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25 - 31 AUGUST 2018 - VOL 47 ISSUE 17

RETHINK IMMIGRATION

inside: Imran promises change; 21-member Cabinet sworn in

Public participation calls to shape UK immigration policy

Pakistan's 21-member Cabinet was sworn in Monday, a day after Prime Minister Imran Khan pledged to cut government spending, end corruption and repatriate public funds. President Mamnoon Hussain administered the oath of office to 16 federal ministers in Islamabad.

SEE PAGE 23 FOR DETAILED REPORT

Kerala faces massive repair & rehabilitation challenge SEE PAGE 26

Nation bids emotional farewell to Vajpayee Rupanjana Dutta Three MPs forgetting their party differences have come forward to be a part of the immigration policy solution in association with More United, finding a way of shaping this legislation together in a way that is right for the country. This includes Labour party MP Tulip Siddiq, Conservative MP Nicky Morgan and Liberal Democrat MP Christine Jardine.

On the other hand, a research has suggested that the use of visa restrictions to control global migration is “counterproductive and ineffective”, that pushes people who want to stay within the law towards illegal channels.

This comes after a shocking number of writers who were 'harassed' regarding their visa application to a fully-paid visit to the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

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International Trade Secretary Liam Fox has come forward on Tuesday, as we went to press, saying that Theresa May's target to lower net migration to the tens of thousands “could be dropped”. The Independant reported that he also indicated that while the target is in place “at the moment”, the government needed to have a closer “look” at how it shaped its immigration policy in the future.

Mumbai: Delhi: Hyderabad: Chennai: Ahmedabad: Rajkot: GOA:

SEE PAGE 26

Donor found for young Kaiya Patel SEE PAGE 6

Continued on page 5

£385 £375 £385 £380 £380 £455 £380

Bangalore: Bhuj: Lucknow: Kochi: Kolkata: Amritsar: Dhaka:

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Singapore : Bangkok: Katmandu: HongKong:

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25 - 31 August 2018

Three people hurt in shooting in Kingsbury Three people were shot outside a London Tube station on Monday night as the capital's wave of violence continued.

Police were called to reports of gunfire on Kingsbury High road in Brent at 9.45pm where two men and a woman were found with gunshot wounds.

Scotland Yard said so far no arrests have been made, and the incident was not 'terror related.'

The shooting came just hours after shots were fired outside a school in Maida Hill, west London.

Kingsbury Tube station on the Jubilee line was shut down as officers responded to the shooting. The three victims, two men and a woman, were taken to hospital.

Both men – aged 18 and 24 - remain in hospital; neither is in a life-threatening condition. The 30-year-old woman has been discharged from hospital.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: 'Police and London Ambulance Service were alerted at around 2145hrs on Monday, 20 August, to reports of shots fired in Kingsbury Road, NW9. Officers from Brent attended the location along with London Ambulance Service. They found three people suffering injuries. We await assessment of their condition. A crime scene is in place and local roads are closed. There has been no arrest at this early stage.'

An update on Transport for London's website read last night: 'Kingsbury: Closed Station closed while the police carry out an investigation outside the station. London Underground tickets are being accepted on local bus services.'

Monday’s shooting comes just hours after shots were fired outside a school in west London. Armed police were dispatched shortly after 4pm after witnesses reported hearing three gunshots outside the Kennet West Skills Centre. No students were in the school but building contractors working

Forensics experts comb the scene for evidence. Police confirmed the shooting was not terror related

Incident took place outside dessert shop in Kingsbury

inside the building at the time of the incident spoke of how they ducked for cover after hearing the gunshots.

In the earlier incident, a motorbike driver is said to have opened fire on a white Volvo on Kennet Road. No arrests were made and the Metropolitan Police said it was too early to confirm whether the two incidents were related.

Scotland Yard Commissioner Cressida Dick claimed violence in the capital was waning, despite around 90 killings so far this year, compared with 118 in 2017.

She insisted there was far more bloodshed in major US cities, even though in February and March London overtook New York's murder rate for the first time. She

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Three smugglers who imported illicit cigarettes into Heathrow Airport concealed in fish pumps and table tops have been jailed for more than 10 years.

Al Gui He, 38, Ya Ming He, 44, and Shou Chen, 48, were caught in June 2016 at Heathrow Airport. Border Force officers discovered hidden tobacco that had arrived from China.

The trio used lock-ups at six storage facilities across London to store the illicit cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco, evading £475,000 in unpaid excise duty in the process.

Dawood aide appears in London court

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said the murder rate had slowed in London – adding that there have been 161 killings in New York this year, almost double that in the capital. On social media, shocked residents and people out for the night shared warnings, urging friends to take care.

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An aide of Dawood Ibrahim appeared in a London court on Tuesday morning, following his arrest by the Metropolitan Police’s extradition unit at a hotel here last Friday (17th). Jabir Motiwala, or Jabir Siddiq, is said to be an aide of Ibrahim, the key accused in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts that killed 257 people and injured over 700.

Motiwala was arrested in the Paddington area of central London and is due to appear at the Westminster Magistrate’s Court. He was arrested in relation to an allegation of “conspiracy to commit blackmail, import class A drugs and money laundering in the U.S.A,” London’s Metropolitan Police said in a statement on Monday.

A warrant had been issued by the Westminster Magistrate’s Court, where he appeared later on Friday, and is due to appear again on Tuesday, the police said.

Earlier this year, Yasin Mansoor Mohammed Farooq, aka Farooq Takla, 58, also an aide of Ibrahim, was extradited to India by the UAE. In early August, a Thai court ordered the extradition of an aide of Ibrahim’s former associate Chhota Shakeel, according to press reports. India believes Ibrahim to be in Pakistan. The U.K’s consolidated list of financial sanctions’ targets updated earlier this month, lists three addresses for Ibrahim (who has 21 aliases according to the same list) in Karachi, including one described as a “palatial bungalow.”

Dawood Ibrahim

He first appeared on the list in 2003 and was reportedly in the UK on a 10-year visa, Meanwhile, Ibrahim remains on the UK government's recently-updated financial sanctions list.

Financial sanctions in force in the UK could apply to individuals, entities and governments who may be resident in the UK or abroad. The measures include prohibiting the transfer of funds to a sanctioned country and freezing the assets of a government, the corporate entities and residents of the target country to targeted asset freezes on individuals or entities.

The UK Treasury department's 'Consolidated List of Financial Sanctions Targets in the UK', updated on August 16, records Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar as the only "Indian" on its annually updated asset freeze list.

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25 - 31 August 2018

Kerala needs helping hand Kerala faced an unprecedented flood with over 370 lives lost and more than 7,00,000 people in 5,645 relief camps and extensive damage to houses and infrastructure. Now the deluge seems to be over with relief and rescue mission almost nearing conclusion. Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan outlined the roadmap the state government intends to take in the coming days as the focus shifts from rescue mission to relief and rehabilitation measures. He assured people that all necessary help will be provided at every step as they return home to rebuild their lives. It is assuring that the government is ready with plans and personnel for all aspects of relief work – be it restoring power supply or removal of waste, taking care of sanitation issues or repairing water pipes- involving state agencies, civil society groups and the thousands of volunteers already in the forefront of the rescue mission.

While the scale of the flood has been unprecedented, the response to meet the tragedy has been heartening. The state government and its agencies, Central forces, including the national disaster response force, the army, navy and air force, civil society, ranging from NGOs to self-help groups, the Malayali diaspora, the neighbouring states – all have been quick to respond to the tragedy.

They have worked overtime to reach out to those in distress and ensured that the relief camps have adequate water and food stocks. A standout feature of the relief

operations has been the selfless role of the state's fishermen, who came with their boats and braved the vicious currents to access places and home that the police, army and naval personnel could not reach.

The task before the government now is to build on the momentum and steer relief and rehabilitation. This is the third major natural disaster to strike the state this year – Cyclone Ockhi and the Nipah virus outbreak. The preliminary estimates of the government peg the cost of the floods at £2 billion. The state government has requested £200 million assistance from the Centre and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised £50 million over and above £10 million promised earlier. The Centre has now cleared the way for more aid by declaring the floods as 'severe' calamity. The state, hopefully, will not be short of funds to rebuild its public and private infrastructure – individual donations, contributions from the diaspora, other states and Gulf states besides government funds should bridge the shortfall. The scale of destruction and the measures it calls for will be fully known only when the water recedes completely from the flood-affected areas. The immediate task, however, would be to stave off possible health emergencies and epidemics and facilitate the return of people to their homes. It is reassuring for the affected people to know that in their hour of need, help is at hand.

India needs a strong and able Opposition For a vibrant democracy a convincing and healthy Opposition is crucial, which should be led by a capable leader and other talented members of the leadership. The Indian National Congress, established way back in 1885 has been a national political machinery which ruled India for almost six decades in its 71 years of independence. The Nehru dynasty led by great Jawaharlal Nehru, brave and strong-willed daughter Indira Gandhi followed by her son Rajiv and 10 years of UPA government where though Dr Manmohan Singh - a reputable economist and gentleman was the Prime Minister, the Congress President Sonia Gandhi effectively was the decision-maker.

Today a 'National' party of that historical pedigree is confined to two states and few smaller pockets of India, dependant on the support of regional parties, who were up until recently their arch enemies. Rahul Gandhi has a very challenging job indeed. He has been to Harvard in USA, Singapore, Bahrain and other places to promote himself and his party. He and his associates would know what has been the response to his overtures.

Britain is very important, not only for India but to all its political parties and those ambitious politicians who know 2mn Indians residing in the UK, who are well-resourced, knowledgeable and influential. Asian Voice has received a substantial number of communications where the main

concern about the candidature of Rahul Gandhi are three.

First, his capability, second, his experience and third, his temperament.

In all honestly, though he is becoming more and more communicative and perhaps increasingly wise with age, somehow one feels that he still lacks that particular political acumen and consistency. In all honesty his administrative leadership skill has a lot to prove to say the least. Regarding the temperament of the future Prime Minister of India, people remember his several abrupt and tempermental public reactions such as tearing off the cabinet decision publicly in a press conference.

Let us make a suggestion. There are at least 8 months to go to the next general election in India. Why can’t the Opposition assemble a research group of eminently qualified persons who can objectively vet the aims, claims and actuals of the present Indian government led by a popular Prime Minister Narendra Modi? After all one has to remember, after 4 years of running the country, facing innumerable challenges and contradictions, he has a popular rating of some 74 percent according to the Pew research.

Mr Gandhi has a steep mountain to climb and for the sake of India why not? Let him try sincerely and we wish him a very good luck.

Indo-British relations under stress Britain’s great wartime prime minister Winston Churchill said that his working and sleeping hours were devoted to ways and means of pleasing the American President, at the time Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Subsequently the US Secretary of State in the Truman administration, Dean Acheson, pronounced that, ‘Britain has lost an empire and not found a role.

It would appear from contemporary evidence that both of these observations have continuing relevance.

So much British time and energy has been vested in the ‘special’ US relationship, and in taming the Russian bear, not speak of the stalled Brixit negotiations that it has left the government limp and exhausted. There has, of course, been silken statements of intent from Whitehall on the commitment to take Indo-British ties to the next level but roadblocks have brought the search to an abrupt end - hopefully a temporary closure.

Competing events occupied the public space. The Khalistani declaration of independence for Punjab and a counter-demonstration for time-tested Sikh values were writ large on on the streets of London. Among the speakers at the Khalistan rally was Lord Nazir Ahmed of Rotheram. His Lordship organised a violent demonstration in front of the Indian High Commission during the visit of Prime inister Modi’s visi to the capital for the Commonwealth summit. The Indian Tricolour was burnt and an Indian woman reporter assaulted. The police stood idly by, fearful, no doubt, the accusation of Islamophobia.

When former UK foreign secretary Boris Johnson, with characteristic wit, likened burqha-clad women to post box slits, the politically correct fraternity had an

epileptic seizure. A demand for a jizya tax on infidel humour may now be pressed on the authorities. The latest terrorist incident of a car ramming into innocent citizens going about their lawful business brings with it the hideous prospect of reducing one of the world’s great capital cities to a besieged fortress, with security checks atalmost every street.

The Hindu newspaper’s London Correspondent, Vidya Ram, compared Mr Johnson to President Donald Trump, widely perceived as the archetypal Islamophobe.

The virus of groupie lunacy respects neither national nor rational boundaries.

Whither the Commonwealth? Barring the Royal family, few of Britain’s great and good look upon it kindly, perceiving its summits as a costume drama of talking heads. As Britannia no longer is ruling the waves, the mainstream media has poured scorn on the Commonwealth’s continued existence as a drain on the public purse.

The Government of India and the British government are at odds over immigration issues. Whitehall claims that 100,000 Indians were living illegally in the UK, and hence should be deported. India disputes the numbers put forward. Britain desires India agree to DNA testing of illegal Indian immigrants. The Government of India has rejected the proposal.. What next, you may well ask?

Indo-British trade and investments are secure, as both business communities will it so. Cultural and education ties are strong because both civil societies desire it be so. The political relationship is best put on the back burner until the propitious moment for its revival.

Success is a science; if you have the conditions, you get the result.

- Oscar Wilde

Alpesh Patel

Britain in America and Breaking Rules “Now I am become the death, the destroyer of worlds’. These were first words uttered in awe when man first saw the devastation of an atomic detonation. They were spoken by the scientist that led the Manhattan Project to create the atom bomb – J Robert Oppenheimer. He spoke them as the mushroom cloud rose on July 16th 1945 upon the detonation of the first ever atomic bomb. He was of course quoting from the Bhagavad Gita.

I was reminded of this quote this week because co-incidentally I watched two movies in which this quotation was repeated. The first was the latest Indiana Jones film, the other was the 1990 film – ‘The Hunt for Red October’. Both American films dealing with nuclear oblivion.

As I write the British Foreign Secretary is in America, talking about a rule based international order.

The Pakistani nuclear physicist AQ Kahn, father of the Pakistani nuclear bomb, admitted in an interview with the Washington Post that the Chinese Government had provided Pakistan with both the raw materials to make atomic bombs and the DIY kit with which to do it. That Trump is aggressive towards China and Pakistan is good.

When I was an intern in the US Congress for Congressman Eliot Engel in 1995 I used the extensive facilities of the Library of Congress to research the lobbying work of the Government of Pakistan in Washington as part of my degree thesis. I stumbled upon a document in which AQ Kahn boasted Pakistan had the bomb – a document I still possess.

Working with the Congressman and with the then Minister Political and First Secretary at the Indian Embassy, my Congressman sponsored resolutions in Congress and to the White House and State Department to have Pakistan declared a terrorist State. Those efforts fell on deaf ears. Make no mistake – the US Government knew in 1995 if not earlier that Pakistan not only had the bomb but Kahn was proliferating.

The British Foreign Secretary has rightly pointed out that States like Russia are emboldened when the US and UK does not take firm aggressive action.

Just look at the Russian invasion of Crimea and Georgia.

That is why on 1st January this year Trump rightly tweeted (and hence it is US policy as all his tweets are) “The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies and deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!”

It is ironic in 1947, knowing that American scientists had developed the atomic bomb two years earlier, that Britain in bitterly partitioning India, did not foresee Pakistan would one day posses the same weapons and point them with animus at her mother India.

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25 - 31 August 2018

Bride-to-be jailed for blaming sister for smashing into parked car and driving off A young woman who crashed while driving without a licence has been jailed after trying to pin the blame on her sister. Pooja Solanki was driving along Uppingham Road in Leicester on October 4 last year when she swerved around a cyclist and smashed into another car. After stopping briefly, Solanki, who had been disqualified from driving after a motoring offence in December 2016, fled the scene without leaving her name but an eagle-eyed passer-by got her car’s registration.

Solanki (26), received documents from the police, who intended to charge her with driving without due care and failing to stop at the scene of an accident, but she replied to the police stating her sister had been driving at the time. When her sister received documents from police she asked Solanki what it was about and Solanki took the doc-

uments, promising to “take care of it”.

She then forged her sister’s signature - pretending her sister was taking responsibility for the offence - and returned the documents to the police. But her sister was then summonsed to appear at Leicester Magistrates’ Court and Solanki had no choice but to come clean.

At the magistrates’ court in June she was fined for the original two offences. She also admitted a further charge of perverting the course of justice – a charge so serious it was sent to Leicester Crown Court for sentencing. Solanki, who had been due to get married shortly, was jailed for six months. Her solicitor Michael Garvey tried to urge Judge Philip Head to suspend the sentence. He said: “She was panicked into doing something very foolish. She’s extremely remorse-

ful. It doesn’t have to be an inevitable, immediate sentence of imprisonment.”

He said her intention had been to stop her sick father, who she lives with, from finding out about what she had done and worrying about it.

But Judge Head said: “She is a serial liar, I’m afraid. She had no licence at the time, she had been involved in a road traffic accident and she forged her sister’s

signature.”

Refering to recent high-profile cases of people being jailed for similar offences, he said: “There’s been so much publicity that nobody could fail to be aware how seriously this offence is regarded.

In this case there are a series of really grave aggravating factors to a charge that is, in itself, serious. Tragically for you and for others, you were due to get married soon. But I cannot suspend the sentence. It is inevitable that I spell out to the public yet again that those tempted to do this will receive a prison sentence unless their circumstances are exceptional – and yours are not.”

Solanki will be remain disqualified from driving until 10 months after her release from prison.

CCTV shows stolen car smashing through barriers of M6 Toll during police chase A driver smashed through barriers on the M6 Toll after stealing a car from Leicestershire.

The vehicle was pinched from a county driveway on August 23 and wasn't spotted again until Mandeep Barhey was seen behind the wheel of it on October 10.

The 30-year-old reached speeds of 155mph in the stolen Audi A5 as he tried to avoid being caught by traffic police, Coventry Live reports.

The 30-year-old, from Rugby in Warwickshire, ploughed through the toll barrier at 80mph as he tried to escape, but was caught later after crashing the car.

Officers from the Central Motorway Police Group spotted

Barhey in the stolen car near junction 13 of the M6.

When police began to pursue him, Barhey left the motorway at junction 12 and swerved through traffic in Cannock, reaching speeds of 90mph.

He then entered the M6 Toll heading south, and police dashcams recorded the car reaching speeds Mandeep Barhey hit barriers on M6 Toll road in stolen car arrived, Barhey had got out of of 155mph. the crashed car and was arrested Barhey left the toll road at on foot.

Lichfield, smashing through the Barhey, of Campbell Street, barrier at 80mph. was jailed for 10 months on Officers lost him for a short Friday. He previously pleaded time but received reports of a guilty to dangerous driving, crash in Lichfield. When they

using a vehicle without insurance, causing damage to a property other than a vehicle worth less than £5,000 and aggravated vehicle taking at an earlier hearing in May. He was also banned from driving for 21 months and fined £140 in costs at the hearing at Stafford Crown Court.

PC Matthew Burns, from the Central Motorway Police Group, said: "This reckless display of driving could have caused a terrible accident and put many innocent road users in danger. I hope this sentence sends a message to anyone else who thinks driving this fast and failing to stop for the police is a good idea."

Bungling thieves who stole £75k Range Rover caught after leaving tracker inside own BMW Bungling thieves who stole a solicitor’s £75,000 Range Rover Evoque were caught by police after leaving its tracker device in their own car.

Keyless crooks Laith Khan, 33, and Atiq Rahman, 31, had driven off in the luxury vehicle after stealing it from outside the victim’s Solihull address.

But they were later arrested by police who followed the Range Rover tracker device - and found it in their BMW. Khan, of Park Road, Sparkhill, and Rahman , of Medlicott Road, Sparkbrook , admitted stealing the Range Rover and going equipped for theft when they appeared at Warwick Crown Court.

They were both sentenced to 19 months in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered to do 150 hours of unpaid work.

In addition, Judge Peter Cooke ordered each of them to pay £750 compensation to the owner and £535 costs.

Prosecutor Ian Ball said the solicitor had left the vehicle

parked on the drive of his home in Knowle in January last year.

Shortly after midnight he was alerted by the tracker company that something was amiss.

When he looked out of the window he realised the Range Rover had gone. The keys were still in his house.

Police were alerted and the tracker signal led the police to Berry Hall Lane, just over two miles away. But rather than the Range Rover, the signal was coming from a BMW registered to Khan who was arrested.

Officers also discovered various pieces of equipment including a key programmer, Range Rover key fobs, and a false number plate.

The Range Rover was recovered 14 hours later in Riverside Drive, Solihull, after police had been tipped off by a suspicious resident.

Referring to the pre-sentence reports, their barrister Sukhdev Garcha said: “It seems they have shown genuine empathy and remorse, and they acknowledge

the owner must have worked hard to get such a vehicle.”

He said Khan had become involved because of pressure he was under over a gambling debt, but was snow employment earning £420 a week, and was paying off the debt.

In relation to the report on Rahman, Mr Garcha said: “The author of the report believes he is easily influenced and a vulnerable adult.

“He previously had drug issues, but he’s turned his life around. He is working part-time because he has to have the care of his parents.”

Sentencing the pair, Judge Cooke told them: “When you entered your pleas the judge told you that you must steel yourselves for immediate custody.

“He was right to give you that warning. This is a serious offence, a car stolen from the drive of an industrious man, and it was done with a level of sophistication.

“I accept you were provided with the materials by another

in brief POLICE OFFICER WHO SEXUALLY ABUSED TEENAGE GIRL TO BE KICKED OFF FORCE A Leicestershire Police officer who was jailed last month for sexually assaulting a teenage girl will be formally sacked from the force later this month.

Pc Majud Hussain, a former detective and firearms officer, was convicted of abusing his 17-year-old victim following a trial.

The 41-year-old was jailed for seven years and placed on the sex offenders register for the rest of his life.

The conclusion of legal proceedings has cleared the way for Leicestershire Police to hold a gross misconduct hearing, which will take place at force headquarters, in Enderby, at 1pm on Thursday, August 23.

A senior officer has previously said he has no place in the force. Hussain committed the offences in Nottinghamshire, where he lived.

'BOMB SCARE' IN LEICESTER AFTER MAN WITH SUITCASE SHOUTS 'ALLAHU AKBAR' A section of a main city centre street in Leicester was closed last Tuesday (14th) after a man sparked a bomb scare by shouting 'Allahu Akbar'. The man reportedly shouted the phrase and indicated there was an explosive device inside his suitcase.

Police, who were in the immediate area on routine patrol, sealed off a stretch of Granby Street between York Street and Dover Street after members of the public raised concerns about the man. He was detained while officers searched his bag near the entrance to the Last Plantagenet pub. After a couple of minutes, at approximately 5.45pm, the officers picked up the bag and took it away. The cordon was taken down immediately.

A local business owner said: “It was all over pretty quickly. Apparently a man shouted something stupid and it has alarmed people. The police were here quickly and dealt with it professionally.”

A Leicestershire Police spokeswoman said: “Officers were in Granby Street, Leicester when concerns were raised regarding a man who had entered a building. The man was making comments which could be deemed to cause alarm or distress. A luggage bag which the man was carrying was checked as a precaution and nothing of concern was found. The man, who is from Leicester, has been arrested on suspicion of a public order offence."

MAN, 80, STABBED AT WHALLEY RANGE MOSQUE DURING PRAYERS Khan, left, and Rahman, right

who had commissioned you to commit the offence.

“Each of you has made determined efforts since this offence to get your lives back on a lawabiding track, and each of you has a caring role for elderly or infirm parents.”

Suspending the sentences, the judge warned: “It’s been a close-run thing. You will not be given another chance like this. I reserve any breach to myself, and if you and I meet again, you won’t like the result.”

An 80-year-old man has been stabbed at a mosque during prayers. He was attacked at the place of worship on Clarendon Road in Whalley Range, Manchester, at about 13:50 BST on Friday. The man was taken to hospital, where he is being treated for serious injuries. A man in his 20s has been arrested on suspicion of assault and is in custody.

Greater Manchester Police said it was not thought to be a hate crime and appealed for witnesses. Ch Insp Faz Zaman said: "People will understandably be concerned that an elderly man has been stabbed in a place of worship, but we believe this is an isolated incident."

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25 - 31 August 2018

Syed Kamall warns Tory Party must win over ethnic minorities or lose power

RETHINK IMMIGRATION Continued from page 1

Nicky Morgan MP

Tulip Siddiq MP

https://forms.123formbuilder.i o/form-4072922/ImmigrationStage-1-Shre).

The three MPs in a joint statement said, “Whilst there are lots of ideas we will disagree on, we all agree that a new immigration policy for Britain should not be xenophobic, should support our economy, and should support our local communities when they experience unusual migrayion flows. And we are open-minded about how best we can do this.

“By working with More United, these MPs want to reach beyond the usual suspects- think tanks, research centres and politicians- to create the largest possible pool of people like us who want to work together to tackle the big challenges of the day.

“With your help, we hope that we can build support across Parliament to build confidence in the immigration system and to help heal divisions.”

In the year to March 2017, the UK Home Office received

A L C RE PA AS U M R T RR T F ENAIN ME EW T IN NT PH G S A IN SE !

The International Trade Secretary has previously made clear about his concerns about the inclusion of students in the net migration target. But Home Secretary Sajid Javid refused to endorse the lowering of immigration target in an interview. Net migration rose to 282,000 in 2017, up from 249,000 in 2016 while net migration from the EU fell to 101,000 in 2017, down from 133,000 in 2016 to its lowest level since 2012.

The study by academics from University College London (UCL), University of Birmingham and Royal Holloway, University of London, found that increased visa restrictions on migrants creates a greater need for enforcement. Researchers suggested governments should consider the wider impacts of controls, and take into account the aspirations of the individual in order to stem illegal immigration.

The government has indicated it will bring forward draft proposals for the UK's immigration system at the end of this year. An Immigration Bill would likely follow in early 2019. The survey by More United, a platform creating new model of politics that is open to public, is asking public to make their opinions heard.

(You can take the survey at

Christine Jardine MP

2.98m visa applications; 400,000 were refused and of the 2.55m granted – 299,000 were for study, 47,000 for family or dependants, 164,000 related to work and 1.96m were visitors.

According to a Guradian report, study co-author, Dr Cassilde Schwartz of the University of London said, “It’s extremely difficult to measure unauthorised migration… as it is often clandestine and unobservable.

“Using experimental survey techniques, we found that fewer than 20% of aspiring migrants are willing to consider illegal channels. Of course, when visa policies become too restrictive, they are left with few options.”

Highly-skilled immigration saga continues The highly-skilled migrants have held five protests outside the Parliament already, against Home Office and its 'unjust' policies. They have been joined

MPs and Peers across community.

The Financial Times reported last month that a government move that allowed companies to bring more skilled foreign workers into the country has already been overtaken by demand just a month after it was intro-

The Tories risk being out of power for generations if they fail to reach out to Britain’s ethnic minority communities, one of the party’s most prominent Muslim politicians warned Monday.

London MEP Syed Kamall said there was a Syed Kamall “growing gulf” between the Conservatives and millions of ethnic minority voters. He said he fears his party could lose more seats at the next election unless it bridges this gap.

According to the ConservativeHome wensite Mr Kamall stated: “An estrangement between the party and key sections of the population is threatening to hinder our prospects in many areas of the country. The growing gulf between Conservatives and Britain’s millions of black and minority ethnic (BME) voters is an issue we need to tackle urgently. Failure to reach out to more diverse voters means that we could face being out of power for generations.”

