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Jyotirao Phule

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Pakistan's overt support to terror has diminished: Chidambaram Congress warns Anna against targeting Rahul Gandhi Government to free diesel, LPG prices after weighing impact Jayalalithaa writes to PM over dam security Giving birth is a battle for survival in Afghanistan Delhi completes A centenary Afzal Guru execution row : Efforts underway to expedite cases, says Khurshid Obama not to say 'sorry' to Pak over NATO strike Syria now in a civil war with 4,000 cead: UN Doubts, fears nag Iraqis as US pulls out Russian police crack down on anti-Putin protests Australia PM reshuffles cabinet, targets jobs Afghan woman, jailed for being raped, wins pardon Pakistani model's nude photo causes fury Bharath Mama Samaikya Samithi The Path of SuccessShri SushilkumarShinde CM asks officials to work in tandem with elected representatives to achieve development ICRISAT stresses on partnership-based agriculture Shaheen of Hyderabad outshines all 29 AP girls among 219 get Fair & Lovely scholarships UNDO NSF privatization: JP 21 Jagan loyalists to vote against Congress government The cost of open skies Govt considering Rs 1000 crore credit risk guarantee fund: PM Oil would go over $250 if exports banned: Iran Building blocks for baby Don't lose your cool Go slow on fast foods BCCI vice-president baffled by Kumble`s resignation Pakistan lauds ‘King of Entertainment’ Sehwag Sania supports Paes-Bhupathi split Gagan Narang backs Dow Chemical as Olympic sponsor My Hero No 1 is Saif: Kareena Kapoor Women don't have shelf life in showbiz: Freida Pinto I carried stone to stop my car: Salman Khan There's a very thin line between sexy and sleazy: Vidya Balan Stop treating Pregnancy like an illness, says the 'very pregnant' Lara Stars

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At least 73 killed in Kolkata hospital blaze 38

Sachin Tendulkar to create history Down Under 43

Sunny Leone exclusively speaks about life as a Porn Star

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15, 2010

Funny Jokes An elderly woman went to her local doctor’s office and asked to speak with her doctor. When the receptionist asked why she was there, she replied, “I’d like to have some birth control pills.”

Taken back, the doctor thought for a minute and then said, “Excuse me, Mrs. Glenwood, but you’re 80 years old. What would you possibly need birth control pills for?”

The woman replied, “They help me sleep better.”

The doctor considered this for a second, and continued… “How in the world do birth control pills help you sleep?”

The woman said, “I put them in my granddaughter’s orange juice, and I sleep better at night.”

@@@@@ 3 guys were riding in a car: a hardware technician, a systems analyst, and a programmer. The systems analyst is driving and when they come to a steep hill he finds that the brakes have failed and the car is accelerating out of control.

So, the driver pumps the emergency brake, downshifts the gears, and rubs the wheels' rims against the curb. He finally wrestles the car to a stop. The three climb out and assess the situation.

Hardware tech: "Let's try and fix it. I'll crawl under the car and take a look. " Systems analyst: "No. I think we should get someone qualified to fix it, a specialist in brakes."

Programmer: "Why don't we just get back in and see if it happens again?"

@@@@@ My parents recently retired. Mom always wanted to learn to play the piano, so dad bought her a piano for her birthday. A few weeks later, I asked how she was doing with it.

"Oh, we returned the piano." said My Dad, "I persuaded her to switch to a clarinet instead."

"How come?" I asked. "Because," he answered, "with a clarinet, she can't sing."

Aseervadam Chief Editor

Chiranjeevi moving away from center stage The recent minor expansion of N Kiran Kumar Reddy’s cabinet reflects the political immaturity of film star-turn-politician Chiranjeevi. Two and half years ago he started his regional out-fit Praja Rajyam Party aiming at occupying Chief Minister’s seat in Hyderabad. No other political party was so far started in the presence of such a largely attended public as of Chiranjeevi in Tirupati, in the history of Andhra Pradesh. His political campaign has created nightmares in both of camps of Congress and Telugu Desam parties.

However, due to his tactical mistakes, followed by alleged collusion between top bosses of those two parties in the state, he failed to come to the power. However, he had demonstrated impressive performance by securing 18 % votes. Following the death of Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, the open revolt is son Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy against the Congress national leadership, threatened the stability of Congress government in the state. At such a crucial stage, the unconditional support extended by Chiranjeevi has in fact saved the Congress face. In recognisation of his crucial support, the Congress high command assured to accommodate his followers in the state cabinet. But, somehow the dominated caste in the Congress felt threatened their superiority in the party if Chiranjeevi is given prominent. Respecting these sentiments, Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy tried his best for over six months to avoid induction of Chiranjeevi’s men in his cabinet. This has led to strained relationship between them. Finally, with the support of Congress high-command Chiranjeevi himself declared the date and time for cabinet induction and forced Chief Minister to honour his words. Though the entire scenario demonstrates Chiranjeevi’s growing clout with the Congress highcommand, it also showed that he is going away from the center-stage of state politics. His decision to seek berth in the union cabinet and to provide place two from his own caste in the state cabinet likely to lead marginalization of his role in the state politics. It also demolished his prime appeal to the people of `social justice’. This entire scenario also giving us scope to believe that he is misguided by his own people. Ganta Srinivasa Rao, who was notorious of changing political sides only to grab share in the power structure, said to be the prime suspect in motivating Chiranjeevi to seek place in the Union Cabinet. That only suits his ambition of getting place in the state cabinet. He also managed to clearway for Chiranjeevi to get elected to the Rajya Sabha by manipulating C Ramachandraiah’s election to the State Legislative Council. Besides his own companions, Kiran Kumar Reddy’s unilateral attitude and attempts to keep Chiranjeevi away from power structure pushed him closer to PCC President Botsa Satyanarayana. He also played his cards well by promoting cause of Chiranjeevi to get place in the Union Cabinet, so that to keep away from the state cabinet facilitating his ambitious move to occupy the chair of Kiran Kumar Reddy. Unknowingly or unknowingly, Chiranjeevi became victim of his own immature moves in the absence of clear-cut strategy. If he insists to join state cabinet as Deputy Chief Minister, Congress high command may not have other choice but to accommodate him. That would force the Congress leadership to go to the 2014 polls under his leadership projecting his as its Chief Ministerial candidate.

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PM g r eets Sonia Gandhi on 65th bir thday NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday greeted Congress President Sonia Gandhi on her 65th birthday, an official said.

"The prime minister spoke to Gandhi over phone this (Friday) morning and conveyed best w i s h e s f o r h e r b i r t h d a y, " a spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said.

Manmohan Singh also sent her a bouquet, he added. Gandhi, who underwent surgery abroad in August for an undisclosed ailment, had indicated earlier that the celebrations should be lowkey. Party so u r c e s s a i d t h a t might be the reason Manmohan Singh and other leaders did not visit her pers o n a l l y. U n i o n m i n i s t e r s a n d senior party leaders also wished her over the phone, they added. Gandhi had asked party workers "to avoid inconvenience to the public" while celebrating her birthday, Congress general secretary Janardhan Dwivedi had told reporters recently. She also appealed to party workers from other states to avoid travelling to New Delhi on the occa-

sion, Dwivedi had said. Gandhi is the longest-serving president of the 125-year-old Indian National Congress. She has been elected president of the Congress since 1998 when she entered active politics.

Born Antonia Edvige Albina Maino in Lusiana - a village in Veneto in Italy - Dec 9, 1946, she married former Indian prime minis-

ter Rajiv Gandhi in 1968 - then a student in Cambridge. She came to India in 1968 and became an Indian citizen in 1983.

Leading the Congress back to power in 2004 after a gap of six years, she declined to become prime minister. Instead, she has been chairman of the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) since then.

World Bank unveils evidence from India on aids control Hyderabad : India has a lot to cheer about on the World AIDS Day with the World Bank lauding a pathbreaking effort by the country to contain the spread of HIV.In a report, the World Bank stated that HIV prevalence in the country declined by more than 50 per cent from 1.9 per cent in 2001 to 0.8 per cent in 2008, compared with low-intensity districts where the infection rate remained constant at 0.9 per cent in both 2001 and

2008.This demonstrated major advances in the understanding and prevention of HIV/AIDS by India, the World Bank has said in a release.

A recently published impact evaluation found a significant decline in HIV prevalence among female sex workers and young women (15-24 years) seeking antenatal care in the high-prevalence southern states. The study, ''Impact of Targeted Interventions on Heterosexual Transmission of HIV in In-

dia,'' which was published in the medical journal BMC Public Health, evaluated the impact of targeted intervention s a m o n g female sex workers a vulnera b l e g r o u p a t h i g h r i s k i n four high-prevalence southern states: Andhra Pradesh, K arnataka, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. The drop in prevalence is associated with a significant increase in consistent condom use, the report said.

Asirvad, December - 2011

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Pakistan's overt support to terror has diminished: Chidambaram

New Delhi : Pakistan has not delivered on its promise to bring the 26/11 perpetrators to justice, Home Minister P. Chidambaram has said, adding that Islamabad's overt support to state and non-state actors involved in cross-border terror has diminished.In an interview to Doordarshan, Chidambaram said Pakistani ministers had promised him that seven people whose names had been handed over in connection with the 26/11 attack would be arrested and their voice samples delivered.

'They have not delivered on the promise. The trial has not started. The judge has been changed four or, may be, five

times. Now what do I conclude that Pakistan is not serious about bringing to justice real p e r p e t r a t o r s b e h i n d 2 6 / 11 , ' Chidambaram said.'I think they have realised that any overt support to state actors or non-state actors, if that is discovered, they will pay a heavy price. So I think overt support has certainly diminished. Covert support, I really can't make an assessment,' Chidambaram said.

On reports about facilities provided to Hafiz Sayeed and Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi - accused in the 26/11 conspiracy - Chidambaram said Pakistan's attitude is there for all to see and diminishes its

credibility.'If this one guy (Lakhvi) is treated with with such kindness, generosity what does say about the credibility of Pakisan's justice system? It is not only I (who) read about Lakhvi having access to cell phones, the whole world is reading it...I think they should introspect themselves.'

Chidambaram denied there were different voices in the government on Pakistan. He said on issues like liberalisation of the visa regime, exchange of prisoners and fishermen detained on both sides and crossborder trade, India can move the extra mile.'But on terror-related issues I don't think we can do anything but remain firm and make sure that Pakistan delivers.'

While supporting the dialogue process, Chidambaram ruled out any immediate possibility of a meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Rehman Malik.Chidambaram said the country has to be vigilant about militants in Arunachal Pradesh and those that have sanctuary in China.

'We have to be vigilant about militant groups operating out of Arunachal. We also know that a number of leaders and militant groups have sanctuaries in China. We know there is an armed bazaar on the border of Myanmar and China and Chinese weapons are smuggled through Myanmar into India,' he said.

On Maoist violence, the minister said more people were killed by the ultra leftwing rebels than in attacks by terrorists. He said 30 people, including three securitymen and 27 civilians, were killed in attacks by Maoists in November.

He said Maoists killed civilians by 'unfairly and unjustly' labelling them as police informers. 'Who gave Communist Party of IndiaMaoists the right to kill? So I think people must understand that CPIMaoist is driven by an ideology that believes in an overthrow of the democratic parliament system,' Chidambaram said.

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Congress warns Anna against targeting Rahul Gandhi yesterday was doing politics against the Congress,” Alvi said. He added that it was Rahul Gandhi who wan t e d a s t r o n g L o k p a l a n d worked for giving constitutional status to the proposed body.Law Minister Salman Khurshid meanw h i l e r e i t e r a t e d t h e U PA government’s commitment to Lokpal, saying it wants a discussion on the legislation and hopes the same will happen soon in Parliament.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni had a word of advice for Team Anna. She said in democracy Parliament is the best forum to discuss. The government feels raising the Lokpal issue outside Parliament is nothing else but doublespeak and double face.Several Opposition New Delhi : Anna Hazare and his team’s scathing attack on Congress scion Rahul Gandhi over the Lokpal issue has infuriated leaders of the ruling party, some of whom on Monday dubbed the social activist as an RSS spokesperson.The multi-faceted retaliation came a day after Hazare sat on a day-long fast at Jantar Mantar here and his team simultaneously organised a debate on Lokpal Bill.

Senior party leader Digvijay Singh reacted by saying the remarks against Rahul Gandhi were politically motivated and aimed at creating an environment against the Congress."The intent of all Anna team, Baba Ramdev and Sri Sri Ravishankar is political. Corruption is not the issue, their issue is how to create an environment against the Congress party," he said, while asserting there was no question of going back on the issue of strong Lokpal.

Hinting that Team Anna is acting at the behest of BJP, Singh said, "BJP's game plan has been to divert the attention from Sangh members involved in terror activities."Congress MP PV Hanumanth

Rao warned that partymen won't tolerate such accusations with political motives."Rahul Gandhi is not even in the government and he is only the party general secretary.

Hazare is attacking him for weakening the Lokpal Bill to help vested interests tarnish his image. Congressmen will not tolerate this," Rao told reporters.

U n i o n St e e l M i n i s t e r Beni Prasad Verma said, "The opposition is scared of Rahul Gandhi and Anna has become their spokesperson especially that of the RSS. Is he a laat sahib, let him come to UP (elections), we will see him there.""Anna is trying to scare Congress but we are not afraid of him. If he is 75, then Congress is 125 years old," Verma said.

Another Congress leader Satyavrat Charurvedi sought to question the Gandhian’s credentials, asking if he is Raja Harishchandra?"His (Anna's) word is not the one of Lord Brahma. Is he Satyawadi Harishchandra, I do not agree with this," Chaturvedi said.Party spokesperson Rashid Alvi accused Hazare and Opposition leaders of indulging in politics.

“Whoever was at Jantar Mantar

leaders including BJP’s Arun Jaitley, JD(U)’s Sharad Yadav and Left’s AB Bardhan, Brinda Karat and D Raja had taken part in the Lokpal debate organised by Team Anna at Jantar Mantar yesterday. Almost every speaker expressed desire for a strong Lokpal but both the BJP and Left advised Hazare and his team to be flexible on the issue and not undermine Parliament’s supremacy.

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Government to free diesel, LPG prices after weighing impact New Delhi:The government would deregulate diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices only after considering their impact on the weaker sections of the society, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas R.P.N. Singh said Monday.'We as policy makers and politicians have to mediate between the social, economic and environmental attributes of energy. We have to move cautiously to ensure that our decisions are equitable and lead to balanced growth,' said Singh, addressing the 10th Petro India conference here.

While the government had in June last year decontrolled petrol prices, it continues to dictate retail rates of diesel, cooking gas (LPG) sold to households and kerosene sold through the public distribution system (PDS).The minister said that while the government was protecting consumers, it had to shield the state-run oil and gas marketing companies from the impact of selling subsidised products.

'We import about 75 percent of our crude requirement from overseas. The government therefore has the huge responsibility

of protecting not only consumers but also our major oil and gas companies,' Singh said.Singh said there was a need to target subsidies directly to the weaker sections of the society in the case of cooking gas.

'While certain subsidies may be necessary in view of the larger social objectives, they need to be administered directly to specific targeted end-users and provided in a transparent way through clear budgetary mechanism,' he added.The minister also urged well-to-do sections to give up subsidised LPG voluntarily.

The government in the current fiscal will have to bear a energy subsidy burden of more than Rs.180,000 crore, which might increase due to a depreciating rupee.Singh said there was a need to carry out energy pricing reforms across the segment of petroleum and gas products in order to attract investment and technology in the sector. 'Energy pricing reforms need to be carried out across the entire energy basket rather than segments of it so that there is neither inter-sectoral nor intra-sectoral cross- subsidization.'

Six months on, 12 charge sheeted for Dey's murder Mumbai : The Mumbai police Saturday filed a charge sheet against 12 accused in the murder case of journalist Jyotirmoy Dey. The name of woman journalist Jigna Vora, the latest arrest in the six-month-old case, does not figure in the charge sheet.The charge sheet, filed in the special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court, runs into 3,055 pages and has described in detail the role of 10 men involved in Dey's murder.

Underworld don Chhota Rajan, who lives abroad in self exile, has also been named in the charge sheet. However, police have mentioned that Rajan and another accused, Nayan Singh, are 'absconding'.Police sources say that journalist Vora's name and role will be described in detail later in a supplementary charge sheet.On Friday, a man approached a Mumbai special court here, saying he wanted to surrender SIM cards and mobile phones given to him by Vora -- the latest accused in the case.

Direct tax code to come into force from April 2012: Pranab New Delh : The long-awaited Direct Tax Code (DTC) that seeks to simplify tax laws by lowering the tax rates and bringing more people and firms within the tax net is slated to come into force from the next financial year, beginning Apr 1, 2012, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said here Wednesday.

'The proposed Direct Tax Code brings together the policy initiatives on the direct taxes and is slated to come into force from the next financial year,' Mukherjee said.Addressing the 4th 'International Tax Dialogue Global Conference', Mukherjee said the proposed reforms were targeted at simplification of tax system and its

administration, rationalisation of tax rates and broadening of its base.

He said taxation reforms was at the heart of India's economic reforms and liberalisation that started in early 1990s.'Tax reforms though gradual have been systemic in scope, particularly when we consider the proposals currently awaiting implementation. The reforms have covered both the direct taxes as well as the indirect taxes,' he said.To reform the direct tax system, the government proposes to replace the archaic Income Tax Act, 1961, with a new legislation called Direct Tax Code.

In a bid to reform the indirect tax

system, the government proposes to introduce Goods and Services Tax (GST) that will bring uniformity in tax structure across the country.Commenting on the current progressive personal income tax system, Mukherjee said it was aimed to reduce inequalities in the society.

He said the direct tax revenue has increased ten-fold in the last 14 years. Revenues from direct tax increased from $8.62 billion in 199697 to $87 billion in 2010-11.

'More importantly, the composition of our tax revenues has altered significantly in favour of direct taxes which now account for nearly 60 percent of our total tax revenues.

Asirvad, December - 2011

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At least 73 killed in Kolkata hospital blaze

Kolkata : More than 70 patients in Kolkata's well known AMRI hospital were killed along with three staffers when a blaze started in the basement of the annexe building early Friday and toxic fumes quickly spread to the other floors, trapping hundreds of people.

The tragedy unfolded over many hours as patients were suffocated to death, some trapped in their beds, others dying in their sleep, too infirm to escape the smoke. The lucky few were brought down the side of the four-storey glass facade building, only six years old, using ropes and ladders as thousands looked on in horror.The fire brigade allegedly reached late and were initially ill-equipped - coming without masks with only rickety manual lifts - to deal with the disaster.

While hospital authorities said 70 patients and three staffers had been killed, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had confirmed 61 deaths earlier in the day.As anguished relatives looked for their loves ones, cries filled the air. And over that were the voices raised in helpless anger as families and rescue workers spoke out about how fire brigades arrived at least two hours after 3.30 a.m., when the fire broke out in the basement that stored a lot of combustible material, including gas cylin-

ders and dangerous chemicals.

