there will nonstop performances by four ballet groups. The performers will dance to the tune of four compositions by Tagore. The following day, the dancers will render a non-stop performance to the tune of 150 songs of Rabindranath Tagore in seven languages. Artistes from India, Germany, Japan, Bangladesh, France, Sri Lanka and Nepal will be contributing for the Nrityotsav. Dance greats like Chitrangada, Chandalika, Shyama and Bhanu, singer Padavali, along with other luminaries, will perform during the two-day festival.

Around the city: Your guide to the Twin Cities

Chalo Jamva

Lahore on your plate Get a taste of Lahore at the Great Kabab factory’s Lahori food festival . Where: The Great Kabab Factory, Banjara Hills When: Ongoing Contact: (040) 23302244 Childhood memory Kites are a childhood memory of carefree life, of cheery sunny days .They have become a metaphor of soaring freedom, of flights sky-high, towering above the humdrum of life. Artkites are such an expression of festivity and creative vision. Where: Iconart, Banjara Hills When: Ongoing Contact: (040) 32411554

One love One Love is an International exhibition by artists from around the world who aim at promoting humanity and love all over the world. Where: State Gallery Of Fine Arts , When: Ongoing, 11am Contact: (040) 32913922 Enjoy the winter evenings with grey goose martinis and crooner

SMILE INTACT

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

Numaish

Bapu in colours A painting exhibition titled, Bapu-Mohandas Karam Chand Gandhi by Siva Kesara Rao. Where: Marriott hotel & Convention Centre, Tank Bund When: Ongoing, 11am Contact: (040) 27522999 Have you ever wondered how it feels to eat in the dark? Come and experience this. Pay `499 to enjoy a 4-course meal worth `1,000 at Dialogue in the Dark. Where: Dialogue in the Dark, Inorbit Mall, Hitech City When: Ongoing, 12.30pm Contact: (040) 64603341

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

Dinner platter For an interesting dinner option with great kebabs head to the Great Kabab Factory. Where: Great Kabab Factory, Banjara Hills When: Ongoing, 7pm Contact: (040) 23302244

Fragile City An art exhibition by Srinivas Reddy titled Fragile City is being held at Iconart Art Gallery. Where: Iconart, Banjara Hills When: Ongoing, 11am onwards Contact: 9849968797 Cupcake lovers head to Deli 9 for the cupcake festival. You can select from a variety of cupcakes

such as chocolate, vanilla, peanut butter, coffee, orange, lemon, carrot, chocolate-vanilla. Where: Deli9, Banjara Hills When: Ongoing Contact: (040) 65506662

Eat in the dark

A childhood favourite of every Hyderabadi, The All India Industrial Exhibition is on.Head to the ‘Numaish’ for food, shopping and some great family fun. Where: Exhibition Grounds, Nampally When: Ongoing

Cupcake delight

Martini ‘n music

CINEMAS

Kelly dishing out your favourite numbers. Where: Taj Krishna, Banjara Hills When: Every Evening Contact: (040) 66662323

PIC: SRINIVAS SETTY

Get a taste of Gujarat in Hyderabad at the Gujarati Food Festival being held at The Westin, Raheja IT Park in Madhapur. Get to taste a variety of Gujarati delicacies that will leave you asking for more. Where: The Westin, Madhapur When: Ongoing, 7pm Contact: (040) 67676767

Sing Along

Priyanka Chopra is all smiles during a press confernce to announce Samsung India's new initiatives and strategies for its home appliances venture at Taj Deccan on Monday

It’s the Grand Finale of Airtel presents Karaoke Tuesday night with KJ Zaid at Bottles & Chimney. Win loads of prizes and also get 1+1 on drinks. Where: Bottles and Chimney Begumpet When: Tuesday, 8pm Contact: 9985870000

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

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2012

Campaigns, hard news and spirit of Twin Cities

Bolstered cops battle cyber crooks Internet crimes are on the rise and the figures are startling. But what is interesting is that cyber crimes have increased by 100 per cent, while the awareness to report such crimes has increased by a whopping 300 per cent Number of crimes (approx) reported in the Cyber Crimes Department in 2011

CRIME Osama Salman salman.o@postnoon.com

aunched in 2002, the cyber crimes department in the State is claimed to be the best in India and they are the pioneers in introducing the cyber forensic unit, according to Additional Superintendent of Police (cyber crimes) Rama Mohan. He claims that the software and hardware used by the department are some of the best in India and their decade-long experience comes in handy for them in solving cases. The most common crimes that the department register are — lottery frauds, also known as Nigerian fraud; harassment using the internet which includes social network-

CRIME FILE

Girl found charred to death

he charred body of as yet unidentified girl aged about 22 was found in Adipatla village on the outskirts of the City this morning. The Ibrahimpatnam police told Postnoon she is believed to have been raped and murdered. According to Inspector K Ramkumar, her body was found in the bush and it was totally burnt. Shreds of clothes she was wearing, however, remained and it showed a yellow salwar-kameez and a matching dupatta. A purse found on the spot revealed make-up items but no card. However, something resembling to an id card was found which had lost its markings.

Cops nab thief, seize laptops

CID Hyderabad Cyberabad Vijaywada

100 100 50 100

ing sites; unauthorised hacking; online frauds; credit card and debit card frauds and uploading pornography. However, the most common cyber crime among these is lottery fraud, says Rama Mohan. “Until five years ago, we used to receive very few complaints. That number has significantly increased. As cyber crimes are urban-specific, the perpetrators are educated and speak fluent English. They are usually between 20 to 30 years old,” he says giving a profile of the accused. Last year, the cyber crime department nabbed 27 Nigerians, 20 locals and 17 from other states indulging in criminal activities. How can a police officer join the cyber crime wing? To become part of the team, aspirants need to have knowledge on use and abuse of computers, online and onsite investigation, servers, compo-

nents and data recovery. They have to go through a training in the department’s own academy and pass five different difficulty levels that test them. “But we usually take anyone who has crossed two levels,” explains Rama Mohan. On the other hand, Mohan refused to comment on the staff strength citing that it is “knowledge, not numbers that solve cyber crimes. We have enough support from the police force including the force

from other states,” he points out. In rare cases where only experts from a particular field can solve a crime, the department calls upon previous perpetrators for help. Solving a case is a Herculean task as it requires information from internet service providers, cellular service providers, website servers, system administration, system developers and forensic lab. “It is a time-consuming process, although, some cases can be solved in a jiffy,” says the

Advice by Rama Mohan, additional SP (cyber crimes), on staying safe online n Know the technology- It is best to be informed n Don’t be greedy- Nobody gives you money for free n Don’t share passwords- Not even with your spouse, mother or friend n Use common sense- This will help you avoid being a victim n Don’t use online transactions at internet cafes or any public computer n Behave properly on the internet- Especially social networking sites Additional SP. The least time it takes to solve a crime is that related to online harassment, especially women, while cases like online frauds can take upto a year, reveals Mohan. “Reporting a cyber related crime is as simple as coming to us and filing an FIR. When the crime falls under IT Act, we register a case,” says Ram Mohan.

Helmetless travel kills student Mohd Subhan mohd.s@postnoon.com

B.Tech student, E Shashank, was killed and his friend Sanjeev received injuries in a road mishap on Monday night in the Tadbund area under the Bowenpally police station limits. Inspector Bowenpally G Srinivas said the 21-year-old Shashank was a native of Maranpally of Nizamabad district. He was a final year student at VR Engineering collage. On Monday evening he was returning home with his friend Sanjeev after attending a function in Hyderabad on a bike bearing number AP25-AB 321. Unfortunately, in Tadbund the bike was involved in a head on collision with a goodsladen truck (AP12-U-7336). The bike was completely smashed and Shashank died on the spot while Sanjeev was thrown out to a distance and sustained injuries. Inspector Srinivas said Shashank had no helmet on. The police have arrested the truck driver Mohd Yousuf. This is the fourth such accident in the same place at Tadbund Road within a one month period.

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he Habeeb Nagar police last night arrested a notorious offender Shaik Saleem alias Baba and seized `2.50 lakh worth of 10 laptops from his possession. The police said Saleem belongs to Sultan Nagar Borabanda and he’s an auto driver. He’s involved in many laptop thefts in Hyderabad and Cyberabad.

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2012

Campaigns, hard news and spirit of Twin Cities

Malls handicap differently abled Except for a handful of shopping complexes and malls in the City, few others are equipped with special facilities for the physically challenged, forcing them to avoid public places and turn to online shopping portals

AMENITIES Sudeshna Koka sudeshna.k@postnoon.com

alk into a mall in the evening on any given day and you have to wade through hordes of people. Have you ever spared a thought that if it’s so annoying for you to jostle your way through the crowd, how difficult it would be for a physically challenged person? Barring a few that came up in the recent past, most shopping complexes and malls don’t have special facilities for the differently abled. And, they are not apparently inclined to implement the user-friendly facilities.

Inorbit has reserved parking for the disabled that is located close to the entrance

Our mall is very friendly for physically handicapped citizens. We have wheelchairs and special arrangements for them in the parking area.

of Technology. City Center, Hyderabad Central, Inorbit mall and GVK One — these are the four biggest malls in the twin cities. All these malls have been specially designed keeping the physically challenged citizens in mind.

There are special facilities for them in most of these malls. They have a special place allotted for them in the parking area. “We have a special parking area for the differently-abled citizens. They can park their vehicle there and directly come inside,”

says Asim Mumtaz, general manager, City Center. Today, malls in the City have special restrooms designed for them and in some malls they have a separate wash area too. They also have wheelchairs for their convenience on each floor.

M Krishna Rao General Manager, Inorbit

“Ever since new malls like City Center and Inorbit mall have come up, shopping has become a style statement and a lot easier. But with hundreds of people thronging the place, it gets difficult for us to move within the mall. Everybody is in a hurry and no one waits to lend a helping hand or give us some place to move,” laments Karthik D, a B. Tech student from Keshav Memorial Institute

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Some malls have special rest rooms for them

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“We have two wheelchairs dedicated for mall premises and a unique wheelchair lift is available at the main entrance, which takes them directly to the ground floor. From the ground floor to all other levels, cubicle lifts are available. We also have two special wheelchairs dedicated to movie theatres, where the guest is specially escorted to the theatre through a direct elevator by our security personnel,” says Sreeganesh Iyer, manager, marketing, GVK One. Despite these arrangements, security guards at some malls say that they have noticed a dip in the number of physically challenged persons visiting the malls. Baleshwar M Singh, the security guard and wheelchair in-charge at Hyderabad Central, says that, on an average, only four people visit during a week. Most malls in the City do not have ramp facilities, but have wider elevators so that a physically challenged person can enter without any hassle. However, some of these differently-abled citizens say that if given some time and space, they too could use the escalator. “When I go to watch movies, I love watching the escalator move up and down, I want to use it, but it’s always so crowded and no one around helps, so I use the lift,” says Rohit S. He also rues that though he likes going to malls, the crowds deter him from doing so. “It’s easier to shop online,” chuckles Rohit. Insufficient place to move about also serves as a major deterrent. Malls often have new schemes and sales for which they set up special stalls and this reduces walking space. “Until a few years back, we did not have any great places to shop. Stores like Lifestyle and Shoppers Stop have limited facilities for people like us,” laments Karthik D. Civic authorities and State agencies too will have to go that extra mile to help them.

AIRLINES Airport Director 27903785, 27906001 For Air India Flight Information Toll free (from any network) for IC Flights 18001801407 And for All Flights: 1800227722 Air India has revised its flight timings. For more information call (Toll free) 18001801407, 1800227722 from BSNL/MTNL 04023430334 from other lines and mobile Website; www.airindia.in TOURISM OFFICES AP Tourism, Hyd 23262152/53/54 Sec’bad 27893100 Dept of Tourism 23453110 India Tourism 23261360 AP Tourism information Centre (24x7) 23450444, 23455999

UK Visa Office VFS India Pvt Ltd Building, 8-2-542/A, Sunil Chamber, Road No. 7 Beside Meridian School, Banjara Hills34. Working hours are from 8 AM to 1 PM And 2 PM to 3PM. MUSEUMS Salar Jung Museum AP State Museum Nizams Museum

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Hyper Local Minister mum on restoring statues Postnoon News

he State government which was quick to react on the damage to the Ambedkar statues is yet to make a move on restoring statues on Tankbund vandalised by T-activists. Minister for information and public relations DK Aruna who announced the installation of Ambedkar Statues declined to comment about the statues on Tank bund. Twelve statues of Telugu icons — Sri Krishnadevaraya, Yerrapragada, Annamacharya, Siddendra Yogi, Brahmanaidu, Raghupathi Venkataratnam Naidu, Mutnuri Krishna Rao, Kandukuri Veereshalingam, Tripuraneni Ramaswamy Choudary, Ballari Raghava, Sir Arthur Cotton and Gurajada Appa Rao — were damaged by the agitators during the protest march last year. Except for Ballari Raghava's statue, all other statues were dumped in the Hussainsagar lake.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2012

Campaigns, hard news and spirit of Twin Cities

From topper to pauper: Is Acharya a scapegoat? GRAFT U Srinivas srinivas.u@postnoon.com

oss of jails has become a jailbird. BP Acharya, principal secretary of home, government of Andhra Pradesh, was a topper in the 1983 batch of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie. He is dreaded by many for his straightforwardness. He carried himself with an aura of perfection all along. His credibility took a beating after assuming charge as the head of Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC). It nosedived with his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday in the Emaar Properties case.

BP Acharya CBI joint director VV Lakshminarayana called on Chief Secretary Pankaj Dwivedi around noon. Acharya is likely to be suspended by evening. Officials who worked with Acharya in the C block of Secretariat, where the Chief Minister’s Office is also located, say he was very efficient and that he’s a taskmaster.

They feel that he should have been trapped in the maze where he was left with no other option but agree to do the things at the behest of political bosses. When it comes to efficiency, he was perhaps the best, said a Secretary. Even with chief ministers, he never minced words and told them what could be the repercussions after taking certain decisions. There were times when he stalled some decisions which could go against the government, they recalled. Acharya has been booked on charges of cheating, criminal conspiracy and corruption in the Emaar Properties case. The main allegation against Acharya is that he was responsible for diluting the equity of APIIC in the project from the original 49 per cent to 6 per cent, benefitting the private developer and causing huge loss to the government. The township with villas at

Gachibowli has been jointly developed by APIIC of which Acharya was the managing director between 2005 and 2009. An official who is close to him and now working with the State Election Commission said that Acharya never appeared to be a corrupt man. It is very difficult to digest the goings on, he said. He opined that maybe Acharya was forced to ‘fall in line’ and do things. Plots and villas, purchased by relatives of political bigwigs, film stars and leading businessmen, were grossly undervalued in the documents causing a massive financial loss to the government. CBI sleuths had questioned Acharya several times in the past. He was again summoned to appear before the investigating agency. After a brief grilling, the official was taken into custody and later produced before a special court, which ordered CBI custody till February 1.