Mr Kamall, who is co-chairman of the European Conservatives and Reformists Group in the European Parliament, said electoral figures on attracting ethnic minority voters made “chastening reading”. Labour has two thirds of the vote in the top 75 seats where half the BME population lives, he explained.

His warning came after Finsbury Park imam Mohammed Mahmoud accused the Government of a “lacklustre” effort to fight Islamophobia. Former foreign secretary Mr Johnson also faces an internal party investigation after saying Muslim women who wore the full face veil “look like letter boxes”.

duced.

Two solicitors’ firms said they had seen applicants for socalled “Tier 2” visas from nonEuropean Economic Area migrants rejected in July, even though for the first time doctors and nurses, who previously accounted for around 40 per cent of applications, were excluded from the process.

At least 1,000 highly skilled migrants seeking indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK are wrongly facing deportation under a section of the Immigration Act designed in part to tackle terrorists and individuals judged to be a threat to national security, MPs and experts have said. While the new Home Secretary has stalled some decisions, many appealing are left in the lurch.

You have a story to share about how your ILR was rejected on minimum tax discripancy or a relative has been refused visa on invalid grounds? Write to us with your story at aveditorial@abplgroup.com.

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25 - 31 August 2018

Whitechapel drugs gang sentenced to 49 years in prison Judge Nigel Peters QC handed the men prison sentences ranging from two years to 56 months at Snaresbrook Crown Court for possession and supply of class A drugs.

In sentencing two of the 16, Judge Peters said: “People look out of their windows and see drug dealers going about their criminal, evil work oblivious to the residents and workers of the area. “These are two of a large police operation to try and stem the awful explosion in supply on the streets of Whitechapel of class A drugs.�

Sentenced on Friday were: Habibur Rahman, 22, of Swaton Road; Raja Miah, 23, of Trafalgar Gardens; Jamile Hussain, 24 of Shadwell Garden; Oliur Rahman, 23, of Chapman Street; Rakib Uddin, 19, of Tarling Street; Soliman Rabie, 18, of Hoover Tower; Abu Taher Siddiki, 24, of Galsworthy Avenue; Rohel Ahmed, 31, of Commodore Street; Imthiaz Islam, 21, of Beccles Street; Mohammed Ahmed, 25, of Bacon Street; Rashiq Uddin, 26, of Hazledene Road; Ilford; Enamur Rahman, 22, of Ordell Road; Mohammed Mohibur Rahman, 22, of St Paul’s Way; Ahmadur Rahman, 21, of no fixed address; Abdul Aziz, 39, of Miah Terrace and Akbor Hussain, 24, of Halley Street.

Top row: Habibur Rahman, Raja Miah, Jamile Hussain, Oliur Rahman. Second row: Rakib Uddin, Soliman Rabie, Abu Tahir Siddiki, Rohel Ahmed. Third row: Imthiaz Islam, Mohammed Ahmed, Rashiq Uddin, Enamur Rahman. Bottom row: Mohammed Mohibur Rahman, Ahmadur Rahman, Abdul Aziz, Akbor Hussain

The case against Ruhel Ahmed, 30, of Berner Terrace, was dismissed.

The court heard how the gang operated five phone lines with addicts using BT phone boxes which don’t charge for the first few minutes of calls to arrange deals.

Prosecutor Baba Tunde Alabi calculated the gang would have made ÂŁ1.28million on the “Biggy lineâ€? alone.

Defence lawyers argued drugs barons exploited the men – some of whom were addicts themselves – forcing them to act as footsoldiers over unpaid debts, “vulnerabilities� or the promise of making a quick fortune.

But Judge Peters argued there were plenty of people in similar situations not dealing. Before Friday’s sentencing three boys aged 15, 16 and

17 were sentenced after pleading guilty to supplying cocaine and heroin. Abdul Hasnath, 42, of no fixed address, was sentenced to seven years six months for supplying heroin and crack cocaine.

Another 14 men will be sentenced on August 23 while Atefur Rahman, 18, of Cable Street; Mohammed Chowdhury, 18, of Sidney Street and Muhammed Ali Hassan, 25, of no fixed address, will be sentenced at a future date.

Eleven men who pleaded not guilty go on trial later this year.

More than 300 officers were involved in raids with searches of more than 50 addresses during which officers seized over ÂŁ60,000 in cash, over half a kilo of Class A drugs and four stun-guns.

The jail sentences followed operation Continuum between police Tower Hamlets Council and housing associations.

In total 49 people have been charged in connection with the investigation with 32 men and three male youths having pleaded guilty to over 70 drug offences.

More than 300 officers were involved in raids with searches of more than 50 addresses during which officers seized over ÂŁ60,000 in cash, over half a kilo of Class A drugs and four stun-guns.

Asian households in North-west London targeted by burglars North-west London has become a hotspot for burglary, especially in Asian homes. Within two week, two houses got burgled in nearby localities, and believed to have been attacked by the same gang of perpetrators.

On 15th August, Asian occupiers at a house in Kenelm Close returned from a religious function in the evening and went to bed around 10:30pm. At sometime

not long after 11pm, four masked armed intruders, all white, forced entry by smashing the front door and opening the door. The burglars then held the family hostage for over 30 minutes, the family were repeatedly threatened and attacked and the intruders made repeated demands for where the money and jewellery was.

While the specific details of this horrific attack, imple-

ments used, exact threats are not being mentioned for policing reasons, but this is one of the worst attacks that has happened in Northwick Park area in recent years.

The ringleader spoke with an Irish accent, was 6ft tall and the other three appeared to speak in a foreign language amongst themselves. The vehicle involved is believed to be a black BMW 1 series and (there might also be an Audi

Advertising Sales Executive Excellent Career in Media Sales

vehicle involved), following the incident the vehicle is believed to have headed towards the Greenford Road area.

This came after a similar attack on another Asian household at Preston Road, Wembley. The family was tied up in a room and threatened with physical harm to their daughter unless demands were met with. Police are urging families to be vigilant.

Donor found for young Kaiya Patel

Kaiya Patel

This Tuesday we all received the news we were waiting for - a donor has been found for the young and courageous Kaiya Patel.

In May this year it was announced that 5 year old Kaiya had been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of Leukemia, and was in dire need of a stem cell transplant.

A national campaign within the Asian community saw over 200 sign ups just in Bolton from where it is thought the donor is from.

In a recent video posted on the CureKaiya FB group (https://www.facebook.com/curekaiya/vide os/303648420185769/) young Kaiya talked about her excitment over her upcoming 6th birthday party but bravely mentioned that before she could celebrate she was going to undergo a transplant which will hopefully help save her life.

Kaiya also thanked all those who have supported

her on her journey from school teachers, friends, family and importantly the hospital staff who look after her.

Community organisations up and down the country all rallied behind Kaiya and her family when the news of her cancer first broke out and since then many blood and organ donation campaign have been started and will continue in the hopes that other people who suffer from cancer can also find cures within the Asian community.

There are plenty more people that need help, and organisations such as Bolton Hindu Forum will continue to run blood and organ donation campaigns with their National Sewa Day partners.

Further details can be found at www.sewaday.org.

Further details on Kaiya’s progress can be found on their FB group (https://www.facebook.c om/curekaiya/)

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25 - 31 August 2018

MPs demand tougher sentences for Asian gangs grooming young white girls

Congress President Rahul Gandhi to visit UK on 24-25 August Rupanjana Dutta Indian Congress President Rahul Gandhi will be visiting UK on 24-25 August for meetings with the Indian diaspora, politicians and business leaders after his 2day trip to Germany.

Gandhi will be attending a meeting on Friday morning at the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS), followed by a reception in the Parliament by the Indian Overseas Congress.

Later in the day the Congress President is meant to address an audience at the London School of Economics. The event is being hosted by LSE’s South Asia Centre, chaired by Mukulika Banerjee, which serves as a hub for LSE’s research and academic focus on the region. This event is being held in collaboration with the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (UK) and marks the launch of the NISAU ‘India Perspective Townhall’.

On Saturday 25th, Gandhi will be speaking to a room full of journalists at a lunch event organised by the Indian Journalists’ Association in a central London hotel, followed by a diaspora get together in

Ruislip, West London, organised by the Indian Overseas Congress. Gandhi will also be discussing health policy in India with UK professionals at the Royal Society of Medicine on the same day.

Dr Sudhakar & Dr Vinod Metta, along with the Kings & Imperial College Hospitals Doctors Initiative are hosting the health interactive symposium for Gandhi. The event though free to attend is strictly on invite only basis, is organised by UK International Doctors Association, British International Doctors Association, British Medical Association and British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin and aimed at medical students, junior doctors, postgraduates, senior academics and researchers from UK & Europe, as well as others interested in healthcare in India. They are meant to announce a certain health policy inititative at the same symposium.

It is also believed that Gandhi may also attend a private dinner organised by an Indian-origin businessman and will be meeting the UK MPs and leaders. He will be accompanied by a few Indian MPs and MLAs as a

part of his delegation. Indian Overseas Congress Chairman Sam Pitroda is among the delegates to accompany him. Among rumours that Gandhi's trip may get cancelled, Pitroda in a press statement said, "Rahul Gandhi's visit to London is on as planned.

"The demand for interactions with Rahul Gandhi by institutions and individuals is so high that even if he spends a whole week in London, he may not be able to make everyone happy.�

Pitroda also said he was being approached for Gandhi to speak at various events but it was not possible "to meet the huge demand" due to limited time.

The Conservative Friends of India (CFI) however has cancelled their reception for Gandhi in Portcullis House, which has kick started much controversy. This dinner was meant to be hosted on their behalf by Indian-origin entrepreneur Dr Rami Ranger and Conservative peer Baroness Sandip Verma on 24 August.

In the past, Gandhi was a member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home

Affairs, Human Resource Development, and Finance and the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Rural Development. Currently, he serves on the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs and the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Finance & Corporate Affairs.

Aside from politics, he serves on the Boards of various not for profit organisations which have created the largest network of self-help groups of poor and marginalized women and the largest provider of affordable eye care in North India and a cancer hospital which fights cancer in India’s largest state, Uttar Pradesh. Rahul is a black belt in Aikido and a qualified pilot.

Courts must hand more severe punishments to grooming gangs found to target their victims by race, one of the Government’s most senior legal advisors has said. Robert Buckland QC, the Solicitor General, said existing powers can be used to lengthen prison sentences for abusers such as the 18 predominantly Asian defendants convicted in Newcastle this week.

Speaking to The Telegraph, he said: “The law does not discriminate. When it talks about sentencing increases for racial aggravation it doesn’t cut one way, it cuts all ways. Where there is a racial element in sexual abuse cases, the law is clear that courts can apply a sentencing uplift. Racial aggra-

vation should be front and centre in cases where there is evidence of racial hostility or motivation.�

He spoke amid calls for sentences handed to the Newcastle gang, which assaulted girls and young women in a four-year campaign of sexual exploitation, to be reviewed by the Attorney General.

The gang was caught by Operation Shelter, which was a smaller part of a larger investigation covering sexual exploitation in Tyne and Wear and Northumberland codenamed Operation Sanctuary which identified more than 700 potential victims since 2014 and resulted in the conviction of 93 people jailed for more than 300 years.

Playwright awarded for powerful drama on the life of Indian freedom fighter

Playwright Tanika Gupta’s Lions and Tigers, a play on the life of an Indian freedom fighter, has won this year's James Tait Black Prize for Drama.

Tanika, who won the Asian Achievers Awards hosted by Asian Voice last year for her role in Arts and Culture, has reportedly won £10,000 as the James Tait Black Prize, organised by the Edinburgh University in association with Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland and the Traverse Theatre. The reward was announced at an award ceremony on 20 August in Edinburgh’s Traverse Theatre, hosted by television and radio presenter Shereen Nanjiani.

Lions and Tigers, which was enacted 70 years after

India's independence, is based on the true story of Tanika Gupta’s great-uncle Dinesh Gupta, a Bengali revolutionary who fought against British colonial rule in the early 1930s.

The Letters he wrote from his prison cell provided the foundation of Tanika Gupta’s ambitious and emotive drama, offering fresh insight into India's independence struggle and the battles between the so-called British lions and the Bengal tigers.

The production had premiered in August 2017 at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, as part of Shakespeare’s Globe’s Festival of Independence. It was directed by Pooja Ghai, associate director of Theatre Royal Stratford East.

The drama award was launched in 2012, when Britain’s oldest literary awards, the James Tait Black Prizes, were extended to include a category to celebrate innovative playwriting. Uniquely, the drama prize is judged by emerging artists, students and established theatre experts, rather than critics.

Previous winners include: David Ireland’s confrontational tragicomedy Cyprus Avenue (2017); Gary Owen’s one-woman monologue, Iphigenia in Splott (2016); Gordon Dahlquist’s sci-fi play Tomorrow Come Today; Rory Mullarkey’s Cannibals (2014); and Tim Price’s acclaimed drama The Radicalisation of Bradley Manning (2013).

8 UK

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25 - 31 August 2018

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Over 200 places of worship in England are supporting the Public Health England’s (PHE) latest ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ national campaign by displaying posters in their toilets. Places of worship encourage their members to ‘look before they flush’ and tell their doctor if they notice blood in their urine, even if it’s just once.

Blood in urine is a key symptom of bladder and kidney cancers. Every year around 19,100 new cases of bladder and kidney cancers are diagnosed in England; causing around 8,000 deaths.

In the last two weeks over 200 places of worship including temples, gurdwaras, churches and mosques in the Midlands and Manchester area have lent their support to the campaign by displaying posters in their toilets that drive home the importance of checking for blood in urine before flushing the toilet. Blood in urine is a symptom in almost two thirds (64%)1of all bladder cancers and around a fifth (18%)2 of kidney cancers. Blood might not appear every time, so it is important that people seek medical help even if they notice it just once.

A new survey reveals that only 16% of adults aged 50 and over in England (those most at risk of these cancers) say they check the colour of their urine every time they go to

Professor Julia Verne, from Public Health England

the toilet, with women being less likely to check every time (12% vs. 20% of

men).

Latest figures show that every year in England around 19,100 people are

diagnosed with bladder or kidney cancer and around 8,000 people die from these diseases. Early diagnosis is critical; 84% of those diagnosed with kidney cancer and 77% of those diagnosed with bladder cancer at the earliest stage (stage 1) will live for at least five years. At a late stage (stage 4), this drops to 10% and 9% respectively.

Professor Julia Verne, from Public Health England said: “It is vital that people know that blood in urine could be a sign of cancer. “We’re very pleased that over 200 places of worship are supporting our campaign. It’s an important partnership that is helping us to ensure that we get this message out across all sections of society and in places that are central to people of faith. “Our research shows only a small number of people check the colour of their urine every time they go to the toilet.

People need to get into the habit of looking before they flush to spot any signs of blood in their urine.

And if there is blood, they shouldn’t hesitate about going to their GP. This will help diagnose more people at the early stages, when cancer is more treatable – improving their chances of living longer.�

Prince of Calcutta rules the city of Oxford The 'God of Offside' launched the 10th anniversary of of London Sharad Utsav (LSU) Durga Puja along with former Indian football captain Dipendu Biswas. LSU Durga Puja has been one of the favourite celebrations for many NRIs settled in the UK - not only because it stirs nostalgia but also because it builds the “home away from home� emotion amongst one and all. To mark their 10th year, the former Indian cricket captain and the former Indian football captain watered a small banana sapling in Oxford- which has a huge significance in the Durga Puja. This banana tree will later be used in the LSU Durga Puja as the “Kola Bou� or “Banana Bride�, an integral part of the Durga puja.

Ganguly, former Indian cricketer and captain of the India Cricket team also fondly known as “Prince of Calcutta� was in the beautiful city of Oxford on 8th August 2018 for his book launch “A century is not enough�. This, as per the former Indian captain, is not a conventional autobiography rather it is a book that will tell the tale of the insecurities, failures, struggles an international sportsperson goes through behind the accomplishments and the fame that the world sees usually.

The cricket maestro who gave the cricket lovers one of the most iconic moments in the history of Indian cricket by taking off his shirt and waving from the Lord’s balcony was seen today more as an author in black suit ,white shirt and a light green tie. Also present at the book launch on Wednesday

Sourav Ganguly at the launch of the 10th anniversary of London Sharad Utsav (LSU) in Oxford

were other shining stars notably Dipendu Biswas, former Indian football captain, Gautam Bhattacharya, one of the finest journalists of his times and co author of this book. The audience of the book launch event were enthusiastic cricket lovers and mainly sports loving Indians, far away from their land, still holding the fire of cricket that the “Bengal Tiger� has lit in their hearts since 1996. The fact that he rose like a phoenix made the country cheer him even more.

Ganguly’s daredevilry mixed with hunger for victory created a benchmark in the history of Indian cricket captaincy and he has passed on the baton to the next generation – the result being a steady successful era of Indian cricket.

Sourav’s message to the avid listeners were “What you do with your talent will decide whether you are successful or not�!

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25 - 31 August 2018

UK

Rani Singh, Special Assignments Editor

Sir David Gilmour Writes the First Account of the Everyday British in India ir David Gilmour is one of Britain's most admired and accomplished historical writers and biographers.  He has written prize-winning works on Kipling and Curzon. So why has he now turned his attention to that unique topic; the everyday British in India? David Gilmour explains. “This is my fourth book on a British Indian subject.  The first was about the most interesting viceroy (Lord Curzon), the second was about the finest British writer who lived in India (Rudyard Kipling), and the third was about the district officers and political agents of the Victorian Raj.  After those I thought it was time to choose a less elitist subject and decided to write about the lives of every type Sir David Gilmour of Briton who went to India: soldiers and of the nineteenth century millions of Britons planters, foresters and engineers, teachers, emigrated to Australia and New Zealand, to doctors and missionaries of both sexes. It is a Canada, South Africa and the United States, big subject, but a serious social  history of the but in India the British population was never British in India has not been written before, more than 155,000, about the size of the popand I felt that it needed doing.�  ulation of Nottingham at the time. And most The book is titled “The British in India, of those did not choose to go there.  Of three centuries of ambition and experience,� course there were officers and officials and and is an immersive portrait of the British in people who went out to have careers or to India from the seventh century to 1947. make money, but soldiers of the British David spent over four years researching Army were in India because their regiments and writing this book, but much of the necwere posted there, most women were in essary reading on the subject had already India because they married men with Indian been done for previous books, he reveals. careers, and of course their children had no “ I have been doing research in the choice but to be brought up where they were archives of British India for nearly thirty born.  years, since I started work on my biography As an author who struggles with disciof Lord Curzon.  The most important place pline myself, I am always intrigued by the for documentary research on this subject is daily schedules of those who do it for a prothe old India Office Library, which is now fession. So I asked David Gilmour about his part of the British Library, but I have also daily routine and his take on the solitary worked a good deal in the archives of, for aspects of authorship. He gave us a frank and example, the Centre for South Asian Studies slightly endearing answer. in Cambridge, the National Army "I have been writing Museum, the Imperial War books for nearly forty Museum and the National "It is a big subject, years, and my schedule Library of Scotland. The most has altered in that time.  I write but a serious enjoyable places to do longer books now and I write social history of research, however, are private them rather slowly.  I have homes, where people have kept the British in India adopted Spanish hours, workthe letters and diaries of their ing long mornings and again in has not been ancestors.� the late afternoon and written before.

That last point shows evening.  I live in the the unique talent of Oxfordshire countryside and if Gilmour, for it is in those it’s a fine day I spend the afternoon gardenpersonal, private collections, as well as the ing and walking the dogs; if it’s raining I hidden coffers of the British Library, that litmight bake some bread or watch cricket on erary gold can be found. the television. Nowadays I read, plan, correct The resulting text is fascinating, and the and type in the mornings, and I write from target audience is wide. Says David; about 4.30 to 8pm.  I still use a fountain pen, “As with my previous books, I hope that and only when I have corrected what I have this one will appeal both to scholars and to written the following day do I type it out anyone who is interested in history.� onto my computer.  I don’t particularly enjoy The role of a good book is to reveal the the solitary aspects of the job, but I need unexpected, and David Gilmour himself was them.  I am not good at multi-tasking and I amazed by some of his research. need to be myself in my study.  Luckily my “One of the most surprising things I wife is very understanding." learnt was how small was the number of "The British in India" by David Gilmour British people who lived in India. At the end is published by Allen Lane on 6/9/18.

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AsianVoiceNews

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25 - 31 August 2018

Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Indian Statesman, Prime Minister of India from 19982004 who served three terms as the Prime Minister of the Indian Nation also held the Chairmanship of NDA (National Democratic Alliance) Shri Atalji, a gentle, dynamic giant who revolutionised the Nation, turned India into a nuclear armed country.

He revived the scientific age and the world discovered that India is deeply rooted into scientific principles and has a glorious history. The Nuclear tests commenced during his premiership. His vision was that India regains a place of honour in the comity of Nations.

Atalji, with his call of self-reliance paid eloquent tributes to our scientists, armed personnel, engineers, farmers who are engaged in building a stable Nation.

Shri Atalji's vision for India is activated very effectively by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make India free of hunger and fear, an India free of illiteracy and free of terrorism.

There was so much sparkle and dynamism in Atalji's speech and all along the way he strove for national unity and stressed that the shining cultural heritage of India could strengthen the national fabric in bringing about prosperity and pleasant meaningful living standards. His loss has created a wide gap but we strive to build India in his vision.

Ramesh Nehru By email

A brief story of Lord Shri Krishna Krishna was born about 5,000 years ago. The time of his birth appearing on this earth was at midnight between the tithis of 7th and 8th night of the dark half of the month of Shravan.

Krishna was born in prison in the city of Mathura. His birth parents were Vasudevji and Mata Devki who were imprisoned by Devki’s brother Kansa.

Immediately after his birth, Vasudevji hid him in a large basket, miraculously escaped the prison, crossed the Yamuna River, went to Gokul and placed baby Krishan beside Yasodaji who had also happened to give birth to a baby girl called Yogmaya. He took Yogmaya back to the prison in Mathura.

Nandray and Yashodaji were the king and queen of Gokul and became foster parents to Krishna raising him as their own. The whole of Gokul celebrated the Royal birth with great pomp, zeal and splendour. This tithi, the 8th day of the dark half of Shravan, is known as ‘Janmasthami’ and is celebrated by Hindus everywhere.

Krishna was educated at Sandipani Rishi’s ashram where he successfully mastered knowledge and became an expert and well versed in science of life involving the three yogas karma yoga, gyan yoga and bhakti yoga. He is also subsequently known as ‘Yogeshwar Krishna’.

Krishna was a man of brilliant intellect, unshakable courage, sharp intelligence and illustrious personality. He was also a just, selfless, shrewd and astute politician with a profound understanding of the mind and human psychology along with a complete and wonderful mastery over yoga. He was well versed in the Vedas and that is reflected in the ‘Bhagwad Geeta’, the science of reighteous life applicable to humanity.

Krishna possessed very strong steel-like strength within himself which is known as 'Radha'. His Radha Shakti which was always within Him as his true, faithful and steadfast companion.

Krishna's wife and consort was Devi Rukshmani and he only had one wife, not many as mentioned in the scriptures.

The story of many wives is an imaginary myth which gives very wrong impression of Lord Krishna. He became king of Dwarka, a city on the west coast of Gujarat.

Krishna had two very dear friends: Sudama, a poor Brahmin who studied with Krishna at the Ashram, and Arjuna, one of the Pandavas, to whom Krishna preached the immortal celestial Bhagwad Geeta – the science of truthful, honest and righteous life on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.

Lord Krishna later died by an arrow of a hunter.

All glory and victory to Jagadguru Yogeshwar Lord Shri Krishna.

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Plastic revolution Although we have docile, lacklustre, hesitating, even unpatriotic politicians who shy away from making difficult decisions, especially when it comes to ethnic minorities, environment, economy, NHS, immigration and many such issues, fortunately we have patriotic, enlightened, robust and knowledgeable media, especially print media who always champion one cause or another that is in public interest.

Plastic bag charge of 5p and organ donation opt out was introduced due to media pressure, although it is clearly halfhearted measures, introduced with one eye on “Vote Bank Politics”. No wonder EU, Russia and many other nations intimidate us, treat us with contempt, as they know Britain is a lion that roars but never bites, a lamb dressed as lion, indeed a toothless tiger.

China’s manoeuvre to illegally declare the whole of South China Sea (SCS) as their territorial waters, treating with contempt countries like Vietnam, Philippines and even Japan for whom shipping through SCS is their lifeline. Even international court of justice based in Hague declared China’s action as illegal which China ignored, knowing well that EU is powerless to challenge China, who will soon rule the waves, replacing near bankrupt America as the sole super-power. China’s monomania knows no bound with the West sleepwalking into oblivion.

Campaign against use of unrecyclable plastic cups and problem packing, led by Sky, Daily Mail and other publications, forced government to publish consultation paper and gauge public opinion which solidly came out in favour of the levy; which means Chancellor will now hopefully use autumn budget to introduce range of tough measures on such polluting plastic garbage.

But looking at the plastic filth polluting our oceans, endangering marine life, this is a tiny but welcoming step in the right direction. Next on the agenda should be refundable deposit on plastic and glass bottles, as well as reuse of solid glass bottles, as was the norm in bygone era when soft drink glass bottles were used and reused time and again before being discarded due to wear and tear. This proves that if there is a will, then there is certainly a way to clean our oceans before it is too late.

Bhupendra M. Gandhi By email

The Brexit shambles Brexiteers are happy to blame the E.U. if there is a no deal situation rather than owning upto to their shenanigans in undermining the Brexit negotiations taking place between the British government and E.U. The government and Prime Minister Theresa May have made a mess in moving forward because of the in-fighting within her own Tory party.

They are very good examples of the trade agreements E.U. made with Norway, Switzerland, Canada, and Japan.

Theresa May could easily pick one of the models with a few amendments which would suit both parties and to go ahead in finalising the agreement. As far as the negotiations are concerned there is no room for cherry picking but to follow the rules which apply to all agreements according to the constitution of E.U. If the E.U. allows the British version of the agreement, it would be giving a green light to other E.U. members to follow suit, resulting in the demise of E.U. and Europe’s security.

The xenophobic ideologues Brexiteers have become the victims and prisoners of their biased rhetoric and do not see any way out of it. Those people who voted for Brexit are now having second thoughts especially in Wales, and the rest of the country except the people of North East part of England.

After winning the referendum the Brexit voters thought all they have to do was pack their bags and walk out of the dreaded European Union without realising the departure had rules to follow and commitments to honour. They now can see the complications arising from hard Brexit, soft Brexit or no-deal Brexit, of which they were not aware when they voted.

Nearly £4bn has been allocated by the government to prepare for a no-deal scenario. Brexiteers have said they are against any agreement which keeps Britain tied to the customs union or single market but The Sunday Telegraph reported that the government is planning to recognise some EU rules if there is a no-deal Brexit.

On 12 August, the Observer revealed that 112 Leave-voting constituencies now support Remain. The Observer also claimed this poll was: one of the most comprehensive assessments of Brexit sentiment since the referendum. Evidence is mounting that the United Kingdom's impending exit from the European Union is causing workers from EU countries to leave the country and return home. These EU nationals nurse our sick, care for our grandparents and help make Britain a more productive and prosperous country, but the government is pulling up the drawbridge as thousands of EU citizens worry about their future."