This is the second major fire in Kolkata in 20 months after the March 23, 2010 blaze at the landmark British-era Stephen Court in the heart of the bustling Park Street claimed 43 lives.Co-founded by the Emami & Shrachi Groups along with the West Bengal government in 1996, the hospital that was once rated as amongst India's best is located in the fairly upscale Dhakuria neighbourhood.

On Friday morning, the hospital, which prides itself on its super specialty facilities and attracts several foreigners, turned into a tinderbox as the sealed windows and glass led to the smoke being trapped, making it difficult for people to escape.'The victims mostly got suffocated from the fumes. Many of them were in a serious condition in the ICU,' Municipal Affairs Minister Firhad Hakim said.'The father of one of my friends was admitted in one of the upper floors. When he heard I am at the spot he called up his son and told him to ask me to rescue him. I could not do anything. I saw his burnt body.'

There are around 200 beds in the affected block. 'At the time of the fire, there were 160 patients, including around 40-50, in the ICU. Eighty percent have been rescued,' a hos-

pital spokesperson claimed.The hospital has two other blocks in the complex.Through the morning, a steady stream of patients, blackened by soot, were brought out while enraged relatives and locals vented their ire at the state and hospital administration.

'What's the use of coming now?

He is already dead. All are dead. The administration is hopeless, useless,' shouted Pradeep Sarkar. His father-in-law had been admitted there Thursday night with a heart ailment.He said the sky lift came only around 7 a.m.'They (firemen) came with manual ladders. Had the sky lift come earlier, many people could have been saved. There are around 160 patients inside.

All are dead...so is my father-inlaw,' said an anguished Sarkar.

Banerjee rushed to the spot, but only stoked the rage of the people, leading to a near-stampede and police resorting to batons.'Because Mamata is here, the ambulances cannot go towards the annexe building. Please ask her to shift to another road,' shouted a distraught relative of a victim.Banerjee tried to cool things down and shouted at police but it was little help.

She went near the relatives and said 40 bodies have been kept at the SSKM Hospital. 'Police will take you there. They will escort you there by forming a barricade around you.'The chief minister said photos of the unidentified victims would be displayed outside the SSKM morgue. 'After identification, we will send the bodies in hearses to their homes.'

Promising strict action, Banerjee also promised Rs.3 lakh if family members of the victims, who are not well-off, made an appeal.The hospital management, who patients said came only several hours after the fire broke around 3 a.m., said they had all fire-fighting equipments in place and did not know what had gone wrong.

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FDI: Government mobilising numbers, may opt for parliament vote New Delhi : Faced with deepening political crisis over its decision to allow foreign equity in retailing, the government is now mobilising the numbers before it accepts the opposition's adjournment motion entailing a vote to end the parliament logjam that continued for the eighth day Thursday, informed sources said.

The sources said the government has stepped up its efforts and is doing some math to manage the floor if the adjournment motion followed by a vote is moved. If it happens, parliament may get back to work from next week, they said.Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Thursday met the Congress allies in the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) to discuss the issue of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in retail they are opposed to.

While many constituents of the ruling combine favour the FDI in retail, key partners Trinamool Congress and the DMK are still insisting on the rollback of the cabinet decision. The two parties at present have 18 MPs each in the Lok Sabha.Another ruling partner, the

Muslim League Kerala State Committee (MLKSC) that is opposed to the decision has two MPs. Manmohan Singh met leaders of these parties at his official residence to try to iron out the differences. The meeting was attended

by Farooq Abdullah of the National Conference, Sudeep Bandyopadhyay of the Trinamool Congress, T.R. Baalu of the DMK and E. Ahamed of the MLKSC, as also Commerce Minister Anand Sharma of the Congress.

The sources said the DMK has already assured the government that it would seek some amendments to the decision but would vote for the government. The Trinamool, however, is a more vocal opponent.'Our stand remains the same.

We want a discussion. But we don't want the government to fall,' Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandopadhyaya told reporters after the meeting with Manmohan Singh.

He refused to divulge more details.

But the sources said a compromise formula has been 'almost worked out'. While the Mamata

Banerjee-led party would continue to oppose the decision, it will abstain from a vote.With this, the Trinamool would not be seen aligning with the Left and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). And at the same time, it would also not side with the government on this particular issue.

If the Trinamool abstains from the vote, and the DMK favours the government, the numbers in the Lok Sabha will be in favour of the key reforms in the Indian retail sector.The government is also trying to reach out to the Samajwadi Party that has 22 MPs and the Bahujan Samaj Party which has 21 MPs. If the two Uttar Pradesh parties agree to walk out or abstain during the vote, the threshold of those present and voting will be brought down. This will make it easier for the government to defeat the motion without the Trinamool Congress.In the 543member house, the half-way mark is 272. The government without the Trinamool and with the DMK is likely to manage 264 votes.

Jayalalithaa writes to PM over dam security Chennai : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has requested Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to deploy Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at the Mullaperiyar dam site to prevent occurrence of any 'man-made' tragic incident. "There have been reports of vandalism by certain political parties of Kerala at the dam site," she wrote in a letter to the Prime Minister on Sunday. Jayalalithaa has already written two strongly worded letters to the PM in late November slamming Kerala in the matter.

0A Supreme Court-appointed Empowered Committee tasked to review the safety conditions of the Mullaperiyar dam, which has recently been a issue of discord b e t w e e n t h e Ta m i l N a d u a n d Kerala, is expected to meet in

New Delhi on Monday. Headed by former Supreme Court Justice A S Anand, the committee has asked various agencies to conduct tests at the dam and will then frame a draft report for submission to the apex court by the end of January next year. The meeting comes just a day after M Thambidurai, the leader of a delegation of M e m b e r s o f P arliament Tamil Nadu accused his counterparts from Kerala of "spreading falsehood" over neighbouring the Mullaperiyar riparian dispute after handing over a strong protest memorandum to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday.

"Our brothers from Kerala are spreading falsehood probably out of ignorance or for narrow political

ends. Every scientific report and every court finding goes against everything they say. We are unable to understand why they keep doing this," Thambidurai told reporters outside parliament. Elsewhere in the same compound former Union Minister and MP from Kerala Shashi Tharoor defended his state saying, "Why is there a dispute at all? We want to give water, but want to safeguard our people from a probable dam-water-bomb!' According to an official press statement, the memo delivered to the PM by a TN delegation led by MP Thambidurai pointed out that the water from the disputed dam is the life-giver to over 220,000 acres of agricultural land spread over 4 districts.

Asirvad, December - 2011

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Giving birth is a battle for survival in Afghanistan Herat : She was 15 years old, heavily pregnant and had travelled eight days on the back of a donkey to reach hospital. Suffering from seizures and high blood pressure, she died soon after at the Herat Maternity Hospital in western Afghanistan, one of the thousands of women who die in the country each year from causes linked to pregnancy and birth. "She came at a late stage and we couldn't help her," said Somayeh, a midwife at the hospital and herself just 21. "She was already in a coma." Politicians, economists and activists from around the world met in Bonn this month to thrash out their vision for battered and impoverished Afghanistan. In addition to the insurgency and violence, it remains the most dangerous place in the world for a woman to have a baby, the latest World Health Organization data shows.

The figures are distressing, but still a marked improvement on the situation 10 years ago. The latest available WHO data, from 2008, shows the number of women who died giving birth had dipped to 1,400 per 100,000 live births from 1,800 in 2000. The Ministry of Public Health says it has made maternal health a priority, supporting training schemes that have lifted the number of qualified midwives in the country to 3,000 from just 400, and expanding emergency delivery services. "We have demonstrated that these strategies can work in Afghanistan. They can bring a change in the lives of women and families," acting public health minister Suraya Dalil says. "The challenge is to sustain those achievements."

Charities such as World Vision -- which trained Somayeh -- and Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) also have in-depth programs to help new mothers across Afghanistan.

But they worry that the planned drawdown of Western troops and funds - all foreign combat soldiers will be gone by the end of 2014, and a large

chunk of aid budgets is expected to go with them -- could jeopardize the modest gains of the last decade.

Without foreign cash to bolster scarce government funds, midwife training will almost certainly drop off, while aid groups may leave if they cannot operate in safety. MSF closed its Afghan operations in 2004 after five team members were killed, although the group has since returned.

"The greatest risk at present is through aid levels dropping off precipitously," says Sarah Pickworth, a public health specialist who has worked extensively in Afghanistan.

"Without sufficient funding, there is likely to be a significantly slower pace of change. This risks losing the momentum of the tremendous gains made." Faced with an appalling death toll among pregnant women and new mothers, communities in rural areas -- which have some of the highest mortality rates -- have mobilized to help women.

Herat's Institute of Health Sciences (IHS) has trained 256 midwives in the past seven years through schemes largely supported by charities such as World Vision.

Many of its students have been deliberately selected from remote villages.

But if Herat is hit by violence, the families are likely to take their daughters out of school and take them home to safety. A deterioration in the security situation would likely hit pregnant women as well as midwife training. Transporting women in labor from rural areas to clinics is already a tough proposition in a country where few can afford cars and roads are scarce and badly maintained. It will become still harder if gunmen have freer rein to target travelers. The re-emergence in political life of groups like the Taliban, which banned education and the free movement of women, could also have a devastating effect on death rates.

Under their influence, a generation of potential female midwives and doctors has already been lost, midwife trainers say. This is particularly devastating in a country where male doctors treating women is still largely taboo. But as big a problem for Afghanistan is money. The Afghan government is facing a $7 billion hole in its budget after 2014, which it will need to pay for security and other services. It is relying on foreign help to plug that gap. The grinding poverty in which many women live means hygiene and nutrition are often poor. A recent survey showed only around half of Afghans have access to clean drinking water, and only a fifth use approved toilet and sanitation facilities.

The IHS' deputy director, Dr Ehrary, says money is a major stumbling block to completing the five further rounds of midwife training he calculates are needed to provide a base number of healthcare professionals in the region. "Training is not difficult, but finding funds is difficult," he says. The institute is struggling to train this year's governmentrecommended quota of midwives to the right standard. "We told the ministry we could not run the class this year because we have only three teachers and we cannot meet their standards," he added. "They have now been funded. We found another donor, (German humanitarian group) Cap Anamur."

If meetings like the Bonn conference fail to deliver a plan for action on poverty and some kind of roadmap to stability, the fragile gains in maternal healthcare could easily slip away. In rural Herat, villagers say they are determined to stop that happening. After decades of upheaval and war, they are tired of death and violence and want a safer future. "Everybody hopes there will be no more war in Afghanistan," says one senior shura, or village council, member from rural Herat.

"The first thing we want is safety,

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Delhi completes A centenary New Delhi : From congested lanes near Jama Masjid to posh locales in South-ex, from historical Qutub Minar to modern world-class metro, from Golgappas of Janakpuri to sweets of Chandini Chowk, from young scholars thronging the DU Campus to elite in Parliament, Delhi which stands on the threshold of stepping into another centenary of being India’s capital, is indeed an amalgamation of myriad shades of the country. The city, located on the banks of river Yamuna, has a rich culture of its own, a predominant mix of modern and traditional and this is what sets the city apart from others.

One can discover that on one hand the city boasts of captivating ancient monuments like India gate, Jama Masjid, Red Fort, Purana Quila and Lodi Tomb etc. while on the flipside it gives an impression of being a world-class metropolis.

Apart from having a glorious past, the city is also the political hub of the country with almost every political decision finding its root in Delhi.

Be it Anna Hazare’s protest for a strong Lokpal Bill or colourful Queer Parades on abandonment of Section 377 of IPC, all of it can be witnessed in the city. And what captures the fascination of most people is the delicious food served here.

Apparently, one can dip into the delectable paranthas and chaat in Chandini Chowk or Biryani at Karims or even international cuisines at Oberoi Maidans, the city never disappoints food lovers.

It is even the dream place for shopholics with market of Connaught Place, Karol Bagh, Sarojini Nagar and Lajpat Nagar

Delhi

100

o ff e r i n g e x c l u s i v e j e w e l l a r y, clothes and anything to everything. Baba Kharak Singh Marg, near Parliament Street is famous for multiple emporiums with the famous handicraft and artifacts of different states of India under one roof at government-controlled prices. Many of the country’s finest people have walked through the portals of Delhi’s premier education institutions. Be it Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan from Kirorimal or Manmohan Singh from Hindu college, Delhi University, undoubtedly, has the richest alumni in the country. As the wheel of 100 years complete a full turn, a number of celebrations that will go throughout the year are being planned by the city government and Indian Council for Cultural Relations which will indeed make the city glow with a lot of zeal and fervour.

A book on Delhi, called Red Fort to Raisina, encapsulating the history of seven cities of Delhi and making of the city will be released on Monday evening by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. The food festival ‘Dilli Ke Pakwan’ organized by Delhi Tourism from Dec 3 to Dec 11 was a huge success with a large number of people thronging the venue at Baba Kharak Singh Marg to taste the appetizing food of the city. The festival, apart from serving the traditional street food from the capital, also had other attractions like cultural activities, handicrafts especially pottery and bangle making etc. Rohit Chauhan, a student of Delhi Uni-

versity (DU), said, “The festival had every possible speciality of Delhi.

The paranthas of Chandni Chowk’s Paranthewali galli, Khan ke kebas, Bunty Singh’s fruit chaat and Janakpuri’s famous gol gappe- it couldn’t have been better to celebrate this momentous occasion.”

Keeping in mind, a need to capture Delhi’s history, a week-long event ‘Dastan-e-Dilli’ including an exhibition and various other cultural programmes will begin from Mon-

day. This one is being organized by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the venue is the ICCR’s Azad Bhavan gallery.

The exhibition is titled ‘Timeless Delhi’ and displays the progress of the city from significant Indraprastha to an energetic 21st century metropolitan through photographs, works of art, lithographic prints by painters of the East India Company and accompanying texts from the pages of history. The opening of the exhibition will be followed by 'Mehfil-e-Dilli', a dance performance by Shovana Narayan and thumri recital by Dr. Kumud Jha Diwan. However, no official ceremony has been planned to commemorate the special day.

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Afzal Guru execution row : Efforts underway to expedite cases, says Khurshid

New Delhi : As lawmakers of various political outfits lament the delay in carrying out the death penalty sentence awarded to Mohammed Afzal Guru, who was convicted of conspiracy in the December 2001 attack on the Parliament, Union Law and Justice Minister Salman Khurshid on Tuesday said efforts are being made to expedite the outcomes of crucial cases. Khurshid said plans were being put in place to ensure that cases would not last longer than five years. "We are not always entirely happy with the pace at which the rule of law is implemented in our country and that is a reason why we have a mission for justice delivery. Chief Justice has spoken of this, my predecessor Mr. Moily spoke of it and we are moving ahead with that mission," said Khurshid.

"Enormous amount of effort is being put in to ensure that the matters are decided in the court between three to five years, there should be nothing that goes beyond five years," he added. Meanwhile, senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)

leader Ravi Shankar Prasad questioning the delay in Afzal Guru's sentence said carrying out the execution would be the greatest form of respect to the martyrs. "The entire legal process has been conferred to the Supreme Court, why delay in (Mohammed) Afzal Guru? How long? Why? I think the sooner that verdict is executed it will be the biggest homage to those warriors. It is now ten years, we need to remember that," said Prasad.

Mohammed Afzal Guru, who was held guilty in the case, was awarded the death sentence by a Delhi court on December 18, 2 0 0 2 , after being convicted of conspiracy to attack Parliament on December 13, 2001, waging war against the country and murder.he Delhi High Court upheld the death sentence on October 29, 2003 and his app e a l was rejected by the Supreme Court two years later. Following this, Afzal filed a mercy petition with the President, who forwarded it to Union Home Ministry for its comments.he 2001 Par-

liament attack, led to the death of a dozen people; five terrorists, six policemen and a civilian.

Khurshid also touched on the passing of the Lokpal saying people should refrain from making judgements before the anticorruption legislation is presented in Parliament.

"I don't think that these issues now should be made matters of ego, I have said it this way therefore it must be that way. I think proof of the pudding is in eating.

Let's serve the pudding first and then people can tell us whether they like it or not," said Khurshid.

The Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government at the Centre is likely hold discussions with its alliance partners on the Lokpal Bill today.

An all-party meeting will be held on Wednesday to evolve consensus on the issue. Veteran social activist Anna Hazare had observed a token daylong protest fast at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Sunday to pressurise the government for passing a strong Lokpal Bill in the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament.

Khurshid also spoke on the Food Security Bill, which is on the day's agenda for the Winter Session of Parliament. "Can we as people of India afford to have people who are hungry? We can't and therefore whatever else we have to do, we have to ensure that people of this country particularly the marginalised people of this country, the people at the lower end of the economic ladder get the protection that they need, the sustenance that they need and the dignity that they need," he said. The Union Cabinet is likely to take up the National Food Security Bill for discussion and approval today. According to reports, the government plans to introduce it in the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, which ends on December 22. The draft of the National Food Security Bill seeks to expand the scope of subsidised food entitlements to the poor.

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Obama not to say 'sorry' to Pak over NATO strike New York: The White House has ruled out President Barack Obama offering "formal condolences" to Pakistan over the killing of its 24 soldiers in a NATO strike, as suggested by his top diplomat in Islamabad in a desperate bid to salvage deteriorating ties, a media report said on Thursday. "The White House has decided that President Obama will not offer formal condolences at least for now to Pakistan for the deaths of two dozen soldiers in NATO airstrikes last week, overruling State Department officials who argued for such a show of remorse to help salvage America's relationship with Pakistan," 'The New York Times' said, reflecting the mood prevailing in the administration on Pakistan right now.

The request for this came on Monday, two days after the NATO attack, from US envoy to Pakistan Cameron Munter, who said that a formal video message from Obama was needed to help prevent the rapidly deteriorating relations between the two countries from catering, administra-

tion officials were quoted as saying by the daily. "The Ambassador, speaking by video conference from Islamabad, said that anger in Pakistan had reached a fever pitch, and that the United States needed to move to defuse it as quickly as possible," the officials said. The suggestion from the top American diplomat in Pakistan was opposed by the Pentagon, which argued that such a move would be demoralising for their forces and noted that the statement of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in this regard was

enough."Some administration aides also worried that if Mr Obama were to overrule the military and apologise to Pakistan, such a step could become fodder for his Republican opponents in the presidential campaign," several officials, who declined to be named because they were not authorised to speak publicly, told the daily. The White House has said that Obama will not comment on it till the investigations are over, the paper reported.

On Tuesday, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) ordered an investigation into the incident in which officials of both the Afghan and Pakistan governments have been invited to participate. "The US government has offered its deepest condolences for the loss of life, from the White House and from Secretary Clinton and (Defence) Secretary (Leon) Panetta," Tommy Vietor, spokesman for the National Security Council, was quoted as saying by the daily. "We cannot offer additional comment on the circumstances of the incident until we have the results," Vietor said.

