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Vol. 2 Issue 28 10.00 24 Pages RNI Reg. No.: PUNMUL/2012/45041 Postal Reg. No. PB/JL-047/2013-15

Stardom brings pretense: Dia Mirza

Page 15

SUNDAY 14 July 2013

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Weekly Newspaper
Celebrity 14

National 4

International 6

Fashion 11

Leisure 16

Business 20

Sports 22

Born on 12th. February,1920 at Delhi, endowed with a super intellect and equipped with the natural gift of an artist. He was generous, noble, emotional and a sensitive soul. Refined and cultured in his outlook and habits. he commanded the highest respect and was loved and admired by everyone. Pran was educated at different places namely Kapurthala, Unnao, Meerut, Dehradun and Rampur as his father late Lala Kewal Krishnan Sikand was a Government Civil Contractor for the construction of roads and bridges. Kalsi bridge near Dehradun was constructed by him. photography in Lahore. A chance Page 3

Veteran Actor Pran dead (1920-2013) Pran started his career by learning
The Bodh Gaya terror attack could have been aimed to settle scores for the targeting of Rohingya Muslims in Buddhist-majority Myanmar and the involvement of Lashkar-e-Taiba and other radical Islamist groups cannot be ruled out in brainwashing impressionable minds to carry out the bombing, say experts. Former foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal feels the Myanmar link to Sundays serial bombings, in which two monks were injured, is quite plausible, while former ambassador G. Parthasarathy feels that circumstantial evidence would seem to link the terror attack to the targeting of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. According to Sibal, the Rohingya Muslims were being persecuted and killed in 5 the restive Rakhine provPage

Bodh Gaya terror bombing to settle scores?

American whistleblower Edward Snowden has agreed to take political asylum in Venezuela, a Russian lawmaker said. As was expected, Snowden agreed to (Venezuelan President Nicolas) Maduros offer of political asylum, Xinhua quoted Alexei Pushkov, head of the international affairs committee in Russias lower house of parliament, as posting on Twitter. Apparently, Snowden found this option the most reliable, he wrote. But the tweet was later removed, and Pushkov said in a new message that he had learnt of Snowdens decision from a news report on Russian state TV channel Vesti 24. Venezuela, Nicaragua and Bolivia have all offered political asylum to Snowden. Page 7

Snowden agrees to asylum in Venezuela: Russian lawmaker

A beaming Indias skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni said after leading his team to an amazing victory in the tri-series final against Sri Lanka that he backed his instincts to get 15 runs in the last over to clinch the match. Dhoni in his post-match remarks Thursday said he knew any bowler who was going to bowl the last over would not be as experienced as Lasith Malinga and he backed himself to get the required runs. I knew I could look forward to getting the 15 runs in the last over as Shaminda Eranga was an inexperienced bowler and my instinct worked today, Dhoni said. Dhoni said he had to change his bat twice in the closing stages of the match as he needed a heavier bat. Dhoni, who pushed his deputy Virat

Dhonis cameo denies Sri Lanka Tri Nation victory

U Connectt answers 4 key questions essential to freshers this year

Page 12-13

Kohli Pageahead 23 to receive the $60,000 winners cheque and the Celkon

2 Student of the Year!

It is that time of the year! Millions of students having borne the brunt of near perfect cut-offs, gruelling entrance exams and truck loads of anxiety, shall move to the liberty and excitement of college life. College marks the watershed between a sheltered and guided existence of a teenager to the unguided and exciting adventure of young adulthood. This is the time when dreams will take flight and imagination shall meet hard reality. Unlike the boom of the early and middle 2000s gradu-

OPINION
EDITORIAL DESK
ating in todays job market is a tough ask. For a generation conditioned to high growth rates and all round visible progress, an economic downturn may not be an easy scenario to comprehend. Conversely when it comes to individual freedom and networking there cannot be better times for the youth in India. A spurt in mobile Internet and all round access to social media has opened up great avenues for the youth to mobilize and gravitate towards issues close to heart. To quote Dickens It was the best

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 14 July 2013

Manu Sharma
of times, it was the worst of times. It was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness. Lethargy, lack of innovation, poor national leadership, corruption and a stalling economy are looming large over the future of our new crop of citizens. However no other previous generation of students or dare we say young citizens was as empowered and enlightened with tools of information as this one. There is a lot riding on the young shoulders entering colleges this Summer, we wish them all the best!

Realty watchdog bill needs matching reforms for efficacy

Vinod Behl A recent survey by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs has dubbed the real estate sector as the second worst industry after telecom in terms of quality of service. This, it said, was causing a monetary loss of Rs 32.3 crore ($5.5 million - though the figure is only a tip of the iceberg) due to delayed delivery and poor quality of houses. Add to this the funding crisis, unaffordable property, rising delivery defaults, falling sales and plummeting investor confidence, and the picture is complete. The one single biggest factor responsible for the real estate mess is the lack of a regulatory and redressal mechanism. In this backdrop, the Real Estate Regulatory Bill cleared by the union cabinet assumes significance. The key provisions of this bill include: - Compulsory licensing of developers and property brokers; - Mandatory registration of projects; - Complete disclosure of approvals and project plans; - Ban on launching and advertising any project without necessary approvals; - Mandatory disclosure in advertisements and prospectus to check gap between promise and delivery; - Property sale on the basis of carpet area; - Removing the ambiguity with regard to carpet and super area; - Restriction on fund diversion with mandatory escrow account; - Compensations for delays in delivery; - Obligation on developers to address quality issues after delivery; and - Appellate tribunal for dispute resolutions and imprisonment and penalty for non-complying developers. Today, the consumer is at the receiving end with no effective redressal mechanism in place. Besides quality issues, consumers have been facing problems of delayed delivery, super area manipulations and unfulfilled promises. But the real estate regulator promises to put malpractices to an end, ensuring fair play and transparency in real estate transactions. But then, the key to its success lies in implementing it in letter and spirit so that this does not end up as just another piece of legislation, adding to yet another layer of red-tapism and corruption, resulting in delays and price escalations. One major flaw in the bill is that government authorities are not under the purview of the regulator. As such, it poses a challenge to check delays and subsequent increase in prices due to long approval processes. Therefore, there is a need for supporting reforms to simplify and streamline approval processes which hold up projects, choke up supply and add to cost of property. One hopes that the government will put the single-window clearance system in place soon following the report submitted by the expert committee set up by the Housing Ministry on this subject. Also, pro-consumer provisions in the bill that builders will not be able to advertise and launch their projects without all the required permissions being in place will further constraint the supply. As such the government will have to come up with a policy to boost affordable housing by way of incentives to developers in terms of cheap funding and liberalized area and density norms, and lower tax structure, besides favourable rental housing policy. Property buyers also need to be given relief by way of cheaper home loan and reduced registration charges. The governments recent move to classify home developers under the commercial real estate-residential category, will bring easy and cheaper funding to both developers and home buyers. Loans for low-cost housing are also likely to get cheaper with National Housing Board (NHB) formulating guidelines to ensure companies raise cheaper funds through overseas borrowings and pass on the benefits to home loan seekers. The land reforms including the Land Acquisition Bill and proposed amendments in the Registration Act would help prevent fraudulent transactions and also make compensations under the proposed Land Acquisitions Bill easier. Going forward, the Real Estate Regulatory Bill will prove its efficacy only if relevant reforms are also made alongside, paving the way for more fair, credible and transparent transactions, thereby making real estate investor-friendly.

Bodh Gaya Blasts

In an act reminiscent of the destruction of Bamiyan Buddhas by the Taliban zealots of Afghanistan, Bodh Gaya one of the holiest shrines of Buddhism and Hinduism was attacked by terrorists. Initial reports suggest ownership of the act lying with Indian Mujahideen terror group. Prior intelligence available with the agencies indicated an interest in Buddhist sites of veneration ever since the 2012 Rakhine riots of Myanmar that involved Rohingya ethnicity of Myanmar. The riots saw clashes erupt in the restive Arakan region of Myanmar leading to over 80,000 people being displaced and hundreds ending up as dead or missing. Ronhingya issue became internationalized due to intervention by pan-Islamic organizations who have roots in orthodoxy. Adding to this a lot of displaced Rohingyas ended up in different countries such as India, Bangladesh and Thailand thus disturbing the local equilibrium there. Fringe terror groups are believed to have gotten Buddhist sites in their cross hairs since 2012. Unable to find any big ones that were lightly protected or where the security apparatus was less likely to investigate them, they chose India. Ironically enough the timing of the attack coincided with attempts of a section of the government to soft peddle the humiliation of premier domestic spy agency, the IB. Rightly spotting an opening the terror group struck when Indian intelligence system was in disarray. Almost as if on the cue the politicians too did not disappoint us, INC general secretary Digvijay Singh minced no words and went for his rival Narendra Modi completely ignoring the context, investigations and the ownership of the act of terror. Terror 1 Indian 0.

Peripheral shift in literature sprinkling regional flavours

Shilpa Raina Regional literature in India has always mirrored social changes, conflicts and cultural shifts of society while Indian writings in English have traced the history and cultural aspects of the metros. These streams are slowly being bridged by a new breed of writers who are venturing beyond the metros and adding piquant flavours to their works. Reaching out to the northeast are TV journalist Kishalay Bhattacharjees Che in Paona Bazar and Aruni Kashyaps debut novel The House with a Thousand Stories. This region has often been shrouded in mystery and stereotyped in umpteen ways, but through these writings, the narrative has navigated through fictional characters in the local settings to give a glimpse of local food, music and culture along the lines of loss, love and conflict. My primary focus was to chronicle stories that would connect the dots and present the big picture and also attempt to rid the stereotypical images, admitted Bhattacharjee, whose novel has a series of snapshots from Manipur and is based on real events. Given the fact this senior journalist grew up in Shillong and has covered the conflict in the region for 17 years, this automatically lends credibility to the poignant narrative and descriptions. The triumvirate of cities - Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata - have caught the fancy of many authors who have used different storytelling methods to explore them through their culture, history, society or night life. Be it William Dalrymples wellresearched City of Djinns, Suketu Mehtas revelations in Maximum City: Bombay Lost and Found or Amit Chaudhuris lucid tale about Kolkata in Calcutta: Two Years in the City - each one has chosen a unique subject to make the text interesting. The peripheral shift is a win-win situation for writers in English. It is true that nowadays you have many new voices speaking of towns, cities and regions that are beyond the metros. I think this is happening because the focus is shifting from the centre to the periphery and readers want to know of things that seem to be increasingly falling off the radar, Pan Macmillan India editorial director Pranav Kumar Singh told IANS. This is adding to the diversity of publishing and engaging readers in many different and new ways, he added. These writings come with a sense of belonging and familiarity, often throwing up daunting challenges for a writer to do justice to the terrain. It has challenges because it can turn out to be entirely anecdotal but my journalistic training helped me to see its objectively, Bhattacharjee said, adding the natural reaction of the reader can be what will an outsider know about our people and places?. Kashyap, whose novel is about Mayong situated on the bank of the Brahmaputra in Assam, felt the regional shift is perhaps because the concept of a pan-Indian novel is slowly diluting. One of the reasons why the new crop of writers are setting their novels in smaller cities and writing on regional themes is because the panIndian novel in English is probably not relevant any more, Kashyap told IANS. The Indian-English writer is no more burdened with the responsibility of narrating about the nation, he added. In the coming months, Amitava Kumars Drunken Rats and Angry Poets. A Short Biography of Patna will pay a mocking, yet affectionate tribute to a Patna citizen. Part-reportage, part-memoir, the novel will document the changes Patna has undergone through the years. So will the strong aroma of coffee waft in the air with Nirmala Lakshmans Degree Coffee By The Yard. A Short Biography of Madras that will focus on the unseen characteristics that one would have otherwise missed about the city that is now called Chennai. These novels, part-fictional, partnon-fictional are laced with personal memories, detailed observations and associations that are nostalgic at times. The childhood memories arent nostalgic rants but carefully chosen to present a sharper picture of the people and places. Those places are not imagined communities but made up of real people with their anxieties, loves, frustrations and struggles like any other people anywhere in the world, Bhattacharjee said of his novel. Not aimed to be travelogues, the visual description in these novels is often so evocative that readers may end up with putting the place on their travel list. That happened with Kashyap while he was reading Chimamanda Ngozi Adichies Americanah. Such were the descriptions of Lagos that I felt like visiting the city, he admitted, saying he will be more than happy if a reader connects with his book and visits Assam. This peripheral shift is here to stay and Pranav Singh felt the different voices will give new dimensions to a place or city. Each individual and every author has a different view of his city and as long as the voice speaks of some new dimension of the city, these cities will continue to be written about, he added.

Tailpiece
Yet another British-era relic is chugging into history books. The days of the 65-km-long narrow gauge train from Dholpur to Tantpur in Agra district are numbered. The century-old train, that ferried the famous Dholpur stone for the construction of Rashtrapati Bhavan and Parliament House in Delhi, is going to make way for a bigger and more modern one. North Central Railway has drawn up plans for gauge conversion on the line and in this years railway budget Rs.212 crore were released to begin work between Dholpur and Sir Mathura. The two-feet-six-inches wide track will be converted into a broad gauge. As the train chugs into history, area residents have been filled with nostalgia. A senior scribe from the area, Rajiv Saxena, said he would miss the slow-moving train. The romance of this adventure trail will now be over, Saxena told. Rao Narendra Singh from the royal family of Sri Mathura said: Its slow like a snail, you can get off and climb back and its fun to be on the roof of this strange mode of transport. In the late 1950s we used to catch this train from Sri Mathura, later it became Sir Mathura, to reach Dholpur.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Letters may be emailed to the editoruconnect@gmail.com ,with full postal address and the full name or the name with initials.

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 14 July 2013

Veteran actor Pran dead (1920-2013)

Legendary actor Pran Kishan Sikand, popular as Pran, breathed his last at the Lilavati Hospital here late Friday evening following prolonged illness, his son said. He was 93. His cremation took place on Saturday at Shivaji park.

About Pran

Born on 12th. February,1920 at Delhi, endowed with a super intellect and equipped with the natural gift of an artist. He was generous, noble, emotional and a sensitive soul. Refined and cultured in his outlook and habits. he commanded the highest respect and was loved and admired by everyone. Pran was educated at different places namely Kapurthala, Unnao, Meerut, Dehradun and Rampur as his father late Lala Kewal Krishnan Sikand was a Government Civil Contractor for the construction of roads and bridges. Kalsi bridge near Dehradun was constructed by him. Pran started his career by learning photography in Lahore. A chance meeting with a film producer, got him his first break in Yamla Jat in 1940. Married in 1945 to Shukla, he has two sons Arvind and Sunil, and one daughter Pinky.At partition in 1947, Pran came to Mumbai and restarted his film career after a brief struggle. He has acted in over 400 films and in each one has a new mannerism and a different style, holding the audience spellbound by his versatile and dynamic acting. As a villain, in films like Ram Aur shyam people shuddered with fear and hated him, and yet loved him as the good, unforgettable Mangal chacha in Upkar. Pran has a very social nature and he is member of various organizations like Punjab Association, Mumbai, CCI club Mumbai, Bombay Provincial Hockey Association, Western Indian Football Association Bombay, Chelmsford Club Delhi, Press Club of India Delhi and The Otters Club Bombay.

Being a sports lover and a good sportsmen he had his own football team DYNAMOS FOOTBALL CLUB which he financed for a number of years in the fifties. Along with his film career he has been engaged in a number of Social activities, including the Chief Ministers Relief Fund, Maratha Sikshan Sanatha, Film Industry Welfare Trust. He has organised charity events and cricket matches, as well as the Hope 86 and Hope 87 shows for the needy people in the film industry. Under the patronage of the Late, His Excellency Nawab Ali Yawar Jung, Pran presented a number of charity shows for the refugees of Bangladesh and for the deaf and dumb. In his six decade career, Pran has received many Awards, prominent among these are: The Shiromani Award, Four Awards from Filmfare Four Awards from Shama Sushma group Villain of the millenium Award from Stardust Life Time Achievement Award from Screen-Videocon Excellence In Cinema Award from Lux-Zee cinema,

Some of the best Awards Pran won during his Cinematic Journey
1960 1967 1970 1973 1973 1990 Best Villain Special Award for Upkar Top Awards Winner Best Supporting Actor for Zanjeer Best Actor of the Decade for Zanjeer Kala Rattan Award For Completing 50 Glorious Years In Cinema Lux Zee Cine AwardLifetime Achievement Award For Excellence In Cinema Lifetime achievement Andhra Pradesh Film Journalists Association Uttar Pradesh Film Journalists Association Andhra Pradesh Film Journalists Association Shama - Sushma Film Award Uttar Pradesh Film Journalists Association Presented by Punjabi Kala Sangam Lux Zee Cine Awards

2000

2013

Dadasaheb Phalke Award

Andhra Pradesh Film Journalists Association, Uttar Pradesh Film Journalists Association Punjabi Kala Sangam, Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association Award The Lions Club Award His favourite hobbies now are watching sports ( football, hockey, cricket ), reading and looking after his pet dogs. He has 5 grand children and 2 great grand children,who visit him often.

For Advertisement and Circulation Contact : sales@rajpandit.com 0172-4647726

NATIONAL NEWS
misused, he said. Congress sources said the order banning convicts as public representatives was fine but the second order barring politicians from contesting polls while in police custody or in jail could result in false cases by political rivals, especially on the eve of the polls. The Communist Party of IndiaMarxist said the apex court judgment that a person who is in jail or in police custody cannot contest elections to legislative bodies should be overturned. This is a drastic judgment which will infringe on the democratic rights of citizens. A person who is an undertrial prisoner, who is not convicted of any offence, or a person who is in police custody without having faced a trial and conviction will be deprived of the right to contest elections, the party said. The party said the intention of the judgment banning convicts as public representatives was good and laudable but conviction by a trial court is often set aside by a higher court on appeal. Therefore, the judgment needs to be clarified by a review, it said. Samajwadi Party leader Mohan Singh said the order banning convicts as elected representatives was fine but the second order which bans a person in jail from contesting polls needs further elaboration. Political analysts said the court judgments were laudable but admitted that there was possibility of misuse by vested interests. Aswini K. Ray, a former professor of political science at Jawaharlal Nehru University, said the two verdicts were seminal and very desirable. It will obviously decriminalize politics, Ray told. He said there could be cases of misuse of provisions but that should rather be tolerated given the scale of presence of politicians with criminal cases in legislatures. An analysis by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and National Election Watch of 4,807 sitting MPs and MLAs revealed that 1,460 (30 percent) of them have declared criminal cases against them in their affidavits to the Election Commission. It said that 688 (14 percent) out of the total number of sitting MPs and MLAs analyzed have declared serious criminal cases against themselves. The analysis said that 162 (30 percent) out of the 543 Lok Sabha MPs have declared criminal cases against them and 14 percent face serious criminal cases. It said 82 percent of MPs and MLAs who have gotten elected on Jharkhand Mukti Morcha tickets have declared criminal cases against themselves. The number was 64 percent for Rashtriya Janata Dal and 48 percent for Samajwadi Party. The analysis said that 31 percent of MPs and MLAs who got elected on BJP tickets have declared criminal cases against them. The number was 21 percent for the Congress. Jagdeep Chhokar, founder member of ADR, hailed the apex court verdicts. The verdict disqualifying convicted legislators is a very progressive judgment. It has potential to start the process of cleansing Indian politics of criminal elements. It is also an opportunity for political parties to start in-house cleansing, Chhokar told. Referring to the second judgment, Chhokar said it clears a constitutional position. If you cant vote, you cannot be allowed to contest, he said. A.S. Narang, a professor at the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), said the court orders had pricked the conscience of the political class and it should also goad civil society towards action. Problem of criminalisation should be taken seriously by the political parties, he said. However, he said the apex court had gone a little too far in its verdict that those in police custody cannot fight polls.
IANS

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 14 July 2013

Political parties nervous over SC verdicts, campaigners happy

New Delhi The seminal judgments of the Supreme Court barring legislators who have been convicted or those in jail from contesting elections have cheered those longing for decriminalization of politics while causing heartburn among political parties, though they are not openly expressing it. The parties have expressed fears about possible misuse of some legal provisions but have lauded parts of the verdicts in keeping with the popular mood of the nation. The landmark verdicts of the Supreme Court Wednesday, relating to the background of election candidates, are likely to goad the parties into being more careful in the process of selection of candidates. It has also accelerated the old debate on much-needed reforms in the electoral system. Bharatiya Janata Party vice-president Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the government should move towards electoral reforms taking the apex court orders into account. The best course is for the government to move forward on electoral reforms in the light of apex court verdicts and reports of various commissions, Naqvi told. He said the BJP welcomed any move that works towards cleansing the electoral system but parts of the apex court judgments may create practical difficulties. He said there was possibility of misuse of the apex courts judgment that a person who is in jail or in police custody cannot contest elections. In the democratic system like that in India, such provisions can be misused. It can impose some hurdles in agitational actions that political parties undertake from time to time in the interest of the common man, Naqvi reasoned. Congress spokesperson Shakeel Ahmed said the apex court verdicts were aimed at cleaning the political arena. But the government and the court should ensure these should not be

Decision on minors role in Delhi gangrape July 25

New Delhi The Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) here Thursday deferred till July 25 its decision on the role of a minor accused in the Dec 16, 2012, gangrape case, while holding him guilty for the separate robbery charge. Principal Magistrate Geetanjali Goel reserved the decision in the gangrape case, saying that the final verdict will be given July 25. She advised the media not to speculate on the decision before it comes out. The proceedings were also attended by the father of the gangraped woman, who died in a Singapore hospital during treatment. The boards decision on the punishment for the juvenile in the robbery case, in which he was held guilty, is also likely to be given July 25. The order on the robbery case against the juvenile will be taken up on the same day (July 25), Rajesh Tewari, legal head counsel of JJB, told reporters. The board concluded July 5 its hearing in the robbery case filed against the juvenile and reserved its order for Thursday. The accused, who was aged 17-andhalf years at the time of the gangrape and robbery, may face a maximum punishment of a three-year stay in a special home, including the time already spent in detention during the proceedings in the board. He turned 18 last month. During the trial, the juvenile was kept at a government-run observation home. After the conviction and punishment, he may be shifted to a special home, said a police officer. Reacting to the development in the board, the gangraped womans father said: We will not be satisfied till he is punished. We want all the six accused to get tough punishment, it should be either death sentence or life imprisonment. If any lesser punishment is given to them, it will not be justice to our daughter. We are waiting for the final verdict, the victims father told. A 23-year-old woman was gangraped and brutally assaulted in a moving bus in Delhi Dec 16 last year. Thirteen days later, she died in a Singapore hospital where she was taken for treatment. Six people, including the juvenile, were arrested in the case. While accused Ram Singh, Mukesh, Pawan Gupta, Vinay Sharma and Akshay Thakur were tried by a fast track court in Saket in south Delhi, the juveniles case was heard by the JJB. The case against Ram Singh was dropped after he was found dead, hanging in his cell in Tihar Jail here.

