C M Y K
C M Y K
MONDAY
September 23 | 2013 | 16 Zeeqad 1434 AH | PAGES 08 |
Pen
http://www.zabarwantimes.com
For
4
Srinagar, September 22: Police on Saturday night seized 700 grams of Brown Sugar from a drug peddler and registered a case against the culprit. Police Sources told CNS that acting on tip off of suspicious movement, Station House Officer,Safakadal Pervaiz Ahmad laid special Naka near Khaiwan area of Idgah Srinagar. During checking of vehicles, one person carrying black polyethylene bag ran away from the spot after watching police party. Police said that the suspected person was chased and during search about 700 gms of Psychotropic substance (Brown sugar in common parlance) was recovered from his possession. The culprit was identified as Abid Hassan Sultan son of Ghulam Hassan Sultan of Safa Kadal Srinagar. Superintendent of police, City North, Tahir Saleem told CNS that a case vide FIR number 130 of 2013 under section 21 NDPS has been registered at police station Safa Kadal. He said that more arrests are expected in this regard.
Conductor found dead in Kulgam Srinagar, September 22: A truck conductor was found dead in his truck in Kulgam. A truck conductor Madoo Singh son of Shankly Singh resident of Kapoorthala, Punjab was found dead in his truck bearing registration number PB08AV/8456 at Fruit Mandi, Kulgam. Kulgam police has started an inquest proceedings under section 174 CrPC to ascertain the cause of the death.
Girl ends life in Anantnag Srinagar, September 22: A girl (name withheld) resident of Reshkulbal consumed some poisonous substance at her home, in the jurisdiction of Police station Ashmuqam. She was rushed to the SMHS hospital, Srinagar where she breathed her last. Ashmuqam Police has registered a case in this regard. The body of the deceased girl was handed over to her relatives for last rites.
Three injured in road accidents Srinagar, September 22: Three persons were injured in different road accidents across the valley. An Alto car bearing registration number JK05A/9152 hit and injured Shariefa Begum resident of Kanjugund at Goriwan, in the jurisdiction of Police Station Bijbehara. The injured lady was shifted to Hospital for treatment. Bijbehara Police has registered a case in this regard. Meanwhile, a Scooter bearing registration number Jk05/5578 met with an accident at Zizuna, in the jurisdiction of Police station Kheer-Bhawani, resulting See Injured on Pg. 7
WEATHER
FORECAST FOR NEXT 24 HRS:
Weather will be mainly dry over the state
FORECAST OF SRINAGAR:
Partly Cloudy Sky. Maximum & Minimum temperatures will be around 29°C & 12°C respectively.
TEMPERATURE MAXIMUM 29.6 0C MINIMUM 12.5 0C SUNSET ON(MONDAY) 06:28 pm SUNRISE ON (TUESDAY) 06:21 am
tice
Largely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&K
Drinking too much water can be risky
Rohit Sharma fined for slow over-rate
Police seizes Brown Sugar in old city
VOL NO: 3 | ISSUE NO: 238 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 PAISA)
Jus
Inaugurates Police Public mela 7
5
Shopian curfew ends after a fortnight
‘Shutdown to continue till guilty are punished’ Shopian, September 22: Authorities on Sunday lifted the curfew from South Kashmir’s restive Shopian District after a fortnight. The Government had imposed indefinite curfew in Shopian district on Sep 7 after CRPF personnel from Gagren Camp killed four persons claiming that they were all militants. Despite the lifting of curfew from Shopian and its adjacent areas, shops and business establishments remained closed while transport was off the roads. Locals told CNS that they are not going to open up their shops and would continuously observe shut down till killers are not punished.
Due to strike, normal life was completely affected in the district. However, soon after the curfew was lifted people in large number of people came on roads and were seen busy in purchasing medicines and other essential items. People here are facing acute shortage of essentials. Locals said that due to the prolonged restrictions and non-supply of fresh stocks, people of the district are facing acute shortage of life-saving drugs, baby food and other essentials. Reliable sources told CNS that the district hospital has not received any fresh supply of medicine from past 15 days and stocks in hospital stores are shrinking with
every passing day. “There were no food items left in the hospital kitchen store, patients and their attendants are unable to buy medicine or food from outside due to continue restrictions,” people said. One of the doctors told CNS that there was shortage of life-saving drugs and other essential items in Shopian in general and hospital in particular. He informed that no new stock of medicine entered the town for the past 15 days, “So we restricted our duties only to emergency, labor and surgical patients.” People of Shopian and its adjacent areas complained that Authorities restricted their movement for two weeks at a stretch and they were not allowed even
Ambika Soni, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Prof. Soz address one day Convention of Congress Party Srinagar, Sep 22: One day convention of Pradesh Congress Committee concluded after adopting the following resolutions unanimously. Political Resolution: The need to remember time and again the Contribution of great sons and daughters of India who laid a strong foundation for unity and integrity of India in an atmosphere of secularism and togetherness.
The resolution also stressed the need for maintaining unity and integrity of the J&K State and stressed the fact that the Congress Party alone, which has very large presence in all the three regions of the state, could ensure the unity and balanced development of all the three regions. The Resolution on Land Acquisition Act highlighted the fact that this land-mark Legislation would lift the land owing Community to a position
Female foeticide serious concern: Omar Srinagar, Sep 22: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah has underlined the need for focused attention by all towards eradicating the menace of female foeticide. He said religious leaders, social activists, NGO’s and public in general have to coordinately address this issue and save the future of the State. Interacting with a UNICEF team led by its Regional Director Karin Halshof here on Sunday, the Chief Minister said that various
initiatives have been taken by the State government for the welfare and holistic development of children particularly girl child. The Chief Minister said that UNICEF participation in creating educational environment and making schools seats of human resource development, moral and general education is welcomed and state would like to work with UNICEF to achieve the stupendous task of achieving comprehensive development of children, See Omar on Pg. 7
C M Y K
of prosperity and dignity in life. The Resolution further emphasized the fact that this act and Food Security Act would together revolutionize the scene all around and these Acts would constitute a historic measure for Social and economic progress of the masses. The third resolution stressed the need to hold Elections to the Local Bodies, in the states, as early as possible. The Fourth Resolution See Convention on Pg. 7
to visit their orchards and fields due to which they have incurred heavy losses. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front team arrived Shopian with the relief. “Three Tata mobile vans were seen parked in Shopian main market teemed with essential items,” one of the witnesses told CNS. Police did not allow JKLF Chief Muhammad Yasin Malik to visit Shopian and arrested him near Pampore. The situation in town remained peaceful. A police official told CNS that Shopian town limped back to normalcy after two weeks and no untoward incident was reported from any part of the town on Sunday.
India accuses Pakistan of violating ceasefire again Rajouri, September 22: India Sunday alleged that Pakistani Rangers violated the ceasefire and fired
upon Indian posts indiscriminately with automatic rifles on Saturday night on the Line of Control See Ceasefire on Pg. 7
Army’s interference in the state politics most embarrassing Chest-beating by NC on the recent expose lacks logic: Mufti Jammu September 22: Stressing the supremacy of people in running democratic institutions, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Mohammad Sayed Sunday called upon the union government to discipline its security establishment in their handling of Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing a public meeting at Gadhigarh area of Gandhi Nagar Assembly segment here, he said allowing a vibrant democracy in the state would resolve half of the Kashmir problem. Mufti said the recent reports about the Army’s intrusion into the state politics is the most embarrassing poster of our democratic system and the exposure should lead to introspection at the highest level to sort out issues of empowerment of the democratic institutions of
the state. He said it is a known fact that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have always harbored a feeling that democracy has been sabotaged in the state and even when elections are held there is a tendency to manipulate these through overt and covert methods. “Central agencies have always been viewed with suspicion for their role in electoral process and there is a general feeling that the centre plays favorites and predetermines the outcome of elections. This is a deadly feeling and needs to be addressed seriously if we have to find a way forward in Kashmir”, he added. Mufti said the people have to understand that they can use the next elections to defeat any such designs by voting in large numbers and wisely to deny anyone a chance to affect results See Mufti on Pg. 7
Kamal dubs Mir as an army agent Srinagar, September 22: National Conference senior leader Dr Shiekh Mustafa Kamal Sunday said that Omar Abdulla can’t show the door to ‘tainted’ Agriculture Minister because he is indirectly associated with Congress party. “Ghulam Hasan Mir is the choice of State Congress Chief Prof Saif-uDin Soz as Soz himself has conveyed to National Conference that Mir is associated with Congress party,” Kamal told Sriangar based news agency CNS reiterating that Mir is an Army agent. Reacting to the statement See Kamal on Pg. 7
Police lures people with cash reward and government jobs
Poster strategy helping police: DIG North Kashmir Baramulla, Sep 22: Police in North Kashmir have pasted hundreds of posters at different places, depicting the active militants of Lashkar, Jaish and Hizb as dacoits and murderes asking people to inform police about their whereabouts. The posters read that anyone who help police in tracing these ‘thieves and dacoits’ would be given a government job and
cash reward. “This strategy has worked for police. Now militants are unable to roam freely as people are taking them as dacoits. This is the main reason that from past few months restive Sopore town is calm where after every few days militants used to strike in broad day light,” Deputy Inspector General North Kashmir, J.P.Singh told CNS adding that majority of the
people in North Kashmir are helping police to trace the underground militants. Singh said we receive many phone calls from people who inform us about the movement of these militants. “The posters that we have pasted on walls, poles and at other places have started showing positive signs,” he said. While replying to a question, DIG, North See Police on Pg. 7