Julian Dunkerton co-founder of clothing label Superdry, has given £1m to the cause, saying: "I've got a good instinct for when a mood is going to change and we're in one of those moments now." Mr. Dunkerton told The Sunday Times that the public know Brexit will be a "disaster".

Baldev Sharma Rayners Lane, Harrow

NHS bureaucracy that drives GPs to early retirement We all know the pressure on GPs who work ungodly hours; more or less twelve hours a day, seven days a week, sacrificing their family life and leisure time to care for their patients and to comply with torrents of NHS dictate that come thick and fast, a constant never ending flow. NHS is in a mess, mainly due to holier than thaw attitude of our out of touch politicians. GPs, junior doctors and nurses as well as auxiliary workers are paying the price.

Recently new “Data Protection Law” (GDPR) was introduced that forced GP surgeries to adopt new procedures so as to comply with bureaucracy, that led to new form layout for patients when applying for copies of blood, X Ray and other such test results. This is particularly important for elderly people to take these results when seeing Hospital Consultants, so as to avoid unnecessary repetition of such tests.

The half page original form is now three pages long that many elderly patients may find it complicated, difficult to fill in and the waiting time to collect printout has gone up from a week to thirty days, as GPs have to log in every request, keep a register and give reference numbers that may take time in busy surgeries.

We are fortunate that our Surgery is patient friendly and goes out of the way to help their patients. Such forms come ready with patient’s personal details already printed so that we have to fill in just the details of what test results we want.

Test results are also available on most part within 14 days and if needed urgently to fit in with hospital appointments, then Surgery will oblige if at all possible. But unfortunately that is not the case, the norm in many other Surgeries who stick to the rule rigidly.

Unfortunately in this fast changing world where money making is more important by any means, fair or foul, there is a risk of personal date being stolen and used fraudulently, innocent people losing their life savings, pension pots to crooks. But if people, especially OAPs, follow simple rules, never to answer unsolicited calls, open their doors to salesmen, throw away junk mails and deal with banks, building societies and such financial institutions personally by visiting their offices, we may never become victims of such frauds, although this may cause some inconvenience. But it is worth it for peace of mind.

Kumudini Valambia By email

UK

EAST HAM MEN SENTENCED FOR SELLING SKIN-WHITENING PRODUCTS Two men from East Ham are to be sentenced Tuesday over the sale of illegal skin-whitening products. Mohammed Iqbal Bharodawala and Abdul Kadar Bharodawala are being sentenced at Inner London Crown Court after pleading guilty at a previous hearing.

Mohammed Iqbal Bharodawala is facing five counts of failure to comply with European provision of cosmetic product, and Abdul Kadar Bharodawala is charged with breaching a cosmetic product enforcement regulation.

The pair were prosecuted by Southwark Council in south London.

FORMER COPLAND SCHOOL STAFF TOLD TO PAY BACK £2.7MILLION A disgraced former headteacher and five former members of his staff have been told by the High Court they must pay back money they illegally received while working at Copland School. Davies, alongside former deputy head Dr Richard Evans, former HR manager Michele McKenzie and former school bursar Columbus Udokoro, benefited from the cash.

Davies was stripped of his knighthood after he was given a two-year suspended sentence for false accounting in 2013.

In the same trial the former staff had conspiracy to defaud charges dropped.

BRADFORD TEENAGER IN COURT ON TERROR CHARGE A 15-year-old boy from Bradford accused of researching and attempting to build a makeshift explosive device has appeared in court. The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested after an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing North East.

At the Youth Court wing of Leeds Magistrates' Court, he was denied bail by district judge David Kitson.

No pleas were entered during the 30-minute hearing.

The boy is next due to appear at the Old Bailey in London on 31 August.

The court heard the boy was charged was making or possessing explosives under suspicious circumstances after two carbon dioxide canisters were found linked together and filled with tacks. He is also charged with possessing a document or record likely to be useful to a person preparing or committing an act of terrorism, named in court as "Anarchist's Corner".

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11

25 - 31 August 2018

Outstanding A Level results at 'Trojan Horse' hearings against teachers and governor cost £1.27m Haberdasher’s Boys The Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School’s philosophy to nurture excellence in all areas of School life is clearly evident in the Class of 2018’s outstanding A Level results.

Alongside uncompromisingly high academic standards, it is the all-round, holistic education which enables every pupil to thrive, to develop aspirations and to pursue his ambitions with confidence and energy.

Academic excellence very readily sits alongside success in Sport, Drama, Music, Art and Community Service. The School is therefore delighted to see that the Class of 2018, once again, has succeeded in all areas of educational life.

Habs Boys continues to see outstanding A Level results right across the year group and subject areas. 42% of all grades awarded were A*; 38 pupils (25%) gained 3 or more A* grades; 85 pupils (56%) gained straight A* and A grades.

Particular strengths this year are to be found in Modern Foreign Languages, English Literature, all three Sciences and Further Mathematics.

Dillon Kurani, who captains the School’s hockey team, achieved A*A*A*A. His chosen A Levels were

happy with my results. My brother, who also studied at Habs, helped me a lot throughout my Sixth Form years.

It’s with his support, and the support of the teachers and Head of Sixth Form at Habs, that I have achieved these results.”

P e t e r H a m i l t o n , Headmaster, L to R: Dillon Kurani, Animesh Misra commented: Maths, Further Maths, “Congratulations to the Chemistry and Economics. boys for their outstanding Dillon, who will go on to achievements. These results study Economics at London are a wonderful way to end School of Economics, said: my time at the School. It has “I am really happy with my been a real privilege to know results and am very excited the Class of 2018 as they for the future. The support have grown into fine young from Habs was incredible. I men over the last decade. must take this opportunity Their superb results are the to thank my family for pushmark of hard work, dedicaing me, especially my brothtion and excellent teaching. er Amit who also went to “We are immensely Habs four years ago. I am proud of our students who really looking forward to leave us exceptionally well starting at LSE.” prepared to pursue their Animesh Misra, Senior dreams and aspirations Prefect, achieved A*AA in beyond Haberdashers’ Maths, Physics and knowing that they have had Geography. Animesh, who the surest of foundations. I will study Geophysics at wish all of our pupils, and Imperial College London, their parents, a wonderful said: “I am really, really future.”

hearings, which Misconduct hearings began in 2015, were - most of which colongoing. Lawyers for lapsed - against two of the accused teachers accused in teachers, Monzoor the so-called "Trojan Hussain and Lindsey Horse" inquiry cost Clark, had issued sep£884,055, the BBC can arate statements reveal. The case to when the hearings ban from education were dropped saying the ex-chair of goverparties were nors for three The alleged "Trojan Horse" plot was to oust some both Birmingham schools Birmingham head teachers and make their schools relieved.

The inquiry has that were investigated, adhere to more conservative Islamic principles "caused long-term damTahir Alam, also cost Banned governor Mr £387,444 in legal fees. age" and "divided communiAlam said the cases were a Witness statements ties" in Birmingham, "total waste of public according to the co-author from a prior inquiry had money" that achieved little. of a play about it, Helen been "deliberately withheld" Several schools in Monks. The alleged plot before the hearings were Birmingham were investicaused such outrage because dropped in May 2017. The gated amid claims of a the accusation centred on government said it made Muslim hardliners' plot to the claim children were "no apology for working to control them, known as the being fed a one-sided educaprotect young people".

Trojan Horse affair, which tion and view of the world.

The BBC has fought a began in 2014.

Ironically the hearings Freedom of Information The teachers' hearings collapsed when the NCTL battle since April 2017 to stemmed from that investiwhich has since been reveal the costs, which sucgation but were dropped replaced by the Teaching ceeded when the indepenwhen the professional conRegulation Agency - found dent data watchdog The duct panel of the National it had not presented the Information Commissioner's College for Teaching and whole picture of the accusaOffice ordered the Leadership (NCTL) found Department for Education tions to the lawyers who its own organisation with(DfE) to release the informawere trying to defend the held 25 statements that had accused teachers' reputation after backing the corpobeen used in an an earlier tions and careers. ration's public interest arguinquiry led by former Mr Alam said he was ments. counter-terror boss Peter depicted as an "anti-state The only teacher who Clarke. enemy" during the affair and was sanctioned - out of 14 The DfE said it was questioned what the inquiry against whom the DfE pur"looking carefully" at the achieved. He said GCSE sued hearings - was the forhandling of the cases, which marks at the schools where mer acting head teacher of were "led by an external law he was chair of governors Oldknow Academy in Small firm". The teachers were not had declined since the affair.

Heath, Jahangir Akbar. permitted to work while the

Thousands of top university places still up for grabs Universities are snapping up students for tens of thousands of degree places in a buyers' market for applicants, the latest Ucas data shows. A day after teenagers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland got their A-level results, 430,060 applicants from the UK and overseas have accepted degree places, slightly down on last year.

Clearing has been busy with 15,160 finding places after their results. Courses available even include medicine at St George's, University of London.

The number of applicants placed is down 2% on the same time last year, but

overall there has been a steady rise in the numbers going to university over the past 10 years - from 375,320 in 2009.

The figures include students whose places were confirmed before Thursday, including Scottish teenagers who take qualifications other than A-levels.

This year's application process has been affected by demographic changes, including a fall in the number of 18-year-olds, which has led to fewer university applications overall.

Overall, Clearing secured 2.4% more places than in 2017, with more students choosing to delay

their applications until after their results.

- 4,210 found their places, after applying directly to Clearing - 16% up on last year and more than twice as many as 10 years ago - 10,950 applicants who went through the main application scheme have places through clearing, down slightly on 11,180 last year.

But a decline in the number of 18-year-olds has meant fewer applicants than in previous years are now listed as free to be placed in Clearing - down from a peak of 186,270 in 2011 and 4% lower than last year's figure of 134,840.

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25 - 31 August 2018

SCRUTATOR’S ‘Reform, perform, transform,’ was the theme of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the Nation from the ramparts of historic Delhi’s Red Fort on the 72nd Indian Independence Day celebrations. He exuded confidence on the New India fit for purpose for the new generation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort on the 72nd Independence Day celebration

The Prime Minister highlighted the fundamental changes in the country’s evolving economy, starting with the doubling of tax payments to 75,000 crore, the ease of doing business, which had resulted in around $1 trillion worth of investments, domestic and foreign, the unfolding national health insurance and public health and sanitation measures, continuing agricultural reforms projected to double farm production over the next four years and the promise to protect Muslim women by banning the tyrannical practice of triple talaq (instant divorce following the thrice declared intent of the male spouse).

Manned space flight by 2022 Moving to the future, Prime Minister Modi said India would send a manned mission into space by 2022, taking India In to an elite group of four countries after the US, Russia and China.. Dr K. Sivan, Chairman of the Indian Space and Research Organization (ISRO) speaking on TV, said that much preparatory to that goal had already successfully been accomplished, what remained to be done, although challenging, was eminently achievable.

literary icon, most drearily mundane, in their muted tributes, relived somewhat by syndicated columns from the New York Times, the favoured crutches of Indian scribes unable to walk the talk unaided at such challenging moments.

Nobel Laureate Vidyadhar (Sir Vidia to the public in his mellowing years) Surajprasad Naipaul was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in October 2001, the Swedish Academy having found release from its claustrophobic embrace of Islamic clerics and their obedient flocks in the aftermath of the jihadi attacks of 9/11 on the United States of America.

The Academy made timely amends for its past timidity with praise of the author’s ‘incorruptible scrutiny in works that compel us to see the presence of suppressed histories…as a literary circumnavigator only really at home in himself, in his inimitable voice.’ He was unaffected by literary fashion and models and had wrought existing genres into a style uniquely his own, said the judges.

Naipaul’s response

Passing of a Literary giant The novelist and writer V.S. Naipaul, born into an Indian immigrant family in the Caribbean island of Trinidad died in London on 11 August 2018, aged 85, within a week of his 86th birthday. Reams of print were devoted to his life and career as a

Naipaul expressed intense delight at this ‘unexpected accolade. It is a great tribute to England, my home, and to India, home of my ancestors…’ The literary critic Jason Cowley summed up thus: ‘His work, may, at times, be characterized by irritable misanthropy,… and by rage, but in the canon of British writing, he is without peer, a scourge of sentimentality, irrational and lazy left-liberal prejudices. He deserves the prize.’

Place in the canon

Novelist, writer Sir V.S. Naipauil

For Amit Chaudhuri, an acknowledged literary critic of high standing, with contributions in The Times Literary Supplement, New Yorker, The New Review of Books et al, Naipaul was the finest writer in the English landscape in the

second half of the twentieth century.

‘To yourself be true, wrote Shakespeare. Sir Vidia stubbornly so, felt it was a writer’s role to disturb, tease and infuriate, to shake the unregenerate out of their comfort zones of uncritical faith of, banal simplicities expressed in the ritualized solace of incantation. From anxiety and calamity, Naipaul brought leavened experience to fertilize imagination, imagination to illuminate experience. His early prize winning comic masterpieces, The Mystic Masseur, Miguel Street The Mimic Men et al such made room for the more serious works, A House for Mr Biswas, In a Free State (Booker Prize), A Bend in the River and The Enigma of Arrival were landmarks in modern English fiction.. To this oeuvre must be added his travel omnibus, The Middle Passage: The Caribbean Revisited, Among the Believers, Beyond Belief, India: A Million Mutinies Now, a sympathetic understanding of the country’s churning, a redemptive measure of leavening hope to his earlier pessimism.

The day after Indira Gandhi’s assassination, Naipal paid a fulsome tribute in London’s Daily Mail (1November 1984) to her father Jawaharlal Nehru, and to her, for giving India time and space to grow, and their encouragement of science, an incubation of a rising educated class in search of modernity.

Sir Vidia’s memorable reportage includes ‘The Return of Eva Peron’– a searing analysis of Argentine history, society and politics, arguably author’s finest piece in this genre. As long as the English language remains to entrance and enlighten us, light the way to the desired universal civilization, so long will the works of Vidyadhar Surajprasad.

Naipaul be read and cherished.

Disarray of Indian cricket The hype is over, the indecent exposure of the mediocrity of India’s Test team of cricketers brutally exposed by the rout against England in the Second Test at Lord’s. Indian excricketers fattened on easy fees turned media gurus, who contributed ignobly to the once fevered optimism are running for cover with sudden new insights: lack of footwork, lack of technique, application or whatever. Master batsmen, shorn of the synthetic plumages, are a sight for soe eyes.. Dhavan, Vijay, Rahane, rock star Pandya, he of the multicoloured hair-dos, et al are out of their depth in the testing environment of Test cricket.

Former captain, and now a commentator, Saurav Ganguly, awakening from his slumbers, made a frantic call for the inclusion of Karun Nair and Risabh Pant for the Third Test match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, before the threatened apocalypse puts the faltering summer beyond any hope of redemption. Too little, too late. (Print media, TV

channels August 11, 12).

Rains and floods torment Kerala Heavy monsoon rains have breached dams and caused rivers

tribute to the leading role of the IITs in India’s development hoped they would likewise contribute in Artificial Intelligence and other cutting edge technologies to

Kerala floods to burst their banks bringing devastation to this southern state.

Forty-two people at the last count were killed. Kochi Airport was closed until August 18. Home Minister Rajnath Singh promised immediate relief aid of Rs 100 crore (Hindu August 13, 15).

Far-reaching Army reforms underway Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her first address to India’s armed forces told of the government’s decision to introduce far-reaching reforms of the Army, enabling it to be a more effective fighting force in tune with modern conditions. The reforms would encompass officers of all ranks, fitted for purpose in various roles. The reforms would also involve the redeployment and restructuring of Army posts. This would be accompanied by improved methods of transport and supply requirements; all dues for personnel to be met expeditiously in line with the Pay Commission recommendations ((Hindu August 15) China beefs up Tibetan presence China’s military presence in Tibet has been beefed up by oxygen deliverable equipment at military posts across the entire region to prepare for high altitude warfare, according to The Global Times, mouthpiece of the ruling Communist Party. The report was confirmed by the website of the People’s Liberation Army (Times of India, Hindu August 15) North-East goes digital To communications with India’s North-East region, the Central government has announced a Rs10,000 crore aid package over four years, including its digitization, said Telecommunications Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad in Guwahati, Assam, while inaugurating the first electronics manufacturing cluster in the region (Hindu August 12).

PM lauds IITs Prime Minister Modi urged administrators of the prestigious Indian Institues of Technology to focus more on quality rather quanity for research programmes.

Having stressed the urgency of doing so, the Prime Minister paid

service and secure the country’s future (Hindu August 12).

Ties with India crucial for Texas The Governor of the US State of Texas, Gregg Abbot, said that trade and investment ties with India were crucial to its development going forward, at a meeting of the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce in Houston. ‘Texas energy can fuel the growth that is coming to India… when I was in India I met with Prime Minister Modi for more than an hour and I left with more optimism that Texas-India partnership has no limits.’ (Hindu August 13).

Somnath Chatterjee dies, aged 89 Former Speaker of the Lok Sabha Somnath Chatterjee has died in Kolkata, aged 89, leaving behind a wife, son and daughter. A distinguished lawyer and once member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) before his unexpected and painful expulsion, party members who came to the house to pay ther respects were thrown out by Mr Chatterjee’s family (Hindu August 14).

Pune tops Ease of Living Index Pune topped India’s Ease of Living Index, with Delhi 65 on the list. The vaunted Am Admi Party of Arvind Kejriwal with Delhi’s squalid administration has much to answer for. He has been charged with assaulting a civil servant during an affray (Hindu August 14).

Shaurya Chakra Awards Major Aditiya Kumar and abducted and murdered Rifleman Aurangzeb were awarded the Shaurya Chakra – the latter posthumously - for bravery in counter insurgency operations in the Kashmir Valley.

Amazon invests further $386 million in India Amazon the world’s largest online retailerhas invested an India, bringing its total investment in the country to a massive $4 billion (Mint August 14).

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25 - 31 August 2018

Westminster car crash suspect appears in court A man accused of attempted murder after a car crashed outside the Houses of Parliament has appeared in court.

Salih Khater, 29, is alleged to have swerved his car into cyclists and pedestrians before driving towards police and crashing into a barrier.

Three people were injured in the incident on 14 August, which is being treated by prosecutors as terrorism.

Mr Khater, from Birmingham, appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court charged with two counts of attempted murder. A UK national originally from Sudan, Mr Khater is charged with one count of attempting to murder persons outside Parliament and a second count of attempting to murder police officers.

Police said his case was being treated as terrorism due to the location, methodology and alleged targeting of civilians and police officers.

Salih Khater appeared in court

Mr Khater, of Highgate Street, was remanded in custody. His

next court appearance will be at the Old Bailey on 31 August.

A family of 11 say they have been split up because a council doesn’t have a sixbedroom home to give them after they were illegally evicted. The Hussains have been moved around several times and are now living apart after their local council struggled to find a new home for them all. For the last two months, Simone and Ansar have been living in hotels while they wait for a house in Birmingham.

They said they were illegally evicted from their

home after it developed severe leaks and electrical faults.

Birmingham City Council has confirmed that the family are on the housing register at the highest priority banding, but ‘there are very few six-bedroom properties available.’ After moving out on June 13, the Hussains were sent to a Travelodge in Burton-uponTrent as their three-bed property was deemed unsafe to live in.

For nearly a month, they

continued with the school run, completing a 42-mile trip. The family’s monthlong stay ended in Burton and the Hussains went to another Travelodge, this time in Rugeley, Staffordshire.

Another month later and they were taken Bristol where they were separated and put into three different flats. They’d hoped to be back in Birmingham by the end of August, but have now been told it’s more likely to be near the end of September.

Ariana Grande breaks down talking about Arena attack

Still frame from BBC News footage of the car which crashed into security barriers

Slough based women’s support group present £10,000 donation at cancer awareness conference A total of £10,000 raised by Slough based women’s support group Meet and Mingle was presented to the Imperial Health Charity at a cancer awareness conference on Saturday. The event at the Copthorne Hotel included information stalls from cancer charities including Macmillan, Penny Brohn, Ovacome and featured a talk from Professor Christina Fotopoulou.

Dr Fotopoulou is a con-

Family forced to live in three separate flats because council doesn’t have 6-bed home

sultant gynaecological oncologist for the Imperial College NHS Trust and the principal coordinator of the European Competence Centre for Ovarian Cancer in Berlin.

Meet and Mingle presented a cheque of £10,000 towards Ovarian Cancer research at the Imperial Health Charity, which helps Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust hospitals.

Dr Philip Reginald, Dr Sumita Nayak, Dr Sophie

Price, Dr Lalitha Iyer also gave information on cancer and the importance of detecting it early.

Meet and Mingle founder Aksa Marshal was diagnosed with late stage ovarian cancer last year and was treated by Dr Fotopoulou. But the night before the conference Mrs Marshal, who is herself battling ovarian cancer, had to go into hospital after becoming unwell.

Journalist Required Let your words be your voice

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Ariana Grande broke down in tears when talking about last year's Manchester attack and its aftermath.

Speaking about her track Get Well Soon, the singer said: "People are permanently affected by this stuff.

It changes everything."

A suicide bombing killed 22 people at her concert in May 2017 at the Manchester Arena. Ariana Grande has since said she's coping with the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In an interview with Ebro Darden on Beats 1 Radio, the 25-year-old said her song is "about being there for each other and helping each other through scary times and anxiety.

"I just wanted to do something to make people feel good - and less alone."

She added: "I just wanted to give people a hug musically.

"I feel like the lyrics can be kind of corny when I talk about wanting to hug you and stuff, but I do."

Two weeks after the attack, Ariana Grande put on the One Love Manchester concert, which featured acts including Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry and Justin Bieber.

14 COMMUNITY

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When a small step will make a huge difference First Hindu Youth Parliament Outreach Event held in the U.K

Youngsters pictured in Parliament for the Outreach event

A group of enthusiastic youngsters made their way to Portcullis House on one of the wettest days of the summer. Despite the inclement weather, their spirits were not dampened. The exuberance of these youngsters is so remarkable that if we don’t channel and nurture it, in years to come we will only have ourselves to blame.

Parliament Outreach event organised by the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh U.K. and the Parliament Education and outreach team was entitled ‘People, Power and Parliament-How Parliament works’. What happens in Parliament, how Parliament works to make laws, debates issues, decides how monies taken in taxes are spent on our behalf to run the country were amongst the topics covered. The issues discussed and voted upon in Parliament affect us all and it is our duty to participate in Parliament and voting. An interesting fact was that the parliamentary seat of Fife North East was won in the 2017 General elections by just 2 votes. So, the message was, every vote counts. They learnt that the Queen cannot vote!

Anyone who is concerned about something can start an e-petition and often if the petition has sufficient signatories, it will be debated in Parliament. The youngsters were told about the journey of a Parliamentary Bill. It is a proposal for a new law or a change to an existing law and sometimes there is frantic toing and froing

Astha tying a rakhi on Charlotte’s wrist

of the bill from the Commons to the Lords before it gets the Royal Assent and a bill becomes an Act of Parliament. Dhruv Kadam, aged 17 from Pinner asked if a bill has ever been rejected by the present Queen. The answer was ‘No’ as the queen acts on the advise of the Government. A video on views of young people about how crucial it is to vote and a video about the role of a Parliament Select committee was punctuated with interactive games and activities. Ishwari aged 20 wanted to know if Commonwealth citizens can vote in the U.K. general elections. They also learnt that qualifying commonwealth citizens can vote although strangely members of the House of Lords cannot vote!

Career opportunities for youngsters in

government departments and Parliament generated interest among the young contingent. The youngsters were told there are positions for lawyers, Hansard Reporters, Social Media Officers, Economists, Parliamentary Assistant to an MP or a Peer, Curator and many more.

Graduate Apprentice Schemes, internships, Sandwich Student Placements and work experience opportunities are open to all. On the Parliament Web Site https://www.parliament.uk/about/working/ one can find out more about opportunities in Parliament.

They also celebrated Rakshabandhan in parliament. Astha, at 12 one of the youngest attendees did tilak on Charlotte‘s forehead, tied Rakhi and gave sugar candy (misri) as a gesture of friendship and goodwill. They distributed more rakhis and all the attendees participated in the Rakhi tying ceremony and chocolates were distributed.

Rakshabandhan is a festival where rakhi is a symbol of love and protection. Today in Parliament, a bold new generation of young Hindus pledged to protect our values, our voice by active participation in Parliament and the processes that govern us. May be someone from this group of youngsters may be the first Hindu PM? So, ‘ , Arise Awake’ the immortal words of Swami Vivekanand from the Katha Upnishad are profoundly relevant for Hindus in Britain today.

Taj Express coming to Birmingham Taj Express, an uplifting show full of colour, high-energy music and sensational dance scenes, is coming to Birmingham next month.

Projecting the kaleidoscopic colours of India, Taj Express follows the story of one man’s passion and another man’s genius.

Young composer Shankar struggles with his music, and it’s only when he begins to follow in the footsteps of his idol, Oscar winner A. R. Rahman that he discovers his path to success. The production reveals the secrets of the world’s most prolific film industry, and people behind the screen who make the magic in India’s factory of dreams.

Taj Express blends explosive dance with the hits of India’s most iconic composers and is brought to life by the stars of Bollywood cinema and its greatest musicians live on stage and includes an unforgettable soundtrack featuring the songs of A.R. Rahman, composer of Danny Boyle’s 2008 film Slumdog Millionaire. The productionfollows on from the success of The Merchants of Bollywood and Wah! Wah! Girls. The dances are choreographed by one of Bollywood’s top young choreographers, Vaibhavi Merchant and directed by her sister Shruti Merchant. The

pair were part of the creative team behind The Merchants of Bollywood, based on the life of their grandfather Shri Hiralalji and Vaibhavi herself.

As director of Taj Express, Shruti aims to give audiences a true flavour of India and

entertain and enthral audiences of all ages across the world. Taj Express visits Birmingham Hippodrome from Tues 11 – Sat 15 Sept.

For more information visit www.birminghamhippodrome.com

Kudos for Morningside Pharmaceuticals Morningside Pharmaceuticals Ltd, based in Loughborough has received a letter of thanks from an African hospital after donating thousands pounds of medical supplies to help treat patients being caredfor there.

The company is a leading manufacturer of quality medicine to UK hospitals and supplier globally through aid agencies.

The donation to St Joseph’s Hospital, in Limbe, Malawi, was made through charity Inter Care – Medical Aid for Africa, based in Syston. The charity specialises in sending high quality medical aid to rural health units in sub-Saharan Africa including Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Ghana and Sierra Leone.

A letter to Dr Kotecha OBE, Chief Executive of Morningside Pharmaceuticals,

by Sister Mercy Kanyumbu, said: “I wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to you for your kindness and generosity shown to us by way of this donation.

“I am extremely grateful for your invaluable support to the hospital. The medicine will help us improve the quality of service delivery, especially to the poor and vulnerable.

“It is our sincere hope that our relationship and collaboration will continue to grow from strength to strength for the benefit of our people. This will serve the children here and we really appreciate it.”