Buddhists demand security for their shrines in the northeast

Five killed as heavy rains lash Andhra Pradesh

Heavy rains continued to lash many parts of Andhra Pradesh Friday, claiming five lives and throwing the normal life out of gear. Parts of coastal Andhra and Telangana regions were receiving incessant rains for the second day, leading to rivulets, streams and tanks overflowing, inundating low-lying areas, affecting road transport, and disrupting electricity supply and communication. With the met department forecasting more rains under the impact of low pressure area over the next two days, the state government has alerted district authorities. Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Raghuveera Reddy told reporters here that officials were directed to remain alert and evacuate people from low-lying areas, wherever necessary. Five people were killed in different rain-related incidents. In Hyderabad, where the normal life was affected due to rains for the second day, one woman was killed when a house collapsed in Mangalhat area. Two peeople were washed away when flood water from a channel overflowed onto the Kataram-Mahamutharam road in Karimnagar dis-

trict. A woman died in wall collapse in Adilabad district while another person died of electrocution in Nalgonda district. Several low-lying areas in Hyderabad were inundated due to heavy downpour since Thursday. According to met officials, the state capital received 10 cm rainfall till Friday morning. The showers flooded roads in Hyderabad and its twin city of Secunderabad, throwing the traffic out of gear. Electricity supply was also disrupted in many parts of the twin cities. Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, who is in New Delhi, reviewed the situation over phone with the top officials. He directed them to closely monitor the situation and evacuate people from low lying areas, if nec-

essary. Raghuveera Reddy said 110 lowlying areas were identified in Hyderabad. Officials said 9 to 11 cm rainfall was recorded in Telangana districts of Medak, Nalgonda, Warangal, Khammam and Hyderabad. In Adilabad district, 25 villages were cut off due to overflowing Gorrapalli stream in Vemanapalli mandal. Some villages in Khammam district were also marooned. With the heavy inflows, the level of Godavari River at Bhadrachalam in Khammam district rose to 24.4 feet. Officials said 50,000 cusecs water was let into sea from Cotton Barrage across Godavari near Dawaleswaram.
IANS

Agartala Buddhists in the northeastern region have demanded proper security for their shrines in the region, home to about 15 lakh Buddhists, a spokesman said here Wednesday. According to Tripura Bikhu Sangha vice-president Srota Ranjan Khisa, over 15 lakh Buddhists reside in the eight northeastern states, where there are over 5,000 Buddhist temples. Buddhists have been organising rallies across the northeast since Monday. They have also sent a memorandum to the president through the respective governors, demanding security for their temples, Khisa told. Thousands of Buddhists organised a

big rally in Agartala and submitted a memorandum to Governor Devananda Konwar, addressed to President Pranab Mukherjee, demanding tightening of security at Buddhist shrines across the country. The rallies are being organised in the northeastern region following the 10 serial blasts that rocked Bodh Gayas Mahabodhi temple in Bihar early Sunday morning. Buddhists in Tripura had earlier organised a series of protests against attacks on places of worship and homes of fellow-Buddhists at Ramu, a tribal, Buddhist-dominated village in Chittagong Hill Tracts of southeast Bangladesh last year.

Life term for staged shootout to 21, including 13 policemen

Mumbai A Mumbai Sessions Court Friday sentenced to life 21 people, including 13 policemen, for the killing of gangster Ram Narayan Gupta, alias Lakhanbhai, in a staged shootout Nov 11, 2006. The prime accused in the case, former encounter specialist and policeman Pradeep Sharma, was acquitted of all charges and set free by the court July 5 when the verdict was delivered. Delivering the quantum of punishment for the remaining 21 accused, including high-profile policeman Pradeep Suryawanshi, Sessions Judge V.D. Jadhwar slapped them all with conviction for life. The court found them guilty of murder and destroying evidence of their IANS acts.

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 14 July 2013

NATIONAL NEWS

5
Tight vigil at Kolkata shrines after Bihar blasts

Puri Rath Yatra begins amid tight security

Bodh Gaya terror bombing to settle scores?

New Delhi The Bodh Gaya terror attack could have been aimed to settle scores for the targeting of Rohingya Muslims in Buddhist-majority Myanmar and the involvement of Lashkar-e-Taiba and other radical Islamist groups cannot be ruled out in brainwashing impressionable minds to carry out the bombing, say experts. Former foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal feels the Myanmar link to Sundays serial bombings, in which two monks were injured, is quite plausible, while former ambassador G. Parthasarathy feels that circumstantial evidence would seem to link the terror attack to the targeting of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. According to Sibal, the Rohingya Muslims were being persecuted and killed in the restive Rakhine province of Myanmar and therefore some extremist elements would want to settle scores. He also feels that the targetting of Bodh Gaya temple complex, a World Heritage site where the Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment, is reminiscent of the Taliban destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan. Sibal also feels that reports of the LeT training the Rohingyas is entirely possible. Symbolically, Buddhist holy places or Buddhist heritage is considered a target by extremist Muslim elements, therefore in the Indian subcontinent context, I see a connection between the Bamiyan Buddhas and the attempts here, Sibal told IANS. Opposition BJP leader Sushma Swaraj had tweeted after the bombings that India is the land of Buddha. We will not allow a Bamiyan here. The Taliban had dynamited the

Bhubaneswar The annual Ratha Yatra (chariot procession) of Lord Jagannath, his brother Bhalabhadra and sister Subhadra began at Odishas beach town of Puri amid tight security Wednesday, officials said. The ceremonial procession of the deities known as Pahandi - carrying the deities out of the temple to the chariots - started at 9.45 a.m., Laxmidhar Pujapanda, public relations officer of the temple administration, told IANS. More than 800,000 devotees reached the town, some 55 km from the state capital Bhubaneswar, by 11.30 a.m. Their numbers could swell to more than a million by evening, Pujapanda said. The festival marks the annual journey of the three deities from the 12th century Jagannath temple in three splendidly decorated wooden chariots, pulled by devotees, to the Gundicha temple, around three km away. The festival ends nine days later when the deities make their way back home to the Jagannath temple. The return journey, known as Bahuda Jatra, will be held July 19. Devotees from different parts of the country and abroad attend this annual procession to get a glimpse of the deities, which is considered auspicious. The chariots are pulled with ropes by devotees amid chanting of hymns. The state government has made adequate security arrangements to maintain law and order during the festival. Over 7,000 policemen are deployed across Puri to prevent any untoward incident, Superintendent of Police Anup Kumar Sahoo told IANS. It is for the first time that the vehicles of VIPs are not being allowed to reach close to the temple. Such vehicles have to be parked at a distance, Sahoo said. Besides a large number of closed circuit cameras installed at various places, bomb detection and disposal squads and fire tenders have been deployed to meet emergencies, the officer added.

Bamiyan Buddhas, the 6th century monumental statues of the Buddha hewn into the side of a cliff in Bamyan valley in central Afghanistan, in 2001 triggering worldwide outrage. Parthasarathy said there are elements stirring up the Muslim population on the Rohingya issue. Elaborating, the former envoy to Myanmar and Pakistan said that last year there was a strange protest in Mumbai, a large protest by groups of Muslims who even vandalized a memorial to Indian soldiers defending the country. He was referring to the protests by hundreds of Muslims, belonging to several Muslim organisations, in Azad Maidan last year in August against the Assam riots and the attacks on Muslims in Myanmar. So, quite obviously there are people stirring up the Muslim population on this issue, he said, and added that new groups in the subcontinent are getting involved. In Bangladesh, there has been most

recently a group called the Hefazate-Islam which is calling for Shariat law, the blasphemy law and declaration of Bangladesh as an Islamic emirate, and they received large support in demonstrations in Kolkata strangely. The Hefazat have incidentally targeted Buddhist and Hindu minorities in Bangladesh and attacked their shrines So, you see, there have been a series of developments in the neighbourhood. On the links of the LeT to the blasts, Parthasarathy said that Let chief Hafiz Saeed has been saying that India should stop backing Myanmar and that it is Indias backing that is encouraging Myanmar in the killings of Rohingyas.. But he forgets conveniently that the strongest backing for Myanmar comes from China historically. So, obviously there is a move to stir up the population here, and I would not be surprised if some young impressionable people are taken in, he added. IANS

Kolkata In the aftermath of Sundays bombings at Bodh Gaya in Bihar, police Monday said they were maintaining a constant vigil at the landmark Kali temple in Dakshineswar of neighbouring North 24 Parganas district. The Dakshineswar Kali Temple, established by Rani Rashmoni in mid-19th century, is being constantly monitored though no additional security measures have been put in place. We are monitoring. Vigilance has been increased. We already have a strong security system in place, including CCTV cameras and metal detectors, Debashish Bej, deputy commissioner (detective department) of Barrackpore police commissionerate, told IANS. Joint Commissioner of Police Jawed Shamim said that the over 200-yearold Kalighat Kali temple in south Kolkata has strong security. There are no additional measures that have been adopted now. At least two Buddhist monks were injured early Sunday in multiple blasts at the Bodh Gaya temple. The blasts did not cause any casualty or damage to the temple and the Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment, a police officer said. The temple at Bodh Gaya was built at the spot where the Buddha attained enlightenment over 2,500 years ago. It was declared a UNESCO World IANS Heritage Site in 2002.

Toll in Secunderabad hotel collapse rises to 16

96 percent of people in Delhi would not aid accident victims

New Delhi Delhi would probably be the worst place to meet with an accident, as the chances of getting help from bystanders is the lowest, a new survey reveals. Nearly 96 percent of people who witness accidents in Delhi are unlikely to be the first to come to the aid of a victim in case of serious injuries, a survey by SaveLife Foundation, carried out with the support of Bloomberg Philanthropies and Global Road Safety Partnership at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, found. Overall, 74 percent of people who witness accidents in the major cities of India are unlikely to help an accident victim. Uttar Pradeshs Kanpur is only marginally better than Delhi, as 95 percent of the accident witnesses were unlikely to help a victim. The figure is 90 percent for Mumbai. Public inaction is often blamed, but in several mass-casualty incidents such as building collapses and train crashes, it is the public that is often the first to respond to the victims. But why do people hesitate when it comes to victims of road accidents and violence? This study documents and answers that question, Piyush Tiwari, Founder of SaveLife Foundation, said. Interestingly, the survey says 88 percent of the respondents said the reason for not getting involved was legal hassles they might later have to face. Some 77 percent also were apprehensive about having to stay in the hospital and pay registration charges, while 49 percent said they feared getting late to whatever they were headed for. The survey was carried out among 1,027 road users across Delhi, Hyderabad, Kanpur, Ludhiana, Mumbai, Indore and Kolkata. A report of the Law Commission of India states that 50 percent of those who currently die in accidents could be saved if they received timely medical attention. Another 80 percent of victims fail to receive emergency medical care within the Golden Hour, a 2006 survey found. More than 1,35,000 deaths were caused by road accidents in 2012 in India. After the infamous Delhi gang-rape of December 2012, the victims lay on the road naked, and no one approached to help them. Of the respondents, 88 percent said there was need for a Good Samaritan Law that would create an environment supportive to those who came to the aid of accident victims.
IANS

Three militants lynched in Meghalaya

Shillong Angry villagers Wednesday lynched three militants in Meghalaya, police official said. The three suspected members of the breakaway faction of the Achik National Volunteers Council (ANVCB) were beaten to death in Omarpur village in North Garo Hills district, a police official said. Police said two Chinese pistols were also recovered from one of the victims. The ANVC-B is a splinter group of the ANVC, which has been observing a tripartite ceasefire with the central and Meghalaya governments for nine years. IANS

Hyderabad The toll in a hotel collapse in Secunderabad Tuesday rose to 16 with the rescuers retrieving three more bodies from the rubble. Two of them were workers of the hotel while the third is yet to be identified, police said. For the second day, the rescue workers continued to look for survivors under the debris of City Light Hotel. They believe two more people could still be trapped under the debris. Officials of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) said the clearing of the debris is likely to be completed by Tuesday evening. Rescue teams from National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) sifted through the debris looking for survivors.

The two-storey building in Secunderabad, the twin city of Hyderabad, collapsed early Monday. Thirteen bodies were recovered Monday while 23 injured were shifted to hospital. GHMC officials said the experts were moving cautiously while clearing debris to prevent any harm to those who may yet be trapped. The rescue workers pulled out 20 people from the rubble. The injured were admitted to Gandhi Hospital, where the condition of two is stated to be critical. Police have booked hotel owner Hasan Boluki for negligence. Hasans son Mustafa Boluki died in the mishap. Hasan, who was relieved from hotel work by his son a few minutes before the mishap, suffered cardiac arrest upon hearing about his death. He was earlier believed to have been injured.

INTERNATIONAL

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 14 July 2013

Continued support vital as myanmar proceeds with transition process, says ban
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today told a group of Myanmars international partners that continued support will be vital for the country, which has taken some important steps in the past year, but faces a number of challenges, including national reconciliation and communal violence. The Government and people of Myanmar need continued support to move towards a truly irreversible reform process and to deliver the dividends of peace and inclusive development, Mr. Ban said in his opening remarks to the meeting in New York of the Group of Friends of Myanmar. He noted important steps taken in the past year, including the advancement of the reform process by the Parliament. At the same time, peace and reconciliation with armed ethnic groups remains a pressing priority. Sustainable peace will require an inclusive process of political dialogue that results in viable arrangements for power and resource sharing, he said. Mr. Ban said that he was deeply troubled by the communal violence that swept Rakhine state and elsewhere, and that he remains deeply concerned about the plight of the Rohingya population and their disturbing humanitarian situation. Several waves of clashes between ethnic Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims, the first of which occurred in June 2012, have affected hundreds of thousands of families in the countrys western region. Some 140,000 people, mostly Rohingya, remain displaced in Rakhine and tens of thousands of others have fled by boat. There is a dangerous polarization taking place within Myanmar, warned Mr. Ban. If it is not addressed urgently and firmly, underlying tensions could provoke more upheaval, undermining the reform process and triggering negative regional repercussions. He added that it will be important for

UN report cites advertising ban as powerful tool in reducing tobacco use

One in three people is now covered by at least one life-saving measure to limit tobacco use, according to a United Nations report which highlights the progress over the past five years of reducing potential smokers through advertising bans and awareness campaigns. According to the report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic 2013, the number of people covered by bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship increased by almost 400 million since 2003, bringing the total number of people covered to 2.3 billion. In addition, the report shows that 3 billion people, most of which live in low and middle-income countries, are now covered by national anti-tobacco campaigns, most of them. However, the report, which was produced by the World Health Organization (WHO), notes that to achieve the globally agreed target of a 30 per cent reduction of tobacco use by 2025, more countries have to implement comprehensive tobacco control programmes. If we do not close ranks and ban tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, adolescents and young adults will continue to be lured into tobacco consumption by an evermore aggressive tobacco industry, said WHO Director-General Margaret Chan. Every country has the responsibility to protect its population from tobacco-related illness, disability and death. Tobacco is the leading global cause of preventable death and kills 6 million people every year. It can cause cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases. By 2030, WHO estimates that it will kill more than 8 million people every year. Bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship are one of the most powerful measures to control tobacco use. As of today, 24 countries with 694 million people have introduced complete bans and 100 more countries are close to a complete ban. However, 67 countries currently do not ban any tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship activities. We know that only complete bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship are effective, said Douglas Bettcher, the Director of WHOs Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases department. Countries that introduced complete bans together with other tobacco control measures have been able to cut tobacco use significantly within only a few years. The report also notes that more than half a billion people in nine countries now have access to appropriate services to help them quit smoking, 20 countries have put strong warning label requirements in place, and 32 countries passed complete smoking bans covering all work places, public places and public transportation. This last measure, WHO says, has proved to have the highest level of achievement, keeping hundreds of millions of people smoke-free. In 2008, WHO identified six evidencebased tobacco control measures that are the most effective in reducing tobacco use. These measures consist of: monitoring tobacco use and prevention policies, protecting people from tobacco smoke, offering help to quit tobacco use, warning people about the dangers of tobacco, enforcing bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, and raising taxes on tobacco.

the Myanmar authorities to take necessary steps to address the legitimate grievances of minority communities, including the citizenship demands of the Rohingya in Rakhine. Mr. Ban said he plans to write to Myanmars three key leaders, urging them to work together to squarely address communal concerns and to make a united call to the people of Myanmar to end all violence and incitement, respect the law and promote peace. Now is the time for communal harmony and promoting the positive winds of change and reform. Noting that Myanmar faces challenges inherent in any major social transformation, Mr. Ban said his Special Adviser, Vijay Nambiar, will remain closely engaged as the countrys leadership steers the country through its current troubled waters. He also pledged continued UN support to Myanmar as it faces key milestones, including the 2015 elections. The coordination of international support will be needed during this period, he added. Formed in 2007, the Group of Friends comprises more than a dozen nations and regional blocs and is designed to serve as a consultative forum for developing a shared approach in support of the SecretaryGenerals good offices mandate on Myanmar. It last met during the 67th UN General Assembly in New York

in September 2012. At todays meeting, the Group welcomed the continued progress with reforms but also noted key challenges facing the country that needed to be addressed urgently as it moved on the path of democratization, national development and national reconciliation. The Group noted in particular, according to a read-out, the outcome of the latest peace talks in Kachin, with many members expressing the hope that this would pave the way for a nationwide comprehensive ceasefire and peace process involving all the various ethnic groups in Myanmar. They stressed the urgent need for effective action to punish the perpetrators of the communal violence, guarantee respect for the fundamental rights of all peoples irrespective of ethnicity or religion, as well as for urgent attention to address the underlying causes of these difficulties, including the issue of citizenship for the Rohingyas. Mr. Ban expressed his confidence that Myanmar would continue to make all-around progress in strengthening its democratic institutions, achieving rapid economic development through reform and opening up, and in forging national reconciliation between the various ethnic groups as well as promoting harmony and cohesion among the communities within the country.

42 dead in Cairo, army blames Morsi supporters

Mandela grandson rejects bid to sack him as clan chief

London Nelson Mandelas grandson Mandla has said he will resist moves to expel him as chief of the anti-apartheid icons clan, even as the former president is critically ill and in hospital for more than three weeks. King Buleyekhaya Dalindyebo, the traditional ruler of the Thembu people, of which Mandelas clan is a part, has said he planned to eject Mandla as a traditional chief, BBC reported. Last week, Mandla lost a court case brought by rival family members over the burial site of the 94-yearold former president, and three of his children. The family has been involved in a long-running battle for control of Mandelas legacy. Mandla, 39, is the chief of the traditional council in Mvezo, where his grandfather was born. He was appointed to the post in 2007 with the backing of Mandela, who saw him as his traditional heir. King Dalindyebo Saturday told a crowd at his Bumbane Great Place that Mandla had no right to be a chief. The king accused Mandla of behaving like a witch by moving the graves of three of Mandelas children from Qunu to Mvezo without consulting his relatives. Mandla dismissed the king as unstable and prone to making delusional announcements, BBC said. It takes a long customary process to appoint a chief and it takes a long customary process to remove a chief, his spokesman said. The three children were reburied in the Mandela family graveyard in Qunu, after their remains were exhumed from Mvezo. Fifteen members of Mandelas family - including his eldest daughter Makaziwe and wife Graca Machel obtained a court order for the reburials, alleging that Mandla had unlawfully moved the bodies to Mvezo in 2011 to ensure that his grandfather would be buried there, against his wishes. They say Mandela wants to buried next to his children in Qunu, where he spent most of his time after stepping down as president in 1999.