C M Y K
7 From Front Page........
Daily
Monday, 23 September 2013
Mufti.........
through manipulation or management. Mufti said unless the will of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is accepted without reservations and their institutions are respected, the pain and suffering of the state would not end; neither would the resolution of the Kashmir problem become any easier. He said it is regrettable that during the last six and a half decades after becoming part of world’s largest democracy, the elected institutions of J&K are not allowed the same authority as in other states. He said the people of the state and their democratic institutions have to be trusted fully and the security agencies should stop breathing down their neck, as we believe that it is the people who provide ultimate security to the country and not the other way round. “Armed forces and security agencies are essentially to assist the elected representatives in running the affairs of the state – an equation that has gone wrong in J&K and needs to be set right without delay for the good of the country”, said Mufti. The PDP patron said the chest-beating by National Conference on the recent expose lacks logic as this party has always collaborated in stifling democracy in the state. It was the National Conference that denied the opposition to even put up its candidates right from 1952 and in 1987 it resorted to unabashed rigging with the help of police and security agencies which resulted in two decade long armed resistance and strife. He mentioned that it was during NDA regime, under the leadership of Atal Behari Vajpayee that fairest even assembly elections were held in the year 2002 and that elections were turning point in the political history of Jammu and Kashmir. “Defeat of Omar Abdullah from Ganderbal assembly segment had restored peoples’ faith in democracy and democratic institutions”, he observed. He said that even in 2008 it was the tactical rigging in Srinagar carried out with active connivance of security agencies that gave NC the numbers to lead the present coalition. “They have been the worst enemies of democratic system and the state” Mufti said about the NC. Mufti said NC’s attempt to use the expose to cover up its atrocities and misgovernance would convince no one as the coalition government failed to uphold the security of life and dignity. He recalled that the government had condemned the victims of 2010 atrocities as paid agents, terrorists and drug addicts but is now trying to use the new allegations as a fig leaf to cover its disastrous performance. Even now the government forces are killing people with impunity, Shopian, Gool and Markundal being only the latest instances and the protest against these excesses are handled with more atrocities like weeks of uninterrupted curfew, arrests and torture in custody, said Mufti. Mufti said the focus of PDP is to change the system and empower people and democratic institutions. The party he said also aims at providing a common platform to people of all regions for a holistic development of the state, he said adding “we have to some extent succeeded in taking our message to people in all regions who had till now been kept in isolation of each other for petty political interests”. Mufti said Jammu and Kashmir has the potential to grow as the most developed state of the country but for that to happen the people have to give a decisive mandate to PDP which with a brief stint in power has established how things can be positively changed. “Give us a decisive mandate and through our inclusive, people friendly policies we will give you an empowered and developed, modern welfare state” Mufti said.
Ceasefire.........
(LoC) in Rajouri district. Udhampur based Defense spokesperson, Colonel Kalia told CNS that Pakistani Rangers using sophisticated weapons continuously fired upon Indian positions for four hours from 10 pm on Saturday night. “Our jawans retaliated with the automatic rifles and the cross firing continued for four hours till 2am,” he said adding that no causality or injuries were reported during the ceasefire violation. He said that Pakistani Army fired at Indian position in Hamirpur area of Rajouri sector using small arms and automatic weapons. “It has become a routine for them (Pakistani Rangers) to violate the ceasefire. But whenever, they violate our troopers retaliate sharply and keep them in check,” spokesman said adding that India is going to take up the matter with Pakistani officials and would raise it during the flag meeting.
of Social Welfare and Education departments and various other senior officers.
Kamal........
made by former Indian Army Chief about NC, Kamal said that his statement itself reveals how much interested and involved he was in politics. “There are scores of Army agents like Mir and Indian Intelligence has filled their coffers. They should be exposed and brought to justice,” Kamal said adding that instead of raising finger on NC, General V.K.Singh should find ways and means to save his skin at this juncture. While replying to a question Dr Shiekh Mustafa Kamal said that nobody can stop him from uttering the truth. “Congress leaders have conveyed their concerns to Ghulam Nabi Azad and Ambika Soni about my statements against their party leadership but I don’t care and I would keep on speaking the truth,” Kamal said adding that Congress Party is scared of our popularity.
Police.........
Kashmir said that police has started an operation to hunt, dreaded militant of Hizbul Mujhadeen, Abdul Qayoom Najar who has been active in Sopore area from past 10 years. “Qayoom Najar is active commander of HM who is involved in scores of militancy related incidents. Most of the militants active in Sopore belong to Hizb outfit,” he said. He told CNS that there are 35 to 40 militants active in North Kashmir while as in Sopore alone, all but 15 militants are present. Lashkar militants are present in Kupwara and Handwara area while HM and some elements of Jaish-e-Muhammad are active in Palhalan, Pattan and certain areas of Bandipora.
Injured...........
in injuries to the scooterist. The injured was shifted to hospital for treatment. Kheer-Bahwani Police has registered a case in this regard. In another accident, a Motorcycle bearing registration number JK01S/1922 met with an accident at Barzulla, Srinagar, resulting in injuries to Motorcyclist. The injured was shifted to Bone & Joint hospital, Srinagar for treatment. Police has registered a case in this regard.
Omar inaugurates Police Public mela Srinagar, September 22: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah inaugurated Police Public Mela here on Sunday. He inspected various stalls installed in the Mela and interacted stallholders. The Chief Minister highlighted the role of J&K Police in safeguarding the lives of people and
maintaining peace and law and order. Omar Abdullah also underlined the importance of Police Public Mela and said that these are aimed at generating resources for the welfare of the families of J&K Police martyrs. Director General of Police Ashok Prasad was present on the occasion.
ZABARWAN TIMES Raahat Ghar children interact with Governor, First Lady; visit magnificent Raj Bhavan lawns Srinagar, September 22: A group of 41 orphan and destitute children of Raahat Ghar, Zakura, Srinagar, visited Raj Bhavan here this afternoon and met Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, and Mrs. Usha Vohra, First Lady. The Raahat Ghar is run by the Guild of Service, New Delhi, for the rehabilitation of orphan and destitute children and presently 52 such children from the far-flung areas of the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh region are being provided free boarding, lodging, educational and vocational training facilities by this organization at Zakura. The children were accompanied by Dr. Girija Dhar, Chairperson of the Raahat Ghar, Ms. Suraiya Ali Mattoo, Ms. Hawa Bashir, Ms. Nusrat Andrabi and Ms. Mumtaz Soz, members of the Advisory Committee and staff of the Raahat Ghar during their visit to the Raj Bhavan. This visit was organized at the invitation of the Governor who had visited the Raahat Ghar on Friday last. The children were delighted at this
16th batch of Hajj pilgrims leaves for Madinah Srinagar, September 22: The 16th batch of 275 Hajj pilgrims including 162 male and 113 female embarked from Srinagar International Airport here today for the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. According to Executive Officer State Haj Committee as already today’s second Haj flight AI-5561 was cancelled by Air India. These pilgrims are scheduled to leave for Madinah Munawarrah tomorrow on September 23, 2013.
memorable opportunity of being hosted by the Governor and the First Lady and to be able to go around the Raj Bhavan lawns. The children were shown around the lawns and the gardens by the Raj Bhavan staff. The Governor handed over a vehicle to the management of Raahat Ghar for the transportation of children, which he had announced during his recent visit to this institution. He also gave a cheque of Rs. 50,000 to this organization for carrying forward its work for the rehabilitation of orphan and destitute children. The Governor and the First Lady interacted with the children, enquired from them about their studies and wished them a
bright future ahead. They presented sweets to the children and hosted tea for them. Dr. Girija Dhar and Members of the Advisory Committee thanked the Governor for gifting a vehicle, providing cash support and inviting the children to the Raj Bhavan. They expressed their gratitude to the Governor and the First Lady for their active support and taking keen interest in the welfare of the destitute children. The children thanked the Governor and the Lady Governor for providing them an opportunity to visit the Raj Bhavan.Mr. Navin K. Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor, was present on the occasion.