Peer jeer fear hinders RTE initiative PICTURE FOR REPRESENTATIONAL PURPOSE ONLY

EDUCATION Sudeshna koka sudeshna.k@postnoon.com

“R

ahul ran away from home due to depression. Later, he was traced on Tank Bund. He was shifted from an ordinary school in the neighbourhood to a plush corporate private school. This backfired as his performance deteriorated. He was not able to cope with his academics and new standards of this school. This apart, it was found that in his new school, he was constantly being bullied by his peers. He came from a relatively lowerincome background and his friends would often make fun of his father’s work profile. Unable to bear with the humiliation, Rahul ran away from home,” recalls Dr Kalyana Chakravarthi, psychiatrist, Rainbow Hospital. He is not the only one. There are several such cases in the twin cities. According to Right To Education Act, a child’s background shouldn’t be considered during the admission process. Unfortunately, background checks have become an important criteria for schools today. This admission season, there

have been several debates whether students from different social backgrounds should share a common bench to study. On this decision, parents, teachers and principals’ opinions and views have been noted, but no one has ever spoken to the younger lot. They are the people who actually get affected here. Postnoon asked students if they were given a chance to go to a more reputed school, would they take it, or are they happy in their own little world. “Depends,” said Mastanbi, Class VIII student at a government school in Trimulgherry, adding “If my friends come along with me, I will go. I doubt if I can adjust with new people.” Most of the students in high-

er classes are aware of the change and are ready to accept and adapt to the situation Usha P, a Class IX student in Daffodil School, says, “I would love to go. Initially, there will be adjustment problems, but I’m sure I can tackle them.” However, psychiatrists have a different story to tell. They are of the opinion that when these two sections of kids from two different financial strata are mixed, there are often negative effects on one of them. Earlier, children used to compete on academics. Now, it has changed to judging on the family’s wealth and background. “Peer pressure plays a major role for cases like Rahul. Students have to prove them-

selves through material objects, and not by academics. Though they have uniforms, today a child judges every one by their shoes, bags, pocket money, cell phones and other materialistic objects,” said Dr Chakravarthy. Often, students fall prey to depression and abuse. This reflects on the mood of the child at home. They tend to get emotional, lose concentration, and have several mood-swings. They tend to combine this other problems and end up in depression,” continued Kalyana. The inability to adapt to a new environment not only leads to depression, but also forces students to develop unwanted habits like stealing. One such case which the doctor observed was that a student who was registered in a plush school learnt stealth just to ‘fit in’ the crowd. “One of my patients got into the habit of stealing money only because of the stress. Their neighbours would leave their house keys and this guy would go and steal money. When caught, he said that he did that to buy branded shoes only because he did not want his classmates to know about his financial background as they would jeer him,” observed the doctor.

Would you like going to a bigger school? No, I am learning a lot in my school and I do not wish to go to a bigger school. It’s very expensive and I don’t like them so much. Pupsha K, Class IX, Narayana Government School. I have never thought about it. If given a chance i’ll go to a bigger school so that I can learn new technology and play bigger games. Elizaibith Rani, Class V, Narayana Government School. Yes, but only rich and who can afford go to that school. If someone sponsors my education and my other needs they will definitely go to a bigger school. Sai Kumar, Class VI, Government School. We need lot of money and some status to go to that school. I don’t think I can adjust in such schools. Rajesh G, Class VI, Government school

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2012

Campaigns, hard news and spirit of Twin Cities

Is Telugu dying a slow death? JUDGE HIM BY WORK, NOT LANGUAGE

EDUCATION Sudeshna Koka sudeshna.k@postnoon.com

‘Regulate liquor trade’

he urgent need for regulating the sale of liquor and evolving a new Excise policy was stressed by leaders of various political parties and prominent personalities. A mass satyagraha was organised at Indira park demanding regulation of liquor sale and elimination of corruption, in connection with Mahatma Gandhi Vardhanti. Former Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court, Justice Dr A Lakshmana Rao, presided over it. CPIM leader Raghavulu, said that political parties and peoples’ organisations should work together for regulation of liquor sale in the State.

n a State where a lot of emphasis is laid on students learning its official language, Telugu, while in school, it comes as a surprise to many that the newly elected mayor himself doesn’t know the language. Mohd Majid Hussain, the new mayor, requires a translator to understand the proceedings during the standing committee meetings, now a common fixture in his professional life. But this incident throws light on the importance bestowed upon our official language by the highest official in the City and the rest of Hyderabad. According to a law laid by the UN if less than 1/3 of the state population does not use the state language then it is declared a ‘dead language’. Ironically, today less than 1/3 of the Hyderabadi population does not use Telugu as a medium to communicate. This trend has scholars worried. “Out of the 250 students in my school only 40 chose Telugu as their second language. Right from the schooling stage Telugu is being neglected. Parents do not guide their children well. They themselves choose Hindi, as they believe that it will be useful if they move to any other state. But if parents continue to do this, then how will the child learn the importance of our mother tongue. The management is also under the impression that as more number of students are opting for Hindi why give importance to Telugu. Every year several publishers send books to our school but none come from the Telugu department. We hardly have any Telugu books in our library,” laments Padma Sree, Telugu teacher, Pallavi High School, Secunderabad. Telugu as a language has several tones and this has become a hindrance. Today citizens are confused as to which tone to speak in. With the recent political unrest in the City, citizens are afraid to communicate in Telugu.

Md Inkeshaf Ahmed ahmed.m@postnoon.com

“Instead of taking pride in this it has started to pull us down. Today, people are scared to communicate in Telugu, thinking how others would perceive it. We should all accept all forms of Telugu and not mock at other tones,” said Vasantha Kumar, Telugu teacher Pallavi High School, Secunderabad. Thanks to our regional media another new trend observed since the last six to seven years is, speaking the language as if one does not know how to talk in Telugu. Putting on an accent and speaking broken Telugu is the new fashion. “For some reason people find it demeaning to admit that they can converse in Telugu. it’s the latest trend. People do not take pride in our mother tongue anymore. Though they know the language they choose not to communicate in their mother tongue,” says Padma Sree. Another constraint that the City has is the predominance of Urdu. Scholars believe that only during NT Rama Rao’s regime the Telugu language got its credit. It’s only since then that people started talking in Telugu. Until then it was only Urdu that was the official language used to communicate. “I have been living here since 40 years and I have seen the rise and fall of the language. One of the reasons

why Telugu is not being considered by students for higher studies is the fear of getting less marks. Once I wanted to give a student 99 marks but I was warned not to. This is the only reason why students choose Urdu, French and Sanskrit over Telugu as it’s easy to score. Today English has become a very important factor to get jobs. This is another reason why students choose to give more importance to English and not Telugu,” says Bhaskar D, a retired Telugu teacher and scholar. He also believes that to attract more students the text book syllabus should be changed. “We do not stress on the usage of language. It needs to be less complex and more interactive.” Telugu Bhasha Samiti and Andhra intellectual forum scholars have been fighting cases asking the government to make Telugu a compulsory language and also to change all the City sign boards to Telugu. “The government needs to take an interest in our State language. In government offices and in public property all the sign boards are in English. This has to be changed. In Hyderabad there should be a clear stand and equal importance should be given to both Urdu and Telugu,” said Chalsani Srinivasa Rao, secretary of Telugu Bhasha Samiti.

‘Verify permissions before installing statues’

he State government has advised the elected representatives to check whether permission was given for installation of a statue before going for their unveiling. The cabinet sub-committee on statues installation, which was set up on April 4, 2011 after destruction of the statues on the Tank Bund, met for the first time on Monday in the Secretariat and held discussions. Ministers Jana Reddy, Darmana Prasad Rao, N Raghuveera Reddy, Maheedhar Reddy and Vatti Vasanth Kumar attended the meeting. The sub-

committee met in the light of destruction of statues of Ambedkar and the situation prevailing in the state thereafter. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Vasanth Kumar reminded that the Roads & Buildings Department has issued GO No 55 on April 18, 2003, stipulating the rules and regulations for installation of new statues of leaders. The Subcommittee opined that the GO was not being implemented properly. The Minister said that the elected representative should

verify before going to the launching of statues whether permission was given to the statute. Launching the statue, which does not have permission, by elected representatives would become violation of rules and regulations, and action would be taken against them, he cautioned. “The District Collectors would be directed to send the information about statues,which were setup without permission, to the state government. It was also decided to take steps for protection of statues of leaders”, he informed.

hile the opposition leaders in Corporation and others think it a shame the Mayor not knowing the official language some among the residents are willing to condone it saying in a cosmopolitan city it’s all right if mayor Majid Hussain does not speak Telugu. They say the mayor should be judged by his working skills, not language skills. But, many others argue it is a handicap for the mayor if he does not understand the language of the State as all communications are conducted either in Telugu or in English. I think it’s very important for the mayor to speak Telugu language. Not knowing Telugu will deprive him the benefits of interaction with residents during his visits. But it would not be hindrance for him in discharging his duties as he could manage to do it by communicating in English and Urdu languages. K Rajesh Kumar, Govt Employee I don't think lack of knowledge of Telugu becomes a hindrance for the mayor in discharging his duties. When it comes to Hyderabad both Urdu and English languages are widely used languages even by the people who know Telugu and the mayor is well versed in these languages. Being an educated person his priority should be on delivering quality services to the residents of the corporation. I think he will succeed in his efforts. Rameez Raza, Engineering Student Hyderabad is a cosmopolitan city with a mixture of different cultures and traditions. It is not a crime for the mayor not knowing Telugu language given his background. He has been brought up in a cosmopolitan culture and has complete knowledge of English and Urdu languages. This is enough for him to discharge his duties. Karunakar Reddy, Govt Employee The mayor is very young and is raring to go. Lack of knowledge of Telugu by the mayor is not a defect. The mayor knows both national and international languages-Hindi and English. And, knowledge of these languages is enough for him to emerge as a good leader as these two languages have become an integral part of Hyderabad society apart from local Telugu language. M Phanidhar, CA Student

Hyper Local

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2012

Campaigns, hard news and spirit of Twin Cities

Read, write and rejoice

Anubha K Singh anubha.k@postnoon.com

s it enters the third year of its existence, the book club — Literary, Intellectual, Culture Hub (LICH) has reason to feel proud. “LICH started as an idea on Jan 1, 2010 and became active by the same month after a humble start by a few close friends

and a few new members meeting up at Jalagam Vengal Rao Park. A few days later Landmark and Bookstore associated with the club and members began having meetings there,” said, Keku, the spirit behind the club. He’s a qualified journalist and tattoo artiste by hobby. The idea for this group started as a book club; a place to share and

discuss books and mingle with like minded book lovers; a place to act as a catalyst to rekindle the dying passion to read and a place to attract and encourage others to cultivate the habit of reading which should not be limited, but encompass all forms of literature and not just reading but narrating, writing etc. “Not limiting us we further felt

PIC: N SHIVA KUMAR

it essential to develop our culture in all forms from philosophy to art, science to lifestyle and all forms of knowledge, learning and creativity. The initial meetings were unstructured with broad topics, impromptu discussions and also a mix of members from all age groups. Later we decided to separate the user groups by age and have separate meet ups for kids” he adds. The club consists of 600 members and 250 kids. A theme is posted on the LICH website. The members prepare on the theme and then get together. LICH is currently organising one session on the first Wednesday of every month for adults and on the last Sunday of every month for children. “There are special workshops for children. The main aim is to explore their talents. It works as a platform for them to come forth with their creativities. There will be a special workshop for kids in the coming month based on Mathematics and science,” he adds. LICH is a club which dabbles

What’s in a name? "LICH"refers to a creature in popular fantasy fiction, a great magician or a great king of high intellect-who succeeded in defying death and achieving immortality.

in books on all subjects and activities intellectual. They have book readings and criticism, lectures on science, astronomy, wildlife and others.

THE FACES OF HYDERABAD MV Soundarrajan, Head Priest, Chilkur Balaji Temple

ew priests enjoy the popularity enjoyed by MV Soundarrajan, the head priest at the famous Balaji temple at Chilkur. At 74 years of age, this priest’s life revolves around the temple and he is passionate about preserving the temple’s culture and traditions. Much to the surprise of the devotees, Soundarrajan can speak fluent English. It may be recalled that it was Soundarrajan who successfully stood his ground when the Endowment department tried to take over the temple. According to him a temple is a not for profit organisation which is why there

U Srinivas A city is defined by the people who live and work in it. Here we take a look at the human threads that make up our urban tapestry

should be no hundi in the premises. And to this day there is no donation box within the Chilkur temple. Despite the inflow of several VIPs, the temple continues to remain true to its traditional roots, thanks to his beliefs. And it is this policy that draws the large number of devotees ranging from politicians, police officials and commoners to the temple who appreciate its no donation belief. Apart from that all most all the techies who visit Chilkur Balaji get visas and have made it big abroad. Little wonder then that the temple is also known as the Visa Valaji temple.

Spotlight

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2012

PICS: SRINIVAS SETTY

Krishna Bhupal & Indira Krishna Reddy

Shalini Bhupal & Pinky Reddy

WAH TAJ!

Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, opened its first Vivanta by Taj, a five star hotel at Begumpet on Monday evening. The event was attended by all the who’s who of the city. This is the first hotel in the state under the Vivanta brand.

Suresh Reddy with friends

GVK Reddy

Faiz Khan

Suchitra Pillai

Jaikanth Shroff & Danam Nagender

Lakshmi Devi Raj CV Anand (C) with friends PICS: SRINIVAS SETTY

Science is a lot of fun The 65th Indian Radiology and Imaging Association’s ‘Quest for excellence in Radiology’ was held at Hitex on Monday. The closing ceremony had belly dancers and a fashion show along with other foreign dances.

India‑View

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2012

India unveiled

Nagpur building collapse kills 2

LIVING FOREVER

Schoolchildren participate in a painting competition on the occasion of 65th death anniversary of PTI Mahatma Gandhi in Moradabad on Monday.