China, Russia practise troop deployment in joint naval drill

Moscow Chinese and Russian warships Monday practised troop deployment and anchorage defence at Peter the Great Bay as part of a joint naval drill, officials said. Naval vessels participating in the Joint Sea-2013 drill started departing the dock at 3 p.m. and sailed to designated sea areas. By 9 p.m., troop deployment was completed, . The two sides then organised anchorage defence. Chinese naval troops practised the use of diver detection sonar and setting up of watch posts, said Yang Junfei, deputy commander of the North China Sea Fleet. In the next few days, the two sides will carry out a variety of exercises including joint air defence, maritime supply, joint escort and the rescue of hijacked vessels. On Wednesday, they would conduct maritime search and rescue, and use actual weaponry on the sea. There will also be a maritime parade. Chinese naval ships arrived in Russias far eastern port of Vladivostok Friday for the joint naval drill. Seven vessels from Chinas North Sea Fleet and South Sea Fleet and 12 vessels from Russias Pacific Fleet are taking part in the weeklong exercises.
IANS

Cairo At least 42 people were killed in clashes outside a military facility in the Egyptian capital of Cairo, the countrys health ministry said, as army said it was a result of an attack by ousted president Mohamed Morsis supporters. Morsis Muslim Brotherhood (MB) party, in a statement, blamed army for the killings, while claiming that the dead were the ousted presidents supporters. The party said the security forces fired at the protesters at dawn outside the headquarters of the Republican Guard in Cairos Nasr City area, where Morsi is reportedly detained. Morsis supporters were praying while the police and army fired live rounds and tear gas at them, the statement said. The Freedom and Justice Party (FJP), the political wing of the MB, said the incident was a human mas-

sacre against peaceful citizens who protested against a military coup which ousted the elected president last week. Last week, the army ousted Morsi after millions of people took to the streets to protest against the Islamistoriented presidents poor performance since he came to power a year ago. The FJP then urged for an uprising by the great people of Egypt against those trying to steal their revolution with tanks. However, state-run Nile TV quoted a source close to the army as saying that there was video footage recorded by soldiers showing that it was the supporters of Morsi who attacked them first, and they were forced to fire back under the threat of murder. We managed to flee, after being attacked by Morsis supporters with weapons, one of the soldiers said.
IANS

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 14 July 2013

INTERNATIONAL
Moscow American whistleblower Edward Snowden has agreed to take political asylum in Venezuela, a Russian lawmaker said. As was expected, Snowden agreed to (Venezuelan President Nicolas) Maduros offer of political asylum, Xinhua quoted Alexei Pushkov, head of the international affairs committee in Russias lower house of parliament, as posting on Twitter. Apparently, Snowden found this option the most reliable, he wrote. But the tweet was later removed, and Pushkov said in a new message that he had learnt of Snowdens decision from a news report on Russian state TV channel Vesti 24. Venezuela, Nicaragua and Bolivia have all offered political asylum to Snowden. Venezuelan President Maduro confirmed Monday that his country received the asylum request letter. Snowden will have to decide when he flies, if he finally wants to fly

Nawaz Sharif calls for dialogue Snowden agrees to asylum in Venezuela: Russian lawmaker to end terrorism

Islamabad Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has told the tribal lawmakers that option of dialogue should be kept open to end terrorism. Sharif has invited members of parliament from the militants- infested tribal regions to seek their input for a proposed national security policy that will also include possibility of talks with the militants, Xinhua reported Wednesday. Leaders of all major political and religious parties would be invited for a grand conference to devise the policy. Having had proposed to hold dialogue with the Taliban militants during his election campaign and after his partys victory in May, Sharif said: The window of dialogue should be kept open all the time. Showing his deep pity over the lawlessness and economic backwardness prevailing in the tribal regions due to terrorism, Sharif has expressed his desire to give peace as a gift to the people of the regions. He said that tribal parliamentarians are the real stakeholders and their

input and consultation for finalising road map for peace in the tribal regions is must. Peace and security are of paramount importance for economic growth as both are intertwined. Pakistan has suffered long at the hands of terrorism and we cannot afford inaction anymore. Curbing terrorism is my governments top most priority, a statement quoted Sharim as saying. Reiterating the resolve of his government to eliminate terrorism, he said, We have no option except vigorously pursuing a well-planned and coordinated strategy to find a meaningful solution to the problem of terrorism. The meeting also discussed various proposals and recommendations put forward by the tribal parliamentarians to bring the area into the national mainstream. Pakistani Taliban, blamed for most of the terror attacks, last month withdrew their peace talks offer to the new government after a US drone killed their deputy chief Wali-urRahman Mehsud. IANS

here, the president said. The 30-year-old Snowden was charged by the US with three felonies after he disclosed a highly classified surveillance project codenamed PRISM, which can intercept emails and phone conversations of

people around the world. He arrived at Moscows Sheremetyevo international airport June 23 and has since stayed in the transit zone after his US passport was revoked. He has reportedly applied for asylum in 21 countries.

Pilots tried to abort landing seconds before crash

Washington Pilots of the Asiana Airlines Flight 214 tried to abort the landing less than two seconds before the plane crashed on the runway at San Francisco International Airport Saturday, according to officials. Three Indian nationals were among the 305 survivors of the crash that killed two Chinese girls and left 49 seriously hurt. The Boeing 777s voice and flight data recorders show that the flight from South Korea was coming in too slow and too low and that the pilots appear to have increased speed seven seconds before impact, the head of the US National Transportation Safety Board Deborah Hersman said Sunday.

1,000 school children held for drinking in Kenya

Russian air force to get over 100 new warplanes

London More than 1,000 children suspected of underage drinking have been arrested in Kenyas capital Nairobi, BBC reported. Bars and clubs were raided during the weekend after police received complaints that they had become crowded with school children, during a three-week teachers strike. Most of the children were later released because there were not enough cells to hold them, police said. Teachers are on a nationwide strike to demand better pay. Nairobi central police chief Patrick Oduma said the raids were carried out to put a stop to young boys converging on reggae music discotheques. To our surprise, we found there is a very big number of underage children (drinking), he told BBC. The bar operators were arrested and 116 children are in custody. Musau Ndunda, secretary general of the Kenya National Association of Parents, told BBC it was sad that children spent their time in bars and clubs instead of school. It is the government which should be blamed for not being keen to resolve the teachers strike. Instead of playing politics, why not pay the teachers and they will go back to class and our children will definitely stream back to school, he said.
IANS

Moscow The Russian Air Force is all set to receive over 100 new warplanes and helicopters this year. Purchasing of over 100 planes and helicopters is envisaged by state defence order for this year, reported Xinhua citing deputy defence minister Yuri Borisov. Borisov noted that the warplane designers sometimes do not take into account the opinion of the pilots

about the aircrafts technical characteristics. The industry must know how (the pilots) perceive that production. The designers must take into account the pilots proposals. The officer said the newest fourdouble-plus-generation MIG-35 fighters and newly-revamped SU-35 multipurpose fighters would be delivered in three years after tests are completed.

A stall warning sounded four seconds before the crash, and the crew then made an internal decision to initiate a go-around 1.5 seconds to impact, she was quoted by CNN as telling reporters in San Francisco. The NTSBs preliminary assessment of the planes cockpit and flight data recorders appear to indicate that the flight went from a routine landing to a disaster in a matter of seconds. But when asked if pilot error was to blame, Hersman said the crash landing was still under investigation. I would discourage anyone from drawing any conclusions at this point, she said, adding that investigators are still working to corroborate the information on the recorders. What we need to do is corroborate the information we have both on the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder, Hersman said. The target air speed for the approach of the flight was 137 knots, and the

crew can be heard on the cockpit voice recorder acknowledging the speed, Hersman said. But the speed was significantly below 137 knots, and we are not talking about a few knots, she said. Hersman said her team plans to interview the pilots in the coming days. The pilot sitting in the captains seat had 43 hours of experience flying the B777-200, CNN reported citing Choi Jeong-ho, the head of the South Koreas Aviation Policy Bureau. He was identified as Lee Kang-gook, he said. Internal damage to the plane is really striking, Hersman said, and officials are thankful there werent more deaths. In all, 182 people were hospitalised with injuries ranging from paralysis to severe road rash and 123 others walked away from the crash landing. At San Francisco General, 17 survivors remained hospitalised, six of them in critical condition. IANS

After 8 years, India to resume military supplies to Nepal

Kathmandu India is to resume all kinds of military supplies, including lethal and non-lethal weapons, to Nepal Army (NA) after an eight-year hiatus that was triggered by deposed king Gyanendra Shah restricting democratic and civil liberties. The military supplies were suspended since 2005 after deposed king Gyanendra Shah took over the executive power and restricted the democratic and civil liberties in Nepal. In opposition to the move, India decided to suspend all kinds of military aid to Nepal. A fact sheet on India-Nepal partnership released after the July 9 visit of Indian External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid to Nepal said: Following the successful completion of integration of former Maoist combatants into NA and the decision of the government of Nepal to resume imports of stores and equipment for NA, these materials, identified in the Bilateral Consultative Group on Security Issues, will be supplied to Nepal over the coming months. The Maoists have been opposing purchasing any kind of military stores for the Nepal Army till the integration of Maoist combatants with the army. Some clauses of a 2006 pact signed between the then Nepali state and the Maoists also barred purchasing the ministry equipment for the army. After years of negotiations, the Nepali state and Maoist party finally inducted 1,352 former Maoist combatants into Nepal Army who completed their basic training just last week. The Comprehensive Peace Agreement, signed between the then seven party-led government and the Maoists Nov 21, 2006, and the Agreement on the Monitoring of the Management of the Arms and Armies (AMMAA) signed Dec 8, 2006, had confined the army to the barracks and barred it from recruiting additional troops and transporting arms and ammunition. The immediate supplies sought from the Nepali side are valued at more than Indian Rs.1 billion and that includes military education exchanges, joint exercises, and supplies of military store and equipment, said the fact sheet. Some of them will come as grant and some as loan as 60 percent down payment and 40 percent subsidy, it was agreed between India and Nepal while completing the defence purchase negotiations some months back in Indian city of Bangalore. Nepal since long has been buying weapons from India under the NepalIndia Peace and Friendship Treaty of 1950. If Nepal needs to buy outside from India, it needs to get clearance from Indian side Officials from Indian and Nepali foreign ministries and senior army officials from both sides agreed to the resumption of weapons during the meeting of Bilateral Consultative Group on Security Issues at Joint Secretary level. A cabinet meeting of Nepal government April 13, after India agreed to resume the supply, decided to purchase regular arms, ammunition and explosives for the NA. The NA has initially decided to purchase and import 11.132 million cartridges and bullets, 24,166 weapons of various kinds and 81 and 51 mm mortars. The NA will also purchase other military hardware like mines, detonators, safety fuses and time pencils.
IANS

8
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POLITICS QUOTE FIRE

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 14 July 2013

Digvijayas Remark on Bodh Gaya Blasts?

Digvijaya Singh, Congress Amit Shah (BJP general secretary) promises a grand temple at Ayodhya. Modi addresses Bihar BJP workers and asks them to teach Nitish (Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar) a lesson. Next day bomb blasts at Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya. Is there a connect? I dont know.

Murli Manohar Joshi, BJP Digvijaya Singh has the habit of seeing things where they are not. The Bodhgaya blasts should be taken seriously. This poses a danger to the cultural and religious ethos of India. It is a serious attack on the country where a place of peace and non-violence has been targeted.

Shahnawaz Hussain, BJP Whenever he speaks, its either against the countrys interest or for cheap publicity. Even Congress leaders do not agree with his statement. The party has censured him several times for his controversial statements.

Ananth Kumar, General Secretary, BJP Digvijaya Singhs comments should not be taken seriously as they have no meaning or significance. He talks as if he has lost his balance.

Bhakta Charan Das, Congress spokesperson Digivijayas tweets should be read in entirety. We urge the state government to probe the blasts and punish the guilty.

Rajiv Pratap Rudy, BJP general secretary If Digvijaya could call Osama bin Laden as Osamaji, then there is nothing new in this comment.

Ravi Shankar Prasad, BJP Digvijaya Singhs record of politicizing and communalizing terrorism is well-known. He publicly declared in Azamgarh that the Batla House terrorists were innocent.

CAMP UPA

POLITICAL CAMP NEWS

Goa panel to probe illegal mining a sham, says Congress
Panaji The state unit of the Congress party termed as a sham the appointment by the Goa government of a panel headed by a retired high court judge to probe illegal mining in the state. With all due respect to Mr. Khandeparkar.What has his committee done? It has been more than a year. Parrikar has appointed it only to pull wool over peoples eyes, Congress spokesperson Reginaldo Lourenco told. The legislator from the South Goa constituency of Curtorim also alleged that appointing a government committee at a time when the Supreme Court was hearing a petition on illegal mining in the state smacked of impropriety. The Supreme Court is hearing the illegal mining case in Goa. The Supreme Courts Central Empowered Committee has probed the illegal mining scenario too. What are we doing with a retired high court judge? Does his opinion compare with that of the countrys top court? he said. The Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP)led coalition government in Goa, Lourenco said, completely failed to take action against those involved in illegal mining and that the Khandeparkar-headed committee was just a ruse to fool people.The Khandeparkar committee was appointed by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar last year to verify the charges by the central government-appointed Justice M.B. Shah Commission, which had alleged a Rs.25,000 crore illegal mining scam in the state. The Goa government, both under the Congress administration then and under the BJP regime now, has been critical of the Shah Commission reports findings and dispute its veracity.

CAMP NDA

HC notice to Smriti Irani on Sanjay Nirupams plea

New Delhi The Delhi High Court issued notice to TV actress-turned-BJP MP Smriti Irani on a plea filed by Congress MP Sanjay Nirupam for quashing the summons issued by a trial court on a defamation suit filed against him by her. Irani had filed a complaint against Nirupam for allegedly using indecent language during a television debate.Justice Sunil Gaur, seeking response from Irani, also issued notice to the Delhi government for Aug 22. Nirupam sought quashing of Iranis complaint and a stay on the proceedings in the trial court. While discussing the Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh assembly elections on a TV channel, Nirupam mocked the Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) Rajya Sabha member by saying she had entered politics only some years ago. Nirupam challenged the summons issued March 11 by the trial court and said: The magistrate without application of mind and contrary to law came to take cognizance on the said material to issue summons. The petitioner humbly submits that the very cognizance is bad in law.The trial court Jan 8 had taken cognizance of the criminal defamation complaint filed by Irani against Nirupam for allegedly using derogatory and indecent language.In his plea, the Congress leader contended that the magistrate has erred in law to conclude defamation.The only witness who deposed made vague statements and did not give any positive evidence to constitute defamation, he said. The debate was at the spur of the moment and the petitioner could not have harboured the intention to outrage the modesty, as concluded by the magistrate, the plea said.

Kolkata The opposition Left Front ridiculed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after she rued her inability to remove State Election Commissioner Mira Pande because the ruling Trinamool Congress doesnt command two-thirds majority in the state assembly. Leader of Opposition and Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Surjya Kanta Mishra

Left mocks Mamata for ignorance of constitution

mocked Banerjees ignorance of constitutional laws as a state election commissioner can only be removed through impeachment in parliament. It is unfortunate that the chief minister, who swears by the constitution, is ignorant about its provisions. By making such ignorant comments, she is embarrassing herself and the state,Mishra told. She must realise that the assembly has nothing to do with the commissioners removal. Much like the chief election commissioner of India, a state election commissioner can only be impeached in parliament, said Mishra. Relations between the Trinamool government and the SEC have nosedived over the past three months over a plethora of issues concerning the panchayat polls. With the five-phase rural governing body elections beginning July

11 slated to be held during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the ruling party led by Banerjee has been attacking the SEC and its chief Mira Pande.Speaking at a party rally in Lalgarh in West Midnapore district, Banerjee said: Her (Pandes) term was extended from three to six years during the previous Left Front regime. Had we got two-third majority in the assembly, we would have definitely removed her.

Kamduni rape: Villagers to meet president to seek justice

Kolkata Residents of West Bengals Kamduni village will meet President Pranab Mukherjee July 15 seeking his intervention for ensuring justice in the brutal rape and murder of a college student in this hamlet of North 24-Parganas district, a Congress leader said. I have arranged a meeting of the villagers with the president. The villagers will arrive in New Delhi on July 15, Minister of State for Railways Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said. The truth will not come out unless there is a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation. We will urge the president to intervene into the matter, said one of the villagers. Since the June 7 gang-rape and murder, Kamduni has been on the boil with villagers staging regular protests demanding death penalty for her attackers and killers. The incident has become a rallying point for people from different sections of society on the issue of growing atrocities against women in the state. People from all walks of life had earlier participated in a massive rally in the city in protest rising crimes against women. The National Crime Records Bureau has put West Bengal atop the country wide chart of crimes against women in the past year. The incident also resulted in an embarrassment for the Trinamool Congress government after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, faced with questions from a group of village women during her visit there June 17, shouted at them and accused them of indulging in the politics of the Communist Party of India-Marxist. The Banerjee government had assured death penalty for the culprits within a month, and a fast-track court trying the case later rebuked the CID, which is investigating the case, for submitting an incomplete charge sheet.

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 14 July 2013

POLITICS
places, with the biggest show of strength held in the state capital. That rally was addressed by party chief Mayawati on Sunday. The ruling SP too recently held a similar Brahman convention and a Muslim rally which was addressed by party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. Reacting to the courts order, BJP state spokesman Vijay Bahadur Pathak said his party welcomed the judicial intervention. The BJP has always been opposed to such rallies and I am happy that the high court has taken a firm and timely stand on the issue, he said. Pradip Mathur, chief of the Congress legislature party in the assembly, also welcomed the court order. He said both the SP and BSP were involved in caste politics to hide their failures. We as a party have never indulged in such politics and we are happy at the ban, he added. SP and BSP leaders said they would react after going through the court order. Kolkata Long lines of voters were seen outside the polling booths in the Maoist heartland in the first phase of the panchayat polls in West Bengal held Thursday amidst heavy security. The opposition parties alleged intimidation and terror tactics on the part of the states ruling Trinamool Congress. In the first two hours, 12.94 percent voters exercised their franchise for 10,203 seats in Bankura, 13.56 in West Midnapore and 10.44 in Purulia districts for the three-tier rural governing bodies. With helicopters keeping vigil from the skies, and 15,000 paramilitary troopers and 35,000 state police personnel on duty to maintain order and peace, 25,749 candidates are in fray for 8,273 gram panchayat, 1,799 panchayat samiti and 151 zilla parishad seats. The belt, though now peaceful, is called Junglemahal because of the large stretches of forests where the Maoists have been active for years. Already, 1,735 candidates have won uncontested, of whom 1,706 are from the Trinamool, triggering allegations from the opposition Left Front, the Congress and BJP that their nomi-

Court bans caste based rallies in UP

Lucknow The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court Thursday banned caste-based rallies in Uttar Pradesh with immediate effect. A bench of justices Umanath Singh and Mahendra Dayal passed the order while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by lawyer Moti Lal Yadav. The petitioner contended that rallies based on castes were against the constitution and threatened to vitiate social harmony in the countrys most populous state. The court also issued notices to the central and state governments, the Election Commission, Samajwadi Party (SP), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress, making them party to the litigation. In his petition, Yadav had brought to the notice of the court that every party in the state was vying to score brownie points by holding castebased conventions and rallies. In the last few months, the BSP had held Brahman Sammelans in four

Long queues as panchayat polls begin in West Bengal

Hemant Soren set to be Jharkhands ninth CM

Ranchi If all goes well, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader Hemant Soren will be the ninth chief minister of Jharkhand. Backed by the Congress, RJD and legislators from smaller parties and independents, Soren staked claim to forming a new government when he met Governor Syed Ahmad Tuesday. The JMM handed over names of 43 legislators who it said will back the JMM-led government. All eyes are now on the governor. According to Raj Bhawan sources, the governor has sent a report to the central home ministry. The new government will be in place once the central government lifts Presidents Rule. Jharkhand was carved out of Bihar in November 2000. Babulal Marandi of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was the first chief minister. Marandi was replaced by Arjun Munda of BJP. JMM chief Shibu Soren was the third chief minister. He quit after just eight days. Arjun Munda of BJP succeeded him. Madhu Koda, an independent legislator backed by the Congress, JMM and RJD, became the fifth chief minister -- in September 2006. Shibu Soren became the sixth chief minister in August 2008. He took oath again in December 2009. In September 2010, Arjun Munda became the states eighth chief minister. Now it is the turn of Hemant IANS Soren.

nees were not allowed to file their papers. Leader of Opposition and Left Front spearhead Communist Party of IndiaMarxist (CPI-M) politburo member Surjya Kanta Mishra, who cast his vote at Belda of West Midnapore district, alleged that the Left Front polling agents were driven out of 10 booths in the area. Altogether 4.4 crore eligible voters will elect 58,865 representatives from 1.77 lakh candidates in the three-tier panchayat bodies of the state - which is considered a model for the rural development system in the country in the polls. The next phases of polls are slated for July 15, 19, 22 and 25. Counting will take place July 29. The votes are being held against the backdrop of a series of bitter tussles between the states Mamata Banerjee-led government and the State Election Commission (SEC) over a plethora of issues. They almost

fought a duel to determine the right to announce the poll schedule, and the primacy to conduct the polls, besides the security arrangements. The disputes reached the legal corridor and finally the Supreme Court ordered a five-phase poll under the vigilance of a mix of central and state security forces. Having lost in the court battles with the SEC, the ruling party has made a big issue of the polls being scheduled around the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, which began Thursday. Trinamool leaders, including party supremo and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, have launched a verbal assault against the State Election Commission and its head Mira Pandey, amid criticism that such attacks were crossing the limits of decency. Politically, the polls are significant because of the triangular fights between the Trinamool, the CPI-M-led Left Front and the Congress. IANS

Congress demands SIT probe into Odisha chit fund scam

Bhubaneswar Describing the judicial enquiry ordered by the state government into the alleged chit-fund scam in Odisha as too little, too late, the Congress Wednesday demanded a thorough probe by a Special Investigation Team (SIT). Former minister and senior state Congress leader Niranjan Patnaik said a judicial enquiry is not a criminal investigation. A judge has no powers to collect evidence for prosecution of the guilty in a court of law, Patnaik said. There is an impression that the set of steps announced by the government is only to influence the course of the ongoing public interest litigations (PILs) in the Supreme Court and the Odisha High Court, Patnaik told reporters. Why were these steps not taken earlier, and why are they being taken now, coinciding with the court hearings, Patnaik asked. He demanded a thorough probe by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under judicial supervision to prosecute the guilty. Expressing happiness at the creation of a corpus fund by the government, Patnaik, however, wondered how Rs.300 crore can compensate a scam that is now estimated at Rs.10,000 crore. The alleged chit fund scam came to light after several small investors complained that firms engaged in Ponzi schemes collected huge amounts of money from them, but later refused to pay back as promised. The economic offence wing of the crime branch of Odisha Police was investigating the allegations. Although police raided offices of several such companies and arrested a score of people for irregularities, the government had came under heavy attack from the opposition. It had ordered a judicial probe and requested the Odisha High Court to spare a sitting judge. The Odisha government Tuesday said it appointed former chief justice of the Sikkim High Court and former chairman of the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) Justice R.K. Patra to head the panel that will probe the chit fund scam. The appointment came after the high court turned down the state governments request. The authorities also announced the creation of a corpus fund of Rs.300 crore to help chit fund victims in the state.