As well as the donation of medicine, Morningside Pharmaceuticals has also funded Inter Care’s new online stock control system, which helps the charity track the recycled surplus UK medicines and healthcare goods it sends to rural health units in some of the poorest parts of sub-Saharan Africa.

Dr Kotecha OBE, Chief Executive of Morningside Pharmaceuticals, said: “A significant part of our business specialises in providing essential supplies to aid agencies such as UNICEF, the World Health Organisation and the Red Cross.

Much of the medicine supplied globally helps people in desperate need of healthcare, such as those living through the devastating wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

“We have been working closely with Inter Care for some time, which carries out amazing work in Africa that helps save thousands of lives each year. I was personally very humbled to receive the letter of thanks from the hospital in Malawi and am very pleased our donation has helped them continue their essential lifesaving work within their community.”

Pension saving rates reach a record high of 1,368,000 among BAME population New figures estimate that the number of BAME employees who are enrolled into a workplace pension has risen to a 10 year high of 1,368,000.

These statistics show that the number of savers has increased by almost 500,000 in four years.

Automatic enrolment has transformed saving in the UK and has brought more than 9.8 million people in UK into a workplace pension.

As people are living longer, healthier lives the more people save now the more freedom they will have in retirement.

Guy Opperman, Minister for Pensions and Financial Inclusion: “Automatic enrolment has led to a savings revolution in the UK with more people than ever before saving into a workplace pension.

“Among the BAME population this rise has been especially impressive. There is more we can do for groups such as the selfemployed, which is why we’re looking at running some trials to find an approach which works for them, too.”

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SAJID JAVID SAYS SORRY TO 18 WINDRUSH GENERATION MEMBERS BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN WRONGLY DETAINED OR DEPORTED Sajid Javid this Tuesday said sorry to 18 Windrush generation members believed to have been wrongly detailed or deported. The Home Secretary issued the apology after a review of thousands of cases where people with Caribbean heritage could have been wrongly caught up in an immigration crackdown. He also revealed that the total number of individuals who might have been wrongly detained or removed could be as high as 164.

The news came in a letter to MPs on the Commons Home Affairs Committee updating them on the process of trawling through records.

The Windrush scandal came to a head earlier this year when it emerged hundreds of Commonwealth citizens who came to the UK in the years up to 1973 and were entitled to be in the country had been wrongly threatened with deportation.

It led to the resignation of Amber Rudd as Home Secretary and a Government promise of a compensation fund for those affected.

Mr Javid said work was still ongoing, but there appeared to be 164 people of Caribbean Commonwealth heritage who might have been in the UK before 1973. Of those, officials had identified 18 cases where individuals had lived in the UK but were unable to demonstrate their continuous residence, and were removed or detained as a result. He said of the 18 individuals, four were removed and two detained before May 2010 - when Labour was in government. Seven were removed and five detained after 2010, when the Tory-Lib Dem coalition came to power.

The Empire Windrush passenger ship docked at Tilbury from Jamaica. The 492 passengers were temporarily housed near Brixton in London. Over the following decades some 500,000 came to the UK. Many arrived on their parents' passports and were not formally naturalised as British citizens.

In 1973 a new immigration Act came into force putting the onus on individuals to prove they have previously been resident in the UK. In 2014 a protection that exempted Commonwealth residents from enforced removal was removed under a new law. Theresa May was Home Secretary at the time.

NEWHAM TEACHER BANNED FOR LIFE AFTER IMPERSONATING PUPIL TO FALSELY ACCUSE COLLEAGUE OF SEXUAL ASSAULT A teacher who impersonated a pupil on Childline to falsely accuse a colleague of sexual assault has been banned from the profession for life.

Sheena Boll, 36, pretended to be a 14year-old girl from the Newham school she worked at when she made the allegations against a colleague in March 2016. She falsely claimed that the ‘teenager’ had been sexually assaulted and that the man showed a worrying level of personal interest in her to the point of her avoiding him.

A police investigation into the source of the Childline claims resulted in Ms Boll being identified and arrested. She was also sacked by the school she worked at after admitting making the call. She was handed an 11 month prison sentence, suspended for two years, after being convicted of malicious communications at Thames Magistrates’ Court in January last year. She was also sentenced to 200 hours of community service and a 12 month supervision order, and ordered to pay costs and compensation.

This month, the professional conduct panel ruled that in light of her conviction, Ms Boll should be prohibited from teaching indefinitely, with no right to apply for her eligibility to be restored in future. The report into the panel’s decision said that it “was not persuaded that Ms Boll has demonstrated any remorse”.

It stated that there was no evidence to suggest that Ms Boll was acting under duress when she made the allegations, and that the panel “found the teacher’s actions to be calculated and deliberate”.

The report continued: “The panel considered that Ms Boll behaved in a malicious and untrustworthy way. She abused and took advantage of a crucial system that has at its core the protection and safeguarding of children. The panel found it particularly worrying that Ms Boll’s actions were premeditated.”

Ms Boll has 28 days to appeal the decision.

Dhruv Chhatralia: Reintroducing Indian Spirituality Sunetra Senior

Dharma, from animals and human beings to the smaller units such as atoms. Such spirituality works on the mind with such depth and the Indian diaspora can vocalise and facilitate that. The concept transcends the notion of left or right-wing politics.

For ancient Indian rulers, the likes and needs of people came before a given political party leaning.” And indeed, as it fascinatingly turns out, “the western idea of the self is very tied to the body. The belief is that when it goes away the person goes away. But the person remains despite the body aging. We are neither the body nor the mind, which is also an accumulation of impressions. We have a higher calling – the soul. As humans we are constantly evolving. For example, we are more intelligent than our ancestors, the animals. I believe there is also a future for superhumans wherein we develop beyond a material intelligence to a conscious awareness.” This would certainly stoke more action in saving the planet: a necessity if we are to preserve the human race. “It is worth noting too,” Dhruv added, “there was a notion of evolution in Indian culture before Darwin. If you look at the 10

his May, British Parliament celebrated leading orator and lawyer, Dhruv’s, 300th talk on the powerful teachings of Hinduism.

The young, globally connected speaker became the first to give a talk on the life of ShreeKrushna as described in the Shrimad Bhagavat in this prestigious setting. This is undoubtedly because of the beautifully unique and practical way Dhruv unfolds the great spiritual tradition of India.

A dedicated practitioner of yoga, the young spokesperson has talked on the contemporary significance of Hinduism at such institutions as the British Army, Ministry of Defence, Metropolitan Police and BBC Radio.

He has also written extensively on India’s great spiritual heritage, including 21 books and a chapter in ‘A Living Bridge: the UK – India Diaspora and the Rise of the Millennials.’ Dhruv believes that the time is now for Indian communities spanning the world to reclaim their cultural value against the backdrop of a materialist West: “our diaspora can play an important role in reviving the spiritual legacy of India.

We are doing well economically and politically, but must also champion the timeless wisdom of our nation.” As India’s denizens increasingly inhabit positions of power, including the country being a strong international influence, Dhruv identifies an opportunity to escape the capitalist and socialist forces that once dictated the East. *** incarnations of Vishnu, he went from a “History, largely a result of the imperial fish to a tortoise through a series of west and middle east, has brought wars more complex animals to dwarf to man and environmental degradation. I feel to a meditative man.” So, the spiritual India has an order that’s different to concept of striving to do better is interoffer the world. In the face of violence twined with its biological equivalent. and greed, our tradition brings good Thus, Dhruv doesn’t just empower an forces such as yoga, ayurveda, ahimsa, entire culture, but also galvanises an and a holistic spirituality. We can think urgent way of looking at the world. By of monetary strength, but the 21st approaching spirituality universally, he Century can be India’s for different reaunearths a channel that touches everysons.” He continued: “when you grow one. Spirituality naturally appears up in the West, there is this sense of cohesive with applied science. people wanting what they cannot have: contentment and inner bliss. Western You emphasise the power of systems have not worked because they yoga. Please elaborate? are based on exploitation and defining In the West, people have looked up people according to their wealth. in terms of their wellbeing. But when Indians used to live blissful lives that you are looking up then you are imagfocused more on the inner landscape. ining – seeing what you want to. The We may not now have access to materidiscrepancy in such ideologies results al comforts but we have preserved that in wars and conflicts. People in the spiritual life.” Dhruv gently elaborated West then looked externally for their on an Indian social essence that growth, building railways, facencourages reflection by way tories etc. and they ruined of an ideological alternaour environment. Yoga and The 21st tive: “India has a concept mediation help you look Century can be inwards rather than called Dharma, which predates the time of reliabove or externally. By India’s for gious labels, and is conmeditating on the breath different cerned with natural law. you can trace where your It focuses on the wellbeidentification with the reasons ing of all creatures in the body begins. People think world and respect for the Yoga simply about physical environment that preserves them. postures but the term Yoga actuIn ancient India upon waking up first ally means: ‘union’. We can turn the thing in the morning, people would say senses and the mind inwards and expea prayer apologising to the Mother rience that we are the soul. This is the Earth for stepping on her. The whole different approach of eastern spiritualculture was based on not taking more ity. Only when you focus your attenthan what we give to the world. tion inwards do you see the unity Everything in the universe can have a between yourself, the cosmos and the

T

Dhruv Chhatralia

environment. For example it has been proven that putting one’s bare feet on the earth helps absorb electrons which are good for the body.

A study on amnesiac patients showed them choosing the same food and points of view despite a lost memory. There was still a distinct sense of self.

Yes memory is preserved inside the cells of the body which forms a part of the mind. The five senses are always in the present moment. For example, you can only see what is going on now. But the mind can see the past, present and the future. When we have control over our senses, we can develop our mind to even tell what’s happening in the future. It’s about purifying the mind and redirecting the senses inwards.

When a glass lamp is cleaned then the flame inside reveals itself. In the same way if you clean the impressions of the mind, the knowledge of one’ self reveals itself.

Has that clarity helped you through your prolific career, from your writing numerous books and a successful legal career?

Absolutely. There is a big difference between confidence and consciousness. You can have the confidence to cross the road, but you need the consciousness to do it safely. Selfrealisation, a result of the practice of Yoga, reveals to you what your purpose is in life. If a ship changes direction just by one degree, it would end up somewhere entirely different. Therefore we should learn about who we are and what our purpose is. People think of concentration as focusing on one point at one time but through yoga you can develop your concentration on many points at one time. Therefore I rarely leave work with e-mails in my inbox unanswered. By understanding my connection with other human beings, I work in a cohesive manner with other lawyers on negotiations and am compassionate with junior staff. As part of a global law firm, I get to work with people all over the world and, rather than making superficial connections, I can connect with them at a deeper level. I am able to talk to them about Indian culture and history and like learning about theirs. India has a lot to offer well beyond Bollywood and cricket.

Finally, how does exploring cultural heritage encourage community cohesion?

India has never invaded another country in its entire history. We’ve welcomed Zoroastrians who fled from Persia to Gujarat, Jews fleeing persecution from the Romans, and even the Dalai Lama from Tibet to whom we gave sanctuary. We’ve always respected pluralism and the freedom of thought which makes us unique.

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Charity of the year 2018

Shortlists announced for the 18th Asian Achievers Awards Rupanjana Dutta

SHORTLISTS FOR 2018

Friday 14th September will witness a true celebration of diversity across Britain's communities, at the 18th annual Asian Achievers Awards in Grosvenor House, London, organised by Britain’s oldest Asian diaspora publications Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar. The gala will be attended by more than 800 guests including business tycoons, entrepreneurs, industrialists, senior professionals, celebrities, members of Parliament and the uniformed services.

An integral part of the British life, the Asian community plays an increasingly important role in shaping the country’s future. Known as the People’s Choice Awards, the Asian Achievers Awards celebrates the outstanding work of South Asian individuals from across a spectrum of backgrounds and professions. The short-listed candidates symbolise the true spirit of today's multicultural and diverse Britain, representing various South Asian communities especially Indian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, to name a few. A full list of the shortlisted candidate is produced below.

CB Patel, Chairman of the Asian Achievers Awards and Publisher/Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar said, “I am delighted to unveil the shortlist for this year’s nominees – each of whom is singularly responsible for bringing the Asian community to the centre stage of British life. They are inspiring role models for us all and for future generations.

“The Asian Achievers Awards celebrate the rich cultural diversity of modern Britain and are only awards of their kind that are judged by an independent panel as well as by readers of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar. The judges face the tough decision of selecting the winners from an outstanding range of exceptional individuals who are each making great strides in their own field.”

Since its launch, the Asian Achievers Awards has helped to raise millions of pounds for various charities and this year, the chosen charity partner is Oracle Cancer Trust, which is the UK’s leading charity solely dedicated to funding research into head and neck cancer Over the past ten years, Oracle has invested over £5million in world-class research programmes discovering new and improved treatments with fewer immediate and long-term side effects for patients suffering from head and neck cancer. Oracle’s pioneering research work, led by some of the World’s leading authorities on head and neck cancer treatment has resulted in breakthroughs in delivering new surgical techniques, radiotherapy treatment, speech and language therapy, drug development and virus and immunotherapies.

The Asian Achievers Awards is also proud to have Colors TV on board as the Media Partners.

If you wish to attend the prestigious Asian Achievers Awards, to book your ticket, please email avsales@abplgroup.com or call 020 7749 4085.

Professional of the Year

Uniform and Civil Services

Sports personality of the Year

Indian Initiatives to tackle the country’s most common cancer Chief Supt Bas Javid

Kudlip Singh Bhamrah

Asst Com Neil Basu

Chief Supt Raj Kohli

l Chief Supt Bas Javid, a Gulf War veteran and the most senior officer in the

West Midlands Police force. l Kudlip Singh Bhamrah, is an East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) technician with the Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal for distinguished service. l Asst Com Neil Basu is the head of UK’s counter terrorism policing. l Chief Supt Raj Kohli, is the Chief Superintendent and Borough Commander of Hounslow.

Dr Anil Kumar Ohri

Dr Shafi Ahmed

Dr Kailash Chand

Priya Guha

l Dr Anil Kumar Ohri, CEO of Regent’s Park Healthcare (RPH) l Dr Shafi Ahmed, a surgeon, teacher, futurist, innovator and entrepreneur l Dr Kailash Chand OBE, a high profile GP in NHS, with senior roles in the

British Medical Association (BMA) and the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO). l Priya Guha, British business executive who currently works as the Ecosystem general manager of Rocketspace in London.

Entrepreneur of the Year

Amar Virdi

Anoushe Husain

Maya Vio

Parag Patel

l Amar Virdi, is a 20 year-old cricketer who plays for the county side, Surrey. l Anoushe Husain, is a paraclimber who is currently ranked 2nd in the UK with

just a year’s worth of training. l Maya Vio, a professional footballer playing for Tottenham Hotspur Ladies as a midfielder l Parag Patel, a sport shooter who also works as an ear, nose and throat consultant at Kingston Hospital in London.

Media Arts and Culture Community services

Adarsh Radia

Akshay Ruparelia

Sheeza Shah

Sai Lakshmi

Babita Sharma

l Adarsh Radia, co-founder of various successful businesses including

James Krishna Floyd

Saurav Dutt

Nomia Iqbal

l Babita Sharma, a British television newsreader on BBC News (TV channel)

Dishoom, Telenomics, Widerpool and KITE l Akshay Ruparelia, Founder and Managing Director of Doorsteps. l Sai Lakshmi, is the co-founder and CEO of Echo. l Sheeza Shah, is the founder and CEO of UpEffect.

and BBC World News, presenting the 'Newsday' strand, Monday to Wednesday, from London with Rico Hizon in Singapore l James Krishna Floyd, an actor of British origin who performed portraying characters of multiple nationalities and received significant appreciation. l Nomia Iqbal, a presenter and journalist at BBC news from 2008, an accomplished presenter for the BBC World Service's Newsday. l Saurav Dutt, a British Indian author and novelist, independent film producer, graphic novel writer, journalist and philanthropist known for his novel inspired by the India’s Daughter documentary entitled ‘The Butterfly Room.’

Woman of the Year

Business Person of the Year Dame Pratibha Laxman Gai

Heidy Rehman

Sonali Naik

Aina Khan

Anwar Khattak

Mohammed Ishaq

Poppy Jaman

l Aina Khan OBE, lawyer, Director of Register Our Marriage campaign for

marriage law reform and a Member of Law Society’s Advanced Family Panel. l Anwar Khattak BEM, a campaigner behind Birmingham Youth Sport Academy (BYSA) which promotes football in an attempt to keep underprivileged children occupied and spend time constructively with peers l Mohammed Ishaq MBE, pioneer who started Punjab Kitchen, a kitcheb with a difference-his customers were patients who required special or convalescent meals. l Poppy Jaman OBE is the CEO of City Mental Health Alliance and Ambassador for Mental Health First Aid (MHFA).

Trishna Bharadia

l Dame Pratibha Laxman Gai DBE, a British microscopist and Professor and Chair

of Electron Microscopy, Director at the York, JEOL Nanocentre, Department of Physics and Chemistry at the University of York l Heidy Rehman, an accomplished eCommerce Executive l Sonali Naik QC, worked in the NGO sector for 5 years after being called to the Bar in 1991 l Trishna Bharadia, a Spanish-English translator/analyst for a business intelligence company who also works to bring the patient voice into the healthcare journey, improve education and enhance awareness about disability and chronic illness, support BAME communities in the context of disability.

ASIAN ACHIEVERS

AWARDS

The people’s choice awards Nitin Ganatra

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®

Central London 14th Sept. 2018 VENUE

Organised by Raj Manak

Ajith Jayawickrema

Rishi Khosla

Sheazad Hussain

l Raj Manak, managing director of Stanmore Contractors Limited.

l Ajith Jayawickrema, founder and managing director of Turtle Bay. l Rishi Khosla, co-founder of ACORN OakNorth

Compiled by Dr Shree Bhide, Oracle Cancer Trust Funded Researcher at The Institute of Cancer Research London Cancer is a cause which touches everyone’s lives. Head and neck cancer is now India’s most common cancer.

With this comes a number of country-specific issues related to the disease, its prevention, treatment and management.

Alarmingly, head and neck cancer has 65% mortality rate in India compared to 35% in higherDr Shreerang Bhide income countries.

Because of the head and neck’s close proximity to important structures like swallowing muscles, the spinal cord and the visual complex, optimal treatment outcomes require personnel with significant expertise and expensive equipment. These are available in India but only in a small number of centres in urban areas and the cost of treatment in majority of these centres, to be borne by the patient, can be significant.

However, various initiatives are underway in India to tackle the disease’s impact.

Tobacco consumption is a major risk factor for head and neck cancer. In India the majority of users consume tobacco in smokeless form, chewed with areca nut or betel leaves. Patient-led community initiatives such as Voice of Tobacco Victims (www.vovindia.org) are working actively in the area and a ban on tobacco advertising, heavy taxation on cigarettes, a ban on smoking in public places and government offices have all been implemented by the Government.

The National Cancer Grid, a collaboration of 90 centres across India, has been established to facilitate nationwide patient access to affordable treatment delivered to uniform standards. Nevertheless, further investment in resources for disease prevention, early diagnosis and uniform access to optimal treatment is urgently required.

Oracle Cancer Trust is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to research into head and neck cancer. (www.oraclecancertrust.org) Research is crucial if we are to make discoveries about the biology of head and neck cancers and how to effectively treat the disease. Treatments resulting from Oracle’s work will have a global impact.

In recognition of Oracle’s important work in tackling India’s most common cancer, Asian Business Publications is delighted to be supporting the charity at the Asian Achievers Awards 2018. info@oraclecancertrust.org - www.oraclecancertrust.org 020 7922 7924

l Sheazad Hussain,Director of Medina Dairy Limited.

Join us at the 18th Asian Achievers Awards

Call and book your place NOW! 020 7749 4085 PR Partner

Sponsored Charity

Hospitality

Media Partner

Neev Spencer

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Charity of the year 2018

Shortlists announced for the 18th Asian Achievers Awards Rupanjana Dutta

SHORTLISTS FOR 2018

Friday 14th September will witness a true celebration of diversity across Britain's communities, at the 18th annual Asian Achievers Awards in Grosvenor House, London, organised by Britain’s oldest Asian diaspora publications Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar. The gala will be attended by more than 800 guests including business tycoons, entrepreneurs, industrialists, senior professionals, celebrities, members of Parliament and the uniformed services.

An integral part of the British life, the Asian community plays an increasingly important role in shaping the country’s future. Known as the People’s Choice Awards, the Asian Achievers Awards celebrates the outstanding work of South Asian individuals from across a spectrum of backgrounds and professions. The short-listed candidates symbolise the true spirit of today's multicultural and diverse Britain, representing various South Asian communities especially Indian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, to name a few. A full list of the shortlisted candidate is produced below.

CB Patel, Chairman of the Asian Achievers Awards and Publisher/Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar said, “I am delighted to unveil the shortlist for this year’s nominees – each of whom is singularly responsible for bringing the Asian community to the centre stage of British life. They are inspiring role models for us all and for future generations.

“The Asian Achievers Awards celebrate the rich cultural diversity of modern Britain and are only awards of their kind that are judged by an independent panel as well as by readers of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar. The judges face the tough decision of selecting the winners from an outstanding range of exceptional individuals who are each making great strides in their own field.”

Since its launch, the Asian Achievers Awards has helped to raise millions of pounds for various charities and this year, the chosen charity partner is Oracle Cancer Trust, which is the UK’s leading charity solely dedicated to funding research into head and neck cancer Over the past ten years, Oracle has invested over £5million in world-class research programmes discovering new and improved treatments with fewer immediate and long-term side effects for patients suffering from head and neck cancer. Oracle’s pioneering research work, led by some of the World’s leading authorities on head and neck cancer treatment has resulted in breakthroughs in delivering new surgical techniques, radiotherapy treatment, speech and language therapy, drug development and virus and immunotherapies.

The Asian Achievers Awards is also proud to have Colors TV on board as the Media Partners.

If you wish to attend the prestigious Asian Achievers Awards, to book your ticket, please email avsales@abplgroup.com or call 020 7749 4085.

Professional of the Year

Uniform and Civil Services

Sports personality of the Year

Indian Initiatives to tackle the country’s most common cancer Chief Supt Bas Javid

Kudlip Singh Bhamrah

Asst Com Neil Basu

Chief Supt Raj Kohli

l Chief Supt Bas Javid, a Gulf War veteran and the most senior officer in the

West Midlands Police force. l Kudlip Singh Bhamrah, is an East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) technician with the Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal for distinguished service. l Asst Com Neil Basu is the head of UK’s counter terrorism policing. l Chief Supt Raj Kohli, is the Chief Superintendent and Borough Commander of Hounslow.

Dr Anil Kumar Ohri

Dr Shafi Ahmed

Dr Kailash Chand

Priya Guha

l Dr Anil Kumar Ohri, CEO of Regent’s Park Healthcare (RPH) l Dr Shafi Ahmed, a surgeon, teacher, futurist, innovator and entrepreneur l Dr Kailash Chand OBE, a high profile GP in NHS, with senior roles in the

British Medical Association (BMA) and the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO). l Priya Guha, British business executive who currently works as the Ecosystem general manager of Rocketspace in London.

Entrepreneur of the Year

Amar Virdi

Anoushe Husain

Maya Vio

Parag Patel

l Amar Virdi, is a 20 year-old cricketer who plays for the county side, Surrey. l Anoushe Husain, is a paraclimber who is currently ranked 2nd in the UK with

just a year’s worth of training. l Maya Vio, a professional footballer playing for Tottenham Hotspur Ladies as a midfielder l Parag Patel, a sport shooter who also works as an ear, nose and throat consultant at Kingston Hospital in London.

Media Arts and Culture Community services

Adarsh Radia

Akshay Ruparelia

Sheeza Shah

Sai Lakshmi

Babita Sharma

l Adarsh Radia, co-founder of various successful businesses including

James Krishna Floyd

Saurav Dutt

Nomia Iqbal

l Babita Sharma, a British television newsreader on BBC News (TV channel)

Dishoom, Telenomics, Widerpool and KITE l Akshay Ruparelia, Founder and Managing Director of Doorsteps. l Sai Lakshmi, is the co-founder and CEO of Echo. l Sheeza Shah, is the founder and CEO of UpEffect.

and BBC World News, presenting the 'Newsday' strand, Monday to Wednesday, from London with Rico Hizon in Singapore l James Krishna Floyd, an actor of British origin who performed portraying characters of multiple nationalities and received significant appreciation. l Nomia Iqbal, a presenter and journalist at BBC news from 2008, an accomplished presenter for the BBC World Service's Newsday. l Saurav Dutt, a British Indian author and novelist, independent film producer, graphic novel writer, journalist and philanthropist known for his novel inspired by the India’s Daughter documentary entitled ‘The Butterfly Room.’

Woman of the Year

Business Person of the Year Dame Pratibha Laxman Gai

Heidy Rehman

Sonali Naik

Aina Khan

Anwar Khattak

Mohammed Ishaq

Poppy Jaman

l Aina Khan OBE, lawyer, Director of Register Our Marriage campaign for

marriage law reform and a Member of Law Society’s Advanced Family Panel. l Anwar Khattak BEM, a campaigner behind Birmingham Youth Sport Academy (BYSA) which promotes football in an attempt to keep underprivileged children occupied and spend time constructively with peers l Mohammed Ishaq MBE, pioneer who started Punjab Kitchen, a kitcheb with a difference-his customers were patients who required special or convalescent meals. l Poppy Jaman OBE is the CEO of City Mental Health Alliance and Ambassador for Mental Health First Aid (MHFA).

Trishna Bharadia

l Dame Pratibha Laxman Gai DBE, a British microscopist and Professor and Chair

of Electron Microscopy, Director at the York, JEOL Nanocentre, Department of Physics and Chemistry at the University of York l Heidy Rehman, an accomplished eCommerce Executive l Sonali Naik QC, worked in the NGO sector for 5 years after being called to the Bar in 1991 l Trishna Bharadia, a Spanish-English translator/analyst for a business intelligence company who also works to bring the patient voice into the healthcare journey, improve education and enhance awareness about disability and chronic illness, support BAME communities in the context of disability.

ASIAN ACHIEVERS

AWARDS

The people’s choice awards Nitin Ganatra

17

®

Central London 14th Sept. 2018 VENUE

Organised by Raj Manak

Ajith Jayawickrema

Rishi Khosla

Sheazad Hussain

l Raj Manak, managing director of Stanmore Contractors Limited.

l Ajith Jayawickrema, founder and managing director of Turtle Bay. l Rishi Khosla, co-founder of ACORN OakNorth

Compiled by Dr Shree Bhide, Oracle Cancer Trust Funded Researcher at The Institute of Cancer Research London Cancer is a cause which touches everyone’s lives. Head and neck cancer is now India’s most common cancer.

With this comes a number of country-specific issues related to the disease, its prevention, treatment and management.

Alarmingly, head and neck cancer has 65% mortality rate in India compared to 35% in higherDr Shreerang Bhide income countries.

Because of the head and neck’s close proximity to important structures like swallowing muscles, the spinal cord and the visual complex, optimal treatment outcomes require personnel with significant expertise and expensive equipment. These are available in India but only in a small number of centres in urban areas and the cost of treatment in majority of these centres, to be borne by the patient, can be significant.

However, various initiatives are underway in India to tackle the disease’s impact.