Boy got `5, samosa for R-day cold-shower act BHOPAL/DEWAS: The little boy who was made to take a bath under tap on a tableau of Dewas Municipal Corporation during the Republic Day celebrations was given only a samosa and `5, the boy himself told reporters. The boy, 6 identified as Sunny told mediapersons who finally located him that “a bald person came to me and said that he would be given a samosa and `5 for taking a bath under the tap following which I agreed.” The incident of a minor boy taking a bath under the cold water tap on a tableau of Dewas Municipal Corporation has become a major issue with the

Madhya Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MPSCPCR) taking a cognisance of the matter and issued notices to the concerned authorities. The in-charge minister of Dewas District, Jagdish Devda also directed the Collector and SP to take strict action against those

responsible for the incident. Dewas MP and senior Congress leader, Sajjan Singh Verma too demanded that the state government suspend the Collector and SP for their alleged insensitivity towards the boy who was shivering in the cold while they were enjoying the view of the parade in full warm cloths. When the spectators saw that the boy who was shivering because of the continuous flow of cold water, the attention of the concerned authorities was drawn following which he was shifted from the place and was given warm cloths to cover himself, sources said. PTI

IAS officer’s wife assaults police officer, arrested

Kalmadi made scapegoat, says Venkaiah

BANGALORE: The wife of an IAS officer was on Monday arrested for allegedly assaulting and verbally abusing a woman police inspector during the Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) T20 match. Anu Dubey, wife of Pankaj Kumar Pandey, managing director of Hubli Electricity Supply Company, was granted interim bail till February 6 after being produced before a local court on Monday. Earlier in the day, a criminal case had been filed against the unidentified woman under Section 353 of the IPC for allegedly assaulting and verbally abusing Inspector Anjumala T Naik, attached to Ulsoorgate women’s police

BJP vice-president PANJI: Venkaiah Naidu on Monday accused Congress of making the sacked chairman of the Organising Committee (OC) Suresh Kalmadi a scapegoat in the Commonwealth Games scam. Addressing a rally in Mapusa town marking wrapping up of the fortnight-long ‘Jana Sampark Abhiyaan’, Naidu said,”Why was the Delhi chief minister not arrested in connection with the financial irregularities”. The campaign launched by senior leader Arun Jaitley toured 39 constituencies and reached 2 lakh people. Naidu said, “why was union sports minister and union urban development not arrested”. PTI

station, police sources said. As per the complaint filed by Anjumala, who was posted at Gate No 1 of Chinnaswamy stadium on security duty during the match on Sunday, an IAS officer’s wife and her son abused her for not allowing entry to watch the match as they carried only one entry pass, police sources said. The accused managed to gain entry into the stadium after the intervention of some contacts in the Karnataka State Cricket Association, they said. Anjumala, in her complaint, alleged that the officer’s wife picked up an argument and assaulted her after the match came to a close. PTI

NAGPUR: Two labourers were killed and nine others, including two women, were injured when a four-storey building housing a small scale industrial unit on Monday night collapsed in Chikhli area on the city outskirts at Kalamna. The deceased are yet to be identified even as the rescue operations are in full swing to extricate those who are still feared trapped under the debris, police said. One of the two workers died on the spot, while the other succumbed to his injuries in Mayo general hospital, they said. Of the nine injured, two are women, and their identity is still being ascertained. The dilapidated building

housing a cold storage plant caved in the evening, following which labourers working there were trapped under the rubble, police said. According to police, due to the impact, the plant machinery suffered an extensive damage, resulting in leakage of Ammonium and Carbon-diOxide gases causing brief panic in nearby residential areas. Many of the residents complained of uneasiness and irritation of eyes due to the leakage which is being brought under control, they said. Power supply was disrupted in the area post collapse and fire brigade and police teams have launched massive rescue operations, added police. PTI

Punjab, Uttarakhand register record polling CHANDIGARH/DEHRADUN : Punjab and Uttarakhand record voter turn out at 77 per cent and 70 per cent respectively Monday with one death in the country’s grain bowl and peaceful voting in the hill state. Counting of votes will take place in both states on March 6. Punjab’s chief electoral officer Kusumjit Sidhu said the final voting percentage could cross 80 per cent, a new record in the state, once final figures emerged on Tuesday. In the 2007 Assembly polls, the highest poll percentage was over 75 per cent. She said that barring a few clashes, no major violence was reported during polling in the state. A total of nine cases were

Samajwadi Party president Mulayam Singh Yadav in Varanasi. PTI

registered at various places. A teenaged boy, Nishan Singh, was killed in Pyarawala village in Ferozepur rural constituency, 250 km from Punjab’s capital Chandigarh following a minor clash between supporters of the ruling Akali Dal and Congress. Over 73,000 security personnel, including more than 2,000 paramilitary troopers, were deployed to ensure smooth and peaceful polling in Punjab. The state has a total of 17,683,559 voters, of which 8,361,014 are women. The main contest is between the ruling Shiromani Akali DalBJP alliance led by chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and the opposition Congress headed by former chief minister Amarinder Singh. A third front, Sanjha Morcha, has been formed recently and is led by former finance minister Manpreet Badal’s newly floated People’s Party of Punjab (PPP). In the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand bright sunshine resulted in the highest turnout of poll voters at 70 per cent. Uttarakhand chief electoral officer Radha Raturi said, “Nearly 70 percent of the state’s 63 lakh voters came out to cast their vote.” While the Election Commision is euphoric about the high voter turnout, it is being seen as a bad signal for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). IANS

Around the World

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2012

Beyond Borders

US statements on Syria are aggressive, Damascus reacts DAMASCUS: Damascus has slammed what it termed “aggressive” statements made by the United States and other Western nations ahead of a UN Security Council session on the spiralling violence in Syria. “The aggressive American and Western statements against Syria are escalating in a scandalous manner,” said a foreign ministry statement distributed by the official SANA news agency. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Monday that Washington “condemns in the strongest possible terms the escalation of the Syrian regime’s violent and brutal attacks on its own people”, and demanded UN action as a government offensive was blamed for the deaths of dozens more civilians. “The Security Council must act and make clear to the Syrian regime that the world

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama on Monday confirmed that US drone aircraft have struck Taliban and Qaeda targets within Pakistan, operations that until now had not been officially acknowledged. When asked about the use of drones by his administration, Obama said “a lot of these strikes have been in Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas.“For the most part, they’ve been very precise precision strikes against Qaeda and their affiliates”, Obama .

GLOBE AT A GLANCE ‘Russian protests may turn into civil war’ MOSCOW: The stand-off between Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and anti-government protesters may escalate into a civil war, billionaire presidential candidate Mikhail Prokhorov has said. Acknowledging that “Putin has achievements”, Prokhorov said: “If opposing parties fail to move toward each other, the worst case scenario is a civil war,” he said in an interview with a German weekly.

Abducted ambassador and wife freed CARACAS: The Mexican ambassador to Venezuela, Carlos Pujalte, and his wife were freed early on Monday, hours after being kidnapped in the capital city of Caracas, said a spokesman of the Mexican embassy.The couple had been kidnapped on Sunday night on returning home in Valle Arriba, northeastern Caracas.

A burnt bus at the scene of a blast blamed by the Syrian authorities on a “terrorist group” near a military barrack on the outskirts of Damascus. AFP

An image grab taken from a video on YouTube shows armed men of the Free Syrian Army,during an anti-regime protest in Rastan in the Homs province. AFP/YOUTUBE

Prez Obama confirms Pak drone strikes

community views its actions as a threat to peace and security,” she said. And EU President Herman Van Rompuy said Europe was outraged “at the atrocities and repression committed by the Syrian regime”. Damascus described statements by the West as “ridiculous”, and insisted that recent events in the country should be blamed on “armed terrorist groups”. The country “will continue to defend itself against terrorism and intends to foil this policy of sowing chaos adopted by the United States and the West”, the statement said. AFP

Free Syrian Army founder killed According to unconfirmed reports, security forces have executed Free Syrian Army Lieutenant colonel Hussein Harmush, a founder of the rebel group made up of soldiers who defected, the Syrian League for Human Rights on Monday. “An air force intelligence unit last week carried out a sentence to shoot dead officer Hussein Harmush,” the non-governmental group said in a statement.

145 injured in Peru earthquake LIMA: A powerful earthquake injured scores of people, buckled buildings and caused power outages on the coast south of Lima early on Monday, with no immediate reports of fatalities, officials said. The epicenter of the magnitude 6.3 quake, which struck eleven minutes after midnight on Sunday, was 23 kilometers southeast of the city of Ica, the US Geological Survey said. While residents remain jittery, there were no known fatalities on Monday, Civil Defence officials said. However around 145 people were injured and most were taken to hospitals, though the injuries were mostly minor, the Health Ministry said.

View of the damage in a church after an earthquake in Ica, Peru on Monday. AFP The quake also destroyed 125 homes and damaged 581 buildings, said the Civil Defence Institute (INDECI) in its latest report. Most people were injured when they fled their homes in

panic, or when they were struck by collapsing walls, said Raul Huaman with the Ica Regional Hospital. Among the damaged buildings was the Cathedral of Ica, which had already been damaged in the 2007 earthquake. The jolt caused people to flee their homes in Ica, the port of Pisco, and the towns of Palpa, Nasca and Canete. Dozens of Ica residents spent the night in parks and gardens fearing aftershocks. The quake epicenter depth was 39 kilometers (24 miles), according to the USGS. Peru is in the “Pacific Ring of Fire,” which is the site of 85 percent of global seismic activity. The last quake was in 2007. AFP

White-sided dolphins swim around a sailboat while feeding off the southern California coast on near Long Beach, California. AFP

30 Taliban surrender in Afghanistan KABUL: Thirty Taliban, led by a commander named Mullah Abdullah, surrendered on Monday in Afghanistan’s Herat province, Xinhua reported. The 30 Taliban have renounced violence and joined the peace process in the Pashtun Zarghun district, said provincial police chief Sayed Agha Saqib.The Taliban did not make any comment.

Two Britons barred after ‘destroy US’ tweet LONDON: Two Britons have been barred from entering the US after an innocent tweet about “destroying America” were picked up by US anti-terror officials. Leigh Van Bryan wrote a message to his 24-year-old friend Emily Bunting before he left for a holiday in Los Angeles. The tweet said: “Free this week, for quick gossip/prep before I go and destroy America”.

Human rights activists in Buenos Aires during the convocation of the Commission of Spanish Disappeared in Argentina. . AFP

17,023.67 160.37

5,136.45 49.15

10g= `28,500

1kg= `57,500

`49.68

BSE

NSE

GOLD

SILVER

DOLLAR

Business

Matters of saving and spending

Vivanta brand contributes one-third of revenue to Indian Hotels Company Ltd (Taj group). The Taj group will open its 100th property in India next fiscal, Raymond N Bickson, MD & CEO of IHCL told Postnoon in an interview.

`78.21

POUND TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2012 11

Taj group’s 100th hotel in India next year Ginger hotels can’t be costly Prudhvi Raju K prudhvi.k@postnoon.com

HYDERABAD: TajGVK Hotels A Saye Sekhar saye@postnoon.com

ow is the growth rate of Indian hotels group during the third quarter? The third quarter revenues have increased compared to the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal. It is the second most profitable quarter for the whole hospitality business. The company hopes to earn more revenues in the fourth quarter. The group is the fastest growing domestic hospitality brand with 122 hotels in 2012 acrodd the globe from 62 in 2003. We are aiming to open our 100th hotel in India in 2012-2013 fiscal. What are reasons to expand globally? Our strategy to expand globally is to have a balanced portfolio. The slump in one market should not affect the whole business. The ideal scenario is to achieve target revenue ratio of 50:50 from domestic and international businesses. We have increased the share of international revenues from 22 per cent to 33 per cent in last nine years. There is a slump in American and European markets. However, Asian markets are doing well. How much of your revenues are generated from foreign visitors

in the domestic market? How is the luxury sector this year? We generate 60 per cent of revenues from the foreign visitors every year. The luxury sector is the most profitable sector. However, it is also quite vulnerable and takes the biggest hit during the slump in business. The luxury market is not quite encouraging internationally and also had an effect on the Indian luxury segment. The Gateway, Vivanta and Ginger groups are growing but the challenge is to hold the market share without losing out to the new comers. How is the Indian hospitality industry growing? The Indian industry has expanded its room capacity from 62,000 to1,30,000 in last nine years. China and USA are growing quite rapidly. China has 19

lakh rooms and building another six lakh rooms. US has 37 lakh rooms and is adding another four lakh rooms. America and China are doubling their capacities every three years and India is doubling its capacity every nine years. The Indian market is doing quite well. The average occupancy is 65-70 per cent across segments and absorbed the increased capacity. There were reports that Indian hotel group is not quite successful in the US market. What is your take? The timing we entered the US market is quite bad. We opened our hotels in 2007 and the market crashed in 2008. We closed one hotel for renovation for 14 months. New York and San Francisco hotels are doing quite

and Resorts Ltd is planning to start four Ginger hotels (budget range segment) in the City. The first Ginger hotel will be located near the Rajiv Gandhi international Airport with 250 rooms. The property was sanctioned by the government and the company is in the process of getting approvals. There are few internal issues in the government in giving approvals. However, they are getting sorted out, said G Indira Krishna Reddy, managing director, TajGVK Hotels and Resorts. In a tete-a-tete with reporters on the occasion of inauguration of Vivanta by Taj here on Monday, she said the budget hotel market segment was growing within the average room price of Rs2,000 and Rs2,500. TajGVK has plans to start Ginger hotels in other towns in the state like Rajahmundry, Nellore, Visakhapatnam but finding it difficult to expensive land prices. The challenge is to make the project viable without compromising on the room charges. The ginger hotels are budget hotels and make no sense, if well but Boston has been flat. How do you look demand and supply situation? The domestic market is highly valuable with a rapid increase in domestic travellers to 740 million. Even the number of foreign

the room prices are increased, Reddy said. The group is starting new hotels one after the other to have free flow of funds. It does not have any plans to raise funds as of now. “The cost of funds for raising equity is much more than the funds itself. The interest rates are very high and we have no plans to raise funds till they come down. We would only raise funds only if necessary. But as of now concentrating on leveraging the brand,” she concluded. TajGVK has launched its first hotel under the Vivanta banner and the fifth hotel in the City. The investments are around Rs150 crore (without land cost) and the company is looking for a breakeven in seven years. travellers is also touching six million. The occupancy is robust and the growth is quite sustainable. Hospitality is a seasonal industry and has its ups and downs but has a bright future with the growth of the country.

Mobile base reaches 893.84m

Biggies to fight email spam

NEW DELHI: The number of mobile phone subscribers in India rose to 893.84 million in December with Idea Cellular alone signing 2.39 million new subscribers, official data showed on Monday. According to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the wireless user base grew 1.07 per cent with an addition of 9.47 million subscribers, from 884.37 million in November. With this, the total number of telephone subscribers, including land-line holders, touched 926.53 million, registering a growth of 1 per cent. Overall tele-density in India

WASHINGTON:

reached 76.86 per cent. However, of the total 893.84 million wireless subscribers, only 646.77 million subscribers were active subscribers on the date of peak visitor location register (VLR). VLR is a temporary database of the subscribers who have roamed into the particular area, which it serves. Each base station in the network is served by exactly one VLR; a subscriber cannot be present in over one VLR at a time. The total number of subscribers of Idea Cellular stood at 106.38 million. Uninor added 2.13 million subscribers to take its sub-

scribers count to 36.31 million. Bharti Airtel added 9,60,143 customers taking its subscribers base to 175.65 million while Reliance Communications added 9,48,743 users increasing its subscribers count to 150.08 million subscribers. State-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL) added 7,50,467 and 34,143 users to have 96.76 million and 5.68 million users respectively. The broadband subscriber base grew 1.3 per cent from 13.13 million in November to 13.30 million in December. IANS

Google, Microsoft, Yahoo!, AOL and Facebook are setting aside their online rivalry to fight a common enemy; email spam and ‘phishing’ attacks. The Web giants said on Monday they have teamed up with Bank of America, PayPal and others to combat spam and phishing, where emails seeking to obtain passwords or other information are sent to unsuspecting recipients. Following 18 months of private collaboration, they announced the formation of a technical working group known as DMARC.org, drawn

from the acronym for Domainbased Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance. “Email phishing defrauds millions of people and companies every year, resulting in a loss of consumer confidence in email and the Internet as a whole,” Brett McDowell, the chair of DMARC.org, said in a statement. “Industry co-operation — combined with technology and consumer education — is crucial to fight phishing,” said McDowell, the senior manager of customer security initiatives at PayPal. AFP

Comment

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2012

Fair, free and forthright

Editorials CALL ON IRAN OIL is bold and right

Mind your language

or once the Manmohan Singh deserves laurels for refusing to kowtow to Western diktats and asserting that it won’t stop buying oil from Iran to bolster the EU-US sanctions. Indian science and technology sector bore the brunt of Western sanctions in the wake of 1998 nuclear tests. The same paranoid West has no scruples about ignoring Israel’s nuclear weapons, which are ‘defensive’. It was not long ago when our defence minister blurted out that fear of China, rather than Pakistan prompted our nuclear weapons programme. Considering Israel’s history of pre-emptive wars and cross-border raids, Iran’s (alleged) nuclear stockpile shouldn’t be a surprise. International ramifications of Iran’s nuclear programme apart, our primary concern should be our national interests — in this case, energy security.