I have nothing to fear, the truth will soon emerge: Chandy

Thiruvananthapuram Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who has been facing accusations from the opposition of involvement in corruption, Wednesday denied that he was in any way involved in the solar scam. I have nothing to fear. I have done no wrong. My strength is the confidence that I have because I am a strong believer in God. Above all, I know that if I do wrong, I will have to pay the price for it, Chandy told reporters after the weekly cabinet meeting here, exuding confidence that the truth would exonerate him. Ever since it was revealed in the media that members of the chief ministers personal staff had been in close contact with a couple arrested for fraud in the solar scam, aspersions have been made against the chief minister that he too was involved. The couple - Saritha Nair and her partner Biju Radhakrishnan - were arrested last month on complaints from several people that they were promised installation of solar panels at different locations at subsidised rates but no such service was provided even after large sums were invested. A prominent Malayalam TV actress, Shalu Menon, has also been arrested in the case. One member of Chandys staff too, with whom Saritha Nair was in close touch, has been arrested in the case. Two other members of the chief ministers personal staff were sacked once the scam surfaced, and their links with the couple were made public. The Left opposition has been demanding a judicial probe in the matter, and claiming that Chandy should quit to enable a fair probe. If I quit now, it would be an injustice. The truth will come out soon. The opposition is not interested in the truth. They know the muck first emerged while they were in office, and not even a criminal case was registered then. But we will let the people of Kerala know what exactly has happened, Chandy said. He slammed the Left opposition for calling a statewide shutdown Wednesday on this subject. Two years back, when I assumed office, they (the Left) said that this government, which has just a twoseat majority, will not go the distance, and would fall. Things started to change when we won two byelections. Later they realised that

Trinamool candidate casts another mans vote

the people of the state have absolute faith in this government. That is why they are now restless and fear this government, Chandy said. If they (the opposition) were serious, they should have raised the matter on the floor of the assembly, to corner us. Since they know what this is about, they aim only to confuse, Chandy said, speaking at length on the matter with reporters. I request you (media) to give a correct perspective, as numerous allegations levelled by the opposition have been properly countered by me. I also say to the opposition that if they are not happy when the final police report comes out, we are prepared to lend them our ears to find out what they have to say, Chandy said.
IANS

Kolkata A Trinamool Congress candidate Thursday courted controversy after he was caught on camera voting on behalf of an inebriated voter in the West Bengal panchayat polls. Jawaharlal Bagdi was seen casting the vote of a man whose hands were trembling. The incident happened in Jhalda in Purulia district. The man asked me to cast his vote as he was drunk and his hands were trembling. I did that as he is a Trinamool supporter and would have voted in our favour, Bagdi said later. The Communist Party of IndiaMarxist and the Congress took strong exception to the incident. First, the Trinamool did not allow opposition candidates to file nominations or to campaign. Now they are even casting others votes. This

government is determined to give elections a new definition, said CPIM leader Mohammad Salim. State Congress president Pradip Bhattacharya said his party will approach the Election Commission IANS with a complaint.

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Food-bowl Punjab opposes food security ordinance

Chandigarh With Punjabs ruling Shiromani Akali Dal terming the food security ordinance anti-farmer and halfcooked, the measure faces opposition from the countrys food granary. Punjab Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia said that the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) governments approval of the half-cooked National Food Security Bill to tempt the common masses on the eve of general elections would not work for this mostcorrupt government since independence. Punjab alone contributes over 50 percent of foodgrain to the national kitty, despite being a small state with just 1.54 percent of the countrys geographical area. The state led the Green Revolution in the country in the 1960s to make it self-sufficient in foodgrain production. Majithia accused the UPA government of picking up the food security idea from Punjabs atta-dal scheme that started in 2007. The draft (food security) bill is a poor carbon copy of the SAD-BJP governments most successful attadal scheme. The UPA government has never bothered about the interests of poor people and has unleashed non-stop inflation, turning the lives of common people into a nightmare, said Majithia, brotherin-law of Akali Dal president and Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal. The proposed five kg of rice, wheat or millets per person would serve no purpose. The Punjab government, from its limited sources, has been providing 35 kg wheat and 4 kg dal to more than 16 lakh (1.6 million) families since 2007 by spending hundreds of crores of rupees, Majithia claimed. The minister said that the central government should have consulted Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal to make the food security bill more realistic, keeping in view ground realities. Accusing the UPA government of double standards, he said that the centre was vehemently criticising the Punjab government for providing Rs.5,000 crore subsidy to the states farmers, who are making a 50 percent contribution to the nations food kitty. The UPA is itself going to provide Rs.200,000 crore subsidy on just two schemes - food security (Rs.1.31 lakh crore) and direct transfer of subsidy (Rs.70 lakh crore) - just to retain power at any cost, Majitha said. The Akali leader said that the BJPled National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would give the bill practical shape by removing its shortcomings. Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal, the younger Badals wife, accused the UPA government of trying to woo the electorate in view of the ensuing Lok Sabha polls with the halfbaked food security ordinance. This is actually the vote security ordinance of the Congress and just a

REGION

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 14 July 2013

Haryana puts property tax on hold, for now

Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said here. Hooda told reporters that the decision was taken in view of several representations made by people regarding rationalisation of property tax. The committee would submit its report within a months time. However, some people had already deposited the property tax. If they had made excess payment, the same would be adjusted in future, Hooda said. He said that the committee has been constituted under Parliamentary Affairs Minister Randeep Singh Surjewala to rationalise property tax on both residential and commercial properties situated in various municipal areas.

political gimmick, she said. Harsimrat Badal said that the proMNC policies of the Congress-led government were against the interests of the common masses, especially the farmers and the poor. But the opposition Congress is not amused by all this. Punjab Congress general secretary Fateh Jung Singh Bajwa said that Badal jr had exposed his anti-poor mindset by opposing the food security bill. Bajwa said that the food security bill would cover 67 percent of the countrys population living in poverty. Sukhbir Badal and Harsimrat Kaur Badal have opposed the bill due to political reasons. It would have been better for the Badals to read the food bill before commenting in haste, Bajwa said. Bajwa said that Badal was misleading farmers by stating that the bill is anti-farmer. He said that the interests of the farming community were taken into account before deciding the bill. Six crore (60 million) tonnes of food grains would be required to meet the demand of the food security bill and it will be in the interest of farmers, he said. Senior Congress leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira, challenging Harsimrat Badal to a debate, said: If the SADBJP launches the atta-dal scheme, it is termed Raj nahin, seva (not rule but service), but if the UPA reaches out to the poor, it is vote-bank politics. Why these double standards?
IANS

The Haryana government has decided not to recover property tax till the time a committee constituted to rationalise the tax submits its report,

Two policemen injured in grenade attack in Srinagar

Srinagar Two policemen were Tuesday injured in a grenade explosion on the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad highway here, police said. A senior police officer told IANS two policemen sustained minor injuries when suspected separatist guerrillas hurled a grenade at a passing police vehicle at Narbal on the highway, 15 kilometres from city centre Lal Chowk, Tuesday evening. The injured policemen were taken to hospital for first aid, the officer said. The vehicle attacked by the guerrillas belonged to the special op-

Armed men loot Rs.9 lakh from Haryana bank

Jhajjar (Haryana) Armed robbers looted over Rs.9 lakh cash from a farmers bank on the Jhajjar-Bahadurgarh road in Haryana, police said. The branch of Krishi Gramin Bank, located at Noona Majra village near the Haryana-Delhi border, was looted by five robbers, who then fled in a SUV. Police said that three armed men with masked faces entered the bank in the afternoon and held the bank staff at gun-point and took away the cash in the bank. Two accomplices were waiting in the SUV outside. The bank did not have any security guard when the incident happened. CCTV footage of the bank did not reveal much as the robbers wore masks. Three police teams have been

Haryana to map red light colonies

All the red light colonies in Haryana will be mapped in order to reach out to the children in the age group of 0-18 years living there, a top official said. Sumita Misra, director general, women and child development department, said the District Child Protection Units (DCPUs) have the responsibility to map all red light colonies and prepare a block-wise plan for identifying sex workers children and reach out to them. Misra, also member secretary of Haryana State Child Protection Society, said the DCPUs will find struc-

erations group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police, sources said. IANS

Highest snow-melt in 23 years, flood warning for Punjab

constituted to identify and nab the robbers. The bank employees are also being questioned to find out clues about identification of the criminals, a Jhajjar police spokesman said. With the highest snow-melt recorded in the last 23 years in catchment areas of Sutlej and Beas rivers, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) Wednesday said it would release excess water from the Bhakra and Pong dams. BBMB chairman A.B. Aggarwal said: Due to good snowfall in the catchment of Sutlej and Beas rivers, the inflows in Bhakra and Pong reservoirs this year are exceptionally high. The water levels as on July 10 are 1,629.87 feet (Bhakra) and 1,340.68 feet (Pong), which are, respectively, 84 and 48 feet higher in comparison to last year. However, the water level of Bhakra is higher by 24 feet in comparison to 2011 but that of Pong is 13 feet lower in comparison to 2011, Aggarwal said. BBMB has already cautioned the Punjab government that with the reservoirs in both dams filling up very fast, it would have to release excess water through flood gates. Routine flood warnings have been issued. More warnings would be issued in anticipation and deputy commissioners of districts would be apprised if an alert is to be declared, he said. The release of water for irrigation will continue. Excess water will be

tures for running day and night centres, which will be either abandoned buildings, improvised rooftops of existing school buildings, parks or community halls, to create facilities for education, sports, cultural activities and counselling for the children of sex workers.

Property dealer held for raping wife in Gurgaon

Gurgaon A property dealer was arrested here on a rape complaint filed by a woman with whom he had been living after their marriage at a temple, police said Sunday. Sanjay Kumar, 33, a native of Haryanas Bhiwani district, was arrested from his house in Islampur on Sohna Road Saturday night after the 28-year-old woman lodged a rape complaint against him, a police official said. The woman from Narnaul said in her complaint that she had been working as an assistant at Sanjay Kumars property-dealing office on Sohna road for more than two years and he was raping her on the pretext of marriage, police said. He also married the victim in a temple, an official investigating the case told IANS. The woman wanted to have a registered marriage with the accused but he was making excuses, the complaint said. The accused was Sunday presented before a magistrate who sent him to judicial custody for 14 days, a police official said. An investigator said they were also looking into allegations that Sanjay Kumar had another live-in relationship with a widow of a friend from IANS Rohtak.

released in a regulated way, he said. Bhakra and Pong Reservoirs are controlled by BBMB for supplying irrigation water and power to the partner states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and union territory of Chandigarh. The reservoirs of both dams are filled between May and September every year. In the 225-metre high Bhakra Dam, the maximum capacity is maintained at 1,680-feet.

In recent days, the inflow of water in Bhakra Dam reservoir has been above 70,000 cusecs. In the Pong dam reservoir, the inflow has crossed the 100,000-cusec mark. The release of water from Bhakra dam had led to flooding in large parts of Punjab in 1988. Aggarwal said power generation at Bhakra and Pong was at the maximum.
IANS

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 14 July 2013

FASHION CONNECT My clothes are expensive for films Rohit Bal

their presence overshadows the charm of the designs. He may have taken a baby step into the fashion industry by joining his brothers export firm before launching his debut menswear line in 1990, but his creativity made him one of the most sought after designers. Known for mixing traditional and modern themes in his creations, Bal has showcased his designs at global platforms in New York, Paris, and Singapore. The one who designs for films are labelled as costume designers in Hollywood and they mainly stick to film projects. But Bal says there is no clear demarcation between a costume and a mainstream designer in India. Costume designers in Hollywood are not mainstream designers, they are costume designers. How-

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ce designer Rohit Bal readies film stars for red carpets and magazine shoots. He knows many celebrities on a personal level but stays away from working as a costume designer in films because he cant follow the schedule and feels his clothes are way too expensive for movies. I do a lot of clothes for film stars for red carpets and other events such as magazine shoots. Also, on a personal level, they love my shows, but I stay away from films because I cant follow the schedule, Bal told. Another reason that keeps him away from films is that he feels his clothes are very expensive for films. There are designers who manage to do clothes that look beautiful onscreen, but actually they are not when you feel or touch them. I cant do that. I wish I could do designs, but I cant. He added: I have incredible friends in Bollywood; so for me Bollywood films are no, but Bollywood people yes. So far, Bal, one of the countrys top designers, has made clothes for megastar Amitabh Bachchan for the fifth and sixth editions of quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati and also created a special outfit for Arjun Rampal for his maiden appearance at the 65th edition of Cannes International Film Festival red carpet. International names like Naomi Campbell and Uma Thurman too have endorsed his designs.

He may not like the role of a costume designer, but Bal has nothing against filmdom. I have nothing against Bollywood and the individuals associated with the industry, but in totality I just find it (movie styling) very stressful. Bollywood stars are very stressful and I personally cant deal with their tantrums, said Bal, who graduated from St. Stephens college with a first class in history honours. The designer also avoids inviting Bollywood celebrities to walk the ramp for his shows as he believes

ever in India, a Bollywood designer is also a mainstream designer. So, this is a unique and positive thing because you are mixing two different cultures. It is incredible for the growth of the industry because Bollywood by far has the strongest influence on the fashion industry and vice versa, he said. Bollywood is in sensible hands... Now you have mainstream designers also doing costumes for films, he added.

India Bridal Fashion Week heads to London in 2014

New Delhi The India Bridal Fashion Week (IBFW), an exposition of Indian couture and bridal lines, will woo international patrons with its first ever international edition in 2014. It will be held in London, organiser Vijay Singh announced here. Were going to London next year. I believe that any specific industry requires a new market. If you look at the Indian fashion industry, every designer is a name in outside countries as well. So why not (go international), Singh, managing director, Fashion One International, said here. The event has so far been held in Mumbai. It will open in the capital for the first time July 23. Scheduled to take place at The Grand hotel in south Delhi, the extravaganza will have a mix of bridal and couture collections by a range of the countrys designers. Participating designers at the six-day event are JJ Valaya, Tarun Tahiliani, Raghavendra Rathore, Shantanu and Nikhil, Falguni and Shane Peacock, Rohit Bal, Suneet Varma, Ashima Leena, Meera and Muzaffar Ali, Adarsh Gill, Jyotsana Tiwari and Rina Dhaka. While Valaya is the opening designer, Tahiliani will present the closing collection. There will also be a bridal expo - The Bridal Luxury Couture Exposition which will run simultaneous with the IBFW. It will feature 65 top designers and creative wedding planners who will interact directly with the customers.

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Inputs by Jessica Stahl, VOA, UC Bureau Were not ashamed to admit it; we made some mistakes when we came to the College/University for the first time. We brought the wrong things, said the wrong things, and ate the wrong things. But hopefully you can learn from our mistakes. Here are five mistakes we made in our first year that you should avoid: 1 Poor packing Weve fallen victim to two opposite instincts when it comes to packing for the trip to the College: the desire to bring literally EVERYTHING from home, and the attempt to pack for what we thought life would be like. Both approaches failed. Tara said her mom tried to overload her suitcases with all of her stuff from back home in Himachal, but when it came down to it, you can get 80 percent of what you have at home in your host city, especially if you live in Mumbai, Delhi, Chandigarh or other cities with ethnic and immigrant communities. However, there did end up being things I couldnt find in the host city In particular, she wished shed brought an electric rice cooker and regional spices to cook her favorite foods from home. Senzeni, on the other hand, cautioned against leaving home without certain clothes, thinking they wont be in style at your Campus. Not true, she said. You may think college kids only wear jeans and t-shirts, But pack at least three formal outfits. I had to attend five receptions and dinners in the opening week of first year where t-shirts and jeans were a definite no-no. And prepare for the cold weather, but dont forget, When you arrive in August, the weather will be hot and humid and you will

5 Freshman Mistakes We Made That You Can Avoid

love yourself for bringing a tank top and a pair of shorts. 2 Not getting involved right away Its easy, and natural, to feel overwhelmed at the beginning. But give in to that feeling and youll only feel more homesick. Weve found that getting involved in campus life actually helped us get over the anxiety. Ramesh said he had a difficult time when he first arrived at the University of Pune. Between moving into a new place, adapting to a new culture, and getting accustomed to new food and weather, I was too busy to even meet new people. And without people around I got homesick real quick. I missed my family, friends and so many people that it made my whole stay hard for the first week or so. And then I met some International students, and then other people like me too, who made the whole experience different. Its a mesmerizing experience when you arrive in a new city. Its a new life, a new culture and a new reality. It has you feeling strange, kind of like a thrilling cocktail of excitement, tension, a bit of loneliness and some insecurity. Its an unfamiliar territory for most of us and we just dont know how to deal. But if we allow ourselves to explore how we feel, we find that involvement is the key. When we start to involve ourselves with the city, the food, the people and the little things, we start to truly appreciate our new home. 3 Looking the wrong way when crossing the street! A relocation to a new place often means having to adjust to a new environment. Different host cities may have different cultural and political twists to them. For example there

COVER STORY
are certain campuses with strong left leaning faculties/student bodies while others may gravitate towards the right. Students should be able to identify such patterns and avoid getting caught in any political cross fire that they may have no inclination of being a part of. In particular Panjab University has suffered from bouts of political violence in the recent past and hence students should be careful while choosing to participate in political activities. Further to that it is also important to be mindful of academic cultures of your future campus. Certain institutions lay varying amount of stress on innovation, research or exams, do read up and find out about that. 4 Overdoing it on Wild Side College or University life brings lots of freedom on hand. Students often love the idea of being able to indulge in their whims and fancies along with their peers and friends. At these times students feel the pressure of sex, alcohol and substance abuse. Quite a significant percentage of young undergraduates admit to their first contact with these during their time on campus. While U Connectt is not in business of moral preaching or morality lectures we do have a solid piece of advice. DO NOT OVERDO IT The pressures of fitting in and keeping up with your peers often make you go along with decisions and choices that may not be the most sensible ones. However mistakes are the best teachers of youngsters, hence you are entitled to make your

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 14 July 2013

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Phillip Dube, VOA Maintaining a good GPA is one of the most important objectives for most college students. For potential employers, it may be a key way they can judge your diligence and work ethic. If you start off with a low GPA, it can be an insurmountable struggle to bring it up, and may cause you to miss opportunities. For instance, I was hoping to apply to the J.P. Morgan freshman and 2nd year internship program for the summer, but they have a strict GPA requirement and mine fell just slightly below the threshold. I had not previously been concerned about my GPA, which I considered quite respectable, but I was frustrated that my current GPA would make me miss opportunities like this. As a result, I decided to take a scientific approach to bringing up my grades. I started taking notes on the things I did on days when I was most productive and days when I was least productive. In each day that followed, I would try and replicate the actions that had resulted in a more productive study routine. The journal is important to me because I am involved in a lot of activities so I cant keep track of them all in my head. I write everything I have to do down, from meetings with professors to upcoming events on campus. I work better when I am well hydrated so I always move around with my 32oz water bottle and I dont think I could get by with out it. Some of the keys to my success By the end of the experiment, I came up with five definitive actions that made me more successful in my studying. And, I am happy to report, that after implementing these changes in my routine, my GPA this semester was 9.6% higher than it had been last semester. I would like to share the results of my experiment with my fellow students in the hopes that my findings will benefit your study routine as well.

own and learn from them. Make sure that wild side of your campus life is well moderated and controlled. Be safe and sane and no matter what the pressures if your gut feeling about certain something is not well disposed then do not do it. Freedom is meant to be enjoyed and not abused, remember now you are more responsible than ever for acts that you do! 5 Not seeking out help Jamal discovered something important during her first week in DU, That is: always ask questions, otherwise you dont get what you want or at least, otherwise people wont know what you want. Two days after leaving my home town I got to my college. I went to International Students Office and I met with my counselor and some other staff working there. They were very nice people and they tried to help me in many ways. Its very important to set up a plan for the first semester, to choose the right classes for your major, and the counselor is always willing to help students with those sorts of things (or even with how to find the right bus). No matter what challenges you may face whether its an inability to cross the street or overwhelming homesickness asking for help can make all the difference.

5 Simple Habits to Raise Your GPA

1) Drink water I found that I could think more clearly and better understand whatever I was studying when I was well-hydrated compared to days when I was dehydrated. Its not just me. A recent study found that college students who brought water with them to exams did better than those who did not. Several other studies have also suggested a possible link between hydration and things like concentration or memory, as well as general brain functioning. All the studies are careful to point out that they havent definitively established a link, but I started carrying my 32 oz water bottle with me everywhere to keep myself hydrated and I really felt that it made a difference. Plus it was a very easy change to make in my routine. 2) Exercise This is another one that has science behind it. Numerous studies have shown a possible link between exercise and brain function, both in testing with animals and with people. I definitely found I was more productive when I was exercising regularly. Taking time out to exercise provided a good study break, which rejuvenated my body and mind. In addition, exercising during the day made me more tired at night, and this allowed me to get a more restful sleep, waking up refreshed and ready to tackle the day and the challenges it would bring. 3) Review class notes within 24 hours of taking them It might sound like a lot of extra work, but going back over your notes soon after class has some benefits. First, by thinking about the material again, you can identify anything you didnt understand and get help in clarifying it right away. In addition, it gives you the opportunity to make your notes clearer while you still remember what the professor had said, which definitely helps when finals are on the horizon. During finals week this semester I found it a lot easier to study because I had taken the time to edit my notes and make them more concise and understandable. It also helped me retain much more of the material I learned in lectures. Sometimes when studying for exams I would be surprised to remember in detail something the professor had talked about at the beginning of the semester. 4) Sleep College students are known for surviving on little sleep, but for me this was the most important habit to master. On seven or eight hours of restful sleep I was able to focus more easily in lectures and while I was studying, and retain more of the material. Ironically, refraining from pulling all-nighters made it so that I didnt have to cram as much and didnt have to pull all-nighters. If youre interested, there is science behind this one as well. 5) Stay away from Facebook and email during study time Once your mind gets distracted it can take awhile before it refocuses on the activity it was involved in. Sometimes I would just click on one link that would lead me to another and then another, or maybe a friend would message me and before I knew it I had wasted a solid chunk of time that I should have been using to work on my school material. To prevent myself from checking my social media accounts, I would completely log off the accounts when I was working, and I uninstalled the

social media applications on my tablet to prevent those disruptive updates from popping up. Sometimes I would leave my device in my dorm when I went out to study, that way I didnt have to think about what was happening in the social media world. Of course, attributing the modest increase in my GPA just to the aforementioned habits is a simplistic explanation. I encourage every student to do whats required of them: go to class, take good notes and study hard. But it certainly doesnt hurt to find the little routines that help you get more out of those activities. As Samora Machel, former president of Mozambique once said, al luta continua the struggle continues. *GPA: Grade Point Average is used by certain institutions in lieu of marks or grades. Please substitute GPA with your institutions marking system.