‘Goshbugh encounter was not fake’
The two youth were militants: DIG North Kashmir Baramulla, September 22: Refuting the family claims that Bilal Ahmed who some days before lost his life in an encounter with Army near Goshbug area of Pattan town, Deputy Inspector General of Police, North Kashmir, J.P.Singh Sunday said that if Bilal was not a militant then why he was accompanying dreaded
militant Muhammad Yaqoob during the time of shoot out. “Bilal was the friend of HM militant Muhammad Yaqoob. He used to help Yaqoob for carrying weapon from one place to another. The fact is that it was his intimacy with Yaqoob that he became prey to militancy,” Singh told CNS. He said Bilal had joined
militant ranks and when called his brother Hilal Ahmed to inquire about Bilal, he mislead police by claiming that he had gone to visit his relatives. “The fact is that Bilal was missing from Sep 9 and was active along with slain militant Muhammad Yaqoob. It is baseless that encounter was fake.
Government Model Degree College Tangmarg Tender Notice
Sealed tenders are invited with two rupees revenue stamps affixed from registered dealers/SSI units/ approved Divisional purchase committee for supply following sports equipments. The documents should reach in the office of undersigned along with CDR of Rs. 5000 in favour of Principal Govt. Degree College Tangmarg within five days from the date of publication of the notice. 1. Volley Ball, Net, Poles 2. Badminton Racket, Net, Poles 3. Carom Board 4. Chess Board Wooden 5. Hand Ball, Net, Poles 6. Shot-put 7. Discuss 8. Javelin 9. Batons 10. Inch Tap, Nails, Cones, Flags 11. Football, Net 12. Cricket Kit DIPJK: 7734 Sd/- Principal
Convention..........
emphasized the resolve of the J&K Pradesh Congress Committee to urge the Coalition Government to incorporate important provisions of the 73rd Amendment of the Constitution of India that aim to strengthen Panchayat Raj Institutions in the J&K State. While Prof. Saif-ud-din Soz presided over the convention, Ambika Soni, and Gulam Nabi Azad graced the occasion. Thirty Congress Leaders drawn from all Parts of Kashmir spoke in the Convention. Ghulam Nabi Azad, in his speech, urged the Congress workers to remain fully united in serving the interests of the common people. He said that this could best be done by promoting unity in the Party. Ambika Soni urged the Ministers to strengthen their liaison with party cadres at all levels and assist the J&K PCC President in promoting the party’s interest further. Prof. Soz heartily thanked the party cadres who had participated in the convention and made laudable suggestions for promotion of the Congress Party’s in all three regions.
Omar..........
their protection and proper upkeep. He said capacity building in teaching community is imperative in this regard and UNICEF can extent favourable help to the State for this purpose. The Chief Minister said that the State Government and UNICEF are presently working together for rehabilitation of juvenile and preventing them from indulging in crimes and misdeeds. He said better educational environment in schools and proper care in homes are essentially important in this regard. The meeting was attended by Minister for Social Welfare, Sakina Itoo, Minister of State for Education, Feroz Ahmed Khan, Administrative Secretaries
Owner, Printer, Publisher & Editor-n-Chief: Suhail Malik, RNI No: JKBIL/2011/39764, Email: zabarwantimes@gmail.com Published from: Govt. Quarters (M-13) Magarmal Bagh Srinagar -190001, J&K, Printed at: Sangarmal Offset Press Humhama Sheikhpora Tele/Fax: 2478370 Cell No: 09999964750, 9796787844
Editorial/Opinion The Daily
Zabarwan Times Monday, 23 September 2013
Media and its responsibilities
I
n every society the media plays a vital role not only in disseminating the information but also in building a healthy, positive and responsible society besides creating awareness and playing its part in the reformation. In the whole of the world media has assumed the role of fourth pillar after legislature, judiciary and executive. Its responsibilities have grown many fold and its duties towards the society have assumed larger importance. There is no doubt that media has in real terms made world a global village and has minimized the distances. It is media which has brought people closer to each other and has opened new roots and mediums of communication. Its role in the social and political arena has become so vital that without media one cannot even imagine any success in the nation building. Its positive role cannot be denied and its contribution towards social awareness, expose of scandals and corruption, and its part in the strengthening of democratic institutions is of paramount importance. However with the passage of time the media has perhaps lost its track due to certain constraints or has been derailed deliberately by unscrupulous elements and those alien forces which have the grip over the media and have made it sub-servant to their interests and whims. The print media and the electronic media both have fallen prey to what we call mafia in the media. The exploitation of political system, the hunger for fast buck and the personal animosities have over taken the very purpose of the media across the world. Its pertinent to say that those persons who could not get the govt. job or who have not even distant relation with the field have become the masters in the field and are having dozens of news papers and channels because of their money power and crafty ways of exploitation. The objectivity and credibility of media has been eroded and everybody thinks that the arrogance and blackmailing has taken the place of the former. There was a time when a report or a news item appearing in a paper would result in the fall of a govt. and heads would roll. But that is the thing of past and today even the banners and the scopes do not have any impact and hardly anybody takes the cognizance of these. It is because the media whether print or electronic has lost its credibility and nobody believes a news item or report in the first instance. Still it is not too late if the professionals realize their responsibilities and duties and if they clean the profession from vested interests and only after that is done the media can again become a force to reckon with.
Daily
ZABARWAN TIMES 6
Monday, 23 September 2013
Face to Face with Imteyaz Ahmad B
{
}
orn in an illiterate and ignorant family in a remote and backward village but determined and destined to do something distinctive- this soft-spoken and humble boy, Imteyaz Ahmad has become the first candidate from his area to qualify the J&K CCE (KAS). Here, Imteyaz shares his views and experiences with Zabarwan Times, while negating some common myths about Civil Services Examinations.
ZT: Congratulations Imteyaz! To whom would you give the credit of your success? IA: Thanks. Firstly, I am highly grateful to God who gave me an opportunity to serve his people while being a part of administrative system. Allah says in Quran (Surah Insaan), “But you do not wish unless it is wished by Allah-Indeed Allah is all knowing, all wise (76:30). Then, my thanks go to all my teachers and mentors who realized and nurtured the hidden talent of a poor boy like me. Last but not the least, I am highly obliged of my parents who labored all these years to bring me up and educate me. ZT: How do you feel now? IA: Yaa! It is a dream come true. It was my forth attempt and I have toiled a lot to see my name in the final list. I now feel relieved and satisfied. ZT: Why could not you get through in your earlier attempts? IA: There are many reasons. I was not physically and psychologically free all the time to devote myself wholeheartedly to study. I had to earn while learning to support my family. And yes, I made some mistakes earlier. ZT: What type of mistakes? Can you elaborate? IA: In first attempt, I could not select the right kind of study material. In second one, I couldn’t attempt all the questions especially in General Studies papers
because of the lack of time management. In my 3rd attempt, luck didn’t favour me as Urdu subject was evaluated very strictly. ZT: What according to you is the key to success? IA: there is no substitute for hard work, rather to smart work. In words of Thomas Alva Addison, “Success is 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration”. ZT: What do you mean by smart work? IA: Yes, civil services examination (IAS/KAS etc) is different from academic exams. Hard working haphazardly doesn’t pay here, rather hardwork with planning, time management and guidance is needed. Also, studying right and suitable books and references is must. I may quote some golden rules of civil services examinations (CSE) here: 1. Academic research (M.Phil, Ph. D) means to know everything of something, while CSE requires to know something of everything. 2. If you are failing to plan, you are planning to fail. 3. It is less important ‘what to study’, more important is ‘what not to study’. 4. It is better to read one good book ten times than reading ten books only once. 5. Patience, perseverance and belief in God –act as the fuel to the train to success. ZT: Good! Can you generalize the pattern of this examination, i.e J&K CCE (KAS)?