Mahatma's message echoes at UN global meet in Doha Doha, Dec 12 : Mahatma Gandhi's message that no culture can blossom without people connecting to other cultures was recalled at the UN Alliance of Civilisations Forum which is being attended by world leaders here. Brazilian Vice President of Brazil Michel Temer, in his address to the inaugural session of the meet yesterday, said Gandhi's ideals and vision hold well even today. He specially referred to Gandhi's remarks that no culture will blossom if people could not connect to others cultures and appreciate them. Temer said his government would follow the principles of the

Mahatma in reaching out to people of different faith and ideology.

On his part, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon underlined the role of Alliance of Civilisations in implementing empowerment of women and youth; promoting dialogue and mutual understanding to solve conflicts; and helping nations in transition and maintaining sustainable development. "When terrorists kill innocent people, when politicians stir hatred and exploit stereotypes to win votes, when moderate voices are struggling to be heard in the politics of polarisation, the Alliance's global efforts become very impor-

tant," he said. "We must bring peace and tolerance in places that only know division and discord," he said.

The priority, Ban said, is helping nations in transition, particularly across the Middle East and North Africa , e m p h a s i s i n g o n the considerable role of Alliance to assist these countries in shaping their future. He said no sustainable development could be achieved without boosting human rights and strong bonds among all people. "When you leave Doha please do your utmost to involve people in your churches, mosques and synagogues. Engage students, families, activists.

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Syria now in a civil war with 4,000 cead: UN Beirut: Syria has entered a state of civil war with more than 4,000 people dead and an increasing number of soldiers defecting from the army to fight President Bashar Assad’s regime, the U.N.’s top human rights official has said. Civil war has been the worst-case scenario in Syria since the revolt against Assad began eight months ago.

Damascus has a web of allegiances that e0xtends to Lebanon’s powerful Hezbollah movement and Iran’s Shiite theocracy, raising fears of a regional conflagration. The assessment on Thursday that the bloodshed in Syria has crossed into civil war came from the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay.

The conflict has shown little sign of letting up. Activists reported up to 22 people killed Thursday, adding to what has become a daily grind of violence. “We are placing the (death toll) figure at 4,000 but really the reliable information coming to us is that it’s much more than that,” Ms. Pillay said in Geneva. “As soon as there were more and more defectors threatening to take up arms, I said this in August before the Security Council, that there’s going to be a civil war,” she added.

“And at the moment, that’s how I am characterizing this.” The Free Syrian Army, a group of defectors from the military, has emerged as the most visible armed challenge to Mr. Assad. The group holds no territory, appears largely disorganized and is up against a fiercely loyal and cohesive military. International intervention, such as the NATO action in Libya that helped topple longtime dictator Muammar Qadhafi, is all but out of the question in Syria. But there is real concern that the conflict in Syria could spread chaos across the Middle East. Syria borders five countries with whom it shares religious and ethnic minorities and, in Israel’s case, a fragile

truce. Recent economic sanctions imposed by the European Union, the Arab League and Turkey were aimed at persuading Assad to end his crackdown. On Thursday, the EU announced a new round of sanctions against Syrian individuals and businesses linked to the unrest.

The new sanctions target 12 people and 11 companies, and add to a long list of those previously sanctioned by the EU. The full list of names of those targeted will not be known until they are published Friday in the EU’s official journal. The 27—member bloc also imposed some sanctions on Syria’s ally Iran in the wake of an attack this week by a mob on the British Embassy in Tehran, the Iranian capital. British Foreign Secretary William Hague accused Iran of supporting Assad’s crackdown, saying “there is a link between what is happening in Iran and what is happening in Syria.”

The sanctions are punishing Syria’s ailing economy a dangerous development for Damascus because the prosperous merchant classes are key to propping up the regime. Syrian business leaders have long traded political freedoms for economic privileges. The sanctions, along with increasing calls by the opposition for general nation-

wide strikes, could sap their resolve.

A resident of the flashpoint city of Homs said businessmen are growing impatient. “The sanctions against the regime are harming them,” he told The Associated Press by telephone, asking that his name not be used for fear of reprisals. “Merchants only care about their interests. Many merchants are complaining that their business is dropping.”

Activists also are trying to peel the business elite away from their allegiance to Assad. On Thursday, opposition groups called for a general strike, but it was difficult to gauge how widely Syrians were abiding by the strike. The regime has sealed the country off from foreign journalists and prevented independent reporting. Residents in Syria’s two economic powerhouses the capital of Damascus and the northern city of Aleppo reported business as usual on Thursday. But a video posted online by activists showed mostly closed shops in the Damascus suburb of Zabadani, which also has seen large anti-government protests. And a resident in Homs said most of the shops were closed, except for those selling food.

Homs has been one of Syria’s most volatile cities, with increasing

Asirvad, December - 2011 clashes between troops and army defectors.

Syria has been the site of the deadliest crackdown against the Arab Spring’s protests. Deaths in Egypt, Tunisia and Yemen have numbered in the hundreds. Libya’s toll is unknown and likely higher than Syria’s, but the conflict there differed because it descended early on into an outright civil war between two armed sides. Since the revolt began in Syria, the regime has blamed the bloodshed on terrorists acting out a foreign conspiracy to divide and undermine the country. It has laid bare Syria’s simmering sectarian tensions, with disturbing reports of killings like those seen in Iraq.

Syria is an overwhelmingly Sunni country of 22 million, but Mr.

16 Assad and the ruling elite belong to the minority Alawite sect. Mr. Assad, and his father before him, stacked key military posts with Alawites to meld the fate of the army and the regime a tactic aimed at compelling troops to fight to the death to protect the Assad family dynasty. The leader of the Free Syrian Army, breakaway air force Col. Riad alAsaad, acknowledges nearly all the defectors under his command some 15,000 are low-level Sunni conscripts. The men are armed with rocket-propelled grenades, rifles and guns they took with them when they deserted, as well as light weapons they acquired on the black market, he says.

Until recently, most of the bloodshed was caused by security forces

firing on mainly peaceful protesters.

There have been growing reports of army defectors and armed civilians fighting Assad’s forces a development that some say plays into the regime’s hands by giving government troops a pretext to crack down with overwhelming force.

As the violence continues, the 22-member Arab League in Cairo unveiled this week a list of top officials it wants to prevent from travelling to Arab countries a humiliating affront to a country that prides itself on Arab nationalism.

The 17 officials who face the ban include the defence and interior ministers, and close members of Mr. Assad’s inner circle. Mr. Assad’s millionaire cousin, Rami Makhlouf, who has controlled the

Doubts, fears nag Iraqis as US pulls out Baghdad : Zahora Jasim lost two brothers to bombs and gunmen in the years of turmoil and violence that followed the U.S. invasion of Iraq. Now, as the troops leave for home, the Baghdad housewife fears her country's troubles are not over and wonders, like many Iraqis, if their fragile democracy will slide back into sectarian strife. “The only images I have in my mind from these nine years are the deaths of my brother and his wife, of being forced from our homes, and the death of another brother in a bombing," she said. "I don't think anything will really change. There will still be bombings, we will still have assassinations, and the government will not be able to do anything."

The U.S. military departure evokes mixed emotions. Some feel gratitude to the Americans for overthrowing dictator Saddam Hussein in the 2003 invasion. For others, a sense of sovereignty is tainted by sadness over lost relatives and memories of U.S. violations like the abuse of inmates in Abu Ghraib prison. The last U.S. troops are rolling out of the country across the

Kuwaiti border as President Barack Obama winds up the most unpopular war since Vietnam. But Iraq remains uncertain in many ways. A power-sharing deal includes Sunni, Shi'ite and Kurdish parties, but the government struggles with sectarian tensions. Violence is down sharply but bombings and attacks remain part of daily life.

From the Shi'ite-dominated south to western Sunni strongholds, sectarianism bubbles just below the surface, and many are unsure their security forces can contain al Qaeda-linked insurgents and rival militias without U.S. help.

Bombings and attacks have eased since American and Iraqi security forces weakened insurgents. But roadside bombs, car bombs and assassinations still kill and maim almost every day. A frail economy, constant power shortages, scarce jobs and discontent with political leaders all fuel uncertainty among Iraqis. "Thanks to the Americans.

They took us away from Saddam Hussein, I have to say that. But I think now we are going to be in trouble," Malik Abed, 44, a vendor at a

Baghdad fish market. "Maybe the terrorists will start attacking us again."

With the fall of a Sunni dictator, Iraq's Shi'ite majority has risen and a fragile power-sharing government is led by Shi'ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki. But for some Sunnis, there is no sharing. "I think sectarianism will return, the struggle between Sunni and Shi'ite. It is clear from the struggle the government has," said security guard Mohammed Ibrahim.

"I feel marginalized as a Sunni, there are no jobs for us in the government." Falluja, the site of bloody urban fighting during the height of the war, has a distinct view of the American presence, with many questioning the massive U.S. military operations there.

Sitting in the Sunni heartland, Falluja was once the heart of al Qaeda operations in Iraq. U.S. troops used overwhelming troop force, gunships and jets to crush the insurgency there. Many still seek compensation. A group of Falluja residents burned and stamped on U.S. flags on Wednesday in celebration over the withdrawal.

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Russian police crack down on anti-Putin protests

Moscow: Hundreds of people took to the streets of Moscow for a second successive day on Tuesday to demand an end to Vladimir Putin's 12-year rule, defying a crackdown by tens of thousands of police reinforced by crack Interior Ministry troops. Police said they had detained about 250 people in central Moscow when they tried to stage an unapproved rally and held about 200 more in St Petersburg, where opposition forces have also been emboldened by the prime minister's worst election setback since he took power in 1999. After permitting the biggest opposition rally in Moscow for years on Monday evening, the police were out in large numbers. The Interior ministry said about 2,000 special troops were supporting almost 50,000 police, and some moved through the city centre in armored vehicles in a show of force.

Hundreds of pro-Putin youths also tried to spoil the rally, shouting "The people! Putin" and beating drums to drown out the opposition protesters' chants of "Russia without Putin" and "We want free elections!" A few minor scuffles

broke out. Boris Nemtsov, a libe r a l o p p o s i t i o n l e a d e r, t o l d Reuters he had been detained.

Two opposition figures, blogger Alexei Navalny and Ilya Yashin, were jailed for 15 days for their role in Monday's opposition protest, the biggest in Moscow for years. "We are not going to stop our struggle," Yashin said. The protests are a further sign of pressure on Putin to make changes after his United Russia lost ground in a parliamentary election on Sunday, even though it was criticized by Washington and European monitors and the opposition say it was slanted in the ruling party's favor.

The election outcome highlighted growing unease with the 59year-old leader as he plans to reclaim the presidency next year and pointed to a mood shift after years of political domination by the former KGB spy who has brooked little dissent and marginalized the liberal opposition.

"We want fair elections. Look at what they have done to our country, our Russia," said a man who gave his name only as Alexei as he was

pushed by riot police into a waiting bus. The organizers used social media such as Twitter and Facebook to attract new support from people who no longer consider Putin to be invincible. "I had to come out today because I can't stay quiet about how they just spit on us," said Mikhail Torupov, a Muscovite who said he had hardly ever protested before.

But Maxim Mishenko, 34, said he did not want Russia to follow the same violent path as Libya and Sy r i a . " I d o n ' t w a n t t h e same thing to happen here as in Libya or Syria. There will be no Slavic spring here in Russia if I have anything to do with it," he said. U.S. Republican Senator John McCain said Russia could now face a revolt. In a message to Putin on Twitter, he wrote: "Dear Vlad, The Arab Spring is coming to a neighborhood near you." But many Russian political experts have dismissed suggestions that Putin could face an uprising in a country which has little tradition of major street protests, despite the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution, and where dissent has often been crushed. Putin, meeting United Russia representatives, said he would reshuffle the government after the presidential election he is contesting next March but promised no immediate action.

It was not enough to appease opposition leaders angered by the widespread reports that the ruling party's vote count was inflated by ballot stuffing, even though it barely held on to a majority of seats in the State Duma lower house. Putin has high popularity ratings but has upset many people by saying he wants to swap jobs with President Dmitry Medvedev after the presidential election, opening the way for him to rule until 2024. He was booed at a sports event last month.

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Australia PM reshuffles cabinet, targets jobs

Canberra: Australia's Prime Minister Julia Gillard reshuffled her cabinet on Monday, focusing on job creation and labor relations, as she tries to reverse plummeting voter support ahead of elections due within t w o y e a r s . G i l l a r d ' s changes included promoting junior minister Bill Shorten to a new super ministry for jobs, prosperity and industrial relations, while other major economic, defense and foreign ministry portfolios were unchanged. "Our focus will always be jobs for Australians today and jobs tomorrow. That means we need to keep our economy strong now and we need to be modernizing it for the future," Gillard told a news conference.

"I believe that with this new cabinet in place we will see an important mix of new energy and talent, as well as wise heads in cabinet.

This new mixture will give us new focus and the fire power we need in 2012 to pursue the government's priorities." Gillard, heading the first minority government in Australia in decades, expanded her senior ministry to avoid demotions that could have worsened a rift with Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd, who she deposed as leader last year to try and end a damaging poll slump . But

backing for Labor and for Gillard fell again in a Nielsen poll in the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper on Monday, reversing recent end-of-year gains as the government introduced hard-fought reforms including a carbon price.

Opposition conservatives lead Labor by 57 percent to 43 -- a 2 percent swing in a month -- while Gillard's position as preferred prime minister fell 3 points to 42 percent, against 46 percent for Opposition Leader Tony Abbott. The prime minister is bracing for a battle with employers over changes to work laws championed by Gillard, but which business groups say have made it too easy for workers to strike and too difficult for employers to negotiate with unions. Marius Kloppers, the boss of the world's biggest miner BHP Billiton, said recently G i l l a r d ' s F a i r Wo r k A c t h a d "broadened the range of issues that can be put on the table," while Rio Tinto this month accused the government of having an "aggressive" industrial relations agenda.

Shorten, 44, regarded by some political watchers as a prime ministerial contender, impressed senior colleagues with his aggressive

criticism of moves by Qantas to ground its fleet over an industrial dispute in late October and his defense of the government's labor relations umpire. He is a former head of the powerful Australian Workers Union and was one of ruling Labor's so-called "faceless men" who engineered the political coup in 2010 to oust Rudd. In other major changes, Gillard promoted Climate Minister and chief troubleshooter Greg Combet to give him additional responsibilities for industry and innovation, while Health Minister Nicola Roxon was shifted to Attorney-General.

Roxon led a campaign for controversial plain pack tobacco laws being challenged by tobacco giants Philip Morris, British American Tobacco and Imperial Tobacco, and Gillard said she would now spearhead the government's defense of the worldfirst laws. The bookish Combet was rewarded for steering the hard-fought introduction of a carbon price and eventual emissions trade scheme, which the conservatives have pledged to repeal if they win elections likely to be fought around climate change and economic performance. Global uncertainty over the European debt crisis recently forced the government to cut its economic growth and revenue forecasts in November, and outline new cuts so the government can return the budget to surplus mid 2013.

Failure to deliver the surplus in a country wary of government borrowing could imprint Labor in voter minds as fiscally incompetent, and seal a conservative win. Gillard hopes Shorten can imprint the conservatives as a threat to jobs. Political analysts said while Gillard had finished the year with more political momentum, she now had to prove she could plug Labor's haemorrhaging support or risk a leadership challenge from Rudd and more instability. "Gillard remains in disaster territory," said veteran political commentator Michael Gordon in The Age newspaper.

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Afghan woman, jailed for being raped, wins pardon Kabu: Afghanistan has pardoned a woman who was raped by a family member but then jailed for adultery, a statement from the presidential palace has said, in a case that highlights deep concerns about women's rights in the country. It remained unclear whether the 21-year-oldwoman, known as Gulnaz, would still have to marry the m a n w h o a t ta c k ed her, her cousin's husband, after an earlier release offer which stipulated they must marry. Afghan President Hamid Karzai's palace issued the statement pardoning Gulnaz late on Thursday, a rare pardon in such a case in staunchly conservative Muslim Afghanistan.

Her case attracted international attention after she took part in a documentary film commissioned by the European Union but later withheld. Gulnaz had eventually agreed to the condition she marry her attacker under the earlier release offer but her lawyer said the release granted this week did not depend on her going through with the marriage. It was not clear whether she still intended to marry the man, her lawyer, Kimberley Motley, said.

Her attacker is serving a 7-year prison term for the crime. Motley said she hoped her client would be released shortly, and that there was a place for her in a women's shelter. The palace statement said Justice Minister Habibullah Ghalib asked a panel of top legal officials to order her release. Gulnaz sought a pardon from Karzai earlier this week.

"After assessing Gulnaz's case, (they) decided that her remaining sentence in jail should be pardoned under the current rules and regulations of the country and she should be released," the palace statement said. Gulnaz was initially sentenced to two years in jail for "adultery by force," which was later increased to 12 years on appeal. She was given the choice of marriage or serving a jail sentence.

Her case attracted international attention after she took part in a documentary film commissioned by the European Union but later withheld. Gulnaz had eventually agreed to the condition she marry her attacker under the earlier release offer but her lawyer said the release granted this week did not depend on her going through with the marriage.

Her sentence was then cut to three years after a third appeal, and the requirement for her to marry was dropped. Gulnaz became pregnant as a result of the attack and gave birth to a daughter in the Badam Bagh women's prison in Kabul almost a year ago.

Motley also welcomed what she said was a decision to review the cases of other women in the same jail. "The judiciary has effectively supported the Elimination of Violence Against Women Act by allowing for her to be released, for allowing for her to be pardoned," Motley said. "Precedent definitely has been set. As I understand it, the judiciary today was also reviewing the files of other women in Badam Bagh," she said. The presidential palace declined to comment on whether other cases were under review.

The film in which Gulnaz featured, a documentary on women in prison, was blocked from release by the EU mission in Afghanistan over fears it might compromise the safety of the women involved because it showed their identity.

The film-makers have been pushing for the film to be released, and say Gulnaz wanted her story to be told. "I made a promise to these women that I would get their stories out. I am glad that I've been able to honor that promise to Gulnaz," said the fil m ' s d i r e c t o r C l e m e n t i n e

Malpas. "I still hope that our film can be released, so people can hear the stories of the other women, and perhaps increase their chance of getting justice as well." EU spokeswoman Lynne O'Donnell welcomed news Gulnaz would be freed but declined to comment on whether the film would be released.

Gulnaz's case had been condemned widely by human rights groups. An online petition started

by Motley has been signed by more than 6,000 people. Motley said she is still trying to ascertain whether the attacker will also be released if they agree to marry.

Indian driver attacked in Australia Melbourne : A 22-year-old Indian taxi driver in Australia was attacked by four men who ripped off his turban and repeatedly punched him during the assault.