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 14 July 2013

How to Face Competition at College? First day, first show:

Perspective from Olga-Sofia a student of prestigious Ivy League Columbia University, New York Here are Olga-Sofias five pieces of advice for those who, like her, find themselves utterly unprepared for the consequences of sudden opened horizons : 1. Learn to be bold. If you have a problem, scream for help. My school has all sorts of safety nets, and I bet yours does (or will), too! 2. Learn to persevere. Sometimes its just about hard monotonous work. 3. Learn to read. If, heaven forbid, your native language is not English, come prepared. Read. Read day and night, never stop, and make sure you learn to retain information in English. One of my largest struggles was with English and I scored 118 on TOEFL IbT and got almost perfect score on my Critical Reading section of SAT. 4. Learn that you no longer are looking at the smartest in the rear view mirror. If you played your cards right, and did all you could, you are at the right school. This means that your peers are most likely very close to you in intelligence levels. This, in its turn, means fierce competition. Sometimes I think that the curve is Columbias strategy to literally force us to pick the field of least resistance and therefore tap into our greatest potential. 5. Learn to have fun. Yes, have fun. Right now, get out and have some fun. The second semester I had to drop a course in my major, came to my advisor prepared to crumble under the chair out of embarrassment, and received a Drop it. Enjoy college! Shocking? Yes. True? Very much so.

COVER STORY

13 Freshers spruce up with cosmetic treatments

What it Feels Like to Get Rejected From Your Dream Institution?

KK, VOA, Jessica Some people submit their college applications not knowing where they will end up. They try for some reach schools and some safe schools, hoping for multiple acceptances and the chance to make a choice between options. For them, rejections are tough, but theres always a plan B. But some students know exactly where they will end up there is only one school they want to attend, and they have been working towards it for years. Commenter K.K was one of those, and wrote in to describe what happens when that plan goes wrong: KK: Yale was my dream school since junior high. I worked very hard in order to get perfect scores in school which I did. I did great and was extremely involved in extracurriculars. I always dreamed of graduating from Yale some day. Every night, when I was so tired but needed some motivation to study, I would take Yales brochure and look longingly at it. That would motivate me to push myself to the extreme. I aced the SATs with above 2000+ scores. I got excellent recommendations from teachers. In fact, I stretched myself beyond my limit. But when decisions arrived, I was rejected. For over three hours, I was numb. When it finally hit me that all my toil came to nothing, I broke down and cried and cried and cried. I had missed all the fun in high school for Yale. I had sacrificed my time, my energy, my joy, my happiness, my good times, and my life for Yale. But, it was a waste. Its been two weeks now since I realised that I was never going to be New Delhi Fresh out of school and ahead of their first day in college, countless teenagers are queuing up at beauty clinics to undergo a range of non-surgical cosmetic procedures like nose correction, acne treatment and laser hair reduction that could help them cast the right first impression on the campus. For youngsters, the first impression is the most important. A perfect look helps them in boosting their confidence. After school, they feel a sense of freedom which is a driving factor for them to try different things, Swati Srivastava of beauty and wellness chain VLCC, Mumbai, told. The number of youngsters opting for non-surgical procedures has witnessed a tremendous increase of 300 percent, notes Navin Taneja, director, National Skin Centre. The number of teenagers who go for aesthetic procedure is on the rise. More and more teenagers are subjecting themselves to non-surgical aesthetic procedures in order to belong and look more acceptable to their friends and the people around them, Taneja told IANS. In our centre, the number of young clients opting for non-surgical aesthetic processes has increased up to 300 percent. Four to five years back, we used to generally get around 15 young clients per month opting for acne and acne scar treatment, removal of moles, pigmentation, blemishes procedures before going to college. But nowadays it has increased up to 60, he added. But why cosmetic treatments? Cosmetic treatments come with a glamour factor attached to them. People today are aware that such treatments are being done and they make an individual look really good, said Srivastava. Some procedures that the youngsters

good enough for Yale. I know I will never heal from this pain but I will still carry on with my life. I am not sure what the future holds for me right now but I am sure of one thing; that I will always wake up each morning to painfully realise that I wasted all my high school years preparing for a We regret to inform you.. letter from my dream school, Yale. This was the response from Student Union editor Jessica (who is old enough to have some perspective on the college admissions process, but not so old shes forgotten what it feels like): Im so sorry. I know its difficult to get rejected from your dream school. I can guarantee you one thing though, you will heal from the pain. You will go to another school that is very good, find your niche there, and thrive, just as you would have done at Yale. You will spend 4 years learning alongside other fascinating students, growing as you experience

life as an independent adult, and stretching yourself by studying new subjects and trying new extracurricular activities (just as you would have done at Yale). You will meet incredible people, some of whom will remain your best friends for the rest of your life, and some of whom will be incredibly important to you but eventually fade from your life (just as you would have done at Yale). And you will appreciate all that hard work you did in high school, because you will already know how to push yourself to your limits, and you will be able to choose when to push yourself and when to slack off (a luxury some of your classmates, who are being overwhelmed for the first time, will not have). You will graduate and enter the real world, and from the second you start your first job you will work alongside some people who went to Yale and others who went to community college, all of whom all succeed or fail on their own merits, not the merits of the schools they went to. And guess what? Rarely will anyone ever ask you where you went to college, except as a way to make small talk when they dont know what else to say. Going to one particular school does not guarantee you success or happiness, just as not going to that school does not condemn you to failure or misery. What will guarantee your success or misery, however, is how you deal with this moment right now whether you let this rejection affect how you see everything that happens from now on, or whether you let yourself find fulfillment in a new life plan.

are readily opting for include chemical peels, laser skin rejuvenation, botox, fillers, body sculpting, nose job, photo facials, laser hair reductions and lip augumentation. Most youngsters come for facial rejuvenation. However, whole body treatments like body toning and hair reduction procedures are also gaining popularity among the youth, said Indu Tolani, Delhi-based skin expert. For instance, 18-year-old Ankit Khanna has undergone rhinoplasty to get a pert nose, in time before he joins the University of Delhi to pursue his graduation. I was always very conscious about the shape of my nose, and when you enter college life, you come face to face with many aspects of college life; you see so many good-looking guys around... so you also feel the need to be perfect. So I got the rhinoplasty done, and I am very happy with the results, he said. All such procedures consume around 30 minutes to one hour, depending upon various factors, especially ones skin type. And the effectiveness? The effectiveness of the treatment matters on the condition of the skin. The effectiveness of all these treatments last from 18 months to life long, said Manoj Khanna, cosmetic and plastic surgeon, Enhance Aesthetics and Cosmetic Studio, Kolkata. The cost ranges from as low as Rs.1,000 to Rs.50,000 for complicated procedures. But something like a hair reduction laser treatment, which can be a boon to college girls splurging on waxing almost every fortnight, the cost can go into lakhs of rupees, depending on the area being treated. But nobody seems to mind the rates. These treatments are here to stay for long. These treatments do not have any major side-effect; one needs to be cautious about the doctor from whom they get the treatment done. It is also recommended to stay away from sun in the initial days, said Srivastava.

Shop No. 215A, 2nd Floor, Plot No. 178-178A, Industrial & Business park, Elante mall, Chandigarh (U.T) Ph. No (0172) 4007215

14 I dont believe in natural look: Sofia Vergara

London Actress-comedian Sofia Vergara says she doesnt believe in the natural look and never leaves her house without getting dressed up. The Modern Family star also said that she always advises her American friends to wear makeup. Im Latin. I get glammed up no matter what. Its automatic. I shower, do hair and makeup. For me, its like shaving. I dont believe in a natural look. Lipstick brightens your face, femalefirst.co.uk quoted Vergara as saying. Unless youre Gisele Bndchen or 19, you need something. Most of my girlfriends are very good with it because theyre Latin, but some of the Americans, I give them lipstick like put it on, she said. The 41-year-old also admits that she is comfortable with her body and wears what suits her.

Its the most exciting time for the film industry

New Delhi As Indian cinema celebrates its century, director Nikhil Advani says this is the most exciting time for filmmakers as they are experimenting and getting creative freedom thanks to flexible audiences. Earlier, filmmakers were apprehensive about trying out new themes because audiences were inflexible, but todays movie buffs are open to new subjects spelling a boom time for creative minds. I would not change from where I am for Rs.100 crore (movies). Its the most exciting time for the industry, said the 42-year-old who started as an assistant director in Sudhir Mishras Is Raat Ki Subah Nahin (1996). I have been in the industry for 20 years and in the 20 years, everyday I used to think there will be a day when people will start understanding what we want to do, and the cinema will change. But we forgot that audiences have always accepted great and different films. The last two and a half years have only proved that. The kind of films that have been made only proves that every time you give something different to the audiences, they will accept it with open arms. The box-office successes of womencentric thriller Kahaani, dark comedy Peepli Live and sperm-donation-based comedy Vicky Donor have proved that viewers are accepting change. I am very happy that the studios are today going to the directors who they wouldnt even look at in normal circumstances. Its the best time to make films. I want to thank the audiences and say that the more you accept it, the more we will give you different stuff, the more we will keep thinking differently and boldly, Advani added. Advanis first full-fledged film as a director was Shah Rukh Khan-Priety Zinta-Saif Ali Khan-starrer hit Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003). After that he went behind the camera for Salaam-e-Ishq, Chandni Chowk To China and Patiala House, but they couldnt replicate the success of Kal Ho.. He however hit the bulls eye with his animation film Delhi Safari, which won a National Award. The filmmaker also feels todays youth is asking for a difference, whether its difference in politics, leadership, music, fashion or cinema. He admits that the demography of people looking for different films is lower than the masses sticking to certain subjects. Thats why you will always have a Rowdy Rathore or Bodyguard or Dabangg still working (at the box office). But the niche audience has grown over the past few years and thats very gratifying and helps filmmakers like us to make something different. Over the years, the definition of ro-

CELEB

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 14 July 2013

People say, Oh you always wear the same type of dress on the red carpet. Of course. Im not 20 years old. I know exactly what looks good on me now, she added.

Keira Knightley gets style tips from art gallery?

London Actress-model Keira Knightley reportedly spends her free time browsing the National Portrait Gallery here, to get fashion inspiration from old Hollywood icons. Keira loves the classic look of old movie stars like Audrey Hepburn and Greta Garbo. The gallery is full of vintage prints of those films star and Keira spends ages checking them out to pick up fashion and style tips, femalefirst.co.uk quoted a source as saying. She also spends a lot in the gift shop buying souvenir postcards pencils and art books, added the source. The 28-year-old, who is married to Klaxons keyboard player James Righton, previously said that she loves the drama and fantasy of clothes, which have the power to transform her mood. I like the fantasy of fashion, creating a different person and dressing up like her. Putting on a flowery dress when its raining brightens up the world, she had said. IANS

mance has also changed. In 2003, when I made Kal Ho Naa Ho, the generation then believed that at the end of the day Shah Rukh will give up the love of his life for Saif... but todays generation is not like that, they will simply not accept it. His next is D Day, a film on crossborder terrorism, in which a bunch of RAW agents is assigned to bring a terrorist back to India from Pakistan. The film, starring Rishi Kapoor, Irrfan, Arjun Rampal, Shurti Haasan and Huma Qureshi, is coming out July 19. I am making another romantic comedy next year. But its the kind of romantic film that I think this generation would identify. So its not going to be in the same space of Kal Ho Naa Ho, but it will be a romantic film, he added.

Justin Bieber apologised to Bill Clinton?

Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan discharged from a suburban hospital where he underwent a brain surgery to remove a twomonth-old clot in Mumbai

IANS

Ankita Kumar to present Harmony in capital

New Delhi Filmmaking is her profession and music is Ankita Kumars passion and she is set to woo the music aficionados with her solo piano performance titled Harmony in the capital Friday evening. This is not my profession but my passion. I am a filmmaker by profession. Music is more like an hobby, rather then I am going to earn my money out of it, the 28-yearold daughter of Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar, told IANS. The concert will celebrate music from across borders with some of the famous Indian and western classics. A one-and-a-half hour performance to be held at the Indian Institute of Technology will feature Indian songs, western classical and popular numbers, hymns and devotional tunes on the piano. Some of the Hindi film songs from the black and white era to Bollywood music of todays generation will jazz up the evening that will also have the rhythms of tabla and the strings of the guitar. Ankita said that she began playing the piano at the age of 12 after seeing her teacher - Brian Silas - play the instrument. I have done more than 20 performances and I have done a music album. I also run Colors of Music, a piano academy, she said.
IANS

Los Angeles Singer Justin Bieber, who was filmed while urinating in a mop bucket of a restaurant and saying F**k Bill Clinton, has reportedly apologised to the former US president. The footage in question was shot in New York earlier this year. Eonline.com reports that a source informed that Clinton was cool about it and said something along the lines of, If that is the worst thing you have ever done, all is well. The 19-year-old thanked Clinton on Twitter and called him a great guy. @billclinton thanks for taking the time to talk Mr. President. Your words meant alot. great guy, tweeted Bieber. It is also said that Bieber told Clinton that if there was anything he could do for the Clinton Global Initiative, he would love to help. Clinton, in turn, reportedly told Bieber to focus on the good that he can do for the world and to keep an eye on his friends (one of whom leaked the video). IANS

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 14 July 2013

CELEB
Mumbai Actress Huma Qureshi says it makes her glad to watch the little effort of the team of Shorts make it to the big screen. Shorts, which has five short stories by five directors - Neeraj Ghaywan, Shlok Sharma, Siddharth Gupta, Anirban Roy and Rohit Pandey - is co-produced by Guneet Monga and Anurag Kashyap. It releases Friday. I feel so happy and proud that finally you (can) see that little effort, those baby steps we took, where we made a film with so much passion and love and very little money. To see them on the big screen and hear all the applause, it feels great, the 26-year-old said here Wednesday at a special screening of Shorts. Huma, who is one among the various actors who feature in the movie, feels the new directors will leave an important mark on the industry with their films. Im so proud of all my friends, all the directors who have come together and made these films. These are new voices, new directors and I really feel that in the coming years, they all are going to leave a very important mark in the kind of films that we make, Huma said. The five short films are titled Sujata, Epilogue, Audacity, Mehfuz and Shor.

15

Kareena to go de-glam for Satyagraha promotions

Delhi Actress Kareena Kapoor, who plays a political journalist in Satyagraha, will emulate her character in the movie and go de-glam during the promotions of the Prakash Jhadirected film. Kareena is usually seen in an ultraglamorous avatar. But in the movie, she sports a simple kurta, pair of jeans and a stole. She will remain in the characters look for the promotions, which will begin a month before the film hits the screens Aug 30, said a source. This will be different from usual promotional events where Bollywood celebrities put their best foot forward in terms of fashion at public and media events. Recently, Vidya Balan was seen promoting her film Ghanchakkar in the garb of her loud character.
IANS

Great to see Shorts reach big screen: Huma Qureshi

Nawazuddin happy that dark men are being appreciated

Mumbai Versatile actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who changed the definition of hero with his films, says now dark men are being appreciated in Bollywood. Now audience is ready to see all kinds of films and accepting different actors post Gangs Of Wasseypur. Even Dhanush is being appreciated in Raanjhanaa, so now its time for dark men. I am happy that dark men are being appreciated in Bollywood (films) by the audience. In showbiz, grooming, styling, fitness and good looks play an important role, but conventionally not good looking Nawazuddin has made a mark for himself with his acting skills. Some of the cast members of Gangs of Wasseypur - Nawazuddin, Huma Qureshi and Richa Chadda - have teamed up again for Shorts, which has five short stories by five directors. Releasing July 12, it has been co-produced by Guneet Monga and Anurag Kashyap. Nawazuddin appreciates the trend of short films. He said: Time is changing and this is also one kind of experiment. This is a new trend and lets see where we go. You will see me in a new avatar in the film. I have done around 60 short films in the past, but I am happy that short films are being assembled and are getting released. If the trend goes well, then such small budget films will hit the screens.
IANS

She was a teenager when she won the coveted M i s s A s i a Pacific title in 2000 and, since then, D i a Mirza has been smiling away as an actor, social worker and now, as a producer. But she is glad that she has been able to evade the pretense which often comes with stardom. Stardom sometimes can bring a lot of pretension in your life. Ive noticed that a lot of people around you change, and that is scary. Ive tried to stay the same, Dia said in an interview.

Stardom brings pretense: Dia Mirza

It (stardom) has bothered me. I will be dishonest if I say it hasnt. But it hasnt overwhelmed me or destroyed me, added the 31-year-old, who battled relationship rumours, comparisons and competition to come into her own in the multi-billion dollar Indian film industry. I have given my shot to acting, she said, opening up about broadening her horizons within filmdom through her movie production banner Born Free Entertainment. I gave a good 10 years to acting. Now my horizons are expanding and Im exploring myself. Im optimistic and happy with my company. Cinema is my passion, but I will not destroy my self-esteem by being a part of films which I am not a part of, she added. Dia made her Bollywood foray with Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein. Her endearing smile did wonders for her, and she went on to feature in several films like Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge, Tumsa Nahin Dekha - A Love Story, Parineeta, Dus and Lage Raho Munnabhai. But she couldnt match the success of Lara Dutta and Priyanka Chopra, who bagged the Miss Universe and Miss World crowns respectively in the same year as Dia. She agrees, and says it is only her audiences perception that has mattered to her. Ive never been crushed by the industrys perception. Ive always been motivated by the audiences percep-

tion. People love me, and no one can change that. From where I came and how I started, Ive got more than what I could have asked for. I have only gratitude. But if you compare me with my contemporaries, then maybe I didnt do many big films, or I did big films, and they didnt do well, said the actress. Dia is only bothered about competing with herself. If theres fear, you will never grow. When you are competing with other people, you have fear and then you can never grow, she said. She says film offers never stopped coming to her. But nothing was exciting enough. There are so many young girls who have come into the industry now who have been a part of successful films. I think all the new and good filmmakers are looking to cast them. This can be extremely terrifying for an actor, she quipped. But she is undeterred. Dia believes people will remember her for her hard work, and says that she finds solace in indulging in social work. The one thing which I have earned which no one can take away from me is my hard work. My social work gives me so much inspiration. It is much more than what my films have given me, said Dia, who works with different organisations and causes for societys benefit regularly.
Anjuri Nayar

TV is easiest, quickest way to reach audience: Imran Khan

Mumbai Actor Imran Khan took to the TV show Punar Vivah to promote his upcoming film Once Upon Ay Time In Mumbai Dobaara!. He believes television is the easiest way to reach the audience. The TV audience in this country is so huge that whatever it is you want to promote, a film or a product, you have to reach out to the TV audience. It is the best, easiest and the quickest way, the 30-year-old said here Monday. Imran is open to follow the footsteps of his uncle and superstar Aamir Khan by becoming part of a TV show, provided he gets something interesting. Till now I have not got any exciting offers. But if I do get something, then I would love to do a TV show, Imran said. Aamir made his small screen debut with TV show Satyamev Jayate, which gave out shocking facts and figures associated with social issues.

16
w E E K L Y H O
Its rare when a Ram cant get her motor started, but this could be one of those days. This week is for dreaming, sleeping ARIES late, and letting your Mar 21-Apr 19 imagination do the work. Cant stay in bed all time? Being alone is not being lonely. In the quiet moments of apparent inactivity, inspiration rises and carries you toward the next adventure.
A message from a distant friend is full of interesting news. It stimulates your urge to travel. This is not LIBRA an easy time to stand Sep 23 - Oct 22 still. Your Libran charms allow you to help others in a most gracious manner. You seem to ask for little now, but are ready to give so much. Just make sure to match your compassion for others with an equal level of care for yourself.

LEISURE
R O S C O
Friends with unusual ideas begin to make sense to you now. Your usual resistance to new concepts softens as TAURUS you discover the Apr 20 - May 20 practical side of spirituality. Going with the flow can earn you group support. If its inspiring, youll profit. If youre just after the bucks, youre not likely to get the big prize. Its your week to be a movie star, Scorp, but not necessarily a villain or a vamp. You can be the gentle little in this week. SCORPIO lamb Oct 23 - Nov 21 This is more like puppy love, wide open and innocent. Its only fiction. Youre free of reality, free to imagine yourself just as you like. Even if youre dressed for business, underneath youre all silk and lace. No one is more adaptable than you, dear Gem, and youll need all the stretch you can find now. On the GEMINI one hand, youre a May 21 - Jun 20 regular god or goddess this week. Lovely Venus entering your sign has anointed you as gorgeous. Use your imagination to bridge the gap, and youll find beauty everywhere.
Jeez, you tell a little joke, a playful little story, and everyone takes it so personally. Come on people, SAGITTARIUS this is not serious. Nov 22 - Dec 21 Skins are just too thin for your humour this week, Sag. We know you love to go all out, but restraint is a key to the week. Evenings spent looking at family photos, or calling old friends, can bring tenderness.

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 14 July 2013

Panchang in Brief: Sun, Mercury, Venus and Jupiter in Taurus, Moon in Leo, Mars and Ketu in Aries, Sani and Rahu in Libra. Nakshatra is Purva phalguni.
Its time for the sceptics to find out how right you are. You see, all they want are the facts, but youve got that come CANCER instincts closer to the truth. Jun 21 - Jul 22 You acquire leadership without even trying for it. Trust your intuition now. Answers appear as if by magic. If you go for a stroll or a drive, you may discover wonders in the most unexpected places.
Its amazing how much you can get done when everyone else is running around in a state of confusion. You may CAPRICORN have to put up with Dec 22 - Jan 19 many distractions this week. So many people are pulling at you with their little needs and demands. Fortunately, youve got the stuff to stay firm in the shakiest of situations. Your silence will likely be interpreted as real caring. A trusted woman could be disappointing to you in this week. It would be better to meet the truth head-on than to continue investing in Jul 23 - Aug. 22 a meaningless fantasy. Confidence is a wonderful thing, but one person does not make a relationship. Count on a friend to give you an objective point of view and help clear up confusion.