WHY WE LOVE... a tight slap

eel life stars have developed a taste for some real life action — as Shah Rukh Khan has demonstrated by slapping Farah Khan’s husband at Sanjay Dutt’s party. Pawar too has experienced the power of public anger when he was slapped at a public function. Though an act of violence, slaps do serve as reminders and restrainers when someone exceeds his permissible limits. As for Farah’s hubby, it is a reminder that you don’t mess with a six-packsporting guy at a party hosted by someone who is built like a prizefighter.

Pointblank Padmini C

I speak three languages, write in Two, dream in one. Don’t write in English, they said, English is Not your mother-tongue. Why not leave Me alone, critics, friends, visiting cousins, Every one of you? Why not let me speak in Any language I like? The language I speak, Becomes mine, its distortions, its queernesses All mine, mine alone. It is half English, half Indian, funny perhaps, but it is honest, It is as human as I am human, don’t You see? — Kamala Das, An Introduction

lright. Okay. Our newly elected GHMC Mayor Mohd Majid Hussain cannot read, write or speak the local language. And so there's suddenly an immense amount of hullabaloo about it as if all the detractors woke up from a collective slumber. Now, there are questions. How will he communicate with the thousands of commoners who will express their grievances in Telugu only? How will he go through piles of files and documents in the office and in the Assembly without being able to read the language? Will he forever be dependent on a translator to communicate with people everywhere. How does a man born and bred in the City not have knowledge of the local language? Let there be no mistake. As a person holding a very public office, all agree that it is of vital importance that he have a working knowledge of the local language. But to say that it is a prerequisite is impractical. It would essentially mean that despite our cities growing to be increasingly cosmopolitan and diverse, we will still only elect officials that, efficiency aside, are cognizant of the dominant language. Even if that leads to alienating all other sections in the society. Besides, if all the concerns being raised about the Mayor were really so grave, and the detractors so sure that the Mayor was bound to be handicapped, how on earth was he elected to the office in the first place? That aside, the Mayor's predicament is symbolic of a much larger conundrum. It's about the obsession with our language. As a

Unfair criticism

Good fashion story

I totally disagree with the fact that people are breathing fire about the mayor not knowing Telugu. So what if he does not know how to read or write Telugu. Was this not thought of when he was being elected for the position? I am sure he has a translator who can translate necessary details and this surely does not make for a reason to criticise him. Considering the contributions of non-locals to social, economic and political development of every state in this country, I feel the whole tirade is heights of hypocrisy. Chandan Ri Mallepally

The article on Yves Saint Laurent was a very informative one. Most of us youngsters swear by YSL but not many know who he actually is. In fact, a couple of my friends thought Yves Saint Laurent was a woman until now. His work is hailed as one of the best in the industry and as mentioned his dresses as worn by Audrey Hepburn are truly stunning. Many a times have Indian designers confessed to have been inspired from his work. Kudos to the team for bringing out such an article. Nisha Khatri Begumpet

country, we exalt in our diversity. Our unique ability to be a melting pot of different cultures, clans, races and religions and still co-exist. In fact, we stand unique as a country that divided its States on the basis of language. So we are naturally conditioned to be fiercely territorial about our many, many vernacular languages. And recently there is a growing clamour in many States (ala Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu etcetera) for one thing — we must protect our own. Growing up in India, there's little doubt that each of us has been taught to believe that our allegiance is first to our native tongue and only then to our national language and finally, to the bridge language, English. We have all been told it lay upon us to keep our respective language alive. That we must know our “roots.” And have been chastised, no doubt, for not taking more interest in our native language. As noble as the sentiment might be for

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

some, a generation has moved on. For a lot of them, including this writer, a language is as language does. It is simply about the most effective way of communication and not implicative or laden with any cultural significance. Language, if anything, must be cohesive and not divisive. So essentially, the language one speaks, thinks, and dreams in becomes theirs and not necessarily the tongue they were born into. As is the way it must be. If we have chosen to venture from our roots and eat what we want, wear the clothes we do, move to the places we most feel at home, why not speak the language we like best? Besides, in all honesty, does a language that needs protecting even deserve to be protected? The bottomline is this. It's not important for our leaders and officials to know our native tongue. That they speak the language of honesty, integrity, efficiency and honour, now that's what we should clamour for.

Food article has woken the chef in me The good food guide article yesterday was a good read. It not only gave an insight into the already expected peek into the culinary delights of the three countries, but also gave information about the culture of the people there. It was creatively written, and I enjoyed reading it. So much so that I am going to try out one of the dishes this evening! I suggest that you carry stories featuring major chefs in Hyderabad and their tips to improve the taste of your regular dishes. Your paper is so visually appealing, that makes reading it so much more fun. Your paper really does a good job — it shows! Sandip Yadav Dilsukhnagar

CORRECTIONS CLARIFICATIONS n

On the special page on assassinations, it was printed as “Today, on the 46th death anniversary of Gandhi, we take a look at some of the most tragic assassinations across the world.” It was the 64th anniversary of Gandhi’s assassination and not the 46th. We thank the alert Postnoon subscriber who brought the error to our notice and promise to make best efforts to bring out error-free editions in future.

It is Postnoon’s policy to correct errors swiftly and fairly

H‑Factor

Holistic view of mind, body and soul

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2012

Eye contact helps detect autism

ancer lung c a s i rong Armst Lance or surviv

What’s

ailing your city C NO EVIL Anishaa Kumar

Cancer pain

feedback@postnoon.com

ancer incidences in India are growing among both men and women. The causes of cancers are largely unknown but a variety of methods to diagnose and treat cancer are also available. When it comes to women the two most common cancers in India include breast cancer in urban areas and cervical cancer in rural areas. Dr Raghu Ram, director and consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon, KIMS-Ushalakshmi Centre for Breast Diseases, states that in simple terms breast cancer is cancer in the breast. It occurs mainly due to prolonged exposure to hormone oestrogen. The exact cause of breast cancer is unknown. “A study done on 100 breast cancer patients has proven that out of the 100, 99 women are affected by Breast cancer and only 1 per cent of the men are affected. The diagnosis for breast cancer is done by a method known as Triple assessment explains Dr Raghuram, “The first step is Clinical breast examination by a doctor, the second step is breast imaging and the third step is ultrasound guided needle biopsy. Some of the symptoms include a lump in the breast, nipple discharge, nipple retraction and eczema around the nipple”. Depending on the situation a patient may be required to undergo surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or even hormone therapy. Although the cause is unknown it could be because of various reasons such as westernised lifestyles, late marriages and not breastfeeding the children, he mentions. Cervical cancer on the other hand is

ancer pain is a major issue which is not dealt with mentions Dr Raghu Ram. He mentions that in India, more than 70% per cent of cancers are diagnosed in the advanced stage and patients in this stage suffer from cancer pain. Many cancer survivors die of this pain every year because they do not have access to oral morphine which is inexpensive and highly effective. Many hospitals, which provide cancer care, do not have access to oral morphine and do not even have palliative care departments.

Kylie Minogue beat breast cancer

the cancer of the cervix. According to Dr Y Nalini, consultant radiation oncologist, Yashoda Hospital, “Cervical cancer is quite prominent among women in the rural areas though cases are being seen in the urban areas as well.” When it comes to men, the two main cancers include oral and neck cancers as well as stomach cancer. According to Dr Mohana Vamsy, chief surgical oncologist, Omega Hospital, “Data suggests that stomach cancer, gastric cancer, oral cavity cancer, oropharynx cancer and lung cancer are common in South India. While in North India, lung cancer is common.” When it comes to the city in particular he mentions that lung cancer is very common. Talking about the reasons for these forms of cancer in South India he states, “The exact reason is not known. Some of the symptoms for these kinds of cancers include ulcers and white and red patches on the tongue.” Lung cancer could occur because of tobacco and alcohol. For lung cancer the symptoms include excessive cough and bloody sputum (mucus). The mortality rates of these cancers depends on in which stage the cancer is detected. If the cancer is detected early there are high chances of complete recovery. He mentions that cancer is multi-modality that means that a combination of different treatments could be used. The treatments could include surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy. As a precautionary measure, Dr Vamsy suggests that one should avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, keep obesity in check and consume a well balanced diet which is rich in antioxidants and fibre. An aware society is a healthy society. The causes of cancer may be unknown but awareness and early detection can help strengthen our fight against it. On World Cancer Day let the society strive to be aware and support those fighting against it.

SYDNEY: Unusual patterns of eye contact could help detect developing autism symptoms in babies just six months old, reveals a study. La Trobe University psychologist Kristelle Hudry, a key researcher in the study, says the results of the study are linked with emerging autism. Hudry and her UK colleagues studied six to 10-month-old babies who were at risk of developing autism because they had a sibling with the condition, the journal Current Biology reported. They placed sensors on the babies’ scalps to register their brain activity, while they viewed videos of faces that switched from looking at them to looking away, or vice versa, said a university statement. “These results are important because early diagnosis can secure the best possible outcome

for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), through early access to intervention,” Hudry said. While behaviours characteristic of autism emerge over the first few years of life, a firm diagnosis using existing methods can usually only be made after the age of two. In reality, however, diagnosis often doesn’t happen until much later, so most autism research has concentrated on children older than two years, which means we still know very little about the very earliest symptoms and signs, said Hudry. Releasing the report in the UK, Mark Johnson, professor and chief investigator, University of London, said: “Our findings demonstrate for the first time that direct measures of brain functioning during the first year of life associate with a later diagnosis of autism — well before the emergence of behavioural symptoms.” IANS

H‑Factor

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2012

Holistic view of mind, body and soul

BREATHE EASY

Dr KK Reddy Consultant pulmonologist, St Theresa’s Hospital

Allergy, asthma go together Postnoon News

HIV drug now available as oral powder for children NEW DELHI: The HIV drug Viread will now be available in powder form for HIV positive children after its approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a bio-pharmaceutical company said on Sunday. The move is expected to benefit millions of HIV positive children.”There remains an unmet need for heat-stable, tasteneutral paediatric formulations that do not require cold storage, particularly in resource-limited settings, where mother-to-child transmission remains a significant challenge,” Norbert Bischofberger, executive vice president, research and development and chief

scientific officer at Gilead Sciences, said in a statement. “We are pleased to provide a new therapeutic option for younger HIV patients, and will work to make the paediatric formulations of Viread available as quickly as possible,” Bischofberger added. The FDA also approved a New Drug Application for an oral powder formulation of Viread for children ages 2-5. The active ingredient in Viread, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, is currently the most-prescribed molecule for adults receiving HIV therapy in the United States. In paediatric patients, the use of

either the lower-strength tablets or the oral powder formulation of Viread is based on the patient’s age and weight. The safety and efficacy of Viread has not been established in children less than two years of age. For adults unable to swallow Viread tablets, the oral powder formulation equal to 300 mg may be used. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are approximately 2.5 million children under the age of 15 living with HIV worldwide, and more than 90 per cent live in sub-Saharan Africa. IANS

High testosterone retards language skills SYDNEY: Boys exposed to high levels of testosterone in the foetal stage are twice as likely to experience retarded language development. “An estimated 12 per cent of toddlers experience significant delays in their language development,” said Andrew Whitehouse, associate professor at Perth’s Telethon Institute for Child Health Research. “While language development varies between individuals, boys tend to develop later and at a slower rate than girls,” added Whitehouse, who led the study. The finding is significant for explaining why boys’ lan-

guage development differs to that of girls, said Whitehouse. Whitehouse said his team wanted to test whether this could be due to prenatal expo-

sure to sex-steroids such as testosterone. They measured testosterone levels in the umbilical cord blood of 767 newborns

before examining their language ability at 1, 2 and 3 years. The results showed boys with high levels of testosterone in cord blood were between two-to-three times more likely to experience language delay. However, the opposite effect was found in girls where highlevels of testosterone in cord blood were associated with a decreased risk of language delay. This is the first large population-based study to explore the relationship between umbilical cord blood and language delay in the first three years of life.

s human beings we’ve come a long way and the progress we’ve made in every sphere of life may be commendable. But there’s a flip side to this development — lifestyle ailments thanks to rising pollution levels and lifestyle habits. And one such ailment is asthma — a disorder of the airways that causes breathing difficulties in patients. “Usually these asthma attacks can be triggered by factors like pollen, pollution, dust, smoke, vehicle exhaust fumes and hereditary factors. Nearly 10 per cent of our population has asthma and the numbers have almost been doubling over the years due to increasing air pollution,” says Dr KK Reddy, consultant pulmonologist at St Theresa’s Hospital. While a lot of people may not be aware of this, Dr Reddy says, allergy and asthma go together. “Allergy to the bronchi is asthma — bronchial asthma,” he says, adding, “But the incidence of asthma can be controlled with regular use of inhalers and avoiding trigger factors. While the trigger factors may vary from person to person, it is important to identify these triggers and then work towards avoiding them.” Treatment for asthma usually involves inhalers, oral medication like tablets and injections. “But aerosol therapy (inhalers) is the mainstay of treatment. Oral treatment is an add on therapy to inhalers. The latter are available in two types — preventors and relievers,” says Dr Reddy. If the asthma is severe, then Dr Reddy recommends stepping up the dosage of medication administered by inhalers, including steroid based inhalers. “But none of this should be self-medicated. You should check with your doctor and then step up dosage accordingly. Besides, steroid-based inhalers are safe as the dosage through inhalers is very low and they have minimal sideeffects. Also medication need not be life-long. Most people either have intermittent (seasonal) asthma or have persistent (everyday). Depending on this and the stage of the ailment the medication can be recommended and then taper the dosage depending on the symptomatic improvement,” he explains. When it comes to measuring asthma, using the peak flow meter is suggested. “It is a home device and can be easily calibrated. Patients can use this once every 10 days to monitor their condition. If there are no symptoms they can continue using preventors or report any changes to their doctor for change in medication,” he says.