The men attacked Ravisher Singh on Thursday in the city’s southeastern suburb after an argument with him. Three men have been arrested on the charges of assault, according to The Age newspaper. Mr. Singh said he had picked up the group from the Mentone Hotel and was driving them to the Chelsea Heights Hotel. An argument started with the men when they arrived at a pub on the corner of Springvale and Wells roads and Mr. Singh got out of his taxi. The men ripped off his turban from his head and repeatedly punched him, the report quoted Mr. Singh as saying. He said the men knocked him to the ground and left his face bloodied and bruised before fleeing. “Indians have had this for five or six years and it will happen again unless something is done to stop it,” Mr. Singh was quoted as saying by the report. “We are just working hard trying to make a living. We don’t deserve this,” he added. Victoria police were currently investigating the case, the spokesperson said.

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Pakistani model's nude photo causes fury Islamabad : A Pakistani actress who posed in the nude for an Indian magazine with the initials of Pakistan's feared and powerful intelligence agency on her arm has triggered fury across this conservative nation.Veena Malik's photo on the website of FHM India, in advance of its publication in the magazine's December issue, has been lighting up social network website Facebook and Twitter since earlier this week. Many here anticipate a backlash, as nationalists and Islamists regularly stage rallies against anything they deem an insult to Islam or to the national honor. India and Pakistan have fought three wars, and the Inter-Services Intelligence agency or ISI has been accused of sponsoring terrorist attacks inside India.

Malik has broken Pakistani religious and national taboos in the past. She is a target for conservative ire and a heroine to some Pakistani liberals.

Conservative cleric Maulana Abdul Qawi declared on Aaj TV on Saturday that her latest venture into controversy was a "shame for all Muslims." Farzana Naz, interviewed by the same channel on the streets of Lahore, said that the actress had "bowed all us women in s h a m e . " Tw i t t e r c o m m e n ta t o r Umair Javed however called on Pakistanis to "make copies of the picture and bury it in your backyard. This way, our grandkids will know there were some amongst us who lived free!"Asked by reporters whether Pakistan would "pursue the matter" legally, the country's Interior Minister Rehman Malik said Saturday, "First, let us see whether it is real or fake."

Malik for her part says that the photo at the root of the current uproar was published in violation of her agreement with FHM India. In an interview with Pakistani Geo television broadcast Saturday, Malik acknowledged having been photographed for a "bold but not

nude shot." She said the editor of the magazine had promised that he would cover most of the photo with the ISI initials.

Malik said that the photo was intended to poke fun at the Indian fear of Pakistani spies: "Whatever happens (in India), people say ISI is behind that."Malik said she would "probably" take a legal action against the magazine for violating terms and condition.Magazine editor Kabeer Sharma said Malik did all with her full consent."We have all the record(s)," he told the Pakistani television station. "Veena was very excited about that ISI idea."Malik does most of her work in India. The entertainment sector there is booming, while Pakistan's is moribund. Her ties to Pakistan's archrival have landed her in controversy in the past.

During a much-publicized talk show appearance early this year, she lashed out her nemesis Abdul Qawi, who criticized her for having a scripted love affair with an Indian actor on an Indian reality show."What is your problem with me?" an angry Malik demanded of the scholar, who had accused her of insulting Islam.

India becomes third biggest US arms purchaser Washington : Just years after US resumed weapons sales to New Delhi, India has jumped to become third biggest arms purchaser from America logging contracts worth over USD 4.5 billion last year alone. Had the US firms bagged India's biggest ever deal for fighter jets, New Delhi would have been on the top spot of American arms sales worldwide, according to a Pentagon report. Even though the US firms lost the bid for an estimated USD 10 billion contract for sale of 126 jets to Indian Air Force (IAF), India was listed as the third largest purchaser of US arms through the government to govern-

Topping the list for the fiscal year 2011 ending September 30, 2011 were Afghan Security Forces (USD 5.4 billion) followed by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (USD 4.9 billion). ment channel Foreign Military Sales (FMS) by the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the Pentagon agency that overlooks such sales.Topping the list for the fiscal year 2011 ending September 30, 2011 were Afghan Security Forces (USD 5.4 billion) followed by

the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (USD 4.9 bilion).Australia with USD 3.9 billion occupies the fourth spot, followed by Saudi Arabia (USD 3.5 billion), Iraq (USD 2.0 billion), the UAE (USD 1.5 billion), Israel (USD 1.4 billion), Japan (USD 0.5 billion) and Sweden (USD 0.5 billion). American arms sales to India include Naval Reconnaissance planes, giant transporters, seaskimming missiles and other weapon systems. US Foreign Military Sales passed the USD 30 billion mark for the fourth consecutive year, with the 2011 figure starting USD 34.8 billion.

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BHARATH MAMA SAMAIKYA SAMITHI Let us proclaim that ‘Ma’ means Mala ‘MA’ means Madiga ‘MAMA’ means Adi Andhras ‘MAMA’s only are original citizens Tell the world, tell the world ‘MAMA’s alone are original human beings Proclaim, Proclaim That ‘MAMA’s are off one blood Proclaim that ‘MAMA’s are one race with authority History tells with authority that the untouchable original kings are today’s ‘MAMA’s that in India kings of all castes have been ruling. Eg: Kshatriyas, Velamas, Yadavas, Slave kings, Chandala Kings. Defeated in wars between castes, becoming slaves they came to be known as ‘chandalas’, becoming victims of the inhuman custom of untouchability, at last they have come to be called “UNTOUCHABLES”. The society of upper castes, for 3000 years, have confined the MAMA’s to the outskirts of the villages, subjecting them to mean jobs and making them prisoners of insecure life of poverty.

During the Moghul rule a few crores of Untouchables got converted to Islam and a few crores of them got protection under the British rule. By the time of the freedom struggle still a few crores of them remained in the Hindu society. After Independence a few lakhs of them took up Buddhism. In this manner, caste-wise untouchables got divided into several sects and subcastes.

The caste-based society has divided them in several ways and under several names, obstructing their growth as one united force. The reason is the gripping fear of the upper castes that the untouchables, ever growing in numbers, will be-

come a great force and one day overcome untouchability. That is why today, having divided them into sixty sects, depriving them of love and mutual relatedness among them, having donned the ‘KARMA’ philosophy into their ears, the miserable orthodox society has created hostility between one sect and the other.

To this fact all bear witness, right from the leaders of pre-independence days to those who are celebrating the jubilees of Independence and heads of various states.

They chained the sub-sects with the occupation of the out castes, told them troublesome stories and deprived them of mutual blood relationship and alliances. Can there be a more horrible sin on the part of the upper castes? Who is the great soul who will wipe the tears of these MAMA’s who are living as outcastes and untouchables in a society, which is professing the law, which cannot recognize a human being as a human being. Can we count the number of atrocities committed against the MAMA’s after the Independence. Apart from those brought to light with evidence --Kanchikacherla, Padirikuppam, Karamchedu, Nirukonda, Chundur.

There are a few thousand crimes, rapes, killing which are all suppressed under the feet of the powerful in each village. How inhuman?

Can we question, ‘why’? As long as they hold absolute power and handle law and justice and have the strength of wealth and their caste, nobody can deliver us (MAMA’s) from our present condition. For such an act Ambedkar and Babu Jagjivan Ram will not be reborn.

Therefore, each one should gird up and come forward to raise themselves. Have you observed how the upper caste people are announcing their caste’s greatness in society? Is it a great act on the part of a successful man to add a suffix to his name? Eg: Rama Sharma, Pichaiah Choudhary, Narayana Reddy, Amar Goud, Rama Raju, Brahma Naidu, Ramachary, Raju Yadav etc. Similarly, facing the floated upper castes, how spirited will it be if the out castes become united, and without being ashamed, openly and proudly add the suffix “MAMA” to their names? We humbly request them to consider rationally and in detail how strong they will emerge by doing so. Consider how meaningful and dignified it will be if

Asirvad, December - 2011 their names are ‘Kranthi Mama’ instead of ‘Kranthi Madiga’ and ‘Ravi Mama’ instead of ‘Ravi Mala’ with such a change the MAMA race will not only be come united but also emerge as a powerful humanistic force to resist effectively the caste oriented upper castes. It will be capable of asserting its own rights as well as question the rights of others. Then the upper castes will fear to commit any crime against the Mamas. Possibly towards this goal the great poet, Kalaprapurna Dr. Bhoyi Bhimanna cautioned the Mamas as follows: “O Malas and Madigas! Open your eyes and for the welfare of the race (Jaati)! (As well as the nation) get united; We will all become united Mamas” Responding to this call the Fire Poet (Agni Kavi) Modukuri Johnson added the suffix ‘MAMA’ to his name and called upon the ‘MAMA’s to move about with pride in the society of the upper castes. But this call was resisted by the narrow mindedness of the upper castes, deep-seated for centuries. But today from the suppression a storm has emerged.

Still we are only left with the slogans, “Madiga Dandora”!

“Mala Mahanadu”! As a consequence, due to mutual differences there is the possibility for the unfortunate situation of MA-MA becoming a Zero. This is most welcome to the upper caste; for, because of their age old hatred for them they cherish the division and disintegration of Mamas.

Therefore, how much welcome should it be to wish for MA+MA to be MAMA! I appeal to the MAMA’s to think deeply about this Muely aspiring for the power of leadership, do not invite the death of the race. Believe in the saying, “Happiness lies in unity”.

Let us establish a society of equality by believing in unity, to proclaim ourselves as Mamas and to aspire for realizing the universal brotherhood aspired for by “Chakravarthy Jaashuva”, as also for the casteless society cherished by Ambedkar.

O, Mamas! The successful people of other castes do not mix with us. But those of the upper castes such as a Thomas Choudhary, a Joseph Reddy, and a John Sastry remain with the upper castes only. Therefore, there is no strength greater than the caste. Just

22 as the two chief Brahmin sects, vaidika, Niyogi’s remain united, why should not the Mamas be united. Is it not very appropriate to form ‘S.C. united front’ for the reservation rights, to discuss deeply and arrive at a consensus, advantageous to all? Otherwise our internal differences will amount to the dispute between the two birds adjudged by a cat, a proverbial lesson for all. In this direction certain guidelines for Mamas are given below. Take your Valuable decisions on them. Today for the Nation’s Progress “Bharath Mama united struggle Front” is most essential. It should grow strong and stronger.

Jai Bharath! Jai Mama!

Jai Mama!!

Guidelines and suggestions: Programme of Action: Like in the past we must work for mutual harmony between the two subsects, facilitate their harmonious living in day-to-day life and encourage Mamas in order to prevent prejudices between them.

Establish peace and harmony among the heads and other officials in the two sub-sects.

Make them understand that they will not have any protection or security in the caste-orientated upper-caste society, against their victimization as untouchables for centuries.

Intellectuals from both the subsects should be invited to form a united forum to enlighten sub-sects about the need for unity and brotherhood.

If we have to realize the sacr ed aspiration of Baba Saheb Bharath Ratna, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar that a casteless society is possible only when blood mingles with blood, the youth of the two sub-sects should be impressed upon that only inter sub-sect marriages are the recourse. The message of Jesus Christ, Lord Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi --- “Love thy neighbour as thyself” should be propagated in the MAMA society for securing peace and unity.

In order to promote universal brotherhood among Mamas one should preach Ambedkarism to them, irrespective of the religion of the one who preaches.

A special programme should be taken up in order to find out the re-

sponse of the state, central and private sectors Employees of both the sub-sects to the recent categorization of Mamas by the state Government.

While continuing to enjoy the present rights of education, employment and those in the political sphere the Mamas should demand the increase in the reservations as per their present population. As a caution to the upper caste society, in order to promote united struggle, united co-ordinating committees should be formed from the rural level to the urban level.

Instead of the mutual negative campaigning of one against the other the two sub-sects should work for the increase of the 15% reservation rights (50 year old) to 30% on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of Independence. The reason being the increase in the population of Mamas ten times. Towards this goal the Mamas should be inspired to fight unitedly.

In order to put an end to the disputes and enmity between the subsects due to the recent reservation categorization and to resolve the differences, Mamas must be brought to one platform. The good intentions for unity must be inculcated in them and their past unity must be permanently restored.

The Slogans: Grasp and become knowledgeable.

That ‘MA’ means ‘Mala’ That ‘MA’ means ‘Madiga’ That MAMA’s means ‘Mala Madiga’ That MAMA’s means the original Andhras, That MAMA’s only are original citizens, That All MAMA’s are of the same blood, That All MAMA’s belong to one race, That The Unity of MAMA’s is the path to progress, That The unity of MAMA’s is the iron fort of our future.

By BHARATH ‘MAMA’ SAMAIKYA SAMITHI #106, Block ‘A’ Archana Apartments, East Marredpally, Secuderabad - 500 026 Ph: 040-40160906 E-mail: bharathmama@yahoo.co.in

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Asirvad, December - 2011 Shri Sushilkumar Shinde was born on September 4, 1941, in a humble family at Solapur, Maharashtra.

His urge to acquire education was so strong that poverty and even failures, at different stages did not deter him from going ahead on the path of success. Working during the day for livelihood and studying during the night for education was the way he chose to attain knowledge.

Shri Shinde did his schooling at a local Night School and passed SSC in 1961. His ability to turn vulnerabilities into strengths – provides an enduring example of a politician who transcended the dictates of times to become one of the most powerful and effective advocates for social justice.

In 1965, he was selected as an officer in Mumbai Police CID. Subsequently, Shri Shinde resigned from Police service in Nov. 1971 and was appointed as convener of Congress forum for socialist action. In 1974 he was asked to contest by-election from the Karmala, Reserved Constituency and was elected with a huge margin. The then Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Vasant Rao Naik inducted him as a minister of state in state cabinet the same year.

He continued to win elections from different constituencies of Solapur district in 1977, 1980, 1985, 1990, 2003 and 2004. He led various departments as cabinet minister in Maharashtra Government, e.g. Finance, Planning, Industry, Urban Development, Youth and Sports, Social Welfare, Transport, Health etc. He was also the President of Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee for two terms in 1991 and 1995.

In 1992 and he was appointed General Secretary AICC and got elected into Rajya Sabha in June 1992. For his outstanding performance as a Parliamentarian in 1993 and 1994 he was presented National Citizen’s Award.

Shri Shinde shattered the ceremonial molds in which the role of the leaders had traditionally been fashioned, and reshaped it around his own skills and his deep commitment to social reform. Though he belongs to a Scheduled Caste

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Pradesh. As Governor he left his mark in the hearts of people of Andhra Pradesh. Shri Shinde took oath as Union Minister on 29 January 2006 and was given charge of Ministry of Power.

Shri Shinde was elected to the

community but since 1990 he has been contesting from unreserved seat, a testimony that he enjoys the confidence and acceptability as a leader of all the sections o f s o c i e t y. I n M a r c h 1 9 9 8 h e won with margin of over one lakh votes and again in October 1999 by over 78000 votes against his nearest rival. He has set profound changes in motion to alter much of the political landscape of India.

He was nominated as the Member of Congress working Committee (I) in 1998 by the Congress President, Smt. Sonia Gandhi and appointed as General Secretary, AICC (I) for the second time in February, 1999, also as a Member of Central Election Committee.

He was jointly put up as a candidate for election to the Office of the Vice-President of India in 2002 by all the Opposition parties together, led by the Congress Party.

On 18th January 2003, Shri Shinde was elected as the leader of Maharashtra Congress Legislature Party and assumed the charge of Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

In November 2004 Shri Shinde was assigned the responsibility of Governor of Andhra

15th Lok Sabha from Solapur Constituency. He took oath as Union Cabinet Minister on 22nd May, 2009 and took charge as Minister of Power on 28th May, 2009.

Shri Shinde, with a better feel for citizenry gave a voice to people who did not have access to power. His story of success and prominence clearly shows how determination and perseverance, when coupled with knowledge and clear vision, enables one to reach the peak of leadership. He is the vibrant personification of the forward looking spirit of India. Today his stature and influence continue to grow.

An ardent art aficionado Shri Shinde has acted in many stage dramas during his college days. He has authored three books, two in Marathi & one in Hindi.

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CM asks officials to work in tandem with elected representatives to achieve development Hyderabad : Calling upon the Collectors to work in tandem with the public representatives, to achieve development of the State and to benefit the people, Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy has said that the government was making efforts to provide transparent administration since the last one year, and the Collectors have to take decisions transparently correcting the loopholes.

In his inaugural address at the two-day Collectors meeting here on Wednesday at Jubilee Hall, Kiran Kumar Reddy said that the State's budget of Rs.1.18 lakh crore was the biggest budget in the country, and it was the responsibility of the Collectors to mould the State as an 'ideal State'. He suggested to the Collectors to see that the benefits of government schemes reached the eligible beneficiaries. For this, team work was needed, he said and added that the public representatives and Collectors have to work in tandem with regard to development of the State. He said that the government has announced 876 mandals as drought hit in the State and the Collectors have to initiate necessary steps to instill confidence among the farmers.

He also said that the Collectors have to provide work for the farm labor linking the NREGS and farming. He said that the government has identified 26 lakh tenant farmers in the State and issued Identity Cards to 5.70 Lakh tenant farmers and out of them the government only provided loans of Rs. 350 crores to 1.80 lakh tenant farmers. He suggested to the Collectors to see that more tenant farmers are benefited with the scheme. He said that the State stood first in implementing the

welfare schemes and in development.

Stating that the farming investments have increased enormously, the Chief Minister said that the government was trying to reduce it by issuing interest free-loans up to Rs.1 lakh. He said that the Collectors have to give wide publicity to the scheme to inspire the farmers to go to Banks to take loans. He said that the government was ready to give Rs.2500 crore subsidy to the farm mechanization to reduce the burden of the farmers by setting up 3,000 Agro Centers in the coming three years. Mr Reddy said that the gove r n m e n t h a s t a k en up Indira Jalaprabha scheme to benefit six lakh SC/ST families in the State and it was the duty of the Collectors to see that the bore wells worked in good condition.

Stating that unfortunately the State has not yet recovered from the electricity problem cropped up due to the 'Sakalajanula Samme', he suggested to the Collectors to convene regular review meetings with the electricity department. He said that the Collectors have to monitor the electricity department continuously to provide seven hour power to the farmers.

He directed the Collectors not to compromise with regard to quality of the rice which was supplied to the 'One rupee kilo rice' scheme. "The government has reduced the price of rice but not the quality of the rice", he said.

He said that the State government introduced this scheme to fulfill the Centre's Food Security Scheme. He said that the Collectors have to concentrate on school education and college

education developing the infrastructure as the government was spending about Rs. 3000 crores.

He said that the government has paid Rs.5261 crores for the fee-reimbursement of the students.