LEO

You may not be at your coolest . Your usual sharp reasoning may not prove convincing to an emotional partner or colleague. Use VIRGO imagination to see the Aug. 23 - Sep 22 other persons point of view. A little faith can go a long way in overcoming your critical nature. Sometimes we need the pressure to build so that we can finally make the big changes.
The Moon, the planet of emotion, is in your sign this week. Your usual sensitivity may be even stronger. Fortueverything you PISCES nately, feel is not about you. Feb 19 - Mar 20 You dont have to react to every sensation and thought. Youre a kaleidoscope of impressions and images. If you open your mind and your heart in a safe place, the inspirational muse may come for a visit.

We know you dont like to think about money very much. Its necessary, of course, but so far below your high ideals and aspirations. The AQUARIUS big surprise is that your Jan 20 - Feb. 18 greatest gift might well be your imagination. Let the facts go, let the philosophy go, and see what you feel. A dream is waiting. It wants to come out, wrap you in its arms, and carry you to the stars.

V. Kumar (Scientific Horoscope Consultant) You can consult him with Appointment on: 9855150789; 9592095234
DOWN 1. Tax agcy. 2. Groove 3. Very scrawny 4. Range 5. Peppers partner 6. Pigpen 7. Supervisor 8. Angels headgear 9. Entire 10. Regret 11. Still, poetically 16. Asian language 19. Sew temporarily 20. Fall bloom 21. Fixed gaze 22. Contaminate 23. Rich in detail 24. Large spoon 25. Swiftness 27. About- face 28. Shoe spike 35. Fighter pilots 37. Excessive excitement 40. Young adult 41. ____ 0f capri 42. Rascal 43. Third letter 44. Weird 45. Gents 46. Golly ! 47. Pitcher handle

ACROSS 1. Intense rage 4. Mules kin 7. Midwest airport 12. Pirates drink 13. Stool pigeon 14. Worth 15. Majestic 17. Comic ______ DeGeneres 18. Informal talk 19. Siss counterpart 20. Indias locale 22. Cap ornaments 26. Story connector 29. Lick up 30. Create lace 31. Upper class 32. Lemon drink 33. Before, in poems 34. Commanding respect 36. Mutton, e.g.(wds.) 38. Female student 39. Museum offering 40. Level 42. Religious Image 45. E-mail item 48. Newspaper and TV, e.g. 49. Snaky fi8sh 50. Pekoe, e.g. 51. Bicycle part 52. Vane dir. 53. Always, in poems

Crossword Solution 07 July, 2013

1 S 12 P 15 A 2 P E R 3 I R E 4 T I N 18 S E L 32 O 35 N O 40 U N N S T A 51 G 54 E 41 E D E N 42 N E E D 5 E L A T E 19 A P 28 P L E 6 D 13 Y 16 E R 7 D A R T 8 E M U L 23 A T E 36 D 39 M I 46 M 52 I 55 C E L A N O 47 I N C 48 N E O 49 E R A 17 D E L I 24 A C 33 I E R 25 I L O N G 26 S E N S E 9 L 14 E I 10 E A T 11 D U E

1 12 15

3 16 18

4 13

7 14 17 19

10 11

20 21 26 30 33 36 42 43 44 48 51 37 39 27 28 31 34

22

23 24 25 29 32 35 38 40 41

20 S 27 N 31 O 34 O 37 P

21 T A U P E

22 R I T E S

29 A D S

30 R I S 38 E S

43 G 50 N 53 U

44 R I P

45 E L S

45 49 52 50 53

46 47

Ramadan - a month of devotion and compassion

It is a spring of good deeds, a month of fasting, devotion, compassion, generosity, forgiveness and repentance. And Indias 140 million Muslims, who constitute the worlds third-largest Muslim population, observe Ramadan with both devotion and fervour. Ramadan, the ninth month of Islamic calendar that began Thursday is the holy month during which Muslims observe roza (fast), one of the five tenets of Islam. The fasting is obligatory for all adult Muslims except those who are ill and travelling. During the fast, observed every day from dawn to sunset, Muslims refrain from consuming any food or water or engaging in sexual relations. Muslims try to move closer to the Almighty Allah, seeking His forgiveness and mercy by daily offering namaz five-times and also additional namaz during night like Taraweeh and Tahajjud and reading of the holy Quran. By fasting, we thank Allah for giving us the Quran, which was revealed during this holy month. This is a complete guidance not just for Muslims but for the entire humanity, Sultan Mohiuddin, head of Jamaat-e-Islamis Nampally unit in Hyderabad, told. Fasting teaches man self-control and patience. By abstaining from things which are allowed in other days, we practice how to control ourselves in other days when there is something which we like but is harmful to the society and which our Creator has prohibited, Mohiuddin added. The mans patience is put to test when he fasts. When a man doesnt eat, it develops a sense of anger within and he is more likely to fight with others but roza teaches a method to control oneself. While controlling hunger and thirst, he also has to ensure that he doesnt abuse, harm or fight with others. One of the significant features of Ramadan is that it creates empathy towards have-nots and encourages charity. When a man fasts, he realizes there are many people who dont get two square meals and deprived of basic necessities. When I have money I eat and drink but there are many who go hungry because they dont

have the means. Quran says the poor, handicapped and those who are deprived also have their share in your money, said a scholar, who declined to be named. But then, Ramadan is not only about fasting and prayers. Parts of cities like Delhi or Hyderabad or Kolkata or Mumbai, with a large Muslim population, come alive, especially during evenings. The markets teem with people buying dates, fruits and the fried items for iftar or breaking of fast. The

Sudoku Solution 07 July, 2013

Sudoku 14 July, 2013

occasion brings together the devouts in mosques and at community iftars as the holy month provides unique opportunity to foster unity and brotherhood. Shopping continues till late in the night with the people tasting haleem, a special delicacy of Ramadan prepared by hundreds of hotels and roadside eateries. The worshippers throng the mosques for prayers till around midnight. The activity resumes in the wee hours of the day with people waking up for sahr

or pre-dawn meals followed by the morning prayers. In the national capital, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and other top political leaders also host iftar parties. There are an estimated 1.6 billion Muslims around the world. India has the worlds third largest Muslim population after Indonesia and Pakistan, with 20 to 30 percent Muslim populations in some of the largest states of Mohammed Shafeeq the country.

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 14 July 2013

REVIEW
BOOK

17 Bhaag Milkha Bhaag Run to watch this marvel

potential in his story. If Milkhas story had to be told, the storyteller had to be a master craftsman, and one who doesnt waste space in self-congratulatory flourishes. With immense help from Prasoon Joshi, Mehra harnesses Milkhas life-story into an experience that is pure cinema and yet undiluted and uncompromised by the mandatory, often silly, illogical and idiotic semantics of mainstream commercial cinema. The absolutely seamless editing by P. Bharathi is impressive. The film is very stylishly cut, but not at the cost of losing the simplicity and the innate ascetism of the sportsman-hero. And yes, there are songs composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, but they are so effortlessly woven into Milkhas saga that we dont see them as song breaks. This is as good a time as any to tell you that Farhan Akhtar does the Bhangra as well as any Punjabi. Actually, he doesnt dance. He just flows with the rhythm. Ive never seen any actor dance with such rhapsodic abundance. Neither have I seen any actor run like Farhan. I dont know how fast Milka ran, but Farhans Milkha doesnt fake it for even a second. When he runs, he really runs. When he stumbles and takes a fall, we flinch and wince in our seats. Farhans body language and emotions and expression as Milkha is pitch-perfect. Farhan doesnt play Milkha. The actor occupies Milkhas mind, body and soul. This isnt just a film about a sportsperson who brought untold glory to our country. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is the story of an individuals journey from nullity to pinnacles of success in a world where politics and violence are constant reminders of

Drinking-and-driving theme and a thriller set in Mumbai

local and from elsewhere - are featured, as is the media, struggling to cope with the unpredicatable newsappetites of the bustling city that never sleeps. The novel begins in a Mumbai nightclub where an accused in a previous drink-anddriving case is found dead, with drugs initially being suspected. The action shifts to the Worli Seaface, where another person involved in a similar case is targeted by a paid killer while going for his morning jog. Bystanders take it to be a road accident, though. Then the bodyguard of a prominent Bollywood star finds him unconscious after an accident in his gym.Such incidents keep repeating, till threatening calls make it clear that theres a pattern to it all. The reader is left wondering what will happen next, and, more importantly, what is the motive of those behind these crimes, and what those who commit them hope to achieve. The trail of accidents and killings continues to a luxury hotel in Goa and even the plush ward where the film star is admitted to recover. But lets not spoil the suspense to the final denouement. The novel takes one from Bandra to the Worli Seaface, Central Mumbai, the police HQ, Colaba and other popular landmarks of the city which never sleeps. Fernandes was born and educated in Mumbai. He has lived in New Zealand for six years, completed his MBA from the Auckland University of Technology and is a marketing and media specialist. Currently in Goa, when he is not writing, he is involved in promoting windsurfing. While in New Zealand, Fernandes worked for Sony and for the Auckland City Council. IANS

Consequences

mOVIE

Author: Nigel Fernandes Publisher: Goa 1556 Unchecked cases of drinking-anddriving is the theme of this maiden novel of an expat Indian writer who has expressed his sharp concern over the menace which claimed the life of his 20-month-old nephew. Former Mumbai-based Nigel Fernandes, who had been in New Zealand and is now back in Goa, has just authored Consequences (Goa,1556/ Rs.200), a 214-page thriller that deals with this deadly scourge that today afflicts many parts of India. Significantly, the 37-year-old writer has also dedicated the book to his nephew Jared Tristan DSouza, killed by a reckless motorist when just 20 months old. The quick-paced thriller, which he took eight months to write, is set in cosmopolitan Mumbai and has a mix of affluent characters who seem to inhabit quite another world in Indias commercial capital. We also meet family doctors of the rich and the famous. As the scene shifts to a hospital, one gets the essence of the city nurse who tries hard to please the patient and the skilled doctors overcautious about the VVIP they treat. Mumbais police - both

Cast Farhan Akhtar, Sonam Kapoor, Rebecca Breeds, Divya Dutta, Prakash Raj and Pavan Malhotra Writer Prasoon Joshi Director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra History is created in several ways. One of them is cinema. And if Rakeysh Omprakash Mehras Bhaag Milkha Bhaag seems like a near-flawless homage to the flying spirit of Indias greatest runner, it is partly because the story, so nimbly woven into a pastiche of drama, emotion, humour and pathos by Prasoon Joshi, is in no hurry to keep pace with the onscreen Milkhas breathless sprint. The story of super-sprinter Milkha Singh unfolds in this exceptional biopic at its own volition. Theres no effort here to tell a story, to create an impression or to whip up a dramatic storm to captivate audiences. The synergy in the storytelling seems subliminal.A victim of Indias brutal partition, Milkhas story was waiting to be told. And thankfully, no one before Mehra saw cinematic

how little an individuals aspirations matter in the larger, often murkier scheme. In Prasoon Joshis interpretation of Milkhas amazing success-story, yearning is the cornerstone to achievement. In 1947, when India became two nations, we see little Milkha (Jabtej Singh) run for his life to escape the savage butchery that snatches away almost his entire family. Only his dear sister, played wonderfully by Divya Dutta, remains. As we see it, Milkha never stopped running since the partition trauma. Happily, the screen time is as much taken up with Milkhas record-breaking achievements on the field, as it is with vignettes from his personal life. There is a robust heartwarming romance between Milkha and the vessel-friendly kudi Biro (Sonam Kapoor, looking prettier than ever). Farhan does the rest. And he gets tremendous support from other actors, specially Divya Dutta, who is incomparably sincere in her role. Pavan Malhotra as Milkhas coach is as usual, first-rate. Unlike other period films in recent times which have conveniently and lazily resorted to antiques, artefacts and vintage songs, the 1950s in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag simply and effortlessly emerges from the character and his milieu. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is the kind of cinema that doesnt tempt us to share the protagonists life with any false hopes. We the audience are driven into a desperate urge to share Milkhas life not only because he ran fast, but because he wasnt afraid to stumble, falter and fall. Ironically, this film on Milkha rarely slips up, if ever. At one point, in an under-punctuated flashback, we hear Milkha confide in his sweetheart that he would like the government to declare a national holiday in his honour. I recommend a national holiday for the entire nation to go and see this movie. It makes the other recent high-profile acclaimed films look hopelessly inadequate.

By Subhash K. Jha

Sricharan Kasturirangan, Chinmayi Sripaada, Gopi Sunder, Amitabh Bhattacharya, Anusha Mani, Sunidhi Chauhan, Arijit Singh, Neeti Mohan, Brodha V., Natalie Diluccio, Smokey, Enkore, Phoenyx and Zoheb Khan

Chennai Express Chugs on experimentation

MUSIC

to the beauty of its name. Sung by Chinmayi Sripaada and Gopi Sunder, the track, backed by soothing music, is typically romantic by Bollywood standards. Its rhythm grows on you. Next up is Kashmir main, tu Kanyakumari. Yes, the song has a quirky title, but it just goes on to depict how different are the lead characters, essayed by Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, in the film. Its tough to slot the genre of this song, but singers Sunidhi Chauhan, Arijit Singh and Neeti Mohan have made it worth a hear with their talent. It leaves the listener happy. If rap in India can be taken to the a new level in Bollywood, then Ready steady po has done it! An interesting number, it is sung by an ensemble of Brodha V., Natalie Diluccio, Smokey, Enkore and Vishal Dadlani. Quite an experimental song, one must say! And you cant miss its international appeal. A

hip-hop touch to the song makes it classy and catchy. This one is likely to become an anthem of sorts. The title track, Chennai Express gives you a nostalgic feeling, and why not? It is crooned in the melodious voice of southern singer S.P. Balasubramaniam. He comes back to Bollywood with this one after a long time, and how! A dubstep version of Titli is a must listen. The combination of a Bollywood romantic track, some south Indian beats and dubstep, this experimental song is music to the ears, literally! Kudos to the composers for this fusion track. Verdict: Heres another winner from Vishal-Shekhar. It is likely to appeal to music lovers of all agegroups and sentiments. An entertaining all-rounder, the composers must be applauded for fusing different music and beats to pep up the otherwise usual Bollywood music.

Rohit Shettys much-awaited entertainer Chennai Express boasts of a soothing bouquet of typical Bollywood numbers and some peppy tracks with exceptional mixing. The music album has eight tracks, including a mashup. The album rightly sets the pace with One two three four! This one surely has the potential to become a hit dance number. With Vishal Dadlani and Hamsika Iyer taking the lead, the tapori-style track is catchy, peppy and energy-packed. Youll go hitchik hitchik after this one! Titli, the second track, lives up

Music Directors: Vishal-Shekhar Singers Vishal Dadlani, Hamsika Iyer,

Bollywood actress Chitrangada Singh at the launch of Micromax Canvas 4 smartphone

IANS

18

Kolkata The medicinal power of the humble neem, widely used in India as an insecticide and germicide, is now being channelised by a group of Kolkata scientists to wage a war against cancer. The team of researchers at the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute (CNCI) here has shown (in its two successive papers) how a purified protein from neem leaves inhibits growth of tumour cells in mice. Instead of targeting the cancer cells directly, the protein - Neem Leaf Glycoprotein or NLGP - modulates the immune cells (cells that are responsible for providing immunity to the body against harmful agents) present within the tumour environment and also in the peripheral system like blood. Immune cells are normally hostile to cells that are dangerous to the body including cancer cells. However, in a unique role-reversal during tumour development, these crucial defence elements are enslaved by the cancerous cells to promote their growth and proliferation. Therefore, instead of destroying the lethal cells, the guard cells actually favour their growth. What makes NLGP special is that the extract modifies the milieu of cells surrounding the tumour (called tumour microenvironment or TME) and spurs these cells towards a normal state that is debilitating for toxic cells like cancer cells. In our recent study we have seen that NLGP has the potency to normalise tumour micro-environment consisting of tumour cells and tumour associated non-transformed

SCIENCE AND TECH Indian scientists use neem protein 23 million year-old to fight cancer lizard
cells that help in tumour progression. Basically, NLGP modulates the tumour microenvironment in such a way that it restricts further growth of the tumour, Rathin dranath Baral, head of the department of immunoregulation and immunodiagnostics, CNCI, told IANS. Besides the immune cells (that infiltrate the tumour site from the bloodstream) the TME consists of a variety of other cells (fibroblast and endothelial cells) in addition to a range of growth factors that activate and promote growth of tumour cells. Among the immune cells is a group of cancer-killing cells called CD8+T cells. A s the microenvironment returns to the tumourdirected hostile state, triggered by N L G P, the population of T cells shoots up, thereby aiding in restriction of the cancer. NLGP also shields the T cells from developing a non-reactive state (called anergy). The study published in peer-reviewed PLOS ONE states that these killer T cells (produced in NLGP treated tumourbearing mice) exhibited a greater number of molecules with the power to destroy the cancer cells, compared to the T-cells from mice that were not treated with NLGP. Examination of non-toxic NLGP on human cancer patients is awaited. But if we get clearance to treat cancer patients with NLGP, intramuscular injection might be an effective route, Baral said. Initial results are very encouraging. It has been found that it can arrest the progress of the tumour cell growth, particularly without any major or serious adverse event. However, we have to take up this molecule with different regulatory bodies, particularly with the Drug Controller General of India, for their approval...Once it is approved, we can take up this in human trial, said Jaydip Biswas, director, CNCI.

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 14 July 2013

fossil found in Mexico

Now a smartphone from iBerry

IANS

Cristobal de las Casas (Mexico) Mexican scientists are studying a complete fossil of a lizard that lived some 23 million years ago and whose soft tissue remains have been preserved in amber. The small piece of fossil resin, which is in the shape of a trapezoid and entombs the skeleton, was found several months ago in the Simojovel amber deposits of the northern part of the southeastern state of Chiapas. Amber often contains small remains of plants and animals, but it is rare to find complete vertebrates such as this lizard, preliminarily identified as a new species of the genus Anolis and currently on display at the Amber Museum in San Cristobal de las Casas. Francisco Riquelme, of the National Autonomous University of Mexicos Physics Institute, told EFE the specimen measuring approximately 4.5 centimeters by 1.3 centimeters was a complete and articulated animal that also preserves remains of soft tissue and skin. Gerardo Carbot, director of Chiapass Paleontology Museum, said fossil specimens found in the state date back a minimum of 23 million years because that is the age of the amber that is extracted from deposits in Simojovel, Huitihupan, El Bosque, Pueblo Nuevo, Palenque, Totolapa and Malpaso.

NASA Satellite Provides First Now, heres where the View of the Solar Systems Tail brains buzz comes from
Washington Like a comet, the solar system has a tail. NASAs Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) has for the first time mapped out the structure of this tail, which is shaped like a four-leaf clover. Scientists describe the tail, called the heliotail, based on the first three years of IBEX imagery in a paper published in the July 10 edition of the Astrophysical Journal. While telescopes have spotted such tails around other stars, it has been difficult to see whether our star produced one. The particles found in the tail -and throughout the entire heliosphere, the region of space influenced by our sun -- do not shine, so they cannot be seen with conventional instruments. By examining the neutral atoms, IBEX has made the first observations of the heliotail, said David McComas, IBEX principal investigator at Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas, and the papers lead author. Many models have suggested the heliotail might look like this or like that, but we have had no observations. We always drew pictures where the tail of the solar system just trailed off the page, since we couldnt even speculate about what it really looked like. IBEX measures the neutral particles created by collisions at the solar systems boundaries. This technique, called energetic neutral atom imaging, relies on the fact that the paths of neutral particles are not affected by the solar magnetic field. Instead, the particles travel in a straight line from collision to IBEX. Consequently, observing where the neutral particles came from describes what is going on in these distant regions. Since first light in 2008, the IBEX mission team has amazed us with its discoveries at the interstellar boundary, including a previously unknown ribbon of energetic neutral particles stretching across it, said Arik Posner, NASAs IBEX program scientist in Washington. The new IBEX image of the heliotail fills in a previously blank area on the map. We are first-hand witnesses of rapid progress in heliophysics science. By combining observations from the first three years of IBEX imagery, the team showed a tail with a combination of fast and slow moving particles. There are two lobes of slower particles on the sides and faster particles above and below. This four-leaf clover shape can be attributed to the fact that the sun has been sending out fast solar wind near its poles and slower wind near its equator for the last few years. This is a common pattern in the most recent phase of the suns 11-year activity cycle. The clover shape does not align perfectly with the solar system, however. The entire shape is rotated slightly, indicating that as it moves further away from the sun and its magnetic influence, the charged particles begin to be nudged into a new orientation, aligning with the magnetic fields from the local galaxy. Los Angeles Scientists have solved the puzzle about the region in the brain from where a buzz of ideas is created, says a new study. University of California at Los Angeles psychologists have identified, for the first time, the brain regions associated with the successful spread of ideas, often called buzz. The research has a broad range of implications, the study authors say, and could lead to more effective public health campaigns, more persuasive advertisements and better ways for teachers to communicate with students, according to a report in Science Daily. Our study suggests that people are regularly attuned to how the things theyre seeing will be useful and interesting, not just to themselves but

to other people, said the studys senior author, Matthew Lieberman, a UCLA professor of psychology and of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences and author of the forthcoming book Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect. The study findings are published in the online edition of the journal Psychological Science, with print publication to follow later this summer.