Rhythm Nation

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2012

Six guitarists, beautiful instruments and even more beautiful music. Indira Atluri visits the pantheon of Hyderabad’s guitar greats

s Str e umming tun N Jayashanker

Independent solo guitarist Has been playing the guitar since the age of six and was the recipient of the Lady Popworth award in 1982 – the first Indian to win the award in 82 years. n Owns a Godin Multiac Grand Concert guitar and a Yamaha Silent guitar. n Has arranged and performed the National Anthem, Vande Mataram and Raghupati Raghava on a solo guitar. n Jayashanker is credited with making his solo performance on the guitar sound like a music orchestra. n Likes Jimmy Hendrix, Santana, BB King, Wes Montgomery, Django Reinhardt. n His version of the McKenna’s-Gold theme song is popular in countries like Russia Spain, and Thailand. String speak: “This beautiful instrument can be mastered over time. There is no short-cut to anything in life — have the will to learn it, and you will.” n

Vijay Mohan Vadrevou

e c c s s u s of

Keith D’Rozario Band – Phoenix

Bought his first guitar while in Class I. n Like Dirty Loops, Guns ‘n’ Roses and Spyro Gyra. n Owns a hand-crafted Godin, manufactured in Canada. n Watch him perform on Wednesdays and Sundays at The Park. String speak: “There is no simple formula to learning the guitar. Those who are dedicated to master it, will master it — the rest can continue dreaming.” n

Band – Alteregoz Started playing the guitar 24 years ago. n First learnt the Tabla, but became a serious guitarist 11 years ago. n Likes Deep Purple, Pink Floyd, Buddy Guy, Hubert Sumlin and Robben Ford. n Owns an Ibanz and Parker, but has sights set on a Gibson. n Watch him perform on the 23rd February at Bengaluru at Hard Rock Café. String speak: “I don’t like to perform in public places on a daily basis — I want the audience to watch my band performance. My shows are for a niche set of audience — an audience that understands music.” n

Lokhi Pai

Raja Mallik

Suresh Velayudhan

Band – Phoenix

Band – Seven Sigma

Band – Nile

Held his first guitar at the age of nine. In his words, “brother chucked it, so I picked it.” n Likes Simon and Garfunkel and Santana n Owns Samick sixstrings base guitar, two Yamahas, an electroacoustic base guitar and a regular six-string guitar. n Watch him perform on Mondays and Fridays at the GVK Mall, Tuesdays and Thursdays at Cocos, Wednesdays at The Park and Sundays at Via Milano. String speak: “Just go buy a guitar and be committed to learning it. With YouTube, it’s so easy to learn to play it. And if you still cannot learn it, man, you are unbelievable.”

Comes from the Northeast where the ‘scene is musical’. First learnt the tabla, and then moved on to the versatile guitar. n Likes Eric Jensen, Greg Howe, Pete Haycock, Deep Purple. n Owns a Diamond Series Schecter guitar. n Mostly arranges music for his band Seven Sigma. String speak: “Don’t aim to learn a song or two with the guitar — think critically, practice regularly. Once you have mastered the basics, develop your own style.”

iTUNES Top 10

Billboard Top 10

Watched a band perform in 1986 in his college and was ever since infatuated with the guitar. n Borrowed guitars to play them, and became part of his college band. n Likes Mark Knopfler, Lee Ritenour, Alan Holdsworth, Rock ‘n’ Roll and Jazz music. n Owns a Falcon guitar and is obsessed with its sound. n Watch him perform on February 14, at the Novotel hotel. String speak: “Be consistent; develop the aptitude to understand your teacher. Spend more time on your guitar, and then get on to the level of manipulating it!”

Bollywood Top 10

4. Good Feeling Flo Rida 5. Domino

1. What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger) Kelly Clarkson 2. Set Fire to the Rain ADELE 3. Turn Me On (feat. Nicki Minaj) David Guetta & Nicki Minaj

Jessie J 6. International Love( feat Chris Brown) Pitbull 7. Sexy and I Know It LMFAO 6. We Found Love (feat. Calvin Harris) Rihanna 10. It Will Rain Bruno Mars 9. Somebody That I used to Know(feat Kimbra) Gotye

1. 21 ADELE 2. Kidz Bop 21 Kidz Bop Kids 3. El Camino

The Black Keys 4. Take Care Drake 5. Talk That Talk Rihanna 6. TM:103: Hustlerz Ambition Young Jeezy 7. Identity James Fortune & FIYA 8. Clancy's Tavern Toby Keith 9. Mylo Xyloto Coldplay 10. Here And Now Nickelback

1. Hosanna Ek Deewana Tha 2. Chameli Agneepath

3. Ek main aur ekk tu Ek main aur Ekk Tu 4. O Saiyann Agneepath 5. Jhoom Jhoomta Hu Main Players 6. Aromale Ek Deewana Tha 7. Jeene De Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya 8. Sharminda Hoon Ek Deewana Tha 9. Tu Mohabbat Hai Tere Naal Love ho Gaya 10. Bipasha Jodi Breakers

F‑Folio

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2012

Because you are what you wear

What’s

Tim Gunn No pleated pants please!

or Timm Gunn pleats on pants is akin to diapers on babies. If there is something that is completely unnecessary, it has got to be pleats. The puffiness of the pleats do nothing to flatten the figures. If at all you wish to add bulk, go workout — but sorry, pleats is a pathetic way to show you got ‘stuff’.

in sin and what’s

Paolo Canali

Don’t forget your socks!

ow that you are all dapper in a well-fitted suit, never ever go out without wearing your socks! Like Canali rightly said, it is one of the most unsightly visuals to see shoes without socks. And if you are one who has been the sinner, it’s time to pull up your socks — literally!

It’s time to say au revoir to the enfants terrible of men’s fashion. For all those that have been repeated fashion sinners, six gods of haute couture give their verdicts on the six deadly sins of fashion that men commit Roberto Cavalli No loud prints at work!

ou may be the top-achiever and the only one with the brains at your workplace. But trying to be a smartie wearing loud prints, and garish colours will get you the guillotine if Cavalli could lay his hands on you. Stop being a smart-ass, and stick to subtly coloured clothing. And yes, a big no to bold printed ties too!

Daniel Hechter Tight Pants? Ouch!

ight pants on guys are disastrous. Give whatever explanations you want to, but there is nothing that can undo this terrible misdeed. Not even if you have the most well-toned body in the world – no excuses work – period. Throw away those lady-like garments out of your wardrobe – and show who’s the man.

MEN ONLY

John Galliano Improper tie length

Paul Smith

ot even if you are in a hurry, should you allow the length of your tie to run shorter than your belt. And if it does, redo it! Attempting to look fashionable is a good thing, but by wearing short ties, you are bringing out the boy in you. Definitely not what you want to be when you are meeting an overseas client for the first time – right?

Clothes too small?

ou are not the same person years down, and obviously not the same in size either. So if you are trying to stock up all your sentimental clothing hoping for more luck to come your way, we know for sure that before the luck comes along, the mocking stares definitely will. Time to chuck them — now!

Focus

The story behind the

Ammu Kannampilly

“M

ade in India” clothing is often seen as the product of sweatshop labour, but fashion designer Saloni Lodha, whose fans include film stars Naomi Watts and Emma Watson, wants to give it a luxury tag. “I have great faith in the madein-India idea, and wanted to see an Indian, made-in-India brand in the world’s best stores,” she said while on a visit to Mumbai to source fabrics. British-based Lodha launched her label, Saloni, in 2007 with just 10 designs on offer. Today, her flirty, feminine dresses are stocked at some of the world’s leading boutiques and worn by socialites and stars alike. A precocious success in a competitive, often cutthroat industry, the 30-year-old designer has expanded her business to include jewellery and handbags, all the while trumpeting her brand’s Indian origins as a selling point. Everything in the collection is manufactured here in collaboration with traditional weavers, tailors and embroiderers.

Lodha said she was a very visual child with a particular fondness for indigenous textiles and the heavy silk saris favoured by her great-grandmother. “My eye was always drawn to colours and prints when I was a kid,” she said. After studying graphic design in Mumbai, she married and moved to Hong Kong at the age of 20. “That’s when I started to think about fashion. All you could find there were these big luxury brands, so I thought I could make my own dresses and sell them to clients in a more personal way.” She set up tiny temporary ‘popup’ shops to sell her dresses made of Indian brocade, silk and cotton. This was followed by a threeyear stint at a London fashion consultancy and a short course at the city’s famed

Fashion designer Saloni Lodha says she has great faith in the made-in-India idea, and wants to see an Indian, made-in-India brand in the world’s best stores Lodha maintains a studio in London, where she designs textiles and drapes her dresses, and says her work is built on “a constant dialogue between India and London”. Her career rise has coincided with a growing interest in India among foreign fashion houses, both as a source of inspiration and fine workmanship. French luxury goods maker Hermes launched a limited edition sari range in October 2011, and fashion legend Karl Lagerfeld presented an ode to our royal heritage in a recent collection for Chanel. From Valentino to Armani, several of the world’s top designers have turned to us to commission elaborate embroideries for their lavishly-beaded gowns. But few have discussed manufacturing clothing in India as extensively or as openly as Lodha, out of fear that consumers might refuse to pay top dollar for “made in India” items. Lodha shrugs off such concerns. “India has incredible craftsmanship, there are skills here you just can’t replicate. Made-in-India is a luxury on so many levels,” she said. She works with artisans across the country, from Kashmiri families who weave Saloni’s waferthin cashmere and silk scarves to a women’s knitting cooperative nestled in the Himalayas along the Indo-Tibetan border. Raised in a traditional family in Nasik,

fashion school Central St Martins. Finally, in September 2007, she pooled her savings and launched the Saloni label during London fashion week. The line was immediately snapped up by top London department store Harvey Nichols and other buyers followed suit. “I have never really sold in India before, but I was recently approached by Le Mill (a Mumbai boutique). We started selling there in Spring/Summer 2011 and the response has been terrific.” And while she admitted it was “incredibly exciting” to see her clothes on Hollywood stars, she now has a new customer in mind. “Oh my god I love Bollywood! I probably watch more Bollywood films than friends who live in India,” she exclaimed. “I love Frieda Pinto, Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor,” she said, rattling off the names of Indian actresses. “I would love to see my clothes on them.” In the months to come, Lodha plans to launch her own online store and eventually, a bricks and mortar retail outlet. “I don’t really feel like I have made it,” she said. “There’s a long

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2012

y m e h v ‘O I lo ! d d o g oo w y l l o B

Magic Screen

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2012

The glamour behind the glitz

Jackman’s make-up artist helps out

mala Paul-Siddharth starrer Love Failure is being readied for Valentine Day. Talking about his movie he lets his fans on a secret, “I have failed in love many times. That is why I was able to perform so easily for the film Love Failure.” This is Siddharth’s maiden venture as a producer. Love Failure’s Andhra Pradesh distribution rights have been picked up by Dil Raju. Balaji Mohan is making his debut as a director with this film. The movie is said to be a youthful college romantic entertainer. Siddharth has high hopes on this movie and is reportedly very confident about the output.

T-TOWN TWEETIES

@pnavdeep26 Inception says we have to go into the dreams of a man to know his secrets!! I say just go to his Facebook! Lol :)

“I

I have failed in love many times A

sport two completely different looks in my upcoming film Panithuli. I play Shiva in the film, he is a simple Chennaibased boy. In Chennai I did not need any make-up, as the character required a very local feel to it. When the story moves to the US, the script demanded a radical change in the character. It was important that the character look very stylised and suave,” says actor Ganesh Venkataraman. Director Natty Kumar says, “The image that I had in mind was that of a Hollywood superstar. Once my producers were convinced, they went all out to achieve that. We flew in Hollywood superstar Hugh Jackman’s personal make-up artist Rose hill from Los Angeles to do Ganesh’s make-up for the film. She completely designed his look in the film. From his make-up to the different hair styles that he sports, she gave Ganesh the ‘Hollywood Look’ which I had in.” “Well I am more than happy and the feedback that I have got for the makeover has been awesome,” adds Ganesh.

@shraddhadas43 Nice line I heard today: “A simple logic to stop getting hurt is by believing that nothing is mine”.

@shrutihaasan Say no to things that are so not you and yes to things that will make you better and stronger:) #itsagirlthing.

@tashu_02 To b a star, u must shine ur own light and don’t worry abt the darkness, for that’s when the stars shine the brightest....!!

Audience to see more of BRAHAMANANDAM

ll of us know how popular Brahmanandam is. Of late one can notice Brahmanandam in every movie. And true to what is expected, cinema goers just wait for him to be on screen. This was true of small budget movies but now even big budget films have caught onto this trend. Director Vennela Kishore has in fact gone on record to say that the star attraction of his latest film Vennela 1 ½ will be Brahmanandam. According to him comedy is not a mere situation but must be well-integrated into the story. Brahmanandam’s characters like Chaari gaaru (Dhee), and Mc Dowell Murthy (Ready) have brought him a lot of popularity and have widely contributed to the success of the said films. So folks get ready to get a bigger dose of Brahmanandam.

@actor_nithiin For all those asking audio of Ishq releases in d 1st week of Feb and movie in d 3rd week!! :-) vl confirm d dates soon..

@RanaDaggubati Unfortunately wouldn't be working with @VetriMaaran on his film #Vada Chennai. Looking at another film together real soon.

@RGVzoomin “@raj_chindala: we all think doctors should not think about money; but when we get sick we only trust the most expensive doctors”.

@MusicThaman Just got this CD hits of Rajkoti Gaaru ...:) the legends of Telugu cinema :) without them I am not here today :)

Magic Screen

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2012

The glamour behind the glitz

I TAKE IT ONE DAY AT A

TIME

Soniya Mehra has been away from the big screen for a long time, but she is busy with her small-screen endeavours

Taniya Talukdar taniya.t@postnoon.com

he made her Bollywood debut with Victoria No 203 and then Soniya Mehra pretty much disappeared from the big screen. Though she was in the news occasionally for her social appearances and link-ups, what most people don't know is that this young actor has been busy with her stint as a VJ on the small screen. Soniya will be seen in the upcoming flick Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, though in a cameo. Talking about her role in the film she says, “It’s a very small part and I play a cameo there, let’s just leave it as a surprise.” The scene that Soniya is trying to keep under wraps is a seduction one where the pretty lass uses her charm to seduce Imran Khan and we hear that there was a kiss involved too. “There is no kissing at all, in fact it’s just a sweet seduction which has a fresh and fun flavour to it and it is fun to watch,” informs Soniya. On how she landed the role, she shares, “I got a call from Dharma Productions asking me if I would be interested in this particular role and I was like why not? Who wouldn't anyone want to be part of a Dharma project even if it is a small role and where you had to share screen space with Imran?” So Soniya went through a screen test and the director Shakun Batra liked her work and she was taken on board. Though she didn't get to share screen space with Kareena in the film, nonetheless Soniya is happy with her experience of working with Imran. “Imran is very chilled out and friendly. I had no feeling of discomfort with him while filming that particular scene, in fact he helped me

out. We did rehearsals and he even gave suggestions as to how I should enact the scene,” says Soniya. We wonder why Soniya has been away from films for so long, “When I moved to Mumbai to be a part of the film industry, I was young and did not know how to go about it. Victoria No 203 just happened to me and I took it up as it was a good learning experience for me. I have learnt not to regret and want to be careful with the work I do, I want to do performance oriented roles only,” shares Soniya who signed a film called Basra after that but it failed to take off. “After Basra too I got offers but I didn't want to be a part of them, I kept looking for interesting scripts,” explains Soniya. The young actor then went ahead and got herself a job as a veejay with MTV and she is pretty much enjoying her stint. “I host MTV Grind and while doing that, I am also looking out for the right projects. I take each day as it comes,” says the daughter of late actor Vinod Mehra. She doesn't regret the fact that being a star’s daughter she hasn't been able to make much impact yet. “If it is my destiny, it will happen no matter

what. This is what motivates me and gives me the adrenaline that I require,” offers the wise lady. Soniya would like to be a part of a project which will give her the opportunity to showcase her dancing skills. “Dance has been a part of my growing up process and I have learnt different forms of dance, so I would love to be part of a film which has lots of dance in it,” signs off the actor, who mentions that Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Rakyesh Om Prakash Mehra are the directors whom she would love to work with.