IA: the examination basically consists of two stages; preliminary test (PT) and main examination: i) Preliminary Test: Two objective type papers; General Studies- 150 marks, optional studies-300 marks, total-450. The PT is only qualifying in nature and the marks obtained are not counted for the final merit list. ii) Main examination; It is further of two sub-stage; written and personality test (interview). Written paper is further divided into subjective type 8 papers which include General English (Matric Standard) ZT: J&K PSC is going to conduct the preliminary test for 99 posts in ending September. What do you want to say to the appearing candidates? IA: Dear brothers and sisters! Without any stress or tension, devote your full time to preliminary test, especially focusing on your optional subject as it carries double weightage than general studies subject. After all, GS is a combination of many subjects and you can’t master them all. ZT: To what extent is coaching necessary for qualifying the examination? IA: Coaching is not necessary, but proper guidance is must, especially for beginners and those aspirants who start preparing after graduation. ZT: Is it necessary to be very genius and intelligent to become a KAS/IAS officer? IA: Definitely not! Rather, mostly average students qualify these exams due to right approach, right planning and right management. There are some other common myths about civil services exams among the people like only some particular subjects are fruitful., qualifying UPSC or J&K PSC civil services examinations is a boring, difficult and herculean task. There is not 100% transparency in the recruitment process, and so on. But I must tell you that there is
no reality in these types of notions. Remember, subjects do not pass you, but your smartwork pass you. But I must admit that due to lack of ‘scaling process’ in KAS exams, some optional do get indicriminatory treatment in some cases. Otherwise, there is fool-proof system of recruitment with cent percent transparency. Lastly, becoming an IAS/KAS officer is never difficult for a hardworking, patient, optimistic and balanced student. ZT: How was your interview? IA: Well, it was not bad. All the four esteemed board members including the chairman interacted with me and posed a number of questions related with my current job of news reading, Radio Kashmir, my optionals - Geography and Urdu and current events. I couldn’t answer all of them satisfactorily, but remember, they don’t check your knowledge but your personality. ZT: Now, what would be your priorities as any administrator? IA: It is a great responsibility and please pray for me that I discharge my duties with honesty, integrity, patience and the passion of serving the mankind especially poor and disadvantaged groups of society. My priorities would be to control corruption, dishonesty and lack of responsibility and promote work culture, communal harmony and brotherhood. ZT: Some message to civil services aspirants? IA: Be determined and patient, work smartly and have belief in yourself and your creator and sustainer. Take proper guidance from any good and reliable source like Kashmir University, ICP etc. and if you want to consult me, please feel free to contact me at 9697953381 or imteyazahmad14@gmail.com ZT: Thanks for talking to Zabarwan Times IA: Thank you very much! Wassalam
Measures to Check Cheating of investors by Unscrupulous Companies
C
heating of investors by unscrupulous companies takes many forms, such as: ‘vanishing’ after raising money through public offers; illegal collection of deposits in violation of Section 58A of the Companies Act, 1956; floating sham ‘Collective Investment Schemes (CIS)’ in violation of SEBI Act; collecting money from public by posing as ‘Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in violation of RBI Act; and resorting to ‘Ponzy’ or money circulation schemes under the Prize Chits and Money Circulation Schemes (Banning) Act, 1978. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has taken action against ‘vanishing companies’ which have raised funds through initial public offer but thereafter are not traceable. The Ministry has also taken action against certain companies which have failed to repay deposits to public violating Section 58A of the Companies Act, 1956. Complaints of cheating by companies which promised high rates of interests to investors, have been received against 87 companies. In these cases Inspection under Section 209A/ Investigation under Section 234 of the Companies Act, 1956 has been ordered. Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) also looked into the affairs of 669 companies whose operations were in violation of SEBI (Collective Investment Schemes) Regulations, 1999. The amount collected by these companies was about Rs 7,435 crore. Out of these companies, 75 have been wound up and the money refunded to the investors. A total of 552 companies were prosecuted; convictions have been secured in 124 cases. RBI also regulates deposits / investments of the public with Non- banking Finance Companies (NBFC) that are registered with RBI. Complaints received against companies posing as NBFC’s and Unincorporated bodies indulging in cheating / fraud are forwarded by RBI to the Economic Offenses Wing of the State Police for investigation and further action. There are certain companies which have floated fraudulent investment deposits mobilizing schemes (also called ponzi schemes) under various guises and are liable for action under the Prize Chits and Money Circulation Schemes
(Banning) Act, 1978. This Act is administered by Ministry of Finance (Department of Financial Services) through the State Governments. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has constituted a Steering
fillip to the early establishment of a stateof-art Forensic Lab within the premises of SFIO in the national capital; and the development of a Comprehensive Early Warning System (EWS) for detection of
scientific organization under the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology; Between Joint Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs and Director, Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-IND), an agency under the Ministry of Finance; and Director, SFIO and Director, FIU-IND. As The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has per the Memorandum, NIELIT will set up a state-of-art Forensic Lab within the premises of SFIO - with a total outlay of Rs. constituted a Steering Committee to 3.80 Crore on a turnkey basis, to be completed in two phases. The MoUs develop a “Fraud Prediction Model” aimed signed with FIU-IND will lead to better and faster exchange of information at generating alerts for prevention of fraud between the three Government entities. FIU has been playing a pivotal role in the collection and dissemination of informaand malfeasance. It is also proposed to tion on suspicious banking transactions under the Prevention of Money revamp the existing Market Research & Laundering Act, 2002. FIU-IND has been helping both the Ministry and SFIO from Analysis Unit (MRAU) in the Serious Fraud time to time by supplying information on suspicious banking transactions. Having access to banking information as well as Investigation Office (SFIO) to enable it to expertise of FIU, the MoU will help SFIO in conducting its investigation in a more function as an intelligence unit. Giving a effective manner. These initiatives will facilitate development of a comprehensive EWS for detection of fraud and malfeafillip to the early establishment of a sance at the earliest. The concerned regulatory agencies of the Central state-of-art Forensic Lab within the Government have adopted different measures aimed at sensitizing the public of premises of SFIO in the national capital; the need to be cautious while making investments into schemes, etc. The and the development of a Comprehensive Ministry of Corporate Affairs conducts Investor Awareness Programs (IAP’s) for making the public aware of the various Early Warning System (EWS) for detection instruments of investments available to them. Similarly, RBI issues notice in of corporate fraud and malfeasance at the newspapers regularly to caution the public against the design of entities in collection of deposits illegally. Editors of Newspapers are earliest, three important MoUs have been also sensitized to exercise caution for accepting advertisements pertaining to signed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. acceptance of deposits by un-incorporated bodies. Presently, RBI is in the process of Committee to develop a “Fraud corporate fraud and malfeasance at the undertaking a comprehensive campaign Prediction Model” aimed at generating earliest, three important MoUs have been aimed at alerting the public against falling alerts for prevention of fraud and malfea- signed by the Ministry of Corporate prey to the Ponzy schemes and other sance. It is also proposed to revamp the Affairs. These MoUs are: Between monetary mal-practices. SEBI also conducts existing Market Research & Analysis Director, SFIO (which functions under Investor Awareness Programs in cities / Unit (MRAU) in the Serious Fraud the Ministry of Corporate Affairs) and towns across the country and has recently Investigation Office (SFIO) to enable it to Director, National Institute of Electronics launched publicity campaigns through function as an intelligence unit. Giving a and Information Technology (NIELIT), a electronic and print media.
Disclaimer : The contents and comments appearing in any article published in this paper are purely the personal opinion of the writer.