New method developed to detect drug efficiency

Stockholm Swedish scientists have developed a new method that detects the efficiency of drug molecules in reaching their targets, says a study. The method, which is described in the scientific journal Science, could make a significant contribution to the development of new, improved drug substances, reports Science Daily. Most drugs operate by binding to one or more proteins and affecting their function, which creates two common bottlenecks in the development of drugs -- identifying the right target proteins and designing drug molecules able to efficiently seek out and bind to them. Until now, no method was available for directly measuring the efficiency of the drug molecules to locate and bind to their target protein. Researchers from Karolinska Institutet have developed a new tool called CETSA (Cellular Thermal Shift Assay), which utilises the concept that target proteins usually get stabilised

Chennai Hong Kong-based electronics manufacturer iBerry, better known for its tablet computers, Tuesday announced the launch of its first smartphone in the Indian market, at an introductory price of Rs.15,990 ($265). Auxus Nuclea N1, as this smartphone is being called, will have this introductory offer over a 10-day pre-booking period beginning July 13 following which it will be priced at Rs.18,000, the company said in a statement. The pre-booking goes live on our Website www.iberry.asia as well as on online portal ebay.in, the company said, adding that with this launch it would also open more than over 400 service centres across India, with the list on display July 13. The 5-inch smartphone uses what is called a one-glass solution for slim and sleek look with features such as gesture control, voice unlock and magnetic sensors. It has a 13mega pixel rear-facing camera with auto-focus and li-ion battery of 2800 mAh. Typically, Auxus Nuclea N1 comes bundled with four colour variants in the box, which means users can choose the colour panel they want to use on a given day on the basis of the occasion and costume, the company said. For those familiar with technical specifications, it has a MT6589T Quad core Turbo 1.5 GHz processor with Full HD 1080p resolution of display and PowerVR SGX 544MP GPU clocked at 357MHz for tremendous gaming experience. Auxus Nuclea N1 is also equipped with active matrix display. This means each pixel of the display is individually controlled to provide a sharp image at wide viewing angle, so that users can have a different and unique viewing experience.

when drug molecules bind. We have shown that the method works on a wide variety of target proteins and allows us to directly measure whether the drug molecules reach their targets in cells and animal models, says lead investigator Professor Par Nordlund of the department of medical biochemistry and biophysics at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. We believe that CETSA will eventually help to improve the efficiency of many drugs and contribute. IANS

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 14 July 2013

KIDS
candy makers from Nashville, Tennessee, USA. They invented a device that heated sugar in a spinning bowl that had tiny holes in it. It formed a treat that they originally called Fairy Floss. As the bowl spun around, the caramelized sugar was forced through the tiny holes, making feathery candy that melts in the mouth. Morrison and Wharton introduced cotton candy to the world at the St. Louis Worlds Fair (1904) and sold huge amounts of it. They sold about 68,655 boxes at that fair. The term cotton candy began to be used in the USA around 1920. In the United Kingdom, this treat is called candy floss. In case youre curious about how cotton candy gets its signature pink and blue colour. Then you must be surprised to know that a touch of food coloring is added to change the color of cotton candy. Sugary facts about Cotton Candy: National Cotton Candy Day is celebrated on November 7 each year. There is only one ingredient in cotton candy: sugar. There is about as much sugar in cotton candy as in a can of soda. The first electric Cotton Candy making machine was patented in 1899 by Wharton and Morrison. New Delhi In a rare opportunity, school students will get a chance to capture images of earth as seen from space in a four-day workshop under a NASAsponsored education programme, a statement said. Helping children learn more about earth from the unique perspective of space, NASAs Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle School Students educational experience to motivate students toward math and science studies. A camera allows students to examine and photograph earth from the unique vantage point of the International Space Station (ISS). Students will get a hands-on experience using the same kinds of tools and systems used by scientists and astronauts and the chance to apply

19

The history of Cotton candy NASA to help students study earths surface

Here we are giving your child an opportunity to enjoy our funny tongue twisters for kids and have fun trying to say some of the most difficult sentences . To get the full effect of a tongue twister you should try to repeat it several times, as quickly as possible, without stumbling. Row the row-boat through the river rarely making a row. I wish to wish the wish you wish to wish, but if you wish the wish the witch wishes, I wont wish the wish you wish to wish. Where she sits she shines, and where she shines she sits. Six sleek swans swam swiftly southwards. Double bubble gum doubles bubbles.

It is most wanted by the kids, a sweet treat which simply melts in your mouth like a snowflake. But do you know how cotton candy is actually made? Cotton candy is a soft confection that looks like a fluffy mass of cotton (but there is no cotton in cotton candy). Cotton candy is made from finely-granulated sugar that is heated and spun into slim threads. Cotton candy was invented in 1897 by William Morrison and John C. Wharton,

Gift your kids Disneys monsoon collection

(EarthKAM) allows students to view and capture images of their world from an astronauts perspective. EarthKAM is a NASA-funded educational outreach programme run in collaboration with the Science Popularisation Association of Communicators and Educators (SPACE) in India. SPACE has been conducting this NASA educational outreach programme in India for the past four years to promote students engagement in science, technology and astronomy. Workshops are conducted across the country for SPACE associated schools, the statement said. Seven schools from Delhi and one each from Noida and Chandigarh are participating in the workshop conducted in their own premises. According to SPACE, the goal is to provide an enriched and enhanced

that knowledge inside the classroom, the statement said. Students can control a digital camera and capture custom images of the earths surface of their choice as seen from space. The service was used by astronaut Sunita Williams on her last mission on the ISS. The images by students will then be available for viewing and studying, said the statement. The workshop also gives students an opportunity to view large-scale geographical features of earth, weather and climate and also to study the areas affected by natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, fires etc. Teachers can use these images for the development of the curriculum plans for studies in subjects like physics, oceanography, climate, geography, earth science etc, the statement added. IANS

Put your puzzle solving skills to the test with our emotions word scramble. Look carefully at the jumbled words and try unscrambling as many words related to emotions and feelings. PHAYP EUFCNSOD GANYR ISUSRPDER ASD TEEICDX

Color me........
New Delhi Disney has come up with a new range of fashionable and vibrant monsoon kids-wear with classic characters such as Mickey and friends, Winnie the Pooh in the woods and Jungle Book. The range includes raincoats, umbrellas, flip-flops, clogs and sandals for kids aged between one and 14 years.Available in variety of designs and prints, the collection can be bought from Lifestyle, Big-Bazaar and D-Mart. One can buy them online on firstcry. com and babyoye.com.While the raincoats come in an assortment of shades and sizes with prints of popular Disney characters such as Mickey and friends, Princesses, Lightning McQueen, Winnie the Pooh and many more, the umbrellas are available in vibrant hues, bold prints and with special designs for boys and girls. The price for the raincoats starts from Rs.559 onwards and that of the light-weight and easy to handle umbrellas from Rs.399 onwards. Disney fans can also choose from a wide variety of footwear from flip-flops to sandals to clogs.Priced between Rs.249 and Rs.499, the footwear range is available at leading shopping destinations across the country, including Hyper City, Walmart Easy Day and also on myntra.com, jabong.com, firstcry.com and allschoolstuff.com.
IANS

Enchant Meaning- To cast a spell over, to bewitch. Example- She could enchant her audience with her charming voice. Fickle Meaning- Changeable, inconstant. Example- My uncle was a fickle bachelor who dated someone new each week. Groan Meaning- To make a sound expressive of stress. Example- The young man groaned in pain when the doctor checked his injured arm. Heist Meaning- To steal, to hold up; rob Example- Four men were involved in the armored car heist.

Answers to Word Scramble : Happy, Confused Angry, Surprised, Sad, Excited

The sloth is the slowest land mammal in the world with a top speed of only 2 kmph (1.3 mph). It would take a sloth travelling at normal speed about 22 minutes to go 100m (110 yards). The fastest man in the world can run this distance in under 10 seconds.

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BUSINESS

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 14 July 2013

India set to become worlds manufacturing hub

New York With India committed to make itself the manufacturing hub of the world, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma has asked US corporates to look at India as a long term business and investment opportunity. Sharma made a strong pitch to US businesses at a conversation hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the US India Business Council (USIBC) here Wednesday. He outlined the various policies undertaken by the Indian government to invigorate manufacturing and to create the right conditions for inviting investments into the country, according to a CII media release. Highlighting the steps taken by the government to spur business and investments in the country, Sharma spoke about the National Investment and Manufacturing Zones (NIMZ) being set up across India and the single window approval mechanism for investments. He also mentioned the fast-tracking of critical infrastructure projects, use of technology to minimise paperwork for investment proposals, the efforts to tackle the emotive issue of land and the establishment of a cabinet committee on investments chaired by the Prime Minister. While acknowledging that 2012 was a difficult economic year for India, Sharma pointed to the countrys strong fundamentals such as thriving domestic demand, a high national investment rate (35 percent) and a high savings rate (31 percent) as factors

Ranbaxy to pay $420,000 in US for sub-standard drugs

India set to grow at 6.3 percent: IMF

that will continue to drive economic growth. The Minister particularly emphasised that the US and India share a larger, strategic relationship with deep and growing engagements in sectors such as aerospace, nuclear, defence, agriculture, information technology, communications, science and technology. Joint collaborations in science and technology, innovation, research and development have further strengthened the bilateral partnership. He pointed to strong two-way investment flows, with US FDI in India pegged at $32 billion and Indian investments into the US projected to stand at $13 billion. At the same time, Sharna stressed that partnership is a two-way pro-

cess and that the imperative of free movement of skilled professionals is an aspect that needs to be recognized and respected. To highlight the myriad business opportunities open to US and Indian companies, a high powered CII CEOs delegation is accompanying Sharma during his US visit. Led by Ajay Shriram, presidentdesignate, CII & senior managing director and chairman, DCM Shriram Consolidated Ltd, the delegation includes Chandrajit Banerjee, director general, CII; Sunil Bharti Mittal, chairman and group CEO, Bharti Enterprises Limited; Analjit Singh, chairman, Max India Limited; Rajan Navani, managing director, Jetline Group of Companies; and Som MitIANS tal, president, NASSCOM.

Ranbaxy Laboratories, controlled by Japans Daiichi Sankyo Group, will pay Idaho state in northwestern US nearly $420,000 to settle civil and criminal complaints of selling drugs of inferior strength, purity or quality in a case that dates back several years. Idaho had joined several states and the US government in alleging that Ranbaxy products manufactured between April 2003 and September 2010 did not meet US Food and Drug Administration standards and caused Medicaid to pay fraudulent claims. Medicaid is a US health programme for families and individuals with low income and resources. The alleged 26 sub-standard generic drugs were made at Ranbaxys factories in Paonta Sahib and Dewas in India. The company agreed to a $500 million settlement with the federal and state governments. About $266.7 million of that will go to Medicaid programmes that are jointly funded by federal and state taxes. Taxpayers expect their tax dollars to be used to pay for a legitimate service, Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden said in a press release. This settlement reflects our resolve

to address losses to the Idaho Medicaid programme caused by individuals and companies. In an e-mail statement to IANS, Ranbaxy clarified that this was not a new issue. This amount is part of the $500 million settlement with the US DOJ (Department of Justice), which Ranbaxy announced on May 13, 2013. On the same day Ranbaxy had said that the investigations pertained to conduct which occurred several years ago, and that the present management had fully cooperated with the DOJ. It also said that it had since strengthened its data integrity and manufacturing processes to comply with all regulatory requirements, alluding that its drugs made at the two facilities were safe. Idahos share of the settlement is $419,914. About half of that will go to Idaho Medicaid as restitution, and about half will go to Idahos general fund. The company also pleaded guilty to seven felony counts of violating the US Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and agreed to pay $150 million in criminal fines and forfeitures.

SC suggests Tatas to return Nano land to government

New Delhi The Supreme Court Wednesday asked Tata Motors to consider restoring the land for small car Nano factory in West Bengal back to the state government so that it could be returned to the agriculturists from whom it was acquired. The apex court bench of Justice H.L. Dattu and Justice Dipak Misra told Tatas that they are lease holders. You are not carrying out any business there. You cannot be expecting any profit from land. Why should you come in the way of the state handing it back to the agriculturists? the court said. The court asked Tatas counsel Gopal Jain to respond to its suggestion by Aug 6. The West Bengal government and the central government represented respectively by senior counsel Rakesh Dwivedi and Solicitor General Mohan Prasaran told the court that the state is willing to return the compensation with interest to Tatas if they restore the land to the farmers. The courts suggestion to the Tatas to hand over the land back to the state came in the course of the hearing of a petition by the West Bengal government challenging the Calcutta High Court order quashing its law to take IANS over the Singur land.

Karnataka assures Murthy of support to IT industry

Bangalore The Karnataka government Tuesday assured Infosys chairman N.R. Narayana Murthy of its support for the IT industrys growth and expansion across the state. The assurance was made by IT, BT, Science & Technology Minister S.R. Patil when he called on Murthy and interacted with the global software majors executives and staff at its campus on the citys outskirts. The state government is committed to the further growth of the knowledge sector, especially IT and biotechnology, and will do everything to maintain the state as the premier investment destination, Patil told Murthy. The minister also assured the state support in enabling Infosys expand its operations in the state after Murthy hinted of setting up a new software development centre at Hubli-Dharwad in the northern region, about 410 km from here. The IT sector can generate thousands of jobs with minimum land and power compared to other industries. Bangalore contributes about 50 percent to the states gross domestic product (SGDP) with the IT sector accounting for the lions share, Murthy said on the occasion. Patil also lauded the IT industry in the state for contributing around 36 percent of the countrys software exports. Later, the minister interacted with members of the Electronics City Industries Association and assured them of improving the infrastructure facilities and civic amenities in the electronics city, about 30 km from here.
IANS

Washington Lowering Indias growth projections a notch to 6.3 percent in 2014, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has forecast that emerging market and developing economies are now expected to grow at a more moderate pace. Indias growth projections at 6.3 percent for 2014 and 5.6 percent for 2013 in the July update of IMFs World Economic Outlook are, respectively, 0.1 and 0.2 percentage points lower than forecast in the April 2013 WEO. At 5 percent in 2013 and about 5.5 percent in 2014, growth in emerging market and developing economies as a whole would be some 0.25 percentage point slower, IMF said noting: This embodies weaker prospects across all regions. In China, growth will average 7.75 percent in 2013-14, 0.25 and 0.50 percentage point lower in 2013 and 2014, respectively, than the April 2013 forecast, the global financial watch dog said. Forecasts for the remaining BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) countries have been revised down as well -- by 0.25 to 0.75 percentage point. Many emerging market and developing economies face a trade-off between macroeconomic policies to support weak activity and those to contain capital outflows, IMF said suggesting that macroprudential and structural reforms can help make this trade-off less stark. Global growth will recover from slightly above 3 percent in 2013 to

3.75 percent in 2014, some 0.25 percent weaker for both years than the April 2013 projections, IMF forecast. This is less than the forecast in the April 2013 WEO, driven to a large extent by appreciably weaker domestic demand and slower growth in several key emerging market economies, as well as by a more protracted recession in the euro area, it said. Global growth increased only slightly from an annualised rate of 2.5 percent in the second half of 2012 to 2.75 percent in the first quarter of 2013, instead of accelerating further as expected at the time of the April 2013 WEO. Growth in the US is projected to rise from 1.75 percent in 2013 to 2.75 percent in 2014, IMF forecast. Downside risks to global growth prospects still dominate: While old risks remain, new risks have emerged, including the possibility of a longer growth slowdown in emerging market economies, IMF said. This would be especially so given risks of lower potential growth, slowing credit, and possibly tighter financial conditions if the anticipated unwinding of monetary policy stimulus in the United States leads to sustained capital flow reversals, it said. Stronger global growth will require additional policy action, IMF noted. Specifically, major advanced economies should maintain a supportive macroeconomic policy mix, combined with credible plans for reaching medium-term debt sustainability and reforms to restore balance sheets and credit channels, it suggested.

Reliance Life doubles new business premia in first quarter

Chennai Doubling its fresh premium income, the Reliance Life Insurance Company closed the first quarter of the current fiscal with a total premium income of Rs.914 crore up from Rs.815 crore logged during the comparable period of the previous year. The company, an associate of Reliance Capital, also made its re-entry into the top five life insurers club in the first quarter. The company, in a statement Wednesday, said it had registered 100 percent increase in its new business premium at Rs.514 crore during Q1 FY14 (first quarter of 2013-14) compared to Rs.251 crore in the corresponding quarter of the last fiscal. Within the new business premium, Reliance Life logged 48 percent growth in the individual segment at Rs.267 crore up from Rs.181 crore earned during the first quarter of previous year. Reliance Life Insurance has topped the list amongst Non-Bank promoted private life insurers in total new business premium during the first quarter. We are now amongst the top five private life insurers in the country, and hope to further improve our market share in coming quarters, the statement quoted CEO Anup Rau as saying. According to Rau, the company would continue its focus on traditional products and agent productivity. Our product portfolio has undergone a significant and profitable change, with 80 percent of business now coming from traditional products, and only 20 percent from unitlinked products, he added. During the period under review, Reliance Lifes average premium per policy (APPP) went up by over 40 percent to touch Rs.20,000. Agent productivity also improved by 50 percent during the first quarter. Reliance Life closed last year with a total premium income of Rs.4,015 crore selling over 750,000 policies.

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 14 July 2013

BUSINESS
Washington Pitching for US investment in India, Finance Minister P. Chidambaram has assured US corporate leaders and lawmakers that India is committed to ensuring a transparent, fair and non-discriminatory investment environment for foreign investors. While some concerns have been expressed about the current business environment in India, the policies adopted by the India are pro-growth and compliant with the World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, he told Senate Finance Committee chairman Max Baucus. As they exchanged views on the global economic situation, Baucus, according to Indian Embassy officials, fondly recalled his first visit to India as a young student in the 1960s and his meeting with Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Chidambaram, who is on a four-day visit to the US, also met with CEOs and top management officials of a number of American companies, including Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, Boeing and International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC). He emphasised the need for US companies to set up local manufac-

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Chidambaram underscored Indian concerns about the bills provisions relating to skilled non-immigrant visas. Indian embassy officials said the companies were appreciative of the measures taken by India to address concerns relating to transfer pricing. Chidambaram also apprised the companies of the recommendations of the Arvind Mayaram Committee on enhancing FDI caps in many sectors, and the steps being taken to implement the recommendations. He also met with the chairman of the US Ex-Im Bank, Fred Hochberg and other senior officials of the Ex-Im Bank Wednesday. Chidambaram, Commerce Minister Anand Sharma and Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia would be keynote speakers at the 38th anniversary leadership summit of the US-India Business Council (USIBC) here Thursday. All three will be making a pitch for India and addressing US corporate leaders concerns about the business climate in India at the forum representing over 350 US companies doing business with India.

Weak rupee strengthens Infosys revenue guidance

India committed to transparent, fair investment environment: Chidambaram

Bangalore Indian global software major Infosys projected a higher revenue (1317 percent) for this fiscal (2013-14) on a weakening rupee in a volatile currency market, though the outlook remains same (6-10 percent) in dollars. Our consolidated revenue is expected to grow 13-17 percent yearon-year (YoY) in rupee terms this fiscal (FY 2014) and 6-10 percent YoY in dollar terms, as the rupee depreciated about 10 percent during first quarter (April-June), Infosys chief executive Rajiv Bansal told. For last fiscal (2012-13), the company posted 7.4 billion revenue in dollar terms, registering an increase of 5.8 percent YoY, and 40,352 crore in rupee terms, up 19.6 percent YoY. The rupee weakened to $59.39 from $54.30 during the quarter (Q1) under review for the IT bellwether. The upward revenue guidance in rupee propelled the companys blue chip scrip (Rs.5 per share) by 11.20 percent to trade at Rs.2,809.75 in the afternoon session on the bourses from an opening price of Rs.2,779.40 and Thursdays closing price of Rs.2,526.75, gaining a whopping 283 points and reversing its declining trend in the past few quarters. Despite facing an uncertain macro environment, changing regulatory regime and volatile currency environment, we have done well in Q1 (first quarter) and are cautiously optimistic about the rest of the year, Infosys chief executive S.D. Shibulal said in a statement after the company announced its financial results earlier in the day. The IT bellwether has, however, discontinued the practice of giving revenue outlook for the three-month quarterly period since a year. The company posted Rs.2,374 crore net profit for the quarter under review, registering 3.7 percent increase YoY from Rs.2,289 crore but fractionally (0.8 percent) lower sequentially from Rs.2,394 crore. Consolidated revenue, however, increased 17.2 percent YoY to Rs.11,267 crore from Rs.9,616 crore year ago and 7.8 percent sequentially from Rs.10,454 crore. Under the International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS), net income at $418 million was fractionally (0.5 percent) up from $416 million year ago but 5.9 percent lower sequentially from $444 million. Similarly, revenue grew 13.6 percent YoY to $1.99 billion from $1.75 billion and 2.7 percent sequentially from $1.94 billion. We maintained our margins (23.5 percent) and continued making investments in the business. Compensation increases for this fiscal (FY 2014) effective July will, however, affect our margins in the future quarters, Bansal said. The company and its subsidiaries added 66 clients during the quarter, taking the total number of active clients to 836 from 798 quarter ago and

year ago. We had a volume growth of 4.1 percent, while pricing remained stable in constant currency but came down marginally (0.7 percent) in volatile currency, Shibulal said. Admitting that discretionary spending remained very challenging, the chief executive said the company was, however, optimistic on growth coming back as evident from seven large outsourcing deals it had signed during first quarter in $50-100 million range. We are also winning large multiyear contracts and seeing discretionary spending going up in verticals like financial services for regulatory compliance, retail for more efficiency and manufacturing for more productivity. In consulting services, we are seeing it (spending) happening through Loadstone acquisition, Shibulal asserted. Noting that growth would return soon, as large IT outsourcing deals were due for rebids, Bansal said pricing would, however, remain stable during this fiscal. Pricing will be stable this year and will also depend on the business mix. Sentiment is improving following reports that the US economy is looking up. Currency volatility is a concern as rupee depreciated sharply in the first quarter, Bansal pointed out. Though the company hired 10,138 employees during the quarter, the net addition was only 575, as a whopping 9,563 techies left since April, taking its attrition level to 16.9 percent on annualised basis, which is the highest in the recent past. The total number of employees went up marginally to 157,263 from 156,688 quarter ago and year ago.
IANS

Government nod for Rs.1,000-crore electronics product manufacturing

proposals. Among the companies who got the green signal from the ministry are Bosch Automotive Electronics India. It will be investing Rs.544 crore to manufacture automotive electronics in Bangalore. The companies, which will carry out these projects in special economic zones (SEZs), will get a subsidy from the government of 20 percent on the capital expenditure and those in non-SEZ areas will get 25 percent subsidy. Samsung India got approval for its Rs.406 crore project on handheld phones to be manufactured in its Noida campus and it will fetch the company 25 percent subsidy from the government. A small and medium enterprise

turing bases in India, saying it is in the mutual interest of both countries for India to become a large manufacturing economy. In discussions focused on the current business and investment environment in India, the issues highlighted by the US companies included transfer pricing relating to profit allocation and, taxation. The impact of the comprehensive immigration reforms recently passed by the US Senate on future business prospects of Indian Information Technology (IT) companies operating in the US was also discussed.