Magic Screen

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2012

The glamour behind the glitz

Ranbir, Vidya

B-TOWN TWEETIES

@realpreityzinta

best actors at 57th Filmfare awards

idya Balan, who painted The Dirty Picture in Bollywood last year, and Rockstar Ranbir Kapoor picked the best actor trophies at the annual Filmfare awards ceremony, while Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara bagged the best film honour. It was a double whammy for Zoya Akhtar and Ranbir, as the former took home the best director award for Zindagi...”, while the latter was named the best actor in the critics’ choice as well. Priyanka Chopra won the best actress (critics’ choice) for her portrayal of a woman who kills her

Thank U Guys n Gals 4ur sweet Birthday msgs ! I have the biggest grin on my face reading them. Thanx 4always putting a smile on my face ! Ting.

seven husbands in 7 Khoon Maaf. Farhan Akhtar picked the best dialogue award for his snazzy writing for Zindagi... The 57th Filmfare awards ceremony was held at Film City on Sunday night. Celebrities like Bipasha Basu, Madhuri Dixit, Sameera Reddy, Shreya Ghoshal, Onir, Farhan, Zoya, Deepika Padukone, Madhur Bhandarkar, Abhishek Bachchan, Rekha, Raveena Tandon, Anurag Kashyap, Subhash Ghai, Dia Mirza, Aditi Rao Hydari,Sarah Jane Dias and Gauri Khan walked the red carpet. IANS

@NeilNMukesh Got to learn the truth of some people who have pretended for years to be someone else. Well got to say what goes around come around.

@bipsluvurself There is no short cut for good health or weight loss. U have to work out, keep a good diet n inculcate healthy habits n move away from vices!

@FarOutAkhtar Thank you all for your congratulatory tweets re the Filmfare awards. Was a super night and your messages making it even more special.

@SrBachchan T 639 -At Sidhpur, Gujarat the only place where they do ‘shraadh’ for women... did for my Mother after shoot...

Rahul Bose turns baddie, says he’s excited R

ahul Bose was last seen in a villainous role in Thakshak in 1999 and after 13 years he is once again set to play a negative character in Kamal Haasan’s Vishwaroopam. The actor is excited about the project. “After Thakshak, I have got a chance to play a villain in Vishwaroopam,” the 44year-old actor said at a sports event. His last film was Kucch Luv Jaisaa, which came out in May last year, and the actor will not be seen on screen before till June this year. However, Rahul reveals he has shot for some big films but their release will take time. “One film that I have

done is Midnight’s Children by Deepa Mehta which is based on Salman Rushdie’s novel and will not release before June. The second is Vishwaroopam with Kamal Haasan. It is a big action film and we are doing it in two languages — Hindi and Tamil. The action sequences require a lot of technicalities which are taking time. In April, I’ll start shooting for a film with Konkona Sen Sharma,” Rahul said. Rahul’s other projects that have been announced include Click & Marry, Ghosh Ghost Na Raha, Laptop, Travelling with Mohammad, Jeene Do and Ami Charulata. IANS

@iamsrk Night shift. Need to get some sleep. Old Hindi songs playing as I commute across the sleeping city of Mumbai...Chukar mere mann ko from Yarana.

@kjohar25 Thank you all for heating up AGNEEPATH!!! @KaranMalhotra21 is the man of the moment!!! All of us at dharma are ecstatic with the film!!!

@priyankachopra Early morning on the sets of Krrish 3... Love starting new films...feels like a new beginning...slept well after days! Hehe!

Magic Screen

D I S P L A YA

D S RATE ` 150 sq. cm

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

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2012

Magic Screen

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2012

The glamour behind the glitz

I’m a loner: Anthony Hopkins Martin Freeman to star in Saving Santa

artin Freeman will lend his voice to the lead character in Saving Santa. Noel Clarke, Joan Collins, Tim Curry, Pam Ferris, Craig Fairbrass and Chris Barrie will also feature in the cast of the festive animation, reports Variety. This film marks the Adulthood and Shank produc-

ers’ first forays into animation. The movie will centre on Freeman as a clumsy elf, who becomes Father Christmas’s only hope after the location of his headquarters is discovered by a ruthless villain. Ricky Roxburgh has written the script and Leon Joosen is attached to direct. Freeman has said that he was initially uncertain about the

John Cryer on Kutcher vs Sheen “T

wo And A Half Men star John Cryer definitely feels a difference on set since Ashton Kutcher replaced the hit sitcom’s former star Charlie Sheen. On the red carpet at the Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sunday night, he told E! that Kutcher is “great. He’s a clown. He is up for anything, willing to do anything... a great, great spirit.” When E! host Giulianna Rancic asked if things felt differently on set in this postSheen era, Cryer — who was nominated for his first SAG

award— took a bit of a jab at his former co-star. “It’s a little less suspenseful being on the set nowadays,” he said with a laugh. “When you come into work, you’re pretty sure (Kutcher’s) going to be there. And nobody’s pushed his car off a cliff or anything like that” As for Sheen, who is currently working on his FX series Anger Management, Cryer said, “I haven’t spoken with him though. I wish him well. He’s got a good team around him and I can’t imagine he’s not going to put out a good show.”

BBC’s acclaimed modern-day adaptation of Sherlock Holmes, in which he recently reprised his role as John Watson. He will soon be seen as Bilbo Baggins in the first part of Peter Jackson’s adaptation of The Hobbit, appearing as part of an ensemble cast which includes his Sherlock co-star Benedict Cumberbatch.

eteran actor Anthony Hopkins has admitted he is a loner who loves to stay at home watching reality TV shows. The 74-year-old says he prefers his own company and loves to watch Mob Wives which follows the lives of four women whose husbands or fathers are doing time for Mob-related activities. “My idea of a good night is staying in and watching Mob Wives on TV. I don’t have many friends; I’m very much a loner. As a child I was very isolated and I’ve never been really close to anyone. Ask nothing, expect nothing. That’s my creed. We’re all just a bunch of sinners crashing around in the darkness,” femalefirst.co.uk quoted Hopkins as saying. IANS

Magic Screen

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2012

The glamour behind the glitz

atrina Bowden has become engaged. The 30 Rock star revealed that her boyfriend Ben Jorgensen proposed on the eve of the Screen Actors Guild Awards while the two were staying at a Four Seasons Hotel. “I was so shocked,” Bowden said on the red carpet at the SAG Awards on Sunday evening. “And I said, ‘Oh my God,’ and I hugged him.” The actress went on to say that as Jorgensen’s proposal was relatively out of the blue, she completely forgot to accept.

“We talked about it, so it wasn’t out of nowhere, but I was so surprised,” Bowden said. “That’s why I forgot to say ‘yes’ at first.” Bowden has previously claimed that Robert Pattinson is not her type, saying that the Twilight star always looks like he’s scowling. She joined the cast of comedy thriller Nurse 3D in August 2011. The film also stars Boardwalk Empire’s Paz de la Huerta and High School Musical actor Corbin Bleu.

30 ROCK STAR

KATRINA BOWDEN ENGAGED TO

BEN JORGENSEN MJ tribute on Glee makes Chris Colfer uncomfortable

he kids of William McKinley High will pay tribute to the late King of Pop on this week’s Glee, but for Chris Colfer (who plays Kurt Hummel on the hit show), performing MJ’s Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin was a bit rough. “I was in a leather one-suit – like, a leather jumpsuit,” Chris told Access Hollywood’s Shaun Robinson at the 2012 Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday. “The dance was fine, but just the fact that I was in a leather onesie was a little traumatic!” Chris said the embarrassing get-up was reminiscent of a Bond bad guy, combined with a certain feline femme fatale. “Very Catwoman-ish, [but] I would say more James Bond villain than Catwoman,” he said. “I wish it was Catwoman flattering! But no, it was James Bond villain.” While the entire Glee cast enjoyed performing MJ’s iconic songs, Chris said Kevin McHale (Artie Abrams) was, by far, the most thrilled. “Kevin McHale, without question,” Chris said, when asked which cast member was most excited about the episode. “He’s been idolising him since he was a wee, wee lad.”

Paris Hilton to record with

Snoop Dogg S ocialite Paris Hilton has landed another big name collaboration for her upcoming music comeback with Snoop Dogg agreeing to record a track with her. The 30year-old released her debut album, Paris, in 2006. She is now aiming to relaunch her pop career with a second record. She has been working with stars including LMFAO and producer and DJ Afrojack. She has now revealed she has also persuaded rapper Snoop Dogg to lend his talent to the project. “I’m doing my new album, and Afrojack is actually executive-producing the entire thing. There are a lot of very cool collaborations on my album. It should be out in the next few months. We just finished doing my single with LMFAO, then I’m recording with Snoop Dogg,” Contactmusic.com quoted Hilton as saying. IANS

Chai Time

KAKURO

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

SCRIBBLING PAD

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2012

Take a shot at the brain game while sipping your cuppa

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 One on the fast track? 6 Meander 10 Warm greetings 14 Humorous literary technique 15 Razor's cutter 16 Yet another time 17 Canapes and tea sandwiches, e.g. 19 Notion 20 Game of pursuit 21 First word in the Lord's Prayer 22 Mensa aspirant's hurdle 24 Practice piece 27 Needling literary works 28 Some McDonald's fare 31 Skin moistener 32 Crackerjack 33 "Get out of here!" 37 Winner of four gold medals at the Berlin Olympics 38 Banned insecticide letters 39 Ripped off 40 Money rolls 41 Inconclusive result 42 Made from a fleece 43 Mr. Chips' chips 45 Marching to a different drummer 49 Time-honored practices 50 Freedom from pain 51 One that goes to school regularly 52 Windy City trains 55 Bittersweet coating 56 Healthy serving 60 Bulletin board affixer 61 Serious about 62 Use it to prevent running on 63 City in northern Nevada 64 Matter of grammar 65 Labor leader Chavez DOWN 1 Fissure 2 Diva's operatic ditty

3 Like a cold sufferer 4 A famous conjoined twin 5 "... a pocket full of ___" 6 Gas up for the next leg, e.g. 7 Ammonia attribute 8 Word with "many moons" 9 Propose a compromise 10 Part of Hispaniola 11 Beneath 12 Canadian migrants 13 Belts, as a homer 18 Balzac's sculptor 23 Oil amts. 25 Adds water, as to soup 26 Strange sky lights 27 Splinter group 28 Type of chart 29 The 29th state 30 Weighed down 33 Mall occupant

34 Certain sports venues 35 Sheltered from the wind 36 Double-digit bills 38 Atkins regimen 39 Tender-hearted 41 Rush-hour certainty 42 Curtain-in-the-breeze sound 43 Agent's charge 44 "Thank God, it's Friday" declarer? 45 Address Congress, e.g. 46 Born in the wild 47 Film, familiarly 48 Sergeant once played by Phil

SUDOKU

Silvers 51 Vegas ventures 53 Pizarro founded it 54 The sun, for one 57 Cell messenger 58 TV regulators 59 Fish spawn PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

THOUGHT OF THE DAY Happy people are ignoramuses and glory is nothing else but success, and to achieve it one only has to be cunning. – Mikhail Lermontov

Chai Time STAR POWER

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2012

Your tomorrow today̶Star Power and Tarot

Date 1-2-2012

THIRUVAIKUMAR

As per Hindu panchang

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

TAURUS

GEMINI

You will execute your works with patience. Your skills will get sharpened. Friends who were beneﬁtted through you, will extend their support and required help. Legal issues will be over.

Your expectations get fulﬁlled. You will plan certain activities, which will in‑ crease your comforts. You will be able to face any type of challenges with courage. Opportunities will come back.

You will work with a lot of cheerfulness. Bu‑ sinessmen will adjust with their partners and get work done as per plans. You will take decisions that suit circumstances and be successful. Monitor important activities.

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

Though you have to wander more, planned work will be executed as desired. You will not change your policies to satisfy some‑ one else. Income ﬂow will be steady. Some will have to undertake ofﬁcial journeys.

Businessmen can expect a sea change in business. You will have justiﬁable proﬁts without hurdles. Your individuality will be felt by others. Friends will help you in time of need. Confusions in family will go.

Apprehensions you had will disappear and a clearcut path will be seen. New and innovative plans beneﬁcial in future will take a shape. You will tackle hurdles more practically and efﬁciently. Health looks up.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

Businessmen will expand their horizon. Opportunities will knock the door and go‑ od income is seen. Happy events to take place at home with your best efforts. Fa‑ mily will remain in a happy atmosphere.

You will have to struggle hard for getting your work done. Friends, relatives and par‑ tners will be attracted by you. You will ha‑ ve no problems with enemies. Parents' ad‑ vise will help avoid unwanted confusions.

All work you undertake will end suc‑ cessfully. You will capitalise on oppor‑ tunities that come up without wasting anyone of them. Friendship of VIPs will get you unexpected beneﬁts.

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Good events to take place at home. Businessmen will see a good growth in activities and proﬁts are set to increase beyond expectations. However, avoid handing important works to friends.

Financial position will be very com‑ fortable. You will take important decisions with patience and after weighing the pros and cons. Follow acts that will yield good results.

Your approach will yield better results in getting tasks completed. You will identify those who are putting breaks to your devel‑ opment and keep them at bay. But you are advised to follow straightforward methods.

SUMAA TEKUR

tarotreadhyd@gmail.com

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

Eight of Cups – Tho‑ ugh every need is ful‑ ﬁlled youʼre feeling like something is mis‑ sing. If itʼs a fulﬁlling relationship, remem‑ ber you may be stop‑ ping it happening.

The Empress – Love is in the air. Youʼre in the role of nurturer and emotional lover, who provides sup‑ port and the much needed love and care for your partner.

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

King of Cups – You ha‑ ve a strange dichotomy to deal with ̶ the fact that youʼre in control and also the fact that circumstances expect you to break structures and work.

Ten of Wands – You may be feeling bur‑ dened by the expec‑ tation to deliver some high results. The expectations may also be coming from within you.

King of Swords – Yo‑ uʼre trusting your int‑ ellect to come to the rescue; the best part is that it does not let you down. You may come across to peo‑ ple as insensitive.

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

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.

Four of Wands – Today seems like it will move very fast. Youʼll be in the mood to relax and not worry about any‑ thing too much. Itʼs a good idea.

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

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Queen of Cups – Yo‑ uʼre thinking with your heart and going with the ﬂow. Itʼs like the rush of ﬁrst love. Yo‑ uʼre enjoying the atte‑ ntion. Be careful that you dont hurt anyone.

Eight of Wands – This is the card of good for‑ tune. Everything that youʼve worked toward till now is coming together and your dreams are close to getting realised.