HE A L+H TIMES 55 ZABARWAN Monday | 23 SepteMber 2013
Family meals not so important for kids Family dinner is usually touted and encouraged for its social and health benefits, but researchers have now questioned the nature of this association. According to a new study, the perceived benefits may not be as strong or as lasting once a number of factors are controlled for. “We find that most of the association between family meals and teen well-being is due to other aspects of the family environment. Analyses that follow children over time lend even weaker evidence for causal effects of family meals on adolescent and young adult well-being,” said Kelly Musick, associate professor of policy analysis and management at Cornell and lead author of the study. Musick and co-author Ann Meier, associate professor of sociology at the University of Minnesota, found that the ability to manage a regular family dinner is in part facilitated by family resources such as time and money, and in part a proxy for other family characteristics, including time together, closeness, and communication. Families with both biological parents present, a non-employed mother, higher income, and better family
relationships ate together more frequently. Controlling for the quality of family relationships in particular explained much of the family dinner’s associa-
tion with teen depressive symptoms, substance use, and delinquency three factors typically examined in family meal studies. Only some of these associations held up to analyses of adolescent outcomes over time. The study accounts for aspects of the family environment that differentiate families on the basis of how often they eat together, and it’s the first to use a fixed-effects approach that focuses on how changes in family dinners relate to changes in adolescent outcomes.
Estimates are based on a sample of about 18,000 children from the National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health. “Meals may afford a regular and positive context for parents to connect with children emotionally, to monitor their social and academic activities, and to convey values and expectations.” “This is what we suspect is driving any causal relationship between family dinners and child well being. But, family dinners also appear to be part and parcel of a broader package of practices, routines, and rituals that reflect parenting beliefs and priorities, and it’s unclear how well family dinners would work unbundled from the rest of that package,” added Musick. The authors added that future work needs to go further in assessing which elements of mealtime may be most salient, looking beyond how often families eat together to examine whether talking, television, texting, eating the same food, or helping in the kitchen mediate or moderate the potential benefits of mealtime.
Squeeze the health benefits of a lemon Rich in vitamin C, lemon has many health benefits Nimbu paani, the good old humble drink has many loyal followers. In a tropical country like India, lemon is quite easily available. Lem-
on is also used for culinary and medicinal purpose. Squeeze a lemon in a dish of poha and then the taste changes. And there are many who simply can’t have enough of lemon chicken or lemon tarts. Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C. Lemon water
makes a healthy drink, especially when taken in the morning. If you like your tea without milk, then you can add a little bit of lemon and honey in your tea. It is really soothing. Daily
consumption of lemon water has a number of health benefits. Good for stomach: Lemon is really helpful when it comes to digestion problems. Due to the digestive qualities of lemon juice, symptoms of indigestion such as heartburn, bloating
Americans flocking to India for stem cell therapy A growing number of Americans are travelling to India to seek treatment for rare diseases through India’s experimental embryonic stem cell therapy, according to an investigative report. Among them Cash Burnaman, a 6-year-old South Carolina boy, who travelled with his parents to India seeking treatment for a rare genetic condition that has left him developmentally disabled, CNN reported. “Cash is mute. He walks with the aid of braces. To
battle his incurable condition, which is so rare it doesn’t have a name, Cash has had to take an artificial growth hormone for most of his life,” it said. His divorced parents, Josh Burnaman and Stephanie Krolick, have paid tens of thousands of dollars to have Cash undergo experimental injections of human embryonic stem cells at New Delhi’s NuTech Mediworld run by Dr. Geeta Shroff, a retired obstetrician and self-taught embryonic stem cell practitioner.
and belching are relieved. Traditionally grandmoms always recommended a glass of lemon juice when somebody suffered from fever or stomach upset. Glowing skin: Lemon, being a natural antiseptic medicine, can participate to cure problems related to skin. Lemon is a vitamin C rich citrus fruit that rejuvenates skin and results in a glowing skin. Lemon also acts as an anti-aging remedy. Lose the flab: In India, many people drink lemon water with a dash of honey early in the morning to lose weight. Cures throat infections: Lemon is an excellent fruit that aids in fighting problems related to throat infections, sore throat as it has an antibacterial property. Controls high blood pressure: Lemon water works wonders for people having heart problem owing to its high potassium content. It controls high blood pressure, dizziness, nausea as well as provides relaxation to mind and body.
Drinking too much water can be risky
Excessive water in your system can dilute your body fluids so much that the sodium levels become life-threateningly low Water may be the elixir of life, but it sure can send your health into a tailspin, even endangering your life, if you drink too much of it. While packaged water, juice and cola companies hard-sell their thirstquenchers to you through TV and print advertisements, the truth is that drinking too much water can do you more harm than good. Due to excessive water consumption, people have died of overhydration, which goes by the name of Exercise-Associated Hyponatraemia (EAH). In simple terms, it means that you have drunk too much water and the excess has diluted your body fluids so much that the sodium levels have become lifethreateningly low, causing cells to swell. That includes brain cells leading to loss of consciousness, seizures and even coma and death.
For long-distance runners, this can be a particular hazard. With half-marathons and marathons being all the rage, runners while practicing must resist the temptation to tank themselves up with too much water.Water intoxication is always on the cards if you believe you have to ‘stay
ahead of thirst’ by drinking excessive quantities of fluids. To do so is entirely unphysiological. Drinking more water than you need increases your total blood volume and also pressures you kidneys into working overtime so as to filter excess water out of your circulatory system. It is, however, incredibly rare for someone to die of dehy-
dration in a temperate climate, not even sportsmen who sweat a great deal. The right way to drink water is on your TV screen. When Tennis legends Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal play five gruelling sets of tennis in the baking sun, sweating profusely, how do they drink? They sip. They may sip at every end change, but they certainly don’t gulp. While exercising, you should balance how much water you drink to how much you are sweating out. All runners should know that overconsumption of fluids, whether it’s water or sports drinks, can be fatal. EAH due to excessive hydration has caused at least a dozen deaths worldwide and there have been more than 1,600 documented cases of it around the globe.The International Marathon Medical Directors Association advocates ‘drinking to thirst’ and no more. That means 0.03 litres per kilogram. So, for a 100 kg .
50-year cholera mystery unravelled For 50 years scientists have been uncertain about how the bacteria, which causes cholera, manages to resist one of our basic innate immune responses. That mystery has now been solved, thanks to research from biologists at The University of Texas at Austin. The answers may help clear the way for a new class of antibiotics that don’t directly shut down pathogenic bacteria such as V. cholerae, but instead disable their defenses so that our own immune systems can do the killing. Every year cholera afflicts millions of people and kills hundreds of thousands, predominantly in the developing world. The infection causes profuse diarrhoea and vomiting. Death comes from severe dehydration. “If you understand the mechanism, the bacterial target, you’re more likely to be able to design an effective antibiotic,” said Stephen Trent, associate professor of molecular genetics and microbiology and lead researcher on the study. The bacterium’s defense, which was unmasked this month in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, involves attaching one or two small amino acids to the large molecules, known as endotoxins,
that cover about 75 per cent of the bacterium’s outer surface. “It’s like it’s hardening its armor so that our defenses can’t get through,” said Trent. Trent said that these tiny amino acids simply change the electrical charge on that outer surface of the bacteria. It goes from negative to neutral.
That’s important because the molecules we rely on to fight off such bacteria, which are called cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs), are positively charged. They can bind to the negatively charged surface of bacteria, and when they do so, they insert themselves into the bacterial membrane and form a pore. Water
then flows through the pore into the bacterium and pops it open from the inside, killing the harmful bacteria. It’s an effective defense, which is why these CAMPs are ubiquitous in nature (as well as one of the main ingredients in over-the-counter antibacterial ointments such as Neosporin). However, when the positively charged CAMPs come up against the neutral V. cholerae bacteria, they can’t bind. They bounce away, and we’re left vulnerable. V. cholerae can then invade our intestines and turn them into a kind of factory for producing more cholera, in the process rendering us incapable of holding onto fluids or extracting sufficient nutrients from what we eat and drink. “It pretty much takes over your normal flora,” said Trent. Trent insisted that scientists have known for some time that the strain of V. cholerae responsible for the current pandemic in Haiti and elsewhere is resistant to these CAMPs. It’s that resistance that is likely responsible, in part, for why the current strain displaced the strain that was responsible for previous pandemics.