Tobacco consumption is a major risk factor for head and neck cancer. In India the majority of users consume tobacco in smokeless form, chewed with areca nut or betel leaves. Patient-led community initiatives such as Voice of Tobacco Victims (www.vovindia.org) are working actively in the area and a ban on tobacco advertising, heavy taxation on cigarettes, a ban on smoking in public places and government offices have all been implemented by the Government.

The National Cancer Grid, a collaboration of 90 centres across India, has been established to facilitate nationwide patient access to affordable treatment delivered to uniform standards. Nevertheless, further investment in resources for disease prevention, early diagnosis and uniform access to optimal treatment is urgently required.

Oracle Cancer Trust is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to research into head and neck cancer. (www.oraclecancertrust.org) Research is crucial if we are to make discoveries about the biology of head and neck cancers and how to effectively treat the disease. Treatments resulting from Oracle’s work will have a global impact.

In recognition of Oracle’s important work in tackling India’s most common cancer, Asian Business Publications is delighted to be supporting the charity at the Asian Achievers Awards 2018. info@oraclecancertrust.org - www.oraclecancertrust.org 020 7922 7924

l Sheazad Hussain,Director of Medina Dairy Limited.

Join us at the 18th Asian Achievers Awards

Call and book your place NOW! 020 7749 4085 PR Partner

Sponsored Charity

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18 FINANCE - UK

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Consultant Editor Financial Voice Alpesh Patel Dear Financial Voice Reader, What works when it comes to investing? What does the research say? As British Asians become every more wealthy, they can still fall behind if they do not understand investments beyond property alone.

Here are some key things to look for when you are looking to invest in a private or a public company. The wealthier we are as a community the more we can help our own community members who are not as fortunate, and the more our voice will be heard and we can protect the values and traditions important to us.

1. Low Price to Asset Value The principle here is that if you buy a stock trading at less than its book value (the cost it paid for its own assets) then it will eventually reach at least that value. Or stocks trading at discount to net current assets (ie cash and other assets which can be turned to cash in a year, less liabilities).

2. Low Price to Earnings Also included in this category are high dividend yield stocks and low prices in relation to cash flow (earnings plus depreciation expenses). A popular one with Benjamin Graham and Warren Buffett but adding that they want to see growth too.

3. Directors buying own stocks The theory is that ‘insight information’ these individuals have should afford a clue as to their quality and likely price rising.

4. A significant decline in a stock’s price Do companies whose share price has fallen, do so because earnings have dropped and if so, do earnings revert to mean, and so therefore then see a share price rise?

5. Small market capitalization Allowing for risk, do smaller companies outperform?

Net current asset value approach favoured by Benjamin Graham (the man who taught Warren Buffett) calls for the purchase of stocks which are priced at 66% or less of a company’s underlying current assets.

Research shows stocks with a low price to book value ratio outperform others.

Other findings are that companies selling at low price/earnings ratios often have above average dividend yields. They also retain a part of their earnings to reinvest in the business.

The bottom line is that $1m invested in the lowest price/earnings ratio companies with the lowest market cap in the US in 1969 would have increased to $29.8m by 1989.

Do poor performing stocks end up outperforming?

Its counter-intuitive, yet we can all think of great examples.

The research below suggests they do well.

Make sure you learn how to invest, and teach your children. Property is not the wealth creator it used to be and jobs are not for life – not for lawyers, accountants or doctors even – favoured British Asian professions.

For a free online trading course visit www.alpeshpatel.com

StanChart sells real estate business to Actis and ICG Standard Chartered said that it has completed the sale of its principal finance real estate business in Asia to private equity firm Actis. The lender was in talks to sell the rest of the business, outside Asia, to Intermediate Capital Group (ICG), a source with direct knowledge of the deal said. It was reported that the business has around £548.9 million in investments across Asia and Africa.

A spokesman for the bank confirmed the completion of the Actis deal, but declined to comment on the prospective ICG deal. Actis and ICG also declined to comment on their respective transactions.

The 20-strong StanChart team in Asia will join Actis, the source said. It was reported that the two parties had reached a provisional agreement on the deal, as StanChart looks to offload its principal finance business to focus on its core corporate and retail banking businesses. London-based alternative asset manager ICG had 32.9 billion euros (£29.5 billion) in assets under management at the end of June across a number of private equity, credit and debt strategies.

UK confirms Nirav Modi’s presence in country, CBI sends extradition request Authorities in the United Kingdom have confirmed that fugitive billionaire Nirav Modi is in their territory following which the CBI has moved an extradition request, officials said. The CBI has sent the request through proper channels. It has been submitted to the Home Ministry which will send it to the UK through the External Affairs Ministry, they said. The CBI has also requested the UK authorities to detain him.

Interpol had issued a Red Corner Notice against Modi, one of the masterminds in over £1.34 billion fraud in the Punjab National Bank. The case pertains to allegedly cheating the staterun PNB through fraudulent issuance of Letters of Undertakings (LoUs) and Foreign Letters of Credit (FLCs). The

Nirav Modi

CBI recently chargesheeted both Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi separately in the scam.

The scam, which reportedly began

in 2011, was detected in January this year, after which PNB officials reported it to the probe agencies. The ED had conducted 260 searches in this case across India. Recently, a special Fugitive Economic Offenders Act court in Mumbai issued public summons to the sister and brother of Nirav Modi, the main accused in the USD 2 billion bank fraud case, asking them to appear before it on September 25.

It said if they fail to appear, their assets will be confiscated under the newly enacted Act aimed at curbing big ticket economic crimes. The Fugitive Economic Offenders Act came into force from July 31. Cases of frauds, cheque dishonour or loan default of over £10 million would come under the ambit of this ordinance.

Outlook for pound dim over Brexit concerns Sterling steadied on Monday but was still near 14-month lows reached last week on concerns about forthcoming talks that may decide whether Britain gets a trade deal with the EU before it quits the bloc. The pound has suffered six straight weeks of losses against the dollar, its worst run since 2014, even though data such as retail sales suggest the UK economy is holding up.

On Monday the currency was up 0.1 per cent at $1.2764, near a 14-month low of $1.2662 hit last Wednesday. It was also up 0.1 per cent versus the euro at 89.64 pence per euro. “Given the market is in a no-deal (Brexit) mode, any sterling upside moves are likely to be short term and sensitive to any glimmer of a deal,” said Neil Jones, Mizuho’s head of currency sales for hedge funds.

With less than eight months to go

until Britain leaves the EU, the government has yet to agree with Brussels the terms of its departure, and some hedge funds have started betting against the currency.

Analysts say sterling, which has shed 12 per cent of its value since April, will

remain vulnerable to the vagaries of Brexit negotiations in the months ahead. “The price of the pound continues to reflect Brexit concerns and an economy that’s at best muddling through,” WorldFirst head of FX strategy Jeremy Cook said. “The limelight is elsewhere right now and there’s plenty of places people would rather be investing than sterling.” The euro slipped on Monday as the dollar gained before proposed trade talks between the United States and China this week that investors hope will ease tensions between the world’s two biggest economies.

Meanwhile, business leaders’ confidence in the British economy has fallen to its lowest point this year, reflecting uncertainty about Brexit, according to a survey.

HSBC to increase rates on savings account, mortgage HSBC is planning to raise interest rates on some savings accounts and variable rate mortgages it offers in England. This move follows the rate hike announced by the central bank in early August.

According to a spokesman, increase in rates is expected to be announced in September.

The bank is going to raise the rate on its loyalty Individual Savings Accounts (ISA) product by 0.1%, while Help to Buy ISAs and saving accounts for children will witness rate hike of 0.25%.

Furthermore, interest rates on the company's residential and buy to let standard variable rate (SVR) mortgages might rise 0.25%, to 4.19%

and 5.25%, respectively. Tracie Pearce, HSBC UK's head of retail said, "HSBC's mortgage rates remain some of the lowest on the market, including our Standard Variable Rate, maintaining our commitment to offer great value for all new and existing customers."

HSBC is not the only bank to come up with mortgage interest rate hike decision. The Royal Bank of Scotland RBS and Lloyds Banking Group LYG have increased SVR by 0.25% to 4.24%. Also, Santander SC and Barclays have raised SVRs to 4.99% and 5.24%, respectively. In June 2018, HSBC had disclosed its eight strategic priorities that might help drive its financials. While these initiatives might lend some respite to the bank, struggle with revenue slump owing to low interest rates and stringent regulatory requirements is likely to continue. Also, the company's legacy business misconduct matters have resulted in several litigations and probes.

BoB Deputy Chief Executive P J Bhalia retiring this month P J Bhalia, the Deputy Chief Executive of Bank of Baroda in London, will be retiring from the post on 31 August 2018. He was born on 9 August 1958 and did his M.Sc (Agriculture) from Junagadh in 1981 (Gold medalist). After his post-graduation he joined the Bank of Baroda and worked as an agriculture officer, branch head, training centre, administrative offices in rural, semi urban, urban and metropolitan centres in Gujarat, Andhara pradesh, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh. Since 24 July 2014, he has been working as Deputy Chief Executive in Bank of Baroda, London. After 35 years of service in BoB he is retiring on 31 August 2018.

REAL ESTATE VOICE

ANTICIPATING THE TERRAIN

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There are only two ways to make money in property. One is in the increase in price, where you make the bulk of the money; and the other is on the yield. The general principle is, as you get closer to central London the growth is skewed more on the capital growth side, and as you head up north the growth is not so strong, but you can be assured of a solid yield, often double digits.

Suresh Vagjiani

Sow & Reap London Property Investment

This is not set in stone, however, as many areas go through cycles. For example, recently many areas in Birmingham have experienced the highest growth in the UK. Luton has had its spurt of growth due to its proximity to King Cross by rail.

This was an area which was voted as the worst borough in the UK, much to the protest of the then Mayor.

Currently, the market is uncertain, people cite Brexit. But, I’m not sure if it has any real impact on the property prices apart from the one in their heads. Don’t get me wrong, I understand, and know of HNIs who have taken a break from doing business in the UK until the negotiations have been concluded.

However, I’m unsure how exactly this affects a £500k BTL investment.

We had purchased several properties there, during the pre credit crunch years. This had been driven by the no money down deals we were getting, along with the cash positive income the properties were generating. However, the tenants the properties were attracting left much to be desired.

So, we ended up selling the small portfolio we had acquired.

In retrospect, perhaps this wasn’t the best decision. However, in

One reason quoted, is the demand

CONSCIOUSNESS – A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE For us to compete and succeed in this world, we must find some advantage over our competitors.

Being effective in business is so much more than simply undercutting our competitors. We must add more value. We must offer superior quality and service.

It is a demanding world.

This is why some might consider consciousness as the ultimate competitive advantage. It is from our state of consciousness that thoughts emanate. And thoughts

lead to action. And actions produce results. Thus, our consciousness shapes our lives.

perspective. Meditation is also effective in dissipating one’s fears.

So, how can we transform our consciousness and maintain that positive state?

Meditation can be likened to Himalayan water cascading down the mountain-scape and washing away the dirt and soil accumulated on the flatlands. In the same way, meditation gives one access to higher, more powerful and purer states of consciousness, which can then permeate one’s consciousness, triggering better more

The answer lies in meditation.

Meditation shifts one’s state of consciousness. It can be used for more energy, for clarity of thought, in order to generate more positive thinking and for broadening one’s vision and

BUY TO LET OPPORTUNITY

Clapham, London, SW11 Purchase Price: £325,000 Specialists in Central London Property Sourcing

25 - 31 August 2018

AGONY AGENT IS HERE TO HELP!

property it’s best to keep your gaze firmly on the present terrain and anticipating the future.

The number of times I have had investors lamenting on whats ifs is countless.

In short, property investment is like standing half way on a hill. If you look back you will realise how much the market has increased and where you would be if you had invested earlier on.

However, there is no point in looking behind, as time travels only forwards. Better to see what opportunities you are currently missing, and where the market is going to go in the future. This is the vision required to make money.

Not a retrospective lamentation.

19

Q: Is lowering the rent, in exchange for tenants decorating, a good idea?

from the European immigrants will decrease, and therefore, the market for rentals and purchase will decrease. Given the variegated demand for housing I don’t feel there’s much substance to this claim.

Regardless of whether real or imagined, we are in an unstable market. Therefore, it’s a good time to invest; assuming the price you come in at is severely discounted from the market value.

We are currently accessing a stream of probate properties, which intrinsically have a discount attached to them. The prices we are getting these at are exceptionally cheap, so do get in touch soon if you are interested.

A: A while ago, I let a flat which was in need of a lick of paint. The prospective tenant’s offered to paint the flat for a reduced rent.

The landlord agreed, and purchased a neutral coloured paint, according to the tenant’s choice. The landlord lowered the rent by £30 per month.

Advantages for the landlord • No need to get decorators in to do the work, which would cost a lot more than reducing rent by £30 per month.

• Also, getting decorators in would mean having to keep the property empty for at least another week, which would cost even more money.

Advantages for the tenant • They’ll save money • They’ll live in a freshly decorated property Rules There were a few rules that needed to be agreed: • Work had to be completed to a high standard. If not, the work would need to be redone at the tenant’s expense (within reason)

perspicacious thoughts that trigger actions and results that improve one’s life.

This inevitably spills over into being able to transact better in business.

• We provided a strict definition of “high quality” and would be inspecting at every step, so there’s no confusion • There was a set budget On inspection, it was found that the works had been done to a very high standard. Both landlord and tenant were happy.

Richard Bond

l Large leasehold flat

l Reception room, one bedroom, one bathroom, and a kitchen cum diner

l Featuring a garden

l Scope for extension

l Measuring approximately 600 sq. ft. l Superb capital growth expectations Call us now for more information!

0207 993 0103

info@sowandreap.co.uk www.sowandreap.co.uk 27 Gloucester Place, London, W1U 8HU SowandReapProperties

Sowandreapuk

Turning land into cash Get in touch about our land opportunities

20 FINANCE - INDIA

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ED suffers setback in Mallya probe In a setback to Enforcement Directorate, a PMLA appellate tribunal has set aside the attachments of flats owned by Biocon CMD Kiran Majumdar Shaw and NRI Vivek Mathias in Kingfisher Towers in Bengaluru, which were attached by the agency relating to its probe against former liquor baron Vijay Mallya. The tribunal has also pulled up ED for not complying with its mandatory statutory duties under prevention of money laundering act and not giving an opportunity to Shaw and Mathias to explain their side. It also slammed the ED saying it could not establish any collusion/connection of Shaw and Mathias with Vijay Mallya or his Kingfisher Airlines or United Breweries and that there is no evidence on record to show money laundering in the purchase of flats.

Shaw heads one of the premier bio-pharmaceutical companies, while Mathias, who lives in Monaco, is engaged in the business of banking and hedge funds. Shaw and Mathias

Vijay Mallya

had purchased flats in Mallya’s housing project, Kingfisher Towers, in 2012, for which they paid money legally. After the crackdown on Mallya by agencies, ED attached properties worth £800 million, including several flats in the Kingfisher Towers. Setting aside the attachments, chairperson of PMLA appellate tribunal Delhi, Justice Manmohan Singh, said in his order, “There is no material on record to show that the appellant (Shaw) has any link, nexus or association or relation with United Breweries and

Prestige Estate Project Pvt Ltd (which were jointly developing the project).” The tribunal said that ED failed to provide provisional attachment orders to Shaw and Mathias for “reasons best known to it.”

Mallya to pay £175,000 more for banks’ legal costs Meanwhile, the London high court has ordered Mallya to pay a further £175,000 towards the legal fees of a consortium of Indian banks after losing his high court case against them.

Mallya, who now owes approximately £1 billion to 13

Indian banks, has already paid £200,000 in legal costs, the high court consent order states, meaning he will have to fork out £375,000 in total in legal costs for the banks in this case. He was ordered to pay £200,000 in legal costs the date the judgment was handed down, which was only a proportion of the banks’ legal fees in fighting their case.

Now he has reached a settlement with the banks, the latest document, dated August 13, by Judge Waksman QC, states.

Mallya had sought permission to appeal against the May 8 London high court judgment in which Andrew Henshaw QC had dismissed his application to set aside the registration of the January 19, 2017 Bengaluru Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) judgment in the English courts which stated that he owed a consortium of 13 Indian banks £620.3 million as of January 19, 2017 (£999 million now). Henshaw also dismissed Mallya’s application to have the worldwide freeze of his assets discharged.

Bank debt recovery could double this year Fear of action by banks, along with signs of improvement in the economy, has helped staterun lenders recover over £3.65 billion of bad and sticky assets during the first quarter of the current financial year - which is almost half the recoveries made from loan defaulters in the whole of 2017-18. Data available with the finance ministry shows that in the last financial year, recovery of bad debt added up to £7.46 billion. If the current pace sustains, lenders will end the year with twice the amount recovered in 2017-18.

At least two banks - Punjab National Bank and Indian Bank saw NPA recovery during the first quarter overshoot the figure

for 2017-18. Others such as State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda and Bank of India, too, saw a sharp improvement.

For instance, loan recovery for SBI during the first quarter of the current financial year was almost three and a half times higher at £242.6 million compared to a year ago. For BoB and Bank of

India, it was twice the level seen in the June quarter of 2017-18.

Indian banks, particularly those in the public sector, were weighed down by nonperforming loans although the latest quarter’s numbers indicate that the pile of bad debt decreased for the first time in five quarters - from £102.5 billion at the end of March to a shade over £100 billion in June-end.

“Resurgent PSBs (public sector banks), the nation’s growth engines, after cleaning put worst behind,” financial services secretary Rajeev Kumar tweeted.

Bankers said the fear of invoking the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, where the promoter is barred from bidding, has prompted a change in mindset.

“There is fear that everything will be lost and that is driving many promoters to pay up before a case is admitted in the National Company Law Tribunal,” a government official added.

Recovery of loans from insolvency cases that have been resolved, such as Bhushan Steel and Electrosteel Steels, have helped banks show higher recovery. Banks have set ambitious recovery targets for the year with SBI looking at £5 billion and PNB setting its sights on £2 billion.

Hackers steal $13.5 mn from India's Cosmos Bank Hackers planted malware on an automated teller machine (ATM) server belonging to an Indian bank as part of a criminal scheme which saw the theft of nearly 944 million rupees (US $13.5 million) in a coordinated attack across 28 countries last weekend. India’s Cosmos Bank, based in the western city of Pune, suffered an attack which saw hackers use malware to steal customer information from the company’s ATM server and then use that data to clone thousands of Visa and RuPay debit cards.

The debit cards were then used over the course of the weekend in a number of countries including Canada, Hong Kong, and India. In all, 14,859 transactions were made at cash machines, resulting in the theft of 805 million rupees.

To add insult to injury, the hackers also transferred 139 million rupees to a Hong Kongbased bank account by ordering three unauthorised transactions over the SWIFT inter-bank

communication network.

SWIFT (the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications) is the system that is normally used by banks to send money securely to each other around the world.

However, in recent years, cyber criminals have targeted the finance industry’s usage of SWIFT to attempt to steal large amounts of money. Perhaps the most notorious incident occurred in February 2016 when hackers tried to transfer $951 million from a Bangladesh bank to accounts in the Philippines,

successfully making off with $81 million.

Similar attacks have plagued banks worldwide as they have been targeted with bespoke malware. Cosmos Bank said that the attackers managed to bypass a debit card payment request “switching system” used by its main banking software during the attack: During the malware attack, a proxy switch was created and all the fraudulent payment approvals were passed by the proxy switching system.

The company was keen to

emphasize that its core banking system had not been compromised by the hackers and that the malware was on the switch. “None of the customers’ accounts were touched, and it is the bank that has incurred the loss of this money,” an official said. In response to the attacks, Cosmos Bank says it shut down its servers and internet banking facilities and that it is working with police investigators.

The attack came within hours of the FBI warning’s for banks that organized criminals were planning a major “ATM cash-out” with the intention of stealing millions of dollars. The FBI has obtained unspecified reporting indicating cyber criminals are planning to conduct a global Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cash-out scheme in the coming days, likely associated with an unknown card issuer breach and commonly referred to as an ‘unlimited operation’. Sadly, it seems the warning was too late to protect India’s Cosmos Bank.

in brief GUJARAT BIZMAN HELD IN DUBAI OVER BANK FRAUD

Gujarati businessman Nitin Sandesara, who was wanted in a £500 million bank fraud case, was detained in Dubai recently, raising the possibility of his deportation, according to sources in agencies investigating the Sandesara group of industries, including the Vadodara-based Sterling Biotech Ltd. The Sandesara brothers, Nitin and Chetan, are accused of defrauding a consortium of government banks led by Andhra Bank. The Vadodarabased brothers had fled the country with family members before the CBI registered a case against them last year. The ED is investigating the money laundering case and wrote to the foreign ministry in March seeking revocation of passports of Nitin and Chetan. The Sandesaras are among a list of 31high-profile fugitives who left the country at different times after different agencies initiated cases of economic offences against them.

ALIBABA EYES JV WITH BIG INDIAN COS Chinese internet and e-commerce giant Alibaba has revived talks with influential Indian conglomerates to boost its multichannel retailing plans in the world’s sixth largest economy. Senior executives from Alibaba have held discussions with the Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries (RIL), Tata Group and Kishore Biyani’s Future Retail in recent months in a bid to accelerate their India push, people familiar with the matter said. While Alibaba’s discussions with RIL is new, it had held talks with Noel Tata, chairman of Trent, and Cyrus Mistry, the former chairman of Tata Group. RIL, Tata and Future have significant retailing footprint, something which could bolster Alibaba’s omni-channel blueprint in the country. “Some of these talks are tentative and may not even progress,” said one source. The talks revolved around a possible joint venture or a broader synergistic alliance with Alibaba picking up a stake in the retail entities of any of the large Indian groups.

VIDEOCON CHAIRMAN CHARGED IN ANOTHER CASE Videocon Industries chairman Venugopal Dhoot, who is already facing probe by multiple agencies for a sweetheart deal with former ICICI Bank chief Chanda Kochhar’s husband, has been chargesheeted by the Economic Offences Wing of Delhi police in another corporate fraud case, in which he may face prison term of up to seven years if convicted. The chargesheet filed by EoW on a complaint

by Sanjay Bhandari of Tirupati Ceramics Ltd, claimed “there are sufficient evidence against accused Dhoot to charge him for the offence under IPC Section 420”. The police investigation found that Dhoot had sold 30,00,000 shares of Tirupati Ceramics, which had already been sold to another person. He also kept the board of Videocon Industries Ltd in the dark while entering into the alleged illegal sale of shares. The shares of Tirupati Ceramics belonged to Videocon Industries.

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25 - 31 August 2018

in brief MEHSANA MAN SHOT DEAD IN US A Non-Resident Gujarati (NRG) from Kadi taluka in Mehsana district was shot dead by two armed robbers in a grocery store located in Macon city of Georgia in the US last week. Alpesh Prajapati (36), who was working as Gulf Mart store on Napier Avenue in Macon, was attacked by two masked men when he had opened the store. The Bibb County Sheriff’s office investigating the shooting said, “Two masked gunmen had entered the store and a short time later the clerk (Prajapati) was shot. The two masked gunmen fled the store in an unknown direction.” When the cops arrived, Alpesh was lying on the floor in a pool of blood just inside the front door.

Alpesh was transported to the hospital where he succumbed to gun wounds. The news of Alpesh’s death reached his native village of Kaiyyal in Kadi taluka, leaving his relatives and the villagers in a state of shock. According to family members, Alpesh had settled in the US seven years ago and was unmarried. He was to come to India for engagement in couple of months, one of his family friends Jayatibhai Prajapati said.

MIGRANT HELD WHILE DRIVING PREGNANT WIFE TO HOSPITAL IN US A California woman said that she had to drive herself to the hospital and give birth without her husband after he was detained by immigration agents. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials said the man was detained because he was wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant in a homicide case in Mexico. Maria del Carmen Venegas said she and her husband, Joel Arrona Lara, were driving to the hospital when they stopped for gas.

Surveillance footage shows two vehicles flank the couple’s van after they pulled into the gas station. Agents with ICE questioned the couple and asked for identification, Venegas said. Venegas, 32, said she provided hers but that Arrona had left his at home in their rush to the hospital. The footage shows the agents handcuffing Arrona, 35, and taking him away, leaving Venegas alone at the gas station. Venegas said she and her husband came to the US 12 years ago from Mexico.

They do not have legal authorisation to live in the US, and all five of their children are US citizens, she said.

SCIENTISTS CREATE MINI MONA LISA USING BACTERIA Scientists have created an accurate millimetric replica of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, using approximately one million bacteria cells that were genetically engineered to respond to light. The researchers used light patterns to control the swimming speed of bacteria and direct them to form different shapes. Controlling bacteria in this way means it could be possible to use them as microbricks for building the next generation of microscopic devices. For example, they could be made to surround a larger object and then used as living propellers to transport it where it is needed, researchers said. Escherichia coli (E coli) bacteria are known to be fantastic swimmers. Recently, scientists found a protein (proteorhodopsin) in oceandwelling bacteria that allows them to power their propellers using light. “Much like pedestrians who slow down when they encounter a crowd or cars, swimming bacteria will spend more time in slower regions than in faster ones,” said Giacomo Frangipane, Postdoctoral Scientist at Rome University in the Italy.

Third attack in 3 weeks: Sikh stabbed to death in US New York University’s Center for NEW YORK: A Sikh man has been Religion and Media and a Senior stabbed to death at his store in the Religion Fellow for the Sikh Coalition, US state of New Jersey, the third tweeted about Singh’s tragic death, incident targeting the minority saying “this is the third attack on a Sikh community in the country in Sikh in the last three weeks. So tired three weeks. Terlok Singh was of all this sadness”. On August 6 in discovered dead by his cousin last Manteca, California, Sahib Singh, 71, week in his store with an apparent was brutally attacked by Tyrone stab wound in the chest. The Essex McAllister and a juvenile when the County Prosecutor’s office is elderly man went on a morning walk. calling the incident a homicide, On July 31, Surjit Malhi, 50, was according to a report in ABC7NY. attacked while putting up campaign The motive behind the killing was signs in support of incumbent not immediately known.

Republican Congressman Jeff Singh is survived by his wife Civil rights organisation, the Sikh Coalition, in a Facebook post, expressed Denham and other local Republican and children who live in India. He condolences to Singh’s family, friends and local community candidates. Following the incidents, owned the store to support his organisation, the Sikh Coalition, in a the Sikh Coalition had urged members of the family. The report said Singh ran his store for Facebook post, expressed condolences to community to know their rights, remain at least six years and a neighbour said he Singh’s family, friends and local community. vigilant and report cases of bias, bigotry and should not have had to worry about being Simran Jeet Singh, a visiting scholar at backlash. attacked in his work place. Civil rights

US eases rules for foreign students MUMBAI: The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reversed its earlier stand that international STEM students undergoing optional practical training (OPT) cannot be placed at customer work sites. The USCIS made changes on its website on Friday removing these restrictions, but reiterated that employers need to meet their training obligations. In addition, in keeping with the STEM-OPT Regulations of 2016, USCIS continues to frown on arrangements that “provide labour for hire” and those where a bona fide employer-employee relationship cannot be demonstrated.