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

Ace of Cups – Your intuition is height‑ ened. If you feel something very strongly, trust that feeling. Logic may not always be work‑ ing in your favour.

For Better or for Worse Stone soup

SOLUTIONS

Boggle PECAN CASHEW ALMOND WALNUT

Number game

Suduko

Scrabble

Ink pen

COMICS

Fred Basset

ARIES

TAROT READ

Vol: 1, No. 198 RNI No: APENG/2011/39337 Published for the proprietors, Scribble Media and Entertainment Pvt Ltd, by V Harshavardhan Reddy, at #1246, Level 3, Jubilee Casa, Road No. 62, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad–500033 and printed by him at Jagati Publications Ltd, Plot No D-75&E-52, APIE Industrial Estate, Balanagar, Ranga Reddy Dist, Hyderabad–500037, Editor: Dean Williams – Responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. For feedback, please write to: feedback@postnoon.com and for subscription, please call 040-40672222, Fax: 040-40672211

Chai Time 1400 Naadi Aadajanme 1430 Pavitra 1500 Movie 1800 Sri Shanidevuni Mahimalu 1830 Vasantha Kokila 1900 Chinnari Pelli Kuturu 1930 Anna Chellelu 2000 Missamma 2030 Edureetha 2100 Bhale Chancele 2200 CID 2300 Challenge 0700 Silver Screen 0730 Just For Fun 0800 Ayurvedam 0830 Chaganti Arunachala Mahatyam 0900 Bhale Chancele

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

1400 [V] My Big Decision 1430 [V] D3 Dil Dosti Dance 1500 [V] Humse Hai Life 1530 [V] Trailers 1555 [V] Fresh Songs 1600 [V] Zabardast Hits 1800 [V] Fresh Songs 1830 [V] Humse Hai Life 1900 [V] D3 Dil Dosti Dance 1930 [V] Humse Hai Life 2000 [V] Steal Ur Girlfriend 2100 [V] Vignettes 2130 [V] Trailers 2155 [V] Fresh Songs 2200 [V] Love Net 2300 [V] Humse Hai Life 2330 [V] D3 Dil Dosti Dance 2355 [V] Fresh Songs 0700 [V] Trailers 0730 [V] Zabardast Hits 0800 [V] Mind Blasting Mornings 1100 [V] Fresh Songs

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

1300 News Now At1 1330 News Now 1800 6 Pm 1830 Live Report 1900 Primetime 1930 The Game 2000 News Now At 8 2030 Live Report 2100 The Newshour 2200 The Newshour - Plus 2230 E Now 2300 News Now At 11 0800 The Morning News 0900 News Now 1200 Live Report 1230 News Now

‘The Game’ at 1930 Hrs only on TIMES NOW

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2012

Telly sitcoms, news and movie listings

1400 Abhishekam 1430 Aadade Aadharam 1500 Antahpuram 1530 Aakasa Ganga 1600 Prema Mandiram 1630 Jagadeeswari 1700 Super 1800 Devimahathyam 1830 Puttadi Bomma 1900 Kumkuma Rekha 1930 Manasu Mamata 2000 Chandra Mukhi 2030 Bharyamani 2100 Etv News 2130 Ali 369 2245 Movie 0800 Jeevana Jyothi 0830 Tollywood Time 0900 Movie 1130 Abhiruchi 1230 Star Mahila

1400 Ardhangi 1430 Movie 1800 Veera Naari Jhansi Laxmi Bhai 1830 Kalavari Kodallu 1900 Chinna Kodalu 1930 Pasupukunkuma 2000 Muddu Bidda 2030 Radha Kalyanam 2100 Kanyadanam 2130 Comedy Club 2230 Shree 2300 Bindas 2330 Latest Superhit Songs 0800 Gopuram 0830 Bhakti Samacharam 0900 Sri Raghavendra Vybhavam 0930 Ayurveda Jeevana Vignanam 1000 Zee 70 Mm A.C 1200 Mee Inti Vanta

‘Business Tonight’ at 2100 Hrs only on ET NOW 1400 The F And O Show 1430 Closing Trades 1530 Tomorrow's Trades 1600 Business Day 1730 Markets Tomorrow 1800 Rush Hour 1830 Brand Equity Special 1900 Global Business Report 1930 Business Express 2000 Business First 2030 Markets Tomorrow 2100 Business Tonight 2200 Top 10 At10 2230 Leaders Of Tomorrow 2300 Starting Up 0900 First Trades 1000 Hot Stocks 1100 Buy Now Sell Now - The Stock Game 1130 Buy Now Sell Now 1200 Market Sense 1300 Business Day 1330 Markets Now

1415 CSI - Crime Scene Investigation 1510 Wipeout 3 1605 The Real Housewives Of New York City 1700 Got To Dance 1800 Criss Angel Mindfreak 1900 Breaking The Magician's Code - Magic's Biggest Secrets Finally Revealed 2000 The Challenger Muaythai 2100 Minute To Win It 2200 Wipeout 3 2300 Criss Angel Mindfreak 0900 Sky Teleshopping 0930 Criss Angel Mindfreak 0955 Infomercial/5 Min 1000 Criss Angel Mindfreak 1030 The Challenger Muaythai 1130 Sports Crash 1225 The Voice

‘Minute To Win It’ at 2100 Hrs on AXN

‘Dwarkadheesh’ at 2000 Hrs on IMAGINE 1400 Haar Jeet 1500 Baba Aiso Varr Dhoondo 1600 Haar Jeet 1700 Sawaare Sabke Sapne – Preeto 1730 Haar Jeet 1800 Beendh Banunga Ghodi Chadhunga 1830 Baba Aiso Varr Dhoondo 1900 Haar Jeet 1930 Gyaan Guru 2000 Dwarkadheesh Bhagwan Shri Krishn 2030 Sawaare Sabke Sapne – Preeto 2100 Beendh Banunga Ghodi Chadhunga 2130 Dharampatni 2200 Baba Aiso Varr Dhoondo 2230 Haar Jeet 2300 Gyaan Guru

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

‘Uttaran’ at 2200 Hrs on COLORS

‘Hitler Didi’ at 2000 Hrs on ZEE TV 1400 Hitler Didi 1500 Afsar Bitiya 1530 Yahaaan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 1600 Pavitra Rishta 1630 Shobha Somnath Ki 1730 Ram Milaye Jodi 1800 Hitler Didi 1830 Mrs. Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuein 1900 Afsar Bitiya 1930 Choti Bahu 2 2000 Hitler Didi 2030 Yahaaan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli 2100 Pavitra Rishta 2130 Ram Milaye Jodi 2200 Mrs. Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuein 2230 Bhagonwali 2300 Afsar Bitiya

1400 Saas Bina Sasuraal 1430 Bade Achhe Lagte Hai 1500 Kuch Toh Log Kahenge 1530 Kyaa Hua Tera Vaada 1600 CID 1800 Saas Bina Sasuraal 1830 Bade Achhe Lagte Hai 1900 Crime Patrol - Dastak 2000 Kuch Toh Log Kahenge 2030 Dekha Ek Khwaab 2100 Saas Bina Sasural 2130 Parvarrish - Kuchh Khatti Kuchh Meethi 2200 Kyaa Hua Tera Vaada 2230 Bade Achhe Lagte Hai 2300 Kuch Toh Log Kahenge 2330 Crime Patrol - Dastak 0900 Adaalat 1000 CID 1200 Kuch Toh Log Kahenge 1300 Kyaa Hua Tera Vaada

‘Dekha Ek Khwaab’ at 2030 Hrs on SONY

‘Diya Aur Bati Hum’ at 2100 Hrs on STAR PLUS 1400 Sapnon Se Bharey Naina 1500 Survivor India - Highlight 1530 Diya Aur Bati Hum 1600 Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behnaa Hai 1630 Sasuraal Genda Phool 1700 Saath Nibhaana Saathiya 1730 Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon 1800 Survivor India - Highlight 1830 Ruk Jana Nahin 1900 Saath Nibhaana Saathiya 1930 Sasuraal Genda Phool 2000 Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon 2030 Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behnaa Hai 2100 Diya Aur Bati Hum 2130 Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai 2200 Navya 2230 Mann Ki Awaaz… Pratigya 2300 Maryaada ... Lekin Kab Tak?

MOVIES OF THE DAY AND OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

0937 Freddy Vs. Jason 1107 Miss Congeniality 2 - Armed & Fabulous 1317 Deep Blue Sea 1513 Rush Hour 1704 Rush Hour 3 1840 Batman 2100 The Invasion 2256 Ghost Ship

0700 Divine Secrets Of The Ya-Ya Sisterhood 0930 Golden Eye 1210 A Cinderella Story 1420 Cats & Dogs - The Revenge Of Kitty Galore 1610 Sharktopus 1815 For Colored Girls 2100 The Back-Up Plan 2315 Bangkok Dangerous

‘E T S T W’ at 2000 Hrs on DISCOVERY CHANNEL

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

1400 Dino World 1600 Swords 1700 Discovery Showcase 1800 Wild Discovery 1900 Man Woman Wild 2000 Events That Shook The World 2100 Man Vs Wild 2200 Swords 2300 Desire & Pleasure Decoded 1000 Man Vs Wild 1100 Dinosaur Revolution 1200 I Should'nt Be Alive 1300 Wild Discovery

‘Scrubs’ at 2330 Hrs on ZEE CAFE

Yeh Rishta Kya Afsar Bitiya Kehlata Hai Storyline - Krishna comes to Storyline - Why is naitik accused of stealing a baby by the hospital authorities? ‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai’ at 2130 Hrs on STAR PLUS

‘The Big Bang Theory’ at 2300 Hrs on STAR WORLD 1400 Supernatural 1500 Combat Hospital 1600 The Big Bang Theory 1630 The Simpsons 1700 The Shield 1800 Supernatural 1900 Love2 Hate U 2000 Two And A Half Men 2030 The Simpsons 2100 Supernatural 2200 The Shield 2300 The Big Bang Theory 2330 Two And A Half Men 0700 The Shield 0800 Las Vegas 0900 Combat Hospital 1000 The Shield 1100 Love2 Hate U 1200 Two And A Half Men 1230 The Simpsons 1300 The Big Bang Theory 1330 Friends

give prasad to Tuntun Singh. Tuntun Singh once again insults Krishna telling her that she has got his entire family mesmerized and she is trying to do the same with him. ‘Afsar Bitiya’ at 1900 Hrs on ZEE TV

1400 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 1430 R.K. Laxman Ki Duniya 1500 Lapataganj 1530 FIR 1600 Chidiya Ghar 1630 Gutar Gu 1700 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 1830 R.K. Laxman Ki Duniya 1900 Chidiya Ghar 1930 Lapataganj 2000 Chintu Chinky Aur Ek Badi Si Love Story 2030 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 2100 Chidiya Ghar 2130 R.K. Laxman Ki Duniya 2200 Lapataganj 2230 FIR 2300 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 2330 Chidiya Ghar 0900 Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma 0945 Ring Wrong Ring 1030 Gutar Gu 1100 Chidiya Ghar

‘Chidiya Ghar’ at 2100 Hrs on SAB

‘Whats Your Rashee’ at 1400 Hrs on ZOOM 1400 Movie - Whats Your Rashee 1730 Star Bonanza 1800 Letz Go! 1900 Planet Bollywood News 1930 Link'd 2000 Style Strip 2030 Letz Go! 2100 Zabar 10 2130 Link'd 2200 B - Tonite 2230 Let's Design 4 2300 Bollywood Bonanza 0700 Fresh Mornings 0800 Red Carpet 0805 Fresh Mornings 1100 Zoom Box 1200 Garma Garam 1300 Planet Bollywood News 1330 Page 3

‘The Back-Up Plan’ at 2100 Hrs on HBO

1430 Storm Chasers 1530 Discovery Science Classics 1630 Superweapons Of The Ancient World 1730 Weapon Masters 1830 Best Of Discovery Science 1930 Machines 2000 Oddities 2030 Ultimate Cars 2100 Deconstructed 2130 Mythbusters 2230 Futureweapons 2330 Industrial Revelations 1030 Superweapons Of The Ancient World 1130 Storm Chasers 1230 Best Of Discovery Science 1330 Machines

‘Oddities’ at 2000 Hrs on DISCOVERY SCIENCE

‘The Defenders’ at 2300 Hrs on BIG CBS PRIME 1430 Jerry Springer 1530 Big Wheels 1600 Survivor 1700 Bellator 1800 Galileo Extreme 1900 Defenders 2000 Entertainment Tonight 2030 Galileo Extreme 2100 Survivor 2200 Jerry Springer 2300 Defenders 0700 Big Wheels 0730 Aspire 0800 Galileo Extreme 0900 Survivor 1000 Bellator 1100 Jerry Springer 1200 Big Wheels 1230 How To Be A Gentleman 1300 Galileo Extreme 1330 Defenders

Playing Field

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2012

The games people play

RACE CARD (MYSORE) Mysore Winter Races 2011-12

Metres.Horses Rated 25 And Below. 2

2. Alchesaye

6.The Octogonal Trophy - (About) 1200 Metres.

Horses Rated 20 To 45. 5.30 P.M.

Thirteenth Day, Wednesday, 1st February, 2012

P.M.Win: Raging River

4.The Formal Invitation Plate(88) - Div.Ii - (About)

Horses Rated 80 And Above. 4.30 P.M.

Win: Enforcer

2. Sequana

1200 Metres.Horses Rated 40 To 65, 5 Years Old And

Win: Flaming Arrow

Flaming Arrow can repeat

2.The Ajantha Plate - Div.I - (About) 1400 Metres.

Over. 3.30 P.M.

2. Honey Buzzard

Mysooru, Jan.31: Flaming Arrow, who is retaining

Horses Rated 25 And Below. 2.30 P.M.

Win: Del Gratia

7.The Formal Invitation Plate - Div.I - (About) 1200

form can repeat the show in the Octogonal Trophy,

Win: Samrat

2. Crown Prince

Metres.Horses Rated 40 To 65, 5 Years Old And Over.

the feature event of the races to be here on

2. Kukanof

5.The Mysore Zoo Plate - (About) 1400 Metres.

5 P.M.

1st Treble : 3,4 & 5

Wednesday

3.The Gerusoppa Plate - (About) 1400 Metres.

Horses Rated 40 To 65. 4 P.M.

Win: Precept

2nd Treble : 6,7 & 8

The following are our selections.

Horses Rated 20 To 45, 5 Years Old And Over. 3 P.M.

Win: Dream Of Gold

2. Wynn

1.The Ajantha Plate - Div.Ii - (About) 1400

Win: Vertex

2. Party Tonite

8.The Vijayawada Plate - (About) 1200 Metres.