Vit D: Too much as bad as too little While it is known that vitamin D deficiency is not good for health, a new study has now suggested that too high a level of the essential vitamin is not good either. The new research from the University of Copenhagen is based on blood samples from 247,574 Copenhageners. Vitamin D is instrumental in helping calcium reach our bones, thus lessening the risk from falls and of broken hips. Research suggests that vitamin D is also beneficial in combating cardiac disease, depression and certain types of cancers. The results from a study conducted by the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences now support
the benefits of vitamin D in terms of mortality risk. However, the research results also show higher mortality in people with too high levels of vitamin D in their bloodstream: “We have had access to blood tests from a quarter of a million Copenhageners. We found higher mortality in people with a low level of vitamin D in their blood, but to our surprise, we also found it in people with a high level of vitamin D. We can draw a graph showing that perhaps it is harmful with
too little and too much vitamin D,” explained Darshana Durup, PhD student. If the blood contains less than 10 nanomol (nmol) of vitamin per litre of serum, mortality is 2.31 times higher. However, if the blood contains more than 140 nmol of vitamin per litre of serum, mortality is higher by a factor of 1.42. Both values are compared to 50 nmol of vitamin per litre of serum, where the scientists see the lowest mortality rate. Darshana Durup emphasized that while scientists do not know
the cause of the higher mortality, new results can be used to question the wisdom of those people who claim that you can never get too much vitamin D. “It is important to conduct further studies in order to understand the relationship. A lot of research has been conducted on the risk of vitamin D deficiency. However, there is no scientific evidence for a ‘more is better’ argument for vitamin D, and our study does not support the argument either. We hope that our study will inspire others to study the cause of higher mortality with a high level of vitamin D,” said Durup.
Smoking ups cancer, cardiac risk in youth Abhishek Shetty led the typical life of a young employee in an IT company. A regular smoker, the 32-year-old had a hectic schedule, odd sleeping hours and irregular meals - all of which caught up with him, and he suffered a heart attack at what his doctor called a “shockingly young age”. “Five years back such cases were unheard of. But increasingly, we have young people coming to us with cardiac problems. It’s a serious problem and smoking is a major factor,” Ravindra L. Kulkarni, cardiologist and director of Just for Hearts, an organisation for heart care, said. “Abhishek’s is a case in point. A study of his case revealed that he led a very stressful life, thanks to the nature of his work. To add to that, he smoked regularly to relieve his stress.
Ultimately he had a cardiac arrest,” Kulkarni added. An angiography revealed a blockage in one of Shetty’s main arteries, for which an angioplasty had to be done. He has now changed his lifestyle completely. Cardiac ailments have become an increasingly common feature among people as young as in their late 20s and early 30s, and smoking is found to be one of the main contributing factors. “Health problems that you would have normally seen in people in their sixties - like those related to the heart or lungs - you see them in young people in the age group of 30-35 these days. It’s an unhealthy trend, to say the least,” said Suchetna Das, a cardiologist.
According to Kulkarni, in the past few years there has been a 30-40 percent rise in cardiac related ailments amongst those below the age of 40. Among his patients, 30-40 percent are heavy smokers. A number of young patients are those in high-stress and sedentary lifestyle jobs, like in BPOs and the IT sector. Studies reveal that peer pressure and curiosity are the two most common reasons for a person to take up smoking. Most smokers also claim their regular dose of puff is a stress relaxant. “A number of young women also take up smoking to reduce weight. The idea is that nicotine affects the appetite... you don’t feel hungry, eat less
and thus lose weight. Not only is it an unhealthy way to reduce weight, but also you hardly realise when the trick becomes an addiction,” Das said. Doctors say that most ailments begin with high blood pressure (BP). There has been a 20-25 percent rise among youngsters complaining of high blood pressure. So, if you are young and suddenly witness high BP, it may be wise to see your doctor, said Kulkarni. Some of the common health problems that young people are being detected with are coronary artery disease (CAD), diabetes and high blood pressure. Not just that. Oncologists reveal that there has been a rise in cancer cases as well because of increased tobacco
usage. “Cancer, like throat cancer, among youngsters is on the rise. And exposure to tobacco in various forms is the main culprit behind this trend,” Amol Akhade, consultant oncologist at International Oncology Services, said. Sharing a smoke in hip hookah joints which are mushrooming in cities like Delhi, is another popular lifestyle trend that is simply adding to the problem, Akhade said. “The trend of smoking hookah is adding to the risk (of cancer) and both men and women are equally at risk,” he added. Besides strict implementation of the law that bans smoking in public places, doctors also suggest initiation of Workplace Health Promotion Programmes.
Tight jeans may jeopardize health Doctors have cautioned
that the stubborn buttsqueezing, thigh-hugging denims could be too hard on our health and can cause nerve damage. Tingling and numbness are symptoms of the condition called ‘meralgia paresthetica’, which occurs when the nerve that runs down the front of the thigh is squeezed. A ‘Greenpoint’ clothing store manager, Madeline Virbasius claimed that, these jeans will not be going away any time soon. “As long as they’re in fashion, they’re probably not going to go away,” the New York Daily quoted Virbasius as saying. The 39-year-old Virbasius also compared these skinny jeans to other vices as well. “We all know high heels and cigarettes are bad for us, but we still use them anyway,” she said. Dr. Robert Rhee, chief of vascular surgery at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn claimed that the skinny-jeans craze hasn’t sparked a nerve-damage epidemic. But he suggests that fashion-forward types will use common sense if they suddenly can’t feel their legs.
Text messaging cuts new diabetes cases by almost 40% Mushtaq Ahmad A new study conducted in southeast India has shown that sending mobile text messages is an effective way of preventing the development of type 2 diabetes in at–risk men. Those who received the SMS, 2 to 3 messages sent twice a week for around 2 years, were 36% less likely to develop diabetes. The findings were reported online in Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology by Ambady Ramachandran, MD, of India Diabetes Research Foundation, Chennai, India, and colleagues. Senior author Desmond Johnston, FMedSci, from Imperial College London, United Kingdom, said: "We’ve known for years that you can prevent type 2 diabetes by modifying your lifestyle, but the problem is how to support people to do that. Frequent personal contact with a doctor is effective, but it’s very costly to provide. We’ve shown that you can achieve similar results using mobile phone messaging, which is a very low–7cost solution." The research team screened around 8000 men aged 25 to 55 years working at 10 industrial organizations in southeast India between August 2009 and November 2012. They had to have a body mass index (BMI) of at least 23 and positive family history of diabetes, own a mobile phone, and be able to read and understand text messages in English. 537 participants with impaired glucose tolerance as determined by an oral glucose tolerance test were selected for inclusion in the study. They were randomly assigned to a mobile phone messaging intervention (n = 271) or to standard care (n = 266). At baseline, all of the men received personalized education and motivation regarding healthy lifestyle principles and written information about diet and physical activity; the prescribed lifestyle changes were similar to those used in the IDPP. Texts were designed to prompt physical activity — stating, for example, "Use stairs instead of a lift (elevator)," — and to encourage healthy eating — "Avoid snacks while watching TV, you may overeat." 60 to 80 different messages were created and sent cyclically, so that participants would not be likely to receive the same message in a 6–month period. Participants were assessed every 6 months, and the 2–year follow– up for the study. Just 11 People Need to Receive Texts to Prevent 1 Case.