This year's fee-reimbursement was only in pending and that should be cleared very soon, he said. He said that 41 percent of the youth were under 18-years age group, and 54 percent were under 25-years age group. He said that it was the responsibility of the government to provide placements to the students and it was taking steps to fill up 1.16 lakh posts by the end of December month. He said that the government was trying to instill confidence among the students that this government could alone provide jobs to the eligible candidates by

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27 filling up the vacancies with the talented youth. He said that the Prime Minister would launch this program in December last week or in January first week.

The government was providing loans to the women and also established 'Stree Nidhi' with Rs.1000 crores to save from Micro Finance atrocities. The government has given Rs.873 Crores interest free loans to the women folk. He said that the government has also introduced Green Channel to release funds on priority basis.Stating that the government was contemplating to complete 49 irrigation projects in the coming three years, he said that already 12 projects were completed and 21 completed partially. He suggested to the Collectors to see that the water actually entered the farming fields, than showing figures on paper. He said that the Collectors

have to conduct review meetings every month on the potential creation of the irrigation water and send the report to the government. He also suggested to the Collectors to go out of the way for land acquisition to complete the irrigation projects. He directed the Collectors to concentrate more on irrigation projects.

Kiran Kumar Reddy said that more transparency was needed with regard to Housing to complete 300 houses every day. He said that more clarity was needed with regard to house sites. He suggested the Collectors to organize review meetings every month and send the report to the government. He said that the government was contemplating to increase the level of Nutrition Day Care Centers from 3800 to 38,000. The government would

ICRISAT stresses on partnership-based agriculture Hyderabad : International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) Director General Villiam D. Dar today highlighted the purposeful partnership and marketoriented development as key in tackling poverty, hunger and malnutrition in the drylands.Participating in the 39th annual day celebrations of ICRISAT here, he said ICRISAT strongly believed in the power of purposeful partnership.

This year, the Research Partnership Award went to the Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI)-Shenzhen (China), which along with ICRISAT recently led a global research team in cracking the pigeonpea genome sequence. The genome sequence is vital in accelerating breeding efforts, and will have enormous impact on the lives of millions who consider pigeonpea as the 'poor people’s meat' because of its high protein content.

Mr Villiam said, '' We are proud to be the first Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) Center to have completed the genome sequenc-

ing of pigeonpea through a global research partnership''.

Mr Villiam said, ''surmounting challenges such as rising food grain prices, climate change, energy crisis, food crisis, land degradation, and population explosion will not be possible unless we think out of the box, do quality science, and work in tandem with partners to exploit synergies to create impacts''.

He stressed that a dynamic strategy of connecting poor farmers to market, and innovations with a systems perspective are what will move forward the quest for a better livelihood for the forgotten poor in the drylands of Asia and Africa. Appreciating their collaboration with ICRISAT, Prof Gengyun Zhang, Vice President, BGI-Life Sciences Division, Shenzhen (China) said, ''We are very much pleased to have an ongoing collaboration with ICRISAT. Together with several international partners, ICRISAT and BGI cracked the pigeonpea genome. Now we are moving towards sequencing the chickpea genome.

We would like to continue our

develop the infrastructure and the number of doctors in the government hospitals to increase the Arogyasree scheme share from 27 percent to 40 percent.

Stating that the protection of law and order and secularism was Collectors' responsibility, he said that the Collectors have to conduct meetings with the peace committees to recognize the reasons for the ruckus in sensitive areas and monitor on regular basis. Stating that his aim was to see smiles on the face of every one in the State, he said that the State has the history of the Collectors working hard and one has to stand to that word.The government would support the sincere officers, he said and suggested to the Collectors to feelfree in approaching him with regard to peoples' issues.

HOPE Children's hospital launches growth centre Hyderabad : To promote awarness on Growth Hormone Deficiency among children, HOPE Children's Hospital today launched Child Growth Centre, an area which is customised and completely devoted to provide maximum healthcare support to children with Growth Disorders. The initiative aims at increasing awareness about Growth and Growth Related Disorders and proving holistic treatment to children.Commenting on the occasion, Hospital Managing Director Dr Madan Mohan said, ''Child Growth Centre is exclusively dedicated towards providing diagnosis and treatment to children with Growth Disorders. 'The conditions have both an emotional and physical impact on the child which prevent them from performing to their full ability in all spheres of life,'' he said, adding 'due to lack of awareness and misconceptions, parents unknowingly fail to address the growth concerns in a timely manner leading to children not achieving their full growth potential. ' The newly set-up centre wil provide a holistic support to both parents and children right from diagnosis, treatments and providing emotional support to the families, Dr Mohan said.

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Shaheen of Hyderabad outshines all 29 AP girls among 219 get Fair & Lovely scholarships Hyderabad : The number of students awarded the Fair & Lovely Foundation National Scholarship in 2011 has gone up to 219 from 212 last year. Among these girls include 29 from Andhra Pradesh. These 29 girls got scholarships competing with thousands of applications Fair & Lovely received from all over the country.

The scholarships are awarded to pursue their dream careers. Scholarships of up to Rs 1 lakh each are offered for any Graduate, Post Graduate and Doctorate Courses in the country.

This covers the total cost of education (including tuition fee plus over and above tuition fee incurred by the candidates to complete their courses).

Fair & Lovely Scholarships awards scholarships to women with aptitude, drive and ambition to carve a place of pride for themselves in society, but do not have the financial strength to realize their dreams.

Some of these girls who got scholarship include Shahin Mohammed from Hyderabad. She is an example of hope and perseverance. Her mother works as a maid to provide education for Shahin and her sister. Shahin too started working as a domestic maid to help her mother and to supplement the family income while diligently pursuing her ambition to be an engineer. Having successfully procured a seat in B.Tech(ECE), she will soon be engineering her family out of their poverty and outshine all with her achievements. She is the recipient of Fair & Lovely National Scholarship.

Another girl Sruthi Ramavat belongs to the tribal Lambadi community from Nalgonda. Her parents tried to fix her marriage soon after she finished her 12 th Class. But Sruthi attempted suicide to avoid getting married. Soon her parents gave up marriage proposal and allowed her to pursue B.Tech Civil Engineering. She now funds her hostel fees by giving tuition classes

in the morning and evening. She is awarded Fair & Lovely National Scholarship.

Shaheda Begum from city is in her second year of MBBS and aims to be a surgeon. Her sister who is a nurse and also the only earning member of her family inspires her.

Shaheda would like to share the burden of the family after her studies. She is awarded Fair & Lovely Scholarship.

The other recipients of the Scholarships include: Anusha Puli from Warnagal, daughter of an agricultural daily wage earner; Bhaveswari Bavi from Palamaner, daughter of a daily wage earner; Bharani, daughter of a Class IV employee from Khammam; Bhavya Sangisetti of Kakinada has been a fatherless child since she was in her second standard. Her mother has worked hard stitching clothes, to fund her education. She is close to realising her mother’s dream of securing seat in B.Tech; Deepa Samala belongs to Warangal whose family lives on the minimum wages that her father earns as a daily wage earner. Deepa hopes to change that as soon as she finishes her education. A bright student, she has always been a distinction holder, even se-

curing admission to the 5-year integrated M.Sc Chemistry course, from the prestigious Kakatiya University. Divya Kintali, from Srikakulam pursuing her B.Tech (ECE), Divya Satyavani from Guntur.

Her father expired and mother earns for the family. She secured an admission in B.Tech. Husna Farheen, daugher of a man who does odd jobs and does not earn much. She supports family with earning from tuitions and studies B.Sc. Kavya Kumari from Ongole.

Krishna Chandrika of Vijayawada, daughter of a small time businessman, whose income is not sufficient to support the lofty dreams of his brilliant daughter. She seeks scholarship to complete her B-Tech (ECE). Besides these 19 more girls are also awarded the scholarships recently in a function held in Mumbai.

Commenting on the Fair & Lovely Scholarships, Prof. Sukhadeo Thorat, Chairman of Indian Council of Social Science Research and Former Chairman of University Grants Commission said, “helping girls from lowest economic order to access higher education a commendable social development activity undertaken by Fair & Lovely”.

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UNDO NSF privatization: JP Hyderabad: Lok Satta Party President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan today demanded immediate annulment of the privatization of the Nizam Sugar Factory (NSF). Either the State Government should take it back or hand it over to a company to be floated by farmers, he told a media conference.

Dr. JP recalled that a Committee of the Legislative Assembly formed during the regime of Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy had in August 2006 unanimously recommended that privatization of the NSF should be undone as it was detrimental to the interests of the State, especially the people of the Telangana region.

It is tragic that both the Congress and the Telugu Desam Party which have vied with each other in stoking regional feelings and cried hoarse about injustice to Telangana have remained silent on the committee report submitted more than five years ago.

They have not even bothered to heed the High Court which in a case filed by NSF cane growers

Dr. JP recalled that a Committee of the Legislative Assembly formed during the regime of Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy had in August 2006 unanimously recommended that privatization of the NSF should be undone as it was detrimental to the interests of the State, especially the people of the Telangana region.

on August 28, 2007 directed the Government to take a decision within six weeks.

Mr. M. Appireddy, leader of NSF sugarcane farmers, demanded that politicians and officials who priva-

tized the NSF under the false pretext it was making losses should be punished. The Government parted with NSF assets worth Rs.500 crore for a paltry Rs.67 crore and offered concessions worth about Rs.300 crore to the private bidder, besides paying Rs.12 crore as VRS compensation to employees. The buyer of the NSF has not paid a single pie to the Government towards the purchase price so far. Considering all this, the House Committee wanted the Government to take the NSF back.

Mr. Appireddy added that the private management had sacked 1800 of the 2200 employees in violation of the terms of privatization. As a result, as many as 120 farmers committed suicide or died of starvation in the Bodhan factory area alone,, he said.

Dr. JP wanted the State Government to announce the State Advisory Price for sugarcane without further delay since it enjoys powers under the Andhra Pradesh Sugarcane

(Regulation of Supply and Purchase) Act, 1961. If it believes that it cannot, it had better amend the Act as the Tamil Nadu Government has done. He asked the Government to ensure that cane farmers get at least Rs.2500 a ton.

Commenting on the Standing Committee report on the Lokpal Bill, Dr.JP said it was silent on making the CBI independent and the CVC part of the Lokpal. He recalled that the fomer Illinois Governor had been sentenced to undergo a 14-year jail term for corruption because the US had an independent FBI. So long as the CBI does not remain autonomous, it will be merely a tool in the hands of the Government.

The committee is silent on providing for independent prosecution in all cases and attachment of properties of the corrupt.Messrs Ajay Desai, G. Rajareddy, P. Bhaskara Rao,T. Srinivas, K. Gita Murthy took part in the media conference.

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21 Jagan loyalists to vote against Congress government

Hyderabad : As many as 21 legislators loyal to YSR Congress party chief Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy will vote against the Congress government during the no-confidence motion in the assembly.The legislators including 19 of the ruling Congress party attended a meeting with

Jaganmohan Reddy at his residence here to chalk out the party’s strategy on the no-confidence motion moved by main opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP).

After the meeting, legislator P. Subhash Chandra Bose told reporters that they would abide by Jagan’s

decision on the issue.‘It does not matter who moves the no-confidence motion because it is to defeat anti-farmers government,’ he said dropping hints that they would vote against the government and were ready to face the consequences of violating party whip.

Jagan will hold another meeting with his loyalists Sunday to take the final decision.A total of 23 legislators attended the meeting but two of them left midway, reportedly opposing Jagan’s decision to vote against the government.As many as 29 legislators including 26 belonging to Congress party had submitted their resignations to assembly speaker in August protesting the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) move to include late chief minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy’s name in the FIR registered in the case relating to Jagan’s assets.

Some Congress legislators have since returned to the party fold while the speaker has accepted the resignation of a Jagan loyalist belonging to the TDP.Meanwhile, the assembly Saturday took up the noconfidence motion moved by TDP. A total of 76 legislators stood up in support of the motion. The members of the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Communist Party of India (CPI) staged a walk out.

TRS, which has moved a separate no-confidence motion, is demanding the TDP and Jagan group support it.The house will take up debate on the TDP’s motion Sunday while the voting i s l i k e l y o n M o n d a y, t h e l a s t day of the winter session.Congress, which has 153 members in 295-member assembly, claims that there is no threat to the government as it enjoyed support of the Praja Rajyam Party (PRP), which has 18 members.Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM), an ally of Congress with seven members, is also likely to vote against the motion.

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The cost of open skies

Chennai : India’s aviation industry has been lobbying for a government bailout. With Kingfisher Airlines on the verge of bankruptcy, there are a number of ideas on how the bailout can be delivered: getting oil companies to lower aviation fuel prices, reducing taxes on fuel, persuading banks to restructure debt and offer new credit on easier terms, and changing the rules to allow foreign airlines to bring in capital in return for equity.

According to reports, promoters and top executives of leading private sector airlines met the Prime Minister late November to make their case. Their arguments went along expected lines: aviation fuel costs amount to as much as 40 per cent of operating costs; fuel prices have risen sharply; government taxes tend to push up prices even more; and aviation fuel prices in India are as much as 70 per cent higher than elsewhere in Asia. The net result according to them is a substantial loss that is challenging their viability. So the state must step in to rescue the airlines.

The sense is that the Prime Minister is inclined to intervene in their favour, though matters like FDI in

retail have postponed the decision.

Under other circumstances the PM’s stance may have appeared normal. The airline industry is an important part of the country’s infrastructure and the fuel price hike is an external shock threatening the survival of leading players. But fuel prices affect not only the airlines.

Directly and indirectly they affect every segment of the population, including the poor and the middle classes. Yet the government in recent times has been clear that it will not go back on its decision to reduce fuel subsidies by doing away with the administered pricing mechanism and will stick with its policy of adjusting domestic prices when international prices change.

Nor will it forego revenues by cutting duties on fuel any further. Money, the Prime Minister is reported to have said, does not grow on trees.

This difference in approach when it comes to preventing the erosion of the real incomes of ordinary citizens and to protecting the profits of the airlines is a striking anomaly.

It is explained by the fact that part of the mess in aviation today is because of the government’s open skies policy. That policy was influ-

enced by the view that opening up the airline industry to new and multiple private operators would enhance competition, reduce prices and improve the quality of customer service.

One danger, however, is that “competitive markets” often result in failure. Wrong decisions leading to excess capacities, price wars that reduce margins and just plain bad management can lead to losses and the bankruptcy of one or more players in the market. According to the votaries of the market mechanism this is inevitable.

So when losses occur for these reasons, governments should not intervene but should let markets work. If some firms go bankrupt, so be it. It is merely the way in which the market imposes its discipline, penalising wrong decisions or poor management, and delivering a meaner, leaner and more efficient industrial landscape.However, despite having opened up the airline sector on grounds such as these, the government has been reluctant to stick by these principles. In the Kingfisher case, it now transpires that the ailing airline has been on life support from three sources among others: huge volumes of credit from the banking sector, including public sector banks; a conversion of part of the loans provided by banks into equity such that the banks hold 23 per cent of the shares in the airline; and short term credit from the oil distribution companies on the aviation fuel being consumed by the airline. It has been known for some time now that the company had accumulated losses that exceeded its equity and reserves. But it was when the airline could not meet its bills for aviation fuel and the oil companies stopped supply on credit that the cancellations and the crisis began.

The story of how we got here is linked to the government’s liberalisation drive since the 1990s.

The justification for that drive was that long years of monopoly ownership of the public sector in the airlines business had resulted in inefficiency and high costs and low profits or losses in Air India and Indian

Asirvad, December - 2011 Airlines. Nobody would defend these public sector firms as being the paragons of efficiency. But the fact of the matter is that a whole host of “extraneous” factors affected the profits of Air India and Indian Airlines.

To start with, the functioning of these public sector entities was driven by objectives other than sheer profit. For example, they were required to fly on a number of unprofitable routes to ensure connectivity in a geographically large nation, including on routes to remote locations with relatively sparse traffic. Internationally, Air India was the nation’s carrier ensuring connectivity not just for commercial profit but for reasons related to diplomacy.

In sum, the profit criterion was for long subordinate to other objectives for the national carriers.

This, however, did result in the misuse of the “freedom”, leading to unwarranted costs and losses that were ignored. To boot, with the ministry of civil aviation combining in itself the role of policy m a k e r, i n v e s t m e n t d e c i s i o n maker and day-to-day monitor of the airlines operations, the companies were subject to excess intervention, were made the victims of wrong investment decisions and were forced to engage in activities that may not have been commercially or socially appropriate.

Even now, for example, there is a controversy surrounding decisions with regard to aircraft purchases made before Air India and Indian Airlines were merged. Those acquisitions, which would require Air India to pay out huge sums when it has accumulated losses are seen as inappropriate in terms of route management and on financial grounds.

Given this evidence, what was required in the airline industry was an all out effort to revamp Indian Airlines and Air India. The revamp should have sought to ensure greater autonomy in functioning, institutional change to ensure transparency in investment and operational decision-making, and appropriate governance and monitoring mechanisms. Rather than focus on such changes, the government

32 sought to induct private initiative into the airline industry on the grounds that the competition will improve overall efficiency.

As a result of that indiscriminate opening up, over the years the business has seen the entry of a large number of private players. Knowingly or unknowingly these investors had bought the argument that the only reason for the poor profit performance of the public sector airlines was their incompetence.

Any number of efficient operators that could keep costs down and offer better services at a cheaper price would be able to quickly turn a profit. The net result was irrational investment, excess capacity on many routes and severe price competition on some. The government’s view was that this was merely a temporary process of adjustment. Wrong decisions by private operators would lead to a “shake out” and some airlines would close down and others would survive, resulting in a fitter, leaner and more customerfriendly industry.

Initially it appeared that this was indeed occurring. Small airlines like NEPC and bigger and stronger ones like ModiLuft and Air Deccan had to close or sell out. But, over time, for each airline that was shrinking or closing there appeared to be more than one emerging. And most were expanding their fleet and routes quite significantly. The irrationality of private decisionmaking under the market mechanism was more than visible.

Kingfisher was a relatively late entrant into the business with a business model the matched its promoter’s flamboyance. It would cater to the upper end of the market where the distinction between economy class and business class ended. And when Air Deccan ran into financial difficulties, promoter Mallya decided to acquire that company and combine his “luxury”, fullservice airline (Kingfisher) with a nofrills twin, Kingfisher Red. All this was occurring at a time when the market was already showing signs of saturation, fuel prices were volatile, and cost consciousness was the prerequisite for survival. And de-

cisions to expand that were not grounded on a viable business plan were a way of courting disaster. In the event, when rising fuel prices put pressure on costs, the Kingfisher myth was shown to be what it was: more a show than a business.

However, the problem with Kingfisher did not catch public attention for two reasons. First, it managed to fund much of the business with outside money, especially money in the form of credit from the banks.

Second, it managed to reduce the cost of this capital by getting the banks to convert a part of this debt to equity. Interest on debt has to be paid even when a company makes losses. But dividends on equity need to be distributed only if profits are made.