Both the requirements of meeting training obligation and existence of a bona fide employer-employee relationship have always been an integral part of the STEMOPT programme. International students are eligible for a 12-month OPT under which they can work in the US. Those who have completed their degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are eligible for applying for a further OPT extension of 24 months. Open Doors Survey (2017) indicates that there are around

1,90,000 Indian students in the US, with STEM courses being the top draws.

The immigration agency’s earlier stand on prohibition of third-party placement (at customer worksites) was displayed by it on its website (rather than introduced by way of a formal change in regulations). This shift in stand, which came to light in April, meant that training of STEM students under the OPT could be carried out only inhouse at the employer’s own worksites. It dented work opportunities for international STEM students, as IT service or consulting companies, or staffing firms which typically placed these students with teams operating at customer worksites, could no longer hire

More earthquakes jolt Indonesian island SEMBALUN: Strong earthquakes jolted the Indonesian island of Lombok on Sunday, causing power blackouts, landslides and damage to buildings, as the tourist hotspot tries to recover from a temblor earlier this month that killed hundreds of people. A shallow quake on Sunday evening was measured at magnitude 6.9 by the US Geological Survey and followed quakes during the day recorded at magnitudes 6.3 and 5.4. All were centered in the northeast of the island. The evening quake was followed by strong aftershocks.

There was no immediate information about damage or casualties.

Kompas TV said there were power blackouts in the north, center and west of the island. Hotel guests in the Senggigi resort town on the west of the island were evacuated to parking lots, it said.

Dwikorita Karnawatim, who heads Indonesia’s Meteorology and Geophysics Agency, said buildings that haven’t collapsed so far have suffered repeated stress, and authorities have urged people to avoid both the mountain’s slopes and weakened buildings. The quake also was felt in the neighboring islands of Bali and Sumbawa. The daytime quakes caused landslides on the slopes of Rinjani, an active volcano, and panic in villages.

A magnitude 7 quake that struck Lombok on August 5 killed 460 people, damaged tens of thousands of homes and displaced several hundred thousand people. Indonesia, a sprawling archipelago that straddles the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is prone to quakes and volcanic eruptions.

them.

Cyrus Mehta, New York-based immigration attorney and founding partner of a law firm, said: “The USCIS appears to have reversed its prior guidance by not categorically barring offsite placement of STEMOPT students. Such students may engage in training that takes place at customer sites as long as the training obligations are met, and the employer maintains a bona fide employeremployee relationship. In addition, the training must be provided by the employer rather than a customer.” ITServe Alliance, one of the largest associations in the US, comprising IT services, staffing and consulting companies, had filed a lawsuit against the prohibition. USCIS on its website states that to establish a bona fide relationship, the employer must not be the student’s employer ‘in name only” nor can the student work for the employer on a ‘volunteer basis”.

Therefore, a danger still lurks for students if USCIS determines that an employer-employee relationship was not maintained. This can result in the student being debarred from US re-entry for several years, sums up Mehta.

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Uganda under fire over rights abuse ARUSHA: The East African Law Society (EALS) castigated the Ugandan government over what they described as increased and systematic violence targeting persons perceived to be political opponents. The society says that the ongoing clampdown against civil rights protesters was a flagrant violation of the rule of law and disrespect of fundamental human rights and freedoms and Uganda's obligations to the East African Community (EAC).

"The partner states to the Treaty establishing the EAC have undertaken to observe the rule of law and human rights", Richard Mugisha, the president of the society said in a statement. He added that the reported violence The meeting of East African Law Society contested parliamentary seat. and claims of unfair treatment accorded to The situation became tense when a the political detainees, unless abated vehicle in President Yoweri Museveni’s forthwith, risked negating every good gain convoy, according to police, was stoned in that Uganda has made in promoting regional Arua on the final day of the by-election integration. Uganda has witnessed episodes campaign rallies. Four MPs, an ex-legislator of political violence in recent days, more so and the eventual winner of the by-election, following a by-election in Arua where an Kassiano Wadri were arrested and remain in independent candidate won the hotly-

custody while some others detained along with them were brutalised, relative and lawyers said.

EALS, a premier bar association in the region with an observer status to the East African Community, said some of the detainees have been subjected to cruel and inhuman treatment as well as denied medical services.

"These reports are horrifying and a matter of grave concern to every being of conscience. Worse still, the detainees have been denied legal representation of their choice contrary to the norm in a fair trial process", Mugisha said.

The body called on the Uganda government to forthwith take steps to forestall further human rights violations "and to ensure that the detainees are granted all freedoms and rights appropriate to their attainment of fair trial".

The EAC Heads of States were urged to implore the Ugandan leader Museveni "to take appropriate steps to end the human rights violations that now threaten the integrity and the future of the EAC".

Ruto, Museveni talk trade, EAC integration in Entebbe ENTEBBE: Kenya's deputy president DP William Ruto held talks with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni at State House in Entebbe, Uganda. The deliberations focused on trade between Kenya and Uganda as well as integration issues in East Africa.

The leaders enumerated the need to create a more favourable environment to enhance commerce between the two countries and other countries in the region.

Later, the two leaders flew to Eastern Uganda to launch the 150-km William Ruto and Yoweri Museveni Kapchorwa -Suam road. region. He also asked the local community to The road will connect Kenya and Uganda. shun consumption of local brews and invest Ruto said the road will increase in the education of their children. Museveni investment and trade between the two thanked the Kenyan government for being countries as well as ease the movement of “true neighbours” who valued trade people. Funded by Kenya, Uganda and the partnership.

African Development Bank, the road is 77 He said the tarmacking of the km long on the Kenyan side and 73 km on Kapchorwa-Suam road would improve the Ugandan side. President Museveni said security along the Kenya-Uganda border. He the road would improve access and asked locals to take advantage of the connectivity between the two countries and improved infrastructure and engage in stimulate cross-border business. income-generating activities.

The DP pointed out that the leadership Uganda exports more goods to Kenya of President Uhuru Kenyatta and President Latest data from the Central Bank of Museveni made it possible for citizens of the Kenya shows that Uganda has for the first two countries to work together. Ruto time exported more goods to Kenya than it thanked the AfDB for financing roads in the

imported in the five months leading to May due to increased maize exports. In a breakfast meeting with the private sector members from Uganda in Kampala, the DP said trade must drive relations and politics between c o u n t r i e s .

“Nationalism without pan-africanism is not beneficial. We live in a world that is full of challenges, especially youth unemployment and poverty. All these must be tackled head on by creating opportunities that would drive them out and Commerce is the way to make it right,” he said.

Ruto told the meeting that despite the challenges facing the East African Community, good progress was being made.

He challenged his fellow leaders to work “progressively and consistently” to put the five-member trading bloc almost at par with the thriving Association of Southeast Asian Nations Free Trade Area, Trans-Pacific Partnership and the European Union. Ruto said Africa should take advantage of the current wave of protectionism to fine-tune its trading blocs to give it more muscles in trade negotiations.

Tanzania rejects US criticism of local polls DODOMA: Tanzania is an "independent" country and will not be "intimidated", the ruling party said after the US expressed concern about the conduct of 70 recent byelections. The US cited "election violence and irregularities" aimed at the opposition after local elections were held on Sunday to replace officials who had either resigned or died. "Credible accounts of election violence and irregularities include refusal by National Election Commission authorities to register opposition candidates, intimidation by police of opposition party members, unwarranted arrests, and suppression of freedoms of assembly and speech in the lead up to the by-elections,"

President John Magufuli

the US said in a statement.

But Bashiru Ally, secretary-general of the ruling party, the CCM, told a public meeting: "We will not be intimidated, we

cannot be intimidated. Even if our country is poor, we are not ready to accept interference in our governance. We will continue to govern ourselves," he added.

Local media earlier reported the beating and hospitalisation of some members of the main opposition party by supporters of the ruling party. Churches and civil society organisations had also highlighted political violence around local elections, particularly the perceived bias of security forces in favour of ruling party candidates. The US statement came amid sustained criticism of the rule of President John Magufuli who has cracked down on dissent since taking office three years ago.

in brief FORMER UN SECRETARYGENERAL KOFI ANNAN DIES AT AGE 80 Kofi Annan, one of the world's most celebrated diplomats and a charismatic symbol of the United Nations who rose through its ranks to become the first black African secretary-general, has died. He was 80. His foundation announced his death in Switzerland on Saturday in a tweet, saying he died after a short unspecified illness.

"Wherever there was suffering or need, he reached out and touched many people with his deep compassion and empathy," the foundation said. Annan spent virtually his entire career as an administrator in the United Nations. His aristocratic style, cooltempered elegance and political savvy helped guide his ascent to become its seventh secretary-general, and the first hired from within. He served two terms from Jan. 1, 1997, to Dec. 31, 2006, capped nearly mid-way when he and the UN were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001. During his tenure, Annan presided over some of the worst failures and scandals at the world body, one of its most turbulent periods since its founding in 1945. Challenges from the outset forced him to spend much of his time struggling to restore its tarnished reputation. His enduring moral prestige remained largely undented, however, both through charisma and by virtue of having negotiated with most of the powers in the world. When he departed from the United Nations, he left behind a global organization far more aggressively engaged in peacekeeping and fighting poverty, setting the framework for the U.N.'s 21st-century response to mass atrocities and its emphasis on human rights and development.

CANADIAN PM JUSTIN TRUDEAU TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION IN 2019 Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has formally announced his bid to run for re-election in the 2019 legislative polls. The Liberal leader announced his nomination at a party event in Papineau, a federal electoral district in Montreal he represents.

The crowd cheered as Trudeau, 46, reaffirmed his belief in what he called "positive politics", and took jabs at Conservative leader Andrew Scheer, whom he accused of exploiting fear and division.

Trudeau also promised to tackle a number of challenges that include protecting Canada's oceans, raising the standard of living for indigenous peoples and narrowing the gap between rich and poor. He was first elected to represent Papineau in 2008 and was re-elected in 2011 and 2015.

MUSHARRAF SEEKS TOP SECURITY TO APPEAR BEFORE COURT Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has sought presidential-level security to appear before a court in a high treason case citing threats to his life.

During hearing, Musharraf's attorney, Akhtar Shah, told the Justice Yawar Ali-led two-member bench of the special court that his client would return and "appear before the court if he is given presidential level security by the defence ministry", reports Dawn. "Musharraf's life is in danger... There were two attempts on his life,” Shah added. In response, a bench member said: "There is a non-bailable warrant out against Musharraf, so to provide him security is the government's responsibility." The case against the former leader is for suspending the Constitution on November 3, 2007 - an offence for which he was indicted by the special court on March 31, 2014.

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in brief 48 KILLED AS SUICIDE BOMBER TARGETS SHIA STUDENTS IN AF A suicide blast in a mainly Shia area of Kabul killed at least 48 people last week, the latest in a wave of attacks that have killed hundreds of civilians, soldiers and policemen over recent days. The explosion, targeting an educational centre, tore through a large tent set up as a classroom in the courtyard, killing dozens of teenagers studying for a university entrance examination. The blast, which shattered weeks of relative calm in Kabul, also wounded at least 67, including both male and female students. “Most of the boys at the educational centre have been killed,” said Sayed Ali, who witnessed the blast. “It was horrific and many of the students were torn to pieces.” Doctors at city hospitals said many of the victims were severely burned. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the Kabul blast but the attack bore the hallmark of Islamic State, which has conducted many previous attacks on Shia targets. The Taliban denied that it was involved. The explosion, which came as the central city of Ghazni struggles to recover from five days of intense fighting between the Taliban and government forces, underlined how badly security in Afghanistan has degenerated, some two months before parliamentary elections scheduled for October.

UAE FORMS COMMITTEE TO PROVIDE AID TO FLOOD-HIT KERALA United Arab Emirates (UAE) has formed a committee to provide relief to the people affected by floods in Kerala. UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan took to Twitter to make the announcement and urged "everyone to contribute generously towards this initiative." "The people of Kerala have always been and are still part of our success story in the UAE. We have a special responsibility to help and support those affected, especially during this holy and blessed days" his first tweet read.

Sheikh Khalifa further wrote, "UAE and the Indian community will unite to offer relief to those affected. We have formed a committee to start immediately. We urge everyone to contribute generously towards this initiative." Describing the situation in Kerala as "the most devastating in a century," the UAE President added, "The state of Kerala in India is currently witnessing huge floods, the most devastating in a century.

KERALA MAN LOSES JOB FOR OFFENSIVE COMMENTS A Kerala man was fired from his job after he made offensive comments on social media over the ongoing rescue and relief efforts in flood-hit Kerala. The man, identified as Rahul Cheru Palayattu, worked as a cashier at Lulu Hypermarket in Bousher in Muscat. Responding to a social media post where someone was asking if sanitary napkins were required, Rahul wrote below asking if people required condoms too. His comments did not go down well with a large number of people, who called him out on his insensitivity.

Following this, he was also fired from his job. Before he was sacked, Rahul even went live on Facebook, saying, "I apologise to everyone in Kerala. Because of my foolishness, a mistake happened on my behalf. I request everyone to forgive me.

After that comment, my friends and others have been abusing me on Facebook." Rahul claimed that he was intoxicated when he made the comment.

PAKISTAN-BANGLADESH

Imran promises change; 21-member Cabinet sworn in ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's 21member Cabinet was sworn in Monday, a day after Prime Minister Imran Khan pledged to cut government spending, end corruption and repatriate public funds.

President Mamnoon Hussain administered the oath of office to 16 federal ministers in Islamabad. Separately, Khan has also appointed five advisers to his Cabinet.

Khan, whose populist party won most parliament seats in the July 25 elections but fell short of a majority, forcing it to form a coalition, took the oath of office Imran Khan taking oath as Pakistan prime minister nuclear powers and cannot afford any on Saturday as Pakistan's 22nd premier. He adventure, he said. "We have long standing, campaigned on promises of rooting out complex problems and have no option but endemic corruption and breaking powerful to start a dialogue." He welcomed that landowners' monopoly on political power.

Indian Prime Minister Modi in a "I want to see Pakistan a great country" with congratulatory message to Khan expressed social services for the poor, Khan said. desire for talks.

Foreign policy to be revised Modi offers Imran ‘constructive Foreign Minister, Shah Mahmood engagement’ Qureshi, said after taking oath of office that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi he is aware of foreign policy challenges has written to Imran Khan expressing ahead. Foreign policy, he said, will be India’s commitment to a “meaningful and revised and set on the correct path, in the constructive engagement” and recalled "interest of Pakistan." Qureshi said he their recent conversation about a shared would reach out to counterparts in the vision of peace to rid the Indian region and focus on key issues of critical subcontinent of terrorism. Modi wrote to importance to Pakistan. "Pakistan needs a Khan immediately after the Pakistani peaceful and stabilized Afghanistan; our leader’s swearing-in on August 18 about the future is linked to peace in Afghanistan" need to build good neighbourly relations Qureshi said. He said he wants to visit and engagement for the benefit of people of Kabul soon with a message that "we have to the region, official sources said in Delhi. help and support each other and have to Indian officials, however, clarified that this look for solutions of each other's problems." should not be read as an invitation to restart Both neighboring India and Pakistan are

the comprehensive bilateral dialogue launched in December 2015.

The clarification from Indian officials came after Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said in Islamabad that Modi’s letter “indicated the beginning of talks between the two countries”. This was denied

by Indian officials who said no suggestion had been made for resumption of the formal dialogue process.

Later, in an official statement, Pakistan denied saying that Modi had made an offer of dialogue and said the two leaders underlined the significance of moving ahead through constructive engagement.

Imran takes oath Imran Khan took oath as the 22nd Prime Minister of the country last week.

The ceremony was attended by former Indian cricketer and Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu, who arrived in Pakistan on Friday.

Good for peace: Sidhu Sidhu hoped that Imran's acession to the prime minister's post will be good for Pakistan-India peace process. Sidhu was among the special guests present at Khan's oath-taking ceremony at the Aiwan-e-Sadr (the President House). Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa after arriving at the ceremony went to the front row of the guests where Sidhu was seated next to President of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) Masood Khan. Gen Bajwa hugged Sidhu and both chatted briefly.

Rohingya return depends on Bangladesh: Suu Kyi SINGAPORE: Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi said that it was up to Bangladesh to decide how quickly Rohingya refugees would return to Myanmar, appearing to blame Dhaka for the delay. More than 700,000 Rohingya Muslims fled Buddhist-majority Myanmar to Bangladesh after a brutal military crackdown on the stateless minority almost a year ago. The two countries last November signed a deal to repatriate them but it has stalled. Many fear returning to a place where villages were burned to the ground and where they say security forces murdered, tortured and raped members of their communities.

Bangladesh insists the Rohingya are on its soil temporarily but has not forced them back. In rare public remarks on the crisis, civilian leader Suu Kyi said in a speech in Singapore that Myanmar has been ready to receive Rohingya returnees since January 23 as agreed in the memorandum of understanding. "It's very difficult for us to put a time frame on it by ourselves

conditions are not ready unilaterally because we have for their return. The US to work with Bangladesh in and UN have described order to do that," she told an the military's campaign as audience in a lecture ethnic cleansing and there organised by the ISEASis scepticism over whether Yusof Ishak Institute and Myanmar seriously entitled "Myanmar's intends to allow mass Democratic Transition: returns. The crackdown Challenges and Way against the Rohingya was Forward".

"Bangladesh sparked on August 25 last would also have to decide year when insurgents how quickly they want the attacked police posts. process to be completed," Calls have mounted Suu Kyi added. Since the for Myanmar's military to repatriation was signed the two countries have wrangled Suu Kyi addressing meeting in Singapore be held responsible for the campaign, in which thousands are estimated over details, including the way refugees are to have died, and the US has sanctioned two described on ID cards in Bangladesh.

Crumbling reputation army brigades and several commanders who oversaw the expulsion.

Rohingya living in the crowded camps But Myanmar says it was simply over the border in Cox's Bazar insist on defending itself and bristles at international safety guarantees and citizenship rights calls for justice, arguing that the world does before returning to Rakhine state in western not understand the problem.

Myanmar, where the United Nations says

Bangladesh students go into hiding after police crackdown DHAKA: Bangladesh police said they have arrested nearly 100 people as they step up a crackdown after student protests paralysed the capital. Dhaka and other cities were brought to a standstill for more than a week by tens of thousands of students demanding better safety measures after two teenagers were killed by a speeding bus. Police in Dhaka said they have detained 97 people "for violence and incitement in the social media" during the demonstrations that began on 29 July.

The moves have sparked fear among activists, protest leader Bin Yamin Mollah said. "Everyone is in a panic," he said.

"Almost all the students who have led the protests have gone into hiding." He added, "many students who posted about the protests have either changed their Facebook accounts or removed their posts. Even two students were arrested for their Facebook posts. Teachers are being harassed for supporting the protests."

The detentions include acclaimed photographer Shahidul Alam and actress Quazi Nawshaba Ahmed, who was held over comments made on Facebook during the protests. Writer Pinaki Bhattacharya, a highprofile critic of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has not been seen since intelligence

officers asked him to report to their headquarters on 5 August, his father said. Later police arrested a 22-year-old student leader Lutfun Nahar Luma at a remote hideout.

Dhaka police's cybercrime chief said that officers have investigated about 1,000 Facebook accounts they say spread rumours during the unrest. Rights groups have criticised the crackdown and the violence used to end the protests. About 1,000 people were injured in police action and attacks by progovernment groups on students and journalists. Human Rights Watch said the arrests have created "an atmosphere of fear, putting a serious chill on free speech.’

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in brief

SOUTH INDIA

Stalin asserts he is now in charge of DMK CHENNAI: A day after his party rallied behind him, urging him to take over the DMK reins after the death of its president M Karunanidhi, M K Stalin asserted that he was in charge. “Our party leader has left us and with the guidance i got from him, i have taken charge of the party with courage. The reason for this courage is the definitive hope that the cadres will be by my side,” said the DMK working president in a letter to cadres. The letter comes a day after the party’s executive committee met in Chennai and passed a resolution condoling the death of Karunanidhi.

Alagiri goes after Stalin Days after Karunanidhi’s death, his estranged son M K alagiri has claimed that all loyal party workers are with him. Karunanidhi had expelled alagiri and his supporters from the party in 2014 at the height of his fight with Stalin over establishing supremacy in the party.

M K Stalin and M K Alagiri

alagiri, a former union minister, while paying tributes to his grave on the Marina Beach went after Stalin and accused him of blocking his return into the DMK. “all the true and loyal supporters of Thalaivar, Kalaignar are with me, they are supporting me-...time will provide the answer,” alagiri, who has been leading a life away from the media glare in

Madurai since his expulsion, told reporters.

Later, speaking to a news channel, alagiri said, “even if i am inclined to rejoin the party, they (Stalin and his supporters) are not in a mood to let me in.” “The DMK will dig its own grave if it does not take me back,” he said, adding nobody from the Karunanidhi family was interested in talking to him to facilitate a reunion.

The Karunanidhi family had presented a united face when the DMK stalwart was fighting for life at a city hospital. alagiri was present at the hospital and was seen at his father’s funeral. however, close watchers of Tamil nadu politics expected him to flex his political muscle once Karunanidhi was gone.

The former union minister wields considerable influence in the southern districts of Tamil nadu. he was the party’s secretary for these districts before his expulsion.

PUNJAB-HARYANA

Sidhu criticised for hugging Pak Army chief CHANDIGARH: Punjab chief him for killing our jawans?” minister Amarinder Singh said he asked Punjab BJP chief Shwait Malik. was “not in favour” of navjot The Punjab chief minister Singh Sidhu hugging the Pakistan went on to clarify that Sidhu’s army chief at imran Khan’s oath decision to attend the ceremony in islamabad. “it was ceremony had nothing to do wrong for him to have shown with his government, and said affection towards the Pakistan the cricketer-turned-politician army chief,” Singh said. Sidhu had gone there in his personal had attended Pakistan Prime capacity. “as for Sidhu being Minister imran Khan’s swearingseated next to the PoK in ceremony on Saturday, where president, maybe he didn’t he was seen hugging Pakistan know who he was,” amarinder army chief general Qamar Javed added.

Bajwa. Defending himself, Sidhu, On his being seated beside on his return, said: “if someone President of PoK Masood Khan (Bajwa) comes to me and says that we belong to the same Navjot Singh Sidhu was attacked for hugging Pakistan's Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa in the front row at the ceremony, Sidhu said: “if culture and we’ll open Kartarpur Pakistan army chief as “shameful”. “On one you’re invited as a guest of honour border on guru nanak Dev’s 550th Prakash side, the Pakistan army is involved in somewhere, you sit wherever you are asked Parv, what else i could do?” attacking our soldiers at the border, and on to. i was sitting somewhere else but they The opposition BJP had termed Sidhu’s the other, Sidhu is hugging the Pakistan asked me to sit there.” visit to Pakistan, especially his hug with army chief. Does this mean he is thanking

WEST BENGAL

Row over panchayat polls has led to constitutional crisis: Bengal tells SC NEW DELHI: The West held in May this year. it had Bengal government has told said the state poll panel that the issue of huge number of the Supreme Court that the uncontested seats has been row over the recently bothering it. concluded panchayat polls in The poll panel had argued the state has led to a that 33 per cent of nearly "constitutional crisis" since 50,000 panchayat seats going the tenure of several uncontested in the state was Panchayats were over and not "an alarming situation." it new bodies have not been had cited Uttar Pradesh where made functional. The apex almost 57 per cent panchayat court had earlier stayed the seats went uncontested and the Calcutta high Court order figure was 51, 67 and 27.6 per and directed the poll panel cent in haryana, Sikkim and not to declare in the gazette andhra Pradesh respectively. the names of those candidates The panel had said that it who had won unopposed. cannot persuade political "The funds allotted to panchayats will go back. Activists of two political parties clash in Burdwan ahead of West Bengal panchayat elections parties to field candidates and, moreover, it took prompt actions when it august 13 asked the west Bengal State There is a constitutional crisis.. The received complaints about panchayat election Commission (wBSeC) as to development in the villages has come to a elections and even held re-polls. The west whether it conducted any probe into the standstill," the counsel for the state Bengal government had said that the fact that a large number of seats in the local government said. panchayat polls cannot be set aside on the body elections in the state went The top court, said that it is a part heard basis of "conjecture and surmises" of some uncontested. matter by a three-judge bench and only political parties as no individual candidate Out of a total 58,692 posts for gram when the bench is in appropriate has approached the court with the claim panchayat, zilla parishad and panchayat combination, it will be taken up for that he or she has been restrained from samiti, 20,159 had remained uncontested in hearing. it listed the matter for further filing nomination papers. the violence-marred local polls in the state hearing on august 20. The top court had on

PROBE INTO POLICE FIRING DURING ANTISTERLITE PROTESTS The Madras High Court has ordered a CBI probe into the police firing during the antiSterlite protests in Tamil Nadu’s Tuticorin in May that resulted in the deaths of 13 people. The Madurai bench of Madras High Court passed the order after hearing PILs seeking CBI investigation into the incident.

The HC also sent a notice to the Vedanta group's Sterlite copper plant on a petition seeking Rs 7.5 billion towards the rehabilitation of people affected by pollution allegedly caused by it and relief for victims of the police firing. The Tamil Nadu government had, on May 28, ordered the state pollution control board to seal and "permanently" close the mining group's copper plant following violent protests over pollution concerns. The company then appealed to the NGT, which had overturned the government order. The state had then moved the Supreme Court against it.

KARNATAKA RAJ BHAVAN THROWN OPEN FOR PUBLIC VIEWING Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala has opened the gates of the century-old Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru for the public for 15 days from August 16. The Governor said that anyone can visit the heritage site till August 31 from after online booking.

Through Karnataka Tourism Department guides, the public in batches will be given 20 minutes to see the premises. Vala said, "Raj Bhavan is a very old building. People are curious to see it and so this is our first attempt towards that.”

NO POLL PACT WITH CONG: KEJRIWAL Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal ruled out any alliance with the Congress, amid talks of a ‘mahagathbandhan’ (grand coalition) ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. At a meeting of party MLAs in Sunam, the AAP leader launched a scathing attack on the Congress, Akali Dal and BJP, saying these parties have looted the country. This was Kejriwal’s maiden visit to Punjab after tendering an apology to Akali leader and former minister Bikram Singh Majithia. Kejriwal said, “The Amarinder-led state government has failed to live up to the expectations of people in Punjab. I can teach him (Amarinder) how to govern,” he said. He invited Amarinder Singh to visit Delhi to see how government schools, hospitals and mohalla clinics work.

CHINA TO EXTEND FRESH INVITATION TO MAMATA A senior Chinese official said that his country would again extend an invitation to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to visit China and the dates for the proposed visit were being worked out.

Mamata was scheduled to visit China in June but she cancelled the trip abruptly hours before starting her trip on June 22.

She attributed the cancellation of the visit to "non-confirmation of political meetings at the appropriate level". She was to address a meeting of CEOs of Chinese firms in Shanghai in a bid to invite them to invest in West Bengal. Ma Zhanwu, consulate general of China in Kolkata, said Mamata's visit did not take place owing to "some technical reasons." "But we are hoping that the future visit will happen.

The dates are being worked out," Zhanwu told reporters.

