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WORLD

IS bombs market in Iraq

Baghdad: While the world rejoiced in the celebrations of Eid-ulFitr, Iraq mourned over the loss of 115 lives that included women and children, in the one of the gravest terrorist attacks. Terrorist group Islamic State bombed a crowded market in the Diyala province of Iraq killing 115 people, mostly Shiite. Sources said a small truck detonated in the town of Khan Beni Saad, instantly turning the place into a scene of horror. At least 170 people were injured in the attack as per police officials. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement posted on Twitter accounts associated with the militant group. The Sunni militant group has provoked several similar largescale attacks on civilians or military checkpoints as it seeks to expand its territory. The group currently controls about a third of Iraq and Syria in a self-declared caliphate.

China detains Britons, SA and an Indian national for terror links

Beijing: China formally detained nine foreign tourists for alleged ties to a terror group after authorities caught them viewing banned videos. The accused include South Africans, Britons and an Indian. The country's foreign ministry said they will be criminally detained and most likely charged and then prosecuted. “The case is under investigation. China will guarantee the legitimate rights of relevant people in accordance with law, and will continue to provide necessary convenience and assistance to counselor officials of foreign embassies,” the ministry had said when the news caught on worldwide. As the Foreign Office demanded an explanation from the Chinese authorities, a charity involved in the group’s 47-day tour of ancient China said police had accused the tourists of links to a terror group and of watching banned videos in their hotel room. Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of Gift of the Givers, a South African charity working to secure the tourists’ release, said they had

probably been watching videos of Islamic prayers during Ramadan, and denied any terror links. Initially, a total of 20 tourists were arrested, and the Chinese authorities agreed to release 11 of them, holding the remaining 9. Representative from Britain, South Africa and India met together to secure release of the tourists. A British Foreign Office spokeswoman said, “Consular staff have visited the group to provide assistance and we are liaising with Chinese authorities.” The embassy of South Africa declined to comment and an Indian embassy spokesman said he had no information on the matter. Reports in Delhi suggested the Indian national was arrested under article 120

of China’s criminal law governing those who “form, lead or actively participate in a terrorist organisation,” a charge punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The entire situation concluded when Chinese officials released the remaining captive, deporting the Britons and the Indian. Gift of Givers said in a statement, “No charges have been put to the group but the Chinese have been very vague saying that someone in the group has some links to a suspected terror group and that someone has some links to a banned group and that the real reason for the incarceration is that someone was watching propaganda videos in the hotel.” The 46 year old Indian, Rajiv Kulshrestha's release was propagated by the Indian embassy who kept in close contact with the Chinese government. They were given consular access before his release and were present at the airport during his departure. Kulshrestha return came only after China had released the British and South African nationals.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 25th July 2015

In Brief

Pakistani supermodel behind bars

Rawalpindi: Pakistan supermodel Ayyan Ali was recently detained at Islamabad airport on charges of money laundering as $500,000 was found in her suitcase, an amount that exceeds the legal limit of cash permitted to be carried out of the country. Quick to deny the charges, she said the money was acquired legitimately from the proceeds of property sales and that she was unaware of these customs rules. She spent two weeks in Adiala jail until her 'robkar' documents were issued, clearing her release.

Man of Indian origin knighted by France

Johannesburg: Ahmed Kathrada, South Africa's freedom struggle veteran who also was a confidante to anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela, has been knighted by the French government for his lifelong service to the community. He has now joined former President Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and author Nadine Gordimer as the only South Africans to receive French national honours. The 83 year old who spent 26 years in prison alongside Mandela, joked about this being one year less than the prisoner who became the country's first democratically-elected President because “Indians always negotiate a discount”.

Huma Abedin, highest paid in the US prez campaign

Washington: Hillary Clinton's longtime associate Huma Abedin is the highest paid staffer in the US presidential campaign, taking home an annual salary of more than US$ 277,000. Abedin was paid US$ 69,263.09 in the first quarter, according to the quarterly financial figures submitted by the Clinton Campaign to Federal Election Commission. She is of Indian-Pakistani origin and has worked for Clinton for the last two decades. Her late father, Syed Zainul Abedin, was a graduate of Aligarh Muslim University and a university lecturer and her mother was a sociology professor.

I N A S S O C I AT I O N W I T H

PRESENTS

NOMINATION FORM

The prestigious Asian Achievers Awards is hosted every year by UK’s leading news weeklies Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar to honour British Asians par excellence. If there is someone you know who has broken boundaries and deserves recognition for their unique contribution to the community and the nation then please nominate them for one of the awards listed below. Make sure that you fill in this application form and send it on or before 31st July, 2015 by post, fax or email to Mr. L George, Tel: 020 7749 4013, Fax 020 7749 4081, Email: aaa@abplgroup.com. If you are sending it by post the address is Mr. L George, ABPL Group, Karma Yoga House, 12 Hoxton Market, London N1 6HW.

Please tick the appropriate category Uniformed and Civil Services For outstanding achievements in uniformed and civil services or contribution to the community through any of the above services. Entrepreneur of the Year Awarded to an entrepreneur with a proven track record of operating a successful business enterprise. Professional of the Year Professionals in the field of medicine, law, education, banking, finance and others, who have scaled the heights of their chosen profession. Achievement in Media, Arts and Culture Someone who has made a mark in media including print and broadcast media; cinema, art and culture. Achievement in Community Service In recognition for an individuals service to community.

Woman of the Year The award will recognise and honour a woman who has made a significant mark in any chosen field. Sports Personality of the Year Awarded for excellence in sports. Business Person of the Year Awarded to a business person who is a success in every sense of the word and can demonstrate a genuine passion for social issues. International Personality of the Year Awarded to those who have acclaimed popularity internationally for his/her contribution in any particular sector and is recognised for their timeless philanthropic activities. Lifetime Achievement Award To honour those individuals, who during their lifetime, have made immense contributions in any given field. This remarkable individual can be marked as an example for the younger generation.

Application Form Full Name of the Person you are Nominating: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ His/Her Contact Details (Tel & email): ___________________________________________________Occupation of the Nominee:____________________________________________ Please attach the Nominees's CV which includes the following information (Please do not exceed a limit of 1000 words) (1) Personal background (2) Most important career achievements till date. (3) Nominee's contribution to the community and nation. (4) Future Plans, ambitions and visions.

(5) Any notable obstacles in the Nominee's career that has helped him/her to reach where they are today.

Summary- (Please include a summary in not more than 150 words why the nominee is worthy of winning the particular award in a separate sheet) Your name and contact details: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Your current Occupation/Company: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Your contact ____________________________________________________________ Email: ____________________________________________________________________________ Sponsors