These sources of support did not, however, save the business from losses that have created a gaping financial hole that needs to be filled. But here the airline and its promoter are exploiting the fact that it has grown rapidly to emerge as one of the larger carriers in the business in terms of market share. Like the American banks during the crisis, Kingfisher is being presented as “too big to fail”. The failure of the airline would lead to a sudden disruption of air traffic, it is said. It would result in a loss of access of finance to other airlines, which could trigger more bankruptcies in the business. It could badly damage the banks that are heavily exposed to the airline, which could have repercussions elsewhere in the economy. But most important for the government is that it would give liberalisation a bad name.

It is this which explains why both the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, and the Civil Aviation Minister, Vayalar Ravi, were quick to declare that Kingfisher needs to be “saved”. Though they have subsequently turned silent or retracted their statements, the effort to “bailout” Kingfisher is on.

The bailout strategy seems to be one in which the oil companies, the banks and the government (read the tax payer) would share the cost of rescuing the company suffering because of the wrong decisions of its original promoters.

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Govt considering Rs 1000 crore credit risk guarantee fund: PM New Delhi : Government is mulling setting up a Rs 1,000 crore Credit Risk Guarantee Fund to encourage banks to give loans to the poor, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on even as he asserted that policies cannot have one-sizefits-all approach towards both big and small cities. "To encourage banks to lend in significant volumes to the economically weaker sections and low income groups, we are considering the establishment of a Credit Risk Guarantee Fund with a corpus of Rs 1,000 crore in the current year," Singh said in his speech at the national conference on JNNURM. He maintained that the experience of Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) has been "mixed" since it was launched in December 2005.

"But we are encouraged by the good work that has been done and also the lessons learnt. Perhaps, the most important achievement of JNNURM is that there is much greater awareness Tuesday of the need to plan for urban habitats consistent with aspirations of modern India," Singh said. The government had appointed two committeesheaded by Arun Maira and Isher Ahluwalia- and is likely to implement some of the recommendations made by them to improve JNNURM. Referring to Ahluwalia's recommendations, Singh said, "Some of these include introducing a local bodies finance list in the Constitution, empowering the bodies with exclusive taxes and unlocking land value by putting in place a transparent and accountable mechanism of public land..."

He cautioned against having an all encompassing policy. "Our policies cannot have a one-size-fits-all approach towards both big and small cities," Singh said. The Prime Minister said rapid growth will bring a faster rate of urbanisation. As a result, urban population is projected to increase from 377 million today to 600 million by 2031. "Today ur-

ban India generates two-thirds of India's GDP. Leveraging India's urban transition presents a significant opportunity for development and growth.... We must focus on increasing livelihood opportunities in industry and services sectors and improving productivity in the agricultural sector," Singh said.

He rued that master plans in the past did not consider spatial requirements for living and working of the poor and insisted that this must change. "City planners must rethink traditional concepts of town planning," Singh said. "Unless our institutions are reformed and governed

well, they will neither attract the huge investments required to build and maintain city infrastructure nor deliver efficient services in a sustained manner," he said. The Prime Minister suggested that smaller cities will have to be treated differently from big cities and metros with regard to financing, content and pace of reform. Public private partnership should be encouraged to play a larger role in big cities.

Interestingly, Singh batted for Citizens' Charters for delivery of services to ensure that public agencies and private sector service providers are accountable to citizens.

Deccan Chronicle buying Future Cap from Pantaloon: Report Bangalore: Shares of Future Capital Holdings rose more than 7 percent on Wednesday after a newspaper report said Deccan Chronicle Holdings was acquiring a controlling stake in the Future Group's financial services firm for 6-7 billion rupees. Shares of Deccan Chronicle fell as much as 3.6 percent in the opening trades before bouncing back more than 2 percent. A news paper reported that India's largest retailer Pantaloon Retail (India) had sold its entire stake in Future Capital Holdings.In a separate transaction, Pantaloon has also sold its 26 percent stake in its insurance joint venture, Future Generali Life, to Mumbai-based Industrial Investment Trust for 2.5-3 billion rupees, the report said citing unnamed people close to the development. India's largest retail chain, Pantaloon Retail, and Future Capital are part of Kishore Biyani-run Future Group.

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Oil would go over $250 if exports banned: Iran Tehran: Iran warned the West on Sunday any move to block its oil exports would more than double crude prices with devastating consequences on a fragile global economy. "As soon as such an issue is raised seriously the oil price would soar to above USD 250 a barrel," Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said in a newspaper interview. The comments come as Iran strives to contain international reaction to the storming of the British embassy last week, a move which drew immediate condemnation from around the world and may galvanise support for tougher action against Tehran.Washington and EU countries were already discussing measures to restrict oil exports after the United Nations nuclear watchdog issued a report in November with what it said was evidence that Tehran had worked on designing an atom bomb. Iran says its nuclear programme is entirely peaceful.

The US Senate voted on Thursday to penalise foreign financial institutions that do business with Iran's central bank -- which takes payment for the 2.6 million barrels Iran ex-

"Imposing sanctions on oil and gas is among the sanctions that, if one wants to do that, the consequences should be fully considered before taking any action," Mehmanparast said. "I do not think the situation in the world and especially in the West today is prepared enough to raise such discussions." ports a day. The European Union is considering a ban -- already in place in the United States -- on Iranian oil imports. So far neither Washington nor Brussels has finalised its move against the oil trade or the central bank amid fears of the possible impact on the global economy of restricting oil flows from the world's fifth biggest exporter. But the British embassy

attack dragged relations with Europe to a long-time low and Iran is now facing rising rhetoric about a direct hit on its main source of foreign earnings. Until recently, Iran had dismissed as ineffective mounting sanctions aimed at forcing it to halt its nuclear activities. Mehmanparast's comments show a more defensive stance. "No one welcomes the sanctions, we know that sanctions create obstacles, but we want to say we will overcome these obstacles," Mehmanparast told Sharq daily.

"Imposing sanctions on oil and gas is among the sanctions that, if one wants to do that, the consequences should be fully considered before taking any action," Mehmanparast said. "I do not think the situation in the world and especially in the West today is prepared enough to raise such discussions." Britain's embassy in Tehran was ransacked on Tuesday after London announced unilateral sanctions on Iran's central bank.

London evacuated staff, closed the embassy and the biggest EU states withdrew their ambassadors in protests. Mehmanparast warned the EU on Saturday to avoid tying itself to British interests.

Mahindra launches Duro DZ in Hyd Hyderabad : Mahindra 2 Wheelers, a part of the US USD 14.4 billion Mah i n d r a G r o u p , today launched the Mahindra Duro DZ --a tough, powerful, fuel efficient 125 CC scooter, which was designed specifically for the challenging Indian Roads, in the pearl city of Hyderabad. Talking to reporters after the launch, Company's Senior Vice-President, Marketing, sales and customer Viren Popli said ''we are launching the two wheeler here for the first time in the c o u n t r y. ' ' H e s a i d t h e n e w Mahindra Duro Dz offers a unique combination of superior power, advanced telescopic suspension and a variety of other important durability and safety related features. With an amaz-

ing range of superior features, and a very attractive launch price, the new scooter is sure to be an instant hit, he said. Mr Popli said the new Duro DZ loaded with a superior, powerful 125 cc engine which pro-

vides better instant pick-up and multi-terrain acceleration, making it easier for the customers to carry loads, even on steep inclines and in tough road conditions, dual curve digital ignition system which delivers a mileage superior to other 125 cc scooters, superior ground clearance which enables manoeuvrability over speed breakers and rought roads with ease and comfort, long wheelbase and improved braking system offering better safety and stability on the road, a broad halogen lamp to provide wider range and depth in visibility, an under seat storage capacity of 20L, one of the largest in its segmenet in addition to built in front storage and rear Brake Lock lever for safety and parking on inclines.

The Mileage of the scooter would be 53 km per litre, the company's VicePresident said.

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Building blocks for baby Nutrition is the building block of life. Good nutrition is all about getting the food your body needs for growth, maintenance and repair.

Better nutrition means stronger immune systems, less illness and better health.Although, various aspects of nutrition are constantly highlighted, one aspect that gets very little attention is maternal and preterm nutrition. Nutrition has a critical role during the days of conception. At this time nutrition helps determine whether a mother and child will survive pregnancy.

Poor nutritional status of expectant mothers during this critical time can lead to various health problems in mothers such as anaemia, gestational diabetes, calcium deficiency and iodine deficiency disorders and also have adverse effects on the growth and development of the baby.

Similarly, preterm nutrition poses a formidable challenge. As preterm babies need more fluid and calories per pound of body weight than full-term babies, they have a lot of catching up to do, too. They are also likely to suffer from impaired neurological development

and behavioural problems, inadequate overall growth and vision disorders. These risks are, by and large, related to inadequate nutrient supply in the body. Preterm babies are deficient of essential nutrients like zinc, protein, iron and DHA, which are normally acquired in the third trimester.

The growth complications and high mortality rate of preterm babies has been a test for nutritionists. The

nutritional requirements of the preterm babies are huge and varied and require customised management. Mother's milk, although recommended, does not suffice for their huge and different nutritional needs.

Eating a healthy and nutritious diet will help the baby and mother achieve the required nutritional demand. Any nutrient deficiencies can be tackled by supplements.

Breastfeeding is essential till the

Low-carbohydrate diets better for easing weight: study A low-carbohydrate diet is better than a standard, calorie-restricted one for cutting down weight and lowering blood levels of cancer-promoting hormone insulin, a British study has found.Researchers at Genesis Prevention Centre at University Hospital in South Manchester, found that restricting carbohydrates two days per week may be a better dietary approach for preventing breast cancer and other diseases.

“It is interesting that the diet that only restricts carbohydrates but allows protein and fats is as effective as the calorie-restricted, low-carbohydrate diet,” said Michelle Harvie, research dietician at the Genesis Prevention Centre.Harvie and her colleagues compared three diets

during four months for effects on weight loss and blood markers of breast cancer risk among 115 women with a family history of breast cancer.

They randomly assigned patients to one of the following diets: a calorie-restricted, low-carbohydrate diet for two days per week; an “ad lib” low-carbohydrate diet in

which patients were permitted to eat unlimited protein and healthy fats, and a standard, calorie-restricted daily Mediterranean diet for seven days per week.

Data revealed that both intermittent, low-carbohydrate diets were superior to the standard, daily Mediterranean diet in reducing weight, body fat and insulin resistance.Mean reduction in weight and body fat was roughly four kg with the intermittent approaches compared with 2.4 kg with the standard dietary approach.

Insulin resistance reduced by 22 per cent with the restricted low-carbohydrate diet and by 14 per cent with the “ad lib” low-carbohydrate diet compared with 4 per cent with the standard Mediterranean diet.

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Don't lose your cool Stress raises adrenaline levels which boost cytokine levels which, in turn, inflame blood vessels. This makes it easy for cholesterol to clog arteries. You fall ill; gain weight; get depressed. You are perennially stressed. And the circle is complete.But there are ways to break that cycle. Read, absorb, and imbibe some of these pointers.

Don't sweat over the small stuff; manage it. When you feel overwhelmed, use all that negative energy in a positive way. Sit down and make lists and accomplish tasks, moving from small ones to large ones. Tie up the loose ends, rather than have them pile up to become one monster mountain.Learn to recognise what triggers your stress attacks and then, effectively counter the provocateurs. Learn to let go of stuff you cannot control, manage or change. Control, manage and change what you can.

Learn to accept stress as something inevitable but something that you can cope easily with. It's about a Zen frame of mind. Acquire a certain amount of inner calm and that becomes a potent weapon with which to defeat stress.If aromatherapy oils or fragrance candles work for you, use them freely. Cinnamon, clove, basil, eucalyptus and rose help relax both the body and the mind.

Fifteen minutes of meditation in a quiet environment can help control stress levels. If you aren't into meditation, settle down and unspool a montage of healing, peaceful thoughts in your mind.Like all other tenets of healthy living, combating stress requires healthy eating. Don't binge on fatty/fried/ sweet foods. But don't stress over

the occasional binge, either. Indulge in some of your favourite foods, the feel-good feeling you get is all for the good. Eat dessert. Eat mint, smell cinnamon.

When you feel your stress level peaking, drop what you are doing and go for a walk. Walking is a major stress buster. Go for a long ramble or a short, brisk stroll, whatever works best for you.Exercise regularly, even 10 minutes a day will help. The rush you get from a workout helps deal with most everyday stress. Find out the time your body is most alert and work to the maximum then. If you regularly fall victim to the afternoon slump, if you are an owl who doesn't function too well till late in the morning, don't fight your timeline, just go with it.Never underestimate the powers of a sympathetic ear. Alongside a sympathetic pet, a sympathetic friend is an invaluable stress buster. Surround yourself with friends‌ the noise, laughter and talk serve as stressrepellers.Give yourself some metime. Dress up. Go for a facial. Look good = feel good.Take it easy. That

really has been, is, and will be the best policy.

If you must lose your cool, time yourself and call a halt after a while.

Letting off steam, in small doses, is good. Don't go on and on, though‌that is upping your stress level.Make a list of pros and cons after every adversity you face. Read the list, absorb and learn. Know what to do the next time. After which, destroy that piece of paper. You are done with it.

When your boss points out things you did wrong, agree with calm sincerity. The first few times you will be faking it, the acceptance and the calm demeanour. After a while, you really will take criticism the best way.Turn off the cell phone.

Take time off from the computer.

Switch off the TV and read a book instead.Indulge yourself. Play a slow song. Sleep more/less.Stop worrying. Stop doing stuff you don't need to do. The world will not stop or fall to pieces if you shrug.Do one thing at a time‌ with your full focus on it.

The rush from a job well done can never be underestimated.

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Go slow on fast foods There are probably very few things in this world that are more comforting than a bag of potato chips, a luscious piece of pastry or a bottle of soft drink. Well, comfort can wait, for these very things could pack you off much sooner than you would want. In this age of instant gratification, fast foods have emerged as the number one cause for serious lifestyle diseases, says Vidyadhar Kawalkar, Executive Director of Shefocbint Health, Food and Nutrition Technology Institution, Bhopal.

He was speaking at a workshop ‘Fast Food Trap' organised by the Department of Home Science, St. Teresa's College. The craze for fast foods has almost become an epidemic which will have far reaching consequences, he says. Maida (white flour), which is the chief source of cereal in most fast foods, does not contain any dietary fibre or healthy fat and results in increased blood sugar levels. That means your everyday burger or a pizza has very high salt, enough to fulfil the daily bodily requirement. Besides salt and sugar, junk food also contains baking soda and monosodium

glutamate, which can lead to headaches, a feeling of tightness in the chest and burning sensation in the forearms. In the longer run, these would certainly lead to obesity, heart problems and even cancer.

A sudden shift from traditional foods to processed and semi-processed foods has revolutionised our eating habits. Dr. Varsha, Consultant Clinical Nutritionist, does not advise complete abstinence from fast foods, as that would lead to cravings and binge eating. “If you watch your body clock, you have nothing to worry,” she says. The human body is adjusted to follow the Circardian rhythm— based on sunlight. Our eating pat-

Immunity boosters Temperatures across the state dropped by 10 degrees over the last one week, increasing the chances of seasonal flu. The best way to boost your immunity is by eating seasonal produce. With an easy access to imported freights, we can now find winter fruits throughout the year. Several studies have, however, confirmed that eating fruits that are in season is more beneficial than indulging in imported fruits during off-season.

Seasonal fruits are fresh, rich in taste, cost effective, available in plenty and packed with nutrients.

“Seasonal fruits never go out of demand. When they are in such abundance in India, why should somebody prefer imported ones?” asks Seetaram Reddy, Selection Grade secretary, Gaddiannaram Fruit Market. While India stands second in world fruit production after China, the major fruit-producing states are Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. The chief seasonal fruits available this winter are apples, oranges, pomegranates,and to a small extent, strawberries. “These winter fruits are great sources of Vitamin

terns are tuned to the sun. At sunrise, a milk-based beverage is ideal, as it activates the body.

Two-to-three hours later comes the first meal of the day, also the most important, as it is from this meal that the body gets its energy.

“If you look at the traditional Indian breakfast, you will always find a cereal (rice in south India), combined with dal and chutney. It is always better to have a wholesome breakfast than imitate the Western concept of having oats or cornflakes,” she says. Unfortunately, most people have the oats with little milk and no sugar and in effect, starving the body of what it requires.

Restricting fat and oil intake will not just prevent obesity but also heart diseases and cancer, Kawalkar says. Total fat intake should not exceed 30 per cent of the total calorie intake. Saturated fats should not account for more than 10 per cent of the total energy provided by the food, he says.As per a study conducted by the National Institute of Nutrition, Rs 800 crore worth junk food was consumed by Indians last year. The problem is most common among adolescents.

Part of it is because their parents bribe them with junk food, says K.S. Kumari, Professor, Department of Food Science and Technology, Pondicherry University.“A majority of health problems faced by young people today, including infertility and depression can be attributed to fast foods.

C and help you ward off common cold and flu apart from keeping skin smooth and heal cuts and wounds.

They help in prevention of micronutrient malnutrition and are beneficial even in case of cardiovascular diseases, cataract, diabetes and cancer. Their high mineral and fibre contents also aid in curing constipation during winter,” says M. Sowmya, nutritionist at National Institute of Nutrition (NIN). She advocates consuming fresh, locally available produce.

Oranges that come to the city from Nagpur, are cultivated in the Vidharbha region of Maharashtra.

Local markets also offer oranges grown in sub tropical regions of AP.

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Sachin T endulkar to Tendulkar create histor y Down Under history Master blaster Sachin Tendulkar, who just left the Indian shores with six other players for Australia, is all set to complete yet another feat upon his arrival Down Under. Not many anticipated the 38year-old Tendulkar’s return to the Aussie soil three years later. It is not the hundred centuries in international cricket that fans all over are waiting for but the batting maestro will become the first Indian to tour Australia for a record fifth time. Dilip Vengsarkar held the Indian record for four Australia tours (1977-78, 1980-81, 1985-86 and 1991-1992).

Vengsarkar was also part of the Indian team that won the 1985 World Championship of Cricket in Australia.

The last time India toured Australia was in 2007, led by Anil Kumble. That trip was not short of any spectacular moments, to which all the India-Australia encounters have lived up to in the past. In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, 2007–08, Tendulkar became the leading run scorer with 493 runs in four Tests, despite consistently failing in the second innings. Sachin scored 62 runs in the first innings of the first Test at the MCG in Melbourne, but couldn`t prevent a heavy 337-run win for Australia. In the controv e r s i a l N e w Ye a r ` s Te s t a t Sydney, Tendulkar scored an unbeaten 154 in which India lost the Test. This was his third century at the SCG, earning him an average of 221.33 on the ground.