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HERITAGE HISTORY

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25 - 31 August 2018

The Assam King repeatedly defeated Mughals • •

Injustice done by historians to the Brahmaputa Valley civilization Lachit Borphukan continues to be the symbol of Pride for the people

Assam, the major North-Eastern state of India has always been in the eyes of storm. Earlier, the violent separatist movement followed by the students’ movement to get the illegal immigrants deported was always in news. Now Assam is being discussed for the National Register of Citizens (NRC) where nearly 4,000,000 (forty lakh) of the residents do not find their names in the final draft of NRC including the local born 81-year former Chief Minister, Anwara Taimur, and one Hindu Member of the Assam Legislative Assembly of the present day ruling party i.e. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The political storm at the national level is making rounds where Assamese verses Bengalis is being debated. During the British regime, the Bengalis from Bengal Province of which Assam was the part were being brought as workers since local Assamese refused to be the coolies. The political awakening after the independence under the influence of the separatist movements, the Assamese started making a distinction between the Muslims and Miyas! In Assam, the locals who follow Islam are called the Muslims and they are Assamese for them. But those Muslims who have migrated from the Bengal or present day Bangladesh are Miyas for them.

The separatists used to blame the East India Company’s annexation of Assam or Ahom to India by unfair means only in 1826 AD vide the Treaty of Yandabo. They tried to spread the misconception that Assam was never the part of even cultural or political India. “The Treaty of Yandabo (1826), which was signed at the end of the first Anglo- Burmese War (1824-6), marked the beginning of British colonial penetration into NorthEast India. Under the terms of the treaty, the King of Burma renounced his claim on Assam and the contiguous petty states of Cachar and Jayantia. The withdrawal of the Burmese provided the British with the

The Statue of Lachit Borphukan, the Hero of Ahom, in the middle of Brahmaputra river

opportunity to create spheres of influence in the region,” records Priyam Goswami, a historian from Guwahati in his book, “The History of Assam: From Yandabo to Partition, 1826-1947”. Under the leadership of Sukapha, a Tai prince, Ahom migrants from Upper Burma had crossed the Patkai Range and established a kingdom in the neighbourhood of modern Shivsagar (earlier called

Portrait of Emperor Aurangzeb

Sibsagar) in the early thirteenth century. By 1536, ten years after arrival of Babur, the first Mughal Emperor in India, the Ahoms were supreme in Assam.

Lt. Gen. S.K. Sinha who was appointed the Governor of Assam in 1997 made special efforts to unveil the real history of Assam or Kamrup as the Princely State of Ahom was known as in preBritish days. Sinha writes in “Mission Assam”: “Assam(Kamrup) was the part of

the ancient Gupt Empire. Even on the iron pillar in Allahabad, this is inscribed. ….The historians have ignored Assam. They talk about the Indus valley civilization, Ganges(Ganga) civilization and even Cauvery civilization but are indifferent to the Brahmaputra valley civilization. The empires of the great ruler Bhaskaravarman and his contemporary Harshavardhana ranged up to present day Bangladesh, West Bengal and North Bihar. The Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang ( Xuanzang, Hsuan Tsang) visited the capitals of both the empires and has written about it. He recorded Bhaskaravarman as the King of Eastern India.”

Assam remained virtually cut off from the rest of the world for a long time partly because of its geographical location, separated as it was by numerous hills and rivers interspersed by deep valleys, and partly because of the deliberate Ahom policy of isolation. Most of the inhabitants settled along the fertile banks of the Brahmaputra or on the banks of its tributaries. The journey to and from Assam was extremely long and tedious. The adverse

Next Column: The Rajpipla State defeated even Aurangzeb climatic conditions were an additional problem. The history of seventeenth-century Assam is the history of Ahom- Mughal conflict which led Gaurinath Singha, the reigning monarch, to be deposed.

He took shelter in Guwahati

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81 year -old Anwara Taimur, former CM and MP who was born in Assam

Ram Singh I tried to capture the Kamarup State but failed miserably. Lachit Borphukan was commanding the army of Ahom Kingdom. Even when the Mughals could capture Guwahati for a brief period, the Ahom wrested control in the Battle of Itakhuli in 1682 and the Mughals could never recapture it. During the battles with the Mughals the capital of Ahom Kingdom was Shivsagar in Upper Assam.

Dr. Hari Desai (The writer is a Socio-political Historian.

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making frantic appeals to the British for help in 1788.

Of course, Lt. Gen. Sinha threw new light on the history of the Battle of Saraighat near Guwahati. When none could challenge the mighty Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, his army repeatedly lost the wars he fought with the King of Ahom in 1671 and even the following year. The Mughal army commanded by Raja

The year 1826 saw the final collapse of the Ahom monarchy which ruled for over sixcenturies and marked the entry of the British who stepped in to fill the political void in the region. It was the beginning of the transition from the medieval to the modern age. When the British appeared on the scene, they were heralded by the Assamese as saviours and were welcomed with open arms. Even Maniram Barbahandar Barua, a diehard rival of the British in later years, expressed his loyalty and gratitude to the Company Bahadur in no uncertain terms and prayed to the almighty for its continued glory and greatness, records Priyam Goswamy and adds: “Haliram Dhekial Phukan not only acclaimed the new order, but also prepared, on behalf of David Scott, the Agent to the GovernorGeneral for the whole of the North East frontier of Bengal, seven slokas in Sanskrit interspersed with English words, appealing to the Sants and Mahants of Assam to cooperate with the British.”

The East India Company desperately needed the gold from Tibet to finance its growing China trade. Hence, an alternative route to Tibet became an urgent necessity. They believed that such a route might be possible via Assam. And the fate of Assam was to be decided by them only.

Following an uprising during the Durga puja in October 1857, Maniram and Peali Barua were tried for treason and sentenced to death. Assam was governed as a part of Bengal by the British till 1874. In that year they separated it from Bengal, added Sylhet to the province and brought the whole area under a chief commissioner who had his headquarters at Shillong.

Following the formation of Meghalaya state in 1971, Shillong become it’s capital. But it continued as the capital of Assam for one more year. In 1972, Dispur was accorded the status of the capital of Assam. The state of Assam would continue to be in limelight even during the next couple of years.

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25 - 31 August 2018

Kerala faces massive repair & rehabilitation challenge Floodwaters started receding across Kerala, even as the death toll in the unprecedented deluge since August 8 rose to 209. (The total number of people died during the rainy season rose to 370.) With over 7,00,000 people living in 5,645 camps and extensive damage to infrastructure that includes 10,000km of roads, Kerala now faces the challenge of rehabilitation, preventing disease and rebuilding the state.

Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan promises help Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan promised to reach out and rescue the last stranded person. The immediate concern is preventing epidemics and water-borne diseases, even as health experts warned of a possible rise in cases of leptospirosis, a bacterial disease that affects both humans and animals. Preliminary estimates suggest that repairing the main roads alone would cost £444.1 million. “NHAI and PWD have agreed to do immediate repair of damaged roads,” Vijayan said.

He said ensuring hygiene and clearing waste from flood-hit areas was going to be a huge challenge. He said that each affected ward will have separate teams to ensure hygiene and that volunteers will be enrolled for this task. The CM chaired meetings on Sunday to put in place a preliminary framework for rebuilding Kerala. Ministers, senior officials of railways, PWD and other departments attended. It was decided that as soon as water recedes, local bodies will begin inspection of each evacuated home for electrical and structural safety.

Modi announces £50 mn more in aid for state On Saturday, after surveying some of the flood-affected areas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sanctioned £50 million as an immediate relief to the state. He also announced an ex-gratia sum of Rs 2,00,000 to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to those seriously injured from Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. Earlier home minister Rajnath Singh during his to

the state promised £10 million aid. Many states also extended financial and material help to the state.The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has promised an assistance of £70 million for Kerala’s reconstruction effort.

Bus, rail, air services restored partially KSRTC, railways and airlines restored services partially in the state on Sunday.

With the Ernakulam-Shoranur rail route still not fully restored, trains are moving very slowly. With Kochi international airport yet to start services, flight of small planes have started from Kochi naval base. In isolated pockets, the water level wasn’t receding quickly enough and people remained stranded. At Chengannur alone in Alappuzha district, at least 5,000 were stranded, according to revenue officials. The CM commended the yeoman service rendered by fishermen in rescue missions.

He also thanked the Union government, PM Narendra Modi, home minister Rajnath Singh, governor P Sathasivam, national disaster response force, the army, navy, air force, civil society, ranging from NGOs to self-help groups, the Malayali diaspora and the neighbouring states for their overwhelming support in the hour of need.

Sikh volunteers set up langar in Kerala A group of Sikh volunteers from Khalsa Aid International, the UK based philanthropist group came to the aid of victims of the calamity in Kerala. The volunteers, who reached Kochi on Friday, organised langar for the flood-hit people with the help of Gurudwara Singh Sabha, Thevara. They have set up a relief camp where meals are being served to 3,000 people. “Our team is currently at Assisi Vidyaniketan Public School, Perumpilly in Kochi and serving langar to 3,000 people. We have adopted this camp. More volunteers will reach there soon,” said Amarpreet Singh, Asia Pacific managing director of Khalsa Aid. Gursahib Singh, a volunteer from Ludhiana said, “As per inputs from our team on ground zero in Kerala, people are in dire need of sanitary pads, mosquito nets, anti-

bacterial soaps, slippers, tarapaulin sheets, knives, among other things. Soon, we will be establishing collection centres in Punjab to donate these.”

12 killed, over 5,000 displaced in Karnataka floods Heavy rains in Karnataka districts that neighbor flood-ravaged Kerala have left at least 12 people dead and more than 5,000 displaced. As per official records, so far 12 people have died in Chikkamagaluru, Hassan and Kodagu districts. Shivamogga, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts too are facing a flood-like situation. In Kodagu, officials said 4,225 people have been rescued from 1,194 places so far, but hundreds are still missing. Out of 296 villages in the rainaffected district, 13 have been completed submerged. The rain coupled with the landslips has also affected power supply to the district as over 3,800 electric polls have broken down, 260 transformers are submerged and power cables have snapped.

The last remaining open road link between

state capital Bengaluru and Mangaluru was also cut on Monday.

Flood alert in Tamil Nadu In Tamil Nadu, flood alert was sounded for 13 districts, including the Cauvery delta regions, apart from Madurai and Theni as the Periyar and Vaigai dams received copious inflows. Heavy discharges were being made from dams, including Mettur, following inflows from Karnataka. This led to several villages and crops getting inundated along the banks of Cauvery and its tributary Bhavani. Nearly 14,000 people have been shifted to relief camps in different districts so far in the state, officials said.

The third flood warning was issued to the people living along the banks of the Vaigai river in Madurai district as the water level in the Vagai dam touched the 69-feet mark. As 3333 cusecs is being discharged directly into the river bed, people have been asked to move to safer grounds. The dam is reaching its maximum level after nearly a decade.

Nation bids emotional farewell to Vajpayee The who’s who of Indian politics, foreign dignitaries and thousands of ordinary people came together to bid an emotional farewell to former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Friday evening as flames from the cremation pyre at Smriti Sthal rose to consume the leader’s mortal remains.

Led by PM Narendra Modi, the nation mourned the passing of the saffron veteran. At the cremation, Vajpayee’s foster family huddled in grief as a 21-gun salute went off after several dignitaries had stepped up to place wreaths on a funerary box draped in the Indian tricolour.

Cries of “Bharat mata ki jai” mingled with Vedic chants as priests supervised the last rites while a billboard summed up Vajpayee’s life journey in his own words, “Har chunauti se do haath maine kiye, Aandhiyon mein jalaye hain bhujhte diye (I have grappled with every challenge, I have lit stuttering oil lamps in the midst of storms).”

Thousands of mourners shouted “Jab tak suraj chand rahega, Atal tera naam rahega” as soon as the Army gun carriage carrying Vajpayee’s body reached Smriti Sthal from the BJP

headquarters. Modi, BJP chief Amit Shah, senior party leaders, including Rajnath Singh and chief ministers, walked with the flower-decked vehicles with crowds gathering strength all along the way.

What stood out was the large number of common citizens who turned up first at Vajpayee’s Krishna Menon Marg residence through Thursday night and then on Friday morning. The Metro station at ITO near the BJP office saw a steady stream of mourners seeking to catch a glimpse of the former PM lying in state and offering tributes.

Bugles sounded the solemn last post Bugles sounded the solemn last post just before the former PM was placed on the pyre of wooden blocks to be consigned to flames. Vajpayee’s foster granddaughter Niharika broke down as the fire rose on a humid Delhi evening marked by a slight drizzle.

Vajpayee was cremated a little after 4.30 pm and soon after, once the VIPs had left the seats arranged at the front, hundreds of people walked around the pyre and were seen folding hands in tribute.

The enclosures for leaders and dignitaries were full with chief ministers

and several leaders in the second row while President Ram Nath Kovind, vicepresident M Venkaiah Naidu, Modi, Shah, BJP stalwart L K Advani, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan along with former PM Manmohan Singh and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi occupied the front.

“Atalji, you will live on in the hearts and minds of every Indian. No words can ever do justice to your rich contribution towards the making of our country,” Modi tweeted after the funeral. Several foreign dignitaries, including Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Bangladeshi foreign minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, among others were present. Vajpayee was 92. He was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in June, and had been ailing for quite some time. The leader had minimised political activities in the last decade, following the deterioration of his health. Vajpayee was admitted in AIIMS on 11.06.2018 and was stable in the last 9 weeks under the care of a tam of AIIMS doctors. Unfortunately, his condition deteriorated and he was put on life support systems. Despite the best of efforts, the doctors could not save his life.

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

27

25 - 31 August 2018 l Swot up: Learning about

Breast Cancer Did you know that a third (34%) of people are diagnosed with breast cancer after finding a symptom other than a lump? This clearly highlights the need for women to feel confident in recognising all the warning signs of the disease.

CHECKING FOR BREAST CANCER Whatever your age, size or shape, it’s important to take care of your breasts.

We found a third (33%) of women aren’t regularly checking their breasts, with a fifth (20%) saying it’s because they don’t know how. But the good news is there’s no ‘correct’ way to check, it’s all about getting to know your breasts and what’s normal for you. In particular, looking and feeling regularly will mean that any changes can be spotted quickly.

Knowing the warning signs to look for can lead to an earlier diagnosis.

This can be crucial in providing more effective treatment and, ultimately, saving lives.

It’s important to remember that most breast changes are likely to be normal. They could be linked to non-cancer breast conditions such as cysts or to your menstrual cycle. Oestrogen and progesterone play a vital part in regulating your periods.

These hormones are responsible for the changes you may notice in your breasts just before your period. Your breasts may feel heavier and fuller, tender or lumpy.

After a period, this usually lessens or disappears altogether, although some women have tender, lumpy breasts all the time.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS It’s worth getting anything unusual checked out with your GP. Some of the most common signs and symptoms other than a lump are: l A change in size or shape l Nipple discharge l A change in skin tex ture (like puckering or dimpling) l A rash/redness l The nipple becoming inverted l Swelling in the armpit or around the collar bone l Constant pain in the breast While most symptoms won't mean breast cancer, if you notice anything unusual for you, get it

checked out by your GP. Anyone with questions can call Breast Cancer Care’s nurses free on 0808 800 6000 or visit breastcancercare.org.uk.

MYTH BUSTING It’s worth being aware of some of the myths surrounding breast cancer.

Breast cancer is not a single disease - there are actually several types of breast cancer, which grow in different parts of the breast. The disease isn’t the same for every woman, and can be diagnosed at different stages and grow at different rates.

Addie Mitchell, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Breast Cancer Care

aged 50 to 70 are invited to routine screenings every three years.

Unfortunately, most women over the age of 70 are not automatically invited to a screening, but we would still encourage these women to attend.

They are actually in the biggest age category for having breast cancer.

Leading a healthy lifestyle can indeed help lower your risk of breast cancer. Eating a healthy diet, exercising, limiting alcohol and maintaining a healthy weight all reduce the risk.

We don’t know exactly what causes breast can-

Types of Breast Cancer

Some cancers can be more aggressive than others. Breast cancer treatment is individually tailored, so what works best for one person may not be beneficial for another.

Very few cases of breast cancer are hereditary. One of the biggest misconceptions of breast cancer is that you only get it if someone in your family has been diagnosed with the disease. In fact very few cases are hereditary.

A lot of people think that breast cancer is genetic – but it’s a very common myth. Only 5% of breast cancers are caused by inheriting an altered gene.

It’s just a very common cancer. If you’re at all worried about a genetic link to breast cancer and your increased risk, speak to your GP. Research reveals that breast cancer screening programmes may prevent around 1,300 women in the UK dying from breast cancer every year.

Because breast cancer is more common in women over the age of 50, women

cer, but there’s good scientific evidence that keeping your weight down, increasing your exercise and maintaining a healthy weight does lower your risk factor of breast cancer. There’s also some evidence that even a small amount of alcohol can affect your risk – although we don’t know how much yet.

However, the most significant risk factors for developing the disease remains being a woman and getting older.

STEPS TO SUPPORT Being a family member, partner, or friend of someone with breast cancer can be very difficult. There's no right or wrong way to feel about finding out your partner has breast cancer. As a partner of someone with breast cancer, you may face practical decisions about their treatment.

Some simple steps to support your partner through breast cancer can be found below:

breast cancer and the treatments involved can make you feel more confident about talking to your partner and their medical team. Plus having a good knowledge about what is happening can help you know what to expect. l Be practical: Some partners say they feel useless during treatment. Finding a practical role, such as taking notes during appointments or making lists of questions to ask your partner’s consultant, can be a good way of helping you provide support. l Give a helping hand: Some days your partner may need to rest for long periods and other days they may be able to carry on as before. Rather than assuming you always need to do everything, see what you can help with on a certain day. This can stop your partner feeling helpless or you feeling overstretched. l Listen, talk, listen: Communication is probably the most important thing you can do. If talking is difficult writing it down can help; a letter, an email or a text is sometimes easier. Whatever works for you, just keep communicating. l Prepare for changes: Surgery will change the physical appearance of your partner’s breast(s).

Some couples find it helpful to prepare by reading about what to expect and looking at photographs of people who have had similar surgery.

Breast Cancer Care’s booklet Your body, intimacy and sex may help. l Make time for intimacy: What worked for you both before may not now be what your partner finds comfortable or enjoyable since treatment. Thinking more widely about sex and intimacy and working out what feels pleasurable for you both by exploring each other’s bodies will lessen the anxiety. Smaller gestures of intimacy such as cuddling can be a good starting point. l Remember – you’re not alone: Breast cancer can disrupt relationships and partners of people going through treatment often need support too. Utilising the offers of support from friends and family members can give partners a rest. In addition, ry Breast Cancer Care’s Forum to speak to others in the same position, or find further information in the charity’s booklet In it together: for partners of people with breast cancer.

SOMEONE LIKE ME If you have breast cancer, Breast Cancer Care offers a service called Someone Like Me. This not only puts you in touch with someone else who’s had or been affected by primary breast cancer; with a network of around 200 trained volunteers, we’ll find someone who has more in common with you and understands your particular concerns. They will: l listen l offer emotional support and practical tips l share their own experiences l support you in making informed decisions Whatever you're concerned about – whether it's how to make an informed decision about treatments or reconstructive surgery or how to cope with the shock of diagnosis, or learning to regain some sort of normality when treatments have ended – support is just a phone call or email away.

Here is our current clinical infographic on the signs and symptoms: https://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/ information-support/have-i-got-breast-cancer/signssymptoms-breast-cancer

28 BOLLYWOOD

AsianVoiceNews

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25 - 31 August 2018

Priyanka, Nick confirm they are engaged

'Gold': A washed-out version of a powerful historical moment

Charusmita

Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra have confirmed they are engaged. The Texan singer, formerly part of the Jonas Brothers, and the Bollywood superstar held a private engagement ceremony in Mumbai on Saturday. For the last three weeks there were rumours about the pair's engagement but they had not confirmed it until now.

No date has yet been announced for the wedding.

The engagement party - called roka - is a chance for the couple to exchange gifts and makes the union of their families

public. Priyanka won the Miss World pageant in 2000 and went on to make more than 50 films in India and became one of Bollywood's highest-paid actresses. She broke in to acting in the US with a role in the TV series 'Quantico' and film roles in 'Ventilator,' 'Baywatch' and 'A Kid like Jake.'

Jonas was part of a band with his brothers Joe and Kevin and got a big following on the Disney Channel through films like 'Camp Rock.' At 25, he is a decade younger than Chopra. He is said to have proposed to her in London in June.

'Satyameva Jayate' springs a surprise

The British Raj left an indelible mark on the political development of the Indian subcontinent and hence, any film based on an aspect related to either the colonisation or the Partition in 1947 evokes strong emotions among Hindi cinema’s audiences.

'Gold' is touted to be a fictional account inspired from the real life events that took place in the year leading up to the 1948 London Olympics. Had this film not relied on borrowed moments from films such as 'Lagaan,' 'Dangal' and 'Chak De,' it would have made a perfect watch on the occasion of India’s 71st Independence Day. With a promising premise, 'Gold' tells us a tale of how India won the country’s first Olympic medal as a newly independent nation. A perfect plotline waiting to be executed well– winning a gold medal in the colonialists’ home ground in 1948. It starts with the British Indian team bagging a gold medal at the Berlin Games and then follows the struggles and challenges that the team and its manager face before coming together for a win that was out of the shadows of British Raj. There are some particularly heart-warming scenes in the film between hockey players both from the newly formed Pakistan and India, depicting how they strengthened each other in the face of a challenge against the colonialists.

However, 'Gold’s' onscreen articulation has little to do with freshness of the plot and more to do with unconvincing and halfbaked characters and shoddy execution. It is unclear why Akshay Kumar’s character was a “Bangali” (sic) since his accent seemed forced and stereotypical, and maybe mildly

offensive to the community. The only good thing about Kumar’s performance was that he made space for the ensemble cast to shine and enliven their respective characters. The surprise package in the film was actor Sunny Kaushal. Kaushal (as Himmat Singh) delivered a powerful performance as a Punjabi village boy exuding raw energy, and portraying sincerity, passion and frustration effortlessly. Amit Sadh, who plays a scion of a United Provinces royal family, portrayed his character with great finesse. Vineet Singh (as Imtiaz Ali Shah) seemed to be underutilised as an actor. His character, which was probably written to signify the pain of many of the real Muslim hockey stars of the day who had to migrate to the newly-formed Pakistan, felt incomplete, taking away from what the film could have been. Also, the female lead in the film (Mouni Roy) could not do much to uplift this sinking ship.

At several points in the films, the plot seemed patchy and disjointed. A Buddhist monk who instantly broke his five-year-long silence upon hearing the name of his favourite hockey star, a team manager who slipped in and out of alcoholism effortlessly, an Indian official who did not think twice before betraying his own team of the manager that they deserve, are all unconvincing or stale characters who were put together in a story that could have relied on the actual events to be richer in content.

The soundtrack was average, and did nothing to strengthen the plot or entertain.

Overall, a good watch if you are feeling particularly patriotic (as I was!) and wish to cherish and relive the moments that, we think, lead to one of the most historic wins in Independent India’s history.

No stress over my equation with Ranbir, Katrina: Alia John Abraham starrer 'Satyameva Jayate,' which was released on Independence Day, has done extremely well on its opening day. Also starring Manoj Bajpayee, the film has earned £2.05 million. Despite its clash with Akshay Kumar starrer 'Gold,' the film has managed to do well for itself. The film has not been received favourably by critics. The last film with an A certificate to earn heavily on the first day was perhaps 'Grand Masti' which had made £1.25 million on the opening day. In fact, it was the first adult film in India to earn over £10 million. As absurd as it may sound, people did watch this sex comedy and even loved it. Now 'Satyameva Jayate' takes that place with £2.05 million.

Nikkhil Advani, the producer of the film said, “It’s been a highly emotional day for the entire team of SMJ watching the film with the audiences that it was made to reach out to. Milap’s conviction and outright confidence has paid huge dividends and as producers we are extremely gratified by the record breaking numbers that have appreciated the film as well as the reviews that understood the intention with which the story had been narrated.”

Actress Alia Bhatt has dismissed any form of stress between herself and her current boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor’s ex-girlfriend Katrina Kaif. Alia and Katrina were known to share a close bond. They used to post pictures of their workout routines on Instagram, which were quite popular. But ever since Alia started dating Ranbir, there have been reports that the girls were no longer on sweet terms. Even the Instagram posts have vanished. Reacting to these reports, Alia said, “I don’t check my Instagram like earlier. So, I don’t know why people are checking that? But I have to admit I have always been very fond of Katrina.”I believe that its the same both ways, according to us. So, I don’t know why other people feel differently?

“But now I will send her a message to start liking my pictures because if that’s the barometer of friendship then we must start liking everyone’s picture. But with her, I have no stress whatsoever.” On the work front, Alia was shooting for “Brahmastra” not long ago. It is written and directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Karan Johar. It stars Ranbir-Alia and Amitabh Bachchan. Asked about challenges of playing a historical character, Alia said: “Honestly, to take any kind of character is challenging whether it’s historical or contemporary or modern. I am just very happy and honoured to be associated with such a big film…”

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25 - 31 August 2018

'Vishwaroopam 2' enjoys a Biopic on Jayalalithaa decent overseas opening Kamal Haasan’s mega-budget venture 'Vishwaroopam 2' has performed pretty well in its opening weekend at the overseas box office. The espionage thriller performed exceptionally well in the markets of USA, Australia and Norway. In thew domestic market, the film has taken a fair start at the box office pan India considering the buzz around it. The Hindi version of 'Vishwaroop II' is presented by blockbuster director Rohit Shetty and it also stars Shekhar Kapur, Waheeda Rehman, Rahul Bose, Pooja Kumar, Andrea Jeremiah, Jaideep Ahlawat, Nasser, Anant Mahadevan, Yusuf Hussain and Rajendra Gupta in pivotal roles. It is written and directed by Kamal Haasan.

Since the film has received mixed reviews, it would be diffiult for the film to remain steady at the box office. Film critic Urmimala Banerjee gave the film two stars and said, “For someone who does not know

how espionage actually operates, 'Vishwaroopam 2' is fairly engaging stuff.

The London portion has a bit of history infused in it, which is genuinely interesting.

However, the film is flat and fails to excite as much as we hoped it would.”

Dhanush and Anirudh join hands after a long time

After the Vibri Media announced that they will be making a biopic on the life of former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa, director Mysskin's associate Priyadhaarshini has also announced that she would also be directing a biopic on Jaya. In a statement, Priyadhaarshini said, “For the last four months we were discussing and working on the making of visual history of the iron lady who is still alive in the hearts of millions of Tamilians. We consider this as our duty and tribute to the lady who had lived an exceptional life. We wish to make an official announcement regarding the making of movie based on the life and history of 'Puratchi Thalaivi Jayalalitha.' This film has been planned to reach people in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi languages.”

“The characters in the movie will be portrayed by lead actors, and we are extremely happy to share that the commencement of the making of film will be on February 24th, Jayalalitha's birthday. The official announcement regarding the cast and crew will be maded on September 20, 2018."

'Ezhumin' is an upcoming film starring Vivekh and Devayani in the lead roles. The film is directed by V.P Viji and this is touted to be Tamil cinema’s first ever martial arts based film.