New Delhi In a bid to expand the electronics manufacturing base and be self-reliant in the sector, the government Friday approved project proposals worth nearly Rs.1,000 crore from three electronics manufacturing companies (EMC) across various parts of the country. Kapil Sibal, union minister for communications & information technology later told media persons here that already the IT department has received Rs.4,600 crore worth of firm applications and this is just the first tranche. Department of Electronics and Information Technology (Deity) secretary J. Satyanarayana said: By March 2014, we expect to receive around Rs.25,000 crore worth of investment

(SME), Sahasra Electronics, also got the go-ahead and will invest Rs.11 crore to manufacture LED lights. Since its campus is located in a SEZ area, it will get 20 percent subsidy from the government. These applications fall under the Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme (MSIPS) of the Department of Electronics and Information Technology (Deity). Sibal said that in order to boost the confidence of the future investors, the latest IT Policy will remain firm for the next 10 years and there is no need to panic that it will get changed soon. The minister also unveiled the Urdu language fonts and keyboard manager.
IANS

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London Andy Murray finally ended a 77year wait, becoming the first Briton to win the mens singles title at Wimbledon since 1936 as he defeated World No.1 Novak Djokovic in straight sets here Sunday. Fred Perry was the last British male champion to win the singles title in 1936 and the second seeded Murray emulated Perry at the All England Club Sunday. Cheered by the home crowd, Murray won 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 in

SPORTS
three hours and nine minutes. Though top seed Djokovic of Serbia broke Murray once each in the first two sets, the Scot broke the Serbians serve twice each in both the sets. In the third set, services were broken twice by both the players and while the set was equal at 4-all, the local boy broke the 2011 champion to go 5-4 up. In the final game of the match, Murray won three straight points to earn three championship points which were blown away by the World No.1 to level the game and then take advantage. However, Murray reached his fourth championship point and this time came out victorious on the lone grass court major. Murray had also won the 2012 Olympic gold here at the All England Club after losing the Wimbledon title last year to Swiss Roger Federer.

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 14 July 2013

Murray wins Wimbledon, ends 77-year British wait

Cant believe whats just happened: Murray

London Andy Murray tweeted that he cannot believe what just happened after creating history by becoming the first Briton since Fred Perry in 1936 to win the mens singles title at Wimbledon here Sunday. Murray ended a 77-year wait for the British by beating Serbias World No.1 Novak Djokovic 6-4,

7-5, 6-4 in three hours and nine minutes to lift the title at the All England Club. Cant believe whats just happened!!!!!!! tweeted the 26-yearold Murray, who also ended Britains wait 76-year wait in 2012 to become the first mens singles Grand Slam champion when he won the US Open, beating Serbias World No.1 Novak Djokovic.
IANS

HI appoints Kaushik as mens hockey coach

New Delhi Hockey India (HI) Wednesday appointed Olympic gold medallist Maharaj Kishan Kaushik as the mens hockey team coach replacing the sacked Michael Nobbs. I am happy with my appointment with the senior mens team. I have experience of working with different people from the coaching fraternity and will give my best, said Kaushik, who was a member of the 1980 Olympic gold medal-winning team. Kaushik, who was working with the womens team from 1991, had to step aside in 2010 after a female player levelled allegations of sexual harassment against him. The players letter to the HI was signed by her 31 team mates but nothing was proved against Kaushik. Kaushik will join the training camp of the senior mens team starting from July 16 at the SAI Centre in Bangalore for the preparations for the 9th Asia Cup to be held in Malaysia next month from Aug 24 to Sep 1 later this year. Elena Norman, CEO of HI, and secretary general Narinder Batra wel-

Autuori confirmed as Sao Paulo coach

Rio de Janeiro Paulo Autuori has been appointed as the new coach of Brazilian football club Sao Paulo. The announcement on Thursday comes two days after the 56-year-old quit as coach of Rio de Janeiro outfit Vasco da Gama over delayed salary payments, reports Xinhua. Autuori replaces Ney Franco, who was sacked by the club last week following a poor start to Brazils Serie A season. It will be Autuoris second spell in charge of the Tricolor after he led the side to the Copa Libertadores-FIFA Club World Cup double in 2005. It is with great pleasure that we welcome Paulo back to Morumbi, Sao Paulos football director Adalberto Baptista said in a statement on the clubs website. He is a winner and I hope his stay will be a long one. Autuori said he was ready for the challenge of helping Sao Paulo win this years league title. I hope that I can contribute like I did the last time, Autuori said. Any coach would be proud to come back to manage a great club like this.

Bartoli beats Lisicki to win first Wimbledon title

London Frances Marion Bartoli claimed her first Grand Slam title by beating Germanys Sabine Lisicki 6-1, 6-4 in the womens singles final Wimbledon Championships here Saturday. Bartoli, seeded 15th, became the second Frenchwoman after Amelie Mauresmo, who lifted the title in 2006, to win the premier grass court event, reports Xinhua. The 28-year-old, who lost to Lisicki in their last meeting here in the 2011 Wimbledon quarterfinals, took only 30 minutes to win the first set. Lisicki, leading Bartoli 3-1 in their four meetings and winning all their last three, seemed to be on her way to slumping in the second set as well, trailing 1-5. But the German, who beat defending champion Serena Williams and fourth-seed Agnieszka Radwanska on her way to the final, came back strongly, winning three games in a row to close in 4-5.

Warner released from Ashes squad

London Australias opening batsman David Warner, who was dropped from the first Ashes Test, was been released from the squad and will join the Australia A squad in Africa to play Zimbabwe XI and South Africa A, Cricket Australia (CA) said Wednesday. Warner, who was suspended from the warm-up matches for hitting England batsman Joe Root in a Birmingham bar lost his place to Steve Smith, who will be playing as the No.6 batsman. Warner was overlooked due to his lack of match practice. Warner will depart later this week and link up with Australia A in Zimbabwe and South Africa. David has trained hard and been very supportive of the team and his team-mates during the past few weeks, but his preparation for the First Test was not ideal. He is in need of match practice and runs in the lon-

comed Kaushiks appointment. Kaushik had the desired credentials to work with the senior men team. I am hopeful that with his contribution the team will make improvement in the coming days and wish the team good luck to win the 9th Asia Cup and book their berth for the FIH World Cup 2014, he said. Under his coaching, India mens team had won their last major international tournament, the 1998 Asian Games, Bangkok. In 1998, he received the Arjuna Award. Also, the Indian womens team had won bronze medal at the Doha Asian Games in 2006 under his coaching.

Bartoli, ranked 24th in the world and beaten finalist here in 2007, did not let the chance slip out of her hands as she regained control in her service game and topped the win with an ace.

ger format and the Australia A games in Zimbabwe and South Africa will provide him with the best possible opportunity, said National Selector John Inverarity. Warner, however, will continue being a member of the Ashes squad. David remains a member of the Ashes Squad and will return to the England at an appropriate time once were happy he has had adequate preparation in match conditions. Steve Smith will stay on with the Ashes squad for the full tour in England. As a consequence of this Aaron Finch will take over the captaincy of Australia A while Alex Doolan has been promoted to vice-captain. The NSP (National Selection Panel) also announces that Ashton Agar has become an official member of the Ashes squad for the series, Inverarity said.
IANS

IOC gives more time to suspended IOA

New Delhi The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Saturday extended the deadline of the suspended Indian Olympic Association (IOA) by a month to amend its constitution and hold fresh elections. The IOC had earlier asked the IOA to amend its constitution in line with the Olympic charter by July 15 and elect new office bearers by Sep 1 before it considered revoking the ban on India. The world body now feels it needs more time to comment on the proposed IOA constitution. I am pleased to confirm that the IOC will be able to send all its comments on the new IOA Constitution by mid-August 2013, IOC Director General Christophe De Kepper said in his letter addressed to Sports Minister Jitendra Singh and acting IOA

president Vijay Kumar Malhotra, among others. Kepper said that elections could now be held Sep 22-28. This means that the first step of the process, namely the Extraordinary Meeting to (i) adopt the revised Constitution, (ii) elect the independent election commission and (iii) decide upon the exact date of the Elective General Assembly, as per the IOC roadmap of 24 May 2013, will be

slightly postponed and shall now take place in the period between 22 and 28 August 2013 (considering also the fact that the Asian Youth Games will begin on 16 August), he said. As a consequence, the Elective General Assembly shall be held one month later, namely between 22 and 28 September 2013. The IOC had suspended the IOA in IANS December

CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 14 July 2013

SPORTS
ma held one end up. At three for 139, India seemed to cantering home to victory but Rohit Sharmas wicket brought the Lankans back in the game. Sri Lanka were further buoyed after the fall of the dangerous Raina, who had looked in sparkling form. Rangana Herath put Sri Lanka in the drivers seat removing Ravindra Jadeja (5) and Ravichandran Ashwin (0) off successive balls to add to his scalps of Sharma and Dinesh Karthik (23). Mahendra Singh Dhoni fought on as wickets tumbled around him but his hamstring injury that kept him out o f the three previous games returned to haunt him. It all seemed lost for India as Mathews gave away just two runs off the penultimate over. But Dhoni hit back in style sending Erangas first ball of the last over onto the roof and then with five runs required, the Indian captain smacked a flat six over extra cover to finish things off. Earlier, a 122-run partnership between Kumar Sangakkara (71) and Lahiru Thirimanne (46) for the third wicket had put Sri Lanka in a strong position after two early wickets had put them on the backfoot. However, that all changed quickly as Thirimanne tried one too many shots after Ishant Sharma has already been plundered for 15 runs in the 38th over of the match. Sangakkara, after playing a patient innings, too gave it away cheaply, thereby setting a chain reaction for the worse. Captain Angelo Mathews (10), Kusal Perera (2) and Dinesh Chandimal (5) seemed to lose their head, going for ambitious shots on a pitch that had proved to be difficult for shot-making all day. Ravindra Jadeja, who had figures of four for 23, came in finished the tail in no time as the Lankans collapsed to 201 in 48.5 overs.

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Dhonis cameo denies Sri Lanka Tri Nation victory

Mahendra Singh Dhoni smashed 16 runs in the last over to help India win the Tri Nation series, edging Sri Lanka by a wicket at the Queens Park Oval here Thursday. Needing 15 runs of the last over, Dhoni whacked Shaminda Eranga for a six, four and a six to give India its seventh win over Sri Lanka in nine matches. Dhonis innings was reminiscent of the one he played at the Wankhede

Dhoni says he backed his instincts to hit winning runs

Port of Spain A beaming Indias skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni said after leading his team to an amazing victory in the tri-series final against Sri Lanka that he backed his instincts to get 15 runs in the last over to clinch the match. Dhoni in his post-match remarks Thursday said he knew any bowler who was going to bowl the last over would not be as experienced as Lasith Malinga and he backed himself to get the required runs. I knew I could look forward to getting the 15 runs in the last over as Shaminda Eranga was an inexperienced bowler and my instinct worked today, Dhoni said. Dhoni said he had to change his bat twice in the closing stages of the match as he needed a heavier bat. Dhoni, who pushed his deputy Virat Kohli ahead to receive the $60,000 winners cheque and the Celkon trophy along with him as Kohli had led the side to the final, said he was blessed with a smart cricketing sense in assessing the situation. A distraught Sri Lankan skipper Angelo Mathews felt that Dhoni was a great finisher and eventually he made the difference. Mathews said his team had its opportunities to consolidate the position, first while batting and then in the field, but their effort fell short in the end. When Kumar Sangakkara and Lahiru Thirimanne were out there at 171 for two, we looked at a score of 230-240, but we lost quick wickets because of poor choice of shots, he said, adding that his bowlers bowled brilliantly. On the positive side, Mathews said the team showed a lot of character in entering the final and also the way they fought till the end. Indian seamer Bhuvaneshwar Kumar was adjudged the Performer of the Series and was presented the Polaris car for finishing with 10 wickets in four matches, sharing the top bowling spot with Sri Lankan spinner Rengana Herath, who received the Housla Buland Academy award for the best bowler. Rohit Sharma for the second match running was presented the Most Trusted Player award for his well compiled 58 while Dhoni was given the Man-of-the-Match award for his heroic matchwinning 45 not out. Upul Tharanga and Mahela Jayawardene received the Perfect Partnership award for scoring centuries opening the innings against India in their first round-robin game. Tharanga was the highest scorer in the series with 223 runs followed by Rohit with 217. Mathews was given the Most Flexible Player award for his all-round performance in the series and West Indian Darren Bravo got the Safe Hands award for fielding.
IANS

where he struck an unbeaten 91 against Sri Lanka in the World Cup 2011 final. Sri Lanka put into bat, from a string position, lost eight wickets for 30 runs and were bowled out for 201 in 48.5 overs. Most Indian batsmen struggled on a deteriorating pitch but Rohit Sharma (58), Sursh Raina (32) and Dhoni (45 not out) played key innings to take India to 203 for nine in 49.4 overs. India lost Shikhar Dhawan (16) and Virat Kohli (2) early but Rohit Shar-

India push England to third Ireland qualify for 2015 World Cup spot in ICC Test rankings
Dubai South Africa have strengthened their position as the number-one ranked Test side while India move into second position pushing down England to the third spot in the latest rankings released Monday by the International Cricket Council (ICC). South Africa have gained seven ratings points, lifting them to 135 ratings points - 19 ratings points clear of second-ranked India. Thirdranked England can regain No.2 spot if they win the Ashes 3-0 or better. South Africa extended their lead at the top of the table due to their outstanding form in the Test arena, where they have not lost a Test match for 18 months and have not lost a Test series during the entire rankings period. In 2012-2013 (the period in which results are weighted at 100 per cent), South Africa remained unbeaten, defeating England 2-0, Australia 1-0, New Zealand 2-0 and Pakistan 3-0. Despite England having won their last two Test series against India, they now find themselves below Mahendra Singh Dhonis side on account of their less consistent performances in other recent series, in particular against Pakistan (03), South Africa (0-2) and away to eighth-ranked New Zealand (0-0). Also, Indias two 0-4 defeats in England and Australia in 2011-12 are now only weighted at 50 per cent, reducing their impact on Indias overall rating. Although England have dropped behind India into third spot, Alastair Cooks team can reclaim the number two spot by winning the upcoming Ashes series, starting July 10 at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. England need to win by a margin of 3-0 or better to move into second place. On the other hand, if Australia regain the Ashes, they will move up a place to third, bumping England down one place to fourth. Rankings: 1. South Africa 135 rating points 2. India 116 3. England 112 4. Australia 105 5. Pakistan 102 6. West Indies 99 7. Sri Lanka 88 8. New Zealand 79 9. Bangladesh 10 Dubai Ireland has become the first associate side to qualify for the 2015 Cricket World Cup, after its ICC World Cricket League (WCL) Championship match against the Netherlands ended in a tie. Ireland won the first ODI by 88 runs in Amstelveen on Sunday before Tuesdays match ended in a thrilling tie. With the top two teams in the WCL Championship qualifying for the World Cup, the result of one win and a tie means that Ireland have reached an unassailable tally of 20 points to open up a five-point lead over the Netherlands and Scotland (15 points each). It has ensured their qualification to the ICCs flagship 50-over event, regardless of how the seventh and final round matches of the competition pan out. Ireland captain William Porterfield was delighted with the result. It means everything. We knew that if we came to Holland and won two games, wed win the competition. Weve won one and tied one, so that does the same job in effect, so its pretty much mission accomplished. Were pretty happy. Weve come here to do a job and weve done it. However, the 28 year-old admitted that his sides high expectations made it bittersweet to qualify for 2015 after a tied result. It (feels) strange at the minute. Weve come off almost feeling like a bit of a loss. I think it wont take us that long to get over the fact that we have just drawn the game because we have qualified for the World Cup, we just wanted to do that with a win. But now, well be pretty happy. ICC CEO Dave Richardson said: Ireland has performed extremely well throughout this competition, winning nine of its 12 matches against the strongest teams in Associate and Affiliate cricket to become the first team to qualify for World Cup. Ireland has been at the forefront of the rising standard and profile of Associate and Affiliate cricket around the world, and we look forward to watching the team in 2015 try to emulate and even better - its giantkilling performances of the 2007 and 2011 edition, he said. In the 2007 World Cop, Ireland defeated Pakistan and Bangladesh, while in 2011, they recorded a heart-

stopping victory over England. Richardson added: The WCL Championship provides great context to Associate and Affiliate cricket. With one team still to qualify from the WCL, the competition is wide open and any one of Scotland, Netherlands and Afghanistan can progress directly to the main event in Australia and Zealand in 18 months time. The remaining six unsuccessful sides, along with Hong Kong, Nepal, Papua-New Guinea, and Uganda will have another opportunity to qualify for the 2015 event at the World Cup Qualifier 2014, which will be staged in New Zealand next year. The 2015 World Cup will be Irelands sixth global event, with the side having already competed in 2007 and 2011 edition, as well as the World Twenty20 in 2009, 2010 and 2012. IANS

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CHANDIGARH SUNDAY 14 July 2013

2013 first half: Bollywoods hits, misses

The first half of 2013 is over. Its monsoon time. And its raining hits in Bollywood with film after film crossing the success barrier. Rakeysh Omprakash Mehras astounding biopic Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, already seems to have the potential of being the first certifiable blockbuster during the second half of 2013. Heres looking at the films of 2013 that that made it, and the ones that didnt so far:

Hits
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani Ayan Mukerjis second film was charming, warm and sometimes tender. But it didnt have much to say about the man-woman thing, except that guys who are popular in college, can get away with murder in future life. And yes, girls who are repressed, just need to throw off their spectacles and make a spectacle of themselves to prove they have reached the nirvana of liberation. Thanks to Ranbir Kapoors growing popularity, the film escalated to beyond the Rs. 100 crore profit mark, leaving everyone including producer Karan Johar stumped. Aashiqui 2 Stars sell, right? Then how do we explain the phenomenal success of this Mohit Suri-directed drama about a girl who wants to be a known singer, a guy who wants to be drunk all the time, and a relationship that hits a dead end just when the hero hits the bottle with enhanced vengeance? Audiences loved the story of a girl who is willing to give up her fame for love. This film turned Aditya Roy Kapur and Shraddha Kapoor into saleable stars. Race 2 Well-toned girls and guys dancing, drinking, gambling and conning one another is all I remember of this years first blockbuster. Deepika Padukone and John Abraham competed to show us who could wear their pants more distant from the navel, while Saif Ali Khan scowled as though the last shot of the bourbon turned out to be not so neat. But would someone please explain the plot? Raanjhanaa By far the most deserving success of 2013 so far. Aanand Rais Varanasi-based love story gave us an unlikely couple in Sonam Kapoor and Dhanush, besides a love story which made obsessive passion more a crime of the heart than a libelous offence. The films exuberant celebration of love took filmy romance away from the metropolis into the heartland. One USP: A.R. Rahmans best music in Bollywood since Dil Se.. and Taal. Jolly LLB: Subhash Kapoors astonishingly well-written film on the loopholes of the legal system was a delight. There were no stars in the film. There were Arshad Warsi and Boman Irani, who are far more gifted than some of our A-listers who do the same thing over and over again. A true triumph of a relatively small, socially relevant film worthy of a standing ovation. Special 26 Here was superstar Akshay Kumar doing what he seldom does - playing a real-life conman, and that too in an ensemble cast where at least 15 to 18 other characters got equal prominence. Director Neeraj Pandey broke all the rules of mainstream cinema with this heist story, which was unadorned by half-naked girls swimming in a sea of champagne. He still got audiences hooked. Other successes: ABCD: AnyBody Can Dance, Kai Po Che!, Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns, Chashme Buddoor, Shootout At Wadala, Fukrey and Go Goa Gone.

The Flops
David Bejoy Nambiars brilliantly-crafted tale of three unpredictable men who share the same name, Tamil star Vikram, Neil Nitin Mukesh and newcomer Vinay Virmani were brilliant in each of the three-layered stories. Finally though, the failure of David proved that episodic films just dont work in any part of the world. Himmatwala Film historians are still trying to figure out why Sajid Khan decided to remake an awful 1983 film which even Sridevi, who starred in the original, would like to forget. Rangrezz This one definitely deserved better. Far far better. A rugged expertlyexecuted film about love and elopement in a small dusty town, where guns speak louder than words, Rangrezz was Priyadarshans finest film in years. Just why it didnt work remains a mystery. It couldnt be due to Jackky Bhagnanis minimal star-power. Aditya Roy Kapur was no star when Aashiqui 2 was released! Bombay Talkies A divine flawless journey into the heart of love, alas felled by its episodic format. Bombay Talkies told four different stories by four filmmakers of diverse filmmaking styles. Karan Johar, Dibakar Bannerjee, Zoya Akhtar and Anurag Kashyap took Hindi cinema to another level. This one deserved a lot more footfalls. Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola We were warned by the eccentric title to expect something entirely unconventional. Vishal Bhardwaj took us into a la-la-land where Pankaj Kapur turned into two different personalities before and after drinking. Moral of the story: not every film with a tipsy hero is capable of becoming an Aashiqui 2 or a Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. Aurangzeb A superbly crafted variation on Yash Chopras Trishul, about cutthroat competitiveness in corporate sectors, fuelled and surcharged by the brilliant performances of Rishi Kapoor, Amrita Singh and Jackie Shroff, Aurangzeb suffered a setback at the boxoffice because director Atul Sabharwal took up a massy subject and executed it in Shyam Benegals style. Other notable thuds of the year so far: The Attacks Of 26/11, Nautanki Saala, Ek Thi Daayan, Ishkq In Paris, Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 and Ghanchakkar.

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