In the third Test at the WACA in Perth, Tendulkar was instrumental in India`s first innings score of 330, scoring a well compiled 71, as India went on to record a historic triumph at the W A C A . I n t h e fourth Test at Adelaide, which e n d e d i n a d r a w, h e s c o r e d 153 in the first innings, involving a crucial 126 run stand with VVS Laxman for the fifth wicket to lead India to a score of 282 for 5 from 156 for 4. He secured the Player of the

Match award.In fact, if you cons i d e r the matches since 1990, Tendulkar comes second in the best Test averages list by overseas batsmen in Australia – the first being his compatriot Virender Sehwag. Out of

16 matches Sachin scored 1,522 runs at an average of 58.53. Sehwag averages 59.50 out of 7 matches with a score of 833. VVS Laxman comes third with an average of 54.05 (minimum qualification: 750 Test runs).

Asirvad, December - 2011

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BCCI vice-president baffled

by Kumble`s resignation Chandigarh : Baffled by the resignation of former India captain Anil Kumble as chief of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice president M P Pandove said he fails to identify the reasons behind this decision. Holder of the highest Test and one-day dismissals for India, Kumble had said a difference of opinion with the committee members prompted his decision to resign. Pandove said that he was present in the meeting, when Kumble announced his decision. Urging the former legspinner to reconsider his decision, Pandove also requested BCCI President Narayanaswami Srinivasan to ask Kumble to continue with his post. "I was present in that meeting, where we were told that Anil has shown that he is not interested to continue. I asked him to continue to back the game, please re-consider the decision. But then he told me that he has explained all the reasons to the Presi-

dent (BCCI) that he has some other important things to do," said Pandove.

Kumble, had taken the responsibility of NCA chief from former Indian captain, Ravi Shastri, more than a year ago. As per Indian media reports, Kumble wanted to change the NCA into a training centre where youngsters brush up their skills before entering the domestic or international circuit. The academy currently functions as a rehabilitation centre where injured national team players undergo treatment under the guidance of physiotherapists and trainers appointed by the BCCI. Pandove assumed that due to the multiple responsibilities Kumble found it difficult to manage his post as the NCA chief.

"What I could understand was that Kumble is the President of Karnataka Cricket Association, he is also the manager of the Bangalore Royal Challengers, IPL team. I think he feels that he has his hands full and may not be able to devote that much

time. This could be one, this is only my personal thinking but could be other reasons also, which he didn`t share with us," added Pandove.

Kumble is currently the president of the Karnataka Cricket Association and a mentor with the Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL team.

The only bowler to take 10 wickets in a Test innings apart from England`s Jim Laker, Kumble also manages a talent nurturing company, which provides coaching facilities to Karnataka players.

Dhoni wants to set up sports academy in Madhya Pradesh Bhopal : Team India cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has written to the Madhya Pradesh government, expressing a desire to set up a sports academy in the state to groom the budding talent in sports.

In a letter to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Dhoni has said, "I and my fellow cricketers want to work for increasing the talent of noted players not only in cricket, but in other sports as well." Dhoni has urged the Chief Minister to provide adequate land to set up the proposed academy.

"There are lakhs of youths and sports persons, who want to represent the country in various sports, but cannot do so in the absence of proper infrastructure and training facilities," he has said. The Indian skipper has also said that he wanted to set up a world-class sports academy, along with other sports schools, where children could be taught the regular subjects and get training in sports.

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Pakistan lauds ‘King of Entertainment’ Sehwag Karachi : Stunned by the sheer brutality of Virender Sehwag’s ODI double hundred, former Pakistani cricketers have lauded the Indian opener’s “superb” hand eye coordination, with ex captain Rameez Raja calling him the “King of entertainment”.Paying tribute to Sehwag for his record—breaking innings of 219 runs against West Indies in the fourth one— dayer yesterday, former Pakistan captains said the sheer weight of runs scored by him in a 50—over match was a big feat by itself.

“I have always enjoyed watching him bat because of his positive approach to the game. He might not always use the most orthodox batting technique or methods, but there is no doubt he remains a very effective accumulator of runs for India,” said Zaheer Abbas.Zaheer, himself known as the ‘Asian Bradman’ for his run—scoring feats, said Sehwag was a top class entertainer and drew the crowds like a magnet.

“A double century in a one—day international is a big feat, and I congratulate him for his achievement,” Zaheer added.Another former captain Rashid Latif said Sehwag’s grand return to his best was bad news for Australia, where India would be heading later this month for a Test series.“For the Australians, this is really bad news because Sehwag has a terrific

record in Australia, and if he goes Down Under with this momentum I think the Australian bowlers are going to be in for a tough time,” Latif said.

The former wicketkeeper—batsman said having watched Sehwag closely he had no doubt that the Indian opener was a law by himself.“I have not seen a batsman with such superb coordination between eye and feet and today he stroked the ball effortlessly. It was savage on the West Indian bowlers,” he said. Moin Khan said he had seen Sehwag score a triple hundred in a

Test in Multan in 2004, but felt yesterday’s innings was more brutal and effective.“...he appeared on the ball from the start and when he is batting like this I don’t think anyone can do much about it.”Moin said cricket needed entertainers like Sehwag to become a global sport.“These players they bring in the crowds. It speaks volumes of Sehwag’s ability that he got the record as captain of India.”

Pakistan’s former captain Rameez Raja also tweeted after Sehwag’s double hundred.“When Viv Richards retired I thought it was end of entertainment. But then came Sehwag, the King of entertainment!

Long live the King! ! ” t w e e t e d Rameez.Pakistan’s former batsman Basit Ali said he had always admired Sehwag for his fearless approach to the game.

“He is a n o u t r i g h t e n t e r tainer and one could expect him to get this record. He played an outstanding innings putting to rest any doubts about his futu r e i n t h e sport,” Basit said.Pakistan’s former chief selector Iqbal Qasim said he was mesmerised by Sehwag’s double hundred and glued to t h e T V screen.“It was one of the most enjoyable innings I have seen.

If not for the West Indians. But having bowled to some of the most devastating batsmen in the world I can safely say Sehwag ranks among the best of them.”

Russian boxer dies after collapsing in ring Moscow : Russian light heavyweight boxer Roman Simakov, who collapsed in the ring a title defence, has died of brain injuries at a hospital, an official said. The 27-year-old Simakov collapsed a minute into the seventh round after enduring a torrent of punches from Sergei Kovalev. He immediately fell into a coma from which he never emerged, said Igor Maruzov, general secretary of the Russian Boxing Federation. Maruzov did not

say whether anyone would be held accountable over the death, but said a probe had begun. "I can only comment on the situation after the official investigation, which will evaluate the actions of the referee and the medical treatment the athlete received later," he said Thursday. Simakov, with a career record of 19 victories, one defeat and one tie, was defending his WBC Asian Boxing Council belt against the USbased Kovalev.

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Sania supports Paes-Bhupathi split

Mumbai : Ace tennis star Sania Mirza on Wednesday backed the decision of experienced duo of Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi to part ways ahead of 2012 London Olympics. The Hyderabadi felt the split of the `Indian Express` pair was justified as the duo had played together in the Olympics without much success.

"The fact is that Leander and Mahesh have played in the Olympics three times or four times and

fallen short. The fact is that they might be the most experienced pair but they have come short. This is Mahesh`s view as well honestly," she told reporters during an informal chat in Mumbai. "I think it all depends on association (AITA) and the chairman (on what to do next). I think we have to wait and watch. Eight months is a long time in a tennis player`s life. Things change. A lot of things can change. So whatever happens we will try to put our best team

ahead and try to do well," she added.

Bhupathi and Paes reunited after a nine-year gap with the plan of representing India at the Olympics next year but stunningly parted ways at the end of this season. Sania, who underwent a knee surgery after suffering an injury during the US Open, is satisfied with her recovery and said she is eyeing a comeback later this month. "It very difficult to come back after a surgery whether big or small. It`s like beginning from the scratch all over again. I`ve been playing for two hours every day, doing fitness and other stuff. But at the end of the day it`s a surgery. I do feel occasional swelling, occasional problems. On a bigger scale, it is good that I can do everything. I don`t have to stop in between."

Commenting on the demand of boycotting the Olympics because of its association with Dow Chemicals, one of its sponsors, that has bought the Union Carbide which was involved in the Bhopal Gas tragedy, Sania said she would follow the instructions given by the government over the issue. "As athletes we will go with what the country decides. Whoever is going to decide, I`m guessing it`s the government which decides or whoever, we are with the country. At least I`m. We will support whatever decision the country takes," she said. The 25-year-old, however, added that Olympics though important was not everything for her as a tennis player.

"As tennis players it`s tough for us to think about just one event.

Of course Olympics is very important for us. It`s a very important year. We will try to give our best but it`s not like other sports where you can solely concentrate on only one event for a year, six months, nine months or ten months. "We still have three Grand Slams to look forward to before the Olympics. As tennis players it`s equally important for us. We have to basically look into all this factors and then try to manage our schedule and our health," she added. To a query, Sania said she did not have any views to offer on the contentious Sports Bill.

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Gagan Narang backs Dow Chemical as Olympic sponsor

Mumbai, Dec 9 : Shooter Gagan Narang became the first Indian athlete to say Dow Chemical should be allowed to be a sponsor of the 2012 London Games even though the Indian Olympic Association wants the organisers to reconsider it. Narang, the first Indian competitor to qualify for next year`s Olympics, said the company, linked to the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy, should be given an opportunity at "redemption". Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, of which Bhopal is the provincial capital, has led a protest, seeking a boycott of the London Games.

The Indian government has also w a d e d i n t o t h e d e b a t e , asking IOA to talk to the International Olympic Committee`s about the partnership with the c o m pany. Activists say 25,000 people died in the immediate aftermath of the accident and in ens u i n g y e a r s , a n d a b o u t 100,000 people who were exposed to the gas continue to suffer today from ailments that range from cancer, blindness to birth defects. "I feel deeply for the victims of the Bhopal gas tragedy. People responsible for the disaster should be punished,"

Narang, India`s Commonwealth Games hero, said on Thursday. At the time of the Bhopal disaster, the pesticide plant was owned by Union Carbide, which settled its liabilities with the Indian government in 1989 by paying $470 million for the victims. Dow bought Union Carbide in 1999 and now finds itself in the firing line for its sponsorship of a tem-

porary decorative wrap around London`s Olympic Stadium. Many victims and activists hold Dow responsible for failing to give enough compensation to victims and some have called for a boycott of the London Games. "But even if we think Dow hadaninvolvement, sponsoring Olympics will be redemption for them too," Narang added in a text message. "If a company or an individual wants redemption, it should be allowed." IOC president Jacques Rogge said on Tuesday that the IOA has been advised to talk to the athletes over the impasse.

According to the 28-year-old Narang, who won four gold medal s i n Delhi Commonwealth G a m e s l a s t y e a r, b o y c o t t i n g the Games would only "hurt" the athletes who aspire to represent their country at the prestigious event. "As an athlete w e will go there as ambassadors of our country to compe te , i n the true spirit of sportsmanship to give our best and win medals," Narang, also the recipient of the country`s highest sports award, said. "A sponsor`s deed should not hurt that."

Harbhajan Singh`s stolen bag found Karnal (Haryana) : The Haryana police on Tuesday recovered the stolen bag of Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh which was taken away from his SUV outside a cafe here last evening. The off-spinner`s bag, which contained his passport, ten ATM and credit cards and a laptop, was recovered from the same vicinity. Some unidentified thieves broke into Harbhajan`s Ford Endeavour (SUV) by smashing the window-pane of the rear door on the busy National Highway No.1 (NH-1) near Karnal town in Haryana, police said. The break-in took place around 6 p.m. outside Cafe Coffee Day outlet at Madhuban near Karnal. Sources said the cricketer immediately called the police for help. Incidentally, Harbhajan is himself employed as a DSP with Punjab Police. He was driving to New Delhi from Chandigarh with his friend when the incident took place. Earlier, Harbhajan had appealed that his passport and other documents were of no use to anyone and they should be returned. He had already frozen about 10 credit and ATM cards that were stolen with the bag.

Asirvad, December - 2011

43

Sunny Leone exclusively speaks about life as a

Porn Star What is it like being a porn star?

I believe I lead my life just the way I want to. I am free to do what I want without any restrictions.

Are you recognized on the road back home in Canada?

Not when I am without makeup.

Only when I’m all dressed up with my hair and makeup.

You made a conscious choice to be an adult actress. What was your parents’ reaction to your career choice?

I informed my parents after I won the Penthouse cover-of-the-year and 100, 000 dollars. It was impossible to keep it a secret.How would they react? Obviously there was a confrontation between us. They were upset at first.Eventually they came to terms with the fact that it is what I’ve chosen to do with my life.

With time they came to know I’m still their daughter, still the same person.

You’re truly blessed to have such understanding parents.

Yes, I am While you were inside Bigg Boss house your ex-fiance Matt Erikson apparently released your first adult-film together without your consent?

I am not sure about what has actually happened. But in the adult industry there are certain rules that must be followed. If for some reason he has released content that he does not own, then …

Was your parting with Matt unpleasant?

We didn’t see eye-to-eye. It didn’t work out. I am a happy per-

son today. I’m a better wise person today. I know exactly what I want in a man now.

What do you want in a man?

Exactly what I have in Daniel (Weber). He is everything that I could ever imagine. We own a business together.

Do you hope to marry this guy?

Over and over again.

What are your plans now?

To try and get back to a normal life, as much as possible. I will be in Mumbai till after the Grand Finale of Bigg Boss.

Mahesh Bhatt is waiting to sign you?

Every Indian girl abroad grows up watching these beautiful actresses in Hindi films on television,

dreaming if she could ever be part of it. I am no different. But the option (of doing a Hindi film) wasn’t there.

Now it is there. So I’d love to work with Mahesh Bhatt.

Who among the Indian actresses do you find beautiful?

I think Aishwarya Rai is absolutely gorgeous.

Are you considering a career in Bollywood?

I hope so. To be a part of that gallery of beautiful actresses I grew up watching…is a mesmerizing thought.The last Bollywood film I really enjoyed was Salman Khan’s Bodyguard. That was the last film I watched before I went into Bigg Boss house.

Mahesh Bhatt was deeply

Asirvad, December - 2011 moved by his encounter with you?

When Mr Bhatt came into the House it was the first time I could speak freely on the show.I didn’t have to censor what I was saying, or to choose my words carefully so as to not give away my identity. He knew who I was. He knew my background.Mr Bhatt and his daughter had been following my career for quite some time. For the first time since I went into Bigg Boss I was able to be who I was and talk freely without fear of others getting judgemental.

You went into Bigg Boss with your profession as an adult star a secret. Didn’t that give you a kind of freedom from being judged?

No it didn’t. I had to grope around in the House to give them a sense of who I was as a person, and not for what I did as a career. That was

44 tough.It was very important for them to come to terms with my personality before I revealed my true identity.

What was their reaction when they got to know that you are an adult actress?

I had confided in Juhi Parmar about who I was before I announced it to the world (laughs) and then I told the others who I was, what I did for a living and why I was there on Bigg Boss.

And what was their reaction?

They were surprisingly okay with it. That was an absolutely pleasant surprise. If anyone had issues with what I did, I’d have known.

Would it have been embarrassing if ayone had issues?

No. I’ve been doing adult porn for ten years. I’ve met all sorts of people. Those who like me, those

who dislike me for what I am and what I do, those who hate or appreciate my choice of profession. I wasn’t really bothered with the reactions I’d get in Bigg Boss.

How was the experience in Bigg Boss?

It was interesting watching the dynamics within the House. Language was a problem. This was the first time I had to understand and speak Hindi.

But you are Punjabi?

Yes. But I was born and raised in Canada and America. When one lives there and the language of communication in the household is not Hindi or Punjabi, then one doesn’t know these languages.Inside the Bigg Boss house every time there was a situation or an argument it was difficult for me to take it forward in Hindi.

My Hero No 1 is Saif: Kareena Kapoor

My Hero No 1 is Saif: Kareena KapoorAfter Salman, Shah Rukh, Aamir and Saif, Kareena Kapoor will be seen romancing another Khan-Imran-in Dharma Productions’ Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu. Kareena has worked with the four leading Khans of Bollywood. And the latest is her pairing with Imran. She has also bagged the much speculated Madhur Bhandarkar film Heroine. With this career graph, is she the industry’s biggest heroine?

Imran: I think so.

Kareena: But I don’t think so. Heroine is a special film for me…I am doing a very performance oriented role in the film.

All of Imran’s co-stars have good things to say about him…the latest being Katrina Kaif. What do you have to say about him?Imran: You want her to say bad things about me?Kareena: A really bad thing about

Imran is that he doesn’t have a sense of humour. I don’t like his jokes…they are not funny.Imran: You (to Kareena) don’t appreciate my jokes…that is the problem.Kareena: But yes, he is a very cool guy and very sweet and very, very good-looking.

Imran, do you have a problem that heroines have only good things to say about you?Imran: It could be yaar. Obviously I do something wrong, or may be because I don’t do anything wrong.Kareena, already Bollywood has acknowledged you as Heroine No 1, the latest one to say this is Karan Johar (filmmaker). Who is Hero No 1 according to you?Kareena: I have no idea. Well, for me, my Hero No 1 is Saif (Ali Khan). So, I will go with it.

After RaOne (Shah Rukh Khan) and Bodyguard (Salman Khan), do you think you will be third time lucky with Imran Khan? Imran: Actually fourth time…don’t forget mamu (Aamir Khan; 3 Idiots).Kareena: Ya. Of course, with Aaamir, it’s like…I absolutely adore him. I am a huge fan of Aamir. But in Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, Imran has brought a lot of freshness than all the films I have done so far.I think our chemistry is pretty sizzling and

quite crackling. I have actually enjoyed a lot working with Imran. He is a very, very sweet guy.

Imran: But you don’t think I am a funny guy.Kareena: Ya…Imran is not funny, but he is very sweet.Imran: You know, she says very mean things about my humour.Kareena: It’s not just me, I am sure all his friends feel that…and his wife (Avantika).Does Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu has a similarity with Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher starrer What Happens in Vegas (2008)?

Imran: There is not a single page of similarity. The fact that Rahul Kapoor (Imran) and Riana Braganza (Kareena) are married in Vegas is one of the aspects of the film, not the entire film.

The fact that the two protagonists get married in Vegas under a moment of weakness made way to this kind of stories.Is 2012 going to be a special year for Kareena? The film releases in February, while she is also getting married early next year. Will the dates clash?Imran: I will answer it for Kareena. All her dates in February are with us. She will be promoting Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu before and after. In March we will be celebrating the film.

Asirvad, December - 2011

45

Women don't have shelf life in showbiz:

FreidaPinto

Women don`t have shelf life in showbiz: Freida PintoShe plays a priestess with the power to see the future in Hollywood film "Immortals" and actress Freida Pinto says if she actually gets such powers she would like to increase the longevity of her career as women don't have shelf life in filmdom."If I had Phaedra's powers and if I could look into the future, I think I would want longevity in my career. I say from the point of view that women as such do not have greater shelf life in this industry, " Freida said in an e -mail interaction.