4
ZABARWAN TIMES
MONDAY SEPTEMBER | 23| 2013
We have moved on as a team: Rahul Dravid Agencies The shadow of T20 Cricket League(T20-League) spot-fixing might still be looming large but Rajasthan skipper Rahul Dravid feels his team has “moved on” and has “no hangovers” from last edition which saw S Sreesanth and Ankeet Chavan being arrested and subsequently handed life ban by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). “I don’t think we have a hangover from last season. We have put that behind us at the end of the last season. There had been some issues (disciplinary action against Sreesanth & co) that has been resolved. But for the 15 members and support staff in our squad, we have resolved it much before,” Dravid told mediapersons after beating Mumbai by seven wickets in the CLT20 group opener last. “We spoke about it (spot-fixing episode) when we came here. We discussed and acknowledged that it (spot-fixing) had happened and we decided to move on. This team has moved on and now we would like to put up a good show for our fans,” Dravid said. Talking about the match, Dravid lauded his players for showing a lot of professionalism during the run-chase. “There was calmness and professionalism during the chase. Our batsmen didn’t panic and got the job done. Mumbai are
a good side and it’s a terrific way to start the tournament.” Not having any specialist spinner in the starting XI was an “instinctive decision”, according to Dravid. “The wicket was under cover due to rain and was a bit damp. So I took a last-minute decision to go with an all-pace attack. Normally, it is nice to have spinning option but then I had Ashok (Menaria) in the side. Ashok has been bowling well in recent times and I knew that I can get a couple of overs out of him.” The legendary batsman was all praise for his bowlers, especially Himachal Pradesh’s Vikramjeet Malik, who provided Royals with a couple of breakthroughs
at the start. “Vikram bowled well upfront while Jimmy Faulkner was brilliant as usual. Kevon (Cooper) had an off-day but that can happen.” For a side that doesn’t have big stars, Dravid insisted that he tells his boys to do things a bit a differently. “We have to be clever and smart with our tactics. We realize that we don’t have big names, so we need to try and do things differently. We need to surprise our opponents with our tactics. There will be days when Watto (Shane Watson) will win us a game or two but more often than not, we need to perform as a team.” Dravid was full of praise for Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA)’s long-time curator Taposh Chatterjee, who has been in charge of preparing the wickets at Sawai Man Singh Stadium. “Taposh has produced a beauty. It’s a great cricketing wicket. It has got some pace and bounce which our batsmen like. If you look at our team, we don’t have too many sixhitters. We have batsmen who love to play proper cricketing shots. The wicket
Police claim Rauf received gifts, bet on games Agencies The Mumbai police have outlined how Pakistan umpire Asad Rauf, who was listed as a “wanted accused” in the chargesheet on the IPL betting scandal, was allegedly given gifts by bookies, passed on match-related information to them, and placed bets on matches himself while officiating in the tournament.The police made their case on the evidence of transcripts of recorded phone conversations that Rauf allegedly had with other people accused in the chargesheet, and a large portion of it concerns the period before and after the Delhi police arrested three Rajasthan Royals players following their match against Mumbai Indians, which Rauf umpired, at the Wankhede on May 15.The chargesheet also brought out an alleged link between actor-punter Vindoo Dara Singh,
one of the accused, and Rauf through recorded phone conversations. Vindoo was also alleged to have close links with former Chennai Super Kings official Gurunath Meiyappan, who was charged by Mumbai police on Saturday with cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy - including passing on information that compromised the team.“A telephonic conversation between Randhawa [Vindoo Dara Singh] and Rauf at 08:55.14 on May 14 is available. It has a mention of a gold chain gifted to Rauf by wanted accused Sanjay Chhabra alias Sanjay Jaipur and Sandeep Chhabra alias Pawan Jaipur,” the chargesheet said. “Two witnesses have provided additional details in this regard.“At 13:29.44 on May 15, Rauf is heard telling Randhawa in a conversation, “Aaj zindagi ki
haar-jeet kar lena [Tonight you can make or break your life]”. Immediately after the call, Randhawa called Sandeep Chhabra alias Pawan Jaipur and is heard telling him Rauf has asked him to place huge bets on the said match and all the gifts they have awarded to Rauf will pay off in tonight’s game. This is available in the conversation that took place at 15:41.31 on May 15. Rauf was appointed as umpire for the match between Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals on the said day and he is heard telling others to place bets on the match.“At 17:30 on May 15, a conversation is available about Sanjay Chhabra alias Sanjay Jaipur calling Asad Rauf and saying, “sham ko wohi cheez karenge jo aapne batayee [In the evening, we will do exactly as you have told us].“Following the player arrests in Delhi, wanted accused Sanjay Chhabra alias Sanjay Jaipur called Rauf from the number of witness Mahesh Mishra at 19:56.52 on May 16 and asked him to destroy the sim card that was given to him.
suited their style of play.” Dravid was effusive in his praise for young 18-year-old Sanju Samson whose 54 proved to be an important contribution in the final outcome of the match. “Sanju was terrific. He faced four international bowlers that included Mitchell Johnson, Harbhajan Singh, Pragyan Ojha and Nathan Coultier-Nile. He (Sanju) is only 18 and is learning and growing with time. For a kid like him, you don’t readily get a chance to face a Mitchell Johnson everyday. I liked the calmness and control showed by Sanju and Rahane. Stuart also played well under pressure in the end.” Dravid is also happy about the fact that unlike the T20-League, the travelling is much less in this tournament. “It’s nice to unpack your suitcases and put the shirts on the hanger. As an international cricketer, you learn to live out of suitcases. But here we are playing all the matches at Sawai Man Singh Stadium in familiar environment. There aren’t any flights and one feels familiar even in the hotel room.” For someone with more than 24,000 international runs across two formats, Dravid feels that it is important to help youngsters express themselves. “The idea is to create an environment to let the youngsters express themselves. Sometimes it works but there will be times it won’t work.”
Serena Williams may pack a knockout punch and be the greatest player ever to grace women’s tennis, according to Victoria Azarenka, but the world number two insists she is steadily closing the gap. Azarenka suffered another bruising loss to the mighty American in the US Open final earlier this month in a repeat of the 2012 championship match in New York. But the Belarusian quickly climbed off the canvas, saying she was over it in 24 hours.“Serena is the best ever to me,” Azarenka told AFP on Sunday in an interview before her opening match at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo.“I cannot judge somebody who I never played before but for me overall the game of tennis has elevated and the evolution of the game raised up so much that it’s hard to compare. “It’s like comparing Muhammad Ali and Floyd Mayweather,” the 24-year-old added.
“How can you compare two eras? They’re both the greatest in the world but who was the better boxer?” Despite defeat at Flushing Meadows and the enduring brilliance of Williams, Azarenka was in buoyant mood.“Serena is playing the best tennis of her life and so am I,” she said.“It’s been really noticeable the gap from last year we have in the matches has minimised. I’ve beaten her twice this year. No one else has done that. “It’s just exciting to be in the era of some-
Agencies Chennai Super Kings were hit by controversies this year. As they head into the Champions League T20 2013, Nishad Pai Vaidya feels that this may be an opportunity for them to brush aside the tough phase. Amidst all the gloom of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2013 spot-fixing controversy, the Chennai Super Kings capitulated during their run-chase in the final at Kolkata. That a team which had mastered the art of handling pressure collapsed in a heap was evidence of the toll the off-field events had taken on their psyche. Putting that phase behind, Chennai would want to start afresh at the Champions League Twenty20 (CLT20) 2013 and they have a very settled unit to deliver the goods. On Indian soil, they are certainly one of the strongest contenders for the title. The great thing is that Chennai have enough dynamism in their ranks and have players for any conditions. MS Dhoni has one of the most balanced T20 sides at his disposal with a host of dangerous players who have the ability to change the game on its head in a matter of min-
body and competing with somebody who is considered the best ever and being their toughest opponent.” Azarenka, who has held the world’s top ranking, called her 7-5, 6-7, 6-1 defeat at the US Open a “learning experience” but pointed to two victories over Williams in 2013 as evidence she had the game to threaten the dominance of the 17-time grand slam singles champion.“Serena is always improving,” twice Australian Open champion Azarenka said of her nemesis, who turns 32 this week. “This is the beauty of the competition. It’s a healthy competition and you have to rise to the occasion and really step it up (to) the next level if you want to be up there. Serena’s still not done.”Azarenka, whose head-to-head record against Williams is still a lopsided 3-13, said of her latest scholing: “I was over it the next day.“I have a 24-hour rule, win or lose. You have to get up and keep going.”
Lucky Sporting muster one point Agencies Goan club’s strikes fail to deliver; season opener against Mumbai FC ends in 1-1 draw. Mumbai FC (Yellow) and Sporting Club (Orange) in action on Saturday. Sporting Clube de Goa were lucky to muster one point as their I-League season opener against Mumbai FC ended in a 1-1 draw at Shiv Chhatrapati sports complex in Balewadi on Saturday. John Coutinho put the home side, Mumbai FC, ahead in the 44th minute, while substitute Ogba Kalu Nnanna converted a penalty for Sporting in the 77th minute. “We are lucky to get this one point,” said Oscar Bruzon Barreras, head coach of Sporting. It was not just the strike force of Sporting which failed to deliver, but even the goal post came to the rescue for Khalid Jamil
Agencies Sydney, Sept 22 (ANI): Big Bash side Perth Scorchers is reportedly set to turn over a new leaf with their new ‘hard work’ recipe for success and put it into use in the Champions League T20 tournament in India after reports of their late-night drinking session during their failed campaign last year tainted Western Australian cricket. All but three players of the 15-man squad were involved in that infamous night, an incident which cost Marcus North the state captaincy and eventually Lachlan Stevens his job as WA coach. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, however, new coach Justin Langer has implemented an attitude of hard work among the team’s players and has told them to take a ‘no
fear’ approach into the lucrative tournament, even though the Scorchers are considered underdogs to win the event this year. The report mentioned that a host of injuries and withdrawals from players like Shaun Marsh, Mitch Marsh, Pat Cummins, Nathan CoulterNile, Alfonso Thomas and Michael Hussey means the squad is almost unrecognisable compared to that of a year ago. However, Langer said that
they have the chance to repair the Scorchers’ battered reputation, adding that the incident of the past year is irrelevant to him as they have got a strong foundation despite losing six of their marquee players, adding that they have a professional advantage in their closeknit nature. The Scorchers begin their campaign on Monday against South African champions Highveld Lions in Ahmedabad, the report added.
MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings eyeing redemption following a controversy-ridden time
Serena Williams best ever, but I’m closing gap: Victoria Azarenka Agencies
‘Underdogs’ Perth Scorchers to shun booze for ‘hard work’ for Champions League success
utes. At times, handling a plethora of resources can be tricky, but Dhoni marshals his troops well. He knows his strengths and the all-rounders provide the line-up a lot of punch. Although Chennai aren’t playing at
their fortress MA Chidambaram Stadium, they would still feel at home away from home at the JSCA Stadium, Ranchi. As we know, it is skipper Dhoni’s hometown and he is one icon who has put the city on the world’s cricketing map. The crowd would certainly support Chennai and their favourite Dhoni. At the same time, the surface too might suit Chennai. In the only One-Day International (ODI) played at the venue and a couple of IPL matches, the surface has helped the spinners and run-scoring hasn’t been a very easy task.
Agencies
However, during the last IPL game there, we saw a good score being put up and almost overhauled. In such a scenario, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja’s overs are very crucial as they can keep it tight and use the surface to good effect. If it is indeed slow, even Dwayne Bravo can be a crucial option given his ability to bowl the well-disguised slower ones. What’s more is that they play three of their four games at Ranchi and have setup base there. They can only get stronger and build the advantage at the venue. Michael Hussey and Suresh Raina should be the crucial men at the top. The southpaws have had a huge effect on their team’s fortunes. But, in the middle, Dhoni and Dwayne Bravo may have to take on more responsibility in case there is a collapse. Chennai also have to figure out how they would use Albie Morkel. The South African can be a destructive force with the bat, but often walks in situations where he doesn’t have too many deliveries to play. As a result, he has to give it everything right from the beginning. There may be a case for a gamble whereby he may be promoted up the order so that he gets time before an assault.
MI skipper Rohit Sharma fined for slow over-rate Agencies Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma has been fined $1,500, while his teammates were docked $750 each for maintaining a slow over-rate, during their Champions League Twenty20 match against the Rajasthan Royals here. “Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma has been fined after the team maintained a slow over rate during last night’s Karbonn Smart CLT20 match against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur,” the CLT20 organisers said in a statement. At the end of the match last night, Mumbai Indians were assessed to be one over behind the required rate, after allowances were taken into consideration. “Since it was his first offence of the season under the CLT20’s Code of Conduct relating to minimum over-rate offences, Sharma was fined $1,500 whilst each team member was fined $750,” it added. Mumbai lost by seven wickets to Rajasthan Royals to open their CL T20 campaign on a disappointing note here.
CLT20: Mumbai Indians take on qualifiers Otago Votls
Ahmedabad: Jolted by the loss to Rajasthan Royals in their opening match, IPL winners Mumbai Indians face another tricky opponent in in-form qualifiers from New Zealand Otago Volts in their second Group A game of the Champions League Twenty20 here on Monday. Mumbai Indians were outsmarted by the enterprising Rajasthan Royals, going down by seven wickets on Saturday in Jaipur.They hardly have any time to sit back an reflect on
the loss as they make the trip here to face Otago, a team that impressed immensely in the qualifiers by winning all three
of its matches to finish atop the standings.En route the main draw, Otago defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad, Pakistan’s Faisalabad Wolves and Sri Lankan
outfit Kandurata Maroons. The McCullum brothers -- Brendon and Nathan -- have played key roles in the team’s success. While skipper and batting mainstay Brendon has shone with the bat, Nathan has turned in decent bowling performances to help the team’s cause.In contrast, Mumbai could not have hoped for a worse start as they lost to Rajasthan despite being a star-studded outfit. Veteran Sachin Tendulkar, playing his last tournament for the Mumbai Indians, showed some spark with a 15-run cameo, which included three fours. But Mumbai would need more than that from the star batsman. Skipper Rohit Sharma, however, continued to show good form, while Kieron Pollard was also impressive with a 36-
ball 47 down the order. However, against Otago, a side that has mostly stifled opposition batting, it would take a lot more than cameos in the middle. Otago picked up comprehensive wins in the qualifiers but the heavy reliance on Brendon McCullum would be a cause of concern for the team. The side would look for more notbale contributions from opener Neil Broom Hamish Tutherford, who have been decent nonetheless so far. Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma (capt), Sachin Tendulkar, Abu Nechim, Nathan CoulterNile, Rishi Dhawan, Harbhajan Singh, Mitchell Johnson, Dinesh Karthik, Glenn Maxwell, Pragyan Ojha, Akshar Patel, Kieron Pollard, Ambati Rayudu, Dwayne Smith, Aditya Tare.
Khyber 12th Tour de Kashmir Rolls in from Verinag Team Magpie’s Akber Khan wins 1st stage
Pahlagam, Sep 22:
coached side, as Jerry Boima Karpeh’s both attempts hit the cross bar. “They played well, but what matters most is scoring, which they did not,” said Jamil. “We are happy to have one point, as
Sporting are a better team.” Mumbai FC made the first positive move, but Countinho’s try sailed over the bar. And incidentally this was the only move wherein the Mumbai FC were in the Goan citadel.
The Khyber 12th Tour de Kashmir cycling expedition finally rolled in from Tourist resort of Verinag here on Sunday.The -5-stage mega cycling event organized for the promotion of cycling Tourism in the State was jointly flagged off at Verinag by Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Farooq Ahmad Lone and Director Tourism Talat Parvaiz in presence of CEO Verinag Development Authority, Nazir Ahmad Thakur, J&K Sports Development Association (JKSDA) officials and huge number of spectators.Interacting with the riders both local and outsiders, Farooq Ahmad Lone said, “It is historical moment and I am glad to be part of it . The atmosphere is great and the response from people of Anantnag is amazing. They have been waiting to see this event from last 15 days. Today there wish has come true”.“The event has got huge potential and it can become premier cycling event of Country. I welcome national riders for the participation and also at the same time hail local riders,” Lone said. Giving detail about the event, Director Tourism, Talat
Parvaiz, said “Today the dream of Tourism department and JKSDA has becomereality. From the time, Minister of Tourism, Ghulam Ahmad Mir gave his nod for the event, we have been working tirelessly to kick start it”.“ This event can boost our cycling tourism in great way. It has got all the ingredients of becoming premier event of Country. The routes, scenery can attract best of the riders to the Valley,” he said. Hailing national riders, he said, “You are our ambassadors to rest of the Country. After going back you have to promote Kashmir tourism and also this event. That will help us to quash the notion that is among the people in rest of the Country”.As the Traffic Police and Administration had made sufficient arrangements by making roads clear for the riders from Verinag to Pahalgam. It was festive atmosphere all over the route as people in all ages were waiting to see riders passing through their areas. The traffic squad was led by SP Traffic, Manzoor Ahmad. During the event there was one minor incident in which local rider, Umer Bashir got injured. He was provided immediate medication by the Ambulance from Health department.Muhammad Akber
Khan of Team Magpie cruised to victory in first stage and was closely followed by Umer Nabi of Team Khyber. Jagdish of Jabalpur finished third while Hilal Sofi of J&K finished fourth and Amir bagged fifth place. The event is being organized by J&K Sports Development Association (JKSDA) in collaboration with JK Tourism and Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) is being held for the development of Tourism and to bring Kashmir on the Cycling Tourism map of the World.In the 5-stage first of its kind cycling event being held in the Kashmir, around 55 cyclists including national level riders are participating. “Tour de Kashmir is the event that has got all the ingredients of making Kashmir as one of the hot property for Cycling Tourism,” said President, TAAK , Rauf Ahmad Tramboo. JKSDA President, Bashir Ahmad Malik while giving details about the event said, “ It is 5-stage event being held with the purpose to give cycling tourism boost in the State. It has got all the potential to become premiere cycling event of the State and Country”. The event is being title sponsored by Khyber group and cosponsored by ,Mirza Sons, and New JK Roadways.