Viji is also the producer of the film. The team started shooting in December, last year.

The latest update on this film is that music director Anirudh has crooned a number for this film. The song will be the title track of the film.

It also contains powerful dialogues by Vivekh, pertaining to important social issues like Jallikattu. This will be on the lines of 'Velaiyilla Pattadhari's' theme song. The music is composed by Ganesh Chandrasekaran. There are totally 4 songs in the film. It must be noted that Dhanush and Yogi B had also lent their voices for the album. The audio is expected to release soon.

* Schedule is subject to change

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MONDAY 27th - FRIDAY 31st August 16:00: RASOI SHOW 17:00: FOOD HIGHWAY 17:30: THE GREAT INDIAN GLOBAL KITCHEN 18:00: RADHA PREM KI DEEWANI

Wednesday August 29, 2018 01:35 Film : Zeher-A Love Story 05:00 Film : I Don't Luv U 07:15 Film : Kaun Kare Kurbanie 10:00 Film : Ghulam-E-Musthafa 13:15 Film : Kalyug 15:25 Film : Ek Se Bure Do 18:15 Film : Star Stop * Schedule is subject to change * Schedule is subject to change 19:00 Film : Aligarh Sunday August 26, 2018 SATURDAY 25th - SUNDAY 26th August Film : Saaya 23:55 Film : Hai Apna Dil Toh Awara 21:20 Thursday August 30, 2018 TIME TV PROGRAM NAMES 05:00 Film : Dam999 00:05 Film : Yeh Hai Judgement Hanged Till Death 16:30 CID 07:05 Film : Awaara Paagal Deewana 05:00 Film : Bezubaan Ishq 17:30 Dus Ka Dum 10:23 Film : Masti 07:26 Film : Karishma Kudrat Ka 18:30 Indian Idol 13:56 Film : Desi Boyz 10:32 Film : Mrityudand 20:00 Indian Idol 16:27 Film : A Flying Jatt 13:56 Film : Jurm 21:30 Dus Ka Dum 19:31 Film : Happy Bhag Jayegi 16:30 Film : The Killer 22:30 Crime Patrol 19:00 Film : Raman Raghav 2.0 22:09 Film : Nill Battey Sannata 29th WEDNESDAY TO 31st FRIDAY 21:34 Film : Dunno Y Na Jaane Kyun...

Monday August 27, 2018 Friday August 31, 2018 TIME TV PROGRAM NAMES 00:18 Film : Luv Shuv Pyaar Vyar 00:33 Film : Rama Rama Kya Hai Dramaa 05:00 Film : Wake Up India 18:30 Yeh Pyaar Nahi Toh Kya Hai 05:00 Film : Good Buddy Gadbadi 07:15 Film : Rahu Ketu 19:00 Mere Sai 07:23 Film : Ram Balram 19:30 Vighnaharta Ganesh 10:00 Film : Khel 10:50 Film : Naraaz 20:00 Porus 13:36 Film : Woh Lamhe 13:17 Film : Jashnn 20:30 Zindagi Ke Crossroads 16:09 Film : Commando 2 16:00 Film : Aligarh 21:30 Yeh Un Dinon Ki Baat Hai 19:00 Film : Awarapan 18:22 Film : Star Stop 22:00 Dil Hi Toh Hai 21:30 Film : Desi Boyz 19:00 Film : Machine 22:30 Crime Patrol Tuesday August 28, 2018 21:55 Film : Raman Raghav 2.0 MONDAY 27th - FRIDAY 31st August 00:00 Film : Yeh Zindagi Ka Safar Saturday September 01, 2018 05:00 Film : Huff! It's Too Much 00:30 Film : Hey Bro TIME TV PROGRAM NAMES 07:00 Film : Pighalta Aasman 05:00 Film : Future To Bright Hai Ji 18:30 Yeh Pyaar Nahi Toh Kya Hai 07:10 Film : Udaan 09:41 Film : Shikaar 19:00 Mere Sai 09:48 Film : Chameli Ki Shaadi 12:30 Film : Nazar 19:45 Vighnaharta Ganesh 12:40 Film : Kasoor 14:51 Film : Happy Bhag Jayegi 20:30 Porus 15:51 Film : Aitraaz 17:27 Film : The Perfect Girl 21:15 Yeh Un Dinon Ki Baat Hai 19:05 Film : Agent Vinod 19:30 Film : Baadshah 21:45 Dil Hi Toh Hai 22:15 Film : Munna Maange Memsaab 22:59 Film : Tumsa Nahi Dekha 22:15 Crime Patrol SUNDAY 2nd September SATURDAY 1st September

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UTTARAN DIL KI PUKAR AMRUTA GHADGE & FAMILY ISHQ MEIN MARJAWAN INTERNETWALA LOVE (PREMIERE) BALIKA VADHU LAMHE PYAAR KE RADHA KI BETIYAAN RADHA PREM KI DEEWANI AMRUTA GHADGE & FAMILY

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25 - 31 August 2018

Sheffield terror suspect 'close' Gatwick Airport flight to Manchester Arena bomber information screens fail A dental student accused of funding terrorism told a friend he had "close family links" to Manchester Arena bomber Salman Abedi, a court has heard.

Abdurahman Kaabar, 23, also sent a message saying 'may Allah forgive him' just days after Abedi detonated a bomb killing 22 people in May 2017.

Prosecutors allege he twice sent money to his brother Mohammed in Syria.

Mr Kaabar, of Sheffield, has admitted sending money on one occasion but told jurors it was for "medicinal purposes".

Summing up the case at Sheffield Crown Court, Judge Paul Watson QC read out a series of messages exchanged between Mr Kaabar and another man.

Salman Abedi

The conversation started on 24 May when the unnamed man sent Mr Kaabar a link to a BBC News article naming Abedi.

Mr Kaabar replied a day later saying: "Knew da kid.

Close family links. May Allah forgive him and grant him the highest levels of Jannah [paradise]."

The court also heard he had sent the words "Allahu Akbar", meaning "God is greatest", in a conversation in the wake of the terror

Coming Events

l Arsha Vidya UK & Datta Sahaj Yoga Mission UK presents 'Vedantic View & Way of Life' by Pujya Swami Viditatmananda Date: 25th August 2018, 8am to 1 pm. Venue: Vishwa Hindu Parishad Centre (VHP) 10 Thornton Row, Thornton Health, Survey CR7 6JN l Nagrecha Charitable Trust presents, Yaaden – An evening of Golden Hits by Jyoti Christian, Akshay Tamayche, Alpa Gowami, Gautamkumar ( Sanjay Sonaraj) Ajay Patel, Ramesh Kolavle, Chintu, Harris Christian Jayesh Leva. 8th September Venue: Hariben Bachubhai Nagrecha Hall, 198-202 Leyton Rd, E15 1DT at 8pm to late night 0208 555 0318 (11am to 6pm) 07946 565 888 -07760 388911 (Umi) l Mein Amrita Kuch Kahi Kuch Ankahi, Lecture demonstration and performance by Dr Dimple Kaur Malhotra, 30 August 2018 6.30 pm, Venue: Nehru Centre London, This event is presented in remembrance of the famous poet Amrita Pritam.

Bochasanwasi Shree Akshar Purushottan Swaminarayan Sanstha's head Param Pujya Mahant Swami is currently in Atladra and he will be there till September 2nd. Variety programmes are being held daily on various subjects. Children and youth held dialogues, devotional songs and traditional dance. Mahant Swami gives blessings to devotees in mornings and evenings. He asks them to maintain and strengthen qualities of unity and harmony.

Mahant Swami will travel to Ahmedabad from there.

Sneh Joshi

attack on the offices of Charlie Hebdo in Paris in January 2015.

He was also part of a Whatsapp group chat to which another member sent the message "happy 9/11 everyone".

The court previously heard Mr Kaabar's younger brother Mohammed had travelled to Syria in March 2016 with another man, Ahmed Hadrami, to fight against the Syrian government.

Prosecutor Michelle Nelson said they appeared to have been part of Jaysh al Fatah, a group linked to Al Nusra, or the Nusra Front, which changed its name to Jabhat al Fatah Al Sham.

Mr Kaabar denied sending a second tranche of money between June and August 2017 saying there had been a discussion but no money was sent.

Mr Kaabar, in his first year of a dentistry degree at Plymouth University, has admitted three counts of possessing terrorist material and 12 counts of disseminating a terrorist publication, but denies funding terrorism.

The trial continues.

Staff at Gatwick Airport used loud hailers to reach as many passengers as possible

Staff at Gatwick Airport had to write flight information on whiteboards for most of this Monday due to a technical problem with its digital screens.

Vodafone provides the service, and said a damaged fibre cable had caused the information boards to stop working. In a statement at 17:00 BST, a Gatwick spokesman said the issue had been resolved and flight information was being displayed as normal.

"Tens of thousands" of people departed on time and no flights were cancelled. Apologising to cus-

tomers, he added that the airport's "manual contingency plan", which included having extra staff on hand to help direct passengers, had worked well. The airport earlier said a "handful of people" had missed their flights due to the problems. A spokesman said the information boards stopped working "earlier this morning" but was unable to give a precise time.

Passengers earlier took to social media to vent their frustration at the loss of the flight information screens. Helen Walsh

Luton robber caught due to disguise failure A man who punched a shopkeeper in the face during a robbery was caught after his disguise slipped down to reveal his face on CCTV, a court has heard.

Delano Thomas, 40, tried to take bottles of alcohol from Ashton Stores in Luton with a scarf over his face. But it fell down in a struggle with the shopkeeper and police recognised his face on the CCTV footage.

Thomas, of Enderby Road, Luton, was jailed for

four years after being found guilty of robbery at Luton Crown Court.

The court heard Thomas was asked by the shopkeeper to remove the

scarf when he entered the store on Ashton Road on the morning of 29 January, he refused and was told to leave.

A f t e r returning a minute later he hit the shopkeeper, took the alcohol, and fled after a tussle.

Judge Nigel Lithman QC told Thomas: "Shopkeepers shouldn't have to put up with this sort of behaviour."

The UK’s leading Vedic writer and TV personality

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20 The Sun puts a spotlight on your

solar sixth house. This is a period that finds you tending to many different details of your daily existence--your work, daily routines, and health matters. You may be in the position to take charge in your work, or to take charge of your health and diet. Do not be hypercritical of yourself.

The Sun continues to put a TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 spotlight on your solar fifth

house. This is a time when pleasure-seeking and creative activities come into focus and grab much of your attention. You are particularly personally charming and ready to perform and to express yourself creatively. It is also a good time for romance and connecting with children.

The Sun continues to transit

GEMINI May 22 - June 22 your solar fourth house. This is

a period for getting in touch with your innermost feelings and spending more time and energy on home and family. Use this energy to find ways to improve your family relations and your home environment. A good time to explore your inner needs so that you can nurture yourself and others.

The Sun continues to highlight CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22 your solar third house. A time in which you are most likely to be busy communicating. Used well, this could be a period in which you come up with solutions to a number of problems. You will be proud of your intellectual accomplishments, ability to socialize and make connections.

The Sun continues to transit your solar second house. This is the most "financial" period of the year for you. You have an increased interest in your own possessions, during this period. You are more attracted to objects and possessions that give you a sense of comfort, status, or luxury now. Careful with your extravagant spending habits.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23

The Sun transits through your solar first house. You experience a renewal of energy and vitality now, and it's a strong time for increased personal confidence. The emphasis is on self-expression.

You are more decisive and forward-looking now, and you put more faith in your own abilities.

The Sun continues to transit your solar twelfth house. This is the time to listen to your intuition, to take a break from the hectic pace of your life, and to reflect. You might naturally retreat a little and take more private time for yourself now. Time to take stock of your projects now and not start anything new for a while.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23

The Sun continues to put a spotlight on your solar eleventh house. You will benefit from networking in this period and you might find some great ideas through others now. Working in a team will also benefit you. You are more attracted to that which is progressive or unconventional during this cycle.

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22

tweeted that the situation was "absolute carnage", while CheerfulChappy said Gatwick Airport was "an embarrassment to the UK, letting a simple IT problem knock out all of the departure info screens".

Elizabeth Humphries tweeted that the situation was "appalling".

"Thank goodness I have eagle-vision and can read messy writing from a distance," she said.

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SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21

The Sun’s transit continues to put a spotlight on your solar tenth house. Satisfaction and fulfilment during this cycle comes from being professionally responsible and contributing to the world in practical ways. You will get a lot of support from authority figures during this transit. Avoid the pitfalls by being confident and positive.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20

The Sun continues to transit your solar ninth house now. In this period you seek to expand your experiences and awareness, whether through philosophical thinking, travel, or simply activities that take you away from your mundane routines.

It's an excellent period for looking at your life from a different perspective.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19 The Sun continues to transit your solar eighth house. Personal transformations and intimate matters fulfill you most during this period. There may be a strong focus on other's money, such as the resources of a partner, inheritance, banking and loans, or taxes. You are more in touch with the deeper and even primal elements of your own personality.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20

The Sun continues to transit your solar seventh house--your partnership sector. This can be a time of much learning in your close relationships. It's not the time to push your personal plans forward; rather, it's a cycle in which you give back to a special someone, and compromise in order to find some balance in your life.

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25 - 31 August 2018

in brief AMIT BHATIA TAKES OVER AS CHAIRMAN OF QPR Amit Bhatia has taken over as the chairman of Queen Park Rangers football club (QPR), following the steping down of Tony Fernandes from the post. Fernandes and co-chairman Ruben Gnanalingam are vacating their positions to allow Bhatia to move up from his role as vice-chairman.

Fernandes took over at the west London club in 2011 and has been co-chairman with majority shareholder Gnanalingam since 2015.

But his time his term has been controversial and last month QPR were fined £17million as part of a £42 million settlement for breaching Financial Fair Play rules. Fernandes told the club website: "It's a good time for a change as the club is now in a stable position and this will give the new chairman a good foundation to build upon. It's time for the club to have a chairman who is based in London. It was important for me to step down at a time where we have solved many issues such as FFP, making the club sustainable, building a strong academy and having a strong backroom team. I remain a committed shareholder and co-owner and will do what I can to get QPR back to the promised land."

Bhatia has been on the board since his father-in-law Lakshmi Mittal bought a stake in the club in 2007. Bhatia said: "I'm excited to be stepping into the role as chairman of QPR, and have accepted this position fully aware of the responsibilities and pressures that come with this appointment. Under my watch I will ensure that we make decisions that are in the best long-term interests of QPR, and which bring stability and sustainability to the club. While we would like to be more active in the transfer market it's important we adhere to the profitability and sustainability rules moving forward. We are pursuing a more careful and considered strategy and our squad is now made up of young and hungry players, filled with passion and commitment. I am hopeful that we can make more signings before the end of the loan window and that Steve (McClaren)'s final squad on August 31 will make us proud - and make our weekends more enjoyable!" Gnanalingam will replace Bhatia as vice-chairman of the west London club.

FORMER INDIA CRICKET CAPTAIN WADEKAR DEAD Former India cricket captain Ajit Wadekar, who led the country to its historic maiden series wins in England and West Indies in 1971, passed away after a prolonged illness in Mumbai last week.

He was 77. A stylish left-hander from Mumbai, he was one of the finest No 3 batsmen India has produced, and the first Indian captain to notch up three Test series victories in a row. Post a disastrous tour of England in 1974, in which India lost all the three Tests, he was forced into retirement. He became the manager of the Indian team in the nineties. Wadekar, who made his debut in 1966 at Mumbai against West Indies went on to play 31 Tests, scoring one hundred and 14 fifties before calling it quits in 1974. Interestingly, it was former India captain Vijay Merchant’s casting vote as chairman of the selection committee which ended MAK Pataudi’s long reign as India captain and handed over the reins to Wadekar in January 1971.

After being away from the sport for some time, Wadekar was appointed as the coach for India’s historic tour of South Africa in 1992.

New mentoring app for budding cricketers to be launched globally Rupanjana Dutta A new smartphone-based mentoring app that gives budding amateur cricketers opportunity to get their games reviewed and advised on any chance of improvement by their cricketing heroes, was unveiled at the Lord's Cricket ground on 15th August, prior to its global launch in September.

Founded by Indian entrepreneur Srikanth Tanguturi and Sri Lankan investor Christy Kulasingam, Proatar is a revolutionary new sports coaching and mentoring app platform which helps passionate amateurs to get more out of their game through insights and inspiration from the elites of the game. It has assembled an unrivalled squad of top cricketers, coaches, and commentators, who give personalised advice to amateurs through video consultations.

Each paid video consultation is returned within 14 days by the elite chosen by the amateur. A tailored feedback video with a mix of annotations, voiceover commentary, and picture-in-picture analysis by the elite is designed to help ambitious players improve their game.

The app is free to download, and is available globally from 15th September 2018 for Android and iOS. Each paid video consultation is returned within 14 days by the elite chosen by the amateur.

A tailored feedback video with a mix of annotations, voiceover commentary, and picture-in-picture analysis by the elite is designed to help the amateur improve their game. Technical skills as well as and non-technical query videos, for example on captaincy, nutrition, strength and conditioning, and the mental side of the game, can be sent to a chosen elite. It has over 20 cricketing experts already signed up, including Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma and West Indian legends like Michael Holding and Courtney Walsh.

Sharma, a prolific batsman in the Indian cricket team said, "I am really excited about sharing some of my cricketing knowledge and journey to inspire young kids on their journey.”

Former Sri Lankan cricketer Mahela Jayawardene said, “I’m delighted to be joining such an esteemed colletion of mentors on the Proatar platform and look forward to helping amateur cricketers get more out of their game.”

Srikanth Tanguturi, co-founder of Proatar told Asian Voice, “We

are delighted to take the covers off our platform at Lord’s during the media preview event and are looking forward to launching the app the global public on 15th September 2018.

“The app philosophy takes the inspriation aspect seriously, adding gifting options for those who want to give a great moment and memory to passionate cricketers around them, and for corporations to provide consultations to deserving or underpriviledged amateurs via gift certifacate donations.”

Christy Kulasingam, co-founder of Proatar said, “My dream is that in five years’ time, an international debutant will mention Proatar, that the nugget of wisdom they got from an elite through the app was ‘what did it’ — the inspriation that motivated them, kept them working hard to fulfil their dream of playing for their country.

"This sounds like a big number, and it is a premium product, but when we consider how much it would cost to have a single one-on-one session with an elite, assuming first you have access to them, and the value they can add, we believe this is a good investment in an amateur's game.

The app also has a charity and corporate social responsibility (CSR) element built into it, that offers people and companies the chance to sponsor budding talent from villages in India.

TAL Premier League Cricket tournament Telugu Association of London has conducted its TAL Premier League (TPL) Cricket Tournament this year. The matches was played on 18th August at Imperial College London, Heston Sports Ground, Crane Lodge Road, Cranford, Middlesex, TW5 9PQ. The final match was played between Cool Cruisers and March Side Kings while the third place match was played between Blue Caps and United Titans.

Championship winners 'Cool Cruisers' under the captaincy of Sharath Putta won the championship. The runner up trophy went to 'March Side Kings' led by Sunny. 3rd Place: 'United Titans' captained by Rakesh Patel won the third place. The winners of other trophies are - Man of the Series: Pavan Kumar CH, Best Bowler: Pavan Kumar CH and Best Batsman: Pavan Kumar CH. A number of other games, fun activities and entertainments were arranged for families and children. Over 200 people, including women, children and elderly attended the event.

The event began with National Anthems of both India and Britain. The event also paid homage to all freedom fighters. Local MP Seema Malhotra gave away awards to the winners.

Speaking at the event, TAL Sports Trustee Murali Thadiparthi appreciated and thanked TPL Committee members

'Cool Cruisers' with the Championship trophy while March Side Kings won the runners up trophy

Sunil Nagandla, Vamsee Recknor, Shyam Bheemreddy, Sridhar Somisetty and Vamshi Ponnam (logistical support) for their wholeround support and dedication. Murali said that TAL Premier League is the biggest T20 Cricket League that is being organised globally by a community organisation. This year 12 teams played over 14 weeks in complete sportsmanship.

TAL Chairman Sridhar Medichetty thanked the TPL Advisors such as Ravi Sabba, Sanjay Bhiraju, Sharat Jetty and all the volunteers for their support in the smooth conduct of the tournament. Sridhar Medichetty said that TAL was formed in 2005 with a motto “unite, cherish and share" to serve Telugu community in Britain.

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Indian athletes win 10 medals in Asiad Indian athletes have so far won 10 medals three gold, three silver and four bronze medals in the Asian games in Jakarta. The gold winners are wrestler Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat and Saurabh Chaudhary. O n a day when veteran Sushil was knocked out in the first round of the wrestling competition, his countrymate salvaged India’s pride on the mat by winning the country’s first gold in this Asian Games on Sunday after a thrilling final.

Bajrang, who had virtually faced no resistance in all his bouts till the final of the men’s 65kg category, was stretched till the end by Japan’s Takatani Daichi. The Indian survived some anxious moments to ultimately emerge the winner. Bajrang had started the final on a confident note, racing to 6-0 lead in the first 45 seconds of the bout, raising prospects of yet another lopsided finish to the contest. But the Japanese fought back with four points in the next one minute and two more in the second round to level scores. Bajrang took four points to regain the lead but Daichi reduced the margin by claiming two more.

With time running out, the Japanese went for a last-gasp winner but Bajrang held his nerve to clinch the thriller 11-8.

“I never thought of losing at any moment. The game is like that. We never let the pressure affect me. I kept my cool and gave my 100 per cent,” Bajrang said after the bout. Bajrang’s show followed somewhat a disappointing show by the Indian grapplers as Olympic medallist Sushil, Sandeep Tomar and Mausam Khatri all failed to win medals. Pawan Kumar too lost early, but got a chance to win a bronze through repechage when the wrestler who beat him reached the final. But he was outplayed by Uitumen Orgodol of Mongolia in the fight for bronze.

Sushil crashed out Earler, Sushil crashed to one of the worst defeats of his illustrious career but vowed to continue participating in major international events in coming years. The 35-year-old lacked the agility and aggression, that won him a number of top medals over the years, during the 74kg category first round match against Adam

Batirov of Bahrain on the opening day of the competition.

With a motley crowd cheering for the Indian, Sushil won the first two points of the bout and played a waiting game, hoping

Bajrang Punia

for his opponent to make a mistake. He conceded one point soon after but went to the break with a slight advantage. The complexion of the bout changed completely when Batirov claimed two back-to-back two points. Sushil tried to turn the match in his favour with a desperate last ditch effort, but it was too late.

Apurvi & Ravi bring home bronze India opened their account in the 18th Asian Games with a bronze medal after Apurvi Chandela and Ravi Kumar cracked under pressure to finish third in the rifle mixed team shooting event. The Indians aggregated 429.9 after 42 shots in the 48shot final and were in second spot for major part of the 48-shot finals before China overtook them to take the silver.

The strong Chinese pairing of Ruozhu Zhao and Haoran Yang ended with a score of 492.5. Chinese Taipei’s Yingshin Lin and Shaochuan Lu claimed the gold, scoring 494.1. It was a maiden Asian Games medal for Chandela, who will be aiming for a better colour medal in the 10m air rifle.

Chandela is also a multiple time World Cup winner and had bagged gold at 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. World Cup bronze medallist Kumar, who is

mentored by the great Abhinav Bindra, had won a men’s 10m rifle team bronze at last the edition at Incheon.

Chandela, having won the first Games medal for the country, was satisfied with her performance.

“Our best finish together was fourth at the World Cup and we have improved on that. My first Asian Games medal and my first medal for India here. I am really happy about that but my focus is on main event (10m rifle) tomorrow,” Chandela said.

Asked about slipping to third from second in the elimination stage, Chandela added: “This happens in shooting. I think we shot alright.” Kumar said, “This bronze has come only because of Apurvi. The final was a disappointment after a decent qualification. We didn’t get enough time to train together.”

After the first series, India were second with 102.9 while Korea led with 103.4. India remained in that position even after the third series but the Chinese improved

historic gold, the first in for an Indian woman in wrestling in Asian Games. She outclassed Yuki Irie of Japan 8-2 in the 50kg category final here on Monday. Showing impressive skill and composure, Vinesh

Vinesh Phogat

Saurabh Chaudhary

drastically to steal the second spot.

There was disappointment in store for pistol mixed team of teen sensation Manu Bhaker and Abhishek Verma, who failed to qualify for the finals after being tied with Kazakhstan.

Vinesh win gold Vinesh Phogat, from the Haryanvi stable of wrestling sisters of ‘Dangal’ fame, came up with a near perfect game to clinch a

executed her game plan astutely, prompting double Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar, who was watching from the stands, term the bout a “lopsided contest.”

This was India’s second gold in the Asiad here, with the earlier one also coming in wrestling through Bajrang Punia on Sunday. It was a win Vinesh will cherish for long. The 23-year-old took her time to assess her opponent before surprising the Japanese with a swift move to collect four points with a leg-grab 90 seconds into the bout. She then went into a shell, giving no chances to her rival to fight back. Though she conceded two points, including one for passivity in the second round, she had enough in the bank to play it safe till the final whistle.

This was her second medal at the Asiad, having won a bronze in Incheon four years ago. Women’s wrestling was introduced at the Games in 2002 in Busan.

Jasprit Bumrah wrecks havoc to put India on cusp of victory Riding on Jasprit Bumrah's second 5-wicket haul in Test cricket, India inched closer to victory needing just one more wicket to register their first win in the 5-match series.

England ended Day 4 of the Trent Bridge Test with 311 for 9 on the board.

Adil Rashid (30) and James Anderson (8) were unbeaten at stumps as an extended session came to the end. Chasing a mammoth 521 runs in the fourth innings, England were reeling on 84 for four at lunch on Day 4 but a terrific 169-run partnership between Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes frustrated the Indian bowlers. The duo batted out the entire second session and most part of the third session as the bowlers failed to break the partnership.

Even spinner Ravichandran Ashwin proved ineffective as both the batsmen played him with ease. It was the second new ball, that did the trick for India as Virat Kohli took it straightaway after the completion of 80 overs. Jasprit Bumrah wreaked havoc dismissing Jos Buttler (106) and Jonny Bairstow (for a duck) on consecutive deliveries. In his next over, Bumrah dismissed Chris Woakes with a bouncer for 7 runs. Hardik Pandya joined the party, dismissing well set Ben Stokes (62) with a beautiful delivery. Although Stuart Borad and Adil Rashid notched up a quick-fire 50run partnership but Bumrah dismissed Broad to claim his fifth wicket of the innings.

With just one wicket remaining, India will

Jasprit Bumrah

look to wrap up the game early on Day 5.

Kohli praised Cricket correspondent Scyld Berry

praised Virat Kohli's patience and his preparedness to leave the ball for whole maiden overs at a time. Truly he can now be said to have mastered England conditions, scoring 200 runs at Trend Bridge as at Edgbaston. One of Kohli's titles has to be the best one-day international batsman ever, yet here he was content to accumulate 46 runs in the morning, and 39 in the afternoon, in order to wear down England seamers - a vital tactic in a five -match series- before reaching his 23rd test century after tea.

But the biggest and nastiest surprise ever in this city came when England's cricketers discovered they had been out-batted, ourbowled and out-fielded by India in quintessentially English Conditions.