However, there are a few exceptions, she says."Some of them defy

all odds like Helen Mirren or Meryl Streep, who can do exactly what a 20year-old can do. So I think I would wish for that, " she added.Directed by Tarsem Singh, the film "Immortals" starring Henry Cavill, Mickey Rourke and Luke Evans is an epic tale of treachery, vengeance and destiny, and the actress is all praise for the director.

"What is unique about this film is it is completely Tarsem's take. He never puts you in a box tight room and wants you to repeat his vision word to word.He not only wants you to understand his vision but also bring in your own take to the film, " said Freida, who rose to fame with Danny Boyle's Oscar winning film

"Slumdog Millionaire"."I was to incorporate stillness in my character from the very beginning, which meant no twitching of the eyebrows or too many body movements.

He felt that since Phaedra is so contained and internalised, everything had to come out through the eyes and her words rather than the body movement.Because he gave me the flexibility and chance to understand his vision and bring that into my character, I think we managed to pull it off."Ever since her rise to fame, the 27-year-old has been part of an interesting mix of films like "You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger", "Miral", "Rise of the Planet of the Apes", among others and the actress says each film has been a learning experience.

"Every director that I have worked with has had a USP. Danny sees how he keeps you sucked into the character throughout the film. With Woody Allen, it's hands off but sometimes hands on, so you sometimes don't know which way you are going.Every time you deliver a line and look at him for approval, which is quite rare to receive. He was interesting to work with as he lets you improvise and play with the lines, " she said "Julian Schnabel of 'Miral' was very fatherly and kind and compassionate about the story he was filming. With Tarsem it was a completely different world. Nothing like what I had already experienced."With Freida being an Indian actress, one would always think she would be a part of Bollywood but she has ruled out any such plan. However, Freida does admit that with the advent of modern technology, the Hindi film industry's style is changing.

"They (Bollywood films) are an amazing celebration, we have enjoyed them for years.At the moment it is changing and with directors like Anurag Kashyap and Dibakar Banarjee...it's a style that is slowly changing; something that we saw in the 1980s and it's happening again with modern technology.I have already done 'Trishna', so when people see it, they'll know I've already done a Hindi film, " she said."Even 'Slumdog' for me is an Indian film, it was directed by an English director but one cannot discredit the fact that there was Anil Kapoor or Irrfan Khan in the film, " she added.

Asirvad, December - 2011

46

I carried stone to stop my car: Salman Khan

I carried stone to stop my car: Salman KhanSalman Khan’s magic never stops…so much so that German car major Audi recently gifted him a sleek white Audi Q7 to acknowledge the success of his 2011 blockbuster Bodyguard.

How does it feel to own a new Audi car?

These Audi people are really good men yaar. I used Audi car in Bodyguard and now got one for my own…kaamal ho gaya. I just pray I get a new car in and after every film.So that gaadi ka phatka na parein. I have quite some (bad) experiences with cars in real life…not similar ones though. But hope this kind of functions (car gifting events) happen to me every day…morning, noon, evening and night.

What do you have to say about the car?

We used this car (model) throughout the film. It’s a beautiful car. Even Katrina Kaif has this car.

What was your first car?

My first car was a Herald. It was

used in a film which my father (Salim Khan) wrote. It was Zamana (1985).

Mr Rishi Kapoor rode the care in the movie.

How was the experience with your first car?

After the shooting of Zamana was over, I got the car to drive. It was in such a bad condition…there was no flooring board, every time you lift the clutch, the joint board used to break, there was no handle on the doors.So I used to put these chitkanis, the ones you have on your doors at home…not the knob ones but the old, bolt-and-action ones, on the doors of my car.The breaks also kept failing all the times. So I used to carry stones in my car to stop it.

For that reason we could never drive the car very fast. Also the bonnet of the car used to open up from timeto-time.I remember, once we were going to a moat indigo party, it (bonnet) opened up and smashed the head of a friend who got about ninestitches at that time. The party got cancelled and we never went for a

moat indigo party since then.

You also had a motorcycle?

Yes, I also had a motorcycle. Am sure you heard of Dilawar Khan?

The stunt guy? He had an engine lying somewhere. The other fat friend of mine Salim, who has acted in many films with me, also used to have a lot of motorcycles.I got some tyres and engine from Dilawar Khan, and all other parts from Salim.

Then I spent about eight months getting that motorcycle ready. I was going to (St) Xavier’s, I met Salim on my way…I waved to him and said: “It’s the same motorcycle dude.”I came back the next morning…the motorcycle was missing. He used it for a stunt in the Filmcity lake and it was gone. That was the end of that story.

You also used your personal car in Maine Pyar Kiya. What was the story behind it?

After the Herald and the motorcycle, I got another car that used to be parked next to a friend’s building. I bought that for Rs 15, 000. I swear on God, I have pushed that car more than I drove it. Every time the car used to fail.We got it repaired and used the same car in Maine Pyar Kiya (1989, Salman’s debut as hero).

It was a French Fiat and it had a similar shape of a Mercedes. So I put the Mercedes emblem in front of that car.

So, the car worked after that?

In that car also, the day we were supposed to shoot, we were driving down Altar Mount Road, one tyre burst and went straight into the railing. And the whole car got destroyed.We sent the car back and got it repaired again and then used it for Maine Pyar Kiya. As soon as the film was over, I went for the shooting of Baaghi: A Rebel for Love (1990), and sold the car. So she also left.Now from there to doing a movie like Bodyguard, which has been appreciated so much, and now the Audi coming in with us and we get a car which is chakachak…a nice, brilliant baby.So I am sure we won’t have any problems with this car…like the brakes are not working, joint boards breaking, flooring board problems, or doors won’t have locks. We have everything here now…it’s a fully loaded Q star.

Asirvad, December - 2011

47 There`s a very thin line between sexy and sleazy: Vidya BalanVidya Balan tells to promote her forthcoming film The Dirty PictureThe interview happens while the colour of her nails changes from a fiery red to a daring purple aiding her matamorphosis from Vidya to Silk (her character in Silk Smitha) for the press appearance. She's a chameleon. A loveable one.

How hard was it preparing for Silk Smitha?

I think no real study or preparation went into it except for a mental one because the character is that of a dancing star in the 70s who was known for her brazenness and inyour-face sexuality. She loves to shock and used her body effectively as a ticket to stardom.So I couldn't have been chui mui or awkward. I had to be completely bindaas and unapologetic about it. That's what struck me about the character. She was very childish, yet she was a sex symbol. Being both at the same time was interesting.

And to maintain the balance throughout, made me work a little more mentally during the shoot. Besides that, I just surrendered myself to my director Milan Luthria on this one because there's a very thin line between what's sexy and sleazy, what's lewd and what's provocative and I realized that this was something where I had to make Milan drawn the line.If too many people were given their views on it, it won't work. So for example, with the costumes, they are very revealing but at the same time there were things that would strike Milan keeping in mind the concept, the character and the overall situation and he would reject a costume that I or the costume designer Niharika Khan thought were perfectly fine.

Everyone has worked in tandem with Milan. He gives you a lot of leeway as an actor but his vision is very clear. There are no compromises or shortcuts. I am someone who asks a lot of questions while shooting, but he didn't encourage that.

He's not that kind of a director.He believes that acting should be spontaneous. And he kept telling me that I need more of a mental preparation. "How you'll get there is what you need to figure out, " he'd say. He

There's a very thin line between sexy and sleazy: Vidya Balan...

would always be open to suggestions.

If not, then I wouldn't question him too much because he was managing a lot. Here's someone who's actually telling the story of a dancing girl, not a hero, not a heroine, almost like the Unsung Heroes.They got the billing along with the actors and yet they weren't given that kind of respectability. So he was making a film on that. It had to be sexy, desirable, but not sleazy.

It had to be real and yet he had to retain the drama.

You must be taking away a lot from the characters you play.

Of course. Most definitely. That does tend to happen.

What have you taken away from Silk?

I have always been unapologetic, particularly in the last three years. That's the biggest thing I got out of Silk.

You are one of the most versatile actresses of our times. It must be a conscious effort to ensure no two characters you play are the same.

Thank you for saying that. I'm getting the opportunity and I am lapping it up; grabbing them with my hands and feet as I am very greedy as an actor. I'm making the most of what I'm being offered. Directors are being very kind now.They have been saying that they are writing roles for me. Both R Balki and Milan said they won't do the films if I didn't do them.

That's obviously encouraging. I'm honestly just milking it (laughs).

Asirvad, December - 2011 That also means that you are binning a lot of scripts?

Yes. But today I'm quite shameless when it comes to saying no.

Very honestly I have always been. I would be a little guarded, but I would say no.I wouldn't say 'no dates' or hike up the price. I'd rather be honest, because tomorrow if you come back to me saying, 'I'm ready to pay you Rs 20 crore, I still won't do the film.' So why lie?

I don't like to keep people hanging.

What do you look for in a film?

That's difficult to say. It's just a connect, a story I want to watch. If this is a story I want to watch, would I also want to tell it?Because sometimes it's a story you want to watch, but it's not always a story you want to tell. So if it's that then I say that it's interesting but not for me.

If you have learnt to say no, why were there two special appearances in your filmography this year?

48 No. I just did Dum Maro Dum and Thank You, the former because of Abhishek (Bachchan) and the latter because I was doing No One Killed Jessica with the same producer. They were special appearances, so it was fine.

Would you continue to choose women centric films?

It depends on how good a script or role is. I don't have any sort of limitation in my head. I'm an instinctive person. But I have to have something to do in the film.

Sujoy Ghose's Kahaani is your first thriller.

It's one of a kind because it's the first time you have a woman in the centre of a thriller that's not supernatural. It's shot entirely in Kolkata.It's about a six months pregnant woman who comes down from London in search of her husband.

It's very gripping, real thriller. Whoever has seen it so far has said that.

So after The Dirty Picture, I'll focus on my other baby.

And then a much-deserved two

months break.

My mom's promised to lock me up in the house. She said I have to get my health back because there have been small, niggling issues throughout the year because of exhaustion.So I'll just read, listen to music, watch films, eat well, exercise, sleep and be with my new born nephews.

So when does one see you in a comedy?

I'm dying to do one. I came very close to doing it last year with Double Dhamaal, but it didn't happen. Hopefully this year I'll get one. I'm an optimist.

Your producer Ekta Kapoor has said that you deserve a National Award for your performance in The Dirty Picture.

It's very kind of her to say that.

I'm waiting for the film's release. I hope people connect with Silk and love her. That's what's most important for me.Everything else will be the icing on the cake. Whatever comes my way will be great. I have given this film all I have and more.

Stop treating Pregnancy like an illness, says the 'very pregnant' Lara Stop treating Pregnancy like an illness, says the `very pregnant` LaraAfter her baby at the end of February she will start a film in May for her production company Bheegi Basanti which may or may not star her.Says the “very pregnant” Lara, “I am definitely producing another film in May 2012.Yes it will have me in the lead. And again, like Challo Dilli where my co-star was Vinay Pathak the pairing would be very unconventional.

In case I can’t get before the camera I will produce another film without me in the cast in May and then do the film with me in the lead from August. ”Lara says this is a crucial time for the couple. “Mahesh has the Olympics. I’ve motherhood to look forward to. So we’ve other important commitments.But I most certainly plan to remain an actress and a producer. It’s something that I learnt from Shah Rukh Khan during

Don 2. He told me he was happy to see the actresses turning producers and advised me to continue with my career. ” At the moment Lara is all charged up for motherhood, “It’s by far the most important role of my life.

But there are other roles too. Those cannot be marginalized. I don’t do anything half-heartedly.I never became an actress to enhance my bank balance. The zeroes in my cheques never mattered. All the work that I’ve done so far as an actress is what I really believed in. ”Lara’s next release and the only one for a while until she returns after motherhood is Don 2.

“It’s a small role. I did it because I wanted to work with F a r h a n A k h ta r a n d R i t e s h Sidhwani and with Shah Rukh Khan. ”Lara’s part is credited as a “special appearance” in Don

2.“It’s a very special film for me.

Farhan and Ritesh had offered me two films. I couldn’t do the first one and I couldn’t resist being in the second one. Don is a huge franchise.It’s very exciting to be part of it. And I’m so happy people have appreciated my song in the gold dress. Here I am heavily pregnant while people out there are talking of as being this hot temptress in the number. I like the feeling, ” she laughs throatily.

Asirvad, December - 2011

49

HOROSCOPE Lucky numbers: 3 and 6.

Winning colours: Rust and Ruby.

ARIES: (March 22 - April 20) It is a sensitive month for you.

This is a good month for putting more efforts into artistic and creative work. Do not neglect your natural talents. In the beginning of the month, loved ones will be helpful and will show consideration and understanding. This will be a favorable mid month for interviews and conferences with influential people. Later in the month you will spend your time alone or with the company of your beloved.

Lucky numbers: 6,9 and 3.

Winning colours: Pink and Off-white.

TAURUS: (April 21 - May 21) This is mixed month. The first half of the month is better from the second half. You will have the confidence of your convictions. You will be striking out in a definite direction with the best intentions of finishing anything that you start early this month. The second we e k m a y a l s o o p e n a w o r l d of possi b i l i t i e s f o r y o u . A l l you have to do is choose c o r r e c t l y. Ta ke the advice of elder members of the family, as this is not an easy matter. The second half of the month is a bit tricky when you will be able to draw on past experience when confusing or unexpected situations arise. Keep cool.

GEMINI: (May 22 - June 21) The month is mixed yet manageable. New friends will be entering your life during the first part of the month, although the bonds are unlikely to last for very long.

The first week advice you to be cautious and careful in financial dealings. The second week is pleasant, as all seems to be in peace and harmony where the family is concerned. You can afford to turn your attention elsewhere. You will be able to make money in the mid-month. The second half promises to be an action-packed month and just the sort of time you can really get to grips with. The last week is somewhat disconcerting as you may get less cooperation from the associates at your place of work.

Lucky numbers: 1 and 5.

Winning colours: Apricot and Raspberry.

CANCER: (June 22 - July 22) A good month for you. If you work in the money professions, your company will be doing well and this will have benefits for yourself, perhaps in the second half of the week. It is a particularly lucky time for those of you who have the ability or the need to gather possessions. In the mid-month you will feel rather hectic and be on the

move. But each and every movement should be cautious. Travel in the third or fourth week will be beneficial. By the time the last week of this month arrive, you will be prepared to shell out a little on a few luxuries and even in having fun. Take it nice and easy.

Lucky numbers: 2, and 4.

Winning colours: Bright Blue and Electric Blue.

LEO: (July 23 - Aug 22) This is a satisfactory month.

The first two weeks of the month are a bit careful and it is important that it does not go to waste.

If you are self-employed or your own boss, the first half of the month is favorable. You have the charm, determination and right attitude when it comes to generating interest in your talents or company. The second half of the month is better than the first one.

More time should be spent with youngsters. This is a favorable time for getting along with people from whom you hope to get some sort of assistance.

Lucky numbers: 2 and 4.

Winning colours: Grapefruit, Black and Cherry.

VIRGO: (Aug 23 - Sept 22) A tricky month for you. Your personal friends may land both themselves and you in trouble, Be careful in choosing your company

Asirvad, December - 2011 in the beginning of the month. Do not do anything that could possibly put you on the wrong side of the law. In the mid-month, there will be fewer distraction or external pressures to take you away from domestic chores, but this can be good thing. It will mean that you will be able to get the end of the month shopping done well in advance. There is a possibility that you will win a promotion over your competitors.

Lucky numbers: 3 and 7.

Winning colours: Light Pink, Blue and Silver Grey.

LIBRA: (Sep 23 - Oct 23) The month is mixed resulting.

The first, third weeks of the month are favorable for many reasons. In the first half of the month some of you may receive good offers. For business, a joint or partnership venture will prove to be beneficial.

The family members will support you in your important decision made on your own. New collaboration will prove beneficial in the long run. In the third and fourth week of the month you will be in one of your extravagant moods.

Some changes at your place of employment are likely in the month end.

Lucky numbers: 2, 3 and 7.

Winning colours: Scarlet and Ivory.

SCORPIO: (Oct 24 - Nov.21) This is an interesting and enjoying month for you. If you are careful and work industriously, you may be able to double your income. The employed especially those in the defense services or any other government services may receive good news about their promotion, though the actual pro-

50 motion or benefits will follow much later. In the mid-month you can look out for new areas of investment. Some of you may sign a new contract on lucrative terms.

Health should be taken care of in the third week of the month.

Lucky numbers: 4 and 9.

Winning colours: Sapphire and Beige.

SAGITTARIUS: (Nov 22 Dec 21) This is a happy month for you.

The sports fans among you will have an enjoyable month. In the early days of the month you are probably looking for ways to take your mind off recent problems.

Education academic activities are focussed throughout the month.

Minor problems will be sorted out with the advice of the elders at home.

Lucky numbers: 2, 4 and 8.

Winning colours: All Bright Colors.

CAPRICORN: (Dec 22 - Jan 20) A good and virtuous month for you. If you work in the money professions, your company will be doing well and this will have benefits for yourself, perhaps in the second half of the week. It is a particularly lucky time for those of you who have the ability or the need to gather possessions. In the mid-month you will feel rather hectic and be on the move. But each and every movement should be cautious. Travel in the third or fourth week will be beneficial. By the time the last week of this month arrive, you will be prepared to shell out a little on a few luxuries and even in having fun. Take it

nice and easy.

Lucky numbers: 4 and 2.

Winning colours: Bright Blue and Electric Blue.

AQUARIUS: (Jan 21 - Feb 21) The first half of the month is promising. Much as you would like to connect with colleagues treat it as such. During the first and second week of this month, focus on the needs of family members instead of your own. Loved ones have not been included in many of your social activities, so downplay your professional ambitions. During the second half of the month you are not likely to get the required support and cooperation from the people around you.

At some point in the week you may give up trying to get ahead on a project and switch to some routine work instead.

Lucky numbers: 5 and 9.

Winning colours: Pearl White and Olive.

PISCES: (Feb 22 - March 21) This will be a happy month in its entirety. During the first half of the month you are certainly going to have a great respect for money although your light-hearted approach generally denies this. Your tendency to spend seems to be temporarily curtailed.

You will have plenty of energy at your disposal in the third and fourth week of the month. With so much energy, you will be capable of working at two or three regular jobs. The tendency of extravagance should be kept well in check, certainly until the third week of the week. You will get some important opportunities this month.

Lucky numbers: 4 and 8.

Winning colours: Grey and Cinnamon.

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Asirvad, December - 2011

Asirvad, December - 2011

Printed, Published and Owned by L.Aseervadam, Printed at Laksh Techno Graphics, 50 Sebastian Road, Secunderabad-3, and Published at Flat No. 106, Black - A, Apartments, East Marredpally, Secunderabad - 500 026. Editor: L.Aseervadam