(from our Racing Correspondent)

2. Prezzie Days Best: Del Gratia Races Selected For: Jackpot : 4,5,6,7 & 8

Tanala at Hyd. All Races

Kiwi teenager Lydia Ko, who at the weekend became the youngest player to win a pro golf tournament, hopes to compete at a US major this year, her coach said on Tuesday

Whizz-kid Ko has US Major in her sights

You can’t spell elite without Eli INDIANAPOLIS: Manning has enjoyed the best season of his eight-year NFL career and will lead the Giants against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 46 on Sunday in quest of his second NFL crown, having led New York over the Patriots in 2008. "For Eli it would be a great endorsement of the quality of football player he is, what kind of football season he has had and what he means to our team," Giants coach Tom Coughlin said. "He is an elite quarterback. Period." Manning sparked the Giants to a regular-season triumph over New England last November, only to have New York drop four games in a row, then rally to take the last vacant playoff spot and upset Atlanta, Green Bay and San Francisco to reach the Super Bowl. "When you feel like you have a good team and you have good players and you have an opportunity where you can go win a championship, you don’t want to let those things slip away because you just don’t know if you’re going to

Eli Manning was ridiculed last August when he said on a New York radio show that he was an elite quarterback, but the New York Giants star could have the last laugh on Sunday get another opportunity," Manning said. Legacy and elite status is the last thing on Manning's mind these days. "You don’t think about that," he said. "You concentrate on the opponent, trying to get ready for them. You try to keep your mind focused on the job. "We know we have to play our best football. It's going to be a challenge to do our job at a high level." But teammates have rallied

behind Manning's leadership and peaked for the playoffs. "I think his attitude, his confidence, his approach has been remarkable," said Giants safety Antrel Rolle. "We love Eli, man. We’re going to ride and die with him no matter what the situation is, and he’s the reason why we’re here, without a doubt." While the Giants flew into Indianapolis on Monday, the Patriots conducted a practice session. "We had a good, crisp workout," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. "We got some good things done." Rob Gronkowski, questionable with a left ankle injury, did not practice, but Belichick did say that offensive lineman Sebastian Vollmer, a German out with a foot injury, might be back on Sunday. "There's definitely a possibility," Belichick said. "He has gotten a lot better the last few weeks. We have to see how he handles the extra work. We won't know until we put him through the process."

WELLINGTON: The South Korean-born amateur created history when she won the New South Wales Open in Australia on Sunday at the age of 14 years and nine months, eclipsing Ryo Ishikawa of Japan's mark of 15 years, 8 months set in 2007. Ko's coach Guy Wilson said the prodigy, already ranked the world's top female amateur, planned to wait "three or four" years before turning professional. But he said the Aucklandbased golfer, who moved to New Zealand with her family when she was five, hoped to experience playing in the United States this year if she was granted an age exemption and finances permitted. Wilson said he had approached organisers of the Kraft-Nabisco tournament at Palm Springs in April, the first major on the women's pro circuit, about waiving the rule prohibiting players aged under 18. "I asked for an exemption to play a couple of months ago, but haven't heard," Wilson told Fairfax Media. "At this stage we couldn't afford to go but things can change." As an amateur, Ko had to forfeit the Aus$18,750 ($19,900) winner's cheque from the NSW Open, which went to runner-up Becky Morgan. Wilson said Ko, who

still attends high school when not playing in tournaments, was already shouldering the training schedule of a professional, clocking up 30-50 hours a week on the golf course. He believed Ko's Korean background helped her cope with the demanding workload. "It's why you don't find too many successful Kiwi kids, because the work ethic isn't there," he said.

Playing Field

Wizards’ magic fails to hold Chigaco Bulls LOS ANGELES: Derrick Rose had 35 points and eight assists and Carlos Boozer scored 18 points as the Chicago Bulls defeated the Washington Wizards 98-88 on Monday at Verizon Center arena. “When he is on a roll it is fun to watch,” said Chicago forward Kyle Korver of reigning league MVP Rose. France’s Joakim Noah finished with 14 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists for Chicago which snapped a modest twogame losing skid. The Bulls are embarking on a nine-game road trip which they started with a disappointing 9793 loss to Miami on Sunday. Guard John Wall had a team-high 20

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The games people play

points and six rebounds and JaVale McGee finished with 16 points and nine rebounds for Washington who lost for the second time in the last four games. The Wizards had lost eight-consecutive road games before beating Charlotte Saturday 10299. This marked the second time this season and the seventh straight time the first place Bulls had beaten Washington. Chicago extended their lead to 14 points in the fourth quarter before the Wizards mounted a late charge. Washington pulled to within eight points with one minute left but the Bulls were able to hold on for the victory.

No slip-ups this time: Dusautoir PARIS: France captain Thierry Dusautoir said he and his team may have come out of the World Cup final with their heads held high but they can afford no slip-ups against Italy in their Six Nations opener on Saturday. The 30-year-old world player of the year — outstanding in the 8-7 World Cup final defeat by the All Blacks — said it was vital they start the campaign and the first match of coach Philippe SaintAndre’s reign with a win in front of their home fans at the Stade de France. “Obviously coming so close to winning the World Cup was an immense disappointment,” said the Ivory Coast-born flanker, who has earned the sobriquet of the ‘Dark Destroyer’. “We were disappointed, distraught even, but it is imperative to prepare for the future and that is the match against Italy.” Dusautoir, set to win his 50th cap on Saturday having made his debut in 2006 against Romania, is well aware France suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Italy last year, one of many bizarre reverses they endured in the rollercoaster four year reign of Marc Lievremont.

However, the Toulouse star, who has won two French titles and the 2010 European Cup since arriving from Biarritz in 2006, said there would be nobody taking their opponents for granted as might have been the case last year. “Italy lost to Australia at the World Cup (in the pool stage) but were on level terms at half-time against a team who scored 60 points against us the year before,” said Dusautoir. “This is not the Italy of a few years ago. Last year we lost to them but it was only logical after the progress they have made. “We are going to approach this match knowing how important it is to win the first game, and for a win in Paris in front of our supporters.” Dusautoir, who has a degree in Chemistry and Physics, said it was hard to tell whether Saint-Andre’s modus operandus was different to that of Lievremont’s. But Dusautoir said the former France skipper and wing realised like the players that despite reaching the World Cup final there were things needing improving. “We reached the World Cup final well aware that there were several areas needing improvement,” said

We’re going to approach this match knowing how important it is to win the first game in Paris... in front of our supporters. Thierry Dusautoir French captain Dusautoir. “With regard to SaintAndre, it is too early to tell. The emphasis has been placed on communication, to get the players to express their views, to say what they think. There have been lots of meetings, collectively as well as individually, to sort out the in-house rules.” Dusautoir unlike several of his World Cup team-mates such as fellow backrow forward Imanol Harinordoquy is loathe to criticise Lievremont, who according to some was all but ignored by the players towards the end of the tournament. “It is he who made me captain, who made it possible for me to play in that World Cup,” said Dusautoir, who also had an outstanding 2007 World Cup when France reached the semi-finals.

Young Chris looks upbeat Delon suspended over before Edinburgh clash alleged night-club assault

Derrick Rose (centre) of the Chicago Bulls, JaVale McGee (left) and Jan Vesely of the Washington Wizards during their match.

BAGSHOT: New England captain Chris Robshaw will be winning just his second Test cap when he leads the side against Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday having never before played at the Edinburgh ground. Yet the 25-year-old Harlequins skipper insisted he was relishing trying to begin the defence of England’s Six Nations title with a Calcutta Cup victory at the home of their oldest rivals. “It’s one of those places I’ve never actually been to. As a

rugby player, you want to play on the big stage,” he said at England’s training base here on Monday. “It is a daunting place and it is going to be very tough — but it’s one everybody’s looking forward to.” Robshaw, who won his solitary cap in a defeat by Argentina more than two-and-a-half years ago, was picked as captain by acting coach Stuart Lancaster with England looking to put a poor World Cup compounded by many embarrassing off-field incidents well and truly behind them.

BAGSHOT: England’s Delon Armitage has been suspended from the national reserve Saxons squad after being arrested for alleged assault, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) announced Monday. London Irish full-back Armitage was detained by Devon and Cornwall Police after an incident in a nightclub early on January 29, according to an RFU statement. He was later released on bail. Armitage had been released from the England Saxons camp following the

international match against the reserve Ireland Wolfhounds on Saturday, which England won 23-17. His suspension came in the same month that Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care was told he would not be considered for England Six Nations selection this season following his arrest for drinkdriving on New Year’s Day. The RFU said: “The London Irish full-back was released from the England Saxons camp following the match against the Ireland Wolfhounds on January 28.”

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The games people play

Cyclist plans to sue Warne for damages

‘I’ve been dropped’ SYDNEY: Australian wicketkeeper Brad Haddin said Tuesday he has been dropped, not rested, from the one-day squad to face India and Sri Lanka and conceded it will be tough for him to win back his place. Selectors said they had left Haddin out of the 14-man squad for the first three games of the trination series to give him a rest after the 4-0 Test whitewash of India, but the 34-year-old had a different take. "I think any time you're out of the Australian cricket team I think

you're dropped," he told Sky Sports Radio. "You give another guy an opportunity to take your spot and you've got to look if they do well, you could find it hard to get back in the team. "But that's the way it is and I've just got to deal with that and make sure I'm ready to play." Haddin's place has been taken by Matthew Wade, who is 10 years younger and says he plans to make the most of it. "I'm looking to take my chance and see what happens

from there," Wade told reporters. "I'm just hoping to do my best, I'm not sure what the selectors have got in mind after these three games but I'll be doing my best to make it a hard decision to remove me." Haddin has been under pressure all summer over his performances at Test level and Wade has been touted as his likely replacement should selectors decide to make a change. Australia and India start the one-day series on February 5 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

MELBOURNE: Shane Warne was facing legal action Tuesday after a cyclist involved in a road rage incident with the Australian cricket great said he plans to sue for damages to his bike. Web designer Mathew Hollingsworth, 28, is launching a civil claim in the Melbourne Magistrates Court seeking Aus$1,575 (US$1,668) for repairs to his hi-tech bicycle plus damages, interest and costs. His lawyer George Defteros told Melbourne local radio that Warne's very public outburst on Twitter about the incident was partly why his client decided to take action. "I think in a way it was brought on by Twitter more than anything else," he said. "There's an incident and then all of a sudden it's out there in the public domain very, very quickly. "I'm not saying that anyone's at fault for this coming out the way it has but, be that as it may, it has come out so we want to put our version of events across really." Hollingsworth alleges Warne drove his sports car into him after a robust exchange of words in peak-hour traffic in Melbourne on January 17. The Herald Sun newspaper said that in a statutory declaration, Hollingsworth claimed Warne lurched his car forward striking him on the leg. "Once I was on the footpath, a young brunette woman in business clothing approached me offering assistance and

Sania Mirza in top ten Team’s loss sours S

ania Mirza’s semifinal finish in the women’s doubles event at the Australian Open has catapulted her to a career-best ranking of seventh position in the latest WTA Team Rankings, issued on Monday. Sania jumped from 11th spot to be inside the top-10 in doubles rankings and if she manages to stay in the top 10 till June 21, 2012, she will get a direct entry into the London Olympics. The 25-year-old though, slipped from 106 to 111 in the singles rankings.The top-64 players will get a direct entry into the singles draw of the Olympics and if Sania fails to get into that bracket, AITA is likely to ask for for a wildcard entry. Meanwhile Leander Paes, who won the Australian Open men’s doubles with Radek Stepanek and finished runners-up in mixed doubles with Elena Vesnina, has retained his seventh spot in the ATP doubles rankings. Rohan Bopanna also managed to retain his 11th position in the

doubles’ list but his new doubles partner Mahesh Bhupathi lost eight positions to slip to 16th.

Monty’s comeback ABU DHABI: Left-arm spinner Monty Panesar expressed his disappointment on Monday over England's humiliating 72-run defeat against Pakistan in the second Test, saying he would swap his six wickets for his team's win. England, playing their first Test series as world number one, went down to Pakistan's spin duo of Abdul Rehman (6-25) and Saeed Ajmal (3-22) after being set a tricky 146-run target at Abu Dhabi Stadium on Saturday. Panesar set them on track for a series-levelling win by taking 6-62 in Pakistan's second knock. Pakistan now have an unassailable 2-0 lead with the third and final Test starting from February 3 in Dubai.

Pakistan won the first Test by ten wickets, also played in Dubai. Panesar, who was playing his first Test since Cardiff in the 2009 Ashes, said he was ready to swap his wickets for England's win. "I’m still hurting from the loss. It would be nice to get some wickets but I would rather have a none-for and see England win. I want my performances to contribute to England winning and be part of a successful team," said Panesar. The 29-year-old said England's failure in the last innings put paid to their efforts. "Pakistan played well at a critical stage of the match. We played good cricket but it was just the last innings where they performed really well.”

MATHEW HOLLINGSWORTH'S LAWYER GEORGE DEFTEROS TOLD MELBOURNE LOCAL RADIO THAT WARNE'S VERY PUBLIC OUTBURST ON TWITTER ABOUT THE INCIDENT WAS PARTLY WHY HIS CLIENT DECIDED TO TAKE ACTION.

asked, 'Are you okay? Are you going to follow it up? I have the rego (registration)," he said in the declaration. "I said, 'No, it should be okay. It was Shane Warne.' She seemed as surprised as me." Warne has denied any wrongdoing, using a series of Tweets on the evening of the incident.

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The games people play

Win against Villa ups Gunners’ Top-4 hopes LONDON: Arsenal’s season has been marked by too many false dawns but Thomas Vermaelen believes the FA Cup victory over Aston Villa can help salvage the club’s faltering challenge for a top four place. Arsene Wenger’s side resume their Premier League campaign away to Bolton Wanderers on Wednesday in their first match since an astonishing Cup fightback against Villa. Trailing 2-0 at half-time, the pressure on Wenger appeared certain to increase before three goals in seven second half minutes, including two penalties from star striker Robin van Persie set up a last 16 clash with either Sunderland or Middlesbrough. Having not won silverware

Crespo toast of PLS Argentine soccer legend Hernan Crespo became the hottest property of a new Indian soccer league starting next month when he fetched $840,000 in an auction of players and coaches in Kolkata city on Monday

FOOTBALL KOLKATA: Crespo was snapped up by the Barasat franchise of Premier League Soccer (PLS), which is modelled on cricket’s highly successful Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 tournament and scheduled from February 25, to April 08 in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal. The idea of a players’ auction was borrowed from IPL, whose success has spawned numerous franchise-based leagues in other sports across the country. Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro went to Siliguri for $830,000. Meanwhile, Robert Pires of France ($800,000), Nigerian JayJay Okocha ($550,000) and Liverpool great Robbie Fowler ($530,000) went to Howrah, Durgapur and Kolkata respectively. Five franchises collectively spent nearly $7 million, each buying an ‘icon’ player, two overseas footballers and a coach. In an otherwise cricket-crazy country, the eastern Indian state of West Bengal is equally passionate about soccer. Howrah will boast PLS’s most expensive coach after shelling out $240,000 for former Portugal central defender Fernando Couto.

Former Nigerian player and coach Samson Siasia (Durgapur) and Icelander Teitur Thordorson (Barasat) were both sold for $210,000 each.

Former Manchester City and Sunderland manager Peter Reid (Kolkata) and Marco Etcheverry (Siliguri), arguably the greatest Bolivian player, went for $200,000 each.

since they lifted the FA Cup in 2005, it was important the Gunners retained their interest in the competition but their focus now switches back to the EPL. Arsenal’s chances of mounting a late challenge in the title race disappeared after a run of three defeats in a row left them 18 points adrift of leaders Manchester City.